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This article was published 11/08/2017 (1920 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Autobody-and-glass-replacement specialist The Boyd Group Income Fund has reported a double-digit increase in sales and earnings for the second quarter of 2017.

The Winnipeg-based firm, which is one of North Americas largest non-franchised collision-repair-centre operators, said sales for the three-months ended June 30 grew by 16 per cent to $384 million from $331 million in Q2 2016.

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) increased by 16.3 per cent to $35.5 million from $30.5 million, while adjusted net earnings (profit) climbed by 10.1 per cent to $15 million, or 83 cents per unit, from $13.6 million, or 76 cents per unit.

The strong Q2 performance boosted sales for the first six months of 2017 by 12 per cent to $763 million, adjusted EBITDA by 13.8 per cent to $68.3 million, and adjusted net earnings by 9.4 per cent to $28.9 million, or 1.60 per unit.

The company said it also added five more U.S. collision repair centres during the quarter to go with the seven it purchased during the first three months of 2017.

Since the end of the second quarter, it also purchased two more collision-repair-centre operations. One  Assured Automotive Inc. has 68 locations in Greater Toronto Area and eastern Ontario, while the other  Concours Collision Centres  has four locations in Calgary.

Thus far in 2017, in addition to continuing to deliver strong financial performance, we have also taken significant steps to build an even stronger growth platform with our acquisition of Assured and its seasoned management team, said Brock Bulbuck, CEO of the Boyd Group Income Fund. The North American collision repair industry remains highly fragmented and we see many opportunities to acquire or open attractive repair centres and achieve accretive growth.

Bulbuck said the company expects to complete more acquisitions during the remainder of 2017.

We do, however, expect to face significant currency headwinds as the recent increase in the value of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar will make second-quarter to third-quarter and year-over-year comparisons challenging, he added.

Additionally, our glass business continues to face pricing and market challenges in 2017 that cause it to underperform in comparison to last year.
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This article was published 11/08/2017 (1920 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba RCMP officers are being equipped with special masks and goggles to protect them in the event theyre exposed to fentanyl, a potentially deadly synthetic opiate.

They will also switch to black latex gloves instead of the standard-issue blue ones to better detect the white powder.

And criminals are footing the bill.

JUSTIN SAMANSKI-LANGILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS RCMP Sgt. Paul Manaigre demonstrates new fentanyl protective equipment at an RCMP press conference Friday. The new equipment will be issued to front-line officers.

Justice Minister Heather Stefanson announced Friday that the provincial government will spend nearly $54,000 from its criminal property forfeiture fund to equip more than 1,000 front-line Mounties with the new gear.

She said the province is also discussing similar measures with city police.

Fentanyl is endangering the lives of Manitobans and it can also pose an unexpected risk to police officers as they respond to calls for service, Stefanson told a news conference at Manitoba RCMP headquarters.

This year, Manitoba RCMP will receive $382,000 from the criminal property forfeiture fund to invest in specialized tools, resources and training, including equipment to enhance road-safety initiatives, such as radar guns and licence plate readers.

Since 2010, more than $16.5 million in assets have been seized in Manitoba through criminal property forfeitures. There are now 120 active forfeiture files being pursued by the province, involving vehicles, cash and other assets.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca
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OTTAWA  The federal government has pledged a half-million dollars to improve Thompson airports runways.

Transport Minister Marc Garneau pledged Thursday $662,710 to rehabilitate of the airports Apron 1. Thats the asphalt area used for parking and boarding aircraft, though not the runway or taxiway.

The Thompson Airport is a vital link for residents and businesses in this region, as many of the surrounding communities are accessible only by air during a major portion of the year, said a Thursday statement, noting the airport is also used for medical evacuations.

Ottawa pledged $94,745 earlier this year for a material spreader, which uses sand or water to melt ice and improve traction along the runways.
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This article was published 11/08/2017 (1920 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA  Most Winnipeggers are proud to host the federal lab that developed the Ebola vaccine, a recent survey suggests, and a majority arent worried about a security breakdown.

The survey results, obtained by the Free Press before their official release, suggest that locals faith in the lab wasnt shaken by media coverage about employees possibly being exposed to the high-risk diseases studied on-site.

The Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health at 1015 Arlington St. employs about 500 people, mostly scientists who perform diagnostic testing and research, on diseases ranging from the common flu to HIV.

Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press Files The Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health on Arlington Street houses scientists who perform diagnostic testing and research on diseases ranging from the common flu to HIV.

The centre includes an animal-disease research lab as well as the National Microbiology Laboratory, which famously developed an Ebola vaccine that was rolled out in 2015 amid a West African outbreak.

That vaccine was the product of a biosafety Level 4 lab. Its the highest-security classification and its given to labs specifically constructed to handle some of the worlds most aggressive infectious diseases.

In the first three months of this year, a private company surveyed 1,448 Winnipeggers aged 18 or older with 10 questions, reaching them mostly through landline phones, but also through mobile phones.

The survey found 71 per cent of respondents were aware of the lab, a drop from the 77 per cent awareness reported in a similar 2008 study. Some 89 per cent of respondents said they were proud to have the facility in Winnipeg, almost as many as nine years earlier.

We really want people to know that were operating safely, said Kelly Keith, the labs director of client services. The only way for us to really know that is to ask them directly.

Though it only makes up four per cent of the facility, the Level 4 area draws considerable community interest, reads the report, which was submitted to the federal government in April.

Its presence sometimes results in antagonism from the local population.

Keith says having the only Level 4 lab in Canada creates a mystique around it, and we want make sure that people kind of understand the reality.

She says Level 4 lab employees have to be accompanied on their first 40 entries and exits, to make sure they understand protocols on heat, air pressure and protective clothing. Safety and security are of paramount importance here.

The survey found 63 per cent of respondents werent concerned about the lab, though 10 per cent said they were very concerned by having a Level 4 facility in the city.

Those numbers didnt change substantially over the course of the survey, even as news broke in early February about 14 cases of employees possibly being exposed to pathogens.

Keith stressed those were possible exposures, and that no one is known to have actually fallen ill (though the lab said one employee sustained an infection and recovered). She said she isnt aware of more exposures since the October 2016 timeframe in the media report.

The report mentioned issues with biosafety suits, needle pricks and malfunctioning equipment. Keith says there were several improvements made following the incident that led to that.

The survey also found little difference among the 214 respondents who live near the lab. Those living closer to the lab did not show any heightened negative perceptions of the lab when compared to those living in other areas of Winnipeg, reads the report.

Half of respondents wanted more information about the lab. Keith said the lab focuses on reaching out to high-school students, because they wouldnt remember its 1999 opening.

While the lab employs scientists from around the world, many are native Winnipeggers, and Keith encourages them to visit their childrens schools to explain the labs work.

The survey weighed responses with the 2011 National Household Survey  meaning it increased responses for men and people in their 20s; it did not factor in race or Indigenous heritage.

The company phoned almost 10 times the numbers of those who participated, but found 45 per cent of people refused, while other numbers led to fax machines and those not able to respond.

The Public Health Agency of Canada paid $22,050 for the survey, the results of which should be made public in September.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca

2017 survey on perceptions of Winnipeg disease lab
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This article was published 10/08/2017 (1921 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In the fervent drive to slash tens of millions of dollars in health-care costs in Manitoba, even the smallest items  blankets, washcloths and adult diapers  are under heavy scrutiny.

At a treatment clinic in the Southern Health region, the use of warmed flannel blankets is being questioned. They cost a dollar to wash. If 10 blankets are warmed, used, and washed on a daily basis, the price tag grows to $3,650 annually.

I would ask that we keep use of these to a minimum and use only when necessary, reads a March 7 email from a nursing supervisor obtained through freedom of information requests made by the NDP and provided to the Free Press.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

It may not seem like a significant thing but if you calculate potential costs it can add up, the supervisor wrote.

Making residents pay for pull-up adult diapers

At Boissevain Health Centre and Westview Lodge in the Prairie Mountain Health Region, disposable white, non-woven washcloths are targeted for cost-cutting.

A staff memo sent in June advises staff to use disposable peri-wipes instead.

Not all memos are directly linked to savings. Since May, personal care homes in the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority, have used a selection of appropriate continence-care products for residents in lieu of pull-up style briefs. While residents can still have pull-ups, they have to pay for them.

The nurses union has been hearing stories about small cuts and changes from its members all summer.

It just seems like nickel-and-diming, said Sandi Mowat, president of the Manitoba Nurses Union.

Memos have clues regarding cuts

What kind of impact does this really have on your overall budget, as compared to patient comfort and patient care? she asked.

Months after the provincial government ordered Manitobas regional health authorities to cut a collective $124.5 million from their annual budgets, the answer is still unclear. Nearly halfway through the fiscal year and Pallisters government has yet to approve savings plans submitted by individual health authorities.

As a result, theyve mostly kept details about cuts a secret, leaving the public in the dark.

An April 18 note sent by Prairie Mountain CEO Penny Gilson gives some clues.

Following analysis of financial data, the greatest opportunities for savings were within medical and surgical supplies in acute and (private care home) facilities, Gilson wrote. There may be opportunities in certain areas to look at specialized products and appropriate use, such as incontinent products.

NDP health critic Matt Wiebe called that worrisome.

Its a decision made at the top to implement or enforce these targets, Wiebe said. It just shows an absolute callous disregard for patients who are at their most vulnerable.

In a statement, Southern Health denied the memo about warmed flannel blankets had anything to do with saving, saying instead the blankets main use is to assist in the starting of IVs it is not related to any cuts. It is about using products efficiently and effectively.

It just seems like nickel-and-diming.  Sandi Mowat, president of the Manitoba Nurses Union

The memo mentions limiting the use of blankets because of finances, noting, the province and the region are asking us to reduce costs wherever possible.

A spokesman for Prairie Mountain Health was unable to discuss the note about disposable white, non-woven washcloths on Thursday.

We are reviewing and weighing potential options to meet the target, he said.

A spokeswoman for Interlake-Eastern, where personal care home residents were notified about the switch from pull-ups, said the health authority routinely checks in from time to time to ensure that product use is appropriately integrated into individual care plans.

In this case, she said, generally, the products for in-facility use are not pull-ups as there are other options that provide effective absorption and comfort.

Mowat disagreed, saying pull-up briefs are more comfortable, easier to use. Some would argue better for the actual residents.

Nobody knows anything

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority refused to provide records in response to the NDPs FIPPA request, since they have been developed for a plan that has not been approved for implementation.

However, one of the possible plans was leaked last month. It suggests new moms and moms-to-be could be asked to take their own postpartum pads and disposable mesh underwear to the hospital. That memo resulted in an online petition to Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen that garnered thousands of signatures within days.

Its all about communication, Mowat said, nobody knows anything.

A spokeswoman for Goertzen said the government is reviewing the proposals and noted any clinical initiatives will be reviewed by the provincial clinical leaders through the formation of Shared Health Services Manitoba. No timeline was provided.

Were having to dig for the information, Wiebe said. Were getting information from some (health authorities) and not others. We dont know the full extent theres a lot more going on here than the public knows about, and I think they deserve to know the full impact.

jane.gerster@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @Jane_Gerster
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This article was published 10/08/2017 (1921 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Liberal leadership candidate MLA Jon Gerrard demanded Thursday that Premier Brian Pallister commit immediately to achieving a complete separation of the citys sewer system into sanitary and stormwater systems by 2030 at the latest.

This is something the province and city need to work on together and Ottawa must provide substantial funding, Gerrard said.

However, Mayor Brian Bowmans office said Thursday that the citys favoured option would cost $830 million, and said the additional steps Gerrard wants would add $2.7 billion to the cost.

Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press Files Jon Gerrard wants a complete separation of the citys sewer system into sanitary and stormwater systems by 2030, but Mayor Brian Bowmans office said the citys favoured option would cost $830 million, and the additional steps Gerrard wants would add $2.7 billion to the cost.

Jonathan Hildebrand, a spokesman for Bowman, said the treatment system catches 74 per cent of effluent, and the city has proposed to the province improvements that would capture 85 per cent.

Sustainable Development Minister Cathy Cox is studying the citys recommendations to determine their environmental protection and sustainability, an aide said.

The province is supportive of the citys efforts to develop a well-informed strategy to upgrade the system in a way that provides for a healthier river system within Winnipeg and will reduce excess nutrients and algae blooms downstream in Lake Winnipeg, a destination enjoyed by many Manitobans, press secretary Kalen Qually said.

Hildebrand said that an 85 per cent capture achieves a benchmark recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and it can be expanded in the future to respond to changes in the environment or future regulatory requirements or standards.

Gerrard said that whenever it rains heavily, the sewer system cant handle all the water, with the result that sewage spills over in the Red and Assiniboine rivers, dumping toxins and waste that reach Lake Winnipeg.

In the 16 months, he (Pallister) has been in government, he has failed to act although the city presented options to the province in December 2015, Gerrard told reporters.

We need a plan that will get us to full separation, and a timeline to do that, Gerrard said. It comes down to the implications of having raw sewage dumped in our rivers. With climate change, were going to have more severe weather events.

Hildebrand said an 85 per cent capture would leave the city responsible for only 0.3 per cent of the nutrients reaching Lake Winnipeg  Gerrard could reduce that to 0.1 per cent, at a cost of $2.7 billion.

Gerrard said the former NDP government failed to address the issue, and now Pallister is failing to act.

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files During periods of intense rain, untreated waste is discharged into the Red and Assiniboine rivers and ends up in Lake Winnipeg.

The NDP government talked a lot, but there wasnt a lot of action, he said.

Gerrard acknowledged he has not raised the sewer issue in question period since the Tories took office in May 2016, but had raised it with the former NDP government.

He has not yet raised it with Cox in her estimate hearings.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca
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This article was published 10/08/2017 (1921 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Indigenous families who face eviction from Manitoba Housing units in Portage la Prairie Monday have vowed to move onto the legislature lawn when they lose their homes.

Were going to be homeless, resident Donna Gabriel said during a rally at the legislature Thursday afternoon. The sheriffs told us we have to move out or theyll lock us out Monday.

Theyve been living in Manitoba Housing in Portage since 1996, but have never paid rent. The province says they owe more than $1.2 million.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Donna Gabriel, from Portage La Prairie, holds eviction notices for families which were received yesterday and orders them to vacate the Manitoba Housing project by Monday.

After Monday, were going to have a sit-in here. Weve got to go somewhere, Gabriel said.

Gabriel said Manitoba Housing will be evicting 18 families, including children, the elderly, and disabled persons.

Theyve been living in Manitoba Housing in Portage since they were forcibly removed from Waterhen First Nation in 1996 after repeatedly protesting against the chief and band council of the day, Gabriel said.

They have not paid any rent in Portage and owe the province more than $1.2 million, said Andrea Slobodian, press secretary to Families Minister Scott Fielding.

Fielding will consider meeting with the residents, but was away from Winnipeg Thursday, she said.

Slobodian said Manitoba Housing has been handling the situation, which has involved the courts and residential tenancies commission in recent years.

She said Ottawa has refused for decades to provide housing for the families, because they were no longer living on a reserve.

Slobodian said Manitoba Housings position is, A handful of tenants refusing to pay rent for 20 years is not fair for the thousands of other tenants of Manitoba Housing who do pay rent.

Manitoba Housing has been trying to work out the dispute, even offering in 2011 to waive rent owed since 1996 if the families agreed to pay rent from that point, she said. The families have always refused to pay.

The dispute finally reached the Manitoba Court of Appeal, which ruled in late June in favour of Manitoba Housing. Even then, Manitoba Housing gave the residents a grace period to find other housing, she said.

Gabriel agreed the families have never paid rent for their accommodation.

The (provincial) government started an eviction process since 2010, she said. Before that, they never bothered with us, that the rent wasnt paid.

Gabriel said when the families were removed from Waterhen, they moved onto the legislature lawn, and thats where theyll live starting Monday unless the province reverses its decision.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca
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World-renowned primatologist Jane Goodall will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Winnipeg next month.

Goodall, whose work at the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve in Tanzania formed the foundation of contemporary primatological research, last appeared at the university in September 2015 as the second speaker in the Axworthy Distinguished Lecture series on social justice and the public good.

Dr. Goodall spends considerable time and effort, through the Jane Goodall Institute and in particular its Roots and Shoots program, educating and inspiring our next generation of leaders, said Annette Trimbee, the universitys president and vice-chancellor. It is our privilege to honour her with our highest award.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Jane Goodall will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Winnipeg.

In her career, Goodall has also received the Medal of Tanzania, National Geographic Societys Hubbard Medal, Japans Kyoto Prize, and the Gandhi/King Award for Nonviolence, among countless others. In 2004, she was named a Dame of the British Empire, the highest honour awarded in England.

Goodall will receive her Doctor of Laws at a noon-hour ceremony at the U of Ws Convocation Hall on Sept. 29. That evening, shell deliver a lecture at the Burton Cummings Theatre, the proceeds of which will support JGI Canadas conservation, humanitarian and youth engagement programs.

Tickets range from $40 to $125 and are available at https://janegoodall.ca/join-us/events/

JGI Canada was founded in 1994 and is connected with the other JGIs around the world that support habitat conservation and chimpanzee protection programs in Africa.
scholarship, news and new ideas in legal history
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This article was published 11/08/2017 (1920 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

About a hundred Poplar River First Nation residents have been evacuated due to threatening smoke from a wildfire in the area, the Canadian Red Cross reported Friday.

Flights from the area began Thursday, with stopovers in Norway House on the way to Winnipeg, are expected to last as long as smoke lingers in the community of about 1,200, Red Cross spokesman Jason Small said. Evacuees are reported to be staying in Winnipeg hotels.

Weve flown out 125 so far and were doing more. By the time were done, it will depend on the numbers of escorts who come outbut maybe another 350, Small said.

Evacuees include escorts accompanying the chronically ill, the elderly and children.

Provincial forest fighting crews are monitoring the small 60-hectare wildfire, located about 11 kilometres south of the remote northern First Nation.

This is only the second time the Red Cross has been deployed this summer to evacuate people in the path of wildfires in Manitoba.

Right now the Poplar River wildfire not considered a threat to property, or hydro lines, a provincial spokesman said.

Poplar River is located about 400 kilometres north of Winnipeg on the east side of Lake Winnipeg.

Unlike other areas of the country, such as central British Columbia where thounsands have been displaced due to wildfires, Manitoba has seen a light fire season.

Manitoba sees an average of 544 wildfires annually. So far this year, there were 325 as of Thursday with three listed as out of control as of Friday morning.

But, in a warning of risks to come, 10 fires sparked up overnight.

Thats a number that makes the provinces conservation and wildfire officers sit up and take notice.

Since the beginning of August, thats when weve had activity accelerate, said Gary Friesen, Manitobas wildfire program manager with Sustainable Development.

Up until now, much of the north has been protected by a layer of wet saturated soil, left over from a heavy rainfalls last falll and a thick blanket of winter snowfall. All that moisture however is pretty much dried up and lightning strikes have stoked fires in the north.

Friesen said the province is closely monitoring the north as a result.

Now that August has rolled around, there are a lot of areas that arent getting enough rain. . . Lightning is causing us a lot of fires and theres no relief in sight except for next week when theyre forecasting some rain, Friesen said.

The province is now advising campers, hikers and others venturing out in the bush to practice fire safety guidelines.

That includes starting fires only in approved pits in provincial parks, using camp stoves whenever possible, keeping all terrain vehicles to designated trails and carrying an axe, a shovel and a fire extinguisher on board. The province also advises ATVers to stop frequently and check for hot spot debris, and remove and make sure it isnt smoldering.

alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.ca
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This article was published 10/08/2017 (1921 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A well-known Winnipeg chef has been acquitted of sexual assault after a judge ruled the criminal case against him had not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Rob Thomas, 39, was found not guilty Thursday by Court of Queens Bench Justice David Kroft, who made a distinction between the complainants credibility and the extent to which the court could legally rely on her testimony.

At the end of the day, I am left with reasonable doubt as to whether Mr. Thomas committed the alleged assault, Kroft said. My doubt is not rooted in a finding that the complainant or any of the Crown witnesses were dishonest in their testimony, lacked sincerity or were evasive. Again, that is not the source of my doubt. Instead, my doubt arises principally from concerns as to the reliability of the complainants evidence.

Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files

Thomas was accused of raping a then-21-year-old woman he knew through a mutual friend. A court-ordered publication ban prevents her identity from being published. She testified he pushed her down onto a concrete stairwell in a downtown Winnipeg parkade and sexually assaulted her after they took a walk from a wedding reception they both attended on Aug. 25, 2007. Thomas testified no such incident happened. He told court he didnt have sex with the complainant, only that she initiated a sexual encounter and then wanted to stop, which he said he did.

The defences case pointed out discrepancies between what the complainant had told police when she reported a sexual assault in December 2014 and what she told Justice Kroft during her testimony in June, including the admitted gaps in her memory. The judge said he considered all of it before coming to his decision, and couldnt accept Crown attorney Danielle Simards argument that the complainants version made more sense.

My reliability concern does not trace back to one piece of evidence. It results from a combination of factors. Im referring to the totality of those memory frailties, discrepancies and other matters identified by defence counsel, Kroft said.

Thomas is a well-known chef who has routinely made appearances on local TV and radio stations to share cooking tips and talk about local cuisine. In an emailed statement to the Free Press provided by his defence lawyer, Hymie Weinstein, Thomas said he is grateful for the support of his family and friends, as well as the expertise of his lawyers, during the court process that was triggered after the charge was laid in 2015.

I said from day one I was not guilty. This has impacted my life and work for over two years, and as difficult as it has been for my family and I, the courts have recognized and acknowledged my innocence, he wrote.

I am looking forward to putting this behind me.

The complainant came forward to police in December 2014, seven years after the alleged sexual assault, after another man groped her outside a beer vendor. She said memories of the 2007 incident were triggered and she started going to therapy, which helped her relive the incident as part of her cognitive behavioural therapy treatment. She testified there are still chunks of time she doesnt remember about that evening, but certain things did become more clear.

According to the complainant, the therapy assisted her to compartmentalize and recall aspects of the alleged assault. No expert evidence was called to explain the therapy or the degree of comfort the court should have relying on memories emerging seven years after the event, Kroft said. The judge said he would have liked to hear from experts who could have testified about the effects of cognitive behavioural therapy on memories, and what role alcohol intoxication may have played in the complainants ability to recall the events of that night.

I note that especially given the passage of time and the evidence that memories were retrieved through cognitive behavioural therapy, some expert evidence in respect to that therapy and the memories arising from that process would have been of assistance to the court, Kroft said.

In an email to the Free Press, the complainant said she is glad she came forward despite the not guilty verdict.

I do not consider this a loss. I feel as though coming forward has been a healing experience for me, and I am glad to be a part of the equation for change, she wrote.

The day before the judge delivered his decision, Ontarios Superior Court of Justice cautioned against assuming all victims are telling the truth. In a ruling that acquitted three Toronto police officers of sexually assaulting a parking enforcement officer, Justice Anne Molloy said courts cant automatically side with victims because that would lead to a presumption of guilt for the accused. She also said court decisions on sexual assault cases shouldnt be based on stereotypical ideas of how victims behave. Those stereotypes have been called out by various courts across the country, including Manitobas Court of Appeal.

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @thatkatiemay
Opinion

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This article was published 11/08/2017 (1920 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Recently, there has been much discussion about immigration into Canada, particularly as it relates to refugees  both crossing from the U.S., or those from Syria. It is important to note that every country has its own unique capacity to accept immigration, which is called the absorption rate. This is not the ability of a country to assimilate people, but rather to allow these new groups to obtain jobs, find housing and obtain education  in short, to build a life.

In Canada we celebrate our diversity, and no one expects immigrants to give up their culture. For the most part, newcomers work harder and are involved in less crime than native-born Canadians.

There are several countries that are outstanding in their ability to accept and absorb new immigrants and refugees (not just temporary foreign workers): Australia, where 27.7 per cent of the population is foreign-born; Canada, with 20 per cent; New Zealand at 24 per cent; and the U.S. at 14 per cent (the U.S. accepts by far the largest number of immigrants).

It is worth noting that all of these countries are predominantly English-speaking; Germany is the highest-ranking non-English-speaking country, at 14.9 per cent; however, this includes their guest workers and those Germans who were repatriated after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Very few countries in the world can come close to matching Canadas generosity and openness to newcomers.

There are two elements to the absorption equation. One is the accepting country: do they embrace diversity (which Canada clearly does), do they have settlement programs and are they open to newcomers? With the exception of our rather regressive official language policies, we do a very good job in all categories of helping newcomers, spending billions every year on programs.

The other side of the absorption equation is the newcomers themselves. Those who can find their way more easily allow any country to accept more immigrants and refugees. There are some basic parameters we use in Canada, such as newcomers having reasonable language skills, education and training equivalent to ours, as well as a good work or business background, adequate funds for settlement and strong family connections in Canada.

People who meet these standards successfully establish themselves quickly. Selecting these immigrants and refugees has made us the envy of the world. It is when we deviate from this that we create problems for ourselves  and our newcomers.

On the flip side are those who dont adapt well. There are two groups that have difficulty. The first is Quebec investors. This cohort is selected by Quebec, but only 10 to 20 per cent of them live there. The largest portion migrate to Vancouver. Members of this group generally have low language skills and substantial connections, assets and business interests in their countries of origin.

They tend to pay minimal income tax (as a group they pay less income tax than live-in caregivers), buy up properties and spend most of their economic efforts outside of Canada. The Canadian passport is a passport of convenience for them. This is causing strain on B.C.s lower mainland, but sadly, the Quebec government continues unabated with this program.

The second group of note are government-assisted refugees. Since 2002, Canada surrendered its right to select refugees partly based on their ability to become economically established. This led to a situation where only 10 per cent of Syrian government-assisted refugees are working; by any standard, this is a problem, and will only lead to discontent among the Syrian population.

Both the Quebec immigrant investor program and our refugee programs should require applicants to demonstrate their adaptability. For Quebec investors, there needs to be greater focus on ensuring that the investors settle in Quebec and pay income tax. If Quebec cannot find a way to do this, then their agreement with the federal government must be renegotiated.

Quebec has the right to select its own immigrants, but does not have the constitutional right to select B.C.s immigrants.

Refugees selected before 2002 have established themselves remarkably well in Canada. The change of policy to dispense with any measure on who can become economically established has put pressure on our system. Isnt it better to select refugees who can adapt more easily than ones who dont?

The current refugee selection process is not sustainable and will lead to an increasing outcry by Canadians.

Canadians should be proud of our role in accepting large numbers of immigrants and refugees every year. But we need to protect our openness and not fall victim to the noise of nationalism. To do so requires Canada to select immigrants and refugees who will do well  something that is not too much to expect from our governments.

Almost all Canadians are proud of our diversity, our inclusiveness and our acceptance of a multicultural society.

Almost every day, as I interact with people, I marvel at our amazing country where people from around the world live in peace and harmony. No longer selecting immigrants and refugees who adapt well can and will lead to problems down the road.

Randy Boldt is the owner of Visamax Ltd., a licensed immigration company in Winnipeg.
Opinion

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This article was published 11/08/2017 (1920 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It is unfair to now claw back these benefits. It is also disingenuous  scurrilous even  to paint physicians as wealthy tax cheats exploiting loopholes.

 Health columnist Andre Picard, Aug. 1, 2017 in the Globe and Mail

On July 18, Liberal Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced proposed changes to taxes on small businesses and professional corporations. Financial columnist Alan Actan warned that, They call into question the purpose, really, of having a corporation. Political strategist and commentator Jim Warren stated the tax increases would kill much of the entrepreneurial spirit in Canada and thousands of jobs created by small businesses. In a recent newspaper column, Lorne Gunter warned that Canadian farmers, ranchers and small businessmen would have difficulty willing their businesses to their children.

These proposals could have a major effect on physician manpower, professionals such as lawyers, dentists, accountants, engineers and architects and their patients and clients.

Recall some history: in 2005, the Canadian Medical Association general council passed a motion spurring the association to lobby for pensions for physicians. The effort was led by Dr. Mary Fernando, an Ottawa family physician. On June 15, 2009, there was an MD Pension Action Day. Although doctors in Europe had group pension plans, Ottawa refused to change the tax laws, as Canadian doctors were deemed to be self-employed, independent contractors.

Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press Files Minister of Finance Bill Morneau holds a press conference at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on July 18.

When Ontario doctors pushed for binding arbitration a year ago, provincial health minister Dr. Eric Hoskins reluctantly agreed, but only if they relinquished their right to incorporate individually.

In the 2000 Ontario budget, the policy of extending incorporation to medical professionals was to level the playing field. It was not a gift, but was in lieu of fee increases. Soon other provinces also allowed incorporation of professionals, and now 70 per cent of physicians in Manitoba, 69 per cent in Ontario and 60 per cent in other Canadian jurisdictions are incorporated.

Various fee and billing clawbacks have occurred in most provinces. Physicians lack the fringe benefits of unionized employees (and politicians) and many pay huge overhead costs. Now they are likely to be deprived of the financial benefits of incorporation. Ironically, Picard concludes, But if (governments) adopt measures that make incorporation unattractive and impossible to accumulate retirement savings, then they need to provide an alternative, such as salaries and pensions. Thus, the federal and provincial governments have created a catch-22 situation.

This may cause some older physicians to retire prematurely. Younger, more mobile ones may vote with their feet and move south of the border. A recent report predicts a shortfall of 34,600 to 88,000 physicians in the U.S. by 2025. Despite Donald Trump, the impasse over Obamacare, concern about guns, drugs, racial strife and other issues, there are still many clean, safe, smaller cities, especially in the Midwest, which would prove attractive, especially with low house prices.

Consider the likely unintended consequences on other professionals and their patients and clients. About 64 per cent of Canadian dentists are incorporated. Unlike physicians, they can set their own fees, at least in private offices. Many provide discounted care to certain groups, such as those on social assistance, refugees, First Nations persons, children and veterans. If they were unable to charge various government agencies more to compensate for these tax changes, how many dentists would totally opt out of offering services to these groups?

Some 43 per cent of Canadian lawyers are incorporated. How many  if the tax changes were implemented  would continue to work for Legal Aid Manitoba? What would be the increased cost to hospitals and to various government agencies that require legal services?

Premier Brian Pallister once again refused to sign the federal health accord; good for him. He still has leverage with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He should collaborate with federal Conservative leader Andrew Scheer in defeating these proposals. Of note is that shortly after they were announced, Scheer visited the clinic of Dr. Kulvinder Gill, a physician in Brampton, Ont. He toured the clinic and spoke to all the staff so as to fully comprehend the negative ramifications of these new tax changes on doctors and on patient access to care.

Hopefully, with the efforts of Pallister, Scheer and many others, Morneau will be open-minded to these legitimate criticisms. Physicians deserve to be treated with fairness and respect, as do other professionals and small business people. Otherwise, the public will suffer in a multitude of ways.

As Milton Friedman warned, One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and progress by their intention rather than their results.

Ottawa physician Dr. Charles Shaver was born in Montreal. He graduated from Princeton University and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He is chairman of the section on general internal medicine of the Ontario Medical Association.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 11/08/2017 (1920 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Tough NAFTA renegotiations with the United States are about to begin in earnest. Is Prime Minister Justin Trudeau up to the task?

The milieu today is similar to a difficult period in the early 1980s, when Pierre Elliott Trudeau was prime minister and Canada-U.S. relations were facing major challenges. Some commentators even referred breathlessly to a crisis in the bilateral relationship.

Still, there are important lessons that Justin Trudeau can learn from his fathers mistakes to improve the eventual outcome for Canada in 2017-18.

Georges Bendrihem Former U.S. president Ronald Reagan and former prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau walk together in July 1981 during the summit of the leading industrial countries.

The early 1980s was one of the most contentious periods in bilateral relations. There were plenty of high-level negotiations between officials from both countries, but very little in the way of meaningful progress or neighbourly compromise.

Part of the problem was the fact the incoming Republican administration of U.S. president Ronald Reagan did not have all of its key departmental people in place. There were times when Canadian officials would meet in Washington, D.C., with their U.S. counterparts and the Americans would show up with the wrong agenda and policy demands for a completely different set of bilateral issues.

Eventually, U.S. negotiators got their act together and started to make some significant demands of Canadian officials. They specifically wanted Ottawa to back away from introducing additional changes to the controversial Foreign Investment Review Agency and the highly objectionable National Energy Program (NEP).

The Trudeau government, however, wanted to toughen up the review agency by including so-called performance requirements that would compel U.S. investors in Canada to purchase their supplies and materials from wholly owned Canadian companies. As for the NEP, the market-oriented Reagan White House objected strenuously to Canadian efforts to both expropriate and discriminate against U.S. oil firms operating in Alberta and northern Canada.

Washington was not shy about threatening substantial retaliation against Canada if it did not stand down. There was talk of invoking Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act (which would enable the U.S. president to retaliate against Canada for allegedly violating an international trade agreement), going after the 1965 Auto Pact and cancelling the Canada-U.S. defence production sharing agreement. There was even mention of the possibility that the U.S. would move to have Canada summarily kicked out of the coveted G7 club.

Unfortunately, the Trudeau government started to panic  believing that Washington had unlimited potential to inflict serious damage upon Canada.

While Ottawa may not have totally capitulated, it went a long way toward meeting most of the Reagan administrations key demands.

Changes to the agency were essentially rescinded. Many of the most egregious components of the NEP were watered down and Ottawa offered ex gratia payments by way of financial compensation to U.S. oil companies. Most important, Washington secured a critical pledge from the Trudeau government that there would be no new Son of NEP in the future.

What was so striking, though, was that all of these changes were made without a single act of retaliation on the part of the Reagan administration. Indeed, Canada effectively folded its negotiating tent when the U.S. was merely threatening rain  rather than after it actually began.

The reality was that we didnt have to concede in the face of this tough talk and loud threats of punishment. The fact of the matter was that the U.S. was actually having trouble coming up with viable measures to punish Canada without having them backfire spectacularly or damaging itself in the process.

Because of the highly integrated nature of the two economies, it quickly became evident to U.S. officials that any attempts to retaliate economically against Canada would only end up hurting lucrative supply chains and U.S. corporate interests. They also feared the prospect of Ottawa retaliating on its own to restrict or reduce further a significant U.S. investment stake in Canada.

The long and the short of it is that Canada is not without weapons or means of defending itself against our superpower neighbour. So the current Prime Minister Trudeau should learn from his fathers quick capitulation in the face of U.S. threats and remain steadfast if the Trump administration tries the same tactic this time around.

After all, there is no need to give ground on Chapter 19, rules of origin and supply management, just because the U.S. demands we do so. The prime minister should remember the one seminal point from 1981-82  namely, that the U.S. cannot retaliate against Canada (or walk away from NAFTA) without simultaneously shooting itself in the foot.

Peter McKenna is professor and chairman of political science at the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 12/08/2017 (1919 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In the spring of 1979, a Free Press reporter struck out west on the Trans-Canada highway. Hed gotten a tip, about a Brandon University physicist who had secured a federal grant to build a new laboratory; he wanted to check it out.

At the time, Manfred Jager had been at the newspaper for nearly a decade and had worked as a reporter almost 20 years. He often covered science stories, and was accustomed to researchers explaining the bright horizons of their field.

So when he met physicist Ronald Dong, and listened to the professor describe his work on liquid crystal technology, Jager nodded along. The practical applications Dong described sounded perfectly reasonable, Jager recalls.

When Jager returned to the Free Press office, he began typing out the story. On May 1, 1979, the story appeared under the headline: Some day slim TV set will be hung on wall.

John Minchillo / The Associated Press Files Products in the electronics department of stores have come a long way from the 1970s. But in 1979, a physicist working in Brandon predicted televisions would be as flat as the oil painting or reproduction now on your living room wall.

In retrospect, the story reads almost like prophecy, but no magic was involved. In the future, Dong told Jager, colour television screens would be big, but lightweight. The images they showed would be clear and bright, even in sunlight.

Most fantastical of all, Dong said, was that while the screen would be wide, everything else about the television sets would be very small: As flat as the oil painting or reproduction now on your living room wall, Jager wrote.

At the time, this all sounded like a wild prediction. In the late 1970s, televisions were bulky contraptions, burdened by cathode-ray tubes. When Dong described the future of television sets to laypeople, they didnt always believe him.

Theyd say, Oh, youre dreaming on, he says now with a laugh. But thats how science develops, right?

Well, we all know by now his vision of ubiquitous flat-screen TVs was no dream. Yet that story ran almost 10 years before the first LCD television was introduced to market, and 27 years before the format became dominant.

So that gap, that time elapsed between what researchers such as Dong knew and what the rest of the world only dreamed: that is the power of science to build a crystal-clear image of a future that most of us cannot see.

More than 38 years after that story ran, both Jager and Dong were surprised to hear from a Free Press reporter; a colleague had unearthed the story while doing a routine search of the papers digitized archives.

Dong retired from Brandon University in 2007 and returned to Vancouver, where hed earned his PhD. (As with many academics, the word retired is relative; he still helps lead research as an honorary professor at the University of British Columbia.)

Yet he remembers well those early years at Brandon. He landed there in 1978 as an assistant professor and soon clinched a $71,500 grant to help build a nuclear magnetic resonance lab (the impetus for Jagers story).

By then, Dong had a special interest in liquid crystal research. He fell into the field almost by accident: shortly after he finished his PhD in 1969, a UBC professor returned from sabbatical in Switzerland bearing an unusual yellow liquid.

The professor asked a colleague if they could get someone in the nuclear magnetic resonance lab to examine it. So Dongs supervisor presented him with the liquid and asked him to take a look: the fluid was a type of liquid crystal.

Winnipeg Free Press Files

It wasnt a new concept back then; scientists had been aware of liquid crystals since the beginning of the 20th century. It remained a scientific curiosity, but largely under-studied for decades. Researchers played with it, but saw few practical applications.

But in the 1960s, researchers began looking at liquid crystal with renewed interest; by 1962, electronics giant RCA began investigating it as a potential base for future flat-panel displays. Still, much work had to be done to get there.

That is where scientists like Dong came in.

Alongside thousands of other scientists around the globe, Dongs research team worked to better understand how liquid crystals operate and how their power can be harnessed.

(Dong, by the way, remembers when LCD televisions first hit the market: it was exciting to see the concept explode into the real world. I wanted to buy one, he says with a laugh. But when it came out, they were too expensive.)

Today, that research is still ongoing. The holy grails now, Dong says, include liquid crystals that can be used in smart materials or that can be switched at a higher rate, to produce even sharper and more dynamic images.

For some of us, its hard to imagine how television images could be sharper than todays high-definition pictures. Theyre already so vibrant and clearly-defined. Yet where our imagination reaches its limits, science keeps rolling.

Its always possible, Dong says. Thats the dream of scientists, they always want to help people to enjoy life better, to understand the world better all scientists have insight. Sometimes the insight works, sometimes it doesnt.

Or consider this: today, Jager remembers another story he wrote, when an MTS employee explained a new cellular telephone technology. After listening to the mans explanation, Jager returned to his desk in the old Free Press building on Carlton Street.

I started writing my story, and told all those around me within earshot that this was the craziest idea I had ever encountered, Jager recalls. I told them that this would never work, that there just wouldnt be any takers.

Not long after, he was in England, sitting on a bench in Londons Trafalgar Square. A man sat down next to him, holding a massive contraption to his ear. The thing was nearly a foot long, it seemed.

Is that a walkie-talkie? Jager asked.

The man shook his head. No, its a cellphone, he said, and placed the heavy object in Jagers hand.

Humans have always been transfixed by prediction. Prophecy and clairvoyance has long found its way into myth, spiritual practice and fiction. We ache for the ability to look into the future and discover where we are going.

Yet that power is already with us, in a sense. Over and over again, science shows us that it has the power to see future worlds and incoming ways of human life, long before they have been wrangled into everyday existence.

What else is science trying to tell us  that we should be listening to carefully  about the future?

melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca

CHRISTOPHER PIKE / BRANDON SUN FILES Ronald Dong in his office at Brandon University in 2005. A Free Press reporter who visited the physicist in 1979 was told of the potential for liquid crystal technology.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 10/08/2017 (1921 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

You know the old saying, Someday well all look back on this and laugh?

Well, apparently, when it comes to the controversy surrounding Premier Brian Pallisters careless and possibly deceptive communication practices while away from Manitoba on vacation, someday has arrived.

On Wednesday evening, the premier made light of the week of intense scrutiny he has endured as a result of recent revelations about his phone and email behaviour while out of the country. The information, released by the NDP after a series of freedom of information (FIPPA) requests, showed Mr. Pallister was not being completely forthright with his earlier statements that he remains in constant contact with staff while he is vacationing in Costa Rica. In fact, records showed he was only in limited contact with his legislative staff or cabinet ministers while on holiday.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Premier Brian Pallister

The government records obtained by the NDP under FIPPA also revealed the premier used his wifes private cellphone and email account for government business.

After several days in which he was unavailable to answer questions, the premier spoke to the Free Press on Tuesday and held a press conference on Wednesday, on both occasions defending his communication methods and taking offence at questions about his work habits while abroad.

Later Wednesday, before heading out for an evening of fun at Winnipegs world-renowned multicultural festival, Mr. Pallister issued a tweet: Dear media, I will be travelling out of the country tonight. Trips to Ireland and India. Will have my gov cell on me if needed. @Folklorama.

Credit where credit is due: thats a genuinely funny Twitter missive.

What isnt amusing, however, is the situation that created the setup for Mr. Pallisters rimshot-ready social-media punchline.

Discussions about how, and how often, the premier communicates while on vacation have undoubtedly become as tiresome for the public as they have for Mr. Pallister. But the reason the issue refuses to be laid to rest is because he keeps giving other-than-straight answers to pretty simple questions.

At yesterdays press conference, Mr. Pallisters language shifted in a subtle but very significant manner. In May, while defending his Costa Rican contact methods, he said, Im in regular contact with my office. Lots of contact, I like to stay in touch with our team. He also stated that he takes confidential documents so he can work on them from afar, adding, I guard them carefully.

On Wednesday, Mr. Pallisters regular contact with the home office became Not a day goes by that Im not available, accessible. And careful guarding of sensitive materials was amended to a statement of complete trust in his wife  the holder of a private email address to which official documents have been sent  as a confidante and adviser.

Theres no reason to disbelieve that Mr. Pallister is a hard-working guy who can be reached at any time if official business beckons. The problem is that what he told Manitobans as recently as a couple of months ago is not what hes saying now.

The integrity of the premiers spouse is not at issue here. But his decision to circumvent traditional channels  and possibly, as some critics eagerly suggest, avoid scrutiny  by using her private devices and accounts is, in the most charitable description possible, a massive lapse in judgment.

At Wednesdays press conference, the premier offered another witty rejoinder: Frankly, if sending emails and phone calls was your measure of effectiveness, we should have a teenager as premier of Manitoba.

Also a pretty funny line.

But then, theres this: a teenager would probably know better.
Facebook announced Wednesday that it would open a new control centre in Essen with 500 employees. The number of workers responsible for censoring and checking content in Germany will almost double as a result. The company has thus far only one such centre in Berlin.

Facebook has gone to great lengths to cover up the work of the control centres. While the training documents and internal guidelines for the workers have been kept strictly secret, the company organised a tour of the Berlin centre for selected media outlets a month ago.

The public broadcaster WDR, Die Zeit and Spiegel Online were permitted to look at locked screens and ask questions of workers specially primed for the occasion in the offices of Arvato, a subsidiary of Bertelsmann, which carries out the deletions for Facebook. All three media outlets focused their subsequent reports on the difficult working conditions of the employees and presented them as being responsible merely for deleting videos of brutal beheadings and child pornography.

In fact, millions of Internet users are being systematically censored in the hermetically sealed-off offices. Reports about the deletion of critical posts and the blocking of left-wing and progressive authors have risen rapidly in recent months.

Last December, for example, a post by the satirist Leo Fischer was deleted. Fischer placed the xenophobic headline of the right-wing Bild newspaper, The great debate about refugees perceptions of women, alongside the same newspapers regular pictures of women in bikinis and took a picture of it. It was not only attacked by numerous right-wing extremists, but also deleted by Facebook, because the post allegedly breached the communitys regulations.

With the same justification, Facebook blocked Austrian author Stephanie Sargnagel for 30 days. Her profile had been flagged by numerous right-wing and far-right users in a concerted campaign. Sargnagel had posted satirical comments against xenophobia and racism, and therefore ended up in the crosshairs of the far right and the Internet company.

Berlin-based blogger Jorg Kantel also reported that some of his posts were deleted. After the Bild seized on the violence surrounding the G-20 summit in Hamburg to publish unpixelated pictures of alleged rioters from Hamburg, Kantel wrote, among other comments, Germany, a land of denunciators and surveillance. At least since 1933! According to the blogger, Facebook deleted the post.

The list of censored authors could be extended at will. In addition, there are those who go unnoticed because they lack the prominence of the individuals involved in the cases discussed. The Guardian revealed on May 21 that Facebook was carrying out this work systematically. The newspaper obtained 100 training documents for the workers at the control centres and came to the conclusion that they were alarming for advocates of free speech.

While posts advocating extreme violence and brutal murder or containing insults were deemed unproblematic, the employees were ordered to immediately delete posts like Someone shoot Trump, because as a head of government, Trump was part of a protected category. Freedom of speech therefore only applies at Facebook so long as the government, which is considered worthy of protection, is not attacked.

This is an obvious violation of freedom of speech, which above all protects the populations right to criticise the government.

The close connections between the government and the major corporations censorship apparatus is especially clear in Germany. Even though on July 1 only 1.5 percent of Facebook users came from Germany, 16 percent of Facebooks 7,500 censors will work in Germany by the end of the year when the new facility is up and running. At the end of June, the federal parliament passed the so-called Network Enforcement Law, which compels companies like Facebook to fulfill the responsibilities of a censor. Without any judicial ruling, the company must delete obviously unlawful content within 24 hours or face a fine of up to 50 million [$US 59 million]. The major companies are left to determine what obviously unlawful is.

The censoring of the Internet by the government and corporations is by no means restricted to Facebook. Google, the search engine monopoly, has disappeared entire websites from its search results, making them inaccessible to millions of readers.

This operation was also implemented in close consultation with German government circles. On April 25, Googles chief engineer of search, Ben Gomes, announced that Google would downgrade low-quality information such as conspiracy theories and fake news.

Just three weeks earlier, Gomes met with representatives of all German state governments to discuss the functionality of search engines.

Googles censorship measures resulted in numerous anti-war websites and left-wing publications being massively downgraded. The World Socialist Web Site was targeted in particular, with its search traffic from Google declining by 67 percent.

The resort to such aggressive censorship by the government and major corporations can only be explained by mounting social conflicts. Policies of militarism and social attacks are being met with opposition from the vast majority of the working population. War and capitalism are incompatible with basic democratic rights.

This is why all of the parties represented in the German parliament are calling in their election programmes for the strengthening of the state apparatus and the censoring of the Internet. Concepts such as fake news or hate speech serve in this context to justify state repression. The lies of the major media outlets and agitation by all parties against refugees, by contrast, are being spread without hindrance.

In its programme, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) describes fake news as a great danger for peaceful coexistence and for a free and democratic society. Therefore, it calls for the better training and equipping of police authorities and judicial system in this area. The SPD intends to retain the Network Enforcement Law and cut the reaction times even more. Anybody failing to abide by the provisions will be punished with painful financial penalties.

The Left Party also calls for more police and for action to be taken against verbal attacks online. We want to protect the security of citizens in public spaces with more personnel, their election programme states. On social networks, as in public spaces in general, protection against verbal attacks, hate speech and character assassination must be enforced.

It is no coincidence that this choice of words recalls the campaign of leading media outlets against the World Socialist Web Site and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality. Because they criticised right-wing extremist statements, which were subsequently confirmed as such by a court, from Humboldt University Professor Jorg Baberowski, accusations of bullying and character assassination were directed against them.

The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung complained shortly prior to Gomes visit to Berlin about how impactful the Trotskyist splinter group is, and demanded the WSWS be censoreda demand that Google has since fulfilled.
Scientists have named a prehistoric crocodile described as "one of the nastiest sea creatures to have ever inhabited the earth" after late Motorhead frontman and British heavy metal icon Lemmy Kilmister.

By The Associated Press

Scientists have named a prehistoric crocodile described as one of the nastiest sea creatures to have ever inhabited the earth after late Motorhead frontman and British heavy metal icon Lemmy Kilmister.

Londons Natural History Museum says the fossil of whats now known as Lemmysuchus obtusidens was dug up in England in the early 20th century but was incorrectly categorized with other sea crocodiles found in the area.

Researchers recently took another look at the specimen and gave it a new classification and a scientific name of its own.

The fossil is housed at the museum. Curator Lorna Steel suggested it be named after Kilmister, who died in 2015. She says in a statement that wed like to think that he would have raised a glass to Lemmysuchus.

This post Scientists Name Prehistoric Crocodile After Lemmy Kilmister first appeared on Stereogum.
The skull of an infant ape, found more than 13 million years after it died, may reveal how human ancestors looked during the period of time known as the Miocene epoch.

Researchers had been digging in the area west of Lake Turkana in northern Kenya for two weeks in 2014 without luck, until Kenyan fossil hunter John Ekusi began to inspect something after walking a couple of hundred yards away from the group, reports the Washington Post.

If youre a fossil finder, you know that look Isaiah Nengo, the De Anza College anthropologist who led the discovery told the Post. Its like an atomic bomb can go off, and you dont care, youre so focused at what youre looking for.

Weve been looking for ape fossils for yearsthis is the first time were getting a skull thats complete, he added.

The skull  nicknamed Alesi after the local Turkana word for ancestor  is the best preserved of its kind ever found according to National Geographic, which partly funded the the discovery mission. After two years of further digs and sophisticated imaging work, the discovery was published in Nature journal on August 10.

The article says that fossils finds from 6 or 7 million years ago shed light on the ancestors that humans have in common with chimpanzees, but this older fossil will tell researchers much more about the common ancestors of all humans and apes.

The teeth in the skull reveal that Alesi belonged to a previously undiscovered species, now named Nyanzapithecus alesi, the Post reported. Until the discovery, scientists knew little about the Nyanzapithecus species, but now Nengo is able to conclude that N.alesi was a primate that lived more than 10 million years ago, as part of a group originating from Africa.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Nineteen staff members were evacuated from a hospital in Exeter, New Hampshire, on Friday and treated for dizziness, nausea and vomiting, a hospital spokeswoman said. By mid-afternoon, officials at Exeter Hospital had yet to determine what caused the incident, which began between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. EDT when five staff members complained of feeling dizzy, spokeswoman Debra Vasapolli said. Other staff members in the hospital's operating room later became ill, she said. The hospital initially said patients were among those affected, but Vasapolli said it was only staff members. "No source has been determined at this point," Vasapolli said. "In an abundance of caution ... we evacuated the O.R. (operating room) and closed it, as well as the emergency department, until we can determine the source." The affected staff were being treated in the parking lot and on grassy areas outside the hospital, which is about 50 miles north of Boston. Twelve of those who felt ill were sent to other facilities and seven were released, Vasapolli said. The fire department in neighboring Kingston said it sent two ambulances to the scene. (Reporting by Peter Szekely; editing by Daniel Wallis and Tom Brown)
Editors note: This story originally appeared in October 2014, when Annabelle hit theaters. With the sequel, Annabelle: Creation, arriving this weekend, we thought youd enjoy the allegedly true story behind the scary doll.

If theres anyone who knows Annabelle isnt as innocent as she looks, its Lorraine Warren. A self-described trance medium, Warren first encountered the doll immortalized in The Conjuring and its new follow-up, Annabelle, in the 1970s. Thats when Warren  whose paranormal-related casework with her late husband, Ed, inspired the horror franchise  met a pair of nursing students and their friend, who claimed theyd been terrorized by the childs toy. The trio said the doll moved around their apartment (think: an evil Elf on the Shelf), leaving behind cryptic notes  and occasionally scratch marks.

As depicted in the opening scene of The Conjuring, the young people told the Warrens a psychic had warned that their doll was possessed by the spirit of a deceased 7-year-old girl named Annabelle Higgins. The Warrens concluded something different: Namely, that the doll was possessed by a demonic spirit.

On the occasion of the release of Annabelle, which spins off the tale in a new direction, we contacted Warren, now 87, via her occult museum in Monroe, Conn. We asked about the dolls big-screen close-up, whether any childish plaything is above suspicion, and why she and Annabelle are still together, albeit separated by glass.

In the movies, Annabelle is a menacing-looking porcelain figure. But in real life, Annabelle, which is housed to this day at your museum, is a simple Raggedy Ann rag doll. What was your initial reaction to seeing Hollywoods version?

I thought the doll was absolutely creepy and frightening. [The Conjuring director] James Wan explained to me that he felt there might be push back from the company that holds the trademark for the original Raggedy Ann. Then he went on to explain that he just has an affinity to frightening-looking dolls, so he came up with what now is [the movie version of] Annabelle.

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I think it was a good choice to use the scary doll, as a Raggedy Ann doll is much too innocent-looking. Plus, young children would then be afraid to play with their Raggedy Anns!

Lorraine Warren with the demonic Raggedy Ann whod end up behind glass in her museum

At the museum, Annabelle is stored in a glass case bearing a sign that reads, Warning, Positively Do Not Open. If the dolls a potential danger, why keep her with you at all?

It would be quite careless on my part to get rid of it. As explained in The Conjuring, getting rid of the doll would only get rid of the vessel, not the evil that resides within the doll.

At least as it sits, we know where it resides. It isnt out into the world causing harm to others. We have a Catholic priest who performs a binding prayer around the doll which acts as a blockade. The evil cant penetrate the holy prayers that bind it. Think of it as similar to an electric dog fence  keeping the dog within set boundaries.

Just between you, me, and the entire world, didnt any of the actors or crew from either The Conjuring or Annabelle crack open the case for a first-hand peek?

Heavens, no! We allow no one to touch or handle the doll. Because by touching it, a persons aura may mingle with the aura of that evil force within the doll, and cause great harm to the person.

Patrick Wilson [who played Ed Warren in The Conjuring] came to the museum, and was shown around by my son-in-law, Tony Spera. He said that Patrick seemed to believe the danger associated with Annabelle.

Vera Farmiga [who played Lorraine Warren in The Conjuring] opted to stay in the house, in the living room with me. She stated to me that she wanted to focus on me, so as to be able to give a true representation of me to the role she was playing.

Has your experience with Annabelle made you wary of all dolls, or only the creepy ones?

No, not at all. But remember that I am psychic. I can discern if an object or toy has any negative vibrations or evil associated with it. But, no, I am not suspicious of toys in general.

Watch: Producer James Wan on the Annabelle doll:



Read more from Yahoo Movies:
Workers plant crops near Fresno, California in May of 2015. Growers in this agriculturally abundant region have grappled for years with a labor shortage: Reuters//Lucy Nicholson

In Americas most abundant agricultural region, where immigrant pickers have long sustained the economy, many farmers are less concerned with the illegal immigration decried by Donald Trump than with finding enough people to harvest their crops.

As Mr Trump pushes the tougher immigration policies that helped propel him to the oval office, California farmers continue their years-long wait for a federal solution to a lingering labour shortage.

The United States hasn't had major immigration reform since 1986, said Ryan Jacobsen, executive director of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. We haven't came up with a program that helps to solve the labour situation, and thus were in the situation were in now.

The labour pool for Californias agriculture industry is linked directly to immigration. According to a federal survey, more than 90 per cent of crop workers in California are foreign-born, although that share has dipped slightly over the last few decades. More than two million immigrants are estimated to live illegally in California - nearly a quarter of the total population of such immigrants across America.

And more than with any other domestic policy issue, Mr Trumps agenda has been defined by a harder line on immigration. The President has sought a freeze on refugees, embraced a proposal to drastically slash immigration numbers and regularly blamed illegal immigration for economic stagnation.

But the dearth of farmworkers began before Trump launched his presidential campaign, said Norm Groot, executive director of the Monterey County Farm Bureau. He said labour shortages have periodically plagued farmers in his county, a leading producer of strawberries and lettuce, thanks to failed federal immigration policy.

In particular, Mr Groot said, the lack of a guest worker program or a path to legalisation for the people living in our communities for decades and working in our fields has done damage - a problem he said has been exacerbated as permanent residents age and a farmers have seen lack of replacements coming to California.

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Apricot farmer Daniel Bays recounted a similar story: the children of an earlier generation of pickers are reluctant to follow their parents into the fields, and you dont have the newer immigrants coming in just because of our broken immigration policy and broken guest worker programmes, the Stanislaus County grower said.

Migration data bear out those demographic trends. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of Mexicans leaving America for their home country exceeded the number moving to America by more than 100,000 over the period spanning 2009 to 2014.

Its no secret that the number off individuals coming here from other countries has substantially went down not only compared to last year but compared to the last several years, Mr Jacobsen said.

Farmers have responded to the lack of labour by trying to retain current workers with incentives like bonuses and by mechanising their operations, according to a report by UC Davis agriculture professor emeritus Philip Martin.

Not finding enough people to pick crops before they rot is one of those constant fears for farmers, Mr Jacobsen said. But this year, be said, theres definitely some additional concern about having enough hands.

Multiple factors could be contributing, Mr Jacobsen said, including a later and wetter spring that has shifted the harvest window and an improving economic situation in Mexico. But whatever the exact mix of causes, in Fresno County - a crop-heavy hub in Californias Central Valley where almonds and grapes grow in abundance - farmers are looking to the looming harvest season with trepidation.

I expect the next six weeks to really be telling the tale as to where we stand with our labour force, Mr Jacobsen said.
In a recent meeting, President Trump correctly told his generals that they were losing the war in Afghanistan, rejected their proposed strategy, and sent them back to the drawing board to create a new one.

Like chronic alcoholism, compulsive American meddling in the affairs of other countries can only be recovered from by admitting the problem exists in the first place.

President Trump has partially accomplished this first step by recognizing what has been obvious for years, but an even more enlightened conclusion would be that the war has been lost for quite some time now and the only solution is to withdraw U.S. forces as quickly as possible.

However, that is not the new strategy that the generals will likely come up with. Instead, as in Vietnam, they will continue to sayand probably even believethat a turnaround is still possible. They have had 16 years to win the war, but have abjectly failed to do so.

In any counterinsurgency war, if the insurgents are not losing, they are winning. Fighting guerrilla style means that insurgents use hit and run tactics against the weak points of a generally stronger enemy (usually government or foreign forces) and then flee before the stronger side can catch them.

Over time, the guerrillas are hoping to make the stronger party exhausted, and if it is a foreign occupier, make the war so costly in lives and money that that participant eventually goes back home.

The Taliban guerrillas in Afghanistan are not only winning by not losing and hanging on, they are winning absolutely by capturing and holding more of the Afghan governments territory.

Thus, after 16 years of fighting, approximately 2,400 American military deaths, more than 20,000 wounded, 1,200 U.S. civilian contractor deaths, and a whopping half trillion dollars wasted in this quagmire, instead of cutting its losses, the Trump administration seems to be willing to let the military re-escalate the war by sending 3,000 to 5,000 additional U.S.troops in.

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Such forces would continue to advise and assist chronically illiterate, incompetent, corrupt, and AWOL Afghan security forces. And despite their job description, U.S. forces do fight in combat and still continue to take casualties.

If 100,000 U.S. troops could not subdue Afghanistan, the only way U.S.-trained Afghan forces could do so is if they were impeccably honest and competent forces who knew the pulse of the Afghan peopleso they could get good intelligence on who the clandestine insurgents are and neutralize them. Yet, this pipe dream is not even worth fantasizing about.

But if the United States withdraws completely from Afghanistan, wont the country go back into chaos and be a haven for future terrorist attacks against the United States? After all ISIS is now in Afghanistan, and some sources say the group is now cooperating with the Taliban to attack U.S. and Afghan targets.

Also, in western Afghanistan, Iran is now trying to keep Afghanistan unstable by supplying the Taliban with weapons, funds, and fighters to use against U.S. and Afghan forces. (U.S. ally Pakistan has always supported the Taliban in eastern and southern Afghanistan to do the same.)

The major problem with U.S. foreign policy is that, like an addict in perpetual denial, no questions have been asked about why Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda perpetrated the 9/11 attacks from Afghanistan in the first place.

President George W. Bush told us that al Qaeda had attacked us because of our freedoms, which enraged bin Laden, who then rhetorically asked why he hadnt attacked Sweden instead.

No one chose to hear what bin Laden kept repeating: he attacked the United States because of the U.S. military presence in the Islamic holy land of Saudi Arabia and U.S. treatment of Muslim countries U.S. meddling in the Middle East.

To understand bin Ladens motivation for the attacks is not to condone such brutal atrocities but to attempt to find a quieter change in U.S. policy that might take the fire out of the Islamist jihad.

The US government should have introspectively reached the conclusion that U.S. interventionism in the Middle East had helped create the problem, or at least exacerbated it, and had directed it more against the United States.

Donald Rumsfeld, then George W. Bushs secretary of defense, famously asked after 9/11, Are we creating more terrorists than we are killing?

No one has ever answered that question, but the correct answer was and is Yes, especially after the invasion of Muslim soil in Iraq and the air wars against terrorists in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, and Syria that have now spanned three U.S. presidential administrations.

Even before that, the Carter and Reagan administrations helped create al Qaeda by funding the radical Afghan Mujahideen guerrillas in the 1980s and George H.W. Bush motivated bin Laden to begin his war with the United States by unnecessarily leaving U.S. military forces in Saudi Arabia after the first Gulf War.

The United States also created what eventually became ISIS, which arose as resistance to the U.S. invasion of Iraq. In Pakistan, the U.S. war in Afghanistan spilled over into that country and thus created the Pakistani Taliban.

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In Somalia, U.S. support for an Ethiopian invasion of Somalia created the virulently Islamist al Shabab group.

In Yemen, empirical documentation has shown that U.S. bombing of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has increased the number of fighters being recruited by the group.

Currently, the United States is at war in at least seven Islamic countries. Non-Muslim forces fighting on Muslim land angers even moderate Muslims.

Before the American fracking boom, even when the United States was more dependent on foreign oil, it was cost-ineffective to use massive military forces to safeguard what was best provided by the world oil market, but now that policy is even more absurd.

If anyone doubts that a lower U.S. profile in Muslim countries would reduce blowback terrorism, the case of Lebanon in the 1980s needs to be examined. The Shiite Islamist group Hezbollah was attacking U.S. targets regularly, but after the United States withdrew its forces from that country, the attacks gradually attenuated.

The United States needs to get out of Afghanistan for good and end its other air wars in Muslim countries. None of these countries are strategic to the United States, and wars there merely generate unwanted blowback. These brushfire wars left over from the War on Terror, which actually increased terrorism, distract and take resources from U.S. efforts to counter a much more important potential foreign policy problem: a rising China.

Ivan Eland is a senior fellow at the Independent Institute and author of "The Failure of Counterinsurgency: Why Hearts and Minds Are Seldom Won."

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Photo credit: Flickr/Joanna Bourne

From Delish

What may have been intended as a joke could have had deadly consequences - and now two Massachusetts teens are facing the serious repercussions of their actions.

While babysitting an infant, two girls posted a video to Snapchat of themselves sticking the child in the refrigerator, according to the Boston Herald. The baby's cries can be heard through the door, and after several seconds, they open the fridge and take the child out while laughing. One says, "see, she's okay."

Shortly after the video was published, Danvers and Swampscott police learned about it, and the two girls were arrested on charges of child endangerment and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

"The refrigerator was the dangerous weapon," Essex district attorney spokesman Steve O'Connell told the Herald. After an extended period of time in a refrigerator, the baby could have suffocated and died. (In fact, children playing in fridges and getting trapped inside was such an issue that Congress passed the Refrigerator Safety Act of 1956.)

The Department of Children and Families is also investigating this incident, according to a spokesperson for the organization.

"Kids do do stupid things. I know she wouldn't hurt my daughter, and that wasn't her intentions," the baby's mother told local news station WCVB-5. "I think it was all foolishness, stupidity."

The mother had asked her niece and a friend to watch the baby while she took a shower. She was horrified to find out what they had done.

"I was in shock. I'm traumatized from that," she said. "You live, you learn, and this is a lesson my niece will learn. ... Be careful who you trust your children with. You can't trust anyone, not even your own family."

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Jennifer Lawrences second September Vogue cover has drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle. (Photo: Getty Images)

Vogues September issue is always its biggest issue of the year, and this years is even bigger than usual, as the publication marks its 125th anniversary.

To celebrate the occasion, the fashion magazine chose Jennifer Lawrence as its cover star  the 26-year-old ranks among the highest paid actresses in the world.

Vogue commissioned four artists and photographers to create four separate covers featuring Lawrence for the collectors issue, which is filled with glossy fashion advertisements and big-name interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, Chelsea Manning, and others.

Among the four cover images, the most talked-about is one by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz, in which Lawrence stands wearing a crimson Ralph Lauren slip dress in front of the Statue of Liberty.

Jennifer Lawrence, Vogue, September 2017. (Photo: Annie Leibovitz)

As is standard procedure after a magazine reveals a buzzy new cover, some readers lauded the work while others lambasted it. Some were disappointed it was Lawrence who had graced the cover, noting the other interviewees featured in the magazine may have been more compelling. And others point to the decision to feature a blond white woman to evoke American Beauty  given the current political climate and sensitivity around diversity and immigration  as being tone-deaf and unimaginative.

In an era of immigration (and immigrant) anxiety, is it a LITTLE odd to have JLaw and a gate essentially blocking the Statue of Liberty?  Matthew Schneier (@MatthewSchneier) August 9, 2017

First Kendall and now Jennifer Lawrence on the cover of the september issue of Vogue. THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE. https://t.co/1Lqrpdidhs  babe (@HOEtecouture) August 9, 2017

What is Jennifer Lawrence doing at the moment that warrants a SEPTEMBER Vogue Cover  MYLES (@goldenpolaroid) August 9, 2017

this is the blandest editorial I've ever seen. if i wanted to see the same face that many times I've would have called bella hadid. pic.twitter.com/KrILfpPd4R  black silk (@chaneloasis) August 9, 2017

American beauty? Only a white actress defines that??  BOX (@LoveSpent12) August 9, 2017

And if you accept the charge that placing a textbook girl next door instead of a more diverse candidate in front of the Statue of Liberty is missing the mark, thatd make two consecutive American Vogue covers to be guilty: Last months featured cisgender straight celebrity couple Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik as representatives of a more gender-fluid America.

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But, perhaps surprisingly, the criticism lobbed against Vogues September issue crosses the political aisle.

John Carney, an editor at alt-right outlet Breitbart, tweeted his own frustration with the cover, suggesting the leftist establishment media  in this case Vogue  weaponized the Statue of Liberty against the right.

We're going to have to create a full #MAGA shadow cultural industry because the Opposition Media can't even do fashion without attacking us pic.twitter.com/NRPf2JUfsy  John Carney (@carney) August 10, 2017

Carney then goes on to point out that the Vogue cover follows months of other magazine covers, typically those from left-leaning publications like the New Yorker, that feature editorialized versions of Lady Liberty that, in his view, serve as attacks against the alt-right. That left more than a few people scratching their heads. (Yahoo Style reached out to Carney for clarification, but he did not respond.)

Whether or not you believe Carneys charge, the Vogue cover  released in mid-August but conceptualized and shot months before  comes just as the Statue of Liberty itself serves as a lightning rod between the media and members of the Trump administration.

A few days before the cover was released, White House adviser Stephen Miller engaged in his own heated debate with CNN reporter Jim Acosta during a press conference, in which the two quibbled about whether Emma Lazaruss poem The New Colossus, inscribed on the statues pedestal, represented free and open immigration policies.

Its only too bad neither Miller nor Acosta had a Vogue cover handy to enliven their case.

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.

Alexandra Mondalek is a writer for Yahoo Style + Beauty. Follow her on Twitter @amondalek.
Photo: Instagram/The Rock

Unlike the current president, his potential successor  Dwayne The Rock Johnson  isnt exactly known for his hair.

While the WWE star-turned-actors bare head and chest might lead fans to believe that the man just cant grow hair, this is apparently not true. While in Vancouver to film his upcoming movie Skyscraper, Johnson let things get a little shaggy, and hes growing a salt-and-pepper beard. His head, at least, is still bare, and he doesnt seem to have a shirt on under his hoodie, so rest assured hes still the same Rock.

The 45-year-old is famous for his relentless optimism, and true to form, hes been spending his downtime in Canada sending inspirational messages to fans. I believe in my bones in the power of positivity, he said in an Instagram video, giving a shout-out to a sick young boy who has meet the Rock on his bucket list. Hes also taken the time to send a message to a young lady, shes a fighter LaKresha Norton. Ever the charmer, he even thanks the city of Vancouver for hosting him. The common denominator in all the videos, aside from a huge smile and words of gratitude? That new, slowly graying beard.

Johnsons hair looks might not be the most enviable, but his skin care regimen is still worth lookIng T. Johnson swears by Neutrogena deep cream face wash, Lancer or La Mer creams and tequila often.

Ha yes ma'am. Neutrogena deep cream face wash, Lancer or LaMere creams and tequila often. Not on your face, but drinking it;).  Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) July 6, 2017

Your recipe for copping this look: One trip to Walgreens, one $170 face cream, one trip to the liquor store  and one lost razor.

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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.




North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump dismiss one another as irrational, warmongering heads of state, but experts say both men are more prone to theatrics than military action.

After months of flexing their respective armed forces, neither Trump nor Kim has backed off from the nuclear standoff that has developed on the Korean Peninsula, but those closely following the crisis said the chance of the two reluctantly finding common ground is greater than that of an all-out war. Despite harsh reactions to North Korea's recent release of a detailed plan to strike the U.S. island territory of Guam, intelligence analyst Joseph Bermudez emphasized Thursday that Kim, the world's youngest head of state, is doing what he can to prove he can lead his country while dealing with a particularly hostile U.S. administration.

Related: What war with North Korea looked like in the 1950s and why it matters now

"Kim Jong Un is not a stupid person. He is a very intelligent person. He is nuanced. He might be inexperienced at the international level," Bermudez said during a telephone conference call hosted by North Korea monitoring group 38 North, to which he is a frequent contributor.

"What we have to take into consideration is that he is the leader of the nation, a militarily powerful nation," he added. "He operates under a different set of requirements than other nations and leaders. He is operating on what he believes, on what his advisors believe, is the best for their country."

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More than six years have passed since Kim became North Korea's third-generation leader, a position he inherited following his father's death in 2011. Since then, analysts have observed modest reforms in the way the economy is structured and a greater willingness on the leadership's part to seek advice from various experts and social scientists within the country. Robert Carlin, a visiting scholar at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation and former chief of the Northeast Asia Division of the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research, says this change in attitude seems to have contributed to Kim's military accomplishments, as North Korean scientists are no longer "scared to death of failure."

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While Kim's father may be credited with North Korea's first nuclear weapons test in 2006, the youngest Kim managed to conduct two successful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests last month, putting the U.S. on the country's trajectory for the first time ever. Further analysis suggests North Korea has managed to miniaturize its nuclear warheads, of which it may have up to 60, to fit onto these missiles. North Korea's nuclear and ballistic weapons development has stirred outrage from the U.S., which considers such missiles to be a global threat.

"The problem is the dynamic between the Americans and the North Koreans. Its not singularly with the North Koreans," Carlin said over the phone. "Its the chemistry, the misunderstandings, misperceptions, that are so dangerous. And I think that applies in the current situation."

Upon hearing reports that North Korea was preparing a sixth nuclear weapons test in April, Trump dispatched a naval "armada" to the region and stepped up joint drills with U.S. allies Japan and South Korea. While no nuclear display ultimately appeared, North Korea's decision to conduct intermediate-range ballistic missile tests at an unprecedented rate and last month's ICBM tests kept tensions high between the two leaders. Just hours after Trump threatened North Korea Tuesday with "fire and fury like the world has never seen," North Korea's military unveiled a detailed blueprint to attack Guam, a move Carlin says was designed to achieve "maximum drama" rather than signal a call to arms.

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Bermudez, Carlin and 38 North co-founder Joel Wit all note that, according to their analyses, there has been no major mobilization of the North Korean populace, something they would expect to see if a war was around the corner. Unlike in August 2015, when Kim put his country into a "semi-state of war" over cross-border fire exchanged between North Korea and South Korea, life in North Korea has apparently been going on as usual as its leader trades threats with "an American president who seems to have North Koreans writing his tweets and speeches," according to Wit, who is also a senior fellow at 38 North's parent institution, the U.S.-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies.

The U.S. also appears to be operating contrary to its apocalyptic rhetoric. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters Wednesday that while he supported Trump's position, he believed the president's Hiroshima-esque tweet was designed to send "a strong message to North Korea in language that Kim Jong Un would understand, because he doesnt seem to understand diplomatic language."

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BEIRUT (Reuters) - An explosion hit a rebel gathering near the Syria-Jordan border on Friday, killing at least 23 fighters and wounding dozens more, a war monitor and an activist said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a violent explosion hit an army camp of the Syrian rebel group Jaish al-Islam near the border crossing town of Nassib. The Britain-based war monitor said the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber and the death toll was expected to rise. A video passed to Reuters by an activist in the area claimed to show at least a dozen seriously injured people lying on a carpeted floor. Reuters could not independently verify the content of the video. The Nassib crossing used to be a major transit point into Syria for people and goods coming to and from the Gulf countries through Saudi Arabia and Jordan, until it was seized by rebels during Syria's civil war. The town of Nassib is southeast of the southern Syrian city of Deraa in an area covered by a U.S.-Russian brokered ceasefire that went into effect in July. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington in Beirut and Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman; Editing by Toni Reinhold)
By Bernie Woodall

(Reuters) - A 51-year-old female driver for an Orlando daycare center was arrested on Thursday for aggravated manslaughter in the death of a 3-year-old boy who was left for hours inside a van belonging to the center on a hot Florida day, police said.

Police named Deborah Denise St. Charles of Orlando as the driver of the vehicle in which the child, Myles Hill, was left for most of the daylight hours on Monday.

The local medical examiner who performed an autopsy on Hill ruled the toddler died as a result of "hyperthermia due to environmental exposure," according to an arrest affidavit.

St. Charles also worked in a classroom at one of the two Orlando daycare centers owned by Little Miracles Academy, and was in one of the classrooms while Myles was left outside in the center's parking lot in the van, the affidavit said.

The affidavit said St. Charles did not follow Florida Administrative Code for child care facilities, including reporting in a driver's log that each child, by name, has left the vehicle. Also, the affidavit says, she did not make the required visual sweep of the vehicle to ensure that no child was left inside, nor did she get a signature of a second child car facility staff member verifying that the driver's log shows that each child has left the vehicle.

Orlando police on Wednesday conducted a simulation of the conditions they believe the boy suffered before death, the affidavit said.

During the simulation, at about 10 a.m. ET, when Myles had been in the vehicle for just an hour, the interior temperature was already 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 Celsius), the affidavit said.

By noon it had reached 133 degrees F (56 C), and by 3 p.m. it was 144 degrees F (62 C), according to the affidavit.

On Wednesday, the owner of the Little Miracles Academy, Audrey Thornton, said the person who drove the van had been fired. Also on Wednesday, the state regulator of daycare centers ordered Little Miracles' two daycare centers in Orlando to close until the regulator deems them safe.

(Reporting by Bernie Woodall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Editing by Chris Reese and Sandra Maler)
President Donald Trump has been quick to condemn Islamic terrorist attacks in Europe, and has used them as evidence to justify his hardline anti-immigration policies, yet he has remained silent about a suspected terrorist attack on a mosque in Minnesota that occurred four days ago.

Wednesday offered more of the same, with Trump retweeting a Fox News story about an attack on soldiers in the French capital, Paris, where there have been several recent attacks by Islamist militants. Meanwhile, it was not Trump but a White House deputy assistant, Sebastian Gorka, who the previous day gave the most explicit statement yet on the administrations grounds for refusing to comment on the attack on the Dar Al Farooq Islamic Center in a Minneapolis suburb.

DylannRoof1

Reuters

Gorka claimed there have been a series of fake hate crimes in recent months, and the White House was waiting for the outcome of the investigation into the incident.

Weve had a series of crimes committed, alleged hate crimes, by right-wing individuals in the last six months that turned out to actually have been propagated by the left, he said. So lets wait and see and allow local authorities to provide their assessment. And then the White House will make its comments.

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In contrast to that statement, U.S. government figures have consistently shown that the threat from right-wing extremists is far from a fabrication.

A June report by the Investigative Fund at the Nation Institute, a nonprofit media center, and the news outlet Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting examined the 201 designated terrorism incidents in the U.S. from 2008 to 2016.

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The results: Right-wing extremists were behind nearly twice as many incidents as those identified as Islamist domestic terrorism.

The report identified 63 terrorist incidents as being inspired by theocratic Islamist ideology, while 115 were perpetrated by far-right extremists. Islamic terrorist attacks did result in more deaths, at 90, including the 2009 Fort Hood massacre: far-right attackers killed 79.

Other research backs up the finding that far-right attacks are more frequent.

Citing figures compiled by the Department of Justice-funded Extremist Crime Database, PBS in February reported that excluding the mass-casualty Oklahoma City bombing by far-right extremist Timothy McVeigh in 1995 and the 9/11 Al-Qaeda strikes, far-rights attacks have claimed 272 victims since 1990 and Islamist attacks 136.

When the two mass casualty attacks are factored in, the figures change dramatically, with 3,058 killed by Islamic terrorists and 413 killed by right wing attackers.

The Anti-Defamation League tracks far-right terrorist incidents in the U.S., and in a recent report described the following as among the deadly attacks inspired by right-wing ideology in the last three years.

New York, March 2017 : Police arrested white supremacist James Harris Jackson after the fatal shooting of an African-American man. Jackson had allegedly traveled to New York to launch a series of violent attacks on black men and had stabbed his victim as a practice run for later attacks. He was charged with second-degree murder as a hate crime and with a state charge of terrorism.

Charleston, South Carolina, June 2015 : White supremacist Dylann Storm Roof conducted a deadly shooting spree at the AME Emanuel Church in Charleston on June 17, 2015, killing nine people. Roof deliberately targeted the church because its parishioners were African-American; he hoped to incite a race war that he thought whites would win. Both federal and state authorities charged Roof in connection with the massacre; in January 2017, Roof was convicted of the federal charges against him and sentenced to death.

Lafayette, Louisiana, July 2015: White supremacist John Russell Houser killed himself after conducting a vicious shooting spree at a movie theater in Lafayette, Louisiana, that left two people dead and nine others injured. Houser, obsessed at the perceived moral decay of the United States, may have chosen the movie theater as his target because it was showing the Amy Schumer movie Trainwreck.

Overland Park, Kansas, April 2014: Longtime Missouri white supremacist Frazier Glenn Miller launched an attack on Jewish establishments in the greater Kansas City area, opening fire at two institutions in a shooting spree that took the lives of three people, including one child, before police were able to take him into custody. Miller told police and the media that he launched the attacks for the specific purpose of killing Jews. Miller was convicted of capital murder charges and in November 2015 was sentenced to death.

So why the White House silence on white nationalist violence?

During the presidential campaign, Trump courted the support of discontented white voters, enlisting Steve Bannon, publisher of the far-right Breitbart website, as his top adviser. Trump appealed to the fears of voters wary of immigrants and anxious about Islamist violence.

The idea of Muslims being victimized doesnt fit his domestic or foreign policy agenda, Shahed Amanullah, who served at the State Department under President Barack Obama, told Vox, as Trump remained silent in the wake of a deadly Islamophobic attack in Portland in May.

Obama believed in promoting a tolerant nation, as well as in addressing how Islamophobia itself may be a potential driver of terrorism overseas, said Amanullah.

Trump doesnt see that connection at all, he adds. So he doesnt even respond to something like Portland with basic humanity, both because Muslims are not a core constituency and because it interrupts his narrative of Muslims being a threat.

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North Koreans rally en masse in Pyongyang on August 9, 2017: DPRK handout/Reuters

The Governor of Guam, the US territory threatened with attack by North Korea, has backed Donald Trump's fiery rhetoric toward the nuclear-armed nation, saying that a President who whole-heartedly embraces forceful retaliation over attacks on US territory is what I want.

Days of escalating rhetoric between the Trump administration and the regime of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have alarmed Asian allies - and placed the Pacific island in the middle of a global political crisis - after Mr Trump made clear that any further action from Pyongyang over its banned missile and nuclear programmes will be met with fire and fury.

That statement, with its undertones of renewed conflict on the Korean peninsula, prompted a matching show of belligerence from North Korea. The countrys state-run media claimed it was formulating plans to strike the US territory of Guam with historic enveloping fire and taunted Mr Trump as bereft of reason and someone for whom only absolute force can work.

It is not the first time North Korea has threatened Guam, a small United States territory that hosts a US military outpost. But the North Korean militarys claims via state media that it would have plans to strike Guam with four missiles completed by mid-August reverberated around the world.

In an interview with Fox News, Guam Governor Eddie Calvo struck a defiant note and backed Mr Trumps sabre-rattling.

I want a president that says that if any nation such as North Korea attacks Guam, attacks Honolulu, attacks the west coast, that they will be met with hell and fury, Mr Calvo said during an appearance on Tucker Carlson Tonight.

North Korea's state run KCNA news agency said that the country's army will complete the plans in mid-August for the firing of four missiles, citing General Kim Rak Gyom, commander of the Strategic Force of the Korean People's Army. The plans called for the missiles to land in the sea only 18 to 25 miles from Guam.

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In remarks to reporters in Guam, Mr Calvo struck a reassuring tone, saying "this is not the time to panic," according to the Pacific Daily News.

The war of words between the two nations was sparked by reports that North Korea had successfully miniaturised a nuclear weapon to place atop a ballistic missile. Tensions had already been raised by two intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests by Pyongyang in July and NBC News reported on Thursday that multiple US intelligence agencies - including the CIA - now agreed that the North had taken the significant step of miniaturising a weapon.

The US Air Force spotlighted a mission flown from Guam by two American bombers, which a military official touted in a statement as a sign that our air forces stand combat-ready to deliver airpower when called upon. Secretary of Defence James Mattis released a statement underscoring Americas demonstrated capabilities and unquestionable commitment to defend ourselves from an attack, noting the readiness of our ballistic missile defense and nuclear deterrent forces. Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, speaking to the countrys parliament, reiterated that Japan had the right to intercept a North Korean missile heading for Guam.

The rhetoric has left countries in the region uneasy with a number calling for calm. China also rebuked Mr Trumps role in escalating tensions via a piece in state outlet Xinhua, warning that such a hostile approach will do little but make things worse.

Reality has shown that tough tit-for-tat confrontations can lead nowhere, and that only dialogue can help address reasonable security concerns of the related parties for a solution acceptable to all, ensure denuclearisation on the peninsula and bring a lasting peace to the entire region, the editorial said.

Back in the US, senior Democrats had called the language "reckless" with some of those in Congress arguing that strikes on North Korea would require their sign off. However Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said on Thursday that Mr Trump wouldn't need Congressional approval but urged his colleagues to grant it as a "last resort".

It would be very smart if the Congress could come together and tell the president 'you have our authorisation to use military force ... as a last resort.' That would sent a signal to North Korea and China, that would probably do more good to avoid war than anything I could think of, Mr Graham told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt. He added that passing a military authorisation for North Korea would require Democrats to take their hatred of Donald Trump and park it.

Mr Graham also backed Mr Trump to back-up his words with action.

If negotiations fail, he is willing to abandon 'strategic patience' and use pre-emption, he said. I think he's there mentally. He has told me this.

I'm 100 percent confident that if President Trump had to use military force to deny the North Koreans the capability to strike America with a nuclear-tipped missile, he would do that, Mr Graham added.

Some officials in the Trump administration have sought a calmer tone, with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson saying earlier in the week that Mr Trump was engaging in a pressure campaign that, along with engagement of China and Russia, would deter North Korean aggression. Both nations representatives on the United Nations Security Council voted last week to impose new sanctions on North Korea in an effort to force the nation to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

However, former diplomatic officials have criticised Mr Trump. Susan Rice, who served as national security adviser to Barack Obama, wrote an opinion piece lambasting Mr Trump's "dangerous" path and warning that the president had either indulged in the "folly" of an empty threat or was pondering the "lunacy" of war. Former US Secretary of Defense William Perry, who served in Bill Clinton's administration, warned in an interview with The New York Times that America and North Korea could be "heading toward some sort of a conflict," which he predicted could result in a million casualties even if no nuclear weapons were used.

As for Mr Trump - who received a security briefing on the situation on Thursday - White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders made clear that certainly nothing has changed in the president's thinking on North Korea given the latest developments.
Hagatna (Guam) (AFP) - Guam's governor on Thursday said the US territory was "well-equipped" to handle any North Korean strike thanks to robust infrastructure that had survived earthquakes and typhoons, after Pyongyang released a detailed plan to launch missiles towards the island.

A drumbeat of threats by North Korea over the years has fostered a sense of resilience among the island's 162,000 inhabitants, whose lives are deeply intertwined with the US military, which has 6,000 troops based there.

Guam Governor Eddie Calvo said the remote Pacific island was accustomed to being a target ever since Washington placed military installations there.

"We have to understand that even in a million-to-one scenario we have to be prepared with Guam being what it has been for decades, an American territory with strategic military assets in place in a very dynamic region.

"We are prepared for any eventuality, more so than any other American community," he said.

He did not elaborate on Guam's defences but the island houses two US military installations, and is also armed with a sophisticated weapons system known as THAAD, which can destroy short, medium and intermediate-range missiles in their final phase of flight.

"The way our infrastructure is built -- an 8.3 earthquake a decade ago, powerful typhoons -- they are well-equipped to coordinate both pre-event and also post-event," he said.

Hours earlier, as North Korea's war of words with US President Donald Trump intensified, Pyongyang said it was developing a plan to launch four intermediate-range missiles towards the Pacific island.

In Guam's capital Hagatna, residents were unruffled by Pyongyang's rhetoric.

"If it's going to happen it's going to happen," Loiue Joyce, a woman in her mid-20s, said of the North Korean threat, as she enjoyed a day of shopping.

"Scary? Yes, but what can we do? We live on a small island. There's really nowhere to hide if the attack were to happen."

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A key US military stronghold, Guam was the departure point for US B-52 bombers that attacked Hanoi during the 1955-1975 Vietnam war.

In addition to the military presence, Guam also relies heavily on tourism to boost its economy, attracting more than 1.5 million visitors drawn to its pristine beaches and luxury resorts in 2016.

- 'Business as usual' -

Authorities said the regional tensions had not dampened tourists' appetite for the island.

"It's business as usual in paradise," said Josh Tyquengco, marketing director at Guam Visitors Bureau, the official agency for the island.

"I am not aware of any cancellations. This is peak season for Guam. I don't see North Korea's story having any impact on tourism at this point."

But the Guam Daily Post said in an editorial that although the island's residents were used to North Korea's threats, the situation was more precarious today because "a feisty, not-so-cool-headed commander-in-chief lives in the White House now".

The last time Guam feared a North Korean attack, in 2013, tensions eventually simmered down because then US President Barack Obama's administration avoided a verbal war with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the newspaper said.

"This time, the North Korean threat is different, and more worrisome because North Korea's Guam-specific threat was reportedly in reaction to President Trump's statement saying: 'North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States. They will be met with fire and fury.'

"So now, the ball is back in Trump's court. The United States has been threatened via a direct threat to Guam, which isn't just a host for Air Force and Navy bases. About 162,000 people - mostly US citizens - call the island home."
Seoul (AFP) - North Korea said Thursday it would complete a plan within days to launch a salvo of four intermediate-range missiles towards Guam, the US island territory in the western Pacific.

It followed US President Donald Trump's warning of "fire and fury like the world has never seen" as a war of words with the US escalates tension on the peninsula.

Would the North be able to carry out such an exercise? And could the US stop it?

- Incoming: Hwasong-12 -

The North's military said the plan involved four Hwasong-12 missiles, which would be aimed to come down "30 to 40 kilometres away from Guam".

The intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM) flew about 787 kilometres in its latest test in May, when it was fired at a steep angle, and is believed to have a maximum range of about 5,000 kilometres.

That puts Guam -- around 3,300 kilometres from North Korea's missile bases -- well within range.

Analysts ruled out the possibility of them missing their targets to such an extent they hit the island instead.

The Hwasong-12 did not have "razor-sharp precision", said Yang Uk, senior researcher at the Korea Defense and Security Forum (KODEF), describing its technology as similar to that of the Soviet Union in the 1970s.

But he added: "The missiles could miss the target area by up to five kilometres but not more than that."

Given the intended distances declared by Pyongyang, "the chances of hitting the island by accident seem pretty low for now", he told AFP.

- Interceptor 1: SM-3 -

The launches -- if they happen -- are expected to test US missile defence systems in the region.

No North Korean missile has overflown Japan for years, although in recent months several have come down in Tokyo's exclusive economic zone.

In the past it has warned it would shoot down any North Korean missiles that threaten its territory, and both the US and Japan are equipped with the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) system.

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It uses sheer force -- equivalent to a 10-tonne truck moving at around 1,000 kilometres an hour -- to destroy its target in a collision, and can operate beyond the Earth's atmosphere to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes.

Manufacturer Raytheon likens the technique to "intercepting a bullet with another bullet".

"If missiles are targeting Guam, the US will act. It's only natural," said Takashi Kawakami, expert on defence issues and a professor at Takushoku University.

"Japan and the US operating together, the probability of interception should increase," he told AFP. "But it is also possible that they fail to shoot down some of the missiles."

Japan also has Patriot anti-missile systems, but they operate at lower altitudes.

- Interceptor 2: THAAD -

Washington has already deployed a powerful anti-missile system, THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense), in the Asia-Pacific region, including South Korea, Japan and Guam itself.

Like the SM-3, the system also uses "hit-to-kill" technology, and it was successfully tested against an IRBM for the first time last month in Alaska.

But it is designed to intercept a missile at the final "terminal" stage of its flight, so the South Korean- and Japanese-based batteries are unlikely to be effective.

And the Guam-based systems could also struggle to handle four incoming devices simultaneously, analysts say.

"THAAD might have a shot. But four targets at once would be fun," tweeted Jeffrey Lewis of the California-based Middlebury Institute of International Studies.

"I'd add an Aegis or two," he said, referring to the US naval weapons system designed to track and destroy guided weapons, which includes SM-3 missiles within its arsenal.
Hospitals across the United States are declining to prescribe two potentially lifesaving heart drugs after spikes in their prices, according to a research letter.

Canadian multinational Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. purchased the rights to nitroprusside and isoproterenolcommercially known as Nitropress and Isuprel in February 2015. The list prices of the two drugs rose by 525 percent and 212 percent respectively on the same day that Valeant made the purchase, according to the Wall Street Journal. The company pledged that the price hikes would not result in reduced access to the drugs among patients.

But that does not appear to have been the case. Cardiologists from the nonprofit Cleveland Clinic in Ohio measured the utilization rates of both drugs across 47 hospitals between 2012 and 2015. During that period, the absolute number of patients treated with nitroprusside decreased by 53 percent and the number treated with isoproterenol went down by 35 percent, the cardiologists said in a research note published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Heart surgery

JEAN-SEBASTIEN EVRARD/AFP/Getty

During the same period, the list price of nitroprusside increased by a factor of 30, or from $27.46 per 50 miligrams in 2012 to $880.88 in 2015, while the increase for isoproterenol was by a factor of almost 70, or from $26.20 in 2012 to $1,790.11 in 2015. The list price, or wholesale acquisition price (WAC), refers to the price at which manufacturers sell drugs to wholesalers, but does not include discounts or rebates that hospitals often benefit from.

Read more: Eating chocolate may actually be good for you after all

Nitroprusside is given to patients when their blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels. It is used to treat critical hypertension and congestive heart failure the stage of progressive heart failure when fluid build up around the heart and affects the ability of the muscle to pump bloodand is also used to lower blood pressure during surgery. Isoproterenol is used to treat bradycardia, or low heart rate, and heart block, but it also used in specific types of surgery to increase heart rate.

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The cardiologists compared the utilization of two other heart drugs, nitroglycerin and dobutamine, which maintained relatively stable prices over the study period: nitroglycerin increased from $5.92 per 50 milligrams in 2012 to $17.57 in 2015, while dobutamine actually decreased in price from $17.78 in 2012 to $16.50 in 2015.

The number of patients treated with nitroglycerin went up by 118 percent during the study period, while those given dobutamine increased by 7 percent.

Clearly, physicians have decreased their rate of prescribing the drugs even though in the hospital setting both they and the patients are typically insulated from the cost increases, wrote the cardiologists. These findings refute the claim that price increases do not reduce patients access to these medications.

The then interim chief executive of Valeant, Howard Schiller, told the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in February 2016 that increasing the list price of the drugs should not have a major impact on hospitals or patients access to them.

Howard Schiller

BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty

The company also announced in May 2016 that it would institute a rebate program for all U.S. hospitals that would see them receive discounts of up to 40 percent on large purchases of the drugs. But by September 2016, 11 out of 23 hospital systems contacted by Bloomberg said that they had not yet received any discount on the drugs; Valeant countered that its rebate program was on track to cover 90 percent of U.S. hospitals once finalized and that those hospitals claiming they had not received any discount were likely not taking end of quarter rebates into account.

In response to the research note, a spokeswoman for Valeant Pharmaceuticals tells Newsweek that in addition to the rebates implemented in May 2016, the company had committed to restrict average annual price increases to single digits and below the industrys five-year weighted average.

The current management team is committed to ensuring that past decisions with respect to product pricing are not repeated, and we believe these actions demonstrate that we are taking our approach to responsible pricing seriously, the Valeant spokeswoman says.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing 633,842 people in 2016.

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Women exercise in a park in Tehran. Two girls and four boys have been arrested for teaching dance moves including those from Zumba. - Alamy

Iran has arrested six people for teaching Zumba classes to children, accusing them of trying to "change lifestyles" in the Islamic Republic.

The group of four men and two women were charged over their dancing and for not adhering to the country's strict hijab dress code.

The members of a network teaching and filming Western dances have been identified and arrested," said Hamid Damghani, an official with the Revolutionary Guards.

He said the Latin American fitness classes had been mixed and videos of their practices were published on social media.

"They were arrested by the Guards' intelligence forces while teaching and creating video clips... as they sought to change lifestyles and promote a lack of hijab, Mr Damghani said.

Iranian chess players Mitra Hejazipour (L) and Sara Khademalsharieh play at the Chess Federation in the capital Tehran on October 10, 2016. Credit: AFP

They were charged with dancing and failing to wear proper hijab - Islamic regulations that require women to wear headscarves and ban revealing clothing in public.

Dancing is banned in Iran for women in front of men outside their immediate families, but in recent years Zumba and other dances have been banned even in women-only gyms, even if the rules are widely flouted.

In June this year, the country's sporting federation said the exercise included "rhythmic motions and dance and are unlawful in any shape and title".

"The promotion and teaching of dancing in the name of sport in women's gyms is a serious issue," Mr Damghani added.

One gym manager told the Iranian daily newspaper Aftab-e Yazd that he would continue to teach Zumba but call it something else.

"We need to have these classes. We have been teaching Zumba for 12-13 years and if they ban it, we will continue our class under a different name," he said.

In 2014, seven young Iranians were arrested for dancing to Pharrell Williams's hit "Happy" in a home-made video that went viral on the internet. They were given suspended jail and lashing sentences.
Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel's supreme court on Thursday reduced the sentence of a Palestinian teenager who became a symbol of a wave of Israeli-Palestinian violence in 2015.

Ahmed Manasra, now 15, was sentenced to 12 years last November after being found guilty of the attempted murder of two Israelis, a 20-year-old and a 12-year-old boy, in a stabbing attack with his cousin in a Jewish settlement in annexed east Jerusalem.

The sentence was reduced to nine and a half years by the court, his lawyer Leah Tsemel told AFP.

A 180,000 shekel ($47,000, 43,000 euros) fine will remain in place, she said.

"It is not the best we wanted, but that's what we got," she said.

At the beginning of a wave of violence that began in October 2015, then 13-year-old Ahmed Manasra and his 15-year-old cousin Hassan entered the Jewish settlement neighbourhood of Pisgat Zeev and stabbed the two Israelis.

Hassan was shot dead by security forces.

The stabbings led to a propaganda war between Palestinians and Israelis, sparked by surveillance footage later released of the incident.

Israelis saw the youthful age of the attackers as proof that they had been indoctrinated by propaganda.

Footage of a bloodied Ahmed, who was hit by a car as they fled, on the ground as Israeli Jews shouted abuse at him after the attack sparked anger among Palestinians.

Since October 2015, 293 Palestinians or Arab Israelis and 47 Jewish Israelis have been killed, according to an AFP toll.

Israel says the majority of Palestinians were attackers, though others were killed at protests or during raids.
John Kerry has tasted the bitterness of political failure.

The former U.S. secretary of state lost to George W. Bush in the 2004 U.S. presidential election by 35 Electoral College votes; the margin of victory was the slimmest ever recorded for a sitting president.

But now Kerry is using that disappointment in a bid to quell rising tensions in Kenya, where the result of Tuesdays general electionwhich has not even yet been confirmedhas prompted accusations of hacking and stoked fears of violence.

I know what its like to lose an election. I lost by one state the presidency of the United States, and I had a lot of reasons to complain about what happened in Ohio or in other states. But you gotta get over it and move on, said Kerry Thursday at a press conference in Nairobi, where he has headed up the election observation mission from the Carter Center. Kerry was likely referencing issues with the voting system in Ohio that led to a recount and reduced margin of victory for Bush.

John Kerry George Bush

DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty

The resultand perhaps more significantly, the aftermathof Kenyas presidential election is not yet clear. With almost 99 percent of the votes counted, incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta is in front with 54 percent of the vote, ahead of opposition leader Raila Odinga at 45 percent. Kenyas electoral commission has said the result will be confirmed on Friday.

Read more: A brutal murder in Kenya highlights why its election matters to the U.S.

But Odinga has signaled he will not accept the result quietly. Odinga stated on Thursday that unknown figures had hacked into the electronic systems of the electoral commissionusing the identity of Chris Msando, the commissions IT chief who was tortured and murdered less than two weeks before the voteand swayed the vote in favor of Kenyatta. Odinga has called for calm but has also not ruled out summoning his supporters to the streets.

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Such a move would have a dreadful familiarity in Kenya. After the 2007 election, which Odinga lost to incumbent Mwai Kibaki amid allegations of rigging, supporters of both candidates clashed over several months in an ethnically charged conflict that left more than 1,000 people dead.

Raila Odinga supporters

LUIS TATO/AFP/Getty

Kerry has led the Carter Centers observation mission in Kenya, which saw observers deployed at more than 400 polling stations across the country, as well as 36 tallying centers. The center said in a preliminary statement on Thursday that despite some problems in the transmission of results from polling stations to tallying centers, the vote had been conducted in a peaceful and calm atmosphere. It urged candidates to wait for the official results before commenting and to use established legal channels to resolve any disputes and ensure that their supporters remain calm before and after the results have been confirmed.

Kerry himself said the vote appeared to have proceeded in a free and fair manner. The process that was put in place is proving its value thus far, he said. Kenya has made a remarkable statement to Africa and the world about its democracy and the character of that democracy. Dont let anybody besmirch that.

Former President Barack Obama also has urged Kenyans and their leaders to reject tribal and ethnic hatred and to work together no matter what the outcome.

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By Humphrey Malalo and Rajiv Golla NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya's election commission dismissed claims on Wednesday by opposition leader Raila Odinga that its systems and website had been hacked to produce a "fictitious" lead for Odinga's long-time rival President Uhuru Kenyatta. Angry protests erupted in opposition strongholds in the capital Nairobi and the western city of Kisumu as the counting of votes from Tuesday's election continued, but the election commission said the election had been free and fair. Police shot dead at least three people and protesters killed a fourth, witnesses said. Although the violence remained largely contained, Kenyans were nervously hoping to avoid a repetition of the ethnic killings that followed a disputed 2007 presidential poll, when some 1,200 people died. As of 1900 GMT, provisional results from the election commission website put Kenyatta in front with 54.3 percent of votes counted to 44.8 percent for Odinga - a margin of 1.4 million ballots with 97 percent of polling stations reported. Earlier Odinga published his own party's assessment of the count on Twitter, saying he had 8.1 million votes against 7.2 million for Kenyatta. He provided no supporting documentation. "Our election management system is secure. There was no external interference to the system at any point before, during, and after voting," election commission head Ezra Chiloba told a news conference. "The (hacking) claims being made could not be substantiated from our end," he said following an investigation. Odinga had said hackers could have used the identity of a top election official, who was tortured and murdered days before the vote. His statements raised concerns of unrest over the results in Kenya, which has East Africa's biggest economy and is a regional hub. Odinga posted 50 pages of computer logs online to support his hacking claims, but they were "inconclusive", according to Matt Bernhard, who studies computer security in election systems at the University of Michigan. Some time stamps appeared out of order and it was hard to evaluate the veracity of screenshots without access to a server, he said. "NO RAILA, NO PEACE!" Odinga urged his supporters to remain calm but added: "I don't control the people". His deputy Kalonzo Musyoka said the opposition might call for unspecified "action" later. In Nairobi police killed one demonstrator, and in Kisumu, an opposition stronghold, they fired teargas to scatter a group of 100 protesters. Unarmed men marched through the streets waving sticks and chanting "No Raila, no peace". In coastal Tana River county, a gang wielding machetes attacked a tallying centre, killing one man and injuring another, said a community elder who witnessed the attack. Police shot dead two attackers. Foreign observer missions declined to comment on the hacking allegations but urged all parties to stay calm. Kenyatta, a 55-year-old businessman seeking a second five-year term, has held a steady lead of around 10 percent since the start of counting after Tuesday's peaceful vote, the culmination of a hard-fought contest between the heads of Kenya's two political dynasties. Odinga, 72, a former political prisoner and self-described leftist, described the reported hack as an attack on Kenya's democracy and published 50 pages of computer logs on his Facebook page to support his claims. Despite its multi-million dollar electronic voting system, the crucial evidence on voting comes from the paper forms signed at each of the country's 41,000 polling stations. Results in each polling station are recorded on a form - known as 34A - that observers from each party must sign. These are then scanned and sent to the election board for posting online, a measure designed to combat rigging. The commission said it was working flat out to post all 41,000 forms online. The Kenya Human Rights Commission, a well-known non-governmental organisation, said it had discovered some discrepancies between provisional results on the election commission website and the paper forms. Of 112 polling stations sampled by Reuters from across the country, two thirds had a match between the electronic and paper results. The rest either had no online scan of the 34A form, or the photographs were illegible or of something else. There was one polling place that had a discrepancy of a single vote - a possible typo - and one with an unusually large number of rejected votes. VOTE RIGGING Odinga ran in Kenya's last two elections and lost, blaming vote rigging following irregularities on both occasions. In 2007, tallying was halted and the incumbent president declared the winner, triggering an outcry from Odinga's camp and waves of ethnic violence that led to International Criminal Court charges against Kenyatta and his now-deputy, William Ruto. The cases against them collapsed as witnesses died or disappeared. In 2013, Odinga took his concerns to court, quelling potential clashes. The court later confirmed the result. Kenya's shilling firmed and bond prices rose on early results, before retreating in the wake of the claims by Odinga, who is seen as less pro-business than Kenyatta. "Kenyatta's provisional win will soothe those investors who feared a leftist shift in economic policy," said Hasnain Malik, global head of equities research at Exotix Capital. "The most important issues are ahead of us: Does Odinga concede peacefully? His initial rhetoric suggests there is a risk he does not." Kenya's B+ credit rating and stable outlook won't be affected by its election as long as there is no repeat of the 2007 violence, the S&P Global agency said. (Additional reporting by Maggie Fick in Kisumu, Joseph Akwiri in Mombasa, Noor Ali in Isiolo and Katharine Houreld, George Obultusa, Duncan Miriri and John Ndiso in Nairobi, and Marc Jones in London; Writing by Katharine Houreld and Ed Cropley; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Gareth Jones)
The perfect fitting room We asked veteran retail consultant Brian Laney what makes the perfect fitting room. Heres what he had to say.

In a 1994 Seinfeld episode, Elaine Benes, the fictional character played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, spends an afternoon shopping a huge sale at Barneys department store in New York City. Elaine finds a dress she loves, and she thinks it loves her back. That is, until she gets home.

I try this dress on. Stunning. Stunning. I couldnt take my eyes off myself, Elaine tells Jerry Seinfeld. OK, so then I put it on at home. It looks like Im carrying twins!

And in that comedic moment, Elaine identified the arch nemesis of every frustrated shopper: skinny mirrors. Skinny mirrors! They make you look, like, 10 pounds lighter! she cries.

If Elaines plight sounds familiar, then you too may have fallen victim to the skinny mirror snafu, in which a particularly cheap or warped mirror reflects to you a morphed version of your size, perhaps taller and thinner than you see yourself IRL. But more on that later.

While Elaine was certainly on to something, the truth is, theres so much more to a disheartening fitting room experiences than the culpable skinny mirror. There are actually dozens of things that affect how you feel about yourself when you try something on in-store, and retailers have struggled for years to perfect the fitting room formula.

Fitting rooms are a psychological land mine for everybody, Marge Laney, CEO of retail consulting company Alert Tech said in 2015. Retailers cant do anything about that at all, and they shouldnt even try to address that. What they can do is ride as lightly as they can on psychological problems by creating an environment that makes the customer look and feel good.

Laneys son Brian, the vice president of sales and product for Alert Tech, has worked with his mother for the last 20-plus years, and talked to Yahoo Style about how he tries to help retailers be successful and shoppers comfortable.

Brian Laney says that until the 2010s, fitting rooms were horribly utilized and retailers really didnt pay attention to how fitting rooms impact sales.

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Spending money on a high quality mirror is really important, but labor is also one of the largest costs that retailers spend money on, he adds, and they werent training their labor to address fitting room problems, like connecting people with associates.

According to the National Retail Federation, more than two-thirds of shoppers who use fitting rooms are likely to buy something, and those who use fitting rooms are twice as likely to buy than people who dont use them. Other fitting room factors that majorly affect sales: the availability of a salesperson to pull another size and the length of the fitting room line to begin with.

Some retailers have tried to bring too much technology into what should be a simple, comfortable space, which can ultimately make fitting room lines longer, says Laney. The so-called magic mirror craze in 2015, in which smart mirrors that displayed widgets and touch screen functionality to shoppers, never quite caught on, despite industry fanfare and implementation at stores like Rebecca Minkoff.

Laney says its because adding high-tech features to a space where shoppers already feel vulnerable adds another layer of stress to the mix. Plus, shoppers who arent tech savvy end up spending too much time in fitting rooms trying to figure out how to work the machinery, creating even longer fitting room lines.

So, if all this tech isnt the answer to fitting room woes, what is? The formula for a perfect fitting room isnt as tough as retailers make it out to be, according Laney, who boils it down in the following way: Fitting rooms shouldnt make shoppers feel claustrophobic or like they need a flashlight; if youre sweating before youve unzipped your pants, its too hot; if there are leftover clothes or debris from previous shoppers, thats a deterrent for buyers.

Regarding those pesky mirrors, Yahoo Style spoke with Michael Tuts, physics department chair at Columbia University, for the skinny on how to spot a mirror you can trust. When a mirror is vertically convex (the top and bottom of the mirror bends and bulges out in the middle) or horizontally convex (the sides are squeezed until the middle bulges out), the way the light reflects off the mirror can reveal an image that isnt true to size. Meaning that you might appear shorter and fatter or taller and thinner than you truly are.

Tuts says flat mirrors will the reflect the same height and width of the object (in this case, you).

The way you could tell [a mirror is flat] is by taking in a nice straight ruler in with you  hold it vertically on the mirror and see that it touches everywhere. There should be no gaps between the ruler and the mirror surface, Tuts explains. Now hold it horizontally. If there are no gaps, then it is a flat mirror, whereas if you see a gap at the end of the ruler, then you are looking in a skinny-making mirror.

The horror of all horrors when it comes to mirrors might be when the mirror itself is placed outside an individuals fitting room, a cardinal sin according to Laney. Still, some retailers like Aritzia stand by their decision to use communal mirrors in a spacious, well-lit environment that allows for a more social shopping experience and greater access to our highly knowledgeable stylists, says an Aritzia spokesperson.

And if anything else in that fitting room is making you feel uncomfortable, consider whether youd feel better trying on the clothes at home (depending, of course, on the stores return policy). Thats always been this writers MO, and it probably wouldve helped one Elaine Benes 20 years ago, too.

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

 Angelina Jolie, One of Hollywoods Highest Paid Stars, Wore an Affordable Everlane Outfit

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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.
In June, Kim Kardashian inadvertently made herself a target for mommy shamers when she posted a photo of her son, Saint West, in his car seat. Today, she decided to put herself out there again explaining why the then 18-month-old was seated facing forward.

Check out teaser photos of Kim Kardashians upcoming KKW Beauty product: powder contour and highlight kits.

So, I took a photo of Saint, and he was sitting forward, West begins in an excerpt from a video on her app. So, they say for his age he should be rear-facing.

Thats according to a California law, which went into effect in January, that states children under 2 should be in rear-facing car seats  unless they weigh 40 lbs or more, or they are 40 inches tall. That last bit, it turns out, is Kardashians defense.

New facts video! Watch now on my app https://t.co/JBTpwyYpxD pic.twitter.com/NsPULssm8u  Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) August 10, 2017

But what people didnt know was that Saint is now the weight and the height requirement to sit forward facing, she says. Saint actually weighs more than North. If that is believable, he does.

It does sound a little bit unbelievable that he weighs 40 lbs and is 40 inches tall. The average weight for a toddler of that age is 22-26 lbs, and the average height is about 32-37 inches tall, and being 40 lbs and 40 inches would put him above the 99th percentile for his age. Thats fine. Babies come in all sizes, but from the pictures weve seen, it doesnt really look like hes quite that huge.

 A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Jun 6, 2017 at 4:30pm PDT

A more believable explanation? He weighs at least 22 lbs, which is the minimum weight for facing forward in a Maxi-Cosi convertible car seat like Saints. Thats not abiding by the California law or by the American Academy of Pediatrics official recommendation, but its still not the equivalent of dangling your child out the window of the car and its perfectly legal in most other places.

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Interesting that Kardashian decided to open herself up for more shaming (will people say shes feeding the kid too much?), instead of just telling the chorus of critics to mind their own children.

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.




If shrubbery and peatlands catch on fire on a sparsely populated island that's synonymous with snow and ice, will anyone notice?

The answer, thanks to satellite monitoring, is an unequivocal "yes." During the past several days, scientists have been keeping close tabs on an unusually large wildfire in southwest Greenland, about 90 miles northeast of the town of Sisimiut. This is one of at least two fires currently burning in Greenland.

SEE ALSO: Nuclear war with North Korea 'would be suicidal', climate experts warn

While fires are not unheard of along the ice-free edges of the island, the large one near Sisimiut is noteworthy for its size and duration, scientists say. Wildfires in Greenland are outpacing past years in terms of the number of satellite-detected incidents.

The current fire is the largest wildfire spotted in Greenland since a NASA satellite instrument was turned on in 2002.

The Greenland fire evolution since July 29 as captured by @ESA_EO 's #sentinel2 pic.twitter.com/Iuk9blyui9  Stef Lhermitte (@StefLhermitte) August 9, 2017

While most of Greenland is covered by snow and ice, the edges of the island are covered by grasses, shrubs, mosses, and other vegetation that, when sufficiently dry, can burn.

According to NASA, satellites first detected evidence of the fire on July 31, 2017. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument and the Suomi NPP satellite's instruments collected daily images of smoke streaming from the fire over the next week.

An analysis from Stef Lhermitte of the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands suggests that NASA's MODIS instrument has spotted more wildfire activity in Greenland in 2017 than it has during any other year since the sensor began collecting data in 2000.

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The fire may be burning through peat, which would make it particularly destructive, since peatlands store large amounts of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane.

It is not clear what triggered the fire, though it may have been human-caused since hunting and fishing are popular at this time of year.

Ruth Mottram, a climate scientist at the Danish Meteorological Institute, said the fire is occurring in an area "popular with hunters."

"I spoke to a Greenlandic journalist today who had spoken to the fire service, they have apparently also suggested the two [fires] currently burning are most likely human-caused fires," Mottram said in an email.

She also suspects it's a peat fire, saying: "I have not been to this area, but it seems very likely it is a peatland area given other locations Ive visited."

The area where the large fire is burning has been drier than average this year, with much less precipitation than usual in July, for example.

To wrap up: wildfires have occurred in the past over Greenland but 2017 is exceptional in number of active fire detections by MODIS pic.twitter.com/2HGaVieTEe  Stef Lhermitte (@StefLhermitte) August 7, 2017

Mottram hesitated to blame the fire on any climate change trends, though the Arctic is warming rapidly thanks to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.

"Its an arid area  and these low rainfall periods happen," she said. "We can say that the mean temperatures in Greenland have been increasing though, based on observations."

Jason Box, a climate scientist who also closely studies the Greenland Ice Sheet, said the ongoing fires "are not abnormal," but that the increase in shrubbery in the Arctic is a climate change-related trend that provides more fuel for fires to burn.

Box said that studies have shown that there could be a "sharp increase in fire probability with increasing summer temperature," and that fire frequency is expected to increase as global warming continues.

Scientists are currently deployed across the Greenland ice sheet during the field campaign season, trying to get a better handle on how much of the ice sheet is going to melt, and how quickly, since this will help determine the fate of coastal cities worldwide from sea level rise.

Interestingly, this summer has been unusually cold for a large part of Greenland. At the Summit Station on top of the ice sheet, a record low temperature for July was set on the 4th, when the temperature dipped to minus-30 degrees Celsius, or minus-22 degrees Fahrenheit. Then on July 28, the temperature climbed to 1.9 degrees Celsius, or 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

The wildfire near Sisimiut began during that period of mild weather, illustrating the link between temperatures and wildfire.
Total solar eclipses dont often appear in the United States, which makes the coming event on August 21 all the rarer. This eclipse will travel in a thin 70-mile wide path across the entire nation, from Oregon to South Carolina.

The last time any part of the country experienced a total solar eclipse was nearly 40 years ago, on February 26, 1979. The path of the eclipse started in the Northwest, beginning in Washington and traveling east to North Dakota before moving into Canada.

The year that our nation declared its independence, in 1776, was the last time a total solar eclipse occurred only over the United States and in no other country, just as it will do next month.

Total eclipse events  when the moon completely passes in front of the sun  may come infrequently (in fact, about two occur somewhere on our vast planet every three years), but the United States has experienced other types of solar eclipses more recently.

On May 20, 2012, a portion of the western United States experienced an annular solar eclipse. During these events, the moon moves in front of the sun, but in a transit where it only covers the center of sun (because the orbits of the two bodies are such that they are farther away from each other). This leaves the outer edges of the sun visible, creating a ring of fire-like effect around the moon. The next annular solar eclipse that can be seen in the United States will occur on October 14, 2023, and will be visible from California to Florida.

Although the August 2017 total solar eclipse will only be visible to folks within a narrow band slashing across the country, a partial solar eclipse will be visible to the entire nation. From vantage points outside of the path of totality, viewers will see the moon obstructing a portion of the sun, and for those close to the path of totality, much of the sun will still be blotched out.

Inverse details how to safely watch the eclipse here.

Written by Mark Kaufman

More articles by Mark  Follow Mark on Twitter

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White House senior adviser Jared Kushner and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin leave the Rose Garden, July 25, 2017. (Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP)

Remember the Republican Partys crusade to repeal Obamacare? You know, the one that featured prominently in pretty much every GOP campaign ad between 2010 and 2016  and then consumed the whole of President Trumps legislative agenda for first seven months of the year before collapsing in chaos right before lawmakers left town for August recess?

Never mind all that. Next month, Republicans plan to move on to tax reformand they swear that this time, everything will be different.

As Bloomberg Politics reported Wednesday, the White House is now seeking to advance Trumps signature tax code overhaul and avoid the missteps that doomed the effort to repeal Obamacare by toning down presidents improvisational approach in favor of a more tightly orchestrated process.

The centerpiece of this strategy, according to the four anonymous White House officials who spoke to Bloomberg, is a weekly meeting of aides and advisors who have taken to calling themselves The Red Team. The name  an homage to the similar groups that formed during George W. Bushs big legislative battles  is meant to convey urgency and close coordination, officials said.

There is a concentration of the mind, said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. They in the White House have done much more focused job of messaging this issue than earlier issues.

But as Trumps so-called Red Team schemes about messaging, its members would be wise to remember how rarely tax reform has succeeded in the past  and try to learn some lessons from the few times it has.

The last time Congress reformed the federal tax code was more than three decades ago. The story of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 is long and convoluted. But the one thing everyone seems to agree on  the key to the bills eventual success  is that it was a bipartisan effort.

Tax reform typically involves two related tweaks designed to simplify and stabilize the tax code: Cutting rates to provide relief to individuals and corporations, and broadening the base  i.e. taxing income that is currently untaxed (which is usually accomplished by eliminating various deductions and shelters). The reason tax reform is rarely enacted is that pretty much everyone  whether youre an ordinary taxpayer or a powerful special interest  has a deduction theyd rather not lose: mortgage interest, charitable giving, etc. Taking away stuff that people like is generally considered bad politics.

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The way Republicans and Democrats typically avoid shouldering the blame for the less popular aspects of tax reform is simple: They hold hands and jump together. In his 1984 State of the Union address, President Ronald Reagan announced that he had directed his treasury secretary to develop a plan to simplify the entire tax code so all taxpayers, big and small, are treated more fairly. Democratic Sens. Bill Bradley of New Jersey and Dick Gephardt of Missouri were already touting their own proposal to reduce rates and eliminate preferences. When the Treasury finally unveiled its framework in late November, Democrats didnt bolt; instead, two pivotal House leaders  Speaker Tip ONeill and Dan Rostenkowski, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, quickly decided that they should join [Reagan] and try to win some credit for the Democratic Party, as the New York Times later put it.

What followed was one of the all-time-great demonstrations of across-the-aisle sausage-making. Rostenkowski declared tax reform his mission in 1985, then endorsed the principles of Reagans proposal in a primetime speech. Reagan undertook an extraordinary trip to Capitol Hill to personally lobby reluctant Republicans, flipping 35 GOP votes in the process. Sen. Bob Packwood of Oregon, chairman of the Finance Committee, assembled a team of seven senators  four Republicans and three Democrats  to secretly craft an 11th-hour tax package, then convinced them to band together against any changes to the proposal.

The Senate eventually approved Packwoods bill by a staggering 97-to-3 margin; to hammer out a final version, Packwood and Rostenkowski engaged in five days of nonstop man-to-man negotiations. In the end, Reagan signed the bill into law on the South Lawn of the White House as rows of instrumental Republicans and Democrats beamed behind him.

Lawmakers look on as President Ronald Reagan signs into law a landmark tax overhaul on the South Lawn of the White House, Oct. 22, 1986. (Photo: AP)

But that, of course, was then. In 1986, Republicans controlled only the White House and the Senate; the House was firmly in Democratic hands. Today, the GOP has total control in Washington  and as a result, its leaders dont seem to think bipartisanship is necessary anymore.

I dont think this is going to be 1986, when you had a bipartisan effort to scrub the code, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters earlier this month.

The president appears to be equally unenthusiastic about pulling a Reagan.

One of the worst ideas in recent history, Trump wrote about the bipartisan, broadening-the-base aspects of the 1986 reform law.

Instead, the Senate GOPs current scheme is to use the 51-vote budget reconciliation process to pass a tax bill along partisan linesjust like they tried to do with their Obamacare repeal plan.

The problem with this, as New York magazines Jonathan Chait has pointed out, is that reducing the universe of possible votes to the 52 Republican senators gives any three of them the power to kill the bill  which means that eliminating deductions  is going to be virtually impossible, because almost every Republican senator is going to have at least one current preference in the tax code they want to keep. In this scenario, the likeliest outcome is that Republicans skip the hard stuff and stick to what they can all agree on  and high-minded tax reform morphs into another big, unpaid-for, Bush-style tax cut.

There is, however, another path. Tax reform has occasionally succeeded without a divided government to necessitate bipartisanship  at least on the state level. Utah is probably the best recent example. In 2006, recently elected Republican Gov. John Huntsman Jr.,  now Trumps nominee for ambassador to Russia  took up the mantle of tax reform. (The push started with his predecessor.) By 2008, Utah had eliminated its old income tax structure  six brackets with increasing marginal tax rates  in favor of a single, flat, personal income tax of 5 percent; the state also replaced many deductions with a credit system that phased out as income rose. At the time, roughly three-quarters of Utahs state legislators were Republicans.

Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. at a governors conference in Washington, Feb. 24, 2008. (Photo: Charles Dharapak/AP)

So how did Huntsman & Co. do it?

In a certain sense, its impossible to compare Utah and Washington. The former, a stronghold of Western conservatism and Mormon tradition, is relatively homogenous, both ideologically and culturally; the latter isnt. Also, state tax issues tend to be lower stakes than federal tax issues, so the politics are rarely as perilous.

Even so, the movers and shakers behind Utahs tax reform effort did manage (in a 2008 journal article) to distill their experience into a few simple lessons. The striking thing is how many of these lessons align with what federal lawmakers learned in 1986, and how few of them seem to have gotten through to todays Republicans.

The first is that tax reform takes time. From the moment Reagan announced that simplifying the tax code was a top priority to the moment he signed the bill into law was a nearly three-year process. Same for Utah: Huntsmans predecessor, Olene Walker, may have gotten the ball rolling in 2003, but a final bill didnt pass for another four years. Trump wants a reform bill on his desk by October; Senate Republicans have said theyll get the job done by the end of the year. Even that longer timeline is probably too optimistic, at least for real tax reform.

The second lesson from Utah is that principles matter, and that pursuing comprehensive reform may be the best way to preserve them. Walker and Huntsman  as well as Reagan and Rostenkowski  were committed to both cutting rates and broadening the base. Thats how they were able to pass reforms that might not have been popular in isolation but were designed to make the system more streamlined and equitable overall. As the Utah reformers have written, true tax reform undoubtedly creates winners and losers, so attempting reform one proposal at a time invites opponents [to] selectively attack individually unappealing changes and encourages legislators to do the easy things first.

Its true that House Speaker Paul Ryan has been compiling his tax reform wish list for years. But right now theres no actual legislation on the table and no one can even agree on what such legislation should include. McConnell, for example, has said that reform must be revenue-neutral; Trump, meanwhile, has said that he doesnt care about raising the deficit. Thats a huge disagreement.

The final lesson from Utah is that tax reform needs a champion  a political leader, as the reformers explained in their article, who understands fiscal issues but also understands the importance of the political process. In Utah, Huntsman was that champion. He campaigned on tax reform in 2004; he called it his No. 1 priority upon taking office; and he fought through three regular legislative sessions  and called an additional special session  to make it a reality. Reagan acted similarly, introducing his plan in a primetime televised address, stumping for it in Oshkosh, Wis., and elsewhere during the spring of 1985, and personally lobbying for its passage on Capitol Hill.

Can Trump be an active, engaged champion for tax reform? So far, theres little reason to believe he will try (given that he was largely absent from the recent wrangling over Obamacare) or that he would be effective if he did (given that his approval rating is a historically low 37 percent).

Still, the presidents Red Team, which is headed up by legislative director Marc Short and includes representatives from Jared Kushners Office of American Innovation, Steven Mnuchins Treasury Department, Gary Cohns National Economic Council and Vice President Mike Pences office, should probably look to the past as they plot the future of the U.S. tax system.

And they might want to give Trumps new ambassador to Russia a call as well.

Read more from Yahoo News:
President Trump isnt just down in the polls personally, so are some of his policies.

After six months in office, Trumps approval rating is just 37% in the Gallup daily poll, and hes hit record lows in other surveys. At the same time, a number of his policies have also polled poorly, while a handful have scored well in surveys.

Heres a quick look at where Trumps policies stand in the polls, in order from most to least popular.

Barring Travel from Six Muslim-Majority Countries: 60% Support

In January, Trump introduced a a travel ban on visitors from six predominantly Muslim countries. The executive order faced months of legal and political challenges, and unclear public opinion: conflicting polls variously reported both support and disapproval of the measure. But a July POLITICO/Morning Consult poll reported definitively that 60% of respondents supported the revised version of the policy.

Using a Skills-Based Immigration System: 60% Support

In August, Trump announced his support for the RAISE Act, a longshot Senate bill that would change the immigration system to more heavily consider factors like English proficiency and college degrees. In a POLITICO/Morning Consult poll, 60% of respondents favored such a system.

Reducing Legal Immigration: 48% Support

The RAISE Act would also reduce legal immigration by half over the next decade. The POLITICO/Morning Consult survey taken after Trump announced his support for the bill found that 48% of voters back the reduction in legal immigrants, while 39% opposed it.

Repealing Obamacare Without a Replacement: 50% Against

In late June, Trump tweeted that Senate Republicans should immediately REPEAL Obamacare, and then pass a replacement bill at a later date. But that move, which would eventually be tested in the Senates failed attempt to pass a skinny repeal bill, is unpopular. Fifty percent of voters in a POLITICO/Morning Consult poll said the opposed a repeal without replacement, while just 36% expressed support.

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Cutting Medicaid: 53% Against

Though he pledged not to touch Medicaid on the campaign trail, Trump supported health care bills in Congress that would have cut the insurance program for lower-income Americans dramatically. A POLITICO/Morning Consult poll in June found that 53% of voters objected to the reductions in Medicaid. Only 27% supported the cuts.

Barring Transgender Troops: 58% Against

In July, Trump unexpectedly announced via Twitter that transgender people would be barred from serving in the military in any capacity, citing tremendous medical costs and disruption. Days later, a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll found that 58 percent believed that transgender people should be allowed to serve. Only 27% said they should not be allowed to serve.

Leaving the Paris Climate Deal: 62% Against

In May, Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris agreement, fulfilling a campaign promise to divert funding away from climate change. Sixty-two percent of voters in a Quinnipiac poll said they disapproved of the Presidents decision to withdraw from the accord. Only 32% backed the idea.

Building the Border Wall: 64% Against

Trumps call for a wall along the Mexican border was one of his major campaign promises, and his proposed 2018 budget included a request for $1.6 billion to begin construction. But a May survey by Quinnipiac found that 64% of voters oppose building the wallup from 55% who opposed it in November. Only 33% supported the idea.
From Woman's Day

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1. WINNER SELECTION: Winners (individually and collectively, the "Winner") will be selected on or about 10/31/2017 in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received. Each sweepstakes is a different drawing that must be entered separately. All the sweepstakes in these Official Rules are individually and collectively the "Sweepstakes." In the event the Sponsor does not receive any eligible entries, the Sponsor has the right to cancel the Sweepstakes. Drawing will be conducted by Woman's Day, whose decisions are final. Odds of winning will depend upon the total number of eligible entries received for each sweepstakes. In the event Canadians are eligible to enter as specified in the Eligibility paragraph below, and if there is a Canadian Winner, the Winner will be required to correctly answer a mathematical skill testing question as a condition of receiving the prize. Important Notice: You may be charged for visiting the mobile website in accordance with the terms of your service agreement with your carrier. Please consult your wireless service provider regarding your pricing plan. You must use a Smartphone device to participate via your mobile phone. Not all mobile phone providers carry the necessary service to participate. Check your phone capabilities for specific Internet instructions. If your data usage exceeds what is allotted by your data plan, you could be subject to additional fees by your carrier. Please contact your mobile service provider with any questions regarding your bill.

2. WINNER NOTIFICATION: Winner will be notified within one (1) month of the last day of the Sweepstakes, via e-mail, and/or at Sponsor's discretion, via phone or postal mail. In the event the Winner doesn't respond to Sponsor's notification or does not accept the prize within five (5) business days of notification, the prize will be deemed forfeited and an alternate Winner will be selected. In the event that any one or more potential Winner(s) fails to respond as stated above, declines the prize or fails to provide signed affidavits or releases, such Winner(s) will be deemed to forfeit the prize and Sponsor will select an alternate Winner(s) from the remaining eligible entrants. If any alternate(s) similarly fails to respond or declines the prize, Sponsor will use a reasonable number of attempts, in its discretion, to award the prize(s) to another alternate(s) but if it is unable to do so, the prize(s) will be finally forfeited and Sponsor shall have no further liability in connection with said Sweepstakes. List of Winners: For the names of the Winners, send a separate self-addressed, stamped envelope to Woman's Day July and August Sweepstakes Winners' List, Hearst Communications, Inc., 300 West 57th Street NY, NY 10019 within two (2) months from the Winner notification date as specified above.

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Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, Hollywood, FL Getaway Sweepstakes: Beginning 8/11/17 at 12:01 AM (ET) through 10/11/17 at 11:59 PM (ET) (the "Entry Period"), go to womansday.com/giveaways on a computer or wireless device and complete and submit the entry form pursuant to the onscreen instructions. Prizes & Approximate Retail Value: One (1) winner will receive one (1) four (4) day, three (3) night stay for winner and a guest at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort in Hollywood, FL. The prize package includes three (3) nights accommodations in a double occupancy room ($1,050) and one (1) $150 gift card towards a meal at JWP Prime Steak and Seafood ($150); one (1) welcome beverage each for winner and guest in a refillable Blender Cup ($38); and one (1) Spa certificate to winner and guest for 50 minute Swedish Massage each ($340). Transportation not provided. Hotel accommodations are at Sponsor's discretion and subject to availability. Arrangements must be made at least 30 days prior to departure. Once scheduled, the itinerary cannot be altered and failure of Winner to follow such a schedule shall not obligate Sponsor in any way to provide the Winner with alternate arrangements. Winner will be solely responsible for all meals, incidental expenses, tips and gratuities, income and other taxes, ground transportation, and all other costs and expenses not otherwise specified herein. All travelers must possess valid travel documents. The travel companion of Winner must execute a Publicity/Liability Release prior to departure. Any difference between the stated ARV and the actual value of the prize will not be awarded in any form. Approx. retail value of prize package: $1,578; total ARV of all prize packages awarded: $1,578.

3. ENTRIES: Limit one (1) entry per person per day for Sweepstakes. Multiple entries from the same person per day will be disqualified. Entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be returned. Proof of submission does not constitute proof of receipt. If applicable, illegible, inaccurate, lost, late, misdirected, incomplete, mutilated, postage due or mechanically reproduced entry forms or entry forms that have been tampered with will be disqualified. Online entrants must have valid email address and it is entrant's responsibility to update Sponsor of any change in email address. The mobile phone number and wireless service provider/carrier of mobile entrants (if applicable) will be automatically captured in the Sweepstakes database and all participation will be limited to that phone number unless entrant notifies Sponsor of a change. If there is a dispute as to the identity of an online or mobile entrant, the prize will be awarded to the authorized account holder of the email address or mobile phone. The "authorized account holder" is defined as the natural person to whom the email address or mobile phone is assigned by an internet service provider, online service provider, carrier, mobile phone provider or other organization (e.g., business, educational institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning the email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted email address or responsible for assigning the mobile phone number.

4. ELIGIBILITY: Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are eighteen (18) years of age in their state or territory of residence at time of entry. Legal residents of Canada (excluding Quebec) who have reached the aforementioned age in their province of residence at time of entry are also eligible to enter. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Employees of Sponsor, its parents, affiliates and subsidiaries, participating advertising and promotion agencies, independent judging organizations, and prize suppliers (and members of their immediate family and/or those living in the same of household of each such employee) are not eligible.

5. CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION: Expenses not specifically included in prize description and all taxes are the sole responsibility of the Winner. Each prize is awarded "as is" with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied outside of manufacturer's limited warranty. No transfer, assignment or substitution of a prize permitted, except Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prize for an item of equal or greater value in the event an advertised prize is unavailable. The Winner is required to comply with any and all applicable federal, state, provincial, if Canadians are eligible to enter, and local laws, rules and regulations. All federal, state and local taxes, and any other costs not specifically provided for in these Official Rules are solely the Winner's responsibility. If the actual retail value of any Winner's prize is $600 or more, the Winner must complete a W9 form and supply Sponsor with his/her social security number for tax purposes. An IRS Form 1099 will be issued in the name of the Winner for the actual value of the prizes received. Sponsor shall have no responsibility or obligation to the Winner or potential Winner who are unable or unavailable to accept or utilize prizes as described herein. Entrants agree to be bound by the terms of these Official Rules and by the decisions of Sponsor, which are final and binding on all matters pertaining to this Sweepstakes. Winner may be required to sign and return an Affidavit of Eligibility, a Liability Release and where legally permissible a Publicity Release within seven (7) days following the date of first attempted notification. Failure to comply with this deadline may result in forfeiture of the prize and selection of an alternate Winner. Return of any prize/prize notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate Winner. Winner hereby further agrees that it will sign any documents necessary to transfer copyright of his/her submitted entry, if applicable, to Sponsor within seven (7) days following the date of first attempted notification. By entering, Entrant grants permission for Sponsor, and any of its affiliates and subsidiaries, participating advertising and promotion agencies, and prize suppliers to use the entrant's submission (including an altered form of the entry), if any, for editorial, advertising and promotional purposes without additional compensation, unless prohibited by law. If images are being submitted to Sponsor as a requirement for entry, Entrants agree that they have all rights to use the images submitted and to allow Sponsor, any of its affiliates and subsidiaries, participating advertising and promotion agencies, and prize suppliers to reuse any of the images, without any liability, for editorial, advertising and promotional purposes. Additionally, acceptance of the prize by Winner constitutes permission for Sponsor and any affiliates and subsidiaries, participating advertising and promotion agencies, and prize suppliers to use Winner's name and/or likeness and biographical material for editorial, advertising and promotional purposes without additional compensation, unless prohibited by law. By accepting prize, Winner agrees to hold Sponsor, its advertising and promotion agencies and their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, representative agents, successors, assigns, officers, directors, and employees harmless for any injury or damage caused or claimed to be caused by participation in the Sweepstakes or acceptance or use of the prize. Sponsor is not responsible for any printing, typographical, mechanical or other error in the printing of the offer, administration of the Sweepstakes or in the announcement of the prize.

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8. SPONSOR: The Sponsor of these Sweepstakes is Hearst Communications, Inc., 300 W. 57th Street, New York, NY 10019.

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We, as an American society, owe a lot to Michael Brown. The protesters in Ferguson stood up for him  the rest of us must do more to honor his short life

AP10ThingsToSee - Police Shooting Missouri

America has not changed enough to redress the killing of that teenager. Photograph: Jeff Roberson/AP

Three years ago, Michael Brown was shot by officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri. He was left in the street for hours to bleed. This not only allowed him to die in public without medical aid, but also traumatized his neighbors and sparked outrage across the world.



Three years later, America has not changed enough to redress the killing of that teenager. Officer Wilson was never even indicted  most police officers who kill never are. And since Michael Browns death, police killings have continued at an alarming rate, with 1,134 in 2015 and 1,093 in 2016.

Disturbingly, things feel like they are getting worse. Donald Trump was pushed into office on a wave of what historian Carol Anderson has called the politics of white resentment (which post-election survey data also confirms) and a promise of law and order.

He recently joked to a group of police officers that when they see these thugs being thrown into the back of a paddy wagon  you just see em thrown in, rough. Trump used the term thugs as a dog whistle to give cops the idea that they could treat suspects as guilty people, signalling to police they could be judge, jury and executioner.

It brought painful images to mind of how Freddie Gray was given a rough ride in a police van until his spine was destroyed (for which none of the six officers involved were held responsible).

Perhaps the most obvious recent marker that we, as a society, have failed to make black Americans feel safe after the killing of Michael Brown is that the NAACP issued its first ever travel advisory for a state, the dubious honor going to Missouri.



The warning is akin to US state department travel advisories about visiting unsafe foreign countries. Addressed to women, LGBT people and/or black people, the warning said Individuals traveling in the state are advised to travel with extreme CAUTION.

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The NAACP warning was triggered not just by police violence, but by rollbacks in legal protections for minorities from discrimination in Missouri law. The advisory also notes that Two internationally born men [were] gunned down outside in Kansas City after their killer thought them to be Muslim and that African Americans in Missouri [are] 75% more likely to be stopped and searched based on skin color than Caucasians while driving.

Three years on, this is the legacy America has given to Michael Browns killing, and it is shameful. But not everyone has been so complicit in the failure to make a new world.

The protesters in Ferguson, building on the #BlackLivesMatter consciousness created a couple years earlier in response to the killing of Trayvon Martin, fought valiantly for an immediate cessation of anti-black police violence and loudly demanded a new kind of society.

In the battle of ideas, many of those protesters efforts worked. The Black Lives Matter movement exploded, paving the way for anti-racist thinking and demonstrations around the world, and laying the intellectual and activist groundwork for much of the anti-Trump resistance and the Womens March.

Because of their activism, a majority of Americans believe racism is a serious problem to be confronted. The Black Lives Matter movement is one reason why a majority of white Americans now believe the country still hasnt righted the wrongs committed against black America.

Protesters have tried to get America to ask bigger, broader questions about police violence, such as: why is policing used to extract wealth from the poor and to inflict violence on the most marginalised? It is only in an unequal, unethical society in which police violence is not only tolerated, but can flourish.

To this end, I was excited to learn that Rev William Barber (the person behind the moral Mondays movement for years) is launching a call for a new Poor Peoples Campaign on Wednesday. It hopes to give life to the campaign Martin Luther King was planning in 1968, before he was assassinated, to bring together poor people of all races in order to challenge US poverty and militarism.

We, as an American society, owe a lot to Michael Brown. The protesters in Ferguson stood up to those behind his needless killing. The rest of us must now honor his short life more fully. We do that not only by keeping more young black people from being killed by police, but by challenging the kind of unequal, unjust society that leads to such lethal police violence in the first place.


Lyric Mariah Heard is a fierce model who uses her disability to encourage others to love themselves. (Photo: Instagram/phenixsoul)

At a first glance, Lyric Mariah Heard can be categorized as just another pretty face working in the fashion industry. But there is much more to her than meets the eye: Besides her obviously gorgeous looks, the model also has only one foot, and two disfigured hands.

Heard is a fierce advocate for people with disabilities. The 21-year-old was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, a random, non-genetic birth defect thats caused in-utero, and she sees it as a blessing to inspire others to live a fuller life.

Aside from what most people may think I am still fully functional without my leg, she tells Yahoo Style. I aspire to be a voice  to be a go-to when people need a reminder on self-love.

My appearance gave me a purpose and my modeling gave me a platform, she says. Society has a way of making people feel lost and invisible, and unfortunately many people never shake that because its hard and it takes faith.

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Growing up, Heard was bullied, and today she recalls the mental damage hurtful words caused her.

I was judged and humiliated all the time for something that I had absolutely no control over, she says. I didnt understand that, because its not like they were the ones who had to walk around with a four-pound leg and their hands hidden in their pockets  that was me.

When she reached high school, she knew it was time to focus on loving herself fully.

Own what makes you different  no one can be you like you, she says she realized. And if you cant work with what you have, then you will get lost.

Having overcome her feelings of inadequacy today, the Illinois native wants to help others see their unique beauty.

Self-love is the most important kind of love  all of your passions, all of your dreams, all of your aspirations will flourish when you truly love yourself, because then and only then can you succeed, she says.

Offering advice to other people who might feel different, she says, Keep positive groups around you. Your surroundings are really important, because its hard to stay strong on your own all the time.

Heard says she also has been inspired by others who have reached their goals  a reminder that representation of people with disabilities can be crucial when it comes to helping others accept themselves.

Fashion giant Nordstrom has featured models with disabilities since 1991. And most recently they featured model Shaholly Ayers, who has a prosthetic right forearm, in their latest summer catalog.

On why representation is important, Heard says, I think about my goals, and I think about the people that have already reached the goals that I have on my list, and I think: They didnt get there by second guessing themselves.

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.




A New Jersey mom has been accused of abandoning her young son, who has special needs, in a wooded area.

Debra Wisler, of Millville City, is accused of leading the 10-year-old boy into the woods near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on Aug. 3.

Watch: Adoptive Mom Abandons Baby in Hospital After Being Born With Rare Condition

New Jersey State Police said Wisler abandoned the boy with luggage. He then fell asleep then woke up hungry before a passing motorist saw him wandering and contacted military personnel.

The boy was taken to a visitors center, given food and water and then evaluated by military first responders who determined he had minor, non-life-threatening injuries.

Police say the boy told employees of the visitors center that his mother walked him into the woods with his luggage and left him there. He was able to provide his mothers name and phone number to employees, who then contacted Wisler.

Responding State Police detectives assumed custody of the boy and brought him to Bordentown Station. The Division of Child Protection and Permanency was contacted and they were able to locate a temporary home for the boy.

The following day, Wisler spoke with detectives, who said they determined that when Wisler discovered her son was not eligible for a child program at Joint Base McGuire-Dix, she walked him to a nearby wooded area and left him there with only his luggage.

She was arrested at the station and charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

Despite the outrageousness of the allegations, the boy's teacher's aide told CBS New York that the child is the center of Wisler's world.

Watch: Father Arrested for Leaving 5-Year-Old Daughter Alone at Night in the Cold

She got him involved in everything that she could, and all services are available to him and her. I cant even talk, Im just still so shocked, Barbara Todd said.

Wisler has been released pending a court date and it's unclear whether she has an attorney.

Story continues

Watch: After Student Is Lost for 5 Days in Desert, How to Avoid Getting Lost With GPS

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A cardboard cutout of US President Donald Trump is shown during a protest against escalating threats of military action in North Korea: Win McNamee/Getty Images

More than 60 members of Congress have signed on to a letter condemning President Donald Trumps latest comments on North Korea.

The letter  addressed to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and written during the Congressional recess  expressed the legislators profound concern over the statements made by President Trump that dramatically increased tensions with North Korea and raised the specter of nuclear war.

Mr Trump had recently declared that he would send fire and fury to North Korea if they did not cease their threats to the United States. At a press conference on Thursday, he mused that the warning may not be tough enough.

The North Korean government responded by threatening to attack the US territory of Guam.

Mr Trumps statements, the Congress members wrote, are irresponsible and dangerous, and also senselessly provide a boon to domestic North Korean propaganda which has long sought to portray the United States as a threat to their people".

The group called upon the Trump administration to support the constitutional amendment requiring a preemptive nuclear strike to be authorised by Congress  an idea supported by several Republican Congress members, too.

#BREAKING: 60+ members of congress sign letter to Tillerson, rejecting Trump's irresponsible & dangerous remarks about North Korea. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/z9kkYdxJmo  Caroline O. (@RVAwonk) August 10, 2017

The Congress members also supported Mr Tillersons calls for direct talks with North Korea, and asked for information on the steps being taken to advance such a dialogue.

Mr Tillerson has been a moderating voice in the conflict of late, telling Pyongyang in a statement that the US is not your enemy, we are not your threat.

We would like to sit and have a dialogue about the future, Mr Tillerson said.

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That rhetoric has been largely overshadowed by Mr Trumps comments, and by those of advisers such as Defence Secretary James Mattis.

Mr Mattis warned on Wednesday that North Koreas actions "will continue to be grossly overmatched by ours," and that Pyongyang should cease consideration of actions that will lead to the end of the regime and destruction of its people".

National security adviser HR McMaster has also warned that a preventative strike remains a possibility.

Madeleine Bordallo, a Representative from Guam, said such statements are "unhelpful anf dangerous," and have directly threatened the safety of her constituents.

"It is imperative that President Trump and his Administration work towards a peaceful solution to this situation and refrain from any action that could lead toward a military conflict," she said.
Photo credit: As Astra Rocket Company

From Popular Mechanics

Most of today's rockets are chemical rockets, which means they propel themselves through space by combining certain chemicals in a way that makes them explosive. Chemical rockets are heavy and fast-burning, which is great for getting off the surface of Earth, but less great for long voyages to the outer solar system.

For these longer trips, NASA is looking at using a new type of rocket: the plasma rocket.

NASA awarded a contract to the company Ad Astra back in 2015 to build a plasma rocket, and that rocket is rapidly approaching readiness. The company has been running several short tests of the engine and is preparing for a longer, 100-hour test. Once that happens sometime next year, the rocket engine will be closer to real missions.

The plasma rocket, the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR), works by heating neon or argon gas to incredibly high temperatures using magnetic fields. That hot plasma is then fired out of the back of the rocket at very high speeds, providing thrust.

The plasma rocket has an advantage over traditional chemical propellants in that it can provide a small amount of thrust over a very long time, such as days, weeks, or months. Longer burn times mean the rocket needs less fuel, and less fuel means the rocket can carry more cargo. Of course, longer burn times also means longer travel times, but when you're just ferrying around supplies a few extra weeks or months isn't too important.

In addition to carrying cargo, plasma rockets could be used to send spacecraft to distant targets more quickly. Plasma rockets could enable us to reach Jupiter, Saturn, or more distant targets in a year or two instead of the better part of a decade, which could mean more missions to the outer solar system.

In a few short years, plasma might be propelling us around the solar system.

Source: Ars Technica

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By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) - A federal appeals court on Friday upheld a Nebraska law that prohibits picketing within 500 feet of funerals, saying it did not violate the free speech rights of the Westboro Baptist Church, whose members condemn homosexuality.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 3-0 that the law struck an appropriate balance between the rights of law-abiding people to speak, and the privacy right of mourners to grieve without intrusions.

Westboro members often protest at military funerals, and the Topeka, Kansas-based church has drawn attention for appearing at funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

They believe that patriotic displays turn the funerals into "patriotic pep rallies," though the deaths are a result of God's wrath over the United States' tolerance of gays and lesbians.

"This changes nothing," Westboro lawyer Margie Phelps said in an interview. "We've got to be on your streets. We've got to warn you that your soldiers are dying for the nation's proud sins."

Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson welcomed the decision.

"This law strikes the appropriate balance between First Amendment free speech rights and the rights of grieving families to bury their loved ones in peace," he said in a statement.

The law had been challenged by Phelps' sister Shirley Phelps-Roper, a Westboro member involved in picketing the October 2011 funeral of Caleb Nelson, a 26-year-old Navy SEAL from Omaha.

The picketing included signs bearing such messages as "no peace for the wicked" and "thank God for dead soldiers."

Writing for the St. Paul, Minnesota-based appeals court, Circuit Judge Bobby Shepherd said Nebraska's law was narrowly tailored to serve the state's significant interest in protecting funeral attendees' peace and privacy.

He also said the law did not discriminate based on viewpoint, and that Westboro remained free to use the phone, mail, social media and other public property to express itself.

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"WBC is not entitled to its own bubble-ensconced pedestal surrounded by chalk lines or yellow tape any more than those opposed to WBC messages are entitled to a heckler's veto," the judge wrote.

Friday's decision upheld a March 2016 ruling by Chief Judge Laurie Smith Camp of the federal court in Omaha.

The appeals court in 2012 upheld a similar ordinance from the city of Manchester, Missouri, involving a 300-foot buffer.

The case is Phelps-Roper v Ricketts et al, 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 16-1902.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Tom Brown)
A Michigan grandmother died after being attacked by a hippo during a family trip to Tanzania.

Carol Kirken, a registered nurse and philanthropist from suburban Detroit, was watching the hippos with her son, Robert, when the attack unfolded. She died in his arms.

Read: Adventurer Shows Off His Gruesome Injuries After He's Attacked by Grizzly Bear - Twice

"Our cherished Carol Kirken died in Tanzania on August 5. She was on her annual holiday with family members for an African safari," the family wrote in her obituary.

Before her death, the 75-year-old had posted to Facebook to say how excited she was to witness a hippo migration.

Having [passed] 75 years old, she was resolutely shooting for 100," her obituary read. "She would have surely achieved it if not for this accident. We are shocked and saddened at her early departure from our lives.

Her obituary noted that she was "passionate about helping the less fortunate," and was part of multiple charitable efforts in her area.

"Without her there will always be a sadness," it read. "But the joy she created is so much... stronger for her family and friends."

Read: Zookeeper Called 'The Tiger Whisperer' Attacked and Killed by Big Cat

The tragedy highlights how hippos should never be underestimated. The beasts, which can weigh thousands of pounds, can outrun humans.

"The hippopotamus is the most dangerous animal in Africa," Tom Stalf, president and CEO of the Columbus Zoo, told Inside Edition. "They can travel nearly 20 mph. They have very sharp teeth."

Kirken's family was arranging for her body to be flown home and will be holding a memorial for her on Aug. 20, according to local reports.

One of her grandsons remembered her in a touching tribute on Facebook.

"You were an amazing woman and the greatest grandmother anyone could ask for," he wrote.

Watch: The Heart-Stopping Moment a Hippo Charged at a Truck on the Highway

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An outbreak of a highly contagious stomach illness known as norovirus sickened more than 90 people on a cruise ship docked in Brisbane, Australia. The ship remained in port Thursday after a public health spokesperson confirmed at least 91 cases of norovirus on the ship.

"We have been advised that on board testing has found norovirus to be the cause of the illness," a spokeswoman for Metro North Public Health Unit said Thursday, according to the Brisbane Times.

Read: Cruise Ship Passengers Warned Of Pirates Before Blackout

Norovirus, an infection of the gut, is highly contagious but typically lasts just a few days. It can be spread easily through person to person contact or through contaminated food and water.

GettyImages-106753285

Photo: Getty Images

The affected ship was undergoing a "deep cleansing" during its time docked in Brisbane before it would take on another round of passengers.

"Consistent with current public health alerts that norovirus and influenza are widespread in the general community in NSW, Victoria and Queensland respectively, proactive and successful steps were taken on board Sun Princess to limit any spread of the illness," a spokesperson for the cruise line said in a statement Thursday.

The 91 cases of norovirus constituted the fourth such outbreak on the Sun Princess this year alone, according to the West Australian. Around the same number of passengers were sickened in February after a similar outbreak. Another just two weeks later sickened 176, while yet another struck one week later, sickening an undisclosed number of passengers.

In the most recent incident, the first case was reported the very first day of the cruise. Older passengers on the ship were affected first, according to reports.

"There was an outbreak and we, unfortunately, copped it at the very last minute," Carmel Sabiljak, one of the ship's 2,000 passengers, told the West Australian. "It had been brought in by someone who had it out there and brought in on the ship."

Story continues

Read: Are Cruises Safe? Sexual Assault On Ships Poses Danger To Minors

Cases of norovirus, which result in vomiting, diarrhea, fever, aches and pains and other symptoms, have been spreading on land in Australia as well. An outbreak of the virus at a senior living facility in Brisbane led to the deaths of two older residents this week. Other senior care facilities have been hit as well, leading to the quarantine of at least a few.

"It's reasonable to say in the last fortnight we've had at 20 facilities [affected]," Department of Health and Human Services spokesman Bram Alexandra told reporters.

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North Koreas announcement this week that it is preparing plans to fire four missiles near the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam has heightened the tensions between Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump.

After Trump on Tuesday appeared to threaten nuclear war against North Korea by promising fire and fury like the world has never seen, Pyongyang responded Wednesday that it was carefully examining the operational plan for making an enveloping fire at the areas around Guam, according to Reuters.

As many Americans wade through the back-and-forth threats between the two nations, they may be wondering how exactly Guam ended up in the middle of this war of words. Heres what you need to know about Guam, and why its under fire.

What is Guam?

A tiny island in the Pacific Ocean, Guam stretches 30 miles long, and is just 12 miles wide at its largest point.

The United States took Guam from Spain in 1898 during the Spanish-American War, and the island soon became an important U.S. military outpost. During World War II, the Japanese seized Guam after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, but the U.S. took the island back in 1944.

Today, 163,000 people live on the island. People from Guam are U.S. citizens, but they have their own governor and cannot vote for president.

The U.S. military maintains a strong presence on the island, which helps them keep a close eye on North Korea. One-third of the island is owned by the U.S. military, according to the New York Times, including an anti-missile unit and large stockpiles of munitions.

Where is Guam?

Guam lies about 5,800 miles west of San Francisco and 1,600 miles east of Manila in the Pacific Ocean. That puts it about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines.

It is about 2,100 miles southeast of Pyongyang, according to the Times. And while this may sound like a long distance, that puts it within striking distance of missiles  and is part of why the island is such a prime location for the U.S. military.

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Why is North Korea threatening Guam?

The threats from North Korea this week came after months of escalating tensions. Trump had talked about North Korea during the presidential election, and relations with the county have been discussed since he took office.

But more recently, North Korea tested two intercontinental ballistic missiles last month that U.S. intelligence said could hit American cities. When the United Nations  backed by the U.S.  imposed sanctions on North Korea over those tests, Pyongyang criticized the move and has used the sanctions to explain its increasingly aggressive behavior.

Trumps fire and fury comments came after a Washington Post report that North Korea had built a miniaturized nuclear warhead. So when Trump threatened North Korea, the country was ready to retaliate with a threat against Guam.

This is not a new situation for Guam. Due to the heavy U.S. military presence there and its closer location than the U.S. mainland, North Korea has frequently threatened it in the past. In 2004, South Korean newspapers reported North Korea could hit Guam, according to NPR, and in 2013, Pyongyang reminded the U.S. that Andersen Air Force Base on the island was within its range.

For now, Guams Governor Eddie Baza Calvo has said there is no threat to his island. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has also tried to calm fears about military action, saying Americans should sleep well at night, but Trump continued to give mixed messages on the situation Thursday, implying that he stood by his threat from earlier in the week.
The Russian launching services company Glavkosmos has successfully blasted hundreds of satellites into Earths orbit. Now, the company has ambitions 250,000 miles farther out: The moon.

The company, the slogan of which is Lets go space!, doesnt plan to build its own rockets, but to hitch rides to the moon on Russias powerful Soyuz rockets. Russia intends to send crewed missions to the moon sometime in the 2020s, but it must first send robots there to scout the lunar terrain and sample the soil. When the Russian Space Agency, Rocosmos, sends its landers to the moon in the 2020s, Glavkosmos hopes to employ its expertise in packaging spacecraft and satellites to send along small spacecraft.

Work is underway on evaluation of feasibility of implementing commercial missions in 2020-2022, Glavkosmos told the Russian News Agency.

Unlike Roscosmos, which launches cosmonauts and astronauts to the International Space Station, Glavkosmos is responsible for Russias commercial space activities. The company sends satellites big and small into Earths orbit. Foreign companies, like China, also partner with the experienced rocket company to plan and execute their launches.

A Roscosmos Soyuz rocket prepares for launch in July.

Glavkosmos made headlines in July when it successfully packaged together, launched, and successfully deployed 73 Cubesats into Earths orbit. The mission was a true technical achievement. A rocket first dropped off a Russian Earth satellite mission into orbit. It then flew higher to release 24 more CubeSats, and then descended back towards Earth to release 48 Earth-imaging satellites for the U.S. satellite company Planet.

For the first time in the world, such a complex and large mission has been developed and implemented, said Glavcosmos in a statement.

Sending spacecraft to land on the moon will require similar technical acumen. Once in space, a lunar-bound mission, as envisioned by the space agency Rocosomos, will need to whip twice around Earth before thrusting toward the moon. After hurtling through space for over 100,000 miles, the spacecraft will need to turn and blast itself into the moons orbit. The craft will fire propellant and brake in preparation for a still harsh landing. The lander will hit the moons surface while traveling between 200 and 400 feet per second.

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Russian plans to send its first research lander, Luna-Glob, to the moon in the early 2020s. Luna-Glob will be equipped with a soil sampling arm, to assess the ground for minerals and frozen water. It may also be fitted with a drill.

Glavkosmos landers may be joining in this endeavor to settle down upon the chalky, lunar soil.

Photos via Roscosmos (1, 2)

Written by Mark Kaufman

More articles by Mark  Follow Mark on Twitter

More From Inverse
With Adam Rawnsley

Where to go on NK policy. In May, President Donald Trump nominated San Diego hotelier Doug Manchester to become the next U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas. But the president has yet to name a nominee to head up the diplomatic mission in South Korea.

That absence is being felt now more than ever as North Korea continues to test ballistic missiles and works to miniaturize nuclear payloads, while president Trump openly threatens war with Pyongyang. Having a trusted diplomat in Seoul would also help soothe allies when the president and his cabinet members offer markedly different takes on U.S. policy toward the North, as they have done this week.

Trump, of course, improvised his fire and fury line, while his Secretary of State and Defense Secretary were left to chart their own courses.

The NYT: The presidents advisers calibrated his dire warning with statements that, if not directly contradictory, emphasized different points. Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson stressed diplomacy and reassured Americans that they could sleep well at night, while Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said North Korea risked the end of its regime and the destruction of its people if it did not stand down.

The North has arrived. Writing in FP, proliferation expert Jeffrey Lewis says that the world has been living in collective denial over North Koreas nuclear capabilities for years, and the big question is where to go from here. Some of my colleagues still think the United States might persuade North Korea to abandon, or at least freeze, its nuclear and missile programs. I am not so sure. I suspect we might have to settle for trying to reduce tensions so that we live long enough to figure this problem out. But there is only one way to figure out who is right: Talk to the North Koreans.

Fact Check. President Trump also claimed on Wednesday that thanks to him, the U.S. nuclear arsenal is now stronger and more powerful than ever before. The statement, of course, is completely untrue. Nuclear modernization efforts are measured in years, not the seven months he has been in office. In January, the president ordered a review of the nuclear enterprise. That review is ongoing.

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A new Iranian drone? Earlier this week, the U.S. Central Command said an Iranian Qom-1 drone interfered with the fight operations of a U.S. F-18 trying to land on the USS Nimitz in the Persian Gulf, putting the life of the American pilot  and sailors on deck  at risk

Thing was, we couldnt find anyone who had heard of the drone before, including think tankers, drone experts, and multiple officials at the Pentagon, U.S. Central Command, and U.S. Navy. Finally, Cmdr. Bill Urban of the U.S. Navy Central Command told FPs Paul McLeary that the Qom-1 is actually the well-known Sadegh-1, just with a new, U.S.-supplied name. Urban added, the Sadegh-1/Qom-1 is capable of carrying two weapons. At the time of [Tuesdays] interaction, the Qom-1 was unarmed.

Earlier this year, the Office of Naval Intelligence confirmed that both the regular Iranian Navy and Revolutionary Guard Navy use drones, though both are primarily employed for reconnaissance missions, but as Iran improves its lethal and armed UAV technology, both navies are likely to employ these advancements in the maritime environment.

South China Sea. Amid the North Korea drama, a U.S. Navy destroyer carried out a freedom of navigation operation on Thursday, coming within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built up by China in the South China Sea, Reuters reports. The USS John S. McCain cruised past Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, marking the third fonop of the Trump presidency.

Servicemembers sue Trump. Five active duty service women have filed the first lawsuit against President Donald Trump for what they say is an unconstitutional effort to stop transgender personnel from serving. The members of the Air Force, the Coast Guard and the Army were previously men who have transitioned. Earlier this month, with no warning to the Pentagon, the president Tweeted his intent to overturn a 10-month-old Pentagon policy allowing transgender troops to serve openly.

The case, filed in D.C. federal court, claims that Trumps directive to exclude transgender people from military service discriminates against Plaintiffs based on their sex and transgender status, which they argue is in violation of the equal protection component of the Fifth Amendment.

FP reported first last month that Vice President Mike Pence has been a key player in the effort to overturn the Pentagons transgender rule.

Welcome to SitRep. As always, please send any tips, thoughts or national security events to paul.mcleary@foreignpolicy.com or via Twitter: @paulmcleary and @arawnsley.

Light attack. The Air Force is holding an audition in the New Mexico desert for light attack aircraft to eventually replace the services beloved A-10 Warthog as part of the OA-X program. Among the planes under consideration are the AirTractor and AT-802LA-29 as well as Embraers Super Tucano and AT-6 Wolverine.

Russia investigation. Special prosecutor Robert Muellers investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election is getting aggressive, with federal agents executing a search warrant on the home of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort in July. The search warrant targeted financial records from Manafort but Mueller has also reached out to Manaforts son-in-law and business partner Jeffrey Yohai in an apparent bid to ramp up the pressure.

Remittances. Kuwait is a close ally of the U.S. but that doesnt mean its inclined in the slightest to boot the over 6,000 North Korean workers living in the country and funneling money back home the Democratic Peoples Republic. The U.S. has leaned on Kuwait to stop granting visas to North Korean workers and end direct flights to the North but thus far Kuwait has rebuffed the requests, contradicting a State Department report congratulating the country for its help in isolating North Korea.

Raqqa. The fight for the Islamic States capital in Raqqa is a slow and difficult slog thanks to tenacious fighting by the terrorist group and improvised explosive devices laced in every centimetre of the city, according to Syrian Democratic Forces.

Turkey. Pro tip: dont crowdfund your terrorist plots on social media. A Russian national with links to the Islamic State was arrested by Turkish authorities for planning to use a drone to attack American military aircraft at Incirlik Air Base. The man also allegedly planned to attack a Shia religious community in Turkey, soliciting donations for his plot on the Telegram social media messaging app.

High frequency. The U.S. has expelled two Cuban diplomats and recalled a handful of its own from the new embassy in Havana after a bizarre incident in which American personnel in Cuba suffered hearing loss as a result of an unknown sonic device emitting sound not audible to human ears. Cuba denies harming American diplomats, saying it has never permitted, nor will permit harm to diplomats or their families.

Say cheese. A Russian surveillance plane flew over Washington, D.C.s most sensitive sites, including the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, and the CIA on Wednesday. Far from being a cloak and dagger operation, the flight was part of the Open Skies Treaty, which allows the U.S., Russia, and other signatories to conduct periodic, reciprocal overflights of each others territory.

Afghanistan. The Taliban has been having trouble taking over Afghanistans more populous cities so the insurgent group has pivoted, aiming to take over a broader range of more remote areas to demonstrate its reach. Taliban insurgents have also doubled down on violence against civilians, targeting them in greater numbers in order to fuel anger at the Afghan government.

DIUx. The Pentagons Silicon Valley outreach organization is rolling out one of the tools its helped to develop, a suite of communications tools designed to help drone pilots coordinate to attack pop up targets of opportunity, like vehicles on the run. The tools, developed by the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental, will get a demonstration at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, giving the fledgling organization a chance to prove its worth to the anti-Islamic State war.

Photo Credit: STR/AFP/Getty Images
Madrid (AFP) - Spain could overtake Greece this year in the number of migrants arriving by sea, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Thursday, coming shore on boats and even jet-skis.

Holidaymakers on a beach in southern Spain Wednesday were stunned when a black rubber boat full of migrants reached the shore, its occupants jumping out and running away as scores of sun-worshippers looked on.

On the same day, 12 migrants arrived in waters off the Spanish territory of Ceuta in northern Morocco on jet-skis, with one -- a 28-year-old man from Guinea -- drowning before he could be rescued, authorities said.

On Thursday morning, Spanish coastguards said they had rescued 10 men from sub-Saharan Africa in a rickety boat off Tarifa in southern Spain.

And the list goes on.

- Safer route -

According to the IOM's latest figures, until August 6, close to 8,200 migrants had arrived in Spain so far this year.

That is more than triple the number recorded at the same time last year, according to Joel Millman, a senior IOM spokesman, and already more than the total arrivals in 2016.

While the figure pales in comparison with Italy -- where more than 96,400 migrants have landed so far this year -- Spain is catching up with Greece where 11,713 alighted from boats in the same timeframe.

"It's possible that Spain will outperform Greece this year," Millman told AFP.

"If so, that's a big change."

He said many people taking the long route towards Europe were from west African countries like Senegal, Gambia, Guinea or Ivory Coast.

But to get to Italy, they have to cross the Sahara desert and crucially Libya, wracked by chaos as rival militias and administrations seek to control the oil-rich country.

Faced with the danger, some may be deciding to go up along the coast instead.

"We assume that some of the change is due to the fact that the route is considered a safe route up to the coast through Morocco," Millman said.

Story continues

He added that the boats crossing the choppy sea to Spain were much smaller than those launching from Libya to Italy.

In Libya there "appears to be a very deliberate strategy to put people out there, in overloaded boats that begin to take on water almost immediately and then it's a race to see how quickly the people on the boat can summon aid," he said.

"Whereas in Spain, the strategy is smaller craft hoping to come in undetected, and undoubtedly some do."

- Pregnant women, kids -

Spain's Guardia Civil police force said that nine of around 30 migrants who arrived on the beach on Wednesday had been found, all of them minors in their teens.

Spokesman Manuel Gonzalez told AFP that while they did not have any ID on them, they were thought to be from Morocco.

The teenagers will be taken to migrant reception centres, where they can apply for asylum in Spain.

Inigo Vila, in charge of emergencies for the Red Cross in Spain, said the organisation had reinforced the number of people working on the coast in southern Andalusia and in Ceuta to help migrants when they make landfall.

"Some people arrive with little strength left, sometimes they got lost, lost the engine, don't have anything to eat or drink in the boat, some have sunburns or burns from the petrol. And others are fine and recover quickly," he said.

"It's always surprising to see pregnant women and children -- even if there aren't many -- who try to cross in these conditions, risking their life and that of the kids for a better life."

- Land arrivals too -

The number of sea arrivals, however, doesn't take into account those coming into Ceuta and Melilla, two Spanish territories in northern Morocco, by land.

Both cities are the EU's only land borders with Africa.

As a result, they are entry points for migrants who regularly try to climb high double border fences or force their way through them with wire cutters, or hide in vehicles crossing the frontier.

Faced with the number of recent entry attempts, authorities in Ceuta have decided to close the border for trade for over a week, to allow guards to better man the fence.
Authorities have revealed the suicide notes penned by a mother who killed her children, her estranged husbands girlfriend and herself in South Carolina last month.

The Pickens County Sheriffs Office disclosed three letters written by Jessica Edens, who shot both of her children in the head before turning the gun on herself.

Read: Woman Who Urged Boyfriend to Kill Himself Gets Jail Sentence But Remains Free Pending Appeal

I hope you rot one day for what you have done to me and my kids, the woman wrote to her estranged husband, Ben Edens, with whom she was fighting for custody. You can no longer hurt us. We are at peace. I hope you live with pain and shame and guilt for the rest of your life.

The handwritten notes were released this week in response to a Freedom of Information request filed by The Greenville News.

On July 13, the body of Meredith Rahem, who was dating Ben Edens, was found behind the wheel of her car in a parking garage, deputies said. She had been shot to death.

A few miles away, the bodies of Jessica Edens and her two children, Harper, 5, and Hayden, 9, were found at the Greenville Pickens Speedway, authorities said.

The three were inside Edens Jeep, with the doors locked and the engine running.

Read: Mom May Have Watched Daughter's Suicide on Social Media Livestream: Officials

Haydens father was Edens first husband. The mother also wrote a note to him.

To Nate, I dont know what to say. You gave me my first child. I will forever be greatful (sic) because of you. I never meant to cause you as much pain as this. I am sorry.

Harpers dad was Ben Edens, her second husband.

To Ben, you have caused me more pain than Ive ever been in my life. You have caused my children pain. I hate you, the woman wrote.

Watch: Families Blame Netflix Series '13 Reasons Why' for Suicide of 2 Teens

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Sarah Lewis, of Utah, who has been released from prison

A teacher who admitted sexually abusing a student and plying him with vodka has been released from prison after 195 days.

Sarah Lewis pleaded guilty to forcible sexual abuse of a teenage boy at her home in Payson, Utah, and telling the 17-year-old he had to keep their relationship secret.

But she was released before being sentenced after her lawyer discovered her crime fit the profile of a lesser offence, and brought it up with the courts, according to local media.

The Daily Herald reported in July that the lawyer, Thomas Means, pushed for the change after learning of an alteration to the law that made unlawful sexual conduct with 16- and 17-year-olds a third-degree felony, rather than the second-degree offence of forcible sexual abuse.

And KUTV said on Wednesday that Lewis, who was initially charged with rape, had been released from prison after she was charged with the lesser offence.

She was 10 years the boy's senior when she committed the offence.
A teenage Pennsylvania mom has been arrested and charged with the attempted murder of her own baby, who was found after surviving for days abandoned inside a plastic bag, cops say.

The 8-month-old girl was discovered early Tuesday afternoon after residents of a neighborhood in Elmira, N.Y., heard what they thought were strange animal noises coming from an adjoining backyard.

Watch: Adoptive Mom Abandons Baby in Hospital After Being Born With Rare Condition

Upon inspection, the noise turned out to be a baby, whose legs were reportedly seen dangling out of a plastic bag.

The neighbors called 911 and administered aid until paramedics arrived.

Police praised sisters Kayla and Karen Seals, who made the discovery, for getting help quickly.

"They are truly heroes in this incident," Elmira police Sgt. William Solt told reporters.

While the baby was treated and later listed in stable condition, police began an investigation that they say led them to 17-year-old Harriette M. Hoyt.

Police say they have determined Hoyt, who lives some 20 miles away and across the Pennsylvania border, is the mother of the child.

Watch: Father Arrested for Leaving 5-Year-Old Daughter Alone at Night in the Cold

The teen was arrested and charged with second-degree attempted murder after they say she placed the baby in the yard over the weekend, some 72 hours before she was discovered.

Hoyt has since been arraigned and remains in the Chemung County Jail.

Watch: Baby Delivered in Uber

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In June, Florida teenager Drew Adams filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against his high school, claiming he was denied entry to the boys bathroom because he is transgender.

On Thursday, his case, filed on his behalf by Lambda Legal, was dealt both a setback and some hope in one fell swoop at a two-hour-plus hearing, according to the Florida Times-Union: First, a judge denied a preliminary injunction against the school which would have granted Adams access to the boys room prior to a trial.

Second, that same federal judge, Timothy Corrigan, vowed to expedite the trial to as soon as December, telling Adams, I do take your case seriously, according to the report, and adding that the young man` was entitled to prompt consideration.

Adams, 16, of Jacksonville, Fla., a student at Allen D. Nease High School, filed a lawsuit against the St. Johns County School Board, claiming anti-transgender discrimination on a daily basis, according to the complaint.

Although Drew is a hard-working, high-achieving student, the school has discriminated against him by refusing him access to the boys restrooms, it continues. This conduct has a negative and harmful impact on Drew, branding him as unfit to share the communal restrooms that all other boys use simply because he is transgender. Drew brings this suit because he has a simple request: to be treated like other boys who can use the restroom so that he too can focus on school, rather than the humiliation of being denied access to the facilities all others use for one of lifes most basic functions.

Adams lawsuit argues that the schools requiring him to use a different bathroom than other boys  he has been relegated to use one of three gender-neutral restrooms  is a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which bars sex discrimination in education. Adams began identifying as male in 2015.

Lead counsel Tara Borelli of Lambda was not immediately available for comment. But she told the Times-Union that Adams and his mom, Erica Adams Kasper, filed the lawsuit only after their efforts to work with the district directly got them nowhere.

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School board attorney Terry Harmon told the paper said the school board restricts usage of boys and girls rooms to students based on biological sex, not according to a students gender identity. He added that while schools are not going to check sex at the door, it must respond if a complaint is raised by a student or parent of a student, and said that the school board only recognizes Adams as a female for purposes of bathroom use only.

The Adams case is one of many in which a transgender student is suing his or her school for discrimination. Such lawsuits  including those fought by students and their families in Maine, Colorado, and Wisconsin  typically revolve around bathroom access, making it an issue that has been politicized by both parties and has even made its way to the Supreme Court. One such federal lawsuit, by three transgender students against a school district in Pittsburgh was recently settled, with the district now allowing students to use restrooms that correspond to their consistently and uniformly asserted gender identity.

A suit filed earlier this month by the family of an 8-year-old in California goes further, citing discrimination not only by bathroom restriction but by the school allegedly refusing to use her female pronoun or to allow her to wear the girls school uniform.

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Washington (AFP) - Five transgender women in the US military are suing President Donald Trump and the Pentagon over Trump's recent announcement he would reinstate a ban on transgender people serving in uniform.

In a lawsuit filed in federal court Wednesday, the five plaintiffs from the Air Force, Coast Guard and the Army said they faced uncertainty about their futures, including whether they would be fired or lose post-military and retirement benefits.

In a series of three tweets last month, Trump upended an Obama-era policy of more than a year that allowed transgender troops to serve openly.

His announcement came with little or no coordination with the Pentagon and landed while Defense Secretary Jim Mattis was on vacation, leaving the astonished department scrambling to come up with a coherent response.

The lawsuit was filed against Trump, Mattis and various other senior military officials by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLAAD, a legal advocacy group.

All the unidentified "Jane Doe" plaintiffs were previously men who have transitioned to being female.

"Trump's directive to exclude transgender people from military service has created a tidal wave of harms that have already been felt throughout our armed services," NCLR legal director Shannon Minter said.

"Transgender service members have been blindsided by this shift and are scrambling to deal with what it means for their futures and their families."

The lawsuit asserts that reinstating the transgender ban is unconstitutional.

The number of transgender troops among America's 1.3 million active duty service members is small, with estimates ranging from between 1,320 and 15,000.

On June 30, 2016, then defense secretary Ash Carter said the military could no longer discharge or deny re-enlistment to troops based solely on their gender identity.

That means transgender troops who were encouraged to come out under one administration now face getting booted under another -- a potential legal quagmire for the Pentagon.

In the two weeks since Trump's tweets, the White House has still not provided the Pentagon with clear directives on how it should implement a transgender ban, so the current policy remains in place for now.

A Pentagon spokesman said he could not comment on pending litigation.
The administration of President Donald Trump revived the National Space Council earlier this year after a 24-year absence, but what it will actually do remains cloudy. Besides the slightly strange, repeated remarks about going back to the moon, the administration also wants to empower the commercial sector and give the private spaceflight industry more influence and presence over what the nation as a whole does with space. Trumps resurrection of the National Space Council is supposed to be a conduit in which companies like SpaceX can wield more influence over the shape of U.S. space policy.

So its a bit odd that Trump turned to Scott Pace, the director of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University, to lead the new NSC. Thats because Pace has a track record of skepticism for having NASA turn over projects the commercial sector, specifically SpaceX.

In a new review of the developing private space industry, CQ Press published some interesting quotes from Pace in which he describes some of his thoughts on Musk and his company. Elon Musk sat in my office in 2002 and told me hed have 10 launches a year by 2006, Pace said. Im still looking at my watch.

As reported by Ars Technica, Pace made that comment this year  in what is almost certainly the most successful period of SpaceXs history. The company is on track for an 11th successful launch in just a few days.

Pace conceded to Ars Technica SpaceX has proven itself a capable spaceflight party. That comment is accurate and it was true for years, he said. In 2017, it became obsoletewhich was an outstanding achievement for SpaceX.

Part of Paces doubts seem to stem from how badly SpaceX has managed to meet so many of its deadlines over the last decade. Nowhere is this clearer than in NASAs Commercial Crew Program, in which SpaceX (along with Boeing) are developing commercial spaceflight vehicles to allow the United States to once again use American spacecraft to send astronauts to the International Space Station and low Earth orbit.

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Those vehicles were supposed to be ready for human spaceflight years ago. Its 2017 and were still waiting.

In general, the CQ Press report emphasizes Paces preference for a slower, more methodical approach to spaceflight development. Pace has never been a strong supporter of the Commercial Crew Program, and was not shy of criticizing the Obama administration for pushing forward such a plan.

I think [the CCP] is somewhat dangerous, he said in 2012. Accelerating the rules means that you will be taking risks by potentially putting people or high value cargo on before youve established a real track record. And I think thats the approach that has a lot of people worried, particularly those of us who remember the results of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

Its unclear to what extent Pace might come into the NSC with a fresh perspective and work to move forward Trumps desire to see the commercial industry play a larger role in U.S space policy, or whether Pace may situate himself as a dissenting voice which tries to slow things down.

Photos via Flickr / MediaGamut

Written by Neel V. Patel

More articles by Neel V.  Follow Neel V. on Twitter

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In his latest broadside at North Korea, President Trump bluntly warned dictator Kim Jong Un on Friday that the U.S. military was locked and loaded in case the country should act unwisely.

Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path! Trump said on Twitter.

Military solutions are now fully in place,locked and loaded,should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 11, 2017

It was not clear exactly what sort of military solutions Trump was referring to or what precisely would constitute unwise action by the North Korean leader.

But North Korea said on Thursday it was putting together a plan to fire four missiles in the direction of the U.S. territory of Guam, a Pacific island that is home to large American military installations.

Trumps warning came a day after Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters in Silicon Valley that the U.S. effort to get this under control was diplomatically led, gaining traction, and gaining diplomatic results.

Mattis underlined that he wanted to stay right there right now and warned that the cost of conflict could be catastrophic, but also said that when it comes to the U.S. military, we are ready.

Trump has delivered several blistering warnings to Pyongyang as he and his top advisers work to resolve the most serious international confrontation of his barely 200-day-old administration. One of them, a threat on Tuesday to rain fire and fury on the isolated Stalinist country, surprised senior advisers.

Tensions have steadily escalated since July, when North Korea fired two intercontinental ballistic missiles  tests that showed its rockets could reach U.S. soil, according to U.S. intelligence officials. The United States responded by rallying an unusual 15-0 United Nations Security Council vote in favor of a package of tough new economic sanctions on the regime. This week, news outlets have reported that American intelligence confirmed a finding by Japans defense ministry that North Korea has likely developed warheads small enough to fit on its missiles.

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Kim Jong Un, Donald Trump. (Yahoo News photo illustration; photos: AP, Evan Vucci/AP, KCNA via Reuters, AP)

There are still many questions about Pyongyangs capabilities  how reliable are its guidance systems? Has it devised reentry systems to ensure that its warheads would not burn up in the atmosphere?

On Thursday, Trump convened a briefing on the standoff with Vice President Mike Pence, national security adviser Gen. H.R. McMaster, CIA Director Mike Pompeo and White House chief of staff John Kelly.

Lets see what he does with Guam, Trump told reporters afterwards, referring to Kim. [If] he does something in Guam, it will be an event the likes of which nobodys seen before  what will happen in North Korea.

Trump was then asked whether that statement constituted a dare to Kim.

Its not a dare. Its a statement. It has nothing to do with dare, Trump responded. Thats a statement. Hes not going to go around threatening Guam, and hes not going to threaten the United States, and hes not going to threaten Japan, and hes not going to threaten South Korea.

_____
Oooooooooooooo North Korea's in troubleeeeeeeeeeeeee...

So sayeth the president of the United States, anyway.

SEE ALSO: Giant inflatable chicken with Trumps hairdo lands near White House

President Donald Trump spoke about North Korea from Bedminster, New Jersey, on Thursday just days after he threatened the nation with "fire and fury," and North Korea issued a threat against Guam, a U.S. territory.

The president told reporters that perhaps his "fire and fury," comment wasn't rhetoric-y enough, adding that the leaders of North Korea should "get their act together" or it will be in trouble "like few nations have ever been."

Frankly, the people who were questioning that statement, 'was it too tough?' Maybe it wasnt tough enough, he said. Theyve been doing this to our country for a long time, for many years, and its about time that somebody stuck up for the people of this country and for the people of other countries. So, if anything, maybe that statement wasnt tough enough.

Trump: If North Korea even thinks about an attack, "things will happen to them like they never thought possible" https://t.co/qmxz86DFnF  CNN (@CNN) August 10, 2017

But also he assured the U.S. that "the people of this country should be very comfortable" while North Korea should be "very nervous" if it "does anything" like an "attack of anybody that we love or represent or allies or us."

PRESS: Can you assure the American people on North Korea threat?



TRUMP: "The people of this country should be very comfortable." pic.twitter.com/RHBFMutt4v  Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) August 10, 2017

And in case we weren't clear about the president's thoughts on North Korea, Trump decided to yell at the nation just how he (probably) used to yell at Ivanka and Eric and Donny Junior and also Tiffany and maybe Barron.

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Trump tells press at Bedminster North Koreans should be careful, or they're going to "be in trouble" like they've never been before.  Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) August 10, 2017

BREAKING: Trump tells North Korea to `get their act together' or it will be in trouble `like few nations have ever been'  The Associated Press (@AP) August 10, 2017

So we're stepping down from nuclear holocaust to a week on detention after school. That all seems clear.  Chuck Graef (@chuckgraef) August 10, 2017

Trump is borrowing the strategic philosophy of my elementary school bus driver https://t.co/pynEh744xz  Dan Pfeiffer (@danpfeiffer) August 10, 2017

An apt metaphor on the spray from @joshgerstein in the newsroom: "It was like a dad turning around in a station wagon to yell at the kids."  Jake Lahut (@JakeLahut) August 10, 2017

Get your act together or you will be in trouble, you North Korea you.

Jesus.
(Uber)

Intensive scientific research shows people really like free stuff. A lot. If youre people, you might want to get in on Ubers Free Cone Fridays. Caveat: Must love McDonalds.

The beleaguered ride-sharing app announced yesterday that starting Friday Aug. 11 at 11 a.m., its delivering ice cream. According to Uber, users can request the frozen dessert through the app. If a driver is in your area and matches with you, an ice cream truck shows up for you and up to four friends.

(Uber)

But then  as if this isnt delightful enough  this treat comes with one limited edition, collectible cone. If you can find four lactose-tolerant, ice-cream-anytime friends to order with you, you might want to call dibs on said cone. Its the key to one free soft serve cone every Friday at McDonalds restaurants through September 22.

The service is only available in 10 cities in North America. Torontos on the list, as is Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Atlanta, New York, Miami, Dallas, San Francisco, Boston and Seattle.

Hurry, because collectible cones are limited and Ice Cream will go fast! the company cautions via email. You may also be fortunate enough to receive ice cream from pirates, as a few lucky (!) people in Seattle did last year.
A United Airlines flight traveling from Chicago to Montreal, Canada, was diverted to Buffalo-Niagara International Airport, Cheektowaga, New York, on Wednesday after smoke was seen coming out of the cockpit, according to the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.

The plane was carrying 50 passengers and three crew members at the time and landed safely at the Buffalo airport at 4:22 p.m. EDT, local news outlet the Cheektowaga Chronicle reported. Firefighters immediately surrounded the plane after it landed. Passengers had to spend 6 hours at the airport while waiting for the aircraft to be readied.

United Flight 3968 was delayed by 6 hours 36 minutes. Instead of its scheduled 5:05 p.m. EDT arrival, it landed at MontrealPierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport at 11:41 p.m. EDT. The official reason stated for the delay on the airline's website was aircraft maintenance.

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On Tuesday, another flight of the same airlines made an emergency landing in Newark, New Jersey, after a mechanical issue, as the windshield in the cockpit seemed to have been shattered. There also appeared to be a medical emergency on the flight, the details of which were not available.

The passengers of the flight were provided rooms for the night and they departed on a new flight on Wednesday, CBS New York reported.

United Airlines

Photo: Getty Images/ Tim Boyle

United Airlines flights have been diverted at least four times in the previous month. On July 19, flight UA907 traveling from Chicago to Frankfurt, Germany, landed instead at Dublin International Airport, Ireland, after a passenger onboard the plane fell seriously ill. Medical personnel rushed to the runway to tend to the passenger, the Independent reported. The identity of the passenger was not revealed.

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On July 20, United Airlines flight UA125 was traveling from Athens, Greece, to Newark, New Jersey, when one of the crew members onboard noticed an issue with one of the engines of the flight. The affected engine was shut down and the flight was diverted to Shannon City, Iowa, Breaking News reported.

An airline spokesman apologized for the inconvenience caused to the passengers: "Our team at Shannon Airport is providing assistance to customers of United flight 125 from Athens to Newark, New York, which diverted to Shannon Airport because of a mechanical issue and landed safely. The flight was canceled due to the crew reaching their maximum duty time.

"We are providing hotel accommodation as well as meal vouchers for our customers, and making arrangements for them to complete their journeys tomorrow. We have apologized to our customers for the inconvenience this caused, he said.

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In another instance, an unruly passenger on United Airlines flight 898, traveling from Houston, Texas, to New Orleans, Louisiana, forced the plane to return to the airport it took off from. According to Eyewitness News, a woman began yelling and banging the walls of the plane.

"I hear (her) screaming, 'We are all protected and loved! We are all protected and loved! This plane is going to land beautifully and kindly!'" a fellow passenger who tackled her said. She had tried to access the cockpit of the plane. However, before she could do so, she was overpowered and restrained with zip-tie handcuffs, Eyewitness News reported.

It took five men to hold her down. It wasn't easy. She was in a total psychotic state. She was very aggressive," the passenger added.

Law enforcement was called on the site after the flight landed and the woman was taken off the plane. The flight took off shortly after the passenger was removed.

Bad weather has also been a reason behind United Airlines flights being diverted. On July 28, a United Airlines flight was diverted to Cleveland, Ohio, instead of Washington D.C. due to unfavorable climate. Incidentally, it was also the first time that a United flight had landed in Ohio, NBC affiliate WKYC reported.

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Lebanon's US-backed military is gearing up for a long-awaited assault to dislodge hundreds of Islamic State militants from a remote corner near Syrian border, seeking to end a years-long threat posed to neighboring towns and villages by the extremists.

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The campaign will involve cooperation with the militant group Hezbollah and the Syrian army on the other side of the borderalthough Lebanese authorities insist they are not coordinating with Syrian President Bashar Assad's government.

But the assault could prove costly for the under-equipped military and risk activating IS sleeper cells in the country.

The tiny Mediterranean nation has been spared the wars and chaos that engulfed several countries in the region since the so-called Arab Spring uprisings erupted in 2011. But it has not been able to evade threats to its security, including sectarian infighting and random car bombings, particularly in 2014, when militants linked to al-Qaida and IS overran the border region, kidnapping Lebanese soldiers.

Labanese soldiers (Photo: AFP)

Aided directly by the United States and Britain, the army has accumulated steady successes against the militants in the past year, slowly clawing back territory, including strategic hills retaken in the past week. Authorities say it's time for an all-out assault.

The planned operation follows a six-day military offensive by the Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah that forced al-Qaida-linked fighters to flee the area on the outskirts of the town of Arsal, along with thousands of civilians.

In a clear distribution of roles, the army is now expected to launch the attack on IS. In the past few days, the army's artillery shells and multiple rocket launchers have been pounding the mountainous areas on the Lebanon-Syria border where IS held positions, in preparation for the offensive. Drones could be heard around the clock and residents of the eastern Bekaa Valley reported seeing army reinforcements arriving daily in the northeastern district of Hermel to join the battle.

The offensive from the Lebanese side of the border will be carried out by the Lebanese army, while Syrian troops and Hezbollah fighters will be working to clear the Syrian side of IS militants. Hezbollah has been fighting alongside Assad's forces since 2013.

Experts say more than 3,000 troops, including elite special forces, are in the northeastern corner of Lebanon to take part in the offensive. The army will likely use weapons it received from the United States, including Cessna aircraft that discharge Hellfire missiles.

Photo: AFP

Keen to support the army rather than the better equipped Iranian-backed Hezbollah, the US and Britain have supplied the military with helicopters, anti-tank missiles, artillery and radars, as well as training. The American Embassy says the US has provided Lebanon with over $1.4 billion in security assistance since 2005.

But the fight is not expected to be quick or easy.

According to Lebanon's Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk, there are about 400 IS fighters in the Lebanese area, and hundreds more on the Syrian side of the border.

"It is not going to be a picnic," said Hisham Jaber, a retired army general who heads the Middle East Center for Studies and Political Research in Beirut. "The Lebanese army will try to carry out the mission with the least possible losses."

Jaber said the battle may last several weeks. "It is a rugged area and the organization (IS) is well armed and experienced."

There are also concerns the offensive may subject Lebanon to retaliatory attacks by militants, just as the country has started to enjoy a rebound in tourism.

A Lebanese security official said authorities are taking strict security measures to prevent any attack deep inside Lebanon by sleeper cells. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said authorities have detained several IS militants over the past weeks.

Lebanese politicians say IS controls an area of about 296 square kilometers (114 square miles) between the two countries, of which 141 square kilometers (54.5 square miles) are in Lebanon.

The area stretches from the badlands of the Lebanese town of Arsal and Christian villages of Ras Baalbek and Qaa, to the outskirts of Syria's Qalamoun region and parts of the western Syrian town of Qusair that Hezbollah captured in 2013.

In a televised speech last Friday, Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah said that once the Lebanese army launches its offensive from the Lebanese side, Hezbollah and the Syrian army will begin their attack from the Syrian side. He added that there has to be coordination between the Syrian and Lebanese armies in the battle.

"Opening two fronts at the same time will speed up victory and reduce losses," Nasrallah said, adding that his fighters on the Lebanese side of the border are at the disposal of Lebanese troops if needed.

"I tell Daesh that the Lebanese and Syrians will attack you from all sides and you will not be able to resist and will be defeated," he said, using an Arabic acronym for the extremist group.

Photo: Reuters

"If you decide to fight, you will end up either a prisoner or dead," Nasrallah added.

Some Lebanese politicians have been opposed to security coordination with the Syrian army. The Lebanese are sharply divided over Syria's civil war that has spilled to the tiny country of 4.5 million people. Lebanon is hosting some 1.2 million Syrian refugees.

Prime Minister Saad Hariri is opposed to Assad while his national unity Cabinet includes Hezbollah as well as other groups allied with the Syrian president.

Last week, Hariri told reporters that Lebanese authorities are ready to negotiate to discover the fate of nine Lebanese soldiers who were captured during the raid on Arsal by IS and al-Qaida fighters in August 2014. Unlike their rivals in al-Qaida, the Islamic State group is not known to negotiate prisoner exchanges.

"The presence of Daesh will end in Lebanon," Hariri said, using the same Arabic acronym to refer to IS.
Lawmakers refused to grant the discretionary power to the chief executive to amend the rental adjustment rate during the article-by article analysis of a rental control mechanism.

Nine lawmakers, including Leonel Alves, Song Pek Kei, and Zheng Anting, had proposed the establishment of a rate based on a coefficient set by the chief executive according to factors like the consumer price index and housing market conditions.

The bill has been the main topic of debate this week at the Legislative Assembly.

Yesterday, the clause suggesting that the chief executive could temporarily change the adjustment rate for the rental market, was shut down.

It should be delivered to a committee, not decided by the Chief Executive, said Ma Chi Seng.

The article suggested that the adjustment rate should refer to Macaus consumer price index, house price index, human resources index and salary index.

But the proposal was criticized by lawmakers such as Ma Chi Seng, who said that it lacked scientific legislation.

Contrarily, Leonel Alberto Alves believes that the chief executive has the ability to make the right decision, and he said that the interference of Macaus top official would only be used when needed.

Regarding the article requiring that all rental contracts must be put into written form, with signatures acknowledged by a notary, several lawmakers, including Lau Veng Seng, wondered whether Macau will have enough notaries to handle the future potential amount of leasing contracts which will need to be certified by a notary.

According to Lau, Macau currently only has between 20 and 30 notaries, but the number of those who understand Chinese is even lower. Lau is worried that notary certification will require longer times from the involved parties to sign a rental contract.

Melinda Chan said why do you ask for mandatory notation? Whether it can really solve the concerns the public has? Chen also questioned how much time the notation process will take.

Meanwhile, in response to doubts this week about the supply of notaries in the territory to handle this volume of work, Mak Soi Kun suggested a more flexible policy in which the tenant and landlord are allowed to decide. Whether a notary certification is needed or not, the two parties involved in the contract can choose, proposed Mak.

Fong Chi Keong deemed the notary certification really unnecessary, adding that it does not need to be done by a notary, []. I dont know why [we are] amending this article, [] it does not help at all.

Vong Hin Fai shared his doubts about the consequences of not having the signatures certified by a notary. If they [the tenants and landlords] do not respect the related regulations, and if they do not process the legal notation, what would be the consequences? What would render the contract invalid? Would landlords need to be refunded by tenants? asked Vong.

Song Pek Kei said that the amendment is intended to supervise illegal rental behaviors, which is why lawmakers are requiring notary involvement, so as to ensure peoples safety.

Leonel Alves was confident that the number of notaries can grow to meet future requirements, once the law is passed. He also noted that not only must individuals pay tax when buying houses, but, according to Macau law, landlords should also pay tax for leasing their houses. However, he remarked that [] many people in Macau do not know that they should pay taxes.

Other lawmakers chimed in yesterday with additional points: Vong Hin Fai observed that private notaries have the right to reject certification in some cases; Angela Leong sees the amendment as a chance to respond to some of the publics concerns; while Fong Chi Keong regards it as a disturbance to people.

Previously, the citys law regulated that the landlords could not cancel a rental contract unilaterally within two years. An extension of this restriction to three years was approved yesterday.

Within the context of the extension, some lawmakers were concerned about the ability of a landlord to evict tenants should they fail to pay their rent.

Some lawmakers also claimed that the new extension would be unhelpful for tenants, while others voiced it was unfair on landlords.

The law will come into effect 180 days after it is officially published. In the meantime, the article-by-article analysis of the law is set to continue.
The New Macau Association (ANM) is calling for the government to halt its cooperation with tech giant Alibaba until details of the smart city plan are made available for public scrutiny.

According to ANM president Sulo Sou, the association fears that a government monopoly on big data and cloud technologies will imperil liberal democracy.

In a press conference held yesterday, the association demanded that the government take steps to ensure that residents remain informed of any statistics derived from data obtained by smart city technology.

The pro-democracy group recalled its findings that local police authorities are keen on obtaining the identities of residents interested in participating in social activism or demonstrations.

Sou noted that ANMs apprehension regarding big data stems from the local governments recent circumvention of an open tender process, in which it chose to grant the construction of a cloud infrastructure to Alibaba, the worlds largest retail giant.

The group added that the reported complete neglect of due process by the Macau government not only undermines public confidence but minimizes the value of the regions public money by forgoing proposals from other competitors in the market.

The four-year deal, which was signed on Saturday, will turn Macau into a smart city. To be conducted in two phases, the plan seeks to accelerate Macaus development in several key areas: namely, tourism, information technology training, transportation management, medical services and urban management.

However, ANM criticized the regions lack of transparency, claiming that the unchecked opaqueness of the local governments processes has remained a key issue in the region.

The group contends that the government has exhibited an increasing lack of transparency in the past few years.

The physical presence of data in Macau is just a basic statutory requirement and is in no way an excuse for the governments non-transparency, Sou noted.

Meanwhile, Jason Chao, the leader of Project Just Macau, added that the government has a questionable track record in terms of its respect for citizens privacy. He cited ANMs accusations against the Office for Personal Data Protection (GPDP) back in 2015 that the bureau had authorized the police to access citizens personal data.

Alibaba had some business issues with an express courier in violation to exchange of data. That incident was widely reported [so] we have a legitimate reason to doubt Alibabas motives in collecting a large amount of data [with] its business partners, said Chao, the former vice-president of ANM.

Both parties have questionable records in handling personal data. We, [as] residents of Macau, have legitimate reasons to cast doubt on this big data project, he stressed.

ANM has also demanded that the government make open data a priority, in parallel with the big data projects for government use.

Chao emphasized that an open data policy is a feature of highly democratic countries. As such, it would be significant for residents  especially the technologically-literate  for data to be made available in order to democratize access to data.

The Macau government is very bad in its openness and its a shame. The opaqueness has been complained about by ANM for so many years, said Chao.

Despite Chui Sai Ons campaign slogan of bringing about a sunshine government, we havent seen it materialize as his terms is ending in three years time.

Chao said that ANM was more concerned about the manner in which Alibaba and the government intended to handle the data, rather than the transfer of data per se, or other privacy issues.

He expressed his hopes that local citizens would fully understand that these proposed technical developments would soon have a significant impact on residents.

We dont know whether or not [the] data of Macau citizens will become part of the rogue AI development in China [] It will be too late when [residents] realize it later, Chao said.

Although Chao admitted that there are benefits to the collaboration, he reminded residents to be aware of the risks of using artificial intelligence under a non-transparent government.

Project to ensure fair elections

Project Just Macau is a platform created by Chao to monitor election fairness in the Macau in April, following his resignation from ANM on March 31. The project aims to be a platform for whistleblowers, and Chao expressed his hoped that regulations would be created to protect whistleblowers from retaliation. Chao will run the project until election day, September 17, and pledged to disclose all information obtained through the project. After one unsuccessful run to the Legislative Assembly, the activist cited his recent diagnosis with Asperger syndrome as one of the reasons behind his decision to withdraw from the next election. In Macau, reaching out to a broad community is essential to winning a seat and Im not a good fit for this role. In order to come to a decision, we have to take a lot of factors into account and I have to admit that is one of the factors, Chao said. The activist is set to go back to the UK on September 23, and told the press yesterday that he plans to join the fight against Brexit.

Chao criticizes CAEAL regulations

Jason Chao slammed the controversial Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election (CAEAL) regulations on social media postings, on the basis that the rules excessively restrict citizens freedom of expression.

Chao recalled that the only major problem during elections over the past eight years was unfair treatment of candidates. This issue is not apparent in this years election.

The requirement of complete removal [of social media posts] is nonsense. Its an excessive restriction on freedom of expression, he said.

Sou also confirmed that he had informed CAEL that there were technical difficulties in complying with the regulations, as it would be difficult to eradicate all posts and information relating to its platform from the last few months.

The ANM president also stressed that he did not deactivate his account but had simply hidden some of his posts.

Meanwhile, Chao also notified the press that he had gathered information on a so-called illegal campaign involving allegations of coercion in schools, but declined to reveal the number of complaints Project Just Macau received.

Chao noted that he had not received any external complaints after the alleged coercion in April.
Gay-rights advocates filed a court challenge yesterday to the governments unusual plan to canvass Australians opinion on gay marriage next month, while a retired judge said he would boycott the survey as unacceptable.

The mail ballot is not binding, but the conservative government wont legislate the issue without it. If most Australians say no, the government wont allow Parliament to consider lifting the nations ban on same-sex marriage.

Lawyers for independent lawmaker Andrew Wilkie and marriage equality advocates Shelley Argent and Felicity Marlowe, applied to the High Court for an injunction that would prevent the so-called postal plebiscite from going ahead.

We will be arguing that by going ahead without the authorization of Parliament, the government is acting beyond its power, lawyer Jonathon Hunyor said.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the government had legal advice that the postal ballot would withstand a court challenge.

I encourage every Australian to exercise their right to vote on this matter. Its an important question, Turnbull said.

Gay-rights advocates and many lawmakers want Parliament to legislate marriage equality now without an opinion poll, which they see as an unjustifiable hurdle to reform.

Retired High Court judge Michael Kirby, a gay man who supports marriage equality, dismissed the ballot as irregular and unscientific polling.

Its just something weve never done in our constitutional arrangements of Australia, and it really is unacceptable, Kirby told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

Kirby would not comment on the legality of the government proceeding with the 122 million Australian dollar (USD96 million) ballot without Parliaments approval, but said: Im not going to take any part in it whatsoever.

Plebiscites in Australia are referendums that dont deal with questions that change the constitution. Voting at referendums is compulsory to ensure a high voter turnout and that the legally-binding result reflects the wishes of a majority of Australians.

The government opted for Australias first-ever voluntary postal plebiscite after the Senate twice rejected AUD135 million funding for a conventional plebiscite, in which votes are cast in ballot boxes.

Pollster Martin OShannessy said a market researcher would be able to provide a more accurate picture of Australians attitudes toward gay marriage through telephone polling for less than AUD1.2 million.

The accuracy of the postal ballot could be damaged by low voter response and responses coming primarily from voters with strong views on both sides of the argument, said OShannessy, a partner at Sydney market researcher Omnipoll.

I would say that the process is open to significantly more risk than an opinion survey, he said.

Successive opinion polls show most Australians support gay marriage. But national referendums in Australia rarely change the status quo. Gay-rights advocates fear that on an issue that doesnt directly affect most Australians, a majority might be persuaded to opt against change. Rod McGuirk, Canberra, AP
The two-year-old U.S. diplomatic relationship with Cuba was roiled Wednesday by what U.S. officials say was a string of bizarre incidents that left a group of American diplomats in Havana with severe hearing loss attributed to a covert sonic device.

In the fall of 2016, a series of U.S. diplomats began suffering unexplained losses of hearing, according to officials with knowledge of the investigation into the case. Several of the diplomats were recent arrivals at the embassy, which reopened in 2015 as part of former President Barack Obamas reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba.

Some of the diplomats symptoms were so severe that they were forced to cancel their tours early and return to the United States, officials said. After months of investigation, U.S. officials concluded that the diplomats had been exposed to an advanced device that operated outside the range of audible sound and had been deployed either inside or outside their residences. It was not immediately clear if the device was a weapon used in a deliberate attack, or had some other purpose.

The U.S. officials werent authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the U.S. retaliated by expelling two Cuban diplomats from their embassy in Washington on May 23. She did not say how many U.S. diplomats were affected or confirm they had suffered hearing loss, saying only that they had a variety of physical symptoms.

The Cuban government said in a lengthy statement late Wednesday that Cuba has never permitted, nor will permit, that Cuban territory be used for any action against accredited diplomatic officials or their families, with no exception.

The statement from the Cuban Foreign Ministry said it had been informed of the incidents on Feb. 17 and had launched an exhaustive, high-priority, urgent investigation at the behest of the highest level of the Cuban government.

It said the decision to expel two Cuban diplomats was unjustified and baseless.

The ministry said it had created an expert committee to analyze the incidents and had reinforced security around the U.S. embassy and U.S. diplomatic residences.

Cuba is universally considered a safe destination for visitors and foreign diplomats, including U.S. citizens, the statement said.

U.S. officials told The Associated Press that about five diplomats, several with spouses, had been affected and that no children had been involved. The FBI and Diplomatic Security Service are investigating.

Cuba employs a state security apparatus that keeps many people under surveillance and U.S. diplomats are among the most closely monitored people on the island. Like virtually all foreign diplomats in Cuba, the victims of the incidents lived in housing owned and maintained by the Cuban government.

However, officials familiar with the probe said investigators were looking into the possibilities that the incidents were carried out by a third country such as Russia, possibly operating without the knowledge of Cubas formal chain of command.

Nauert said investigators did not yet have a definitive explanation for the incidents but stressed they take them very seriously, as shown by the Cuban diplomats expulsions.

We requested their departure as a reciprocal measure since some U.S. personnels assignments in Havana had to be curtailed due to these incidents, she said. Under the Vienna Convention, Cuba has an obligation to take measures to protect diplomats.

U.S. diplomats in Cuba said they suffered occasional harassment for years after the restoration of limited ties with the communist government in the 1970s, harassment reciprocated by U.S. agents against Cuban diplomats in Washington. The use of sonic devices to intentionally harm diplomats would be unprecedented. Matthew Lee, Michael Weissenstein, AP
A former University of Illinois-Springfield employee accused of raping a 17-year-old Chinese exchange student has been sentenced to more than six years in prison.

Xuesong Gary Yang, 54, who was involved in the schools foreign-exchange program, pleaded guilty in June to aggravated criminal sexual abuse and obstruction of justice. He was sentenced earlier this week, the Springfield Journal-Register reported yesterday.

Yang helped the girl in August 2016 relocate from China to the central Illinois campus, where she planned to take classes. Investigators allege Yang invited the girl to his office the day after she arrived, on her 17th birthday, and forced her to drink alcohol.

The teen passed out, and Yang sexually abused her, according to Sangamon County States Attorney John Milhiser. Yang called the victim days later and threatened to send her back to China if she didnt engage in sex with him again, Milhiser said.

Yang was arrested after the victim told another student shed been raped.

She is still suffering emotional damage done at the hands of the defendant, the prosecutor said during the sentencing hearing.

Yang asked Judge Leslie Graves for mercy and repeatedly told the judge he was sorry, calling his actions an unspeakable offense. His lawyer had asked for probation, noting Yang had no prior criminal history, was remorseful and complied with terms of his release.

But the judge responded by calling Yang a predator who took advantage of a teenager with no one else to turn to. Graves said she appreciated Yangs remorse, but said she thought most of his comments centered on how the actions affected him and not the victim.

Mr. Yang is every parents nightmare, the judge said. I cant imagine what she went through.

The victim was in China during the sentencing hearing, but she sent a video explaining that she was still afraid to return to the university and believes Yang will retaliate against her and her family. AP

Testimony set in trial over mainland students slaying

Testimony is set to begin in the murder trial of two men charged in the fatal shooting of a Syracuse University student from China.

Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick and defense lawyers for 24-year-old Cameron Isaac and 20-year-old Ninimbe Mitchell made their opening statements this week. Both men are being tried together. Isaac is charged with first-degree murder while his nephew, Mitchell, is charged with second-degree murder.

Authorities say Isaac killed 23-year-old Yuan Xiaopeng, of Qingdao, during a marijuana deal that turned into a robbery at an apartment complex in suburban DeWitt on Sept. 30. Officials say Mitchell was the getaway driver.

Yuan was a junior studying mathematics at Syracuse University when he was killed.
The Financial Intelligence Office (GIF) has released a statement welcoming the positive assessment in the latest Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) Mutual Evaluation Report (MER), released last month.

Macaus positive results were received in respect of its technical compliance with legal frameworks as well as its effectiveness in implementing measures against money laundering, and terrorist financing.

The steps taken leading to the positive assessment began even before 2010 when the Anti-Money Laundering Working Group  which currently consists of 15 government agencies  started to work on the recommendations provided in the MER of 2007. The intention was to address a number of financial regulations in Macau that did not meet international standards.

Since then, various legislation and regulations have been put forward for government review in order to crack down on money laundering and terrorist financing.

According to the statement, the local government acknowledges the importance of the fight against terrorist financing and proliferation financing. To this end, the Law on Asset Freezing Regime was introduced in 2016, shortly after an on-site visit by the APG.

Among the many other steps taken to improve the citys financial oversight during this period were thematic risk assessments (including a periodic review on non-profit organizations) and investigations into large transaction reports and suspicious transactions.

The gaming sector, an industry particularly prone to money laundering, has been monitored closely by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) since 2006, GIF noted. This is a necessary response to the inherent risks of the sector.

Under the current system, the local government has established a double-scrutiny system for the market entry to junket promoters. The system decrees stringent licensing terms for junkets as imposed by the DICJ, as well as due diligence from gaming concessionaires and sub-concessionaires before entering into a partnership or agreement with junkets.

The GIF noted in the statement that the outcome of the evaluation does not come [all of] a sudden, but is the result of the continuous work of all the government agencies and private sector [organizations] who have continuously placed tremendous participation in the process.
The government will renew the horse racing concession of the Macau Jockey Club for six months while it reviews a development plan for the sites future, as recently submitted by the company.

The extension, which lasts until February 28, comes just as the Jockey Clubs license was due to expire at the end of this month.

According to Secretary for Economy and Finance Lionel Leong, who spoke to reporters on the sidelines of a plenary session at the Legislative Assembly this week, the development plan includes a long-term vision for the Taipa-based race track and a renovation of its grandstand.

The Secretary said that the government will assess the feasibility of the plan before sending it to the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau for further review. It will also collect opinions from other relevant public departments.

Although Leong could not disclose the details of the plan, because it involves various government entities, he is confident that the six-month extension will be sufficient for the government to make a judgement about the development plan.

Leong also said that the plan outlines how the company intends to help diversify the citys gaming industry and help Macau develop into a world tourism and leisure centre.

The diversification of the MSARs industries is a Beijing-mandated objective for the citys local government. The intention is to develop parallel industries, rather than sub-categories within the gambling industry.

The Jockey Club has been posting annual losses since 2004 and has accumulated a deficit exceeding MOP4 billion.

The company responsible for operating the Jockey Club facility reported an accumulated loss of about MOP4 billion at the end of last year.

Leong comments on AMCM change

Lionel Leong has commented on the appointment of a new Monetary Authority of Macau (AMCM) director, stating that it was part of regular personnel changes in the public administration. Leong added that since the MSARs financial sector has entered a new development stage, the authorities needed to keep up with new trends and emerging industries. The term of the current AMCM chairman, Benjamin Teng, ends on August 25. Teng will be replaced by Benjamin Chan, who also serves on IACMs board of directors. Chans term as Chairman will run from 26 August 2017 to 25 August 2018.
With liberals back in charge in South Korea, Seoul is making peace offerings to its archrivals, but the North isnt biting.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in believes the best way to solve the North Korean nuclear crisis is engagement of the sort that two past liberal leaders used to win historic summits with Pyongyang.

The problem, as clearly demonstrated during the last several chaotic days, is that North Korea doesnt want to talk.

Instead, it has been testing missiles at an unprecedented pace and threatening to launch some of those toward Guam. Pyongyang may be looking to eventually use the existence of its nuclear weapons to negotiate a peace treaty with the United States to officially end the 1950-53 Korean War and remove U.S. troops from the South. Until, and unless, that happens, Seoul probably will have little luck building bridges.

This puts Moon in a bind, forcing him right when his inclination is to go left.

The Koreas last held formal talks in December 2015. Since then, North Korea has conducted a torrent of missile tests and two nuclear tests, boosting its efforts to make nuclear weapons small enough to fit on long-range missiles.

Moon, who took office in May, made his most ambitious plea for engagement two days after North Korea test-launched its first intercontinental ballistic missile last month.

In a July 6 speech in Berlin, Moon vowed to build on the legacies of late liberal leaders Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun and their so-called Sunshine Policy. Seouls economic inducements resulted in two historic summit meetings and temporary rapprochement between the Koreas in the 2000s.

Moon said the Koreas should start off with easy subjects. He proposed talks for reducing animosities across their heavily armed border and a resumption of meetings between aging relatives separated by war. He invited the North to participate in next years Winter Olympics, which South Korea is hosting. And he proposed ambitious longer-term projects, such as reconnecting an inter-Korean railway and building a gas pipeline connecting the Koreas with Russia.

Moon said he wasnt offering unconditional cooperation. He condemned the ICBM launch and said the North could guarantee its security only through complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization.

Reopening dialogue with Pyongyang is crucial for Moon, who says the South should take the lead when it comes to solving the North Korean nuclear problem. But analysts say the ICBM tests show that Pyongyang is focused on Washington and uninterested in what Seoul brings to the table.

North Korea wants an end to annual military drills between the United States and South Korea that it condemns as invasion rehearsals, and the removal of tens of thousands of U.S. troops stationed in the South. It will also be looking to breathe new life into an economy hammered by years of heavy international sanctions, and to find more markets for its cheap products and labor.

These clearly are of greater significance to Pyongyang than anything Seoul can provide.

Moon has harshly criticized the hard-line policies under a decade of conservative rule in Seoul, which he says did nothing to stop Pyongyangs weapons advancements and only diminished Seouls voice in dealing with its rival. But North Korean intransigence may leave Moon in the same policy rut as his predecessor, Park Geun-hye, who also initially vowed more flexibility.

South Koreas conservatives hold this view and they want more sanctions and pressure. They call his pleas for talks a one-sided love affair. MDT/AP
The Chinese government is considering a series of new preferential policies for Hong Kong and Macau residents, according to an unidentified official at the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on Wednesday, Xinhua reported.

The countrys official news agency has listed nearly 50 concerns of Hong Kong and Macau residents who live, study and work in mainland China, ranging from social insurance applications and education access to job opportunities and tourism services.

Under the new policy, if approved, Hong Kong and Macau residents working in the mainland will be granted equal rights to housing provident funds to help them purchase homes and settle down in the mainland.

Under current regulations, urban mainland residents and their employers pay a portion of their incomes into a housing provident fund to be eligible for low-interest housing loans. The fund can also be used for rent, renovations and major illnesses.

According to the statement, the mainlands human resources authorities are also considering granting social security access to Hong Kong and Macau residents who live, work or study in the mainland.

The mainland also encourages Hong Kong and Macau residents to work in public institutions such as hospitals and universities, according to the official.

China Railway Corporation has also stated that Hong Kong and Macau residents traveling around mainland China can purchase and collect tickets via self-service machines in train stations across Beijing and Shanghai municipalities, as well as in Guangdong, Hunan and Fujian provinces, among others.
If you have not seen the earlier articles on this subject, here is a brief introduction to the series. Of course you can find the articles online on the Macau Daily Times website.

Renting out a property can be both stressful and risky, especially if you are unfortunate enough to encounter a bad tenant.

The trouble is, even though you own the property you are also very busy during the day and want to minimize the issues with this and any other apartment.

If you are looking for an Agency to lease out your property and a Property Administrator to take care of it whilst it rented, it is important to do your homework and look for an established and professional company with strong systems.

The list below is in no particular order, and is intended as a starting point to help identify which questions to ask. In this final installment we look at questions 16-20

Is the tenant legally entitled to stay / work in Macau ?

You want to know if the tenant has legal status in Macau. In other words, do they have the right to live here, work here or both ? If the answer is neither, you could face prosecution for leasing to an illegal immigrant.

You may find that that such people are willing to pay a premium to lease the apartment, and this should be a red flag.

In the most extreme cases, property in Macau has been used in connection with prostitution and human trafficking, neither of which you would want to be associated with and both of which may send you to jail without passing go !

Has the tenant been informed that they cannot sub let or advertise the property in any way

The Tenancy Agreement may state clearly that the property cannot be sub-leased, or it may not state anything directly related to this point.

If a tenant wants to sub-lease part or all of their property, they must have written permission from the owner. This can be stated in the Tenancy Agreement or in a separate statement.

Has the tenant been informed on our rules regarding pets ?

Many landlords do not allow pets, mainly because of the potential damage they can cause to an apartment and of course the difficulty of returning the apartment to the owner in the same condition it was received.

If you want to allow pets, it is better to state this in the agreement so that there are no misunderstandings.

In such circumstances, you might also want to put a clause in the agreement that they pay for a deep clean of the apartment when the tenant leaves.

How many people will be living in the property ?

With the lack of space in Macau, it is not uncommon for workers to share accommodation.

Whilst there is nothing wrong with this is principle if the landlord is informed, you want to avoid the property being used as a dormitory.

We recently purchased a 600 sq ft apartment housing more than 10 people. It will make a nice home for a professional couple, but not for 5 x professional couples !

Who will deal with the lease renewal when the initial tenancy agreement ends ?

The lease renewal must be tracked and handled professionally, or it will cost you money.

If a Property Administration company is not handling this, you will want to set up a reminder when the lease is set to expire in 6 months. At this point you should contact the tenant and ask about their intentions to either stay or leave the apartment.

If the tenant is going to stay, there are two choices, you can either renew the existing lease or create a new one;

That concludes this article on being a landlord; Next week: The most important questions you can ask when selling your property.

Juliet Risdon is a Director of JML Property and a property investor.

Having been established in 1994, JML Property offers investment property & homes. It specializes in managing properties for owners and investors, and providing attractive and comfortable homes for tenants.

www.JMLProperty.com

info@JMLProperty.com
A U.S. warship sailed close to a Chinese man-made island in the disputed South China Sea in an operation that challenged Chinas excessive territorial claims in busy international waters, a U.S. Navy official said yesterday.

The official told The Associated Press that Chinese vessels were in the vicinity when the USS John S. McCain sailed in a routine freedom of navigation operation near Mischief Reef Thursday. It was not immediately clear if the Chinese demanded the U.S. destroyer leave as they have done in the past.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to speak to the press about the matter.

China, which claims the South China Sea virtually in entirety, has protested such U.S. military operations, which President Donald Trumps administration has continued partly to reassure allies locked in territorial rifts with Beijing.

Tensions escalated a few years ago when China began to build seven reefs, including Mischief, into islands, including three with runways, which the U.S. and Chinas neighbors fear could be used to project Beijings military might and potentially obstruct freedom of navigation.

The U.S. is not involved in the long-seething disputes in the busy and potentially oil- and gas-rich waters involving China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Washington, however, has declared it is in its interest to ensure that the conflicts are resolved peacefully and that freedom of navigation and overflight remain unhampered.

In the latest sail-by, U.S. military officials notified Philippine counterparts of the maneuver, a Philippine official told the AP, adding Filipino forces were not involved.

Philippine marines stationed in a marooned ship on a disputed shoal may have monitored the U.S. Navy operation because they are based near Mischief Reef, the official said.

U.S. Pacific Fleet spokeswoman Lt. Cmdr. Nicole Schwegman said all Navy operations are conducted in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows.

That is true in the South China Sea as in other places around the globe, she said. Jim Gomez, Manila, AP
GUAM The tiny U.S. territory of Guam feels a strong sense of patriotism and confidence in the American military, which has an enormous presence on the Pacific island. But residents are increasingly worried over Washingtons escalating war of words with North Korea.

NEPALs parliament has passed a bill toward making women safer by strengthening laws against acid attacks along with the ancient Hindu customs of demanding dowry payments for marriage and exiling women who are menstruating. Violators who force women into exile face punishments of up to three months in jail or a fine of about USD29.

YEMENs national blood bank faces a complete shutdown within a week after a medical aid charity ended its two-year support, the facilitys director said yesterday, warning that the closure could exacerbate the existing humanitarian crisis in the war-torn country.

MALDIVES Human rights groups expressed concern yesterday over the Maldives governments purported plan to carry out its first execution in 60 years.

THAILAND A 91-year old woman in Thailand has earned a college degree after spending more than 10 years studying for it and has received her diploma from the countrys king.

US-CUBA The two-year-old U.S. diplomatic relationship with Cuba has been roiled by what U.S. officials say was a string of bizarre incidents that left a group of American diplomats in Havana with severe hearing loss attributed to a covert sonic device.

SOUTH AFRICA Two men released from al-Qaida captivity after six years in northern Mali made their first public appearances Thursday, recounting their ordeals and saying they were not clear whether any ransom was paid for their freedom.

VENEZUELAN opposition parties, reeling after President Nicolas Maduro installed a legislative super-body that usurps the little power they had, will participate in gubernatorial elections this year, a choice they described as an act of defiance. Yet Maduros allies made clear their authoritarian intentions, stating they decide who gets to run for office.

GERMANYs federal prosecutors say theyve opened an investigation into whether Vietnam conducted illegal espionage in Berlin, after a Vietnamese national wanted by that country on embezzlement charges was kidnapped here and spirited home.
TWIN FALLS  A longtime anti-nuclear activist and former political candidate plans to run for Congress as a Democrat against U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson.

Peter Rickards, 62, of Twin Falls, said he hopes he can run a campaign that unites libertarian-leaning conservatives and Bernie Sanders-supporting progressives.

I see these basic politicians that are talking past each other, he said Thursday. Theyre not talking to each other.

Rickards gave the example of the Bundy family and the protesters opposed to the Dakota Access Pipeline, saying they have more in common than they know at the moment. Rickards said he hopes to run a low-budget campaign and get elected to a Congress that, he believes, is too beholden to big donors.

They are nothing more than pimps and prostitutes, he said. Politicians will do anything for money. And Im tired of paying for it.

Rickards hasnt filed the paperwork to run yet but he has put up a campaign website, peterforidaho.com, which features his biography and information about drug legalization and nuclear waste, two issues about which he is passionate.

Rickards hasnt yet contacted the state or local Democratic parties, said state spokeswoman Shelby Scott and Twin Falls County Chairwoman Jessi Boyer.

Im super happy that people are starting to get interested in running, Boyer said.

Scott said several other Democrats have expressed interest in running for Simpsons seat but none are ready to announce yet.

He hasnt reached out to us yet but its great that hes stepping up to run for office, she said.

Rickards has been a vocal opponent of nuclear power since the late 1980s and sees nuclear waste not as a partisan issue but as a threat to public health, the regions water supply and even national security.

Theres nothing Republican about leaving plutonium over your water, he said. Theres nothing Republican about having a meltdown in the most beautiful state in the country.

Rickards was arrested in 2008 while passing out leaflets after being asked to leave a meeting put on by the developers of a proposed nuclear plant in Elmore County and convicted of two misdemeanors. He was also arrested on marijuana charges in Twin Falls in 2013. Rickards said he was growing marijuana for his personal use and prosecutors reduced the charges.

Rickards plans to ask Simpson to get a Congressional Budget Office score on four bills, including one legalizing drugs. Legalization, he said, would improve public safety, including by greatly reducing the number of heroin overdoses that occur due to Fentanyl or other dangerous cutting agents. Some people will be stupid, he said, but I dont want to pay for the police to put them in jail, (or) for El Chapo to bring it in under Mr. Trumps wall.

Prohibition, he said, puts money in the hands of drug lords and drives up prices to the point where addicts commit other crimes to fund their habits.

The bottom line is, they wont stop doing it, and I dont want them to break into your house or my house when they should be paying for it themselves, he said.

Rickards is also interested in health care reform. His ideas include limiting the pay of insurance company executives and legislation to double the number of medical school spots and to pay doctors tuition if they agree to work in public hospitals or health clinics for 10 years after graduation. Taxpayers will benefit, he said, from expanding preventive treatment options available to poor people before they develop serious conditions.

Rickards has concerns about free trade and said he was glad during the presidential campaign to hear both now-President Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders, who ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination, talk about the issue.

I would like to blend Bernie and Trump and get the best of both worlds, he said.

However, Rickards is unhappy with what he sees as Trump walking away from promises such as statements during the campaign that he would repeal the Affordable Care Act but replace it with something that would ensure widespread health coverage. Instead, Trump backed congressional proposals that, according to the CBOs estimates, would have led to more than 20 million people losing their insurance.

You basically lied, Rickards said. You didnt do your homework. Its not a sales job.

Simpson, a Republican who lives in Idaho Falls, was elected to Congress in 1998 and was in the state House for a decade-and-a-half before that, his last six years as speaker. A Simpson spokeswoman didnt return a call for comment Thursday afternoon.
RUPERT  Pomerelle Place Senior Living is looking for businesses, committee members and individuals who want to help with a walk in October to help support the end of Alzheimers disease.

Walking teams are also needed to help raise funds.

The walk will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 7 at the Rupert Square. Individual walkers on teams only have to walk for two-hour increments if they choose. Set-up is at 8 a.m.

Business sponsors can donate $250 for a silver sponsorship or $500 for a gold sponsorship, which will come with advertisement of the sponsorship. Individuals who donate $100 will receive a free T-shirt. Walking teams are encouraged to raise a flat donation for the team.

Accurate Imprints on the Rupert Square will make team shirts for about $10 each.

Committee members will help with planning, organizing and attend the day of the walk. Meetings are held at 11 a.m. every Monday at Docs Pizza on the Square until the day of the event.

Call Holli Rowe at 208-677-8212 for more information.
TWIN FALLS  Gabriel Salinas wasnt very excited for back-to-school shopping.

For him, it marked summers inevitable end.

But this year Gabriel had a police escort by his side to help with the transition from fun and freedom to work and study.

You want to come with me dude? Deputy Brad Terry said, a school list in hand. You ready?

Gabriel, 9, nodded as the two grabbed a shopping cart and joined the other pairs of cops and children in the back-to-school aisles.

The Twin Falls County Sheriffs Employee Association held its annual Shop with a Cop event Thursday to get school supplies for 20 children. This years event was also organized by Alyssa Bishop, 16, a senior at Xavier Charter School. The back-to-school shopping event was part of her senior project. Children were selected from Valley House Homeless Shelter and from families the police have interacted with whove had trauma in their lives.

Her father, Twin Falls County Sheriffs Sgt. Scott Bishop, started the program 11 years ago. Bishop said he worked mainly with juveniles when he first joined the Twin Falls Sheriffs Department and wanted to give back to children in need. About 25 sheriffs office employees helped children with their shopping.

We want to make sure they get all the school supplies they need so when they go back to school they dont feel out of place, Scott Bishop said.

About $200 is spent on each child, but really there is no set limit. Bishop said they want to ensure each child gets all the items they need. Money is raised throughout the year to fund the project, with donations from Fred Meyer and transportation donated by The Car Store.

It was the first time Terry participated in the back-to-school shopping event. He recently got all his back-to-school shopping done for his own children.

For me, this is more enjoyable, Terry said. You are helping someone else out, and thats cool.

Terry and Gabriel browsed the aisles searching for scissors, pencils and pencil eraser caps.

You want the bigger scissors? Terry asked.

No, the green, Gabriel said.

Terry reached for the scissors at the top of the shelf and crossed them off their list.

I dont like going to school, Gabriel said. Its just work, work, work. I wish summer was as long as the school year.

However, Gabriels stance softened a little when he admitted he liked some aspects of school. His favorite part of school is going to the library.

I like to read, he said. My grandma put me in reading.

Deputy Chris Boyd assisted 7-year-old Reese Franklin a second grader, with her shopping. Reese would point to an item she liked, and the uniformed officer would grab them and place them in the cart. When shed crouch down to browse the markers, Boyd was close by, hunched over with their shopping list.

This was the second year Boyd has volunteered for the event. Boyd said he always tries to sign up for volunteer opportunities.

I enjoy hanging out with the kids, Boyd said. Its a nice change of pace hanging out with kids and having fun.

Alyssa has heard her father talk about the Shop with a Cop program, but never saw it for herself until Thursday. She said it was nice to see police officers interacting with the public in a family setting.

I think its really cool, she said. Its funny to see the overgrown men talking to a kindergarten girl to see what she wants.
This appeared in the Lewiston Tribune:

A year ago, then-state Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa, came as close to claiming a seat on Idahos Supreme Court as possible  without actually getting one.

It did not seem to matter that McKenzie was not particularly qualified to sit on Idahos highest court.

Or that his opponents for the seat being vacated by then-Chief Justice Jim Jones had far more credentials. Among them were Idaho Court of Appeals Judge Sergio Gutierrez, who had 15 years on the appellate court and another six as a District Court judge; Clive Strong, who for three decades served as the head of the attorney generals Natural Resources Division; and Rupert attorney Robyn Brody, who had practiced law for 20 years.

What mattered most was that all four were running in an election  and not just any election. They were facing off in the May 16 primary in which Republican voters have a 4-to-1 advantage over Democrats.

Even though the judicial campaign was nonpartisan, McKenzie traded on his 14 years as a Republican politician.

He paraded his endorsements from such groups as the National Rifle Association, the anti-abortion rights lobby Idaho Chooses Life, the Idaho Farm Bureau, the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, the Idaho Association of Realtors and the Professional Firefighters of Idaho.

No matter that McKenzie was a walking-talking conflict of interest; the tactic worked well enough; McKenzie got 27.7 percent of the vote, second only to Brody, whose own backing among another special interest, the states trial attorneys, helped her secure 30.3 percent.

That sent McKenzie and Brody into a runoff in the November election, while Strong and Gutierrez returned to their careers. And in the fall, McKenzie came within 42,264 votes of defeating Brody, who claimed the seat with nearly 54 percent.

McKenzie was far from finished. When a second justice, Daniel Eismann, announced his retirement last spring, the former state senator jumped in again.

But there was a key difference. When Jones opted to serve out his term, his replacement would be selected by the voters.

Eismann is stepping down this month with about 16 months left to run on his tenure. Under those circumstances, the Idaho Judicial Council screens applicants and nominates up to four finalists; Gov. C.L. Butch Otter would make the final appointment.

But the Judicial Council isnt interested in endorsements.

It doesnt care about party affiliation or even political experience.

The council looks for the qualities one would expect from a judgeimpartiality, judicial temperament, experience and even a few ideas about how to improve the court system.

More than a dozen people applied; half of them were judges already.

McKenzie took one look at the competition, took another at the Judicial Council and withdrew his candidacy.

I just didnt feel like the timing was right, McKenzie told the Spokesman-Reviews Betsy Russell, because the person who wins that will have to run for election next year, basically the next election cycle. I just didnt feel like I wanted to run again in that time frame, that soon.

Coincidence?

Ultimately, the judicial council whittled the list down to four  three District Court judges  John Stegner of Moscow, Greg Moeller of Rexburg and Richard Bevan of Twin Falls, and Boise attorney Rebecca Rainey.

Thats a better outcome. No question about that. Still, from this point forward, politics becomes paramount. Woe to the candidate who has alienated Otter or anyone in his political circle.

The problem here, of course, is that you face two extremes  an election process in which partisan voters can elevate a political hack to the bench vs. a Judicial Council nomination system in which the average Idahoan has virtually no leverage.

How many more times must Idaho travel down this road?

No judge should be elected in a low turnout, partisan primary election. Leave that decision to the broader electorate that engages in the November general election.

But give the voters some meaningful information. Assign the Judicial Council the job of evaluating the candidates and then reporting their findings to a public hungry for relevant information.

Is it too much to ask for a little common sense?
Authorities in eastern province of Elazig announced Friday local police have arrested 22 members of the Islamic State group (IS) in coordinated raids.

The suspect terrorists, all of them men, were arrested in the city of Elazig, the province governors office has indicated.

22 suspects have been detained in simultaneous operations carried out on Aug. 11 as part of the investigation against Daesh terrorist organization a statement by the office said.

The men have been into police custody for inquiry. Reports also say they were sent to hospital for health check.

Turkey, bordering Syria where the terror group has been established a base, has been cracking down militants after the group staged several attacks against security forces and civilians.

Turkey has detained over 5,000 IS suspects and deported over 3,290 foreign terrorist fighters, originating from 95 different countries. It also refused entry to more than 38,269 individuals, Daily Sabah reports.
The Gulf country has put into action its pledge to the UN Security to observe sanctions against North Korea.

A source at the foreign ministry noted that the sanctions, largely economic, are in line with the countrys upcoming responsibilities when it begins its non-permanent membership of the Security Council early next year, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) reports.

A national committee has been set up to ensure the implementation of the sanctions. The penalties include stopping financial transfers to North Korea, halting loans provided by the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development and stopping entry visas for North Korean workers.

The oil rich country also suspends all shipments of goods from North Korea while reducing the number of diplomats accredited to the North Korean Embassy in Kuwait.

Authorities early, in June banned the import or purchase of coal and some minerals, such as iron and gold, from North Korea, pursuant to Security Council Resolution 2270 that imposed sanctions against North Korea in 2016.

The move also hit Kuwaiti banks and ventures wishing to open subsidiaries, branches and bank accounts in North Korea, MEMO notes.
An Iranian Persian journalist and blogger working for Israeli media Times of Israel has arrived in Israel to seek asylum after Turkish authorities told her she might face deportation to Iran over her professional links with Israel.

Neda Amin arrived Thursday in Tel Aviv from Istanbul. She was welcomed at Ben-Gurion Airport by David Horovitz, editor of Israeli online media Times of Israel.

She is blogger for the Israeli media Persian version and is also freelance writer for several other media.

Neda, 32, fled to Turkey in 2014 after she received threats for her criticism against authorities.

Neda said she feared for her life in Turkey after being repeatedly questioned by local police and told that she might likely be kicked out. She said she might be sent back to Iran where her life will be in danger.

Israel foreign mission in Istanbul worked to get her out Turkey after she contacted Horovitz for help.

Neda reportedly has some Jewish heritage. Her fathers mother was Jewish, Horovitz noted.

Israel interior minister Aryeh Deri welcomed her to Israel.

Welcome to Israel! he tweeted.

Neda has applied for permanent stay in Israel.
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.
Tanzanias economic growth slowed to 5.7 percent in the first quarter of this year from 6.8 percent previously, the statistics office of the East African nation said on Thursday.

Tanzanias annual GDP growth rate averaged 7% over the past 5 years, making it one of the 20 fastest growing economies in the world and beating the Sub-Saharan Africa average GDP growth rate of 4.4% during the same period.

The state-run National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said the construction sector grew 8.4 percent in January to March 2017, compared with 8.9 percent a year ago, while transport and storage grew 4.1 percent from 7.9 percent previously.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the economy of Tanzania will grow by 7.1% in 2017, while the World Bank predicts a 7% growth for the same period.

Growth is still supported by substantial government investment in infrastructure, including a standard gauge railway, new roads and expansion of ports.

Tanzania has started building the 300km Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from the Indian Ocean port of Dar es-Salam to Morogoro, with plans to extend the line to Port Mwanza on Lake Victoria to link Uganda.

Construction of the multi-billion railway line was launched in April by Tanzanian president John Pombe Magufuli.

The Tanzanian government has also dedicated two train locomotives and more than 100 wagons last week to facilitate movement of goods between Kampala and Dar esSalam.

President Magufuli has launched a crackdown on tax evasion targeting large companies. The recovered money is used to fund infrastructure projects.
Business is still slow in Nairobi 48 hours after the disputed election results were announced as many remain fearful of the aftermath.

Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday secured a second term with 54.2 percent against Raila Odingas 44.8 percent, the Electoral commission said.

Despite the chaotic situation in the capital and in Kisumu on Wednesday, the African Union Observer Mission from 31 African countries, led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, said the election was largely peaceful.

The mission who visited 464 polling stations across the country, said Tuesday vote, was consistent with policies of the African Union but voter education was insufficient.

Opposition Coalition, NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka claimed that the Electoral Commission system was manipulated and questioned the authenticity of the presidential results.

I havent heard what the Opposition says on what basis their complaint would be. I can say this personally from the polling station where I was. I went there when the polling station opened in the morning, I came back when the counting started and transmitted the results to the center. I can give an account of what happened at that polling station and Im quite sure that nobody would be able to lodge any complaint of what happened there, Thabo Mbeki said.

He therefore called on all with questions on the conduct of the election to exercise restraint and await an account from the  Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), stressing the imperative need for the IEBC to give a detailed account of the process.

The 2007 election led to horrific bloodshed. More than 1,000 people were killed and more than 660,000 were forced out from their homes.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on Thursday, announced plans to disburse about Sh777 billion ($ about 350 million) to finance agriculture, health and Information Communication Technology (ICT) sectors in Tanzania.

Bill Gates, co-chair of the Foundation and the worlds richest man made the statement at Dar es Salaam State House shortly after meeting with President John Magufuli.

On heath sector, which is the main focus of the foundation across the world, the grant to Tanzania will help reduce infant mortality rate, fight against malaria and control malnutrition, a press statement from the Directorate of Presidential Communications said.

The funds would also help to increase raw materials, improve livestock keeping as well as installing modern systems of accessing information; Bill Gate was quoted as saying.

The co-founder of Microsoft also expressed his satisfaction on economic development of Tanzania and furthermore urged for effective supervision of the allocated funds for the betterment of the country.

Dr Inmi Patterso, the United States of America acting ambassador to Tanzania, who was also at the State House, said the US government would top-up Sh499 billion in the next financial year to finance health and education sectors in the East African nation .

Earlier last month, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation announced that the organization would increase family planning funding by 60 percent: an additional $375 million over the next four years.

In Tanzania, the Foundation has donated $15 million to support the development of national digital infrastructure that makes better use of data in the Health sector.

The initiative would help transform healthcare settings in health sector by improving healthcare delivery, improving health workforce, simplifying communications and managing medical products, vaccines and technologies, among others, it said.
Senegals 91-year-old former president and main opposition coalition leader Abdoulaye Wade on Wednesday said the opposition would not participate in any future elections in the West African nation because the parliamentary polls were a masquerade.

Incumbent president Macky Salls coalition took 125 seats in the 165-seat National Assembly after winning nearly 50 percent of the vote earlier this month.

The coordination of opposition parties Wattu Senegal  will no longer participate in any election of any kind organised by the government of Macky Sall, veteran Wade said in a statement.

It will oppose by all means any attempt by Macky Sall to organise a similar masquerade at a national level, he added.

Wade, who left office after corruption allegations led to violent street protests in 2012, returned from retirement in France last month to run in the elections.

Before the elections, opposition leaders in Senegal have criticised President Macky Sall for trying to stamp out political opposition in a contentious campaign.

The vote was marred by delays in issuing biometric identity cards that prevented hundreds of voters from casting their ballots.

President Sall, who has prided himself on advancing transparency and stable, progressive democracy in Senegal since his election victory in 2012, is not up for re-election until 2019.

Note that Senegal is viewed as a bulwark of democracy in Africa for its peaceful power transitions.
BUILDING THE LA RAZA 'The Race' WELFARE STATE ON MIDDLE AMERICAS' BACKS: Months ago, the Biden administration publicly defended their proposal to begin providing federal identification cards to border crossers and illegal aliens who they plan to release into American communities. The goal of the proposal is to make securing public benefits easier.


@PatriciaMazzei

Citing Venezuela's tumultuous political climate, Credit Suisse banned certain bond trades with Venezuela on Thursday -- the sort of action encouraged for months by opponents of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, including Sen. Marco Rubio.

An internal memo detailed the bank's new policy, which will add a layer of screening to financial transactions involving the Venezuelan government.

The Swiss bank's decision comes after Maduro pushed through an all-powerful legislative body elected in a vote widely seen as fraudulent. The international community has condemned his government as a dictatorship; a prolonged economic collapse has resulted in food and medicine shortages and led to months of street unrest.

Financial giant Goldman Sachs faced heavy criticism for buying deeply discounted Venezuelan state-oil company bonds in May, weeks after Maduro's political opposition -- and Rubio -- had begun urging banks to avoid bailing out the oil-rich South American country.

"I have the obligation to warn you that by supporting such a gold swap you would be taking actions favoring a government that's been recognized as dictatorial by the international community," Julio Borges, the opposition president of parliament, had written to major banks.

On May 5, Rubio wrote Urs Rohner, chairman of Credit Suisse's board, asking him to heed Borges' warning that banks agreeing to exchange the country's gold reserves for cash would circumvent parliament's authority and risk damaging their reputations by financing Maduro's cash-strapped government.

"As you know, Venezuela is suffering a massive political meltdown, an economic depression, and a humanitarian crisis due to the Maduro regime's moves towards authoritarianism and other violations of democratic norms; to its rampant corruption, disregard

for the impartial rule of law, and fiscal mismanagement; and to its violent-and increasingly lethal--crackdown against the country's growing peaceful protest movements," wrote Rubio, who heads the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.

Rubio noted previous drug-trafficking sanctions imposed by the U.S. against Venezuelan Vice President Tareck El Aissami and said more penalties could come. The Trump administration has stepped up its sanctions against members of Maduro's governments in recent weeks, as punishment for electing and then inaugurating the new assembly.

On June 2, Rohner responded from Zurich that Credit Suisse "is committed to human rights and respects them as a key element of responsible business conduct."

"We will very carefully evaluate any new business involving the government of Venezuela, taking into account these factors as well as the concerns that you outlined in your letter," Rohner said.

Read Rubio's letter to Credit Suisse.

Read Credit Suisse's response.

Photo credit: Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Here's a poem celebrating milkweed by Bradford Tice, whose most recent book of poetry is What the Night Numbered, from Trio House Press. Our Monarch butterfly population depends upon milkweed, and perhaps a few people who read this won't chop down or pull up or poison one of these generous plants.

***

I tell myself softly, this is how love begins 

the air alive with something inconceivable,

seeds of every imaginable possibility

floating across the wet grasses, under

the thin arms of ferns. It drifts like snow

or old ash, settling on the dust of the roadways

as you and I descend into thickets, flanked

by the fragrance of honeysuckle and white

primrose.

***

I recall how my grandmother imagined

these wanderers were living beings,

some tiny phylum yet to be classified as life.

She would say they reminded her of maidens

decked in white dresses, waltzing through air.

Even after I showed her the pods from which

they sprang, blossoming like tiny spiders,

she refused to believe.

***

Now, standing beside you in the crowded

autumn haze, I watch them flock, emerge from

brittle stalks, bursting upon the world as

young lovers do  trysting in the tall grasses,

resting fingers lightly in tousled hair.

Listen, and you can hear them whisper

in the rushes, gazing out at us, wondering 

what lives are these?
Gov. Steve Bullock issued a new executive order Friday declaring a fire emergency in the state.

The declaration cited numerous and intense wildland fires burning in several western Montana counties  Missoula, Ravalli, Powell, Mineral, Lincoln, Granite, Lewis and Clark, Beaverhead, Lake, Flathead counties  and on the Flathead Indian Reservation, and one in Eastern Montana  Carter County, near Ekalaka.

Under a fire emergency, the state can add resources and send the Montana National Guard to help fight fires. The state can also use more funds for the effort.

We will continue to do everything we can to make sure folks on the ground have the resources they need to protect Montanans and their property until every single fire is put out, Bullock said in a release.

Bullock first declared a fire emergency this season on July 23.
A Butte man reached a plea agreement Thursday in Butte district court allowing the court to drop one charge  assault with a weapon  against him while allowing a guilty plea for criminal endangerment from a separate incident.

Additional charges from a third incident involving Nicholas Dudla, 28, are pending.

Dudla was first arrested in January 2017 on a felony assault with a weapon charge. Police said he broke into an apartment and threatened the two occupants inside with knives. That charge was dismissed Thursday.

In a separate incident, officers tried to pull Dudla over in March for speeding. He fled, reaching speeds of 50 mph to 60 mph in Uptown, then almost hit a parked trailer and drove at an officers car, forcing the officer to pull out of the way. Dudla eluded officers on that chase. In April, he was found in a car wash bay on Front Street. Documents say Dudla gave a false name, punched an officer in the face, and refused to be handcuffed.

He was charged in May with felony criminal endangerment for the speeding incident. Dudla pleaded guilty to that charge Thursday in exchange for the dismissal of the earlier charge. He was also charged in May for assault on a peace officer and misdemeanor resisting arrest and obstructing a peace officer due to the April incident. Those charges are pending.

Dudla remains in jail on a $25,000 bond. No new court appearance has been set yet.

In other Butte district court action Thursday:

 Damien Duffy, 24, received a suspended sentence, and Dakota Duffy Hancock, 20, received a continuation on his hearing over felony charges related to a break-in at Montana Buds, 2071 Harrison Ave., with intent to distribute the $1,840 worth of stolen drugs.

The incident occurred in January 2015 when officers responded to a burglary alarm at the marijuana store. An eyewitness gave officers the license plate number of the vehicle that fled the scene. When officers located the car, they found both Duffy and Hancock inside the vehicle and nearly $1,000 worth of marijuana brownies plus a little over $840 worth of other marijuana products, which matched the list of items taken from the shop.

Both men were charged in January 2015 for one felony count of burglary and one felony charge of criminal possession with intent to sell or distribute. The court sentenced Duffy for three years for both charges but suspended the sentences. Duffy must report to probation for supervision.

Hancocks hearing was continued.

 Andrew Bland, 30, pleaded not guilty to one felony count of possession of dangerous drugs and one misdemeanor count of possessing drug paraphernalia. Bland was charged in late July. His next hearing is Sept. 21.

 Ricky Soto, 28, pleaded not guilty to one felony count of possession of a dangerous drug. Soto was charged in late July, and his next hearing is Sept. 21.

 Ricky Berkopec, 40, pleaded not guilty to one felony charge of possession of dangerous drugs and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia in district court Thursday. Berkopec was charged in late July, and his next hearing is set for Sept. 21.
Matthew Rodriguez, 31, of Butte pleaded not guilty in Butte district court Thursday to a charge of sexually assaulting a juvenile. If convicted, he could receive up to 100 years in prison, a $50,000 fine, and a mandatory sexual offender program, Butte District Court Judge Brad Newman said.

Rodriguez's bail is set at $100,000. Newman scheduled the next hearing for Sept. 21. He remained in jail Thursday.

In other Butte district court action Thursday:

ASSAULT ON INFANT

A man accused of putting his 5-month-old son in a freezer for a few seconds to stop the child from crying pleaded not guilty in District Judge Kurt Kruegers court.

William James, 23, was charged in July 2017 for felony assault on a minor. Great Falls officers responded to Benefis Health System in spring 2013 for an alleged assault on the 5-month-old victim. The child allegedly had multiple bruises and marks on his body, including a broken left tibia. A scar on the childs elbow was also allegedly observed.

Because of insufficient evidence, Great Falls police were unable to charge anyone at that time.

The case was reopened in April 2015 when officers said they learned that James had placed his son in the freezer while living in Butte in 2013. The child was taken to Butte Community Health Center at the time of the incident, and the injury on his elbow was reported as a rug burn, documents show.

A doctor provided a medical opinion when viewing photos of the childs rug burn that the injuries were consistent with contact burns and could have come from being placed into a freezer, documents show.

Krueger set the next hearing for Sept. 7. Jamess bail is set at $50,000.

CHILD BEATING CHARGE

Justin Taylor, 27, pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of assault on a minor and three misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

According to police, Taylor beat his two daughters, age 7 and 8, with a spatula; held them face down on the bed until they passed out; spanked the girls with a belt; hit one in the head; and pulled one childs hair. When police arrived at the house in February 2017, all four children in the home allegedly had severe head and body lice, the living conditions of the children were unsanitary and filthy, and basic hygiene for the children was not being met.

The children's welfare was brought to police attention in late February when an elementary school teacher called the Department of Health and Human Services due to concerns about the older children. Police removed the two younger children, aged 23 months and 7 months, and all the children were placed into foster care, according to court documents.

Butte District Court Judge Brad Newman said the felony assault charges could lead to five years in prison and a $50,000 fine. The misdemeanor charges could result in six months in jail and a $500 fine.

Taylors bond is set at $25,000, and the next hearing is set for Sept. 21.

THEFT, DANGEROUS DRUGS

Tanisha James, 20, pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of criminal endangerment, one felony count of theft, one felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, and one misdemeanor count of possessing drug paraphernalia.

James allegedly stole a vehicle from a Bozeman resident and led police on a high-speed chase in May through Butte. During the chase, James ran over a stop sign at Oregon and Front, almost struck a vehicle, then struck a building at 1100 Front St., lost a back tire, and nearly hit an officers car.

The car reportedly came to a stop on Harrison Avenue, and James was transported to St. James Healthcare.

Police said they found a small bag of what they believed was methamphetamine and a syringe inside the vehicle.

Krueger set Jamess next hearing for Sept. 7, and her bond is set at $75,000.
During the past week anglers and fishing guides on the Bighorn River have reported seeing paddlefish  the monstrous, prehistoric native fish normally relegated to the Missouri and lower Yellowstone rivers.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks fisheries biologists say that this summers arrival of paddlefish in the upper 13 miles of the Bighorn River is unusual, but not surprising nor unprecedented.

Mike Ruggles, FWPs fisheries biologist in Billings, said the timing, duration and temperature of releases from Yellowtail Dam into the Bighorn River this past spring look familiar to paddlefish and other species that normally migrate upstream each spring to spawn. Those flows have been absent since the dam was completed in 1967.

Bighorn Reservoir, which is backed up by Yellowtail Dam at Fort Smith, is filled every spring from snow melting in the mountains of northwestern Wyoming. The federal Bureau of Reclamation monitors snowpack all winter and adjusts the lake level to accommodate the anticipated runoff. Historically high amounts of snow fell in the Wyoming mountains last winter, so Bureau of Reclamation dam operators opened the dams gates early in March to drain the lake and make room for a huge runoff.

After hovering around 2,500 cubic feet of water per second all winter, the river level shot up to more than 14,000 cfs by Memorial Day. That amount of water cannot pass through the electricity-generating turbines, so much of it was spilled through the dam. Water that flows through the turbines comes from near the bottom of the lake, where it sees no sunshine and is cold. Spilled water comes from the sun-warmed upper layer of the lake.

Paddlefish have learned over eons and hundreds of generations that when the first surge of spring runoff starts in March, as prairie snow melts, it is time to swim upstream to look for a place to lay their eggs, Ruggles said. They spawn in late June and July when a runoff surge from mountain snowmelt arrives in the flatlands.

This springs early, large releases from Yellowtail Dam apparently mimicked normal runoff flows and got paddlefish moving upstream  much farther than they typically run these days. Flows were high enough  and apparently timed perfectly  to allow paddlefish to swim upstream over instream irrigation diversion dams and keep swimming up the Bighorn River.

FWP regional fisheries manager Ken Frazer said that although a paddlefish was the biggest fish ever caught in Montana  142.5 pounds and nearly 6.5 feet long  their arrival in the Bighorn River wont harm trout fishing on the famous 13-mile trout-fishing stretch. Paddlefish feed exclusively on single-cell plankton, which they filter from the water. That makes it extremely unlikely that an angler would accidentally hook a paddlefish while casting a fly for trout.

Paddlefish may have been in the Bighorn River for a month or more, Frazer said, but water levels just now are receding enough that guides and anglers can see them in deep holes.

Dont expect to see paddlefish take up long-term residency in the Bighorn River, Ruggles said. As the Wyoming snowpack melted out in late July, releases to the river from Yellowtail Dam dropped to around 4,000 cfs. On Aug. 2 dam operators started drawing water from the lower levels of the lake. In two days peak water temperatures in the river dropped from an unhealthy 67 degrees each day to 59 degrees. They now are running at between 62 and 64 degrees, a level comfortable for trout but too cool for paddlefish.

In the next few weeks the paddlefish will migrate back downstream to their fall and winter home in the Missouri River in North Dakota, Ruggles said. Fry from any eggs that hatch in the Bighorn River also will drift downstream, potentially as far as Lake Sakakawea.

For a time, paddlefish have arrived in the Bighorn River trout waters and people should enjoy seeing them while they can. But FWPs biologists and game wardens want people to leave the fish alone. Handling paddlefish or lifting them out of the water is harmful and potentially illegal.
Butte's prevalence of obesity is 11 percent higher than the rest of the state's, and the number of residents who describe themselves as smokers is down by 9 percent from 2014. Also since that year, the percentage of children who have had a yearly checkup has increased to 94 from 64 percent.

This is according to the 2017 Community Health Needs Assessment  a whopping 200-page report with charts and graphs covering everything from substance abuse and health insurance access to birth rates and tobacco use in Butte.

The Butte-Silver Bow Health Department and St. James Healthcare conducted the study, which became available to the public Thursday. The findings are the result of 400 telephone surveys with Butte residents and an online survey among leaders, social service agencies, and physicians. Assessments on Butte's health care needs come out every three years, the last one being published in 2014.

Jay Doyle, the hospital's interim chief executive officer, and Karen Sullivan, director of Butte-Silver Bow County's health department, presented the assessment Thursday to an audience of health care and government leaders who gathered at St. James.

Doyle presented a list of eight health care "opportunities"  areas where health care officials think they can have the greatest impact.

But also included in the assessment is a list of four top health care concerns, which are ranked based on scope and severity. Substance abuse topped the list, followed by mental health; nutrition, physical activity, and weight; and injury and violence (including suicide).

On the substance abuse front, the assessment notes that 47 percent of Butte respondents say they have been negatively impacted by substance abuse, either their own or someone else's. This is compared to 32.2 percent nationally. Incidentally, excessive drinking and drug use among Butte residents is on par with national levels.

"I think what we're seeing in our community related to meth and other life issues is very concerning," said Sullivan, adding that the Montana Healthcare Foundation will soon issue a report on how health care organizations and can collaborate on substance abuse issues in Montana.

On a more positive note, Sullivan also spoke on the reduction of smokers in Butte and praised efforts by the health department and Butte's Tobacco Use Prevention Program to make some of the parks in the Mining City tobacco free. The health department plans to issue a survey to see whether residents would support such a measure.

"Tobacco also has an environmental issue," said Sullivan. "After every festival when the street sweepers are out in Uptown Butte, you would not believe the tobacco products that go right directly into our sewer systems."

Another priority Sullivan focused on was weight, nutrition, and physical activity.

The assessment shows that 68 percent of adult respondents said they are overweight and 34.4 said they are obese. This is compared to 61 percent and 26.6 percent statewide and 65.2 percent and 33.4 percent nationally.

"Given that the data from the survey shows that we have issues (with nutrition and weight), the health department as an entity and as a collaborator will be working very hard on this issue over the next three years," Sullivan said.

Doyle, meanwhile, said that he'd like to see Butte catch up with other Montana communities.

"I want to improve our numbers," Doyle said. "I think we need to all come together."

After the presentation, The Montana Standard asked whether socio-economic status had an impact on health issues  especially when it comes to nutrition and obesity.

Sullivan said that socio-economic status is factor.

"It's a direct correlation," said Sullivan, noting that lack of transportation and poor access to grocery stores disproportionately affect people of low income. Tackling these issues, she said, involves community outreach, improved transportation, and promoting access to fresh food and vegetables.

"That's why public health gets involved in items like transit and transportation," said Sullivan, who has positive things to say about Butte's bus system. "That's why we're supportive of enhancing bus stops and getting people to where they need to go."

Next up for the health department and St. James is to develop a community health improvement plan that outlines actions to be taken over the next three years. The plan is slated to come out in winter 2018.
Montanas attorney general wants Colstrip Power Plants newer units taken off the table in a Washington hearing where Puget Sound Energy is discussing the coal-fired generators partial closure.

Republican Tim Fox told The Gazette that third parties are pushing for the early shutdown of Colstrip Units 3 and 4. Units 1 and 2, the oldest generators of the four-unit power plant, are slated to close within the next six years, and the associated costs factor into Pugets request to charge its million-plus customers more for electricity.

Not when the rate case is set up solely to determine issues revolving around 1 and 2, Fox said.

Puget Sound Energy holds a lot of sway over the future of the Colstrip power plant, one of the largest coal-fired generators in the west. The Washington state utility owns half of Colstrip Units 1 and 2, which it agreed in 2016 to shutter no later than 2022 in order to settle a clean air lawsuit against it and co-owner Talen Energy. The lawsuit was filed by the Sierra Club and the Montana Environmental Information Center.

Puget also owns a share of Colstrip Units 3 and 4. The company has indicated in its rate case that those newer units, built in the 1980s, could shut down by 2035. Two other utilities with ownership in the newer units, Portland General Electric and PacifiCorp have agreed to stop delivering Colstrip power to customers in Oregon in the 2030s. Oregon wants to cut the cord on coal power to eliminate its use of energy sources that emit carbon dioxide that contributes to climate change.

Units 3 and 4 are definitely part of Pugets rate case, which takes an A-to-Z look at costs related to generation and distribution, including minor factors like efficient lighting. The case is not set up solely to determine issues around Units 1 and 2, according to the Pugets own case filing. PSE has asked to raise rates 4.1 percent, which it estimates would drive up collections from customers by $87 million a year.

Some parties granted permission to intervene in the rate case are suggesting that PSE begin working into customer bills the cost of closing and cleaning up Units 3 and 4.

Montana economist Thomas Power has submitted testimony arguing that the time to charge customers for the environmental cleanup and closure of Units 3 and 4 is now and not after the units shut down.

Power told The Gazette this week that holding back the bill for the cleanup until after the units close means customers will for years be paying for a power plant that doesnt provide electricity. Customers who hook up to Puget after the units close will be billed for a power plant that never served them, which Power argues is an unfair burden.

That burden is also one Puget customers will soon face for Units 1 and 2, Power said. The decommissioning and cleanup costs for those units are expected to easily surpass tens of millions of dollars, according to the Department of Environmental Quality.

"My position is primarily that the lesson should be learned from what happened with 1 and 2," Power said. "We should be concerned with what happens with 3 and 4."

Power has suggested Puget use 2030 as its target closure date for planning what money should be raised in advance. The Sierra Club, which has also been allowed to intervene in the Puget rate case, has suggested an earlier closure date.

In its own testimony, Puget Sound Energy notes that it has shortened its retirement date of Units 3 and 4 from 2045 to 2035.

Montanas attorney general cant speak directly to Pugets plan for Colstrip or make recommendations about that plan. Fox had been granted a seat at the bargaining table in Pugets rate case in February, but chose not to make recommendations to the board overseeing the matter. The deadline for speaking directly to Pugets proposal and making recommendations was June 30. The attorney general chose not to.

Fox said he has a strategy for future legal action and didnt want to show his hand by filing testimony in June. The Washington Utility and Transportation Commission, which oversees the rate case as a quasi-judicial regulator, tells The Gazette that moving forward, Montanas attorney general can speak to the comments made by other third parties but cannot address Pugets proposal directly.

On Aug 29, the three-person commission will begin hearings to determine PSEs proposed rate increase, as well as the recommendations of third parties other than Montana and the UTC staff.

There are recommendations being made concerning Colstrip by parties other than the attorney general. The Natural Resources Defense Council has recommended that Puget develop a community and worker transition program for Colstrip to help the community survive the shutdown of the plant, which the majority of Colstrips households depend on for work. The southeast Montana town has about 2,300 residents.

Testifying for NRDC, Power said Puget has an obligation to mitigate the consequences of shutting down portions of the power plant. He recommends that obligation be spelled out in Pugets rate case.
As the Outdoor Industry Association recently confirmed, outdoor recreation is not only intrinsic to our way of life in Montana, it is now the largest sector of Montanas economy.

According to OIAs new numbers, Montanas outdoor recreation economy generates over $7 billion per year in consumer spending and supports over 70,000 jobs that pay more than $2 billion worth of wages. These numbers, while eye-popping, are even more impressive when you consider that they dont even account for indirect economic effects, such as the hundreds of start-ups and small businesses that choose to locate here to take advantage of our outdoor way of life.

Montana is home to a thriving industry of small businesses, an industry that is resilient, even in times of economic downturn. But, just like other key sectors of our economy, we cant expect this industry to grow if we dont have the right policies in place. A common-sense and much-needed first step is the creation of Montanas own Office of Outdoor Recreation, and we applaud Gov. Steve Bullock for recently announcing that he will create this office in September. Similar offices have already been created in at least six other states.

While several different agencies manage various pieces of the outdoor recreation economy  State Parks, Office of Tourism, Office of Economic Development, for instance  we lack a unified and strategic approach to this massive part of our economy.

This new Office of Outdoor Recreation could play several critical roles in our outdoor recreation economy. One of its top priorities should be to expand the outdoor recreation economy map in Montana and help rural communities across the state gain access to the resources they need to more fully capture the benefits of that economy. Those resources could include grant opportunities to strengthen trail systems and improve outdoor infrastructure. Likewise, the office could be an important advocate for rural business owners, such as outfitters and guides, who have ideas on how to improve Montana's regulatory environment and promote outdoor tourism.

For our outdoor economy to thrive, we must reaffirm our commitment to keeping our public lands intact, well-managed, and accessible, especially as visitation continues to rise. That means, at a minimum, rejecting efforts to transfer ownership or management to the state, a move that would compel the state to either industrialize or sell off those lands just to keep the state from going bankrupt. It also means strengthening and supporting efforts to protect wildlands and investing in outdoor recreation infrastructure. Keeping our public lands in prime condition  with clean water, clear trails, abundant wildlife, and beautiful vistas  is the right economic choice.

Finally, the office should serve as an advocate for properly funding our public land management agencies. We rely on the Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and other agencies to maintain trails, trailheads, campgrounds, and other infrastructure on our public lands. Without that infrastructure in place, we cant expect our outdoor recreation economy to continue to thrive. These agencies are facing a budget crisis. The Office of Outdoor Recreation could serve as a powerful voice in persuading our elected officials to adequately fund those agencies.

Every community in our state has the potential to use outdoor recreation to improve the quality of life for its residents and attract new visitors, businesses, and investment. We hope this office helps more communities harness the power of this booming sector of our economy.

-- Kayje Booker is state policy director at Montana Wilderness Association.
The Atlantic Richfield Co. will remove trailers and some materials from the Anselmo mineyard in Butte soon, company officials said Thursday, but they would not give a date or make other commitments.

They also told county officials as well as residents who have wanted the area cleaned up for years that the company might use it again as a staging point for work on environmental projects in Butte.

That led Don Davis, who lives next to the Anselmo, to question why the meeting on cleaning up the mineyard and adjacent timber yard was even held Thursday.

Stop telling people its going to happen 'someday', Davis said. Something happening should have a date.

Dave Palmer, Butte-Silver Bows chief executive, set up the meeting to address decades-old concerns about the mineyard. Palmer, other county officials, two Atlantic Richfield managers, and a few neighbors attended.

Several residents living near the Anselmo say it's been a messy junkyard for years, with overgrown weeds, old trailers, debris, and scrap materials strewn about. They say their complaints have largely gone unanswered.

The headframe, associated buildings, and a large area called the timber yard are kind of tucked away on the Butte Hill off of Excelsior Avenue. The county removed its belongings last year, but much of the area is owned by Atlantic Richfield.

The company says it has used that area as a staging area for reclamation projects on the Butte Hill for several years, including recent work to turn the Lexington Mine into an interpretive center. Atlantic Richfield hired Jordan Contracting to do much of that work.

That project is wrapping up, and Lindy Hanson, deputy operations manager for Atlantic Richfield, said Thursday that Jordans trailers and additional materials will soon be removed.

But there are no plans now to remove old concrete building foundations from the area, she said, and the company still has reclamation obligations in Butte.

That means even after some cleanup work is done soon, the company might have to use it as a staging area for future work, she said.

Commissioner Cindi Shaw, who also has been pushing for cleanup, said that sounded as if the Anselmo could become an on again, off again mess as it is now.

During one exchange, Hanson said, We are committed to removing the trailers and dressing it up.

Until the next time? Shaw asked.

Potentially, Hanson said.

Planning Director Jon Sesso noted that areas owned by Atlantic Richfield would only transfer to the county when a consent decree is reached.

The county, state, and federal environmental regulators and Atlantic Richfield have been working on a consent decree for two decades without a final agreement. It would spell out long-term responsibilities for cleaning up mine pollution on the Butte Hill.

Still, Sesso and Palmer said discussions about future use of the area could start now so some decisions and legwork will be complete once the county gets the land.

Davis said that was wishful thinking, since Atlantic Richfield wont say precisely when the area will be cleaned up but does say it could be used as a staging area again and again.

Shaw also suggested that Atlantic Richfield, even though it owns the timber yard area, should be subject to community enrichment and decay laws that apply throughout Butte.

At the end of the hour-long meeting, Davis and Shaw agreed to seek a neighborhood meeting on potential future uses and report back.
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FRUITLAND  This summer has been an unexpected time of transition for the city of Fruitland.

Last month, the city council accepted Mayor DeWayne Walter's resignation, and since then, Councilman Randy Phillips and City Clerk Kim Thompson have resigned.

Fruitland officials have yet to offer an explanation for any of the resignations, and the city council has been scrambling to fill the empty mayor and council seats. The council appointed Mayor Pro Tem Marty Hills as mayor last month, but at Thursday's city council meeting, Hills said the appointment was not done correctly.

The city is now filing a legal notice of intent to appoint a mayor and is working to go through the proper procedure to appoint Hills as mayor, which could take place as soon as next month's meeting.

If Hills is officially appointed mayor, the city would be required to fill his council seat, plus the seat left empty by Phillips. At Thursday's meeting, council members encouraged residents to approach them if they are interested in serving for the rest of the councilmen's terms, which would be through 2019.

Fruitland has 60 days to appoint two new council members, unless enough residents petition for the city to hold a special election. Assistant City Clerk Becca Shoppa was named City Clerk to replace Thompson Thursday. The council must also find a new assistant city clerk.

Confusion around Aug. 1 election

At this month's meeting, Hills said he is unsure if the special election Aug. 1, in which residents voted to use sewer tax funds for road projects, was held appropriately under Iowa law.

Thompson previously said residents had been paying the 1 percent local option sales tax for decades. Originally, the revenue was mostly used to save for a potential city-wide sewer system, which was a requirement of the Department of Natural Resources.

In 2010, the city voted to change how the tax revenue was spent, choosing to have 80 percent of the funds go toward infrastructure, and the remaining 20 percent to be put in the sewer fund.

On Aug. 1, Fruitland residents voted to allocate the money in the sewer fund, about $700,000, to the general fund, so that total revenue from the sales tax would go toward infrastructure and roads.

The City Council hoped the $700,000 already in the fund could be a down-payment on the ongoing Fruitland Road paving project, in which the city is required to pay $1.4 million. But because maintaining the sewer fund was a requirement of the DNR, Hills said he is not sure if that money can be transferred into the general fund.

He believes future revenue generated by the tax, starting in November, can be used for the road paving project, but is now "looking at ways" to try to release the existing funds. At the council meeting, residents asked how the city could let the election happen without fully understanding the required use for the funds.

Fruitland is still looking for ways to fund the road paving project, which is set to be completed this fall.

In other business:

The Fruitland City Council agreed to spend $350, half of the cost of a handicap-accessible swing, with the Lion's Club donating the rest of the cost.

The council is considering recording its monthly meetings so residents can view them online or on television.

Fruitland is considering adopting a fireworks ordinance, but the council decided to wait until the Muscatine City Council amends its current ordinance before making a decision.
WEST LIBERTY  In 1876, when the United States was just 100 years old and Alexander Graham Bell made his first successful telephone call in his Boston laboratory, Mike Meyers ancestors began working their farm on the outskirts of West Liberty.

The family hasn't stopped since. Mike Meyers and his wife, Pam Meyers, are the fifth generation of farmers to work the same land, raising cattle and planting crops. Next week, they will be among six families to be honored at the Iowa State Fair with The Way We Live Award  recognizing families across the state for their love of farming and their contribution to community life.

The award, which was first given in 2009, requires applicants to write an essay describing how farming has shaped their life. The Meyers essay was selected from a pool of 42 applicants by a panel of three judges. The couples 22-year-old daughter, Katie Meyers, wrote the essay, surprising her parents. The Iowa State University student said she wrote the essay to give voice to her parents good deeds and values.

It is not uncommon to see Mike out chopping rye for a neighbor when his own rye needs harvested just as much, she wrote in her essay. It is not uncommon to see Pam feeding a new born lamb a bottle every few hours when a ewe has no milk.  America most definitely needs farmers, and the Meyers family is doing their best to promote agriculture, pass along their farming traditions, values, and work ethic. 

When they discovered they were selected for the award, both husband and wife simply said they appreciated their daughters touching homage to the only life they ever wanted to lead.

I just never thought about doing anything else, Mike Meyers said. Thats just what I always planned on doing.

Pam Meyers grew up on a Muscatine Island farm. Her family has been farming for at least three generations. She remembers working alongside her parents in the sandy soil of the Island, growing tomatoes for Heinz, cantaloupes and watermelon.

So when the two got married almost 30 years ago, they knew they wanted nothing more than to farm together. The couples four children are all involved in agriculture and farming in one way or another, raising bottle calves and helping West Liberty FFA students.

A couple of years ago, their daughter, Kelsey Morris, began a bottle calve operation on Meyers property. Through her husband, Zach Morris, an agriculture teacher at West Liberty schools, she reached FFA students who were interested in showing bottle calves at the fair.

Several teens have been showing bottle calves and goats at the Muscatine County Fair the past few years thanks to the Meyers, who help students by providing calves, feed and the space to house them, removing some of the monetary and space barriers that might limit city-dwelling children from learning about livestock.

The Meyers will receive their award next week at the Iowa State Fair.
MUSCATINE  Vance Crumly wants to approach his mayoral campaign with "eyes wide open." He has been reviewing the city's budget and expenditures, talking to council members and working to figure out what kind of mayor would best fit Muscatine.

Crumly, a Muscatine native who works at Hy-Vee, is the fourth candidate seeking election this fall, along with Mayor Diana Broderson, former mayor DeWayne Hopkins and business owner Charlie Harper.

If elected, Crumly said it would be important to be a positive spokesperson for the city, plus encourage cooperation between the city council, staff and residents.

"The only people that I would be beholden to is the people of Muscatine," he said. "These are our friends, our neighbors. These are the people we have to live with, so let's all get along."

While he has never held office, Crumly has served as a delegate for candidates at local and state conventions, including Rand Paul in last year's election. He also attended the Iowa State Convention and said he knows several people involved in local elections.

Crumly calls himself the "happy smile behind the meat counter" at Hy-Vee, and he hopes to bring a similar attitude to city council meetings and Muscatine's government.

"From my job in customer service, I know how to relate to anybody and talk to anybody, and I could do that," he said. "When foreign visitors come to town, I could be an ambassador and be gracious."

The candidate said there should be better communication between the city and its residents, and would speak with anyone who has ideas or concerns, and put them in contact with the appropriate city official.

He would hope to act as a positive "PR person" for the city, and has the goal of bringing more arts events to Muscatine. Crumly would like to see a band shell built on the riverfront, where there could be music or events similar to Shakespeare in the Park.

Crumly also supports lifting the ban on pit bulls within Muscatine city limits, saying the city should focus on holding residents accountable and imposing stricter penalties for dog owners with dangerous animals, rather than "vilifying the breed."

After watching city council meetings, he looked into the Muscatine Fire Department's approved purchase of a new fire truck, and wants the city to find a new home for the previous truck. He said housing the truck at one of Muscatine's industrial buildings could help bring quicker assistance to other parts of the city.

The candidate has also spoken with several boat-owners in Muscatine, who complain about the boat launch at Riverside Park, because it is difficult to dock with the strong current in the area. He suggests building a wing dam to help control the current.

A 1988 Muscatine High School graduate, Crumly has lived in Los Angeles and across Virginia, but returned to Muscatine around 2010.

"Most of the nicest people I met in L.A. were from Iowa and the Midwest," said Crumly, who moved back to Muscatine to be near friends and family.

The first day for candidates to file nomination papers to run for mayor or city council member is Aug. 28, and the last day is Sept. 21. The election will be held Nov. 7.
Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life!
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 []
Embattled televangelist Gilbert Juma Deya on Thursday decried the poor conditions at Kamiti Maximum Prison when he appeared in court.

The controversial preacher complained to the court that the conditions in the room where was being held were pathetic and inhumane.

Through his lawyer John Swaka, the preacher also accused the Government of not honouring an alleged agreement between the British government and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that he be accorded special treatment while in prison.

Mr Swaka said Mr Deya was not allowed to leave his room from 7 pm, and because there are no washrooms, he has to use a bucket and keep it in his room till morning.
Its official. What Kenyans have known since Tuesday night has now been made official.

President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta has been re-elected and will now serve his second and final term as president, with Deputy President William Ruto as his deputy.

The announcement was made on Friday night by IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati, after verification of the physical Form 34As and Form 34Bs.

Uhuru Kenyatta has clinched the presidency with 8,203,290 votes (54.27%) against Railas 6,762,224 (44.74%). Uhurus numbers are well above the constitutional threshold of 50% + 1. A total of 15,073,662 Kenyans voted representing a 78.91% turnout.

Since morning, Cabinet Secretaries, Jubilee officials and politicians started arriving at Bomas, and it was clear what direction the announcement was going.

A few minutes to 1 pm, Nasa principals Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Musalia Mudavadi arrived at Bomas of Kenya and headed straight to a meeting with IEBC officials. They left a few hours later and demanded that IEBC does not announce the results.

The final announcement was scheduled for Friday afternoon, but ended up being pushed until 9pm when the chairman took the podium.

This declaration brings to an end the voting exercise that began on Tuesday.
Boy, havent we seen our fair share of Kenyans in their true element this election period?

A prime example is the Githeri Man. The 41-Year-Old father from Kayole, real name Martin Kamotho, demonstrated the true Kenyan spirit and in doing so, brought laughter and light moments at a time when we needed it the most.

We also saw the young patriotic family of three that stepped out in outfits with Kenyan colors top to bottom.

Also spotted at the polling stations was Martin Luther King Jr, believe it or not.

Whats evident about all these funny sightings is that Kenyan voters will almost do anything to carry out their civic duty.

We have lost count of the many men pictured with babies on their backs at various polling stations on Tuesday.

On the more desperate side of things, a woman turned up to cast her vote with a puppy on her backI know, we also dont know what to make of it but one thing is for sure, this is something you only see in Kenya. The same country that has brought us folks like Bungoma hangman.

You gotta love our ingenuity.
Flamboyant lawyer Donald Kipkorir has made quite a name for himself, specifically for consistently backing the wrong horse.

A few weeks ago, he revealed that he backed Uhuru Kenyatta in 2002 in an election that was eventually won by Mwai Kibaki. It was also said that he supported Raila Odinga in either the 2007, 2013 or both.

Last year, Donald was probably Hillary Clintons biggest supporter in Kenya, even changing his own Facebook cover and profile pictures to that of the US Democratic candidate. Obviously Hillary is not the US president.

Then a few weeks ago, Donald came out publicly to announce that he would be voting and offering support to Nasa candidate Raila Odinga. He even went on to meet Raila at a Karen restaurant.

Some people were keen to wonder whether a Raila win would break his streak, but from the results streaming currently, it looks like Donald will have to wait.

On voting day, the lawyer took a chopper ride all the way to Cheptongei to vote for Raila. But on Wednesday he came out and congratulated Uhuru on his win, also urging him to fulfill his promises.

Read that statement below.

***************************************************

Open Letter To H.E Uhuru Kenyatta

Congratulations on your re-election as our President. Truth be told, over 7million voted for your re-election, whilst over 6million voted for Raila Odinga. I was amongst the 6million. It looks likely our candidate lost fairly. IEBC conducted credible elections. But also, IEBC needs to complete the electoral process as provided in and by law.

When I decided to vote for Raila, it is not because you and me stopped being friends, but because I truly believed Railas vision of Canaan maybe a better alternative. Some friends tell me they have not been employed or promoted because of their tribe. I meet many people everyday who tell me that they have been left out.
Nairobi gubernatorial election loser Miguna Miguna has refused to follow the growing trend of losers conceding and congratulating their opponents.

The controversial lawyer had uncharacteristically gone missing from Twitter since Tuesday, leaving people wondering whether he lost his password.

Yesterday however, Miguna returned to his favourite social media platform to thank his campaign team and those who helped him fight the cartels.

In a series of Tweets, Miguna also revealed that he is consulting on how to continue fighting the cartels and impunity. But lo! and Behold to anyone who thought he would at least acknowledge Mike Sonkos victory.

Mike Sonko remains a functionally illiterate convicted drug dealer and looter. Ill never recognize him as my governor. Period! he tweeted.

Read his tweets below.

Miguna has not been known to have kind words for Sonko or his other opponents in this race. He has used different nasty tags for Kidero, Peter Kenneth and Sonko throughout the campaign process.

In Tuesdays poll, Sonko came out on top with 53.47% of the vote. Just as predicted by opinion polls, Miguna did not manage even 1%, only getting 9,892 votes at the time of this writing (0.63%).

Peter Kenneth managed 2.67%.
How quickly situations change. A few days ago, Martin Kamotho was just another little-known githeri-loving voter and now he is Kenyas man of the moment.

A few days ago also, Prezzo declared that he was over his ex-fiancee Michelle Yola and said he would keep a tattoo of her name. Now, the tattoo is a thing of the past.

The socialite couple had their side palms inked with each others name as a celebration of love in 2016 when their love was blossoming.

We got tattoosTeam LoveLove is a beautiful thing..and if you dont have love that goes to show that youre not at peace with yourself, said Prezzo in a video the couple posted showing off the tats.

Heres a recap of that moment.

The love may have withered months ago but the rapper still kept the tattoo and last week he explained why.

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.

Read: Prezzo: Im Over Michelle Yola and Im Keeping her Name Tattoo

Now that the love has withered and rotten, following Yolas allegations that the prezident is a cyberstalking threat to her life, Prezzo has covered up the tattoo.

And he has done it in epic style by getting a tattoo of Nairobi city.
Civil servants have been asked to return to their work stations with immediate effect.

Public service, youth and gender affairs cabinet secretary Sicily Kariuki issued a public notice yesterday. She said the voting process is now complete and public servants should, therefore, resume to their duty stations.

Kenyans are back to their normal business are already seeking services from the public offices.

The government is committed to ensuring the full and immediate resumption of services to the public, she said.

I call upon public servants to ensure that they are available in their place of work to offer the requisite services to the public, the CS said in a statement sent to the newsrooms.

Normalcy is yet to resume in most major towns across the country with many Kenyans traveling up country to cast their votes on Tuesday.

The IEBC is yet to announce the Presidential results and a majority of Kenyans are waiting for the final tally and announcement to resume their normal lives.
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 p.m. with Youth Program and Teen Group at 10:30. Rev. Julie Schmidt will be Accepting What Is. Please return bags for Napa Food Project. Aug. 11, Spiritual Cinema Night will feature What Dream May Come at 7 p.m. Open Meditation Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. MS Support Group Aug. 10 4- 5:30 p.m. (Sanctuary) Spiritual Artists Group, Aug 10 6:30 p.m. (office). Mindful Life Workshop with Lanna Cairns, Aug. 20, 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 journey through the Book of John. We are in chapter four and will be examining Jesus speaking with an outcast and the love he showed towards her. 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

We will enjoy Shabbat Worship on Friday, Aug. 18. Join us for a pre-oneg glass of wine and nosh at 5:15 followed by services. The Bar Mitzvah of Jed Rubin will be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. On Sunday, Aug. 20, join CBS congregants at Jewish Heritage Night with the Giants. 1455 Elm Street, Napa. 253-7305, cbsnapa.org.

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

People will gather for worship at 10:30 am on the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost. The Rev. Timothy Locke, assisted by liturgist Chuck Youngson, will lead the service. The special music will be presented by the Covenant Choir, with an open invitation to the congregation to sing along. Quiet activities are provided for preschool  8th grade worshipers; Sunday School will resume in September. 255-9426; 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

We have two services: one at 9 a.m. with special music by Karen Albrecht, and one at 10:30 a.m. with praise music led by Florida Stringer. Pastor David will be preaching at both services on Whats Going On in Your Orchard? Scripture reference will be Galatians 5:2225. 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 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 Yountville. 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

No matter what may happen around us, Christians are called on to keep focused on what really matters: life itself, love of family and friends, with kept Jesus at the heart of it all. Come and join us on Saturday morning, Aug. 12 at the worship service at 11:15 a.m. and listen to Pastor Jim Pedersen present his sermon, Pressing On With Things That Matter. napacomm.com, 1105 G Street, 252-2444.

NAPA METHODIST CHURCH

We are a progressive and reconciling church, where all are welcome. Choose from 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

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. 13 at 10 a.m. But Im Not A Racist: Unpacking White Fragility, Traditional Service with Cindy Guentert-Baldo and Sunday Service Assistant Mary Lu Kennelly. These days more and more people are willing to engage in conversations about race, conversations that are often difficult and uncomfortable. Dr. Robin DiAngelos theory of White Fragility helps to explain and pinpoint many of the coping mechanisms white people use to manage these feelings. Guentert-Baldo will be exploring her own fragility, the ways she has come to recognize it, and offering ways to check it at the door so we can do the real work required to dismantle systems of racial oppression. 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

The world-famous International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be at St. Apollinaris, Saturday, Aug. 19 at 3 p.m.. Mass will be 4:30 p.m. with a talk by the Custodian of the Statue on the Fatima message after mass, followed by the Rosary and enrollment in the Brown Scapular. There will be talks by the custodian after 7:30, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Masses Sunday. Pope Pius XII said of this statue: In 1946, we crowned Our Lady of Fatima as Queen of the World and the next year, through her Pilgrim statue, She set forth as though to claim Her dominion: and the favors are such that we can hardly believe what we are seeing with our eyes. 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. 13, 10 a.m. service. We are happy to welcome back Rev. Bob Brach as our guest speaker this week, with Port Ahead, Starboard Back  Practicing Deep Self-Acceptance. Using the ideas of Robert Brumets book Living Originally, we will look at some of the ideas of moving forward from awareness to acceptance of where we are in life; Our Sunday Service music is selected and performed by Lon Eakes. 11:40 a.m. Forum. After a Refreshments break, Rev. Bob facilitates a one-hour Forum exploring the insights and perspectives of the attendees concerning his Sunday Service message. Historic Grange Hall, 3275 Hagen Road (1/2 mile east of the Silverado Trail), Napa. Parking next to the building. UnityinNapaValley.org, 255-6881.

YOUNTVILLE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Aug. 13, New Schedule: Sunday Bible Classes (all ages), 9a.m. and Worship service, 10 a.m. Lead Pastor Jim Huckaba is teaching from a sermon series called Fellowshipping With God. Sundays sermon is entitled Pray Like This, Matthew 6:5-15. 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.
Until an injury temporarily sidelined him recently, Burt Abramowitz, 81, and his 76-year-old workout partner had a standing commitment three times each week. Theyd work out at the Golds Gym in Rockville, Maryland then go out to eat afterward, usually at the Dunkin Donuts or Silver Diner. Abramowitz jokes that sometimes the food would negate any benefit from the workout, but the food was never the point. It was the camaraderie he cherished.

Abramowitzs experience mirrors that of an active senior population, where the gym has become a place to build not just muscle but community.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, studies have linked strong social relationships to a longer life span. In one British Medical Journal study, researchers wrote that social activities may be as effective as fitness activities in lowering the risk of death. They followed more than 2,800 people over the age of 65 for a 13-year period. The researchers concluded that active people were more likely to be alive at the end of the 13-year period. But they also noted that social activities conferred equivalent survival advantages compared to fitness activities. According to the researchers, this means that activities that entail little or no physical exertion may also be beneficial.

In 2010, three researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 148 studies from 1990 to 2007 that examined the connection between social isolation and mortality. They found that individuals experiences within social relationships significantly predicted risk of mortality. In other words, people with stronger social relationships were likely to live longer. Addressing the direction of the effectwhether socialization has a positive effect on health or whether people who are sick simply have fewer social relationshipsthe authors said that the data provides stronger evidence for the influence of social relationships on risk for mortality rather than vice versa. Based on their meta-analysis, researchers found that in its influence, social isolation compares with risk factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, and it might even exceed other risk factors such as physical inactivity and obesity.

The problem is that social connections, the ties that bind us to our community, slowly weaken as we age. Friends and family retire, some move away, and others die. A retirement community is a salve for some. But for seniors who age in place, this means living alone in a changing community as familiar faces disappear.

Thats why many find the health club a good place to strengthen social bonds. Its a natural gathering spot, pulling people together to engage in a common activity. And working out with a partner is a commitment; youre more likely to show up if youre meeting someone. Thats what Abramowitz found so appealing. The motivation for Jay and me was the camaraderie, he says. It was the friendship, someone to kibbitz with.

Nick Crossley, a professor of sociology at the University of Manchester, has researched community-building in health clubs. He says that these places are particularly effective because they encourage socialization on a routine basis, often with the same people, even if by chance. People become familiar with each other that way, Crossley says.

Studies have borne out the role that fitness centers play in maintaining social bonds in seniors. In one study published in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease, which conducted focus groups of participants in a fitness program for older adults, one woman said that being able to socialize with people and to laugh helps the body become better and the mind stronger. The researchers noted the strong sense of cohesion among members, a dynamic process reflected by the tendency of a group to stick together and remain united in pursuit of its objective.

Bob Ray, 82, works out at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington and likes to motivate others in the room. I encourage everyone around me as they work out. Im the mayor of the exercise room. I like to talk a lot and be social, and the gym is a great time to do that, Ray says. Sometimes the conversation can be a welcome diversion from exercise or from life outside the club.

The post-workout recovery offers another opportunity to socialize. Its easy to meet because everyones already in the same place. In his report, (Net)working Out: Social Capital in a Private Health Club, Crossley noted that the intimacy of a gyms sauna, where people are often squashed together, sitting in the eye line of others, makes conversation almost a necessity.

Stan Ginsberg, 73, works out at a D.C. area LA Fitness and says that after his water aerobics class, the group often heads right to the hot tub, where its easy to socialize. We talk about that days class, but we usually like to talk about things outside, like our travels. Before one member of Ginsbergs class moved recently, the group threw a going-away party.

In Abramowitzs case, the socializing afterward was just as important as the workout. The quality time after, when wed go out to eat, was something we really looked forward to, he says. I wouldnt have seen my friend three times a week if it wasnt for the gym.
Did you happen to catch the recent 10-part series, Genius, on the National Geographic channel?

The series spanned the life of Albert Einstein from his early days as a patent clerk in Bern, Switzerland to his death in Princeton, New Jersey. It focused more on his life, loves, struggles, and theories than math and physics, although, there were a few fascinating animations to help viewers visualize what he was thinking.

At one point, he said, Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.

I dont remember if he was referring to the Theory of Relativity or the Unified Field Theory  and it doesnt matter. What matters is that it also refers to interior design. In fact, it refers to absolutely everything: Too many ingredients in a recipe dilute the essence of the flavor. Too many words in a column dilute the essence of the message (Im still working on this). Too many lines of computer code slow response time. Too many bells and whistles in a car, a television, or a sewing machine can cause more problems than they solve.

Einstein was not saying to make things simple but to make them as simple as possible. In his world, he stripped down even his most complicated of formulas. There is nothing simple about them but they are as simple as can be and still prove his point.

Ill give you a few examples of how you can simplify your design in a moment, but I first have more groundwork to lay. When I design for clients, whether it be a single vignette, a room, or an entire house, my goal is to make every item and detail count. If it doesnt, I eliminate it.

The idea is that if it doesnt count, then keeping it only blurs the final result.

Thinking back to all the Demystifying Design columns Ive written, how many have advocated that we declutter, establish rhythm and pattern, emphasize one, and only one, focal point? Many. My reasoning has always been that such actions create efficient, functioning and harmonious spaces. They also create stronger and more confident designs.

Youve probably heard, Less is more. Its a phrase adopted by mid-century modern architect and furniture designer, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Like Einsteins quote, this guideline really does produce the most successful outcomes.

So, how can you apply it to your home? First, as you might have guessed, edit and declutter. This will instantly give your space more room to breathe. Also, group similar items together. Instead of scattering decorative pottery, beautiful hardback books, framed photos, etc., gather them into a collection. They will make a bigger impact.

On a larger scale, if youre remodeling or building new, think about the architectural details and finishes. In a modern house, for instance, keep millwork simple. In a Victorian house, add just enough detail to acknowledge the architectural style  but dont go overboard. (The Arts and Crafts movement, in fact, was a rejection of the over-the-top embellishments of the Victorian age.)

As you update, upgrade, make over, remodel, or start from scratch, if you design the Einstein way, your result will be purposeful, meaningful, scaled, and proportioned. Everything will relate to everything else, which is actually the essence of the Unified Field Theory.
As a new school year gets set to open on the nine campuses of the University of California, its fair for parents of prospective students to ask once again, as many have for at least the last eight years, whose UC will it be?

The question first arose during the Great Recession that began about nine years ago, a time when UC began accepting more and more out-of-state and foreign students to help make up for funding cuts inflicted by then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state legislators.

Over 12 years, the foreign and out-of-state enrollment at UC  some of whose campuses are routinely listed among the top five public universities in America and the world  rose from 5 percent to more than 21 percent. University administrators were forced to concede the $26,000 in extra tuition paid by the children of Arab oil sheiks and Chinese multi-millionaires and government-subsidized students from myriad other places had a lot to do with their vastly increased numbers at UC.

Meanwhile, the proportion of highly eligible California high school graduates who actually went to UC was falling despite their supposedly being guaranteed a slot somewhere in the university.

About two years ago, administrators began feeling some heat over this, with state legislators threatening to cut the taxpayer contributions to UC coffers unless the trend stopped.

So UC regents voted overwhelmingly in late 2015 for a plan to increase in-state enrollment by 5,000 students in each of the next two years, this fall being the plans second year.

This action, proposed by UC President Janet Napolitano, amounted to a tacit admission that the critics were correct.

Since then, there has been a bit of a shift toward higher enrollments of Californians at UC. The system announced as it sent out acceptance offers this spring it would have 2,500 more California undergraduates than it did two years ago. Not exactly the 10,000 promised by the universitys governing board back then, but progress nonetheless.

In fact, UC reported that admission offers to Californians declined this year by about 1,200 from last year, a drop of almost 2 percent. Meanwhile, a reported 31,030 non-Californians got admission offers, a jump of about 4 percent from last year.

Justifiable outcries began immediately. UC officials are tone deaf and insensitive to Californians and the (states) master plan for higher education, said Northern California Republican state Sen. Jim Nielsen. Californians subsidize UC so that their children may attend and learn to be competitive in this global economy. Instead, UC officials are admitting non-Californians to the detriment of California students.

What Nielsen said is more true of the primo UC campuses like Berkeley, UCLA, San Diego and Irvine than it is of those at Riverside, Merced and Santa Cruz, which are in somewhat less demand by out-of-staters.

UCLA admitted just 14.6 percent of California hopefuls this year, even as it became the first American public university to get more than 100,000 admission applications. Berkeley took just 19.7 percent, with out-of-staters eating up many slots that otherwise could go to Californians.

As they previously have, UC officials predicted in-state enrollments would actually rise, noting they have longstanding analyses of how many admission offers are acted on by non-Californians.

But there are new questions about the reliability of statements from Napolitano and her staff. A state audit, for example, showed the presidents office squirreled away about $175 million over the last few years in a slush fund, at the same time tuition rose by almost the same amount. That led to great mistrust, which many governors would have resolved by firing the perpetrators.

But, as usual with financial chicanery conducted by officials associated with Gov. Jerry Brown, no one was punished and business carried on, following pious pledges to clean up their act from Napolitano and other administrators.

All of which leads parents of prospective UC students to feel betrayed by and untrusting of a system originally created to serve people like their children.
Boy Scouts of America Troop 832, chartered by Elks Lodge 832 of Napa, has returned from a very adventure-packed summer.

The troop spent eight days in Hawaii. Traveling from Napa to Honolulu, the adventure began with an overnight stay on the USS Missouri. The last battleship ever of the U.S. fleet is docked in Pearl Harbor, approximately 200 yards from the USS Arizona.

The next morning, the troop visited the USS Arizona Memorial and laid flowers on behalf of the Elks Lodge and troop. (Truly a memorable experience for all involved.) And after leaving Pearl Harbor, the troop went to the Aloha Councils Camp Pupukea for a week of summer camp.

Upon the return of the troop to Napa, two scouts got ready for a cross-country trip to the BSA National Jamboree in West Virginia. There they spent two weeks touring eastern U.S. national monuments and living the 10-day National Jamboree.

Welcome back all Scouts of Troop 832. This truly was a high-mileage summer.

Antonio Zarate

Napa
We usually turn to Chile and Argentina for affordable, quaffable wines. Yet both are capable of producing high-end vino that can stand among the best in the world. And theyve looked to Bordeaux, the very image of Old World wine sophistication, for help.

On a recent visit to South America, I was interested in exploring French-influenced wineries to see how the Old World was influencing the new in this reach for quality. Instead I found the opposite: that Bordeaux has been reaching out to the New World to reconnect to its roots.

Chile is known for red wines from the smoky, peppery carmenere grape, and Argentina for fruity malbec. Both are traditional varieties prominent in Bordeaux blends in the 1800s but fell out of favor after the phylloxera root louse epidemic decimated European vineyards in the latter part of that century. When the Bordelais replanted their vineyards, they favored cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot, grafted onto American rootstock immune to the louse. By then, however, carmenere and malbec vines had been exported to South America, where they thrived on their own rootstock; vinous time capsules waiting to be unlocked.

My first stop in Chile was Almaviva, on the outskirts of Santiago, a joint venture between Concha y Toro, one of Chiles largest wineries, and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, which owns Chateau Mouton Rothschild and other wineries in Bordeaux. Almaviva is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, a landmark that Philippe de Sereys de Rothschild, vice chairman of the French company, says marks a turning point toward maturity and top quality.

Wine is an investment, he told me during a visit to Washington in May. It takes time for the terroir to begin to express itself. Almaviva is already 20 years old, but it is only 20 years old. Theres still a lot of work to do.

And the project is evolving. From the initial 1996 vintage, Almaviva has been a blend dominated by cabernet sauvignon, with a healthy dollop of carmenere providing a Chilean signature. In the early years, however, the carmenere was labeled as merlot; Chile realized only in the 1990s that its merlot was actually carmenere. So the idea of tasting Bordeaux of old is newer than the Almaviva project.

But the wines are aging well. I tasted 12 vintages, from the initial 1996 through the not-yet-released 2015. All were delicious, with even the early vintages from the late 1990s remaining fresh and complex as they age. The 2007 was my favorite, having shed its youthful tannins but not yet taking on the patina of age, suggesting Almaviva hits its stride about 10 years after the vintage.

About a three-hour drive from Santiago, in the Millahue Valley, is Vina Vik. This a project of Alexander Vik, a Norwegian entrepreneur, but with a French connection: The initial winemaker was Patrick Valette, a former owner of Chateau Pavie in St. Emilion in Bordeaux and a prolific consultant for wineries in Bordeaux and Chile. Valette left Vik earlier this year to return to Bordeaux. I met with his successor, Cristian Vallejo, who oversees the futuristic winerya property of nearly 11,000 acres in a horseshoe-shaped valley about 40 miles from the Pacific.

Vik is a no-expense-spared operation, with a luxury hotel and a restaurant with Michelin aspirations. While other Chilean wineries emphasize tradition, Vik opts for modernity. Many Chilean wines boast of their ungrafted vines, unaffected by phylloxera, even though theres no real way to tell if wines from ungrafted vines taste better. Viks vines are all grafted to ensure even quality, using six different rootstocks in various parts of the vineyard, Vallejo says.

Vina Vik manages to walk the tightrope between power and elegance. We dont want muscle wines, Vallejo told me, referring to the overtly fruity, high-alcohol style that became popular with international wine critics over the past two decades. Obviously, we are Chile, so we have color, density, structure and tannin. To make an elegant, well-balanced wine is a challenge. High vine density in the vineyards and low yields per vine help preserve acidity while ripening grapes without too much sugar, he says.

Across the Andes in Argentinas Mendoza region, malbec replaces carmenere as the focus of Bordeaux history. When Pierre Lurton, director of Chateau Cheval Blanc in St. Emilion, came to Mendoza in the late 1990s, he wanted to re-create the style of Bordeaux in the 1850s, when malbec made up about 40 percent of the average red Bordeaux blend. Obviously, few people alive today have tasted that style, and the terroir of the high-altitude vineyards in the Andes foothills differs wildly from maritime Bordeaux. But malbecs prominence in Mendoza offered a unicorn of sortsa chance to re-create history.

Lurton founded Cheval des Andes, a joint venture between Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes. Today, Cheval is a blend of malbec and cabernet sauvignon, with other Bordeaux varieties playing smaller roles. Winemaker Lorenzo Pasquini says Cheval, like Vina Vik, has moved away from the power-focused international style.

Today we have more concentration on elegance and finesse instead of power, Pasquini says. That means complexity in the nose before intensity, and balance in the mouth before power.

Bodegas Caro is a joint venture of Catena Zapata, famous for pioneering Mendozas wine renaissance and leading the exploration of high-altitude vineyards. Its partner is Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), the parent company of Bordeauxs Chateau Lafite Rothschild. Like Cheval des Andes, Bodegas Caro was established in 1999, and with a long-term perspective.

We want to make the most elegant wine in Argentina, and if we persevere over four or five decades, I think we can achieve it, says Caros winemaker, Fernando Buscema.

For Caro, evolution over the first two decades hasnt been a change in style so much as an effort to find the best vineyards to produce the style of wine the Catenas and Rothschilds envision. The key is in the vineyards, and it takes a lot of time to understand where to grow the right grapes, Buscema says.

Like many wineries in Mendoza, Caro has extended its reach south of Mendoza city, higher up in the Andes foothills. Our focus now is on Altamira, south of Mendoza, Buscema told me. We believe we can make really elegant wines there. But it took us nearly 20 years to reach that conclusion.

Such effort and investment do not come cheap. These wines range from about $50 a bottle for the Caro to well into triple digits for Vik. They are trying to prove a point, and recapture a whiff of history.

New World innovation, meet French patience. The result is terrific, with more to come.
For 700 years and 30 generations, the Frescobaldi family has been an iconic name in the wine industry. With an eye on celebrating the diversity of Tuscanys terroir, the family owns six estates in Tuscany and produces what some consider to be some of Italys finest wines.

One of these wines is Luce della Vita from the hill town of Montalcino. A region famous for its Brunello di Montalcino, Luce della Vita was the first winery to blend sangiovese and merlot. The idea was to produce a wine that blended the Old World and New World together, with the traditional sangiovese offering structure and elegance and the non-traditional merlot adding roundness and smoothness. Luce Della Vite, the light of life, is a winery that is steeped in tradition while embracing the future.

Luce della Vita was created in 1995, initially as a collaboration between two great winemaking families, Marchese de Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi. Today, the winery is under the sole proprietorship of Lamberto Frescobaldi. The Luce della Vita estate is located southwest of the medieval town of Montalcino. The first vineyards were purchased in 1996, with additional vineyards purchased in 2001 and 2016. Today, there are 88 hectares planted to merlot and sangiovese on southwest-facing vineyards with mixed-clay, sandy schistose and sandstone soils.

The symbol of Luce della Vita honors the traditions of the Frescobaldi family and the history of the Montalcino region. The image of the sun was used as a decorative motif in Renaissance art. Luce della Vitas sun is the color of a dark red, alluding to the red soils of Siena. The sun has 12 flames surrounding it, inspired by Brunelleschis drawings of the high altar of Florences Church of Santo Spirito built in the 16th century on land given to the city by the Frescobaldi family.

While the logo of Luce della Vita looks to the past, the winery is looking to the future with a new cellar and a new winemaker this year. The new underground cellar is located in the center of the vineyard plot and has a central corridor that is considered the backbone of the winery. In fact, from the renderings shown, the corridor looks like a dinosaur spine with an uneven curved ceiling that has arches at varying heights. There are three openings along the corridor that connect to the wine library, which has been built on classical geometry rule and is in harmony with the territory.

As the new winery is scheduled to officially open in 2017, this years harvest will also bring a new winemaking team. Stefano Ruini is the new technical director and enologist. After earning his degree in viticulture and enology at the University of Paicenza, Ruini spent three decades working in the Medoc region in Bordeaux. He returned to Italy with the knowledge he gained in Bordeaux but is focused on the terroir.

We make terroir wine, not technological wine, he explained. To understand the nature as it envelops us, we must look at it through its eyes.

While 2017 will be Ruinis first vintage, and his influence on the wines is yet to be discovered, a recent tasting took us back through the history of the winery. Luca della Vita is always a 50/50 blend of sangiovese and merlot, allowing the terroir and the uniqueness of each vintage to shine.

 Luce 1997  A vintage that suffered a freeze, the wine has notes of dried raspberry and cranberry, cloves and soft tannins.

 Luce 1999  A good vintage, the wine is a dense ruby color with ripe aromas of plum, raisin, blackberry, brown sugar, brown spices and velvety tannins.

 Luce 2006  Another good vintage, the wine is dense, dark purple with a nose of dried plum, brown spices, vanilla, licorice, dark chocolate and tobacco. With drying tannins, this wine still has a lot of aging to do.

 Luce 2008  The hot vintage was good for the late ripening sangiovese but the merlot was a little overripe. The wine is a dense purple color with concentrated aromas of wild blackberry, sour cherry, pepper and tobacco.

 Luce 2010  A difficult year with a wet spring followed by a good fall leading up to harvest, this wine is a purple-red color with notes of wild berry fruit, currants, blackberry, brown spices. The nose is perfumed, almost like a cologne and the wine is full of big tannins.

 Luce 2012  Spring rains were followed by an ideal dry summer and the resulting wine is a dark ruby color with a big, deep, complex nose of wild blackberry, cloves, pepper and licorice with a hint of smokiness.
Dried and/or fresh herbs mark the aroma of a well-made sauvignon blanc, which was precisely the reason the grape variety seemed to be so daunting to many people almost exactly 50 years ago when Robert Mondavi began selling his first such wine, from the 1966 harvest.

Sauvignon blanc long had been considered one of the worlds most notable wine grape varieties, and the wine it made was a noble addition to the dining table. But from his experience, Mondavi knew that selling a wine with that name wouldnt be easy.

So he changed the name to fume blanc, borrowing the name of a famous French (Loire Valley) district wine, blanc fume, and set out to educate consumers about the exceptional qualities this grape could offer.

The Mondavi style, as well as the name, began to catch on. Dave Stare of Dry Creek Vineyards in Sonoma County adopted the Mondavi name in the early 1970s for its sauvignon blanc, and later so did Ferrari-Carano, Grgich Hills, Chateau St. Jean and others.

The herbal notes of the variety pervaded many such wines of that era. Some wine lovers, notably chardonnay fanciers, didnt like or, more likely, understand the green, herby-aromas.

Still, St. Jeans distinctive La Petite Etoile, from the cool Russian River Valley, long has displayed lemongrass/green tea aromas. In the early 1980s the wine was even greener (and more olive-y!) than it is today.

It developed a loyal following, and it remains a part of the St. Jean portfolio.

The strongly herbal style of the variety once was considered a love or hate sort of thing and harkens back to a time in the mid-1980s when cold-climate or windy California locales made such aberrant styles of sauvignon blanc that the wines were likened to having the aroma of canned green beans or asparagus.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Monterey County was considered the wrong place to grow sauvignon blanc because of its strong vegetal assertiveness, a trait that in the last decade has become a lot better understood by consumers.

Indeed, even wines like cabernet sauvignon grown in cooler climes were said to have the veggies. It was a disrespectful term, and even was applied (inappropriately) to some perfectly acceptable cabs that had a mere trace of the varietys wild sage aroma.

The herbal charms of sauvignon blanc first gained acceptance here as a result of a truly challenging style first seen in this country in the late 1990s when the first sauvignon blancs from New Zealand arrived.

These were relatively herbaceous wines, but nevertheless showed a lot of charm. As with 50 years ago, the first New Zealand efforts seen here were initially considered to be aberrations  oddities that only adventuresome wine lovers could possibly understand.

Once the shock wore off, the New Zealand style of wine featuring the aromas of passion fruit, gooseberry, lime, and even a trace of kiwi(!) became a fascination for those seeking alternative flavors.

Sauvignon blanc also is one of the components of White Bordeaux wines, and a few of these are entirely composed of that grape. But most have semillon as the primary component, so they have that grapes main aromas  figs, lanolin, and ripe melon.

The original classic sauvignon wines from Frances Loire Valley (such as Pouilly-Fume and Sancerre) usually display mere traces of the herbs, and usually have more minerality in both aroma and mid-palate.

Such wines are usually so dry that they cry out to be served with food. By contrast, most New Zealand sauvignon blancs being sold here are made with traces of residual sugar to ameliorate the acidity. As such, they are fabulous for patio sipping and less likely dinner companions.

Napa Valley continues to grow exceptionally fine sauvignon blanc, but unlike the more classic versions, many of the more expensive sauvignon blancs dont display much of the varietals endemic aromas or flavors.

Indeed, several of the most expensive Napa sauvignon blancs are aged in new barrels, which alters the wine in ways that do not seem particularly food friendly.

Sauvignon blanc today is one of the countrys most popular white wines, and is extremely popular with restaurant servers. Because it is so engaging, people who order of glass of it before dinner often order a second, servers have told me.

More than a decade ago, I chatted with several wine service people in upscale restaurants, and learned that this did not occur as often with chardonnay.

Most chardonnay buyers start out the evening with a glass and they nurse it through the first course of the meal, said one server.

He added that diners who start out with sauvignon blanc finish their first glass, and many order a second.

Think of what that does for the check total, he said with a wink.

The major problem with sauvignon blanc is that it is so popular that hundreds, if not thousands, of acres of it are now planted in areas where it doesnt yield a distinctive wine. Warm regions are notorious for making sauvignon blanc with little or no varietal character.

Such wines are bland to the point of being boring, and give the grape a bad name.

Wine of the Week: 2016 Dry Creek Fume Blanc, Sonoma County ($15)The classic Dry Creek style (hay and olive) is barely evident since not all of the fruit is from the same place where the first Dry Creek Fume came from 45 years ago! The aroma shows lemon/lime, grapefruit and kiwi with a trace of grassy spice. Rather soft mid-palate, but works brilliantly with spicy Thai food. Excellent value.
Cal State Fullerton astronomers dont want the public to be left in the dark during the much-anticipated Great American Eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21. A public viewing will begin at 9 a.m. for those planning to join millions across the United States to witness the unusual, daytime celestial event.

Southern Californians wont see the total eclipse  when the sun will be completely blocked by the moon, casting darkness on Earth  only a partial eclipse, explained Shovit Bhari, CSUF staff physicist.

The public viewing will be held on the lawn on the south side of Dan Black Hall, off Nutwood Avenue. The eclipse is expected to start at 9:06 a.m. and end just before noon. At 9:06 a.m. in Fullerton, it is expected that 1 to 5 percent of the sun will be covered and at 10:21 a.m., up to 70 percent will be covered, Bhari said.

Telescopes with filters designed to safely look at the sun, along with protective glasses made for solar viewing will be available for visitors. CSUF physicists Jocelyn Read and Joshua Smith also will be at the campus event to answer questions.

Meanwhile, Bhari, along with Murtadha Khakoo, professor of physics, and student Matthew Jackson, a civil engineering major, are packing their bags, telescopes and cameras and heading to Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming to witness the total eclipse. The CSUF eclipse chasers plan to livestream the event on the Department of Physics Facebookpage.

Bhari discusses the total eclipse of the sun and his anticipation of experiencing this phenomenon firsthand.

Why all the intrigue surrounding this cosmic event?

The June 8, 1918, solar eclipse, and this one a little over 99 years later, share a similar path of totality, which also started in Oregon but ended in Florida. The Feb. 26, 1979, solar eclipse had a different path and thicker swath across the U.S. While it started in Oregon and passed through North Dakota, it went northeast across Canada. The next total eclipse in the continental U.S. is April 8, 2024, and the path is nowhere close to California.

What is the solar eclipse?

The solar eclipse occurs when the sun, the moon and the Earth forms a straight line. The new moon blocks the sun creating the shadow on the Earth. The full shadow or the dark shadow is known as an umbra, and a partial shadow is known as penumbra. People around the umbra will witness the total solar eclipse as it extends into portions of 14 states from Oregon to South Carolina, and follows about a 65-mile-wide swath. The duration of totality will depend where you are viewing the eclipse along the path of totality. Most parts of the U.S. will witness a partial solar eclipse.

What will we see here in Orange County?

The moon will cover 65 percent to 70 percent of the suns surface, meaning it will fall under the penumbra shadow. Youll see only the partial solar eclipse, where the moon covers only part of the suns disc.

What precautions should be taken when watching the partial eclipse?

Do not look directly toward the sun because it can damage your eyes. Wear protective glasses and do not point telescopes towards the sun without a solar filter. Also, pinhole cameras can be used to shield your eyes from the sun.

What will be most exciting for you?

I have seen a couple of partial solar eclipses, but I have not experienced the totality. This might be the only total solar eclipse I will witness in my lifetime so Im looking forward to seeing the dark sky for couple of minutes during the daylight. Im also excited about seeing the suns corona  the outermost atmosphere of the sun, which is visible only during the total solar eclipse. This is a rare Earth event. Itll be a sight of a lifetime.

On-campus parking will be at a premium Aug. 21 since it is the first Monday of fall semester classes. Visit online for parking information.


at a meeting held in Akwa Ibom state Read more: https://www.naij.com/1119721-niger-delta-agitators-issue-quit-notice-northerners-yorubas.html



at a meeting held in Akwa Ibom state Read more: https://www.naij.com/1119721-niger-delta-agitators-issue-quit-notice-northerners-yorubas.html



at a meeting held in Akwa Ibom state Read more: https://www.naij.com/1119721-niger-delta-agitators-issue-quit-notice-northerners-yorubas.html

A group of Niger-Delta agitators have have given a quit notice to all Northerners and Yorubas living in the region amongst other demands.The group also congratulated the Yorubas for declaring their intended secession from Nigeria to form Oduduwa republic.In addition to the quit notice, the group have also demanded for all oil wells belonging to Northerners to be returned to people from the Niger Delta area of Nigeria.According to the group, this decision was reached at at a meeting held in Akwa Ibom state and signed by General John Duku (Niger Delta Watchdogs and Convener Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators), Major-Gen. Asukwo Henshaw (Bakassi Freedom Fighters), General Ekpo Ekpo ( Niger Delta Volunteers) and several others.The full statement by the coalition of agoitators is provided below:"At the general council meeting of the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators (CNDA) involving surveillance department, intelligence department and commanding officers held today to deliberate on the recent development in the Niger Delta and Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) meeting with the Acting President, after hours of careful deliberations, we unanimously resolved as follows:"To commence Operation Zero Oil in the Niger Delta from September 10, 2017 as a preparation for the actualization of Niger Delta Republic"We totally condemn the recent meeting between PANDEF and the Acting President; we see it as another plot to deceive the Niger Delta people. First and foremost, the meeting was marred with inordinate greed of the PANDEF as they did not involve the representatives of the Agitating groups and youths leaders. We wish to let the Acting President to know that those he met have no capacity and cannot solve the current crisis in the Niger Delta; therefore they cannot represent the militants or speak for the Niger Delta people."The Coalition unanimously adopts to stand by the previous demands, which are: 100% percent control of our resources. "The Federal Government should hand over all oil blocks owned by the Northerners/Yorubas to Niger Delta indigenes."All Oil companies operating in such oil blocks/wells should vacate October 1st, 2017."Relocation of NNPC to any of the Niger Delta state and replacement of the Group Managing Director with an indigene of region. "All the Multinational Oil, Gas, Servicing and Marine Companies must relocate their operational base to the Niger Delta, sign a new Memorandum of Understanding with Niger Delta people which would include Niger Delta indigenes being paid same salaries with foreigners."We demand independence and sovereign Republic of Niger Delta, all the companies and business owned by the Northerners / Yorubas in Niger Delta should be vacated before 1st October 2017, we accept and congratulate the Yorubas for demanding Oduduwa Republic and we wish them success."We hereby call on all agitating groups to resume attacks/bombings on all oil/gas pipelines, especially the exporting lines across the Niger Delta region from September 10, 2017. This is to ensure zero oil/gas production before October 1, 2017."We shall work to interface with more patriotic and zealous Niger Delta people to work out new collective approach that will ensure total freedom and complete control of our resources by any means necessary."We shall from henceforth, fight to liberate ourselves from the shackles of neo-colonialism and rule ourselves under a Niger Delta Republic, with diplomatic and economic relations with the peoples of the South East and Middle Belt. "Finally, we want to inform the federal government of Nigeria and the general public that we no longer recognize PANDEF under the present leadership as they are working against the interest of the Niger Delta people."
18:04

RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Saturday demanded that Bihar chief minister sack his deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, lodge a case against him and arrest him for his direct involvement in a Rs 1,000 crore scam.





A day after he demanded a CBI probe into the scam involving Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and an NGO, where funds were illegally transferred to private accounts between 2005 and 2010, Lalu Prasad said, "Nitish Kumar should sack Modi from his ministry immediately if he has zero tolerance against corruption and lodge an FIR against him and arrest him. There is solid evidence of Modis involvement in the scam when he was the Bihar finance minister."





Lalu Prasad also threatened that the RJD will not allow the functioning of the monsoon session of Bihar aassembly beginning in the third week of August if Modi was not sacked by Nitish Kumar.





Lalu Prasad said Modi is not only senor BJP leaders behind this scam,which is bigger than the fodder scam that surfaced in mid 90s.Modi and other BJP leaders including BJP MP Ashwani Kumar Choubey, Manoj Tiwari and former union minister Shahnawaz Hussain are involved in the scam.





This scam happended in full knowledge of Modi,who wass Bihar finance minister from 2005 till 2013 June.None but as a finance minister Modi is responsible for the scamLalu Prasad said.





Lalu Prasad recalled that in a similar case, charges against him in the fodder sacam is that as he was finance minister ,he was responsible for the fodder scam.





-- M I Khan in Patna
Setting the scene  Mark Stoffel, center, discusses footage already shot ahead of a planned documentary at Southern Illinois University Carbondale on the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse. Stoffel and H.D. Motyl, left, both faculty members in the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts, and Ben Giles, right, a student in Radio, Television, and Digital Media, will be among those chronicling events surrounding the eclipse. (Photo by Russell Bailey)

University prepares to document total solar eclipse

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  As media from around the world and thousands of eclipse enthusiasts descend on the region later this month, a Southern Illinois University Carbondale documentary crew will capture every moment.

For H.D. Motyl, Mark Stoffel, and other faculty and students within the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts, chronicling events surrounding the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse is a unique opportunity. Stoffel noted the significance of the university and region to the eclipse, with a second one scheduled to occur on April 8, 2024.

People are coming here from far away; how many filmmakers and creative people would love to come here and cover this? said Motyl, interim chair of the Department of Radio, Television, and Digital Media. We are lucky to be right here in the middle. This is just so obvious this needs to be covered.

Official estimates call for 50,000 to 100,000 visiting the greater Carbondale area, with a large number of those on the SIU campus. State agencies say up to 200,000 may visit Southern Illinois' prime viewing areas.

Motyl and Stoffel, a digital media systems specialist and instructor, agree that the documentarys perspective will be a bit different from those who are visiting campus. While most eyes will be trained toward the sky, Motyl, Stoffel, and about 10 camera crews inside the stadium plan to capture peoples reactions. In addition, crews will be outside the stadium and in the region during the day interviewing eclipse watchers, local residents, police and volunteers.

The crews will also shoot the weekend prior to the eclipse as preparations to the big event ramp up. Students are working on a 3-D animation eclipse model for use. In addition, there are plans for some of the interviews and other footage to appear on the stadiums large video board in the hours leading up to the eclipse.

Motyl said the goal is to have a one-hour documentary that can air on WSIU-TV by the end of the year. If Motyl and Stoffel like what they capture from what they believe will be about 100 hours of video, the plan is to send the film to festivals. NASA will provide the actual eclipse footage for the documentary, Motyl said.

A white board in the Communications Building Eclipse Office shows the work already done and future assignments. Filming started in late spring and has included interviews with several people including David Baron, historian, author and self-professed umbraphile -- or eclipse chaser, and Bob Baer, co-chair of the universitys Eclipse Committee. There is also a discussion on how ancient cultures viewed eclipses. Other eclipse-related video range from soda cans bakery goods, cookies, and postal stamps.

For me, its an opportunity to do some creative stuff, Stoffel said. I work a lot on the technical side in the college, so I dont really have much of an outlet. I teach an editing class -- it is about the how to and not as much about aesthetics and content. Here I get to do a little of both.

A central theme will be what happens in the 13 hours and 23 minutes on Aug. 21 between sunrise at 6:18 a.m. and sunset at 7:41 p.m.  nearly five hours after the eclipse ends. The eclipse duration is from 11:52 a.m. to 2:47 p.m., with eclipse totality at 2 minutes and 42 seconds starting at 1:21 p.m.

Ben Giles, a junior from Paducah, Ky., who is specializing in television production, is among 15 students who will be involved. The chance is a great opportunity, said Giles, who is also co-executive producer of the student-run news magazine alt.news 26:46. Giles recalls working on an unrelated segment in nearby Makanda two years ago; not thinking much of the eclipse because 2017 and 2024 were far off. Now, less than two weeks from the first event, the impact is evident, he said.

This is a great opportunity for alt.news, Giles said. There are not many people with alt.news who have been able to take on something like this and film it.

Giles anticipates the program will use footage during the upcoming season.

It would be a wasted segment to not use something that is so big and so local, he said. This is usually something that we have to travel at least three hours to a bigger city to get something of this size.

Motyl said planning for this documentary is similar to his 2012 feature-length film Cowboy Christmas. One difference is in logistics, where the filming now will be concentrated over a period of days rather than two or three weeks.

I think the one thing that is very similar to what I did was I wasnt sure about how it would end; what the stories were, he said. With the eclipse, even weather is an issue for us. It could be cloudy. For us, that becomes part of the story. There was all this buildup for a cloudy day. No one, though, is hoping for a cloudy day.

The documentary will also include citizen journalism, where the filmmakers will use footage provided by the public showing responses to the eclipse. Anyone who is interested in submitting footage may do so at mstoffel@siu.edu
SIU will help open Du Quoin State Fair on Aug. 25

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Southern Illinois University Carbondale will be front-and-center during the opening of the Du Quoin State Fair later this month.

The university will celebrate College Night at the Du Quoin State Fair from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 25. The evening also marks the opening of the 11-day fair, which runs Aug. 25 through Sept. 4.The SIU Tent will be located in the southwest corner of the Du Quoin State Fairground near Gate 6.

The event will provide an opportunity to meet new Chancellor Carlo Montemagno and SIU System President Randy Dunn. Potential future Salukis will also be able to meet with admissions counselors and SIU Alumni Association representatives will be present to help present and past Salukis join or renew memberships. Grey Dawg, along with the Saluki Shakers and Cheerleaders will also be there to join the celebration.

Visitors will be able to learn about many of the universitys programs such as the Fermentation Science Institute and the resources available at the Touch of Nature Environmental Center. Student registered organizations will be on hand to discuss their specific programs, including the SIU Agbassadors from the College of Agricultural Sciences, and the Automotive Technology Organization from the Department of Automotive Technology. Members of the organizations Saluki Drag Racing Team will be present.
January 27, 2014 Stanford research: Hidden benefits of gossip, ostracism A Stanford study finds that what you might think of as your worst qualities  talking about people behind their backs and voting others "off the island"  can offer surprising benefits for our greater harmony. By Clifton B. Parker New research shows that gossip and ostracism are useful tools by which groups encourage cooperation and reform bullies. (Photo: Shutterstock / CREATISTA) While gossip and ostracism get a bad rap, they may be quite good for society, according to Stanford scholars. Conventional wisdom holds that gossip and social exclusion are always malicious, undermining trust and morale in groups. But that is not always true, according to a new study published in the journal Psychological Science. Robb Willer, an associate professor of sociology, explored the nature of gossip and ostracism in experimental groups in collaboration with co-authors Matthew Feinberg, a Stanford University postdoctoral researcher, and Michael Schultz from the University of CaliforniaBerkeley. Their research showed that gossip and ostracism can have very positive effects. They are tools by which groups reform bullies, thwart exploitation of "nice people" and encourage cooperation. "Groups that allow their members to gossip," said Feinberg, "sustain cooperation and deter selfishness better than those that don't. And groups do even better if they can gossip and ostracize untrustworthy members. While both of these behaviors can be misused, our findings suggest that they also serve very important functions for groups and society." The research game involved 216 participants, divided into groups, who decided whether to make financial choices that would benefit their group. Researchers commonly use this public-goods exercise to examine social dilemmas because individual participants will benefit the most by selfishly free-riding off everyone else's contributions while contributing nothing themselves. Before moving on to the next round with an entirely new group, participants could gossip about their prior group members. Future group members then received that information and could decide to exclude  ostracize  a suspect participant from the group before deciding to make their next financial choices. 'Invest in the public good' The researchers found that when people learn  through gossip  about the behavior of others, they use this information to align with those deemed cooperative. Those who have behaved selfishly can then be excluded from group activities, based on the prevailing gossip. This serves the group's greater good, for selfish types are known to exploit more cooperative people for their own gains. "By removing defectors, more cooperative individuals can more freely invest in the public good without fear of exploitation," the researchers noted. However, there is hope for the castaways. When people know that others may gossip about them  and experience the resulting social exclusion  they tend to learn from the experience and reform their behavior by cooperating more in future group settings. In contrast, highly anonymous groups, like many Internet message boards, lack accountability  allowing antisocial behavior to thrive. "Those who do not reform their behavior," Willer said, "behaving selfishly despite the risk of gossip and ostracism, tended to be targeted by other group members who took pains to tell future group members about the person's untrustworthy behavior. These future groups could then detect and exclude more selfish individuals, ensuring they could avoid being taken advantage of." The very threat of ostracism frequently deterred selfishness in the group. Even people who had been ostracized often contributed at higher levels when they returned to the group. "Exclusion compelled them to conform to the more cooperative behavior of the rest of the group," the researchers wrote. The study reflects past research showing that when people know others may talk about their reputation, they tend to behave more generously. Where reputational concerns are especially strong, people sometimes engage in "competitive altruism," attempting to be highly pro-social to avoid exclusion from a group. The same appears to hold true for those returning from "exile"  the incentive is to cooperate rather than risk more trouble. "Despite negative connotations, the pairing of the capacity to gossip and to ostracize undesirable individuals from groups has a strong positive effect on cooperation levels in groups," Willer said. Workplace implications Willer said the research is applicable to some workplace dynamics. For example, what if gossiping and ostracism were impossible? That result could be worrisome, he added. "Imagine a workplace," he said, "where an employee's performance could only be seen by individuals in the immediate setting, and those individuals could not pass on what they had seen to other co-workers or supervisors. Further, imagine a work setting where managers could not fire delinquent employees. It would be hard to deter workers from cutting corners ethically or freeloading, working only when they were directly supervised." The research advances what was previously known about gossip and ostracism at the individual level to the group level, Willer said. Looking ahead, he and his colleagues are conducting field experiments on how the threat of gossip and exclusion affect behavior in real-world settings  in one study, calling car repair shops for estimates, with one group of callers stating they are active users of Yelp, the online review service that can make or break reputations. As Willer points out, whether one calls it gossip or "reputational information sharing," as sociologists and psychologists do, this behavior, along with ostracism, seems fundamental to human nature. People pass on information about how others behave in workplaces, student workgroups, business and political coalitions, on the Internet, in volunteer organizations and beyond. While much of this behavior may be undesirable and malicious, a lot of it is critical to deterring selfishness and maintaining social order in groups. "I think it does speak to the mechanisms that keep people behaving honestly and generously in many settings and, where behavior is entirely anonymous, helps explain when they don't," Willer said. -30-
Nationally respected business leader named Gator of the Year

1972 graduate Linda Parker Hudson called one of 50 Most Powerful Women in Business

North Carolina businesswoman Linda Parker Hudson, founder and CEO of the leadership, communications and business consulting firm The Cardea Group, has been selected the University of Floridas Gator of the Year for 2017 in recognition of her extraordinary career and longtime service to her alma mater.

Hudson is the seventh person to receive what has become one of the universitys most prestigious awards. It honors Gators whose contributions  investment, advocacy or expertise  to the university are exceptional. Past honorees are Jeremy Foley (2011), John James (2012), Danny Ponce (2013), James Pugh (2014), Joelen Merkel (2015) and Anita Zucker (2016).

University of Florida alumni have a long tradition of being trailblazers, civic and business leaders, and doers committed to the people the university serves. No one embodies that Gator spirit more than Linda. Even as shes risen in her career, UF has remained close to her heart and a personal priority, Vice President for Advancement Tom Mitchell said.

Prior to starting The Cardea Group in 2014, Hudson retired as president and CEO of the global defense, aerospace and security company BAE Systems Inc. Named four times as one of Fortune Magazines 50 Most Powerful Women in Business and to numerous other most powerful lists, she is known as the first lady of defense. She was one of only two pioneering women to graduate with a UF degree in systems engineering in 1972, and went on to become the first female CEO in the defense industry and first woman to lead a major national security company. Before joining BAE Systems, Hudson held leadership positions with General Dynamics, Martin Marietta and Ford Aerospace. She currently serves on the boards of Bank of America, Southern Company and Ingersoll Rand.

Hudsons service to UF is equally impressive. A Florida native, she works with numerous university boards and committees, including the University of Florida Foundations Executive Board of Directors, Engineering Leadership Institute and Industrial Engineering Advisory Board. She is a distinguished alumna and a member of the universitys Industrial and Systems Engineering Hall of Fame. Hudson is also a generous philanthropist. Along with being a Bull Gator and supporting a number of community organizations, she established a scholarship and fellowship in UFs College of Engineering and created an engineering leader-in-residence program at the university.

Hudson will formally receive the Gator of the Year award during UFs annual Gator Gala celebration in Emerson Alumni Hall on Friday, Sept. 15.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-10 21:23:48|Editor: Yurou

Models present national costumes during a fashion show in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Aug. 10, 2017. More than 20 models including six girls attired in colorful dress attended the catwalk ceremony in Kabul on Thursday to display costumes of ethnic people living in Afghanistan. This is the third time that fashion show was held in the conservative society over the past decade, where Taliban-led militancy is continuing. (Xinhua/Dai He)

KABUL, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- More than two dozen models including six girls attired in colorful dress attended a catwalk ceremony in Kabul on Thursday to display the costumes of ethnics living in Afghanistan.

This is the third time that fashion has been held in the conservative society over the past one decade where Taliban-led militancy has been continuing.

"The aim of holding this show is to display the different types of cloths and costumes worn by Afghan ethnics in different parts of the country," Ajmal Haqiqi, the organizer of the show, told Xinhua.

In patriarchal Afghanistan where women are still wearing Burqa, an envelope-like veil covering their head to toe, holding fashion show is a step to overcome cultural barriers in the society where many people deeply believe in tribal traditions, according to Haqiqi.

More than 200 spectators, with the majority of them youngsters, praised the models for their courage to demonstrate diversity of costumes in the multi-ethnic country.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-10 23:40:19|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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GEVENA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Up to 180 migrants are reported to have been forced from a boat on Thursday by smugglers off the coast of Yemen, the UN migration agency International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.

Five bodies have been recovered so far and around 50 are reported missing the agency said.

The latest incident came barely 24 hours after smugglers forced more than 120 Somali and Ethiopian migrants into the sea as they approached the coast of Shabwa, a Yemeni governorate along the Arabian Sea.

That resulted in the drowning of around 50 migrants. The migrants had been hoping to reach countries in the Gulf via war-torn Yemen.

"The survivors told our colleagues on the beach that the smuggler pushed them to the sea, when he saw some 'authority types' near the coast," said Laurent de Boeck, the IOM Yemen chief of mission.

"They also told us that the smuggler has already returned to Somalia to continue his business and pick up more migrants to bring to Yemen on the same route. This is shocking and inhumane," he added.

Shortly after the tragedy, staff from IOM found the shallow graves of 29 migrants on a beach in Shabwa during a routine patrol. The dead had been quickly buried by those who survived the smuggler's deadly actions, said IOM.

The migration agency said it working closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross to ensure appropriate care for the deceased migrants' remains.
Photo provided by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on May 30, 2017 shows the test-firing of a ballistic missile by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. (Xinhua/KCNA)

by Xinhua writers Liu Chen, Guo Yina

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- It is important to have a high-level dialogue as soon as possible between the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), former U.S. Defense Minister William Perry has said amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

It is truly vital for the two countries to "conduct a serious negotiation aimed at bringing peace to the peninsula and bringing a non-nuclear peninsula into being as soon as possible," said Perry in an interview with Xinhua earlier this week.

Perry's remarks came after the United Nations (UN) Security Council unanimously passed a resolution Saturday slapping new economic sanctions on the DPRK over its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.

"Sanctions in theory can be effective, but in practice usually are not," said Perry, who was the Pentagon chief in 1994-1997 under then President Bill Clinton.

The Security Council also seeks resumption of the six-party talks aimed at verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

"The six-party talks has a great merit involving all of the countries that are most concerned about the issue," said Perry, 89, who visited the DPRK as Clinton's special envoy in 1999.

"We need partnership to put together an effective, really effective diplomacy," said Perry.

Perry also noticed that a "right negotiating strategy" is needed in the six-party talks, which gathers China, the DPRK, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the United States.

In the interview, Perry expressed opposition to Washington's ramping up pressure on China to curb Pyongyang's ballistic missile and nuclear programs.

It is not enough for President Donald Trump to say "China, it is your problem, you solve it," Perry said.

In efforts to resume peaceful talks, Beijing has proposed a "double suspension" proposal that the DPRK should suspend its ballistic missile and nuclear activities while the United States and South Korea suspend large-scale joint military drills.

During the interview, Perry called on the DPRK to freeze its nuclear tests and long-range missile launches. "That would at least keep the nuclear dangers from getting worse," he said.

Meanwhile, Perry noted that it is important for the concerned parties to understand the DPRK's priority concern.

As long as the DPRK feels threatened by the United States, it will feel obliged to move to nuclear weapons, Perry said. "The goal is giving each side the reasonable assurance that their security is not threatened," he said.

"There's no reason for the United States to even have troops" in South Korea if the DPRK would be no longer seen as a threat by South Korea, he added.

The former U.S. defense chief also said South Korea's decision on deploying the advanced U.S. anti-missile system of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) will not solve the problem.

In his opinion, "it just gives the South Korean people some reason to feel more comfortable that they could be defended."

Both China and Russia have voiced strong opposition to the THAAD deployment, pointing out that it exceeds South Korea's security needs, disrupts the regional strategic balance and jeopardizes the security interests of other countries in the region.

Referring to the Trump administration, Perry said the White House has kept sending "mixed signals."

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said earlier this month that Washington is willing to talk to Pyongyang should it halt ballistic missile test launches. On Tuesday, Trump vowed to counter threats from Pyongyang with "fire and fury."

Hours after Trump's tough words, Tillerson said the developments do not suggest the United States is moving closer to a military option.

"I think we did not have an effective strategy," said Perry.

He also criticized the administrations of former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama for adopting a "policy of strategic patience."

"It was believing something was going to happen without having a way of making it happen ... Hope is not a strategy," he said.

As a longtime advocate of a nuclear-free world, Perry called on the concerned parties of the Korean Peninsula issue to "find a way of dealing with the problem without military action."

In his opinion, "even a small military conflict is a danger because it's all too easy to escalate and become another Korean War."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 00:05:35|Editor: huaxia

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ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian government is working hard to ensure that no fatalities occur as a result of El-Nino induced drought that has left 7.8 million Ethiopians in need of food aid.

The statement was made on Thursday by Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia during a discussion with international development partners in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.

"The El-Nino induced drought has affected severely in particular Ethiopia's pastoralist dominated Eastern regions, with the government providing animal feed and emergency food aid to needy people to prevent from the drought getting worse," he says.

The International development partners on their part promised to help the Ethiopian government cope with the drought that aid agencies say is the most severe in decades.

Early this week the Ethiopian government announced that it expects the number of Ethiopians needing food aid from the current 7.8 million to 8.5 million people.

The increase in the number of needy Ethiopians since the beginning of the year will be the 4th revision as a prolonged drought worsened by El-Nino weather condition continues to severely affect southern and eastern parts of Ethiopia.

In the beginning of 2017, the Ethiopian government had put the number of Ethiopians in need of food aid at 5.6 million, shortly later revised to 7.2 million and in June yet again increased to 7.8 million. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 00:50:58|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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GARISSA, Kenya, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan police used teargas canisters to break up violent demonstrations in the northeast border town of Garissa on Thursday following clashes between rival political supporters.

Groceries and stall owners at the infamous Soko Muqdi, an open air market in Garissa town are counting huge losses suspected to be running into millions after goons set their property on fire moments after Jubilee party candidate Ali Korane was announced the winner of gubernatorial seat.

The fire whose source could not be immediately established razed down the entire market with huge balls of fire and smoke seen a few kilometers away.

Efforts by the fire brigade from the Garissa county government and members of public to put off the fire bore no fruit. Desperate owners tried their best to salvage part of their stock but all in vain.

Adjacent shops were also destroyed in the fire. Police had hectic time dispersing the rowdy youth who ran amok burning everything in sight as they ran towards the neighboring manyattas.

After the results were announced, Garissa town remained under lockdown with not even shop or business premises open with owners opting to stay away for fear of their businesses being looted.

There was heavy presence of police in riot gear in major streets of Garissa town as angry youths believed to be supporters of outgoing Governor Nathif Jama lit bonfire on some of the roads in the town.

Governor elect Korane urged the residents to remain clam and desist from any act that will jeopardize peace.

Jama who has since disputed the results said that he will seek legal redress terming the entire election process as a sham.

Kenyans went to the polls on Tuesday to vote in a fiercely contested presidential election, which in the last week of campaigning saw the murder of top election official and claims of vote rigging.

In Kenya in 2007, when the election result was disputed, more than 1,000 people died and 650,000 people were displaced.

The country is braced for violence whichever way the vote goes, with communities, authorities and international community working together to prepare for the result, which is expected within the week.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 01:26:19|Editor: huaxia

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KIEV, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine's aircraft equipment producer Motor-Sich said on Thursday it would begin construction of a long-range helicopter "Nadiya" starting from next year.

"It is a helicopter for civilian use designed for seven passengers. Having a range of about 1,000 km, it is able to fly all around Ukraine," Vyacheslav Boguslaev, the head of Motor-Sich company, told local media.

According to Boguslaev, the multi-purpose helicopter would be suitable not only for commercial, but also for government operations, such as border patrolling or emergency response missions.

Currently, Ukrainian enterprises produce solely light helicopters, which can cover the distance of no more than 600 km. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 01:41:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LUSAKA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Stakeholders in Zambia on Thursday expressed mixed feelings on plans by the government to introduce a bill meant to regulate political parties.

On Tuesday, Minister of Justice Given Lubinda announced that the ministry will launch consultations on the development of a Political Parties Bill which will regulate the operations of political parties.

The bill also intends to put in place measures on funding of political parties and regulation of campaign funds, among other issues.

The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) said the bill contains progressive issues which will enhance the development of political parties in the country.

Sunday Chanda, the ruling party's media director has since called on lawmakers to support the bill once it was tabled in parliament.

The main opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) also welcomed the bill saying it would introduce sanity to political parties' operations and help formation of parties with national representation.

Stephen Katuka, the party's secretary-general said the bill will result in the formation of political parties that have a solid foundation unlike the current situation where many parties only existed on paper.

"I am yet to thoroughly look at this Political Parties Bill but I am aware that it also proposes that we should be funded but up to now, they have not done so," he said.

The opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) said the introduction of the bill was welcome as it will help political parties to operate as institutions and also enhance accountability.

Raphael Nakchinda, the party's national secretary said funding basic activities of political parties would ensure that people with money stopped manipulating party structures for selfish ends.

The opposition Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) said the proposed bill was a constitutional requirement in line with the amended constitution.

Antonio Mwanza, the party's national secretary and spokesperson said the bill will make it mandatory for political parties to adhere to its provisions.

While acknowledging that some provisions in the bill were progressive, the opposition party expressed reservations on some clauses such as the composition of a board of political parties which wants representation from churches and civil society organizations.

The opposition party is also against the provision that the board should be reporting to the country's president who is also a politician.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 02:06:43|Editor: ying

File photo taken on April 27, 2017 shows the first batch of live pigs free of dangerous viruses. Scientists on Aug. 10, 2017 announced a breakthrough in producing the first batch of live pigs free of dangerous viruses, setting the stage for transplanting life-saving organs from the animals into humans. In a paper published in the U.S. journal "Science", researchers from the U.S., China and Denmark described how they used the powerful gene-editing tool CRISPR to modify pig cells and produce embryos free of the so-called porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) in order to create the desired piglets. (Xinhua/Luhan Yang)

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Scientists on Thursday announced a breakthrough in producing the first batch of live pigs free of dangerous viruses, setting the stage for transplanting life-saving organs from the animals into humans.

In a paper published in the U.S. journal Science, researchers from the U.S., China and Denmark described how they used the powerful gene-editing tool CRISPR to modify pig cells and produce embryos free of the so-called porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) in order to create the desired piglets.

Luhan Yang, co-founder and chief scientific officer at a Massachusetts-based biotechnology company called eGenesis, who led the study, hailed the first PERV-free pigs as "an important milestone" for the use of animal organs for human transplant.

"Our work fundamentally addressed the risk of cross-species viral transmission in xenotransplantation," Yang told Xinhua.

Worldwide, human organs for transplant are in short supply. Researchers and clinicians have long hoped that the challenge could be alleviated through the availability of suitable animal organs for transplant, a concept known as xenotransplantation.

Pigs in particular have been especially promising candidates due to their similar size and physiology to humans. But one of the largest safety concerns has been the fact that most mammals including pigs contain repetitive, latent retrovirus fragments in their genomes -- present in all their living cells -- that are harmless to their native hosts but can cause disease in other species.

The presence of PERVs in pigs brought more than a billion dollars' worth of pharmaceutical industry investments in developing xenotransplant methods to a standstill by the early 2000s, according to the study.

Then, Yang and colleagues demonstrated in a 2015 Science paper a method to inactivate all 62 copies of PERVs in porcine cells and eliminated PERV transmission to human cells.

In the new study, the researchers developed a strategy to enable efficient and precise gene editing to deactivate all 25 genomic sites related to PERVs in pig fibroblast cells using the CRISPR technology.

In conjunction with a method to inhibit cell death during gene editing, they successfully produced viable PERV-free porcine embryos via somatic cell nuclear transfer, the same method that created Dolly, the world's first cloned sheep, in 1996.

The team then implanted the PERV-free embryos into surrogate sows and demonstrated the absence of PERV re-infection, initially in fetuses and finally in recently born piglets.

"At least for those who are four months old, we did not observe difference in physiology between the modified piglets and normal ones," Yang said.

"We will continue to use this platform to engineer the pig genome, on the basis of PERV-free pigs, to enhance pig-to-human immunological compatibility for the clinical xenotransplantation of porcine organs as early as possible," she said.

The paper was also authored by researchers from Harvard University and China's Zhejiang University, Yunnan Agricultural University, Third Military Medical University and Research Institute of Shenzhen Jinxinnong Technology Co Ltd as well as Denmark's Aarhus University.

Professor Darren Griffin of the University of Kent, who was not involved in the study, said the finding represents "a significant step forward towards the possibility of making xenotransplantation a reality."

"However, there are so many variables including ethical issues to resolve before xenotransplantation can take place," Griffin cautioned.

Another outside expert, Professor Ian McConnell of the University of Cambridge, sounded a similarly cautionary note, calling this work "a promising first step."

"It remains to be seen whether these results can be translated into a fully safe strategy in organ transplantation," McConnell said. "Even if organs from these gene-edited pigs could be safely used to overcome virus transmission, there remain formidable obstacles in overcoming immunological rejection and physiological incompatibility of pig organs in humans."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 02:11:46|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LUSAKA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- The judiciary in Zambia on Thursday announced tight security measures on people who will attend the treason trial of the country's leading opposition leader.

The treason trial of Hakainde Hichilema, who was arrested in April this year, will start on Monday, Aug. 14.

Veronica Chisambisha, the Judiciary's public relations officer said all persons who have access to the judiciary will be accredited due to limited space in the Supreme Court and in order to ensure security on the court premises.

She said in a statement that no political party attire will be allowed on the court premises and that cellphones, tablets, iPads, cameras and other similar devices will not be allowed inside the court room.

"This measure applies to journalists and legal counsels. Any breach of the said measure may result in accreditation being canceled and the person in breach being ejected from the court premises," she said.

The judiciary has also banned supporters of all political parties near the court premises.

The opposition leader, who narrowly lost to incumbent President Edgar Lungu in last year's disputed elections, is being accused of attempting to overthrow the government during a traditional ceremony in the western part of the county, according to the new charge.

He was initially arrested for failing to give way to Lungu's motorcade on a road.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 03:42:26|Editor: huaxia

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DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian authorities announced on Thursday the repossession of 10 privatized industries after they had been dormant for 20 years.

Charles Mwijage, the east African nation's Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, invited interested investors to apply for fresh acquisition of the industries, adding that the government will reclaim other undeveloped industries by August 22.

Mwijage mentioned the repossessed industries as Lindi Cashewnut Processing Plant, Pugu Kaolin Mines, Mkata Saw Mills Ltd, Manawa Ginnery Co. Ltd, Dabada Tea Factory, Tembo Chipboards Ltd, Kilimanjaro Textile Mills, Mang'ula Mechanical and Machine Tools Co. Ltd and Polysacks Company Limited.

"Investors for the repossessed industries will remain responsible for protecting the respective factories until they officially hand them over to the Treasury Registrar later this month," the minister told a news conference in the political capital Dodoma.

"The fifth phase government is very determined to revive performance of local industries for two good reasons. First is to create new employment and second is to increase production of goods for both local consumption and export market," said Mwijage.

He warned owners of five other industries and gave them a grace period to August 22 to correct weaknesses or return the factories to the government.

They were Sabuni Industry Ltd in Tanga, Tanzania Moshi Pesticides Limited, Tanzania Bulk Corporation, Ilemela Fish Processing Limited and Mzizima Maize Milling.

The repossession of the industries by the government comes hardly five days after President John Magufuli ordered the minister to reclaim them.

Speaking during a ceremony to launch Kilimanjaro Cement Company in Tanga on Sunday, President Magufuli disclosed that there were 197 dormant industries in the country.

"We made mistakes when we privatized the industries," said Magufuli.

On July 27, the government said it has started looking for investors to develop industries which it has repossessed from investors who abandoned them after privatization.

Mwijage said the government has started a process to invite serious investors, partners and markets from these countries.

"The government sold these industries to private investors with a view to developing them. But most of the industries have been abandoned," said Mwijage.

"We are going to repossess the dormant industries and hand them to serious investors from countries such as China, Vietnam and India. They can't remain idle while the government is pushing for the industrialization drive," added Mwijage.

Elli Pallangyo, Investment and Research Director in the Ministry of Industries, Trade and Investment, said the abandoned industries will be repossessed by August 15, this year.

Pallangyo said out of 156 industries which were privatized between 1992 and 2004, a total of 54 industries remained dormant after they were privatized. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 05:23:38|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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CHICAGO, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- About a dozen U.S. states are in hot pursuit after Japanese auto makers Toyota and Mazda agreed to set up a joint plant in America that would generate up to 4,000 jobs.

The two companies announced last Friday in Tokyo to launch a joint venture plant in the U.S. with equal funding contributions, which would have an estimated annual production capacity of approximately 300,000 units after its operation in 2021.

At the new plant, Mazda plans to produce cross-over models and Toyota plans to produce its best-selling Corolla. Both are for the North American market.

The 1.6-billion-U.S. dollar project has prompted fierce competition among U.S. states, mainly in the Midwest and the South. Among them are Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Illinois, having lost its bid in wooing Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn to set up a plant on its territory, is wasting no time in providing information to the car companies about potential locations.

Local media said that northern Illinois cities along Interstate 88 are believed to be under consideration.

Meanwhile, Illinois officials admit that mismanagement, red tape and tax increases have hurt the state's business climate.

" We need fewer regulations, lower workers' compensation costs and lower property taxes in order to attract more jobs to our state," a state spokesperson was quoted as saying.

Mississippi is believed to be one of the front runners. It already makes Corollas in the Blue Springs Toyota plant which opened six years ago, with existing supply chain for Toyota cars as its advantage.

"We stand ready to grow our existing partnership and strengthen Mississippi's standing as a global leader in automotive manufacturing," Governor Phil Bryant said in a statement this week.

The State of Kentucky also has a Toyota plant, making the Avalon and Camry. There are also Toyota plants in Texas, Alabama.

Kentucky governor Matt Bevin expressed this week that his state would pursue the proposed factory and mentioned a 1,550-acre site in Glendale as a prime location.

Even the traditionally agricultural Iowa is among the 11 states trying to lure the Toyota- Mazda joint venture.

Tina Hoffman, communications director for the Iowa Economic Development Authority, told Radio Iowa on Thursday that it would be a huge boost for Iowa to land such a facility.

"This is a fabulous opportunity for our state and it's one that we are doing our best to really put our best food forward and show all the reasons why that facility could be really important to Iowa's economy and better yet, to really benefit the company if they were to locate here," said Hoffman.

U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Toyota for setting up a new plant in Mexico to make cars for North American market. However, Toyota maintains that the new joint venture with Mazda in the U.S. had nothing to do with Trump's pressure.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 06:04:11|Editor: Zhou Xin

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by Xinhua writers Gu Zhenqiu, Gui Tao

LONDON, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- The British government has announced to update and strengthen data protection laws through a new Data Protection Bill, a welcome step in the digital era when the leakage of personal information has become a worrisome problem worldwide.

From Europe to Asia, and to America, almost every country, either developing or developed, has been haunted by such a problem -- millions of Internet users' personal information was hacked, raising concerns about web security and triggering widespread panic.

The new bill, designed to sign European privacy rules into British law, as well as update the existing Data Protection Act which has remained unchanged in the island country since 1998, aims to give the British public greater control over personal data.

The new bill expands the definition of "personal data" to include IP addresses, internet cookies and DNA.

Under the new measures, everyone responsible for using data has to follow even stricter rules called "data protection principles." They must make sure the information is used fairly and lawfully, for limited, specifically stated purposes and in a way that is adequate, relevant and not excessive.

At the same time, the personal information should be kept for no longer than is absolutely necessary.

In practice, the new requirement will be subject to some exemptions, but may cause a headache for businesses, some of whom may not have data stored in files or on analogue tapes, making it difficult to sort their data.

Worse still, there are many ways data can be put at risk -- software vulnerabilities, lost hard drives and CDs, malicious insiders, poor security.

They can only lead to infamous data breaches. Over the last two years, 22 such most notorious cases were reported in Britain.

Even the United States, the single superpower in today's world, cannot be immuned from these problems in protecting individual information when people are using big data to analyze how to offer better services to target consumers.

For instance, 198 million Americans' personal information was accidentally released, according to reports from the United States in June.

Undoubtedly, larger and more serious breaches lie ahead.

The new British Data Protection Bill is not expected to remove root causes of data leakage.

Many experts have already warned that businesses are totally unprepared for the new rules coming into force in Britain. Given the high fines for offenses, companies may be stung before getting their houses in order.

Furthermore, some argued that the extent of the reforms are unclear -- important personal data such as health records or data of scientific importance may be protected, but at this stage, it is unclear exactly what the exemption may be.

When a lot of questions are raised about web security, it is a desired development to use law as a weapon to keep personal information from being leaked.

In fact, the new measures mark only the first step forward. They will be tested in its implementation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 06:09:13|Editor: Zhou Xin

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- An investigation into former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was reopened by Brazilian prosecutors on Thursday.

The investigation was first launched in 2013, after a publicist Marcos Valerio confessed that he operated a scheme where companies could buy political favors during Lula's first-term government. Valerio was sentenced to 37 months in prison.

Investigators sought to find out whether Lula, who served as president from 2003 to 2011, took part in negotiations which saw Portugal Telecom transfer seven million U.S. dollars to the Workers' Party (PT) when Lula was in power.

However, at the time, the federal police was not able to track the alleged transfers by Portugal Telecom and the case was closed in 2015.

According to local media reports, prosecutors have discovered new evidence recently and the case is being reopened by the prosecutor-general's office. Prosecutor Ivan Marx will lead the investigation to see if it is now possible to prove Valerio's claims.

Lula was recently sentenced to 9.5 years in prison by federal judge Sergio Moro, who is overseeing investigations into the gigantic Petrobras corruption ring. Lula is also being investigated on five other charges.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 06:59:26|Editor: Mengjie

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Brazil wants to expand exports to China, which has been responsible for 25 percent of the growth in international trade seen in the last 17 years, sources in the Brazilian commercial sectors said Thursday.

During the 36th National Meeting for Foreign Trade (Enaex) in Rio de Janeiro, Roberto Jaguaribe, president of Brazil's import-export promotion agency, said the Chinese market remains strategically important for the internationalization of Brazilian companies.

"China...will never be a self-sufficient country. We are well-equipped to take advantage of this opportunity. The protectionist trend in the world shows the need to internationalize Brazilian companies. And China can be a crucial agent to make this process happen," said Jaguaribe.

He also mentioned the importance of reducing costs to help Brazil to integrate into international markets.

"Brazil's costs is a key factor in the evaluation of commercial development. The aspects that contribute to it are gradually being addressed," he explained.

Enaex is Brazil's most important forum for foreign trade and brings representatives from around the world to discuss business and drive the competitiveness of Brazilian products.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 07:36:07|Editor: Yamei

Afghan men take part in a demonstration in Jawzjan provincial capital Shiberghan, Afghanistan, Aug. 10, 2017. Hundreds of people came to streets in Jawzjan provincial capital Shiberghan on Thursday to condemn killing scores of civilians by armed militants in the neighboring Saripul province last week. (Xinhua/Mohmmad Jan Aria)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 07:44:37|Editor: Yang Yi

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CHICAGO, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- The boss of a notorious Chicago street gang was sentenced on Thursday to 40 years in prison for his involvement in multiple murders.

Gregory "Bowlegs" Chester was convicted with five other Hobos gang leaders of conspiracy charges, alleging the gang carried out eight murders over a decade.

Chester, 40, in a brief statement, said "I want to apologize to the court and my family for my behavior and ask that you please have mercy on me. That's it."

U.S. District Judge John Tharp told the court that Chester did not pull the trigger in the crimes, otherwise he would have been sentenced to life in prison.

Hobos is notorious for its violent crimes, reported the Chicago Tribune.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 07:49:39|Editor: Yang Yi

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BERLIN, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Borussia Dortmund have suspended Ousmane Dembele after missing the training, the "BVB" confirmed in an official statement on Thursday.

The Dortmund midfielder will be suspended until after the German Cup opening round on Saturday.

The 20-year-old France international missed Thursday's training session without permission, as he wants to force a transfer to Barcelona after Dortmund turned down the opening offer.

"Ousmane Dembele has consciously missed today's training sessions. We will of course sanction this misconduct," Dortmund's sporting director Michael Zorc told the club's official homepage.

The "BVB" have rejected Barcelona's first bid after both club's held talks this week. The Spanish giants are on the scout to find a replacement for departed Brazil international Neymar, who joined Paris Saint-Germain recently.

"As there is no other offer from Barcelona to date, there will be no transfer. Currently is it not likely that there will be a transfer of our player," Dortmund said in an official statement.

Dortmund will kick off their Bundesliga season 2017-2018 against Wolfsburg at the first round on August 19.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 10:25:15|Editor: Mengjie

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BRUSSELS, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission decided on Wednesday to impose anti-dumping duties of up to 28.5 percent on certain corrosion-resistant steels from China.

The European Commission, or the European Union's executive arm, said, after an eight-month investigation, it found that the above products benefited from unfair subsidies.

"It was provisionally concluded that the imposition of measures would contribute to the recovery of the (European) Union industry by allowing price increases enabling the industry as a whole to return to a profitable situation," the Commission said in a statement.

The new EU import duties range from 17.2 percent to 28.5 percent, and will affect Shougang Group, Shagang Group, Hesteel Group and some other Chinese companies.

The companies have 25 days to challenge the EU decision at a hearing.

The EU has imposed anti-dumping tariffs on various Chinese steel products in recent years. On April 6, the European Commission decided to impose anti-dumping duties on hot-rolled flat steel products from China.

A Chinese Ministry of Commerce statement said the EU continued the use of the unfair and unreasonable "surrogate country approach" in the investigation, which resulted in artificially-determined high anti-dumping duties for Chinese products and thus seriously undermined Chinese enterprises' interests.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 10:40:23|Editor: Yamei

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Supreme Court on Thursday ruled to suspend an investigation into wrongdoing by President Michel Temer until his term concludes.

Supreme Court Justice Edson Fachin, who is overseeing the case, said his decision was sparked by an earlier vote by lawmakers to drop the corruption case against Temer.

Last week, the Chamber of Deputies voted 263 to 227 to abandon the investigation.

"Given the Chamber of Deputies' refusal to approve the pursuit of the facts in relation to the president, (the case) should be suspended until the end of the presidential term," said Fachin.

Brazil's Prosecutor General Rodrigo Janot filed charges against the president following revelations by top executives at Brazilian multinational meatpacking company JBS that they had been paying bribes to Temer since 2010.

Temer's term ends on Jan. 1, 2019, and the court could decide to reopen the case then.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 10:45:26|Editor: Lu Hui

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LOS ANGELES, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- If the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fires missiles toward Guam, they would take about 14 minutes to reach the island and the alert system there would notified the public, Guam's Homeland Security Office said Thursday.

Jenna Gaminde, spokeswomen of the Guam Homeland Security, was quoted by local newspaper Pacific Daily News as saying that residents would be immediately notified by sirens of the 15 All-Hazards Alert Warning System, located in low-lying areas throughout the island.

All-Hazards Alert Warning System, which began installation in 2014, is a system designed for all hazards, including tsunami, earthquake,and flash flood, among others.

"Our office will be notified by the military and will utilize all forms of mass communication to get the message out to the public," Gaminde said, adding that people should tune into local media - radio, print, television - for further instructions, if they hear the sirens.

Meanwhile, the report said that the military on the island continued to maintain standard operations amid threats and there's no change in threat level.

According to Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA), a non-profit organization dedicated to generate public support for missile defense systems in the United State, Guam is covered by a U.S. missile defense system deployed permanently by the Defense Department at Andersen Air Force Base, which includes the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and the AN/TPY-2 radar system.

The DPRK military said in a statement Thursday that its plan to strike Guam with intermediate missiles will be ready by mid-August and its implementation will depend on a decision by DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un.

It was a response to U.S. President Donald Trump's unusually stern warning to the DPRK on Tuesday, when he said "North Korea (DPRK) best not make any more threats to the United States. They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen."

Related:

Trump says maybe his warning to DPRK "wasn't tough enough"

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday escalated his threat to the Democratic People' s Republic of Korea (DPRK), saying maybe his previous warning "wasn't tough enough." Full story

Tillerson plays down threat from DPRK after Trump's "fire and fury" warning
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 10:45:28|Editor: Yamei

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CANBERRA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Australia would invoke the ANZUS treaty and join any potential conflict between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States, Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Friday.

The Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty (ANZUS) is a security arrangement which was signed by Australia, New Zealand and the United States in 1951, and requires trilateral cooperation regarding military matters in the Pacific region.

The prime minister told local radio on Friday that Australia "would come to the aid of the United States" if conflict arises, after discussing the matter with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during a phone call held on Thursday evening.

"We stand with the U.S., so to be very clear, if there is an attack on the U.S., the ANZUS treaty would be invoked and Australia would come to the aid of the United States, as America would come to our aid if we were attacked," Turnbull said on Macquarie radio.

Turnbull did not say in what specific capacity that would be, but said as one of Australia's closest allies, the United States could expect substantial support from Australia.

Turnbull's comments came after the DPRK threatened a missile strike on the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam following strong words from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Turnbull's confirmation came just a day after Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop refused to speculate as to whether Australia would invoke ANZUS in the event of conflict.

She told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that Australia was "not a party, in the legal sense, to the (current) Korean War armistice," and was at the time hesitant to declare Australia's support for the United States.

"As far as the ANZUS security alliance is concerned, that is an obligation to consult," Bishop said on Thursday morning

Meanwhile, Australia's opposition Labor party has declared that it would work with the government in a bipartisan approach to the escalating tensions between the DPRK and the United States.

"Australians should be reassured that on this matter ... the politics of Labor and Liberal are working absolutely together," Labor leader Bill Shorten told reporters in Canberra on Friday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 10:50:29|Editor: Yamei

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SEOUL, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's exports posted a double-digit increase for the first 10 days of this month thanks to demand for locally-made semiconductors and oil products, customs data showed Friday.

Exports, which account for about half of the economy, reached 12.4 billion U.S. dollars during the Aug. 1-10 period, up 28.2 percent from the same period of last year, according to the Korea Customs Service.

The exports continue to grow since November last year, keeping the double-digit expansion for seven months to July. If this trend continues, the exports would keep the upward momentum for the 10th consecutive month for the first time since 2011.

The daily average exports stood at 1.46 billion dollars for the first 10 days of this month, up 28.2 percent from the same period of last year.

By product, semiconductor exports surged 52.9 percent, leading the double-digit growth in overall exports. Exports for oil products soared 76.6 percent amid higher crude oil prices.

Ship exports gained 12.1 percent, but those for telecommunication devices, including smartphones, declined 17.2 percent as local companies increased production in overseas factories.

Exports to the United States jumped 45.8 percent in the cited period, with those to Vietnam, China, Japan and the European Union (EU) all recording a double-digit increase.

Imports picked up 14.5 percent to 14 billion dollars, sending the trade balance in the Aug. 1-10 period to a deficit of 1.6 billion dollars.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 11:40:55|Editor: Zhou Xin

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SYDNEY, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Australia's largest airline Qantas announced a partnership with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba on Friday, that will see Chinese travellers able to buy flights from Qantas directly on the associated site.

The partnership to create a strategic relationship between the two companies gives the world-renowned Australian airline access to over 507 million active mobile users of the Alibaba platform in China, with over 75 percent of those users aged 35 years old or younger.

The chief executive of Qantas, Gareth Evans, lauded the partnership, and said it will make the process of coming to Australia easier for the many Chinese tourists who would like to, and do travel there every year.

"With travel between China and Australia booming ... (this) is an exciting opportunity for us to have a connection with younger Chinese travellers, who increasingly turn to mobile applications," Evans said.

Evans said his company plans to develop its presence in China even further, with the airline already operating more than 130 return flights between Australia and China every week.

With many of the likely users of this new platform being millennials, this relationship is set to take advantage of a shift in travellers that was identified by the managing director of Tourism Australia, John O'Sullivan, who said in a recent interview with Xinhua that the nature of Chinese tourism to Australia is changing.

"What we are seeing now is an amazing change within the Chinese tourists in Australia. We are seeing a far more sophisticated visitor coming to Australia than was coming probably two or three years ago," O'Sullivan said.

According to figures from the Australian Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport, and Regional Economics, airline passenger traffic between Australia and China was up 28.7 percent in 2016.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 13:26:55|Editor: Zhou Xin

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SEOUL, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Top security advisors of South Korea and the United States discussed Korean Peninsula issues, South Korea's presidential Blue House said Friday.

Chung Eui-yong, top security advisor to South Korean President Moon Jae-in, had a telephone conversation with his U.S. counterpart H.R. McMaster for about 40 minutes earlier in the day, presidential spokesman Park Soo-hyun told a press briefing.

Chung and McMaster discussed security situations on the peninsula and its surrounding regions as well as countermeasures against recent Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s provocations escalating tensions, the spokesman said.

They reconfirmed the promise to closely and transparently cooperate with each other on "phased measures" that will be taken to ensure security and safety of people in the two countries, he added.

The spokesman did not elaborate on what would be the phased measures.

Tensions escalated on the peninsula after the DPRK test-fired what it called intercontinental ballistic missiles, known as Hwasong-14, twice last month.

Pyongyang on Thursday warned Washington that it could fire intermediate-range ballistic missiles near the waters 30 to 40 km off the coast of the U.S. island of Guam in the Pacific.

U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier this week that the DPRK would be met with "fire and fury" if it continues threats against the U.S. territory.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 15:27:52|Editor: Xiang Bo

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JIUZHAIGOU, Sichuan Province, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) - Volunteers are playing a significant role in relief work in the quake-hit region of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The powerful quake struck Jiuzhaigou County at 9:19 p.m. Tuesday. Twenty people have been confirmed dead while 431 reported injuries, including 18 seriously injured, as of Thursday.

On Thursday morning, He Jiao arrived in the county's central square in a red uniform with the word "volunteer" on it. A recent college graduate, she comforted and answered questions from anxious tourists stranded in Jiuzhaigou.

In a 500-member chat group on her Wechat social messaging app, other volunteers sent messages advising which areas lack water or other supplies.

After the quake, up to 1,000 volunteers showed up at temporary shelters, roadside booths and hospital wards, offering help and condolences to the victims of the natural disaster.

"I remember the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008. I was at school in neighboring Gansu Province, and saw a crack appear in my dormitory wall, so I know how scary it can be," He recalled. "When the quake struck Jiuzhaigou, I took a moment to calm myself, then headed to the county center to see what I could do."

The young woman arrived at the county government at midnight and saw many volunteers, but no organization.

"So I just set up a Wechat group and asked other volunteers to join," He said. "We assigned tasks via the group, such as setting up tents, and assisting the injured."

More and more volunteers joined and the group quickly reached 500.

Yang Guomei is another volunteer helping in the county. On Wednesday, she spent the afternoon looking after an injured tourist from Guangzhou at Jiuzhaigou County People's Hospital.

The bus the tourist was in overturned and she was thrown into a river.

"When I arrived at the hospital, I saw she was covered in blood," Yang said. "Her hand was bleeding, her leg fractured, and her pants were torn, so I went to a nearby shop and bought her a new pair of pants and a T-shirt."

After the tourist underwent an operation, Yang and other volunteers helped her back to the ward.

"When I asked if she needed anything, she remained silent," Yang said. "Then she started crying, saying she couldn't find her husband, so I just told her that everything would be OK."

Zhao Jianrong, an injured tourist from east China's Jiangsu Province, was very appreciative of the volunteers.

"These young people are just great," Zhao said. "They gave us milk, steamed buns, porridge, instant noodles and water. Whenever we needed anything, they were there for us."

After the earthquake, people from all walks of life offered free water, milk, tents, quilts and food, and volunteers like He helped deliver the supplies to the injured.

"I truly enjoy volunteering because I know what I am doing makes people feel better in vulnerable times," she said.

"Besides police and officials, volunteers are playing an important role in post-quake relief work," said Gu Wenyong, government official from Jiuzhaigou County. "Their help has made things easier for us."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 15:32:55|Editor: ying

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SEOUL, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- South Korean victims of forced labor during World War II won a suit against Mitsubishi Heavy Industries on Friday, after a court ordered the Japanese company earlier this week to pay damages to another victim and a bereaved family.

The Gwangju District Court in South Korea ruled that Mitsubishi should pay 100 million won (87,500 U.S. dollars) to 150 million won in compensation to three surviving victims of the forced labor and a family member of the deceased victim.

The plaintiffs filed the suit in February 2014, demanding the payment of 150 million won in damages.

It followed the same court's ruling Tuesday that ordered Mitsubishi to pay damages to one victim and a bereaved family.

The victims were duped into toiling without pay at factories of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries when they were elementary and middle school students.

Hundreds of thousands of Koreans were forced, or deceived, into forced labor and sexual slavery before and during WWII. The Korean Peninsula was colonized by the Imperial Japan from 1910 to 1945.

Some of the surviving forced labor victims and the bereaved families have filed a total of 14 cases against Mitsubishi and other Japanese companies, which committed war crime against humanities during the devastating war.

Japan has claimed all colonial-era issues were resolved through the 1965 treaty that normalized diplomatic ties between Seoul and Tokyo.

The South Korean court, however, ruled that the 1965 treaty did not include individuals rights to damages, ordering Mitsubishi to pay war crime damages to the victims.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 15:37:57|Editor: ying

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MANILA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines reported on Friday its first outbreak of bird flu in a poultry farm in Pampanga, a province in the Philippine main Luzon island.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol said he has ordered the slaughtering of 400,000 birds to contain the spread of the poultry disease. Also, he said he has ordered the halt of transport of poultry from Luzon to other parts of the country for now.

Pinol said at least 38,000 chickens have died of the Avian influenza Type A Subtype H5 in San Luis town in Pampanga, north of Manila.

"We will cull all 400,000 birds within the 1 km area. We don't want diseases to spread," Pinol told reporters.

He said the government has not detected any case of human transmission so far in the province north of Manila.

Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said in a statement that the Department of Agriculture (DA) is continuing its investigation on the outbreak. "It is still under investigation by the DA," she told the media.

"Cross infection to human have (been) minimal but fatal," she said.

Nevertheless, she advised Filipinos "to take flu precautions" including covering the nose when sneezing and coughing, and washing the hands often.

"Get enough rest and sleep. Do not go near wild birds or go to farms with fowls. If you have flu symptoms that last longer than three days or feel very weak, see doctor or go to the nearest hospital for testing if it's bird flu," Ubial said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 15:53:04|Editor: ying

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KAMPALA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's Ministry of Health said Friday that it is monitoring three suspected cases of the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever in the country's Luwero District.

The ministry said in a statement that three females are monitored for suspected Ebola, Marburg, Congo Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever, Rift Valley Fever and Sosuga viruses at Asili Hospital in Luwero District in central Uganda.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 16:38:14|Editor: ying

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GAZA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- A senior Hamas official denied on Friday a recent report that said the movement aimed to leave a political vacuum in the Gaza Strip, the enclave that the Islamic movement rules since 2007.

On Thursday, Turkish news agency Anadolu quoted a senior source in Hamas armed wing, al-Qassam Brigades, saying that Hamas considered replacing its civilian rule in the Gaza Strip with military rule in its stead.

The plan, according to the report, calls for creating a status of political and security vacuum in the Gaza Strip that keeps all options and all doors open.

Salah al-Bardaweel, one of Hamas politburo members, said in a press statement in Gaza that the plans and ideas mentioned in the report were fake and unrealistic, adding that Hamas "does not know, or has not been briefed or informed as a political leadership on such ideas or plans."

"Hamas will never leave any vacuum in Gaza. It could be ideas coming from people who felt daily life in Gaza is so hard and unbearable, however, Hamas does not agree on this plan," said al-Bardaweel.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 16:53:31|Editor: ying

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TIRANA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission (EC) has decided to mobilize two additional Greek airplanes to help Albanian authorities cope with a series of fires, a delegation to Tirana said Friday.

The assistance will be provided through the European Union (EU) Civil Protection Mechanism, according to a press statement.

Christos Stylianides, EU commissioner for humanitarian aid and crisis management said the EC praised the assistance that Greece has provided to Albania to battle the fires.

Massive wildfires have raged in Albania for weeks, forcing Albanian authorities to seek support from Greece and Italy.

Greece sent first two airplanes in the first days of August, following the request made by Albanian authorities for help to put out fires spread all over the country. Italy has also sent helicopters to assist Albania.

According to data provided by Albanian civil emergencies department, some 640 wildfires have hit Albania in the last three months. Authorities have said that several fires have started due to a heatwave, but most of them were set deliberately.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 16:53:33|Editor: Xiang Bo

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DALIAN, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- A trial of five individuals related to fugitive Guo Wengui opened Friday in the northeast China city of Dalian.

Qu Long, former executive of Tianjin Huatai Holding Group Ltd., and former Huatai chairman Zhao Yun'an were accused of misappropriation of funds, while the other three defendants, all ex-employees of Guo's company, were charged with embezzlement.

According to the indictment, Zhao's wife approached Guo Wengui through an intermediary to get Zhao out of jail in 2008. After being granted bail, Zhao promised to transfer the assets of Huatai's major shareholder to Guo, so that Guo could take actual control of Huatai.

Without calling a board meeting, Guo directed Qu Long and other people to transfer more than 400 million yuan (about 60 million U.S. dollars) from Huatai to companies controlled by Guo.

The prosecutors also assert that Gao Song, Ma Nan and Cheng Xiuhua, all former employees of Beijing Pangu Investment Company, which Guo Wengui actually controls, forged paperwork and filed a civil lawsuit to help Guo keep the 400 million yuan.

"Through falsified agreements and a civil lawsuit, we transferred the liabilities to a company in Henan which had no loan repayment capacity to help Guo pocket the money," Ma Nan, former legal director of Pangu, said.

The defendants pleaded guilty and expressed remorse.

They asked for leniency, saying their action was on the instruction or suggestion of Guo Wengui.

"I followed the instructions of my boss and was unaware of the hidden risks and consequences. I feel deeply regretful," said Ma Nan.

A pre-trial conference was held, attended by the prosecution team, defendants and their lawyers. Over 40 people, including relatives of the defendants, journalists from domestic and overseas media outlets and members of the public attended the hearing, which was broadcast online.

The verdict will be announced at a later date.

Friday's trial was the third of a series of cases involving Beijing Pangu Investment.

On Aug. 4, one of Guo's companies, Henan Yuda Real Estate Company, was fined 150 million yuan for crimes of defrauding loans and bill acceptance. Two employees of the company were sentenced to prison terms.

Guo fled China under suspicion of multiple crimes in August 2014 and is currently listed under an Interpol "red notice" for wanted fugitives.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 17:54:00|Editor: ZD

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ISLAMABAD, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and 25 others injured when a bomb went off in Pakistan's northwest tribal area of Bajaur Agency on Friday afternoon, local Urdu media reported.

ARY News said that the target of the blast has not been ascertained yet, and all the victims were pedestrians.

Local political administration said that some unknown militants detonated roadside planted explosives with a remote controlled device and fled the scene.

The injured people were shifted to a nearby hospital where three of them are said to be in critical condition.

Security forces cordoned off the area for investigations.

The explosion has not been claimed by any group or person yet.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 17:54:01|Editor: ZD

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DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation said on Thursday it will spend 350 million U.S. dollars to Tanzania to fund development projects, including agriculture and health.

A statement by the Directorate of Presidential Communication at State House said Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates announced the donation shortly after he had held talks with President John Magufuli.

The world's richest man said his Foundation will continue cooperating with the east African nation in improving health, particularly in minimizing deaths related to pregnant women, said the statement.

Gates arrived in Tanzania this week to inspect the work of his Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which focuses on improving people's health and well-being, and helping individuals lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty.

The statement said the financial assistance will also fund projects aimed at eliminating malaria, curbing malnutrition and improving nutrition.

The statement said the funds will also help improve agricultural production, production of quality seeds and improve livestock keeping.

"Bill Gates has been impressed by economic reforms being undertaken in Tanzania under the leadership of President Magufuli," said the statement signed by the Director of Presidential Communication at House, Gerson Msigwa.

The statement said Bill Gates promised to be a regular visitor to Tanzania to follow up on implementation of projects funded by his Foundation.

For his part, President Magufuli thanked Bill Gates and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for funding various development projects in the country.

The statement said President Magufuli assured the American billionaire that his government will closely monitor the implementation of the projects for the benefit of its citizens.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 18:04:07|Editor: ZD

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ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia has widened an anti-corruption crackdown with asset freezes on 210 individuals and 15 companies.

The individuals and companies sanctioned are suspected to have links with recently arrested government officials, business people and brokers on allegations of corrupt activities, according to report by state owned Ethiopian News Agency on Friday.

The number of suspects arrested in connection to the anti-corruption crackdown has included a Brigadier General, a Deputy Minister and some of Ethiopia's richest business people.

Sugar development, road and building construction, housing, financial institutions and officials from Addis Ababa city administration in particular have consisted the bulk of the arrested individuals.

Ethiopian government has identified corruption and rent seeking activities as part of the reason Ethiopia was rocked by sweeping unrest in 2016.

The Ethiopian government has since then promised to crack down on grand scale corruption which has afflicted one of the world's fastest growing economies.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 18:09:09|Editor: ZD

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ANKARA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police detained 22 suspected Islamic State (IS) militants in the eastern province of Elazig on Friday.

"22 suspects have been detained in simultaneous operations carried out on Aug. 11 as part of the investigation against Islamic State," local media Daily Sabah reported, citing government statement.

On Thursday, Turkish authorities detained a suspected Islamic State militant of Russian origin after he allegedly planned to use a drone to attack a U.S. plane at the Incirlik air base.

Islamic State, who is blamed for several deadly suicide bombings and gun attacks, has become one of the most serious threats to social security of Turkey.

According to report, Ankara has detained over 5,000 Daesh suspects and deported over 3,290 foreign militants from 95 different countries, and also refused entry to more than 38,269 individuals.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 18:14:13|Editor: ZD

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NAIROBI, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Britain and the United States have appealed to Kenyans to remain patient as the electoral body verified the results and investigated reports of fraud.

In separate statements, Washington and London said any disputes should be addressed through the established resolution mechanisms, in line with Kenya's Constitution.

"We urge all parties and their supporters to peacefully and patiently await the IEBC's (Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission) announcement of official results. The IEBC should be given an opportunity to complete its tallying," said Heather Nauert, U.S. State Department's spokesperson in a statement issued on Thursday night.

Nauert lauded the millions of Kenyans who on Tuesday peacefully exercised their fundamental democratic right to choose their leaders.

The statement comes as the results of the hotly contested presidential election are expected Friday, as people continue to remain indoors and businesses closed for fear of electoral violence.

Kenyans who thronged various polling stations to choice their leaders are anxiously waiting to learn the outcome of Tuesday's presidential poll pitting incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta against opposition leader Raila Odinga.

British Minister for Africa, Rory Stewart, asked Kenyans to be patient as IEBC verified the results amid anxiety among Kenyans.

"We urge political parties and candidates to remember that Kenya and Kenyans matter more than any candidate, party or election, and to refrain from actions or statements which could heighten tension whilst the country awaits the vote outcome," Stewart said in a statement issued on Thursday night.

"We call on all Kenyans and international partners to continue to work together in the spirit of peace, partnership and democracy over the coming hours and days, and to await the final outcome as determined by the IEBC, which must be given the time and space to complete its important work, including investigating any evidence of fraud," he said.

Meanwhile, Kenya's electoral commission has warned the opposition that its claims of victory for its presidential candidate, Odinga, could be deemed illegal.

The opposition has published its own figures, putting Raila ahead of incumbent President Kenyatta. This contrasts with provisional electronic results giving Kenyatta a clear lead in Tuesday's poll. The IEBC is the only body legally allowed to count votes.

The head of the Carter Centre observer mission, John Kerry, said the group was satisfied with measures put in place by IEBC to conduct credible elections.

"The IEBC has put in place and has thus far followed a detailed process of paper ballot counting and security which, if followed through to the final steps, can give every Kenyan confidence that their vote was properly recorded and therefore this election can appropriately certify the outcome," Kerry said.

He added that minor variances from established process would not affect the overall integrity and process of the polls.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 18:19:15|Editor: ying

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BRUSSELS, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The scandal over millions of contaminated eggs with insecticide fipronil has widened in Europe as it spreads eastwards on Thursday, bringing the number of affected countries to more than 10.

After around a tonne of contaminated egg yolk was discovered in Romania on Thursday, dozens of boxes of tainted eggs imported from the Netherlands via Germany were seized in Slovakia.

The discovery came after a specific alert from the European Commission as part of its rapid response system regarding human and animal food.

Before that, contaminated eggs were distributed to nearly 10 European countries including Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. They have removed millions of eggs from supermarket shelves and carried out urgent investigations since Belgium gave the European Commission the first notification on July 20.

Fipronil is a pesticide effective on a large number of pests. It is considered slightly poisonous by the World Health Organization and is hence forbidden on animals destined for the food chain to prevent damage to the human liver, thyroid and kidney.

The eggs also reached France and Britain, while French Agriculture Ministry confirmed that 13 batches of contaminated Dutch eggs were delivered to the country between July 11 and 26.

Britain's Food Standards Agency on Thursday massively increased their estimate for the number of imported tainted eggs, saying that nearly 700,000 instead of the previous 21,000 eggs may have been distributed to Britain.

Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland and Luxembourg have also found contaminated eggs.

The contaminated eggs have mainly come from the Netherlands, one of the world's largest egg exporters, followed by Belgium and Germany. Over a hundred of poultry farms in the Netherlands and Belgium have been shut down.

The toxic substance is believed to be introduced to poultry farms by a Dutch company Chickfriend. Farmers in the Netherlands and Belgium said that they use it to treat red lice, a parasite in chickens.

With the scandal spiraling, legal procedures have started in some affected countries. The Dutch public prosecutor said Thursday that two people have been arrested in the country for involvement in the contamination.

Prosecutors said in a statement that they had conducted a series of coordinated raids at eight locations in the Netherlands and Belgium, seizing documents, bank accounts, automobiles and real estate.

The arrested suspects were directors at Chickfriend, which allegedly used the pesticide, they added.

After admitting the finding of the first contamination case taking place in early June, the Belgian food safety regulator has drawn criticism both at home and abroad for late notification.

However, Belgian Agriculture Minister Denis Ducarme told an agricultural emergency meeting on Wednesday that it was the Netherlands that failed to inform the contamination case as it had known about the problem last November.

In addition, Ducarme said that once Belgian authorities found out about a possible fipronil contamination in June and asked the Dutch side for information on where the agent had been distributed, they had to wait for nearly one month to receive an answer.

The Dutch food and goods watchdog NVWA rejected the claim in a statement, saying the allegations from Belgium were untrue.

The European Commission, which oversees the 28-nation European Union's food safety alert system, declined to comment on the debate.

It said that any country found not to have notified Brussels immediately about the detection of fipronil could face legal action.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 18:19:18|Editor: ying

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WELLINGTON, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand government's planned investment in the defense industry over the next 15 years represents a huge opportunity for New Zealand companies, the Ministry of Defense said on Friday.

Defense Minister Mark Mitchell told defense industry representatives on Thursday night that the country needs a Defense Force that is equipped and supported to respond to a rapidly changing strategic environment, which requires investment, according to the release.

Over the next 15 years, the government will invest up to 20 billion NZ dollars (14.6 billion U.S. dollars) in new and upgraded military capability, including replacement of all the major platforms and the regeneration of the defense estate, Mitchell said.

"We have many companies in the Defense sector who are themselves investing and innovating in their areas of expertise," Mitchell said, adding that the government's investment in defense promotes growth in the sector, creates jobs and means that the industry will have every chance to build on its achievements.

"While we are not builders of warships or military aircraft, New Zealand companies can support those capabilities with world-class products and systems, and also support them through life," the minister said.

"For every dollar spent on a new capability, four is spent supporting it through life, the bulk of which is spent locally," he said, adding that each year the New Zealand Defense Force spends 600 million NZ dollars (437 million U.S. dollars) on maintenance and repair, training, and other commercial services.

The government is committed to ensuring New Zealand companies are given every opportunity to compete for a share of the investment in Defense, Mitchell said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 18:29:24|Editor: Xiang Bo

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by Julius Gale

JUBA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government on Thursday handed over 1,500 tonnes of rice as emergency food aid to hunger-stricken South Sudan.

In April, Beijing pledged to provide 8,800 tonnes of rice to the war-torn East African nation to help fight the severe food shortage.

Li Xiangfeng, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan said the first batch of 60 containers of rice has already been handed to South Sudan's Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) and more are expected to arrive in the coming months.

The envoy said China attaches great importance to the bilateral friendship and cooperation between Beijing and Juba.

"As a true friend and sincere partner of South Sudan, China will continuously provide strong support to South Sudan in the process of peaceful reconstruction," Li said.

Paul Dhel Gum, deputy chairperson of the RRC appreciated the Chinese government for standing with South Sudanese, adding that the donation would be used to address food shortage in the most vulnerable areas affected by conflict and severe food insecurity.

"We will continue to cooperate with the people of China because of their continued commitment to help the people of South Sudan, and we are grateful for the donation," said Gum.

South Sudan has been embroiled in more than three years of conflict that has have taken a devastating toll on the people.

A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders under UN pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government in April, but was shattered by renewed fighting in July 2016.

The UN estimates that 1.5 million people have been displaced into neighbouring countries and another 7.5 million people across the country are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 18:44:33|Editor: ying

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JAKARTA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo warned against the looming threats from drug abuse and terrorism among ASEAN member countries on Friday, calling for cohesive measures to address those challenges.

Marking the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), President Widodo reminded the importance to strengthen regional cooperation to address cross-border crime of drug trafficking.

"We must wage a war against drug abuse. We don't want to see our youngsters lose their future from those illegal drugs. There is no other way except uniting to save ASEAN from narcotics and illegal drugs," President Widodo said in the ASEAN Secretariat office.

Indonesia has taken harsh measures against drugs dealers, including death penalties.

Dozens of domestic and foreign drugs dealers have been executed over the past years, marred with condemnations from rights groups and diplomatic rows with countries where foreign drug dealers originated from.

The president also urged a rapid response to the increasing terrorism threat in the region.

"Threat from terrorism is apparently on the rise. Terrorists attacks in Marawi was a 'wake-up call' for us to immediately respond it. We must work together to combat terrorism," he pointed out.

Indonesia initiated a trilateral meeting with Malaysia and the Philippines on June 22, followed by a sub-regional meeting held in North Sulawesi capital of Manado.

ASEAN was formed by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand on Aug. 8, 1967. Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam joined the bloc later.

ASEAN is aimed at promoting economic growth, social development and peaceful dispute settlement among 625 million population in the region.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 18:49:36|Editor: ying

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NAIROBI, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Foreign envoys on Friday appealed to Kenyans to allow the electoral body to finalize its work and make the final declaration of results.

The envoys in a joint statement issued in Nairobi said they have been moved and inspired by the commitment millions of Kenyans have shown to having their voices heard through the ballot box.

"If there are then disputes or disagreements, the Kenyan constitution is very clear on how they are to be addressed. Violence must never be an option. No Kenyan should die because of an election. Kenya's future is more important than any election. Leaders above all need to make that clear," the envoys said.

The foreign missions said they have worked hand in hand with the Kenyan people and with Kenya's institutions to prepare for free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.

"We have been proud to walk alongside you in this important work. There has always been only one way to run these elections: in line with the Kenyan Constitution and through the institutions mandated by that Constitution," they said.

Millions of Kenyans went to the polling stations on Tuesday in the third presidential elections since the 2007 elections when rage over former President Mwai Kibaki's disputed re-election killed more than 1,200 people, injured 3,500 and forcibly displaced up to 650,000 others.

The statement comes as Kenyans who massively turned out for the general elections are anxiously awaiting final results of a hotly contested election whose final presidential results may be announced on Friday.

Most businesses remain closed with several public transport operators in various parts of the East African nation for the third day on Thursday opting to keep their vehicles off the road.

The opposition leader Raila Odinga has rejected the presidential results as fraudulent, however, saying the electoral commission's computer networks were hacked.

The electoral commission chief has also confirmed that there was an attempt to hack the system after the vote, but he said that the attempt failed.

The opposition says its tabulations show Odinga beating President Uhuru Kenyatta by a margin of more than 600,000 votes.

But the envoys said the Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) plays the central role, saying its independence and its credibility have been, and remain, critical to the success of these polls.

"In addition to the IEBC, the judiciary and many other institutions prepared for these elections and have worked to discharge their responsibilities as they have unfolded. Protecting their independence, too, is essential. We urge Kenyans to support them," the envoys said.

The envoys said no election is perfect, whether in their own countries or in Kenya, noting that a range of international and domestic observer missions have praised the IEBC for its work in exceptionally challenging circumstances.

"We join them in that recognition. It is now vital that the IEBC be given the space to complete its task and make its final declaration of results, in line with Kenya's Constitution and with the laws and regulations that govern its work," the envoys said.

According to envoys, no one should short-circuit or curtail this process, noting that parties on all sides need to support the IEBC and allow it to finish its job.

"Now is the time for leaders across the political spectrum to demonstrate their commitment to that Constitution and to the institutions it creates and the values it sets out. Kenya's democratic progress has been hard won and must be protected," the envoys said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 18:54:39|Editor: ying

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JUBA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Over 30 political detainees were released from prison on Thursday in fulfillment of a presidential amnesty declared by South Sudanese president Salva Kiir, presidency said on Friday.

Presidential spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny said all political detainees have been freed across the East African country as part of the ongoing national dialogue.

"There are no more political detainees now in South Sudan. All those who were detained on political basis were released yesterday (Thursday)," Ateny said.

The South Sudanese leader in March pardoned all political prisoners, including three top officials who were arrested in June 2016 following outbreak of violence in the northwestern town of Wau.

Ateny said the amnesty will not apply to prisoners such as the James Gatdet Dak, former spokesman of rebel leader Riek Machar who was deported last year from Kenya, who he said are accused of committing crimes against the state.

"The national security cases are not discussed, and it will only be the courts of laws to decide," Ateny said.

South Sudan has been devastated by more than three years of conflict that has taken a devastating toll on the people.

Tens of thousands of South Sudanese have been killed, communities divided along ethnic lines and millions displaced since December 2013.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 19:04:47|Editor: ying

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PHNOM PENH, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen announced Friday that he will fly to Laos on Saturday to discuss border issue with his counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith.

The Cambodian prime minister made the announcement on his official Facebook page.

Earlier in the day, Hun Sen called on Laos to withdraw its troops from Cambodian territory by Aug. 17, otherwise military action will be taken.

He said since April, Laos has sent about 30 troops to Cambodian territory in Stung Treng province illegally under the pretext of preventing Cambodia from constructing a road along the border.

"We construct the road in our land, and our Lao friends have come to prevent us. They crossed Sekong River to our territory," Hun Sen said during a ceremony at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh.

He added that to maintain niceties with Laos, he ordered the engineering unit to halt construction of the road, but the Lao troops have not withdrawn.

Hun Sen said he wrote a letter to Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith on Aug. 2 to ask him to pull out troops from Cambodian territory but has yet to receive a reply.

"I send a message from here, calling on His Excellency Thongloun Sisoulith, the prime minister of Laos, to withdraw troops from Cambodian territory unconditionally," Hun Sen said. "The latest ultimatum is Aug. 17."

Hun Sen said he has ordered his troops to be redeployed in Stung Treng province, adding that military action will be taken against those invading forces when the ultimatum comes.

Cambodia shares about 540 km of border with Laos to the north and northeast.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 19:25:02|Editor: ying

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LONDON, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Closed circuit television is to be made mandatory in all slaughterhouses in England, government Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced Friday.

Gove said the cameras were part of a series of measures to cement Britain's position as a global leader on animal welfare.

The proposals will require closed circuit television in every slaughterhouse in England in all areas where live animals are present.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) says Official Veterinarians from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) will have unrestricted access to recordings to help reassure the public that high welfare standards are being effectively enforced.

The government has also confirmed it will raise standards for farm animals and domestic pets by modernising statutory animal welfare codes to reflect enhancements in medicines, technology and the latest research and advice from veterinarians. The codes will be enshrined in law, with the first update covering chickens bred for meat.

Gove said: "We have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and the actions I am setting out today will reinforce our status as a global leader.

"As we prepare to leave the EU, these measures provide a further demonstration to consumers around the world that our food is produced to the very highest standards."

A spokesman for Defra said: "The FSA has strict processes in place for the approval of slaughterhouses, and specially trained vets carry out checks to make sure the welfare of animals is protected throughout their time in the slaughterhouse. If breaches are found, a slaughterhouse can be given a welfare enforcement notice, have its staff's licences suspended or revoked, or be referred for a criminal investigation."

Gudrun Ravetz, president of the British Veterinary Association, said: "Mandatory CCTV in all areas of slaughterhouses will provide an essential tool in fostering a culture of compassion that could help safeguard animal welfare."

A government consultations on the new proposals opened Friday morning. Welfare codes on laying hens, pigs, dogs, cats and horses are expected to be updated over the next year, said Defra.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 19:45:12|Editor: ying

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JAKARTA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Some 17 Indonesian citizens, who had escaped from the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria, were being repatriated back home, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

Deputy Foreign Minister A.M. Fachir said the 17 Indonesian nationals, including teenagers, women and infants, had left Syria and reached Iraq's territory.

Coordination with Iraqi authorities had been undertaken to escort the journey of the 17 people back to Indonesia due to security reason in the fields, said Fachir.

"Our representatives in Bagdad have escorted them. We have involved other party. (The threat) is security," he said at the State Palace.

The 17 people left Indonesia in August 2015 and stayed in an IS camp in the Syrian city of Raqqa for about 40 days, Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, director for the protection of Indonesian nationals and entities abroad said.

IS militants threw them in detention cells as they rejected to fight for the group, he said.
 

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Officials from the Chinese embassy in South Sudan and South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission show samples of China-donated rice on Aug 10 2017. (Xinhua/ Gale Julius)

by Julius Gale

JUBA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government on Thursday handed over 1,500 tonnes of rice as emergency food aid to hunger-stricken South Sudan.

In April, Beijing pledged to provide 8,800 tonnes of rice to the war-torn East African nation to help fight the severe food shortage.

Li Xiangfeng, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan said the first batch of 60 containers of rice has already been handed to South Sudan's Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) and more are expected to arrive in the coming months.

The envoy said China attaches great importance to the bilateral friendship and cooperation between Beijing and Juba.

"As a true friend and sincere partner of South Sudan, China will continuously provide strong support to South Sudan in the process of peaceful reconstruction," Li said.

Paul Dhel Gum, deputy chairperson of the RRC appreciated the Chinese government for standing with South Sudanese, adding that the donation would be used to address food shortage in the most vulnerable areas affected by conflict and severe food insecurity.

"We will continue to cooperate with the people of China because of their continued commitment to help the people of South Sudan, and we are grateful for the donation," said Gum.

South Sudan has been embroiled in more than three years of conflict that has have taken a devastating toll on the people.

A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders under UN pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government in April, but was shattered by renewed fighting in July 2016.
File photo shows a Chinese agricultural expert trains a Zimbabwean woman how to plant potatoes at the Chinese Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center in Gwebi, about 30 kilometers northwest of Harare, capital of Zimbabwe, Sept. 11, 2014. The center, which started operating in 2012 serves as a base for Chinese technology and knowledge transfer to rural Zimbabweans through lectures, workshops, contract farming and agricultural machinery exhibitions. (Xinhua/Xu Lingui)

ELMINA, Ghana, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Africa has derived enormous benefits in agricultural transformation from China through the South-South Cooperation, an official of the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has told Xinhua.

Peter Atimka Anaadumba, South-South Cooperation Program Officer at the African Regional Office of FAO, said China had proven over the years to be a major credible and reliable partner in transforming agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa.

He was speaking in an interview on Tuesday at a five-day workshop on African Regional Knowledge Sharing on promoting Efficient Rice Farming at Elmina, some 158 km west of the national capital, Accra.

"China is a major player when it comes to South-South cooperation in Africa. It's a major partner of FAO. When you look at the Africa region, China gave a grant to FAO in 2009 of about 30 million dollars and recently 50 million dollars, making it 80 million dollars and these funds that they provided are available to support African countries in sub-Saharan Africa to access for them to receive technical expertise from China," he said.

He lauded China for this support which had been yielding high dividends in the beneficiary African countries where agricultural production is on the increase.

"China, for example, has been working in Liberia. Now, Liberia rice production stands at about seven million tons. We did deploy about 500 experts. We have been able to develop piggery in Liberia through insemination innovations from China," Anaadumba added.

"So thanks to South-South cooperation, there was huge investment from the private sector in China. Almost around 200 million dollars for Uganda alone."

In Uganda, Anaadumba disclosed that rice production was on the increase, with China sharing their expertise and also developing aquaculture and apple production.

He described the assistance Africa received from China through the South-South Cooperation agricultural development program run by FAO as very key to the development of the economies on the continent.

"When you go to Tanzania, we have South-south cooperation; there is a center of excellence in the Morogoro Region, it's been constructed by China. This center provides training for the youth. It's like an incubation center where people come and learn how to do crop management, crop budget, water management, livestock, poultry, and so on.

"China is also contributing by sending in technical experts to Africa to provide support in a lot of areas in the agricultural sector. They are also providing capacity building. The number of training China provides to sub-Saharan Africa in a year is amazing," he noted.

The Regional workshop being held in the coastal city of Elmina, near Cape Coast, has attracted 48 participants from 10 countries in and outside Africa. This year's theme is "Knowledge Exchange on The Promotion of Efficient Rice Farming Practices and Value Chains in Sub-Saharan Africa through South-South Cooperation."

Bukar Tijani, Assistant Director General and FAO Regional Representative for the African Region who opened the workshop, noted that through the South-South Cooperation, FAO had been facilitating knowledge transfer in agricultural production between China and African countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 20:00:17|Editor: ying

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COPENHAGEN, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Novozymes, the world's largest producer of industrial enzymes, reported on Friday better-than-expected financial results for the first half of 2017.

"Overall, the first half was good, and better than expected," said Peder Holk Nielsen, president and CEO of Novozymes, in a statement.

"We had growth in the large segments and delivered 3 percent organic sales growth with a strong EBIT margin, excluding one-offs," Nielsen said.

According to the interim financial report, earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) for the first six months of 2017 stood at 1.973 billion Danish kroner, up 3 percent from 1.911 billion kroner year-on-year.

Sales rose 3 percent to 7.278 billion kroner in the first half of 2017 as compared to the same period last year.

In the first half, the company's household care enzymes grew by 3 percent to stand at 2.397 billion kroner, contributing 33 percent of total sales.

Novozymes maintained its full-year expectations for organic growth with sales and net profit to grow between 2 and 5 percent, while EBIT margin projected at around 28 percent.

However, the outlook for sales and EBIT growth in Danish kroner have been adjusted to 1 to 4 percent as against a previous forecast of 3 to 6 percent, due to "a weaker currency environment." (1 U.S. dollar = 6.33 Danish kroner)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 20:00:19|Editor: ying

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TALUQAN, Afghanistan, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were killed and over a dozen others wounded after gunmen exchanged fire near a mosque in Afghanistan's northern province of Takhar on Friday, a local official and witnesses said.

The firing took place after Friday prayers when the worshippers were leaving the main mosque in Chah Ab district's bazaar roughly at 02:00 p.m. local time (0930 GMT), a witness told Xinhua.

"Shortly after the praying, two armed groups belonging to local warlords exchanged fire near the gate of the mosque, leaving 10 people killed and about 20 others injured," he said, adding that among the affected people were several civilians.

District administrative Chief Abdul Haseeb, when approached by Xinhua, confirmed the incident.

Haseeb blamed the irresponsible armed groups for the carnage, saying loose law as well as carrying arms by irresponsible armed men resulted in the barbaric killing.

"I do confirm that eight civilians were killed and injured as we know so far but more information will be shared after an ongoing investigation into the incident."

The remote district is located near the border with Tajikistan.

Ordinary Afghans usually suffer at the hands of irresponsible armed groups, particularly in remote areas, where the government control is weak.

In mid-2015, 20 civilians were killed and 10 others injured in a shooting incident during a wedding party in the neighboring Baghlan province.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 20:00:20|Editor: ying

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TIRANA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Wildfires has continued to wreak havoc on Albania while hundreds of military personnel, firefighters, nature protection experts and local residents have still battled to keep them under control, but winds hamper their efforts.

The damage caused so far by fires is considered enormous. Many hectares of land, pasture and forest have been totally destroyed while many houses in some villages in southern Albania were burned.

The situation has forced Albanian authorities to seek help from neighboring countries as well as NATO and the European Union (EU), saying they needed more helicopters to help firefighting teams battle fires.

Two airplanes were sent by both Greece and Italy, and the European Commission said Thursday it would sent two additional airplanes.

A few days ago, the Albanian civil emergencies department said that the fires were also threatening residential areas in Tirana, Elbasan, Vlora, Berat and Dibra.

Fires also threatened some national parks in Fier,central Albania, but working teams managed to put situation under control.

Fires are also taking a toll on country's energy situation as Albania is currently importing 80 percent of its energy.

Energy consumption has reached a peak, and the water level at Albania's main hydro power plants has reached minimum levels.

The energy import has increased costs for energy operators in the country, mainly the Albanian Power Corporation which is expected to ask for financial support from the government.

Albanian authorities have also issued several warnings about high temperatures, which have been present for many weeks and expected to continue until late August, meteorologists said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 20:20:31|Editor: ying

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DUBAI, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates' Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash, said on Friday that Qatar crisis is not caused by "its people," but it's "the product of Qatari government towards its neighbors."

Gargash said on twitter that the diplomatic rift with Qatar is "regrettable, but predictable," adding that the "political crisis shall be resolved by politicians."

The diplomatic rift erupted on June 5 when the three Arab Gulf states UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, along with Egypt severed diplomatic ties with Qatar and implemented a transport boycott on the gas-rich Gulf country.

They accused Qatar of supporting "terrorism." Qatar denies the charges. Mediation efforts by Kuwait, the United States and Germany have not been successful as yet.

Earlier in the week, rating agency Standard and Poor's said "We expect that political tensions within the Gulf Cooperation Council(GCC) will persist over the next few years, and believe that the boycott of Qatar has illustrated deeper fissures within the group than were previously evident."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 20:25:38|Editor: ying

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MADRID, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Public Works Minister Inigo de la Serna said Friday the government was "keeping all of the options open" amid a partial strike by security staff at Barcelona's El Prat airport.

The government was "keeping all of the options open ... to minimize the effects" of any strike, and the consequences "would be difficult to predict," he said.

The minister refused to rule out the option of replacing security staff on strike with civil guards or police.

However, this plan was criticized by the Civil Guard Association which on Friday released a statement, saying that the government had decided to "turn to badly paid Civil Guards to put an end to a private conflict."

"We are convinced that as a result of this, our companions will now face the anger of some workers who will see our agents as their enemy in this problem," the statement said.

Security staff at El Prat airport on Thursday evening voted to reject the pay rise they had been offered and to continue with the strike which had caused delays to passengers using the airport over the past week.

They rejected the offer of a pay rise of 12 payments of 200 euros (235 U.S. dollars) a month, voting instead to continue negotiating for 15 separate payments of 250 euros (294 dollars) over the year.

It means that the partial strikes planned for Friday and Sunday will continue with a threat of a 24-hour strike starting on Monday, a decision the minister described as "inexplicable."

The partial strikes involve one-hour stoppages every Friday, Sunday and Monday, which cause delays for passengers boarding at the airport terminals.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 20:45:46|Editor: ying

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BERLIN, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Martin Schulz,chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) of Germany, has called for the introduction of a binding quota for electric cars across Europe in a position paper released to the press.

The Five Point Plan for the future of the German automotive industry outlines proposals to encourage a more rapid transition towards electric mobility with quotas, as well as tougher rules for the monitoring of emissions levels. "With a binding European E-mobility quota, we will substantially raise the share of electric vehicles", the position paper reads.

The plan further urges the German automotive industry to invest more in domestic battery and cell production to break their reliance on foreign producers.

Brigitte Zypries, German Minister for Economics, supports her party leader's demand for an electric car quota on Friday and reiterated her concern that Germany's most successful industry was at a turning point in history.

"As long as the [the industry] succeeds in offering us clean, reliable and sustainable mobility, I have no fears that Germany will lose its status as the world's foremost car manufacturer. "

The minister emphasized the importance of values such as innovation and quality for the global brand "Made in Germany". Zypries also supports Schulz' proposal to invest greater government resources in preventing attempts at industry manipulation, by conducting vehicle type approval and vehicle control procedures separately for example.

Schulz' Five Point Plan also underscores the importance of finding an adequate response to ongoing "dieselgate" and the "cartel" scandal involving the German automotive industry. "This is about more than one million jobs in our country. It is about the employees and their families, as well as the technological leadership, credibility and sustainability of Germany as an industrial center. "

"We will significantly increase the pressure on the industry," Schulz told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung. He lamented that carmakers had gotten off too easy at the recent "Diesel Summit" where they merely pledged to install software updates in affected vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (VBZB) has demanded that carmakers make binding commitments on the planned software upgrades for diesel vehicles on Friday.

Schulz demands the hosting of a second diesel summit in the fall to assess the progress and efficacy of the measures agreed. Should software upgrades prove insufficient to lower nitrogen oxide pollution levels, the automotive industry would have to provide more expensive retrofitting of diesel motors, "...of course paid by the producers," he added.

Schulz wants emissions testing to occur both before and after vehicles are officially registered. "Random spot tests" were needed as an "effective control against the cheating tricks of the industry," according to Schulz.

"The German automotive industry must become much better in the field of electric vehicles." Schulz said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 20:55:52|Editor: ying

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TEHRAN, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- A senior Iranian commander vowed revenge on the Islamic State (IS) militants over decapitating an Iranian serviceman in Syria, Tasnim news agency reported on Friday.

Major General Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), pointed to the recent killing of Mohsen Hojaji and said that "the IS terrorist group committed a heinous and inhumane crime that is contrary to any Islamic or even humanitarian law."

Soleimani said that his forces will take retaliation for this "savage act" by eradicating terrorism from the Islamic world.

"These crimes committed (by terrorists) made us more resolved and determined to clean every place of the Islamic lands from their evil existence," Soleimani was quoted as saying.

Hojaji, a member of the Iranian advisory support team in Syria, had been taken hostage by the IS militants near the Iraqi border in Syria. On Aug. 9, it was announced that he was beheaded by the IS.

IS also issued a video threatening new attacks in the Iranian capital Tehran.

On June 7, the IS militants carried out twin operations in the capital Tehran on Iran's Parliament and the Mausoleum of Ayatollah Rouhollah Khomeini, leaving 17 killed and dozens injured.

Following the IS operation in Tehran, the IRGC fired six mid-range ballistic missiles, within a range of 650 to 700 km, at IS bases in Syria's eastern region of Deir ez-Zor in June 18.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 20:55:54|Editor: ying

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BISHKEK, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- An internationally wanted man was detained in Kyrgyzstan over trying to smuggle nationals of Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries to conflict areas in the Middle East, the State Committee for National Security reported Friday.

The national of a Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) country, who is on an internationally wanted list for crimes committed in his native land, was arrested during counter-terrorist operations, said the committee.

The man was found to be planning on staying in Kyrgyzstan to continue to smuggle nationals of Central Asian countries to areas of armed conflict in the Middle East.

Latest official data showed some 500 Kyrgyz nationals fought in Syria, four of whom were killed in the conflict.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 21:26:06|Editor: ying

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BERLIN, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- A Bavarian regional court in Traunstein convicted three Syrian nationals on Friday for their involvement in the deaths of 13 refugees in the Mediterranean Sea.

The main defendant, a 27-year-old, was sentenced to four years in prison, while the captain of the boat received a two-and-a-half-year sentence. The third defendant was placed on two years probation under consideration of a previous sentence.

The Public Prosecution Office had demanded more severe punishments ranging between four-and-a-half and 12.5 years.

The three convicted individuals ran a business transporting refugees from the Turkish town of Izmir to the coast of Greece. On one of their journeys in September 2015, the heavily-overloaded and unlit dinghy collided with a freight ship near the island of Lesbos. A total of 13 people died and two children are still missing.

The main defendant was found to have recruited fellow Syrian citizens for the dangerous journey from Turkey. The man who acted as the boat's captain was a refugee himself and took charge of the boat in exchange for free passage. The third defendant was tasked with ensuring communication between refugees and their family members in Germany.

More than one million refugees from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan have arrived in Germany since 2015.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 21:31:08|Editor: ying

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JUBA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan said on Friday it has foiled a rebel attack to regain its now captured Pagak stronghold by government troops near the Ethiopian border, a spokesman said on Friday.

Dickson Gatluak, a spokesman for the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO) faction under First Vice President Taban Deng Gai, told Xinhua that they came under attack early Friday from rebels allied to former vice president Riek Machar at Pagak in the morning amid ongoing fierce fighting.

"At 5:00, SPLA-IO (under Deng) forces came under heavy fire from anti-peace elements in the border town of Pagak.The attackers who led the offensive came through Yuayding and Tolong areas, but SPLA-IO struck back in self defense to end the assault," he revealed in Juba.

He added that they managed to repulse the rebel attack to regain its former headquarters after it fell into government hands early this week, hence causing thousands of civilians to flee into neighboring Ethiopia.

"After engaging the enemy in fierce fight, our gallant forces managed to repulse them back towards Turuw and Orieng. Their main aim was to drive out our forces from the strategic town of Pagak which will never happen," added Gatluak who did not disclose the death toll.

The rebel deputy spokesman Col. Lam Paul Gabriel was quoted by media reports vowing to retake Pagak from government troops.

South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after political dispute between President Kiir and his former deputy Machar led to fighting that pitted mostly Dinka ethnic soldiers loyal to Kiir against Machar's Nuer ethnic group.

The 2015 peace agreement to end the violence was again violated in July 2016 when the rival factions resumed fighting in the capital forcing Machar to flee into exile.

The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions that have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 21:51:19|Editor: ying

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GENEVA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Between January and July, more than 600,000 displaced Syrians returned home, the UN migration agency IOM said Friday, while cautioning that towns and cities are not able to deal with such numbers.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM)spokesperson Olivia Headon said the 602,759 returned between January and July, which is looking to exceed the 2016 tally of 685,662, but it were less that the 809,661 displaced this year.

"Syria is not safe," Headon said at a UN media briefing. "The places to where people are returning are not equipped to deal with them."

IOM said that it found with its partners the vast majority of the people returning (84 percent) had been displaced within Syria and more than 90 percent went back to their homes.

The next highest number of people (16 percent) returned from Turkey, followed by Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. Refugees returning from Turkey and Jordan reportedly returned mainly to Aleppo and Al Hasakeh governorates.

"An estimated 27 percent of the returnees stated that they did so to protect their assets or properties and 25 percent referred to the improved economic situation in their area of origin," said Headon.

Other factors people gave IOM and partners as their reasons for returning included the worsening economic situation in the place where they were seeking refuge (14 percent).

There were also social or cultural issues such as tribal links, political affiliations or any obstacle preventing integration in their area of displacement (11 percent), and the improvement of the security situation in their area of return (11 percent).
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 21:51:21|Editor: Xiang Bo

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ULAN BATOR, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- China and Mongolia should enhance healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, said visiting Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou.

China attaches importance to bilateral ties, and the two sides should implement important consensuses reached by their leaders, enhance mutual trust, and respect the core interests and major concerns of each other, said Kong during his visit from Aug. 9 to 11.

The two countries should enhance the docking of development strategies, promote practical cooperation and cultural exchanges, he added.

Kong also expressed great concern over the wrong words and deeds regarding the Tibet issue that occurred in the landlocked country, and demanded Mongolia strictly follow its promise, properly handle the sensitive issue and safeguard the political foundation of bilateral ties.

The Mongolian side maintained that developing relations with China has always been the country's key foreign policy and it will adhere to the one-China policy. Mongolia is willing to work with the Chinese side to promote further development of bilateral ties.

During his visit, Kong met with Mongolian Prime Minister Jargaltulga Erdenebat and Foreign Minister Tsend Munkh-Orgil, among others, and attended the Third Strategic Dialogue between the two countries' foreign ministries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 21:51:28|Editor: ying

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HARARE, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwe government has barred prisoners from voting in next year's elections, arguing it is not provided for in the law.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Virginia Mabhiza was quoted by the state-run Herald newspaper Friday as saying that Zimbabwe's Electoral Act was a law of general application that can lawfully limit the right to vote.

The permanent secretary was responding to a High Court application by three activists from the opposition MDC-T party who had applied for prisoners to be allowed to vote.

The three activists are serving 20 years in jail for murdering a police officer.

Mabhiza said the only remedy for the trio was to engage parliament to change the law.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) also supported Mabhiza's view, pointing out that the electoral body cannot go beyond the bounds of what is prescribed in terms of the law.

"The issue that has been brought before this court by the applicants may be one that requires a legislative solution and not a judicial one," read part of ZEC chairperson Rita Makarau's affidavit.

The government has also barred Zimbabweans in the Diaspora to vote from outside the country, arguing it was not provided for in the law.

The position has been criticized by opposition political parties as an infringement to Zimbabweans' constitutional right to vote.

Zimbabweans go to polls mid next year to choose the country's president, members of parliament and local government councilors.

President Robert Mugabe, 93, will seek re-election for a second and final term after he was endorsed by his ruling ZANU-PF party as its presidential candidate.

The veteran leader has since begun campaign rallies around the country as he seeks to drum up support for himself and the party.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 21:56:31|Editor: ying

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HARARE, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwe government has clashed with the World Bank over its inaugural command maize agriculture scheme which it has hailed for boosting production of the staple maize grain in the 2016/17 farming season.

However, the World Bank recently expressed its reservations over the scheme, saying the initiative stretches the country's budget deficit and was politically motivated.

Under the government sponsored scheme, selected farmers were given inputs such as seed, fertilizer and chemicals as well as irrigation and mechanized equipment to grow maize. The farmers would repay the cost of the inputs.

The government has hailed the program for contributing significantly to maize production, which topped 2.1 million tonnes this year from 512,000 tonnes in 2016 and more than the annual national requirement of 1.8 million tons.

Agriculture Minister Joseph Made was quoted by the state-run Herald newspaper on Friday as saying that the command maize scheme was meant to boost food security in the country and cut government's maize import bill.

The scheme also seeks to address the challenge of high cost of agriculture financing that many farmers in the country face, he said.

"The burden to the farmer had always been of financing at 18 percent interest and these had brought farmers down to their knees," Made was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

He said instead of seeking to direct government on how to run its business, the WB must concentrate on the removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West.

"What is paramount is for Zimbabwe to be able to feed itself utilizing its inherent natural resources," Made said.

Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa said last month that government had earmarked 334 million U.S. dollars for the command agriculture scheme in the upcoming 2017/18 farming season.

Zimbabwe's budget deficit for 2016 rose to 1.4 billion U.S. dollars, much higher than the 623 million dollars recorded in June 2016. Government attributed the higher deficit to grain imports following a severe drought which left a quarter of the rural population in need of food aid.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 21:56:32|Editor: ZD

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BEIJING, Aug.11 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday called on the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to refrain from the old path of flaunting power and raising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks in a press statement in response to the recent spat between the United States and the DPRK over the situation on the peninsula.

The DPRK military said in a statement Thursday that its plan to strike Guam with intermediate missiles would be ready by mid-August.

"If North Korea (DPRK) does anything in terms of even thinking about attack of anybody that we love or we represent or our allies or us... they should be very nervous," U.S. President Donald Trump warned. "Because things will happen to them like they never thought possible."

The current situation on the peninsula is complicated and sensitive, said Geng.

"China hopes that all related parties could watch their words and actions, contribute more to easing the tensions and building mutual trust, and refrain from an old path of flaunting powers and raising tensions," the spokesperson said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 22:16:51|Editor: ying

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that the U.S. military was "locked and loaded" to deal with the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula amid escalating tensions between Washington and Pyongyang.

"Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea (the Democratic People's Republic of Korea) act unwisely," Trump tweeted Friday morning.

Trump's warning came after Pyongyang accused the United States and Japan of reckless behavior earlier in the day.

Pyongyang said it would prepare a plan by mid-August to strike the U.S. territory of Guam with intermediate missiles, the Korean Central News Agency reported Thursday.

Trump's words on Friday were the latest in a string of warnings unleashed this week against the northeast Asian country.

On Tuesday, Trump issued a controversial warning to the DPRK, saying that threats from the country would be met with "fire and fury like the world has never seen."

Earlier on Thursday, Trump escalated his threat, claiming that maybe his previous warning "wasn't tough enough."

However, top U.S. officials have been trying to play down the growing tensions.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Thursday that the U.S. efforts to deal with the Korean peninsula issue were "diplomatically led," warning that war with the DPRK would be "catastrophic."

"Nothing that I have seen and nothing that I know of would indicate that the situation has dramatically changed in the last 24 hours," U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters on Wednesday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 22:21:56|Editor: Xiang Bo

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by Xinhua writers Li Yan and Duan Jingjing

HANGZHOU, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Mark Spitalnik, a U.S. lawyer, has always had a special affection for China.

When he came to China 19 years ago, he brought an air force uniform and a veteran's medal of honor.

They belonged to his father, who had been a soldier in the United States. "Flying Tigers" air squadron helped the Chinese fight the Japanese aggressors during World War II.

Spitalnik's father often recalled his army days in China, which left a strong impression on him.

"I never intentionally set my mind to stay and live in China, but I just stayed," Spitalnik said with a smile.

He came to China in 1998 as a lawyer specializing in medical disputes and has learned a lot about China's health care industry.

"It surprised me that the hospitals in China were often full of patients with chronic diseases such as dementia and physical disabilities. Hospital resources should focus more on patients with acute diseases," said Spitalnik.

Chronic disease care is demanding, and hospitals are not the best choice for these patients, he said.

Spitalnik has opened a senior nursing institution in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province. As China becomes an aging society, there is huge demand for nursing services for the elderly.

As of the end of 2016, the number of seniors aged over 60 in China had reached around 230.8 million, accounting for 16.7 percent of the total population, official data showed.

Spitalnik decided to offer more advanced and professional care services for wealthier people.

From the outside, the institution looks more like a vacation villa than a nursing home. With advanced equipment and professional service, the mental and physical health of the elderly living there will be improved, said Chai Haiyan, Spitalnik's wife and partner. Each patient is cared for by about 2.5 nursing employees on average.

Spitalnik has also noticed differences in the psychology of elderly people in China compared to those in the United States.

"In the United States, people over 75 do not consider themselves old, such as my mother," he said. "While in China, they think they are rather old, and this will affect the way we treat them," he said.

He acknowledges that his nursing home, which can accommodate up to 64 patients, targets only high-income people.

"As for the vast majority of the elderly population, it should be the government's duty. The government should develop a better social welfare system," Spitalnik said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 22:26:59|Editor: ZD

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by Marian Draganov

SOFIA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- It has been one year since 110 Chinese Yutong buses were introduced to the Bulgarian capital city's public transport system, and local representatives expressed their satisfaction Friday with the buses.

"We are satisfied with the Chinese buses. They are of high quality," Slav Monov, executive director of Stolichen Autotransport Plc.- Sofia Autobus Company, said.

"Our customers are particularly pleased with the air conditioning and the low floor of the buses," Monov said.

The diesel buses, worth nearly 20 million U.S. dollars, were purchased through a public procurement procedure and transport a quarter of Stolichen Autotransport's customers, Monov said.

He said the buses, made by China's leading bus maker Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., were very good products, with the best price-quality ratio.

Monov said the Yutong buses in operation in Sofia were made exclusively for Europe and met the European Union's (EU) rigorous standards on vehicle emission.

He was particularly impressed by the anti-corrosion coating technology.

Engineer Zdravko Dimitrov, who is responsible for the technical maintenance of the buses, said attention was paid to everything, and the bus is convenient for passengers and drivers.

The spacing between the seats was well planned and the floor was well made, he said, adding that the air conditioning system worked well, and the windows were tinted, which helped cool the air during the city's hot summers. Plus, the maintenance is fast and easy.

He also praised the safety design. The bus was very solid, and "the bus stops exceptionally well," he said, adding that the bus allowed quick and convenient maintenance.

The Yutong buses came with a full four-year warranty or 300,000 km mileage, he said. "So far we are very pleased," said Dimitrov.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 22:37:05|Editor: Yurou

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BEIJING, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- As the first to achieve quantum key distribution from a satellite to the ground, China is confident in making more scientific and technological breakthroughs.

The achievement, based on experiments conducted with the world's first quantum satellite -- Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS), lays a foundation for building a hack-proof global quantum communication network.

QUESS, nicknamed "Micius" after a fifth century B.C. Chinese philosopher and scientist, was launched on Aug. 16, 2016.

Published in Nature magazine, the achievement was described by reviewers as "impressive" and "constitutes a milestone in the field."

Traditional public key cryptography has the risk of being hacked, while quantum key technology, used in quantum communication, rules out the possibility of wiretapping and secures the communication.

Over the past two years, in addition to QUESS, China has also launched a series of space science satellites, including the Dark Matter Particle Explorer, the recoverable satellite SJ-10, and the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope.

Since the start of this year, Chinese have been inspired by landmark achievements in science and technology which contribute to an easier life.

A new railway line, linking Baoji in northwest China's Shaanxi Province with Lanzhou, capital of neighboring Gansu Province, began operation in early July.

The route was a result of China's continuous efforts to improve the construction of high-speed railways, enabling the western provinces to be connected to the national high-speed rail network.

It is also part of China's efforts to boost connectivity along the Belt and Road, where transportation demand is high.

Also in early July, China made breakthroughs in the search for alternative clean energy sources by completing a 60-day trial of mining gas hydrates, commonly known as combustible ice, in the South China Sea.

Starting on May 10, a mining operation in waters near the Pearl River estuary has beaten previous expectations and set world records in both the length and total amount of extraction, according to China Geological Survey Bureau.

China has set innovation as the core of its 13th five-year plan (2016-2020), with the aim to become an "innovation nation" by 2020, an international leader in innovation by 2030, and a world powerhouse in scientific and technological innovation by 2050.

Such efforts will help the country improve the convenience of transport, raise living standards, resolve energy resource shortages, and boost economic development.

Inspired by their country, the Chinese public have also stepped up efforts in scientific and technological innovation.

In 2016, China had over 1.1 million patents for inventions, ranking third after the United States and Japan.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 22:47:17|Editor: Xiang Bo

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CHANGCHUN, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- To rule a huge country like China requires effective governance.

One that has been used more often than ever over the past five years is to send inspection teams to ensure that policies transmit smoothly from the very top to the public.

State Council inspection teams have just returned from checking whether local governments were following cabinet orders to cut red tape, lower administrative cost for businesses and provide incentives to start-ups, among others.

Inspectors visited companies, communities and city halls, and held talks with entrepreneurs, researchers and lower-ranking cadres. Hotlines were set up to hear anonymous complaints.

In Jilin Province, inspectors learned from a leasing firm's financial executive that start-up companies need permission from the People's Bank of China before they can open a bank account.

The 15-day process is time-consuming as many other business approvals have been abandoned or are moving much faster.

Gao Yong, a mid-level inspector with the Ministry of Land Resources, consulted the local branch of the People's Bank of China.

"When we realized that the local government couldn't solve the problem, we decided to take it to the State Council," Gao said.

The State Council will investigate the issue at the national level and find out it if necessary, Gao said.

The inspectors also made a surprise visit to the county of Lishu, for example, following the complain from a member of the public about fees. While they were there, they met local entrepreneurs and listened to their difficulties in getting loans.

"Reform has entered a critical period. Inspections ensure that policies are enforced," said You Jun, head of the Jilin inspection team.

Jiang Chunli, the boss of a food trading company in Lishu, was one of those the team spoke to.

He said the top-down inspection by the State Council would help leading officials understand how their policies were working and hear the "real voices" of those at the sharp end.

Inspectors found plenty of problems.

A steel-maker in Hunan Province was found to be still churning out steel bars, flagrantly flouting a production ban, while many factories nationwide had been ordered to close for making inferior products.

The Hunan factory has now been closed and some officials have been sacked.

To give the inspection teeth, the State Council has promised extra commendations and resources -- funds, projects and land -- for local governments that are doing well.

The State Council launched this kind of inspection in 2014, following the long-standing practice of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI). Corrupt officials now live in fear and tremble in front of the discipline agency.

Since late 2012, there have been twelve rounds of CCDI inspection. All entities -- Party and government departments, state-owned enterprises, central financial institutions and centrally-administered universities -- have been put under disciplinary microscope.

The high-frequency of inspection shows one aspect of the relentless anti-graft campaign. In the past five years, 50 percent of investigations into central officials came through the findings of CCDI inspectors.

Environmental inspectors are also making the headlines.

They have pursued businesses and entities which break environmental laws, strengthening otherwise weak local environmental protection agencies.

The inspection system has proven effective in preventing graft and in protecting the environment, and is expected to be used more extensively.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 23:22:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MADRID, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Increasing numbers of visitors to Spain are choosing to stay in apartments rather than traditional hotels, according to data published by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (INE) on Friday.

INE's study shows the 35.3 million visitors who came to Spain between January and June spent 25 percent more than in the same period in 2016 on accommodation other than traditional hotels, with 75 percent of the growth due to bookings on online platforms, such as Airbnb or HomeAway.

The data is published in the middle of a debate in Spain about just how many tourists the country can welcome, in the wake of attacks on the tourism sector in cities such as Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and San Sebastian.

These cities and others have seen anti-tourism slogans painted on buildings.

2015 saw Spain welcome 68 million visitors and the number is set to rise to around 84 million in 2017 with INE highlighting that 35.3 million foreign tourists came to the country in the first six months of this year (before the peak season on July and August).

That same period saw Airbnb income rise by 33 percent to around 4 million euros, well above the 14.8 percent growth in tourist spending for the first half of the year. Exceltur; the organization which represents the interest of Spanish hoteliers, calculates the demand for tourist apartments on the whole has risen by 37 percent in 2017, compared with a 7 percent rise in demand for hotel rooms.

It is the use of tourist apartments, which many blame for causing house prices to rise in Barcelona, as well as other social problems, such as increased noise, drunkenness and rubbish in traditional residential neighborhoods, which has provoked so much controversy, with the Barcelona local authority attempting to crackdown on unlicensed properties.

Meanwhile, the regional government in the Balearic Islands this week voted to put a cap on the number of tourist beds on offer on the islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, promising heavy fines for those illegally renting apartments.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 23:32:33|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ROME, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Italy's seas are endangered by untreated sewage and marine litter, Legambiente environmentalist organization reported Friday.

Every summer for the past 30 years, Legambiente's Goletta Verde (Green Schooner) vessel sails all around the Italian peninsula with volunteers and scientists, collecting water samples and testing them for bacteria and pollution.

Of 260 water samples taken all along the Italian coastline, 105, or 40 percent, were contaminated with bacteria from sewage far above EU safety limits, the environmentalists said at the presentation of their findings in Rome.

This year's Goletta Verde staffers were reporting at the end of a two-month, 7,412-km circumnavigation of the country that began in the northwestern Liguria region in June and ended in the northeastern Friuli Venezia Giulia region in July.

"Italy's seas continue to suffer from numerous dumpings of untreated sewage," Legambiente scientific director Giorgio Zampetti said.

This "grave situation" is compounded by marine litter and "ongoing environmental illegality," Zampetti said, adding that the environmentalist group was filing 11 reports on 38 locations for prosecution under Italy's environmental crimes law introduced in 2015.

Another huge problem, Legambiente said, is marine litter -- plastic bags, bottles, styrofoam, etc. -- that float around or end up on beaches due to mismanaged trash disposal, substandard waste treatment, and people knowingly dumping their trash overboard or on the beach.

Marine litter is not only toxic, but also kills animals, such as seabirds and endangered marine turtles who mistake it for food and then choke on it.

Lastly, Legambiente reported that climate change is causing the Mediterranean Sea to heat up and become more salty.

As a result, it has become a more welcoming environment to over 800 non-Mediterranean species.

These include tropical crabs and invasive seaweed, according to Legambiente.
File photo taken on July 10, 2017 shows afire rescue vehicle in the Annunziata district of Messina, northeastern Sicily, as a fire rages. (AFP/GIOVANNI ISOLINO)

ROME, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- A volunteer firefighter has been reported for arson, Italian media said Friday.

The suspect told police he set fires for the thrill of it and because he wanted to emulate the characters in an American TV series on firefighters, Italian news agency ANSA reported.

Police nailed him with video surveillance, showing how he set the fires in the northern Pavia area, then showed up with his colleagues to put them out.

La Stampa daily newspaper posted a nighttime police video, showing the suspect pulling up to a trash bin and setting it on fire. The volunteer firefighter has quit his post, ANSA reported.

On August 7, police in the southern Sicily region arrested the leader of a 15-man volunteer firefighter unit on suspicion of arson.

The unit faces charges including fraud against the state and arson, because they allegedly set fires in order to get paid, the police said in a statement.

Volunteer firefighters are paid 10 euros (11.76 U.S. dollars) an hour, but only when they are in action, the police statement said.

Italy this summer has been plagued with scorching temperatures, drought, and devastating wildfires that have destroyed thousands of hectares of public land, including national parks and nature reserves.

"1,099 interventions underway, 108 due to brush fires," the national firefighting corps tweeted Friday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 23:47:40|Editor: Yurou

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MOSCOW, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The risk of a military conflict between the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is very high, but Russia hopes common sense will prevail, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday.

"The risks are very high, especially given the rhetoric. There are direct threats to use force," Lavrov said, speaking at a youth forum in the Vladimir region, Central Russia.

He referred to the recent exchange of threats between Washington and Pyongyang.

According to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on Thursday, the DPRK said it would prepare a plan by mid-August to strike the U.S. territory of Guam with intermediate missiles.

On Tuesday, Trump issued a controversial warning to the DPRK, saying that threats from the country would be met with "fire and fury like the world has never seen."

Russia was worried about these developments, Lavrov said.

"Unfortunately, rhetoric in Washington and in Pyongyang begins to go off scale. We still expect common sense to prevail," he said.

Lavrov recalled that Russia and China had made a number of proposals aimed at preventing a deep-seated conflict.

This includes the "double suspension" plan, under which Pyongyang should stop all nuclear tests and launches of ballistic missiles, while the United States and South Korea should refrain from large-scale military drills, which the DPRK uses as a pretext for testing, he said.

He added that Russia was against the DPRK possessing nuclear weapons.

"We do not accept nuclear North Korea (DPRK)," Lavrov said.

He also suggested that Washington should initiate a peaceful settlement.

"I think that when it comes to a fight, it is the one who is stronger and smarter that should probably be the first to take a step back from the dangerous line," Lavrov said.

Lavrov said that Moscow believed there was no alternative to the resumption of the six-party talks involving the United States, DPRK, South Korea, China, Russia and Japan to reach a peaceful settlement on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 06:26:30|Editor: Yurou

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CAIRO, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least 36 people were killed and more than 123 others were injured Friday in a crash between two trains in Egypt's Alexandria province, Egypt's Health Ministry said.

The ministry has announced state of emergency in all hospitals in Alexandria and neighboring Beheira province.

Some 75 ambulances have been transferring the victims to hospitals, said the ministry in a statement.

It added that the number of casualties may rise due to the seriousness of many injuries.

The Alexandria-bound train coming from Cairo crashed into the rear of another train on its way from Port Said Mediterranean city to Alexandria.

The accident took place in Kourshid area, east of the coastal city of Alexandria.

Egypt's general prosecutor has ordered an urgent investigation into the accident.

Meanwhile, Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail gave orders to send giant truck-loaded cranes to help rescue teams remove the destroyed parts of the trains.

Egypt has witnessed a number of deadly train accidents in which hundreds were killed and injured.

In 2013, at least 19 were killed in a train derailment in Giza governorate, while a 2012 collision between a train and a school bus in Upper Egypt killed 51 people, mostly children.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 00:12:58|Editor: Yurou

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ANKARA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Turkey is taking necessary measures along its border with Syria's Idlib province, where radical extremist groups has been in control, said Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim here on Friday.

"We are taking necessary measures along 150 km of Hatay's border with Syria in light of recent developments in that region ... to avoid humanitarian tragedies and security threats to our country," Yildirim said.

Turkey will not allow the existence of an "artificial state" at its southern border, and will defend its border against any threat, he stressed.

Turkish Customs Minister Bulent Tufenkci said Thursday Turkey would limit cross-border movement at the Bab al-Hawa crossing with Syria because the Syria side is controlled by a "terrorist group."

The al-Qaida linked al-Nusra Front group recently took control of the border area in Syria side from Ahrar al-Sham, which cooperates with the Turkey-supported Free Syrian Army, according to Hurriyet Daily News.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 00:28:10|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MOGADISHU, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM) said Friday it will launch a new phase of training exercise for 1,000 newly recruited police officers to help enhance security in southern Somalia.

AMISOM said in a statement that 600 police recruits will come from Belet Weyne and another 400 in Jowhar which are part of HirShabelle state in southern Somalia.

"AMISOM will continue to lobby for more equipment and will renovate the police stations in order to ensure that the goals of the Somali Police Force (SPF) are achieved," said Chikunguru Maxwell, who is the AMISOM Police Coordinator of Reforms, Restructuring and Development pledged.

The training will improve the skills of the SPF so that they can be more professional in keeping the people of Somalia safe and secure, with crimes professionally investigated.

Maxwell was speaking after a joint delegation of senior police officers from AMISOM and SPF concluded a two-day assessment tour of training sites in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions ahead of the official launch of a new phase of training exercise.

General Mohamed Abdi Bashir, the Deputy Police Commissioner of HirShabelle state said although the police force was constrained by resources, they were determined to deliver to the people of Somalia.

"Our capacity in terms of equipment is small but you will get a share of what we get and this is part of it," Bashir told police officers from the Middle Shabelle region.

The training involves practical work designed to deal with prevailing crimes in a post-conflict environment such as Somalia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 00:33:17|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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RIGA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The prime ministers of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia met at a natural gas storage facility outside the Latvian capital Riga on Friday to discuss energy cooperation, local media reported.

The Baltic states have agreed to create a single regional gas market by 2020, and there is a plan to involve Finland as well, which would help attract more suppliers to the market.

The meeting at the Incukalns underground gas storage facility was part of the Baltic prime ministers' joint tour of key regional gas infrastructure sites, which had been agreed at a meeting in Tallinn earlier this year.

The Baltic premiers have already visited Paldiski in Estonia, where they were introduced to Estonia's plan to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, and the Lithuanian seaport of Klaipeda where they inspected the floating LNG terminal Independence. Lithuania hopes to secure other Baltic countries' support for the buyout of the Independence from the vessel's present owner, the Norwegian company Hoegh LNG.

During the meeting at Incukalns, Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis along with his Estonian colleague Juri Rattas and Lithuania's Saulius Skvernelis inspected the underground gas storage facility and discussed the Baltic states' energy cooperation, the Latvian premier's spokesman Andrejs Vaivars informed.

Kucinskis indicated during the talks with his Baltic counterparts that regional energy infrastructure has to be developed based on free market principles because this alone can guarantee the "best result -- the lowest possible gas price for consumers".

The prime ministers of the three Baltic states acknowledged the regional significance of the Incukalns underground gas storage facility, which is expected to facilitate the functioning of the regional gas market and the security of gas supplies.

All three premiers agreed on the necessity to develop an economically sustainable solution for a fully functional regional gas market that would ensure gas supplies to all Baltic states. There was also unanimity about the importance of a long-term infrastructure strategy promoting market activity and ensuring secure gas deliveries from various suppliers.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 00:38:20|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WINDHOEK, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Customary practices such as early marriages are contributing to high incidences of early teenage pregnancies in Namibia, an official said here on Friday.

National Assembly Information Officer Ndahafa Kaukungua said in a statement that teenage pregnancies are still on the increase despite the family planning services offered at health facilities.

The statement was made about an outreach program on the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the country.

"Young girls are prevented from exercising their sexual and reproductive health and rights as young girls cannot have bargaining rights in a customary marriage to an adult," the statement said.

Kaukungua said the outreach program, initially conducted in a few regions, will be expanded to more regions around the country.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 01:13:31|Editor: Yurou

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ACCRA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) has completed the conversion of Ghana's Nuclear Reactor from a Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) reactor to a Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) one.

At a ceremony to celebrate the completion of work here Thursday, China's Ambassador to Ghana Sun Baohong noted that this project had opened a new window in the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

In response to the Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI) by the United States, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supported the conversion of Ghana's HEU plant installed in 1994.

"This is another achievement we have chalked in our bilateral cooperation," Sun noted during the inspection of the facility.

She added:" It is a good day because it is the start of another opportunity in our cooperation. China and Ghana are longstanding friends and we have carried out a lot of cooperation in all fronts and nuclear energy; we have carried out cooperation for 25 years."

She noted that Ghana was ahead of many other African countries in the field of nuclear energy, adding that the program is very significant in various respects.

"This program is very significant to the global non-proliferation undertaking. It is also significant to enrich our cooperation in science and technology. And it is also very important for the further steps of Ghana to engage in peaceful use of atomic energy and in this context I firmly believe that it has opened a new window for our cooperation," Sun said.

The ambassador pledged the full support of the embassy to the cooperation on nuclear power development between Ghana and China to enable engagement with the Atomic Energy Commission in further exploring the possibilities in cooperation.

China was chosen by the IAEA to carry out the more than 20 million U.S. dollars conversion project because the original HEU reactor was of Chinese origin. The process involved replacing the original core of the reactor which has 90.2 percent uranium enrichment with one that is below 20 percent.

"We've been cooperating very closely with China on the technical front and also financial assistance for the whole project. We are appreciative that now the conversion is finished and today we would put power in the thing as a way of beginning the whole process of application of this technology," Kweku Aning, Chairman of the Governing Council of GAEC, said in his brief remarks.

Among the Chinese institutions which have cooperated with the GAEC over the years and on the project are China National Nuclear Corporation(CNCC), China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) and China Atomic Energy Commission (CAEC).

"Our cooperation with China in the area of nuclear has been very beneficial, especially for research, for training and also support for industry, nuclear security and other issues so they have helped us move from Highly-Enriched Uranium (HEU) to Lower Enriched Uranium (LEU)," Anning added.

He expressed the hope that GAEC and the Chinese institutions would continue to collaborate to make Ghana's dream of becoming a nuclear power a reality.

Director of the Nuclear Research Institute of Ghana, Francis Ofosu, told Xinhua that the nuclear reactor had been very useful for the country as countless number of students had used it over the past two decades for their Masters and Ph.D level research work.

"With the completion of the conversion, a major hurdle has been cleared and our research is back into full operation," he added.
Photo provided by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on June 9, 2017 shows the test-fire of a new type of ground-to-sea cruise missile. (Xinhua/KCNA)

MOSCOW, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The risk of a military conflict between the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is very high, but Russia hopes common sense will prevail, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday.

"The risks are very high, especially given the rhetoric. There are direct threats to use force," Lavrov said, speaking at a youth forum in the Vladimir region, Central Russia.

He referred to the recent exchange of threats between Washington and Pyongyang.

According to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on Thursday, the DPRK said it would prepare a plan by mid-August to strike the U.S. territory of Guam with intermediate missiles.

On Tuesday, Trump issued a controversial warning to the DPRK, saying that threats from the country would be met with "fire and fury like the world has never seen."

Russia was worried about these developments, Lavrov said.

"Unfortunately, rhetoric in Washington and in Pyongyang begins to go off scale. We still expect common sense to prevail," he said.

Lavrov recalled that Russia and China had made a number of proposals aimed at preventing a deep-seated conflict.

This includes the "double suspension" plan, under which Pyongyang should stop all nuclear tests and launches of ballistic missiles, while the United States and South Korea should refrain from large-scale military drills, which the DPRK uses as a pretext for testing, he said.

He added that Russia was against the DPRK possessing nuclear weapons.

"We do not accept nuclear North Korea (DPRK)," Lavrov said.

He also suggested that Washington should initiate a peaceful settlement.

"I think that when it comes to a fight, it is the one who is stronger and smarter that should probably be the first to take a step back from the dangerous line," Lavrov said.

Lavrov said that Moscow believed there was no alternative to the resumption of the six-party talks involving the United States, DPRK, South Korea, China, Russia and Japan to reach a peaceful settlement on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 02:39:20|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The number of detained senior Ethiopian government officials, businessperson and middlemen, who were arrested in connection with an alleged large-scale corruption scandal, has increased to 55 on Friday.

Ethiopian roads authority Communications Director, Samson Wondimu, is the latest Ethiopian government official detained on Friday in connection with the large scale anti-corruption investigation in Ethiopia's modern history.

While the number of suspected government officials and their associates could still rise as the investigation is still underway in the east African country, investigators have on Thursday frozen the assets of 210 individuals and 15 companies that have link with the recently arrested individuals.

Majority of the 54 defendants have so far appeared before and Ethiopian court, including the former Manager of Addis Ababa Roads Authority, Fekade Haile, former Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Cooperation, Alemayehu Gujo, and former head of Ethiopian Roads Authority Zayid WoldeGebrel.

Other senior government officials from the Ethiopian Roads Authority, the Addis Ababa Roads Authority, the Ethiopian Sugar Corporation and foreign nationals were also arrested as part of the large-scale corruption scandal.

The Ethiopian government has cited bad governance and corruption as among the major reasons for the preoccupations of the public back in late 2016.

The ongoing arrest of senior government officials, businessperson and middlemen is said to be part of the Ethiopian government's reform process, which was started at the end of 2016 to provide a concrete answer to the preoccupations of the public.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 03:04:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia has formed a new task force to fight corruption consisting of key government institutions as the East African nations engages in a massive anti-corruption crackdown.

The statement was made to Ethiopia state media on Friday by Akiliu Mulugeta, corruption prevention director at Ethiopian Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC), explaining that the new task force will have members from FEACC itself, Federal Attorney General, Ethiopian Federal Police Commission, Addis Ababa Police Commission and Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority (ERCA).

The announcement coincided with the arrest of dozens of business people, brokers and senior government officials in an anti-corruption crackdown that is the biggest in Ethiopia for years.

Assets of hundreds of individuals and several businesses have also been frozen in the anti-corruption crackdown.

Sugar development, road and building construction, housing, financial institutions and officials from Addis Ababa city administration in particular have consisted the bulk of the arrested individuals.

Ethiopian government has identified corruption and rent seeking activities as part of the reason Ethiopia was rocked by sweeping unrest in 2016.

The Ethiopian government has since then promised to crack down on grand scale corruption which has afflicted one of the world's fastest growing economies.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 03:14:35|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ARUSHA, Tanzania, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania has started a campaign to promote new farming system to fight the impact of climate change and to boost food security in the east African nation.

The new system will raise rice output, increase farmer income, and strengthen crops' resilience to climate change, said Mary Majule, principal agriculture officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, on Friday.

Traditional farming methods consume a large amount of water as a result of changing weather patterns, Majule said.

"This is part of the government's initiative to adopt the climate-smart agriculture system aimed at addressing the reckless use of water for rice production," she said.

The new system encourages limited use of water with high productivity as well as mitigating the impact of climate change, Majule said.

The system has started operating in Tanzania's regions of Mbeya, Iringa and Morogoro.

According to Majule, farmers who have adopted the new system get an average of 42 bags of rice per acre, whereas traditional farming only produce an average of five bags per acre.

Majule said the government intends to use its arable land to make Tanzania the leading nation in Africa for producing rice.

It is estimated that 18 percent of farming household in Tanzania grow rice, contributing to 2.66 percent of the the country's GDP.

Rice is the second most important food and commercial crop in Tanzania after maize.

Tanzania is among the 25 countries that produce rice in Africa. The country targets to boost production from the 875,120 tons recorded in 2007-2008 to 1,750,240 tons in 2017-2018.
File photo taken on Feb. 24, 2016 shows the "Facebook"-logo on the sidelines of a press preview of the so-called "Facebook Innovation Hub" in Berlin. (AFP/TOBIAS SCHWARZ)

VILNIUS, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Court of Appeal of Lithuania decided to extradite to the United States Lithuanian suspect Evaldas Rimasauskas, who allegedly conned more than 100 million U.S. dollars out of Facebook and Google by sending fake emails, the court announced Friday.

"Assumption that the damage was done to the companies registered in the United States became the ground for the extradition of Rimasauskas," the court said in a press release.

The decision on Friday is final.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York accused Rimasauskas of wire transfer fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering, news agency Elta reported.

It is alleged that Rimasauskas took part in the scam using e-mail correspondence and posed as an Asian computer hardware manufacturer to persuade Google and Facebook to accept fraudulent invoices and transfer funds to the company established under the same name in Latvia. The funds were transferred to the latter company's accounts in banks in Cyprus and Latvia.

The court underlined it has not been assessing the circumstances of the crime and the proof of guilt as it "should trust the information provided by the judicial authority of the country which applied for the extradition."

Rimasauskas is suspected to have conned 23 million dollars from Google and 100 million dollars from Facebook.

He was detained in Lithuania on March 16. On April 18, the Prosecutor General's Office of Lithuania received the U.S. Justice Department's request to extradite the suspect.

Rimasauskas has denied the charges.

Meanwhile, the attorney of Rimasauskas claimed that the investigation of the suspected crime must take place in Lithuania as the allegedly criminal actions were carried out within the country, local media reported.

Lithuania has a bilateral extradition agreement with the United States and this case "meets all the criteria", the chairman of the court underlined.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 03:39:52|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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by Bosun Awoniyi

LAGOS, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government has revealed details of cash and properties traced to a former minister of petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The government, through its anti-graft agency, accuses the former minister of looting the nation's treasury and acquiring properties running into millions of U.S. dollars.

Since leaving office in 2015, Alison-Madueke has been implicated in bribery, fraud, misuse of public funds, and money laundering cases in Nigeria, Britain, Italy, and the United States.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in a strongly worded statement, on Thursday said 47.2 billion naira and 487.5 million dollars in cash and properties in Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub, and Abuja, the nation's capital, have been traced to her.

The Nigerian central bank on Friday put the national currency's exchange rate at 1 U.S. dollar to about 305 naira.

Gold, silver and diamond jewelry, worth 7 million pounds sterling were recovered from one of her residences in Abuja, the EFCC said.

Among the properties traced to her are a 37.5-million-dollar property on Banana Island, Lagos, two apartments valued at 350 million dollars also on Banana Island, two properties valued at 1 billion naira in Yaba, Lagos and a 900 million naira property in oil rich city of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the permanent forfeiture of the 37.5 million-dollar property, allegedly belonging to the former minister.

Justice Chuka Obiozor ordered the permanent forfeiture of the property to the government on Monday.

Justice Obiozor had on July 19 ordered the temporary forfeiture of the property after listening to an ex parte application brought by the EFCC's Head of Legal, Anselm Ozioko.

He also directed the EFCC to publish the order so that any interested party who does not want the money to be permanently forfeited to the government could appear in court within 14 days.

The justice also ordered Sterling Bank Plc to temporarily forfeit to the Federal Government a sum of 7,646,700,000 naira said to have been illegally kept in the bank's custody by the former minister.

The anti-graft agency said Diezani stashed the money in three banks, adding that the government had since February 2016, through an order by Justice Muslim Hassan of the Federal High Court, recovered part of the money from the other banks.

The anti-graft agency recalled that the Federal Government had recovered 23.4 billion naira, 5 million dollars and another 9.08 billion naira out of the 153.3 million dollars.

It urged the court to order Sterling Bank to deliver up to the government the 7.6 billion naira still in its custody.

In an eight-paragraph affidavit, an operative of the EFCC, Usman Zakari, averred that Diezani laundered the 7.6 billion naira in connivance with other officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Ibrahim Magu, EFCC's acting chairman, said the EFCC is working with other agencies around the world to unearth more loots linked to Alison-Madueke.

"We are moving in and we will recover every loot linked to her," Magu said.

In 2015, Allison-Madueke was arrested by the National Crime Agency in London along with four other people and is being investigated for alleged bribery, corruption and money laundering.

She denied any wrong-doing when accused by then central bank governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who is now the Emir of Kano, of misappropriating 20 billion dollars in oil money.

Alison-Madueke served in 2010-2015 as Nigeria's first female minister of petroleum resources.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 04:00:12|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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CAIRO, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the train collision in Egypt's Alexandria province has risen to 49, state TV reported on Friday.

The Egyptian health ministry has previously announced that 36 people were killed and more than 120 others injured in a crash between two trains east the coastal city of Alexandria.

However, the ministry also said that the number of casualty may rise due to the seriousness of many injuries.

Earlier in the day, an train from Cairo to Alexandria crashed into the rear of another train on its way from Port Said to Alexandria, leaving dozens killed and injured.

The accident took place in Kourshid area, east of the coastal city of Alexandria.

Right after the collision, Egypt's general prosecutor ordered an urgent investigation into the accident.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi has also ordered state bodies to hold those responsible accountable.

Egypt has witnessed a number of deadly train accidents causing hundreds dead and injured.

In 2013, at least 19 were killed in a train derailment in Giza governorate, while a collision in 2012 between a train and a school bus in Upper Egypt killed 51 people, mostly children.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 04:25:47|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is ready to facilitate quick repatriation of Burundian refugees who have volunteered to return home and rebuild their country, a senior Tanzanian government official said on Friday.

Projest Rwegasira, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, said the UN refugees' agency agreed to facilitate the repatriation this week following talks with high-level government officials.

The voluntary repatriation of the Burundian refugees follows the recent directive by President John Magufuli to the refugees to voluntarily return to their country and help rebuild their economy.

Rwegasira said the UNHCR delegation to the talks was led by Volker Turk, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, adding: "We have had successful talks with the UNHCR representatives."

Rwegasira, a retired Major General with the Tanzania People's Defence Forces (TPDF), said the government will hold another high-ranking meeting in Dar es Salaam by the end of this month.

He said the August 31 meeting will bring together high ranking officials from UNHCR, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Co-operation, experts, and regional commissioners from Katavi, Tabora, Kagera and Kigoma.

"The UNHCR has shown willingness to facilitate repatriation of the Burundian refugees and to assist in establishing new homes in Burundi," said Rwegasira.

He said his ministry has formed a task force from various institutions including Kigoma region authorities and UNHCR to prepare the refugees' new homes, budget for the repatriation exercise and other arrangements for their safe return.

Rwegasira said about 7,450 Burundian refugees have voluntarily registered to return home by Wednesday, August 9.

President Magufuli's directive to the refugees to go home followed Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza's assurance to Tanzania that his country has stabilized.

On July 20, Magufuli called on the Burundian refugees now in the country to return home voluntarily and help build their country, asserting that now there was security in the tiny central African country.

Magufuli's remarks were in support of an earlier plea by Nkurunziza, who had called on his fellow countrymen to go back home and help rebuild their country because the "war is over."

Magufuli also took a swipe at international humanitarian bodies for trying to convince refugees not to return to their home countries because of continued insecurity, just so they can continue receiving aid from donors.

The president also directed the Ministry of Home Affairs not to grant citizenship to any more Burundian refugees coming into Tanzania.

In 2014, Tanzania announced that it was in the process of granting citizenship to 162,000 Burundian refugees who had fled their country in 1972.

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| 2017-08-12 04:40:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADEN, Yemen, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- A helicopter operated by the Saudi-led coalition crashed on Friday in Yemen's southeastern province of Shabwa, causing injuries, a security official told Xinhua.

According to the security official based in Shabwa, the crashing incident of a UAE Black Hawk helicopter took place in the district of Rudhum at around 4:00 p.m. local time.

The helicopter was participating in the ongoing anti-terror military operations against the Yemen-based al-Qaida branch in the province, the source said.

The security source couldn't verify the reasons that caused the crash, saying that some UAE soldiers were slightly injured in the incident.

However, local media outlets reported that two UAE soldiers died and some others survived and were transformed to the neighboring province of Hadramout.

An eyewitness, Ahmed Khaled, told Xinhua via phone that the chopper hit a hill, and destroyed into small parts which scattered along a valley.

Meanwhile, channels and social media accounts affiliated with the al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) claimed responsibility that its fighters gunned down a coalition helicopter over Shabwa.

The UAE is part of a Saudi-led coalition comprising nine Arab states to support Yemen's "legitimate" government of President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

The coalition has been bombing on a daily basis the Iranian-backed Shiite Houthi group across Yemen since March 26, when President Hadi fled to the Saudi capital Riyadh to take refuge.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 05:06:17|Editor: Yamei

People gather at the train crash site in Alexandria province, Egypt, on Aug. 11, 2017. (Xinhua/Asmaa Abdelatif)

CAIRO, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- As Egyptians mourn the victims of a deadly train collision that killed 49, Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi ordered state bodies to hold those responsible accountable.

Sisi has ordered an investigation into the cause of the collision, official MENA news agency reported.

Earlier in the day, an Alexandria-bound train coming from Cairo crashed into the rear of another train on its way from Port Said Mediterranean city to Alexandria, killing 49 people and injuring more than 100 others.

The accident took place in Kourshid area, east of the coastal city of Alexandria.

Sisi expressed his deepest sorrow and condolences to the families of the victims, stressing that the government will provide full care for the wounded.

Meanwhile, the health ministry announced that a state of emergency has been declared across Alexandria and neighboring Beheira and Gharbiya provinces.

The ministry said some 75 ambulances have been transferring the victims, and the number of casualties may rise due to the seriousness of many injuries.

Egypt's general prosecutor has also ordered an urgent investigation into the accident right after its occurrence, while Prime Minister Sherif Ismail has called for the formation of a specialized committee from the Transport Ministry for the investigation.

Transport Minister Hisham Arafat confirmed that a panel was formed to investigate the deadly accident, adding that the results of the probe will be announced once it is finished.

He also promised that those who are responsible for the crash will be brought to justice.

The Egyptian army has also participated in the rescue.

A military statement said army hospitals have been put on alert to receive the injured.

It added that two giant truck-loaded cranes have been deployed to help lift the damaged train carriages.

Military rescue teams, along with 15 ambulances, have been sent to the site of the collision, the statement added.

Moreover, each family of the victims will receive 50,000 Egyptian pounds (around 2,800 U.S. dollars) as compensation, said Social Solidarity Minister Ghad Wali.

All those wounded in the crash will receive treatment and get compensation according to their level of injury, the minister said.

Egypt has witnessed a number of deadly train accidents in which hundreds died and injured.

In 2013, at least 19 were killed in a train derailment in Giza governorate, while a collision between a train and a school bus in 2012 in Upper Egypt killed 51, mostly children.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 05:11:25|Editor: Yurou

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ABUJA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- China and Nigeria on Friday in Abuja signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance friendly cooperation in Media and Information Exchanges.

The MoU was signed between the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture of Nigeria and the State Council Information Office of China.

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed who signed on behalf of Nigeria said the MoU was a very important milestone in diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China.

The minister said the MoU would also enhance friendly cooperation and interaction between government media agencies of the two countries.

He said it would facilitate news exchange, joint coverage, mutual visits including wider coverage of economic, cultural and social news and other events in the respective mass media.

In addition to the wide areas covered by the MoU, the minister requested capacity building cooperation programs for Resident Information Officers in his ministry and media practitioners in general.

Specifically, he requested that China should offer training to Nigerian journalists, broadcasters, media practitioners and social media practitioners.

Mohammed said his ministry was also interested in cooperation programs mutually beneficial in the area of animation and co-production of films which project the culture of both Nigeria and China.

The minister said the cooperation should extend to film distributions as well as collaboration between the National Films and Video Censors Board and the Chinese Censors Board to eradicate piracy and production of fake and adulterated films.

He called for partnership to address infrastructure deficit in Nigeria creative industry, particularly in the area of building community cinemas across the country.

The minister also called for strengthening of the existing MoU between the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and its Chinese counterpart, Xinhua News Agency.

He said the partnership would go a long way in addressing the problem of fake news.

The minister seized the opportunity to clarify that contrary to lies being peddled in the social media, the government "is working assiduously to redeem its electoral promises."

Mohammed said he was optimistic that both countries would work to ensure a thorough implementation of the MoU for the benefit of their peoples.

Earlier, Guo Weimin, deputy director of the State Council Information Office of China said the signing of the MoU marked a new beginning in the relations between the two countries in the area of media and cultural relations.

He said staff training and program exchanges would further solidify the cultural ties between both nations.

Guo said his ministry would scale up the broadcast of news about Nigeria in China and appealed to the minister to reciprocate the gesture.

Guo acceded to Mohammed's request for the training of the Resident Information Officers and said the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria would fine-tune the capacity building engagement.

Guo was accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Zhou Pingjian to the signing of the MOU.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 05:21:36|Editor: Yurou

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta (R, Front) receives the certificate as the winner of presidential elections from Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati (L, Front) in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, on Aug. 11, 2017. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was on Friday declared the winner of Tuesday's presidential elections with 8.20 million (54.27 percent) votes against 6.76 million (44.74 percent) for his main challenger, Raila Odinga after a tense electoral process which was preceded by an opposition walkout. (Xinhua/Nyalwash)

NAIROBI, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta who was formally declared winner of the country's presidential election on Friday night, vowed to unite the country after his main rival, Raila Odinga rejected the vote as a fraud.

The Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati announced that Kenyatta garnered 8.20 million votes or 54.27 percent of the total votes cast against Odinga's 6.76 million or 44.74 of the total votes cast, ending a protracted four-day standoff over the outcome of Tuesday's vote.

"Having fulfilled the requirements by law, I therefore wish to declare Uhuru Kenyatta as the President-Elect and William Ruto as the Deputy President-Elect," Chebukati said.

The 55-year-old Kenyatta will be serving his second and final five year term in office in line with the requirement of the constitution.

During his acceptance speech, Kenyatta pledged to unite the country and implement development projects that would uplift the living standards of citizens.

"I thank the people of Kenya for the confidence they have shown in me and we shall continue the work we started and rededicate our service to this nation," said Kenyatta who was flanked by his Deputy William Ruto.

He said he wanted to reach out to his main rival, Odinga of the National Super Alliance (NASA) to "build Kenya together."

"We are not enemies, we are all citizens of one republic. I extend a hand of friendship and cooperation. We shall partner to develop this country," Kenyatta said.

"I reach out to you, I reach out to your supporters. We shall work together, we shall partner together, we shall grow together so we can build this great nation," Kenyatta said.

He commended his supporters and the general public for maintaining peace during the voting exercise.

Kenyatta extended an olive branch to opposition leaders and their supporters, saying he was ready to engage with them in dialogue to solve challenges facing the country.

He urged Kenyans to move past the electioneering period and commence nation building.

Odinga did not attend the announcement of the result, saying their concerns have not been addressed.

The opposition coalition has strongly disputed the outcome of the presidential results, saying they do not represent the true verdict of Kenyans.

NASA chief agent Musalia Mudavadi said IEBC told them their concerns will be addressed after the declaration is made. "Basically (the meeting with IEBC) was a PR exercise," Mudavadi told journalists in Nairobi.

He spoke after the NASA coalition walked out of the meeting with IEBC commissioners where the commission made its stand to announce the winner.

"This commission has shown that it is an arm of the executive. It looks like the president (and) the deputy president knew all along what the commission was going to do," coalition agent James Orengo said.

He accused international observers of pressuring and encouraging the IEBC to announce the winner regardless of NASA's concerns about the accuracy of the election results.

Orengo said the African Union, the European Union and the Commonwealth should adopt the vetting of the observer missions to ensure they have no relationships with the governments of the day.

"The AU should have vetted the members of those observer missions because clearly the delegations rushed to judgement and gave this commission to go on with making this announcement and telling us we can do what we want suggesting that we should go to court."

"Every time an election has been stolen, the Kenyan people have stood up to make sure changes are made to make Kenya a better place. No force on earth can go against a people united," Orengo said.

"Therefore nobody should think this is the end of the matter and nobody should make us feel guilty that we have got constitutional alternatives in interrogating the decision that has been made by this commission that is a great tragedy," he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 05:26:41|Editor: Zhou Xin

Bosnian director Danis Tanovic (Front) stands on the red carpet during the opening ceremony of the 23rd Sarajevo Film Festival in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on Aug. 11, 2017. A film featuring a story about a Syrian refugee in the Finnish capital Helsinki opened the 23rd Sarajevo Film Festival on Friday night. The Sarajevo Film Festival, launched in 1995, has become a cultural event in the Balkan region. Some 100,000 fans are expected to visit Sarajevo during the event, according to organizers. (Xinhua/Haris Memija)

SARAJEVO, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- A film featuring a story about a Syrian refugee in the Finnish capital Helsinki opened the 23rd Sarajevo Film Festival on Friday night.

The film, "The other Side of Hope", is directed by Finnish director Aki Karusimaki. The Syrian refugee should have been deported by the Finish authorities back to the war-torn city of Aleppo. But he eventually managed to stay in Helsinki for one mission -- looking for his sister who he had lost on the Balkan route.

The Sarajevo Film Festival, launched in 1995, has become a cultural event in the Balkan region. Some 100,000 fans are expected to visit Sarajevo during the event, according to organizers.

American director Oliver Stone and legendary British comedian John Cleese are expected to receive Honorary Heart of Sarajevo for their remarkable contribution to the art of film.

In the following eight days, movie lovers will be able to watch 235 films in 18 different programs, featuring 43 world premieres from 54 countries and regions.

In addition, fourth Somersby Bridge was opened at the same time, which was an entertaining event offering visitors 8 unforgettable concert by bands from BiH and the region.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 05:31:44|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SANAA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least 17 fighters were killed from both pro and anti-government forces in a fierce battle erupted on Friday evening in northern Yemen, a military source said.

Around 10 Houthi rebels and seven government soldiers were killed in the clashes on a front line in Yemen's northern border province of Jawf, the source told Xinhua by phone.

Four other soldiers were wounded and several military vehicles were also damaged in the fighting, which occurred after Houthi rebels launched a fierce attack on government military positions in Akabah and Mizlak areas.

"The soldiers managed to repel the rebels' attack," the source said on condition of anonymity.

The targeted government-held positions are located south of Sha'af district north of the province. The district is the key front line between rival forces after the government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, advanced last year from near Saudi southern border in an attempt to recapture the rebel-held province.

Tension remains high in this region, which witnesses deadly battles almost on a daily basis.

Yemen's internationally-backed government has been battling Iran-backed Shiite Houthi rebels for more than two years over the control of the country.

The Saudi-led coalition began a military air campaign in March 2015 to roll back Houthi gains and reinstate exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and his government to the power.

The coalition also imposed air and sea blockade to prevent weapons from reaching Houthis, who had invaded the capital Sanaa militarily and seized most of the northern Yemeni provinces.

The war has killed more than 10,000 people, most of them civilians, and displaced around 3 million, according to UN agencies.

The impoverished Arab country is also suffering the world's largest cholera epidemic since April, with about 5,000 cases reported every day.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 05:41:52|Editor: Yurou

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MINSK, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The duration of registration-free stay in Belarus will be extended from 5 to 10 days, Vitaly Naumchik, First Deputy Head of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Belarusian Interior Ministry, told media on Friday.

Naumchik said that foreigners will be allowed to stay in Belarus without registration for 10 days.

"If we go by the initiative of the Interior Ministry to extend the registration-free stay in Belarus to 10 days, then we may extend the visa-free stay to 10 days as well," he added.

There are also plans to extend the validity period of temporary residence permits for some foreign citizens, such as investors. It can be increased from 1 year to 2 years, the official said.

According to Vitaly Naumchik, relevant amendments to the law on the legal status of foreigners in Belarus will come into effect approximately in December 2018-January 2019.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-12 05:57:05|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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NAIROBI, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Violent protests broke out across Kenya on Friday night moments after Uhuru Kenyatta was officially declared the winner of the presidential election held on Tuesday.

Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati announced that current President Kenyatta garnered 8.2 million votes or 54.27 percent of the total votes against rival Raila Odinga's 6.76 million or 44.74 of the total votes, ending a protracted four-day standoff over the outcome of Tuesday's vote.

Violence erupted in Nairobi, Western Kenya towns and in some parts of Odinga's strongholds, where residents said angry protesters were burning property and blocking some roads.

Gunshots and screams of protests rent the air in the Western Kenyan city of Kisumu and in Nairobi's residential estates where residents took to the streets to express their anger.

"I have just seen a lorry and a car barely miss being stoned. Stones put across the road and several gunshots in Kibera slums," said an eye witness. He said there were consisted gunshots in some parts of Nairobi.

"There are several police officers who are firing live bullets against us. I don't know what we have done wrong since we are only expressing our anger against the electoral officials," Kennedy Omondi, a resident in Kisumu, said.

At least seven people have so far been killed and several others injured since Tuesday in post election violence in Kenya after opposition leader Odinga claimed "massive" fraud in Tuesday's vote.

Police killed four people in Mathare in the east part of Nairobi, as they tried to disperse Opposition protestors who were reacting to a statement by Odinga who alleged that the election had been rigged.

Odinga had alleged that the electoral system was hacked and data manipulated in favour of the incumbent President Kenyatta.

At least one person was shot dead on Tuesday in South Mugirango constituency in Kisii County, around 300 km west of Nairobi, during a clash with the security forces.

Tension remained high in some parts of Kenya on Friday night as residents vowed to carry out more protests as long as Odinga disputes results.

The police have stepped up security to prevent any possible violent protests and to provide round the clock security to ensure safety of Kenyans and foreigners who are in the country.
Emergency personnel and Egyptian military police search the wreckage of the train collision on August 11, 2017 near Khorshid station in Alexandria. (AFP photo)

CAIRO, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- As Egyptians mourn the victims of a deadly train collision that killed 49, Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi ordered state bodies to hold those responsible accountable.

Sisi has ordered an investigation into the cause of the collision, official MENA news agency reported.

Earlier in the day, an Alexandria-bound train coming from Cairo crashed into the rear of another train on its way from Port Said Mediterranean city to Alexandria, killing 49 people and injuring more than 100 others.

The accident took place in Kourshid area, east of the coastal city of Alexandria.

Sisi expressed his deepest sorrow and condolences to the families of the victims, stressing that the government will provide full care for the wounded.

Meanwhile, the health ministry announced that a state of emergency has been declared across Alexandria and neighboring Beheira and Gharbiya provinces.

The ministry said some 75 ambulances have been transferring the victims, and the number of casualties may rise due to the seriousness of many injuries.

Egypt's general prosecutor has also ordered an urgent investigation into the accident right after its occurrence, while Prime Minister Sherif Ismail has called for the formation of a specialized committee from the Transport Ministry for the investigation.

Transport Minister Hisham Arafat confirmed that a panel was formed to investigate the deadly accident, adding that the results of the probe will be announced once it is finished.

He also promised that those who are responsible for the crash will be brought to justice.

The Egyptian army has also participated in the rescue.

A military statement said army hospitals have been put on alert to receive the injured.

It added that two giant truck-loaded cranes have been deployed to help lift the damaged train carriages.

Military rescue teams, along with 15 ambulances, have been sent to the site of the collision, the statement added.

Moreover, each family of the victims will receive 50,000 Egyptian pounds (around 2,800 U.S. dollars) as compensation, said Social Solidarity Minister Ghad Wali.

All those wounded in the crash will receive treatment and get compensation according to their level of injury, the minister said.

Egypt has witnessed a number of deadly train accidents in which hundreds died and injured.

In 2013, at least 19 were killed in a train derailment in Giza governorate, while a collision between a train and a school bus in 2012 in Upper Egypt killed 51, mostly children.
Bhoe: Give everyone a share

He jointly hosted Breakthrough strategy for a sustainable nation at the Arthur Lok Jack Centre, Mount Hope in collaboration with that institution.

He said squatters and middle class people should be helped to access land that also would serve to give them a stake in this society and so help to stabilise it.

Tewarie said no confidence exists because there is no clear economic direction, and no trust exists of the nations politicians who are not seen to mean what they say. He said globally people are revolting against privilege and exclusion, as they want a role to be a part of implementing things. He said in this country people can also try to set the agenda for their countrys development.

Earlier Tewarie lamented the prevalence of an entrenched criminal class which he alleged is protected by police and politicians and maybe even the Judiciary.

He said these criminals are involved in debt collection and the provision of security services.

Saying crime is an economic burden on this society, he urged, Eliminate the secret alliances that make crime possible.
Two in court on double murder, firearm charges

According to the charges, on January 6, Earl and Thomas shot and killed Ishmael Bailey and Derek Warlord Joseph. Both men agreed to have their matters heard together. The charges were laid indictably.

During the course of the proceedings several statements from the complainant Sergeant Bacchus, witnesses and attorneys were submitted before the court.

Attached to these statements, was a copy of a DVD recording of footage outside the apartment complex on Nelson street at the time of the incident and a post-mortem report from one of the deceased.

Acting Senior Pathologist Rita Bailey confirmed that she did produce reports on one of the deceased.

However, defence attorneys declined to carry out a cross examination. Attorney for the accused Criston J. Williams said he might be unable to return to court at the assigned date of August 14, as he has other matters before the High Courts.

Earle-Caddle scolded Williams saying he needs to be present at the proceedings. Mr Williams I am sure you had some idea what was going on, surely you know how long this would take.

Why did you take that matter (in the High Court) when you also have this matter for next week? Make sure you are here for the 14, the magistrate warned
Driver fined $10,000, disqualified

He was arrested at about 1.15 am yesterday along the SS Erin Road, Debe, during a police road-block exercise and tested for alcohol content in his breath. Yesterday, Sookdeo pleaded guilty before magistrate Lisa Singh-Phillip that when a field sobriety test was conducted by Police Constable Shiva Roopchand, it showed that the alcohol level in his breath was 54 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 mg per 100 mls.

Magistrate Singh-Phillip heard that five years ago, Sookdeo was fined $7,000 for a similar offence.

Sookdeo pleaded with the magistrate not to ban him from driving because he used his vehicle to earn a livelihood but Singh-Phillip told the 35-year-old father that she must balance the scales of justice and the maximum sentence for a second such offence, was $20,000 and three years disqualification.
Assistant CoP: Couva weapons cache a cause for concern

Hackshaw said the seizure of the guns meant there were more high-powered guns, such as those found on Wednesday, that were circulating throughout the country and were being used to fuel serious crimes. He said those weapons might be in the hands of some criminal elements who could use the weapons to cause crime to increase and that was something the Police Service would not condone.

Hackshaw said the way the guns entered the country is engaging the attention of investigators and they were hoping to make a major breakthrough into the illegal smuggling of weapons.

A suspect detained by police for the cache of arms is the son of a man who is in prison for kidnapping.

Police believe a lucrative arms and ammunition operation as well as the smuggling of drugs had been taking place at the Couva location where the guns were found.

The firearms, which included a sniper rifle and a Russian- made assault rifle, were seized by the officers of the Criminal Gang and Intelligence Unit supported by Southern Division police and the Canine Branch.
More guns seized

Police said members of the Western Division Task Force executed a search warrant at the home of the 29-year-old man on Tomato Drive, Diego Martin. They found the guns behind a refrigerator at the house.

Two Carenage men were also arrested by Western Division police for being in possession of a revolver.

Police say they conducted an exercise between 11.40 pm on Wednesday and 2.30 am on Thursday.

During the exercise they stopped and searched a blue Nissan Primera car, along Lady Young Road, when they found the gun. The two occupants of the car are from Big Yard, Carenage.
We are getting the job done

Addressing a town meeting, hosted by Eastern Division police at the Manzanilla Secondary School on Wednesday, Nelson told residents the probability of someone committing a crime and escaping is very narrow. Our solve rate in the Eastern Division is 57 per cent. So that 57 per cent of all the crimes are solved...There is only one division ahead of us and that is South-Western Division, he said.

This is not a flux or it is not done by luck.

It is achieved by hardcore policing. You have police officers who are committed to the task, who are honest and who have integrity and it is dependent on proper, good leadership. Nelson, who was among a slew of high-ranking officers who attended the meeting, mentioned the contributions of three of his officers in containing crime in the division.

He said Insps Ken Lutchman and Alexis Garcia were leading the fight. Alexis, he said, had the responsibility to ensure the police had evidence to secure convictions.

Nelson also extended kudos to Sgt Alana Lopez, whom he said, has kept a handle on crime in Valencia, one of the countrys hotspots.

We do not have office colonels here in the Eastern Division. We have field marshals and sometimes the best man for a job is woman, he said of Lopez.

Sgt Lopez is in charge of the Task Force in area north. It consists of Valencia, which is the hotbed in the entire Eastern Division.

These are the people who protect and serve you while you are asleep in the night.
5Stars new look All about the Vibe

While the new platinum blonde hair colour is among them, he says there is more. The soca star, who has given hits such as Different Me, is bringing a different kind of sound to the table. The artiste recently released two singles called Remember this Wine and Call Yuh, which he labels as dancehall and island pop, respectively.

Borneo spoke to Newsday at its Chacon Street office on August 8, saying that his inspiration came from what was needed in the industry. The music has been limited for some time now. After Carnival, all artistes dont do much music. There are some artistes who do but not much. He says he wants to produce music that goes beyond the Carnival period, wants soca to become a mainstream sound and wants people to understand the vibe being delivered.

So, when he was presented with a rhythm from fellow artiste, Erphaan Alves and was introduced to a song done by Abdiel Matamora, he decided this gave him the perfect opportunity to try the new genres.

When I got the music, I was let us see if we could try something and the music also inspired me to go something after Carnival. Borneo says the songs came to him right after Carnival and after hearing the song from Alves he knew that it was the right vibe for the song and felt a summer release would be best.

For him, the new fusion presents the best opportunity for soca becoming more of a main stream sound. Because of the fusion, people could understand the music that were trying to deliver. They could understand the vibe, the happiness that comes out of the music... Ultimately, he hopes to one day create greater fusions with artistes such as dancehall legends Beenie Man (Anthony Moses Davis) and Alkaline (Earlan Bartley). He hopes as well to do chutney fusions and work with artistes such as Ravi B (Ravi Bissambhar) and Rikki Jai (Samraj Jaimungal).

While some people believe the change in sound might affect his fan base, he says the reception to the songs performances indicates that it is widening. It is still soca. It is not a label.

I have never wanted to be classed as an artiste who has a label of one genre. You have to be versatile. Artiste is a word which means you do different things.

Sometimes we could get comfortable in our zones...Machel (Montano) did not do one thing. He experimented with many different genres... Borneo says for artistes, especially at different points in their careers, experimenting was necessary. He admits it was difficult for him to transition to the other genres of music, as he tried to ensure people understood what he was doing.

I am not trying to be like anyone. The songs are still 5Satr Akil, he said.

While Borneo intends to dabble in other forms of music in the future, at his core, soca would always remain. He has already begun working on his tracks for Carnival 2018. One track, With You, is set to be released next month.
Let police probe

Meanwhile, the TT Chamber of Commerce and Industry is urging Government and the PATT to immediately resolve the seabridge issue in the interest of the nation. The chamber is questioning the operations of the cargo vessel Cabo Star, which was also leased by Bridgemans.

On Wednesday, government announced the cancellation of the contract to Bridgemans to provide the passenger vessel Ocean Flower 2, for failure to deliver on time.

Responding yesterday to Leader of the Opposition Kamla Persad- Bissessars call for a police investigation into the procurement process, which she said was a scandal of the highest order which reeks of mismanagement and corruption, Sinanan opined, It is strange that suddenly the former prime minister knows what is a scandal. From 2010 to 2015, she did not know what was a scandal. In this instance, she should say what is a scandal. Any legal issue arising out of the cancellation of the vessel, he said, was being dealt with by the lawyers representing the PATT.

On whether there were any agents or middle person dealing with Bridgemans, Sinanan said, the port authority, as Governments agent, was dealing with Bridgemans.

What I know for sure, he said, is that the port authority paid nobody any commission, or finders fee or anything like that. As a matter of fact no money was paid on that vessel. So there is no money that the Port Authority would have had to recover. Asked what will happen to Cabo Stars contract if anything is found not right with the operations of Bridgemans, Sinanan said, If there are investigations, and depending on the findings of the investigations, I am sure the port authority or the ministry will do what has to be done. In a release issued yesterday, the chamber said, the Cabo Star is yet to meet the projected service capabilities. Agreeing there would be an initial three-week teething period, after some ten days in operation, the chamber said, it is unacceptable that among other challenges, air conditioning units and wash room facilities are malfunctioning.

The cafeteria is not in operation. Cabins remain unavailable to truckers, and sailing time to Tobago is still six hours on average. The chamber also commended PATT chairman Alison Lewis willingness to resign, if the PATT board is found to have failed to follow proper procurement procedures.

Calling for transparent procurement practices, the chamber called on Government, working in tandem with the PATT, to preserve the highest principles in ensuring that our country is perceived in the best light globally by potential investors.
Three murder accused enraged

Nigel Dufu Mayers, 40; Nick Skinnies Noriega and Miguel Roberts appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Maria Busby Earle-Caddle. Their attorney Wayne Sturge was absent and the accused men were informed that their matter would have to be restarted. The row began when prosecuting attorney Danielle Thompson said she was in receipt of the court transcripts and indicated they were prepared to restart the matter and urged the court to do so as the defence attorney was not present.

On hearing this, Mayers and Noriega began shouting, saying to restart the case would not only be unusual but also unfair. They cited the seven years spent languishing in prison while the case remains undetermined. The men began hurling insults at court officers who attempted to restore order in the courtroom.

Earle-Caddle told the men that since their legal counsel was not present, the matter would have to be restarted. Officers later removed the men from the holding cell to the prisoners bay before the situation grew out of hand.

This follows similar outbursts by the trio in June.

In Sturges absence, attorneys Danielle Rampersad and Joseph Sookhoo represented the men.

Sookhoo later said an application has been filed against the High Court for abuse of power.

Mayers and Noriega were arrested in connection with the murder of shopkeeper Shirley Thomas at her businessplace in Morvant seven years ago.
80 graduate from MIC vocational programme

Ramnarine was addressing the graduating class of the MIC Career Tech Stem programme at the Pleasantville MIC Technology Centre on Wednesday morning. A total of 80 students from the Penal and Pleasantville MIC centres graduated from the programme.

The programme, which was conducted for the second year, was geared at introducing students between the ages of 13 to 17 to vocational activities such as welding, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and more. The four-week programme started on July 3 and was hosted at six MIC institutions.

Ramnarine told Newsday 364 students would graduate from the programme across the country. We want to show the youths that academics and vocational skills could be married together and assist them with choosing the right career paths, he said.

Ramnarine said while many may say the market is saturated, there is a need for people with technical skills. He said the programme was also an opportunity for youths to get involved in something positive during the vacation period. There are too many opportunities, not just at MIC but at different technical institutions for youths not to be idle. Please I am pleading with the youths to take advantage of all these opportunities.
PM, Dillon have no issues

Everything I have done as a Government minister has been with the sanction of the Minister of National Security and the appropriate authorities, Rambharat said during the post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday. He said his wife Camille accompanying him on his visit to the Academy is not a privilege afforded to her.

I am satisfied that the appropriate arrangements have been made and I would say no more, he reiterated.

Rambharat did not know whether any other Government minister visited the Academy for the same reasons as he did.

I can only speak for myself and I think enough information has been put out there which indicate the arrangements made for me are absolutely normal for persons in office, he said.

Asked if any of his other relatives visited the academy, Rambharat replied, Well my children are small. He reminded reporters that contrary to public perception, his ministry is not a pumpkin and bhagi ministry. Apart from the National Security Ministry, Rambharat reiterated that his ministry deals with six areas of law enforcement.

He identified the praedial larceny squad, estate police, forest officers and game wardens as some of the people who perform law enforcement activities under the ministry. Rambharat said there was no discussion about the termination of the Ocean Flower II vessel at yesterdays Cabinet meeting. He said Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan was capable of addressing this issue.

TOP COP OK WITH VISIT For his part, Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams yesterday confirmed that historically the Police Service has been providing a service in the form of firearms training for government ministers and public officials.

Rambharat has been allowed to carry out firearms training at the Academy. The Minister confirmed on Wednesday that he visits the Academy as part of a personal safety and security training programme for government ministers, MPs and senior public officials. The minister also revealed that his wife would sometimes go to the Academy with him, and there would be visits to their home where there are sessions with his family.

Yesterday, the Acting Commissioner confirmed there are instances where the Police Service provides training for ministers and public officials but added: I do not see this as a matter for the public especially which government official has a firearm and where he or she goes to train.

Historically the TTPS has provided these services and will continue to provide it because it is an important service. If the minister chooses to speak in the public domain whether he has a firearm or not, that is his business, but I will not speak in a public domain as to which minister has a firearm and where he will train.
Blame PP for sand problem

Referring to allegations by former housing minister Dr Roodal Moonilal on this matter, Rambharat said the Estate Management Business Development Corporation (EMBD) purportedly issued letters of award to six contractors to operate sand pits. He said this happened on June 10, 2015 prior to then prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announcing that years general elections date.

Rambharat said the PP was aware that these sandpits were being operated without a mining license. He said that in June 2015, the PP and the EMBD would have known there was no basis for making the awards.

Rambharat said checks by the EMBD since the Peoples National Movement assumed office found absolutely no documentation in relation to the awards made to contractors by the PP to operate the sand pits. He called on Moonilal to assist in providing these documents if they exist. Rambharat said the PP would also have known that EMBD has had a terrible history of managing these sandpits since 2003.

He said in 2010-2011, under the PP, EMBD was grilled by the Public Accounts Enterprises Committee (PAEC) about the operations of the sand pits. Rambharat said the company was unable to provide any of the answers which the PAEC sought at that time. While both he and Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan have received letters from certain contractors alleging there is a shortage of red sand, no such information has come from either the EMBD or the Contractors Association.
Gopeesingh challenges Garcia on GATE

In a statement yesterday, Gopeesingh said that just weeks before the new semester, Garcia was allegedly further punishing tertiary students with dark threats of means testing to access GATE.

Mr Garcia is compounding the severe cuts to GATE funding with menacing warnings to students, without even the courtesy of appropriate and relevant information of how the means tests will be implemented. Gopeesingh claimed the information on the relevant internet website is vague and ambiguous and leaves students with more questions than answers.

The ministers sketchy particulars and haughty tone are only serving to create more stress among students, Gopeesingh said. Adding to their stress, potential students are also being asked to upload personal information on an unsecured website, without knowing the rate of response from GATE officials.

Mr Garcias handling of this matter is typically high-handed, oppressive and arrogant, lacking the requisite detail, care and support. Gopeesingh said the GATE matter follows the scrapping of the free computer laptop and textbooks programmes, shutdown of after-school homework centres, abandonment of the Continuous Assessment Programme and sharp cutbacks to the School Feeding Programme.

Further pointing his finger at Garcia, Gopeesingh alleged that the construction and repair programme of schools and Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) centres has been virtually cancelled, leading to major dislocation and inconvenience.

It is a further illustration of a Government devoid of vision and leadership and which has cavalierly abandoned the goal of developing a knowledge- based society to be competitive in the modern globalised economy, Gopeesingh said.

He added, The Minister of Education and the Rowley-led Government has betrayed the trust of the parents and students of the nation based on their own 2015 manifesto promise that GATE remains relevant, easily accessible and available to all citizens. Gopeesingh said that over the last two years there had been a swift and precipitous reversal of the gains and successes made under the past administration.

The Minister of Education stands condemned for his failure to completely allay the fears of all potential GATE applicants and must be immediately removed from office.
Japan on Friday said it would allow Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft to continue to operate in the country, accepting U.S. assurances that the flights are safe following a fatal crash off Australia.

The U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft, which was based at an air base in Japan, crashed last Saturday while on exercises off the Australian coast, leaving three service members missing and presumed dead.

Itsunori Onodera, Japan's new defense minister, had asked the U.S. to temporarily stop flying the aircraft in his country following the accident, the latest deadly incident involving Ospreys.

But on Friday, the defense ministry issued a statement saying that the U.S. military "is taking reasonable measures" and "the U.S. forces' explanation that it can conduct safe flights of MV-22 Ospreys is understandable."

According to a U.S. official, the Osprey crashed after clipping the back of the USS Green Bay while trying to land on the amphibious transport ship.

The MV-22 -- a hybrid helicopter-turboprop -- has two engines positioned on fixed wingtips that allow it to land and take off vertically. It can travel much faster than a helicopter.

The aircraft has been involved in a series of fatal incidents, mostly in the United States.

In April 2000, 19 Marines were killed in an MV-22 crash in Arizona.

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Participants from Silicon Valley presented their projects at the 4th Global New Material Startups Contest organized by Ningbo city on Aug 7. [Photo/WeChat saichuangweilai]

Participants at the 4th Global New Material Startups Contest held in Silicon Valley on Aug 7 went head to head in a bid to win places at the semifinals and finals to be held in Ningbo.

Ningbo, a coastal city in Zhejiang province is seeking good startup projects in the new materials industry.

Winners of the Silicon Valley contest will compete with projects from other countries at the final event on Sep 24 and 25 for financial support from the Ningbo government and an introduction to the city, which tops all Chinese cities in terms of the scale of production and research in the new material industry.

Ningbo's new material industry is developing fast and the environment for businesses is attractive as well. An important base for China's new material sector, Ningbo is home to a lot of research institutes including Ningbo Institute of Industrial Technology of Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Nottingham Ningbo New Materials Institute.

Jiang Yuhong, consul for Science and Technology at the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in San Francisco introduced Ningbo's advantages to young participants in Silicon Valley.

"Startup businesses at Ningbo National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone will get preferential policy support not only from the municipal government, but also from the provincial and even the central government," Jiang said.

Jiang Yuhong, consul for Science and Technology at the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in San Francisco, listens to the presentations of each group at the 4th Global New Material Startups Contest in Silicon Valley on Aug 7. [Photo/WeChat saichuangweilai]
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The interior ministry announced Thursday security forces clashed with terrorists apparently with links with May attack against Coptic Christians killed while traveling to a monastery in the south of the country, reports say.

Three jihadists and a security forces were killed in the shootout which occurred Tuesday in the southern province of Qena.

The shootout occurred after a suspected jihadist, who had previously been detained, guided police to an alleged hideout in Qena, the ministry said in a statement, AFP reports.

As soon as the security forces reached the location, the terrorist elements suddenly opened fire using all types of weapons, which forced them to retaliate, it said.

Police found at the hideout weapons and gold jewellery which was probably stolen from some of the Christian victims of a previous attack, the ministry said.

Masked gunmen halted in May a convoy of Coptic Christians traveling to Saint Samuel monastery in Minya province south of Cairo. They killed 29 people and wounded several others. They also stole jewellery.

Over 100 Coptic Christians have been killed since December in several terrorist attacks claimed by the Islamic State group (IS). 45 were killed in April in two separate attacks against churches. In December a suicide bomber blew himself up killing 29 in attack against a church in capital Cairo.

http://www.egyptdailynews.com/egypt%20daily%20news%20egyptdailynews%2010%20Aug%20Egypt%20police%20kills%203.htm

http://www.timesofisrael.com/egypt-police-kills-3-jihadists-behind-anti-coptic-attacks/
Photo: Allen J. Schaben/LA Times via Getty Images

Two professors found in a poll that slightly more than half of Republican voters would support postponing the next presidential election if Donald Trump demanded it. What does this result tell us? Not much, argue a slightly cranky David Graham, and a very cranky Josh Barro. Its merely a poll explicitly designed to produce an alarming result, as Barro says.

The question in the poll may be a hypothetical, but the hypothetical is illuminating. Indeed, the point is to measure how far the Republican base would follow Trump  whether a move as nakedly undemocratic as postponing an election would be seen immediately as dangerous and un-American. It is the polling form of the question, If Donald Trump jumped off a bridge, would you jump too? It is useful to learn that many would.

Of course, the hypothetical does not come out of nowhere. Conservatives believe legitimate voting has largely been overtaken by hordes of illegitimate voters  either outright noncitizens, or technically legal voters whose loyalty has been purchased through some kind of bribe. A close study of Republican-base voters by Democracy Corps found a prevalent belief that the Democrats are intent on expanding government to increase dependency and therefore electoral support, and that Republicans are losing to a Democratic Party of big government whose goal is to expand programs that mainly benefit minorities.

Many Republicans believe Trump when he claims to have legitimately won the national vote. The hypothetical remedy proposed by the pollsters, delaying the election until noncitizens can be removed from the voting rolls, follows logically from the fantastical beliefs the president has promulgated.

To be sure, skeptics might question whether Republican voters actually believe Trumps conspiracy theories. Polls, usually liberal ones, have tested the more outlandish and bizarre convictions among the right-wing base  is Obama Muslim, is Obama an American citizen, and so on. For years, mainstream journalists have often treated these polls skeptically. Graham, in 2012, argued that many Republicans were merely affirming anti-Obama sentiment out of partisan solidarity, as opposed to actual conviction.

But the rise of Trump ought to have shown how serious these crazy views are. In 2015, many of us dismissed polls showing Trump leading for this very same reason. It wasnt a serious indication of intent, we thought, just a symbolic act of sending a message. But then they voted for Trump. And many of them continued to support him despite a procession of bizarre and facially absurd statements. Those shocking polls of the craziest beliefs of the Republican base turned out to be the most reliable data about what the future held.

Barro rightly notes that the hypothetical of Trump postponing the election fails to accurately depict the environment in which such a move would occur. In the real world, if Trump proposed to postpone the election, hed do so in an environment where hed get pushback not just from the media but from other Republican officials, he writes.

One would certainly hope. The experience of the Trump administration shows that some Republican officials are sometimes willing to stand up to his most blatant violations of political norms  nobody has forced the release of his tax returns or blocked his self-enrichment, but they have made clear their opposition to firing Robert Mueller.

The Trump administration has also revealed a large state-media apparatus that is willing to follow every turn of the party line, however transparently dishonest. A hypothetical world in which Trump demands a delay in the election is one in which Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, and CNNs cohort of pro-Trump mouth breathers would be cheering him on. The party would be split, and many Republican senators would loudly denounce the administration.

The poll indicates that just over half of Republicans would support Trump, and that figure sounds about right. Half the Republican base following Trump would mean a political atmosphere in which about two-thirds of the country opposed him, and the president was isolated. It would mean Trump would probably lose.

Trumps authoritarianism is merely the most extreme manifestation of the Republican Partys growing authoritarianism. The good news is that the transformation is not complete, and that enough remains of the old mainstream party to shackle the presidents most dangerous impulses. But the fact that he is being curtailed should not blind us to evidence of how far the party has already gone.
A profile in courage. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Arizona Senator Jeff Flake, who hasnt stood up to President Trump in any meaningful way but nevertheless wrote a book about doing so, has drawn a top Democratic challenger in his race for reelection in 2018.

Phoenixs NBC affiliate reports that Democratic congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema, currently serving her third term in the House, plans to run against Flake next year. Sinema hasnt announced her candidacy officially, but released a statement that sounded close to a confirmation: Ive heard from many Arizonans encouraging me to run for the United States Senate. It is something I am seriously considering. When I make any decisions, Arizonans will be the first to know.

Sinema is the first-ever openly bisexual member of Congress, representing a blue-leaning district in suburban Phoenix that she has won with increasing ease since her first run, in 2012. She has moved to the political center in recent years, joining up with the Blue Dog coalition, often a scourge of liberals. Her moderate stances may play well in Arizona, an incipient swing state that still leans Republican.

Flake never endorsed Trump during the GOP presidential primaries, and often denounced the president for his callousness during the campaign. In his new book, Conscience of a Conservative (the title echoes Barry Goldwaters 1960 volume), Flake flays his own party for abandoning bedrock principles like free trade and small government in favor of the feverish know-nothingism that gave rise to Trump.

But, as many have noticed, Flakes noble rhetoric doesnt exactly align with his actions, which have included confirming Trump nominees whose philosophies seem directly opposed to his. For example, he green-lighted an anti-NAFTA nominee to be the United States trade representative, and voted to confirm a judge who had endorsed the Obama birther conspiracy, which Flake has railed against. In a less surprising move, Flake approved the skinny repeal health-care bill that came within one vote of Senate passage.

Yet despite his acquiescence to almost all of the Trump agenda, Flake has drawn plenty of flak from his right. The thin-skinned president has expressed interest in unseating him; the White House has met with at least three potential primary opponents, and a major Trump donor is investing in the effort to oust Flake. Kelli Ward, a loopy right-winger who recently urged John McCain to resign so she could fill his seat, has already announced a campaign. Last week, she assailed Flake in the pages of USA Today for aligning himself with the radical left.

Between his public disdain for Trump and his unwillingness to take a real stand against the president, Flake boasts some of the lowest approval ratings of any senator, and is seen as one of 2018s most endangered incumbents.

Have fun next year, Jeff!
Donald Trump and Paul Ryan, capitalist partners, or cronies, if you will. Photo: Alex Brandon/AP

It is almost impossible to overstate how important a role crony capitalism played in the right-wing critique of Barack Obamas policies. It was the heart of Mitt Romneys charge that Obama was smothering the economy. (Hes been practicing crony capitalism. And if you want to get America going again youve got to stop the spread of crony capitalism.) Elites in Washington should NOT be picking winners & losersthats a recipe for a closed economyfor cronyism, said Paul Ryan. Obamacare represented corporate Americas worst crony-capitalist impulses, charged Marco Rubio.

The denunciations of crony capitalism served two crucial purposes. It dramatized the Republicans belief that the tea-party insurgency had cleansed them of the corruption and failure of the Bush administration, for which they could no longer be held responsible. And it likewise allowed conservatives to deflect the charge that they favored the rich  it was Obama who favored the powerful, through his support for policies like green-energy loans and the auto bailout that saved selected industries. Republicans stood for an impartial government that allowed the invisible hand to work its magic.

That idea, so central to the partys self-conception, has fallen by the wayside in the Trump era. Obviously Trump himself has never had any use for free-market dogma, having spent his career as a developer seeking government favors for his business, and then seamlessly transitioning into using his public powers for self-enrichment. But Trumps casual disregard for a once-cherished conservative principle has been widely shared within his party.

West Virginia governor Jim Justice, who just switched his party registration from Democratic (which was tenuous) to Republican, proposes that the federal government spend $4.5 billion a year to support his states coal industry. It is not only that Justice believes coal in general needs to be subsidized in relation to the cheaper, cleaner energy sources that are beating it out. He believes Appalachian coal in particular needs support vis-a-vis coal from the West. The survivability of the Eastern coalfields is very, very iffy, Justice says. And if you lose the Eastern coalfields, you are putting the country at risk beyond belief.

In Wisconsin, Governor Scott Walker is pushing a $3 billion package of state tax incentives, which could be paid out in straight cash, for Foxconn to build a plant in his state. Under the most generous assumptions, a study concludes, it would take the state 25 years to break even. The unemployment rate in Wisconsin is already 3.2 percent, and as Danielle Paquette points out, Employers there already complain about having trouble finding workers.

The plant would be located in Paul Ryans district, and the House Speaker has played an instrumental role both in wooing Foxconn and pleading with the state legislature to approve the massive cost. Obviously I tell state lawmakers, lets get this done, he says.

Kevin Seifert, an adviser to Ryan explains, In Wisconsin, you are judged on results  if you are actually improving peoples lives. Not freedom and capitalism? Results? Improving peoples lives? It is almost impossible to defend the Foxconn deal on that basis anyway, unlike the maligned energy loans in the stimulus or the auto bailout, which produced huge public benefits at little cost. But the mere fact that improving peoples lives is the standard shows that the Obama-era posture of strict free-market purity has been relegated to a historical relic. The conservative movements hair-on-fire posture against Obama, whose socialist radicalism was allegedly snuffing out the last vestige of economic liberty, rested substantially on the strict application of a principle of convenience.
A South Korean soldier walks past a TV screen showing a graphic of the distance between North Korea and Guam at a railway station in Seoul on August 9, 2017. Photo: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images

In response to President Donald Trumps trash-talking pledge on Tuesday to meet any threat from North Korea with fire and fury like the world has never seen, dictator Kim Jong-un promptly called his bluff by threatening to fire a volley of ballistic missiles in the general direction of Guam. In turn, Trump dialed up his own rhetoric even further, opining in a press conference on Thursday that perhaps his unplanned fire and fury statement, which many interpreted as a threat of nuclear war, had not been tough enough.

Amid this war of words that threatens to turn into a war of a more literal variety, its worth taking a moment to understand just what North Korea is up to here. Is Kims threat genuine, or is he blowing smoke? If it is real, how concerned should we be? And why is Guam his target?

First of all, lets be clear that North Korea is not threatening to nuke Guam. What the regime has said it is doing is preparing a plan (which it now claims will be ready within days) to launch a series of Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missiles over Japanese territory and into the sea 30 to 40 kilometers off the coast of Guam (just outside its territorial waters but well within its exclusive economic zone) in an enveloping fire. Such a launch would not do any damage to U.S. citizens or military assets, but would demonstrate that the island is within range of the Hwasong-12, which Pyongyang claims is capable of delivering a nuclear payload. That might well cause panic among the U.S. public  a psychological warfare win for North Korea.

The Defense Intelligence Agency concluded in a recent report that Pyongyang has succeeded at producing a miniaturized nuclear warhead that can fit inside its missiles, so Kims threat to menace U.S. territory with nuclear-capable missiles is now considerably more credible than it was even six months ago. However, it is not clear that the Hwasong-12 can actually reach Guam, which is 3,400 kilometers away from North Korea, near the outer limits of the missiles estimated range. Weapons experts also doubt whether the Hwasong-12 can reliably deliver a nuclear device, so even if North Korea manages to launch its missiles within a few leagues of Guam, that doesnt necessarily mean it can hit the island with a nuclear missile.

The city of Tamuning on the island of Guam on August 10, 2017. Photo: ROBERT TENORIO/AFP/Getty Images

Nor is it clear that the North Koreans would actually want to wipe Guam off the map, even if they could. The island, which the U.S. snatched from Spain in 1898 and has used as a strategic outpost in the Pacific ever since, is home to an airfield, a naval station, and 160,000 Americans, of whom 7,000 are military personnel. Its a home port for our nuclear submarines and the launch point for the nuclear-capable strategic bombers we periodically send on flyovers of the Korean Peninsula (as we did in July). For any country that wanted to cripple American conventional and nuclear power in the Pacific theater, Guam would be a prime target.

But surely Kim knows that an actual attack on Guam, nuclear or otherwise, would be met with an overwhelming U.S. response that would surely mean the end of his reign and his life (along with those of perhaps hundreds of thousands of other North and South Koreans). Most experts believe that Pyongyangs quest for nuclear weapons is not geared toward launching a suicidal first strike, but rather a check against any attempt by the U.S. to finish the job we failed to do in the Korean War. Most likely, Kim does not want to start a nuclear war with the U.S. so much as he wants us to know he could strike back if we did so, or nuclearize a conventional conflict. So the threat to Guam remains theoretical.

In fact, there are reasons to believe this whole enveloping fire plan is a bluff by Pyongyang. According to CNN, South Koreas military has detected no preparations for a missile launch from the north, and experts suspect the real purpose of the threat is geopolitical theater. Nor is this Guams first nuclear-diplomacy rodeo: Threatening to attack the island (or in this case, threatening to threaten it) is a well-worn step in the dance of bluster and propaganda the U.S. and North Korea have been doing for decades.

This latest warning is also bizarrely specific, including such details as the number of missiles Pyongyang plans to launch, precisely how far from Guam they expect them to land, and when the plan will be ready  but not when, or even whether, it will be carried out. If Kim does send missiles toward Guam later this month and they fall short of their targets, get shot down by our THAAD missile defense system, or fail to launch altogether, the whole exercise will be a humiliation rather than a triumph for the regime.

In addition, while last months DIA assessment suggested that North Korea is alarmingly further along in its weapons program than previously thought, we dont know for sure how accurate that intelligence really is. As former NSA analyst John Schindler told PRI, its much more difficult to gather accurate intel on a country with which we have no diplomatic or trade relations, and whats more, the North Koreans know were spying on them and do what they can to deceive us. They may have managed to miniaturize a nuclear warhead, but they would also love for us to think they have even if theyve yet to do so  just as they would love for us to think they are planning to fire missiles at Guam next week.
Amanda Smith, known on Instagram as @wanderingggirl, has 31,000 followers. Shes posted a little over 40 times, sharing photos of her travels to beautiful locations around the world  kayaking in clear blue waters, peering out over the city of Paris, gazing onto the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. But Amanda has a secret. She doesnt really exist.

 A post shared by Amanda Smith (@wanderingggirl) on May 17, 2017 at 11:13am PDT

Instead, the @wanderingggirl account was part of a months-long experiment by marketing firm Mediakix  they constructed two fake accounts and were able to turn a profit on both  to find out just how easy it is to become a fake influencer, and earn the sponsorship deals that come with being an influencer on Instagram. Turns out, its pretty easy. All you need is a couple hundred dollars in start-up cash and some decent photos. Mediakix CEO Evan Asano told Select All the firm came up with the idea last year, after noticing an Instagrammer they were planning to work with had doubled her following in just over a week. I started to really look at it and start to wonder if she had just bought a ton of followers, which is really easy to do, Asano said. Theres really no way to grow that quickly in just a week-and-a-half.

Enter @wanderingggirl and @calibeachgirl310, a.k.a. Alexa Rae, Mediakixs second fake account. To create Raes account, Mediakix hired a model and shot photos on a beach in California. From there, Asano said they spent $750 buying followers and photo engagement  likes and comments  for the account. The firm only spent $300 on @wanderingggirl, and all the photos posted from that account were free stock photos, which anybody could get online. We were initially cautious to just make sure that we werent going to get flagged by Instagram for buying followers too quickly  we were buying about a thousand followers per day, he said. (Instagram never flagged the account.) Once the accounts reached a follower threshold, Asano said they added them to a platform that connects influencers with brands looking to do sponsored content. Both accounts were offered deals within a few weeks, totaling over $500 in both product and monetary compensation.

Conceivably, we could have just continued to grow these accounts into the hundreds of thousands. We stopped because we couldnt accept the offers, we didnt want to take on any liability, Asano said, noting the influencer market on Instagram was valued around a billion dollars this year. We could easily have continued this and just gotten paid more and more.

While its not likely that the major  think way more followers than 30,000  influencers are gaming the system like this, Asano said micro-influencers, accounts between 5,000 and 100,000, are very trendy right now on Instagram. And thats where you should be wary of this happening. There is very significant money at stake and involved in this right now, and when you have a market with those types of dollars involved in it and the barrier to entry is really low, especially if you can buy followers, then people are going to game the system without a doubt. Nice work, if you can trick people into getting it.
Photo: Alex Brandon/AP

Yesterday, The Nation published an article by journalist Patrick Lawrence purporting to demonstrate that last summers pivotal DNC hack was, in fact, an inside job. Maybe unsurprisingly, its proven especially popular among people who hold it as an article of political faith that the Russian government and intelligence services played no role in the theft and publication of a cache of emails from DNC staffers:

Must read: It wasn't a hack. It was a DNC insider with a memory stick. Or how a "conspiracy theory" became reality. https://t.co/heyzYzLZSZ  Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) August 10, 2017

The media conspiracy theory that Russia hacked the DNC is utterly debunked https://t.co/2zpYyRIGK9  Jack Posobiec  (@JackPosobiec) August 10, 2017

Another Democratic Russian narrative bites the dust. https://t.co/IgfpzguPNT  Nick Short (@PoliticalShort) August 10, 2017

Conclusive proof, or even strong evidence, that the DNC emails were leaked by an insider and not by Russian-sponsored hackers would indeed be a huge story  among other things, it would contradict the near-unanimous opinion of U.S. intelligence agencies, and raise some very serious questions about their objectivity and neutrality.

But this article is neither conclusive proof nor strong evidence. Its the extremely long-winded product of a crank, and its been getting attention only because it appears in a respected left-wing publication like The Nation. Anyone hoping to read it for careful reporting and clear explanation is going to come away disappointed, however.

If you want to get to the actual claims being made, youll have to skip the first 1,000 or so words, which mostly consist of breathtakingly elaborate throat-clearing. ([H]ouses built on sand and made of cards are bound to collapse, and there can be no surprise that the one resting atop the hack theory, as we can call the prevailing wisdom on the DNC events, appears to be in the process of doing so.) About halfway through, you get to the crux of the article: A report, made by an anonymous analyst calling himself Forensicator, on the metadata of locked files leaked by the hacker Guccifer 2.0.

This should, already, set off alarm bells: An anonymous analyst is claiming to have analyzed the metadata of locked files that only this analyst had access to? Still, if Im understanding it correctly, Lawrences central argument (which, again, rests on the belief that Forensicators claims about metadata are meaningful and correct) is that the initial data transfer from the DNC occurred at speeds impossible via the internet. Instead, he and a few retired intel-community members and some pseudonymous bloggers believe the data was transferred to a USB stick, making the infiltration a leak from someone inside the DNC, not a hack.

The crux of the whole thing  the opening argument  rests on the fact that, according to metadata, the data was transferred at about 22 megabytes per second, which Lawrence and Forensicator claim is much too fast to have been undertaken over an internet connection. (Most connection speeds are measured at megabits per second, not megabytes; 22 megabytes per second is 176 megabits per second.) Most households dont get internet speeds that high, but enterprise operations, like the DNC  or, uh, the FSB  would have access to a higher but certainly not unattainable speed like that.

If thats your strongest evidence, your argument is already in trouble. But the real problem isnt that theres a bizarre claim about internet speed that doesnt hold up to scrutiny. Its that Lawrence is writing in techno-gibberish that falls apart under even the slightest scrutiny. You could try to go on, but to what end? As an example: Lawrence writes that researchers penetrated what Folden calls Guccifers top layer of metadata and analyzed what was in the layers beneath. What on earth is that supposed to mean? We dont know what metadata were talking about, or why it comes in layers, and all Im left with is the distinct impression that Lawrence doesnt either. Even if you wanted to take this seriously enough to engage with, you cant, because it only intermittently makes sense. There may be evidence out there, somewhere, that a vast conspiracy theory has taken place to cover up a leak and blame Russia. But its going to need to be at least comprehensible.
The people affected by the oil refinery who opted for resettlement have refused to move to the resettlement village set up by government in Kyakaboga, Bugambe sub-county, Hoima district.

They want government to fulfill the promises made to them in the resettlement plan before they agree to resettlement. Last week, officials from the ministry of Energy and Mineral Development communicated to the affected persons about the planned relocation.

This comes after government failed to honour its December 2016 promise of making the houses available as a Christmas package. In 2012, 7,118 people were affected by governments acquisition of 29.34 square kilometres of land for the construction of Ugandas first oil refinery, which will process crude oil from the Albertine region.

A local leader in Bugambe sub-county deliberates during a village meeting about the looming eviction

At least 93 people opted for resettlement, and of these, 46 were to receive housing while 47 would get land as compensation. The refinery-affected persons say that government promised to put in place all the facilities that were needed for resettlement.

These include land titles, an access road to the resettlement village and another road from the resettlement village to the cultivation land. The people also want a health facility, a water and livelihood restoration program, which will help them settle in.

This also includes food, which government promised to give them for six months. The people want government to inform them in due time before they are resettled to enable them to harvest their food which they planted in the acquired land where they are currently living.

They also want special arrangements to be moved to the new resettlement village, and not rely on themselves for transportation as this would be costly. Those who will not receive houses want government to establish an alternative where they will resettle as they construct their houses on the land government allocated to them.

Francis Elongat, the lands officer in the ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, said the refinery-affected people should move as government works to put these facilities in place.

However, the people believe if they move before their requests are met as promised in the resettlement plan, government will not put these facilities in place. Until these requirements are met, the persons say they will not move.

They have been telling us that they will work on all these things. We presented our issues to the minister of Energy and Mineral Development, the speaker of parliament, Uganda Human Rights Commission, the MPs of Bunyoro region and petitioned the president to intervene in the process of compensation of the affected people. But nothing has been done because now they are telling us to move before they complete.

Construction is not finished as some facilities are not on site, while other people are still in court. So, we will not move when government is still negotiating because we believe our issues will not be solved, Richard Orebi, one of the refinery-affected persons, said.

They say that with the selection of a new contractor to build the refinery and groundbreaking of the pipeline construction, government should consider the concerns of the people and resettle them properly. Experts believe the manner in which government manages this process will affect the next acquisition of land for the crude oil pipeline.

If government refuses to listen to our concerns, then they are making us suffer because it is not about what government wants but what we landowners want. This will show that oil is for a few people, and not all Ugandans. Our land has been taken for the refinery. So, we should be resettled. If everything fails, we will follow the law and go to court to ensure our rights are realised, Orebi said.

The writer is a communication officer at Global Rights Alert.
As the fight against female genital mutilation (FGM) intensifies, key players and activists have turned to use of video footage to mitigate FGM in the communities where it is still being practiced.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Uganda Media Womens Association last week trained youth activists from the countries in which FGM is practiced in filmmaking as a way of curbing the vice.

The ten-day workshop at Kolping hotel had participants walk away with skills and equipment that would aid their work against a practice that has become a global human rights issue.

Margaret Masagazi, the UMWA executive director, hailed the initiative. There is need for a multi-media intervention in order to end FGM, she said.

Susan Muwanga, who represented the minister of Gender, urged the stakeholders to intensify the fight against FGM.

This collaboration between the different actors needs to continue and strengthened further so that FGM can be dealt with, she said.

Female genital mutilation is the ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. According to health experts, FGM has immediate and long-term mental and physical health effects, including severe pain, extensive bleeding, tetanus, infection, cysts and abscesses, and sexual dysfunction. FGM harms women's physical and emotional health throughout their lives yet it has no known health benefits.

The practice is found in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. In 2016, Unicef estimated that 200 million women living today in 30 countries; 27 African countries, Indonesia, Iraqi Kurdistan and Yemen, have undergone the procedure. Furthermore, there are an estimated three million girls at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation every year.

In Uganda, according to the 2011 Demographic Health Survey, the estimated prevalence of FGM in girls and women aged 15 to 49 years is 1.4 per cent. There are regional variations in prevalence with the highest rates occurring in Karamoja at 4.5 per cent.

This rate, according to activists, is going down even though the figures remain high in the communities where FGM is practiced. Gloria Chelangat, one of the participants, is hopeful that videos will help curb the vice in the Sebei region.

With the skills and equipment, I can make films about FGM and sensitize the community against it, she said.



pbaike@yahoo.com
When Ngamba islands Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) was established in 1998, the aim was to ensure that orphaned chimpanzee populations are secure in their natural habitats.

The sanctuary, whose rainforest sits on over 100 acres, supports a rich diversity of natural wildlife and provides a variety of natural foods for the chimpanzees, some of which were brought from as far as Egypt and DR Congo.

But it takes more than chimpanzees to make Ngamba as amazing an island  and thats where humans come in. Some are volunteers, others employees, while others are usual visitors that lounge at the island during their honeymoons or holidays.

On a recent visit to the island, Lilly Ajarova, the director of the trust, told The Observer that that while making sure that they conserve the chimps, they thought about the environment too.

Ngamba, being in the middle of Lake Victoria, waste management was going to be a problem, especially when the traffic of humans accessing the island increased.

It was going to be hard for the management to construct latrines without possibilities of contaminating the lake.

So, in 2015, the site installed a bio-digester sewage system and has never regretted the move. The system, unlike the traditional method of constructing a septic tank and soak pit, occupies a smaller space and still conserves the environment.

Julius Kirumira, the director of Home Contractors, the company that set up the bio-digester systems on the island, says that bio-digesters are the future in waste management.

The processing of waste with this type of septic tank involves investing natural bacteria that become active to work the waste, as opposed to our traditional system where they are redundant, he says.

Kirumira notes that the main aim of using a bio-digester is to see that sewage produces an effluent that will not adversely impact that environment or human health.

Indeed, many of the island visitors The Observer talked to noted that it doesnt smell and it is much better to maintain sanitary.

Kirumira says in urban centers where waste management has become a problem because of high water tables that have at times seen toilets flood during heavy rains, bio-digesters can be ideal.

According to Kirumira, bio-digesters convert waste into methane and carbon dioxide, thus deterring many of the water-borne diseases. The end result, Kirumira adds, is pathogen-free water that is safe for home use.
Despite protests from opposition candidate Raila Odinga about alleged electoral malpractice, international observers of the Kenyan elections yesterday gave their verdict on the polls.

Their conclusion is that the elections were credible and that the countrys electoral body had done a good job. Observers from the African Union said the elections were very credible while Commonwealth observers said they did not see any major incidents to discredit the polls.

On Wednesday evening, opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) candidate Odinga stocked tensions when he said the results that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was transmitting were fictitious and fake.

Odinga says incumbent Uhuru Kenyattas camp had hacked into the electronic system to tilt the results in favour of the incumbent.

Head of AU observer mission Thambo Mbeki was satisfied with the election

Odingas statement sparked off sporadic demonstrations in Nairobi outskirts, Kisumu town in the west and in a few other areas where he enjoys strong support.

Neighbouring countries including Uganda held their breath, praying no violence breaks out, as it could result in a blockade on the route to the main port of Mombasa, which accommodates 90 per cent of Kampalas in-bound goods.

Yesterday, Nairobi was majorly quiet and most businesses remained shut as owners feared riots could break out, reported Daily Nation.

TRANSPARENT PROCESS

The Commonwealth observer mission head and Ghanas ex-President, John Mahama, told reporters in Nairobi: We believe that the election has been conducted in a transparent and credible manner and that Kenyans must be commended for that election.

Thambo Mbeki, the head of the AU observer mission and former South African president, said they were satisfied with the way the electoral commission had conducted the exercise.

He said, however, claims of hacking should not be ignored but looked into.

A statement from the EU observer mission head Marietje Schaake said opposition allegations of hacking were serious and that it was up to Kenyas electoral body to complete the process in a transparent manner and following the laws governing it.

The EU said candidates and their supporters must know that not winning is a natural process.

It can happen to anyone, the statement indicated. Wafula Chebukati, the IEBC chairperson, told reporters in Nairobi yesterday that hacking was attempted but they (hackers) did not succeed.

He indicated that the electoral body might announce the final results today (Friday). Kenyatta tweeted on Wednesday that Kenya is our only home in an attempt to calm down the angry youths.

By yesterday evening, the IEBC was yet to announce final results but preliminary figures showed Kenyatta was leading with 54.2 per cent of valid votes cast while Odinga got 44.8 per cent.

amwesigwa@observer.ug
The effectiveness of development aid has been the subject of intense debate ever since Dambisa Moyo, in 2009, launched her explosive book 'Dead Aid' that described such a suffocating, paralyzing system of corruption and patronage that the conclusion, that Africa would be better off without it, seemed inescapable.

Early this year, BENON HERBERT OLUKA and six journalists across Africa, who are members of the African Investigative Publishing Collective, embarked on an investigation of specific regions that have been major recipients of development aid in their respective countries.

Below, he documents what he found out in the northern part of Uganda, where NGOs dedicated a lot of resources during and after the 20-year war between government and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels, to assess whether aid is helping the region address its existential problems.

An old woman and children outside one of the dilapidated structures that the Gulu authorities plan to demolish to widen the municipality roads. Affected residents complain of failure by NGOs to support them

Outside Peyero bar on Gulu municipalitys Lagara road in northern Uganda is a car which, by the last letter on its licence plate, belongs to State House, the official residence of the president.

Upon inquiring, I learn that both the bar and the car belong to Harriet Aber, the social friend (as she was called during a recent parliamentary session) of General Caleb Akandwanaho, (better known by his alias Salim Saleh).

Gen Saleh, a brother of President Museveni, is a veteran of the war against the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) rebellion led by Joseph Kony.

It is this 20-year war that has left northern Uganda devastated, with many people landless and destitute, and the object of large-scale poverty alleviation and land resettlement programmes. It is ironic that, of all places in northern Uganda, I ended up in this bar.

General Salehs friend is after all one of the problems here, if claims that she has been grabbing large chunks of land from the regional Acholi people are true. Land is the be-all and end-all of poverty alleviation in north Uganda.

The people need land to live on and to work after years in refugee camps. No one here will develop without land, says an official with a development organisation that has worked in the area for long.

This is why land grabbing by the powerful such as Aber  and several senior army and government officials who are directly involved in the fraudulent activity  goes directly against the objectives of any poverty alleviation in this region.

Saleh, Aber and others  like Major General Charles Otema Awany, currently the commander of the UPDF reserve force and a brother to Richard Todwong, the deputy secretary general of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and a former minister  also have interests in big local and foreign businesses which want land.

Well-connected sugar companies have used connections that sometimes run up all the way to President Museveni himself to secure hundreds of hectares of land for their ventures.

The group is regularly called out by locals for land grabbing, but court cases against them usually dont go far. Their nickname is the untouchables, after all.

CONFLICT ENTREPRENEURS

All this is to say that one could have predicted that the ruling partys large-scale poverty alleviation programmes, supposed to return people to the land after the war, were not going to be very successful as long as the ruling partys big men were grabbing the same land.

Then also, in June 2013, an investigation by the Public Accounts committee of Ugandas Parliament implicated several senior government officials in a scam that led to the loss of Shs 50 billion (about $14 million).

More than half of all moneys that donors had contributed to Ugandas Peace, Recovery and Development Plan (PRDP) 1, meant to house and assist the landless and homeless refugees of the Kony war, had been stolen outright by public servants and ruling party bureaucrats.

There was an outcry among the donor community. UK, Norway and Ireland suspended aid and demanded money back; the World Bank said it would review its lending to Uganda.

Theft of donor money was, however, not the only problem with the PRDP. The misappropriated $14m was only a small part of the total of $660m that was dedicated to the overall plan over three years and that included police and justice build-up, roads infrastructure, water and sanitation as well as resettlement on the land.

But the remaining $646m, though it had helped build some roads and other infrastructure, had also fallen into the hands of powerful elite figures, called conflict entrepreneurs by University of Tennessee graduate Elliot Bertasi in his research thesis on the PRDP.

Detailing how these entrepreneurs had appropriated projects and contracts, whilst establishing often oppressive state power in the region, Bertasi concluded that north Uganda may have been better off without it.

Most of the culprits in the PRDP corruption scandal are still big men today.

Though the government audit report pointed an accusing finger at secretary to the Treasury Keith Muhakanizi, the then Accountant General Gustavo Bwoch, the former commissioner for Treasury Services Isaac Mpoza, as well as the permanent secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Pius Bigirimana and the accountant in the same office, Geoffrey Kazinda, only Kazinda was prosecuted and jailed on corruption-related charges.

No charges were brought against all the others.

Muhakanizi is still secretary to the Treasury as well as permanent secretary in the Ministry of Finance. Bwoch retired honourably. Mpoza died in August 2016.

Bigirimana was transferred to the ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, where he now presides over an equally large budget, including the $71m Youth Livelihood Programme, a five-year initiative that is being managed in a similar fashion to the PRDP.

There is a PRDP II underway, now, and also the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (already into its third sequel.) But, whilst observers are skeptical that these programmes will yield any more result than PRDP I and NUSAF 1 and 2, all donors have come back again in the meantime, often stating that they have noted a new commitment in Uganda to fight corruption.

RIDING BODA BODA

Meanwhile, the grassroots in the tormented region battle on. Most people have, one way or another, and mostly without help, successfully retired to small plots of land, where they have resumed farming and trade.

Robert Kinyera, a former LRA abductee, works on a thatch-roof at his home on the outskirts of Gulu town

Some small NGOs who were on the ground with programmes destined to help the over 66,000 returned child soldiers with training for things such as basket weaving and bricklaying are changing focus.

Richard Kinyera, a former child soldier who was trained as a bricklayer and indeed did bricklaying for 11 years, now rides a boda boda motorcycle taxi, with the largest percentage of his earnings going to the taxi owner.

Asked why he changed careers, he simply says he started to feel a loss of enthusiasm for bricklaying. NGOs did care for returned child soldiers when the state didnt, and land advocacy organisations ACORD and Gulu Womens Economic Development and Globalisation (GWED-G), successfully helped settle land disputes between local individuals and communities.

Magdalene Abalo, for instance, from Atiak village in Gulu district, couldnt have returned to her plot after years in an internally displaced Persons (IDP) camp, without the mediation efforts of the NGOs. [My land] was taken by a rich neighbour she says. (That neighbour) was taking advantage.

But ACORD helped to convince the lady in question. Yet, Elly Turuho of ACORD and Pamela Judith Angwech of GWED-G admit that their efforts are limited to disputes between local community members.

When, early January, at least one thousand Gulu residents received letters from municipal authorities giving them a fortnight to vacate their houses to pave way for a new World Bank-funded roads expansion project, both ACORD and GWED-G decided not to get involved.

Angwech mentions some of the political leaders (here) (who) are used as entry points (for land grabbing) because of their upper hand in decision-making processes, as people her organization cannot easily stand up to.

These are sensitive issues, Turuho, too, says. To be honest we have not dealt with evictions.

BREAD AND BUTTER

Fear of the local political leaders among smaller NGOs is real: they can make things very difficult for you by simply accusing you of non-compliance with regulations.

Most NGOs dont comply with one thing or other: of the roughly 10,000 NGOs in Uganda, only a third are in operation and of the 5,000 NGOs in Gulu district alone, only 85 fulfill all the requirements.

But authorities often dont have a problem with the NGOs that are really fraudulent, such as the one that solicited funds from parents for scholarships, then took the children and abandoned them on the streets of the capital Kampala.

The ones that are targeted for being irregular tend to be the ones that are too critical. The strong language of Minister of State Grace Kwiyucwiny, who told me in an interview that NGOs should work with government and reorient their plans to support (the PRDP and NUSAF programmes), was not talking about inefficient or fraudulent NGOs but about those who work for their own thing or say one thing whilst the government says another.

Development studies lecturer Christopher Oyat, who has extensively researched development work in north Uganda, tells The Observer that there is a real fear among NGOs to challenge authority.

They dont go full blast on human rights and bad governance, and that means problems will continue. They want to protect themselves because of their bread and butter issues and I find that a serious indictment on the NGOs, he said.

NGOs do have a lot of bread and butter to lose. Their salaries are mostly around three times the amount of money a local employed in a similar job would earn; the vehicles are usually way better and more expensive than those purchased for similar purposes by the government and the same goes for their staffs houses.

That is way more to lose than, for example, the women of Amuru district who threw off even their clothes when they marched, naked, in protest against a planned demarcation of land that would have granted large portions to be taken by big business.

Nevertheless, their protest  once in 2012 and once in 2015  was effective: the land demarcation is still on hold and their communities are still on their land.

There is a strong belief in Acholi culture that a woman can bring a curse on her enemies by stripping in public and local political leaders were reportedly terrified of what these women were doing. But meanwhile, there have been other successful protests too.

The communities that complained about eviction attempts by social friends Harriet Aber and General Saleh in 2016 made it  fully clothed  to NTV and even got the agriculture minister to put the evictions on hold.

Perhaps inspired by these communities own protests, GWED-G recently announced that they will extend land rights training and loans to the women of Amuru.

The loans in particular should be more than welcome. A UNDP poverty and human development index found, in 2015, that whereas there had been a little improvement in poverty percentages in the north generally since the ending of the Kony war, in the most damaged area of the north there had been a downward trend again with income constriction in the most damaged area.

hobenon@observer.ug

The article is part of a trans-national investigation undertaken by the African Investigative Publishing Collective (AIPC) in collaboration with The Watchdog, a centre for investigative journalism at The Observer newspaper.
Kampala minister Beti Kamya has said although government rues the death of Olivia Basemera, a vendor who last week fell and drowned in the Nakivubo channel as she was being pursued by KCCA law enforcement officers, people must stop selling goods on the streets.

I wish to add my voice to those people who have expressed their condolences for the death of Olivia Basemera, Kamya said yesterday while addressing the media in Kampala. My heart goes out to the family and all the people who loved her.

In the wake of Basemeras death that aroused public anger, KCCA withdrew its law enforcement officers from the streets for fear of attacks against them. In that regard, Kamya noted that since the incident, street vendors have stormed Kampala streets in big numbers.

We shouldnt lose the gains that we have made over the period; the death of Olivia is very unfortunate but it must not be an excuse for breaking the law. If a robber, for instance, fleeing from law enforcement fell in a channel, will that be a license for all the robbers to come and rob without restraint? she asked.

Kampala minister Beti Olive Namisango Kamya

Kamyas comments came a day after KCCA councillors demanded for the interdiction of Kituuma Rusoke and Godwin Katugume, the commander and supervisor of law enforcement officers in KCCA respectively. In a special council meeting held Wednesday at City hall, the citys political leaders said they cannot sit back and watch when brutality takes root.

In a unanimous resolution, the councillors said the two officers must be interdicted with immediate effect until investigations into Basemeras death are complete.

The brutality of the KCCA law enforcement is a matter of national public importance that we must consider, said Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

He also wondered how Katugume and Rusoke, both police officers, ended up as bosses of the enforcement arm of KCCA. Faridah Nakabugo, the councillor for Lubaga division, tasked the KCCAs technical wing to explain where the law enforcement officers are trained from.

She also implored the council to come up with a law to regulate the conduct of the law enforcers. Unless we come up with an ordinance, we will be coming back here over and over again to talk about the same issue of brutality, she said.

Doreen Nyanjura, the councillor representing Makerere University, said the actions of KCCA enforcement team have dented the image of the institution.

Everything about them is evil, they are bad news. We need to put a stop on the operations of these people because, as an institution; we are not benefiting from them, she said.

Moses Atwine, the KCCA director, physical planning, represented, KCCA executive director Jennifer Musisi and said they were also touched by the death of Basemera. He vowed that all those who had a hand in her death will be prosecuted.

It is not our intention to have people lose their lives as a result of pursuing their businesses. Many times we put in place measures to ensure that our people are safe, Atwine said.

He revealed that all the five officers who were implicated, were arrested and currently held at Jinja road police station. However, the revelation by Atwine that Godwin Katugume had been released on police bond raised the ire of councilors who accused the police of selective application of the law.

Musisi security threat

Before the council meeting commenced, Lukwago told councilors that Musisi declined to attend the meeting, citing personal security.

In a letter addressed to Lukwago, Musisi said there is a growing threat to her security but she fell short of explaining where this threat is coming from.

Some councilors like Muhammad Ssegirinya of Kawempe wanted the meeting to abort as it was called primarily because of Musisis actions.

We wanted her to be part of this meeting because these matters are in her jurisdiction, Ssegirinya said.

Im wondering, if she is insecure yet she has guns, what about us who dont have guns? another councilor said.

But Atwine clarified that Musisis security has been under review for a while.

This concern is not constrained to only this meeting; there are other engagements that she has not attended until they review her security, Atwine said.

bakerbatte@observer.ug
A family dispute has erupted over the administration of an expansive prime piece of land along Kampala-Entebbe road in Wakiso district.

The land in question measures four square miles and stretches from Zzana to Lubowa in Makindye Ssaabagabo municipality.

It has been the subject of a court battle involving the family of the late Prince Yusufu Ssuuna Kiweewa against senior government officials, parastatals and private companies that the family claims illegally acquired titles on the land.

Last month, the ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development cancelled about 46 land titles on the land in question, which it said had been fraudulently issued.

Paul Ssevume Muwanga (L) and Stephen Ssaava Kikonyogo

Among the cancelled titles is one which belongs to the Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister, Maj Gen (rtd) Kahinda Otafiire.

Other titles are held by entities such as National Social Security Fund (NSSF), National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC), Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), Roofings Ltd, Galaxy International School, Rainbow International School and Quality Supermarket.

The cancellation of the land titles followed a complaint by Mitchell Cotts Uganda Ltd, who complained to the ministry of Lands over the illegal land titles.

According to a September 12, 2013 report by the Lands ministry to the commandant of the polices Land protection unit, the late Kiweewa is the originally-registered owner of the land.

Kiweewa was the eldest son of the late Kabaka Daniel Mwanga, and therefore an elder brother to the late Kabaka Daudi Chwa II.

At the signing of the 1900 Buganda agreement, Ssuuna Kiweewa was allocated eight square miles of land that cover the Lubowa land, and extend to Lweza, Bunnamwaya, Naziba to Nakukuba and Mutungo, Wakiso district. He was also allocated other chunks of land in Kayunga district.

ILLEGAL CLAIMANTS

Kiweewa bequeathed his estate to his two daughters, Princess Victoria Luwedde and Princess Kasalina Nkiinzi. According to family sources, Luwedde was given nine acres at Bunnamwaya and another 50 acres in Bugerere (Kayunga district).

According to [Kiweewas] will, Luwedde, having been given her share, the rest of the estate remained under Nkiinzi because she was the only child that Kiweewa sired out of wedlock, Paul Ssevume Muwanga, a great grandson to Kiweewa, told The Observer on August 3.

At the time of her death in August 2009, Nkiinzi had bequeathed the estate to her son, Stephen Ssaava Kikonyogo, and her grandson Joseph Kiggala, who are now battling with a group of relatives he accuses of conniving with brokers to lay claim on the land.

The letter of administration was signed by Justice Margaret Oguli Oumo on December 4, 2009 at Kampala High court. According to Andrew Kikonyogo, a son to Ssaava, since the cancellation of the 46 land titles, a group of people claiming to be Buganda princes and princesses have laid claim over the land although without a direct link to Kiweewa.

They have been quoted in the press claiming to be in the lineage of our great grandfather yet they are not. Even some of the people in that group that claim to be princes and princess dont have any connection to the Buganda royal family, Kikonyogo said.

He cited a one Kaaya Ssennono, who has allegedly changed names to call himself Omulangira (Prince) Kimbugwe Nakibinge. According to Wilberforce Martin Ssebuliba, an elder son to Ssaava Kikonyogo, Kaaya is a nephew to former Kampala deputy RDC Joyce Rugasa and without any connections to Bugandas royalty.

I know his [Kaaya] relatives from Rwanda; he is a stepson to Kiyinikibi Kisitu, a councillor for people with disabilities to Kalangala district council, Ssebuliba said.

Kaayas close family relatives that spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed Ssebulibas narrative.

The truth is, he is not a prince, he is born of a Burundian father who settled at Byerima village near Kalisizo [Kyotera district], Kaayas relative said on Saturday. But Kaaya insisted he is a prince from the lineage of Ssekabaka Nakibinge Mulwanyammuli.

I went through all the cultural initiation ceremonies and whoever is in doubt of my being a prince should come and go with me to Wamala and Wassozi and invoke the spirits to come and prove me wrong, Kaaya said on Saturday.

He, however, confirmed his connections to Rugasa and Kiyinikibi Kisitu. In an article published by the Daily Monitor last month, Kaaya aka Prince Kimbugwe Nakibinge claimed to be one of the surviving grandchildren of late Kabaka Mwanga.

He claimed to be jointly managing the estate with Princes Jjunju Fredrick James, John Bemba, Joseph Kiyimba, Princesses Victoria Luwedde, Mariam Namusisi Nassiwa and Rosemary Nakamanya.

According to the administrators, none of the above is a rightful claimant over the land.

Luweddes name is being dragged into this because she knows her share of the estate, which is clearly indicated in her father [Ssuuna Kiweewas] will, Ssevume said.

The rest of the group members, according to the Kikonyogos, are part of a big racket targeting prime land in Kampala and its environs.

There is a racket of land brokers in Kampala that is targeting properties of the royalty in Buganda because they know members of the royal family tend to be reluctant about following up on their properties, Ssebuliba said.

LEGAL BATTLE

In September 2015, the legal administrators of the estate filed a petition at the Land division of the High court seeking gains paid for the occupation of land, damages and an eviction order against Uganda Company Limited, Uganda Company Holdings, Mitchell Cotts Uganda Ltd, NSSF, NHCC, and JCRC.

According to the registered administrators of the land, Ssuuna Kiweewa leased part of the land to Gardhas Bargha, a one Captain Hill, a one Ormsby, Bishop John James Wills among others in 1911 for tea and tobacco growing.

The 99-year lease was then in 1958 transferred to the names of Uganda Company and later to Uganda Company Holdings in 1987 and subsequently to Mitchell Cotts Uganda Ltd without the consent of the administrators of the estate.

While the administrators are not willing to renew the lease, which expired in 2010, they also want a declaration by court that all transactions creating various land titles carried out by Uganda Company Limited and Uganda Company Holdings are illegal and fraudulent.

There is no way you can issue freehold titles on land registered as private mailo, Ssevume argued.

sadabkk@observer.ug
The International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High court yesterday postponed the much-anticipated judgment in which 14 people are accused of killing Muslim clerics between 2014 and 2015.

The judgment had been scheduled for today but Harriet Ssali, the court's registrar, in a late notice yesterday communicated that the accused will have to wait until August 21, to know their fate.

The accused include Sheikh Muhammad Yunus Kamoga, the head of the Tabliq sect, Siraji Kawooya, Murta Mudde Bukenya and Fahad Kalungi.

Others are Amir Kinene, Hakim Abdulsalam alias Kassim Mulumba, Abdulhamid Sematimba Mubiru, Hamza Kasirye, Twaha Sekitto, Rashid Jjingo, Musa Issa Mubiru and George William Iga. DERRICK KIYONGA breaks down the key issues that the judges may use to determine the case.

Some of the accused boarding a prisons bus recently

The suspects are accused of murdering sheikhs Ibrahim Hassan Kirya and Mustapha Bahiga. They are further accused of attempting to murder Prince Kassim Nakibinge, the titular head of the Muslim community in Uganda, Sheikhs Haruna Jjemba, Najib Ssonko and Mahmood Kibaate.

The directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) presented 36 witnesses and concluded that it successfully pinned the accused, who have been in jail since 2015 on counts of terrorism, murder and attempted murder.

However, defence lawyers led by Fred Muwema and MacDosman Kabega insist there is no direct evidence linking the accused to the heinous crimes.

The defence lawyers dismiss the prosecutions handling of the case as a very simplistic way of looking at very serious offences and they hope their arguments will redirect the case back to what they call proper legal discourse.

DYING DECLARATIONS

Prosecution led by principal state attorneys Lino Anguzu and Thomas Jatiko cite the deaths of Bahiga and Hassan Ibrahim Kirya to prove both the charges of murder and terrorism.

In determining the case, the three judges are going to have to confront the dying declarations of Bahiga that prosecution used in a bid to prove that Kamoga, in particular, was the mastermind of the murder.

During the year-long hearing, both sides produced several witnesses but the identities of some were concealed for their own safety. Prosecution paraded two witnesses to back up its case that indeed Bahiga made a dying declaration minutes after he was shot at Bwebajja, along the Kampala-Entebbe road.

First was Bahigas son, Mujahid Bahiga, who was in the company of his father on the fateful day on December 29, 2014. He testified that minutes before his father died, he said in Luganda: Kamoga onzise [Kamoga, you have killed me].

Then there was also evidence by prosecution witness number two, Elizabeth Kabahinda, who was a medical billing clerk at Namulundu medical centre where Bahiga was rushed for treatment after being shot. She testified that the dying sheikh said: Temumpisa mubulumi bunomanyi nti ngenda kufa. Kamoga, bwotyo bwosazewokale kanfirire eddiini. [Do not take me through painI know Im going to dieKamoga, this is what you have decidedlet me die for my religion.]

In their final arguments, the defence lawyers attacked the evidence of Bahigas son, contending he was evidently weighed down by a natural bias against Kamoga due to his history of feuding with his father. The defence also says Kabahindas testimony contradicts that of Dr Emmanuel Muwema, another prosecution witness.

Dr Muwema treated Bahiga at Namulundu but told court that he only heard Bahiga mumble some words in Arabic before he died.

PREACHING

At the height of the tension between the warring factions at Nakasero mosque, prosecution says their witness number 22 told court that Kamoga told him in reference to the victims [Kirya and Bahiga] that: even if it means killing them I will kill themthose men were joking. They have never killed but for me, even if its in broad daylight [I can kill].

Furthermore, prosecution relied on the evidence of witness number 29, who told court that Kamoga, while addressing a congregation at William Street mosque, stated: You creatures, we are the ones who have your lives at our hands, should we release these young ones

Prosecution claims that Kamoga, in the above utterances, was aiming at Bahiga, Kirya and Major Muhammad Kiggundu, who was murdered last year.

But the defence lawyers asked judges not to believe such claims. They queried witness 29s testimony why other people who were present in the mosque when Kamoga promised to kill were not called to testify.

It is not possible that only the complainants and others persons in the faction opposed to accused [Kamoga] heard him promising to kill, the defence argued, Why wasnt a video evidence of the preaching not produced in evidence? The possible inference can only be because all these allegations are a fabrication.

THREATS

To prove that the accused had threatened the deceased, prosecution paraded five witnesses who testified that Kamoga issued the said threats. For instance, Sheikh Haruna Jjemba testified that at the height of the wrangles, an anonymous person called him from William Street mosque and told him that his neck was ripe for slaughtering.

Jjemba told court that at a meeting organized by NRM vice chairperson, Hajji Moses Kigongo, to end the infighting among Muslim factions, Bahiga said he was no longer willing to work with Kamoga because: this man is planning to kill us.

The statements, according to the prosecution, are to the effect that Bahiga, Kirya, Kiggundu, and one Swadiq Ndaula were the strong ones on the other side and the threat that Kamoga would kill them was on record.

To Jjembas evidence, the defence seemed not to have a ready answer but they seemed to be more concerned with prosecutions claim that their clients distributed several fliers with inciting hate speech at various mosques.

ATTEMPTED MURDER

In order to prove attempted murder, the prosecution is relying on the evidence of Jjemba himself. He told court that there was an armed attack on his home at Matugga in the night of January 3, 2015.

The incident came six days after the fatal shooting of Bahiga at Bwebajja. According to Jjemba, he only survived because his armed guards duly repelled the attack.

On the contrary, defence lawyers say Jjemba failed to put the accused at the crime scene when he stated that during the attack, he hid under the bed thus he did not know who was shooting at his house.

In July, three court assessors advised that the charges be dismissed. However, it remains to be seen if the judges will agree.

dkiyonga@observer.ug
The executive director of Uganda National Examinations Board Dan Odongo has assumed the presidency of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA), setting the integration of Francophone and Arab countries as his primary target.

Odongo today assumed office at the closure of a five-day AEAA conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme Enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in educational assessment in an era of educational change.

In his acceptance speech, Odongo said it was unfortunate that of all the 23 countries that were represented, none of the assessment bodies was from a French-speaking country. He also wants countries from Arab North and Portuguese-speaking nations to participate to ensure that AEAA is wholly continental.

Dan Odongo (C) after receiving instruments of power

We learnt that part of the reason for their absence was the fact that the conference language, which has been majorly English, did not favour their attendance due to lack of translation facilities, Odongo said.

However, The Observer has learnt that AEAA conference organisers had procured translation devices but they lay idle for the entire five days since Francophone members had not been informed in advance about their existence of the devices.

Meanwhile, Odongo said becoming president was a personal honor as well as a show of trust in the institution of Uneb and Uganda in general.

I have a strong belief, and I know that within our institutions, there exists an abundance of expertise in various aspects of assessment which we can share for our mutual benefits through regular benchmarking.

PROMOTE SOFT SKILLS

The conference was closed by state minister for higher education, Dr John C Muyingo, who agreed with the delegates that public examinations should integrate practical and soft skills.

Muyingo said acquisition of generic skills by learners will make them become globally-competitive in line with the ongoing Skilling Uganda programme that equips learners with technological and science skills.

We have decided to accommodate soft skills in our current review of the lower secondary school curriculum, Muyingo said. The idea behind it is to ensure that at whatever level somebody leaves our education system, they are able to easily join the employment world.

Muyingo added that the education ministry has started regional consultation workshops for the curriculum that is expected to be piloted in schools next year, and later implemented in 2019.

AEAA executive secretary Dr Edmund Mazibuko said the week-long deliberations would help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of respective examination bodies.

Mazibuko said integrating soft skills was still a challenge in many education systems due to its complexity exacerbated by the low levels of assessment literacy among the would-be key stakeholders in soft skills assessment.

It was noted that contemporary employers required more competence in soft skills than ever before, thus calling upon examining bodies to consider assessment of soft skills, Dr Mazibuko said.

He explained that all assessment practitioners have been tasked to think of demand-driven soft skills assessment frameworks developed with synergies of employers, communities and assessment professionals.

The conference also encouraged examination bodies to conduct frequent reviews of their assessment procedure as well as institute prohibitive penalties to contain examination malpractice.

Muyingo commended the outgoing AEAA president Esau Nhandara, also the director of Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council, for steering the association as well as peacefully handing over office to Dan N Odongo, the Uneb executive secretary.

The conference attracted delegates from Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, France, Ghana, India, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, The Netherlands and Nigeria. Others are Sierra Leone, South America, South Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda, UK, USA, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

nangonzi@observer.ug
It is no secret that Uganda has an abundance of minerals.

These include copper, tin, gemstones, limestone, marble, coltan and, of course, gold. Due to this plethora of mineral resources, Uganda has high hopes of using the development of the mineral sector to achieve both economic growth and to develop into a middle-income country in the near future.

And while the extraction and mining of minerals can provide the economic boost that Uganda requires, it is imperative to consider the environmental impacts that are associated with mining and how they may compromise the livelihoods of many Ugandans.

In terms of environmental costs, mining and the extraction of minerals result in environmental degradation at both the local and the global scale.

The main local environmental impacts include the contamination of water, soil, and air by a variety of heavy metal toxins.

When these toxins are present in water, soil, and air, they can have adverse health effects on people through drinking contaminated water, eating food grown in contaminated soil, and breathing contaminated air.

One heavy metal toxin in particular is a large problem for districts in Uganda with a prominent mining sector. The processing of ores in mining tends to release mercury, and strict precautions must be taken to manage it as even trace amounts are harmful to human health.

However, mercury is used frequently in artisanal and small-scale mining in Uganda to assist with the extraction of gold.

This poses a large problem as very few miners are aware of how mercury released into the environment can impact human health. It is estimated that about 150kg of mercury is released in the environment annually.

If dumped into water bodies, mercury can transfer downstream and become present in areas even where there is no mining. Since mercury is a pollutant that persists in the environment, it bio-accumulates in the environment, and increases its concentration in living organisms as it moves up the food chain.

Other pollutants that can pose health concerns and arise from mining include arsenic and cyanide. Cyanide is also widely used in artisanal and small-scale mining methods in Uganda.

The contamination of these pollutants into the environment not only has adverse impacts on human health, but also compromises the ability of the environment to perform its ecosystem goods and services.

Ecosystem services include water and air purification, climate regulation, erosion and flooding, the pollination of plants, and many more.

Eco-system goods include clean water, clean air, soil, and biomass for food and other uses such as fruit and wood.

When the ecosystem goods and services of the environment are impacted by environmental degradation, the livelihoods of all people become impacted as a healthy and functioning environment is threatened.

Furthermore, the global environmental impacts of mining can have local consequences. Mining includes the release of greenhouse gas emissions such as increased concentrations of methane, carbon dioxide, and sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere.

These global impacts can have a large impact on local cli- mates, especially for countries and regions in sub-Saharan Africa.

Many of these regions rely heavily on their agricultural sector and also subsistence farming. The changes in rainfall amounts and patterns, temperature, and seasonality that are associated with atmospheric warming and cli- mate change can have adverse effects on food production.

And with global food production requiring an increase of about 50 per cent by 2050 due to a growing population, the consequences of climate change in this respect could be dire. But it is possible to reduce the environmental impacts of mining.

This will be crucial for Uganda as they try to develop their min- ing sector and try to conserve the ecosystem goods and services of the environment at the same time. For mining to become more environmentally sustainable, certain measures can be taken.

These include reducing the consumption of water, minimizing the production of mining waste, preventing the pollution of soil, water, and air, and conducting successful mine closures and participating in environmental re-mediation of mine sites.

The author is student at Simon Fraser University in Canada
Kenya and Rwanda have completed their election cycle and renewing the mandates for their presidents.

In Uganda, we are busy combing the archives for the nearest clue to whether we should or should not respect the 1995 Constitution. Down south in Tanzania, President John Pombe Magufuli has rejected calls from some of his supporters to extend his rule beyond the constitutional two-term limit.

It is impossible. I will respect the Constitution. I have sworn to defend the Constitution ... I shall play my part and pass on the leadership reins to the next president when the time comes, Magufuli is quoted as saying.

Mr Bulldozers comments come days after meeting Ugandas Yoweri Museveni as the two signed the agreement for the construction of the Hoima-Tanga oil pipeline and, by extension, discussing the current political swings in the region.

By taking this route of respecting the constitution, clearly, these Tanzanians are not serious! And they have learnt nothing from the best in politics in the region. When your voters and citizens call on you to remain in power, how on earth do you refuse unless you are daft?

A calling to remain in power beyond the mandatory two-term limit is not new in East Africa. Examples are abundant!

Look at the rest of the region, Mr Magufuli, for inspiration. The matter is not about the Constitution. That piece of writing can and will be amended and edited to fulfil the wishes of the masses but incarnated in the name of presidency.

So, please do not make the rest of us look bad. Simply tell everyone that the people of the United Republic of Tanzania have poured out their love for you and have asked you to run for another term.

Call parliament in Dodoma and just give each of them some cash and that constitutional provision will be amended very fast. That is how things are done, Mr President. If you need precedence on how, please consult across the border on how the term limits were done away with.

It is a very simple process and it costs you very little. I know, Mr Magufuli, that you are worried that the opposition, Chadema, will go up in arms when you even meekly want to agree that you will stand again after the expiry of your two terms.

But who in the region cares about the opposition? They shout and make all sorts of noise but as long as you are in the driving seat, nothing can fail you to fulfill the wishes of the majority Tanzanians.

Like the rest of former Tanzanian presidents, I hear you also want to pass the leadership to another president and retire. Retire to do what? Being a president is now a profession.

You do not easily leave your profession that you have good qualifications for and have practiced well. I hear Ali Hassan Mwinyi, Benjamin Mkapa and Jakaya Kikwete are still alive and happily living in Tanzania. I understand Mwinyi recently also told you to rule forever and you, again, refused.

Tanzanians never cease to amuse. You are a politician. Voters call on you to remain in power and you tell them that you will retire! Where on earth do these Tanzanians hail from? I thought as good East Africans, you people were going to act like the rest of your neighbours.

Uganda led the way. Burundi followed quickly. Rwanda woke up. Kenya is still studying the situation. South Sudan may never hold elections. So, from an East African point of view, the only group misleading the region is the non- cooperative Tanzanian ruling party (CCM) and its president.

My advice to you, Mr Magufuli, is to take a deep breath. Think about yourself, and not Tanzania. You are anointed and have the true and only vision for Tanzania.

Surely, there is no other person who can take over from you and do the same things you have done. Please do not betray the trust put in you by the many calling for your continued bulldozing. The moment you accept that call, we will have actualized the total rebirth of the true East African Community.

Otherwise, if you remain ambivalent, you will be sending the wrong message to voters yearning for your leadership till death.

Bottom lime, accept the challenge and remove the term and even age limit so that we can be equal partners as we build the oil pipeline. And please do not tell us that Mwalimu Julius Nyerere would be unhappy with you.

For us in Uganda, we know that he is now a saint and saints are not interested in politics.

The author is a human rights expert and specialist on refugee issues.
At the time of filing this column, it is still early in the Kenyan elections. But it is highly unlikely that Raila O Odinga will overcome incumbency power to defeat Uhuru M Kenyatta.

Odinga may have had his clear victory in 2007, a feat he wont repeat. There have been only a few cases where a sitting African president has lost an election, the most recent and infamous being Yahya Jammeh in the Gambia.

But even after losing, Jammeh attempted to cling on but for the threatening power of the West African regional bloc Ecowas. West Africa has moved ahead of the rest of the continent in passing the test of not who wins but who loses a presidential election.

To pass the test of consolidating democratic practice, it is critical that an incumbent party or leader loses power and bows out peacefully. In Rwanda last week, there was no contest at the ballot. In all ways, President Paul Kagame ran against himself and won resoundingly.

The idea that has been oversold is that Rwandas brand of democracy is built on consensus, and not contestation.

But there is an obvious oxymoron here: you cannot have elections by consensus! Elections by definition are competitive processes where a winner cannot be predicted in advance.

There has to be credible contestation with the real likelihood that all contenders can lose. Was there ever any doubt that President Kagame would be declared winner with over 90 per cent?

There is something quite enigmatic about Rwanda. Only time will tell. Many African countries routinely undergo election-like events. In February, there was such an event in Somalia, a country still lacking the basic rudiments of a functional modern state.

One wonders how elections can be conducted in the absence of minimum effective government and a functioning state system. Yet, on the whole, there has been a remarkable shift on the African continent from the era of rampant military coups in the 1970s and 80s to more routinized contests for power at the ballot box through open competition.

We have had not just a significant increase in the number of countries holding elections regularly; we also have had a commendable transformation in the quality of election management and the credibility of ballot results.

On the balance of things, therefore, one can say that the African continent is more democratically governed today than it was four decades ago. There has been incremental qualitative improvement.

A key pillar of democratic governance is elections. Elections, even though problematic, are by far the best way through which individuals and organizations seek and secure from citizens the right to manage public affairs.

Elections are a fundamental requisite for democracy, but they do not, on their own, produce democracy. In other words, you cant have democracy without elections, but you can have elections without democracy.

A great number of African countries still fall in the latter category: there are frequent elections but there is a dearth of genuine democracy. The frequency of elections has been in tandem with the mastery of how to game and fix them especially by incumbent parties and leaders.

This has been partly fueled by expansion in competition. The higher the competition, the bigger the stakes and the temptation to subvert the very essence of electioneering, which is intended to give citizens the right to peacefully and transparently decide who to lead them.

Instead of peacefully campaigning and transparent conduct of polls, elections in many African countries have tended to stir up social tensions. They are conducted with a heavy tinge of fraud and the results, therefore, fall short of being credible.

Because of the continents high social diversity, both linguistic and ethnic, elections tend to generate social disharmony and ultimately violence as political actors mobilize and appeal to social differences so as to gain electoral advantage.

Rather than contest over policy and principle, there is more recourse to ethnic mobilization and religious appeal.

Also, electoral pressures and the distortions that attend seeking the peoples popular vote tend to compromise provision of public goods and services on the basis of rationale, competence and prudence.

Against the many problems associated with elections, some commentators and political actors have hurriedly concluded that electoral politics, and indeed democracy, is bad for Africa. Fair enough. But what then is good for the continent? I havent come across any persuasive alternative arrangement.

The one supposed alternative sold to Ugandans at the onset of the current regime, the so-called no-party Movement democracy, turned out to be no more than a deceptive scheme for consolidating a firm grip on power.

It was a fraud that laid the ground for successive rounds of fraudulent elections. The charges against elections and democracy are a little disingenuous. For one, there is a dishonest and rather self-serving claim that these are Western values and practices not suited to the African socioeconomic environment.

The issue cant be the principle of elections and the value of democracy; the problem is how they are practiced as instruments of private benefits and narrow-group interests.

Why should we believe there is an African way of conducting elections and practicing democracy?

moses.khisa@gmail.com

The author is the interim secretary, Society for Justice and National Unity, a Kampala-based think tank.
Fuck Rob Lowe

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I hated Chris so much, he was the weakest character by far.



He was only good in the flu ep.

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A friend of mine, whenever they see Rob Lowe is on a show, goes, "Well let's start taking bets on when he's going to quit"

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i kinda find rob lowe hot :/

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Why would you admit this publicly

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but not bigfoot? the star of this post!

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lmfao cackling

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i want to believe

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in my heart of hearts he exists

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...aaaaand i completely forgot that these videos existed









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I loved that more so much lmao

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I hope Bigfoot finds and and rips his head off.

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That last picture is the stuff of nightmares but the Bigfoot gifs are cute tbh

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Unseasoned sons omfg.



Also the buzzfeed unsolved episode with Bigfoot was amazing. I wanna visit that Bigfoot inn!!

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Great post OP!

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omg the mask part of that animal pelt outfit is creepy as fuck

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The abominable snowman is the superior bipedal cryptid



Also this reminds me of an unsolved mysteries book which scared me sleepless as a child. The bigfoot photos in it were pretty convincing to me!!

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he probably saw Bobo

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I was watching an episode of Naked and Afraid last week and the dude said he was scared of the dark because when he went camping as a kid Bigfoot laid on him...

Like he didn't give any further details than that. Just, Bigfoot laid on him in the dark once.

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someone should tell him that bigfoot is a benevolent creature and meant him no harm

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i wonder what bf was protecting him from

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You mean it's not declared a sexy post with that gif? ;)



Speaking of creepy posts, the Scary Stories collection I pre-ordered arrived a few days ago! Just wanted to give an update on that.

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http://creepypasta.wikia.com/wiki/Anansi%27s_Goatman_Story



here's a classic





here's a classic

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scrolled too fast and though the title said Kate Hudson shares mom's blunt

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The title is a little confusing.



This *isn't* a story about Goldie Hawn's recipe for burnt pizza - it's a general "mom" thing. I think maybe "Mom's Burnt Pizza Recipe" should be "Moms' Burnt Pizza Recipe." A tiny change in the apostrophe makes it more clear who it is from and for.



Sorry to be pedantic, lol.

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heh heh same

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Trigger warning for wasting good pizza

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it's why i put it behind a cut tbh.

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So true.

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"good pizza"



that's a little much. it looks like digiorno 

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Yup, I thought she was being cute and it was just a bit burnt not this. What a waste

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Looks like a Tostinos 99 cent pizza

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No lie those are amazing. They are both crispy and soft. I love them

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Totino's pizzas are my favorite drunk food of all time, especially when they're juuuuuuust a little bit burnt



Fuck, now I want one

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that's impressive tbh

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screamed

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Omg what? Did you not use your oven in that time?

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Did you even have a pan left?

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How do you completely forget that you were making cookies?



The baker in me is crying over this

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When I was in college we had an attempted arson in our dorm building (likely someone on some hardcore drugs, we never found out who did it) and we were obviously pretty shaken up by it.



Around 4am the next day we're woken up again by the fire alarms so obviously everyone was freaking out. The HR kind of took her time coming outside and when the fire department showed up she whispered something to them and they left and she told us to go inside.



We kept needling her to find out what happened and she finally admitted she was so scared she couldn't sleep so she decided to make cookies (as HR she had a full kitchen in her room). She ended up falling asleep while the cookies were baking and woke up like 90 minutes later to the fire alarm going off.

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weeksss??? omfg

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omg sis

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omfg lmaooooo

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#foodwaste #firstworldproblems #givemethatceleblifestyle





That reminds me, how is FabLetics or whatever doing?

That reminds me, how is FabLetics or whatever doing?

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I feel like I haven't seen commercials for that in ages

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Sup bb. How are you? Have some pizza sit tell me how things have been with you.

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I'm good, just plotting how to keep missing deadlines and blame it on someone else successfully.

Wish me luck!



HBU, boo?

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I'm curious about this too. They've expanded to brick & mortar stores now.

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their leggings are really nice but expensive. i just sign up during one of their sales then cancel my membership lmao

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the pizza looks like a giant double chocolate cookie

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right? I thought it was a brownie lol

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mte. i wonder how many ppl will not read the post and look at the pic and think the same thing.

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I wonder if white midwestern moms who follow her took her post seriously and wondered if this kind of pizza is the latest pizza trend in Hollywood



Edited at 2017-08-11 04:24 am (UTC)

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I have a story, I was upstairs at my mom's house and started smelling like something was burning at idk two or three am. I go downstairs and the house is filled with smoke, I go open the door so the smoke starts getting out and my mom comes out of her room in the same floor as the kitchen, she never smelled anything. Then as the smoke as it goes out we hear the firemen and a newspaper car behind them.

My mom was cooking chicken win for the dogs and forgot about it.

The next day there was a note on the newspaper: lady forget the frijoles in the stove 

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haahha awww your poor mom ending up in the paper

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I thought it was gonna be slightly charred. but I guess she's just trying to be funny... or something

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i once left a 7-11 pizza box with leftover pizza inside in the oven after a drunk night. it didn't fit in the fridge so i threw it in there and figured i'd deal with it in the morning.



my roommate turned it on and heated up the oven the following morning to make biscuits without checking and the place smelled of burned plastic/box? it was awful and it took like...2-3 days for the smell to completely clear windows/sliding glass door open and everything. smh.



Edited at 2017-08-11 04:31 am (UTC)

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oh noooooo. i totally preheat our oven without even looking to see if my roommates have anything in there because they never use it.. but what if they did!!! i will learn from your roommmate's mistake

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Yes bb be cautious of drunk dumbasses such as myself lmao.



See my Mexican fam used the oven for storage purposes so it's a habit of ours to check the oven before proceeding with any sort of baking. My roommate originally from Tennessee who moved to LA...not so much.

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I have 100% done that before. The smell is terrible.

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that pizza is a touch too burnt for my taste, but i do like a little char on my food. gives it flavor.

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we all die anyway

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idk, if you use the reverse sear method to cook your steak, it makes it perfectly rare (or medium rare or however you like it) on the inside, and then you char the outside in a smoking hot pan for like 60 seconds each side so you get the maillard reaction to enhance flavour. I personally don't like it haha but everyone else seems to.

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Damn sis it was one comment so far. You need you some Mimi's homemade brick oven  serving you a slice and #looks

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wait is that inside her house? the amount of dust and ash on the floor and surrounds is making me really annoyed. keep that shit on the patio where it belongs.



ugh this reminds me that my friends fiance (gross) is such an annoying wrong pizza elitist. he thinks pizza tastes the best when cooked in a webber bbq so the crust turns to actual cardboard (when he cooks it.) he speaks of nothing else. I have to hear other people keep telling me that he says thats the best way to cook pizza. I hate men.

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lmao omfg

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I don't even...what

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I wanna gonna say who cares about Kate's rando mom but then I remembered.

Sorry Goldie, you a legend!

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how embarrassing that you almost forgot that!



i have a terrible confession to make. i watched the movie she made (Goldie) with amy schumer (whom i hate, okay) and i continually laughed* throughout. It was hilarious. Help me, jesus.



Edited at 2017-08-11 05:08 am (UTC)

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I usually don't burn food that badly but I have to constantly remind myself to not get on the computer when the oven is going because I often overcook food that way, I will read an article on ONTD and completely forget what I was doing.

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I have a fear of doing that so I use my cellphone to watch shows/movies and read articles in the kitchen while cooking or waiting for my food to be ready.

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ONTD, what is your favorite pizza chain/restaurant?



There's a local place called Uncle Howie's. Their pizza is BOMB and they're one of the few places in my town that put cashews on pizza. Yes, cashews. Don't knock it til you try it.

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i'm intrigued. I wouldn't do it because cashews are my least favourite nut but I do love pine nuts on pizza.

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I love all pizza but I'm a Chicagoan who isn't crazy about Chicago style pizza. Like legit deep dish pizza isn't pizza--it's a pie/bowl of cheese tbh. NY style >>>

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I prefer to not eat my pizza with a knife and fork and that's been my experience with Chicago style.

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I don't like deep dish pizza either but it's because it's entirely too much sauce for my taste. My parents used to bring me home deep dish when I was young and I'd essentially take off half the ingredients of the pizza slice to make it normal sized lol

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colbert called it diving into a kiddie pool of sauce and cheese or something like that when he interviewed the guy from hot ones and i thought that was so accurate.

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diving into a kiddie pool of sauce and cheese



If that's wrong, then I never want to be right!

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I don't mind deep dish, but I'm definitely more picky about it than regular pizza. like I'll eat almost any type of regular NY style, with any toppings, but chicago needs certain things, can't have too many toppings, etc.



I do really like the pizza pot pie from Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co. go figure.

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New York style is shit too.



Detroit style pizza is the only good one.

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Sexually harassing women isn't flirting you fucking asshole.

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...I've never seen such childish reactions. You want victim blaming, this man consensually flirted with girls and got fired for it.  Roboy Wonder (@Vanderstrike) August 11, 2017



You're wrong. A man never harras, he "consensually flirt" /s

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I don't wish him the best.



Fuck you Nick.

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nick's "apology" is stupid but it's about what everyone should have expected, there's not exactly a good way to admit to being a creepy prick and it seems like it was something polygon made him write lmao. i'm glad this was settled in a timely manner and it's astonishing how many people feel entitled to "receipts"--like, if one of their coworkers was being fired for sexual harassment, they wouldn't ask for "proof" of a private personal matter...smh

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right? and with the way people he worked closely with were so shocked and completely threw him under the bus was telling enough for me, like it was obviously serious :/

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yeah, like...1. no apology from him is going to be good enough and I'm surprised people are even reading/reacting to it 2. there was CLEARLY something up that twitter in general didn't see and it's so wild how many people think they get to be the judge & jury just because they're fans who read something on the internet. i feel bad for his coworkers, I'd be so skeeved out if someone I saw every day turned out to be a creep

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mte

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the apology is bullshit and proof that he takes no responsibility for being a creep and making women (and girls allegedly) feel unsafe, just for doing it at the wrong point in his career. not here for this innocent "it was just some bad flirting" excuse.

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I wish more often people who get caught doing this stuff would use language that victims have to use, he says it's "flirting", but if it was unwanted what it was was "sexual harassment".



Otherwise the apology is fine and I really hope he cools it.

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Good riddance

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his apology maybe looks like he's taking ownership on the surface, but it really obviously downplays what he did. oh gosh me and my dumb face are just so bad at flirting!! sorry if that made you uncomfy!!! how was i ever to know?



i saw at least 2 people on twitter say he's "just a kid" rmfe

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yes exactly! he's so deliberate in his rhetoric and makes it seem like he's taking responsibility while triggering all of the Soft Boy stuff that made him appealing in the first place.

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Indeed. It's like when people who want to appear caring start with "I hear you" and then completely demonstrate they either didn't hear you or they did and they don't give a fuck.

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i saw that too like someone in the replies was going all "nick you're young, no one in their 20s knows how to deal with a position like yours" except a lot of people do?? and he's almost 30, stop omg.

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Yeah, "flirting" is not at all the correct way to describe his behavior. This is a shrug-and-grin apology, not an "I take full responsibility for my actions" apology.

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I love how this went full steam ahead because of Overcooked. GOTY.

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lmao it has my vote and i havent even played it

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SIS. It's so good. You have to play with 4 people tho. It gets pretty wild.

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i wanted to like it but its too hard and stressful :(

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I can't believe we have to say it but DM-ing "Hey there ;-)" is flirting. DM-ing "let me see your tits" is sexual harassment. And its sexual harassment whether you're famous or not.

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its incredible how many people dont get that!

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good riddance

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SWEET JUSTICE.

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You're young, Nick. No one in their 20s know how to deal with a position like yours. Take this as a learning experience. Best of luck.  Jab (@jab50yen) August 10, 2017





He's a young boy of 29. Leave him alone!!!111one



Men are never responsible for the shit they do lol. He's a young boy of 29. Leave him alone!!!111oneMen are never responsible for the shit they do lol.

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the amount of likes that got, people can't be for real gdnsjsng

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Hopefully he will learn from this but his age is not an excuse and he should not be given any sort of a pass. He made a lot of women feel horrible, he should feel horrible for a while as a result.

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I'm pretty sure that there are millions of 20 somethings who manage to conduct their personal and professional lives every damn day without sexually harrassing anybody. It's not a hard thing to avoid, really.



Edited at 2017-08-11 04:52 pm (UTC)

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They really aren't lol, it makes me want to die.

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ok he's basically 30, fuck off.

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While his apology was better than I expected, it seems to downplay what he actually did, which was not just sliding into dms and flirting, so fuck him for still not fully taking responsibility. I'm sick of male gamers.

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I don't know if I believe him when he says he's a "thoughtful" person if it never even occurred to him that what he was doing is wrong/the possibility that his "flirting" could make a woman uncomfortable.



Do all men think every woman wants to be "flirted" with by them? Do they think they are allowed to do it in every situation?



I just don't think he was actually ever considering those women's feelings, and I think a lot of men who constantly hit on women don't.

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He absolutely knew it was wrong but was willing to do whatever he could to get masturbation material.

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Men who constantly hit on women are the type of men who defend themselves by saying they'd love to be constantly hit on by women, yet they're imagining only hot chicks who they already want to bang.

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Oil prices have been under pressure again this week. With West Texas Intermediate yesterday falling 2 percent, to below $49 per barrel.

And some surprising numbers this week show that slide is likely to continue. With the worlds largest oil-producing nations pumping out more crude than many energy observers are expecting.

Thats OPEC. A group oil investors have been looking to as a saviour  expecting that production cuts from key nations like Saudi Arabia will help support global oil prices.

But a survey released this week by Platts shows that OPEC output is far from declining. In fact, OPEC production in July hit its highest level for 2017  coming in at 32.82 million barrels per day, up 330,000 b/d from June.

Theres one big reason for OPECs surging production: Libya. A nation that saw its July production rise 180,000 barrel per day  as key oil fields across the country restart under ceasefire deals between the central government and local rebel factions.

All told, Libyas July production rose to just under 1 million barrels per day. A big jump from the 700,000 barrels per day the country was producing as recently as March.

The concerning thing for OPEC is that Libya is exempted from the recent agreement on production cuts  and thus free to ramp up output. Which has put OPEC as a whole well above its quota for total production, with Julys output being 920,000 b/d above the agreed-upon ceiling of 31.9 million barrels.

Related: Tesla Successfully Raises Funds As Cash Bleed Continues

Libyan officials have said they want to increase production further. With the government targeting 1.25 million barrels by the end of this year.

At the same time, production from the U.S. is also rising. With the U.S. Energy Information Administration this week increasing its forecast for 2017 domestic output.

All of which suggests that OPECs much-lauded cuts are fading as a driver for higher crude prices. Watch for more numbers on Libyas production to see if output could go higher from here  and for potential new action from the cartel to address the recent surge.

Heres to living outside the law.

By Dave Forest

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Stronger-than-expected oil demand growth may be tilting the market to rebalancing, but confidence in any sustained rebalancing is suppressed on the back of OPEC and non-OPEC producers signals of weakening resolve, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its August report on Friday.

Together, the 22 signatories to the oil output cut deal are producing about 470,000 bpd above the combined level they have committed to keep, according to the IEA, so promises of increased demand and reaffirmations of signatories to the production cuts are falling on mostly deaf ears.

There would be more confidence that re-balancing is here to stay if some producers party to the output agreements were not, just as they are gaining the upper hand, showing signs of weakening their resolve, the international agency noted.

At the beginning of this week, OPEC held a meeting with some of the producers and cited its members Iraq and the UAE, as well as non-OPEC Kazakhstan and Malaysia, as laggards in compliance, but added that they all expressed their full support for the existing monitoring mechanism and their willingness to fully cooperate.

On Thursday, the cartel said that its production increased in July, reporting a daily rate of 32.869 million barrels, up by 172,600 bpd compared to June. Libya, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia were the main drivers behind the OPEC production increase.

While Libya and Nigeria are exempt from the deal, the other OPEC members are not doing whatever it takes to clear the glut.

Related: China Prepares For A Natural Gas Import Boom

According to the IEA, OPECs compliance rate dropped in July again, to a new low this year of 75 percent. Year-to-date compliance within OPEC is 87 percent. Compliance within the non-OPEC countries part of the deal is worseat 67 percent last month, the IEA has calculated.

If re-balancing is to be maintained, the producers that are committed to seeing the task through to March 2018 need to convince the market that they are in it together. It is not entirely clear that this is the case today, the agency said.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilrprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
A new viral trend has taken the netizens by storm and this time it is revolves around 'honesty'. This fresh talk of town is an online messaging app, Sarahah.

The Sarahah app is available for both iOS and Android and has already been installed on millions of devices within a matter of months. Such is the craze, that the Sarahah app has already crossed 50 lakh downloads on Google Play Store since its launch in February. Turquoise blurbs with anonymous messages have flooded Facebook and Snapchat news feeds during the past few days.

Here's a rundown of Sarahah app for those who are yet to get familiar to it and the feared outcomes that might come to pass because of it:

ALSO READ: Reliance JioFiber launch is coming soon, can it be this festive season?

What is Sarahah app?

Sarahah is an Arabic word which literally means 'honesty'. The messaging app was developed by Saudi Arabian developer Zain al-Abidin Tawfiq to 'help people self-develop by receiving constructive anonymous feedback'.

And this has been the USP of the Sarahah app. In a nut shell, you can say anything to anyone, even something embarrassing, without the awkwardness that would have ensued if the message was conveyed in person. What helps is that the receiver cannot respond to the messages sent either, at least not on Sarahah.

The app allows its users to send anonymous messages to others who have installed this app. The sender needs to have the link to the Sarahah profile of the person he wants to send a message to. Users can be searched using user ID or registered email addresses, but the search function of Sarahah app is not as accurate as other social media platforms due to its anonymity aspect.

ALSO READ: Here's a financial guide for couples in their late 20s with joint income of Rs 16 lakh

How to use Sarahah app?

The first order of business is to download and install the Sarahah app from Google Play Store or App Store. After installing the application, you will have to register with your name, email address, and password.

Once you sign up, you can share the link to your Sarahah app profile with your friends via social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or such. After this, you will start receiving messages from your friends who have this link. You will not know who sent the messages though, nor will you be able to respond to them. You can also send anonymous messages to your friends the same way.

ALSO READ: Reliance Communication offers unlimited calls, data with Rs 299 rental plan

Is Sarahah becoming a haven for cyber-bullies?

Although meant as a simple messaging app with a different idea, the anonymity feature of Sarahah app is being misused by some malicious individuals for trolling and cyber-bullying.

Several reports have been doing the rounds where users have been subjected to distasteful comments on the app. A substantial part of the user base for the Saraha app comprises youngsters and teenagers which makes the situation even more difficult.

There have been incidents where users have received death threats in their names and in the names of their family members. Several parents too have grown doubtful of the application due to these very reasons.

Also watch:




Parliamentarians failed to perform their duties: Opposition senators

ISLAMABAD: Opposition senators on Thursday said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was responsible for weaknesses of parliament, which according to them resulted in ouster of Nawaz Sharif.



"Parliamentarians failed to perform their duties and dictations were given in several important issues like foreign affairs. Whenever, the PML-N came to power, they always sidelined the parliament, the former PM Nawaz Sharif rarely attend the national assembly and always avoid attending the Upper House. When parliamentarians themselves gave rooms to others for encroachment, then the result would be that no elected PM will complete his/her tenure."



The opposition senators expressed these views while discussing a motion, regarding discussion over the present political situation post Panama Papers verdict and the way forward-role of the parliamentarians.



Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani said that the Senate could get its effective parliamentary role as per constitution by reviewing its own functioning in the past to pinpoint weaknesses and then suggest a way forward through addressing the same. He said political parties were taking the parliament seriously as decisions on important national issues were being taken outside it, either at all parties conferences (APCs) or through consultative meetings, hence undermining its (parliament's) role. He said courts were approached to settle political issues.



Opposition leader in Senate Aitzaz Ahsan said that Nawaz had always been instrumental in removal of the PPP governments in the past, adding that the Supreme Court's verdict in the Asghar Khan case said that Nawaz rigged election.



Leader of the House Raja Zafarul Haq said the PPP could not raise hue and cry over corruption during its tenures. PML-N Senator Javed Abbasi claimed that not a single case of corruption was established against Nawaz Sharif in SC. However, he accepted that parliament was never taken seriously whenever a political party came into power.



Earlier, taking part in the discussion, PPP Senators Farhatullah Babar said the Panama verdict would be remembered as a throwback to the past and for weakening parliament and Nawaz was largely to be blamed for this.



"It was Nawaz who rejected the bid to amend Articles 62 and 63. It was Nawaz Sharif who refused to agree to constitution court at the time of 18th amendment even after endorsing it in charter of democracy. It was Nawaz Sharif who sought the disqualification of PM Gilani through courts. It was Nawaz Sharif who joined hands with agencies against three PPP governments.



It was Nawaz Sharif who took part in the agencies' rigging of 1990 elections. Yet, in spite of all this I cannot welcome the SC verdict, the sensational sound bytes, heated talk shows and shrieking headlines notwithstanding," he said.



PPP Senator Sehar Kamran came hard on Pakistan Muslim League (N) while Senator Sardar Azam Musa Khel of Pakhtunkhwa Mill Awami Party spoke against the SC verdict in Panama Papers case and Tahir Mashhadi of Muttahida Qaumi Movement said that political situation after Panama case was in completely chaos and there was totally absence of governance in the country. He said that court instead of going against all those whose name was in panama papers had taken against one individual.



Azam Swati of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said that Panama case was a step towards independence of judiciary where most powerful would be accountable.



JI Senator Sirajul Haq said parliament would be powerful when constitution and institutions would be powerful instead of families and individuals.



PML-N Senator Abdul Qayyum said the country was confronting serious challenges as militants were not yet defeated and energy projects were being implemented but the problem of load shedding was yet to be addressed.



He added that political environment is totally paralysed and parliamentarians are not ready to rise above their parties' level. About Articles 62, 63, he stated that his understanding was that everybody was truthful and sagacious unless he was proven otherwise and if there is any ambiguity in it, it must be done away with it.



MQM Senator Mian Attique suggested using careful language about the institutions. Supporting the court decision, PML-Q Senator Kamil Ali Agha said that SC applied Article 62, 63, which existed in the constitution.



Earlier, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presented electoral reforms report along with the draft Election Bill 2017 to the Senate and four dissenting notes of each by PTI, MQM, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and JUI-F. He said that the report was finalised after 129 meetings of the committee and sub committees. He said the government wanted next election in 2018 should be held under the new law.
The mathematical (and other) thoughts of a (now retired) math teacher,












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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!


We are looking for a company capable to deliver huge amount of birch or beech wood chip to our refinery which will be based in Strazske, Eastern Slovakia (means hundreads of ktons per year). The mutual cooperation could be visible from 3Q 2018 and we prefer long term cooperation.

Technical specification of the Goods is following:

Tree species: birch (Betula), beech (Fagus);

Quality grade: F-D (according to the STN-EN-1316-1)

Fraction size: 5-45 mm

Width: 8mm /- 5%

Water content: 45% /- 5%

Minimum order: 100 kton/year.
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.
I needed to grab a few grocery items on the way home from work the other day. For the last couple of decades, that usually meant a stop at the Price Chopper store on Cooper Street, a block from our Glens Falls office.

Unfortunately, the closure of the store late last month prompted me to head east to Wal-Mart on Quaker Road, rather than dealing with the traffic on Upper Glen Street to go to the Price Chopper there.

It's sad to drive by that store and see it, and the parking lot in front of it, vacant. And it's not just groceries that we are missing, as that was a spot to grab postal stamps or a movie from Redbox on the way by. (It had a decent beer selection for a small store too.)

Those of us who visited the store often saw the same people, many of them elderly, who frequented the neighborhood store.

Rumors abound about who, or what company, will take the space off Price Chopper's hands. I covered an economic development meeting last week where several people speculated that Tops Friendly Market, which has stores around the northern part of our region, was being courted.

Others have said a Glens Falls industrial supply business was eyeing the property, though the owner said no when I called him.

The cart return area remains, which I take as a sign that a grocery store returning is not out of the question.

-- Don Lehman
LAKE GEORGE  A Corinth man was arrested early Friday after he allegedly pointed a gun at a bar bouncer during a confrontation outside a Canada Street bar.

The incident happened at Fire & Ice Bar and Grill around 1:30 a.m., according to the Warren County Sheriff's Office. No injuries were reported.

Police said four men got into a dispute with bouncers at the bar and left before they returned with a long gun that was pointed at the bouncers during a confrontation in the bar's parking lot.

The group fled, but sheriff's officers tracked them down minutes later, arrested the suspect without incident and located a gun in the vehicle he had used.

It was unclear whether the gun was loaded.

Arrested was Luke A. Tallman, 29, of Main Street, Corinth, police said. He was charged with misdemeanor counts of menacing, criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment, and was being held pending arraignment later Friday.

No one else was charged.

Doug Frost, owner of Fire & Ice, said he was not at the bar when the confrontation happened, but his staff explained that the man who pointed the gun had been asked to leave the bar earlier in the night, and had left, but returned multiple times only to be told he was not going to be let in.

He and people who he was with then went to the parking lot behind the bar, where their vehicle was located, and got into a confrontation with another group, Frost said.

When the bar staff went to see what was happening in the parking lot, one of the men took what appeared to be a shotgun from a pickup truck and pointed it toward them.

"My guys were doing their job and doing it properly," Frost said. "It was definitely a scary situation. Thankfully everybody seems to be okay."

Sheriff's Patrol Officer Brandon Kinderman made the arrest, assisted by the Sheriff's Office Investigation Division.
EASTON  Police have turned over to state archaeologists the human remains that were unearthed in a gravel pit off Route 40 last week.

The archaeologists work through the New York State Museum and will analyze the bones to try to determine how old they were, and possibly where they came from.

A spokeswoman for the agency said the skeletal remains were received Tuesday, and they will be dried for two or so weeks before staff can begin examining them.

The remains are in fragile condition and must be allowed to air dry before they are handled and studied, spokeswoman Antonia Giuliano said in an email. Once staff begins to study the remains, it may take several weeks before they can share insight into the bio-archaeology of the remains.

The state museum staff has responded to a number of similar situations over the years, including a large one in southern Albany County known as Schuyler Flatts.

The Easton remains were found Aug. 4 by a contractor who was working in an area formerly known as the Johnson Farm where gravel and topsoil were being mined.

The Washington County Sheriffs Office was called, and officials determined the area was not known to have been a graveyard or cemetery, and there were no markers in the area.

Washington County sheriffs Capt. Tony LeClaire said the Sheriffs Office does not consider the area a potential crime scene under the circumstances, and has closed its investigation.

LeClaire said the initial belief was that there were bones from 10 or so bodies, but when they were inventoried the total was considered more likely four or so.

The area is across the Hudson River from Saratoga Battlefield and other areas in Saratoga County where there was historically Revolutionary War activity.

Because old nails that appeared to have been made by a blacksmith were found around the bones, police believe the bodies had been in caskets that had long disintegrated, so they were likely not from Native Americans who were in the area.
Million Dollar Beach should be closed for the rest of the summer to ensure the safety of local people and visitors who might otherwise choose to swim there.

The latest test results from this week, showing high bacteria counts again in the swimming area, should convince state officials that strong action to protect public health needs to be taken.

State officials closed the beach Wednesday afternoon, as they have several other times this summer and last summer. But past closures have been for a matter of days or even part of a day. After tests have shown bacteria back under an acceptable level, the beach has been reopened.

What is wrong with this procedure is that the tests cannot measure what will be in the water in the future, only what is in the water now. That means anyone swimming on the day the tests are done could be exposed to bacteria damaging to human health.

The bacteria has included E. coli, which in 1999 killed two people and sickened dozens more when drinking water at the Washington County Fair was contaminated.

Closing a beach is bad for the tourist business that sustains the Lake George region. We understand that. But making a beachgoer seriously ill from contaminated lake water would be worse.

Publicity that contamination forced the closure of a public beach doesnt help efforts to promote our region as a fun summer destination. But Lake George has other beaches, and the publicity that would result if people were to get sick  when local officials knew there was an ongoing risk  could damage the villages reputation for years.

The prudent course is to close the beach and not to reopen it immediately after bacteria levels go down. State and local officials have been working to discover the contaminations cause, but they havent succeeded. They found a broken sewer pipe off Beach Road last month and fixed it, but bacteria counts went back up anyway.

It may be that several causes are contributing to the problem  lakeside septic systems, heavy rains, dogs in parks near the lake. The mayor keeps pushing his birds theory  seagulls this time (wasnt it geese last time?)

These are the salient facts: Officials dont know the cause, and the problem hasnt gone away.

It seems to us Lake George has gotten lucky so far. No one that we know of has reported a child having to be taken to the emergency room after swimming. No one has talked about getting a nasty infection.

But these things can happen, and later, lawsuits can be filed.

We can understand the reluctance of local officials to declare their most prominent tourist beach off-limits. But were surprised at the indecisiveness of the state. If it isnt a risk to public health now to keep the beach open then when will it be?

After several bad tests stretching back to last summer and multiple failed attempts to fix the problem, the beach should be closed until everyone is certain the water is safe.
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T20 World Cup: Babar Azam wants Pakistan to continue with winning momentum in title clash

T20 World Cup: Morgan backs Willey to play ahead of Jordan in the final if Wood is unavailable

India's tour of New Zealand would be a great learning experience for Umran Malik, Kuldeep Sen: Zaheer Khan
Mary Fern Posten would be astonished if she could see how the small restaurant she started in 1937 has grown.

That restaurant, Hasty Tasty, was located at 24th Avenue and 16th Street in Moline from 1937 until 2000. Eventually, it was run by her son, the late Gay Starkweather, and then his son, Galen Starkweather.

And over that time, things have evolved.

The restaurant is long gone, but the business has flourished and is now featuring a progressive vending concept Posten never could have imagined.

The company is providing micro-marketing vending services, which is like having a convenience store in the company lunchroom.

Since beginning a catering service in 1977, the company has provided quick-service foods in a variety of formats. The catering service began with mobile catering trucks across the metro area.

We started out with two mobile trucks and had up to 10 trucks at one time, he said.

Meanwhile, the company began making food for Valley Vending Co., in 1980 to service vending machines in the area. In 1990, Starkweather bought that company out when its owner retired.

We just keep growing, he added.

Four years ago, things changed again when the company, now called Valley Vending, began micro-marketing. It now has 28 micro-marketing routes in the Quad-Cities, and Morrison, Sterling-Rock Falls and Dixon, Illinois.

According its web site, it is an alternative to traditional vending, like having your own market place right on site.

Starkweather said each route equals a business client, such as Sears Manufacturing, the City of Davenport Public Works Department, AT&T and Jumer's Casino and Hotel. It is not open to the public, but rather designed for employees to grab a bite to eat at work.

Rather than a small selection of chips and candy bars, micro-marketing centers offer hundreds of choices of beverages, snacks and other food, and are stocked with fresh, nutritious selections like salads, fresh sandwiches, dairy products, fruit, yogurt, protein drinks, juices and more. All of the items are available 24/7.

Employees can make their selection, scan the product's bar code and pay via debit or credit card, or by using a cash-free thumb recognition system at the kiosk, said Larry Campbell, vending manager. Each lunchroom has security cameras installed to make sure items are not taken without payment.

They do a good job, providing something good to customers, he said.

One of the customers, Sears Manufacturing in Davenport, used to have a hostess working in the lunchroom when Valley provided regular vending services.

They had two or three service calls per week. This virtually eliminates service calls, Campbell said.

In addition to the catering customers, Campbell said they have 346 customers for regular vending machines, plus the 28 now receiving the micro-marketing.

We have about 73,000 transactions a week for all vending machines, Starkweather said.

Robbin Dunn, communications and preparedness manager for Davenport Public Works, said they have had the system in their lunchroom for about a year and like it.

We have had little difficulty with it, she said. It gives employees healthier options. We evaluated a lot of other companies at the time. But with this, you can pick up the package and see the expiration date, or the ingredients if you are trying to watch your weight.

So far, we have had pretty good service. There are more selections than before. It seems to be cost effective, as compared to a convenient store. It is just a nice amenity to have.
Rick in on a needed break this morning. I'll be your guest host.

Big Brothers Big Sisters honored

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza's office announced Thursday she has directed $429 million to be paid to school districts across the state, a bit of a boost for educators stuck in the middle of a funding impasse in Springfield.

The past-due payments, which cover categorical expenses for such things as transportation and special education, went out this morning, her office said. Reporter Ed Tibbetts explains the plan.

Charity cookout
DES MOINES  A nationwide shortage of psychiatrists has created a similar shortage in the U.S. Veterans Affairs department, which can amplify the departments challenge in having sufficient staff to provide mental health care to veterans.

A 2015 report showed the VA was critically short on psychiatrists. The report, published by the VA Inspector General, said more than two-thirds of VA health care facilities studied  94 of 140  needed more psychiatrists on staff to meet demand.

To fill those gaps, VA hospitals often contract with private practice psychiatrists.

But the problem is the private sector also is woefully short on psychiatrists.

The shortage is being felt across the country. Dr. Atul Grover, executive vice president of the Association of American Medical Colleges, recently told Forbes that expanded access to health care under federal reforms has led to more people seeking mental health care and thus put a strain on the availability of mental health professionals.

A 2017 report said psychiatrists have become the second-most highly recruited physicians, trailing only family physicians. The report was published by Merritt Hawkins, a national physician search and consulting firm.

Iowa has not been immune. The state has been dealing with a psychiatrist shortage for years; 89 of the states 99 counties have a mental health professional shortage, according to the federal Health Resources and Services Administration.

Iowas shortage of psychiatrists unfortunately exacerbates the VAs shortage of psychiatrists. Our mental health professionals are being stretched too thin, said U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, a veteran and member of the Senates armed services committee. Its critical that the VA look to strengthen recruiting and retention of health professionals so our veterans have access to quality, timely mental health care.

Neither the federal Veterans Affairs media office nor the VA Central Iowa Health Care System returned messages seeking more information.

In 2014, an average of 20 veterans per day died from suicide, according to a 2016 VA report. Of those 20 deaths, an average of six used the VA for health care services, the report said.

Legislators have attempted to address the VA psychiatrist shortage. For example, one bill in the U.S. House would allow the VA to fill positions that have been vacant for more than 35 years by appointing psychiatrists immediately upon completion of their residencies regardless of civil service or classification laws.

In Iowa, the state in 2016 issued a $4 million grant to create psychiatry residency programs at three Des Moines hospitals.

From my experience as the former President of Des Moines University, I know that specialized physicians are more likely to remain in Iowa if they do their residency here, then-Gov. Terry Branstad said when the program was announced. Iowa is taking steps to ensure that these health care professionals remain an important fabric of our communities, both urban and rural.
PIERRE | Butte County came into compliance with South Dakotas rules for emergency telephone services, the state's 911 coordinator said Thursday.

That leaves four counties  Bon Homme, Marshall, Miner and Roberts  still working on loose ends, Shawnie Rechtenbaugh told members of the South Dakota 9-1-1 Coordination Board.

Under a new state law, counties faced a July 1 deadline to meet the boards standards for operations and use of public safety answering points, known as PSAPs.

Counties have 90 days to comply with state regulations or have their 911 surcharge revenues withheld. If a county remains out of compliance after 180 days, the money flows instead to a statewide emergency services fund.

South Dakota is converting to a statewide 911 system.

Rechtenbaugh said Bon Homme County submitted a packet recently that addressed 14 points. Three others remained out of compliance. But they made excellent progress, she said.

Marshall County submitted its plan for obtaining compliance and has one outstanding issue, related to recording of radio and telephone traffic, according to Rechtenbaugh.

She said an Aug. 1 email from Marshall Countys PSAP coordinator said the Marshall County Commission approved proceeding with the purchase of a new recorder.

So good progress there as well, Rechtenbaugh said.

Miner County submitted a letter June 29 related to security of its 911 computer that is kept in the sheriffs office that was open to the public on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The letter said the office now is locked around the clock seven days a week. Rechtenbaugh said shes waiting for an answer to her follow-up question from July 14 on how business is transacted.

The status remains unknown for Roberts County, which had seven items of noncompliance, Rechtenbaugh said.

She said her office sent courtesy letters in June to the five counties and followed with official notices after July 1.
HARRISBURG | A former South Dakota high school student who shot his principal two years ago has pleaded guilty to attempted murder.

Mason Buhl, 18, pleaded Wednesday at the Lincoln County Courthouse in Canton. He'll be committed to a mental health treatment program as long as he meets conditions of his probation, the Argus Leader reported.

"I intend to show with my actions that I wish that never happened, that I'm not my mistakes, that I'm sorry to the community, Lincoln County and everyone involved," Buhl said.

Judge Brad Zell suspended all 25 years of Buhl's sentence because of his mental health and the belief among attorneys that Buhl can be rehabilitated.

"If you exhibit any, any violent behavior whatsoever, I will be quick from any judgment to remove you from society," Zell told Buhl.

Authorities said Buhl was 16 when he brought a gun to Harrisburg High School in September 2015 and shot then-Principal Kevin Lein in the right arm. Buhl was allegedly carrying more than 50 bullets that day, but his firearm malfunctioned. Two other school officials tackled and restrained him.

Lein, now a central Iowa school administrator, said he thinks Buhl was a "victim of circumstances" and wished he interacted more with Buhl before the shooting.

"I don't even think, for him, it was necessarily me he was attacking," Lein said. "He was attacking the fact that he wasn't getting help."

Lein hopes there's a positive outcome for Buhl, who sat in jail for nearly two years until the verdict. He also said there needs to be more progress in addressing the mental health needs of teenagers.

"Most people are pretty black and white about this. He did something, and he should receive punishment. I'm not that way. I can tell you for sure in that moment Mason wasn't thinking about punishment," Lein said. "I don't believe in evil. I believe in the good of everybody, and maybe I saw (evil) that day, but I think it was imprinted on him. I don't think he's an evil person."

Lein said he plans to visit Buhl in prison after his sentencing to find out what he can do to help the teen "get a good future."
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam | Six B-1B Lancers and 350 Airmen with the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, 28th Bomb Wing from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, deployed to Andersen AFB, at the end of July in support of U.S. Pacific Commands Continuous Bomber Presence mission.

The 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron is assuming responsibility for CBP operations from the 9th EBS, assigned to Dyess AFB, Texas, which arrived here February 2017.

It took every Airman at Andersen AFB to make this deployment and redeployment a success, said Col. Scott Hurrelbrink, 36th Wing vice commander. From our logisticians and support professionals that moved equipment and processed personnel, to our medical staff who provided care, to all our maintainers and operators who fixed, loaded and flew the jets, everyone worked tremendously hard to make this happen. Its the Airmen of Andersen, whose commitment and abilities help assure our allies, deter our adversaries and keep us ready to Fight Tonight.

For the duration of this current deployment, the 37th EBS will operate a fully upgraded fleet of Block 16 B-1s. The Block 16 update includes a series of improvements to the B-1s avionics, data-link equipment and other systems, all of which improve aircrew situational awareness, interoperability with other aircraft, and overall mission efficiency.

These upgrades are of particular value in a region as vast and diverse as the Indo-Asia-Pacific, as demonstrated by the departing 9th EBS, who executed the first-ever all-Block 16 B-1 deployment during their deployment to Andersen.

The 9th EBS crews relied heavily on this state-of-the-art equipment while conducting a series of integration and bilateral training missions with the U.S. Navy, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.

In July alone, the 9th EBS conducted missions that spanned from Guam to the East and South China Seas, Korean Peninsula and down to Australia. One of these missions was a bilateral mission with JASDF F-15s at night, marking the first time U.S. PACOM directed B-1s have conducted combined training with JASDF fighters at night.

In addition to this milestone, the squadron was also part of a collective military response to a series of increasingly escalatory actions by North Korea, including a launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) when two B-1s launched from Andersen AFB and conducted a 10-hour sequenced bilateral mission with South Korean and Japanese fighter jets.

Much of the success of these missions can be credited to the maintenance personnel that worked round the clock to keep the B-1s mission ready. While here, Airmen from the 7th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 36th Maintenance Group directly contributed to the B-1s accomplishing 100 percent of all U.S. Pacific Commands directed missions.

"The accomplishment of these missions is a direct reflection of our maintainers dedication and determination in ensuring their B-1s are ready to employ combat airpower at any given time, said Col. Mark Sotallaro, 36th MXG commander. Each maintainer brings with them a unique expertise acquired through years of training and experience gained from deployments, such as this, which keeps us mentally agile and mission focused.

The 9th EBS B-1 crews were not alone in the sky; they relied on the dedicated support of KC-135 Stratotanker crews from the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron to ensure they had the fuel needed to reach their mission objectives.

Ellsworth B-1s were last deployed here in August 2016 when they took over CBP operations from the B-52 Stratofortress bomber squadrons from Minot AFB, North Dakota, and Barksdale AFB, Louisiana.

Pacific Air Forces is tasked with providing combat ready, airpower capabilities in support of any contingency response that may arise in this dynamic region. As Dyess Airmen depart Guam, it now falls upon Ellsworths B-1s, working side-by-side with their tanker counterparts and all of team Andersen, to be ready if called.

The Department of Defense regularly evaluates our readiness and positions forces, such as bombers, to ensure we maintain operational and support capabilities to meet our obligations, said Gen. Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, Pacific Air Forces commander. We are a forward deployed force that will be first to the fight when and if our nation calls. We are ready to fight tonight and are leading the way on ensuring that we can maintain our competitive advantage to fight tomorrow.
Amid a sea of black leather on Sturgis Main Street this week, a group of young sailors stood proudly while sporting their dress whites.

"Thanks for your service!" came a shout from a passersby on a throaty Harley-Davidson Road Glide cycle.

Members of the group nodded and smiled.

Standing in the front row of the "official" Main Street photo shoot at noon Tuesday, the sailors, crew members of the USS South Dakota, were in town to tell the story of their boat.

The USS South Dakota is still under construction and is set to be christened in mid-October and commissioned a year from now.

Master Chief Bryan N. Randall is chief for the USS South Dakota. He's the senior enlisted crew member on board and the right-hand man to the captain. He said they came to Sturgis on Tuesday for Military Appreciation Day but have been busy with community events throughout the week.

"We're here to spread the word about the USS South Dakota, so that South Dakotans know there is a submarine being built in the name of their great state," he said.

Randall was awestruck by the sheer numbers of motorcycles on Sturgis Main Street.

"I'm not a rider, but I brought five of my crew members who are riders, and they are going on a ride with Harley-Davidson while we are here," he said.

The crew also had a chance Tuesday to visit Belle Joli Sparkling Wine House in Sturgis. Belle Joli has been chosen to provide the bubbly for the christening of the ship.

Choi Jackson said members of the commissioning committee contacted the winery last spring about supplying the sparkling wine for the christening.

Choi and her husband, Matthew, are co-owners of Belle Joli along with Matthew's parents, John and Patty Jackson.

"They were looking for a South Dakota-made product they could use and they chose us," she said. "They were excited to learn that the grapes used to make the product are grown in Belle Fourche and that we are 100 percent South Dakota made."

The group chose Belle Joli's 2013 Estate Reserve Brut Sparkling Wine for the christening.

"We're very honored for this opportunity," Choi Jackson said.

This is Randall's third visit to South Dakota. He was here in February 2016 when he and Commanding Officer Ronald Withrow of the USS South Dakota visited the state Legislature to talk about the new submarine, and also a year ago during Navy Week.

"Every time I come I'm amazed at the hospitality of the people. It's a wonderful place to come visit," he said.

The USS South Dakota is equipped with the Navys best and newest technology, Randall said. The vessel, along with all Virginia-class submarines, is both longer and lighter than the previous Seawolf class of submarines, he said.

The new USS South Dakota will be the third ship to be named for South Dakota, the most famous being the battleship BB-57, which was one of the most decorated battleships during World War II.

Another battleship South Dakota was proposed in the early 1920s. The hull for BB-49 had been laid but was only partially completed when that ship and many others were canceled by the 1922 Washington Treaty on Naval Limitations.

Randall, who is a native of Philadelphia, said he's proud to serve as the submarine's chief.

"I have an amazing crew, two of whom are from South Dakota," he said. "It's a wonderful crew to be a part of."

He said it has been amazing to see the submarine come together. The laying of the ship's keel took place in April 2016.

"In your career you often go to a boat that has already been commissioned and operational for many years, but to see the South Dakota come together from the beginning and be the very first crew members on board is very exciting," he said.
Russian activist Dadin fined $185 for violating protest laws

MOSCOW, August 11 (RAPSI, Yevgeniya Sokolova)  The Tverskoy District Court on Friday fined activist Ildar Dadin 11,000 rubles (about $185) for violations during the unauthorized rally in central Moscow on June 12, RAPSI correspondent reports from the courtroom.

The court found Dadin guilty of disobedience of a police officers order and violation of protest laws.

Earlier, Dadin was fined 20,000 rubles ($330) for holding an unauthorized one-person picket near the Federal Security Services (FSB) building.

Dadin became the first person convicted of numerous violations of protest laws but acquitted later.

He was sentenced on December 7, 2015. Initially he received a 3-year prison term, which was later reduced to 2.5 years. He was acquitted on February 22, 2017, when the Supreme Courts Presidium overturned his 2.5-year prison sentence and ruled to release him. The court held that criminal proceedings against Dadin should be dismissed because of the absence of elements of a crime in his actions.

The Supreme Court explained that the article of the Russian Criminal Code prohibiting violations of protest laws excludes possibility of criminal prosecution if at the time of crime there were no active court rulings regarding administrative liability of a defendant. These rulings must be issued at least three times in the period of 180 days.

In late May, a court in the Moscow Region ordered Russias Finance Ministry to pay the activist 2.2 million rubles (about $36,700 at the current exchange rate) for unlawful prosecution. Dadin, who had demanded 5 million rubles (about $83,500) in compensation, has appealed the ruling.
Kaspersky Lab withdraws claims against Microsoft

MOSCOW, August 11 (RAPSI)  Kaspersky Lab cybersecurity company stated on Friday that it had withdrawn all complaints against Microsoft seeking antimonopoly probe against the U.S. IT giant.

According to the statement, Microsoft has addressed the violations specified in the warning issued by Russias Federal Antimonopoly Agency (FAS). Kaspersky Lab expressed gratitude to Microsoft for upkeeping conditions for cooperation between developers and for healthy competition on the market.

As part of the settlement between two companies, Microsoft will allow alerts and notifications from other developers to be more visible after release of new Windows versions.

In June, the cybersecurity company filed claims with the European Commission and Germanys Federal Cartel Office seeking probe similar to one in Russia. Kaspersky Lab complained that after Windows 10 operating system was released Microsoft began to discourage customers from using products developed by its competitors in the cybersecurity field and inclined users to use the built-in Windows Defender program.

In November 2016, FAS launched investigation. Due to the fact that Microsoft itself is a developer of antivirus software Windows Defender, which automatically launches if third-party software had no time to adapt to Windows 10, this decision results in unjustified advantages for Microsoft on the software market, Anatoly Golomolzin, deputy FAS head, commented on the probe.
Restrictions on commercial use by outfitters and guides on the upper Bitterroot River and the West Fork received initial approval from the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission Thursday, and now will go out for public comments.

Don Skaar, the states habitat and access bureau chief, said the recommended changes for the 33-mile stretch of the Bitterroot River were proposed by a citizens advisory committee after complaints of overcrowding on the river. The 16-member committee included various public river users including landowners, outfitters and Ravalli and Missoula county anglers.

The department did several surveys that revealed many anglers fishing the West Fork and main stem of the Bitterroot River were complaining that there were too may outfitters and guides, Skaar told the commission. Area residents also expressed they were fishing sections less than they had before because of those conflicts.

The recommendations include:

 Implement a permit system to cap the number of commercial fishing and floating operators from Painted Rocks Dam to Wally Crawford Fishing Access Site.

 Restrict commercial floats to two per day on each of the following stretches - from the Painted Rocks dam to Applebury; from Applebury to Job Corps; from Job Corps to Hannon Memorial; and from Hannon Memorial to Wally Crawford.

 Designate a day of the week as non-commercial use only between June 1 and Sept. 15, with Painted Rocks Dam to Applebury on Fridays; Applebury to Job Corps on Saturdays; Job Corps to Hannon Memorial on Sundays; and Hannon Memorial to Wally Crawford on Mondays.

 No floating on Fridays from Painted Rocks Dam to Applebury from July 1 to Sept. 15.

In 2015, FWP surveyed 3,000 Ravalli County fishermen to discern how local anglers view the popular stretch in the southern Bitterroot. Many noted they were going elsewhere because they thought there were too many outfitters and guides, too many float anglers and the river was too crowded, especially for those wanting to wade or bank fish.

The survey followed 2013 and 2014 creel surveys that found between 75 percent to 85 percent of the anglers on the West Fork were from out-of-state and often on a guided trip.

While the commissions vote was unanimous, Commissioner Dan Vermillion  a fishing outfitter based in Livingston  voiced concerns that theyre singling out commercial use. He noted that when they put restrictions on guides and outfitters on a portion of the Madison River, a survey later showed that only 17 percent of the overall use was commercial.

Im curious if this approach will really solve the problem, Vermillion said. A lot of people float down that river without guides.

He added that they may seem to target outfitters because thats the only user group they have the authority to regulate on rivers.

The outfitters and guides are low-hanging fruit, but I think you will find this is not as much relief as people expect, Vermillion said.

Yet Robin Cunningham, executive director of the Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana, said his organization supports the proposal  especially in light of Vermillions comments. He added that his group was deeply involved in this.

We are behind this 100 percent, he said.

Commissioner Tim Aldrich called the proposal a good starting point.

The next step involves issuing an environmental assessment. The public comment period will run from Sept. 8 to Oct. 15, and public meetings will be scheduled for Hamilton, Missoula and Butte, Skaar said.

Well come back to the commission in December, Skaar said. Based on what we hear, youll get the original rule as proposed or with changes.

He added that the commission will hold a work session on river recreation rules in general in October.

Well also be doing an internet review of how staff feels regarding the need for maybe a better river recreation program to deal with the issue comprehensively, instead of the piecemeal way of dealing with this now, or as issues arise, Skaar said.
The dial looks headed in the right direction for freshmen enrollment at the University of Montana, a UM official said this week.

Tom Crady, vice president for enrollment and student affairs, had said a realistic target for fall 2017 was to increase freshmen enrollment by 3 percent from the previous fall.

This week, Crady said metrics used to forecast the number of incoming freshmen are on the upswing compared to last summer, and the goal to bring in a freshman class of 1,300 looks possible.

"There's no reason to believe that we won't hit it. But I can't say for sure," Crady said this week.

The vice president said he has anticipated an overall enrollment drop of 400 students at UM and Missoula College because of the large class that graduated in 2017.

***

Enrollment at UM has slid some 24 percent since 2010, and in an attempt to stem the tide in the 2015 and 2016 school year, former President Royce Engstrom made enrollment a key responsibility of one of his cabinet members.

After the vice president for student affairs announced her retirement in October 2015, Engstrom renamed the position and recuited a vice president for enrollment management and student affairs.

UM hired Crady for the job effective last summer, and the Montana University System awarded him an unprecedented $70,000 hiring bonus. At Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, he had nearly doubled the applicant pool in three years and brought in two of the largest freshmen classes in recent years.

The most important predictors of enrollment at UM are housing deposits and orientation registration, Crady said. This week, just three weeks before classes start on August 31, he said those trends are headed in a positive direction.

"Things are tracking the way I expected them to track given the first year," Crady said. "I'm not alarmed, but I'm always nervous until I know for sure."

Last year, UM counted 1,409 total students who registered for orientation, he said. This week, he said new student orientation hit 1,883, jumping 50 from Wednesday to Thursday.

"The number is in flux, and it's not final," Crady said. "But we're seeing the numbers go the right direction. Whether or not they hold I won't know until people show up."

Housing deposits for first-time freshmen are 1,346, up 50 or 60 compared to last year to date, he said. In contrast, he said, UM saw a downward trend in housing deposits every week last summer.

"We haven't seen any of this (downward trajectory) this summer," he said.

***

In an emailed newsletter this week, President Sheila Stearns noted the fast approach of the upcoming school year and offered a low estimate of the number of incoming freshmen expected to arrive at UM.

"I recently heard this quip: Summer should get a speeding ticket," Stearns wrote. "This seems especially true as I reflect on this hot but beautiful summer as president of the University of Montana. It feels like yesterday that we celebrated Commencement with the Class of 2017 in our spectacular stadium.

"All of a sudden here we are, preparing to welcome more than 1,000 freshmen to UM and thousands more of our returning students back to campus."

Crady said he wanted the estimate in the letter to be low, and Stearns has said she prefers round numbers. Last fall, UM counted 1,268 first-time freshmen in its census data, and a 3 percent increase would be 1,306.

Crady said the numbers he uses to make predictions appear to be holding despite some "bad news" that caused turbulence at UM last school year.

"We've had a disproportionate number of those this year," Crady said.

In December 2016, the commissioner of higher education asked President Engstrom to step down, and a search is underway for a new head of UM while interim President Stearns fills in. UM is still experiencing budget challenges because of its low enrollment.

"There's a qualitative component to enrollment that always has an impact," Crady said.

But he said new financial aid strategies are having a positive impact on admissions, and UM is stabilizing its cost. In this coming year, tuition and fees for resident undergraduates at UM will be the same as those costs at Montana State University in Bozeman.

***

The fall 2016 census put the headcount at UM and Missoula College at 12,416, with the count on the mountain campus alone at 10,329.

In May, a large class of seniors graduated, and UM granted 1,263 baccalaureate degrees and 215 certificates, Crady said. That's 1,478 people, a "bubble class," or a disproportionately large class size, he said.

"They kind of wreak havoc on the system," Crady said.

So even if UM is able to push up enrollment of incoming freshmen to its target 1,300 this year, it's still down at least 178 students given the high numbers of graduates. On the other hand, Crady said he does not expect enrollment at the mountain campus to fall below a headcount of 10,000, although he also said it's still early.

"My goal this year was really to stabilize the first-year class because it's been dropping for a long time," he said.

The ideal enrollment for UM is open for debate, he said, and UM must decide the appropriate size for its resources under the direction of its new president. A recruitment is underway.

He also said bigger isn't necessarily better.

"I just want to serve the needs of Montana students and make sure that there's a really good number of institutions that provide equitable access," Crady said.
A routine hearing in Anaconda district court Wednesday resulted in five years of prison time for a former drug treatment center doctor who has faced a slew of substance abuse-related allegations since 2015.

Mark Jay Catalanello appeared in court for an evidentiary hearing involving a 2016 case in which he pleaded guilty to an aggravated DUI, among several other substance abuse-related charges.

Catalanello received a seven-year deferred sentence in the 2016 case but recently faced new charges as well as having the 2016 sentence revoked after Anaconda police discovered him in possession of cocaine, marijuana, and multiple items of drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop in July. In addition, Catalanello had a case pending from a February traffic stop and arrest during which police discovered Adderall, a drug commonly prescribed to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, inside his vehicle.

During Wednesdays proceedings, it was noted that Catalanello and Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Attorney Ben Krakowka had reached a plea agreement involving the three cases.

As per the conditions of the agreement, Catalanello admitted Wednesday to several parole-violation allegations and pleaded guilty to charges in the February and July incidents. He was sentenced to seven years with two years deferred for the 2016 charges and received two five-year sentences in the two other cases.

Krakowka on Wednesday described Catalanello as a man with potential, given his education and medical background.

During the sentencing, Judge Ray Dayton agreed, noting (this outcome) is very disappointing because of the potential that Mr. Krakowka talks about.

Dayton went on to say that Catalanello had great opportunity to seek treatment during his suspended sentence and that knowledge of the treatment options available is on his resume.

Meanwhile, Catalanellos two five-year sentences are to be served concurrently.
Guwahati : India's Science-based Ayurveda major Dabur India Ltd on Wednesday announced the formal launch of its Community Development initiatives in Tezpur in northern Assam's Sonitpur district.

Dabur had commenced its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity in Tezpur earlier this yearby adopting a government-run primary school Dhekidol LP School in Sonitpur district and formally handed over the school to the local administration after undertaking a major revamp of the school facilities.

The revamp included upgrading the classrooms and building, revamping the sanitation infrastructure for students besides construction of a concrete boundary wall.

The revamped school was handed over the school and district administration at a ceremony held in Tezpur in presence of Sonitpur DC Manoj Kumar Deka, SP PP Singh, senior officials from Dabur India Ltd, including Vice President-HR and IR Partho Ganguly and Dabur Tezpur Unit Head JS Pathak.

The development work was carried out through Dabur's CSR arm Jivanti Welfare and Charitable Trust.

Addressing the gathering, Ganguly said that, Dabur set up base in Assam with its manufacturing unit in Tezpur earlier this year.

'Even before rolling out the first product from our Tezpur unit, we commenced work on community development in the region. It gives me great pleasure to see the fruits of our labour in CSR with the inauguration of this newly revamped school. This is just the first of several CSR initiatives that Dabur has planned for the region,' Ganguly said.

The school revamp was undertaken after detailed discussions with the school authorities and keeping their specific needs in mind.

'After a detailed survey of the region, Dhekidol LP School in Tezpur was identified as the first beneficiary school for our CSR interventions in Assam. After discussions with the school administration and local authorities, we commenced a host of development activities in this school, which includes constructing a boundary wall around the school, revamping the classrooms and donating desk-benches and almirahs for students. Repair and refurbishment of the existing toilet blocks in the school was also initiated as part of the development agenda. Our intention is to develop and support this school as a Model School for the region,'A Ganguly said.

The school building and classrooms have been completely revamped and new a play area has also been created for school children.

Messages related to Health, Hygiene and Education have also been painted on the walls under the Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) programme.

Access to basic education is the most fundamental right of any child. But an equally important right is access to basic and hygienic sanitation facilities and a healthy learning environment in schools.

Going forward, Dabur plans to roll out a host of development initiatives aimed at improving the livelihood of rural populace, particularly women and children, in the region.

These include setting up Vocational Training Centres, Adult Literacy Centres and construction of household toilets.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Guwahati : The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of Guwahati on Wednesday had sent Olivia Dutta Choudhury for 4-day police custody, who was arrested by the Guwahati city police from Nainital in Uttarakhand after she allegedly siphoned over Rs 3 crore from the account of customers of the bank in connivance with her husband.

The court had sent the deputy manager of the private sector bank to 4-day police custody after she was produced before the court.

Police had sought 7-day remand, but the court sent her to 4-day remand.

An investigating team of Guwahati city police led by ACP Suprative Lal Barua had arrested the bank official from a hotel in Nainital in Uttarakhand on August 6 last.

'Following a tip-off, the police team had arrested Olivia, who was absconding after siphoning the crore of ruppes,'A a top police official said.

The police official said that, Olivia had transferred the money from the bank customers account to a bogus account and later it routed to her husband bank account.

Earlier, police arrested her husband Samir Sinha from Gangtok, who worked as a manager in the same bank in Gangtok branch in Sikkim.

Meanwhile, police had arrested another associate of Olivia named Biswajit Ghosh from Rehabari area in the capital city of Assam in connection with the money siphoning case.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Guwahati: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday issued non-bailable arrest warrent against the Chairman of the anti-talk faction group of United Front of Asom (ULFA - Independent).

The investigation agency had also investigated at the house of Abhijit Asom alias Dr Mukul Hazarika, Chairman of the outlawed at Puranigudam area in Nagaon district.

Earlier, the investigating agency had summoned the Chairman of the outfit group related to the case 4/2013 registered at the agency's Guwahati branch in the Lachit Nagar area.

On July 15 last, NIA had filed a charge sheet against the three top brass leaders of the anti-talk faction group of United Liberation Fron of Asom (ULFA) for intending to wage war against the country before the special NIA court in Guwahati.

The investigation agency had filed charge sheet against C-in-C of the outlawed Paresh Baruah alias Paresh Asom alias Kamruj Zaman alias Nur-Uz-Zaman alias Zaman Bhai alias Pradip alias Paban Baruah, its Chairman Dr Abhijit Asom alias Dr AbhizeetAsom alias Abhijit barman alias Dr Mukul Hazaria and Gagan Hazarika alias Joydeep Cheleng.

While Paresh Asom and Abhijit Asom are still absconding, third accused Gagan Hazarika is in police custody.

According to the statement of the central investigation agency, the investigation agency was registered a suo-moto case (RC-04/2013/NIA-GUW) against the outfit group in December 2013 in their Guwahati office and the charge sheet was filed under sections 17, 18, 18A, 18B and 20 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 and 121A, 124A, 120B, 385 of Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The NIA statement said that, the anti-talk faction of ULFA headed by Paresh Baruah and other members of ULFA are trying to revive terrorist activities by recruiting new cadres, organizing terrorist camps within as well as beyond Indian territories and resorting to extortion and kidnapping to raise funds for attacking Indian security forces, government establishment and infrastructure, thereby intending to wage war against the country.

'The NIA has collected sufficient materials, technical as well as circumstantial evidences against the accused persons during the course of investigation and established the allegations against the accused persons,' the central investigation agency said in the statement.

NIA said in the statement that, Paresh Baruah has been absconding in Myanmar and Dr Mukul Hazarika in United Kingdom.

'NIA has declared them as absconders and further course of action as per law is being initiated,' said in the statement.

The central investigation agency will carry out investigations against another top brass leader of the outfit Drishti Rajkhowa and other senior leaders.

While the investigation agency had issued non-bailable arrest warrent and trying to arrest the banned ULFA (I) Chairman Abhijit Asom alias Dr Mukul Hazarika and trace the hideouts of the most wanted terrorist, Assam government had recently paid a compensation to his family towards acquisition of land for the purpose of construction of National Highway on the basis of Abhijit Asom's letter.

ULFA (I) Chairman Abhijit Asom alias Dr Mukul Hazarika had sent a letter of declaration to the revenue department of the Assam government on February 3, 2016 from Elton, England to pay compensation including his share to his family.

'I have no objection if the full compensation including my share towards the acquisition of land for the purpose of construction of National Highway over our ancestral property is paid to the family of my elder brother Kumudeswar Hazarika,' Abhijit Asom alias Dr Mukul Hazarika said in the letter.

Mukul Hazarika, originally resided at Kakhorigaon under Chalchali Mouza in Nagaon district of Assam also said in the letter that, he will not raise any claim or objection in the court of law thereafter for the aforesaid compensation.

While the anti-terror probe agency had registered a case against Dr Mukul Hazarika and declared him as the most wanted terrorist, the Assam government had paid an amount of Rs 19,93,480 to Abhijit Asom's family without informed to NIA.

According to the reports, the Sadar revenue circle office under Nagaon sub-division in the middle Assam district had paid the amount in two cheques.

The documents revealed that, an amount of Rs 2.20 lakh (by a cheque no 0096491) and Rs 17,73,480 (by a cheque no 0096492) had paid to the family of Mukul Hazarika.

The documents also revealed that, both cheque was received by Anjali Hazarika, wife of Kumudeswar Hazarika, elder brother of Abhijit Asom alias Mukul Hazarika.

NIA had summoned in 2015 to the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) Chairman Abhijit Asom alias Dr Mukul Hazarika in connection with a case registered against the outfit group.

The investigating agency had sent the summon against the ULFA(I) Chairman related to the case 4/2013 registered at the agency's Guwahati branch in the Lachit Nagar area.

In 2011, the hard-line faction ULFA had declared Dr Abhijit Barman as the new acting chairman of the organization after its chairman Arobinda Rajkhowa and other top leaders were arrested in Bangladesh and ULFA had declared Dr Abhijit Barman alias Dr Abhijit Asom as the new chairman of the organization.

In past years, security agencies had been trying to collect records, information about the chief of the outfit group.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)*
Guwahati : Assam police sounded high alert across the state following intelligence input that some elements have been trying to create disturbance situation in the state ahead of draft publication of update of National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Assam police ADGP (Special Branch) Pallav Bhattacharya said that, we had issued alert notification to all district police and other security agencies to tackle any untoward situation.

Recently, Intelligence Bureau (IB) had alerted Assam police that, few organisations of outside Assam and foreign organisations are trying to establish their footprint in the state and discussing about NRC update issue with some Assam based organisations.

'These organisations are mostly from South India, Northern India and Bangladesh. They feared that, maximum minority people (Muslim) name, residing in Assam will not register in the much awaited draft publication of NRC update. Some organisations had raised the issue in group meetings held in mosques, madrasas,' a top IB official said.

The top IB official also said that, some members of Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Neo JMB, Ansarullah Bangla Team are trying to sneak into India through Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and West Bengal.

Meanwhile, Assam police ADGP Bhattacharya said that, Assam police has taken the matter very seriously.

The draft publication of NRC update in Assam would likely to publish on December 31 in this year.

According to the reports, around 95 per cent verification process of NRC update has been completed so far.

A top official of Office of the State Coordinator of NRC said that, several fake documents were found during the verification process, which were submitted with the application forms.

Over 68 lakh families of the state had submitted their required documents with the NRC application forms.

The top Assam cop said that, police has monitored activities of some organisations like South India based organisation Popular Front of India.

Meanwhile, Assam Police Special DG Kula Saikia and ADGP (SB) Pallav Bhattacharya on Tuesday had visited upper Assam and discussed with top police officials of Golaghat, Jorhat, Sivsagar, Charaideo, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and officials of other security agencies.

Another top Assam cop Mukesh Agarwala (ADGP of law & order) had visited lower Assam districts to review the situation.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
KATHMANDU, August 11: The Women, Children and Senior Citizen Committee under the Legislature-Parliament has approved the Medical Education Bill-2073 Friday.

Endorsement of the Bill was one of the major demands of agitating senior orthopedic surgeon Dr Govinda KC who has been staging fast-unto-death for the 11th time since July 24. He has reiterated the demands pertaining to the overall reform of the health and medical education sectors in the country.

The meeting of the Committee held in Singha Durbar passed the Bill by considering the disputed clause in the report relating to the Bill that was submitted by a task force formed to submit the final Bill with amendment.

Committee Chair Ranju Kumari Jha stated that the Bill was formulated as per the spirit of the Mathema Task Force.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education Gopal Man Shrestha is to table the proposal in the parliamentary meeting to be held on coming Tuesday to endorse the Bill through Parliament.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba had asked the concerned authorities to seek resolutions when it comes to addressing the demands put forth by Dr KC.

The meeting held at the official residence of PM at Baluwatar in the initiative of former Minister for Health Gagan Thapa and CPN-Maoist Centre Naraynkaji Shrestha as the health condition of Dr KC went on deteriorating.

Present at the meeting were Minister of Education Shrestha, Minister for Health Giriraj Mani Pokharel and former Minister for Education Dhani Ram Poudel among others.

Also attending the programme were Committee Chair Jha, coordinator of Mathema Task Force Prof Dr Kedar Bhakta Mathema, Medical Bill Task Force's executive Vice-President Dr Bhagwan Koirala, Dr Arjun Karki, Secretary at the Ministry of Education Shanta Bahadur Shrestha and the talk team on behalf of protesting Dr KC. RSS
Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba along with other ruling parties leaders hold a meeting with leaders of Rastriya Janata Party Nepal at PMas official residence in Baluwatar, on Friday, August 11, 2017. Photo: RSS

KATHMANDU: Talks held today between the ruling parties and Rastriya Janata Party Nepal ended positively.

Leaders of major ruling partnersNepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre) and the RJPN gathered at the Prime Ministers official residence, Baluwatar to hold a meeting which ended in a positive note, according to NC leader Bimalendra Nidhi.

Talks went smoothly and an agreement has been reached to go with the process for endorsing the constitution amendment proposal through vote. Such process will, as per the todays discussion, probably start before the Prime Ministers India visit, he added.

Todays meeting turned decisive, the government has been almost agreed to address demands for declaring those killed during the Madhes movement martyrs, withdrawing cases filed against party cadres, providing compensation to the injured and increasing the number of local-levels and there has been also an agreement to move ahead the constitution amendment proposal, the most important issues in the Madhes demands, RJP leader Sharat Singh Bhandari briefed media after the meeting.

Prime Minister and NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, leader Ramchandra Poudel, CPN-Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal  Prachanda, senior leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha and RJP Presidium coordinator Mahantha Thakur and leaders Rajendra Mahato and Raj Kishore Yadav were among others present in the meeting.RSS
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Roll Call columnist Mary C. Curtis has worked at The New York Times, The Baltimore Sun, The Charlotte Observer and as a national correspondent for Politics Daily.
Ireland in the 13th century is an island divided by war and fraught with peril as close as the next turn. An isolated group of Benedictine monks are the keepers of a holy relic when the church in Rome calls upon them to deliver it. Led by the zealous Cistercian monk, Brother Gerladus, under the protection of their Norman escorts led by Raymond De Merville, and God, the monks head into unknown dangers.

Included in the small troupe is novice monk Brother Diarmuid (Tom Holland), an innocent young man who has never left the commune. Jon Bernthals The Mute is asked by the abbot to go along and escort the relic but moreso protect the young Brother Diarmuid. He could be up to the task; his body is scarred, presumably from a scrap or five. His past remains a secret though some of De Mervilles men believe they recognize him. His past will come to the forefront when the group is first attacked by a group of Gaels.

There are two main action sequences and the violence is brutal and gory. Mostly the action gets lost within the action and the framing but Brendan Muldowney does pause to focus on key moments of physical destruction equally amazing and horrific. A moment of torture midway through the film is equally disturbing and graphic.

Pilgrimage stands as a condemnation of people using faith and religion to pressure or influence others. The relic stands a physical manifestation of the Christian faith and anyone who possesses it would be able to influence everyone around them to their will. The Church wants to use it to bring about victory over the Muslims occupants of Jerusalem. Those who want to steal it from the monks want to use it to hold power where their kingdoms lie as well.

But it is not just the relic that holds power over the characters in the story. Their faith is used against them as well. Brother Geraldus spouts Liturgical Christianese as often as he breathes, to the point of nauseum. Whenever any of the group are in peril he reminds everyone that they will receive Gods glory in Heaven for their sacrifices, saying it so much that it almost becomes indistinguishable noise.

Whatever it takes to get the relic to Rome, then to Jerusalem, sacrifices must be made to complete their mission. It is Gods will after all. Note also that it is his mission to get the relic to Rome by any means possible, except when it comes to putting his own life on the line.

Reactions to Pilgrimage are going to vary. Those looking for a straight out action adventure film may be disappointed in the minimal amount of action and tension in the chase. This is not a straight all out medieval chase film like say, Neil Marshalls Centurion. The action and violence is very strong and gory but some may find it lacking is all. Because the story here is more about this group of monks and their reactions to the dangers around them and the testing of their faith, internally and externally, likely a viewers association or experiences with any belief system may have more impact on the viewing experience.

It reminds me of the varied reactions to the original French horror film Martyrs, in that anyone who grew up in the church and studied the martyrdom of Christian believers had a different reaction to that film than someone without that understanding. Not that theirs was any less of a valid reaction to the film. Our knowledge of those events shaped our reaction to the second half of that film. The same can be said for Pilgrimage. Anyone who has even been a part of the Christian faith is going to have a different response to Geraldus spontaneous and frequent sermons.

There is a modern day relevance to the story in Pilgrimage, of art imitating life, this story of using ones faith as a weapon against another culture or religion. Had I watched this a few days earlier it may not have fallen in right after the day an evangelical adviser to the megalomaniac in the U.S. said that their god has given this person "full control" to take out the leader of North Korea.

It also made me think about a video I watched from a couple of years ago where the president of one of the largest Christian universities in America (the son of an equally belligerent televangelist) urged his students to carry concealed weapons on campus in order to end those Muslims who could attack the campus. These are prominent Western Christian leaders either encouraging violence against a people and culture or a religion and that it is their gods will that it happen.

But then all of human history is layered with god is on our side confrontations.

Pilgrimage is now playing in select U.S. theaters and will soon be available on VOD and Digital HD.
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 A reminder of why an active death penalty system in the US now seems so unlikley | Main | Lamenting the role of prosecutors in continued pursuit of juve LWOP sentences 

August 11, 2017

"Certain Certiorari: The Digital Privacy Rights of Probationers"

The title of this post is the title of this new paper available via SSRN authored by Daniel Yeager. Here is the abstract:

In a recent oral argument, a judge on the California Court of Appeal told me they had at least 50 pending cases on the constitutionality of probation conditions authorizing suspicionless searches of digital devices. As counsel of record in three of the cases, I feel positioned to comment on this hot topic within criminal law. My intention here is less to reconcile Californias cases on suspicionless searches of probationers digital devices than to locate them within the precedents of the United States Supreme Court, which is bound before long to pick up a case for the same purpose. Specifically, the Court is bound to hear whether Riley v. California  its 2014 ruling excluding content found on digital devices in warrantless searches of arrestees grab-area  applies to probationers. David Rileys case arose out of his 2009 arrest by San Diego police, who had lawfully found firearms under the hood of his car. Incident to Rileys arrest, police found evidence of his gang membership in a search of his cell phone, which placed itself at an unsolved shooting. Rileys subsequent convictions were based on that evidence, which he sought without success to exclude until the Supreme Court reversed in Chief Justice Robertss hommage to cell phones  life-altering instruments which a visitor from Mars might conclude were an important feature of human anatomy. Riley has since been cited over 3,000 times as a Fourth Amendment tract that privileges the privacies of life over the often competitive enterprise of ferreting out crime. But what, exactly, are Rileys implications? Is it just a technical ruling on the privacy interests only of arrestees, with no specific applicability to post-conviction phases of criminal cases? Because the Courts most on-point precedents  one involving a probationer (United States v. Knights), the other a parolee (Samson v. California)  indicate no stance on Rileys applicability beyond the arrest context, California courts improvidently consider those precedents legal non-events. One way or another, the Court will inevitably settle the matter itself, almost certainly within one of the seven electronics-conditions cases now on review in the California Supreme Court. This Essay details why and how.

August 11, 2017 at 11:30 AM | Permalink

Comments

I really don't see Riley being applicable to probation conditions, just like I don't see it having any application to the upcoming Carpenter., despite the arguments I've seen that it does.

Probation allows for all sorts of conditions that would not be legal otherwise. Probation simply allows more freedom to the offender than does incarceration, but the offender is still not free to live their life unencumbered.

Posted by: Soronel Haetir | Aug 11, 2017 4:08:24 PM

I think the best way to understand Riley is holding that the search of the content of a cell phone is a distinct constitutional even from the search that recovers the cellphone. While, in some circumstances, the same facts may authorize both searches, that will not always be the case. Riley is a good example -- the legal justifications for the search of the arrestee that led to officers finding the cellphone were not adequate to support the further search of the contents of the cellphone.

A lot will depend upon how lower courts apply Riley. Assuming that the lower courts generally limit Riley to searches incident to arrest, I do not see many of the exceptions that would spur the Supreme Court to grant certiorari. If the lower courts split, of course, cert becomes more likely.

I think the exception allowing searches of probationers' property on lower levels of suspicion is one that would apply equally to the contents of the cell phone as to other property (home, computers, vehicles). I don't think Riley puts cellphones at a higher level than other property.

Posted by: tmm | Aug 11, 2017 4:51:14 PM

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I love the angular Vaillancourt Fountain, the 40-foot tall concrete tangle of disjointed modernist square tubes at the northern end of Justin Herman Plaza, mostly thanks to fond memories of the location that has hosted so many Valentine's Day Pillow Fight massacres, Occupy campouts, and NSFW nudist grandparent munches. But the general San Francisco sentiment seems to be that this fountain is ugly AF, or at least, whatever unconventional beauty it may have once possessed was contingent upon its waters actually flowing. These waters have not been flowing since 2014, when Governor Brown declared a drought emergency and Rec and Parks shut off the water.

With the drought now over, whats keeping us from turning that baby back on and letting the waters flow again? According to Hoodline, its the matter of a half a million dollars worth of reactivation costs. The initial cost estimate is about $500,000 for a major capital investment in the fountain infrastructure in order for it to function, Rec and Park spokesperson Connie Chan told the blog.

Chan went into a little more depth with Curbed SF. Similarly to all fountains and water play features throughout the city, it would require the department to conduct forensic investigation and testing of the fountains mechanical systems, Chan told Curbed. To be more specific, the fountain needs a new filtration system.

Thats not all it needs, according to generations of critics whove hated this fountains guts. The local chapter of the National Safety Council declared it a potential hazard upon its 1971 opening, and according to then-Chronicle art critic Alfred Frankenstein, protesters showed up at its dedication passing out flyers calling it a loathsome monstrosity," "obscene practical joke," and "pestiferous eyesore."

The 500 large to turn the fountain back on would have to come from the SF Arts Commission and Rec and Parks. Meanwhile, other priorities may exist for Justin Herman Plaza  namely, not calling it Justin Herman Plaza. M. Justin Herman was a highly accomplished city administrator in the 50s and 60s, though apparently was also considered something of a racist ass. A petition campaign is underway to change the plazas name, several supervisors are on board with the idea, and Broke-Ass Stuart evangelized for the name change in todays Examiner.

As head of the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency from 1959 until his death in 1971, Herman evicted 461 black-owned businesses and more than 4,000 black families, all in the name of progress, Broke-Ass Stuart wrote, which, in this case, meant developing land too valuable to permit poor people to park on it and widening Geary Boulevard.

Yes, Herman actually did call parts of San Francisco too valuable to permit poor people to park on it. While a park with a fountain still bears his name, back then such condescension was less likely to get you into hot water.

Related: Newsflash  The UN Plaza Fountain Is Really Gross


Here we see James Damore, who had himself a sad little two-person protest at Googles Mountain View headquarters Thursday afternoon. (Mr. Fired for Truth, of course, fudged the truth on his resume.) But yesterday was a whirlwind day in the Damore uproar, as the story of his viral anti-diversity screed that got him fired has gone from butthurt manbaby curiosity into a disturbing online bullying campaign of harassment against Google employees. Google had planned an all-company town hall meeting yesterday to soothe concerns over the matter, but there was no soothing. Recode reports that CEO Sundar Pichai canceled the meeting as employees were being harassed and doxxed.

Googlers (Alphabetters?) were able to submit their town hall questions in advance via an internal system called Dory, but when staffs names and questions started leaking to right-wing hate sites, Pichai called the meeting off less than an hour before it was supposed to begin. Wired obtained Pichais cancellation email, which is seen above. TL;DR Sorry for the late notice but we are going to cancel todays Town Hall, the CEO wrote. Our Dory questions appeared externally this afternoon, and on some websites Googlers are now being named personally. Googlers are writing in, concerned about their safety and worried they may be outed publicly for asking a question in the Town Hall.

Ironically, Pichai then addressed a young girls coding event Thursday evening, speaking to a crowd of teen and tween ladies who were finalists in an app-building competition. The Verge has the full text of Pichais remarks, which appear to be only about five minutes in length, but are symbolically quite significant given the timing. To the girls who dream of being an engineer or an entrepreneur, and who dream of creating amazing things: I want you to know that there's a place for you in this industry, there's a place for you at Google, Pichai told the girls. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You belong here and we need you.

Feeling uplifted? Let me completely demolish that sentiment with the news that trolls are organizing a March on Google next Saturday, a supposedly nationwide effort at all Google offices to stand up for the rights of men to openly criticize their female colleagues biological inadequacy. Today, the March on Google was announced by Jack Posobiec and a coaltion [sic] of free speech activists around the United States, the site says, clearly not having consulted spellcheck. Organizers are reaching out to James Damore to invite him to speak as well as planning a Google Meme Contest.

The March On Google website is quite a piece of work (check out their kick-ass home page!) and the comments, as you can imagine, reflect a mindset that assumes the Constitution guarantees white men the right to high-paying tech jobs. The spelling and punctuation in the comments are predictably awful, but the threats seem disturbingly real. That Report Your Coworkers meme is weapons-grade, writes one commenter, sounding eager to harass. Make that viral, and put posterboard-sized versions of it in the hands of marchers.

And sure, we have had plenty of fun at Googles expense on this site, but theyre in a pretty tricky and scary situation here. Their own tools are being used against them, as Damore is now doing interviews with alt-right YouTube stars  perhaps indicating that he's enjoying his new fame at the expense of his critical thinking abilities. And theyre taking fire from both side on the gender equity front, being sued by the U.S. Department of Labor who allege that the company does not pay women equally compared to their male counterparts. But that concern might seem secondary right now, as this particular mens rights brouhaha may soon spawn threats, violence, and workplace harassment on a whole other level.

Related: Anita Hill Says Women Should Sue If They Want Silicon Valley To Get Less Sexist
In the second such deal in a week involving a venerable local craft brewery, Magnolia Brewing has been sold to New Belgium Brewing Company, the makers of Fat Tire. The deal, as the Chronicle reports, comes out of bankruptcy proceedings at Magnolia that we first learned about in late 2015, and it follows quickly on last week's news that iconic SF brewery Anchor was sold to Japan's Sapporo Holdings. The purchase price for Magnolia: $2.7 million.

Founded out of its flagship brewpub at Haight and Masonic, Magnolia was one of the early upstarts in the local craft beer scene that took shape in the last two decades, following its opening in 1997. Founder Dave McLean began brewing house beers, often in the English styles he prefers, out of the basement of the brewpub, where production of about seven barrels a year continues to this day. In 2014, Magnolia expanded with a larger brewery, pub, and BBQ restaurant in Dogpatch where they have a capacity of 30 barrels, but thus far the company stopped short of any mass-market bottling effort with its beer, sticking instead to selling growlers out of its brewpubs and at places like Whole Foods.

At the time of the 2015 bankruptcy filing, McLean told the SF Business Times that his was a "cautionary tale for growing food and beverage businesses in the Bay Area," and he said the move was necessary despite the fact that "Our two restaurants are busy, sales are strong, and we're seeing really great growth in our beer distribution." McLean implied that one of the biggest obstacles was growing competition.

A similar fate befell Speakeasy Brewing earlier this year, which underwent a quick expansion in recent years only to declare themselves financially insolvent and briefly shutting down in March. The business was quickly snapped up, however, by new owner Hunters Point Brewery, and that sale was made official in May.

Business will continue as usual for Magnolia, however McLean is being replaced as head brewer by Dick Cantwell, founder of Elysian Brewing, though McLean is expected to work side-by-side with Cantwell, as Eater reports.

With a capacity of one million barrels a year between their two facilities in Colorado and North Carolina, New Belgium is still considered a craft brewer by the industry, but obviously one at a different tier than Magnolia.

New Belgium founder Kim Jordan tells the Chronicle, "Dave and Magnolia are great friends of ours. Theyre venerable in San Francisco and have a lot of heritage." There's a hint that Jordan wants to bring a New Belgium operation to San Francisco, and also part of the deal is a partnership with Belgian brewery Oud Beersel, which is expected to collaborate with McLean and Cantwell on a series of "spontaneously fermented beers" under the Magnolia label.

In any event, long live Magnolia!

Previously: Magnolia Brewing Files For Bankruptcy, Promises Business As Usual
A massive Bay Area law enforcement sting operation that's been two years in the making had it's D-Day on Tuesday, and now the public is learning what it was all about. Operation Cold Day, which was a coordinated effort of the SFPD, CHP, ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), and the police departments of Redwood City, San Bruno, and Daly City, culminated in the arrests of 75 individuals, the most ever in ATF history in a single sting. Charges included possession of stolen or illegal weapons, narcotics and methamphetamine possession with the intent to distribute, convicted felons in possession of weapons, and engaging in the unlicensed dealing in firearms, as CBS 5 reports.

Some of the suspects arrested were part of car theft rings in Oakland and SF, according to NBC Bay Area.

A large-scale effort appeared to be underway on Tuesday involving the ATF, though at the time ABC 7 had few details about what was going on besides the execution of dozens of search warrants in the Sunnydale housing project. Twitterers had video of SFPD tactical and SWAT units in SoMa on Tuesday morning as well.

SFPD swat team on Folsom at Hallam pic.twitter.com/mfzSUd3HF5  _ (@R27D) August 8, 2017

The operation continued into Wednesday and was apparently based out of a warehouse in Daly City, as ABC 7 reports, with searches and/or arrests taking place as far away as the Central Valley.

As the Chronicle explains, the operation targeted low and mid-level crimes, including drugs, guns, and car theft, and over two years yielded 115 arrest warrants.

District Attorney George Gascon spoke at a news conference Thursday explaining the name of the operation, which had to do with the coordination of local, state, and federal agencies. "Early on some folks made some comments that it would be a cold day in you know where before an operation like this would come together," he said. "Law enforcement is at its best when we all come together to enhance public safety," he said.

Gascon further told the Chron that the operation grew "piecemeal" out of an investigation into a rash of Zipcar thefts around May 2015  you may recall the story of this one serial Zipcar thief who was a part of that, Nicole Dipo.

U.S. Attorney Brian Stretch noted at the news conference that the targeting of individuals who were not wanted for violent crime was on purpose  this was an effort to curtail violence before it starts by getting weapons off the streets.

"The safety of the public is at the core of ATFs mission and we stand at the front line eradicating violent crime from our streets," said special agent in charge of the ATF San Francisco field office Jill Snyder. "One firearm in the hands of a gang member or prohibited person is one firearm too many."

"Gun violence has negatively impacted the lives of far too many people in San Francisco, said SFPD Chief Scott, per CBS 5. "This type of violence is more likely to happen when guns are in the hands of individuals willing to obtain and/or use them illegally."




Gazillionaire Vinod Khosla just can't catch a break.

We've covered this ongoing saga before, but let's catch you up:

In 2008, the Sun Microsystems co-founder bought Martins Beach and the surrounding land for a whopping $32.5 million. The beach is located near Half Moon Bay and is surrounded by a gated community of weathered old beach cabins, the occupants of which have still been allowed to use the beach. The public, however, has not.

Khosla claims, among many other legal maneuvering, that the beach was subject to the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and therefore didn't need to adhere to the 1976 California Coastal Act that gives everyone rights to access the entire state's shore. It's been drama like this, folks, that's been going on for nine years.

Last year, Khosla said he'd open the beach if the state paid him $30 million, claiming that opening the beach would be a "taking" of property without compensation. Keep in mind, the beach had been open to the public since 1918 via a path and public easement that goes through the property he now owns.

Anyway, the Chronicle reports now that a three-judge panel at the state appeals court announced yesterday that Khosla better open up that beach right now. "One of the basic goals of the state for the coastal zone is to maximize public access to and along the coast and maximize public recreational opportunities in the coastal zone. Maximizing access is the goal," said the judges in their 50-page ruling.

According to KQED, the order states that Khosla's not-so-private gate "must be unlocked and open to the same extent that it was unlocked and open at the time defendants purchased the property."

"The courts said exactly what the Legislature said: The public has the right to access the coast. It's their ocean. It's their coast. It is not some private billionaire's," said Surfrider Foundation attorney Joseph Cotchett, who's been battling Kholsa on behalf of the organization. Both the Surfrider Foundation and a group called Friends of Martins Beach have filed lawsuits trying to get public access to the beach restored.

A post shared by Tianyu Song (@tianyu.s) on Jul 14, 2017 at 12:08am PDT

"He's attacking the California Coastal Act, is what he's doing. Everyone knows this is not the end of the line. ... This is the little guy versus the big guy," said Cotchett.

Khosla, meanwhile, plans to appeal to the state Supreme Court. Cotchett will give Kholsa until today to open up the gate. Then he's calling the San Mateo County Sheriff and busting that road wide open.

American hero and beach cabin renter Greta Waterman has some brilliant opinions on the beach access argument, saying "They (Khosla's team) are making a mountain out of a molehill. If they open it, they have to have facilities, put up a friggin' porta-potty, hire a lifeguard so nobody gets drowned - and don't knock on my door to go to the bathroom."

Related: Sun Microsystems Cutting Up To 3,000 Jobs
A San Francisco man remains behind bars today, after police say he was caught uploading and trading child porn they characterize as "graphic."

According to the San Francisco Police Department, their Internet Crimes Against Children Unit launched an investigation into "an individual who was uploading and trading graphic child pornography through the internet" in July of this year.

They traced that activity, they say, to a residence on the 1300 block of Turk Street, which is located between Fillmore and Webster Streets.

On August 3 SFPD investigators executed a search warrant at that address, where they say they "located numerous media devices belonging to one of the residents."

That man, 32-year-old SF resident Anton Orobchenko, had "thousands of child

pornography videos and images" on media devices he owned, police say.

Orobchenko was arrested on the scene, according to the SFPD, and faces charges of possession of child pornography, possession of over 600 files of child pornography, possession of child pornography involving sado-masochism, and two counts of distribution of child pornography.

According to Bay City News, "a Facebook page that appears to belong to Orobchenko describes his job as being a traffic coordinator at San Francisco International Airport." A spokesperson with the San Francisco Sheriff's Department confirmed Friday morning that Orobchenko remains in custody at San Francisco County Jail.

Police say that though an arrest has been made, the investigation continues. If you feel you may have been a victim or have had any suspicious contact with Orobchenko, SFPD asks that you contact their Special Victims Unit at 415-558-5500.
There are plenty of tales of drunken fathers with big dreams that can never be fulfilled, and plenty of stories of families who are as poor as dirt but nevertheless manage to find happiness and strength through the force of their familial bond. Hell, if you grew up reading the books, it might even seem like that latter dynamic is built into the fabric of America.

But there aren't a lot of stories about women who come from backgrounds of desperate poverty, parental neglect, and family alcoholism, who then grow up to be successful writers dishing about the rich and famous for New York Magazine, while their parents, by choice, are rooting through the city's trash and squatting in an abandoned tenement. That's the true story Jeannette Walls told in her memoir The Glass Castle, but it's a story the movie version does not pay enough attention to.

When we meet Jeannette (Brie Larson), she has just spent the evening at an expensive restaurant with her investment banker fiancee David (Max Greenfield) and two of his clients. As she's riding home, she sees an elderly couple digging through a dumpster. The man seems to recognize her, but Jeannette ignores them. We soon learn those people are her parents.

As the film jumps back and forth in time, we see Jeannette as a young girl (a heartbreaking Chandler Head), one of four children of Rose Mary (Naomi Watts) and Rex Walls (Woody Harrelson). Rose Mary is a painter, Rex an aspiring inventor (a solar run house he calls a "glass castle" is his biggest aspiration), which means neither of them brings home much money, and both tend to focus more on themselves than on their children. So it's no surprise when young Jeannette almost burns herself alive making boiled hot dogs for dinner.

When creditors, the law, or any other kind of authority comes a knockin', Rex's first instinct is to take the family and run, moving from rundown house to rundown house, even sleeping under the stars when nothing else is available. But for Rex, this is all an experience, and to him, experience is what life is all about. "Everything else is a damn lie," he says.

And for a while, the family thrives on the adventure. But as the kids get older, the lack of roots, food, and any income starts to wear them down, so they reluctantly return to Rex's West Virginia hometown and a family that likely abused Rex both physically and sexually. The move does nothing to help Rex's drinking problem.

Ella Anderson plays the pre-teen Jeannette, and she turns in a really great performance, matching Woody Harrelson in scene after scene. In fact, it's hard to be critical of a film that doesn't contain a single bad performance, even when, as is the case with Watts's Rose Mary, they aren't given a lot to work with. Rose's only character trait is her love of painting, and while she occasionally challenges Rex, we never fully understand why someone sober and seemingly sane would choose to stay with a raging drunk like Rex.

In reality, Rose suffered from her own mental illness, but this is never alluded to in the film. Instead, we're just supposed to accept she's eccentric, and nothing else.

Director Destin Daniel Cretton is smart to structure the film using back-and-forth chronology; the jumps into present day (actually, 1989) help to dampen the misery of those early years a bit when we see that Jeannette and the rest of the family gets out of West Virginia alive. Yet, a big chunk of the story is missing. After the Walls children realize no one is ever going to take care them, they resolve to take care of themselves, by going to school, earning their own money, and getting the hell out of there.

But the years that it takes them to do this is given about 10 minutes of screen time, and we never find out how Jeannette got to New York Magazine and learned enough about high society to be able to write a column about it, let alone live the life herself. Instead, the focus of the film is on Rex, and whether or not Jeannette will be able to forgive him for the troubled life he forced upon her, her siblings, and her mother.

Brie Larson does such a great job as the steely and resolved Jeannette (with the help of some severe 1980's shoulder pads) that I wanted to see more of her life, navigating high society, a hillbilly girl in pearls taking home everyone's leftovers after a fancy dinner out. A drunken father hoping for forgiveness as his life ends? It's an all too common story that, frankly, doesn't need another telling. Jeannette's rags to riches to repletion story does, and thankfully, her book is still around to tell it.
In an announcement yesterday, the Committee for External Affairs of Viet Nams 14th National Assembly said the visit is being made at the invitation of National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan source from the Vietnamnews.


Intense doesnt begin to describe Detroit, a harrowing look at the 1967 12th Street Riot.

Pulling the audience into the Algiers Motel, where much of the action takes place, director Kathryn Bigelow gives a sense of the fear and brutality that came to define the event.

Swiftly explaining the racial unrest in Detroit in the late 1960s, Bigelow uses clips and quick vignettes to lead into the Algiers incident. A musician and his friend get invited to a party. There, a bit of strutting leads to gunplay with what appears to be a starter pistol. That alerts authorities who think the black men are shooting at them to swarm the motel. In minutes, theyre in the building, demanding answers about the shooter.

No one talks and a particularly sadistic cop (played with real menace by Will Poulter) starts roughing up people. He threatens to kill them, too. Pulling individuals into a room, he shoots in order to scare those outside. The cop, however, is searching for something that isnt there. Even worse? Earlier in the day he was reprimanded for shooting another black man.

While Bigelow doesnt give all of the characters as much background as the musician (superbly played by Algee Smith) or a security guard (John Boyega) who witnesses the intimidation, she does make the personalities resonate. Two white girls (Hannah Murray and Kaitlyn Dever) are shocked at the authorities behavior. But theyre also surprised at the racism that suggests theyre prostitutes working for one of the black men in the room.

Mark Boals screenplay could best be considered a dramatization. Smiths character exists (we get an update in the closing credits) but Poulters is an amalgamation.

Watching Smith long for a shot at a Detroit theater, hes about to go on (with his group, the Dramatics) when trouble breaks out and the audience is dismissed.

That leads to the motel and the night of terror.

While Bigelow doesnt condense much of anything in the motel, she does collapse time in the aftermath. A trial seems truncated, particularly when theres so much viewers want to know. John Krasinski slips in as an attorney, but its never really clear what the case is or whos responsible. When it focuses on those in the belly of the beast, Detroit is much more intriguing.

Because plenty of time has passed since the incident, Bigelow could have done more stage setting and tried to give us a sense of some of the other people involved. She also could have detailed the reasons why both sides felt misunderstood and why it escalated to this kind of violence.

As a slice of history, though, Detroit cant be faulted. We understand the feelings that colored the night; we can see just how tentative the peace that now exists is.

Boyegas character raises plenty of questions, largely because he was in a position to set some records straight. While others may not have listened, he was a player in both worlds. When we see what happens, hes likely one of Detroits missed opportunities.

Clocking in at more than two and a half hours, the film doesnt seem long enough. Theres more here to be told. This may just be the start of the conversation.
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.
DAKOTA CITY | Prosecutors are asking a judge to order a suspect accused of shooting and dismembering another man to cooperate with mental health treatment procedures aimed at making him competent to stand trial.

Andres Surber is not fully complying with all treatment plan recommendations, including the administration of antipsychotic medication, Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Sandra Allen said in a motion filed in Dakota County District Court.

Allen is seeking a judge's order instructing Surber to comply with the treatment plan. Allen also asks the judge to authorize the Lincoln Regional Center to subject Surber to involuntary administration of antipsychotic medication if he continues to refuse to comply with the treatment plan, which includes taking the medication.

District Judge Paul Vaughan has scheduled a hearing on the matter for Wednesday.

Surber, 26, of Wakefield, Nebraska, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He and Brayan Galvan-Hernandez are accused of shooting Kraig Kubik, 41, of Emerson, Nebraska, with a 9mm firearm on Nov. 1 and dismembering his body.

A state psychiatrist who evaluated Surber earlier this year found that he could not stand trial in his current mental condition.

In April, Vaughan ruled Surber mentally incompetent to stand trial and ordered him to undergo treatment at the Regional Center in an attempt to restore his competency. His case has been suspended since that order.

Surber's attorney, Todd Lancaster, of the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy in Lincoln, had requested a mental health exam in March after Surber was removed from the courtroom after standing up and yelling profanities during a hearing.

Allen's motion was the first filed update on Surber's treatment since Vaughan's order in April. Under state law, if Surber's mental competency has not been restored after six months of treatment, a status hearing must be held to see what, if any, progress mental health professionals have made and their prognosis for restoring his competency. If it's determined he'll never regain competency, prosecutors would have the option of seeking to have him civilly committed to a mental health institution.

Investigators responding to Kubik's disappearance on Nov. 2 found a pool of blood near his car at his Emerson residence. They later found his severed arm and leg in the trunk of a car at an abandoned farmhouse in rural Dixon County, about 24 miles away from Kubik's home. The rest of Kubik's remains were found three days later in a creek about four miles from the farmhouse. Autopsy results showed a gunshot wound to Kubik's head.

Galvan-Hernandez, 19, of Wakefield, is scheduled to stand trial Oct. 16 on charges of first-degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony, accessory to a felony and abandoning human skeletal remains or burial goods.
SIOUX CITY | Downtown Partners of Sioux City has been awarded a $25,000 Gilchrist Foundation grant to finance two large murals downtown.

Downtown Partners executive director Ragen Cote expressed her excitement about the influx of cash to support the Sioux City Mural Project, which promotes the arts in the city through the creation and installation of murals on building facades.

We are extremely grateful for the support of the Gilchrist Foundation and for the enthusiastic cooperation of our property owners, without which, this project would not be possible, she said. There are examples of inspiring art throughout downtown, and we would like to add to the mix and enhance our streets with the addition of murals.

Martin Ron of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Jenna Brownlee of Des Moines will paint the murals. Ron is considered one of the top "street artists" in the world, with his work found as far away as Malaysia. Brownlee is a senior graphic designer for the Greater Des Moines Partnership and recently had some of her work installed in the Des Moines International Airport.

Downtown Partners, a nonprofit dedicated to improving Sioux Citys central hub, already have two properties lined up to house the murals.

One mural will grace the recently renovated offices of the Goosmann Law Firm, 501 Douglas Street. The mural will be visible coming into downtown along Fifth Street from the west and from the Historic Pearl District.

Jeana Goosmann, CEO and managing partner, said the firm is thrilled to be part of the Sioux City Mural Project and look forward to seeing Rons creation.

The other mural will be placed on the side of Ms on Fourth, an Italian restaurant and wine shop located in the heart of the Historic Fourth District.

In a joint statement, owners Dan Myers and Vernon Meyer welcomed the future artwork to their property.

As we continue to make enhancements both inside and outside our restaurant; this will not only beautify our building but Historic Fourth Street.

Work on the murals is set to begin this month. Each mural will take two to four weeks to complete.

While Ron and Brownlee are in Sioux City, the muralists will have opportunities to engage with the Sioux City community about their work on the project.
SIOUX CITY | A nurse at UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's was one of 12 Iowans to receive the Iowa Hospital Hero award.

The award, presented by the Iowa Hospital Association, honors hospital employees who contribute courageously and selflessly to Iowa hospitals and their communities.

UnityPoint officials surprised Alan Faith, a registered nurse and the trauma program manager at St. Luke's emergency department, with the award at a ceremony Friday morning.

Faith was modest about his achievements, which were touted by several of his co-workers.

"Very modestly, it's not just me, it's the whole community that does this," Faith said.

Over the last several years, Faith has been involved in various community health initiatives. He has actively worked to inform the public of what to do when experiencing heart attack symptoms, and encouraging children to wear bicycle helmets and life jackets.

Aftan Phipps, a fellow registered nurse, was audibly teary as she spoke of Faith's dedication to the community.

"Never in my 10 years here at Unity Point have I ever encountered someone as courageous and committed as he is," Phipps said. "You are most deserving of this award."

Terry Regaller, a paramedic with Siouxland Paramedics, gushed similarly about the Faith's professionalism.

"Alan is hands-down one of the best representatives of a hospital or ER that I have ever met," Regaller said.

Faith was the only Sioux City healthcare worker to win the 2017 Iowa Hospital Hero award.
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.
PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (August 11, 2017)Capt. Thomas Dall, maintenance officer of the Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, in Mayport, Florida, assumed the role of program manager for the Common Aviation Support Equipment program office (PMA-260) during a June 22 change of command ceremony at NAS Patuxent River.



As PMA-260's program manager, Dall is responsible for the procurement, development and fielding of Common Ground Support Equipment and Automatic Test Equipment that supports every type/model/series aircraft within the Naval Aviation Enterprise. Dall takes over the position from Capt. Brian Jacobs, who retired from the military after 38 years of service.



Presiding officer Rear Adm. Mike Zarkowski, Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC), said the program office holds a special place in the heart of naval aviation.



"If the PMA-260 team does not get it right, naval aviation cannot accomplish its mission  Without ground support, there is no air support," he said.



Zarkowski also highlighted several of PMA-260's accomplishments under Jacobs' watch over the past few years, including ushering in the electronic Consolidated Automated Support System (eCASS) to full-rate production, as well as several milestones and stints in Jacobs' career.



"There are so many reasons that all of us are better for having known you, having spent time with you," he said. "You are a tremendous talent and have been an outstanding leader, mentor and friend."



Guest speaker, retired Rear Adm. Matthew Klunder, also stressed the criticalness of the program office, noting that, "Naval aviation is not operational unless this PMA is functioning, effective and has got great leaders like we have here."



Klunder also spoke at length about Jacobs, who he has known since 1985 when both were stationed at Miramar, California, praising his dedication to the Navy and his family over the years.



Afterward, Zarkowski presented Jacobs with a Meritorious Service Citation, the Legion of Merit Service Medal and an official certificate of retirement. Jacobs also received a shadow box, a flag flown aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68), sports-related letters and memorabilia, and several letters of appreciation from past presidents to commemorate the conclusion of his military career.



Jacobs' wife and two children received their own letters of appreciation, thanking them for years of sacrifice in lending Jacobs to the United States military.



During his speech, Jacobs reminisced on his career, thanking family, agency leaders and colleagues in the audience for their support over the years.



"PMA-260 has been my dream job," Jacobs said. "As a program manager and maintainer, there's no better place to be.  The Navy has been all I know.  All my tours were great but they did not mean anything without the people.  Although it's been a great ride, I'm ready to move over."



Dall, whose has been stationed on aircraft carriers Nimitz, USS George Washington (CVN 73), USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67), USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVN 71), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during his 33-year military career, called the program office the "crown jewel" of NAVAIR.



"The fleet does not spend most of their busy day thinking about support equipment," he said. "So why not? It's because of all the hard work and dedication the team in PMA-260 does, making sure they get the acquisition right the first time and in a timely manner.  The fleet depends on our products to accomplish their job and keep them safe, something PMA-260 is well-known for doing well. I'm excited and look forward to the challenges being PMA-260's program manager."
As far as Im concerned, Asian food must be shared; the bigger your party, the better the selection. Thats the great thing about an Asian buffet; you dont have to have a big party to be able to sample a variety of dishes. I must not be the only one who thinks that way because South Florida has plenty of buffets serving a variety of Asian cuisines. You can sample Korean, Thai, Japanese and Chinese food at just about any Asian buffet in town.

But how do you choose?

Here are ten of the most popular Asian buffets in Broward County. Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know in the comments section below.

Teppanyaki Buffet, 6795 Taft St., 754-703-4567, TeppanyakiBuffet.net

Not the swankiest place on the list, but certainly one of the most affordable. It is quite clean; the Chinese dishes are well-made and tasty (although they could be replenished more often). There are also American, Italian, and Mexican entrees and side dishes. The sushi is fresh, but may not feature sushi grade fish. The hibachi station is well-stocked, but can get backed up if it is very busy. Weekday lunch is $7.25, dinner and weekends are both $10.99. Kids meals are priced from $3.25 to $5.99, making it a great bargain if youve got a large family.

Shinju Buffet, 3305 S. University Dr., Davie, 954-472-3666, SJbuffet.com

(Locations in Boca Raton, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs and Miami also)

This is sort of an Asian take on Old Country Buffet. Everything feels mass-produced. However, it is all very fresh and the quality of the seafood is impressive. Nearly 50 varieties of sushi and sashimi are offered, the hibachi is fast and fresh. Service is efficient and friendly. Chinese dishes may lack originality, but they are replenished often. Desserts feel like they came from Costco. Lunch $11.95 weekdays, $12.95 weekends. Dinner $19.95 Monday-Thursday, $21.95 Friday-Sunday.

China Buffet, 2091 N. University Dr., Sunrise, 954-572-9018, ChinaBuffetSunrise.com

One of the lowest priced buffets ($6.99 for lunch, $10.99 for dinner) and a true example of you get what you pay for. If you value quantity over quality this place is for you. The platters are piled high and the food, consequently, is not kept as hot as it should be. The bathrooms were disgusting, so I dont even want to think about what the kitchen looks like. To be honest I cant judge the food, because we didnt stay.

Chow Time Grill & Buffet, 12375 Pembroke Rd., Pembroke Pines, 954-433-8898, ChowTimeFL.com

A number of places have failed in this location, but Chow Time seems to be doing just fine, judging by the crowds at lunch time. They could use a few more servers and an extra hibachi cook as the lines get backed up and plates arent cleared as quickly as they should be. The servers could also use a few lessons on customer relations, lots of yelling at people. One woman was told that she couldnt take a picture of her food! The hibachi bar has lobster on weekends and theres also a noodle bar. Lunch Monday-Friday, $8.49, dinner Monday-Thursday $12.99, Friday-Sunday $13.49, weekend brunch $11.49.

Kings Super Buffet, 7101 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderhill, 954-747-6668

Youd think from the big crowds that this place would be great. Well, theyre no doubt drawn by the low prices because the food is among the worst Ive ever tasted. Frozen Asian meals are better than whats covering this buffet. Kings was recently cited by Broward Department of Health for six high-priority food violations. Lunch $5.95, dinner $11.99.

Golden City Buffet, 1700 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale, 954-457-8108,

GoldenCityFlorida.com

This is a family oriented place that tries to have something for everyone and ends up not doing anything particularly well. The staff is the Gestapo of servers chastising you if you dont clean your plate (a piece of melon that wasnt ripe) and removing your utensils when they feel youve had enough. The web site shows platters of seafood, including lobsters, king crab and oysters on the half shell, but dont expect to find that on the buffet. However, you will find lackluster sushi, onion rings, French fries and garlic bread! Lunch $8.95, dinner $12.95, Monday-Thursday. Friday-Sunday, lunch $9.95, dinner $15.95.

Dragon Gourmet Buffet, 1091 S University Dr., Plantation, 954-423-8088

Attentive service and a variety of dim sum favorites; everything from har gow and shumai to more exotic fare, such as clams with black bean sauce and fried chicken feet, is what makes this place special. While there are many sushi options, the variety is lacking and it is not replenished as often as it should be. But its the Chinese dishes that are the draw here anyway, with such authentic fare as long beans with garlic and a variety of steamed fish. Theres also red bean ice cream and flan on the dessert station, two of the few dessert items not mass-produced. Lunch Monday through Friday is $9.95, dinner is $14.99 weeknights and $19.99 on weekends and holidays.

SanTos Modern American Buffet and Sushi, 4690 N. State Rd. 7, Coconut Creek, 954-971-6882 and 3400 N. Federal, Boca Raton, 561-923-9378, SantosBuffet.com

This is the place to go if you have folks in your group who dont want Asian food. About half the offerings feature Asian food including sushi and sashimi as well as traditional Chinese fare (General Tsos chicken, pot stickers, beef with broccoli), much of which tastes like cafeteria food. There are an equal number of traditional American favorites (roast beef, ham, and the expected side dishes) as well as tacos, pizza and chicken fingers and fries, for the kids. Again, cafeteria quality, and it is clean, but the food is not replenished as often as it should be. Lunch on weekdays is $12.95. Dinner is $20.95 on weekdays, $23.25 weekends. Saturday and Sunday brunch is $16.95 (add $7 for unlimited mimosas).

Nabu American Fusion Buffet, 3485 N. Federal, Fort Lauderdale, 954-568-2208, NabuAmericanFusionBuffet.com

This buffet has taken over the last of the spaces formerly occupied by the Kyojin chain. The new owners have spent a great deal to upgrade the decor (porcelain serving bowls on the hot buffet instead of steam table pans), more comfortable chairs and better lighting. Theyve also upgraded the food significantly, the fish is now sushi grade and the meat on the hibachi looks fresher. The crab legs are actually quite fresh and tasty, not the mushy frozen version served at most Asian buffets in the area. Not certain what the American Fusion is about as the food is strictly Japanese and Chinese with a touch of Korean. The dessert bar offers a few unique dishes (pecan pie and panna cotta!). Lunch is $11.95 and dinner $18.95 on weekdays. Its $20.95 all day on weekends.

Miyako Japanese Buffet, 1157 S. Federal, Pompano Beach, 754-222-2669, MiyakoSeafoodSushiBuffet.com

The jewel in the crown of Asian buffets! When you enter the first thing you see is the circular sushi station, which looks like a flying saucer. Appropriate since the sushi here is out of this world. Super fresh, sushi grade fish is presented with dozens of sushi rolls, as well as a vast array of sashimi. The sushi bar is well chilled and the platters are replenished often (Ive seen them dump stuff in the trash rather than re-plate it) and they are fanatical about cleanliness. This isnt just the best sushi at a buffet; its among the best sushi in town! The hot food buffet offers the usual dishes, as well as enough dishes to please meat and potatoes folks (roast beef, kielbasa, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob). Theres also a hibachi station that cranks out your selected combo quickly. The dessert bar features six flavors of ice cream and a variety of pre-made desserts. Lunch is $11.95, $12.95 on weekends. Dinner is $18.95, $20.95 weekends (Friday and Saturday dinners feature lobster with ginger and scallions).
Oakland Park is poised to be the next South Florida city to ban the practice of conversion therapy on minors, with the City Commission agreeing to take up the discussion on whether or not to pursue the issue as an ordinance on September 6.

Conversion therapy is the attempt to change someone's gender identity or sexual orientation  usually from gay, bi or transgender to straight or cisgender  using a number of questionable therapeutic methods. The practice has been labelled ineffective by the American Psychological Association, and is being combated by many LGBT groups.

In South Florida, the combined efforts of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Campaign, Southern Poverty Law Center and The National Center for Lesbian Rights have helped to ban conversion therapy in a number of cities including Wilton Manors, Delray Beach, Wellington, Boynton Beach and many others.

As it stands, the upcoming commission discussion on Sept. 6 could mark Oakland Park as the next city to enact the ban.

While conversion therapy has little proof of its effectiveness in fixing or altering the sexual orientation or gender identity of patients, the therapeutic practice has been found to lead to a number of side effects which include, according to PBCHRC therapist Rachel Needle, drug and alcohol abuse, depression, trouble with intimacy, and suicide.

I will fight to protect our LGBTQ youth. I hope our Oakland Park City Commission can take a stand for our LGBTQ youth by banning this practice, Oakland Park Mayor John Adornato wrote in an email. We must send the correct message to our youth to try to curb the high rate of suicides.

Most of the cities in South Florida were able to pass conversion therapy bans without significant opposition. This changed, however, when Dr. Julia Hamilton, former president of National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuals (NARTH) and licensed family therapist Dr. David Pickup gave testimonies to the Wellington City Council against banning such a practice.

Sponsors of this ban are asking to make it illegal for therapists and clients to have [conversations] about change of attractions, behavior, or identity, Hamilton wrote to SFGN. Making it illegal for certain conversations to take place would certainly constitute a violation of freedom of speech. Even if you do not like the idea of some teenagers wanting to pursue options for their lives rather than embrace a gay identity, everyone in America should be greatly concerned when lawmakers consider taking away freedom of speech.

Despite the opposition, the Wellington Council ultimately voted to ban conversion therapy. Now, however, conservative groups National Task Force for Therapy Equality (NTFTE) and the Alliance for Therapeutic Choice and Scientific Integrity have stepped up opposition, pursuing investigations against LGBT groups involved in banning conversion therapy and submitting a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission and sending a list of letters and reports to the Oakland Park City Commission.

Christopher Doyle, the leader of NTFTE is also known for running the group Voice of the Voiceless, a group defending the rights of former homosexuals that hosted an ex-gay pride in 2013.

We have suffered enough abuse in the media who sing praises to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, and condemn former homosexuals and those who experience unwanted [same sex attraction], the Voice for the Voiceless website Oaklreads.

According to Rand Hoch, president of PBCHRC, NTFTE has sent similar letters to many of the other cities pursuing conversion therapy bans, including Welling and Greenacres. These letters, he states, rely on false science and bad law.

Many of the anti-ban arguments focus on freedom of speech and choice, stating that keeping conversion therapy legal would be at the best interests for children with unwanted sexual attractions and their parents.

Minors are frequently forced into conversion therapy by parents who find it impossible to accept the fact that their children identify as gay or lesbian, PBCHRC Vice President Carly Cass said. This so-called therapy has been often shown to be extremely harmful.
This long-exposure photograph of Earth and a starry sky was taken during a night pass by the Expedition 52 crew aboard the International Space Station. The Japanese Kibo module and part of the stations solar array are visible at the top. Credit: NASA. NASA

The Expedition 52 crew members pulled out their medical hardware today for a variety of eye checks and other biomedical research. The station residents are also making space and packing up gear for next weeks cargo delivery aboard the SpaceX Dragon.

The crew each participated in a series of eye exams throughout Thursday working with optical coherence tomography (OCT) gear. OCT is a medical imaging technique that captures imagery of the retina using light waves. A pair of cosmonauts then peered into a fundoscope for a more detailed look at the eyes interior. The regularly scheduled eye checks were conducted with real-time input from doctors on the ground.

SpaceX completed a static fire test of its Falcon 9 rocket today at NASAs Kennedy Space Center. The Dragon cargo craft will be perched atop the Falcon 9 for a targeted launch Monday at 12:31 p.m. EDT.

Once in space, Dragon will conduct a series of orbital maneuvers navigating its way to the station Wednesday morning. Finally, Dragon will reach its capture point ten meters away from the complex. From there, astronauts Jack Fischer and Paolo Nespoli will command the Canadarm2 to reach out and grapple Dragon. Next, ground controllers remotely guide Dragon still attached to the Canadarm2 and install it to the Harmony module.

The crew is clearing space on the International Space Station today and packing gear to stow on Dragon after it arrives next week. NASA TV begins its pre-launch coverage Sunday covering Dragons science payloads. Mondays launch coverage begins at noon. NASA TV will also broadcast Dragons arrival Wednesday beginning at 5:30 a.m.

On-Orbit Status Report

Circadian Rhythms: A crewmember removed the Armband Monitor and the Thermolab Unit mounted to their belt, completing 36 hours of monitoring for the Circadian Rhythms investigation. Circadian Rhythms investigates the role of synchronized circadian rhythms, or the biological clock, and how it changes during long-duration spaceflight. Researchers hypothesize that a non-24-hour cycle of light and dark affects crew members circadian clocks. The investigation also addresses the effects of reduced physical activity, microgravity and an artificially controlled environment. Changes in body composition and body temperature, which also occur in microgravity, can affect crew members circadian rhythms as well. Understanding how these phenomena affect the biological clock will improve performance and health for future crew members.

Utilization Preparations for SpaceX-12 Arrival: In preparation for SpX-12 arrival scheduled for August 16th, crewmembers relocated all three Space Automated Bioproduct Lab (SABL) units and the Multi-Purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Experiment Laptop Terminal. They also removed the Phase Change Heat eXchanger (PCHX) locker for return.

Rodent Research-5 (RR-5) Systemic Therapy of NELL-1 for Osteoporosis: The crew completed a final inventory audit for RR-5. They then stowed some items and trashed others.

Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations: Yesterday and overnight, Robotics Ground Controllers translated the Mobile Transporter (MT) from Worksite 7 (WS7) to WS3. The team then powered up the MSS and maneuvered the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) and the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) to use SPDM Arm2 to transfer the empty Main Bus Switching Unit (MBSU) Flight Releasable Attachment Mechanism (FRAM) from SPDM Enhanced Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) Temporary Platform (EOTP) Side 2 to External Stowage Platform 2 (ESP2) Site 4. Finally, controllers stowed the SPDM on Mobile Base System (MBS) Power Data Grapple Fixture 2 (PDGF2).

Ku Band Contingency Command and Telemetry (CCT) Checkout: In response to the loss of S-Band redundancy due to the loss of power to the S-Band-2 transponder, ground teams completed a checkout of the Ku-Band CCT command and voice capability. During the test all control centers, including Sp-X Mission Control, successfully sent test commands to ISS via Ku-Band. Additionally, Ku-Band voice between ISS and MCC-Moscow was verified in the event this is needed during the upcoming Russian Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA).

Todays Planned Activities

All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.

Video recording for KOROLYOV TV channel

Greetings Video Recording

Test video recording for RT channel

Preparation of Reports for Roscosmos web site and social media

URAGAN. Observation and Photography

ECON-M. Observation and photography

Health Maintenance System (HMS) OCT Setup

Circadian Rhythms Deinstrumentation w. Armband

JEM Airlock Press

Space Automated Bioproduct Lab Unit Relocate

Photography of the ??-2 treadmill belt edge and screen form of Belt tab

Verification of ??-1 Flow Sensor Position

Phase Change HX Circuit Breaker OFF

Measuring CO level in RS using US portable CSA-CP device

Fine Motor Skills Experiment Test  Subject

Fine Motor Skills Historical Documentation Photography

Filling (separation) of ??? (???) for Elektron or ???-??.

JEM Airlock Leak Check

EVA Medical Kit Configuration

Health Maintenance System (HMS)  OCT Exam

Preparing Orlan Comm and Telemetry Assets

Checkout of BETA-08 Data Output Device (???) using Gamma-1M Equipment

Combustion Integrated Rack Alignment Guide Removal

Orlan and ??? Telemetry Check. Orlan comm check and medical parameter test

JEM TEPC Ethernet Cable Reconfiguration

Environmental Health System (EHS)  Coliform Water Sample Analysis 44 +/- 4 hours post processing

Node 2 Nadir Hatch Unlatch

CMS Max CEVIS with PPFS Power Up

Comm reconfig into initial after Orlan comm. check

Kazbek-?? Fit Check in Soyuz 735

Robotics Work Station (RWS) Display and Control Panel (DCP) Powerup

Health Maintenance System (HMS)  OCT Exam

MSPR ELT Relocation

Max Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Subject

Atmosphere Control and Supply (ACS) Nitrogen Manual Valve Open/Close

Handover of Increment 52 Crew

Ku-band Contingency Command and Telemetry Checkout

Max Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Partial Stow

Circadian Rhythms Armband Stow

Health Maintenance System (HMS)  OCT Exam

Symbolic Activity

Environmental Health System (EHS)  Microbial Air Sampler (MAS) Kit Sample Collection

Handover of Increment 52 Crew

Phase Change HX Locker Remove

Payload NAS Hard Drive Swap

Environmental Health System (EHS)  Surface Sample Kit (SSK) Collection/Incubation

Health Maintenance System (HMS) OCT Stow

Environmental Health System (EHS)  Formaldehyde Monitoring Kit (FMK) Stow Operation

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Fundoscope Setup

Rodent Research MELFI Insert [ACTIVE]

Space Automated Bioproduct Lab 3, Unit Relocation

Inventory Management System (IMS) Conference

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Fundoscope Prep

ISS Crew Orientation

Health Maintenance System (HMS) CMO  Fundoscope

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Eye Exam  Fundoscope

Max Cycle Ergometer w/ Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Partial Set Up

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Fundoscope Tear Down and Stow

Completed Task List Items

None

Ground Activities

All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.

50S EHDC Survey

SSRMS walkoff to N2 [ACTIVE]

Ku-Band Contingency Command and Telemetry Checkout

Three-Day Look Ahead:

Friday, 08/11: CMS MAX CEVIS, SPHERES ops, 51S unpack, mobiPV checkout

Saturday, 08/12: Crew off duty, housekeeping

Sunday, 08/13: Crew off duty

QUICK ISS Status  Environmental Control Group:

Component  Status

Elektron  On

Vozdukh  Manual

[???] 1  SM Air Conditioner System (SKV1)  Off

[???] 2  SM Air Conditioner System (SKV2)  On

Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab  Standby

Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3  Operate

Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab  Idle

Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3  Operate

Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA)  Process

Urine Processing Assembly (UPA)  Process

Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab  Full up

Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3  Off
There were three divisions of Pennsylvania Sire Stakes races for two-year-old filly trotters on Thursday, August 10 at Harrah's Philadelphia, each going for a purse of roughly $54,000.

In the first division, it was S M S Princess (Ake Svanstedt) picking up her first career win. The daughter of Cantab Hall-Won an Done was given a ground-saving steer the majority of the mile, as Julie Miller trainee Strawberry Hanover set a deliberate tempo (:28.4 / :56.2 / 1:25). S M S Hanover angled out after clearing past the three-quarter poll to split rivals for the win. Megadolce (Dave Miller) closed well for second, while Strawberry Hanover (Andy Miller) was third. S M S Princess is owned by Trainer Ake Svanstedt and Stall Musse Inc. She paid $8.40 to win

In the second division, Nifty Norman trainee Live Love Laugh (Dave Miller) completed a long, persistent grind to break her maiden. The daughter of Donato Hanover-Shes Gone Again engaged leader (and favourite) Follow Streak (Andy Miller) at the 5/8ths marker, clearing just over 1/8th of a mile remaining. Live Laugh Love held off a rallying Bills Lady (Tim Tetrick) to win by a length in 1:55. Follow Streak held third. Live Laugh Love ($18.00) is owned by Melvin Hartman, Dave Mc Duffee, and Diamond Creek Racing.

The third division saw Chris Beaver trainee Zoe Bi (George Napolitano, Jr.) use the passing lane to her advantage. The daughter of Donato Hanover-Octavia Bi drafted in behind the speed of the favourite Seviyorum (Andy Miller) to pick up the victory in 1:56. It was a lifetime mark in her fourth career victory in five starts. Zoe Bi out closed the Jimmy Takter-driven Basquiat in the final strides, while Hey Blondie (Andy McCarthy) rallied for third. Zoe Bi ($12.20) is owned by Marion Beachy, Synerco Ventures Inc and Chris Beaver.

(PHHA/Pocono)
Evangelist Alveda King: This is War -- Life in the War Zone

Contact: Leslie Palma, 347-286-7277

ATLANTA, Aug. 11, 2017 /Standard Newswire/ -- Evangelist Alveda King (photo) releases the following and is available for comment:

A friend recently asked me for my thoughts concerning camouflage. I didn't ask why, however the request prompted me to pen my reflections.

In today's world, things are not always as they seem or appear to be; this trend is increasing. That's why transparency in a relationship or situation is becoming a premium commodity. Also, more and more, people are calling good evil and evil good, as in the case of defending the abortion or abuse of children as "consensual" or "a right to choose." Horrendous.

Here's the response to the request to consider the state of camouflage:

Camouflage is a human tactic which is most commonly recognized as a military tactic. Perhaps a Christian connotation of the concept can be found in this context:

"Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you. You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don't call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.

"Don't be naive. Some people will impugn your motives; others will smear your reputation--just because you believe in me [Jesus]. Don't be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they've done you--and me--a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words." -- Matthew 10:16-20 MSG

Cam-ou-flage

kamfla(d)ZH/

noun

1. The disguising of military personnel, equipment, and installations by painting or covering them to make them blend in with their surroundings. "on the trenches were pieces of turf, which served for camouflage."

Synonyms: disguise, concealment, cover, screen" pieces of mossy turf served for camouflage"

2. Hide or disguise the presence of (a person, animal, or object) by means of camouflage."the war area had to be camouflaged with mud"

Synonyms: disguise, hide, conceal, keep hidden, mask, screen, cover (up)" the van was camouflaged with branches"

Please friends, pray continually, forgive quickly, love [Agape] deeply and fight the good fight. Don't give up. God is with us!
Whole World is Praying for Peace on the Korean Peninsula

Contact: World Council of Churches, +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press

GENEVE, Aug. 11, 2017 / Standard Newswire / -- The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is the latest participating organization to announce it will join, on 13 August, a Sunday of Prayer for the Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula.

Churches across the world are invited to show solidarity with Korean churches by joining the prayer, based on Romans 14:19: Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

The joint prayer was prepared by the Korean Christian Federation (KCF) from North Korea and the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) from South Korea.

The World Council of Churches (WCC), World Communion of Reformed Churches and now the WEA are inviting parishes and individuals across the world to pray for the reconciliation and healing of the divided Korean Peninsula.

Bishop Efraim Tendero, secretary general of the WEA, comments: "Dialogue and understanding is the right and moral way forward as we uphold the dignity and great value of every people who bear the image of the God of Peace." He added, "On this Sunday of prayer, we bring before the Lord our plea for a peaceful resolution and the reunification of the Korean Peninsula. May God change hearts, may He change minds, and may He bring about unity in this land to the glory of His name."

The day of prayer is arriving during a time when the WCC and many other organizations are urging dialogue and engagement, not threats and sanctions, as military tension on the Korean Peninsula escalates.

WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit expressed concern over whether sanctions demonstrate any positive impact in bringing a return to negotiations or preventing its development of nuclear weapons.

It is not at all clear how the new sanctions can be expected to make any more positive contribution to this extremely delicate and dangerous situation, Tveit said.

We call for a sea-change in the international communitys approach to North Korea, in favour of dialogue and engagement rather than military and political confrontation.

"Increasing participation in the day of prayer indicates that many people, from many nations, are choosing to walk together on a path of peace and hope for the Korean Peninsula and the world," said Tveit.

The WCC represents 560 million people, the WCRC represents 80 million and the WEA 600 million more from around the world, he said. Clearly the pilgrimage of justice peace is a growing, thriving movement, and we would like to invite even more to join us.

World Communion of Reformed Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Chris Ferguson concluded We believe churches across the world can, through prayer, help foster an environment in which peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula can flourish.

The day of prayer occurs two days before Liberation Day in Korea (15 August), during which people celebrate Koreas liberation from Japanese colonization.

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 348 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, from the [Lutheran] Church of Norway.
State wildlife officials will host a public meeting in Ridgefield Tuesday to update the public about efforts to deal with elk hoof rot disease.

The Elk Hoof Disease Public Working Group will meet from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Region 5 headquarters. It is located at 5525 S. 11th St. in Ridgefield.

The meeting will feature discussions about the potential cause of hoof rot; WDFWs partnership with Washington State University, which has received public money to research the disease; and next steps to take against hoof rot.

The Working Group includes Cowlitz County Commissioner Joe Gardner, Wahkiakum County Commissioner Daniel Cothren and Eco Park Resort owner Mark Smith, as well as representatives from Weyerhaeuser Co., WSU, the state Department of Health, and the Puyallup Indian Tribe.

According to Smith, this is the first state meeting in almost two years regarding elk hoof disease, and WSU will briefly review its work on hoof rot.

A new state law, passed July 21, directs the university to work with Fish and Wildlife to research the disease. The new state budget earmarked $1.5 million for that purpose, according to the Skagit Valley Herald.

This meeting comes not long after WDFW asked elk hunters to remove hooves of the elk that they shoot and leave them in the field, in an attempt to reduce hoof rots spread, according to a WDFW press release.

The cause of hoof rot is still disputed. Researchers from WSU and representatives from Fish and Wildlife believe that pesticides and herbicides arent a factor. However, local sportsmen have said foreign chemicals might be the culprit.

Ninety percent of all the chemicals that (Weyerhaeuser) uses say dont use on grazing land,  Smith said in May. I have been asking the question for quite a while now, why do we allow forest land to be sprayed ... when deer and other wildlife graze in these areas?
More than a dozen Seattle residents represented by the conservative Freedom Foundation sued the city Wednesday over its new income tax on wealthy households.

In addition, five residents whose legal team includes former Republican state Attorney General Rob McKenna and two former state Supreme Court justices sued to block the tax.

There are now three lawsuits against Seattles tax, the first brought last month by investment manager Michael Kunath. Although each challenge is beginning in King County Superior Court, City Attorney Pete Holmes said the overall issue could be taken up and resolved by the state Supreme Court as early as 2018.

We could get there next year and receive a decision promptly, he said. This represents a good opportunity to test our legal authority to enact something not as inherently regressive as the prevailing order in Washington state.

Passed by unanimous vote this past month by the City Council and subsequently signed into law by Mayor Ed Murray, the Seattle measure is a 2.25 percent tax on total income above $250,000 for individuals and above $500,000 for married couples filing together.

Proponents and opponents alike expected the tax to be quickly challenged in court.

The Freedom Foundation plaintiffs, some of whom expect to be subject to the 2.25 percent rate, include Fremont developer Suzie Burke and Aurora Avenue North businesswoman Faye Garneau. Burke and Garneau are major property owners.

They claim the tax violates state laws and the state constitution. And they say the council had no authority to impose the tax without putting it to a vote of the people.

This tax ordinances legal and constitutional infirmities are obvious, David Dewhirst, litigation counsel for the Freedom Foundation, said in a news release.

This is clearly bad policy and illegal, but its also an assault on the rule of law.

The Freedom Foundation, an Olympia-based think tank, is working on its lawsuit with the Seattle law firm Lane Powell, while the other suit filed Wednesday is supported by the Opportunity for ALL Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to blocking Seattles new tax.

The Opportunity for ALL Coalition plaintiffs, like the Freedom Foundation plaintiffs, claim the city cannot impose the tax, which they say was promoted under the false pretense that it will tax only the wealthiest residents. They say the measure also will affect people of more modest means who sell their homes or businesses.

Contrary to its billing, their lawsuit says, the tax reaches well into Seattles middle class in unexpected ways, such as boosting rents by driving up property costs.

The tax is scheduled to be imposed starting in 2018, with returns due the next April. Dena Levine, an Opportunity for ALL Coalition plaintiff, said some income from her insurance agency could be taxed despite that income not ending up in her pocket.

And the West Seattle resident said income from selling her business could be taxed.

I was kind of taken aback, Levine said, adding she and her husband are talking about moving to Burien. My business is part of our retirement plan.

The Opportunity for ALL Coalition suit says certain plaintiffs asked Democratic state Attorney General Bob Ferguson to investigate the legality of the tax. He declined.

The push for the tax began in February, when local nonprofits and labor unions calling themselves the Trump Proof Seattle coalition began a campaign. The coalition said revenue from the tax could offset federal funding cuts by the Trump administration.

The proponents also said the measure would serve as a legal test case for taxing income in Washington, possibly opening the door to a fairer tax system statewide.

Because there are no income taxes in Washington, the state and its cities rely heavily on property and sales taxes, resulting in a system labeled among the most regressive in the nation, meaning people with lower incomes pay a much greater percentage of what they have.

Other than offsetting federal cuts, Seattles ordinance says revenue from the income tax could be used by the city to: lower property taxes and other regressive taxes; address homelessness; provide affordable housing, education and transit; create green jobs and meet carbon-reduction goals; and administer the tax.

The city has estimated the tax would raise about $140 million a year while costing $10 million to $13 million to set up, plus $5 million to $6 million a year to administer.

Though Seattles economy is booming, the city is struggling with homelessness and affordable-housing crises, supporters of the tax say. The Opportunity for ALL Coalition suit says the tax is unnecessary because the boom is bringing in plenty of revenue.

The various lawsuits against the tax will likely be consolidated and assigned to a single King County Superior Court judge, McKenna said Wednesday.

Others on the Opportunity for ALL Coalition team include former state Supreme Court justices Phil Talmadge and Gerry Alexander.

Much of the legal battle will involve state law.

Opponents say cities only have taxing authority expressly granted by the state Legislature, and they point to a 1984 law that prohibits cities from taxing net income.

Seattles ordinance, meanwhile, cites a state law giving the council all powers of taxation for local purposes except those which are expressly pre-empted by the state. The city likely will argue that taxing total income is different from taxing net income.

Seattle law also could come into play, with opponents saying the city lacks authority under its own charter to impose the tax; charter amendments must be voter-approved.

The most significant questions, however, may be those related to the state constitution, which says taxes must be uniform within a class of property.

Opponents say that income is property and that taxing only some households wouldnt be uniform. In the 1930s, the state Supreme Court nixed a voter-approved income tax.

The Freedom Foundation plaintiffs also say the reporting requirements associated with the Seattle tax would violate their privacy rights under the state constitution.

Backers of the tax disagree. They say circumstances have changed since the Great Depression and note the court today has a different makeup.

This is the same court thats held the state Legislature in contempt for failing to fund education adequately, said Holmes, whose office is defending the Seattle tax.

We believe there are some erroneous interpretations that the court can correct.
Venezuela's sanctions-hit Maduro says he wants direct talk with Trump

Speaking to a new, all-powerful loyalist assembly he saw installed through elections last month, Maduro said he had instructed his foreign minister to set it up \"so I have a personal conversation with Donald Trump.\"

AFP, Caracas :

Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro said Thursday he wants a one-to-one talk with US President Donald Trump, who has slapped him with sanctions, but stood defiant against "imperialist aggression."

Speaking to a new, all-powerful loyalist assembly he saw installed through elections last month, Maduro said he had instructed his foreign minister to set it up "so I have a personal conversation with Donald Trump."

He said he had also given orders, "if it can happen," for a face-to-face to be organized in New York on September 20 when heads of state and government from around the world gather for a UN General Assembly. "If he's so interested in Venezuela, here I am. Mister Donald Trump, here is my hand," he said.

But Maduro used substantial parts of his three-hour-plus speech lambasting the "imperialist" US for perceived actions against his regime. "We will never cede to foreign powers," he said.

The United States hit Maduro with sanctions on July 31, the day after the election of the loyalist Constituent Assembly that Washington said was "illegitimate" and in service of a "dictator."

It followed up this week with more sanctions against several members of the assembly.

The measures freeze any US assets of those designated and bar Americans from doing business with them.

Maduro stated that the assembly held supreme powers over all branches of government, even over his position, and that its work-ostensibly to rewrite the constitution-would return "peace" to the country.

But the United States and major Latin American nations say Maduro is using the body as a tool to quash dissent, by clamping down on the opposition and the legislature it controls.

On Thursday, the opposition accused the government Thursday of persecution after the supreme court this week sentenced two of its mayors to 15 months in prison for not preventing anti-government protests. Both were also barred from holding public office.

The verdict brought to 23 the number of mayors targeted by legal action, according to the opposition.

"Is this the peace that Maduro is talking about?" said Gerardo Blyde, another mayor who is the target of a legal investigation.

The Constituent Assembly has already sacked the attorney general, a Maduro appointee-turned-critic who opposed its creation as unconstitutional.

The developments fuelled tensions that have been flaring in Venezuela for the past four months. Nearly 130 people have been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces.

The protests have lost steam in the past week as security forces have stepped up repression and demonstrators have grown discouraged by the opposition's failure to bring about change.

But hackers have taken up the torch. On Thursday a group calling itself The Binary Guardians claimed responsibility for a massive cyberattack that cut mobile telephone service to seven million users.

"These terrorist actions which affected the Movilnet's GSM platform on Wednesday left without communication seven of the state operator's 13 million users," Science and Technology Minister Hugbel Roa said.

He said it was part of a wave of attacks that began Monday when dozens of government and private company websites were hacked.




Ctg industries to get imported gas from early 2018 : Energy Secy

UNB, Dhaka :

The government will start providing imported gas to the industries in Chittagong region from the 1st half of the next year while those in Dhaka region will get gas gradually afterwards. Energy Secretary Nazimuddin Chowdhury disclosed the plan on Wednesday while addressing a seminar at the Petrobangla auditorium on the occasion of the National Energy Security Day. He said all the necessary arrangements are being made to import LNG to meet the country's growing demand. "We hope no one can say from next year that industrialisation is being impeded due to the energy crisis," he told the seminar informing that he had a meeting with businessmen in Chittagong on the import of gas. The secretary claimed that businessmen in Chittagong had agreed with the price of imported gas offered by the government. But he did not mention the price.

He said the Energy Division will hold a meeting with the businessmen in Dhaka over the price of imported LNG.

However, the seminar was informed that 122 percent duty was waived from the import of LNG and it was replaced by only 15 percent VAT. Prime Minister's Energy Adviser Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, who was the chief guest at the seminar, said the government has been pursuing various ways to meet the shortage of energy.

Terming the decision of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to purchase gas fields from a foreign company a historic one, he said it greatly contributed to the current gas production.

The seminar was also addressed by Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Monwar Islam and Petrobangla Chairman Abul Mansur Md Faizullah.

Energy Division's Deputy Secretary Moniruzzaman and PRGCL Manager Kazi Md Anwarul Azim made two presentations on pipeline construction plan for fuel transportation and LNG import.




Civic condolence meet on Ishaq Miah held

Chittagong Bureau :

City Mayor of Chittagong and General Secretary of Chittagong City Awami League A J M Nasir Uddin termed Ishaq Mian a devoted politician who never compromised with opportunism. Addressing the commemorating meeting of Awami League leader Ishak Mian at Chittagong Zila Parishad Hall on Tuesday evening, He said Mian was the guardian of the progressive politics.

Bangabandhu and Jatiyo four Neta Smrity Parishad and Chittagong Shahityo Path Chakra jointly organized the meeting on late Ishaq Mian. The meeting was presided over by AL advisory committee member and Vice -chancellor of Premier University Prof Dr Anupam Sen.

Addressing the meeting, General Secretary of Chittagong North district Awami League M A Salam said Ishaq Mian did a lot for the liberation war. He was a Gono Parishad member and law maker of Bangladesh. But, he did nothing for himself. General Secretary of Chittagong South District Awami League Mofizur Rahman also addressed the condolence meeting.


Fresh floods in northern dists

Some villages were submerged due to onrush of hilly waters and incessant rains at Lalmanirhat. This photo was taken from Patgram on Friday.

Staff Reporter :

Heavy monsoon rainfall and hill drifts are causing floods again in the northern part of the country.

Water is rising in 80 rivers, receding in 10 while flowing above the danger level in three rivers.

Water in the Brahmaputra, the Jamuna, the Padma and the Surma rivers is rising, but receding in the Kushiyara river, according to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB).

Water in the Brahmaputra, the Jamuna and the Padma river will continue rising in next 72 hours. The Surma river is on rising trend, but the Kushiyara river will remain steady in next 24 hours.

The Surma river at Kanaighat point is flowing 27 cm above danger level and at Sunamganj point 47 cm above danger level. The Jadukata river at Lorergarh is flowing 118 cm above danger level.

168 mm of rainfalls were recorded in last 24 hours at Bhairab Bazar, 155.5 mm at Narayanhat, 140 mm at Lorergarh, 132 mm at Dalia, 125 mm at Sunamganj, 116.3 mm at Ramgarh, 105.6 mm at Narshingdi, 103 mm at B.Baria, 85.7 mm at Panchpukuria, 70mm at Bogra, 69 mm at Chilmari, 64 mm at Sylhet, 61 mm at Gaibandha, 59 mm at Barguna, 55.8 mm at Teknaf, 50 mm at Rangpur and 50 mm at Dewanganj.

Heavy rainfall and hill water caused flood at Sunamganj. The Surma river at Sunamganj is flowing 42 cm above the danger level and flooded the lower parts of the district. The water level in the Hawor area has also increased.

Hall drifts caused unexpected flood in the Haor area in April and destroyed Boro produces. Before improving the situation, floods arrived again in the Sunamganj district.

Heavy monsoon rain and drift have flooded Bishrambharpur, Tahirpur and Doarabazar upazilas and other lower lands of the district.

The water level in the district is rising due to continual rainfall and people of the district are facing extreme woe.




Defaulted loans soaring under political shelter

DEFAULTED loans in the banking sector are spreading growing concerns about the stability of the country's banks and financial institutions. It recorded a rise of over 191 percent in the past eight years and a big shoot in recent years, although it started much earlier. The situation is only worsening as a repot in a national daily said under political shelter instead of any attempt by the government to improve governance in the banking sector. Bank loan is an easier way now of amassing illegal wealth but it can't go this way.



That said - it is clear that the deviant rise is directly linked with politically linked loan sanctioning and illegal capital flight as both have marked substantial rise in recent years. What is frustrating is that the Finance Minister at one point blames bad loans destroying the banking sector while on another occasions he takes it lightly saying grabbing of Tk 4000 crore as such from a bank is a small money. Even on Wednesday, he said capital flight from the country is not too big which rose by 19 percent last year to Swiss Bank alone when India was substantially able to reduce it.



Vested interest groups have already grabbed almost all state owned banks and grabbing deposits from private banks now; which they control as family banks. It is clear that ruling party politics and loan sanctioning have direct links. What is at stake is depositors' money while the country is losing huge resources that could be used for development.



We have requisite laws and law courts as we see to recover bad loans but they are not functioning because they are not allowed to function. Powerful people around the government are not allowing it to function. So defaulted loans are growing and capital flights are soaring. The government is keeping its eye almost shut.



The non-recovered loans now stands at Tk 1, 11,347 crore and the point is why the government is failing to stop faulty loan sanctioning and money laundering from banks. Why it is failing to show success in the recovery of defaulted loans. The public has the right to know about it.



Finance Minister has told the Parliament that more than two lakh individuals or companies are defaulters in the country but he had no courage even to name the top 100 although he mentioned about them. We must say mere voicing concern will not serve any purpose unless the government takes strong resolve to recover the bad loans. Its political weakness is deterring it from bringing pressure on powerful people and business houses to repay the loans.



We must say defaulters are by no means loyal friends or supporters of the regime except the fact that they are using political cover to grab money from banks. The government must prove its credibility to the people without sheltering people grabbing banks and financial institutions.
Single punishment for single offence is lawful



High Court Division

(Criminal Miscellaneous Jurisdiction)

Md Rezaul Hasan J

Kashefa Hussain J

Nurul Islam .....................

........ ................Accused-Petitioner

vs

State and another ...........

.......... Opposite-Parties

Judgment

June 6th, 2016

Penal Code (XLV of 1860)

Sections 406 and 420

Negotiable Instruments Act (XXVI of 1881)

Section 138

The offence committed under Sections 420 and 406 are totally different from one committed under Section 138(1) of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, while the ingredients as well as the reliefs and punishments provided for, under two laws are different. Section 138(2) provides for imposing fine and to pay fine, to the extent of face value of the dishonoured cheque, to the 'payee'/ complainant. Section 138B provides for depositing not less than 50% of the dishonoured cheque in the trial court, for preferring appeal against conviction under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. There is no such provision under Section 420 or 406 of the Penal Code. Besides, joinder of offence committed under Section 138(1) of the Negotiable Instruments Act is not permitted with one committed under the Penal Code. .. .... (8)

Penal Code (XLV of 1860)

Sections 406 and 420

General Clauses Act (X of 1897)

Section 26

Impugned proceeding, filed under Sections 420/406, is pending before the trial Court and no order of conviction has yet been recorded. Therefore, section 403 of the Code of Criminal Procedure is not applicable. On the other hand, Section of General Clauses Act is not applicable in the facts and circumstances present case, in as much as, Section 26 bars punishment twice for committing the same offence, but it does not bar prosecution or conviction for committing the same offence. . ..... (7)

MA Sukkur vs Md Zahirul Hoque, 23 BLT (AD) 76; Md Nurul Islam vs State, 1997 BLD 498 = 49 DLR 464; Akamuddin Ahmed vs State, 27 DLR (AD) 175 ; Arifur Rahman alias Bablu vs Shantosh Kumar Sadhu, 46 DLR (AD) 180, and Sheikh Mashuk Rahman vs State, 62 DLR 28 ref.

KM Reyad Salimullah. Advocate-For the Accused Petitioner.

Md Ali Zinnah, with Osman Gani Khan, AAG-For the State.

Khurshid Alam Khan and Dr Md Bashirullah Advocates-For the Opposite Party No.2.



Judgment

Md Rezaul Hasan J : This petition filed under Section 561A of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), a Rule has been issued calling upon the opposite parties to show cause as to why the proceeding of CR Case No. 1347 of 2013, under Sections 420/406 of the Penal Code, 1860, now pending before the learned Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Dhaka should not be quashed and/or such other or further order or orders passed as to this Court may deem fit and proper.

2. The facts leading to the issuance of the Rule, in brief, are that, the opposite party No.2 as complainant petitioner has filed a petition, on 2-10-2013, before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Dhaka, under Sections 420/406 of the Penal Code, which has been registered as CR Case No. 1347 of 2013. After taking cognizance by an order dated 2-10-2013, after examination of the complainant under Section 200 of the Code of Criminal Procedure the said complainant petition was filed on the allegation that stating inter-alias that, after taking money under a contract from the complainant the accuse-petitioner did not return the money. Under the said contract the accused petitioner took Taka 44,85,372 from the complainant; against which the petitioner issued an account payee cheque being No. 4843525, dated 30-6-2013, of Shahjalal Islami Bank, Gulshan South Avenue Branch,. Dhaka. Thereafter, complainant deposited the said cheque in his account on 11-7-2013 which was returned on 11-7-2013 for insufficient of fund. Complainant informed this matter to the petitioner, who did not pay any heed. Against this matter the complainant lodged a GD being No. 1642 dated 26-9-2013 with Gulshan Police Station. Despite repeated requests by the complainant the petitioner did not repay the money and thereby defrauded the complainant. At this stage, the complainant, through his lawyer, sent a legal notice to the petitioner on 22-8-2013 giving 7 (seven) time to repay the money. The petitioner replied to the said notice on 29-8-2013. For not paying the said money to the complaint and also on the allegations of defrauding him, the complainant filed the complaint petition, mentioned above. Hence, this is case. Certified copy of the said complainant petition is annexed hereto and marked as Annexure-' A'. It is further appears from record that, charge has been framed against the accused. At this stage the accused petitioner has filed this petition and obtained the instant Rule. It also appears from the record that the opposite party No.2, as complainant has, also filed a petition under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Dhaka, which has been registered as CR Case No. 1597 of 2013, on 24-11-2013. The proceedings of CR No. 1347 of 2013 filed under Sections 420/406 of the Penal Code, 1860 has been challenged, by filing this application under Section 561 A, whereupon the instant Rule was issued.

3. The learned Advocate Mr KM Reyad Salimullah appeared for the accused-petitioner. He has placed the petition along with the materials on records. He, first of all submits that the impugned proceedings has been filed in violation of the provisions of Section 26 of the General Clauses Act, as well as in violation of the Section 403 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Referring to the provisions, of Section 26 of the General Clauses Act, the learned Advocate submits that the accused-petitioner should not be prosecuted twice for committing the same offences. He also submits that the complaint petition does not disclose ingredient of Sections 406/420 of the Penal Code, 1860, and, as such, the impugned proceedings amounts to abuse of the processes of the Court. He next pointed out that, since the petitioner has filed a case under Section 138(1) of the Negotiable Instruments Act, being CR Case No. 1597 of 2013, therefore, this case under Sections 420/406 being CR Case No. 1347 of 2013 has been filed only to harass the accused petitioner and this amounts to abuse of the process of the Court. Therefore, he submits that the CR Case No.1347 of 2013, filed under Sections 420/406 of the Penal Code, amounts to abuse of the process of the Court below and the same is liable to be quashed by making the Rule absolute. In support of his contention the learned Advocate has relied upon a decision reported in 23 BLT (AD) 76: MA Sukkur vs Md Zahirul Hoque and another.

4. The learned Advocate Mr Khurshid Alam Khan appeared for the complainant opposite party No.2. He submits that the case under Section 138(1) of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, registered as CR case 1347 of 2013, was filed on 24-11-2013 for dishonour of the cheque. He continues that the ingredients of Section 138(1) of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, is totally different from the ingredients of offence under Sections 415 and 405 of the Penal Code. On a mere perusal and comparison of the provisions of Section 138(1) of the Negotiable Instruments Act and the definitions given under sections 415 and 405 of the Penal Code, makes clear that the ingredients of these offences are totally different.

He also submits that the offence under the Negotiable Instruments Act provides for different remedy, in particular, it make provision to pay an amount imposed as fine to the complainant, vide sub-section (2) of Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. But, there is no such provision to realize fine and to pay of the complainant opposite party, under Section 420 or 406 of the Penal Code, he points out. He further adds that, the offence committed under Section 138(1) of the Negotiable Instruments Act cannot be joined in the same case filed under Sections 420/406 of Penal Code in as much as the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, is a special law, as has been recorded in several judgments of our apex court. As such, he summarises, that, there is no bar in filing these two Criminal Cases, one under Section 138(1) of the Negotiable Instruments Act and another under Sections 420/406 of Penal Code, in much as the ingredients are different as well as the punishments provided under two law are different, Even, he continues, complainant opposite party is entitled to file a civil suit for recovery of money and it has also been held in a series eases decided by the apex court that the criminal case stands for punishment, while the civil suit is filed for recovery of money and both can stand together. Filing of one does not preclude initiation or continuation of another. In support of his contention that a case under Sction 138 (1) of the Negotiable Instruments Act, can be filed concurrently with a case under Sctions 420/406 of the Penal Code, the learned Advocated has cited before us a decision reported in 1997 BLD 498 : Md Nurul Islam vs State. He has also placed before us two others decisions reported in 27 DLR (AD), 175 and 46 DLR (AD) 180 s both these cases have cited in the decisions reported in 1997 BLD 498. Next, referring to the decision cited by the learned Advocate for the petitioner i.e. 23 BLT (AD) 76, the learned Advocate submits that the facts and circumstances of the present case and of the case reported in 23 BLT (AD) are totally different and, as such, the decision reported in 23 BLT (AD) 76 is liable to be distinguished. He, accordingly, concludes submitting that, this Rule has no merit and it is a mere dilatory tactics and the Rule is liable to be discharged.

5. Facts leading to issuance of the Rule has been stated, herein above, in brief.

6. We have heard the learned Advocates for the both sides and perused the complainant petition which has been annexed and annexure 'B'. The averments made in that petition, if considered as correct and in their totality, the same discloses offences under Sections 420/406 of the Penal Code.

7. On the one hand, the impugned proceeding, filed under Sections 420/406, is pending before the trial Court and no order of conviction has yet been recorded. Therefore, section 403 of the Code of Criminal Procedure is not applicable. On the other hand, Section of General Clauses Act is not applicable in the fact and circumstances present case, in as much as, Section 26 bars punishment twice for committing the same offence, but it does not bar prosecution or conviction for committing the same offence.

8. Provisions of to Article 35 of the Constitution are totally foreign to the facts and circumstances of the instant case. Article 35 provides that-

"(1) No person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence, nor be subjected to a penalty greater than, or different from, that which might have been inflicted under the law in force at the time of the commission of the offence.

2) "No person shall be prosecuted and punished for the same offence more than once."

But in the case before us, the offence committed under Sections 420 and 406 are totally different from one committed under Section 138(1) of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, while the ingredients as, well as, the reliefs and punishments provided for, under two laws are different. Section 138(2) provides for imposing fine and to pay fine, to the extent of face value of the dishonoured cheque, to the 'payee'/complainat. Section 138B provides for depositing not less than 50% of the dishonoured cheque in the trial court, for preferring appeal against conviction under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. There is no such provision under Section 420 or 406 of the Penal Code. Besides, joinder of offence committed under Section 138(1) of the Negotiable Instruments Act is not permitted with one committed under the Penal Code.

9. Similar view has been taken in the case reported in 1997 BLD 498 wherein it has been held that "Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Act, is for dishonour of a cheque simpliciter for insufficiency of fund whereas an offence under Section 420 of the Penal Code is for cheating a person. The two offences are two distinct offences under the different laws. The rule of law about the peremptory application of the special law in preference to the general law for trial of an offence under Section 420 of the Penal Code has no application in the instant case. The learned Magistrate committed no illegality in taking cognizance of the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code. The institution of a money suit for realization of the money in question does not debar the prosecution from proceeding with the criminal case."

We do not find any reason to differ from 1997 BLD 498: Md Nurul Islam vs State. Identical view has also been taken in 49 DLR 464: Nurul Islam vs State and in 62 DLR 28: Sheikh Mashuk Rahman vs Stale.

10. Moreover, the Negotiable Instruments Act is a special law and has been recorded in several judgments passed by our apex court.

11. Finally we have turned our attention to the 23 BLT (AD) 76: MA Sukkur vs Md Zahirul Haque.

12. In this case the charge was framed under Section 420 alone. But, it has neither been motted, nor been decided, in this case as to whether Negotiable Instruments Act case is or is not maintainable for filing a case under Sections 420/ 406. As such, we find submission of the learned Advocate for the complainant opposite party that the case reported in 23 BLT (AD) 76 is not applicable to the facts and circumstances of the instant case and it liable to be distinguished.

In view of the deliberation recorded herein above, we find no merit in this Rule.

Order

In the result the Rule is hereby discharged.

The order of stay granted at the time of issuance of the Rule is hereby recalled and vacated.

This is an old case of 2013. The concerned Court is directed to dispose up this matter within 60 working days after receiving copies of this judgment and order.

Send down the copy of the judgment and order to the concerned Court.
Evelyn Sharma wows social media with a song drop on her birthday

Evelyn Sharma never fails to impress us! The Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani actress had yet another Sunny Sunny moment this week. She shared a unique morning gift for her social media fans on her birthday. While Bollywood heads to New York for IIFA, Evelyn leaked a 30-second teaser clip from her upcoming single Land of Dreams shot in LA with US-based music producer-composer Brooklyn Shanti.

The clip had her gyrating to the track sung and written by the spunky gal herself. As the day progressed, she revealed that the song will be exclusively available on Gaana.com, while the full video can now be watched on YouTube.


Siddiqur returns home

Siddiqur Rahman, the college student whose eyes were damaged during a demonstration in the capital last month, yesterday returned home yesterday afternoon from India after his eye treatment there.

The flight carrying Siddiqur landed at Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 3:20pm. Talking to reporters, Siddiqur said, "My health condition is now better. I am grateful to the government for extending its support for my treatment." Siddiqur Rahman was sent to India for eye treatment on July 27. As per the directive of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Health and Family Welfare Ministry arranged his treatment at Chennai's Sankara Nethralaya Hospital. The government will bear the cost of his treatment.

According to physicians, left eye of Siddique was operated at Chennai's Sankara Nethralaya Hospital. After his operation, Siddiqur is physically well, doctors said. Siddiqur was accompanied by his brother Nawab Ali and Dr Zahidul Ahsan Menon, assistant professor of National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital.

Students from seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka University brought out a demonstration at Shahbagh on July 20, demanding announcement of schedules of their examinations.

During the demonstration, Siddiqur received critical eye injury when a shell of teargas hit him.
NBR moves to resolve disputes outside court

Badrul Ahsan :

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is set to quickly resolve disputes relating to value-added tax (VAT) amounting Tk 5,171 crore with mobile operators and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) outside the court, sources said.

To this effect, the revenue authority has recently formed a high-powered committee headed by NBR member (VAT policy) Jahangir Hossain to study the disputes, discuss with the parties and find out ways and place their recommendations accordingly.

The committee consists of representatives from the Association of Mobile Telephone Operators of Bangladesh, BTRC, Large Taxpayers Unit and lawyer Tanjib-ul-Alam who will also work together to expedite the process of settlement of the cases at courts.

The committee was formed at a meeting attended by high officials of mobile operators, BTRC and the NBR held at the NBR, with its chairman Md Nojibur Rahman in the chair.

Of the amount, the accumulated claims of the revenue board from the mobile operators stood at Tk 4,405 crore in VAT in five disputes, while BTRC owes Tk 766 crore in VAT in five disputes with the tax authority.

Most of the cases have long remained pending with the courts, including Appellate Division and NBR's VAT Tribunal.

People having involvement with the development told The New Nation that the committee would also work together for bringing the case relating to VAT registration of the BTRC in cause list of the Appellate Division so that the dispute can be resolved soon.

Court verdict on VAT registration of the BTRC will facilitate settlement of some other disputes, they said.

The committee will also identify disputes particularly of those which have not been challenged in the court by the mobile operators to solve outside the court.

The big dispute in terms of tax amount between the NBR and mobile companies is related to SIM replacement tax in two phases worth Tk 2,048 crore and Tk 883 crore respectively.

The NBR's VAT Tribunal in June gave a verdict in favour of the LTU for VAT within three months but operators went to the High Court against the decision.

The LTU also issued a notice to the operators for paying the second phase SIM replacement tax.

The other disputes include interest on SIM tax, VAT on commercial rent and illegal rebate.

On the other hand, the major dispute between the LTU and telecom regulator is related to VAT worth Tk 269 crore on 2G license fee of Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi and Citycell.

The other disputes are VAT deduction at source on revenue sharing, VAT on merger fee of Robi and Airtel, VAT on 3G license fee of Teletalk and VAT on annual license fee and license acquisition fee of BTCL.


AL out to return to power thru' backdoor: BNP

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said if any party is plotting to return to power through the backdoor in the next elections, it is Awami League. "We've seen this party (AL) repeatedly trying to come to power through the backdoor. They're conspiring again to return to power through the backdoor by misleading people with their unguarded remarks about BNP," he said. The BNP leader further said, "They're thinking of returning to power by holding a January 5, 2014-like one-sided election. But we would like to say another 2014-like election won't be held in 2018. The country's people won't accept such polls." Fakhrul came up with his refutation of AL general secretary Obaidul Quader's comment at a milad and doa mahfil at BNP's Nayapaltan central office. The party arranged the programme seeking early recovery of its chairperson Khaleda Zia who underwent a surgery in her right eye in London on Tuesday.

Earlier on Thursday talking to reporters in Narayanganj, Quader said BNP is desperate to return to power through the backdoor as it has lost everything. Protesting the AL general secretary's comment, Fakhrul said their party always returned to power with public support through struggle and democratic movements. He said though Khaleda Zia went to London for treatment, the ruling party men crafted various dramas over her tour. "They've tried to give it a political colour with an ill motive. Even, they called it a plotting tour. Our leader doesn't need to hatch any plot abroad as people are with her." The BNP leader alleged that the ruling party leaders have got unnerved following the Supreme Court's verdict cancelling the 16th constitutional amendment. "Their comments about the Supreme Court are not only indecent, but also tantamount to contempt of court." He said their party wants the next general election to be held under an election-time supportive government ensuring a level-playing field.


JL leader killed in AL`s factional clash: 25 hurt

Shariatpur Correspondent :

A Juba League leader was killed in a clash between two groups of Awami League supporters at Naria Upazila in Shariatpur district on Friday. The clash took place in the late afternoon, injuring 25 more workers.

The deceased was identified as Iqbal Hossain, 25. He was Vice-President of the Rajnagar Union Juba League. All the injured men have been admitted to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital.

Naria Thana and local sources said that the supporters of Rajnagar union Council Chairman Jakir Gazi and Rajnagar Union Awami League President Dadan Mirbahar fought pitch battle between them, which was the continuity of old enmity over Union Parishad election. So far they battled 10 times. Cases had also been lodged against each other.

Union Parishad Chairman Jakir Gazi's opponents in the local politics are Dadan Mirbahar and former chairman Alimuzzaman Malat.




Insulin price hike causes sufferings to diabetic patients

Reza Mahmud :

Sudden price hike of important medicine like insulin has become source of sufferings for diabetic patients.

"I bought one packet of insulin containing five injections at a cost of Tk 1,700 few days ago. But today the pharmacy owner charged Tk 2,100 for the same. If such price hike takes place, how will we survive?" Questioned Habibur Rahman, a diabetic patients from Jurain in the city on Thursday.

Habib said, he has been suffering from diabetes for

last 10 years. He has been taking Mixtard-30 insulin for last 3 years as per his physician's prescription.

Habibur Rahman was asking the pharmacy owner if the pharmacy owners increase price as per whims, will that be fair?

But the pharmacy owner said that he bought the insulin from wholesale market at increased price. So he was bound to sell with profit. If any consumer feels, he could buy it at increased price or not.

"I am not insisting you to buy it. If you want to buy, then you must pay the new rate," the medicine shop-owner said to Habib.

Habib said to this correspondent that the diabetic patients are bound to buy the medicine at any cost. Because it is their life saving medicine.

"The drug traders are taking the chance of the patients' helpless conditions. They frequently hike prices of life saving medicines," said Jamaluddin, another patient beside Habib.

Jamaluddin said, he is head of a six-member family. He is a street vendor. His income is very limited. After arranging foods for the six-member family, he has nearly no money to buy medicine. But insulin is unavoidable for him. He has also been taking the medicine for last two years.

He claimed that thousands of diabetic patients in the country will suffer for the increased rate of insulin.

Momena Khatun, a 65-year old woman, came from Shariatpur district to BIRDEM Hospital at Shahbagh for treatment.

Momena Khatun said, she is waiting to buy two packets of insulin from the specialised hospital at cheap rate.

She said, the pharmacy owners are now charging insulin at increased rate in her area. But she is unable to buy that. So, she is waiting for long in queue for special rate from BIRDEM Hospital.

Momena Khatun said that she came here with her sons. She will return to her village home soon. But she is now worried about hiked price of insulin which she needs to buy later.

"My son is a factory worker here. I have not much money to collect lots of insulin from BIRDEM at cheap rate. But I need to buy the medicine few days after returning to my village home. I am worried as to how should I manage money to collect the medicine," she said with anxiety.

On the spot this correspondent found that the pharmacies at Jurain, Gandaria, Gulistan and Shahbagh are selling insulin produced by Novo Nordisk, Denmark based medicine manufacturer company at increased rate. The pharmacies are selling the medicine at much higher rate.

When Golam Kibria, the Director of the Directorate General of Drug Administration was tried about his comment, he did not receive the phone calls.




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Credit: Marina ChavezSeether has premiered the video for their song "Betray and Degrade," a single from the band's new album, Poison the Parish.

In the clip, Shaun Morgan and company stiffly play the song in front of a fake forest background while offering creepy smiles. Later, they turn into zombies. You can watch the video now on YouTube.

Poison the Parish also features the lead single "Let You Down." Seether's currently touring the U.S. in support of the album.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
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MURPHYSBORO  If state senators decide to not override Governor Bruce Rauner's veto of Senate Bill 1, there is no alternative school-funding mechanism for schools to return to, local superintendents said.

That means children would be unable to attend school in a few weeks, Carbondale Schools Superintendent Steve Murphy said at the end of a town-hall meeting on the vetoed evidence-based school funding plan. At least three of the superintendents present said that their district would have expected to have received their portion of state funding from the state.

The event was hosted by Murphysboro School Superintendent Chris Grode and others, and in which Brent Clark, executive director of the Illinois Association of Schools Administrators, gave an overview of the bill's history and the impact of its veto.

About 115 people filled the room at Murphysboro's McElvain School, listening to the hour-long presentation and then asking questions for about another hour. Other town-hall style sessions are planned for the state, including one for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, at West Frankfort Middle School.

In the wake of the governor's veto, the bill will go back to the state Senate, whose members will have 15 days to decide whether or not to take action on it, Clark said.

"Once they receive this (end of August), the clock starts to tick," Clark said. "They have 15 days in which they need to take action if they're going to do something. If they do nothing, the bill dies. They're going to take action. They're coming back to Springfield on Sunday."

He said one possibility is legislators would call the amendatory veto and agree to it.

"Now, that will be sport and for show," Clark said. "You know why? It's going to crash in spectacular fashion. When that crashes, that's sending a message, 'Governor, your amendatory veto doesn't have sufficient support in the State Senate to advance to the House.' I guess we'll try to override it."

He and others at the meeting encouraged those in the audience to do something, to find ways to educate their neighbors and friends about the impact the veto would have on them and their children and then to reach out to their elected officials to seek their support of an override.

Some in the group talked about supporting protests or marches in Springfield.

For more information, visit Fix The Formula's website at www.FundingIlFuture.org.
CARBONDALE  Tickets for same-day, round-trip Amtrak service to Carbondale on the day of the eclipse sold out mere hours after the special train was announced earlier this week.

Would-be travelers from Champaign and Chicago pounced on the last-ditch opportunity to experience the total solar eclipse without a need for lodging, as accommodations in the Carbondale area are now more or less booked solid.

The Amtrak Eclipse Express departs at 3 a.m. Aug. 21 from Chicago Union Station; the Champaign departure is 5:05 a.m. It will arrive in Carbondale at 8:30 a.m., giving travelers a chance to catch the eclipse in the afternoon, and will leave the station at 5:15 p.m.

Each customer will receive free ISO-certified eclipse viewing glasses, courtesy of Amtrak and Carbondale Tourism. Tickets were sold for $153 per adult passenger from Chicago and $90 per adult passenger from Champaign.

The special train service, offered as a result of an Amtrak partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation and the CN railway, was announced at 1 p.m. Sunday and sold out by 11 a.m. Monday, said Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari.

We expected it to sell out quickly, but I dont know if anyone here would have predicted 22 hours, especially considering the short notice between our announcement Sunday and the event on the 21st and the fact it is departing at 3 a.m., Magliari said.

Later, Amtrak officials measured the length of the track where the train will be parked in Carbondale and determined that one more 70-seat car could be added on. The company made those seats available online Wednesday afternoon. Customers snapped up the tickets in five hours.

We didnt even announce it, Magliari said.

Space is still available on the City of New Orleans train coming up from the South, Magliari said. Travelers can arrive in Carbondale at about 3:15 a.m. on Aug. 21 from Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi or Louisiana and leave early in the morning on the 22nd.

I think no matter how big we would have made that Eclipse Express train, it probably still would have sold out. The demand is insatiable.  Its really a nationwide phenomenon, and the number one place is right where you are, Magliari said.
NOTE: This story has been updated with new festival times. The festival will conclude at 9 p.m. each night.

MAKANDA  Blue Sky Vineyard has a new sculpture in place to commemorate the 2017 total solar eclipse. The name of the piece is Flew Too Close to the Sun, by Dan Johnson of Alto Pass.

The vineyard offered local artists a chance to create a sculpture to be placed at the site of longest duration of the total solar eclipse in March. That point is 874 feet southeast of the pavilion on the grounds of Blue Sky Vineyard, according to owner Barrett Rochman.

Rochman said the contest drew more than 60 entries, and they even had inquiries from European artists. The hardest part was turning down friends, including some of the artists who did work at Jeremy Boo Rochman Park, known by many as castle park.

Without any special favor, we picked what we liked. We picked a piece from Dan Johnson, Rochman said.

Johnson described the fabricated steel sculpture as a fun piece with a kind of loose aircraft feel.

He created it several years ago, and named it They Didnt believe it Could Fly. It was sitting out in a field. A tornado came through and blew the sculpture down the hill about a quarter mile. Johnson found it in four pieces.

I welded it all back together. It was originally named They Didnt Believe it Could Fly. Then, the tornado did make it fly, so we actually changed its name to Flew too Close to the Sun. Its been through a long hard life, Johnson said.

Johnson described the sculpture as a little hard to look at, adding that you need to walk around it and see it from several different viewpoints to really get a feel for it.

I think thats why Barrett liked it. He felt like it somehow talked about celestial movements, he said.

Rochman said the piece was different, but he did not want to go with the same old feel.

I give him credit for thinking outside the creative box. I like that kind of off look, and thats what Dan brought to it, Rochman said.

The path to the sculpture and point of longest duration has been marked for visitors. It begins at the winery and winds through an apple orchard and into the woods. As visitors come out of the woods, they will see the sculpture on a hill.

It is actually a very nice scenic walk, Rochman said.

The spot of longest duration of totality is clear with no obstructions. Although they have booked both their suites and all RV spaces, Rochman said everyone is invited to come view the eclipse at the vineyard. Camping reservations are not required to view the eclipse on Aug. 21.

The winery is planning a festival with live music Aug. 18 through 21. They will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday.

They have made few changes in the kitchen to help get food to customers quicker. Pizza will not be available eclipse weekend, and olive oil will be going out in smaller plastic containers that will not need washed. Brats and hamburgers have been ordered.

Besides ordering extra food, additional employees will help out eclipse weekend. Rochman said many of them are sleeping in the pavilion or at his home so they will not get caught in traffic.

The Blue Sky website says space will be available on a first come, first served basis. Additional parking will be available and parking attendants will help direct cars. Wine tasting will only be available in the winery. For quicker service, those who know what they want can visit the wine tent, sangria station or pavilion. Customers should bring their own lawn chairs or an outdoor blanket to guarantee seating.

Rochman suggests bringing some extra cash, just in case Wi-Fi goes down. Credit and debit cards will not work if that happens.

He also suggests bringing an extra dose of patience, since this is the first event of this magnitude for Blue Sky and Southern Illinois.

Blue Sky Vineyard is located 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road, Makanda. For more information visit www.blueskyvineyard.com.
SPRINGFIELD  Just days before the school bell's ring, the Democratic-controlled Illinois Legislature is grappling with a Republican governor over how to fix the biggest gap in the U.S. between a state's richest schools and its poorest.

School funding is in limbo after Gov. Bruce Rauner used his veto powers this month to rewrite a funding plan and, among other changes, remove hundreds of millions of dollars for Chicago Public Schools he said would be redistributed to other districts. Democrats, however, say Rauner's changes would result in hundreds of districts statewide receiving less money than they would have under the original bill. The Senate is set to gavel in on Sunday to address Rauner's veto.

Sen. Andy Manar, a Bunker Hill Democrat who sponsored the revamped funding formula, told a small rally Thursday outside a school in a low-income Springfield neighborhood that children across the state are eagerly gathering school supplies in anticipation of a return to the classroom.

"What they don't know is the injustice that's stacked against them the day they walk into kindergarten," Manar said.

Because of decades of state underfunding, Illinois schools are heavily reliant on local property taxes  overall among the highest nationally  meaning those in affluent, largely suburban, areas do well, while inner-city and small, rural districts with less taxable property trail.

The Legislature needs a three-fifths vote in both the Senate and the House to either override Rauner's changes or approve them to be able to send money to schools this year. Most schools have said they have reserves or other cash sources enough to open as scheduled, but few say they'd make it a whole school year without draconian cuts.

Amber Alexander, a Springfield mother of two school-aged children who attended Manar's rally, said kids need to be in school.

"This seems to be politics, and the people affected are the low-income and the children," Alexander said.

Manar predicted Sunday's session would produce a vote to override Rauner, but he said attempts at compromise with the first-term governor also continue. Rauner made substantial changes to the plan, which he has complained is a "bailout" for mismanaged Chicago schools.

Democratic state Sen. Scott Bennett, who represents central Illinois, said with Rauner's changes "every one of my schools is in danger of being hurt."

The Illinois State Board of Education, which is tasked with analyzing Rauner's changes and releasing numbers on how much money each district would receive, had not completed its review as of Friday.

A veto override would be a heavy lift. The legislation was approved with 35 Senate votes, one fewer than needed to overturn the governor. It got 60 votes in the House, 11 short of the three-fifths majority necessary to reverse a veto.

The House has 67 Democrats, so an override would need GOP assistance. House Republicans were excoriated in July when a handful rebuffed Rauner to support an income tax increase that ended a two-year budget stalemate. The House returns Wednesday.

The budget plan included a provision that requires money be distributed to schools only through an "evidence-based" model that funnels money to districts with greater needs  more poverty and fewer English speakers, for example. That's the model drawn up in the vetoed legislation, so without an evidence-based program in law, no state money can go out. The first disbursement was scheduled for Thursday but wasn't made.

Manar and other Democrats working to upgrade the 20-year-old formula insisted that no school district receive less under the new plan than it did this past school year. The formula would then feed money to schools based on what each district needs to provide an "adequate" education.

To advocates, the "hold harmless" provision means that Chicago can keep a grant it received for decades that represented what other districts were reimbursed for special education, transportation and more. Rauner has called that money  along with a requirement that the state pay the employer portion of Chicago teacher pensions, as it does for every other district  a "bailout."

Rauner also changed the legislation so that the "hold harmless" provision for other districts lasts for only three years. "By freezing all districts' base funding at an arbitrary moment in time, it limits the state's ability to reflect fluctuations in enrollment and better target available money to students in need," Rauner, whose office did not respond to a request for comment, wrote in his veto message.

The bill is SB1.
Poverty isnt particular about geography; it affects people everywhere. But in Illinois, rural residents may have a more difficult path out of economic stagnation.

Recovery from the Great Recession has been slower in rural communities compared to their urban counterparts.

Looking at job growth indices in Illinois, rural jobs have just not yet recovered, whereas urban jobs have recovered, said Christopher Merrett, director of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs.

One contributing factor is the reliance on manufacturing jobs in rural Illinois, and the impact of those jobs going away.

There are structural differences between urban and rural counties in respect to their economic base and kinds of jobs that are available, Merrett said. Many of the good blue-collar jobs in rural areas have been eliminated through automation or moved to other parts of country or world.

He said the poster child for this is Galesburg, with Maytags departure. Two decades earlier, International Harvester shut down operations in Canton, and Quincy has seen some of its manufacturing work shifted out.

Studies by the institute show there is a higher proportion of rural people involved in manufacturing than in urban areas. About 14 percent of rural workers are involved in manufacturing, compared to 11 or 12 percent in urban areas.

The tendency of many small communities to put all their economic eggs in one basket can contribute to problems with poverty in rural areas.

Its really hard to retool in an area that doesnt have obvious alternative assets, Merrett said.

The number of people living in poverty rose higher in U.S. rural areas than urban areas on average over the past decade, according to the USDAs Economic Research Service.

ERS statistics through 2015 indicate poverty in U.S. non-metropolitan areas fell by nearly 1 percent from 2014. However, recent research from Iowa State University suggests rural poverty levels in Illinois were at 14.6 percent in 2015 after peaking in 2012 at just under 15 percentt.

ISU data suggests rural poverty rates in Illinois and Missouri are higher than in urban areas in those states.

There are people struggling, and poverty rates are higher in rural America than in urban areas, especially in the south, says Michael Rosmann, a psychologist and farmer from Harlan, Iowa, who runs the Ag Behavioral Health website.

Rosmann says as the ag economy has struggled, more cases of depression and even suicide among rural residents are being reported.

Depression and behavioral problems are more likely to go unreported in rural areas, Rosmann says.

More people have become dependent upon programs such as USDAs SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), he says.

You see this more outside of the Midwest, and we are better off here in regards to a supply of food than other places, Rosmann says. What happens in the Midwest is we have communities that take care of each other, through churches or other types of programs. Its something theyve had to do because help is hard to come by.

While the rest of the U.S. economy struggled for several years, the ag economy was robust. The tables have turned, says Johnathan Hladik, policy program director for the Center for Rural Affairs.

It takes longer for rural areas to climb out of it, he says. We are seeing this increase in rural poverty, and its particularly impacting children. From our view, its a much larger problem that its been in the past.

But all is not bleak in the heartland, Hladik says.

We are seeing communities develop program to help children, he says. We are seeing more after-school programs, so kids can continue learning after school. We are seeing more donations to local food pantries, which have become a vital part of rural communities.

Government policy could have a major impact on all rural residents, especially those living in poverty, says ISU Extension sociologist Paul Lasley.

He says funding cuts in state legislatures as well as Congress have fallen disproportionately on rural residents.

There were a lot of promises made in the last election on revitalizing rural communities, Lasley says. To date, we havent seen much.

He says it is vital that rural poverty issues be brought to light.

You just dont hear a lot about it, but its a significant problem across the heartland, Lasley says. Its not going to go away, and we need to be aware of it and do what we can to help people out.
CAIRO  The richness of Cairos past has given way to the harshness of its present. Now comes what may be the most difficult stage: the uncertainty of its future.

There still is hope in this town steeped in history. Situated at the southernmost point of Illinois, Cairo is enduring a long, slow slide from its status as a bustling city to being one of the poorest rural communities in the state.

Eddie Price has witnessed his home towns slow death for decades. Born and raised in Cairo, he knows residents here who are resigned to a life of poverty.

Some have put themselves to the point where thats it for them, Price said. They dont have that push anymore.

At one time, nearly 16,000 people lived in Cairo. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates its population today at about 2,400.

It is the seat of Alexander County which, according to the Chicago-based Heartland Alliance, is the poorest county in the state with a 28.6 poverty rate.

Cairo is far removed from its heyday as an important Union Army base during the Civil War, and as the destination of Huck and Jim in the classic Mark Twain novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Majestic mansions from the post-war period stand proudly alongside historically rich buildings such as the U.S. Customs House listed on the National Register of Historic places. But boarded-up storefronts, deteriorating homes and weedy lots are in much more abundance.

The drop in riverboat traffic and development of the interstate highway system ushered in a slow decline for the community, strategically located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Race riots in 1969 that prompted the governor to send in National Guard troops hastened the out-migration.

Today the problem is lack of opportunity. There are few jobs in Cairo, and many residents are stuck in the cycle of poverty that has spanned generations.

The latest blow is a scandal involving the Alexander County Housing Authority that has gotten attention at the federal level.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson recently announced that Cairos dilapidated and pest-ridden federal housing units are beyond restoration. HUD is giving residents notice they must soon move out of the units. How many will remain in Cairo is unknown.

They took all the businesses away from here. Now they want to take the family homes, said one woman, who declined to give her name. People lived here all their life. They dont know anything else.

Tiffany George, executive director of the Southern Five Regional Planning District and Development Commission, said the loss of so many residents could spell the end of Cairo.

This is uncharted territory, with the potential loss of the housing development projects there, George said.  If you remove 50 percent of the student body population, what will happen is yet to be seen.

George said that of the five counties served by her organization, all but one had a population decline over the past five years. Like many, she points a finger in the direction of Illinois politicians. Many  including Gov. Bruce Rauner  believe high workers compensation rates, burdensome regulations and inequitable school funding are pushing businesses out of the state and, in turn, stunting economic growth.

The state has not been as friendly as some of the states bordering us, George said. Its very easy to go to Kentucky or Missouri. Its not difficult, from a supplier and customer standpoint, to move the business and not have to deal with regulations and red tape.

Christopher Merrett sees changes in the agricultural industry as one factor in the lack of economic opportunity across rural Illinois. The director of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs maintains that the shift to larger farming operations has had the unintended consequence of depressing the rural economy.

One of the drivers of out-migration has been agricultural productivity, Merrett said.

We need fewer and fewer farms, but bigger farms producing more and more. The impact of that has been depopulation for rural areas. That in itself is a struggle for the non-farm rural economy, and its another factor driving the poverty rate.

But some do care. Cary Minnis, executive director of the Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission, hasnt lost hope in the region surrounding Cairo.

Im an optimistic guy, Minnis said. I see there are quite a bit of good things that are happening. Its not all doom and gloom.
Concord, NH --On Monday, August 21st , Granite Staters will have the rare opportunity to experience a solar eclipse. While New Hampshire is not in the path of a total eclipse, it is close enough that 62% of the sun will be eclipsed by Earths moon, creating a dramatic view of this celestial phenomenon.

The eclipse will begin at approximately 1:25 p.m. and will darken skies from Oregon to South Carolina. The moon will gradually block more and more of New Hampshires view of the sun over the following hour and 18 minutes, until maximum partial eclipse is reached at 2:43 p.m. From 2:43 to 3:55 p.m., the sun will gradually be return to full brightness.

For those who want to live the full experience and learn more about the eclipse, head to McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord which is offering a full day of events starting at 10.30 a.m. with Kids & Family Sun-Related Activities at stations throughout the Discovery Center Observatory tours, solar viewing (pending clear skies), a talk with special guest Kevin Skarupa WMUR Meteorologist: The Nature and Impacts of the Sun at 10:45 a.m., a Planetarium Show at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., followed by a live stream from NASA at noon.

From 1:25 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. gather outside the Discovery Center to watch the Eclipse, guided by educators from the Discovery Center and NH Science Teachers Association and at 2 p.m. join the talk with special guest speaker Andrew DiGiovanni, NH Science Teachers Association: A Space-Birds Eye View of the Sun-Earth-Moon System. For more information, visit www.starhop.com.

For those who want to admire the eclipse from Lake Winnipesaukee, climb aboard the M/S Mount Washington. A special cruise is leaving out Weirs Beach at 12:30 p.m. to enjoy an uninterrupted view of this U.S. exclusive solar eclipse out on the open water of Lake Winnipesaukee. For more information visit www.cruisenh.com or call 603-366-5531.

Head to the mountains to get closer to the eclipse. Waterville Valley is offering a weekend dedicated to the event. On Saturday August 19 from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. join educator and NASA Solar System Ambassador, Sally Jensen at the Curious George Cottage where they will explain how our moon can cover the sun. Learn about the phenomena and be ready to view it on Monday.

On Monday join Rey Center staff and volunteers for an informal viewing of the event. Two small scopes with solar viewing lenses and solar glasses will be available from 1:15 p.m. to 4:05 p.m. For more information visit http://thereycenter.org/solar-eclipse.html.

Keep in mind that it is not safe to look directly at the sun at any time.

Bretton Woods invited Douglas Arion, Professor of Physics and Astronomy from Carthage College, who delivers the astronomy programs at the Omni Mount Washington, who will simulcast the eclipse from his observing location in Stanley, Idaho. Weather permitting, a telescope will be set up at the hotel to watch the partial solar eclipse that will be visible from New Hampshire. For more information visit www.skinh.com.




After years of toiling in the USA and UK to better improve themselves and to make good for their families, nationals of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are returning home to see out their twilight years.





The truth is, though, that many of these returnees are still quick of mind and physically able, and are not prepared to sit in some armchair and watch their twilight years slip idly by.

And so it was that eleven years ago, a group of returnees from the USA and the UK decided to come together, with the initial purpose of creating a bond among themselves. This coming together quickly expanded in purpose, and the group, recognising its members own capacity and resource pool, and their strength in numbers, made it their signal objective to offer assistance to cases of need in their homeland.

Thus was born, in 2006, the United Returnees Association (URA), which today boasts a membership of some thirty highly motivated and committed persons.

Additionally, the URA has developed as a first point of contact and guidance for many Vincentians still resident overseas, who are considering returning home.





Based in the areas straddling the South Central and South Leeward constituencies, the community outreach programme of the URA has, in the main, been concentrated in that area. Of particular focus of the outreach programme is the relationship that the group has fostered with the Golden Years Centre at Buccament. But assistance has also been ongoing as far as education is concerned.





All of this was celebrated in a vibrant exhibition of accomplishment last Tuesday, August 8, at Buccament.

On that day, in temperatures that made it feel as though those gathered were having an extra bath, given the floods of perspiration that flowed from heads to toes, members of the URA converged on an open spot of land at Buccament, to turn the sod for the commencement of construction of their own Club House.

Rev. Mark Da Silva, Roman Catholic priest for the parish into which Buccament falls, was on hand to offer blessings for the safe construction and use of the proposed building, which he described as "symbolic of what should be good intentions.





In his admonition to the members gathered, he urged them to "learn to smile at the storm, as he encouraged them to stay focused and committed, even in the face of detractors, and to do good always.





Kenneth Abraham, Vice President of the URA, deputizing for President James Clark who was absent due to illness, offered words of welcome and thanks, and referred to this "first step as "one more step for the community, since, as he said, the Club House would be used not only by the Association, but "the intention is to make it available for use by the community.





Site preparation is expected to commence soonest, and with plans already approved, a construction team decided upon, the real work should commence, according to Abraham, in the next two weeks.





Construction work is to be undertaken under the watchful and expert eye of Daniel Jeffers of Layou.

For the time being, the URA will continue to meet every last Monday of the month, at the Golden Years Center at Buccament.





And as Abraham said, "Anyone who has been overseas and wants to join the crowd is welcome to do so.
Vincentians are again being urged not to submit applications seeking asylum in Canada, as this may go against having the visa requirement reversed .





Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said in Parliament on July 31, as he presented that Immigration (restriction) Amendment Bill, that he had recently learnt that the Canadian Authorities were reviewing their entire visa policy.

He said that this prompted him to write to the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, a few weeks ago, seeking a reconsideration of the visa requirement in relation to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Back in September 2012, the Canadian government issued a statement that St Vincent and the Grenadines and St Lucia were both having visa restrictions imposed on their citizens.





The reason cited then was that they considered the travel documents from the two countries as unreliable.

However, Gonsalves, then, denied the claims and pointed to the large number of asylum seekers as part of the root cause of the problem.





In Parliament last week, he added that luckily for this country, the government had not implemented a Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), which he said could also affect this countrys chance of having the visa restriction reversed.

" countries had lost that visa waiver because of the Citizenship by Investment Programme, the Prime Minister said.

In June this year, it was reported that Antigua and Barbuda suffered a similar fate as SVG and St Lucia, in having visa free travel to the North American country revoked.

And according to that countrys High Commissioner to Canada, Sir Ronald Sanders, the revocation was as a result of that countrys Citizenship by Investment Programme.





Sir Ronald, in an article in the Antigua Observer , expressed the opinion that, even if the Antigua government were to discontinue the CIP, that this would not assist in having the decision reversed.

During the Monday 31st July sitting of Parliament, Gonsalves posited that the visa restriction remained intact, and that even with the restriction, some persons were overstaying their time, and some were still making refugee claims.





"I am urging Vincentians again, you do that, you are unlikely to succeed, but the more applications like that that you make, the more it is a problem for the Canadian authorities to lift the visa requirement, he said. (DD)
The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital sits along the busy main highway to the Leeward side of mainland St. Vincent.

Daniel Cummings, Parliamentary Representative for West Kingstown, said that he is not satisfied that enough was done on the part of the officials at the Ministry of Health, to deal with the issue of having one anesthesiologist on staff.





"With the simple matter with anesthesiologists, it was so badly handled. If you dont have the resources to allow for flexibility, in this modern age, you can pick up a phone and call in a regional neighbour, and call in one for a month or two, he told members of the press on Wednesday at a press briefing.

According to Cummings, there was no argument that having one active anesthesiologist on duty amounted to a crisis, and that it was either the officials at the ministry of health did not fully understand the impact of the situation, or they simply did not care.

"When we are told that we were expecting one by the last weekend, and that person is on radio and says that he does not know if the person has come in, it clearly sends a signal that he does not understand the situation and the importance of recruiting an anesthesiologist.

This, he said, spoke to the level of chaos at the health facility, and he advanced the view that what was now required was a good management system.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves on Monday explained the situation as it related to the anesthesiologists, saying that the issue arose between June and July, and that there are three on staff  one was granted maternity leave, and a few days following, another got sick.

Finding a quality replacement is not an easy matter, Gonsalves said.

"Quality ones you just cant pick up off the shelf like you do corn flakes.

The Prime Minister added that it was not a case where they were sitting down, but were actively seeking a replacement.

Senior public servants within the ministry were involved in the process, and Dr. Gonsalves said that, once he became aware of the situation, he contacted sources in Cuba.

Minister of Health, Luke Browne was also involved in the process of making contacts for assistance from Taiwan.





"Short term efforts were being tried, Dr. Gonsalves said.

He also explained that it was difficult to predict that two anesthesiologists would have applied for leave due to health or medical reasons, and that provisions will be made in the 2018 budget for a fourth anesthesiologist to be added to the staff at the MCMH.
Heads of delegations, including SVGs Saboto Caesar (extreme right front), to the Sixth Extraordinary Meeting of the Political Council of ALBA.

Member countries, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America, ALBA, have reiterated their support for the Venezuelan government .





The overwhelming show of support came at the Sixth Extraordinary Meeting of the Political Council of ALBA, held in Caracas, August 8, during which members reiterated their support for a non-intervention approach in resolving political tension in Venezuela.





The St. Vincent and the Grenadines delegation to the meeting, is said to have re-affirmed CARICOMs call for dialogue between the government and the opposition in the South American country.

Addressing the Meeting, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said he was ready to receive a commission sent by CARICOM to facilitate dialogue with the opposition, as recently agreed by the Caribbean integration body at a summit in Grenada.





ALBAs Secretary-General David Choquehuanca said the declaration represents the wishes of the people of Latin America who want "peace and solidarity.





"Our people seek harmony, integration, and here we have a declaration of total unconditional support to Venezuelas democracy to its democratically-elected president and to the people who have been valiantly defending their rights and sovereignty, he said.





Following the meeting of the ALBA Political Council, the Vincentian delegation held discussions with the Chairman of the ALBA Bank Ramon Gordils on matters relating to trade and agriculture.





The SVG delegation comprised: Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesa, head of the delegation; Government Senator and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Carlos James; St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador to Venezuela, Andreas Wickham; and a member of the private sector, Norman Pemberton.




Daniel Cummings, MP for West Kingstown, spoke, without giving details, about a practice of theft at the MCMH, this countrys main hospital.

Opposition Parliamentary Representative for West Kingstown Daniel Cummings said that he has evidence of what he termed as "grave corruption at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH).





According to Cummings, while addressing members of the media at a press conference on Wednesday, a number of medical items  either donated or purchased by government  are being taken out of the health facility.

"My information tells me that most of the problems with theft are perpetrated by the higher ups within the ULP and they are protected. Those who are guilty are the untouchables, he said.

Cummings, however, declined to give any detailed information on the allegation, saying that to do so had legal implications.

He did say, though, that he was willing to reveal the evidence at another time.

"But I tell you categorically there is tremendous evidence of grave corruption in medication, supplies at the hospital. I have evidence, I have seen it.

He went on further to indicate that he knew some of those guilty of the practice, adding that they ought to be dealt with.





Political appointments





In addressing the issue of political appointments within the health sector, Cummings said, "In the nursing fraternity at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, there are people who are clearly politically motivated, and are appointed to positions that clearly have nothing to do with nursing, he said.

He added that they had "ears for the Prime Minister.

"Nurses have inordinate authority over the operations of the hospital beyond their call of duty that prevent professional doctors from doing their work, that is a serious conflict, Cummings said.
Bahrain's Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Engineer Essam bin Abdulla Khalaf received at his office the newly appointed construction projects director Engineer Mariam Abdulla Amin.



During the meeting, which was also attended by the Ministrys Works Affairs Undersecretary Engineer Ahmed Al Khayyat, the minister lauded HRH the Prime Ministers trust in the Bahraini competencies and his decision to appoint them in leading positions.



Khalaf also expressed his pride at having Engineer Amin join the Works Ministry to contribute to the development of the Construction Projects Directorate. He wished her success in her endeavours.



Amin expressed happiness at joining the ministry and extended her thanks to the minister for his constant support to ministrys staff.


Halal Expo Dubai, the largest and most comprehensive business-to-business (B2B) halal exposition in the Middle East, and Salaam Gateway have agreed to promote the strategically significant event and to attract foreign halal investment into Dubai.



Salaam Gateway is the global resource for Islamic and Halal industry intelligence, news, information and data.



The agreement will scale-up Halal Expo Dubai within UAE and to the global investors, exhibitors and trade visitors from Halal food, Islamic Banking and Halal lifestyle sectors, said a statement.



Under the partnership agreement the two platforms will undertake regular consultations to review and ensure alignment of ongoing collaborative activities, and to develop a joint work programme, it said.



The agreement will focus on expanding the use of join promotional activities to increase awareness about the Halal Expo Dubai and its programmes, it added.



Halal Expo Dubai is a gateway to the lucrative and growing Middle East Halal market. The event will attract over 4,000 buyers from over 40 countries.



It will provide a platform to introduce new products and services to the Middle East Halal market. Halal dealers and distributors will get a chance for business match-making, alliances, and joint ventures.



Halal Expo Dubai, taking place on September 18, in Dubai, UAE, at Roda Al Bustan Hotel, is a major specialised event in Middle East for Islamic economy.



The show not only focuses on Halal food companies but it also has dedicated spaces for Islamic banks, insurance companies, modest fashion, lifestyle brands, logistics and supply chain, Halal transportation, Halal ports, Halal industry events, Halal certification services and all related businesses.



Raees Ahmed, director, Orange Fairs and Events, the organisers of Halal Expo Dubai, said: The synergy between Halal Expo Dubai and Salaam Gateway is natural.



Both organisations share the common goal of promoting Dubai as the centre of Halal trade all over the world. The partnership will give global outreach to the event, he said.



International Halal buyers and sellers will reap maximum benefit from the two-day networking and will have a golden chance to expand into UAE, and to wider Middle East market, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
Gulf Inject, a unit of Julphar  a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer in the region, has signed a local distribution agreement with Zulekha Healthcare Group.



The event was held at the Gulf Inject manufacturing facility located in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, in the presence of dignitaries and representatives from both companies, said a statement.



Launched in 1994, Gulf Inject produces world-class intravenous (IV) fluids and has established itself as a regional leader in fluid management.



The facility was upgraded in 2013 to comply with current GMP requirements and its local partnership agreement with Zulekha Healthcare Group is expected to positively impact current business in the UAE, it said.



Gulf Injects general manager Dr Ashraf Abu Arrah said: Our vision is to be a leader in the formulation of sterile solutions in the region and I strongly believe that our newly-signed distribution agreement with the well-established healthcare service provider Zulekha will help us achieve our goal and better serve the local healthcare community.



Anubhav Gautam, managing director at Royal Care Medical and Channel Partner Zulekha Store, said: The agreement will tremendously change the existing business environment.



Gulf inject is a market leader in its product range and we are well-known in the GCC in the supply chain management field, he said.



This partnership can only benefit both parties by bringing in new synergy and stability in their respective business, he concluded.  TradeArabia News Service


UAE-based telecom services operator du was recently recognised for its continued commitment to its employees for the 4th consecutive year by the prestigious Gallup Great Workplace Award.



Recognised for its extraordinary ability to create engaged workplace cultures that drive business outcomes, du is the only telecommunications company to win the Gallup Award in the world for its engaging and happy workplace, said a statement from the company.



The Gallup Great Workplace Award recognises exceptional organisations, whose leadership understands that employee engagement drives real business outcomes, and who have mastered how to engage their workforces.



As the only telecommunications company amongst the 40 global organisations, du exemplifies engagement standards in the industry and for the region, it said.



Ibrahim Nasser, chief human capital and administration officer, du, said: We are dedicated to adding life to life to people throughout the UAE, and especially our employees. We charge our workplace with positivity and ensure our employees are happy.



Du continues to align itself and initiatives with the directive of the UAE government, and this includes driving the happiness agenda through various initiatives. Over the years, du has established a number of internal initiatives to create an engaged and happy workforce. These include the creation of du University  making learning and development accessible to employees throughout the company.



This allowed du to help its employees through various levels of their career, be it within the telco or outside, so they are able to confidently deliver innovative products and serve customers better. The du University includes the Retail Sales & Service Academy and the Enterprise Sales Academy.



In the past year, du added the School of Technology and Contact Center Academy, and which trains employees on essential business and leadership skills mapped to their career level. During 2016, close to 1,600 of du employees attended various programmes through du University, averaging seven training days each.



In addition, 931 of employees took 227 online learning modules, averaging 5.5 hours of online learning per employee. 215 Emirati employees at the company also graduated with enhanced leadership capabilities from the School of Leadership under the du University training framework.



Du also provides training initiatives for its employees in the workplace, to help them acquire new skills, which enables them to use the best means to achieve happiness and positivity in their respective institutions and entities.



Other initiatives aimed at increasing employee engagement and happiness include various volunteering opportunities that provide dus employees with the chance to step beyond their professional lives and reconnect with their communities in more fulfilling ways.



Du has offered its employees the chance to partake in initiatives such as helping those in need, improving the natural environment, and donating blood through the telcos Drop of Life campaign. Throughout the Year of Giving 2017 alone, du has already achieved 9,400 out of its annual volunteering target of 10,000 hours thus far, and over 8,000 hours were achieved during Ramadan.



To deliver on its promise of a happy work environment, du has introduced a number of policies this year including an extended maternity leave and flexible timings for employees amongst others. Our wellness program continues to be incredibly popular amongst employees. Through it, du promotes a healthy lifestyle.



Since 2009, du has invested in a specialised clinic for employees and their families with the management of occupational medicine by professional and dedicated doctors and nursing staff, and over the years, du has also organised a variety of health events and competitions for employees, with a special focus on the importance of sustainability in all activities dividing these into collective and individual activities to promote happiness and wellness.



To ensure clear and transparent communications throughout all departments, regular HR Town Hall meetings take place, where employees are given a fair voice, and the C-Suite Town Hall meetings enable the workforce to stay connected and updated with everything that is going on, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
The UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared 2018 as the "Year of Zayed" in the country.



2018 marks 100 years since the birth of the late founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the announcement was made on the anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed's Accession Day - the day he assumed leadership in Abu Dhabi (August 6, 1966), marking the start of a new epoch in the history of UAE, said a Wam news agency report.



The Year of Zayed will highlight the role of the late leader in establishing the UAE Federation, and his local, regional and international achievements.



The Year of Zayed will seek to achieve several objectives, including being a time to highlight the role of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in establishing the UAE and consolidating its foundations of modern development, with an emphasis on the nation's local, regional and global achievements, and continue to form the basis of this countrys progress.



The Year of Zayed will seek to share Sheikh Zayed's values and principles, as well as one of the greatest world leaders, with an inspirational wisdom, vision and patience.



This celebration will strengthen Sheikh Zayed's stature as a symbol of patriotism and love for the nation.



The Year will be an opportunity to portray Sheikh Zayeds legacy in forthcoming projects and initiatives that express his vision and values.



Sheikh Khalifa said that setting 2018 as the Year of Zayed reflects the unique standing that the late leader holds with every Emirati as the founding leader of the union.



With his wisdom and goodness, Sheikh Zayed set the foundations of modern development across all sectors in the UAE. His generosity is experienced not only in the UAE and the Gulf region, but also throughout the Arab world and internationally, with contributions and initiatives that continue to reflect his unerring skill as a modern leader, who gained the respect of so many people around world.



President Sheikh Khalifa said: "On this day, August 6th, a new era dawned upon us all when the late Sheikh Zayed assumed command of the Abu Dhabi government, and began the march towards unity, prosperity and societal development."



President Sheikh Khalifa pointed out that the late Sheikh Zayed was able to lay down solid foundations for a strong, united nation that balanced the requirements for modernity while preserving the cultural and social heritage of the UAE. This effective model has been a source of inspiration for countries seeking progress.



President Sheikh Khalifa said, "The Year of Zayed is a great national occasion when we will proudly share memories of the life of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his gift to us of deeply-rooted values, principles and traditions that have become part of our Emirati identity."



He added that this is especially true since the Union that Sheikh Zayed established with his brothers, the Rulers of the UAE, was based on unity and solidarity to build a progressive society that benefits everyone, and in which people live in security and stability.



The President called upon all the nation's people to uphold the noble values instilled in them by the late Sheikh Zayed, including those of wisdom, respect, determination, loyalty, a sense of belonging to the nation, and a willingness to make sacrifices at whatever cost.



Accordingly, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in response to the President's directives and to achieve the years goals, called for the launch of a comprehensive framework to develop an integrated and consolidated agenda that activates initiatives within all federal and local institutions.



Sheikh Mohammed said: "We celebrate the centennial anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest and most noble men who dedicated his life for the present and future of the nation."
A feud between Casper City Council members escalated Thursday after Councilman Jesse Morgan sent an email to colleagues asking that the mayor and vice mayor issue a formal reprimand to Councilwoman Amanda Huckabay for what he described as inappropriate behavior.

Huckabay has been critical of comments Morgan made at the City Council meeting this week regarding the connection between alcohol consumption and crime. In addition to speaking out at the meeting, Huckabay posted Morgans letter on social media and suggested it may have been politically motivated.

Morgan said that Huckabay has acted unprofessionally by attacking him on social media and misrepresenting his words.

Its blown up online saying I support rape, Morgan said. I cant even try to make sense of it in my head because it doesnt compute.

Dispute over meaning

During the regular open discussion period at the end of Tuesdays meeting, Morgan said he had learned from law enforcement officials at a local sexual assault panel that alcohol consumption was tied to crime in Casper and suggested placing breathalyzers at bars so patrons can gauge how drunk they are. While Morgan did not appear to be focusing on sexual assault when he mentioned alcohol consumption, Huckabay seized on the perceived connection and called his comments ignorant, leading to a tense exchange at the meeting.

After Morgan, Mayor Kenyne Humphrey and Interim Police Chief Steve Schulz had discussed the prospect of having police officers patrol bars and offer patrons voluntary breathalyzers to help prevent, among other things, drunk driving, Huckabay returned to Morgans reference to the sexual assault forum.

Waving off appeals from Humphrey not to attack him, Huckabay claimed that Morgan was attempting to blame alcohol for sexual assaults in the city.

To say that theres so many sexual assaults that are having to do with alcohol and that perhaps education might remedy this  Huckabay began before Morgan interjected and disputed her characterization.

Rapists rape, alcohol doesnt rape, Huckabay concluded.

Morgan continued to protest, noting that he never said that sexual assaults in Casper were being caused by alcohol. Morgan raised the issue of alcohol consumption following a discussion of bars in Casper and the issuance of liquor licenses. He often presents ideas to Council at the end of meetings that are unrelated to the meeting agenda.

History of advocacy

Huckabay and Morgan were both elected last fall, and much of Huckabays campaign focused largely on advocating for women who have been sexually assaulted. Huckabay said a major impetus in running for office came after women rallied to her side after a man exposed himself to her young daughter a few months before the election.

Since joining the Council, Huckabay has prioritized improving the police departments response to sexual assault and domestic violence. A group of women who had been speaking at Council meetings about being assaulted and what they perceived as a poor response from law enforcement have rallied around Huckabay.

The issue is personal for Huckabay, who has described herself as a survivor of rape, and said on social media that Morgans remarks on Tuesday hurt her.

I try to maintain my composure, Huckabay wrote Thursday on Facebook. However, I do have compound PTSD from numerous rapes, and that comment triggered me deeply.

But Morgan is also not the first person to accuse Huckabay of misrepresenting the facts surrounding her sexual assault-related advocacy.

Huckabay said that after the man exposed himself to her daughter she learned that there had been many similar incidents in the area that police had ignored. Then-police chief Jim Wetzel said that was false and that Huckabay had intentionally misrepresented the facts for political gain.

Wetzel, who was ousted by then-Interim City Manager Liz Becher in May, was another target of Huckabays ire during a City Council meeting. Following the release of a survey conducted by the local lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, Huckabay read out a profane comment targeting Wetzel that was included in the document.

He has made officers more scared of his [expletive] rules... than they are of getting shot, Huckabay read as Wetzel stood in the back of Council chambers. If youre proactive you have a chance of actually fighting crime and then getting [expletive] by Wetzels discipline matrix.

Vice Mayor Ray Pacheco rebuked Huckabay for attacking a city employee at the time. But in an interview Friday, Humphrey said that Huckabay was unlikely to change her style of communication surrounding issues of sexual assault.

She is who she is, and shes not going to change her communication style to fit the political mold, Humphrey said.

Request for reprimand

In his email to Council, Morgan claimed that Huckabay was violating a city ordinance setting conduct standards for elected officials including not bringing embarrassment to the city and also suggested Huckabay may have been involved in leaking emails sent between Council members.

Humphrey said she was looking into the rules governing the behavior of Council members and would consider sanctioning Huckabay. But, Humphrey said, she hoped it would not come to that.

I would prefer that we dont have to take it to that level, she said. My ultimate goal ... would be that these two individuals are able to communicate before it needs to get to that next step.

Your guide to Casper City Council If its happening in the Oil City, chances are Casper City Council has some say in it. From 

Morgan said he called and left a voicemail for Huckabay before sending the letter to Council and called her again Friday morning but had not heard back. Huckabay did not respond to a request for comment but told K2 Radio on Thursday evening that she did not return Morgans call because she had been in a car accident and was also busy with work.

Morgan said in an interview that he did not want Huckabay removed from Council but hoped that a reprimand from Council leadership might change what he viewed as her unprofessional behavior.

I dont believe that members of a board should remove people from office that are elected, he said.

But Morgan was clearly frustrated with Huckabay and the backlash he has received on Facebook, including comments on the initial Star-Tribune story about his and Huckabays disagreement and in closed Facebook groups. Huckabay posted his letter in the Feminists of Casper Facebook group.

She unfriended me and then posted it, Morgan said. Thats how shes dealing with it, and she hasnt returned any of my calls.

The spat recalls a more contentious period on City Council, when the city law allowing Council members to be unseated for inappropriate behavior was passed at the urging of then-City Manager John Patterson amid an ongoing dispute with Councilman Craig Hedquist in 2015. Hedquist eventually resigned his seat and sued Patterson and the city of Casper for civil rights violations. A judge dismissed that suit in the spring, but Hedquist is appealing.

While Council has generally moved to more cordial interactions since then, the past few months have seen some heated interactions. Notably, members Dallas Laird and Bob Hopkins have butted heads over various issues, and Laird has clashed with other members over the citys budget.

But Humphrey said she was not worried about the disagreements on Council.

Weve had a lot of heavy topics with Council that we havent necessarily had in the past, she acknowledged. But even though it feels difficult, tiring, long, in the end we will be a stronger city.
Wyoming law caps the number of liquor licenses cities can issue based on their population, but a recent legislative change means entrepreneurs hoping for a bar and grill license in Casper will have a better shot at success.

The state Legislature rewrote the law and we are [now] allowed to have 14 for our citys population of roughly 60,000 people, said Pete Meyers, the assistant support services director for the city of Casper.

Casper was previously permitted to hold eight, meaning six licenses will be up for grabs when the application process starts in September, Meyers said.

During the Casper City Councils work session Tuesday night, members discussed how to handle the increase.

Last year, when only one license was available, the Council reviewed all applications, allowed a few strong contenders to make a presentation and then took a vote, said Tracey Belser, assistant city manager for the Support Services Department.

Applicants were required to use the license for a downtown business, she added.

Remarking that downtown was already too bar-heavy, Councilwoman Amanda Huckabay said she saw no reason that applicants should be required to use the license in only one specific area of the city.

Mayor Kenyne Humphrey agreed and said the Council could remove that geographical qualification this year.

Huckabay described herself as a shop local type of person, and said at least half of the licenses should go to local businesses.

Councilman Jesse Morgan agreed, and said he would be open to giving all the licenses to local residents if there was an overwhelming response.

Other Council members expressed concerns about awarding the licenses all at once.

Every time you release one, you are affecting every other business out there, said Councilman Charlie Powell.

Councilman Dallas Laird said his colleagues should consider keeping one license available in case a major chain expressed interest in the city later in the year.

We have to give this a lot of thought, he said.

In the end, council members agreed that there was no need to overhaul their existing process. But they did decide on some minor changes, including eliminating the geographic requirements. They also indicated support for Lairds suggestion to not give out all of the licenses at once.

It was a reasonable process [last year] and we had a good outcome, said Bob Hopkins.
A left-wing group has accused Sen. President Eli Bebout and other Senate Republicans of using the school funding review process as political cover for education cuts while taking aim at the speed and transparency of the process itself.

Better Wyoming, which bills itself as a communications hub for progressive politics, accused Bebout of preparing to introduce sweeping cuts to public education should the work of the re-calibration committee  a group of lawmakers charged with overseeing consultants review of school financing  not produce significant cost savings.

The states school system faces a $530 million funding deficit in the coming two-year budget cycle, according to estimates from the Legislative Service Office. Earlier this year, lawmakers from both the House and the Senate called for re-calibration to begin three years ahead of schedule, apparently as a way to look at cutting into the shortfall.

When (re-calibration) fails to significantly reduce costs, (Bebouts) going to to try his damnedest to push through legislation to increase class sizes and cut school programs, Better Wyoming writes.

On Friday, Bebout denied that he was using re-calibration as political cover. He said that the process will have to play out but added that if re-calibration ends and lawmakers are advised by consultants to spend the same amount  or even more  on schools then he would want to have a serious discussion about the broader funding system itself. That system was forged through years of lawsuits and beneath the watchful eyes of the state Supreme Court.

He reiterated his opposition to any tax increases and said he supported a constitutional amendment that would give the Legislature oversight of education spending, rather than the courts. A bill to bring the issue to Wyoming voters passed the Senate but died in the House earlier this year.

At the core, Bebout said, is his and other Senate Republicans belief that Wyoming spends too much for the results its getting.

I just think we need to have an overall evaluation of how we spend the money and get the results for the money were spending, he said, adding that a $200 million cut  phased in over time  could be a solution.

Boyd Brown, the superintendent of Campbell County School District, said that there is concern about the process being political cover for cuts. But he added that the Senate doesnt make decisions alone. Indeed, the House last session killed a number of Senate measures that wouldve rolled out steep cuts or changed the landscape of education funding in Wyoming.

Im not quite as skeptical as the authors of the (Better Wyoming) press release, he said.

Still, state educators have long been concerned that the re-calibration process will be used solely to reduce funding. They and some lawmakers  including committee co-chairman Rep. Albert Sommers  have maintained that re-calibration is a process to determine what constitutes an adequate education for all of Wyomings students. After thats established, lawmakers and the consultants they hired will have to determine how to pay for it.

In the end, are we here to do a comprehensive solution? House Speaker Steve Harshman asked at the beginning of the first re-calibration meeting in May. If we think recalibration is going to somehow find $400 million a year in savings, I think we traveled here for the wrong reason today.

Theoretically, educators and legislators have said, the cost for paying for education in Wyoming could go up after re-calibration.

Based off of the fear that re-calibration will not be used as a good-faith way to look at how Wyoming students should be taught, several large districts have passed resolutions authorizing them to sue the state should they feel cuts have gone too far.

Bebout said he thought lawsuits were the wrong approach, but he appeared unfazed by the possibility.

Have at it, he said.

Better Wyoming also accused the re-calibration committee of doing its work hastily  a fact acknowledged by the committee  and outside the publics sight. (Lawmakers have met three times since May: twice in Casper, and once in Riverton. That meeting was broadcast by Wyoming PBS.)

The timeline certainly presents complications, as pointed out by both lawmakers and prominent educators. The consultants must review the current funding model and prepare at least three alternative approaches, along with other work, by December or January.

The cause of the time crunch is clear: Re-calibration usually takes place every five years. This time, its is three years ahead of schedule and occurs in the midst of a funding crisis such as the state has not seen for years.
The University of Wyoming has hired its first associate vice provost for enrollment management as the school looks to bounce back from years of stagnant admissions.

UWs board of trustees approved the hiring of Kyle Moore, the director of admissions at West Texas A&M University, on Wednesday. He will take the reins of several enrollment-related areas at the school, including the financial aid and registrar offices. He will report to Provost Kate Miller, according to a university press release.

During his five years as admissions director at West Texas A&M, Moore helped grow the schools enrollment from 8,000 to 10,000, according to the release.

Moore is charged with providing leadership and coordination in building a holistic and integrated strategic enrollment management function that is consistent with the goals, mission and resources of the university, the release said.

UW saw a decline of nearly 200 students in fall 2016, a drop that couldve been even worse had administrators not worked through the summer to help close the gap, President Laurie Nichols has said. It was the low point after several years of flat enrollment.

But, for this fall at least, the university has bounced back: Officials anticipate a record freshman class to descend on Laramie. University leaders have attributed the success to its long-term enrollment plan, drawn up over the past several months with the help of a Chicago-based consultant.

Nichols told the Star-Tribune in July that the universitys lack of a strategic plan with clear goals for enrollment was a leading cause in the 2016 decline. The board of trustees approved a new blueprint  the schools first in several years  last month.

Mary Aguayo, who held the enrollment management position on an interim basis, will be the director of both transfer relations and the new transfer success center.
Wyomings lone U.S. House Rep. Liz Cheney is backing the aggressive statements made by President Donald Trump and other administration officials threatening North Korea with destruction over its nuclear weapons program, while the states U.S. Sens. John Barrasso and Mike Enzi are taking more measured stances.

Cheney said in an interview Thursday that Trumps comments earlier this week that the North Korean regime of Kim Jung Un would face fire and fury if it continued to threaten the United States were justified.

Frankly, I dont think that the statements have been over the top, Cheney said. If we are forced to respond ... Kim Jung Un will face the kind of response he cant even contemplate.

In contrast to Cheneys aggressive rhetoric, Enzis office released a statement that focused on diplomacy and praised recent sanctions on North Korea passed by both the United Nations Security Council and Congress.

Senator Enzi believes the United States must use every diplomatic tool available to try to reach a solution to this very dangerous situation, spokesman Max DOnofrio wrote. But we must also take prudent steps to ensure that our defense needs are met.

Barrasso struck a position between the other members of the Wyoming delegation, praising international diplomacy and noting that we cant face this threat alone, while also using vague, if forceful, language.

Our nation will act to shut down North Koreas nuclear program, Barrasso said in a statement.

New threats

Trump issued a new threat to North Korea on Thursday, demanding that Kims government get their act together or face extraordinary trouble. He said his previous fire and fury warning to Pyongyang might have been too mild.

Still, he declined to say whether the U.S. is considering a pre-emptive military strike, arguing that his administration never discusses such deliberations publicly.

It is widely expected that any military conflict with North Korea would lead to severe casualties in the region. South Korea, home to over 50 million people, is within easy striking distance of the Norths artillery. Nearby Japan, another American ally, would also be at risk of having the North rain rockets down on its major population centers.

Consequences

Cheney said she understood that a military intervention would pose risks but that her priority was ensuring that North Korea does not develop the capability to strike American cities with nuclear weapons.

The level of casualties we would see if military action was needed is devastating, she said. At the same time, the alternative is to decide youre going to acquiescence and live in a world where the North Korean regime  which is a murderous, torturous regime  can hold Los Angeles hostage or hold Seattle hostage.

Barrasso echoed that concern in his statement, saying that Americans should be concerned about a world in which North Korea is able to strike the continental U.S. with nuclear weapons.

Despite his emphasis on diplomacy, Enzi was also critical of the North Korean regime and its intentions.

The government of North Korea has made its priorities clear by investing in its military structure and threatening the United States and our allies and partner nations in the region, all while neglecting its citizens, he wrote.

Cheney did not rule out diplomacy. She praised the U.N. sanctions, specifically highlighting China and Russias support for the measures and said that the bellicose statements by Trump and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis were part of the diplomacy.

The Republican said that she was concerned that after years of failed negotiations in which the North was widely seen as coming out ahead, Kim may not believe that the U.S. is serious about using military force. Cheney also emphasized the importance of making China understand that if it does not enforce sanctions against the North, the U.S. may use force against North Korea.

As a regional power and American rival, China may be happy to see Kim antagonizing the U.S., Cheney said. But if the Chinese government believes the risk of war is real, it may be more likely to enforce crippling sanctions.

What they dont want is conflict on the Peninsula where the United States is involved, Cheney said.

Asked about the prospect for millions of deaths and potential cost of rebuilding a destroyed North Korea following war, Cheney acknowledged drawbacks.

Obviously there are consequences to actions, she said.

Guam at risk

North Korea announced a detailed plan on Wednesday to launch a salvo of ballistic missiles toward the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, a major military hub and home to U.S. bombers. That announcement had been a response to Trumps threat that the North would face fire and fury like the world has never seen if it threatened the U.S. again.

The threatened attack near Guam, if carried out, would be the Norths most provocative missile launch to date. The North said it is finalizing a plan to fire four of its Hwasong-12 missiles over Japan and into waters around the tiny island, which hosts 7,000 U.S. military personnel on two main bases and has a population of 160,000.

North Korea, no stranger to bluffing, frequently uses extremely bellicose rhetoric with warnings of military action to keep its adversaries on their heels. It generally couches its threats with language stating it will not attack the United States unless it has been attacked first or has determined an attack is imminent.

But the statement raised worries amid threats from both sides.

South Koreas military responded by saying North Korea will face a stern and strong response from Washington and Seoul. Taking it a step further, Japans Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told parliament a missile attack on the U.S. territory would be a Japanese national emergency because it would threaten Japans existence as a nation.

Missile defense

Guam lies about 2,100 miles from the Korean Peninsula, and its extremely unlikely Kims government would risk annihilation with a pre-emptive attack on U.S. citizens. Its also unclear how reliable North Koreas missiles would be against such a distant target, but no one was writing off the danger completely.

Washington has been testing its missile defenses in response to the Norths stepped-up development and the current escalation of tensions could lead to pressure for the U.S. military to try to shoot down the Norths missiles in midflight if they are heading toward Guam.

That would likely open up a set of very major problems, including the possibility of both a very high-profile failure or a miscalculation of Washingtons intentions and a more deadly pre-emptive strike by the North  which has missiles able to hit Tokyo and conventional weapons that could devastate South Koreas capital of Seoul.

Cheney said her immediate goal was improving domestic American missile defense systems. She introduced a successful amendment last week to a defense appropriations bill that would allow the Pentagon to move more of its existing funding to missile defense requirements resulting from urgent or emergent operational needs.

Weve got to do a much better job at moving more quickly in terms of getting ground-based interceptors in place and getting more complete coverage in place, Cheney said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Tired of the endless, mind-numbing ads on cable TV? Irked by the high cost of a subscription?

Well, youre not alone. More and more people are cutting the cord with cable TV in favor of ad-free systems like Netflix or HBO. The cable TV industry lost about 762,000 subscribers in the first months of 2017, according to an article in the May issue of Business Inside. A chart accompanying the article shows cable TV went from 1.5 percent growth in 2010 to minus 2.4 percent in the first quarter of 2017.

For the past 15 years, some experts have been predicting that cord-cutting was the future, while others maintained the drop in subscriptions was only temporary and not a trend. The drain has accelerated in recent months, however, which means new streaming TV bundles arent going to staunch the loss of customers any time soon.

The change in consumer preferences raises the question of whether cable TVs ads-plus subscriptions model will continue to dominate the market. Cable TV providers, according to public opinion polls, are among the most despised businesses in the country, coming in behind airlines, banks and drug companies, a financial report in The New Yorker magazine said.

The complaints are so numerous, a small industry of people who negotiate on behalf of consumers has developed. The cable TV company in this report is Spectrum. The big backlash against the companys cable rates is roiling Lexington, Kentucky.

Companies that attract the most fervent animosity are the result of market consolidation. Spectrum, the product of a merger between Time Warner and Charter Communications, is one of five companies that now dominate telecommunications service in the U.S. The others are Comcast and the telephone service providers Verizon and AT&T and Century Link.

The companies have carved up the country so that in many places there is only one reliable provider to send e-mail, get news on the internet or to stream Netflix.

In urban areas, cable TV is essentially a monopoly. Wyoming has four different television providers. Spectrum or Charter Spectrum serves Cheyenne. The service can be exasperating. An outage of some sort last Sunday lasted for hours. But I have found the customer service folks to be helpful and patient. A spokesperson in Cheyenne Mayor Marian Orr s office said last week she knew of no recent complaints from Spectrum customers.

Perhaps we are too passive. The drawbacks of a monopoly, a noncompetitive market became apparent in Lexington and generated a center of resistance to Spectrum. The mayors office in Lexington began getting phone calls from constituents who were irate about their bills shortly after the Time Warner Charter merger took place. One employee works on the complaints full time and records them on a large spreadsheet, the magazine article said.

The city can do little about the situation. It has, however, scheduled a town meeting later this month to allow the residents to air their complaints about the cable TV company. About 800 people were expected to attend.

Some of the complaints are shocking. An elderly disabled woman saw her cable TV bill jump from $90 per month to $131. She eventually reached an agreement with Spectrum for an increase in her bill to $116 per month for her favorite channels. Spectrum said the price changes reflected promotional deals by Time Warner that had expired.

Meanwhile, Democratic congressional leaders, in their new agenda, singled out cable TV companies as an example of bad anti-trust laws. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pledged to fight to allow regulators to break up big companies if theyre hurting consumers.

The effort isnt expected to go far with the Republican majority in Congress and the anti-regulatory campaign from the White House. President Trumps new FCC chairman is a former Verizon lawyer named Ajit Pai. His plan is to allow companies to raise rates even further and to abandon a program to bring competition into the market for cable setup boxes.

I have family members who have ditched cable entirely and say they dont miss it. Others are planning to do so at some point. As a political and policy wonk, I am addicted to cable TV news and will stick with it for now.

However, that annoying Liberty Mutual Insurance ad may eventually drive me away, too.
The Pio Decimo Center, an agency of Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, announced a scholarship program to help children attend its preschool and pre-kindergarten programming.

The Open Door Scholarship Fund in Loving Memory of Elizabeth Ann Parkman was made possible with a $200,000 grant from the Elizabeth Ann Parkman Foundation and co-trustee Nan White and trustee Rosalie "Roz" Parkman, the daughter of the foundation's late namesake.

The early childhood program at the center focuses on literacy and kindergarten readiness. Families can receive scholarships depending on their financial situation, according to press materials.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some Aug. 11 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.
PHOENIX  Arizonas regents told the attorney general Thursday they have no plans to hike tuition for dreamers unless ordered to by the Supreme Court.

In a letter, Regents President Eileen Klein urged the Attorney Generals Office not to pursue legal action against the board over the policy to allow students in the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to pay in-state tuition if they meet other residency requirements.

She acknowledged that the Court of Appeals ruled last month an identical policy of the Maricopa County Community College District governing board is illegal. The appellate judges, ruling on a lawsuit brought by the Attorney Generals Office, said the tuition policy for DACA students, known as dreamers, violates state and federal laws.

But Klein pointed out the Maricopa colleges are asking the state Supreme Court to overturn that decision. She urged Attorney General Mark Brnovichs chief deputy, Michael Bailey, to wait until that ruling comes out  which could take months  before proceeding against the university system.

Klein said if the high court agrees with the appellate panel, the regents will act accordingly and scrap the in-state tuition policy.

The Obama administration created the DACA program in 2012, allowing people who arrived in this country illegally as children to remain if they meet certain conditions.

Bailey, in his original demand last month for the regents to explain their policy, indicated that, in general, the Attorney Generals Office prefers to await a final court ruling in pending cases before looking for others to sue over the same issue.

Whats different this time, though, is that former state Senate President Russell Pearce is threatening to sue if Brnovich does not.

Arizona law specifically allows the filing of citizen lawsuits to enforce the law if state officials do not act within 60 days of a demand. That deadline is Sept. 9 in this case.

Judicial Watch attorney Jim Peterson, representing Pearce, renewed his threat Thursday after reading Kleins letter to Bailey.

The Board of Regents has thumbed its nose at the attorney general and the law, he said. If the attorney general does not act, Russell Pearce and Judicial Watch will.

Regents Chairman Bill Ridenour acknowledged the Judicial Watch threat, but said board members are not concerned.

By the time they file litigation and we go through all the time lapses in the lower court, the Arizona Supreme Court surely will have given us some direction by that time, Ridenour said.

Klein argued that it makes sense to await a Supreme Court decision before her board reconsiders its policy.

Immediate termination of in-state tuition would have a devastating impact on hundreds of innocent young people, she said in her letter to Bailey. And with the Maricopa case before the high court, Klein said filing suit against the regents would be an imprudent use of state resources.

Theres another factor, however, at work. The law allowing citizen lawsuits when the attorney general refuses to act provides for the state to recover any improper expenditures  in this case, the difference between what dreamers would have to pay if they were not charged in-state tuition  as well as costs and fees that could be equal to 40 percent of the amount recovered. Peterson pointed that out to Brnovich in a July letter.

Theres also a threat that the regents could be found personally liable for money the state failed to collect from the dreamers.

We have discussed that at great length, Ridenour said. Any time that rears its ugly head, then the regents surely want to know what kind of standing that they have.

But he said board members do not believe their own finances are at risk.

Theres a statute that says the regents have immunity from personal liability when theyre acting in good faith, Ridenour said, adding that it is squarely within the responsibility of the board to set tuition.

Ridenour, who is an attorney, said the fact the Court of Appeals declared that dreamers are not entitled to in-state tuition does not undermine the good faith defense of the board.

Its not the final authority, he said.

Brnovich called Thursdays response from Klein disappointing, noting her repeated references to the hardships that would be faced by DACA recipients if they have to pay more than in-state tuition.

We requested a legal analysis but received a policy argument instead, he said. Brnovich said the purpose of asking for input from the regents was to understand why they believe their tuition policy does not violate a 2006 voter-approved law.

That law says someone who is without lawful immigration status is not entitled to in-state tuition at any state university or community college. It also makes off-limits any tuition or fee waivers, scholarships or financial assistance subsidized or paid in whole or in part with state monies.

If the high court agrees with the attorney general, the regents already have a fallback position in place. It entitles people who do not qualify for in-state tuition but have graduated from an Arizona high school to pay a tuition equal to 150 percent of the rate charged to residents.

Board members said that satisfies the 2006 law because the figure, on average, covers the actual cost of tuition without any subsidy of state tax dollars.

But Klein, in her letter to Bailey, said that is really not an answer.

Charging DACA students nonresident tuition at the 150 percent rate or higher does not mean Arizona will collect more money than if it charges them in-state tuition, she said. The reality is that most DACA students will have to end or seriously curtail their college education because they will not be able to afford attendance at our universities.

Brnovich said thats not legally relevant.

While we should all welcome a broader conversation about making college more affordable for everyone, tuition policies must be consistent with the law and respect Arizona voters, he said.
A midtown City Council election forum had six candidates, five sponsors, four Democrats squabbling, three interruptions, two missing candidates, quotes from Game of Thrones and one hopeful breaking out in song.

The two-hour debate Wednesday night at Changemaker High School was billed as an opportunity for locals to meet the candidates in Wards 3 and 6 running in the Aug. 29 primary and to hear their thoughts on building a sustainable community.

Instead, candidates launched into attacks on each other and, by the end of the night, drew the ire of the students who labeled the entire slate of candidates as privileged.

But even before the fighting started, the forum had a few memorable moments, including when Democrat Felicia Chew, running in Ward 3, decided to sing a song she penned as part of her answer to a question about environmental sustainability and protecting the regions water supply.

In the song, Chew laments that she no longer can hear the roar of the Rillito River and told the audience she tries to avoid stepping in bat guano while on hikes in the desert.

This wasnt the first time Chew has opted to sing for votes at a forum.

Earlier, Councilman Steve Kozachik, unopposed in the primary, quoted a line from the HBO series Game of Thrones  chaos is a ladder  as he used his opening two minutes to attack his Republican rival, architect Mariano Rodriguez, who wasnt at the forum. They will face off in the November general election.

Kozachik played up Rodriguezs enthusiastic support for President Trump, tying the local Republican to various policies backed by the White House.

Kozachik said Rodriguez was supporting policies that reward achieving power by causing havoc.

Rodriguez was not invited to the forum and learned of it only after it was over.

But Kozachiks quote was apropos as the last 30 minutes descended into verbal jabs  primarily between the students and the candidates.

After roughly 90 minutes of planned questions on sustainability, a student from the high school told the six candidates she felt they were privileged and were doing nothing for a community struggling just to get by.

It was attorney Paul Durhams answer to a question  an anecdote about Tucson police officers coming to a house where he was just about to knock on the door while campaigning  that drew the ire of both students and at least one parent, who turned out to be the campaign manager for Green Party candidate Mike Cease.

While Durham is a candidate in Ward 3 and Cease is running in Ward 6, Najima Rainey loudly asked whether Durhams answer was some kind of joke and that many of the candidates did not really get what the students were asking.

At one point Durham talked about his sister passing away after a lifelong battle with alcoholism, which then prompted one student in the audience to say he had a cousin who had been shot.

Durham then accused businessman Tom Tronsdal of not doing his homework when it came to deciding whether to put solar panels on his home.

Tronsdal has stated in public meetings that he considered solar for his home, but it didnt pan out.

Solar power is a big aspect of Durhams campaign. He has pledged, if elected, to make City Hall and other city properties solar-powered.

Durham told the audience that Tronsdal made a mistake by rejecting solar for his home.

"Tom didn't do his homework and he made a bad financial and sustainability decision as a result," Durham said.

The debate was the last planned public forum before the Aug. 29 primary, where voters in Ward 3 will decide on the Democratic nominee.

In Ward 6, voters will decide between Green Party candidates Cease and Mike Oatman, who did not attend the forum.
Customs officers in Nogales seized more than $500,000 worth of drugs from the car of a woman who was trying to cross with her child, officials said.

On Thursday, Customs and Border Protection officers at the DeConcini crossing sent a 29-year-old woman driving a 2009 Honda Accord to a secondary inspection, the agency said in a news release.

Inside the car, officers found 29 pounds of meth, 18 pound of heroin and nearly 13 pounds of cocaine hidden in the vehicle's rear quarter panels.

The drugs were worth more than $535,000 in total.

The woman was arrested. Her child was released to a relative.
Woman-Ochre, a Willem de Kooning abstract that was stolen from the University of Arizona Museum of Art in 1985, was recovered last week in Silver City, New Mexico.

An antique and furniture dealer in that city had purchased the painting at an estate sale at a small town near Silver City. When he began to suspect he had an original de Kooning he did some research and called the UA, says Chris Sigurdson, the UAs vice president of communications.

The university sent a delegation to New Mexico to examine it and brought it back to Tucson. Sigurdson says the painting has been authenticated as the one stolen almost 32 years ago. It is in the process of being restored; a date has not been set for when it will once again be on view at the museum.

While Sigurdson says the university does not release the value of art, another de Kooning painting in the Woman series sold for $137.5 million 11 years ago.

And two years ago, a UA spokeswoman said the painting would be worth up to $160 million today.

Woman-Ochre was valued at $400,000 when it was stolen the day after Thanksgiving in 85, according to Star archives.

According to reports at the time, a couple had entered the museum just after it opened. An older woman chatted with the security guard while the younger man went to the upstairs gallery. Just 10 minutes later, they left hastily, which raised suspicion in the guard. He checked the gallery, found the painting had been cut out of the frame, and ran back to the entrance in time to see the couple drive off in a rust-colored car.

I almost threw up when I saw it, Kenneth Little, the museums registrar, told the Star in 1985 about seeing the empty frame. It was sickening.

The UA offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest, but no one came forward.
A man accused of killing his cellmate at the Pima County jail is now facing felony charges of sexual assault and kidnapping involving another inmate.

On June 29, a Pima County grand jury indicted King Yates, 23, on the new charges, stemming from an incident that took place at the end of March, according to newly released Pima County Superior Court records.

On April 21, the victim was having a routine check-up with the jail nurse when he asked about having a test for sexually transmitted diseases, according to a sheriff detectives testimony to the grand jury.

He told the nurse that he wanted the STD test done because he had been sexually assaulted by Yates, the detective said.

The victim, who was sharing a cell with Yates from March 31 through April 3, told the detective that during the incident, Yates came up behind him and grabbed his arm around his neck, causing the victim to pass out.

When the victim woke up, his hands were pinned behind his back and Yates was raping him, according to the detectives testimony.

The victim told detectives that he didnt come forward earlier because he was afraid of being labeled as a snitch, according to the document.

On July 31, Yates attorney, Pima County Assistant Legal Defender Vincent Frey, requested the case be returned to the grand jury to determine if there was probable cause for the charges.

Frey said in a court motion that because the victim delayed reporting the assault, there was no forensic evidence and the states case rests entirely on the victims testimony.

During the presentation to the grand jury, the state failed to mention the victim is schizophrenic, with a history of auditory and visual hallucinations, including while he was being housed in the jail, the motion said.

The state would not have been successful in bringing an indictment against Yates if the grand jury had been informed of the victims mental-health history, according Freys motion.

The bare allegation by the state that King Yates sexually assaulted another inmate has put King Yates life in danger, Frey wrote in the motion.

Yates has a status conference on the motion set for Sept. 18.

Yates is also facing first-degree murder charges in the Nov. 20 shooting death of his wife, Cassandra, and the April 19 death of his cellmate.

Brandon Roth, who was in jail for a nonviolent property crime, was found dead in his cell and a battery-filled sock was found in Yates possessions.

The Pima County Medical Examiner ruled that Roths death was the result of asphyxiation, but also noted severe blunt-force trauma to Roths head and face.

Yates is being held in jail on a $3.1 million bond.

Hes being housed separately from general population inmates, said Lt. Elsa Navarro.
A Tucson woman arrested in May on child sex abuse charges out of California is facing additional charges in connection with the crime.

Emily Joy Stephens, 30, was previously facing six felony child-abuse charges involving three children under the age of 10 and three children under the age of 14 in Santa Cruz County Superior Court.

On August 4, she was charged with two additional counts of oral copulation or penetration on a child under 10, according to Santa Cruz County Superior Court records.

Stephens is being held without bond in Pima County jail awaiting extradition to California.

Also accused in the case is California neurosurgeon James Kohut, 57, who is facing multiple counts of sexually abusing children younger than 14.

On May 11, a police detective from Watsonville, California contacted the Pima County Sheriff's Department regarding a video that showed Stephens and another woman having sex with three juveniles, according to Arizona Daily Star archives.

The other woman, Rashel Brandon, is a 42-year-old nurse who worked with Kohut in a Santa Cruz hospital. Shes also facing multiple charges of child sexual abuse in connection with the case, according to the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

When deputies arrested Stephens, she was living with her five children, all whom are under the age of 13, according to sheriff's department records.
War materiel must, by definition, serve in combat, under enemy fire. No civilian equipment is built to meet these needs. The cost of stronger, more shock-resistant systems are just not worth it for most civilian applications. All systems aboard one particular Air Force craft are required to continue to operate under 2g acceleration and survive a 10g impact. You don't get that off the shelf. The real hangups in defense procurement, in my experience, are due to the laws about it, enacted by some Congress and only subject to change now by another. Auditing requirements, testing and review procedures, and allowances to keep trying with failing test systems guarantee military procurement costs ten times that of civilian. Even GSA purchasing can go awry anyway if products are not fully defined - an order for artists rubber cement was filled with wholly unsuitable black automobile inner tube cement because it was cheaper by the gallon. Cost overruns in the main are due to frequent design changes during prototype manufacture. Fix that.
On behalf of the American Lung Association in Arizona, I thank Sen. John McCain for standing up and protecting health care for Arizona residents living with lung disease. The senates health-care bill would have harmed the millions of Americans who need care as part of their daily battle against lung diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. Sen. McCain was right to vote against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.
Since I was horrified about the increased voucher law that supersedes the needs of public schools, I decided to volunteer to collect signatures. This was an arduous process that is made more challenging by the strict compliance law. Among other things, people had to correctly fill in the narrow boxes with their name, not crossing into any other box. They had to sign in one and print in the other. Address spaces required just the street. The city and zip code columns were reversed, so it was easy for the voter to input the wrong information. A specific format for the date was required  and so it went.
Welcome to the editorial page podcast for Friday, Aug. 11.

Join the Arizona Daily Stars editorial page team  editor Sarah Garrecht Gassen, cartoonist David Fitzsimmons and editorial writer Luis Carrasco  as they talk about politics, the news of the week, letters to the editor and whatever else strikes their fancy.

This week's episode includes:

0:40 - 05:05 - Discussion on the Star's editorial on NAFTA.

05:07 - 08:22 - Why Tom Tronsdal was endorsed by the Star for the Ward 3 Democratic primary (no matter how well Felicia Chew can sing).

08:23 - 11:24 - Fitz's favorite cartoon of the week and how he comes up with ideas.

11:25 - 15:25 - What are our letter writers talking about this week, with a shoutout to the Fourth Avenue Rainbow Crosswalk and Lisa Frank.

15:27 - 19:50 - Letter writer of the week Rosalie Wright reads one of her letters to the editor and talks about why she thinks President Trump is doing a good job.

19:55 - 22:50 - Fitz's Drama Corner brings another piece of "fan" mail to life.

22:55 - 27:11 - What are we reading, watching or playing this week, that we think you should too.
When a statue in a US$200,000 monument complex in the northern province of Bac Kan was found toppled, the provincial tourism chief pointed the finger at a 12-year-old boy.

On Wednesday night, a figure in the Bac Kan Victory sculpture  featuring two soldiers, two local adults, and one child posing in triumph  suddenly gave way, sending a 12-year-old boy to the hospital for an injured leg damaged by the debris.

Kim Dong, one of Vietnams most famous heroic children and a main feature of the victory sculpture, now poses with no upper body, arms, or head.

The incident was first reported by the Bac Kan news website the same night.

Tourism department head Ha Van Truong confirmed at a press conference on Thursday that the statue was broken.

He underlined that the damaged statue is only one of ten different sculptures in the complex, located inside the provinces square.

The tourism chief also placed blame for the damage on the injured boy, claiming the child damaged the statue when he jumped up and grabbed one of the statues hands.

Truong said the statues in the complex may have been negatively affected after long exposure to weather so they could easily give way to a strong impact, adding that it may cost some VND7 million ($310) to repair the broken figure.

The Bac Kan monument complex was developed by the provincial tourism department and constructed by Huu Nghi Hanoi Co. It was inaugurated in 2015 with a total investment of more than VND4.5 billion ($198,238).

The complex consists of two groups of statues, each with five stone sculptures created separately and glued together to complete the statue set.

Members of the public have called Truongs blame on a child unconvincing and many have raised doubts on the quality of the costly monument. Others have joked that the boy in question must have superpowers to be able to break through stone.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
More than 80,500 cases of dengue fever have been reported across Vietnam since the most recent outbreak began earlier this year, and experts fear that number will only continue to rise.

In the first seven months of 2017, about 80,555 people were diagnosed with dengue fever, 24 of whom were killed by the mosquito-borne disease.

Comparatively, 110,876 cases of dengue fever were reported throughout the entirety of 2016, according to statistics from the Ministry of Health.

Speaking with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Tran Dac Phu, head of the General Department of Preventive Medicine under the health ministry, stated that an average of 100,000 patients are diagnosed with dengue each year in Vietnam.

Phu attributed the epidemic to multiple factors, one of which being this years unusual weather patterns.

The rainy season came early this year in southern Vietnam. Meanwhile, the northern region has experienced less cold days than usual, the health official elaborated.

Urbanization and the development of transportation is also a major contributor to the spread of dengue fever across the country.

People are using more objects that contain water in their homes, creating a perfect environment for mosquitoes to reproduce, he added.

Tran Dac Phu, head of the General Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Though the epidemic was forecast at the beginning of the year, Du said, information on the matter was never thoroughly distributed, resulting in a lack of awareness among citizens.

Local authorities failing to carry out regular inspections of preventative measures taken by local residents also exacerbates the problem, said Du.

Several issues, including improper execution, limited financial capacity, or lack of cooperation from local citizens in the application of preventive methods were also listed among the causes of the outbreak.

In order to deal with the situation, the health official suggested that special units be established to examine how residents protect their houses from the epidemic.

Households that fail to meet certain standards will be fined, he asserted.

Against the backdrop of the swift increase of dengue fever cases, hospitals in major cities and provinces have been overloaded with patients.

During a working session with the Ministry of Health on Thursday afternoon, the Hanoi Peoples Committee said it may need to add an extra 700 beds for patients with dengue fever.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
The tensions between the leaders of the USA and North Korea have been simmering for some time. Both have flexed their respective military muscle and after Kim Jong-Un's recent threat to unleash nuclear weapons on the tiny Pacific Island Of Guam, President Trump made his now infamous 'fire and fury' statement.

Britain to stand back

With the US Commander-in-Chief threatening to retaliate with force if North Korea attacks the US territory Guam, other world powers have had to make swift decisions as to how they will react if this scenario plays out. China has stated that it will remain neutral if North Korea initiates any attack but it will intervene if the US makes the first move.

A senior UK Government official has stated that "The Americans are more than capable of doing what they might want...in the region without our help."

Theresa May's Deputy Damian Green MP said that it is obviously not in the interests of Britain that the stand-off between Trump and Kim Jong-Un leads to conflict. He said that it would be a much more reasonable solution if the President were to seek to reduce tension by first approaching the UN.

However, president Trump is not known for calmly sitting around a table and discussing solutions. After President Assad of Syria used chemical weapons Trump was decisive in his retaliation in sending in multiple Tomahawk missiles.

Britain's decision seen as weak

The decision by Mrs May not to step in to support President Trump has been blasted as "weak" by military experts. Colonel Richard Kemp, ex-Commander of British Forces Afghanistan, stated that "the UK should support the US against North Korea", adding that ruling out supporting the US at this stage is "weak, ill-judged and weakens the West."

Why Guam?

It is well documented that North Korea has been ramping up testing of nuclear weapons in recent months.

It is understood that the range of some missiles could enable an attack on the US mainland, however, the island of Guam is 2100 miles away from North Korea and is a US military base. With 6,000 US troops, the island houses Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam. It means that the island has particular strategic value to the US and has been described by US military commanders as a " permanent aircraft carrier."

What next for Trump and Kim Jong-Un?

The ongoing shows of strength between the two leaders have escalated in recent months.

Jong-Un shows no sign of backing down and seems determined to prove to the world how powerful North Korea is. We can only hope that Trump's actions or reactions are measured and in keeping with a long-term view for world peace and not focused on short-term victories.
Fast Fashion brands, H&M and Zara, need to pick up the pace in the U.S. Their market shares are dropping, and it will only get worse with the arrival of ASOS, the largest online fast fashion company in the UK.

Fast fashion isnt fast enough

Gone are the days when looking fashionable cost you an arm and a leg. Consumers are trading in their loyalty for brands like H&M and Zara for the fastest supplier around. Are U.S. companies prepared for this new kid on the block?

J. Crew and Gap, for example, are already facing challenges from Everlane, a San Francisco-based e-commerce site thats creating preppy alternatives which American Millennials love, as is evidenced by a 200 percent increase in sales between 2013 and 2014.

It wont get any easier for these companies once ASOS officially arrives. This fast fashion company makes it even easier for the struggling millennial to stay up to date with trendy, yet affordable pieces. According to Goldman Sachs, ASOS can design and deliver new items quicker than Zara, which ships new pieces to international stores every single week.

ASOS is a favorite among American millennials

ASOS isnt new to U.S. consumers. Young shoppers already spend their paychecks on ASOS, where they have access to approximately 4,000 new pieces on a weekly basis. ASOS is spreading more quickly in the U.S. than in the rest of the world, with a 50 percent increase in sales during 2016 alone, compared to 28 percent in Europe and 9 percent in the rest of the world.

ASOS directors see a U.S. home base as a very lucrative investment for their growing company - $40 million, to be precise. Furthermore, a U.S.-based center can also help to assuage drops in the European market following Brexit.

ASOS builds new fulfillment center near Atlanta, Georgia

At just half the size of the main warehouse in Barnsley, England, the new fulfillment center, based near Atlanta, Georgia, will only have space for 10 million items.

But its a good enough start and will deliver quicker shipments to fast fashion fans.

Why Georgia? Brent Dorfman, ASOS Vice President of Logistics, says that Atlanta is an ideal location for us, it is vibrant and growing international city with a diverse culture. We will use the regions transportation network and deep pool of talent to deliver ASOS best-in-class service to US customers.

Who benefits from ASOS' move in the U.S.?

Its estimated that ASOS transatlantic voyage will provide more than 1,500 new jobs to people living in Georgia. Lets hope that the American employees fare better than British laborers, where rumors of exploitation are surfacing, along with accusations of poor working conditions, and a 2014 fire to boot.
The defamation suit that Sarah Palin has brought against the New York Times has taken a strange turn. Judge Jed Rakoff has refused the request of the Times to dismiss the suit. However, the judge is not allowing the action to proceed right away either. Instead, he has issued a close question about the central issue of the suit. That matter is whether or not the editorial board of the New York Times showed actual malice when it suggested that Palin was directly responsible for the shooting of Gabrielle Giffords and a number of other people because of a campaign graphic that placed cross hairs over the then congresswomans district.

What is the close question?

Palin and her lawyers are asserting that the editorial board of the New York Times displayed malice against the former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate because the Times had already published stories refuting the theory that it had asserted in the offending editorial. In his order, Judge Rakoff states, However, these prior stories arguably would only evidence actual malice if the person(s) who wrote the editorial were aware of them.

To answer the question about whether or not the editors of the Times were aware of the newspapers reporting on the subject, Judge Rakoff has ordered a hearing to take place. The authors of the offending editorial will be asked to testify about their knowledge of the prior reporting.

Palins lawyers will have 45 minutes to cross exam the editors. Then the judge will rule on the question and whether or not the suit can proceed.

How the New York Times is caught like a rat in a trap

The authors of the editorial will, or course, claim that they had no idea that the Times had already reported that Palin had no responsibility for the shooting, that Jared Loughner was an insane person who never heard of Palin, never saw the graphic, but had an unhealthy obsession with Giffords.

To admit otherwise would pretty much prove Palins case and might cause the judge to move to a summary judgment. At the very least, the answer would constitute persuasive evidence if the suit went to trial.

However, by denying knowledge that they knew about their own newspapers reporting on the alleged Palin connection, the editors of the New York Times will have admitted that they are too stupid to run one of the largest, more famous newspapers on the planet. Such an admission should place their continued employment at the Times in jeopardy. Either way, Sarah Palin will have the satisfaction and the New York Times will be humiliated into the dust.
President Donald Trump has come into some criticism for promising to visit fire and fury on North Korea if that country persists in threatening the United States and her allies. The presidents critics suggest that the words were unnecessarily provocative and might lead to war when there is still a chance for diplomacy. However, Secretary Of Defense James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson echoed the presidents tough talk, suggesting that a new, coordinated message is emerging from the administration designed to impress on Pyongyang the perils of proceeding on the course it has embarked on, according to the Washington Times.

Mattis promises to end the North Korean regime and destroy its people

Mattis, the Marine general turned secretary of defense, was characteristically blunt. He suggested that if North Korea did not turn away from the development of a nuclear arsenal, American action to stop that drive would lead to the end of its regime and the destruction of its people. Even if an American attack on North Korea did not include the use of nuclear weapons, a war in Korea would lead to the collapse of that country and tribulations of famine and disease that might kill millions. Whether Kim Jong-un will understand the consequences of going to war with the United States is not known at this time.

Tillerson weighs in

Tillerson, who was president of Exxon before he entered government service, was somewhat more measured in his language than his Defense Department counterpart. He suggested that the presidents rhetoric was in language Kim Jong-un can understand. The idea is that soft, well vetted diplomatic words have not worked to deter Kim.

It is time to be tough and clear so that even the North Korean leader cannot misinterpret what is being imparted.

What comes next?

The Korean crisis has entered a crossroads. Either Kim will back down, either as a result of a sudden outbreak of sanity or under pressure of his Chinese patrons, or he will in short order go too far, say by launching missiles at Guam, that will require an American response. The latter will be a catastrophe of biblical proportions.

The crisis has been brought about by years of strategic patience and neglect of missile defenses on the part of the Obama administration. The tragedy of the situation is that what may be about to come, with the resulting loss of treasure and lives, might have been prevented using sounder policy. Coddling insane dictators and not seeing to an adequate defense are never good policies and the world may now pay a heavy price.
Millions of fans were stunned after Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt announced that they were splitting in September 2016 after 11 years of marriage. However, recent reports are claiming that the Maleficent actress is begging her estranged husband for help as she goes through a crisis.

By the Sea actress reportedly misses her husband

Angelina Jolie is reportedly facing tough days lately as she struggles with several issues. According to Radar Online, the estranged wife of Brad Pitt is currently not in a good place following the allegations that she asked money from kids as part of the First They Killed My Father movies audition process.

However, Jolie was quick to defend herself after getting a public backlash. The Salt lead star said that people "mischaracterized" the circumstances and insisted that she did not mistreat anyone in Cambodia.

An unnamed insider told Radar Online that Angelina Jolie is on the verge of breaking down following all these allegations. Aside from that, rumors have it that the ex-partner of Brad Pitt can no longer balance her life since the divorce.

She wants more help from Brad, but hes convinced her only motivation is money and has had enough of groveling for scraps when it comes to supervised visitation, the same source claimed. It was also said that Jolie now misses Pitts company as he is the only one who could lift her up.

Because of this, fans cannot help but speculate that Angelina Jolie could possibly cancel her impending divorce from Brad Pitt. While these reports could be true, Gossip Cop has claimed that these are baseless rumors.

The news outlet said that Jolie is not desperate to beg Pitt for help. In fact, a source close to the Gia actress said that she is not in the middle of a crisis, so fans should probably stop believing these rumors.

Did 'Brangelina' cancel their divorce?

Meanwhile, Us Weekly shared that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitts divorce is off as the couple is reportedly trying to iron out things between them. According to an unidentified source, Jolie would not hesitate to have her estranged husband back if he showed devotion and commitment to raising a brood.

Pitt is supposedly trying to win Jolie back after he decided to quit drinking. The same insider added that close relatives and friends of the couple believe that Brangelina might get back together and make things work once more.

Both Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have yet to comment on these reports so fans should take these claims with a grain of salt. Stay tuned for more news and updates!'
Tamra Judge has been all about milking her strained relationship with her teenage daughter. Sidney Barney was not allowed to be filmed for "The Real Housewives of Orange County" because her father decided it wasn't a good idea. While viewers know Simon Barney isn't innocent, things between him and Tamra were not just one-sided. Over the last several seasons, things have escalated with Judge and her claims of being alienated by her daughter. The most recent episodes of the show have brought Sidney out to share her side of the story.

Sidney speaks out about Tamra

In an emotional post shared on social media, Sidney Barney laid it all out about Tamra Judge. According to the Hollywood Gossip, the young girl called her mother "neglectful" and talked about her selfish ways. Sidney insists that her mother left the children home alone with no food at times and would actually ignore their want and need for attention. The promises Tamra made Sidney were thrown to the wayside so that she could get publicity off the photos of her daughter's graduation. There were rules put in place before allowing Tamra to attend, and just a few weeks later, she broke the promises to her daughter about not posting any photos. Several other instances were brought up, many of them making "The Real Housewives of Orange County" fans shake their heads.

This isn't shocking at all considering several people have accused Tamra Judge of being the parent the children didn't want to live with. Sidney Barney has done her best to live a normal life. She doesn't want the spotlight or the fame and has reportedly asked her mom several times to leave her out of it. In fact, she rarely speaks to Judge because she doesn't want to be in the spotlight.

Barney claims her mother is the alienator when it comes to their relationship, not her father.

Simon encouraged Sidney to keep a relationship with Tamra

Despite what all of the claims have been over the years, Sidney Barney insists that her father encouraged her to forge a bond with her mother. Tamra Judge will blame everything on Simon, though Sidney is sure this is not the case.

The mother and daughter duo attended counseling sessions for three years, but they were never able to fully repair their damaged relationship. The most recent episodes of "The Real Housewives of Orange County" had viewers believing that Judge and Barney were working on repairing their relationship and now, Sidney is saying it is all a smoke screen to drive up ratings.
"Teen Mom 2" star Briana DeJesus is being called out by some fans for being a racist. The MTV reality star was seen in a recent episode of the reality series revealing that her young daughter, Nova, is getting to an age where she's beginning to notice the difference between her and other children that have different skin colors. Briana says Nova is upset about the way her hair looks and even about the color of her skin. The mom was then forced to have a serious talk with her daughter about race, and the differences between people.

Briana takes heat online

Briana DeJesus reportedly told her daughter Nova about "white girls" and how they look different than she does. "Teen Mom 2" fans immediately began calling out Briana for using the term "white" instead of "Caucasian," claiming that her comments were racist and insensitive. DeJesus took to her social media account to fire back, revealing that Nova would have never understood the term Caucasian. Briana, a Puerto Rican woman, says that she is not racist. She had a child with a black man, and claims that her number one goal in life is to "marry a white boy," still not using the term "Caucasian."

DeJesus thinks it's blown out of proportion

It looks like some fans may have gotten a bit too sensitive over Briana DeJesus' talk with her daughter Nova.

However, to many people in the country, terminology is everything when speaking about race, gender, and sexual orientation. While the "Teen Mom 2" star seemingly didn't mean to offend any of the viewers, it seems clear that she doesn't want to apologize for something she believes was blown way out of proportion to begin with.

Chelsea Houska offers comfort to her co-star

As many of the "Teen Mom 2" stars know, fans will always find something to pick on when it comes to the stars of the show. Whether it's their life choices, appearance, relationships, or even parenting. Briana DeJesus' co-star Chelsea Houska took to social media to comfort the MTV mom after the backlash, revealing that fans will "always" find a reason to hate on the girls.

Meanwhile, the other "TM2" stars Kailyn Lowry, Jenelle Evans, and Leah Messer know this all too well.

The 'TM2' girls know about online haters all too well

Kailyn is currently getting heat online for welcoming her third child with her third baby daddy, while Jenelle has the same issues, as well as her parenting skills under a microscope at all times. Meanwhile, Leah Messer has two divorces under her belt, and a stint in rehab that fans love to throw in her face from time to time. Fans can watch more of Briana DeJesus' journey on "Teen Mom 2" Monday nights at 9 p.m. on MTV.
Showtime's reboot of "twin peaks" will be the one and only reboot for now. The cable network executives confirmed that there are no plans to give David Lynchs show another season after the reboot ends its 18-episode run this September. Speaking before the Television Critics Association panel last Monday, Showtime president David Nevins contended that it has always been the network's plan to just have one season of the "Twin Peaks" reboot. Because of this, the network executives and show creator David Lynch have not gone back to the table to discuss a follow-up.

"There's been zero contemplation, zero discussions other than fans asking me about it," David Nevins said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Showtime, however, isn't closing its doors on the writer and director. According to Gary Levine, the networks programming president, David Lynch might want to do another season in future and Showtime could consider it.

Rebooting hasn't been easy

But putting the show back together after more than two decades of being off-the-air hasn't been an easy road for David Lynch and Showtime. The "Twin Peaks" reboot was first announced as in development back in 2014. Originally, the plan was to launch the show for 2016 to mark its 25th anniversary. But production delays affected the progress of the "Twin Peaks" reboot.

David Lynch briefly dropped out when the budget became a problem, according to Bleeding Cool.

Rebooting paid off

Despite this, David Nevins revealed in the panel that "Twin Peaks" performed well on Showtime. "It drove our business in a way that almost nothing else could," the network boss said, adding that the cable network's subscription base increased following the show's premiere last May 21.

"Twin Peaks" first aired on ABC from 1990 to 1991. The show, at that time, had been a groundbreaking mystery drama series that made plot twists vital to the story.

The show starred Kyle MacLachlan as Special Agent Dale Cooper, who reprised his role in the reboot. The original series also starred Lara Flynn Boyle (Donna Hayward), Sherilyn Fenn (Audrey Horne), Madchen Amick (Shelly Johnson), Michael Ontkean (Sheriff Harry S.

Truman), Peggy Lipton (Norma Jennings), Joan Chen (Jocelyn Packard), Warren Frost (Dr. Will Hawyward).

The "Twin Peaks" reboot, essentially considered the third season, featured some of the original cast. Laura Dern (Diana Evans), Tom Sizemore (Anthony Sinclair) and Naomi Watts (Janey) were the new additions. Shery Lee, who played Maddy Ferguson in the original show, returned as Laura Palmer.
The small West African nation of Ghana accomplished a major milestone the other day, with some help. They launched their first satellite, named GhanaSat-1, into space in June. The satellite is now fully operational, as the story represents the growing space race taking place throughout Africa in recent years.

How Ghana launched their first satellite

Ghana's first satellite, which was built by a Ghanian engineering team at the country's All Nations University, is a CubeSat. That means it is a type of miniaturized satellite made of multiples of 10x10x10 centimeter (3.93 inches) cubic units.

Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana's President, congratulated the engineering team on their achievement.

However, the project received no support from the country's government. JAXA, Japan's national space agency, helped the team by providing them with much of the training and resources to help develop the satellite.

Once GhanaSat-1 was completed it was launched into space on SpaceX's Falcon 9 Rocket, which took off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The rocket delivered it to the International Space Station (ISS) in June, with it being deployed from there in July. It is now fully operational and in orbit.

What is the satellite's mission?

Richard Damoah, a Ghanian professor and research assistant at NASA, was the project manager behind the launch.

He talked to TechCrunch about the dual mission that GhanaSat-1 will have. The satellite has detailed cameras on it to help monitor the country's coastline. The second mission is to use the launch to help integrate satellite technology into high school curriculum. The satellite will send a ground signal to the Space Systems and Technology Laboratory at All Nations University so that it can be monitored.

The growing space race in Africa

Ghana was not the only African country to recently launch their first satellite. Nigeria also launched their first satellite, also a CubeSat, on the same SpaceX mission. Elsie Kanza recently discussed at the World Economic Forum the growing interest in space among African nations.

She discussed how several countries like Ethiopia, Nigeria, and South Africa have official space programs.

Angola also has plans to launch their first satellite, AngoSat 1, later this year. All of this comes on the heels of the African Union (AU) adopting the African Space Policy and Strategy Initiative last year.
Qatar and Italy recently agreed to a massive $5.9 billion naval deal. In other news involving the country, on Sunday, Israel announced that it would be joining the brigade of Arab nations in blocking Qatar's Al-Jazeera network. This is of course only the latest news in the past few months involving the small Gulf state.

Qatar purchases vessels from Italy

Last Wednesday, Qatari foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced the naval deal with Italy. He did so during a joint news conference with Italian foreign minister Angelino Alfano in Qatar's capital of Doha.

The deal is that Qatar will buy seven naval vessels from Italy for the sum mentioned above. Al Thani and Alfano mentioned how the deal shows the ongoing defense cooperation between the two countries.

The deal also shows off Qatar's economic power, even in the face of a blockade from their neighbors, as the country is the largest liquified natural gas exporter on Earth. Qatar, like many Gulf Arab countries, has spent a lot of money on military equipment in recent years. They have also signed a number of bilateral deals with America and various European countries. The country is also the hub of American-led missions against ISIS (Daesh) in the Middle East.

Israel joins blockade of Al-Jazeera network

Israel announced that it is planning on banning Al-Jazeera, Qatar's flagship TV network, from operating in its country. In recent months the network has been blocked by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Arab countries in a separate political dispute that has been gripping the region.

Israel is going to ban the controversial network over allegations that it incites violence in the country.

Israeli communications minister Ayoob Kara said that he is going to revoke the press credentials of journalists from the network, which basically will prevent them from working in the country. He also added that he has requested that satellite and cable networks block Al-Jazeera.

Finally, Kara stated that he is looking into legislation that would ban the network altogether.

Al-Jazeera has already vowed to take legal action against Israel over then ban, condemning the measures as undemocratic. They also said that Al-Jazeera broadcasts will continue to be shown in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. There has not yet been a timetable laid out in terms of when Israel will begin these measures against the network.
Chinese HNA Group buys German airport

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-08-11 09:31

BERLIN - The German state of Rhineland-Palatinate has finalized the sale of Frankfurt-Hahn airport to the Chinese conglomerate HNA, HNA confirmed on Thursday.



HNA Group has agreed to pay 15.1 million euros ($17.7 million) for an 82.5-percent share of the airport.



The acquisition defies fears that recently passed stricter regulation on inbound investment in Germany and outbound investment in China would dent Chinese international mergers and acquisition activity.



In April, the regional assembly of Rhineland-Palatinate had voted in favor of the plans to sell the public asset. The state's interior minister Roger Lewentz (SPD) expressed his conviction that a "good partner" had been found in HNA at the time.
China, Switzerland to implement AEO agreement in September

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-08-11 11:03

BEIJING - The China-Switzerland agreement on mutual authorized economic operator (AEO) status will go into effect on September 1 to provide easier customs clearance for exporters, the General Administration of Customs said Thursday.



Under the agreement, companies that obtain AEO status in the two countries will enjoy simplified customs procedures, such as reduced examination or prioritized clearance, when they export products to the other country.



After the agreement becomes operational, the customs clearance time for companies on both sides is expected to be cut by 30 to 50 percent, which will reduce logistics costs and further boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation.



China and Switzerland enjoy a close trade relationship. The two sides launched AEO negotiations at the start of 2015, and reached the agreement in January this year.



In the first half of this year, the bilateral trade volume between China and Switzerland rose 18.9 percent year on year to $18.22 billion.



China has also reached mutual AEO agreements with Singapore, the Republic of Korea, the European Union and New Zealand.



Meanwhile, the country is working on AEO agreements with other trade partners such as the United States, Japan and Russia to further improve connectivity and trade facilitation.
The Foreign Ministry has dismissed a media report that China offered to reposition its troops to resolve the tension with India in the Donglang (Doklam) area.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that after India demanded Chinese troops pull back 250 meters, China counteroffered to move its troops back 100 meters.

The Spokesperson's Office told China Daily on Thursday that the report is not true. "China will not trade its territorial sovereignty under any circumstances," it said.

"China's position on solving this incident is clear and firm. India must immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its trespassing troops and equipment back to the Indian side of the border," the office said in a statement.

Sun Hongnian, a borderland expert of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, called the Reuters report "fake news" coming possibly from India, which "intends to turn Donglang into a disputed area".

Zhao Xiaozhuo, a researcher at the PLA Academy of Military Science, said China could never accept India's "totally unreasonable" demand.

India aims to nullify the Convention Between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet so it can change the only defined sector on the China-India boundary into an "undefined" one, Zhao said.

The Sikkim sector of the China-India boundary was defined in the convention signed in 1890 with Donglang being Chinese territory on the Chinese side of the border.

India had honored the convention until Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration refused, Zhao said.

Indian troops crossed into Donglang in mid-June to block Chinese road construction. It has tried to justify the incursion as being in a "tri-junction" between China, India and Bhutan.

"India's intrusion ... has not only violated China's territorial sovereignty but also challenged Bhutan's sovereignty and independence," the Foreign Ministry said earlier this month.

On Thursday, several Indian media cited anonymous sources as claiming that India's military had ordered immediate evacuation of an Indian village 35 kilometers from Donglang.

Zhou Jin contributed to this story.
Orlando Police Department(ORLANDO) -- A Florida day care worker has been charged in the death of a three-year-old who died after he was allegedly left in a hot van for nearly 12 hours, according to police.



Little Miracles Academy employee Deborah Denise St. Charles, 51, was arrested Thursday and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child by culpable negligence for the death of Myles Hill, the Orlando Police Department said.



Myles was found unresponsive Monday night inside the vehicle in the parking lot of the Little Miracles Academy in Orlando, police said. The high temperature that day was 93 degrees, according to an arrest affidavit.



On Monday night, 911 dispatchers received a call referencing a deceased child who was found in the back of a 2000 blue Honda Odyssey, according to the affidavit. Myles was pronounced dead nine minutes later, the affidavit states.



About three hours later, St. Charles provided a sworn statement to Orlando Det. Shane Overfield, telling him that she had picked Myles up from her home at 7:42 a.m. that day, according to the affidavit.



During the pickup, Myles' grandmother, Brenda Watts, provided St. Charles with the payment for Myles' childcare and placed him in the back of the van on the driver's side, the affidavit states. Two other children were sitting on the bench seat with Myles, St. Charles told police.



St. Charles then picked up one more child and drove to the Little Miracles Academy's location on West Colonial Drive, according to the affidavit. Once there, St. Charles then exited the van, walked around and opened the van's rear hatch to remove cleaning supplies she was instructed to deliver, she told police.



St. Charles then handed several of the cleaning supplies to some of the children in the van but could not recall to whom, the affidavit states. She then closed the rear hatch of the van and walked into the day care, "assuming all of the children had already entered the business, but [she] admitted to failing to perform a head count to be sure," according to the affidavit.



After turning over the payment for Myles' childcare, St. Charles then left that location and drove to another Little Miracles Academy located on Plymouth Avenue, she told police, according to the affidavit. As she arrived, she received a phone call, and she exited and locked the van "without inspecting the interior," the affidavit states. She then walked into the day care and into her classroom until she left for the day at about 6 p.m.



Myles remained in the van until he was found dead at 8:28 p.m. after Watts notified the day care's owner that he was missing, according to the affidavit.



It is unclear if St. Charles has entered a plea or retained an attorney. She is currently being held at the Orange County Jail on $30,000 bond, according to the jail.



According to the Florida Administrative Code, which governs Florida child care facilities, a driver's log should be maintained for all children being transported in a vehicle. Upon arrival, each child should be marked off the log as they exit the vehicle, and the log should be "immediately" signed and dated.



The code also states that a physical inspection and "visual sweep" should be conducted "to ensure that no child is left in the vehicle," and that a second staffer should also conduct the physical inspection and sign the log.



On Tuesday, the Orlando Police Department executed a search warrant on the day care's Plymouth Avenue location and obtained the logs, which did not comply with the standards required by the state of Florida, the affidavit states. The logs merely showed pickup times and signatures from the child's guardian, and did not include the driver or second employee's signature verifying that they conducted the vehicle sweep, according to the affidavit.



The day care's Plymouth Avenue location is currently listed on Google as permanently closed.



The Orlando Police Department conducted a simulation Wednesday to establish the temperatures the van would have reached on Monday, according to the affidavit. During the simulation, at about 10 a.m., the interior temperature of the van had already increased to 115 degrees, according to the affidavit. By noon, the inside of the van had increased to 133 degrees, and by 3 p.m., it had increased to about 144 degrees.



The Orange County Medical Examiner listed Myles' cause of death as hyperthermia due to environmental exposure, according to the affidavit. The manner of death was deemed to be an accident, the affidavit states.



Myles would have turned four on Aug. 22, Orlando Police Chief John Mina said Tuesday.



"Please ensure that we are checking our vehicles for our kids," Mina said, pleading with parents and caregivers. "It just takes a minute."



Friends and family gathered Tuesday night for a prayer vigil in Myles' memory.



Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Alibaba unveiled a quick-response platform on Thursday for handling reports of counterfeit goods, aiming to boost the protection of intellectual property rights.

Complaints about knockoffs from copyright and patent holders that are filed through the e-commerce company's new online express channel will be handled within 24 hours, instead of three or four days, as was normal before.

"We've streamlined our work system and improved efficiency," said Zheng Junfang, chief platform governance officer. "What we want is to provide better services for protecting IP rights more quickly for the rights holders."

During a one-month pilot program that began in June, 96 percent of complaints about fake products received a response within a day. Of those, 83 percent of the links to fake products were deleted, according to Alibaba.

Rights holders can register accounts on the platform free and submit reports of fake products found on the company's online shopping sites, including Tmall and Taobao, Zheng said. She added that her team will quickly give feedback after a big-data analysis.

"All the services are available not only in Chinese and English, but also in French, Russian and Spanish," she said.

Zhang Lin, manager of the China branch of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, applauded the company's attitude to protect intellectual property.

"Alibaba's quick-response platform helps us find information about fake product sellers or producers in a timely manner, and provides clues to police officers, which can protect our brand and reduce our economic losses," he said.

But Xie Huijia, an associate professor specializing in IPR protection at South China University of Technology, said it is not enough only to accelerate the handling of fake product claims: "More important is how accurate the fight is."

"To delete links of online shops selling fake products, the company has to compare the goods provided by sellers and the brand owners, but I don't think it's easy to verify whether the IP rights were infringed or not," he said. "Even courts often need several months to identify infringement."

Alibaba has taken action against counterfeits over the past two years. In June it said that it has used big-data technology to help it detect more than 61,000 individuals or groups suspected of operating shops that sell fake goods on Taobao.

It has also detected 1,640 factories that produce counterfeit goods and supply them to online dealers.
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A senior official from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has encouraged more Chinese university students to embark on internships or work at international organizations around the world.

Wang Tao, director of the International Staff Division of the Ministry's International Cooperation Department, made the remarks during a recent lecture at Fudan University in Shanghai, in light of statistics that show how there were less than 500 people working at the secretariat of the United Nations last year. In contrast, about 2,600 Americans and 900 British work at the secretariat.

"The country pays great attention to this. We hope more college students who possess the qualities of integrity and professionalism will work as international civil servants and shine in their roles," he said.

Song Yunfu, a former senior official of the World Health Organization and the former director-general of the foreign affairs department of China's Health and Family Planning Commission, also encouraged students to align their career goals with the effort to promote world peace.

"Students who aspire to work in international organizations can find a seat there no matter what their fields of study are. For example, as far as I know, only 65 percent of the job positions at the WHO are related to health and medicine, and the rest cover all kinds of professions from law to information technology," he said.

Xu Zheng, deputy Party secretary of Fudan University, said that it is an educational institute's duty to train its students to be future international civil servants with a global perspective so that a university can attain a place among the world's best.

"We've maintained good relationships with international organizations and informed students regularly of their recruitment updates. Nearly 50 among those who will graduate this year have shown strong willingness to work in international organizations, including UNESCO and the International Telecommunication Union," she said.

Zhang Youyun, a senior advisor, founder and first director of the Bureau for Gender Equality of the International Labor Organization, said that students must be prepared to deal with unexpected hardships when working at international organizations.

"They must handle all kinds of complexities, different situations and cultures and be determined to dedicate themselves to the work of benefiting their country and the whole world," she said.

Yao Jinqiu, a freshman at the School of Journalism of Fudan University, said almost all her schoolmates are interested in taking up such internship opportunities. She added that her seniors who have practical experience are often invited by the university to share their feelings and perspectives.

"I'm very much inclined to work abroad, especially in public communication in an international organization, after graduation. But I'm still pondering on the specific area of communication," she said.

zhouwenting@chinadaily.com.cn
More foreigners are starting to shop on AliExpress platform as Alibabas footprint expands to more than 220 countries and regions. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba is banking on its subsidiary AliExpress, a shopping platform targeted at foreigners only, to boost its profile in the global arena

Following a decade of explosive growth, China's online retail market is finally expected to experience a slowdown, with market research firm Mintel projecting that compound annual growth rate from 2016 to 2021 will dip to 15 percent.

E-commerce players will inherently have to find new streams of income in order to stay competitive. China's Alibaba Group Holding, which last year overtook US company Walmart to become the largest retail platform in the world, has been placing some of its chips on global expansion.

The Chinese online emporium, which operates Taobao and Tmall, has set a target of serving 2 billion customers around the world within a decade.

Alibaba has in recent years been aggressively expanding its footprint in foreign countries through its subsidiary AliExpress.com, an online marketplace that is exclusive to overseas customers. Founded in 2010, AliExpress has attracted more than 100 million international buyers as of April, said Dai Shan, president of Alibaba's business-to-business unit.

According to the company, customers from more than 220 countries and regions have placed orders on the platform.

One customer is Belgium housewife Carine Danblier, who claims she frequently shops for electronic gadgets and cooking accessories on the online marketplace. Danblier has even created a Facebook page where she shares the latest AliExpress deals. The followers of the site grew to 100,000 in just two years.

The top three countries by total spending on the site are Russia, the United States and Spain.

AliExpress has been the biggest shopping site in Russia since 2014, according to researcher TNS. To attract users, the platform facilitated the ease of transaction by partnering with local payment providers.

AliExpress general manager Shen Difan noted that localization is a key focus in the Russian market, saying: "We will be opening up to more local vendors, shipping from local warehouses and providing local after-sales services, including a no-excuse return policy within 72 hours."

Backed by big data technologies, AliExpress has been reshaping the logistics landscape in Russia. E-commerce customers used to have to wait for weeks and sometimes even up to two months to receive their parcels. AliExpress has cut that down to just four days.

The company is now aiming to reduce delivery time worldwide to 72 hours within the next five years by leveraging leading algorithm and real-time analysis provided by Cainiao Network Technology Co Ltd, Alibaba's smart logistics network. Customers will also be able to track their orders.

According to Cainiao President Wan Lin, his company has teamed up with various postal services to ensure faster customs clearance, including a partnership with US Postal Service, Brazilian Post, a stake purchase in Singapore Post and an e-commerce tie-up with Australian Post.

AliExpress has also become an intrinsic part of life for many women in Spain.

"The wedding is perhaps the most important occasion for women in the country," said Zuniga Perez Pell, an employee of AliExpress in Spain. "In the past, Spanish women never chose wedding dresses online. Now, it has become a ritual to browse AliExpress first before deciding on where to get a dress."

Alfonso Noriega Gomez, economic and commercial counselor of the Consulate General of Spain in Shanghai, pointed out that e-commerce is a key driver in promoting trade and economic relations and a major gateway to discover products around the world.

"Through Tmall and Tmall Global, Chinese consumers are able to enjoy products from Spain. We hope AliExpress can bring to life the virtual Silk Road by connecting Chinese merchandise with foreign countries including Spain," he said during an AliExpress conference in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in April.

Alibaba's global expansion will likely be a win-win scenario for both global shoppers and export-driven Chinese manufacturers who are transitioning from being original equipment manufacturers to providers of more premium products.

NewVision Arts, a Chinese curtain maker in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, is one of the Chinese companies that have benefited from the growing global presence of AliExpress. According to its general manager Cheng Shouxin, the company receives a steady stream of orders from US clients for tailor-made curtains and can earn up to $850,000 in revenue a month.

Alibaba has also sought to gain a larger share of the global e-commerce pie through acquisitions. In 2016, Alibaba acquired Singapore online grocery platform Red Mart. Technology news site TechCrunch quoted sources saying the deal was worth up to $40 million.

That same year, the Chinese e-commerce giant also bought a controlling stake in Lazada, one of Southeast Asia's largest online shopping platforms, for $1 billion. This June, Alibaba invested another $1 billion to raise its stakes to 83 percent, buying out all other backers with the exception of Singapore's Temasek Holdings.

Lazada has a footprint in several markets in the region, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. Alibaba said in a recent report that Lazada had about 23 million active customers in the 12 months through the end of March 2017.

Alibaba is also in the midst of building an e-commerce and logistics hub in Thailand that will provide a one-stop service connecting SMEs, manufacturers, service providers and logistic partners. In addition, Ant Financial, Alibaba's digital financial services arm that operates Alipay, bought a stake in Thai fintech company Ascend Money in 2016.

hewei@chinadaily.com.cn
The Baopals Trio: Charlie Erickson, Tyler McNew and Jay Thornhill (from left to right) founded Baopals to help foreigners shop online. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY

Frustrated by the difficulties faced in buying items off Taobao and Tmall, three Americans set out to create Baopals, a platform that acts as a middleman between fellow foreigners and these e-commerce sites.

"We really wanted to shop on Taobao and Tmall because we knew we could buy stuff at really competitive prices," said Charlie Erickson, one of the co-founders. "But we were unable to do so because we couldn't read Chinese and hence needed help on almost every aspect, including searching for a product, making payments and tracking the deliveries.

"That's when we came up with the idea of creating an English website to help other foreigners."

On the day of its launch on March 1, 2016, Baopals received 12 orders of 22 products which totaled about 1,360 yuan ($202) in sales. Today, 16 months since it was established, 115,000 orders with a gross merchandise value of 29 million yuan have been placed on the site. Baopals currently has around 14,850 registered users and a WeChat following of 16,000. The company said most of their users are foreigners.

Baopals' first office was the 80-square-meter apartment that the trio lived in. They now work in a 500-square-meter office space and have a team of nearly 30 people.

The growth of the startup has even caught the eyes of Alibaba, the parent company of Taobao and Tmall. Co-founder Jay Thornhill said that he and his partners have been invited to the headquarters of the e-commerce giant, though he was not able to share more details.

Thornhill is in charge of product development while Erickson focuses on selecting products from Taobao and Tmall to feature on Baopals. The third co-founder, Tyler McNew, does website design and data management.

Users can shop on Baopals via their website or WeChat, both of which contain details such as product information and customer reviews from the original site that have been translated into English.

When users buy a product on Baopals, they are purchasing it directly from the Taobao or Tmall vendors. Baopals charges a 5 percent service fee per order and an additional 8 yuan for each item type. Thornhill said they are looking at lowering the additional fee to just 2 yuan per item type.

Baopals also helps to translate the English addresses provided by foreigners into Chinese to facilitate delivery. The company also manages delivery, exchange and refunds for their users.

Thornhill explained that the main problem faced by many foreigners when shopping online in China is not always the language barrier but the payment methods. He pointed out that many international credit cards cannot be used on Alibaba's platforms because some foreign banks, such as Chase, might deem the transaction as unsecure and cancel the payment process. Because of this, Baopals teaches users how to use Alipay, UnionPay and WeChat Pay for their transactions.

The website now has 18 product categories featured on its main page with the most popular being women's clothing, household essentials and electronics. According to Baopals, the top keyword searches on its site are "dress", "Xiaomi", "bicycle", "laptop" and "T-shirt". The founders also said they are planning to expand the number of categories on the main page to 50 in the near future.

Erickson and Thornihill said that the goal of Baopals is not just to make shopping online in China easier for foreigners, but to be a vibrant community for exchange.

"A problem with Chinese products is that foreigners are skeptical of the quality. However, once a product is recommended by a foreigner's friends or other foreigners, people are more likely to buy it. The core of this community is to establish trust," said Thornhill.

He Qi in Shanghai contributed to this story.

heqi@chinadaily.com.cn
New research indicates that people who habitually accept their negative emotions experience fewer negative emotions, which adds up to better psychological health.

By contrast, pressure to feel upbeat can make people feel downbeat.

In findings published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers tested the link between emotional acceptance and psychological health in more than 1,300 adults in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Denver, Colorado, metropolitan area.

The results suggest that people who commonly resist acknowledging their darkest emotions, or judge them harshly, can end up feeling more psychologically stressed, and those who generally allow such bleak feelings as sadness, disappointment and resentment to run their course reported fewer mood disorder symptoms than those who critique them or push them away, even after six months.

Three separate studies were conducted at the University of California, Berkeley, on various groups both in the lab and online, and factored in age, gender, socio-economic status and other demographic variables, according to a news release from UC Berkeley on Thursday.

In the first study, more than 1,000 participants filled out surveys rating how strongly they agreed with such statements as "I tell myself I shouldn't be feeling the way that I'm feeling." Those who, as a rule, did not feel bad about feeling bad showed higher levels of well-being than their less accepting peers.

Then, in a laboratory setting, more than 150 participants were tasked with delivering a three-minute videotaped speech to a panel of judges as part of a mock job application, touting their communication skills and other relevant qualifications. They were given two minutes to prepare. After completing the task, participants rated their emotions about the ordeal. As expected, the group that typically avoids negative feelings reported more distress than their more accepting peers.

In the final study, more than 200 people journaled about their most taxing experiences over a two-week period. When surveyed about their psychological health six months later, the diarists who typically avoided negative emotions reported more mood disorder symptoms than their nonjudgmental peers.

At this point, the researchers, including lead author Brett Ford, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, Canada, and senior author Iris Mauss, an associate professor of psychology at UC Berkeley, can only speculate on why people accepting joyless emotions can defuse them, like dark clouds passing swiftly in front of the sun and out of sight.

Next, they plan to look into such factors as culture and upbringing to better understand why some people are more accepting of emotional ups and downs than others.
Gabonese Minister of Economy, Prospect and Program of Development, Regis Immongault Tatagani visited China Aug 6-9, 2017.

During his visit, the minister held dialogues with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the Export-Import Bank of China, China State Construction Engineering Corporation and some public and private companies onpotential cooperation.

In order to attract more Chinese investment and diversify Gabon's economic structure, the minister held a conferencethat brought together companies from many different sectors such as agriculture, tourism, mining and so on

The minister introduced in details about Gabon's investment policies, economic situation and future outlooks to all the above-mentioned organizations and corporations, and also reached an agreement about deepening bilateral economic and tradecooperation between Gabon and China.

Special Advisor of the Gabonese President, Charge d'Affaires of the Gabonese Embassy, the Economic and Commercial Consul and the Cultural Consul also participated in the visit.
Ancient mammals that evolved to glide and live in trees are shown in an artist's rendition. APRIL I. NEANDER/UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO/AFP

PARISIn dense Chinese forests populated by dinosaurs 160 million years ago, two furry critters resembling flying squirrels glided from tree to tree, showing that even in such a perilous neighborhood early mammals had succeeded in going airborne.

Scientists announced on Wednesday the discovery of fossils of two Jurassic Period gliding mammals so well-preserved and complete that they show the winglike skin membranes the creatures employed while gliding effortlessly between trees.

The two species, Maiopatagium furculiferum from Liaoning province and Vilevolodon diplomylos unearthed about 60 kilometers away in Hebei province, come from an extinct early mammalian side branch. One of the critters was about 23 centimeters from head to tail, and the other 8 cm without its tail, which was missing.

These two and another apparent glider from about the same time that was described in 2006 were the vanguard of the mammalian air force. It was not until more than 100 million years later that bats, which use powered flight like birds, and more gliding mammals appeared, following the dinosaurs' demise.

Mammals first appeared roughly 210 million years ago. These fossils underscore that early mammals were not merely cowering at the feet of dinosaurs but boasted a range of body plans and lifestyles. They included beaver-tailed swimmers, tree climbers, hoppers, borrowers and small carnivores that ate baby dinosaurs.

"Despite living in dinosaur-dominated ecosystems, early mammals diversified into many ecological niches," said University of Chicago paleontologist Luo Zhexi, who led the research published in the journal Nature.

REUTERS/AFP
This photo taken on August 10, 2017 in Vimy, northern France, shows the offices of Sovimo, one of five egg production companies, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, which has imported eggs containing fipronil, an insecticide, from neighboring Belgium and the Netherlands. [Photo/VCG]

AMSTERDAM - Dutch police arrested two suspects on Thursday as part of an investigation into the illegal use of a potentially harmful insecticide in the poultry industry, the Dutch prosecution service said.

Millions of chicken eggs have been pulled from European supermarket shelves as a result of the scare over the use of the insecticide fipronil, and hundreds of thousands of hens may be culled in the Netherlands.

Prosecutors said in a statement they had conducted raids at eight locations in the Netherlands and Belgium, confiscating cars and seizing bank accounts and real estate.

The arrested suspects were directors at Dutch company Chickfriend, which is at the centre of the scandal. Officials at the company could not be reached for comment.

Raids were conducted at locations linked to Chickfriend, which allegedly used the pesticide, as well as potential suppliers.

The company directors are suspected of threatening public health and possession of a prohibited pesticide, prosecutors said.

Fipronil is a popular insecticide to treat pets for fleas and ticks but it is forbidden for use in the food chain. The World Health Organization considers fipronil to be moderately toxic and says very large quantities can cause organ damage.
HAVANA - The Cuban Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday it had started an "exhaustive" investigation into the bizarre incidents which the United States said had caused physical symptoms in its diplomats serving here. The matter had also resulted in the expulsion of two Cuban diplomats from Washington in late May.

Earlier on Wednesday, US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters that the exact nature of the incidents was unclear, but that the affected US citizens had returned to the US for non-life-threatening "medical reasons." She didn't give the number of the US citizens affected.

"We don't have any definitive answers about the source or the cause of what we consider to be incidents," she said, adding that "we take this situation very seriously".

Reports said the affected US citizens, who first reported in fall of 2016 that some incidents were causing physical symptoms, suffered a severe hearing loss.

The Cuban Foreign Ministry statement released late on Wednesday said Havana complies strictly and seriously with its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 regarding the protection and security of diplomatic agents.

"Cuba has never, nor would it ever, allow that the Cuban territory be used for any action against accredited diplomatic agents or their families," said the statement. "Cuba reiterates its willingness to cooperate in the clarification of this situation."

Cuba said it had started a comprehensive investigation into the alleged incidents after it had been informed of them by the embassy in February.

"Various entities conducted an exhaustive, high-priority, urgent investigation ordered by the highest authorities of the Cuban government and requested the US embassy to share information on these incidents," said the statement. Meanwhile, Cuba had strengthened security around the US embassy, diplomatic and staff residences.

The Cuban Foreign Ministry statement also called the US decision to expel two Cuban diplomats based in Washington "unjustified and baseless."

The US and Cuba officially resumed diplomatic relations in July 2015, more than five decades after they were severed.

Xinhua

(China Daily 08/11/2017 page11)
The Chinese team during the semifinal relay of the Tank Biathlon competition held as part of the 2017 International Army Games at the Alabino training ground outside Moscow.The International Army Games 2017, underway from July 29 to Aug 12, consist of 28 events held in Russia, China, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Kazakhstan.[Photo/VCG]
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HA NOI  Viet Nam imported more than 6,900 cars worth US$171 million in July, recording a drop of 11.2 per cent in volume and 2.6 per cent in value compared with the previous month.

According to a report from the General Department of Vietnam Customs, the volume of cars imported from Thailand, which is the largest exporter of cars to Viet Nam, was sharply down to 2,688 units worth $46.7 million, compared with Junes 3,270 units worth $59 million.

The number of cars imported from South Korea was 519 units, down 123 units. The import of Indian cars was 64 units, down 36 units.

Meanwhile, there was an increase in the volume of cars imported from Indonesia last month, with 2,108 units imported to Viet Nam, more than 300 units higher than the previous month.

In the January-July period, the country spent more than $1.2 billion to import more than 57,800 units from foreign countries, a year-on-year decrease of 28,000 units.

In another development, the increasing import of cars and methods to enhance the capacity of the local auto manufacturing industry was highlighted at a seminar on the global automobile industry and lessons for Viet Nam, which was held in Ha Noi on August 10.

Deputy Director of the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) Nguyen Thi Tue Anh said the country had been issuing targets to the automobile industry for a long time; however, it was currently underdeveloped and not as efficient as expected.

There are many reasons  objective and subjective  but the key factor is that the market capacity is still small with low purchasing power, and it lacks proper policies and mechanism to inspire development, Tue Anh said.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is building a package of policies to support the automobile industrys development, in which it targets to minimise costs for businesses to raise production efficiency and competition.

Learning from the experiences of other countries, experts said Viet Nam needed to take the initiative in mobilising human resources, especially grey matter, capital and technology, to set up concentrated automobile industry complexes, where part suppliers are a key force. With that it can establish a production chain supplying auto parts and components.

Pham Anh Tuan, head of the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Associations Policy Subcommittee, said a car had more than 30,000 devices. However, automakers focused only on the key parts, therefore they needed contribution from part suppliers.

The establishment of concentrated automobile industry complexes is very important as it will create conditions for the industrys development in Viet Nam, Tuan said.

Nguyen Thi Xuan Thuy from the MoITs Policy and Strategy Institute said Viet Nams automobile market was a potential market, thanks to its population and high GDP growth rate. However, it would face fierce competition from regional countries from January 1, 2018, when the tariff for car imports within ASEAN nations would become zero.

Meanwhile, the localisation rate is still low, as the locally-assembled auto businesses and domestic automakers are still suffering from import tax on parts and components, causing the price of local cars to be higher than those imported from Thailand and Indonesia. This has reduced the industrys competition capacity and threatened its development in the context of an open market, where the customers have the right to buy cars from various suppliers.  VNS
HCM CITY  The Saigon Union of Trading Co-operatives (Saigon Co.op) and VietinBank have signed an agreement to leverage their respective strengths to benefit tens of millions of customers.

VietinBank will offer Saigon Co.op modern banking services, financing for its projects, working capital, cash flow management, collection, payroll and card payment services, and others.

At the signing event the two sides launched a co-branded card, Visa Paywave, the contactless card that works by just waving it in front of a reader.

The card would offer customers greater convenience and enhance the development of non-cash payments by reducing the risks involved in cash payment, Diep Dung, Saigon Co.ops chairman, said.

The new card will also integrate the supermarkets membership card.

Thus, cardholders will enjoy the benefits of Co.ops loyalty programme, including accumulation of points, discounts on purchases as well as Tet (Lunar New Year) and birthday gifts, as well as discount programmes organised regularly by Saigon Co.op, VietinBank and Visa.  VNS
HCM CITY  Vietjet was recently honoured as The IPO Deal of the Year 2017 and The Company with Best M&A Information Disclosure at the M&A Awards 2016-17.

As part of Vietnam M&A Forum 2017, which was held in HCM City on Thursday, the awards were judged by M&A experts through the nominations of consultation organisations and researchers.

Vietjets IPO was professionally conducted with consultations from renowned law firms and financial institutions, following international IPO standards.

The judges also lauded the airline for its information disclosure. Vietjet has done a good job on building investor relations, attracting investment funds and the public, providing transparent, detailed and internationally-standardised information to investors and the public.

Earlier, Vietjets 2016 annual report was also honoured with a Platinum Award, ranked fourth among the Asia Pacific regions awardees and eleventh out of 100 worldwide at the Vision Awards 2016 by League of American Communications Professionals.

The Vision Awards honours outstanding annual reports globally. -VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade to co-operate with relevant agencies in the resolution of issues related to the logistics sector.

According to Decision No 200/Q-TTg, which was promulgated in February, the competitiveness of Viet Nams logistics services is to be boosted by 2025, ensuring that logistics will become an important service sector in the economy.

The PM asked the ministry to lower logistics costs to 18 per cent of the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025, thus improving the sectors competitiveness. This could help increase the competitiveness of the commercial sector in particular and the economy in general.

However, many big firms operating in the logistics sector have struggled to cut costs.

For example, the northern city of Hai Phong should revise fees for the use of infrastructure, service facilities and public utilities at ports in the city. Last December, the citys Peoples Committee promulgated a resolution regulating fees for construction, infrastructure, service buildings and public utilities at ports. Under the resolution, individuals and organisations that have shipments stored at bonded warehouses must pay between VN2.2million (US$97) and VN4.8million ($220) per container, an increase of nearly 70 per cent on the previous level.

The new fees, which took effect from the beginning of this year, has increased the cost of implementing logistics services.

Nguyen Tuong, Deputy General Secretary of the Viet Nam Logistics Business Association said conditions related to logistics services still caused difficulties for businesses development.

Based on the Law on Investment 2014, logistics has been a conditional business line, with the aim of creating a legal framework for State management agencies to effectively manage the services, according to Tuong.

He said that if the transportation service providers had to pay high unofficial fees, this could considerably increase costs as transport accounts for up to 60 per cent of logistics costs.

He suggested that the Government should thoroughly implement Decision 200, focusing on four factors of the countrys logistics service system. These include policies and regulations regulating the logistics sector, infrastructure, logistics providers and customers.

In addition, the Government should take measures to help the logistic service sector contribute 8-10 per cent to GDP, achieve a growth rate of 15-20 per cent and reduce costs to 16-20 per cent of GDP by 2025.

It also targeted to bring Viet Nam into the top 50 countries with developed logistics services.

According to the World Banks ranking, Viet Nam is 64th out of 160 countries in the world and 4th in ASEAN after Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand in logistics development.

With the average growth rate of 16 to 20 per cent a year, logistics has been one of the service sectors with stable development in Viet Nam over the past few years.  VNS
HCM CITY  The countrys premier international aquaculture industry show, Aquaculture Viet Nam 2017, will take place in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta Province of Can Tho in late October with an expected 4,000 visitors.

Seventy per cent of around 120 companies at the exhibition will be from Viet Nam, with the rest from other countries.

Aquaculture companies, especially those from the Mekong Delta, will introduce their brands and products to partners and consumers, while farmers will have a chance to update their knowledge and seek markets and technologies.

Rose Chitanuwat, group director of UBM Asia, an organiser of the exhibition, said the exhibition would present an overview of the aquaculture industry with topics related to feeding, processing, marketing, services and finished products.

Chitanuwat also said the exhibition would present the latest production innovations, new cost-effective solutions for quality control, and ideas and insights to grow companies business through a comprehensive programme, including business-to-business exhibitions and conferences.

At the event, an international aquaculture conference, with the theme Aquaculture  Profitable and Sustainable Business, will be held. Domestic and international experts will discuss industry topics, including the use of technologies in breeding and processing products.

The exhibition will be held from October 25-27 at the Can Tho International Exhibition and Fair Centre.

It is organised by UBM Asia with the co-operation of the Directorate of Fisheries, Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Can Tho, Viet Nam Pangasius Association, International Collaborating Centre for Aquaculture and Fisheries Sustainability, and Viet Nam Fisheries Society.

In the first seven months of this year, the country produced over 4 million tonnes of aquaculture products, an increase of 4.4 per cent year-on-year.

Of the total, tra fish accounted for over 632,000 tonnes, up by 5 per cent over the same period last year. Production of shrimp during this period was over 250,000 tonnes, up by 3.8 per cent.

The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta region plays an important role in national aquaculture production, contributing 52 per cent of the fishing yield.

The regions aquaculture exports account for 65 per cent of national aquaculture exports. With this potential, the Delta is an attractive destination for foreign companies entering the Vietnamese market.  VNS
HA NOI  Binh Son Refinery and Petrochemical Co Ltd (BSR) on Thursday signed an agreement with the Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex) on cooperation in boosting sales of petrol products produced by the Dung Quat Refinery.

This is an important collaboration between BSR, which operates the Dung Quat Refinery with an annual capacity of 6.5 million tonnes of petroleum products, and Petrolimex, the petrol retailer covering two-thirds of Viet Nams market share.

Under the deal, Petrolimex will give top priority to the sale of petrol, liquefied petroleum gas and other petrochemical products produced by the Dung Quat Refinery, including exporting Dung Quats products to Laos and Cambodia.

The two sides will also consider possibilities of cooperation in the fields of insurance and transport.

In particular, Petrolimex and BRS expressed their wish to become each others strategic shareholders. Accordingly, Petrolimex will purchase BSRs shares after the latter completes the initial public offering (IPO), scheduled by the end of this year.

After over seven years of operation, BSR has produced and sold more than 47.2 million tonnes of products, meeting 40 per cent of the domestic petrol demand.

The companys total revenue hit over US$36 billion and contributed over $7 billion to the States coffer, more than double the investment in the refinery.  VNS
Residents of the central province of Quang Nam poured into the streets recently to protest against the Viet-Phap Steel Company, blamed for causing severe pollution in Tam Ky City.  Photo tamky.com

QUANG NAM  Residents of the central province of Quang Nam poured into the streets recently to protest against the Viet-Phap Steel Company, blamed for causing severe pollution in Tam Ky City.

Since its establishment in 2009, we cannot live in peace. We are asking them to move somewhere else, said Vo Nhu Quang, whose home is close to the steel plant.

The pressure worked, and on July 26, the Quang Nam Province Peoples Committee decided to move the Viet- Phap steel plant to the less populated mountainous district of Nam Giang.

Despite its happy outcome, the protest highlights a somewhat underexposed problem of the pollution generated by Viet Nams steel industry.

Writing recently in the "Viet Nam Environment Administration Magazine", Nghiem Gia from the Viet Nam Association of Foundry and Metallurgy said Vietnamese steel enterprises must put in place measures to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

Gia wrote that there are 300 small and medium-size steel enterprises in Viet Nam. These companies provide jobs and contribute to national economic development. However, due to their relatively small sizes, they lack proper waste treatment systems and cause pollution.

Steelmaking is a heavy industry and its slags are hazardous to the environment and humans. Solid waste, gas, dust and wastewater are released in every step of the production. Wastewater consists of machine-cooling water and liquid side-products which contain oil, minerals, dust, iron oxide and other pollutants.

The manufacturing of one tonne of iron discharges 0.5 to 1 tonne of slag, 10,000 cubic metres of gas, 100kg of dust and pollutants like acid or alkali. Dust from steelmaking contains metal oxides and greenhouse gases harmful to the biosystem and human life.

Solutions

At a National Assembly meeting late 2016, Industry and Trade Minister Tran Tuan Anh said Viet Nams steel enterprises and enforcement authorities need to take various actions to raise awareness of the impacts of pollution.

I stress that we are not by any means exchanging the environment for economic profits and industrial projects, Anh pledged.

On the other hand, Bui Huy Tuan from Viet Nam Steel Corporation, recommended enhancing education and training for managers. International co-operation in exchanging technology and environmental protection expertise was also encouraged.

Applying innovation in steelmaking is another solution. Effective energy use programmes are applied at some steel factories, such as Thai Nguyen Steel Company or a Nang Steel Company. They aim to promote sustainable manufacturing and technology innovation to improve production efficiency in factories.

To meet environmental requirements in operating waste treatment systems, we apply several solutions such as using heat-resistant dust filter bags; build recirculating tanks to reduce wastewater disposing to environment, set up the heat exchangers to ultilise heat of furnaces or dry FO oil for better savings, said Tran Tuan, Deputy Director of Luu Xa Steel Plant under Thai Nguyen Steel Company.

Tuan added that planting trees should be encouraged to help absorb CO2.

Those solutions will help prevent pollution, decrease waste and limit negative impact on the environment. It should go hand-in-hand with improving waste management system, investing in efficient projects and attracting aditional investment, experts say.  VNS
Many fishermen in the Mekong Delta region have complained that the ban on catching baby fish in local rivers during the rainy season has been implemented ineffectively, failing to protect marine life and seriously affecting their income.  Photo tuoitre.vn

AN GIANG  Many fishermen in the Mekong Delta region have complained that the ban on catching baby fish in local rivers during the rainy season has been implemented ineffectively, failing to protect marine life and seriously affecting their income.

Nguyen Huu Hai, a fisherman in An Giang Provinces Vinh Hoi ong Commune, told Tuoi tre (Youth) newspaper that the provincial authority has banned all fishing activities on the Tien and Hau rivers between early June and late August. The ban aims to protect species, such as blue-legged shrimps and cyprinid fish from being eradicated during the rainy season.

Since early June, Vinh Hoi ong Communes Peoples Committee has seized three fishing nets installed illegally by local fishermen. However, Hai said, the authoritys ban until the end of August is too long and unnecessary.

Hai said he had been fishing for seven years, and the best time to catch fish is from mid-July when water levels at local rivers rise significantly due to heavy downpours. This year, local fishermen will only be allowed to install their fishing nets in September. By that time, cyprinid fish which have gotten old will fetch VN6,000 less per kilo than the high-season prices of VN40,000 -50,000.

Hai said the local authority should allow fishermen to use nets with a mesh size that enables small and young fish to escape, instead of banning fishing entirely for such a long period. This would help ensure fishermens income and protect biodiversity.

Mai Phuoc Hung, another fisherman in Phu Hoi Communes An Phu District, said local residents had abandoned their fishing nets and tools to obey the ban. He himself left nets and tools worth VN100 million ($4,400) in storage.

Nonetheless, Hung said, small blue-legged shrimps and cyprinid fish are found in the markets in abundance because authorized agencies ignore violations of the fishing ban by other fishing households.

Biodiversity protection

Responding to the complaints, Lam Quang Thi, vice chairman of An Giang Provinces Peoples Committee, said the ban had been imposed every year and this year it stipulated specific sizes of fish and ban time. "The ban is only aimed at curbing overfishing and protecting the livelihood of local fishermen," he said.

The provincial committee has urged local authorities to strictly inspect compliance with the ban and fine violators.

Addressing claims of the bans ineffectiveness, Tran Anh Thu, director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said inspection teams mainly focused on large-scale fishing activities because of their impact on marine biodiversity. Inspectors would tighten control of small-scale fishermen to ensure the compliance with the ban, he promised. So far, six people have been fined for using small-sized nets to catch baby fish.

Thu said he agreed that fishermen could suffer loss due to the imposed pause of their fishing activities, but added that most households earn their living by doing other seasonal jobs. VNS
VUNG TAU  The Ba Ria-Vung Tau Provinces Peoples Committee on Thursday released the report on mass fish deaths in Long Son, stating the main cause to be water pollution and bacterial presence.

Around 90 tonnes of caged fishes were found dead in the island commune of Long Sons Cha Va River between August 4 and 10.

Water and fish sample analyses show that the two main causes of fish death are water pollution and the vibrio bacteria.

Three to four days before the mass fish deaths, the wastewater discharge gate No.6 of a seafood processing factory nearby was closed. This, and prolonged heavy rain, led to a drop in the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. Additionally, because of dense fish farming, water flow in the cages was reduced.

Four of the fish samples collected showed vibrio bacterial infection, which causes ulcer and haemorrhage.

Locals are now allegedly discarding dead fishes directly into the river, further contaminating the river water.

Ba Ria-Vung Taus Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has advised farmers to sell fishes that are large enough so as to reduce economic damages, and to stop breeding for two to three months and give the water time to clear.

They have also recommended that all families and enterprises clean their cages, decrease the fish density in cages, and improve water aeration to increase the amount of dissolved oxygen.

On Monday, the provincial agriculture department and the environmental police inspected enterprises and seafood processors in the area.

Ngoc Viet Company, owned by Tran Thi Mai Duyen, was found discharging chemical wastewater containned in seven cans into the river. Functional forces kept their other 160 cans of chemicals for processing.  VNS
HA NOI  The Greenovation Challenge contest, aimed at seeking initiatives to solve plastic waste issues in Viet Nam, has been launched in Ha Noi.

The contest is targeted at raising awareness of the youth on plastic waste issues, in addition to serving as a platform for students to come up with creative ideas towards community development. The Greenovation Challenge calls on all students, the future leaders of the country, to jointly protect the environment.

The contest is open to all open to all Vietnamese students nationwide, aged 18-25, and those who have graduated university less than a year ago.

Contestants will work out on their initiative, which can be in the form of a product, service or integrated communication plan, to address the plastic waste issue in Viet Nam.

The contest, with the message Save a bottle. Shape our future, is co-organised by the Foreign Trade University, Ha Noi University of Science and Technology and International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Winner of the contest, who will receive a cash prize of VN30 million (US$1,300), will be announced on September 30.

Viet Nam dumps some 1.8 tonnes of plastic waste into the ocean each year and currently is among the five countries in the world with the most plastic waste discharged into the ocean.  VNS
By Bach Lien

Among the thousands of pagodas in Viet Nam, Co Le Pagoda in the northeastern province of Nam Dinh stands out. For centuries, inhabitants have cited three strange aspects of the edifice: its architectural mix of occident and orient, its bell, and its courageous monks and nuns who joined armies to fight against invaders.

Located in Co Le town of Truc Ninh District, Co Le Pagoda was built by Zen Buddhist Nguyen Minh Khong during the Ly dynasty under the reign of King Ly Than Tong (1128-1138). The pagoda was originally built of wood and was heavily degraded over the centuries. Superior Buddhist Monk Pham Quang Tuyen rebuilt it in 1902, inspired by European Gothic architecture.

He designed the pagoda himself, creating arched domes to make it resemble a cathedral, but preserved the spirit of a traditional Vietnamese pagoda with its curved tiled roof. The curved corners of the roof are also decorated with typical stone carvings of dragons.

In front of the pagoda is the nine-storey lotus-shaped tower, called in Vietnamese Cuu pham lien hoa. The octagonal base of the 32m high tower sits on the back of a turtle facing the pagoda. Inside is a staircase spiraling to the top, from where limber visitors get a panoramic view of the area.

Jewelled bronze: The pagoda is famous for its large 9,000-kg bell cast in 1937.

Big Bell

In the centre of the pagoda stands a 9,000kg bronze bell cast in 1937, one of the biggest pagoda bells in the country, measuring 4.2m in height and 2.2m in diametre. The bronze was mixed with jewels donated to the pagoda by local inhabitants.

When the casting ended, war against French colonial invaders broke out. The monks tried to hide the bell by sinking it in the lake by the pagoda so the French invaders would not see it. It was only fished out in 1954, and has since occupied a place of honour above the lake surface.

Restful charm: The nenuphar lake at the pagoda.

Sacrifice

The pagoda is also famous for the fact that all its 27 monks and nuns joined the army to fight against invaders in 1947, following President Ho Chi Minhs appeal for national resistance.

No other pagoda had such a large number of monks and nuns taking part in the war, said Most Venerable Thich Tam Vuong, deputy chairman of the provincial Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Executive Committee who has been head of the Co Le pagoda for several years.

Four patriotic verses reflecting the revolutionary pride of the monks and nuns before going to the battlefield were carved on a stele of the pagoda :

We take off the Buddhist monk frock to wear the military coat

Unsheathe the sword; carry the guns, to eliminate invaders

We leave the pagoda to save the country

Ready to sacrifice our lives for the country

Twelve of those 27 monk soldiers did not come back. The survivors went back to the pagoda or continued on a military path.

Lotus shape: An ancient bridge connects the nine-storey tower in front of the pagoda to the main buildings.  VNS Photos Bach Lien

One of those survivors is General inh The Hinh who lives in Ha Nois Thanh Xuan District. At 90 years old, he still remembers clearly the day when he and others decided to take up arms.

In his diary he kept, he wrote: On February 27 1947, after a solemn flag salute ceremony, superior Buddhist Monk Thich The Long received 27 Buddhist frocks from 27 monks and nuns, and placed them on the Buddhist altar. He put on the heads of those monks and nuns the soldiers hats to which were attached golden stars. He then created a group of 27 soldiers of the National Defense army under Regiment 34."

Occidental-oriental: The pagoda was recognised by the Ministry of Culture for its architectural and artistic values in 1988.

During wartime, the pagoda became a safe house for secret revolutionary activities. After the war, Thich The Long became deputy chairman of the National Assembly of Viet Nam. After his death in 1985, a street in Nam inh city was named after him.

Every year, the pagoda festival held from September 13-16 attracts tens of thousands of people including non-Buddhists. They come here to admire the great architectural work, rest in a peaceful landscape shaded by age-old trees, and contemplate the tranquil nenuphar lake near the entrance to the pagoda which has become one of the most important historic and cultural sites of the Red River Delta.  VNS
MOSCOW  Russia on Thursday approved the cinema release of a racy film about Tsar Nicholas IIs affair with a ballerina, despite protests from opponents and even threats of arson attacks.

Matilda, a film directed by Alexei Uchitel focuses on Nicholas IIs historically documented relationship with ballerina Mathilde Kschessinska.

This was before his marriage to Queen Victorias granddaughter Alexandra Fyodorovna in 1894 and his ascent to the throne that same year.

Due out on October 25, the film has been granted it a 16+ release, the culture ministry said in a statement -- a decision likely to disappoint its critics.

Despite having watched only the trailer, conservative, nationalist and Russian Orthodox protesters have condemned the film, saying Nicholas II must be shown as an "untouchable" holy figure.

In one scene in the trailer, Nicholas is excited by seeing the ballerinas dress come undone on stage, revealing a nipple. In another, they embrace on a bed.

The film seems to have touched a nerve with those who feel Russia is veering too far towards Western values and sexual freedom.

Cossacks and Orthodox activists were among several hundred people who held a public prayer against the film outside a Moscow church last week, holding icons showing the royal family.

One of the films most vocal critics has been pro-Kremlin MP Natalia Poklonskaya, a former prosecutor in Moscow-annexed Crimea, who has gathered thousands of signatures against the films release.

Former Russian Orthodox Church spokesman Vsevolod Chaplin, now an outspoken blogger, has also denounced the films depiction of the tsar.

And on Thursday, Chechnyas strongman leader Ramzan Kadyrov entered the fray, calling for a ban on the film in his largely Muslim region.

Director Uchitel has refused to alter the film and has even said he hopes for an Oscar nomination.

The Russian Orthodox Churchs official position has been to distance itself from the controversy. It has declared Nicholas and his family as saints and holy martyrs.

What are thought to be the bones of two of Nicholass children are still in boxes in a state archive because the church has refused to recognise their authenticity.

The centenary of the execution by firing squad of Tsar Nicholas and his family at the start of the Russian Revolution falls next year.  AFP
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has urged the health sector to continue improving the quality of human resources and focusing on improving medical ethics, while enhancing the quality of the countrys population.  VNA/VNS Photo Duong Ngoc

HA NOI  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has urged the health sector to continue improving the quality of human resources and focusing on improving medical ethics, while enhancing the quality of the countrys population.

On Wednesday the Prime Minister chaired a meeting of key cabinet members to consider three development proposals from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Planning and Investment, which will later be submitted to the Party Central Committee.

Commenting on a proposal regarding the protection, care and improvement of peoples health and population, presented by the Ministry of Health, Phuc stressed the need to learn from the progress and achievements made in the region and the world so as to catch up with advanced technology and services.

The Government is responsible for taking care of peoples health and this is a consistent view, Phuc said, adding that it was necessary to boost resources for the sector.

"We, with current human resources, can attract foreign patients to Viet Nam for healthcare. But on the contrary, we spend a lot of money going abroad for medical treatment, he noted and emphasised the need for mechanisms to build modern medical centres that can meet international standards.

The PM also noted issues such as health programmes for the poor and other vulnerable groups, the roadmap for market-based health services and the creation of a competitive business investment environment for the health sector.

Ensuring the satisfaction of patients is an important measure of service quality, and hospital rankings should take this into account, he said.

With regard to population problems, the PM said that the project should provide solutions for issues such as increased life expectancy but poor health after retirement, the rapidly aging population and the quality and structure of the population.

Phuc asked the health ministry to prioritise measures that improve the quality of the population, saying that the size of the population must be in line with the countrys sustainable development goals.

Admin reform

Regarding the Ministry of Home Affairss proposal regarding renewal of management mechanisms, financial mechanisms and the reorganisation of the system of public service delivery units, the Prime Minister stressed the fundamental spirit of financial self-reliance, staff reduction and self-management in accordance with the socialist orientation.

Improving the quality of public services, strengthening and creating the most favourable mechanisms for socialisation [or investment and participation by the larger society] are necessary, he said.

Emphasising the spirit of rearranging nearly 60,000 public service units, Phuc asked the sector to thoroughly work on the remaining issues.

"We are talking about the socialist-oriented market economy, so if [the units or products are] not meeting the market, the society and peoples needs, then we have to get rid of them," Phuc said.

He agreed with the proposals concept of autonomy based on the level of self-funding and suggested that solutions must be strong enough to revolutionise the current limitations.

The Prime Minister emphasised maintaining only essential services for the Government.

It is necessary to expand autonomy, having the best mechanisms and policies in place to promote socialisation and minimise State budget spending, he said, asking the Ministry of Home Affairs to take on specific tasks and actions, especially solutions regarding financial mechanisms and improving the quality of public servants.

PM Phuc also reviewed the Ministry of Planning and Investments proposal about the establishment of a specialised agency to act as the States representative in State-owned and State-invested enterprises. He asked the ministry to follow resolutions of the Party Central Committee such as Resolution 05-NQ/TW on reforming the growth model, enhancing the competitiveness of the economy and separating the functions of asset owners, capital and State management functions.

He requested the drafting board to urgently complete the proposal so it can be promptly submitted to the Party Central Committee for consideration.  VNS
Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (R) receives Nay Pena, Chairman of the Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) Central Committees Inspection Commission and First Vice President of the Cambodian Senate, in Ha Noi yesterday.  VNA/VNS Photo Tri Dung

HA NOI  Viet Nam always attaches importance to and prioritises the consolidation and development of good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive, sustainable, long-term cooperation with Cambodia, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has said.

The Party leader hosted a reception for Nay Pena, Chairman of the Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) Central Committees Inspection Commission and First Vice President of the Cambodian Senate, in Ha Noi yesterday.

Trong said Nay Penas visit to Viet Nam was of significance as it took place in the context of the two countries celebrating the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

He noted with satisfaction the enhanced relations between the two Parties and nations across a number of fields, significantly contributing to political stability, and socio-economic development in each country.

Applauding outcomes of the talks between the two Party Inspection Commissions, General Secretary Trong suggested they intensify the sharing of information and experience in inspection and supervision work.

For his part, Nay Pena thanked Viet Nam for its valuable support to Cambodia during the struggle for national liberation, helping Cambodian people escape the genocidal Pol Pot regime, as well as the during the cause of national reconciliation, construction and defence.

Cambodia would work together with Viet Nam to raise the long-standing friendship and comprehensive cooperation to new levels, he said.

Earlier, Nay Pena held talks with Tran Quoc Vuong, Politburo member and head of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee (CPVCC)s Inspection Commission.

The two sides briefed each other on the situation of their respective Parties and countries, and discussed orientations for co-operation between the two commissions.

During their stay in Viet Nam, the Cambodian delegation had a working session on inspection and supervision work with the Ha Noi Party Committee and its inspection commission, and visited several economic facilities in the northern province of Bac Ninh. VNS
The National Assembly Standing Committee (NASC) opened its 13th session in Ha Noi yesterday with a debate on the revised law on national defence. VNA/VNS Photo Trong uc

HA NOI  The National Assembly Standing Committee (NASC) opened its 13th session in Ha Noi yesterday with a debate on the revised law on national defence.

The discussion included the stipulations in the existing law on announcing and abolishing the state of war and curfew, and the use of land assets for national defense.

Authorised by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and on behalf of the Minister of Defense, Deputy Minister Phan Van Giang presented the revised law on national defence.

Giang noted that law had been in effect since January 2006.

After more than 10 years of implementation, important accomplishments have been achieved in national defence. The law has made a great contribution to the maintenance of national independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and security.

It also helps boost the fight against crimes, ensure social order and safety and create favorable conditions for cultural and socio economic development, said Giang.

However, many new policies of the Party, and new regulations of the 2013 Constitution related to national defence have not been incorporated into the law, according to Giang.

Moreover, Giang added, the implementation of the national defence law 2005 exposed many inadequacies and was found to be incompatible with the requirements and tasks of national defence activities at the current time.

Vo Trong Viet, Chairman of the National Defence and Security Standing Committee, agreed with Giang that it was necessary to amend the national defence law.

NA Vice Chairman o Ba Ty concluded the discussion by confirming that the NASC basically agreed with the need to promulgate a revised law on national defence with the aim to boost the implementation of the Constitution 2013 and institutionalise the resolutions of the Party.

The NASCs seven-day session has a broad and packed agenda ranging from debates on State secret and forest protection laws to discussions of the budget and urban architecture.

NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said in her opening speech that the NASC would discuss the revised laws on forest protection and development, fisheries, public debt management and denunciations during the seven-day session.

The committee will also scrutinise five bills scheduled to be submitted to the NA for consideration at the upcoming fourth session, including the amended law on national defence, the law on the protection of State secrets, amendments and supplements to the law on Viet Nams overseas representative agencies and to the law on judicial records, and the law on public administration.

The committee is also set to examine the outcome of a pilot project on new uniforms for Peoples Courts judges.

The establishment of the Peoples Court and Peoples Procuracy of Sam Son City, Thanh Hoa Province, along with the use of the central budget in 2016 and 2017 will also come under discussion.

The NA Standing Committee is scheduled to supervise the implementation of policies and laws on investing and using BOT transport projects at this session.

Meanwhile, Minister of Construction Pham Hong Ha and officials of relevant ministries and sectors will answer the committees questions about the State management of construction planning, urban architecture and infrastructure, and the management and use of urban construction land.  VNS
The President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, Tran Thanh Man.  VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Dan

VIENTIANE  The President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, Tran Thanh Man, met in Vientiane yesterday with top leaders to discuss future cooperation, including infrastructure development at their border and regulations regarding Vietnamese living in Laos.

Party General Secretary and President of Laos Bounnhang Volachith praised the cooperation between the front organisations of Viet Nam and Laos, which contributes to enhancing the two countries special solidarity and friendship.

The Lao leader underlined the fact that the working visit to Laos by the VFF President from August 10-13 was taking place on the occasion of the 55th founding anniversary of Viet Nam-Laos diplomatic ties and 40 years of the Treaty on Amity and Co-operation. He said it provides an opportunity to educate young generations about the two nations close relations.

Man also met with the Chairman of the Lao Front for National Construction Central Committee, Saysomphone Phomvihane, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties.

He suggested that the two fronts jointly launch a plan on implementing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation among the Vietnamese, Lao and Cambodian fronts and a joint communique by the VFF and LFNC Central Committees about the outcomes of the international conference on building the Viet Nam-Laos border of peace for mutual development for the 2017-2020 period.

Man urged the host to help convince authorities in his country to ease requirements for Vietnamese nationals seeking Lao citizenship, and simplify procedures regarding marriage, business and labour.

The Vietnamese official said he hoped the two countries would also step up transport connectivity, enhance infrastructure investment in border areas, and partner in the search and repatriation of remains of Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and experts who sacrificed their lives in Laos during the war.

Phomvihane, for his part, thanked the Vietnamese Party, State, Front and people for their valuable support during the war as well as the current construction and development. He agreed with the guests proposal to further boost bilateral exchanges and conveyed his sympathy to Vietnamese victims of recent floods.  VNS


HCM CITY  The Viet Nam Education Publishing House Limited Company has printed more than 100 million copies of textbooks for the 2017-2018 academic year.

The company has also printed more than 95 million copies of different books, maps and pictures used by teachers in the classroom.

The prices are posted on the companys website www.nxbgd.vn, at bookstores, and at companies that sell books and devices for students.

The company is also providing discounts for students before the new school year begins, and has set up inspection teams to ensure that the market for educational books is stable.

The companys board has co-operated with relevant agencies to solve the problem of illegal printing of textbooks, with many already detected and reported to authorities.

Hai Anh Co.Ltd in Ha Noi, for example, was found printing 30,000 English textbooks illegally. Thien Phu Package and Printing Factory and Hai Chien Package and Printing Company in Ha Noi was also printing English textbooks illegally.

Parents and students have been advised to buy books at bookstores of the Viet Nam Education Publishing House Limited Company and companies supplying books and equipment for schools.

Nguyen uc Thai, chairman of the member council of Viet Nam Education Publishing House, said it would continue to publish books and documents for 4,228 schools taking part in the learning and teaching programme called Viet Nam Escuela Nueva, which started in the 2012-2013 academic year.

The Ministry of Education and Training is encouraging students to present their used textbooks to poor students or school libraries. VNS
HCM CITY  The Ministry of Health on Wednesday ordered the HCM City Department of Health to investigate the deaths of two people soon after cosmetic surgeries at private clinics.

In mid-April a 22-year-old woman from Hoc Mon District underwent breast enlargement surgery at Van Hanh Hospital in District 10.

A few days later she was admitted to the Hoc Mon General Hospital with difficulty breathing and low blood pressure.

She was diagnosed with serious post-operative infection and transferred to the 115 Peoples Hospital on April 24.

Doctors found her to be 16-17 weeks pregnant and gave her intensive treatment, but she went into a coma and died on May 4.

Luong Ngoc Khue, head of the ministrys Medical Examination and Treatment Department, ordered the department to look for possible violations and identify individuals responsible.

The department has also been asked to look into the death of a 53-year-old man who had surgery to remove loose skin in his hips after losing weight at the Viet Thanh Cosmetic Surgery Clinic in District 10 last month.

The man, an American, died during the surgery.

The department said it was working with the districts public security agency to investigate the case.

It has to report back to the Ministry by August 16.  VNS
HCM CITY  With the onset of the hand, foot and mouth disease season, parents should take preventive measures like frequently washing hands, a senior HCM City paediatrician has said.

Speaking to the media on August 9 Dr Truong Huu Khanh, head of the infectious and nervous diseases department at the citys Paediatrics Hospital 1, said more and more children were being brought to the hospital with the disease.

Now it was treating 50 inpatients every day compared to 20 normally, he said.

Many of the 50 cases were severe, with one of them put on a breathing machine.

oan Kim Thai of the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang, whose 13-year-old daughter has the disease and is getting treatment at the hospital, told Tri Thuc Tre online newspaper that she had had fever for seven days.

She was taken to a local hospital for treatment, but three days ago got convulsions.

Thai was worried and asked the hospital to transfer her to a HCM City hospital.

She said several children in her neighbourhood had the disease.

According to the city Preventive Health Centre, the city recorded 168 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease last week, 11 per cent higher than average in the last four weeks.

Khanh said outbreaks would continue to rise until November.

If children have high fever for two days, vomit and have convulsions, they should be taken to hospital, he said.

Children less than a year old are more severely affected than older ones, according to the doctor.

After a day or two of the fever painful sores could develop in the mouth, and children refuse to eat anything or get red spots on their skin.

These symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses such as sore throat.

The disease could cause complications like encephalitis or lung inflammation if not treated in time, Khanh warned.  VNS
HA NOI  An additional 300 buses will operate in Ha Noi to meet commuter demand during the three-day holiday for the 72nd anniversary of National Day, starting September 2.

The number of passengers is expected to rise sharply on Friday night (September 1) and Saturday morning (September 2), the Ha Noi Transport Corporation said.

The corporation has asked transport companies to not increase ticket prices, not carry passengers beyond the permitted number, and not drink and drive, so as to avoid accidents.

Additionally, there will be continuous security presence at bus stations to maintain law and order, the company said.

The three holidays, approved by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, are from September 2 to 4 (Saturday to Monday).  VNS
A NANG  The University of a Nang in collaboration with Fablab (fabrication laboratory) a Nang, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Arizona State University (ASU) officially launched a Maker Innovation Space in the central city on August 11.

The space, located at a Nang University, will help students gain skills to launch and test new technologies and innovative solutions for community development challenges with access to a fully equipped laboratory.

Maker Spaces enable university students to design, prototype, and manufacture their projects. The a Nang Maker Innovation Space will be equipped with 3-D printers, laser cutters, a wood and metal shop, as well as advanced design software available to all university student members.

Students will be able to use the Maker Innovation Space to translate the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics theory they learn in the classroom into prototypes for technological solutions for real-world problems. It is not only an educational facility, but also a solutions and inventions laboratory.

The space is the most advanced innovation centre out of all Vietnamese universities and colleges, and we are proud to be the second city in Viet Nam developing such a space after HCM City, said director of a Nang University, Tran Van Nam.

He said the launching of the space was part of progressive efforts made by the University, USAID, ASU and Fablab a Nang since 2015.

He hoped the space would act as a launching pad for innovations among students in the central and central highlands region.

Technology is changing everything we know...countries and people that embrace innovation are in the drivers seat. Innovators get to shape these changes, said USAID Vietnams Deputy Mission Director Craig Hart at the launch event.

I know this Maker Space will quickly become a place of collaboration, ideas, and experimentation. What I also expect, though, is that Viet Nams inventors and technology leaders of the future will come out of the Maker Movement.

The Maker Innovation Space is a component of the USAID Building University-Industry Learning and Development through Innovation and Technology (BUILD-IT) Alliance, a five-year project funded by USAID and implemented by ASU. The BUILD-IT Alliance is designed to help Viet Nam modernize its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) higher education system. With more than 16 high-tech industry partners, 16 university partners, and the support of the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Alliance is strengthening higher education policy, enabling closer university-private sector collaboration, and modernising Viet Nams academic programmes in STEM fields.

USAID BUILD-IT launched its first Maker Innovation Space in HCM Citys Sai Gon Hi-Tech Park and selected a Nang for its second facility based on the citys reputation for innovation and the strength of its partners here.

USAID aims to help coming generations of university graduates achieve inclusive, technology-based growth, which fits squarely into Viet Nams ongoing effort to revolutionise its economy under the Viet Nam 2035 strategy.

Earlier this year, a Nang University and University of Nice Sophia Antipolis and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) (Francophone University Association) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the fields of scientific research, education and student exchange, technology transfer, communications, business management, water management, and embedded software systems.

The university also plans to establish a teacher training college for engineering and the Viet Nam-United Kingdom University in the central city from next year.

a Nang University, which is one of the top 50 universities in ASEAN, and a key human resource centre for the central and Central Highlands regions, has developed 12 college-level education centres and trains 90,000 students per year.  VNS
TRIPOLI  The Libyan navy on Thursday ordered foreign vessels to stay out of a coastal "search and rescue zone" for migrants headed for Europe, a measure it said targeted NGOs.

Six years since a revolution that toppled longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi, Libya has become a key departure point for migrants risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean to Europe.

Tens of thousands of migrants have resorted to paying people traffickers for the journey, often on overcrowded and unseaworthy boats.

Charities have dispatched boats to rescue migrants from drowning, while Libya and Italy -- where the vast majority land -- have worked together to stem the flow.

"We want to send out a clear message to all those who infringe Libyan sovereignty and lack respect for the coastguard and navy," Libyan navy spokesman General Ayoub Qassem told a news conference in Tripoli.

General Abdelhakim Bouhaliya, commander of the Tripoli naval base where the conference was held, said: "No foreign ship has the right to enter" the area without authorisation from the Libyan authorities.

Libya has "officially declared a search and rescue zone", said Bouhaliya, without specifying the scope of the exclusion zone.

Qassem said the measure was aimed against "NGOs which pretend to want to rescue illegal migrants and carry out humanitarian actions".

He urged humanitarian organisations to "respect our will... and obtain authorisation from the Libyan state even for rescue operations".

Italy has also said it wants to keep a tighter rein on NGOs helping the multinational search and rescue operation by making them sign up to a new code of conduct.

Italian authorities last week 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.

Right to asylum at risk

Its crew is suspected of taking on board migrants delivered directly to them by people traffickers, and of allowing the smugglers to make off with their dinghies to be used again.

The Libyan coastguard has accused NGOs of aiding people traffickers in their lucrative business.

Italy has sent naval vessels at the request of Libyas UN-backed Government of National Accord to assist Tripoli in intercepting migrants, on a mission disputed by rival authorities in eastern Libya.

More than 111,000 migrants have reached Europe by sea so far this year, the vast majority of them arriving in Italy, according to the latest figures from the International Organisation for Migration.

Over 2,300 have died attempting the crossing.

On Tuesday, the United Nationss new envoy to Libya endorsed Italys drive to stem the flow of migrants leaving the North African state for Europe, despite misgivings among human rights groups.

Rights campaigners fear Italys focus on strengthening the Libyan coastguard to ensure boatloads of migrants are intercepted before reaching international waters could place thousands of people with a right to asylum at serious risk.

But Ghassam Salame, a former Lebanese culture minister appointed in June to head UN operations in Libya, described the cooperation between Tripoli and Rome as a "very constructive" way of dealing with an acute problem.

"It would be absolutely unrealistic to ignore the seriousness of the challenge of irregular migration," Salame said after meeting Italian Foreign Minister Angelo Alfano in Rome.

Apart from the Libyan navy providing technical assistance to the coastguard, Rome has also supplied Tripoli with new patrol boats and training.

Alfano said the cooperation was beginning to bear fruit, in a reference to a more than 50-percent fall in the number of migrants rescued at sea during July, compared to the same month in 2016.  AFP
Tony Melendez of Branson, Missouri, naturally strums the guitar with his toes.

"I had to learn and face head on. There are no arms on this body," the musician said. "What am I going to do? Am I going to cry about it or am I going to get up and start doing things about life? I chose to do about life more so than crying about it."

Melendez says medication his mother took for morning sickness may have kept his arms from developing.

As a child, he knew he was different but never felt like an outcast.

"In my eyes, it was normal. I never had arms. So, it's not like I lost them. I never had them."

"Did people make fun of me? Yes," Melendez recalled. "But it was always in the background for me. That's their problem, not mine."

He credits family for his confidence and ability to thrive.

"There were four of us: two brothers and two sisters. There were times that they didn't want to help me. There were times that it was not super easy, but as a family, we started working together and kind of learned how to help each other."

Melendez tried artificial arms at age 6. He maneuvered them well. But after a few years, the spirited boy realized he could do just as much without the prosthetics.

"I just felt they (artificial arms) were too heavy," Melendez said.

He was able to do much more with his feet and his mouth.

Melendez finds music through ministry

"At first, my dream was to become a priest," Melendez said. "I always had kind of that ministry heart. I wanted to help others." However, at that time, priests were generally required to have thumbs and index fingers to give communion.

"I didn't have the hand. I didn't have the arm." Melendez realized he would have to go a different direction.

He was 16 years old when another musician showed him how to tune the guitar differently. That's when he realized he could use his toes to strum the chords.

"People would come to the house and ask who's playing the guitar, you know. My family would have to walk them in the bedroom and say 'Tony's playing.' And then they would believe it," he said. "Music became another way I can serve others."

A kiss from the Pope

Melendez recalls his 1987 performance for Pope John Paul II as a "moment I will never forget."

"I got a letter in the mail asking me to come to the diocese," he said. "I showed up thinking I would be a part of a large choir." He soon found out that it was an audition to perform for the Pope.

"I always have the spare guitar in the back of my car. And that's the only reason I had the guitar, but it didn't say to bring it," Melendez remembered. "I went home thinking 'Why didn't I write a special song? I didn't prepare. They're not going to call me.' "

"Three weeks later, I'm in front of the Pope, singing for him. It just kind of happened."

He was 25 years old at the time and says the words to the song he performed were perfect.

"It's called 'Never Be The Same.' My life was meant to be different. Never to be the same."

After he sang, Pope John Paull II kissed Melendez on the cheek.

"That moment led to a lot of things," the musician said. "I've recorded now six different albums. I've been offered to go to 44 countries. I thought I would sing for him that day and it would be done. I'm 55 now, and I'm still going across the world. I'm still being invited."

Even though Melendez is very happy, there are two reasons he would like to have arms if he could.

"If I could play the guitar with my feet and do the lead part with my hands, I think I'd be the only one in the world that could do that," he said. "But one that's even better: embrace my wife.

"I would love to just be able to wrap my arms around my honey and hold her. That's one thing that, you know, I wish that I could do."
WATERLOO  The Womens Day Committee of Crystal Cathedral of Faith Southern Baptist Church, 3040 Hammond Ave., will host the Gods Women in Red Womens Day finale at 4 p.m. Sunday.

Theme is Oh the Blood that Jesus Shed For Me!

Dr. Gloria Kirkland-Holmes of Mount Moriah Church, Dinah Elliott-Anderson of New Hope Church and the Rev. Dr. Vapordeal Sanders of Koininia Ministries will be the guest speakers. The public is welcome to attend.

WATERLOO  The Music Ministry of Crystal Cathedral of Faith Southern Baptist Church, 3040 Hammond Ave., will host a breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday.

The menu includes sausage, ham, bacon, salmon croquettes, eggs, grits, rice, breakfast potatoes, toast, juice and coffee. Proceeds will benefit the music ministry of Waterloos own gospel songwriter and recording artist, Tellie Boldon-Campbell.

For information or to purchase a ticket, call 610-2031 or 504-6505.

CEDAR FALLS  Keeping Company with Jesus, a Womens Ministry kick-off event, is set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 29 at Prairie Lakes Church.

Doors open at 6 p.m.

Featured speaker is Alicia Bruxvoort from Proverbs 31 Ministries, on finding spiritual discipline amid a busy life.

Cost is $15 per person or $100 for a table of eight and includes dinner, dessert and beverages. Sign up by Aug. 21 at prairielakeschurch.org or call 266-2655.

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. Saturday 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.
CEDAR FALLS  The Musica Ficta Brass Quintet will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Overman Park.

This is the third of five programs offered in the free August Ensembles concert series sponsored by the Friends of Cedar Falls Band. Other programs in the series will include the California Sax Quartet on Aug. 22 and the Sugar Daddys Jazz Band on Aug. 29.

There is convenient street and lot parking, handicapped accessibility and restrooms. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for comfort. In case of rain, concerts may be delayed or moved into the band hall at 211 Washington St.

For more information, call 266-1253 or go to www.cedarnet.org/cfband.
WATERLOO  Waterloos four-legged firefighter has had a busy first year on the job.

Radar, a golden retriever/yellow lab mix, joined Waterloo Fire Rescue in May 2016, and by early this month he had been used at 30 fires and made 11 public appearances and demonstrations.

His job is to sniff through the charred devastation following a blaze to determine if there are traces of flammable fluids lingering. After Radar alerts on an area, the dogs partner, City Fire Marshal Chris Ferguson, collects samples, seals up the scrapings and sends them off to the state crime lab for testing.

When the fire department gets lab results confirming the presence of gasoline, lighter fluid or something similar, Ferguson knows the constant training and work paid off. He said its like finding the prize in the bottom of a cereal box.

Hes definitely helped obtain solid physical evidence, Ferguson said.

So far only one of Radars arson cases has gone to trial. It involved a Dodge Durango found burning on Locke Avenue in October 2016. The owners ex-boyfriend, who had earlier sent threatening texts, was arrested, and samples from the vehicle were processed, according to authorities. Trial was in March, and the ex-boyfriend was convicted of second-degree arson.

Even if a case doesnt go to trial, Ferguson said, the evidence Radar helps sniff out can be used to leverage a guilty plea.

We like to think that Radars work helped, Ferguson said.

Radars toughest test came in June when four vacant houses and a storage building were set on fire in a matter of hours. The K-9 was able to work each scene to gather evidence. One person was arrested and is awaiting trial.

Radar is one of only three accelerant detection dogs on duty in the state of Iowa, Ferguson said. Other cities with dogs include Cedar Rapids and Council Bluffs. The state Fire Marshal Division no longer has a K-9, he said.

Waterloos K-9 has also been used to help investigators in other communities, said Fire Chief Pat Treloar.

Radar was brought to Waterloo Fire Rescue with the help of a $25,000 grant from State Farm. Another $10,000 came from the Black Hawk County Attorneys Office, and Radar receives veterinary care courtesy of Den Herder Veterinary Hospital and food from Waterloo Mills.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo man has been charged with allegedly failing to disclose marijuana use when he bought a gun.

A federal grand jury in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday handed up an indictment charging Paris Clevonte Lyes, 22, with possession of a firearm by a drug user and false statement during a firearm purchase.

Court records allege Lyes didnt tell employees at Scheels sporting goods that he used marijuana when he bought a 9mm Glock handgun on Aug. 26, 2016. In addition to the Glock, Lyes also possessed a .22-caliber Mossberg 715P handgun and a 7.62mm Romarm/Cugir Mini Draco pistol on July 19, 2017.

The indictment comes a month after Lyes was arrested on drug charges. Waterloo police pulled him over during a traffic stop in the 600 block of Logan Avenue on July 6 and found marijuana and scales, according to court records. He was arrested on state charges of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.
DECORAH  Employees of Braun Intertec of La Crosse, Wis., were in Decorah this week using ground-penetrating radar to map where undermining of Upper Broadway at the Vernon Street intersection is occurring.

Earlier this summer, a void opened up at the intersection, and when crews inspected it, it was determined there was a faulty storm sewer intake box, according to City Manager Chad Bird. When the site was excavated to determine the extent of the damage, the ground shifted more, causing a water main to break.

The break was repaired and the hole was filled with rock, but permanent repairs have been put on hold until the site can be assessed, Bird said. The road will remain gravel until the problem is solved.

We need to know what really is going on. There was a substantial void. Where did that dirt go? We dont know where it ends up, he said.

Bird stopped short of referring to the void as a sinkhole, but did say the radar is used to ascertain the depth of sinkholes.

City officials also had the firm check a section of Ridge Road, up the hill from the Luther College presidents home, where there is a void under the curb.

Braun submitted a proposal of $3,992 for the project.

City Engineer Lindsay Erdman told the Decorah City Council Monday night Braun will follow the path of the undermined street down the hill.

The large hole is not coming out anywhere we can find. Were deciding how much of an issue we have. Weve been monitoring it and doing some repairs, and we filled the hole up with rock. When the company comes in, we will get an indication of where things are so we can put the puzzle together, Erdman said.

Bird said Braun could have a preliminary report for the Council at its Aug. 21 meeting.
WATERLOO  The city is looking to swap a portion of Miriams Park for the former Edison Elementary School property.

City and Waterloo Community Schools staff members have been discussing the exchange, which has now been endorsed by the citys Leisure Services Commission and City Council building and grounds committee, for more than a year.

The proposal calls for the city to give the school district the southern end of Miriams Park, situated south of Greenhill Road, so it could be added to the districts Central Middle School campus. The playground area on the north end of the park would remain city property.

In return, the city would receive the Edison site at Falls Avenue and Magnolia Parkway for future residential development and use as a neighborhood park.

City and school officials both saw benefits in the land swap, which still needs to be fine-tuned before being considered by the full City Council and Board of Education.

The bulk of the 17-acre Miriams Park, which once housed Cinderella-themed play equipment and a big orange pumpkin, is open field.

The seven-acre Edison site is now vacant after the district demolished the former school after it was replaced at another site by Fred Becker Elementary. The popular Eagle Island wooden playground at the school was also torn down after falling into disrepair.

Noel Anderson, the citys community planning and development director, said he believes the Edison site would be a good location for infill housing development and possibly some commercial development along the southern end at Falls Avenue.

Leisure Services Director Paul Huting said he would like to maintain a park on the northeast corner of the Edison property, adding that it made sense to let go of some Miriams Park land.

Its just property that we have to mow, he said. If were going to take on a new park at Edison wed like to have that kind of a swap where were able to give up some maintenance at the same time were taking on some maintenance.

We do feel very strongly that the Edison neighborhood does need a park presence, Huting added.

School Superintendent Jane Lindaman said the district followed its protocol in considering options for disposing of the Edison site before looking at the land swap with the city.

We really dont have a purpose for (the Miriams Park) property right now, she said. But we do know there may be purposes down the road could mean needing additional land there.

Property adjacent to Central potentially has more use to the district than the Edison site, which sits on its own.

The district is expanding and remodeling at Central to add up to 15 programs to its Career and Technical Education program between 2018 and 2020. Should those programs lead to additional expansion, the Miriams Park land could come into play.
In 2013, businessman Donald Trump tweeted, Be prepared, there is a small chance that our horrendous leadership could unknowingly lead us into World War III.

Four years later, President Trump has engaged in a battle of bombast with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un that, if not a run-up to WWIII, is reminiscent of the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962 when the U.S. and the Soviet Union came perilously close to nuclear war.

Back then, President John F. Kennedy warned Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, Any nuclear missile launched from Cuba against any nation in the Western Hemisphere would be considered an attack by the Soviet Union on the United States, requiring a full retaliatory response upon the Soviet Union.

North Korea launched two successful intercontinental ballistic missile tests in July. They are believed capable of being armed with a miniaturized nuclear warhead, although a technical issue of their ICBMs disintegrating upon re-entry into the atmosphere exists.

Trump, understandably tired of Kims threats but breaking a longstanding precedent of ignoring loudmouth dictators only added fuel to the proverbial fire.

North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States, he declared. They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen.

So North Korea immediately threatened an enveloping fire around Guam, the U.S. territory in the South Pacific with a U.S. Air Force base.

Arriving in Guam on an overseas tour, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said, I think Americans should sleep well at night, have no concerns about this particular rhetoric of the last few days. Trump, he said, was speaking to North Korea in language that Kim Jong Un will understand because he doesnt seem to understand diplomatic language.

Indeed, diplomacy hasnt worked.

The Clinton administration and North Korea signed the 1994 Agreed Framework, calling for Pyongyang to freeze operation and construction of nuclear reactors suspected of being part of a covert nuclear weapons program. In return, the U.S. supplied North Korea with fuel oil pending completion of two proliferation-resistant nuclear power reactors.

However, after a bilateral meeting with North Korea, the Bush administration was convinced it was developing a uranium-enrichment program to build nuclear weapons.

President Bush in his 2002 State of the Union Address accused North Koreas leaders of arming with missiles and weapons of mass destruction, while starving its citizens, including it in an axis of evil with Iran and Iraq. An administration report that September called for possible pre-emptive attacks against countries developing weapons of mass destruction, including North Korea.

Since 2006, North Korea has tested six nuclear weapons, while the U.N. slapped it with six economic sanctions  China and Russia toning down the harshest aspects.

But on Aug. 5, the U.N. Security Council unanimously passed the toughest North Korean sanctions yet. China and Russia were onboard, a testament to their concern about Trump and Kims unpredictability, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haleys abilities or both.

The sanctions target North Koreas leading exports  coal, iron and iron ore, lead and lead ore, and seafood  while limiting its access to certain ports, eliminating a ploy to circumvent prior sanctions. To restrict North Koreas access to cash, the sanctions broaden the definition of financial institutions prohibited from providing it with money and limit the number of North Korean workers working overseas and sending money home.

The sanctions supposedly would reduce North Korean exports from $3 billion to $1 billion annually. Yet North Korea previously avoided the impact, according to a U.N. panel, by using agents from other countries and front companies highly experienced and well trained in moving money, people and goods, including arms and related materiel, across borders.

National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster said the administration must provide all options, including a military option to pressure Kim Jong Un and those around him, such that they conclude it is in their interest, to denuclearize.

Defense Secretary James Mattis warned North Korea to cease any consideration of actions that would lead to the end of its regime and destruction of its people.

Yet military action faces daunting realities. Metropolitan Seoul, the South Korean capital, is home to 20 million people  only 35 miles from the demilitarized zone  and in the crosshairs of North Korean conventional artillery.

A first-strike attack against North Korean nuclear sites is problematic because much of its arsenal is underground and underwater. A retaliatory strike against South Korea, Japan and U.S. military bases could follow.

If a positive takeaway exists, China and Russia seem to recognize the urgency of reining in Kim, believing its possible Trump literally could go ballistic. Tillersons call for direct talks with North Korea were rejected, but China and Russia might be able to broker a deal, starting with good-faith gestures, while Kim and Trump give their explosive rhetoric a rest.

Then we will sleep better.
As a journalist who lived through the traumas of the Watergate scandal more than four decades ago, Im often asked to list the parallels and contrasts between the troubles surrounding President Donald Trump and the events that brought down President Richard Nixon.

The spate of sensational disclosures is similar, though its all higher profile in the age of the internet, Twitter and 24-hour cable news. So is the incessant speculation.

But the most important similarity may be, at this early stage, the likely end of the probe into possible collusion between Trumps campaign and the Russians is as difficult to predict as was the end of the scandal stemming from the June 1972 break-in at Democratic National Headquarters. Nixons resignation came 26 months later.

For most of that period, the consensus in Washington was he would survive. His political base stayed loyal, he succeeded in covering up his role in the scandal  until exposed by the evidence on his own taping system  and he had a pretty good insurance policy: the widespread belief his inexperienced vice president, Spiro Agnew, was unfit to be president in the midst of the Cold War.

But that circumstance changed drastically 16 months into the scandal when Agnew was forced to resign after the disclosure he had accepted bribes while governor of Maryland and vice president. He was replaced by the House Republican leader, Rep. Gerald Ford. Ironically, Nixon thought Ford would provide similar protection. But he failed to recognize the Michigan congressmans bipartisan popularity in Congress and the widespread recognition among his colleagues that he was decent, honorable and capable.

Trump has no similar insurance policy. Despite his hyper-partisanship and his misleading arguments in the recent health-care battle, Vice President Mike Pence has a generally solid reputation among his former GOP colleagues on Capitol Hill. He conveys steadiness, and he brings a level of governmental experience as a congressman and governor, which contrasts directly with the shortcomings of the unprepared, mercurial president. Though he has been very loyal to Trump, almost to the extent of embarrassment, Pence recently conveyed a minimal degree of separation by noting Donald Trump Jr.s infamous meeting with the Russians took place before he joined the GOP presidential team.

If the Trump presidency reaches crisis level, Pence most likely will be regarded as an acceptable alternative, just as Ford was.

The former Indiana governor has one downside, which probably wouldnt affect the likelihood of his succeeding to the presidency but might affect prospects for a post-Trump political honeymoon. Throughout his career, Pence has displayed a rigid ideology that seems not only to the right of the country but also to the right of the conservative-dominated GOP. During his congressional career, he consistently ranked among the two dozen House members with the most conservative voting records.

He has shown by his role in staffing domestic departments with equally conservative former House colleagues such as Budget Director Mick Mulvaney and Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price, helping to pull a president once regarded as non-ideological to the right.

Concern about the extent of his conservatism might prevent the kind of general acceptance accorded Ford, who governed as a relative centrist in the less conservative GOP of his day, something he underscored by choosing New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller, the leader of the partys liberal wing, as his vice president.

That selection was a major factor in prompting Ronald Reagans nearly successful 1976 conservative primary challenge to Ford. A challenge from the right would seem less likely if Pence were to succeed Trump before the 2020 election than one from an anti-Trump conservative like Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Whatever happens, The New York Times reported Sunday, the vice president will be prepared politically.

Ford, though initially popular, lost in 1976 in part because of a series of political errors, including the pardon of Nixon that has looked better in the ensuing years and a debate gaffe in which he insisted incorrectly that Communist Poland was not under Soviet domination. Still, he came within 17,000 votes of winning a full term in the only presidential election Republicans lost during their 1968-88 era of national domination.

The current times are more complicated politically  but less Republican nationally. Though the GOP holds the White House, Democrats have won the popular vote in six of the last seven elections. But just as the events of the next several years will determine the fate of the Trump presidency, these and subsequent events will determine what comes next, including the nature and appeal of any post-Trump Democratic alternative.
Q: What is with the crazy lines on Park in Waterloo? How are we supposed to drive on it?

A: The narrow lane next to the curb is for bicycles. The area to the left of that is for parking and the single lane near the centerline is for vehicle traffic. When making a right turn at certain intersections, vehicles move to the right and bicyclists move inside of them.

Q: With the red light cameras: When they take a picture of a car without a front plate, does that guy get a free pass or does he get a ticket anyway?

A: The cameras are designed to get a photo of the rear license plate.

Q: There was an article in Sundays paper about the Rath building being repossessed because it was looking like an eyesore. Why cant the dog track also be repossessed since it looks awful out there?

A: The city owned the Rath Packing building and gave it to a developer with a contract requiring the property to be returned if it was not fixed up. The city cant repossess the Waterloo Greyhound Park because it never owned it. It was built and continues to be owned by the National Cattle Congress.

Q: Who is responsible for cutting the weeds on the west side of Idaho Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Shirley Street?

A: That property is owned by the Lee Russell Phillips Trust, according to property records.

Q: In The Courier on June 11 you reported in an article about wages approved by the Waterloo School Board of Education that, quote, Other subjects, like insurance, are now illegal to bargain on. This is because state lawmakers earlier this year approved changes curtailing collective bargaining rights for some public employees. Then, in a separate article about Cedar Falls Schools, a monthly health insurance premium for some employees would rise from $5 to $25. How could Cedar Falls Schools negotiate this increase when this was illegal by the legislative? Also, many people pay hundreds of dollars a month for their health insurance and taxpayers are responsible for what these employees dont pay. Isnt it time public employees pay their fair share?

A: If the caller is referencing a June 13 story that talks about raises being approved for two Cedar Falls Community Schools employee groups, those staff members are not involved in the bargaining process. The groups include positions like supervisors, managers, coordinators, transportation department staff, information technology service technicians, 12-month secretarial-clerical staff, and district and building administrators. As the story notes, these are nonbargaining positions, so there was no negotiations process involved in coming up with those increases in health insurance premiums. As for school employees paying their fair share for health insurance, it may be more effective to pose that question to your school board representative than to ask us.
America do not attack North Korea!

[contentcards url=http://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-china-media-idUSKBN1AR005]

Now since North Korea is not a country that transverses the planet and attacked multiples of other countries for no reason, such as America has and her cronies. North Korea likes to spout, but they will be good and quiet if we (USA) leave them alone

-

This whole situation makes me see perfectly clear why a country like Iran, North Korea and many more, want to have nukes to set up a better defensive wall of protection. When so many small countries have been subjected to dismantlement and turned into vassal states in the last years, who could blame a country like North Korea to protect itself? I dont and if you where in their shoes, you would want to build that nuke wall against a country as the USA, who has spent several lifetimes trying to destroy all they have



Oh! If America attacks NK, China and Russia will be there to assist NK. If NK attacks America and or American cronies, China and Russia will stay fairly neutral on NK and the protection wing will be not as beneficial

So I allow you to really contemplate

Which country is the true psychopath?

WtR
Mid-August may feel like the doldrums where you are, but you can trust that more birds are coming your way. Hang in there!

My daughter just got a sweet new pair of Wingspan Optics ProBirder Ultra HD 8X32 Compact Binoculars that we need to break in (but not break) this weekend. Corey is back from Belize and planning to return to the comforting embrace of Jamaica Bay NWR. How about you? Where will you be this weekend and will you be birding? Share your plans in the comments below.

Whatever your plans this weekend, make time to enjoy SkyWatch Friday. Also be sure to come back Monday to share your best bird of the weekend!
Skies will darken, the temperature will drop and people will use special protective glasses to see a very unusual event. The solar eclipse is one of the biggest events of the year and the 13abc team will produce special coverage on every platform.

13abc, The Blade and Imagination Station are combining efforts to celebrate the solar eclipse with a viewing party. "We are passionate about all things science at Imagination Station, so when an eclipse occurs, we go all-out to celebrate" said Chief Executive Director Lori Hauser. The celebration will be home to 13abc's coverage with anchors Jeff Smith and Christina Williams anchoring Action News at Noon live from Imagination Station. There will be several live reports from activities around Imagination Station, the University of Toledo, the Oregon's Challenger Center and other eclipse viewing locations.

13abc's news team will return with a live local special from Imagination Station with Diane Larson and Lee Conklin anchoring live on CW13. The program "Great Solar Eclipse Celebration" will be re-broadcast on 13abc at 7:00pm giving an opportunity for people unavailable in the afternoon to watch complete coverage later.

Eclipse programming will be live streamed on 13abc.com and the 13abc app. An exclusive Gray Television broadcast with reports from around the nation will also be available at 13abc.com. 13abc will produce Facebook Live reports and 13abc will be active with photos, video and information on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

ABC News will present special live coverage of the eclipse anchored by David Muir from 1:00pm until 3:00pm on 13abc. Muir will be on location in Charleston, SC with Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee in Nashville, TN.

13abc will present a series of stories about the countdown to the eclipse beginning Monday and continuing all week on 13abc Action News at 6:00pm. Topics will include safety, the effects on animals, cell phones and the eclipse and more.

"This is home" to Toledo's complete coverage of eclipse events.
PORTLAND, OR, August 11, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Ways & Means Oyster House will celebrate their grand opening in Bridgeport Village, with their inaugural Portland oyster-eating contest to benefit local charities, on Saturday, August 26 at 10 a.m. The event boasts fierce competition coupled with a good cause, as $3 from every oyster eaten by the winning team will be donated to that team's charity of choice. Three team members from the Tigard Police Department, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, and the Tualatin Police Department will each be given 60 seconds to eat as many oysters as they can, while spectators cheer on their favorite team. The event will take place at Ways & Means Oyster House, which is located in Bridgeport Village at 7331 SW Bridgeport Rd, Portland, OR 97224.



"The Ways & Means team is extremely dedicated to giving back to our community and we're very excited to bring that spirit to our home in Bridgeport Village," said Director of Operations Dan Schneider. "We've received tremendous support from this event at our California location from both the wonderful organizations involved and the attendees. We are looking forward to meeting our new neighbors while benefiting a great cause."



This event was developed by founders, Parnell and Jennifer Delcham and Dena Mathe, who feel strongly about giving back to the community. Ways & Means Oyster House has a large emphasis on community work that focuses on saving our oceans, supporting the humane treatment of animals, autism, and cancer research.



Attendees can enjoy food and drinks from the lunch and brunch menus during the event, with a $1 from every brunch dish sold during the event between 10:00 am - 11:00 am going to the winning charity as well.



To view the menu, visit www.wmoysters.com. Ways & Means Oyster House is located at 7331 SW Bridgeport Rd, Portland, OR 97224. For more information, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.



ABOUT WAYS & MEANS OYSTER HOUSE:

The award-winning seafood restaurant concept, Ways & Means Oyster House, is a full-service restaurant committed to sustainability and localization of product with a menu focused on seafood. Founders Parnell and Jennifer Delcham and Dena Mathe took inspiration from heritage flavors and the community atmosphere of seaside clam shacks, oyster bars and harbor houses around the globe to create this coastal concept. The menu features a small plate format with a price range that begins at $4 and offers lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. The culinary program is complemented by a carefully curated wine list tailored to provide unique experiences at every visit. The restaurant concept is centered around a bar program that is driven to execute an exciting selection of cocktails composed of high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients. A large selection of spirits, beer and wine, including many offerings from Oregon and the Portland area, are flowing from opening to closing every day. The operations also offer banquet services along with the availability of retail items, including wine and beer, to be carried off premise.



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Aug 11, 2017 | By Tess

A team of researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has designed and built a low-cost 3D printed device that helps turn a smartphone into a portable laboratory capable of medical diagnostic tests. The device, called a spectral transmission-reflectance-intensity (TRI) Analyzer, costs only $550 to make.

The innovative device, which is encased in a compact 3D printed cradle, is capable of analyzing blood, saliva, or urine samples with the same accuracy and reliability as most lab instruments. Unlike the professional lab instruments, however, the 3D printed TRI Analyzer does not cost thousands of dollars.

The tool was developed by a team from the lab of Brian Cunningham, a professor of bioengineering and electrical & computer engineering and was recently published about in the journal Lab-on-a-Chip.

Cunningham explains, Our TRI Analyzer is like the Swiss Army knife of biosensing. Its capable of performing the three most common types of tests in medical diagnostics, so in practice, thousands of already-developed tests could be adapted to it.

Among the analysis tests the 3D printed smartphone attachment is capable of completing are a test to detect pre-term birth biomarkers in pregnant women and a PKU test, which detects an enzyme in newborns that is crucial to normal development and growth.

The researchers claim the TRI Analyzers results for both tests were comparable to those acquired with clinic-grade spectrometer instrumentation.

How does the device work? Well, the TRI Analyzer basically consists of a 3D printed casing which integrates an optical fiber and a diffraction grating mechanism. When used with a smartphone, the contraption enables the phones camera to function as a high-performance spectrometer.

That is, the analyzer device uses the smartphones internal white LED flash (or, alternately, an external green laser diode) to light up a sample of blood, urine, or saliva. As the researchers explain it, the light from the sample is then collected in an optical fiber and guided through a diffraction grating into the phones rear-facing internal camera.

The low-cost testing device is also capable of reading multiple samples at once by inserting a microfluidic cartridge into an opening in the 3D printed casing.

Our Analyzer can scan many tests in a sequence by swiping the cartridge past the readout head, in a similar manner to the way magnetic strip credit cards are swiped, said Kenny Long, an MD/Ph.D. student who was also the lead author on the study.

Of course, the obvious benefit of being able to analyze more than one sample at a time is that it can meet time-sensitive demands for patients who may not be able to reach a clinic, hospital, or test facility quickly.

Long also added that the TRI Analyzer has the potential to be used for the ELISA test (or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), which can detect and measure various proteins and antibodies in a blood sample. The ELISA test is a common procedure for many health diagnostic tests.

If the TRI Analyzer wasnt versatile enough, the research team says it could even be used for animal health applications, environmental monitoring, drug testing, food safety, and even manufacturing quality control.

The innovative technology is protected by patent, but is available for licensing, say the researchers.

Researchers at Duke University recently produced a similar 3D printed diagnostic device.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Aug 11, 2017 | By David

The future of 3D printing should see it conquering not just the manufacturing industry here on Earth, but outer space as well. NASA has been implementing the technology for various purposes for many years now, and a significant breakthrough was recently achieved by one of its partners in space exploration, California-based company Made in Space. The Technology Demonstration Mission (TDM) project Archinaut, which is intended to 3D print complex hardware and supersized structures in space, was successfully tested in a simulated outer space environment.

Made in Space operates from Moffett Field, an abandoned naval air base that houses NASAs Ames Research Center as well as a cluster of other similar space-focused tech startups. Several private companies are beginning to assist with and even take over some of NASAs activities, in a growing trend towards the commercialization of space exploration. When the Space Shuttle program ended in 2011, billionaire Elon Musks Space X company stepped in to continue its work, and Axiom and Bigelow are both vying to replace the International Space Station program, which NASA will be retiring in 2024.

NASAs Archinaut TDM project is being spearheaded by Made in Space in a collaboration that pools the talent of both organizations, with a view to eventually taking the technology into orbit in 2020. This first successful large-scale test in a micro-gravity environment represents a major milestone, and a step towards achieving that goal. The Archinaut project makes use of Made in Spaces innovative Extended Structure Additive Manufacturing Machine, and the test was conducted in a vacuum chamber in the Engineering Evaluation Laboratory at the Ames Research Center.

Archinaut is essentially a 3D printer with robotic arms, which allow it to autonomously assemble major structures out of the pieces it prints. The test saw it successfully produce large beams and other parts, of the kind that could be used to assemble a space station or exploration vehicle. After another major test planned for 2018, the next step would be trialling the technology in space.

Manufacturing in space could have a huge range of potential benefits and advantages, not just for space exploration and settlement but also for industries back here on Earth, and 3D printing will have a major role to play in its growth. The use of the technology means that space missions could become increasingly autonomous and independent of human participation, as well as easier and more cost-effective due to requiring fewer initial resources at launch.

"Instead of launching a rocket with a complete vehicle crammed on board, what if we just launch feedstock -- raw material -- and do all manufacturing and assembly in space?" said Eric Joyce, Archinaut project manager for Made In Space Inc. "All the constraints go away, and rockets become more efficient at delivering cargo to space."

After reaching a target destination, a robotic 3D printer could print out and assemble all the equipment it needs, on-site, to carry out a variety of different tasks and experiments. This could even extend to the production of more robotic 3D printers, and this kind of fully self-replicating technology would enable the exponential growth of outer space developments, perhaps leading to the autonomous construction of settlements on the Moon or Mars.

3D printing tests are also being carried out using the materials native to these environments, with a view to producing technology that would be entirely self-sufficient and capable of building useful items and structures using just the resources that were locally available. Made in Space, for example, is currently trialling the 3D printing of bricks using a synthetic material that simulates the topsoil on Mars, also known as Martian regolith material.

Starting in November, the company will also be starting in-space production of optical fiber, using a rare glass-like material known as ZBLAN. This material will enable the fibers to conduct a signal up to 100 times stronger than regular silicon fibers, and it is much easier to manufacture with ZBLAN in space than on Earth, as gravity causes unwanted to crystals to form during the process.

In-space manufacturing and assembling has been the stuff of science fiction and the dream of the industry for almost the entire existence of the industry, said Made in Space CEO Andrew Rush. But now, for the first time, were making these really transformative steps toward making that a reality.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Some Bay Area news to muse over this week...





S.F. charity ousts longtime director following Chronicle investigation, SF Chronicle

Seventy-eight-year-old socialite and style icon Joy Venturini Bianchi is having a bad day. After a recent Chronicle investigation into Helpers Community, Inc.the charity over which she has long presidedBianchi has been dismissed from her well-paid, well-heeled seat in the director's chair. It seems that while she was scooting between boutiques in her company-funded Jaguar and scooping up hundreds of thousands of dollars in designer threads, the nonprofitwhose mission it was to donate funds to charities that supported the developmentally disabledforgot to, um, donate its funds to charities that supported the developmentally disabled. We are assuming this means that Bianchi will not be gracing us with her eccentric presence on the red carpets at this fall's arts galas. Read more.

Street artist pays tribute to Tenderloin with finished brain mural, Curbed SF

A pair of 70-foot-tall brains is now sprouting on the wall alongside the Hotel Alise. Compliments of New England artist Believe in People (or BiP), the mural pays tribute to the Tenderloin. Read more.





Impossible Burger's 'Secret Sauce' Highlights Challenges of Food Tech, NY Times

With its beef-like blood and meaty taste, the plant-based Impossible Burger has been celebrated by foodies, vegetarians, and environmentalists alike. But, the FDA, it seems, isn't quite ready to bust out the grill for a veggie pool party. In response to requests from the Silicon Valley company to confirm the safety of its meat-free patty, the old-school government agency has expressed concerns that the burger's "bloody" sauce, soy leghemoglobin, may be an unsafe allergen. Read more.





After legalizing weed, California's black market could remain huge, Cal Matters

Economists estimate that California farms grow more than 13.5 million pounds of cannabis every year, while Californians annually consume only about 2.5 million pounds. Where is that 11 million pounds of leftover green going to go? Although California may have passed legalization, other states haven'tyou do the math. Read more.







City Offers To Buy Upper Haight McDonald's, Build Affordable Housing, Hoodline

McDonald's Corporation is considering the city's offer to buy its restaurant on Haight and Stanyana location whose reputation for onsite crime makes it a little less than happy. Neighbors have been pushing the city to buy the restaurant for a while, and now it aims to use the location to build affordable housing. Read more.





Rich SF residents get a shock: Someone bought their street, SF Chronicle

At a quiet auction back in April 2015, a South Bay couple got the deal of a lifetime: For just $90,000, the pair purchased one of the toniest private streets in San Francisco, home to socialites, politicians, and foreign consuls (our own 7x7 editor was once a guest at a dinner on this street, hosted at the home of the British Consul in honor of Alexander McQueen creative director Sarah Burton). Only, the residents of Presidio Terrace are just finding out about their strange new landlords, who now legally control all common ground on the blockincluding the parking spots. Read more.
Once home base for seafarers and fraught with the public houses that kept their spirits up, the waterfront was reimagined as a tourist attraction in the 1970s. Today, the area melds memories of the many eras gone by, with retro coffee shops sharing sidewalk space with sparkling new condos, industrial warehouses, and art galleries. The waterfront is speckled with ferries and sailboats, and an array of cool bars, music venues, and restaurantsranging from grab-and-go to upscaledraws urbanites from around the Bay Area.

Jack London Square may be all grown up, but we still catch the spirit of rowdy old sailors in the air, partying into the wee hours of the night. Here's where to eat, drink, and have a good time in the 'hood.

The Best Eats in Jack London Square

There is no shortage of things to eat around here.

Square Meals

An Oakland staple, Everett & Jones(126 Broadway) is the place to go for tender ribs, flavorful brisket, juicy chicken, and house-made hot links. But save room for sides and say yes to candied yams and cornbread muffins. // Head to Nido for farm-to-table Mexican food and drinksthink mushroom empanadas or grilled shrimp alambre tacos, waiting to be washed down with a Blanco y Negro (organic horchata topped with iced coffee). Look out for daily specials and happy hour deals. // Get breakfast, lunch or dinner at Chop Bar (247 4th St., Ste 111), an early pioneer in the neighborhood known for its hearty salads, oysters, oxtail poutine, and seasonal house cocktails. // Bomb vegan soul food is a real thing. At Souley Vegan(301 Broadway), you can, uh, pig out on sizable portions of Southern-style fried-tofu bowls and Creole-style spaghetti topped with falafel. // Forge Pizza(66 Franklin St., Ste 100), located on the waterfront, is the place to indulge in crispy cheese curds and pizzas topped with cauliflower or, for the more daring, pork sausage, potato, and chili flakes. // Back in 1972, Yoshie Akiba and her two best friends opened Yoshi's, then just a quaint sushi bar, in North Berkeley. In its Oakland home (510 Embarcadero W), the restaurant has grown to become an award-winning jazz club and performance venue. Before a show, try the tiger shrimp tempura with spicy aioli or oysters with apple-tonkatsu sauce. // Feast amongst the Victoriana at The Fat Lady (201 Washington St.), a former brothel now serving scandalously thick-cut pork chops and calamari steaks. // Tucked away in an office building you'll find Montse's Cafe(155 Filbert St.), a go-to for killer daily specials and agua frescas, as well as hearty breakfast plates and sandwiches. // Middle Eastern food is the focus at Dyafa (44 Webster St.), a collaboration between chefs Daniel Patterson and Reem Assill that spins out inventive, spice-forward dishes in a beguiling interior complete with mosaic tile backsplash, jewel-tone chairs, and a branch entwined trellis overhanging the dining room. Start with za'atar-spiked flatbread dipped in creamy hummus or the batata harra (fried potatoes); move on to the sumac-spiced chicken confit or spicy whole-roasted fish; and wash it all down with an adventurous cocktail capitalizing on flavors usually reserved for food (think Medjool dates, Greek yogurt, and cumin) from the well-stocked bar. // Carnivores rejoice! Belcampo Meat Co. (55 Webster St.) serves up a slew of meat-laden menu items that you can feel good about, since the company only serves high-quality meats sustainably and compassionately raised on its NorCal farm. The black garliclaced lamb burger has been known to make a convert out of the lamb wary, skewers let more adventurous diners dabble in beef heart, and the calamansi lime and chicken salad serves as a nice common ground if you've got designs on something lighter. // The square was hurting for Asian-influenced fare until the opening of Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine (336 Water St.), and the colorful settingan energetic mixture of floral-printed chairs, a 3-D flower wall sculpture, and a bamboo-bedecked patioperfectly matches the vibrancy of the food in dishes such as the 24-hour beef noodle soup, hat yai fried chicken, and slow-braised bone-in short rib. // While JLS mainstays such as Scott's Seafood (2 Broadway) and Kincaid's (1 Franklin St.) are old-timers for a reason (solid seafood, solid service, stellar views), Lungomare (1 Broadway) is still our choice for squid-ink pasta or seasonal risotto; anchovy-topped pizza; or a brunch laden with poached eggs, smoked salmon, and more from the buffet.



Coffee + Snacks

Thanks to Blue Bottle, Oakland is basically the home of Third Wave coffee. There's no stopping in Jack London Square without visiting the roastery (300 Webster St.), which houses a coffee bar, cupping room and pastry kitchen. // Rather take it to go? Snag a mini growler at Bicycle Coffee(364 2nd St.)then bring it back later for a refill on the cheap. // Satisfy your sweet tooth with macarons, perfectly iced cupcakes, and impossibly buttery cookies at Miette (85 Webster St.).

Click through for more on where to drink and play in the neighborhood.
When the series launched more than 65 years ago, some were skeptical of Arnaz, Ball's husband, playing her sitcom husband Ricky Ricardo. As history would prove, viewers got over it quickly and fell in love with Lucy and Ricky, as they were known on the show. The black-and-white production gained record-setting audiences from around the world episode after episode. After six seasons, production of the show ended. Within just a few years, we learned of the couples off-screen split in 1960.

Following the couples divorce, Ball bought out her husbands share of their company, and she went on to become the first woman to head a major studio. Desilu was behind a number of big name productions including Star Trek.

The couples children, Lucie Luckinbill, 66, and Desi Arnaz Jr., 64, will be involved in the production of the upcoming film. Since their father died at age 69 and their mother died at 77, both in the 1980s, the brother and sister have had control of their memoirs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and conventional wisdom traditionally has been that fresh is best. But recommendations are changing as more studies show there is no significant nutritional difference between fresh and frozen. Here are five reasons why you may want to stock up on healthy treats while in the frozen food aisle.

1. Nutrition

New research from the University of Georgia found that frozen fruits and veggies are just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts  and some even retained more nutrients, especially when it comes to vitamin A.

In a separate comparison cited in the New York Times, researchers at the University of California Davis found that vitamin content was higher in some frozen foods, including broccoli, corn, green beans and blueberries. The freezing process typically keeps the nutrients of freshly picked produce intact, while fresh produce may sit in transport or grocery stores for days, losing nutrients along the way.



2. Convenience

A recent study conducted by the Frozen Food Foundation found people who buy frozen fruits and veggies consume more produce overall than those who don't. This finding mirrors what nutritionist Cynthia Sass learns from her own clients, according to her story on Health magazine's website. "While Im a big fan of fresh produce, I'm also serious about helping people fit in at least five servings of fruits and veggies per day every day. I've found that when my clients keep their freezers stocked with frozen produce, they're much more likely to hit that mark." Frozen veggies are usually prewashed and precut, making heating them in the microwave or pan fast and easy.

3. Affordability

Frozen produce can be cheaper than fresh, making it accessible to more people. Frozen organic spinach costs about 50 cents less than fresh organic spinach  for twice the volume, Sass says. Similarly, a 10-ounce bag of frozen organic raspberries is the same price as six ounces of the fresh fruit.

4. Smoothies

Frozen fruits and berries make great filler for quick protein drinks during your morning routine. Sass recommends whipping frozen berries, cherries and leafy greens into your morning smoothie. You may also try adding thawed scoops of frozen fruit to oatmeal or yogurt.

5. Flexibility

Frozen veggies can be used far longer than their fresh counterparts. So instead of replenishing your fresh produce supply every few days, you can stretch out the shopping trips. Frozen veggies are also a great alternative to canned ones, which are usually packed with salt to preserve them. Chef Daniel Thomas writes for AARP that frozen vegetables, for the most part, are cooked to a very high temperature before being quickly frozen for flavor and color conservation, so salt and preservatives aren't necessary.
The top five states ranked overall best for health care are:



Hawaii

Iowa Minnesota New Hampshire District of Columbia

While WalletHub did not focus specifically on health care for people 50 and older, analysts at the Washington, D.C.-based personal finance website discovered that some states offer more services and lower costs for older Americans.



"When looking at retirees' health care needs, South Dakota has the highest number of health care facilities and New Hampshire has the highest percentage of senior citizens in good health at 83 percent," WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzalez told AARP. "We found that Alabama is the best state when it comes to adult day care, clocking in cost-wise at around $7,000 per year. Louisiana has the lowest cost for in-home services, at almost $35,000 per year."

She also noted that "Hawaii has the highest life expectancy at over 81 years and the lowest death rate among senior citizens. Minnesota has the second-lowest percentage of retirees with disabilities at 32 percent, and the third-best public hospital system."

For the general population, a number of states ranked high in specific categories  including Arizona, which was at the top for lowest average monthly insurance premiums. The lowest cancer rate is in New Mexico, and Hawaii has the lowest heart disease rate. South Dakota shines when it comes to its number of nurses, almost 1,700 per 100,000 residents, and its number of dentists, over 40 per 100,000 residents.

Check out WalletHub's interactive map to see where your state ranks.
Kienholz does it all to lead Pierre to sixth-straight 11AA title

Pierre quarterback Lincoln Kienholz had an interception and scored the game-winning touchdown on consecutive drives to seal Pierre's sixth-straight 11AA title.
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WTC to acquire Taiwan customs solutions provider, Prolink

Sydney, Aug 11, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Global logistics software group, WiseTech Global ( ASX:WTC ) announced the acquisition of Prolink, a market leader in customs and forwarding compliance solutions in Taiwan. Prolink provides its automated customs compliance and forwarding solutions to over 350 corporations including DHL, UPS, Yamato, Morrison, Hellmann, Hankyu Hanshin, Dolphin, Evergreen, Pacific Star, THi, Leader-mutual, OEC and many of the largest logistics service providers in Taiwan and China.



WiseTech Global CEO, Richard White, said "Given Prolink's leading position in customs and forwarding solutions across Taiwan and their successful expansion into China and Hong Kong, we are pleased to welcome the Prolink team to the growing WiseTech Global family. Acquiring Prolink's competitive leadership, market knowledge and cross-border compliance expertise in Taiwan and China gives us additional regional strength to accelerate our growth throughout Asia."



"At WiseTech Global we are relentless about improving productivity, quality, speed, visibility, and manageability in the logistics industry. We will combine the on-the-ground logistics compliance expertise of Prolink with our own core technology, the Universal Customs Engine, to build out the next generation of border compliance for the Taiwanese logistics industry."



"As with our targeted acquisitions in Germany, Italy and Brazil earlier this year, and our recent Digerati transaction, we will be working with Prolink to substantially increase the timeliness, accuracy and completeness of logistics compliance execution solutions for all our customers to better manage costs, risks and the exponential increase in transactions at the border."



Prolink founder and President, Paul Lin, said "With the global strength of WiseTech now invested in Taiwan, Prolink will accelerate our innovation to improve our local and international customers' productivity and border compliance capability. We are excited to join together and grow together to deliver even better solutions for our customers."



Remaining under the leadership of President, Paul Lin, and General Manager, Glendy Guan, Prolink operations will be integrated within the WiseTech Global group. Prolink will continue to deliver its leading products in Taiwan and China and, over time, WiseTech's powerful global logistics execution platform, CargoWise One.



Across 125 countries, CargoWise One enables logistics service providers to execute highly complex transactions in areas such as freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, shipping, land transport and cross-border compliance and to manage their operations on one database across multiple users, functions, countries, languages and currencies.



About Prolink



Founded in 1996, Prolink is the leading software provider of forwarding and customs solutions to the logistics industry across Taiwan. Headquartered in Taipei with operations in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Fuzhou and a team of over 65 people, Prolink solutions cover customs compliance, freight forwarding, supply chain and specialist warehousing. Prolink provides solutions to DHL, UPS, Morrison, Yamato, Hankyu Hanshin, Dolphin, Evergreen, Pacific Star, THi, Leader-mutual, OEC and Hellmann and many of the largest customs brokerage and logistics providers in Taiwan and China.



For more information on Prolink please visit http://www.pllink.com





About WiseTech Global Ltd





WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX:WTC) is a leading developer and provider of software solutions to the logistics execution industry globally. Our customers include over 17,000 of the world's logistics companies across 160 countries, including 41 of the top 50 global thirdparty logistics providers and all of the 25 largest global freight forwarders worldwide2. Our flagship platform, CargoWise, forms an integral link in the global supply chain and executes over 50 billion data transactions annually.

At WiseTech, we are relentless about innovation, adding over 4,000 product enhancements to our global platform in the past five years while bringing meaningful continual improvement to the world's supply chains. Our breakthrough software solutions are renowned for their powerful productivity, extensive functionality, comprehensive integration, deep compliance capabilities, and truly global reach.

For more information about WiseTech Global or CargoWise, please visit wisetechglobal.com and cargowise.com


Citronen update

Perth, Aug 11, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Ironbark Zinc Limited ( ASX:IBG ) ( IRBGY:OTCMKTS ) ("Ironbark" or "the Company") is pleased to report an update to the market regarding the wholly owned Citronen Base Metals Project ("Citronen").



Citronen represents one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources in the world with a granted Mining Licence located in a mining supportive and low sovereign risk environment. The Citronen Project is currently moving towards development funding. In addition, the robust Citronen deposit remains open to further mineralisation in many directions. Combined, the deposit's size, expansion potential and advanced stage, Ironbark is considered to be peerless in the listed zinc space on the ASX.



Successful Site Visit with China Nonferrous and Greenland Government



Ironbark is pleased to advise that earlier this month it concluded a highly positive site visit to Citronen with the Greenland Government Minister for Mines, Mute Bourup Egede and the Deputy Minister, Jorgen T. Hammeken-Holm as well as Vice President of China Nonferrous Metal Industry's Foreign Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd ("NFC"), Mr. Qin Junman. NFC has a Memorandum of Understanding with Ironbark for the potential funding and construction of the Citronen Project, and Mr. Junman led a team of engineers and experts from NFC and the Nerin Group in the site visit as part of NFC's ongoing project assessment. In addition Ironbark was supported by a senior engineer from CPC Project Design ("CPC"), a senior Ironbark geologist and a support crew.



The site inspection formed part of the NFC project review and a Feasibility Study update being compiled by NFC for the purpose of preparing the project to access Chinese financing and development with current costs, pursuant to the MoU.



The site inspection was successful in introducing the Greenland Government Mines Minister and Deputy Minister to the Vice President of NFC and his selected team. It provided a solid understanding around the construction requirements and operating conditions for the Project. Presentations and reviews were conducted on the mineralisation, site locations of the open pit and underground mine, the process plant and tailings location, the port location and water supply among many other aspects of the Project.



Background to NFC Agreement



Ironbark is working with NFC under an agreement to:



- Incorporate current Chinese equipment and construction costs into the Citronen Feasibility Study



- Prepare a Project study report in compliance with the financing requirement of China's banks



- Ensure the technical criteria is in compliance with local laws, regulations, standards and codes in Greenland and China



- Assist Ironbark in securing Chinese Project debt financing for the development of Citronen under the terms of the earlier Memorandum of Understanding



Ironbark is working towards advancing the financing and development of Citronen as it progresses to become one of the world's largest zinc mining companies.



Ironbark selected NFC as providing the most technically capable, rapid and competitive construction engineers to deliver a turnkey, fixed price EPC solution to develop and commission Citronen. Moving beyond the existing Memorandum of Understanding with NFC, Ironbark will see the Citronen Feasibility Study updated and tailored to meet the Chinese banking requirements that will target 70% debt financing and provide NFC with an option to acquire up to 19.9% of the Citronen Project. Recently discussions have included exploring options for even higher levels of financing from China.



Ironbark is awaiting the updated Feasibility Study as prepared by CPC which will be released in the near future and also the Feasibility Update being prepared by NFC sometime later. Ironbark will then undertake a marketing program, to better position the Company on the attached peer comparison graph and better reflect the project's value. In conjunction with the prevailing strong zinc price and the updated Feasibility Study, the Company believes it is extremely well positioned to deliver shareholder value.



Ironbark will also update the market on the progress of its Agreement with NFC in relation to the funding and construction of the Project in due course.



Zinc Market



"Falling zinc warehouse stock levels are driving a strong zinc price providing Ironbark with exceptional leverage to a rallying zinc price"



The price of zinc has just risen to the highest prices in almost 10 years of over US$2,965 per tonne and at the same time stockpiles are showing a trend of growing metal depletion with level at new multi-year lows on an almost daily basis. This is a very exciting time to be moving s one of the largest zinc projects in the world towards production.



Zinc, the fourth most mined metal by volume, is mostly used for galvanising steel, and has not run as hard this year as it did last year predominately based on mine shutdowns and depletion resulting in a metal deficit. The price of zinc had in fact fallen from its February high but has very recently enjoyed a rapid rebound. One explanation for this rapid recovery is the increase in London Metal Exchange (LME) cancelled warrants (zinc that is marked for delivery). LME zinc stocks are currently below 270,000 tonnes, see Figure 1 (see the link below), which is down by 37 percent and the cancelled warrants are currently almost 70 percent, which suggests market tightness. The Chinese Shanghai stockpiles are following the same trend and are lower by approximately 50 percent. Interestingly lower Chinese treatment charges and better zinc payability terms being offered by the smelters also point to a market tightness. In addition to this, the International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG) observed that global zinc market deficit widened to 92,400 tonnes in April from a revised deficit of 72,700 tonnes in March. In the first four months of 2017, the zinc market was in a deficit of 112,000 tonnes versus a deficit of 20,000 tonnes in the same period last year.



It has been widely forecast that zinc prices may continue to trend upwards in the near future driven by increasing tightness in the concentrate market, following the recent closure of several major mines and healthy and growing zinc demand. This has been observed already with increasing Chinese refined metal imports. Overall tightness in the market and the major metal warehouses such as the London Metal Exchange (LME) and the Shanghai Exchange with regards to falling stocks are likely to be supportive and drive zinc prices even higher. In the context of Ironbark, this should prove to be a very supportive financing environment.



To view tables and figures, please visit:

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/N1R75CIQ





About Ironbark Zinc Limited





Ironbark Zinc Limited (ASX:IBG) (OTCMKTS:IRBGY) is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and is seeking to become a base metal mining house. Ironbark has an undrawn US$50M funding facility provided by Glencore to expand its project base through acquisition.

Ironbark seeks to build shareholder value through exploration and development of its projects and also seeks to actively expand the project base controlled by Ironbark through acquisition. The management and board of Ironbark have extensive technical and corporate experience in the minerals sector.

The wholly owned Citronen base metal project currently hosts in excess of 13.1 Billion pounds of zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb). For full details refer to ASX announcement 25 November 2014 Citronen Project Resource Update  JORC 2012 compliant resource.


Talisman Project Update

Auckland, Aug 11, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - New Talisman ( ASX:NTL ) ( NZE:NTL ) is pleased to announce that progress at the Talisman Project is on schedule and within budget. Water and compressed air reticulation systems have been installed and are providing services for ongoing refurbishment works of the No 8 Level Drive.



HIGHLIGHTS



- Project progress on schedule and within budget;



- Compressed air system installed and commissioned;



- Water reticulation system in place;



- Revision of mine plan targeting areas identified in Talisman Deeps Project.



- Bonanza module nearing completion



- NZD Gold Price nears $1800 NZD/Oz



With access to the workings secured and the first three timber sets replaced work has now focused on the bridge area some 330m into the mine.



Several generations of timber support in this area have constricted the size of the drive and must be removed to allow access for the small loader to the workings beyond. In order to do this safely temporary support is drilled between the timbers before they can be removed and the condition of the hangingwall and sidewalls inspected before a decision is made on the final support requirements.



Geological conditions have required the installation of 8ft, fully encapsulated rock bolts to address jointing and fractures in the area. This work is progressing well.



Draining of an old ore pass, just beyond the bridge area, is also underway with several tonnes of waste material having been removed to date. Once the ore pass is fully drained the supporting structure will be removed and the pass permanently sealed.



Safety and Health



The safety of our workforce remains of prime importance to your company. Having developed the health and safety modules for our resource consent for bulk sampling lodged and submitted in 2014 the first of any health and safety management plan in this country under the new regulations introduced at that time). We are proud of our focus and aim toward being the leader in underground health and safety. As the Resource consent and activities for bulk sampling have not yet commenced such will be a transition phase currently being finalised. The project has robust health and safety management systems in place and we are pleased to report that no incidents have been reported since commencement of the prospecting activities.



Commencement of the Bulk Sampling project in December will trigger compliance with the full HSWA Mining Regulations. The Company lodged these plan in October 2014 and is in discussion with Worksafe NZ on managing the transition. In the meantime the company is using the highest levels of health and safety in its prospecting phase in order to create a culture which is a best practice case study as we progress towards the extraction phase.



Project Schedule



The Prospecting project remains on schedule for completion in late 2017. While there has been activity by a minority group of anti-miners this has had no effect on the Company's ability to execute the scope of works.



Gold Price (see Figure in the link below)



New Talisman is the sole NZX listed Gold developer with exposure to the NZD gold price. The NZ dollar gold price has climbed significantly over the past month. Macro economic conditions and the Korea issue appear to be increasing the momentum toward gold as a storage of wealth and as a safe haven asset as has traditionally been the case.



Project Development



The Talisman Deeps project has provided the Company with a wealth of information on the areas available for mining below No 8 Level. Of prime importance in potentially increasing the levels of extraction in the bulk sampling project plan is gaining access of deeper levels of the ore body below the 8 level. Considerable effort is being expended on evaluating options to achieve this.



Bonanza Module



The Bonanza Deeps module is currently undergoing final review which requires a significant amount of complex calculations as modules are checked and rechecked prior to finalising the table one resource model. At this stage it is expected the Bonanza module which is the second last module of Talisman deeps is to be released in the next 2 weeks.



The final module which will also include all of Talismans resources Ie Mystery, Crown, etc are to be upgraded to JORC 2012 will be completed by November. Work will commence on such following Bonanza completion.



Community



We are pleased with the community support for our project and our hard working mine staff. We are continuing with our efforts to eradicate pests such as rats and invasive species such as gourse from our site and we hope to be able to work with DOC with a plan for the entire area as the rats in particular pose a potential disease hazard. We are grateful for the support and hard work by DOC and HDC and the Police who have made keeping the public road to our site open and safe, a priority.



Matthew Hill Said " We are very pleased with the work progress underground by Terra Firma and our NTL Team. With the gold price in NZ at recent highs and investors recognizing the value of the company, the share price has reacted accordingly. We are the best performing junior on the NZX in the last 24 months and continue to go from strength to strength as we progress this world class project towards the extraction phase and beyond. The recent international articles have attracted interest from around the world on our project and we continue to see opportunities in projects where we can focus the unique skills in historical epithermal vein systems we have".



To view figures, please visit:

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/8F9R3OYQ





About New Talisman Gold Mines Limited





New Talisman Gold Mines Limited (NZE:NTL) (ASX:NTL) is a dual listed with over 2,300 shareholders who are mainly from Australia and New Zealand. It is a leading New Zealand minerals development and exploration company with a mining permit encompassing the Talisman mine one of New Zealand's historically most productive gold mines. Its gold properties near Paeroa in the Hauraki District of New Zealand are a granted mining permit, including a JORC compliant mineral resource within the original Talisman underground mine, and a Heads of agreement with Newcrest on an adjacent exploration permit along strike from the mine. The company is now advancing its plans to develop the mine, and advance the exploration project.

More about New Talisman Gold visit the Company website, here.
The various infrastructure projects which are currently being developed in Mumbai will rob off the citys green cover. The manner in which city is expanding there will be scarcity of open spaces in the metropolis. Environmentalists are already worried about the dwindling forest cover of the city which is necessary to maintain greenery and control temperatures. Already 13 per cent trees have been chopped off for the Metro-3 project. Of the 1,074 trees that will be cut to make way for the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ metro project, 136 have already been cut so far. But, not a single tree has been transplanted or replaced. The Maharashtra (Urban Areas) and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, says three new saplings must be planted within 30 days of a tree being cut, or the tree can be transplanted in another spot. Environmentalists are already fighting to save the citys forest cover.

The Thane municipal corporation has planned to construct a 14 km long road adjoining Yeoor forest which will connect Mulund with Gaimukh. The road will link the northernmost tip of Mulund at Shrinagar off the LBS Road with Gaimukh, on the outskirts of Thane on Ghodbunder Road and is expected to cost Rs 800 crore. Thus after Thane-Borivali ropeway and Goregaon Mulund link road this project too will intrude the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and affect the environment. A 407 metre long tunnel too will be constructed near the Upwan lake. Environmentalists have expressed their displeasure and are planning to wage a battle to save green spaces in the city.

Environmentalist, Vidyadhar Walavalkar has criticised the civic bodys proposal to construct the road project as it will severely impact the ecological balance of the city.

He said, Several trees will have to be cut to make for the project as it will affect the environment. When two projects have been sanctioned via Sanjay Gandhi National Park there was no need to plan another one. It will definitely rob off the citys green space.

Thane municipal commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal said, We have been asked to seek approval from the forest and environmental department. The minister has promised to offer us financial assistance. Thane Municipal corporation has been asked to prepare a feasibility report of the project. A detailed presentation of the project was made to Union minister of surface transport Nitin Gadkari.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park is known is one of the biggest green cover of the city and is spread at an area of 103 square kilometres. Mumbai is one of the few cities in the world which is known for having a forest area within the city limits. However proposed ropeway project, underground tunnel and the new road will definitely cause severe damage to the citys environment. Even though citizens want better transportation system in the city but it should not come at cost of affecting the environment.
An IED blast on Friday struck a restive tribal region of northwest Pakistan, killing three persons and injuring 26 others. The blast occurred in Nawagai tehsil of Chaharmang area and targeted labourers, the political administration officials said. Political authorities told that a vehicle carrying labourers was hit by a roadside IED, killing two labourers and injuring 26 others.

The injured were rushed to the Agency Headquarters Hospital where the condition of some of the injured labourers was stated to be critical. The security forces rushed to the site and have started the search operation. The blast comes as the army is busy in Operation Khyber-4 in Rajgal Valley, which also borders the Pak-Afghan border.








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NATO, an acronym for North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is the most dangerous state terror alliance of 28 countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean. It includes the United States, Canada, Turkey and most members of the European Union. (NATOs 28 members are: Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States)

Premises

Each member designates an ambassador to NATO. They supply officials to serve on NATO committees. They send the appropriate official to discuss NATO business. That includes a countrys president, prime minister, foreign affairs minister or head of the department of defense.

NATO participates in three alliances. That expands its influence beyond its 28 member countries. The Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council helps partners become NATO members. It includes 23 non-NATO countries that support NATOs purpose. It began in 1991.

The Mediterranean Dialogue seeks to stabilize the Middle East. Its non-NATO members include Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia. It began in 1994. The Istanbul Cooperation Initiative works for peace throughout the larger Middle East region. It includes four members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. They are Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. It began in 2004. NATO cooperates with eight other countries in joint security issues. There are five in Asia. They are Australia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mongolia and New Zealand. There are two in the Middle East: Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The founding members of NATO signed the North Atlantic Treaty on April 4, 1949. NATOs primary purpose was to defend member nations against troops in pro-communist countries. The United States also wanted to maintain a presence in Europe. It sought to prevent a resurgence of aggressive nationalism and foster political union. In this way, NATO made the European Union possible.

During the Cold War, NATOs mission expanded to prevent nuclear war. After West Germany joined NATO, the communist countries formed the Warsaw Pact alliance. That included the USSR, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Poland, Czechoslovakia and East Germany. In response, NATO adopted the Massive Retaliation policy. It promised to use nuclear weapons if the Pact attacked. NATOs deterrence policy allowed Europe to focus on economic development. It didnt have to build large conventional armies.

The Soviet Union continued to build its military presence. By the end of the Cold War, it was spending three times what the United States was with only one-third the economic power. When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, it was due to economic as well as ideological reasons. After the USSR dissolved in the late 1980s, NATOs relationship with Russia thawed. In 1997, they signed the NATO-Russia Founding Act to build bilateral cooperation. In 2002, they formed the NATO-Russia Council to partner on shared security issues.

The collapse of the USSR led to unrest in its former satellite states. NATO got involved when Yugoslavias civil war became genocide. NATOs initial support of a United Nations naval embargo led to the enforcement of a no-fly zone. Violations then led to a few airstrikes until September 1999. Thats when NATO conducted a nine-day air campaign that ended the war. By December of that year, NATO deployed a peace-keeping force of 60,000 soldiers. That ended in 2004 when NATO transferred this function to the European Union.

With Russian President Vladimir Putin warning on June 19 Western countries against meddling in Moscows affairs and that no one should speak to Russia through ultimatums, fears of a new nuclear arms race are being rekindled by the actions of arch rivals USA and Russia.

There are reasons to believe that Russia is angry with NATOs attempt to contain Russia, the leader of former Soviet Union. In facing the containment policy of USA by using former Soviet republics, Vladimir Putin said on June 16 that Russia would add more than 40 new intercontinental ballistic missiles to its nuclear arsenal this year.

Putin made his announcement a day after Russian officials denounced a US plan to station tanks and heavy weapons in NATO states on Russias border as the most aggressive act by Washington since the Cold War. Intercontinental ballistic missiles have a minimum range of more than 5,500 km (3,400 miles). Putin gave no more details of which missiles were being added to the nuclear arsenal. He has said several times that Russia must maintain its nuclear deterrence to counter what he sees as growing security threats, and Moscow reserves the right to deploy nuclear weapons in Crimea. Following annexation of Crimea, the West, led by the European Union and United States, has imposed punitive economic sanctions on Russia.

The Kremlin portrays spending on the Russian arms sector as a driver of economic growth, but Putins critics say it is excessive and comes at the expense of social needs.

Russian officials warned that Moscow would retaliate if the United States carried out its plan to store heavy military equipment in Eastern Europe, including in the Baltic States that were once in the Soviet Union. The feeling is that our colleagues from NATO countries are pushing us into an arms race, RIA news agency quoted Deputy Defence Minister Anatoly Antonov as saying during Army 2015, a fair at which arms and other military equipment are on show.

This Russian action would likely to increase alarm in the West. Tension has resurged between Russia and Western powers over Moscows role in the Ukraine crisis, in which pro-Russian separatist forces have seized a large part of the countrys eastern provinces after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in early 2014.

Putin has however added Moscow will not be drawn into a new arms race although Russia is modernizing its armed forces. Putin said in his speech that 70 percent of the military equipment in use would by 2020 be the most up-to-date and top-quality. But lavish military spending is weighing heavily on Russias national budget at a time when the economy is sliding towards recession, hit by low oil prices and Western sanctions.

And sure enough Russia, which it says is merely responding to NATO escalation, was promptly accused of escalating even more by the same NATO that keeps parking its own forces ever since the US-orchestrated Ukraine presidential coup was meant to convert Kiev into a potential NATO country and military base. Nato and Western leaders accused Russia of sending soldiers and heavy weapons, including tanks and missiles, to the pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly denied this, insisting that any Russians fighting there are volunteers.

US military actions in support of Ukraine and several Baltic countries, some of whom fear Russian President Putin  either directly or indirectly  will come after them next. USA and European leaders are already considering an additional round of sanctions they would impose on Moscow if it makes any further military moves in Ukraine.

Russia has slammed as an aggressive expansion of military presence in NATO states in Eastern Europe, which would provoke Russia to respond by stationing its army on its western borders. Stationing of heavy US military equipment in the Baltic States and Eastern Europe would amount to the most aggressive step by the Pentagon and NATO since the Cold War. Interfax news agency quoted a Russian Defense Ministry official General Yuri Yakubov as saying:Russia would be left with no other option but to boost its troops and forces on the western flank.

Operation

NATOs mission is to protect the freedom and security of its members. But it focuses on terrorism which was initially unleashed by USA and oil rich Islamic nations. For example, on July 8, 2016, NATO announced it would send up to 4,000 troops to the Baltic States and eastern Poland. It will increase air and sea patrols to shore up its eastern front after Russias attack on Ukraine.

Possessing huge arsenals of nuclear and conventional terror goods in their joint command, the NATOs targets include weapons of mass destruction, terrorism and cyber attacks. On November 16, 2015, NATO responded to the terrorist attacks in Paris. It called for a unified approach with the European Union, France and NATO. Thats because France did not invoke NATOs Article 5. That would be a formal declaration of war upon the Islamic state group. France preferred to launch air strikes on its own. Article 5 states, an armed attack upon one shall be considered an attack upon them all.

Generally NATO operates for USA in advancing its global interests. . After their defeat in Vietnam, US led NATO invoked Article 5 after the hoax known as Sept 9/11. It responded to American requests for the War in Afghanistan to end Islamic regime in Kabul and destabilize it after looting its important resources. Their media protects US interests and defends all the crimes committed by USA and its ally Israel. It took the lead from August 2003 to December 2014. At its peak, it deployed 130,000 troops. In 2015, it ended its combat role and began supporting Afghan troops.

On July 15, 2016, the Turkish military announced it had seized control of the government in a coup by anti-Turkey andante-Islamic forces led by the West. Turkish President Recep Erdogan announced early on July 16 that the coup had failed. As a NATO member, Turkey would receive its allies support in the case of an attack, but not a coup.

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Crimea was a part of Russia and hence it annexation of that region is justified as a rebuff to Ukrainian regimes support for US imperialism.

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Although Ukraine is not a member, it had worked with NATO over the years as USA wants to help anyone that wants to work against Russia. Russias invasion of Ukraine threatened nearby NATO members. NATO said other former USSR satellite countries would be next.. As a result, NATOs September 2014 summit focused on Russia aggression. President Putin vowed to create a New Russia out of Ukraines eastern region. President Obama pledged to defend countries such as Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

The United States contributes three-fourths of NATOs budget. During the 2016 Presidential campaign, Donald Trump said other NATO members should contribute more. Trump also accused it of being obsolete. He argued that it focuses on defending Europe against Russia instead of combating terrorism. In 2017, President Trump reversed his position. He confessed to not knowing much about NATO during the campaign.

Expansionism or Zionism

Military expansionism could also be called Zionism as Israel exists only on expansionist and criminal operations inside Palestine.

NATO is strengthening alliances throughout the world. In the age of globalization, transatlantic peace has become a worldwide effort. It extends beyond military might alone. On December 1, 2015, NATO announced its first expansion since 2009. It offered membership to Montenegro. Russia responded by calling the move a strategic threat to its national security. Its worries by the number of Balkan countries along its border that have joined NATO.

Unilateral America controls global resources through NATO, World bank/IMF, global intelligences led by CIA, military bases, sale of terror goods, global militaries and polices led by Pentagon and Interpol.When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, symbolizing the end of cold war officially, NATO was an Alliance of 16 members and no partners. Today, the notorious NATO has 26 members  with 2 new invitees, prospective membership for others (Greece, Bosnia, Georgia and Montenegro) and over 20 partners in Europe and Eurasia, seven in the Mediterranean, four in the Persian Gulf, and others from around the world.

Triclomacy helped the USA in furthering its cause of resource hunt. The transformation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a military bloc created by the United States during the genesis of the Cold War in 1949, into one that has grown to encompass almost entire world.

A US-dominated armed bloc NATO which includes three nuclear powers and accounts for an estimated 70 percent of global military spending has expanded deployments, operations and partnerships around the planet.

The war in Afghanistan, the longest in the nations history as well as in that of the U.S., has supplied NATO with an almost 12-year opportunity to consolidate an international military network and to develop the operational and command integration of the armed forces of almost 60 nations. NATO has air and other military bases in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Those three nations have also been used by NATO as part of the Northern Distribution Network and other transit routes that include as well Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Iraq, Latvia, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Oman, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, etc.

UN has been rendered meaningless. Palestine, Chechnya, Kashmir, continue to suffer foreign terror yokes.

NATO membership grew by 75 percent from 16 to 28. Today, the NATO members and partners number at least 70 nations, well over a third of those in the world. NATO expansion to the east has provided the Pentagon and its Western allies with air bases and other military facilities in Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Romania for wars to the east and south.

NATOs regional initiatives brought many nations into its trap The Partners Across the Globe and longer-standing military partnerships are slated to grow in all parts of the world. There are more than 50 nations that have provided NATO with troop contingents for the war in destabilized Afghanistan in South Asia.

The so-called Arab spring saw to it that Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are already in NATO trap.

India readily promotes NATO terrorism in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Irrelevance

The western military formation NATO is indeed irrelevant and obsolete. Russian President Vladimir Purim calls for the dismantling of vestiges of Cold war NATO for good. US president Trump also thinks NATO should be wound up though he gives another reason: Europes reluctance to pay for NATO security.

Russia has always asked USA to dismantle the western military organization NATO but the latter always refused saying that only NATO alone can face the new challenges of the world. For the USA which depends on joint NATO state terrorism to bully weak nations and remove any threat to the US led western military superiority and domination in world affairs following their collective victory in the World war Two, with the historic bombing of Japan, killing and disabling thousands of Japanese.

USA calls all this a part of modern democracy.

Apparently, the last Soviet president Michael Gorbachev and his American counterpart Reagan agreed to dismantle both the two most important world threats from US led NATO and Warsaw treaty of Russia led Eastern nations and while Soviet Union readily dismantled the Warsaw treaty USA did not dismantled the Nato, creating a clear disparity in military affairs in favor of USA. Gorbachev dismantled even the Soviet union into 15 independent states as well as release eastern European nations from the control of Kremlin.

All this Soviet actions only made the USA stronger in all aspects than new Russia that came into existence in 1990 without 14 republics and Eastern Europe to support and work with it.

Gorbachev insisted that NATO should be dismantled since there was not more Soviet or communist threat as the West used to claim to slam Russia and reduce its world importance. Washington continues to say NATO would stay forever as there could be other threats to world peace. Terrorism was promoted as deadly threat to justify the US claims of threats and terrorism is going to be permanent fixture of US imperialism.

As Russia could do nothing to end NATO terrorism, it has also now joined it in Syria. USA and Russia are now allies in state terror operations abroad. Yet, President Vladimir Putin keeps pushing the USA to remove the NATO as being the obstacle to world peace. Vladimir Putin has recently cut NATO to pieces again by saying that the entire organization is no longer needed. It just cant get any better, as you know that Putin doesnt usually mince words: There is no longer an Eastern Bloc, no more Soviet Union. Therefore, why does NATO keep existing? My impression is that in order to justify its existence, NATO has a need of an external foe, there is a constant search for the foe, or some acts of provocation to name someone as an adversary.

None would seriously disagree with that statement.

Justification

NATO has been forging monsters to kill in order to define, refine or redefine its existence since the beginning of time. For example, under the code name Operation Allied Force, NATO did the unthinkable in Kosovo: For 78 days in 1999, NATO forces led by the United States bombed Yugoslavia, killing hundreds of its civilians and devastating its infrastructure. NATO spokesmen justified the bombardment as humanitarian intervention aimed at halting President Slobodan Milosevics` `ethnic cleansing of non-Serbs in Yugoslavia.

As it was reported later, NATO demonstrated in 1999 that it can do whatever it wants under the guise of humanitarian intervention, war on terror, or preventive war  something that everyone has witnessed in subsequent years in different parts of the globe.

The intervention in Kosovo was a complete mess: Over 2,000 civilians were killed, including 88 children, and thousands more were injured. Over 200,000 ethnic Serbs were forced to leave their homeland in Kosovo In what the alliance described as collateral damage, its airstrikes destroyed more than 300 schools, libraries, and over 20 hospitals. At least 40,000 homes were either completely eliminated or damaged and about 90 historic and architectural monuments were ruined. That is not to mention the long-term harm caused to the regions ecology and, therefore, peoples health, as well as the billion-dollar economic damage.

NATO, as you can recall, said virtually nothing about the debacle in Iraq. Sure, there were tensions among NATO member countries before the debacle, but eventually no one could resist the good war. But what were some of the results? By the spring of 2012, suicide rates among Air Force personnel were up by 40 percent, a figure which caused concern.

Similarly, suicide rates in the Army rose by 80 percent since the war in Iraq. In addition, more than 110,000 active-duty Army troops were prescribed antidepressants in 2011. A number of lawyers have declared that a large part of the chaos that is going on in the military is caused by the drugs the soldiers are taking. Bart Bilings, a former military psychologist, declared, We have never medicated our troops to the extent we are doing nowAnd I dont believe the current increase in suicides and homicides in the military is a coincidence. Noted psychiatrist Peter Breggin writes, Prior to the Iraq war, soldiers could not go into combat on psychiatric drugs, period. Not very long ago, going back maybe 10 or 12 years, you couldnt even go into the armed services if you used any of these drugs, in particular stimulants. But theyve changed thatIm getting a new kind of call right now, and thats people saying the psychiatrist wont approve their deployment unless they take psychiatric drugs.

Terror corruption

On top of that, the Pentagon told the American people in 2005 that the USA lost track of at least $9 billion that was supposed to go to Iraq. After years of investigation, the U.S. still didnt know where all that money went. They supposedly shipped the $9 billion in cash to Iraq and now it is lost. Moreover, hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in countries like Pakistan for programs which supposedly teach children that America is not the great Satan they thought it was, but those millions have been wasted.

As Scott Baldauf pointed out, you cannot broadcast programs like that when you are dropping drones in civilian populated areas and expect people to believe you. The U.S. military feared reprisals, for good reason of course, after all of these killings, particularly the massacre in Kandahar. After pouring some $2.6 million in Pakistan, there is little evidence that anti-Americanism has decreased in the region.

In May 2012, many Iraq War veterans decided to return the medals they had received. In a statement, they declared with one voice, We, Afghanistan and Iraq veterans from around the country, will converge in Chicago on May 20 to ceremoniously return our medals to NATO generals. We were awarded these medals for serving in the Global War on Terror, a war based on lies and failed policies. This endless war has killed hundreds of thousands, stripped the humanity of all involved, and drained our communities of trillions of dollars, diverting funds from schools, clinics, libraries, and other public goods.

One veteran in particular felt that it was his way to apologize to the Afghan and Iraqi people for what the U.S. has done to them. As an organization, NATO should help other political bodies to put an end to perpetual wars, but they are marshalling their armies virtually all over the world. So, should they be obsolete? Well, you be the judge.

Dismantle irrelevance!

Continued existence and terror attacks on weak nations of NATO, a living terror symbol of old Cold War, would continue create cold fear in the world It needs to be dismantled fro the better. In case of new threats, let UN and UNSC take care of them effectively. An international terror organization like NATO cannot bring peace to the world.

NATO has literally replaced the UN. Post-Cold War NATO has repeatedly and without disguise identified its purview and its area of operations to be international in scope, and over the past 22 years its efforts to achieve that objective have steadily accelerated to the point where the military alliance is well poised to supplant the United Nations as the main, indeed the exclusive, arbiter of conflicts not only between but within nations throughout the world.

President Donald Trump has been critical of NATO but the Pentagon bosses say from a military standpoint theres been no change in guidance and this exercise underscores our commitment to NATO and our allies.

Since the NATO has crossed its mandate and limits, it could now be renamed as global treaty organization. Former ideological super power rivals USA and Russia with huge piles of arms arsenals do not seem to enforce nuclear disarmament globally. The US vested interests in maintaining upper hand in arms arsenals, especially WMD has emboldened Russia to ignore global nuclear disarmament and go slow in the hopeless arms reduction talks.

With the USA and Russia in a state of renewed cold war for over a year now, it was inevitable that the nuclear arms race, far more important attribute of the first Cold War, would soon return with more force.








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Four friends from South Carolina were abducted by aliens while they were watching meteor shower recently. This report has been obtained from a testimony included in the database of Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) published on 29 June, 2017.

The witness begins the report by telling us that he and his friends heard of a meteor shower and so they wanted to watch it from a lake.

"There were four of us, all good friends. Earlier in the day, we read about a meteor shower online so we wanted to watch it from the lake where we thought we would get the best view of the shower."

He then talks about the time of the sighting and talks about sighting a bright flashlight heading their direction.

"It was late when we got on our paddle boards, roughly 2:30 am. We were enjoying ourselves when we noticed what appeared to be a bright flashlight heading our direction."

He explains how the light multiplied and expanded into a whitish-blue light.

"As the light approached to about 20 yards or so away, the light seemed to multiply or expand into the brightest, most piercing whitish-blue light."

He then tells us how the light engulfed them and then he found himself standing on the beach.

"The last thing I remember is having my hair raise on the back of my neck and trying to scream and then the light engulfed us. The next thing I knew was that I was standing on the beach near where we had put our boards in the water."

The witness then claims that everything around him was distorted and that for a second he thought he was dead.

"Everything around me was distorted even though I was on the beach I was the same beach I had always been on. I thought for a second that I was dead."

He then tells us that his friend appeared on shore one after the other.

"Then one after another, my girlfriend and two friend appeared on shore but everything still wasn't quite right."

He then says that everything seemed like a distortion as if the alien entities who took them were trying to dial our frequencies back into our dimension or something.

"The only way I can describe what I was seeing was distortion. It was like whoever took us was trying to dial our frequencies back into our dimension or something."

The witness then tells us why it is hard for him to describe the experience and also tells us that the distortion faded in the end.

" It's really hard to describe what I was seeing without sounding like a lunatic. Just when I was sure I was dead, because there was no way what I was seeing was actually happening, the distortion faded."

The above quotes were edited for clarity.

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Minority Religious Groups Suffer in Iran

The Iranian government continues to persecute religious minorities, including groups supposedly given special recognition by the country's constitution: Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians. According to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom's (USCIRF) annual report for 2017, Iran's government "engaged in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, including prolonged detention, torture, and executions based primarily or entirely upon the religion of the accused." Because of its failure to respect religious minorities, Iran has been considered a "country of particular concern" by the State Department for close to two decades. Hundreds of Christians have been arrested since 2010. As of December 2016, "approximately 90 Christians were in prison, detained, or awaiting trial because of their religious beliefs and activities." "Over the past year," reports the USCIRF, "there were numerous incidents of Iranian authorities raiding church services, threatening church members, and arresting and imprisoning worshipers and church leaders, particularly Evangelical Christian converts."

The authorities required all churchgoers to register with them and prevented Muslim converts to Christianity from entering Armenian or Assyrian churches, according to UN Special Rapporteur Shaheed. According to Christian community leaders, if the authorities found Armenian or Assyrian churches were baptizing new converts or preaching in Farsi, they closed the churches.

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The story of Armenian Christians goes back to the earliest days of the Church. A valuable, though certainly not exhaustive, summary of their history can be found in David Bentley Hart's The Story of Christianity . According to Hart, the Armenian royal family adopted the Christian faith "some 13 years before the Christians of the Roman empire were granted the right to practice their faith by the Edict of Milan." The latter was instituted in313. Yet Christian tradition traces the roots of Armenian Christianity even farther back in time, to the apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus, who established the Christian faith there. The acknowledged founder of Armenian Christianity, Hart notes, was St. Gregory the Illuminator, who converted King Tiridates III. It is not only Christians who suffer from persecution in Iran. Members of the Baha'i faith face severe repression because they are viewed as heretics from Islam. "Since 1979, authorities have killed or executed more than 200 Baha'i leaders," according to the USCIRF, "and more than 10,000 have been dismissed from government and university jobs." The State Department reports that the government has "continued to prevent Bahais from burying their dead in accordance with their religious tradition, and continued demolition of the Bahai cemetery in Shiraz, where authorities had already destroyed over 400 of the 950 graves." The USCIRF recommends several ways for the U.S. to respond to Iran's persecution of religious minorities. The U.S. should, it suggests, "continue to identify Iranian government agencies and officials responsible for severe violations of religious freedom, freeze those individuals' assets, and bar their entry into the United States." Furthermore, the U.S. government should "ensure that violations of freedom of religion or belief and related human rights are part of multilateral or bilateral discussions with the Iranian government whenever possible." The latter suggestion is especially important as the U.S. seeks ways to check Iranian aggression in the wake of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, more commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal. As the UCIRF report notes, "notwithstanding the JCPOA, the United States continues to keep in place and enforce sanctions for Iran's human rights violations, its support for terrorism, and its ballistic missile program." It is no secret that President Trump dislikes the nuclear deal, having called it " the worst deal ever negotiated ." Despite his reservations, he recently recertified, albeit reluctantly, that Iran is complying with the provisions of the agreement. Temporarily, at least, the deal is here to stay. As part of a comprehensive strategy to check Iran's regional ambitions, Trump could consider applying new sanctions for violating human rights -- in this case due to the persecution of religious minorities. For these sanctions to be more effective, he should consult with leaders from the other nations who signed on to the nuclear deal to try to get them on board. New sanctions could have the dual effect of improving the situation of religious minorities and forcing Iran to, at least for a time, rein in its efforts to project power in the Middle East.
Chinas HNA Airport Group has completed its 15.1 million purchase of a 82.5% stake in Germanys Frankfurt-Hahn airport, announced previously.

It ends an uncertain period in the history of the airport; in June 2016 it appeared to have sold the tranche to shadowy Chinese investor, Shanghai Yiqian Trading Co, but the deal quickly collapsed.

It also appears that HNA was acting quickly ahead of a planned crackdown by banks on investments by Chinese companies. There are fears that many are becoming over-extended, with Chinese regulators becoming concerned about their high leverage.

Hahn airport in Rheinland-Pfalz state, is about 100km west of the city whose name it has taken. It was originally developed as primarily a freight hub, but its cargo volumes have dwindled in the last four years.

In 2013, Hahn handled 152,000 tonnes but the figure has since slumped to under half that level  but in the first three months of 2017 it has enjoyed a revival, with volumes surging 41% compared with 2016 to 23,700 tonnes.

In a statement following the closing of the transaction, HNA Group said the purchase would accelerate the growth of our airport and airport services businesses. This strategic investment will also enable us to increase the value chain and services that we provide through our core global tourism and logistics verticals.

It added: We believe the airport can become a leading hub of commerce between China and Europe in support of Chinas One Belt One Road initiative.

Rumours also continue to circulate that HNA could invest in Belgrade airport as well. It also recently invested in Rio de Janeiros largest airport, Aeroporto Internacional Antonio Carlos Jobim  Galea (GIG Airport).

On the airline front, it has affiliations with several carriers, including Yangtze River Express and Hong Kong Express.

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August 9, 2017

BAGHDAD  As Iraqi forces raided the last Islamic State strongholds in Mosul's Old City, security forces arrested dozens of foreign fighters, including Russian, German and Chechen women who had joined the militant group.

Many other IS foreign fighters have returned to their home countries. The European Union's counterterrorism coordinator, Gilles de Kerchove, said Aug. 9 that an estimated 5,000 European fighters, mostly from France and Belgium, had been trained in Syria and Iraq, and that one-third of them had returned home. France's interior minister said Aug. 6 that 271 French jihadi militants had returned from war zones in Iraq and Syria.

But not all of the fighters could make it back to their home countries, as some militants were captured by Iraqi forces. Reuters published videos July 13 showing a group of shirtless IS fighters sitting on rubble in Mosul. The Iraqi parliamentary Security and Defense Committee last month estimated the total number of foreign fighters who entered Iraq and joined IS ranks to be 30,000, of which 28,000 were killed. However, other studies show far lower numbers.

Hakim Zamili, a member of the committee, said that of those 30,000 fighters, 9,000 came from East Asia, 8,000 from Europe, 6,000 from Tunisia and 3,000 from Saudi Arabia. Those who managed to flee from Iraq returned to their homelands, Zamili said.

Lt. Gen. Abdul Wahab al-Saadi, deputy commander of Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Bureau, told Al-Monitor via a phone call that foreign IS women fighters had been arrested. While saying IS had a large number of female fighters, he did not specify the number of women in IS ranks. Saadi also said searches are still ongoing in Mosul's Old City. He said those arrested are referred to a judge assigned to the Counter-Terrorism Bureau in Baghdad; the prisoners are investigated in the bureau first and then the judge refers them to other special courts.

Saadi confirmed the arrest of a young Chechen fighter in addition to a group of foreign women, including five Germans, who were transferred to Baghdad. Saadi said that some of the women blew themselves up when Iraqi forces were conducting operations to liberate Mosul.

He said the majority of foreign fighters in Mosul were suicide bombers. "This is why they did not surrender. They were either killed in battle or blew themselves up, Saadi said.

More than 20 women, including the five Germans, one of them age 16, are facing the death penalty for joining IS. The five German women are being held in Counter-Terrorism Bureau facilities in Baghdad while their cases are being investigated.

Saadi says the women will be referred to the courts when the investigation concludes. If convicted, they would be punished following Iraq's anti-terrorism law, which calls for the death penalty. Their bodies would be handed over to Germany should the German government demand it.

Western and Arab intelligence agencies are interested in what the female fighters tell investigators, especially if the women reveal any information on IS-affiliated cells around the world and how fighters have been traveling to Syria and Iraq.

The head of the anti-terrorism forces, Lt. Gen. Abdul Ghani al-Asadi, said in previous statements that the foreign fighters "never surrendered" and often choose to fight to the death.

The Middle East Online website said that when the operations to recapture Mosul's Old City were launched June 16, foreigners made up 20% of IS fighters, or around 1,200 of about 6,000 militants. IS reportedly forced foreign fighters to stay in houses, most of which were shelled.

The US Congress' Homeland Security Committee in 2015 received an assessment of the risk of foreign fighters and "terrorist" organizations in Syria and Iraq, where security officials reported that the numbers of foreign nationals traveling to areas of conflict had reached an unprecedented level. The security report estimated the number of foreign fighters to be 25,000, with more than 4,500 from Western countries.

Hisham al-Hashimi, an expert on terrorist groups and organizations, said foreign fighters were attracted to Iraq for two main reasons: media propaganda and the declaration of the state of the caliphate, not sex and money, as has been commonly reported in some media outlets.

Hashimi told Al-Monitor that relatively few of the thousands of foreign fighters were arrested, saying most of them either fled or were killed during combat, because they prefer death to being arrested.

Many women fighters blew themselves up in the midst of Iraqi forces during the evacuation to the left [eastern] side of the city of Mosul, while others were arrested, he said. He said the numbers of arrested female fighters are relatively low.

A source in the Counter-Terrorism Bureau, who refused to be named, said 20 foreign women were arrested. The source said the five German females were found in an IS tunnel in Mosul's Old City and were wearing explosive belts.

Mithal al-Alousi, a member of the parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee, said foreign fighters are sent to the Radwaniyah prison in Baghdad after their health and identity are checked and verified. The consulates of the relevant countries are informed of the prisoners' names.

As per international conventions, consulates have the right to check on their nationals in local prisons, Alousi told Al-Monitor.

Alousi denied reports that German prisoners are receiving financial or diplomatic support from the German Consulate in Iraq for their release, and said they are in good health.

Many international agreements signed by Iraq stipulate that a foreign national who is sentenced to imprisonment under the Iraqi penal code be sent to his or her home country to spend his or her time in prison there.

In the case of the death penalty against foreign nationals, the execution is carried out in Iraq, and the bodies are sent to their home country.
August 8, 2017

TEHRAN, Iran  Iranians who wish to travel to the European Union face myriad challenges, in particular obtaining visas. Indeed, the state of political relations between Tehran and the EU states has made the visa application process difficult for citizens of Iran. These difficulties have in turn led to the emergence of a visa mafia of sorts, in the form of travel agents who help Iranians obtain visas. Under the current circumstances, even booking an appointment for a visa interview has become almost impossible.

For instance, to travel to France, Iranian applicants first need to schedule an appointment for an interview through the French Embassys website. On the surface, everything appears to go smoothly, but the response many encounter is that their desired time slot is unavailable. More often than not, multiple emails and other approaches to the embassy are required before an interview can be scheduled, typically for two or three months down the line. There is, however, a shortcut.

Searching scheduling visa appointments (in Persian) online returns all kinds of agencies and companies offering to help Iranians obtain visas immediately. Al-Monitor contacted one such agency claiming to help with scheduling appointments and obtaining visas. Contrary to assertions made on its website, the agency said it could not arrange a single appointment at the French Embassy. The young woman on the other end of the line, however, expanded on the many other available options for securing a visa to Europe.

If you have never received a Schengen visa before, I would need to obtain a single-entry visa for you from Switzerland. You can then travel to other Schengen countries from there, she said. The expenses, including a three-day stay in Zurich, Lausanne or Geneva, will be 1,690 euros. The process of scheduling an appointment and obtaining the visa will take less than a month, which means you can book your plane ticket for 40 days from now. However, if you have had a Schengen visa before, I can get you a multiple-entry visa for the Netherlands, which will be more expensive, costing 2,000 euros.

In contrast, Iranian applicants who seek to obtain visas on their own commonly need to provide an extensive list of documentation, including evidence of employment, copies of bank accounts for the preceding six months showing transactions, translated copies of deeds for residential property, insurance certificates from employers, as well as completed applications. Despite all this, if an applicant has never held a Schengen visa, he or she is unlikely to be granted one now.

Getting in touch with the British Embassy in Tehran is so difficult that it can only be done via third parties. One report about intermediaries selling visa appointments for interviews at the German Embassy created great controversy. Italy is another country with a difficult application process for tourist visas for Iranians.

Al-Monitor visited the Italian Embassy on Tehrans upscale Jordan (Africa) Avenue, arriving at 8 a.m. on a weekday. Some 200 young people were waiting out front and in an adjacent park. Some had been waiting outside the compound since the previous night. Each new arrival adds his or her name to an A4 sheet of paper, and when the embassy opens its doors, the applicants enter in accordance with their place on the list. Most of them were there for student visas. Applicants seeking visas for purposes of tourism add their names to a separate, shorter list.

Al-Monitor approached a young woman named Leyli, who said she was there for a tourist visa. She had gone through a lot of trouble to book an interview. It is almost impossible to get your visa independently and directly from the embassy, she said. This is my third time here, and I am always told that they are busy and that I should come back next week. I ask myself, however, doesn't this embassy have rules and regulations? Why do they issue more appointments than they can handle in one day? If you are sent by an agency, however, you can immediately enter the embassy, you are treated with respect, and you will be taken care of.

After spending an hour in front of the embassy, Al-Monitor noticed the travel agency representatives. The embassy gatekeeper, who was rude to almost everyone, clearly knew the agency reps and quickly guided them and their companions inside.

When asked about the process of obtaining visas, one of the agency representatives dismissively said that he was too busy to explain things and instead gave Al-Monitor his card. Contacted the next day about obtaining a visa to enter Italy, he said, We guarantee a 15-day visa. If you want a monthlong visa, we will charge you 1.5 million toman [$461] for the embassy appointment and then 850 euros for a guaranteed visa. This amount is only for the visa process. You are responsible for your travel and hotel expenses in Italy yourself.

He further explained, If you need your visa quickly, we can process it for you in two weeks, but that will require 4 million toman [$1,230] instead of 1.5 million toman. We work with other countries as well, and if you want, we can get you a visa for Portugal for a cheaper price. The visa for Portugal costs 1,250 euros, and this price includes a four-night stay in a four-star hotel in Lisbon.

Based on information obtained from contacting several agencies, the visa mafia is active at the embassies of several European countries. Media reports on its existence forced Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi to address the matter July 9. Unfortunately, rings consisting of travel agencies and airline companies, in collaboration with certain sections inside the European embassies, have become active in this field, Ghassemi said. We have contacted some of these embassies and have explained the situation to them. We have yet, however, to eliminate this problem, and we are in need of more extensive collaboration [with the relevant authorities and figures].

Al-Monitor sought comment from the Italian, Portuguese, Swiss, French and Dutch Embassies, but had not received a response from any of them at the time of publication.
August 11, 2017

TEHRAN, Iran  When Hamas politcal bureau member Izzat al-Rishq, heading a delegation from the movement, met with Irans supreme leaders foreign policy adviser, Ali Akbar Velayati, it was the first time the two men had met since 1991, when the former was still a junior member of Hamas and the latter was Irans foreign minister. The 1991 meeting gave Iran a strong ally inside the Palestinian territories and provided Hamas with steady and generous support to take its fight with Israel to another level. This was while the region was in the midst of a peace process that saw both the Palestinians and Jordanians signing separate peace accords with Israel.

Memories of the first meeting came to mind not only for the personal aspect but also because Hamas recent visit to Iran  as in 1991  is aimed at putting relations back on track. For this specific reason, members of the delegation were chosen carefully so that they represent all lines of thought in the movement.

The meeting with Velayati wasnt the only meeting the delegation held in Tehran; they also met with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani, and they took part in President Hassan Rouhanis inauguration ceremony on Aug. 5, side by side with dozens of delegations from around the world.

Among the delegation were Zaher al-Jabarin and Saleh al-Arouri, both senior commanders whom Israel regards as serious threats to its national security. On June 9, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman asked the US ambassador to the United Nations on her visit to Israel to exert pressure so that Arouri gets deported from Lebanon, where he resided after being asked along with Jabarin to leave Qatar. Both commanders are accused by Israel of being responsible for attacks inside the West Bank. For that reason, pressure was exerted previously on Turkey  Arouris station after leaving Syria  to deport him. Jabari's and Arouris appearances in Tehran shortly after the latter was pictured in Beirut with an Iranian official might be a clear message from both Hamas and Iran to Israel that its two archenemies are starting a new venture.

Al-Monitor has learned that the Hamas delegation additionally met with the commander of Irans Quds Force, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, yet there is no further information on what transpired in the meeting. An Iranian political source revealed to Al-Monitor that as of now all the implications of the previous five years are gone, and Irans support for Hamas is now even beyond what it used to be prior to the Syrian crisis.

The war in Syria had dire repercussions for the relations between the two sides. According to another Hamas official, the movement tried at the beginning of the crisis to bridge the rifts between the Syrian government and the opposition but in vain, telling Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, In 2014, we had another attempt to bring together Turkey and Iran to solve the crisis in Syria. For some reasons, that time it didnt work either. The Hamas official emphasized that this visit to Tehran was not to open a new chapter, saying, Despite differences, Hamas never stopped visiting Tehran. There were always visits on different levels; yet, this time, alongside the invitation to attend the presidents inauguration, it was an opportunity to meet high-ranking officials and discuss the regional standoff.

The official hinted, There are attempts to make us accept Israel in the region as one of us, an ordinary state, via an Arab-Israeli peace conference, yet the response of the people of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque gave a clear message that this is not possible. The Israelis and the Americans arent going to give up, and they are going to add pressure. Therefore, the situation in the region prompts us to have a unified Palestinian stance in coordination with regional players who have the Palestinian cause high on their priority list to confront this project.

According to the doctrine adopted by the Islamic Republic of Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Israel is an enemy and the state of Israel is an occupation force on the land of Palestine. Therefore, Iran has supported various Palestinian groups, along with Hezbollah in Lebanon, in the fight against Israel.

This visit isnt a new chapter, a second Hamas official told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. The new chapter was opened a while ago; we both agree that we stand on solid ground. Our [relationship] is more than 25 years old; therefore, we are not building from scratch. We both know what we need, and for that reason, nobody in Iran or in Hamas is openly discussing the details. We are more interested in results, and recently things had been clear, and developments on the ground prove that our choice is right.

Given the sectarian strife in the region, it wasnt an easy task to see Hamas getting closer to Iran against the will of its popular base. Iran too was defying a common belief among its allies and elites that trusting Hamas isnt a good choice. Maybe Iran as a nation had a wider margin than that of Hamas, thanks to the Gulf crisis and stances by officials from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates labeling the Palestinian group a terrorist organization.

Qatars political and financial support to Hamas was an issue the Gulf states raised to increase pressure on Qatar. The tiny Gulf state had to ask some Doha-based Hamas commanders to leave.

This dilemma made it easier for the groups leaders to go the extra mile and completely head toward normalizing ties with Iran. The election of a new Hamas leadership has also had an impact on the decision to resume the strategic alliance with Tehran. This normalization was reflected in the participation of Hamas in the inauguration ceremony and will be celebrated on higher levels by the two sides later, when Hamas new political bureau chief, Ismail Haniyeh, makes his way out of the Gaza Strip to Egypt and then starts his first regional tour from the Islamic Republic of Iran.
August 10, 2017

Despite a decrease in the number of executions, Iran continues to be the nation with one of the highest rates of executions in the world, mostly for drug-related crimes. According to Amnesty International, Iran executed a reported 567 people in 2016. In 2015, the number was 977. Still, at 567 people, Iran was executing more than one person a day. This issue has been openly discussed in one of the unlikeliest places: Irans judiciary.

Hojat al-Islam Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, the spokesman for Iran's judiciary, in a Aug. 9 speech addressed Irans high execution rate with respect to drug-related crimes. Do we want to solve all of our problems with punishments and increasing punishments? he asked. Some say, you have increased the punishment but there is still crime. On the issue of illegal drugs, we have laws from many years ago and many times [the punishment] has been increased and now they want to decrease it.

Mohseni Ejei, a hard-liner who has held important positions in the Islamic Republic, including that of prosecutor general, intelligence minister and prosecutor for the Special Court for Clergy, also criticized Western organizations regarding their condemnations of Irans high execution rate. Even if the executions for drug-related charges is lowered, Westerners will not say that we did right, he said.

While Mohseni Ejei criticized those who want to eliminate the death penalty, he said he did not want his criticism of these people to be viewed as his supporting capital punishment. I do not want to support the death penalty, he said. He indicated that it might be a good idea to not resort to the death penalty so much in drug cases.

He asked for research studies to determine "what our goal is with the executions, and urged that alternative punishments be put in place if the death penalty is abolished  punishments that do not have the negative effects of the death penalty.

This is not the first time that Mohseni Ejei has addressed the high execution rates in Iran. He has a history of making mildly critical remarks without ever completely backing away from the death penalty. In May 2014, in his position as prosecutor general, he suggested only punishing the heads of drug-smuggling networks. Last month, he said that the death penalty should be one of a choice of punishments, and that treatment and prevention should be part of the mix. He said that if there were no death penalty at all, the situation with Irans drug use and smuggling would be worse.

Irans parliament approved a proposal in July that would amend the countrys anti-drug laws with respect to small-time drug use. The Guardian Council would need to approve any bill passed by parliament. Regardless, Irans judiciary chief, Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani, has remained steadfast in his support of the countrys use of executions. In September 2016, Larijani unequivocally denied that Iran would eliminate the death penalty for drug smugglers.
August 11, 2017

With the investigations into his affairs intensifying, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to organize a huge rally in support of himself. He wanted to remind everyone that he still has huge numbers of people behind him. On the evening of Aug. 9, he got what he wanted when he stood before thousands of supporters at the Tel Aviv Convention Center. Yet, even as he stood there, he could not hide his weakness or the pressure he feels as the various interrogations threaten to close in on him.

Netanyahu in the summer of 2017 is a prime minister fighting for his political future, while at the same time engaged in a long and Sisyphean legal struggle that is only just beginning. This is not the same confident Netanyahu of just last year, who offered a show of power in closed talks with journalists from all the major media outlets, treating them to long, decisive monologues on his views about the economy and security issues, his struggles with the left-wing media and his plans for the future.

While all of that was going on, there was already talk of secret investigations into his dealings. Within just a few months, the public learned about the severe allegations surrounding Case 1000 (the gifts Netanyahu allegedly received from wealthy businessmen), Case 2000 (his conversations with the publisher of Yedioth Ahronoth, Arnon Mozes, for a deal of positive coverage) and Case 3000 (the purchase of submarines from Germany; although he is not a suspect in the case, his personal lawyer and cousin David Shimron is). Over the last six months, and especially in the last week, it seemed as if the noose was getting tighter, when another close confidant, his former Chief of Staff Ari Harow, became a state witness against him.

Until the investigations are over and the attorney general decides whether to indict him, Netanyahu can expect to face a longtime trudging through various legal and police issues. He will be called repeatedly to interrogations under warning, and the public will slowly learn about the additional evidence against him.

The show of force that Netanyahu organized for himself after such a difficult week was intended to give him back control of the agenda. He wanted to shift the public discourse away from his legal and criminal affairs, and to turn reports about the investigations into a fight between right and left over efforts to depose a serving prime minister.

A speech designed to appeal to his hardcore supporters won his audience at the Tel Aviv Convention Center. In it, Netanyahu spoke about "an unprecedented, obsessive witch hunt against me and against my family, with the goal of achieving a coup against the government. Their aim is to put false nonstop pressure on the legal system to get an indictment at any price." The crowd cheered as he went on to ridicule the indictment that his wife Sara is facing for the misuse of public funds.

The event was organized by the chairman of the coalition, Knesset member David Bitan, who has been tasked recently with all sorts of special assignments for Netanyahu. But it was hardly a surprise party. Netanyahu was the vibrant force behind the whole idea, and in the two days preceding the event he received regular updates about the preparations. When it became clear to him that senior members of the Likud Party planned to attend, he confirmed that he would be there to deliver the keynote address.

Netanyahu entered the hall with his wife only after it was filled to the brim with party activists, heads of local branch offices and all the senior members of the party who were in the country. The atmosphere was tense; there was a feeling as if they were "fighting for their home." Bitan filled the role of a one-man opening act. He made sure that posters attacking the left were ready and that buses packed with supporters arrived. And he made sure to send a threatening message to the party's leadership: Anyone who does not support the prime minister will pay a price for it in the primaries.

Bitan provided the goods. Netanyahu received the backdrop that he wanted for his speech, which was broadcast live on all TV channels and online.

But once the excited crowd of supporters was gone, Netanyahu was left very much alone, facing a much less pleasant situation than what he faced at the convention center. His confidants and ardent defenders are in and out of interrogation. For years, Shimron provided legal counsel to Netanyahu and his wife, but now they were prevented from talking. His confidant Shlomi Filber, the director general of the Ministry of Communications, is under suspicion too because of the Bezeq telecommunication company investigation, and as such, has been suspended from his post. Other confidants, including former Chief of Staff Gil Shefer and his predecessor Natan Eshel, are no longer around. In fact, the police are trying to recruit Shefer as a state witness, hoping that he will testify in several of the cases.

Apart from Bitan, there isn't a single minister or Knesset member left that Netanyahu can consider a political ally. He doesn't trust any of them, and the truth is that they also prefer to keep their distance from him. Now that Harow has reached an agreement with the police, Netanyahu  who has a hard time trusting the people around him anyway  finds himself more isolated than usual. The recent show of support doesn't change that.

The event at the Tel Aviv Convention Center provided Netanyahu with the political credit he needs. He succeeded in gathering the Likud's supporters around him and energizing them with a sense of victimhood and hatred of the left and the media. When it comes to letting these genies out of the bottle, Netanyahu is the most skilled performer there is. During the rally, he sent a clear message to his potential heirs, headed by Minister of Transportation Yisrael Katz, who attended, and former Minister of Interior Gideon Saar, who did not. The party is still behind him, so they had better not challenge his leadership. As for infighting within the Likud, Netanyahu is now reaping the benefits of years of hard work neutralizing an entire generation of party members who posed a threat to him.

Netanyahu acted cleverly and with political sophistication when he tied his fate to that of the Likud and the right, and then recruited Likud supporters to fight his personal battles. "This morning, one of you wisely told me," he recalled in his speech. They dont want to just take you down, they want to take us all down.  They know that they cant beat us at the ballots, so they are trying to circumvent democracy and topple us without elections."

Without saying so explicitly, he incited the crowd against the legal system and fired off all his heavy artillery, as if this was his final message in a heated election campaign. Then again, if Netanyahu really wasn't worried about the situation because, as he says, "Nothing will come of it," he wouldn't need to fire off all his doomsday weapons.
August 11, 2017

Hamas has assessed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is planning a military operation in the Gaza Strip to deflect public opinion from the criminal investigations against him in Israel. On Aug. 9, Israeli air force planes attacked two Hamas targets in northern Gaza in response to the firing of a rocket from Gaza that landed in an open area of the Hof Ashkelon Local Council. The attack on Hamas military posts and on the Shati refugee camp  where Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas political bureau, lives  was viewed by the movement's leadership as additional proof of their assessment that Israel is planning an escalation and preparing for a major military operation.

The heads of Hamas military wing, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, view the airstrikes as a clear attempt to draw Hamas into a confrontation. The announcement the organization made immediately after the attacks leaves no room for doubt about how they see the situation: This is crossing a dangerous line for which Israel will bear the consequences. We will not allow Gaza to be turned into a testing field for Israeli ammunition.

Tensions between Israel and the Gaza Strip in the last week reached heights not seen since the cease-fire at the conclusion of Israel's Operation Protective Edge in 2014. Al-Monitor learned that the organizations military wing has beefed up its military forces along the length of the border with Israel. Hamas' military posts, including the two hit days ago, are now manned 24/7 due to concerns about an Israeli invasion.

Even if Hamas' evaluation of the situation is not based on verifiable sources but on circumstantial evidence alone, it shows that the group's higher-ups are well-informed about what goes on in Israel. The movements leaders receive a collection of translated news bits and commentaries from the Israeli media on a daily basis. In addition, they have access to analyses by Israel experts voicing their opinions on the politics and diplomacy behind events. Of course, Hamas is mainly interested in how events might affect the Gaza Strip.

This is not the first time that Hamas leaders have been convinced that Israel was planning a military operation to divert public opinion from domestic issues. They also thought this just before Operation Cast Lead in 2008. Some among the leadership, including Haniyeh and Mahmoud al-Zahar, argued that Israel was planning a comprehensive military operation to bolster Ehud Baraks political standing. At the time, Barak was defense minister and Labor Party chairman, and general elections were scheduled for early 2009. This line of thinking was explicitly conveyed to me by Zahar and Abed Haniyeh, son of Ismail Haniyeh.

Barak is planning a war on Gaza to cover up his screw-ups, Zahar said. In a conversation a week before Operation Cast Lead, Haniyehs son asked me in all seriousness whether the Israeli public was aware that Barak was dragging the Israeli army into a war simply to improve his standing in the polls prior to the elections. My assertion that no Israeli statesman would ever initiate a war for political considerations was met with contempt by both men. Given that military operations indeed began a week later can easily explain why this view is widespread today among the Hamas leadership.

A Palestinian journalist from Gaza speaking on condition of anonymity told Al-Monitor that residents along the border with Israel in northern Gaza are saying that Hamas has been beefing up its forces since the beginning of the month, including posting lookouts to track the movement of Israeli forces. According to the journalist, Hamas military wing is only deployed in emergencies and when tensions between the sides increases. The inhabitants here know that when there is movement along the length of the border, that is a sign of imminent war, and then they prepare as well, he said.

One of the Hamas members with whom I spoke confirmed that the movements leadership is taking seriously the possibility that Netanyahu will initiate military moves. We are prepared for anything and everything, he said on condition of anonymity. This is also what we said today, that we will not sit silently by while Israel starts up with us. He added that residents and policemen had been injured in the Aug. 9 attack. He warned that the patience of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades will ultimately be worn down.

Meanwhile, the Israeli side is keeping a close watch on Hamas preparations for another confrontation. Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the head of the Israel Defense Force's Southern Command, revealed Aug. 9 that Hamas has been working on restoring the terror infrastructure destroyed in the 2014 confrontation. Zamir told Israeli journalists that Israeli intelligence efforts have continuously worked to uncover Hamas military infrastructure since Operation Protective Edge. He said, Hamas is operating in a civilian arena and under the cover of a civilian population, preparing its infrastructure for the next conflict within the civilian arena, such as civilian residences, schools and mosques. In these buildings are [military] headquarters, storerooms of weapons and rocket launchers.

Even if Hamas' concerns over a politics-driven military confrontation are baseless, it would be a mistake to ignore them. This is because the concerns themselves and resultant tensions could lead to violent conflict. Take, for example, what happened this week with the rocket shot at Israel, most likely by one of the rogue organizations in the Gaza Strip that does not obey the Hamas leadership. Hamas argued that Israel made up the rocket story to ratchet up tension in Gaza and views the Israeli response as an attempt to escalate the violence. The actual facts of the incident do not make much of a difference.

The bottom line is that when each side misreads the intentions of the other, it can draw both into a round of fighting. Hamas is convinced that Israel is gearing up for a war by the end of the summer. Anyone who wants to avert this next conflagration had best convince them that they are mistaken.
August 11, 2017

Jordanian King Abdullahs Aug. 7 visit to Ramallah, his first in five years, was symbolically important for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and was also intended to send signals to a number of other parties. Abdullah flew by helicopter from Amman to Abbas headquarters in the wake of two incidents that have tested Jordan's tenuous relations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Israel: the crisis over Haram al-Sharif (to Jews, the Temple Mount) that erupted July 14 and the killing of two Jordanians in Amman on July 23 by an Israeli security guard at the Israeli Embassy, which remains closed.

Abdullah's two-hour visit to Ramallah was seen by some observers as a snub to Netanyahu and a morale booster for Abbas. Palestinian sources told Al-Monitor that having suspended security coordination with Israel on July 30 to protest unilateral security measures it took at Haram al-Sharif, the site of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Abbas preferred to stay in the occupied territories rather than request a permit from the Israelis to travel abroad in accordance with bilateral agreements. Some reports suggested that he was confined to his residence by Israel in retaliation for his decision. He was also reported to have checked in to a local hospital, suffering from exhaustion.

The kings short visit was meant to show solidarity with the Palestinian leader and to emphasize Jordans support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, stressing that the kingdom stands by them in seeking to establish an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to a royal court statement. Abbas gave credit to the king for defusing the crisis over Al-Aqsa, according to the same statement.

For Abdullah, it was important to underline his personal role as a custodian and guardian of Muslim and Christian holy places in East Jerusalem. The royal court statement said that Jordan will continue to safeguard holy shrines by working with the international community, stressing the need to preserve the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem, warning that any meddling will have negative consequences on the region.

There was more, however, than just sending a stern message to Netanyahu. The king also wanted to remind the Americans of their promise to revive peace efforts and of Abbas essential role in reaching a deal.

The king also noted US President Donald Trumps commitment to working toward peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis, the royal court said. Abdullah highlighted the significance of working with the US administration to push the peace process forward and relaunch serious and effective negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis, based on the two-state solution.

Despite past differences with Abbas over policy  leading in 2015 to an unprecedented lack of personal meetings between the two men for many months  Jordan is now throwing its full support behind the embattled Palestinian leader, who faces growing domestic and regional challenges. For Amman, the revival of peace talks based on the two-state solution is a crucial cornerstone of its national security. Abdullah, who hosted this year's Arab League summit meeting in March, has been working his international and regional contacts to keep the Palestinian issue in the spotlight as the core of all conflicts in the Middle East.

Amman is worried, however, that Abbas, now 82, is running out of time. He has health issues, but in Ammans view, he remains the only Palestinian leader capable of negotiating and delivering a peace deal with Israel, despite efforts by Netanyahus far-right Cabinet to demonize and discredit him. Israeli ministers often question Abbas credentials as a peace partner, and Netanyahu has accused him of inciting violence.

Amman is also concerned about the fate of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which faces severe financial troubles and may soon lose US funding if Congress passes the Taylor Force Act. The proposed legislation compels the State Department to cut off money to the PA unless Abbas terminates monthly stipends to families of Palestinians convicted for targeting US and Israeli citizens.

Adding to Jordans concerns is that Abbas has been unable or unwilling to reconcile with Hamas, the Islamist movement that took control of the Gaza Strip by force in 2007. More recently, Abbas launched an economic war on Gaza, firing thousands of Hamas PA employees and calling on the Israeli government to decrease the daily supply of electricity to the besieged area. While Amman has not commented on the recently concluded entente between Hamas leaders and Abbas rival, ousted Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan, Jordan is concerned that Gazas political separation from the West Bank could become permanent. Right-wing Israeli ministers have often referred to Gaza as a Palestinian state and vowed to annex most of the West Bank to Israel.

In addition, Amman is worried that key Gulf states are preparing to normalize relations with Israel in the absence of a final settlement with the Palestinians, thus bypassing Amman and Ramallah. Like Abbas, Abdullah has pinned high hopes on US President Donald Trump delivering a new peace initiative, but the Jordanian monarch realizes that time is ticking on a solution. In a meeting with local lawmakers Aug. 6, the king was reported by the Jordan Times to have told them that there would be no breakthrough in the peace process without a US push for a solution, and that the future of the Palestinian cause is at stake and applying solutions is becoming increasingly difficult.

In the view of one local commentator, the Ramallah visit was meant to say that the Palestinians have only one legitimate leader who represents their aspirations. Writing in the daily Ad-Dustour Aug. 9, Oraib al-Rantawi said that the kings visit sought to help Abbas recover from political indisposition, as he has clearly lost any hope in Netanyahu and is frustrated with the Trump administration and remains suspicious of Arab governments meddling in Palestinian affairs.
August 11, 2017

MILAN, Italy  In attempts to face down the myriad militias in the fractured country that is modern Libya, the UN-recognized government of Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj is looking to partner with one of its former colonial occupiers: Italy.

The Sarraj-led government has communicated with Italian authorities in an attempt to counter human smugglers, but the fragile government is being forced to walk a very fine line between accepting much-needed international assistance and upsetting its population.

Starting in 1911  and particularly in the 1930s  Italys actions on Libyan soil were hideous, Jalel Harchaoui, a doctoral candidate in geopolitics at Paris 8 University and a frequent commentator on Libyan affairs, told Al-Monitor. And it is true that one century is a short amount of time for those types of historical memories. The latter are still vivid in Libyan minds, no question about it.

Italy colonized Libya in 1911 and stayed in the country until 1947. Their stay was largely defined by Italys fascist regime that committed a number of atrocities, starting with a massacre in Tripoli, the capital, in 1911. During this period, Italy also persecuted Arabs, Berbers and Jews in North Africa.

Recalling Italys troubled colonial history has also morphed into a tactic for figures competing with Sarraj for control of Libyan territory. Gen. Khalifa Hifter, who controls large swathes of Libyas eastern territory and is primarily backed by Egypt, has tried to turn the Libyan population against Sarraj using this tactic.

It has forced Sarraj to engage in doublespeak at times. Sarraj and Hifter both claim to be Libyas legitimate representatives and have held peace talks in Paris as recently as July. Sarraj, who enjoys UN legitimacy, wrote a letter to Italy on July 23. In it, he requested Italian assistance in stopping refugees and migrants from boarding ships from Libya to Italy. The Italians duly accepted Sarrajs request. Only five days later, however, Sarraj denied he ever requested Italian naval ships to enter Libyan waters, according to Stratfor website. "Later that same day, al-Sarraj and the Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti discussed possible Italian assistance and managed to overcome domestic resistance in Libya, Stratfor reported.

[Stopping the boats to Europe] is clearly not a priority for the Libyans, and it explains why the Italian naval mission can be used by people like Hifter to make some propaganda and delegitimize Sarraj as the puppet of the former colonizers, Mattia Toaldo, a Libya expert and policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told Al-Monitor. So Sarraj is in a difficult place: He needs to give Italy something in exchange for the legitimacy that he receives from Rome as from no other capital, but he can't be appearing to give in to foreign demands.

Italy has a national election next year, and the so-called migrant issue could be a major election swinger. So far this year, more than 94,000 new arrivals have landed on Italys shores. The number surpasses figures for 2016 and 2015, according to the International Organization for Migration. Should the current government stop new arrivals from coming, it could be a major boost to the ruling Democrat Party led by Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni.

But it could also backfire, as groups like Human Rights Watch (HRW) have warned Italy that it could be implicated in human rights abuses. "The Italian navy deployment in Libyan waters could effectively lead to arbitrary detention of people in abusive conditions," said Judith Sunderland, HRW's Europe and Central Asia associate director. "After years of saving lives at sea, Italy is preparing to help Libyan forces who are known to detain people in conditions that expose them to a real risk of torture, sexual violence and forced labor.

At least one security expert said the European Union should form a naval rescue unit for migrants and refugees. The root causes of migration have to be addressed on the ground; there is no way around it, Sebastian Bruns, the head of the Center for Maritime Strategy and Security at the Institute for Security Policy at the University of Kiel, said in an interview with German outlet Deutsche Welle. All the efforts produced by the marine units, private NGOs [nongovernmental organizations] or Frontex are merely fighting the symptoms.

The Libyans, meanwhile, want to curb migration to Italy because most refugees and migrants pay fees to smugglers. The refugees and migrants also directly or indirectly via smugglers pay militias for safe passage. The money bolsters these militias, which are outside of the governments control. Effectively, the road to Europe through Libya is funding Libyan instability.

Smugglers and the informal economy are the anti-state in Libya: They thrive on the illicit trade of government-subsidized goods and with their militias block the building of a modern state, Toaldo said. With this respect, anyone who fights against the smugglers will find allies in Libya. The problem is that, despite the official rhetoric, it is very clear that Italy's and Europe's interests in Libya are more immediate: Curb migration flows.

The Libyan government of Sarraj seems to believe that Italian naval vessels will deter future attempts to get to Italy. But even if that happens to be the case, Libya still has a major issue on its hands.

Paradoxically, this balancing act will be even more complex should the current policy manage to curb flows, said Toaldo. From the Italian point of view, this could be a game changer and bring the flows gradually close to zero, but from the Libyan point of view, this creates two problems: What's to be done with the migrants who get stuck in Libya? Second, what will the smugglers do if they stop irregular migration? Their other activities are petrol smuggling and drugs and arms trafficking. But many in Europe think that we will cross that bridge when we get there.

Libya is walking a fine line. On the one hand, they would do well to take power out of the hands of smugglers and local militias. But, as history has shown, European assistance is often self-serving, and in an election year, Italy may not be looking for sustainable solutions in their former colony.
August 11, 2017

For the first time in 11 years, Muqtada al-Sadr, the leader of the Sadrist movement, visited Saudi Arabia at the official invitation of the kingdom. On July 30, Sadr met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The visit is part of Sadr's efforts to keep a balance in his relations with neighboring countries in a bid to ease sectarian tensions in Iraq and strengthen his position as an Iraqi leader.

Saudi-Iraqi relations have recently witnessed a breakthrough following a period of lukewarm relations that started in the early 1990s. Senior officials of the two governments have recently exchanged visits and talked about developing relations between the two countries in various fields. But the significance of Sadr's recent visit lies in the fact that he is a religious and political leader from a prominent Hawza-affiliated family. What makes the visit even more paramount is the shift in Sadr's approach to the domestic events and regional orientations of the kingdom.

Previously, Sadr held positions that were hostile to Saudi Arabias domestic events and dealing with Shiites in the kingdom. For example, in January 2016, he issued a strongly worded response to the execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr in Saudi Arabia and accused the Saudi rulers of practicing systematic injustice against minorities and the oppressed. At the time, Sadr called on Shiites in Gulf states to have the courage to respond, even if through mere peaceful demonstrations.

However, Sadr's positions on these issues differed completely during his last visit, in which he decided to focus primarily on Iraqi issues. Sadr's spokesman Salah al-Obeidi said in a TV interview Aug. 2, Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr said before going: 'Unless they raise issues that are not related to Iraq, I will be sticking to Iraqi developments because otherwise this would be an interference in their domestic affairs.'

This position is a clear divergence from the religious discourse that defines the umma (nation) based on religious and sectarian affiliations and does not recognize the modern concept of the nation-state, which defines the nation based on the geographical boundaries of the state regardless of the religious or ethnic affiliations of its citizens.

Following about four decades during which Shiite clerics ruled Iran and 15 years during which Shiite religious parties ruled Iraq, Shiite clerics in Iraq are reconsidering their perception of the concept of the nation and the umma. For example, supreme religious authority Ali al-Sistani called for the establishment of a civil state in Iraq. A civil state is a secular way of governance that respects people's beliefs and religious peculiarities.

Sadr is trying to adhere to these concepts to reach a moderate position that helps ease the sectarian crises plaguing the region in general and Iraq in particular. This was reflected in the results of the visit, in which the two sides stressed the need to adopt a moderate religious and media discourse that calls for peaceful coexistence and cooperation as well as the achievement of common interests between the two countries and peoples, as per the statement issued by Sadr's office on Aug. 1 after the visit.

But Sadr's attempt to reach an understanding with Saudi Arabia has generated widespread criticism from some Shiite circles in Iraq and other countries, such as Iran and Lebanon. These critics believe that Sadrs visit is an unjustified disregard for the injustices suffered by the Shiite minority in the kingdom. These circles are against Sadr not tackling what they consider to be a negative role played by the kingdom in supporting terrorist groups that are killing Shiites in several countries in the region. In addition, these parties believe the visit is part of Saudi Arabia's campaign to isolate Iran in the region.

Saudi Arabia is trying to isolate Iran by forging ties with Shiite groups that do not believe in Iran's projects in the region. In a clear reference to this trend, Mohammed al-Sulami, the head of the Arabian Gulf Center for Iranian Studies, said July 30, We put all the Shiites under one category and said that they follow Iran. We should re-examine the Shiites again and revive the Shiite Arab authority in Najaf and Karbala, not in Qom."

I believe we have to differentiate between the original Shiite doctrine and the new extremist Khomeinist [Ruhollah Khomeini] doctrine, State Minister for Gulf Affairs Thamer al-Sabhan tweeted July 31, but he consequently deleted the tweet. According to Obeidi, Sadr's objection to the tweet while in Saudi Arabia led to its deletion.

Sadrs recent movements indicate his willingness to distance himself from Iran. Senior fellow at the Middle East Institute at the University of Singapore, Fanar Haddad, told Al-Monitor, For personal, ideological and practical reasons, Sadr would find it difficult to champion an openly Shiite-centric, pro-Iran stance. By visiting the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I think Sadr is signaling to Iran and its Iraqi allies [Sadr's competitors] that he has options.

Asked about the importance of Sadrs Arab identity, Haddad said, Sadr wants to confirm that he is Arab, but that does not mean that he is against Iran, and this trend resonates within the ranks of Sadr's popular base. And this Arab identity assertion goes in line with the Saudi policy toward the non-Iranian Shiite entities in the region.

Iran does not seem to have many options regarding Sadrs approach in his bid to distance himself from Tehran by relying on his broad popular base.
August 9, 2017

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  The ongoing Israeli siege imposed on the Gaza Strip enters its 11th year with Palestinians suffering the ensuing crises that have affected all aspects of life in the enclave. Because women are a vulnerable group in society, a pressing need has emerged to support Gazan women by empowering them to obtain their rights, promote their status and improve their financial situation.

Civil society organizations supporting marginalized groups in Gaza in general follow the policies of their financiers and the needs they identify, often disregarding the requirements of implemented projects or the needs of the targeted groups. However, the 2017 Women's Leadership Incubator (WLI) project is the first to allow women's support organizations in Gaza to identify their needs as an organization as well as the needs of the community they target.

The 2017 WLI project implemented by the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor funds, trains and supports the staff of organizations that were chosen to participate in the project, to strengthen their staffs sensitivity to marginalized womens needs and rights, and implement projects to support them.

The difficult economic situation of women in the Gaza Strip was the main motivation behind the launch of the project. A March 7 press release by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics stated, The female participation rate in the labor force was 19.3% of the total female population of working age [15 years or older] in 2016  while the male participation rate was 71.6% in 2016."

Six organizations from different areas in Gaza have been selected to join the project; staff members have received a number of initial training sessions and participated in workshops on gender-related and project management issues.

The projects of the six organizations funded by the WLI will be implemented over a five-month period starting in early August and running through January. Projects will mostly help the participating Gazan women to join the labor market and empower them economically by providing them with the required skills.

The first project aims to teach 30 Gazan female graduates the skills to obtain freelance online work and train them on the related mechanisms. The second project, implemented in the southern Gaza Strip, aims to train deaf women and girls on using social media, online marketing and content production. The third one targets young female graduates to train them on how to manage and market e-commerce projects.

The fourth project is related to community initiatives that seek to introduce change within the scope of a systematic approach to serve the population of the central Gaza Strip, amid the scarcity of community development and voluntary initiatives. The fifth project promotes the idea of using art and theater to discuss and highlight the difficult reality of marginalized women and girls in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, through short comedy scenes and artistic performances. The final project aims to create a media dictionary that contains the terms required in the speeches and campaigns of the women's organizations.

Aya al-Zinati, the WLIs public relations and communication coordinator, told Al-Monitor, The challenges that the project aims to address are the status of marginalized women in Gaza and the ability of civil society organizations to meet these womens rightful needs and address their concerns.

She noted that the WLI female advisers specialized in gender equality and human rights will be providing continuous follow-up throughout the period of implementation of the projects, and will make sure during each meeting to highlight the Gazan womens rights and teach the participants how to demand their rights.

She said, By targeting these organizations, the WLI project aims to support and empower women in various fields. The project also aims to tackle women's exclusion from decision-making processes, leaving them constantly dependent on the support of men rather than becoming self-reliant and autonomous.

Zinati added, The project will be executed on two levels. The first is encouraging civil society organizations to engage female employees in decision-making processes. The second is encouraging them to push targeted women to participate in debates about the challenges they face and to decide on programs to address these challenges, including design, planning and implementation.

She said that the involvement of civil society organizations and women would make the implemented programs more efficient for targeted women and would allow such organizations, women and society in general to give women their rights and enable them to claim these rights  thereby improving the status of women.

The WLI project directly targets female staff at civil society organizations and women in marginalized areas, while it indirectly focuses on other groups targeted by the selected organizations, such as women's families and society as a whole.

The project relied in the selection of the participating organizations on two main criteria: The applying organizations should have already managed women-related projects and should include a female member of staff, Zinati said.

Azza Kassem, the WLI gender expert and consultant for women affairs, told Al-Monitor, We noticed during training sessions and field visits that the concept of gender equality is still unclear to some human rights workers in particular, and to those working in fields related to a societal change in general. This concept is generally understood as limited to women only.

She argued that there is an urgent need to understand the tools of social change and to reshape the qualifications and skills of the participating civil society organizations' staff and decision-makers through an in-depth understanding of the Palestinian situation and the prevailing culture in society.

She stressed the need to work hard to transform the human rights culture into a social culture, inculcate the concepts of women's rights and gender equality in society, and adopt gender equality approaches in the programs, policies and objectives of women's organizations.

Kassem pointed out that the superficial understanding of the gender equality concept among most of the workers in the field of womens rights and the prevalence of the male-dominant culture among political parties, as tools for social change, explain the low percentage of women in decision-making positions.

Wedad Sourani, the director of the Society of Women Graduates in the Gaza Strip, one of the six organizations participating in the WLI, told Al-Monitor, Our participation in the WLI aims to empower female graduates to take a more efficient role in the Palestinian society by building their capacities.

She said, The funding that our proposed project will receive from the WLI will allow us to achieve our objectives, including to empower Gazan women economically and improve their living conditions. We are working with 30 female graduates, and we aim to provide them with the skills required to find work  whether through freelance online platforms or in the local labor markets.

Sourani described her organization's participation in the WLI as a preliminary step toward reducing unemployment among female university graduates in Gaza, explaining that the project they proposed to the WLI not only aims to help women advance economically but also gives them an opportunity to play an important and efficient role in the Palestinian society.

May Abu Zayed, the vice chairman of the board of directors of the Women and Child Development Association  a civil society organization that provides care for women with special needs, orphans and widows, and combats child labor and violence against women  told Al-Monitor, The financing by WLI of our proposed project will enable us to raise the awareness of 20 women who can't hear and speak about their legal rights through the efforts of an integrated female staff.

She added, Our project also aims to socially integrate 17 other women by familiarizing them with the use of social media, breaking societal alienation and improving their psychological well-being and interactivity. The WLI will allow us to build the capacities of the academic staff working within our civil society organizations.
August 11, 2017

Russian Ambassador to Iran Luan Jagaryan said Aug. 1 that Hamas is a national movement and one of the main representatives of the Palestinian people, and that Moscow does not consider it a terrorist organization.

Jagaryan made this statement during a meeting with Khaled Kaddoumi, the Hamas representative in Iran, who stressed Russia's pivotal role in supporting the Palestinian people.

Kaddoumi told Al-Monitor, International relations are a buildup process. Hamas relationship with Russia is greater than statements made here and there. Their political relationship was officially launched in March 2006 when the Hamas leadership visited Moscow after winning the Palestinian legislative elections in January of the same year. The visit constituted a political breakthrough in the movements international relations since Russia is a member of the Quartet on the Middle East.

He added, In May 2010, a historic meeting was held between Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Damascus. The Russian presidential and governmental representatives as well as officials from the Russian Foreign Ministry in charge of Middle East and North African affairs held several meetings with the Hamas political leadership in a number of Arab capitals.

In August 2015, Meshaal met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Qatar. In August 2016, he met with Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia's deputy foreign minister and special presidential representative for the Middle East, in Doha, and a delegation from Hamas arrived in Moscow in January to meet with Lavrov.

Tayseer Moheisen, a diplomatic adviser to the Palestinian Foreign Ministry in the Gaza Strip, told Al-Monitor, Russia's rapprochement with Hamas shows the latter's need for Moscow, as one of the world's greatest capitals, to deter the ferocious United States and Israeli attacks. Meanwhile, Russia sees in Hamas an influential party when it comes to the Palestinian cause. In addition, it seems that President Vladimir Putin wants to restore the Soviet empire and believes that the Palestinian cause and Hamas are one of the gates to the Middle East. This is why Russia did not agree to classify Hamas as a terrorist organization, as Washington and the European Union (EU) have done. This would help forge a balanced international position toward Hamas, which would prevent the movement from being singled out by regional and international powers.

Jagaryans statements were not the first sign of this gradual rapprochement between Hamas and Moscow. On May 18, the Russian Foreign Ministry welcomed Hamas' new policy document and congratulated Ismail Haniyeh for his election as head of Hamas political bureau on May 6. On May 19, Haniyeh phoned Bogdanov and discussed bilateral relations, the Russian role in achieving national reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas, and Hamas new policy document.

On July 8, press sources talked about an imminent agreement between Hamas and Israel on a prisoner exchange deal, brokered by Russia and Egypt.

Abdul Sattar Qassem, a professor of political science at an-Najah National University in Nablus, told Al-Monitor, The recent Hamas-Russia rapprochement is linked to Moscow's desire to return to the Arab region, gain a foothold in the Palestinian cause and break the US monopoly on managing the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis.

Qassem added, Russia is well-aware that if it improves its relationship with Hamas, it could gain access to the rest of the Islamic movements in the region thanks to Hamas influence among them  especially the Muslim Brotherhood in several Middle East countries. In addition, [Jagaryans] statements were made from Tehran, which reflects a Russian-Iranian consensus over Hamas return to the Iran-led axis of resistance.

On June 15, Russian Ambassador to Tel Aviv Alexander Schein refused to classify Hamas as a terrorist organization and objected to Israel putting the movement in the same category as the Islamic State (IS). Scheins statement was justified by the fact that the Russian judiciary defines terrorist organizations as groups carrying out terrorist acts on Russian territory, which is not the case with Hamas.

This Russian position has had a negative impact on Israel. On July 15, author Ariel Polstein wrote in the Israel Hayom newspaper, which is close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that Scheins statement was bad news for those who wanted to strengthen contacts with Moscow, accusing it of pursuing unethical double standards in terms of classifying terrorism.

Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein also attacked Hamas in a speech to the Russian parliament on June 28, accusing it of being responsible for the tragic situation under which Gazas residents are suffering, claiming that the movement was taking the life of Gazans for granted, just like it does with the life of Israelis.

Mahmoud al-Ajrami, a former Palestinian deputy foreign minister and political expert on Russian affairs, told Al-Monitor, Russia's recent rapprochement with Hamas is connected to the existing alliance with Iran, which leads the axis of resistance in the region. This is why Russia is seeking to win as much regional points as possible to confront the United States with which there has recently been some tension. Hamas will benefit from this rapprochement and since Russia is a superpower, Hamas would gain a diplomatic cover and turn it to its advantage on the political and media levels.

At the height of Hamas' political isolation, following the outbreak of the Gulf crisis, Washington described the movement as a terrorist organization and the EU kept it on the list of terrorist organizations. However, today, Hamas considers its rapprochement with Russia a serious breakthrough at the international level, and might deliberately increase contact with Moscow to make sure it has its support in any political or military escalation with Israel.

In this context, Hamas is required to maintain a pragmatic discourse in its international policy toward Russia, as part of the Quartet on the Middle East, to convince it of accepting a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders so that Russia can promote the movement regionally and internationally.
August 10, 2017

SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq  The majority of Kurdish parties agreed June 7 to hold a referendum for independence in September. While outside pressure to stop the controversial referendum has been constant, the deadliest blow might, however, come from within. Ordinary Kurds, in particular those in Sulaimaniyah, are angry about the government's mismanagement of the economy, and many appear ready to express their dissatisfaction in their approach to the referendum.

Over the last two months, Al-Monitor has spoken with several dozen people, primarily in Sulaimaniyah, to gauge their views on the upcoming referendum. Those interviewed include police officers, teachers, peshmerga, shopkeepers, taxi drivers and civil servants, the overwhelming majority of whom reject the referendum outright. They consider it a ploy by the current leadership to distract attention from its failure to efficiently run the government and manage the economy for the last 25 years, since the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in 1992.

Sulaimaniyah, nestled between several mountain ranges, is the largest province in Iraqi Kurdistan, the other two being Dahuk and Erbil. Sulaimaniyah is home to around 2 million of the region's total indigenous population of 5.2 million people. The anger and frustration among them is palpable.

Why should I vote yes in the referendum? Shaho Mahyaddin, a father of two, asked rhetorically. After 17 years of being a traffic police officer, what do I have? No electricity. No water. I have no house or investment. I have nothing. The only thing I had was my salary [$980 a month], but over the last two years, they have cut it by more than 30%. How can I feed two children on that amount?"

Reeling from low oil prices, the KRG last year resorted to cutting the salaries of public sector employees  a bloated 1.4 million-person workforce  by up to 65% to counter the economic meltdown. The move had serious adverse effects for the economy, including a decline in purchasing power. Traders in the bazaar, already hit hard by the economic crisis, are now also worried about the possible impact of the upcoming referendum.

People are buying only essential goods, such as flour and rice, because they are worried about the day after the referendum, said Dashtawan, an assistant in a shop selling kitchen wares. This July was the worst month in terms of trading in the bazaar for me, even worse than when Daesh attacked, referring to the Islamic State offensive in summer 2014. Dashtawan said that with only few exceptions, the majority of the people he knows in the bazaar are angry about the economy and are very likely to vote no at the polls.

We have had this business since 1953, but it has never been this bad, said Najat, who has worked in his fathers tea house in Sulaimaniyah's main bazaar since he was 15. Najat said his business has been in decline for the last three years, since Baghdad and Erbil began having serious disputes.

I used to sell about 400 teas per day, but now it is around 120, said Najat, as he poured tea for the only customer in the little tea house. Despite this, I will vote yes in the referendum, because this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and we should not miss it.

Many civil servants have spent their savings since early 2014, when Baghdad refused to disburse Kurdistan's share of funding in the national budget, and salaries were cut. With no social security net, many residents are anxious about the negative impact of the referendum. Teachers are one group that has been particularly hit by the financial crisis, with cuts to their salaries of almost 70%.

I will go to the polls, and I will mark a resolute no, said Nesar, a primary schoolteacher from Halabja who has taught for 18 years. The government has slashed my salary of $900 by 65%. When Al-Monitor asked whether he would vote yes if the government reinstated his salary, he responded, No, because I have no trust whatsoever in the current leadership.

It is ironic that under the British and other regimes in Iraq, the people of Sulaimaniyah have always been rebellious, including at the forefront of the independence movements, but 25 years of Kurdish rule have turned them against a referendum for independence. During parliamentary elections in September 1930, the Kurds of Sulaimaniyah called on the British government, which held the League of Nations mandate over Iraq, to allow them to create an independent state as a British protectorate so they would not be at the mercy of an Arab king in Baghdad.

When the Sulaimaniyah Kurds realized the futility of their effort, anger grew toward the British and what the Kurds saw as their betrayal. Rejecting Baghdad Arab rule, they poured into the streets while most of the rest of Kurdistan remained silent. By the end of election day, 14 residents were dead and many more wounded, killed or injured at the hands of British and Iraqi forces.

In the second half of the 20th century, the people of Sulaimaniyah rebelled several more times. Ordinary Kurds were only too happy to name their children after a famous peshmerga commander or a battle that the peshmerga won against the Iraqi army. They have supported the peshmerga with whatever they could, but many are now scratching their heads and looking for answers to what went wrong. These days it is difficult to mention the name of a certain former peshmerga commander turned politician and not elicit a curse from the average Kurd. The people today despise or have no patience for their Kurdish rulers.

The main problem is the trust between the public and the political elite, said Abdulbaset Ismail, who fought for four years as a peshmerga commander against the Iraqi army in the 1980s. We fought to free the Kurds from the yoke of the Iraqi state, but I never thought we would create this mess.

Ismail, whose nom de guerre in the mountain was Halo Soor, is driving a taxi these days in Erbil and has difficulty making ends meet. He had commanded a unit of 26 peshmerga in the mountains, 24 of whom lost their life fighting the Iraqi army in the pursuit of Kurdish independence.

Don't get me wrong. I am all for independence, but not under the banner of these thieves, Ismail said. Asked if he would vote on Sept. 25, he replied, Id rather cut off my index finger than vote in the referendum.
August 11, 2017

Separate contingents of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ringing the Islamic State (IS) bastion of Raqqa have converged, dealing another sharp blow to the surrounded militants.

Brett McGurk, the US special envoy to the counter-IS campaign, confirmed the news Thursday evening, tweeting that the move was a milestone that is tightening the noose around IS. Last week, SDF detachments fighting to take back control of the city from IS were just 300 feet apart, Pentagon officials said.

According to Col. Ryan Dillon, a coalition spokesman, the SDF has now claimed 50% of Raqqa. Dillon said the Arab-led Raqqa Internal Security Force that will be tasked with holding the city after its liberation now has 1,000 personnel.

I would say that there are no safe havens in Syria where they can plot attacks safely, Dillon said at a Defense Department press briefing on Thursday. If they have headquarters, if they're planning, if they're conducting external operations, they do not have sanctuary in Iraq and Syria.

The Pentagons military planners believe that surrounding the militants Old City stronghold will deal them a significant blow, stopping their escape to rejoin the fight elsewhere in Syria or plot terror attacks on foreign soil. The SDF advance, however, has slowed in recent weeks as irregular warfare tactics have prevailed in Raqqa, which sits on the northeast bank of the Euphrates River.

IS fighters have covered the ancient 3-mile Rafiqah Wall that surrounds the Old City with mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), putting the brakes on SDF attacks. The US-backed soldiers are now pushing into treacherous terrain where buildings, vehicles and even corpses are rigged with explosives, with up to 80% of SDF engagements featuring IEDs. Pentagon officials indicated that the multi-ethnic force, which numbers more than 30,000 fighters, suffered heavy casualties as it moved to encircle IS.

The push comes amid increasing confusion about future US involvement in Syria after the fall of Raqqa. The Donald Trump administration has made clear it is wary of US troops becoming enmeshed in the wider civil war that has rocked the country since 2011.

In fact, US troops conducting peacekeeping operations came under attack multiple times last week in the northern city of Manbij, where the coalition trains Arab fighters, Dillon revealed on Thursday. US forces are also conducting patrols with vetted Syrian opposition forces near al-Tanf garrison, where the anti-IS coalition occupies a 34-mile deconfliction zone to insulate US operations from Russian and other actors supporting Bashar al-Assad. Earlier in the summer, US fighter planes shot down a Syrian drone and a Syrian jet headed toward the area.

Yet the US-led campaign is showing no signs of abating. Last month, sources familiar with the Trump administrations plans for the region told Al-Monitors Amberin Zaman that the anti-IS campaign will proceed into the middle Euphrates River Valley, a key strategic area in southern Syria close to the Iraqi border, even as Syrian and Iranian forces move into the region.
August 10, 2017

A State Department review that faulted the agency for failing to comply with its own policies for overseeing bomb disposal grants in Iraq, Lebanon and Afghanistan will not impact ongoing efforts to remove improvised explosive devices (IEDs) left behind by the Islamic State (IS), officials say.

Released Aug. 9, the report from the Office of the Inspector General found that the State Department did not develop required strategies to mitigate security threats for 10 out of 28 (36%) high-risk grants that the US government handed out in the Middle East and South Asia since 2013. The audit also found that the agency failed to collect performance and financial reports from grantees in many instances.

The US government has granted more than $2.6 billion to destroy excess stockpiles of conventional weapons in 95 countries since 1993, according to the State Department. The awards allow nonprofit organizations to conduct demining and dispose of unexploded ordnance, a mission that has become particularly critical in Iraq as the US-led military coalition attempts to secure the country from IS.

The State Departments Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, which manages US weapons disposal programs, said it agreed with six out of seven of the reports findings, which included stronger risk assessments and internal checks and balances to keep grants on track.

"This is the State Departments own inspector general telling them their goals need to be achievable, John Ismay, a senior crisis adviser for Amnesty International and a former US Navy explosive ordnance disposal officer, told Al-Monitor. They want it to be quantifiable and less fuzzy. But there are areas where even with tons of resources and lots of manpower applied, theres a persistent problem.

A State Department official told Al-Monitor that the reports findings wouldnt impact clearance programs in Iraq but could allow for more robust monitoring in the future. Officials from the bureau visit organizations working on clearing explosives in the field to provide oversight, but must abide by sometimes stringent US Embassy security rules that limit their ability to travel to high-risk areas laden with ordnance.

The report comes as IS has increasingly turned to irregular warfare tactics, including the use of car and roadside bombs, to hold off advancing Iraqi security forces since the fall of Mosul last month. Over the past week, the US-led coalition says it conducted more than 50 strikes on IS positions, including factories used to produce car and roadside bombs, near Tal Afar and Kisik, two of IS last remaining strongholds, where some 2,000 militants remain.

In Syria, according to Col. Ryan Dillon, a coalition spokesman, militants are rigging buildings and even corpses with improvised explosives in a last attempt to halt advancing Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish and Arab fighting force that receives weapons, training and other military support from the United States. US officials also worry that militant groups can use IEDs to keep displaced civilians from returning to their homes. The Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor says undetonated explosives left in Iraq caused 55 casualties in 2015 and 63 casualties in 2014.

In May, Brett McGurk, the US special envoy to the global coalition fighting IS, said that American-trained Iraqi forces had cleared 34 tons of explosive material in areas taken back from IS. Despite the threat posed by such material, Iraqi citizens have begun to repopulate liberated cities, with more than 95% of displaced residents returning to Tikrit, 300,000 to Ramadi and more than 400,000 to Fallujah, according to the coalition. But densely populated urban areas contaminated with unexploded ordnance will make clearance difficult for bomb disposal units.

The rubble in Mosul just complicates that clearance process to such a greater degree, said Amnesty Internationals Ismay. These people are sweeping foot by foot and meter by meter. Its slow and painstaking and certainly dangerous work.
Birmingham-headquartered Fenwick Brands has its first committed investment fund, Fenwick Brands Fund I, LLC., focused on providing equity to emerging consumer good brands.

Fenwick will make investments between $3 million and $7 million in brands to help scale businesses. The fund had a target of $30 million. The fund's goal is a future exit.

"We are very pleased with our diversified investor base of high net-worth individuals, family offices, industry veterans and institutional organizations," Fenwick CEO Melissa Baker said in a press release. "In fact, many of our Fund's investors are current or former senior-level executives in the Consumer industry. We see this as a resounding endorsement of our mandate and our strategy."

Fenwick has invested in companies like Moore's Marinades and Sauces, Powell & Mahoney Craft Cocktail Mixers and the Jackfruit Company.

Fenwick Brands is headquartered off of U.S. 280 near the intersection with Shades Creek Parkway.
Things are fine. Totally fine. Yessir. No reason at all that we spontaneously started to think about oblivion in the last few days. But you know, once you start on that thought train to nothingness, it's hard to stop, and it got us thinking about our favorite movies that take up the end of the world via nuclear weapons, plagues or other assorted disasters. Will Nevin and Ben Flanagan

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Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

Yes, its a dark, satirical masterpiece from director Stanley Kubrick that wonderfully lampoons the insanity of mutually assured destruction. Yes, its probably the film to watch on this list. But you know why I love it? THE TRIVIA. Strangelove is the first onscreen credit for James Earl Jones. Peter Sellers, who plays the titular mad scientist/strategist, the effeminate president and a British Royal Air Force captain, was supposed to play a fourth role (that being Major Kong, the guy who has the films famous last ride) until he sprained his ankle. The presidents name, Merkin Muffley, is a profane bit of wordplay (seriously, once you learn what a merkin is, youll never forget). But my favorite bit of Strangelove trivia is that it probably boasts the most famous (and never seen) deleted scene in film history: the war room pie fight that served as the original ending. (WN)

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WarGames (1983)

Shortly before he charmed the planet, Matthew Broderick nearly destroyed it in John Badham's equally funny and downright terrifying video game thriller about a young man who finds a back door into a military central computer in which reality is confused with game-playing, possibly starting World War III. Broderick's hacker unwittingly accesses a U.S. supercomputer to trigger a real-life nuclear war simulation, all wihle thinking he's playing a computer game in his bedroom. A commercial hit and Oscar nominee, it even earned the admiration of then-President Ronald Reagan, who supposedly loved it enough to let it influence his own computer security policy. (BF)

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On the Beach (1959)

This absolute gem from 1959 starts with the cast: Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner, Fred Astaire and a before-he-was-typecast Anthony Perkins. The plot is iffy on science (a thick cloud of radioactive fallout is killing everything on the planet and drifting toward Australia, humanitys last refuge), but its a deep study of love, duty and how we all deal with the certainty of the end. Peck, as an American submarine captain now stationed thousands of miles away from a family that is certainly dead, is stoic and moving and amazing, and the films conclusion is a punch in the gut. Some jokers did a made-for-TV version in 2000, but I wouldnt bother  they changed (and corrosively softened) the originals perfect ending. (WN)

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Panic in the Year Zero (1962)

The most shocking experience of your life! That's how actor/director Ray Milland and company billed this cheaply made but ahead-of-its-time post-apocalyptic flick from American International Pictures, which also distributed a gaggle of Roger Corman films. In this, a family of four leaves Los Angeles for a camping trip just before a nuclear bomb destroys the city. As lawlessness prevails, the father (Milland) must fight to keep his family alive. It also stars Jean Hagen and a pre-beach movie superstar Frankie Avalon, and features a score from Les Baxter. Corny as this B-movie might be, it's sobering to watch work reflecting a time less than 20 years removed from a real-life atomic bomb detonation. (BF)

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Fail Safe (1964)

Fail Safe is eternally linked to Strangelove for good reason  the films came out within a few months of each other (with Strangelove making it to theaters first due in large part to a lawsuit from Stanley Kubrick) and they more or less share the same plot, with an American nuclear bomber accidentally going rogue to threaten Moscow. But while Strangelove goes for dark comedy, Fail Safe plays it rigidly straight. Henry Fonda stars as a resolute American president who (spoiler) manages to avoid a global nuclear holocaust only through sacrifice and sorrow. George Clooney starred in a semi-stunt live television production in 2000 that wasnt half bad, but the original remains the standard. (WN)

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Thirteen Days (2000)

Roger Donaldson's critically acclaimed but slightly underrated dramatization and a fictionalized account of the Kennedy administration's struggle to contain the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962 stars Kevin Costner as political consultant Kenneth P. O'Donnell and Bruce Greenwood as John F. Kennedy. If you can excuse some of its creative liberties and Costner's unfortunate stab at a New England accent, this political thriller offers a fascinating glimpse inside the minds of the men impossibly tasked with preventing global nuclear disaster. (BF)

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Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)

OK  lets be clear. While this is the best of the post-T2 sequels (my god what a low bar), it had no business being made. Arnold was (and clearly still is) too old to return to the role, and the entire message of T3  that sometimes fate is inescapable  negates the essence of T2. So why is it here? I love the ending. For a summer tentpole action film, T3 must have the darkest conclusion ever approved by a major studio. That took guts, so Ill at least give them some credit for that. But please, let this franchise die already. (WN)

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True Lies (1994)

While we're on Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron (the guy who made the good Terminator movies), give his outstanding spy thriller "True Lies" another look if you haven't in some time. A loose remake of the 1991 French comedy film "La Totale!," it follows Arnold as a government agent who balances his life as a spy with his familial duties, with the final act focusing on fighting terrorists who have smuggled nuclear warheads into America, even detonating one on a remote island in the Florida Keys, with a mushroom cloud serving as the backdrop for a romantic kiss shared by Arnold and co-star Jamie Lee Curtis. If nothing else, enjoy fine acting from none other than one Tom Arnold. (BF)

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The Stand (1994)

Long considered to be Stephen Kings best work (although the Dark Tower series has some claim to the title, but lets not talk about that right now), The Stand, while it does prominently feature a nuclear bomb, is primarily focused on the end of civilization via a weaponized flu memorably known as Captain Trips by those who survived it. What happens after the apocalyptic pandemic is a literal fight between good and evil that ends with the battle of Armageddon in Las Vegas (where else?). While a new film or television adaptation has been stuck in development hell, the 1994 television miniseries is perfectly acceptable, especially with stars Gary Sinise, Molly Ringwald and Rob Lowe. And really, if The Dark Tower is any indication, maybe we should let The Stand rest in its mid-90s glory. (WN)

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Crimson Tide (1995)

RTR, Pawl! Somehow, this ain't about football. But that's OK because many consider this hyper-tense submarine flick the finest-ever work from late great director Tony Scott, thanks to crackling dialogue and the chemistry of its Oscar-winning leads Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington. On a U.S. nuclear missile sub, a young First Officer (Washington) stages a mutiny, to prevent his trigger happy Captain (Hackman) from launching his missiles, before confirming his orders to do so. Taking place during a period of political turmoil in the Russian Federation, even this drama produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and his late partner Don Simpson might hit a little too close to home in 2017. Popular piece of trivia: Quentin Tarantino rewrote bits of the script. (BF)

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This is the End (2013)

While it feels like a massive in-joke that shouldnt work, theres no denying that This Is the End is a funny and demented twist on the apocalyptic genre. Sure, its super meta, with the entire cast of Hollywood actors (Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, et al.) playing fictionalized versions of themselves, and it might not have a point like On the Beach or Fail Safe. But it wont emotionally scar you. Its also pretty funny. (WN)

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Broken Arrow (1996)

Traitorous U.S. pilot John Travolta leads a band of terrorists to steal nuclear warheads from the U.S. military but don't count on Christian Slater spoiling their plans. John Woo directed this gleefully goofy domestic terror action flick when Travolta was still at the peak of his movie star powers, curiously opting to play the big baddie in an action flick (just a year before sort of doing it again in "Face/Off"). While perhaps not the sharpest tool in Hollywood's political satire shed, it refuses to take itself too seriously and delivers a strong B-movie about a madman who gets his hands on nuclear weapons, aided by football star Howie Long (and a fantastic Hans Zimmer score!). (BF)

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The Day After (1983)

Directed by Star Trek mastermind Nicholas Meyer and starring Jason Robards, John Lithgow and Steve Guttenberg (OK, that last one isnt as impressive in 2017), The Day After is a major Hollywood drama masquerading as a TV movie. Its a haunting film  so real, it almost works as a horror movie  and succeeds on two major points: accurately depicting the lose-lose scenario of a U.S./Soviet nuclear exchange and bleakly observing that no one truly survives an atomic oblivion. (WN)

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The Sum of All Fears (2002)

Ben Affleck tries his hand at CIA analyst Jack Ryan, who must stop the plans of a Neo Nazis faction that threatens to induce a catastrophic conflict between the United States and Russia's newly elected president by detonating a nuclear weapon at a football game in Baltimore. While certainly not on the level of other Jack Ryan adventures like "The Hunt for Red October" or "Patriot Games," it's a mostly fun and ultimately silly jaunt back into the realm of author Tom Clancy. It at least shows how a film's central characters can impossibly but conveniently navigate their survival of a nuclear blast. (BF)

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George Romero and the legacy of "Night of the Living Dead"

You cant do a list of apocalyptic films without including zombies, and if youre going to talk about zombies, you cant go wrong in going back to the beginning with director George Romeros Night of the Living Dead and its subsequent sequels. Of course there have been more terrifying zombies (28 Days Later) and funnier zombies (Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland), but Romero knew how to use his ghouls to say something about us, the currently living, yet still frequently monstrous. Whether it was racism, consumerism or the flaws of science and government, Romero examined our greatest faults with earnestness  and admittedly diminishing returns. (WN)

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Planet of the Apes (1968)

Spoiler alert! We really don't know the extent of the context of why Charlton Heston's astronaut lands on a planet colonized by apes until the 1968 original's final moments, where he rides on horseback along the sunny shores up to the remnants of the Statue of Liberty, finally understanding that he's traveled back to his home planet after all in the distant future, only to come to terms with the fact that the human race destroyed itself. "You finally really did it. You maniacs! You blew it up! Damn you!" One of the great and truly shocking endings in movie history, it spawned a whole bunch of other "Apes" movies that didn't quite live up, until they rebooted the franchise in 2011 and gave us one of our favorite trilogies in recent memory. (BF)

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The director of destruction Roland Emmerich

If George Romero earned a spot for his social commentary, then German director and disaster porn artist Roland Emmerich gets a nod for his willingness to flood, burn or blow away famous landmarks and cities in increasingly creative ways. Independence Day is a genre masterpiece. The Day After Tomorrow and 2012 were solid and mostly entertaining. Independence Day: Resurgence is a thing that happened that we should all do our best to ignore. (Although to be fair, it had a few cool sequences and Jeff Goldblum, so it wasnt all bad.) Still, you know what youre getting when Emmerich takes on one of these projects  hes gonna blow up the world real good. (Just dont ask too many questions.) (WN)

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Ben Flanagan | bflanagan@al.com

What did we miss?

If you think we missed something too good to ignore, please share your picks in the comments!
A Calera man described as an "armed career criminal" was sentenced to nearly 16 years in prison in federal court on Thursday for being a convicted felon with a weapon.

Vaughn Alexander Cropper, 29, was arrested Sept. 25 in the parking lot of USA Economy Lodge on Crestwood Boulevard in Irondale. Police were responding to a report of a disturbance involving a man with a gun. Officers were able to capture video with their body cameras of Cropper reaching into his pocket before officers seized the gun.

Cropper qualified as an armed career criminal because he has multiple drug-trafficking felonies. He was facing a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. He was sentenced to 15 years and eight months for possessing a pistol after previously being convicted of a felony.
A Blount County woman is facing multiple charges after investigators say she stole tens of thousands of dollars from clients at the insurance agency where she worked.

Cindy Cuzzort Going, 47, was arrested on Thursday, according to a Friday announcement from the Alabama Department of Insurance and the Blount County District Attorney's Office. Authorities said Going worked at Holt Hathcock's State Farm Insurance office in Oneonta.

The case was investigated by the Alabama Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division, Fraud Bureau, and the State Farm Special Investigations Unit. Few details were immediately available about the accusations against Going, but authorities said she is accused of taking about $38,000 from customers.

Going is charged with five counts of second-degree insurance fraud and five counts of fourth-degree theft of property. She was booked into the Blount County Jail with bonds totaling $75,000.
A lawsuit claiming Birmingham mayoral candidate Chris Woods doesn't live in the city was dismissed on Friday.

Jefferson County Circuit Judge Donald Blankenship issued his order two days after a hearing on Woods' motion to dismiss the case.

Iva Williams, a community activist and member of the Outcast Voter League, filed the lawsuit against Woods on June 16. He wanted a judge to make Woods prove he has a permanent residence in the Birmingham city limits, or to issue an order disqualifying Woods from the mayoral race.

According to Blankenship's order, Williams, who represented himself in the suit, didn't show up for Wednesday's hearing.

The judge wrote that Williams' lawsuit appears to be contesting "an election that has not yet taken place."

On Friday, Woods said the lawsuit was "baseless and not true.

"We are just glad that it has come to a close so the voters can see it was just a smear campaign against me," he said. "It was designed to mislead voters."

Williams' lawsuit claimed Woods bought a home in 2004 on Stone Ridge Trail, located in the city of Irondale. Williams claims Woods is currently using the Irondale home as his permanent residence, and had not changed his legal residency by May 24.

According to election documents from the city clerk's office, May 24 was the last day a person can become a resident of the municipality or district and still be a candidate for election. "Candidates must reside in the municipality and the district for a period of 90 days before the election," documents show.

Woods previously told AL.com that he does own a house in Irondale, but said he doesn't live there. He said he is living in an apartment in the 3500 block of Clairmont Avenue. Woods also owns a home in Birmingham's Belview Heights neighborhood, he said.

Woods' campaign finance reports and his driver's license all show the Clairmont Avenue address.

Williams' claimed the Clairmont address is being used "solely for the purpose of seeking the office of mayor," and Woods "does not intend to remain permanently" at the Clairmont apartment or at any other Birmingham property. He also said Woods was still registered to vote at the Irondale address as recently as April, but Woods said he is registered to vote in Birmingham.

"This could have been cleared up if he wanted to know the truth... It's really sad he's [filed a lawsuit]-- but he has the right to challenge that," Woods previously told AL.com.
An 83-year-old man is jailed in connection with the shooting of another man inside a west Birmingham McDonald's during an argument over a pool game that happened years ago.

Lawrence Perry was booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 12:49 p.m. Thursday, jail records show. He is charged with attempted murder in the Monday-night wounding of a 58-year-old man at the Heritage McDonald's on Dennison Avenue.

The gunfire erupted shortly after 8 p.m. Birmingham police said the suspect - now identified as Perry - got into an argument with the 58-year-old victim, whose name has not been released. Authorities said Perry and the victim have known each other for years, and often argue about a pool game that happened at least two years ago.

The argument resumed when they saw each other Monday night. Perry, police said, picked up a chair inside the restaurant and tried to hit the victim. The victim was able to wrestle chair away from the elderly man.

That's when Perry went outside and retrieved a gun from a vehicle. Once back inside the restaurant, he fired on the victim, who returned fire with his own weapon. The victim was the only person injured, and was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. He is expected to survive.

Perry fled the restaurant but was in custody by Wednesday. He was transferred to the Jefferson County Jail Thursday after formal warrants were obtained. He is being held on $75,000 bond.
Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman said he had not seen the documentary about his criminal case in its entirety until Thursday.

"Atticus v. The Architect: The Political Assassination of Gov. Don Siegelman," includes interviews with more than 20 people.

The film, about two hours long, was directed and produced by Steve Wimberly, who was on hand for Thursday's screening at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta.

It opens with celebratory clips of what initially seemed Siegelman's narrow reelection win over Bob Riley in 2002. That later became a razor-thin loss, a result the documentary disputes. The film includes clips of a career peak, Siegelman addressing a huge crowd in front of the Capitol at his inauguration speech in 1999, and low points, clips of Siegelman in a prison yard.

"I thought he did a very good job," Siegelman, 71, said after the screening. "It's impossible to cover everything. He chose some of the most important aspects of the case, some of the players and most of their roles."

Among those interviewed are HealthSouth founder Richard Scrushy, former federal Judge U.W. Clemon, Montgomery attorney Tommy Gallion, former New York Attorney General Robert Abrams, VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor, former Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford, former Attorney General Troy King and Siegelman's adult children, Dana and Joseph.

As the title suggests, the film alleges that Republican political leaders and federal prosecutors conspired to derail Siegelman's career because of his prowess as a Democratic politician, described by Siegelman lawyer Vince Kilborn as "Clintonesque."

About 40 people attended Thursday's screening. Siegelman talked to the audience before and after the screening and answered questions.

The film takes aim at a number of high-profile Alabama Republicans, including Riley, former Attorney General Bill Pryor, Business Council of Alabama President Billy Canary and his wife, former U.S. Attorney Leura Canary.

The film asserts that former federal Judge Mark Fuller, who presided over Siegelman's trial, should have recused himself because of conflicts of interest. It includes the recording of a 911 call placed by Fuller's wife when he was arrested in a domestic dispute at an Atlanta hotel in 2014. Fuller later entered a plea deal and resigned.

The film targets national Republican strategist Karl Rove, accused of being the "architect" of a plan to sink Siegelman. Rove has denied any involvement in the Siegelman case.

The film suggests that Eric Holder, U.S. attorney general under President Obama, was compromised by his work for a law firm with ties to Rove.

Obama rejected Siegelman's request for commutation before leaving office in January.

Siegelman's lawyers raised some of the issues covered in the film during unsuccessful appeals of his case.

Siegelman was released from federal prison in February. A six-month period of home detention, during which Siegelman wore an ankle monitor, ended on Tuesday.

In 2006, a federal jury convicted Siegelman of bribery for giving Scrushy a place on a state hospital regulatory board in exchange for $500,000 in donations to a campaign to establish an education lottery. Siegelman was initially sentenced to 88 months in prison, but that was later shortened to 78 months.

Scrushy, who was also convicted, appears in the documentary and maintains that both he and the former governor were innocent. Scrushy, who has completed his prison sentence, said he was asked to give false testimony about Siegelman but refused.

As for Scrushy's spot on the hospital regulatory board, former Alabama Power CEO Elmer Harris appears in the film and says Scrushy, who had served on the same board under previous governors, did not want to remain on the board when Siegelman took office because of the time commitment it required.

Harris, who was chairman of Siegelman's transition team, said he asked Scrushy to reconsider, and said Scrushy agreed to stay on the board for one more year.

Abrams, the former New York attorney general, appears in the documentary and notes more than 100 former state attorneys general signed a letter raising questions about the Siegelman prosecution.

Edited at 7:41 a.m. on Aug. 11 to say that Karl Rove has denied any involvement in the Siegelman case.
Finally, after a quarter century offering her body for sale on seedy downtown streets and groveling for crack in some of the city's grittiest neighborhoods, Mary Wiley gets to go home.

No more drugs. No more late nights and early mornings at clubs. No more Johns and no more arrests. No more pretending.

But it's not what it seems.

Because Wiley wasn't an addict on the street. Wiley - Detective Mary Wiley, the longest-lasting undercover cop on the Birmingham narcotics squad - has been a supercop in a tiny, blonde-haired bundle for decades. She seized a half-million-dollars worth of drugs in one year and recovered more narcotics in her career than any other officer in the history of the Birmingham Police Department.

There were times, busting Johns for soliciting on stings downtown, that her bosses would have to take her off the street because there just weren't enough detectives on hand to process all the people she arrested.

It was all quite an act for a little country girl who won't cuss, doesn't drink, and sometimes seems too shy to even talk. "You're just playing a role,'' said Wiley, now 57.

It is a role she played well. Consider this - in Wiley's 24 years as a Vice and Narcotics detective, more than $36 million in illegal drugs did not make it to the streets of Birmingham because of her. This is what she seized:

- 4,730 pounds, or 2.3 tons, of marijuana with an estimated street value of $32,249,175.

- 27,553 grams, or 27.5 kilograms, of cocaine with an estimated street value of $2,755,300.

- 4,545.45 grams, or 4.5 kilograms, of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $500,00.

- 2,493 grams, or 2.4 kilograms, of heroin/opium with an estimated street value of $468,684.

- 27,523 tablets of Dilaudid with an estimated street value of $275,230.

- 24,978 tablets of Hydrocodone with an estimated street value of $249,780.

- 30,926 tablets of various black-market drugs with an estimated street value of $309,260.

- More than $300,000 in cash from illegal drug proceeds.

Thursday was Wiley's last full day at work. She will now join her husband of 22 years, former Birmingham Police Capt. Jerry Wiley, in retirement.

"The citizens of Birmingham will never know Mary's full impact, which goes far beyond the amazing statistics and metrics,'' said Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper. "While most people were still in bed, Mary worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make Birmingham a safer city."

Becoming a Cop:

Wiley grew up in western Jefferson County, attending Oak Grove High School. After graduation, she worked several jobs and married. She and her then-husband moved to Virginia, where both took jobs as clerks for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Her first husband became a police officer there, and then the couple moved back to Alabama and eventually divorced. Wiley got a job as a secretary, but had long considered launching a career of her own as a police officer.

"I asked my mother what she thought and she said if she knew then what she knows now, she would do it,'' Wiley recalled. "So I said, 'I'm going to go ahead and do it.'''

She was officially hired by Birmingham in August 1991. There were 24 others hired at the same time, but the department wanted to have a class of 50, so it wasn't until two months later that she and the others officially started the academy.

Though there weren't as many female officers then as there are now, Wiley said being a female in a then-male-dominated profession wasn't an issue. "I had all brothers and most all of my cousins were males,'' she said. "So I'd always been around a bunch of males."

After graduation from the academy in February 1992, Wiley was assigned to the city's West Precinct. After just more than a year there, her captain called her into the office one day and said the Vice and Narcotics Unit needed a white female for undercover work. "I said, 'Ok.' I mean, I'm going to do my job no matter where it is,'' she said.

Playing a Role

"I was trained. We were undercover, but not deep undercover. I bought dope," she said matter-of-factly. "A lot of people think it's scary, but you always had other people with you."

It was there she met her now-husband and both worked in narcotics together. One day, Jerry Wiley recalls, Wiley was going to make a drug buy in Birmingham's Thomas neighborhood and needed someone to go with her. It was a cold call.

"We pulled up and said, 'Now don't go inside,''' Jerry Wiley said. "She gets out of the car, knocks on the door and she's gone. She went inside. I remember thinking, 'Well that's pretty brave.' She went up there cold."

Wiley disputes her husband's account that she went inside that day, but both agree on one thing: "I didn't get the buy,'' she said.

Much of Wiley's work was spent in prostitution stings. Wearing a wig that was reddish, brownish blonde, she would parade up and down the city's hot spots for the world's oldest profession. "Back then, it was wide open,'' she recalled. She and the "John" would discuss the terms of their business, all of which was being heard by coworkers stationed not too far away. Wiley would tell the man to meet her around the corner, or behind a building and he headed that way, where the rest of the team would bust him.

Ironically, that was the easy part of the job for Wiley. The toughest part? Going to bars and nightclubs. "I'm not a big club person,'' she said. She remembers one time she had to go to a bar across the street from Lawson Field. She was wearing the wig, a dress and combat boots. "I probably sat in the car about an hour before I would go in,'' she said with a laugh. "I was so hesitant because I don't drink. It was very uncomfortable, especially going by yourself."

Eventually, she and Jerry Wiley started dating, while Wiley was still living at home with her mother. They kept it under wraps at the office but were outed after a weekend hike in Birmingport when both showed up at work with cuts and scratches after walking through dense thicket. The two married in 1995, and because supervisors didn't think it was a good idea for the couple to work together, Wiley was sent to do drug interdiction at the Birmingham airport. She stayed there until that operation ceased, primarily because it became increasingly difficult after 9/11 to transport illegal drugs through the airlines.

Wiley continued with her drug interdiction work - up until Thursday when she made yet another drug seizure shortly before Roper said his official goodbyes to her in a small ceremony with the department's command staff - but can't specifically say where or what that work entailed because the operation continues.

She will now join her husband, who retired less than two years ago with 30-plus years of service. "I'm looking forward to it,'' she said. "I will miss getting up and doing police work, but I think I'm ready."

Record-setting policing

Wiley takes with her a number of honors, including a 2004 Letter of Commendation from then-Police Chief Annetta Nunn for seizing more than $500,000 in drugs in 2003 alone, Detective of the Year for 2004, U.S. Department of Justice recognition in 2005 for her contributions to the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, the BPD Police Star Medal in 2009 from Roper, and U.S. Department of Justice recognition in 2010 for contributions in "Operation Chico and the Man," another federal case.

"Mary has had a truly outstanding record-setting career in this department,'' Roper said. "She has been a dedicated professional and never really slowed down from day one to her retirement."

The chief also lauded both husband and wife. "You and Jerry are an awesome team, an awesome Birmingham Police couple and what you both have done for this city and our community goes beyond what words can say,'' Roper told her Thursday.

Asked the secret to her success, Wiley is quick to thank the Lord and said it's as simple as being honest and treating people the way you want to be treated. "That's real important to me,'' she said. "You have to have compassion."

Her husband said Wiley's compassion, and empathy, is what he has found most impressive during her storied career. "While the arrests she made over the years dealt mainly with people who a lot of society would consider 'throw away people,' - people selling drugs, women trafficking in the sex trade -she never lost sight of their humanity,'' Jerry Wiley said. "She always saw the person inside, not the person that for whatever circumstances led them to the place where they were at that point. She would often tell me how difficult it was for her to arrest them, when what they really needed was help."

Wiley would often donate clothes and other items to organizations that help women escape abusive relationships or organizations that helped women change their lives from a life of prostitution. "And when she didn't have items they needed, she would go out and buy them new,'' Jerry Wiley said. "I have seen her bring clothes and blankets to an elderly woman whom she arrested for selling drugs to her when she was undercover, against my objections. And, she took that opportunity to try and talk to her about getting help and to stop selling drugs."

"I just want Birmingham to know that while, yes, she seized a lot of drugs over her career, drugs that did not make it to the streets to poison our community,'' he said, "she also loved and cared for the citizens of Birmingham. And that love is for all of her citizens, and maybe more so for the ones society has made it easy not to love."
Seven guns were stolen from a Cullman business earlier this week, and authorities are offering a $5,000 reward in exchange for information.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives spokesperson Michael Knight said on August 6, Pawn Your Bond on County Road 437 in Cullman was burglarized, and the sheriff's office believes seven guns were stolen. Deputies and the ATF are working to form an inventory of the store to find if anything else was taken.

The ATF is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft. The reward will be matched by the NSSF, for a total reward of up to $5,000.

Anyone with information about the suspects in the case should contact the ATF at 800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or the Cullman County Sheriff's Office at 256-734-0342. Tips and information can also be sent to ATF using the mobile app "reportit" and selecting the Nashville field division.

Surveillance footage of the suspect in the Cullman theft (CCSO)

The sheriff's office has released surveillance photos of the suspect or suspects. They have not released how many people they believe to be involved in the burglary.

According to a press release, the joint reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF, where the NSSF matches ATF's reward in cases involving theft from federally licensed firearms retailers.
For Mitch Stevison, Huntsville's missile defense industry is personal.

Stevison, Vice President of Air and Missile Systems for Raytheon, oversees a range of products, including the Standard Missile 3 and SM-6, both produced at the company's facilities on Redstone Arsenal.

The work is a perfect fit for Stevison, who grew up in Louisiana before joining the Army, which later him to Redstone. He and his family fell in love with Huntsville and even after his post-military job with Raytheon moved him to Tucson, Arizona, Stevison and his family kept their home in Madison County, with him traveling back and forth.

"I probably wouldn't have taken the job if I'd known my connection to Huntsville would have been lost," he said.

That connection is vital, as Stevison now helps guide the evolving SM-3 and SM-6 portfolio, along with other Raytheon programs such as the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle and Israeli Cooperative Programs - including Iron Dome - and European Missile Defense.

Huntsville missiles in demand

Stevison said demand for the Huntsville-made missiles will continue to grow. The current focus on the SM-3 is on flexibility and its "continued evolution to stay ahead of threats." The growing demand for SM-6 is driving by its unique capabilities, he said.

"SM-6 creates a game-changing construct inside the Navy," Stevison said. "We can't even begin to fathom the quantities of SM-6 we will produce out of Huntsville."

Raytheon opened the $75 million, 70,000-square-foot production facility on Redstone in 2012. The plant has been expanding since then as demand for the SM-3 and SM-6 have grown. The SM-6 is an extended range anti-air warfare missile that provides over-the-horizon capabilities against fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. The SM-3 is part of the Missile Defense Agency's sea-based Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system and is used by the U.S. and Japanese navies to defend against short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles.

The SM-3 Block IIA interceptor, the missile's latest variant, is on track for employment at sea and on land in Poland in 2018, serving as the centerpiece for the European missile defense system.

The increased demand for the SM-3 and SM-6 - along with Raytheon's work with Iron Dome - could mean more jobs in Huntsville, Stevison said.

Raytheon currently has about 750 positions in Huntsville with the possibility of adding up to 100 more.
Far-right activists to descend on Virginia city for Unite the Right rally against the removal of a Confederate statue.

Beating. Hanging. Shooting.

These are the sorts of threats that Charlottesville Vice Mayor Wes Bellamy, a 30-year-old African American, says he has received in recent weeks from far-right activists before Unite the Right, which is expected to be one of the largest white supremacist rallies in the US recent history.





Ive been told Im going to be hung from a tree, that Im going to be shot, that Im going to be beat up, he tells Al Jazeera. You name it, every kind of n-word  Ive been called it online.

Charlottesville, an otherwise sleepy city of 46,000 in central Virginia, is bracing for an influx of hundreds of far-right activists  among them white supremacists and neo-Nazis from across the United States on Saturday to protest against the planned removal of a Confederate monument.

Although locals, anti-racist activists and anti-fascists are expected to hold a much larger counter-demonstration, Unite the Right will be attended by an array of groups: the alt-right, the Traditionalist Worker Party, the League of the South, Identity Evropa, Vanguard America, the National Socialist Movement (NSM) and the Proud Boys, among others.

The far-right groups have enlisted the Warlocks, a One Percenter motorcycle gang, for protection.

Since the city council voted in April to remove a statue of Robert E Lee, the foremost Confederate military leader during the US Civil War, far-right activists have turned Charlottesville into a nexus for protests and counterdemonstrations.

Saturdays rally will be the third of its type in Charlottesville in the last four months. Asked why the far right has focused on the city, Bellamy points to plans to remove the statue and a fund to invest millions of dollars into marginalised communities.

He adds: I also think one of the bigger reasons is that we have a young, black vice mayor who is unapologetic in his blackness and whos been getting a lot of support.

READ MORE: Threats and attacks as white supremacists target campuses

Following a similar rally in May, a slew of anti-Semitic and racist tweets was directed at Mayor Mike Signer, who is Jewish, after he published a post condemning the event.

Although the city has mandated Unite the Right to move the protest to a different park, organiser Jason Kessler, who is a member of the ultra-nationalist Proud Boys group  who describe themselves as Western chauvinists, told his followers on Periscope that there is no way the rally wont be held at Emancipation Park, where the Robert E Lee statue is located.

[The Robert E Lee Statue] is the first and foremost reason that were having this rally, is for that park and for that statue. Its about white genocide. Its about the replacement of our people, culturally and ethnically, he said. And that statue is the focal point of everything.

Anticipating clashes, the city is expected to deploy police, sheriffs deputies and riot-equipped officers from the Virginia State police.

Time to stand with communities of colour

Unite the Right has been billed as an attempt to seek common ground between a host of far-right groups, many of which have found themselves at odds with one another in recent months.

Those expected to attend the event include far-right figures Mike Enoch, a blogger and host of the Daily Shoah podcast, and Richard Spencer, a leader in the alt-right, a coalition of far-right groups that includes white supremacists and neo-Nazis.

Before the rally, David Duke, the former Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), called on his supporters to descend on Charlottesville.

The League of the South also urged its members to be prepared for violent confrontations with anti-fascists and the Black Lives Matter civil rights movement.

In a blog post on its website, the neo-Confederate organisation said the rally would affirm the right of southerners and white people to organise for their own interests just like any other group is able to do, free of persecution.

Matthew Heimbach, leader of the white supremacist Traditionalist Worker Party, issued an anti-Semitic plea for supporters to join Unite the Right, calling on them to stand up to the Jewish power structure.

Im inviting all nationalists and patriots to join us on August 12 in Charlottesville, Virginia, to take a stand not just for our Confederate monuments but for our European identity, he said in a video posted on YouTube, saying that white Americans will not be replaced.

Along with Black Lives Matter, anti-racist and anti-fascist groups are expected to hold much larger counterdemonstrations.

READ MORE: Black Lives Matter  What has the movement achieved?

We invite you to choose to believe in the fight for justice and the solidarity of community, Black Lives Matter said in a statement. We invite you to take part and together face this consolidation of hate groups, and the risk of police use of excessive force, with nonviolent direct action.

Citing expectations of violence, Teresa Sullivan, the president of Charlottesvilles University of Virginia, has urged students not to attend the counterprotest, according to local media reports. There is a credible risk of violence at this event, and your safety is my foremost concern, she said.

But local activist Emily Gorcenski says it is important for people to show up and voice their opposition to Saturdays rally.

Its time that people who live here and enjoy the wonderful community, that we recognise the contributions of people of colour in the community and the traumas that were inflicted on them in the past, she told Al Jazeera, adding that the event could mark a turning point not just in local but national politics.

Free speech as a smokescreen

In recent months, Confederate monuments like the statue in Charlottesville have become key venues for the alt-right and other far-rightists.

In May, alt-right leader Richard Spencer led a rally of torch-wielding far-right activists at the monument, although several hundred counterprotesters outnumbered them.

We are not opposed to their free speech; we are opposed to their bigotry and their violence. by Emily Gorcenski, Charlottesville-based activist

Last month, more than 1,000 counterdemonstrators outnumbered the KKK  a white supremacist group that has a lengthy history of lynching African Americans  as they protested against the statues removal.

After the KKK members departed, police clashed with counterprotesters, arresting 23 of them.

Gorcenski, who has also received a slew of violent threats online, argues that Confederate monuments were installed to impress fear among communities of colour.

There is [a] question [of] how legit we will allow this alt-right movement to get, she adds, dismissing Unite the Right organisers claims that their rally has been called to voice support for freedom of speech.

They use free speech as a smokescreen to pass on their bigotry, and they dont show up defending the free speech of black, queer or trans activists, Gorcenski explains.

We are not opposed to their free speech; we are opposed to their bigotry and their violence.

Equity not equality

Todd Moye, a history professor at the University of North Texas, dismisses the argument that preserving Confederate monuments is a historical necessity.

The people who erected the Confederate monuments in the first place had a very specific goal in mind: To assert that the South was white mans country, and that it remained so even after their armies lost the civil war, he told Al Jazeera.

When Dylann Roof martyred the Charleston Nine, he ripped the sheet off the Confederate fetishists. by Todd Moye, history professor at the University of North Texas

A nationwide debate over Confederate monuments and the Confederate battle flag erupted in 2015 after white supremacist Dylann Roof murdered nine African Americans in the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

When Dylann Roof martyred the Charleston Nine, he ripped the sheet off the Confederate fetishists, Moye explained. He told us something we already knew: this fetish is, and always has been, about white supremacy.

The election of right-wing President Donald Trump has energised the far right, with hate crimes and bias incidents soaring in the aftermath of the vote.

In the 10 days following Trumps victory, the Southern Poverty Law Center monitor recorded an average of 87 hate incidents a day, or some five times the daily average recorded by the FBI in 2015.

Saturdays rally comes as clashes between far rightists and their opponents increase in both frequency and intensity.

On August 6, violent clashes broke out between anti-fascists and alt-rightists in Portland, Oregon, as the former confronted a rally organised by the local far-right group, Patriot Prayer.

READ MORE: US anti-fascists take on alt-right fight squads

In Berkeley, California, Trump supporters and alt-right protesters clashed with anti-fascists on April 15, using makeshift shields, sticks, batons, pepper-spray and other weapons

In February, anti-fascist activists shut down a speech by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos at the University of California  Berkeley when they set fires and hurled rocks at the building where he was scheduled to speak.

Back in Charlottesville, Vice Mayor Wes Bellamy hopes the uptick in activism will translate into a long-term commitment to fighting racism. I hope that on August 13, people will be ready to go and do the work in the community, he concluded.

I believe in equity, not equality. Personally, Im going to push for equity until the day I die  and were going to look to remove these symbols of hate from the middle of our city.

Follow Patrick Strickland on Twitter: @P_Strickland_








Rona Sela, a researcher of visual history and a lecturer at Tel Aviv University, first began studying the history and culture of Zionist and Israeli photography more than 20 years ago.

Her goal was to uncover photographs that preceded the establishment of the state of Israel. In her research, she found visual archives of propagandist Zionist photography that shaped a specific and deliberate history of Israel.

Through her work, she realised that Palestinian history was intentionally missing from the formal narrative of Israel. She began researching and collecting Palestinian imagery to outline Palestines history and culture.

Sela discovered that many records were looted by the Israeli army and hidden in Israeli archives. She published multiple books of Palestinian photographs in an effort to make all of her findings public.

In the past, activists and researchers have asserted that Israel purposely hides vital records in order to avoid exposing Israeli war crimes, including wide-scale massacres of Palestinians, forced expulsions and home demolitions.

Selas research uncovered a different kind of hidden history, one that tells of Palestinian existence long before the creation of Israel. Her new documentary Looted and Hidden: Palestinian Archives in Israel includes never-before-seen visual images of Palestinian history that the Israeli army looted from archives in Beirut.

Al Jazeera spoke to Sela about the motivations behind her research and her continued aim to make the hidden Palestinian archives available to the public.

READ MORE: How Israel is targeting Palestinian institutions

Al Jazeera: This was a long process that took many years of research. How did the project first start?

Rona Sela: Twenty years ago, as a young researcher, I looked for Zionist photographs in Israeli archives. The history of Zionist photography that prepared the ground for the establishment of the state of Israel had not yet been studied.

I researched Zionist photography that was part of larger Zionist propaganda departments in pre-state institutions and the visual sphere.

They were enlisted for national Zionist aims and were controlled by the establishment in a very deliberate and conscious way. One of their central features was showing the Jewish people arriving in an apparently barren and unpopulated land, waiting for the Jewish people to make it flourish. They constructed the image of the New Jew in the New Land, bringing modernisation to a seemingly empty and undeveloped place.

I sat four years in Zionist archives and charted the main characteristic of Zionist propagandist photography that served information and marketing systems. At the same time, I started researching Palestinian photography and looked for Palestinian archives  private and public, in Israel and outside Israel.

I wanted to expose Palestinian existence, culture and history to an Israeli audience. I was raised as a child in a Zionist education system, and my world view was shaped accordingly. Palestinian imagery was lacking from the official Israeli narrative, concealed or presented in a tendentious manner, and I decided to focus on this absent, erased narrative. I never imagined the journey I would have to go through.

Al Jazeera: Why was it important for you to uncover Palestinian history?

Sela: First, as a researcher of visual history, I understand the importance of visual images and archives in constructing self and national consciousness and identity, and the importance of culture and history to its society.

I understand also the deliberate and intentional way many regimes all over the world, including Israel, in the past and today, made and make use of the visual sphere for their needs, and how they use it as a vehicle for constructing knowledge and consciousness.

So the question under discussion is how a state, the one in power, controls the other, the colonised  not only geographically, but also its knowledge, history, past and culture, as well as controlling the way the conflict is shaped visually. As Ive said in previous interviews, in the same way Israel demands the return of treasures looted by the Nazis, understanding their significance, Israel has to return looted archives to the Palestinians. Its their culture, their history, their heritage, and their property.

Israelis have to learn, know, and respect Palestinian history. Israeli society denies Palestinian historiography. by

Second, as an Israeli, I believe that Israelis have to know about this regime of control of knowledge, history and culture. They have to understand this mechanism of silencing, which has two main aspects: first, the seizure of Palestinian archives and material; second, their concealment and control  censorship, access prohibition, limitations, etc  in Israeli archives.





Third, Israelis have to learn, know, and respect Palestinian history. Israeli society denies Palestinian historiography. How can we live together without knowing the history, culture, language and heritage of the other? How can the conflict be resolved without understanding the roots of the conflict, the way the image of the conflict was constructed and the power relations behind it?

Al Jazeera: What kind of obstacles have you faced that made you doubt the future of your research? Have you ever been denied access?

Sela: It is a long process that has continued over two decades and which I describe in depth in an essay discussing the genealogy of plunder and erasure.

In general, it can be said that the Palestinian material is subjugated to Israeli laws, as if it was Israeli military material, and therefore is suppressed  censorship, restricted study, access prohibition/limitation, control over what is declassified, when its declassified and to whom.

So, I had to overcome all these obstacles, sometimes with legal assistance, sometimes with no success. Sometimes I had discussions with the archive to declassify specific material for a period of more than 10 years.

In addition, the cataloguing and labelling of material was according to Israeli codes and terminology, which differ from the original Palestinian terminology, a system that I had to decipher.

Al Jazeera: Do you think these discoveries play a role in the narrative that shapes the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? In what ways do you think it will affect the historical canon in Israel?

Sela: I think this is the basis for any dialogue. Palestinians should be able to learn, have, see, experience their history and past, and Israelis must know and respect the Palestinian past.

As I stated before, without knowing the past there is no future. Moreover, without taking responsibility for the past, like in South Africa, there is no horizon. Its time for change.

Al Jazeera: What are your future goals in your research of Palestinian history?

Sela: To publish an expanded version of my book Made Public in English that will include material plundered before, during and after the Nakba, as well as information about the looting in Beirut, as reflected in my film Looted and Hidden  and by doing so, to return to the public sphere these concealed images.

This interview has been edited for length.
Kuwait has long played a constructive role in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by bringing opposing parties together. It also enjoys strong relations with both Saudi Arabia and Qatar. So when Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and Bahrain cut ties to Qatar in early June, Kuwait was seen as an acceptable mediator that can mend the latest rift within the GCC.

Sheikh Sabah Al-Sabah served for 40 years as foreign minister (1963-2003), and then as prime minister before becoming the emir of Kuwait in 2006. The vast experience he had in these positions and the intensity of his involvement in the issues that affect the region as a whole made him the right man for this hard task.





So when the crisis erupted, both the Saudi-led bloc and Qatar turned to Al-Sabah. But they had very different motivations for doing so.

For Qatar, Kuwait is a trustworthy neighbour that has no vested interest in any kind of internal GCC conflict. Also, Sheikh Al-Sabah is praised in Doha as a wise and experienced statesman. Most importantly, Kuwait  as a small country  knows very well from its own experience with Iraq what it is to face aggression from a big and powerful neighbour. Thus Doha believes that Kuwait can easily understand and help to solve the current situation between Qatar and Saudi Arabia and its allies.

On the other hand, the Saudi-led bloc has a very different perspective regarding the nature of the role Kuwait can play in this crisis. Although they also seem to be welcoming Kuwaiti mediation, their motivation for doing so is to lessen the influence of outside actors in the crisis. They seem to be unwilling to solve the crisis which is posing serious challenges for Kuwait.

Blocking mediation efforts

Even though there is a broad regional and international consensus to support the role of Al-Sabah as a mediator in the crisis, Kuwait was unable to be effective and three rounds of mediation didnt lead to the desired outcomes yet. US President Donald Trumps toxic influence also played a role in the failure of Kuwaits efforts; however, the most important reason behind it was the Saudi-led blocs refusal to participate in and show any enthusiasm for a meaningful mediation process.

Since the beginning of the crisis, the Saudi-led bloc imposed serious restrictions on the role Kuwait can play in the crisis. By doing so, they wanted to ensure Riyadhs strong influence over small GCC countries and to force Qatar to comply.

READ MORE: Qatar-Gulf crisis  All the latest updates

At the very beginning of the crisis, on June 5, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, adviser of the Saudi King Salman, visited Kuwait to deliver a message to its Emir. Kuwaits state-run news agency KUNA didnt disclose the contents of the message; however, one source with knowledge of the situation told me that The purpose was to discourage the Emir [of Kuwaits mediation efforts].

The bottom line here is that without at least neutralising Trump's negative influence in the crisis and applying pressure on the Saudi-led bloc to participate in meaningful negotiations, Kuwait will likely have no chance to succeed in its mission. by

The same source said that at that time: The Emir of Qatar was preparing to deliver a strong speech with retaliatory measures in response to the measures taken against his country. But, despite Saudi efforts to discourage mediation, al-Sabah called [Qatars Emir] Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and urged him for restraint.

The Emir of Kuwait was interested in avoiding a vicious cycle of destructive actions and reactions by both sides. And Qatars Emir aided his mediatory mission by not delivering the strong speech he had prepared. However, actions of the US President Donald Trump disrupted Qatar and Kuwaits efforts to de-escalate the situation.

On June 6, a tweet by Trump implying that Qatar is funding a radical ideology empowered the Saudi-led bloc, and made Kuwaits job much harder. Following the US presidents now infamous tweet, both Saudi Arabia and the UAE escalated their attacks against Qatar. UAEs Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash, said: There is nothing to negotiate with Qatar, thus sabotaging the first round of the Kuwaiti mediation efforts.

During this first round of efforts, the anti-Qatar quartet also refused to disclose the real causes that triggered the crisis and did not present any proof for the serious allegations they had raised against Doha. Furthermore, they did not present a list of demands, guaranteeing the failure of Kuwaits mediation efforts.

Just a mailman

The second round of the Kuwaiti efforts started over a month later, when the Saudi-led bloc finally prepared its list of 13 demands. At this stage, however, the Saudi-led bloc limited the role of Kuwait to a mailman.

Adel Al-Jubair, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, once again made it clear that there would be no negotiations with Qatar. Kuwait was only allowed to deliver the list of 13 demands to Doha and receive Qatars response in a period of 10 days. These restrictions made any Kuwaiti effort for mediation completely futile.





During this time, the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made visits to the region to help Kuwait in its mediation efforts, and slight progress was achieved.

According to one Gulf official, Kuwait asked Doha not to disclose its response on the 13 demands to the public in order to help its efforts in mediation. The same source told me: A roadmap and a set of principles were conveyed to the Saudi-led bloc after Doha signed an agreement with US on combating terrorism.

However, at this point of the process, a set of agreements made between Gulf countries between 2013 and 2014, known as Riyadh Agreements, were leaked to American broadcaster CNN, which has regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi. This leak was widely seen as another attempt to block the joint efforts of Kuwait and the US Secretary to solve the crisis.

Despite the Saudi-led blocs reluctance to help the mediation efforts, on July 22, the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani showed willingness and readiness for dialogue in his first speech about the crisis. Yet, only a week after his speech, top officials from the Saudi-led bloc met in Bahrain and reasserted that there would be no negotiations with Qatar unless it fulfills the 13 demands.

For Kuwait, this was like going back to square one again.

At this stage, there is still no direct communication between the opposing sides of the GCC conflict. Kuwait is deprived from an effective mediation role and the UAE seems to be content with the idea of a stalemate. Because of all this, Kuwaiti efforts for mediation remain fruitless.The bottom line here is that without at least neutralising Trumps negative influence in the crisis and applying pressure on the Saudi-led bloc to participate in meaningful negotiations, Kuwait will likely have no chance to succeed in its mission.

Dr Ali Bakeer is an Ankara-based political analyst and researcher. He holds a PhD in political science and international relations. His main research interests include Turkeys foreign policy, Iran and GCC countries.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
The ANC is not ready to give the opposition the opportunity to claim a political victory by toppling Jacob Zuma.

The South African parliament held a motion of no confidence against President Jacob Zuma earlier this week, which he survived by 21 votes. It was the eighth time Zuma had faced a no-confidence vote.

The opposition in South Africa might not have been victorious in trying to remove Zuma from power, but a clear message came from his own party. The results suggest at least 26 members (if not more) of the African National Congress (ANC) voted in favour of the motion.





The vote was preceded by a back-and-forth between the speaker of parliament Baleka Mbete and the opposition on having the no-confidence motion through a secret vote.

Mbete tried to dodge responsibility for making the decision, but the opposition took the issue to the constitutional court which eventually ruled that it was her prerogative.

On August 7 the speaker allowed for a secret ballot, and the following day the no-confidence vote was held. With the ANC enjoying an absolute majority in parliament (249 of the 400 seats), why did Mbete, a senior ANC member, give in to the demands of the opposition?

Was it that she wanted to show impartiality? Or was it that she wanted to exhaust all possible legal resorts of the opposition in removing the president?

It seems it was important to allow the vote of no confidence to play out in order to send a message to South Africans that the speaker allowed a democratic process to take place. By opening to the opposition all possible political avenues to express dissent, the ANC aims to prevent any political escalation. If the opposition has the political space to challenge Zuma, it cannot justify taking its grievances to the streets which could descend into violence.

OPINION: Even if Zuma goes, South Africa will remain divided

The no-confidence vote was also an opportunity for the ANC to attempt to mask the unpopularity of the president within his own party. With these results, the ANC can now claim that despite some internal opposition, the majority of its MPs stand firmly behind Zuma.

Antagonism against Zuma within the ranks of the ANC is growing, but this doesnt mean that its members are ready to give the opposition the opportunity to claim a political victory by toppling him. by

It seems the opposition went for the no-confidence vote with high expectations suffering from political myopia. It had hoped that the secret ballot would encourage more ANC members to vote for the motion and help to topple the president.

It is unclear what made the opposition and many commentators think that there would be a significant number of ANC members willing to facilitate their agenda. That the opposition made these assumptions was surprising, particularly after the statements of unity made after the recent National Policy Conference of the ANC.

Antagonism against Zuma within the ranks of the ANC is growing, but this doesnt mean that its members are ready to give the opposition the opportunity to claim a political victory by toppling him. Furthermore, a successful motion of no confidence against Zuma could have triggered internal instability within the party leading to the postponement of the 54th National Conference of the ANC to be held in December 2017. This is the last thing Zumas opponents within the party would have wanted to see.

There are also too many ANC members with too much to lose from his removal. It is no secret that Zuma has enabled a tribal deep state within the ANC, and many members benefit financially from his presidency.

Yet, the ANC keeping Zuma in power for much longer might backfire as it implicates the party in prolonging his disastrous political tenure. This could further erode the ANCs popularity. Opinion polls already show that Zuma is widely unpopular among South Africans and some 54 percent want him to resign.

OPINION: Is there a future for the EFF in S Africa after Zuma?

The ANC itself is facing a political and ideological crisis as a new post-apartheid generation has come of age and is casting its votes. In the 2014 election, the party registered a dip in its support, losing 15 seats.

Whether having this in mind or pursuing their own interests, senior officials within the ANC have called for Zumas resignation. Unlike other dissidents within the ranks of the ANC who in the past decided to resign and form their own political parties, the current Zuma opposition in the ANC has decided to keep their memberships and struggle against his leadership within the party.

As Zumas tenure as the ANC president will come to an end in December, his opponents will not have to wait long for his departure from this role. He may be replaced by his ex-wife, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. But the current deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa is another strong contender in this race and the opposition within the party is putting their support behind him.

Under Zuma the ANC has turned into a bastion of patronage and corruption. Furthermore, impunity and arrogance have also become commonplace within the partys ranks. In the past the ANC has managed to self-rectify when faced with similar challenges. It remains to be seen whether it will be able to do it this time around.

Thembisa Fakude is a researcher at the Al Jazeera Center for Studies.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
At least nine fighters killed in separate attacks in southeastern Turkey and northern Iraq, government officials say.

Turkish security forces have killed at least nine fighters affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in two air strikes in southeastern Turkey and another in northern Iraq, according to local government and military officials.

In a statement on Friday, the governors office in Siirt province said gendarmerie and police units killed three fighters in an air strike in Cevrimtepe village in Baykan district.

The slain fighters were suspected of being behind the assassination attempt on Mehmet Kocabey, Baykan district head, on July 7 and the death of a gendarmerie station commander on July 24.





Later, in a news conference, Ali Fuat Atik, Siirts governor, said that one of the fighters killed was a former Siirt municipality employee who had been laid off by a government-appointed trustee.

In another statement, the Turkish armed forces said three fighters were killed in a separate air strike in Karadag in Hakkaris Semdinli district.

Later on Friday, three more fighters were killed in a cross-border air operation in Avasin-Basyan region in northern Iraq, the military said.

The air strikes also destroyed ammunition depots used by the PKK, it said.

The PKK launched an armed struggle against the Turkish state in 1984, leaving more than 40,000 people dead.

It is designated as a terrorist group by Turkey, the EU and the US  a label it rejects.

A ceasefire between the PKK and the state broke down in July 2015.

Since then, it has been blamed for the deaths of more than 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians.
Hun Sen accuses Laotian troops of trespassing into border area and threatens military response if they fail to withdraw.

The prime minister of Cambodia has issued a six-day ultimatum to Laos to pull back its troops who have allegedly trespassed into a border area or face a military response.

Hun Sen said on Friday that about 30 Laos soldiers crossed into Cambodian territory in April in northern Stung Treng province despite repeated requests by his government for them to leave the area.

He said he had been in touch with the government of Laos.

I appeal to Laos Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith to withdraw troops from Cambodian territory without any conditions, Hun Sen said during a ceremony in the capital, Phnom Penh.

Military commanders have been ordered to deploy troops along with multiple rocket launchers to the border area, he said, giving Laos the ultimatum of pulling out by August 17.

We are friends, but a friend cannot step on [our] head, he said, adding he was running out of patience with the invasion by Laos troops.

We are not waging war, but we just want our land back.

Calls and emails to the Laos embassy in Phnom Penh were not returned.

Cambodia and Laos share a 540km land border, but large tracts have not been officially demarcated, leading to territorial squabbles.

The Laos border is hard to police with increasing amounts of drugs  mainly methamphetamine and heroin  being moved from Laos into Cambodia.
Beijing says US Navy warship sailing near disputed region violated international law and threatened its sovereignty.

China has voiced discontent with the United States after an American warship sailed near an artificial island in the disputed South China Sea.

The USS John S McCain sailed within six nautical miles of Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands on Thursday as part of a freedom of navigation operation, which prompted the Chinese navy to warn off the US destroyer.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Friday the operation had violated Chinese and international law, seriously impairing the countrys sovereignty and security as well as endangering lives.

OPINION: Chinas aggressive posture in South China Sea

China is strongly dissatisfied with this, Geng said in a statement, adding Beijing would lodge an official protest with Washington.





Nicole Schwegman, spokeswoman for the US Pacific Fleet, said US military forces operate in the Asia Pacific region every day.

All operations are conducted in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, she said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a US official told AFP news agency that a Chinese frigate sent radio warnings at least 10 times to the USS McCain.

They called and said Please turn around, you are in our waters, the official said. We told them we are a US [ship] conducting routine operations in international waters.

The official said the interactions were all safe and professional, with the operation lasting about six hours from start to finish.

Threatening peace

Thursdays freedom of navigation operation was the third of its kind carried out by the US since President Donald Trump took office in January.

The operation comes four days after the US, Australia, and Japan denounced Chinas island-building and militarisation of the South China Sea on the sidelines of a security forum of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the Philippine capital, Manila.

China claims nearly all of the sea, through which $5 trillion in annual shipping trade passes and which is believed to sit atop vast oil and gas deposits.

READ MORE: Can China afford to challenge the United States?

Its sweeping claims overlap with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei  all ASEAN members  as well as Taiwan.

However, in recent years, Beijing has managed to weaken regional resistance by courting some ASEAN members.

Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said the situation in the South China Sea has stabilised because of joint efforts of China and neighbouring countries, but the US operation threatened peace and stability in the region.

The US militarys provocative actions will only encourage the Chinese military to further strengthen the defence capacity building and firmly defend national sovereignty and security, said Wu.
State newspaper hints at Beijings stance of not assisting its ally in the reckless game between US and North Korea.

A Chinese state-run newspaper has suggested Beijing would stay neutral if North Korea strikes first in a conflict with the United States, despite a mutual defence pact between the Asian allies.

The nationalistic Global Times tabloid said on Friday in an editorial that Washington and Pyongyang were playing a reckless game that could lead to miscalculations and a strategic war.

China should also make clear that if North Korea launches missiles that threaten US soil first and the US retaliates, China will stay neutral, the editorial said.

However, it added: If the US and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime and change the political pattern of the Korean peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so.

On Twitter, Trump again threatened on Friday a military strike against the North.

Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path! Trump tweeted.

READ MORE: North Korea will develop Guam attack plan by mid-August

The commentary came after Washington warned North Korea this week it faced fire and fury like the world has never seen if it continued to threaten the US with its missile and nuclear programmes.

That prompted a defiant Pyongyang to threaten a missile attack on Guam, a tiny US territory in the Pacific that is home to major US air and naval facilities.

China  which has been accused by the US of not doing enough to rein in its longtime ally  has maintained that political dialogue is the only solution.

Al Jazeeras Adrian Brown, reporting from Beijing, said the commentary gave an inkling of Chinas official stance.

The editorial also says that if the US carries out strikes and tries to overthrow the North Korean regime then China would prevent that from happening. But it doesnt specify how Beijing would do that, he said.

Now of course China is the only ally that North Korea has but China has now agreed to tougher UN sanctions against North Korea, which means it will no longer be importing coal, iron, lead and seafood. Now if China does have influence over North Korea, we have yet to really see it.

READ MORE: US, South Korea laud new UN sanctions on Pyongyang

As tension soars in the region, South Koreas media called on Friday for Seoul to build nuclear weapons of its own to defend itself.

South Korea, which fought a war alongside the US with the North that ended in a stalemate in 1953, is highly technologically advanced and analysts estimate it could develop an atomic device within months of deciding to do so.

Now is time to start reviewing nuclear armament, the Korea Herald said in an editorial.

The South, which hosts 28,500 American troops, is banned from developing its own nuclear weapons under an atomic energy deal it signed in 1974 with the US, which instead offers Seoul a nuclear umbrella against potential attacks.

But with Pyongyang regularly threatening to turn Seoul into a sea of flames  and nagging questions over Washingtons willingness to defend it if doing so put its own cities in danger of retaliatory attacks  the Souths media are leading calls for a change of tack.

READ MORE: Whats next for South Korea-US relations?

After Pyongyang conducted two successful tests of an intercontinental ballistic missile last month, putting much of the mainland US within reach, the paper warned: Trust in the nuclear umbrella the US provides to the South can be shaken.

The US stationed some of its atomic weapons in the South following the 1950-53 Korean War, but withdrew them in 1991 when the two Koreas jointly declared they would make the peninsula nuclear-free.

But Pyongyang carried out its first nuclear test in 2006 and formally abandoned the deal in 2009.

A conflict between the North and the US could have devastating consequences for Asias fourth-largest economy, with Seoul within range of Pyongyangs vast conventional artillery forces.

A catastrophe is looming, the Souths top-selling Chosun daily said in an editorial this week. All options, even those considered unthinkable so far, must be on the table.

North Korea has staged five atomic tests as it seeks to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the continental United States.
Ocean Infinity says it will only request a reward if it finds wreckage of Malaysian airliner missing since March 2014.

Relatives of passengers aboard missing flight MH370 have demanded that Malaysia accept a US exploration firms offer to take up the hunt for the aircraft, which was suspended earlier this year.

No trace of the Malaysia Airlines plane, which disappeared in March 2014 with 239 people on board, was found during a lengthy deep-sea hunt in the southern Indian Ocean off western Australia, with the years-long search called off in January.

US company Ocean Infinity  a seabed exploration firm with a fleet of advanced underwater search vehicles  has said it will take on the financial risk of a renewed search for the missing Malaysian airliner.

Families of those on the plane when it went missing urged the Malaysian government on Friday to agree to a private-sector hunt for the flights wreckage.

Malaysia, Australia and China suspended a nearly three-year search in the southern Indian Ocean in January after scouring 120,000 square kilometres of remote seabed and failing to find any trace of the airliner.

MH370: Questions remain over missing Malaysian plane

Ocean Infinity said it remained hopeful that Malaysia would accept its offer to continue the search using a team of advanced, fast-moving deep-sea drones fitted with sonar equipment.

The terms of the offer are confidential, but I can  confirm that Ocean Infinity have offered to take on the economic risk of a renewed search, the company said in an email, the AP news agency reported.

Were in a constructive dialogue with the relevant authorities and are hopeful that the offer will be accepted, it added.

Voice370, a support group for families, said under the terms of the offer made in April Ocean Infinity would like to be paid a reward if and only if it finds the main debris field.

Why hasnt Malaysia accepted this win-win offer? Voice370 asked in a statement.

Malaysia did not immediately respond on Friday to the families question.

The group said the offer should be accepted without further delay and urged authorities to provide them with details.

We are constantly in limbo. They [authorities] do not engage us. It is upsetting and frustrating, Grace Nathan, a Malaysian lawyer whose mother Anne Daisy was on the plane, told AFP news agency.

We are always kept in the dark.

An international board of experts has concluded, based on an analysis of Boeing 777 debris that drifted and washed up on western Indian Ocean beaches, the flight most likely crashed in a 25,000 square kilometre area of ocean on the northern boundary of the last search zone, far southwest of Australia.

READ MORE: Debris almost certainly from Malaysian Airlines MH370

But Malaysia, Australia and China agree the newly identified area is too big to justify resuming the publicly funded search, which has already cost $160m.

Australia has coordinated the search on Malaysias behalf because the plane is believed to have crashed in Australias zone of search and rescue responsibility on March 8, 2014, after flying far off course on a journey from Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

Transport Minister Darren Chester declined to comment on the possibility of a private search.

Malaysia, as the state of registry for the aircraft, retains overall authority for any future search and any questions regarding possible future search efforts should be directed there, his office said in a statement.

Australia stands ready to assist the Malaysian government in any way it can.
IOM says over 600,000 Syrians set off for their cities and villages in first seven months of 2017 amid new displacement.

Syrians who have been displaced by the ongoing civil war in their country are heading home in larger numbers, according to a Switzerland-based migration agency.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Friday that nearly 603,000 Syrian refugees set off to return to their cities and villages in the first seven months of this year.

The Syrians included in the figures were returning from other locations in Syria or from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.

The number nearly matched the 685,662 people who returned during the whole of 2016, Olivia Headon, IOM spokesperson, said.

The returning Syrians were motivated by the desire to protect their homes and possessions; an improved economic and security situation in their areas of origin; as well as problems with integration in their host countries, according to the IOM.

Newly displaced

About 67 percent of the returns this year have been to Syrias Aleppo province, where the opposition-held eastern part of the city was retaken by President Bashar al-Assads government in December, the IOM said.

But an estimated 808,661 people have been newly displaced this year, many for the second or third time, Headon said.

Syrians who remain internally displaced number at about 800,000, many of whom have fled violence and strife for the second or third time, according to the IOM.





Syrian government troops recently removed ISIL fighters from their last stronghold in the central province of Homs, recapturing the strategically important town of al-Sukhna after the group took hold of it in May 2015.

ISIL, or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, has suffered military setbacks in recent months, losing ground in Syria and neighbouring Iraq.

Syrias civil war, now in its seventh year, has devastated the country, claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced about half of the prewar population of 22 million.

Jaish al-Islam fighters killed

Also on Friday, a suicide blast in southern Syria near the border with Jordan killed at least 23 fighters of the Jaish al-Islam group, according to a monitoring group.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said the bomber detonated an explosive belt at a base used by the fighters near the Nasib border crossing.

Most of the 23 killed were from Jaish al-Islam. Dozens were wounded, including 20 in critical condition, said Rami Abdel Rahman, SOHRs head.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

The Nasib border crossing  known as Jaber on the Jordanian side  lies in Syrias southern Deraa province and was captured by armed groups in April 2015.

For its part, Turkey says new precautions are being taken along its border in response to recent developments in northwestern Syria.

Speaking after Friday prayers in Ankara, Binali Yildirim, Turkeys prime minister, said radical groups have taken over control in Syrias Idlib province.

Last month, al-Qaeda-linked Hayet Tahrir al-Sham  Arabic for Levant Liberation Committee, also known as HTS  captured the majority of Idlib after battles with the Ahrar al-Sham group.

HTS also seized the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkeys Hatay province.

We are taking the necessary precautions in Hatays 150km border with Syria, Yildirim said, in order to prevent humanitarian dramas and threats against Turkey.

Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that talks on the situation in Idlib are ongoing between the countrys intelligence service, Iran and Russia.
Franklin, the tropical cyclone that was briefly a hurricane, has mostly dissipated in the mountains of eastern Mexico in a mass of thunderclouds and flash floods.

It was identified and named as it approached the Yucatan peninsula from the east on Monday and deposited 160mm of rain on Campeche as it left to the west on Tuesday.

Over the warm waters of the Gulf of Campeche, it travelled westwards and increased in strength. Using the Saffir-Simpson classification, based on wind speeds, Franklin reached the strength of a category 1 hurricane.

Precautions were taken in the Mexican province of Veracruz. Fishing boats were brought up on to the streets and windows boarded as a protection against flying debris. Hurricane Franklin made landfall late on Wednesday in northern Veracruz with steady winds of at least 130km per hour.

As soon as a hurricane comes on to land, it loses its source of energy and starts to weaken. In eastern Mexico there are mountains reaching to 5,000m above sea level and this is where Franklin disintegrated into a mass of thunderstorms.

The settlement of Nautla suffered some wind damage to shanty constructions and large trees were brought down. Flash floods cascaded down the mountain slopes inland. Rainfall forecast models suggested a rainfall potential of 350mm or more and the mountains would have received most of this.

The city of Xalapa, state capital of Veracruz, is surrounded by mountains but still recorded 216mm of rain from Franklins thunderstorms. Most of this fell in the dark hours of Thursday morning.

Franklin has followed a similar course to Hurricane Debby in 1988. That too briefly reached category 1 before landfall. Debby regenerated off the west coast of Mexico over the warmth of the southern Gulf of California, although it then stayed offshore. It is entirely possible that Franklin will do the same thing.
Any new military conflict with North Korea would likely escalate to the use of nuclear weapons, bringing catastrophic casualties not seen since World War II, defence officials and analysts say.





While the United States has maintained an uneasy calm with North Korea for more than six decades and spikes in tension are not new, recent supercharged rhetoric between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have heightened the risk of miscalculation that could make an unprecedented conflict a reality, they say.

On Thursday, North Korea upped the ante by saying it would complete plans by mid-August to fire four intermediate-range missiles over Japan to land near the US Pacific island territory of Guam, after Trump said any threats by Pyongyang would be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen.

INFOGRAPHIC: North Korea explained in graphics

The exchange followed a United Nations resolution tightening sanctions on North Korea after it tested two intercontinental ballistic missiles designed to carry nuclear warheads to the US.

Trump said on Thursday his fire and fury comment was not tough enough.

Despite the war of words, the US military says, for now, there has been no change in its readiness posture in South Korea or elsewhere in Asia.





Analysts say they have seen no evidence of any increased alert in North Korea, but they warned the bluster could raise the risk of miscalculation that could result in a conflict far beyond the scale of the 1950-53 Korean War.

That conflict claimed the lives of millions of Koreans and more than 50,000 Americans and ended in an armed truce, not a peace treaty.

The major thing people are talking about is miscalculation, Philip Yun, a Korea expert, told Reuters news agency. We could easily stumble into something with the rhetoric being so heated.

Yun, who was an Asia adviser under former President Bill Clinton, said the risks were exacerbated by the credibility problem Trump has acquired because of his frequent off-the-cuff remarks that often appear to counter the more measured remarks of his officials.

In nuclear deterrence, credibility is everything and theres a situation that if no one takes you seriously, you have to do something to make sure you are taken seriously, and thats where the miscalculation can happen, Yun said.

Catastrophic casualties

With hundreds of thousands of troops and huge arsenals arrayed on both sides of a tense demilitarised zone, the Korean peninsula has long been a tinder box.

North Koreas acquisition of nuclear weapons and its development of an array of missiles to deliver them have raised the stakes further.

Even a conventional clash could cause catastrophic casualties, given the thousands of North Korean artillery pieces ranged along the border.

At least 1,000 of those weapons are capable of reaching the densely populated South Korean capital Seoul and its metropolitan area, home to some 25 million people.

OPINION: Will Trump strike North Korea?

It would be very difficult to eliminate that threat before the artillery fire could create a lot of damage on the southern side, said David Shear, who served as the senior US defence official for east Asia under former President Barack Obama.

I take projections of casualties of thousands to tens of thousands quite seriously, and thats just in South Korea, he said. Its possible North Korea could attack Japan as well.





The real danger of any pre-emptive US strikes against North Koreas weapons sites would be that Pyongyang might resort to using its chemical and biological weapons  and ultimately its nuclear arsenal.

There is also the potential for casualties running into the millions.

If they did launch they could potentially wipe out cities in South Korea and Japan, and in the longer term maybe reach the US West Coast and even further inland, said Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists.

Even if everything went right for the Pentagon, a US strike campaign against North Korea would take up to a week to be effective, said Kristensen.

READ MORE: North Koreas nuclear weapons: Here is what we know

Yun said the catastrophe would not just be human, but would take an economic toll on the countries as well.

If we had a war, think about what it means, he said. You are talking South Korea, the 11th largest economy in the world, Japan, the third largest economy, and you are talking about ground troops on the Korean peninsula.

Donald Trumps agenda would be consumed by this. Nothing else would get done. Its against his interest and its not really an option.
Eleven also injured as authorities in Tamaulipas state say rival groups of inmates fought with shanks, sticks and rocks.

Nine inmates are dead and 11 injured following a fight between prisoners at a jail in the northern Mexico border city of Reynosa.

Authorities in Tamaulipas state say rival groups of inmates fought with shanks, sticks and rocks in two parts of the prison.

The fight occurred on Thursday during family visiting hours. Guards fired shots to control the situation.

The state security Coordination Group said the fight appeared to have involved a struggle for control within the prison between two groups.

While it did not identify the groups, Reynosa has seen pitched battles between factions of the Gulf Cartel.

READ MORE: Juarez is waiting for you  Violent city tries tourism

Mexicos overcrowded prisons are plagued by riots, revenge killings and jailbreaks, and powerful gangs often hold de facto control inside.

Last month, 28 inmates were hacked to death by their rivals at a prison in Acapulco, a resort town on Mexicos Pacific coast.

The prison system in Tamaulipas, a state racked by the deadly violence of Mexicos drug cartel wars, had already made bad headlines twice this year.

In March, 29 inmates escaped through a tunnel from a prison in Ciudad Victoria. And in June, seven people were killed, including three police, when officers stormed the same prison to regain control from inmates who had been stockpiling guns.
This undated photo shows the Norwegian Joy, the largest cruise ship in the Asia-Pacific region was built in Germany. The 'Breakaway Plus' class cruise ship was designed specifically for the Chinese market.[Photo/VCG]

Officials from Dalian, in northeastern Liaoning province, said their city has been tapped as one of six key cities chosen to participate in a special zonecalled the Cruise Tourism Development Pilot Areathat aims to boost China's rapidly-evolving cruise liner industry.

The first cruise zone, to boost the cruise tourism industry, was approved to be set up in Shanghai by the China National Tourism Administration in September 2012. Shanghai tourist authorities approved tax refunds for overseas tourists on purchases in designated shops, and opened duty-free shops at the arrival areas of the city's cruise terminals.

Liu Wei, general manager of the Dalian Port International Cruise Liner Center, said development of infrastructure in the city had progressed well since the Dalian Port Group began construction of a cruise liner center in 2015.

"Currently two 150,000-metricton berths are under construction and these are expected to be completed in 2019," she said.

During a recent tourism industry conference in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, the China National Tourism Administration issued membership plaques for the cruise pilot area to the cities of Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Fuzhou and Dalian.

China's cruise ship sector has been developing rapidly in the past decade and in 2015 it became the world's fourth biggest cruise market. Analysts say international cruise ship giants are working hard to enter the Chinese market.

Statistics from the World Tourism Cities Federation show that Chinese ports accepted 955 visiting cruise ships in 2016, carrying more than 4.39 million passengers.

"This year, Dalian is expected to accept 33 cruise ships and more than 60,000 passengers," said Li Jingping, head of the Dalian Tourism Development Committee.

According to Li, Dalian was China's first port to accept cruise ships. In 1976, a luxury liner from Japan visited. Since then the port has accepted hundreds of cruise ships.

With its beautiful natural scenery featuring mountains and sea, Dalian is a well-known tourism city in China.

In 2016, the city accommodated more than 1 million international tourists and over 76 million domestic tourists.

Li said that with northeastern China as the hinterland, the city provided a convenient location to reach Japan, South Korea, and Russia. He said Dalian's cruise sector was expected to expand in the coming five years.

Zhang Tie, general manager of Dalian Port Group's passenger transport company, said the port had a suitable terminal to handle large-sized international cruise liners, with good water quality and complete facilities.

The port has established trade relationships with more than 300 ports in over 160 countries and regions around the world.

In July last year, Royal Caribbean International's Legend of the Seas cruise liner, carrying about 2,000 tourists, left Dalian for Sasebo and Kagoshima in Japan. It underscored that Dalian has become a port of departure for international cruise liners.

"The city's cruise sector has great potential and is enjoying rapid development. This year, some 50 cruise liners are expected to depart from Dalian," Zhang added.
Anyone found guilty of acts online that disturb social harmony faces up to 15 years of hard labour under the new law.

Human rights groups are calling on the Palestinian Authority to suspend a new electronic crimes law that limits freedom of expression online.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas clamped down on social media and news websites with a vaguely worded decree.

Social media and websites are one of the main outlets for debate and dissent in the occupied West Bank.

Critics say the clampdown allows his government to jail anyone deemed to have breached the new law.

However, a Palestinian prosecutor denied that the decree is being used to stifle dissent and insisted that a new law on electronic crimes was needed to close legal loopholes that in the past allowed offenders, such as hackers, to go unpunished.

READ MORE: Palestinian Authority blocks 11 news websites

Anyone found guilty of acts online that disturb what the edict calls social harmony faces up to 15 years of hard labour.

Rights activists say the decree was issued without prior public debate last month and is perhaps the most significant step yet by Abbas government to restrict freedom of expression in the occupied West Bank.

According to the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (Mada), the government blocked 30 websites in the past month.

Most of the sites were affiliated with Abbas two main rivals  former aide-turned-foe Mohammed Dahlan and Hamas, Mada said.

A few of the blocked sites supported the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group.

Journalists questioned

Five journalists working for news outlets linked to Hamas were detained this week and charged with violating the new law, according to the lawyer of one of those arrested and an official in the association of Palestinian journalists.

Separately, four other journalists were called in for questioning about social media posts critical of government policy.

Ammar Dweik, head of the government-appointed Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights, said the new law is one of the worst since the Palestinian autonomy government was established in 1994.

Its a big setback to the freedoms in the West Bank, he said, citing the vague definition of the purported crimes, the wide authority given to the security forces, the large-scale blocking of news websites and the harsh punishments.

The Associated Press news agency reported that officials in Abbas office declined to comment on the new decree or on long-standing complaints that Abbas and his government restrict freedoms in the West Bank.

A government spokesman also declined to comment to AP, referring questions to the justice minister, who did not respond to phone messages.
World body puts responsibility for protection of civilians and their access to aid on the parties to the conflict.

The UN has indicated is not responsible for controlling Yemens main airport, dismissing a call by a Saudi-led military coalition for the world body to do so.

The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen asked the UN on Thursday to take control of the airport in the capital Sanaa, which is in the territory controlled by the rival Houthi fighters, Saudi state news agency SPA reported.

The coalition said it was ready to allow the reopening of the airport on the condition that the UN provided support for airport security.





It said the airport remained closed due to concerns for the safety of civilian travel and commercial flights, as well as the smuggling of weapons by the Houthis.

On Friday, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric called on the rival sides to allow humanitarian aid access, including through Sanaa airport which has been closed to all but limited UN flights for a year.

[The airport] is not under UN control, Dujarric said on Friday.

The parties to the conflict have the responsibility to ensure the protection of civilians and their access to humanitarian relief, including through the use of airspace and airport.

UN agencies and aid groups have repeatedly called for the airport in Sanaa to be reopened to allow the delivery of desperately needed relief to the millions of Yemenis caught in the conflict.

Those people also face a deadly cholera outbreak and looming famine.

Dujarric said he was unaware if the UN had received a formal request from the Saudi-led coalition for the world body to take control of the airport.

We have been in contact with the government of Yemen and the Saudi-led coalition to advocate the reopening of Yemens airspace around the airport for humanitarian flights, he said.





Yemen has been torn apart by a civil war in which the internationally recognised government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, supported by the Saudi-led coalition, seeks to push back gains made by the Iran-allied Houthi fighters.

The Saudi-led coalition imposed an air and sea blockade on opposition-held territory in March 2015 and tightened it in August last year saying it was the only way to stop weapons smuggling.

Helicopter crash

In another Yemen-related development, the UAEs official news agency confirmed late on Friday via Twitter that four Emirati soldiers were killed in an Apache helicopter crash after making an emergency landing during a mission.

Earlier, Colonel Turki al-Maliki, a spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, said the helicopter suffered a technical defect while returning from an operation in Yemen.

The pilot made an emergency landing in a government-held area, resulting in minor injuries to the crew.

Residents of Shabwa province said another five injured soldiers were taken to hospital in Mukalla in the neighbouring province of Hadramawt.

Earlier this month, UAE-trained Yemeni special forces, backed by the US, launched a major operation against al-Qaeda, driving it from oil-rich Shabwa.

Al-Qaeda fighters are thought to have moved farther south into neighbouring Abyan province.

Abductions alleged

Late on Thursday, Nobel Peace Prize winner Tawakkol Karman accused Houthi fighters and forces loyal to Ali Abdullah Saleh, the former president of Yemen, of abducting her brother and two of his friends.

In a social media post, Karman, a journalist and activist who was one of the leaders of Yemens 2011 Arab Spring revolution that toppled Saleh, said the three men were disappeared in Sanaa last month.

My brother Mohamed Abdul Salam and his two friends Omar Yaseen Abdul Aziz and Mohamed Kahla were enforced disappeared one month ago, Karman, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, said on Facebook.

She blamed security agents loyal to the fascist coup alliance, a reference to the Houthis and Saleh, who have established a transitional administration in Sanaa to rival the Aden-based Hadi government.

Mohamed al-Bakheit, a member of the Houthi political council, said he had no comment to make about the allegations.

I have no information on the incident, so I cannot confirm or deny, he told Anadolu Agency.

We will comment in case we get information on that.
US president hopes Kim Jong-un will find another path after his government threatens to target US territory of Guam.

US President Donald Trump is hardening his stance against North Korea in an escalating war of words, warning that military solutions are now locked and loaded if the country acts unwisely.

In his latest post on social media on Friday, Trump wrote that he hopes North Korean leader Kim Jong-un would find another path, after threatening earlier this week to target the US territory of Guam.

It was the latest exchange in a battle of nerves that has prompted fears of a breakout of war in the Korean Peninsula.

Defence officials and military analysts say any new conflict with North Korea would likely escalate to the use of nuclear weapons, bringing catastrophic casualties not seen since World War II.

Fire and fury

On Thursday, Trump said that maybe his statement to unleash fire and fury on North Korea wasnt tough enough.

He said the communist state had been getting away with a tragedy that cant be allowed.

Theyve been doing this to our country for a long time, for many years, and its about time that somebody stuck up for the people of this country and for the people of other countries, he warned.





Earlier, North Koreas state media said only absolute force can work on Trump.

On Friday, a Chinese state-run media outlet suggested China would stay neutral if North Korea attacks first in a conflict with the United States, despite a mutual defence pact with North Korea.

The nationalistic Global Times tabloid said on Friday in an editorial that the US and North Korea were playing a reckless game that could lead to miscalculations and a strategic war.

Al Jazeeras Adrian Brown, reporting from Beijing, said the commentary gave an inkling of Chinas official stance.

The editorial also says that if the US carries out attacks and tries to overthrow the North Korean regime, then China would prevent that from happening. But it doesnt specify how Beijing would do that, he said.

Now, of course, China is the only ally that North Korea has, but China has now agreed to tougher UN sanctions against North Korea, which means it will no longer be importing coal, iron, lead and seafood.

Now if China does have influence over North Korea, we have yet to really see it.

Political dialogue

China  which has been accused by the US of not doing enough to rein in its longtime ally  has maintained that political dialogue is the only solution.

In Berlin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel rejected a military solution to the North Korean crisis and called for an end to the escalation in language between the US and North Korea.

An escalation of the language is for me the wrong response, she said on Friday.

I also dont see a military solution [to the conflict] and do not consider it necessary.

Instead, Merkel called for all sides to the crisis, including the US, South Korea and Japan to work closely together with the UN.
Incumbents victory comes amid allegations of voting fraud made by supporters of opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Nairobi, Kenya  Incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta has been declared the winner of Kenyas presidential election amid allegations of voting fraud by the opposition.

According to official figures released by the countrys electoral commission on Friday, the incumbent secured 54.27 percent of the ballots cast, while his rival, Raila Odinga, won 44.74 percent.

With Kenyatta receiving more than 50 percent of the votes, he will not be forced into a second round of voting.

The winner is also required to get 25 percent of the votes of at least half of all 47 counties to avoid a runoff.

READ MORE: Why are Kenyas elections so bitterly contested?

Its been a long wait for the last couple of days. But we were determined that we would be patient and wait for the final result, as indeed have now been declared, Kenyatta said following the announcement.

We shall continue with the work that we have startedKenyans want us to succeed.

More than 15 million people cast their ballots, representing 78 percent of the registered voters.

Countries around the world have been watching us closely, Wafula Chebukati, Kenya Electoral Commission chairman, declared.

Chebukati said that he was confident that the manner he election was conducted was fair and credible.

The announcement of the results was delayed for hours after election officials had said they needed time to review documents from some polling districts.

Opposition rejection

Shortly before the results were announced, opposition members said they would reject it.

We are not going to be party to it. Our issues have not been addressed. One can conclude they [electoral commission] are not keen on taking our concerns seriously, Musalia Mudavadi, a senior official of the National Super Alliance (NASA) and former Kenyan vice president, said.

James Orengo, another senior NASA official, called the election process a charade and a disaster.

You do not just hold an election for the sake of it. And the election is not about announcing winners and losers, he said.

Al Jazeeras Catherine Soi, reporting from an opposition stronghold of Nairobi, said opposition supporters had taken to the streets as soon as the results were announced.

They were shouting, and we could see things were set on fire, she said.

There was a heavy police presence, and a police helicopter was circling the area. The protesters were very angry. They said their victory was stolen.

On Wednesday, Odinga  a long time rival of Kenyatta who was running for the presidency for the fourth time  rejected the results of Tuesdays election.

He claimed the countrys electronic voting system had been hacked and the results were doctored.

In a bid to unite the country after the heated campaign, Kenyatta reached out to Odinga and his supporters, saying, We are not enemies.

We are all citizens of one republic. As with any competition, there shall always be winners, and there shall be losers. But we all belong to one great nation called Kenya. I extend a hand of friendship.

As Kenyattas supporters celebrated his victory in Nairobi, Odingas supporters clashed with police, setting objects on fire to protest the results. Shots were also fired in the capital.

Previous disputes

Chebukati, the electoral commission chairman, said a hacking attempt had failed to manipulate the outcome of the vote.

International observers, including the African Union, said the election was free and fair and called for disputes to be resolved through the courts.

In 2013, Odinga lost to Kenyatta and claimed the results were manipulated, but Kenyas Supreme Court announced Kenyatta the winner.





In 2007 an opposition coalition led by Odinga disputed the result after incumbent Mwai Kibaki was announced the winner by the electoral commission.

The dispute led to a spate of ethnic violence that led to the death of 1,200 people and displaced some 600,000.

The violence stopped after Kibaki and Odinga agreed to form a coalition government.

Earlier on Friday, in Odingas stronghold of Kisumu, security forces blocked the main road to the capital Nairobi as young people gathered nearby and started burning tyres.

Shortly before the results came out, police officers fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters.

Kenyatta, son of the countrys founding father who in 2013 became Kenyas youngest president, was seeking a second and final five-year term.

No sitting president has ever lost an election in the history of the East African country.
Venezuelan leader expresses willingness to hold talks with the US president on the heels of a new wave of sanctions.

Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro has offered his hand to Donald Trump while expressing interest in direct talks after a new wave of US sanctions imposed on the troubled Latin American nation.

In his first address to the new, all-powerful Constituent Assembly on Thursday, Maduro instructed Venezuelas Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza to approach the United States and arrange a telephone conversation with Trump before next months United Nations General Assembly.

Maduro said he had also given orders, if it can happen, for a face-to-face meeting to be organised with Trump when heads of state and government from around the world gather in New York on September 20.

If hes so interested in Venezuela, here I am, the socialist president said. Mr Donald Trump, here is my hand.

READ MORE: Venezuela crisis  Whats next?

The remarks come a day after the Trump administration slapped new sanctions on eight of Venezuelas politicians and security figures.

The sanctions will freeze US assets of the officials targeted, ban them from travel to the United States, and prohibit Americans from doing business with them.

These follow last months US sanctions on Venezuela over the election of a loyalist legislative superbody that has the power to rewrite the constitution, which Washington called illegitimate and in service of a dictator.

OPINION: Will Brazil be the next Venezuela?

Despite expressing his desire for a strong relationship with the United States on Thursday, Maduro used substantial parts of his three-hour-plus speech lambasting the imperialist US for perceived actions against his government.

We will never cede to foreign powers, he said.





Maduro earlier accused Trump of backing a failed attack on a military base that killed two people in Valencia a week ago.

On Thursday, Trump said he discussed Venezuela along with North Korea and Afghanistan in a security briefing with top national security aides and Vice President Mike Pence, who travels to neighbouring Colombia on Sunday in a trip where discussions on how to pressure Maduro are expected to feature prominently.

We had some very good meetings, some very good ideas, very good thoughts, and a lot of decisions were made, Trump said following the briefing, without providing details.

Maduro and his government have faced growing opposition from the US and major Latin American nations over the controversial legislative superbody, which sparked months of deadly protests across the country.

Venezuela is suffering a severe economic downturn caused by low oil prices and government policies that have scared away private investment.

The countrys bonds are one of the few ways the current government is able to raise money to support its collapsing economy.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a donation of 5,000 metric tons of rice from the Government of Nigeria. This will help feed nearly half-a-million internally displaced people in the conflict-ravaged northeast of the country, where the threat of famine endures. WFP has already begun moving the first batch of donated rice []http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Appa-sourceTheAfric...
Hundreds of people in a camp in northeastern Nigeria have been infected with hepatitis E after the disease spread from neighbouring Niger. The highly contagious disease has spread quickly through Ngala camp due to a combination of poor living conditions and flooding. MSF medical coordinator Nicoletta Bellio describes the situation in the camp, which shelters []http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Appa-sourceTheAfric...
The Republican primaries are the last hope of American civilization and the exact opposite of American Idol. Every season of American Idol, we started out with a lot of weirdos, and we ended up with a winner. In the Republican primaries, we start out with a lot of winners, and we wind up with a weirdo. As such, I voted for Trump because my wife made me do it. It isn't a glorious reason, but it's true, and now that I've done it, I'm glad I did it. Both of us were against him, and then, when he wasn't Hillary, we were for him. I'm still for him, except now I actually like him. This is the joy of having low expectations.

There are people who voted for Trump because they believed in him. To me, most of these people are crazy. The man could barely string together a sentence, and when he did, it was as short as the American attention span. He gave the impression that he had never read a serious book about history or politics or economics or religion or ethics. That anyone could believe so many contradictory promises from one man was itself incredible. He could say one thing in a debate and then walk out to a reporter and deny he said it at all, and his fan base fawned. They swallowed it all and somehow believed that when he gave two contradictory promises, it was the other promise that was sentenced to failure. These people are the ones complaining about Donald Trump being a failure. In reality, they are the failures.

There is reason to believe that Trump is a failure  but only if you took him too seriously. Obamacare is still standing, and the wall is still missing, and the Mexicans aren't paying for it. The travel ban didn't happen as we wanted. Nobody really knew what the swamp was, so Trump was unable to drain it. Taxes haven't been reformed yet, and candy is still paid for.

At the bottom of this list of broken (or delayed) promises, we have the fulfilled: the support of our police officers instead of our thugs; the deportation of criminals by ICE and the border patrol; the election of competent judges, probably the most important thing to come of the election; and the threat against all sanctuary cities. Trump has threatened to ban men who think they're women from the military and has done everything he can to give control of education to the states. He has cut red tape wherever he finds it, and he gave us Secretary of Defense Mattis. His wielding of federal power has led Democrats to discover states' rights, and he has given intelligent men one thing we have greatly overrated: a constant stream of deliveries so bungled and uncouth that no parody of them is even necessary. We may wake up every morning feeling smarter than the president, and we have yet to calculate the immeasurable effects of this fact upon the self-esteem of American citizens.

There are people who voted for Trump who do not appreciate these victories. They can't understand the limits of executive power or checks and balances or that there is a difference between a president and an emperor. They don't understand that the downside to having a political outsider is that he doesn't know how to work politics. They believe that in an age of nuclear power, coal is coming back, and it's coming back for good. They believe that gas prices are raised and lowered with a diktat from the commander in chief.

The fact of the matter is that these people are the reason for their own failure, and that some politician, ages ago, found out that the only way he could win is by spinning webs of complete hooey. In truth, this is how presidential elections are won today  and this is why we can't get a George Washington or a Benjamin Franklin or an Alexander Hamilton in office today. The people who didn't know that many of the promises were already broken the second they were given because to fulfill them in totality is always technically impossible.

President Trump is going to deliver on more issues, and he is going to fail on more issues, and unless he does something too disastrously stupid, I am going to enjoy him anyway. At this point, we know what he is trying to do and what he isn't. Many of the things he is trying to do are the most right-wing, difficult, politically incorrect, and principled things he had "promised" to deliver. If this isn't enough, then I say our last hopes are done for. They say that in America, you get the president you deserve. If this is the case, we really deserve worse, and we got better, and it was only a matter of luck that we got him.

The question at this point is not whether Trump is honest or dishonest, delivering or not delivering. It is whether universal suffrage was ever a good idea, and whether you should be able to vote for a president if you don't know what exactly the president can't do.

Jeremy Egerer is the author of the troublesome essays on Letters to Hannah, and he welcomes followers on Twitter and Facebook.
North Koreas ability to miniaturize nuclear warheads and place them atop missiles with the range to hit mainland U.S. cities is a very large chicken coming home to roost courtesy of two world-class appeasers, President William Jefferson Clinton and President Barack Hussein Obama. One engineered a nuclear framework deal with North Korea. The other practiced strategic patience which loosely translated means wake me up when they nuke Los Angeles.

Thanks largely to President George W. Bush and his push to fulfill President Ronald Reagans dream, the continental United States and overseas allies are protected against missile attack by 36 deployed long-range Ground Based Interceptors (GBI), 32 Navy ships armed with over 100 SM-3 IA interceptors, and two dozen advanced SM-3 IB interceptors, dozens of Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors, and eight X-band missile defense radars deployed abroad.

Sadly, it is not enough, and much less than President George W. Bush had in mind in fulfillment of President Ronald Reagans dream of deterring nuclear missile attack rather than avenging it. We can hit their bullets with our bullets but the problem is that our adversaries collectively have too many bullets and sometimes our bullets miss.

Fortunately, there is a move in the Senate to upgrade and expand our missile defense, you know, the Senate currently on vacation as North Korea kicks its tires and lights its fires:

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 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 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 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.

President Reagan envisioned as part of his Strategic Defense Initiative a layered missile defense designed to track, target, and destroy incoming missiles in all phases of their flight. Destroying them in their boost phase is best, before the warheads and their decoys are deployed before reentry towards their targets. That included ground and sea-based interceptors. SDI also envisioned reusable missile defense, systems that could fire repeatedly, such as lasers, rather than one-and-done kill vehicles.

Recently, a missile defense test in which a ground-based interceptor successfully intercepted an ICBM over the Pacific was both a warning to North Korea and another indication America is back. The test was in the works before Trump took office but it comes in an administration welcoming improvements in missile defense versus the prior Obama administration that used back-channels to try to give it away to Putin and the Russians. As the Washington Examiner reported:

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency successfully shot down a dummy warhead in space over the Pacific Ocean Tuesday during a test of a missile defense system that would protect the country from intercontinental ballistic missiles like the ones being developed by North Korea. "During the test, an ICBM-class target was launched from the Reagan Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands," said a statement from the agency. "A ground-based interceptor was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, and its exo-atmospheric kill vehicle intercepted and destroyed the target in a direct collision."

The irony of the interceptor being launched from a facility with Ronald Reagans name on it should escape no one. President Reagan dreamt of a multilayered missile defense most derided as Star Wars. He dreamed of preventing or deterring a nuclear attack, not merely avenging one. Perhaps he might have also had in mind the danger posed from rogue regimes such as North Korea and Iran.

We see Reagans legacy in the Aegis missile cruisers and destroyers that can be deployed in troubled waters around the globe. We see it in the THAAD theater missile defense recently deployed to South Korea. All of this President Barack Hussein Obama opposed.

Missile defense systems are systems which President Obama has long opposed as Cold War weapons. Soon after taking office, President Obama scuttled plans for ground-based missile defense installations in Poland and the Czech Republic.

When President Obama took office in January, 2009, sitting on his desk were President George W. Bushs plans for the deployment of ground-based missile interceptors, such as are deployed at Fort Greely, Alaska, in Poland as well as missile defense radars in the Czech Republic, As Investors Business Daily noted over a year ago, President Obama had other plans and his betrayal of our allies was ironically exquisite:

Yet within hours of Medvedev's election as president in 2008, the Russian announced that Moscow would deploy SS-26 missiles in his country's enclave of Kaliningrad situated between our NATO allies Poland and Lithuania. He wanted the U.S. to abandon plans to deploy missile interceptors in Poland and warning radars in the Czech Republic designed to counter a future threat from Iran. What did President Obama do? He caved in and notified the Poles in a midnight phone call on Sept. 17, 2009 -- the 70th anniversary of the Soviet Union's invasion of Poland -- that we were pulling the plug on that system due to Russian objections. Putin then watched in 2012 as Obama promised Medvedev at the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, South Korea, that after his re-election he would have more "flexibility" to weaken missile defense, which would help him fulfill his dream of U.S. disarmament.

Obama opposed any modernization or expansion of U.S. defenses against missiles or anything else. In his eyes, weapons caused wars just as guns cause crime. Reagan had a mantra of we win, they lose. Obamas mantra was dont attack us and we wont defend ourselves. He laid out his philosophy in a 2008 campaign video:

In a video made for the group Caucus for Priorities, Obama pledged: "I will set a goal of a world without nuclear weapons. To seek that goal, I will not develop new nuclear weapons; I will seek a global ban on the production of fissile material; and I will negotiate with Russia to take our ICBMs off hair-trigger alert, and to achieve deep cuts in our nuclear arsenals."

It is one campaign promise he has kept.

One of the missile defense weapons systems we could dearly use now that Obama opposed was the Airborne Laser or ABL. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich recently spoke on the need to revive missile defense in all its form as a way of getting a nuclear edge over North Korea:

First: We have to develop two new kinds of anti-ballistic missile systems. One is to take the experiments we've had with airborne lasers... so that any time we're worried about a North Korean launch, we can kill it on the way up... Second, we should reach back to the Reagan years, take the space based concept, which was then called Brilliant Pebbles... You want to have more than one shot... You need some kind of space based system where you can get 30-40 shots at this thing as it goes through the whole ballistic parabola.

Why try to hit a bullet with a bullet in the first place? How about deploying the missile defense version of body armor combined with a Gatling gun? The Airborne Laser or ABL would be a mobile and reusable missile defense system deployable in every crisis in every corner of the globe.

The ABL was a modified Boeing 747-400F equipped with a megawatt-class, high-energy Chemical Oxygen Iodine Laser (COIL) designed to destroy ballistic missiles in their very vulnerable boost phase, missiles such as Irans North Koreas. Imagine the shift in the strategic balance in our favor with them patrolling the Persian Gulf or the Taiwan Strait, or off the Korean Peninsula.

Anyone who witnessed the tragic launch of the shuttle Challenger in 1986 can see the vulnerability of missiles in their launch phase. ABL aircraft would patrol in pairs at 40,000 feet, flying in orbits over friendly airspace or international waters, scanning the horizon for plumes of rising missiles. The ABL would acquire and track the missile with a tracking laser while computers calculate the distance to and trajectory of the target.

A second laser with weapons-class strength would fire a three- to five-second burst from a turret located in the 747s nose, destroying the missile over its launch site. The ABLs big chemical oxygen iodine laser is designed to reach out over 200 miles, maintaining beam focus and stability, and still have enough power to heat a ballistic missile to destruction.

Unlike its fixed site cousins, the ground-based interceptors deployed at Vandenberg Air Force base in California and at Ft. Greely, Alaska and (hopefully) Europe, ABL aircraft can be deployed where and when needed and are reusable. Not only can they patrol off unfriendly nations, they would be quite useful patrolling our shores.

At the initial rollout ceremony for the ABL system, Lt. Gen.Try Obering , the former director of the Missile Defense Agency, addressed the comparison of missile defense to Star Wars:

Lt. Gen. Henry "Trey" Obering III, director of the Missile Defense Agency, said he embraced early critics' comparison of the laser-equipped plane to the "Star Wars" movies. "I believe we are building the forces of good to beat the forces of evil... We are taking a major step in giving the American people their first light saber," Obering told dignitaries and employees gathered for the ceremony.

May the force be with us.

Daniel John Sobieski is a freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications.
There has been enthusiastic collusion by the leadership of the Democratic Party with the Russian disinformation campaign to destroy President Donald Trump. (See "A Brief History of 'Fake News'" on AT.) The Democrat willingness to collude with Russia to overturn our democratically elected president is unprecedented. There is the infamous case of Ted Kennedy approaching the Kremlin to help Democrats defeat Reagan, but never before has collusion with our enemies by a non-communist party been sustained and widespread.

What has changed? We are reaping the results of a multi-decade effort by the communist and socialist left. Leftists have finally dominated and transformed the Democratic Party  into something vicious and dangerous to our republic.

Obama openly boasted that radicalized and mostly non-white Millennials will soon give leftists a permanent majority. Our Constitution and two-party system were to be thrown in the dustbin of history. When Trump destroyed their plans by winning the 2016 election, hard-left Democrats weren't willing to give up power. The niceties of democracy, where the voters get to chose their leaders, do not fit the communist credo Obama and his inner circle were raised on.

As I wrote previously, Obama's entire innermost circle were children of communists. That does not happen by coincidence.

With the help of a partisan, unethical press, the Democrats normalized Obama's every aberrant trait. But Obama is aberrant. He is a Democrat in name only  in reality, he is a hard left "red diaper baby"  as were Valerie Jarrett and David Axelrod. Obama has had literally lifelong radical ties, starting with his grandfather and mother, as well as his Kenyan father, and Obama's beloved teenage mentor, child molester Frank Marshall Davis, a member of the Communist Party. According to Paul Kengor, Frank Davis's political work for the Soviets got him placed on the FBI's Security Index, so he could be immediately arrested in a national emergency  the Cold War equivalent of our terrorist watchlist.

In the White House, President Obama surrounded himself with more red diaper babies and communist-supporters. CIA director John Brennan voted for the Communist Party candidate in the 1976 presidential election. Obama biographer David Maraniss was a red diaper baby. So was Obama's pick to head Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson.

Cold War historian Paul Kengor goes deeply into Obama's communist background in an article in American Spectator, "Our First Red Diaper Baby President," and in an excellent Mark Levin interview. Another Kengor article describes the Chicago communists whose younger generation include David Axelrod, Valerie Jarrett, and Barack Hussein Obama. Add the openly Marxist, pro-communist Ayers, and you have many of the key players who put Obama into power.

Axelrod himself was discovered and launched in his career by Stalinists in Chicago, the Cantor family.

Harry was active in the old Industrial Workers of the World and had been secretary of the Boston Communist Party. ... In 1930, he ran for governor of Massachusetts on the Communist Party ticket. After that, he sojourned to the Motherland, taking his entire family to Moscow with him, including his son David, who one day would come know David Axelrod. ... For the record, as I've noted separately, Davis  again, Obama's mentor  also knew and worked with Valerie Jarrett's grandfather and father-in-law in Communist Party/left-wing circles in Chicago in the 1940s.

Being the child of communists clearly does not make you a communist when you grow up. It can make you a savvy fighter of communists, as David Horowitz exemplifies. But when did Obama reject the radical Marxist beliefs he once openly espoused? In college, he tells us he sought out Marxist professors and radical students (think the creepy SDS students you knew in college). A Marxist student at Occidental College confirms that Obama was an outright Marxist. When he graduated from Columbia, Obama tells us, he attended radical socialist conferences, which gave him his road map in life, with their plan to put a stealth black candidate in the White House.

After law school, Obama's success in Chicago was based on the help of self-avowed communist Bill Ayers. Obama's start in politics was as the anointed successor of an openly socialist state rep who was active in communist circles. Obama joined the socialist New Party, which rejected the Democratic Party. Obama's calling in life, to which he vows to return post-presidency, was work as a hard-left Alinskyite radical agitator ("community organizer"). Obama was a 20-year member of an openly Marxist church whose members had to take a pledge against the middle class. So when did this man become a pragmatic centrist? The day his Marxist backers decided to make him president?

Chief among these backers was Valerie Jarrett, whom Judicial Watch uncovered as another scion of a hardcore multi-generation communist family on the FBI watch list as a possible security threat to America.

Jarrett's dad ... Dr. James Bowman, had extensive ties to Communist associations and individuals, his lengthy FBI file shows ... "has long been a faithful follower of the Communist Party line" and engages in un-American activities. ... The Jarrett family Communist ties also include a business partnership between Jarrett's maternal grandpa, Robert Rochon Taylor, and Stern, the Soviet agent associated with her dad. Jarrett's father-in-law, Vernon Jarrett ... appeared on the FBI's Security Index and was considered a potential Communist saboteur who was to be arrested in the event of a conflict with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). His FBI file reveals that he was assigned to write propaganda for a Communist Party front group in Chicago that would "disseminate the Communist Party line among ... the middle class." It's been well documented that Valerie Jarrett, a Chicago lawyer and longtime Obama confidant, is a liberal extremist who wields tremendous power in the White House. Faithful to her roots, she still has connections to many Communist and extremist groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood.

Paul Kengor summarizes the political import of a Democratic Party headed by a president and his two closest advisers, and the head of Homeland Security, all from communist families:

I've suffered ... a mix of amazement, agony, and despair for what has happened in this country. They are at once disturbing and depressing, yet further confirmation that the most politically extreme individuals who once agitated and propagandized in our blessed country were able to place their political children as high as the White House in the 21st century. For the old comrades, it simply took time for the seeds to root and flourish  and only then with the harvest made possible by really oblivious American voters who don't understand the ash-heap of ideological baggage they've permitted to be brought into the country's first house.

There is collusion with Russia going on in American politics today. It has actually been going on for a long time. (See Victor David Hanson on Obama's collusion in the 2012 elections.) President Trump is the target of the collusion. So are we all, all his voters, all Americans who believe in our constitutional republic.

The great mistake of the colluders is they cannot hide behind lies and media corruption, as the hardcore American left has done all these years. It is all out in the open now. The stink of the Mueller witch hunt is in our nostrils. It is sickening, but the stench strengthens our resolve. We are not going to let them annul our victory in the 2017 election with dirty tricks.

The author served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal, was a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, and is an author whose a mystery novels highlight the wildlife and peoples of Kenya. She currently writes for American Thinker.
When in doubt, cry racism. Its the lefts go-to weapon when the facts are against them. School choice advocates, then, should be heartened: Progressives lately have had to stoop low, get dirty, and hurl mudballs in our direction, because thats all theyve got.

This month progressives let fly three separate volleys, hoping the racist argument would somehow find its mark. The New York Times, the Center for American Progress, and the American Federation of Teachers all argued that educational choice is racist, rooted in slavery, and a cover for segregation. (One commentator also blames anti-Catholic sentiment and a particular form of Christian fundamentalism.) Worse, they declare authoritatively, choice will spell the end of democracy, as we know it.

First came the Center for American Progress. Their report, The Racist Origins of Private School Vouchers (July 12, 2017), chains current voucher proposals to segregationist policies of the past, concluding that vouchers are fundamentally positioned to funnel taxpayers dollars into private schools while draining much-needed resources from public schools and  vulnerable students.

A week later, Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, called Education Secretary Betsy DeVos a public school denier, denying the good in our public schools and their foundational place in our democracy. Weingarten described vouchers, for-profit charters and other privatization schemes as the polite cousins of segregation, part of a scheme to protect the economic and political power of the few against the rights of the many. She accuses proponents of educational choice of trying to starve public schools to the breaking point  and let the market handle the rest. And that, she declared ominously, is how a democracy comes apart.

The last day of July, New York Times columnist Katherine Stewart -- who imagines Christian Nationalism and the fundamentalist agenda as part of a stealthy mission to take over the public schools -- penned a thousand-word screed against school choice (she uses scare quotes) without ever debating its merits. She too links school choice supporters and critics of government schools (a phrase she finds ominous) with Jim Crow-era segregationists and religious fundamentalism. Their aim, she asserts, is the empowerment of a rearmed Christian right bent on freedom from democracy itself.

The message, writes the Cato Institutes Neal McClusky, is that private school choice is the work of racists. We can expect that message to be a major weapon wielded by opponents of educational freedom for the foreseeable future.

It wont work. Americas schools are failing -- both the left and the right know this. The expiration date is long past on the lefts stale solutions to Americas crisis in education. Theyve had their turn; its time for parents to take the reins. In minority communities in particular, parents want choice. They reject the lie that school choice equals segregation and, according to McCluskey, survey literature -- African-Americans speaking for themselves -- shows they overwhelmingly support educational choice. Kevin P. Chavous of the American Federation for Children, agrees: [T]odays private school choice movement has been overwhelmingly embraced with open arms by minority families across the country  test scores, graduation rates and the number of students enrolled in college have improved because of vouchers, tax credit scholarships, and Education Savings Account programs. The vast majority of students seeing these benefits are from low-income, working-class, and minority families.

Educational choice gives lower-income families the same opportunities enjoyed by wealthier families. As David French writes, Wealthy Americans have enormous educational advantages. They can afford private-school tuition. They can afford homes in the best school districts. They can employ private tutors and create the most lavish and interactive home-schooling experience. The rest of America? Theyre typically reduced to no choice at all. Theres the mediocre public school in the moderately priced neighborhood or the dreadful school in the cheapest district. Thats it. There is nothing else.

The war over vouchers and school choice reflects an even deeper division within America. Its a clash of visions, a fight over who has the right to shape the hearts and minds of our children. Education, writes Andrew T. Walker, is about the transmission of values, about allowing local associations, not government institutions, to form the bonds of society. Walkers child attends a classical Christian school. He explains that, We chose this for our child because we believe that what public schools value as true, good, and beautiful do not align with what we believe is true, good, and beautiful. Its a conflict of visions, and in America, were blessed to have options.

Progressives, writes Walker, view government schooling as the apex of citizenship, but also, more fundamentally, as a form of secular discipleship. Most parents, however, think that schools have no business forming secular disciples. Especially given the limited moral imagination of modern-day progressives. Heres a better idea: Lets give parents the opportunity to choose whats best for their children. School choice wont spell the end of democracy. But it just might spell the end of government schools as we know them. And that would be a very good thing.

Theresa Farnan, Ph.D., is a philosopher and professor. Mary Hasson, J.D., is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. They are the co-authors of the forthcoming book, Get Out Now: 7 Reasons to Pull Your Child from Public Schools Before Its Too Late (Regnery 2018).
For months, the Democratic Party and some members of the intelligence community have maintained that President Vladimir Putin ordered a campaign in 2016 aimed at influencing the U.S. presidential election between Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

Russian intelligence services allegedly gained access to the email accounts of Democratic Party officials and released the hacked material to WikiLeaks and others to help President-elect Trumps election chances, the IC said in a report released earlier this year.

Although there have been a significant number of investigations since then, there has been no evidence of collusion between the Russians and the Trump campaign.

Despite that fact, there are three major investigations into Russian meddling: the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the House Intelligence Committee, and most recently, a special counsel appointed by the Department of Justice.

The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence investigation is focused on what Russia did to influence the 2016 elections and if the country used "cyberactivity and active measures" to target the United States. Part of that includes examining whether there is any evidence that members of President Trump's campaign team collaborated with Russian operatives.

Vice Chair Mark Warner is the top Democrat on the committee. The two-term senator and former Virginia governor has repeatedly said the investigation is the "most important thing I've ever done" in public service.

That statement highlights Warners political bias against the President, since most Americans see this investigation as having no justification because of lack of evidence and is just another waste of taxpayer money by the government.

Warner admitted on Sunday June 6, that the Senate Intelligence Committee has not yet found a smoking gun during its investigation into potential collusion between President Donald Trumps campaign and Russian operatives.

The House Intelligence Committee said that they wanted to investigate Trump campaign members collusion with Russian officials, however, Chairman Devin Nunes and other Republicans on the committee have publicly focused much of their attention on leaks from within the White House and whether the Obama administration "unmasked" (exposed the identity) of Trump associates for political purposes, which would be felonies for the people responsible , and could potentially be a bigger crime than Watergate if the evidence shows that significant numbers of innocent Americans were surveilled.

In May, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller to head the FBI investigation into the same issues already investigated by Congress. Additionally, Mueller is charged with investigating any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation, which opens the door for him to investigate anything he wants.

These matters include the question of whether Trump or other White House officials improperly acted to impede the FBI investigation and likely includes the circumstances of the dismissals of both former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former FBI director James Comey.

In a tweet on June 16, President Trump said, I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt.

The biggest problem with the special counsel lies in the friendly relationship between Mueller and Comey.

The two mens working relationship began in December 2003, when Comey joined Mueller in Washington after becoming John Ashcrofts deputy attorney general. He and Mueller spent many hours together, developing a close partnership the Washingtonian noted.

Both men were rising stars mentored and guided by Eric Holder in the 1990s during Holders time in the Justice Department under the Clinton administration.

How can Mueller be impartial when investigating why the President fired one of Muellers closest friends? Its a serious conflict of interest and shame on Mueller for not recusing himself. What is the reason for the special counsels existence if its corrupted by an obvious conflict of interest?

Now Mueller is threatening to expand his investigation into President Trumps personal finances, according to a Bloomberg News report.

This further supports the idea that Mueller and his team are getting desperate because they cant find any evidence of Russian collusion. Mueller has now shifted his strategy to openly trying to bring down President Trump using evidence of shady business deals, going decades back into the past  not collusion with Russia.

The investigation is also focused on the revelation that Donald Trump Jr. met in June 2016 at Trump Tower with a Russian lawyer who offered dirt on Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, but has not been able to find evidence of a crime.

This August 3, we learned that Robert Mueller has impaneled a grand jury in Washington to investigate Russias interference in the 2016 elections.

The grand jury will allow Mueller much more latitude in his investigation into whether Russia influenced the 2016 election and whether President Donald Trumps campaign or associates colluded with the Kremlin. This is because the grand jury will allow Mueller and his prosecutors to subpoena documents, put witnesses under oath and seek indictments, if there is evidence of a crime.

Greg Andres, a top partner in the New York law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, has joined Muellers team. This is further evidence of an expansion of Muellers investigation.

Thomas Zeno, a federal prosecutor who became a lawyer at the Squire Patton Boggs law firm, said that Andres, a former top Justice Department official who also oversaw the criminal division of the U.S. attorneys office in Brooklyn, wouldnt leave his private-sector job for a low-level investigation.

Now that Mueller has empaneled the grand jury, his investigation can be protracted indefinitely because there is no deadline for its completion, and has the authority to go beyond the original guidelines of Russian collusion

It seems that Mueller is wasting no time expanding his investigation. Prosecutors working under Mueller recently asked the White House for documents related to the former national security adviser Michael T. Flynn. The request is the first time Muellers team asked the White House to present records.

Prosecutors and F.B.I. agents have spent hours investigating the details of Flynns business dealings with a Turkish-American businessman who worked last year with Flynn and his consulting business, the Flynn Intel Group.

The investigators allege that Flynns company was paid $530,000 to run a smear campaign against an opponent of the Turkish government who attempted a failed coup in the country.

Investigators want to know if the Turkish government indirectly paid the Flynn Intel Group who allegedly made kickbacks to the businessman, Ekim Alptekin, to help conceal the source of the money.

This provides more evidence that Mr. Muellers inquiry has expanded into a detailed investigation of Flynns financial dealings, beyond the question of whether he failed to register as a foreign agent or lied about his dealings with Russian officials.

President Trump has questioned the neutrality of Muellers office, saying that Muellers prosecutors are Hillary Clinton supporters and that Mueller and James Comey are friends.

On the first accusation, at least eight members of Muellers team have donated to Democratic candidates, including the presidential campaigns of Obama and Clinton, according to Federal Election Commission records. Andres in March supported a Democratic lawmaker, donating $2,700 to Kirsten Gillibrand, a U.S. senator representing New York.

As for the second accusation, this article has cited evidence that after Mueller and Comeys working relationship began in 2003, they became close friends.

Both the New York Times and the Washington Post, citing unidentified sources, reported that President Trumps attorneys are piecing together conflict-of-interest cases against Muellers staff and discussing the scope of the presidents pardon powers.

The FBI is not a separate entity. Thats a myth thats been floating around for several years in D.C. The truth is that the FBI is under the control of the President because its part of the executive branch of the U.S. government. As such, the President can order the FBI director to investigate whatever he wants and has the legal right to fire anyone he wants, including James Comey.

It also means that the President has the legal right to fire Mueller and can put an end to the special counsel investigation if he wants.

This new overreach by Mueller may force the presidents hand, bringing up the possibility the president will exercise his right as head of the executive branch of the U.S. government and terminate the investigation.

Because of this possibility, Congress seems convinced that Muellers independence needs to be protected.

Sens. Thom Tillis (R., N.C.) and Chris Coons (D., Del.) introduced bipartisan legislation on August 3 to make it more difficult for the president to fire Mueller. According to this legislation, a special counsel could challenge President Trump, with a three-judge panel ruling within 14 days on whether the firing was justified.

If the panel found no good cause for the firing, the special counsel would immediately be reinstated. The legislation follows a similar effort from Sens. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) and Cory Booker (D., N.J.).

This brings up the question of why Republicans are working with the Democrats to keep Muellers investigation in place by attempting to take away the Presidents power over the executive branch of the U.S. government.

None of the three major investigations into the possibility that Russia tilted the presidential election in Trumps favor have produced any evidence.

The answer is that many Republican and Democrat politicians dont want Trump to succeed because he is attempting to destroy the crony capitalism that they are involved in.

They are facing losing their re-elections and the cushy, million-dollar jobs they will receive from their cronies when they retire as lobbyists. It is obvious that these corrupt politicians want the government to remain as it is.

That is why many politicians, regardless of party affiliation, want the special counsel to succeed, because it serves their purpose, which is to destroy President Trump.

Robert Steven Ingebo is the president of FRI Corporation.
We all remember the character assassination the mainstream media did on Sarah Palin. It was ruthless and many Americans have negative views of the governor without really knowing much about her. Decades early the MSM did the same to Ross Perot. Of course there have been others.

This week we are witnessing another relentless character assassination though this time from the conservative Internet news source  Breitbart News - that I read daily.

Now it is no secret this is all about conflicts between White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon and National Security Advisor LTG H. R. McMaster. The common opinion is it is a feud between two competitive individuals. However, it has become a one-sided media assault.

All the attacks are coming from Breitbart News of which Steve Bannon used to be executive chair. Every day this week there are multiple stories decrying McMaster as a traitor to Trump. We have not heard a word from H.R. McMaster. We have not heard his side of the story or any statement in his own defense. And we wont.

LTG McMaster is a professional soldier who follows strict standards of decorum. He doesnt tweet his side, he doesnt hold press conferences to talk about himself and he doesnt have a connection to a news site. Hence all we hear is all one-sided, and that one side sounds far more like character assassination than objective journalism.

Ive known H.R. for over thirty years, and the stories told this week do not reflect the real story. I hope the readers here are wise enough to realize the media blitz seems fishy.

LTG McMaster is not an Obama spy trying to undermine the Presidents agenda. When he fired people last week it was because of keeping the integrity of the office he runs. A staff member cant fire off an unvetted memo bypassing the chain of command, which was what happened in at least one case. This shows disunity and dysfunction in the White House. President Trump needs his NSA to have a single strategy  not a shotgun blasts of opinions.

Another accusation implies he is a toxic leader. On the contrary: LTG McMaster is cordial, likable, has a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Hes not the tyrant he is painted.

He is accused of being a holdover from the previous administration. This is nonsense, too. Hes in the Army. He cant be political. He cant support a candidate or a party. He cant fundraise. He may have his political views, but he can never share them. His loyalty is to the country.

I can vouch that he is usually the best-informed of anyone in the room. Three or four times over the past decade I have disagreed with him and he always throws down an additional fact, or viewpoint that I hadnt considered. Its humbling to withdraw from a good argument.

As far as whats going on in the White House I can only speculate. Steve Bannons background is impressive. He has accomplished much. So has LTG McMaster. I offer up a little background for AT readers so as not fall into the right wing echo chamber without critical analysis.

CPT McMaster led his cavalry troop in the most intense tank battle of Desert Storm, the Battle of 73 Easting. This aggressive battle action was what could be expected by the fierce rugby player from the West Point. He earned a Silver Star from this.

Later he earned a PhD and wrote a book, Dereliction of Duty, which sealed the historic fate of President Johnson. McMaster researched recently unclassified documents and uncovered the political motivation, which led Johnson to jump into Vietnam. When it was published it was highly praised by Rush Limbaugh. He then taught in the Social Sciences Department at West Point.

COL McMaster took his 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment to Iraq and had remarkable success. Not because he was a fierce warrior, but because he was an astute thinker. He realized what was going on in Iraq was complicated and there were many agendas of many factions. He solved the problem in Tal Afar. COL (now LTG) Sean MacFarland learned from McMaster and took those lessons to Ramadi where the war turned and President Bush declared the Surge to continue the secret to success. One part of McMasters success was in information operations, which I think was the best effort to date in the fourteen years weve been in Iraq.

As a general, he served in Afghanistan where he won great respect and could be counted on in the middle of the night to solve a crisis when the ambassador could not summoned. I really cant repeat the details.

A couple of years ago I heard him rattle off the top of his head thirty different groups in Syria all with their own power sources and agendas. The above average man in the street might be able to name Assad as the President and something about ISIS. We need the level of understanding LTG McMaster has for the NSA.

He didnt get to where he is by accident. Look at his right sleeve and count the bars on his blue uniform. Each one represents six months away from home in combat. He has been a faithful, loyal husband for 32 years.

I have never met Steve Bannon, yet from what I know of LTG McMaster there is much more to whats going on in news. Breitbart News keeps clamoring for President Trump to fire McMaster. If the conservative base falls into believing these articles then we are hurting ourselves. We have the most capable person right now in the job. President Trump needs level-headedness and sound advice, not daily bickering.
Jeffrey Lord, a prominent political analyst on CNN for the past two years, known for his passionate defense of Donald J. Trump, during the campaign and now as president, was fired on Thursday, August 10 after he used the phrase "Sieg Heil!" in a tweet.

On Thursday morning, Lord was engaged in a strident Twitter exchange with Angelo Carusone, the president of Media Matters, the far-left group that targets conservative media programs, hosts, and analysts. Lord had written several articles in American Spectator (published August 9 and August 10) critical of Media Matters, dubbing them Media Matters Fascists (MMF) for their latest attempt to suppress a conservative program, Sean Hannity's nightly Fox News show, by helping to organize a boycott of the show's advertisers. Lord also took exception to Media Matters' acknowledgement that it received a large contribution from Hungarian-American multi-billionaire leftist George Soros.



Jeffrey Lord on CNN.

"Sieg Heil!" ("hail victory") is the verbal part of the Nazi salute or Hitler salute that was commonly employed by citizens of Germany during the authoritarian fascist reign of Adolf Hitler from 1933 to 1945. It was usually accompanied by a raised stiff-arm gesture. Lord also used the phrase in his August 9 article about Media Matters.

In Germany and several other countries, public utterance or display of the Nazi salute is a crime. Less than a week ago, two Chinese tourists were arrested for allegedly making a Nazi salute while they took photographs of themselves outside the Reichstag in Berlin. The arrests made international news.

On Thursday afternoon, Lord was on his way from his home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to CNN's studios in Manhattan in a town car provided by the channel when he was informed by cell phone of his firing. The car turned around and returned him to Harrisburg. CNN issued a statement: "Nazi salutes are indefensible. Jeffrey Lord is no longer with the network."



President Ronald Reagan and Jeffrey Lord.

Lord, 66, who worked as an associate political director in the administration of President Ronald Reagan, told the New York Times "he found his firing 'incredibly ironic."

I am mocking people who are using bully tactics in the style of fascists and Nazis to take people off the air, and I am the one who gets taken off the air.

This story is just the kind of thing that is red meat for the commentariat, the pundits, and media on both sides of the present ideological divide. How long it will play out, and what the future holds for Jeffrey Lord, remains to be seen.

Thomas Lifson adds:

This will not silence Jeffrey Lord. He will have many opportunities ahead. CNN is exploiting an excuse to rid itself of a voice not popular among the true believers who constitute their audience. They want the propaganda to remain unchallenged. And worst of all, he was effective in making his case.

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 latest website is AltMedNews.net.
The fiscal black hole facing Illinois and its local governments as lavish pension obligations come due appears to have driven at least some public officials mad. Just as sharks, scenting blood in the water, enter into a feeding frenzy that may injure some of them, so do tax-grabbers, scenting a revenue stream. Progressives lose all reason when they sniff money that can be tapped in the name of "protecting public health." Nanny-staters and genuine nannies agree that "it's for your own good" are the sweetest five words in the English language.

Predictably, the Cook County soda saga has been a fiasco from the start. The tax was never popular, and it passed the County Commission only because Cook County Board president Toni Preckwinkle cast a tie-breaking vote. The crocodile tears over the "obesity epidemic" were just eyewash  a thin, condescending veneer of social engineering disguising a regressive tax on lower-income people. Naturally sweetened fruit juices, which tend to be more expensive and favored by upper-income consumers, went untaxed, even though they are just as caloric as Coke. Even worse, food stamp users were exempted, even though they are low-income and extraordinarily fond of Fanta and its shelf-mates  "at risk!," as the progs claim when it suits them. If anyone deserves the progressives guidance in how to spend their food budget, it would be this group. If sugary drinks are Satan's brew, then where is the outrage over subsidizing the victim class in unhealthy behavior?

The imposition of the tax was delayed when a trade group filed suit, and a judge issued a temporary restraining order that was subsequently overturned. Toni Preckwinkle then did something crazy:

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."

"It's the Chicago way."

But the Chicago Way was so legally indefensible that Cook County withdrew the action. Preckwinkle sent out her flak:

Frank Shuftan, chief spokesman for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, struck a conciliatory note in a written statement Tuesday. "Now that the appellate court has rejected the emergency motion that would again prevent us from collecting the sweetened beverage tax, we believe we should move forward cooperatively and in good faith with the county's retail industry," he said. "As a result, the county has determined that withdrawing its petition for damages would serve the public interest."

Under the new tax, one cent per ounce, a "family size" 2-liter bottle costs 68 cents more, and it has caused a sharp change in consumer behavior. Keep in mind that a family that hits a supermarket once a week can have a number of family-size bottles of their favorite drinks in its shopping basket when it hits the cashier. That is worth a detour.

The inevitable has happened (via Illinois Review):

"To the residents and businesses of Cook County, we have heard you loud and clear and so today I have filed an ordinance to repeal the Cook County Sweetened Beverage Tax," said GOP Commissioner Sean Morrison at a press conference held Wednesday at the Cook County Building. Indeed, a poll released Wednesday shows 87% of Cook County residents are upset about the new one cent per ounce sugary drink tax, making a 2 liter bottle of soda pop cost 68 cents more. Joining Commissioner Morrison as co-sponsors of the repeal ordinance are Commissioner Richard Boykin (D-1), Commissioner John A. Fritchey (D-12), Commissioner Timothy O. Schneider (R-15), and Commissioner Jeffrey R. Tobolski (D-16). ... The repeal ordinance will be taken up by the Cook County Board on September 13. "I call on all residents, businesses and municipal leaders to contact your Cook County Commissioner and encourage them to vote to repeal the Beverage Tax," Morrison said. He also strongly encourages taxpayers to attend the September 13 board meeting at the Cook County Building in downtown Chicago.

We'll keep our eyes on the story.

Hat tip: Clarice Feldman
A viral video of a boat full of refugees washing up on a Spanish tourist beach highlights the shifting focal point of entry for migrants invading Europe.

Zahara de los Atunes. Dos de la tarde pic.twitter.com/IvYGmbfE4E  Jaime Moreno (@GolfJaime) August 9, 2017

Migrant arrivals in Spain are increasing at an alarming rate, and the Spanish authorities aren't ready to receive them. The video is a clear sign that the flow of refugees from Africa and the Middle East to Europe has shifted dramatically westward since 2015.

Business Insider:

The first flashpoint was around Turkey and the Greek islands, where hundreds of thousands of people made the short sea crossing to reach European soil. Stricter border policing, and a political deal between Turkey and the EU, helped reduce the flow there. Italy soon replaced Greece as the centre of events, with the greatest number of migrants travelling from Libya across the Mediterranean. But crossings from Morocco to Spain  a distance of nine miles at its narrowest point  are growing rapidly. According to UN figures published in July, Italy was still the most popular entry point to Europe, with 59,000 arrivals in the first half of 2017. But newer data from the Italian government has suggested that figures are beginning to fall, in part because of increased sea patrols by the Libyan Navy and the EU. Some 6,800 people arrived in Spain between January and May this year, nearly 90% fewer than in Italy. But the figure has risen 75% in a single year, suggesting that the movement is beginning to shift.

It's about three times cheaper to cross from Morocco into Spain compared to a crossing to Italy. The much shorter distance makes it safer as well. E.U. border authorities expect the number of refugees arriving in Spain to climb dramatically over the next months as other routes from Libya to Italy are closed off.

The refugees are not coming in numbers comparable to 2015, but it's not for lack of trying. For all their talk of welcoming migrants, E.U. countries are desperately seeking to keep them in Libya and other major crossing points through increased patrols by the coast guard, who not only turn back the new arrivals, but also save dozens of lives every day when the rickety boats used by refugees capsize.

Can Europe really control this mass movement of humanity from one continent to another? History would suggest that it will be very difficult to prevent millions of refugees from arriving if the war-torn regions in the Middle East and Africa do not find peace and some level of prosperity.
A Cornell University history professor is claiming that when statements made by radical academics, including calls for white genocide, are heavily criticized by the media, a form of repression occurs.

The College Fix:

Russell Rickford, an associate professor of history at Cornell University, makes this argument in a recent Black Perspectives piece, suggesting news coverage of academics' controversial statements is really a conservative effort to silence liberal academics.

Progressive professors are "engulfed in controversy" because they exposed "unjust power," argues Rickford. He blamed the outrage on "a collection of right-wing sites and organizations that have mastered a cynical style of attack journalism well suited for the mob mentality of the social media age."

The article, titled "Neo-McCarthyism and the Radical Professor," cites recent examples stemming from controversial comments made by professors George Ciccariello-Maher, Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, Johnny Eric Williams and Steven Salaita.

Professor Maher made headlines for his Dec. 2016 tweet that read "all I want for Christmas is white genocide." Professor Taylor prompted media attention for her May 2017 commencement speech lambasting Trump, a speech that called him a "dangerous  racist sexist megalomaniac" who is also targeting the black community and undocumented immigrants.

Professor Williams received attention after his comments suggesting on Twitter in June that anyone witnessing white people in mortal danger should "let them fucking die" went viral. And Professor Salaita is well-known for his frequent and vitriolic anti-Israel tweets.

Rickford describes the "widespread outrage" that these comments inspire as "hullabaloo."

"The technology is new but the agenda is not," Rickford writes. "Recall that in the wake of the social revolutions of the 1960s and 1970s, conservatives and business interests launched a protracted campaign to neutralize colleges and universities as centers of radical influence."

"We who see knowledge as more than bourgeois property must always defend our comrades against the hypocrisies of liberalism and the mechanisms of conservative attack," Rickford says, calling professors in the recent media limelight "a small cadre of insurgent professors will continue striving to transcend the ivory tower, using their expertise and energy to bolster the self-activity of the exploited."
First, let's cover the "fire and fury" comment. The pendulum swings. We had eight years of soft-spoken and out-of-his-depth Mr. Obama. People were frustrated with him. Then they elected outspoken Mr. Trump. He's the anti-Obama. It's hard to find an American president who can strike the perfect balance between tough and gentle talk. If we can't seem to find a president with the perfect pitch and tone to please everyone, then I'd rather have tough talk than not believable intellectual ramblings, complete with "uhs" and gazing out over the horizon, as Mr. Obama did.

Only Reagan seemed to manage the right balance between tough talk and careful calculations, though his critics on the left called him a cowboy. Of course, they were wrong. Consider his response against terrorism.

He bombed Libyan targets after the North African rogue regime forced terrorism on the world. Here is a two-item timeline in 1986.

5 Apr: A bomb explodes in a discotheque frequented by US servicemen in W. Germany. One American sergeant is killed and 60 Americans are injured. Three terrorist groups claim credit. US officials blame Libya. 14-15 Apr: US planes strike Libya at 7:00 P.M Eastern Standard Time. The planes, some of which flew from Britain (and France would not allow aircraft to use its air space), and bombed Tripoli, including what is believed to be Col. Qadaffis home and headquarters. President addresses nation and says evidence was found that implicates Libya in discotheque bombing.

Reagan explained his decision with calm and firmness of purpose and resolve.

Then, on December 21, 1988, a suitcase filled with explosives detonated and downed New York-bound Pan Am Flight 103, killing 259 passengers and crew and 11 people on the ground over Lockerbie, Scotland. In response, on January 4, 1989, Reagan okayed the shooting down of Libyan fighters over international waters.

These U.S. military actions in 1986 and early 1989 came only after Libya initiated violence. It is a sad fact that people may have to die if North Korea hits a city with a stray missile. But it is a bad idea for the U.S. to launch a pre-emptive strike under current circumstances. (It's a great idea to do so if North Korea does cause deaths with its juvenile missile program.) In the meantime, we have to hope Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), or missile defense, will act as a deterrent or shoot down a stray missile and save lives.

As things stand now, we will just have to wait for North Korea to implode, economically, as we observed with the Soviet Union and then East Germany, which reunited with West Germany. Even though Khrushchev's shoe-pounding portrayed the Soviet premier as a lunatic, neither he nor his successors used nuclear weapons. We have to trust that Kim Jong-un will be equally cautious, even though he is as lunatic as Khrushchev.

But will North Korea implode? On August 5, the U.N. Security Council voted to toughen its sanctions on North Korea:

The Security Council today further strengthened its sanctions regime against the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, condemning in the strongest terms that countrys ballistic missile launches and reaffirming its decision that Pyongyang shall abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. Unanimously adopting resolution 2371 (2017) under Article 41, Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the 15-nation Council decided that the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea shall not supply, sell or transfer coal, iron, iron ore, seafood, lead and lead ore to other countries. Expressing concern that Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea nationals working abroad were generating foreign export earnings to support the countrys nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, it also decided that all Member States shall not increase the total number of work authorizations for such persons in their jurisdictions, unless approved by the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006).

North Korea is an isolated military state. It shall implode someday soon, especially when (or if) China follows the U.N. resolution and does not prop up its client state. Until then, we will have to hope a missile doesn't go astray (and if it does, we can trust that we or our allies can shoot it down). And we will have to work hard to find political solutions before disaster strikes.

cartoon by Mike Harris

James Arlandson's website is Live as Free People, where he has posted One Hundred Accomplishments the West Can Be Proud Of (it's time for the West to stop hanging its head).
Rebuffed and discredited several times, the left has fired another round of hate-journalism at Dr. Sebastian Gorka, one of President Trump's most talented policy advisers. The latest hit piece comes from that bastion of journalistic integrity, the much sued Rolling Stone. Its headline: "Sebastian Gorka, the West Wing's Phony Foreign-Policy Guru."

In the 1,919-word screed, written by one Bob Dreyfuss, whose other associations include The Nation; In These Times; HuffPo; and, kid you not, Lyndon Larouche's Executive Intelligence Review, we are suddenly supposed to think Dr. Gorka's education credentials are not as good as those of assorted swamp things, many of whom are quoted jealously defending their turf in the national security academic sphere.

"It's surreal and quite horrifying that someone who's such an amateur has reached such heights," says David Ucko, associate professor in the Department of War and Conflict Studies at National Defense University. Adds Michael S. Smith II, a veteran terrorism analyst who's had unpleasant run-ins with Gorka, "This is not somebody who should be working anywhere near the White House." Even more bluntly, a colleague of Smith's, Cindy Storer, an ex-CIA terrorism analyst, said, "He's nuts."

This from the crowd who said nothing about creative writing major Ben Rhodes sidling into the position of President Obama's deputy national security adviser? That remained silent when Samantha Power, a writer of drippy emotional advocacy journalism, became the U.S.'s United Nations ambassador? Or any of the huge cavalcade of left-wing activists such as Susan Rice who rolled into top positions at the National Security Council? Give us a break.

The line of attack this time focuses on Gorka as not being good enough for the White House because he lacks academic "status." It's buttressed by the petty little jealousies of the #NeverTrump crowd, full of quotes suggesting they are all upset that Gorka got a White House job and they didn't. Other than Storer, they are all larded up with academic credentials of Ruritanian pomp. Yet it's a peculiar focus for Dreyfuss to be zeroing in on, given that in his HuffPo biography, he claims that despite having a Columbia University degree (conspicuously absent of any notation of the Graduate School of Journalism), he's all suspicious of Ivy League snobs. Really? Dreyfuss sounds more than a little involved in the Ivy League status game, given the focus of his argument on Gorka.

So we learn that Gorka's degree isn't good enough, as if that is the best criterion for judging whether someone is suitable for executing policy. To support this, we learn he got into a scrap with an obnoxious little academic troll with a wounded bloated ego named Smith. We read a real whopper of an unsubstantiated claim, from some little known associate professor, accusing Gorka of plagiarism in his doctoral thesis, with absolutely no substantiation  and substantiation would be very easy. (The funniest part of these whinings in this pattern of argument is from an earlier article in Newsweek, which claims that since Gorka never submitted an article to some obscure academic journal called "Terrorism and Political Violence," he can't possibly be of any consequence.) We see name-calling. We see mangled facts and repackaged narratives.

Let's look at some of those. Citing an anonymous source, Dreyfuss claims that Gorka was on his way out at the White House, and the only reason he was able to stay is that no one in any other agency would have him.

By late April, White House sources told The New York Times and The Washington Post that Gorka was on the way out. Yet so far  likely thanks to support from Bannon  both Gorkas have defiantly stayed in place. According to one insider, Gorka's dubious qualifications may have saved him. "The White House tried to find him a job at another agency," says the source. But no luck: "Nobody wanted him."

So the swamp didn't want Gorka? Surprise, surprise. Nice narrative if you can buy it. I don't.

The news stories about Gorka being on his way out, planted by his anonymous Deep-State enemies, certainly were out there. But by May, President Trump himself got so disgusted with the left's three-ring circus that he cracked the whip on the whole clown show and chased the idiots out. I wrote about it here, citing the left-wing Daily Beast, which reported:

When the White House backed off its efforts to dump Sebastian Gorka on another federal agency, the controversial counterterrorism advisor had the president himself to thank, The Daily Beast has learned. After news emerged last week that the Trump administration was setting the stage to move the British-born national security aide out of the White House, President Donald Trump and his chief strategist Stephen Bannon personally intervened to put a halt to Gorkas White House eviction, two senior administration sources said.

So no, it wasn't a matter of no agency wanting to take Gorka; it was President Trump shutting the sneaky anonymous leakers and their creepy campaign against Gorka the hell up. Trump fires people all the time, most of the time without any effort to get them new jobs. Why would it be at all different for Gorka?

It points to the real reason the left hates Gorka: he is effective. Unique among policymakers, he has a gift for explaining U.S. policy to ordinary Americans, to communicate why the U.S. is taking the actions it is taking. The left can't stand that, cannot stand anyone who is effective, and that may explain why leftists continuously seek to take down Gorka.

All sorts of things in the piece are either stupid or fact-challenged. Dreyfuss in his lede upbraids Gorka for an inflammatory headline that ran under his byline, when in fact there was nothing inflammatory about the article, and he knows very well as a journalist that writers do not write their own headlines.

He also claims, without substantiation, that Gorka is unable to distinguish the various factions and strains of thought within Islam and Islamism  pure baloney, given Gorka's appearances on Fox News that do precisely that.

He tried to claim that Gorka had some sort of no-show job at some think-tank, citing that he "periodically delivered lectures." He threw in the word "only" in front of that phrase to change its context entirely through innuendo.

Dreyfuss cited a gun incident where, after death threats against his family, Gorka put a gun into a suitcase to transport it on a flight. Gorka ran into trouble for that, but the charges were dismissed. Dreyfuss omits that last inconvenient fact.

The familiar and discredited lies about Gorka and Nazis is also repeated for good measure. Gorka has never had associations with such people, and back in Hungary, he steered clear even from the far right. That doesn't stop Dreyfuss from repeating the same old canards.

The bottom line here is that the left hates Gorka because he effectively presents Trump's position on national security, which is so reasonable that it enrages the left. He also refuses to play the left's academic games and won't kowtow to their swamp status demands. That must make them feel helpless. That is the root of this war, a sorry war of personal attacks, since the left cannot claim that Gorka is incompetent. It's an appalling record, and thus far, it's only causing them to make outrageous fools of themselves.

Note: An earlier version of this piece repeated an assertion by James Joyner that he never spoke to Dreyfuss. But it appears that Joyner may have suffered something of a senior moment and now has recalled otherwise. AT regrets the error.
An important state-run newspaper in China ran an editorial hinting that the Chinese would not back North Korea if the latter launched missiles at Guam.

The Chinese daily, Global Times, often reflects the thinking of top Chinese leadership.

Time:

China should remain neutral if North Korea launches an attack that threatens the United States, a Chinese state-run newspaper said on Friday, sounding a warning for Pyongyang over its plans to fire missiles near the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam. The comments from the influential Global Times came after U.S. President Donald Trump stepped up his rhetoric against North Korea again on Thursday, saying his earlier threat to unleash "fire and fury" on Pyongyang if it launched an attack may not have been tough enough. China, North Korea's most important ally and trading partner, has reiterated calls for calm during the current crisis. Beijing has expressed frustration with both Pyongyang's repeated nuclear and missile tests and with behaviour from South Korea and the United States, such as military drills, that it sees as escalating tensions. "China should also make clear that if North Korea launches missiles that threaten U.S. soil first and the U.S. retaliates, China will stay neutral," the Global Times, which is widely read but does not represent government policy, said in an editorial. "If the U.S. and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime and change the political pattern of the Korean Peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so," it said. North Korea's state-run KCNA news agency said on Thursday its army would complete plans in mid-August to fire four intermediate-range missiles over Japan to land near Guam. Trump said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was not going to get away with his "horrific" comments and disrespecting America.

This is an unusual move by the Chinese, who are rarely so explicit in telegraphing their response to events in the region. It will certainly make Kim think twice about launching his missiles if the Chinese will not back his play.

But the explicit warning to Trump against regime change should also be heeded. The Chinese crave regional stability, and regime change in North Korea would drastically affect their economy. There would also be the potential for hundreds of thousands of refugees to stream into China over their border with North Korea.

The question then, for Trump and his advisers, is, would military action cause more problems than it would solve? China has signaled that taking out North Korean missiles and nukes in response to an attack by Kim would be acceptable as long as the attack were limited in scope and duration and didn't result in a regime change that would place an unfriendly government in power. This doesn't guarantee that Kim won't go off the deep end and launch nuclear missiles at the U.S. and our allies. But it certainly puts Kim on notice that his wild rhetoric about attacking the U.S. will result in disaster for him and his country if he tries to put his words into actions.
China is the real power behind the "animal" it has bred  North Korea  in the view of retired Air Force lieutenant general Thomas G. McInerney. And if necessary, the United States should be prepared to use nuclear weapons to neutralize the threat North Korea represents to the United States.

With the crisis situation involving North Korea leading the news on Thursday, one of the more interesting, provocative, and sobering analyses I heard was offered by Gen. McInerney, who retired in 1994 after a distinguished 35-year career in the military that began after he graduated from West Point in 1959. During the Vietnam War, McInerney flew over 400 combat missions and then served in a variety of high-level command positions around the world. In recent years, he has been a contributor to Fox News, and he appears often in the media. On September 6, 2016, along with 88 other retired U.S. generals and admirals, McInerney endorsed Donald Trump for the presidency.

On Thursday, August 10, McInerney appeared on Sean Hannity's radio program and gave his opinions on the North Korea situation. The transcription of Hannity's Q&A with McInerney is my best effort based on the program's audio podcast that went online after the show aired.

SEAN HANNITY: All these years of appeasement haven't borne any fruit, have they? GEN. McINERNEY: No they haven't, Sean. This is President Trump's Cuban Missile Crisis. Because it's a balance of power that the Chinese have been breeding and growing the North Koreans to do this, just as the Russians have been working with Iran. Iran and North Korea are nuclear proxies for both Russia and China. What does that mean? Let's say that they [North Korea] have 50 or 60 nuclear warheads. And they get 50 missiles in the ground which the Obama administration would have said they could do and we just use the strategy of Mutual Assured Destruction. Let's say they fire off 50 of them, we knock out 40, and ten of 'em hit U.S. cities. And we destroy North Korea. What do you think the Russians and the Chinese are going to do? [Post attack] Our economy is in shambles. We're a mess after ten nukes hit us. The Russians and Chinese are sitting there smiling because we paid to arm both Iran and North Korea with nuclear weapons. This is insane! And we finally have a president that is coming to grips with it. The American public or media does not want to admit that it is a balance of power shift. It is his [President Trump's] Cuban Missile Crisis. He's going to have to stand up and we're going to have to do a number of things to make this change and be successful. One of them is to recall the Congress today. Get them back and make them pass the FY 18 defense bill because we cannot continue our build up on continuing resolutions. We have to form a Pacific Area Treaty Organization, just like NATO, to contain not only North Korea but to contain China. China is the problem. They are breeding this animal that we have in North Korea.



Gen. Thomas G. McInerney, Ret.

HANNITY: Is there any good option, General? McINERNEY: Yes. HANNITY: What is it? McINERNEY: Go back on nuclear alert at Guam with B2s and B-52s. Negotiate with South Korea and put our theater of nuclear forces back on alert in South Korea as they had when I was at Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Intelligence for Pacific Air Forces. Increase our THAAD [Theater High Altitude Area Defense] force structure in South Korea. Build up our Air Force and Naval and Marine Corps forces in the region and declare any missile launches from North Korea are hostile because of what Kim Jong-un said about attacking Guam, and we will hit them as a target before they get airborne. He must be sure that we will no longer tolerate that he launch any more missiles because of his declaration that he will hit Guam and we dont know where theyre going to go until theyve been in the air for awhile. So we have no choice. And by the way, if one artillery round comes out of North Korea on to Seoul, he [Kim Jong-un] gets our full nuclear retaliatory capability. Make sure he understands that. That artillery is no longer valid, because when we retaliate were going to retaliate with nuclear weapons. HANNITY: Am I right that millions could potentially die here? McINERNEY: Yeah, but they will be mostly North Koreans. HANNITY: What about the South Koreans, what about the Japanese, what about nuclear fallout making its way to China? McINERNEY: You can contain that. HANNITY: How can you contain nuclear fallout? How do you do that? McINERNEY: You contain it with air bursts and the size of the weapons. Look [at the nuclear] weapons we dropped on Japan  and we were in there weeks later. Im not saying its not going to be a problem, but its a problem that we can handle compared to nuclear weapons hitting U.S. cities. This president has been left with zero options in my opinion. And the fact is that unless he starts taking these actions and except for recalling Congress and creating PATO  the Pacific Area Treaty Organization  I would do it all in secret. The Russians and Chinese will pick it up with their satellites.

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 latest website is AltMedNews.net.
A couple of centuries ago, Napoleon shared his military philosophy in this way: "Gentlemen, if you're going to take Vienna, take it."

Napoleon would say this to the GOP today: "Republicans, if you promised to repeal and replace, repeal and replace."

We understand that President Trump and Senator Mitch McConnell had an interesting telephone conversation in the last day or two. Based on reports, McConnell reminded President Trump that it's tough to fulfill expectations. Apparently, Trump responded by reminding the majority leader that the latter was the one who created the expectations.

During the last seven years, "repeal and replace" was the theme of just about every GOP campaign. I can't think of one GOP candidate, with the exception of Senator Susan Collins, who actually promised to "tinker" with the law rather than repeal it.

To be fair, it was Senator John McCain, not McConnell, who killed the last effort. Nevertheless, the GOP should have been better prepared to keep this very important promise.

It was McConnell and his colleagues who raised the expectations, so don't blame the process of legislating.

It just got worse for the GOP. Some of the donors are angry:

Republican donors are protesting GOP lawmakers' failure to repeal Obamacare by withholding donations to the National Republican Senatorial Committee. At least $2 million in contributions originally promised to the NRSC have not materialized, CNN reported Tuesday. The failure of Republicans to fulfill a central campaign promise particularly concerns some donors because it could disillusion core voters heading into the 2018 midterms. The uncertainty could put the Republicans' majority  especially in the House of Representatives  at risk.

Yes, the anger is legitimate. However, I think the donors and anger will be directed at incumbents in primaries. I don't see Democrats benefiting from this anger or money. I do believe that some incumbents will go down. The anger will also show up against Democrat incumbents in red states.

The GOP could use a little Napoleon.

P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.
The Atlantic magazine has a cover that purports to explain inside "How America went haywire." The very, very, very long cover story, titled "How America went crazy," highlights a variety of false beliefs that bedevil the sort of people who don't read The Atlantic. For example:

A third of us believe not only that global warming is no big deal but that it's a hoax perpetrated by scientists, the government, and journalists. A third believe that our earliest ancestors were humans just like us; that the government has, in league with the pharmaceutical industry, hidden evidence of natural cancer cures; that extraterrestrials have visited or are visiting Earth. Almost a quarter believe that vaccines cause autism, and that Donald Trump won the popular vote in 2016.

Kurt Andersen blames Rush Limbaugh for introducing an "alternative reality," as if the media Rush critiqued were objective reality and El Rushbo a fantasist. As Clay Waters of Newsbusters summarized, "Andersen only portrays a single side of ideological slant, as if the major networks were fair and balanced before nasty Fox News came along."

I have several ideas as to when America lost its mind that would never occur to writer Kurt Andersen or the editors of The Atlantic. Here are some of them.

America lost its mind:

When it started to believe Al Gore on climate change despite all the lies and false predictions.

When it believed repeated lies that if you liked your insurance and your doctor, you could keep them, and your premium would go down.

When the Great Society programs pretended they would reduce poverty instead of making people more dependent on government.

When it believed that food stamps and unemployment are the best stimulus programs, and allowing people and businesses to keep more of their own money is not.

When it re-elected a president who left people to die in Libya while making up a lie to protect his political power. (The media never cared what Obama did that night. We still don't know.)

When it was acceptable for an organization, founded by a racist woman fond of eugenics, to kill and dismember humans for profit. (The Atlantic is a prolific and creative supporter of Planned Parenthood.)

I can think of many more reasons America lost its mind that would never occur to the folks at The Atlantic.
Spurs balls: Gareth Bales return would be a badge of lunacy

Tottenham fans looking for their club to boost the Premier Leagues second best side last term with new players are addressed by the Suns Paul Jiggins. Just as pressing f8 on the keyboard has for years given the Sun stories of Cristiano Ronaldos imminent return to Manchester United, we now get news of Gareth Bales Spurs homecoming:

With Spurs suddenly looking vulnerable, Levy needs to do more than merely ensuring the current playing squad is retained. He needs to make a statement. And there would be no bigger one than taking up the first option Tottenham have on buying back Gareth Bale if and when he becomes available.

If and when might well be words familiar to Spurs fan whose side have one a single trophy this century, but they arent exactly the way a savvy operator like Daniel Levy, the clubs chairman, is likely to dwell on.

As for buying Bale, perhaps Jiggins could suggest a fee? He continues:

Levy still wears the 86m sale of the Welsh wizard to Real Madrid four years ago as a badge of honour. Buying Bale back would be an even greater one.

Why stop there? Why not get more badges and buy back Luca Modric from Real or get Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal? Well, one issue might be the money. Take Danny Rose, the Tottenham and England defender on 65,000-a-week. Rose watched Kyle Walker leave Spurs for around 50m and secure a 180,000-a-week deal at Manchester City. Tottenhams Toby Alderweireld is on around 50,000-a-week. The only way Bale will rejoin Spurs is if all parties lose the plot.

PS: Spurs fans I know arent overly bothered about who the club didnt buy. But they are impressed by who they didnt sell.

Anorak

Posted: 11th, August 2017 | In: Back pages, News, Sports, Spurs Comments (3) | TrackBack | Permalink
Get whitey: the monstering of Eric Bellquist

Innocent Eric Bellquist denies being the jogger who allegedly shoved a woman into the path of a London bus. Bellquist categorically denies he was involved. Presumption of innocence matters. But the media has been engaging in a voracious feeding frenzy, monstering Mr Bellquist.

The BBC says: Eric Bellquist, 41, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

The Standard adds: Eric Bellquist, 50, was detained by detectives on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. He was questioned at a south London police station and later released without being charged.

As the papers argue over his Bellquists age  hes 41  we see footage from CCTV cameras showing a bus on Putney Bridge swerving to avoid a 33-year-old womans head. The BBC claims she was pushed into the path of an oncoming bus by a jogger. Investigating officer Sergeant Mat Knowles says: It was only due to the superb quick reactions of the bus driver that she was not hit by the vehicle. True enough.

Meanwhile, lawyers acting on behalf of Mr Bellquist make the following statement:

This statement is issued in relation to our client Mr Eric Bellquist, who was arrested yesterday in relation to an assault that took place between a male jogger and a female pedestrian on the 5th May 2017 on Putney Bridge, London. Our client has been wrongly implicated in this matter. He categorically denies being the individual concerned and has irrefutable proof that he was in the United States at the time of the incident. Consequently, we expect a swift resolution to this wholly untrue allegation.

But who is he?

CBS says: U.S. man denies hes jogger who pushed woman into traffic. Over in the Sun, Bellquist is not longer just a man, he is a wealthy American banker. The Standard bills him as a partner at Mayfair private equity firm. To the Guardian he is a Partner at private equity firm.

Does the mans job matter? Whats his bank balance got to do with anything? Would we care more if the alleged victim were a vicar or a vivisectionist? What facts are left in and what facts are left out matters, no?

On Buzzfeed, the Sun, the Guardian and more we learn about Mr Bellquists career in finance. Were told the name of his employer and who their clients are. Buzzfeed tells us hes a graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder. Which means? Dunno. But thanks to such intrepid reporting (ie looking at his Linked In profile), we now all know where to find the man who has stated his innocence. The Times says Mr Bellquist works in Pall Mall, central London, and lives in a red-brick mansion block in Chelsea.

And then it gets worse. Craig Jackson, head of psychology at Birmingham City University, went on Good Morning Britain to analyse this rare incident. The Guardian transcribes:

I think what were looking at here is an embodiment of what we often see as cis privilege, or you might want to call it white male privilege. This is clearly an individual who, upon seeing someone in his path, veers towards them and not only does he barrel them over, but he continues to run down the road without even looking back to make sure theyre okay.

Them? But only one person ends up on the floor.

That to me is quite horrifying behaviour and I think what were looking at here is the pedestrian equivalent of road rage. Its very, very worrying  it could have been murder or manslaughter.

Might be better to arrest all white males as suspets now and save time later.

PS  Eric Bellquist is innocent.

Anorak

Posted: 11th, August 2017 | In: News Comments (3) | TrackBack | Permalink
- TEL AVIV - Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority will hold their first ever joint emergency services drill in mid-October.



Italy, Spain, France and Croatia will also take part. The drill, called Middle East Forest Fire (MEFF) and planned for October 22-26 in Israel and Jordan, will test the skills of all participants to deal with operations such as rescuing those trapped under collapsed buildings and other emergency situations. Jordan will send two helicopters, 60 rescuers, 40 fire engines and 15 medical teams, Israel Hayom reports.



The Palestinian Authority is slated to send two firefighting planes, a command plane and transport planes, as well as 15 rescuers and 40 fire engines.



France, Italy, Spain, and Croatia will each send medical and rescue teams and firefighting planes.
Catching up is a noble ambition, but the quantity of music at the Ystad Sweden Jazz Festival and the tight scheduling make it all but impossible to be comprehensive. My notebook is overflowing with impressions. Here are brief reports on a few performances.

The festivals opening concert was by the New York band The Rad Trads, whose blend of traditional, jazz, rock and folk music accounts for their name. They enlivened the ancient courtyard of Per Helsas Gard for an hour and a half before they led the festivals celebratory opening parade through Ystads streets. In the photo below you see The Rad Trads. Directly below the upraised bell of Michael Fatums trumpet is Japanese alto saxophonist Yosuke Sato.

A couple of days later at Per Helsas Gard, the energetic Sato co-led a group with guitarist Jacob Fischer, rested from his Tuesday concert with Hans Beckenroth at the Klosterkyrkan. From the aural evidence, Satos playing seems to have been influenced equally by Cannonball Adderley and Phil Woods. He and Fischer opened with Adderleys Wabash, then burned through several choruses of Sonny Rollins Airegin, a classic from Rollins tenure with Miles Davis in the 1950s. It must be tempting for a saxophonist with Satos technique to fully use it . He may have loaded at least one virtuosic run too many into his choruses on Johnny Mandels Emily, but apart from that it was a superb solo, as was the following one by Danish pianist Zier Romme Larson. The Fischer-Sato group took the 1920 Al Jolson hit Avalon fast, Charlie Parkers Confirmation faster than fast. The speedier tempos had the unexpected effect of encouraging Sato, pianist Larson and Fischer to introduce more space into their solos, a welcome development.

Angels At The Museum

The Swedish bassist David Carlsson presented his Davids Angels at the Konstmuseum in downtown Ystad. The angels were vocalist Sofie Norling, pianist Maggi Olin, the Danish drummer Michala stergaard-Nielsen and as featured guest artist, Canadian trumpeter Ingrid Jensen.

A leader in her own right and often a member of Maria Schneiders New York big band, Jensen was compelling with and without the electronic augmentation that she has made a specialty. Her use of loop effects and echo controlled by a foot pedal helped give Carlssons minor-key Now That Its Over an eerie cast reminiscent of Middle Eastern music. She was all over the full range of the trumpet, often squeezing out sequences of notes in the extreme upper register. Carlsson is, to say the least, an active player. His lines on the electric bass inflect the bands work with jazz-rock undercurrents.

In a piece that Carlsson said was about getting rid of stuff in your life, Jensen and Norling performed voice-trumpet unison passages and Norling displayed her extremely personal way of scat singing. In her improvisation, Jensen quoted the title phrase of John Coltranes A Love Supreme, a fitting reference in this 50th anniversary year of the saxophone masters death. Among the surprises delivered by Davids Angels was Jensens use of her trumpet as a percussion instrument. She lightly pounded the mouthpiece with the palm of her hand as she held the horns bell to a microphone. It created the desired popping sound, buta warning to trumpet playersthe action may cause you to cringe and wonder if shes jamming the mouthpiece irretreivably into the horn. There is no video of the Ystad concert, but in a performance captured earlier at the Gustav Adolfs Church in Helsingborg youll get a sense of Norlings flexible vocalizing, a bit of Jensens trumpet work including the mouthpiece whacking, and the style of Carlssons band. The piece is called Im Not Sorry At All.

Al Foster Quintet Plays Charlie Parker The veteran drummer Al Foster opened his quintets concert at the Ystad Theatre with Charlie Parkers Klactoveedsedstene, establishing with the Lady Be Good contrafact Fosters and the bands bebop leanings. Foster confirmed the orientation by following with Parkers My Little Suede Shoes, which featured whimsy and surprise in a solo by pianist Adam Birnbaum, solid mastery of the idiom in bassist David Weisss solo, and masterly drum breaks by Foster. The sets highlight was a solo by alto saxophonist Mike DiRubbo on Lover Man, a ballad Parker struggled with in a troubled period of his heroin addiction. Parkers flawed recording of it has, nonetheless, long been a favorite of saxophonists. In his impassioned solo on the piece, DiRubbo achieved originality while reflecting Parkers continued influence 71 years after the . Trumpeter Freddie Hendrix followed with a solo that matched the excellence of DiRubbos. It was a good night for them and for the Foster band in general. Karolina Almgren Leading an unusual quintet, Swedish soprano saxophonist Karolina Almgren reflected little direct influence by Parker but considerable ingenuity in a band that included the Finnish cellist Anni Elif Ececioglu. The cello added warmth and fullness to the ensemble. As she has in the Fanny Gunarsson Quartet and Sisters of Invention, Almgren confirmed that she is one of the most interesting Scandinavian musicians of her generation. Two drummer-percussionists interacted with Almgren, bassist Isa Savbrant and Ececioglus cello. The drummers were Algrens mother Martina and her sister Malin. The resulting music had textures, swirl and movement that supported Almgrens explorations. Bassist Savbrant provided the harmonic floor and rounded out an intriguing all-female group. In the most uncanny timing of the festival, Almgren had just announced Heres That Rainy Day when the skies opened and sent many of the listeners in the Hos Morten Cafes courtyard scurrying to shelter under a tree or in the covered entryway. The concert continued on the protected bandstand, with some listeners covered by hooded plastic ponchos. The rain soon passed. Hakan Brostrom and Ebbot Lundberg A concert by Hakan Brostroms New Places Orchestra featuring Ebbot Lundberg turned out to be an Ebbot Lundberg concert only marginally featuring Brostroms inspired saxophone playing. For years, Lundberg led a pop-rock band called The Soundtrack of Our Lives. At Ystad, he aggressively delivered one number after another. The well-crafted arrangements occasionally opened to make room for solos by Brostrom, guitarist Johan Lindstrom, trombonist Karin Hammar and other band members. Brostrom was moving in his soprano sax solo on a piece called Drowning in a Wishing Well. However, the afternoon was clearly meant to be Lundbergs. He filled it to overflowing with his big, deep voice and outsized personality
Jon Rappoport

Polly Tommey, producer of the famous documentary, Vaxxed ( trailer ), has been banned from Australia. If that sounds quite insaneit is.Vaxxed has been screening across the world. It is an explosive revelation about egregious fraud at the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC).The film focuses on the 2014 public confession of a long-time researcher at the CDC, William Thompson. Thompson admits that he and his colleagues committed a crime, by manipulating data to give the MMR vaccine a free pass, proving it had no connection to autismwhen in fact, as Thompson states, the vaccine does raise the risk of autism in children.Here are a few statements from the The Sydney Morning Heralds report , headlined: Anti-vaccination advocate banned from Australia after documentary tour.The producer Polly Tommey behind a controversial anti-vaccination film which has been touring Australia has been banned from returning to the country for three years, she claims.Ms Tommey spearheaded a sold-out national roadshow of the documentary Vaxxed: From Cover-up to Catastrophe organised by the Australian Vaccinations-Skeptics Network.In a video, posted to Youtube on Tuesday, Ms Tommey claimed authorities seized her phone and copied her emails as she left Australian soil to continue the New Zealand leg of the film tour.They (Australian Border Force) told me I was banned from Australia for three years and that I would be getting a letter to confirm this, Ms Toomey said.A number of secret screenings of the documentary and Q&A sessions were hosted in Australia, including one last week at Villages Crown casino cinemas in Southbank and another in Melbournes eastern suburbs.I contacted Polly Tommey, and she sent me this statement, quickly typed on her phone as she was heading to New Zealand:After a very successful 2 week tour of Vaxxed in Australia with packed out venues including the Australian National University I went through passport control in Adelaide airport on route to New Zealand, I was traveling with Anu Vaidya, our social media directorhe was allowed straight through (we are both on the same business visas and both do the same work, Q&As and stories from parents via social media) I was detained.They took my phone and asked for my password which I gave them (I have nothing to hide) they screenshot emails between AVN [ Australian Vaccinations-Skeptics Network (on facebook )] and Vaxxed. They grilled me on Vaxxed and who made money from the documentary, they asked me about Andy Wakefield [also involved in the films production].They told me I was banned from Australia for 3 years and I would receive an email to explain in due course. They then gave me my phone back and let me board a plane to New Zealand.Australias press did this, they promoted Vaxxed and our tour. We barely filled the venues before they wrote endless articles with quotes from health ministers saying how Vaxxed is dangerous lies. From that moment on the venues were packed with waiting lists, they are their own worst enemies.I dont need to go back to Australia, the people are strong and know what to do. They are as angry as the rest of the world at the death and destruction of our babies and loved ones.Doctors, medical bureaucrats, and government officials in Australia are foaming at the mouth, releasing statements against Vaxxed and warning how dangerous the film is , and how it should not be shown and seen.These Orwellian lunatics want to cancel the publics right to have access to information. Dont think, obey.Here is their strategy in a nutshell: they want to equate certain information with shouting fire in a crowded theater and, therefore, claim the right to free speech and free assembly is canceled.Actually, and quite literally, theyre the ones shouting fire in a crowded theater. Because they want to empty the theaters.The content of Vaxxed is all about exposing the lies of official science.Toxic vaccination is destroying the brains of babies and children.Whether you agree or disagree with that last statement, trying to outlaw conversation about it and intimidate people who want the conversation is sheer totalitarian madness.Polly Tommey is a woman who stands for what she believes and puts everything on the line. She has delved deeply into the protected secrets of the medical establishment. She has emerged with a film brimming with knowledge.In a half-sane world, she would be hailed as a hero.Obviously, the customs agents who detained and questioned her, as she was leaving Australia, who told her she was banned from the country, were acting on behalf of higher-ups.Those medical, political, and pharmaceutical higher-ups want silence.From you.They want you to shut up and close your eyes and march straight ahead into the future they are laying out for you.A future ever more toxic.Are you going to give in? Are you going to abandon your natural right to search for the truth? Are you going to suck on the teat of the State and thank your betters for the morsels they hand you?Are you going to believe this surrender to the State has no danger?Are you going to stop worrying and learn to love Big Brother?(To read about Jons mega-collection, click here .)
Stretching eastwards from Myanmar through Thailand and Cambodia to Vietnam, the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) aims to further integrate the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by improving connectivity and trade. In Cambodia, new clusters are growing around border towns and in existing industrial hubs along the route of the SEC. Foreign businesses are investing in Cambodia, benefiting from both the countrys cheap labor pool as well as the improved connectivity brought on by the SEC.

SEC: A snapshot

The SEC is one of the many development projects initiated in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). The GMS is a natural economic area loosely connected by the Mekong River  the 12th longest river in the world. The GMS spans an area of 2.6 million square kilometers and a total population of 339 million people, as of 2015. In 2015, trade within the GMS amounted to US$444 billion.

In partnership with the Asian Development Bank, the GMS Program for subregional cooperation was established in 1992 to facilitate economic cooperation and growth between Cambodia, Chinas Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The SECs principle route extends eastwards from Dawei (Myanmar) and passes through Bangkok (Thailand), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) before terminating at Vung Tau (Vietnam). Additional sub-routes bring improved connectivity between Cambodia and its neighbors:

With Laos through Dong Kralor

With Thailand through Poipet and Cham Yeam

With Vietnam through An Dong Pech, Bavet, and Kep.

Additionally, a SEC subroute connects Cambodias capital Phnom Penh with the countrys Sihanoukville Port.

The SEC (one of the three ongoing economic corridor projects in the region) will make it easier for both domestic and foreign businesses to do business and access markets along its route.

Improved infrastructure and connectivity

Though still vulnerable to occasional adverse weather conditions, Cambodias highways now facilitate direct overland connectivity between Thailand and Vietnam. According to a 2014 study, freight travel from Bangkok to Phnom Penh through the SEC takes approximately 24 hours while passenger travel takes 11 and a half. Freight travel from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City takes roughly 14 hours whereas passenger travel takes 5 and a half.

The Phnom Penh aiport has already undergone upgrades, increasing its capacity to 5 million annual passengers. The airport at Sihanoukville  an important port city connected by a sub-route to the SEC is currently undergoing upgrades to increase its capacity to 500,000 annual passengers.

The Neak Loeung Bridge (otherwise known as the Tsubasa Bridge) is the latest in improvement in connectivity with the SEC. Completed in April 2016 with development assistance from Japan, the Neak Loeung Bridge spans the Mekong River,connecting Cambodias Kandal and Prey Veng provinces while drastically improving the ease of traveling from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City.

Why Cambodia?

Cambodia is an ideal location for labor intensive and export-oriented manufacturing. Cambodia benefits from the European Unions Everything But Arms Scheme which allows underdeveloped nations duty free access to the EUs market for all export goods.

Cambodias garments industry, for example, has attracted the attention of major players such as Adidas, Armani, the Gap, and Marks & Spencer. Cambodia possesses a large and low cost workforce. A garment workers monthly income in Cambodia, for instance, averages at US$153.

Cambodia remains dependent on imported inputs for manufacturing. Factories located near borders, or else on the SEC, can benefit from Cambodias relatively cheap labor and export incentives while easily sourcing inputs from neighboring countries.

In the first four months of 2017, investment in Cambodias construction sector increased by 43.3 percent. Cambodias growth is accelerated by industrial clusters near its borders which optimize Cambodias potential.

Growing industrial clusters in Cambodia

Poipet

Originally a small Cambodian border town and gambling hotspot for Thai nationals, Poipet is expanding with ambitions of becoming an automotive parts manufacturing hub.

Automotive manufacturers (predominately from Japan) are establishing factories in Poipet  taking advantage of the readily available low-cost labor and cheap electricity imported from Thailand.

Poipet currently possesses three special economic zones (SEZs): the Poipet ONeang SEZ, the Sanco Poipet SEZ, and a new Poipet branch of the Phnom Penh SEZ.

Poitpet is located only 240 kilometers from Thailands Laem Chabang Sea Port  itself an important part of Thailands own Eastern Economic Corridor.

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is a major destination on the SEC. Phnom Penh specializes in light labor-intensive industries such as garments and footwear, food and beverage, and consumer products.

However, the new Kerry Worldbridge SEZ  situated just 20 kilometers away from Phnom Penh  aims to create a logistics hub and encourage more automotive and value added electronic production. The Kerry Worldbridge SEZ is a US$100 million project built on 155 acres of land.

The main SEZ in Phnom Penh as well as the most developed SEZ in Cambodia is the Phnom Penh SEZ (PPSEZ). The PPSEZ currently has an estimated 80 tenants and 15,000 employees. Notable corporations already present in PPSEZ include Coca-Cola, Toyota, and Yamaha.

Bavet

Bavet is situated along the Cambodia-Vietnam border and is located only 80 kilometers from Vietnams main commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City. Aside from being a center for the readymade garment (RMG) industry, Bavet is also becoming a cluster for the production of watches. Companies engaged in manufacturing watches  whether the band or bezel  are clustering together to turn Bavet into a watch village.

Bavet currently possesses three principle SEZs: Manhattan SEZ, Tai Seng, and Dragon King. Though smaller, these border SEZs benefit from ease in ability to trade and source materials. Their proximity to Vietnams Vung Tau Port further increases their international reach.

Cambodia: Thailand plus one?

The establishment and ongoing improvements to the SEC are nurturing manufacturing clusters that benefit from improved logistics and connectivity.

Foreign businesses looking to establish manufacturing facilities in Southeast Asia can avail from incentives in Cambodia while simultaneously taking advantage of reliable sourcing of inputs and electricity from neighboring countries.

Furthermore, the success of the SEC will stimulate intra-ASEAN trade  creating new access to an array of emerging markets. With increased activity along the SEC, Cambodias clusters will continue to grow, making Cambodia a new manufacturing hotspot of ASEAN.
The inter-ministerial group was constituted to look into the financial stress in telecom sector.

Large scale policy intervention may not be required for telecom, according to an inter-ministerial group on telecom.

New Delhi: Large scale policy intervention may not be required for telecom as "green shoots" have become visible in the sector during first quarter, according to a source in the inter-ministerial group on telecom.

At the same time, the group is considering certain measures, including increasing period of deferred spectrum payments to 16 years, a proposal that could bring some relief to the industry.

The inter-ministerial group - constituted to look into the financial stress in telecom sector and give its recommendations - met here on Friday to discuss the issues.

The sources said the next meeting could be held on August 16 and there is a possibility that the report may be signed on August 17.

The recommendation of the group will be placed before the telecom commission and ultimately to the Cabinet. Emerging from the one hour meeting, the source who

participated in the meeting said that the general thinking in the IMG is that big bang policy intervention may not be required given the "green shoots" that are now visible in the industry.

However, the source said that a final decision on the matter has not been taken and further discussions will be required.

"We have the demands of the industry on the table but what is required or not required is the question," the official said.

As of now, the proposals that are being considered by the IMG include giving telecom companies more time to pay for the spectrum they bought. If approved such proposed relaxation will improve the cash flow of telecom companies.

Currently, a portion of spectrum auction amount is taken as upfront payment by Department of Telecom (DoT) and the balance after a two-year moratorium is paid out every year in 10 instalments.

The telcos may be given 16 years instead of 10 years for such deferred spectrum payment, another member of IMG said.

The other proposals being discussed include convergence between DoT guidelines and RBI guidelines on the issue of allowing spectrum as a collateral.

Another proposal being considered is shifting from PLR to MCLR for interest and penalty payments.

The inter-ministerial group, in June, had held extensive consultation with all telecom players and large banks on the industry's financial difficulties.

Large operators have been flagging pressure on profitability and revenue, and have blamed competition intensified by the entry of newcomer Reliance Jio for their woes. The industry has a debt of Rs 4.6 lakh crore, and has been seeking sops to overcome the crisis.
Sidharth says, We have shot widely in Kashmir  I havent witnessed anything negative, or a sense of stress. They are very resilient there.

Actor Sidharth Malhotra shot widely in Kashmir for his upcoming film Aiyaary. While its not been easy for many filmmakers to get the right permit to shoot in Kashmir, Sidharth reveals he had a rather smooth experience shooting.

Sidharth says, We have shot widely in Kashmir  I havent witnessed anything negative, or a sense of stress. They are very resilient there.

The actor says that there is more to Kashmir than what is being showcased in the daily news. He says, I am very impressed with the armed forces. They understand that they need to send a positive message to the people by allowing a film to be shot there. There is a part of Kashmir that is very peaceful; and it can be as functional as you allow it to be.

Directed by Neeraj Pandey, Aiyaary features Manoj Bajpayee and Sidharth in lead. Revealing more about his film, he said: Our film is very relevant to that climate. Our film is based on the army military intelligence. We shot in London and Delhi  its almost done. Neeraj shoots really fast. He knows how to get the best performance from his actors. I admire him.
For a decent amount of time, Toilet: Ek Prem offers us the pleasure of watching him be loosely jhalla.

Rating:

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar, Sudhir Pandey, Divyendu Sharma, Anupam Kher

Director: Shree Narayan Singh

The first curious item we see in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha is a row of women squatting behind bushes and doing, you know, dum laga ke Just then a letch on a tractor sniggers and flashes headlights at them.

The Lota Party, as they call themselves, immediately covers their faces, while their behinds remain exposed.

Next we meet Jaya (Bhumi Pednekar), who doesnt hesitate for a second to lob Bhagwanjis prasad  a hairy, hard coconut  at the same lecherous tractor man.

That was Mandgaon, where women were doing it khulle-mein. This is the gaon next door, where potty is done in the privacy of ones lavatory.

Jaya, a local topper and moonh-phat, lives with mummy Vidya, papa Jagdish and a learned uncle (played by Anupam Kher) who is often in their drawing room watching Sunny Leone.

Cut back to Mandgaon where we meet Keshav (Akshay Kumar) who has had many love stories but no happy ending. Hes romancing a woman about to marry another while he must return home to marry a bhains  a big, black, four-legged thing called Mallika.

Keshav, 36, who works at his fathers cycle dukan, is not just manglik, but also has a very bad dosh in his kundali. He must only marry a woman with an extra thumb, a la Hrithik.

Keshavs younger brothers constant jokes  Bhabhi jawaan ho gayi, Doodh ki dukan ho gayi he croons, serenading Mallika  irritate him no end.

So when Jaya bursts into him while hes doing his you know, much cuteness and silliness follows. And soon, a fake thumb binds them in janam-janam ka bandhan.

But on their suhaag raat, even before the crack of dawn, Jaya is woken up by a knock on her window. Its an invitation to join the Lota Party.

And there on begins the new-naveli bahus toilet ke liye tandav in a house where Keshavs Babuji (Sudhir Pandey) wraps his janayu around his ears twice before peeing in the drain outside his house.

In fact, their entire village is doing susu-potty in the open because they think its a dirty paap to have tulsi and commode in the same angan.

Well, come to think of it, Main potty tere aangan ki doesnt quite have a ring.

As pressure builds up inside Jaya, her anger rises and she patkos bartans zor-zor se.

Keshav, who can only slink around problems instead of confronting them, comes up with many jugaads. But then the inevitable happens and Jaya goes home to do potty in peace.

What follows are rousing speeches by both husband and wife about Bharat deshs weird sanskriti and parampara about shitting in anothers backyard.

It is very difficult to pull off a decent, articulate film about shit and sandaas that doesnt make the viewer squeamish.

Potty is an icky subject, and the way it is done here, at least initially, is empowering.

Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, shot in Mathura, doesnt flinch even once while championing the right of women to take a dump in the security and privacy of their homes.

Without timidity or awkwardness, it forges ahead, chucking lotas here and there, demanding womens right to crap to when they want, and where they want.

Though the film uses the T-word (tatti), and presents private shauchalays as the new challenge to upper class Hindu mardangi, so Brahminical is the film that we do not get even a fleeting darshan of any humans fecal offering. We do, of course, get to see gau-mata Mallika defecating.

For a long time, in fact, the film takes a seemingly honourable stand about waging a potty revolution. It quotes Sanskrit and shastas and goes after panchayat and pandit for standing in its way. But apart from that, not much happens.

Toilet: Ek Prem Katha really is the sum total of a lovey-dovey couple hunting for haagu places and bhashan-baazi. And yet it manages to go quite shitty after the interval.

Coiled in this seemingly straight-forward love story that is desperate to take saat-pheras around a Western commode, is such shameless toadying to Modi sarkar that my potty is toh now stuck forever.

While initially Toilet: Ek Prem... devotes itself rather ardently to an issue thats often minimised by us city folk, towards the end it takes special pains to twist and yank the screenplay to shove in heavy-duty aarti of Modiji and his Swachchh Bharat Abhiyaan.

As Toilet: Ek Prem goes through the labyrinth of Indian bureaucracy in search of a commode, we are told that the sarkar has already done everything; and its the people who are refusing to sit on ceramic potties.

We are also told that the rape and murder of Badayun girls was simply a toilet problem and not a law and order one.

People, it screams, are to blame for the potty scams; the system is all clean. And the teeny-weeny crap that may still be lying around, will be cleansed by Akshay Kumar, one flush, one more sycophantic film at a time.

The pandering is so obsequious that the media  desi and foreign  is duly dissed, and demonetisation invoked as if it were a Brahmastra thats already destroyed all evil.

Worse, theres not even an acknowledgement of the irony that Gandhiji and his ideals have been reduced to toilets. And forget intervention, theres not a single mention of the men and women who have for centuries cleaned upper caste shit.

As far as I know, nobody from Dilli sarkar has gone out yet, officially at least, to recruit Akshay Kumar to become its chief propagandist in Bollywood. But then, a national award for a pretty third-rate film with third-rate acting is a divine bulawa of sorts.

Akshay Kumars Toilet: Ek Prem Katha is a response to that Modiji ka bulawa. And it is fully in servile service of PM Modi and his favourite chief minister.

Thats sad because Akshay Kumar is in excellent form here. Hes always had very fine, very sharp comic timing, but here we get to see him in his more natural form.

Theres an intrinsic chichora-pan in Akshay Kumar that, when set free, dances about on the screen with delightful abandon. Its insanely funny and inimitable.

For a decent amount of time, Toilet: Ek Prem offers us the pleasure of watching him be loosely jhalla.

Next to him is the warm and expressive Bhumi Pednekar. She was excellent in Dum Laga Ke and though the role she plays here is quite similar to that one, theres a living-breating realness to her thats very attractive and endearing.

I just wish that preening next to her, Akshay Kumar wasnt slowly transforming into a mukut-dhaari, lion-straddling Bharat Mata. But he is.
SC made it clear that no adjournment will be given in any circumstance.

The bench made it clear that the parties would have to strictly adhere to the time frame fixed by it and no adjournment shall be given in any circumstances. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday decided to hold the final hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute from December 5 and made it clear that no adjournment shall be given in any circumstance.

The apex court, after an intense deliberation for more than one-and-half-hours, reached a consensus on commencement of the hearing on the cross-appeals filed against the 2010 judgement of the Allahabad High Court.

The high court had ruled a three-way division of the disputed 2.77 acre area at Ayodhya among the parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and the Ram Lalla.

A specially constituted bench, headed by Justice Dipak Misra, asked the contesting parties to complete the translation of the exhibits of the documents likely to be relied upon into English within 12 weeks since these were in eight different languages.

The bench, also comprising justices Ashok Bhushan and Abdul Nazeer, asked the Uttar Pradesh government to complete within 10 weeks the translation of the evidence recorded for adjudication of the title dispute in the high court into English.

The bench made it clear that the parties would have to strictly adhere to the time frame fixed by it and no adjournment shall be given in any circumstances.

Senior counsel CS Vaidyanathan, appearing for Lord Ram Lalla and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the UP government, pressed for early hearing of the matter, but senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Anoop George

Chaudhari and Rajeev Dhavan, representing other parties, were not in favour of commencement of the hearing before January, 2018.
Petrol bombs were hurled at the GJM office in the early hours, the police said, adding that the entire office was gutted.

Darjeeling: A Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) office was set ablaze by unidentified persons in Darjeeling on Thursday, while the party claimed it had not received any formal invitation from the West Bengal government for talks as the indefinite strike in the hills entered its 57th day.

Petrol bombs were hurled at the GJM office in the early hours, the police said, adding that the entire office was gutted.

This was the first instance of a GJM office being attacked since the party called the indefinite shutdown in the Darjeeling hills.

The GJM leadership accused the police and district administration of attacking its office. The police, however, denied the allegation.

Meanwhile, in a statement, GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said, "During the last one week, (Chief Minister) Mamata Banerjee has announced only at public meetings and to the media that she is open to discussions to resolve the impasse."

He alleged that this was nothing but an "eyewash" as "no formal communication (in this regard) has reached the GJM".

"It seems that she (Banerjee) is misleading not only the GJM but the entire population of Bengal. It shows that she is not sincere and honest in her statements, acts and deeds and is reluctant to find out an amicable solution (to the crisis). She is rather trying to camouflage the scenario with a double standard strategy," alleged Giri.

His comments came in the backdrop of Banerjee, earlier this week, urging the hill parties to shun violence and come to the discussion table.

"The GJM still feels that the long-pending issues of the Gorkhas should be attended to without further delay by both the state and central governments," said Giri.

Asked if the GJM was ready for talks with the state government, he said, "Only party supremo Bimal Gurung can answer your question."

Condemning the incidents of looting and torching the vehicles carrying essential commodities to the hills, Giri said, "It is being said that these incidents were the handiwork of masked miscreants. In reality, these were efforts to damage the image of the democratic agitation by the GJM and create a sense of fear among the masses."

In a jibe at the state government, he said it should arrest those outsiders, supporting the GJM's separate Gorkhaland demand, whom it claimed to have identified.

The GJM leader alleged that the state government and police had "let loose a reign of terror through indiscriminate arrests and slapping of non-bailable charges" against the activists of the party.

Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Gautam Deb, however, dismissed the allegations levelled by Giri as "completely baseless".

"We had earlier told them to shun violence and sit for talks, an offer they declined. Our government wants peace in the hills. What violence are they (GJM) talking about? What have they done over the last two months in the hills?" he asked.

Asked about Giri's claim that no formal invitation for talks was sent to the GJM, Deb said, "We had repeatedly asked them (GJM) to come forward for talks, but they said they would only talk to the Centre. They did not attend the all-party meeting convened by the state government. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had repeatedly requested them to sit for talks. What else do they want?"
Gorakhpur is the constituency of UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath and the BRD Medical University is the biggest medical facility in Purvanchal.

The liquid oxygen plant at BRD Medical College had been installed two years ago and piped oxygen supply was given to 300 patients at a time. (Photo: ANI)

Lucknow: Thirty children have died in Gorakhpur in the past 36 hours due to lack of oxygen in the Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College. District magistrate Rajeev Rautela admitted to the deaths, but said most were due to encephalitis. Its normal for 10 deaths to take place in encephalitis and neo-natal wards, he said.

Sources said 23 children died on Thursday and seven more on Friday. The state government later issued a statement claiming no deaths had taken place due to the shortage of oxygen. The government spokesman blamed the media, particularly television channels, for spreading misinformation.

The spokesman claimed that only seven deaths had taken place due to medical reasons.

Doctors at BRD Medical College said the company that supplied liquid oxygen to the hospital  Pushpa Sales  had stopped the supply after its pending bills amounting to Rs 66 lakhs were not cleared. The oxygen supply went dry on Thursday night.

The liquid oxygen plant at BRD Medical College had been installed two years ago and piped oxygen supply was given to 300 patients at a time. After the plant went dry, doctors used ambu-bags but oxygen through this could not be given beyond two hours on Friday.

The company had sent repeated reminders to the authorities at the government hospital and medical college, considered among the states biggest. They said the technician at the hospital had also informed the authorities of dipping oxygen levels, but no heed was paid.

Some of the children who died have been identified as Junaid, Abdul Rehman, Lavkush, Jyoti, Shalu, Khushboo, Fruity, Shivani and Aarushi.All of them were admitted to the encephalitis ward.

The district magistrate said he was informed of the disruption in oxygen supply on Friday, but the hospital authorities said they had made alternative arrangements.

UP minister for medical education Ashutosh Tandon did not even have any information about the deaths. Gorakhpur is the constituency of UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath and the BRD Medical University is the biggest medical facility in Purvanchal.

The chief minister was in Gorakhpur and adjoining districts on Wednesday and Thursday, where he held review meetings and admonished local officials for laxity. He also visited the BRD Hospital Wednesday to check on the facilities for treatment of encephalitis, which has become a regular epidemic in eastern UP.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said the incident should be treated as murder of 30 children and that the guilty should be punished accordingly. Samajwadi Party spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary, on the other hand, demanded the resignation of chief minister Yogi Adityanath for criminal neglect that had caused the deaths.
The meeting is bound to send a strong signal to China that India will stand by Bhutan come what may.

New Delhi: External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday met her Bhutanese counterpart Damcho Dorji, who hoped the standoff between India and China in Doklam sector will be addressed peacefully and amicably. Both leaders met during the sidelines of the regional grouping, Bimstec, in Kathmandu.

Time with a close friend and neighbour. EAM meets with FM of Bhutan Damcho Dorji on sidelines of Bimstec Foreign Ministers meet, ministry of external affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. The meeting is bound to send a strong signal to China that India will stand by Bhutan come what may. The standoff had begun in mid-June when Chinese troops tried to construct a road in Doklam, which India and Bhutan both regard as the Bhutanese territory. China, however, regards the territory as its own.

During the Foreign Ministers meet, Ms Swaraj said, For India, Bimstec is a natural choice to fulfill our key foreign policy priorities of Neighbourhood First and Act East ... Our resolve to impart a fresh dynamism to Bimstec has provided hope and optimism to our people.

India is now increasingly investing its hopes for regional cooperation in Bimstec (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation)  which does not have Pakistan as a member  instead of Saarc, which has become dysfunctional due to Pakistans stonewalling tactics.
JD(U) executive to meet in Patna on August 19; buzz over party joining Modi government.

New Delhi: Bihar chief minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah and sent a message to rebel leader Sharad Yadav that he was free to take his decision. Mr Yadav is miffed with Mr Kumar for joining hands with the BJP, that he claimed was a betrayal of the mandate given in the last Assembly elections in the state.

This was Mr Kumars first visit to the nations capital after the JD(U) quit the Mahagatbandhan in Bihar, ending its ties with the Lalu Prasad Yadav-led RJD and the Congress, and joining hands with former ally BJP to run the state government. Mr Kumar also met JD(U) MPs, who apparently urged action against former party president and senior leader Sharad Yadav and three other leaders for going against the party line. Later in the day, the JD(U) suspended its Rajya Sabha MP and another rebel, Ali Anwar Ansari, from its parliamentary party for attending the Opposition parties meeting here Friday.

Speculation is rife that at least two JD(U) leaders could join the Narendra Modi government in the next reshuffle and expansion, which is likely to take place this month. The JD(U)s national executive is meeting in Patna on August 19, where its leadership is expected to announce the decision to formally join the BJP-led NDA.

After his meeting with the Prime Minister at Parliament House, Mr Kumar, replying to questions by reporters on Mr Yadav, said: He (Yadav) is free to take his decision. As far as the party is concerned, it has already taken its decision. The decision was not mine alone and it was taken with the consent of the party. If he has a different opinion, he is free to do so.

Miffed over the JD(U) joining hands with the BJP, Mr Yadav is now touring Bihar for a direct dialogue with the people and had dubbed the partys decision to form a new government with the BJP as a betrayal of the peoples mandate. He had also claimed that the real JD(U) was with him and the one with Mr Kumar was the sarkari JD(U).

Mr Kumar described his meeting with the Prime Minister as a courtesy call and said he would visit Delhi again this month end to discuss Bihars development issues with the PM. The JD(U) described Mr Kumars meeting with BJP president Amit Shah as a courtesy call to wish him on his entry to the Rajya Sabha.

Asked if the party would also join the Modi Cabinet, a JD(U) leader said such a decision will be natural. He said: When we are together in government in Bihar, it is only natural that our party joins the Union government. He added, though, that such a decision will be taken by Mr Kumar and the party was yet to discuss it. The JD(U) has 12 members in Parliament  two in the Lok Sabha and 10 in the Rajya Sabha.
The CM also claimed she informed the PM that the state was going through a difficult situation though there was a gradual improvement.

New Delhi: Jammu & Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given her 100 per cent assurance that he would fully support the agenda of governance of the PDP-BJP combine in the state, which clearly mentions there will be no change with the current status of Article 370.

Ms Muftis comments came after her meeting with the PM in the wake of recent reports that she was trying to evolve a larger political consensus on any possible move to revoke the constitutional provisions that grant special status to J&K.

The agenda of alliance clearly states there would be no fiddling with Article 370 and the status quo would be maintained. Since this is the basis of the agenda, no one can go against it. The PMs response was very positive and he has given a 100 per cent assurance on the agenda between the two parties, Ms Mufti said. The PDP and the BJP are alliance partners in J&K.

Ms Mufti had also met home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday amid the ongoing discussion over revoking the special status for J&K, which has also been challenged in the Supreme Court through a PIL.

The CM also claimed she informed the PM that the state was going through a difficult situation though there was a gradual improvement. Ms Mufti said there was a view among people in the state that their identity was in danger and a clear message needed to be sent out that there was no such possibility.

During the time of accession, despite being a a Muslim-majority state, (J&K) took a different decision to join our country, India. The state has a very peculiar diversity where everything is different... as even though being a Muslim-majority state, there are Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists living in there too. It was a question that the idea of India has to accommodate with the idea of Jammu and Kashmir, the CM added.

Ms Mufti said J&K was the crown of India, and after what the state went through last year there should be no discussion on contentious issues like the special status as wounds were gradually getting healed. Despite J&K being a Muslim-majority state, it rejected the two-nation theory and joined this country with the view that aspirations, identity would always remain alive. And that identity should always remain alive, she added.
It was Nitish's first visit to New Delhi after he jettisoned the alliance with RJD and Cong, and sealed a tie-up with BJP on July 26.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar later had a luncheon meeting with Amit Shah in which both leaders are believed to have discussed ongoing political developments and other issues related to the state. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on Friday as his party prepares to join the NDA after forming the government in the state in alliance with the saffron party.

It was Kumar's first visit to the national capital after he jettisoned the alliance with the RJD and the Congress, and sealed a tie-up with the BJP on July 26.

He told reporters after meeting Modi that it was a courtesy call and he will visit Delhi again in August end to discuss Bihar's developmental issues with the Prime Minister.

He later had a luncheon meeting with Amit Shah in which both leaders are believed to have discussed ongoing political developments and other issues related to the state.

JD(U) sources said the party is expected to announce its decision to formally join the BJP-led NDA in its national executive meeting on August 19 in Patna.

Asked if the party will also join the Modi cabinet, a JD(U) leader said such a decision will be "natural".

"When we are together in government in Bihar it is only natural that our party joins the Union government," he said.

However, he added that such a decision will be taken by Kumar and the party had not deliberated over it yet.

The JD(U) has 12 members in Parliament, two in the Lok Sabha and 10 in the Rajya Sabha.

Its leader in the Rajya Sabha Sharad Yadav has rebelled against the alliance with the BJP but apparently does not enjoy much support among other party's lawmakers.

Kumar almost shut the door on any reconciliation with Yadav, saying he is free to take any decision as the alliance with the BJP had the entire party's nod.

"He (Yadav) is free to take his decision. As far as party is concerned, it has already taken its decision. The decision was not mine alone and it was taken with the consent of the party. If he keeps a different opinion, then he is free to do so," Kumar said.
Leaders of 16 oppn parties, led by Sonia Gandhi, met to deliberate on evolving an 'alternative narrative' to counter the BJP.

Party spokesperson KC Tyagi said Ansari has been suspended from the parliamentary party for attending the meeting of opposition parties despite the JD(U) severing its ties with the Congress-led UPA. (Photo: YouTube grab)

New Delhi: The JD(U) on Friday night suspended its Rajya Sabha member Ali Anwar Ansari from the parliamentary party for attending a meeting of opposition parties convened by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

Party spokesperson KC Tyagi said Ansari has been suspended from the parliamentary party for attending the meeting of opposition parties despite the JD(U) severing its ties with the Congress-led UPA.

Leaders of 16 opposition parties, led by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, met in New Delhi on Friday to deliberate on evolving an "alternative narrative" to counter the BJP.

Tyagi also hit out at Gandhi for trying "encroach upon" the party by interfering in its internal matters. Ansari had criticised JD(U) President and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's decision to walk out of the grand alliance in Bihar and form government with the BJP.
However, the Nationalist Congress Party skipped the meeting on an 'alternative narrative' to counter the BJP.

Leaders of 16 opposition parties, led by Congress President Sonia Gandhi, met in New Delhi on Friday to discuss plans to counter the BJP. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi/Ahmedabad: Leaders of 16 opposition parties, led by Congress President Sonia Gandhi, met in New Delhi on Friday to deliberate on evolving an "alternative narrative" to counter the BJP.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) skipped the meeting. The reason, sources say, might be the NCP being miffed with the Congress after it expressed doubts over its integrity. There were reports that two MLAs of the NCP in Gujarat might have voted for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and not for Congress candidate Ahmed Patel in the Rajya Sabha elections.

Meanwhile, with Ahmed Patel emerging victorious in the Gujarat Rajya Sabha polls, the NCP on Wednesday reminded the Congress that this triumph happened because of their help, and the grand old party must remember this in the future.

"This was indeed a nail-biting finish, his (Ahmed Patel) own MLAs (Member of Legislative Assembly) ditched him. Now, the Congress must remember this in future, reciprocate it and treat us like a younger brother," NCP senior leader Majeed Memon said.

The meeting on Friday was, however, attended by dissident JD(U) MP Ali Anwar Ansari, who is opposed to his party's alliance with the BJP in Bihar.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee attended the meeting, besides leaders of Left parties.

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said that the opposition parties have to build an alternative narrative to counter Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP, whose political power has reached a historic high in the last three years after the party won a series of Assembly polls.

He said that this could be done through effective strategy and taking up of pro-people issues such as the agrarian crisis. The meeting would deliberate on these matters, he said. He indicated that a small group of opposition leaders might be formed to carry forward the consultation process.
The 16 parties, which attended the meeting, decided to form a sub-group to prepare a common agenda ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament.

New Delhi: Opposition unity took yet another hit on Friday with Sharad Pawar-led NCP deciding to skip a meeting called by Congress president Sonia Gandhi to chalk out a strategy for the coming months.

The Nitish Kumar-led JD(U), which defied the Oppositions decision and went with the NDA in the presidential election, also did not attend the meeting. A party MP who took part in the deliberations, against the partys decision, was penalised. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury deliberately left after 40 minutes into the meeting, claiming that his party had problems over an electoral alliance with the Congress, sources said.

The 16 parties, which attended the meeting, decided to form a sub-group to prepare a common agenda ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament.

Sources said five major issues were identified for attacking the NDA government. These include demonetisation, the hasty implementation of the goods and services tax (GST), farmers plight, rising unemployment and the political witch hunt of Opposition leaders.

The NCP claimed that it had skipped the meeting in protest against Congress allegation that its two MLAs did not vote for Congress leader Ahmed Patel in Gujarat Rajya Sabha poll.

NCP leader Praful Patel said even when his party had issued a three-line whip to its MLAs to vote for the Congress, leaders of that party were accusing it of not supporting Ahmed Patel.

After we issued a whip to our MLAs, they voted for the Congress. Why should we be accused of not supporting it? That is why we decided to boycott this meeting, Praful Patel said.

Apart from the NCP, the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) stayed away from the Opposition meeting. However, the partys Rajya Sabha MP Ali Anwar Ansari, who has sided with senior leader Sharad Yadav and vocal critic of Mr Kumars tie-up with the NDA, attended the deliberations. Mr Ansari was promptly suspended from the parliamentary party.

After initially raising the bogey of Opposition unity, the Bihar chief minister has since switched sides to the NDA, however, Mr Yadav has refused to accept his decision.

Sources said the Opposition leaders discussed taking up state-specific issues to corner the BJP and forming on a common minimum agenda.

In the meeting, Mr Yechury said that the Left parties were working towards building an alternative narrative against the NDA government through peoples struggle.

Sources said there was a suggestion, which was keenly supported by some parties, that there should be joint public meetings in major cities. However, Mr Yechury said the Left has a problem with such a programme. The CPI(M) leader also said that the Left had problems over having an electoral alliance with the Congress.

Such meetings are not effective. It would look more like a tamasha if we go to public without any narrative, sources quoted Yechury as saying.

He said if there is a peoples struggle, the Left would support it. He also recounted how some parties had chickened out of the plan to collectively protest against demonetisations last year.
The vice-president of the country is the ex-officio chairman of the Upper House of Parliament.

New Delhi: Former Union minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Friday took oath as the 15th vice-president of the country at a ceremony in the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, which was attended by Prime Miniser Narendra Modi along with political leaders cutting across party lines.

Hours later, Mr Naidu chaired the Rajya Sabha proceedings on the last day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament and in his familiar style, told the members that while the Opposition must have its say but at the end of the day, the democracy says that the government must have its way because it has the mandate. He also said that he is now an all-party man.

The vice-president of the country is the ex-officio chairman of the Upper House of Parliament.

While Mr Naidu is the 15th vice-president, he is the 13th person to hold the constitutional post. His predecessor Hamid Ansari and the first vice -president S. Radhakrishnan had held the post for two consecutive terms.

Welcoming Mr Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it is a tribute to the Indian democracy that people rise from humble and rural backgrounds to the highest constitutional positions. Mr Modi said Mr Naidu is the first vice-president to be born in independent India and besides having long experience, is well-versed with the intricacies of parliamentary procedures and the functioning of the House.

All constitutional positions today are occupied by poor or sons of farmers or commoners, Mr Modi as he recalled his long association with the new vice-president. Mr Modi said Mr Naidu has always been sensitive to the needs of rural areas, poor and farmers and his inputs on these issues have been of immense value. Mr Modi said the day holds a historic value as on this day, Khudiram Bose, a 18-year old young revolutionary of the freedom struggle, was hanged by the British.

Describing Mr Naidu as a son of a farmer, who joined the student movement on a call given by J P Narayan, the PM said that he has since risen from the ranks to lead the second highest constitutional position in the country. Mr Modi said even as the urban development minister Mr Naidu gave more inputs on rural and farmer issues and said he was the one who gave the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana - a scheme most sought after by the MPs for development of their constituencies. He expressed confidence that Naidu would rise to the occasion and his conduct would win him accolades from opposition benches as well.

Recalling his humble background, Mr Naidu said the beauty and majesty of our parliamentary democracy and its strength as well is that it can lift a commoner like me to such an exalted position and offer opportunities to discharge onerous responsibilities that go with this position...

Quoting former President Pranab Mukherjee, Mr Naidu said the House should debate, discuss and decide on issues but disruptions should be avoided. He also said that he did not approve of legislations being passed in the din and emphasised that it can happen when there are no disruptions. Many opposition parties members, in their welcome speech had requested him that no bill should be passed in the din. Mr Naidu said that members belonging to various parties were political rivals but not enemies.

We have to keep this in mind and work together, he said and added that all members should work to strengthen the country in line with their views and ideologies. Mr Naidu said that if all follow the rules, everyone will be able get the opportunity to speak as time management is crucial.

Earlier, Union law minister Ravishankar Prasad hoped that Mr Naidus rich experience will help in the better functioning of the House and took pride in the fact that he was among those who had emerged as young leaders under Mr Naidus guidance as BJPs president. The Union minister said as party president, the new Vice President had helped prop up many young leaders like himself and Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, who now hold important positions in the government.

Addressing the opposition benches, Mr Naidu said the best time of his career was during his opposition days when he would raise issues. He said he was a bitter critic but still did not cross the limits.

Speaking about the role of the Rajya Sabha, he said it is known as a sobering House, known for the quality of debate. Mr Naidu also advised the media to shun sensationalism and focus more on constructive debates that take place in the House.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of House Arun Jaitley, Leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad were among those who were present in the House as the Vice President spoke.

In his welcome speech, Mr Jaitley recalled Mr Naidus long journey from being a political worker to the Vice President. Congress leader Anand Sharma said that Mr Naidu had the experience of being on both sides, whether the opposition or the treasury.

Referring to Mr Naidus comments that he was above party politics, Mr Sharma said it was important that both sides are treated justly.

Shiv Senas Sanjay Raut said Mr Naidu joined politics as a student leader, then went on to head the BJPs student wing and has today returned to head a class with members like me as its students.

RPI(A) chief and Union minister Ram Dass Athawale in his inimitable style lent some homour to the House by saying it was very difficult to run the House and most difficult to unite the BJP and the Congress.

Members of the smaller parties requested that justice should be done with them in terms of giving them appropriate time to speak.

TMCs Derek OBrien urged Mr Naidu to continue his practice of using acronyms and made an acronym of Mr Naidu as Now All Indias Dearest Umpire.

In his last remarks as the member of the House, CPI(M)s Sitaram Yechury expected Mr Naidus innings in the Upper House to be very illustrious.

JD(U)s Bashistha Narain Singh congratulated Mr Naidu from his behalf as well as people of Bihar and wished him best wishes and success.
China urges US to give fair ruling on aluminum foil dispute

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-08-11 10:06

BEIJING - China on Thursday urged the United States to make a fair ruling on an anti-subsidy dispute about Chinese aluminum foil products.



The US Department of Commerce made a preliminary decision on Monday local time to slap hefty anti-dumping duties on Chinese exporters and producers of aluminum foil.



There are no grounds to accuse China's downstream aluminum companies of benefiting from subsidies, and it is unreasonable to label Chinese raw aluminum and steam coal producers and commercial banks as public institutions, said Wang Hejun, head of the Ministry of Commerce trade remedy and investigation bureau.



The US Department of Commerce launched anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations into imports of aluminum foil from China in March in response to a request from the US Aluminum Association Trade Enforcement Working Group.



China is highly concerned that recent US investigations into Chinese aluminum products might have a major impact on aluminum foil trade and will offer relief to the US aluminum industry, Wang said.



China urges the United States to act prudently to avoid damaging economic relations between the two countries, Wang said.
A team at the University of California conducted the study.

Washington: A team of researchers has discovered a switch outside the brain that can help insomniacs get their ZZZs back. The University of California, Los Angeles scientists reported the first evidence that a gene outside the brain controls the ability to rebound from sleep deprivation - a surprising discovery that could eventually lead to greatly improved treatments for insomnia and other sleep disorders that do not involve getting a drug into the brain.

The scientists report that increasing the level of Bmal1, a critical master gene that regulates sleep patterns, in skeletal muscle makes mice resistant to sleep deprivation. "When we first saw the importance of the muscle, we were surprised," said senior author Ketema Paul. "At first we didn't believe it, so we repeated the experiment several times. We finally realized this is not a mistake; this is real."

The research is the first evidence that a biological clock in the muscle can communicate with the brain, and is potentially good news for people who lose sleep because of factors including a crying newborn or a job that does not allow for normal sleep cycles, such as active military service. Turning Bmal1 off throughout the brain and body in mice, using a molecular genetic technique, impaired their ability to rebound from sleep deprivation, the researchers reported.

Restoring the gene in the skeletal muscle enabled the mice to rebound from the sleep deficit, while restoring the gene in the brain, surprisingly, did not. Increasing the level of this gene in skeletal muscle also made mice less sleepy after longer periods of sleep deprivation. The researchers increased the level by genetically inserting extra copies of the gene into the genome of the mice.

The researchers, who worked for more than three years on this series of studies, did not see any negative consequences of increasing Bmal1 in the muscle. Bmal1 is a master gene that turns other genes on and off, he said. Perhaps in the future, Paul said, scientists will produce a pill that increases the level of Bmal1 in the muscle, or even better, increases the level of the specific gene that is communicating with the brain's master circadian clock. "We have a few candidates that we're studying," Paul said.

The study is published in the journal eLife.
Burglar is bitten on the hand by an African parrot named Rocky, helping officers tie him to scene of crime from blood spatter.

Rockys bite made Vitalijs blood was all over the room leaving police to pick up DNA samples which tied Kiseliov back to the scene of crime

A dangerous burglar was finally caught by police when he was attacked by a familys protective pet in what appears to be a really botched up raid on their home.

The burglar Vitalij Kiseliov who is of Lithuanian origin was bitten on the hand by an African parrot named Rocky.

The 37-year-old burglar met his match when he was trying to burgle a couples home in Kent. He had snatched a laptop and a phone before spotting the bird in his cage and tried to swipe him to sell.

The African Grey fought back and bit him on the hand before the enraged crook threw Rocky out of the window.

However, Rockys bite had already done the trick and Vitalijs blood was all over the room leaving police to pick up DNA samples which tied Kiseliov back to the scene of crime.

Victims Peter Rowing, 72, and his wife Trudy, 70, have hailed their parrot a crime-fighting hero.

Mr Rowing said he reckoned the burglar had tried to pinch Rocky, who they've looked after for more than 20 years, but got 'more than he bargained for'.

Rocky was soon reunited with his owners after their granddaughter put out an appeal on Facebook for anyone to look out for the parrot.
Emmii she has frozen patty as evidence, spokesman for brand says it is unlikely it occurred in their restaurant.

Emmii also posted a copy of her receipt for the Happy Meal, which cost around 1.80. (Photo: Pixabay)

A mother was left disgusted when she opened her toddlers McDonalds cheeseburger to find it crawling with maggots.

The news which was covered by Australias 9news reported that Emmii Mchugh took to Facebook to share gruesome footage of the burger which was part of a Happy Meal. She had bought it for he rthree-year-old.

The mother lives in Maryborough, north of Brisbane.

Emmii also posted a grim video which showed the tiny maggots crawling all over the video patty, a thing that the mum discovered, only after her son had taken a bite.

Emmii also posted a copy of her receipt for the Happy Meal, which cost around 1.80.

The furious mum said shes now frozen the burger to preserve it for investigation.

A McDonalds spokesman told The Sun Online: It is very unlikely this occurred in our restaurant; we have great confidence in our food safety and handling procedures.
The police were on the lookout for the suspect since three alleged AQIS operatives were arrested in 2015.

The Delhi Police were searching Ali for over a year, ever since three alleged Al-Qaeda operatives were arrested in 2015. (Photo: ANI)

New Delhi: Ahead of Independence Day, two men with suspected links to Al-Qaeda were arrested here in two separate cases, police said on Thursday.

In the first case, the Delhi Police's Special Cell arrested 29-year-old Syed Mohammed Zishan Ali, suspected to be linked to the terror outfit. He was arrested in New Delhi on Wednesday after being deported from Saudi Arabia.

The police were on the lookout for the suspect ever since three alleged AQIS (Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent) operatives were arrested in 2015.

Ali was involved in assembling "disgruntled and radicalised" youths and training them at camps the AQIS was planning to set up here, police said.

The Special Cell got on Ali's trail following arrest of suspected AQIS members in December, 2015, who had revealed that Ali was a key member. He was even declared a proclaimed offender, they added.

One of the arrested AQIS men, Abdur Rehman, had told police that Ali was operating for the terror outfit from Saudi Arab along with his brother Syed Mohammad Arshiyan alias Haider and brother-in-law Sabeel Ahmed, police said.

Ali is married to the sister of Sabeel Ahmed, who was arrested in connection with the 2007 Glasgow airport attack and later released.

On Wednesday, the police were informed about 30 Indians, including Ali, being deported from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia due to visa violation. Ali was nabbed from the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Wednesday, said a senior police officer.

Ali, who belongs to Jamshedpur, was part of the network which was planning to create a terror base in the country, he said.

"There were plans to start training camps in the jungles of Jharkhand but their plan was foiled," said the officer.

In Saudi Arabia, Ali would pose as cell phone dealer or an employee of a private firm while carrying out his recruitment activities, police said, adding his links with Pakistan-based terror outfits were also being probed.

Raja-ul-Ahmed (25), with links to al-Qaeda, was the other man arrested by the Delhi Police on August 1 following a tip-off from the West Bengal Police.

A senior officer from the Delhi Police said Ahmed is wanted in a case of Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) by the West Bengal Police, who alerted their counterparts here about his place of hiding.

Ahmed is a suspected member of Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), an al-Qaeda-inspired group in Bangladesh.
Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta, in his plea to the Speaker, sought issuing of a contempt notice against AAP MLA Nitin Tyagi.

New Delhi: The BJP and AAP legislators on Thursday moved separate pleas before Speaker Ram Niwas Goel over use of "unparliamentary" langauge in the ongoing session of the Delhi Assembly.

Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta, in his plea to the Speaker, sought issuing of a contempt notice against AAP MLA Nitin Tyagi and other legislators of the ruling party for using unparliamentary language against him and his colleague Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, AAP legislator Somnath Bharti sought action against Gupta and Sirsa, on similar charges.

The Speaker met the warring legislators in his chamber to resolve the issue but in vain. The complainants will meet him again tomorrow for resolving the matter.
The victim told the police that his friends, suspected to be juveniles, forced him to consume beer with them.

New Delhi: A 16-year-old boy was allegedly stabbed by two of his friends at southeast Delhi's Badarpur area for refusing to drink with them, police said on Thursday.

The incident was reported to the police last week.

The victim told the police that his friends, suspected to be juveniles, forced him to consume beer with them. But when he refused, they hit him with a stone and later stabbed him, police said.

The suspects are on the run, they added.
The minister repeatedly emphasised in the House that the government will ensure that power tariff is not increased, come what may.

New Delhi: Snubbing the power distribution companies, which are demanding a tariff revision citing huge losses, Delhi power minister Satyendar Jain on Friday said that the Aam Aadmi Party government will not allow any hike in power tariff this year. The minister repeatedly emphasised in the House that the government will ensure that power tariff is not increased, come what may.

He alleged that the BJP was trying to effect a tariff hike through the back door. Power tariff in Delhi has remained unchanged over the last two years. The last increase, of 5 per cent, was in 2014. We have made our calculation and submitted it to the DERC. We will make sure that there is no tariff hike even this year. The BJP is trying something opposite, which is to effect a hike, Mr Jain said.

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has initiated the annual exercise pertaining to the revision of the tariff. It has held one round of discussion on the demands submitted by the discoms  BSES and TPDDL (Tata Power).

The aggregate revenue requirement (ARR) of the discoms have been pegged at: BSES Rajdhani  Rs 9,052 crore, BSES Yamuna  Rs 4,892 crore and Tata Power  Rs 7,680 crore. However, according to the discoms the figures should be more as the DERC has used their demands made last year to arrive at the ARRs. Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta did raise this point during his intervention in the discussion over the matter. He sought to know the status of the Business Plan Regulations, pending which discoms will not able to submit their fresh petitions. Mr Jain did not respond to this.

Meanwhile, Mr Jain also claimed that power tariff in the national capital will come down significantly if power purchase agreements with power generators, signed by the previous government, are cancelled.

At present, the power tariff in Delhi is as follows: consumption up to 200 units  Rs 4/unit, for 200-400 units  Rs 5.80-5.90/unit, 400-800 units  Rs 7.30/unit. The exact rates vary after taking into account taxes and rebates. Under the AAP governments flagship subsidy scheme, for consumption of up to 400 units, a discount of 50 per cent is given.
Low spending during last five years was due to delays in preparing annual action plan.

Mumbai: A day after Public Accounts Committee rapped the home department over unspent funds, a fresh report by Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on has slammed the state government over poor implementation of Modernisation of Police Force in Maharashtra during last five years. Terming it as far from satisfactory implementation of the Modernisation of Police Force, the report pointed out that the state could spend only 38 per cent of the total funds released under the scheme.

The low spending during last five years was mainly due to delays in preparation and submission of Annual Action Plan (AAP) to the central government, causing consequent delays in approval of plans and release of funds, the report on general and social sector said.

It has also questioned many components, which were meant for modernisation of the force. There was a shortfall of 1564 vehicles for the force. During 2011-16, only 8 per cent of the planned residential and non-residential buildings, which also include police station, could be constructed or upgraded. The digital radio trunking system procured at a cost of Rs 9.56 crore was not commissioned despite delay of 39 months thereby defeating the objective of upgrading the police communication network from the old analog system to the new encrypted digital system, it said.

Worse still, the report has also pointed out that there was a shortage of 65,026 modern weapons constituting 45 per cent of the total requirement of the state. Vital police equipment valuing Rs 28.76 crore such as, bullet-proof jackets, night vision binoculars, bomb disposal suits, protable x-ray machines planned for procurement under the AAPs of 2011-16 (excluding 2014-15) hand not been procured as of September 2016, the CAG said.

Even the technical staff was not recruited and that affected the functioning of forensic science laboratories leading to the pending investigation of 34,171 samples (18 per cent) on January 1, 2017. The report has also pointed out that forensic equipment procured at a cost of Rs 98.91 lakh remained dysfunctional since its installation in August 2011 as it showed erratic results and the equipment was eventually not found suitable for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances analysis.

Sachin Sawant said that The coastal security has been a problem for a long time and the state has not taken adequate measures for the coastal security after 26/11 terror attacks. We have been demanding that the state home department should have a separate minister but it has not been fulfilled yet, Sawant said targeting the CM who heads the home department.

FUNDS FOR PROCUREMENT?

This is not the first time that the CAG has pointed out laxity in implementing modernisation of police force scheme in Maharashtra. In fact, the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday, which examined the previous CAG report on the same scheme, has also come down heavily on the state. It has rapped the state home department for not purchasing arms and vehicles within stipulated time after 26/11 terror attacks. The Centre approved procurement in February 2013, however, the funds remained unspent, the PAC observed. It has also said the procurement of police vehicles and arms is a sensitive issue.

LACK OF MODERNISATION

The ministry of home affairs (MHA) has been supplementing the efforts and resources of the states by implementing the Scheme for Modernisation of State Police Forces (MPF Scheme) since 1969-70. The scheme was launched because it was found that the states were not able to fully modernise and equip their police forces up to the desired level due to financial constraints. The objective of the scheme is to gradually reduce the dependence of the State Governments on the Army and the Central Armed Police Forces to control internal security and law and order situation.
Chaudhary, a 1983 batch officer, is at present posted as director of Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA).

Shimla: IAS officer Upma Chaudhary has been nominated as a member of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration by Economics and social council (ECOSOC).

Chaudhary, a 1983 batch officer of Himachal cadre, is at present posted as director of Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA).

She would be part of the 25-member committee responsible for providing policy advice and programmatic guidance to ECOSOC on issues related to governance and public administration, particularly implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, an official statement said.

The committee would meet for its 17th session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from April 23 to April 27, 2018, it said.
Sylvia Adams, of northwest D.C., told NBC4 her Galaxy S6 caught fire in her bedroom.

Samsung had a particularly unpleasant 2016, evidently due to the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, wherein hundreds of smartphones caught fire, reportedly due to an issue pertaining to the devices battery. The extent of the smartphones battery problems was such that the South-Korean technology giant had to follow it up with a global recall of millions of Galaxy Note 7 units, ultimately forcing them to take the smartphone off from the listings. The events caused much damage to Samsungs brand, in terms of consumers relying on the smartphone manufacturers future innovations. In short, Samsung wouldnt want to face something like this ever again. However, following the incident and subsequent brand-fixing activities carried out by the firm, there are still many consumers who have reported that their Samsung-branded smartphones are experiencing similar problems, wherein their devices batteries are overheating and even catching fire in the process.

On a similar note, a North-West DC-resident, Sylvia Adams recently told NBC4 that her Samsung Galaxy S6 had caught fire in her bedroom. I was talking on the house phone and then all of a sudden, I heard this sizzle and then I looked and I saw flames, she said. She revealed the burn marks that the explosion had left on her blanked, top sheet, fitted sheet and mattress. The woman tried knocking the device off her bed, which ended up burning her hardwood floor as well. This phone almost burned my house down, she claimed.

Whats especially surprising about this particular case is the fact that Samsung hadnt even listed the Galaxy S6 smartphone in its recall list. Therefore, this further goes on to suggest that the issue is not only pertaining to Galaxy Note 7 units, but many of the other Samsung-branded smartphones that come packed with lithium-ion batteries which get easily overheated, and ultimately catch fire.

Immediately I called Samsung, Adams said. Then I called you all, Adams told NBC4.The company was quick at responding to her complaint, as a free replacement was immediately provided to her.

This isnt the first time that Galaxy S6 smartphone has caught fire. Previously, as listed on SaferProducts.gov, there have similar multiple reports about Galaxy S6 smartphones catching fire. Users have complained about the device catching fire, while charging. Samsungs Galaxy S7 Edge has also made it to reports, for bursting into sparks and flames by its users. This is particularly worrisome because Samsung has made an official statement, suggesting that no other of its smartphones have any battery issues, or other bigger problems that might end up in such consequences.

Samsung stands behind the quality and safety of the more than 10 million Galaxy S6 family phones in the US, a Samsung spokesperson said in a statement. We have reached out to Ms. Adams to retrieve the device and learn more about what happened. Until Samsung is able to obtain and examine any device, it is impossible to determine the true cause of any incident. Mobile phones are complex devices and there are many factors that could contribute to their malfunction. Any customer who has questions or experiences an issue with a Samsung product should contact us directly at 1-800-Samsung."
India and the United States will co-host the summit in Hyderabad from November 28 to 30, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

A decision in this connection was taken when Modi and Trump held their first meeting at the White House in June. (Photo: AP)

Washington: US President Donald Trumps daughter Ivanka will lead the American delegation at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in India, starting from November 28.

Ivanka Trump will lead the US delegation to India this fall, supporting womens entrepreneurship globally, Trump said in a tweeted on Thursday, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement on the micro blogging site.

.@IvankaTrump will lead the U.S. delegation to India this fall, supporting womens entrepreneurship globally.#GES2017 @narendramodi  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2017

India and the United States will co-host the summit in Hyderabad from November 28 to 30, Modi said.

Look forward to Ms Ivanka Trumps presence at Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of US delegation, he wrote in the tweet.

Look forward to Ms. Ivanka Trumps presence at #GES 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of the US delegation. @realDonaldTrump @IvankaTrump  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 10, 2017

Honored to lead the US delegation to #GES2017 in India & meet with Prime Minister Modi & passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe! Ivanka, said in a tweet on Thursday. She also posted a picture of her shaking hands with the prime minister.

Honored to lead the US delegation to #GES2017 in India & meet with Prime Minister Modi & passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe! pic.twitter.com/yVyGGWua2x  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) August 10, 2017

A decision in this connection was taken when Modi and Trump held their first meeting at the White House in June.

Ivanka, 35, is also the advisor to the US president. In her tenure, she has emerged as a strong advocate of women and child issues.
Tu-154Ms flight over Capitol, Pentagon cleared by U.S. under global treaty.

Washington: A low-flying Russian airplane created a buzz in the nations capital on Wednesday, but it turns out the surveillance flight over the Capitol, Pentagon and other sites was cleared by the US government under a long-standing global treaty. The flight, which was filmed by the Associated Press, was permitted under the Open Skies Treaty.

The Russian air forces Tupolev Tu-154M  similar to a medium-sized airliner  appeared to have left Moscow early Wednesday and flown through Reykjavik, Iceland, before entering US airspace around Virginias Chincoteague Island. The plane then made several passes around the D.C. metro area for about an hour at lunchtime. It also veered into Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, often at low altitudes.

Russia and the United States are signatories to the treaty, which allows unarmed observation flights over the entire territory of all 34 member nations. The flights are intended to foster transparency about military activity, reduce mistrust or misunderstandings and help monitor arms control and other agreements.

Dan Gaffney, a spokesman for the Pentagon, said he could not confirm the path of the plane until its mission was over. A typical mission has several segments (flights) taking place over a few days, Gaffney said.

But the US Capitol Police issued a heads-up, saying an authorised low-altitude aircraft would enter restricted airspace over the Capitol between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The aircraft will be large and may fly directly over the US Capitol, the statement said. This flight will be monitored by the US Capitol Police command center and other federal government agencies.

Since the treaty entered into force in 2002, there have been more than 1,200 Open Skies flights. According to the Pentagon, the overflights are conducted by unarmed observation aircraft equipped with certain types of film and sensors that are certified under the treaty.

The Pentagon says that before the flights, each state is given the flight plan of the mission and an escort team flies aboard the aircraft to make sure it complies with the treaty. After each flight, the host nation gets a copy of any imagery taken by the observation aircraft.

Senior US intelligence and military officials have expressed concern that Russia is taking advantage of technological advances to violate the spirit of

the treaty. Steve Rademaker, former assistant secretary of state for the bureau of arms control, told Congress in past hearings that Russia complies with the Open Skies Treaty, but also violates spirit of the accord.
The warning of Trump came hours after North Korea state media released a detailed plan of the military to be presented to Kim Jong-Un.

US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to North Korea, asking them to 'get their act together'. (Photo: AP)

New York: US President Donald Trump on Thursday issued a fresh warning to North Korea, asking them to "get their act together" to avoid facing "fire and fury like the world has never seen."

Trump said, "If North Korea does anything in terms of attacking us or our allies then they will be very very nervous as things will happen to them as like they haven't thought possible."

"North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States," Trump added. "They will be met with fire, fury and frankly power the likes of which this world has never seen before."

This stern warning of Trump came hours after North Korea state media has released a detailed plan of the military to be presented before Kim Jong-Un to fire four ballistic missiles near the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, a major military hub and home to the U.S. bombers.

The intermediate-range missiles would be fired east and over Japan before landing around 30 to 40 kilometres (18 to 25 miles) off the coast of the tiny island if the plan is implemented, CNN quoted statement of state-run KCNA.

Guam is more than 3,000 kilometres from North Korea.

U.S. State department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said "Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's stand is very clear as there are diplomatic and military means both are strong and capable in the face of the threats by North Korea or other nations."

A day ago North Korea announced its military is "preparing and examining" a plan to launch a missile strike on the strategic U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, just hours after President Donald Trump warned the regime that any threat to the United States would be met with "fire and fury."

North Korea issued the warning through its state-run KCNA news agency, wherein it was specifically mentioned that a potential strike could be launched on Andersen Air Force Base designed "to send a serious warning signal to the US."

The base is one of two on the Pacific island, which are the closest bases on US soil to North Korea, and represent western most tip of the country's military might, the CNN reported.

Taking into account the threat and the fear of residents, Guam's governor, Eddie Baza Calvo, released a video address, reassuring the island's residents that there was no escalated threat.

"I want to reassure the people of Guam that currently there is no threat to our island or the Marianas," he said.
Chinas own reclamation work did not end in mid-2015 with the completion of its artificial islands in the Spratlys.

The AMTI website on Wednesday posted satellite pictures that it said showed Wang's statements were false. (Photo: Representational/File)

Manila: China is expanding artificial islands in disputed South China Sea areas despite saying it stopped two years ago, according to a security think tank that released satellite images it said showed the land reclamation.

Beijing claims most of the sea and has been turning reefs in the Spratly and Paracel chains into islands, installing military aircraft and missile systems on them an activity the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) said was continuing.

"China's own reclamation work did not end in mid-2015 with the completion of its artificial islands in the Spratlys. Beijing continues to reclaim land farther north, in the Paracel Islands," the security think tank said on its website.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum in Manila on Monday that Beijing completed its South China Sea reclamation activities two years ago.

"I also wanted to tell you that two years ago, China had already completed the reclamation. That is something I can tell you for sure," Wang said, adding "it is not China" which was conducting ongoing reclamation activities.

The AMTI website on Wednesday posted satellite pictures that it said showed Wang's statements were "false".

China has since 2015 dredged a new harbour and added 10 hectares (about 25 acres) of land on Tree island in the Paracels, and has recently completed a new helipad and installed wind turbines and photovoltaic solar arrays there, it said.

Since reclamation work to connect on two other Paracel islands was washed out by a typhoon last October, China has undertaken additional reclamation and built new structures there, it added.

China claims nearly all of the strategically vital sea, through which $5 trillion in annual shipping trade passes and is believed to sit atop vast oil and gas deposits. Its sweeping claims overlap with those of ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei, as well as Taiwan.

China on Sunday scored a diplomatic coup when foreign ministers from the 10-member ASEAN bloc released a diluted joint statement on the dispute that failed to mention China on the issue and agreed to its terms on how to negotiate a resolution.

Nevertheless, China was angered by wording in the statement pushed by Vietnam that expressed concerns by some about land reclamations, even though it did not name Beijing. The Philippines had for many years stood alongside Vietnam as one of the strongest opponents to Chinese expansionism.

A United Nations-backed tribunal ruled last year that China's territorial claims in the sea were without legal basis. But the Philippines, under President Rodrigo Duterte's new administration, decided not to use the verdict to pressure. It instead built closer ties with China in return for billions of dollars worth of investments and aid.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano told reporters on Tuesday he had lobbied against referring to land reclamation in the ASEAN statement because he believed China had stopped. "They (Chinese) are not reclaiming land anymore," Cayetano said.
No trace of the Malaysia Airlines plane, which disappeared in March 2014 with 239 people on board, was found during a lengthy deep sea hunt,

Ocean Infinity, a seabed exploration firm with a fleet of advanced underwater search vehicles, confirmed last week it had offered to resume the hunt. (Photo: Representational/File)

Kuala Lumpur: Relatives of passengers aboard missing flight MH370 Friday demanded Malaysia accept a US exploration firm's offer to take up the hunt for the aircraft, which was suspended earlier this year.

No trace of the Malaysia Airlines plane, which disappeared in March 2014 with 239 people on board, was found during a lengthy deep sea hunt in the southern Indian Ocean off western Australia, with the search called off in January.

Ocean Infinity, a seabed exploration firm with a fleet of advanced underwater search vehicles, confirmed last week it had offered to resume the hunt.

Malaysian authorities have said discussions are ongoing and the firm only wants payment if the aircraft is found.

Voice 370, an international group of MH370 next-of-kin, urged authorities to take up the offer, saying in a statement: "Why hasn't Malaysia accepted this win - win offer?"

The group said the offer was made more than four months ago and it should be accepted "without further delay", and urged authorities to provide them with details. Neither Ocean Infinity nor the Malaysian government have said when the proposal was made.

"We are constantly in limbo. They (authorities involved in the search) do not engage us. It is upsetting and frustrating," Grace Nathan, a Malaysian lawyer whose mother Anne Daisy was on the plane, told AFP. "We are always kept in the dark." Malaysian transport officials could not be reached for immediate comment Friday.

Malaysia's Deputy Transport Minister Aziz Kaprawi previously said the agreement of Australia and China would be needed for a deal to be reached.

China, where most of the passengers came from, and Australia were both involved in the search. Only three fragments of MH370 have been found on western Indian Ocean shores, including a two-metre wing part known as a flaperon.

Australia's national science body CSIRO said in April that MH370 was "most likely" lying north of the former search zone a 120,000 square kilometre (46,000 square mile) area largely defined through satellite "pings" and the flight's estimated fuel load.
North Korea plans to fire 4 missiles over Japan to land near US Pacific island of Guam.

A rally in support of North Koreas stance against the U.S. on Kim Il-sung square in Pyongyang on Wednesday. (Photo: AFP)

Seoul/Guam/Washington: North Korea said on Thursday it is completing plans to fire four intermediate-range missiles (IRBMs) over Japan to land near the US Pacific island territory of Guam dubbing US President Donald Trumps remarks that any threats by Pyongyang would be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen as a load of nonsense.

North Koreas Army will complete the plans in mid-August, when they will be ready for leader Kim Jong-uns order, state-run KCNA news agency reported citing General Kim Rak-gyom, commander of the Strategic Force of the Korean Peoples Army. Four IRBMs would be launched simultaneously and fly over the Japanese prefectures of Shimane, Hiroshima and Kochi. They would have a flight time of 17 minutes 45 seconds, travel 3,356.7 km and come down 30-40 km away from Guam.

The declaration came after Mr Trump boasted on Twitter that the U.S. nuclear arsenal is far stronger and more powerful than ever before. Sound dialogue is not possible with such a guy (Mr Trump) bereft of reason, General Kim added.

Professor Yang Moo-Jin of Seouls University of North Korean Studies said, The North appears to be saying what it is going to do is within international laws. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that the North may translate this plan into reality.

This is a coercive threat to halt B-1 (Lancer bomber) flights, Adam Mount, senior fellow of the Centre for American Progress said on Twitter. Unlike Trumps vague, incendiary threat, DPRKs is coercive, clear, specific, and has credible escalation potential. Response is difficult.

The war of words over Pyongyangs nuclear and missile programmes is raising fears of a miscalculation that could lead to catastrophic consequences on the Korean peninsula and beyond. The region is facing a mini Cuban Missile Crisis, John Delury, professor at Seouls Yonsei University, said.
There was small comfort in the appointment of two women as vice presidents, who do not require parliamentary approval.

Rouhani, a moderate cleric who had three female vice presidents during his previous term, has several more deputy positions to fill and it was unclear if any would go to women. (Photo: File)

Tehran: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani appointed two female vice presidents on Wednesday but continued to take flak from reformists for nominating no women ministers.

The appointments came a day after the moderate president announced his all-male list of ministers to parliament, seen as a betrayal by reformists who backed his re-election campaign in May. "It is incredible and shocking that the president has ignored the demands of women in nominating his government," Parvaneh Salahshouri, head of a parliamentary women's group, told lawmakers.

A letter calling for female ministers to be appointed was signed by 157 of the 290 MPs. There was small comfort in the appointment of two women as vice presidents, who do not require parliamentary approval.

Massoumeh Ebtekar, known internationally for her role as spokesperson during the 1980 US embassy hostage crisis, was named as vice president in charge of women's affairs, having previously run the environment brief in Rouhani's office.

Laya Joneydi was appointed as the vice president for legal affairs, while another woman, Shahindokht Mowlaverdi, was named as a special adviser for citizens' rights.

Rouhani, a moderate cleric who had three female vice presidents during his previous term, has several more deputy positions to fill and it was unclear if any would go to women.

In an interview with AFP, the head of the newly formed Reformist Women's Party, Zahra Shojaei, said she was unsurprised by the lack of female ministers given the continued opposition of many lawmakers and powerful religious figures behind the scenes.

A large independent faction of MPs "are still not in favour of female ministers," said Shojaei. But she said female vice presidents actually have more power than ministers and have already broken the taboo on putting women in positions of authority.

"We have gone past the symbolic stage. Female ministers are important but it's not our only demand. Even if Rouhani had appointed several women ministers, it would not have solved women's issues," she said.

She highlighted a number of legal issues including the need to gain permission from a male relative to leave the country, lower levels of legal compensation and "blood money" for women, and discriminatory inheritance laws as areas that needed action.

"Rouhani has worked on policies of empowerment for women over the past four years, and we want that to continue, as well as amending laws in parliament," she said.

The continued fraught issue of gender in Iranian politics was highlighted over the weekend, when EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini led an all-female team for talks with an all-male Iranian contingent led by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

The image from that meeting was "heavy with significance," Mohammad Reza Aref, head of the reformist faction in parliament, wrote on social media.

Rouhani sailed to victory in May over hardliner Ebrahim Raisi with the backing of reformists after vowing to improve civil liberties and rebuild ties with the West.

Some reformists have argued this week that Rouhani is failing to repay their confidence in him. "We expected at least one woman among Rouhani's nominations," said Aref.
The meeting comes in the backdrop of the current standoff in Doklam a tri-junction between India, China and Bhutan.

Kathmandu: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday met her Bhutanese counterpart Damcho Dorji here and is understood to have discussed bilateral issues, amidst the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector.

Both the leaders are here to attend a meeting of foreign ministers from the countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), a grouping of countries in South Asia and South East Asia.

Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal are members of the BIMSTEC.

"Time with a close friend and neighbour. The external affairs minister meets with foreign minister of Bhutan Damcho Dorji on sidelines of BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' meet," ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted and also posted a picture of the meeting.

Though there was no official word on as to what was discussed between the two leaders, the meeting comes in the backdrop of the current standoff in Doklam a tri-junction between India, China and Bhutan.

India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector since June 16 after Indian troops stopped the Chinese People's Liberation Army from building a road in the area.
Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said that the Indian armed forces are strong enough to meet any challenge to the country's security.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that 53 people and a bulldozer from India remain in Chinese territory as of Monday. (Photo: AFP)

Beijing: State-run media in China said India's Defence Minister Arun Jaitley's recent remarks are sending a signal to Beijing that New Delhi is preparing for the possible military clashes.

In the state-run Global Times article, Chinese experts said that they fear a greater possibility of military clashes after India's defence minister said that his country could face "any challenge" to its security.

Read: Indian-American lawmaker says China has taken provocative steps in Doklam

Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said that the Indian armed forces are strong enough to meet any challenge to the country's security, stressing that lessons have been learnt from the 1962 war.

"Jaitley's remarks are the toughest since those recently made by Indian politicians, which also send a signal to China that India is preparing for possible military clashes. And the possibility of military clashes has increased," Zhao Gancheng, director of the Center for Asia-Pacific Studies at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies, told the Global Times.

Read: India, China should ink new border pact in Sikkim sector: Chinese army expert

Keeping in view that the border standoff between China and India in the Doklam region has lasted almost two months, Zhao said that China should continue to pressure India and prepare for possible military operations.

The Indian Army on Thursday reportedly ordered the evacuation of 100 residents in Nathang village close to the Doklam region. The village is located 35 kilometers away from Doklam, Indian.com reported.

The Global Times editorial quoted another research fellow stating that Jaitley's remarks were unwise and did nothing to ease border tensions, Hu Zhiyong at the Institute of International Relations of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, said.

Read: China deploys 800 soldiers near Doklam area, flaunts presence of its troops

"India has said it hopes to use peaceful ways to solve the problem in the Doklam region, but it did the opposite, including the deployment of more troops near the border," the Global Times editorial quoted Hu as saying.

Admitting that the current standoff has damaged Sino-India ties, Hu appears sceptical about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the BRICS summit, which is scheduled in September in China

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that 53 people and a bulldozer from India remain in Chinese territory as of Monday.
After the verbal joust between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un, the US Secretary of Defence stresses that a war in Korea would be "catastrophic." The Chinese Communist Party's Global Times writes that if the United States and South Korea attack North Korea, China will have to intervene to prevent it.

Seoul (AsiaNews)  China will remain neutral if North Korea launches an attack against the United States, this according to The Global Times, the Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece. However, if the United States and South Korea attack North Korea to achieve regime change, China will intervene to prevent it.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said that his nation would be prepared to join a conflict against North Korea if the United States came under attack. Australia would honour its commitment under the 1951 ANZUS Treaty, Turnball said, "as America would come to our aid if we were attacked".

For his part, US President Donald Trump has upped the ante. "I will tell you this, the US leader said, if North Korea does anything in terms of even thinking about attack of anybody that we love or we represent or our allies or us they can be very, very nervous. I'll tell you why . . . because things will happen to them like they never thought possible.

Speaking directly to the American people, Trump said: "The people of this country should be very comfortable, and I will tell you this: If North Korea does anything in terms of even thinking about attack, of anybody that we love or we represent or our allies or us, they can be very, very nervous. I'll tell you why, and they should be very nervous. Because things will happen to them like they never thought possible.

Pyongyang responded by vowing to "mercilessly wipe out the provocateurs" adding that the Unites States would suffer a "shameful defeat and final doom if it persists in the extreme military venture, sanctions, and pressure."

Following the verbal joust between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un, US Defence Secretary of James Mattis seemed to distance himself from the war of words, noting that a conflict would be "catastrophic." He added that the United States hoped to resolve the North Korean crisis diplomatically.

Yesterday Pyongyang announced that it was putting the final touches to a plan to launch four missiles in the waters of the Pacific, near Guam Island, which is home to 160,000 people as well as 13,000 US troops, about 3,000 kilometres from the US mainland.

Tensions have risen in recent weeks after North Korea tested two intercontinental ballistic missiles in July. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in particular reacted angrily to the latest UN resolution boosting sanctions, which was approved unanimously, including Chinese support.

Mr Mattis yesterday said that it was his job as defence secretary to be ready for conflict, but added that the diplomatic effort, under Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, "is gaining diplomatic results".
by Mathias Hariyadi

Ordinations took place on the same day in remote locations to promote vocations among local youth. Five priests and three deacons were ordained in Belitang (South Sumatera). Mgr John Liku Ada, archbishop of Makassar, consecrated seven diocesan priests in Rantepao (South Sulawesi). In Kabanjahe (North Sumatera), five new diocesan priests and one from the Order of the Holy Cross were consecrated.

Jakarta (AsiaNews)  The Indonesian Catholic Church celebrated the ordination of 18 deacons on the same day in three remote cities: Belitang, in South Sumatera province, Rantepao, capital of Tanah Toraja regency (South Sulawesi), and Kabanjahe (North Sumatera).

In the recent past, it has become customary in Indonesia to celebrate priestly ordinations in places far from the diocesan cathedrals located in provincial capitals.

The purpose is to promote vocations among local youths since these ceremonies are a source of excitement and are "extraordinary events" among many Indonesian Catholic communities.

Belitang lies about 200 kilometres from South Sumateras provincial capital of Palembang, seat of the local archdiocese by the same name. Five deacons were ordained on Wednesday, and three seminarians became deacons in the Church of St Mary's Conception (which is located in the sub-district of Tegalrejo) (picture 2).

Mgr Aloysius Sudarso led the ceremony in the presence of some 5,000 worshippers, hundreds of priests and many senior local government officials. Three of the new priests belong to the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, two are Salesians and one is diocesan.

Rantepao, in Tanah Toraja regency, is more than 300 kilometres and eight hours drive from Makassar, the provincial capital South Sulawesi.

Archbishop John Liku Ada ordained seven diocesan priests (picture 3) at a time of grieving in the community, which lost two of its priests: Fr Paulus Ata Patunggu, who died in a road accident last Sunday, and Fr Stephanus Tarigan, Vicar General of Makassar, who suffered a fatal heart attack during the preparation for the Fr Pauluss funeral.

"There were at least 7,000 people, hundreds of traditional dancers and a joyous choir, said Sister Maria Monika Ekawati, who was present at the ceremony, speaking to AsiaNews. Tanah Toraja is a place where local Christian communities, Catholic and Protestant, are flourishing.

In Kabanjahe, in the Archdiocese of Medan (North Sumatera), Catholics celebrated the consecration of five diocesan priests and one from the order of the Holy Cross (pictures 1 and 4). Sister Bernadette said that the members of the Parish of Sts Peter and Paul, where the ceremony was led by Fr Anicetus B. Sinaga, were full of joy.

Wednesdays record ordinations have made the Indonesian Church proud, coming in the wake of those of July, another fruitful month for vocations.

In Yogyakarta (Central Java), Mgr Robertus Rubiyatmoko consecrated six Jesuits and eight diocesan priests. Bishop Yustinus Harjosusanto, archbishop of Samarinda, ordained three Missionaries of the Holy Family, one of whom originally from Madagascar.

In Manado (North Sulawesi), Mgr Benedictus Estephanus Rolly Untu consecrated a priest and 13 deacons. On 7 July, the Diocese of Ketapang diocese (West Kalimantan) celebrated the ordination of two ethnic Dayak priests.

Over the past 20 years, religious vocations have declined in Indonesia, religious vocations. This is partly due to family planning policies (Keluarga Berencana), imposed by former President Suharto to control population growth.

Another cause is the loss of "interest" among young people towards religious life.

Still, despite the decline in vocations, in some dioceses of the country, the number of young people entering the seminar is still high.
by Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi

For the bishop of Niigata, tensions on the Korean peninsula go back 70 years, but new political leaders "have been fueling the existing fire." A solution involving US military aggression would only bring devastating results to everyone. Ten days of praying for peace are being held. Japanese and Korean bishops are working together.

Niigata (AsiaNews)  With tensions and threats of war between North Korea and the United States growing, the Japanese Church devoted ten days pf prayer to peace, starting on 6 August, the anniversary of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Mgr Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, bishop of Niigata (300 kilometres north of Tokyo) and president of Caritas Japan, is convinced  along with many of his fellow countrymen and women  that there will be no military conflict because of costs and destructiveness to everyone. However, the "new political leaders" concerned  Kim Jong-un, Donald Trump, Shinzo Abe  are using rising tensions for their own ends. Still, Mgr Kikuchi hopes that collaboration between the bishops of Japan and South Korea can push their respective governments towards a diplomatic solution through dialogue.

Past few months, security tension among counties in northeast Asia has been growing dramatically, even though such tension has been existing in the area since the time of Korean War, as we have been witnessing emergence of new political leaders in North Korea, the US and Japan who have been fueling the existing fire.

It used to be the role of the leader of China to control the situation to prevent any unnecessary military conflicts as strong patron of North Korean leadership but it seems that China's influence over North Korea has been diminishing today.

Now it is quite common understanding among majority in Japan that both North Korea and the US will not, even though their leaders have been threatening to take military action against each other, go ahead to choose such an aggressive military solution since such action will bring only devastating results on Korean peninsula and also on Japan which will not be the benefit of the US and will be the end of existence for North Korea itself.

However, the actual problem is that, in South Korea and in Japan, militant section or hard liner and patriotic section of each countries are taking advantage of the situation to push their cause through and try to gain support from majority of the population. Similar situation of conflict has been happening again and again in this area but the present one is much more taken seriously by many as the both the US and North Korean leaders are unpredictable. I think that the present tension in the area has been exaggerated much more than reality.

Unfortunately, present Japanese government has been also taking advantage of the tension to concretize their cause of changing the pacifist constitution and create public opinion to allow Japanese army to take pre-emptive action which is not allowed by the present constitution.

At this moment, from 6th August which is Hiroshima memorial to 15th August, Japanese Catholic Church is in the Ten-days of prayer for Peace. All over Japan, Catholic communities are praying for Peace during this 10 days and also organising study sessions and also joining other civil groups for demonstrations.

For this occasion, on behalf of entire Catholic Bishops in Japan, Archbishop Joseph Takami, the president of the Bishops' Conference issued a statement. In the statement he said as follows;

"I want to reaffirm my support for the right to peaceful existence guaranteed by the Constitution of Japan enacted 70 years ago. Peace cannot be built with military power. Especially now, I appeal to the Japanese government and people to practice a sincere and persistent dialogue for the peace of Northeast Asia and the world, not responding militarily to threats by neighboring countries or terrorism."

I seriously hope that Japanese government will take sincere initiative to involve all parties of this crisis in dialogue to find diplomatic solution.

At this moment, Japanese Bishops has not initiated cooperative action with Korean Bishops as such. However, in coming November, we will have joint meeting of both conferences in Kagoshima, Japan for 3 days so that we may discuss about possibility to lobby both government to take peaceful way of dialogue as the only solution for peaceful coexistence in this part of Asia.
At least 19 people were killed yesterday, from Somalia and Ethiopia. The dead were on a boat with another 180 migrants. Another 50 drowned the day before. For a UN expert, this is a "new trend". As traffickers realise the risks they thrown migrants off the boat.

Sana'a (AsiaNews/Agencies)  At least 19 migrants have died after being deliberately drowned, the UN's migration agency says.

Hundreds of migrants were forced from a boat off the coast of Yemen for the second time in two days.

A spokeswoman for the Geneva-based International Organisation of Migration (IOM) said the incidents "may be the start of a new trend".

"Smugglers know the situation is dangerous for them and they could be shot at, so they drop them near the shore," she said.

Despite its active conflict and terrible humanitarian situation, Yemen is still seen by many Africans as a crossroads to reach the rich Gulf nations or Europe. For this reason, thousands of people are willing to get on rickety overcrowded boats to reach Yemen, putting their lives at risk.

In a video statement posted on Twitter, William Lacey Swing, OIM Director General, said: "The utter disregard for human life by these smugglers, and all human smugglers worldwide, is nothing less than immoral."

In addition to the 19 confirmed drowned, the UN say 180 people were forced off a boat near the coast of Yemen on Thursday.

The bodies of 29 migrants were found in shallow graves dug in the beach. They were thrown off a boat by traffickers off the coast of Yemens Shabwa province.

Up to 70 people, both male and female aged on average 16, could have died in the past two days.

In 2016 over 255,000 Somalis fled to Yemen according to the UNHCR, but thousands have travelled back because of the violence in the country.

This year, about 55,000 migrants have left the Horn of Africa to come to Yemen, more than half of them were under the age of 18 and a third were thought to be female.
The jihadist group continues to "motivate and enable" global attacks and funnel funds to supporters. Growing attacks in Europe and Asia confirm demonstrate that Isis is an international threat. Special care should be given to radicalized minors returning home after undergoing advanced IS training.

New York (AsiaNews) - The Islamic State (IS) group continues to "motivate and enable" global attacks and funnel funds to supporters despite military blows to its so-called Caliphate in Syria and Iraq, according to a UN report Thursday.

The 24-page text, prepared by a panel of experts for the Security Council, noted that remittances sent abroad -- often in small sums, making them difficult to detect -- comes as IS steps up its international efforts "as demonstrated by the higher pace of attacks in Europe."

Funding sources are still based on oil profits and the imposition of taxes on local populations in the areas under its control. In addiction, the Islamic State group makes as much as 100 million annually by trafficking looted antiquities out of Iraq and Syria and selling them on the black market

Beyond Europe, IS is seeking to expand its footprint in Southeast Asia, the report said, citing the southern Philippines where a bloody urban siege in Marawi has killed almost 700 people in more than two months fighting.

It noted that the number "of foreign terrorist fighters" travelling to Iraq and Syria "has continued to fall. In addition, the financial situation of the (IS) core continues to deteriorate," mainly due to military pressure against the group.

Special care however should be given to radicalised minors returning home after undergoing advanced IS training. This group requires "specific attention and strategies that take into account the legal protections afforded to minors."

The report added that stiff resistance in Mosul  Iraq's second largest city which was declared "liberated" by the government in July  shows that the IS command and control structure "has not broken down completely," and remains "a significant military threat."

In addition, IS has learnt to modify commercially available drones and even build its own drones for reconnaissance and bombing missions.

Fellow jihadist group Al-Qaeda meanwhile maintains powerful networks in West Africa, East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, particularly Yemen, with localised alliances allowing the movement of fighters between the two rival outfits.

The expert panel called on the Security Council to remind member states that paying ransom for hostages was illegal in view on UN sanctions on both groups.


(Waldemarus/Bigstock.com) (Waldemarus/Bigstock.com)

The number of young people eligible to take a working holiday in Australia has been extended to various new countries and other relations expanded.The number of working holiday visas for Chilean nationals, allowing young people aged between 18 and 30 can stay for up to 12 months and take short term jobs, has been increased from 1,500 to 2,000 per year.Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Alex Hawke, said the increase reflects the importance of Australia's engagement with the Latin American region. 'In 2006, Chile became the first Latin American country to take part in Australia's popular work and holiday programme. Many young Australian and Chilean nationals have since enjoyed the opportunity to explore each other's countries, enhancing the exchange of knowledge and innovation,' he said.Australia now has reciprocal work and holiday agreements with Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay, among a growing list of countries in the region. The number of visas for young people from Argentina has also been increased from 700 to 1,500.The number is also being increased for Spaniards from 600 to 1,500 annually. And the working holiday visa agreement that has been in the pipeline for almost six years between Greece and Australia has received approval by the Greek Government and will offer 500 places a year.Meanwhile it has been suggested that a new visa for au pairs and nannies could be introduced in Australia. Hawke confirmed that discussions are underway about a visa that would allow them to stay for between 12 months and two years.And if working holiday makers feel homesick while in Australia, a new campaign is encouraging their parents to visit them. Tourism Australia has launched the campaign in Germany to suggest they visit their offspring and experience what the country has to offer.Two working holiday makers, Larissa and Ailina, won a Tourism Australia competition for their parents to visit them not knowing that it would be a surprise visit for them in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.


(Goglik83/Bigstock.com) (Goglik83/Bigstock.com)

Proposals from the Australian Government to abolish the popular 457 visa could result in tens of thousands fewer people moving to the country every year, it is claimed.The visa stream, which allows skilled people to work in Australia for up to four years and qualify for permanent residence, will cease to exist in March 2018 and is being replaced by a new Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa with two streams.Approximately 200,000 people arrive in Australia each year, but Bob Birrell from the Australian Population Research Institute at Monash University said that figure would fall by tens of thousands after the 457 change.'The business community has had a free run for over a decade and they've been able to bring in or sponsor as many workers as they wanted. These new rules are going to change things. The number of migrants they can sponsor for permanent entry will shrink to about a third than the present level,' said Birrell.Birrell's report explains that since 2003 the 457 visa programme and the permanent entry employer sponsored visa (ENS) have become the main source of skilled migrants. In 2015/2016 there were 45,395 temporary 457 visas issued and 48,250 permanent ENS visas granted.Currently that the proposal will see the introduction of one visa stream allowing workers to be in Australia for an initial two years, with the option for a further two years, and another for four years with the number of occupations set at 250 and 185 respectively.But the academic's report explains that thinking the change is merely cosmetic ignores what he believes will be a game changer for employers and visa applicants. He argues that it will significantly reduce the number of migrants eligible to apply for a TSS visa and toughen the requirements for employers who want to sponsor those that are eligible.He says it will reduce the number of ENS visas granted either to TSS visa holders or other foreign workers because only a small fraction of the occupations previously eligible for such sponsorship will continue to be eligible.'Employers will also face much tougher sponsorship hurdles. Reducing the supply of eligible applicants and tightening requirements for sponsors From March 2018, applicants for TSS visas must have two years of relevant experience in their nominated occupation,' the report says.'This is a game changer, because over half the 457 visas currently being granted are to onshore applicants. The majority of these are former overseas students or working holiday makers. Most of these will struggle to find the required experience, even though they may hold graduate credentials,' it points out.'This is because such jobs are scarce and employers prefer domestic applicants to foreigners on temporary visas. In addition, the reset will sharply reduce the number of onshore applicants, mainly overseas students, who have been able to bypass the 457 route to permanent residence by being sponsored directly by employers,' it adds.Birrell also argues that those sponsored in the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, which is responsible for about 12,000 of the annual total Employer Sponsored visas being issued, will be largely excluded from this pathway in future, because, from March 2018, all applicants will have to have three years' experience in the relevant occupation.'Make no mistake about the significance of the reset. When fully in place from March 2018, the flagship ENS programme will fall to less than a third its recent size of 48,250. The number of TSS visas will also fall sharply relative to the current number of 457 visas being granted. Those who think that immigration levels are set in concrete will have to reassess this belief,' it concludes.
Photo of Scott Pruitt via Gage Skidmore/Flickr.

The Trump administration is reopening a federal review of Obama-era fuel economy rules covering the 2022 to 2025 model years, and expanding the review to include the 2021 model year signed into law in 2012.

The Environmental Protection Agency has reopened its midterm review that was finalized in the waning days of the Obama administration, the agency announced Thursday. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has also said it will reconsider civil penalties for automakers that are unable to meet the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards.

The moves allow the agencies to begin taking public comment on the matter. The agency would begin accepting comments on the 2021 model year, by which automakers to meet a combined average of 41 miles per gallon under current rules.

The agencies will accept comments for 45 days on model years beyond 2020.

"We are moving forward with an open and robust review of emissions standards, consistent with the timeframe provided in our regulations," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. "We encourage the public to submit the best-available and most up-to-date information, so that we can get back on track with what the regulation actually requires of the agency. Finally, we are working with DOT to ensure that our standards are ultimately aligned."

The move may have a limited impact in California, which was granted a federal waiver under the Clean Air Act to set and maintain its own more stringent emissions rules. The California Air Resources Board hasn't released a statement about the move.

A possible loosening of the rules could abate price increases of new vehicles that have been driven by engineering choices such as light-weighting and emission-control software. One estimate puts the cost of those initiatives as $2,000 per vehicle, reports the Detroit News.

The review comes amid an environment of low fuel prices and increasing popularity of larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs. Whatever decision is ultimately made will likely filter down to commercial fleets, said Dan Hannan, executive director of product and services for Merchants Fleet Management.

Hannan

"The review of the standards leaves the window open for replacement of those standards and they may go down," Hannan said. "If the targets stay in place or rise, OEMs need to continue focus on developing smaller lighter vehicles. For some service fleets this has resulted in shorter life cycles due to wear and tear of the application. I could see the targets being lowered, which could reintroduce larger vehicle options. The cargo van and light truck sector has seen a great deal of movement in this area. Clearly fuel consumption and the vehicles cap cost can shift accordingly."

Consumer groups criticized the move as wasteful and ineffectual. Jack Gillis, the Consumer Federation of America's director of public affairs, called the move "a colossal waste of money" during a conference call with reporters. Gillis said 85% of new vehicles meet current standards.

Shannon Baker-Branstetter, policy counsel of Consumers Union, said the current standards are "good for consumers and reasonable for the automakers." She also said the review isn't necessary.

"By reopening the midterm review, EPA is bringing up questions that have already been answered," she said. "The standards to 2025 are reasonable and achievable."

The standards apply to light-duty vehicles that weigh less than 8,500 pounds, which would apply to some Class 3 trucks. Most cargo vans would be required to meet the standards.

In a related move, on July 12, NHTSA published a notice in the Federal Register that it would reconsider civil penalties against automakers who can't meet the standards.
Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low around 45F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low around 45F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
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Hu Wenjie, 47, has been fascinated with woodcarving for nearly 30 years. [Photo by Shi Baoyin/chinadaily.com.cn]

Woodcarving has so fascinated Hu Wenjie that after almost 30 years in his craft, he now mainly captures Buddhist figures from his workshop in Xinxiang city, Central China's Henan province.

Hu 47, is also called Hu Yidao by locals, because he is regarded as a skilled carving craftsman.

Woodcarving, a Chinese traditional craft with a history of over 3,000 years, was enrolled in the second batch of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List, which was approved by the State Council in 2008.

Hu noted that as he held a precious piece of thuja sutchuenensis, an evergreen coniferous tree. He said he prefers to imagine the piece he's going to carve before putting his knives to it.

Shi Yongxing, 26, Hu's student, said he studied woodcarving for three years. Hu told him to learn woodcarving by heart because it is meaningful to pass this Chinese traditional craft forward.

Hu said his works are mainly sold to his friends in the city, but he also plans to have an online store to let more people know about his woodcarving.
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Ricky Martinez worked in restaurants for years before opening his own in Beaumont.

After a 10-year hiatus to spend time with his kids, he got back in the business with Tia Juanita's Fish Camp, a laid-back spot with live music and good food.

He opened in Beaumont on April 4, 2014.

As his business morphed and grew, he gave himself another challenge - opening a second location.

Southeast Texas restaurants with multiple locations Bayou Cafe

Where: 1255 North Major Drive, Beaumont and 8921 Louetta Road, Spring

Hours: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday in Beaumont; and 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Sunday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday Carlito's Mexican Restaurant

Where: 890 Amarillo St. and 3925 Calder Ave., Beaumont

Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday and 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday Chaba Thai Cuisine

Where: 4340 E. Lucas Drive and 6434 Phelan Blvd., Beaumont

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday Crown Pizza

Where: 5535 Calder Ave., Beaumont and coming soon to Katy

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday Elena's Mexican

Where: 1865 College St. and 6290 Phelan Blvd., Beaumont

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday Hamburger Depot

Where: 1652 Cardinal Drive, 790 Neches St. and 4095 Dowlen Road, Beaumont; 282 S. Wheeler St., Jasper; 141 N. LHS Drive, Lumberton; 1920 Nederland Ave., Nederland

Hours: 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday on Cardinal Drive; 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday on Neches Street; 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday in Jasper; 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday in Lumberton; and 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday in Nederland J&J Wings and Seafood

Where: 5220 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont and 1600 Blue Bonnet Ave., Port Arthur

Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday in Beaumont; and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday in Port Arthur Luke's Icehouse

Where: 2325 Calder Ave., Beaumont and 1039 Nederland Ave., Nederland

Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily New York Pizza & Pasta

Where: 790 Neches St. and 4405 Calder Ave., Beaumont

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at both locations Rao's Bakery

Where: 2596 Calder Ave., 4440 Dowlen Road, Beaumont and 3504 FM 365 Nederland

Hours: 6 a.m.-6 p.m. MOnday through Friday and 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday on Calder; 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sunday, 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday on Dowlen Rikenjaks Brewing Company

Where: 18635, I-10, Vidor and 3716 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. daily in Lake Charles; 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Friday and 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. Saturday Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar

Where: 1970 Interstate 10, 4438 Dowlen Road, Beaumont and 3300 Central Mall Drive, Port Arthur

Hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday; 4:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Satruday and 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday all locations Carmela's Mexican Restaurant

Where: 3925 Calder Ave., Beaumont and 1203 S. U.S. 69, Nederland

Hours: 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Beaumont and 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday in Nederland Sartin's Seafood

Where: 1990 I-10 South, Beaumont and 352 Nederland Ave., Nederland

Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at both locations Tia Juanita's Fish Camp

Where: 5555 Calder Ave., Beaumont and 322 S. Main St., Lumberton

Hours: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday at both locations See More Collapse

He found a building in Lumberton, renovated it and opened the doors Oct. 31, 2016.

"So far, we've been successful," Martinez said.

While Martinez has been happy running multiple locations, expansions aren't a good idea in every case -- especially not for the careless restaurant owner.

Glenn Cordua, a faculty member at the University of Houston's Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, said frankly, most restaurants shouldn't expand.

"They should have their head examined if they're thinking of doing that," said Cordua, whose specialty is process management in restaurants. "The only situation in which a restaurant should expand is if they have invested the time and effort into completely and utterly standardizing everything."

But despite the risk in running multiple locations, some local restaurateurs have decided it's worth it as they try to grow their brand, take advantage of new opportunities and move beyond the boundaries of Southeast Texas.

Preparing for growth

Martinez's restaurant started with a simple menu and counter service. After customers asked for more, it evolved.

"When I first opened, I struggled. But you have to change with what the guests' needs are," Martinez said. "They wanted full service, so we did full service. They wanted a full bar, so we did that. They wanted more upscale (menu items), so we added them."

Patrons gave positive feedback, and Martinez began thinking of the next step.

Tod Stark, owner of Bayou Cafe on Major Drive in Beaumont, has tried his hand at expansion, too. He was up to three locations in the Southeast Texas area - two in Beaumont and one in Port Arthur - before going back to just one.

Now, he's opened a location in Houston with plans for other locations in the works.

"People expand to get another area covered," Stark said.

Cordua said when opening a second location with the same concept, restaurant owners need to make sure they can replicate the experience customers have come to expect.

"There must not be any difference between what you serve at your original location and what you serve at your new location, if it's the same concept," Cordua said.

That means taking recipes, perfecting them and making sure anyone with even just an ounce of cooking ability can replicate them.

Cordua said people often think of control in a restaurant as cost control, but really, it's control of the whole operation.

"The absolute necessity for successful expansion is precision and control," Cordua said. "People overestimate the need for artistry and underestimate the need for precision and control."

For restaurant owners, maintaining consistency can be a welcome challenge.

"It's fun to do a new project. It's a lot of work," Martinez said. "And it's a little scary."

But the decision to go beyond one spot isn't for the faint of heart.

"Us restaurant guys, we're in it because we love it," Stark said. "But it is not for everyone. It's a very difficult business."

Opening No. 2

When a restaurant owner decides to make the leap, there's more to it than just opening the doors.

Location and proximity to similar restaurants are factors to consider.

"If you're not a destination, then you do want visibility and traffic because then people will choose you more on an impulse," Cordua said.

For Martinez, the Lumberton location did just that. It catches the eye of people heading to several different locations.

Then, there's branding and creating a similar atmosphere.

Martinez said his locations differ in style. Beaumont is more random and Lumberton is slicker.

"Well, all the chairs match," Martinez said.

But regardless of which location you stop at, the restaurants have the same vibe and same menu.

"I try to create an atmosphere that's welcoming to people," Martinez said. "When you walk into a Tia Juanita's, your senses are kind of bombarded."

When the restaurant actually opens, consistency of the food comes in to play.

"In the beginning of any restaurant, it's always very difficult," Stark said. "We could make 1,000 plates perfect and then one we forget to cook."

That's where having a reliable team is a benefit.

Martinez said he has a team of people he trusts to get things right, which has made running multiple restaurants easier.

Ceasar Chavez, general manager of Tia Juanita's in Lumberton, has been working with Martinez since he was 19 and had his first management gig at 20.

Chavez, 30, said it's his job to keep the operation going on a day-to-day basis.

He helped Martinez set up the first Tia Juanita's location, and now is running one.

"It's something new, and I like challenges," Chavez said. "This was a big challenge."

Chavez knows the importance of consistency.

He taste-tests all the food before opening each day and makes sure everything is up to par.

"You can't take short cuts," Chavez said. "People will notice that one ingredient is missing."

Cordua agrees restaurants need to stick to their food and system.

"You underestimate the ability of the customer to taste the quality at your own peril," Cordua said.

It's all about doing the basics really well, Chavez said, and making sure the staff is prepared for a busy day.

Perfecting No. 1

Not all restaurants are cut out for expansions.

"If you have something really unique, you probably don't want to open another one that's like it but not identical too close to it because you'll be cutting your own traffic,"

Stark had three locations in Southeast Texas, but now is back to one.

"The smaller areas tend to split a business," Stark said.

He said he tried the downtown location as a test, and it didn't draw the traffic he needed to sustain it. So he decided to focus his efforts on getting to Houston.

For some restaurant owners, expanding is something they're interested in but can't make a reality.

There's something to be said for perfecting one spot and making it a destination, Cordua said.

Carlos Zuniga, owner of Tacos La Bamba on Calder, said he'd love to open a second store but has to make sure everything is perfect at his first location.

"Even here, we try to do our best, but it's just impossible," Zuniga said. "You try to be here as much as you can, and you try to make sure everything is right, but there's always going to be something."

Zuniga said he'd like to have enough staff trained that he could move some to another spot and have it run smoothly.

"You want to try to do the same as you're doing at the first one," Zuniga said. "Or better."

Cordua said being honest and knowing if you're really ready to open another spot can be the deciding factor in success or failure.

"If you're being sloppy with the first one, what are you doing opening another one?" Cordua said.

AFletcher@BeaumontEnterprise.com

Twitter.com/afletcher727
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A Texas teacher who was arrested in 2016 on suspicion of hosting sex parties for teenage boys and encouraging them to perform sex acts on each other has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Jared Anderson, 28, formerly taught at Judson High School in Converse, Texas, just outside of San Antonio. Two victims contacted authorities and told them that for several months Anderson had been hosting parties at his home for numerous boys and that they played games that involved sexual activity, police said.

Anderson taught English for about a year at the school. Officials had to recall yearbooks to remove a page that honored him as Teacher of the Year just two months after his arrest in March 2016. He was indicted on multiple counts of sexual performance by a child, and subsequently placed on administrative leave from the district until he later was terminated.

Sgt. Jesse Salame, a San Antonio police spokesman, told the Express-News last year that one of the incidents was a bros night at Anderson's home on Feb. 12, 2016, with seven boys ranging in age from 15 to 17. A sign greeted them at the door that read, The last one to get naked has to get the first dare.

Salame said another incident involved Anderson and a 17-year-old sending pictures of their genitals to each other.

Anderson pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual performance by a child and two counts of indecency with a child by exposure as part of a plea agreement about a month ago, his attorney Eduardo J. Garcia said Tuesday.

State District Judge Steven C. Hilbig ordered a pre-sentencing investigation hearing for Monday, and Garcia asked the judge to consider Andersons application for probation, but the judge did not.

Anderson, 29, had faced up to 20 years in prison. He was sentenced to 10 years as part of the plea agreement, and fined $9,000 $1,500 on each of the six counts, according to court records.

This report contains material from Express-News archives.

ezavala@express-news.net

Twitter: @elizabeth2863
An Orange County grand jury has indicted a 52-year-old homeless man on charges of capital murder for the gruesome 2016 deaths of his stepfather and his companion.

Aaron Kyle Angelo is accused of killing Richard "Dick" Ames and Edna Phillips who lived in the Maplecrest neighborhood of Vidor in June 2015.
An Orange County deputy sheriff has been charged with indecent exposure following a complaint filed in May, according to a statement from the sheriff's office.

Brian Kenneth Foley, 48, of Orange has been released on bond following an arrest for indecent exposure, a class B misdemeanor, the statement said.
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Calvin Walker and Jessie Haynes have asked a court to deny requests for more than $1 million in fees filed by defendants in their dismissed conspiracy and defamation suit, contending several of the demands are unreasonable and defending the merits of their case.

The defendants, who include the Beaumont ISD board of managers and several former district employees, former trustees Mike Neil and Tom Neild, attorney Mike Getz, journalist Jerry Jordan, The Examiner newspaper and Hearst Newspapers, which owns The Beaumont Enterprise, want a federal judge to order the former BISD associates to pay a total of more than $1.5 million in legal fees and costs incurred over the past two years. They were among more than 30 groups and individuals named in a lawsuit alleging a racist conspiracy filed in July 2015 by Walker, the district's former contract electrician, and Haynes, a former assistant to the superintendent.

All claims were dismissed, but Walker and Haynes filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on July 18, challenging Judge Marcia Crone's dismissals.

In responses filed this week in the U.S. Court for Eastern District of Texas, Houston attorney Misty Gasiorowski,

who represents Walker and Haynes, asked the court to deny requests for fees from Beaumont ISD, Neil and Neild, Jordan and Hearst Newspapers.

The district and former trustees requested attorneys' fees under the Texas Education Code, which allows a court to award attorneys' fees for frivolous or unreasonable lawsuits without foundation.

Gasiorowski disputed claims that the lawsuit was frivolous, claiming the time and work spent to dismiss their claims proved they had merit.

"It should not require $69,908 to dispose of allegedly frivolous, unwarranted claims that lack any foundation," she wrote in objecting to Beaumont ISD's requests, which she repeated in the other motions. She also argued the trustees provided insufficient evidence of their attorneys' time, and said BISD could not ask for fees incurred after claims against them were dismissed.

Although Hearst was dismissed under the Texas Citizens Participation Act, which requires an award of reasonable attorneys' fees, Gasiorowski asked the court to deny the request. If the court grants the request, the fees should be reduced from the $178,000 requested, she said.

She wrote that the court should significantly reduce the amount requested by The Examiner, which was dismissed under the same law, but did not explicitly ask that their motion be denied.

The newspaper asked for more than $1.2 million for three different law firms that worked on the case, which she called excessive. She also argued that their request included fees for work not related to their TCPA dismissal, which is not required by that law.

She called the hourly legal fees sought by both media companies unreasonable and out of line.

Gasiorowski's response to Getz, who had his claims dismissed under two separate rules, argued that "the fees requested by Getz should be reduced" to cover only work related to his TCPA claim.

Jordan, who defended himself in the case, asked for $5,000 in expenses and lost wages for travel to a hearing from North Carolina, where he said he was attending a job training. Gasiorowski argued he is not entitled to damages and said he didn't provide evidence of those losses, which Jordan refuted in a response.

She also objected to motions by the parties dismissed under the TCPA asking the court to order sanctions against Walker and Haynes to deter them from future actions.

"There is no indication or evidence" that Walker and Haynes plan to bring similar cases again, she wrote. "They are not in the profession and do not have a history of filing lawsuits such as this."

She attached a declaration from Haynes, saying that she is "not interested in making frivolous charges or lawsuits against anyone, now or in the future."

"My effort for what remains of my life is to focus on my health. As soon as this lawsuit is over, I hope to never see or hear of any of the defendants in this lawsuit," Haynes wrote.

In response to arguments that sanctions are mandatory because the claims were dismissed under the Texas Citizens' Participation Act, Gasiorowski asked that sanctions of only $1 be ordered "to avoid any issues on appeal."

LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.comTwitter.com/LizTeitz
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. Moody's upgrades Atlantic Health System's LOC-backed revenue bonds to 'Aa1'

Moody's Investors Service upgraded Morristown, N.J.-based Atlantic Health System's letter of credit-backed series 2008B revenue bonds to "Aa1" from "Aa2."

2. Moody's downgrades Mercy Hospital's revenue bonds to 'B1'

Moody's Investors Service downgraded Oelwein, Iowa- based Mercy Hospital's revenue bonds to "B1" from "Baa2," affecting $71.4 million of debt.

3. Moody's revises Catholic Health System's outlook to negative

Moody's Investors Service affirmed the "Baa1" rating on Buffalo, N.Y.-based Catholic Health System, affecting $98 million of debt.

4. Moody's revises Fairfield Medical Center's outlook to negative

Moody's Investors Service affirmed its "Baa2" rating on Lancaster, Ohio-based Fairfield Medical Center's outstanding rated bonds issued by the County of Fairfield Ohio, affecting $92.8 million of outstanding debt.

5. Moody's assigns 'Baa2' rating to Virginia Mason Medical Center's bonds

Moody's Investors Service assigned its "Baa2" rating to Seattle-based Virginia Mason Medical Center's proposed $266 million series 2017 revenue bonds, to be issued by the Washington Health Care Facilities Authority.

6. Fitch places Care New England on Rating Watch Evolving

Fitch Ratings downgraded Providence, R.I.-based Care New England's series 2016B and 2016C revenue bonds to "BB" from "BBB-," affecting a total of $158.6 of debt.

7. Fitch downgrades Tulare Regional Medical Center's revenue bonds to 'B'

Fitch Ratings downgraded Tulare (Calif.) Regional Medical Center's series 2007 revenue bonds to "B" from "BB-," affecting $13.7 million of debt

8. Fitch affirms 'AA-' rating on Bayhealth Medical Center's bonds

Fitch Ratings affirmed its "AA-" rating on Dover, Del.-based Bayhealth Medical Center's series 2009A revenue bonds issued by the Delaware Health Facilities Authority, affecting $127 million of debt.

9. Moody's assigns 'Baa3' rating to St. Joseph's Healthcare System's bonds

Moody's Investors Service assigned its "Baa3" rating to Paterson, N.J.-based St. Joseph's Healthcare System's proposed $80 million series 2017 revenue bonds, to be issued by the New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority.

10. S&P revises Meritus Medical Center's outlook to stable

S&P Global Ratings affirmed its "BBB" rating on Hagerstown, Md.-based Meritus Medical Center's series 2015 bonds, issued by the Maryland Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority.

11. Moody's assigns 'Aa3' rating to Atlantic Health System's bonds

Moody's Investors Service assigned its "Aa3" rating to Morristown, N.J.-based Atlantic Health System's proposed $250 million series 2017 bonds.
Here are five healthcare industry CFOs who were recently in the news.

1. Todd Ostendorf was in the news as he resigned from his position as CFO of Minneapolis-based Children's Minnesota.

2. Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Health Network CFO Jeff Crudele was in the news discussing the system's journey toward profitability.

3. Terry Collins was in the news as he retired from his position as CFO of Aspen (Colo.) Valley Hospital.

4. Jon Vanator was in the news as he was appointed CFO of Indianapolis-based Indiana University Health's East Central Region.

5. Mike Del Trecco, CFO of the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, was in the news discussing the budget proposals Vermont hospitals submitted to the Green Mountain Care Board.

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IBM filed a formal complaint against Jeff Smith, its former CIO, Aug. 1 to recoup damages for Mr. Smith's alleged breach of his non-compete agreement with IBM, according to The Register.

Here are five things to know about the lawsuit.

1. Mr. Smith allegedly planned to start working at Amazon Web Services on Aug. 7. However, by taking a position with AWS, Mr. Smith threatened to "violate his one-year non-competition agreement by going into direct competition with IBM as a senior executive of Amazon Web Services  one of IBM's main competitors in Cloud Computing," according to the 21-page complaint filed with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

2. IBM alleged Mr. Smith would take "highly confidential information" related to developments in IBM's cloud computing business with him to AWS. IBM said it plans to launch next-generation cloud computing technology in the coming year, and that these "trade secrets," which Mr. Smith knew, would be very valuable to AWS.

3. IBM went on to allege Mr. Smith had already "shared inside IBM information with the CEO of AWS, Andrew Jassy," while still serving as an IBM executive. Mr. Smith reportedly wiped his company-issued phone and tablet prior to departing from IBM, making it "impossible for IBM to detect other communications with [Mr.] Jassy or to determine if he transferred any other IBM information."

4. Mr. Smith allegedly told IBM he intended to accept a job at AWS March 28, with a proposed start date of April 24. After discussions among counsel for AWS, IBM and Mr. Smith, he announced his resignation April 27 without accepting employment from AWS, at which point he said he would pursue other opportunities, according to the complaint.

5. IBM alleged AWS later informed IBM officials it still intended for Mr. Smith to serve as vice president of the company.

The complaint states IBM has the right to rescind the long-term incentive awards it provided to Mr. Smith based on the terms and conditions outlined in its long-term performance plan. IBM said Mr. Smith would be required to pay costs and expenses incurred by the company, such as stock options and restricted stock units he received in the year prior to his resignation, which total roughly $1.71 million.

Click here to view the full complaint.
Authorities in Ukraine have arrested a 51-year-old resident of Nikopol this week, who they believe played a role in the global NotPetya malware attack in June, reports The Hill.

Law enforcement have not released the name of the man, who was detained for allegedly offering copies of NotPetya to businesses looking to lose potentially incriminating data. Authorities said nearly 400 companies downloaded the malware from the man.

NotPetya compromised government systems in Ukraine, along with operations at companies in the U.S. and Europe. The malware was originally believed to be a ransomware, since it demanded $300 to unencrypt files from its targets. However, researchers later determined the malware permanently wiped data from infected devices.

The malware first spread through an update to Ukrainian tax accounting software, reports The Hill.

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Coliseum Northside Hospital in Macon, Ga., named Greg Caples CEO, according to a report by The Telegraph.

Here are five things to know:

1. Mr. Caples will assume his new role on Sept. 11.

2. He previously served as COO of Grand Strand Health in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

3. He has more than 25 years of work experience with Nashville, Tenn.-based Hospital Corporation of America, Coliseum Northside Hospital's parent.

4. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

5. He holds an MBA from the University of Georgia in Athens.
Lebanon, N.H.-based Dartmouth-Hitchcock health system permanently appointed Alexander de Nesnera, MD, and Gary S. Moak, MD, to their current posts at Concord-based New Hampshire Hospital, according to a Valley News report. Dr. de Nesnera has been serving as interim CMO and Dr. Moak as interim associate medical director since January.

Prior to their interim appointments, Dr. de Nesnera was associate medical director at NH Hospital, while Dr. Moak was the chief of geriatric psychiatry.



Dr. de Nesnera succeeds David Folks, MD, who left the CMO post in September 2016  the same month in which New Hampshire officials approved Dartmouth-Hitchcock's proposal to take over staffing for the state psychiatric hospital.



However, NH Hospital soon came under fire for understaffing. In May, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu told hospital CEO Bob MacLeod to step down from his post, after state officials discovered only 10 psychiatrists are currently providing care at NH Hospital, even though the contract requires a total of 12 . In a formal response, Dartmouth-Hitchcock blamed the state for the staffing issues at the hospital.



Earlier this month, Dartmouth-Hitchcock and state officials reached a settlement that includes a staffing review of NH Hospital. The settlement provides for a staffing review to be funded through a no-bid $85,000 contract with Joint Commission Resources. Additionally, Dartmouth-Hitchcock will give the state a $75,000 credit.



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Dartmouth-Hitchcock names two psychiatrists to top posts at NH Hospital permanently



Lebanon, N.H.-based Dartmouth-Hitchcock health system permanently appointed Alexander de Nesnera, MD, and Gary S. Moak, MD, to their current posts at Concord-based New Hampshire Hospital, according to a Valley News report. Dr. de Nesnera has been serving as interim CMO and Dr. Moak as interim associate medical director since January.

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-executive-moves/dr-alexander-de-nesnera-is-new-hampshire-hospital-s-new-interim-cmo.html



Prior to their interim appointments, Dr. de Nesnera was associate medical director at NH Hospital, while Dr. Moak was the chief of geriatric psychiatry.



Dr. de Nesnera succeeds David Folks, MD, who left the CMO post in September 2016  the same month in which New Hampshire officials approved Dartmouth-Hitchcock's proposal to take over staffing for the state psychiatric hospital.



However, NH Hospital soon came under fire for understaffing. In May, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu told hospital CEO Bob MacLeod to step down from his post, after state officials discovered only 10 psychiatrists are currently providing care at NH Hospital, even though the contract requires a total of 12 . In a formal response, Dartmouth-Hitchcock blamed the state for the staffing issues at the hospital.

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/governor-orders-new-hampshire-hospital-ceo-bob-macleod-to-resign-over-staffing-deficiency-9-things-to-know.html

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/human-capital-and-risk/dartmouth-hitchcock-blames-state-for-nh-hospital-staffing-problems.html



Earlier this month, Dartmouth-Hitchcock and state officials reached a settlement that includes a staffing review of NH Hospital. The settlement provides for a staffing review to be funded through a no-bid $85,000 contract with Joint Commission Resources. Additionally, Dartmouth-Hitchcock will give the state a $75,000 credit.

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/human-capital-and-risk/state-reaches-settlement-with-d-h-over-new-hampshire-hospital-staffing.html



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Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health hired Bruce A. Meyer, MD, to serve as chief physician executive, a new position. Dr. Meyer has also been named senior executive vice president of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.

Dr. Meyer will come to Jefferson Health in the fall from Dallas-based University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where he served as executive vice president for health systems affairs and CEO of its accountable care network. He also led Southwestern Health Resources, a population health services company born of a public-private partnership between UT Southwestern and Arlington, Texas-based Texas Health Resources.

Previously, Dr. Meyer was chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Worcester-based University of Massachusetts Medical School and president of UMass Memorial Medical Group.

He authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and has won the Press Ganey Pinnacle Award of Excellence in Patient Experience five years consecutively.
Views of the ACA continue to improve across constituents from all political parties, with 52 percent of the public viewing the law favorably, according to the latest poll from Kaiser Family Foundation.

Though the majority of Republicans (68 percent) and supporters of President Donald Trump (67 percent) are disappointed Congress has been unable to the repeal the ACA, most also support efforts to make the healthcare law work until a replacement can be passed. Fifty-two percent of Republicans said they want President Trump to make the ACA work.

All parties combined, the majority of Americans (78 percent) want the Trump administration to help the law along. In particular, respondents indicated they disagreed with stopping outreach for ACA signups (80 percent) and with dropping enforcement of the individual mandate (65 percent).

From here, the majority of respondents (57 percent) say both parties should make bipartisan improvements to the ACA, according to KFF. About a fifth of respondents (21 percent) say Republicans should continue their work on a bill, while a similarly sized portion (21 percent) said they are ready to move on from healthcare.

Read more here.

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Hospitals across Oregon are treating the Aug. 21 solar eclipse as an "emergency event," stocking up on extra supplies and ensuring every health facility is adequately prepared for the influx of people, according to The Oregonian.

With no precedent, Jeff Absalon, MD, executive vice president and chief physician executive of St. Charles Health System in Bend, Ore., said hospital leaders turned to their counterparts in a small South Dakota town that attracts an average of 1 million people for an annual motorcycle rally.

"One of the key things that we learned was that the need for acute care services oftentimes just mimics the increase in the population," said Dr. Absalon. This means there will most likely be more patients with food poisoning, broken bones, strokes and heart attacks, and more emergency surgeries for traumatic injuries.

Hospital systems including St. Charles Health System, Salem (Ore.) Health and Samaritan Health Services in Corvallis, Ore., are stocking up on extra supplies  everything from extra gauze and saline solution, to rattlesnake bite antidote, blood supplies and other pharmaceuticals to accommodate for the influx of visitors, the report states. Health facilities also plan to cancel elective surgeries and increase the number of people on staff during the week leading up to and following the eclipse.

Salem Health will serve as a joint command center, allowing the health system and 11 other hospitals in the region to communicate during the event. The health system will also set up three air-conditioned tents outside its emergency room Aug. 16 to handle demand. The tents will house makeshift triage centers and sobering stations. Practitioners will also be able to treat patients in the tents, according to the report.

"[The eclipse presents] an invaluable exercise," said Joseph Hutchinson, director of emergency management, safety and security for Samaritan Health Services. "You can't get better training for emergency preparedness."
Protestors, including residents of Albert Lea, Minn., and nurses represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association, rallied Thursday outside Mayo Clinic's corporate headquarters in Rochester, Minn., over the system's plans to move certain services at its Albert Lea hospital to its Austin facility.

MNA said more than 200 protestors participated, while Mayo said its security team counted a crowd of 146.

Thursday's rally marks the latest protest against Mayo's plans to consolidate Albert Lea's inpatient surgeries, overnight hospitalization, maternity and intensive care at the Austin campus. In June, when Mayo announced the plans, the "Save Our Hospital" group formed. This grassroots campaign group of patients, local leaders, and MNA nurses aims "to pressure Mayo to keep a full-service, acute-care hospital in Albert Lea," the union said.

MNA said Thursday's rally is among many events the group is planning.

"The Albert Lea group is bravely standing up to a huge, powerful corporate entity more interested in its bottom line than patients or the people of Albert Lea," MNA President Mary Turner said. "The community knows losing their hospital would damage patient care and put at risk the health and welfare of not only the citizens of Albert Lea, but also the 60,000-some people in the three-county region who come to Albert Lea for medical care. The 22,000 members of MNA commend and stand with Albert Lea residents as they continue their campaign."

Mayo noted the right of residents to weigh in but expressed disappointment at some of the dialogue being put forth.

"We respect and appreciate the right of community members to voice their opinions. But, we are disappointed by the fear and misinformation being spread by some members of the Save Our Hospital group," the system said in an emailed statement to Becker's Hospital Review. "Frightening patients and the community with terms like 'life-threatening' and 'economically devastating' is irresponsible and not grounded in fact. Albert Lea's hospital is not closing. To the contrary, Mayo Clinic Health System is committed to Albert Lea and to preserving jobs and high-quality healthcare, and we intend to work with the community and elected officials to minimize the impact on individuals and the community."

Mayo also noted the challenges rural healthcare organizations face, saying, "While our solutions to those challenges may differ, our purpose for finding those solutions is shared: doing what's best for patients and their communities. We want to help community members gain a better understanding of  how this plan positions the Albert Lea campus for stability and growth now and in the future."
U.S. District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced William Canupp, former CFO of Beulaville, N.C.-based Eastpointe Human Services, to 3 1/2 years for wire fraud, tax fraud and conspiracy to commit federal program fraud, according to The Wilson Times.

Mr. Canupp served as Eastpointe's CFO from March 2010 to April 2013. Eastpointe manages the public sector behavioral health system for several counties in eastern North Carolina.

On May 24, 2016, a federal grand jury returned a 47-count indictment against Mr. Canupp, charging him with conspiracy, bribery, organization fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. The indictment was issued nearly one year after a state audit found Mr. Canupp had facilitated kickbacks from two Eastpointe contractors. The audit revealed Eastpointe paid two contractors more than $1 million for renovations from 2010 to 2013. Each time a check was received from Eastpointe, the contractor wrote a personal check to Mr. Canupp. The contractors paid the former CFO a total of $547,595.

Mr. Canupp pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy to commit federal program fraud, wire fraud and tax fraud, according to The Wilson Times.

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An Oregon woman who says she accidentally suffocated her 4-day-old baby after falling asleep with him in her hospital bed has sued the hospital where she gave birth and a nurse there, according to CNN.

The mother, Monica Thompson, filed the $8.6 million lawsuit Aug. 4. The suit alleges a nurse at Portland (Ore.) Adventist Medical Center took Ms. Thompson's baby, Jacob, from the hospital's nursery to Ms. Thompson's room for breastfeeding around 3 a.m. on Aug. 6, 2012. The nurse allegedly left mother and son unattended, even though Ms. Thompson was medicated on narcotic painkillers and sleep aids.

About an hour after her son was left in her room, Ms. Thompson woke feeling "drowsy and groggy" with her unresponsive baby in her arms. She tried to get her son to respond while calling for a nurse for help. She then carried Jacob to the hallway and yelled for help.

The baby was transferred to Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland and put on life support. Physicians determined the baby suffered from oxygen deficiency and his brain was permanently damaged. The parents terminated life support for their son six days later. Jacob was 10 days old.

In a statement to CNN, Portland Adventist Medical Center said, "This was a tragic event and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family. Adventist Medical Center is committed to providing quality, compassionate care to all of our patients. We are reviewing the claims being made and we are unable to provide any additional information at this time."

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Exeter (N.H.) Hospital said Friday afternoon it evacuated its inpatient operating room after a "small number of staff" reported symptoms of dizziness and nausea.

The announcement came via EH's website.

"Staff members were triaged to Exeter Hospital's emergency room for evaluation. The inpatient OR was shut down out of an abundance of caution as the hospital's engineering team and local fire personnel investigated," the announcement reads.

As of Friday afternoon, the hospital had not identified the exact cause of the symptoms. However, the hospital stressed "no patients or family members in the inpatient operating room area were impacted."

Overall, 19 staff members reported symptoms, and "all symptoms have now resolved," EH said in an update Friday night.

The hospital said patients were diverted to other area locations after it shut down the ER, located above the inpatient operating room, "out of an abundance of cution."

"We are working with local and state emergency personnel to determine the cause. At this point, the only areas of the hospital impacted are the inpatient OR and the emergency room," EH said Friday afternoon. "All other areas remain unaffected and are operating as usual. The interruption of services in the OR and the emergency department did not result in any patient safety concerns."

Exeter Town Manager Russell Dean previously told CBS Boston the "source of the issue is being investigated as a possible leak of some kind." On Friday night, EH said the state hazmat, CST National Guard investigated the ER and inpatient OR areas, and there were "no findings." The hospital added both areas will reopen "at a time yet to be determined" after a thorough cleaning.

Note: This story was updated Friday night.
President Donald Trump on Thursday declared the opioid epidemic a national emergency, an action several states have already taken in response to the rising overdose death rates.

The Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, established by the president via executive order in March, issued its interim report July 31, recommending President Trump declare the crisis a national emergency. While President Trump showed no intention to make such a declaration during a Tuesday press briefing on the opioid epidemic, he announced the national emergency two days later.

Here are six states that have previously made emergency or disaster declarations to address the crisis.

1. Alaska: Governor Bill Walker, I-Alaska, issued a disaster declaration regarding the state's opioid epidemic Feb. 14. The declaration diverted an estimated $4,058,316 from the state health department and federal grants to support the dissemination of the opioid overdose antidote naloxone across the state.

2. Arizona: Republican Gov. Doug Ducey on June 5 declared a statewide health emergency in Arizona due to surging rates of opioid overdose deaths. The declaration allows Arizona Department of Health Services to more rapidly respond to the crisis via the distribution of the opioid-overdose antidote naloxone and increased coordination for public health efforts between state, local and private-sector partners.

3. Florida: Republican Gov. Rick Scott signed an executive order May 3 declaring the opioid epidemic a public health emergency in Florida. The emergency order permitted the state to expedite the use of $27 million in federal funds for opioid addiction treatment and prevention, which was awarded to the state via HHS' Opioid State Targeted Response Grant April 21.

4. Maryland: On March 1, Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency to address the heroin, opioid and fentanyl crisis affecting Marylanders. The decision activated the governor's emergency management authority, enabling increased and more rapid coordination between the state and local jurisdictions to address the crisis.

5. Massachusetts: In March 2014, former Democratic Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick declared the state's opioid crisis a public health emergency, making him the first governor in the nation to issue such a declaration, according to STAT. The former governor used the emergency powers more broadly than his counterparts by banning physicians from prescribing Zohydro ER, a pure hydrocodone product. The move was ultimately overturned in court.

6. Virginia: On Nov. 21, 2016, Democractic Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared opioid addiction to be a statewide public health emergency and issued a standing prescription for residents to get the anti-overdose drug Naloxone, according to The Washington Post.

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CMS is threatening to cut off Medicare and Medicaid funding to Seattle-based Swedish Health's Cherry Hill campus in 90 days unless it resolves patient safety issues, according to The Seattle Times.

The Washington Department of Health inspected Swedish's Cherry Hill campus after a February Seattle Times investigative report exposed troubles, including staff members feeling intimidated, patient care concerns and surgeons performing overlapping surgeries.

The state surveyors identified numerous patient safety issues at the Cherry Hill campus, including failure to outline the roles of medical fellows, failure to address behavioral concerns, failure to document surgical tasks of medical residents, failure to listen to staff concerns and failure to track when the attending physician was in the operating room.

"Staff members feared punishment and retaliation for voicing concerns," the regulators wrote, according to the Seattle Times. "Staff members stated they were frequently bullied and intimidated for voicing concerns about the working conditions in the neurosurgical operating area."

To keep federal funding for the Cherry Hill campus, Swedish Health must submit a corrective action plan to CMS. Regulators will conduct another survey to ensure the hospital is in compliance with Medicare and Medicaid rules.

Swedish Health said that many of the deficiencies cited have been addressed, according to the report. The system implemented a new policy to ban overlapping surgeries. Additionally, Swedish Health CEO Guy Hudson, MD, insured that the culture of intimidation will be addressed

"We are sorry for what occurred at Swedish Cherry Hill on our watch," Swedish Health board members told the Seattle Times. "As volunteers, we continue to be deeply committed to our critical governance role in overseeing patient quality and safety, as well as physician credentialing."

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Mark OKane, MD of OKane Commercial who acted for the seller, Emerald Construction

A Northern Ireland care home portfolio has sold for almost 15m in what's thought to be the single biggest sale in the industry here in the last decade. The investment portfolio includes three homes, two in Co Armagh and one in Co Antrim, fetching 14.9m.

The three specialist care homes are designed specifically for the care of disabled people.

They were snapped up by LXi REIT for 14.9m, reflecting a net initial yield of 6.48%.

The portfolio is leased to the Priory Group, a major provider of behavioural care and elderly services in the UK, with lease terms of between 25 and 30 years.

The three homes - Apple Mews 1 and Apple Mews 2 in Armagh, and Edenmore in Jordanstown - will generate a total of 1m a year in rent.

Apple Mews 1 houses 30 people and upon completion early next year, Apple Mews 2 will add an extra 34 rooms to the facility. The recently-opened Edenmore also includes 36 rooms.

Mark O'Kane, managing director at O'Kane Commercial, who acted on behalf of seller Emerald Construction, said: "We are pleased to have completed the sale of this specialist care home portfolio to LXi REIT.

"This transaction illustrates the investor confidence in the Northern Ireland healthcare sector and the prime healthcare real estate investment market".

Strutt & Parker also joined O'Kane Commercial in acting for Emerald Construction while Baron Associates represented LXi REIT.

Mr O'Kane said the care home sector was becoming increasingly popular with investors due to the stability associated with long-term leases and the increasing demand of care services.

The homes were built by Emerald Construction, with the newest of the three expected to be finished over the next few months.

Work began on Apple Mews 2 around six months ago.

The major extension to the Apple Mews 1 care home is thought to have cost around 3.6m to build.

The Apple Mews care homes are designed for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex physical disabilities so that staff can provide appropriate nursing care to support the development of independence and life skills.

It's expected that once Apple Mews 2 is complete, the two Armagh homes will together employ almost 50 people.

Apple Mews 1 includes five housing units, each made up of six en-suite bedrooms.

Residents can also make use of the day lounge, communal area, activity room, dining suite and kitchen.

The deal comes just a few weeks after the Diocese of Down and Connor sold Our Lady's Care Home on Ard Na Va Road, west Belfast to Macklin Group.
Film Hub NI's second Cinema Day takes place later this month with screenings happening all over Northern Ireland.

Part of the BFI Film Audience Network and supported by Northern Ireland Screen, the best in film will be celebrated on Monday, August 28.

Sara Gunn Smith, of Film Hub NI, said: "We are very proud to present this exciting and diverse programme of cinematic treats, hosted by 22 of our brilliant members, taking place across NI on bank holiday Monday.

"Whether youre a film buff, love a bit of nostalgia, want to support your local community cinema or are simply looking for a fun event to bring the family to, we have it covered. Its a bit of a cliche but there really is something for everyone so we hope to see as many people as possible."

NI Cinema Day highlights:

1. "Breakfast with Bill" at QFT, Belfast (screening of Groundhog Day)

Time: 10am

Price: 5, including breakfast

2. Casablanca at Portrush Film Theatre

Time: 3pm

Price: 4

3. I, Daniel Blake at Ormeau Baths Gallery

Time: 7pm

Price: Pay what you can

4. Ghost World at the Naughton Gallery at Queens

Time: 6.30pm

Price: Free

5. The Passion Joan of Arc at the Strand Arts Centre (silent movie with live music score)

Time: 8.15pm

Price: 8, under 18s go free

6. Shooting for Socrates at Oldpark Carnegie Library

Time: 7pm

Price: 3.25

7. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at the The Web Theatre, Newtownards

Time: 2pm

Price: 5

8. The Quiet Man at the Aurora Community Cinema, Rostrevor

Time: 7pm

Price: 5

9. The Jungle Book at Black Box, Belfast

Time: 2pm

Price: 3

10. Mary Poppins at Movie House (Cityside, Magera, Coleraine)

Time: 10.30am

Price: 1.50

11. Fight Club at Odyssey Cinemas

Time: 8pm

Price: Free with food donations
Northern Ireland's Christine Lampard has been stepping in for Lorraine Kelly over the past few weeks to host ITV's morning show Lorraine - and she has been sporting some fantastic looks.

The stunning presenter rarely puts a foot wrong when it comes to fashion and she has been proudly showing off her outfits for the show on Instagram.

With Lorraine due back from holiday very soon, we take a look through some of Christine's best looks.

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When: July 31

What: Christine kicked off her presenting stint on Lorraine with this gorgeous tropical print skirt which is priced from 125 in Related Apparel's Betsy collection.

Combining it with a classic white shirt from Einser London and nude heels from Gianvito Rossi, Christine's look is flawless as she begins her hosting duties.

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When: August 1

What: Christine brought a bit of colour to the Lorraine studio with this beautiful red Delphine Drape shirt dress from French Connection, priced at 120. This look was completed with strappy shoes from Stuart Weitzman.

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When: August 2

What: This stunning striped cold shoulder bodycon midi dress is from Marks & Spencer and priced at 39.50.

Christine once again paired the outfit with her favourite nude heels from Gianvito Rossi.

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When: August 3

What: Christine wore this exclusive blush leather dress from L.K Bennet London which is priced at 595 - you might need to start saving for this one!

Once again she had pulled out her trusty Gianvito Rossi heels for this fabulous look.

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When: August 4

What: Christine goes girly with this Durham mixed daisy dress from Finery London priced at 149 and a pair of black strappy shoes from Dune at 50.

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When: August 8

What: Christine brought back her strappy Dune heels and paired them this is gorgeous colour block pleated skirt from Very UK which is priced at 25. The black sleeveless top is from Cefinn.

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When: August 10

What: Christine keeps it slightly casual in the studio with black strappy shoes from Office, black capri trousers from Oasis and a floral print shirt from Marks and Spencers which is priced at 25.

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When: August 11

What Christine goes for a classic black look with heels from Steve Madden and zip funnel midi dress from Ceffin priced at 290.
Confusion about the use legality of using e-bikes was sparked after Stephen Nolan attempted to buy one.

It will become possible to register e-bikes in Northern Ireland from Monday, as is required by law, according to officials.

The Department of Infrastructure told the Belfast Telegraph a technical issue, which prevented the registration of e-bikes in Northern Ireland, is being resolved.

In a statement, it said: The process for registering Electrical Assisted Pedal Bicycles is the responsibility of the DVLA in Swansea, the licensing authority for the UK.

"The Department was made aware of a technical issue with the registration and was advised by DVLA that this would be resolved quickly. DVLA has informed the Department they will be able to register EAPCs for use in Northern Ireland from Monday August 14.

Earlier the BBC's Radio Ulster Nolan Show said the Department of Infrastructure was aware people in Northern Ireland were currently unable to register their e-bikes despite being required to do so by law.

"We have written to them, and they continue to keep you in the dark about this, despite the fact that some of you have spent thousands of pounds on these bicycles. Despite the fact that the department knows that some of you are getting the runaround," said Nolan.

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Appearing on the programme was Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle, who said that he had been contacted by Halfords who advised customers to either stop using their e-bikes or to use them without their electrical motors.

"I received an email overnight from Halfords explaining that quote works are underway to bring Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the UK. Obviously they are not too au fait with the politics in Northern Ireland, thats going to take some time," said Mr Lyttle.

Halfords previously confirmed that it would be withdrawing e-bikes from sale in Northern Ireland.

Confusion about the legality of using e-bikes was sparked after presenter Stephen Nolan attempted to buy one.

Due to a law dating back to 1955 in Northern Ireland electric bikes are considered to be mopeds and require a users to have a motorcycle licence, insurance, to wear safety gear, and to have a number plate displayed.

Laws in England, Scotland and Wales were changed in 1995 to reflect that newer technology allowed engines to shrink and the electric-assisted bikes to grow in popularity.
The Relief of Derry parade making its way through the city last year

There are fears over a possible confrontation at an Apprentice Boys parade in Londonderry after a republican group announced a protest to coincide with it.

The Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association announced that they were mounting a white line picket in Derry city centre to coincide with Saturday's Relief of Derry parade.

Up to 20,000 Apprentice Boys will descend on Londonderry for the annual Relief of Derry commemorations.

Although it had been marred by violence in the past, a ground-breaking initiative involving the loyal orders, businesses, churches and community leaders has ensured the Londonderry event is now seen as a model of parading.

Thanks to continued co-operation between parade organisers and community leaders, the annual August parade has remained largely trouble-free for years.

But the prisoner support group said yesterday that they would be holding their protest "in solidarity with Republican prisoner Luke O'Neill".

O'Neill is currently in Maghaberry Prison.

They said the picket will be help on Shipquay Street at 2pm, just as the Relief of Derry parade is due to make its way around the adjacent Diamond.

The group called on "all republicans and human rights advocates to join with us this Saturday to highlight the continued abuse of republican prisoners".

The Apprentice Boys of Derry's Chief Marshall David Ramsey said that they were aware of the protest but that their parade will be well marshalled and participants would be reminded not to react to provocation.

"This is probably the fifth year that a protest has been held at the same time of our parade," he said. "Our marshalls are always well aware of it.

"Saturday is a big day in the city. Realistically this could certainly antagonise but as always we will walk with dignity. We always emphasis the need not to react to provocation.

"Our message to parade participants is not to react to provocation as it is counter-productive and we must keep in mind that we are commemorating the Siege where many people lost their lives."

The annual event commemorates and celebrates the Relief of Derry in 1689 and up 30,000 will be on parade including 150 bands.
Records compiled by a panel reporting on the disbandment of paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland have been destroyed.

Details of the documents' destruction emerged after a Freedom of Information request by the sister of an IRA murder victim.

The panel was set up by the Stormont Executive in the wake of the murder of Kevin McGuigan to examine ways to disband paramilitary groups.

Catherine McCartney said she was shocked to discover that the records hadn't been kept.

She is reporting their destruction to the Information Commissioner as an alleged breach of the Freedom of Information Act.

Speaking exclusively to the Belfast Telegraph, she said: "The panel was carrying out a task for a public purpose.

"The Government drew up an action plan based on the report.

"I believe the public have a right to view records relating to the compilation of that report. No explanation was offered as to why the records were destroyed."

In a statement, the Department of Justice - which revealed the documents' destruction following the FoI requests - said that the panel had been "wholly independent" from it and the management of the records was "a matter for the panel".

Two of the panel's three members yesterday said they had been given legal advice that, as an independent body, they didn't fall under the auspices of the Freedom of Information Act and that records should be destroyed because of the sensitive nature of their work.

Father-of-eight McGuigan was shot dead outside his east Belfast home two years ago this weekend. The PSNI said IRA members were involved in his murder.

The ex-republican prisoner was targeted in retaliation for the killing of former Provo commander 'Jock' Davison three months earlier. Ms McCartney, whose brother Robert was stabbed to death by the IRA in 2005, was once a neighbour of the McGuigan family in the Short Strand.

Former Alliance Party leader Lord Alderdice, former Women's Coalition leader Monica McWilliams and solicitor John McBurney were appointed to the panel in December 2015.

It was given six months to draw up a report on the disbandment of paramilitary groups.

FoI requests reveal that they were each paid 500 a day and were expected to work on average two days a week. The panel said they consulted widely meeting paramilitaries, academics, church leaders, political parties, women's groups and a "range of community and business representatives".

They also met statutory agencies including the Probation Board, Equality Commission, Housing Executive and Victims Commissioners.

The Department of Justice stated: "The Fresh Start Panel destroyed any records it held as part of its winding up process. It did not transfer any records to the Department of Justice or any other Executive Department." Ms McCartney said: "I was astounded that a panel compiling a public report on paramilitaries hadn't retained its records.

"I am reporting this to the Information Commissioner as an alleged breach of the Freedom of Information Act."

Ms McCartney also criticised the panel for not speaking to Kevin McGuigan's widow Dolores - although it was his murder a few months earlier that led to the panel's establishment. Nor did they speak to IRA murder victim Paul Quinn's mother Breege, or Ms McCartney and her sisters.

A Department of Justice spokesman said: "The Independent Fresh Start Panel operated under its own autonomy and was wholly independent from the department. The information held by the panel was at no time stored within the Department of Justice information systems, nor did the department have access to its information.

"The management of Independent Fresh Start Panel information and its records was a matter for the panel."

When asked by the Belfast Telegraph about the destruction of records, panel member Mr McBurney said: "The legal advice that was provided to the panel was that, as an entirely independent body, we were not within the bodies listed within the scope of the Freedom of Information Act.

"As there were sensitive and complex dimensions to our work, privacy and confidentiality were essential. Documentation was treated in that manner throughout the panel processes to its conclusion."

Fellow panel member Ms McWilliams said: "The legal advice we were given was that we were an independent panel, and not departmental, so we didn't come under the Freedom of Information Act and, because of the sensitivity of the subject we were examining, that any records would be destroyed."

Ms McWilliams acknowledged that the panel hadn't talked to Mrs McGuigan, Mrs Quinn, or the McCartney sisters.

She said the panel's six-month reporting deadline meant time was limited, but she hoped to talk to those victims in her role as a commissioner on a new international watchdog monitoring progress on tackling paramilitary crime.

The Independent Reporting Commission will be reporting over a five-year period which will enable opportunity for extensive consultation, she said.

Ms McWilliams insisted that the views of women victims of paramilitaries had been sought by the Fresh Start Panel.

"We talked to a range of women's groups, some of whose members were victims. We also had a five-hour meeting with the Wave Trauma Centre," she said.

The third panel member, Lord Alderdice, couldn't be contacted for comment.

The panel's report contained 43 proposals to achieve four objectives - "promoting lawfulness, support for transition, tackling criminal activity, addressing systemic issues". Its recommendations were warmly welcomed by the then First Minister and Deputy First Minister, Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness.
Police are investigating an assault in the Kells Avenue area.

A 32-year-old man has been arrested in west Belfast on suspicion of assault.

Officers are investigating the assault in the Kells Avenue area of the city, which took place on Saturday August 5.

They have arrested a 32-year-old male on suspicion of common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and three counts of theft.

The man was interviewed and was later released pending further enquiries.
Police said the item found in west Belfast was a viable explosive device

An ATO robot deals with a suspect object at the gates of Belfast Met on the Springfield road in west Belfast , August 10th 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

A suspicious object originally deemed to have been an elaborate hoax bomb was actually a viable explosive device, police have said.

The object was found on the Springfield Road in west Belfast on Thursday.

After a lengthy security alert, police declared the item as a hoax.

However, on Friday police changed position, explaining that further detailed examination had determined the device was viable.

Further searches were conducted by officers in the Springfield Road area on Friday morning and additional evidence relating to the investigation was recovered and removed for forensic examination.

PSNI Detective Inspector Paul Rowland said: "I would like to reassure the public that the items recovered today did not, at any stage, pose a risk to the public.

"There are people who will know information about those responsible for this device and I would appeal for them to come forward and speak to police."
A former top PSNI officer has revealed how modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK is "far more prevalent than previously thought".

A report by the National Crime Agency (NCA) shows that hundreds of cases affect every large town and city.

Will Kerr, the former PSNI Assistant Chief Constable, warned the threat of human trafficking is continuing to expand as the number of suspected victims has more than doubled in three years.

Mr Kerr, now the NCA's vulnerabilities director, said there are 300 live police operations targeting modern slavery, with alleged victims as young as 12 being sold to families in the UK from Europe.

"The more that we look for modern slavery, the more we find evidence of the widespread abuse of the vulnerable," he said.

"The growing body of evidence we are collecting points to the scale being far larger than anyone previously thought. This should not be acceptable in any way, shape or form."

Mr Kerr's comments come as the NCA launches an advertising campaign raising awareness of the signs of modern slavery in everyday life.

There were 3,805 people reported as potential victims in 2016, an increase from 1,745 in 2013, according to NCA statistics.

Mr Kerr left his role in the PSNI in November last year after being offered a temporary post as director of NCA's Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command.

He said the most common nationality of victims brought into the UK were people from Eastern Europe, Vietnam and Nigeria.

But he also cited one example of a 12-year-old Roma girl being stopped at border control, bound for a life as a domestic slave.

He said: "She was being brought in to work for a family in part of the UK, where she had effectively been sold by her father - or it had been facilitated by her father - and she was being brought in to take this family's children to school and pick them up every day, and clean the house in between.

"Twelve years old, same age as my youngest son."

Mr Kerr said criminal charges were pending against those involved in the case.

But he said it underlined the sheer scale of the problem authorities were facing, further complicated by the fact some people do not realise they are a victim of slavery.

He added: "People are being exploited on an hourly and daily basis.

"The full scale and extent of it, we don't know. But what we have found is that in every medium-to-large town and every city in the UK, we have found evidence of vulnerable people being exploited.

He said there were "lots of different outlets" for people trafficked into the UK to be working illegally and against their will.

Mr Kerr said examples included those working at car washes and in construction as well as in agriculture and food processing - often receiving very little pay.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said that any new Irish constitution must state that violence will never again be used in an attempt to force a united Ireland.

He was speaking after Sinn Fein leader Michelle O'Neill said the constitution could be changed to protect the British identity of unionists.

"It is our view that such protection for unionism rather than being seen as generous concessions, should instead be seen as a given," he said.

"The SDLP has long proposed that the protections and institutions won for minorities in the Good Friday Agreement would need to remain to protect unionism in a new Ireland.

"That would mean Stormont would remain, giving both northern unionism and nationalism power in Belfast and in Dublin."

Mr Eastwood said proponents of unity must recognise that the messenger was as important as the message in their argument.

"The truth is that many from a unionist background will oppose Irish unity not on the basis of logic or self-interest but because one of its messenger's embodies unionism's memory of violence," he said. "That might well be an uncomfortable truth for Sinn Fein, but in their more honest moments they must know it to be real.

"Any proposed drafting of a new Irish constitution must begin with a prior commitment that violence will never, ever again be used as a political tactic to enforce unity upon this island.

"It would enshrine that those of us who wish to bring about the reunification of Ireland know - that it will only ever be worthwhile if unionism and the British identity find opportunity, comfort and belonging in it."
The suspected drug parcel is thought to have been thrown over the prison walls

A prisoner was on the roof of Mountjoy jail for just over four hours after attempting to retrieve a suspected drugs parcel.

The inmate climbed up on top of the D division of the Dublin complex before lunch and was taken back inside at about 4pm.

A spokesman for the Irish Prison Service said a decision was taken by the jail management not to reopen prisoners' cells after lunch as they dealt with the incident.

It is understood prison staff were concerned the inmate may have been under the influence of drugs after retrieving a package of contraband that had been thrown over the prison walls.
President Michael D Higgins has led tributes to hurling great Tony Keady who has died aged 53.

The two-time All-Ireland winner, originally from Killimordaly, Co Galway, was regarded as one of the finest hurlers of his generation.

He took ill earlier this week and died in hospital in Galway on Wednesday.

President Higgins and his wife Sabina offered condolences to Mr Keady's wife Margaret and their four children, Shannon, Anthony, Jake and Harry and friends and colleagues.

"It is with deep sadness I have learned of the death of legendary Galway hurler, Tony Keady," Mr Higgins said.

"A two-time All Ireland winner, Tony was one of only three Galway hurlers to be awarded the title of Hurler of the Year, which he won in 1988.

"He will be missed by all his colleagues in Killimordaly GAA Club, and by the hurling and GAA community at large.

"Sabina and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to his wife Margaret, his four children, his friends and colleagues."

Mr Keady had watched Galway hurlers book a place in this year's All-Ireland final by beating Tipperary last Sunday before he took ill.

He had worked as a caretaker in Calansanctius College in Oranmore, where he lived in the Frenchfort area near the town.

He played with Killimordaly in the 1980s and later was involved in Oranmore-Maree GAA club.

Mr Keady was a member of the last Galway hurling team to lift the Liam McCarthy and was an All Star and a hurler of the year.

The GAA described Mr Keady as "a brilliant hurler and an absolute gentleman".

Sean O hEidhin, secretary of the Galway County Board, said: "Galway GAA is gripped in a cloud of deep sadness and sorrow today with the news of the sudden and untimely passing of the great Tony Keady."

Cyril Farrell, former manager of the successful Galway hurling team, told RTE Radio Mr Keady was a great family man and a brilliant hurler who rose to the occasion.

"He believed if there was 70,000 in Croke Park they came to see him play. He said this is what we were training for," he said.

"He had a free spirit.

"This character was bigger than life and so fit and strong and the last person that you looked at that you could think this could happen to, but that's life."
The final move to secure the pensions of tens of thousands of steelworkers has been announced, ending any fresh doubts about future payments.

Steel giant Tata gave details of a new scheme to replace the British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS).

Workers voted earlier this year to accept lower benefits in return for investment which will secure jobs.

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Finalising the pension arrangements is expected to clear the way for Tata to merge its European steel business with German firm Thyssen Krupp.

Tata Steel UK said it had signed the documentation for a so-called regulated apportionment arrangement (RAA) with the Trustee of the British Steel Pension Scheme, offering more sustainable outcomes for pensioners, employees and the business.

When the RAA takes effect the British Steel Pension Scheme will be separated from Tata Steel UK and a number of affiliated companies.

The steel trade unions Community, Unite and GMB, said in a statement: We welcome the RAA announcement which includes a commitment that Tata will stand behind a new scheme with reduced annual increases.

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For over a year our members have feared for their security in retirement, and this announcement helps to bring that uncertainty to an end.

When the RAA takes effect, workers will be able to join a new BSPS, which will have lower future annual increases for pensioners and deferred members, which will give it an improved funding position which would pose significantly less risk for Tata, said the company.

Koushik Chatterjee, Tata Steels Group Executive Director, said: The RAA process has been a long and detailed one, and I would like to thank the Pensions Regulator, Pension Protection Fund, the Trustee of the British Steel Pension Scheme, its members, the unions and employees  indeed, all our stakeholders, including the Governments of the UK and Wales, for their constructive engagement through the process.

Considering the continued challenges in the global steel industry as well as the uncertain global politico-economic environment, the RAA presents the best possible structural outcome for the members of the British Steel Pension Scheme and for the Tata Steel UK business.

The RAA is one important milestone in Tata Steel UKs journey towards a sustainable and enduring future, with pension obligations, whose risk profile would be consistent with the underlying business.

The net financial impact of the RAA including the payment of the agreed amount would be reflected in the Q2 FY18 financials for the company.

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The union statement added: We fought to ensure that our members can choose whether they want to transfer to a new modified scheme, underpinned by Tata, or to remain in the BSPS and therefore receive Pension Protection Fund (PPF) compensation.

Now that this choice is being delivered, the company and the trustees must step up to provide the necessary information and guidance to enable every member to make an informed decision in their best interests.

Our members have been extremely disappointed at the unacceptable lack of communication in recent months, and this has to change immediately. The company and the trustees must remember they are dealing with peoples long-term future, their life savings, and their familys financial security; it is vital members are given all the support that they need.
Heathrow Airport had its best month ever in July, as the summer getaway sent passenger numbers soaring.

The UKs biggest and busiest airport said it welcomed 7.53 million passengers in July, up 1.2% compared with the same time last year, and breaking all monthly records.

That means on average 243,000 passengers passed through the airport every day, equivalent to the population of Plymouth.

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Middle Eastern destinations proved particularly popular last month, with traveller numbers to the region climbing 7%.

UK destinations also jumped up 5% after Flybes recent decision to introduce flights from Heathrow to Scotland.

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Trade through the airport enjoyed a record surge as well, rising 15% to 143,000 tonnes.

Much of that growth was thanks to American Airlines, which boosted cargo volumes by 44%, spurring an uptick in trade with North America.

Trade with East Asia also saw an uplift on the back of strong growth to China, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: Britains global gateway is hard at work this summer holiday season  July was the best month in Heathrows history.

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With more passengers than ever and trade growing at the fastest rate ever recorded, Heathrow is helping Britain show the world our country is open for business.

It comes as Brexit continues to cast a cloud over the aviation sector, with industry leaders urging the Government to prioritise an agreement in the talks with Brussels.

Last week, Ryanair boss Michael OLeary met with Transport Secretary Chris Grayling where he reiterated his warning that British airlines are at risk of being grounded unless Tory ministers strike an aviation deal with the EU before March 2019.

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Gatwick recorded a 6.1% year-on-year rise in passengers travelling to China in July, marking the first anniversary of the airports routes to Chinese destinations Tianjin and Chongqing.

Overall passenger numbers rose for a 53rd consecutive month in July as 4.7 million people travelled through the airport  up 2.4%  making it the busiest July in Gatwicks history.
Ministers must pass laws to ensure British people still have the right to sue the Government after the UK leaves the European Union as a chilling clause in major Brexit legislation waters it down, campaigners have said.

Lawyers told the Times that a clause in the so-called repeal Bill would mean laws covering areas such as air pollution may no longer be subject to financial redress through courts.

The passage relates to a European Court of Justice decision in 1991, known as the Francovich ruling, which established that EU member states could be liable to compensate individuals or businesses damaged by a sufficiently serious Government breach of Brussels regulation.

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The repeal Bill, formally known as the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, states: There is no right in domestic law on or after exit day to damages in accordance with the rule in Francovich.

Explanatory notes attached to the Bill state that the clause will not affect peoples rights to claim damages already enshrined in British legislation book or established in case law. But campaigners warned that the repeal Bill clause is so broad that it represents a watering down of rights.

Labour MP Chris Leslie, on behalf of the Open Britain campaign for close ties with the EU, said: This is exactly what we were told the repeal Bill would not be used for but it looks like another broken Brexit promise. Ministers have repeatedly pledged not to use Brexit to undermine our rights but those warm words are not being backed up by action.

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The wording in the Bill is so broad that it represents a fundamental watering down of rights to redress against the state and ministers should be made to justify such a change. The Government should do what it said it would and ensure in law that none of our rights are lost after Brexit.

Martha Spurrier, director of Liberty, said: This chilling clause, buried deep in the Bills small print, would quietly take away one of the British peoples most vital tools for defending their rights. Putting the Government above the law renders our legal protections meaningless.

It exposes a clear agenda to water down our rights after Brexit  and shows exactly why the Human Rights Act is going to be all the more essential after we leave.

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Lawyers told the Times the legislation could allow the Government to avoid its responsibilities to tackle air pollution.

David Hart, QC, who practises environmental law, told the newspaper: This seems to be a blatant way of Government seeking to avoid responsibilities. If you take an area like pollution, it means that the Government will escape any liability under the Francovich principle for past and future breaches.

The Government said the clause was required as the right to sue under the Francovich ruling is linked to EU membership and therefore will be irrelevant after Brexit.

A spokesman said: The UK has a longstanding tradition of ensuring our rights and liberties are protected. The people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU and that is exactly what we are doing. The right to Francovich damages is linked to EU membership  the Government therefore considers that this will no longer be relevant after we leave.
Black-coloured waste water treatment discharge is released into water below Niagara Falls. (AP)

Local politicians are asking for a criminal investigation into the discharge of waste that turned the water below Niagara Falls black.

The Niagara County Legislature passed resolutions on Thursday night that request investigations by the New York state attorney general, the Niagara County district attorney and the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

The politicians want the agencies to probe the July 29 discharge that turned the water near the base of the falls black on a sunny day when the area was crowded with tourists.

The Niagara Falls Water Board says workers at the local waste water treatment plant let a pump run for too long while emptying a sedimentation basin.

The basin contained residue from the cleaning of carbon filters at the plant.

AP
Google CEO Sundar Pichai said some employees feared for their safety

Google boss Sundar Pichai has called off a meeting with staff to address sex discrimination after employees' questions were leaked online from the company's internal messaging service.

In an email to staff, sent just an hour before the meeting was to start on Thursday afternoon, c hief executive Mr Pichai said several Google employees became fearful for their safety and concerned about being outed for speaking up at the town hall-style meeting.

He said the company aimed to create several other forums "where people can feel comfortable to speak freely".

The meeting was meant to hear employee grievances over a flare-up that has consumed Google for much of the week.

It began last weekend after engineer James Damore circulated a memo that claimed biological gender differences helped explain why women were under-represented at the internet giant, and was sacked on Monday.

The engineer has claimed he had a right to voice concerns over workplace conditions and filed a labour relations board complaint before being fired.

Google's internal "Dory" system allows employees to ask questions and then vote on questions posed by other employees so managers can address the most pressing ones.

Wired magazine published some of the questions verbatim online on Thursday.

Screenshots of the questions with names attached had been leaked, although none with names had been published as of Thursday night, a Google spokeswoman said.

Meanwhile, a graphic composed of the Twitter profiles of several Google employees who were gay, lesbian or transgender began to circulate online, assisted by conservative commentators such as former Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos .

That graphic drew hundreds of negative comments about the people and the company.

AP
US President Donald Trump during a security briefing at his Bedminster National Golf Club in New Jersey. / AFP PHOTO / Nicholas KammNICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images

US President Donald Trump has said North Korea's leader will "regret it fast" if he threatens or acts against Guam or any other US territory or ally.

Mr Trump said tens of millions of Americans support his tough position on North Korea's nuclear danger.

Following days of grave threats to North Korea, Mr Trump directed his latest warning directly to the communist country's leader, Kim Jong Un.

Earlier he warned of military action "should North Korea act unwisely" amidst escalating tensions between the two countries.

President Trump tweeted: "Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path."

North Korea has announced a detailed plan to launch a salvo of ballistic missiles toward the US Pacific territory of Guam, a major military hub and home to US bombers.

If carried out, it would be its most provocative missile launch to date.

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President Trump said this week that the US would unleash "fire and fury" on North Korea if it continued with its threats.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she does not see a military solution to rising tensions between the United States and North Korea, and called for a de-escalation of the rhetoric.

Asked about President Trump's latest statements, Ms Merkel declined to say whether Germany would stand with the US in case of a military conflict with North Korea.

She said: "I don't see a military solution and I don't think it's called for."

Ms Merkel called on the UN Security Council to continue to address the issue.

She said Germany would work to find diplomatic solutions with the countries involved, the US and China in particular, but also South Korea.

She added: "I think escalating the rhetoric is the wrong answer."

Earlier Jeremy Corbyn urged President Trump and Kim Jong Un to "calm down"

The Labour leader said you "cannot play fast and loose with nuclear weapons", adding that Britain had a role to play in bringing the two leaders "back from the brink".

Speaking to the Press Association in Bristol, Mr Corbyn said: "We cannot play fast and loose with nuclear weapons and nuclear threats because do you know what - a nuclear explosion doesn't stop at national borders, it doesn't stop at the vicinity where the bomb drops."

The Labour leader, a long time anti-war campaigner, said the result of a nuclear strike would go on for decades, adding: "I ask them both, calm down.

"There are phone calls that could be made, there's discussions that could be held.

"Surely in the interests of sanity and safety over the whole world, do it."

Mr Corbyn said Britain and other nations with nuclear weapons also had a role to play in reducing the tensions.

"All the five declared nuclear weapons states, which includes the United States, Russia and China, as well as Britain and France, need to get on board on this to bring North Korea back from the brink, bring Donald Trump back from the brink, and support the NPT (the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons) and support the UN's efforts to make nuclear weapons illegal worldwide," he said.
Indonesian women and children who fled from the extremist group Islamic State arrive at Ain Issa refugee camp north of Raqqa, Syria, June 13, 2017.

Indonesian police have arrested four men in the past two days suspected of helping people travel to join terrorist groups in Syria and the Philippines, officials said.

Three were arrested in Jambi, Sumatra on Thursday and one was arrested early Friday on the outskirts of Jakarta, according to police spokesman Martinus Sitompul.

The Jambi suspects  ranging in age from 38 to 45 years old and identified only by their initials  were arrested after police successfully prevented a planned departure to the southern Philippines through Tolitoli, Sulawesi, he said.

"As a development of that case, the officers made the arrests in Jambi," Martinus said.

Police nabbed a fourth man in front of his house in Tangerang, near Jakarta, as he was about to take his child to school early Friday morning.

While not linked to the Jambi suspects, this man was also involved in helping people travel to the Philippines and Syria by collecting funds and provisions for those who want to go, Martinus said.

He did not specify how many people the suspects had assisted and whether they worked for any particular group.

But Jambi police chief Priyo Widyanto said the three suspects in his area were linked to the militant organization Jamaah Anshar Khilafah (JAK), according to the state-owned Antara news agency.

In May, the elite counterterrorism force Densus 88 also arrested two suspected militants linked to JAK in Jambi, according to police.

JAK has existed since 2014, or shortly after the so-called Islamic State (IS) was declared by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, according to Adhe Bhakti, executive director of the Center for Radicalism and Deradicalization Studies, an independent think-tank in Jakarta.

According to him, JAK is similar to Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), a group that police say masterminded the Jakarta bomb attack in January 2016 and a twin suicide bombing at Kampung Melayu, East Jakarta, in May.

The United States government declared JAD a global terrorist group in January 2017.

The two are basically the same  their leader is the same, Aman Abdurrahman, Adhe said, referring to an imprisoned Muslim cleric.

The wandering 17

Meanwhile, officials announced that 17 Indonesians who had emigrated to Syria to join the so-called Islamic State had crossed into Iraq after escaping the group.

"They are in good condition, we keep in contact, and they are now in Erbil," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Friday in Jakarta, referring to the city in northern Iraq.

The group  believed to be women and children from a single family  told reporters in June at a refugee camp in Ain Issa, Syria that they had emigrated from Jakarta two years earlier, but their dreams of living in an Islamic caliphate had been crushed by the brutal reality of life in Raqqa.

Asked when they would return to Indonesia, Retno replied, "I cannot talk about it yet. Let me work on it."

Associated Press quoted Omar Allouche, an official at Ain Issa camp, as saying that the 17 had been handed over to Indonesian representatives at a Syria-Iraq border crossing on August 8.

In the past three years, some 430 Indonesians have been deported from Turkey after trying to cross into Syria. The figure includes 193 individuals in 2015; 60 in 2016; and 177 in the first six months of 2017, Retno told reporters in June.

A year ago, an IS propaganda video urged IS supporters who could not travel to Syria to go to the southern Philippines instead.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law in the southern Mindanao region after IS-linked militants backed by foreign fighters seized Marawi city in May.

An estimated 200 militants are still holed up in Marawi, and the death toll after three months of fighting with Philippine military has topped 700, most of them enemy combatants, according to official death toll figures.
Three Filipinos among a clutch of hostages, including at least 13 foreigners, have escaped from Abu Sayyaf militants who were holding them captive in the southern Philippine island of Jolo, police said Friday.



The three, identified as Jason Son Vailoces, Joel Adanza and Filemon Guerrero Jr., were to have been freed by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) gunmen on Thursday, but their release did not go through, officials said.



The gunmen scuttled the release when they noticed that the ransom money was fake, regional police spokeswoman Chief Insp. Tara Leah Cuyco said.



They were taken back to camp, but managed to escape on the same day as the gunmen performed their afternoon prayer, she said.



The trio managed to elude their captors amid a hail of gunfire, alternately hiding in bushes and running until they reached a village, where they were safely taken in by the residents, she said.



The escape coincided with a clash between the military and a 30-strong contingent of gunmen believed to be Abu Sayyaf militants, in which two soldiers and five suspects were slain elsewhere in Jolo.



In July, two Vietnamese among 15 foreigners believed to be held by the gunmen were found decapitated by the Abu Sayyaf.



Also last month, police found the decomposing remains of seven Filipinos who were kidnapped and later beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf in the island of Basilan, another stronghold of the extremists.



Abu Sayyaf militants are known for beheading their hostages unless ransom payments are made. They beheaded two Canadian hostages last year and a German captive in February.



Close to where they are hiding



Thursdays daring escape came on the 81st day of fighting between government troops and a faction of the Abu Sayyaf, led by commander Isnilon Hapilon in Marawi city, which is on the southern island of Mindanao.



Hapilon is the acknowledged leader of the Islamic State in the mostly Catholic country, and his fighters are backed by militants from the local Maute group and several militants from Southeast Asia and the Middle East.



The violence was set off on May 23 when the police and the military moved to arrest Hapilon, who was spotted in Marawi. But the rebel force overwhelmed the troops, burning several structures and kidnapping dozens of hostages along the way, including a Catholic priest.



President Rodrigo Duterte has been forced to seek the help of allies the United States and Australia, which are providing intelligence support.



Neighbors Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia have likewise offered help in defeating the militants, fearing that the violence could spread to their shores.



The death toll has been staggering. As of Thursday evening, 552 militants, 128 government forces and 45 civilians had died in the fighting, military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said on Friday.



He said the latest intelligence reports indicated that Hapilon, along with brothers Omarkhayam and Abdullah Maute were believed to still be alive and leading the militant force in Marawi.



We believe theyre still inside the battle area and the reason why fighting has been intense is potentially, we have gone close to where they are hiding, Padilla said.
After an 18-year run in Goose Creek and unforeseen challenges presented by COVID-19, Dreamalot Books has gradually  but decidedly  gained a steady foothold in the Moncks Corner community as a welcoming haven of second-hand books for both area bibliophiles and those traveling in from Myrtle Read moreThe 'happy place' for used books: Dreamalot Books emerging as a go-to hot spot in Moncks Corner
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For Immediate Release, August 10, 2017 Contact: John Buse, (323) 533-4416, jbuse@biologicaldiversity.org Appeal Challenges Massive Growth Plans for L.A. County's Antelope Valley LOS ANGELES The Center for Biological today filed an appeal challenging Los Angeles County's blueprint for sprawling development in rural Antelope Valley. The recently revised area plan now paves the way for creating entirely new towns, including Tejon Ranch Company's Centennial project, which would add around 20,000 new houses to the northwestern part of the valley. Such development is unsustainable in this arid but ecologically rich region. Antelope Valley covers a vast, 1,800-square mile portion of northern L.A. County, which includes an incredible variety of landscapes ranging from rugged mountains and deserts to forests, playa lakes and stunning wildflower fields. The original plan update expanded protections for many of those unique habitats, but the L.A. County Board of Supervisors chose to scale back those protections at the last minute with no review. The board pulled a fast one on the public with last-minute revisions that push massive sprawl development in Antelope Valley's most fragile wild areas, said John Buse, a Center senior attorney. Supervisors shrugged off the valley's irreplaceable wildlife and plant communities, as well as requirements of California's environmental laws. This new plan is an insult to open government and a grave threat to imperiled animals. Today's appeal comes after a Los Angeles Superior Court ruling in May that L.A. County did not violate the California Environmental Quality Act when it approved the new Antelope Valley Area Plan, despite the significant changes and rollbacks of environmental protection in the plan after preparation of Environmental Impact Report. The Center intends to challenge this misunderstanding of what the law requires. The plan threatens the mostly rural, agricultural, open-space lands of Antelope Valley that are unincorporated. Areas marked for development provide crucial habitat for endangered and rare wildlife, including the California condor, bald eagle, desert tortoise, pronghorn, and Mohave ground squirrel. Today's appeal was filed in the 2nd District Court of Appeal against the county of Los Angeles and the Board of Supervisors for the county of Los Angeles.
For Immediate Release, August 11, 2017 Contact: Michael Robinson, (575) 313-7017, michaelr@biologicaldiversity.org New Study Shows Lesser Prairie Chicken Decline Continues Endangered Species Protection Would Buffer Rare Birds Against Climate Change, Habitat Loss SILVER CITY, N.M. A study released today by the U.S. Geological Survey found that lesser prairie chickens  rare grasslands dancing birds  continue to decline and will be threatened with extinction as climate change worsens and more habitat is lost. The study was part of a review of the species for protection under the Endangered Species Act. The USGS study is the first to incorporate the effects of global warming on lesser prairie chicken survival. The bird has already declined to just 1 percent of its historic abundance, living in isolated grasslands in eastern New Mexico, southeastern Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle. The study's authors found that incorporating higher temperatures and lower precipitation into future models for this species of grouse shows lower survival rates  and for some populations, near-term extinction. This is a blinking red light on the dashboard warning us emergency action is needed to save these birds, Michael Robinson, conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. Prairie chickens should be granted endangered species protection immediately. Lesser prairie chickens are celebrated for their unique, colorful springtime courtship rituals. But habitat destruction has eliminated almost all the birds and confined the survivors to tiny portions of their original habitat. To try heading off Endangered Species Act protections for the bird, the five states where they live created a range-wide plan for conserving the prairie chicken. But in 2014 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service acknowledged that the voluntary plan failed to reduce threats to the lesser prairie chicken and placed it on the threatened species list. The following year, however, through litigation, oil and gas interests and counties in New Mexico induced the Service to delist the prairie chicken and to reconsider the voluntary plan. Yet despite the voluntary plan, habitat destruction continues apace, isolating the birds in smaller populations as their numbers continue to drop. Global warming will make that worse, suggesting that threatened status is no longer sufficient and that endangered would be a more apt classification. Scientists have now made clear that we'll have to pull out all the stops to save the lesser prairie chicken from extinction, said Robinson. It's time to use the Endangered Species Act to halt habitat loss for this beautiful bird and past time to dramatically reduce the emissions that are cooking us and the prairie chicken alike.
Milkha Singh appointed WHO Goodwill Ambassador An estimated 8.5 million people die due to NCDs every year in WHO South-East Asia Region.

Indias legendary sportsperson, Milkha Singh, has been appointed WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Physical Activity in South-East Asia Region.

Promoting physical activity for health is an important intervention, which is expected to get a significant boost in the Region with the support of octogenarian Milkha Singh, a champion for the cause, said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia.

Regular exercise and physical activity help to reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer  diseases that are now increasingly afflicting people across the world.

An estimated 8.5 million people die due to NCDs every year in WHO South-East Asia Region. Many of these deaths are premature and nearly all are lifestyle related, the Regional Director said.

An alarming 70 per cent of boys, 80 per cent of girls and nearly 33 per cent adults in the Region report insufficient physical activity which is becoming a common feature of modern life, she said.

As WHO Goodwill Ambassador, Milkha Singh will promote WHO South-East Asia Regions NCD Prevention and Control Action Plan which seeks to reduce the level of insufficient physical activity by 10 per cent and NCDs by 25 per cent by 2025, Dr Khetrapal Singh said.

Physical activity is not only cost effective, but also has long-term impact when applied strategically, for example at schools and workplaces, communities and cities, and national and sub-national events. WHO has been advocating for physical activity as a best buy intervention for reducing the risk of deaths due to NCDs.

WHO recommends at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children and 150 minutes of weekly activity for adults to stave off noncommunicable diseases. Physical activity helps those aged 65 years and above to maintain cognitive functioning and reduce the risk of depression. To facilitate this, WHO has also been advocating with governments to create public spaces for recreational and organized sport.

Whatever the age group, gender, physical ability, or socio-economic background, being physically active is an effective way to ensure a healthy and productive life, the Regional Director said.

With support of Milkha Singh, we expect to promote and scale up physical activity in the Region to be able to arrest and reverse the NCD epidemic, she said.
The acquisition expands the Groups presence within the US healthcare market and increases US sales by more than double.

Tissue Regenix Group plc, a UK-based leading medical devices company in the field of regenerative medicine announced the completion of the acquisition of CellRight Technologies LLC, a US-based specialist in regenerative osteoinductive bone scaffolds.

The acquisition, expands the Groups presence within the US healthcare market and increases US sales by more than double, bringing together two highly complementary technology and product platforms focused on soft-tissue regeneration and regenerative bone matrices, respectively.

TRX has built a portfolio of soft tissue products for use in wound care, orthopaedics and cardiac applications, based on its patented dCELL Technology with DermaPure, a decellularised dermal allograft for chronic and acute wound care, currently commercialised. CellRight, brings a complementary regenerative technology which is used to turn allograft bone into various malleable applications including, DBM Putty, strips, blocks and fibres, primarily for use in spine, orthopaedics and dental surgeries.

Leveraging the capabilities of CellRight Technologies existing tissue bank in San Antonio, TX, Tissue Regenix is set to launch its OrthoPure HT, decellularised human tendon, into the U.S. orthopaedics market in early 2018, which will initially address anterior cruciate ligament repair. This facility also provides the Group with a purpose built U.S. base to self-manufacture products utilising its patented dCELL process.
A network model comprising all known inter-organ signals in type 2 diabetes showed bi-stability with one insulin sensitive and one insulin resistant attractor.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is believed to be irreversible although no component of the pathophysiology is irreversible. Researchers at the Indian Institute for Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune have developed a network model that the apparent irreversibility is contributed by the structure of the network of inter-organ signalling.

A network model comprising all known inter-organ signals in type 2 diabetes showed bi-stability with one insulin sensitive and one insulin resistant attractor.

Many large scale clinical trials have revealed that normalizing blood glucose is not effective in avoiding diabetic complications. This finding is compatible with the model.

Further, the model demonstrates that it might be impossible, in principle, to prevent diabetic complications by a sole focus on normalizing glucose.

The model suggests molecular targets such as adiponectin, growth hormone, melatonin and testosterone for prevention of T2DM; and dopamine, ghrelin, oestrogen and osteocalcin for prevention as well as treatment of T2DM.

But since all these molecules are behaviourally regulated, it is likely that behavioural intervention may have a better promise. It is quite likely that a paradigm shift is awaiting round the corner in the field and we need to be open to this possibility.
Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia
Nigeria's telecommunications company, formerly known as Etisalat Nigeria, has launched its new brand identity - 9mobile, with the unveiling of a new name and logo.

 warrengoldswain via 123RF

With the migration to a new name and brand, 9mobile promises to sustain and continuously provide innovative and value-adding propositions which it has delivered since inception nine years ago.

At a press briefing in Lagos, chief executive officer, 9mobile, Boye Olusanya, said the new brand identity reflects the bold and creative attributes which the organisation shares with its valued subscribers. The vivacity of the brand will enable the company connect more with its subscribers especially the youth.

The telco said that the new name and brand is a deliberate representation and confirmation of its Nigerian heritage, 9ja-centricity, and another phase of its evolution over nine years of operations in Nigeria. Although its name and brand changes, it assured its customers that the values on which it operates remain the same.

According to Olusanya, the new logo represents resilience and continuity, and also expresses the brand's thoughts about the future, particularly of digital technology and its continued impact on communication and human interactions. Being a number-themed logo, it reflects the network's futuristic slant. The colour green, both its light and dark variants, reflects vibrancy, dynamism, life, and youth as well as the brand's 'Nigerianness'.
Under the ambit of the Turkish Housewares Manufacturers & Exporters Association, 25 Turkish houseware manufacturers will hold B2B meetings with local business partners in Sandton on 15 August 2017.

Image credit: Avsar Enamel

Following previous successful trade missions, the delegation will seek to step up trade between Turkey and South Africa. Delegates will represent manufacturers of plastic kitchenware and bathroom accessories, melamine kitchenware, glass kitchenware, metal cookware, cutlery, professional kitchenware and household items.

South Africa, a net importer of glassware, plastic kitchenware and metal kitchenware, imported $421 million in kitchenware plastics, wood, stainless steel, enamelled products and cutlery were valued from producers around the world last year.

Turkey, one of South Africas top 15 kitchenware trade partners, supplies plastic, stainless steel, iron and enamelled tableware and kitchenware to South Africa and aims to introduce South African importers to its broader range of stylish and highly functional kitchen and home products.

Turkish manufacturers and entrepreneurs have invested heavily in recent years in growth and advanced production techniques to meet growing demand for plastic, steel, copper and aluminium kitchenware, along with glassware, ceramics, porcelain and cutlery and Turkish kitchenware is now exported to more than 160 countries.

Among the companies travelling to South Africa this month are:

 Aky, Gorgel Metal, Hascevher, Kirteks Metal, Mehtap and OMS are manufacturers of stainless steel cookware sets, non-stick cookware, stockpots, couscous pots, pressure cookers, fry pans, casseroles, coffee and teapot sets.

 Yesilyayla Kesici Aletler, manufacturers of modern knives, cleavers, knife holder magnets, meat hammers, gloves, spatulas, sharpening steel and shears

 Avsar Enamel, makers of a range of enamelled casseroles, fry pans, saucepans, kettles, coffee pots, milk pots, mugs, deep fryers, oven trays and non-stick ceramic and granite coated aluminium products, will also be present.

 Several manufacturers of high-quality plastic kitchenware and homeware, as well as producers of decorative homeware, will also travel to South Africa for the meetings.

Meetings are free to attend. For more information, or to schedule a meeting with these Turkish companies, call Sue Bowden on +27 (0)11 728 5878 or email sue@africainfo.co.za.
Until the 1980s, biodiversity conservation in the tropics focused on the fines and fences approach: creating protected areas from which local people were forcibly excluded. More recently, conservationists have embraced the notion of  win-win : a dream world where people and nature thrive side by side.

Sergei Uriadnikov via 123RF

But over and over, we have seen these illusions shattered and the need to navigate complicated trade-offs appears unavoidable.

To this day, protected areas are being established coercively. They exclude local communities without acknowledging their customary rights. Sadly, most conservation approaches are characterised by a model of lets conserve first, and then compensate later if we can find the funding.

A new conservation model, Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) is an example of this. Finalised at the Paris climate conference in 2015, it seemed to offer something for everyone: supplying global ecosystem services  such as capturing and storing carbon dioxide and biodiversity conservation  while improving the lives of local communities.

Unfortunately, REDD+ is often built on protected area regimes that exclude local people. For example in Kenya, REDD+ led to the forceful eviction of forest dependent people and exacerbated inequality in access to land. The approach is underpinned by laws (often a legacy of the colonial era) that fail to recognise local peoples traditional claims to the forest. In doing so, REDD+ fails to provide compensation to the people it most affects and risks perpetuating the illusion of win-win solutions in conservation.

REDD+ is just one way in which forest conservation can disadvantage local people. In our research we set out to estimate the costs that local people will incur as a result of a REDD+ pilot project in Eastern Madagascar: the Corridor Ankeniheny-Zahamena.

Our aim was to see whether we could robustly estimate these costs in advance so that adequate compensation could be provided using the funds generated by REDD+. Our research found that costs were very significant, but also hard to estimate in advance. Instead, we suggest that a more appropriate approach might be to recognise local peoples customary tenure.

Social costs of protected areas

Madagascar, considered one of the top global biodiversity hotspots, recently tripled the islands protected area network from 1.7 million hectares to six million hectares. This covers 10% of the countrys total land area.

Although the state has claimed ownership of these lands since colonial times, they are often the customary lands of local communities whose livelihoods are deeply entwined with forest use. The clearance of forests for cultivation has traditionally provided access to fertile soils for millions of small farmers in the tropics. Conservation restrictions obviously affect them negatively.







Sarobidy Rakotonarivo





Conservationists need to assess the costs of conservation before they start. This could help to design adequate compensation schemes and alternative policy options.

We set out to estimate the local welfare costs of conservation in the eastern rainforests of Madagascar using innovative multi-disciplinary methods which included qualitative as well as quantitative data. We asked local people to trade off access to forests for swidden agriculture (land cleared for cultivation by slashing and burning vegetation) with compensation schemes such as cash payments or support for improved rice farming.







Sarobidy Rakotonarivo





We selected households that differed in their past experience of forest protection from two sites in the eastern rainforests of Madagascar.

The findings

We found that households have different views about the social costs of conservation.

When households had more experience of conservation restrictions, neither large cash payments nor support for improved rice farming was seen as enough compensation.

Less experienced households, on the other hand, had strong aspirations to secure forest tenure. Competition for new forest lands is becoming increasingly fierce and government protection, despite undermining traditional tenure systems, is weakly enforced. They, therefore, believed that legal forest tenure is better since it would enable them to establish claims over forest lands.

Unfortunately, knowing what would constitute fair compensation is extremely complex.

Firstly, local people have very different appraisals of the social costs of conservation. That makes it difficult to estimate accurately the potential negative costs of an intervention.

Its also hard to evaluate how cash or agricultural projects will stimulate development. This makes it challenging to estimate how much, or what type of compensation should be given.>

These challenges are compounded by the high transaction costs of identifying those eligible as well as the lack of political power of communities to demand compensations.

The solution

Conservation approaches, particularly fair compensation for restrictions that are imposed coercively, need a major rethink.

One solution could be to formally recognise local peoples claims to the forest and then negotiate renewable conservation agreements with them. This is an approach already used successfully in many Western countries. In the US for example, conservation organisations negotiate easements with landowners, to protect wildlife. Agreements like this ensure that local peoples participation is genuinely voluntary and that compensation payments are sufficient.

Our research shows that theres a strong demand from local people for securing local forest tenure. Theres also evidence that doing so may better protect forest resources because without customary tenure local people are more likely to clear forests faster than they would do if they were given secure rights.

We, therefore, argue that securing local tenure may be an essential part of social safeguards for conservation models like REDD+. It could also have the added benefit of helping to reduce poverty.

The social costs of forest conservation have been generally under-appreciated and advocacy for nature conservation reveals a lack of awareness of the high price that local people have to pay. As local forest dwellers have the greatest impact on resources and also the most to lose from non-sustainable uses of these resources, a radical change in current practices is needed.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
Asilia's newest impact investment, Roho ya Selous, in the UNESCO world heritage site of Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania, is the latest addition to its stable of ecotourism camps. Impact investing occurs across all types of asset classes. Its basic premise is to have a positive impact on society and the environment. It can also be thought of as sustainable philanthropy.

As an impact company, we have a model whereby sustainable tourism, support for nature and support for local people go completely hand-in-hand. That vision is very much supported by our impact investor base which includes, among others, the DFI NorFund from Norway, says Jeroen Harderwijk, managing director of Asilia Africa.

Operating 18 camps in East Africa, Asilias vision is to turn vulnerable ecosystems into viable conservation economies.

Walking the talk

A number of turnaround stories bear testament to Asilias vision.

The establishment of Sayari as a semi-permanent camp in an area that was overrun by bush meat poachers, and as a result was devoid of tourists, was pivotal to the northern Serengetis turnaround.

The turnaround of this area involved lengthy consultation and communication with the communities on the edge of the park. It gave us a reputation for inclusive collaboration which stood us in good stead when we applied for other pioneering areas such as Rubondo and the Namiri area, where a similar situation occurred, continues Harderwijk.

In 2010, Rekero Camp in the Masai Mara Game Reserve joined the growing Asilia tribe. Since then, Naboisho Camp in the all-important Naboisho Conservancy (itself nurtured into being by Asilia and other stakeholders) showcases the benefits that local people can derive from nature if the will and know-how exist. For its innovative and exemplary governance model, the Naboisho Conservancy won the prestigious African Responsible Tourism Award in 2016.

Mara Naboisho Conservancy , overall winners of the 2016 African Responsible Tourism Awards at WTM Africa.

Asilias model of tourism employs large numbers of rural dwellers where few other opportunities exist. With over 800 continental citizens on its payroll, it is a growing employer generating sizeable revenues to national governments in the form of fees, levies and taxes  approximately $7.8m in 2016/17. In addition, Asilia raised a further $236,000 for conservation and social development projects in the areas where it operates. Direct contributions from the company to the same projects amounted to $137,000, over and above this.

The extra $370,000 was donated to effective and vetted partners in East Africa. For more information on our partners and their projects, visit Alisia Giving.

This sense of making a difference to real people and places is an attraction to international tourists. It also helps ensure the sustainability of the wild areas where Asilia operates.

Rohos offering

Situated on a hill overlooking a key waterway in the heart of the Selous Game Reserve, Roho has eight private en suite tents, including a family tent. Activities on offer in this diverse landscape of swamps, river and lakes include game drives, walking, boating and fishing on a catch-and-release basis.

During the past decade, we have been able to substantially improve the prospects of important wilderness areas and its local people in East Africa, and we are fully committed to do even more of that in the coming decade. We are really excited to expand into Southern Tanzania and our new camp in the Selous is a key cornerstone in that.

Southern Tanzania has the most spectacular wilderness areas which have global conservation value too. We are committed to bring substantial volumes of upmarket responsible tourism into Southern Tanzania and to make tangible contributions to the local communities and conservation agenda in those areas. Tourism done in the right way can really transform the prospects of vast wilderness areas in Africa and the people living there, concludes Harderwijk.
Trevor Hoole, CEO of KPMG South Africa, has issued a statement on the auditing firm's relationship with the Gupta group and subsequent review processes undertaken.

Trevor Hoole, CEO of KPMG South Africa

"I want to make the following statement to update our clients and the wider public on the steps KPMG is taking to address the issues raised by various stakeholders regarding the work we previously performed for companies related to the Gupta family (the group). From the outset we have taken these allegations extremely seriously and the KPMG South Africa board immediately initiated a comprehensive review to establish the facts regarding the range of professional services we had delivered.

Review team

KPMG South Africa has worked collaboratively with KPMG International (KPMGI) on the review thus far. To reinforce confidence in the rigour of the review, we have determined KPMGI will independently lead all aspects of the comprehensive review. Accordingly, the review team is now being led by an experienced senior partner from the KPMG network, reporting directly to KPMGIs global vice chair of quality risk and regulatory, as well as to the South African board. Norton Rose Fulbright as external legal counsel, with support from various experts including appropriate senior counsel, continue to provide independent, expert, external views and opinions. All aspects of our work related to the Gupta group is being robustly reviewed, including client acceptance, execution and the quality of the work. Where any problems or issues are found, those KPMG individuals responsible will be held accountable.

Sars Report

We also note that KPMG has received criticism regarding the Sars Report. The review being conducted by KPMGI will be extended to include KPMGs role in this report. It is important to note that the engagement partner for the Sars project resigned from KPMG in March 2017. As with the above review, all aspects of the engagement, including client acceptance, execution and the quality of the work will be considered.

While the last audit opinions for the group were signed for the 28 February 2015 year ends, it is now clear that based on publicly-available information, KPMG should have resigned earlier than March 2016 and should have stopped working for the Gupta companies sooner than we did. In my judgement, we were too slow to recognise the wider public interest related to these matters, given the existing socio-political environment in South Africa. We fully understand that our client acceptance and continuance procedures must be improved to take account of this fact.

That said, neither our review of Linkway Trading, which is the subject of an IRBA investigation, nor the broader review into professional services rendered in the wider group has, to date, found any evidence that KPMG in any way supported or condoned alleged tax evasion or money laundering, nor that there was any dishonesty by the teams.

At the same time, we fully understand the criticism for the attendance at the Gupta family wedding in 2013 by four KPMG partners. The South African firm accepts that the partners should not have attended this wedding.

Further, our board has deemed it appropriate to take the following steps pending the conclusion of KPMGIs comprehensive review:

The lead audit engagement partner has been suspended. We reiterate that our review, to date, has not found any evidence of dishonesty on the part of the partner.

Two other partners who were connected to these matters will be relieved of their board and executive positions pending the outcome of the comprehensive reviews, and further actions will be taken as appropriate. <

Painful lessons learnt

On behalf of the partners and staff at KPMG, I wish to sincerely thank our many clients for allowing a fair and due process to follow and for affording us the opportunity to fully and robustly review this matter.

Mistakes have been made and painful lessons learnt. We commit to take every action necessary to apply these learnings to strengthen the way we work, and help restore the public trust we have earned over more than a century of commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards and dedicated service to South African businesses, the capital market and the wider public interest."
Africa has derived enormous benefits in agricultural transformation from China through its South-South Cooperation, an official of the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has told Xinhua.

Peter Atimka Anaadumba, South-South Cooperation Program Officer at the African Regional Office of FAO, said China had proven over the years to be a major credible and reliable partner in transforming agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. He was speaking in an interview on Tuesday at a five-day workshop on African Regional Knowledge Sharing on promoting Efficient Rice Farming at Elmina, some 158km west of the national capital, Accra.

"China is a major player when it comes to South-South cooperation in Africa. It's a major partner of FAO. When you look at the Africa region, China gave a grant to FAO in 2009 of about $30m and recently $50m, making it $80m and these funds that they provided are available to support African countries in sub-Saharan Africa to access for them to receive technical expertise from China," he said.

Increased agricultural production

He lauded China for this support which had been yielding high dividends in the beneficiary African countries where agricultural production is on the increase.

"China, for example, has been working in Liberia. Now, Liberia rice production stands at about seven million tonnes. We did deploy about 500 experts. We have been able to develop piggery in Liberia through insemination innovations from China," Anaadumba added.

"So thanks to South-South cooperation, there was huge investment from the private sector in China. Almost around $200m for Uganda alone."

In Uganda, Anaadumba disclosed that rice production was on the increase, with China sharing their expertise and also developing aquaculture and apple production.

He described the assistance Africa received from China through the South-South Cooperation agricultural development programme run by FAO as very key to the development of the economies on the continent.

"When you go to Tanzania, we have South-south cooperation. There is a center of excellence in the Morogoro region, it's been constructed by China. This center provides training for the youth. It's like an incubation center where people come and learn how to do crop management, crop budget, water management, livestock, poultry, and so on.

Sharing expertise

"China is also contributing by sending in technical experts to Africa to provide support in a lot of areas in the agricultural sector. They are also providing capacity building. The number of training China provides to sub-Saharan Africa in a year is amazing," he noted.

The Regional workshop being held in the coastal city of Elmina, near Cape Coast, has attracted 48 participants from 10 countries in and outside Africa. This year's theme is Knowledge Exchange on The Promotion of Efficient Rice Farming Practices and Value Chains in Sub-Saharan Africa through South-South Cooperation.

Bukar Tijani, assistant director general and FAO regional representative for the African region who opened the workshop, noted that through the South-South Cooperation, FAO had been facilitating knowledge transfer in agricultural production between China and African countries. "Let me acknowledge FAO's partnership with China. It is very strong. It (China) is one of the main countries that have a South-South cooperation partnership," he told Xinhua.
The format of the new NEC4 Alliance Contract, recently released by the NEC, is designed specifically to elicit feedback from the construction and infrastructure sectors to ensure that the contract framework meets its needs, says Ricardo Pillay, partner at Dentons South Africa.

Alliance contracting was developed to meet the demands for better integration of project teams. It is used to generate better outcomes for large, highly complex infrastructure projects, where clients in specialised sectors have particular capabilities to contribute its skills and expertise to deliver the project, explains Pillay. Traditional EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) contracts generally do not deliver optimal outcomes in such projects, in part because they do not promote the necessary collaboration and risk sharing between the client and players in the supply chain.

Multiparty contract

The NEC4 Alliance Contract seeks to provide a framework for a true multiparty contract in which everybody is engaged on a single set of terms and conditions. It is performance-based, and ensures that all members of the alliance share in both the risk and reward for the achievement of the project objectives.

The stakes are high, says Pillay. Africa already has a massive infrastructure backlog, and its population is set to grow strongly over the next few decades. As a result, massive infrastructure projects are planned.

We are going to see massive infrastructure projects going ahead and we need to identify creative means of collaborative contracting to ensure that projects are on time, on budget and in accordance with specification. International best practice would dictate that these risks are best managed through alliance contracting A best-for-project philosophy is required and performance needs to be measured and monitored at an alliance rather than individual party level, he continues. We simply cannot afford the project delays and cost overruns that historically plague infrastructure projects.

Research by PwC in 2014 showed that across East, Southern and West Africa, average project delays were running at six months. In addition, more than a third of the projects were 10% to 50% over budget.

Australian experience

The Alliance Contracting model has already delivered good results in both the United Kingdom and Australia. It was pioneered in the Australian oil industry in the mid-1990s and then used in the water sector from the late 1990s and road construction from 2000. The Australian experience was gained in a context characterised by rapidly escalating costs, increasing stakeholder and regulatory demands, changing client needs, and issues around skills shortages and staff retention.

As shown in Australia, the Alliance contract model creates an integrated team that takes collective responsibility for delivering a project, and thus shares in both the pain and gain, Pillay observes. Such projects are governed by a joint body, with day-to-day management by an integrated project team guided by the projects best interests.

The devil is always in the detail, and while the experience gained in Australia and elsewhere is an invaluable starting point, its critical that the consultative draft form of the NEC4 Alliance Contract allows potential South African users to identify matters they would prefer to be dealt with differently, concludes Pillay. So, when local users start to adopt this standard form for the complex infrastructure projects, by that stage, we can safely conclude that the contractual terms are familiar and we have engaged the drafters to refine key clauses.
Building techniques to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and growing professional development is of national importance for South African employers but only 28% are helping employees build these skills.

According to the Deloitte 2017 Human Capital Trends Report, which delves into the top human capital trends for South Africa, as well as globally, careers and learning shot to second place on the importance list. The research finds that globally, 83% of executives have identified learning and development (L&D) as vital. In addition, increasingly, more organisations are starting to help employees with always-on L&D to plug the critical skills gap that exists in various sectors and to help employees grow and thrive in the workplace.

However, the report indicates that only 28% of South African employers say theyre helping employees build skills, roughly 30% of organisations say they do not have clear paths within their organisation, while 16% say they use short-term assignments as part of career development. Moreover, while locally, 81% of executives rated career and learning as important, only 58% described their organisation as prepared, which rates the country not ready, when it comes to how employers manage careers and deliver learning and development.

To boost the countrys readiness score, employers need to become digitally savvy in an evolving digital world. According to the data, companies are moving to overhaul their career models and L&D infrastructure for the digital age.

The report adds, Learning technology is changing rapidly. Traditional learning management systems are being complemented with and replaced by a wide range of new technologies for content creation, delivery, video distribution and mobile use.

Richard Rayne, CEO of iLearn, which offers a range of learnerships, short courses and digital learning solutions, describes the reports results as refreshing.

We are pleased that more employers have acknowledged that learning and development in the workplace is fundamental and key to growing any organisation. Nevertheless, there is more to be done. Now that weve acknowledged what we need, we need to start enforcing what we know.

Addressing critical skills gap

As a direct result of the critical skills gap that exist in various industries, South African employers are encouraged to accelerate their staff development process and produce a culture of employees who are knowledgeable and informed.

Learnerships produce capable and efficient employees and more South African employers should encourage L&D in the workplace to boost the level of skills in the organisation.

A learnership is a vocational and educational training programme that links structured learning and work experience in order to obtain a registered qualification. It combines theory and workplace practice into a qualification registered with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Empowering and developing employees through NQF-accredited learning programmes is one way of boosting the level of skills in an organisation and it is a two-pronged process, when employees upskill, organisations grow and this will help take our country forward, which is exactly what we need.

Since skills development has become such an important aspect of the B-BBEE scorecard, companies can use learnerships not only for talent development but also to boost B-BBEE levels as well. The advantages are endless and the good news is its a very cost-effective, yet highly beneficial option, concludes Rayne.

For more information, go to www.ilearn.co.za.
Africa Code Week (ACW), which started in 2015 to equip parents, teachers and educators with the coding skills and teaching materials they need to train children and youth in their immediate communities, arrived back in Ghana this week.

SAP, Dreamoval and the Ghana Education Service in Accra and Kumasi jointly organised the series of Train-The-Trainer (TTT) workshops in Accra and Kumasi. Ghanas Deputy Minister of Education, Barbara Ayisi Acher attending the launch. The Africa Code Week delegation also met with several Ghanaian dignitaries during the course of this training week, including Ghana Vice President His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bamumia. For Vice President Bamumia, who has assured his full support to the initiative, Africa Code Week is a powerful leverage for the public sector to wide-spread digital literacy on a nation-wide scale.

Higher targets

Ghana also joined in 2015, engaging 730 children and youth in the first year. Last year, the Dreamoval Foundation became the implementing partner for ACW in Ghana: with its support, 590 teachers were trained as part of the Train-the-Trainer sessions and 51 710 children and youth engaged in October 2016, of which 56% were girls.

Dreamoval will be, once again, the Implementing Partner for Africa Code Week 2017 in Ghana. We have set ourselves the target of training 800 teachers this week and 150,000 young Ghanaians from October 18- 25, says Francis Ahene-Affoh, head of business development and marketing at Dreamoval Limited.

According to Claire Gillissen-Duval, director of EMEA Corporate Social Responsibility at SAP and global lead for Africa Code Week, The initiatives effectiveness in empowering the next generation of digital economy workers in Ghana requires knowledgeable instructors who are able to provide mentorship and skills transfer to participating youngsters.

PPP needed in digital age

This year in Ghana, SAP Business One skilled volunteers travelled from all corners of the globe, volunteering their time to roll out this series of TTT workshops. Equally critical to youth empowerment in the digital age are public-private partnerships, as Gillissen-Duval explains, Africa Code Week relies on a fast-growing network of visionary partners, all eager to collaborate to unlock a new world of opportunities for every boy and girl across the continent. Ghana is a striking example of the far-reaching impact of collaboration and leadership on our ability to meet the UNs Sustainable Development Goals, she concludes.

Ten-year plan

SAP Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) EMEA started Africa Code Week together with public and private sector partners, with a long-term goal of empowering more than 200 000 teachers and positively affecting the lives of 5 million children and youth within the next 10 years. So far, over half a million young Africans have been introduced to coding across 30 countries.

Africa Code Weeks key partners (SAP, UNESCO YouthMobile, the Cape Town Science Centre and the Galway Education Centre) have set new ambitious goals for 2017: impact the lives of 500,000 youth across 35 African countries over the course of an 8-day period from 18-25 October. For more information, go to www.africacodeweek.org.
PARIS - Mozilla, the non-profit which runs the Firefox internet browser, said it was launching a drive against "fake news" as fact-checking software backed by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar got its first run-out in public.

The US-based open source group said it was "investing in people, programs and projects" in a new initiative to actively "disrupt misinformation online".

It said the "internet's ability to power democratic society suffers greatly" because of fabricated stories, such as the pope endorsing Donald Trump for the US presidency and India's 2,000-rupee note containing a tracking device.

The Kenyan election this week has also seen both bogus BBC and CNN news reports circulating on social media.

Morzilla's innovations director Katharina Borchert told AFP that it was working on tools for Firefox and better online education with media groups, universities and tech activists.

The Mozilla Information Trust Initiative comes as an automated real-time fact-checking engine developed by the Full Fact foundation was demonstrated in London.

The group, which is backed by Omidyar and Hungarian-born investor and philanthropist George Soros, said its software is capable of spotting lies in real time, and was used to fact-check a live debate at the House of Commons.

Full Fact have been working with Britain's Office of National Statistics on the project, which they insisted was still very much at the test stage.

"As the proponents of propaganda and misinformation become more sophisticated in their use of technology, it is important that fact checkers do not fall behind in our fight against it," Full Fact said.

"This is an important investment in the future of fact-checking," Stephen King, of the Omidyar Network, told The Guardian newspaper.

"You only have to look at the number of initiatives that have risen up to address this challenge, either by tech companies or other organisations to see how worrying this phenomenon is to so many," Borchert added.

"Whether it's become a big enough priority is perhaps a better question," she said, arguing that it was time for rival news organisations to "rally around" to confront fake news.
#Loeries2017: Native VML's #LadiesofLoeries admire the women that hustle

With Loeries Creative Week Durban just around the corner and #WomensMonth in full swing, I caught up with a selection of this year's female judges to find out what they're most looking forward to. First up, Native VML software engineer Phillipa Hickman and copywriter Karmen Wessels on the need for women to have an equal say in order to produce fully thought-through work.

August is #WomensMonth and time to celebrate creativity across Africa and the Middle East, with the Loeries. As a result, I merged these two themes and caught up with two of this years #LadiesofLoeries ahead of judging, which kicks off next week. iPod-based award judging, only in the week of the awards By Leigh Andrews 10 Jul 2015 Hickman and Wessels, judging the digital crafts and digital craft: writing categories respectively, share their personal female business mentors and the need for better female representation in the creative industries Native VML software engineer Phillipa Hickman and copywriter Karmen Wessels, on this year's Loeries digital crafts judging panel. Explain your personal Loeries highlights over the years and what youre most looking forward to from this year. Explain your personal Loeries highlights over the years and what youre most looking forward to from this year.

Hickman: I have actually never attended the Loeries before and I cant recall if Ive been involved in any work that has won. Im really looking forward to the creative energy that surrounds the whole experience, as well as the actual award results. Being part of the judging process this year, having insight into what was entered and what the competition was like, makes me very curious, this year specifically, about which awesome work will take home the awards! And then, obviously Im also looking forward to taking a really long, hot bath because there are no water restrictions in Durban.

Wessels: I havent been to many Loeries yet, but an early highlight was getting my first finalist for a project I was part of as an intern. It was the first step to making it in my mind. Ive also loved attending the awards in Durban  nothing makes you feel fancier than getting flown out on the companys dime, staying in a fancy hotel, getting glitzy, seeing amazing work win, and then leaving the after party early to go spend some quality time with a can of Pringles and the mini fridge bar Im a low-key grandma when it comes to partying.

I'm looking forward to the DStv Seminar of Creativity the most  there are some excellent speakers lined up, especially Tea Uglow!

Talk us through the need for better female representation in the creative industries. Talk us through the need for better female representation in the creative industries.

Hickman: I think its really important for young girls to see that there are women doing every kind of job available, especially in the Stem categories.

Wessels: Women need to have more say in the creative industry  when theyre not present, or dont have a say in the work that gets put out, we end up with disasters like Look like a girl/think like a man.

When women are represented, work becomes more balanced and less cliched. It means there are less campaigns about stilettos and handbags in pink, and more measured messages that talk to the humanity in women and men alike. We dont need to be the majority, we just need an equal say to produce fully thought-through work.

How does being a Loeries judge tie in with that and what else should be done to ensure more empowered females shine in the local creative industries? How does being a Loeries judge tie in with that and what else should be done to ensure more empowered females shine in the local creative industries?

Hickman: I didnt really feel like my Loeries judge position was in any way linked to my being female.

Wessels: Being a Loeries judge means I get to have that say! It means that I get to give input on whether work is inclusive, and speaks to women and men as people, not as stereotypes.

To ensure more empowered women shine in the local creative industry, hire them. Talk to them, give them challenges and ask what they think. Go talk to school girls and inspire them to come to our industry. Go talk to university girls and show them what they can do. Invite them to intern, job shadow and work for you! And flipping believe in them, because theyll change your work for the better.

Thats for sure. Who are your personal female business mentors? Thats for sure. Who are your personal female business mentors?

Hickman: I dont really have any. I dont feel like Ive needed someone in a similar role to mine to know what I wanted to do or what my skills are. I was lucky in that it never really occurred to me that I couldnt be a programmer, even when there were only three girls in our high school computer science class.

Being female has never really felt like a limitation to me. While I know I may make different choices for my own life than what my husband or male colleagues may, I dont feel like I am restricted to those choices, and they are a choice  Im referring specifically to the career changes I have made personally since having kids. I think its equally important for girls to see work-orientated, smart, powerful women in leading company roles as it is for them to see women who have been given the opportunity to make different choices and try to find a way to have the best of both. I work reduced hours for this purpose.

It never occurred to me that I couldnt rise through my career through aptitude and yes, I would be horrified if the guys doing similar things to me were earning hugely differently, unless it could be justified by skills or responsibility.

However, I dont think Im the norm. I still strongly believe that we need to encourage and show our daughters that they can be anything and do anything in whatever field they feel called to, especially when it has historically been considered a career more suited to one gender or the other.

Wessels: The women that are hustling to make their passions their main job are my heroes  the ones that do everything (draw, paint, photograph, write, project manager, budget, network) to make it happen. Women like Piera Gelardi, who co-founded Refinery29, and Dita von Teese who turned her passion for burlesque into a full business!

Inspiration all round. Click through to Wessels and Hickmans MyBiz profiles for more, and keep an eye on our Loeries Creative Week Durban special section for all the latest updates! Loeries Creative Week Durban takes place from 14 to 21 August 2017.
By 2034 Africa is expected to have the world's largest working-age population of 1.1 billionyet only 3 to 4 million jobs are created annually. That means there's an urgent need to create opportunities for the millions of people on the continent who are creative, smart and driven to succeed.

Sundar Pichai, Google CEO, at Google for Nigeria event in Lagos.

The internet, and technology as a whole, offer great opportunities for creating jobs, growing businesses and boosting economies. But people need the right skills, tools and products to navigate the digital world and to make it work for them, their businesses and their communities.

Today, at our Google for Nigeria event in Lagos, we announced progress weve made in our products and features for users in Nigeria, including YouTube, Search and Maps. We also announced initiatives focused on digital skills training, education and economic opportunity, and support for African startups and developers.

Digital skills for Africa

Last year we set out to help bridge the digital skills gap in Africa when we pledged to train one million young people in the regionand weve exceeded this target. Through either in-person or online trainings, we help people learn to build a web presence, use Search to find jobs, get tips to enhance their CV, use social media, and so on. Now were expanding this program, and committing to prepare another 10 million people for jobs of the future in the next five years. Well also be providing mobile developer training to 100,000 Africans to develop world-class apps, with an initial focus on Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.

Google.org grants

Our charitable arm, Google.org, is committing $20 million over the next five years to nonprofits that are working to improve lives across Africa. Were giving $2.5 million in initial grants to the nonprofit arms of African startups Gidi Mobile and Siyavula to provide free access to learning for 400,000 low-income students in South Africa and Nigeria. The grantees will also develop new digital learning materials that will be free for anyone to use.

We also want to invite nonprofits from across the continent to share their ideas for how they could impact their community and beyond. So were launching a Google.org Impact Challenge in Africa in 2018 to award $5 million in grants. Any eligible nonprofit in Africa can apply, and anyone will be able to help select the best ideas by voting online.

Launchpad Accelerator Africa

We want to do more to support African entrepreneurs in building successful technology companies and products. Based on our global Launchpad Accelerator program, this initiative will provide more than $3 million in equity-free funding, mentorship, working space and access to expert advisers to more than 60 African startups over three years. Intensive three-month programs, held twice per year, will run out of a new Google Launchpad Space in Lagosthe programs first location outside of the United States.

Making our products work better in Africa

For people to take advantage of digital opportunities, acquiring the right skills and tools is only part of the equation. Online products and servicesincluding oursalso need to work better in Africa. Today, were sharing news about how were making YouTube, Search and Maps more useful and relevant for Nigerian users.

YouTube Go

Designed from the ground up, YouTube Go lets you discover, save and share videos you love in a way thats transparent about the size of downloads. Designed to be offline first, the app improves the experience of watching videos on a slower network and gives control over the amount of data used streaming or saving videos. Its a full YouTube experience, with fresh and relevant video recommendations tailored to your preferences and the ability to share videos quickly and easily with friends nearby. In June, Nigeria became the second country where we started actively testing YouTube Go. Later this year, well be expanding this to a beta launch of the app, available to all Nigerian users.

Lagos now on Street View in Google Maps

In the last few months, weve improved our address search experience in Lagos, by adding thousands of new addresses and streets, outlines of more than a million buildings in commercial and residential areas, and more than 100,000 additional Nigerian small businesses on Google Maps. Today were launching Lagos on Street View, with 10,000 kilometers of imagery, including the most important historic roads in the city. You can virtually drive along the Carter Bridge to the National Stadium or across the Eko Bridge, down to the Marinaall on your smartphone.

Faster web results

When youre on a 2G-like connection or using a low storage device, pages can take a long time to load. We previously launched a feature that streamlines search results so they load with less data and at high speed. Today were extending that feature to streamline websites you reach from search results, so that they load with 90% less data and five times faster, even on low storage devices.

More local information in Search

Weve also made several updates to Search to bring more useful, relevant answers and information to people in Nigeria:

Knowledge Panels: Were connecting people with easy access to the answers to things they care about, displaying knowledge cards for everything from local football teams to Nigerian musicians and actors.

Health Cards: Later this year well launch more than 800 knowledge cards detailing common symptoms and treatments for the most prevalent health conditions in Nigeria. Weve partnered with the University of Ibadan to ensure that answers have been reviewed by Nigerian doctors for local relevance and accuracy. Nigeria is one of the first countries where were providing locally tailored health answers on Search.

Posts on Google: Posts makes it possible for musicians, entertainers and other public figures to share updates, images and videos directly on Google, for people to see while they explore on the web. Nigeria is the third country where weve made this feature available and some of the countrys popular musicians are already using it.

The things were announcing today are what drive usbuilding platforms and products that are relevant and useful for billions, not just the few, and helping people to succeed in the digital economy. Thats why we hope to equip more people, in Africa and elsewhere, with digital skills and tools. Were excited to be part of Africas evolving digital story.
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attends a news conference after reshuffling his cabinet, at his official residence in Tokyo, Japan, August 3, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

Japan has made no secret of its disappointment with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations after its 10 member states and China approved the framework for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea in Manila on Sunday and pledged to hold further negotiations.

Going a step further, Japan, Australia and the United States issued a statement on Monday, asking ASEAN and China to establish a set of rules that would be "legally binding, meaningful, effective and consistent with international law", which is actually an attempt to encourage ASEAN members to confront China.

ASEAN and China also agreed to hold a meeting later this month to deliberate the modalities for finalizing the Code of Conduct based on the approved framework.

But Japan is not comfortable with China-ASEAN relations improving after the two sides worked overtime to find ways to peacefully resolve the South China Sea issue.

The Nikkei Shimbun said that with the Philippines, which had taken the toughest stance against China, resorting to a friendly China policy under President Rodrigo Duterte, ASEAN's unity over the South China Sea issue has collapsed. The Philippines' positive response to China's proposals and ASEAN's consent to the Code of Conduct framework have placed Japan and the US in a situation they find difficult to deal with.

Yomiuri Shimbun, too, seemed disappointed by ASEAN for issuing a joint statement without mentioning China by name while stressing the importance of "non-militarization" of the South China Sea. An editorial in the newspaper called the South China Sea an important sea lane for Japan and the US, in order to justify the two countries' attempts to intervene in the regional maritime issues.

The editorial said China is using dialogue with ASEAN to buy time and dilute the substance of the code, adding that the envisaged Code of Conduct will be written in a manner that would approve of China's attempt to change the status quo by force. It also said that if the divisions among ASEAN's members continue to widen in the face of China's influence, they will sap the bloc's strength.

At a meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Binh Minh in Manila on Tuesday, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said Tokyo hopes to promote security and defense cooperation with Hanoi, including supplying it with patrol ships.

Japan, Australia and the US also urged China and the Philippines to abide by last year's "international arbitration ruling" that repudiated Beijing's legitimate sovereign rights in the South China Sea.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano was quick to respond to Japan and other countries, saying Manila would appreciate not being told what to do in its maritime territorial dispute with China.

Trying to drive a wedge between ASEAN and China, Japan released its annual defense white paper on Tuesday that says China's military activities are escalating tensions. And Japan's Ministry of Defense has vowed to maintain strong "vigilance" against China's military activities, which it says will intensify around Japan.

China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are the ready excuses that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has used to strengthen Japan's Self-Defense Forces. Since becoming prime minister in 2012 for the second time, Abe has revised the pacifist Constitution to allow the SDF to engage in conflicts overseas, raise the defense budget every year and ease curbs on weapons exports.

The Japanese Defense Ministry is likely to seek a fat budget, of more than $45.48 billion, for fiscal 2018, according to the Nikkei Shimbun. Among its plans to build military muscle, Japan is scheduled to establish an Amphibious Rapid Redeployment Bridge by March 2018 to counter possible attacks on its remote islands by China. And one day after being appointed defense minister, Itsunori Onodera said Japan should consider developing weapons that could hit the DPRK's missile bases.

That, if realized, would be a drastic change in Japan's defense posture.

On Tuesday, Japanese fighters conducted air drills with US B-1B bombers that are capable of carrying nuclear bombs in Japanese skies close to the Korean Peninsula. To maintain peace in the region, Japan should stop trying to stir up trouble.

The author is China Daily Tokyo bureau chief. caihong@chinadaily.com.cn
But, the GDPR deadline wont only impact UK or European based businesses; any business which has European customers will be affected.

The new UK Data Protection Bill plans are being published today and intend to transfer the European Unions current General Data Protection Regulation into UK law. From 25 May 2018, all companies will need to comply with the GDPR rules in order to deal with customer data in Europe and avoid heavy fines, said Patrick Lastennet, Director of Marketing and Business Development, Interxion.

Because of the size of the European population, many US-based companies look to Europeans to fill out their customer roster. What do these new regulations mean for these businesses?

Europe is an attractive market for US companies due to its size and consistent regulations across borders. However, dont be fooled into thinking that its simple when compared with the US. A major difference with the US is the need to correctly handle movement of data between countries and also customers right to be forgotten, which means companies need to consider how they coordinate centrally as well as storing locally, said Lastennet.

How can US-based businesses prepare?

US companies launching into Europe from 2017 are in the position to approach their infrastructure plans with a clean sheet, but they need the right information, support and tools to reach compliance in this sophisticated market, said Lastennet.
The junta forces are said to have burned down the homes of local people in a clash with the Peoples Defense Forces in Tanintharyi Regions Palaw...
PR Newswire

VANCOUVER, Wash., Aug. 11, 2017

VANCOUVER, Wash., Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Saturday, August 12, 2017, Banfield Pet Hospital celebrates the grand opening of its 1,000th hospital.

Banfield President Brian Garish will be joined by the local veterinary team for a public event to honor the milestone at Banfield's 1,000th hospital, located at 1010 Murfreesboro Road, Suite 162, Franklin, TN. Local residents are invited to attend the 9 a.m. ribbon cutting and participate in subsequent grand-opening festivities, including hospital tours.

"Banfield Pet Hospital is more than a business, it's a place our associates come to live their purpose and passion, and our clients trust us with the care of their beloved pets," said Brian Garish, President of Banfield Pet Hospital. "I am incredibly proud of all Banfield has accomplished since the first practice opened more than 60 years ago  and that we've grown by our principles to this 1,000th hospital opening."

Banfield paid tribute to the new hospital by offering free veterinary care to local shelters, as it does ahead of every new-hospital opening. Intended to provide pets the care they need and remove barriers to adoption, Banfield's Shelter Services program is one of many ways the practice and its associates work to give back to the community all year long.

Shelter Services in honor of the 1,000th hospital opening spanned five days and helped dogs and cats  some of which are still available for adoption  from Agape Animal Rescue, Nashville PITTIE, Williamson County Animal Center, Rudimentary Rescue and Maury County Animal Shelter. Services valued at nearly $25,000 in total ranged from preventive care like vaccinations for a cat named Kitty, to demodectic mange treatment for a Pit Bull named Hank, to specialty procedures such as a bilateral patella surgery for Remington the poodle.

"Banfield Pet Hospital once again demonstrated its amazing care and commitment, not just to its paying clients, but to its outreach in surrounding local communities," said Carlene Castleman, Vice President & Director of Nashville PITTIE. "Because of Banfield's extremely generous support, Nashville PITTIE pups received critical medical care, including services, surgeries and medications, and as a result, a second chance at a loving, healthy life!"

For more information on Banfield Pet Hospital, including community efforts or hospital locations near you, visit Banfield.com.

About Banfield Pet HospitalFounded in Portland, Ore., in 1955, Banfield is the largest general-veterinary practice in the world. In 2007, Banfield joined the Mars, Inc. family of businesses, and today has 1,000 hospitals across the United States and Puerto Rico. More than 3,500 Banfield veterinarians are committed to providing high-quality veterinary care for three million pets annually. Banfield's charitable arm, the Banfield Foundation, was established in 2015 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the well-being of pets and communities. In 2017, Banfield Pet Hospital, including the work of the Banfield Foundation, was named among Points of Light's Civic 50 as one of the most community-minded companies in the U.S. Press seeking additional information are invited to visit Banfield.com or call the Media Hotline: (888) 355-0595.

Media Contact: Ryan Bartholomew, [email protected] Media Hotline 888-355-0595

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/banfield-pet-hospital-unveils-1000th-hospital-300502802.html

SOURCE Banfield Pet Hospital
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A car in which a Kinahan cartel murder victim was shot dead has been burnt out in the grounds of a Dublin garda station.

Noel Kirwan's black Ford Mondeo had been stored at Ronanstown since he was killed in Clondalkin last December.
Update 1.30pm: Irish Farmers are assuring customers that Irish eggs are not affected by the current health scare sweeping Europe.

The EU has called for an urgent summit after revelations that eggs contaminated with insecticide in the Netherlands, have been found in 15 EU countries.

It's the biggest food scare to hit Europe since the horsemeat labelling scandal in 2013.

IFA National Poultry chairperson Nigel Reneghan says Irish eggs are perfectly safe.

"All eggs for sale in Irish multiplkes are 100% safe. They are all coming from Irish farms and Irish farms are not affected by this in any shape or form."

Earlier: EU officials have revealed that 15 countries have reported receiving contaminated eggs or egg products in a growing food scandal.

Several producers in the Netherlands and Belgium are under investigation after eggs were found to have been treated with a product containing pesticide Fipronil.

Fironil is an anti-tick and flea pesticide which is banned in products which are destined for the human food chain.

Adverse effects include sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, dizziness, weakness, and seizures, according to the US National Pesticide Information Centre.

EU trade and agriculture spokesman Daniel Rosario said that farms have also been blocked in France and Germany, and named 13 other countries that have received products from those countries.

Hong Kong was the only non-European place mentioned.

Mr Rosario said the others are Sweden, Britain, Austria, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Denmark and Switzerland.

In a statement yesterday the Food Safety Authority of Ireland said it could confirm that in June, very small quantities of boiled eggs were supplied to nine catering outlets in Ireland.

"These eggs had a use-by date of 17th July and are no longer available. Similarly, in early July, a small quantity of liquid pasteurised egg (with a use-by date of 20th July) was supplied to a number of food businesses for use in bakery products.

"All of the food businesses concerned have been contacted and any remaining products removed from sale. The number of egg products imported is very small. The risk to consumer health is very low.

"Nevertheless, the FSAI will continue to trace any distribution in Ireland. Further updates will be provided as necessary."

Commission calls meeting on egg crisis to end member states blaming and shaming https://t.co/yyGGObEsQU pic.twitter.com/pxr7baQBeu  EURACTIV Agri & Food (@eaAgriFood) August 11, 2017

The food scare is one the biggest to hit Europe since the horsemeat scandal in 2013 when equine meat was sold as other kinds of meat.

More as we get it ...
An Irish driving licence exchange programme has been agreed with British Columbia in Canada.

It means that Irish people living in the province will be able to swap their driving licence for a Canadian one.

The same agreement will apply to Canadians from British Columbia living here.

The Department of Transport says its working to reach similar deals with the rest of the Canadian provinces.

Speaking today, Minister Ross said : "With this agreement we now have exchange arrangements in place with four of the ten provinces, meaning over half of Canadas population is now provided for, and work is continuing on reaching agreement with the remaining six.

This agreement will be of particular benefit to Irish people who have moved to British Columbia or are planning to. It will also help people from British Columbia  including returning Irish emigrants  to move more easily to Ireland. This agreement underlines in particular our commitment to Irelands diaspora, whether those currently seeking work abroad or those who wish to come home.
An Irish man has been arrested after entering America illegally by walking through the woods from Canada.

The 47-year-old was arrested in Montana last Saturday after being discovered by a horse patrol unit.
Update - 4.54pm: The prisoner who was on the roof of Mountjoy jail for just over four hours was attempting to retrieve a suspected drugs parcel.

The inmate climbed up on top of the D division of the Dublin complex before lunch and was taken back inside just before 4pm.

A spokesman for the Irish Prison Service said a decision was taken by the jail management not to reopen prisoners' cells after lunch as they dealt with the incident.

It is understood prison staff were concerned the inmate may have been under the influence of drugs after retrieving a package of contraband that had been thrown over the prison walls.

Mountjoy prison remains in lockdown for now but it's understood prisoner is no longer on the roof pic.twitter.com/Qf6GQ0BTPa  Juliette Gash (@JulietteGash) August 11, 2017

Earlier: Management have dealt with an incident at Mountjoy Prison in Dublin after a prisoner gained access to the roof.

It is understood the incident started just after 11am this morning when the inmate climbed a wall in the D division of the jail to get onto the roof.

A prison service spokesman said negotiators talked with the prisoner with a view to getting him down safely.

He has since been talked down off the roof, but the prison is currently not admitting non-staff into the building.

In the meantime, other prisoners have been locked in their cells.

A prison source: "This is a dangerous situation. Those walls are quite high and it would appear he went up there to collect contraband.

"The negotiators are trying to reason with him.

"This is understandably causing some anger as a number of visits have been cancelled."
Relatives of Omagh bomb victims are to sue Northern Ireland's police chief for investigative failings they believe let the killers escape justice.

Ahead of next week's 19th anniversary of the Real IRA outrage that claimed the lives of 29 people, bereaved families have issued a writ against Police Service of Northern Ireland chief constable George Hamilton seeking damages and a declaration their human rights have been breached.

It is the latest legal twist in their two-decade quest for justice and answers.

The families are pursuing judicial review proceedings against the British Government's decision not to hold a public inquiry into claims the attack could have been prevented if it had not been for a series of intelligence failings.

The writ against Mr Hamilton focuses on what happened after the bomb detonated on August 15 1998 and why, 19 years on, no one has been successfully convicted in a criminal court.

The relatives have already successfully sued four republicans in a landmark civil trial that found they were responsible for the bombing.

The latest court action has been issued against Mr Hamilton because he has legal responsibility for the actions of both his service and its predecessor, the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aiden died in the bomb, said the families needed answers.

"Here we are 19 years on and the criminals responsible for this are still walking the streets - there has been absolutely no punitive measures taken against any of them," he told the Press Association.

He added: "We can't walk away and say 'it's just one of those things'.

"In our case it wasn't just Aiden that died, all of us died that day, our lives have never been the same and we need some answers."

Stanley McComb, whose wife Ann was killed, explained his motivation.

"Every morning I waken I am on my own, every night I go to bed I am on my own," he said.

"My partner, my wife of 25 years, is no longer there and should be there. It does hurt you, you learn to live with it, but that's what drives me on.

"Why should people get away with something like that? If I broke the law or anyone decent breaks the law they are punished for it, and these people came in and murdered my wife in this town and it drives me on, there's no way I am giving up."

The action is issued in Mr Gallagher's name on behalf of bereaved families belonging to the Omagh Support and Self Help Group.

It cites the damning findings of official inquiries and court proceedings that identified multiple failures in how police investigated the bombing.

These include -

:: a 2001 report by Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan found many evidential opportunities were missed and expressed concern that warnings of a likely attack passed to police by informants were not acted upon.

:: acquitting south Armagh electrician Sean Hoey of the Omagh murders in 2007, trial judge Mr Justice Weir heavily criticised the way forensic evidence had been dealt with.

:: a 2014 report by Police Ombudsman Dr Michael Maguire highlighted inexplicable delays in arresting known suspects in the days after the attack. He also found that key intelligence was not disseminated from RUC Special Branch to detectives on the ground.

:: fatal flaws in state evidence exposed when the prosecution of South Armagh bricklayer Seamus Daly for the Omagh murders was dropped before it reached trial last year.

The Omagh bombing inflicted the greatest loss of life of any terror atrocity in the history of the Troubles.

The dead came from both sides of the Irish border, England and Spain. One of the victims was pregnant with twins.

Relatives will gather at a memorial garden in Omagh on Sunday for their annual service of remembrance ahead of Tuesday's anniversary.

The relatives' solicitor John Fox explained the basis of the latest legal bid.

"A particular concern is the delays in arresting known suspects by the police and the families have tried to get answers from the PSNI and the public prosecution (service) and have yet to get any answers to the questions that remain unanswered," he said.

"And that is what they are now bringing before the court - an action against the chief constable of the PSNI to get answers in relation to how the police investigation was handled."

In response to the sending of the writ, a PSNI spokeswoman said: "Once received, we will take time to consider the contents and respond in due course."

Asked about the legal action, Will Kerr, a former assistant chief constable with the PSNI, now a director at the National Crime Agency in London, said: "Obviously I have complete sympathy and concern for the families of the Omagh bombing but that's not something I can comment on. That's for the Police Service of Northern Ireland to comment on."
The Society of St Vincent de Paul is calling for urgent action to deal with the homeless crisis.

CSO figures yesterday revealed the scale of the problem - with an increase in families and children becoming homeless.

The charity's Jennifer Thompson says many of these people see no way out.

A lot of families have to make very tough choices. They definitely want to remain in their homes, been that rented or owned and they are prioritising their mortgages and rent over basic utilities or food, she said.

Almost 7,000 people were classed as homeless on census night last year.

The latest report from the 2016 population count revealed homeless people were on average younger and sicker.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) said about one-fifth of people who were recorded in emergency or temporary accommodation indicated their health was fair, bad or very bad, almost double the rate of the general population.

The disability rate among the homeless was double that of the general population, the CSO said, with 1,871 people indicating they had a disability.

It also revealed that about one-third of the 2,915 homeless people in the labour force were working.

The CSO said its homeless numbers were based on where people were living on census night April 24, 2016, and not through self-identification.

Some 2,887 people were recorded in private emergency accommodation; another 2,681 were in supported temporary accommodation; and another 1,144 people were in temporary emergency accommodation.

The headcount also found 123 rough sleepers, 102 of whom were in Dublin.

The CSO said it did not include the 1,772 people in long-term accommodation in its report on homelessness as they were classed as tenants even though they were receiving specific supports.
Update 6.45pm: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said the risks of a military conflict over North Korea's nuclear program are rising and suggested the rhetoric was now "starting to go over the top".

Mr Lavrov also said Russia is deeply worried by the threats being traded by Washington and Pyongyang.

"We still hope and believe that common sense will prevail."

Asked about the risks of the stand-off escalating into armed conflict he said the risks were rising.

"Direct threats of using force are heard... The talk (in Washington) is that there must be a preventive strike made on North Korea, while Pyongyang is threatening to carry out a missile strike on the U.S. base in Guam. These (threats) continue non-stop, and they worry us a lot," he told a forum for Russian students.

"I won't get into guessing what happens 'if'. We will do whatever we can to prevent this 'if'."

"My personal opinion is that when you get close to the point of a fight breaking out, the side that is stronger and cleverer should take the first step away from the threshold of danger," Mr Lavrov said in remarks that were broadcast on state television.

The Russian Foreign Minister also encouraged Pyongyang and Washington to sign up to a joint Russian-Chinese plan, under which North Korea would freeze its missile tests and the United States and South Korea would impose a moratorium on large-scale military exercises.

"If this double freezing finally takes place, then we can sit down and start from the very beginning - to sign a paper which will stress respect for the sovereignty of all those parties involved, including North Korea," Lavrov said.

- Reuters

Update 3pm: German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said she sees no military solution to North Korea crisis.

Ms Merkel was reacting to President Donald Trump's warning of military action "should North Korea act unwisely".

President Trump tweeted this morning that "Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path."

Ms Merkel also declined to say whether Germany would stand with the US in case of a military conflict with North Korea.

She said: "I don't see a military solution and I don't think it's called for."

Ms Merkel called on the UN Security Council to continue to address the issue.

She added: "I think escalating the rhetoric is the wrong answer."

Earlier: President Donald Trump has warned of military action "should North Korea act unwisely".

President Trump tweeted: "Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path."

North Korea has announced a detailed plan to launch a salvo of ballistic missiles toward the US Pacific territory of Guam, a major military hub and home to US bombers.

If carried out, it would be its most provocative missile launch to date.

President Trump said this week that the US would unleash "fire and fury" on North Korea if it continued with its threats.

Reacting to the deepening impasse the US defence secretary said America going to war with North Korea would be catastrophic.

James Mattis insisted Washington wants to resolve the crisis with Pyongyang diplomatically.

Meanwile, the British Labour leader says the UK has a role to play in bringing the US and North Korea, as he puts it, "back from the brink".

Mr Corbyns has called on the British government to urge Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un to speak to one another.

The Labour leader, a long time anti-war campaigner, said the result of a nuclear strike would go on for decades, adding: "I ask them both, calm down.

"There are phone calls that could be made, there's discussions that could be held.

"Surely in the interests of sanity and safety over the whole world, do it."

Mr Corbyn said Britain and other nations with nuclear weapons also had a role to play in reducing the tensions.

"All the five declared nuclear weapons states, which includes the United States, Russia and China, as well as Britain and France, need to get on board on this to bring North Korea back from the brink, bring Donald Trump back from the brink, and support the NPT (the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons) and support the UN's efforts to make nuclear weapons illegal worldwide," he said.
Two passenger trains have collided just outside Egypt's Mediterranean port city of Alexandria, killing at least 40 people and injuring more than 100.

It is the country's deadliest rail accident in more than a decade.

A statement by the Egyptian Railways Authority said a train travelling to Alexandria from Cairo, Egypt's capital, crashed into the back of another train, which was waiting at a small station in the district of Khorshid, just east of Alexandria.

The stationary train had just arrived from Port Said, a Mediterranean city on the northern tip of the Suez Canal, when it was hit, according to the statement.

The statement did not say what caused the accident, saying only that the authority's experts would be investigating.

Video footage from the scene showed mangled train coaches on the tracks as hundreds of onlookers and victims' relatives gathered around on both sides of the tracks.

Ambulances were standing by and riot police were deployed to keep the onlookers away from the scene of the disaster.

Egypt's railway system has a poor safety record, mostly blamed on decades of badly maintained equipment and poor management.

Friday's collision was the latest in a series of deadly accidents that have claimed hundreds of lives over the years.

Figures recently released by the state's statistics agency show that 1,249 train accidents took place last year, the highest number since 2009 when the number reached 1,577.

Friday's accident was the deadliest rail accident since 2006, when at least 51 people were killed when two commuter trains collided near Cairo.

And earlier, in 2002, a massive fire engulfed a train filled with local holiday travellers.

The train sped for miles, with flames engulfing one carriage after another, killing more than 370 people.

In November 2012, a speeding train crashed into a bus carrying Egyptian children to their nursery in the country's south, killing more than 50 - mostly children between the ages of four and six.

Two months later, at least 19 people died and more than 100 were injured in a train derailment south of Cairo.

AP
The owner of a home-made submarine that sank south of Copenhagen has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a Swedish journalist who was a passenger on the vessel.

Police said the man has denied killing the missing woman and said he dropped her off on an island on Thursday night.
Three men have been jailed in England for turning an underground nuclear bunker there designed for British Army VIPs into the "largest cannabis factory to be found in the south of England".

Martin Fillery, 46, Plamen Nguyen, 27, and Ross Winter, 31, were sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court after admitting conspiracy to produce class B drugs and abstracting electricity.

Charles Thomas, prosecuting, said the farm at the RGHQ (Regional General Headquarters) Chilmark, Wiltshire, was capable of producing 2 million worth of cannabis each year.

He said: "This case concerns what had originally been built and designed as a nuclear bunker to be used by important personnel coming from the Army headquarters in the event of a nuclear war.

"In the 1990s that building was decommissioned."

Sentencing them, Judge Keith Cutler said: "Each of you has played a part in what amounts to one of the most serious crimes that this area has seen for a long while.

"Chilmark is essentially an English village, picture book beauty. It's also the spiritual home for Wiltshire as Salisbury Cathedral is built from Chilmark stone.

"In return you in your own way have decided to use this large nuclear bunker to carry out the production on an industrial scale of cannabis."

Fillery was jailed for a total of eight years while Winter and Nguyen were each given five years in prison.

Mr Thomas explained that Fillery, who had previously written a screenplay about cannabis production, leased the remote building in 2013 and initially used it as a storage facility for his business of selling film and TV memorabilia including model Daleks and cars.

He said that police were tipped off by a delivery driver who reported a cannabis smell at the site and officers carried out three periods of CCTV surveillance before raiding the bunker in February 2017.

They found 4,425 plants at all stages of production as well as 6,500 dead used plants with a total value of 1.25 million.

Mr Thomas said that about 20kg of harvested and dried cannabis was also found with a value of about 99,000.

"That puts the enterprise in category A of the guidelines as a production of cannabis on an industrial scale," he said.

As well as the equipment used to grow the cannabis, which would have cost 140,000 to set up, the police found living accommodation including a fully stocked kitchen for four Vietnamese men who were employed as gardeners.

Police had initially considered whether modern slavery offences had been committed but they could not prove that the gardeners were being held against their will, Mr Thomas explained.

He added that three of them had since been deported and the fourth case was under appeal.

He said the electricity stolen from a nearby pylon used to power the growing lights and other equipment had an estimated maximum value of 650,000.

Photos issued by Wiltshire Police of (left to right) of Martin Fillery, Ross Winter and Plamen Nguyen.

Fillery, of Ashcott, Bridgwater, Somerset, was also sentenced for possessing criminal property after police found movie memorabilia worth 1 million at his home.

Officers also found receipts for diamonds worth 3,000 and 800 of Hugo Boss clothing at Winter's home.

Mr Thomas said that Fillery had a "leading role" in the operation which is believed to have begun in May 2014 while Winter, of Maytree Avenue, Bristol, provided transport and Nguyen, of Horfield, Bristol, was a liaison for the gardeners.

Tana Adkin QC, defending Fillery, who has no previous convictions, said he was not in charge of the operation but had leased the bunker and had a "leading role" in the operation.

She said: "He is a man who previously was involved in dealing with television and movie memorabilia.

"He had a great interest in literature and movies and TV of all description, he had been interviewed on the television previously and had a great deal of knowledge and expertise in that field and began to deal in that field of memorabilia using various online websites and making something of a living."

She said he became involved in the production of cannabis after researching a screenplay he was writing on the subject.

Edward Hetherington, defending Winter, who has a previous conviction for producing cannabis, said his role had been as a driver who was paid for his services.

He said that Winter, a motor mechanic, had become a father for the first time while in custody awaiting sentence and added: "The sense of regret he feels at being absent from her birth is impossible to express."

Daniel Darnborough, representing Bulgarian-national Nguyen, who has a 14-month-old daughter, said he is "genuinely remorseful" and added: "He is a man who has led a law-abiding life and finds himself missing out on raising his child."

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Inspector Simon Pope, of Wiltshire Police, said: "I am very pleased with the sentences handed out today.

"It sends a clear message to the public that the production of cannabis is an incredibly serious offence and it's been acknowledged the three defendants played a significant role within this criminal conspiracy.

"The operation is one of the largest that Wiltshire Police have come across. This was a significant undertaking for our force and I am glad that all the hard work by all those involved has contributed to taking a large quantity of harmful drugs off our streets."

The bunker at RGHQ Chilmark was constructed in the 1980s to house local government in the event of a nuclear attack during the height of the Cold War.

Its nuclear blast doors make the site almost impenetrable.
Blind voters say they want the choice to cast their vote via telephone after their right to secrecy was violated at the ballot box last year.

A committee inquiring into the conduct of the last ACT election heard stories of voters who had polling officers read their votes aloud without permission, or who were forced to vote in booths where passersby could look over their shoulders.

An electronic voting booth used in ACT election. Credit:Jacky Ghossein

Justin Simpson of Blind Citizens Australia told the Legislative Assembly committee the person helping him vote was "overly helpful".

"At the end of each stage she noted everything I said on the screen just to be sure I understood that in front of the 10 or 20 odd people standing around waiting to vote themselves. Good intentions but they're the outcomes we receive," Mr Simpson said.
Domestic Animal Services has confirmed it is holding three dogs in relation to an attack on two pups in their own backyard.

The owner of the three dogs has on social media denied his animals are responsible for the attacks but refused to comment any further.

Vanessa Giannasca visiting her dogs Lucky and Lady at Greencross Vets at Calwell after they were mauled by three dogs earlier this week. Credit:Rohan Thomson

The two pups, Lucky and Lady, are continuing to recover after being mauled in their backyard at Wanniassa on Saturday.

A neighbour says they saw three dogs attack the pups who had to escape through a dog flap into the laundry where they were found bleeding and cowering in fear.
It's not a function for which the ABS is well equipped. It's not a function envisaged by its Act (even if, provided it publishes its results, it is not forbidden from carrying out). It involves a direct political issue from which the bureau has rightly shrunk. And the form that its survey will take will almost certainly violate most of the statistical tests of significance and meaning that Knibbs and successive statisticians set down, for the world and the science as much as government. The Turnbull government has not chosen the ABS to conduct the same sex marriage plebiscite survey because it knows or believes that the ABS is best equipped to do such a job. Indeed, after the fiasco of last year's census, there are doubts whether the organisation is even managerially up to the task. If a poll has to be done  and that is a political decision  the body best able to do it would be the Australian Electoral Office. But no specific money has been appropriated to such a task, even under the vague appropriating formula the High Court now heretically permits. It is, anyway, impossible to read the Electoral Act as providing a general permission to conduct such a poll  voluntarily or compulsorily  without specific appropriation. The legislative functions of the ABS are sufficiently vague that they could authorise almost any unappropriated expenditure to collect "statistics", provided, at least, that the "survey" it conducts is not compulsory for respondents, and that the ABS voluntarily takes on the task. If government or the ABS wanted the plebiscite to be compulsory, the regulation requiring this could be (and would be) disallowed in the senate. Oddly, had government asked the ABS to perform a large opinion poll  as was done in deciding the national anthem  it would have more easily fitted within the ABS role. There are more same-sex families in Australia than people presently in the Australian Defence Force. They are not the enemy.

Many people and interests are going to be adversely or positively affected by the plebiscite, or by its outcome (which is a different thing.) But, given that same-sex marriage legislation is virtually inevitable in the next few years, the self-inflicted damage to the reputation of the ABS in taking up this commission might be the longest lasting. As a former statistician, Bill McLennan has commented, the government has very limited power to order ABS compliance, since a poll can hardly be said to involve the collection of statistics. It gives the bureau "a bad look" and should be "sounding the alarm bells", with the risk, if it is an organisational disaster, of breaking the bureau. For some, putting reputational damage to the ABS alongside the hurt and anger of ordinary Australians unable to marry because of the existing laws, or unhappy that other gay Australians cannot, might seem strange or perverse. Likewise with the fury some feel with the idea that rights for homosexuals are to be granted or withheld by majority vote. Or that they somehow fit inside some argument about whether such rights are to be a mere matter of political correctness, as Tony Abbott is now claiming. The rights and feelings of those affected are real enough. But some of the expressions of them by some of their leaders, actual or self-appointed, are worth a generous discount. If Labor figures, including Penny Wong, (herself in a same-sex relationship with children) were so insistent on the right as a fundamental and inalienable one, it is surprising that they did not push harder for it to be legislated into action during the Rudd and Gillard governments. The silence (or the loyalty) of Wong was, at the time more deafening than her clamour now. At that stage, senior ministers, including Shorten and Wong seemed to think that appeasement of the anti-gay marriage views of the leadership of the shop assistants union was more important than the rights of gays. It is not clear how, by their logic, they are now suddenly so urgent and significant.

Labor frontbencher Penny Wong has two young daughters with her partner Sophie Allouache. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen It has been likewise with the angst, in some sections of the Labor Party, or among moderate Liberals, about the human rights of asylum seekers. A minority in the coalition, including Malcolm Turnbull himself, strongly believe in a right to gay marriage. But events of the past few years, and even of the past week, have demonstrated the limits of their willingness to make any personal or political sacrifices for their beliefs, even when it would be popular in their own constituencies. But it can hardly be said that the courage of any gay marriage advocates (including those who are gay) has put them into any substantial risk of political damage or within range of enemy fire. Oddly, it may be that there are more people on the conservative side prepared to take personal political risks on the subject than on the other. Right now, the major political leaders have positioned themselves rather more for best political advantage than from firm conviction. Pragmatism, not passion, is to the fore.

A minority in the coalition, including Malcolm Turnbull himself, strongly believe in a right to gay marriage. Same-sex marriage is not a zero sum game, in which one side will win what the other has lost, and it is quite possible that everyone, at least every one of the leaders, will lose. It is generally assumed, on the basis of opinion polling, that support for same-sex marriage is of a proportion of about two to one, and that, generally, the younger you are, the more likely you are to be in favour. But a voluntary poll, conducted by post, raises a real prospect of a turnout skewed towards the elderly. A voluntary poll, moreover, is a magnet for those with strong and dogmatic views. Gay recognition has become so passe among the young and middle aged that many may not see its affirmation as being at risk. All the more so given that the "yes" side lacks clear leadership, or the capacity to exert any discipline over supporters, some of whom (probably a minority) are inclined anyway to boycott the plebiscite as an insult. If Bill Shorten and Penny Wong had any confidence in their charisma, they might urge a real boycott. That might not prevent the realisation of their fear  that a "no" campaign would unleash and "permission" a wave of fear and hatred of homosexuals. But a low turnout would embarrass the outcome.

If Labor blithely said that legislating gay marriage, regardless of the outcome, would take place soon after the election of a Labor government, even some of those rightly cynical about Labor's motives might think that less odious than the choice confronting them next month. A "no" outcome is far from impossible, even with a Labor-led "yes" campaign, particularly if mischief making by Abbott succeeds in making the plebiscite a general vote of confidence in the Turnbull government. [The same risk applies to any referendum about Aborigines and the Constitution  indeed many Aborigines, and people on the Left would be disposed to reject any proposition for fear that it would be read as some sort of tick of current coalition, or Labor, Indigenous affairs policy.] If Labor is campaigning for "yes," rather than a boycott, a "no" outcome ought to be disastrous for Bill Shorten, especially given the poor odour of the Turnbull government. If Labor is campaigning for "yes," rather than a boycott, a "no" outcome ought to be disastrous for Bill Shorten. Credit:James Brickwood It would also, of course, be very damaging for Turnbull, because it would be read, correctly, as a repudiation of him by his own side of politics. That is why Turnbull does not propose to campaign hard in favour of "yes," and why he has been making so many absurd and piteous claims of being a strong leader.

Whether or not Turnbull could survive as leader after a "no" vote, the issue will not go away. Indeed, it would probably damage a conservative replacement prime minister, whoever that might be, more than it could embarrass a moderate. From Turnbull's point of view, a "yes" outcome provides the hope that parliament can then quickly pass same-sex marriage legislation, and that the issue would quickly die away. Perhaps, but his lack of leadership on the issue has not been the cause of the collapse of his public support, even if it has been an evidence of it. Anyway, the very campaign, and the demons and intemperate language it sets free, will reinforce many of the existing divisions within the coalition, and it is doubtful that everyone will reunite, without rancour, afterwards. There's not even any hope that Abbott would see a "yes" vote as a dismissal notice. Coalition moderates will claim that a "yes" vote vindicates their strategy and tactics, and repudiate the Labor and senate approach. Having let the people, rather than the parliament decide, will be seen as more democratic and trusting of the good sense of the population, it will be said. But most of those who will have voted "yes" would have preferred earlier action by parliament. A good many voters recognise that the plebiscite was, from the beginning, a tactic to cause delay, confusion and (as with the republic plebiscite) to seek to divide supporters. No one will concede that Turnbull's caution has saved the side, or the day. Curiously, perhaps the best argument in favour of a plebiscite (if there is a reasonable turnout) is that it might encourage acceptance of a "yes" result even among those adamantly opposed. Those firmly of a "no" disposition might accept the passage of a law as the will of the people, even as they continue to believe firmly that marriage is in the religious, not civil domain, and that it is only permissible for different-sex unions.
More than six months after it was rubber stamped in secrecy by federal MPs, a 2.6 metre security fence across the lawns of Parliament House is beginning to take shape.

The steel barrier running across the front of the building is part of more than $126 million in security upgrades and fortification works planned for Parliament House, the details and designs of which have been kept secret by Speaker Tony Smith and Senate President Stephen Parry.

Workers installed the first section of a 2.6m high security fence at Parliament House. Credit:Andrew Meares

Security agencies and politicians agreed on the plans in 2016, with Parliament rushing through approval as MPs prepared to leave Canberra for the Christmas break.

The exact location, design and cost of the fence have never been made public.
Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva gestures as he attends a protest against his conviction on corruption charges in Sao Paulo, Brazil July 20, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

RIO DE JANEIRO - An investigation into former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was reopened by Brazilian prosecutors on Thursday.

The investigation was first launched in 2013, after a publicist Marcos Valerio confessed that he operated a scheme where companies could buy political favors during Lula's first-term government. Valerio was sentenced to 37 months in prison.

Investigators sought to find out whether Lula, who served as president from 2003 to 2011, took part in negotiations which saw Portugal Telecom transfer seven million US dollars to the Workers' Party (PT) when Lula was in power.

However, at the time, the federal police was not able to track the alleged transfers by Portugal Telecom and the case was closed in 2015.

According to local media reports, prosecutors have discovered new evidence recently and the case is being reopened by the prosecutor-general's office. Prosecutor Ivan Marx will lead the investigation to see if it is now possible to prove Valerio's claims.

Lula was recently sentenced to 9.5 years in prison by federal judge Sergio Moro, who is overseeing investigations into the gigantic Petrobras corruption ring. Lula is also being investigated on five other charges.
Tony Abbott has called for Australia urgently to consider a missile defence shield to protect against attack by nuclear-armed North Korea.

This means that Australia's two most recent former leaders  one Labor and one Liberal  have now made such a call in the last four weeks.

Australia has no defence against intercontinental ballistic missiles. The government has yet to indicate any interest in acquiring one.

After US President Donald Trump this week said he would deal with Pyongyang's threats with "fire and fury", North Korea said that "only absolute force can work on him".
Denim trends come and go. Skinny, flared, cropped, Mom, boyfriend, and so on.

Me, I like to stick to my cropped ankle-grazers because they actually suit my body.

Model Gigi Hadid during Milan Fashion Week 2017. Credit:Livio Valerio / IPA

Can you really call them jeans? Gigi Hadid thinks so. Credit:Livio Valerio / IPA

Given most of us already own too many pairs of jeans, consider this a cautionary note against 1980s- and 1990s-style uber ripped denim.
We instinctively resist our darker emotions, but feeling bad may be essential for ultimately feeling better.

New research by psychologists at the University of California, Berkeley, were looking to explore the link between emotional acceptance and psychological health.

Pressure to feel upbeat can make you feel downbeat. Credit:Stocksy

In three separate experiments, 1300 adults had their response to negative feelings tested.

In the first test, participants were asked how strongly they agreed with statements including "I tell myself I shouldn't be feeling the way that I'm feeling". In the second test, after a public speaking task, participants rated their feelings about the task while in the third test, participants wrote about their most recent challenging experience.
Daniel Ibrahim, the son of Kings Cross identity John Ibrahim, has been released from police custody after he was arrested and charged with being involved in an international drug syndicate.

Mr Ibrahim, 26, who also goes by the name Daniel Taylor, walked out of the Sydney Police Centre at Surry Hills on Friday night.

Under the conditions of his bail, Daniel Ibrahim will live with his mother Melissa Taylor at Bondi Junction and report to police daily. Credit:AAP

Holding a jacket and a plastic bag, he remained silent when approached by waiting photographers and news cameras.

Mr Ibrahim was then driven away in a black BMW that was waiting at the kerb.
At least one person is dead and several others were in a critical condition following car crashes in separate parts of Queensland on Friday.

One person was dead and four others had been taken to hospital after a single-vehicle rollover near Townsville, a Queensland Ambulance spokesperson said.

Emergency services were called to the Bruce Highway incident about 5.30pm, the spokesperson said.

Three patients were taken to hospital with minor injuries and one was transported in a serious but stable condition to Townsville Hospital.

In the Lockyer Valley, it's understood a young boy was killed when he was hit by a car about 4.20pm.
Two teenagers  one who was just 16  were shot and injured on Friday, the same day as a victim of a deadly shooting from two days before was laid to rest, in the latest round of violence in Melbourne's epicentre of gun crime.

The shootings, which police believe are not connected, occurred within three kilometres of one another on Wednesday and Friday and show the violence between warring clans in the city's north-west continues unabated.

The 16-year-old and 18-year-old were injured when they were shot with a handgun after what started as a verbal fight between two groups turned nasty in a Roxburgh Park street in the city's north in the early hours of Friday morning.

The teenagers were shot in the legs and two 20-year-olds were bashed. One is believed to have suffered a fractured skull from what police call "blunt force trauma".
They've been spotted in trees, on train tracks, wrapped around light poles and dumped in the Yarra River.

Now, Melbourne lord mayor Robert Doyle has had enough of the city's oBikes, signalling he will run them out of town unless the Singaporean parent company can control its wayward fleet.

"We work hard to keep the city free of clutter. They are clutter and that must be fixed," Cr Doyle said.

City of Melbourne and oBike operators are believed to be in negotiations but Cr Doyle said he would ban the dockless share bikes if the problem could not be solved.
Barcelona: Spain could surpass Greece this year as a gateway for migrants entering Europe by sea, international monitors have warned, as the number of arrivals swells to treble that of 2016.

Amid a crackdown on migration through Libya, more than 8000 people have turned to the so-called Western Mediterranean Route from Morocco into Spain this year, compared with 2,00 during the same period in 2016.

A woman watches as migrants scatter from a rubber dingy beached on the coast at Cadiz, southern Spain, on Wednesday. Credit:AP

On Wednesday, sunbathers on a beach near Cadiz were shocked to see a black rubber dinghy loaded with migrants landing on the shore, its occupants quickly leaping from the vessel and running away.

Jose Maraver, head of the Maritime Rescue centre in nearby Tarifa, said that a second boat had landed on another beach in the area on Thursday, while two vessels had to be rescued.
Washington, DC: China says it's "displeased" after a US Navy destroyer carried out a "freedom of navigation operation" through the disputed South China Sea.

The operation came as US President Donald Trump's administration seeks Chinese co-operation in dealing with North Korea's missile and nuclear programs and could complicate efforts to secure a common stance.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the USS John S. McCain travelled close to Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, among a string of islets, reefs and shoals in the area.

It was the third "freedom of navigation operation" during Trump's presidency.
AMP Bank has reported growth in its residential loan book of 17.8% between the first half of 2016 and the first half of 2017.In the AMP groups half yearly financial results released yesterday (10 August), residential mortgages in the companys banking division rose from $15.4bn to $18.2bn in the 12 months prior to 30 June this year.The lenders total loan book stood at $18.8bn, an increase of $1.7bn during the first half of this year. This represented an increase of 17% on 1H16 and 10% on 2H16.This growth was driven primarily by owner occupied lending with the banks investment and interest only lending segments constrained by APRAs regulatory requirements.The market remains competitive with increasing regulatory requirements particularly on investor and interest only mortgages. For this reason, we expect to see some moderation in the lending market in the second half of the year as the industry adjusts to the new regulatory settings, AMP CEO Craig Meller said.AMP Bank originates home loans through both the broker channel and its AMP aligned adviser network. Loan portfolio growth through the latter increased from a 2% share in 1H16 to a 6% share in 1H17.Other significant figures from AMP Bank saw the existing business weighted average loan to value ratio (LVR) drop from 68% to 67% and the 90+ day mortgage arrears fall from 0.51% to 0.48%, both between the first half of last year and the same time period this year.Operating profit after income tax for AMP Bank increased from $59m to $65m in the 12 months prior to 30 June 2016 (an increase of 10.2%).Were pretty happy with the banks performance in the first half and were confident that well deliver the growth this year to meet our strategic ambitions for the business, Meller said.
Non-bank lender Pepper Money has announced the formalisation of a scheme of arrangement permitting a takeover by a global investment firm.In an ASX announcement yesterday (10 August), the lender laid out details of the acquisition which will see KKR Credit Advisors buy up the entirety of Peppers shares worth $675.9m.The scheme will go to a shareholder vote and, if approved, will see Red Hot Australia Bidco  an entity owned by KKR  purchase the shares. Shareholders will be given the option of rolling their shares over to Bidco or selling them at $3.60 per share.The journey towards this takeover bid started in 2016 when Peppers stock prices were not where the firm wanted them to be, CEO Mike Culhane told Australian Broker.The market thought that they were pretty cheap so we had a number of inbound enquiries from private equity firms, Chinese corporates, etc. All manner of firms were interested in starting a conversation about taking a position or the sorts of transactions which could be done.At that stage, the board got involved, confidentiality agreements were written up, and information was shared about the company, he said.That process really proceeded during the earlier part of this year during the last three to five months. As we went through that process, it became clear that KKR was a potentially good partner for the business going forwards.This was because KKR was 100% supportive of the business, would continue to back the companys goals, and would hopefully make Pepper even bigger, Culhane said.There will be no change to the name, no change to the people, and no change to the way we operate. They are 100% supportive of what were doing, how were doing it and how Mario is running the mortgage business in Australia.KKR was also ready to pay the highest price and were able to close the deal, he said.We were able to check all those boxes, he said. The board became comfortable. We created an independent board committee where non-executive directors considered the deal, negotiated the price, and became happy that this was a deal to recommend to shareholders.If shareholders approve the deal, a select number of KKR people will then join the Pepper board. Details on who they'll be will be specified at a later date.
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Call it a tower tantrum.

Noise from the construction of two towers at Brooklyn Bridge Parks Pier 6 is scaring youngsters at a popular playground next to the work site, according to several parents.

My son doesnt like the noise, said Bedford-Stuyvesant resident Monica Lubin, whose son was playing in a sandbox near the construction zone. He was complaining that its too loud and he had his hands on his ears. Its scary.

Crews started building the high-rises at the foot of Atlantic Avenue on July 19 and are in the 34-day process of hammering more than 400 steel beams into the ground. Each pile is driven into the earth in two 10-minute increments, an activity that exceeds 100 decibels, which is approximately the same noise level as a loud rock concert.

Civic group the Brooklyn Heights Association is currently fighting the development in court, alleging the park is violating the terms of a 2006 agreement that mandates green space honchos only build as much housing as is necessary to fund the meadows upkeep.

Last month, lawyers for the association asked the cases judge to halt construction until the court makes its ruling, arguing the work will disturb park-goers, including borough tykes who hit the playground during the busy summer season to splash around, dig in the sandbox, and ride on the slides.

But the judge denied the request because the work doesnt violate any laws or the citys noise code, and construction has proceeded ever since.

The driver pummeling the beam into bedrock produces a sound similar to that of loud hammering, and workers average eight piles per day, according to a park spokesman.

Parents described children covering their ears to muffle the noise, which they said is an unfortunate side effect of building the towers.

I think its very noisy, its very loud, said Flatbush resident Cindy Velsquez, who was at the park with her 8-month-old daughter. She got a little scared, but what are you going to do? I guess they have to do it if theyre going to build, but I wish it wasnt so close to the park.

Another caretaker said shes used to the noise as a New Yorker, but the tot she watches is not as familiar with the roaring soundtrack of city life.

He says, Thats a lot of noise, and always asks me Whats that?  said Fritzlaine Jean, who nannies for 22-month-old Rohan. Im used to it though because we live in New York.

A park spokesman said it is following the citys noise mitigation rules, which include erecting a 10-foot fence around the site, and claimed the construction is not stopping squirts from having a good time.

Were pleased to note that weve seen no decrease in play area use near the project, said green space rep James Yolles. Despite the short-term noise, most users weve spoken to about the construction understand how vitally important this project is to ensure long-term upkeep of both those play areas and the entire park.

And one mom said the ongoing work gives her youngster a chance to get up close and personal with some of his favorite construction equipment.

Its loud but we love the machines, said Morgan Henry.

44 beams have been hammered into the ground so far, and the rest will be in by the end of September, according to a park spokesman.

The case over construction of the towers was reassigned last week to a new judge, who will review four-months worth of litigants transcripts before deciding if she can make a ruling or needs to hear more arguments.
Bucks County schools help Give a Christmas reach local families in need

In its 64-year history, the Give-a-Christmas drive has raised $5.26 million to help thousands of families at the holiday season.
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October 31, 2022

Buddy TV

In November, there are hundreds of new and returning TV showsit can be overwhelming to try and choose what to watch. That's why we've selected some of the best options...
Democrats largely prevail in SJ, but reversals loom in two townships

Democratic incumbents held on to many seats, but GOP challengers made inroads in two large townships
Kamila Shamsies new novel, longlisted for this years Man Booker Prize, is a bold retelling of Sophocles Antigone. Its epigram (The ones we love  are enemies of the state) is from Seamus Heaneys 2004 translation and reworking of the play. The novel begins with an airport interrogation.
If you haven't seen the movie Dunkirk, you should. It is a terrific film about a side story (irrelevant side story, if one is to be cruel, which I am not) of World War II. It tells viewers how the British Expeditionary Force  a pedestrian fighting formation in both World Wars  ran away from battle against Adolf Hitlers armoured offensive in France. The British ran away efficiently, it is true as the film shows, but fleeing battle is hardly the stuff of bravery sagas.
The Supreme Court on Thursday declined the plea of Sahara chief Subrata Roy to put on hold the auction of .

Refusing to postpone publication of sale notice for on August 14, a bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra allowed the liquidator to go ahead with the auction.

The Sahara Group had moved the apex court and sought to push back the publication of sale notice and also urged more time to review Sahara's payment plan.

The auction process should be put on hold until September, so that his client could arrange Rs 1,500 crore to be deposited in the Sebi-Sahara account, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Sahara, told the bench.

On July 25, the apex court had asked Subrata Roy to deposit Rs 1,500 crore -- a part payment of Rs 24,000 crore that two group had raised from the investors.

Directing that the sum be deposited by September 7, the court had permitted Roy to place before them a reasonable plan for the payment of balance amount over a period of 18 months -- as he had himself sought.

As it cleared all the terms and conditions submitted by the Bombay High Court's official liquidator for floating a global tender to invite bids for the auction of Aamby Valley, the court had said that if Sahara paid Rs 1,500 crore by September 7 and submitted a payment plan, it would stall the process of auctioning .

The amount also includes the Rs 305 crore balance that Roy is yet to pay towards the last instalment that he was supposed to deposit by June 15.

On April 16, the court had asked the Bombay High Court's official liquidator to evaluate and auction the Aamby Valley property of the Sahara Group. The liquidator had said that the market value of the property was Rs 37,390 crore and the fair value Rs 43,000 crore.

The Sahara India Real Estate Corporation Ltd. and the Sahara Housing Investment Corporation Ltd. had raised Rs 24,000 crore through optionally fully convertible debentures in 2007 and 2008. The top court by its August 31, 2012, order had directed Sahara to refund this amount with 15 per cent interest.

The court has been recovering money from the group in instalments. Sahara has paid Rs 16,000 crore till now.
Infosys board is making every effort to placate its founder N R Narayana Murthy, who has criticised the company on its corporate disclosures, by offering a formal role in the organisation. It also would bring curtains to the distraction that chief executive Vishal Sikka has often complained is hurting the business.
A Mauritius-based investor, Royale Partners Investment Fund, on Friday said it has offered to invest $1.67 billion (over Rs 10,700 crore) in embattled Sahara group's project.

The investment offer, proposed as a debt arrangement, comes at a time when the Supreme Court has ordered auction of the resort town between Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra. Sahara group pegs the market valuation of this project at over Rs 1 lakh crore.

Royale Partners Investment Fund Limited, registered in Mauritius as a global business company, is owned by Dubai- headquartered RPMG Investment which is into investment management, private equity, asset management and proprietary trading.

Replying to emailed queries about its proposed deal with Sahara group, RPMG Investment told PTI, "As deposed by Sahara before the Supreme Court of India, Royale Partners Investment Fund Ltd and its Limited Partners have agreed to invest USD 1.67 billion in the Project.

It, however, declined to share further details, saying the deal terms are confidential.

"The terms and conditions have been outlined in the agreements signed with Aamby Valley India and are confidential. As the Supreme Court of India is seized of the matter, it is not appropriate for us to comment any further at this stage," the company said.

Sahara's advocate Gautam Awasthi, meanwhile, said in a statement that the group had moved an application before the Supreme Court seeking permission for entering into an agreement with Victor Koenig UK Limited, with the nominee Royale Partners Investment Fund Limited, for inviting an investment of $1.67 billion into its Aamby Valley project.

"With the aforesaid proposal, Sahara's had also prayed for stopping the auction process. After hearing counsels for Sebi, amicus curie and Kapil Sibal, senior advocate for Sahara, the Supreme Court has opened a window for Sahara by permitting them to enter into the negotiations and deposit the amount before this court, and that is Rs 1,500 crore to be deposited before the next date," he said.

Awasthi further said that it was said by the judge that if Rs 1,500 crore is deposited, then auction order will be withdrawn.

On Sebi lawyer stating that the regulator could not find the said Mauritius-based company 'Royal Partners Investment Fund Limited', Awasthi said, "The reason which we have found of this confusion is a typo error in the spelling of the concerned company wherein the spelling of Royale was mentioned as 'Royal' instead of 'Royale'."



The Supreme Court on Thursday said the auction process will go on according to the schedule, but if Rs 1,500 crore is paid, as proposed by the group, into the Sebi-Sahara refund account by September 7, then it may pass an appropriate order.

The group had asked the court to postpone the auction, which is to start with publication of a notice on August 14, till September 16 to enable Sahara group chief Subrata Roy arrange the money.

Sahara lawyer told the court that hotels in New York have been sold and soon money would be coming into the Sahara account after which Rs 1,500 crore would be deposited into the Sebi-Sahara refund account by September 7, as had been directed by the court.

Sahara has been engaged in a long-running battle with the capital market regulator Sebi (Securities and Exchange Board of India).

The apex court had on July 25 asked the embattled Sahara chief to deposit Rs 1,500 crore in the SEBI-Sahara account by September 7 and said that it might then deliberate upon his plea seeking 18 months more time for making complete repayment.
State Bank of Indias stand-alone net profit for the April-June quarter (Q1) of 2017-18, and the first after the merger of associate banks, dipped by 20.3 per cent to Rs 2,005 crore from Rs 2,520 crore in April-June 2016.
An one-off Rs 950 crore payment to settle an anti trust litigation coupled with weak performance in core India and US markets resulted in Sun Pharmaceutical Industries posting Rs 424 crore loss in first quarter FY 2018. In same period last year the company had posted a profit of Rs 2,037 crore. This was the drugmaker's first loss in at least 12 years.
The former owner of the Scunthorpe steel works, Tata Steel UK, was fined 1 million at Hull Crown Court for two breaches of the Health and Safety Act. It was handed a 930,000 fine, plus ordered to pay 70,000 costs, UK media reports said on Friday. Last November, the company, which sold the Scunthorpe site to British Steel last year, pleaded guilty to the breaches that happened in 2011. In July, Dr Austin Stoton, prosecuting, told the court the case involved a processing facility in Scunthorpe in the Benzol Plant at the Appleby Coke Ovens area and a five-metre wide vapour cloud.
TVS Motors is planning to launch new hybrid and electric vehicles in the near future. The hybrid vehicle will be launched by the end of 2017, while the electric vehicle is expected to be launched by February or March 2018.
The Samveda is derived almost entirely from the Rigveda, with much common text. So also our Constitution. About four-fifths of that voluminous document is taken from the Government of India Act of 1935, much of it word for word. But it is the new stuff that is actually in it, and also the material that was deliberately left out, that makes it a text that was good enough to have survived the decades in such good shape.
An eclectic group of people gathers to watch a documentary on the Baiga of Madhya Pradesh who were evicted from their homes inside Kanha National Park. Some in the audience are students, others retirees. Some are activists, others simply there to enjoy the movie. After the film is over, they discuss it over cups of tea. And so, quite effortlessly, Kriti creates, what it calls, a praxis  when experiential learning effects attitudinal change.
It was close to 3 am and he had just won a battle of his life. A TV reporter asked him, Sir, it must have been tough?
The Supreme Court on Friday decided to hold the final hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute from December 5 and made it clear that no adjournment shall be given in any circumstance.

The apex court, after an intense deliberation for more than one-and-half-hours, reached a consensus on commencement of the hearing on the cross-appeals filed against the 2010 judgement of the Allahabad High Court.

The High Court had ruled a three-way division of the disputed 2.77 acre area at among the parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and the Ram Lalla.

A specially constituted bench, headed by Justice Dipak Misra, asked the contesting parties to complete the translation of the exhibits of the documents likely to be relied upon into English within 12 weeks since these were in eight different languages.

The bench, also comprising justices Ashok Bhushan and Abdul Nazeer, asked the Uttar Pradesh government to complete within 10 weeks the translation of the evidence recorded for adjudication of the title dispute in the high court into English.

The bench made it clear that the parties would have to strictly adhere to the time frame fixed by it and no adjournment shall be given in any circumstances.

Senior counsel C S Vaidyanathan, appearing for Lord Ram Lalla and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the UP government, pressed for early hearing of the matter, but senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Anoop George Chaudhari and Rajeev Dhavan, representing other parties, were not in favour of commencement of the hearing before January next year.
A Bihar legislator on Friday demanded a CBI probe into the alleged suicide of Buxar District Magistrate Mukesh Pandey, whose body was found near the rail tracks in Uttar Pradesh.

"I strongly suspect that Mukesh Pandey had not committed suicide but was murdered. It is a stage-managed conspiracy," Sanjay Kumar Tiwari, Congress legislator from Buxar, told IANS here.

"This is the second case of mysterious death of an IAS officer in Uttar Pradesh. Three months ago, another IAS officer was found dead there," he said.

According to police, the body, with the head severed, was found at 9 p.m. on Thursday near Kotgaon crossing in Ghaziabad and a suicide note was recovered.

The note said that he was fed up of his life and had lost "belief in human existence".

"I am committing suicide in District Centre area of Janakpuri in west Delhi... by jumping off the 10th floor of the building. I am fed up with life and my belief on human existence has gone, my suicide note is kept in a Nike bag in room 742 of a five-star (name withheld) hotel in Delhi. I am sorry, I love you all! Please forgive me," said the note, according to Senior Superintendent of Police H.N. Singh.

Singh said it was not immediately known at what time or how Pandey committed suicide.

Pandey, an IAS officer of the 2012 batch, took charge as District Magistrate of Buxar on August 3, 2017. He was earlier posted as Deputy District Collector at Katihar. His first posting was as Sub-Divisional Officer, Balia, in Bihar's Begusarai district.

Hailing from a village in Saran district, Pandey had not yet shifted to his official residence in Buxar and was staying at the district circuit house.

After his matriculation and higher secondary education in Assam, Pandey graduated in English from Guwahati's prestigious Cotton College. He secured 14th rank in the 2012 Union Public Service Commission Examination.

He had married the daughter of an influential Patna businessman two years ago and is survived by his wife and two-month-old daughter.
Haryana BJP President Subhash Barala's son Vikas Barala and his friend Ashish Kumar were remanded to two-day police custody in an attempted abduction and stalking case involving Varnika Kundu, daughter of a senior Haryana IAS officer. A day after the court sent both the accused to judicial custody, Varnika and her father Virender Kundu have expressed their gratitude to those who stood by them in this fight.


China has vehemently rejected all reports of it ever offering a compromise to India by relocating its troops in the disputed Doklam border area.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry reacted to a report where China had allegedly offered to move its troops back 100 metre, after India sought the pullback of Chinese troops by 250 metre.

The Spokesperson's Office told China Daily that the report is not true, adding that "China will not trade its territorial sovereignty under any circumstances."

"China's position on solving this incident is clear and firm. India must immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its trespassing troops and equipment back to the Indian side of the border," the office said in a statement.

China could never accept India's "totally unreasonable" demand, said Zhao Xiaozhuo, a researcher at the PLA Academy of Military Science told China Daily, adding that India had honoured the convention until Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration refused.

Earlier this month, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that India's 'intrusion' had not only violated China's territorial sovereignty but also challenged Bhutan's sovereignty and independence.





ALSO READ: Doklam standoff: Pull back 53 troops from our territory, China tells India

However, the Government of Bhutan on Thursday pointedly refuted a Chinese Foreign Ministry claim that Bhutan had conveyed through diplomatic channels to China that the trilateral border stand-off area in Doklam in the Sikkim sector is not its territory.

Official sources in the Bhutanese Government told ANI over the phone, "Our position on the border issue of Doklam is very clear. Please refer to our statement which has been published on the web site of Bhutan's foreign ministry on June 29, 2017."

India has also cited the Bhutanese foreign ministry as emphasising that "the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between these two countries." India has conveyed to China that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for New Delhi.

India has said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place. Bhutan has no direct diplomatic relations with China and maintains contacts with Beijing through its diplomatic mission in New Delhi.





ALSO READ: Border row: Bhutan rejects Beijing's claim that Doklam belongs to China

Bhutan and China have held 24 rounds of talks to resolve the boundary dispute, while India and China have completed 19 rounds of talks.

The standoff started in June when Chinese soldiers tried to unilaterally change the status quo in the strategically important Doklam region of Bhutan by building a road in the area.

India has made its stance clear: That it stands for peace and that the border question can be solved diplomatically, not by war.
number of revelations have surfaced recently about the activities of Big Tobacco companies in markets across the developing world. One investigation by Reuters revealed how Philip Morris International has been targeting young people in India through colourful adverts and promotions at clubs and parties in large cities like Delhi. In Uganda, British American Tobacco has won a legal battle to limit the expansion of health warnings on packets and point-of-sale displays.

For those who have studied the history of the tobacco industry, these tactics will come as no surprise. In the developing world, Big Tobacco seemingly is replicating the advertising strategies which it first carried out in countries like Britain more than 60 years ago.
Partition  the division of British India into the two separate states of India and Pakistan on August 14-15, 1947  was the last-minute mechanism by which the British were able to secure agreement over how independence would take place . At the time, few people understood what Partition would entail or what its results would be, and the migration on the enormous scale that followed took the vast majority of contemporaries by surprise

The main vehicle for nationalist activity was the Indian Congress, whose best-known leaders included Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Even before the 1940s, it had long argued for a unitary state with a strong centre; even though Congress was ostensibly secular in its objectives, organisations representing minority interests increasingly viewed this idea with suspicion, believing that it would entrench the political dominance of Hindus, who made up about 80% of the population.
Union Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Friday said he has asked Commerce Ministry to withdraw the incentive and impose higher minimum export price (MEP) on onion export to ensure adequate availability in the domestic market, which will help keep the prices in control.

"Commerce Ministry has been requested to withdraw the incentive on export of onion for adequate availability of onion for domestic consumption (It) has been requested for the imposition of MEP of USD 450/ MT on onion in order to keep the prices of onion under control," he said in a tweet.

Production of onion this year is about 215 lakh tonnes while it was 209 lakh tonnes last year, said Paswan, while blaming hoarders and middlemen for the hike in the price of onion.

"State governments have been requested to take stringent action against such people," he said.

According to the Consumer Affairs Ministry, onions in Delhi on Friday were sold at Rs 36 per kg as compared to Rs 21 per kg a month ago.

(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.)
Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian batted for a higher goods and services tax (GST) rate for gold and jewellery in the Survey, arguing these were consumed by the rich.
After a rather quiet first edition, the second volume of Economic Survey of 2016-17 dwelt on the negative impact of farm loan waivers in detail and blamed unusual demand drop alongside limited avenues for sale as being the main reason for the recent distress in agriculture.
The government should streamline the various export promotion schemes currently running while aiming to phase out some of them, the Economic Survey has suggested.
After Chinese auto giant MG Motors chose Gujarat as its manufacturing base for India, a slew of investments from Japan is also expected soon.



Ahead of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit in September for the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train, Gujarat has planned its second Japanese Industrial Park in the state. Japan is providing $12 billion in a soft loan for the Rs 1 lakh crore bullet train project.



To come up at Sanand, the park will be spread across an area of over 1,000 hectares. The existing Japanese industrial park at Mandal is spread across an area of 100 hectares. Government sources indicated that Rs 1,500 crore investment for Mandal-Becharaji Japan Industrial Park-I has already been committed.



Besides, over Rs 20,000 crore worth of investment is expected to come in at the second industrial park coming up near Sanand. According to M K Das, Principal Secretary, Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, the state government would be spending around Rs 600 crore for setting up basic infrastructure at the industrial park.



Moreover, plans are also afoot for a residential colony, probably for Japanese expats, at par with Japanese standards.

Gujarat already houses Japanese firms like Maruti Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Nippon and Hitachi, among others. With the DMIC developing and the industrial park coming up, investments in Gujarat are set to rise in near future.



"When our delegation had gone to Japan to promote investment, the firms there were surprised to see the speed of approval in Gujarat. We have already seen several firms evincing interest for the second industrial park," Das told Business Standard.
Lauding the efforts of the government in achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Change agreement, the Economic Survey 2017 emphasises the urgent need to shift focus towards sustainable energy access for the deprived. While the Survey supports the renewable energy growth in the country, it has warned against several perils of having too much renewable energy.
PMs remarks during the welcome of Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, in the Rajya Sabha

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today joined the members of the Rajya Sabha, in welcoming Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, as Chairman of the House.

The Prime Minister began his welcome remarks by recalling that today, 11thAugust, was the day when a young revolutionary of the freedom struggle, Shri Khudiram Bose, was hanged by the British. He said that the event reminds us of the sacrifice of those who fought for freedom, and the responsibility that this places on all of us. The Prime Minister said that Shri Venkaiah Naidu is the first Vice President born in Independent India. He added that Shri Naidu has long experience, and is well-versed in the intricacies of Parliamentary procedures.

Recalling his long association with Shri Venkaiah Naidu, the Prime Minister said Shri Naidu is always sensitive to the requirements of the rural areas, the poor and the farmers, and his inputs on these issues have been of immense value.

The Prime Minister said that the fact that people from humble, rural background, today occupy the highest positions in India, shows the maturity of Indian democracy, and the strength of Indias Constitution.
Since the catastrophic Yemeni civil war began in 2015, the British public has woken up to a serious problem: the use of UK-manufactured arms by Saudi Arabia. Various NGOs, campaigners and many MPs are increasingly worried about evidence that since the beginning of the conflict, Saudi Arabia has used UK-manufactured arms in ways that violate law.

The British government, however, seems content to continue selling weapons to the Saudis  and indeed has worked hard to justify doing so. Government representatives have repeatedly claimed that the UK enjoys a privileged position from which it can train the Saudi armed forces and pressure them to comply with the law of armed conflict. The corollary is that if the UK gave that position up, someone more nefarious would inherit it.
President has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for ordering the US embassy in Moscow to slash its staff-boasting that this would cut payroll costs.

Last month, the Kremlin demanded that Washington reduce its diplomatic footprint in Russia by 755 employees  both US diplomats and local staff  and close two compounds.

This was seen as marking a historic new low in post-Cold war Russia-US relations but Trump, who has long argued the case for closer ties, said after a meeting with top aides in New Jersey he saw a silver lining in the crisis.

"I want to thank him because we're trying to cut down our payroll and, as far as I'm concerned, I'm very thankful that he let go of a large number of people because now we have a smaller payroll," Trump declared yesterday.

"There's no real reason for them to go back. I greatly appreciate the fact that we've been able to cut our payroll of the United States. We're going to save a lot of money."



The United States and Russia are at loggerheads over Moscow's armed intervention in Ukraine and Washington's imposition of economic sanctions on Kremlin allies.

Ties were further clouded by Russia's interference in last year's US presidential election, which US intelligence agencies say was designed to help Trump get elected.

Trump's supporters have dismissed this idea but a US special prosecutor is investigating allegations that members of his campaign colluded with Russian sources.

Last month, US lawmakers passed a law toughening sanctions imposed on Russia for corruption, rights abuses, subversion of Western and backing Ukrainian separatists.

Trump opposed the bill, which further blocks him from removing sanctions without consulting Congress, but begrudgingly signed it into law.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has embarked on a wholesale review of State Department operations aimed at cutting costs and refocusing on new objectives.

While in Manila earlier this week, Tillerson had said his department would respond to the Kremlin's order to cut their Moscow staff before a September 1 deadline.

(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.)
Saudi Arabia favours New York for the main foreign listing of state oil giant Aramco, even though some financial and legal advisers have recommended London as a less problematic and risky option, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

A final decision on where to stage what could be the world's largest initial public offering will be taken by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman - or MbS as he is known - who oversees the kingdom's economic and energy policies, the sources said.

Their comments point to internal disagreements between what some advisers are recommending and what the crown prince wants.

Prince Mohammad may choose to list Aramco on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for "political considerations", given the longstanding relationship between Riyadh and Washington, the sources said. However, they added that financial and commercial factors would also play a role in the choice.

Aramco said in a statement that no decision has been taken yet on the listing venue, beyond the Saudi exchange Tadawul. "All options continue to be held under consideration. There is no timetable requirement for an immediate definitive decision," Aramco said in response to a Reuters request for comment.

Selling around five percent of Aramco by next year is a centrepiece of Vision 2030, an ambitious reform plan to diversify the Saudi economy beyond oil which is championed by Prince Mohammad.

Several advisers have recommended London for the main listing outside Saudi Arabia, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters last month, partly due to concerns that a US flotation would require greater disclosure of sensitive information on Aramco.

One senior industry source, however, said New York is likely to be the favoured option for the Saudi government and Prince Mohammad. "That is broadly correct," the source said, adding: "All awaits on the final shareholder decision."

Apart from New York and London, Hong Kong is also a contender, sources say. The flotation is expected to raise tens of billions of dollars which would be invested to help develop other Saudi industries.

The New York and London stock exchanges declined to comment.

Exchanges are vying to win part of the flotation as it will bring a major boost to their trading volumes, and will be likely to help them win listings from other Gulf states which are looking to part-privatise their commodity assets.

But the Aramco plan has created some public misgivings that Riyadh is relinquishing its crown jewels to foreigners cheaply at a time of low oil prices. Some Aramco employees secretly wish the whole idea would be shelved, sources say.

Apart from choosing an exchange, no decision has been made either on exactly which assets will be floated, or what Aramco's internal organisational structure would look like after listing, the sources say.

One of the main issues being discussed internally is the valuation. Prince Mohammed has said the IPO will value Aramco at a minimum of $2 trillion, although some analysts' estimates are between $1 trillion and $1.5 trillion.

Though listing on the New York market would mean access to more liquidity, this would bring greater scrutiny to Aramco's estimates of proven energy reserves and future oil prices, as well as its demand forecasts, all of which play a major role in the company's valuation, another industry source said.

For the valuation, much depends on the outlook for oil prices, which are currently only half what they were three years ago.

"That's why Saudi Arabia needs a higher oil price for the IPO now, to get a better value for Aramco," the source said.

The back-and-forth internal talks between the crown prince, Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih, Aramco management and the many financial and legal advisers on some of these main decisions have raised speculation that the listing, which is expected to be in the second half of 2018, could be pushed further out.

"They are still studying. When all is settled, they will present all options to MbS," said one industry source.

JASTA RISK

Aramco's lawyers caution about litigation risks associated with the US Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), two sources said.

That law, passed last September, allowed lawsuits to proceed against the Saudi government claiming it had helped to plan the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States and should pay damages to victims. Riyadh denies the allegations.

Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan, a lawyer by training, is most attuned to the legal risk of the four senior government officials advising the crown prince on the listing decision, the source said.

Falih, who is also Aramco's chairman, Economy and Planning Minister Adel Fakieh and Public Investment Fund Managing Director Yasir al-Rumayyan are the other members of the crown prince's advisory committee, the source said, without elaborating on their views.

The Finance Ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the views of Jadaan.

Saudi industry sources dismissed JASTA as a reason for not listing in New York, noting that Saudi Arabia is believed to have hundreds of billions of dollars of investments in the United States already, including Aramco assets.

They say the difficulty is related more to the disclosure process and complex regulations in New York. These may legally interfere with the sovereignty of the Saudi government, which would remain the major shareholder of Aramco after the flotation.

While the London Stock Exchange has made winning the a priority, the NYSE has not offered any regulatory changes, a source familiar with talks between NYSE and Aramco told Reuters last month.

Britain's Financial Conduct Authority has proposed creating a new "premium" listing category for controlled by sovereign states which would exempt them from certain regulatory requirements. The new rules are due to be published towards the end of this year.
Beijing on Friday protested against a US warship passing through waters near the Spratly Islands, a disputed area in the South China Sea.

The USS John S. McCain on Thursday entered the waters near Mishchief Reef in the Spratly Islands to carry out freedom of navigation operations in the area, reports Efe news.

"Such a move severely undermines China's sovereignty and security, and severely endangers the safety of frontline personnel of both sides," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said in a statement.

He added that the Chinese navy identified the US warship, issued a warning and finally expelled it from the area, without giving further details.

Geng said China "has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands (Spratly) and their adjacent waters", and called for a dialogue between Beijing and the governments of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations member countries to solve the maritime dispute.

"It is clear who is not willing to see stability in the South China Sea and who is the major factor pushing for militarisation in the South China Sea," the spokesperson said.

Attracted by the strategic military location and the prospect of oil, China, Taiwan, Brunei, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam have all laid territorial claim to the Spratly's and have occupied several islands.

Beijing claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, has deployed naval units and has reclaimed land from the sea to expand its presence, sparking protests from its neighbours.

--IANS

ksk

(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.)
Keith Lucas was killed instantly when his BE2 biplane collided with that of a colleague over Salisbury Plain on October 5, 1916. As a captain in the Royal Flying Corps, Lucas would have known that his death was a very real risk of the work he was doing in support of Britains war effort.

But Lucas wasnt a career pilot, he was a physiologist, and a rather good one at that, having been elected a fellow of the prestigious scientific organisation the Royal Society in 1913. So what had enticed him from the relative safety of his laboratory in Cambridge into the air and, eventually, to his untimely end?
Germany will go to the polls on September 24 to elect its next Parliament  a vote which will determine whether Angela Merkel will hold onto her post as chancellor.

The election isnt causing quite the same anxiety as unfolded in France ahead of the presidential contest there earlier this year, but it is nevertheless very significant. Merkel has led Germany for more than a decade. During that time she has come to occupy a central position among European leaders.
If you youve never seen a solar eclipse before, you should make an effort to witness the breathtaking event on August 21. While only people in the US will be able to see the total eclipse  in which the moon completely blocks the light from the sun  those living in parts of South America, Africa and Europe should be able to see at least a partial solar eclipse.

Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun so that it blocks part or all of the sunlight as viewed from a particular location on our planet. Earth is the only planet in the solar system where this can happen in this way. This is because of the moons size and its relative distance from the sun  when viewed from the Earth, it can identically cover the bright solar disc to reveal the tenuous, wispy outer atmosphere of the star (called the solar corona).
Despite the huge global demand for both fertility treatment and contraception, there are surprisingly few options to boost male fertility, or for male contraception. To have more options, we really need a better understanding of how human sperm work. Unfortunately, they are incredibly difficult to study in the lab.

Not only are sperm the smallest cells in the body (25 times smaller than a grain of sand), they are unique and highly specialised, designed to survive outside the body. Unlike other cells, sperm contain virtually no cytoplasm  the jelly-like fluid that fills a cell and stores many of the chemicals that are essential for life. Instead they interact with the surrounding environment to inform their behaviour. Their internal chemical messages and signals are also different to those of other cells, meaning we cant make assumptions about how they work and many standard cell research techniques cant be applied in the lab. Its little wonder then that research in the field of male fertility and contraception is limited.
These are tough times for nuclear power in the U.S. Power plants under construction are facing serious delays, halts and cost overruns. Utilities in South Carolina abandoned a project to complete construction of two power plants in August, while the cost of the only nuclear plant now under construction has ballooned to US$25 billion

And its no secret that several existing nuclear power plants are at risk of shutting down. In fact, that specter is one of the key motivations behind Energy Secretary Rick Perrys recent request to the Department of Energy for an analysis of the challenges facing conventional power plants.
Welcome to the Business Standard Fund Cafe 2017. The last three years have seen an unprecedented growth in the mutual fund industry as the total assets under management have more than doubled from 9 lakh crore rupees in March 2014 to 20 lakh crore rupees today.

Even as the mutual fund industry is celebrating its achievement, we have also brought in a change in the format for toasting the success of the Business Standard Fund Managers of the year. Two top fund managers, one from equity and one from debt, will receive awards today. The chief guest of the function Mr C B Bhave will present the awards.
The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) extended interim relief to six more companies earlier barred from trading by the regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), for being "suspected shell companies".
As many as 28 people were killed and 80 injured after two trains collided in the Egyptian city of Alexandria.

Local media reports suggest that one of the trains was travelling from Port Said and the other from Cairo, before they crashed head-on, reports The Independent.

Egypt's railway authority said an express train had crashed into the second train near the Khurshid station on the Cairo-Alexandria line.

Further details are awaited.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) on Friday said that MP Ali Anwar stands suspended from JDU's parliamentary party as he participated in the Opposition parties' meeting called by Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

"MP Ali Anwar stands suspended from JD(U)'s parliamentary party after he participated in the Opposition parties' meeting. This was against the party," JD(U) general secretary K.C. Tyagi told ANI.

Ali Anwar, on his part, remains defiant. He told ANI that somebody needs to come forward to challenge the current policies in India.

"The public is with us. Somebody needs to come forward to challenge the current policies. An Ali Anwar has to come forward," he said.

The joint Opposition meet was called to discuss unity and chalk out a strategy against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central Government.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) also skipped today's meeting after the Congress suggested that the former had betrayed it in the recent Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat.

The reason, sources say, might be the NCP being miffed with the Congress after it expressed doubt over its integrity.

There were reports that two MLAs of the NCP in Gujarat might have voted for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and not for Congress candidate Ahmed Patel in the Rajya Sabha elections.

After the intense political developments and the Election Commission (EC) declaring two votes invalid, Ahmed Patel was able to retain his Rajya Sabha seat.

The decision was taken on a complaint of the Congress.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court on Friday granted three months time for translating the historic documents in the two-decade-old Ayodhya dispute.

The apex court fixed the matter for further hearing on December 5.

The Supreme Court has constituted a three-judge bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra to hear a batch of petitions challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict in the Ayodhya land dispute case.

On August 8, the Uttar Pradesh's Shia Central Waqf Board told the Supreme Court that a mosque can be built near Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

The Shia Waqf Board had filed an affidavit before the apex court in which it stated that a mosque can be constructed at a place near birth place of Lord Ram.

"Since, the Babri Masjid was a Shia Waqf, we are alone entitled to negotiate and arrive at peaceful settlement with other stakeholders," Shia Waqf Board said in its statement.

However, in the year 1961 the Sunni Central Waqf Board also filed a lawsuit, demanding possession of the site and removal of idols from the mosque premises. Reportedly, the board had earlier decided to become a party in ongoing litigations in relation to the Ramjanmabhoomi - Babri Masjid dispute.

The mosque was demolished by Hindu Karsevaks on December 6, 1992 in Ayodhya. The country witnessed massive riots in which over 2000 people were killed.

The Hindus claim that it is the birthplace of Lord Rama where a mosque was built in 1528-29 CE (935 AH) by Mir Baqi. Since the mosque was built on orders of the Mughal emperor Babur, it was named Babri Masjid.

Before it was demolished in 1992, the Nirmohi Akhara had forcefully occupied the Babri Masjid in 1853 saying it was Ram Janmabhoomi (Birth place of Lord Rama).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After Shia Waqf Board tells the Supreme Court that mosque can built at distance, the latter on Friday has commenced the cross-appeals hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, to look for an amicable settlement of the dispute.

MC Dhingra, the lawyer appearing for Shia Waqf Board in the Ayodhya case, while speaking to ANI on the same, said that the Shia Board has decided to leave the one-third land allotted to them, to avoid problems for both the religious denominations, in regard to their prayers.

"The basic reason is that even if in one-third area the mosque is built, they will use loud speaker, and similarly in the remaining area, temple will also have its loud speaker. Hence, this will create problem for both the religious denominations," he said, adding, "So it is better for the Shia board to bring upon a situation where there is no such kind of disturbance. I am of firm belief that if land is provided elsewhere, in a Muslim dominated area, then there will be no recurrence, at least on this score."

Briefly explaining the Shia Board's stand, Dhingra said that if mosque is built in the one-third area, there will not be any permanent solution to the long-driven dispute.

"Shia Board, having the jurisdiction and authority of superintendence over Shia Waqf, has come out with an appeal to this Court that in lieu of the one-third share of the land, they will be given land elsewhere for the Mosque. The reason being, even if mosque is built in the one-third area, it will not bring a permanent solution between the two religious denominations," he said.

In a 30-page affidavit, filed on Tuesday, the Shia Waqf Board asserted that the Babri Masjid site was its property and only it was entitled to hold negotiations for an amicable settlement of the dispute.

The board placed an affidavit before the apex court in which it stated that a mosque can be constructed at a place near birth place of Lord Ram.

"Since, the Babri Masjid was a Shia Waqf, we are alone entitled to negotiate and arrive at peaceful settlement with other stakeholders," Shia Waqf Board said in its statement.

It came just a few days after the apex court agreed to fast track the proceedings on a string of appeals, challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict on the land dispute in the case.

The Sunni Central Waqf Board too issued a statement on Thursday, responding strongly to the claim, terming it "baseless."

Both Shia Waqf Board and Sunni Central Board, on Friday, will file their affidavit before the Supreme Court.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Exiled Baloch leaders and activists on Friday gathered in Germany's Berlin city to voice their concern against the under construction multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The event titled "China's One Belt One Road Initiative - Its adverse impact on Balochistan & the region" has been organized by the European branch of Baloch National Movement (BNM), a Baloch nationalist political group.

Dr Zaffar Baloch, the Organiser of the Baloch National Movement in North America said, "The message is very clear, the people of Balochistan demand China and Pakistan to get out of Balochistan. Balochistan is not a part of Pakistan and it has no right to sign any agreement with China that has anything to do with Balochistan. So, we want them out".

The event attended by experts, analysts, journalists, economists and policy makers also discussed the impact of economic corridor in the region.

People in Balochistan, Pakistan's resource rich province, are opposing CPEC, which runs mostly through the region. Balochistan is in the throes of a popular movement for self-determination that is gathering intensity.

For the indigenous Baloch people, the CPEC is seen as a threat. As the CPEC gets implemented in Balochistan, there is a fear of a massive inflow of migrants from different areas of Pakistan which will change the demography of Balochistan and reduce the Baloch people to a permanent minority in their historic homeland.

Hammal Haider, the foreign secretary of the Baloch National Movement, said, "China is very aggressive towards its 'One Belt One Road' policy and it's not taking care of human rights violations which Pakistan is committing in Balochistan. China is very aggressive, but the problem is the European countries are reluctant to say anything. The purpose of the conference is to raise awareness and to engage the good people of European countries and raise their voices against China's aggressive policies."

Nevertheless, Chinese footprints are on increase in Pakistan and inroads into Balochistan is becoming increasingly visible.

In order to provide security to Chinese facilities, Pakistan is raising special security groups and intensifying army operations in Balochistan.

China came up with its One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative in 2013, and during the last four years, it has displayed its willingness to follow through on its plans.

It is gaining traction as more and more countries from around the are joining OBOR. This was evident in the May 2017 meeting in Beijing where the Chinese President called it the "project of the century". The OBOR is now being renamed as Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to overcome the limitations of the earlier nomenclature, "One belt one road", because it is expected to involve many roads and many belts.

The initiative involves investment of about $4 trillion or more as it is in an ever-expanding mode and more and more countries are joining it in the hope of reaping trade and commercial dividends out of massive infrastructure bring built around Asia, Europe and Africa to facilitate flow of goods and services.

China aims to be at the centre of a massive economic transformation such grand initiative would galvanize.

The project seeks to enable a 21st century "Silk Route", comprising both overland and maritime access routes through installation of new, as well as up gradation of existing transport and communication infrastructure in countries hoping to reap the dividends.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court today will hear the appeal filed by the Maharashtra Government against the Bombay High Court's decision to strike down the ban on possession of beef by citizens in the state.

Earlier in January, the Bombay High Court upheld the imposed by the state government after the enactment of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, which bans slaughter of bulls, bullocks.

However, the court said that the possession of the meat cannot be considered as a crime, while striking down the relevant sections of the act.

Slaughtering of cows and sale of cow meat in Maharashtra has been banned and made illegal since 1976, but as per the new law the ban has extended to calves, bulls and bullocks.

On May 25, the Centre, through an order, imposed a ban on the sale of cattle, including cows, for slaughter and restricted cattle trade solely to farm owners.

Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Harsh Vardhan had ordered that the ministry has notified the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 to ensure that the sale of cattle is not meant for slaughter purposes.

Regulating animal trade is a state business, but animal welfare is a central subject, thereby providing the window for the ministry to notify the rule.

In lieu of this, there was widespread opposition of the order, with many states openly denying accepting the notification.

(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.)
Senior Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) leader Sharad Yadav on Friday came under a sharp opposition attack over his silence on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Yadav's and his son Tejashwi Yadav's illegal property and money.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi on Friday said that senior party leader Sharad Yadav should question Lalu and his son, rather than going on the Jan Samwad Yatra.

"Instead of roaming in Bihar and appealing to people against Nitish Kumar, Sharad Yadav should question Lalu on his illegal property and money," he told ANI.

Hailing Nitish Kumar for showing zero tolerance on corruption, Modi further said that Bihar people gave mandate to the 'mahagathbandhan' for good governance and not for indulging in corruption.

Earlier in the day, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday said that Sharad Yadav has every right to take his own decision as to where his loyalties lie, adding the decision to form an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was made with the consent of the entire party.

"Sharad Yadav is free to take his own decision. As far as party is concerned, the party has taken its decision. The decision taken is not based on my will only, it had been made with the consent of the entire party. I have made it clear earlier also, but if still he wants to put forward his opinion then he is free to do so," Kumar told media here.

Yadav has rebelled against party president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for breaking away from the grand alliance to join hands with the BJP last month.

Also, with Sonia Gandhi inviting Sharad Yadav in the Opposition meeting today, the party has come down heavily on the Congress president saying she is trying to create a rift within the Nitish Kumar-led party.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) passed a resolution making singing of Vande Mataram compulsory in all BMC-run schools, the Congress on Friday came out in its support, asserting that it is a good decision, but people's consent is needed.

Speaking to ANI, Congress leader PL Punia said, "The BMC has just passed a resolution; no decision has been made yet. But making Vande Mataram singing compulsory in all BMC-run schools is a good act and decision. But for that everyone's consent on it should also be made valid. When it is played in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha or in any gathering the respect that the song gets is amazing. Vande Mataram gives you goosebumps when you feel it from the heart".

Yesterday, the BMC issued a notice making the singing of Vande Mataram compulsory in all BMC run schools.

Mumbai Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar said in a statement that all the BMC-run schools will have to sing 'Vande Mataram' twice a week.

The proposal will be sent to the Maharashtra Government for a final approval.

This comes after the Madras High Court had in July ordered the singing of the song in all educational institutions at least once in a week.

Subsequently, BJP leader Sandeep Patel, proposed that idea the BMC should also pass a similar order.

He said, "Vande Mataram should be made compulsory in municipal aided schools at least twice a week. It should be done in order to keep patriotism alive in future generations."

Earlier, Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi Waris Pathan had opposed the idea of making students sing Vande Mataram in the State assembly.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Buxar District Magistrate Mukesh Pandey committed suicide at a railway station in Ghaziabad on Friday.

Mukesh took his life by jumping in front of a train. His body was found on the railway track at a yard near the station.

According to a written note, Mukesh, a 2012-batch IAS officer, was fed up with his life and lost his belief on human existence.

"I am committing suicide in district centre area of Janakpuri in west Delhi...By jumping off the 10th floor of the building. I am fed up with life and my belief on human existence has gone, my suicide note is kept in a Nike bag in room 742 of a five-star (name withheld) hotel in Delhi. I am sorry, I love you all! Please forgive me," said the note, according to Senior Superintendent of Police H. N. Singh.

Meanwhile, a senior Delhi Police official said that they received information from his friends that Mukesh would commit suicide and had gone to a west Delhi mall.

A team immediately rushed to the mall but they could not trace him. After scanning the CCTV footage, it was found that he was leaving the mall and going towards a nearby metro station, the official said.

Mukesh had left Buxar two days ago, informing the officials that he would be visiting Patna. He came to Delhi earlier in the day to visit his ailing uncle.

The IAS officer was promoted as Buxar District Magistrate on July 31. This was his first posting as a District Magistrate.

Further investigation is underway.
After the Uttar Pradesh Madarsa Shiksha Parishad (MSP) directed all madarsas affiliated to it to sing the song and unfurl the flag on August 15, the Congress deemed the move as "unconstitutional and despicable."

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Raj Babbar said that the Uttar Pradesh Government is trying to divide the country. He added that the Yogi Adithyanath-led government is "enforcing nationalism."

"It would have been fine if the UP Government had released a statement regarding the unfurling of the flag. But it is despicable that they have targetted a particular society," Babbar said.

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh said that everything must be done in a Constitutional way.

"All the religions and communities have been safeguarded by the Constitution. If everything is being done in accordance with it, then the move is welcome," he said.

Echoing the views of her fellow Congressmen, Renuka Choudhary claimed that this is a false propaganda.

She said, "Nobody can force anyone to do anything in this country. The madarsas are free to do whatever they want."

She added that directions and compulsions are not the ways minorities can be included in the society.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After the Maharashtra Government filed an appeal in the Supreme Court to strike down the ban on possession of beef in the state, Congress leader Aslam Sheikh on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should either ban beef across nation or not put any restrictions whatsoever.

"There is no need to go to the High Court or to the Supreme Court. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should either ban beef in whole nation or should not put any sort of restrictions anywhere in the country," Sheikh told ANI.

He said that the Government at the Centre should concentrate on how to bring India forward rather than concentrating on people's kitchen.

"The Government should not put restrictions on what people should eat or what not. They should look as to how to take the country forward rather than what's cooking in whose kitchen," he added.

The Supreme Court will hear the appeal filed by the Maharashtra Government against the Bombay High Court's decision to strike down the ban on possession of beef by citizens in the state.

Earlier in January, the Bombay High Court upheld the beef ban imposed by the state government after the enactment of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, which bans slaughter of bulls, bullocks.

However, the court said that the possession of the meat cannot be considered as a crime, while striking down the relevant sections of the act.

Slaughtering of cows and sale of cow meat in Maharashtra has been banned and made illegal since 1976, but as per the new law the ban has extended to calves, bulls and bullocks.

On May 25, the Centre, through an order, imposed a ban on the sale of cattle, including cows, for slaughter and restricted cattle trade solely to farm owners.

Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Harsh Vardhan had ordered that the ministry has notified the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 to ensure that the sale of cattle is not meant for slaughter purposes.

Regulating animal trade is a state business, but animal welfare is a central subject, thereby providing the window for the ministry to notify the rule.

In lieu of this, there was widespread opposition of the order, with many states openly denying accepting the notification.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 will be held from November 28-30 in India's Hyderabad city.

The United States President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced earlier in Washington that the two countries will co-host the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES).

The theme of the Summit will be Women First, Prosperity for All, highlighting the critical role women play in fostering global growth and prosperity.

The GES is the preeminent annual gathering of emerging entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders from around the world.

Through networking, mentoring, and workshops, the GES empowers entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas, build partnerships, secure funding, and create innovative goods and services that will transform societies.

This year, the focus will be on women entrepreneurs and the tremendous potential women bring to entrepreneurship.

MaryKay Carlson, Charge d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi said, "The U.S.-India relationship is growing every year with more trade, more travel, and greater people-to-people ties. The Global Entrepreneurship Summit is the latest example of how we are working together to advance the promise of an increasingly digital world and the remarkable entrepreneurial skills of our people to promote prosperity. These are goals President Trump and Prime Minister Modi set for our two nations after their meeting in June in Washington. The Indian government and Prime Minister Modi are great partners, and we thank the city of Hyderabad, whose robust startup ecosystem, top notch talent, and supportive government policies have made it one of the world's leading startup capitals. We are thrilled to be partnering together on GES 2017!"

NITI Aayog, is taking the lead in organising this Summit for the Government of India.

Amitabh Kant, CEO NITI Aayog, acknowledged the support of Telangana Government in hosting the Summit at Hyderabad and said "India, the oldest civilization, welcomes civilizations world over to the GES 2017. We need to harness technology to solve some of the most pressing problems in healthcare delivery, energy, safe drinking water and agriculture, among others for the benefit of communities at large. Innovation and entrepreneurship will play a decisive role towards this end. I am sure this will be a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to interact with the best."

President Trump's daughter and White House adviser Ivanka Trump will lead the U.S. delegation to India for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES 2017) in November to support women's entrepreneurship globally.

Trump tweeted, "IvankaTrump will lead the U.S. delegation to India this fall, supporting women's entrepreneurship globally."

Responding on Twitter, Ivanaka said, "Honored to lead the US delegation to #GES2017 in India & meet with Prime Minister Modi & passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe!."

Trump has said that his daughter would use the GES 2017 conference to promote women's entrepreneurship around the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Ivanka to visit the country during his meeting with President Trump in Washington in June at the White House.

The Prime Minister confirmed Ivanka's impending visit on his own account, tweeting that he was looking forward to her trip to India.

"Look forward to Ms. Ivanka Trump's presence at #GES 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of the US delegation," Modi tweeted Thursday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hours before the Supreme Court hears the long pending Ayodhya matter, litigant Haji Mehboob stated that he has faith that the court will do justice.

Speaking to ANI, Mehboob said, "It is a long pending case, which should be concluded at its earliest. I have faith in court as they will do justice in the matter."

Meanwhile, Head of the Digambar Akhara, Mahant Suresh Das suggested for a speedy verdict, saying, "Supreme Court should give its verdict at the earliest. It is matter of Hindus' faith; how long we should wait?"

On August 8, the Uttar Pradesh's Shia Central Waqf Board told the Supreme Court that a mosque can be built near Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

In a major development, the Shia Waqf Board filed an affidavit before the apex court in which it stated that a mosque can be constructed at a place near birth place of Lord Ram.

"Since, the Babri Masjid was a Shia Waqf, we are alone entitled to negotiate and arrive at peaceful settlement with other stakeholders," Shia Waqf Board said in its statement.

However, in the year 1961 the Sunni Central Waqf Board also filed a lawsuit, demanding possession of the site and removal of idols from the mosque premises. Reportedly, the board had earlier decided to become a party in ongoing litigations in relation to the Ramjanmabhoomi - Babri Masjid dispute.

The mosque was demolished by Hindu Karsevaks on December 6, 1992 in Ayodhya. The country witnessed massive riots in which over 2000 people were killed.

The Hindus claim that it is the birthplace of Lord Rama where a mosque was built in 1528-29 CE (935 AH) by Mir Baqi. Since the mosque was built on orders of the Mughal emperor Babur, it was named Babri Masjid.

Before it was demolished in 1992, the Nirmohi Akhara had forcefully occupied the Babri Masjid in 1853 saying it was Ram Janmabhoomi (Birth place of Lord Rama).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
State-run Chinese media has said that if the United States attacks North Korea, China will stop them.

An opinion piece in the Global Times said, "If the US and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime and change the political pattern of the Korean Peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so."

However, it also said that China will remain neutral if North Korea launches missiles that threaten US soil first and Washington retaliates back.

"China opposes both nuclear proliferation and war in the Korean Peninsula. It will not encourage any side to stir up military conflict, and will firmly resist any side which wants to change the status quo of the areas where China's interests are concerned. It is hoped that both Washington and Pyongyang can exercise restraint. The Korean Peninsula is where the strategic interests of all sides converge, and no side should try to be the absolute dominator of the region," the daily further said.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday had issued a fresh warning to North Korea, asking them to "get their act together" to avoid facing "fire and fury like the world has never seen."

Trump had said, "If North Korea does anything in terms of attacking us or our allies then they will be very very nervous as things will happen to them as like they haven't thought possible."

This stern warning of Trump had come hours after North Korea state media has released a detailed plan of the military to be presented before Kim Jong-Un to fire four ballistic missiles near the US Pacific territory of Guam, a major military hub and home to the US bombers.

Trump has also tried to leverage China, North Korea's only major ally, to get Pyongyang change its behaviour.

(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.)
State-run Chinese media has said that if the United States attacks North Korea, China will stop them.

An opinion piece in the Global Times said, "If the US and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime and change the political pattern of the Korean Peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so."

However, it also said that China will remain neutral if North Korea launches missiles that threaten US soil first and Washington retaliates back.

"China opposes both nuclear proliferation and war in the Korean Peninsula. It will not encourage any side to stir up military conflict, and will firmly resist any side which wants to change the status quo of the areas where China's interests are concerned. It is hoped that both Washington and Pyongyang can exercise restraint. The Korean Peninsula is where the strategic interests of all sides converge, and no side should try to be the absolute dominator of the region," the daily further said.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday had issued a fresh warning to North Korea, asking them to "get their act together" to avoid facing "fire and fury like the has never seen."

Trump had said, "If North Korea does anything in terms of attacking us or our allies then they will be very very nervous as things will happen to them as like they haven't thought possible."

This stern warning of Trump had come hours after North Korea state media has released a detailed plan of the military to be presented before Kim Jong-Un to fire four ballistic missiles near the US Pacific territory of Guam, a major military hub and home to the US bombers.

Trump has also tried to leverage China, North Korea's only major ally, to get Pyongyang change its behaviour.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday said that India will be hosting the first Disaster Management Exercise in October this year.

"Our region is vulnerable to a variety of disasters due to its geo-climatic conditions. To build regional capacities, India is hosting the first Disaster Management Exercise in October 2017. This will help us develop quicker, coordinated and comprehensive responses to disasters, and provide timely relief and rehabilitation," Swaraj said at the 15th Ministerial Meeting in Kathmandu.

She said BIMSTEC is a natural choice for India to fulfil its key foreign policy priorities of 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East'.

"We are meeting in a landmark year when BIMSTEC is observing its 20th anniversary. BIMSTEC brings together like-minded countries with a common commitment to the prosperity of its people representing one-fifth of world humanity. BIMSTEC is also one of the fastest growing regions in the world," Swaraj said.

"BIMSTEC enjoys the unique strengths of connecting South and South-East Asia. It links the ecologies of the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal. With shared histories, values and ways of life, it is the natural platform, to build our common future. BIMSTEC represents our common desire for peace and development," she added.

Recalling the BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit in Goa last year, Swaraj said the leaders during the summit had pledged to make BIMSTEC stronger, more effective and result oriented and agreed on an action agenda to achieve greater connectivity, trade, people-to-people contacts, and sustainable use of resources.

Speaking about the outcome of the first meeting of BIMSTEC Security Chiefs in New Delhi this year, she said holistic approach was adopted to tackle traditional and non-traditional security challenges, which threaten the region.

"We worked out collective strategies to counter the scourge of terrorism, violent extremism & transnational crimes, as also to strengthen our maritime & cyber security cooperation. Specific follow-up measures in these areas are now under progress," she said.

Asserting that Intra-regional tourism got a boost with the launch of the BIMSTEC Network of Tour Operators recently in New Delhi, Swaraj said that this first-of-its kind platform has brought industry and stakeholders from across the region together.

She said the promotion of intra-BIMSTEC tourist circuits, joint marketing strategies, and BIMSTEC specific tourism products, notably the Buddhist circuit, would allow tourists to experience the rich and shared the civilizational heritage of BIMSTEC countries.

Swaraj also informed that New Delhi has further liberalized its tourist e-visa visa norms, which makes it easier for foreign tourists to visit neighbouring countries when they are on a trip to India.

Emphasising that enhanced connectivity is vital to achieving BIMSTECH's common goals of growth, employment & prosperity, she said there is there is need to put in place the enabling soft infrastructure such as the Framework Agreement on Transit, Trans-shipment and movement of Vehicular Traffic; & the Agreement on Coastal Shipping, at the earliest to achieve smoother cross-border flows of trade and people.

"Energy is considered the engine of economic development. Our region is blessed with abundant energy resources. I am happy to note, that cross-border exchange of power between India, Nepal, Bhutan & Bangladesh is on a rapid upswing. The BIMSTEC MOU on Grid Interconnection, which has been finalized, would further facilitate regional energy trade. In India, a massive programme to harness renewable energy is transforming our energy landscape. Let us build a strong renewable energy partnership to tackle climate change together, for a greener world tomorrow," she said.

She also informs about a unique initiative - the BIMSTEC Tele-medicine Network that was launched recently by one of India's premier medical institutes JIPMER

Swaraj said that this network brings together ten top hospitals and medical institutes in the region to provide cutting edge tele-medicine services.

She said the BIMSTEC Task Force on Traditional Medicine would be meeting in India in October 2017 to strengthen the role of traditional medicine in holistic health care.

"To mark the 20th Anniversary, India is undertaking a wide range of initiatives, involving a number of institutions, industry associations, and think-tanks as stakeholders in BIMSTEC. These include high-level multi-sectoral conferences; a trade and tourism expo; a Start-up Summit to boost innovation by bringing start-ups from the region together; a business conclave to showcase ready-to invest projects; and festivals on our Buddhism heritage and for our youth.



These initiatives would not only promote trade, investments, innovation and people-to-people contacts but would also enhance the visibility of "Brand BIMSTEC". We look forward to your presence in these events," she said.
Afghanistan's Water and Energy Minister Ali Ahmad Osmani has said India and the Bank (WB) have shown interest to invest in the country's Shahtoot water dam project.

"The Indian government, based on the aid it has provided, is willing to take part in the construction of this dam.

Currently, the negotiations are going on. The Bank has also shown interest in participating in the construction of water supply facilities, purification systems and rest of the phases. We are now in talks with India and the Bank in this respect," Tolo News quoted Osmani, as saying.

He further said that his ministry is negotiating with Indian officials and the World Bank regarding the investment.

The dam will be constructed on the Kabul River in Chahar Asyab district to help the residents of the capital city to overcome shortage of clean drinking water. It will cost nearly USD 260 million.

Economic expert Samim Sarem said that the Shahtoot Dam will help provide clean drinking water to nearly two million residents of Kabul to curb water shortages in the region.

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The Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPDT) supporters vandalised the Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI (M) party office on Wednesday.

They set ablaze 15 motor bikes at Khumulwng area of the city.

Reportedly, after minor skirmish with CPI (M) workers, about 100 IPFT supporters came to Radhapur Police Station for deputation and submission of an FIR which was led by Mevar Jamatia.

While returning from Police Station, IPFT supporters attacked the CPI(M) party office at Forest Chowmohani.

The police had to use mild force to disperse the IPFT supporters.

A specific case has been registered against Mevar Jamatia and IPFT supporters for vandalism.

As per latest reports, the situation is under watch and senior officials of police and civil administration are camping at Khumlwng.

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U.S. President Donald Trump's daughter and White House adviser Ivanka Trump will lead the U.S. delegation to India for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES 2017) in November to support women's entrepreneurship globally.

Trump tweeted, "IvankaTrump will lead the U.S. delegation to India this fall, supporting women's entrepreneurship globally."

Responding on Twitter, Ivanaka said, "Honored to lead the US delegation to #GES2017 in India & meet with Prime Minister Modi & passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe!."

Trump has said that his daughter would use the GES 2017 conference to promote women's entrepreneurship around the .

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Ivanka to visit the country during his meeting with President Trump in Washington in June at the White House.

The Prime Minister confirmed Ivanka's impending visit on his own account, tweeting that he was looking forward to her trip to India.

"Look forward to Ms. Ivanka Trump's presence at #GES 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of the US delegation," Modi tweeted Thursday.

The U.S. and India will co-host the three-day summit in Hyderabad that aims to present entrepreneurs a platform to meet startups and global leaders from across the .

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The Army launched a cordon and search operation in Al-Qaeda's Zakir Musa's village in Tral's Norpora of south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday.

People took to streets and staged protests as the security forces launched the search operation.

Further details are awaited.

On August 9, the Jammu and Kashmir said that the three militants who were gunned down in the Tral encounter were members of the Zakir Musa group.

The operation was launched on the basis of specific intelligence inputs.

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The incredible journey of Jason Lewis had started in 1994, when he, along with Steve Smith, a fellow adventurer, set out on the 75,000-km journey from Greenwich, London which would have taken them across the globe.

Jason had circumnavigated the earth using a paddleboat, kayak, roller skates and a bicycle. Jason has been an inspiration to many and now promotes sustainability. As a part of this, Jason has travelled to 37 countries, talking to students and involving them in issues like world citizenship, conservation, zero carbon emission travel and awareness of consumption habits on the health of the planet.

Jason Lewis will be addressing 1500 student delegates as well as leaders from various industries at the Harvard MUN India conference, which is co-hosted by The Harvard International Relations Council and Worldview Education.

FLAME University, the pioneer for liberal education in India will continue its association with Harvard MUN India for the fourth consecutive year as the lead partner of the conference. As part of their engagement with the students, senior professors from FLAME University will run skill development tracks on relevant skills such as persuasive writing, public speaking, debating for the delegates of the conference.

"HMUN India is striving to bring together student leaders who hope to improve their societies through innovative and wide-ranging voices and develop the world socially, economically, and politically to create a better future for all of us. FLAME University has a similar goal to push the design and nature of studies and to create a societal upgradation phenomenon particularly in the fields of liberal education and leadership. FLAME University is conceptualised with a desire to give something back to society. Hence, it is only fitting that HMUN and FLAME University have an association to achieve their common goals. We are very happy about this partnership and hope to continue it in the future," said Dr. Santosh Kudtarkar, Associate Dean - Faculty of Liberal Education of FLAME University.

Coca-Cola India, which is partnered with Worldview as a 'Sustainability Partner' to reach out and engage with the Gen-Z and the educators community in India will also run tracks for students and educators at the conference on topics such as 'Circular Economy' and 'Sustainability in Schools'.

Worldview is an experiential learning platform for Gen-Z that develops and delivers various programs that engage students in finding solutions to global issues while building their own personal attributes. Worldview aims to be a catalyst for the Gen-Z to discover and unleash their intrinsic leadership potential.

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The Maharashtra Assembly has passed Shops and Establishment (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, enabling owners or shops, hotels, malls, theatres and multiplexes in the state to keep their establishments open round the clock.

The bill however does not permit bars, pubs, wine shops and disco-theques to be open round the clock. Restaurants in residential areas also need to apply for additional clearances.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had said that the police restrictions and clearances would still apply on the timings.

The Chief Minister had clarified that the Bombay Police Act would prevail and the police would take action if residents filed complaints against the restaurants.

"The same type of establishment and those located in the same area will have the same timings," he said.

Hailing the decision, Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray, in a series of tweets said the Act will boost business, employment, revenue and taxes in the city.

"I thank all who supported the vision to boost Mumbai's tourism, revenue, employment through 'Mumbai 24 Hours' proposed by the BMC in 2013," Aaditya said in his tweet.

"This act is not only a great win for me, but all the citizens of Mumbai. Only those, who didn't trust Mumbaikars, criticised it," he tweeted.

According to reports, the government has made it clear that the establishments will have to follow all the existing rules related to labour laws and make adequate security arrangements for women.

The Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association (FRTWA), however, expressed its dismay that the Bill allows shops to remain open 24x7 only after they obtain an area-wise consensus on the timings.

The Assembly passed the bill late on Wednesday. It will now require clearance of the legislative council, after which it will go to the President as the subject is from the concurrent list.

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After various irregularities in the Manipur Civil Service Combined competitive examination 2016, the unqualified candidates have filed an Right to Information (RTI) application demanding their answer sheets of the same.

A total of 1,130 candidates had appeared in the main examination.

Demanding the quashing of the recently declared results, hundreds of candidates of Manipur Civil Services Combined Competitive Examination, staged a sit-in protest at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai Community hall, followed by a rally towards the Chief Minister's bungalow to submit a memorandum.

However, the rally was stopped by police.

The examination was conducted by the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) in September last year.

Group of aspirants of MPSC Manipur claimed that the process of evaluation was carried out in a "hasty and haphazard manner" and results were declared just 10 days after the exam was conducted.

According to candidates, in some of the answer scripts there were no signature of the examiners.

Reportedly, 200 candidates had asked for re-evaluation of answer script, out of which only 20 answer scripts were made available to the media in a conference in Imphal on July 26.

The incident came to light when aspirants, who appeared in the main examination, asked for copies of their answer sheets through RTI Act 2005.

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Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla on Friday condemned outgoing Vice-President Hamid Ansari over his "derogatory" remarks about Muslims of the country.

Speaking to ANI, Heptullah said, "People sitting on high constitutional position should avoid making such statements which can spoil the atmosphere. Our responsibility should be to help people to live in peace. Making such derogatory remarks should be avoided as much as possible."

Resonating similar views, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nalin Kholi hailed the saffron party's ideologies, stating that they can never practice it or contribute to the insecurities towards any India citizen.

"Hamid Ansari can have a point of view but if that view is hurting the country's sentiments then it should be looked into. If the world has to be made a safer place then its best that these kinds of statements are eluded which can cause rift in the country. When the Government of India and saffron party is concerned; we do not practice it or contribute to the insecurities towards any India citizen," he said.

In his last interview on Wednesday, Ansari said that the Muslims in the country were experiencing "a feeling of unease."

"A sense of insecurity is creeping in as a result of the dominant mood created by some and the resultant intolerance and vigilantism," Ansari said in an interview to Rajya Sabha TV.

Ansari referred to the incidents of lynching and alleged killings as a "breakdown of Indian values, breakdown of the ability of the authorities at different levels in different places to be able to enforce what should be normal law enforcing work and over all the very fact that Indianness of any citizen being questioned is a disturbing thought."

Ansari has been in the firing line of the other BJP leaders for his 'Muslim comments.

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The United States has called on both India and China to come together to resolve their issues through diplomatic talks.

Referring to the two-month long Doklam standoff, U.S. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said, "It's a situation that we have certainly followed closely. And as you know, we have relationships with both governments. We continue to encourage both parties to sit down and have conversations about that."

Meanwhile, China has vehemently rejected all reports of it ever offering a compromise to India by relocating its troops in the disputed Doklam border area.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry reacted to a report where China had allegedly offered to move its troops back 100 meters, after India sought the pullback of Chinese troops by 250 metres.

The Spokesperson's Office told China Daily that the report is not true, adding that "China will not trade its territorial sovereignty under any circumstances."

"China's position on solving this incident is clear and firm. India must immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its trespassing troops and equipment back to the Indian side of the border," the office said in a statement.

Earlier this month, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that India's 'intrusion' had not only violated China's territorial sovereignty but also challenged Bhutan's sovereignty and independence.

However, the Government of Bhutan on Thursday pointedly refuted a Chinese Foreign Ministry claim that Bhutan had conveyed through diplomatic channels to China that the trilateral border stand-off area in Doklam in the Sikkim sector is not its territory.

Official sources in the Bhutanese Government told ANI over phone, "Our position on the border issue of Doklam is very clear. Please refer to our statement which has been published on the web site of Bhutan's foreign ministry on June 29, 2017."

The standoff started in June when Chinese soldiers tried to unilaterally change the status quo in the strategically important Doklam region of Bhutan by building a road in the area.

India has made its stance clear that that it stands for peace the border question can be solved diplomatically, not by war.

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The Human Rights Commission (NHRC), on the basis of a complaint and media reports, has issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Government of Telengana over allegations of illegal detention and torture of persons belonging to the Scheduled Caste and other backward communities from Nerela village in Siricilla Rajanna District of the state.

The commission has observed that the allegations raise a serious issue of human rights violation of the victims.

The DGP, however, has been directed to conduct a fair and independent enquiry into the matter and submit a report within four weeks.

The local police, allegedly, never acted on the complaints of villagers regarding innumerable deaths caused by the speeding lorries of sand contractors.

They are notorious for overloading lorries with sand and driving them at a high speed disregarding the safety and security of the villagers.

Reportedly, on July 2, 2017, a lorry of a sand contractor ran over one person belonging to the Scheduled Tribe.

After this, two lorries were set ablaze by the angry villagers following which, the police indiscriminately picked up at least eight persons and brutally tortured them for four days before producing them in front of the Judicial Magistrate on July 8, 2017 under serious offences.

Allegedly, the men were threatened that their women will also be booked under heinous offences, if they complained of their torture.

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Welcoming Vice President Venkaiah Naidu as the Rajya Sabha Chairman on Friday, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad advised the former to be unbiased and give importance to justice above any party or religion.

"When one person is in a particular party, he works his best to spread the party's ideologies and view point among people. But when the same person becomes a minister, his responsibility turns towards both the party and people of India. There's a third position, where you (Venkaiah Naidu) are in today and I congratulate you for that; this position reminds us of the fact that we have to unbiased. When one is in this position, wisdom and justice becomes more important than party or religion," Azad said in the House.

Azad further praised the beauty of Indian Constitution and thanked the freedom fighters for bringing in a democracy, where anyone has the right to sit on the highest position in the nation.

"Let us even not forget those people who sacrificed themselves, their family, wealth and easy life for the freedom movement of India. Who can forget the contribution of Gandhiji, Jawaharlal Nehru ji, Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad?" he said, adding, "their sacrifices gave us a Constitution, according to which, anyone today can become a President, Vice president, Prime Minister, Supreme Court judge, Army General Chief. I salute all those people today."

"This is the best part of our democracy, which doesn't judge people in term of rich or poor or family background. There are many people, who are in greater position, without having influential family or wealth. There's a power behind all these and that's democracy and constitution," he said.

The Leader of Opposition also praised Naidu for starting from a grass root level and achieving the position of a Vice President of India with utmost dedication.

"You have been one of those people who started from a grass root level and reached the peak, not only in your party, but also as a Vice President today. It is very inspiring both for the people of your party and the opposition, who work with utmost dedication," he said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi too welcomed Venkaiah Naidu as the Rajya Sabha Chairman, saying he is the first Vice President born in the independent India, adding that the former Union Minister knows the workings of the House very well after being active in it for so long.

Praising Naidu for his various rural development schemes, Prime Minister Modi said, "Venkaiah Naidu has gifted the nation with Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. He is a farmer's son and during his tenure as Poverty Alleviation Minister, he has always upheld the interests of the poor."

Naidu was sworn-in as the 13th Vice President of India today, succeeding Hamid Ansari, in a glittering ceremony.

President Ram Nath Kovind administered him the oath of office and secrecy at Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

Following the ceremonial reception Naidu took over as the speaker of the Rajya Sabha in the Parliament.

Earlier in the day, he visited Rajghat to pay floral tribute to the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.

Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee and former union minister Naidu was elected as the 13th Vice President of India with 516 votes.

Opposition nominee Gopalkrishna Gandhi secured 244 votes out of 760 valid votes.

Naidu was elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka in 1998 and was re-elected twice in 2004 and 2010 from Karnataka.

He served as the Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information and Broadcasting in Prime Minister Narendra Modi Government before he was nominated for the post of Vice President.

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Leave it to the land, this is what it knows. Hopefully Hozier's 2014 song will prove true for the Mexican gray wolf: It Will Come Back. To learn more about the recovery efforts of this beautiful, powerful and depressingly endangered species, round up your pack and run like the wind to the South Broadway Cultural Center on Saturday, Aug. 12 , at 7pm to view the documentary film, Stories of Wolves: The Lobo Returns . This all-ages cinema event covers a variety of topics from habitat issues to the relationships the mammals have with ranchers and conservationists to their place in Native cultures. Tickets are only $8-$10 and include the film screening as well as a question and answer session with the director. (Renee Chavez)

Documentary film following the recovery efforts for Mexican gray wolves which are the most endangered land mammal in North America. Screening and question and answer session with the director.

Documentary film screening and Q&A with the director, wolf celebration

Stories of Wolves is about the recovery efforts for our Mexican Gray Wolves, the most endangered land mammal in all of North America. There only remain about 100 wolves in the wild in Arizona and New Mexico.

The film has many sub-plots because of the dynamic relationship of the wolves to the various communities who now share the wolves habitat: the ranchers, the conservationists, the Native American cultures, and the other animals who depend upon the wolves presence to maintain a healthy ecological system. Just as much as it is a film about wolves, it is also about the people of New Mexico, Arizona and the Northern hemisphere making a stand for coexistence with the wolves. Includes the director's story of her work in the field with the wolves. Ultimately, though it is about the vanishing wildness inside and outside of us... We all belong in the Web Of Life...
Pahalaj Nihalani, who has been under the radar for the recent cuts and censorship in movies, has been dethroned as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief. Famous lyricist Prasoon Joshi will take charge for the next three years.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 (37 of 1952) read with rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983, the Central Government is pleased to appoint Sh. Prasoon Joshi as Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification in an honorary capacity from 11th August, 2017 for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier," said an Information and Broadcasting Ministry statement.

Nihalani, who took the office of the chairperson of CBFC on January 19, 2015, gained infamous reputation scissoring movies like 'Lipstick Under My Burkha,' 'Jab Harry Met Sejal,' 'Babumoshai Bandukbaaz,' 'Udta Punjab' and more, in the recent past.

On the other hand, writer-poet and advertising entrepreneur Prasoon Joshi is a well known name in the industry. He was awarded Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2015, for his contributions towards the field of Arts, Literature and Advertising

Joshi has received the 'Filmfare Best Lyricist Award' three times, in 2007 and 2008 and again in 2014 for the Hindi movie 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'. He has also received the National Film Award for 'Best Lyrics' twice, for his work in 'Taare Zameen Par' (2007), and 'Chittagong' (2013).

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'Paris Excellence Award 2017' was bestowed upon Ushik Mahesh Gala in the category of Excellence in Garment Industry. The award was presented by Robby Wells, the Presidential Candidate of US Election 2020 at Eiffel Tower, Paris.

Paris based French European Indian Organization, World News Network and Art for Peace Awards Beverly Hills, USA had organised the Paris Excellence Award 2017 function recently at Eiffel Tower, Paris.

"We have officially announced support to Robby Wells, the Presidential candidate for US for the year 2020. With this, we enter USA market and have plans to make substantial investment in USA," said Ushik Gala.

Ushik is the Managing Partner of KSPM & Associates, a chartered accountants firm. He is the Chairman of Suumaya Lifestyle Ltd. He is also the Global Director of JIO (Jain International Organisation).

Suumaya Lifestyle Ltd. is the manufacturer of ladies designer kurtis and denim bottoms. The company also deals with fabrics for women wear. The company is having three manufacturing units in Mumbai and Wada. It has three stores in Mumbai, one in Varanasi and a complete in-house CMTP (Cut-Make-Trim-Packaging/Finishing) set up in Mumbai.

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With a pledge of 'Sankalp se Siddhi' for building a New India by 2022 taken with wide consensus on 75th Anniversary of the'Quit India Movement'and GST extended to J&K, which will lead to its economic integration with the rest of the country, the monsoon session of the Parliament ended with both houses of Parliament adjourning Sine Die on Friday.

A total 17 Bills were introduced and 14 Bills were passed in this session which had 19 sittings and lasted 71 hours.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan while adjourning the House said nearly 30 hours were wasted due to disruption. She, however, said the House sat over 10 hours extra to discuss matters of public importance.

She said during these period, the House passed Supplementary Demands for Grants (General) and Demands for Excess Grants (General).

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar while addressing the media here on Friday said that the Monsoon Session, 2017 of Parliament which commenced on Monday, the 17th July, 2017, concluded on Friday, the 11th August, 2017. The Session provided 19 sittings spread over a period of 26 days.The productivity of Lok Sabha was 77.94 per cent and that of Rajya Sabha was 79.95 per cent.

During the Session, 17 Bills (17 in the Lok Sabha) were introduced.The Lok Sabha passed 14 Bills and while the Rajya Sabha passed 9 Bills during the session. Total 13 Bills were passed by both the Houses of Parliament. Out of these, the five Bills, as passed by Lok Sabha and transmitted to Rajya Sabha for its recommendation, are not likely to be returned to Lok Sabha within the period of fourteen days from the date of their receipt in Rajya Sabha.The Bills are deemed to have been passed by both Houses at the expiration of the said period in the form in which they passed by Lok Sabha under clause (5)of article 109 of the Constitution.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said that "This has been an achievement considering that it was a short session of Parliament and a considerable time was devoted to discussions on important issues and the Elections to the Offices of President and Vice President of India, Kumar added."

The Minister mentioned about the special discussion held in both Houses on 09.08.2017 to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the 'Quit India Movement' and it is for the first time that the pledge of 'Sankalp se Siddhi' for building a New India by 2022 was taken with wide consensus among all parties. The government is committed to achieve this vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Minister added.

Talking about the extension of Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the State of Jammu & Kashmir, Minister Kumar said that this is a historic achievement as passing of the related bills will lead to the Economic Integration of the State with rest of the country.

Regarding the Legislative Business carried out during the Monsoon Session 2017, he said that during the Session Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2017-18 (including Railways) and Demands for Excess Grants for 2014-15 and the related Appropriation Bills, were discussed and passed by the Lok Sabha.

These Bills were transmitted to Rajya Sabha on 02.08.2017 and could not be taken up for consideration and as they are not likely to be returned to Lok Sabha within the period of fourteen days from the date of their receipt in Rajya Sabha, the Bills will be deemed to have been passed by both Houses at the expiration of the said period in the form in which they were was passed by Lok Sabha under clause (5)of article 109 of the Constitution.

"The Monsoon Session 2017 has been a successful session in terms of the legislative business conducted and wide participation of all political parties in discussions on various issues of importance," said Minister Ananth Kumar.

Four Bills replacing the Ordinances, namely, the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, the Punjab Municipal Corporation Law (Extension to Chandigarh) Amendment Ordinance, 2017, the Central Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Ordinance, 2017 and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Ordinance, 2017 which were promulgated by the President, were considered and passed by Lok Sabha.

Except the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2017, the Bills replacing the remaining three Ordinances could not be taken up by Rajya Sabha. As these three Bills are money Bills and are not likely to be returned to Lok Sabha within the period of fourteen days from the date of their receipt in Rajya Sabha, the Bills will be deemed to have been passed by both Houses at the expiration of the said period in the form in which they were was passed by Lok Sabha under clause (5)of Article 109 of the Constitution.

In the Lok Sabha, 2 Short Duration Discussions under Rule 193 were held on

(i) the Agrarian Situation in the Country and

(ii) the situation arising out of Reported Incidents of Atrocities and Lynching in mob violence in the Country.

In the Rajya Sabha, three Short Duration Discussions under Rule 176 were held on

(i) the situation arising out of the reported increase in the incidents of lynching and atrocities on minorities and dalits across the country;

(ii) on the farmers' distress leading to rise in the incidents of their suicide in the country; and

(iii) India's foreign policy and engagement with strategic partners.

Besides one calling attention motion in Lok Sabha on problems arising due to floods in different parts of the Country and steps taken by the Government in this regard was discussed.

Similarly, in Rajya Sabha two calling attention motions were:

(i) on the situation arising out of recent floods in various parts of the country, particularly in Assam and

(ii) situation arising out of violation of prescribed conditions of Letter of Permit by foreign trawlers in deep sea fishing in Indian seas and the action taken by the Government in regard thereto were discussed.

Three old pending Bills were withdrawn in the Rajya Sabha namely

i) The North-Eastern Council (Amendment) Bill, 2013;

ii) The Architects (Amendment) Bill, 2010; and

iii) The Participation of Workers in Management Bill, 1990.

After the Question Hour and papers were laid the Lok Sabha Speaker adjourned the House Sine Die.

Rajya Sabha also adjourned sine die today. New Chairman Venkaiah Naidu adjourned the House after giving his thanks-giving speech on assuming the charge.

Chairman Naidu assured the members that he will try his best to give opportunity to each and every member saying that government proposes, the opposition opposes and the House disposes.

S S Ahluwalia, Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Parliamentary Affairs and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs, were also present on the occasion.

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The Supreme Court on Friday will hear the Ayodhya land dispute matter at 2

On Aug 8, the Shia Waqf Board told the apex court that a mosque can be built near Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

In a major development, the Shia Waqf Board filed an affidavit before the apex court, in which it stated that a mosque can be constructed at a place near birth place of Lord Ram.

"Since, the Babri Masjid was a Shia Waqf, we are alone entitled to negotiate and arrive at peaceful settlement with other stakeholders," Shia Waqf Board said in its statement.

However, in the year 1961 the Sunni Central Waqf Board also filed a lawsuit, demanding possession of the site and removal of idols from the mosque premises. Reportedly, the board had earlier decided to become a party in ongoing litigations in relation to the Ramjanmabhoomi - Babri Masjid dispute.

The mosque was demolished by Hindu Karsevaks on December 6, 1992 in Ayodhya. The country witnessed massive riots, in which over 2000 people were killed.

The Hindus claim that it is the birthplace of Lord Rama where a mosque was built in 1528-29 CE (935 AH) by Mir Baqi. Since the mosque was built on orders of the Mughal emperor Babur, it was named Babri Masjid.

Before it was demolished in 1992, the Nirmohi Akhara had forcefully occupied the Babri Masjid in 1853 saying it was Ram Janmabhoomi (Birth place of Lord Rama).

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With Sonia Gandhi inviting Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav in the Opposition meeting today, the party has come down heavily on the Congress President saying she is trying to create a rift within the Nitish Kumar-led party.

Speaking to ANI here, JD (U) general secretary K C Tyagi said, "Calling our party members in meeting of Opposition leaders reveals Sonia Gandhi's wrong intentions. We already have broken our ties with UPA and Mahagathbandhan. By calling us she wants to create a rift between party members."

Gandhi has called a meeting of Opposition leaders today morning in New Delhi to chalk out a strategy against the Narendra Modi-led government.

Earlier, controversy broke out after Sharad Yadav on Thursday declared in Patna that he was still with the Grand Alliance of the RJD and Congress.

This came after Nitish severed ties last month with the Grand Alliance of Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress, to form A government in Bihar with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

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An attempt to loot a Jammu and Kashmir ATM in Srinagar's Somerbugh was foiled by alert locals on Friday.

As per reports, the locals chased three armed youth who attempted to loot the ATM, following which all the three people escaped.

Further details are awaited in this issue.

Earlier on July 31, a group of terrorists looted the Jammu and Kashmir Bank at Arwani Bijbehara in Anantnag district.

As per reports, the terrorists managed to took away cash more than Rs. 5 lakh cash.

On July 11, the Shopian Police arrested three accused involved in the attempt of bank robbery and weapon snatching that took place at Jammu and Kashmir Bank of Imam Sahab area.

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At least 30 Taliban insurgents were killed after their own suicide vests exploded at a gathering in Afghanistan's Farah province.

"A group of Taliban fighters and their suicide bombers had gathered in the Bala Bolok district in the north-eastern parts of the province to plot an attack against the government forces when two suicide vests and other explosives blew up during their meeting," the Tolo News quoted Farah Governor's Spokesman Naser Mehri, as saying.

Mehri said that 30 Taliban fighters, including a number of local commanders, were killed in the explosion.

The Taliban, however, has not commented on the incident so far.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Bhutan's Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji, who met in Kathmandu earlier in the day, reviewed all aspects of India-Bhutan partnership which is wide-ranging.

"Both reviewed all aspects of India-Bhutan partnership which is wide-ranging," Joint Secretary in-charge of ties with Bhutan Sudhakar Dalela said, while addressing the press conference.

MEA Secretary (East) Preeti Saran said that the Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) meeting was held in a very positive and constructive atmosphere.

"The meeting was held in a very positive and constructive atmosphere. The BIMSTEC is our natural partner for regional cooperation, represents common space for peace and development. All other member countries recognized role India has played in taking lead in rejuvenating this grouping," Saran said.

Swaraj, earlier in the day, said that India will be hosting the BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise in October this year.

Speaking about the outcome of the first meeting of BIMSTEC Security Chiefs in New Delhi this year, she said a holistic approach was adopted to tackle traditional and non-traditional security challenges, which threaten the region.

"We worked out collective strategies to counter the scourge of terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes, as also to strengthen our maritime and cyber security cooperation. Specific follow-up measures in these areas are now under progress," she said.

Two-day ministerial meeting of the BIMSTEC started here yesterday.

The meeting was organised in Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Kathmandu.

At the top of the agenda for the meeting are finalising a free trade agreement among BIMSTEC members, including negotiations on market access for professionals and reducing the duty on trading goods.

The meeting was chaired by Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba with remarks from President of BIMSTEC, Nepal Foreign Minister and Foreign Secretary of Nepal being organized in Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Kathmandu.

The inaugural procession was attended by the Foreign/External Affairs Ministers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka and the Deputy Foreign Ministers from Myanmar and Thailand. Most of the delegates from BIMSTEC arrived Nepal capital on Thursday including Indian Minister for External Affairs Shushma Swaraj.

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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday said that in the 70 years of democratic history of India, the transfer of power has not been done by the bullet, but always by the ballot.

"In the 70 years of democratic history of India, the transfer of power has not been done by the bullet, but always by the ballot," Sushma Swaraj said at the 'India at 70' event in Kathmandu.

The External Affairs Minister also wished Nepal for its democratic development.

"The Democratic system has reached Nepal. We all wish for its success. We wish for Nepal's development; we will contribute and support to this. 'Sabka saath, sabka vikas' is for whole region," she added.

Swaraj, earlier in the day, said that India will be hosting the Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Disaster Management Exercise in October this year.

Speaking about the outcome of the first meeting of BIMSTEC Security Chiefs in New Delhi this year, she said a holistic approach was adopted to tackle traditional and non-traditional security challenges, which threaten the region.

"We worked out collective strategies to counter the scourge of terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes, as also to strengthen our maritime and cyber security cooperation. Specific follow-up measures in these areas are now under progress," she said.

Two-day ministerial meeting of the BIMSTEC started here yesterday.

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Unidentified militants killed two traffic police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police, in Karachi's Azizabad area on Friday.

The DSP and his gunman were travelling in a police vehicle when unidentified militants opened fire on their car, reports the Dawn.

Further details awaited.

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China has lodged a protest against a U.S. Navy destroyer that challenged Beijing's maritime claims by passing close to the Meiji Reef of the disputed Nansha Islands in the South China Sea, saying that the United States is meddling in the region under the guise of "free navigation."

USS John S. McCain, a guided-missile destroyer, illegally entered the waters near the reef and conducted a so-called "freedom of navigation operation" on Thursday without permission of the Chinese government, Xinhua quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang as saying.

"China has indisputable sovereignty of the Nansha Islands and its adjacent waters and such a move severely undermines China's sovereignty and security, and severely endangers the safety of frontline personnel of both sides," he said.

However, the U.S. officials said that the USS John S. McCain sailed past an island in the disputed Spratly chain in the South China Sea, which is the third mission under the Trump administration.

The so-called "freedom of navigation" mission involved the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer sailing within the 12-mile range of an artificial island reclaimed by China.

China reiterated that the U.S. provocation will force PLA to take further measures to strengthen homeland defense capacity.

Geng said, "China has the firm determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests."

"Chinese Navy stated that it identified the U.S. warship, warned and expelled it as some parties from outside continue to meddle in the region under the guise of "free navigation," Geng said. "It is clear who is not willing to see stability in the South China Sea and who is the major factor pushing for militarization in the South China Sea."

Recently, China-ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting adopted the framework of the Code of Conduct (COC).The Code of conduct states that South China Sea disputes should be addressed through negotiations and consultations among the countries directly concerned, and China and ASEAN countries should work together to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.

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Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, who was sworn-in to the honourable position today morning, has said the beauty and majesty of India's Parliamentary democracy is that it can lift a commoner like him to an exalted position and offer opportunities to discharge onerous responsibilities.

Addressing the Upper House, Naidu on Friday recalled how he first entered the Rajya Sabha in 1998 and never in the faintest of his ideas, he thought that one day he would have the honour of presiding over as its chairperson.

"When I first entered this august house as a member in 1998, I never had even the faintest of any idea that one day I would have the honour of presiding over as its chairperson. This is the beauty and majesty of our Parliamentary democracy and its strength as well. It can lift a commoner like me to such an exalted position and offer opportunities to discharge onerous responsibilities that go with this position," he said.

Expressing gratitude towards people for reposing faith and confidence in him, Naidu said, "I would like to assure all of you that it shall be my endeavour to live up to your expectations."

Briefly reflecting on the origin and the role of the federal chamber of Parliament of India, Naidu said, "With its roots in the Monteague-Chemlsford Report of 1918, the Council of States first came into being in 1921 further to the Government of India Act, 1919, as a second chamber of the then legislature with a restricted franchise."

Naidu said as the world's largest democracy and fastest growing economy, India needs efficient and effective legislation to administer its processes, mobilise resources, build partnerships, ensure socio-economic equality etc.

"Time is not on our side. Even after 70 years of Independence, we are grappling with basic issues of poverty, illiteracy, inequality, agrarian and rural development challenges, abuse of power etc., even as some countries similarly placed at the time of our attaining freedom, are marching ahead with a lot more focus and a sense of urgency, marshalling their energies in a much better manner," he added.

Vice-President Naidu further stressed that for the success of an individual, institution or a nation "management of time is crucial".

"We don't have the luxury of time. We need to make up for the lost opportunities over the last seven decades, if our country were to realise its full potential, given its huge stock of human and natural resources and other advantages," the Vice-President said.

He said that the august house meets for much less than a hundred days per year and we should make the best use of this available time in furtherance of the cause of our country and the people.

"We take pride in our diversity and the unity that flows from it. If that be the case, can't we be united in the pursuit of common goals and in enabling the Young India realise its aspirations? Our democratic polity allows flourishing of different ideas and thoughts on a range of socio-economic issues. But adversarial politics should not be allowed to adversely impact the functioning of the Parliament, which in turn impacts the progress of our nation," he added.

The Vice-President further said that political democracy is a sacred instrument for pursuit of interests.

"But a fractious polity, finding its echo in the legislatures, impedes the forward march of our country and the people. No chamber of our Parliamentary democracy can be allowed to be an extension of such fractious polity," he said.

Naidu further said that every election gives the winner a mandate and the opposition, the responsibility of ensuring accountability of the executive.

"The Parliamentary democracy is all about numbers. But it does not necessarily mean that we reduce the functioning of our legislatures to a mere number game. The play of numbers should stop with the formation of governments and thereafter, it should be resorted to only in the rarest of the rare cases. An emerging economy like ours should be guided more by a shared destiny in the functioning of our legislatures," VP Naidu added.

Highlighting that the people of the country wish the Parliament to be the voice of sanity echoing their concerns and finding solutions to their problems, Naidu said that somehow there is a growing concern and resentment among the people over the way the Parliament is functioning.

"We need to seriously introspect over this palpable discontent with the people saying we are not doing enough still. We need to set an example for state legislatures by making suitable amendments to the way we speak and act here," he said.

"Effective functioning of the House is all about time and space management. Both the treasury and the opposition benches have defined space and time slots. We need to adjust ourselves within these set limits of time and space in the interest of better results. All that is needed is an attitude of give and take on the part of both the sides. This is possible through strategising for the effective functioning of the House rather than for its disruption. This needs an enlightened approach on the part of all concerned," he added.

Naidu said that it is unfortunate that obstruction and disruption of the proceedings is increasingly being chosen as the first parliamentary option in our legislatures across the country.

"This has serious implications for our parliamentary democracy. This option needs to be immediately replaced by a quest for effective debates and discussion to resolve issues and finding solutions to the problems being faced by our people," he said.

Further raising concern, the Vice-President said that we don't have to do different things to make good use of the opportunity of being members of this august house, all that we need to do is to do things differently and that is by intensely and passionately debating and discussing the issue rather than resorting to obstruction and disruption.

"I firmly believe in the Opposition having its say and the Government of the day, its way. This essentially means both the sides respecting and accommodating each other in the process," he said.

"All that I can and would like to do is to try to make you all speak and act to enable effective functioning of the House. I certainly can't be like a headmaster herding the errant students on the path of discipline. I know for sure that it won't work that way. It shall be my endeavour to promote an atmosphere of cordiality and trust in each other. Our nation needs a new normal in the functioning of our legislatures. It shall be my endeavour to enable this august house reach such a new normal with the cooperation of all of you," he added.

He said that nation building through all round and speedy socio-economic development is not the sole prerogative and responsibility of the Governments of the day and that it is a task requiring national effort.

"The Opposition is an important stakeholder in this endeavour, while legislatures are the effective enabling forums. The best way of enforcing accountability of the executive by the opposition is to engage the Government and corner them in an informed debate. I am of the view that executive is the gainer if Question Hour is abandoned or a discussion on a matter of immediate public concern is derailed. The executive also needs to acknowledge that it is in their interest to take opposition on board since any legislation with the constructive support of opposition enhances the public esteem and acceptability of the laws made. A new normal in the functioning of our legislatures is possible with this enlightened approach," he said.

He further urged the members of the House to keep in mind the poorest and the most deprived before you say or do anything in the House.

"Let us be guided by the shining principles of our Constitution, the ideals of freedom struggle, the noble thoughts of great souls like Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar and all other leaders who gave their sweat and blood for bringing our country this far. Always be reminded of the distance our nation still needs to travel before it gets due place in the comity of nations and ensure smile on the face of every citizen. Let us be guided by the right of the people for a better future," he said.

Assuring all that it shall be his earnest endeavour to uphold the dignity of the Office of Vice-President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha and live up to the trust people have reposed in me, he said, "I am at your service and always open to your suggestions for improving the functioning of this august House as per your collective wisdom.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The United States has said that Washington enjoys a very good relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Describing India and United States relations as progressive, U.S. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said, "We have a very good relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and we enjoyed having him here in the United States about a month or so ago".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka to visit India during his meeting in June at the White House.

The Prime Minister confirmed Ivanka's impending visit on his own account, tweeting that he was looking forward to her trip to India.

"Look forward to Ms. Ivanka Trump's presence at # GES 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of the US delegation," Modi tweeted Thursday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said whatever incumbent state Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has said after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi is immaterial as only that part of the meeting matter wherein the Prime Minister has said something.

Abdullah took to Twitter and said, "What she said is immaterial. What matters is what the PM said. That's the only part of this meeting that matters at all."

He further said, "If every assurance @MehboobaMufti claimed to have received had been fulfilled J&K would be largely trouble free today."

He also asked Prime Minister Modi for to explain the assurances, Mufti has said after coming out of the meeting.

"Excuse us if we no longer believe what @MehboobaMufti says after she comes out from these meetings. Can @PMOIndia explain 'assurances' pls?" he said in a series of tweet.

This comes after Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti earlier in the day said that the Prime Minister has given a positive response on the same and has assured that there will be no fiddling with Article 370.

"The basis of our agenda of alliance is that the status quo of 370 has to be maintained and none of us can go against that. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave 100 percent assurance on the agenda of alliance. He has said that there will be no fiddling with it," Mufti said after meeting the Prime Minister here.

Mufti further highlighted that the discussion on Article 35 (A) across the nation is making a major impact on the situation of the Valley.

Article 370 of the Indian constitution grants special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Article 35A of the Constitution empowers the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly to define the state's permanent residents and their privileges.

This has been challenged in the Supreme Court, which will give its verdict next month.

It was inserted into the Constitution of India through a presidential order in 1954, to guarantee that the maharaja's ban on outsiders would remain. It actually makes little difference in practical terms, for domicile rights apply in other states too.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ashok Leyland rose 1.26% to Rs 104.60 at 11:44 IST on BSE after the company said it received an order worth over Rs 120 crore from a domestic logistics company.

The announcement was made during trading hours today, 11 August 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 210.80 points, or 0.67% to 31,320.53.

On the BSE, 8.67 lakh shares were traded in the counter so far, compared with average daily volumes of 16.93 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 105.45 and a low of Rs 98.80 so far during the day. The stock hit a record high of Rs 114.25 on 8 August 2017. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 73.60 on 22 November 2016.

The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 10 August 2017, falling 2.91% compared with 0.86% decline in the Sensex. The scrip had also outperformed the market in past one quarter, rising 20.75% as against Sensex's 4.45% rise. The scrip had also outperformed the market in past one year, rising 18.33% as against Sensex's 13.18% rise.

The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 292.65 crore. Face value per share is Re 1.

Ashok Leyland will supply 500 fully-built trucks to Rivigo, India's fastest growing logistics company.

Ashok Leyland's net profit fell 61.7% to Rs 111.23 crore on 0.5% decline in net sales to Rs 4237.78 crore in Q1 June 2017 over Q1 June 2016.

Ashok Leyland is one of the leading manufacturers of medium and heavy commercial vehicles in India.

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Sales decline 10.06% to Rs 348.11 crore

Net profit of Bannari Amman Sugars declined 75.26% to Rs 5.45 crore in the quarter ended June 2017 as against Rs 22.03 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2016. Sales declined 10.06% to Rs 348.11 crore in the quarter ended June 2017 as against Rs 387.04 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2016.348.11387.0410.9020.1923.6849.036.9331.895.4522.03

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GAIL (India) lost 1.47% to Rs 358.45 at 9:18 IST on BSE after net profit fell 23.2% to Rs 1025.64 crore on 6.7% growth in net sales to Rs 11406.47 crore in Q1 June 2017 over Q1 June 2016.

The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 10 August 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 287.79 points or 0.91% at 31,243.54.

On the BSE, 14,000 shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 2.15 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 363.25 and a low of Rs 356.30 so far during the day. The stock had hit a record high of Rs 433.50 on 3 May 2017 and a 52-week low of Rs 269.25 on 29 September 2016.

The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 10 August 2017, sliding 0.94% compared with the Sensex's 0.58% fall. The stock had also underperformed the market over the past one quarter, declining 12.89% as against the Sensex's 4.24% rise. The scrip had, however, outperformed the market over the past one year, advancing 29.3% as against the Sensex's 13.52% rise.

The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 1691.30 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

GAIL (India)'s profit after tax (PAT) after excluding one-time gains has seen a growth of 21% in Q1 June 2017 over Q1 June 2016. There was a one-time gain of Rs 489 crore in Q1 June 2017 from stake sale in Mahanagar Gas. The growth in the bottom line has been led by better performance of Gas Transmission & LHC segment, better price realisation in LHC segment & decrease in cost of production and finance cost.

GAIL (India) is India's largest natural gas company. The government of India (GoI) held 54.44% stake in the firm as per the shareholding pattern as on 31 March 2017.

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Union Bank of India lost 4.95% to Rs 127.80 at 12:43 IST on BSE after net profit fell 29.9% to Rs 116.58 crore on 7.3% growth in total income to Rs 9567.69 crore in Q1 June 2017 over Q1 June 2016.

The result was announced after market hour yesterday, 10 August 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 239.43 points or 0.76% at 31,291.90. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 28.64 points or 0.19% at 14,784.49.

On the BSE, 10.07 lakh shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 4.83 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 129.60 and a low of Rs 124.25 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 205 on 5 May 2017 and a 52-week low of Rs 116.25 on 9 November 2016.

The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 10 August 2017, sliding 14.17% compared with the Sensex's 0.58% fall. The stock had also underperformed the market over the past one quarter, declining 23.91% as against the Sensex's 4.24% rise. The scrip had also underperformed the market over the past one year, advancing 6.62% as against the Sensex's 13.52% rise.

The mid-cap bank has equity capital of Rs 726.43 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

The bank's gross non-performing assets (NPAs) stood at Rs 37286.33 crore as on 30 June 2017 as against Rs 33712.28 crore as on 31 March 2017 and Rs 27280.90 crore as on 30 June 2016.

The ratio of gross NPAs to gross advances stood at 12.63% as on 30 June 2017 as against 11.17% as on 31 March 2017 and 10.16% as on 30 June 2016.

The ratio of net NPAs to net advances stood at 7.47% as on 30 June 2017 as against 6.57% as on 31 March 2017 and 6.16% as on 30 June 2016.

The bank's provisions and contingencies rose 25.9% to Rs 1703.71 crore in Q1 June 2017 over Q1 June 2016.

The Government of India held 63.44% stake in Union Bank of India as per the shareholding pattern as on 31 March 2017.

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Sales rise 12.42% to Rs 99.36 crore

Net profit of Zee Media Corporation declined 17.08% to Rs 4.37 crore in the quarter ended June 2017 as against Rs 5.27 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2016. Sales rose 12.42% to Rs 99.36 crore in the quarter ended June 2017 as against Rs 88.38 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2016.99.3688.3817.1517.6314.8114.986.728.834.375.27

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At least 10 persons were killed and 20 injured when two rival groups exchanged fire near a mosque in Afghanistan's Takhar province on Friday, an official said.

The incident took place after Friday prayers when the worshippers were leaving the mosque in Chah Ab district, a witness told Xinhua news agency.

"Shortly after praying, two armed groups belonging to local warlords exchanged fire near the gate of the mosque, leaving 10 persons dead and 20 injured," the witness said.

District administrative chief Abdul Haseeb blamed the irresponsible armed groups for the carnage in the remote district near the Tajikistan border.

--IANS

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Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday asked officials to prepare a 10-year action plan for the development of Hyderabad.

He directed them to start taking up measures in tune with the action plan.

At a review meeting held with ministers and top officials on Hyderabad development, Rao said an overall plan for Hyderabad for the next 30 years should also be prepared.

He wanted the officials to come out with a detailed plan on constructing two water reservoirs in the city, drainage, sewerage network, flood canals, power supply, sanitation, transport, markets, toilets, greenery and other matters.

"We have given top priority on giving uninterrupted power supply and we have achieved success. We are constructing projects to make the state power surplus. Now the government will focus on giving better infrastructure to the people," he said while pointing out that the city has about one crore population.

According to a statement from the Chief Minister's office, he directed officials to grow tress in the forestlands around the city. He said Hyderabad should have greenery like New Delhi.

Rao asked the officials to ensure that tanks are protected from pollution. He also wanted them to adhere to the rules while permitting the new constructions.

The Chief Minister said Musi riverfront should be developed on the lines of Sabarmati river front.

--IANS

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At least 16 civilians were killed in a US-led airstrike in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, the media reported on Friday.

The US-led coalition struck a civilian vehicle in Haska Mina district late on Thursday, Tolo News quoted Nangarhar Governor spokesman Attaullah Khogyani as saying.

Khogyani said the identity of the dead persons could not be ascertained yet.

The Resolute Support and US forces in Afghanistan have not commented so far.

--IANS

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At least 22 Islamic State militant group suspects were detained by Turkish police in Elazig province on Friday.

"They were detained in simultaneous operations carried out on August 11 as part of the investigation against the IS," Xinhua news agency reported.

Turkish authorities on Thursday detained a suspected Islamic State militant of Russian origin after he allegedly planned to use a drone to attack a US plane at the Incirlik air base.

The group, blamed for several deadly suicide bombings, has become one of the most serious threats to security in Turkey.

Ankara has detained over 5,000 IS suspects and deported over 3200 foreign militants from 95 different countries.

The country has refused entry to more than 38000 individuals.

--IANS

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At least 30 children died in the state-run Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur, the parliamentary constituency of Uttar Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in the last two days, an official said Friday. The government however said that only seven had died and a probe has been ordered.

Gorakhpur DM Rajeev Rautela told local TV channels confirming the "death of 30 kids in the last two days" and seven deaths in the last 24 hours.

He said that 17 children had died in the neo-natal ward, five in the ward meant of patients suffering from acute encephalitis syndrome and eight in the general ward.

Denying that the children had died due to lack of oxygen, he confirmed that there was shortage of liquid oxygen at the medical college and that due to non-payment of Rs 70 lakh, the vendor supplying oxygen has stopped supply. However, he said the principal had told him that for emergency use, alternative arrangements have been made.

He further said that part payment of Rs 35 lakh has been made to the vendor and that he had been requested not to disrupt the oxygen supply.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government denied media reports that more than 30 children had died at the hospital due to lack of oxygen.

A statement issued by the state Information Department termed reports shown by "some TV channels as misleading" and that the District Magistrate was personally stationed at the medical college to keep a vigil on the situation emanating out of the death of seven patients on Friday due to "different medical reasons".

The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday night ordered a magisterial probe. The probe will be finished in 24 hours and a detailed report submitted, said Chief Secretary Rajeev Kumar, who also put the number of deaths at seven. He also ruled out the oxygen shortage being responsible.

State Health Minister Siddarth Nath Singh told TV channels that "a lot of people come suffering from high fever and if they don't get treatment, it may result in death".

To a query if an inquiry will be ordered, he said: "Absolutely, we will do into the depth of these deaths.. we are going to check each and everything and then come with a final answer.. those who who found guilty and if we find any error on their part, they will be made accountable.."

Informed sources told IANS that senior health officials were monitoring the situation and admitted that the state government had been left red-faced because of the deaths took place in the Chief Minister's hometown. Adityanath had been in Gorakhpur just two days back and held a review meeting of healthcare, among other things.

Meanwhile, parents and attendants of patients, mostly children at the ward number 100 - the encephalitis ward at the BRD medical college - remained resigned to fate and medical negligence.

The father of an infant from Padrauna told media persons that there was acute shortage of oxygen and accused authorities of lying to the media. "I am ready to hear the worst about my child," he said amid flowing tears.

Another distraught father, Deep Chandra from Basti district also aired similar sentiments and said that for the last 48 hours, there was no oxygen supply and the children admitted here were left to die despite prayers and requests to the officials of the medical college.

Dozens of children admitted here are battling for life and in absence of proper treatment, medicines and oxygen, they have lost hope, said many others.

--IANS

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At least 30 Taliban militants were killed in an accidental blast in Afghanistan's Farah province, an official said on Friday.

The explosion took place in Pewa Pasaw area of Bala Buluk district on Thursday before the militants tried to attack government security forces' positions, Xinhua news agency quoted the official as saying.

"As soon as the militants were getting ready for the assault, the jacket of a would be suicide bomber detonated prematurely, setting off a handful of explosive," he said.

Many militants were injured in the blast, the official said.

Taliban militants have been on the rampage since April when they launched an annual rebel offensive in Afghanistan, killing and injuring hundreds.

The province bordering Iran has been the scene of clashes between security forces and Taliban militants over the past years.

The Taliban militant group is yet to make comment.

--IANS

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Amid the ongoing standoff between Indian and Chinese troops on the Doklam plateau, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met with "close friend and neighbour" Bhutan's Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji here on Friday.

"Time with a close friend and neighbour. EAM meets with FM of Bhutan Damcho Dorji on sidelines of Bimstec Foreign Ministers' meet," Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar along with a picture of the two leaders.

Indian and Chinese troops are in a tense standoff situation since mid-June at Doklam in the Sikkim sector after a construction party of China's People's Liberation Army entered the Doklam region ostensibly to build a road there.

While India and Bhutan have said that China's act violated the status quo in the India-Bhutan-China trijunction, Beijing has claimed that the area is a part of Chinese territory and called for the withdrawal of Indian troops. New Delhi is, however, firm on pullout of troops of both sides.

Earlier on Friday, addressing the 15th Ministerial Meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec), Sushma Swaraj said that the member states of the regional bloc have "adopted a holistic approach to tackle traditional and non-traditional security challenges".

Later, Sushma Swaraj met Sri Lankan State Foreign Minister Vasantha Senanayake.

"Meeting another key partner, this time to the South; EAM meets Vasantha Senanayake State Minister of Foreign Affairs on sidelines of #Bimstec," Raveesh Kumar said in another tweet.

Sri Lanka is one of the major recipients of development credit given by India with a total commitment of $2.6 billion, including $436 million as grants.

India and Sri Lanka are also diplomatically engaged over the issue of Tamil fishermen in Sri Lankan waters and Sushma Swaraj had taken this up with then Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake during his visit to New Delhi in June.

Friday's meeting came on the heels of Karunanayake's resignation on Thursday over corruption charges in a bond scam.

--IANS

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Rome, Aug 11 (IANS/AKI) International charity Sos Mediterranee on Friday inked the Italian government's code of conduct for migrant rescues in the Mediterranean, the Italian Interior Ministry announced on Friday.

The Italo-French-German NGO's signature brings to five the number of charities that have signed the controversial code, meaning the majority have now agreed to the new rules, which ban transfer of migrants from one vessel to another, require armed police on board NGO vessels, prohibit phonecalls and firing flares, and forbid the ships from sailing into Libyan waters unless lives are at risk.

Interior Minister Marco Minniti has said that the NGOs who have not signed the code of conduct are excluded from official rescue operations in the Mediterranean and may not bring migrants to Italian ports.

The code has been criticised by NGOs, rights groups and the United Nations who say it risks further endangering lives in the Mediterranean - the world's deadiest waterway - where over 2,400 people have perished this year alone.

"There are aspects of the code we cannot accept, especially armed police aboard our vessels," Sandra Hammay from Seawatch, a German NGO that has not signed the code, told Adnkronos on Friday.

"Signing the code in its present form doesn't help anyone," Hammay said. "We need to find a compromise," she stated.

Leading charity Doctors without Borders (MSF), another non-signatory to the code, also rejects armed police on its ships and the requirement for NGOs to disembark migrants at ports rather than transferring them to other ships - a rule which it says will have fatal consequences.

It however praised Italy's "laudable" efforts to save lives at sea in the face of "an insufficient response" from other European Union countries, urging them to be more "proactive" in the Mediterranean.

The code has caused rifts Italy's centre-left government with Minniti shunning a cabinet meeting earlier this week, prompting Italian President Sergio Mattarella to step in and defend "the value of the code of conduct" for NGOs.

Transport Minister Graziano Delrio, who is in charge of the Italian coastguard, told national daily newspaper La Repubblica on Tuesday that Italy has an obligation under international maritime law to save lives at sea.

"If an NGO vessel is located near people who need rescuing then I cannot exclude it. Even if it has not signed the code of conduct, I have to use it to save human lives," said Delrio, who is a doctor.

--IANS/AKI

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Bimstec member states on Friday called for the early conclusion of a free trade area (FTA) agreement to deepen regional integration in the Bay of Bengal region.

"We emphasise the need for greater cooperation in trade and investment in order to deepen regional integration in the Bay of Bengal region," a joint statement issued after the 15th Ministerial Meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) here said.

"We recognise the paramount importance of early conclusion of Bimstec Free Trade Area and direct the Trade Negotiating Committee and Working Groups to expedite the finalisation of its constituent agreements," it stated.

In her speech at the Ministerial Meeting, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also said that there remained an "immense unfulfilled potential for deeper economic integration".

"Along with the work on Bimstec FTA, the Bimstec Trade Facilitation Agreement and the Bimstec Agreement on Mutual Assistance on Customs Matters would fasten trade, and must be concluded at the earliest.

Bimstec comprises seven countries lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

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.

The bloc brings together 1.5 billion people or 21 per cent of the world's population and has a combined GDP of over $2.85 trillion.

According to the joint statement, the member nations of the regional bloc also stressed on the need to expedite the negotiations on the Agreements on Services and Investment to augment economic cooperation in the region.

"We underscore the importance of trade facilitation in our region and urge authorities for early finalization of the Bimstec Trade Facilitation Agreement," it said.

In terms of energy cooperation, the participants expressed satisfaction that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the Establishment of the Bimstec Grid Interconnection is ready for signature and agreed to complete the internal procedures to sign the MoU at the earliest.

"We recognise the high potentials of energy sources in the region, particularly renewable and clean energy sources and agree to expedite our efforts to develop a comprehensive plan for Energy Cooperation within the region," the statement said.

"We agree to explore the possibilities of promoting energy trade in the region."

The participating nations also emphasised on the early operationalisation of the Bimstec Energy Centre in order to strengthen energy cooperation in the region in a comprehensive manner.

According to statement, the Bimstec member states have been urged to collectively implement the common projects identified for enhancing agricultural Cooperation.

"We recognise the availability of vast plant biodiversity in the region and underscore the importance of enhancing cooperation in plant germplasm exchange and recommend to explore the possibility of concluding a framework agreement on plant germplasm exchange and material transfer, taking into account the readiness and internal procedures of each member state," it said.

Recalling the directives issued at the Bimstc Leaders' Retreat in Goa last year to explore ways to deepen cooperation in areas of blue economy with the objective of holistic sustainable development of our region, the participants in the Ministerial Meeting agreed to constitute a working group to determine the modalities in this regard.

While Bangladesh will host an international conference on blue economy in October, Nepal will host an expert level meeting on mountain economy.

In terms of poverty alleviation, the member states reaffirmed their commitment to effectively implement the Bimstec Poverty Plan of Action in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

--IANS

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The Centre has directed all central government buildings across India to switch over to LED based lightings and energy efficient cooling equipments to ensure savings in costs and energy consumption, an official said here on Friday.

The guidelines of the Ministry of Finance - issued last week - will be implemented by the Department of Expenditure through the Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), a joint venture of public sector undertakings under the Ministry of Power.

It said that majority of the government buildings were old constructions and therefore consume large amount of energy, mandating installation of energy efficient appliances therein.

"Any central government office can now directly contact us for retrofitting of inefficient appliances with efficient alternates," EESL Managing Director Saurabh Kumar said, welcoming the new central directive.

He said the EESL was the implementation agency for the Buildings Energy Efficiency Programme launched in May this year by Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal.

Under the programme the EESL plans to bring in investments of around Rs 1000-crore covering more than 10,000 large government and private buildings by 2020.

"It is estimated that about one crore LED lights, 1.50 million energy efficient ceiling fans and 150,000 energy efficient airconditioners would be retrofitted by EESL in these buildings, besides offering services for centralized AC systems, energy audits and New Generation Energy Management Systems in the buildings," Kumar said.

The EESL's BEEP has two business models for implementing the energy efficiency projects intended to enhance the savings portfolio and ensure energy security for all citizens.

Till date, the EESL has already retrofitted energy efficient appliances in 28 buildings like NITI Aayog, Nirman Bhavan, Sardar Patel Bhavan, Shastri Bhavan, Jammu & Kashmir Assembly, Jammu Secretariat, Vidyut Bhavan, Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, among others.

It has installed around 94,000 LED lights, 3000 energy efficient airconditioners and more than 400 energy efficient ceiling fans in these locations where the savings are estimated to be over 11.03 MU.

The EESL is a joint venture of NTPC, Power Finance Corporation, Rural Electrification Corporation and POWERGRID under the Minstry of Power.

--IANS

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The Centre is considering a proposal to give admission to girl students in Sainik Schools and the National Defence Academy (NDA), Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said on Friday.

"There is a suggestion from the (Parliamentary) Standing Committee, there have been PILs and many members have also suggested... Sainik Schools prepare students for NDA, and the NDA is not taking girl cadets," Bhamre said while replying to a query during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha.

"This is a matter under consideration whether to give admission to girls in Sainik Schools as well as the NDA," he said.

The Minister said there are at present 26 Sainik Schools, and 21 more are at different stages of approval.

Of these 21, Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) have been signed for nine schools, three have been given in-principle approval, and nine are in "process of examination".

He added that there are 64 more proposals that have been submitted to the Ministry for opening Sainik Schools, and they are under consideration.

The Sainik Schools are established and managed by the Sainik Schools Society under the Defence Ministry.

The Sainik Schools were conceived in 1961 by then Defence Minister V.K. Krishna Menon to rectify the regional and class imbalance amongst the officer cadre of the forces, and to prepare students for entry into the NDA and the Indian Naval Academy.

--IANS

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Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday requested members of his own AAP as well as of opposition BJP not to play with the dead

Speaking in the assembly, Sisodia was referring to the debate over the death of two Delhi Transport Corporation bus drivers in an accident earlier in the day. The two were killed as a tempo rammed into a DTC bus, which had broken down, in an underpass in Madhuban Chowk area in north Delhi

Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta, of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), raised the issue in the House with the Speaker's permission, for expressing his condolences.

He said that Rs 1 crore should be given as compensation to families of both the drivers and one person from each family should be given a government job.

AAP MLA Sukhbir Singh Dalal retorted that one of the deceased was his relative and he was there when Gupta visited the area.

"After he (Gupta) arrived at the spot, sloganeering started," he said.

As the decision hotted up, Speaker Ram Niwas Goel told Gupta that "you said that you want to express your grief and you're doing in the name of it".

Sisodia and Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot promised that compensation will be given to families of the deceased and they're also working on to giving a government job to one member from each family.

"You should raise the issue inside and outside the House as it's an important issue. But it's my request to the opposition and our MLAs, please don't do sloganeering and when a family is waiting for the dead body,"said Sisodia. "It's wrong."

--IANS

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India and Bhutan on Friday held their first high-level meeting after the Doklam standoff, with Bhutanese Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji meeting Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, and expressing hope that the situation is resolved peacefully.

The two ministers met on sidelines of the Bimstec Foreign Ministers' meeting.

The meeting was focused mainly on the standoff between the armies of India and China in Doklam in the Sikkim sector.

The two ministers put their respective positions as well as reiterated the stances on the face off, according to the diplomatic sources.

"We hope the current standoff in Doklam will be sorted out peacefully," said Dorji after the meeting, and added that "both sides should be satisfied with the outcome".

The meeting comes as the Government of Bhutan on Thursday refuted Chinese foreign ministry claims that Thimpu had told Beijing that the trilateral junction in Doklam is not Bhutanese territory.
In a stern warning to the US, Iran on Friday said that the cost will be high if Iran's international nuclear deal is violated.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi made the remarks, saying that the Islamic republic, however, is ready for any scenario in case the deal is violated, Xinhua reported.

Araqchi, also senior Iranian nuclear negotiator, stressed that the Iranian-US nuclear deal, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), is supported by the UN Security Council Resolution 2231, the EU and the international community.

"The JCPOA has a strong position at the international level," he said.

The US new sanctions on Iran for the latter's missile program is "unacceptable," he said, adding that the missile programme is only intended for "defensive" and "preventive" objectives.

Last week, Araqchi accused the US of violating the JCOPA by renewing sanctions against the Islamic republic and warned that Iran would response accordingly.

Araqchi said the US thinks the JCPOA has strengthened Iran in the region.

The US believes that "the situation must be reversed and Iran must be put under pressure," he added.

Imposing fresh sanctions on Iran is an attempt to reduce Tehran's benefits from the nuclear deal, and would have negative effects on the "successful implementation" of the deal, he said.

Several decisions were made in a committee chaired by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani over reactions towards Washington's "provocative measures," Araqchi said, adding that the decisions will be handed over duly to the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Iranian officials have repeatedly said Iran maintains its right to respond to the US if the latter does not comply with the nuclear deal.

Iran and six world powers, namely Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, reached an agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue in July 2015, which put Tehran on the path of sanctions relief, with more strict limits on its nuclear programme.

--IANS

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President Donald Trump's daughter and White House adviser Ivanka Trump will lead the US delegation to India for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) slated for November, the media reported.

The move was announced on Thursday by the President, reports The Hill magazine.

"(Ivanka Trump) will lead the U.S. delegation to India this fall, supporting women's entrepreneurship globally," he tweeted.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Ivanka Trump during his trip to the US in June.

Donald Trump said his daughter would use the conference, which will take place from November 28 to 30 in Hyderabad, as a way to promote women's entrepreneurship around the world.

Modi also confirmed Ivanka Trump's impending visit on his own Twitter account, saying that he was looking forward to her trip to India.

"(I) Look forward to Ivanka Trump's presence at #GES 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of the US delegation," Modi tweeted on Thursday night.

In a separate statement, Mary Kay Carlson, Charge d'Affaires at the US Embassy in New Delhi, said US-India ties have been "growing every year with more trade, more travel, and greater people-to-people ties".

"The Global Entrepreneurship Summit is the latest example of how we are working together to advance the promise of an increasingly digital world and the remarkable entrepreneurial skills of our people to promote prosperity," Carlson said.

"These are goals President Trump and Prime Minister Modi set for our two nations after their meeting in June in Washington," she added while thanking the city of Hyderabad for hosting the event.

The three-day summit, which in the past has been hosted by the US State Department, aims to connect American entrepreneurs and investors to their international counterparts, according to the State Department's website.

Trump's daughter has previously faced criticism for acting as a surrogate for her father in international affairs, The Hill magazine reported.

In July, she was heavily criticised after she briefly sat in for her father at the G-20 summit in Hamburg, Germany.

--IANS

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The Janata Dal-United on Friday suspended its rebel MP Ali Anwar Ansari for taking part in a meeting of opposition parties convened by Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

Party leader K. C. Tyagi said Ansari has been "suspended from the parliamentary party" for attending the meeting.

Ansari, who is a Rajya Sabha MP, along with party leader Sharad Yadav have expressed differences with party chief Nitish Kumar's decision to snap ties with Congress and RJD and form a government in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Leaders of Congress and 15 other opposition parties met here on Thursday to take forward their coordination against the Narendra Modi government.

--IANS

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Kerala is set to host the Nehru Boat Race here on Saturday with nearly 80 boats participating.

The 65th edition of the race, named after Jawaharlal Nehru, will take place in the Vembanad lake in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Of the 78 boats of various sizes and shapes slated to take part, 24 are snake boats.

The snake boat race is the main tourist attraction because of its length, from 120 to 140 feet and with about 120 oarsmen.

The history of the event dates to 1952 when Nehru visited the area and a small flotilla of decorated boats accompanied him from Kottayam to Alappuzha on the famed backwaters.

An impromptu race was conducted in his honour. Thrilled by the performance of the oarsmen, Nehru jumped into a snake boat.

On returning to Delhi, he donated a silver trophy, a replica of a snake boat placed on a wooden abacus with an inscription and his signature. This trophy is awarded to the winner of the snake boat category every year.

--IANS

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RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Friday demanded a CBI probe into an over Rs 500 crore scam involving Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and an NGO, where funds were illegally transferred to private accounts between 2005 and 2010.

"PM Modi should take cognizance of the scam and order a CBI probe into it because state government agency is not reliable to investigate as Sushil Kumar Modi is involved in it," he told media here soon after he returned from Jharkhand.

Nitish Kumar should sack Sushil Kumar Modi before it becomes an embarrassment for him, Lalu Prasad advised his friend-turned-foe.

"Sushil Kumar Modi is involved in this scam as it happened when he was Deputy Chief Minister in the first NDA government led by Nitish Kumar in Bihar from 2005 to 2010," he said.

Initial investigations of a Special Investigation Team of Bihar Police's Economic Offence Unit said at least Rs 270 crore was diverted from the bank accounts of Land Acquisition Office, Rs 15 crore from District Treasury Office and Rs 10.26 crore from the Mukhyamantri Shahari Vikas Yojna.

"Now it has crossed Rs 500 crore and it may increase in coming days with the probe still on," an official of the SIT said.

So far, seven people have been arrested -- including Prem Kumar, PA of Bhagalpur District Magistrate, on Friday -- in connection with the scam in the last three days.

SIT officials said an FIR was lodged on Tuesday evening at Tilkamanjhi police station in connection with fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 10.26 crore fund of the Mukhyamantri Shahari Vikas Yojana, against board members of Srijan Sahayog Mahila Vikas Samiti, a Sabour-based NGO and officials of the Indian Bank.

Two more FIRs were lodged on Wednesday in connection with fraudulent withdrawal of funds of the land acquisition department.

--IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday gave his "100 per cent" assurance that the coalition agenda will stay in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said, hinting at the continuation of the state's special status.

Mehbooba Mutfi, who arrived here on Thursday, met Modi in the backdrop of a raging debate over the continuity of articles 370 and 35(A) of the Constitution that give Jammu and Kashmuir, India's only Muslim-majority state, its special status.

"The basis of agenda of our alliance is that the status quo on Article 370 is to be maintained and none of us will go against it. The response of the Prime Minister is positive. The Prime Minister gave 100 per cent assurance to the agenda of alliance," she told reporters after her 15-minute meeting with Modi.

Mehbooba Mufti said any attempt to fiddle with Article 35(A) - which empowers state legislators to define permanent residents and extend voting, jobs and inheritance rights to them - will have a negative impact in the state that has a "peculiar diversity where everything is different".

"It should not happen. People of Jammu and Kashmir feel that their identity will be in danger. A message should go that there is no such thing," she said.

Mehbooba Mufti, who met Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday, said Jammu and Kashmir was indeed a "Muslim majority state" but one also needed to note that "Hindus also live there, Sikhs and Buddhists also live there.

"Jammu and Kashmir rejected the two nation theory (in 1947) and joined this country with a view that its aspirations, identity would always remain alive. And that identity should always remain alive," said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader who heads a coalition government with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The Chief Minister said any attempt to change or abrogate Article 35(A) was akin to questioning "the idea of India that has to accommodate with the idea of Jammu and Kashmir".

Article 35(A), added to the Constitution by a Presidential Order in 1954, accords special rights and privileges to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and empowers its legislature to frame any law without attracting a legal challenge.

The provision prohibits all Indians - except people from Jammu and Kashmir - from purchasing immovable property in the state, getting government jobs and availing state-sponsored scholarships.

The article has been challenged by a Delhi-based NGO, We the Citizens, in the Supreme Court, where the central government said last month that there was need for a "larger debate" on the issue of declaring the article unconstitutional.

The NGO contended that the 1954 order was supposed to be a temporary provision.

Mehbooba Mufti warned that any tinkering with Article 35 (A) would worsen the situation in the state when it was normalizing.

"People think that our identity can be in danger. So the message that Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of India should be reiterated."

Ironically, while the PDP is a strong votary of continuing with the special status, its ruling partner the BJP contested elections on the plank that it would revoke the constitutional position for Jammu and Kashmir's complete integration with the rest of India.

State BJP spokesperson Virendra Gupta on Thursday said the time had come to bid a farewell to articles 370 and 35(A) as they created a "separatist psyche".

--IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday welcomed M. Venkaiah Naidu as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, saying the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana was brought in by him.

"He is the first Vice President who was born in independent India. Venkaiahji knows the working of the Rajya Sabha very well, being in the House for so long, he has seen how the House works," Modi said.

Naidu on Friday took over charge from M. Hamid Ansari whose second term as Vice President ended on Thursday.

President Ram Nath Kovind earlier in the day administered the oath of office to the new Vice President in Rashtrapati Bhawan here.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate was elected as Vice President after securing over two-thirds of votes polled on August 5.

"All the MPs, whether in Manmohan Singh government or my government, asked for the scheme of Pradhan Mantri Sadak Yojana in their area. But this scheme was gifted to us by our new Vice President Naiduji," Modi said.

The Prime Minister said that currently all the top posts of the country were held by people coming from different backgrounds.

"Today, all the top posts of the country are being held by people coming from different backgrounds, which shows the maturity of our Constitution," Modi said.

"Being an Urban Development Minister in my government, he used to take more interest in the works of the rural and agriculture ministries. He is a farmer's son. He has always talked about the development of rural India," he added.

--IANS

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Naples (Italy), Aug 11 (IANS/AKI) Police in northern Romania on Friday arrested Naples mafia drugs trafficker, Gaetano Manzo, who had been on the run since 2009 and acted as 'accountant' for one of the crime syndicate's prominent clans, investigators said.

Manzo, 66, was held on an international arrest warrant at his villa in the rural town of Fizesu Gherlii by Italian and Romanian officers, said police.

Manzo, who did not resist arrest, had no documents with him, police said. He was working for a gaming company in Romania.

Known as 'Nanuccio the secretary', Manzo is an alleged boss of the Naples mafia or Camorra's Sacco-Bocchetti clan, which has business interests in the northern Italian city of Milan and whose bastion is the Naples suburb of Secondigliano.

Manzo allegedly ran the Sacco-Bocchetti accounts, "recovered" debts owed to the clan and oversaw its drug trafficking activities. At the time of his arrest, he was the only clan leader still at large, according to police.

Manzo was in 2016 jailed in absentia for 16 years for drugs trafficking

--IANS/AKI

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Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday sought the participation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in organic farming in the state.

proposed for its encouragement towards

Patnaik, who met UNEP Executive Director Erik Solheim at the State Secretariat here, said there is a lot of scope for organic farming in the state for which the government is interested in sustainable and climate resilient organic agriculture.

The Chief Minister said organic farming should be given importance in rain-dependent and tribal areas of Odisha where there is no application of chemicals in agriculture.

Maintaining that social and economic resources have been well-managed in Odisha, Solheim said that the UNEP is interested in various programmes in Odisha for the protection of the environment.

There is also scope for organic farming in the state and success in this regard can be achieved with cooperation from the state government. Such programmes have been successfully implemented in Indonesia, he added.

Solheim also held meetings with senior officials led by Chief Secretary A.P. Padhi.

The possibilities of future collaboration and partnership between the state government and UNEP were discussed.

Discussion in the meeting centred around achieving sustainable development through the application of green technology. Scaling up of solar energy, organic farming, and traditional agricultural potential of Odisha were pointed out in the discussion.

Padhi emphasized upon creating appropriate marketing mechanism for farmers so that they would take interest in production of the defined food grains and millets. Further, he suggested forming a joint committee for identification of specific areas for future collaboration.

--IANS

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Newly sworn-in Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu told the opposition on Friday that he will ensure as the Rajya Sabha Chairman that they have a say when legislations are debated but the government will finally have its way as it has the mandate.

The assurance came after opposition leaders, while welcoming the new Chairman with loud thumping of desks, reminded the long-time Bharatiya Janata Party leader of the Chair's neutrality.

"If the ruling party has power, opposition must at least have its say. But at the end of the day, democracy says that opposition must have its say and the government must have its way because it is as per the mandate of the people," Naidu, 68, said in his first speech as the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

The former BJP President said he was "an all-party man" now and his role was "above politics".

"I will meet your expectations. Everyone among you will get an opportunity but everyone must follow the rules and regulations (of Parliament)," Naidu said in response to welcome speeches.

He said politicians must not look at each other as enemies but as "rivals".

"Democracy is not about numbers but to understand and appreciate each others' point of view. We must debate, discuss, decide and deliver."

Welcoming Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled how the Vice President began with a humble background as a farmer's son.

"Venkaiahji has risen from the grassroots. He will lead Indian polity to greater heights," Modi said.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, also the Leader of the House, said Naidu's close to 20 years of experience as a Rajya Sabha member would help in its effective functioning.

"Since you have been a long member, you obviously know the tradition, the culture and the functional style of this House."

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad observed that the Chair symbolized justice and neutrality.

"On the Chair that you are sitting today, it has the scales of justice carved on it, which reminds us that the Chair is impartial. While doing justice, you must neither have a religion nor any party affiliation," Azad said.

He said it has been a tradition of the Upper House that no bill was passed amid din, till the House is in order, and hoped that the traditions would be respected.

Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury too observed that as Chairman, Naidu was seated in the shades of two symbols -- the Ashok Chakra that says Satyamev Jayate (truth prevails) and the scales of justice.

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien said that since Naidu loved to talk in rhymes and has popularized acronyms, he would like to greet him in his favoured style.

O'Brien recited 10 couplets and gave an acronym of his surname: NAIDU stands for Now All India's Dearest Umpire.

Ram Gopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party also spoke about the practice of not passing any bill amid ruckus. He, however, added that those creating din must realise if they were right or not.

Naidu expressed concerns over disruptions in Parliament and reminded members that "the people of our country desire that the Parliament should be the voice of sanity echoing their concerns and finding solutions to their problems as the best way forward.

"We need to seriously introspect over this palpable discontent with the people... We need to set an example for state legislatures by making suitable amendments to the way we speak and act here."

Naidu earlier took oath as India's 13th Vice President, succeeding Hamid Ansari, who finished his decade-long two terms as Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman on Thursday.

--IANS

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In a development that revealed further chinks in the opposition, the NCP boycotted an opposition meeting called by Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Friday, but there was some solace as rebel JD-U member Ali Anwar Ansari, close to Sharad Yadav, was present.

At the meeting, the opposition agreed to carry forward their coordination against the Narendra Modi government beyond what was seen at the recently-concluded presidential and vice-presidential elections and Parliament's Monsoon Session, which ended Friday.

It was also decided to set constitute a small coordination committee to discuss future strategy against NDA government. 16 out of 18 parties, which were invited, attended the meeting.

Former Janata Dal-United president Sharad Yadav, who is visiting Bihar, was invited for the meeting but he deputed Ansari since he could not attend.

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended the meeting, as did CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah.

Yechury, who left early, said there was a need to create an "alternate narrative in which people's issues are central".

The NCP's staying away from the meeting comes after two of its MLAs in Gujarat are believed to have voted for BJP in the Rajya Sabha election on Tuesday.

NCP leader Praful Patel said his party was boycotting the meeting called by Congress.

"We are not the B-team of the Congress. We are not in alliance with the Congress anywhere, still we supported them in Gujarat, but their spokesperson in Gujarat kept blaming us.

"If Congress is attacking NCP, despite the support extended in Gujarat Rajya Sabha polls, we see no point of attending the meeting," he told the media.

The meeting thanked opposition presidential candidate Meira Kumar and vice-presidential candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi for accepting their request to contest despite knowing that the result was likely to be unfavourable.

"We also thanked all the MLAs and MPs who voted for them," said Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad.

The opposition parties had come together to put up an "ideological fight" against the Modi government in the presidential and vice-presidential election, but the fledgling issue-based unity suffered a setback after JD-U President and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar decided to dump RJD and Congress and join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Azad said the parties had raised issues in Parliament in a coordinated manner and floor management has improved. "We raised all issues pertaining to farmers, unemployment, atrocities on Dalits and minorities," he said.

"A small coordination committee will be formed of opposition leaders to decide the future programmes," he said.

He said the Congress President will form the committee and it has been left to her to decide how many members will be there.

Asked about NCP's absence, Azad said party supremo Sharad Pawar is not well and could not come. "When I spoke personally to Sharadji, why should I believe in sources," he said referring to Patel's remarks.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress leader A.K. Antony and CPI leader D. Raja were among those present.

Kerala Congress could not attend the meeting because of a party function in the state.

Asked about meeting called by RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Aug 27 in Patna, Azad said: "This was discussed and it was decided that those who want to attend the meeting, can do so."

--IANS

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(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.)
A total of 19,000 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have pledged to donate their organs, said Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs on Friday.

Calling the paramilitary force a trend-setter, Rijiju said that due to such good initiatives by BSF, misconceptions about organ donation will be alleviated.

"The number of organ donor pledge takers from the BSF has risen sharply from 1,100 to more than 19,000 now," said Rijiju at a event to mark the International Organ Donation Day-2017, organised by the BSF.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Top security advisors of South Korea and the US discussed over phone on Friday the Korean peninsula issue, the presidential Blue House said.

In a 40-minute-long conversation, Chung Eui-yong, President Moon Jae-in's security advisor, and his US counterpart H.R. McMaster discussed the security situation on the peninsula and surrounding regions, he said.

The two leaders also talked about countermeasures against North Korea's provocation escalating tensions, he said.

They reconfirmed the promise to closely and transparently cooperate with each other on "phased measures" that will be taken to ensure security and safety of people in the two countries, he said.

Tension escalated in the region after Pyongyang tested intercontinental ballistic missiles, known as Hwasong-14, twice in July.

Pyongyang on Thursday warned Washington that it could fire intermediate-range ballistic missiles near the waters 30 to 40 km off the coast of the US island of Guam in the Pacific.

US President Donald Trump said North Korea would be met with "fire and fury" if it continues threats against the US territory.

--IANS

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Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Friday expressed her deep shock at the tragic death of 30 ailing children at a hospital in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur due to alleged shortage of oxygen and said she was pained beyond words by the tragedy.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi also expressed his pain and blamed the state's BJP government was responsible for the tragedy.

In her statement, Sonia Gandhi said that her heart goes out to the families of the innocent children who fell prey to "gross negligence and incorrigible misconduct on the part of the authorities".

She called upon the Uttar Pradesh government to take immediate cognizance of the crime and bring to book those responsible and asked Congress workers to provide relief to the families of the victims.

Rahul Gandhi said the BJP government must punish the guilty.

"Deeply pained. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. BJP government is responsible and should punish the negligent who caused this tragedy," he said in a tweet.

At least 30 children died in the state-run Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur, the parliamentary constituency of Uttar Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in the last two days, an official said Friday. The government however said that only seven had died and a probe has been ordered.

--IANS

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Renowned chef and television show host Ajay Chopra says India is "far behind" on international food standards when it comes to produce because standard is "just a word for Indians".

"We don't follow the standards through. As consumers we are okay with eating our 'paani puri' (a street snack) the way it is served. We have never opposed if one doesn't wear gloves while serving it or if the water is dirty. I don't blame the vendor or the government but the consumer.

"I was surprised to see some of the biggest food brands in the country with the most pathetic kitchens. Unfortunately, we're happy with the way things are and we're not ready to change," chef Chopra said in a conversation with IANS here on Thursday.

"When smaller countries like Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam are managing to stick to food standards even on the streets, why can't we," he questioned, adding: "Quality food is what India needs at the moment".

Chopra was in the city at The Oberoi, from where he had began his career 14 years ago, as the brand ambassador for the frozen food brand Sumeru of Innovative Foods. Through a collaboration with Chopra, the brand has launched four new variants of their parathas like beetroot and "jeera" (cumin), turmeric and "ajwain" (carom seeds).

Known for his presence on the small screen through food shows like the "MasterChef India" and "Hi Tea", Chopra says he is often very "picky" about the brands he chooses to associate himself with.

"I'm very particular about giving my time out to any brand and endorsing it and hence I'm very careful about what I choose. I like to spend time with my wife and kids no matter how busy my days in the kitchen are," shared the chef humbly.

As a country, we are witnessing "progression" in terms of our thought and cuisine, he believes. "Indian food is going through that phase where we classify our food either as classical or progressive. Innovation in any developing country comes with a set of challenges, wherein some elements about our cuisines will not remain exactly the same," Chopra asserted.

Fusion food was one such element of innovation that the country has witnessed, although its meaning has not been "understood truly", he said.

"When the idea was supposed to be that one fuses two different flavours together, like the use of lemongrass in a 'makhni' gravy (a tomato and cream based gravy) for example, but people took it in a whole different direction. For a gourmand, fusion became irritating and for a consumer, it was confusing," the former "MasterChef India" judge said.

Indian food can receive a much-needed boost through the tourism industry, Chopra felt.

"Unfortunately, our tourism industry has not woken up wide enough. They're still talking about how beautiful our states are, but have not co-related tourism with food. For our country food is the second emotion. We should really be doing a lot more about spreading knowledge about our own food. The future of Indian food is the one where our regional food will take to higher places."

(Bhavana Akella can be contacted at bhavana.a@ians.in)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The UK may continue to face the threat of Islamist terrorism for another "20 to 30 years", a former intelligence head said on Friday.

Jonathan Evans told the BBC that the issue was a "generational problem" and that the UK needed to "persevere" with efforts to defeat it.

He also said that devices connected to the internet needed to be made more secure in the face of emerging cyber threats.

Evans stepped down as the Director General of the security intelligence service MI5 in 2013 at a time when it seemed that the terrorism threat from Al Qaeda might be subsiding.

But now, with the rise of the Islamic State militant group, he said the threat was unlikely to end soon.

"There's no doubt that we are still facing a severe terrorist threat but I think its also important to put this in a slightly longer context because right the way back from the 1990s we have been experiencing difficulties from Islamist terrorists of one sort or another," the former intelligence chief said.

"Since 2013 there have been 19 attempted attacks that have been disrupted and even since the attack at Westminster we are told there have been six disruptions, so this is a permanent state of preparedness.

"...I think we are going to be facing 20 to 30 years of terrorist threat and, therefore, we need, absolutely critically, to persevere," Evans told the BBC.

He also warned that the "internet of things" -- in which vehicles and domestic devices are all connected to the internet -- will need to be made more secure to reduce emerging cyber threats.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
WoWakening - A Face to Lost Identity, a campaign to create an environment of awareness, inclusion and celebration for acid attack survivors in India has been launched here.

The campaign has been announced by lateral sutra, an integrated marketing communications company, in association with Acid Survivor Foundation India.

"WoWakening is over a month-long campaign dedicated to the spirit of positivity and hope that acid attack survivors exude despite trauma, challenges and dejection they face in everyday life," Mamta Dhingra, Founder, lateral sutra, said in a statement.

"The campaign is an all-encompassing effort to bring forth the stories of these indomitable women and their individual journeys which are an inspiration to millions," Dhingra added.

To this end, a contributing opportunity has been launched by catapooolt.com and desiredwings.com for WoWakening by way of crowdfunding.

Mohammed Sirajuddin, Director of the company, said: "We feel fortunate to acknowledge the fact that every human is entitled to live a life filled with laughter and success. Acid attack survivors are souls just like you and me, so let's take this as a privilege to give these lost identities a beautiful face through our platform by way of contributions from a liberal society."

The campaign will be followed by a series of activities, including a photo-essay, panel discussion and fashion show, to draw attention towards the issue, starting with Delhi-NCR later this month.

--IANS

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With a pledge of 'Sankalp se Siddhi' for building a New India by 2022 taken with wide consensus on 75th Anniversary of the 'Quit India Movement' and GST extended to J&K, which will lead to its economic integration with the rest of the country, the monsoon session of the Parliament ended with both houses of Parliament adjourning Sine Die on Friday.

A total 17 Bills were introduced and 14 Bills were passed in this session which had 19 sittings and lasted 71 hours.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan while adjourning the House said nearly 30 hours were wasted due to disruption. She, however, said the House sat over 10 hours extra to discuss matters of public importance.

She said during these period, the House passed Supplementary Demands for Grants (General) and Demands for Excess Grants (General).

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar while addressing the media here on Friday said that the Monsoon Session, 2017 of Parliament which commenced on Monday, the 17th July, 2017, concluded on Friday, the 11th August, 2017. The Session provided 19 sittings spread over a period of 26 days.The productivity of Lok Sabha was 77.94 per cent and that of Rajya Sabha was 79.95 per cent.

During the Session, 17 Bills (17 in the Lok Sabha) were introduced.The Lok Sabha passed 14 Bills and while the Rajya Sabha passed 9 Bills during the session. Total 13 Bills were passed by both the Houses of Parliament. Out of these, the five Bills, as passed by Lok Sabha and transmitted to Rajya Sabha for its recommendation, are not likely to be returned to Lok Sabha within the period of fourteen days from the date of their receipt in Rajya Sabha.The Bills are deemed to have been passed by both Houses at the expiration of the said period in the form in which they passed by Lok Sabha under clause (5)of article 109 of the Constitution.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said that "This has been an achievement considering that it was a short session of Parliament and a considerable time was devoted to discussions on important issues and the Elections to the Offices of President and Vice President of India, Kumar added."

The Minister mentioned about the special discussion held in both Houses on 09.08.2017 to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the 'Quit India Movement' and it is for the first time that the pledge of 'Sankalp se Siddhi' for building a New India by 2022 was taken with wide consensus among all parties. The government is committed to achieve this vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Minister added.

Talking about the extension of Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the State of Jammu & Kashmir, Minister Kumar said that this is a historic achievement as passing of the related bills will lead to the Economic Integration of the State with rest of the country.

Regarding the Legislative Business carried out during the Monsoon Session 2017, he said that during the Session Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2017-18 (including Railways) and Demands for Excess Grants for 2014-15 and the related Appropriation Bills, were discussed and passed by the Lok Sabha.

These Bills were transmitted to Rajya Sabha on 02.08.2017 and could not be taken up for consideration and as they are not likely to be returned to Lok Sabha within the period of fourteen days from the date of their receipt in Rajya Sabha, the Bills will be deemed to have been passed by both Houses at the expiration of the said period in the form in which they were was passed by Lok Sabha under clause (5)of article 109 of the Constitution.

"The Monsoon Session 2017 has been a successful session in terms of the legislative business conducted and wide participation of all political parties in discussions on various issues of importance," said Minister Ananth Kumar.

Four Bills replacing the Ordinances, namely, the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, the Punjab Municipal Corporation Law (Extension to Chandigarh) Amendment Ordinance, 2017, the Central Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Ordinance, 2017 and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Ordinance, 2017 which were promulgated by the President, were considered and passed by Lok Sabha.

Except for the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2017, the Bills replacing the remaining three Ordinances could not be taken up by Rajya Sabha. As these three Bills are money Bills and are not likely to be returned to Lok Sabha within the period of fourteen days from the date of their receipt in Rajya Sabha, the Bills will be deemed to have been passed by both Houses at the expiration of the said period in the form in which they were was passed by Lok Sabha under clause (5)of Article 109 of the Constitution.

In the Lok Sabha, 2 Short Duration Discussions under Rule 193 were held on:

(i) the Agrarian Situation in the Country and

(ii) the situation arising out of Reported Incidents of Atrocities and Lynching in mob violence in the Country.

In the Rajya Sabha, three Short Duration Discussions under Rule 176 were held on

(i) the situation arising out of the reported increase in the incidents of lynching and atrocities on minorities and Dalits across the country;

(ii) on the farmers' distress leading to rising in the incidents of their suicide in the country; and

(iii) India's foreign policy and engagement with strategic partners.

Besides one calling attention motion in Lok Sabha on problems arising due to floods in different parts of the Country and steps taken by the Government in this regard was discussed.

Similarly, in Rajya Sabha two calling attention motions were:

(i) on the situation arising out of recent floods in various parts of the country, particularly in Assam and

(ii) the situation arising out of a violation of prescribed conditions of Letter of Permit by foreign trawlers in deep sea fishing in Indian seas and the action taken by the Government in regard thereto were discussed.

Three old pending Bills were withdrawn in the Rajya Sabha namely:

i) The North-Eastern Council (Amendment) Bill, 2013;

ii) The Architects (Amendment) Bill, 2010; and

iii) The Participation of Workers in Management Bill, 1990.

After the Question Hour and papers were laid the Lok Sabha Speaker adjourned the House Sine Die.

Rajya Sabha also adjourned sine die today. New Chairman Venkaiah Naidu adjourned the House after giving his thanks-giving speech on assuming the charge.

Chairman Naidu assured the members that he will try his best to give an opportunity to each and every member saying that government proposes, the opposition opposes and the House disposes.

S S Ahluwalia, Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Parliamentary Affairs and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs, was also present on the occasion.
Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK on Thursday sacked its Deputy General Secretary T.T.V. Dinakaran, nephew of the jailed General Secretary V.K. Sasikala, in a move aimed at placating the rival faction ahead of a possible merger between the two groups.

The AIADMK announced after a nearly one-hour meeting attended by Chief Minister K. Palaniswami and some 30 ministers and party leaders that Dinakaran's appointment was "improper, unacceptable and invalid", clearing the decks for the unification of the two factions.

An AIADMK statement said Dinakaran's appointment was not done as per rules and declared as null and void all the appointments of office-bearers he had made. It added that Sasikala's own appointment as General Secretary was under the scrutiny of the Election Commission.

While there was no immediate reaction from the rival faction led by former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, a furious Dinakaran hit back.

Dinakaran, made the Deputy General Secretary by Sasikala before she was jailed for corruption, thundered at a press conference: "No one has the right to remove or expel me. Only Sasikala has the power.

"There are some AIADMK leaders who are scared because of the things they have done," he said, and added, in an oblique reference to the BJP: "Also they are scared because of some outside forces."

Panneerselvam have said Sasikala's expulsion was a precondition for the merger of the two AIADMK factions.

The AIADMK used to refer to Sasikala until recently as "Chinnamma". The Thursday statement called her "Respectable Mrs V.K. Sasikala" - a clear sign of her weakening hold in a party she tried to take over after the death in December of then Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister D. Jayakumar said: "We will have the merger very soon,"

A Panneerselvam aide, K.P. Munusamy, said they were firm on their demand on the expulsion of Sasikala from the AIADMK, a CBI probe into Jayalalitha's death and withdrawal of affidavits submitted to the Election Commission naming Sasikala as General Secretary.

The two factions will have to unite if they need to get back the party's popular "two leaves" election symbol that has been frozen by the Election Commission.

Minus the frozen symbol, AIADMK leaders admit they will have problems taking on the DMK in the upcoming local body polls.

According to AIADMK sources, Chief Minister Palaniswami and Panneerselvam are travelling to Delhi on Thursday to take part in the swearing in ceremony of Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and may meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The sources say that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been nudging the two factions to unite -- and also join the BJP-led Democratic Alliance formally.

If a merger takes place, Palaniswami will remain the Chief Minister while Panneerselvam could become the General Secretary in place of Sasikala.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened at the AIADMK headquarters here to foil the possibility of Dinakaran and his supporters trying to take control over it.

An MLA close to Dinakaran, Vetrivel, who attended the AIADMK meeting, challenged the decision to dump Dinakaran.

"Sasikala and Dinakaran cannot be removed from the party," he said. "Nobody can remove the two leaders from their party posts."
Rather in sync with the political climate in India, actor uses a cattle metaphor to explain his recent foray into public affairs. A farmer usually has two bulls working, while a third one circles the area. My party is like that third bull, we have just been watching and learning so far. The character artist, who enjoyed popularity in Hindi cinema as a bumbling comic figure in the early 2000s, is referring to the Sarv Sambhaav Party that he floated last year, ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections.
A day after outgoing Vice-President Mohammad said that there was unease and a sense of insecurity among Muslims in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he (Ansari) would be free to pursue his "core thinking" once he demits office.
A special MCOCA court here today granted bail to gutka manufacturers Rasiklal Dhariwal and Jagdish Mohanlal Joshi in a case, in which the two have been accused of helping the Dawood Ibrahim gang to set up a gutka plant in Karachi, Pakistan.

Special Judge S M Bhosale granted bail to the two.

Dhariwal and Joshi were named by an arrested aide of Anees Ibrahim, the brother of fugitive gangster Dawood, during his confession to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The CBI had, in 2016, filed a supplementary charge sheet against Dhariwal and Joshi.

Earlier, on August 26, 2016, the court had granted interim bail to the duo.

The first charge sheet in the case was filed in 2005 against Anees's aide Jamiruddin Ansari, who stated in his confession that he had seen Joshi with Anees in Dubai in 2000.

According to the prosecution, Ansari had also told the investigators that Joshi was seeking Anees's help to recover some dues from Dhariwal, who too went to Dubai after being summoned by the gangster.

Subsequently, they went to Karachi, where Dawood acted as a mediator and settled the issue, he told the investigators.

According to Ansari, Joshi and Dhariwal later helped Anees set up a gutka plant in Karachi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two buses collided near Pathauli village on Agra-Jaipur highway early today, killing five persons and injuring more than a dozen others, the police said.

A bus carrying pilgrims from Kannauj was on its way to a temple in Rajasthan when the other bus, which was coming here from Jaipur, hit it, they said.

Malpura police station SO Ramesh Bhardwaj said three persons died on the spot and the bodies have been sent for postmortem.

SN Medical College staff told PTI that two persons, including a woman, of the 21 injured brought for treatment in the hospital also succumbed to their injuries.

The driver of the bus that was carrying the pilgrims was among those killed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today expressed grief over the death of Buxar district magistrate Mukesh Kumar Pandey, who allegedly committed suicide at Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh.

"Mukesh Kumar Pandey's death is a very heart-rending incident. He was an efficient administrator and a sensitive officer...May his soul rest in peace," the chief minister said in his condolence message.

Kumar prayed to the almighty to give strength to his family members to bear the loss of their loved one, an Information and Public Relations Department release said.

Pandey's body was found yesterday from the railway tracks about one km from Ghaziabad railway station, the police said. A purported suicide note was also recovered from the spot.

In the suicide note, Pandey, a 2012-batch IAS officer, had written that he was fed up with his life and had lost his "belief on human existence," the police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The BJP unit of Himachal Pradesh today hit out at Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh over the alleged police action on members of Gaddi community during a protest here.

In a joint statement issued by state BJP spokesman Hemanshu Mishra and media-in-charge Rakesh Sharma, the saffron party asked the chief minister to apologise to the people of the community.

BJP leader Kishan Kapoor, a member of the community, had on Wednesday along with his supporters tried to stop the chief minister's convoy here over the alleged remarks against the Gaddi community.

A clash ensued and three persons were injured. The protesters have alleged that they were lathicharged by the police.

"The chief minister gives baseless statements now and then to be in limelight. By making derogatory statements against the Gaddi community, Virbhadra Singh has given an inappropriate message to youths of the state," the BJP statement said.

"It is shameful that the CM has not yet apologised to the people of Gaddi community, neither has he suspended the police officers responsible for the lathicharge," it added.

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Cambodia's prime minister today issued a six-day ultimatum to Laos to pull back troops who have allegedly trespassed into a border area or face a military response.

Around 30 Laos soldiers have been stationed in Cambodia's northern Stung Treng province since April despite repeated requests by Phnom Penh for them to leave, according to strongman premier Hun Sen.

"I appeal to Laos Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith to withdraw troops from Cambodian territory without any conditions," Hun Sen said during a ceremony in Phnom Penh.

Military commanders have been ordered to deploy troops along with multiple rocket launchers to the border area, he said, giving Laos the "ultimatum" of pulling out by August 17.

"We are friends, but a friend cannot step on (our) head," said the mercurial leader, who often leans on ultra- nationalist rhetoric to drum up support, especially ahead of election season.

"We are not waging war, but we just want our land back," he said, adding that he was running out of patience with "the invasion" by Laos troops.

According to Hun Sen the Laos soldiers crossed into Cambodia to halt the construction of a road.

Later today Cambodia's foreign ministry announced that Hun Sen would fly to the Laos capital Vientiane on Saturday to meet with his counterpart to hash out a solution.

Cambodia and Laos share a 540-kilometre (335-mile) land border but large tracts have not been officially demarcated, leading to territorial squabbles.

The border is hard to police, with increasing amounts of drugs -- mainly methamphetamine and heroin -- being moved from Laos into Cambodia.

For years Cambodia was locked in a bitter territorial dispute with Thailand over the ancient Preah Vihear temple near their shared border, with 28 people killed in the worst clashes in 2011.

In 2013 the UN's top court ruled that the area belonged to Cambodia and ordered Thai troops to leave.

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China urged the United States and North Korea today to be "cautious" with their words and actions after the two sides stepped up their bellicose rhetoric over Pyongyang's weapons programme.

Responding to a question about North Korea threatening to fire missiles towards Guam and US President Donald Trump's tough warnings against Pyongyang, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a statement that the two nations should seek to "ease tensions".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The dehumidifier system, set up in the 'A' vault of the famous Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple here, has been disconnected due to over-heating.

According to temple officials, the equipment had been disconnected at the 'A' vault, where priceless gold jewellery and precious stones are kept, since the last three days.

Technical experts from Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre examined the system and the snag is expected to be rectified within a week, temple executive officer V Ratheeshan said.

However, he said the snag would not cause any harm to the treasures stored in the vault in the short run.

"The dehumidifier system has been disconnected after over-heating was found...Not humidity but the excess heating may cause issues to the jewellery...Steps are already on to rectify the problem at the earliest, he told PTI.

He said the the state-run VSSC and Keltron had been entrusted by the Supreme Court to address such matters.

The sprawling temple, dedicated to Lord Padmanabha, has hogged media attention after its underground cellars revealed gold ornaments, vessels, jewels and precious stones worth hundreds of crores of rupees.

An architectural splendour in granite, the temple was rebuilt in its present form in the 18th century by the Travancore Royal House which had ruled southern Kerala and some adjoining parts of Tamil Nadu before integration of the princely state with the Indian Union in 1947.

Even after India's independence, the temple continued to be governed by a trust controlled by the erstwhile royal family for whom Lord Padmanabha (Vishnu) is their family deity.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Madhya Pradesh Haj Committee chairman Inayat Hussain Qureshi today said he didn't share former Vice President Hamid Ansari's view that there was a sense of insecurity among Muslims in the country.

"I don't agree with Ansari's statement. Not only Muslims, but people of all religions are also safe in India," Queshi, also a member of the Haj Committee of India, told reporters here today.

Ansari, whose second five-year term as vice president ended yesterday, had said in an interview that there was a feeling of unease and a sense of insecurity among Muslims and that the "ambiance of acceptance" is under threat.

Responding to a query over the recent incidents of mob lynchings in various parts of the country, Qureshi said, "Such incidents are wrong irrespective of whether the name of the victim of the mob lynching is Junaid or Sitaram. Leave this issue aside, it is also being seen that petty issues are being blown out of proportion to spoil the communal harmony".

When asked if the demand for a nationwide ban on slaughter of cows is justified, Qureshi said if Hindus revered 'cow' as their mother then Muslims should respect their religious sentiments.

"Quran teaches us not to hurt sentiments of any religion," he added.

Replying to a question, Qureshi said the Haj subsidy being given to Muslims by the government should continue.

Qureshi said the quota for Haj pilgrims was raised after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UAE.

"Hike in Haj quota has also benefited Madhya Pradesh. About 3600 people would go on the Haj pilgrimage this year in comparison with 2,700 people who had gone on the pilgrimage last year," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A parliamentary panel has said there should be no discrimination against people of Indian origin living abroad seeking to use surrogacy services in India.

There is "no point" in restricting Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) from using surrogacy services, the panel's report, tabled in Parliament recently, said.

While recommending that foreign nationals be kept out of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016, it advocated an appropriate mechanism for a complete background check of NRIs, PIOs and OCIs intending to use the services of surrogates for bearing a child on their behalf.

The Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health said this should be permitted after a "thorough scrutiny" of their documents submitted to the appropriate authority designated for granting permission for surrogacy services in India.

"The Committee recommends that while foreign nationals be kept out of the ambit of the surrogacy bill, Persons of Indian Origin, Overseas Citizens of India and NRIs be permitted to avail of surrogacy services in the country," it said.

The Union Cabinet had given its nod to the introduction of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016, in Parliament, seeking a bar on unmarried couples, single parents, live-in partners and homosexuals from opting for surrogacy.

"Foreigners as well as NRIs and PIOs who hold OCI cards have been barred from opting for surrogacy," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had told reporters after the approval of the bill by the Union Cabinet last year.

The committee headed by Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav said there were adequate provisions in the Bill for an appropriate authority to scrutinise documents submitted by the intending couple before commissioning surrogacy and to reject an application in case of any violation of rules.

"The committee is of the view that PIOs/OCIs should not be classified along with other foreign nationals" for this purpose, the committee's report said.

The committee was of the opinion that since NRIs, PIOs and OCI cardholders were of Indian origin, there should not be any "prejudice and discrimination" against them on the matter.

"The government has been extending several concessions to PIOs/OCIs to boost the ties of the Indian diaspora with the country of their origin," it said.

The committee also recommended that the intending couple provide a specific "declaration" or a No-Objection Certificate that the child born of a surrogate would get the same citizenship rights as possessed by the intending couple.

The recommendations of such panels are not binding on the government. However, the government, in most cases, accepts some proposals, as reports of parliamentary committees are considered the "will of Parliament".

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With annual sale exceeding around one lakh tonne generating a revenue of Rs 700 crore yearly, Bihar has become fastest growing market for the edible oil business of Emami Agrotech Limited, a top company official said today.

"Bihar has emerged as one of the fastest growing markets for our edible oil brands. The state has emerged as the second largest market for our edible oil business after West Bengal", Sudhakar Desai, CEO, Emami Agrotech Ltd, told reporters.

The edible oil portfolio of Emami comprises of brands like Himani Best Choice, Emami Healthy & Tasty and Rasoi, the Vanaspati brand.

Bollywood Superstar Amitabh Bachchan had been roped in by the Company to endorse its Emami Healthy & Tasty brand of edible oil range nationally. These brands are manufactured and marketed by Emami Agrotech Limited, the edible oil arm of the Rs 50,000 crore Emami Group, the Kolkata-based diversified business conglomerate.

"Our Vanaspati Brand Rasoi, continues to perform well in the State. From 700 tonne per month, today the brands' sales volume in Bihar stands at over 7000 tonne per month in a time span of less than 3 years' time", Desai said.

The Company employs around 200 people in Bihar and has nearly 200 distributors in its fold, the CEO added.

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A major fire today broke out inside the Air India office at Bangladesh's international airport here, prompting the government to launch a probe.

Ten firefighting units took nearly two hours to douse the fire that began around noon at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the country's main aviation facility.

The airport has resumed normal flight operations.

"We have resumed normal operations of the airport at 4 PM as the fire was completely doused," Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Rezaul Karim told PTI.

Authorities ordered an inter-departmental investigation by a committee comprising fire service, civil aviation and police officials to find out the cause behind the incident.

"The three-member committee has been asked to submit its findings in the next seven working days," a civil aviation ministry spokesman said.

He said that the fire did not hamper the scheduled arrival and departure of flights.

Officials said the fire originally broke out at the Air India office on the second floor of the airport's Terminal 1 and spread in the adjacent offices including the one of Qatar Airways raising a security alarm.

"The airport's internal fire-fighting unit doused the fire within a short time but 10 fire fighting units from the neighbourhood rushed to the scene," an airport official said.

An Air India official said the fire originated from the office of the airline.

Initially, electricity supply to the airport was cut off.

Employees and passengers evacuated from the various floors have reported seeing smoke inside the building.

TV footages showed that the elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion and special Armed Police Battalion laid a siege around the airport blocking its entry points as the fire fighters made hectic efforts to douse the fire evacuating passengers and non-essential staff.

The display screen of the airport's auto fire detector showed the text - "Fire on Air India floor" as soon as the fire alarm went off.

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A fire today broke out inside the Air India office at Bangladesh's international airport here, officials said.

Ten firefighting units were working to douse the fire that started around noon at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

An Air India official told PTI the fire originated from the office of the airline.

However, he did not specify the cause of the fire.

The airport's third storey houses the offices of Air India and Saudi Airlines, a duty officer of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) was quoted by the bdnews24.

Electricity supply to the airport has been cut off.

Employees and passengers being evacuated from the various floors have reported seeing smoke inside the building.

Departures have been suspended as people arriving for their flights were being barred from entering the airport, a security official said.

The fire at Bangladesh's main airport may hamper flights for Hajj pilgrims.

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The Centre today told the Delhi High Court that five out of the seven vacant posts in the National Commission for Minorities have been filled after a petition had alleged government inaction.

The Centre made the submission before a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal which was hearing a plea seeking a time frame for filling up the vacancies in the minorities panel.

Central government standing counsel Anurag Ahluwalia told the court that the chairperson, vice chairperson and three members of the commission had been appointed recently.

Taking note of the government's submission, the bench disposed of the petition.

It directed the government to ensure that the remaining two posts were also filled expeditiously.

The PIL, filed by lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy, had said "the inaction of the government in not appointing the members is arbitrary and unreasonable" and that it "frustrates" the spirit of the Constitution.

The first statutory National Commission for Minorities (NCM) was set up in 1993 and by a gazette notification, five religious communities - Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists and Zoroastrians - were notified as minorities, it had said.

"In the absence of provisions of a time limit to fill up the vacancies in the commission, the appointment process takes a long time and the existence of a full-fledged commission and its functioning gets severely affected," the plea had said.

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Following are top stories from the Eastern Region at 2100 hours.

CAL 1 ED-NARADA SUBRATA



Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today interrogates state panchayat minister Subrata Mukherjee at its office here in connection with money laundering aspect highlighted in the Narada sting operation.

CAL 2 BH-POL-SHARAD



Muzaffarpur: Senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav today dismisses the threat of action against him by some party leaders for criticising Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for breaking the Grand Alliance in Bihar and going with the BJP, saying he had stood up against former prime minister Indira Gandhi and was not afraid of anyone.

CAL 3 AS-FLOODS



Guwahati: A fresh wave of floods in Assam has affected 3.55 lakh people in 15 districts with Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal calling for intensifying relief and rescue operations.

CES 3 OD-RAIN



Bhubaneswar: Rain lash the city today amidst the metereological department's forecast of heavy rainfall in some parts of the coastal Odisha.

CES 5 AR-BJP-PPA



Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh BJP unit severs relations with its North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) partner, the Peoples' Party of Arunachal (PPA).

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Policy flip-flops and "experimentation" on auto industry will have negative impact on India's overall economy, auto industry body SIAM said today hitting out against the proposal to hike cess on big cars and SUVs to 25 per cent.

Seeking a stable and predictable policy regime, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) also said frequent policy changes over the past few years have shaken the confidence of companies who wanted to invest in India.

"When somebody invests in the country he is looking for stable policy regime, he doesn't want flip flops in a months time," SIAM Director General Vishnu Mathur told reporters here.

Over the past few years, there have been so many flip flops and there have been so many ambiguities in policy which have changed everything for the companies, he added.

"This industry contributes almost 50 per cent of the manufacturing GDP so if any experimentation is done on this industry, if it doesn't get the kind of support that is required it could be very very negative for the overall economy," Mathur said.

Big cars and SUVs are now facing possible hike in cess under the new tax regime with the GST council recommending increasing the maximum ceiling to 25 per cent from 15 per cent over and above the top tax rate of 28 per cent.

Mathur said that when the new GST rates were announced the industry welcomed them.

"We thought that the government has now fulfilled its promise of last four years to rationalise the tax. Now suddenly if they say the previous pre-GST rates are the benchmark that means all the discussions we had with the government over the last four years stands nullified," he added.

He said the auto industry needed a stable and predictable policy regime.

"They (companies) see India as a risky market with continuous change in policies... What we need is a stable and predictable policy regime. We have enough challenges in our hands in terms of technology," Mathur said.

He added that the good work done over the past 25 years in terms of nurturing the industry through a stable conducive policy regime will come to a bought if such changes continued.

SIAM Deputy Director General Sugato Sen said various projects like auto mission plan (AMP) were not heading anywhere because of "total vacuum" in terms of which direction to take.

"Nobody knows, somebody is talking about bio fuel, somebody is talking about electric vehicles," he added.

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There was a significant surge in hate crime incidents in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the UK this year, the police here said today.

The UK's National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) said there was an increase in abuse in the days following the car and knife attack near Parliament in March, a suicide bombing in Manchester in May and another car and knife rampage at London Bridge and Borough Market area of London in June.

Police recorded 234 hate crime incidents 48 hours after the first attack, 273 were reported following the Manchester bombing and 319 recorded two days after the London Bridge attack.

This marked a 12 per cent spike after the Westminster attack near Parliament, 50 per cent after Manchester and 34 per cent after the London Bridge attack.

"We know that terrorist attacks and other national and global events have the potential to trigger short-term spikes in hate crime and so we have been carefully monitoring community tensions following recent horrific events," said assistant chief constable Mark Hamilton, the NPCC's lead for hate crime.

"Reporting from police forces show that levels of hate crime peaked in the wake of the attacks but quickly subsided within a few days. This is in line with trends we have seen before, though obviously still a real concern for the police service and wider society," he said.

The biggest increase came after the Manchester Arena bombing, which claimed 22 lives, with a 50 per cent rise in hate crime in the week of the attack compared with a year before.

By contrast, hate crime reports were seven per cent lower in the week after the Finsbury Park attack in London when a van was driven into Muslim worshippers.

The NPCC estimates the vast majority of increases in hate crimes were driven by race or faith hate crimes.

Police said in 2016 there were on an average 171 hate crimes per day - although this could be higher on weekends, where more hate crimes tended to be reported, or after specific events such as protest marches.

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The Madras High Court today allowed DMK Working President M K Stalin to visit a tank in Edappadi taluk in Salem district, falling under Chief Minister K Palaniswami's constituency, to monitor desilting work claimed to be carried out by DMK cadres.

Justice M Duraiswamy passed the order on a petition by DMK's legal wing secretary MK Giririjan, claiming that the government was preventing Stalin from visiting water bodies which were being desilted by DMK cadres across the state.

The judge said, Stalin can visit the tank in Kacharayanpalayam after duly informing the Salem district Collector two days in advance.

The collector shall provide necessary police protection during his visit, he added.

The judge also directed Stalin to restrict the number of persons accompanying him to 25 during his visit.

The DMK in its petition wanted the court to restrain the state government from preventing Stalin from visiting any part of Tamil Nadu to inspect water bodies.

The main opposition party filed the petition after Stalin was detained in Coimbatore by police last month en route to Salem to visit the Kacharayanpalayam tank and also to participate in a human chain protest on the issue of all-India medical entrance examination NEET.

The state government had opposed the petition the ground that such a relief may lead to breach of law and order.

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The Madras High Court today directed the Union government to clarify on the existing regulatory mechanism governing contents aired by television channels.

The First Bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sunder gave this direction to Assistant Solicitor General Su Srinivasan, who appeared for the Centre, during the hearing of a PIL to stop telecast of Tamil reality show 'Bigg Boss' hosted by actor Kamal Haasan on 'Vijay TV'.

The matter was then posted for further hearing on August 18.

Earlier, senior counsel P S Raman, who appeared on behalf of the actor, submitted that there were two bodies to regulate the channels.

One is the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council, a self-regulatory body headed by a retired Supreme Court judge and the other is by the Government of India regulating all channels under the information and broadcasting ministry, he said.

Petitioner Saravanan has alleged that in the reality show Haasan played with emotions and behaviour of the female contestants, which he termed was very vulgar and obscene.

He further submitted that to protect Tamil culture and tradition and in the interest and welfare of the general public, the telecast of the show must be stalled immediately.

"The dress code and behaviour of female contestants on the show are very vulgar and obscene making my family members and me uncomfortable in watching the programme.

"Also, the reference to 'cheri' (slum) behaviour - made by a participant to describe the behaviour of another contestant greatly hurt downtrodden people," the petitioner said.

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The Delhi High Court has said that a helpless situation arises in adjudicating the incidents of violence and torture in prison due to non-availability of evidence.

The court was today hearing a plea by Sukesh Chandrashekar, an accused in the Election Commission bribery case also involving AIADMK (Amma) faction leader TTV Dhinakaran, that he was being tortured by jail officials.

The court disagreed with the suggestion of the Delhi Police's counsel that the statement of the victim cannot be accepted in the absence of evidence.

"If you say it is a luxury petition, then I won't accept it. He has made the allegation on oath. His claims in the petition are on oath," Justice Ashutosh Kumar told Delhi Police's lawyer Rahul Mehra, who was opposing the claim of Chandrashekar.

"...Inside the jail there would be no evidence," the court said, adding "what evidence can he give apart from his own statement".

"He should not be assaulted inside the prison," it added.

The court asked Mehra to look into the matter and file a detailed status report, verifying the claims made by the accused, before the next date of hearing on August 22.

Senior advocate Aman Lekhi, appearing for Chandrashekar, said that his client was being subjected to violence inside the jail despite the court's order on July 24 that he be not tortured while in custody.

Mehra opposed the claims saying there was no evidence that the accused was subjected to violence inside the jail and added that there were complaint mechanisms in place which can be used by an inmate.

He, later, said he would personally speak to the Director General of Prisons and if something as alleged by the accused had happened then the officers concerned would be taken to task.

He also told the court that the accused was under a three-tier security cover and CCTV cameras too were there, and that if he was tortured, it would have been captured in the cameras.

In his plea, filed through advocates Gurpreet Singh and Bakul Jain, Chandrashekar has alleged that he was strip- searched by jail officials while he was lodged in a high-risk ward.

He has claimed that he was being tortured by jail officials in connivance with Tamil Nadu Special Police, which is handling the security of Tihar jail, because he was supporting the AIADMK (Amma) faction.

Recently the Delhi Police Crime Branch has filed an over 700-page charge sheet alleging that Chandrashekar, who was arrested on April 16, had conspired with the Sasikala-led AIADMK (Amma) faction leader TTV Dhinakaran, a co-accused, to bribe EC officials to get the 'two leaves' symbol for the faction.

Chandrashekar was denied bail by the high court on June 14 on the grounds that the police had seized a fake Rajya Sabha member ID card from his possession which was a "serious threat on Parliament's security". His bail pleas were also dismissed by the trial court thrice.

According to the police, they had allegedly recovered cash worth Rs 1.3 crore from him at the time of the raid at a hotel in Chanakyapuri area of South Delhi.

Earlier, the police had told a trial court here that a supplementary final report would be filed later against other accused -- Dhinakaran, his close aide T P Mallikarjuna, suspected hawala operators Nathu Singh and Lalit Kumar -- who are out on bail, after completing the probe against them.

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The private hospital, where a nurse died allegedly because of medical negligence while being on duty, today said it would provide Rs 5 lakh as compensation to her family members.

"We will compensate the family members of the nurse with Rs 5 lakh," a senior official of AMRI hospital, Salt Lake, said.

The hospital authorities also decided to set up a committee to probe the death of the nurse, he added.

Uma Khes, a nurse of AMRI Salt Lake, died while being on duty yesterday following a cardiac arrest at the hospital itself allegedly due to medical negligence after she complained of headache.

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A charge sheet against senior IAS officer Ashok Khemka pertaining to alleged avoidable loss to Haryana Seeds Development Corporation (HSDC) in 2012-13 on account of unsold stocks of wheat seeds has been dropped by the Haryana government.

According to the order issued on August 8 by the state chief secretary D S Dhesi, the charge sheet was dropped after Khemka's reply was found to be factual and based on official records.

"False cases are foisted to throttle real honest into dumb silence. Whither will inaction against real culprits drive our country to?", Khemka tweeted after his exoneration.

The charge sheet was issued on July 1, 2016, by the present BJP government on account of 87,000 quintals of unsold wheat seeds at the end of the year 2012.

In his reply, Khemka pointed to the findings of the audit report of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which had attributed the seeds not being sold to overproduction of unwanted varieties during 2011-12.

The CAG's performance audit report of HSDC had said that overproduction had led to increased availability of wheat seeds for sale in Rabi season in 2012.

However, the government had decided to issue a charge sheet for a minor penalty under Rule 10 of All India Services (Appeals and Discipline) Rules.

In his reply, the IAS officer stated that the sale of HSDC was relatively much better as compared to other central and state agencies, but some seeds remained unsold due to overproduction of unwanted seed varieties, which was one of the reasons was the lowering of market prices of wheat seeds.

Khemka also mentioned that the requirement of explanation before issuing the charge sheet was not complied with.

The charge sheet was a "roving inquiry without evidence and was intended to silence him", he said.

The IAS officer in his reply dubbed the charge sheet "as one of the several wrongful acts of witch hunting and hounding I am continuously subject to after 15th October, 2012, because of my actions taken in the course of my official duty."



The chief secretary's order dated August 8, read, "Shri Khemka has submitted his reply to the charge sheet vide his letter dated February 22, 2017, and denied the charges against him...The comments of the Agriculture and Farmers's Welfare Department were obtained on Khemka's reply.

"Now, the competent authority, after going through the charge sheet, the comments of the Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department on the reply of Shri Khemka as well as relevant records has found the reply of Khemka as satisfactory. Therefore, the competent authority has decided to drop the disciplinary proceedings."



This is the second time that a charge sheet was dropped against Khemka.

Earlier, the state government had dropped a chargesheet against the 1991-batch IAS officer where he was charged by the previous Congress regime with exceeding jurisdiction when he cancelled the mutation of a land deal between a firm owned by Congress president Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra and realty major DLF.

Khemka was transferred from the Land Records and Consolidation Department to HSDC on October 15, 2012 after he had cancelled the mutation.

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The Central Civil Services Conduct (CCS) rules, which prohibit criticism of the government, will now be applicable to the faculty of the IIMC, according to the media school under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting of the Executive Council (EC) of the institute here today. Director-General K G Suresh said the proposal was adopted "unanimously".

A number of teachers, who did not wish to come on record, slammed the authority for going ahead with its plan despite their contention that imposing CCS rules would be an "assault on academic freedom".

"The EC (Executive Council) today unanimously adopted our proposal. This is to end any ambiguity or discretion in the administration of justice, and is aimed at greater transparency. It is being implemented in several universities including the Delhi University," the DG told PTI.

However, DUTA (Delhi University Teachers' Association) President Nandita Narain said DU faculty do not come under CCS conduct rules.

One of the clauses of the CCS Rules bars government servants from making any statement of fact or opinion which has the effect of an "adverse criticism of any current or recent policy or action" of the Central government or a state government.

The State-run institute had set up a committee to deliberate on the issue. It recently recommended that wherever bylaws are silent, CCS rules should apply, which has now been accepted by the EC.

During the deliberations, a few faculty members had placed their objection before the committee. Three JD(U) MPs had also raised the issue with I&B Minister Smriti Irani.

Suresh, however, said the move will "empower" staff and faculty.

The committee had brushed aside the teachers' contention regarding unconditional and absolute freedom saying that it cannot be accepted as the Constitution itself provided for reasonable restrictions on the fundamental right as enumerated in Article 19.

It would be a "transparent contradiction" that teachers of journalism are not allowed to express their opinion and critique on public policy and other relevant social, political and economic issues in the media, a faculty member had said.

The 14-member EC, IIMC's highest decision-making body, comprises the I&B Secretary, two academics, three senior journalists, three faculty members among others.
A class 8 Sanskrit textbook being taught in the CBSE-affiliated schools in Madhya Pradesh has got the facts wrong about the 1962 Sino-Indian war, as it claims that India had defeated China.

A chapter on the country's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in the textbook titled 'Sukritika', says "with Nehru's efforts, India defeated China".

Lucknow-based Kriti Prakashan Private Limited, the publisher of the book, admitted its "mistake" and attributed it to a "human error".

The chapter, titled 'Shri Jawaharlal Nehru', talks about the Congress stalwart's achievements and admires his acumen after China invaded India in 1962.

"During Jawaharlal Nehru's stint as the prime minister, China waged a war against India in 1962. With Nehru's efforts, India defeated China," it (Sukritika part 3, page 36) reads.

Talking to PTI over phone from Lucknow, Savita Tiwari of Kriti Prakashan Private Ltd said, "We admit our mistake in the book. It was a human error."



She added that they detected the error last month and had already issued a corrigendum in this regard on their website.

She said the book had been authored by Umesh Prasad Rastogi and Somdutt Shukla, who had passed away.

According to Tiwari, 'Sukritika' was being taught in different classes in different states.

The School Education Department of Madhya Pradesh, meanwhile, has written to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), informing it about the error in the book, an official said.

India-China ties are currently under strain after New Delhi, along with Bhutan, raised concerns over Beijing's attempts to build a road in the disputed Dokalam area in the Sikkim sector.

The armies of the two countries are engaged in a face-off over the disputed site.

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley had recently said India had "learnt a lesson from the 1962 war with China" and the Indian forces were battle-ready.

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An Indian-origin former banker in the UK has been jailed for five years for sexually assaulting a woman after a night out two years ago.

Jeetender Singh was found guilty of pretending to help his victim by offering to share a taxi with her after meeting her on the night out on Valentine's Day in 2015.

But he later barged into her flat in north London and sexually assaulted her as she lay dizzy and tired on her bed.

"You had responsibility in a well-paid career but you have thrown that away as well as your good character," Recorder T Green at Blackfriars Crown Court told Singh yesterday.

"When the cab reached her flat you followed her, and as she let herself in you made sure she could not close the door behind her. You entered her flat without her permission or encouragement, and I saw no sign during your trial that you recognised quite what an intrusion it was," he said.

Singh was traced with the help of the driver, who showed police a cash machine he had used during the journey,the 'Evening Standard' reported.

"It was a place where she should be able to feel safe, to collapse, and to sleep it off. You assaulted her while she lay on her own bed dizzy, nauseous and desperate for sleep," Green said.

Singh, who had denied the charge of sexual assault by penetration, had been found guilty at the end of a trial last month.

His lawyer Samuel Stein said Singh had since taken redundancy as a compliance executive at JP Morgan and posed a low risk of offending again.

He also told the court Singh's brother was setting up a property development company for him to work at when he is freed from prison.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said she had moved home following the attack, which took place in the early hours of February 14, 2015, and remains traumatised.

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The Islamic State terror group enlists "partners of convenience" in Afghanistan and "outsources" terror attacks to Pakistan-based outfits like the Lashkar-i-Jhangvi and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, according to a UN report.

The 20th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team was submitted to the UN Security Council Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee here.

It said that in South Asia, the al-Qaeda's core continues to compete with the Islamic State, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), for dominance over terrorist groups in the region.

The report said the current leader of al-Qaeda Aiman al- Zawahiri "is still assumed" to be in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region.

"ISIL in Afghanistan tends to enlist partners of convenience and 'outsources' terrorist attacks to other groups such as Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan splinter group," the report said.

It said that the al-Qaeda core and its regional affiliates continue to actively cooperate with the Afghan Taliban in return for sanctuary and operating space.

"By embedding itself within the Taliban movement, the Al-Qaeda core also aims to maintain local bases of influence as a part of the wider Afghan insurgency and receives operational support from the Taliban for its regional affiliate, Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS)," the report said.

It cited a UN Member state, which informed the committee that AQIS comprises around 200 fighters, who operate as advisers and trainers of the Taliban in southern Afghanistan. Individuals associated with the Al-Qaeda core are active in Paktika, Paktiya, Khost, Kunar and Nuristan provinces of Afghanistan, the report said.

It said that the ISIS core continues to fund the group in Afghanistan, noting that while sometimes the financial flows are robust, other times they run dry.

"In the assessment of one Member State, ISIL in Afghanistan would not exist without support from the ISIL core. However, the ISIL core has instructed its affiliate in Afghanistan to begin to develop its own internal funding sources," the report said.

Further, the Taliban, through the al-Qaeda core, continues to wield substantial influence over regional Al- Qaeda affiliates.

"Many Al Qaeda-affiliated fighters from the Afghanistan- Pakistan border area have integrated into the Taliban, leading to a marked increase in the military capabilities of the movement," the report said, adding that currently more than 7,000 foreign terrorist fighters are fighting in Afghanistan for the Taliban and Al-Qaeda affiliates.

However, the report notes that under the order of the al- Qaeda core, several of the group's second-tier leaders had left South Asia for Syria "in line with the continued ambition of the Al-Qaeda core to play a more direct role in that ongoing conflict and use it to further its agenda".

The report noted that in a video released in April this year, Al-Zawahiri tried to inject Al-Qaeda ideology into the ongoing fight, with the aim of expanding its support base and rebuilding its regional network in the aftermath of a potential collapse of ISIL in Iraq and Syria.

In the video, he directly addressed fighters in Syria, painting the Syrian conflict as part of the global fight against the "crusader enemy" and urging them to reject nationalist sentiment and wage a protracted guerrilla war against the Syrian government.

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Pakistan's banned militant outfit Jamaat-ud-Dawa's move of launching a political party is "ludicrous" as it has been designated a terrorist group both by the UN and the US, a top American expert has said.

Saifullah Khalid, closely linked to chief of Jamaat-ud- Dawa (JuD) and Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafeez Saeed, announced the formation of 'Milli Muslim League' in Islamabad on August 7 following weeks of campaign in Punjab's provincial capital Lahore.

Khalid said the new party will strive to make Pakistan a "real Islamic state" and demanded the immediate release of Saeed, who is under "house arrest" since January.

"How can a designated terrorist group register itself as a political party and declare ambition to contest in Pakistan's 2018 national election?" asked Alyssa Ayres, who served in the State Department during the Obama Administration.

"The idea that a UN and US-designated terrorist group long under international sanctions could suddenly march over to the Election Commission of Pakistan and morph into a political party is ludicrous," said Ayres, who is now Senior Fellow for India, Pakistan and South Asia at Council on Foreign Relations, a top American think-tank.

In 2012, the US had issued a USD 10 million reward for information leading to thearrest of Saeed, the "suspected mastermind"of the Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008 for which not one single accused has been brought to justice in Pakistan, she wrote in her latest op-ed.

"The Pakistani government cannot expect that anyone will believe claims that it is sufficiently countering terrorism in their country if terrorists under well-known, longstanding international sanctions not only escape justice but shift out of the shadows to the political arena," Ayres wrote.

The State Department refused to comment on the formation of the political party which will formally be launched on August 14.

"We have seen the reports on this and would refer you to the Government of Pakistan for more information," a State Department spokesperson told PTI when asked about it.

Ayres said the formation of a political party by a terrorist organisation and globally designated terrorist poses a serious question on Pakistan's effort to fight terrorism.

"A national security advisor, a secretary of defence, and a deputy assistant to the president with a clear-eyed view of the threat terrorists in Pakistan pose to US interests - you would think officials and generals in Pakistan might take greater, more credible action against terrorists given the high-level concern from senior Washington policymakers," Ayres wrote.

The JuD is believed to be a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba, the group behind the 2008 deadly attacks in Mumbai in which 166 people were killed by 10 terrorists who came from Pakistan.

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A 17-year-old boy, who was one of the accused in a rape case of a minor girl, was allegedly hacked to death by the victim's father in Nira Narsinhpur village in Indapur tehsil, 100 km from here, police said.

The incident took place yesterday, they said.

According to police, the deceased and his cousin were accused of allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl in the village in the month of April this year.

Since the deceased was a minor, he was released on the bail by the juvenile court.

"The victim's father, who was angry after the accused was released, had threatened him and his family that he would not spare him," said a police officer, attached to Indapur police station.

He said that after the incident, the accused's parents had kept him in the hostel in Indapur as the victim's father had threatened that he did not want to see him in the village till his daughter gets married.

As per the complaint by the deceased's mother, he had come home on Thursday and moment, the girl and her father came to know about his arrival, they went to their home.

"In the complaint, the deceased's mother stated that both the daughter and her father barged into their house with sharp weapons and when the accused's father tried to stop them, the victim's father attacked him with the sharp weapon and the girl allegedly attacked her," said the police officer.

He added that moment the accused who was in the bathroom sensed the commotion and escaped from the rear door, however, he was chased by girl's father and was hacked to death with a sharp weapon near a chowk in the village.

"In the complaint, the mother of the deceased alleged that after attacking her son with a sharp weapon, the girl threatened her that they would not spare them and father-daughter duo left the place," said the officer.

The boy died on the spot, said the officer.

"We have arrested the father under relevant sections of IPC, however, we are yet to arrest his daughter, who is 16-year-old and probing her involvement in the entire case," said the officer.

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Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge today said the state government has decided to hold a mega event, Bengaluru Technology Summit, instead of multiple events to strengthen Brand Bengaluru globally. "Instead of having multiple events, we have decided to hold one mega event, Bengaluru Technology Summit. We want to bring all the events under one umbrella, to strengthen Brand Bengaluru globally, which will act as a foundation to achieve greater traction from international community," he told PTI. The event will be hosted from November 16 to 18, with the focal theme "Ideate, Innovate and Invent." The decision has been taken after Nasscom members and industry captains including Kris Gopalakrishnan and Naganandarecommended merging one all events into one, Kharge said.

The summit's aim is to connect technology across all industries because it is an era where technology is empowering across sectors, he said.

"Earlier, it was only about IT. Nobody at that time thought that technology will be put to use in all sectors and fields. Hence, it is all about technology, and we cannot act in silos anymore," he said.

The mega event is expected to attract over 300 exhibitorsshowcasing products and technologies to over 10000 businessvisitors.

The IT conference will cover pertinent segments like Cloud & BigData, Aerospace and Defence, Telecom, Electronics, Cyber Security, AVGC AR & VR, ESDM, GIS, Robotics & AI, Privacy and Piracy, Blockchain and IoT as well as Biotech conference on Oncology, Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs, Proteomics, Big Data and Analytics and IoT.

Kharge said it would cost Rs eight to Rs 10 crore to hold the event, which is as much money spent to hold multiple events.

"Every year government spent Rs 8 to Rs 10 crore to holdmultiple events. It would spend as much to hold the mega event," he said.

The event is not going to be a regular trade show, but a show of investments, ideation, invention and innovation, among other things, Kharge said.

"We want to reposition Bengaluru not only as the hub for services, but also as hubs for ideation, innovation, invention, investments, R&D and skills", hesaid.

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Kenya's opposition coalition refused to take part in the announcement of election results tonight, slamming the process as a "charade" and accusing the election commission of ignoring their concerns.

The National Super Alliance (NASA) has alleged massive rigging from shortly after the end of Tuesday's election, and had earlier asked the election commission (IEBC) to hold off on announcing results until their concerns could be addressed.

However as the IEBC prepared to announce the result, top NASA leader Musalia Mudavadi said: "We are not going to be party to it, out issues have not been addressed."



"We have raised some very serious concerns, they have not responded to them. The chairman told us ... They will respond to us after the event," said Mudavadi.

Another top NASA official James Orengo denounced the counting process as "an entire charade, this is a disaster."



Orengo also rejected calls from foreign observers to turn to the courts with their grievances. In 2013 their presidential candidate Raila Odinga said the poll had been rigged and lost his case at the Supreme court.

"Going to court for us is not an alternative. We have been there before. It's not an alternative," he said.

"Every time an election has been stolen, the Kenyan people have stood up to make sure that changes are made to make Kenya a better place.

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Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has congratulated Venkaiah Naidu on being sworn in as the vice president of India today.

In his congratulatory letter, Khandu wrote, "I, on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh extend our heartiest congratulations to you on assuming the charge as the 13th vice president of India. The country is fortunate to have you as our vice president who have vast knowledge and acumen in myriad subjects."



"The country under your able stewardship will sail to new heights in so many years to come. Congratulations!" the message added.

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today announced a Lokayukta probe against Housing Minister Prakash Mehta, who has been accused by the Opposition of impropriety in a slum-redevelopment project in the city.

Mehta has been under fire ever since he allegedly allowed "unauthorised" transfer of extra building rights in the SRA (Slum Rehabilitation Authority) project at the MP Mills Compound in south Mumbai, originally granted to slum dwellers, to project-affected people.

The opposition has been alleging that the move was aimed at favouring a particular developer.

"After I dug deep into the MP Mills compound issue, there were many skeletons that were unearthed and I asked myself if this was another 'Adarsh' (referring to the Adarsh scam)," Fadnavis said replying to a motion moved by Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde in the Legislative Council.

He said said all permissions for construction on this particular land were given between 1999-2004. "As per the property card, that land is owned by the Defence Ministry. How could the previous government permit an additional FSI on the plot when it was known that it was defence land," he said.

Mehta had wrongly mentioned on the file of the project that he had kept the chief minister in loop about the transfer, which was denied by Fadnavis.

"I have decided to conduct a probe by the Lokayukta into the allegations made by the Opposition against the Housing minister, even though there was no decision taken in this particular case," he said.

The opposition has been raising the pitch for Mehta's resignation and had repeatedly stalled the proceedings during the monsoon session of the state legislature over the issue.

The Opposition had also accused Mehta of incorporating the names of his family members as the beneficiaries of a slum redevelopment project in suburban Ghatkopar.

Meanwhile, on allegations against Industries Minister Subhash Desai of Shiv Sena, Fadnavis said the government will request the Lokayukta to consider the case.

The opposition had alleged that Desai had illegally denotified MIDC land within two years.

"Out of 16,909 hectares of denotified land, 9,335 hectares were denotified by the previous government and only the notification has been issued by the present dispensation. This government has denotified only 7,734 hectares of land," Fadnavis said.

"We will request the Lokayukta to consider this case as well, but if this doesn't work out, then we will conduct an independent inquiry," he said.

The chief minister said mere denotification of land by any government does not mean that corruption has taken place.

"Nonetheless, we will probe if land was denotified to favour builders or for some other reason. There will be a fair and an independent report conducted. We will table the report of both the probes in the House," he said.

In his reply, Munde said, "Fadnavis is highly skilled in trying to confuse members of the Opposition and that nobody has the capability to match the CM's expertise".

Regarding the allegations of graft against IAS officer Radheshyam Mopalwar, who was recently removed as managing director of the Maharashtra government undertaking MSRDC, the CM said a joint SIT, consisting a serving IAS officer and officials of the Economic Offences Wing, will be formed and a probe will be conducted.

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The Maharashtra government has told the Centre it needs a plot of land in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), which is also being sought by the Railways for the bullet train project, to set up a global finance centre.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has told the Centre the land in question, ad measuring 0.9 hectares, will be used to set up an International Finance Service Center (IFSC), and the state is willing a provide an alternative site for the train project, Transport Minister Diwakar Raote said today.

Speaking in the Legislative Council, Raote said the state government has informed the Centre it can consider allotting land in Dharavi, located a few kms away from BKC, for the high-speed train project.

The proposed IFSC is a venture conceptualised by the MMRDA, a Maharashtra government agency. The Railways wants to set up a terminus at BKC, the starting point from Mumbai side for the 508km high-speed train service, in which the state government is also a partner.

The minister was replying to a short duration debate on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project initiated by Sanjay Dutt (Congress) and others.

He said for the proposed second bullet train service between Mumbai and Kolkata, the state has recommended the Centre to consider the route to pass through Nashik, Aurangabad, Amravati and Nagpur. A Spanish company has been asked to prepare a feasibility report for the project.

Raote said the first phase of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad project is to be completed by 2023 and it will incur a cost of Rs 98,000 crore.

He said 80 per cent of the project cost will be in the form of loan from Japan. The rest 20 per cent cost is to be shared equally by the Centre, and the governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Raote said the Japanese loan will be for 50 years and for the first 10 years, there shall be no repayment.

The Maharashtra government's share in the project is around Rs 125 crore, he said, adding of the planned 12 stations on the entire route, four will fall in the state.

"A part of the route passes through backward districts like Palghar where industrial development is needed. A port is also under development close to the route."



Raote said parking for the bullet train project would be underground. Also, the Mumbai-Thane segment will be built underground.

He said since it is a government project, only state- owned land will need to be acquired. The ground breaking ceremony of the project is to be held next month.

Initiating the debate earlier, Congress member Dutt argued the project cost is likely to shoot up to Rs 1,40,000 crore due to the delays in its execution.

Dutt said if the Centre insists on taking the BKC plot for the train service, it will affect the state's IFSC project.

Neelam Gorhe (Shiv Sena) said the government appears clueless about implementing the project.

She argued the government was pushing the project for the benefit of a few who are into jewellery business.

Rahul Narvekar (NCP) said instead of BKC, the state government should allocate land for the bullet train either at Wadala, which lies in city limits, or at a vacant land in Khar in western suburbs.

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General Motors India today said 96 per cent of its dealer partners have accepted its transition assistance package which will allow it to offer after-sales support even as it pulls the plug on domestic operations by year-end.

"The overwhelming majority - 96 per cent of dealer partners - have already accepted GM India's Transition Assistance Package," GM India President and Managing Director, Kaher Kazem said in a statement.

The company continues to work with its dealer partners to sustain an appropriate service and repair network for Chevrolet customers in India, he added.

The customer support centre will remain open and all warranties and service agreements, as well as ongoing service and parts requirements for all vehicles, will continue to be honored, Kazem said.

The company has around 140 dealers in the country.

Earlier, unhappy with the terms of the package, the company's dealers had sought government intervention.

Kazem said that throughout the transition period the company has been able to achieve significant progress in its export manufacturing plan.

"Over the past year, our exports have tripled and GM India was the nation's fifth largest exporter of passenger vehicles in the first quarter of fiscal 2018," he added.

The company has achieved significant milestones in export manufacturing, including the launch of Beat sedan in Latin American markets and the start of engine and vehicle kit exports," Kazem said.

On May 18, GM abruptly announced that it would stop selling vehicles in India as there was no turnaround in its fortunes here even after struggling for over two decades to make a mark.

The company will now focus on exporting vehicles from its manufacturing plant at Talegaon in Maharashtra after it had stopped production at its first plant at Halol, Gujarat.

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A man who allegedly murdered a retired Headmaster to steal his valuables for paying off his debts was today arrested, the police said.

According to the police, accused Mohit Gupta owed money to someone and to pay off his debts he had brutally murdered Om Prakash Verma to steal his valuables.

The victim's Aadhaar card, driving license, vehicle registration certificate and education department identity card were recovered from the accused, police said.

A two-wheeler and a knife were also recovered from the accused who confessed to the crime during interrogation, the police said.

Gupta was arrested on the basis of information received from a rickshaw-puller who was found using the victim's mobile, police said.

The accused had given the mobile to the rickshaw-puller after committing the crime, it said.

The incident occurred on August 8 night when 25-year-old Gupta, who had allegedly planned the murder, waited for the time when the victim would be alone in his shop at Chanakya Marg in Babarpur area of north east Delhi.

He pushed the victim inside the shop as he was pulling down the shutter and cut his neck with a knife, police said, adding that the accused then looted the gold rings, cash, ID cards and mobile of the deceased.

He had sold the rings for Rs 10,000 through a friend and paid his debt of Rs 9,800 with the money, they said.

According to the police, Mohit had selected Verma as he was a "soft target", who used to be alone in his shop and was heard to have a lot of money.

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German Chancellor Angela Merkel said today that she opposed any use of force to resolve the conflict with North Korea, after President Donald Trump said the US military was "locked and loaded".

"I don't envision a military solution to this conflict but rather consistent work as we've observed at the United Nations Security Council," Merkel told reporters.

"Germany will very intensively take part in the options for resolution that are not military but I consider a verbal escalation to be the wrong response," she said when asked about Trump's latest tweets on North Korea.

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US President Donald Trump issued today another warning to North Korea by saying that military solutions against the nuclear-armed regime were "locked and loaded" for use if Pyongyang acted "unwisely".

He retweeted a US Pacific Command tweet of pictures showing US Air Force Bomber B-1B Lancers.

"Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully (North Korean leader) Kim Jong Un will find another path!" Trump told his 35.5 million followers on twitter.

"USAF B-1B Lancer bombers on Guam stand ready to fulfil USFK's fight tonight mission if called upon to do so," the Pacific Command said in a tweet.

Yesterday, Trump issued fresh warnings to North Korea, saying things will happen to the country like it "never thought possible" if Pyongyang thinks about attacking America or any of its allies.

Referring to his Tuesday's statement that North Korean threat to the US will be met with "fire and fury", he said the message wasn't tough enough and it's time to act for the people of America.

"It's the first time they've heard it like they heard it. Frankly, the people that were questioning that statement, was it too tough, maybe it wasn't tough enough.

"They've been doing this to our country for a long time, for many years, and it's about time that somebody stuck up for the people of this country and for the people of other countries. So, if anything, maybe that statement wasn't tough enough," Trump told reporters at his summer vacation home at Bedminster in New Jersey yesterday.

The president was responding to a question on Tuesday's remarks, which has attracted criticism from traditional foreign policy experts and Democratic lawmakers.

"We are backed 100 percent by our military. We are backed by everybody.. We're backed by many other leaders. I noticed that many senators and others, today came out very much in favour of what I said. But, if anything, that statement may not be tough enough.

"The people of this country should be very comfortable, and I will tell you this, if North Korea does anything in terms of even thinking about attack on anybody that we love or we represent or our allies or us, they can be very, very nervous," Trump said.

"They should be very nervous, because things will happen to them like they never thought possible. He (Kim) has been pushing the world around for a long time. I have great respect for what China and what Russia did, and we got a 15-to-nothing vote," he added.

Trump also praised his UN Ambassador, Indian-American Nikki Haley on being successful in getting the Security Council sanctions on the Asian country.

Talking about China, Trump said the communist nation can do a lot more in helping the US handle the threat from the Kim Jong-Un regime.

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Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar today directed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to conduct a probe after opposition leader Dhananjay Munde produced a phone claiming that it was used by gangster Abu Salem in jail.

Munde caused a sensation in the Upper House after he produced the phone and demanded a probe into how can the inmate like Salem got access to such "luxuries" in jail.

"I have in my hand the phone used by Abu Salem in jail. We all know for which crime he is languishing in the prison. If he is getting such luxuries in jail, what is the condition of prisons in our state?" Munde (NCP) questioned.

The extradited gangster was convicted by a special court in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts case. He is currently lodged in Taloja jail in Navi Mumbai.

However, Munde didn't take name of any jail during his speech.

"I am ready for any inquiry (to ascertain if this is actually the phone used by Salem). How can an anti-national get such facilities in jail? This phone should be sent for forensic analysis to ascertain the truth. Many more things would be revealed in the inquiry," he said while speaking on a motion moved by him on the last day of the monsoon session.

Taking a serious note, the Chairman said, "This issue is very serious. I direct you (the chief minister) to conduct an immediate probe to ascertain the facts into the claims (made by Munde)".

In a dig, Munde said the BJP led government should make corruption "legal" as it is not taking any action against two ministers.

"The Opposition is now feeling ashamed to even speak against corruption as no action is being taken against the ministers despite damning evidences against them.

"Remember the very people who made you sit on their heads thinking you will work against corruption will not hesitate in trampling you. All investigative agencies are now backing corruption discreetly," Munde said.

The NCP leader demanded an inquiry into the allegations of corruption against a BJP and a Shiv Sena ministers under the Commission of Inquiries Act by a High Court judge.

In his reply, Fadnavis said a probe by the state Lokayukta will be conducted against state Housing Minister Prakash Mehta (BJP).

On allegations of illegally denotifying the government land being levelled against Industries Minister Subhash Desai of Shiv Sena, Fadnavis said the government will request the Lokayukta to consider his case and if it does not work out, an independent probe will be conducted against him.

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National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in collaboration with Mother Dairy today launched in six government girl schools in Noida and Delhi a programme 'Gift Milk', under which 6,000 students will be offered 200 ml flavoured milk on all working days.

Mother Dairy will be the donor as well as the implementing agency for this initiative which is aimed at tackling malnourishment among children.

"NDDB Foundation for Nutrition (NFN) launched its unique and novel 'Gift Milk' programme in six government girl schools in Noida and Delhi (three schools in Noida region of Uttar Pradesh and three schools in Delhi) on August 11," it said.

NDDB's Chairman Dilip Rath along with Sanjeev Khanna of Mother Dairy distributed milk packs among girl students of Government Balika Inter College in Sector 51, Noida.

As per the National Health Survey, 2015-16, about 36 per cent of children are undernourished. Malnutrition can be addressed through milk as it is a wholesome food.

NFN along with its subsidiaries is providing milk and milk products to government school children through a network of milk producer organisations to address malnutrition.

"Presently, NFN is providing Giftmilk to about 3500 students covering 7 schools in Gujarat, Telengana and Delhi. So far NFN has distributed about six lakh units of milk among government school children.

"Today, NFN will be adding six government girl schools with around 6000 students in Noida and Delhi under the 'Giftmilk' programme. Mother Dairy will be providing 200 ml flavoured milk to the students on all working days," the statement said.

NFN has started approaching Public Sector Undertakings for funding the programme under their CSR activities.

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Nigerian forces conducted an unauthorised search of the UN's main operating base in the town of Maiduguri in the country's northeast in the early hours of today, the UN said.

"Members of the Nigerian security forces entered a United Nations base for humanitarian workers in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria, without authorisation," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Nigeria said by email.

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The country's largest carmaker has said policy stability and predictability are important to nurture industry ecosystem as business environment is becoming more and more uncertain.

While the "fast changing regulations have also created a dynamic business environment", MD and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa said, "the auto industry is a policy sensitive one, and a change in regulation can have far reaching impact on our growth or direction of technology and manufacturing".

In his address to shareholders in the company's annual report 2016-17, Ayukawa said: "One of the important lessons we learnt last year was that the business environment is becoming more and more uncertain and that the organisation has to be strengthened further to deal effectively with such unanticipated disruptions".

Describing 2016-17 as a "dynamic and eventful year", he said: "We had our share of challenges in the form of short term disruptions in operations caused by fires at two of our key suppliers. Also, there was some initial uncertainty after the demonetisation event. Despite these unanticipated events, our market share inched up and we were able to welcome more and more customers to our family".

Calling for consistent policies, Ayukawa said: "Policy stability and predictability are important to nurture the industry ecosystem. It helps industry gain efficiencies and get clarity on which targets and technologies to work on".

He further said, "We are working with the government in thinking of policies that can make our cars safer, cleaner and more beneficial to the consumer in the Indian context".

In 2016-17, the auto industry had to face uncertainties such as the Supreme Court ban on registration of high-end diesel cars and SUVs having engine capacity of 2,000cc and above in Delhi and NCR, and sales of BS III vehicles.

Big cars and SUVs are now facing possible hike in cess under the new tax regime with the GST Council recommending increasing the maximum ceiling to 25 per cent from 15 per cent over and above the top tax rate of 28 per cent.

MSI Chairman RC Bhargava, while welcoming the government's decision to promote electric vehicles (EVs), said the company "would not hold back in introducing EVs as soon as we determine that the customers are ready to buy them".

"Meanwhile, efforts must continue to be made to enhance fuel efficiency. Hybrid technology is already resulting in significant improvements in fuel efficiency and is acceptable to customers," he added.

Bhargava further said: "We will continue to promote such vehicles, as a step towards electric mobility. A Lithium-ion battery pack plant is also being established by Suzuki, in a JV with Toshiba and Denso. This will help to reduce costs and promote hybrids and EVs".

When the government withdrew incentives to mild hybrids under the FAME scheme, MSI's Ertiga and Ciaz models were hit the most.

Stressing that new technologies are going to be enormously important in the years ahead, Bhargava said, "Failure to keep up to technological change can have severe consequences for any company. In India, we have to deal with issues of energy security, environmental protection and safety. The aspirations of the young, technologically savvy customers have to be met".

On the GST implementation, Bhargava said, "I expect it to be a game changer for Indian industry and the economy. Over the past decades, the Indian economy has increasingly become inconsistent with a modern industrial and competitive country."



The various reforms and initiatives taken by the government in the last three years are driving the country towards becoming an attractive place to establish manufacturing activities, and do business, he added.

"As 'invisible money' disappears, transparency and objectivity in decision-making will increase," Bhargava said, adding MSI has "always been a strong adherent of complying strictly with all laws and rules, and ethical conduct has been our watchword. We welcome what is happening as it is good for India, and for your company".
In a strategically key move, India has poured in more troops along the entire stretch of its border with China in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the face of heightened rhetoric by Beijing over the Dokalam standoff, senior government officials said on Friday.

The "caution level" among the troops has also been raised, the officials told PTI.

The decision to increase the deployment along the nearly 1,400-km Sino-India border from Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh was taken after carrying out a detailed analysis of the situation and considering China's aggressive posturing against India on Dokalam, the officials said.

"The troop level along the border with China in the Sikkim and Arunachal sectors has been increased," said the officials on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the information.

The Army's Sukna-based 33 Corps as well as 3 and 4 corps based in Arunachal and Assam are tasked to protect the sensitive Sino-India border in the eastern theatre.

The officials declined to give any figure or percentage of increased deployment, saying they cannot disclose "operational details."



According to defence experts, roughly 45,000 troops including personnel having completed the weather acclimatisation process are normally kept ready along the border at any given time, but not all are necessarily deployed.

The soldiers, deployed over 9,000 feet, have to go through a 14-day-long acclimatisation process.

The officials, however, said there is no enhancement of troops at the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction in Dokalam where around 350 army personnel are holding on to their position for nearly eight weeks after stopping Chinese troops from constructing a road on June 16.

Bhutan and China have competing claims over Dokalam, and are negotiating a resolution.

China has been ramping up rhetoric against India over the last few weeks, demanding immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Dokalam. The Chinese state media, particularly, has carried a barrage of critical articles on the Dokalam stand-off slamming India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj recently said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, and favoured a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.

India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.
A senior Pakistani police official and his security guard were today shot dead by motorcycle- borne gunmen in one of the most congested areas here.

Deputy Superintendent of traffic police, Hanif Ahmed and his guard constable Sultan were on way from their residence in the Azizabad area when unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on their vehicle.

"The targeted attack took place in Hussainabad locality which is very congested in the morning time and after spraying bullets the two gunmen sped away," a rescue official said.

Senior Superintendent of Police Central Muqadas Haider said both the police officials died on the spot.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh A D Khawaja told the media that they suspected the same gang of militants was behind today's attack which has been targeting traffic police and general policemen in Karachi.

This is not the first-time policemen have come under attack in Karachi.

On July, gunmen killed three policemen and a 12-year old boy in the Korangi area.

While in June, four policemen were killed when gunmen opened fire on their checkpost while in May two policemen on duty were gunned down by unidentified men in the posh Bahadurabad area.

The Counter Terrorism Department of the Sindh police believes after that a relatively unknown splinter group of militants who have returned from Syria are behind the attacks. The group calls itself Ansar-ul-Sharia Pakistan.

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Swine flu has claimed its second victim in Madhya Pradesh since July, with the death of a woman at a hospital here, officials said.

So far, 22 positive cases of swine flu have been reported in Madhya Pradesh since July 1 this year, Director of Madhya Pradesh Health Services, Dr K L Sahu, said today.

"The woman, aged around 25-years, died at Chirayu Medical College here yesterday. This is the second death in the state due to swine flu since July 1. The woman, a resident of neighbouring Raisen district, was admitted to the hospital on August 8," he said.

The state Health Department has made elaborate arrangements to control the spread of H1N1 virus, Sahu added.

According to Dr Sahu, a 35-year old woman had succumbed to the H1N1 infection in the first week of this month in Jabalpur, but he attributed this death due to delayed admission of patient.

"Besides these two deaths, 22 people have tested positive for swine flu since July 1 this year. Isolation wards have been created in all the district hospitals in the state to tackle the situation," he said adding that, the guidelines issued by the Centre had been forwarded to the authorities concerned in the districts.

Ten beds in hospitals with a capacity of more than 300 beds, five beds in hospitals with 100 to 300 beds and two beds in hospitals having 50 beds, have been reserved for the patients of swine flu, Sahu said.

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid growing speculation over the merger of the two factions of the AIADMK in the state.

Palaniswami, however, told reporters here that he only discussed with Modi the state's demand that it be exempted from the purview of the all-India medical college entrance test, NEET.

The CM, along with Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, met the PM at his office in Parliament House.

Stalled negotiations on the merger of two AIADMK factions picked up again yesterday after a meeting presided over by Palaniswami questioned the appointment of TTV Dhinakaran as AIADMK's deputy general secretary.

A resolution passed in the meeting said Dhinakaran's elevation to the post, hours before his aunt Sasikala Natarajan was taken to a jail in Bengaluru, was against party bylaws, a condition which former chief minister O Panneerselvam's faction of the party had pushed for a merger.

Panneerselvam, the head of the rival faction, is also in Delhi. Both he and the CM attended Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu's oath-taking ceremony this morning.

Panneerselvam is also trying for an appointment with PM Modi, sources here said. Members of his faction will also meet officials of the Election Commission.

The sources said the Panneerselvam faction will present a copy of yesterday's resolution to the EC.

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In the tripartite talks held today it was agreed to respect the previous agreements between the government and United Naga Council (UNC) and to avoid any provocative action till the dialogue process is taken to its logical end.

The tripartite talks were held today at Senapati district. It was chaired by joint Secretary (North-East) Ministry of Home affairs, Satyender Garg and attended by some Manipur ministers, senior state government officials and United Naga Council (UNC) leaders.

The talks appreciated the Manipur government for complying with May 19, 2017 agreement of conducting the talks at the political level while expressing resentment on some recent developments, official sources said.

It was agreed that the next round of talks would be held next month, it added.

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Nuclear weapons pose greatest threat to the world, US President Donald Trump has said as he favoured a complete elimination of atomic arms by all countries possessing it including Pakistan, China and Russia.

"I would like to de-nuke the world. I know that President Obama said global warming is the biggest threat. I totally disagree. I say that it's a simple one -- Nuclear is our greatest threat worldwide. Not even a question, not even close," he told reporters yesterday at Bedminster in New Jersey.

"So, I'd like to de-nuke the world. I would like Russia and the United States, China and Pakistan, and many other countries that have nuclear weapons, get rid of them," Trump said.

He said until his aim of a nuclear-free world is achieved, America will be the most powerful nuclear nation on the earth by far.

"The first order I gave to my generals, I want this, our nuclear arsenal, to be the biggest and the finest in the world," Trump said in response to a question.

"We spent a lot of money, a lot of time, and a lot of effort. It is in tip-top shape, and getting better and getting stronger. Until such time as this scourge disappears, we will be so much better and so much stronger than anybody else. And nobody, including North Korea, is going to be threatening us with anything," he said.

Trump said his administration will be increasing military budget by many billions of dollars because of the North Korean threat and other reasons.

Talking about the Russia sacking 755 workers of the US Embassy in Moscow, Trump thanked his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, boasting that the move would cut payrolls and save him some money.

"I want to thank him (Putin) because we're trying to cut down on payroll. And as far as I'm concerned, I'm very thankful that he let go of a large number of people because now we have a smaller payroll," he said.

"There's no real reason for them to go back. So I greatly appreciate the fact that they've been able to cut our payroll for the United States. We'll save a lot of money," Trump said.

Moscow had last month announced counter measures in response to tough new sanctions proposed by the United States, ordering Washington to reduce its diplomatic staff.

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Two wagons of a goods train jumped off the track near Surgaon-Banjari station on Itarsi- Khandwa section of Bhopal railway division today, disrupting rail traffic.

Two empty wagons of a goods train derailed near Surgaon-Banjari station (in Khandwa district) between Itarsi and Khandwa stations around 3.20 pm, West Central Railway's Bhopal division Public Relation Officer (PRO) IA Siddique told PTI.

He said traffic on down rail track, close to the railroad on which the train derailed, has resumed at 4.30 pm.

Efforts are on to restore traffic on the up rail track from which the goods train jumped off, he added.

Bhopal Divisional Railway Manager has ordered an inquiry into the derailment, he added.

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The Islamic State extremist group is still capable of sending funds to supporters and motivating attacks in Europe and elsewhere despite military pressure and falling revenue and al-Qaida remains resilient especially in West Africa, East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, UN experts said in a report.

The experts monitoring sanctions against the extremist groups said competition between the Islamic State and al-Qaida continues, but "shifting alliances" among fighters "and cooperation on the tactical level in several regions also allow them to move between various groups."



The report said the extremist threat continues to rise in Southeast Asia, where IS wants to establish a foothold. It said recent events in the southern Philippines, where the city of Marawi has been under siege by IS-linked militants for more than two months, is evidence of this.

The experts said in the report to the UN Security Council that "the core" of the Islamic State extremist group is adapting to military pressure in Iraq and Syria by delegating decision-making responsibility to local commanders and switching to encrypted communications.

Several member states highlighted "the increasingly creative use of drones" by IS, primarily in Iraq and Syria.

They said the group is developing the capability to design and construct larger drones which will increasingly enable it "to weaponize the drones, thereby increasing its ability to strike at a distance," according to the report.

It said IS "continues to send funds to its affiliates worldwide" and is likely to do so as long as the group has the means. IS leaders have also sent money to places where the group doesn't have affiliates in an attempt to prepare for its eventual defeat in Iraq and Syria, according to an unidentified UN member state quoted in the report.

The experts quote several member states as saying IS fighters returning home generally fall into three categories: Those disenchanted with the extremist group "and terrorism as an ideology" who can potentially be deradicalized and reintegrated into society; a much smaller group of high-risk individuals who return with the aim of conducting "terror attacks"; and individuals who have cut ties with IS but "remain radicalised and are ready to join another terrorist group should the opportunity arise."



The report assessed extremist trends by region: Attacks in Europe in the first half of 2017 demonstrate that "Europe remained a priority region" for IS attacks, it said. However, thus far in 2017 the group hasn't conducted an attack in which the IS "core" is involved in detailed planning and decision- making, sending fighters and providing financial resources, the report said.

It quoted some member states reporting "an increase in radicalisation and violent extremism" linked to IS networks in Europe.

In Iraq, the report quoted several member states saying key IS leaders left Mosul prior to the attack by Iraqi forces supported by the US-led coalition. But it said IS resistance in Mosul "indicates that its command and control structure has not broken down completely and that the group remains a significant military threat." In Syria, the report said key IS members also left their stronghold of Raqqa ahead of an expected attack and air strikes.

The Arabian Peninsula faces "a significant threat" from al-Qaida and IS in Yemen, the report said. It said a member state reported that over 30 IS-related "terrorist plots" have been disrupted in the region, including one in June targeting the Grand Mosque in Mecca, and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

It said the importance of Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula for the militant group is demonstrated by a statement from Osama bin Laden's son, Hamza bin Laden, encouraging sympathizers to join al-Qaida training camps in Yemen.

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An armed gang attacked a police team in Birodi village in Surajpur area here and fled with two of their accomplices who were being questioned over allegedly smuggling liquor in the area.

After conducting a raid at the village last night, police arrested two liquor smugglers identified as Pawan and Krishan, Surajpur police in charge Manish Saxena told PTI today.

During interrogation, they revealed that Rajinder Gurjar used to give them smuggled liquor for sale in the district.

Meanwhile, Rajinder along with his brother Gyanendra and a few other men reached the spot and attacked the police team, Saxena said. Amid the tussle, Pawan and Krishan managed to escape, he added.

Additional police force was immediately sent and Gyanedra was arrested from the area later, while efforts were on to a nab the absconding accused.

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A Delhi court has issued a production warrant against jailed real estate baron Gopal Ansal in a case related to tampering of evidence in the 1997 Uphaar fire tragedy.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sumit Dass directed that the accused be produced on August 16 noting that a lot of time has already passed and there was no strong reason for not issuing a warrant.

The Delhi High Court had on May 12 upheld a trial court order framing charges of tampering of evidence against Gopal Ansal and his brother Sushil, and five others in the case for causing disappearance of evidence, criminal breach of trust by public servant and criminal conspiracy punishable under the IPC.

A court had on January 31, 2003, ordered an inquiry after some documents related to the Uphaar case had gone missing from the court's record room. After an inquiry, a court employee was dismissed from service.

The court also directed Sushil Ansal to file a response on a plea by Association of Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT) that there were apprehensions that he played a fraud on the authority concerned to get his passport renewed.

It, meanwhile, put two persons -- Praveen Shankar Sharma and Deepak Kathpalia -- on trial in a separate case of alleged harassment of AVUT chairperson Neelam Krishnamoorthy by passing lewd remarks inside the Patiala House court premises on the evening of May 10, 2007.

Kathpalia and Sharma were then employed by the owners of the Uphaar cinema hall in the national capital.

They had earlier tendered "unconditional apology" on a piece of paper to Krishnamoorthy but they refused to get it published in leading newspapers as asked by the court.

Krishnamoorthy, who lost two children in the Uphaar fire tragedy, has been fighting a legal battle on behalf of the victims' families for the last 20 years.

In her complaint, Krishnamoorthy had said she and her husband were harassed by the accused inside the Patiala House court premises on May 10, 2007. She had gone to the court to attend the trial proceedings in the 1997 fire tragedy case.

The trial court had earlier taken cognisance of the offence against the four accused, including the Ansal brothers, under the relevant penal provisions.

Subsequently, the High Court first stayed the proceedings and then quashed the case against the Ansals.

On February 9, the Supreme Court, on a curative petition, had directed Gopal Ansal to undergo the remaining one-year jail term in connection with the tragedy. However, it had spared 77-year-old Sushil Ansal because of his age.

The apex court had also upheld the fine of Rs 30 crore each imposed on the brothers and said the money should be utilised for setting up a trauma centre here.

Following this, Gopal had approached the Supreme Court seeking modification of its order on the grounds of parity, saying he was a 69-year-old and would suffer an irreparable damage to his health if sent to prison.

The plea was dismissed and Gopal subsequently surrendered before the Tihar Jail authorities on March 20.

Fifty-nine people, trapped in the balcony of the cinema hall in south Delhi, had died of asphyxia following the blaze and over 100 were injured in the subsequent stampede in 1997 during the screening of Bollywood film 'Border'.

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over 200 industrialists and businessmen took part at the World Food India roadshow held here today which was organised to invite the state's industrialists to participate in World Food India 2017 to be held in November in New Delhi.

The World Food India roadshow, organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), was addressed by Anuradha Prasad, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industry, and A J V Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh and Rajesh Sharma, Director, industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh.

Anuradha Prasad said that World Food India 2017 is a platform for showcasing the food processing strength of India and an opportunity to connect with international and Indian players in food processing and allied sectors.

She said that the three-day mega event 'World Food India-2017' would be held in New Delhi from November 3 to 5 and 80 multinational companies and CEOs of 30 global companies have confirmed their participation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi would inaugurate the mega event.

Discussing the investment and growth opportunities in food processing sector with business leaders, Prasad briefed the business community about the government schemes related to food processing industry and highlighted the benefits of Kisan Sampada scheme and said that it will benefit 20 lakh farmers and generate 5,30,500 direct and indirect employment in the country by 2019-20.

"Himachal Pradesh has great potential in the food processing sector and World Food India is the most suitable platform for the industry from the state to avail benefits being offered by the government to set up food processing units such as no income tax deduction for the first five years, she added.

"The manufacturing facilities in the state are well suited for the food processing sector as there is a mega food park in Tehsil Haroli District, Una by Cremica Food Park Pvt Ltd.

Concurrently, for marketing the agricultural produce, there is a modernized market complex at Solan" she said adding agri export zones have been set up for apples in Kinnaur, Shimla, Sirmour, Kulu, Mandi and Chamba.

Nine cold chain units have been approved in the state and there are 41 industrial areas in the state.

Prasad urged the business community for maximum participation in the event at New Delhi and look for new opportunities and collaboration with other Indian and global companies.

A J V Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh, said, "The newly-approved Central Sector Scheme - Sampada -is very helpful and we are hopeful that the new scheme, targeted to give thrust to overall development of food processing sector in the country would go a long way in augmenting the capacity of food processing through technology infusion; creating effective backward and forward linkages; effective supply chain and transport logistics for perishable products; creating modern infrastructure for development of agro-processing clusters and promoting skill development.

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By Devidutta Tripathy and Tanvi Mehta

- State Bank of India's first-quarter profit fell short of expectations as the nation's top lender by assets saw a spike in bad loans after merging five subsidiary banks with itself, sending its shares more than 5 percent lower.

Indian banks' sour assets have surged in the past year or so after a regulatory crackdown to clean up the sector dominated by state-run lenders. This year, the government gave the central bank greater power to push defaulting borrowers into bankruptcy proceedings.

State Bank, under Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya who has been at the helm since October 2013, has fared better than its state-run peers in managing its bad loans. However, the five so-called associate banks that were merged with the parent effective April 1, had a relatively poor asset quality.

SBI, which on Friday reported its first quarterly results after the merger, said net profit was 20.06 billion rupees ($312.84 million) in the three months through June, from 3.74 billion rupees a year earlier. Pre-merger, the bank's year-earlier profit was 25.21 billion rupees.

The result compared with the 30.29 billion rupee average analyst estimate, Thomson data showed.

Bhattacharya, whose four-year term is due to end in October, told a conference the bank expected a "pull back", guiding for lower additions to bad loans in the full year to March 2018 and improvement in net interest margins.

The bank expects its slippage ratio to fall to below 3.3 percent in the year to March 2018, from 5.78 percent last financial year, it said in a presentation. Provisioning costs will likely be less than 2.25 percent in 2017/18 compared with 2.9 percent last year.

However, loan growth will remain muted at 6 to 8 percent for the full year, Bhattacharya said, as the economy is still adjusting to factors including a ban on high-value banknotes late last year and a new goods and services tax that was implemented last month.

SBI, which accounts for more than a fifth of India's banking sector assets, said for the merged entity, gross bad loans as a percentage of total loans rose to 9.97 percent at the end of June from 9.11 percent three months earlier and 7.40 percent at the end of June last year.

The bank will need to make additional provisions of 85.71 billion rupees this financial year for its exposure to 12 large borrowers which have been taken to bankruptcy court, SBI said. It has outstanding loans of 502.47 billion rupees on those accounts.

Bank of Baroda, the fifth-biggest Indian lender by assets, also reported on Friday first-quarter profit more than halved and its bad-loan ratio widened.

SBI shares closed 5.6 percent lower in a Mumbai market that fell 1.1 percent. Bank of Baroda shares closed 4.2 percent down.

($1 = 64.1225 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Devidutta Tripathy and Tanvi Mehta; editing by Christopher Cushing and Susan Thomas)

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(Reuters) - India's Tata Steel Ltd has received regulatory approval for a deal to cut its UK pension scheme liabilities, it said on Friday, paving the way for a possible merger between its British and European steel businesses and those of Germany's Thyssenkrupp.

The pensions deal "represents the best possible structural outcome for the members of the British Steel Pension Scheme and for the Tata Steel UK business," Koushik Chatterjee, Tata Steel's group executive director, said.

The net financial impact of the deal would be reflected in Tata Steel's second-quarter financial results, he said.

The fate of Tata's British businesses, including the UK's largest steelworks, at Port Talbot in Wales, has been uncertain since Tata Steel said more than a year ago it planned to sell the British assets following heavy losses.

Without a deal on the pension scheme, Tata Steel UK had warned it could face insolvency due to the size of the pension fund's deficit.

The pension scheme's 15 billion pounds ($19.37 billion) of liabilities also appeared to be the main obstacle in the merger talks with Thyssenkrupp, which has been opposed to taking them on.

Thyssenkrupp said on Friday it would still not rush into any merger decisions. The prospect of a merger has also met with opposition from Thyssenkrupp's German labour unions.

"Thyssenkrupp had already in the past pointed out that any (pensions) agreement would need to be closely examined," a spokesman for the German steel-to-elevators group said.

"We will now take the time necessary for that examination."

Under the terms of the deal with The Pensions Regulator, Tata Steel will pay 550 million pounds ($713 million) into the British Steel Pension Scheme and will also give one of Britain's largest final salary pension schemes a 33 percent equity stake in Tata Steel UK Ltd.

The terms are in line with those outlined by Tata Steel earlier this year.

When the new agreement comes into effect, the UK pension scheme will be separated from Tata Steel UK and a number of affiliates, the company said. (http://bit.ly/2vt3uAD)

The deal makes the 130,000 members of the scheme automatically eligible to join the Pension Protection Fund (PPF), an industry-funded lifeboat for ailing schemes, which offers lower guaranteed benefits than the existing terms.

However, Tata Steel plans to sponsor a new pension scheme with lower benefits than the old scheme but better ones than the PPF.

That scheme could take some months to set up but should not stand in the way of any tie-up between Tata and Thyssenkrupp, pension industry sources say.

The British Steel Pension Scheme said it would write to its members in the next few weeks about the new scheme.

"We'd encourage members to consider the details and their position carefully and decide whether the new scheme or the PPF is the better option for them," a PPF spokesman said.

($1 = 0.7711 pounds)

(Reporting by Samantha Kareen Nair in Bengaluru, Carolyn Cohn in London, Christoph Steitz in Frankfurt and Tom Kaeckenhoff in Duesseldorf; Editing by Greg Mahlich)

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Want to send a text to your love interest from college days without giving away your identity? Or perhaps you are looking for a way to tell your boss how much you loathe him or her? Or may be you want to tell somebody how much you admire her/him? Well, there is an app for you that lets you do this anonymously.


There's finally some progress for those who have invested in Jaypee projects, but have yet not received the possession of their flats, plots. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has appointed an insolvency professional who will look into the claims of such buyers, according to the Times of India. Flat buyers can make their claims till August 24 as two weeks have been provided for the purpose.

The projects that have not yet been completed include Jaypee's 800-acre Wish Town in Noida's Sector 128. The Wish Town has 32,000 apartments, out of which only 5,500 have been delivered. Jaypee has assured it would complete the project in the coming years.

Bankers, led by IDBI Bank, had taken Jaypee Infratech to the NCLT for bankruptcy proceedings. The company is developing the Yamuna Expressway project between Noida and Agra with township area totalling 25 million square metres.

On August 9, the National Company Law Tribunal admitted the insolvency petition filed by IDBI Bank against debt-ridden Jaypee Infratech. "Consequent upon withdrawal of objections filed by the company, NCLT, Allahabad Bench has on August 9 pronounced operating portion of its order admitting the petition of IDBI Bank Ltd filed under Section 7 of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 and appointing Interim Resolution Professional," Jaypee Infratech said in a regulatory filing.

Over the last three years, the company has been on an overdrive to sell assets - hydropower projects in Himachal Pradesh to Sajjan Jindal's JSW and cement units to Orient Cement and A.V. Birla's Ultratech. "We have always worked closely with banks. We divested and reduced liabilities according to their advice," says an executive, on condition of anonymity.

Bankers say the value of the company's assets is far more than its debt. "But the value may take a long to mature and, hence, there is a liquidity mismatch," says a banker.

There is also a view that the banks may take equity as promoters still hold a 72 per cent stake. The market capitalisation of the company is Rs 3,000 crore. But some banks might not be receptive to the idea. "Why should a bank move from a secured position to equity?" says a banker.
In a bid to address premature closing of provident fund accounts, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has decided to transfer your PF account automatically in case of job change. This will be effective from next month.



Chief provident fund commissioner VP Joy spoke to the Times of India about the decision and said that premature closure of PF accounts was one of EPFO's main challenges, and they were trying to address it by improving services. "Whenever there is change of job, a lot of accounts are closed; then they (the employees) restart their account later on," The TOI quoted Joy as saying.

READ ALSO: Panama papers being probed but India won't follow Pak example, says Arun Jaitley



The Chief commissioner does not want people to close their PF accounts when they change their jobs and for that he has already made Aadhaar compulsory for the enrolments. "The PF account is the permanent account. The worker can retain the same account for social security," Joy said.



According to the report, the EPFO was trying to ensure transfer of money if one changes jobs in just three days. "In future, if one has an Aadhaar ID and has verified the ID, then the account will be transferred without any application if the worker goes anywhere in the country. This system will be in place very soon," Joy told the TOI. READ ALSO: Penalty of Rs 5,000 for using plastic bags from next week

In last couple of months, the EPFO has taken several initiatives to make the organization a service-friendly. Earlier in July, the EPFO asked its field offices to make final settlement of employees' provident fund money on the last day of retirement.



Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha said: "Directions have been issued by EPFO to all its field offices to make the payment of provident fund and pension to members of Employees Provident Funds (EPF) Scheme, 1952 and Employees Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995 on the date of retirement itself."



He further said: "As regards settlement of gratuity, as per Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, the employer shall arrange to pay the amount of gratuity within 30 days from the date it becomes payable to the person to whom the gratuity is payable."


Narendra Pal, a government school teacher in Zirakpur near Chandigarh, got the shock of his life when he received an sms just before midnight that Rs 10,000 has been withdrawn from his account through an ATM in Surat. By the time he could realise what was happening, he got two more messages about withdrawal of Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000. He had fallen victim to online fraud. As the first debit happened a few minutes before 12 midnight, the fraudster was able to transact again immediately as withdrawal limit for the next day set in.

As more and more people use online banking services, which are now reaching the unbanked under the financial inclusion programmes of the government, banking frauds are rising. Also, post demonetisation, there has been a sharp rise in online transactions. Pal informed his bank about the transactions immediately by calling on the helpline number. He also wrote to the bank branch and the RBI that he had not shared details of his bank account and ATM card with anyone. He also filed a complaint with the crime branch's cyber cell. The officers took him to the petrol pump where he had last used the card but nothing came out of it. Pal says the bank staff was cooperative but still it took him more than two months and two-three visits to the branch to get his money. He had to forgo the interest.

People like Pal need not worry now. The RBI has come out with guidelines that say the bank will have to make good the entire loss if the customer notifies it about the unauthorised/fraudulent transaction within a stipulated period. The RBI has taken forward the draft guidelines on customer liability in case of online fraudulent transactions that it had issued in August 2016. "Considering the recent surge in customer grievances associated with unsanctioned electronic transactions, the recent notification shared by RBI entails a more specific guideline to protect customers from potential cases of fraud or misuse.

Banks will therefore have to set up robust frameworks around fraud identification and early warning mechanisms covering the online and digital space", says Vikram Babbar, Partner, Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services, EY India.



Onus on Bank

While earlier, the onus was on the customer to prove that he or she has not shared his bank details with anyone, now it is the bank that has to prove that the customer was at fault and not careful enough while using online banking facilities. The earlier system used to result in the customer suffering losses or the bank taking long to pay the money as there were no clear guidelines or stipulated period for refunds. "Many people are apprehensive about online transactions. These guidelines will build trust among bank customers," says Kalpesh J. Mehta, Partner, Deloitte Haskins and Sells.

This is a big step, believes Mahesh Patel, President and CTO, AGS Transact Technologies, as this will encourage banks to use better fraud monitoring systems.

"As the onus was on the customer, the cost of a good fraud monitoring system was more than the cost of actual fraud for banks. As a result of this, barring the top few banks, the rest refrained from investing in fraud monitoring systems," says Patel. The RBI guidelines ask banks to implement a robust and dynamic fraud detection and prevention mechanism and assess and fill gaps if any.

Customer to get full refund

Banks will pay for the entire loss in the following cases.



When a fraudulent transaction has happened due to deficiency or negligence on the part of the bank irrespective of the fact that the customer has reported it or not. "A digital transaction goes through various intermediary platforms such as the payer bank, the payee bank, the payment gateway, etc, and the transaction has to be encrypted. No data should be stored with either of the intermediaries but only transferred. Therefore, if a fraud happens during this process, the customer should not be held liable. As per RBI recommendations, the bank will have to refund to the customer," says Mehta of Deloitte Haskins and Sells. When there is a third-party breach where the deficiency lies neither with the bank nor the customer but with the system somewhere else and the customer notifies the bank regarding the transaction within three working days.

For example, last year, the systems of Hitachi Payment Service, to which some banks had outsourced their ATM transaction processing, were compromised, affecting around 3.2 million cards across banks such as ICICI, SBI, YES and HDFC.

In this scenario, if the customer informs the bank about the fraudulent transaction within three working days after receiving the communication, the bank will have to make good the entire loss to the customer.

Limited liability If the fraud has happened due to the negligence of the customer, he or she will have to bear the entire loss till the bank is informed about the transaction.

If the customer shares confidential information like ATM PIN, card number, etc, with somebody knowingly or unknowingly, he or she will have to bear the entire loss till the bank is informed about the transaction. If neither the bank nor the customer is responsible but the fraud has happened due to the fault in the system and the customer informs the bank within four or seven days, the customer liability will be limited to the transaction value or Rs 10,000, whichever is less. The limit applies in case of savings bank accounts, credit cards with limit of up to Rs 5 lakh, and current accounts with annual average balance limit up to Rs 25 lakh. If a person informs within three days, the entire amount is paid back. For current accounts, overdraft accounts and credit cards with limit above Rs 5 lakh, the maximum limit is Rs 25,000.

For basic saving bank deposit accounts, that is, no-frills accounts, the limit is Rs 5,000.

If there is a delay of more than seven days, the customer's liability will be decided as per the policy approved by the bank's board.

Banks convey to their customers who have registered their mobile number and email with banks about every transaction through email and sms. Now, the RBI has advised banks to ask for a mobile number if the customer wants to take the online transaction facility so that he or she is notified about every transaction. The banks may not offer the facility of electronic transactions, other than ATM cash withdrawals, to customers who do not provide mobile numbers to the bank. At present, banks charge for the SMS service. However, RBI guidelines do not mention anything about who will bear the SMS charges. At present, the charges are borne by account holders.

Reply option

Apart from multiple channels like website, phone banking, SMS, e-mail, IVR, a dedicated toll-free helpline, reporting to the home branch, etc, for reporting fraudulent transactions, banks will have to provide the customer an option to reply to an SMS and email alerts. Further, the RBI has directed banks to provide a direct link for lodging complaints, with specific option to report unauthorised electronic transactions on home page of bank's website.

The fraud reporting system of banks shall also ensure that immediate response (including auto response) is sent to customers acknowledging the complaint along with the registered complaint number. The communication systems used by banks to send alerts and receive their responses thereto must record the time and date of delivery of the message and receipt of customer's response, if any, to them. This shall be important in determining the extent of a customer's liability.

Timeline for refund

After the customer has informed the bank about the transaction, the bank shall credit the amount to the customer's account within 10 working days as per the new guidelines.

Apart from this, in cases where the customer liability is to be decided by the bank's board, the complaint should be addressed within 90 days and if the board is unable to decide the customer liability, he or she should be compensated as per zero liability and limited liability provisions.






For the past couple of days there have been long queues at SEBI Bhavan, headquarters of the market regulator at Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai. It's the representatives of the 331 companies that were banned from regular trading on stock exchanges by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Sebi has directed the bourses to initiate action against them as they are suspected to be "shell" companies -which is neither defined under the Companies Act nor in any of the SEBI regulations. Most of the companies have queued up to plead their case with the market regulator explaining that they aren't dubious or shell companies. They want to get their name removed from the SEBI list as they can also face compulsory delisting.

While SEBI has asked exchanges to examine tax returns and financials of the 331 companies, it is not clear whether a show cause or appropriate notice was given to these companies. It's also strange that an autonomous body like SEBI hastily gave directives to the exchanges after the corporate affairs ministry shared the list of suspected shell entities.

ALSO READ: Jaypee flat buyers have till August 24 to raise claims

But the larger question is: Why is the regulator not questioning the auditors and rating agencies in this country? In the case of these 331, rating agencies may not come into the picture but the role of auditors is certainly to be questioned given that SEBI doesn't believe the audited reports of these companies that have to be compulsory filed every year. All the 331 listed companies are registered and have appointed statutory auditors and their accounts are signed by statutory accountants. If the regulatory authority is sure of the misdoing in these companies why have they not filed a case against the auditors and why has no FIR being filed till date?

Then, all filings are available online and SEBI has the power to check the same but it chose a path of not checking the data and instead asked the companies to prove their innocence. This also puts a question mark over the course of action initiated by SEBI : Why didn't it check the available data till now?

ALSO READ: Sebi's 331 suspected shell firms case: SAT lifts trading restrictions on JKumar and Prakash Industries

Time and again SEBI talks about investor protection as its priority but its move to impose trading ban on 331 companies overnight has been the biggest disservice to the investors who are now trapped. These companies have also seen many institutional and high profile investors like Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. The SEBI action is questionable as they could have just banned promoters and company from buying and selling securities and freeze promoters holding instead of suspending the scrips from regular trading to trading once a month.

This isn't the first time that the regulators are being soft on auditors. Satyam Computers and NSEL fiascos are still fresh in people's mind. The market regulator needs to answer some basic questions on the need for hygiene checks before issuing diktats to ban scrips from trading in 331 companies. Also, why did an autonomous body like SEBI come under government pressure? Is this an effort to curb the black money menace or are there some other factors at play here? The government had all the powers to conduct raids through income tax department or enforcement directorate for tracing black money. Why did it chose the SEBI route to punish these 331 companies. The government and regulators know that the trading ban can be challenged at tribunals and higher courts and be revoked.

ALSO READ: Sebi imposes restrictions on 331 suspected shell firms: What will happen to them?

The hasty decision by SEBI can do irreparable damage to the reputation of these companies also bring a bad name to the Indian markets, driving away global investors.

Also watch:




It's been a slow simmering, the sound of which went unheard over decades. Farmers in India, particularly marginal farmers, suffered in silence - closeness to the earth and its soil and to nature is imparts a certain strength of character that allows for enduring harsh circumstances, they say. Occasionally, however, these sons of our soil would vent their frustration by resorting to suicide.

And over the years, the suicides grew in number, commensurate with the general suicide rate. Any suicide is regrettable for a country and its people, but when we're referring to the country's food-providers - the anna-daatas -- it takes on a different hue altogether.

Given this background, the now oft-witnessed farmers' rallies in the Capital and other parts of the country could be seen as an motivated by an awakening that was imminent. However, with political parties- led by the CPI and joined by several opposition parties -- now having taken up cudgels on behalf of the farmers, it appears to have become a movement of sorts against the Central government. Their threats to escalate matters by ideas like "fill the jails" and comparing it with the Indian freedom movement are proof that the agitation is unlikely to die down in a hurry.

The demands rally mostly around two issues: loan waivers, and setting MSP at 50 per cent above cost of production, as per the Swaminathan Committee report. Unfortunately, for PM Modi, he had promised these two things in his election speeches in 2014 and that is what the agitating leaders want him to make good. It doesn't help that post forming the government at the Centre, Modi realized the impossibility of implementing these two conditions.

Here's why. First, little can be done by the Central government in this regard as agriculture is a state subject and therefore, loan waivers would also need to be granted by states. Indeed, a Central loan-waiver has a precedent in the form of the scheme announced by Manmohan Singh government in 2008, but that had not helped bring long-term benefits nor stopped them for resorting to the last-refuge measure of suicides.

That waivers are a short-term measure, lead to bad credit culture and eat into development funds is being said repeatedly by analysts, the RBI and M.S. Swaminathan himself.

Hence, one must conclusively write off the idea of loan waivers, as something to be demanded of the Central government. In April this year, though he gave the protesting Tamil Nadu farmers assistance from the NDRF funds, PM Modi had refused to meet the farmers. The answers to the farmers' conundrum lie elsewhere. And given this fact, what these rallies will achieve is difficult to surmise.

Why higher MSP is not feasible



The issue of MSP is less than understood in terms of its efficacy in bettering farmers' lives once and for all. While all agree that the farmers do not get adequate remuneration for their labor or produce, what is not understood is that it is applicable only on 26 commodities, out of which only 2 - rice and paddy - are generally procured by the government. Further, the Modi government had, in 2015, set up the Shanta Kumar committee to study this issue; this committee had arrived at the conclusion that only 6 per cent farmers in the country get the benefit of MSP in reality: 94 per cent do not.

Hence, increasing MSP to include 50 per cent profit is not a panacea to all farmers' ills.

Moreover, adding to the untenability of this suggested pro-farmer measure is the other issue - the WTO, whose members have been frowning on India raising its support prices, terming them as trade-distorting. Raising MSP is, thus, not an option at all.

The kind of problems farmers deal with and why good governance is the answer Debates that are raging across the country on how to improve farmers' lives focus on solutions such as agriculture reform -- increasing crop productivity, expanding irrigation, crop insurance, warehousing, and strengthening the national agricultural market platform (e-NAM).

While it is true that all of these are important, their implementation will be a slow, time-taking process. Also, by themselves these will not automatically prove to be a magic-wand solution. The issue really is taking the benefits of all of these to the last-mile farmer, and therefore about governance.

Successive governments have, over decades, announced measure after measure for the agricultural sector, but the farmer has not been able to take advantage of them. Why? This is because the issues that the farmers face are not just variable across locations but also highly nuanced.

Agriculture consultants inform us that very often it is about states' apathy, a failing of the state agricultural department: "It is a man-made problem, it is entirely preventable." Take the example of Telangana farmers recently, who incurred heavy losses this year because of bumper crops of red chillies, soya beans and pulses that led to prices crashing. State government officials washed their hands off by deflecting the blame on the farmers and the Centre.

A senior official from the state Agriculture department was quoted in a news report as saying: "Farmers must not blindly opt for crops that gave them huge returns previously." Another report quoted the Marketing minister of Telangana offloading the responsibility on the Central government, saying that it is their responsibility to ensure minimum support price (MSP) for farmers and therefore, that they were responsible for the losses.

The reality, Agriculture experts in the state tell us, is different, and the blame lies squarely on the state's planning - the lack of it. "When they announced last year that farmers needn't grow cotton, was there sound logic here? At a loss as to what to do, farmers used their judgment and going by the previous year's prices, took to red chillies, soya beans, turmeric and pulses instead.

Did they consult the farmers and discuss alternatives?" seethes a consultant working on the ground with farmers.

Reportedly, the action plan prepared by the agriculture department is generally ad hoc and inadequate, and fails to account properly for existing stocks, domestic and export demand, as well as input, harvest and marketing requirements.

The farmer is pretty much on his uncertain own. And thought the minister conveniently blamed the price-ensuring on the Central government, the fact is it is misleading because the list of MSPs -- recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) and fixed by government -- has 26 commodities, of which chillies are not a part. So, it's a false blame-game on the part of the state government who refuse to accept responsibility.

Take another instance that doesn't exactly warranty huge reforms in agriculture, but has a huge bearing on produce. Across many Indian states, wild boars, monkeys, peacocks and other animals are a huge menace on farms, disrupting agricultural and horticultural activity and causing heavy damage to standing crops. On farmers' appeals, state governments have been taking up the issue and last year, the Ministry for Environment had issued notifications that allowed the above animals to be declared as 'vermin' - those who damage crops -- and therefore, killed.

But then, states that allowed killing had to deal with angry wildlife activists who threatened to move high courts over the decision. State departments offer no further solutions and therefore farmers have no choice but to move away from crops such as maize and groundnuts.

Some other problems that similar stories emerging across the country have been highlighting: An India Today study of the Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh farmers' marketing problems revealed that farmers were forced to sell their bumper crops at throwaway prices to traders, as procurement agents of the government had rejected their ware citing lack of crop certification and poor quality, respectively, as the reasons. Of course, it was also found that farmers also preferred to sell to traders because they were scared that if the money were directly to go into their accounts, they would lose it to banks in repayment.



Reforms, a necessary but not sufficient condition



Will reforms help, in the light of these? Because of these seemingly small issues, farmers have not been able to take advantage of reforms. In this scenario, overall policy measures, though important, are not enough by themselves.

For example, take insurance: increasing coverage of the Fasal Bima Yojana is a necessary but not sufficient condition for it to translate into benefits for the farmer, for it has to not just cover the last mile farmer, but also be applied effectively. Experts in this area inform us that there is a lack of standardization of insurance, i.e. there is no adequate measure of crop loss - is it rotting of grain, to what extent? Currently, limited understanding of crop-loss among officials, coupled with states' understaffed revenue departments, hamper the farmers' interests and limit the benefit of the insurance cover.

Again, another big reform is the creation of eNAM - the electronic National Agricultural Market -- but here also analysts say the farmer is often clueless as to how to make use of the data.

What the farmer really needs

Uneducated, uncertain about government orders, fearful of complex procedures, even of beneficial schemes, and living in a world where temptations abound as gadgets and things. In such a scenario, and with the feeling that no one really cares, farmers take loans, get indebted and, as a RBI study recently revealed, the shame of debt becomes too much for them to bear and they resort to suicide.

States' agricultural departments are the only agencies with the correct understanding, diagnosis of the problem. But first, states need to work on their willingness and then governance in order that things change for the better; until then our farmers' plight will remain undeservedly and exceptionally pitiable. No amount of insurance, soil health card, etc. will help by themselves.

What the Indian small farmer needs is hand-holding - to help him wade across the abyss of his fears, his lack of education and awareness, lack of skills required for knowledge transfer, the intimidating procedures, the fear of 'the system'. A major reason for farmers not being able to effectively utilize the pro-farmer measures that successive governments have announced over the decades is lack of this component.

State agricultural departments need to spruce up their acts in ways big and small, proactive and quick-reactive. Handholding small farmers will require large numbers of people. Yet, often the problem in state departments is understaffing. Non-state actors like NGOs, who can act as enablers, help-desks and also counselors for farmers can fill this gap, but they come at a cost.

The State Agriculture Universities (SAUs) have an indispensable role to play in this. When they were set up in the 1950s, the very idea of having one in each state was to address location specific issues through research and extension. The mandate was to prepare undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students- i.e. education and research - with the ultimate objective of transferring that to the field.

As against this, actual research carried out is in very broad areas, and far from being problem-solving and solution-oriented. Making matters worse is indecisive vice chancellors, who are often aligned to their political masters. Given the farmers' condition, the Universities contribution individually and collectively becomes a big question mark.

If reforms are to be implemented efficiently and make an impact, there has to be clear alignment of all three parties - farmers, state agriculture departments and SAUs.

The synergies would be beneficial in the present, as well as for the future of agriculture and food safety: the farmer is taken through developments, schemes, technology-based apps, other know-how, and through the various stages of farming, and the students get hands-on experience. Universities could give extra credits for these "internships", where students act as de facto conduits of welfare. Centre must play a strict monitoring role

Finally, it's time the Center took up active monitoring of the states' agriculture departments. In fact, there exists in the Central Agriculture Ministry, a department for Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare that has 21 subordinate offices "across the country for coordination with state-level agencies and implementation of Central sector schemes in their respective fields".

This department, liaising with the department for Agricultural Research and Education, must draw up an effective plan as to how best to involve University students in this effort.

NITI AAYOG had last month suggested linking of financial grants given under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, to agriculture reforms implemented by states. In addition, there could be a ranking, rating, highlighting achievements of `good states', and rewarding - and equally, naming and shaming of states - on parameters worked out with rating agencies. Successive governments have been doing a lot for the farmers; this government even changed the name of the ministry to `Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare'. Now is the time to pull out all stops to make that a reality.



(Swati is a professional writer based in Hyderabad)
Paul Ayah Abine Archives

This was done during a press release issued yesterday. PAP joins the consortium people of no school resumption come 2017/2018 academic year in The Anglophone regions. Calls for the release of their Chairman Ayah Paul Abine and others in jail. Below is the press statement.

Popular Action Party, PAP has been an active crusader for the peaceful resolution of the Anglophone Crisis,it calls for ;

 the unconditional release of HRH Hon. Lord Justice AYAH Paul ABINE (the PAP President) and all others abducted in connection with the ongoing crisis;

 the organization of a constructive dialogue in the Anglophone Regions;

- It follows that the solutions proposed by the Government are cosmetic and glaringly ill-intentioned.

In view of the above, Popular Action Party, PAP cannot in good conscience call for school resumption. We join our voice with that of the people of the Anglophone Regions to boycott 2017/2018 academic year in Anglophone Cameroon. Such a boycott will automatically end from the day the Government of Cameroon commits to genuine efforts in resolving the problem as mentioned above.

Akoson A. Raymond,

PAP SECRETARY GENERAL

PAP 1/2 (c) PAP
The Ambazonia Flag N. MELO

After Belgium and South Africa at the beginning of the week, it was the turn of the diplomatic representation of Cameroon to Canada, Protesting Cameroonians Stormed Cameroon Embassy in Canada, Pulled down the National flag & Hoist the Ambazonian flag.

The demonstration began with a coffin symbolizing the Biya regime in front of the diplomatic representation. the demonstrators demanded the release of the Consortium members who have been incarcerated since the beginning of this crisis. The fabric of the CPDM party in power was also torn and burnt by the pro-secessionists. Some of the officials at the Embassy of Cameroon in Canada were powerless.

Chanting slogans hostile to the Yaounde regime with the sounds of vuvuzela, they tore up the Cameroonian flag before hoisting the Ambazonia flag. Separate groups of protesting Cameroonians with Ambazonian afilliation from all over Canada were currently converging at the embassy premises.

The Ambassador had to flee through the back door as gathered, an official working in the Cameroon embassy approached the crowd and told them that the meeting had been cancelled and that the ministerial delegation didnt visit as planned.

Protestors in Canada (c) N. Melo

Protestors in Canada (c) N. Melo

The Ambassador only resurfaced 25 minutes later,pleading for the Ambazonian flag to be removed and replaced with the Cameroonian flag, so they could talk things to the right direction. He then alerted the police, and ordered them to desert the embassy premises. The situation became more complex as more Cameroonian protesters pushed in from different directions.
| BY Lynchy |

Veradit Mike Vinyaratn, Executive Creative Director from TBWA\Thailand will lead the judging panel for this years Thailand Adman Awards & Symposium 2017. This year marks the 14th Adman and it is themed No Format Creativity.

The theme revolves around the dramatic change of modern day communications, in which audiences, rather than merely be at the receiving end, also own media platforms and are capable of creating their own ways of immediate communication. Advertisers and marketers are struggling to impress this kind of consumers. The solution to this, thus, lies in the no-format creativity. Ideas must be in free form  not necessary serving any particular platform.

A core to Thai advertising and marketing communication circle, Adman Awards & Symposium directs the next steps of the countrys advertisements. Adapting to the constantly changing era and serving social benefits, the symposium elevates the standard of Thai advertising works, as well as trains the industrys resources, and optimizes their potential in accordance to the constant growth of global technologies.

Vinyaratn (pictured) is one of the most celebrated creative faces in Thailand and has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning 20+ years. He has worked with multinational agencies, such as, Lowe Worldwide and M&C Saatchi. Currently, he is the Executive Creative Director in TBWA\Thailand responsible for key brands like Nissan Thailand, McDonalds, Nestle, LOreal, Meiji Thailand and AIS Thailand to name a few.
Friday, August 11, 2017 at 1:18AM

CNET

Google was set to hold an all-hands town hall meeting yesterday at 4 p.m. but was cancelled at the last minute. According to the companys CEO Sundar Pichai, the meeting was cancelled because several employees have expressed concern about being harassed online with their questions and names being published outside of the company. Google is currently facing a diversity-related controversy when one former Google engineer argued in a 10-page manifesto called Googles Ideological Echo Chamber that biological differences between men and women are the cause of the gender gap at Google and in the tech industry in general.

Already, conservative pundit Milo Yiannopoulos published Twitter biographies of eight Googlers who criticized the memo. Pichai in a memo to his employees says, "We had hoped to have a frank, open discussion today as we always do to bring us together and move forward. But our Dory questions [those recommended by an app for attention] appeared externally this afternoon, and on some websites Googlers are now being named personally. Googlers are writing in, concerned about their safety and worried they may be 'outed' publicly for asking a question in the Town Hall."

Pichai promises theyre going to find a different way to discuss these issues plaguing the company. Google isnt the only one facing a diversity issue. This has long been an issue with Silicon Valley companies.

Source: CNET
Anyone who was in the area of the Queanbeyan River near River Drive, Karabar, between the 4th and 6th of November, 2016, and who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
But any claim that it's a loss of innocence would be overblown. Whether the fence is undemocratic in meaning is debatable - these ideas could be rejected with an argument that democracy continues, but needs greater protection now. The fence isn't necessarily forever either. There may be a time when the city can dismantle it and walk to the top of the sloping lawns again. Until then, Parliament House will take on new meanings and Australia's growth will make Canberra itself more visible to the world.
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 ...
Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here.

Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing.

You are our people. You Care. We Care2.
Just as Toyota Motor Philippines updated the specs of the Hilux pickup truck , theyve done the same for the Fortuner as well.
Germanys Transport Ministry has ordered the countrys authorities to investigate the Ford Mondeo for alleged use of illegal emissions cheating software.



The probe, which was reported by WiWo, according to AutoNews, includes vehicles powered by the 2.0-liter TDCi diesel engine, whose emissions test data apparently indicated the use of such devices.

Tests are currently being conducted, by an unnamed institute, and Ford is cooperating with the local authorities, while dismissing the use of a cheating device, saying that their cars and engines, including the 2.0-liter TDCi, comply with the current emissions guidelines.

No illegal shut-off devices were used in our diesel exhaust after-treatment systems, Ford Germanys chief, Gunnar Herrmann, commented, adding that the company had neither cheated, nor used tricks.

The German Transport Ministry also looked into the Focus and C-Max models over similar suspicions, but nothing illegal was found. Moreover, other car manufacturers, such as BMW, Daimler, FCA, and Opel had been investigated by the countrys authorities, in addition to the Volkswagen Group, whose diesel-powered vehicles were found to be using cheating emissions software, almost two years ago.

PHOTO GALLERY
And yet the results are, suitably, fantastical.

At this point, when Japanese people think about that era, its a far-off point in history, he told Cartoon Brew. Most have obviously never experienced that time, but through this film they were able to time travel.

While other anime standouts have engaged the horrors of World War II, most notably Isao Takahatas Grave of the Fireflies, Katabuchis simulation of Japanese life during wartime navigates the turbulent waters of arranged marriage, resource scarcity, domestic strife, international war, propaganda, and art with a grace and stillness hard to find in American theaters.

We spoke by phone with Katabuchi through his amiable translator, Junko Goda.

Cartoon Brew: Congratulations on your jury award at Annecy. Why do you think viewers were drawn into In This Corner of the World?

Sunao Katabuchi: I cant say exactly why, but I think the film is something people havent seen in anime, in terms of its details. Its almost at the level of a documentary. The details that went into it are just as good as live-action film, and yet our film went beyond what a live-action film can do. We actually did the research and recreated Hiroshima before the bombing, which I would say is something that live-action film cannot do. So it could be considered a simulation of that world. We recreated a reality that truly existed, how Suzu and her family and friends existed within that world, so it reached beyond the average anime and manga.

The characters have a depth to their souls. Some audience members told me that they didnt feel like they were watching anime, but also didnt feel like they were watching a movie. They felt part of Suzus journey, like they were interacting with the people within it. Im quoting the audience members. [laughs] At this point, when Japanese people think about that era, its a far-off point in history. Most have obviously never experienced that time, but through this film they were able to time travel.

Its a testament to Japanese culture that you can make a two-hour, hand-drawn epic about life during wartime, that is historically detailed and patiently rendered, and still capture an audiences imagination.

Sunao Katabuchi: I actually experienced resistance when I first started out, but the mangas fan base wanted to see something like this. The manifestation of that was the crowdfunding. [Editors note: About 14% of the films 250 million yen budget was raised through a crowdfunding campaign.] But even before the crowdfunding, we were already working on storyboards. It really communicated that this isnt the typical war story that audiences have encountered. So it was an adventure, but the biggest support definitely came from our audience. It wouldve been a shame not to make a movie that they wanted.

Its also a testament to animation itself, especially hand-drawn, which as you say can achieve documentary-level detail but also an expressivity that adds depth to history. In that way, In This Corner of the World is also about our tragic war on art and ability.

Sunao Katabuchi: From the films beginning, we see Suzus skill and drawings. Ultimately, when she loses that, were sad because she cant draw anymore. Considering her abilities, and then her loss, I really felt that the film had to be hand-drawn.

Do you feel there is a depreciation of hand-drawn animation, given that much of global production seems pretty sold on digital?

Sunao Katabuchi: I feel that whatever technique you choose should be the best way to tell the story. I always try to feature a component of what human beings can do with their hands somewhere in my projects, as well as what the human imagination is capable of. I actually get a lot of energy from the hand-drawn approach. And of course, in some cases, cgi works for the story, so I dont think its bad or good or anything. I think its more about how different techniques and approaches exist in parallel to each other.

There are moving scenes, such as the bombing raids, where you could have been very technical and literal for the sake of realism, but instead chose to be artfully expressive.

Sunao Katabuchi: I believe that anime has the power to express emotions, as well as represent objects in the world. So I wanted to express Suzus feelings about what was happening, and I think so did Fumiyo Kouno, the artist who wrote the manga. Her approach was to try out different techniques to seek the potential of her characters, so theres a lot of variety, even in her words. For example, she uses lipstick in some areas, rather than ink. In others, she draws with her left hand. We used the same approach in those moments; our artists switched to their left hands. Whats interesting about her work is that she was intent on discovering the possibilities of her art. In that way, her manga formed the basis of our anime; we continued exploring the possibilities.

Those are some of the powerful scenes. I liked the one where Suzus injured during a bombing, and the screen goes black before expressive lightning brings the viewer back.

Sunao Katabuchi: Thats the point of view of someone who has lost consciousness; into the pitch black come little flashes of light, which are at first very abstract. But as Suzu regains consciousness, objects coming into view become more grounded and realistic. We actually had an audience member who is a psychiatrist tell us that it was a good way to express what it is like to be unconscious.

Other memorable anime, such as Grave of the Fireflies, have explored World War II.

Sunao Katabuchi: I feel that theyre all completely separate. They just happen to cover a major world event, or era, but they all have their own points of view.

Which remain more relevant to you as time passes?

Sunao Katabuchi: Thats a hard one. I feel that the crew on Grave of the Fireflies were probably unable to do as much research. Whereas, we were able to do the research to the fullest extent, in terms of recreating Hiroshima and other places. In Grave of the Fireflies, there is an air raid that burns an entire town to the ground in just one scene. However, our research found that there were lots of fire trucks driving around. So I felt, to faithfully capture the backdrop of war, we had to get down to the details.

I cant let you go without asking what you learned from Miyazaki, about animation and yourself, during the making of Kikis Delivery Service, my familys favorite film.

Sunao Katabuchi: I was originally lined up to direct that. I asked myself the question: If I was going to make Kikis Delivery Service, how would I make it? Basically, we had the background  a girl coming of age, and going on a journey  but capturing the whole psychology of growing up was very important to me. And it turned out that Miyazaki also had the same idea, of exploring that psychological perspective. It confirmed that we had the same thoughts and approach.

In This Corner of the World opens today in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City through Shout Factory and Funimation Films. The film begins nationwide expansion next week. For a full list of theaters, see the Funimation website.
Photo: Alan Gatzke Flooding at Tween Lakes Resort in Oyama.

Two disasters and two states of emergency will cost taxpayers in Lake Country close to $450,000.

That's what the municipality will have to pay as a result of this spring's flooding and the Okanagan Centre wildfire.

Those figures, and a proposed method of payment, will be presented to council next week.

While the overall cost of the response to the spring floods will be picked up by the province, the Disaster Financial Assistance program will cover just 80 per cent of the cost of repairing or replacing municipal infrastructure damaged or destroyed by flood waters.

This includes damage to docks, the shoreline and waterfront parks, beaches and pathways.

According to preliminary figures collected by the municipality, the total cost for repair and replacement is $1.69 million. Lake Country's share of that is $338,940.

Staff is recommending $257,000 come from the general surplus fund and $81,000 from the water surplus fund.

As for the Okanagan Centre wildfire, the municipality says the total cost of fighting the fire came in at just under $150,000. Of that, it says the municipality will be responsible for paying $110,000.

Staff are expected to bring forward a report at a later date outlining funding options for the emergency expenses.

The RCMP are investigating that fire, stating it was deliberately set. The municipality could recoup some of its costs if the suspect is found and convicted.
Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lost the harshest critic of his plan to impose a carbon tax with Brad Wall's surprise announcement Thursday that he's retiring as Saskatchewan's premier.

But just as Trudeau pulled that persistent thorn from his right side, he was stabbed in the left side by another thorn as B.C.'s NDP government unveiled plans to block construction of the proposed Trans Mountain pipeline.

The twin announcements underscored the political teeter-totter Trudeau has been riding as he attempts to prove it's possible  indeed necessary, in his opinion  to simultaneously combat climate change and build new pipeline capacity to get western Canada's fossil fuels to tidewater.

Wall has threatened to go to court to prevent the federal government from imposing a carbon tax of $10 per tonne  rising to $50 in 2022  on provinces that don't implement a carbon pricing regime of their own by next year.

Saskatchewan is the only province that has flat-out refused to even consider carbon pricing, which Wall maintains would devastate the province's already struggling oil and gas industry.

While his successor will doubtless carry on the crusade, along with federal Conservatives led by fellow Saskatchewanian Andrew Scheer, Wall has been the most articulate and highest-profile opponent of the scheme with a knack for simplifying the complicated issue. For instance, he's summed up the federal carbon tax plan as "a ransom note."

Yet, just as Wall's departure will silence the leading critic of Trudeau's carbon tax plan, the government has to contend with a newly minted NDP government. It reasserted Thursday its campaign vow to use "every tool available" to block Kinder Morgan's proposed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, which the Trudeau government has approved.

In the few weeks following the new government's swearing-in last month, there was briefly some small hope among federal Liberals that Premier John Horgan might back off. Indeed, the pipeline wasn't even mentioned when Horgan had a first, congenial meeting with Trudeau a couple of weeks ago, at which the two leaders chose instead to focus on issues upon which they agree.

That hope was dashed with Thursday's announcement that B.C. is joining the legal fight against the pipeline. The Horgan government also warned Kinder Morgan, which had planned to start construction in September, that the province has rejected five of eight environmental management plans required to begin work on the project because of inadequate consultations with effected First Nations communities.

"Until that has been completed, Kinder Morgan, with the exception of some private land and some clearing of right-of-way, cannot put shovels in the ground," said B.C.'s environment minister, George Heyman.
Photo: The Canadian Press FILE - In this july 20, 2015 file photo, a member of the Cuban honor guard stands next to a new plaque at the front door of the newly reopened Cuban embassy in Washington. The State Department has expelled two diplomats from CubaAos Embassy in Washington following a series of unexplained incidents in Cuba that left U.S. officials there with physical symptoms. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File, Pool)

The Canadian government said Thursday that at least one Canadian diplomat in Cuba also has been treated for hearing loss following disclosures that a group of American diplomats in Havana suffered severe hearing loss that U.S. officials believe was caused by an advanced sonic device.

Global Affairs Canada spokeswoman Brianne Maxwell said Canadian officials "are aware of unusual symptoms affecting Canadian and US diplomatic personnel and their families in Havana. The government is actively working  including with US and Cuban authorities - to ascertain the cause."

Maxwell added that officials don't have any reason to believe Canadian tourists and other visitors could be affected.

Canada helped broker talks between Cuba and the United States that led to restored diplomatic relations.

In the fall of 2016, a series of U.S. diplomats began suffering unexplained losses of hearing, according to officials with knowledge of the investigation into the case. Several of the diplomats were recent arrivals at the embassy, which reopened in 2015 as part of President Barack Obama's reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba.

Some of the U.S. diplomats' symptoms were so severe that they were forced to cancel their tours early and return to the United States, officials said. After months of investigation, U.S. officials concluded that the diplomats had been attacked with an advanced sonic weapon that operated outside the range of audible sound and had been deployed either inside or outside their residences.

It was not immediately clear if the device was a weapon used in a deliberate attack, or had some other purpose.

The U.S. officials weren't authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the U.S. retaliated by expelling two Cuban diplomats from their embassy in Washington on May 23. She did not say how many U.S. diplomats were affected or confirm they had suffered hearing loss, saying only that they had "a variety of physical symptoms."

The Cuban government said in a lengthy statement late Wednesday that "Cuba has never permitted, nor will permit, that Cuban territory be used for any action against accredited diplomatic officials or their families, with no exception."

The statement from the Cuban Foreign Ministry said it had been informed of the incidents on Feb. 17 and had launched an "exhaustive, high-priority, urgent investigation at the behest of the highest level of the Cuban government."

It said the decision to expel two Cuban diplomats was "unjustified and baseless."
Photo: NHL.com

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman and former Penticton resident Duncan Keith is partnering with the Child and Youth Development Centre to improve the lives of local children.

Keiths charity, Keith Relief, is teaming up with OSNS for a three-year-project.

The donation has two facets. First, each year dedicated funds will help OSNS families that are in financial crisis in connection to the care of their children.

Second, each year a new outdoor project will enhance the facility for kids.

Ground will be broken on a surface play court on Aug. 17 at 11 a.m. Keith will be in attendance.

Then next spring, the "Duncan Keith Adventure Playground" will be constructed on the upper end of the facility.

This project, planned in cooperation with physiotherapists at the centre will provide exciting new elements to help build strength, coordination and muscle tone, a news release reads.

Keith Relief was created in 2011 to help families with financial and emotional burdens while dealing with medical crises.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Officials in a town northwest of Quebec City say they're puzzled as to how someone managed to steal the its 2,000 pound bell.

Saint-Raymond spokeswoman Genevieve Faucher says the bell has been owned by the town of Saint-Raymond since 1904 and was used to alert the town when there was a fire.

When the town hall was rebuilt, the bell was relocated and used as a monument in front of the new city hall and fire hall.

Officials noticed Monday it was missing and believe it was stolen sometime last weekend by thieves thinking they could sell it for scrap metal.

Faucher says for the town, there's a heritage value that's worth more. She added that town officials have no idea what the bell, which has an inscription in French on it, was actually made of.

"We have no idea what the constitution of the bell is," Faucher said on Friday. "It could be cast iron, copper, bronze, we have no idea."

Faucher said on Friday it likely took specialized equipment to get the bell as the grass and flower beds surrounding it were untouched.
Photo: Contributed

The Emergency room at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver will likely be closed Sunday evening due to a doctor shortage.

Interior Health says the department will be closed from Aug. 13 at 3 p.m. until Aug. 14 at 8 a.m.

Interior Health has been working closely with our physician group to secure coverage for this time, but so far we have been unsuccessful, a news release reads. If we are able to secure coverage by end of day, we will inform the public.

People in need of emergency medical care on Sunday are being asked to head to Penticton.
The word "testament", Hebrew berith, Greek diatheke, primarily signifies the covenant which God entered into first with Abraham, then with the people of Israel. The Prophets had knowledge of a new covenant to which the one concluded on Mount Sinai should give away. Accordingly Christ at the Last Supper speaks of the blood of the new testament.

The canon of the Old Testament, its manuscripts, editions and ancient versions are treated in the articles BIBLE; CANON OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES; CODEX ALEXANDRINUS, etc.; HEBREW BIBLE; MASSORAH; MANUSCRIPTS OF THE BIBLE; VERSIONS OF THE BIBLE. Questions concerning the origin and contents of the single books are proposed and answered in articles on the respective books. More on Old Testament 
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On Aug. 21, a total solar eclipse will obscure the sun along a path that crosses the U.S. from Oregon to South Carolina. Depending on location, the sun will be completely blocked out for a maximum of 2 minutes 40 seconds.

In east Tennessee, the 70 mile wide path of totality passes over the southern portion of the Cherokee National Forest (Tellico and Ocoee Ranger Districts) at approximately 2:30 PM. The path of totality  or where viewers can see the sun completely eclipsed is expected to be of great interest to a significant number of people from near and far.

Much of the Cherokee National Forest is remote and rugged, and the environment is much different than in urban areas. High clearance vehicles are recommended for many roads in the national forest. Several locations outside of developed recreation areas that may seem suitable for viewing the eclipse in the Cherokee National Forest may have environmental or road access concerns associated with them.

Many of these locations have rough dirt/gravel roads leading to them with limited access, parking, crowd capacity, restricted traffic flow and no sanitation facilities or water. National forest visitors should expect many locations to be heavily visited and congested. Planning your visit ahead of time may help make it safer and more enjoyable.

Forest Service officials remind visitors to use extreme caution when driving and parking, and pay close attention to other vehicles, pedestrians, and bikers that will be sharing the roads. Plan to arrive early at your destination so that you can park safely and legally.

The goal is for national forest visitors to have a safe and enjoyable experience. To ensure safety, roadways must be kept clear for emergency vehicle use. As you travel on national forest roads, keep in mind that there has to be enough space for fire trucks and ambulances to get up and down roads in case of an emergency.

Parking is not allowed in or on roads. Be very careful not to impede the flow of traffic. Parking along national forest roads is very limited. When parking on a roadside, be aware of unseen obstacles such as rocks, limbs and ditches. Be mindful of the natural resources along narrow road shoulders.

Popular areas will likely meet capacity early in the day, and visitors may be directed elsewhere. Forest Service management is focused on public safety and protecting natural and cultural resources. It will be necessary to control traffic and parking, as well as restrict vehicle access to some areas. The Cherokee National Forest web site provides an array of eclipse information including areas where vehicle access will be restricted - https://www.fs.usda.gov/cherokee/

Plan your visit in advance and know what to expect before you arrive. Remote locations outside of developed recreation areas have limited access and parking, restricted traffic flow, and no facilities or potable water. Cell phone service can be limited or unavailable and GPS units are often unreliable in the national forest.

Developed campgrounds in the Ocoee and Tellico Ranger Districts on the reservation system are booked for the weekend of the eclipse. There are some first come first served campsites and they are expected to fill up several days before the eclipse. Dispersed camping outside of developed campgrounds is allowed throughout the Cherokee National Forest unless posted otherwise. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of water, trails, trailhead parking lots and developed recreation areas, or within 300 of the Cherohala Skyway and the Ocoee Scenic Byway (National Forest System Road 77). Dispersed camping is free and no permits are required.

Remember to be prepared for the unexpected. The eclipse is expected to have impacts on highways, gasoline supplies and other basic needs. Bring plenty of water, food, sunscreen, insect repellant, extra clothing, first aid kit, a map and anything else you might need to help make your visit safer and more enjoyable. Check local weather forecasts periodically and dont forget your solar eclipse viewing glasses.
In this July 26, 2017 photo, Phil White and Sarah Tesfai sit on the shared rooftop deck of the Uptown apartment building where they live and list on Airbnb. Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection plans to send email notifications Friday to most hosts whose registrations were approved. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

After months of silence, the city is ready to start enforcing some of its new short-term rental rules.

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection plans to roll out long-awaited registration numbers to Airbnb hosts Friday, said Rosa Escareno, the department's commissioner. Chicago's controversial ordinance requires hosts to have registration numbers for units listed on short-term rental platforms.

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Hosts will receive their registration numbers via email, Escareno said. The department expects to start contacting hosts with denied registrations next week, she said. Once hosts receive notification of denied registrations, they will have 20 days to file an appeal.

Escareno said hosts should not panic if they don't hear from the city about their registration numbers immediately. Those hosts can continue booking stays without fear of fines.

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"We have their information," she said. "We're working through the process; we will get to everyone eventually."

The city couldn't provide figures Friday on how many registrations were approved or denied.

It's been almost five months since the city's short-term rental ordinance took full effect. The ordinance, passed last summer, imposes stricter rules on Airbnb and other short-term rental sites. It requires each unit listed to have a registration number, but most Chicago listings have been stamped with "city registration pending."

Before the city could start registering units, it had to license Airbnb, Escareno said. That occurred in June, and since then the city has been processing the data Airbnb shared. The city contracted with a company to help build its registration platform.

Airbnb allowed hosts to comply with the new rules through its website. If hosts didn't comply by May 1, their listings were dropped from the site. Before the deadline, there were about 6,500 active hosts in Chicago.

While Airbnb hosts in Chicago awaited word on their units' registration numbers, concern over the silence from the city built. Some hosts complained of being stuck in limbo and wondered if they would risk fines if they continued booking stays.

The penalty for operating without a registration number can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per day.

In addition to the pending denials and approvals, there are applications with incomplete addresses. The city will notify those hosts of the incomplete data. Escareno said she hopes to get those applications cleaned up within a month.

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"At some point, we're just going to say, 'You're kicked off,'" she said.

The ordinance requires Airbnb  currently the only short-term rental platform licensed in Chicago  to send the city updated data on first and 15th of each month. New hosts will be registered through that process.

Airbnb spokesman Ben Breit said the company has "been working closely with the city to develop Chicago's first-of-its-kind registration system."

"We are proud to be the only short-term rental platform legally licensed in the city," Breit said.

The city is working with other companies to ensure that hosts on their platforms can get registered. One of those is HomeAway, an Austin, Texas-based short-term rental platform that was bought by Expedia in 2015.

HomeAway filed a federal lawsuit against the city in May, alleging that the "deeply flawed law" threatens fines that are based on categories "that cannot meaningfully be distinguished from one another." The pending suit asks the court to declare the ordinance unconstitutional.

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Escareno has sent letters of noncompliance to the platforms that have not come forward to get licenses.

"Those will be my priority for enforcement," she said. "It's obvious that the companies are not really being mindful and not coming forward to at least begin the process."

Hosts with units listed on those platforms could also face fines, she said.

Enforcement hinges on correct data, Escareno said. Once short-term rental hosts receive their units' registration numbers, they should add it to their Airbnb listings as soon as possible.

"The goal is to try to get everybody operating correctly, and then we can take a look at what activity is happening," she said. "We will ... use the ordinance to ensure we are addressing bad behavior."

amarotti@chicagotribune.com

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Twitter @AllyMarotti
A Jewel-Osco supermarket is seen Aug. 11, 2017, at the intersection of Clark and Division streets in Chicago. The chain has the most stores in the Chicago area, according to a report on urban grocery stores. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Grocers aren't stocking up on new stores in Chicago, leaving many shoppers with fewer places to fill their cart.

There are 262 grocery stores in Chicago and close-in suburbs, the lowest number since 2009, according to an urban grocery report by retail brokerage Mid-America Real Estate Group. Grocers occupy just over 9.3 million square feet of space, also an eight-year low.

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The study includes existing and planned stores in Chicago and areas just outside the city. The boundaries of the area examined extend east to Lake Michigan, west to Harlem Avenue, north to Touhy Avenue and south to 127th Street.

The study area lost 16 stores and a combined 544,512 square feet of space since the previous report in 2015.

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The pullback by grocery stores comes amid upheaval in the grocery industry, as customers' preferences  including how, when and where they buy food  evolve.

"It's certainly a sign of the times," said Dan Tausk, a principal at Oakbrook Terrace-based Mid-America and the report's co-author. "The market is changing, and I would expect that to continue."

The roller-coaster ride is likely only beginning, as online retail giant Amazon's planned acquisition of Whole Foods is expected to disrupt the industry.

Besides uncertainty about the Amazon effect, several other factors have contributed to the slowdown, including bankruptcies and exits from the Chicago market by some brands in recent years, most notably Dominick's. Many shuttered stores have been replaced by scaled-down grocery stores, leaving the remaining space for other types of retail. And some former grocery spaces have languished.

"In the past you'd see a grocer go out and another grocer go in," Tausk said. "Now we're lucky if half is backfilled by a grocer."

Some of the same trends working against traditional grocery retailers are playing out nationally, said Jon Hauptman, senior director of retail for grocery consulting firm Willard Bishop.

"In general, markets throughout the county have been over-stored and over time, we're seeing the implication of that," Hauptman said.

Retailers are realizing they don't need giant stores to serve a large number of shoppers and can generate greater profits with less square footage, Hauptman said. At the same time, consumers also are buying more food from nontraditional grocery stores, such as chain drugstores and dollar stores, he said.

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"A lot of sales go to those stores under the radar," he said.

Despite some high-profile openings on Chicago's South Side in the past year or so, including the Englewood Whole Foods Market and the Bronzeville Mariano's, the South and Southwest sides have lost four stores. amounting to about 153,000 square feet of grocery space, according to the report.

The near west suburbs lost 262,000 square feet, including two Meijer closings and an Ultra Foods closing.

Perhaps the biggest blow to the Chicago grocery industry is the ongoing demise of the Central Grocers cooperative, which filed for bankruptcy in May after almost 100 years of business. In bankruptcy filings, Central Grocers said it couldn't keep up financially with the changing consumer demands for more "gourmet" shopping experiences. It also acknowledged losing market share to online retailers.

Beyond operating as a wholesaler for more than 400 independent stores in the Chicago area, Central Grocers was also the parent company of Strack & Van Til and Ultra Foods stores in Illinois and Indiana.

The bankruptcy prompted the closing of three Ultra stores and a Strack & Van Til store within the Chicago market, as defined by Mid-America, totaling more than 326,000 square feet.

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The Ultra store closing in south suburban Calumet Park, in particular, ripped a void in the community, with few other grocery options nearby.

Mid-America has conducted its urban grocery study every two years since 2009. The report includes all stores of 10,000 square feet or more, as of Aug. 1.

Jewel-Osco has the most stores in the study area, with 51, followed by Aldi, with 49.

The average Chicago store size remained virtually unchanged from two years ago, at just over 35,000 square feet, but is likely to decrease by 2019, Tausk said, as smaller-format stores continue to squeeze into densely populated neighborhoods. That includes Target, which continues rolling out smaller-sized stores that include grocery sections in the Chicago area and in other large U.S. metro areas.

Chicago is likely to see the continuation of huge flagships that tend to do well, such as recently opened stores by Whole Foods in Lakeview and Jewel-Osco in the Gold Coast.

What's likely to lose momentum is the trend of brands such as Mrs. Green's and Plum Market sticking a toe in the water with one or two locations, Tausk said.

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Larger-scale rollouts by groups such as Germany's Lidl, which recently entered the U.S., are more likely to succeed in Chicago, Tausk said.

"I don't see this market being ripe for new market entrants other than a monster like Lidl, which has a smaller format and powerhouse corporate backing," he said.

Fresh Thyme Farmer's Market has opened eight smaller-format stores averaging 28,000 square feet in the Chicago area, although just two are within Mid-America's study area and only one in Chicago. The Downers Grove-based company is about halfway to a goal of opening 18 Chicago-area stores in a seven-year period.

That remains the plan, though CEO Chris Sherrell acknowledged it won't be easy, given the fierce competition in Chicago. Many consumers are still learning about the brand, he said.

"Our mission to expand remains the same, but it's not without headwinds," Sherrell said.

It could be years before Amazon's impact on the industry becomes fully understood. Amazon will take over Whole Foods' vast network of stores and distribution centers. It also could add locations just for pickups of online orders and hybrid buildings that serve both as stores and distribution centers, Tausk said.

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"The impact of Amazon grocery stores could be dramatic," he said.

rori@chicagotribune.com

gtrotter@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @Ryan_Ori

Twitter @GregTrotterTrib
The competition is an avenue where Papua New Guinean writers can express their artistry and literary talents. Getting published in the print and electronic media would be great for them.

The Crocodile Prize competition was created for the purpose of relighting the literary fire. The embers are there but barely alight.

Its a steep order to get eight million Papua New Guineans to write. It is even harder to get the younger generations to keep that energy and finesse going.

OVER the years we have seen some fine works of literary art by literary Papua New Guineans around the country; from writers like Vincent Eri, Russell Soaba, Sir Paulias Matane and Rashmii Amoa Bell.

It is currently the only national literary competition in PNG with the vision of an effective writing and reading culture that nurtures the countrys colourful history, rich culture and strong aspirations.

Now into its seventh year, the competition was founded by two Australians, Phil Fitzpatrick and Keith Jackson, who had worked in PNG for decades and saw the need for more exposure of Papua New Guinean writers through the blog, PNG Attitude.

Through the Crocodile Prize, we have discovered a very encouraging band of poets, writers and critical essayists, says Fitzpatrick.

This has been a fascinating and rewarding process. Writers seemed to emerge out of the blue and, when they are first encountered, there is the repeated electric feeling of discovering substantial and hitherto unknown talent.

The contest has been running since 2011 through the generous support of various corporate houses and families and has seen an additional three categories added since last year bringing the total number of categories to 11.

Each category has its own criteria and competition rules apply, so entrants must have read the criteria and rules on the website before submitting their contributions.

The competition is open to all and is free. Papua New Guineans are encouraged to take part.

The chairman of Crocodile Prize Inc, Emmanuel Peni, said so many excellent writing has been received since the competition started in 2011.

Since its inception, we have seen great writing from writers from all over the country.

To write, one must be inspired by the environment and events around them and when the writer writes from these inspirations, it inspires others to do something, Peni said.

The competition will close on 30 September and winners will be announced in November. For more information send an email to crocprize@gmail.com or follow the Facebook page.
Ever since Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick resigned as the company's chief executive in June, there were rumors that he was plotting his return. On Thursday, Benchmark Capital Partners, one of the earliest investors in the ride-hailing company, filed a lawsuit against Kalanick with the hope of squashing any such plans.

In the suit filed in Delaware Chancery Court, the Menlo Park, Calif., venture capital firm alleges that Kalanick breached his fiduciary duty and contractual obligations by stacking the company's board with allies to shield his conduct from redress.

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The suit contends this was done to "clear the path for his eventual return as CEO  all to the detriment of Uber's stockholders, employees, driver-partners, and customers."

The suit names both Kalanick and Uber, but it seeks damages only from Kalanick himself.

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Benchmark alleges that in mid-2016, Kalanick committed an act of fraud when he convinced the board to approve of three new board seats for which he would have appointment power, without first informing them of a series of events he was allegedly involved in or privy to that would later lead to his forced resignation.

Kalanick stepped down as Uber's CEO in June after those controversies came to light. They included a lawsuit by Google's self-driving-car subsidiary, Waymo, alleging theft of trade secrets; another lawsuit by a woman in India who alleged Uber obtained her medical records after she was raped by one of the company's drivers; and widespread allegations of sexual harassment at the firm.

Benchmark, which led the charge in pressuring Kalanick to resign, cited all three cases in its suit as examples of Kalanick's mismanagement.

"Kalanick knew Benchmark never would have approved  the three new Board seats if Benchmark had known the truth about Kalanick's prior conduct," the suit reads. "Kalanick also understood that these matters, once revealed, would likely force him to resign as Uber's CEO, and thus sought to grant himself a way to play an ongoing leadership role at Uber once the truth came out."

Uber declined to comment. In a series of tweets Monday, Benchmark said that it was still bullish on Uber as a company.

Waymo saw an opportunity to further its own case against Uber and the ride-hailing company's former self-driving vehicle guru Anthony Levandowski, with a spokesperson for the firm issuing a statement saying "there is significant and direct evidence that Uber is using stolen Waymo trade secrets. There is also significant evidence that Uber leadership knew about Levandowski's misconduct and, rather than do the right thing, tried to conceal it."

Kalanick furthered Benchmark's suspicions that he was angling for a return to power when, after resigning as CEO and departing the board seat reserved for the CEO, as required, he immediately re-appointed himself to one of the three vacant board seats. The lawsuit alleges that he then refused to sign an agreement that would ensure the two vacant board seats would be filled by candidates who are "independent, experienced, unbiased, and diverse, and subject to the approval of all then-current directors other than one."

Sources close to Kalanick said he had regretted his decision to resign, and that he was interested in returning to a leadership role at the company, but it is unclear if he had a plan to do so.

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A spokesperson for Kalanick dismissed the claims in a prepared statement, saying that the lawsuit was without merit and "riddled with lies."

"This is continued evidence of Benchmark acting in its own best interests contrary to the interests of Uber, its employees and its other shareholders," the spokesperson said. "Benchmark's lawsuit is a transparent attempt to deprive Travis Kalanick of his rights as a founder and shareholder and to silence his voice regarding the management of the company he helped create. Travis will continue to act in the interests of Uber and all of its stakeholders and is confident that these entirely baseless claims will be rejected."

The lawsuit is, in essence, a fight for control over Uber's board, and such battles are not unusual, according to legal experts.

"But to make those accusations against the founder of a company whose blood and sweat turned Uber into what it is today, yes, that is a bit peculiar," said Dan Handman, an attorney with Hirschfeld Kramer.

Lawsuits of this nature can take years to litigate, Handman said, and to secure even a preliminary injunction, the onus is on the plaintiff to prove that they are likely to succeed at trial, and that they would suffer some sort of irreparable harm unless a preliminary injunction is granted.

"It's fair for them to say [Kalanick] is trying to exert his influence on the company, that he hasn't severed ties as completely as he would have the company believe, but what happens as a result of that is entirely speculative," Handman said.

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In fraudulent concealment cases, plaintiffs would also have to prove that they didn't actually know what was going on.

"The amount that Benchmark knew, what they knew, how they knew it, and what their response was, is all critical," Handman said. "If it turns out that Benchmark was well aware of the very things they're complaining about, their lawsuit won't get very far."

If Benchmark gets what it wants, the three board seats Kalanick allegedly controls would be eliminated, and Kalanick would be blocked from participating in any meetings, votes, or other activities with Uber's board. Kalanick  and not Uber  would also have to pay unspecified damages and legal fees to Benchmark.

And although the lawsuit adds another bump in the road for Uber, Benchmark must think it's necessary to protect its investment in what's considered the world's most valuable start-up. The lawsuit alleges that Kalanick's "improper role on the board" has already had a negative effect on the company's search for a new CEO, and that potential candidates have withdrawn from the process because of his participation.

"Kalanick's improper actions, if allowed to continue, would cause irreparable harm to Uber by exposing it to reputational, regulatory and other risks," the firm said.

david.pierson@latimes.com

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Twitter: @dhpierson

UPDATES:

4:25 p.m.: This article was updated to include more details from the lawsuit and comment from Travis Kalanick's spokesperson and from attorney Dan Handman.

This article was originally published at 1:30 p.m.
Many Chicagoans head east on summer weekends to visit the Indiana Dunes and the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. This Sunday an impressive collection of rarely seen automobiles will line the bluff overlooking the lake in scenic downtown St. Joseph, Mich., during the 13th annual Lake Bluff Concours d'Elegance.

Another interstate road trip, especially through the construction and traffic on I-94, might not be first on the list for fun. However, just east of Chicago, Route 12 and the Red Arrow Highway provide a more leisurely and scenic drive to St. Joe, with stops along the way at roadside farm stands for fresh fruit and vegetables.

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This highly-regarded invitational show features more than 80 automobiles from the brass, classic, vintage, and muscle car eras produced from 1907 to 1979. In addition, several special-interest vehicles will be highlighted in the day-long event.

Featured marques inclue the Packard Legacy, the 50th anniversary of the Camaro, and classic domestic drop-tops.

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"Once again, the Lake Bluff Concours selection committee has done an outstanding job in curating what we feel is one of the best shows in the thirteen-year history of this event," said Anne Odden, chair of the Lake Bluff Concours d'Elegance of Southwest Michigan.

All the show vehicles will be driven in a three-part review at noon narrated by auto authority F. Edward Lucas II. Patrick Schiavone, who served as design chief in several Ford Motor Company automotive studios, will talk about his time at Ford, including his remarkable involvement with saving the rear-drive 1994 Mustang.

Net proceeds from the show benefit Hospice at Home, an affiliate of Lakenland Health in St. Joseph.

Lake Bluff Concours at a glance:

Saturday, August 12, 2017 10AM to 4PM

Pass in Reviews at noon, 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. on Lake Boulevard.

$10 for adults; children and young people under 18 free with a paid adult

Lake Bluff Park, St. Joseph, Michigan

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For more information see: www.ConcoursSWMI.com
Bonneville Speedweek, set for Aug. 12-18, 2017, on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, is home to some of the worlds fastest land speed records. (Dan Callister/Getty Images 2000)

They're salty. They're flat. They're home to most of the world's land-speed records.

They're the Bonneville Salt Flats on the Utah-Nevada border, covering over 46 square miles of the ancient, dry Lake Bonneville. The land has a thick crust of salty soil, making it look like a frozen lake covered with snow.

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The miles of flat surface make it ideal for racing, which has been going on for over 100 years, except for the past two years, when bad weather and poor salt conditions forced the cancellation of Speed Week and other events. Bonneville Nationals returned to host Bonneville Speed Week in 2016 and again Aug. 12-18 in 2017.

Craig Breedlove appears in video from 1963 when he built his jet car "Spirit of America," which recorded a new land speed of 407.25 miles per hour on the salt flats of Bonneville, Utah. (National Archives) (Handout)

The 2016 event drew hundreds of competitors from all over the world in a wide range of vehicles to race for land speed records or personal bests. Some speeds can be in excess of 400 mph.

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The Bonneville Speedway long course is an 8-mile-long straight marked out for Speed Week. There is also a short course and rookie course of 5 and 3 miles long, respectively. On the long course, drivers can take up to 3 miles to slow down after a 5-mile run.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 17 1957 Chevrolet Corvette with fuel injection (and a hard top) hit 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds, according to Car and Driver, the quickest of several 1950s Vettes that competed with Ferrari for quickest production car of the era. (General Motors)

Spectators can walk through the pits, view vehicles and talk to the drivers and crew. Tickets are $20 per day, or $50 for the week. The 100-plus-degree temperatures didn't keep fans away in 2016.

The salt race track was groomed to a hard, smooth and perfectly flat finish. After a run, racers returned to their pits and cleaned the salt off their cars, which was especially thick in the wheel wells. They made necessary adjustments and lined up to do it all over again.

In the pits, Rick Yacoucci, of Palmdale, Calif., prepped his Class E blown fuel streamliner. The land dagger has a fiberglass body and solid aluminum wheels with no suspension. He reached over 260 mph on one of his runs.

"We build everything, we make everything. A lot of the guys are volunteers. It's for the love of the sport," he said.

Cathy Trawinksi is a columnist for Pioneer Press.
Projects such as the Boulevard at Central Station, shown in this rendering, could get a boost from the creation of a new tax increment financing district in downtown Tinley Park. ( Village of Tinley Park/Handout )

Tinley Park officials may explore creating a new tax increment financing district that would take in much of the Oak Park Avenue business district and replace a TIF that's already in place.

The original Main Street South TIF, established in 2002, was intended to spur redevelopment in the downtown area, but the recession and other factors have stalled anticipated projects.

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It's due to expire in nine years and could be extended, but the new TIF being contemplated would expand the boundaries of the existing TIF, according to Patrick Hoban, the village's economic development director.

The Village Board may, at its Aug. 15 meeting, consider hiring consultant Ehlers & Associates to start the process, which would begin with a feasibility study.

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The firm advised the village on the original Main Street South TIF, and more recently served in the same capacity in the creation of TIFs encompassing the former Panduit headquarters property and nearby homes, as well as one for the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center property.

Tinley Park and other communities with TIF districts use them to spur development in what are considered deteriorating or blighted areas. They rely on the incremental increase in property tax revenue within those districts to finance public improvements or, in some instances, borrow to finance those improvements and use the increased property tax revenue to pay debt service on that borrowing. TIFs generally have a lifespan of 23 years, but can be ended earlier than that or extended.

Property values in the existing Main Street South TIF district have decreased in seven of the last eight years, Patrick Hoban, the village's economic development manager, said in a memo Tuesday to board members.

According to Cook County Clerk David Orr's office, incremental TIF revenue last year in the Main Street South district was $34,000, and no revenue was reported in 2015.

Ehlers, in its study prepared for the creation of the district in 2002, had projected incremental TIF revenues to be more than $600,000 annually by this stage.

Projects such as The Boulevard at Central Station, an apartment building planned for a site directly south of the Oak Park Avenue Metra station, will be looking for incentives from the village to defray development costs. With the current TIF due to lapse in nine years the village wouldn't be able to recoup those incentives from any incremental increases in property tax revenue, Paula Wallrich, the village's interim community development director, said at a Village Board committee meeting Tuesday.

She said that "absent some funding mechanism" development of the Boulevard project and others in and around the downtown area would be unlikely to occur.

In his memo, Hoban noted that "the remaining life of this TIF can offer little to no incentive for redevelopment."

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The 61-acre Main Street South district includes properties on both the east and west sides of Oak Park Avenue, and north and south of the Oak Park Avenue Metra station. It is contiguous to another better-performing TIF, Main Street North. According to Orr's office, the Main Street North TIF had incremental property tax revenues last year of $462,000, up from $366,000 in 2015.

The Boulevard project is envisioned as having around 160 apartment units, with street-level commercial space of 40,000 square feet. Another mixed-use residential-commercial development is planned for the site of the former Bremen Cash Store, also within walking distance of the Metra stop.

The village in the summer of 2012 reached a development agreement with The Boulevard's developer, but the agreement has since expired and a new one would need to be negotiated.

Developers speaking at the committee meeting Tuesday also encouraged village officials to move ahead with plans for a new TIF.

Speaking for the developers of The Boulevard, Dan McMillan pointed out that "right now there is nothing on that property" where the mixed-use project is planned.

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Transcripts of recorded conversations suggest former rap impresario Marion "Suge" Knight and his defense attorney discussed bribing witnesses to fabricate testimony in Knight's upcoming murder trial, according to court records made public on Thursday.

According to the 22-page court filing by prosecutors, conversations between Knight, Long Beach attorney Matthew Fletcher and two others show the group "had an understanding that they were going to assist the defendant in procuring witnesses for his defense, which included payments for fabricated testimony."

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Knight's fiance, Toi-Lin Kelly, and business partner, Mark Blankenship, were also on the phone calls, according to the Los Angeles County court filing.

Knight, 52, will stand trial next year on charges that he barreled his truck into Terry Carter and Cle "Bone" Sloan in the parking lot of a Compton burger stand in late January 2015, following a dispute on the set of the movie "Straight Outta Compton."

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Carter, 55, died of his injuries. Footage from a security camera shows Knight  who has pleaded not guilty and says he acted in self-defense  plowing his truck into the men. Knight fled the scene but later turned himself in.

Knight is also accused of robbery and threatening the film's director, F. Gary Gray, in separate cases.

None of the people identified in the district attorney's motion have been charged in connection with claims of witness tampering.

The filing asked the court to conduct its own inquiry into whether Fletcher has a conflict of interest in representing Knight, in part, because investigators have "gathered evidence of possible witness tampering, bribery, conspiracy to violate a court order and obstruction of justice on the part of attorney Fletcher." The evidence is likely to be raised by prosecutors during the trial, the filing said.

The district attorney's motion, however, noted that on several occasions, Blankenship told Knight, his friend and business partner, "that the witnesses being discussed would be procured by 'legitimate' means and that they would just 'tell the truth.'"

Calls and a text message sent to Fletcher seeking comment were not immediately returned.

In a series of recorded phone calls beginning in March 2015, Knight, Fletcher, Kelly and Blankenship discussed paying witnesses to say they saw either the victims or others at the burger stand in possession of a gun, a move that would have bolstered Knight's self-defense claim.

In one call, to an unidentified woman, Knight said he needed witnesses to claim they saw guns on the day of the car crash, according to the district attorney's filing. Later that day, Knight, Fletcher and Blankenship were involved in a conference call where the possibility of exchanging cash for testimony was discussed, according to the filing.

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"And you all went over there and you saw these guns removed from these two people," Fletcher said, according to prosecutors. "Yes, yes. Fine, dude, you're done. Here's your money."

In a March 13, 2015, phone call, prosecutors allege, Knight could be heard telling his fiancee that there was a witness who would do whatever is needed and say they saw a gun.

"Witnesses are going to do what they are supposed to do," Knight said, according to the transcript.

Prosecutors said they believe that Knight and Fletcher agreed "that witnesses would need to be paid in order for the defendant to obtain his freedom."

Their defense, prosecutors contend, will likely hinge on the idea that the victims or others were armed on the day of the crime, a theory the district attorney's office says is not supported by the evidence.

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
Carina Johannessen, an emergency room nurse, has been verbally and physically attacked at work throughout her career. (Alexandra Wimley / Chicago Tribune) (Alexandra Wimley / Chicago Tribune)

One woman describes getting slapped and groped on the job. Another was punched in the head repeatedly. A third was bitten so hard that a spike in blood pressure burst an aneurysm in her brain, altering her life forever.

All three are nurses, who say their jobs place them in harm's way as the rate of violent incidents at hospitals appears to be growing.

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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that the rate of hospital employees intentionally injured on the job at the hands of another person is significantly higher than the rate across all private industries. In 2015, the most recent year available, there were 8.5 cases of injuries per 10,000 full-time hospital workers, versus 1.7 cases for all private industries.

The data also shows that injury number for hospital workers steadily rose from 2011 to 2014 but dropped slightly the following year.

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According to an Occupational Safety and Health Administration guide on addressing violence in hospitals, 70 to 74 percent of workplace assaults between 2011 and 2013 happened in health care settings.

And hospitals in the Chicago area have not been immune to such violence in recent years.

In May, two nurses at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva were taken hostage by a Kane County jail inmate after he got hold of the gun of a corrections officer guarding him. One of the nurses was sexually assaulted, according to a lawsuit filed in the case, before the inmate was fatally shot by police, authorities said.

Less than a month later at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, a convicted murderer who was there for treatment used a makeshift weapon to hold a corrections officer and a nursing assistant hostage.

In 2014, a man who had been taken to NorthShore Highland Park Hospital after a car crash was shot and killed by police after removing a gun from his waistband, according to police accounts.

Experts say facilities across the country have been affected. In June, a disgruntled doctor opened fire at a New York City hospital, killing another doctor and injuring several other people before taking his own life. In 2015, at a Boston hospital, a man shot and killed the surgeon who'd operated on his mother before she died.

While such extreme examples are rarer, many health care workers  especially nurses  say they deal with more minor incidents of physical aggression or verbal abuse on an almost daily basis. Many have stories of intoxicated or delusional patients who spit, claw and hit, or angry family members who threaten lawsuits or even lives.

For too long, nursing advocates say, aggression toward hospital workers has been chalked up to just an unfortunate part of the job, and patients are rarely held accountable.

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Yet a movement to change this culture seems to be gaining momentum, with nurses' groups speaking out at protests and on social media, and lobbying for legislation that aims to curtail violence against health care workers.

The Delnor attack seems to have been the tipping point for many activists locally and, in response to it, a nonprofit group called Show Me Your Stethoscope plans to gather nurses at a rally Friday in front of the Kane County Sheriff's office to shed light on their efforts.

Nurses point out that they're the ones with the most contact with patients and their families, often during times of crisis and intense stress. Heartbreak over a serious diagnosis, anger over a long emergency room wait or even a general disdain for the health care and insurance fields  all can translate into hostility toward nurses, experts say.

"Just going into work is a high-risk endeavor," said Lisa Wolf, director at the Institute for Emergency Nursing Research at the Emergency Nurses Association and a registered nurse who has studied emergency room violence. "You're going to work and people are in some ways feeling like they can kill you."

Nurses' groups generally would like to see more staffing and more training. Other observers say there's no single solution that would work for all hospitals  an industry struggling to do more with fewer resources.

While many states, including Illinois, have enhanced penalties for offenders who attack nurses, there's also a push for federal legislation or an OSHA standard that would regulate hospital staffing levels and install other violence prevention measures.

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Some who've studied the problem say it's even worse than the statistics suggest. Verbal abuse is not included in government reporting, and while many hospitals have a system for employees to report acts of violence, nurses say they often don't have or take the time to take advantage of them.

Carina Johannessen, an emergency room nurse, poses for a portrait in her home in Joliet on Monday, July 31, 2017. (Alexandra Wimley / Chicago Tribune)

'Part of the job'

Trauma nurse Carina Johannessen said her job is somewhat like "being in an abusive relationship."

Nurses get hurt, but they keep going back to work, said Johannessen, 40, who is employed by an RN placement firm and has worked in several Illinois hospitals.

While on a shift at the emergency room at St. Joseph in Joliet, she said, a large male patient punched her in the head five times after he attacked someone else and she tried to intervene.

Johannessen, of Joliet, said she didn't suffer severe injuries and felt she had to finish her shift, despite a "raging headache." No one suggested she file a police report, she said, or even go home for the day. And if she had left, she said there wouldn't have been enough nurses to cover the rest of her shift.

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"This just seems to be the culture. It's part of the job," Johannessen said, adding her "greatest fear" is that violence against nurses will only escalate.

On May 13, Tywon Salters, a Kane County jail inmate admitted to Delnor for medical treatment, was left unshackled by a corrections officer, according to a lawsuit filed by Delnor nurses.

Salters, 21 and in jail for alleged car theft, got hold of the officer's 9 mm handgun, and while the officer ran down the hall and hid, Salters found a nurse in a nearby office, threatened her with the gun and made her remove her clothes, the complaint states. When another nurse entered, he led her to another room, where he held her captive for hours in the dark, raping her and beating her at gunpoint, according to the lawsuit.

A SWAT team officer eventually shot and killed Salters. The fatal bullet also struck the nurse in the arm, according to the lawsuit.

Johannessen said the Delnor incident was partly what prompted her to speak out. She said she sometimes struggles to remember why she chose to be a nurse in the first place.

"It is so incredibly rewarding," she said, "but it's sad because it's becoming more and more infrequent that you get the patient who reminds you why you wanted to be a nurse."

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ER nurse Valerie Zage said she's been subjected to regular verbal abuse in her 10-year career.

"People scream at you, they swear at you. I've been called so many names," she said. "It seems the culture of hospitals in general is, you kind of have to just take it."

Zage, 33, of Bensenville, said two incidents prompted her to file official reports, not just with her employer but also with police.

The first occurred a few years ago at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where Zage said a patient charged at her and slapped her across the face after being denied a pain pill prescription.

Zage was shaken and called police. She said the patient received a minor ordinance violation ticket but never appeared in court so the matter went unresolved.

More recently, while working at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Zage said an intoxicated patient grabbed her breast while she was setting up an IV. Zage also went to police but said she found it "frustrating" that he too merely received a ticket and was fined $100.

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Zage said she's developed a thick skin and focuses on the rewarding parts of her job.

"You go through nursing school and you think, 'Wow, I'm going to help people and save lives,'" she said. "No one really warns you in school that people are as mean and horrible as they're going to be."

Sally Griepentrog, 52, of downstate Eureka, is an educator trying to prepare nurses for those realities of the profession. A workplace violence course she teaches to employees at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria includes techniques for recognizing cues for possible violence and de-escalation methods.

Griepentrog said she's uniquely suited for the job, as an act of workplace violence changed her life.

In 2015, Griepentrog was staffing a medical tent at a summer music festival. A young woman came in, topless, saying she had been taking drugs all day and was dehydrated. When Griepentrog tried to start an IV, she said the woman clamped her teeth down hard into the nurse's shoulder and would not let go.

It took the intervention of multiple staff members to eventually wrestle the woman away.

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Griepentrog was treated for the gash in her shoulder, but a lingering headache led to further testing. Days later, doctors learned the pain from the bite caused her blood pressure to spike, bursting an undiagnosed aneurysm in her brain.

She underwent surgery and spent weeks in the ICU. She was left with short-term memory loss and said she can no longer read more than a sentence at a time.

"I've been swatted at, hit, spit on, puked on, you name it," Griepentrog said. "But this was the first time it almost cost me my life."

It might have cost her career, too, had Griepentrog not already had a master's degree and experience teaching. She can no longer treat patients but now works solely as an educator, using computer software that reads aloud to her.

The woman who attacked Griepentrog was eventually convicted of a misdemeanor and sentenced to six months in jail, court records show.

"Now that this has happened, I think, no more. This can't be considered part of our jobs anymore. I think too many of us are being hurt," Griepentrog said.

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Alice Johnson, executive director of the Illinois Nurses Association, said it's time for hospitals to make nurses' safety a priority and dedicate resources accordingly.

"Nurses are taking action on their own as part of a grass-roots efforts to address this issue," she said.

Hospitals and other employers, on the other hand, "have a long way to go," Johnson said, adding they seem focused on the bottom line but not enough on the care of the workforce.

Adequate staffing is one key way to improve hospital safety, she said.

Pam Cipriano, American Nurses Association president, said mandatory staff training and better record-keeping should be done at all hospitals  whether voluntary or through federal legislation.

"We need to be able to reverse the culture to make sure no nurse should ... be exposed to violence on the job," she said.

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More research needed

Emergency medicine physician James Phillips started studying hospital violence after the surgeon was killed at the Boston hospital. At the time, he was working at nearby Harvard University, writing about mass shootings.

But when he turned his attention to medical settings, "I came across a plethora of nursing literature of violence in hospitals," he said. Last year, he published an article in the New England Journal of Medicine arguing that hospital violence is under-reported, tolerated and ignored.

Phillips notes that government statistics on workplace violence only track incidents that result in injuries and time off of work. He said more accurate tracking is important to persuade hospitals to put more resources toward security and violence prevention methods.

During Phillips' residency in Chicago with the University of Illinois hospital system, he was working a shift at a suburban hospital and was trying to calm an agitated, intoxicated patient when the man "spit a mouthful of blood right into my eye." Phillips soon learned the man was infected with hepatitis C.

The doctor never contracted the virus but had to undergo testing multiple times for months.

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"I blew it off at the time. I thought it was part of the job," he said. "No one ever said, 'Did you file a police report? You were a victim of a violent crime.'"

Later, Phillips was working in Massachusetts when a patient spit in his face and threw a cellphone at him. In that case, he said he did call police, and the man was charged and served community service.

"I'm so sick and tired of being yelled at, screamed at and threatened," he said. "I finally thought it was time to stand up for myself."

Phillips said nursing and medical schools "should be the first place future doctors and nurses learn about the fact that they are entering into a violent industry and have a significant chance of being verbally and physically assaulted in their careers."

Active shooters in hospitals are rare, he stressed, but assaults on staff by patients and visitors are much more common.

Wolf, of the Emergency Nurses Association, said hospitals need to assess risk factors, down to things like poor lighting, and should implement detailed reporting systems and encourage staff members to use them. Hospitals also need adequate staffing and should take "a firmer stance on patients who start acting out."

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Wolf said it's a challenge for hospitals to acknowledge any risks because "everyone wants to feel like the community is safe."

Wolf's group surveyed thousands of nurses across the country, and the results, published in 2009, showed more than half were physically assaulted at work. "This is a very, very common, deeply disturbing aspect (of the job)," she said.

No single solution

Several Chicago-area hospitals contacted by the Tribune declined to comment on security measures and staff training relating to workplace violence.

Advocate, Presence and Northwestern health systems issued statements, noting security is a priority and they take precautions, including de-escalation techniques and drills, and continue to study the issue.

"Unfortunately, this is something that continues to be seen more and more, and we continually have to talk about it," said Melissa Granato, associate vice president of security for Amita Health.

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In 2015 at Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village, one of the hospitals under the Amita banner, a man locked his estranged wife in a bathroom and stabbed her to death with a screwdriver.

Granato said the case prompted the security team to review and improve its procedures. Those approaches vary by location, she said, but can include drills and simulation training with staff. She also said they work closely with local law enforcement.

At the Chicago-based American Hospital Association and the Illinois Health and Hospital Association, the issue of workplace violence is taken seriously, officials said. Members can access resources on how to address security at their facilities.

But, every facility is different, said Dr. Jay Bhatt, AHA president. That's why he and others question whether a national standard on staffing levels or violence prevention for hospitals would work.

"Nurses aren't widgets, neither are patients," said Cathy Grossi, a vice president at the IHA. "One size fits all rarely ever works."

However, California recently enacted legislation that many nurse advocates say is groundbreaking and a potential model for a national standard. The law addresses the reporting of violent acts, staff training and correcting any violence hazards, including staffing levels. The union that lobbied for it is also pushing for OSHA to come up with a standard.

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The Joint Commission, the Oakbrook Terrace-based nonprofit that accredits hospitals across the country, does not have a uniform standard related to workplace violence. But the commission does address safety and security when accrediting hospitals, and offers violence prevention resources, said Dr. Ana Pujols McKee, the commission's chief medical officer.

"We expect our organizations to understand security risks and respond in a proactive way," she said.

McKee said one challenge is finding a uniform way to gather data and use it to set guidelines. She uses the example of a nurse being hit by a patient with a brain tumor that has altered the patient's behavior. "Is that violent? To me, it is, but it may be perceived as a patient who has uncontrollable behaviors."

As the topic continues to be studied, McKee said she's watching California as a "test site," to see if the new law leads to a decrease in hospital violence.

Are hospitals secure?

Security experts also agree more study is needed to determine the best way to keep hospitals safe.

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"The historic feeling that places like ... hospitals (are) sacred ground is gone," said Kevin Tuohey, president-elect of the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety.

The Glendale Heights-based group researches and offers guidelines for the security industry, including hospital guards.

Another association official, Tom Smith, who runs a health care security consulting company, said hospitals are typically subjected to few regulations dealing with security, and some don't place enough emphasis on it.

"Family friendly and patient-centered doesn't mean it shouldn't be secure," he said.

The association has provided feedback to OSHA as the workplace safety agency contemplates hospital security regulations.

Some local law enforcement agencies, though, have already made changes in how they handle inmates who need outside medical care.

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Within weeks of the Delnor attack, Kendall County updated their policies, including requiring detainees to remain handcuffed or shackled at all times unless medical staff specifically orders restraints removed or the detainee is giving birth.

Deputies who are guarding inmates at hospitals are also barred from using the phone unless there's an emergency, and may not use social media or the internet or play games. According to the lawsuit filed by the Delnor nurses, corrections officers assigned to guard Salters were seen sleeping or on the computer.

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Sheriff offices in Cook and McHenry counties also listed several guidelines for transporting and guarding inmates who need outside medical attention, including the number of officers required to guard the detainee and when restraints are used.

The Illinois Department of Corrections, as well as DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will counties, declined to provide their policies, citing security concerns.

Kate Thayer is a Chicago Tribune reporter; Hannah Leone is an Aurora Beacon-News reporter.

kthayer@chicagotribune.com

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Steven Randy Rueckert, left, and Daniel Herbert, attorneys for Jason Van Dyke, confer with Van Dyke during court Aug. 11, 2017. Van Dyke was at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building in Chicago for a hearing on the shooting of Laquan McDonald. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

A former spokesman for the union representing rank-and-file Chicago police officers never independently confirmed the information he gave to reporters after Officer Jason Van Dyke fatally shot black teenager Laquan McDonald in 2014, he said in court Friday.

Pat Camden, a longtime former spokesman for the Chicago police before he took on a similar role for the Fraternal Order of Police, took the witness stand at a hearing for Van Dyke, the first Chicago police officer charged with murder for an on-duty fatality in more than 30 years.

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"Did you in any way conduct your own investigation?" said Daniel Weiler, a lawyer on the special prosecution team prosecuting Van Dyke for first-degree murder. "Do you do anything to verify that the information you're given is true?"

Camden answered no to both questions.

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Camden testified that he never spoke to Van Dyke and got his account of the shooting solely from police union representatives at the scene  who themselves got their information from detectives.

Camden told reporters at the scene on that October 2014 night that the teen had a "100-yard stare" and was shot in the chest after he lunged at Van Dyke and his partner with a knife.

"He is a very serious threat to the officers, and he leaves them no choice at that point to defend themselves," Camden said that night. "When police tell you to drop a weapon, all you have to do is drop it."

His account, made on behalf of the FOP, was echoed in an official police release the following day and went largely unquestioned for months.

It wasn't until more than a year later that a court order forced Mayor Rahm Emanuel's administration to release police dashboard camera footage of the shooting showing McDonald, with a knife in his hand, walking away from Van Dyke as the officer shot him 16 times. The video contradicted claims by Van Dyke as well as numerous other officers that McDonald had lunged with the knife at the officer.

The video's release sparked heated protests, political turmoil and promises of systemic change from Emanuel.

Camden testified he has since seen the video of McDonald's shooting.

"At the time of the shooting, Laquan McDonald is not, in fact, walking at Jason Van Dyke?" Weiler asked.

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"I would assume that is correct," Camden replied.

Camden was a fixture at police-involved shooting scenes for several years in his capacity as spokesman for the police union. His statements to reporters were often the first and most detailed official information available after such shootings, so the local news media quoted his defense of the officers' conduct widely.

The hearing Friday was called to determine if prosecutors can use statements Van Dyke made to police union representatives after the shooting.

Judge Vincent Gaughan granted prosecutors that access, largely because one of the union representatives had already spoken to FBI investigators as well as a grand jury about what Van Dyke told him.

"The door is open, and it can never be shut," Gaughan said.

Illinois law holds that union agents cannot be compelled to disclose information they get from union members except under certain circumstances. But prosecutors wanted to use statements made by Van Dyke himself, not the union representatives who interviewed him, complicating the legal issue.

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Van Dyke's attorneys admitted as much in a motion filed last month, stating that they have found no Illinois case law that is "directly on point with the situation presented here."

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But since the police union representatives were acting in an official capacity regarding potential disciplinary proceedings, they argued, Van Dyke's statements to them must not be used in criminal proceedings against him.

What information the special prosecution team can use to build its case has been the focus of a series of court hearings in this high-profile case this summer.

Under longstanding legal precedent, statements that police officers are required to give under threat of firing cannot be used against them in criminal proceedings.

If prosecutors are found to have used any information from sources that are protected under that standard, it could scuttle their attempt to try Van Dyke for McDonald's murder. The hearings are an attempt to clarify what is off-limits.

Prosecutors have also won access to statements given by other police officers at the scene, as well as Van Dyke's written reports and his statements to a detective investigating the scene  who is now himself under indictment for conspiracy and obstruction of justice.

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Shootings occurred in Back of the Yards, Old Town, Englewood, Homan Square, Chicago Lawn and other areas across Chicago from August 10 to 13, 2017. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

A 36-year-old man was sprawled on the sidewalk near an intersection in the Homan Square neighborhood late Friday as firefighters tended to his gunshot wound.

Chicago police officers and women gathered around the man. He shook his head at his teenage daughter as paramedics wheeled him into an ambulance. The daughter lingered outside the ambulance until it took off.

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About 11:35 p.m., he had been standing outside when a car pulled up in the 3300 block of West Flournoy Street and someone inside opened fire, striking him in the right leg, police said. He was taken in good condition to Stroger Hospital.

The man was one of at least eight people wounded in shootings from Friday afternoon to early Saturday.

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In the Logan Square neighborhood, a 17-year-old boy was critically injured during an argument that escalated into a shooting, police said.

Around 4:05 p.m. Friday, he was shot multiple times while he was in the 1900 block of North Spaulding Avenue on the city's Northwest Side, police said. He was arguing with a man in front of a home when the man pulled out a gun and shot him in the arm, back and chest.

He was taken in critical condition to Mount Sinai Hospital.

In other shootings:
Samantha Santiago is being held in Cook County Jail in last year's shooting of Lavatus McCullough, who died on Aug. 7, 2017. (Chicago Police Department)

A 29-year-old woman is now charged with murder following the death this week of a man shot last summer, officials said.

Samantha Santiago, 29, was arrested July 24 and initially charged with attempted murder but after the Monday death of Lavatus McCullough, those charges were upgraded to murder, according to officials.

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McCullough was shot in the neck during a domestic attack July 31, 2016, about 1:25 a.m. in the 2000 block of North Kedzie Avenue in the Logan Square neighborhood, according to police.

He was initially taken to a hospital in critical condition but on Monday at 1:58 p.m., McCullough was pronounced dead at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, the Cook County medical examiner's office said.

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Santiago remains in the Cook County Jail in lieu of $950,000 bail after a bond hearing on July 25, according to the Cook County sheriff's office.

Santiago, of the 2000 block of North Kedzie Avenue, is scheduled to appear in court again Aug. 21, according to the sheriff's office.

An autopsy Tuesday determined McCullough, 36, of the 400 block of West Goethe Street in the Old Town neighborhood, died of complications of remote gunshot wound of the neck, according to the medical examiner's office.

McCullough's death was ruled a homicide.
The "American Pickers" team is planning to film in New York in September, and hopes to have somewhere to stop in the Cayuga County area.

Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz's History series follows them as they scour America for valuable antiques  and the stories behind them.

The team only picks private collections  stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions and anything else open to the public will not be considered.

The series airs at 9 p.m. Mondays on History.

Anyone with tips on large, private collections of antiques is encouraged to send their name, phone number, location and a description of the collection to americanpickers@cineflix.com or facebook.com/gotapick, or call (855) OLD-RUST.
Wearing an orange jumpsuit in a San Francisco courtroom, an Oxford University financial officer agreed Friday to return to Chicago to face first-degree murder charges in a savage stabbing in a Near North Side apartment.



Appearing unshaven and sitting at a table with a public defender, Andrew Warren acknowledged he is one of two suspects wanted in arrest warrants for the murder of 26-year-old Trenton Cornell-Devanleau on July 27. He waived his extradition rights and could be back in Chicago in a week or so.



"Mr. Warren is agreeable to being transported to Chicago. He wants the process to be started," his public defender, Ariel Boyce-Smith, said after the hearing. "I just want to remind everyone that he is presumed innocent and his agreement to go there to start the process is where we are now."



Warren and the other suspect, former Northwestern University microbiologist Wyndham Lathem, surrendered in the San Francisco area last week after being on the run for eight days. Warren gave himself up near the Golden State Bridge, Lathem across the bay in Oakland.

Lathem has also waived his extradition rights and, through his attorney, has said he plans to plead not guilty.

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Warren, a resident of Faringdon, Oxfordshire, has been suspended from his payroll job at Somerville College, part of the Oxford University system. Lathem was fired from his job at Northwestern last week.

Police responding to an anonymous call found Cornell-Duranleau's body in Lathem's 10th floor apartment in the 500 block of North State Street around 8:30 p.m. He suffered more than 40 stab wounds to his upper body.

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Just three days earlier, Warren had arrived in Chicago from England, his trip to the United States.



Cornell-Duranleau suffered "lacerations and mutilations to his body, his upper body, but not to the point of decapitation," Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said. He described the attack as "certainly very intense."

Authorities have said the attack on Cornell-Duranleau, a Michigan native who moved to Chicago last year, was so brutal that the blade of the knife investigators believe was used in the stabbing was broken.

When police found him, he had already been dead for at least 12 hours.

Guglielmi said police believe there might have been some tension in Lathem and Cornell-Duranleau's relationship.

Andrew Warren enters a courtroom for an extradition hearing at the Hall of Justice in San Francisco, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. Warren, an Oxford University financial officer accused in the fatal stabbing of a Chicago man, has agreed to return to Illinois to face charges. (Jeff Chiu / AP)

"We've been looking a great deal, not only at the relationship between Dr. Lathem and the victim, but also the connection between all three," he said.



Guglielmi said Chicago police are investigating the backgrounds of all the men but won't be releasing details until they have questioned Lathem and Warren.
A former Chicago preschool teacher was sentenced Thursday to 13 years after being convicted of inappropriately touching two 3-year-old students during nap-time and in a bathroom at a South Loop school in 2014 and 2015, officials said.

Jian Feng, 27, of the 2200 block South Princeton Avenue, was convicted Thursday by Judge William Lacy of predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse, according to the Cook County state's attorney's office.

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Judge Lacy sentenced Feng to 13 years for the sexual assault conviction and three years to be served consecutively for the sexual abuse, according to the state's attorney's office.

Feng touched one of the girls in November, 2014, in a bathroom at the school, said Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Mary Hain during Feng's bail hearing in January, 2015, after being charged.

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Surveillance video captured Feng and the child walking in and out of a bathroom at the school. Feng admitted to inappropriately touching her because "his brain made him," Hain said at the time.

In a second incident which happened in January, 2015, he touched another girl while she was lying down for a nap, Hain said at the time. Surveillance video showed Feng with the girl. Feng pulled back her covers and reached into her pants, Hain said in court. Feng told authorities he did it because he was "curious."



Feng was arrested after guardians of the children told authorities about the acts.

According to school spokeswoman Kelly Anne Ohde, Feng was a teacher at the Near South Side Development Center, which is run by Easter Seals on the campus of National Teachers Academy, 2214 S. Federal St., where the crimes occurred. He was removed from the school and, "will have no contact with the children."

"Our first priority is the care and safety of our children. We conduct our background checks in strict conformity with federal, state and local guidelines. In addition, we perform our own screenings on an ongoing basis. We are continuing to cooperate with authorities."



During his bond hearing in January, 2015, Feng's public defender said that he was born in China but had lived in the United States for 23 years and that he has a bachelor's degree in early childhood development.



Feng's relatives in court that day declined to comment.

Before denying Feng bail at that time, Cook County Judge Adam Bourgeois Jr. told him he posed "a grave danger to all children."
The drivers of two cars  one which had only three tires  were charged with drunken driving after being pulled over during the same traffic stop in Riverside this week, police said.

According to a news release from the Riverside Police Department, the incident occurred at 8:50 p.m. Tuesday. An officer on patrol saw a 2001 Pontiac heading south in the 3400 block of Harlem Avenue. Sparks were flying from a wheel rim because the tire had shredded off, police said.

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A second vehicle, a 2004 Mitsubishi, was behind the Pontiac. Its driver was beeping the horn and "driving recklessly in an attempt to stop" the Pontiac, police said.

The officer pulled over both vehicles in the 3500 block of Harlem.

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The driver of the Pontiac told police he had been in hit-and-run crashes in Chicago and later in Berwyn. Police determined the Mitsubishi also was involved in the Berwyn crash and its driver was attempting to stop the Pontiac.

Riverside police Chief Thomas Weitzel said the two were "playing cat and mouse and chasing each other for over 25 minutes (while) highly intoxicated."

After being stopped, both drivers began to "aggressively argue" with each other, police said. The officer noticed both appeared to be "highly intoxicated," police said. Both drivers failed field sobriety tests, and they were arrested.

The driver of the Pontiac, Nathan Barrera, 20, of Cicero, was charged with drunken driving, no vehicle insurance, expired license plates, unsafe driving and disobeying a red light, police said.

The other driver, Celinette Pena, 31, of River Grove, was charged with drunken driving, disobeying a red light, driving in the wrong lane and unsafe driving, police said.

Police took Pena was to the North Riverside police station to be booked because she and Barrera continued to argue with each other after being taken into custody, police said.

Both drivers posted bond and were released pending a court date in September, police said.
Chicago Public Schools on Friday unveiled a $5.7 billion operating budget "framework" for the coming school year that relies on well over a quarter-billion dollars in help from the city and a still-larger infusion of cash from state lawmakers who remain tangled in a political dogfight.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel's $269 million commitment to the financially ailing district comes as the city confronts its own money troubles. But city officials repeatedly declined to say where the money would come from.

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CPS said it was working with the city "to identify an appropriate source" for the funds. An Emanuel spokesman said he could not answer how the money would be generated. A spokeswoman for the city's finance department would say only that the aid would "not come at the expense of the city's financial well-being."

"There are many options for local resources to fill this gap and meet our commitment for a balanced budget," district CEO Forrest Claypool told reporters during a Friday afternoon news conference at a Little Italy neighborhood elementary school. "This is not the time and place to discuss them. We'll be continuing to have those conversations; we'll be coordinating, tightly obviously, with the city of Chicago. But our focus right now is on Springfield."

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Officials suggested that the proposal for financial help from the city is meant to generate fresh pressure on Springfield's lawmakers to address an ongoing education budget impasse that's already cut off regularly scheduled aid payments to schools across Illinois.

The state Senate is set to convene Sunday and could consider an override of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's rewrite of a school funding overhaul passed by the Democratic General Assembly that would provide as much as $300 million in additional funding to CPS for the upcoming school year. Rauner has dismissed the legislative plan as a CPS "bailout."

An override in the House would be more difficult, and some observers anticipate an entirely new piece of legislation will be needed to break the stalemate.

Without any additional help from the state and city, the district faces a deficit of $544 million, according to documents from a half-billion-dollar CPS bond sale that closed in July.

"We're not going to let the state off the hook, they have a constitutional responsibility to fund schools. And not just fund schools, fund them fairly," Claypool said.

Aldermen were briefed by phone Friday on the proposed city money for CPS, which will require council approval. That could meet some resistance, considering the city has its own budget gap of about $200 million to close and that council members have already been asked to approve broad tax hikes on their constituents.

"Where are we going to get that (money for CPS), when the city has its own shortfall to deal with?" said City Council Education Committee Chairman Ald. Howard Brookins Jr., 21st.

Molly Poppe, the city's financial spokeswoman, said she "can't get into specifics of what we're looking at, what options we have on the table," but said the intervention "will not come at the expense of the city's financial well-being."

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Emanuel has faced considerable pressure from the Chicago Teachers Union and some community groups to come up with additional local funding for CPS, but he has been reluctant to signal his intentions while the debate in Springfield plays out.

The union responded to Friday's budget outline by pointing to its long-standing calls for new taxes, including ones that land harder on the state's wealthiest residents.

"Aldermen need to know that just like all the other votes they have taken regarding revenue, this will also be insufficient," CTU President Karen Lewis said. "The mayor needs to be forthcoming and give them the opportunity to take a vote that actually solves a problem instead of making it worse."

In the proposed budget, teacher salary and benefit costs jump by $99 million compared with last year. The budget also includes an additional $40 million in new health care and non-CTU salary increases. The district's annual contribution to the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund will reach $773 million.

The district expects to receive $22 million in surplus funds from the city's controversial tax-increment financing districts. That, like many other numbers, could change.

Emanuel and the city last October agreed to declare a higher-than-expected tax-increment finance district surplus to provide $55 million toward a CTU contract, which was reached only moments before a threatened strike.

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Around that time, there was talk both in Democratic and Republican circles of changing state law to allow Chicago to direct all declared surplus TIF funds to CPS.

The district acknowledged the 243-page budget document released Friday will serve as only a "framework for the district's eventual (2018) budget." The district said it would release a budget that incorporates any needed changes when necessary.

"Springfield will eventually have an education budget; I believe that," Claypool told reporters Friday. "But we're prepared for what's necessary to keep our schools open on time and stay open. But, the first order of business is for Springfield to act."

Last year, after first approving a $5.6 billion operating budget in August, the school board amended the budget to account for new expenses related to the CTU contract and Rauner's veto of a measure that would have sent $215 million to the district. Ultimately the district wound up with a $5.4 billion budget.

CPS has been criticized in the past two budget years for assuming Springfield would deliver money that, in fact, did not materialize. That left the district to turn to teacher furloughs, midyear cuts and more of the costly borrowing that's helped lead to its financial woes.

This year, officials noted that other school districts across the state are in a similar position as the fate of the school funding bill plays out. "When the dust has cleared in Springfield, like many other districts, we will have a more detailed and specific budget that incorporates any changes or revisions required," Claypool wrote in a preface to the budget framework.

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The mayor and Claypool have said repeatedly that no matter what Springfield does, city schools will open on time and stay open for the full school year.

By offering to close the district's remaining financial gap while negotiations in Springfield drag on, the city could make a case that it has done its part and the state now has to come through. Under that reasoning, the city is not letting Rauner off the hook  as Emanuel vowed not to do while the legislation's fate is still uncertain.

CPS still maintains that even the extra $300 million it would get under the Democratic-backed Senate Bill 1 is a compromise, since the district would be getting an extra $500 million if it was treated the same as every other district in the state. With that in mind, putting up money allows Emanuel to say he's helping to make the compromise work, rather than seeking a bailout as Rauner contends.

That strategy could backfire if Republicans point to the mayor's ability to come up with hundreds of millions of additional dollars and contend he should just take it further and fill the entire shortfall.

The proposed budget again makes clear the district's heavy reliance on borrowing. CPS said it planned to add to its roughly $9 billion load of short- and long-term debt by borrowing cash to be repaid with future property tax revenue. The district has budgeted roughly $79 million just to pay the expected interest costs associated with that borrowing.

Plus, CPS has budgeted $18 million to pay interest on two expensive loans the district took out against the value of past-due state aid payments.

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CPS faces a Dec. 28 deadline to repay or refinance those loans. Should the state fail to come through with the grants by that date, CPS agreed to take on full responsibility to repay the loan  plus interest  using short-term debt or its own cash no later than the end of March.

All told, the district said it expects to spend nearly $400 million of the state education aid it receives this year simply to repay its debts.

CPS will hold public hearings on the budget later this month, with a final budget set for a vote by the Chicago Board of Education on Aug. 28.

Chicago Tribune's Bill Ruthhart and John Byrne contributed.

jjperez@chicagotribune.com

hdardick@chicagotribune.com

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J.B. Pritzker speaks to Cook County Democrats, who heard from candidates for the hotly contested governor's race, at Erie St. Cafe on Aug. 11, 2017. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

Democratic candidate for governor J.B. Pritzker on Friday won the backing of the Cook County Democratic organization, which rejected calls by his rivals that the party modernize and make no formal endorsement.

Pritzker, a billionaire entrepreneur and investor, has pledged to both fund his own campaign and help out the party's candidates across the ticket next year, providing a financial allure for Democrats to support his bid to take on Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.

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Rauner, an equity investor prior to becoming governor, has used his personal wealth to not only help pay for his own campaign, but also subsidize the Illinois Republican Party and back GOP legislative candidates.

With Democratic committeemen from Chicago's wards and suburban Cook County townships gathered at a River North restaurant, Pritzker touted his early field organizing and communications efforts to counter Rauner and the state GOP.

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"Like no other candidate in this race, I am focused on building up the party, uniting the Democratic Party and winning up and down the ticket," Pritzker said.

"So now more than ever, we Democrats need to come together to defeat Bruce Rauner, to stand up against (President) Donald Trump, and today I ask you humbly for your support and endorsement," he said.

The vote for Pritzker by the state's largest Democratic county organization had been expected. It comes as a precursor to next week's gathering of party activists at a large annual county chairmen's brunch to mark Democrat Day at the Illinois State Fair.

Some of the county party's more progressive members had sought an open primary with no endorsement  a concept that Pritzker's rivals readily encouraged in an apparent acknowledgment he was likely to get the nod.

"I think it's essential to have an open primary," said businessman Chris Kennedy, an heir to the iconic Massachusetts political family. He urged the slatemakers to "bring the Democratic Party into the 21st century" and restore trust with voters.

"We can't ask them to make our choice theirs if we're not prepared to make their choice ours. We're alienating ourselves from the voters. No voter wants to be told who to vote for in the primary," he said.

Later, Kennedy issued a statement saying top party officials were more concerned with "preserving the status quo."

"So, in the backroom of a restaurant, they anointed their choice for governor," he said.

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Another contender, state Sen. Daniel Biss of Evanston, urged the party not to endorse by asking, "Are we going to hold an election or are we going to hold an auction?" After the organization announced it endorsed Pritzker, Biss issued a statement saying the vote was unsurprising and represented "more of the same."

"More backroom deals and more closed door coronations to replace one billionaire with another," he said. "For far too long, families like mine have felt the pain of a system rigged against us, and we're ready to choose something new. Today's vote doesn't change that."

Biss and Ald. Ameya Pawar represent the more progressive candidates for the Democratic nomination for governor. Pawar used his appearance before slatemakers to criticize government run by the wealthy, warning that Rauner was an example.

"I am sick and tired of watching a wealthy few decide what's best for the rest of us," Pawar said.

"If we simply anoint someone based on fame or fortune, then nothing changes," he added.

Also appearing before top Cook County Democrats were governor candidates state Rep. Scott Drury of Highwood, lone downstate contender Bob Daiber, anti-violence activist Tio Hardiman and a new contender who surfaced Friday, perennial candidate Robert Marshall of Burr Ridge.

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The organization also endorsed all of the current incumbent statewide Democratic officeholders: Secretary of State Jesse White, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Treasurer Michael Frerichs and Comptroller Susana Mendoza. All county incumbents received endorsements, too. And Cook County Recorder of Deeds Karen Yarbrough was endorsed to replace retiring Clerk David Orr.

White has said he will announce next week whether he will seek a sixth term for the office he has held since 1999.

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Governor Bruce Rauner speaks about the school funding bill at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago on July 24, 2017. The Illinois Senate could vote to override his amendatory veto of the bill when legislators return to Springfield on Sunday, Aug. 13. (Alexandra Wimley / Chicago Tribune)

SPRINGFIELD  Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's changes to a major education funding plan would send $463 million less in state money to Chicago Public Schools this year compared with the Democrat-approved version, according to an analysis his administration released late Saturday afternoon.

The governor's office sent out the long-awaited study less than 24 hours before the Illinois Senate is scheduled to return to the Capitol for a potential vote on overriding Rauner's amendatory veto of a bill to overhaul the way the state distributes money for schools.

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The analysis, which arrived days after the governor's office said an earlier version had errors, was released at about 4 p.m. Saturday, as the public was focused on the weekend and stakeholders scrambled to figure out what it meant.

The Illinois State Board of Education analysis contends more than 97 percent of school districts would get more money this year under Rauner's rewrite than under the Democrats' version. For example, the state's second-largest district in Elgin would receive $12.8 million more under the governor's amendatory veto, according to the Rauner administration. Rockford District 205 would get $9.5 million more, the administration said.

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One major caveat: Rauner's numbers do not account for future years, when school districts that lose students, including potentially CPS, would lose state money. According to the Rauner administration's numbers, about 45 school districts out of Illinois' 850 or so would receive at least $1 million more in state funding under the governor's version than under the Democratic bill.

"This is what equity and fairness in education funding looks like," Rauner said in a statement. "Improving Illinois' education system has been my top priority as governor."

The data indicate CPS would receive $463 million less than under the Democrats' bill, but Rauner's office contends it's only $241 million less because the governor supports picking up $221 million in pension costs for the district. That money has not been approved yet, however.

Adam Collins, spokesman for Mayor Rahm Emanuel, said it was "unconscionable" that Rauner was attempting "to pit one group of students in the state against another."

"Only Bruce Rauner can take the worst education funding system in the country and find how to make it worse," Collins said.

Democrats have said they won't go along with the governor's changes. Sen. Andy Manar, sponsor of the Democratic plan, said the analysis of Rauner's version showed "a massive redistribution that takes from 21 districts and gives to everyone else."

Manar said while Rauner is trumpeting a win for most schools, the changes would result in less money immediately for roughly 400,000 students. Because of provisions in Rauner's veto that would cut funds for schools that lose population two years from now, Manar said that figure eventually could rise to 1 million students.

Manar also said the study's release won't change plans for Sunday. Talks with Republicans about a compromise continue, but failing a deal, Senate Democrats plan to move to override Rauner's amendatory veto.

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Sunday could be a critical moment in the fight over education funding. If senators choose to override Rauner, the bill goes to the House, and the governor could be in danger of losing consecutive battles on two major issues: the state budget and school funding. If House Democrats fail to attract Republicans and can't override Rauner later this month, both parties could try to reach compromise on a new school funding plan.

This week, Illinois hit a dubious milestone as schools went without state aid payments usually sent at the start of the academic year. Classrooms are expected to open on time, but the pressure is on lawmakers to act before districts have to slash programs, cut hours or shut down.

While lawmakers passed a budget over Rauner's veto last month, Democrats inserted a provision that prevents school money from being spent until a new "evidence-based" funding model is put in place. Democrats passed their version at the end of May and sent it to the governor two months later. Rauner, in turn, used his amendatory veto powers this month to rewrite large portions of the proposal.

While Democrats oppose Rauner's changes, even some of the governor's fellow Republicans suggested this week that they might not be able to support his version of a new school funding formula.

The governor had long opposed the measure as a CPS "bailout," but his alterations also included changes that some independent government watchdogs found would result in hundreds of other Illinois districts losing money in future years.

That's put Republicans who initially supported Rauner's amendatory veto in a difficult spot. They don't want to embrace changes that could hurt their local schools. But they also want to avoid splitting with the governor after more than a dozen GOP lawmakers broke with him to pass a budget.

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Complicating matters was a delay in releasing the analysis that came out Saturday. Education officials pulled an initial study citing a "significant error."

Before the numbers were released, Sen. Jason Barickman, a Republican education negotiator from Bloomington, said Rauner's changes "went beyond" some Republicans' expectations and "made people pause."

"Even those who might look at it and determine there are good changes embedded in it, it gives them pause because there is too much unknown without numbers to back it up," Barickman said. He said he's now pushing for a new bill, calling the existing one "tainted."

Barickman said it should aim to bring more fairness to the state's school funding system and give Republicans something they could support in exchange for providing pension help for CPS. He said that could include lifting unfunded mandates for schools, or allowing school districts to limit collective bargaining  an idea long pushed by Rauner.

Finding enough common ground to forge a compromise could be difficult. Manar said an agreement on mandate relief may be possible. However, he said changes to collective bargaining rights was a nonstarter.

An override effort is expected to be easier in the Senate than in the House, which is scheduled to return to Springfield on Wednesday  the same day Rauner and Republicans are set to hold their annual rally at the Illinois State Fair.

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It would take 36 votes to override Rauner in the Senate, where there are 37 Democrats. The education bill received just 35 votes the first time around, but two Democrats were listed as not voting.

Republican Sen. Dale Righter of Mattoon, who joined Democrats to override Rauner on the budget and tax increase, said he was not willing to break ranks on this issue. Senate Democrats might not need Republicans to join in, but that's not the case in the House.

It'll take 71 votes to override Rauner in the House, where there are just 67 Democrats. If an override fails, lawmakers would be left to negotiate a new plan as schools wait. Republicans questioned the sincerity of talks, saying Democrats had called off formal meetings until Monday, the day after a potential override vote.

Rauner predicted during a Friday radio interview that lawmakers would be unable to override his veto. While he touted his changes, he repeated that he is "open to ideas."

"I am open to compromise," Rauner said on WLS-AM's "Connected to Chicago," which is scheduled to air Sunday. "There is no one thing that has to be in the bill, but it needs to be fair for all children and all taxpayers."

Meanwhile, CPS officials took steps Friday to try to push back at the idea that they're seeking a state bailout. The district announced that its proposed budget for next year will include $269 million in additional funding from the city. It's unclear where that money will come from, given the city's own financial woes.

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The CPS budget proposal shows the district still is relying on an additional $300 million next year from the state, which relies on lawmakers overriding Rauner's veto. But officials may be hoping to sway some lawmakers who may be on the fence by demonstrating the city is willing to take on more of a role in helping stabilize the district's finances.

Rauner countered that by putting more money into CPS, Emanuel was "perpetuating a broken system."

"It needs fundamental change, and that's what I think my amendatory veto of SB1 does," Rauner said in a Friday radio interview. "It dramatically transforms the way schools are funded, it improves school funding, and I think over time we can support Chicago Public Schools more, just the way we are supporting other schools."

Chicago Tribune's Hal Dardick contributed.

mcgarcia@chicagotribune.com

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Mayor Rahm Emanuel's administration has asked a federal judge to stop President Donald Trump's Justice Department from withholding some grant money from so-called sanctuary cities.

As expected, the city filed a motion Thursday with U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber, requesting an injunction. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has moved to take away some public safety money from cities like Chicago that he says don't sufficiently cooperate with federal immigration agents seeking to deport people in the country illegally.

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Applications for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant are due by Sept. 5. The Emanuel administration doesn't want to lose the roughly $3 million in grants for purchasing squad cars and other police equipment while the city's lawsuit challenging the new Justice Department rules proceeds.

In its motion for the injunction, the city contends it likely will eventually win the lawsuit because the Justice Department is trying to use the grants as "a policy cudgel" by imposing substantive conditions on cities applying for them, even though the program's rules don't allow it.

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"Formula grants like the Byrne JAG are by definition inconsistent with agency authority to impose substantive policy conditions: Such grants 'are not awarded at the discretion of a state or federal agency, but are awarded pursuant to a statutory formula,' " the motion states.

Sessions announced last month that local governments would lose the grants if they do not give notice when immigrants in the country illegally are about to be released from custody and allow immigration agents access to local jails. Responding this week to Chicago's lawsuit, the attorney general said "no amount of federal taxpayer dollars will help a city that refuses to help its own residents."

Though the Byrne grant is a miniscule part of Chicago's $9.8 billion municipal budget, Emanuel has framed the lawsuit as a rallying cry as he works to position himself at the forefront of big-city mayors who have vowed to defy Trump's immigration policies.

The mayor received widespread attention after telling a reporter last week that his administration planned to file the suit. He held a rare Sunday news conference at City Hall last weekend to preview the move. Then, City Corporation Counsel Ed Siskel held his own news conference at the Dirksen Federal Building on Monday morning when the suit was filed.

jebyrne@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @_johnbyrne
Public safety officials in Guam have distributed a two-page pamphlet advising island residents how to prepare and react should North Korea follow through on threats to launch a nuclear strike against the U.S. territory.

The document includes several ominous warnings, the first being: "Do not look at the flash or fireball - It can blind you."

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It also highlights steps for determining what shelters are "safe" - and for removing radioactive material that may accumulate on people's clothes, skin and hair. (Do use shampoo, it says. Don't use conditioner, as it will bind the toxins to your hair.)

The fact sheet's title: "In Case of Emergency - Preparing for Imminent Missile Threat."

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Distributed by Guam's Homeland Security Department, the guidance comes as President Trump trades increasingly hostile and alarming statements with the regime in Pyongyang, which has said it's developing plans to attack the Western Pacific atoll.

Amid escalating tensions, Trump tweeted Friday: "Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely."

The government fact sheet would seem a jarring departure from an announcement from Guam Gov. Eddie Baza Calvo, who sought Wednesday to reassure the island's 160,000 citizens, saying in a video address:

"I know we woke up to media reports of North Korea's talk of revenge on the United States and this so-called newfound technology that allows them to target Guam. I'm working with Homeland Security, the rear admiral and the United States to ensure our safety, and I want to reassure the people of Guam that currently there is no threat to our island or the Marianas."

Calvo said Wednesday that "there is no change in the threat level resulting from North Korea events" and that "there are several levels of defense, all strategically placed to protect our island and our nation."

Though officials on the island are clearly mindful of the heated back-and-forth between Washington and Pyongyang, the guidance issued to residents Friday is simply an extension of long-standing public safety practices designed for typhoons and other natural disasters that menace the region.

"Our office hasn't received too many concerned calls," Jenna Gaminde, a spokeswoman for Guam Homeland Security, told The Washington Post on Friday about the U.S.-North Korean rhetoric. "We've had a few here and there, [but] our lines blow up when there's a natural event. People are calm. We try to assure them there are defense capabilities in place, and people are putting their faith in them."

The island houses about 7,000 U.S. troops spread between Andersen Air Force base and Naval Base Guam. Local public safety officials have maintained constant communication between base commanders and the governor's office, Gaminde said.

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The fact sheet, first reported Friday by the Pacific Daily News, explains that brick or concrete structures are the safest places to shelter from nuclear fallout, and that those with thick walls and roofs best absorb radioactive particles. Plan to remain inside for at least 24 hours, it says.

Those who can't get indoors or behind some type of protections should simply lie down and cover their heads.

"If the explosion is some distance away," the fact sheet says, "it could take 30 seconds or more for the blast wave to hit."

To prevent radioactive material from spreading, people should remove their outer clothing, seal it in a plastic bag and get as far away as possible, the fact sheet says. If possible, shower with soap and water - no conditioner! - but be careful not to scratch the skin. Blow your nose, and wipe out your ears and eyelids, it says.

Officials say the fact sheet was created during a period of similar tension four years ago and dusted off now with hopes that it would encourage residents to plan.

Still, Dee Cruz, a senior watch officer with Guam Homeland Security, concedes that "folks here are concerned because there's a lot of talk about it" - alluding to extensive media coverage of the public statements made by Trump and his counterpart in North Korea, Kim Jong Un.

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The island remains on alert, she said, but its government and its people have steeled themselves for the worst.

"Our island has been a target since 2013, and even before that," Cruz told The Post. "We're ready, and prepared, as much as possible."
SEOUL, South Korea  Between American threats of "fire and fury" and North Korea's vow to unleash a "historic enveloping fire" on a U.S. territory, the war of words between Pyongyang and Washington has suddenly raised fears of escalating into an actual war.

It also has brought a rush of speculation about the brinkmanship at play  including trying to understand the moves and motives of the North's leader, Kim Jong Un.

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With his unequivocal words, Trump appeared intent on sending a message to North Korea  and to its traditional backer China  that enough was enough, according to administration officials.

But with Kim, the endgame is about all seeking to stay in power, analysts said.

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The 33-year-old leader inherited control of the totalitarian regime from his father and grandfather, who founded North Korea with Soviet and Chinese backing after World War II.

"What Kim Jong Un really wants is to improve his missiles and nuclear weapons and to keep the country under his leadership," said Michael Madden, who runs the North Korea Leadership Watch website.

Although the Western caricature of Kim is of a pudgy madman with a funny hairdo, he has been a textbook dictator, making rational decisions for someone who wants to retain absolute power.

On Thursday, South Korea's National Security Council urged North Korea to calm down, offering the prospect of talks, while its military issued a much sterner warning. The Joint Chiefs of Staff said North Korea would suffer "strong and resolute retaliation" from allied American and South Korean forces if it mounted an attack on either country.

The warnings came after North Korea earlier Thursday made an unusually specific threat. In a statement attributed to the North Korean army's Strategic Forces commander, Pyongyang threatened to fire four intermediate-range Hwasong-12 ballistic missiles over Japan for "3,356.7km for 1,065 seconds"  nearly 18 minutes  by the middle of this month, saying they would land within 18 to 25 miles of Guam, the American territory in the Pacific that is home to large Air Force and Navy bases.

This threat was not made in response to Trump's "fire and fury" remarks  the wheels of Kim's bureaucracy move more slowly than Trump's  but rather in reaction to the United States launching of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Aug. 2.

Japanese government leaders denounced the threat and residents in the three Japanese prefectures named as on the missiles' flight path expressed fear and anger.

"Honestly, I didn't pay much attention to [the North Korean missile issue]," said Eihachiro Matsuzawa of the fishermen's cooperative in Kochi, one of the prefectures named.

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"Most of us fish for living so it would harm our business if we couldn't go out to sea because of these missile launches. What's the point of them? It makes me angry," he told Japan's Sankei Shimbun newspaper.

A war still remains in no one's interest  especially not in that of the 25 million South Koreans who live within range of North Korea's conventional artillery  but the combination of two tempestuous leaders with nuclear codes has created an atmosphere where anything seems possible.

"The risk in northeast Asia stems from both Trump and Kim Jong Un," said Koo Hae-woo, who was a top official at South Korea's intelligence service until 2014 and now runs the Korea Institute for Future Strategies think-tank.

"Kim is ratcheting up the tension to the maximum level, while President Trump doesn't rule out war as an option," Koo said.

The Kims have kept a tight grip on North Korea internally through a brutal system of repression and fear, and have increasingly kept the outside world at bay by developing nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them. This has traditionally been viewed as a deterrent to fend off the kind of fate that Saddam Hussein suffered in Iraq and Moammar Gadhafi endured in Libya.

Since taking over the reins at the end of 2011, Kim Jong Un has rapidly accelerated the development of North Korea's weapons program, presiding over three nuclear tests and surprising improvements in its missile technology.

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Last month, North Korea launched two intercontinental ballistic missiles believed capable of reaching the mainland United States, and American intelligence officials have concluded that they are now able to attach nuclear warheads to them, crossing a key threshold on the path to becoming a full-fledged nuclear power.

While these weapons might work as a deterrent, it would be suicidal for Kim to actually use them and risk retaliation by the much more powerful American military.

"Kim Jong Un is not trying to pick a fight," Madden said.

An American analyst who is in contact with senior North Korean officials, Madden said that Pyongyang was well aware that Trump had a habit of speaking  or tweeting  off the cuff.

"North Koreans are not taking this seriously. They're saying that Trump is saying these kinds of things because he hasn't 'consolidated his power' yet," he said  using a line that American experts usually use to describe questionable things that Kim does.

Cheong Seong-chang, a North Korean leadership expert at the left-leaning Sejong Institute in the South, agreed with Madden that Kim does not want actual conflict with the United States.

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"North Korea is not developing ICBM technology to start a war with the U.S." Cheong said. "This is all about preventing the U.S. from intervening in any military conflict on the Korean Peninsula. It wants to influence American decisions. The U.S. does not want to be criticized for risking American lives to protect its allies."

Others see a ploy by North Korea to ratchet up the tensions and make the most progress on its weapons program before sanctions bite and it is forced to return to the negotiating table.

"The U.S. will only agree to talk with the North if it thinks a physical clash is imminent," said Koo Hae-woo, who was a top official at South Korea's intelligence service until 2014 and now runs the Korea Institute for Future Strategies think-tank. "The North is not aiming for a clash but increasing the tension to create an environment for negotiation."

But behind the assessment of Kim as a rational, if brutal, leader with a master game plan lies a worrying precedent.

Rational leaders of new nuclear states with a small number of weapons tend to be most reckless in their early years, said Van Jackson, an expert on North Korean security issues at Victoria University in New Zealand.

"There's a temptation to see how much juice they can squeeze out of these weapons that they've spent so much money and effort making," he said, adding that this created more pressure, not less, to demonstrate nuclear capability.

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The closest analog to the North Korea situation is Pakistan, he said. Rather than following the Cold War model of mutually assured destruction, Pakistan has adopted a strategy of "asymmetric escalation" - being able to use a nuclear arsenal against a conventional attack.

"The fact that Kim Jong Un is rational doesn't necessarily lead to good outcomes," Jackson said. "Rationality takes us to a more dangerous place right now."

The Washington Post's Yoonjung Seo in Seoul and Yuki Oda in Tokyo contributed reporting.
In this April 27, 2015, file photo, Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D-Yonkers, speaks during a news conference in Albany, N.Y. Billionaire hedge fund executive Daniel Loeb has apologized for an online post saying Stewart-Cousins has done "more damage to people of color than anyone who has ever donned a hood." (Mike Groll / AP)

ALBANY, N.Y.  A billionaire hedge fund manager has apologized for an online post saying that a black state senator has "done more damage to people of color than anyone who has ever donned a hood" because of her support for teachers unions.

Daniel Loeb issued a statement saying he regrets the language he used in the Facebook post about Senate Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a Yonkers Democrat. The post, an apparent reference to the white headgear of the Ku Klux Klan, was deleted late Thursday.

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Loeb, the CEO of the investment firm Third Point, is a top donor to Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo and many other politicians. He is a leading supporter of charter schools.

"I regret the language I used in expressing my passion for educational choice," he said in his statement about the post, emailed to The Associated Press on Friday morning. "I apologize to Sen. Stewart-Cousins and anyone I offended."

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Cuomo and other Democrats quickly denounced Loeb's comments.

"These comments were deeply hurtful and offensive and there is no place for this type of rhetoric in any discourse  political or otherwise," Cuomo said in a statement.

Stewart-Cousins' spokesman Mike Murphy said there was "no place in our discourse, political or otherwise, for these dangerous words."

"Daniel Loeb should be utterly ashamed of his disgusting statements," Murphy said. "This whole episode speaks volumes about the state of our politics right here in New York."

Loeb's Facebook post was in response to a story in The New York Times earlier this week on the ongoing tension among Cuomo, mainline Democrats and a Democratic Senate faction led by Sen. Jeff Klein, of the Bronx, who broke ranks with the party to empower Republicans, who now control the Senate. The story detailed an exchange between Stewart-Cousins and Cuomo in which Cuomo suggested that Klein had a better grasp of suburban issues than mainline Senate Democrats.

"You look at me, Mr. Governor, but you don't see me," Stewart-Cousins told Cuomo in response, according to the article. "You see my black skin and a woman, but you don't realize that I am a suburban legislator. Jeff Klein doesn't represent the suburbs. I do."

While Loeb deleted his remarks, the Times reported the text and the AP obtained a screenshot of the post.

"Thank God for Jeff Klein and those who stand for educational choice and support Charter (sic) funding that leads to economic mobility and opportunity for poor knack kids," the post read. "Meanwhile hypocrites like Stewart-Cousins who pay fealty to powerful union thugs and bosses do more damage to people of color than anyone who has ever donned a hood."

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Klein, another recipient of Loeb contributions, also distanced himself from the remarks.

"The statements are wrong and have to be repudiated," he said in a statement.
Local and state partners are working together to monitor harmful algal blooms on Owasco Lake, but testing of potential toxins in those blooms is limited.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation said Owasco Lake, along with Honeyoe, Seneca and Otisco lakes, have shoreline surveillance programs of blooms, studying where they're happening and why. Owasco Lake's is a research effort funded by a $600,000 grant from the state.

With 80 samples allocated for water quality testing by a lab at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and 44 samples used in 2016, the DEC rolled over the remaining 36 for this year. Some of the samples are also tested by the state Department of Health's Wadsworth Lab in Albany, though not all.

Watershed Inspector Tim Schneider said the program has already used six tests on Owasco Lake, and he's concerned that more will be needed.

"My fear is if we keep doing as many samples as we are, we're going to go through them in three weeks," Schneider told members of the Cayuga County Water Quality Management Agency last week. "From our perspective, we have to filter our samples out and say, 'OK, this one isn't as green as the other one,' so if I get 10 samples, I might only be able to send out two in a week."

Scott Kishbaugh, chief of the DEC's Lakes Monitoring and Assessment Section with the Bureau of Water Assessment Management, said should inspectors need more samples to be tested, they can ask for an amendment to the $600,000 grant, and the DEC would review the proposal.

In the six samples that have been tested through the surveillance program this year, no measurable levels of toxins have been found, he added.

"We think that Tim (Schneider) and the local team did a terrific job of documenting blooms through a combination of visual surveillance and zones that have been established with periodic sampling, and they're continuing to do a terrific job this year," Kishbaugh said.

In the meantime visual surveillance is the most important focus, he said, and the public should realize that a bloom could crop up in a place that has not yet been reported by inspectors.

But with some members of the public wanting their water tested, local officials are having to explain why that's not always possible.

For one thing, there are few laboratories in New York capable of analyzing microcystin, the main toxin of concern. The Cayuga County Health Department utilizes the Wadsworth Lab to make its public health decisions regarding microcystin. Microcystin can cause multiple health complications including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and irritation of the skin, eyes or respiratory system, according to the county health department. Microcystin is also a liver toxin. There have been reports in some places of dogs swimming in a bloom, licking the algae off of their fur and dying soon after.

The health department does not have the authority to shut down an entire lake, so it's encouraging the public to remain vigilant and not swim in water that looks scummy or discolored. Kishbaugh said it's important to avoid exposure to a bloom, and it's better to stay out rather than wait for a sampling result or a sampling team to come out.

The health department is however responsible for public bathing beaches. Environmental Health Director Eileen O'Connor said local lifeguards are trained to identify blooms, and if there is one, they close the beach. A health department staff member will come out to confirm by sight, but the only way to tell if the bloom is truly toxic or not, is to test the water.

According to the state Department of Health regulations, O'Connor said the health department must wait 24 hours after a bloom dissipates before sending a sample to Albany for testing. There is no limitation on the number of samples the health department sends in to Wadsworth Lab so far, O'Connor said.

What's been tricky, O'Connor said, is the blooms will dissipate and the water appears clear in the morning, but as the waters warm in the afternoon, the blooms tend to reappear.

The health department has opted to stop issuing press releases when beaches are closed, leaving it up to visitors and residents to contact the beach they want to visit for the latest information. Public Health Director Kathleen Cuddy said the reason for that is because reports of blooms "were coming fast and furious, on and off," in an email to The Citizen.

"Since HAB issues can change so quickly, it really seemed the best if the beaches kept their patrons informed rather than people waiting to hear from the Health Dept.," she wrote.

Besides that, beaches could be closed for other reasons the health department may not be aware of, she added.

The health department also regulates the public drinking water, and has been sending in samples to the Wadsworth Lab. Those tests are also unlimited, but have been occurring about weekly. Samples have come back with no detectable levels of toxins so far.

O'Connor told members of the county's water quality management agency meeting that if members of the public still want their water sampled individually, she has a list of labs in the state of Ohio that will test the water.

Steve Lynch, director of the county's planning and economic development department, said at the Aug. 3 meeting that there's a lot of different testing for the public to sort out.

"It's important to make a distinction between sort of public health policy and the practical need to tell people that if it looks like this, you don't have the benefit of analysis even if you have a lab right in Auburn, so stay away from it," Lynch said. "There's value to knowing, sampling some of these to know more about it from a research point of view, and this is what happened point of view, but clearly if things go the way they are, we're going to have a lot more visual confirmations of algal blooms that we're not going to be able to confirm if they were blue-green or wasn't, etc. so I think it's important for the public to just know that they don't go in it."
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, seen here on Aug. 2, 2017 outside the Capitol Building. (Michael Reynolds / EPA)

WASHINGTON  The high-profile stars of the Democratic Party's populist wing have steered the agenda their way on Capitol Hill this year, but the fight over the party's direction is far from settled.

As the party faces great expectations of big gains in the 2018 midterms, Democratic centrists are increasingly worried that the disproportionate share of attention shown to Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and the agenda pushed by his anti-establishment allies will do more harm than good.

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That direction, the thinking goes, will energize liberals in places that Democrats are already winning by big margins. But it might drive away the voters needed to win inland races that will shape the House majority and determine which governors and state legislators are in charge of redrawing federal and state legislative districts early next decade.

Enter a group called New Democracy, a combination think tank and super PAC trying to reimagine the party's brand in regions where Democrats have suffered deep losses.

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Leaders of the group want to focus on rebuilding in states where, during the Obama presidency, Democrats lost nearly 1,000 legislative seats and more than a dozen governor's mansions.

"Our most important work will be done outside of Washington," Will Marshall, founder of New Democracy, said in an interview.

The effort is publicly being labeled as sand"supplemental" to the emerging agenda being crafted on Capitol Hill, including the highly populist "Better Deal" proposal touted by party leaders in the House and Senate last month. But the new group's leaders do not see that agenda, including a push for lower prescription-drug prices, as particularly helpful to Democrats in exurban districts or key Midwestern states where President Trump won last year.

"That is an accurate reflection of many Democrats who represent deep blue districts. But it has limited appeal beyond the coasts," Marshall said.

To be sure, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., have been trying to offer the sort of economic agenda items that can appeal to voters in Iowa as well as California, targeted at working class voters who abandoned Democrats for Trump.

But some centrists fear this populist message will get tuned out by heartland voters if it is accompanied by the party's increasing embrace of staunch liberal positions on cultural matters, from abortion rights to transgender issues.

Marshall helped launch similar efforts as Democrats lost three straight presidential elections in the 1980s, under the auspices of the Democratic Leadership Council and its offshoot, the Progressive Policy Institute.

Back then, operating under the New Democrat banner, the centrists helped create the ideas behind the 1992 presidential campaign of Bill Clinton, who became the first two-term Democrat in the White House since FDR.

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New Democracy is taking shape under the failure of another Clinton - Hillary - whose loss to Trump helped solidify the already growing divide between Democrats and voters beyond large urban centers. Several dozen Democrats have signed on with New Democracy, including Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and Rep. Stephanie Murphy, Fla., a freshman rising star.

The two Democratic wings could be headed for a fierce clash over what the party needs to stand for in the wake of the stunning 2016 defeat. Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and other liberals have been making gains in getting congressional Democrats to support ideas such as a $15-an-hour minimum wage, some form of free college and demanding a full-frontal assault on big banks and big corporations.

So far, however, the college plans pushed by Sanders have not been in the "Better Deal." Senior Democratic advisers say that their effort has been to embrace economic populism without focusing on less politically popular liberal ideas.

The early portions of the "Better Deal" agenda tilt in the populist direction, with calls for stronger antitrust regulations and its tough talk on trade deals. Their belief is that white, working-class voters - millions of whom voted for Barack Obama but then switched to Trump - felt left behind in an economy with fewer manufacturing plants and those jobs went offshore or disappeared through automation.

Marshall and other Democrats fear that the populist tone is built around a negative message of casting blame and lacks the optimistic tones around which Bill Clinton and Barack Obama built their successful presidential bids.

Combine that negative tone with what critics say is a cultural elitism among urban liberals on social issues, and the centrist wing feels that voters in the heartland simply do not embrace the Democratic message anymore.

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"The party's gotten a little too comfortable with its urban and coastal strongholds," Marshall said.

New Democracy's mission statement is even more blunt, warning that both parties have engaged in "a civically corrosive form of identity politics" and Democrats should "avoid vilifying people whose social views aren't as 'progressive' as we think they should be."

"For many working class and rural voters, the party's message seems freighted with elite condescension for traditional values (especially faith) and lifestyles," the group says.

The first big public event for New Democracy will come at an October summit hosted by Vilsack, who grew increasingly disenchanted last year with what he felt was the Clinton campaign's unwillingness to court rural voters.

In the 2008 elections, Obama won the Hawkeye State by nearly 10 percentage points, giving Iowa Democrats a 32-to-18 edge in the state Senate and a 56-to-44 edge in the state House. The governor, Chet Culver, was a Democrat. Four of the state's seven members of Congress were Democrats.

In 2016 Trump won Iowa by nearly 10 percentage points, Republicans now hold a comfortable nine-seat majority in the state Senate and a 19-seat majority in the state House. Trump appointed the state's popular Republican governor, Terry Brandstad, to be ambassador to China.

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Iowa now sends just one Democrat to Congress.

That kind of shift happened across many states far away from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts over the past eight years.

It remains to be seen how much efforts like New Democracy really will supplement the party's efforts to reach new voters - and how much of this turns into a deep fight with the liberal wing.

New Democracy is reserving the right to wade into primaries to support moderate candidates, which could foreshadow the type of expensive primary battles Republicans have had the past eight years.

"Obama's success has masked the narrowing of the party's appeal," Marshall said, fearing that Democrats are not reaching beyond liberal elites. "Dogma seems to be in the driver's seat."
During the presidential campaign, Donald Trump often told the story of the kind woman who found a half-frozen snake and took it in and nursed it back to health  only to be repaid with a cruel bite. What Republicans didn't know is that in this story, they're the woman and Trump is the reptile.

With his approval rating sinking, Trump has decided his problem is that he has too many allies. So he set out to rid of himself of an important one, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.

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The taciturn Kentuckian managed to inspire rage by suggesting that, being new to Washington, Trump had "excessive expectations about how quickly things happen in the democratic process." The president responded by tweeting angrily, "Can you believe that Mitch McConnell, who has screamed Repeal & Replace for 7 years, couldn't get it done. Must Repeal & Replace ObamaCare!"

As if that weren't enough, Trump followed up in an interview with reporters by indicating he might favor McConnell's resignation as Republican leader if he couldn't get Trump's agenda enacted.

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McConnell looks as worried as a poker player holding four aces. He is accountable only to the voters back home, who in 2014 elected him to his sixth term by a 15-point margin, and to Senate Republicans, who installed him as their leader 10 years ago and appear to be perfectly content with him.

Upon reading Trump's tweets, Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, we can assume, immediately fell to their knees to rejoice at this sudden windfall.

As commanders of an outnumbered force, their best hope is that their adversaries will devour themselves, and Trump is doing his best to make their wish come true. He has proved himself the supreme master of the unforced error.

There are many things Trump does not seem to comprehend about the presidency. One is that on a wide range of important issues, he can't do much without the help of Congress. Another is that the legislative branch is equal to the executive branch, not subordinate.

He also fails to grasp that he has no more of a popular mandate than every single member of Congress, none of whom came in second in the popular vote. He didn't install any of them. The voters did. Every representative and senator knows  far better than Trump does  what he or she needs to do to win re-election.

Most of them were in office long before he arrived and will be there after he's gone. They don't owe him and don't fear him.

A president, of course, can sometimes compel even unfriendly members of Congress to go along with his legislative agenda. In 1981, Republican Ronald Reagan got his signature tax cut approved even though his party was in the House minority. No fewer than 48 Democrats (and all but one Republican) felt obliged to support it. In the Senate, only 10 Democrats dared to vote no.

But at the time, Reagan had an approval rating of 55 percent. Having been a two-term governor of California, he also had some knowledge of how to work with lawmakers. Trump, by contrast, boasts an approval rating of 38 percent and a bottomless ignorance of the legislative process.

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It didn't occur to him that if an unpopular president wants anything passed, he needs to offer ideas that are practical and politically salable (see: Reagan tax cut). Trump was unable to get Congress to vote for the repeal and replacement of Obamacare partly because he didn't know anything about policy details and therefore was ill-suited to negotiate with people who do.

He was also handicapped, as congressional Republicans were, by the unexpected surge of public sentiment for the status quo. Getting any major change through Congress demands careful craftsmanship and shrewd compromises. Neither requirement played to Trump's strengths.

His missteps go beyond consigning himself to legislative impotence. They also put his presidency in jeopardy.

A president under investigation by a special counsel has to consider the prospect of impeachment. All Trump has to do to avoid it is keep Republicans aligned with him. But instead of striving to ingratiate himself with those who hold his fate in their hands, he seems determined to antagonize them.

Someone might want to tell Trump the story of the dying sinner whose priest asked if he was prepared to renounce Satan. The man replied, "This is no time to be making new enemies."

Steve Chapman, a member of the Tribune Editorial Board, blogs at www.chicagotribune.com/chapman.

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Download "Recalculating: Steve Chapman on a New Century" in the free Printers Row app at www.printersrowapp.com.

schapman@chicagotribune.com

Twitter: @SteveChapman13
This image released by the Library of Congress shows the cover page of "Poor Richard: An Almanac," 1739 by "Richard Saunders,"one of Benjamin Franklin's pseudonyms. (Handout, Library of Congress)

Boston, Massachusetts  By the time he was 20 years old, colonial American Benjamin Franklin had already spent two years working as a printer in London. He returned to Philadelphia in 1726. During the sea voyage home, he kept a journal that included many of his observations of the natural world. Franklin was inquisitive, articulate and interested in mastering the universe.

During one afternoon calm on Sept. 14, Franklin wrote, "... as we sat playing draughts upon deck, we were surprised with a sudden and unusual darkness of the sun, which as we could perceive was only covered with a small thin cloud: when that was passed by, we discovered that that glorious luminary labored under a very great eclipse. At least ten parts out of twelve of him were hid from our eyes, and we were apprehensive he would have been totally darkened."

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Total solar eclipses are not rare phenomena; every 18 months on average one occurs somewhere on Earth. Franklin and his shipmates likely had seen eclipses before. What was different for Franklin and his generation was a new understanding of the causes of eclipses and the possibility of accurately predicting them.

Earlier generations in Europe relied on magical thinking, interpreting such celestial events through the lens of the occult, as if the universe were sending a message from heaven. By contrast, Franklin came of age at a time when supernatural readings were held in suspicion. He would go on to spread modern scientific views of astronomical events through his popular almanac  and attempt to free people from the realm of the occult and astrological prophecy.

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Ancient people conceived of the heavens as built around human beings. For centuries, people subscribed to the Ptolemaic belief about the solar system: The planets and the sun revolved around the stationary Earth.

The idea that God drove the heavens is very old. Because people thought that their god (or gods) guided all heavenly occurrences, it's not surprising that many people  ancient Chinese, for example, and Egyptians and Europeans  believed that what they witnessed in the skies above provided signs of future events.

For this reason, solar eclipses were for many centuries understood to be harbingers of good or evil for humankind. They were attributed magical or mysterious predictive qualities that could influence human lives. During the first century A.D., astrologers, magicians, alchemists and mystics who claimed to have mastery over supernatural phenomena held sway over kings, religious leaders and whole populations.

Nicholas Copernicus, whose life straddled the 15th and 16th centuries, used scientific methods to devise a more accurate understanding of the solar system. In his famous book, "On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres" (published in 1543), Copernicus showed that the planets revolved around the sun. He didn't get it all right, though: He thought planetary bodies had circular orbits, because the Christian God would have designed perfect circles in the cosmos. That planetary motion is elliptical is a later discovery.

By the time Franklin grew up in New England (about 150 years later), few people still believed in the Ptolemaic system. Most had learned from living in an increasingly enlightened culture that the Copernican system was more reliable. Franklin, like many in his generation, believed that knowledge about the scientific causes for changes in the environment could work to reduce human fears about what the skies might portend.

In his earliest printed articles, Franklin criticized the idea that education belonged solely to the elite. He hoped to bring knowledge to common people, so they could rely on expertise outside of what they might hear in churches. Franklin opted to use his own almanacs  along with his satirical pen  to help readers distinguish between astronomical events and astrological predictions.

Printing was a major technological innovation during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries that helped foster information-sharing, particularly via almanacs.

These amazing compilations included all kinds of useful information and were relied on by farmers, merchants, traders and general readers in much the same way we rely on smartphones today.

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Almanac culture dominated New England life when Franklin was a youth. They were the most purchased items American printers offered, with many a printer making his chief livelihood by printing almanacs. Almanacs were money-makers, so Franklin developed his own version shortly after he opened his own shop in Philadelphia.

In addition to the usual fare, Franklin's almanac provided stories, aphorisms and poems, all ostensibly curated by a homespun character he created: Richard Saunders, the fictional "author" of Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanac."

The "Poor Richard" Saunders persona allowed Franklin to satirize almanac makers who still wrote about eclipses as occult phenomena.

Franklin's voice was close enough to his satirical target that "Poor Richard" stole the market. For instance, Poor Richard began his career by predicting the death of Titan Leeds, his competitor. He later would do the same thing to John Jerman. Franklin was determined to mock almanac-makers who pretended to possess occult knowledge.

Franklin included a wonderfully funny section in his almanac for 1735, making light of his competitors who did offer astrological prognostications. As "Poor Richard," he wrote:

"I shall not say much of the Signification of the Eclipses this Year, for in truth they do not signifie much; only I may observe by the way, that the first Eclipse of the Moon being celebrated in Libra or the Ballance, foreshews a Failure of Justice, where People judge in their own Cases. But in the following Year 1736, there will be six Eclipses, four of the Sun, and two of the Moon, which two Eclipses of the Moon will be both total, and portend great Revolutions in Europe, particularly in Germany."

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Richard Saunders is clear in the opening remark that "Eclipses  do not signifie much." He nonetheless goes on to lampoon anyone who would rely on the stars to foretell human events. Great revolutions were taking place in Europe, but no one needed to read eclipses in order to figure that out; they needed only to read the day's newspapers.

The Conversation

Carla J. Mulford is a professor of English at Pennsylvania State University.
The Trump administration, according to recent reports, is preparing to redirect resources at the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division away from disadvantaged groups such as African-Americans and Latinos in order to push against affirmative action initiatives. This would be a terrible mistake.

Roosevelt University, where I am president, was founded in 1945 in response to an effort by the Central YMCA College in Chicago to limit the admission of "undesirable" black and Jewish students at the school. And because the university has kept firm in the belief that all qualified students should be admitted, our student body has remained one of the most diverse in the Midwest. Our history from our very first days attests to the benefits of diversity within the college community.

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I do not want to belabor the advantages of diversity in college life, except to make a basic point about the nature of American society  we are already incredibly diverse! And we are growing more so every year. Making sure educational institutions reflect that diversity is crucial to our collective future. For example, if students do not learn to be a part of a diverse group in college, they will be at a disadvantage when they join what is an increasingly diverse workforce. And on a larger scale, a healthy national polity cannot exist if we separate ourselves from those who are different from us.

In a society that has always valued individualism, it is understandable that many people resist the idea of policies to favor disadvantaged groups. Such policies appear to go against the principle of meritocracy in which you succeed or fail based solely on your own efforts. To accept this argument, though, one must choose to ignore our nation's long and troubled history with prejudice and racism. As President Lyndon Johnson said in 1965 during his efforts to protect the civil rights of African-Americans, "You do not take a person who, for years, has been hobbled by chains and liberate him, bring him up to the starting line of a race and then say, 'You are free to compete with all the others,' and still justly believe that you have been completely fair."

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I know this is a complicated issue. While repeatedly affirming the value of diversity and the constitutionality of affirmative action, the Supreme Court has struggled to articulate a clear standard for how to implement affirmative action in a fair manner. This is understandable given how both sides in the debate claim that they are protecting core American values. How does one balance fairness to disadvantaged groups with fairness to individuals? I cannot say precisely where that line should be drawn, but I can say that it should be drawn in such a way that we protect and expand upon the gains made by disadvantaged groups in the last half century. There continues to be a significant gap between white and Asian students, and African-American and Latino students in both matriculation and graduation rates from colleges and universities. Given the historic nature of this gap, it would take willful blindness to claim that the difference did not reveal the continuing struggle in our society to free itself from its long history of racial discrimination.

As I write these words, I realize that, as a society, we will always disagree about issues such as affirmative action because they bring into conflict fundamental values in our society in a manner that cannot be easily resolved. Even if we cannot agree, though, I believe there is enormous value in discussing and debating these issues in a thoughtful manner. That is why Roosevelt University is holding its annual American Dream Reconsidered Conference on Sept. 11. Although the idea of the American Dream has long been central to the story of our history, the exact meaning of that dream has always been contested. How do you assure the possibility of upward mobility and financial success to everyone? How do you deal with barriers and roadblocks to the achievement of the American Dream? I do not think we will end the debate over affirmative action at the conference, but I know we will discuss it. And that is a good start.

Ali Malekzadeh is president of Roosevelt University.
Gov. Bruce Rauner has offered no real data to back up the claim that his version of the school funding bill would benefit the states poorest districts. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune )

When Illinois legislators return to Springfield to address school funding reform, they should override Gov. Bruce Rauner's amendatory veto of the bill or pass a new version with a veto-proof majority.

In summary: Rauner botched this one.

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The governor has not made, and cannot seem to make, a compelling case for the breadth and scope of his changes to a bill that represented a decade of research on a broken school funding formula. Instead he has delivered only mixed messages and tumult.

Rather than use a scalpel on the bill as he and his education secretary, Beth Purvis, signaled he would do, Rauner used a cleaver.

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He stripped out extra protections slipped into the bill for Chicago Public Schools; that was expected and justifiable. But then he expanded his surgery to limit the potential of the bill's impact in property-poor areas throughout Illinois.

Worse, he could not fully explain his changes and offered no real data to back up the claim that his version would benefit "the poorest and most disadvantaged school districts across the entire state."

Do we take him at his word? Or do we demand numbers to support his rhetoric? Rauner's State Board of Education should have immediately released a district-by-district breakdown of how his Aug. 1 veto would affect public schools, many of which are days from opening their doors.

Republicans often criticize Democrats for supporting policies based on emotion, not math. Yet Gov. Rauner expected to get a pass on how his veto would affect the bottom line of school districts.

Continually, Rauner's focus seems to be at the wrong end: protecting wealthy school districts from losing what they have instead of advocating for low-income school districts and what they need.

Maybe this seems insignificant, but the lead lawmaker  Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill  says he never got to sit down and discuss it with Rauner.

It matters because Rauner often talks of bipartisan compromise.

It matters because Manar, who has worked on the bill for four years, earned at least a meeting.

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It matters because most lawmakers in Springfield coast to re-election by passing puffy, easy bills and showing up at the right pancake breakfasts and block parties.

Manar was still holding town hall meetings on education funding last week while nearly 30 of his colleagues, including Senate President John Cullerton, were in Boston on a junket.

Yes, that matters too.

Changing the school funding formula in this state is long overdue. I would have liked to get behind Rauner's changes, if they were delivered via scalpel and with explanation. But even he can't seem to defend them.

Override his changes, lawmakers, or pass a new bill. Then move on to the next crisis.

Kristen McQueary is a member of the Tribune Editorial Board.

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kmcqueary@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @statehousechick
A solar eclipse will be visible across a wide swath of the U.S. on Aug. 21. Here's how to watch it safely.

Boston, Massachusetts  A total solar eclipse will be visible across the U.S. on Aug. 21. Here is why and how it happens, and what we can learn from an eclipse.

1. How do we know when an eclipse is going to happen? How do we know in advance where it will be visible?

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Solar eclipses happen when our view of the sun is blocked by the moon. When the moon lines up between the sun and Earth, the moon will cast a shadow onto Earth. This is what we on the ground observe as a solar eclipse.

We know when they'll happen because over centuries astronomers have measured very precisely the motions of the Earth, moon and sun, including their orbital shapes, how the orbits precess and other parameters. With those data about the moon  and similar information about the Earth's orbit around the sun  we can make mathematical models of their movements in relation to each other. Using those equations, we can calculate tables of data that can predict what we will see on Earth, depending on location, during an eclipse as well as when they will happen and how long they last. (The next major solar eclipses over the U.S. will be in 2023 and 2024.)

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2. How often do eclipses happen?

A solar eclipse happens, on average, a couple times a year. The moon passes between the Earth and sun every 29 days, a time we call the "new moon"  when the moon is not visible in Earth's nighttime sky. However, the moon's orbit and the sun's path in our sky don't match up exactly, so at most of those new moon events, the moon appears above or below the sun.

Twice a year, though, there is a period where the moon and the sun line up with Earth  astronomers call this an eclipse season. It lasts about 34 days, long enough for the moon to complete a full orbit (and then some) of the Earth. During each eclipse season, there are at least two eclipses visible from some parts of the Earth. At the full moon, there will be a lunar eclipse, when the moon passes directly behind the Earth, resulting in a darker, reddish-colored moon. And at the new moon, there will be a solar eclipse, when the sun is blocked by the moon.

3. Can we learn anything from eclipse events, or are they really just oddities that happen in nature?

We can definitely learn things from eclipses. The outermost layer of the sun, known as the corona, is difficult to study because it's less bright than the rest of the sun  so we have trouble seeing it amid the rest of the sun's brightness.

When the moon blocks the sun, we can see the corona, the famous visual of the halo of light around the dark disk of the moon. Currently astronomers study this by creating an artificial eclipse with a mask built into special instruments on telescopes called coronagraphs. This is great, but doesn't allow the best pictures. Eclipses give scientists opportunities to get more data to study the corona in depth.

We can also learn about Earth itself. In an area affected by an eclipse, the darkening of the sun leads to a sudden drop in temperature. NASA-funded studies during this eclipse will look at the effects from the eclipse on our atmosphere as well as what happens on land. Previous studies observed animal behavior during an eclipse in 2001 and noted some animals went through their night routines as the sun disappeared while others became nervous.

And we can learn about the whole universe. Less than 100 years ago, an eclipse proved a prediction Albert Einstein had made about gravity. That success helped make him a household name. In his general theory of relativity, Einstein had predicted that gravity could bend the path of light. The effect he predicted was very slight, so it would best be viewed as the light passed a very large celestial body as part of its travels across a very long distance of space.

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Sir Arthur Eddington, an astronomer who helped further the study of general relativity and whose work is a major piece of our modern understanding of stars and black holes, used the darkness provided by a solar eclipse to look at the position of the stars' light during the day, when it passed the sun. He then compared those positions to their known positions at night. He saw that the gravity of the sun had bent the path  exactly as, and in the precise amount that, Einstein had predicted.

4. How weird is it that the moon can basically exactly block out the sun?

It is very unusual that the moon and the sun just happen to be at the right distances and sizes to appear to have the same size in our sky. This allows the moon to perfectly block the sun's disk, while also showing us the corona. Venus and Mercury, for instance, can also pass in front of the sun from our perspective. However, they appear as small specks moving across the sun.

5. What would someone standing on the moon see happen on Earth? Would Earth get dark?

If you were on the moon, you would be able to see the effects of the solar eclipse on Earth only if you were standing on the moon's night side, the side facing the Earth. You would see a round shadow cast onto the Earth. This particular eclipse will first hit the Pacific Ocean, then move into Oregon, cross the U.S. to South Carolina and end in the Atlantic Ocean. This path the shadow takes is called the path of totality.

The Conversation

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Shannon Schmoll is director of the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University.
The occupation of South Austin began promptly at 6 p.m. to the plaintive groove of a Marvin Gaye record. Chris Burton grabbed the microphone on this warm Wednesday evening and began to preach to passing motorists at the intersection of Madison Street and Central Avenue in one of the city's most violent communities.

"C'mon, honk your horns! Show some love. Put the guns down," Burton, a minister, implored as the music pulsed. "We say, 'enough is enough.' Stop shooting our kids. This is a call to the Austin community. Lift up those horns if you're standing with us in peace!"

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The motorists responded. They honked as they drove, adding to the cacophony of Burton preaching ("It's time for the Austin community to wake up!") and Gaye singing ("Mercy, mercy me/Oh things ain't what they used to be"). What an unexpectedly upbeat scene we were witnessing: a blast of energy and defiance in a neighborhood that knows more despair than hope.

If you've wondered whether residents of troubled Chicago neighborhoods accept the idea of living in fear, this protest, organized by a group that calls itself #1STV (as in, Stop the Violence), provided an answer. Resigned to their community's dire fate? Not on this night, not on this street corner.

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At about 3 p.m. that afternoon in Austin, a 26-year-old man was shot and killed on a sidewalk in the 100 block of South Lockwood Avenue. He was ambushed by an assailant who exited a vehicle, fired multiple times, jumped back in and fled. Three hours later, several blocks over, #1STV volunteers were setting up a hot dog grill, doing a mic check and starting the show: an anti-violence vigil and block party.

Neighbors and kids soon appeared, lining up for free hot dogs. Several Chicago police officers arrived to be part of the mix. A representative of Circle Urban Ministries who calls himself Brother Andre was there, too, ready to provide guidance to the jobless and homeless. Everyone was welcome, including a small group of young men hanging out at a nearby liquor store. "They can hear me," Burton told us of presumed gang members in the area. "They're the ones involved in this war." Of course none came over.

The gun violence that rips apart some West and South side neighborhoods has many causes. Much of it is gang-related, attributed either to drug-selling or territory disputes. The mayhem has intensified the past two years, with at least 2,288 shooting victims this year, and more than 420 homicides, according to a Tribune tally.

Crimefighting is more effective when residents trust the police enough to cooperate. CPD knows it needs to rebuild that trust after too many incidents of cops abusing their power. The department's willingness to support street-corner vigils helps. In June and July, community policing officers worked with members of the 100 Blocks, 100 Churches movement, which held anti-violence rallies each Wednesday at Austin intersections. CPD also organizes occasional "Operation Wake Up" anti-violence events in response to high-profile shootings. #1STV keeps its activities going throughout the year.

These vigils are crucial, yet get little attention. Do the aldermen who represent these neighborhoods take a lead in the fight against violence? No, and that's a travesty. We praise aldermen when we notice them rallying residents in the battle against gun violence, but we don't see enough from them, or anyone else. "There should be more support," Cornelius Parks, pastor at a South Side church, said of the aldermen, civic, religious and business groups.

What's needed are more events and organizations to draw residents together and show the gangs who really controls the streets. Residents who are afraid to leave their homes can't contribute to the fight against gangs. The next, bigger step is to provide more resources to create safe havens for kids, and to help create jobs for young people so they have a viable alternative to gang life. "Look at that school," #1STV founder George Bady Jr., a minister, said at the Austin vigil. He pointed across the street to the shuttered Robert Emmet elementary school. "What would happen if that were a youth center?"

Good question. Here's another: If residents of Austin haven't given up on their community, should other Chicagoans look the other way as a city neighborhood tries to defend itself? No. Everyone has a role to play in combating gun violence. That was the message of this street corner vigil in South Austin. Honk your horn if you agree.
Few issues evoke stronger feelings or more basic divisions than abortion. Those who think it should be legal regard it as part of women's basic autonomy and liberty. Those who think it should be outlawed in all or some cases see it as the deliberate and unwarranted taking of a human life. Forty-four years after the Supreme Court's landmark Roe v. Wade decision, the two sides remain as opposed as ever.

The right to abortion, as the court ruled then, is protected by the constitutional right of privacy. But that leaves other questions unanswered. The one posed by an Illinois law is: To what extent can medical professionals who are morally opposed to the procedure be forced to facilitate it?

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A state law passed in 1977 provides broad coverage for rights of conscience. It says no doctors or nurses may be required to "perform, assist, counsel, suggest, recommend, refer or participate in any way" in any procedure that violates their moral convictions. But last year, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill mandating that any medical professional who declines to provide abortion must, on request, give the patient a referral or information on where to get an abortion.

A group of medical clinics and professionals challenged the law in court, arguing that providing the required information would make them complicit in what they see as destroying human life. And last month, a federal court ruled in their favor.

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One essential component of freedom of speech is the freedom not to speak. In 1943, the Supreme Court ruled that public school students could not be forced to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. In 1977, it said the state of New Hampshire could not require motorists to display its "Live Free or Die" motto on their license plates. The First Amendment, it said in that case, protects the right of all people "to refuse to foster ... an idea they find morally objectionable."

Judge Frederick Kapala found that the Illinois law likewise infringes on the right of medical professionals who object to abortion  "by compelling them to tell their patients that abortion is a legal treatment option, which has benefits" and "to give their patients the identifying information of providers who will perform an abortion." The judge blocked enforcement of the law.

We think the court got it right. And the decision is one abortion-rights advocates should approve, if only because the principle upheld here protects them. That's clear from a 2014 federal appeals court decision invalidating a North Carolina law requiring abortion providers to show each patient ultrasound fetal images and deliver a message meant to discourage her from having an abortion.

"While the state itself may promote through various means childbirth over abortion," the court said, "it may not coerce doctors into voicing that message on behalf of the state in the particular manner and setting attempted here." The Supreme Court let the ruling stand.

In either instance, the state is free to use its own resources and outlets to convey the information it thinks patients should have. But it can't make private individuals do that job. Government-compelled speech is a bad idea  no matter which side is being compelled.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has a problem. In 2014, after revelations of shockingly long wait times for veterans with serious ailments, it set up a program to let some of them go to doctors outside the VA system. Did it work? The Veterans Choice Program has been so popular that it is on the verge of running out of money.

That's not a failure; it's a success. And it should highlight the wisdom of expanding the options available to veterans to make sure they get the treatment they need and deserve. The VA system has been a mainstay for ensuring adequate care for the 18.8 million men and women who have served in uniform.

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But it has also been plagued by mismanagement, insufficient capacity, lack of accountability and scandal. The Choice experiment is a welcome innovation and a signal of how the department could better achieve its vital purposes.

Whether Congress recognizes as much is yet to be seen. Recently, the House voted down a Republican measure to provide $2 billion to fund Veterans Choice for the next six months. This came after several major veterans groups voiced their opposition because the money was taken out of other programs. In a joint letter, they warned that "if new funding is directed only or primarily to private sector 'choice' care without any adequate investment to modernize VA, the viability of the entire system will soon be in danger."

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A few days later, the House and Senate reached agreement on an emergency measure that will provide the Choice money along with more than $1.4 billion for hiring medical personnel and authorizing leases for 28 new medical facilities. President Donald Trump signed it into law on Saturday.

The value of the Choice approach is hard to exaggerate. "The department has already authorized more than 18 million appointments with private doctors this year, an increase of 26 percent over the same time last year," reports The New York Times. These are patients who have found they can get better, quicker or more convenient treatment outside the VA system.

Even Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., asks, "If there's some veteran in South Dakota or Vermont who lives a zillion miles away from a VA hospital, should that person be able to get their health care across the street in their community? Who would argue against that?" We'd take that question a step further: Why shouldn't veterans be able to get health care where they prefer even if they don't live in the middle of nowhere?

Sanders and the big veterans groups, however, worry that the goal is to privatize the entire system, which would be a mistake. The VA system fills a unique, critical role. But it would be good policy for it to focus more on treating the sort of illnesses and injuries that stem from combat and other military hazards, which private physicians rarely see. That responsibility will grow as those who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam pass away and soldiers with combat wounds require a greater share of resources.

Making it easier for patients to get treated by private providers for commonplace ailments would empower those patients  and could save money. It is also likely to improve care for those patients in VA hospitals.

The question that should frame future choices by Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs is: What's best for veterans? The Choice program is forcing some rethinking on that issue  because it's worked.

[ Read this story next  ]

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As U.S. President Donald Trump's hand hovered over the comprehensive sanctions bill he had to sign, it is easy to imagine him envying Vladimir Putin. The Russian parliament does not undermine the president's agenda. The press does not pick at his every misstep. The intelligence agencies are his bulwark, not his detractor. Trump has just signed a bill that literally calls Russia an adversary and ties his hands in setting his Russia policy. Putin, meanwhile, is still free to take his U.S. policy in any direction that he sees fit. ...

Russian ideologues say that viable governance demands the subordination of all branches of government to the executive. Free the executive from the shackles of parliament and the press, and you, too, can be saved.

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I wonder where Trump stands on that credo.

Maxim Trudolyubov, The Moscow Times

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The United States can still fight and win two major wars at the same time, or at least come near enough to winning that neither Russia nor China would see much hope in the gamble. The U.S. can do this because it continues to maintain the world's most formidable military, and because it stands at the head of an extremely powerful military alliance. ...

However, it bears emphasis that this situation will not last forever. The U.S. cannot maintain this level of dominance indefinitely, and in the long term will have to choose its commitments carefully. At the same time, the United States has created an international order that benefits many of the most powerful and prosperous countries in the world; it can count on their support, for a while.

Robert Farley, The National Interest

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For too long, low-income children in Illinois have been prisoners of their ZIP codes. Their educational opportunities are determined by arbitrary lines on a map that pen families inside a school district's boundaries.

Lawmakers who are wrestling over a new school funding formula this week should embrace a compromise that would rescue those children. They can advance a proposal creating scholarships for low- and middle-income kids to attend school outside their district boundaries.

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The current funding formula relies too heavily on local property wealth to fund schools, but the General Assembly's attempt to correct that was rewritten by Gov. Bruce Rauner. Lawmakers are returning to Springfield to try to override Rauner's amendatory veto or to pass a compromise bill with veto-proof majorities.

One element of a proposed compromise that could attract the votes of reluctant Republican lawmakers is the scholarship program. It would encourage individuals and corporations to donate money toward a state-supported fund to help low- and middle-income families move their children to a participating private or public school.

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The proposal is very much in the mix. Predictably, it is under attack by teachers unions that militantly guard their own interests, not the interests of families searching for an alternative to their public school system.

The scholarship fund would be allowed to collect a maximum of $100 million annually. Donors would receive a dollar-for-dollar income tax break from the state, a generous incentive but one that is necessary to meet the needs of families tapping into the program. It's also in line with what several other states offer.

There's great demand for such a program in Illinois. Nonprofit organizations and religious groups that offer tuition scholarships can't meet the needs of all the low-income families looking for an alternative to low-performing public schools.

This program is not a lifeboat for Catholic schools. Or nondenominational schools. Or private schools. It is a lifeboat for kids who don't fit into their public school system. It is a lifeboat for families trapped in chronically underperforming schools.

Parents with means already have school choice. They can afford private school. They can move to a high-performing district. They have the capability of providing the best opportunities for their kids. Now it's time to offer that same opportunity to poor families, just as it's time to rewrite the school funding formula.

Lawmakers, do both.

Seventeen states offer tax-credit scholarship programs. Courts routinely have upheld these programs. Illinois already provides preschool subsidies that parents can use at private day care centers and MAP grants that low-income students can use at private colleges.

Even at capacity, program supporters say it would serve less than 1 percent of Illinois' public school population. There will be no mass exodus from public schools. That's a red herring.

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There also will be no dramatic impact on state finances, and the program could, in fact, save money. A kid leaving the public system is a kid the state no longer supports on a per-pupil basis.

Lawmakers, you have a rare window here. You can rewrite a school funding formula that hurts property-poor districts, and you can level the playing field for low-income families.

Don't fall for the scare tactics. Reject threats from union groups. Do what's right. Extend the same school choice many of you have to Illinois' struggling families.

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I've reached a very important conclusion about white men, and I'll get to that soon enough, but first, please repeat after me: Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences.

Say it again. And again. And if you're one of those aggrieved white guys out there harboring the odd misconception that your voice is being unfairly stifled by "political correctness," say it 15 more times, because it just doesn't seem like this concept has sunk in.

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Consider this week's firing of a white, male Google employee who published a 10-page memo about diversity on an internal company forum. The software engineer used 3,000-or-so wholly unnecessary words to claim that there are fewer women in the tech industry because of "biological causes" and that diversity programs "increase race and gender tensions."

The memo is riddled with sexist stereotypes poorly supported by scientific references that are, at best, dodgy. And it contains repeated statements that the author is all for diversity, is not sexist and eschews stereotypes  statements proven false by the aforementioned poorly supported sexist stereotypes.

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The engineer is 28-year-old James Damore  reportedly a graduate of the University of Illinois who grew up in the Chicago suburbs  and his MANifesto also slams Google for not being a friendly place for conservatives, which is odd since conservatives spend a good bit of their time mocking the idea of safe spaces.

He writes: "Alienating conservatives is both non-inclusive and generally bad business because conservatives tend to be higher in conscientiousness, which is require (sic) for much of the drudgery and maintenance work characteristic of a mature company."

So the dude who doesn't believe in stereotypes claims conservatives are more conscientious than everyone else. Perfect.

If you care to read the full memo, you can find it online, though you'll likely sprain an ocular muscle rolling your eyes.

My take  as a white, male who, for whatever reason, is not part of the aggrieved brommunity  is that the Google engineer's word barf is insufferable, unquestionably insulting to women (and pretty much any non-white person) and the epitome of white, male privilege. And with all that said, he absolutely, without question, had every right in the world to write what he wrote.

Just like Google had every right to fire his white, male butt for, I assume, violating all manner of company standards and for just being an all-around turd. (I would've fired him just for thinking anyone would want to read a 10-page memo in the first place.)

There will surely be legal action, and maybe he'll wind up prevailing. But Google was right to can him, and that canning isn't an attempt to curtail his freedom of speech.

He can say or write whatever he wants. But the things he says and writes might come with consequences, particularly when he's sharing his words on an internal company forum.

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This isn't a First Amendment issue. The government isn't interfering with anybody's right to free speech. Still, many white guys have rushed to the Google bro's defense, crying about how put upon they are because they're never allowed to speak their minds.

If you are a white guy in America, you are not put upon. And if you feel put upon, it's because you can't be bothered to put yourself in another person's shoes for half a minute and try to understand what being put upon actually looks like.

If you're griping about political correctness, you're really saying you're annoyed because you can't be flip with your language and say things that might offend other people.

The pros and cons and the implementation of diversity programs can and should certainly be discussed openly, but a self-righteous screed that's blind to anyone else's point of view isn't a discussion. It's a white guy mansplaining to female and non-white coworkers how diversity should work, and the very existence of that kind of thinking is why companies need diversity training.

It's not a liberal or a conservative concept. It's a human concept, one that only requires the humility to acknowledge that you might not understand what it's like to be another person.

Now let me get to the conclusion promised at the beginning of this column. This may prove controversial, but I'm sure my fellow white men will agree that I have every right in the world to share this conclusion, because white-dude thoughts are always worth sharing: Some white men are not biologically suited to writing memos about diversity.

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They are too neurotic and tend to perform better in bubbles in which their sense of dominance is reinforced by other neurotic white men. These white men also tend to be overly emotional, particularly when fired for writing diversity memos, and can become hysterical when held accountable.

This is not to say I am opposed to diversity in diversity memo writing. This particular subset of white men is capable of working in supporting roles, possibly supplying a company's more biologically qualified women or people of color with printer paper, or perhaps procuring coffee for them while they write sensible diversity memos.

But attempts to encourage white men to write diversity memos is clearly social engineering run amok. We must respect the differences in our DNA and the skill sets our biology have clearly predetermined.

Let's stay in our lanes, shall we?

rhuppke@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @RexHuppke
In July, Duckworth voted to advance the Hunting Heritage and Environmental Legacy Preservation for Wildlife Act, or HELP Act, which contains a harmful provision to strip federal protections for endangered gray wolves in the Great Lakes states while also precluding judicial review. It was introduced by anti-wildlife Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo.

Flying in the face of that legislation, last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld protections for these wolves for a second time, based on science. While Duckworth is new in her current role in Congress, I would have hoped that she would have known better than to vote for a bill that stifles the use of sound science and citizen access to courts. A bill like the HELP Act will only push already threatened species toward extinction.

The HELP Act is a deeply cynical attack on the Endangered Species Act and the imperiled wildlife it protects. The Endangered Species Act has saved more than 99 percent of the plants and animals it protects from extinction, putting hundreds more on the path to recovery. I want my senator to support this kind of success  not vote to stop it.

 Robert E. Stanley, Highland Park
Meanwhile, its been apparent for a year or two that measures to permanently derail North Koreas program to develop nuclear arms, including an intercontinental capability, wont work. Neither purportedly ruinous sanctions, nor fiery bluster, nor negotiations, nor urgently courting China will bear fruit. Denuclearization is a chimera. The only interim measure of worth is the current deployment of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missiles, I hope in the right numbers and accuracy.

Longer term, the better realpolitik is to quietly acknowledge that North Korea will inextricably join the nuclear club and plan accordingly. The policy should make clear to all parties the unequivocal existential consequences to North Korea of a nuclear attack against the United States or any of our allies; no proportionality.

The policy should prove enough if, as may well be argued, what North Korea really wants through its nuclear arsenal is not war, but validation, credibility, and a global voice. As the Cold War showed, principles of international relations allow for normalization between ideological (and unpredictable) adversaries.

 Keith Tidman, Bethesda, Md.
In one of my favorite scenes in HBO's "Silicon Valley," a comedy series about the world of computer engineers, a male engineer injects himself into a meeting between two female investors to explain, of all things, "something called 'mansplaining,' ladies ..."

They view him with silent, chilly bemusement as his condescending and patronizing manner unintentionally demonstrates "mansplaining," a term invented by a woman, even as he tries to explain it.

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That scene came to mind amid Google's recent diversity drama in its Mountain View, Calif., headquarters in the real Silicon Valley.

Quite frankly, I wish Google had not fired computer engineer James Damore this past week for writing an internal memo. The memo argued that the notorious gender gap at Google, where techs are 80 percent male despite Google's liberal diversity policies, and other computer-age firms might be explained by biology.

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You may have heard through some of the news coverage that he wrote a 10-page, 3,000-word "screed" of an argument that women are not as qualified as men. He didn't. Quite the opposite, his critique of Google's diversity policy cites various research into male-female differences and argues that maybe women simply aren't as interested in tech, engineering or leadership positions as men are.

Former Google engineer James Damore, seen here in an interview with Internet chat-show host Stefan Molyneux, was fired after writing a memo on gender differences that ignited a social media firestorm. (Screenshot)

He takes studies that find, for example, that men are more interested in things and how they work while women are more interested in people and relationships. He cites studies that found women as a group to be more social and artistic and less tolerant of the stress that comes with high-pressure jobs.

Yup, he's wading into some pretty thick goo with that argument. His paper reminds me of the dust-up around "The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life," the 1996 book by Charles Murray and Richard J. Herrnstein that controversially tried to link intelligence to class and race.

I thought that book was wrong. So did scholars far more expert than I am. Yet I don't deny that such theories of evolutionary psychology are rampant and need to be argued openly, not censored and driven underground to fester without intellectual challenge.

I feel the same about Damore's memo. He drew a lot of broad conclusions, which he claimed were backed up by studies.

His research was too thin to support sufficiently his questionable and inflammatory conclusion. He walked out on some thin ice, for example, to suppose that women are more prone to "neuroticism," or higher anxiety and lower stress tolerance for competitive, high-pressure jobs. Exceptions to that scenario are plentiful.

For example, Damore's memo omits evidence that bias, conscious and unconscious, still holds women back in the tech fields. A study by university computer students last year, for example, looked at 3 million "pull requests" for computer code at GitHub, an open-source repository of codes with which users can build software. The study found that "code written by women was requested at a higher rate (78.6 percent) than code written by men (74.6%)," according to The Guardian, as long as the gender of the woman was not revealed. When the code author's gender was revealed, the acceptance rate dropped to about the same as men.

That study hardly settles every argument, but it does offer evidence of how women can, as a group, receive less reward for the same or superior effort. Like Damore's memo, it invites more discussion like that which Google's diversity program seemed to offer Damore, until the discussion he brought up ruffled too many feathers.

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In fact, it was with that in mind that Damore titled his memo "Google's Ideological Echo Chamber." He calls for more diversity, not less, and even concludes with suggestions for what he calls "non-discriminatory ways to reduce the gender gap" and increase the diversity of views in Google's diversity programs and policies.

Firing Damore makes a martyr of him. To figures of the far-right "alt-right" movement (a rebranding of neo-Nazis, in my humble opinion) he became an instant hero, another sacrificial white male victim of liberal, pro-diversity "Social Justice Warriors," the alt-right label for those of us who think our society benefits from its diversity.

We Americans can find even more ways to make diversity work for us, not against us, as a society. But first we need to talk. And, when others make their case, we need to listen  and maybe learn to be better explainers.

Clarence Page, a member of the Tribune Editorial Board, blogs at www.chicagotribune.com/pagespage.

cpage@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @cptime
Scattered thunderstorms roamed the Midwest on Thursday evening. Severe weather bypassed the Chicago area, with large hail and damaging winds staying to the north and west. Hail the size of quarters pelted several locations across Wisconsin, while wind gusts toppled trees and power lines at Monticello, Iowa.

The storms occurred along a cold front that is to introduce a spell of dry, comfortable air for the second straight weekend. Temperatures are forecast to reach 80 degrees Friday, then lower to highs mainly in the 70s both Saturday and Sunday.

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In addition, dew point readings are expected to hover in the 50s. High pressure producing this tranquil weather is also forecast to bring generally clear skies for viewing the Perseid meteor shower, which is expected to peak Saturday night.
Ever been interested in learning about outlaws of the Old West? Or improving your prospects on a job search? How about what makes Harry Potter such a popular story?

Coconino Community College has added a variety of specialty courses to the fall semester lineup. And, for seniors 65 and older, the classes come with a 25 percent discount.

We are excited to share some new and unusual credit courses designed for our adult learners in Coconino County this fall, said Colleen Smith, CCC president. Some of these intriguing courses include fascinating topics related to our part of the country, alluring literary themes, and cutting-edge courses designed for relevance in technology and todays workforce.

Some courses are worth one or two college credits and last eight weeks  either the first eight weeks or second eight weeks of the 16-week semester. Others are worth three college credits and last the entire semester.

Interim Provost Dudley Gardner said, The courses are designed for people who arent necessarily interested in seeking a degree or certification, but who are interested in expanding their understanding about a subject while getting some college credit.

The courses cover Computer Information Systems, Communication, Education, Archaeology and History. Among the courses are:

From Job Search to Accepting a Job Offer: This one-credit course gives information on how to effectively search for a job, create and deliver written application materials and interview preparation and practice. Students will learn and analyze their professional strengths and weaknesses as they apply to a particular position description, learn basics of professional etiquette and interact with others.

Systems Analysis & Design: This three-credit course introduces the design and analysis process of commuter-based information systems. Topics include feasibility studies, System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology, forms design, data structure, manual interfaces, hardware and software selection, program specifications, project scheduling and management and communications systems.

Cybersecurity Fundamentals: This three-credit course provides students a comprehensive framework of practices for assuring information security. Students will learn how functions within cybersecurity help support and secure an organization. Content is interwoven with case studies of organizations experiencing the pitfalls of cybersecurity.

Intro to Education: This three-credit course examines the development of education in the United States, the historical development and social foundations of education, the student as learner, the teacher as a professional and current issues and trends in education. This course includes 30 hours of classroom observations and experiences.

Archaeology of the West: This one-credit course is a brief overview of Archaeology in the American West. Students will be exposed to the Paleo (13,000 BP) through the Historic Period (100 BP) in the U.S. West. Students will examine the prehistory of the region by looking at an overview of archaeological excavations in the West. The focus will be the archaeological sites and methodologies used in excavation.

Social Media for Business: This two-credit course focuses on how to build a community of followers on several popular social media platforms. Students learn to promote products, services or mission. Increase sales, donations, brand recognition and more. Strong computer and Internet knowledge recommended.

Harry Potter and the Fantastical Literary Elements: This three-credit course uses the Harry Potter series as a vehicle to explore fairytales, folklore, legends and myths. This course is an overview of longstanding traditions in British literature that continue today. This course is reading and writing intensive.

Literature of the Southwest: This three-credit course is an introduction to the literature of the land and peoples of the Southwest, including the Colorado Plateau as a distinctly geographic region; the influence and interaction of Native American, Chicano and Anglo cultures; and contemporary concerns of Southwestern writers.

Outlaws of the West: This one-credit course looks at how outlaws in the West are more than legend  they are part of Americas historic fabric. All western states had their outlaw legends. This course examines Billy the Kid, Jesse James, Butch Cassidy, and outlaw figures who shaped our understanding of the West. Students will look at social, cultural, and political impacts on the West as both deviants and iconic figures in American Western mythology.

For seniors 65 and older, the CCC District Governing Board has approved a 25 percent tuition waiver beginning in the fall for up to six credit hours per semester.

The semester begins Monday, Aug. 28. It is important to note that students in all classes must apply for admission to CCC and be admitted, and tuition payment or arrangements must be made at the time of registration. To enroll, visit the Lone Tree Campus, 2800 S. Lone Tree Road, or go online at www.coconino.edu.
Rather than putting a ton of effort into an outing and then just hitting one spot, why not extend the adventure? This week, we're pairing a visit to the National Hellenic Museum with Greek food at Greek Islands.

Main attraction: National Hellenic Museum

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333 S. Halsted St. 312-655-1234

How much: $10 per adult

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Most people know Greektown for its incredible food, but visit the National Hellenic Museum to learn about the culture and country the food comes from. "Greek Story in America" is currently on display, in addition to the museum's other exhibitions. The core exhibit has been updated to include more objects, photographs and personal accounts that reflect Greek-American life. Get your edu-culture on while you work up an appetite.

Don't stop: Greek Islands

200 S. Halsted St. 312-782-9855

How much: $9.50+

Greek Islands has been a favorite of Chicagoans since its opening in 1971. The restaurant imports many of its ingredients directly from Greece, so you can be sure the experience will feel authentic. Try the combination plate with roast leg of lamb, moussaka, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), a meatball, vegetables and potatoes to try a variety of traditional favorites ($16.95).

Do you have a two-for-one outing idea to share with us? Email agorden@redeyechicago.com with the details.
The long arm of the state of Illinois is reaching into the pockets of local government, and it appears it will cost the city of Aurora about $2 million in the 2017 budget year.

Stacy Hamling, Aurora's interim finance director, told aldermen that the State Legislature's decision to take money normally allotted to local government will cost Aurora about that much, and could cost the city another $1 million in 2018.

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The net effect  when added with an already expected $3.4 million deficit  would be about a $5.4 million deficit in the city's $168.8 million general fund for 2017. The plan, Hamling said, would be to cover that deficit with cash reserves.

This was the biggest news from Hamling's mid-year budget report for 2017 given to the City Council.

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"The budget status is fair," she said. "There will be some challenges this year."

Hamling's report was for the middle of the 2017 budget year, which runs basically January through December, but it also was a look toward 2018 budget struggles. City officials are about to start their preparations for the 2018 budget.

"We still need a full understanding of the state's action," said Alex Alexandrou, Aurora's chief management officer.

One of the confusing aspects of the state's action concerning money which usually goes to local government is that it likely is for one state budget year  but based on the state's fiscal year, which runs from June through July. So, it actually would affect two of the city's fiscal years.

The state is taking money from two funds: the local distributive fund, which is supported by income tax on state residents and businesses, and the home rule sales tax, which would only affect home rule cities that enact a local sales tax. The latter would have nothing to do with the state sales tax, a part of which goes to local governments.

The state collects the income tax, and doles it out to local government from the distributive fund. In the waning days of this year's legislative session, legislators voted to keep 10 percent of the money that goes to local government. For Aurora, that comes to somewhere around $1 million to $1.1 million. Because that is over two fiscal years, in total it would cost the city about $2 million in 2017 and 2018.

The city enacted the home rule sales tax for sales within the city limits. But the state collects that money, and has decided to take a 2 percent fee for collecting it. That fee would cost the city about $408,000, Hamling estimated, but she also estimated the city would collect about $600,000 less in that sales tax this year. So, that is about a $1 million loss for 2017.

Hamling said the city was already looking at about a $3.4 million deficit in the 2017 general fund, largely due to payments into the public safety pension fund the state mandates. The city is looking at about a 12.3 percent increase in those payments for 2018, on top of an 8.6 percent increase in the payments made this year.

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slord@tribpub.com
The Aurora City Council has approved two amendments to city ordinances that would guide the city in future telecommuncations tower locations.

The amendments cover communication and data transfers, and construction of facilities in public right-of-way.

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The amendments were based on license agreements the city made last year for antenna locations with two corporations  Onlight Aurora, a not-for-profit corporation that provides fiber optic broadband for the city, and a private company, Vigilant.

Officials used those as a model for the ordinance changes that will cover future proposals.

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City officials worked more than a year on the provisions in the license agreements, and later in the ordinance amendments. But driving the timing is a flurry of demand for towers at what has become a hot spot in Aurora  the intersection of Diehl and Eola roads.

On one corner is CyrusOne, a national data center company. Aurora is just one of 24 locations for CyrusOne, but it is the place where the Chicago Mercantile Exchange stores its data.

That has caused telecommunications companies to want to locate antennas as close to CyrusOne as possible  one can already see a forest of antennas with dishes across the street. Every bit closer a communication antenna can get to CyrusOne is all the sooner it can get and process the data from the Mercantile Exchange. In the trading business, every second counts, city officials said.

It is a hot spot because the location is similar to only one other place in the country, in New Jersey, which hosts data handling for the New York Stock Exchange.

Scientel is another company in the midst of applying for a special use for a 195-foot tower on land across the street from CyrusOne. It will be subject to the new regulations in the Aurora code.

Stephane Pfifer, Aurora's planning director, has said the ordinance changes will cover all kinds of locations of telecommunications devices, whether on large antennas or smaller poles.

The new rules also cover the new small cell technology for cellular phone use. In those cases, the companies do not even have to build new towers. They can locate on existing utility or city poles, which the city had to take into account in the new rules.

World Class Wireless has a proposal for that kind of location, which would actually just use existing city poles.

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One of the amendments recommended by the Planning and Development Committee is to increase the fees for failing to follow the city's rules. Originally, the city had them at $1,000 a day, but telecommunications companies advised the city that was very small for them  that companies would pay that much and consider it a price of doing business.

The new recommended fine is $50,000 a day, and that would double every 10 days.

slord@tribpub.com
To finish off a nearly four-year-old robbery case, a Batavia woman recently was sentenced to probation and community service for her role in the 2014 hold-up of a man in Batavia.

Myriah Rogers, 26, previously pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery as part of an agreement with Kane County prosecutors in connection to the January 2014 incident in which authorities said she lured a male acquaintance to a First Street location where an accomplice then accosted him while claiming to have a weapon.

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The acquaintance escaped, but his jacket, cell phone and keys were taken, court records show.

The accomplice, 27-year-old Michael Morris of Hoffman Estates, pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery in May. He also received probation, as well as a 150-day sentence in the Kane County Jail. Morris was not charged in the case until 2016, according to court documents.

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In addition to probation, Rogers was ordered to pay $500 in restitution and perform 200 hours of community service.

Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
No one was injured as fire severely damaged a detached garage in Geneva Thursday.

The Geneva Fire Department responded to the incident on the 1000 block of Geneva Drive about 6:16 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found the two-car garage in flames, and the siding to the garage directly to the east starting to melt as well, according to a press release from the department.

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No houses were involved in the blaze.

There were no cars parked in the garage. However, the structure sustained severe damage, and the contents inside have been deemed a total loss, according to the release. A neighboring garage also suffered minor exterior heat damage.

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The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Joseph Willard, 4, pets a horse from the Chicago Police Department during the National Night Out event hosted by Barrington police and firefighters. (Jon Langham / Pioneer Press )

Hundreds of residents came to downtown Barrington on Thursday to mingle with local police, as well as their neighbors, for the village's National Night Out event.

Typically held during the first week of August, National Night Out organizers in Barrington had to cancel the first scheduled event Aug. 3 because of inclement weather. But the rescheduled event Thursday attracted residents and also several community groups to Cook and Station streets in Barrington.

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Aside from local police and firefighters, who shared safety tips with residents, numerous county and state police, as well as representatives from the FBI, attended the event, said Dave Dorn, police chief in Barrington.

"The National Night Out is a time to get the community together for a visual display of community uniting and sharing between people and police," Dorn said.

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The local event is one of many hosted in the Chicago area during early August.

During this time of year, communities across the country typically host National Night Out events, which is a national initiative designed to improve relations between residents and local police departments.

In Barrington, the two-hour event also featured numerous businesses and groups that were not tied to police or fire safety, Dorn said.

For example, representatives from Metra, Union Pacific and Canadian National rail companies were on hand to provide attendees with train safety tips, he said.

"We have a number of other agencies at our National Night Out," Dorn said.
A Cook County judge set bail Thursday at $50,000 for a 54-year-old Midlothian man accused of setting fires that injured one person.

Prosecutors said Joey Harold allegedly set a dumpster, an apartment building and a Chrysler van on fire on Sunday in Midlothian.

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One person who was inside an apartment at the building, located on the 3600 block of west 147th Street, suffered from smoke inhalation, prosecutors said.

Harold is charged with one count of aggravated arson and two counts of arson, according to court records.

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Video footage allegedly placed Harold near each scene around the time the fires were set, prosecutors said.

The apartment building is located three blocks from the site of the dumpster and vehicle fires, prosecutors said.

Harold has six prior convictions, including charges of retail theft and burglary, prosecutors said.

He's scheduled back in court Sept. 8.

Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Coconino County Public Library has recently added three new collections of digital documents to the Arizona Memory Project. The Arizona Memory Project provides access to primary sources, including government documents, photographs, maps, and multimedia, in Arizona archives, museums, libraries, and other cultural institutions. The new collections include: Flagstaff, Arizona Historical Property Surveys, Northern Arizona Water History Documents, and the Sedona-Oak Creek Interagency Study, 1976-1984.
The northeast corner of the downtown Flossmoor civic center building is pictured in the 1980s when the tower still contained clocks, which hadn't kept time since the 1970s, according to officials. (Village of Flossmoor)

A citizens group is attempting to raise $10,000 to upgrade a downtown Flossmoor landmark in time for Flossmoor Fest on Sept. 9.

If successful, two clocks will again be operating in the tower atop the two-story mixed-use building in downtown Flossmoor at the corner of Sterling Avenue and Central Drive.

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Flossmoor Mayor Paul Braun said the clocks  one on the tower's north side and one on the east side  stopped working in the 1970s. "It's been a good 40 years," he said.

Commuters emerging from the adjacent Flossmoor Metra station may have had to wait another 40 years before they could glance up and get the time again if it wasn't for former Flossmoor resident Walter McBride.

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McBride voiced his dismay at the absent clocks on social media after a south suburban visit this spring that took him past the tower atop the two-story building at 1036 Sterling Avenue.

"I saw it (the post) and got in touch with Mr. McBride," Braun said.

Out of that discussion arose a committee consisting of Flossmoor and Homewood residents and business persons, announced by Braun at the May 15 village board meeting.

The effort is "not a village (government) project, although it's attracted a lot of support and several (government) people have contributed as individuals," Braun said.

The group has raised $6,000, with nearly half of the money generated during a July 14 fundraiser across the street from the tower at Flossmoor Station Restaurant and Brewery, he said. Another $500 in donations is expected soon, Braun said.

Round circles at the top of a structure in downtown Flossmoor occupy the spot where clocks once informed commuters at the nearby train station if they were late or not. A crowdfunding effort is afoot to restore clocks into the tower. (Paul Eisenberg / Daily Southtown )

Braun said if the committee can raise $12,000, it would like to also renovate a historic neon sign hanging from the building. Instead of advertising a long-gone pharmacy, however, it would promote the "Flossmoor Historic District, established 1924," he said.

Committee member Dean Armstrong said there is a general feeling "downtown Flossmoor is owned by all the residents."

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Building architecture and a roundabout for an intersection create the sense of the downtown being "a little Bavaria," he said, adding the committee "is just an effort by some concerned citizens to make it even more charming."

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Armstrong, who lived in Homewood while attending Homewood-Flossmoor High School, recalled routinely checking the clock tower on his way home.

"I'd look up and see how late I was," he said.

A few college degrees later, Armstrong met his wife, Carolyn, while practicing law in Texas. They decided to make Illinois their home after she got a look at the bedroom community, he said, adding, "We just fell in love with Flossmoor."

He opened Flossmoor Station in the former Illinois Central commuter station in the late 1990s. Around the same time, Carolyn purchased the 3,000-square-foot commercial/residential building supporting the clock tower. Cook County Supervisor of Assessments online records say the structure was built in 1927.

In addition to the Armstrongs, "Flossmoor Clock" committee members include Karan Bobele Thomas, Mib Braun, Jim Groves and Michael Peebles.

Contributions to the "Flossmoor Clock Fund" can be mailed to P.O. Box 241, Flossmoor, IL 60422.
A Cook County jury took about an hour Friday to convict a former Chicago police officer of the 2009 slaying of his wife at their Oak Forest home.

Norberto Rodriguez was found guilty of the first-degree murder of Irma Rodriguez, and of concealing a homicide. Prosecutors alleged Rodriguez, 57, shot his wife multiple times on May 31, 2009, and drove her car, with her body in the trunk, to Midlothian, where it was found the next day.

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"We finally closed the doors on such an ugly past," Monica Medina, Irma Rodriguez's daughter, said after the jury decision.

Medina was 16 when her mother was killed. Norberto Rodriguez was her stepfather.

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"It wasn't just the last eight years waiting for trial. We've been dealing with this since we were little. Since we were little, we were living with this evil man," Medina said.

Prosecutors argued Norberto Rodriguez shot Irma Rodriguez, a 44-year-old mother of three, in the back and back of the head at point-blank range while she was lying facedown in the car trunk inside their garage. Fragments of the same silver-tipped, hollow-point type of bullet recovered from Irma Rodriguez's body were found in the garage by investigators.

Norberto Rodriguez became enraged when he found out his wife, who was planning to leave him, withdrew $4,000 days earlier out of a family bank account that she had planned to use as part of a down payment on a new home with her boyfriend, prosecutors argued.

Norberto Rodriguez had been using his disabled mother's ATM card to make regular cash withdrawals from a bank account in her and Irma Rodriguez's names, prosecutors argued.

"He knew she took the money, and he was going to make her pay for it," Assistant State's Attorney Jennifer Coleman told jurors.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Coleman described Rodriguez as a "disgraced former cop," who was fired from his job with the Chicago Police Department after shooting Irma Rodriguez in the hand in 1997 during a domestic dispute. A 911 call made by one of the couple's children recorded Norberto Rodriguez telling his wife, "You're dead, " followed later by a single gunshot, she said.

The abuse continued for years after the first shooting, and culminated in Irma Rodriguez's murder, prosecutors said.

The defense argued that no physical evidence tied Norberto Rodriguez to the crime. No fingerprints or DNA evidence was recovered inside the car connecting anyone to the murder, and no murder weapon ever was found.

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Some of the evidence prosecutors heavily relied on to convince the jury were cellphone records, which showed Norberto Rodriguez in the vicinity of where his wife's body was found shortly after the time they believed she was killed.

"There is no evidence that points to anyone else," Assistant State's Attorney Kelly Grekstas said.

Norberto Rodriguez returns to court Sept. 21 for post-trial motions.

Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
SPRINGFIELD  "Sir, are you a parent? Are you concerned about schools not opening on time?"

Those were the questions I was confronted with by a young television reporter I didn't know as I walked to lunch last week in downtown Springfield.

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Having once been a young reporter sent out to do "Man on the Street" interviews, I could empathize with her. Approaching strangers and asking them about legislative or gubernatorial action is hard, particularly when most folks don't know the particulars.

I agreed to share my opinion.

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The reporter then asked me if I knew that Gov. Bruce Rauner had issued an amendatory veto of a school funding bill and whether I was concerned that might mean schools wouldn't open on time.

It's a familiar scenario in Springfield. An expensive measure is introduced and some deadline is thrown into the public narrative about why it needs to be made law  now.

I told the reporter that no I wasn't concerned, noting that I was unaware of a single school district out of the state's 852 that is threatening not to open its doors on schedule.

Let's face it folks, Illinois has a horribly broken school funding system.

But Senate Bill 1, the measure Rauner partially rewrote with his veto pen, doesn't correct the problem. In fact, even with the changes, the legislation still makes things worse.

Chicago Public Schools have a host of problems. Not the least of which is they do a poor job of teaching our kids.

Some will tell you that the reason that CPS students are underperforming is because the Chicago schools are underfunded.

That's nonsense. Taxpayers provide $15,378 per Chicago student compared to a statewide average of $12,821.

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So, the governor was right in deleting a special block grant to CPS that would have resulted in the district getting $200 million that other Illinois school districts aren't eligible for.

But there are other things in the bill that are more problematic that need to be addressed.

For example, the measure would ratchet up state spending on schools over the coming years, eventually to the point that state taxpayers are spending between $3.5 billion and $6 billion more a year.

But it fails to identify where the revenue for this increased spending would come from.

In the 18 years I've covered the Illinois Legislature, I've seen this happen time and time again. A well-intentioned piece of legislation is introduced that would commit the state to spending more in the future and lawmakers feel pressured to vote for it because of an approaching deadline.

That's one of the ways Illinois has become the nation's fiscal basket case. Lawmakers keep committing to paying for things without providing the revenue. They want to take credit for the spending  but not for the taxes.

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In this case, Senate President John Cullerton sat on the legislation until last week when he moved it to the governor's desk. Why the delay? He was hoping that the deadline of the approaching school year would pressure the governor into signing the measure.

It didn't work.

Lawmakers should discard Senate Bill 1 and develop a measure that better reforms our broken school funding system.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Here are a few thoughts:

Money should follow students, so school districts that are attracting students should get more money and those who aren't less.

 Property tax relief needs to be a part of the equation.

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 Local school districts rather than the state should pay pension costs of their employees. (Right now, we all pay for the pensions of school superintendents from wealthy districts who are paid more than quarter-of-a-million dollars a year.)

 The number of school districts and school administrators needs to be reduced so that education costs are better contained.

I didn't say all of those things when the reporter interviewed me. And it is just as well, the interview was never broadcast. But those are my opinions.

Scott Reeder, a veteran statehouse journalist, works as a freelance reporter in the Springfield area and produces the podcast Suspect Convictions.
Elm Middle School student Magnus Shipinski had plenty of support in his program to bring backpacks to youngsters in Rattlesnake Ridge, Ky. (Jason Shipinski)

An Elmwood Park middle school student's program to bring backpacks to impoverished youngsters in Rattlesnake Ridge, Ky., proved to be a big hit.

Magnus Shipinski's original goal was to raise enough funds and support to bring 20 backpacks to the area. He ended up creating 261.

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"We are floored," reported his father, Jason Shipinski. "The wait outside started about 7:30 a.m. and ended at 2:30 p.m. Two hundred thirty kids were served, and the few extras will stay at a mission house on the Ridge for those who couldn't make it and throughout the year."

For the past five years, Magnus, an eighth-grader at Elm Middle School, has worked with a nonprofit group out of Bellwood called Kentucky Mountain Kids Inc., which provides charitable assistance for children in Rattlesnake Ridge.

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His project, called Kids Helping Kids Back to School, was one of 340 national winners of a grant through Youth Servicing American and Disney's Summer of Service grant.

The success of the program was a group effort, with a number of local groups and organizations contributing to its success, said his father, summarizing the results.

They included:

 More than 23 youngsters who donated their time to gather and assemble products.

 Elm Middle School, which assisted Magnus in hosting a supply drive and used its location as a dropoff point.

"This school's community of children accounted for the largest contributions of supplies (and monetary value) to the entire project," reported Jason Shipinski.

 Janet Back from the Women's Center donated supplies and reached out to Magnus and connected him with St. Catherine of Alexandria in Oak Lawn.

 St. Catherine, which donated nine backpacks filled with supplies and additional supplies to add to other backpacks.

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 Oak Park-River Forest Rotary Club, which donated 100 dictionaries and additional supplies.

 Enterprise Rental, which donated $250 off a rental vehicle.

 The Champion Logistics Group in Northlake, which shipped the supplies for free.

"After filling out the impact report with Magnus, and the donated items, Magnus's project is well over $3,000, not including all the time and effort put into his labor of love," said Jason Shipinski. "it is an experience filled with generosity we never imagined and created a wonderful feeling of hope. I am glad my family and others shared it with each other."
The Village of Elmwood Park and public works employees have reached a new contract agreement, calling for an 8 percent total wage increase spread out over four years.

Elmwood Park Village Board trustees approved the agreement at their Aug. 7 meeting.

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The agreement is retroactive to May 1 and runs through April 30, 2021, the village announced. Under the agreement with the Teamsters Local No. 705, representing public works employees, employees will receive an increase of 1.5 percent effective May 1, 2017; 2 percent on both May 1, 2018 and May 1, 2019; and 2.5 percent effective May 1, 2020.

The agreement also requires that covered employees be furloughed without pay for five days per contract year if at any time starting May 1, 2018, the village's share of the state income tax is reduced by the General Assembly by 10 percent or more, Village Manager Paul Volpe said in his report to the board.

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The agreement includes a provision, allowing employees to carry over their vacation from one anniversary year or contract year to the next, based on seniority. Employees are encouraged to use their carried-over vacation, up to 30 days for employees with 21 years or more of service, in the carry-over year.

The agreement allows the village to require an employee to submit to alcohol or drug testing if reasonable suspicion exists for the village to believe an employee is under the influence.

In other action at the meeting:

 The board approved an agreement with Burke LLC to install diagonal parking along the eastern parkway on 73rd Avenue between Grand Avenue and the alley to the north. The work includes excavation, installation of new curb and gutter, pavement and markings, adding eight diagonal parking spaces to the area, Volpe said in his report. The maximum cost of the project is $44,950, with a completion date of Sept. 22.

 Approved a land lease renewal with Metra, covering a 14,062-square-foot parcel of right-of-way behind the Public Works garage and extending west along the tracks, Volpe said. Among other things, the land is used by the village for storage and egress, he said.

 Announced the award of $9,368 under the Powering Safe Communities grant program. ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus have awarded the grants to 25 Illinois municipalities  each receiving up to $10,000 to fund local public safety projects.

In Elmwood Park, the village will match the grant with $10,080 in local funding to purchase a radar speed traffic study device as well as six LED traffic control speed signs, Volpe told the board. The speed study device is portable, he said, and will be deployed by the Elmwood Park Police Department to conduct traffic studies in areas where concerns are identified. The LED traffic control speed signs, meanwhile, will be installed around schools and parks to make drivers aware of their speeds, he said.

 Approved amendments to the village's Fire Prevention Code. Open-flame cooking devices cannot be operated on balconies, except when used in a one- or two-family dwelling. Fire alarms must be monitored in all residential buildings 16 units or larger. And the installation of an automated sprinkler system is required whenever any reconstruction of a detached single-family or attached two-family residence results in the reconstruction of 50 percent or more of the existing first-floor wall perimeter.
Nialie Pompilus, 16, and Grace Giangreco, 18, discuss why they believe the cotillion at Evanston Township High School should be elminated. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

For the first time in decades, a select group of juniors and seniors from Evanston Township High School will not spend the fall choosing formal gowns, practicing a father-daughter dance and doing community service work in preparation for a cotillion.

After months of debate, which included heated meetings and mother-daughter disagreements, the board of students chosen to carry on the long-standing tradition decided to end the event, saying it hurts feelings and creates unnecessary divisions.

"It just doesn't represent Evanston," said Nialie Pompilus, 16, a soon-to-be senior and member of the 2017 Cotillion Board. Pompilus, who is African-American, gave a speech at the invitation-only dance in February calling it a "racist, classist, elitist and transphobic system."

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But while Evanston's event  which required each participant to contribute $595, not including the cost of her dress and accessories  ended this year in dramatic fashion, other established cotillions from Chicago to the suburbs are going strong. Organizers, some of whom declined to disclose details about their events, say the dances have evolved to be more diverse and progressive in modern times while still raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity.

"They're connecting with their families and their friends, they're meeting new friends, they're learning to be a part of something and how to give back," said Becky Mavon, ball chair for the Hinsdale Assembly Board. The board has held an annual ball for debutantes and their dates, called Honor Guard, for more than 50 years.

The Assembly Ball has made the nonprofit women's group that hosts it the single largest donor to the Hinsdale Hospital Foundation, which raises money for Amita Health Adventist Medical Center Hinsdale and its hospice, said Joann Guida, the foundation's executive director.

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Dating to as early as the 1700s in Europe and America, cotillion dances, or debutante balls, started as a chance for affluent families to introduce their young daughters to society, and, in turn, to possible suitors. While cotillions in the early days were mostly private events, in time, they evolved to be thrown by nonprofit women's groups, often aimed at raising money for hospitals.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 12 The polonaise dance is performed at the Legion of Young Polish Women's White and Red Ball on Feb. 16, 1952, at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago. (Harold Norman / Chicago Tribune)

The latter tradition remains intact today with the Passavant Cotillion, an annual event hosted by the Woman's Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital since 1949. The ball, which features young women from surrounding communities, is "an introduction to philanthropy and service for the college-aged participants" that has raised millions of dollars for enhanced patient care, research, community service and education at the hospital, a spokesperson said in a statement.

Other cotillions today are religious-based.

The Illinois Club for Catholic Women holds a Presentation Ball each year in which debutantes dressed in white gowns carry lace fans as part of a tradition dating to 1958. Since then, 1,200 debutantes have participated in the ball, which is intended to welcome young women from the Catholic community into a world of civic responsibility. Non-Catholics are welcomed to participate, and all families are expected to make a financial commitment in addition to paying for the participant's dress and accessories.

At the ball, Cardinal Blase Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago meets and takes a photo with each of the girls, said Marianne Bestler, the club's president. "That's a big deal, eye-opening for these young people to really put a face to the cardinal," she said.

In Hinsdale, participation in the Assembly Ball begins in January of a high school student's senior year. A group of about 30 young women do volunteer service, such as working in a local food pantry, rehabilitating properties in impoverished areas and spending time with seniors in a retirement home. A tea party, in which debutantes dine with grandmothers, aunts, sisters and other female family members who have been through the cotillion process, also is part of the tradition, Mavon said.

Debutantes are chosen by a board of women from the nonprofit who send an invitation by mail to high school students who are "leaders in the community," Mavon said. Each family is responsible for paying a participation fee and buying one table of 10 guests at the ball. Mavon declined to offer further detail on the selection process.

Gillian Lavins, a 19-year-old from Hinsdale who now attends Villanova University , said she grew up seeing her mother's photograph from her cotillion on the wall at her grandmother's house. She couldn't wait for her own chance to be a debutante last year.

Lavins and her fellow debutantes were each given a set of monogrammed stationery at the start of the experience, with which they were encouraged to write thank-you notes to event hosts and community service organizers. At the Assembly Ball held each year on Dec. 23, she and the other debutantes were required to wear floor-length white gowns, long gloves and closed-toe shoes.

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Lavins said being part of the Assembly Ball gave her an opportunity to give back. "You learn not to always think of yourself first but to know that there's other people out there that don't have as much," Lavins said.

But in Evanston, just weeks into the cotillion planning last fall, high school juniors and seniors chosen to be debutantes expressed discomfort with the tradition. The cotillion is not an official school event but has always involved students.

Grace Giangreco, who was a legacy invite to the Evanston Cotillion because her older sister had been a debutante years earlier, said she participated during her junior year because she didn't realize she had a choice. Because she was selected for the cotillion's board as a junior, she was automatically on the board for her senior year, as is the event's tradition.

But between her junior and senior years, she said she began learning and reading about oppression and white privilege. In recent years, some members of the board were given scholarships to participate and diversify the participants, but that didn't seem like enough, Giangreco said.

"By the time it started again, I knew I really did not want to do it," Giangreco said. "I knew that it really hurt feelings and that it really caused divisions."

Because last year's class of debutantes was already well into the planning process when girls began to voice their opposition, the resistance met pushback from some girls and mothers who noted that deposits on the event had already been paid. Others lamented ending an event that raised tens of thousands of dollars each year for charity.

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The leaders of the Evanston Cotillion Board decided to go ahead with the dance last February, but allowed time for girls to speak in opposition. Debutantes stepped up to a microphone wearing baggy T-shirts featuring the logo of the charity benefiting from the proceeds. The T-shirts were intended to protest another aspect of the cotillion: the idea of a young woman needing to be presented to society.

"We commit to creating an event that allows all who want to participate the option to join, an event that reflects our beautifully diverse community and welcomes a full spectrum of gender and sexual identity," Giangreco said in her speech.

Her mother and father, watching from their dinner table, said they cried hearing their daughter's words. "I was incredibly proud of her for taking a stand and not backing down when she encountered opposition," said Laura Tucker, Giangreco's mother who has spent her career working for groups such as Planned Parenthood, the Chicago Foundation for Women and the American Civil Liberties Union.

By the time the subsequent class of debutantes began meeting earlier this summer to plan a cotillion for next year, interest was so low the group decided to end the tradition all together. Although the students hope to organize a new, more inclusive event, so far no substitute has been planned.

Barbara Risman, a professor of sociology at the University of Illinois at Chicago , said she is not surprised that cotillions still exist in Chicago and across the U.S., as social class is more important than ever.

"Cotillions are not done by poor people. For people who are elite or striving elite, it's a way to mark one's self off from the rest of society," Risman said.

Grace Giangreco, 18, left, and Nialie Pompilus, 16, helped stir debate over Evanstons cotillion, which involves a select group of junior and senior girls from Evanston Township High School. ( Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune )

But today's cotillions don't hold closely to their original goal of presenting debutantes to society. "Nobody really wants these young women to be snatched up by a suitor," Risman said. "It's a tradition that continues but has to find another justification."

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Since 1960, the Chicago Illinois Chapter of the Links debutante cotillion has honored the academic and extracurricular achievements of young African-American women in the Chicago area. Debutantes have a mother-daughter tea, take college readiness workshops and do community service in preparation for their formal presentation at a ball, according to the group's website.

And since 1949, the Chicago-based Legion of Young Polish Women, which was formed to raise and send money to women in Poland during World War II, has held the yearly White and Red Ball.

At the event, young women with any Polish heritage  even if adopted into a Polish family  are celebrated in a fundraiser ball held in the winter. Their fathers escort them to the ball in tuxedos with tails, and lead their daughters in a procession before guests. Families are asked to commit to buying $500 worth of ads in the cotillion program, as well as to pay a fee that covers the debutante's ticket and flowers.

Each debutante, who dresses in a floor-length gown and long white gloves  spends the months leading up to the event raising money to be donated to the Polish Museum of America, the Polish American Association and other resource groups aiding local Polish immigrants. The top money-raising debutante is crowned queen of the ball and awarded several thousands of dollars in a scholarship for college, said Bozenna Haszlakiewicz, president of the Legion of Young Polish Women.

Haszlakiewicz said young women interested in participating are never turned away.

"It's a fundraiser," she said, "so if a girl is willing and the parents are willing to do this, there's no need to reject them."

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vortiz@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @vikkiortiz
If you were facing trial on a felony charge, would you put your fate in the hands of a jury of 12 strangers or a local circuit court judge?

Lake County defense attorneys said that is one of the most important decisions a defendant and his attorney must make in the trial process, but the factors under consideration are different from case to case.

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"I think about it every day, with every case," defense attorney Eric Rinehart said this week. "It's the number-one decision that has to be made."

While the vast majority of felony cases in Lake County Circuit Court are resolved through plea deal negotiations, there were a total of 40 felony trials in 2016. Defendants gave judges the substantial edge last year, with 24 choosing bench trials and 16 opting for a jury, according to Lake County Circuit Court officials.

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The factor of uncertainty is more prevalent in jury trials, some attorneys said, because jury deliberations can sometimes stretch out over days  a period of time Rinehart called "excruciating."

In the February 2017 murder trial of Kevin Curtis  a transient charged with murder in the fatal 2013 stabbing of a former Lake Villa man in a Waukegan motel  the jury was out for more than three days.

On more than one occasion, the judge told jurors to keep deliberating after it appeared there may have been a rift among jurors.

While a common assumption is that the longer a jury is out, the better the outcome might be for the defense, the jury convicted Curtis of murder on the third day of deliberations.

Rinehart, who along with his partner Kevin Malia defended Curtis, said this week he believes the defense team "reached a lot of jurors" in that case, and that the length of deliberations demonstrated how some juries will work tirelessly on a case, even though the verdict in that case did not go his way.

Bench trials, on the other hand, don't include the potentially lengthy jury-deliberation period, which is not only stressful for those on trial, but defense attorneys and prosecutors as well.

Following a bench trial, a judge will either issue a verdict the same day, or schedule a date at which the verdict will be announced, usually removing uncertainty as to how long jury deliberations will continue.

But sometimes even bench trials can unexpectedly stretch out after the verdict is reached.

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In early May 2014, following emotional testimony at the sentencing hearing of Thomas Albea, a Waukegan man convicted of killing a 3-year-old boy, the victim's family members seemed shocked when the judge delayed his sentencing ruling until later that month.

After the judge announced his decision, gasps were heard from family members of the boy, some of whom had testified about the hardships of reliving the child's death at court proceedings, and at least one relative began to cry.

The judge acknowledged that his decision was unusual, but said he needed more time to think about the arguments put forth by prosecutors and defense attorneys.

Veteran defense attorney Thomas Briscoe said that in most cases, the crime itself and the defendant are two of the primary factors he considers in deciding whether to recommend a jury or bench trial.

"Sometimes you have people who are just not likeable at all," said Briscoe, who has practiced law in Lake County for 39 years, including four years as an assistant state's attorney and the remainder as a private defense attorney. "Judges can look past that."

He said jurors might have a harder time concentrating on just the evidence and law and putting sympathy and personal feelings aside. Especially in sex crime cases or when victims are young, Briscoe said at least some jurors are likely to feel protective of the victim, possibly obscuring the overall picture.

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"With young (victims), they want to circle the wagons and protect them," he said.

Briscoe added that when dealing with a pool of people from the community, prejudice can also be a factor.

"It's a very white, conservative county, and minorities are looked at differently by some people," Briscoe said.

But he also said most juries take the job very seriously and really do try to understand and deliberate all of the relevant legal factors.

"Sometimes the best closing arguments take place in the jury room," he said. "Sometimes they pick up things none of us do. They do listen and try their best."

According to Briscoe, one clear advantage with a jury trial is that the defense attorney only has to convince one person to get a hung jury.

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He added that attorneys will also consider the judge in the case and whether they have shown any "predisposition to find somebody guilty" in certain cases or crimes, although he said that is relatively rare in Lake County.

"But overall, this circuit is really good. Our judges are really fair and try to do the right thing," he said.

Rinehart said that while the final decision rests with the defendant, his advice depends on a variety of circumstances.

He said that in Lake County, because the same judges who hear pretrial motions and preside over case management hearings preside over trials as well, the judge in the case becomes familiar with the circumstances and the defendant before the trial begins.

"Juries bring a new perspective to a case. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it helps," Rinehart said.

Most defense attorneys who have been practicing for a while locally "know our judges very well," Rinehart added, while parties in the case know nothing about the jurors except what they glean through jury selection.

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For this reason, Rinehart said if a defense attorney feels a judge is a good fit for a certain type of trial, he might advise his client to choose a bench trial over a jury trial.

"You are very confident that a jury is going to get the basic parameters of what's going on. But there is always a chance a jury will focus on something irrelevant," he said.

Rinehart added he is willing to ask "riskier questions" of witnesses in a bench trial, "because the potential of turning off a judge is lower."

Several attorneys interviewed said that unknowns with a jury include whether some jurors will let empathy for a sympathetic victim impact their conclusions, rather than just weighing the evidence in the case.

In the end, Rinehart said he does his best to provide his client in each case with his assessment as to which route would be best.

"The client's confidence with the decision is so important. It's their decision. We can only give them advice," Rinehart said.

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Longtime Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Jeff Pavletic said that whether a defendant chooses a bench trial or a jury trial, "It does not affect my preparation at all."

Prosecutors still must make sure that all of the evidence is presented completely and in the proper way to prevent potential issues on appeal, he said.

One approach he said he sometimes takes differently near the completion of a trial relates to his closing arguments. He said his demeanor and method of delivery when giving closing arguments during a trial might be tailored to a jury or a judge, but his fundamental approach to the case remains the same.

Pavletic said he agreed with defense attorneys as to the importance of the decision for their clients.

"Two of the most important decisions a defendant makes is whether to go with a bench or a jury trial, and 'am I going to testify on my own behalf?'" Pavletic said.

Defense attorney Douglas Zeit said the first thing he does in mulling which option to recommend to a client is to consider the charges and the available information in each case.

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"I look at the facts of the case to determine if the facts are more aligned with the judge making a determination or a jury," Zeit said. "A jury is more likely to feel emotion. You can't take the human out of them."

Zeit said a case involving a "likeable defendant" and facts that are in dispute, there might be an advantage to a jury, but he often has no hesitation to put the verdict in the hands of a judge.

"A lot of guys think that judges won't find (a defendant) not guilty," Zeit said. "I believe that here, they are willing and can make that call."

Briscoe said everything else being equal, he prefers jury trials.

"I love jury trials," he said. "From a lawyer's standpoint, it's a chance to really be a lawyer."

jrnewton@tribpub.com

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Fronius specializes in welding power tool systems, such as its new TransPocket, a compact battery welder that guarantees a stable arc wherever the welder is working. (Provided by Fronius USA/HANDOUT )

The first clue that Fronius USA is in the solar panel business can be found outside its massive 400,000-square-foot building on the north side of Portage.

Two large solar panels greet visitors along Fronius Drive, near the main entrance, absorbing the sun's rays, not as cosmetic props or marketing gimmicks, but as functional tools to harness green energy for the facility, located in the AmeriPlex at the Port business park.

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Similar solar panels are erected on the structure's enormous roof, covering 30 percent of the facility's energy needs. The high-tech system, which currently generates 225 kW, will be expanding to 500 kW in the near future.

"We make the solar inverters that convert the electric current, and then use these trackers and the system to power our facility," said Tiffany Bley, corporate affairs manager and assistant to the CEO. "But also for research and development purposes."

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The rooftop solar panels serve as an impressive business card, of sorts, to guests and potential customers, illustrating the fact that Fronius has helped energize this region's manufacturing reputation since the company opened here in 2012.

The Austria-based, family-owned company, founded in 1945, uses this strategic Portage site to test solar panels and welding techniques, among other endeavors. It was built for expansion, with less than half of the building currently utilized.

The company's familiar red "Fronius" logo can be found everywhere in sight, and everywhere on site.

"Portage was chosen as Fronius USA's home base of U.S. operations due to its low cost of doing business, proximity to major highways and airways, and central location in doing business nationwide," Bley said.

City officials have been strong supporters of Fronius since it broached the idea of anchoring its operations in Portage, the third largest city in Northwest Indiana.

"As an international company, Fronius chose to make Portage their U.S. headquarters and quickly became an anchor for the AmeriPlex business park," said Andy Maletta, executive director of Portage Economic Development Corporation. "They are exactly the type of company any community would want to have."

Fronius solar solutions provides efficient DC-AC conversion for both commercial and residential systems. Pictured is a solar installer finalizing a commercial ground mount solar system. ( Provided by Fronius USA/HANDOUT )

"They pay a very good wage to their employees, and pride themselves on treating their employees as family. They are an extremely important part of our business and manufacturing community," Maletta said.

Portage City Councilman Collin Czilli, D-5th, echoed Maletta's support.

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"From the start, Fronius has been a job creator for Portage," he said. "While creating jobs is a top priority, Fronius choosing Portage as the location for their American headquarters has shown that our city is prepared for the jobs of the future in new technologies and green energy."

The company's mission is to achieve "24 hours of sun," concentrating on solutions to intelligently, efficiently and economically generate, store, distribute and consume solar energy. The company envisions a world where 100 percent of energy needs are covered with renewable sources.

"Fronius' business unit, Perfect Welding, sells to an array of customers, from the smallest weld shop to leaders in the automotive industry, as well as to select distribution partners," Bley said. "Fronius' business unit, Solar Energy, sells primarily to electrical or renewable distributors and developers in the solar energy industry."

Fronius inverters form the indispensable heart of every photovoltaic system, with power categories ranging from 1.5 kW to 27.0 kW, covering everything from a family home system to a large-scale process.

Fronius USA is headquartered in Portage, Indiana, where solar panels power 30 percent of its energy needs. ( Provided by Fronius USA/HANDOUT )

The company's storage solution allows surplus energy from a photovoltaic system to be stored in a battery, which harkens back to the company's earliest days when founder Gunter Fronius built his first charger using 50 Hz technology.

At that time, as World War II finally ended, charging car batteries was not something that could be taken for granted. Gunter Fronius was unwilling to accept this, and his determination eventually generated a progressive-minded company.

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"Yes, Fronius USA has grown our staff in both business units, Solar Energy and Welding, and we also have added to our corporate support team," Bley said. "We are working on expanding our research and development operations here with a new lab, an expanded test solar array on our rooftop, and upgraded welding lab."

The company also plans to lease a portion of its Portage headquarters to another manufacturing company with "very similar roots," company officials said.

"We value our location as our proximity helps us support many welding customers in the automotive industry," Bley said. "As well as being logistically close to major highways and airports, which benefits our support of our other regions of business."

The company's welding unit has perfected the process of welding aluminum onto steel for various automotive forms, including Tesla. In a similar way, it has welded itself into the economic infrastructure of Northwest Indiana, local officials agree.

"When new companies, especially international companies, are looking to locate in Portage, it is not uncommon for us to have them visit Fronius to learn about their success here," Maletta said. "Fronius has really stepped up, and they are involved in the community as well."

"Fronius has made a commitment to Portage," Czilli added. "I feel it is our job as city leaders to help businesses grow and to support them in any way we can, especially when they follow through on promises to bring in hundreds of new jobs."

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jdavich@post-trib.com

Fronius USA

Address: 6797 Fronius Drive, Portage

Opened: 2012 in Portage; 2002 in U.S.

Number of employees: 60 in Portage, 175 nationwide

Website: www.fronius.us
A conveyor belt of popcorn at the Cornfields Inc. facility in Waukegan, Ill., on Wednesday, July 30, 2014. (Andrew A. Nelles / Chicago Tribune)

There has been a pop in popcorn's profile as a healthy snack, and Waukegan is home to one of the original U.S. popcorn companies, which was sold last year to Ohio-based Eagle Foods.

The company was formerly known as Cornfields Inc.

The global popcorn market is set to grow at an annual rate of 7 percent between 2016 and 2020 and may reach sales exceeding $12 billion by 2020, according to a report from London-based researcher TechNavio. Much of it is spurred by new flavors.

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According to the Popcorn Institute, Americans consume 14 billion quarts of popcorn annually or 43 quarts per man, woman and child.

The institute said 70 percent is eaten in the home (home popped and prepopped) and 30 percent outside the home (theaters, stadiums, schools, etc.). Unpopped popcorn accounts for 90 percent of sales for home consumption.

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"Snacks in general are growing, and popcorn is growing really, really quickly," said Corinne Kelly, vice president of marketing at Eagle Foods.

"The popcorn category has multiplied over the last few years," she said.

That's why Eagle was interested in purchasing Cornfields, with its G.H. Cretors and Hi I'm Skinny brands.

"A year ago it was in double digits (growth), and it has come down a little bit, but it is still a growing category," Kelly said.

"They have popcorn-making in their blood," she said of the Waukegan company.

A vintage C. Cretors popcorn cart is on display at the Cornfields Inc. facility in Waukegan in 2014. ( Andrew A. Nelles/Chicago Tribune )

The family of Charles Cretors has been delivering its popcorn to the masses since the business started in 1885, when Cretors invented the first commercial-grade popcorn machine, as seen in the familiar wagons like one displayed in the company's Waukegan lobby. His descendants have been in the popcorn business for five generations, with G.H. Cretors launching the offshoot Cornfields operation in 1991.

The company moved to Waukegan in 2006, starting at one end of the Sunset Avenue complex and acquiring more space as operations grew. The plant now employs 450 workers across three shifts, with some using ovens the size of panel trucks to cook mushroom popcorn  named for its large size and ability to take on seasoning  and melting caramel in long rows of copper kettles.

Kelly said the company was a good match for Eagle, which was established in January 2016 after being purchased from The J.M. Smucker Co. by Kelso & Company, according to its website.

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It's being run by Paul Smucker Wagstaff, chief executive officer, who has 20 years of experience with J.M. Smucker and most recently was president of the U.S. Consumer Food Division, a $2.4 billion business that included the Jif, Smucker's, Crisco, Pillsbury and Uncrustables brands.

Wagstaff is the great-great-grandson of Jerome Monroe Smucker, founder of the J.M. Smucker Co.

Kelly said the G.H. Cretors product The Mix, which is a sharp cheese and caramel popcorn, "has been doing really well in Costco and now we'll be rolling it out to other retailers."

Caramel is prepared at the Cornfields Inc. facility in Waukegan in 2014. ( Andrew A. Nelles/Chicago Tribune )

"It was a good time to take the next step with this brand," she said.

They partnered with the Chicago Cubs to have the popcorn served in the stadium suites early this season "and it got quite a bit of support. The Cubs have been good partners for us," she added.

Last year, the same flavor, at the time called Chicago Mix, was handed out to people attending the ArtWauk in Waukegan because city officials wanted people to know that something that good was being made right in the city.

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"It was really well received. They were gone so fast. Of course, who doesn't like a free bag of popcorn," said David Motley, spokesman for the city.

The Waukegan plant also pumps out Hi I'm Skinny brands, grain-based snacks that are less than 140 calories per serving, plus a number of other private label products.

"We run a lot of product through those kitchens," said Kelly.

And there are more products in the works with caramel as the base and some additional flavors, like salted caramel pretzel mix and some new organic entries.

"Organic is still growing," she said.

"We have every intention of making this a bigger brand. We want to take this as far as we can," she said.

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Motley said he always rolls his window down when he passes the manufacturer so he can enjoy the smell.

"It tells you something amazing is being made there," he said.

fabderholden@tribpub.com

Twitter @abderholden

G.H. Cretors, a division of Eagle Foods (formerly Cornfields Inc.)

Address: 3898 Sunset Ave., Waukegan

Opened: The Cretors brand dates back to 1885 with a previous location in Wood Dale before moving to Waukegan

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Number of employees on-site: 450 on three shifts
A few of the various cleaning products manufactured at the company, including the distinctive metal-back brush. (Madeline Galassi/Daily Southtown)

Since 1972, a company rooted in Tinley Park has been a sweeping success.

Bruske Products manufactures various cleaning products, including the Indestructible Bruske Brush, designed to last up to 10 times longer than an average broom.

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The company started more than four decades ago, when owner and founder Ed Bruske got laid off from his job.

"My dad worked for Fuller Brush, and started as a door-to-door salesman back in the '50s. He was very successful at that, so they promoted him to manager, and then district manager," said Susan Bruske, the daughter of Ed Bruske, and assistant secretary treasurer and office manager at Bruske Products.

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Fuller Brush then got sold to another company, which led to many employees getting laid off.

"When he was working at Fuller Brush, he invented the push broom that we make. He was trying to get them to make it and he couldn't, so he decided after he got laid off from them that he was going to start his own business and make his own push broom. So, that's what he did. And here we are 44 years later," said Susan Bruske.

Ed Bruske, who has a business degree from Northwestern University, started his business in the town center of Tinley Park.

"It was a little screw machine factory," said Susan Bruske. "He bought that, and in the back he had a space where he started making brushes and mops."

Bruske Products stayed at that original location for around two decades, according to Susan Bruske.

Bruske Products, located at 7447 Duvan Drive in Tinley Park, has been manufacturing cleaning products since 1972. ( Madeline Galassi/Daily Southtown )

"When he got enough business, and customers were buying the brushes, he sold that company and came down the street here and built a plant. Once he built that, he moved everything over. So, we totally started in Tinley from the very beginning," she said.

For Susan Bruske and her siblings, the company was a family affair.

"Me and my siblings were all enlisted to help when we were in high school, so we were working at the plant in the summers and during any vacation time," said Susan Bruske. "We always helped with literature and mailings and stuff like that. We have five kids in our family, so we all helped."

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"I grew up with it," she said.

Now, Ed Bruske's grandson is an intern at the company, helping it switch to a new computer system.

The first major product of the company was a metal-back brush, according to Steve Schafer, the president of Bruske Products. He also got involved with the company through family ties  he is Ed Bruske's son-in-law.

"My wife is a Bruske. I was teaching at Northern Illinois University, and I started here in 1983," Schafer said.

"We are probably the largest manufacturer of metal-back brushes in the country," said Schafer.

The metal-back brush is unique due to its distinctive design. It has two bristle layers, is flared out, lighter, and less debris collects in the center, according to Schafer.

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Bruske Products manufactures traditional floor brushes, knob scrubs, washing brushes, counter dusters and more. ( Madeline Galassi/Daily Southtown )

However, the metal-back brush isn't the only product Bruske Products manufactures. The company produces a wide range of cleaning supplies. From squeegees to mops to floor pads, Bruske Products' website claims that it can "supply your every cleaning need."

Ed Bruske, along with one of his daughters, designed machinery the company uses today.

"When they first started, with the help of my sister, he designed the machine that actually helped push the bristles into this long strip, and it bends them into the shape and then clamps it," said Susan Bruske. "So, they designed these two machines to do that, and we've got a handle machine that helps clamp the clamp on the bottom of the handle."

"We make cylindrical brushes that you can attach to machines that you ride and sweep or scrub floors within manufacturing plants," said Schafer said. "We also have capabilities of drilling and filling conventional block brushes, which would be your traditional floor brush. And, we make knob scrubs, washing brushes and counter dusters."

Bruske Products ships orders throughout the country as well as to clients in Canada and one client in France.

"I'm working on a client in Japan," Schafer said.

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After so many years of business, Schafer credits the success of the business to their market.

"There's always going to be a market for floor brushes. It's a basic hardware item," said Schafer.

Additionally, foreign companies have trouble competing with Bruske, according to Schafer.

"The labor component (of the manufacturing process) is not significant, which is nice," he said. "Foreign companies have a hard time competing because there's no labor, and it's mostly just materials, which is good for us."

The company also takes pride in its direct sales force, which is rare in the industry.

"We are probably the only brush company that has a direct sales force," said Schafer. "We have W2 employees that sell to the user. We're the only one in the country doing that, everyone else uses distributors. We use both."

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However, the longevity of the company doesn't mean there weren't bumps along the way.

"Of course, with the recession, we had a little downturn," said Susan Bruske. "But little by little, we've been coming back."

Now, the company has just under 50 employees, including 25 salespeople all over the country.

After 44 years in business, Bruske Products continues to help people around the country clean.

mgalassi@chicagotribune.com

Bruske Products

Address: 7447 Duvan Drive, Tinley Park

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Opened: 1972

Number of employees on-site: about 25 onsite, with 25 salespeople stationed across the US

Website: bruskeproducts.com/
Richard Faltz inspects a glass of wine for smell and color, at the Fox Valley Winery he runs in this file photo. The winery produces about 25,000 gallons of wine a year in Oswego. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune )

Nestled along the rocky ledges of the Fox River near Sheridan sits a 26-acre vineyard where the sun ripens the grapes for Fox Valley Winery's award-winning wines crafted by members of the Faltz family of Oswego.

These hardy grapes  like the Concord and Niagara  can withstand the brutal northern Illinois temperature swings from well below zero to near 100 degrees.

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While a California chardonnay from the Napa Valley might have cachet, winemaker Michael Faltz said his products are on par with those chichi West Coast varietals.

"You can make as good of a wine as anywhere else. Our growing season is just as long as theirs," Faltz said.

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"People just have a perception that northern Illinois wines aren't as good," said Faltz who is out to change that.

The winemaker has hosted blind tastings that have pitted his wines against others, like a $150 bottle from his personal collection.

Faltz said many people were shocked to find they like Fox Valley Winery's products just as much as the pricier labels.

"It goes to show, you never know," he said. "People don't expect to see local dry reds."

The idea for the vineyard and winery started as a hobby for Faltz and his father, Richard, a retired real estate agent and property developer who now heads up the business end.

After the father-and-son duo started winning amateur winemaking competitions, friends and extended family started asking for a bottle or two. To meet the demand, the Faltzes started researching how to expand.

Land along the Fox River for the vineyard was purchased in 1998 and the next decision was where to put the winery.

"I wanted it at the vineyard; Dad wanted it here. He won," Michael Faltz said of the Oswego facility along U.S. Route 34.

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Fox Valley Winery's first wine, produced in March 2000, came under great scrutiny from Michael Faltz's toughest critics, his grandmothers.

Before he was allowed to bottle Grandma's Blush, the medium-bodied, sweet red blend had to be sampled by his two grandmothers  Jo Koch and Shirlee Faltz  so it could get their stamp of approval. The bottle's label features the two women sitting on white wicker chairs outside the shed at the Sheridan vineyard.

Oswego winemaker Michael Faltz pours one of his favorite dry reds, a 2015 Petite Pearl produced by Fox Valley Winery. Grapes from silver medal winning wine was grown on the Faltz vineyard along the Fox River near Sheridan and produced at the Oswego winery on U.S. Route 34. ( Suzanne Baker/The Beacon-News )

The two grandmothers were a fixture at the winery. "They would come in with their chairs and autograph bottles for people," Michael Faltz said. "(My grandmothers) milked it for everything they could."

Operating a winery that relies on its own vineyard can be like gambling with Mother Nature.

Weather, animals and timing are just a few of the wild cards that can turn a perfect growing season into utter failure.

"It's very stressful having a vineyard," Michael Faltz said.

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Grape production can drop significantly if a cold snap, hail or driving rain hits when the vines first bud in the spring and one deer can strip an entire row of grape buds in a single night.

To prevent birds and other critters from picking the vines clean, he drapes the vines with netting. But even that isn't foolproof.

"Raccoons are my archnemesis," Michael Faltz said.

Not only do raccoons cut the nets, he said, they'll pick a bunch of grapes, eat one or two, and leave the rest to rot on the ground.

Despite the worries coming from nature, Michael Faltz said the stress level is much smaller compared to his previous career as a computer technician at the former Arthur Andersen training center in St. Charles.

"I was working 60 to 70 hours a week; I was always on call," he said.

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To hedge his bets now, Michael Faltz also grows hops for the burgeoning craft beer industry in northern Illinois.

Besides 26 acres of grapes, the family grows 5 acres of hops on the vineyard property to sell to breweries.

In addition, the winery's used wine barrels are sold to businesses like the Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville and Penrose Brewing Co. in Geneva.

When there's a hint of fruitiness to a barrel-aged beer from the two breweries, Michael Faltz said it's because of his wines.

Marketing for Fox Valley Winery is mostly word of mouth.

"What I do best is make wine," Michael Faltz said of the 25,000 gallons of wine produced annually.

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This machine bottles the wine and hard cider produced at the Fox Valley Winery facility on U.S. Route 34 in Oswego. ( Suzanne Baker/The Beacon-News )

Fox Valley's specialty is dry red wines, though the winery produces far more sweet wines.

"We all like dry reds," Michael Faltz said of his family. "But by far our best sellers are our sweet wines. Eighty percent of our customers are sweet-wine drinkers."

Red (made from Concord grapes), White (made from Niagara grapes) and Blue (made from locally sourced blueberries) are among the top wines sold by the Oswego winery.

Another way the winery bets against the odds is by making hard cider.

Because the production process is similar, Fox Valley crafts 20,000 gallons of hard cider under The Cider Farm label for the Mineral Point, Wis.,-based company where the apples are harvested.

Faltz plans to bottle and sell his own Fox Valley line of cider from a portion of the coming fall's Wisconsin apple harvest.

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Besides cider, the Oswego winery also produces several wines bottled under the Love Cork Screw brand and marketed by Chicagoan Chrishon Lampley.

Hard Knock Life is a light sweet summer wine made from Concord grapes that pairs well with light meals, appetizers and pizza or pasta dishes.

Touch The Sky is made from Niagara, one of the oldest and most established American white wines grapes that create its popular "grapey" flavors and aromas.

"When I was deciding on sweet wines to add to my Love Cork Screw portfolio, I wanted to support local, and I knew Fox Valley took pride in their winemaking," said Lampley, who is CEO and vintner of Love Cork Screw.

"I also wanted to introduce the city of Chicago to small town wineries in Illinois. To date, Hard Knock Life and Touch the Sky are some of my No. 1 selling wines," she said.

Wine tastings are offered daily at the Oswego winery, and tours of the winemaking facility are offered by appointment only, except during harvest season, which can run late August through early October.

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Besides the tasting bar, the building offers several sitting areas with two fireplaces. Many of the paintings on the wall are by local artists.

subaker@tronc.com

Fox Valley Winery

Address: 5600 U.S. Route 34 in Oswego

Opened: 2000

Number of employees on-site: Varies

Website: www.foxvalleywinery.com
Naperville Fire Department Bureau Chief Thomas Moran, Chief Mark Puknaitis, Division Chief Amanda Scheller and Deputy Chief Andrew Dina pose with the award acknowledging the department's fifth consecutive accreditation from the Center of Public Safety Excellence. (Naperville Fire Department)

Citizen Police Academy applications

Applications for a free nine-week Citizen Police Academy will be accepted through Sept. 8.

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The academy will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays from Oct. 4 through Dec. 6 at the Naperville Police Department. The class is limited to 25 participants, who must be at least 18 years old and live or work in the city of Naperville.

The academy features classroom lectures and hands-on demonstrations focusing on police work such as forensics, investigations and patrolling.

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For more information, go to www.naperville.il.us/cpa.

Run for Recovery 5K

Registration is under way for the Run for Recovery 5K to benefit Linden Oaks Behavioral Health in Naperville.

The event will be held at 10 a.m. Sept. 9 at the Danada Forest Preserve, 3S580 Naperville Road, Wheaton. Registration is $35 until Sept. 1 and includes a T-shirt. Participants can also register at 8 a.m. on the day of the event.

Proceeds will benefit programs and services that fight addiction at Linden Oaks and Breaking Free.

For more information, go to http://recovery5k.itsyourrace.com.

Crime Stoppers offering reward

Naperville Crime Stoppers is offering an award of up to a $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for using credit cards taken from a lost wallet.

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The Naperville Police Department said the suspect found the wallet about 11:10 a.m. July 7 in the 2500 block of West 75th Street in Naperville and used the stolen credit cards to purchase Yugioh cards at businesses in Naperville and Oswego.

Anyone with information about the incident can call Crime Stoppers at 630-420-6006. Information can be left anonymously.

DuPage Children's Museum fundraiser

Tickets are being sold for the DuPage Children's Museum's annual "Driven to Give  Party with a Purpose" fundraiser from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Oct. 20 at Bill Jacobs BMW, 2495 Aurora Ave., Naperville.

Guests have two different options to participate in the fundraiser, which will benefit early learning initiatives at the museum.

The VIP experience for $125 includes early admission at 6:30 p.m., sport car test drives, signature cocktails and Main Event features. The Main Event Only experience for $75, begins at 8 p.m. and includes a DJ, appetizers, open bar, silent auction and raffle.

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The museum also will be selling 100 $100 raffle tickets for a five-night trip to the Riviera Maya, Mexico.

For more information, go to www.dupagechildrens.org/driven.

Fire Department accredited for fifth time

The Naperville Fire Department has been awarded its fifth consecutive accreditation from the Center of Public Safety Excellence, city officials said.

Accreditation helps organizations study their performance and compare it to the industry's best practices, the city said in a news release. A fire department must complete a self-assessment and create a strategic plan and a risk hazard assessment.

The Naperville Fire Department has been internationally accredited through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and the Center for Public Safety Excellence since 1997.

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It is one of only two agencies to achieve accreditation five consecutive times.

DuPage County Health wins awards

The DuPage County Health Department has won awards from the National Association of County and City Health Officials and the National Public Health Information Coalition.

The county was recognized for its DuPage Narcan Program and given the Model Practice Award for developing programs to combat the increase in heroin-related deaths. It is the first county-wide overdose prevention program in Illinois to be approved by the Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

The health department was also given the Silver Local Health Department of the Year and was cited for its Ready, Set, Smile dental initiative and the Engage DuPage program among others.

It was also given the Bronze Award for Excellence in Public Health Communication for its Thinking on Your FeetReal Time Risk Communication campaign. The committee recognized the health department's communications regarding a multistate outbreak of the Seoul virus in early 2017.
Three Oak Park massage businesses have been shut down following a joint Oak Park police and Cook County Sheriffs investigation into alleged prostitution, according to an Oak Park spokesman.

Village spokesman David Powers said Oak Park received complaints last month alleging prostitution at King Spa, 6441 W. North Ave., and two Angel Spa locations at 1102 Chicago Ave. and 6340 Roosevelt Road.

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"After receiving complaints last month alleging prostitution at the sites, Oak Park police contacted the Cook County Sheriff's Department, and a joint investigation began," Powers said. "Suspicious activity observed at the locations led undercover officers to pose as potential clients, which allowed them to gather evidence that led to the arrests."

Four people were taken into custody Aug. 8, and they now face charges following the investigation.

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According to Powers, all three businesses have been shut down pending a license review hearing.

sschering@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @steveschering
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.
A small group of social terrorists have hijacked the rational discourse led by societys most accomplished, intelligent, and promising organizations.

(cross posted from NewCo Shift)

Lets start with this: Google is not a perfect company. Its easy to cast it as an omniscient and evil villain, the leader of a millennium-spanning illuminati hellbent on world subjugation. Google the oppressor. Google the silencer of debate. Google, satanic overlord predicted by the holy text!

But that narrative is bullshit, and all rational humans know it. Yes, we have to pay close attention  and keep our powder dry  when a company with the power and reach of Google (or Facebook, or Amazon, or Apple) finds itself a leader in the dominant cultural conversation of our times.

But when a legitimate and fundamentally important debate breaks out, and the companys employees try to come together to understand its nuances, to find a path forward ..To threaten those engaged in that conversation with physical violence? Thats fucking terrorism, period. And its damn well time we called it that.

Have we lost all deference to the hard won lessons of the past few hundred years? Are we done with enlightenment, with scientific discourse, with fucking manners? Do we now believe progress can only be imposed? Have we abandoned debate? Can we no longer engage in rational discourse, or move forward by attempting to understand each others point of view?

Im so fucking angry that the asshat trolls managed to force Googles CEO Sundar Pichai to cancel his planned all hands meeting today, one half hour before it started, Im finding it hard to even write. Before I can continue, I just need to say this. To scream it, and then Im sure Ill come to my senses: FUCK YOU. FUCK YOU, asshats, for hijacking the conversation, for using physical threats, implied or otherwise, as a weapon to shut down legitimate rational discourse. FUCK YOU for paralyzing one of our societys most admired, intelligent, and successful engines of capitalism, FUCK YOU for your bullying, FUCK YOU for your rage and your anger, FUCK YOU for making me feel just like I am sure you feel about me: I want to fucking kick your fucking ass.

But now I will take a breath. And I will remember this: The emotions of that last paragraph never move us forward. Ever.

Google was gathering today to have an honest, difficult, and most likely emotional conversation about the most important idea in our society at present: How to allow all of us to have the right to our points of view, while at the same time insuring the application of those views dont endanger or injure others. For its entire history, this company has had an open and transparent dialog about difficult issues. This is the first time that Ive ever heard of where that dialog has been cancelled because of threats of violence.

This idea Google was preparing to debate is difficult. This idea, and the conflict it engenders, is not a finished product. It is a work in progress. It is not unique to Google. Nor is it unique to Apple, or Facebook, Microsoft or Apple  it could have easily arisen and been leapt upon by social terrorists at any of those companies. That it happened at Google is not the point.

Because this idea is far bigger than any of those companies. This idea is at the center of our very understanding of reality. At the center of our American idea. Painstakingly, and not without failure, we have developed social institutions  governments, corporations, churches, universities, the press  to help us navigate this conflict. We have developed an approach to cultural dialog that honors respect, abjures violence, accepts truth. We dont have figured it out entirely. But we cant abandon the core principles that have allowed us to move so far forward. And that is exactly what the social terrorists want: For us to give up, for us to abandon rational discourse.

Google is a company comprised of tens of thousands of our finest minds. From conversations Ive had tonight, many, if not most of those who work there are fearful for their safety and that of their loved ones. Two days ago, they were worried about their ability to speak freely and express their opinions. Today, because social terrorists have gone nuclear, those who disagree with those terrorists  the vast majority of Googlers, and by the way, the vast majority of the world  are fearful for their physical safety.

And because of that, open and transparent debate has been shut down.

What. The. Fuck.

If because of physical threat we can no longer discuss the nuanced points of a difficult issue, then America dies, and so does our democracy.

This cannot stand.

Google has promised to have its dialog, but now it will happen behind closed doors, in secrecy and cloaked in security that social terrorists will claim proves collusion. Well done, asshats. Youve created your own reality.

Its up to us to not let that reality become the worlds reality. Its time to stand up to social terrorists. They cannot and must not win.
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The application process for schools, fellowships, and jobs always came with a ritual: a person who had a role in choosing mean admissions officer, an interviewerwould mention in his congratulations that I was different from the other Asians. When I won a scholarship that paid for part of my education, a selection panelist told me that I got it because I had moving qualities of heart and originality that Asian applicants generally lacked. Asian applicants were all so alike, and I stood out. In truth, I wasnt much different from other Asians I knew. I was shy and reticent, played a musical instrument, spent summers drilling math, and had strict parents to whom I was dutiful. But I got the message: to be allowed through a narrow door, an Asian should cultivate not just a sense of individuality but also ways to project Not like other Asians!

In a federal lawsuit filed in Massachusetts in 2014, a group representing Asian-Americans is claiming that Harvard Universitys undergraduate-admissions practices unlawfully discriminate against Asians. (Disclosure: Harvard is my employer, and I attended and teach at the universitys law school.) The suit poses questions about what a truly diverse college class might look like, spotlighting a group that is often perceived as lacking internal diversity. The court complaint quotes a college counsellor at the highly selective Hunter College High School (which I happened to attend), who was reporting a Harvard admissions officers feedback to the school: certain of its Asian students werent admitted, the officer said, because so many of them looked just like each other on paper.

The lawsuit alleges that Harvard effectively employs quotas on the number of Asians admitted and holds them to a higher standard than whites. At selective colleges, Asians are demographically overrepresented minorities, but they are underrepresented relative to the applicant pool. Since the nineteen-nineties, the share of Asians in Harvards freshman class has remained stable, at between sixteen and nineteen per cent, while the percentage of Asians in the U.S. population more than doubled. A 2009 Princeton study showed that Asians had to score a hundred and forty points higher on the S.A.T. than whites to have the same chance of admission to top universities. The discrimination suit survived Harvards motion to dismiss last month and is currently pending.

When the New York Times reported, last week, that the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division was internally seeking lawyers to investigate or litigate intentional race-based discrimination in college and university admissions, many people immediately assumed that the Trump Administration was hoping to benefit whites by assailing affirmative action. The Department soon insisted that it specifically intends to revive a 2015 complaint against Harvard filed with the Education and Justice Departments by sixty-four Asian-American groups, making the same claim as the current court case: that Harvard intentionally discriminates against Asians in admissions, giving whites an advantage. (The complaint had previously been dismissed in light of the already-pending lawsuit.) The combination of the lawsuit and the potential federal civil-rights inquiry signals that the treatment of Asians will frame the next phase of the legal debate over race-conscious admissions programs.

Just last year, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the University of Texas at Austins affirmative-action program, which, like Harvards, aims to build a diverse class along multiple dimensions and considers race as one factor in a holistic review of each applicant. Justice Kennedy, writing for the majority, approved of a universitys ability to define intangible characteristics, like student body diversity, that are central to its identity and educational mission. Incidentally, the phrase intangible characteristics echoes the sort of language that often describes the individualizing or leadership qualities that many Asian-American applicants, perceived as grinds with high test scores, are deemed to lack. The complaint against Harvard highlights the schools history of using similar language to describe Jewish students nearly a century ago, which led to a diversity rationale designed to limit Jewish enrollment in favor of applicants from regions with fewer Jews, such as the Midwest. If diversity of various kinds is central to an elite schools mission, an Asian may have to swim upstream to be admitted.

The U.T. affirmative-action case was brought by a white student and financed by Edward Blum, a white Jewish conservative who is also financing the lawsuit against Harvard. Justice Alitos dissent in the U.T. case said that, in failing to note that U.T.s admissions practices discriminated against Asians, the Courts majority acted almost as if Asian-American students do not exist. For Asian-Americansthe majority of whom support affirmative actionbeing cast in the foreground of the affirmative-action debate can be awkward and painful. Affirmative action has consistently been a wedge issue, and groups such as Asian Americans Advancing Justice have opposed attempts to use Asian students as the wedge in conservative attacks on affirmative action that may harm black and Latino students. Some simply deny that race-conscious admissions procedures are disadvantaging Asians at all, which avoids confronting a complicated dilemma.

The Harvard lawsuit does raise uncomfortable questions, especially in a time when it is also becoming less comfortable to be an immigrant. Is an admissions process that disadvantages a minority group benign, or even desirable, if that minority group is demographically overrepresented in higher education? Should colleges pursue their interest in a diverse class by limiting admissions of a minority group whose numbers may otherwise overwhelm the class?

Because our legal doctrine prohibits racial quotas, it is currently impossible to have an honest discussion of these questions. The truth is that, in addition to a holistic review of each applicant that considers race as one factor, colleges undertake some amount of balancing so that they do not end up with a class that is swamped by members of any particular raceor with too many scientists, poets, or dancers, for that matter. But admissions offices cannot admit to efforts at racial balancing or anything that sounds remotely like quotas. Hence, Harvards litigation position must attribute the resulting race composition and the percentage of Asians in its class solely to the holistic method, admitting to no racial balancing. This account is plausible if, in fact, despite disproportionately strong academic credentials, Asian applicants are severely less likely than white ones to have the special personal qualities that colleges seek. That is the inevitable implication of Harvards position, which would be in line with long-standing perceptions of Asians as indistinguishable from one another. The lawsuit may well entail an inquiry into whether Asian applicants non-academic qualifications were disproportionately un-special compared to those of white applicants. (In addition to Harvard submitting comprehensive admissions data for discovery in the case, several competitive high schools with large numbers of Asian students are also being asked to provide information about their students applications to Harvard.)

But this lawsuit, and much of the discussion of affirmative action that surrounds it, makes a serious error in assuming that, in order to stop discrimination against Asian applicants, race-conscious affirmative action must end. The argument simply proves too much. Continued use of affirmative action of the kind upheld by the Supreme Court is perfectly compatible with tackling the discrimination at issue. The problem is not race-conscious holistic review; rather, it is the added, sub-rosa deployment of racial balancing in a manner that keeps the number of Asians so artificially low relative to whites who are less strong on academic measures. It is also time to look seriously at the impact on Asians (many of them immigrants or the children of immigrants) of the advantage enjoyed by legacy admissions and wealthy families who are likely to give significant donations. It distorts and confuses the debate to lay the preferential treatment for whites over Asians at the feet of affirmative actionor, on the other side, to deny that Asians are disadvantaged in admissions today.

In the pursuit of diversity, some amount of racial balancing seems unavoidable, however taboo. We should not want the composition of our elite universities to be wildly out of proportion to the racial composition of our country. Such lopsided access to gateways of opportunity and powersay, with whites being severely underrepresented at schools like Harvardhas the potential to fuel dangerous resentment and disturb social peace, at least if the change occurs too far ahead of demographic changes that are projected to make whites a minority in this country in less than three decades. I would not relish seeing the nations most elite colleges become majority Asian, which is what has resulted at selective high schools, such as Stuyvesant, that do not consider race in admissions at all. It is also extremely troubling when solely test-based admissions such as Stuyvesants reflect the failure to remedy structural disadvantages suffered by black and Latino students. What is needed instead, then, is race-conscious affirmative action, to address the historic discrimination and underrepresentation of blacks and Latinos, in combination with far less severity in the favoring of whites relative to Asians.

Harvard and other schools will vigorously defend their use of race-conscious affirmative action along the lines previously upheld by the Supreme Court. Outside of court, the Asian-discrimination claim may move colleges to refine their admissions procedures and better calibrate for diversity and fairness. It is unrealistic to think that universities like Harvard can immediately stop privileging white applicants, given the current whiteness of their donors, but that picture will change over time. It was as Jews gained more political power and became more likely to be donors that elite schools discrimination against them waned. And, for the first time, racial minorities are a majority of this years entering class at Harvard. The enrollment of Asians is the highest ever, at more than twenty-two per cent, with their increased share cutting into white, rather than black or Latino, enrollment. Those trends will be hard to reverse, and other schools will follow suit. For Asian-American students, the imperative to show originality will continue. But I hope that we can soon say goodbye to the admissions ritual whereby an Asian student is paradoxically expected to represent other Asians by proving she is different from them.


All online payments to be processed via a centralized clearing platform

The Peoples Bank of China (PBOC) has released regulation which stipulates that starting June 30, 2018, all online payments made in China linked to bank accounts will be processed through a centralized online payment clearing platform.

This will allow financial regulators to protect consumers and strengthen risk control over the third party payment industry as the current system allows such institutions the possibility to misuse consumers settlement reserves. Settlement reserves are paid by customers to process authorized transactions before the delivery of goods is made.

The frequency of misappropriation of consumer payments have increased in the past few years with the rise of the e-commerce sector, most commonly being used as working capital invested in high risk projects or wealth management projects, causing significant losses for consumers.

The new regulation will cut out the possibility of funds misappropriation, and circumvent inefficient payment settlement processes.

Filing rules for FIEs revised

Chinas Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has revised its regulation for filing administration of establishment of and changes for foreign invested enterprises (FIEs).

The changes stipulate that non-FIEs converting into an FIE by means of merger and acquisition (M&A) or absorption, or strategic foreign investment into a non-FIE listed company, will no longer be subject to approval of the Commission of Commerce (COFCOM), and will only be required to undergo a simplified filing procedure, where the business scope does not fall under the Foreign Investment Negative List.

The filing procedure will also apply to the change of basic information of establishment of an FIE through M&A, introduction of new strategic foreign investor(s) by an FIE, and for change of filing information of foreign investors strategic investment into non-FIE listed company.

The amendments to the regulation came into force on July 30, 2017.

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Customs clearance system reformed

Chinas General Customs issued a reform on the integration of the customs clearance system, which came into effect on July 1, 2017.

The reform affords enterprises the freedom to choose when and where to complete customs clearance procedures, aiming to lower cost and improve access by standardizing customs clearance regulation on a national level.

This will be achieved by transforming the process from an approval model to an acceptance model, i.e. supervision after release, which will make for a more efficient system with minimal interference.

Multiple layers will be added to the clearance system, including a first layer to manage risk prevention analysis, and then another to assess tax risks and liability of goods before clearance. Risk prevention center branches will be established in Shanghai and Qingdao, while tax collection and administration centers will be established in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing and Tianjin.



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This Dezan Shira & Associates 2017 China guide provides a comprehensive background and details of all aspects of setting up and operating an American business in China, including due diligence and compliance issues, IP protection, corporate establishment options, calculating tax liabilities, as well as discussing on-going operational issues such as managing bookkeeping, accounts, banking, HR, Payroll, annual license renewals, audit, FCPA compliance and consolidation with US standards and Head Office reporting.

Internal Control in China

In this issue of China Briefing magazine, we provide foreign investors with best practices for implementing internal controls in China. We explain what makes Chinas internal control environment distinct, and why China-based operations need to prioritize internal control. We then outline how to execute an internal control review to gauge organizational resiliency and identify gaps in control points, and introduce practical internal controls for day-to-day operations. Finally, we explore why ERP systems are becoming increasingly integral to companies internal control regimes.

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China on Thursday urged the United States to make a fair ruling on an anti-subsidy dispute about Chinese aluminum foil products.

Two workers walk past a production line of an aluminum plant in Suixi county, Anhui Province. [Photo/China Daily]

The U.S. Department of Commerce made a preliminary decision on Monday local time to slap hefty anti-dumping duties on Chinese exporters and producers of aluminum foil.

There are no grounds to accuse China's downstream aluminum companies of benefiting from subsidies, and it is unreasonable to label Chinese raw aluminum and steam coal producers and commercial banks as public institutions, said Wang Hejun, head of the Ministry of Commerce trade remedy and investigation bureau.

The U.S. Department of Commerce launched anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations into imports of aluminum foil from China in March in response to a request from the U.S. Aluminum Association Trade Enforcement Working Group.

China is highly concerned that recent U.S. investigations into Chinese aluminum products might have a major impact on aluminum foil trade and will offer relief to the U.S. aluminum industry, Wang said.

China urges the United States to act prudently to avoid damaging economic relations between the two countries, Wang said.
"Clean water and lush mountains are priceless assets." This philosophy for green development proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping is changing the country.

A growing number of migrating birds stop over on the Chaobai River in spring in recent years in the eastern city of Rizhao in Shandong province. [Photo:dzwww.com]

For the past 5 years, the world's second largest economy has been trying to repair its environment, once contaminated due to unsustainable development.

The Chaobai River is one of the drinkable water sources of the eastern city of Rizhao in Shandong province. With its fresh air and forests nearby, a wetland park has been built alongside the river.

But several years ago it was a very different scene, with the river filled with rubbish and weeds.

The change came about, thanks to a river cleaning program conducted within the city last year, part of a government plan to carry out systematic ecological control of 61 major rivers over a period of 5 years.

One important step has been the establishment of a system of "river chiefs," which requires officials at every level of government to take full responsibility for the protection of water resources in regions under their jurisdiction.

Wu Defeng is an official of Rizhao municipal government.

"The river system has been introduced since last year. Officials at the town level were appointed as river chiefs and those at the lower level take responsibility for the protection of different parts of the river. A concerted effort has been made in this way. The system is a good way to get all villagers involved in river protection."

In December 2016, the central government released a document ordering the system to be established nationwide by the end of 2018.

The river chief system is just one of several major innovations in promoting green development proposed by the government since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012.

During his visit to the city of Nanning in Guangxi province in April, President Xi Jinping reiterated the importance of developing ecological civilization for the country's overall development.

"Promoting eco-civilization is an important part of China's overall plan to develop its economy, politics, culture, social progress and ecology. It is also the internal need of China's modernization construction. The people's well-being also relies on a beautiful environment. The concept of green development should be embedded in every step of social construction."

After decades of rapid expansion that has brought smog and contaminated soil, China is swiftly and steadily shifting from GDP obsession to a philosophy of balanced growth.

Environment Minister, Li Ganjie, has vowed to spare no effort in tackling pollution.

"The battle can be divided into three aspects: the fight against air pollution, water pollution and soil pollution. We should strictly prevent and control pollution as well as punish those accountable for it. A strong effort should be made to improve the quality of air, water and soil."

Last year, over 6,000 officials were held accountable for negligence or malpractice in promoting ecological progress.

China's efforts to promote green development have earned global recognition. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) decided to promote China's philosophy of ecological progress in February 2013 and released a report on China's strategies and practices two years later.

From new energy vehicles to bike-sharing, low-carbon lifestyles have also become popular among Chinese people.

China seems well on its way to achieving a balance between man and nature.
Qatari Capital Doha [File photo]

Attempting to solve the Qatar impasse, Kuwait's mediation proved futile even though it had powerful Western support. For a third month, Saudi Arabia continues to close its land border with Qatar, while the entire bloc it leads has cut air and sea links.

In practical terms, it's the worst crisis since the Gulf Cooperation Council was created, as the only GCC members not boycotting Qatar have been Kuwait and Oman.

Initially putting forward 13 demands, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut off ties on June 5 leaving no room for compromise. Relentlessly pursuing an aggressive stance even as Qatar denied all the allegations against it, the four states demanded full compliance with the demands before anything else.

Later, the bloc set out six principles for implementation, with the 13-point list seemingly abandoned, and Al Hayat, the leading pan-Arab daily newspaper, reported just before the second foreign ministers meeting in Manama, that sanctions were likely to be imposed "that will gradually affect the Qatari economy."

Unexpectedly, there was a positive development at the Manama meeting in that the Saudi-led bloc expressed willingness for dialogue with Qatar to ease the dispute if the latter gave in to certain specific demands.

Announcing no new economic sanctions, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir spoke at a televised conference that his government rejected Qatar's attempts to politicize the entry of Qatari pilgrims to the kingdom. However, "we are ready to talk with Qatar on the implementation of the demands, on the implementation of the principles, if it is serious, but it's clear that it's not."

Continuing the pressure, Bahrain's Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed al Khalifa said: "The real [mediation] role has been since the beginning that of His Highness the Emir of Kuwait, and we pray for its success."

He went on to say that, based on the six principles, "The four countries are ready for dialogue with Qatar with the condition that it announces its sincere willingness to stop funding terrorism and extremism and makes a commitment to not interfere in other countries' foreign affairs."

Even in previous discussions, representatives of the bloc had agreed the only way to settle the crisis was an in-house Gulf solution, ruling out any foreign mediation. This is understandable, as all these states are closely inter-linked with mutual interests and dense family connections.

However, Shaikh Khalid noted that there was no need to be overly "optimistic" about a settlement unless Qatar gave a satisfactory response. Even so, the atmosphere seems relatively pacific in contrast to the previous meeting in Cairo, which was not made public but has been described as "negative."

Meanwhile, Qatar has from the very start rejected the 13-point list as an affront to its sovereignty while trying to contain terrorism financing and revising its counter-terrorism laws. Based on statements attributed to the Emir of Qatar himself, the dispute has to be handled sensitively.

Qatar Foreign Minister Mohammad Al-Thani says the sanctions violate international laws. "There isn't a clear vision (from the Manama meeting), there is only a stubborn policy from the blockading countries and refusal to admit that these are illegal actions."

According to Qatar's Defence Minister Khalid bin Mohammad al Attiyah, there are some signs of movement towards resolving the crisis. He said: "Qatar, since day one, has been calling for dialogue and I think today this language is prevailing in the GCC."

He noted that demand number 12 of the 13 states that, if Qatar does not reply within 10 days all the demands are null and void. That is already the case, but Qatar is willing to discuss any of the blockading countries' concerns.

He added that, if Gulf countries continue with "the stalemated situation, [the GCC] will be jeopardized," but that "the wisdom of [Kuwaiti Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah] will not let it go this far."

With its air space drastically compromised, Qatar recently requested the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to call a special meeting as Saudi Arabia was supposed to provide emergency air corridors that could not be confirmed to the Qatar side.

Notably, another positive indication is that the Saudi state news agency said these air corridors would be open from Aug. 1, saying that, "Nine corridors have been identified including one in international air space over the Mediterranean that will be monitored by the Egyptian authorities."

Significantly, tempers in the region are gradually simmering down, symbolized by the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia shaking hands at the recent OIC meeting. After much bitterness previously, it is a sign of hope for the critical Iran-Saudi Arabian relationship as well.

Sabena Siddiqui (Twitter: @sabena_siddiqi) is a foreign affairs journalist and lawyer based in Pakistan.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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Photo taken on Aug. 9, 2017 shows eggs sold in a Belgian market, in Brussels, Belgium. [Photo/Xinhua]

Two persons have been arrested in the Netherlands over the ongoing contaminated eggs scandal, the Dutch public prosecutor stated on Thursday.

The two suspects are directors of the Dutch company Chickfriend from the village of Barneveld, which is suspected of having delivered illegal treatment against blood lice by using the harmful pesticide Fipronil to poultry holders. Their homes in Barneveld and Zaltbommel have been searched.

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) leads the investigation on the contaminated eggs, while the public prosecutor leads the criminal investigation, which started in mid-July this year already.

In total the Intelligence and Investigation Services of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA-IOD) searched on eight different Dutch locations. It is a joint action by the Dutch and Belgian authorities. Also in Belgium, several locations were searched.

Fipronil is a pesticide considered as slightly poisonous by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is widely used to fight lice. For animals destined for the food chain, it is forbidden because it may damage the human liver, thyroid and kidney.

The finding of Fipronil in Dutch eggs led to a national egg crisis, with millions of eggs being taken out of the supermarkets since the start of August, around 180 poultry companies being closed and millions of chickens being killed. The crisis also crossed the border into Belgium and Germany, with millions of eggs removed from the shop shelves as well.
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The Foreign Ministry has dismissed a media report that China offered to reposition its troops to resolve the tension with India in the Donglang (Doklam) area.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that after India demanded Chinese troops pull back 250 meters, China counteroffered to move its troops back 100 meters.

The Spokesperson's Office told China Daily on Thursday that the report is not true. "China will not trade its territorial sovereignty under any circumstances," it said.

"China's position on solving this incident is clear and firm. India must immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its trespassing troops and equipment back to the Indian side of the border," the office said in a statement.

Sun Hongnian, a borderland expert of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, called the Reuters report "fake news" coming possibly from India, which "intends to turn Donglang into a disputed area".

Zhao Xiaozhuo, a researcher at the PLA Academy of Military Science, said China could never accept India's "totally unreasonable" demand.

India aims to nullify the Convention Between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet so it can change the only defined sector on the China-India boundary into an "undefined" one, Zhao said.

The Sikkim sector of the China-India boundary was defined in the convention signed in 1890 with Donglang being Chinese territory on the Chinese side of the border.

India had honored the convention until Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration refused, Zhao said.

Indian troops crossed into Donglang in mid-June to block Chinese road construction. It has tried to justify the incursion as being in a "tri-junction" between China, India and Bhutan.

"India's intrusion ... has not only violated China's territorial sovereignty but also challenged Bhutan's sovereignty and independence," the Foreign Ministry said earlier this month.

On Thursday, several Indian media cited anonymous sources as claiming that India's military had ordered immediate evacuation of an Indian village 35 kilometers from Donglang.
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The boss of a notorious Chicago street gang was sentenced on Thursday to 40 years in prison for his involvement in multiple murders.

Gregory "Bowlegs" Chester was convicted with five other Hobos gang leaders of conspiracy charges, alleging the gang carried out eight murders over a decade.

Chester, 40, in a brief statement, said "I want to apologize to the court and my family for my behavior and ask that you please have mercy on me. That's it."

U.S. District Judge John Tharp told the court that Chester did not pull the trigger in the crimes, otherwise he would have been sentenced to life in prison.

Hobos is notorious for its violent crimes, reported the Chicago Tribune.
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If the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fires missiles toward Guam, they would take about 14 minutes to reach the island and the alert system there would notified the public, Guam's Homeland Security Office said Thursday.

Jenna Gaminde, spokeswomen of the Guam Homeland Security, was quoted by local newspaper Pacific Daily News as saying that residents would be immediately notified by sirens of the 15 All-Hazards Alert Warning System, located in low-lying areas throughout the island.

All-Hazards Alert Warning System, which began installation in 2014, is a system designed for all hazards, including tsunami, earthquake,and flash flood, among others.

"Our office will be notified by the military and will utilize all forms of mass communication to get the message out to the public," Gaminde said, adding that people should tune into local media - radio, print, television - for further instructions, if they hear the sirens.

Meanwhile, the report said that the military on the island continued to maintain standard operations amid threats and there's no change in threat level.

According to Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA), a non-profit organization dedicated to generate public support for missile defense systems in the United State, Guam is covered by a U.S. missile defense system deployed permanently by the Defense Department at Andersen Air Force Base, which includes the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and the AN/TPY-2 radar system.

The DPRK military said in a statement Thursday that its plan to strike Guam with intermediate missiles will be ready by mid-August and its implementation will depend on a decision by DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un.

It was a response to U.S. President Donald Trump's unusually stern warning to the DPRK on Tuesday, when he said "North Korea (DPRK) best not make any more threats to the United States. They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen."
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Top security advisors of South Korea and the United States discussed Korean Peninsula issues, South Korea's presidential Blue House said Friday.

Chung Eui-yong, top security advisor to South Korean President Moon Jae-in, had a telephone conversation with his U.S. counterpart H.R. McMaster for about 40 minutes earlier in the day, presidential spokesman Park Soo-hyun told a press briefing.

Chung and McMaster discussed security situations on the peninsula and its surrounding regions as well as countermeasures against recent Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s provocations escalating tensions, the spokesman said.

They reconfirmed the promise to closely and transparently cooperate with each other on "phased measures" that will be taken to ensure security and safety of people in the two countries, he added.

The spokesman did not elaborate on what would be the phased measures.

Tensions escalated on the peninsula after the DPRK test-fired what it called intercontinental ballistic missiles, known as Hwasong-14, twice last month.

Pyongyang on Thursday warned Washington that it could fire intermediate-range ballistic missiles near the waters 30 to 40 km off the coast of the U.S. island of Guam in the Pacific.

U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier this week that the DPRK would be met with "fire and fury" if it continues threats against the U.S. territory.
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The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Friday accused the United States and Japan of reckless behavior, saying the two are strengthening their military alliance.

"Frightened by a series of the great successful ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) test-launches by the DPRK, the U.S. and the Japanese reactionaries are going more reckless than ever before in their moves to 'tighten the alliance' against the DPRK," said the official daily Minju Joson (Democratic Korea).

The official media also said the United States and Japan are resorting to a strategy of sanctions to isolate and stifle the DPRK while staging joint military games aimed at making a "preemptive strike" against the DPRK.

"This is an intolerable challenge to the DPRK as it is a revelation of the unchanged ambition of aggression of the U.S. and the Japanese reactionaries who have imposed untold sufferings and misfortune on the Korean nation for several decades," it said.
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Turkish police detained 22 suspected Islamic State (IS) militants in the eastern province of Elazig on Friday.

"22 suspects have been detained in simultaneous operations carried out on Aug. 11 as part of the investigation against Islamic State," local media Daily Sabah reported, citing government statement.

On Thursday, Turkish authorities detained a suspected Islamic State militant of Russian origin after he allegedly planned to use a drone to attack a U.S. plane at the Incirlik air base.

Islamic State, who is blamed for several deadly suicide bombings and gun attacks, has become one of the most serious threats to social security of Turkey.

According to report, Ankara has detained over 5,000 Daesh suspects and deported over 3,290 foreign militants from 95 different countries, and also refused entry to more than 38,269 individuals.
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The United Arab Emirates' Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash, said on Friday that Qatar crisis is not caused by "its people," but it's "the product of Qatari government towards its neighbors."

Gargash said on twitter that the diplomatic rift with Qatar is "regrettable, but predictable," adding that the "political crisis shall be resolved by politicians."

The diplomatic rift erupted on June 5 when the three Arab Gulf states UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, along with Egypt severed diplomatic ties with Qatar and implemented a transport boycott on the gas-rich Gulf country.

They accused Qatar of supporting "terrorism." Qatar denies the charges. Mediation efforts by Kuwait, the United States and Germany have not been successful as yet.

Earlier in the week, rating agency Standard and Poor's said "We expect that political tensions within the Gulf Cooperation Council(GCC) will persist over the next few years, and believe that the boycott of Qatar has illustrated deeper fissures within the group than were previously evident."
House churches such as this one are routinely

persecuted by the Chinese government.

(Photo: ChinaAid stock)

ChinaAid

(Fuyang, AnhuiAug. 11, 2017) Citing contrived potential dangers, authorities in Chinas eastern Anhui province convened a rally on Aug. 4 in order to discuss the renovation of Christian house churches.

According to information published on the Taihe County governments official website, officials from all various departments in a local town gathered on Aug. 4 for an event dedicated to forcing 13 so-called illegal house churches to align with the agenda of the Communist Party. Ma Pengfei, chairman of the towns National Peoples Congress, detailed how to manage private Christian churches.

A second speaker, local Communist Party committee member Fu Bin, introduced the management methods of combining smaller house churches into larger ones, transforming house churches by forcing them to be monitored by the government, and banning house churches that refused to comply.

Additionally, the rally mentioned tightening controls over three state-run churches in order to eliminate all potential dangers. Since the Communist Party insists that Chinese people devote themselves to the ideals of the government, it often views everyday religious activity as a threat to its power. As a result, religious practitioners are routinely persecuted.

On Aug. 7, the government implemented these plans, strengthening its grip on the three government churches and persecuting 13 house churches.

ChinaAid exposes abuses, such as those suffered by church members in Anhui province, in order to stand in solidarity with persecuted Christians and promote religious freedom, human rights, and rule of law.

ChinaAid Media Team

Cell: +1 (432) 553-1080 | Office: +1 (432) 689-6985 | Other: +1 (888) 889-7757

Email: [email protected]

For more information, click here
This picture of handcuffed, praying hands

accompanied the first of Huang Yizis posts

asking for prayer.

ChinaAid

(Wenzhou, ZhejiangAug. 11, 2017) Authorities revoked the bail of a pastor in Chinas coastal Zhejiang and issued him a subpoena on Aug. 2.

Huang Yizi, a pastor who has been imprisoned multiple times since 2014, was called by police for interrogation on Aug. 2 and held until 9:30 p.m. that day. Immediately after receiving the summons, Huang posted a request for prayer along with a photo of a statue of praying hands in handcuffs. He later followed up with another post after he was released.

In August 2014, Huang was originally detained by Zhejiang authorities after he organized a group of Christians to pray in front of a church as a way to protest the ongoing cross removal campaign across the province.

He was imprisoned for one year, released on Aug. 1, 2015, and then detained again only six weeks later on Sept. 12, 2015, this time held in a black jail and forbidden all contact with the outside world until his release on bail on Feb. 5, 2016.

As of this most recent meeting with the police, Huang learned that his bailreferred to as enforcement measureshas been lifted, but despite this, he was still under government surveillance and his case is still open. A translation of Huangs two messages is included below.

ChinaAid reports on the cases of persecuted Christians such as Huang Yizi and other underground pastors in China in order to expose abuses and promote religious freedom and rule of law.

Prayer LetterThe government has summoned me. I beg brothers and sisters to keep an eye on this case and pray for me! I hope the government will fulfill their promise and remove the [bail] enforcement measures. God have mercy. God bless you!

Gods servant: Pastor Huang Yizi

Thank God. Thank you all for praying for me. After being kept by the government by all sorts of excuses, I finally gained temporary freedom at 9 p.m. yesterday [August 2, 2017]. Although the government claims that the [bail] enforcement measures have been removed, the case itself is not finished. I know who is in charge of the future. Our hearts will always be at peace, because Jesus resides there. God bless this era and the pastors and the lawyers who are suffering for the name of God.

Thank you for your likes and comments in Moments [Editors note: Moments is a feature of the Chinese social media platform WeChat that allows users to access updates from their friends]. Although I cannot reply to them all, I read every comment carefully. There is only one thing I want to say: thank you all. I wouldnt be so safe without your prayers, your attention, and your reposts of my message in your Moments and group chats. I am deeply moved. Your actions ensured my safety. It is so nice to have you. God bless you all.

Gods servant: Pastor Huang Yizi

ChinaAid Media Team

Cell: +1 (432) 553-1080 | Office: +1 (432) 689-6985 | Other: +1 (888) 889-7757

Email: [email protected]

For more information, click here
Two workers walk past a production line of an aluminum plant in Suixi county, Anhui province. WAN SHANCHAO / FOR CHINA DAILY

Aluminum firms, industry body set to challenge any anti-dumping measures

China urged the United States to act "prudently" and make a fair ruling on planned anti-dumping duties on Chinese aluminum foil. That is necessary to avoid any potential negative impact of such duties on bilateral trade ties, said the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday.

The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association and 12 major aluminum foil producers are preparing to launch a legal challenge to ensure their rights in free trade, a source from Jiangsu Zhongji Lamination Materials Co Ltd, which is involved in the case, said on conditions of anonymity.

"We have received the email from the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association on this issue. We are going to engage law firms to prove there is no actual damage done to the US side," the person said.

Mo Xinda, director of the light metal department at the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, said the process is still under way, but declined to elaborate.

The US Department of Commerce published preliminary findings of a probe on Tuesday, citing that some Chinese foil producers have received subsidies between 16.56 percent and 80.97 percent of their export business.

Punitive duties will be imposed if both the US Department of Commerce and the US International Trade Commission make affirmative final rulings.

Some of the US authorities' allegations were "groundless," according to a statement published on the website of the Ministry of Commerce, which was attributed to Wang Hejun, head of the ministry's trade remedy and investigation bureau.

"Ignoring the offers of cooperation from the Chinese government and companies, the US investigative institutions charged groundlessly that Chinese primary aluminum and thermal coal producers were 'public institutions,' and provided 'subsidies' to downstream enterprises," Wang said in the statement.

The US government branches unreasonably labeled Chinese commercial banks as "public institutions", regardless of the fact that they have been market-oriented, Wang said.

Meanwhile, the US is probing to figure if it should curb aluminum imports from China under the rarely used Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which would allow restrictions on imports for national security reasons.

The Chinese commerce ministry statement said the country is highly concerned about the action, as these two investigations would have "significant impact" on aluminum trade.

The US aluminum foil imports from China totaled $389 million in 2016, according to data from the US Commerce Department.

China's aluminum industry is market-oriented and commercialized, Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng said at a news conference in late July.

Aluminum product manufacturers in China, which is a major exporter, mainly export to countries and regions facing shortages, with a goal to support their local economy, Gao said.

The difficulties facing the aluminum industry are a global problem, a common challenge that needs to be tackled through shared efforts, he said.
The Standard Hotel, a symbol of chic in Manhattan's Meatpacking District, could be going to a Chinese buyer.

Hong Kong-based Gaw Capital Partners is reportedly close to buying the 338-room hotel, with floor-to-ceiling windows, at a discount.

The New York Post cited sources saying that a fundcontrolled by Goodwin Gaw, 48, and his brother and sisterwill pay $340 million for the property that overlooks the High Line, a popular city park and tourist attraction.

The rumored price for the Standard is $60 million less than what it was reportedly going for in 2014. That year the hotel's parent, Standard International, contracted to buy the hotel from Dune Capital Management and Greenfield Partners, but the deal was not consummated.

Andre Balazs, the noted hotelier who founded the Standard brand, still owns 20 percent of Standard International.

"Generally speaking, the reported price is about what I would have expected for the propertybased on other hotel sales over the past few years, replacement costs and the significance of the property in the Meatpacking District sub-market," Thomas McConnell, head of real estate services firm Cushman and Wakefield's Global Hospitality Group, told China Daily via email.

"One observation is that a significant component of the value of the hotel is the food and beverage operation," he said.

McConnell said the Standard's food and beverage outlets do very well and are a central component of the property's success as a lifestyle property.

"Many similar hotels in NYC have difficulty squeezing much profit out of their food and beverage operations, but the Standard seems to have found the formula."

Gaw's interest comes as a marketing survey by hotel data firm STR shows that nearly 16,000 new hotel rooms will join the total inventory in New York, which already is at an all-time high of more than 115,000 rooms. Hotels in New York face greater competition from that new supply and the omnipresence of Airbnb, the online accommodations-sharing marketplace.

Gaw Capital Partners USA has more than $2.7 billion in assets under managementincluding Los Angeles' Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, and one of Gaw's investment funds recently bought the Marriott City Center in Oakland, California.

Gaw once had stakes in New York at 123 William Street, 218 18th Street and 285 Madison Avenue, which it has since sold, according to The Real Deal website.

In March, UK-based Foreign Direct Investment Awards picked Gaw for FDI Deal of the Year, noting that "their commitment to transforming 123 & 151 Buckingham Palace Road is an outstanding example of adding strategic value."

While Gaw continues his US property acquisitions, Chinese investment in US real estate overall is retreating, dropping 17 percent year-on-year to $4.7 billion in the first half of 2017, according to Real Capital Analytics.

Anbang Insurance Group, which bought the famed Waldorf Astoria New York hotel in 2014 for $1.95 billion, has closed the landmark building for renovations that will turn it into a condominium/hotel.

But Anbang has since scaled back its FDI forays, as have giants Dalian Wanda Group, Fosun International and HNA Group Co Ltd, as they face scrutiny in China.

Chinese regulators want to determine how much debt the mainland companies have used to fund their buying sprees and whether they are overleveraged and pose a systemic financial risk.

Still, Chinese investors are expected to maintain an interest in the US real estate market.

"Overall, we believe that the long-term trend of Chinese mainland companies investing in overseas real estate will revive once the authorities relax restrictions," said Andrew Haskins, Colliers International executive director of Asian research, in a report.

Haskins said that his firm expected the pace of Chinese investment in the US to moderate, but do not anticipate a sharp fall.

"Carefully considered investment in US property can offer Chinese enterprises both reasonable returns and diversification of risk," he added.
The exhibition stand of China Mobile Communications Corp on the China (Nanjing) International Software Product and Information Service Trade Fair. AN XIN / FOR CHINA DAILY

HONG KONGChina Mobile Communications Corp reported a 3.5 percent rise in first-half net profit after adding new subscribers.

The country's top telecom operator plans to start 5G field tests later this year.

But together with China United Network Communications Group Co Ltd and China Telecom Corp Ltd, China Mobile continues to benefit from customers upgrading to 4G and from mobile data demand.

In March, the company warned that a government call for telecom operators to lower prices was likely to reduce its operating profits and revenues by around 7 billion yuan ($1.05 billion) this year.

Net profit for the six months to June reached 62.7 billion yuan, up from 60.6 billion yuan for the same period in 2016.

Operating revenue jumped 5 percent to 388.9 billion yuan, up from 370.4 billion yuan a year earlier.

"This year, we will commence field tests for 5G and steadily drive the business forward," the company reported on Thursday in a statement. "This takes into account the maturity of the 5G standard and the related business model."

China Mobile announced that subscribers of its 4G mobile networkthe world's largestrose to 594 million after the addition of 58.62 million customers.

It said it was on track to achieve its target of a net increase of 100 million 4G users this year.

The company announced an interim dividend of HK$1.623 (23 US cents) per share and special dividend of HK$3.20 per share to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Hong Kong listing.

China Mobile is also making big investments into the so-called internet of things initiative, as the government pushes for the strategy.

Shares of China Mobile, which listed in Hong Kong two decades ago, were down 0.5 percent ahead of the announcement. The stock has edged up around 2 percent so far this year, lagging a more than 20 percent gain for the benchmark Hang Seng Index.

REUTERS
OTTAWAFeihe International Inc, a leading manufacturer of infant formula in China, said it is ramping up construction of a plant valued at C$300 million ($234 million) in the Canadian province of Ontario. The plant is expected to come onstream in 2019.

Leng Youbin, chairman of Feihe International Inc, told Xinhua in Ottawa on Tuesday that Feihe's board decided to invest and set up the plant in the city of Kingston, because of the region's natural and cultural features.

"We inspected many places, including some in the US and other parts of Canada, and came to conclusion that Kingston is very good place for production," Leng said.

Xia Xiang, economic and commercial counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa, said this would be China's biggest investment in Canada's agri-food sector so far and also Canada's largest-ever foreign investment in the field.

According to Xia, Canada hasn't made its own baby formula for more than 20 years. The Canadian Dairy Commission tried for a couple of years to find a domestic processor, but no Canadian processors were interested in expanding into baby formula.

The Canada Dairy Commission then broadened its search to European and Asian companies and early last year found its fit in Feihe: a manufacturer with over 50 years of experience and keen to expand to North America.

Feihe has been in the infant formula industry since 1954 and has six manufacturing facilities in China.

Feihe's new Canadian subsidiary is incorporated as Canada Royal Milk, so it can access the same government funding available to domestic processors.

The Chinese group has been approved for two federal programs: the milk access for growth program, which allows it to buy milk, and a matching investment fund, which offers non-repayable contributions to companies that innovate.

Feihe's new plant is located in the Cataraqui Estates Business Park in Kingston. It has been under construction since June and is expected to be fully operational in late 2019. Some 20 percent of the plant's products will stay in North America, with the rest exporting to China.

"It will be Canada's first and only wet infant formula facility and North America's first and only goat milk infant formula manufacturer," Leng said.

"It will manufacture up to 60,000 metric tons of dry infant food annually, using milk from Canadian farms."
RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil wants to expand exports to China, which has been responsible for 25 percent of the growth in international trade seen in the last 17 years, sources in the Brazilian commercial sectors said Thursday.



During the 36th National Meeting for Foreign Trade (Enaex) in Rio de Janeiro, Roberto Jaguaribe, president of Brazil's import-export promotion agency, said the Chinese market remains strategically important for the internationalization of Brazilian companies.



"China...will never be a self-sufficient country. We are well-equipped to take advantage of this opportunity. The protectionist trend in the world shows the need to internationalize Brazilian companies. And China can be a crucial agent to make this process happen," said Jaguaribe.



He also mentioned the importance of reducing costs to help Brazil to integrate into international markets.

"Brazil's costs is a key factor in the evaluation of commercial development. The aspects that contribute to it are gradually being addressed," he explained.



Enaex is Brazil's most important forum for foreign trade and brings representatives from around the world to discuss business and drive the competitiveness of Brazilian products.
Luke Combs is the winner of the Country Music Association Awards' coveted entertainer of the year trophy. Combs thanked the country music community for making his dreams come true. It was the second time in a row he won the show's top honor, and he also won won album of the year for Growin' Up. Wednesday's show in Nashville, Tennessee, opened with Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert and Reba McEntire playing tribute to the late country queen Loretta Lynn. The superstar trio performed a medley of Lynns hits including You Aint Woman Enough, Dont Come Home A-Drinkin and Coal Miners Daughter. Leading nominee Lainey Wilson took home two trophies and Alan Jackson accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award.
China-backed ride-hailing service Taxify has recruited thousands of drivers in the UK. [Photo/VCG]

A new car-hailing service is preparing to take on Uber in London, after being boosted by investment from China's Didi Chuxing.

The company plans to charge similar amounts to Uber but will allow drivers to keep a greater share of fares.

Taxify has applied for an operating license with the city's transport authority Transport for London and has opened a training office near King's Cross station. UK operations manager Finn Geraghty said Taxify has already signed up drivers "in the thousands".

"We're progressing very well. We're developing a close relationship with TfL and at the moment we are on boarding drivers," Geraghty said. "We're confident that in the coming months we'll be launched, live, and putting out a bit of a change for London."

On Aug 1, Didi announced it had invested an undisclosed amount in Taxify and had entered into a strategic partnership with the company. Didi is one of the world's largest mobile transportation platforms, with around 400 million users signed up to its taxi, minibus and bike-sharing services.

Uber sold its China operations to Didi in 2016 in a deal which saw both companies receiving equity in the other, and the Beijing-based company has entered into strategic partnerships with other ride-hailing services.

In 2015 Didi bought a minority stake in Indian car-hailing service Ola, and on Tuesday the company invested in Middle East online taxi service Careem. Didi's partnerships with Taxify extends its reach into 19 European, African and Central American countries.

Markus Villig, founder and CEO of Taxify, said: "Taxify will utilize this partnership to solidify our position in core markets in Europe and Africa. We believe Didi is the best partner to help us become the most popular and efficient transport option in Europe & Africa."

While Taxify will charge users similar rates to other car-hailing services, the firm hopes its favorable commission rates will attract London drivers to sign on to its service. The company takes 15 percent of the price of a ride, compared to Uber's 25 percent commission.
DAR ES SALAAM - Twenty-seven-year-old Advester Elieza Moshi says she doesn't have to spend sleepless nights thinking over the upbringing of her two younger sisters who are in primary school after working at the Chinese garment company Tooku.



"For me life is not the same again as I am also not worried when it comes to paying house rent and buying food for my family thanks to the company," says Advester.



In 2013, Advester secured employment as an operator at the company which is located in the Export Processing Zone in Tanzania's commercial capital Dar es Salaam, and is a subsidiary of JDU Group, a Chinese garments company integrating scientific research, production, domestic and international trade.



Tooku is manufacturing products related to denims, mainly jeans, for exports to the US and European markets.



Advester wears broad smiles as she boasts that after working for four years with the Chinese firm, she has also acquired sewing skills that she will make use of when her employment ends.



"When I was employed here I knew nothing about sewing but four years down the road, I am an expert in sewing jeans that are sold overseas. In fact life will never be the same again after gaining these skills," she says in an interview with Xinhua.



Rhoda Benjamin, Advester's colleague who works as a quality controller, says she was employed by the company in 2016, adding that after working with the firm for hardly two years, "the future looks bright".



"I am now thinking of making a capital that will enable me to do my own business after having acquired skills here," says the mother of a four-year-son.



Advester and Rhoda are among 2,700 Tanzanians employed by the Chinese garments manufacturing firm which started operations in February 2012 by building a sewing and washing factory with sewage treatment, a generator and other infrastructure.



"We now have advanced production equipment, advanced technology and deep reserves of talents and we are upholding honesty, credibility, efficiency and quality business ideas," says Raymond Liu, managing Director of Tanzania Tooku Garments Company Limited.



Raymond also said that the company will in 2018 acquire a state-of-the-art sewing machine with 14 lines for sewing production.



Rigobert Massawe, General Manager of the Tanzania Tooku Garments Company Limited, says the new sewing machine will increase production from 300,000 pieces of Levi's and Wrangler jeans per month to 500,000 pieces of jeans a month.

"The number of local employees will also be raised from 2,700 to about 4,000," says the general manager.



"We are exporting 90 percent of our products to the United States and 10 percent to European markets," says Massawe, adding: "Apart from the production of the garments we are also imparting skills to local employees in terms of design, sewing, quality control and assurance, laundry and dye making."



Massawe says the firm is however facing a number of challenges, including lack of skilled labour, especially sewing supervisors. "The output we are getting from local institutions don't have enough capacity to fill the demand," he says.



Adelhelm Meru, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industries, Trade and Investment, says China is among countries that have supported Tanzania's industrialization plan through investments.



He mentions some of the sectors that Chinese investors are expected to invest in as information, communication and technology, education, agriculture, infrastructure development, industries and energy.
SYDNEY - Australia's largest airline Qantas announced a partnership with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba on Friday, that will see Chinese travellers able to buy flights from Qantas directly on the associated site.



The partnership to create a strategic relationship between the two companies gives the world-renowned Australian airline access to over 507 million active mobile users of the Alibaba platform in China, with over 75 percent of those users aged 35 years old or younger.



The chief executive of Qantas, Gareth Evans, lauded the partnership, and said it will make the process of coming to Australia easier for the many Chinese tourists who would like to, and do travel there every year.



"With travel between China and Australia booming ... (this) is an exciting opportunity for us to have a connection with younger Chinese travellers, who increasingly turn to mobile applications," Evans said.



Evans said his company plans to develop its presence in China even further, with the airline already operating more than 130 return flights between Australia and China every week.



With many of the likely users of this new platform being millennials, this relationship is set to take advantage of a shift in travellers that was identified by the managing director of Tourism Australia, John O'Sullivan, who said in a recent interview with Xinhua that the nature of Chinese tourism to Australia is changing.



"What we are seeing now is an amazing change within the Chinese tourists in Australia. We are seeing a far more sophisticated visitor coming to Australia than was coming probably two or three years ago," O'Sullivan said.

According to figures from the Australian Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport, and Regional Economics, airline passenger traffic between Australia and China was up 28.7 percent in 2016.
Porter Novelli, an international public relations and communication firm, has set up its first Chinese branch in Beijing to meet the growing demand from Chinese small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) that are eyeing international market, said the CEO on Thursday.

The company, which is part of Omnicom Group, officially launched its service platform, named China Desk global network on its 45th anniversary.

Brad MacAfee, CEO of Porter Novelli, said on the launch ceremony that China is a vital part of the world economy and has invested a lot in overseas markets, helping to upgrade local industry and create a lot of jobs in the world.

The service will cover the market in North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and South America. It aims to provide a gateway for China and international business to expand their global ambition.

MacAfee added that the China Desk's mission is to bring Chinese companies and enterprises, especially SMEs to the world and help them stand firmly in the international market.

Shen Guofang, former spokesman of Foreign Ministry, said he hoped the China Desk by Porter Novelli would provide a one-stop service for Chinese companies.

"We are glad to see Porter Novelli has set up its global network in China," said Shen. "Under the Belt and Road Initiative, the firm will help Chinese companies better discover future investment opportunity in the oversea market."
Ma Jun, chief economist at the research bureau of the People's Bank of China, gestures while he speaks during a session at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China, Sept 10, 2014.[Photo/VCG]

A former chief economist at the People's Bank of China (PBOC) will take up a lead research position at Tsinghua University.

Ma Jun, former chief economist with the research bureau of the central bank, said he will start his academic career at the National Finance Research Institute of Tsinghua University when he leaves the central bank.

He plans to focus on areas such as macroeconomic policy, financial risk, the Belt and Road Initiative and green finance.

He will continue to serve as Chairman of the Green Finance Committee of China Society for Finance and Banking, to help accelerate the greening of China's financial sector, he said.

He said his contract with the PBOC had ended and he is undergoing a transition period, finishing up a few tasks.

Ma began as PBOC's chief economist in April 2014.
Isabelle Kocher, CEO of French engery company Engie Group. WANG JING / CHINA DAILY

The head of Engie Group manages to balance a home life, expand the French energy group's global footprint in China and run an NGO

Isabelle Kocher has five children, is the first female CEO of an energy company in France and has a passion for all things green.

To many in the industry, she is a real life Wonder Woman, although she would probably disagree with that description.

"Energy is the basis for everythingeducation, health protection, and economic and social progress," said Kocher, CEO of Engie Group, which specializes in natural gas, renewable energy, digital technology and electricity development.

Energy is her passion along with her family. She drives a hydrogen-fueled car and runs a non-governmental organization, the Terrawatt Initiative, to help communities in remote villages across the world access clean electricity.

Oh, and she also loves playing the piano. "When I'm at home, I practice with my children," she said.

But visits to China have put those sessions on hold as Engie explores business opportunities here. The global energy services group operates in 70 countries on five continents and has more than 150,000 employees.

Last year, Engie reported worldwide revenues of 66.6 billion euros ($76.7 billion).

"China is becoming more important to Engie," Kocher said during a visit to Beijing. "We are very ambitious about what we can do with local stakeholders."

In a far-reaching interview with China Daily, she talked about the European group's vision and strategy in China, as well as her business philosophy and her interest in sculpture.

How does China fit into your global business strategy?

We are very excited about the Chinese market and we are working on a lot of projects here. Engie has decided to focus all its resources, investment, skills and time mainly on three sectors: renewable energy, the natural gas industry chain and energy efficiency services.

Our vision could be described as 3Ddecarbonized, decentralized and digital. Decarbonized means the use of renewable energy combined with gas. We believe the future will be based on gas plus renewable energy.

Decentralized means that in the future a lot more energy will be produced at the site where it is consumed. Digital means that all the management and operations systems in the future will be based on digital technology.

This strategy has been positive for Engie's activities in China, as it is in line with the central government's energy vision to build a clean, low carbon, safe and efficient modern system.

To realize our 3D strategy, we are investing about 22 billion euros in these sectors worldwide between 2016 and 2018. We are also selling about 20 percent of Engie's assets, which are not in line with the 3D vision, including coal and oil businesses.

Will Engie increase its investment and expand its presence in China?

We aim to invest about 1 billion euros in China in the future. We have already identified four key sectors for investment and expansion.

They are renewable energy, green mobility, district heating and cooling in cities, and biogas. I believe the future is bright for Engie and China.

We have skills and solutions that have been implemented in many other countries, and we can bring that experience to China.

For example, the country is pursuing green transport. We have built more than 50,000 charging stations for electric cars in the world.

We hope to provide smart charging and management systems of green vehicles here. China is also the largest market for solar energy.

In April, Engie acquired a 30 percent stake in Unisun (Energy Group), a Chinese solar photovoltaic (PV) developer.

We are also assessing several more opportunities and will continue to increase investment in the Chinese market. We will focus on clean, renewable energy and digital solutions with our local partners.

What kind of challenges do you see here?

We have a lot of options and work with a great deal of Chinese companies. Now, the key thing is to find good partners and develop a working relationship on a large scale.

What kind of role do you think China should play in dealing with global climate change?

A few weeks ago, 19 of the G20 countries, including the European Union nations and China, reaffirmed their strong commitment to the "irreversible" Paris climate agreement.

Indeed, China is already a world leader in dealing with global climate change. The country has made its plans known with its declared goal of peaking carbon dioxide emissions by around 2030 or earlier.

It also aims to increase its share of non-fossil sources in its primary energy consumption to 20 percent, while reducing carbon intensity by between 60 percent to 65 percent from 2005 levels. China has the chance to embrace a sustainable economic growth model, which will benefit its people, and become a shining example for other countries to follow.

What business opportunities might arise through China's Belt and Road Initiative?

We have a lot of partnerships outside China with domestic companies. For example, we work in Brazil with Chinese players in major projects. The Belt and Road Initiative can be seen as a way to advance globalization and open up trade.

As an energy company with strong worldwide footprints, we are following the Initiative with interest. And we would love to explore potential collaboration projects with Chinese companies not only here but in third-party markets, which are part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Since you work in renewable energy, do you have a "green" lifestyle?

Yes, I drive a hydrogen-fueled car in France and I believe green technology is the future.

As the chairwoman of the Terrawatt Initiative, how does green energy change lives?

The Terrawatt Initiative is a global non-profit organization, or NGO, designed to implement a new energy mix. There are between one billion and two billion people in the world that have no access to energy. And that means they have no access to development, to education or health systems. So, we have put together projects to help people access energy.

For example, there are hundreds and thousands of small energy plants that struggle for finance, as most of the funding usually goes to big operations. To help them, we created a bridge so financiers could work out funding issues.

As a female business leader with five children, how do you balance your work commitments with your family life?

The best training I had was being a mother of five children. In terms of time management, it is important not to believe that you can do everything yourself. As a leader, my role is to understand what is happening around us and what are the key challenges.

You have to have a vision and create conditions for people around you, so they can succeed and deliver. I am there to inspire and then to delegate.

You believe in gender equality at Engie. Why is it important to diversify the workforce?

From an efficiency point of view, diversity is key to the internal system of the company. The internal community of Engie has to reflect the community of our clients, that is, to be a mirror of society.

So, gender diversity is essential, as is generational diversity and cultural diversity. Again, we should be a mirror image of our clients in China. Right now, one out of every three senior managers appointed by Engie is female.

How do you spend your time when you are not working? Do you have hobbies?

Mostly I am with my family and children. I also have quite a lot of hobbies. I like sport and I used to swim a lot. I also love playing the piano. In fact, I practice with my children whenever I get the chance. Another major interest is sculpture. I try to go to exhibitions and museums . . . I am fascinated by sculpture.

CV

Age: 50

Nationality: French

Career:

2016 onwards: Chief Executive Officer, Engie, previously GDF Suez

2014-16: Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer, GDF Suez

2011: Chief Financial Officer, GDF Suez

2009: Managing Director of Lyonnaise des Eaux, subsidiary of Suez Environment

2007: Chief Operating Officer, Suez Group

2005: Senior vice-president in charge of performance and organization programs, Suez Group

2002-05: Vice-president in charge of strategic overview, Suez Group

1999-2002: Industrial Affairs Advisor to the French prime minister's office

1997-99: Director of the Postal and Telecommunication Budgets.

Education:

1987: Graduated from Ecole Normale Superieure

1991: Graduated from Mines Paristech engineering school

Master Degree in Quantum Optics. Postgraduate certificate in Physics.
Andy Lau shows up for the first time and speaks at the premiere of his new film The Adventures in Beijing, Aug 8, 2017, after six-month convalescence from injury. [Photo/China.org.cn]

After six months of recuperation from a severe injury suffered in an accident, Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau finally reappeared in Beijing on Tuesday to promote his new film.

The actor attended the premiere of The Adventures with director Stephen Fung, as well as fellow actors Jean Reno, Yo Yang, Sha Yi and actresses Shu Qi and Zhang Jingchu.

"I'm very good now, and sorry to have caused you to worry about me," Lau said after trotting onto the stage. "Now, I'm back to what I was half a year ago. I can freely talk and laugh; I can bounce and jump."

Lau was injured after he fell off a horse in an accident while filming a commercial in Thailand on Jan 17, 2017, resulting in pelvic laceration. He put all work on hold for six months to undergo convalescence, including promotion of his film Shock Wave in April as well as dozens of concerts and shows.

The film premiered in Beijing is a treasure hunt action feature about the quest of three thieves traversing Europe while dodging a pursuing police officer. Lau also served as an executive producer for the project.

The director revealed that the role played by Lau was intended for actor Feng Shaofeng. But Feng was injured and unable to shoot the film. Fung said he was so anxious at that time that his hair "went white" because it was almost unprecedented for a switch in the leading role to take place one month before the film was ready to shoot. At last Lau agreed to join in to solve the worries.

Lau joked at the premiere that due to director Fung's romantic vision, he looked "even more handsome" in this film than any others in which he had starred.

The film is set for release on Aug 11.

Related:

Iconic entertainer Andy Lau recovering after horseriding accident

Chinese star Andy Lau fractures spine from horse riding accident
Boss Zhipin says it failed to manage postings, will take legal responsibility

Chinese online job recruitment service Boss Zhipin made a public apology on Thursday, pledging to accept legal responsibility for the death of a university graduate.

"We failed to manage and examine job postings. Pyramid scam gangs exploited the loopholes and published false job hiring information," Boss Zhipin said in a statement.

Boss Zhipin does business through an app and website developed by Beijing Huapin Borui Network Technology Co, which was founded in 2012.

Li Wenxing, a 21-year-old university graduate from Shandong province, was found dead in a pond in Tianjin's Jinghai district on July 14. A police investigation showed that he applied for a position via Boss Zhipin and was lured to a pyramid scam organization disguised as a regular company.

Police said Li paid a fee to the scammers for the recruitment and was forced to stay in the organization's dormitory from May 20. His movements were limited to the organization's premises.

"We apologize to Li's family and express our deepest regret to our users, as well as the members of the public," the company statement said.

It also said Boss Zhipin will assume legal and moral obligations with respect to all users who have suffered from false information on its platform.

Prosecutors in Jinghai district approved an arrest warrant for nine suspects of a pyramid scam called Die Beilei, which is believed to have been connected to Li.

Pyramid schemes often prey on ill-informed victims by promising good-paying jobs or lucrative financial returns. Victims may be lured to what they believe are regular companies, but are then instructed by the scammersoften under duressto recruit friends and family, or to borrow money from them, according to the police. Mobile phones and identification documents are often confiscated, they say.

Prosecutors said Die Beilei has lured more than 400 people to Jinghai district to become members since September.

Boss Zhipin was founded in July 2014 and concluded its latest round of fundraising in September 2016. It aims to put both employers and job applicants on a fast recruitment track by enabling applicants to have one-on-one chats with representatives of companies that wish to hire people.

Beijing and Tianjin municipal cyberspace administrations spoke with Boss Zhipin on Wednesday and instructed it to rectify the problems with its job postings.
As junior students in Chinese colleges take on summer internships, some unscrupulous businesses can't wait to make deals - like selling them fake internship certificates online.

For many students, internships are part of their course work and are directly connected with school credits. In 2015, the Ministry of Education issued a notice requiring that internships should account for at least 30 percent of all credit hours. Schools typically ask students to take up internships for a few months to prepare for future careers.

But if the students don't go along, there is an easy way out. For just 200 yuan ($30) or less, you can get whatever internship certificate you like online. The business is obviously illegal, but it exists nevertheless.

On e-commerce website Taobao, one can find many items by searching "internship certificate". Most are labeled "internship reports" and "designing internship certificates for college students". Some even tout "tailor-made" internship certificates "providing all necessary stamps of any company of your choice".

Xinhua reporters spoke to "Yibaifen", an agent whose details were on Taobao, and tried to buy an internship certificate. The agent later said via WeChat that a certificate would cost about 50 yuan.

"You can choose any type of company in any city," the agent said. The agent then sent the stamp of a well-known Beijing-based IT company and claimed it was real because he "has connections".

"I can give you a discount if you buy two," the agent said.

On Taobao, one agent has sold more than 100 fake certificates in the past month, according to a Tianjin newspaper.

To make the fake certificates appear authentic, some agents even promise to take follow-up calls from schools.

On Tencent's instant messaging service QQ, an agent said that he is "on call 24/7".

"I put my own phone number on the certificates, so if your teachers call about your internship, I can handle them," the agent said.

Another agent claimed to have an authentic stamp of a Beijing advertising company. He declined to say whether or not he is an employee of the company, but he did say he "cooperates" with the company, and pays some "commission" to it for each stamp he puts on certificates.

But the general manager of the company denied any knowledge of the scam, saying the company has strict procedures about using its stamp, and that the agent's stamp must be fake.

Under China's Criminal Law, fabricating the stamps of government organs and companies could be a crime. Despite potential punishment, however, the business thrives, partly because of demand from college students.

Xiao Mo, an undergraduate at a college in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, bought a fake internship certificate online. She said her college has "strict demands" with respect to its internship requirement, but she does not have time because she needs to prepare for graduate school.

"I really don't have time for an internship," she said. "Besides, my teachers probably won't check the authenticity of the certificate, so it should be no problem."

But a student surnamed Zhang from a Beijing college disagrees. Zhang, who has been working as an intern at a company the entire summer, said buying fake certificates is unacceptable.

"Internships are more about strengthening your ability than obtaining a piece of paper," he said. "Buying fake certificates is unfair to the students who work hard."

The phenomenon has fired up an angry discussion online.

"Internships are meant to prepare students for their future jobs, but buying fake certificates only damages their credibility," read one comment.

"It is necessary to get tougher on the businesses, and colleges need to reevaluate their assessment methods for students," said another.

Li Jiaxing, deputy head of the University of International Relations, said buying fake internship certificates is immoral.

"Colleges need to be credible," Li said. "Anyone caught purchasing fake certificates should be regarded as cheating and be punished accordingly."

Qu Wenyong of Heilongjiang University said providing fake internship certificates could be a violation of the law, and that the government should deal with the agents.

"E-commerce websites are also to blame for providing platforms for illegal businesses," he said.
A New Mexico man, who along with his brother admitted trafficking several pounds of meth to a Billings dealer, will spend 10 years in federal prison.

U.S. District Judge Susan Watters on Thursday sentenced Tomas Cota, 20, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, for his guilty plea to a conspiracy charge.

Cota said earlier he was the driver when he and his brother, Omar Cota, 32, retrieved a duffel bag with seven pounds of meth from convicted Billings dealer, Burhan Mallak, then drove to a gas station where they met an undercover agent in April 2015.

Prosecutors said the Cotas were supplying Mallak, and his wife, Denise Mallak, with high-quality meth. The Cotas had previously supplied the Mallaks with 10 pounds of meth but came to retrieve seven pounds because Burhan Mallak wasnt selling it fast enough, prosecutors said.

Watters earlier sentenced Omar Cota to 10 years in prison for his conviction in the case. Last year, Watters sentenced Burhan Mallak to 11 years and Denise Mallak to more than seven years on drug charges.
The incidence of flu has remained stable in most parts of South China since the beginning of summer, compared with the previous three years, China's top health authority said on Thursday.

However, the number of flu cases reported in Guangdong province this year reached nearly 75,000 as of Sunday, a rise of 1.26 percent over the same period last year.

Guangdong borders Hong Kong, where flu has killed more than 300 people over the last three months, most of them elderly with chronic diseases.

The Guangdong figures include three deaths, compared with eight in the same period last year, according to Guangdong's Health and Family Planning Commission.

The flu is now at its end stage for the year in the province, the commission said.

Song Shuli, spokeswoman of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, said at a news conference that the most prevalent flu virus in China is still H3N2, and there have been no mutations.

More than 99,000 flu cases were reported on the mainland between May and July, including five deaths, according to the commission.

In North China, flu peaks during the winter and spring every year. South China sees those peaks, too, but it typically experiences a third peak in summer.

In Guangdong, the incidence of flu during summer has been slightly higher than the three-year seasonal average, but flu has been in decline for the past three weeks, she said.

The commission will continue to guide health authorities in South China to intensify monitoring to prevent and control the flu, and to improve rescue efforts in critical cases, she said.

Although seasonal flu peaks result in a number of serious cases every year in China, most display light symptoms, and only a few result in serious complications, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The best way to prevent flu is to receive a vaccine, which is strongly recommended for groups at higher risk, such as pregnant women, children under 5, the elderly and those with chronic diseases, the center said. They are advised to receive antiviral treatments as early as possible if they get flu symptoms to prevent risks of complications, it said.
Exposure to PM2.5 suspected, though proof requires more study, experts say

Chinese health authorities are trying to figure out the reason for the rapid rise in a form of lung cancer that develops deep in the lung and is not associated with smoking.

China has seen a sharp increase in the disease over the past 10 to 15 years, hitting groups traditionally not susceptible such as women and nonsmokers, said Xue Qi, deputy director of thoracic surgery at the Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, also the country's National Cancer Institute.

"It might be related to the long-term exposure to air pollution, particularly PM2.5," he said, referring to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less.

China's top health authority has been watching people's health in relation to air pollution since 2013, said Mao Qun'an, spokesman for the National Health and Family Planning Commission.

"We need more research over a longer time to figure out the long-term health effects of air pollution," he said. "Cancer is developed over a long period, not overnight."

Latest cancer statistics from the government showed China recorded nearly 4.3 million new cancer patients in 2015, and more than 730,000 of them had lung cancer, accounting for nearly 36 percent of the world's total.

There are two major types of lung cancer - lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, experts said. The latter is closely associated with smoking.

Of newly detected lung cancer patients each year, the cases of adenocarcinoma - involving more females and nonsmokers have exceeded that of smoking-related carcinoma, even though the smoking rate in China has not declined, Xue said, citing figures from the nation's cancer registry.

Ten to 15 years ago, squamous cell carcinoma took the lion's share of all lung cancer cases, roughly 60 percent, he said. "At that time, most of the sufferers were smoking males, who are at high risk."

The incidence of lung cancer has surged in recent decades.

For instance, in the 1960s the incidence of lung cancer in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, stood at 7 per 100,000 people. That surged to 70 per 100,000 in 2005, according to local health data.

Some lung disease experts suspect the rise might be related to PM2.5, but more research is needed to know for sure.

Xue said more government research funding and projects in the field are needed.

Internationally, small-scale studies have associated air pollution exposure with lung cancer, but a direct link has not yet been confirmed with large, long-term studies, he added.

Industrialized countries saw a rise in the proportion of adenocarcinoma before China, according to Xue, who said lung adenocarcinoma is now the most common type of lung cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma has decreased over recent decades in Western countries due to an ever decreasing smoking population, he added.
An exhibition marking the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army, held in Beijing at the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution, welcomed more than 400 foreign guests on Thursday.

The guests included 38 ambassadors, more than 200 diplomats from foreign missions in Beijing and more than 100 foreign experts who work for Chinese agencies and organizations.

Many of the foreign guests said they were impressed by the items on display and the story of the PLA's development told in the exhibition.

Visitors observed the PLA's transformation over the past 90 years through the tour. Seba Ric, a French-language editor for China Radio International, said he learned a lot about the PLA's role in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the War of Liberation (1946-49) before the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Nowadays, the PLA participates increasingly in international affairs, including peacekeeping operations, humanitarian relief and naval escort missions, Ric noted.

"The PLA's changes and reforms are what President Xi Jinping is trying to promote now to let the world know the PLA is strong, but for peace," he said.

Nasir Mahmood, an official at the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization, said: "The PLA achieved a lot. Many militaries in the world have not achieved as much the PLA has in 90 years."

As for the role the PLA currently plays in the world, some diplomats gave their opinions. Madi Sawo, protocol and welfare officer at the embassy of the Republic of Gambia, said the PLA contributes to maintaining the world peace by cooperating with United Nations.

"From the beginning of the 1990s, the PLA has been sending peacekeepers to maintain regional stability and world peace. And the ongoing military reform is aimed at further strengthening and modernizing the PLA," Madi said.
Two companies and former employees went on trial in Dalian in Northeast China's Liaoning province on Friday for alleged misappropriation of funds and duty encroachment to help fugitive Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui to illegally possess 400 million yuan ($60 million) in funds.

Qu Long, a member of the board of directors of Tianjin Huatai Holding Group Co Ltd, and Zhao Yun'an, former legal representative of Huatai, are charged with reported misappropriation of funds and Gao Song, Ma Nan and Cheng Xiuhua who worked for Beijing Pangu Investment, controlled by Guo Wengui, are charged with allegedly encroachment.
Five suspects pleaded guilty to misappropriating funds and encroaching duty to help fugitive Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui to illegally possess 400 million yuan fund during a trial in Dalian, Liaoning province, on Friday.

Qu Long, a member of the board of directors of Tianjin Huatai Holding Group Co Ltd and Zhao Yun'an, former legal representative of Huatai were charged with crime of misappropriation of funds and Gao Song, Ma Nan and Cheng Xiuhua who worked for Beijing Pangu Investment, controlled by Guo Wengui, were charged with crime of duty encroachment, according to Xigang District People's Court in Dalian.

After Zhao was detained by Tianjin police for some suspected crime in May 2008, his wife asked Guo Wengui to use his relationship to get Zhao released. Guo agreed but asked Zhao to lend him 100 million yuan after he was released, according to the court.

Released on bail, Zhao suggested selling Beijing Heda, the biggest shareholder of Huatai controlled by Zhao, to Guo at a price of 300 million yuan as he didn't have the 100 million yuan he promised to lend.

Though Guo had not paid the money, Qu, sent by Guo, became a member of board of directors of Huatai and signed a share transfer agreement with Heda, making Guo holder of 74 percent of Huatai's share.

Guo and Qu managed to transfer fund of 428.7 million yuan from Huatai to a company controlled by Qu without holding meetings with board of shareholders and board of directors after Zhao helped them get seals and bankcard needed for the transfer and 400 million yuan of that was used to pay back debt of Beijing Pangu Investment and Beijing Zenith Holdings, both controlled by Guo, and Guo's personal debt, said the procuratorate.

Gao Song, vice-general manager of Beijing Pangu, Ma Nan, Beijing Pangu's legal director, and Cheng Xiuhua, an employee of Beijing Pangu's legal department, helped Guo transfer Henan Yuda Real Estate Co's debt of 360 million yuan with Yuanrun Holding Group Co Ltd (Huatai changed to the name in November 2008) to Zhengzhou Haohang, a company that doesn't have the capacity to pay the debt, by forging documents, it said.

All these make Yuanrun, former Huatai, almost impossible to get its 400 million yuan back.

Guo is the actual controlling shareholder of both Yuda and Haohang.

All the five said their actions were based on order and said they accepted all the charges from the court.

"I failed to abide by the law though I received special education in law and worked in law-related policies for a long time. I will not only be punished by law due to my conduct, but I also have hurt my family members and relatives," Gao Song said, adding he "deeply regrets what he did".

It was the third set of trials related to Guo Wengui, who fled China after he was accused of multiple crimes in August 2014 and is currently listed on an Interpol "red notice" the closest thing to an international arrest warrantfor wanted fugitives.

In June, three former employees of Beijing Pangu were given prison terms in the same court in Dalian for fraudulently obtaining loans and foreign currency valued at 3.2 billion yuan from the Agricultural Bank of China in the name of the company.

Three former executives of Henan Yuda Real Estate Co, which was controlled by Guo, were convicted on August 4 of fraudulently obtaining 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 and two of them were given prison terms in a court in Henan province.
Lin Chuanhua. [Photo/Sina Weibo]

A man who has only one hand has been offered job as a public school teacher after being initially rejected by local education authorities.

Lin Chuanhua's name is seen on the list of training for new teachers recruited this year published by the Lianjiang county education bureau on Thursday.

Lin, 28, is a native of Pingtan, East China's Fujian province. He lost his right hand in an accident when he was a child. After graduating from university in 2011, he became a physics teacher at a private middle school in the city.

In April, Lin sat the provincial recruitment exam for public school teachers, applying for the position of science teacher in Lianjiang county, according to Beijing News.

Lin scored the highest mark in the exam, but on July 24, he was told by the county's education bureau that he would not be hired because he failed to meet heath standards set by the provincial education authority.

Following media reports about Lin's story, the Fujian Provincial Education Department made an announcement on Wednesday, saying the Lianjiang education bureau's decision to reject Lin reflected its "incomprehensive and inaccurate understanding of policies" and promised to revise the physical standards for teachers.

His name is now on the list of new teachers published by the Lianjiang county education bureau on Thursday.

Wu Shaoming, the headmaster of Hanying Middle School where Lin was a teacher for six years, said despite having only one hand, Lin is a qualified teacher.

Lin was the head teacher in his class and has been honored with the title of "excellent teacher".

Chang Sha, a lawyer with King & Capital Law Firm in Beijing, said the physical standards set by Fujian provincial education authority on teacher's recruitment are against the Law on the Protection of Disabled Persons, which forbids employers from discriminating against people with disabilities.

According to China Disabled Persons' Federation, there are more than 85 million people with disabilities in China. But discrimination against them has made headlines in recent years.

Last year, Tan Jinsong, a law graduate with visual impairment, scored the highest mark in a recruitment exam for a law-related position in Yunxi district of Yueyang, Hunan province. But he was rejected because of his eyesight problem.

Two months ago, Xiao Guangting, a visually impaired person who has lived in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, for almost 20 years, applied to register his hukou, or household registration, in the city but was rejected because he could not pass the health test.
The power of youth to take action on climate change took a step forward when the United Nations Development Programme launched its summer camp for climate action in Beijing on Thursday.

The camp aims to encourage young people to engage in tackling climate change and promote the development goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which lists 17 measures to end all forms of poverty, fight inequality and ensure that no one is left behind.

The opening ceremony in Beijing brought together 50 young Chinese participants, aged from 13 to 17. Over nine days, they will spend their time at the Panda Solar Station in Datong, Shanxi province, and participate into a variety of interactive activities covering several sustainable development topics, building teamwork and cooperation skills through debates and practical workshops.

Business leaders from the renewable energy and technology sectors will also share their insights with the participants to give them a better and deeper understanding of clean energy.

"Climate change is a defining issue of our time," said Agi Veres, UNDP China country director, at the opening ceremony. "Through exciting initiatives like this summer camp, UNDP can empower youth to take leadership on climate action today so that, by the time they become leaders in the future, they can be the generation to tackle climate change."

She hoped that the young generation would not only be the beneficiaries of prosperity but also key collaborators for promoting sustainable development and driving the achievement of these goals.

Last year, UNDP began a partnership with Panda Green Energy Group, which operates the Panda Solar Station, to promote clean technology and enhance engagement with the next generation of young leaders to take action on climate change.

The station uses different kinds of silicon solar cells, in black and grayish white, to present an image of two baby pandas when seen from above. The first stage is operating with a capacity of 50 megawatts, meaning its average daily output could supply 120 average Chinese households with electricity for a year.

Li Yuan, CEO of the group, said the station is not just a clean energy project but more a global platform to support young pioneers to lead action against climate change through sustainable and green development.
BEIJING -- Chinese Defense Ministry strongly objects to the illegal entry of a US warship into China's waters off the Nansha Islands, said a ministry spokesperson Friday.

Wu Qian said in a statement that missile frigates Huaibei and Fushun of the Chinese Navy were immediately sent to identify the US warship, warn and expel it.

The USS John S. McCain illegally entered the waters near the reef in South China Sea earlier on Thursday. China has sovereignty of the Nansha Islands and its adjacent waters.

The US military forces intrusion under the guise of "freedom of navigation" will intensify regional militarization and may result in maritime or air accidents, said Wu.

"Such provocation will only drive China to improve its defense capacity," Wu added.

Chinese Foreign Ministry also protested US activity on Thursday.

Related story:

US destroyer in South China Sea violated law, harmed security
KUNMING -- Scientists have cloned genetically modified piglets that may prove a safe source of organs for transplants into humans.

The 15 black-headed piglets, born in a lab in Southwest China's Yunnan province, do not carry the active infectious viral gene which has impeded the process of pig-to-human transplantation for more than a decade, said Chinese members of an international research team who released their findings Friday.

Pigs have porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) embedded in their genome. These viruses are able to jump from a pig cell to a human when mixed in the lab. The viruses can then be passed to fresh human cells from the infected one.

This standing block was cleared when the scientists using a gene-editing technique, known as CRISPR, inactivate the PERVs.

Geneticist Luhan Yang and her colleagues at the American biotech startup eGenesis are behind the breakthrough.

Yang, co-founder and chief scientific officer of eGenesis, joined professors from several Chinese universities and one from Denmark to pen the study published on the Science journal on Friday.

With modified genes, the scientists created PERV-inactivated pig embryos and transferred them into surrogate sows to produce clones, in the same fashion as Dolly the sheep was created.

Earlier this year, 37 such clones were produced by 17 sows in Yunnan Agricultural University.

Today, 15 are still alive with ages ranging from one to four months. They appeared quite healthy, said Wei Hongjiang, a professor with Yunnan Agricultural University who is one of the lead authors of the publication.

"We now have the world's first ever PERV-inactivated pigs," Wei told Xinhua. "For the first time, we have dealt with the concern of cross-species viral transmission risks."

He said the international team will move to the next step, using gene editing to make pig organs less prone to attack by their human recipients' immune systems, which has been another standing obstacle in the research.

George Church, Harvard geneticist and another eGenesis co-founder, called the clones a milestone in xenotransplantation as the most important safety issue had been solved.

Xenotransplantation means to use animal living cells, tissues or organs in people to bridge the shortfall in available human organs.

Yang said the world has more than 2 million patients who need organ transplants. The supply is way below the demand and the gap is only expected to grow wider.

Pig organs are of similar sizes and function to humans' and are considered the most feasible for xenogeneic transplantation, she said.

In China alone, more than 300,000 patients are waiting for organ transplants but fewer than 10,000 surgeries are performed each year.

The country witnessed a surge of willing organ donors in recent years but far from enough to meet the need.

"We are working hard on the earliest possible clinical use of xenogeneic transplants to help hundreds of thousands of patients waiting for organ transplants," Wei said.

Xenotransplantation remains controversial.

The WHO says while animals are a potential source of high quality, readily available live organs, xenotransplantation carries risks, especially the spread of known or unknown diseases.

It says some very serious diseases such as AIDS and SARS have originated from animals and urges governments to take regulatory control and ensure surveillance mechanisms before allowing xenogeneic transplants to take place.
It says move will only prompt the country to further strengthen its defense capacity

Beijing slammed Washington for sending a warship to waters adjacent to one of its islands in the South China Sea, saying the action will only prompt Beijing to strengthen its defense.

Spokesmen from both the Defense Ministry and the Foreign Ministry issued statements condemning the "unauthorized entry into neighboring waters of relevant islands and reefs of China's Nansha Islands" by the USS John S. McCain.

The US Navy destroyer conducted a "freedom of navigation operation" on Thursday and came within 12 nautical miles of Meiji Reef, part of China's Nansha Islands, Reuters quoted anonymous US officials as saying.

China immediately dispatched two missile frigates to identify the ship, and they warned it to leave, said Wu Qian, spokesman for the Defense Ministry, early on Friday.

The muscle-flexing "promotes regional militarization and can very easily trigger accidents in sea and air", Wu said.

"The US military's provocation will only prompt the Chinese military to further strengthen construction of defense capacity in various fields," Wu added.

China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang reiterated on Thursday.

This was the second time a US warship entered waters within 12 nautical miles of Meiji Reef without China's permission in recent months. The US destroyer Dewey did so in May.

It also came days after China and ASEAN countries adopted the framework in Manila for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

The US is attempting to stir up troubles in the waters where the situation has cooled down, Geng said, adding that the warship's intrusion showed "who is exactly the one that does not want to see sustained stability in the South China Sea, and who serves as the biggest factor in the 'militarization' of the South China Sea".

Zhou Fangyin, a researcher of China's foreign policy at the Guangdong Institute for International Strategies, said the incident shows that the US, a country outside the South China Sea region, doesn't want to play "a minor role" in the region.

At a time when China and Southeast Asian countries have agreed to solve and manage the South China Sea issue through bilateral talks and to avoid influence by nonregional forces, the US behavior shows that Washington wants to maintain its presence in the region, instead of solving the issue, Zhou said.

Besides the US, nonregional countries including Japan also want to stir up trouble in the South China Sea, Zhou added.

Japan will deliver about 40,000 helicopter parts to the Philippines, Reuters quoted a senior Philippine officer on Thursday as saying.

Zhou said Japan doesn't want to see a peaceful resolution of the issue between China and Southeast Asian countries and has always wanted to sow discord between them.
Earthquake victims rest in tents in Jiuzhaigou on Thursday. All those in need have received shelter. ZHANG LANG/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

While mourning the dead and tending to the injured continues after this week's magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Sichuan province, authorities are saying that the area's scenic wonders and the local economy also are victims of the natural disaster, centered in scenic Jiuzhaigou.

Twenty-four people died as a result of the Tuesday night earthquake and 493 people were injured, including about 45 seriously wounded, provincial government officials said on Friday.

Two days later, the famous Nuorilang Waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou collapsed.

Nuorilang, with a height of 24.5 meters and width of 270 meters, was China's widest waterfall and also was chosen by netizens as one of China's most spectacular. Jiuzhaigou Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Li Lin, a guide in the Jiuzhaigou area, said he realized how bad the quake was when he heard that a young couple from Wuhan, Hubei province, were crushed by falling stones.

"The Wenchuan earthquake (also in Sichuan, in 2008) did not wreak havoc here. But this time, many people will remember the tragedy of the couple and cringe at the thought of visiting Jiuzhaigou," said Li, a middle-aged guide who has worked in Jiuzhaigou for 12 years.

As the couple from Wuhan were approaching a hotel in the area, falling rocks smashed their car. The wife died instantly and the husband managed to push their daughter, a sixth-grader, out of a window before he died, local media reported.

On Wednesday, the management committee of Jiuzhaigou announced it would temporarily close the scenic spot. By Friday, all 61,500 tourists in Jiuzhaigou had left for home, officials said.

"The earthquake is a heavy blow to Sichuan tourism since tourists won't come to Jiuzhaigou this year," said an official from the Sichuan Provincial Tourism Development Commission who asked not to be named.

It will take time for tourism to rebound, as in the case of the Wenchuan earthquake, which killed over 80,000, he said. "After the Wenchuan earthquake, fewer tourists visited Sichuan in the latter half of 2008. But as people forgot the quake the next year, the number of tourists gradually rose."

During the seven-day National Day holiday running from Oct 1 to 7 last year, Jiuzhaigou was so packed with tourists each day that its administrative committee had to limit the number entering the scenic spot.

In 2016, Sichuan's tourism earnings surpassed 770 billion yuan ($115.5 billion), more than 800 million yuan of which came from Jiuzhaigou, according to the Sichuan tourism commission.
Rescuers check the wreckage on Friday of the bus that crashed at the mouth of a tunnel on the Beijing-Kunming Expressway. XINHUA

As investigators tried to determine the cause of a bus crash that killed 36 people when the vehicle struck the mouth of an expressway tunnel in Northwest China's Shaanxi province on Thursday, an engineering expert has questioned whether the tunnel design might have posed a hazard.

The accident occurred at about 11:30 pm on Thursday in Ankang when the bus hit the wall at the mouth of No 1 Qinling Tunnel on the Xi'an-Hanzhong section of the Beijing-Kunming Expressway, according to the State Administration of Work Safety. In addition to the 36 deaths, 13 people were injured, authorities said on Friday.

"Generally speaking, when entering a tunnel, the width of the lanes approaching the tunnel should be the same as the width inside the tunnel," an engineer in Chengdu surnamed Lei told the news portal thecover.cn.

Lei, who has participated in expressway construction work, said the tunnel and road design at the accident scene did not appear to be reasonable.

The bus was en route to Luoyang, Henan province, from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. It was operated by Luoyang Transportation Group Co and had a designated capacity of 51 people.

Among the dead were 26 men, eight women and two children. The injured were taken to hospitals, and eight were in critical condition, according to a release from the Traffic Management Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security.

According to Yang Manxue, deputy head of Shaanxi Sengong Hospital, six severely injured passengers were taken to the hospital after the accident.

"Four people were in critical condition due to severe traumatic head injury and two others had compound fractures," he said. "Every patient has a medical team of one experienced surgeon and two nurses," Yang said.

Shen Zhanlei, 47, was taken to Xi'an Honghui Hospital and was in a coma when he arrived, said Dong Sixia, director of the hospital's intensive care unit. After a blood transfusion, Shen regained consciousness but couldn't remember how he had been injured, Dong said.

Shen, who had severe injuries to both legs and had blood in his pleural cavity, underwent surgery on Friday afternoon, Dong said.

The State Administration of Work Safety and the Ministry of Public Security sent work teams to oversee the investigation.
Five suspects pleaded guilty in Dalian, Liaoning province, on Friday to embezzling funds and making use of their former work posts to help fugitive Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui illegally possess 400 million yuan ($60 million).

Xigang District People's Court in Dalian publicly heard the case, in which Qu Long, a member of the board of directors of Tianjin Huatai Holding Group Co, and Zhao Yun'an, former legal representative of Huatai, were charged with fund embezzlement. Gao Song, Ma Nan and Cheng Xiuhua, who worked for Beijing Pangu Investment, which was controlled by Guo, were charged with duty encroachment.

Based on a recommendation, Zhao's wife sought out Guo to help release Zhao, who was detained in May 2008 for other suspected crimes. Guo agreed to help, but asked Zhao to lend him 100 million yuan after he was freed, prosecutors of the district said.

A month later, Zhao was freed, and he thought the release was attributed to Guo. So he suggested selling Beijing Heda, the biggest shareholder of Huataiwhich was controlled by Zhaoto Guo for 300 million yuan, because he did not have the 100 million yuan he promised to lend, the prosecutors said.

Though Guo hasn't paid the money, Qusent by Guosigned a share transfer agreement with Heda and then became a member of the board of directors of Huatai, making Guo holder of 74 percent of Huatai.

Guo and Qu managed to transfer about 428.7 million yuan from Huatai to a company controlled by Qu without holding meetings with the board of shareholders or board of directors after Zhao helped them get seals and a bank card needed for the transfer. Of that, 400 million yuan was used to pay back debt of Beijing Pangu Investment and Beijing Zenith Holdings, both controlled by Guo, and Guo's personal debt, said the procuratorate.

Gao, vice-general manager of Beijing Pangu; Ma, Beijing Pangu's legal director; and Cheng, an employee of Beijing Pangu's legal department, helped Guo transfer Henan Yuda Real Estate Co's debt of 360 million yuan with Yuanrun Holding Group Co (the name was changed from Huatai in November 2008) to Zhengzhou Haohang, a company that doesn't have the capacity to pay the debt, by forging documents, the procuratorate said.

Guo is the actual controlling shareholder of both Yuda and Haohang.

All five suspects attributed their misconduct to following Guo's instructions, and they said they accepted all of the charges.

"I failed to abide by the law, though I received special education on law and was in work related to law for a long time. My conduct not only will leave myself punished by law, but also has hurt my family members and relatives," Gao said, adding that he "deeply regrets" what he did.

It was the third set of trials related to Guo, who fled China under suspicion of multiple crimes in August 2014 and is currently listed on an Interpol "red notice"the closest thing to an international arrest warrantfor wanted fugitives.

In June, three former employees of Beijing Pangu were given prison terms in the same court in Dalian for fraudulently obtaining loans and foreign currency valued at 3.2 billion yuan from the Agricultural Bank of China in the name of the company.

Three former executives of Henan Yuda Real Estate Co were convicted on Aug 4 of fraudulently obtaining 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. Two of them were given prison terms by a court in Henan province.
Tense Kenya awaits election amid violence

China Daily | Updated: 2017-08-11 08:23

NAIROBI - Kenya nervously awaited on Thursday the final results of its presidential election, with the incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta holding a strong lead after a vote marred by opposition claims of rigging and the death of four people.

Tensions are high in the east African nation where, a decade ago, post-poll bloodshed left 1,100 people dead.

"We find ourselves at a crossroads once again," the Daily Nation newspaper warned grimly on Thursday.

"The nation is sitting precariously on the precipice. The dispute over poll results is creating needless anxiety."

A longtime government adversary making what is likely his last bid for office, Raila Odinga is badly trailing Kenyatta, according to a provisional count of Tuesday's ballot, released by the electoral commission, or IEBC.

Odinga carried 44.8 percent of the vote to Kenyatta's 54.3 percent with 97 percent of polling stations reporting.

But Odinga charged that hackers broke into the electoral commission's systems and rigged the count - an allegation that fueled uncertainty in what was already a tight race.

The claim was denied by IEBC chief executive Ezra Chiloba, who said on Wednesday that the crucial electronic voting system - seen as key to avoiding fraud - had not been compromised.

It remained unclear whether final results would be officially published on Thursday.

On Wednesday, isolated groups of protesters chanting "No Raila, no peace" took to the streets in the western city of Kisumu and the slums of the capital Nairobi.

Clashes with protesters left two people dead in Nairobi. The capital's police chief said officers opened fire after they were attacked by men wielding machetes.

In the southeastern Tana River region, police killed two people after a group of five stormed a vote-tallying center and stabbed one person.

The head of the European Union's election observer mission in Kenya said on Thursday it had seen no signs of "centralized or localized manipulation" of the voting process.

Afp - Reuters - Xinhua

(China Daily 08/11/2017 page12)
BRUSSELS - Belgium has accused the Netherlands of failing to inform it that eggs were tainted with insecticide despite knowing about the problem since November, as Europe's latest food safety scandal deepened.

Newly appointed Agriculture Minister Denis Ducarme told a parliamentary hearing on Wednesday that Belgian's food safety agency obtained an internal Dutch document that "reports the observation of the presence of fipronil in Dutch eggs at the end of November 2016".

"When a country like the Netherlands, one of the world's biggest exporters of eggs, does not pass on this kind of information, that is a real problem," said Ducarme, adding he has demanded an explanation from his Dutch colleagues.

The Dutch food and goods watchdog NVWA rejected the claim.

"The allegations that we knew about fipronil in eggs in November 2016 are untrue," NVWA Inspector-General Rob van Lint said in a statement.

However, he admitted his body received an "anonymous tip-off" in November that fipronil had indeed been used to clean chicken pens in order to combat red lice.

French Agriculture Minister Stephane Travert said he wanted "much more fruitful and rapid exchanges of information" with his European Union partners over the scandal.

His ministry announced at the same time an investigation into the French egg industry to check for fipronil.

The European Commission, which oversees the 28-nation EU's food safety alert system, refused to comment on if and when it was told about the reported Dutch finding.

The Belgian hearing was called in response to an admission by officials at the weekend that they too knew about fipronil in eggs back in June, but kept it secret for nearly two months because of a parallel criminal fraud investigation.

Widespread in Europe

The insecticide scandal only became public on Aug 1 when authorities in the Netherlands ordered eggs pulled from supermarket shelves and urged shoppers to throw any they had away.

Contaminated eggs have since been discovered in Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, Britain and France, with several supermarkets pulling millions of eggs off the shelves.

Fipronil is commonly used in veterinary products to get rid of fleas, lice and ticks but it is banned by the EU from being used to treat animals destined for human consumption, such as chickens.

In large quantities, the insecticide is considered by the World Health OrganiZation to be "moderately hazardous" and can have dangerous effects on people's kidneys, liver and thyroid glands.

Afp - Reuters - Ap

(China Daily 08/11/2017 page12)
The 2017 Sino-Russian Culture and Arts Exchange Week was held in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, on August 8. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

The opening ceremony of the 2017 Sino-Russian Culture and Arts Exchange Week was held in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, on August 8.

Chinese and Russian artists delivered a series of performances at the event, including Russian folk dances and a selection of ballet, such as Swan Lake and Chinese folk songs.

Song Xibin, mayor of Harbin, addressed the opening ceremony, and said the cultural week established a platform for the mutual exchanges on culture and arts between the two countries. The event can further strengthen the friendship of the Chinese and Russian people, Song added.

"Cultural week has become an important event in Harbin," the mayor said.

"The city will be more international and friendly in the future."

Moreover, about 800 artists from China and 12 sister cities in Russia participated in the occasion. As well as themed performances, an oil painting exhibition, along with Chinese and Russian classic films, were on show during the cultural week.
A visitor examines a wood carving at the 2017 Yunnan Cultural Industries Fair on Aug 10. [Photo/VCG]

The 2017 Yunnan Cultural Industries Fair kicked off in Kunming, Yunnan province on Aug 10. A total of seven, along with 16 series of themed activities, were featured at the event, which attracted 1270 cultural enterprises at home and abroad.

More than 30 intangible heritage inheritors also visited the main venue, based at the Kunming International Conference and Exhibition Center, to demonstrate their skills and communicate with visitors.

Cultural and creative products will be exhibited during the next five days, covering fields of publication, culture-oriented travel, local folk arts, flower cultivation and interior design.
Students visit the Song Ching Ling International Experience Center to learn about Chinese tea culture, traditional textile processes, and techniques for making blue and white porcelains. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

Sixty-five students from 23 countries are visiting Beijing to experience Chinese culture on a tour of the country organized by the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Chinese Culture Ministry.

The program, named Experience China  2017 China Cultural Center Students Award Tour, selected outstanding students from Chinese cultural centers worldwide and offered them field trips to major Chinese cities to get the most authentic understanding of China.
Web journalists view a huge Guangong statue in the main hall of Guangong Park in Jingzhou, Aug 10, 2017. [Photo by Liu Xuanyi/chinadaily.com.cn]

Journalists are delving into the historical and cultural tourism resources showcasing the Three Kingdoms culture in Jingzhou city, Central China's Hubei province.

Jingzhou is the first leg of the media tour "Exploring the ancient Chu culture" for digital media professionals from August 9 to 14.

Formerly known as "Jiangling" or "Shashi", has a history of more than 2,600 years.

It was among the first group of 24 National Famous Historical and Cultural Cities in China, and it was also the center of the Three Kingdoms (220-280 AD) culture.

Many popular Three Kingdoms stories happened in Jingzhou and the cultural relics unearthed here are evidence of that.

The journalists started the tour of Jingzhou ancient city at Guangong Park.

The gigantic bronze statue Guangong weighs over 1,200 tons. Holding a 70-meter long knife in its hand, Guangong has become a symbol of the park. It's the largest Guanggong statue in the world.

Guangong, also known as Guan Yu, was a general serving under the warlord Liu Bei during the period of the Three Kingdoms. In folk culture, Chinese classical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms and other Three Kingdoms fiction portrays him as the noble and dignified oath brother for Liu Bei and Zhang Fei.

Thus, the park has "righteousness" as its theme and shows Guangong's righteous life in various ways.

The journalists also made a visit to the Jingzhou ancient city wall in the vicinity of Guangong Park.

Historically, Jingzhou has been an important military site with ancient city walls since the Qin Dynasty, but stories from the period of the Three Kingdoms made the city and its ancient walls famous.

Although the ancient city wall was destroyed and rebuilt several times in history, it is now still well preserved and has become a famous scenic area.

The live show Guangong returning to Jingzhou and Liu Bei' s Wedding are must-see performances here.
Be it a salad, a microwaved meal or packaged ramen, we have all prepared light lunches in our offices for convenience's sake; but how would you go about organizing tender, grilled steak for lunch? Or perhaps, some Sichuan-style hot pot? Would flame-broiled fish tickle your fancy? Ms Yeah has cooked all of the above and more at her office desk, and is now known by many as "The Office Chef". Ms Yeah has taken office lunches to a whole new level.

The Scoop on 'The Office Chef'

Social networks have enabled online users from across the globe to tap into another person's life outside of their own, into another city, another moment, and perhaps, right into another person's meal. The idea of cooking in an office does not sound like a viable option, but Ms Yeah manages to make it happen by using the things she finds laying around her office.

Ms Yeah, 23, is from Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, and has recently gone viral for her videos of cooking in her office. Some of her most popular clips take her audience on a journey as she cooks popcorn with a cut-up soda can and a tea candle; makes hotpot, a popular Sichuan dish, in an aluminum foil bowl; and steams dumplings using a clothes steamer. Ms Yeah often uses widely available office supplies to aid her in her making office meals. Previously, the light bulbs in her office have doubled as ovens and charcoal grills, and computer monitors have become pans and water dispensers doubling as pots. Ms Yeah uses her creativity and ingenuity, utilizing everything in her environment for the sake of her culinary pursuits.

The hot press of the clothing iron against the thin cuts of beef must have wafted a delicious aroma around the room, a usual occurrence in Ms Yeah's office nowadays. Though many tune in for Ms Yeah's creativity and ingenuity in making her cooking utensils and recipes, she has also delved into the beauty blogger sphere.

Ms Yeah do a makeup. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Ms Yeah has taken a step further with her creative use in household objects, by taking food and repurposing it as makeup. In a recent video, she creates makeup by using flour, cocoa powder, water and sesame oil. In place of the ever-popular Beauty Blender, she uses jumbo marshmallows and applies her bake with some more rice flour. With even more cocoa powder, she is not only able to do her eyebrows, but also able to apply her eye shadow. By snipping off her co-worker's hair, and with the aid of a binder clip and a lighter, she is then able to make faux eyelashes for herself. With chili oil and juice from crushed dragon fruit, she gives herself some bright pink lip-gloss and blush. Even more hilariously, she repurposed some Oreos and paperclips as her newest on trend earrings.
Seven people are seeking to replace district court Judge Russell Fagg, and members of the public are encouraged to weigh in.

The applications were due Thursday and a 30-day public comment period opens Friday. Faggs replacement for Yellowstone County District Court must run for re-election in 2018. Fagg announced in June he would retire and is currently exploring a run in 2018 for Democrat Jon Testers U.S. Senate seat.

The applicants are: Brent Brooks, Billings city attorney; Jessica Fehr, a defense attorney in medical malpractice and former assistant U.S. attorney; Don Harris, a personal injury and insurance attorney; Jacqui Hughes, a private attorney, contract public defender and judge pro tem in Billings Municipal Court; Yvette Lafrentz, a standing master in Montanas 13th and 22nd judicial districts; Joe Raffiani, a criminal defense, personal injury and family law attorney; and Bill Speare, a personal injury and medical malpractice attorney.

The Judicial Nomination Commission will notify applicants on Sept. 11 if they receive an interview. Interviews will be held in Billings on Oct. 2 and are open to the public. The JNC will send a list of three to five nominees to Gov. Steve Bullock by Oct. 8, after which the governor has 30 days to name a replacement.

The position pays $132,567 a year.

Judicial appointments are advantageous because appointees get to skip the initial political campaign, which is expensive and time-consuming. At re-election time, incumbents rarely lose.

Two additional judgeships will be open for election in November 2018, with the judges taking office in January 2019. Thats after the Montana Legislature approved funding for two new judges in response to a major increase in cases in recent years.

Yellowstone County, whose courtrooms are the busiest in the state, could use an additional seven judges, the National Center for State Courts has determined, but lawmakers approved just two.

Judicial Nomination Commission members are district Judge John Brown of Bozeman; Janice Bishop of Missoula; Karl Englund of Missoula; Elizabeth Halverson of Billings; Hal Harper of Helena; Lane Larson of Billings; and Nancy Zadick of Great Falls.

Public comments may be submitted to mtsupremecourt@mt.gov and will be posted online. Comments can also be made over the phone at 406-841-2950 or via mail, at Judicial Nomination Commission, c/o Lois Menzies, Office of Court Administrator, P.O. Box 203005, Helena, MT 59620-3005.

Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10.
MA XUEJING/CHINA DAILY

It has been a hot summer in many areas in China, but short study tours abroad seem to be even hotter. Parents spend tens of thousands of yuan on such study tours, especially to places where top universities are located, including the New England area in the United States, and Oxford and Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

There are busloads of students in some college towns in the UK, and they make substantial contribution to the local economy. Last September, I visited Cambridge and found that they charge a good amount of money for campus tours, largely because too many students come visiting.

But students who fly half way around the world to visit these universities are not likely to be deterred by the high admission fees. As tourists flock to such towns in greater numbers and disturb the otherwise quiet town life, local residents are starting to complain. Young academic pilgrims enjoy the sights, take photographs, and go through ritualized activities such as rowing on the Cambridge River.

Back home, their parents proudly post the photos of their children on these study tours on social media. A hidden peer pressure is building up among middle-income group parents as even those who have to work till they drop to pay for such tours are signing up for them. These tours therefore contribute to making our time an age of escalating anxiety.

These days many mothers and fathers don't believe they are doing enough for their kids unless they spend as much, if not more, money as their neighbors do. Which is very different from my childhood when we all kids roamed wild, and parents considered it natural. Today's parents don't seem to have trust in their kids' ability to play any game unless someone has organized it into tight structures.

The university tours abroad are attracting more and more parents as companies organizing them grow. There is big money in this anxiety business. These companies capitalize on educational worries of parents who care deeply about their children's formal education, almost to a fault, but seldom consider the other opportunities their children can have.

For instance, parents could send their kids to some local scenic spots where they can spend substantial time and be nourished by vitamin N (N for nature). City-based parents could let their children stay with a relative in the countryside so that they develop empathy and interpersonal communication skills by living with a different group of people. They could, for a change, buy or borrow them books so that they enhance their knowledge while letting their imagination fly.

"Being there, done that" is not necessarily educational if the exposure is short, the visits hurried, and interaction with locals rare.

Visiting revered institutions of higher learning like Cambridge or Harvard may motivate and energize children who need role models. But on such tours, children just get a quick peek of these places, without even seeing many students who leave schools during the summer vacation. Besides, due to capacity issues, students are usually not allowed to spend much time in one area.

Perhaps, future tours could be organized to not the "hot" academic institutions, but to some lesser-known college towns where full immersion is possible.

I live in western Texas where we don't get any academic tour groups from China, probably because it is even hotter here during the summer. However we have Korean and Japanese camps on the campus where students get relatively enough time to immerse in local culture. Students are paired up with local families for a weekend stay, eat in the students' cafeteria, attend classes, visit factories and offices, and also get to visit malls. And since tourists are rare, they are given more personal attention and care during their stay. I believe such experiences of immersion are more educational and leave students with better memories.

Still, if some parents want to send their children to Oxford or Cambridge, they should ask the youngsters to use their eyes and ears more, and phones and cameras less. Children learn more that way.

The author is an instructional designer, literary translator and columnist writing on cross-cultural issues.
The 562-kilometer road connecting Urumqi and Hotan, which once was plagued by problems caused by the sand, now has desert plants as protection. [Photo/Provided to China Daily]

Kubuqi and Saihanba in North China are widely seen as successful examples of the country's fight against desertification.

Both places were covered by forests and grasslands until about 400 years ago when the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) opened them for lumber. Following decades of deforestation, grazing forest fires, the two places turned into deserts toward the end of the Qing Dynasty.

However, desertification has been controlled by more than one-third in the 180,000-square-kilometer Kubuqi Desert, the seventh-largest in China, and the 750-sq-km Saihanba Desert thanks to the anti-desertification campaign launched in the 1960s. In fact, the two places are now national parks.

Some common factors have played important roles in helping fight desertification in Kubuqi and Saihanba. Anti-desertification projects the world over take nature's laws into consideration, for which multidisciplinary expertise and modern technologies are needed. And by involving botanists, arborists, geologists, environmental engineers, and hydrologists in the two projects, the authorities have ensured their success.

Important decisions such as what trees and shrubs to plant, so as to make maximum use of the limited water resource are made after seeking the opinions of the experts and in consultation with the local people.

China has learned some lessons in its fight against desertification. For instance, after planting saplings and shrubs that absorbed the underground water in arid areas and then died a few years later for the lack of enough water, the authorities realized not all trees and shrubs can help fight desertification.

The authorities pay special attention to the Kubuqi and Saihanba national forest parks because they are the sources of sandstorms afflicting North China, including Beijing. If the greenery in the two places is not maintained, the sandstorms can get worse and extract huge economic and environmental costs.

To effectively fight desertification, however, the participation of enterprises and local residents is also necessary, because such environmental projects require huge amounts of energy and capital.

While working on a report on the desertification-control station in Hexi Corridor in Northwest China's Gansu province a couple of years ago, I interviewed a farmer in his late 70s, who told me that dozens of villagers have spent their entire life in preventing the nearby desert from engulfing the village. But despite their best efforts, after the elderly farmers die the village will turn into desert as the young people of the village have migrated to cities to earn a better living.

The Elion Group, a green technology and finance company, has been part of the Kubuqi desertification-control project since 1988, and played a crucial role in introducing capital and technologies, and employing local residents. Advanced agricultural technologies used in anti-desertification projects can help create business opportunities in the long run, by, for example, planting herbs that can be used in medicines. In fact, such herbs have been planted under the solar power panels in Kubuqi, generating revenues for local inhabitants.

Such endeavors can also help change people's concept about environmental projects and prompt them to take advantage of the "desert economy". In Saihanba, for instance, many of those born after the anti-desertification project was implemented share a common first namelin (meaning forest)reflecting local residents' respect for the vegetation that protects their homes.

Besides, the government should also take measures to provide better public services for local residents and raise their environmental awareness. Since desertification-control projects yield results only in the long term, they should be continued once started.

China has about 2.6 million sq km of deserts, and another 1.7 million sq km of desertified land, which together is about one-tenth of the world total. Thanks to the authorities' desertification-control efforts, desert and desertified areas in China have on average reduced by about 4,000 sq km a year in recent years. China's success in the fight against desertification, as such, is a contribution to global efforts to control the spread of deserts.

The author is a writer with China Daily. liyang@chinadaily.com.cn
A pedestrian using a smartphone walks past stores selling mobile phones and accessories at the Nehru Place IT Market in New Delhi, India, May 30, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

Nearly two months after India sent its troops across the Sikkim section of the border with China into the Donglang area, triggering a standoff between Chinese and Indian soldiers, New Delhi has continued to drag its feet over pulling its trespassing troops back onto Indian soil despite the repeated protests and warnings Beijing has made.

One of the excuses India has given for its troops crossing the long delimited border is that Donglang is a territory contested by China and Bhutan, and it is standing up for its small ally against what it claims is China's bullying of Bhutan.

The logic is ridiculous, even dangerous as the premise for action, since it sets a bad precedent of a regional power sending troops onto foreign soil in the name of protecting a third party's sovereignty.

Actually, as friendly neighboring countries, China and Bhutanthough they are yet to establish diplomatic relations because of India's interventionshave agreed to solve their border disputes through talks and consultations.

So far 24 rounds of border negotiations have been held and there are ample reasons to believe they will yield results if India stops throwing wrenches in the works.

Although Bhutan is yet to make a public statement, understandably given India's involvement, in a development that may come as a slap on the face of India, Bhutan has conveyed to Beijing through non-diplomatic channels that the area of the standoff is not its territory, the Press Trust of India reported on Tuesday, quoting Wang Wenli, deputy head of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Instead of mending its ways and withdrawing its troops immediately from Chinese territory as Beijing has repeatedly urged, India seems to be preparing for the "long haul". It is repairing its roads to the rear of the standoff, stocking up on supplies and massing a large number of armed personnel, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The adventurous trespassing by India can be attributed to its sense of insecurity given the friendly relations between China and Pakistan, but such concerns do not justify its rising chauvinism, which means it sees its small neighbor Bhutan as a vassal state rather than a sovereign and independent nation.

China has a strong will to solve the problem peacefully, but India keeps paying lip service to that by refusing to withdraw its trespassing troops. India should be fully aware of the consequences if it persists with its reckless behavior.
Luo Jie | China Daily

THE AUTHORITIES will soon publish a price guide for short-of-supply medicines and bulk pharmaceutical chemicals and they are seeking opinions from the public. Legal Daily comments:

The guide, if well implemented, can curb the price of medicines from rising when they are in short supply, which has been a long-term problem given the monopoly supply of some pharmaceutical drugs.

The price supervision departments have investigated dozens of cases of monopolistic pharmaceutical companies fixing medicine prices since 2011.

Two pharmaceutical companies, one in East China's Zhejiang province and one in Tianjin in North China, were recently fined about 444,000 yuan ($66,000) in total for abusing their market dominant positions.

The punishments that the judicial authorities can mete out to price controllers according to the Price Law remain too light to curb such practices.

The leniency of the Price Law means it encourages the lawbreakers since any fines they receive are regarded as a sort of small tax that the businesses pay for their exorbitant profits.

Hopefully, the public will take the opportunity to make their opinions on medicine pricing heard by the rule-makers and pharmaceutical companies will take the initiative to regulate their prices in accordance with the guide prices when they are introduced.

But the price guide is only an expedient measure.

Apart from the law, there should be a blacklist for the manipulating the price of medicines.

Once on the list, the enterprises should be banned from being involved in the pharmaceutical industry for a certain period of time or permanently, depending on the severity of their illegal acts.

However, the fundamental solution is to break the monopolies producing some pharmaceutical drugs.
CARACAS - Venezuela's new National Constituent Assembly (ANC) "aims to repair the malfunction" plaguing the country's governing system, a top lawmaker said on Thursday.

In order to do that, the other branches of government must be subordinate to the powerful legislative body, Delcy Rodriguez, a former foreign minister who was recently elected president of the ANC, told reporters at a press conference.

In one of its early decisions, the recently-installed ANC has decreed that Venezuela's five branches of government, the executive, legislative, judicial, electoral and citizen, are subject to its rulings.

"This regulation aims to repair the malfunction of the public branches," said Rodriguez, adding that ANC has already approved key norms to reestablish peace in the politically roiled nation.

"These measures are designed to meet the high goals of the state, without impairing the constitutional functions of each branch," said Rodriguez.

Venezuela's Constitution calls for a mechanism such as the ANC to amend constitutional laws and reorganize the state to improve government.

However, the country's opposition opposed the initiative and refused to take part in July 30 elections to elect the members of the constituent body, claiming it would only strengthen the ruling party.

The opposition was also motivated by the fact that the ANC supersedes the National Assembly, or Congress, which was under the opposition's control.

The ongoing power struggle between the two sides has led to months of confrontations that have left more than 100 people dead, including protesters, government supporters and security forces.

The ANC has created a truth commission to investigate the circumstances of the deaths that have occurred during anti-government protests.

By holding those responsible to account, "we are preventing violent incidents from happening again in the future," the lawmakers said.
Britain's second-busiest airport Gatwick has reported an increase in passengers travelling direct to and from China.

Gatwick Airport noted a 6.1 percent year-on-year rise in travellers on Chinese routes in July, the first anniversary of the airport's connections to China's Tianjin and Chongqing.

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick Airport CEO, said: "Gatwick's passenger numbers for July clearly illustrate the important and growing role Gatwick is playing in bringing Britain and Asia closer together. As the demand for travel to and from East Asia continues to rise, Gatwick has responded by adding exciting new destinations such as Taipei and Singapore to our rapidly expanding network of over 60 long-haul routes."

In December this year, China Airlines will be adding to Gatwick's Asia routes with a new service to Taiwan, with flights four times a week.

The international airport south of London has benefited from its long-haul routes, with the number of passengers travelling to long distance destinations rising by 10.7 percent compared to July last year.

"The 1.15 billion pound ($1.49 billion) set to be invested at Gatwick over the next five years will revolutionize our facilities and transform the airport experience for our passengers, ultimately paving the way for increased connections, including to China  one of our key ambitions for the near future," Wingate said.

Last month was also the busiest in the airport's history, with overall traveller numbers rising for a 53rd consecutive month as 4.7 million passengers made their journeys through the airport  an increase of 2.4 percent.

Wingate added: "Gatwick is already the world's busiest single-runway airport and we are exploring new and innovative ways to make best use of our existing facilities so we can continue to forge new connections and increase Britain's global connectivity when it's needed most."

Last year, the United Kingdom and China signed a deal to increase the number of flights between the two countries.

VisitBritain, the UK's official tourism body, said a record 54,000 tourists from China visited Britain in the first three months of 2017, a rise of 27 percent on the same period last year. Chinese tourists spending in Britain also increased to a record 91 million pounds.
BEIJING -- China on Friday called on the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to refrain from the old path of flaunting power and raising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks in a press statement in response to the recent spat between the United States and the DPRK over the situation on the peninsula.

The DPRK military said in a statement Thursday that its plan to strike Guam with intermediate missiles would be ready by mid-August.

"If North Korea (DPRK) does anything in terms of even thinking about attack of anybody that we love or we represent or our allies or us... they should be very nervous," U.S. President Donald Trump warned. "Because things will happen to them like they never thought possible."

The current situation on the peninsula is complicated and sensitive, said Geng.

"China hopes that all related parties could watch their words and actions, contribute more to easing the tensions and building mutual trust, and refrain from an old path of flaunting powers and raising tensions," the spokesperson said.
Aerial photo taken on Aug 3, 2017 shows the night scene of Xiamen, East China's Fujian province. Hundreds of streets and alleys here present the charm of southern Fujian. According to China's Belt and Road Initiative blueprint, Xiamen, the beautiful seaside city, is set to become the strategic pivot city of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and it will hold the ninth BRICS Summit in September. [Photo/Xinhua]

SHANGHAI - The upcoming BRICS summit in Xiamen will help the five member countries build a stronger economic partnership and a brighter future, said BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) President K.V. Kamath.

It has been over a decade since Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa came together to form BRICS. The NDB itself is an "outcome of the economic togetherness" of the emerging economies group, Kamath said during an exclusive interview with Xinhua on Wednesday.

At the ninth BRICS summit to be held in the Chinese city of Xiamen in early September, Kamath will present the bank's progress over the last two years as well as the direction it is heading in the coming two to three years.

Founded by BRICS member states in 2014, the NDB opened in Shanghai in July 2015 and became fully operational in early 2016.

The first NDB-funded loan, a solar power project in Shanghai, is expected to start operation in August.

The bank is expected to approve five new projects with a total value of 1.5 billion US dollars in September, with two of them in China, said Kamath.

Altogether, the bank has 23 projects at various stages of preparation for 2017-2018, with a total lending amount of 6 billion dollars. The bank granted loans to seven projects in 2016.

According to its general strategy for 2017-2021, the bank will put about two-thirds of its loans into sustainable infrastructure development.

"The growth of emerging countries, particularly the growth that we have seen in China, has clearly underlined the importance for growth to be sustainable," Kamath told Xinhua.

"I would say that we have learned from China's experience to push sustainability as a core of the lending process," he added.

The NDB is looking into more local currency financing opportunities in member countries.

After the bank's first green bond issuing in China was welcomed by the market last year, Kamath said the bank is planning another bond issuing between 3 to 5 billion yuan (450 to 750 million US dollars) in the second half of this year.

Meanwhile, it plans to issue bonds in local currencies in other member countries. "India will likely be one of the first, and our dialogue with bankers in Russia and other member countries indicate that there is good scope to raise local currency bonds in these countries," said Kamath.

He also told Xinhua that the bank will open its first regional office in Johannesburg of South Africa on Aug 17.

This regional office will act as a "face to Africa," as it will initially focus on preparing projects in the pipeline, Kamath said.

The bank intends to open other regional offices, but the timing of this is unclear, said Kamath.
A handful of Montana's smallest rural schools lost out on a federal grant after changes required schools to go through a cumbersome application process.

"We had never, in all the time I'd been involved with school boards, had to fill out an application to receive the grant funds," said Jeana Bliss, the district clerk for Sand Springs Elementary, a schoolhouse tucked between Winnett and Jordan in Garfield County.

Sand Springs is one of seven Montana schools that missed out on the money, according to the Montana Small Schools Alliance, for reasons like administrative turnover that left positions vacant during the summer  or in Bliss' case, fighting a historic wildfire threatening her family ranch.

The grant, which is distributed on an automatic formula basis, had brought in $20,000 for Sand Springs over a two-year cycle. The district usually used it to beef up technology or make special additions to the regular curriculum.

In the 2016 financial year, more than 300 Montana schools raked in about $5.2 million from the grant program.

Even in a state full of small, rural schools, districts like Sand Springs stand out. The school hasn't had a larger enrollment than seven students over the past 10 years. Such schools have minimal administration, which can make meeting paperwork requirements challenging.

Bliss, who has worked with school boards since 2001, readily admits, "I'm a ranchwoman."

She scraped together time to work on the grant application just before its deadline, but wasnt able to complete it.

This year's changes were instituted by new Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos' administration. After about 20 percent of eligible schools nationwide didn't meet an initial June 30 deadline, the Department of Education offered an extension until July 28.

According to federal statistics, more than 50 Montana schools eligible for the grant hadn't applied by July 21, a week after the application process was extended.

Almost 900 eligible districts nationwide hadn't applied by that date  about 20 percent of eligible schools.

Previously, schools had to go to a government website to request the funds, which Plevna Superintendent Jule Walker called a "fairly striaghtforward" process.

The new application includes rounding up multiple government identification numbers, using several government web portals and providing a narrative for how money was used.

"It was extremely tedious," said Walker, who runs a roughly 80-student district and recently represented a region spanning from Montana to California for a national superintendents organization.

In notices sent about about the original application deadline, which opened May 2, better communication was cited as the reason for the application process.

"The new, annual application process ensures that all SRSA grantee contact information will be updated at least yearly, thereby enabling the Department to communicate more efficiently and effectively with grantee LEAs," the release reads.

The department did not immediately respond to questions from the Gazette on Thursday.

'Bureaucratic red tape'

Democratic Sen. Jon Tester sent a letter to DeVos on Wednesday, saying that Montana school administrators had complained about the new process being a time-consuming hassle. The letter included questions about how and why the new application process was instituted.

"In an era where Montana's public school budgets are tighter than ever, our rural schools cannot afford to have even one dollar from these grants threatened by trival bureaucratic red tape," the letter says.

Walker and Rick Duncan, the superintendent at Powell County High School, raised the issue with Tester, Republican Sen. Steve Daines, and Republican Rep. Greg Gianforte's staff in Washington, D.C.

"We're not really sure why or how the process changed," said Duncan, who got the application in. "It was extremely cumbersome."

He wasn't buying the feds' communication reasoning.

"If they've got something to say, we're there," said Duncan, who is also the federal relations coordinator for the Montana Association of School Superintendents. "If anything, this enhanced the lack of communication."

"I'm like, 'are you kidding me?'" Walker said, recalling her reaction to the notice's communication reasoning.

Powell County High used the roughly $14,000 it got per year on technology and curriculum. The district serves nearly 200 students, well within the feds' 600-student definition for small schools but not particularly small for Montana  its administrative staff dwarfs schools like Sand Springs.

"They do not have the personnel or the time, really, to go through this," Duncan said.

Walker fears that the application process could be an effort to weed out schools and reduce or eliminate the grant. When asked if she sees how schools could have struggled with the application this year, she said, "I absolutely get it."
Gulangyu has a lot going for it: Beautiful scenery, delicious food, historic architecture and a quiet atmosphere.

But after the island, known in the local dialect as Kulangsu, was recognized by UNESCO on its list of World Cultural Heritage sites, the officials charged with overseeing its development decided to focus on another aspect of island life: the human beings who settled there, and the unique culture they created.

The 1.88-square-kilometer islet was residence for around 14,750 people in 2015, including 11,265 permanent residents and 3,485 transient residents, who moved there not long ago.

"Since the beginning step of Gulangyu's application for World Cultural Heritage sites until it was successfully included into the list, the issue of its preservation is always under challenge," said Wei Qing, director of a consulting team that worked on Gulangyu's application for UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status.

"The concept of human settlement of Gulangyu should be implemented throughout the preserving process," Wei said at a media forum held on July 28.

Through the effort made by local Chinese people, overseas Chinese and foreigners from varied countries, Gulangyu was built into an international settlement in the past centuries.

The diverse cultures and modern lifestyle rooted in the settlement embodies the modern concept of human settlement during the mid-19th to 20th century, according to Wei.

Before the 1980s, Gulangyu was a comprehensive system of human settlement, containing factories in which to work as well as home in which to live.

Starting in the 1980s, the local government proposed to make tourism the primary financial base for Gulangyu and made plans to move out the factories, some of the hospitals and schools that had been on the islet.

Thereafter, the tourism industry of islet gradually become the pillar industry, while factories shrank.

In 2008, the work on Gulangyu's application for UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status was put on the schedule. Since then, the local government has recovered some of the historic relics and streets, human facilities and plants.

The ancient buildings of Gulangyu are incredibly hard to mend, said Dong Qinong, president of the Volunteer Association in Gulangyu.

All the construction materials including bricks must be shipped from Xiamen to the islet. After downloaded onto the islet, the materials have to be carried by human-powered carts, as driving is not allowed there.

The difficulty in transportation boosted the price of recovery projects and made them exceptionally time consuming. In 2008, local government proposed a policy to facilitate the operation of household hotels.

The social participants including more than 300 household hotels on Gulangyu invested more than 500 million yuan ($74.33 million) on the recovery of the old buildings, according to Dong.

"Although Gulangyu has become a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, it doesn't mean we should put it on the shelf and bury it under dust.

"We should make full use of civil power to protect the historical buildings on the island and rejuvenate the islet in the process of proper use," Dong said.

However, the overly heated tourism really affects the daily life of the residents. The high price of products drive residents to buy things off-island. To deal with the problem, Dong suggests government offer subsidies to island residents, supplementing the income they gain from tourism.

Another key concept rooted in this historical international settlement is the inclusiveness.

The government provided financial support to folk bands, letting them buy the instruments they wanted. It also sponsored the cultural activities on the islet, according to Cai Songrong, deputy director of Kulangsu Cultural Heritage Monitoring Center.

However, the core value of Gulangyu is rooted in its role as a historic international settlement. The preservation of human settlements needs the participation of generations, Wei said.

"We should make more communication with the local residents, encouraging them to work together in the preservation work and build up identity recognition as Gulangyu residents," Wei said.
European cities that President Xi Jinping has visited in recent years have seen the number of Chinese tourists soar in the past few months.

Tourism offices in Davos, Switzerland; Prague, Czech Republic; and Helsinki, Finland, say that the number of tourists has risen significantly since January.

"The interest of Chinese people in Davos has been massive since the visit of Chinese President Xi," said Fredi Michel, destination manager of the Davos Tourism Office.

According to figures from Michel's office, the total number of Chinese tourists arriving in Davos stood at 2,766 from January to April this year. The number for the first four months was a year-on-year increase of 38 percent.

Xi attended the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum in Davos, a ski resort in Switzerland, in January, and he delivered the keynote speech, in which he advocated free trade and globalization.

The town has offered various programs for Chinese tourists, ranging from ski, sports, adventure, arts and cultures, and it has employees who speak Chinese to meet the rising demand.

"This is a rather promising beginning," said Song Shuyao, a ski instructor with the Davos Tourism Office.

Song said international hotels in the city have begun offering Mandarin-language service, hot drinking water and Chinese cuisine. Song's tourism office is also preparing a Chinese version of its website.

The situation is similar in Prague, which President Xi visited in early 2016. According to Prague City Tourism, the number of Chinese tourists in the Czech capital increased by 49 percent in the first quarter of the year. From January to March, Prague had 42,190 Chinese visitors, who accounted for 70,492 overnight stays.

Barbora Hruba, spokeswoman for Prague City Tourism, said her city has trained tourist guides who speak Chinese and prepared Chinese-language brochures, and it has a Chinese version of its tourism website.

Lucy Wang, customer manager of Glory Travel Agency in Prague, said the number of Chinese tourists has continued to increase in recent years, and their spending has risen as well. Mandarin Oriental, a hotel in Prague, confirmed that more Chinese visitors have stayed at the hotel since President Xi's visit.

Early statistics indicate that the number of Chinese tourists visiting the Czech Republic is expected to increase to 500,000 this year, a tenfold increase from 2012.

In Helsinki, the capital of Finland, which Xi visited in April, the city's tourism statistics show that the number of Chinese tourists soared by 74.2 percent in the first quarter of the year to a total of 26,700. In January alone, the number was up by 136 percent year-onyear.

Xiang Chen contributed to this story.
ANACONDA  County elections officials across Montana criticized Secretary of State Corey Stapleton's repeated assertions that voter fraud took place during the May 25 special election.

In turn, Stapleton's office produced a list of about 1,800 ballots cast during the election but were not counted. He asked for an explanation why the ballots were not counted and suggested that ballots submitted with mismatched signatures could raise concern, Montana Public Radio reported.

The clerks have said most of the ballots are rejected because of voter mistakes, not intentional fraud.

Stapleton spoke Thursday to the 56 county election administrators who comprise the Montana Association of Clerks and Recorders, at their meeting at Fairmont. He said he no longer feels comfortable conducting elections under the state's current system and wants more study of rejected ballots and election security.

Stapleton added that the state needs to be more focused on voter fraud to prevent it from occurring.

'We've got to acknowledge that if we live in a state that has never ... prosecuted and convicted voter fraud, then we might have a bias toward a system that doesn't want to know that," Stapleton told. "I'm not trying to say that everything is rotted. I've never tried to say that. But what I'm saying is, you can't rule that out."

But during Stapleton's presentation, some clerks questioned his understanding of the system he oversees. They added that his rhetoric weakens the public's confidence in the electoral process.

Clerks also complained about poor communication from Stapleton's office. One said Stapleton's office had never asked the clerks how they could work together until Thursday.
Doctors in the Netherlands helped kill 4.5 percent of all the people who died in the country in 2015, according to a recent review.



The data published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows more people are requesting physician-assisted death, and doctors are more willing to grant their requests. In 1990, just 1.7 percent of deaths in the Netherlands came through euthanasia or assisted suicide.



To receive a lethal injection or have a doctor prescribe life-ending pills, people from the Netherlands dont need to have a terminal illness but must be suffering unbearably. Most of the people whom doctors helped die were elderly and had health problems, with an increasing number of people without terminal illnesses.



Lead author Dr. Agnes Van der Heide of Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam said doctor-assisted death is becoming more commonplace: When assisted dying is becoming the more normal option at the end of life, there is a risk people will feel more inclined to ask for it.



Of those who died in 2015, 8 percent requested doctor-assisted death. Doctors granted more than half those requests, up from about one-third in years past.

Courtesy: WORLD News Service

Publication date: August 11, 2017
The teenage years can prove themselves to be a challenging season, for both the parents and teens alike. How can a deeper understanding of the gospel transform and redeem that potentially challenging period?

Jacquelle Crowe, teen author of This Changes Everything, and her father, Sean Crowe, set out to explore the answers to that very question at a seminar for parents and teens held at Living Hope Community Church on August 4.

We wanted to host this because we believe its so important for parents to disciple their children, said Chris Li, youth pastor at Living Hope.

The session, which lasted a little more than two hours, was divided into three parts, with each part including brief words from Sean and Jacquelle Crowe regarding three topics, and then allowing the parents and teens in the audience to share their thoughts with each other after each of the talks, following discussion questions provided.

Most people feel completely inadequate to care for their children, said Sean Crowe as he opened up the first portion, which focused on how the grace of God affects the lives and perspectives of parents and teens. Raising kids who love the Lord is a difficult task.

But just as we are saved by grace, we are also sanctified by grace, he added. Any success we have in parenting is due to the grace of God  so lets look to God.

Jacquelle Crowe mentioned the challenges that teens face in todays world, and said they need grace in two domains: living in the culture, and within the home.

In todays world, living as a Christian may require teens to stand apart from their peers, and perhaps be seen as weird, she said. But she encouraged them to stand out as a Christian by speaking words of life and truth, rather than gossiping; thinking of others first; living in purity; pursuing faithfulness; and living in a way that honors God.

She focused on how teens can honor their parents during the second portion of the session, and encouraged teens to obey their parents joyfully, and serve them willingly.

Obedience is hard, but parenting is hard too, said Jacquelle Crowe.

Jesus was a teenager just like us, and he also had to obey his earthly parents, she added. He did that because thats how teens are supposed to be.

Teens should serve their parents, she continued, because Christians lives should be marked with service.

They [parents] are fellow brothers and sisters, and it is our responsibility to love and serve them, said Crowe.

Praying for parents, and seeking ways to make their lives better, are among the ways that teens could serve their parents, she suggested.

Small, quiet faithfulness will be used to prepare you for bigger obedience in the future.

Meanwhile, parents have work to do as well, Sean Crowe noted during the second portion: teaching the teens what the Bible says; training them how to live; and praying for them.

When it comes to teaching the Bible or discipleship, parents may be tempted to think, Thats the churchs job. However, Crowe said, the primary responsibility is on the parents.

Your kids need to see you, how you live, you need to be their example, said Crowe. But you also need to see them  youre going to have to know your kids and what theyre interested in.

The tasks seem many and difficult for both parents and teens  but Sean and Jacquelle Crowe reminded them of the hope and help they can find in God: primarily, in Gods Word and in Gods body, the church. The wisdom and guidance that parents and teens need can be found in the Bible, and in the community of the church, they said.

I want to encourage you  you can begin again, said Sean Crowe. Now is the time to begin again.
The Chancellor of California State University System, Timothy P. White, issued an executive order on August 2 that seeks to revamp the university systems matriculation system. The executive order states that the CSUs will no longer require remedial classes that were mandatory for students who were not fully prepared for college level classes.

Currently, students are required to take a matriculation exam that assesses which classes students can take through the English placement test (EPT) and the entry-level mathematics exam (ELM) before signing up for classes. The current system requires those students who fall below the standard of being college ready to take up to three remedial classes that are noncredit before they can take classes that count towards a degree.

However, students are more likely to drop out before students can start to take classes for credit towards their degree, according to PPIC, a non-partisan research group. The time it takes to get remedial classes out of the way and the cost of these classes that students need to pay deter students from continuing to pursue a degree.

The English Placement Test (EPT) and the Entry-Level Mathematics (ELM) Test shall not be offered, and the EPT and ELM committees are discontinued, according to the executive order.

Instead, placement into general education courses will be based on multiple measures of academic proficiency, such as high school English and mathematics/quantitative reasoning course grades, high school grade point averages, grades in collegiate courses, ACT scores, SAT scores, Advanced Placement scores, International Baccalaureate scores, SAT subject test or Smarter Balanced Assessment/Early Assessment Program scores, according to the executive order.

The movement toward multiple measures is a better one, and having one high-stakes test  is inefficient. Students abilities cant be appropriately measured by one aspect, and testing them on multiple measures should be the approach," Michele Siqueiros, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity, stated.

James Minor, senior strategist for academic success and inclusive excellence at CSU also added that placement exams are not the most reliable indicator of how students will perform in the classroom.

Additional support to help students that remedial classes aim to achieve will be incorporated into existing for-credit classes that students take, along with the introduction of the Early Start Program that offers students the skills they need to be successful in their academic career.

The executive order stated that the Early Start Program participation is required for students needing skills development, as determined by the systemwide placement standards. Students needing skills development in both general education written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning shall be required to enroll in a written communication or mathematics/quantitative reasoning course but not both during the Early Start Program.

However, not everyone is thrilled with the what the new executive order hopes to achieve.

CSU is mandated to take the top one-third of graduating [high school] students," stated Steven Filling, an accounting and finance professor at CSU Stanislaus State.

Filling added: "Our population is pretty broad, but it's still the top third. We're interested in our students being able to successfully process what is going on in the university system, but placement exams are there in the first place because high school grades don't give you all the information you need. There's a lot of variability out there."

These motions to reshape the California State University System will be effective from the fall of 2018, with the Early Start Programs offered counting for credit being effective the summer of 2019, stated to the executive order.
Judicial Watch Sues Justice Department for Comey's 'Exit Records'

Contact: Jill Farrell, Judicial Watch, 202-646-5172

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Judicial Watch announced today that it filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the Department of Justice for all non-disclosure agreements pertaining to the handling, storage, protection, dissemination, and/or return of classified information that were signed by or on behalf of former FBI Director James Comey (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of Justice (No. 1:17-cv-01624)).

The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia after the Justice Department failed to respond to a June 13, 2017, FOIA request seeking "any and all non-disclosure agreements pertaining in full or in part to the handling, storage, protection, dissemination, and/or return of classified and/or sensitive information that were signed by or on behalf of former FBI Director James Comey." Such records would include:

 All SF-312 (Classified Information Nondisclosure Agreement) forms

 All FD-857 (Sensitive Information Nondisclosure Agreement) forms

 All FD-597 (Receipt for Property Received/Returned/Released or Seized) forms

 All FD-291 (FBI Employment Agreement) forms

 All Case Briefing Acknowledgement forms

"How is it the FBI allowed Mr. Comey to walk out the door with sensitive documents about President Trump?" said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "It is remarkable that we have to sue the FBI in federal court to get these answers about this scandal."

In June, Judicial Watch sent the FBI a warning letter concerning the FBI's legal responsibility under the Federal Records Act (FRA) to recover records, including memos Comey subsequently leaked to the media and unlawfully removed from the Bureau by former Director James Comey.

Judicial Watch later filed a FOIA lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice for information about Comey's memorandum written after his meeting with President Trump regarding potential interference by the Russians in the 2016 presidential election (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of Justice (No. 1:17-cv-01189).

In July, Judicial Watch filed a FOIA lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice for the metadata for the memoranda written by Comey memorializing his conversations with President Donald Trump as well as records about Comey's FBI-issued laptop computer or other electronic devices and records about how Comey managed his records while he was FBI Director (Judicial Watch, Inc., v. U.S. Department of Justice (No. 17-cv-01520)). The metadata information may include details about when the memos were created or edited and by whom.

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Roosevelt County authorities are searching for a man who broke into a casino near the North Dakota border and took money from a safe.

The sheriff's office released a photo of the suspect, who has a goatee and was wearing sunglasses.

The burglary took place early Monday at the Gold Dust Casino. He entered through a basement window and took a "large amount of money" from a safe, according to a release from the sheriff's office.

He was described as a white male between 5'8" and 6'1" tall.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Roosevelt County Sheriff's Office at 406-653-6240.
Whole World is Praying for Peace on the Korean Peninsula

Contact: World Council of Churches, +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press

GENEVE, Aug. 11, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is the latest participating organization to announce it will join, on 13 August, a Sunday of Prayer for the Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula.

Churches across the world are invited to show solidarity with Korean churches by joining the prayer, based on Romans 14:19: Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

The joint prayer was prepared by the Korean Christian Federation (KCF) from North Korea and the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) from South Korea.

The World Council of Churches (WCC), World Communion of Reformed Churches and now the WEA are inviting parishes and individuals across the world to pray for the reconciliation and healing of the divided Korean Peninsula.

Bishop Efraim Tendero, secretary general of the WEA, comments: "Dialogue and understanding is the right and moral way forward as we uphold the dignity and great value of every people who bear the image of the God of Peace." He added, "On this Sunday of prayer, we bring before the Lord our plea for a peaceful resolution and the reunification of the Korean Peninsula. May God change hearts, may He change minds, and may He bring about unity in this land to the glory of His name."

The day of prayer is arriving during a time when the WCC and many other organizations are urging dialogue and engagement, not threats and sanctions, as military tension on the Korean Peninsula escalates.

WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit expressed concern over whether sanctions demonstrate any positive impact in bringing a return to negotiations or preventing its development of nuclear weapons.

It is not at all clear how the new sanctions can be expected to make any more positive contribution to this extremely delicate and dangerous situation, Tveit said.

We call for a sea-change in the international communitys approach to North Korea, in favour of dialogue and engagement rather than military and political confrontation.

"Increasing participation in the day of prayer indicates that many people, from many nations, are choosing to walk together on a path of peace and hope for the Korean Peninsula and the world," said Tveit.

The WCC represents 560 million people, the WCRC represents 80 million and the WEA 600 million more from around the world, he said. Clearly the pilgrimage of justice peace is a growing, thriving movement, and we would like to invite even more to join us.

World Communion of Reformed Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Chris Ferguson concluded We believe churches across the world can, through prayer, help foster an environment in which peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula can flourish.

The day of prayer occurs two days before Liberation Day in Korea (15 August), during which people celebrate Koreas liberation from Japanese colonization.

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 348 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, from the [Lutheran] Church of Norway.
home World Kazakhstan fines pastor and 5 foreigners for holding baptisms

A court in Kazakhstan has fined a local Protestant pastor and five foreigners for holding an outdoor baptism near the country's commercial capital of Almaty.

According to Forum 18, Local Protestant pastor Marat Tlegenov was found guilty of violating Kazakhstan's Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3 on July 10 for holding baptisms without being registered as a missionary.

Judge Ruslan Suleimenov of Uighur District Court ordered Tlegenov to pay the fine of 226,900 Tenge (US$680).

The judge also sentenced five foreign citizens for participating in the baptism ceremony.

Suleimenov similarly fined Canadian pastor Hae Taik Kim 226,900 Tenge and ordered his deportation. Korean citizens Myungsoon Bae and Byung Jin Ahn, and US citizens Samantha Sun Yu Leist and Sung Chun Park were each fined 113,450 Tenge (US$340) and were prohibited from conducting unspecified activities for three months.

The court decisions did not mention who decided to prosecute the local pastor and the five foreigners.

An official of Almaty Region Religious Affairs Department, who declined to give his name, said that local authorities in Uighur District initiated the case. "We weren't involved. We were just informed of it," the official told Forum 18 on Aug. 4.

Forum 18 noted that it was unable to contact Shakhmurad Imirov, the prosecutor who brought the cases to court. Imirov's colleague, Nursultan Zhunis, has declined to say how prosecutors found out about the baptisms.

"The religious group is registered in Enbekshikazakh District, but they had come here to our District to conduct their religious rituals," Zhunis told Forum 18. "Under the law this is banned. We have various bans on religious activity under our law," Zhunis added.

The Kazakhstan government imposes strict controls on the exercise of religion in the country, and only registered religious communities are allowed to meet for worship within their own registered premises or in other venues with state approval.

Those who conduct "missionary activity" without state approval are subject to fines equivalent to about two month's average wage.

The authorities also impose strict censorship on literature related to religion and beliefs. Publishing, distributing and importing such material requires state permission, according to Forum 18. Organizations are subject to a fine of 453,800 Tenge (US$1,361) for importing, manufacturing, publishing, or distributing religious materials, while individuals can be fined 113,450 Tenge (US$340).

Kazakhstan is currently ranked 43rd on the Open Doors World Watch List of countries where Christians experience the most persecution. Those who converted to Christianity from Islam suffer persecution both at the hands of the state and from family, friends and community.
home World Vatican demands religious order in Belgium to stop offering euthanasia to patients

A Catholic religious order in Belgium has been told by the Vatican to stop offering euthanasia to their psychiatric patients or face canonical sanctions.

The Vatican has given the Belgian Brothers of Charity until the end of August to stop offering euthanasia to patients in its psychiatric centers.

Each of the religious brothers serving on the board of the order was asked to sign a joint letter declaring their adherence to Church teaching, according to Catholic News Agency. Those who refuse to sign will face punitive action under canon law, and the group itself could face legal action and have its Catholic status revoked if it does not change its policy.

The decree, composed by the congregations for the Doctrine of the Faith and for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, was backed personally by Pope Francis, according to the group's superior general.

"The Holy Father was formally informed about it and was also informed about the steps to be taken," Superior General Rene Stockman said.

The mandate, sent at the beginning of August, came five months after the order's Belgian branch published new guidelines allowing for legal euthanasia to be administered in its 105 health centers in the country.

Stockman, who is Belgian but based in Rome, immediately raised concerns about the change in policy, citing the order's obligation to keep up the fight for "fundamental values," specifically condemning euthanasia for psychiatric patients.

Despite Stockman's objections, the group went ahead with the new policy, which was implemented in June for each of the 15 psychiatric centers they run throughout Belgium.

In response, the general superior asked for the support of the Belgian Catholic Bishops Conference, but the organization continued to resist.

Stockman then took the issue to the Vatican, and he was eventually invited to raise his concerns before both the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith and the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

Cardinal Gerhard Muller, former head of the doctrinal congregation, sent a statement to the Brothers of Charity Group members reiterating the Church's teaching on euthanasia, but the letter was ignored.

The lack of response from the group prompted the Congregation for Consecrated Life to issue a mandate asking Stockman "to see that the organization can again be in line" with Church teaching.

Stockman said that he has been in contact with the organization's board members. "They said they received the letter and that they will discuss again in their board the situation. I am waiting for the final answer," he said.

The Brothers of Charity, which is aimed at serving the elderly and the mentally ill, was founded in 1807 in Ghent, Belguim by Fr. Peter Joseph Triest. The organization, which cares for about 5,000 patients a year, is considered to be the most important provider of mental health care services in the Flanders region of Belgium.
The parent company of Applebee's and IHOP restaurants is going through some major changes that will see as many as 160 locations close, however there appears to be a bright side.

According to the Los Angeles Times on Thursday DineEquity Inc. said in a quarterly earnings call that after reviewing fiscal year earnings between 105 and 135 Applebee's restaurants could close. That's significantly higher than the previous 60 locations that were rumored.
"We will never travel again!" Those were the first words out of our mouths as my wife and I watched the fourth pregnancy test turn positive. (Yes, it took four tests to believe it.)

Coming as a complete surprise, joyous thoughts of raising a beautiful family together were far from our minds. Instead, we were grieving how our lives would drastically change. Having grown up traveling internationally and being the proud holder of a passport filled with more than 50 different country stamps, I feared I'd never travel again.

Then our daughter was born. Statements that once seemed merely obligatory, were true. I was in love. And as I held our little girl in my arms, a desire to show her the world emerged. I wanted this little girl I call daughter to experience different people and cultures, witness her parents live a fearless life, and start to make memories from the very beginning of her life.

What we decided, and then learned: Being new parents did not mean we couldn't travel.

- - -

The week we left the hospital as a family of three, we booked flights to Havana. Why Cuba? Having spent our entire lives being told we couldn't go, the moment we were told we could, we jumped at the chance. Bloggers say Cuba is one of the safest countries to travel with a baby, so why not test that theory? Just shy of her 12-week birthday, we boarded a flight to Havana for six days in the sun. (A huge sigh of relief, she slept on all flights and never made a peep. Breast-feeding her during takeoff and landing really did work.)

After almost a week of battling rubble and uneven Havana cobblestone streets with a stroller, Mom, Dad and Baby got the adventure we had hoped for. We watched the sunset over the Atlantic while walking along the El Malecon. We enjoyed paella as musicians serenaded us in the European-style plazas. These were all things we'd do traveling before kids, but now we had memories etched into our family story. From the very beginning of her life, we could tell our daughter that we showed her the world, unbound by fear or conformity, and we have the photos to prove it.

And yes, not to mention, it will only get harder to travel as she grows.

Rather than retreating into our safe, controlled world, we want to take calculated risks to build character and spirit into our daughter. The key word in that sentence is calculated. We don't want to put our daughter at risk, so we read blog after blog, article after article, about others taking babies to Cuba. What sealed the deal was an enthusiastic, "How fun! Please go and take her, too!" from our pediatrician. The only advice was to be mindful of the hot Cuban sun and breast-feed her often to avoid dehydration.

We found that Cuban culture already takes the sun into account, making it perfect for young families. We woke up with the sun peeking into our room and joined the rest of Havana in finding a fresh breakfast. Satisfied, we'd wander the narrow streets using the building shadows as a natural sunblock. After lunch, the city retreats inside to escape the height of the sun. Museums and coffee shops became our best friends and great feeding grounds. As the sun escaped into the night, our adventure continued outside for dinner and more exploring.

There's an old proverb that says, "When the sun rises, it rises for everyone." We don't want the sun to rise when our daughter is 3 years old; we want it to rise for her now. Each morning, she woke up with wide eyes ready to see a different world into which she was born. At 12 weeks old, we showed her that the world doesn't have to be an unsafe, small place to be afraid of; rather, it can be greeted with curiosity and wonder. (And she can brag to her friends about having a passport before any of them.)

Now onto our next adventure: Israel!

Travel tips for Cuba with a baby:

- Apply for your baby passport early giving it four to six weeks to arrive. This article walks you through the process: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/under-16.html

- Most airlines include the required Cuban health insurance with your ticket. Call the airline and ask it to issue your baby a physical ticket as proof of health insurance.

- Your baby needs a visa. Order it beforehand and pick it up near the gate of your departure city at the airport. Americans can only travel for one of 12 reasons. Pick "People to people" as your reason. They didn't ask or check at either border control, but just in case keep a copy of your itinerary to show you interacted with Cubans. If you stay at an Airbnb, interacting with your host counts.

- American credit cards and ATM cards do not work in Cuba. There's also an additional fee for exchanging U.S. dollars into Cuban CUC. To avoid the hassle, call your bank at least seven weeks in advance and take out money in euros. We budgeted $100 a day while in Havana.

If you pack the right things, you'll have a less stressful stay in Cuba. Traveling in April, here's what we recommend taking for your baby:

- ThinkBaby sunscreen

- Diapers for six days (We brought 66)

- Baby wipes

- Ergobaby for exploring the beautiful streets of Havana

- Light stroller and car seat (We got this one free from our neighborhood parents network)

- Travel baby sleeper

- 10 summer outfits

- One swaddle

- Four burb rags

- Baby soap

- Baby thermometer

- Night light

- Fully stocked diaper bag

- Baby Tylenol

- A NoseFrida

We didn't end up using or needing the baby insect repellent or mosquito net.

Other advice:

Stay in Old Havana. You can walk to everything and the streets are narrow, protecting your baby from the sun.

Men and women in Cuba love babies, proved by the fact that every person we interacted with paid attention to our baby. We could bump to the front of every line.

We checked two bags, which was a mistake. We were at the airport in Havana for an hour waiting for our luggage to come through on the belt. Once you have your bags, the money exchange is at departures rather than arrivals. Often there's a very long line. Factor in two to three hours at the airport before you're ready to head to your Airbnb or hotel.

Each morning, we'd put her in the Ergo. She'd fall asleep as Mom and Dad walked the historic streets of Old Havana. Go from street to street enjoying the vibrant street art, cheap mojitos, and beautiful plazas.

Turn your Cuba visit into a technology-free vacation. WiFi is controlled by the government and only a few parks and hotels have it. Once you find WiFi, you can only log on after purchasing a sometimes hard-to-find WiFi card. Once you log on, don't be surprised if the WiFi is one of these things: 1) slow 2) shuts down after a few minutes or 3) doesn't work at all. That said, do all your research beforehand while in the United States, including hours of operations of each place you want to visit. There were many times we walked for more than hour to an art gallery or restaurant only to find it closed.

The streets are very uneven and bumpy. This made taking a stroller a bit more difficult. We ended up using the Ergo for much of our stay. If you want to save space, leave the stroller at home, but take the car seat, as you'll need it in the taxi to and from the airport.

Many Cuban taxis don't have seat belts in the back. Factor in extra time and money to pay for a yellow taxi, which has seat belts for each seat.

Lunch was no issue with our baby, but Cubans eat dinner late, right when our baby goes down for bed. Many restaurants didn't do takeout, so it took several tries before I was able to bring food back to our Airbnb. If you stay in Old Havana, a restaurant called Art Pub does takeout.

- - -

Graff works at The Washington Post and is a first-time dad. He's on Twitter @AustinKGraff and Instagram.
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A group consisting of nine men and three women have been arrested for allegedly forcing minors into sex trafficking and child pornography.

The suspects are accused of using sexually-orientated websites to traffic minors as young as 16 for commercial sex, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. All of the suspects are charged with conspiracy to traffic children for the purpose of commercialized sex, sex trafficking of children, sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion in the Galveston area.

TRAFFICKING IN TEXAS: Harris Co. constable says 14-year-old runaway rescued in human trafficking sting

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Joseph Church, 31, and Angela Marks, 23, both of Sweeney; Jamaal Crane, 25, of Angleton; Norris Moon, 23, and Christopher Walton, 23, both of Brazoria; Ronnie Beasley, 19, of Rosharon; and William Franklin, 18, of Wharton were arrested in a coordinated effort with federal and local law enforcement. They are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen Smith on Friday.

Jamier Coleman, 20, and Lurkesha Baugh, 35, both of Wharton, were previously in state custody on unrelated charges. They are expected to appear in court soon for their alleged roles in the sex trafficking.

Other suspects include Alisa Kimber, 24, of Freeport, who is already in federal custody on similar charges. Stephanie Walker, 35, of Houston, was arrested in Beaumont on Thursday. Eric Page, 19, was taken into custody on unrelated charges on Wednesday in Sherman. The three are expected to appear in Galveston court in the near future.

BUSTED TRAFFICKING RING: Human trafficking investigation force leads to 37 arrests in West Texas

If convicted, each person charged may face up to life in prison. Walker and Kimber face of up to five years in prison for using an interstate facility to promote sex trafficking of children. Church and Marks also face an additional 30 years in prison for child pornography charges. Moon and Walton also face up to life in prison for firearms offenses. All charges carry up to a $250,000 fine.

The investigation was conducted by the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance, which includes members of the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations, and the Houston Police Department.

Numerous sheriff's offices, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, Texas Attorney Generals Office, Department of State, Department of Labor, IRS and the Texas Department of Public Safety also assisted in the investigation.
A Houston-area woman says she must fork over $300 to get her cat back from an alleged animal rescue group.

Rachel Dean, 27, of Dickinson, posted on the Lost Pet Advocates of Galveston County Facebook group Sunday regarding her missing cat Romeo.

Romeo, who is 10-years-old, is an outdoor, indoor cat who went missing July 28.

NO JOKE: Houston woman arrested in phony kidnapping-for-ransom scheme across three states

"This isn't like him, something is wrong," Dean told Chron.com, adding that Romeo would often sleep on her doorstep waiting for her to get back from work, where she provides meals to poor children in Houston.

Dean began distributing fliers with her phone number around her neighborhood. On Sunday, she received a call from someone asking if there was a reward for Romeo, Dean said. That person didn't say they had her cat.

Dean would end up receiving numerous calls this week from people with two different numbers demanding $300 from her in exchange for her pet. When Dean told one of the callers she couldn't afford that, they offered to place her on a monthly payment plan.

Frustrated and angered over her lost cat, Dean turned to Facebook. The post on the Lost Pet Advocates Facebook group included photos of text messages Dean exchanged with one of the people allegedly in possession of her cat. That person claimed to be from League City.

LOOKING FOR HELP: Those 'lost cat, $1,500 reward' flyers in Washington Heights are not a scam

"I believe we have a predator out there snatching animals and charging owners for a safe return. Today I received two phone calls from someone saying that they have my cat and want to know how much I would offer for them," Dean wrote.

Dean said she tried filing a report with the Dickinson Police Department, but they would not take her seriously. The Dickinson police department told Chron.com Friday morning that it will be taking another look into the missing cat. A request for comment was also placed with the people Dean has been texting with.

"I feel tormented," Dean told Chron.com. "Because as much as it seems it's a scam, I've been given false hope a couple different times. I want to believe that they have him and that's where he is. But logically I don't know. It's really cruel to be doing this to people. I want other people to know about it."
The massive four-column hull of a deep-water oil platform began sailing from South Korea to Texas this week, starting a months-long voyage that will bring Shell closer to finishing a multibillion-dollar Gulf of Mexico project.

The departure is the latest milestone for a gigantic venture the European company sanctioned two years ago in the face of a raging oil bust that forced many of its rivals to scuttle offshore plans.

As oil prices tumbled, Shell spent $600 million and employed 1,500 workers in Texas and Louisiana alone to fabricate parts for the so-called Appomattox project, expected to start pumping oil 80 miles off Louisiana by the end of the decade. Even so, Shell says it could still wring a profit from its 125,000-ton platform with oil prices below $50 a barrel, after deep cost cutting.

"If you look at the platforms, we used to have a lot more focus on the deeper, the bigger," said Wael Sawan, executive vice president of deepwater at Shell, in a recent interview. "Much of our technology spend is now geared toward more capital efficiency, lower costs."

Shell said it has whittled down expenses on the Appomattox by more than 20 percent, as it cut down on the time it needed to drill wells and took advantage of lower equipment prices. The company used new high-tech rigs to drill faster, and it closely monitored every step to slash non-productive time.

Related: Shell to develop 40,000 barrels per day Kaikias in Gulf

As the platform's hull makes its way from south Asia to U.S. waters, it edges closer to the last major step in the platform construction, which is to integrate the hull with the platform's topsides in Ingleside, Texas.

Next, Shell will install the platform in the Gulf. At its peak, Shell's portion of the project will produce 175,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day. Still, even now, new deep-water projects are much rarer than during the go-go years of $100 a barrel oil.

"What you won't see is a flurry of activity," Sawan said. "You'll see only the best and most robust projects come through  projects that break even with sub-$40 oil, you'll see that activity pick up."
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Around 100 emergency responders representing nearly two dozens agencies from Liberty, Montgomery and Harris counties participated in a mass casualty drill Wednesday organized by Cleveland ISD Police Chief Rex Evans. They came ready to respond to an event they hope will never happen -- the crash of a special-needs school bus.

"The primary reason for the drill is to get emergency responders working in a school environment. All of us are used to dealing with the public, but dealing with children, particularly special-needs children, is very different," Evans said. "Our special-needs population in Cleveland ISD is on the rise. I personally believe they are among the most vulnerable of our students and deserve to be thought of. They have special needs and we need to be prepared."

Cleveland High School band and ROTC students portrayed special-needs students during the drill. Prior to the event, each was told the type of challenge they were supposed to represent and asked to research the condition and create a storyline for their character.

Two students, both with hearing-impaired relatives and a knowledge of American sign language, portrayed deaf students. Some were in wheelchairs and others exhibited the characteristics of autism and other disorders.

The drill was the fifth mock disaster organized by Evans since becoming the district's police chief in 2012.

"We had two active shooter drills and this was the second bus crash. We also had a drill involving a chemical leak at the high school," he said. "In our profession, it's imperative that we train. Our careers are in a constant state of evolution. Practices change, tools of the job change, and if you don't stay up with that, you fall behind."

Wednesday's drill briefly closed the SH 105 bypass in Cleveland while the accident scene was staged, students were put in place, and first responders arrived on the scene.

With the help of wrecker drivers from Cleveland-based Smith Towing and J & J Towing, a bus formerly used by ROTC was overturned and a tanker truck carrying an unknown liquid, later determined to be water, was placed across the roadway. Then the mock 911 call was broadcast to police and fire radios in the area.

Moments later, Cleveland firefighters arrived, not long before firefighters from Tarkington, Plum Grove and East Montgomery County showed up to assist.

With more than a dozen "victims" involved in the crash, one of the biggest challenges, according to Evans, was to medically evaluate each person. The students, once extricated from the vehicle, were laid in a row on the shoulder of the road.

An ambulance-bus operated by the Atascocita Fire Department and the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council arrived to help with treating multiple casualties at once.

"One of the things we learned from the drill was in regards to triage. When we laid the kids out, we learned a better way of tagging and identifying the most critical walking wounded," Evans said. "We are now going to be working with [Liberty County Emergency Director] Tom Branch to put a plan into place."

Another thing learned, according to Evans, is that Liberty and Montgomery counties operate on different radio channels, making it harder for them to communicate.

"Montgomery County had a lot of trouble initially getting in the loop. We found one channel where we could all go and work from," Evans said. "Those are things we wouldn't know without the drill."

After the drill was over, participants returned to Cleveland High School's cafetorium for a debriefing. Evans said that each was anxious to share their thoughts on the drill and offer suggestions.

"No drill ever runs the same. There are always techniques we can improve on. That's why we do these things," the chief said.
Faced with daily complaints from jail staff that the air conditioning wasn't working, Liberty County Judge Jay Knight and commissioners weren't going home on Tuesday until they knew there was a fix.

Commissioners grilled a representative from The Way Group who has a maintenance contract to keep most of the county HVAC systems serviced and running properly. Most commissioners are of the opinion that the contract had become a sinkhole siphoning off county funds without a real solution.

The contract was awarded by a previous administration with the promise to save the county thousands of dollars, but commissioners are skeptical that there has been any real savings.

At the time of the awarding of the contract, a total replacement of the Liberty County sheriff's offices and jail HVAC system were not included because it was cost prohibitive. The unit is 30-plus years old and has been a money pit for years and commissioners are now faced with a costly replacement.

D. T. Burch presented commissioners a paper trail between Dennis Hartman and the GEO Corrections and Detention staff that oversees the operation and management of the jail trying to resolve the issue, but the information only angered commissioners more.

"There are no windows to open, no nothing to get them relief," said Liberty County Sheriff Bobby Rader while addressing commissioners.

Rader also announced that they had been sent a letter from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) where a complaint had been filed by inmates in the N, P, and Q dorms of the Liberty County Jail.

State jail standards require the temperature to be between 65  85 degrees. Following an inspection, it was determined that the highest temperature in the jail was 80 degrees.

GEO Group, who owns the contract for operations of the jail, also responded on July 19 in a letter that inmates were also being provided ice water and fans until the air conditioning was addressed by commissioners court. TCJS closed the issue on July 27 with no concerns.

The chiller at the center of the debate cools the jail and several of the sheriff's offices, including dispatch.

"I'd like to know what's going on," Knight said. "When I start getting phone calls on a daily basis complaining that it's hot and it's 108 degrees outside and my dispatchers are telling me they're about to get into their summer gear, we need to get to the bottom of this and find out what's going on," the judge said.

The Way Group representative Dennis Hartman was fairly new on the job and had little history or background on the situation, but was willing to explain the issues.

"There are two circuits on the chiller, with eight compressors. On each circuit, there is one compressor that's not running," he told the court.

"The coils are completely shot. Every time we fix a leak, another one opens down the line. The latest one is down inside the tube which we can't repair," he said.

There are eight coils, broken up into groups of two.

Hartman said the air-handlers are not getting enough water flow in the system to cool the air down either - another issue.

The Way Company did a $4,000 patch, but it did very little to fix the problem.

"To get immediate relief through the summer, you would need a temporary chiller," Hartman said.

Commissioners were given a figure of $29,000 for a patch that might only last one year at best.

Unwilling to throw more money down the drain, the discussion turned to replacement.

"Since it's not on the agenda, we can't vote on something like that," said Pct. 2 Commissioner Greg Arthur.

"I would consider this an emergency," Knight said, "and we could have a meeting as soon as he can get us hard numbers on the cost of replacement."

With that, Pct. 4 Commissioner Leon Wilson asked The Way Company representative to come back as soon as possible with numbers on a new chiller, air handler, piping, compressors and get with Harold Seay to make a decision on whether or not it should go out for bid.

"I don't want those dispatchers over there sweating another day," Wilson said.

Rader said they have put in a small air conditioning unit in the dispatch area that helps, but is no fix for the problem.

Commissioners voted to pay the outstanding invoice for the repairs and Knight announced they would have an emergency meeting later during the day to address the issue.

The emergency meeting was held at 2 p.m. at the courthouse and commissioners heard good and bad news.

The Way Company offered two different proposals, one for $29,000 and another for $40,000, but could not guarantee either would last more than a year.

"We are not limited to use The Way Company to repair any of the parts on this chiller, however, it appears they have been the source of convenience in the past," the judge said.

Their proposals were unacceptable for commissioners.

"The warden said they could get the same job done for $16,000," Knight said.

With that proposal, the judge said that would give the commissioners about eight months to get the replacement done, including the specs for the job, procurement, and actual installation.

"That's what we voted for and the good news is that we can begin work tomorrow morning. With The Way Company, we would have had to wait for about four weeks," he said.

The judge said they've been suffering long enough and no more patches, it must be replaced.

"Today was the day to get it done," he said.

Knight threw out kudos to new Pct. 1 Commissioner Bruce Karbowski who went over to the jail during the break between the two court sessions and inspected it himself.

"He saw where the leaks were and that they could be fixed," Knight said. "They can get the compressors up, flush out the system, and clean out and replace some of the pipes and we'll be up and running soon."

The solution will save the county money and at the same time get relief to the workers and inmates within the week. Most of the items that will be used in the repair can be purchased locally, another boost for the economy.
With a reservation-wide vote on its tribal constitution scheduled for Saturday, the two branches of the Crow Tribes government are at odds over the future of the governing document for a tribal nation of more than 13,000.

In late July, the tribes Legislative branch filed a request for an injunction in tribal court against Chairman Alvin A.J. Not Afraid and more than a dozen other members of his eight-month-old administration. The tribal governments lawmakers allege the new tribal chairman is exceeding his authority as the chief executive of the reservation, and that he is improperly appropriating public funds to hold a referendum questioning the legitimacy of the Crow Nations governing document.

The case is before Judge Thor Hoyte, who is expected to make a ruling either Friday or early next week.

Not Afraid said Wednesday the constitutional referendum is intended only to gauge the tribes level of support for a constitution he believes was improperly ratified 16 years ago. He likened the vote to a survey, the results of which will help him decide whether to recommend constitutional amendments to the legislature.

As I talk to the people, the people have specifications; its not that they want to go back to the 48 (tribal constitution), but the people want another process, if you will, that keeps the Chairman of the Crow and the legislative body accountable, he said.

The ballot will also address the possibility of re-negotiating the terms of the Crow Tribes water rights compact with the state and federal government. Its not clear how that process would proceed, however, since all three parties officially ratified the negotiated settlement five years ago.

In July 2001, the tribes Legislative Branch voted to repeal and replace the previous 1948 constitution, after the tribal members voted in favor of ratifying the new governing document. The Department of the Interiors former Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, Neal McCaleb, formally approved the new government later that year.

Not Afraid, however, notes that the legislatures meeting that day ended with a vote to render all business during that meeting null and void. Dawn Gray, attorney for the Legislative Branch, acknowledges that the claim is backed up by the official minutes of the meeting. But she contends that challenge has already struck down in previous rulings by the tribal court and the U.S. District Court in Billings.

Beyond that legal question, however, the tribal lawmakers argue that Not Afraid lacks the authority to hold the vote in the first place. The injunction alleges that the chairmans actions rely instead on rules that existed previously under the 1948 document.

We took an oath over the 2001 constitution, and were still operating under the 2001 constitution and we have a process to bring these constitutional contentions, Speaker of the House Eric Birdinground said Thursday. He added, If they do take a vote on Saturday, it will be illegal and will require another injunction if the chairman recognizes the vote.

Not Afraid said he scheduled the vote two weeks ago, after receiving a petition signed by 100 tribal members. The 2001 constitution requires referendums and initiatives receive a much higher number of petition signatures before a vote can be taken  25 percent of all qualified voters.

Despite spearheading the constitutional challenge, Not Afraid said his move is simply the fulfillment of a campaign promise to put the issue to a vote of the people.

The way I view it, I would like the Crow people to reaffirm the 2001 (constitution), with amendments, he said, adding that a vote upholding the existing law of the land would put the government on stable ground.

Both sides agree the current governing document is an imperfect one. But Birdinground believes those changes should be made under an existing process to ratify constitutional amendments, which was approved by both branches of government in 2004.

Polling places will be open in each of the Crow Reservations six districts on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Crosby Independent School District is considering a $109.5 million bond package proposal that would include a tax rate decrease for property owners.

The new proposal exceeds the bond passed in 2013 by about $23 million. Voters passed the 2013 bond for $86.5 million, along with a 23-cent tax rate increase.

Although the proposed bond package is higher than its predecessor, Crosby ISD Superintendent Keith Moore said it would actually result in a 2-cent tax rate decrease  lowering the rate from $1.67 to $1.65 per $100 value.

"Our taxpayers supported us tremendously for the 2013 bond because it was a big need, and we didn't have the variables going for us like we do this time," Moore said. "When we asked, our community supported us by approving a 23-cent tax increase  that's huge. We felt like the community stepped up and helped us when we needed them to, and now we're able to lower it. I feel like we have a moral obligation to lower it when we can."

The Bond Process

In preliminary discussions about the possibility of issuing bonds, the district looked at waiting until 2018 or 2019 before pursuing a call for elections.

A demographic report presented to Crosby ISD around May by Population and Survey Analysts (PASA) indicated the need may be more pressing than originally projected.

"With the numbers of students we know are enrolled in our schools now and with the aggressive projections we have, to wait another year I felt like wasn't prudent," Moore said. "Especially because, even if the bond passes now, it's not like you pass the bond in November and facilities hit the ground in January. It's a three-year process. So, when we saw how much growth we were going to have over that three-year period of time, it accelerated the need to go out for this bond in November 2017."

Moore worked with a citizens advisory committee, composed of approximately 25 individuals who represent the community demographic, to craft a bond package proposal, which was completed Tuesday, Aug. 8.

They will present their recommendation to the Crosby ISD school board on Thursday, Aug. 17, at which point the board may comment, or discuss changes to the package, if needed.

The board will vote to either turn down or pass the bond proposal. If trustees approve a call for election, the bond will go on the Nov. 7 ballot.

District Growth Rate Comparisons

In a map of Houston area school district enrollment growth between fall 2015 and fall 2016, PASA defines the fastest growing districts as those growing at a rate of 5.51 percent or higher. With a growth rate of 5.49 percent, Crosby ISD only barely missed making it into that top margin of fast-growth districts.

"If you compare that with the surrounding districts, until you get to New Caney, and going south until you get to Alvin, percentage-wise, we're the fastest-growing district in our area, and a lot of the Houston area," Moore said.

From 2007 to 2010, Crosby ISD had been experiencing a relatively steady, but slow rate of growth, which averaged approximately 1.5 percent annually. From 2010 to 2011, the growth rate dropped to -1.37 percent, but then rose again by 2.42 percent from 2011 to 2012.

Crosby ISD's facilities were nearing capacity by 2010. However, because of the slow growth rate, making a case for the necessity of a bond to accommodate future growth was difficult, Moore said.

Around 2012, the district began planning for a bond, which passed in 2013.

Around that same time, the district's enrollment growth began accelerating. From 2013 to 2016, Crosby ISD's enrollment growth rate rose from 0.85 percent to 5.49 percent.

"This next year will be 6 percent, or larger, as well," Moore said. "Also, these numbers are based on higher student populations, so it's even exponentially more growth than what's indicated on sheer percentages. So, that's what has hit us, and we don't think that line's going to flatten. We think it's going to continue to stay at the 6 to 7 percent range."

External Factors Indicating Future Growth

PASA data show the Houston metro area has been experiencing a trend of steady job creation since around September 2016. Employment statistics within the Crosby ISD boundary indicate 12 percent of area employment involves the construction sector.

"The demographer (said) 12 percent involved in construction was high, but that makes sense," Moore said. "If you're in a growing area that's building a lot, you have a lot of people employed in construction."

PASA identified several significant producers of jobs anticipated for the area, including commercial developments like Generation Park and the IUOE Training and Conference Center; Port Houston's Cedar Port Industrial Park and Midstream oil and gas expansion; and manufacturing growth like the Chevron Phillips Cedar Bayou ethane cracker and ExxonMobil steam cracker.

PASA's housing projections for the area also point to significant growth for Crosby ISD.

According to Harris County and TxDOT, future thoroughfares for the Crosby area include the widening of FM 2100 and the southward extension of East Lake Houston Parkway.

Also, the extension of the Grand Parkway around to the east of Crosby is expected to have significant impacts in the area.

"It won't actually cut through the Crosby ISD area, but the ability to have better transportation in the area will open our community up to more housing developments as people start to get around the Houston area easier for jobs," Moore said.

By October 2026, PASA projects a total of 4,999 new housing occupancies within Crosby ISD's boundaries.

"I think for decades the community has grown, but it's always been 1, 2 or 3 percent, and this is one of the models that you hear about where all of a sudden, it gets aggressive," Moore said. "When I came here seven years ago, I was wondering what would happen, because if your community is 30 minutes outside of the third largest city in the U.S., if the variables come together at the right time, then that's just a lot of people who can move in."

Quantifying the Need for Expansion

PASA outlined low, moderate and high scenarios of enrollment growth for Crosby ISD through 2026. The low model, Moore explained, reflects a scenario in which an unexpected detrimental force negatively impacts the district's enrollment rate, such as a housing market crash.

Even in the low growth model, Crosby ISD's student enrollment is projected to grow from 6,185 students today, to 8,005 students by 2026.

In the high growth scenario, student enrollment increases to 10,439 by 2026. Moore said PASA's projections are calculated conservatively and even run the risk of being under-projections. The negative repercussions of building out too much outweigh the potential impacts of underestimating growth, he said.

One of the main projects in the 2013 bond was construction of the new Crosby High School.

Before the new high school was built, the high school student enrollment was approximately 1,350 students. The new high school's core capacity  meaning its common areas like the cafeteria  is 2,500 students. However, its academic areas are currently built for a capacity of 1,800, a decision made based on the historically slower rate of growth up to that point.

The district planned to build additional academic wings in a few years, once the 1,800 capacity was met.

However, the new high school is about to start its second school year with a projected enrollment of 1,806 students.

When the new campus opened for the 2016-17 school year, the old high school became the new middle school campus.

Middle school enrollment was at approximately 1,170 students in 2013 when the bond passed. Based on the district's growth model at the time and the old high school building's capacity for 1,500 students, the bond committee expected the new middle school campus would meet enrollment needs for approximately five years.

Crosby Middle School opened last year at 1,378 students. The demographer's projections show Crosby Middle School reaching 1,456 students in fall 2017, and 1,542 by fall 2018.

"So, the middle school is, according to this data, very close to capacity and we're going to exceed it very quickly," Moore said.

PASA enrollment projections for the kindergarten and pre-kindergarten facilities suggest issues with space constraints may begin by 2023. Crosby ISD's four elementary school campuses are projected to begin nearing, or surpassing enrollment capacities by the 2019-2020 school year.

Proposed Bond Package Highlights

The bond proposal would include the addition of two academic wings at the high school, which would bring the academic space capacity up to match the school's core capacity of 2,500 students.

Also included would be plans for a new middle school built in a process similar to the new high school. The building's core capacity would be for 1,500 students. However, the building's academic wings would initially be built with capacity for 650. The district would then have the option to build out in the future.

Additionally, a new elementary school with a capacity for 825 students is included in the proposed bond.

Other proposed items include funds for land for the new elementary and middle schools; an M&O reimbursement; district-wide maintenance projects; technology and equipment additions; facility upgrades and conversions; an outdoor pool; a road extension for inter-campus traffic mobility.

For more information about Crosby ISD, visit www.crosbyisd.org.
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Memorial Villages police say they apprehended a man Thursday evening after a foot chase who was allegedly stealing mail from mailboxes in the Villages.

Residents outside walking their dog at 7:40 p.m. say they observed the suspect, 21-year-old Erik Carlson, driving a U-Haul truck taking items from at least two mailboxes on the 500 block of Flintdale.

In a statement released Friday, Memorial Villages Police Chief Ray Schultz said the residents called 911 and officers responded within less than three minutes. With the description of the suspect and vehicle, MVPD were able to locate the suspect and stop him in a traffic violation.

"The suspect fled from officers in an attempt to get away," said Schultz. "Officers pursued the suspect to the Belt-way where he abandoned his truck and fled on-foot. Our officers gave chase and were able to quickly "track" him down and take him into custody."

He said Carlson has a previous criminal record that included active warrants for mail theft from the US Postal Service and Harris County Sheriff's Office for Burglary and Criminal Mischief.

Carlson was booked into Harris County jail for a charge of Felony Evading in a Motor Vehicle and for the active warrants. As the investigation continues he may be charged with additional crimes said Schultz.

Bond is set at $888,888 according to Harris County court documents.

To avoid these types of crimes, Schultz recommends homeowners be proactive in protecting themselves.

"Removing mail as soon as you get home can help avoid situations like this where someone is looking for mail or possibly looking for several days of mail in an attempt to find a house where the residents are away from home for an extended time," he said.
An Humble man wanted on a Harris County felony warrant was arrested Thursday by Splendora Police Department after police received a tip he was in the area.

"We got a tip through our City of Splendora tip line that this individual was going to be leaving a location in Lake Splendora. He had been staying with family members in that area and had left to go meet someone," said Sgt. James Teller, spokesperson for Splendora PD. "We set up officers in the vicinity and conducted a traffic stop on him."
BEDMINSTER, N.J. - President Donald Trump said here Thursday that he is "very thankful" to Russian President Vladimir Putin for expelling hundreds of U.S. diplomats from Russia, because he said it helps him cut the U.S. government's payroll.

Addressing for the first time Putin's decision late last month that the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Russia would have to cut 775 diplomatic and technical staffers, Trump told reporters that he sees no reason for them to continue working in Russia.
Two men attempted to rob a Chase Bank in West Houston Wednesday evening, but left empty handed, according to the FBI.



Around 5 p.m., the FBI said one man wearing a Chicago Bulls hat and another man wearing a Houston Rockets hat approached the counter and handed the teller a threatening note demanding cash.

The teller was behind "bandit barrier" glass and stepped away from the window without giving the robbers any money.
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Federal prosecutors said they have wrapped up what is believed to be largest prosecution in American history involving members of white supremacist prison gangs.

Jeramy Weatherall, 29, of Dallas was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison at a federal court in Dallas on Thursday. Weatherall, a member of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, plead guilty in March to one count of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

TANGO BLAST: What you need to know about Houston's most dangerous gang

Weatherall, along with 88 other convicted gang members, were held accountable for 956 kilograms of methamphetamine that had an estimated street value of nearly $10 million. They were also convicted of having 88 firearms and dangerous weapons. Combined, the 89 defendants had previously been convicted of 736 crimes.

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Of the 736 previous convictions, 234 were drug-related offenses; 76 were violent offenses; 36 were gun offenses; 37 were burglaries; seven were sex or child abuse offenses; and one was a murder conviction. Some defendants had as many as 25 prior convictions.

TEXAS GANGS: Where Texas' most significant gangs, criminal groups are

"The Aryan Brotherhood of Texas and the Aryan Circle have essentially been decimated in North Texas," U.S. Attorney John Parker said in a press release. "The outstanding collaborative work of the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Dallas Police Department helped ensure that each of the 89 defendants who were arrested have now been convicted and sentenced."

The defendants were also members of the Irish Mob, the Dirty White Boys, the White Knights and the Peckerwoods. Each group is a violent white supremacist gang, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

Authorities said the white supremacy ideology of each of these groups has taken a backseat to traditional criminal ventures, such as drug-dealing. The defendants in this case included several high-ranking members of these organizations.
She was at some of the most pivotal battles ever fought by Americans.

She escorted convoys across the ocean in 1941 and shelled the Axis-held beach at Normandy. She carried out bombardments at Okinawa, clearing the way for Army and Marine landings on the beaches. Her silhouette loomed ominous as she gave supportive fire at Iwo Jima, and her captain nearly grounded her to fire on German forces at Omaha beach. She was also tasked with carrying more than 4,000 troops safely home from the Pacific for demobilization in a mission that was called the "Magic Carpet."

Now, the Battleship Texas, the only remaining World War I-era dreadnought battleship, slowly decays in the salt water of the Houston Ship Channel and officials tasked with her wellbeing are making a plea to Texans: A ship that saved thousands of lives now needs the community to save her.

"Every once in a while, there will be a story about how the ship is listing or is taking on water," said Stephanie Croatt, assistant superintendent with the Battleship Texas. "Then people won't hear anything else about it and they'll assume the problem is fixed. The problem is not fixed.

"It will never be fixed in the ship's current condition."

The condition Croatt refers to deals with major weaknesses in the ship's hull - holes and cracks where the steel has eroded away - that require pumps to run 24 hours a day just to keep up with the amount of water the ship is taking on.

"We pump about 300,000 gallons of water a day out of the Battleship Texas," said Bruce Bramlett, executive director of the Battleship Texas Foundation. "There are places on the ship where the hull is so thin you can poke your finger through it. So we're constantly pumping water out and patching holes and the water is constantly seeping back in."

A Race Against Time

Each day, said Croatt, the ship is constantly taking on water, and each day, the pumps continually run to remove that water.

But what if a pump breaks? That, said Bramlett, can be a huge issue.

"We barely have enough pumping power to keep her out of the water now," he said. "Pumps regularly break, new holes are regularly eroded into her weakened hull and that's how you get into a bad situation. If we lose pumps, we're in big trouble."

Salt water on a ship's exterior is bad enough, said Capt. Terry Bragg, executive director of the USS North Carolina, a museum ship and memorial kept at the seaport of Wilmington, North Carolina. Once water gets into the ship, the damage is compounded.

"Salt water is going to damage any ship," said Bragg, "but there are precautions in place (specialized coatings) to help reduce that damage on the outside of the ship."

Those same protective coatings aren't in place inside the ship, he said, so once water gets inside, erosion can begin to happen much faster.

"Once water gets inside the ship, the effects can be devastating," said Bragg.

Since the early 1980s, crews have worked to patch holes and replace the steel in the hull of the Battleship Texas.

"There isn't really enough good steel left to patch holes," said Croatt. "We can't place patches over holes because the steel around those holes is weak and eroded. At this point, we're not dealing with 'if we run out of time' but 'when we run out of time,' and that timeframe will likely be in the very near future."

Funding for Dry Berthing

For years, the foundation has worked to get funding to save the ship.

So far, this funding has gone for repairs, but at this point, Bramlett says more direct and aggressive measures must be taken.

It sits as a testament, Croatt said, to when ships were engineered and designed with paper, pencils and slide rules in a time before Autocad and calculators.

"This ship was commissioned one year after the Titanic," Bramlett explained. "It's historic - a living museum - and in order to save it, we can't keep patching it.

"It needs to be dry berthed."

Dry berthing the ship, an estimated $40 million project, isn't necessarily an easy task. It must be repaired so that the hull is structurally sound enough to be moved. Then a system must be built around the hull so that water can be pumped out or let in as it's deemed necessary. Being able to control the water in contact with the ship is vital to its longevity, Bramlett said.

"Right now when we have a leak, we have divers feeling around in the dark trying to find and fix those leaks," he said. "Sometimes, the leaks are below the mudline - it's a terrible way to try and fix an issue. If we were able to control the water, it would be much easier - and cheaper in the long run - to fix these problems."

The Battleship Texas is owned by the state, which means the majority of funding is gained through legislative measures. Since the ship has been at its current home in the Houston Ship Channel, a total of about $68 million has been spent on its structural repairs, said Bramlett.

"If the state decides to do nothing and we finish this round of repairs and she just remains sitting in the water, she's going to have to be disposed of in the not-too-distant future. That ship is out of time," Bramlett said.

Disposing of the ship will cost an estimated $30 million, which doesn't count the money needed to remove the precious artifacts and store them safely, Bramlett said.

"If we have to scrap the Battleship Texas, no one is just going to say 'OK, take her away'," Bramlett said. "They're going to want to carefully remove and catalog the artifacts and historical property on the ship. Then those things are going to have to be stored for years. After several years have passed, people are going to say, 'Hey, we should build a museum and put these things in there.' But we already have a museum. It's sitting in our ship channel right now."

Bramlett said the cost of removing, storing and cataloging those pieces of history only to spend the money to build a new museum in the future would likely not exceed the cost of saving the ship, especially when taking into consideration the amount the state already has spent to repair her.

"So, let's say we do nothing and have to dispose of the ship. You add that $30 million or $40 million (disposal cost) to the $68 million we've already spent on her  that's a minimum of $98 million and at the end you've got no ship," Bramlett said. "But if we spend the $40 or $50 million we think it will take to dry berth it, we can build a structure to take that ship out of the water and it can be here forever - we haven't just flushed $98 million down the drain. Either way, the state is going to have to write a very large check.

"We can write that check to save her, or we can write it to throw all we've invested into her away."

The USS North Carolina, a World War II-era ship, had to undergo similar repairs.

"We developed a strategy to build a coffer dam around the ship with vertical steel walls," said Bragg. "This allows us to pump the water out and get direct access to the hull to cut and replace the steel on the ship. We are currently water-tight and have been for years. We hope to finish this project sometime around the beginning of 2018."

The USS North Carolina serves as an economic engine for that part of its state, a position that the Battleship Texas could easily hold for the southeast region of Houston, said U.S. Rep. John Culberson, (R-Houston).

"Not only is it important to preserve the history of this amazing ship," said Culberson, "but it's necessary as a vital part of our tourism industry. The ship needs to be stabilized and placed where people can see it, tour it and enjoy it regularly. Pier 21 by the Elissa would be a great place."

Urging action

Culberson has been a proponent of saving historic sites and attractions throughout Texas. He has worked to pass legislation that would create grant programs to save historic battleships.

"We need to work with officials at the federal, state and local levels to be sure the (Battleship) Texas has the money they need to save that ship," he said. "The state is primarily responsible for funding, but the federal government has passed legislation that could help historic ships like the Battleship Texas."

But local and state representatives need to know that saving the ship is what their constituency wants, Culberson said.

"The single most important thing Texans can do is speak to their representatives - speak to the members of congress - and urge them to pass legislation that will save the ship. Tell them that you want funding to restore the battleship so we can enjoy it for the next 100 years," he said. "This ship is part of our history. It was instrumental in saving thousands of lives. I can't tell you how many former servicemen I've met who feel very strongly about saving her. I'll do anything I can to save her. Because she saved me.' That's what they say."
In the last year, the Pasadena Independent School District has seen an increase in students that fall under the categorization of 'at risk'.

The city of Pasadena is hoping to provide those students one sure way to start the new school year on equal footing.

Through August 17, the city will have collection bins set up on the first floor lobby of city hall for donations of school supplies for Pasadena ISD students.

"We don't want to impede the learning process just because of a funding situation," said

Selina Bellar, manager of the Pasadena Neighborhood Network for the city, the department that organized the back-to-school school supply drive.

The term 'at risk' has many definitions, said Neitzy Retta, homeless and migrant coordinator for PISD.

As defined by the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act, students in Texas are categorized as 'at risk' or homeless when they live in an 'unsheltered' living condition, such as a one-bedroom apartment, an RV, a motel or some other transient environment. It could be a situation where a student is in a temporary living quarters like the Bridge Over Troubled Waters or Sarah's House, facilities that provide a stable place to live for families or single mothers dealing with domestic violence and/or financial issues.

Whether it's inconsistent employment, unemployment or divorce, there are as many reasons and circumstances as there are categories, Netty said.

Over the last three years, she said, an average of 1,600 PISD elementary through high school students, mostly from the northern region of the city near 225, have fallen under those categories, about three percent of its entire student body population of approximately 56,000.

"As we identify these kids that are not living in a fixed, adequate and consistent residence, there is a process because we want to make see what the situations are, what is going on," Retta said.

Three percent doesn't sound like a big number, said Retta, but for that one student staying at the Bridge or Sarah's House, in a cramped one-bedroom apartment, or, as in the case of an increasing number of high school students, is living 'unaccompanied', meaning they are on their own with no parental or family stability, the disruption to their education is significant.

"How can we expect these kids to want to go to school, and be motivated for school if they don't the school supplies, the shoes, the clothes? That's where attendance can be an issue because of self-esteem. It's all correlated," she said.

Netty said that people are often surprised by the numbers of kids that need help in buying something as basic as school supplies.

"Sometimes people think 'Really? Homeless kids here in Pasadena?' - it seems like a small percentage but 1,600 is 1,600," she said.

The list of supplies includes at least 35 items for elementary school students, and according to Netty, the average cost of getting all the supplies required for a student attending school is about $70. That's a hefty price tag for families with limited economic resources with several children in the school district, Netty added.

Whatever the reasons or conditions, said Netty, the district works to keep these students at a level playing field through identifying the needs of these students.

"Just like in any job, in order for them to be successful they need the basic tools and materials before they can open their minds to learn," Netty said.

Those who want to donate school supplies can see the list at http://bit.ly/2urz6oN

City hall is located at 1149 Ellsworth; for more information on the school supply drive, visit

http://bit.ly/2uKC0UQ
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Police on Friday arrested a man after he led them on a chase that began on San Antonio's North Side and ended in the South.

The incident began around 7 a.m. when officers received a call for a vehicle burglary in the area of Broadway Street and Loop 410. When an officer arrived, he noticed a silver Honda sedan that matched the description from previous robberies in the area.

"The officers did have some information from previous robberies and crimes in the area that matched the particular description of the vehicle, so the officer decided to run the license plate," said Officer Doug Greene, a spokesman for the San Antonio Police Department.

The silver Honda was reported stolen in an armed robbery on Thursday, so the officer turned on his police lights, but the driver refused to pull over, police said.

A pursuit began after a sergeant was notified of the situation and gave the okay for the chase. The driver led police westbound on Loop 410, then drove south on U.S. Highway 281, authorities said.

READ ALSO: 4 car burglary suspects caught on security cameras in S.A.-area neighborhood

Now Playing: The chase came to an end around 7:30 a.m. at an apartment complex in the 500 block of Koehler Court, where the suspect yelled "I was set up!" into a phone brought to him by a woman during the arrest. Video: JW Player

Greene said the chase did not reach very high speeds.

The driver eventually exited at New Braunfels Avenue and Southcross Boulevard. He then pulled into the Hillside Manor apartment complex, Greene said.

He pulled around to the back of the apartments, bailed out of the moving vehicle and tried to flee on foot, police said. Officers caught up with him and, after a brief struggle, arrested him on charges of evading arrest. The vehicle the suspect bailed out of crashed into a parked car in the lot, authorities said.

Paramedics treated the suspect, who was not identified, for his injuries after he was arrested. During his treatment, the suspect was talking with a man and a woman at the scene who apparently knew him. At one point, the suspect yelled out a phone number to the woman, and then she came down and held the phone on speaker to his face.

"I was set up!" The suspect yelled into the phone to a man he called Ivan. "Ivan, they arrested me. He set me up, Ivan!"

Eventually, officers put the suspect into a police squad car and separated him from the two people he was giving orders to.

Greene said that in addition to the evading arrest charge, the suspect also had a felony warrant for his arrest on a domestic violence charge. Robbery detectives are planning on speaking with the suspect, and he may face further charges.

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SEELEY LAKE  A day after the Missoula City-County Health Department strongly recommended that Seeley Lake residents leave because the air quality there is four times worse than levels considered "hazardous,'' many people appear to be staying put.

Business owners and those with jobs in town said Thursday they are concerned about the smoke but leaving is too difficult, even with the Red Cross offer of free shelter.

Seeley Lake Fire Chief Bob Vanden Heuvel said calls for medical assistance have not increased along with the heavy smoke from the Rice Ridge fire.

He said residents with diagnosed lung diseases already may have left the area, citing two people with breathing difficulties who temporarily have relocated to Helena and Great Falls.

"This is obviously taxing our town a little bit," Vanden Heuvel said. But so far, residents have "rolled with the punches very well."

The health department issued the warning to leave town Wednesday after air quality exceeded hazardous levels seven times in under two weeks, said Sarah Coefield, air quality specialist with the department.

On an average day, Coefield said, hourly pollution from tiny particulates measures between five and eight micrograms per cubic meter of air. When that rises to 250 micrograms per cubic meter of air in an hour, air quality is deemed hazardous.

In the Seeley Lake area, the hourly average in the morning is 950 micrograms per cubic meter of air. "That's where the four times what we consider hazardous comes from," Coefield said.

According to the EPA website, several scientific studies have shown that exposure to tiny (2.5 micrometers or less) particulates in the air, even in healthy people, can affect the lungs and heart, causing nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, difficulty breathing and decreased lung function.

The warning to stay away from the Seeley Lake area has temporarily slowed the stream of visitors the community gets in the summer, said Susan Baker, owner of the Grizzly Claw Trading Company.

"Tourists don't want to be in the middle of harms way," she said.

Zia Nelson, who works at the espresso bar in the Grizzly Claw Trading Company, is concerned for her young son. She and her husband have talked about father and son leaving town while she stays to work.

"That's what you really think about," Nelson said. "The future of your kid's health."

While the Missoula City-County Health Department does have some policing powers, the Missoula County Sheriff is the official who orders a mandatory evacuation under statute, said Ellen Leahy, health department director.

The health department's recommendation Wednesday was meant to update its previous recommendation that people try to stay inside as much as possible. The levels being measured now, she said, mean that just being inside will no longer protect people from the hazardous air.

Surgical masks also cannot protect people from these very fine particles, Leahy said.

Katrina Carpenter, an employee at the U.S. Postal Service in Seeley Lake, is offered paid leave through her job at the post office. But Carpenter's husband won't get paid if he takes off work. Her kids also have jobs in the area, and it's hard to leave employers without anyone to work, she said.

"It's not realistic to just leave," Carpenter said.

Carpenter's father lives in the area as well and uses an oxygen tank, but is just staying in his house and avoiding going outside, she said.

Carpenter is sending her dogs  Ruckus, Blu and Miley  to her in-laws house in Potomac. And this weekend, Carpenter and her husband plan to take their kids to Coeur dAlene for a short respite from the smoke.

Beyond that, Carpenter is just avoiding being outside if she can. By the late afternoon, much of the smoke leaves. And Wednesday night Carpenter said she could see the stars in the sky.

But waking up in the morning is difficult, she said. "In the morning, I can't even take a breath," Carpenter said.

Some people are still stopping in Seeley on their way to nearby recreation areas. Jaxon Allen was renting jet skis at Rocky Mountain Adventure Gear on his way to Placid Lake. He and a group of about 40 came up from Lewistown to camp at the lake, despite the smoke warnings. He said a friend had gone ahead to scope out the area before the whole group came up, and the area was clear.

Jim Rogers was one of the few Seeley Lake residents wearing a mask Thursday. He had asthma as a kid and if he doesn't wear it, he can feel his chest tighten and his voice get scratchy, he said.

He and his family had just gotten back from Missoula and were heading to Trout Creek to get out of the smoke. "It wasn't even this bad during the Jocko fires," he said.

But when he heard about the health department's warning, he said it was a little frustrating.

"Where do we all go?" he said. "Are you going to pay for our lodging?"

The Red Cross is standing by at Potomac Greenough Community Center, 29827 Potomac Road. Anyone interested in staying at the shelter may call the Red Cross of Montana at 1-800-272-6668. People must call before they arrive, Coefield said.

If people cannot leave the area, the health department recommends making the air in a home cleaner by using a HEPA air filter.

For more information, people can also call 406-258-4636.
Decatur Police Department Alabama

DECATUR, Ala. (AP)  A judge says Alabama's law barring any school employee from having sex with any student is overbroad and unconstitutional.

Morgan County Circuit Judge Glenn Thompson dismissed charges Thursday against 44-year-old Carrie Witt, a former teacher at Decatur High School, and 27-year-old David Solomon, a former contract teacher at Falkville High School.
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The suspected father of an hours-old newborn who was abandoned reportedly testified that he didn't know the mother was pregnant.

The baby's dad said in an emergency custody court hearing on Friday that the mother repeatedly denied being pregnant, even though he thought she was, according to KTRK.

GRUESOME: Man found guilty of fatally torturing girlfriend's autistic son

According to the news station, the man told the court he never took the mother to a doctor for medical care. The man will undergo a DNA test to determine if he is the father.

Child Protective Services said they have temporary custody of the girl and she will remain at Texas Children's Hospital in The Woodlands. CPS is conducting studies on the homes of the baby's mother and grandmother. DNA tests and drug tests will also be conducted.

A judge will decide where the baby will live after all of the results are available.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office did not have any new information about the case on Friday and the Harris County Clerk's Office did not immediately respond to inquiries.

The infant girl was found in the 17700 block of Red Oak Drive on Houston's north side at the Bridges of Cypress Creek apartment complex Thursday morning. The baby appeared to be abandoned by her mother. She was found covered in ants in a series of bushes after a man said he heard her crying.

The 21-year-old mother was found through a trail of blood leading back to her apartment, officials said.

Anyone interested in donating items for the baby can contact Mary Votaw at 832-454-4163 and Be a Resource at 713-940-3087.
Melissa Phillip/Staff

AUSTIN -- The first of what many expect will be several abortion-related bills are heading to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature.

The Texas Senate voted Friday to accept House Bill 13, which would impose new reporting requirements on doctors and facilities that perform abortions -- specifically when there are complications.
AUSTIN -- The Legislature is sending its first set of special session bills to the governor for his signature after weeks of slow going in both chambers on must-pass legislation.

It didn't happen until Friday, 25 days into the 30-day special session.

The House gave final approval to Senate Bills 20 and 60, legislation that extend the operations of the Texas Medical Board and four other agencies that oversee therapists and other medical professionals. Without the legislation, the agencies would cease operations at the end of the month.

The House and Senate had passed identical bills to keep the agencies operational earlier in the session, but each chamber pushed for their bills to become the legislation to become law, stalling them for weeks.

The so-called sunset bills were supposed to pass during the regular session, but they died in the regular session due to political maneuvering.

Gov. Greg Abbott called lawmakers back to Austin for a special session to pass the so-called "sunset bills," but said he wanted them to take up 20 other issues while they are here, including property tax reform, anti-abortion legislation, school finance and bills that curtail local control. So far, the Legislature has sent no other bills to the governor.

The special session is expected to adjourn Wednesday.

Andrea Zelinski covers politics and education for the Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook. Send her tips at andrea.zelinski@chron.com.
AUSTIN -- Another bill is headed for Gov. Greg Abbott's desk.

The Texas Senate by a vote of 21-10 agreed Friday to send Abbott legislation that would increase penalties for mail-in ballot fraud  one of 20 items Abbott demanded the Legislature address during a special session that is scheduled to end next week.

The bill makes it a felony instead of a misdemeanor to intentionally submit false information on a mail-in ballot application or knowingly submit or alter an application without a voter's knowledge.

Democrats mostly opposed the bill, worried about a provision in the bill that would make it a felony to try to influence a person  including a family member  when they have a mail-in ballot.

"This bill has many unintended consequences," State Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, said.

But State Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, has argued the legislation is needed because mail-in ballot voting is a prime target for illegal voting and election fraud.
WHITEFISH  Several children in Whitefish went to the hospital Thursday after playground equipment and bathrooms at a local park were apparently covered in bear spray.

Whitefish Assistant Police Chief Bridger Kelch said officers were alerted to the incident in Riverside Park around 10 a.m. He said it appears that playground equipment and bathrooms at the park were sprayed with bear spray.

"A couple of kids did seek medical help at the hospital because parents didn't know what happened and it was irritating the skin and eyes," Kelch said.

The park was shut down and city Parks and Recreation staff power-washed the equipment. The assistant chief said they will return Friday morning to wash it down again before the park will be reopened.

Kelch said the police department is investigating the case as a potential criminal matter.
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A Magnolia man who shot and killed a teenage girl inside a Shenandoah hotel, then told police it was a suicide, pleaded guilty Thursday to a murder charge.

Ryan Ray Moore, 23, probably will spend the next 40 years in prison for shooting Hayley Farr, 19, inside America's Best Value Inn in the 19500 block of Interstate 45 North on Nov. 25, 2016. Moore also will serve a five-year sentence for trying to stash the gun he used to shoot Farr and a 10-year sentence for a previous unrelated home burglary, although those sentences will run at the same time as the 40-year sentence for murder.
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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CHEYENNE, Wyo.  Some people getting stopped for traffic violations in Wyoming's capital city are receiving "throwback" warnings instead of real tickets this week.

The unofficial traffic warnings being issued by the Cheyenne Police Department include informing violators they might face penalties such as "leaving town by sunrise" or "donating two bits to charity."

The "throwback" traffic warnings are being issued through Sunday as part of the city's 150th anniversary celebration this year.

One motorist caught Wednesday running a stop sign, which can result in a $100 fine, instead received a warning for driving a "carriage in an inconsiderate manner."

While the slips of paper are not a ticket, department spokesman Officer Kevin Malatesta tells the Wyoming Tribune Eagle that it's hoped the warnings also will encourage people to drive safely.
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AKRON, Ohio -- An Akron man was arrested Thursday in connection with a string of armed robberies of people who were selling cellphones on Craigslist, police said.

Terrence McCormick, 19, is charged with aggravated robbery in a July 30 hold-up outside an apartment building on Alphada Avenue near Brittain Road, police said.

Detectives said McCormick is a suspect in two similar incidents that happened Aug. 2 and Aug. 8. He is expected to face additional charges in the case, police said.

The Akron Police Department's SWAT team arrested him Thursday afternoon while executing a search warrant at the apartment building, police said.

Each armed robbery involved a person who was selling a cellphone on Craigslist. The sellers were told to meet a prospective buyer outside the apartment building, according to police reports.

When the sellers drove to the apartment building, a man forced them to hand over the cellphones at gunpoint, the reports show.

Investigators did not say how they identified McCormick as a suspect in the three robberies.

McCormick is in custody at the Summit County Jail, police said.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section.
AKRON, Ohio -- An Akron man is charged in a Wednesday shooting that left another man in critical condition, police said.

Gerald A. Betton, 24, is charged with felonious assault in the shooting that happened just after 11:30 p.m. on Harvard Street near Russell Avenue, police said. Betton is not in custody but a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Betton is accused of shooting a 25-year-old man during an argument outside a house. The victim was taken to Cleveland Clinic Akron General for treatment, police said.

Officers found a trail of blood leading to a porch outside the house. Betton and the victim were gone when they arrived, according to a police report.

The officer recovered several bullet casings at the scene, the report said.

Investigators have not said why Betton and the victim argued before the shooting.

Anyone with information about Betton's whereabouts is asked to call the Akron Police Department at 330-375-2490, U.S. Marshals at 1-866-4-WANTED, or Summit County Crime Stoppers at 330-434-COPS.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section.
AKRON, Ohio -- Summit County business, nonprofit, religious and service leaders joined Executive Ilene Shapiro Thursday for the first meeting of the Summit County Executive's Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion.

The Advisory Council is the first of its kind for the county.

The group includes 30 members who will meet regularly to discuss the county's initiatives, policies, practices and procedures relating to diversity and inclusiveness.

The Advisory Council's will focus on employment, contracting and purchasing, representation on county-appointed boards and commissions and community engagement.

Members will also advise on other areas where improved diversity and inclusiveness would make county government more effective.

"The individuals on this Advisory Council represent the diversity of Summit County's residents, and they share my commitment that the county be inclusive of all people, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, handicap, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity," Shapiro said in a news release.

One of the Advisory Council's first undertakings will be a review of the boards and commissions to which Shapiro appoints members. The Advisory Council will also assist Shapiro in evaluating the preference program in contracting for minority- and women-owned businesses.

The county has a program that provides preference to historically disadvantaged businesses, but up until now, it had been rarely used.

The creation of the Advisory Council is the fulfillment of a campaign promise Shapiro made last year. Shapiro said she wants to create a broader discussion on diversity and allow the county, as one of the community's anchor institutions, to lead by example in providing opportunity for all of its residents.

Summit County Council members Elizabeth Walters and David Hamilton will serve as liaisons to assist the Advisory Council.

Members were selected to represent the diversity of Summit residents. Below are the Advisory Council's current members.

Dr. Sadie Winlock - Akron Urban League

Billy O'Quinn - Goodyear Tire and Rubber

Lisa Kamlowsky - Summit DD Board

Bishop Joey Johnson - Bishop FJ Johnson Ministries

Judi Hill - Akron NAACP

Dr. Diana Swoope - Arlington Church of God

Rabbi Josh Brown - Temple Israel

Imam Nader Taha - Akron Islamic Center

Sandy Selby - Tough Work Outreach

Mark Ford - Love Akron

Malcolm Costa - Akron Summit Community Action

Giovonni Santiago - Meta Center, Inc.

Halle Jones Capers - G. Stephens Inc.

Joe Grieco - Garfield/Ellet JROTC

Mark Douglas - Building Trades Council

Laurie Cramer - Autism Society of Greater Akron

Bob Lanier - Black Pages of Ohio/Summit Magazine

Monique Harris - AxessPointe Health

Dina Younis - GAR Foundation

Sharlene Chesnes - InterChez

Dr. Cynthia Capers - Retired, University of Akron

Fred Berry - Humility of Mary Housing

Don Mullen - Stark State University

Jolene Lane - University of Akron

Annal Vyas - University of Akron

Cindy Christman - Retired, Akron Police Department

Torey Tolson - First Energy

Evis Brinson

John Williams - Alpha Phi Alpha

"The creation of the Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion is a powerful step forward," Sadie Winlock, president of Akron Urban League and Advisory Council member, said in a news release. "The Akron Urban League looks forward to being a part of this tremendous opportunity to develop diversity initiatives within our communities."

The Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion will meet again on Oct. 5.

Want more Akron news? Sign up for cleveland.com's Rubber City Daily, an email newsletter delivered at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.
MORELAND HILLS, Ohio -- Animals (miscellaneous), SOM Center Road: A caller reported that five horses were loose and coming down the driveway at a house and barn on Route 91 at around 8 p.m. on Aug. 4.

No one was answering the screen door, which was locked at the time, so a neighbor and later police chased them back up the driveway and then into the yard where they started grazing. Police determined there was no further cause for concern.

Suspicion, Meadowhill Lane: A resident reported the sound of a neighbor's alarm going off around noon on Aug. 6. Police found the source and offered to contact the company that was not returning calls from the homeowner.

Identity theft, Giles Road: A resident came to the police station on Aug. 6 to provide information for a report about possible I.D. theft.

Animal (miscellaneous), SOM Center Road: An officer shot an injured raccoon that a caller reported to be in the middle of the road south of Chagrin Boulevard at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 6.

Damage to private property, Woodburn Lane: A caller wanted police to question a landscaper about a damaged mailbox after the truck returned to a neighbor's home across the street on Aug. 5. The landscaper was gone by the time police arrived.

Drug arrest, Chagrin River Road: A man was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia after being held around 10 p.m. on Aug. 3 on an initial marijuana investigation.

Suspicion, Ellendale Road: A caller reported around dusk on Aug. 3 that she thought someone was using a tractor to haul wood from a construction site.

Complaints (solicitor), Deep Creek, Cableknoll lanes: Police told a man he needed a permit around 8 p.m. on Aug. 2 after a Deep Creek resident reported an aggressive solicitor selling cleaning supplies out of a backpack.

At almost the same time, a Cableknoll resident reported that a man was going door-to-door preaching the Gospel. He could not be found by police.

If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Washington state man was sentenced Friday to eight years in federal prison for bringing a 17-year-old to the Cleveland suburbs to work as a prostitute.

Tyrell Moss, 33, brought the teenager from Tacoma, Washington to Beachwood, but not before making stops in California, Idaho, Utah, Colorado and Illinois with the intent of forcing her to have sex for money at each stop, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Moss was arrested by the FBI at a Beachwood hotel on Oct. 14 as part of a federal operation that focused on human trafficking.

He pleaded guilty in May to transportation for illegal sexual activity and related crimes.

U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi in Akron handed down the sentence.

Moss was originally charged in state court with exploiting the teenager, authorities said.

The FBI, in an operation dubbed Operation Cross Country X, recovered 82 children and arrested 239 pimps and their associates in the United States and in other countries, according to a news release from October.

Two underage victims were recovered in the Cleveland area, while three suspected pimps, a suspected adult prostitute and a person suspected of possessing child pornography were arrested, the FBI said at the time. Investigators also seized a 2009 BMW and $3,000 in cash.

If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Friday's crime and courts comments section.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- I like Al Gore. I believe he's honest and earnest. I admire his effort to raise awareness about climate change around the world. And I'm glad he won an Academy Award for his previous documentary, 2006's "An Inconvenient Truth."

Unfortunately, his new documentary, "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power," just seems like more preaching to the choir. It lacks much new information. Its sole purpose seems to be to confirm some of the predictions made in the first film. (Which I did not see.) Most of those developments won't be new information to anyone who owns a television.

In this new movie, we see Gore traveling the country and the world spreading the gospel about global warming. We see him in training sessions with other people who can help him get the word out. We see him gathering more evidence of climate change from Swiss scientists, and from politicians in Miami, which is currently experiencing major downtown flooding from rising sea levels.

The movie's most compelling sequence takes place at the 2015 Paris climate accord summit. India is refusing to sign the agreement because they have a massive number of coal plants planned.

Gore flies into action and gets the biggest solar-panel company in California to agree to sell panels to India without interest. It all comes together at the last minute, and Gore gets to take a big bow for his efforts.

Too bad the movie ends on the sorry, sour note of our 45th president removing the United States from the Paris accord only this year.

Repeatedly throughout the film, Gore exhorts his listeners and followers to stay on the case and never give up the cause. He even admits there has been more than one occasion where he felt like a failure in his efforts to save the planet from the harmful effects of greenhouse gases.

It may be just more preaching to the choir, but someone told me recently that sometimes it's important to preach to the choir, because that's what keeps them singing.

REVIEW

An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power

Who: Documentary featuring Al Gore, directed by Jon Shenk and Bonni Cohen.

Rated: PG.

Running time: 100 minutes.

When: Opens Friday.

Where: Area theaters.

Grade: C+
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- CNN fired Jeffrey Lord Thursday after the conservative commentator and staunch defender of President Trump tweeted a Nazi salute at a liberal opponent.

The Twitter beef began when Lord, in a column on The American Spectator, likened Angelo Carusone's watchdog group Media Matters to fascists for calling on sponsors to boycott friend and fellow conservative Sean Hannity's show on Fox News. When Carusone, a frequent and vocal critic of Lord's and CNN for employing him, noted on social media his name was misspelled in the headline, Lord responded with the phrase, "Sieg Hiel."

A few hours later, he was out at CNN.

"Nazi salutes are indefensible. Jeffrey Lord is no longer with the network," CNN said in a statement.

On Twitter, Lord doubled down on the comment and refused to delete it, telling followers he was "mocking wannabe Nazis and fascists."

Speaking to the Associated Press about his firing, Lord said he has affection and respect for his former employer, but "from my perspective CNN caved on the First Amendment of all things. I disagree. I respectfully disagree."

Lord joined CNN in 2016, often serving as the token Trump defender on panels with other commentators. His ardent support of the president resulted in some memorable exchanges. Back in May, Lord's defense of the president calling former FBI Director James Comey "a nut job" to the Russians riled up anchor Anderson Cooper.

"If [Trump] took a dump on his desk, you would defend it," a flummoxed Cooper told Lord at the time.
SAN DIEGO  Color me surprised. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and I finally agree on something, albeit with radically different motives. It's time to end affirmative action in college and university admissions.

The Alabaman  who has been wrong on matters involving race and ethnicity for his entire career  used to be my least favorite senator. Now he's my least favorite Cabinet official.

Under Sessions' direction, the Justice Department recently announced that it will take a long, hard look at the controversial practice  which goes back about 50 years  of colleges and universities taking into account the race and ethnicity of applicants in the hopes of achieving a more diverse student body. The lawyers have already telegraphed what they intend to find: rampant discrimination against white people who were wrongly rejected to make room so that "less qualified" Latinos and African-Americans could be accepted.

You can see where this is headed. The Trump administration is poised to make a federal case out of affirmative action, file racial discrimination lawsuits against universities, and force a showdown in the Supreme Court in the hopes of killing the program once and for all.

Bill Clinton tried to split the baby to please both people of color and conservative white Democrats by feebly suggesting that the proper way to navigate the affirmative action minefield was to "mend it, but don't end it." But Trump (who was elected with minuscule support from Latinos and African-Americans) doesn't even have to do that much. His presidency comes to us courtesy of white America, and that's who he's looking out for.

And so, if you're a Trump voter and you've fallen on hard times, and blaming immigrants or trade deals isn't satisfying enough for you, well, there's always the old scapegoat: minorities. The administration's message becomes: "It's an outrage. Your kid might be able to go to a better college if some Latina hadn't taken his spot!"

The real outrage is that there is anyone still around who believes this rubbish. The idea that white people are victims of so-called "reverse discrimination" is a total fantasy. Math puts the lie to it. Just look around. You can't be discriminated against because of skin color if other people who have the same skin color are advancing. The truth is you're just being outperformed by your own kind. Deal with it.

I've traveled in some elite circles  from the Ivy League, to major media companies, to judging the Pulitzer Prize. And do you know what I've noticed? White folks are doing just fine, especially white males.

Still, Sessions and the Justice Department are right to be skeptical of affirmative action  and even more hostile to its more malignant cousin: racial and ethnic preferences. Engineering by race and ethnicity is a messy business, and colleges and universities should stay out of it.

It's also a dangerous practice. And, as the Trump administration suspects, someone is indeed getting hurt. It's just not who they think it is. The folks being harmed by affirmative action are Latinos and African-Americans, ironically the program's intended beneficiaries.

Affirmative action lowers standards, stigmatizes recipients and masks terrible inequity at the all-important K-12 level fueled by tracking and low expectations. It also allows upper-class minorities who have suffered little or no hardship to benefit while the truly needy are overlooked and promotes elitism by allowing into privileged arenas a small group of high-performing Latinos and African-Americans who scoop up all the benefits. Meanwhile, the majority of their communities are shortchanged by the public schools and will never be in a position to receive one of these golden passports.

I'm not saying that affirmative action did no good, and that it wasn't once a reasonable idea. My parents grew up in the 1940s and 1950s, and they lived through unvarnished racism and discrimination. My father wanted to be a policeman in an era when that goal seemed (to most Mexican-American kids) as unattainable as becoming an astronaut or nuclear physicist. In the 1970s, affirmative action helped him get his badge and earn promotions.

But that doesn't mean it should be there for my children, who  40 years later  are being raised in the suburbs by parents who have graduate degrees.

Affirmative action had its time and place. But this is a different time and place. This policy has overstayed its welcome, and now it has to go.
In 2003, a couple of U.S. congressmen decided to show the French a thing or two by insisting French fries be renamed freedom fries in the U.S. House cafeteria. They demanded the name change because of their anger over Frances refusal to enter the Iraq war. Some cafes around the country followed suit and listed freedom fries on their menus, but it was a silly notion that soon disappeared.

A century ago, a similar movement spread through some circles declaring sauerkraut should be called liberty cabbage. We were at war with Germany and all things German could not be tolerated in our culture. Bismarck, the name of North Dakotas capital city did not escape scrutiny either. A headline in the Bismarck Tribune dated July 19, 1918, stated Demand Change in the Name of N.D. Capital. Apparently the city received complaints from many sources fretting about the inappropriateness of the name of the iron chancellor.

The city name had been changed in 1873 from Edwinton to Bismarck with the hope of attracting German capital and investment. Whether or not that ever happened is unknown to me, but it flattered the chancellor enough to send the German minister to the ceremony when the cornerstone of the state Capitol was laid. The city name survived for several reasons, probably the most practical reason being the actual outlay incident to the making over of all maps of the county, state and nation.

The backlash against German residents in this country went much deeper than naming. Individuals suffered persecution in various ways such as abusive confrontations, lynching and jail time.

Residents of the North Dakota town of New England became incensed when a businessman in the city wouldnt hang the picture of an American soldier in his place. The April 14, 1918, news item did not go into detail, but one senses it marked the proverbial last straw when a mob of angry citizens took the man to a railroad bridge and hanged him until he was black in the face. Still alive, they lowered him to the ground where he eagerly admitted his mistake. One newspaper article observed, Coats of tar and feathers administered in some sections of the country have had a beneficial effect.

Fever pitch ran high enough for governmental bodies to start passing laws to silence dissent and the expression of negative opinions about the war effort. Woe be to anyone who interfered with the sale of government Liberty Bonds. The neighboring state of Montana passed what might have been the toughest sedition law in the country. One of the accused and prosecuted under the law, Ellsworth Burling, received a harsh penalty. A native of Illinois, he may have been my relative since one branch of the family used this spelling variant.

Burling got in trouble with the law when he was reported to authorities for saying that World War I was a rich mans war and let the rich men buy bonds. The judge applied the law and sentenced him to one to two years imprisonment, of which he served nine months. He was one of many, 78 of them to be exact, whom Montana courts convicted of sedition. A faculty member of the University of Montanas law school recently studied these cases and decided a wrong had been committed. He submitted a petition to Gov. Brian Schweitzer to posthumously grant pardons to these people, which he agreed to do on April 13, 2006. Schweitzer commented, Freedom of speech is a fundamental and a constitutional right in times of war and peace alike.

North Dakota tried people for sedition, too. The founder of the Wishek and Ashley communities, John Wishek, stands out. An ambitious promoter, politician, rancher who was proud of his German heritage, Wishek was indicted because of copies of a book he circulated titled "German Achievements in America." Apparently this gave his detractors enough ammunition to charge him with being disloyal to the flag. But they werent through yet. They said he had also made the statement that banks having large holdings of Liberty Bonds were unsafe for people to keep their money in.

Wisheks trial was interesting to follow as it wound through the court. One of his accusers was a traveling salesman who testified he stopped at Wisheks bank to promote Liberty Bond sales, but Wishek had refused to talk to him. On the witness stand, the salesman said, I would call a man like you a traitor. The defense countered with the bank cashier testifying Wisheks banks had purchased $70,000 worth of the bonds and that Wishek had personally bought $4,300 worth. He was acquitted, but the matter is said to have greatly injured his pride.

First Amendment rights had been severely tested during this war.
A souvenir for Set Registry members and guests invited to the Paper Money Guaranty Aug. 4 breakfast were encapsulated Series 2013 $1 Federal Reserve notes bearing the seal of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.

PCGS distributed encapsulated 2017-P Lincoln cents to coincide with the relaunch of the grading service's Rare Coin Market. Four of the five versions available are signed on the label by four people associated with the pricing guide, including this one signed by David Hall, who is the price guide's editor and a founder of PCGS.

Thanks to a generous donation, the Industry Council for Tangible Assets had five-coin clad 1999-S State Quarters Proof sets for ICTA President and former U.S. Mint Director Philip N. Diehl to distribute free to collectors during an Aug. 2 meet and greet on the bourse floor. Diehl co-authored the enabling legislation for the 50 State Quarters Program. Diehl autographed the certificates of authenticity during the distribution.

The American Numismatic Association Worlds Fair of Money Aug. 1 to 5 in Denver is now history.

All of those who attended the convention for one or more days, or the entire show, will likely express different recollections of their experiences. From an expansive bourse, auctions from the two leading numismatic auction firms, specialty club meetings, educational forums, world mints, Young Numismatist activities, and special giveaways, there was something for everybody.

Five days wasnt enough to take in all that the convention had to offer. In many cases, compromise was needed to accomplish what was possible in the time available.

The fallout from the Enhanced Uncirculated Coin set release: Another column in the August 21 weekly issue of Coin World reveals that while forms of numismatic literature like fixed-price lists were meant to be fleeting, they can actually be quite useful.

Many dealers and collectors reported an active bourse, with reports, of course, depending on whether the collectors coming through the doors of the Colorado Convention Center were seeking the numismatic items the specific dealer had to offer.

The bourse floor was cavernous and observers found it difficult to determine the public attendance just by looking.

2017 attendance figures were not available as of Aug. 10, as many ANA staff members took leave the week immediately after the summer convention.

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One of the hot tickets for several hundred collectors and dealers during the convention was the 2017-S Enhanced Uncirculated Coin set from the U.S. Mint. Some convention attendees stood in line on the bourse floor in front of the Mints booth for more than three hours for the chance to buy one or more of the sets at $29.95 for the 10-coin product (a maximum of 500 sets was permitted per person per transaction). The Mint sold more than 24,000 of the sets during the convention, most on the first day of sales Aug. 1.

For those with a limited or even no budget for buying numismatic items, a number of collectibles didnt require a capital outlay, as they were available for free.

To mark the return of its Rare Coin Market Report, Professional Coin Grading Service not only offered free copies of the bimonthly pricing guide to convention attendees, but also offered an RCMR Collector set of separately encapsulated coins, pedigreed to the show.

The set features 2017-P Lincoln cents encapsulated in PCGS holders with labels bearing the show pedigree, some with special signatures.

One of the labels is an unsigned Rare Coin Market Report label, and four are signed by four PCGS numismatists associated with the RCMR relaunch  David Hall, price guide editor and a PCGS founder; Ron Guth, PCGS CoinFacts president; Michael Sherman, editor-in-chief; and Phil Arnold, numismatic photographer.

The encapsulations with signed labels were limited to an issue of 250, while the unsigned encapsulation had an issue of 1,000.

Paper Money Guaranty Set Registry members and invited guests who attended the PMG Set Registry breakfast Aug. 4 were each given a PMG encapsulated Series 2013 $1 Federal Reserve note.

Thanks to a generous donation to the Industry Council of Tangible Assets, collectors could receive a five-coin 1999 State Quarters Proof set free, while supplies lasted, during an Aug. 2 opportunity to meet and interview former U.S. Mint Director Philip N. Diehl at the ICTA booth on the convention bourse.

Diehl, currently serving as ICTA president, served as the 35th Mint director, from 1994 through 2000, and oversaw the 1999 launch of the 50 State Quarters Program, for which he also co-authored the enabling legislation.

For those willing to spend a little money on material specifically linked to the convention, a highlight from the world perspective was the sellout of two Panda-themed medals from PandaAmerica.

The California-based American distributor of Chinese Panda coins issued several medals in conjunction with the show. Four versions of the same design were issued, showing a sole panda against some bamboo on the obverse, with the Rocky Mountains on the reverse.

The medals were designed by an unnamed artist working at the Shanghai Mint, where they were struck. A legend on the reverse celebrates the ANA show connection and the ANAs 126th anniversary.

Two versions were launched before the show  a Proof .999 fine silver medal weighing 30 grams, and a Proof ringed-trimetallic piece composed of copper, brass, and copper-nickel sections  and both had sold out by Thursday afternoon at the show.

Two piedfort versions (double thickness and weight) have not yet been released.

The two standard examples have mintage limits of 888 pieces each, and the piedfort versions are limited to mintages of 100 each.
After receiving master dies from the Philadelphia Mint, the Denver Mint die shop takes up the hub and die making operations to supply the Denver Mint and San Francisco Mint. Illustrated a reverse for a Proof 2018-S Block Island National Wildlife Refuge quarter dollar.

A serial number for an unfinished coinage die has the serial number and QR barcode laser etched on its surface. The machine-readable digital barcode contains information specific to that piece of tooling.

The alignment gauge is flipped over to examine the reverse to measure sure the alignment line is oriented between the E and S in STATES. used to secure a 2017-D Roosevelt dime to evaluate die alignment.

The reeds on reeded edge coins like the Roosevelt dime are also inspected under magnification for possible defects.

Production workers are quality conscious at the Denver Mint. A notice on a hubbing press advises the hubbing press operator on the prevention of doubled dies and what to do should the possibility of one occur.

The Denver Mint continues to be one of the two largest producers of circulating U.S. coins, splitting those duties with the Philadelphia Mint.

Since the American Numismatic Associations Worlds Fair of Money was being held Aug. 1 to 5 in Denver, Coin World was afforded an opportunity to visit the production floor of the Denver Mint. Hopes to witness the Denver Mints production of the Uncirculated 2017-D American Liberty silver medal, the facilitys contribution to the four-piece American Liberty Four Silver Medal set that goes on sale Oct. 19, were quashed, as production of the silver medals at Denver was already completed by the time of Coin Worlds Aug. 1 visit.

The fallout from the Enhanced Uncirculated Coin set release: Another column in the August 21 weekly issue of Coin World reveals that while forms of numismatic literature like fixed-price lists were meant to be fleeting, they can actually be quite useful.

Dies were being produced for Proof 2018-S coin output at the San Francisco Mint, including an obverse for a 2018-S Lincoln cent and a reverse for a 2018-S Block Island National Wildlife Refuge quarter dollar.

The Denver Mints die shop, installed in 1996, executes hubbing and working die production for both the Denver and San Francisco facilities after receiving master dies from the main die shop at the Philadelphia Mint. The Philadelphia Mint also produces dies and other tooling for the West Point Mint, in addition to its own needs.

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Personnel at the Denver Mint appeared to be quite quality conscious. Signs are posted in die production areas as well as coin production area with reminders of what do to do if anomalies are detected or suspected. One particularly caught our attention in the hubbing room, where a notice was posted on a hubbing press to ensure against executing a hub that would result in dies that could produce doubled die coins.

One facet of coin production on display was the full inspection of struck coins from a coinage press  in this case, Roosevelt dimes.

Every 15 minutes, a press operator would remove samples of struck coins that had exited the coinage press and dropped into a holding box. During the inspection, the press operator would use magnification on the obverse and reverse, looking for defects and metal fill problems, and also examine the reeding on the edge.

A freshly struck 2017-D Roosevelt dime was placed into an alignment gauge, obverse facing up, to position the coin. The gauge was turned over to expose the reverse to determine if the dies were aligned. The die alignment line on the gauge was expected to orient between the E and S of STATES.

Evidence of coin defects, die alignment problems or other anomalies could result in a coin press output from a current batch being condemned for later melting and metal reclamation, and the coinage press fitted with a fresh pair of dies.

Visitors to Denver should make the Denver Mint one of their scheduled stops and take the guided tour inside the facility that has produced U.S. coinage for circulation since 1906.
This gorgeous Lord St. Oswald-Norweb 1794 Flowing Hair dollar graded MS-64 and bearing a CAC sticker brought $2.82 million during the Aug. 3 Rarities Night auction by Stacks Bowers Galleries. Naturally, a coin that topped the $2 million mark garnered plenty of attention, and was the weeks most read post.

Its that time of the week again, as we catch up on what happened in the numismatic world this week.

Coin World is looking back at its five most-read stories of the week.

Click the links to read the stories. Here they are, in reverse order:

5. Unique (and uniface) 1831 Matron Head cent an affordable error: An 1831 Matron Head, Medium Letters cent with a normal obverse and a blank reverse  an error coin called a uniface piece  realized $646.20 at auction.

4. Royal Canadian Mint produces a 2017 Timber Wolf kilo gold mule: At least half of the RCM's 10 Proof 2017 In the Eyes of the Timber Wolf gold kilo $2,500 coins were minted with an obverse for the Proof silver $250 version.

3. This 1806 Draped Bust quarter dollar has a gold CAC sticker, which is rarely given: The highest graded examples are highly sought after and rare, thus accounting for the price of well over $20,000.

2. UFO-shaped coin from Niue celebrates the alien version of the Roswell crash: The Roswell Incident in 1947 is the subject of a new curved, glow-in-the-dark, silver $2 commemorative coin struck in the name of Niue.

1. Early silver coins, rare cents lead official ANA convention auctions: A 1794 Flowing Hair dollar graded Mint State 64 by PCGS and bearing a green Certified Acceptance Corp. sticker led the sales at $2.82 million.

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Like an old familiar friend the Morton County Fair returns to New Salem with fan favorites including livestock judging contests, delicious treats, live music and night dances.

The 57th annual event will feature Morton County 4-H Livestock Achievement Day today starting at 8:30 a.m., the Morton County Power Pull at 5:30 p.m. and NDRA rodeos at 6:30 p.m. today and Saturday.

Calico Kids 4-H member A.J. Heins, 12, will participate in the county fair again and plans to show two heifers, a steer, four pigs and three lambs. A.J., who lives on his family's ranch north of New Salem, showed cattle, sheep and hogs at the State Fair last week and his animals won over a dozen awards. A.J. says the best part of participating in a fair whether state or county is "being able to see all my friends."

The Calico Kids is one of 19 4-H clubs in Morton County, said Karla Meikle, a Morton County NDSU Extension agent involved in 4-H youth development. "When these kids participate in the county fair it's really highlighting the accomplishments that they've had through the year," she said.

This year's fair is dedicated to two local men whose life work reflects their love for agriculture. Lyle Warner and Don Eck both had children and now grandchildren participate in the fair through 4-H. Warner and Eck have judged at the fair and teach agriculture-related studies at Bismarck State College. "They're just two very special people that have been involved with youth and agriculture in south central North Dakota," said Morton County Fair board secretary Jackie Buckley.

Daily admission to the fair, which runs through Sunday, is $10 for those 18 and up, $7 for 6 to 17 years old as well as those 62 and older and free for 5 years and under. Fair passes are available and will give access to all the events except the chicken dinner on Saturday.

For more information on this year's fair, including exhibits, activities and showtimes, visit www.mortoncountyfair.com or email fair personnel at info@mortoncountyfair.com.
Microsoft has officially acknowledged two bugs in Tuesdays KB 4034658, the August cumulative update for Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607) and Server 2016, which brings both up to build 14393.1539. Now Im seeing reports of two additional bugs that warrant your attention.

Microsoft describes the first bug this way:

For some users, their Update History does not list previously installed updates.

Some users? Meh. As far as I know, everyone who installs KB 4034658 has their Update History wiped clean.

Microsoft provides this workaround:

As an alternative, to see which quality updates have been applied, navigate to the inventory by going to Control Panel -> Programs -> View Installed Updates Microsoft is investigating this issue and will provide an update as soon as possible.

I wont hold my breath.

@abbodi86 on the AskWoody Lounge has an explanation for what happened. On July 18, Microsoft released a massive manual-download-only patch called KB 4025334. Part of that patch included a new Windows Update Agent that requires a refreshed Windows Update database. Instead of rebuilding your Windows Update database as part of the installation procedure, KB 4025334 simply wipes it out. You start with an empty Windows Update database.

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KB 4034658, being a cumulative update, includes the changes in the earlier KB 4025334. Few people installed the July 18 patch, but everybody who isn't blocking Auto Update got KB 4034658. Apparently this database wipe-out wasnt caught until it got pushed out to a wider audience on Tuesday.

Abbodi86 goes on to explain that the old Control Panel still has the list of updates because it relies on a database of actual installed updates, which is maintained separately from the Windows Update database.

Microsofts official acknowledgement goes on to say:

Some users may find that updates that were previously hidden may not be offered after installing this update.

Theres that some users stuff again. Infuriating. Every Windows 10 1607/Server 2016 customer who installed this months cumulative update got their hidden update list knocked out. @MrBrian believes the hidden updates bug is a result of this patch-deleting datastore.edb.

Deleting the hidden updates list is a big deal for people who, like @NetDef, had the Creators Update/1703 upgrade held at bay by hiding the update. Its also a real pain for anyone whos protecting a specific driver by telling Windows to skip its buggy version. The only workaround offered by Microsoft is to go back in and hide the patches you dont want.

But wait, there are 2 more unofficial bugs

Those are the two officially acknowledged bugs. (A hat tip to the folks at MS who posted this information quickly!) But Im seeing reports of two more bugs.

The patch, at least when applied to the Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) 2016, seems to break the connection to the Update server WSUS. From an anonymous poster on AskWoody:

We are using in our company W10 LTSB2016 (1607) and are facing the same problem wiping out the update history. But we have second problem. All clients that got the update KB 4034658 via WSUS not only loose their update history, they also loose the connection to the WSUS-Server. Looking for update will time out with 0x8024401c. All clients that have KB 4034658 not yet installed connect with no problems to the WSUS server. Thanks goodness that we rollout client updates only to small number of clients to see what Microsoft put into present box.

This may be an apparition of the bug reported with KB 4025336, where per Gunter Born, the July cumulative update for Server 2012 and 2012 R2 blocks the connection to WSUS.

And from poster CADesertRat:

It also wiped out all but my 2 most recent Restore Points for some reason.

Can you corroborate either or both of those reports? Sound off on the AskWoody Lounge.
Qatar crisis not to impact Indian interests, expats in Dubai: UAE FM

The visiting Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the UAE Dr Anwar Gargash has said that the ongoing Qatar crisis will not affect the Indian working in UAE and Indian interests in the Gulf region. Dr Gargash made his remarks while speaking to mediapersons on the last of day of his two-day visit to India yesterday.

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (right) meets Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of UAE, in New Delhi. Photo courtesy: MEA

During his official visit to India, Dr Gargash held delegation-level talks with Indian Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on August 9. Dr Gargash separately met with the National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. He also met with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Foreign Secretary Dr S Jaishankar.

The Minister also expressed his appreciation for the contribution of the Indian community in UAE in the development of their host country.

Dr Gargash was accompanied by Mohammed Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Economy and other senior officials in the Government of the UAE. The two sides discussed matters of mutual interest pertaining to bilateral, regional and international affairs. The talks were held in constructive and friendly spirit.

MJ Akbar, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs meets his UAE counterpart Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash in New Delhi. Photo courtesy: MEA

Minister of State MJ Akbar expressed his satisfaction over the follow up of important decisions taken during the recent high-level bilateral visits which are contributing to building a mutually beneficial comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. He thanked UAE for contributing significantly to India's energy security, being a key supplier of crude oil to us.

The two sides reviewed the progress made in achieving the target set for UAE investments in India. Akbar expressed satisfaction over the signing of the MOU on the framework for facilitating the participation of UAE Institutional Investors in National Infrastructure Investment Fund, with Abu Dhabi Investment Authority agreeing to contribute towards the NIIF Master Fund. Dr Gargash conveyed appreciation for the contribution of the Indian community in UAE in the development of their host country which has been an important anchor of our excellent bilateral engagement.

On regional issues, Dr Gargash briefed his Indian interlocutors about the situation in the Gulf region. He was briefed about Indias position that peace and security in the Gulf are of paramount importance for the continued progress and prosperity of the region. Terrorism, violent extremism and religious intolerance pose a grave threat not only to the regional stability but also to the global peace and order. India is of the view that parties should resolve their differences through a process of constructive dialogue and peaceful negotiations.
On Aug. 2, the State Historical Society of North Dakota announced that the Mandan property located at 406 Fourth St. N.W. has inherited a new designation.

The building that once housed an elementary, middle and high school respectively, has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Buildings, sites or structures that are placed on the registry are part of a national program that identifies, evaluates and protects America's architectural resources.

"It's an honorary distinction; it says that this building has important architectural details to it," said Amy Munson, the grants and contracts officer at the State Historical Society of North Dakota, regarding a building that is chosen to be on the registry. Munson added that it can take up to a year and a half for properties to get on the registry.

Originally constructed in 1917, the former schoolhouse sits on about two acres in northwest Mandan and had sections added to the structure in 1924, 1954, 1966, 1977 and 1990.

In 2012, the school district sold the property to GPA LLC, led by Yegen Development. Yegen later donated the property to Spirit of Life Catholic Church after an attempted redevelopment project was unsuccessful.

Next month, construction will begin to renovate the building into 39-unit affordable housing project, according to Erin Anderson, the vice president of development for the Midwest region of Commonwealth Development Corporation, the company overseeing the project.

"The project needs to follow the national historic preservation guidelines, so everything that we're doing has to meet the standards for that," Anderson said.

The housing project will include eight three-bedroom units, 28 two-bedroom units and three one-bedroom units. There will also be a wellness center, chapel, community room, outdoor playground and green space as well as off-street parking. Mother Teresa Outreach will provide support services to residents.

The project received funding from the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency last fall and now will receive additional funding from its new designation through federal historical tax credits. Because the project is utilizing income tax credits, Andrews said possible tenants will need to income qualify.

"The listing and the associated tax credit for historical preservation are really important to the financial feasibility for preserving this building," said Ellen Huber, Mandan's business development director.

Anderson added that the project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2018.

To learn more about the National Register program in North Dakota, call the State Historical Society of North Dakota at 701-328-2666 or visit history.nd.gov.
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A police officer who had to issue an official statement after posting a video where he's seen travelling at 140mph on the M5 on a way to an ongoing incident, has seen the funny side as social media went mad with memes and jokes.

Devon and Cornwall Police sergeant Harry Tangye posted a video of himself and a colleague travelling at break-neck speed on the motorway while on their way to a suspected theft of metal from a scrapyard 15 miles away.

The video shows the BMW X5 marked cars, with lights and sirens on, travelling at more than twice the legal speed limit on motorways and dual carriageways to reach the incident as quickly as possible.

The video has sparked a lengthy conversation between Sgt Tangye and social media users, with some wondering whether such speed was really necessary for what could appear as a trivial incident.

The 33-second long video did the rounds on social media with an equal number of people seeing the funny side of it and defending the need to reach the scene of a crime as quickly as possible, and others saying such speed is unnecessary, dangerous and irresponsible.

After days of Twitter and Facebook debates, Sgt Tangye issued an official statement clarifying his position with regard to the video posting and the incident in question.

In his statement he said "After the considerable interest shown on my tweet of driving at 140mph at night on a predominantly empty motorway to a break in progress, I would like to add that we as Advanced Drivers in the Traffic and the Armed Response units will always ensure that if we drive at speed, we do not take unnecessary risks.

"This may seem like an unnecessary speed to many, however officers undertake numerous extensive driving courses which are refreshed regularly in order to keep them to the highly trained standards required for the role they do.

"I myself am an Advanced Police driver, a VIP driver and a Pursuit Tactics advisor. I was a Senior Investigating Officer for serious and fatal road traffic collisions for 15 years."

Days on from the original video post, many 'fans' continue to mock up their own version of Sgt Tangye.

In one video @BullshirePolice mocks Sgt Tangye as a Top Gun pilot.

While another picture shows his face superimposed on a Formula 1 driver celebrating a win.

Even colleagues have taken the mickey with PCSO Kirsty Down from Saltash, another twitter favourite, posting her own version of Sgt Tangye's video, this time showing what's like on foot patrol - at a very slow speed.

Sgt Tangye, who has received the backing of Devon and Cornwall Police bosses over the posting of the 140mph video saw the funny side and tweeted:

"You know I'm an F1 fan don't you... Loving this too!"
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More than 70 Cornish businesses have joined forces with major players like Nathan Outlaw and Jamie Olivers Fifteen to support sustainable fisheries producing quality seafood.

The Eden Project and St Austell Brewery have also pledged to support the fight by joining Cornwall Wildlife Trusts Cornwall Good Seafood Guide.

As part of the work, an eco label has been produced which can be used to clearly consumers that the seafood they are being offered is sustainable.

The label will also be on display in Eden restaurants and cafes in St Austell, highlighting the sustainable seafood on the menu.

Edens sustainability manager Amelie Trolle said: Sourcing and serving local, seasonal and sustainable food is one of our cornerstones at Eden. We are very pleased to be joining the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide in an effort to support our Cornish fisheries, healthy seas, and to promote the visibility of the label.

Our visitors will find the CGSG label next to some of our most popular dishes containing fresh Cornish seafood, such as the seafood linguine and roast mackerel. We hope that many more visitor destinations in Cornwall will join this important scheme too.

(Image: Emily Whitfield-Wicks)

The Cornwall Good Seafood Guide has been produced by Cornwall Wildlife Trust in partnership with the Cornish fishing industry. It is packed with information on fish and fishing methods to help consumers see what's currently in-season and most sustainable to eat.

The guide also features seafood recipes and a directory of where to purchase local seafood.

Businesses across Cornwall have been encouraged to become supporters of the project as a way of highlighting the great local seafood they sell, at the same time as educating the public on the best choices to go for.

But its not just high-class restaurants and visitor destinations backing the guide. The Wildlife Trust has support ranging right across the industry from beachside cafes, to fish and chip shops and fishmongers.

(Image: Emily Whitfield-Wicks)

Matt Slater, marine awareness officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said: The Cornish fishing industry is something we should all be proud of but knowing what fish to buy can be a complicated issue. Having the support of local restaurants and fish sellers gives people the confidence that they will be offered good seafood choices by these businesses.

This in turn promotes demand for sustainably-caught Cornish fish, and helps make the future that bit more secure for both fish stocks and our inshore fishermen.

Matt added: Gaining the support of so many local businesses shows that these companies really do care about the seafood they sell.

"We are delighted that Eden has pledged its support to this project and its fantastic to be working with people with such a passion for sourcing the most sustainable seafood they can.

We would also like to show our appreciation for all our supporters, big and small, and encourage the public to visit the buy Cornish section of our website to find details of all those who have got behind this important project.
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A massive search and rescue operation was launched for a diver when he failed to return as planned.

The rescue mission got under way after the diving party the man was part of sent a distress signal when he failed to appear after being 15 minutes overdue.

The coastguard search and rescue helicopter at Newquay and volunteers from Porthoustock coastguard rescue team, Mullion coastguard team, Falmouth and The Lizard RNLI lifeboat stations, were all scrambled to the scene one nautical miles off the Manacles on the Lizard Peninsula.

A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the distress call came after 1pm on Wednesday, August 9, on Channel 16 - the VHF distress frequency  from the diving vessel reporting that the diver was 15 minutes overdue.

The diver, who was with a group of seven other divers, was last seen one nautical mile north of Manacles, a favourite spot for divers.

(Image: Mark Murphy)

The spokesman said: "The missing diver was located safe and well by the coastguard helicopter just after 2pm on the shoreline.

"Despite being exhausted, he required no medical treatment and has been airlifted to Porthoustock."

Lee Duncan, duty controller for the UK Coastguard, added: "We commend the actions of the crew of the diving vessel who called us when the diver was overdue.

"The diving vessel had all the right equipment on board, including a VHF Radio in case anything went wrong  which is what they used in this case to raise the alarm with us.

"Thankfully, the UK Coastguard helicopter was able to locate the missing diver on the shoreline and take his safety.

"It was very clear that the dive vessel had a plan in place if anything should go wrong and they did exactly the right thing to contact the Coastguard quickly so we could task our Coastguard, the RNLI Lifeboats and our Coastguard helicopter to assist."

He added: "Remember if youre planning on diving in the sea, make sure you are adequately qualified and experienced for the dive that you plan to undertake, keeping a close eye on weather and sea conditions, and making your own fitness a top priority for safe diving.

"Familiarise yourself with new or different gear before planning deep dives and to always dive within your limits. In an emergency contact the Coastguard immediately."
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When a relaxed and thoughtful Jeremy Corbyn plonked himself down in front of journalists for a quick media huddle yesterday it was a world away from the icy sterility of my interview with Prime Minister Theresa May a few months earlier, writes Lyn Barton.

When she sallied forth into the regions in May, ahead of what was to be a disastrous General Election, the trip had been organised to the nth degree and any variation on the prescribed plan was strictly verboten.

Firstly her staff said Cornwall Live was to have three questions - that was it, no variation, no repetition, no extra time.

Then the sharp-suited media team demanded to know the questions beforehand - a request that was ignored.

(Image: Greg Martin)

The Cornwall Live team was rather famously shut in a room and forbidden from witnessing the visit to a company in Helston.

Then, as though I was in a dentist's waiting room, I was told the PM would see me now, ushered through to a meeting room and allowed to ask my questions.

My feeling was that it didn't matter what I asked - could have enquired about her favourite Star Wars film or whether she had eaten grapefruit recently, as the answer would have been turned round so she could repeat the mantra of being "strong and stable".

It was an annoyance that we couldn't film this encounter - and the reasons still don't wash in my view - and afterwards I felt I had not been able to enlighten Cornwall Live readers about the PM or what she was championing for the General Election.

It was a cold, clinical and over-organised encounter.

(Image: Greg Martin)

The only sign of real warmth came when Mrs May gave a rueful laugh to my use of the word "please" in a plea for Cornwall's health and social care system to be better funded.

Fast forward to yesterday's rally at Heartlands and the contrast genuinely couldn't have been stronger.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is famously not one for interviews and in the very few he grants to the likes of Radio 4's Today programme, he comes across as tetchy and, on occasion, arrogant.

In fact I wasn't expecting much jollity from a man who was asked by Radio 4's Woman's Hour about his favourite biscuit rather humorlessly replied that he was somewhat anti-sugar.

But at the rally for the NHS yesterday, Mr Corbyn showed his human side, mingling with the crowds after a speech delivered without the aid of a big script or auto-prompt.

He happily, smilingly indeed, posed for selfies with people and their dogs while the media were herded into a room next to the Red River Cafe.

Backstage it was fairly casual affair with tea and half eaten sandwiches on the side table.

Labour Party press officers didn't ask me what I was going to grill the leader about, adding this was a regional event and so the questions should be kept to local issues.

This pleased the locals, but rather disappointed a Daily Mail reporter who flew in that day and was pointedly reminded that she had not even been invited.

When Mr Corbyn came in, the press were asked to introduce themselves and then the floor was opened up for questions.

Far from being guarded or suspicious of the media, the Labour leader answered openly and honestly without referring to a script or banging on about his pet subject.

I asked him about Brexit and how a Labour Government would make up the shortfall of EU funding and I pressed him on whether it was a promise that the county would not be disadvantaged.

I quizzed him about whether he was pleased with his reception in Cornwall - he was, very.

Finally, despite standing up as if to leave, I fired one last question at him.

"Have you ever been tempted to shut any journalists in a room?"

Mr Corbyn instantly understood the allusion and a colleague from another media pointed out it was me that had been corralled by Mrs May's team.

He laughed warmly, sat back down again and said that no, he had never been tempted to shut a reporter in a room and that, as a member of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), he was very much one of us.

So there it was; a lesson in contrasts.

I appreciate that there is bound to be a difference in style and approach between a Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition.

But my feeling was more than that was reflected and it had nothing to do with political leanings.

After all, when Boris Johnson stopped off in St Ives ahead of the General Election, his smiling and approachable manner won him that rock star reception and brought a whole town to a standstill.
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The number of incidents when paramedics responding to 999 calls have required police back up has quadrupled in 18 months in Cornwall, new figures have revealed.

South Western Ambulance Service said that as of July 7 this year, there were 35 addresses where police attendance was advised alongside an ambulance response and six where police assistance was mandatory.

This was up from 15 address with police attendance advised and three where police attendance was mandatory in October 2015, according to the figures released under the Freedom of Information act.

In October 2015 there were no addresses in Bath and North East Somerset that advised or required police attendance, in July 2017, there were three where attendance was advised and one where it was mandatory.

In Cornwall the number of addresses where police attendance is advised has jumped from one in October 2015 to four in July 2017, while Devon has seen numbers drop, from five that advised police attendance to three and from two where it was required to one.

Bristol now has seven addresses and Somerset three, where police assistance is advised, compared to none in October 2015, while numbers in Gloucestershire have grown from two to three.

Somerset has seen the number of address where police attendance is mandatory remain at one. There was also one address in Avon and one in Wiltshire where police attendance was mandatory in July.

According to figures released by ambulance services in July 2017, around 5,000 addresses across the UK have been flagged as either having a risk of violence, needing police assistance or being places where residents may be abusive.

The figures suggest that problems may be getting worse, as around 4,800 addresses were flagged at the end of 2015.

The total may be higher as figures are not available for the East Midlands, West Midlands or South East Coast Ambulance services.

Labour MP Chris Bryant is set to introduce a proposed new law, the Crime (Assaults on Emergency Staff) Bill, to make attacks on emergency workers such as police, fire and ambulance crews an aggravated offence in the Commons next week.

Mr Bryant came top in a ballot of MPs seeking to introduce a private member's Bill and put six choices for a Bill to introduce to voters.

Overall 33,900 votes were cast in his online poll, with the bill to curb assaults on emergency staff attracting 10,764 first preferences.

A spokeswoman for South West Ambulance service said the police back up did not necessarily mean that paramedics were being attacked.

She said it was more likely than not a case when police told paramedics they would need a compulsory police presence at a certain address.
Local News

Local Woman Crochets Stunning Remembrance Day Display

If you've been in the Pitt Street area lately you may have seen a beautiful display in the window of the Cornwall Senior Citizen's
Young women interested in serving as North Dakotas ambassador for the sport of rodeo are invited to enter the Miss Rodeo North Dakota Pageant, which will be held Oct. 5-8 in Minot. The annual pageant is held in conjunction with the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo for the top professional contestants from North Dakota and South Dakota.

Applications for Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2018 must be postmarked by Aug. 21. Contestants compete in the areas of personality, appearance and horsemanship. They must be between the ages of 18 and 25 as of Dec. 31, 2017. Other eligibility criteria include having at least a high school diploma or equivalent and holding a preliminary title earned through competition or as selected by a rodeo committee, community, county or other sponsoring organization. Complete rules and application forms are downloadable at www.missrodeond.org.

Major prizes include a trophy saddle, a trophy buckle, a jacket and autograph sheets and print material.

The winner begins her term of service in January 2018 and will compete in the Miss Rodeo America Pageant in December 2018 during the Nationals Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

The new queen will be crowned by Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2017 Cassidy Rasmusson of Lisbon. She will compete in the Miss Rodeo American Pageant this December in Las Vegas.

For more information, visit www.missrodeond.org.
Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health and the Heartview Foundation have received a $180,000 grant to address opioid abuse and overdose deaths.

The grant is through a larger, $2 million state targeted response grant North Dakota received in May from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The federal grant aims to support localized approaches to opioid addiction and treatment.

Bismarck is one of five communities to receive the grant. The others are the City-County Health District in Valley City, the city of Fargo and Fargo Cass Public Health, the city of Grand Forks and Grand Forks Public Health and the First District Health Unit in Minot.

Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health and Heartview teamed up to fill out the grant application. The grant also will support the mission of the recently formed Mayors' Gold Star Community Task Force, which is a collaborative effort between Bismarck, Mandan and Lincoln communities to address local behavioral health needs.

The task force met last month to identify its top priorities, which include more public awareness of substance use disorders, prevention, intoxification and withdrawal management and increased access to treatment.

Eighty-percent of the grant will go toward treatment and recovery. Kurt Snyder, Heartview's executive director, said funding will go toward training peer support specialists and hiring additional staff at Heartview, including a full-time licensed addiction counselor, a mental health case manager and one registered nurse.

Snyder said a lack of access to treatment and wait lists at addiction treatment centers are major issues in the community.

The remainder of the grant's funding will be used for prevention and education. Renae Moch, head of Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health, said this will include a bulk purchase of naloxone, a drug that reverses the effects of an overdose, and training local first responders on how to use it.
The burn ban remains in effect for Morton County, according to the county commission.

Our emergency manager polled the fire chiefs and, unanimously, they said keep it up, give it another week, said Chairman Cody Schulz.

According to data released Thursday by the U.S. Drought Monitor, all of Morton County is in the extreme or exceptional drought categories. Exceptional drought is the worst possible rating.

Commissioners said theyve been receiving phone calls from the general public, questioning if the ban remains in place.

I know we got some rain but theres still a lot of fuel out there and its still pretty dry, Schulz said.

We have an obligation to defer to the wishes of the people that actually have to deal with the fires, said Commissioner Bruce Strinden.

The board will discuss the possibility of lifting the burn ban at its Aug. 22 meeting.
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Norah explained, "Just today I had to process the potential of euthanizing a (patient) who is healthy, but having behavioral problems. Thing is, he is an angel with us and the home life sounded unsteady, so I wasn't comfortable with the idea."

But say she refused to put that misbehaving animal to sleep, and it mauled someone -- Norah's medical director pointed out that she would be at risk for NOT killing an animal.

"I was not happy and dreaded calling the owner. Fortunately they decided they'd rather do all they can to save him, and didn't want to euthanize. I provided all the information I could, and sent them to a boarded veterinarian behaviorist but I'm still feeling sick anyway."

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James told us: "Those are the ethical battles that we have to face ... Do you say, I'm sorry, I'm not going to do that for you? And then she says, I'm going to take her to the shelter, and they're going to put him to sleep there. What are you going to do with that?"

This is one area where regular human doctors have it easier; no heart surgeon has to decide when to kill a patient. Pediatricians see some ugly stuff, but they never wind up arguing with somebody's parents about whether or not they should put their nine-year-old down for wetting the bed. Here's James:

"It's not like this happens all the time, but this does happen a lot. Behavioral things, like the cat is tearing up the leather furniture and my husband wants the cat put to sleep ... Honestly what I end up doing -- and you don't want to advertise this -- is I'll say, 'Give me the cat.' And they'll give me the cat, and then I've got this cat I don't want that pees everywhere, but ... I'll work with the cat and see what I can do. At least you give it a shot. But that's just another emotional burden."

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You might expect every vet to take the noble route. But Norah points out:

"That is a risky endeavor. If you make a suggestion like that, and the owner follows through, you don't know if the owner will be forthcoming in the reason they are surrendering. If they aren't, and that animal bites someone and it gets traced back to you (the doctor) as the one who suggested it, then your ass is on the line legally. If the owner is truthful about why they are turning the pet over, then the shelter is just as likely to carry out the euthanasia you didn't want to do ... That's why my boss was telling me that it would be easier legally if I'd just go with it and live with it, than follow my conscience and say no ... I can't win. If that family wanted to euthanize, I could 1) do it and hate myself, 2) say no and open myself to legal trouble and potentially a social media situation and possible career suicide -- and then hate myself for not having just done it in the first place."
DICKINSON  Staffing-shortages on top of an unusually intense drought is not making life easy for Stark Countys Farm Service Agency (FSA), which is tasked with dispensing relief assistance to drought-affected farmers and ranchers.

Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., sat down Wednesday morning at Dickinsons FSA office with Stark County FSA director Peter Solemsaas and Aaron Krauter, former state Farm Service Agency director, to discuss how the FSA is dealing with these challenges and what she could do to help their efforts.

Heitkamp is on a two-day Drought and Farm Bill Tour across Western North Dakota, with additional stops in Manning, Killdeer, Watford City, Halliday, Richardton and Mandan.

Staffing concerns

The session opened with a discussion of the county offices staffing shortages. Solemsaas said his agency lost two workers this spring, including a full-time worker in Dickinson. He has had difficulty filling the positions because of the Trump administrations hiring freeze on federal workers.

While the president lifted the freeze in April, Solemsaas explained to Heitkamps surprise that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) decided to keep the freeze in place for FSA employees.

They haven't allowed us to fill the permanent (position) in Dickinson yet," Solemsaas said. We've had less bodies to get the work done, plain and simple.

But as difficult as the staffing shortages are now, Solemsaas said they are going to get tougher. He said when the harvest season is finished this fall, the office will have 450 to 500 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) applications to process, with each application taking at least an hour to process.

According to the USDA, the LFP is an program authorized by the 2014 farm bill that provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses when there is a qualifying drought condition.

When Heitkamp asked what other extra work they will have as part of the drought, Solemsaas said they will also need to deal with 70 to 80 Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) requests. NAP is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when production is hampered by natural disasters, according to the USDA.

NAP applications are more complicated (than LFPs), take more time, and you are probably going to have several days into each one of them, Solemsaas said.

"It's like trying to empty a gallon bucket with a teaspoon," Heitkamp said, referring to the challenge facing Stark County FSA employees in dealing with the extra workload brought on by the drought.

She said her main concern is making sure North Dakota farmers and ranchers get the funds guaranteed to them in the farm bill.

"At the end of the day, this is really about getting these ranchers paid," Heitkamp said.

Heitkamp told Solemsaas she wanted material to advocate in Washington, D.C., to help alleviate the plight of drought-stricken farmers.

"I know these are really technical questions, but we are trying to make the case for more staffing for you," she said.

Heitkamp mostly steered clear of politics, but did lament that the Trump administration and Congress were partially at fault for these problems.

"I think this is all part of the (Trump) administrations budget, when they are talking about cutting these offices by 31 to 35 percent. But the point is until they make that decision, in Congress we shouldn't be starving (FSA) offices," Heitkamp said.

Some staffing relief may be in store for Stark Countys FSA office. In late July, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that additional FSA employees would be deployed to drought-stricken counties in North Dakota. The previous week, Heitkamp penned a letter to Perdue requesting that the USDA fill vacant FSA positions in North Dakota.

The farm bill

Though its been a difficult year, Krauter was pleased about the improvements he has already seen in the 2014 farm bill as compared to before it was enacted. This has been a huge change from the last farm bill (the 2014 farm bill), to make those livestock provisions (LFP) permanent.

Heitkamp agreed that the legislation marked an improvement, but she is still confident she and her congressional colleagues can do better with the 2018 farm bill.

"We know that (droughts are) going to happen, so we need to get prepared for it," she said.

Heitkamp specifically pointed to ranchers as people who could benefit from an improved farm bill.

I dont think the farm bill provides an adequate safety net for ranchers, Heitkamp said.

In the meantime, Heitkamp is squarely focused on staffing the FSA.

These Farm Service Agency positions are critical to actually helping farmers navigate the farm programs, she said. This isn't people making (pointless) work or sitting around with their finger in their ear. These are people that need to be here when farmers come through the door."
Channel programs News

Ex-Atrion CEO Tim Hebert Launches Software Development Firm To Tackle Business Process Woes

Michael Novinson

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Channel visionary Tim Hebert has launched an application development and systems integration practice that will help SMBs experiencing pain from incomplete systems or broken business processes.

Hebert's 19th business, Trilix, formally opened for business this week with a dozen employees and ambitions to help financial services firms, community banks, and manufacturing companies throughout Southern New England with everything from process analysis to user adoption.

"I always stand in awe of how many companies are willing to settle for systems that are just good enough," said Randy Jackvony, Trilix's technology and client services principal. "They're wasting money by having all of these inefficient systems and processes  There is a better way we can do this."

[Related: Carousel To Buy Atrion To Turbocharge New Cisco Practice]

Hebert's latest act follows a 27-year run at Warwick, R.I.-based Atrion, which Hebert helped grow from a two-person company operating out of a garage to a 250-employee, $150 million channel goliath. The company was No. 196 on the 2016 CRN Solution Provider 500 and sold to Exeter, R.I.-based Carousel Industries, No. 61 on the 2017 CRN SP 500, in October 2016.

In addition to being Trilix's founder and CEO, Hebert will continue serving as Carousel's chief client officer, where's he's responsible for maintaining corporate culture and client experience. All of Trilix's other employees, though, are dedicated to the company full-time, Hebert said.

"For more than 30 years, I had wished there was a company like Trilix that could help me solve problems I was experiencing every day [as a business owner]," said Hebert, who has a 100 percent ownership stake in Warwick, R.I.-based Trilix.

Trilix will primarily go after net new customers rather than companies that already work with Atrion or Carousel. The areas of focus within the client's operation will also be different, Hebert said, with Atrion and Carousel primarily spending time with the customer's IT department while Trilix is more interested in working with C-suite executives or department leaders that have nothing to do with IT, Hebert said.

The company wants to focus its initial efforts on two or three industries that are burdened by heavy workflows, complex processes, and massive systems or spreadsheets, according to Garry Foisy, Trilix's business development principal. Foisy said he's looking for the right subset of clients that really get what Trilix is doing rather than simply onboarding as many customers as possible. The lion's share of Trilix's customer recruitment efforts will take place in the Northeast, Hebert said, with a focus on Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

Ninety percent of Trilix's work will be in custom software development, Hebert said, meaning that there won't be any vendors involved in the solution. But some of Trilix's initiative will focus on bridging gaps across multiple process and technologies, Hebert said, such as getting Cisco, Avaya and Microsoft to work together seamlessly, or integrating a Salesforce app with a service delivery platform.

Although Trilix is one of many custom software developers focused on small and mid-sized businesses, Hebert said the company's methodology, which starts by addressing business problems rather than technical ones, will set it apart. The company will attempt to move quickly and go as deep as possible with clients, so those true business problems are prioritized, according to Dana McInnis, business solutions principal.

Hebert said he has connected with 150 potential stakeholders this week to give them a better sense of the challenges Trilix is trying to help clients fix. He has started to set up meetings with potential clients or partners now. "The response has been overwhelming," Hebert said. "It says to me that the timing of what we're doing is right."
Components & Peripherals News

Collaboration Display Startup Avocor Turns To The IT Channel With WWT Partnership

Kyle Alspach

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Large-format interactive conferencing displays are gaining momentum as a product category with offerings such as the Microsoft Surface Hub and Cisco Spark Board. Now, a startup in the category, Avocor, is looking to make its mark with a highly configurable solution and the help of a channel heavyweight.

This week, Avocor announced World Wide Technology as its first major IT solution provider partnership. WWT, No. 8 on the 2017 CRN Solution Provider 500, is a Gold Certified Partner of both Cisco and Microsoft and already sells the Cisco Spark Board and Microsoft Surface Hub.

However, some customers have been requesting a solution with additional functionality and features, said Brandon Echele, global practice lead for video and conferencing at St. Louis-based WWT. Avocor's collaboration display solutions are well-suited to serving those needs, Echele said.

[Related: Partners Hail Cisco's New Spark Board As 'Revolutionary,' Say Its $4,990 Price Tag Will Open Up New Markets]

Avocor's displays offer versatility because they run a full version of Windows 10 and are capable of working with any major unified communications or video conferencing software, according to Avocor and WWT executives. The displays are also built to work with any external hardware such as microphones and cameras, the executives told CRN.

Avocor's solutions can serve as the "Swiss Army knife of the meeting room," said Dana Corey, vice president of sales at Avocor, which is based in the U.K. and has its U.S. headquarters in Wilsonville, Oregon.

"There's never going to be a standard [in collaboration displays], where you're focusing on a single vendor and getting rid of the others," WWT's Echele told CRN. Avocor offers a "vendor agnostic" approach, he said, which resonates with customers that aren't a perfect fit for solutions such as the Surface Hub, Spark Board and Prysm video wall.

WWT saw a need for a product that was focused on the Windows ecosystem, but was flexible enough to work with any existing platforms that enterprises are using, Echele said.

"We weren't necessarily going out looking for someone else to take on, but Avocor was compelling enough based on customer feedback," he said.

Avocor offers its collaboration displays in three sizes  65-inch, 75-inch and 84-inch  in either HD or 4K resolutions. Pricing ranges between $5,000 and $13,000 for a unit, and there is no annual maintenance fee, though customers have the option of licensing Avocor's Quicklaunch meetings software.

Echele said he's been impressed by the design and technology innovation of the Avocor products, which feature small bezels around the display as well as excellent touch responsiveness.

Underpinning the flexible approach of Avocor's solutions is their integration with Intel's Open Pluggable Specification (OPS), which allows users to easily get the latest computing technologies (CPUs, RAM, etc.) by plugging a new PC into the OPS slot. That means that the display won't go out of date even as it ages, executives from Avocor and WWT said.

The displays can also run Windows 7 or Windows 8 in addition to Windows 10, according to Corey.

Avocor, founded in 2015, does all of its sales through partners, Corey said. However, up until the WWT partnership, the company had only partnered with audio-visual industry firms.

While the focus, for now, is on getting the most out of the partnership with WWT, Avocor is open to working with additional channel partners, Corey said. The company offers a three-tier partner program  platinum, gold and silver  with different annual commitments and discounts for each tier, he said. Corey's experience in working with the channel included his previous post, as vice president of global strategic partnership sales at Prysm.

Overall, Avocor aims to enable partners to "say yes" to the collaboration needs of all variety of customers, Corey said.

"We know the world of workplace collaboration is transforming, and we don't know what it's going to be [in the future]. You want to protect yourself, whether you're the end client or partner," he said. "We want to let the partner and the client decide what 'the best' is because we know it's changing."
Networking News

Avant, Navisite Clear The Way For Partner Cloud Sales With New Microsoft Office 365 Opportunity

Gina Narcisi

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Master agent Avant and Navisite are offering partners the ability to resell Microsoft Office 365, even if those companies are not part of Microsoft's partner program.

Most solution providers have historically been locked out from this major selling opportunity with the popular business productivity tools. "Unless youre a big VAR or distributor, you really didnt have a play with Microsoft, and quite honestly, couldn't make any money associated with reselling Microsoft," said Ian Kieninger, CEO of Avant.

Chicago-based Avant has a self-proclaimed "cloud-first" approach to providing voice and collaboration services. The company is also aware that partners shouldn't navigate these waters alone. By teaming up with cloud service provider Navisite, Avant can help partners get their foot in the door with Microsoft and profit from reselling its popular products, too.

[Related: Partners Cheer Microsoft Incentive To Boost CSP Sales Of Office 365]

Navisite was bought by Time Warner Cable for $230 million in 2011. Time Warner Cable was then bought by Charter Communications in 2016 for $78 billion, and Navisite, part of Spectrum Enterprise, remains a business unit inside that behemoth.

Kieninger said that for partners looking for value-added services, Office 365 is a strong product with excellent brand recognition, but it needs support. It needs more support, he said, than most agent partners are prepared to give.

Most solution providers don't want to invest in the operational side needed to support a product like Office 365, but with Avant's partnership with Navisite, Avant's partners have access to a managed Office 365 solution that they can turn around and offer their end customers.

Microsoft and Navisite have enjoyed a two-decade long relationship which began on the infrastructure side with Navisite delivering managed hosted Exchange email platform and then extended to include Microsoft's messaging and collaboration tools.

Today, Navisite is within the top 10 percent of Microsoft's base of 200 Cloud Service Provider (CSP) partners in managed services selling and supporting Office 365, said Suren Singh, senior director of hosting and cloud services for Microsoft.

The longtime Microsoft partner has hundreds of engineers on-hand that have experience in resolving issues, and supporting Microsoft environments. Navisite also has access to the highest level of support from Microsoft directly that the average end customer and channel partner wouldn't have on their own, said Craig Sandman, senior director of Navisite's cloud alliances and indirect channels organization.

"Customers go to Navisite for Tier 1 support. Thats our business and that's really the value we are bringing to the channel," Sandman explained.

In addition to its managed services and support that Navisite wraps around Office 365, the cloud provider also bundles Proofpoint cybersecurity software for email security and continuity into the offering, providing another layer of value that partners can offer their customers. Navisite handles the billing for the entire solution on behalf of partners.

Avant was one of Navisite's first distribution partners and the two teamed up about six years ago. Avant has been Navisite's top partner for the past five years, giving the Andover, Mass.-based provider access to greater scale and a distribution channel of thousands of Avant partners.

Now, Avant and its partners are representing Navisite's product set as well as the provider does for itself, Sandman said. "There's no way would could have achieved the scale and success that we have had without our channel partners, and Avant has been a leader in that because of their cloud focus," he said.

By working through a managed service provider like Navisite, not only does the channel have access to a significant sales opportunity that was once hard to reach, but partners are also able to bring a product to the table that their customers want and are already buying, Kieninger said.

"Partners don't have to pass on the opportunity anymore, and we think this is the best way that customers can get [Office 365]  from their trusted advisor," he said.

Avant has trained or educated at least 70 percent of its agent partner community on the Navisite relationship and the Office 365 opportunity since the start of the partnership nearly two years ago, Kieninger said. Of that percentage, Avant has an active funnel of 50 to 60 percent of those partners and about 35 percent doing transactions today. That percentage, according to Kieninger, is very high for a new product.

That's because Office 365 is a household name and an easy set of tools that customers are already accustomed to using to get work done. The managed services wrapped around Office 365 by way of the Navisite relationship are also a unique and necessary value-add for the channel, Kieninger said.

"Everyone knows what [Office 365] is and partners dont have to be super technical to talk about it, so we have a lot of sellers that are comfortable bringing it up to customers," he said.

The relationship between Microsoft, Navisite, and Avant is translating into "healthy" monthly recurring commissions for solution providers. Best of all, the offering is low in overhead and high in value for partners while Navisite handles all backend support, Kieninger said.

While making Office 365 available through the channel undoubtedly helps drive sales of the product and strong commissions for the channel, it also puts partners in a position to continue the cloud conversation with customers.

The well-known brand and product provides an easy transition for partners to discuss how willing customers are to move more workloads to the cloud, Sandman said. "We've seen a number of situations where a customer buys Office 365, because thats a product with great brand recognition, and then it's become a great cloud enabler to more solutions-oriented products," he said.

Once inside, partners can keep adding value, Sandman said. "It's a great Trojan horse  a bridge sale that is helping partners get to cloud selling."
Security News

Microsoft Agrees To Windows 10 Update Changes After Kaspersky Lab AV Antitrust Allegations

Sarah Kuranda

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After months of back and forth between the two companies over their respective anti-virus offerings, Microsoft and Kaspersky Lab have come to an agreement.

The two companies announced in independent blog posts this week that Microsoft has agreed to make changes to its Windows 10 Fall Creators update to satisfy allegations by Kaspersky that some of the company's operating system updates were edging out third-party anti-virus companies.

In a blog post, Microsoft's Partner Director for Windows Enterprise and Security, Rob Lefferts, said Microsoft would make changes to its upcoming update to include giving third-party AV vendors earlier access and visibility into upcoming feature updates to ready their software, enable AV vendors to use their own alerts and notifications for expired or expiring product licenses, and providing more persistent notifications for users to renew their existing AV solution before it defaults to Windows Defender.

[Related: CRN Exclusive: Kaspersky Lab Names Stein As North American Channel Chief]

"We believe in a healthy antivirus ecosystem working with us in protecting our shared customers from security threats. Our top priority is and always will be to protect our customers with security innovations for the Windows platform, increase our customers' pre- and post-breach security stance, and provide a platform that offers choice," Lefferts said in the blog post. "Part of delivering on that commitment is listening and responding to the feedback from our customers and partners  I'm pleased to share these discussions have helped us clarify our roadmap and implementation plans."

The changes come after months of allegations from Kaspersky over antitrust violations by Microsoft around the anti-virus market. Kaspersky filed an antitrust complaint in June over the issue, arguing that Microsoft didn't give it enough time to make its software compatible with Windows 10, automatically deactivated third-party anti-virus software for its own Windows Defender solution. That action, Kaspersky said, limited the number of anti-virus offerings on a PC, and urged customers to replace third-party solutions with Windows Defender, among other claims.

In its own blog post about the agreement, Kaspersky Vice President of Consumer Products Andrei Mochola said the company was pleased with the resolution. He said partnerships between companies, especially operating system software vendors, are critical to fighting back against cyberattacks

"The market has to be diverse to ensure that cybercriminals don't only have to try to elude a single security solution. So, partnerships and diversity go hand in hand," Mochola said. "We are grateful Microsoft is addressing these issues completely, making sure that both partnerships and diversity are preserved on the market for both user and industry benefit."

Mochola said Kaspersky has a "long history of cooperation with Microsoft" and is "satisfied with the changes" the company will make in its upcoming update.

Michael Knight, president and CTO at Encore Technology Group, a Greenville, S.C.-based Kaspersky partner, said it is good to see the two vendors "mend the fences" they can, especially in the face of growing cybersecurity threats around ransomware.

"I think that they have decided that partnering where you can versus trying to get the crown jewels is probably a better scenario," Knight said. It's far better to partner where possible than to disagree on certain points."
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The detective leading the murder investigation into Jermaine Goupall's death has revealed what he believes happened during the teenager's last moments  and said the 15-year-old may have been separated from his group of friends when he was stabbed in the leg, leaving a wound that would prove fatal.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Lynes, leading the investigation for the Met's Homicide and Major Crime Command, has spoken about the events that led up to Jermaine's death, and revealed the brave actions of members of the public who tried in vain to help the schoolboy.

Officers were called to reports of the stabbing at around 11pm, on Tuesday (August 8), to Georgia Road near the junction with Green Lane.

Despite the extensive efforts of the emergency services, Jermaine, who was found suffering from stab wounds, was pronounced dead shortly before midnight.

DCI Lynes has said Jermaine's whereabouts through the day are unknown at this stage, but said that he and a group of about "five or six" youths were outside of a Costcutter shop yards from where he died, before meeting another group of masked youths armed with a machete and knives.

He said: "What we know so far is that he was with a group of friends, in the vicinity of a Costcutter shop in Green Lane. The group were confronted by three males armed with knives and what's been described as a machete, and these people were wearing balaclavas."

The detective added that police believe a confrontation occurred and then Jermaine, and his group of friends, dispersed and were split up.

Jermaine, police believe, was separated and chased alone before being stabbed in his thigh, on Georgia Road.

"At the time of the initial confrontation we believe he [Jermaine] may have been with up to five or six other people," said DCI Lynes.

"At the time he was attacked, it looks as though, at the moment, that he was on his own. I think what has happened is the group had dispersed from the shop."

DCI Lynes praised passers-by who came to Jermaine's aid before paramedics arrived, and a shopkeeper who sheltered some of his friends when the group were attacked by the group clad in balaclavas.

It is unknown, he added, who phoned the emergency services for Jermaine.

"I suspect there will have been multiple calls," he said, "I know that passing members of the public were trying to help Jermaine, having received injuries, and then, of course, the London Ambulance Service arrived and also tried to save him.

"They were either people who lived locally or people who were just walking by. It was in the street, it was late at night, but still a reasonably busy part of the area. Passing members of the public were in the area and tried to come to his aid."

As Jermaine's friends dispersed away from the group in balaclavas, DCI Lynes said a few of the teens tried to escape into Costcutters, where the worker inside the shop helped pull down the shutters to hide them.

Though the group in balaclavas were armed with what is understood to be a machete, it is at this stage unclear what the murder weapon was, or where it may be.

He also stressed that little is known about the group who confronted Jermaine, and urged anyone who was with Jermaine, or who happened to see to come forward.

Because of this, the motive for the killing still remains unclear to police and DCI Lynes said he has an "open mind" as to what it may be, and said it could possibly be gang-related or simply that Jermaine was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

One incident earlier in the day, which police believe may be connected, could hold clues as to the evening's tragic events.

He said: "We don't know [if he was known to his attackers]. In terms of why this happened, it's certainly unclear.

"What we do know from enquiries is there was an earlier incident, certainly in the same locality, at about three or four o'clock earlier in the afternoon.

"That incident involved youths with sticks, and there appeared to be a confrontation with other youths on mopeds.

"What we're saying about these incidents is that they're possibly linked, it's possible."

When DCI Lynes was asked if he thought Jermaine's death could have been the result of a revenge attack, he said: "Revenge? We certainly don't know. We will keep an open mind about it.

"We're working closely with the local borough police and we're aware of previous tensions between groups and it's not that uncommon in areas where you've got different groups of youths  tit-for-tat incidents  we can't say for sure that's what this was but certainly it's a possibility and we'll keep an open mind to it."

DCI Lynes did stress, however, that police do not believe Jermaine's attack was linked to a double shooting that happened just yards away less than a month ago .

In terms of local residents fearing for another attack motivated by revenge, the detective said he doesn't believe such an attack will happen but police are "certainly monitoring things".

"We certainly hope that won't happen. We are working very closely with the family and I'm sure they wouldn't want any retaliation to take place.

"We're working very closely with the local borough, I know they will have a local policing plan.

The investigation has taken CCTV from Costcutters on the corner of the stabbing, the detective added, but he said at this stage it is crucial that those with Jermaine come forward to help piece together what happened that night.

He said: "In terms of the group with Jermaine, we think there were possibly five or six people that were with Jermaine at the time the incident happened and they may have very important information.

"I understand the issues that young people may have about speaking to police, and we understand they may be reluctant possibly in fear of speaking to us, all I can say is that they will be dealt with experienced crime officers who deal with these incidents regularly.

"They needn't be scared, we just want to find out from them some of the answers."

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation have been urged to call the Homicide and Major Crime Command incident room on 020 8721 4868 or via 101
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.
Cybersecurity Ventures posted a Twitter Poll yesterday, asking if the civilized world should launch a pre-emptive cyber strike or wait for North Korea to cyberattack first?

More than 1,000 votes were tallied within hours of the poll going live.

67% voted to drop a cyber bomb on North Korea.

33% voted to wait until North Korea strikes first.

To be clear, this isnt about just any type of hacking. Malicious cyber actors from North Korea have been engaged in cyberwarfare activities against the U.S. and its allies for quite some time.

"Any cyber strike by the U.S. against North Korea would be retaliatory and not pre-emptive, says Casey Fleming, CEO at BLACKOPS Partners. North Korea has been hacking the U.S. private sector, government and allies for years," adds Fleming, a member and speaker of the U.S. Secret Service - Electronic Crimes Task Force (ECTF) for the past six years.

The poll moves the needle to a discussion around a devastating grade cyber attack. Not a pleasant thought. But who drops the cyber bomb first  if one gets dropped at all.

What cyberwarfare experts say about North Korea

Cyberwarfare experts suggest diplomacy.

A civilized nation should exhaust all diplomatic avenues and international treaties and relationships before launching a preemptive cyber strike on the PRNK (Peoples Republic of North Korea), says John Wood, CEO at Telos Corporation (founded in 1971), a provider of secure IT solutions to the U.S. federal government.

Launching a major cyber strike should be a last resort.

If the PRNK continues to threaten that nation and diplomatic efforts fail, then that nation could determine that a cyber attack that would disrupt or cripple their nuclear program would be an appropriate next step and minimize the risk of further escalation, adds Wood.

A civilized nation should exhaust all diplomatic avenues and international treaties and relationships before launching a preemptive cyber strike on the PRNK.  John Wood, CEO, Telos Corp.

While hostile posturing from North Korea is headline news this week, its hardly the first time.

Historically, a combination of diplomacy and sanctions have proven to be the most effective method of slowing North Korean aggression, and I strongly believe that the U.S. and its allies must exhaust those options before we entertain the prospect of any preemptive strike, including a cyber attack, says Bill Conner, CEO at Sonicwall, a company that has been battling cyber crime globally for more than 25 years.

Cyber protecting organizations in the event of a digital attack launched by North Korea  whether they strike first or not  may be where the attention really belongs.

As any engagement with a rogue actor like North Korea would be asymmetric, as they have far less to lose, its critical that governments and businesses alike build strong cyber defense capabilities, adds Conner.

No assurances with a cyber bomb

Theres no assurances that dropping a cyber bomb on North Korea would have the desired effects.

I do not believe that in this incident, we should launch a preemptive cyberstrike on North Korea, says Mike Janke, co-founder at DataTribe, a cybersecurity incubator working with startups in the Washington, D.C., area. There is no guarantee that it will have the desired impact, and we have enough kinetic firepower to end any engagement quickly. This could be the fodder that North Korea needs to launch missiles at Japan and South Korea. Not a smart strategic action.

Regardless of how harmful a cyber attack on North Korea might be, it would not stop their cyber aggression.

North Korea is a very tricky target, says Janke, a former Navy SEAL. They are insular. Their networks are isolated and archaic. Could we take out part of the power grid  sure. Could we brick a few installations  sure. That in of itself does not guarantee we have stopped a capability. Again, not a smart strategy as a preemptive strike.

The idea of declaring cyberwar against North Korea  to be most effective  would need to be global.

Technically, a cyberstrike will be part of a global attack strategy on North Korea as it was with Iraq, says Dario Forte, CEO at DFLabs, a leading global breach and incident response firm headquartered in Italy.

The U.S. would need to engage Europe, Israel, Japan and other countries in a cyberwar against North Korea.

A pre-emptive cyberstrike will much probably be conducted in parallel and multi-modal/multi source. And it will be not only originated by the U.S., but possibly also via the U.S. allies as well, adds Forte.

To sum up on the poll, the cyberwarfare experts appear to be in the minority. But they bring the most wisdom, and they espouse what may be the only practical strategy for coping with a potentially catastrophic world problem.

Putting the idea of cyber bombs aside, North Korea is an unrelenting cyber aggressor.

According to a recent United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) bulletin, Hidden Cobra is leveraging malware called DeltaCharlie, which is the brains behind North Koreas distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) botnet infrastructure targeting the media, aerospace, financial, and critical infrastructure sectors in the U.S. and elsewhere.

The more cyber eyes on North Korea, the better.

Visit SteveOnCyber.com to read all of my blogs and articles covering cybersecurity.

Follow me on Twitter @CybersecuritySF, or connect with me on LinkedIn. Send story tips, feedback and suggestions to me here.
STAMFORD  Last year, Charter Communications supercharged its growth with two blockbuster deals. Now, other giants are apparently eyeing Charter for their own expansions.

French telecommunications firm and Cablevision owner Altice along with SoftBank, the owner of American telecom powerhouse Sprint, are weighing offers to acquire Charter, according to a number of media reports this week. Their reported interest does not surprise industry experts, who think Charters potential asking price would likely preclude an imminent deal.

I think their motivation to acquire Charter is very simply market share, said John Gerlach, an associate professor and business executive in residence in Sacred Heart Universitys College of Business. And you have to think about the cost of the acquisition. If theyre going go to do this deal, these companies would be thinking of using a lot of cash which they dont have, so they would have to borrow and pay interest on it.

Charter officials declined to comment on the latest reports of prospective deals.

Buying Charter would represent a coup for any bidder. With its approximately $65 billion acquisition of Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks in 2016, Charter became the second-largest cable provider in the country after Philadelphia-based Comcast. Charters video, voice and internet programs serve some 27 million residential and business customers.

Some estimates have pegged a potential purchase of Charter at around $200 billion. The prospective asking price could climb higher amid the surge in Charters stock value. Compared with its worth six months ago, its share price has jumped about 20 percent to nearly $400 on Friday.

The normal situation when a public company is acquired is that there is a fairly large premium to the stock price, said David Souder, an associate professor and academic director of the executive MBA program in the University of Connecticuts School of Business. Those premiums can be of any size, but 20 percent is not unusual.

Gerlach puts the odds of another Charter deal being agreed to before the end of 2017 at less than 10 percent. He said he thinks Softbank and Altice have complicated their potential bids by tipping their hands about their interest.

The price has already been driven up, Gerlach said. Its going to be difficult for them to earn a decent return on that investment, because the investment would be 30 percent higher than it was three months ago.

Speculation has swirled for many months about potential mergers, acquisitions and collaborations involving Charter and Verizon, Sprint and Comcast.

Among confirmed partnerships, Charter and Comcast announced in May the launch of a joint initiative to support their participation in a national wireless marketplace. The terms of their venture stipulate neither company could make material transactions in the wireless sector during the next year without the others consent.

Another deal for Charter doesnt seem imminent, Souder said. This seems like the beginning stages of a negotiation that may or may not lead somewhere.

Amid the potential deals, Charter officials told Hearst Connecticut Media in late June they were exploring a move of the companys headquarters within Stamford to support its growing business. Charter now occupies eight floors in the approximately 500,000-square-foot building at 400 Atlantic St.

Only a handful of properties in Stamford, such as the empty office complexes at 677 Washington Blvd. and 1 Elmcroft Road, would likely be large enough to accommodate Charters operations.
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DANBURY  Investigations from city and state health departments have determined that the incident involving metal pieces found in imitation crab meat sold at Stew Leonards Danbury store was isolated in nature and poses no further risk to public health.

The pieces of metal broke off from a knife that was used by a Stew Leonards employee to cut a package of frozen imitation crab meat in half, according to the Danbury health department, which inspected the store on Tuesday.

It seems like it was a simple mistake that happened that they self-corrected immediately, Lisa Morrissey, director of the Danbury Department of Health and Human Services, said.

A customer discovered the shards of metal after purchasing the product on Sunday from the Stew Leonards store on Federal Road in Danbury. The customer returned the crab meat to Stews and alerted management of his findings.

The Norwalk-based grocery store chain immediately pulled the remaining containers of imitation crab meat off its shelves in Danbury. Stews later pulled the product from the remainder of its stores and ordered a recall.

Unfortunately, a piece of the knife broke off and our team member didn't realize it, Stew Leonards said in a statement issued Friday. We checked all of the other existing imitation crab meat and nothing has been returned to the store with a similar complaint.

The Danbury health department made a surprise inspection of the store on Tuesday. Stews received a failing mark of 65. The department gave the store two weeks to correct the problems.

We worked really closely with Stews to go over the report and they are aware of our findings and they will have all of these items corrected, Morrissey said.

Stew Leonards, in a statement, expressed surprise at the low score and vowed to make building improvements to address the issues.

Our Danbury store has scored in the 90s on these inspections for many years and it was surprising to receive a score less than that, the statement read. The majority of the infractions had to do with an aging building and well have to make repairs to floors, paint walls, fix light covers and get new thermometers. The Danbury stores management team is working quickly to address and resolve the health departments concerns.

Jake Tavello, director of the Danbury store and the grandson of the companys founder, said: We take events like this very seriously. Our standards are as high as ever.

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection visited the store on Thursday after being alerted to the incident. A spokeswoman for the department said the investigation is ongoing, but it appears to be an isolated incident and that Stews did everything they were supposed to do in the wake of the discovery.

The spokeswoman said anyone who discovers a problem with goods purchased at a grocery store may contact the department at dcp.foodsandstandards@ct.gov

cbosak@hearstmediact.com; 203-731-3338
DICKINSON, N.D.  Its been 10 years since the Little Missouri Scenic River Commission (LMSRC) met, but as the drought drinks deep from its flows, Gov. Doug Burgum has sought to bring the commission back to solve troubles facing the waterway.

The stated purpose of the commission is to "preserve the Little Missouri River as nearly as possible in its present state, which shall mean that the river will be maintained in a free-flowing natural condition.

Among the items brought to the commission Wednesday night, Aug. 9, in Dickinson was discussion of a report on Little Missouri River water permits, and the condition of its flows as a new policy for temporary industrial use permits is considered.

The rivers condition isnt great, and a new policy will take time to develop, officials said.

Im going to talk a bit about flows in the river, Jon Patch, director of water appropriations for the North Dakota State Water Commission, said as he presented a series graphs that showed flow levels of the river in the past 90 days compared to the median.

So, back in May we were pretty close to the median and then we started to see a pretty strong departure  things were pretty dry, and we did actually dip below the 30 cfs (cubic feet per second) minimum flow condition that wed placed out there  to suspend temporary permits that were on the main stem of the Little Missouri downstream of the Long X Bridge.

That suspension went into effect June 28. All permit owners were notified that they had to suspend pumping, Patch said. Flow levels have since risen to acceptable levels and the flow today at Long X is slightly less than 50 cfs, he said.

By order of the governor, all temporary industrial permits upstream of the Long X Bridge have been suspended until a new policy is decided, which is part of the reason why the commission met. A temporary policy established by the office of the state engineer is in place until a new policy is adopted by the State Water Commission based on the input of the LMSRC.

Im going to ask that we  spend some time looking at the interim policy that we developed, said State Engineer Garland Erbele, interim chairman for the LMSRC. He added that in the meantime, commissioners should consult with residents of their respective counties. The next meeting of the LMSRC has been scheduled for October.

There are 42 active temporary-use permits concentrated on the northern, downstream end of the river. There are roughly 24 pending applications, including five on the main stem between Medora and the Long X Bridge, Patch said. He said these are all surface-water applications.

The Medora span of the river is in even more dire straits than Long X, with Patch showing images of an anemic stretch of water choked by sandbars, driving home how the drought has affected the river. The flow of the river in the Medora region is a bit over 5 cfs, which Patch described as very low flow. For comparison, in mid-July the flow was 17 cfs, he said.

Based upon the median average, the cubic feet per second flow of the Medora region should have been well over 100 for much of June and July, dropping a bit below that for August.

We do have seasonal median and mean flows that occur, so youre going to have higher flows in the springtime and then they dip off in the fall, Patch said. But yes, flows have been much higher than what were seeing now.

Temporary permits can by law last no longer than 12 months, but Patch said the permits are usually much shorter than that.

We tailor them to the need of the applicant, he said. Theyre usually three- to six-month permits in length.

All of the permits and documentation the State Water Commission issues are on its website.

Patch took questions from the commission and members of the public. He said the condition of the river and its low flows are almost entirely drought-related, and not due to human action.

The accepted uses for the Little Missouri River include agricultural irrigation, and there are presently 40 active irrigation water permits which on average can sustain 100 acres. Those irrigation permits have been affected by the low flow.

With low flows in the river, there are certainly adjustments to pumping schedules, Jessie Wald, public information officer for the state water commissioner, stated in an email follow-up to the meeting. Some of the permits are conditioned to cease pumping when flow(s) reach a certain minimum threshold.

As dramatic as these drops in flow are, they are not all-time lows. Wald, in the same email, explained:

The flows in the river are lower than normal but are not at (the) period of record lows. For instance, for todays date (Aug. 10), the period of record low (0.03 cfs) occurred in 2003 at the Medora gage. The flow is currently about 8 cfs at that site.

For this same date, the median flow at Medora is 79 cfs.
BRIDGEPORT - A local man, accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, including once in a church banquet hall, was sentenced Friday to nine months in prison.

Im sorry, I know what I did was wrong, Tajay Heywood, 20, of Trumbull Avenue, told Superior Court Judge Robert Devlin, urging the judge for leniency.

His lawyer, Frank Riccio, told the judge his client had been planning a career in the military but that is all over now.

You are entitled to consideration but we are talking about four separate incidents with a girl who was 13 and one of those incidents happened at a church, the judge retorted.

He then sentenced Heywood, who previously pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of risk of injury to a child, to 10 years, suspended after he serves nine months in prison and followed by 10 years of probation. Devlin also ordered Heywood to register as a sex offender.

Police said Heywood sexually assaulted the teenager, a family acquaintance, on four occasions beginning in June 2015 when she was 13.

The teen said on one occasion she had been attending the Bridgeport Tabernacle Seventh Day Adventist Church on Clinton Avenue when she went to use the bathroom in the churchs empty banquet hall. Police said when the girl walked out of the bathroom she was confronted by Heywood who pulled her clothes off and sexually assaulted her as she pleaded with him to stop.

Police said a medical examination of the victim confirmed she had sexual activity. They said Heywood later admitted to a social worker that he had sexual relations with the girl.
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Morning Joe, they say that breaking up is hard to do.

A month after saying he was leaving the GOP because it had sold out its core values to Donald Trump, MSNBCs Joe Scarborough is still a registered Republican.

The GOP registrar of voters in Scarboroughs hometown of New Canaan, Joan McLaughlin, said there has been no change to Scarboroughs party affiliation since he told Stephen Colbert on July 11 that he was bolting from the Republicans.

The secretary of the states office further verified that Scarboroughs name still showed up Thursday on the GOP voter rolls.

There are three ways to switch parties in Connecticut  in person at the local registrar, by mail or online with a valid drivers license issued by the state.

Scarborough, who co-hosts the show with his fiancee, Mika Brzezinski, declined to comment on the record.

Both have been targets of Trumps Twitter insults, with the president referring to the couple as Psycho Joe and Crazy Mika, in addition to mocking Brzezinskis appearance.

New Canaan is the only town or city, of 169 in the state, where a majority of voters are registered as Republicans. The states former top Republican goaded Scarborough Thursday over the delay.

I would be happy to mail him the form with a stamped, return envelope if I could get his home address, said Chris Healy, the state GOP chairman from 2007 to 2011. Maybe he can have his chauffeur drop it in the mailbox on his way to Midtown.

Scarborough, a former Florida congressman, grabbed headlines last month with his stinging rebuke of his party during a joint appearance with Brzezinski on Colberts CBS late night show. He lambasted Republicans as sitting idly during the presidential race as Trump proposed a ban on Muslim immigrants, feigned knowledge of David Duke and the Ku Klux Klan and criticized a judge for his Mexican heritage.

Time and time and time again, they turned the other way, and its actually disgusting, Scarborough told Colbert. You have to ask yourself, what exactly is the Republican Party willing to do? How far are they willing to go? How much of this country and our values are they willing to sell out?

Thats when Colbert asked Scarborough if he still considered himself a Republican.

I am a Republican, but Im not gonna be a Republican anymore, Scarborough said. Ive got to become an independent.

Its unclear whether Scarborough will join the ranks of unaffiliated voters  the largest voter bloc in Connecticut  or whether he will join the Independent Party. Republican candidates in Connecticut have often sought the cross-endorsement of the Independent Party.

Scarboroughs estrangement from the GOP is a dramatic turnabout for the celebrity host, who just two years ago had been on the wish list of some Republicans to run for statewide office, including governor. At the Republican National Convention last summer in Cleveland, Scarborough schmoozed with Trump delegates from Connecticut and posed for photos.

Scarborough isnt the first prominent Republican with ties to the state to disavow Trump. Last year, former longtime Congressman Christopher Shays drew the ire of the Trump wing of the party by voting for Hillary Clinton. A faction of GOP leaders even proposed stripping Shays of the state partys highest honor, the Prescott Bush Award, named for the late Bush family patriarch and U.S. senator.

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The co-economy is here, inspired by the thinking behind collaboration, cooperation, co-development, co-innovation, co-support, co-opetition, co-anything and co-everything.

We can think of the co-economy as a mindset, a process, and a value proposition by which organizations partner with other organizations. They combine their skills, talents and resources for anything from a one-off project to an ongoing initiative. In the co-economy, the customer is at the center -- and quite likely, may be one of the active co-players in the effort.

Related: How Small Business Owners Should Be Using IoT

The co-economy has emerged from an environment fostered by the internet of things (IoT) that demands speed, improved customer service, greater business agility, better responsiveness, lower costs and compelling customer experiences. Add to this a complex, rapidly evolving technology landscape and it is clear that no company can do it all alone.

This is particularly true for firms working to co-develop or co-implement IoT solutions in business-to-business sectors. IoT is built upon complex technologies and processes, from sensor technology to networking to big data and analytics. No single company has expertise in all those areas, particularly if the solution needs to be tailored to the requirements of an industry segment. Collaboration is no longer an option. Vendors must work through a select set of partners, each of which contributes its particular horizontal or vertical capabilities to deliver a complete solution.

This is where startups come in. There are hundreds of IoT startups vying to provide either robust horizontal capabilities, modules or platforms for delivering IoT solutions, or specialized applications for specific vertical industry segments. Because IoT is such a big, complex, fast-changing field, it offers startups a unique opportunity to carve out their own place in the market and innovate with established enterprises -- if they do it right.

Co-innovatin is easy to want, but hard to do.

While 95 percent of startups say they want to develop long-term corporate partnerships, according to a recent BCG study, only 57 percent of them have done so. Co-innovation between a startup and a large enterprise can be tricky. Differences in size, culture, expectations and behavior often get in the way of a truly collaborative and productive partnership. Another recent study found that half of startups that do work with corporations rate these experiences as mediocre or worse. This dismal record is not because corporations do not value the contributions of their startup partners -- 82 percent said their interactions with startups were somewhat important to very important, and almost a quarter of them viewed their startup relationships as mission critical.

Related: How Startups Can Be Invited to the Big IoT Party

So, why cant they get it right?

To ensure a successful co-innovation partnership with a large corporation, keep in mind the following lessons:

Both parties should take the time to make sure they are aligned in their vision and values, with clearly defined and realistic roles and expectations.

Startups should be careful not to be drawn into either custom single customer development or several disparate custom projects that take up significant resources or even shift the resources away from the core capability and dont result in a scalable and repeatable solution that brings in revenue.

Startups should ask, is it real, or is it a science project? If you are working with a large customer, make sure you are working with their production team, rather than an advanced research group. If youre working with a large vendor, avoid projects that are focused on thought leadership or innovation as a sales tool.

Make allowances for a possible culture clash. The enterprise may not be able to move as quickly as the startup is used to, and the startup may not have all the formal processes in place that the enterprise needs.

Startups should think about how they can scale their solution by working collaboratively with large enterprises that have experience, resources, contacts and credibility in the marketplace. This is especially true if the startup wants to grow its presence on a global scale.

When enterprises bring a new startup solution to their customers, they take ownership of the success and reliability of the solution, so they should choose a startup partner with a good chance of stability and longevity.

Both partners must have a commitment to the long-term roadmap of the solution and their partnership, not just short-term revenues.

Start small and build on incremental successes. Have achievable milestones, fail fast, quickly correct things that are going in the wrong direction and move on.

Related: How the Internet of Things Inspired a New Startup Niche

When it works, it works for all.

When partners keep those tips in mind, co-innovating between startups and large enterprises can be good for both parties.

Lets look at some of the advantages from a large vendor perspective. First, by working with a nimble startup, vendors can often fill in a missing piece for their solution -- and deliver it to customers faster than they would be able to do it on their own. Additionally, many large vendors focus on providing broad platforms, or developing common horizontal modules that can be used to deliver vertical solutions. They often rely on channel partners, application developers, integrators and yes, startups, to develop these solutions for specific markets. Startups can differentiate a large vendors offerings, providing specialized capabilities that help make the sale to customers that might otherwise go with a niche player.

From the startup perspective, co-innovating with an industry giant can be scary, but if done right, it can boost the startups credibility and help propel it into the market. When startups co-innovate with large vendors, they gain access to customers and channel partners where they might not get in the door on their own. As Brian McGlynn, COO and co-founder of IoT startup Davra Networks, told me recently, When you partner with a large vendor and are validated in their ecosystem, you have a stronger play. Or, if the startup is co-innovating directly with a large customer, it develops a targeted product that it can then sell to other customers, using the original customer as an important reference account.

What are some of the factors from the startups viewpoint that contribute to win-win co-innovation experiences? Co-innovation between a startup and an enterprise works best when each party fills a gap in the others capabilities, and when they share equitably in both the work and the rewards.

Related: The 'Internet of Things' Is Steering the On-Demand Economy. Want to Be a Part of It?

Josef Brunner, CEO of relayr, an IoT startup, pointed out that its important to be guided by your overall strategy when evaluating co-innovation opportunities. Sometimes its hard to say no to a big company, he said in an interview. Founders and CEOs want to take the opportunity to partner with an industry leader, but you have to make sure its the right thing to do strategically. Otherwise, its easy to lose your identity. Another guiding principle for relayr has been to keep the focus on the customer -- always. Dont fall in love with the technology. Co-innovation should be about helping the customer be commercially successful. The most important thing is to keep the customer at the very center of what we do, understand their challenges and always think of the business case.

You can bring in partners by having the right architecture, but you need the right governance to make it work, Davras McGlynn also pointed out. It is important to have explicit agreements around who owns what, who decides what, how prices are set and how revenue is shared. With the right governance environment, both sides can make money.

Finally, its important to develop the relationship incrementally, taking the time to understand the other partner and to define appropriate roles. As Josef Brunner told me, A lot of companies want to boil the ocean in one day, and thats very challenging. We take an approach of, crawl before you walk, walk before you run.

So, begin taking those first steps toward co-development. Be prepared with a clear value proposition, application, and proof of concept, then find the right corporate partner to develop it and take it to market with you. Welcome to the co-economy!

Related:

How Startups Can Capitalize on IoT's New Co-Economy

How Small-Business Owners Should Be Using IoT

3 Major Enterprise App Improvements to Watch For



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim may be entitled to run for governor, but hes not entitled to run for the office on public money.

He is excluded from the Citizens Election Program program  the so-called clean elections program  by virtue of his conviction by a jury in 2003 on 16 counts of corruption that occurred while he held elective office in Connecticut as the mayor of Bridgeport, the states most populous city.

He spent seven years in prison and in 2015 completed a remarkable cycle when he won re-election to the mayors office. Some 11,000 Bridgeport voters were unswayed by his past and that was enough to put him back in office.

Ganim now intends to run for governor, picking up where he left off before his conviction in 2003.

The Citizens Election Program is a voluntary one. Candidates who want to participate receive public money for their campaigns and must abide by rules governing contributions, spending and public disclosure.

The purpose of the program is, essentially, to keep the corrupting influence of special interest money out of Connecticut politics. Qualifying candidates can get about $1.3 million to spend in a primary and $6.5 million for a general election.

It was founded in 2010 after ... years of scandal, the perception of rampant corruption in state government... according to a state report.

The idea was to remove the stigma that had spread across state politics, including the incidents in Bridgeport involving Ganim and, separately, former state Sen. Ernest Newton, who also went to prison for corruption. The program then was revised in 2013 to bar applicants who have been convicted of felonies related to any public office they were holding at the time. Its often referred to as the clean elections bill.

Ganim earlier this year asked for the ban to be lifted. The State Elections Enforcement Commission rightly turned him down.

The mayor has appealed to federal court, arguing in part that the ban limits his political speech and public funds will elevate other candidates voices over his. He cant go back to what once was.

Ganims law license was suspended after his conviction and shortly after getting out of prison, he applied in 2011 to get the license back. Though a local bar committee was willing to take him back, their decision was overturned in court. Ganim went to the state Supreme Court, which also said no.

We further agree with the trial court that the defendants failure to either explain, or acknowledge any responsibility for his extensive criminal wrongdoing, or to express remorse for that wrongdoing, was a highly relevant consideration in the particular reinstatement proceeding in the present case, the Supreme Court said.

The Citizens Election Program, shortcomings and all, is worth protecting. If Ganim wants to run for governor, it should be on his dime and on the dimes of people who think he should be governor. He should not be an exception to the intent of the clean election program.
The 12-year-long court proceedings that have delayed construction of the $244 million Northwest Area Water Supply project may be nearing an end, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem announced on Friday.

In an opinion issued late yesterday, the District Court in Washington, D.C., concluded that the Environmental Impact Statement for the NAWS project met the requirements of the National Environmental Protection Act.

"As long as the federal agency has adequately identified its options, seriously studied and evaluated the consequences of each, identified and adopted reasonable measures to mitigate adverse consequences, and selected its action after balancing all of the above, NEPA will not prevent the agency from going ahead," the court noted in its opinion.

The NAWS project is intended to bring water from the Missouri River to Minot and surrounding counties in northwest North Dakota.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., on Friday underscored the importance of the project.

The Northwest Area Water Supply project is vital infrastructure, ensuring a clean and reliable water supply for more than 100,000 North Dakotans, Hoeven said. Thats why, after we secured the finding of no significant Impact in 2001 and Manitoba brought its lawsuit in 2002, we continued building out our water infrastructure for communities in the region using water from the city of Minot. Doing so ensured this project was ready to be brought to completion for the remaining communities after the court ruling.

Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., also applauded the ruling.

"Its welcome news that the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia rejected challenges to the Northwest Area Water Supply Project  clearing the way for the projects construction. Every rural community needs a solid foundation of clean drinking water at their fingertips, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Bureau of Reclamation to make that a reality," Heitkamp said.

The State Water Commission and Bureau of Reclamation began construction on the NAWS project in early 2002. Soon after, the Province of Manitoba sued under the National Environmental Protection Act, and the project has been entangled in litigation. Though much of the distribution system and supply pipelines have been constructed, the remaining work has been subject to various court injunctions since 2005. In addition, Missouri joined the litigation against North Dakota in 2009. The court also dismissed the Missouris claims and lifted all the injunctions that have hampered the project.

This is a significant victory for the citizens of North Dakota, Stenehjem said. Although the opinion is subject to appeal, this is a giant step forward in resolving the legal issues that have delayed the completion of the NAWS project for over a decade.
Ill gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today, was a catchphrase made famous by J. Wellington Wimpy, a character in the comic strip Popeye. But it also describes, with slight modification, the attitude of crony capitalist companies to American taxpayers: Ill begrudgingly pay you in the future for services provided today.

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the greatest crony capitalist deal in Wisconsin history. The state offered to Foxconn various government-granted privileges, a mix of different types reportedly worth $3 billion. The company agrees to create 1,000 jobs in the second half of 2017 and employment will grow to 13,000 by 2021. All this at an average of $53,900 a year per employee and in return the taxpayers of Wisconsin subsidize the workers at a cost of $231,000 per job.

And then Foxconn pulled a Wimpy on Wisconsin by saying, Ill gladly pay you in 25 years for the $3 billion today.

Based on estimates from the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureauwhich provides fiscal analysis for the state legislatureWisconsin will not receive a return on its investment in the project until about 2042.

Any cash-flow analysis that covers a period of nearly 30 years must be considered highly speculative, said the report.

According to Rob Reinhardt, a bureau program supervisor, the bureau based its analysis on Foxconn reaching its threshold of 13,000 employees. If the actual employment number was 3,000, the break-even point would be so far in the future that it is silly to talk about, said Reinhardt.

Reuters reports that based on the report, if 10 percent of projected new jobs from the project were filled by Illinois residents, a concern of several lawmakers, the state would not break even until about 2044. Im sure Wisconsin residents will be thrilled to hear that their state tax dollars are going to pay $231,000 per job for Illinois residents.

In Robert Altmans 1980 live-action musical film Popeye, a sign in a restaurant reads Positively NO CREDIT. This means YOU, Wimpy. Maybe someday taxpayers will take the same initiative and put a message on their state signs that say, Positively NO GOVERNMENT-GRANTED PRIVILEGES. This means YOU, Cronies.
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Richard Kay, the writer who knew Diana best, and his colleague Geoffrey Levy bring you the full untold story of Diana and Camilla's bitter rivalry

The royal couples problems were the result of the near 13-year age gap between them, according to Dianas aunt, Mary Roche.

They were at very different stages of development, she says. Diana was young and had limited life experience, and Prince Charles was already a great thinker. He read a great deal. They were, perhaps, different people.

Diana, too, felt the age difference would make romance impossible. Mary Robertson, whose son Patrick was nannied by Diana in the months when she was being courted by the Prince of Wales, recalls a Monday morning when Diana told her that she had spent the weekend with the Queen and her family at Balmoral.

I said, Were you up there with Andrew? and she said, Actually, no, I was up there seeing Charles, but he didnt invite me, his mother did. I asked if she thought anything would develop and she said, No, hes 31 and Im 19. Hell never look twice at me. I said, I wouldnt be too sure.

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Four months into her romance with Prince Charles, Diana, aged just 19, finds something to laugh about as she leaves the Young England kindergarten in Pimlico where she worked as a teaching assistant three days a week

Sir William Heseltine, the Queens former private secretary, recalls a weekend at Balmoral soon after the royal wedding when he came across Diana sitting all by herself under a tree engrossed in a book.

I went over and said, What on earth are you doing here? says Sir William, 87. And she said in a rather mournful voice, Im just reading up about one of my predecessors, Queen Adelaide.

Diana had been given the book by Charles. He was keen for her to know about Adelaide because when she married the future King William IV he was in his early fifties and she only half his age.

The parallels were obvious, with one additional plus: it was a happy marriage and they were devoted to each other. This even though hed fathered ten illegitimate children before their wedding.

So perhaps Diana had Adelaide in mind when she wrote to her nanny Mary Clarke some weeks after the wedding a letter of breathless happiness. I adore being married and having someone to devote my time to, she declared. While in a letter to Mary Robertson she wrote of my wonderful husband. For his part, Charles wrote to a friend, All I can say is that marriage is very jolly.

The truth was Diana felt Camillas shadow everywhere but felt impotent to do anything about it. The distinguished artist Richard Foster, now 71, who painted her at Kensington Palace five years after the wedding, says he found his subject a grown up child rather than a power woman.

In the grip of bulimia, a painfully thin Diana at the Savoy Hotel in March 1989 (left) and six years later (right), thanks to an exhausting exercise regime, Diana had transformed her shape

BEAUTIFUL? I'M BUILT LIKE A SWIMMER! While Diana could hardly be unaware she was viewed around the globe as one of the great beauties of the age, she harboured private doubts about her cover-girl looks. When the distinguished artist Israel Zohar was commissioned to paint her portrait in 1990 by the Royal Hussars regiment of which she was colonel-in-chief, he found a young woman unhappy with certain physiological aspects of herself. In the painting she wears the midnight-blue gown in which, five years earlier, she had danced with John Travolta for a spellbound audience at the White House. And yet, says Zohar, 72, There were a lot of defects she found in her face and body. And in a kind of humorous way she asked me to make corrections and improvements, especially with the nose. According to her fitness trainer Carolan Brown, Diana wasnt very keen on her shoulders either, complaining, I have a swimmers physique and big shoulders, which I dont like. Tomasz Starzewski, the fashion designer who dressed the princess from 1990 until her death, says, She wasnt really curvy. She had more of a sportswomans body. Her holistic practitioner Nish Joshi reveals that Diana had curvature of the spine. This was noticeable in her deportment because she tended to walk with her shoulders hunched, he says. It was exacerbated by her being self-conscious of how tall she was. I persuaded her to celebrate her height (almost 5ft 11in) and not bow her head and stoop or round her shoulders. She was concerned that William or Harry may have inherited this condition and I checked them over. They were fit and healthy. Advertisement

Camilla shrewdly never put her head above the parapet. Whatever talk was flowing through the capitals gossipy salons, she remained Dianas publicly invisible foe.

Privately, however, Mrs Parker Bowles had a great deal to say, none of which, it must be said, indicated any form of conscience that she might be stealing another womans husband.

She felt nothing but contempt for the princess, according to a trusted royal aide. She used to refer to her as that mad cow. Some will view this as a shocking insight, indicating a streak of self-serving ruthlessness.

They may be surprised to learn that, in Camillas eyes, she was the one deserving sympathy, not Diana, for having to pick up the pieces of Charless broken life and prop him up in a bid to restore his confidence.

She blamed Diana for everything, says the aide. She hated what she believed Diana was doing to Charles and held her responsible entirely for how low the prince was when he came to Camilla for comfort.

In Camillas eyes she was the one deserving sympathy, not Diana

Camillas scornful attitude to Diana didnt end there. Far from being jealous of the princesss cover-girl looks, Camilla was openly mocking among her circle of how Diana had gone from scrawny to muscly. She usually tacked on the observation that the princess didnt have a bosom to compare with her own.

In the face of this onslaught, Diana referring to Camilla as the Rottweiler and describing her to her therapist friend Simone Simmons as that scarlet woman were pretty tame.

According to Roberto Devorik, who remained a friend of Diana all her adult life, she chose Rottweiler because, as she told him, Camilla didnt have the elegance to be called a pussycat  everything she did she did barking loudly.

But then, as her former nanny Mary Clarke sees it now, That young girl was taken for a total ride. She wasnt mature enough to cope.

Its 21 July 1997, and a smiling little girl shares Dianas last official engagement. Hollie Robinson-Marsh lost her hair during treatment for leukaemia at Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow. Just over a month later Diana was dead. Hollie survived her treatment but the cancer returned in 2013 and she died the following year, aged 21

HER OWN SUFFERING GAVE HER EMPATHY As long ago as 1986, years before anyone outside royal circles knew there was any trouble in the marriage, Diana consulted astrologer Penny Thornton. They spent four hours looking at charts. I told her she needed to find a role for herself, something separate from being the wife of Prince Charles so that she could convert her own suffering into relating to other people who were suffering too, says Penny. I told her it would be a way of processing her own distress. That really struck a chord. One who had a close-up view of just how deeply Diana took that advice is Dame Esther Rantzen, founder of Childline, who knew the princess well. Her own pain gave her a unique empathy, says Dame Esther. It was instinctive. This was what drew the princess to Bonnie, a girl who contracted HIV through a blood transfusion when still in her mother Rebeccas womb and was dying of Aids. Diana sent her a signed picture of herself in a silver frame but Bonnie died, aged 12, before Diana could visit her in hospital. The princess invited Rebecca to lunch at Kensington Palace a few months later, but she too died of Aids soon afterwards. When Esther was telling the great heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub about it, he revealed to her that the princess used to slip into the wards at the Royal Brompton Hospital late at night and sit on the beds comforting children in pain or unable to sleep. She had special coloured nail polish with her and would paint their nails, giving them moments of happiness in their sometimes very short lives, says Esther. Lady Glenconner, friend and lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret, still thinks with great warmth of Diana, who went to see her bohemian son Henry in St Marys Hospital, Paddington, when he was dying of Aids in 1989. She cherishes their little exchange when he told a surprised Diana they had something in common... youve now got my nanny. He was referring to his childhood nanny Barbara Barnes, who had been looking after William and Harry at Kensington Palace. Diana wrote me a very nice letter after Henry died saying how brave she thought he was and how much she admired him for helping others by coming out and saying he had Aids, says Lady Glenconner, 85. And there was Dianas landmines crusade, of course. The late Lord Deedes, the distinguished journalist and former government minister, had campaigned about their evil for years. It became a great mission for him, says his son Jeremy. But only a few people took much notice. Then Diana got involved and suddenly everyone was talking about it. My father was thrilled. Advertisement

Diana might have seen off a lesser woman, but Mrs Parker Bowles was always going to be a formidable foe who had, as one of her closest friends puts it, seen it all  and done most of it. She also understood men drawn from the British upper classes whose marriages  like her own  were euphemistically described as open.

Diana never understood this concept of an open marriage, says Mary Clarke. To her, marriage was a matter of love, trust and loyalty. She would have been thrilled that Catherine and William so clearly love each other, happy that they have what she never managed to have.

Astrologer Penny Thornton, whom Diana began to consult in 1986, was one of the first people that the princess turned to for guidance about Camilla.

I remember telling her that she had to entertain the enemy  instead of turning Camilla into the other woman she had to embrace her, invite her to dinner, to include her, to engage her, says Penny. She did try to follow this advice but soon realised that there was no point.

According to Penny, Diana remained very ambivalent about whether she wanted the marriage to succeed or not. But that was completely normal because people are like that, she says. So at times she would be saying, Oh God, we cant even speak. And at other times shed say, Were inching together bit by bit, drawing closer. But it went up and down.

A reflective Diana at the Burghley Horse Trials in 1989. The year was a pivotal one for the royal marriage

Diana, of course, began to see other men only when she realised that Charles had returned to Camilla. As ever, Mrs Parker Bowles was dismissive about the princess. At least I got that out of my system before I married, she was known to say when Dianas romantic life cropped up  a curious observation, you may think, from a woman who was cheating on her own husband with the Prince of Wales.

But the relationships of both women were never quite as clandestine as they thought. They shared the consternation and embarrassment of being the victims of secretly taped telephone conversations. Dianas Squidgy tape and Mrs Parker Bowless Camillagate tape emerged within five months of each other, to their respective horror.

Dianas conversation, with motor racing executive James Gilbey, ranged principally over her complaints about the Royal Family. Camillas, with Prince Charles, included passages of mutual longing (Charles: I need you several times a week. Camilla: I need you all the week, all the time.). Charles also memorably tells her: Your great achievement is to love me.

She was urged to invite Camilla to dinner, to include her, to embrace her

Publication of those tapes became the opening salvos in what was to become the War of the Waleses, the protracted four-year battle for public sympathy and support that wasnt to end until the divorce in 1996.

So who came out on top? History will say it was Camilla. She, after all, got the prince. But not before her reputation had been savaged by Diana in the infamous Panorama interview. She never actually named Camilla but cast her cuckoo image into every front room in the land with the phrase there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.

Yet Diana was still able to laugh about how things had turned out. Leona Shanks, whose late husband, the American artist Nelson, painted the princess, remembers her arriving at her husbands Chelsea studio in a new pair of Chanel shoes, with their distinctive two entwined back-to-back Cs. Mrs Shanks recalls, Nelson said, Diana, I love your shoes. And the princess replied, I call them my Camilla and Charles shoes  Ugh! They had a good laugh about it.

The question that is still stimulating drawing room debate two decades after Dianas death is whether, had she been more mature when she married Charles, she might have had the weaponry to see off her experienced rival. One incident suggests she might have.

It was during the summer a few weeks after their divorce and the prince, flying back to London from an engagement, found himself caught short as his helicopter landed in its usual spot behind Kensington Palace, where Diana still lived, leaving him with a 15-minute drive to his own residence at St Jamess Palace. He phoned to ask if he could use her loo and she said, Fine, come in.

His motorcycle escort removed their helmets as they waited for the prince to answer his call of nature. Five minutes later he emerged and walked to his car.

As Dianas then chef, Darren McGrady, recalls, He was just about to get in the car when the princess shouted out within earshot of the escort, Same time next week, Charles? and winked. The prince went bright red. That told me there was still something between them, something, I suspect, he knew hed lost.
A miracle mother-of-six who fell in love with baby twins with a rare genetic deformity has devoted her life to raising them after they were taken away from their parents.

Matthew and Marshall Trepanier, three, have misshapen, oversized heads due to Pfeiffer Syndrome, which caused their skull bones to fuse prematurely in the womb.

Kind-hearted nurse Linda Trepanier, 58, from Lakeville, Minnesota, took them in as a foster carer when they were four weeks old after their parents were deemed unable to take care of them.

What a heart: Linda Trepanier, 58, took twins Matthew and Marshall in when they were four weeks old after their parents were deemed unable to take care of them

Say cheese! The twins were born with Pfeiffer Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes their heads to be misshapen and oversized

Aw! The nurse was asked by Protective Child Services if she would be willing to adopt one of the twins, but she said she would never separate them and adopted both

The full-time medical foster carer was then asked by Child Protective Services if she would consider adopting one of the boys for good.

She said she could never separate the lovable pair - so she adopted them both.

'When I first saw the twins I thought they were the most adorable little things I had ever seen,' she recalled.

'They had these big heads and tiny bodies. They weighed 8lbs but their bodies were the size of newborns, so most of the weight was because of their heads.

'I just fell in love with them. I knew in my heart that they were my boys.'

Love at first sight: Linda fell in love with the baby twins as soon as she saw them

Play time! Twins Matthew and Marshall inherited the rare genetic disorder, which affects their head and skull, from their father

Selfless love: Linda's friends and family don't understand why she took on such a big responsibility at an age when they think she should be looking forward to retirement

Pfeiffer Syndrome, a rare genetic defect which the twins inherited from their father, affects a baby's face and skull.

It occurs when the parts of the skull fuse together too early, meaning the bone can't expand as the brain grows.

Matthew and Marshall were diagnosed with Pfeiffer type two, which is characterized by severe hand and foot deformities, fibrous joints, high foreheads, displaced ears and protruding eyes.

Their condition means they require round-the-clock care and have regular medical appointments.

Over the last two years they have both had three operations to reshape the bone that fused together before they were born to allow space for their brains to grow.

It's all worth it to her: The twins require round-the-clock care but the Minnesota mom's career as a nurse has prepared her to take on the challenge

Look at those smiles! The twins have both had three operations over the last two years to reshape their head structure and allow space for their brains to grow

A story of hope: Matthew and Marshall's disorder affects their mobility and they need wheelchairs to get around. They also need breathing tubes and eyeglasses

They need breathing tubes to survive and use wheelchairs to get around because the condition affects their mobility. They also wear glasses because their eyesight is poor.

Linda needs to take their temperature every few hours to check for infections and she tucks them into bed tightly every night to prevent them from yanking out their breathing tubes.

The tubes also mean they have a direct airway to their lungs so a simple cold or flu virus could kill them, and whenever she takes them outdoors she brings an oxygen tank in case of emergencies.

Linda's family and friends think she is crazy to take on such responsibility at her age, when she should be looking forward to retirement.

But she said she couldn't care less about that.

'People struggle to understand. They say, "Oh, those kids are going to tie you down," but I have learned to live with it. I just feel privileged that I have been able to make a real, positive difference to Matthew and Marshall's lives,' said Linda.

A full-time job: Linda has to tuck the twins tight at night so they don't accidentally remove their breathing tubes in the middle of the night

Happy against the odds: Lucy said that despite the twins' health issues they are a lot of fun and with the right care will be able to one day live independent lives

Although taking care of the twins is no easy task, her career as a nurse has prepared her to take on the challenge.

WHAT CAUSES PFEIFFER SYNDROME? Pfeiffer syndrome is a 'dominant' genetic disorder. While many genetic disorders require genes from both parents, dominant genetic disorders occur only require a single copy of an abnormal gene. Pfeiffer type 2 is caused by a mutation in the gene FGFR2, which instructs cell division and cell growth. It can come from either parent. It can also be caused by a new gene mutation - as is typically the case with Pfeiffer syndrome type 2. Babies born to older father's have a higher risk of developing the disorder. Those who have the gene have a 50 percent risk of passing it on to their children. Advertisement

Linda gave up her career working as a regular nurse to look after poorly children in her own home back in 1986 and has fostered 16 children since.

'When I was a little girl I always thought I wanted to be a nurse and take care of babies and kids.

'It has always been my passion and once I started doing the foster care and teaching other nurses how to provide care I just felt like it was something I was born to do,' said the nurse, who has three older biological children - Gregory, 27, Patrick, 25 and Marlys, 24 - and three other adoptive children - Ethan, five, Audrey, nine and Shay, ten.

Linda believes that with the right care, which she is determined to give them, the twins have a shot at living independent lives.

She has been with them every step of the way since she began fostering them in 2014, and their adoption was finalized last month.

Registered nurses help her look after Matthew and Marshall and her other adoptive children.

'They are a lot of hard work but they are also a lot of fun - they are the happiest and smiliest.

'Almost always if one twin laughs the other twin will automatically laugh as well.

'Everybody just falls in love with them,' gushed the proud mom.
Many married couples look back on their wedding as the happiest day of their lives.

But these toe-curling stories prove that for others it is a far more stressful affair.

Wedding guests took to anonymous confessions app Whisper to share the most shocking and awkward moments they have ever witnessed.

From prostitutes interrupting the ceremony to the maid of honour losing the rings, the scenes would be enough to give any bride or groom-to-be nightmares about their own big day.

One guest shared a particularly scandalous story about when the groom's ex-girlfriend showed up and claimed he was the father of her child. Another told how a former flame had arrived to try and put a stop to the nuptials.

Here, FEMAIL shares some of the most horrifying examples...

Secret family: This sneaky groom had apparently kept his 'other wife' from his current bride

It should've been me! This former flame could not accept that the relationship was over

Drink up! There was a rush for the bar when guests realised there was not enough alcohol

Unfaithful: This groom did not try very hard to hide his indiscretion from the guests

Oops! This maid of honour was left scrambling after she lost the groom's wedding ring

Inappropriate: This officiant apparently missed the dress code on the invitation

Unfinished business: This scandalous scene was likely to have set tongues wagging

Love child: This poster watched the drama unfold as the groom was confronted by an ex

Romantic: This bride missed out on sharing a special moment with her new husband
A woman who grew up believing that her own mother tried to torch her to death as a baby has finally learned the truth about her past.

Annie Price, 30, from Mitcham in London, was left with severe facial burns after narrowly escaping from a caravan fire on a halting site as a baby.

She had been told her birth mother had torched the caravan in an attempt to kill her because she was black, but learned while filming the documentary Annie: Out of the Ashes, that the truth was quite different.

Despite having been told by social workers her mother was behind the blaze, firefighters told Annie evidence suggested she had actually been saved from the flames by her grandmother.

Annie Price, 30, grew up believing her traveler birth mum tried to set her alight in a caravan

After the fire Annie was taken into care and social workers said they believed it was her mum Biddie who started the fire, despite having no proof.

Biddie was married to another white gypsy but had an affair with a black man, which social services said would have made her feel ashamed and shunned by her community.

Annie learned caravan fires were extremely common in the 1980s, with 2,000 blazes happening every year.

After tracking down the fireman that had been on the scene, Annie is told that it was actually her family that saved her from the fire.

After digging into records and local news reports about the fire, Annie discovered that her grandmother Briddie was in the caravan with her when it caught alight, with a report claiming that it started from a cushion catching alight from a gas heater.

Annie tracked down John Backers, the fireman called to the scene, and learned about what really happened to her.

Annie is engaged to her boyfriend Sam and felt it was the right time to know what happened

Joe Jones from the Gypsy Council gave Annie an insight into her traveler background

John said: 'What I suspect happened, because your grandmother's hand burnt, she in my view lifted you and carried you out from the van.'

On the records it said 'unrecovered/pending recovery', which meant the emergency services didn't think Annie would actually survive with the severity of her burns.

John explained: 'I'm just amazed that you actually survived because on this section here it says 'unrecovered/pending recovery or otherwise', It was expected for all accounts that you would not survive more than 24 hours or possibly two days.'

Before finding out the truth, Annie said: 'I don't think any person with a happy normal childhood would think that's an option to do that to their child. I kind of just feel bad for her and I don't know what kind of life she must have had.

'I was a baby, she didn't know me. She wasn't trying to kill me as I am as a person. She didn't want me for whatever reason. You can't condone these things.'

Biddie had died in another caravan fire years before Annie made the documentary, so she had no one to ask about what happened to her.

Annie met with Joe Jones, a member of the Gypsy Council, who taught her about her traveller roots and explained that it was highly unlikely her mother would have felt ashamed enough to try to kill her.

After checking local records, Annie discovered that her grandmother saved her from the fire

Joe said: 'The only time a caravan is set on fire deliberately is after a funeral. For the community to set a caravans on fire deliberately, no I can't see that. There wouldn't be any reason for it.'

He also explained that there are many non-white members of the gypsy community, which shocked Annie, who grew up believing her mother would have been treated badly after giving birth to a mixed race child.

She said: 'When I first realised it might not be deliberate it knocked me for six a little bit, I was very shocked. My first feeling was that I felt bad, I felt really guilty realising that.

'I had this overwhelming feeling of like "Oh Annie, why wouldn't you give her a chance?". I presumed everything I heard was gospel and I kept it in a little box and that was it and left it there.

'Instead of logically thinking about it, you know who would really wanna harm someone in that manner? It's unlikely. I felt like I should have made more of an effort and dug deeper into what happened.'

Annie says she feels proud of the person she's become and is glad she found out the truth

After discovering what really happened to her, Annie said she was happy with the person she'd grown up to be.

She said: 'The stories we grow up with shape who we are. Our new beliefs that we then take on builds up character and then it builds our identity. Because I didn't have any background or people that were linked to me, I was able to build my own identity and my own ideas about myself.

'Now after everything that has happened I believe that was the right way for me to go and I don't necessarily have to be part of any pack, this group or that group, I am my character.'

Annie: Out of the Ashes airs on Saturday on BBC Three.
A man famous for impersonating Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw has released a new funny photo series dedicated to reenacting several episode of the famous show.

Dan Clay, 32, from New York, first dressed up as Sarah Jessica Parker's well known character for Halloween. The pictures of his costume proved to be a massive Instagram hit.

Since then, he has racked up more than 62,000 followers for his various costume tributes to Carrie, dubbing his alter-ego 'Carrie Dragshaw'.

Hanging out: Dan Clay, 32, from New York, who gained fame last year for his Carrie Dragshaw persona stars in a new Sex and the City-inspired photo series

Much the same: Dan impersonates Sarah Jessica Parker's well known character for the series

Perfect poser: The shoot was staged at Hollywood's The Standard hotel, where two episodes of the show were filmed

In his latest feat of exceptional mimicry, Dan stars in a photo series at The Standard Hotel in Downtown Hollywood, where two episodes from Sex and the City's third season were staged.

The hotel revealed the series of images, taken by photographer Michael Anthony Hernandez, on its Instagram feed on Thursday.

'Back in 2000, Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw and the gang came to stay at The Standard, Hollywood for two iconic season 3 episodes,' reads the caption for the series.

'We sent one of our favorite Instagram personas, @dan_clay's Carrie Dragshaw, to recreate the magic, and boy, did she ever.'

Man behind the wig: Dan first went viral for impersonating Carrie last year and has since gained tens of thousands of fans

Typing away: Dan shows off his ability to nail poses straight from the show

 Slide me  Hitting the town: The two episodes parodied by Dan, Escape from New York and Sex and Another City, see the friends traipse around Los Angeles

Nighttime swim: The Standard shared the snaps on Instagram on Thursday

Chick flick: Dan get's Carrie's quirky style perfectly - right down to this hot pink fanny pack

Walking out: The original LA-based episodes were aired 17 years ago, back in 2000

Dan is seen in the photos posing in ways that perfectly match scenes from the episodes, entitled Escape from New York and Sex and Another City.

The episodes see the TV friends traipsing around Los Angeles as well as enjoying plenty of time in the hotel and by the pool.

Of course, given that Dan is a solo act, he is forced to recreate many of the scenes all by his lonesome. However, the hair, outfits and poses are all impressively accurate.

One image sees him wistfully staring out from a balcony in an oversized pink shirt, while another has him sporting a neon green cutaway bathing suit while sunning himself on a lounge chair.

Giving the attitude: Of course, Dan has a little bit of height on the diminutive Carrie, so not every shot is perfect

Stunning skyline: Each photo was staged as close as possible to the original scene's location

Staring out: This scene sees Carrie wistfully looking out from the hotel's balcony

The look: Dan first dressed as Carrie on Halloween and was shocked when he received massive attention for his photos

From the source: Sarah Jessica Parker herself has commented with support on Dan's photos

Back in New York, Dan works as a strategy and innovation consultant, and lives mere 'blocks away' from Carrie's famous West Village location, which has helped his Instagram hobby immensely.

His work eventually gained the attention of Sarah Jessica Parker herself last year after his first images went viral.

'Oh my Lord! Words cannot convey. A triumph,' she wrote beneath one of the photos.

She has also written supportive words on Mr Clay's profile on several other times.

'For her to take the time out to say such sweet things shows a remarkable level of kindness,' Dan told Daily Mail Online at the time.
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Pearls have a long association with the monarchy  Princess Victoria wore her first string of pearls aged two in 1821  and they are still a firm favourite of the Queen today.

But it was Diana who made them fashionable among the younger generation, sending pearl sales rocketing  both on the High Street and at high-end jewellers.

Diana liked pearls because they were so versatile and she owned every size, shape and colour under the sun  from huge cultured pearls the size of grapes to long strands made up of hundreds of tiny gems. She is pictured in pearl earrings during the 1988 tour of Australia

By wearing them with casual clothes as well as ballgowns, Diana made pearls an essential accessory for the well-dressed woman of the Eighties.

She liked them because they were so versatile and she owned every size, shape and colour under the sun  from huge cultured pearls the size of grapes to long strands made up of hundreds of tiny gems.

Poignantly, one of the last pieces of jewellery Diana ever wore to a public engagement, two months before her death, was a dazzling pearl and diamond necklace. Earlier this year, it was put up for sale at a New York auction house

The first pearls she ever bought

Shortly before her engagement, Diana bought herself a single string of large, graduated pearls that fitted snugly round her neck. It was simple and subtle; the polar opposite of the ostentatious jewels she would later go on to wear as Princess.

Simple and subtle: Diana bought her first pearl necklace at the age of 19 and wore them frequently in the run up to her wedding and after. Here, on a gondola trip in Venice in 1985, she paired them with a turquoise tartan coat by the Emanuels

The 19-year-old saw the pearls as grown up, so wore them frequently in the lead-up to her wedding in 1981. Here, she paired them with a turquoise tartan coat by the Emanuels, on a gondola trip in Venice in 1985.

Although the modest necklace was superseded by priceless jewels from the royal vaults, Diana continued to wear it as late as 1987, perhaps because it reminded her of times gone by.

Childhood friend who became her (and Kate's) jeweller

Designer Kiki McDonough knew Diana from the age of 16 and was a friend of her sisters. So it was understandable the young Princess, increasingly in need of everyday jewels, turned to her for help.

Designer Kiki McDonough made three pairs of earrings for Diana, including this pearl and amethyst set. Kate also owns a 600 pair, which she wore following Charlotte's birth in 2015

Diana owned three pairs of earrings by Kiki, including this pearl and amethyst set, which she wore the day her separation from Charles was announced in 1992.

Kate also owns a 600 pair of gold hoops by Kiki, worn following Charlottes birth in 2015, and last year at a Battle of the Somme anniversary.

A generous loan from the Queen

The Queen lent this pearl choker with a diamond clasp to Diana before shed even worn it herself  Diana wore it at a banquet in 1982, and the Queen is pictured in the pearls in Bangladesh in 1983.

The 11-strand showstopper

While Dianas sapphire brooch-turned-pearl-choker, which we featured yesterday, was undoubtedly mesmerising, her 11-strand pearl, ruby and diamond necklace was completely out of this world.

Made from 11 interlocking strands of miniature pearls, the showstopper was held together with five oblongs set with alternating diamonds and rubies. Believed to have been a gift from a foreign dignitary, she wore the piece to film premieres.

Out of this world: Made from 11 interlocking strands of miniature pearls, this showstopper was held together with five oblongs set with alternating diamonds and rubies. It gained its most memorable appearance at the screening of the Charlie Sheen film Hot Shots! in 1991

The most memorable appearance was at the screening of the Charlie Sheen film Hot Shots! in 1991, when she paired it with a red chiffon dance dress by Bruce Oldfield. While the pearls bounced light off her face and made her look radiant, the rubies mirrored her confident pout.

This, at long last, was a woman who had reached her fashion peak  and she knew exactly how to hold the attention of everyone in the room.

A wedding gift that she adored

Among the 12,000 presents she and Charles received for their wedding were these dazzling diamond and pearl earrings.

The jewels were a gift from the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, who was known for his ostentatious shows of affection.

Dazzling: These diamond and pearl earrings were a wedding gift from the Emir of Qatar and Diana wore them frequently, latterly at a charity event in June 1997, shortly before her death

They were the most delicate of Dianas pearl earrings, each featuring a diamond floral motif with a pear-shaped pearl suspended from a chain of diamonds.

She wore the items repeatedly over a 15-year period  when pregnant with William in 1982, and latterly to a charity event in June 1997, just before her death.

The 52 pearls from a museum gift shop

These lustrous white pearls may look like the real deal, but the earrings Diana wore to the Queen Mothers 90th birthday celebrations in 1990 were, in fact, fakes.

Shes believed to have bought the earrings from the shop at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, during her trip to the Big Apple in February 1989.

Diana chose these 'Venus' earrings for the Queen Mother's 90th birthday celebration in 1992. It is understood she bought them from the shop at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where they can still be purchased today

Called the Venus earrings, theyre inspired by a pair worn by the Roman goddess of love in a work by the Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens. In the painting, Venus wears nothing but a bracelet and pearl teardrop earrings  one white and the other, reflected in a mirror, black.

The earrings cost just 52 and are still available for sale today. The fact the earrings were bought from a museum shop, where anyone could pick up an identical pair, appealed to Dianas very down-to-earth nature.

She could have had her pick of the Crown Jewels, but instead opted for something any ordinary woman could wear.

Her knockout South Sea gems

Look closely and youll see that the pearls suspended from these diamond C-shaped earrings are a rather different colour to most of Dianas other pearls.

This is because they are South Sea cultured pearls  gems of exceptional quality with a white-ish, almost silver, hue. They are incredibly rare and come from the waters around Australia and Indonesia.

Much larger, smoother and rounder than average pearls, South Sea varieties come from the white-lipped pinctada maxima oyster, which is bigger than more common types  akoya or freshwater, for example.

South Sea pearls are incredibly rare gems of exceptional quality with a white-ish, almost silver, hue. Here Diana wears them with a halter-neck Catherine Walker gown to a charity dinner at the Palace of Versailles in 1994

Here she wears them with a halter-neck Catherine Walker gown to a charity dinner at the Palace of Versailles in 1994.

Three years later, she chose them to pair with her breathtaking white sequined Victor Edelstein gown and matching bolero, when she modelled for a portrait by Lord Snowdon ahead of the charity auction of her wardrobe in 1997.

The pearl drop could be removed, turning them into unique diamond studs. Diana wore them in this form to the English National Ballet production of Swan Lake at the Royal Albert Hall in 1997.

The Spencer girls' pearls

Diana's favourite style was the pearl choker, the first of which she received as an 18th birthday gift from her family  a pretty triple-strand design with a flower cluster clasp.

Originally, the clasp had turquoise stones in it as well as pearls, and she would wear it to the front only when it matched her outfit  and to the back when it did not.

In photographs taken aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia while she and Charles were on honeymoon in 1981, the stones can be seen shimmering at the front of the necklace, coordinating with her floral Donald Campbell dress.

The pearl choker was Diana's favourite and she received her first one for her 18th birthday, left. She teamed it with a straw boater and peach crepe suit at Ascot in June 1981 before later modifying the piece around 1984. Her two older sisters, Jane (above right) and Sarah, both received the same necklace to mark their 18th birthdays

Around 1984, Diana opted to have the turquoise stones replaced with pearls, meaning she never had to hide the clasp at the back.

Here, in a straw boater at Ascot in June 1981, she paired it with a Benny Ong peach crepe suit and a cream blouse with a trademark ruffle neck, also by Ong. The revamped necklace was spotted offsetting a pink suit and hat during a walkabout in Tetbury in May 1985, and again with a pair of pearl pendant earrings at an evening function in America that November.

Her two older sisters, Jane (above right) and Sarah, both received the same necklace to mark their 18th birthdays. The piece was most likely made by Collingwood of Conduit Street, Mayfair, the Spencer family jeweller. The siblings continued to wear the necklace for several years.

At Dianas funeral in 1997, all the Spencer ladies  including her mother, Frances Shand Kydd  wore strings of pearls in her honour.

How her sister gave up her own choker on Diana's wedding day

Setting off in a horse-drawn royal carriage after her wedding reception, wearing a cantaloupecoloured Bellville Sassoon suit, a John Boyd tricorne hat, and a pair of Manolo Blahniks on her feet, newlywed Diana needed something special in the way of jewellery to complete her going-away look.

Diana's elder sister Lady Sarah gave her this five-strand pearl choker that she herself was wearing on her wedding day to complete her going away look as she left the reception. It was the only time she ever wore it

Her eldest sister Lady Sarah was wearing this five-strand pearl choker on the day, and gave it to Diana after the service.

Diana never wore it again, deeming the heavy pearls and diamond adornment excessive, though Lady Sarah continued to favour the piece. Poignantly, she wore it, minus the pearl drop, at Dianas funeral  and more recently on a happier occasion, to her daughter Emilyswedding in 2012.

Princess's 10m necklace

It was pearls that Princess Diana chose for one of her last official engagements, two months before her death  though no one could know their significance at the time.

The Swan Lake Suite, so named because the Princess wore it to a performance by the English National Ballet in June 1997, was a dazzling necklace made from 178 diamonds and a fringe of five South Sea cultured pearls.

The Swan Lake Suite, so named because the Princess wore it to a performance by the English National Ballet in June 1997, was a dazzling necklace made from 178 diamonds and a fringe of five South Sea cultured pearls. It was sold in 2010 for 500,000 but when put on sale in 2016 the price tag was 9.6m

A spokesman for the jeweller Garrard says the necklace was made using stones Diana owned herself. She designed it alongside the Crown Jeweller at the time, David Thomas. A pair of matching earrings completed the set.

In 2010, the Swan Lake Suite was sold to a Ukrainian collector for 500,000, and then, in February this year, the necklace appeared for sale in New York.

The asking price, 9.6 million, shows just how coveted the Princesss jewels truly are.
We've all been there.

You feel like you're putting in the hard yards in the office, but you're just not getting the pay packet you deserve for your time and trouble.

It's a situation Australian entrepreneur, motivational speaker and founder of RedBalloon, Naomi Simson, 53, has been in herself in the past.

Entrepreneur and Shark Tank judge Naomi Simson (pictured) has shared her top tips for getting the pay rise you deserve

'Years ago, as a young executive, I was working on a product launch - as well as my commitments to my existing role,' she wrote for Whimn.

'As the months rolled on I got jack of it and thought 'I am working 100 hours a week and still being paid for 40'.

Making an appointment to see her senior leader, she said she presented her case.

'He said to me "how do I know anything about what you are contributing?". I learned a hard lesson in that moment (as I was almost brought to tears) that is documentation tells 1000 stories (rather than a picture),' she said.

According to the successful business woman, making a case for why you are special is important (stock image)

So just what do you need to do to get the pay rise you deserve?

According to the Shark Tank judge, making a case for why you are special is important.

'Make sure you have a report or insights that pinpoint your direct contribution. Then, asking for a pay rise will make sense,' she said. 'Bosses are people too, so you need to consider what is in it for 'them'?'

Naomi encourages women not to be shy. 'It is absolutely okay to talk about money. Be powerful and considered,' she said (stock image)

Naomi encourages women 'not to be shy'.

'It is absolutely okay to talk about money (we are in business). Be powerful and considered. It is not an argument to say 'It is so expensive to live I need more money' and even worse is to say 'I know I could earn more elsewhere' they may well say 'off you go then',' she said.

She said that knowing the commercial value of your efforts in the workplace was also a key point for success.

The founder of RedBalloon said that knowing the commercial value of your efforts in the workplace was also a key point for success

Fellow Shark Tank judge Janine Allis has also shared her top tips for getting a pay rise - explaining that if you are a V.E.R.B it will ruin your chances.

'V is for victim, for example, if a boss came in and you said "I missed all these deadlines but the dog ate my homework" type of scenario,' she previously told Mamamia.

'E for entitled such as, "I've been here for three years and I'm entitled to a pay rise". Boss's can then go, "you're not entitled to anything, you usually come in late, you whinge about things and you don't take responsibility."'

Her third rule was to ensure that you don't need to be rescued all the time and encouraged people to not always ask your boss to fix your problems but try and work through them yourself.

Fellow Shark Tank judge Janine Allis previously explained that if you are a V.E.R.B it will ruin your chances of getting a pay rise (stock image)

'R is for Rescued. "I never have an answer". So I go to the boss and go "here is my problem, help me boss, solve it" - so they always need to be rescued,' she explained.

What is a V.E.R.B? V: Victim E: Entitled R: Rescued B: Blame Advertisement

Finally, the last point was making sure that you don't shift blame - and always own up to your own mistakes.

'And B... Verb, B is blame. So when everything goes wrong, they blame absolutely everyone for it and the first thing they do is point their finger out - they start pointing,' she said.

'Instead of actually turning the finger on to themselves and actually going "my fault" because if you take accountability for everything, you've got the ability to fix it.

'As soon as you go down the V.E.R.B category, then it's all over.'
Australian childcare worker, Stephanie Samonte, 26, was lucky enough to have relatively acne-free teenage years.

But at 21, Stephanie started noticing acne on her forehead and on the sides of her face before it gradually progressed onto her cheeks and T-zone.

'It aggravated over time, especially anytime I was feeling stressed,' Stephanie told Daily Mail Australia.

'It was manageable at first but then the acne progressed into red, open lesions and it really hurt. It was especially painful in the shower or whenever I tried to put make up on.'

Australian childcare worker, Stephanie Samonte, 26, was lucky enough to have relatively acne-free teenage years but in her early twenties she developed severe adult acne

'It was manageable at first but then the acne progressed into red, open lesions and it really hurt. It was especially painful in the shower or whenever I tried to put make up on,' she said

Stephanie tried everything to get her acne under control - from chemist creams and supermarket cleansers to healthy eating.

Confused as to why nothing was working, Stephanie visited a dermatologist who told her that she had adult acne and that all the products were probably not helping.

'She said my face was sensitive and that my skin didn't want to take it,' Stephanie said.

'She gave me topical creams to try but even they failed to make a difference.'

Stephanie said her acne started to impact her social life and work ethic.

Stephanie was able to clear her skin in 12 weeks (pictured) after trying Aczone, an acne medication that has just arrived in Australia

'It was awful. I didn't want to go out in the day because in the sun you could see all of the bumps and I just didn't want to be out socialising in general either,' she said.

'My fiance was really great about it so it was fine at home but at the childcare I work at I felt like people were always staring at me - I have to speak to parents a lot.

I didn't want the make up artist to look at me without make up on.

'I was eventually told that it was hormonal and that was why every time I got stressed it triggered a more severe breakout.'

The acne also impacted her wedding planning.

'I didn't want the make up artist to look at me without make up on, the whole thing just brought me down,' she said.

'I spoke to my fiance's mum and she said she had a friend who knew a dermatologist who could help me after I told her how depressed and sad it was making me.'

'It was awful. I didn't want to go out in the day because in the sun you could see all of the bumps and I just didn't want to be out socialising in general either,' she said (pictured after)

Stephanie now has the confidence to go out and socialise again without worrying about her skin

Dr Pimple Popper's tips for beating acne * Don't pop your pimples ever - but if you do, they must have a head * If you pop a pimple without a pustule you will be left with a larger, more painful and swollen pimple * If you have adult acne, see a dermatologist or your GP * Diet doesn't come into play as much as you think - pizza will only give you pimples if you rub it all over your face * Drinking excessive water won't make a difference to your skin if you are already hydrated * Don't over-wash or scrub your face too hard - too much skincare is bad * Use a warm compress and be patient Advertisement

The dermatologist told her about a new topical medication coming to Australia, Aczone, and she decided to go ahead and trial it.

'I noticed a difference within three weeks of applying it twice per day and I was so happy' Stephanie said.

'Every six weeks I followed up and I just looked better and better. After 12 weeks it was pretty much entirely gone and now all I have is a little bit of pigmentation and some darker spots on my chin.

'I started it in November, 2016, and I really haven't had any breakouts since.'

Stephanie married her partner earlier this month with the glowing skin she'd always hoped for.

'After everything I never expected anything to work so quickly so it was a very nice surprise. I don't have to use it anymore either, only if I feel like my skin is in a lot of stress,' she said.

Stephanie married her partner earlier this month with the glowing skin she'd always hoped for

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia recently, American YouTube sensation and dermatologist, Dr Sandra Lee (aka Dr Pimple Popper) also backed the medication for those struggling with adult acne.

'Adult acne is awful and it really impact a lot of women, especially in Australia,' she said, adding that the main cause is hormonal changes.

'Aczone isn't a new product it's simply new to Australia but people have seen great results using it. It's topical as well so it's easier to use and it's anti-inflammatory which helps with the red bumps.'

Aczone gel is now included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and is indicated for the treatment of acne in patients 12 years of age and older. The active ingredient is called dapsone, which is thought to act by having an anti-inflammatory effect on acne.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia recently, American YouTube sensation and dermatologist, Dr Sandra Lee (aka Dr Pimple Popper) also backed the medication for those struggling with adult acne

'Women with acne tend to experience significantly more embarrassment and more psychological issues than men, such as self-consciousness and poor body image,' she said

Dr Sandra Lee urges anyone who struggles with adult acne to see a dermatologist instead of trying to treat it themselves.

'Women with acne tend to experience significantly more embarrassment and more psychological issues than men, such as self-consciousness and poor body image,' she said.

'This is partly due to societys obsession and pressure to have clear, flawless skin - perpetuated through the rise of social media and the pressure to capture the perfect selfie.

'I see on a daily basis the negative impact that acne can have on both women and men, it really can shape your personality, particularly if it starts in adolescence and continues into adulthood.

'It is important that we help support people with acne, help destigmatise and normalise the condition that affects so many Australians and let these people know they dont need to just live with acne, they should go to the GP or dermatologist and discuss the treatment options available to them.'

Dr Sandra Lee shares her videos on her Instagram page and YouTube channel, Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr Pimple Popper).
If you're attending a fashion show, you could be forgiven for thinking that the models would be showing off the designer's latest fashions.

But Danish couture designer Nicholas Nybro made the bizarre decision to send some of his models down the catwalk completely naked during the Copenhagen Fashion Week.

The designer said the show was a 'tribute to the human body', and there was certainly nothing left to the imagination.

Both men and women strutted down the catwalk completely naked, while one model went topless wearing a frothy tutu style skirt.

Danish designer Nicholas Nybro sent male and female models down the catwalk naked at his Copenhagen Fashion Week show as a 'tribute to the human body'

People attending the fashion show were probably hoping to spot some new outfits to buy, but were met with the sight of completely naked models

According to the designer the sight of naked skin was not intended to be provocative, but was meant to be a reminder that everyone is beautiful before they put their clothes on - a fact sometimes forgotten by the fashion industry.

In another departure from tradition, Nybo chose normal people who were not the epitome of physical perfection usually seen on the catwalk to bravely bare all.

After graduating from the Kolding design school in 2009, Nicholas Nybro set up his own label in 2011 and started producing regular biannual collections in 2014.

He shot to prominence in 2016 when Danish actress Ghita Nrby, 82, attended a ball thrown by Queen Margrethe of Denmark in one of his creations.

One model at least had a frothy tutu-style skirt to preserve her modesty

Birthday suit! The designer said he wanted to remind people that everyone is beautiful before they put their clothes on
Premature babies born in some Australian hospitals are now being given their own 'octopuses' after they arrive, all thanks to the efforts of some very special volunteers.

The eight-legged creatures come with some incredible health benefits too because they are specially created to calm and comfort early new-borns.

The colourful sea critters have been designed with 'tentacles' that resemble the umbilical cord, and they're being used all over the world to help babies everywhere.

Premature babies are now being given their own 'octopuses' after they arrive, all thanks to the efforts of some very special volunteers (pictured is baby Harrison with his)

The colourful sea critters have been designed with 'tentacles' that resemble the umbilical cord, and they're being used all over the world to help babies everywhere

Katie Nobles, mother to premature baby Harrison, told the ABC her child was given one of the toys after he'd been put into a humidicrib.

'Not being able to hold and barely touch our little man, the octopus was provided for something Harrison to grab onto,' she said.

The concept of giving premature babies a crocheted octopus originated in a Danish hospital in 2013.

The Octo Project, as it is known, is a volunteer service that creates the cuddly cuties for hospitalised premature babies.

'Not being able to hold and barely touch our little man, the octopus was provided for something Harrison to grab onto,' the mum of baby Harrison (pictured) said.

The concept of giving premature babies a crocheted octopus originated in a Danish hospital in 2013

Since its inception, the project has been flooded with requests from others around the world wanting to start similar groups to support babies who needed the comforting critters.

With hospitals all over Australia embracing the trend, volunteer groups have sprung up to help meet the demand.

One Australian group, Octopus for a Preemie Tasmania, began after a nurse reached out to co-founder Bianca Green to create a prototype she could take to a hospital for a trial.

Not long after, the Tasmanian-based social activist met the group's other co-founder Andrea Carey  a mum to two premature babies herself  and the pair started creating the creatures in together in their spare time.

One Australian group, Octopus for a Preemie Tasmania, began after a nurse reached out to co-founder Bianca Green to create a prototype she could take to a hospital for a trial

With hospitals all over Australia embracing the trend, volunteer groups have sprung up to help meet the demand

The octopuses - which not only ease stress on newborns and their families - have proved so popular, she said, they can barely keep up with demand.

'Up to the start of this month we were delivering 20 to 25 octopuses to the Royal Hobart Hospital, now this has gone up to 80.'

Ms Green said the group took to Facebook to 'put out the call' to ask for help from those in the community who might be interested in becoming involved.

They were overwhelmed with support, with the post being seen by more than 100,000 people within 36 hours.

1000 responses later now mean the women now have a pool of people they can draw on to meet the hospital's needs.

Creating the toys is an exacting process, Ms Green explained, because they're therapeutic, all are required to meet a specific design criteria.

Each octopus is created from 100 per cent cotton, which absorbs smell. Mothers 'scent' the toys before putting them into the humidicrib, which helps babies connect

As well, the mother of two teens said, the 'toys' also play a special part in helping mothers to bond with their babies, she said.

Each octopus is created from 100 per cent cotton, which absorbs smell. Mothers 'scent' the toys before putting them into the humidicrib, which helps babies connect.

'Babies can 'smell' their mothers through the octopuses, which helps with the bonding process, she said.

Each octopus is created from 100 per cent cotton, which absorbs smell, and are them put into the humidicrib

The 'toys' play a special part in helping mothers to bond with their babies as they are 'scented' in advance

Each toy that is created by the team comes wrapped in plastic with a special small note attached which reads: 'Just to let you know someone else is wishing you the best for you and your child.'

Families who are given the loved-filled gifts are often overwhelmed, the hardworking volunteer said.

While the gesture may seem small, it fills a large place in the hearts of many.

'All babies have soft toys,' the modest mum said. 'We're just bringing a little bit of normal to an abnormal situation.'
A buxom blonde patient who met with the Botched plastic surgeons for a consultation had much more than surgery on her mind.

Tahnee Hovind flew all the way from Calgary in Canada to visit the clinic of Dr Paul Nassif and Dr Terry Dubrow, who star on the E! show Botched, where she revealed she was motivated to make the trip by her crush on 'mysterious' divorced father-of-three Dr Nassif.

The newly single blonde told the perplexed looking plastic surgeon their consultation felt 'like a date', and added that she'd be 'a good step-mom'.

'I feel like you have a nice, furry chest... I love furry chests,' she said on the show.

Scroll down for video

Tahnee flew from Calgary in Canada for a consultation with Botched's Dr Paul Nassif

She confessed to having a crush on the TV surgeon, a divorced father of three, telling him 'I'd be a good stepmom'

In addition to flirting with 'super handsome' Dr Nassif, Tahnee was also hoping to undergo a third breast operation, having first had implants at 22.

Tahnee, who was accompanied by her friend Melissa at the clinic, went on to have a second augmentation using even larger implants, which she feels has left her with too big a gap between her breasts.

But after examining Tahnee's chest, the Botched surgeons concluded that a third operation was a bad idea, and persuaded her not to go under the knife again.

Dr Dubrow warned Tahnee that further surgery would not improve the situation, and would actually leave her nipples pointing in the wrong direction.

Having first had her chest enhanced at 22, Tahnee went under the knife again for a second augmentation that she feels has left her with too large a gap between her breasts

The blonde Canadian, who said she was newly single, is seen before having implants

'Mysterious': Tahnee, accompanied by a friend, shakes hands with her crush on the show

Flirty: The newly single Canadian told Dr Nassif the consultation felt 'like a date'

Dr Terry Dubrow (seen right) wanted to know if Tahnee had come purely to see his colleague

After being examined by Dr Dubrow, Tahnee was eventually persuaded further surgery was not the best option

Having been persuaded not to have further surgery, Tahnee ultimately left without either of the things she had come for.

After Dr Dubrow convinced her a third operation was not the right option, Tahnee threw caution to the wind and asked Dr Nassif if he really would take her out on a date.

The plastic surgeon, who divorced from his ex-wife Adrienne Maloof in 2012, told her he was very flattered, but turned down her offer.

Tahnee visited the TV plastic surgeons in the hope of finding a solution to the too large gap between her enhanced breasts

Having previously had two breast augmentations, Tahnee was unhappy with the gap between her breasts

Tahnee had previously told the Botched cameras: 'I've had my eye on Dr Nassif.

'He's mysterious but super handsome.

'I'm kind of excited to see if we hit it off.'

Ahead of her visit to the clinic the Canadian blonde told the camera 'I'm kind of excited to see if we hit it off'

Tahnee, who said she had recently become single, flirted with the Botched surgeon Dr Nassif
Earlier this summer, the LA nuptials of a Russian energy tycoon's daughter and a millionaire's son put a new meaning on the word lavish, with a $10M celebration with thousands of candles and fresh flowers and a performance by Lady Gaga.

And nothing can quite match the opulence of Moscow's famous Safisa restaurant, the preferred wedding venue of eye-wateringly wealthy brides who think nothing of splashing millions on several designer dresses and celebrity entertainers.

But this summer's crop of high profile weddings in the Philippines certainly come a close second, with society brides eager to put on a lavish show to rival the extravagant tastes of any Russian oligarch.

A few days ago actress Rochelle Pangilinan, who shot to fame as a member of the popular SexBomb Girls dance troupe, wed her long-term beau actor and model Arthur Solinap in a very lavish ceremony in Tagaytay City.

Her dress boasted a three metre train inspired by a Spanish hand fan attached to her dress by a cape, embellished with thousands of Swarovski crystals by Dubai-based designer Michael Cinco who has made bridal gowns for Qatari royalty.

Guests tucked into a nine tier black wedding cake embellished with a cascade of fresh flowers and were treated to a dance performance by the groom and a fireworks display.

Equally lavish was the nuptials of Councillor Ricarr Enriquez who wed his bride Dr Shila Lacia at Palacio de Maynila one of Manila's most sought-after wedding venues.

Wow..as in....wow thank youuuu @michaelruizeventstyling A post shared by rochellepangilinan (@rochellepangilinan) on Aug 10, 2017 at 6:44pm PDT

Special touches included a performance by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and a seven-tier chandelier wedding cake dripping in crystals.

Meanwhile, blogger and socialite Divine Lee bucked tradition for her wedding to retail magnate Blake Go, floating down the aisle in a gold dress.

Of course the cake had to match the colour scheme to the bride comissioned a confection based on a chandelier by British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid.

And the popular couple have so many friends that their wedding party numbered more than 60, including elven flower girls and dozens of groomsmens, with the stationer telling Divine that it was the longest entourage list they had ever printed.

Impromptu kembot with the groom and some of the original Abztract members. #artrocingodsperfecttime A post shared by Dingdong Dantes (@dongdantes) on Aug 9, 2017 at 4:12am PDT

@Regrann from @niceprintphoto - Congratulations Art Solinap and Rochelle Pangilinan  #theARTofmarryingmyROCk #ARTROCinGodsperfecttime A post shared by ROCAHOLICS (@rocaholicsofficial_ig) on Aug 8, 2017 at 8:51am PDT

Truly elegant reception set up for the wedding of Art and Rochelle tonight. By @michaelruizeventstyling *iphonepic for now #theARTofmarryingmyROCk #ARTROCinGodsperfecttime A post shared by Niceprintphoto (@niceprintphoto) on Aug 8, 2017 at 8:33am PDT

This shot by Vital Image is oozing with flair and drama Nikko and Joanna #mindworks #eventsofthenorth #mindworksweddings #garydacanay #eventstylingph #weddingsph #weddingsphilippines #styledbymindwork A post shared by Gary Dacanay (@gary_mindworks) on Jul 19, 2017 at 2:37am PDT

#EnriquezFinally2017 #StyledByGideonHermosa #Gideonized A post shared by Gideon Hermosa (@gideonhermosa) on Jun 15, 2017 at 8:58am PDT

Congratulations to our dear couple Councilor Ricarr & Shila Enriquez #EnriquezFinally2017 #niceprintphotography Beautiful styling by @gideonhermosa @niceprintphoto @justmemajella A post shared by hazelnaval (@hazelnaval) on Jun 11, 2017 at 8:14am PDT

#patrickmichelleSANTIAGO #alexfrancocakes #palaciodemaynila #june172017 #weddingcakesbyalexfranco A post shared by Rosan Franco (@rosanfranco) on Jun 17, 2017 at 8:31am PDT
A Japanese company is selling what might be one of the most uncomfortable and impracticable pieces of jewelry ever dreamed up.

BoDivas, based in Tokyo, is offering the strange item, which they call the 'Beachtail' and describe as 'sexy charms for bikini crotch'.

The metallic charms are meant to be worn through the crotch of bikini bottoms, so the decorations dangle between a woman's legs.

That's new... A company called BoDivas is selling crotch charms to wear with bathing suits

Odd: The design features a chunky chain that goes inside bikini bottoms, with crystals that hang on chains between the legs

Exotic... They are made in Japan and sell for around $20 each

The company oddly calls the jewelry 'classy' and 'very original', adding that besides in bikini bottoms, they can also be worn with panties, thongs, tangas, and shorts.

Each piece features a metal chain loop that is made up of half large, chunky links  which are meant to be worn inside underwear or bikini bottoms  and half more delicate links, which drape underneath the crotch on the outside.

There are also two loose chains that dangle between the legs, with some designs featuring gems on the ends.

The chains hang down 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) and are made of rhodium silver-plated brass.

Well that makes more sense... The company sells sex jewelry and notes that these can also be worn with underwear

Imagine seeing that on the beach! The uncomfortable-looking jewelry looks incredibly impracticable

The jewelry ranges in price from $19.50 to $22.50, and the company promises that the item is listed as a 'fashion strap' on customs forms.

BoDivas also sells other sexual body jewelry, including nipple rings, nipple 'nooses', and cvlitoris clips, which are clearly all meant for private wear.

And while the crotch charms might make sense in the bedroom, the company clearly suggests that this jewelry can be worn in public, too.

Unsurprisingly, though the crotch charms are available to buy on both Amazon and Etsy, no buyer has yet to leave a review.
Lara Trump is doing her best to stay comfortable in her last few weeks a pregnancy, despite the New York heat.

The 34-year-old was spotted in Manhattan on Thursday evening, stopping to talk with her husband Eric outside of their apartment after leaving Trump Tower.

The first-time mom-to-be wore a black tank top that hugged her growing belly, which she paired with flowy floral pants, flat sandals, and a red Gucci bag.

In the city: Eric and Lara Trump were photographed outside of their New York City home on Thursday

Homestretch! Lara wore a snug black top that showed off her baby bump

What's going on? With a Gucci bag slung on her shoulder, she seemed to have a very serious exchange with Eric

Dressed up: Lara, who had her hair and nails done and accessorized with plenty of jewelry, was seen raising her hands, seemingly in frustration, as she continued her conversation

Bad news? Neither Lara nor Eric managed to raise a smile after leaving Trump Tower

Comfy: Lara paired her tight top with flowing floral pants and flat sandals

Lara is hunkering down at home in New York as she awaits her September due date, with any trips relating to the goings-on in Washington, D.C. having to wait until after she gives birth.

'Doctors told me that my last chance to travel had to be last week,' she told Daily Mail Online earlier this week, 'so I attended a rally in West Virginia with my father-in-law which was amazing.'

Now she's holding tight in the city awaiting her little one's arrival, and doing her best to keep cool in the high August temperatures.

She seemed comfortable enough on Thursday, and even had her hair perfectly coiffed and her nails done as she stood outside talking to Eric, with about seven Secret Service agents milling about nearby.

Eric appeared to be, unsurprisingly, scrolling through his Twitter feed, and neither he nor Lara wore a smile as they continued their discussion outside the building.

Digital age: Both talked and spent time looking at their phones

Protected: About seven Secret Service agents milled about outside while waiting for the couple to finish their conversation

What's dad said now? Eric seemed to be scrolling through his Twitter feed

Staying home: Lara is due in September and will do not more traveling until her due date

Sit tight: She said that her doctors told her not to travel again after last week when she visited West Virginia to support her father-in-law Donald Trump at a rally

Lucky: She recently told Daily Mail Online that she has had an easy pregnancy

Staying fit: Lara has been working out and noted that she heard it makes delivery easier

Lara was in an upbeat mood, though, when she spoke exclusively to Daily Mail Online this week, revealing that she has been 'blessed with an incredibly easy pregnancy' that has allowed her to remain fit and active throughout.

'I was always a little worried, because I had heard different things from different people about their pregnancies; some people have to stay in bed for months... you never know what you're going to get,' she said.

'I knew I needed to workout for my sanity, and I try and make it a daily habit if I can, so I count myself very lucky that I have been able to keep doing that while pregnant.'

Lara also admitted that she had heard staying fit and active can make delivering a baby easier  and helps to ensure that the recovery time after birth is as speedy as possible.

'I know it can make the delivery easier, which would be great,' Lara said of her efforts to stay fit and healthy. 'And it means that the recovery time after birth is often shorter.'

Feel the burn: On Tuesday, the mom-to-be shared a video of herself working out with her trainer while nearly nine months pregnant

Double duty: The 34-year-old wife of Eric Trump was filmed doing lunges while moving a medicine ball from side to side

Almost there: Lara revealed in the post that she is just five weeks away from her due date

Complicated moves: Lara was also filmed doing step up side kicks on a workout bench at the gym

Her trainer Michael seems to think his client is doing a good job. He shared a bideo of the mom-to-be working out, writing, 'Baby training with my client @laraleatrump 35 weeks in and looks amazing.'The trainer went on to say that the first move she did is 'great for shoulders, glutes, hamstrings, and quads'.

But being able to stay active isn't the only thing that has helped Lara throughout her pregnancy. The expectant mother admitted that she has had a great deal of support from husband Eric, and both of their families, as she prepares to welcome her first child.

'The nursery is coming along nicely, we're nearly there with it, which is a huge weight off [my and Eric's] shoulders,' she explained. 'Eric actually built the crib himself, he's very handy!

And as for ensuring she feels fully prepared for every eventuality, Lara says that her two sisters-in-law with children, Ivanka and Vanessa, have been on-hand throughout her pregnancy to offer help and advice whenever she has needed it.

'The great thing about both of my sisters-in-law is that I've been able to watch them being great moms,' she said, before adding: 'They have both been so great with me, they have answered all my questions and are always there to tell me what I should do, which is great; I'm a brand new mom so I don't know the difference between car seats and strollers.

'Having them there has been wonderful.'

Final days: Last weekend, Lara's sister-in-law Ivanka Trump took a photo of the mom-to-be cradling her baby bump during her last visit to the White House before she is set to give birth

All smiles: Ivanka took to Instagram to wish the women in her family a Happy National Sisters Day on Sunday. Lara, Tiffany Trump, Vanessa Trump, and Ivanka are pictured from left to right

Look of love: Lara and her husband Eric announced in March that they were expecting their first child together. The new baby will be Trump's ninth grandchild

Keeping busy: Lara has become increasingly more active in Trump's circle before her due date

Growing family: Lara and Eric, who are pictured in July, are thrilled to be expecting their first child together

And with the help of her in-laws, and husband Eric, Lara says her main focus now is just taking care of the final preparations, including buying a stroller, and diapers, and getting her hospital bag ready.

'I spent most of the weekend in our laundry room washing, drying, and folding baby clothes,' she admitted, revealing that she and Eric have been given plenty of gifts for their newborn by friends and family.

'We'll probably get the stroller this weekend, and then we're pretty much ready,' she then added, explaining that she will be splitting her time between New York and Westchester in the coming weeks as her doctor has advised that last weekend was the last time she could travel before the birth  when she took the chance to attend a rally with her father-in-law, President Trump, in West Virginia.

Last weekend, Lara showed off her growing baby bump during her last visit to the White House before before her due date.

'Last trip to the #WhiteHouse before this bump can see it for himself,' she wrote on Instagram along with an image of the visit.

In addition to soon becoming a mother, Lara has also taken on a new role for her father-in-law, appearing on Trump's 'real news' program, which provided viewers with a recap of what he and his White House claim were his 'wins' for the week.

Though her video has been viewed over two million times  and a subsequent video have earned more than 1.7 million views  critics have decried the clips as state propaganda and compared it to news channels controlled by the government in Russia and North Korea.
Plastic surgery rates have surged in places like New York and Los Angeles with the rise of public figures like the Kardashians and the Hadids.

And the Trump administration seems to have caused a similar trend in the nation's capital.

'With people like Ivanka and Melania, who are both pretty plastic surgery friendly, being featured both locally and nationally, it makes people curious,' Dr Michael Somenek, a DC-based plastic surgeon told Daily Mail Online.

And the surge has never been more stark than now as the August recess was pushed back, flooding plastic surgery waiting rooms with patients who are trying to find a time to squeeze in an appointment.

Recess is usually a time that people in Washington are able to take time off and vacation.

It's also serves as the perfect opportunity for anyone who needs a quick nip tuck before heading back to the Hill in September.

But this year's delay due to the ultimately failed attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act has forced politicians to forego procedures or find a time to reschedule.

'We have to be flexible,' another local plastic surgeon, Dr Ariel Rad, explained.

'There's a lot of shuffling around of our schedule, but with politicians we do expect it to an extent and it's our job.'

Plastic surgery rates have soared around the country, and has been partially driven in Washington DC by the Trump Administration and the popularization of figures such as Melania and Ivanka Trump

HOW PLASTIC SURGERY TRENDS HAVE CHANGED IN WASHINGTON

As plastic surgery has become more commonplace in America there have been different procedural trends.

Dr Rad and his wife Dr Noelle Sherber own their own practice in the heart of downtown DC, and said they have seen gradual changes over the years regarding how people want to look.

'Unlike Los Angeles or New York where people might bring in a photo of a celebrity and ask for certain features, we have a lot of people come in with photos of themselves a few years back and ask how they can look like that again,' Dr Sherber said.

On camera, especially when it's an iPhone photo that is going to be posted to social media, skin damage and under-eye bags can look as unkempt as an unpressed shirt

Dr Noelle Sherber

In their practice, Dr Sherber is a dermatologist and works with less invasive techniques, while her husband, Dr Rad, does the surgical work that carries with it a long recovery time.

'With a lot of what I do I'm just trying to make small changes so people feel more refreshed,' Dr Sherber explained.

'Recovery time isn't long, and it keeps people feeling rejuvenated. Politicians really just want to look like they're aging more slowly than the rest of the population.'

Dr Sherber said a lot of these patients are very concerned about how they look on television or on social media.

'People come in with photos of themselves on social media and are upset about how their skin looks,' she said.

'On camera, especially when it's an iPhone photo that is going to be posted to social media, skin damage and under-eye bags can look as unkempt as an unpressed shirt.'

Dr Rad, on the other hand, said he sees specific trends from the people who come into his office.

But this year's delay due to the ultimately failed attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act has forced politicians to forego procedures or find a time to reschedule. Pictured are politicians meeting in the House chamber of Congress

'A lot of my patients are focused on the bags under their eyes and the lines around them because they hate how that looks in the mirror,' Dr Rad said.

'But in the last year or so I've seen a lot of men who come in and have their jawline or chin adjusted. Changing the contouring and doing a lift makes a big difference and can portray strength and confidence.'

Dr Rad said he's seen that change particularly in this administration.

'There's definitely a correlation with the new administration and people getting work done, especially men getting work done. People seem to be paying more attention to their appearances,' he said.

Dr Somenek also commented on the trend change with the new administration.

He owns his own practice which specializes in facial plastic surgery and rejuvenation treatments and said he has seen a change since Trump has taken office.

'With women like the First Lady and Ivanka in the public eye, people have started talking more candidly about plastic surgery,' he said.

'There are definitely women who see what they have had done and say "Oh I wonder exactly what that procedure was and if I could be a candidate for it."'

SCHEDULING AND THE IMPACT OF THE DELAYED AUGUST RECESS

This year's August recess was pushed back to mid-month because Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell felt they hadn't gotten enough done.

That shift can be felt in the waiting rooms of plastic surgery offices around Washington.

Because Dr Sherber does less invasive procedures, such as injectables, fillers and lasers, the delayed recess has been a good thing in her office.

'It hasn't felt much like summer in Washington, I'm keeping the same consistent schedule that I have during the rest of the year,' she explained.

'People still need to be looking their best because of public appearances and on-camera interviews, so they are still coming in for their monthly appointments.'

In fact, this summer has been productive for some politicians who come to her for monthly laser treatments because they don't have to take time off of those treatments.

Dr Ariel Rad (center) and his wife Dr Noelle Sherber (left) own their own practice in the heart of downtown DC, and said they have seen gradual changes over the years regarding how people want to look

Dr Michael Somenek, pictured, said the delayed recess hasn't turned his practice upside down, but it's changed the types of procedures he's doing

'When they are taking time off for vacation and spending it in the sun, I try to avoid those treatments because they make their skin all the more sensitive,' Dr Sherber said.

'But now they're alright to get those treatments.'

Her husband, on the other hand, has had to shift his schedule around quite a bit to accommodate the uncertainty in the capital.

'Things are about to get even more busy,' Dr Rad explained.

'People have had to push off their serious surgeries until the third and fourth week of August because of the delayed recess, so there has been a lot of last minute changes and rescheduling.

'It's slightly more challenging, but it's very possible and it's my job to accommodate these surgical patients. So even with all the back and forth there's nothing I've not been able to handle.'

Dr Somenek said the delayed recess hasn't turned his practice upside down, but it's changed the types of procedures he's doing.

'It's caused a lot more thorough conversations about the type of thing people are looking for and I've taken a much more nonsurgical approach for a lot of my patients,' he said.

'Instead of going under the scalpel for a face lift, we're doing more Face Type procedures which just have a three to five day recovery period to reduce swelling.'
MOSS POINT, Miss. -- Moss Point police are investigating a cyber threat posted to social media late Wednesday night after the person who posted the threat stated he was going to, 'shoot up a school', per Chief Calvin Hutchins.

Hutchins said his department received a call around 9 p.m. Wednesday night from a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C., alerting them to a threat posted to a social media platform.

Investigators would not specify which platform the threat in question was posted on.

Why Moss Point? Per investigators, the threat pinged off a home located in the area. Hutchins and his team investigated the threat, but the profile that sent the threat out was a character profile.

After more investigation, officers identified a 19-year-old former Moss Point High School student through his former teachers and the school resource officer.

Officers, along with an FBI agent interviewed the young man about the threat, to which he denied involvement in posting, per Hutchins.

"At this time, we do not have evidence pointing to him as the person who made the threat, but if that evidence does surface and indeed points back to him, he could very well be arrested and charged with a cyber threat," Hutchins said.

The charge carries up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine.

Investigators say the former student does not have a criminal record. Former teachers also said that he was never a problem student and did not seem to be the type of person capable of carrying out such an act.

For Hutchins, the threat is not something he said that he takes lightly and wants people to know threats of any kind will not be tolerated.

"We have never had an incident like this to take place -- our children are our ultimate priority and we will not take this incident lightly," Hutchins said.

"Shootings across the country that deal with schools are deemed serious and are nothing to play about. You should be considerate of what you post or you will be locked up or will spend time in jail," he said.

Moss Point School District Superintendent Dr. Shannon Vincent released the following statement:

"We work hard to ensure the safety of all our students and staff. We are in contact and are cooperating with all local law enforcement agencies in this matter."

The photo of the former student has been disseminated to schools, their resource officers, and law enforcement across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, per Hutchins because the threat was not specific to a school and would give officials an idea of who to look for if something were to happen.
Distressing footage shows a mother-of-three violently shaking in a hospital corridor after she claims bungling doctors failed to spot her infection.

Charlene Jones, 31, said she suffered 'unreal pain' following the operation to take out the organ at University Hospital Coventry.

The patient believes she just had a gallbladder infection, before doctors decided 'they knew best' and said it was her appendix causing her problems.

As a result of the wrong diagnosis, it is believed the infection spread and took hold of her body - leaving her screaming because of the stomach pain.

Unhappy with the care she received, Ms Jones decided to seek urgent treatment in Birmingham. And she believes she would be 'seriously ill or dead' had she not.

Speaking of her ordeal at the hospital, she said: 'I was examined the following morning and I was told that my pain was due to my appendix.

Charlene Jones (pictured before the operation left), 31, said she suffered 'unreal pain' following the operation to take out the organ at University Hospital Coventry (pictured in hospital right)

'Due to my scan I believed I was suffering from cholecystitis, but believing that they knew best I went into surgery that day.

'I woke up at 8.45pm in recovery. I was shaking violently with stomach pain, screaming, knowing something wasnt right.'

University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire has been asked for comment but said it was unable to discuss individual cases.

Timeline of events

When Ms Jones arrived at University Hospital Coventry she was given an ultrasound scan which showed a thickened gallbladder.

Doctors at the hospital, which is also known by locals as Walsgrave, also said she had cholecystitis - inflammation of the gallbladder.

She claims nurses wouldnt offer any painkillers stronger than paracetamol and she was discharged on August 2, the day after the operation.

Ms Jones went home but her condition deteriorated and the following day she went to the hospital's A&E department.

Seeking help elsewhere

After deciding she wasnt happy with the care she was receiving, Ms Jones left and sought treatment at Birmingham City Hospital.

There she was put on morphine and antibiotics drips, before being transferred to Sandwell Hospital, near West Bromwich.

At that hospital, she claims she was treated for septic shock, and scans revealed she was suffering from a serious gallbladder infection.

I strongly believe that I would be seriously ill or dead had I not gone to Birmingham Charlene Jones, 31

'My appendix was normal'

Ms Jones said: 'I went to Birmingham hospital because I knew that my situation would not get the right care at Walsgrave.

'The doctors and nurses at both Birmingham hospitals seemed to do more for me in an hour than Walsgrave did in 80 hours.

'After strong painkillers and intravenous antibiotics I was in less pain.

'The doctor at Birmingham couldnt understand why my appendix was taken out when evidence pointed to cholecystitis. My appendix was perfectly normal.

'I strongly believe that I would be seriously ill or dead had I not gone to Birmingham.'

Now at home and recovering, Ms Jones has lodged a formal complaint to the hospital.

Unhappy with the care she received at University Hospital Coventry, Ms Jones decided to seek urgent treatment in Birmingham. And she believes she would be 'seriously ill or dead' had she not (pictured shaking in the hospital corridor)

She said: 'I dont normally believe in making complaints as the NHS is a free service, but what they did to me was unacceptable. The pain was unreal.'

Unable to discuss the case

University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire was approached for comment. But a spokesman insisted the Trust was 'unable to discuss information about the care of individual patients'.

He added: 'All our surgeons follow guidelines from the Royal College of Surgeons.

'We would urge the patient to contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service to discuss their care if they havent already done so.'
A mysterious condition has caused a boy's hands to grow 12 inches long.

Tarik, 12, from Uttar Pradesh, India, has had big hands since birth, which, although not diagnosed, some doctors speculate it may be Elephant Foot disease.

He is called the 'devil' by local villagers who believe his large hands to be the result of a curse.

As well as enduring cruel jibes from neighbours and old friends, Tarik, who works on a tea stall, has even been refused admission to school as they worry his hands will scare other students.

Since Tarik's father's death, the family have been unable to afford visits to doctors to inquire about treatment. Yet, Tarik is still optimistic he will one day be cured.

He said: 'I want to get rid of this condition. I want to become like other kids who go to school every day and play like normal kids. I see a hope that I will get normal hands.'

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A mysterious condition has caused a boy's, 12, hands to grow 12 inches in length

Tarik has had big hands since birth, which doctors speculate may be Elephant Foot disease

He is called the 'devil' by local villagers who believe his large hands are the result of a curse

WHAT IS ELEPHANT FOOT DISEASE? Elephant foot disease, also known as elephantitis, is characterised by abnormal swelling of tissues. It is most commonly caused by a parasite carried by mosquitoes. The legs and genitals are usually affected, which become thick and saggy. Excessive fluid collection causes skin to become darkened and ulcerated. In severe cases, blood vessels can be damaged, which could be fatal. Treatment is antibiotics to cure the parasite infection. Surgery is performed if the swellings are abnormally large. Source: Disease Pictures Advertisement

'People think this condition is a curse'

Tarik said: 'I had few friends in the beginning but now I don't have any. People are scared of my hands. I wanted to study but school refused my admission.'

He has even been labelled the 'devil' by villagers who believe his large hands to be the result of a curse.

Tarik said: 'People think having this condition is a result of some curse. They don't know it's a medical condition and it can be cured.

'It's just we don't have money for the treatment, [but that] doesn't mean it can't be cured.'

Tarik's brother Hargyan, who cares for him, added: 'The school authorities said they could not take Tarik as his huge hands will scare other kids. He was denied admission in almost every school.

'His hands are really big. I have never seen such big hands in my life. He is stuck in his life. He cant even change his clothes. I have to look after Tarik.

'Its difficult for Tarik to complete his daily chores like bathing, dressing and eating.'

He has been refused admission to school as they worry his hands will scare other students

Since Tarik's father's death, the family have been unable to afford visits to doctors

Despite the family's lack of money, Tarik remains optimistic that he will one day be cured

Tarik says he used to have friends, but his peers and neighbours now make cruel jibes

As Tarik has been refused admission to school, he spend his days working on a tea stall

His big hands mean he struggles to do daily tasks and is dependent on his family for help

'His life is totally dependent on us'

Yet Tarik's aunt, Pushpa believes his condition will improve.

She said: 'His life is totally dependent on us. We have to take care of him all the time. But I am sure he will get a better treatment.

'When his father was alive he took him to the local doctors a lot. But his father passed away and he only has his mother now, so he can't get any treatment.'

Hargyan said: 'We went to many places for his treatment. All of them were local doctors with no sophisticated equipment. We can't afford a good hospital for him.

'Local doctors never helped. Every single doctor suggested to get Tarik a proper treatment. But for us there is no way. He has to stay like this till we have some money for the treatment.'

On a recent visit, Dr Pawan Kumar Gandhi said: 'Tarik's problem is actually a mystery to us. We've never seen a patient with this before.

'I have seen a few similar cases but they had Elephant Foot disease, his condition seems to be similar to that.

'Chances are low but nothing is impossible. In the age of science, there is lots of research, so nothing is impossible.'

Tarik lives with his brother Hargyan, who cares for him, including helping him to dress and eat

While Tarik's father was alive, they visited doctors to inquire about possible treatments

Yet, since his passing, the family cannot afford such visits and Tarik must endure his disorder

Tarik remains optimistic that he will one day have normal hands (pictured with his uncle)
A leading surgeon has launched a scathing attack on the scandal-hit vaginal mesh procedure that has destroyed the lives of thousands of women as being 'like a car crash in slow motion'.

Suzy Elneil, based at University College London Hospital, is one of just a handful of urogynaecologists trained to remove the brittle devices which so often erode into tiny fragments inside women.

But Dr Elneil has revealed to MailOnline she first became concerned that problems would emerge in women given the surgery 20 years ago. However, it's become clear that her claims were ignored.

Her comments have been provoked following the emergence of the widespread damage this controversial surgery has caused in recent months. Some have compared it to the thalidomide scandal and accused NHS officials of attempting to to cover it up.

Calls for a public inquiry have been growing since it became news that at least 800 affected women are suing the health service and device manufacturers - but just two weeks ago Government officials rejected calls for a ban.

Tireless fights by campaigners have asked for the surgery, which has left hundreds of British women suicidal because of their life-changing complications, to be halted until a thorough safety review is undertaken.

Following cries for the scandal-hit vaginal mesh procedure to be halted, floods of affected women who have had their lives destroyed by such devices have sought legal help

WHAT ARE VAGINAL MESH IMPLANTS? Vaginal mesh implants are devices used by surgeons to treat pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence in women. Usually made from synthetic polypropylene, a type of plastic, the implants are intended to repair damaged or weakened tissue in the vagina wall. Other fabrics include polyester, human tissue and absorbable synthetic materials. Some women report severe and constant abdominal and vaginal pain after the surgery. In some, the pain is so severe they are unable to have sex. Infections, bleeding and even organ erosion has also been reported Advertisement

Dr Elneil raised concerns about the operation when she first saw the procedure, which sees a piece of plastic placed into a delicate area, being performed 'blindly' in 1997. She was with her mentor at the time.

She told MailOnline: 'Both of us were unsure about the procedure as it worried us that it was blind in nature, and it involved inserting a piece of polypropylene or plastic using sharp large needles into a rather complex anatomical space.

'It felt like the nature of the womans tissue, the nature of the mesh, the anatomical complexity and the blind approach were not issues meant to be considered. We were fearful as we suspected there would be many complications in the future.

'There is no doubt that we felt as if one was watching a car crash in slow motion taking place in the pelvis. Having removed multiple meshes used for both prolapse and incontinence, it feels that that fear was realised.'

Dr Elneil was invited to join a Government inquiry into the usage of surgical mesh but was dropped from the committee 18 months ago. The report, released two weeks ago, was met with backlash from outraged women.

'THE DAY BEFORE MESH SURGERY I RAN 5K, NOW I WET MYSELF' A mother-of-five who had a vaginal mesh implant fitted for mild stress incontinence now has to rush to the toilet and has even wet herself on several occasions as a result of the procedure. Julie Gilsennan, 41, from Liverpool, had an implant fitted on February 1 as she would experience leaking if she coughed, sneezed or lifted something heavy, which was impractical given her job as a paramedic. Although she can now sneeze without leaking, Ms Gilsennan has been left with an overactive bladder that makes her desperate for the toilet within 20 minutes of drinking. Previously highly active, Ms Gilsennan even ran 5km the day before having the implant fitted, yet she now struggles to move as she suffers unbearable pain Previously highly active, Ms Gilsennan even ran 5km the day before having the implant fitted, yet she now struggles to move as she suffers unbearable pain. The agony has even forced her to quit her highly-challenging career as a paramedic in order to work from home alone. Ms Gilsennan was told she would need up to six weeks off work after having the mesh fitted, however, she has been unable to return to work as a paramedic and instead works from home processing complaints to the ambulance service. She said: 'I loved my job, I did it for 12 years. I miss being out on the road with colleagues and talking to people. Now I'm trapped inside my house. 'I'm in immense pain permanently. It's like a cheese wire, glass pain in my groin. 'I also have constant pain across my hips as if I have arthritis. I can't return to work as a paramedic.' Advertisement

Upon investigation, officials confirmed that many more women have complained of injuries than previously suggested and called for a helpline to support victims. But it did not look at the safety of the mesh and rejects calls for a ban.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MESH Different types of mesh implants include: Mini-sling: This implant is embedded with a metallic inserter. It sits close to the mid-section of a woman's urethra. The use of an inserter is thought to lower the risk of cutting during the procedure.

This implant is embedded with a metallic inserter. It sits close to the mid-section of a woman's urethra. The use of an inserter is thought to lower the risk of cutting during the procedure. TVT sling : Such a sling is held in place by the patient's body. It is inserted with a plastic tape by cutting the vagina and making two incisions in the abdomen. The mesh sits beneath the urethra.

: Such a sling is held in place by the patient's body. It is inserted with a plastic tape by cutting the vagina and making two incisions in the abdomen. The mesh sits beneath the urethra. TVTO sling : Inserted through the groin and sits under the urethra. This sling was intended to prevent bladder perforation.

: Inserted through the groin and sits under the urethra. This sling was intended to prevent bladder perforation. TOT sling : Involves forming a 'hammock' of fibrous tissue in the urethra. Surgeons often claim this form of implant gives them the most control during implantation. Advertisement

Instead, it said hospitals should ensure that surgeons be trained to implant it; at the moment any gynaecologist can perform the procedure. Campaigners reacted with fury at the findings.

English health officials have yet to acknowledge the risks of the brittle implants which can shrink, twist and curl at the edges and cause nerve damage. Currently, the NHS and MHRA state only 1 to 3 per cent will experience complications such as pain.

Vaginal mesh has been considered a high-risk device for nearly a decade in the US, with officials accepting that up to 40 per cent of women may experience injury.

Fights by campaigners have helped gather momentum for a public inquiry into the implants, with MPs now beginning to ask questions about the safety of mesh and calling for further investigations over the devices.

Earlier this week, MailOnline revealed how the NHS has ignored damning studies that show the damage controversial vaginal mesh procedures cause to be much higher than the health service is willing to admit.

Published in various journals, the alarming evidence which revealed pain, erosion and perforation to strike up to 40 per cent of women, prompted doctors in three US states to suspend the practice and saw them call for a review into its safety.

The mesh, introduced 20 years ago, was promoted as a quick, cheap alternative to complex surgery for incontinence and which did not require specialist training to implant. More than 10,000 women a year have the mesh procedure.

At least 800 women are suing the NHS and device manufacturers over the use of vaginal mesh implants.
Children could become fat if their mother used antibacterial soap during pregnancy, a new study warns.

Full of one toxic chemical, scientists found exposure to the contaminant in the womb can make youngsters obese.

In studies on mice, they showed female offspring to weigh 11 per cent more. Males were 8 per cent heavier on average.

The chemical, called triclocarban (TCC), is passed through both the placenta and through breastfeeding, trials suggest.

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, California, said everyday exposure could also lead to 'irreversible' damage in vital organs.

Scientists found exposure to antibacterial soaps in the womb can make youngsters obese

TCC, which is also used in the medical field, interferes with lipid metabolism - slowing the body's natural breakdown of fat.

'A serious health risk'

Lead author Dr Heather Enright said: 'We demonstrated that TCC does effectively transfer from mother to offspring, both trans-placentally and via lactation.

'Exposure to TCC during development may pose a serious health risk to the developing embryo and fetus.

'They are more sensitive to alterations in hormone levels, which may result in changes that often are irreversible.'

She continued: 'Our results are significant because of the potential risk of exposure to TCC through contaminated water sources and in the living environment.

'Early life exposure has the potential to cause irreversible outcomes due to the fragile nature of organ systems and protective mechanisms in developing offspring.'

SUPERBUGS ARE BECOMING STRONGER Superbugs are becoming stronger thanks to anti-bacterial products used in homes and workplaces, scientists warned in September. Antibiotic resistant bacteria are usually thought to be the result of over use of antibiotics. But the study of dust found a high association between anti-bacterial agents and bacteria which are resistant to antibiotics. The dust was studied by Oregon University scientists in a university sports building which included a pool, laundry, and offices. It is thought that as bacteria become resistant to the use of anti-bacterial agents, this in turn increases the ability of bacteria to resist the drugs. Advertisement

The first evidence

The study, published in PLOS ONE, provides the first evidence yet that TCC can easily pass from mother to offspring.

It's concerning, given the chemical is among one of the most commonly detected contaminants found in wastewater.

The researchers also detected high concentrations of TCC in the brain, which has previously been shown to disrupt the development of the organ.

Imaging scans showed the chemical was collected in the heart and fat too.

They made the findings after tracing the chemical in the bodies of female mice who were administered with the chemical.

Is the chemical banned?

Last autumn, the US banned 19 different antibacterial chemicals, including triclosan and triclocarban, saying they were not effective at killing bugs.

British firm Unilever said it will phase out the two chemicals by the end of this year, replacing them with 'natural and nature-inspired' antimicrobes.

The new study follows a University of San Francisco report in June that suggested antibacterial soaps are useless at killing germs.

More than 200 scientists compiled evidence to warn the chemicals in such products could be causing 'more harm than good'.
It is widely known that soda, beer and coffee are bad for your teeth.

Bottled water, however, seems harmless.

But dentists warn that is not always the case.

Some of the most popular brands of bottled waters have dangerous pH levels and lack essential fluoride, which can cause cavities.

However, it is impossible to know from the label which ones are the safest - so we tested the pH levels of nine top brands to see which ones were the best and worst.

The pH level can range from zero to 14. On that scale, seven is neutral, anything under that is acidic and anything higher is alkaline.

Our investigation found that samples of four of nine popular bottled water brands were very acidic. The brands - Smartwater, Dasani, Aquafina and Voss - had a pH level of 4

HOW DO BOTTLED WATER BRANDS AFFECT YOUR TEETH? We tested nine bottled water brands to see their pH levels. Brands with pH levels closer to zero are more acidic and can erode your tooth enamel. Brands with pH levels between seven and 14 are alkaline. Smartwater: 4

Aquafina: 4

Voss: 4

Dasani: 4

Poland Spring: 7

Volvic: 7.5

Fiji: 8

Essentia: 8

Evian: 8.5 Advertisement

Drinking acidic water will harm your teeth, warns Dr Eunjung Jo of Astor Smile Dental.

'Our enamel starts to erode at a pH level of 5.5 so it's best to avoid any drinks with a pH that is lower than 5.5.'

Dr Jo also said that the damage done to your teeth increases proportionately with the time you spend sipping on a drink so spending three hours drinking a coffee is more harmful than downing it in 30 minutes.

'The longer you sip and they stay in your mouth, [the] damage is bigger,' she said.

She added that bottled water is not worse for your teeth than sodas, beer or coffee and she thinks Fiji water is the best for your teeth while Dasani, Voss and Smartwater are the worst.

The lack of fluoride - a healthy ion that is good for tooth enamel - in bottled water can also be harmful.

Tap water is regulated by the government, which makes sure it has accurate fluoride levels, but bottled water often lacks proper amounts of it.

Dr Tema Starkman of High Line Dentistry said it is important to make sure you are always consuming fluoride.

She said that this is especially important for children between the ages of zero and five whose teeth are still developing.

If these children do not receive proper fluoride levels they can develop hypo-fluorosis, a condition that can leave white spots on their teeth, she said.

'If they are not drinking a significant amount of tap water and are only drinking filtered, bottled water without measured levels of fluoride, then they could developmentally have problems.'

ACIDIC: Smartwater, which has a pH level 4, was among the brands that Dr Eunjung Jo said were worst for your teeth

NEUTRAL: Poland Spring's pH level is seven, which is neutral. If a water's pH level drops below 5.5, it can erode your tooth enamel

ALKALINE: Evian's sample was the most alkaline of the nine bottled water samples we tested. Its pH level is 8.5. While there is proof that alkaline water can help prevent bone loss, there is no evidence that this effect will last over a long period of time

IS ALKALINE WATER BAD FOR YOU? Proponents of alkaline water say it can boost one's metabolism, neutralize acid in the bloodstream and help bodies absorb nutrients, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some say that it can slow the aging process and help prevent diseases. There is evidence that alkaline water can help prevent bone loss but the Mayo Clinic said that there is not sufficient proof that this effect will last in the long term. Advertisement

She said there is evidence that drinking tap water is good for children's teeth.

'The studies say that during the developmental stage of growth for children, accurate fluoride levels in tap water could contribute to healthy enamel formation.'

The CDC said children who live in communities with non-fluoridated tap water have more decayed teeth than their counterparts who live areas with fluoridated tap water.

The problem also affects adults, Dr Starkman said. 'If an adult has a cavity, which is a bacteria that's entered a part of the enamel that's weakened, if there is not a source of fluoride in their drinking water, then, definitely, that can contribute to more cavities.'

But she said that people drinking only bottled water can get fluoride from fluoridated toothpaste or rinses.

'Usually when you brush your teeth you're getting some fluoride from the water in the sink,' she said.

Dr Starkman recommended a balance of bottled and tap water. She said even young children can have bottled water when they are on the go but tap water is good for them to have every day.

'They shouldn't avoid it. A lot of people try to avoid tap water. There's no reason. It's definitely healthy,' she said.

Dr Jo said she recommends that parents should give their children tap instead of bottled water.

The American Dental Association said that drinkers of bottled water may be missing out on the benefits of fluoride.

'Drinking water with fluoride, often called "nature's cavity fighter", is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do to help prevent cavities,' the association said.
Nineteen patients and staff members at a hospital in New Hampshire have been evacuated after beginning to vomit after a suspected chemical leak.

The turmoil started shortly before 9am, with five staff members in Exeter Hospital's operating room complaining of nausea.

By midday, more than a dozen people were being treated for sickness and dizziness.

While hospital officials have yet to determine the cause, reports claim it is being investigated as a carbon monoxide leak.

Carbon monoxide, which is odorless and colorless, causes vomiting and dizziness, and can be fatal.

More than a dozen staff members and patients were evacuated from Exeter Hospital (pictured) at around 9am after starting to vomit, feel nauseous and dizzy

The operating room was evacuated and patients were taken to the parking lot and grassy areas close to the hospital, about 50 miles north of Boston.

Patients were sent to other area hospitals for treatment and two ambulances from the fire department in neighboring town, Kingston, came to the scene.

A hospital spokesman said: 'No source has been determined at this point. In an abundance of caution we evacuated the OR and closed it.'

The Epping Fire Department investigated the possibility of a carbon monoxide problem, according to CBS.

Carbon Monoxide is made when a fossil fuel is burned in a vehicle, generator, grill, furnace or elsewhere and can cause illness or death in minutes.

If the gas builds up in an enclosed space, any people or animals in that space will be killed instantly. All carbon monoxide poisoning results from human behavior so it is completely preventable. Appliances that are not ventilated properly can allow the gas to accumulate to dangerous amounts.

There were no dizziness complaints from the emergency room but it was evacuated as a precaution since it is close to the operating room.

Town manager Russel Dean told CBS: 'What we know is patients were being treated with flu-like symptoms when those treating them also started feeling ill so the OR was shut down.'

He said the OR patients were moved to the ER until it was also shut down, at which point a staging area was set up outside the hospital.

A statement from the hospital said all other hospital wings were unaffected by the problem and running as usual.

Their statement said most people affected by the problem are now feeling better.

'Most experienced only minor symptoms and received supportive treatment,' it said.
IQ

IQ by Joe Ide (W&N 8.99)

by Joe Ide (W&N 8.99)

This is one of the most remarkable debuts Ive read this year, written by a Japanese-American who grew up in Los Angeles loving Sherlock Holmes.

Its central character is a loner and high school dropout called Isaiah Quintabe  IQ  who takes on cases the police cant or wont touch. On the surface he is quiet, almost geeky, but that disguises a fearsome native intelligence and determination.

Even more useful is that he started out as a successful burglar who specialised in unlikely targets. Rumours of IQs abilities spread among the locals, who ask him to solve crimes that no one else will, until he gets the case of a black rap star being pursued by a hitman whom even other hit men think is a lunatic.

Deliciously quirky, written with exceptional panache and a fine ear for dialogue, it introduces the world to an LA private detective who might just become the Holmes of the 21st century.

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HERE AND GONE

HERE AND GONE by Haylen Beck (Harvill Secker 12.99)

by Haylen Beck (Harvill Secker 12.99)

A superb Stephen King-style thriller from Northern Irish author Stuart Neville, here writing under a pseudonym.

A woman and her two children have finally left her abusive husband and are driving across the Arizona desert to begin a new life, taking backroads in case he comes searching for them.

But the flight turns into a disaster as she encounters a crooked sheriff and deputy who falsely accuse her of carrying marijuana, abduct her children and throw her in jail, while insisting that she never had any children with her in the first place.

Her son and daughter are clearly to be trafficked, but can she convince the FBI that she had nothing to do with their disappearance? There are echoes of Kings Misery in this rollercoaster of a ride, complete with agonising tension and a heroine you cant help rooting for. It deserves to be a best-seller.

THE FREEDOM BROKER

THE FREEDOM BROKER by K. J. Howe (Headline 14.99)

by K. J. Howe (Headline 14.99)

This breakneck debut introduces Thea Paris, a leading kidnapping and hostage negotiator and daughter of a Greek oil billionaire, whose elder brother was kidnapped when he was 11 and held for nine months, which accounts for her decision to become the only woman in this dangerous business.

The story opens in Africa, only to shift rapidly to Greece where her father is about to celebrate his birthday. Suddenly the billionaire is abducted and his daughter swings into full professional mode. The kidnap comes just days before a series of negotiations the tycoon is due to conduct with an African government to exploit a giant oil field.

Besides telling a breathtakingly fast story, Howe also highlights the fact that 40,000 people are reported kidnapped each year, and the number is growing steadily. This makes the book even more compelling, for it rings absolutely true.
Former Vice President of India Mohammad Hamid Ansari

A top retiring Indian official embarrassed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government by saying Muslims were feeling insecure under his rule following attacks on them by Hindu hardliners on mere suspicion that they were killing cows considered holy by majority Hindus.

In an interview with state-run Rajya Sabha television channel broadcast Thursday, Hamid Ansari said intolerance was growing in India with Hindu hardliners questioning the nationalism of Muslims who comprise nearly 14 percent of India's 1.3 billion people.

Ansari, a Muslim, ended his second five-year term as India's vice-president, a ceremonial position, on Thursday.

He said he had conveyed his concerns to Modi and some of his ministers.

Ansari was a career diplomat before taking up the constitutional position.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) talks with Vice-President Hamid Ansari

A statue of a cow is seen during a protest and fast by Indian Hindu devotees against the slaughter of a cow in the southern state of Kerala

He said he has heard more about the issue in north India.

'There is a feeling of unease, a sense of insecurity is creeping in,' Ansari said.

He also said the breakdown of authority at different levels to the point that the 'Indianness' of some citizens was being questioned was a disturbing thought.

Modi, a Hindu, has long had an uneasy relationship with Muslims, in large part because he, as chief minister of Gujarat state, was in command in 2002 when communal riots killed more than 1,000 people, most of them Muslims.

Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi, right, joins other to protest against a spate of violent attacks across the country targeting the country's Muslim minority, in Mumbai, India

Modi denied any involvement in the killings by Hindus.

Ansari's views were immediately challenged by Venkaiah Naidu, a top leader of Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party and Ansari's successor who will assume office on Friday. He will hold a ceremonial position and conduct the proceedings of the upper house of India's Parliament like the speaker of the powerful lower house.

Naidu said he disagreed with the view that intolerance was growing.

'Compared to the entire world, minorities are more safe and secure in India and they get their due,' Naidu said in an interview with the Press Trust of India news agency.

Cows are revered in the Hindu scriptures as the 'mother' of civilisation and many worshippers equate the slaughter of cows or eating beef as blasphemy

The prime minister and others in his party have rarely spoken about the killings of Muslims over the past three years, leading some rights activists to accuse Modi and his government of tacitly supporting the attacks.

Modi has said he felt enraged by those masquerading as cow protectors to commit crimes.

There have also been a spate of deadly attacks against atheist thinkers who campaigned against religious superstitions after Modi's government came to power in 2014.
Lions could soon be back wandering with pride on the edge of Delhi.

The Haryana government is planning to develop a lion safari in one of three districts on the foothills of the Aravallis - Gurugram, Rewari or Mahendragarh - in a bid to boost tourism, sources told Mail Today on Thursday.

A high-level meeting on the matter took place recently in Chandigarh under the chairmanship of the state chief secretary with two wildlife conservators of the Gurugram range and divisional forest officers present, they added.

Lions could soon be back wandering with pride on the edge of Delhi (file pic)

The Kumbalgarh fortress was built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha and is located on top of the Aravalli range

The forest and wildlife officials have been asked to check the feasibility of the project within a radius of 100 km from Delhi.

'The idea is to develop a lion safari similar to Gir forest to attract national and international tourists visiting Delhi.

'Besides, the Haryana government also wants to develop another breeding space apart from Gir to enhance the animal's numbers,' said a senior official of Gurugram wildlife department.

The population of the Asiatic lion, also known as Indian lions, is a subspecies considered endangered since 2008.

The Delhi Haryana border

However, since 2010, the lion population in and around Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat has steadily increased, with a census this month counting 650 individuals in the wild.

The official pointed out that the country's two lion safaris at Gir and Etawah are situated at considerable distances from the nearest metropolitan cities - Mumbai and Delhi respectively.

So, many visitors who come to these two metros for short periods of time don't go to the treks.

'Such a project requires a peaceful place not far away from Delhi.

'We have chosen three probable locations in Gurugram, Rewari and Mahendragarh districts for the project, which requires 620 hectares of plains situated close to the bhood (rocky and sandy) area of the Aravallis.

Asiatic lions at a zoo in Gujarat

Long grassy spaces with tree shade are considered ideal for survival of lions,' the official said. The highly ambitious project is expected to cost around Rs 1,000 crore.

Since it is expensive, authorities want to ensure that it is a success, said sources. The Haryana government wants thorough study of Gir and particularly the floundering Etawah safari before finalising the project.

While the Gir forest remains popular among tourists, the Etawah project has been mired in controversy after eight lions including three cubs died since it was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh's erstwhile Samajwadi Party government.

The Haryana government is planning to develop a lion safari on the Aravallis

The last casualty was an adult lioness named Tapasya. 'A team of wildlife and forest department officials of Haryana will go to Gir forest and Etawah to study in detail the geography, botanical space and atmosphere to ascertain the similarities and differences.

'The state government does not want any loopholes as survival of lions is key to success of the project,' the official said.

So far, the country has only one lion breeding space at Gir, which is also the source for the animals in Etawah safari.
'Lord Ram' is the surprise appellant in the Ayodhya dispute case before the SC

'Lord Ram', the surprise appellant in the Ayodhya dispute case before the Supreme Court, has asked why three-way division of the land was ordered when the entire 2.77 acres should have been given to him where his devotees could have built a grand temple.

As per law, a deity is a legal personality in India and can fight in court, although often through trustees.

The appeal filed by 'Bhagwan Sri Rama Virajman' states:

'When two of the three judges of the (Allahabad) High Court came to a conclusion that the area in question is believed and worshipped by the Hindu people as the place of birth of Lord Ram and they were worshipping there since time immemorial, then the partition of the land in question does not arise and the court should have granted the entire land in question in favour of deity.'

CS Vaidyanathan, the senior lawyer representing Lord Ram, will be the first one to argue when the apex court hears the matter next on December 5.

On December 6 1992 the VHP and BJP organised a rally at the mosque and the 150,000-strong crowd overwhelmed security forces before tearing down the mosque

According to Indian law, a deity is a legal personality and can fight court battles. The god is generally represented through the trustees since most of the property concerning a religious place is always managed by the trust.

The contested site, in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya city, was the scene of a searing act of religious violence in 1992 when Hindu activists tore down an ancient mosque, known as the Babri Masjid, on the property.

The destruction triggered riots that spilled into the following year and led to about 2,000 deaths.

A person named Triloki Nath Pandey is the trustee who is pursuing the case on behalf of Lord Ram in the Supreme Court.

'Even the third judge Justice SU Khan makes it clear that there existed some Hindu temple underneath the disputed structure which existed much before the construction of the disputed structure.

L.K. Advani addresses a rally on the day of demolition in 1992. Advani is among those who have been issued notices by Supreme Court

The Ayodhya-Babri Masjid dispute In 1992 a large 'group' of Hindus demolished the 16th century Babri Mosque in the UP city of Ayodhya after a political rally at the site turned violent. The city is believed to be the birthplace of the Hindu god Rama and the mosque is believed to be built on Ram Janmabhoomi, the actual birthplace of the deity. On December 6 1992 the VHP and BJP organised a rally at the mosque and the 150,000-strong crowd overwhelmed security forces before tearing down the mosque. This came in a climate of inter-communal rioting between Hindus and Muslims that left at least 2,000 dead. A subsequent inquiry found that 68 people were responsible for the demolition, including leaders of the two political parties. The current Ayodhya dispute is a political and socio-religious debate in India concerning which religious group ought to possess the land. A 2010 landmark decision split the 2.77 hectare site equally between three parties - one Hindu, one Muslim, and one organisation trusted with maintaining the site. Advertisement

He also observed that temple material has been re-used in construction of the disputed structure. Therefore as per norms of Islam as well as tenets of Quran, the disputed construction cannot be termed to be a valid mosque,' said the lord's appeal.

'Since the Hindus have proved that they have held Ramjanmabhoomi as sacred and worshipped the same as a deity from time immemorial, the question of having to prove that the Muslims did not hold title under Indian Evidence Act cannot and does not arise.

'Therefore the conclusion of justice S U Khan in relation to the fact that the Hindus have not been able to dispute the title of the Muslims does not arise as the property never went out of possession and ownership of Hindus.'

A three-judge Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court had on September 30, 2010 given a unanimous decision that Lord Ram was born under the central dome of the makeshift temple and Hindus have a right to worship there.

It however ruled for a three-way division of the disputed 2.77-acre area at the Ayodhya site.

The three-judge bench, by a majority of 2:1, had said the land be partitioned equally among the Sunni Waqf Board, Nirmohi Akhara and the Ram Lalla (nascent Lord Ram).

Justices Sudhir Agarwal and Justice DV Sharma on the high court bench had concluded in their separate judgments that Lord Ram, son of King Dashrath, was born within the 1,482.5 square yards of the disputed premises over 900,000 years ago during the Treta Yuga.

Justice Sharma added that the 'world knows' where Ram's birthplace is. The third judge, Justice SU Khan, said his finding was an 'informed guess' based on 'oral evidences of several Hindus and some Muslims' that the precise birthplace of Ram is under the central dome.

A temple dedicated to the god Rama in Ayodhya

The SC bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra on Friday directed UP's Yogi Adityanath government to get the 90,000- page oral evidence in the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, which is in eight languages including Persian, Arabic, Urdu, Sanskrit, translated in 10 weeks and fixed December 5 to hear cross-appeals in the matter.

The court also wanted time as substitutes of several petitioners and respondents who were no longer alive could be made party in the case by serving them notice and copy of the documents.

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, an intervener in the matter, made an attempt to raise the issue of the fundamental right of religion of the Hindus under Article 25 of the Constitution.

He said during the adjudication of the matter he would like to make out a case that the fundamental right should get precedence over the property right.

However, the bench made it clear that it would first hear the main appellants and respondents in the case which involved the parties like the Sunni Waqf Board, Nirmohi Akhara and Lord Ram Lalla.
Pakistan has been in political turmoil ever since it was revealed in Panama last year that Nawaz Sharif's family had large undeclared financial assets abroad, including large properties in London and Dubai.

Sharif's defence was that his father, who owned businesses in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, acquired these properties.

It soon became clear, however, that the five member-bench, which the Supreme Court set up to look at the charges, was determined to unseat him from office.

Supporters of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif attend a rally to show solidarity during his departure from Islamabad to Lahore

Evidence

Unable to find evidence to establish charges of undeclared assets abroad, the five-member bench held him guilty of not declaring a sum due to him from a company in Dubai, even though Sharif clarified that he never received the money, a relatively paltry sum of around $2,700 (over Rs 1,73,000).

Incidentally, influential political and military leaders including Benazir Bhutto, Gen Pervez Musharraf and former army chief General Ashfaq Kayani, are known to have properties in London, Dubai, France and Australia.

The Supreme Court is accused of lacking the courage to act against army officers.

Many eminent lawyers, activists and jurists in Pakistan have described the five-member bench's decision as perverse.

Shahbaz Sharif is considered more practical, more pragmatic vis-a-vis the army

The bias of the court was also evident when the joint investigation team it set up included officers from the ISI and military intelligence, with no investigative or legal experience.

The verdict is seen as being engineered by the judiciary, working in collusion with the army, which has no love lost for Sharif.

The army has had serious differences with Sharif, especially on his moves to improve relations with India. It objected to his visit to India for PM Narendra Modi's inauguration.

And when, in a move to improve relations, Modi visited Sharif in Lahore to attend a family marriage, the army deliberately undermined efforts to improve relations, by its attack a few days later on the Pathankot airbase, through Jaish-e-Mohammed.

The criminal cases about disproportionate assets held by Sharif, his two sons, daughter and his finance minister Ishaq Dar (who is related to him) are to be tried separately by an 'accountability court'.

Forced to resign from office, Sharif has been determined to fight back legally and politically.

Sharif's defence was that his father, who owned businesses in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, acquired these properties

Given his effective control of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League, Sharif has got a loyalist, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, a US-educated engineer who was earlier petroleum minister, sworn in as Prime Minister.

The sensitive post of Interior (Home) has been given to yet another loyalist Ahsan Iqbal, who was earlier planning minister.

Iqbal replaces Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, who was not only the senior-most member of Sharif's Cabinet but also an ambitious politician, with close ties to the military establishment.

Chaudhry Nisar, who fancied himself as a logical successor to Sharif, had strong differences with the former PM in recent days. He has now been dropped from the Cabinet.

Unexpected

Prior to the swearing in of the new Cabinet, it was expected that Abbasi would continue as Prime Minister, till Shahbaz Sharif got elected to the National Assembly from the Lahore seat vacated by Nawaz. He would then take over as Prime Minster.

But this whole proposal is under a cloud. This goes back to the complex relations between the two Sharif brothers. In their younger days, the younger brother, Shahbaz, was considered to be smarter in business matters, while the older brother, Nawaz, took to politics.

Nawaz moved to set up the Pakistan Muslim League and grew to lead the party to victory in national elections. Shahbaz had a junior role as chief minister of Punjab.

He established a more comfortable relationship with the army, with whom he behaved deferentially. Nawaz, in all this three terms, had a tense relationship with the army.

Matters, however, appear to have come to a head when Shahbaz mobilised party support for his son Hamza to succeed him as chief minister of Punjab, when he moved to Islamabad, as Prime Minister in the course of coming weeks.

This evidently rang alarm bells in the Nawaz family, as Shahbaz and his family would then be ruling in both Islamabad and Lahore.

Nawaz has designated his daughter Maryam as his successor. If she were found guilty on charges of unaccounted wealth, the leadership would pass to his wife Kulsoom, who is known to be toughminded and strong-willed.

Essential

Pakistani opposition leader Imran Khan gestures during a news conference regarding the dismissal of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in Islamabad

Nawaz, therefore, got senior party members in Lahore to demand that it was essential that Shahbaz should continue as chief minister in Lahore, to set the stage for participation in general elections next year, which many expect the ruling PML(N) to win.

Prime Minister Abbasi, therefore, appears set to continue till the elections, with remote control exercised by Nawaz. Khwaja Mohammed Asif, who held the largely ceremonial post of defence minister, has been appointed as the foreign minster.

As defence minister, Asif had got used to taking his orders from the army chief. As foreign minister, he will have to seek to moderate the army's support for terrorism in Afghanistan and India, in view of the emerging strong anti-terrorism policies of the Trump administration in Washington.

China will look on with concern about the abilities of the new dispensation to fulfil Pakistan's responsibilities in implementing its growing number of infrastructure projects.

These are issues India needs to keep a close eye on, as the ISI continues to spread terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, and elsewhere.
A village in Uttar Pradesh has stolen the march over others when it comes to producing soldiers for the Indian Army. Locals say nearly 30 per cent of the youth from Atus - or more than 800 - is serving in the force.

The village, situated about 15 kilometres from Agra city, has a population of around 6,000.

'We also have over 200 retired army men here. The 'offensive' started in 2000 when a soldier of our village, Dashrath Singh, was killed by the Pakistan army.

Atus, near Agra, has 800 serving in the force, with 200 retired servicemen (file pic)

Presidential Bodyguard soldiers in early morning mist (file pic)

'They took away his head and exploded a bomb on his body. Since then, our youths have developed a habit of joining the Army and fighting the Pakistanis,' Harvir Singh, a retired soldier, told Mail Today.

The village also has its own set of laws. And the punishments are unique too.

'Alcohol is banned in our village just to prevent youngsters from becoming physically and mentally weak. Anybody found drunk is penalised Rs 500 and anyone who gives information to the panchayat about an intoxicated person is rewarded with that amount.

'Not only this: the drunk person is publicly slapped in front of the panchayat to give a strong message to the youths,' Singh said. Nearly 60 km from Atus is Fatehabad village, which is also setting an example for others to emulate.

Amit Aryan (pictured) joined the Army about five years ago

Local resident Amit Aryan joined the Army about five years ago and is now helping others following in his footsteps.

He is currently posted as a Nayak at an Army training school. 'When I used to come to my village, I would realise that our youngsters have the calibre to serve the country.

The Rajput forces of the Indian Army parade in full ceremonial dress (file pic)

Atus (left) is situated about 15 kilometres from Agra city, has a population of around 6,000

'During my services at the training school, I learnt the skills needed to join the Army.

'Then I decided to run a training programme for the youths of my village,' Amit told Mail Today. 'Now, I sometimes take leave from my school and provide training to the youngsters from my village and neighbouring areas.

'I noticed that due to inadequate training and financial problems in the family, the youths were not able to make it to the Army. Seeing this, I decided to serve my country for a noble cause.'

The regional degree college at the village turns into a military ground every morning. 'Now, after passing class 10, every boy here starts dreaming of joining the Army,' said Hardayal, a native of Fatehabad.
Members of a shuttered Penn State University fraternity accused of crimes related to the death of a pledge were back in a Pennsylvania courtroom Thursday, as a hearing resumed into whether there is enough evidence to send the case to trial.

Now in its fourth day, the preliminary hearing, held in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, is being used to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to send 16 members of the now shuttered Beta Theta Pi fraternity to trial over charges stemming from the February death of engineering student Timothy Piazza, 19.

Two other frat brothers have waived their right to a hearing.

Some of the fraternity members' charges include involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault. Others face less serious charges that include evidence tampering, hazing, reckless endangerment and alcohol offenses.

Luke Visser, 19, arrives at Centre County courthouse for his fourth preliminary hearing date. He has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault

Gary DiBileo, 21 (left), is charged with involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault

Michael Bonatucci, 19 (left), is charged withinvoluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault

Tensions were high in court on Thursday as a detective revealed that video footage from the night where Piazza became dangerously intoxicated and fell was likely tampered with, according to NBC News.

In February, Piazza, a sophomore from Lebanon, New Jersey, fell several times during a night of drinking that followed his participation in a pledge acceptance ceremony.

Security camera footage inside the house recorded the response of fraternity leaders and other members as they dealt with the injured and intoxicated Piazza, using a series of ineffectual and even counterproductive efforts.

Excerpts from the footage, narrated by the lead detective during a previous court session, showed fraternity members holding down Piazza, strapping him to a loaded backpack to keep him from turning over and choking, pouring liquids on him and trying to get him to stand so they could dress him, even though he appeared to be unconscious.

Piazza was left on a first floor couch overnight, in palpable agony. He made several clumsy attempts to get up but fell repeatedly and, in some cases, landed on his head.

Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller (left, in May with Timothy Piazza's family) was in court Thursday during the fourth day of preliminary hearings to determine whether there's enough evidence to send the charged fraternity brothers to trial

The next morning, he was found by fraternity members in the basement and carried back upstairs, having apparently fallen down the stairs. They waited an additional 40 minutes before summoning help.

Piazza died on February 4 at the hospital, two days later. He had suffered a head injury, a ruptured spleen and a collapsed lung.

Following his death, authorities said he had consumed a dangerous amount of alcohol and had suffered severe head and abdominal injuries.

In Thursday's hearing, a lead detective in the case was questioned about video evidence that appeared to have been tampered with.

NBC News reported that while on the stand, State College Police Detective David Scicchitano said that video footage from the basement, where Piazza fell, 'appears to have been deleted.'

Scicchitano revealed that all of the footage captured by the camera prior to February 6 had disappeared, but it was not immediately clear what the footage would have shown.

The detective added that there was a suspect in part of an ongoing investigation into who deleted the footage, and that suspect was sitting in court during the hearing, although the identity of the person was not revealed.

The Piazza family lawyer, Tom Kline, told NBC News that it was 'a stunning development' to hear that, at one point, there had been a tape of what happened in the basement that night. Prior to Thursday, the legal team had assumed that tape did not exist.

Timothy Piazza's parents, Evelyn and James Piazza (center and right on May 15), seated with their son Michael Piazza

Penn State University's former Beta Theta Pi fraternity house on Burrowes Road sits empty after being shut down following the death of Timothy Piazza (file photo)

During the hearing, one of the frat brothers' lawyers, Ted Simon, claimed to have had evidence pointing to the fact that Piazza fell down the basement stairs only after tripping over a girl who was sitting on the same stairs, reports the New York Post.

If that's the case, Simon implied Piazza's fall would be more accurately characterized as an accident, rather than the result of intoxication.

When asked by Simon if he had identified or interviewed the girl Piazza supposedly tripped over, or another girl who was also said to have been on the stairs, Scicchitano replied in the negative. He said the girls were not wearing name tags and urged them to identify themselves to the police.

As they were during the previous June and July hearing dates, emotions were high between the sparring lawyers in the courtroom on Thursday.

At one point, mid-objection, Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller told a defense lawyer to 'show some respect,' garnering scoffs from the people in the gallery, reports Philly.com.

The noise prompted Parks Miller to turn her back on the judge and shout at the audience, which comprised of the defendants' parents and family, telling them to 'cool it with the reactions.'

She then turned to the table of charged fraternity brothers and their lawyers and shouted, 'And I've had it with you, too.'

All throughout the preliminary hearing dates, the defendants' lawyers have tried to lessen any responsibility their clients had in the moments leading to Piazza's death.

On Thursday, Simon, who defends Luke Visser, 19, charged with involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault, said that his client didn't live in the frat house and wasn't even there at the time when Piazza sustained his injuries.

Parks Miller countered that Visser had run a pledge beer pong table and was among the frat brothers who had allowed Piazza to get dangerously intoxicated, injure himself and then left him alone, despite knowing he needed medical attention.

At one point, while Simon was cross-examining Scicchitano, Parks Miller referred to the charged fraternity members and said that all of them 'contributed to the ultimate intoxication of Mr. Piazza and the other pledges that night,' reports Philly.com.

Another fifth day of preliminary hearings is scheduled for Friday. After the hearing, the judge could rule whether to send the defendants to trial.

Defense attorneys have challenged Scicchitano about his investigation, zeroing in on what the video shows about their particular clients and asking him about how much hazing pressure Piazza would have felt.

The fraternity itself also faces criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault.

After Piazza's death, Penn State permanently banned Beta Theta Pi.
Police have expanded their desperate search for an Irish hiker who went missing in April as he tried to tackle the 2,600-mile Pacific Crest Trail from Southern California to Canada.

David O'Sullivan, 25, was last spotted between April 10th and 15th along the trail in California's Riverside County.

Sheriff's Sgt Chris Willison said Wednesday that teams have expanded their search on foot, by SUV and with air support.

'David has been confirmed as having stayed at the house of a Trail Angel named Hillbilly near Cabazon,' according to a Facebook page that was setup to find the missing Irishman.

Police are desperately searching for Irish hiker, David O'Sullivan, who went missing in April as he tried to tackle the 2,600-mile Pacific Crest Trail from Southern California to Canada. O'Sullivan, 25, was last spotted between April 10th and 15th along the trail in Riverside County

Sheriff's Sgt Chris Willison said Wednesday that teams are searching on foot, by SUV and with air support. He last contacted his family on April 7 when he emailed them about his journey and sent them a package from the post office

'Hillbilly then dropped David and numerous other hikers off at the Interstate 10 freeway south of the Whitewater Preserve and ranger station where they continued their hike,' the post read.

O'Sullivan left Ireland on March 20th and planned to spend five months on the 2,600-mile trail.

He started the hike on March 22 in Campo, near the Mexican border.

The 'novice hiker' then met a man name Mick, who he purchased equipment from at the outfitters in Mt Laguna, according to his family.

On March 28, he stayed in a town called Julian, where he spoke with a hiker named Rocco.

O'Sullivan then traveled to Idyllwild-Pine Cove, which is a 122-mile hike from Campo, according to his missing person flyer. He arrived there by April 5.

While in Idyllwild, O'Sullivan emailed his parents and mailed them a package from the local post office on April 7.

O'Sullivan was scheduled to meet a friend in Santa Barabara sometime in early May but never showed up. He had plans to stay with his friend for about a week. He was carrying his hiking gear and his neon blue backpack (pictured)

'We knew that weeks might pass without contact but no more than 2/3,' his family wrote.

After three-and half weeks went by, his family has reached out on social media to 'trail angels,' people known to aid hikers on their trek, hoping someone would remember meeting him.

The family said they were given 'misinformation' and were even told he was 'found'.

From Idyllwild he hiked to Cabazon where he stayed with a trail angel named Hillbilly. That hike was about 30 miles.

After his stay in Cabazon, Hillbilly dropped O'Sullivan off near the Whitewater Preserve, which was about a 14-mile hike.

He was scheduled to meet a friend in Santa Barbara sometime in early May but never showed up. He had plans to stay with his friend for about a week.

DAVID O'SULLIVAN'S DISAPPEARANCE David O'Sullivan flew from Ireland in March to prepare for the 2,600-mile Pacifice Crest Trail hike. The trail starts near the Mexican border in Southern California and finishes off in Canada. Authorities are still searching for the 25-year-old hiker. March 2017: O'Sullivan left Ireland on March 20. He started the trail on March 22 in Campo, California. He stayed in the town of Julian on March 28. April 2017: On April 3, O'Sullivan had lunch with a man named Daniel Windsor at the Paradise Valley Cafe. They set off north together towards Idyllwild before parting ways a few miles later. By April 5, he arrived in Idyllwild. On April 7, he sent an email to his parents detailing his hike since leaving Mt Laguna in San Diego. He was last spotted between April 10th and 15th in Riverside County. Locals confirmed that he stayed with at the house of a Trail Angel named Hillbilly near Cabazon. Hillbilly then dropped O'Sullivan off near the Whitewater Preserve. May 2017: In early May, O'Sullivan was supposed to meet up with a friend in Santa Barbara but he never showed up. On May 31, O'Sullivan's family went to the police in Ireland. Inquiries were made, which led them to believe that his bank account was recently active. 'While not happy, this satisfied us that he was OK, spending money on food, etc and that he was simply unable to charge his tablet or get WiFi access,' the family wrote in a Facebook post. June 2017: On June 30, his family filed an official missing person's report. He has been reported missing with the Irish police, the American and Irish embassies, Interpol and police and rescue departments throughout California. Advertisement

On May 31, the family went to police in Ireland.

'Inquiries were made which led us to believe that his bank account was recently active. While not happy, this satisfied us that he was OK, spending money on food, etc and that he was simply unable to charge his tablet or get WiFi access,' the family wrote on Facebook.

On June 30, O'Sullivan's family went back to their local police and officially filed a missing persons report.

O'Sullivan has been reported as a missing person with the Irish police, the American and Irish embassies, Interpol, police and search and rescue departments throughout California.

He has black hair, blue eyes and a thick Irish accent. He was hiking solo.

A photo of the first day of his hike showed he was carrying a neon blue backpack.

According to his family, he only has his hiking gear, 'a non-smart phone and his tablet'.

O'Sullivan used WiFi in towns to contact his family.

Hikers usually start at the Mexican border in April and end on the Canadian border in September.

Authorities are asking anyone with information on O'Sullivan's whereabouts to please contact the Murrieta Police Department at 951-696-3615 or Detective Lawlor at 951-545-0030.
A doctor whose license to practice in the United States was cancelled because of his addiction to cocaine and alcohol is still being allowed to treat patients in Australia.

Dr Keith Kolodzej had his training permit revoked by the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana in 2007 following a drink driving charge, a year after visiting a rehab facility.

But seemingly keen to leave his checkered history in the U.S. behind him, he moved to Australia just a few months later and began practising in Townsville, Queensland.

And now, after also working in Colac and Lorne in regional Victoria, the 42-year-old is running the Dr Pico tattoo removal studio and paying home visits to sick patients in Sydney.

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Dr Keith Kolodzej (right), whose license to practise in the U.S was cancelled in 2007 because of his drug and alcohol use, is being allowed to treat patients in the heart of Sydney

Seemingly keen to leave his checkered history in the U.S behind him, Dr Kolodzej (pictured) moved to Australia in late 2007 and began practising again in Townsville, Queensland

In documents seen by Daily Mail Australia, Dr Kolodzej was labelled unfit to treat his patients 'due to addiction to... or severe dependency upon, alcohol or other drugs'.

A drug test he underwent in 2006 found Dr Kolodzej had used cocaine, despite him denying he had. A secondary hair test confirmed the firstinitial positive result for cocaine.

After entering a treatment facility and agreeing to abstain from alcohol or drugs, he was observed 'under the influence' by a manager while on a mission trip a year later.

'(Dr Kolodzej) was asked to submit to a urine drug screen which tested positive to alcohol... (He) admitted to drinking alcohol while on missions trip,' the document read.

That breach of his contract led to his medical residency being terminated on August 29, 2007.

But just months later he moved to Australia and began practising, radio broadcaster turned MP Derryn Hynch claimed on his Human Headline website.

'Dr. Keith must have scarpered to the other end of the world in 2007 within months of being busted and barred in America,' Mr Hynch wrote in 2011.

But after moving between his regional postings, Dr Koldzej opened the Dr Pico clinic in Darlinghurst, Sydney, in 2014, dubbing himself an expert in 'honest laser tattoo removal and skin rejuvenation'.

After moving around, Dr Koldzej opened the Dr Pico clinic in Darlinghurst in 2014, dubbing himself the 'honest laser tattoo removal and skin rejuvenation' expert (pictured)

In documents (pictured) seen by Daily Mail Australia, Dr Kolodzej was labelled unfit to treat his patients 'due to addiction to... or severe dependency upon, alcohol or other drugs'

A drug test he underwent in 2006 found Dr Kolodzej had used cocaine, despite him denying he had. A secondary hair test confirmed the initial positive cocaine finding

After discovering his past, broadcaster Ben Fordham echoed Hynch's sentiments in asking how Dr Kolodzej was allowed to practise in Australia while banned in the U.S.

'Dr Pico might be completely clean... but it is incumbent on the medical authorities to tell us what this guy's background is,' Mr Fordham told A Current Affair.

'Would I want this man treating my mum, my dad, my son, my daughter, my wife or my husband? I think the answer would clearly be no.'

Despite his numerous incidents in the U.S, Dr Kolodzej has a clean record according to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website.

In a statement, AHPRA said they were limited by how much information they could release about individual doctors.

'We can and do take regulatory action when we receive a notification (complaint) about individual registered health practitioners to ensure patient safety.'

Despite his numerous incidents in the U.S, Dr Kolodzej has a clean record according to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website

'Under national registration, health practitioners are required to declare all their Australian and international criminal history when they apply for registration.'

But Dr Kolozej also has his defenders with a former patient praising his work to the Colac Herald after he came under fire from locals in 2011.

'On both occasions I was very impressed with the doctor's manner, his efficiency and his ability to calm down an elderly lady in the adjacent cubical to me,' a patient said.

'His medical skills and people skills, they would soon realise they had done a very capable doctor a grave injustice.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Dr Kolodzej for comment.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has kicked off his first official tech outreach program with a tour of Amazon's headquarters with Trump nemesis Jeff Bezos.

'A pleasure to host #SecDef James Mattis at Amazon HQ in Seattle today,' Amazon Chief Executive Jeff Bezos wrote on Twitter in a post that included a photo of him and Mattis smiling at one another.

They may be all smiles during the tour, but Mattis' boss, President Trump, and Bezos, are far from friendly.

Trump has targeted Bezos in the past, saying during the presidential campaign that the Amazon founder was using the Post  which he purchased in 2013 for $250 million  as a propaganda tool to help his online retail business.

'Amazon is getting away with murder tax-wise,' he told Fox News last year, claiming that Bezos 'is using the Washington Post for power so that the politicians in Washington don't tax Amazon like they should be taxed.'

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has kicked off his first official tech outreach program with a tour of Amazon's headquarters in Seattle

President Donald Trump (left) has lashed out at Washington Post owner and Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos (right) in the past. The two men are pictured June 19 at the White House, separated by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

Trump has also threatened to go after the sprawling and ubiquitous Amazon on antitrust grounds, hinting that the Post's negative coverage of his administration is a daily brush-back pitch meant to forestall a day of anti-monopoly reckoning.

The Post, in return, published an embarrassing story revealing a framed TIME magazine cover featuring Trump, hung at several of the president's golf courses and other properties, is a Photoshopped fake.

In June, the president lashed out in a tweet which read: 'The #AmazonWashingtonPost, sometimes referred to as the guardian of Amazon not paying internet taxes (which they should) is FAKE NEWS!'.

Mattis later took a tour round the the Obama-era experimental defense outpost in Silicon Valley, which he said would grow in importance under the Trump administration as he highlighted how the nation's technology entrepreneurs were vital to national defense.

Trump lashed out at Bezos' newspaper on Wednesday for its consistently negative coverage of his administration

Bezos founded Amazon.com and later bought the Washington Post, an arrangement that Trump has claimed allows him to use a marquee newspaper as a propaganda tool to help his business

The defense secretary paid his first official visit to the Pentagon's Defense Innovation Experimental Unit, or DIUx, in Mountain View, California, as part of a two-day outreach tour to the U.S. technology industry intended to highlight the Pentagon's commitment to technology innovation.

'There is no doubt in my mind that DIUx will not only continue to exist, it will actually grow in its influence and its impact on the Department of Defense,' Mattis told reporters during brief remarks at the DIUx facility.

DIUx was set up two years ago by Mattis' predecessor, Ash Carter. It serves as a Pentagon hub for attracting private-sector innovation to solve complex and technical military challenges.

But DIUx has faced criticism from some Republican lawmakers who have questioned its value and organization. The program underwent an overhaul in May 2016, less than a year after launching.

Mattis later took a tour round the the Obama-era experimental defense outpost the Defense Innovation Experimental Unit, or DIUx, in Mountain View, California (pictured)

Mattis (left) said it would grow in importance under the Trump (right) administration as he highlighted how vital Silicon Valley was national defense

Since June of last year DIUx has awarded $100 million in contracts for 45 pilot projects in areas including artificial intelligence, autonomous machines and space. The unit currently has 48 staff and is expected to grow to about 75 by the end of 2018, said Sean Singleton, DIUxs director of engagement.

Mattis said DIUx would help the U.S. military become 'more lethal and more capable of defending our experiment that is called the United States of America.'

The unit's leadership was reporting directly to his senior staff, Mattis said, adding that he expected DIUx would help the military incorporate advances in artificial intelligence taking place in Silicon Valley.

The defense secretary's visit came as the Trump administration has sparred with the technology industry on a host of issues, including immigration, climate change and privacy.

He was expected to visit Alphabet's Google headquarters in Palo Alto, California, on Friday.
Today host Lisa Wilkinson has questioned how the minister responsible for the gay marriage postal vote can keep his position after revelations he described homosexual behaviour as 'sordid'.

Small Business Minister Michael McCormack, who is also responsible for the Australian Bureau of Statistics running the upcoming postal plebiscite, made the claims in a 1993 newspaper column.

Mr McCormack wrote: 'A week never goes by anymore that homosexuals and their sordid behaviour dont become further entrenched in society.'

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Today host Lisa Wilkinson (pictured) slammed Christopher Pyne over 'homophobic' comments made by senior colleague Michael McCormack in a 1993 newspaper column

Mr Pyne (pictured) was quick to distance himself from the remarks, calling them 'unacceptable'

Mr McCormack (pictured) is responsible for the Australian Bureau of Statistics which will be involved in the plebiscite

'Unfortunately gays are here and, if the disease their unnatural acts helped spread doesn't wipe out humanity, they're here to stay,' he wrote, but later apologised.

Wilkinson took Mr Pyne to task over Mr McCormack's 'homophobic' statements, asking how he could be involved in the plebiscite on same-sex marriage.

'Is he homophobic?' she asked.

'Is this man fit to be put in charge of this postal vote when he is capable of comments like this?'

Mr Pyne responded by saying that Mr McCormack is not in charge of the plebiscite, and was quick to condemn the controversial remarks.

Mr McCormack (pictured) made the controversial comments in a 1993 newspaper editorial

Wilkinson (pictured, at the 2017 Logie Awards) asked how McCormack could be in charge of the postal vote on same-sex marriage

Mr Pyne (pictured) responded that McCormack was not in charge of the plebiscite and called the comments unacceptable

'The remarks he has made are quite unacceptable, I don't agree with them, and I think they are very unfortunate,' he said.

'It's a very unpleasant thing to say and I'm sure he regrets it, but he isn't the minister responsible for the plebiscite, the Special Minister of State Mathias Cormann is.'

Sydney Councillor Christine Forster, sister of former prime minister Tony Abbott, joined Mr Pyne in condemning the comments, News.com.au reported.

'They're pretty abhorrent, and you'd have to say homophobic. I'd hope that his view has evolved,' she said.

'It's a very unpleasant thing to say and I'm sure he regrets it, but he isn't the minister responsible for the plebiscite,' said Mr Pyne (pictured)

Mr McCormack (pictured) also wrote, 'unfortunately gays are here and, if the disease their unnatural acts helped spread doesn't wipe out humanity, they're here to stay'

The live on-air spat comes as Australia prepares for a non-compulsory postal vote on same-sex marriage.

If the plebiscite survives two High Court challenges ballot papers will start to arrive in the mail on September 12.

Voters will then have until November 12 to mail back their ballots.

If a 'yes' vote is returned, the Turnbull government has said it will not stand in the way of a private member's bill being introduced to the house.

A vote on the bill would then take place in either the last week of November or the first week of December 2017.

If a private member's bill is introduced, legalisation of same-sex marriage is expected to follow.

In the event of a 'no' vote, a bill will not be introduced and the law will not change.
CNN has fired conservative commentator Jeffrey Lord after he tweeted a Nazi salute at a critic.

A network spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that Lord was no longer with the network and said 'Nazi salutes are indefensible.'

The statement came hours after Lord tweeted the Nazi slogan 'Sieg Heil!' at Angelo Carusone, the head of a liberal advocacy group, Media Matters for America.

Lord said in a telephone interview Thursday night that he respected CNN and its journalists, but fundamentally disagreed with the network's decision to fire him.

CNN fired its conservative commentator Jeffrey Lord on Thursday after he tweeted a Nazi salute at a critic

He said his 'Sieg Heil!' tweet was not an endorsement of Nazism or fascist tactics, but was meant to mock Media Matters and its use of boycotts of advertisers of conservative voices such as Sean Hannity, which Lord equated with fascism.

'I want to make something very clear. I have nothing but respect, affection and love for CNN. I think the world of CNN,' Lord said.

'I think they're terrific people and serious people.'

He called himself a 'First Amendment fundamentalist' and called CNN's decision disappointing.

'From my perspective CNN caved on the First Amendment of all things. I disagree. I respectfully disagree.'

He declined to get into specifics of how he was fired, saying he wanted to keep that a private conversation.

Lord tweeted the Nazi slogan 'Sieg Heil!' at Angelo Carusone, the head of a liberal advocacy group, Media Matters for America

Retained by CNN in August 2015, Lord was an indefatigable on-air supporter of Donald Trump throughout his candidacy and since his election. A contributor to the conservative magazine The American Spectator, Lord is a former aide to Jack Kemp and Ronald Reagan.

He had repeatedly clashed with Media Matters president Angelo Carusone, whose group condemned CNN for employing him as a commentator.

Following a harsh exchange of tweets with Carusone earlier this week, Lord posted an article for The American Spectator on Thursday morning, calling Carusone's group the 'Media Matters Fascists' and casting them as 'anti-free speech bigots who, in typical fascist style, make it their mission to shut down speech they don't like.'

During the day, the Twitter sparring resumed with Lord finally responding to Carusone with the tweet: 'Sieg Heil!'

In subsequent tweets, he insisted he meant he was 'mocking Nazis and Fascists.'

Conservative commentator Jeffrey Lord (above at a Trump rally in 2016) was fired by CNN on Thursday after he tweeted a Nazi salute at the head of a liberal advocacy group

A network spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that Lord was no longer with the network. Lord is pictured above preparing for a CNN broadcast from his home office last September

'I believe in a writer's toolbox there are several ways you deal with people,' Lord said. 'One of them is to mock them.'

During his presence on CNN's airwaves Lord had frequently riled CNN hosts including Anderson Cooper and Don Lemon, fellow commentators, and viewers with many of his statements.

During Super Tuesday election night coverage in March 2016, he argued that the KKK was a left-wing organization because of Democrats' support of it many decades before. In April, he called President Donald Trump the 'Martin Luther King' of health care.

Lord said he did not know what his next steps would be, but said he didn't intend to stop speaking out about the First Amendment and other issues.

Asked about how he felt about having a tweet end his CNN career, Lord said he wasn't necessarily surprised given the vitriol Twitter can provoke. Ironically, he said, tweeting more was a New Year's resolution.

He said he had received 'a tidal wave of support' from conservatives after his firing.
Dr. Allen Palmer (pictured) has been accused of failing to preserve fetal tissue after performing an abortion on a 13-year-old girl, who was in the first trimester

A doctor facing possible disciplinary action over allegations he broke Kansas law in handling a 13-year-old girl's abortion at a Planned Parenthood clinic told medical regulators Thursday he was unaware of the patient's age - and that the clinic's staff was to blame.

Dr. Allen Palmer, a part-time Planned Parenthood contractor who only performed abortions for patients in their first trimester, is accused in a petition seeking revocation, suspension or other action against his medical license that he failed to preserve fetal tissue from the abortion and submit it to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation or a KBI-approved lab.

Kansas' child rape protection act requires fetal tissue by submitted to the KBI in abortion patients younger than 14, in case of any future criminal investigations into how they got pregnant.

Planned Parenthood self-reported the violation to the state.

During a hearing Thursday, after which the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts deferred its ruling, Palmer insisted he relied on Planned Parenthood's employees to inform him if the patient during the December 2014 procedure was younger than 14, saying he didn't do abortions on patients so young.

Above, one of Planned Parenthood's two centers in Kansas, this one in Overland Park. It's unclear what center Dr Allen Palmer performed the procedure at

'I'm as shocked and awed by this failure as anybody here, but they want to hang it on me, and maybe that's the way it is,' Palmer told the board. 'I'm telling you that I did not know and I would not have proceeded if I had known.'

But board member Douglas Milfeld, a Wichita physician, asked Palmer whether 'it never entered your mind' to ask the patient how old she was. Palmer countered that he used to ask that question of female patients, but that some took offense.

'I really don't ask them, because teenagers today, the way they dress, I can't tell how old anybody is,' he said before adding later, 'They go through counseling. They go through screening. I'm the last person in line for them. If there's a problem, the staff raised it to me or they notified me somehow.'

'It was not unreasonable for him to rely on staff,' Palmer's attorney, Tom Theis, told the board.

The petition - by Susan Gering, the board's deputy litigation counsel - says Palmer was last known to have been living in the St. Louis suburb of Clayton, Missouri.

The regional Planned Parenthood affiliate declined to discuss Palmer's case publicly Thursday, telling The Associated Press by email only that he no longer provides services for the group.

Palmer has been licensed in Kansas since 2008 to practice osteopathic medicine and surgery and had it renewed in October of last year, according to the petition, which presses for Palmer's license to be revoked, suspended, placed on probation, censured or otherwise limited.

The petition says Palmer's attorney has insisted his client inadvertently violated the state law and regulations because he wasn't aware of them and had not received training on the relevant Planned Parenthood policies and procedures involving the treatment of minors.

According to the petition, the 13-year-old girl impregnated by her then-19-year-old boyfriend during consensual sex sought a surgical abortion at what then was known as Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri Inc. in December 2014, when the fetus was nearly 11 weeks old.

Palmer, while filling in for a vacationing medical director, performed an in-clinic abortion but failed to meet a state requirement that fetal tissue be turned over to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for any abortion performed on a girl younger than 14.

Planned Parenthood has argued that Palmer 'found it unnecessary to familiarize himself in detail with (Kansas) laws requiring the preservation of fetal tissue extracted during an abortion procedure' on a minor.
Flu season has hit Queensland hard after 3624 extra cases reported across the state in one week as The Sun Princess cruise ship is swept with the norovirus.

Patients have been told to visit their GP instead of the emergency room with the surge in flu symptoms prompting a record demand for services.

The 3624 reported flu cases is the second highest number of weekly notifications ever recorded and doctors are urging people who are unwell to stay home, according to Seven News.

There has been 3624 extra flu cases recorded in one week across Queensland (Stock Image)

Up to 91 passengers were hit with the norovirus upon the The Sun Princess (Stock Image)

'We've seen a significant rise in notifications over the past few weeks, indicating that the flu season is now upon us,' Dr Bennet said in a Queensland Health Department media release.

'Stay home when you're sick, cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing and wash your hands regularly.'

'Combined with vaccination, these simply steps can reduce the likelihood of spreading the flu and combat the rise in flu notifications.'

Both influenza A and B are reported as the cause of the flu, but 75 pert cent of all cases appear to be the strong A strain.

Regis Aged Care Facility (pictured) has had an outbreak of gastro

The rising flu cases follows an incident where two residents of a Queensland aged care facility died following a gastro outbreak hitting Australia's east coast.

Queensland Health confirmed the deaths 'of two frail residents', however a spokeswoman for the Regis aged care facility said while one of the patients had gastro, it wasn't clear whether the second patient had also been suffering from the bug.

The spokeswoman said there's currently an 'episode of gastroenteritis' at the facility, which has been around since late July.

'In neither case did the doctor report gastro as being the cause of death,' the spokeswoman said.

'Our immediate priority is for the safety and wellbeing of our residents, residents' families, our staff on-site and the community.

A norovirus outbreak has struck 91 passengers on a Sun Princess cruise ship (above, file photo)

A norovirus outbreak has struck at least 91 passengers on a Sun Princess cruise ship.

The affected people were treated for gastro after the ship docked in Brisbane on Thursday morning.

A Queensland Health spokesman told Daily Mail Australia: 'Metro North Public Health Unit is aware of at least 91 cases of gastro on board a cruise ship that berthed in Brisbane this morning.'
We have lost a true lesbian pioneer in the passing of Leslie Cohen. Whether opening the first upscale lesbian club Sahara in NYC in 1976 ...
A high school student in Tennessee says she keeps getting in trouble over shirts she's wearing to class that, for all purposes, seem to be in line with the school's strict dress code.

Tori Taylor, a senior at Dickson County High School, says she has followed the dress code that states 'all students must wear a collared and/or crew neck top with sleeves.'

Yet, she's still being pulled out of class.

Her fairly high crew neck tops seem to fit into the school's dress code, but when she showed up with a pink top and half length sleeves she was yanked from class for it being the 'wrong' type of crew neck.

Tori Taylor says her schools strict dress code policy has become almost impossible to follow

One of the shirts in question. Taylor says this offending pink shirt got her kicked out of class

Taylor argued that this grey shirt was deemed fine, but she Tweeted she says 'this is worse than my other shirt but this is in "dress code"

Taylor took to Twitter to vent her frustrations, sharing the offending pink top with a caption: 'please tell me what's wrong with this????'

She then posted a grey button down top that was deemed ok by teachers and said: 'this is worse than my other shirt but this is in "dress code."

Her fellow classmates have also taken Twitter as well to vent their frustrations after purchasing clothing for the year that seemed to fit into the school's rules, only to be told they weren't acceptable once they got to class.

One student who wore a grey shirt with French writing on it that went all the way up to her neck says she got coded. Someone on Twitter joked 'What was the violation? French?'

Another student shared she got kicked out of class for this rather modest ensemble

Another student took to Twitter to share a modest floral cover over a modest crew neck white shirt that she was found in violation of dress code over.

'I spent a lot of money on my school clothes for my senior year,' said Taylor to News Channel 5. 'I can't afford to buy a new set of school clothes just to question if it will be ok.'

Taylor added: 'I just feel it needs to be explained better. They need to do a better job presenting it to us.'

The principal of Dickson emailed a statement to News Channel 5 regarding their dress code:

'Dickson County High School is proud to build good relationships with students, parents, and our community. We have a great school and we strive every day to keep it that way.'

'The purpose of our dress code is to assure students will dress and groom in a clean, neat, and modest manner in order not to distract or interfere with the educational environment of the school,' the statement added.

However, some students pointed out it's distracting to be removed from class as the punishment for the already militant dress code and alleged violations.
A pair of young thieves were caught stealing charity tins from a Red Rooster after one of their mothers spotted them on CCTV footage that went viral.

The two girls stole money collected for The Cure Starts Now charity from the Townsville eatery on Tuesday evening, but were captured on film.

Red Rooster franchisee Michael Jones posted the video on a local Facebook page and one of the culprits was soon identified - by her own mother.

A pair of young thieves (pictured) were caught stealing charity tins from a Red Rooster after one of their mothers spotted them on CCTV footage that went viral

The two girls stole money collected for The Cure Starts Now charity from the Townsville eatery on Tuesday evening, but were captured on film (pictured)

The appalled parent then called the restaurant to apologise, the Townsville Bulletin reported.

'She was horrified and said she would get them to come into the store and make a formal apology,' said Mr Jones.

Ren Pedersen, founder of The Cure Starts Now - which raises money for children with brain cancer - applauded the mother's integrity.

'It's good that the mother has put her hand up. Let's face it, many in the community would be asking where are the parents,' he said.

Mr Jones said the mother had promised to make a donation to the charity, and has withdrawn a formal complaint he made to police.

Townsville police said they would not be taking action against the thieves.

Red Rooster franchisee Michael Jones posted the video (pictured) on Facebook and one of the culprits was soon identified - by her own mother
Los Angeles is slathering its streets in white sealant to combat the effects of climate change - and if it works, the rest of the US could be next.

California is pioneering the $150,000 scheme to cool down the blisteringly hot streets in August by by turning some of its streets white which can reduce temperatures by up to 15 degrees.

The lighter 'cool pavements' and streets reflect as much as 30 to 50 percent of the sun's energy, compared to only 5 percent for new asphalt, and 10 to 20 percent for aged asphalt.

LA is pioneering a pilot scheme to try and cool the city by painting its streets and pavements with white sealant

And with climate scientists predicting that temperatures are only going to rise, measures such as this could be crucial to preventing heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even heat-related deaths across America.

The average annual temperature in the Southwest has already gone up 1.56 degrees since 1901-1960 and is projected to rise another 4.8 degrees by mid-century and 8.65 degrees by the end of the century if carbon pollution continues unabated. While California's three-year spell of hot dry weather has been connected to climate change.

With more 'extreme heat' days predicted by the mid-century, cool pavements may be one of a series of useful tools for reducing heat in American cities which suffer from the urban heat island effect - caused by a lack of vegetation and paved surfaces.

'When we look at our vulnerabilities associated with climate change, we know that extreme heat is one of our top concerns,' Lauren Faber, the city's Chief Sustainability Office, told Gizmodo.

For now, the city is moving ahead a few thousand square feet of cool street at a time for the pilot project. The Bureau of Street Services has budgeted $10,000 per installation, with one in each of LA's 15 districts.

If successful it could be rolled out state, or even nationwide.

Los Angeles is slathering its streets in white sealant to combat the effects of climate change - and if it works, the rest of the US could be next

But even then, the scheme would still only be applied in the areas that needed it most.

'The goal is to say where are people most vulnerable to extreme heat, and in those regions where the people are most vulnerable, what are the mitigating strategies that should be most pursued that would help the most,' George Ban-Weiss, an engineering professor at the University of Southern California says.

The concept of cool pavements has been around for years, and can be made from traditional pavement materials that are lighter in color, or can be painted with cool-colored coatings or surface treatments for asphalt surfaces. But it is only now that they are being rolled out in the first scheme of its kinds.

Sealants such as CoolSeal have shown around a 10-degree reduction in heat gain.

'It's amazing how hot these pavements get and how we've let them cover most of our urban surfaces,' said Haley Gilbert previously, while a researcher at Berkeley's Heat Island Group in California.

'Because dark pavements absorb almost all of the sun's energy, the pavement surface heats up, which in turn also warms the local air and aggravates urban heat islands.'

Still, it is early days, and some have questioned whether the greenhouse gases involved in the manufacture and procedure of laying the sealant, could end up affecting the environment for the worse in the long run.

The lighter 'cool pavements' and streets reflect as much as 30 to 50 percent of the sun's energy, compared to only 5 percent for new asphalt, and 10 to 20 percent for aged asphalt

'The science is less settled on whether the benefits outweigh the penalties,' Ban-Weiss said.

However, residents in some of the pilot areas, such as Canoga Park where the streets have been slathered with CoolSeal since May, say they have already noticed the difference.

Sealcoats are already a common maintenance practice for parking lots and schoolyards since the asphalt pavement structure degrades over time. Traditional sealcoats provide a protective layer, keeping water out and helping to slow the oxidation of the asphalt in the pavement structure, while restoring the aged asphalt surface to a jet-black color.

Cool pavement sealants come in different hues, including green, blue and yellow, and their solar reflectance value depends on both color and material.

The benefits of cool pavements extend beyond just cooling the local ambient air.

They can also impact global warming and energy loads. Dark roofs and dark pavements both contribute to global warming by absorbing large amounts of solar energy stored in sunlight, then radiating the energy back into the atmosphere in the form of heat.

Residents in some of the pilot areas, such as Canoga Park where the streets have been slathered with CoolSeal since May, say they have already noticed the difference

Gilbert added: 'Across an entire city, small changes in air temperature could be a huge benefit as it can slow the formation of smog. Just a couple of degrees can also reduce peak power demand, by reducing the energy load from air-conditioning.'

LA is also looking at tackling the heat by creating an urban tree canopy and the city is offering free shade trees to residents to cool the area, donating 18,000 free trees last year alone.

The city also enacted an ordinance that requires most new and renovated buildings to install lighter colored roofs with high solar reflectance ratings.
A security firm run by a highly commended British Iraq war veteran blew 40million of US taxpayers' money on supercars and six-figure salaries for its bosses' wives, it is alleged.

Colonel Tim Collins, known for his rousing eve-of-battle speech to troops in the Gulf in 2003, set up New Century Consulting to offer specialist military and police training worldwide.

The company, which was hired by the US military to train Afghan intelligence officers, is under investigation by the American government's watchdog against fraud and waste in Afghanistan.

According to a Pentagon audit, made public on Wednesday, the firm showered employees with hefty pay and bonuses they had not earned.

Colonel Tim Collins (pictured) set up New Century Consulting to offer specialist military and police training worldwide

Senator Claire McCaskill said the military contractor had 'left taxpayers on the hook for over $50million [38.5million]'.

Last night sources close to the firm said the claims were 'wildly exaggerated' and the senator was trying to make a name for herself by going after contractors.

When asked about the probe, Belfast-born Colonel Collins, the firm's chairman, said it was an 'ongoing matter' and it would be inappropriate for him to comment.

As commander of the Royal Irish Regiment in March 2003, the married father of four won praise for his address to around 800 men at Fort Blair Mayne desert camp, 20 miles from the Iraqi border.

In the speech, which was later performed by Kenneth Branagh in the TV series Ten Days To War, he told them to behave like liberators, not conquerors, adding: 'We are entering Iraq to free a people and the only flag which will be flown in that ancient land is their own. Show respect for them.'

The former SAS officer was later made an OBE for his military service.

Founded in 2006, New Century Consulting (NCC) sent counter-insurgency advisers, many of them British, to Afghanistan to run an intelligence training programme for the Afghan National Security Force. The aim was to apply tactics developed during the Northern Ireland Troubles to help recruit informants from the Taliban.

The accusations against NCC were revealed in a letter from Miss McCaskill, the top Democrat on the US homeland security and governmental affairs committee, to defence secretary Jim Mattis, summarising the audit's findings.

Senator Claire McCaskill (pictured) said New Century Consulting showered other personnel with hefty pay and bonuses they hadn't earned

She said six-figure salaries were paid to 'significant others' of the firm's top executives with no proof they did any work. A further 32,328 was paid in cash for automatic weapons that were prohibited under the company's contract, according to the audit.

NCC, based in Guernsey, also billed the US government for seven cars including a Porsche, a Bentley, an Aston Martin, an Alfa Romeo and a Land Rover.

Miss McCaskill demanded to know which part of the defence department had overseen the contractor and how the disputed payments would be recovered. She also asked whether NCC would face disciplinary action.

The Defence Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) examined NCC's invoices from fiscal year 2008 to 2013, when it was subcontractor to another firm, Imperatis Corp.

THEIR 'LAVISH SPENDING' - Luxury cars including a Bentley, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin and Land rover - Assistants' annual salaries as high as 323,000 - 1,154 on alcohol - 32,328 in cash for automatic weapons that were prohibited under its contract - 'Excessive' payments of 11.5m to employees - 2.5m in consultants' bonuses Advertisement

Among the items charged to the US were the seven high-end cars, according to the senator's letter to Mr Mattis. Miss McCaskill said: 'NCC claimed the vehicles were available to all employees but the vehicles actually were used exclusively by the chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief financial officer and the significant others of the CEO and CFO.'

The 'significant others' were employed as executive assistants and had an average salary in 2012 of close to 323,000 each. But the company was unable to provide evidence they performed any work, Miss McCaskill added.

The audit challenged millions of dollars in compensation for other employees, including consultants whom the firm sent to Afghanistan. Miss McCaskill said the consultants were meant to be paid at a 100 per cent rate when deployed overseas, but only at 60 per cent when on leave. NCC gave its consultants the full rate regardless of where they were. 'These excessive payments cost taxpayers over $15million [11.5million],' the senator wrote.

NCC also gave its consultants more than 2.5million in bonuses they either did not earn or that were not required by their contracts, Miss McCaskill said.

In 2015, it emerged the firm was being probed by the US special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction (Sigar), alongside a US contractor that had employed NCC to train Afghan forces. It followed a separate audit into Imperatis, which found 85million in 'unsupported' costs paid to NCC.

Imperatis, which went out of business last year, had a contract from 2007 for training in Iraq, and then Afghanistan in 2010. Three years later the US army awarded NCC a contract of its own. The two firms were paid 402.3million overall, according to data compiled by the Sigar.

Miss McCaskill said the DCAA was now auditing NCC's billings from 2013 to 2016 when its arrangement with Imperatis was ending.

The US army's Contracting Command did not respond to a request for comment.
Hate crime reports jumped sharply as Britain was hit by a spate of terrorist attacks earlier this year, new figures show.

Police registered increases in the incidents in the days immediately after the atrocities at Westminster, Manchester and London Bridge.

Alleged race or faith hate offences accounted for the vast majority of rises, according to the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC).

Hate crime reports jumped sharply as Britain was hit by a spate of terrorist attacks earlier this year, new figures show (Pictured, two young girls outside the Manchester Arena on the night of the attack in May)

Figures compiled from forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland showed the daily totals were well above typical levels two days after the Westminster, Manchester and London Bridge attacks, with 234, 273 and 319 hate crime incidents respectively.

The NPCC said this pattern was not seen after the Finsbury Park attack in June, with 223 incidents.

Figures for the weeks including the attacks show hate crime was up compared to the previous year for all but Finsbury Park.

The sharpest increase was observed around the Manchester bombing, when the weekly tally was 50% higher than the same period in 2016.

NPCC lead for Hate Crime Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said: 'We know that terrorist attacks and other national and global events have the potential to trigger short-term spikes in hate crime and so we have been carefully monitoring community tensions following recent horrific events.

Police registered increases in the incidents in the days immediately after the atrocities at Westminster (pictured, police at the scene), Manchester and London Bridge

'Reporting from police forces show that levels of hate crime peaked in the wake of the attacks but quickly subsided within a few days.

'This is in line with trends we have seen before, though obviously still a real concern for the police service and wider society.

'As terrorists seek to divide us, it is more important than ever that we continue to stand united in the face of hostility and hatred.'
Thousands of salads and sandwiches are being taken off store shelves in a tainted eggs scare.

Four big supermarkets are withdrawing the products on the orders of the Food Standards Agency.

The watchdog had claimed only 21,000 of the danger eggs had been imported from Europe. It insisted there was no health risk and refused to name the affected retailers.

Yesterday however it admitted the true figure was much higher  potentially 700,000  and confirmed the eggs had been used by Waitrose, Sainsburys, Morrisons and Asda. Contaminated with pesticide, the eggs went to factories making sandwich fillings, sandwiches, salad bowls and pots containing boiled eggs.

A huge number of eggs were destroyed at a chicken farm in Nadrin, Houffalize, on August 9

The problem was identified last November but watchdogs on the Continent failed to issue a Europe-wide food recall.

That means many of the tainted products are likely to have been eaten already.

UK egg producers criticised supermarkets and suppliers for using cheap imports.

They said it was double standards to put British eggs on shelves while using foreign ones in processed food.

The pesticide in question  fipronil  is moderately toxic according to scientists but can cause organ damage when taken in large quantities.

It appears to have entered the food chain through its use in clearing mite infestations on Dutch farms. Police in the Netherlands yesterday announced the arrests of two men in connection with the illegal use of the chemical.

HOW HARMFUL IS FIPRONIL? Reported adverse effects from consumption of Fipronil include sweating, nausea, vomiting, head and stomach pain, dizziness and seizures, according to the US National Pesticide Information Centre. Advertisement

It is understood the egg contamination was picked up by the authorities in the Netherlands in November and then again by watchdogs in Belgium in June. It was not until last week that a Europe-wide food safety alert was issued with the result that millions of fresh eggs were removed from shelves in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and other states.

The UK recall was ordered only when the full scale of imports emerged.

Tim Lang, professor of food policy at City University in London, said: This seems to be a failure of the rapid alert system. It is astonishing. Perhaps the Dutch and Belgians thought what they found were isolated incidents. Perhaps they were scared witless.

Ian Jones, chairman of British Lion eggs, said: The major retailers are operating to double standards when it comes to eggs. All of them stock British Lion shell eggs but they use imported eggs in many of their other foods containing eggs.

Around 700,000 eggs from Dutch farms implicated in a contamination scare have been distributed to Britain - a figure far higher than the previously estimated 21,000 (stock image)

Pictured: Examples of the thousands of egg products that are being taken off shelves by leading supermarkets

This is just the latest of a number of food safety issues connected to eggs produced outside of the UK in recent years. Consumers clearly want retailers and food manufacturers to use good quality British ingredients that are produced to high standards of food safety, but in some prepared foods this is not the case.

Previous problems include salmonella food poisoning outbreaks caused by cheap eggs from Germany and Spain.

The FSA claims it acted quickly once it was alerted to the fipronil problem. It is very unlikely that these eggs pose a risk to public health, but as fipronil is unauthorised for use in food-producing animals we have acted with urgency to ensure that consumers are protected, it said.

Ian Jones, chairman of British Lion eggs, said: The major retailers are operating to double standards when it comes to eggs'

LIST OF EGG PRODUCTS BEING WITHDRAWN IN PESTICIDE CONTAMINATION ALERT Sorted by: Product - Pack size - Use-by dates By Sainsbury's Ham and Egg Salad - 240g - August 9-14 By Sainsbury's Potato and Egg Salad - 300g - August 9-14 Morrisons Potato and Egg Salad - 250g - August 13 Morrisons Egg and Cress Sandwich - Sold in Morrisons Cafe only - August 11 Morrisons Cafe Sandwich Selection - Sold in Morrisons Cafe only - August 11 Waitrose Free Range Egg Mayonnaise Deli Filler - 240g - August 13 and 16 Waitrose Free Range Reduced Fat Egg Mayonnaise Deli filler - 170g - August 14 Waitrose Free Range Egg and Bacon Deli Filler - 170g - August 14 Waitrose Free Range Egg and Bacon Deli Filler - 170g - August 16 Waitrose Free Range Egg Mayonnaise Deli Filler - 240g - August 16 Asda Baby potato and free range egg salad - N/A - August 9-14 Asda Spinach and free range egg snack pot - N/A - August 9-14 Advertisement

Heather Hancock, the watchdogs chairman, added: The number of eggs involved is small in proportion to the number of eggs we eat, and it is very unlikely that there is a risk to public health.

Based on the available evidence there is no need for people to change the way they consume or cook eggs. However, fipronil is not legally allowed for use near food-producing animals and it shouldnt be there. The Food and Drink Federation, which speaks for manufacturers, said: The decision to withdraw products is not due to food safety concerns, but is based on the fact that fipronil is not authorised for use in food-producing animals.

As the FSA have said, it is unlikely that foods made with contaminated eggs are of any risk to public health.
Australia will come to America's aid if North Korea launches an attack against the US, Malcolm Turnbull has confirmed.

The prime minister discussed the unfolding situation with US Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday night.

'We have an ANZUS agreement and if there is an attack on Australia or the United States then each of us will come to the other's aid,' Mr Turnbull told 3AW radio on Friday.

'In terms of defence we are joined at the hip.'

'We have an ANZUS agreement and if there is an attack on Australia or the United States then each of us will come to the other's aid,' Mr Turnbull told 3AW radio on Friday

Asked about Tony Abbott's call for Australia to urgently consider a missile defence system, Mr Turnbull said the country is constantly reviewing its position.

He said the advice from Defence is there is a no benefit to deploying a US-style 'Terminal High Altitude Area Defence' (THAD) system.

'The reason for that is that THAD's designed to provide protection for relatively small areas against short-to-intermediate range missiles,' he said.

The Vice President again told the prime minister that the US sees the way to resolve the situation as being through economic sanctions, despite Donald Trump threats of 'fire and fury'.

'That is the preferred way to deal with it but of course if North Korea decides to carry out some of its violent threats then obviously terrible consequences will follow,' Mr Turnbull said.

Mr Turnbull said 'terrible consequences' would follow if North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (pictured) carried out threats of violence

The Vice President again told the prime minister that the US sees the way to resolve the situation as being through economic sanctions, despite Donald Trump threats of 'fire and fury'

Labor leader Bill Shorten believes nations need to concentrate on encouraging Pyongyang to de-escalate tensions.

'The big concern is actually not the United States, it's the bellicose and provocative actions of the North Korean dictatorship,' he told reporters in Canberra.

Mr Shorten insists the government and opposition share the same concerns about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's pursuit of nuclear missiles.

'Australians should be reassured that on this matter of North Korea and our national security, the politics of Labor and Liberal are working absolutely together,' he said.
SARAH BUDGE

Budge sports the Instagram nickname Budgie and is the girlfriend of Kings Cross identity John Ibrahim, 49. She's been charged with possessing a Glock 26 pistol and ammunition when police raided her home. The 27-year-old model from Double Bay is the owner of Potts Point restaurant and music venue Crane Bar. She is listed with Scoop Management. Ms Budge is not suspected of having any involvement in the alleged drug ring and has been released on bail.

DANIEL IBRAHIM

Daniel is a former soldier with the Australian army who also goes by the last name Taylor and is John Ibrahim's son. Born in 1990, some have labelled him John's 'secret son' because he was raised by his mother, Melissa Taylor, on the Gold Coast. The 26-year-old moved to Sydney in 2010 and is the owner of the popular Kings Cross bar Beach Haus. He's been charged with dealing with money intended as an instrument of crime for allegedly handing over $2.25 to buy smuggled tobacco. Daniel Ibrahim strenuously denies the allegations.

FADI IBRAHIM

A builder by trade, Fadi is one of John Ibrahim's three brothers and has been described by John as 'the non-violent one in the family'. He survived an attempt on his life in June 2009 when he was shot five times while sitting in his Lamborghini outside his Castle Cove home in Sydney's northern suburbs. As a result, his stomach and part of his oesophagus were removed and he suffered nerve damage and several broken bones. Fadi is also the only brother known to dance in public, so much so that John Ibrahim named a podium after him at DCM nightclub. He has been arrested in Dubai.

MICHAEL IBRAHIM

Mike Ibrahim, who was also arrested in Dubai, was hit in the shoulder by one of a number of bullets fired at him on a footpath on Macquarie Street, Sydney, in early 2015. In December 2012 he was acquitted of conspiring to murder the man he believed was responsible for shooting his brother Fadi.

RYAN WATSFORD

The Sydney high-end property real estate agent and Facebook friend of John Ibrahim and Sarah Budge provided a reference to the court for the Nimilote Ngata case in 2011. Ngata is the son of John's then bodyguard Semi 'Tongan Sam' Ngata. He's been charged with multiple offences including importing a commercial quantity of illegal drugs and dealing with the proceeds of crime. Mr Watsford denies the charges.

MUSTAPHA DIB

The Sydney underworld figure, known as 'Fairy Dib', walked free from jail in February 2016 after his conviction for the murder of a young woman was quashed. He was handed a sentence of at least 30 years in 2012 for the execution-style killing but three judges found there was reasonable doubt he was responsible. In 2016 the former Telopa Street gang member's home was raided by police searching for firearms.

AHMAD 'ROCK' AHMAD

The 39-year-old younger brother of the slain stand-over man Walid 'Wally' Ahmad, who was fatally shot on a rooftop car park in Bankstown in April 2016. Ahmad has been charged with conspiring to import a commercial quantity of drugs.

SLEIMAN 'SIMON' TAJJOUR

The national president of the Nomads Bikie gang who is a cousin of John Ibrahim. Tajjour was involved in a failed legal bid in the High Court to have the state's anti-consorting laws struck out. He's been charged with supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibted drug.

FARES DERBAS

Owner of Nutrition Station in Maroubra, which was torched by two masked men in May 2016. Derbas is the cousin of the Ibrahim brothers. He's been charged with multiple offences including importing tobacco products with intent to defraud revenue and dealing with the proceeds of crime. Mr Derbas denies the allegations but the magistrate declined to allow bail.
When baby Brock couldn't lift his head up his mother knew there was something terribly wrong, her fear turned into blind terror when he had his first seizure.

Tegan-Lee Gilbert from Nowra, two-and-a-half hours south of Sydney, has had to watch her four-month old baby fight through a deadly bacterial meningitis infection caused by the flu.

The worried mother told Daily Mail Australia her daughter got sick first, then it was her turn to fight off the cold  but she had no idea it could be so deadly.

Baby Brock, pictured, had to fight for his life after he got a deadly meningitis infection

Ms Gilbert with her partner Jake Morschel, their two daughters and son, Brock when he was born

Brock has been in hospital for a month, suffering seizures and strokes as his tiny body fights off the infection with the help of antibiotics

'It was the worst flu I've ever had so when my son became sick that's why I was worried,' Ms Gilbert said.

The mother-of-three took her baby to the doctor when he had a temperature, but claims he was sent home.

Three days later she went back to her GP when he couldn't lift his head. But he was sent home when he smiled at the doctor, the mother claims.

Brock was put under observation the third time he was taken to the doctor  and his condition rapidly declined.

'The scariest moment was finding out he had meningitis when he was having his first seizure,' Ms Gilbert said.

When Brock continued to have seizures he was airlifted to a Sydney children's hospital. He has now been there for a month.

'We are here until the antibiotics finish, they finish in two weeks and then hopefully we can go home,' Ms Gilbert said.

The young boy was sick for days before doctors would admit him to hospital

He was flown to a Sydney hospital when he began to have more seizures, after the bacterial infection was diagnosed

Ms Gilbert with her partner Jake Morschel in happier times. The mother had been sick with the flu before Brock became ill

Brock's family has been split-up for a month since he was airlifted to hospital. His two older sisters, who are 11 and nine, are staying with family in Nowra so they can still go to school.

'They are struggling with the separation, they FaceTime him every night. They miss their brother and us,' she said.

'They are staying between grandparents and their Aunty and uncles.'

But mum and dad haven't left their baby boy's side.

'It's very distressing knowing that your baby is not himself and can't tell you what's wrong,' she said.

Now five months old Brock is almost well enough to come home from the hospital

Brock's parents hope to bring him home in two weeks - but it depends on how much the swelling and puss surrounding his brain has gone down

During his time in hospital baby Brock has had strokes and seizures which could permanently damage his growing brain.

But because of the swelling and puss around his brain it is hard to tell if there will be any long term effects of his traumatic time fighting the deadly infection.

'He is still on antibiotics to reduce the swelling and puss on his brain, he has another two weeks to go. His clot has started to dissolve which he has two blood thinning injections a day for. He is on two lots of anti-seizure medications,' she said.

'He is still being monitored closely but has improved a lot over the past four weeks.'

The doting mother said she can't wait to get home so her family can be whole again.

A go-fund me page allowed her partner Jake Morschel to be by her side without the family falling behind financially.
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Homeless residents who took over Martin Place in the centre of Sydney have finally been moved on six months after setting up a miniature 'tent city' in one of the city's busiest thoroughfares.

NSW police moved in on Friday morning and stood by as campers outside the Reserve Bank building were forced to fold up their tents and pack up their makeshift homes.

The self-declared Mayor of Martin Place, convicted criminal and father-of-12 Lanz Priestley, was seen accompanied by police as they oversaw the dismantling of the unauthorised camp.

As residents packed up their belongings, a member of the homeless camp told Sky News the dismantling of the tent city was going to 're-trigger ice addictions'.

Scroll down for video

The self-proclaimed 'Mayor of Martin Place' and 'King of the Homeless' Lanz Priestley was spoken to by police

A tent city resident said packing up and vacating the area at Martin Place was going to 're-trigger ice addictions'

Mr Priestley had previously remained defiant that the tent city would not vacate from the Sydney city centre

Legislation was passed in New South Wales Parliament on Thursday which gave police the power to forcefully remove the residents by tearing down their tents, but the tent city residents were leaving peacefully according to reports.

The man dubbed 'King of the Homeless' and the 'Mayor of Martin Place' Lanz Preistley told AAP the tent city dwellers were moving to 'friend's places' or 'friend's backyards'.

'There are some of the people who are from here who don't have anywhere to go,' he said.

NSW Police were keeping a keen eye on proceedings as the tent city - which has housed the homeless on-and-off for years - was being dismantled.

Mr Preistley, a father-of-twelve, told media tent city residents were asked to leave by police yesterday, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Mr Priestley had previously said he had no intention of relocating the tent city from Martin Place demanding more concrete details of the new accommodation offered by Sydney Mayor Clover Moore.

Members of labour union CFMEU turned up to support the tent city residents' protests for more affordable housing.

Police are keeping a close and watchful eye on homeless residents as they vacate the Martin Place tent city

Martin Place tent city mayor Lanz Priestley (left) folds up a tent and packs up his possessions as residents move out

The Martin Place tent city has been accommodating homeless people on-and-off for years

Mr Priestley said the tent city dwellers were moving on to friend's places or friend's backyards, despite earlier being defiant

'We can't be swept aside,' he told Daily Mail Australia last month.

'We will continue to provide these people with their basic human rights until someone else does. We won't stop until that happens.'

But on Wednesday night, police were given the power by government to tear the camp down.

The tent city had been set up in the heart of Sydney's central business district, outside the Reserve Bank building

A man wearing an 'Anonymous' mask at the tent city as residents dismantle the makeshift camp

The bill was opposed by Labor and the Greens who described it as nothing but a smokescreen to mask 'political argy-bargy' between two tiers of government.

The move comes after a plan agreed to by the City of Sydney and the homeless tent dwellers to vacate the Martin Place campsite failed.

Ms Moore said the council had committed $100,000 to go towards a safe place similar to the one currently run by Mr Priestley, but without provisions for sleeping.

Residents packed up their tents and belongings and vacated the Martin Place tent city on Friday morning

Members of the tent city had remained defiant despite an offer from the City of Sydney for an alternative space

The tent city had remained defiant in spite of that offer earlier this week, with volunteers cooking up bacon and eggs for the 59-plus homeless people using the 24-hour kitchen on site.

Mr Priestley had said the group would stay in Martin Place for 'months if neccessary'.

Ms Moore said the City of Sydney Council were committed to establishing a permanent safe space around the city.

The pop-up tent city was blocking Martin Place in the centre of Sydney before police asked them to move

Police were in close proximity as campers were forced to pack up their unauthorised campsite

'What the homeless people really wanted was to know there would be safe place where they could meet and get support.

'The city will put up $100,000 to go towards that safe space, and the Government is going to co-sponsor that.

'In the meantime, a communal safe space will be found - somewhere where they can go immediately.'

Some of the residents appeared unhappy at being forced to relocate and move from the Martin Place tent city

The Martin Place tent city first sprung up in December last year, and only now have residents finally made the move away
Comme des Garcons spring/summer 2018 menswear collection was shown in Paris on Friday evening. This is always a must-see show for the fashion crowd and they were present and correct in the Salle Wagram ballroom, sitting around a square catwalk.

But the Japanese label, designed by Rei Kawakubo, is now also on the mainstream radar. Kawakubo is the subject of Art of the In-Between, this years exhibition at New Yorks Costume Institute, which hosts the Met Ball in May. The Met Ball is now familiar as a razzle-dazzle evening with an alpha guest list and celebrity hedonism as standard. It appeared that Kawakubo, a sphinx-like figure rarely seen at a fashion opening, had been inspired by attending one of the biggest parties of the year: this Paris collection was one for after dark. The music was fit for a rave, and circles of coloured light were projected on to the catwalk. The models danced in groups and some even smiled. This was in contrast to typical shows for the label  more often sedate affairs with models walking slowly down the catwalk.Coloured lights and rave music  a model at the Comme des Garcons mens fashion week show. Photograph: Bertrand Guay/AFP/Getty Images

Models had their hair slicked down, as if sweaty from a night in a warehouse. Their clothes looked appropriate for all-night dancing. Most wore wide-legged shorts, trainers and suit jackets. These had patches of different fabric sewn to them, including neon faux fur, as well as pieces of pinstripe. Several outfits featured pastel sequins on jackets and shorts, a winning combination even beyond the dance floor. The final looks were more unsettling, featuring jackets with parts of dolls sewn into the back.

One of the most upbeat collections from Kawakubo in the past few years, it was greeted by extended applause from the audience. Kawakubo, who chooses not to bow after her show, was nowhere to be seen.

Film director and writer John Waters, who once took part in a Comme des Garcons show, has said the the clothes are integral to a look he described as disaster at the dry cleaners. The brand is, however, a commercial success  with an annual revenue of 219.97m. While it may be the likes of Waters and friends who buy the catwalk collections, many more invest in perfumes, wallets classic shirts and T-shirts. The association with one of fashions genuine visionaries is what they are buying into.

Read more at:light green bridesmaid dresses | jade green bridesmaid dresses
A state high school has come under fire for telling its students to 'delay sexual activity', a message one mother claims is 'damaging and archaic'.

Officer Secondary College in Melbourne's south-east sent a letter to the parents of year eight students on Tuesday in which it promoted abstinence.

'Our shared goal is to delay sexual activity in school-aged youth,' the letter read.

Officer Secondary College has come under fire for telling its students to 'delay sexual activity' (stock)

The school said the message was part of a Respectful Relationship program run at the school, a state government initiative which aimed to tackle domestic violence.

One year eight parent said she was disgusted to learn her child was taught such a 'damaging, archaic' message.

'It sets up a culture of shame around sexual desire and feeling, and a culture of secrecy when students are in relationships,' she told The Age.

Another parent slammed the message and said it taught children that sex was inherently bad.

Officer Secondary College (pictured) in Melbourne's south-east sent a letter to the parents of year eight students on Tuesday in which it promoted abstinence

While one mother said she did not want her child to become sexually active at an early age, she said promoting abstinence was unrealistic

While she said she did not want her child to become sexually active at an early age, she said promoting abstinence was unrealistic.

'They expect that they wait until they're grown up and married. I don't think that's realistic,' she told the publication.

Officer Secondary College principal Michaela Cole

The school, which opened in 2015, told parents the classes taught students about healthy living and how to avoid risky behaviours like sex.

The school told Daily Mail Australia on Friday its aim was 'to educate students in being respectful, responsible and informed'.

'The email earlier in the week does not reflect the educational program being delivered,' a spokesman said.

It's not the first time the high school has come under fire.

The school was slammed in 2016 by parents who were unhappy with its decision to introduce a book called The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian.

Parents were unhappy because the book discussed masturbation.
Abattoirs will be required to have CCTV to monitor the killing of animals in a bid to end appalling cruelty.

Official logs have revealed evidence of hundreds of cases of serious suffering over the last two years.

Many more cases are thought to have gone unseen because of the lack of monitoring.

Spy-cam footage of a halal slaughterhouse, where sheep have their throats cut without being stunned, which has led to action by the Food Standards Agency

However, Michael Gove has announced plans to install CCTV in all slaughterhouses, which can be viewed by official vets to ensure animals are treated with compassion.

The new Environment Secretary said the decision would confirm Britains reputation for high welfare and food standards in the world post Brexit.

In April, the Daily Mail revealed horrific cruelty at one of Britains biggest halal slaughterhouses in Lancashire.

Undercover filming at the plant showed a slaughterman repeatedly sawing at the neck of sheep with a blunt knife as they passed down a conveyor belt.

The animals were not killed instantly  as should be the case - and so appear to have gone through enormous pain and suffering.

Some were clearly still alive, fitting and jumping as they went down the blood soaked killing line.

In other scenes, captured by covert filming by Animal Aid, sheep were seen being lifted and thrown onto a narrow conveyor belt at the start of the slaughter process.

Subsequently, the Food Standards Agency (FSA), whose officials police abattoirs, banned the slaughterman involved and sent in inspectors to supervise the killing process.

The Governments announcement relates to establishments in England. The authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are under pressure to do the same.

Mr Gove said: We have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and the actions I am setting out today will reinforce our status as a global leader.

As we prepare to leave the EU, these measures provide a further demonstration to consumers around the world that our food is produced to the very highest standards.

A man kicks a sheep at the abattoir in North Staffordshire. CCTV will be installed in all slaughterhouses to make sure animal cruelty is caught

The British Veterinary Association, which has campaigned for CCTV, welcomed the news as a huge win for animal health and welfare.

Its president, Gudrun Ravetz, said: Mandatory CCTV in all areas of slaughterhouses will provide an essential tool in fostering a culture of compassion that could help safeguard animal welfare.

We recognise that the cost of installing CCTV may be a burden for some very small abattoirs, but it is important that the animals we farm for food have both a good life and a humane death and CCTV has a key role to play in ensuring these requirements are met.

Animal Aid has been instrumental in highlighting cruelty with covert filming that has led to a number of prosecutions.

Its director, Isobel Hutchinson, said: If implemented, this crucial measure will undoubtedly help to protect vulnerable animals from the kind of gratuitous abuse and violence that we have filmed during our many undercover investigations.

Official vets (OVs) will be have unrestricted access to the CCTV footage, which will serve as a powerful deterrent to acts of cruelty.

President of the Veterinary Public Health Association, Lewis Grant, which speaks for them, said: I feel that our OVs will universally approve these new proposals that should ensure this country remains a world leader in promoting the highest standards of animal welfare.

Mr Gove has also announced there will be new welfare codes for both farm animals and pets.
Schoolchildren in Queensland could be banned from inviting their classmates to religious events, but will be allowed to hand out Christmas cards in the playground.

The Queensland government had been moving to ban Christian references in the state's schools - including sharing Yuletide messages - as part of an unofficial policy taking aim at young evangelists, The Australian reported last month.

The idea was widely criticised by religious groups and has now been scrapped, with the Department of Education turning its attention to religious 'recruitment' on school grounds.

Schoolchildren in Queensland will be discouraged from inviting their classmates to religious events, but will be allowed to hand out Christmas cards in the playground (stock image)

A revised version of the Department's review of Religious Instruction Materials warns that students should not be encouraged by teachers to invite their peers to religious classes.

'Instructors should not direct students in their [Religious Instruction] class to try to recruit other students to RI,' the review, released on Thursday, states.

'This is not in accordance with a parents' right to choose whether their child experiences the messages delivered in RI.

'Children in our schools come from diverse backgrounds and it is important that RI instructors encourage respectful relationships.'

Examples had been found where religious students had been told to recruit others, the review said.

'RI instructors should be reminded in the notes that students should not be encouraged to recruit other students at the school,' it read.

Education Minister Kate Jones (pictured) and religious groups have asked for further clarity as to what constitutes 'recruitment' in the schoolyard

The focus on 'recruiting' and apparent backdown on 'evangelising' - explained in the reviews as sharing Jesus-themed Christmas cards and making bracelets to share 'the good news about Jesus' - has caused confusion.

Education Minister Kate Jones and religious groups have asked for further clarity as to what constitutes 'recruitment' in the schoolyard.

'What conduct would it encompass? Is ''recruitment'' meant to cover such innocuous statements as ''my church youth group is fun, come along''?' Mark Fowler, who represents religious groups and charities, told The Australian.
A 75-year-old American businesswoman has been killed by a hippopotamus while on an African safari with her family.

Carol Sue Kirken, of the suburban Detroit town of Rochester Hills, Michigan, died on Saturday while on a family vacation in Tanzania.

The circumstances surrounding her death are unclear, but her obituary states she 'died quickly in the arms of her son Robert.'

Her final post on Facebook said that they'd seen a mass migration of hippos and bull elephants on the same day she died, Fox 2 Detroit reported.

Carol Sue Kirken (right) died on Saturday in the arms of her son Robert (left) after a hippopotamus attacked her on a safari in Tanzania

Kirken was an avid world traveler and local philanthropist who posted many pictures of her adventures with friends and family online

Hippopotami are among the world's most dangerous mammals, and kill an estimated 500 people every year.

They have sharp teeth and can outrun a human on land, and have also been known to attack and capsize small boats, killing the passengers.

Kirken was on the safari with her son Robert Kirken, a university dean from Corpus Christi, Texas, and the two were watching hippos when the attack occurred.

Friends and family of Carol Kirken poured out tributes to the woman upon the shocking news of her death.

'You were an amazing woman and the greatest grandmother anyone could ask for,' grandson Eric Strickler wrote on Facebook.

Kirken was a registered nurse who went on to become a doctor recruiter for a hospital and an executive for a national cosmetics company

Hippopotami are among the world's most dangerous mammals, and kill an estimated 500 people every year (file photo)

A registered nurse, she was a doctor recruiter for Crittendon Hospital, and most recently worked as a national vice president for Arbonne Cosmetics Company.

A noted local philanthropist, Kirken helped found the Women's Fund of Rochester Hills, and also worked to help military families in need.

'Carol was a passionate leader, and she dedicated herself to causes to help those who were less fortunate,' Rochester Hills Mayor Brian Barnette told WDIV.

Kirken is survived by her husband Bill, three children and five grandchildren.
Mugshot: Jailed teacher Cameron Peter White, 39

A Sydney geography teacher with drug convictions 'groomed' his students with hundreds of flirtatious text messages, court documents revealed.

Cameron Peter White, 39, was jailed for up to 11 years a week ago after he was found guilty of having sexual relationships with three of his students.

The Sutherland teacher protested his innocence throughout the trial - even describing one of his victims as like his 'sister'.

But a jury thought otherwise and SMS messages seen by Daily Mail Australia make clear just how many boundaries the former school teacher crossed.

Day after day, the former Woolooware and Georges River College teacher would wish one of the teenage victims 'good morning' and 'good night'.

He would call the victim cutesy nicknames including 'my happiness' and 'poo bear' and yearn for the teen's affection.

White is pictured here, in a school yearbook photo, with several of his students

Mr White flexed his muscles in front of his class in a video obtained by Daily Mail Australia

A series of selected text messages shown to the court (digitally mocked up images)

'Good night poo bear! I need cuddles,' he wrote in March 2015.

'Nighty night baby bear', he said on another occasion.

On a third occasion, he admonished the teenager, more than 15 years his junior: 'Oh poo bear you are so demanding sometimes.'

Amongst the cutesy nicknames, the pair would discuss secret rendezvouses and White would say: 'I need a kiss on my temple and cuddles'.

Mr White is pictured here in his geography class

White - who also worked as a personal trainer and a bouncer - would bizarrely ask the student for their views on properties to live in.

He would moan about the most adult of tasks - having to go to work and do compulsory courses for his job.

Meantime, the victim would speak to him of typical teenage fare, like drinking alcohol and buying shoes.

A impact statement tendered to the court said the teen believed the geography teacher was just courting the victim at the time.

'When Cameron White first started grooming me I was excited. I was giddy to be receiving from attention from an older man.

'And I genuinely believe he was courting me. I was a naive 15-year-old who thought (I) was mature enough to be in a relationship. As it turns out, I was wrong.'

'When Cameron White first started grooming me I was excited': The former Sydney teacher is pictured left, at a court appearance, and right, in the classroom

'Your teens should be a time to be able to learn and grow, to safely explore relationships and boundaries.

'I did not have this luxury. This experience has affected my ability to trust romantic partners'.

In his sentencing, Judge James Bennett did not find in favour of describing White's behaviour as 'predatory'.

But he said: 'It is the fact the offender abused his authority and exploited the interest of these young people, taking advantage of their immaturity and affection for him.'

The teen whose text messages have been described was one of three victims of White.

The 19 offences included intercourse at his flat after the Year 12 formal and oral sex in the fire escape.

Court appearance: Judge Bennett noted White is entering his 40th year and pegged his crimes at the mid-range of seriousness

A text message exchange, as seen in court documents

The messages seen by Daily Mail Australia lead up to just weeks before White's arrest.

'Can I call please? Not to argue,' White texted the victim.

'I'm going to leave teaching.

'Could we talk again? Ill ring?' he asked again.

The victim replied: 'Yeah not for long though'.

Minutes later, the victim texted: 'You can't pay for what you did if you don't think you did anything wrong.

'Which you clearly don't.'
Michael Gove has attacked a city's plan to fell thousands of trees saying it will damage 'our children's rightful inheritance'.

The Environment Secretary called on officials to 'listen to the people' and stop axing trees in Sheffield, which campaigners say are being needlessly destroyed.

But the local authority claims they are diseased or dangerous.

The row has seen two pensioners arrested in a stand-off with police, while the council has sought injunctions against protesters who tried to stop machinery.

Leafy: Sheffield's Humphrey Road in 2015, when the street was lined with mature trees

Now Mr Gove has intervened after the issue was raised with him during a trip to Yorkshire. In a letter to the Labour-run council's leader Julie Dore, he said: 'It is clear that many of Sheffield's residents are deeply frustrated and angry at the decision to remove a large numbers of trees from local streets.

'Understandably, local people place a significant value on their green spaces and their local environment, and these trees are a really important part of that.

'We know trees and leafy streets make places healthier, cleaner and more desirable places to live.

'So you can understand why this issue has caused me such grave concern. The destruction of thousands of mature trees from the Steel City will surely damage our children's rightful inheritance.

'To that end, I would call on the council to listen to the people of Sheffield and end the tree-felling and replacement programme.'

But the council hit back, declaring Mr Gove's assessment inaccurate and dismissing his intervention as the 'ill-informed whims of a Conservative minister'. Some 6,000 of the 36,000 trees on Sheffield's streets are due to have been replaced by the end of the year, with 600 to be planted, according to the council.

They include an elm on the city's Chelsea Road that came second in the Woodland Trust's contest to find Britain's favourite tree.

Axed: The trees have been replaced by spindly saplings, leaving the street looking bare

Protesters say many of the trees are being felled simply because they are getting in the way of resurfacing being carried out under a 25-year, 2billion deal with contractor Amey.

Rebecca Hammond, from Sheffield Tree Action Groups, welcomed Mr Gove's intervention, adding: 'It's not too late to put things right.'

But Bryan Lodge, the local councillor responsible for environment, told Mr Gove: 'It is surprising that you would not seek a full understanding of an issue before announcing a position.

'I know that you have publicly stated that you believe 'the country has had enough of experts' but our council believes they still have a role to play.'

He said the council would rather follow recommendations of expert groups than 'follow the ill-informed whims of a Conservative minister'.
China will intervene if America attacks North Korea first, according to a state-owner paper, and will only stay neutral if Kim Jong-un attacks the US first.

An editorial in the Global Times, warned that 'China should also make clear that if North Korea launches missiles that threaten US soil first and the US retaliates, China will stay neutral.

'If the US and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime and change the political pattern of the Korean Peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so.'

China will intervene if America attacks North Korea first, according to a state-owner paper, and will only stay neutral if Kim Jong-un attacks the US first. President Donald Trump (left) and North Korean leader (Kim Jon-un)

An editorial in the Global Times, (stock image) warned that 'China should also make clear that if North Korea launches missiles that threaten US soil first and the US retaliates, China will stay neutral

The warning comes amid escalating tensions between the US and North Korea.

Pyongyang has warned it plans to launch a nuclear strike on Guam after President Trump announced that any more threats against the US would be met with 'fire and fury'.

Pentagon chief James Mattis issued his own warning among the increasingly aggressive rhetoric, telling Kim Jong-un that he risks destroying his regime and his people if he attacks.

Today, Trump ratcheted up his rhetoric towards Jong-un, warning Pyongyang against attacking Guam or U.S. allies.

The magnitude of the nuclear crisis was underlined as one White House aide, Sebastian Gorka, compared it to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

China, North Korea's most important ally and trading partner, has reiterated calls for calm during the current crisis.

It has expressed frustration with both Pyongyang's repeated nuclear and missile tests and with behavior from South Korea and the United States that it sees as escalating tensions.

The widely read state-run Times, published by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, wrote in an editorial that Beijing is not able to persuade either Washington or Pyongyang to back down.

'If the U.S. and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime and change the political pattern of the Korean Peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so.'

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang has urged the United States and North Korea on Friday to be 'cautious' with their words and actions after the two sides stepped up their bellicose rhetoric over Pyongyang's weapons programme.

He called on both sides to avoid 'going down the old path of alternately showing strength and continuously escalating the situation'.

The editorial says that China will intervene if America attacks North Korea first

'The current situation on the Korean Peninsula is highly complicated and sensitive. We call on the relevant parties to be cautious with their words and actions, and contribute more toward easing tensions and enhancing mutual trust,' Geng said in a statement.

China has long worried that any conflict on the Korean peninsula, or a repeat of the 1950-53 Korean war, could unleash a wave of destabilizing refugees into its northeast, and could end up with a reunified county allied with the United States.

North Korea is a useful buffer state for China between it and U.S. forces based in South Korea, and also across the sea in Japan.

The Global Times said China will 'firmly resist any side which wants to change the status quo of the areas where China's interests are concerned'.

'The Korean Peninsula is where the strategic interests of all sides converge, and no side should try to be the absolute dominator of the region.'

Amid heightened tensions in the region, Beijing staged 'large-scale' military exercises with dozens of ships, fighter jets and submarines adjacent to the Korean Peninsula on Monday - just months after moving 150,000 troops to its border with North Korea.

Say Kim Jong-un does risk all out war by attacking Guam, in what some experts have branded a 'suicide' move, what force does the US have to beckon from its bases in the region?

Calling the situation on the Korean Peninsula 'complicated and sensitive', China's foreign ministry issued a statement warning that parties involved in the impasse should avoid 'words and actions that escalate the situation'.

Russia, meanwhile, moved military equipment including helicopters and combat vehicles to its southern frontier with the hermit state earlier this year. Moscow has displayed its own frightening military strength at a war games event in Siberia this week and during a vast Navy Day parade in Vladivostok - about 100 miles from North Korean territory.

Germany urged both North Korea and the United States to show 'restraint' in their mounting war of words.

'We are watching the increasing rhetorical escalation regarding the Korean Peninsula with the greatest concern,' foreign ministry spokesman Martin Schaefer told reporters. 'That is why we call on all sides to use restraint.'

Schaefer said Berlin was convinced a 'military option' could not be 'the answer in the quest for a nuclear weapon-free Southeast Asia'.

He urged the international community to 'thoroughly implement' the latest round of sanctions against North Korea approved by the United Nations Security Council and backed a call by Tillerson to resume talks with Pyongyang if it halts ballistic missile tests.

Trump stopped just short of a firm promise to declare war on Kim's government if the dictatorship continues to talk about 'physical action' to the U.S. during the meeting in New Jerseyon Tuesday with Kellyanne Conway (left), HHS Secretary Tom Price, (second left), Melania Trump (second right) and the National Drug Control Policy Center's Richard Baum (right)

'We must all continue our diplomatic efforts - it is the only way to ensure that the threat of the illegal North Korean nuclear weapons programme can be contained,' he said.

However, the US would not be alone if it did decide to strike first.

Australia 'will come to the aid of the United States' if North Korea attacks, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Thursday, after Pyongyang outlined its plans to fire missiles near the US territory of Guam.

The Australian leader's comments of support to close ally Washington followed President Donald Trump's warning to North Korea that it should be 'very, very nervous' of the consequences if the isolated nation even thought of attacking US soil.

'The United States has no stronger ally than Australia,' Turnbull told Melbourne commercial radio station 3AW. 'And we have an ANZUS agreement and if there is an attack on Australia or the United States then... each of us will come to the other's aid.

'So let's be very clear about that. If there is an attack on the United States by North Korea, then the ANZUS treaty will be invoked and Australia will come to the aid of the United States.'

The European Union said tensions over North Korea can only be resolved by peaceful means, with foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini's spokeswoman saying the developments are 'of great concern to the EU.'

Relations between Washington and Pyongyang have been tense for months, in the wake of the North's repeated missile tests, including two successful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test launches in July.

The escalating dispute took an unexpected turn Tuesday when Trump seemed to borrow from the North's arsenal of rhetoric and said it faced 'fire and fury like the world has never seen' if it continued to threaten the US.

A Washington Post report suggested that North Korea had invented a miniaturized warhead that it has the capability of attaching to the intercontinental ballistic missiles its been testing

Trump himself fired another flare in Kim Jong-Un's direction on Wednesday morning, saying in tweets the United States' nuclear arsenal is 'stronger and more powerful than ever before' and he 'hopefully' won't need to use it.

'My first order as President was to renovate and modernize our nuclear arsenal. It is now far stronger and more powerful than ever before,' Trump said. 'Hopefully we will never have to use this power, but there will never be a time that we are not the most powerful nation in the world!'

Trump made the show of might on social media after his secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, tried to dial down the conflict as he returned to Washington from Southeast Asia on a trip that included a pit stop in Guam.

Guam, which is roughly 2,128 miles from North Korea, is home to both Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam housing thousands of American service members and their families.

Roughly 28 percent of the island is occupied by the U.S. military. The base houses bomber assurance and deterrence missions, including six B-52s which the air force says provide 'strategic global strike capability [to] deter potential adversaries and provide reassurance to allies' and that they are ready to go.

North Korea has said it could carry out a pre-emptive operation if the U.S. showed signs of provocation.

Tillerson said Trump's 'fire and fury' charge to Kim shouldn't have Americans panicking because North Korea does not pose an 'imminent threat' to the United States.

Pyongyang's volatile dictator has warned that he was 'carefully examining' plans to make 'an enveloping fire' around Guam, which is home to about 163,000 people and a sprawling American military base.

The UN Security Council on Saturday approved tough sanctions which could cost Pyongyang US$1 billion a year, with the sweeping measures the first of that scope to be imposed on North Korea since Trump took office.
A jeweller has sparked outrage with a job listing that appears to suggest that Vietnamese employees are preferred.

National chain Mazzucchelli's Jewellers advertised the position of store manager at their West Lakes store in Adelaide via the job search site Seek in which the listing headline states 'Vietnamese preferred'.

One Reddit user was quick to pick up on the potential act of discrimination, begging the question: 'Is this legal?'

An Adelaide jeweller has sparked outrage with a job listing after stating Vietnamese employees were favoured, as the ad has been labelled potentially 'ethnically discriminating'

National chain Mazzucchelli's Jewellers advertised the position of Store Manager at one of their Adelaide stores via the job search site Seek in which the listing stated 'Vietnamese preferred'

The post was awash with comments that suggested their advert may not adhere to Australian law.

'If they hire based only on that, and reject people who are otherwise qualified only for that, then yes', one user wrote.

'Vietnamese speaking? Allowed. Vietnamese ethnic origin? Not allowed', another wrote.

Included in the job's requirements, the chain wrote that linguists would more likely be considered for the role.

One Reddit user was quick to pick up on the glaring act of discrimination begging the question: 'Is this legal?' accompanied with this screenshot

Included in the job's requirements, the chain wrote that linguists would more likely be considered for the role, which led several Reddit users to suggest the listing title was simply badly worded

'Vietnamese or multilingual speakers an advantage', the page read.

This inclusion led several Reddit users to suggest the listing title was simply badly worded.

'I am reading this as a typo - as in its supposed to say Vietnamese speaker preferred?' one reply suggested.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mazzucchelli's for comment.
Overseas holidays always cost more than you expect, but one Australian tourist's pockets are now considerably lighter.

The forgetful traveller stopped by a museum in a small Scottish town but left without a 'four figure sum' of Australian cash they accidentally dropped.

Police in Biggar, Lanarkshire, were frantically searching for the tourist after they visited the museum last Thursday on their way to Edinburgh.

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A forgetful Australian tourist lost a 'four figure sum' of cash while holidaying in Scotland

'It's a considerable amount to lose and I am sure the owner will be, if not already, concerned when they realise it's gone,' Constable Mark Richardson said.

'However, we hope to put a smile back on their face knowing it's been handed in.'

Officers know who owns the money but after several attempts to contact them failed they turned to social media in an effort to find them.

But they cautioned anyone trying to pocket the hefty sum not to bother because they would know the claim was false.

They left it behind when visiting the Biggar Museum in the small town in Lanarkshire

'Just to let others know, we do know who it belongs to as we have the relevant paperwork. So if it's not yours, don't call to claim it!' they Constable Richardson said.

The $3.6 million Biggar Museum is a historical gallery illustrating the history of the area from early times up to the 20th century.

It also has a street of shops recreated from the town and furnished from the collection, and a special exhibition room for items loaned from national collections.
Heartwarming video has emerged of a year 4 teacher performing elaborate personalised handshakes with each one of his students.

Thomas Hams from Wellers Hill State School in Brisbane can be seen doing the adorable moves with a succession of delighted pupils.

The video has since gone viral on social media, and was posted with a caption applauding the educator for his efforts.

Heartwarming video has emerged of a year 4 teacher (pictured) performing elaborate personalised handshakes with each one of his students

Thomas Hams (pictured) from Wellers Hill State School in Brisbane can be seen doing the adorable moves with a succession of delighted pupils

Mr Hams can be seen performing the routine with 18 kids in a row, complete with jumps, claps and sound effects.

Each of the complex handshakes features different actions, and must have taken the dedicated teacher quite a while to perfect.

Enjoyment is etched on the kids' faces, and it is no surprise the educator's innovative way of bonding with his students is touching the hearts of people around Australia.

Mr Hams (pictured) has memorised different moves for each of the personalized handshakes

'One of the most important things we do as teachers is to build relationships and rapport with students and a great time to establish that is when students move into class,' the school says

'One of the most important things we do as teachers is to build relationships and rapport with students and a great time to establish that is when students move into class,' the school says in the video caption.

The reaction on social media could not be more positive, with gushing support for the teacher flowing in.

The handshake video prompted an overwhelmingly positive reaction after being posted on social media (pictured)

Facebook users (pictured) were full of praise for the dedicated educator, saying his efforts must make the kids feel special

'Wow! And he remembers every kids moves! That's awesome teaching right there,' (sic) wrote one Facebook user.

'Good to see the teacher and kids all enjoying it and everyone taking part, great to see the enthusiasm with the kids and the teacher, awesome to see everyone smiling enjoying their day at school,' said another.

'Awesome work Mr Hams! Gosh knows how on earth you remember each special handshake. But I'm sure the fact that you do, makes each student feel extra special each time you greet them!' wrote an impressed viewer.
Alabama officials have, for now, tabled a resolution to rescind its adoption of a set of common reading and math standards for its students.

At their Aug. 10 meeting, members of the states board of education indicated that the best time to tackle the standards would be as part of the normal standards-revision process. Alabamas math standards are due for revision in 2018-19 and its English/language arts standards in 2019-20.

I guess my point is we have a process in place by which we review standards, and this would be a mammoth undertaking when it was done correctly, said board member Cynthia McCarty. Im all about rigorous standards, but I also believe we have to have educators involved at every level telling us what works in our classroom and then we need colleges and higher ed. and industry telling us what they need, and where were weak.

Under the proposed resolution, the state would rescind the standards formally on Aug. 1, 2018 and immediately commence writing a new draft. But at the meeting, board members seemed reluctant to make any changes to the standards outside of the states usual standards-revision process.

Are the Standards Too Weak?

The state adopted the standards in 2010, and has altered them several times since (excising, for example, an appendix that spells out examples of texts that could be used at each grade level in reading). This has led to some confusion. At the recent board meeting, even Alabama staff werent able to say definitively what percentage of the current standards were directly based on the common core.

The research and evaluation group Abt Associates once did an analysis of nine states tweaks to the Common Core, including Alabama. It concluded that those nine states kept about three quarters of the standards the same, and mostly clarified or added to the other quarter. Few actual standards were dropped.

Beleaguered Alabama schools chief Michael Sentance seemed to favor a quicker timeline for revising the standards. At the board meeting, he claimed that the common-core standards were not internationally benchmarked with the highest-performing nations math practices.

Similarly, he seemed to question the common cores emphasis on nonfiction text. Fiction has a higher level of vocabulary more diverse vocabulary that informational text, and higher levels of critical thinking involved when youre reading fiction when youre trying to work through a story. There are studies that a literature based curriculum correlates with higher achievement scores, he said. Read local reporter Tricia Powell Crains take, too.

In fact, much of the debate at the meeting had to do with whether the standards were too lowthough they are widely considered to be more rigorous than what the state had before.

Sentance acknowledged that creating new standards would touch on nearly all aspects of the states K-12 system: Its not simply textbooks and so forth, its teacher preparation, the tests we have to give to teachers; all of these kinds of things would have to be aligned to standards. They can be done, but it takes time to do that.

National Action?

With the focus on instruction, the debate was a far cry from some of the more heated rhetoric that has surrounded the standards in Alabama. In fact, some of the states board members have sought for years to do away with the common core.

Board member Betty Peters has repeatedly denounced the standards as a form of nationalization or federal takeover of education. (The U.S. Department of Education didnt create the common-core standards, but it did offer states financial incentives to adopt them.) Those fears seem to be shared by other state policymakers, who have for several years running introduced a number of bills to kill the standards, though none has ever passed.

The most recent such bill, introduced in April by Rep. Barry Moore, would do away with the common-core standards and revert back to the reading and math standards that preceded them. Like Peters, Moore has said in interviews that the standards are indoctrinating students in liberal viewpoints.

A few years back many more states were traducing their common-core adoptions, but that activity seemed to level off recentlyuntil the election of President Trump, a common-core opponent, seemed to give that movement more juice.

Earlier this summer, New Hampshire decided not to entertain revisions to its common-core standards that were being pushed by its state superintendentthough it is likely to revisit the topic next year.

Photo: The Alabama statehouse.Mark Goebel /Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons.

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A man has demolished a three kilogram chicken parmigiana within six minutes in a food challenge that was designed to market a hotel's signature dish.

Shamrock Hotel owner Regan Anderson told Daily Mail Australia that he decided to rope in the services of his childhood friend Joe Hodges, 28, a renowned food competitor in Queensland to set the bar for others to beat.

To date, the hotel's Facebook page which posted Mr Hodges eating the meal in a rush has garnered close to half a million views since it was uploaded on Thursday.

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Free lunch anyone? A Queensland hotel is looking for people to partake in a food challenge

Joe Hodges, 28, (pictured) of Queensland is a well-known food competitor within the state

Mr Hodges eats the dish under six minutes and nine seconds in a video posted on Thursday

To date, the clip has garnered close to 5,000 likes and over one thousand shares with many social media commentators shocked at how fast Mr Hodges was at finishing the huge meal.

Mr Anderson said that those intending to partake in the challenge would need to eat two and a half kgs of chicken parmigiana , a kilo of chips and salad within 20 minutes for it to be free or pay up.

'If they beat Joey's time of six minutes and nine seconds, they would be able to get themselves another $500 in cash or prizes worth that amount,' he said.

But for dinners who fail to eat the Italian-American dish within the set time, they would then need to fork out $35 for the dish.

Mr Anderson said the hotel's food challenge would start from next Wednesday onwards and will be available all day.

Mr Hodges, a miner and supervisor with Goonyella Riverside Mine, told Daily Mail Australia that the secret to eating in large quantities and fast was to swallow and not chew.

All three pieces of chicken, a kilo chips and salad will need to be eaten under 20 minutes

'I have been competing in food challenges throughout Queensland for the past two years,' he said.

'I have never lost a challenge and my best record is eating a kilo of steak within four minutes and 55 seconds,' he said.

He also says that he works out at least six times a week which helps in maintaining his weight.
An unsuspecting motorist has been left shaking after a male driver with a child in the backseat wrenched her car door open and threatened to kill her in a shocking road rage attack.

Melbourne woman Tammi Burke was driving on St Kilda Road in the city's south-east on Friday morning when she claims a man in a white Mitsubishi Magnum cut her off before he got out of his car and unleashed a tirade of abuse.

'He got out of the car, smashed my windscreen with his hand, and spat all over it,' Ms Burke told 3AW on Friday.

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In footage filmed by Ms Burke, the man can be seen getting out of his white car and walking over to her while unleashing a tirade of abuse

Ms Burke said the man ripped her car door open and confronted her in the middle of the busy road.

'He was saying "you effing this, you effing that, get out of the car I'm going to kill you''' she said.

'I thought I better get his registration, so I got my phone out and that got him even more riled up and he jumped out of the car again and attacked the car.'

In footage posted online after the attack, Ms Burke can be heard pleading 'please don't hit me' as the man stands over her car.

'He kicks the door, rips the door open, it's like he wanted to punch on with me, and I'm a woman,' she said.

Ms Burke said she was most frightened when she realised the man had a toddler in the backseat of his car.

In footage posted online after the attack, Ms Burke can be heard pleading 'please don't hit me' as the man stands over her car door

Ms Burke said she was most frightened when she realised the man had a toddler in the backseat of his car

'He's definitely off his rocker,' she said.

The Melbourne woman said she was left shaking violently after the attack, but onlookers quickly came to her aid.

'A woman came and held my hand, she had to hold it with two hands I was shaking that much,' she said.

'I was very very lucky so many people stopped for me, it was a breath of fresh air.'

The man fled the scene with the young child in the backseat.

Victoria police are investigating.
The former employees of a debt consolidation and lending company have filed an explosive lawsuit against the firm claiming it is a 'sexually erotic cesspool' of harassment and discrimination.

Former human resources director Nicole Orlando, with two other former female employees, filed the lawsuit on Thursday against American Funding Group and a related family of companies in Tindon Falls, New Jersey.

Seven managers of the companies ran them in a way 'that is so sexually aggressive, morally repulsive and unlawfully hostile that it is rivaled only by the businesses portrayed in the films "Boiler Room" and "The Wolf Of Wall Street",' claims the suit filed by Orlando, Evelyn Grondski and Donna Simone, two former sales reps.

Their bosses 'shamelessly created a sexual harassment playground fueled by drugs and alcohol and swarming with hand-picked young women rewarded for dressing and behaving provocatively - all in order to indulge their misogyny and vulgar sexual perversions,' Matthew A. Luber, attorney for the plaintiffs, told DailyMail.com.

In one of the litany of anecdotes offered up, the suit claims that Mark Mancino, Chief Financial Officer of the companies, ordered Orlando to handle the payment for a stripper at a company party.

Chief Financial Officer Mark Mancino (pictured) dressed as Willy Wonka last Halloween and order a stripper to dress as an Oompa Loompa, according to the x-rated lawsuit

Things allegedly got hot and heavy again with a stripper of short stature at this June party

Birthday boy Michael Hamill (pictured) is the underwriting manager for the companies named in the suit

As the stripper wielded a sex toy in one hand, Mancino (not pictured) told Hamill (seated) that if he refused to put the ball gag in his mouth, the stripper would 'use the strap-on on him'

The managers also ordered up a sex doll for the party, with 'a wig near the crotch to mimic pubic hair,' according to the suit

After Mancino shouted out that Hamill 'was getting a hard on,' the festivities culminated with a 'giant penis cake' reading 'Happy Birthday D**k,' according to the plaintiffs

Mancino, who had dressed as Willy Wonka last Halloween and order a stripper to dress as an Oompa Loompa, ordered another raunchy party for his co-defendant Michael Hamill's birthday on on June 2, the suit claims.

'Make sure you have enough money to pay the stripper out of petty cash,' Mancino allegedly barked at Orlando, his human resources chief.

When Orlando explained that it was not a good idea, Mancino told her to 'get over it' and 'stop being a tight a**', according to the suit.

The managers also ordered up a sex doll for the party, with 'a wig near the crotch to mimic pubic hair,' according to the suit.

In shocking video purporting to show the birthday party, a stripper of short stature puts a ball gag in Hamill's mouth and handcuffs him to a chair, and then grinding on him and whipping him on the floor.

The suit claims that Mancino (not pictured) ordered the human resources director Nicole Orlando to handle the payment for a stripper at a company birthday party in June

The stripper is seen grinding on the birthday boy during the debauched office party

Another manager shouted that Hamill (pictured) 'was getting a hard-on' during the lap dance

Sex toys were frequently placed in co-workers cars and desks as pranks, according to the suit. This photo purports to show a sex toy placed in the rear window of an employee's car

The plaintiffs called the workplace a 'sexually erotic cesspool'. Pictured: phallic glitter and gummi treats allegedly placed on a male co-worker's desk as a prank

As the stripper wielded a sex toy in one hand, Mancino told Hamill that if he refused to put the ball gag in his mouth, the stripper would 'use the strap-on on him', the suit claims.

FOUR COMPANIES NAMED IN THE SUIT The suit claims the following companies have shared ownership and offices, though they allegedly pose as separate entities: American Funding Group and Coast to Coast offer high-interest cash advances funded by third parties to small businesses. PLG Servicing is the loan-servicing arm of the company. Corporate Bailout offers 'debt consolidation' services. The suit claims that as long as clients make six to ten payments, the company did not care if they defaulted, because the servicing and debt consolidation arms could still 'bamboozle' the client Advertisement

After Mancino shouted out that Hamill 'was getting a hard on,' the festivities culminated with a 'giant penis cake' reading 'Happy Birthday D**k,' according to the plaintiffs.

As the celebration went on, Hamill 'became increasingly intoxicated' and 'inserted a cigarette inside the blow up doll's vagina and a party horn into the anus,' the complaint says.

The lawsuit also brings the employer's business dealings into question accusing the managers of running a family predatory lending and debt consolidation offices.

Using the front companies American Funding Group and Coast To Coast Funding, the defendants rake in $100,000 revenue a day through 'predatory' high-fee cash advances to small businesses, the lawsuit claims.

Posing as completely unrelated companies, the companies PLG Servicing and Corporate Bailout front would offer debt relief services 'which are just as predatory' to the very same small businesses, allowing the owners to 'double-dip on the debts of unsuspecting consumers and clients,' the suit claims.

Flush with the income generated by the companies, the managers allegedly showered perks and gifts on female employees who brought a certain special something to the job.

Chief Financial Officer Mark Mancino and his wife (pictured together) are said to be in the process of divorcing

Favored were those female subordinates 'who dress provocatively, have large breasts, or who are having an actual sexual relationship with the [bosses]' according to the suit.

On the other hand, the lawsuit claims, 'competent female employees who dressed conservatively or refused to take part in the sexual promiscuity were blackballed and ridiculed'.

A special favorite was a female sales rep named Wendy, whose last name is being withheld.

'Wendy - get your t*ts in here!' Mancino and Hamill would allegedly yell at the nubile subordinate to summon her to their office.

In the office, the suit claims the two managers could be heard 'motorboating' Wendy's breasts.

A footnote to the complaint explains that motorboating 'is the colloquial term for placing one's face in the area between a woman's breasts and blowing onto her skin while rapidly shaking one's head, thereby creating a sound similar to that of an outboard boat motor.'

'Who hasn't seen Wendy's t*ts?' the managers would allegedly yell in addition.

Michael Hamill, a co-owner and manager at the companies, was accused along with other managers of fostering a hostile work environment

At one point, Orlando, who had been hired as a bookkeeper in February of this year but was immediately promoted to the head of human resources, asked Mancino why he frequently got male erectile enhancement pills delivered to the office.

'I have to keep my dick working to keep up with these young ladies,' Mancino allegedly replied.

The complaint also states that Mancino paid a low-level female employee an executive salary with generous bonuses 'so she could afford breast implants'.

On another occasion, Mancino allegedly met a 22-year-old named Gabby at the gym, and hired her on the spot.

Mancino carried on a sexual affair with Gabby, whose last name is being withheld from publication, paying her a $60,000 salary and buying her a $4,000 Gucci bag and luxury beauty treatments with the company credit card, according to the suit.

Orlando says through her attorneys that she was instructed to treat the lavish gifts as legitimate company expenses, and that employees were ordered to keep the sexual affair secret from Mancino's wife.

His wife did learn of the affair, though, and is in the process of divorcing the corporate finance whiz, according to the suit.

The defendants to the suit all either declined to comment or were not reachable late Thursday.
Put the umbrellas away and dig out those thongs - parts of Australia are set to scorch through the hottest August temperatures in nearly 10 years.

Unseasonably warm conditions are forecast to sweep across much of the east coast in the coming days, and parts of Queensland are expected to hit well over 30C.

The balmy weather will last well into next week, with Brisbane's maximums to rise into the high 20s and low 30s - around 10C above the August average.

Parts of Sydney hit nearly 27C on Friday, and while that maximum will drop to the low 20s over the weekend, the mercury will again rise to 25C by Tuesday.

Put the umbrellas away and dig out those thongs - parts of Australia are set to scorch through the hottest August temperatures in nearly 10 years

Unseasonably warm conditions are forecast to sweep across much of the east coast in the coming days, and parts of Queensland are expected to hit well over 30C

But despite the talk of unseasonable warmth, nights and mornings will be a bit on the chilly side this weekend.

'It's funny, sometimes you get the cold mornings with the hot days just because the skies are clear, which allows the air to cool down a lot overnight,' Bureau of Meteorology forecaster James Thompson said.

Further south, the conditions are far more seasonal, with Melbourne's expected high over the weekend just 17C with very strong winds.

Victoria's coastal and alpine areas are subject to a severe weather warning with damaging winds forecast to reach 100km/h.

The warm weather was party due to extremely low rainfall with only 12.6 millimetres falling in July

Parts of the east coast will scorch through unusually warm August conditions, but further south will be far more seasonal

Brisbane's maximums are set to rise into the high 20s and low 30s - around 10C above the August average

A cold front is moving rapidly eastwards towards Victoria, and will pass through Bass Strait on Friday night.

Locations likely to be hit with strong gusts include Warrnambool, Portland, Wonthaggi, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller.

People living in coastal areas, including the Mornington Peninsula, are being advised to move cars away from trees and secure loose items.

Tasmania has been issued its own warning, with damaging winds expected to hit a large stretch of the state.

The balmy weather will last well into next week, with Brisbane's maximums to rise into the high 20s and low 30s - around 10C above the August average

But despite the talk of unseasonable warmth, nights and mornings will be a bit on the chilly side this weekend. Pictured, Sydney's Gordon's Bay

The warm Queensland weather proved the perfect opportunity for one lover of the outdoors to hike up Mount Nebo, outside Brisbane

The cold front will bring winds gusts in excess of 100km/h on Friday night and into Saturday morning, the Bureau of Meteorology said.

North and east coast towns including Devonport, Burnie, Smithton, Scottsdale, Whitemark and St Helens, as well as King Island and Fumeaux Islands, are expected to be hit.

Meanwhile, Sydney already had its second-hottest July in history, with the 19.1C average maximum 2.7C above normal for the year's coldest month.

The warm weather was party due to extremely low rainfall with only 12.6 millimetres falling in July - well below the 100 millimetre average and the driest since 1995.

It followed a national trend that saw Australia's mean temperature for the month soar to the third-highest ever since records began in 1910.

Sydney already had its second-hottest July in history, with the 19.1C average maximum 2.7C above normal for the year's coldest month
A protest by taxi drivers at Adelaide Airport over ride-sharing company Uber has left hundreds of passengers stranded.

Taxi drivers blocked the ride sharing pick-up area Friday morning and refused to transport people, leaving travellers to catch buses into the city.

The protests forced the ride-sharing company to suspend its UberX services from the area, just hours after it was granted access to the airport.

Taxi drivers staged a protest (pictured) and blocked the ride sharing pick-up area at Adelaide airport Friday morning, refusing to transport people and leaving them to catch buses into the city

Before the demonstration wrapped up around lunch time, airport authorities said they had looked at involving the Federal Police to end the blockade.

'This is a really bad look for Adelaide,' airport spokesman Brenton Cox said.

'If the travelling public are materially impeded and continue to be then that's definitely something we will be looking into with the authorities.'

Taxi drivers began protesting Thursday night, after Uber was granted permission to pick up passengers within the precinct.

Uber cancelled all pick-ups from the area at the time, citing ongoing safety concerns for its drivers and passengers.

Adelaide Metro put on free buses to the city, but despite the extra services commuters still faced lengthy delays.

The protests forced the ride-sharing company to suspend its UberX services from the area, just hours after it was granted access to the airport

Before the demonstration wrapped up around lunch time airport authorities said they had looked at involving the Federal Police to end the blockade

One Uber driver said that the protests had caused 'mayhem' at the airport and that there was increased security.

'They didn't damage my car in any way, but it was just mayhem; there were airport security, there were airport officers everywhere, it was unbelievable,' they told 5AA Radio Station.

Another driver told The Advertiser that up to 150 people swarmed his car while he waited at the pick-up point.

'I was being yelled out by many of them. They were asking where my accreditation was and said I shouldnt be there picking up because only taxis were allowed at the airport,' he said.

Adelaide Metro put on free buses to the city, but despite the extra services commuters still faced lengthy delays (pictured)

The protesting began Thursday night, after Uber was granted permission to pick up passengers within the precinct

The Taxi Council of South Australia said letting Uber operate at the airport was disappointing as there were concerns about driver accreditation

The Taxi Council of South Australia said the move to allow Uber to operate at the airport was disappointing and there are concerns about the accreditation of drivers.

'It's our understanding that only a handful of UberX drivers have sought and secured their accreditation to operate in the ride sourcing market,' council president Jim Triantafyllou said.

UberX had only been allowed to pick up passengers from Thursday, however Uber's more expensive black service was already available from the airport.

Adelaide airport joins Sydney, Perth, Canberra and Perth airports in allowing the ride sharing app.
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Anwar Teriaki (pictured), 21, was killed just after midnight on Wednesday after an altercation between a group of men

Mourners have gathered at a north Melbourne mosque for the funeral of a man who was shot dead in a suburban street this week.

There are fears a gangland war could erupt in the city after Anwar Teriaki, 21, was gunned down by unknown assailants in Roxburgh Park on Wednesday.

Just two days after the shooting, about 2.30am on Friday, two teenagers aged 16 and 18 were shot and a third man was bashed in the same northern suburb.

But dozens of Teriaki's friends and relatives put their worries aside to attend Teriaki's janaza, or Islamic funeral rites, about midday Friday.

The ceremony, at Preston Mosque, followed daily prayers.

A funeral notice quoted the Koran: 'Every soul shall have a taste of death, then to us you will be ultimately returned'.

The notice said other funeral rituals would be open for both 'women and men' later in the evening.

Scores of mourners gathered at the Roxburgh Park mosque for the janaza, or Islamic funeral rites, of Anwar Teriaki, 21

The men gathered at the mosque in Roxburgh Park, about 20km north of the city's CBD, about midday on Friday

A group of young men embraced as they entered the mosque for the funeral rites, which will be followed by a burial

Scores of men poured into the Preston Mosque for the performance of the rites - which came after police issued information about the morning's shootings

In way go! In suits and sweaters, men arrive at the mosque for the janaza of Anwar Teriaki

A man on crutches arrives at the mosque, apparently for the funeral service

Teriaki, shot outside a home on Coronet Avenue on Wednesday, was purportedly an associate of Tiba crime family.

His funeral came shortly after police issued more information about the day's shootings.

Detective Acting Inspector Mark Burnett said two groups of men met at Orion Way in the early hours of the morning and had an argument before the shots were fired.

The men were believed to be from rival Middle Eastern gangs.

The teenagers were hit with a number of bullets. Two 20-year-old men were also found with 'blunt force trauma' injuries.

But police did not believe the shootings were linked.

'The victims are not cooperating with police due to their perceived fears of possible retribution,' Mr Burnett said.

'We believe that... there's Middle Eastern factions involved, but we're keeping an open mind'.

There are fears Melbourne is on the brink of a full-scale gangland war after the second shooting in Roxburgh Park this week

Three men were rushed to Royal Melbourne Hospital in the early hours of Friday morning after multiple shots were fired on Orion Way

Locals were worried and shocked.

'I'm frightened for my family... I'm actually shocked there's another shooting,' a witness told Seven News.

'I'm scared for my family,' another resident told Nine News.

AAP reported officers had stepped up their presence in the area.
A frail and blind paedophile who molested little girls under his care at a Melbourne Sunday school has been sent back to prison.

Kenneth Sandilands, now in his early 70s, has already been jailed twice for molesting children at various schools across Victoria.

He was found guilty of molesting students at the Northside Christian College at Bundoora between 1983 and 1992 and St Paul's Anglican primary school in Frankston during the 1970s.

A frail and blind paedophile who molested little girls under his care at a Melbourne Sunday School has been sent back to prison (stock image)

He was on Friday jailed for eight months in the Melbourne Magistrates Court for sexual offending during the same period against five girls aged eight and nine.

Sandilands, who also taught sex education, was previously sentenced to two years jail in 2000 and a further 26 months in 2014 for his earlier crimes.

The frail Sandilands, who was not in custody during sentencing, stood freely in the courtroom with his head bowed as Magistrate Belinda Wallington noted his plea of guilty and his physical condition and blindness.

The five 'small girls' he had molested were all under his care and trust at school or Sunday School, Ms Wallington said.

He was found guilty of molesting students at the Northside Christian College (pictured) at Bundoora between 1983 and 1992 and St Paul's Anglican primary school in Frankston during the 1970s

'You abused that trust and your offending in varying degrees has marked them for the rest of their lives.'

In addition to the jail term, the magistrate imposed a 12-month suspended sentence.

Sandilands taught at Northside Christian College until 1992 when he took sick leave because of failing eyesight, but did not resign until 1997.

His behaviour and the response of the Pentecostal church that employed him were subject to scrutiny in 2014 as part of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Barely 15 per cent of the 18.9million raised in the wake of the Grenfell disaster has been given to survivors.

Data from the Charity Commission shows 7.25million has been handed to distributing organisations on the ground.

But only 2.8million has reached survivors, almost two months after the blaze ripped through the 24-storey tower block in west London, killing at least 80 residents.

Campaigners welcomed the push for transparency after the charity regulator published the figures yesterday but said more needed to be done to ensure the money reaches those who need it.

Only 2.8million has reached survivors so far - almost two months after the blaze ripped through the 24-storey tower block in west London, killing at least 80 residents

'It's definitely not been fast enough,' said Yvette Williams, a spokeswoman for Justice 4 Grenfell.

'The survivors are raising it more and more  where's the money, who's distributing it, why aren't they distributing it, how have they been chosen to distribute it, what's the criteria for distribution?'

Red Cross and the Kensington and Chelsea Foundation both raised 5.75 million, with smaller sums from other organisations making a total of 18,856,206.

Some 7,257,713 has been sent to distributing organisations, while 2,807,400 has been distributed, figures show.

The Charity Commission said: 'Charities are now trying to work with the survivors and those affected to discuss how the rest of the funds should be distributed to meet the short, medium and long term needs of those affected by this awful tragedy.'

It added that transparency information would be updated on a weekly basis.

The gas supply to 242 flats in Ledbury Towers in south London (pictured) was cut off with immediate effect on Thursday

The regulator said early difficulties in identifying and contacting those who need help are being overcome, charities - who decide how to distribute the funds - are reaching people, and applications are being made.

Chief operating officer David Holdsworth said: 'We have been working to help charities coordinate their response so that those affected know where to go to get access to the funds that have been raised for them.

'As the regulator, we also ensure that funds are protected for those they are intended for.

'It is unusual for us to be involved in this way as regulator, but because of the urgent need of the victims of this tragedy, and because of the great generosity of the public who have given millions to different charities, it was right that we stepped in and helped charities work together in the best interests of those affected.'

Meanwhile, the gas supply to 242 homes in four high-rise tower blocks has been cut off after an investigation revealed the buildings might not be safe.

Southwark council in south London said it would try to provide alternative power to Ledbury Towers.
Jean-Michel David resigned asprincipal of a Perth school over his anti-vaccination views

The principal of a Steiner school in Perth at the centre of a possible measles outbreak has resigned amid controversy over his anti-vaccination views.

The West Australian government issued a citywide alert last week when it emerged an unvaccinated year 10 student had returned from Italy with measles.

A second student was confirmed to be infected on Friday, but was 'isolated at home and is not considered a risk to others', according to a Health Department spokesperson.

The department further warned that a substantial number of Perth Waldorf School's more than 400 students - possibly half - had not been vaccinated.

The school did not initially respond to a Department of Health offer to immediately provide vaccinations, prompting sharp criticism from the Australian Medical Association and the suggestion taxpayer funding be cut from schools that similarly did so.

The school then revealed in a letter published by staff and parents on its website that its principal Jean-Michel David had resigned.

The WA government issued a citywide alert after two Waldorf School students caught measles

Mr David stood as a candidate for the 2014 Victorian election on an anti-vaccination platform and specifically laws banning children not immunised from enrolling in kindergartens and childcare.

'To impose or penalise those who do nothing wrong except not partake of government-imposed injections is mindbogglingly autocratic and has no place in a western democracy,' he wrote at the time.

On Wednesday, it was reported that the school had not responded to the WA Government's offer of a mobile clinic to immunise vulnerable students.

Waldorf School did not respond to the offer of a mobile clinic to immunise vulnerable students

Up to 50 per cent of the 400 students at Perth's Waldorf school have not been vaccinated

The Perth school's acting administrator, Mark Phillips, says he will accept Health Department nurses at the school and unvaccinated year 10 children are being kept at home this week.

Steiner Education Australia denies it opposes vaccination saying it is up to parents but Steiner alternative schools are known globally for having far higher rates of unvaccinated children than the general population and are considered at risk of measles outbreaks.

A US study published in the JAMA Pediatrics journal last month blamed the return of measles and mumps as a threat in developed countries on falling vaccination rates based on non-medical personal beliefs.
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Residents of Sydney's homeless tent city are mourning the end of a 'beautiful community' they say saved the lives of jailbirds, drug addicts and drunks.

The homeless who took over Martin Place in the city's centre were packing up the last of their belongings on Friday afternoon six months after setting up camp in the busy thoroughfare.

Shortly before 2pm there were 29 tents still pitched outside the Reserve Bank building. An hour later there were 19. Soon they will all be gone.

Police speak to a man living in Martin Place's tent city which was dismantled on Friday six months after it was first set up

A woman plays a piano at the tent city next to a vacant block opposite the Reserve Bank building in Sydney's Martin Place

Residents of Martin Place's tent city began dismantling their makeshift homeless camp at Martin Place on Friday morning

Camp resident Belinda Percy, 45, told Daily Mail Australia the camp had been a 'community of love and compassion' rather than a smelly eyesore many outsiders experienced.

'I absolutely adore this place,' Ms Percy said. 'This is a beautiful community.

'You come here any time of the day or night and it's just beautiful.

'I have had so much faith restored. I have seen so many people who have had their lives saved or transformed.

'We've saved lives.'

Ms Percy said the camp had served as a do-it-yourself rehabilitation clinic for alcoholics and drug addicts as well as an informal halfway house for men straight out of prison.

'Mayor of Martin Place' Lanz Priestely addresses media in front of protesters from the miltant MUA and CFMEU unions

Martin Place's homeless camp was dismantled tent by tent, desk by desk and bookcase by bookcase on Friday afternoon

Campers in the Martin Place tent city had gathered furniture including chests of drawers and chairs during their latest stay

'I've seen people come here with raging addictions who have pretty much cleaned up just by being here,' she said.

'For addicts it's a safe place to take them out of their addictions. It gets them out of their alcoholic or drug-taking environments.

'A lot of these guys here have just got out of prison.

'We've had countless people come through here who have just got out of prison.

'It doesn't matter. Inside they have a bright, shiny soul that's just buried under layers and layers of c***. And it just has to come off layer by layer.

'We all take great pride in what we've achieved here.'

A truck was brought in to help remove the bedding and other materials that had built up in the Martin Place homeless camp

A tent frame is dismantled as homeless campers are forced to move on from their temporary home in Sydney's Martin Place

Greens senator Lee Rhiannon (centre) speaks to a police officer while 'Mayor of Martin Place' Lanz Priestley (far right) looks on

A volunteer mops up as campers in the Martin Place tent city begin dismantling their temporary homes on Friday afternoon

Ms Percy said the camp was being dismantled 'in the spirit the place has always operated - with respect and dignity and a sense of community.'

Shortly after 2pm Family and Community Services workers attempted to shift a small stand offering housing advice closer to the camp's centre, attracting the attention of the self-proclaimed 'Mayor of Martin Place' Lanz Priestley.

'Get this s*** away from our stuff or I'll smash ya,' Mr Priestley told them.

'Get f***ed. F*** off.'

Asked shortly after that episode how the camps removal was proceeding, Mr Priestley told Daily Mail Australia: Its going exactly according to our plans.

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The self-proclaimed 'Mayor of Martin Place' and 'King of the Homeless' Lanz Priestley was spoken to by police

A tent city resident said packing up and vacating the area at Martin Place was going to 're-trigger ice addictions'

Mr Priestley had previously remained defiant that the tent city would not vacate from the Sydney city centre

Weve got a few people who are clearly traumatised,' the father-of-twelve said.

'This is their home and their community and theyre worried that they wont be coming back.

But well be back. We intend to have it fully functional within a month.

Mr Priestley declined to say where the homeless camp would be relocated other than that it would be in the city and indoors.

Nearby, former camp resident Tony Castle was playing the card game Uno.

He had spent six or seven weeks at the site after a family breakdown before securing a month's accommodation at a Surry Hills motel.

He is now in public housing at Waterloo.

Police are keeping a close and watchful eye on homeless residents as they vacate the Martin Place tent city

Martin Place tent city mayor Lanz Priestley (left) folds up a tent and packs up his possessions as residents move out

The Martin Place tent city has been accommodating homeless people on-and-off for years

Mr Priestley said the tent city dwellers were moving on to friend's places or friend's backyards, despite earlier being defiant

'Personally I feel that it helped me with my healing process,' he said of his time in the camp.

'It helped me build my confidence back.'

When the camp was last cleared Mr Castle saw fellow campers quickly fall back into old ways.

'The last time a few guys - a lot - went down traumatised,' he said. 'They went binge drinking.'

'It's like their home here. They feel safe here.'

Mr Priestley, who has a long criminal record, was accompanied by police as they oversaw the dismantling of the unauthorised camp from early Friday morning.

As residents packed up their belongings, a member of the tent city told Sky News the dismantling of the camp would 're-trigger ice addictions'.

Belinda Percy (in denim jacket) at the tent city set up in Sydney's central business district, outside the Reserve Bank building

A man wearing an 'Anonymous' mask at the tent city as residents dismantle the makeshift camp

Legislation was passed in New South Wales Parliament on Thursday which gave police the power to forcefully remove the residents by tearing down their tents, but the tent city residents were leaving peacefully according to reports.

Ms Percy said: 'The police have been fantastic'.

Mr Preistley told AAP the tent city dwellers were moving to 'friends' places' or 'friends' backyards'.

'There are some of the people who are from here who don't have anywhere to go,' he said.

Mr Priestley had previously said he had no intention of relocating the tent city from Martin Place, demanding more details about the new accommodation offered by Sydney Mayor Clover Moore.

'We can't be swept aside,' he told Daily Mail Australia last month.

Residents packed up their tents and belongings and vacated the Martin Place tent city on Friday morning

Members of the tent city had remained defiant despite an offer from the City of Sydney for an alternative space

'We will continue to provide these people with their basic human rights until someone else does. We won't stop until that happens.'

But on Wednesday night, police were given the power by government to tear the camp down.

The bill was opposed by Labor and the Greens who described it as nothing but a smokescreen to mask 'political argy-bargy' between two tiers of government.

The move comes after a plan agreed to by the City of Sydney and the homeless tent dwellers to vacate the Martin Place campsite failed.

Ms Moore said the council had committed $100,000 to go towards a safe place similar to the one currently run by Mr Priestley, but without provisions for sleeping.

The pop-up tent city was blocking Martin Place in the centre of Sydney before police asked them to move

Police were in close proximity as campers were forced to pack up their unauthorised campsite

The tent city residents had remained defiant in spite of that offer earlier this week, with volunteers cooking up bacon and eggs for the 59-plus homeless people using the 24-hour kitchen on site.

Mr Priestley had said the group would stay in Martin Place for 'months if necessary'.

Cr Moore said the City of Sydney Council was committed to establishing a permanent safe space around the city.

'What the homeless people really wanted was to know there would be safe place where they could meet and get support,' she said.

'The city will put up $100,000 to go towards that safe space, and the Government is going to co-sponsor that.

'In the meantime, a communal safe space will be found - somewhere where they can go immediately.'

Trade unionists from the militant CFMEU and MUA turned up to support the residents' protests for more affordable housing.

Some of the residents appeared unhappy at being forced to relocate and move from the Martin Place tent city

The Martin Place tent city first sprung up in December last year, and only now have residents finally made the move away
Texas education officials could appoint monitors to oversee the Houston school districtthe seventh largest in the countryif the district does not turnaround 15 low-performing schools, according to the Houston Chronicle.

That was the message state officials delivered in meetings with local officials earlier this week, as part of an update on what could happen if student achievement does not get better in those schools.

State accountability scores will be released next week, and a state law allows the agency to close school campuses that have been on an improvement required list for five years or appoint a board of managers over the entire district, DeEtta Culbertson, a spokeswoman for the agency said this week.

Houston is not the only district facing such scrutiny, according to the Chronicle. Other districts include Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi. Houston school officials told the Chronicle earlier this week that theyve been told that only eight schools needed to show improvement to avoid state action.

The Chronicle also reported on Thursday that state officials offered the district a third option: convert the long-struggling schools into in-district charters.

Many of the schools that meet the state criteria are part of a $20 million turnaround plan that Superintendent Richard Carranza proposed this spring. The plan, which is called Achieve 180, targets 32 schools, with specific district-based targets. Among the goals: increase the percentage of students who read and write at or above grade level by three percentage points annually between spring 2017 and spring 2022 and increase the percentage of students who show at least one year of academic growth in reading and math by three percentage points a year between spring 2017 and spring 2022.

Carranzas plan places significant emphasis on improving instruction and other support for teachers and school leaders. It also includes an emphasis on social and emotional learning.

Carranza arrived from San Francisco last year as the permanent replacement for former superintendent Terry Grier. Grier also had his own signature program, Apollo 20, to turn around some of the districts struggling schools. That program, which ran for three years, included replacing principals and teachers, extra tutoring in math and reading, and an extended school day. The results were mixed.
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Thousands of North Korea's top military officers have marched through Pyongyang in a show of support for their dictator Kim Jong-un as the country issued yet more threats against the 'reckless and hysteric' US.

Pictures show organised lines of men from the country's armed forces cheering and raising their fists during the parade, in front of the capital's Fatherland Liberation War Victory monument.

It comes days after tens of thousands of placard-waving civilians staged a similar rally in the city.

This morning, Pyongyang's KCNA agency warned America that it is a 'tragedy that the reckless and hysteric behaviours may reduce the U.S. mainland to ashes any moment.'

The ranting statement said that it was the country's 'steadfast will...to put an end to the hostile moves of the U.S. which has imposed misfortunes and sufferings upon the Korean people for over half a century and win the final victory in the stand-off with imperialism and the U.S.'

It added: 'The U.S. and its vassal forces will dearly pay for the harshest sanctions and pressure and reckless military provocations against the DPRK.'

The latest show of defiance comes after Washington warned North Korea this week it faced 'fire and fury like the world has never seen' if it continued to threaten the US with its missile and nuclear programmes.

Thousands of North Korea's top military officers have marched through Pyongyang in a show of support for their dictator Kim Jong-un

Pictures show organised lines of men from the country's armed forces cheering and raising their fists during the parade, in front of the capital's Fatherland Liberation War Victory monument

Show of support: The rally comes days after tens of thousands of placard-waving civilians staged a similar parade in the city

Defiance: The latest show of support comes after Washington warned North Korea this week it faced 'fire and fury like the world has never seen' if it continued to threaten the US with its missile and nuclear programmes

North Korea followed up the warning by threatening to send four missiles towards the American island of Guam - a threat that sparked yet another war of words between the country and US President Donald Trump.

Amid heightened tensions this morning, a Chinese state-run newspaper called on Beijing on Friday to 'stay neutral' if North Korea strikes first in a conflict with the United States, despite a mutual defence pact between the Asian allies.

The nationalistic Global Times tabloid said in an editorial that Washington and Pyongyang were playing a 'reckless game' that could lead to 'miscalculations and a strategic 'war''.

'Beijing is not able to persuade Washington or Pyongyang to back down at this time,' the Global Times said.

'It needs to make clear its stance to all sides and make them understand that when their actions jeopardize China's interests, China will respond with a firm hand.'

With fists clench, North Korea's top military officers show their support for the country's 33-year-old dictator Kim Jong-un

Organised: North Korea ordered the parade in a week in which it has traded threats with US President Donald Trump

North Korea followed up the warning from America by threatening to send four missiles towards the island of Guam - a threat that sparked yet another war of words between the country and US President Donald Trump

Amid heightened tensions this morning, a Chinese state-run newspaper called on Beijing on Friday to 'stay neutral' if North Korea strikes first in a conflict with the United States, despite a mutual defence pact between the Asian allies

Rank and file: Thousands of military officers raised their fists in a show of support for their leader in Pyongyang last night

The parade, featuring thousands of high-ranking military officers, came after North Korea threatened to send rockets towards the island of Guam

The commentary came after Washington warned North Korea this week it faced 'fire and fury like the world has never seen' if it continued to threaten the US with its missile and nuclear programmes.

That prompted a defiant Pyongyang to threaten a missile attack on Guam, a tiny US territory in the Pacific that is home to major US air and naval facilities.

China - which has been accused by the US of not doing enough to rein in its longtime ally - has maintained that political dialogue is the only solution.

Honor Guards of the United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command and the United States Forces Korea participate in a change-of-command ceremony at the Yonsan U.S. army base in Seoul, South Korea this morning

A Japanese Self-Defence Force Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile interceptor is deployed outside the Defence Ministry headquarters in Tokyo this morning

Tourists walk outside of Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Hagatna, Guam today. The small U.S. territory has become a focal point after North Korea's army threatened to use ballistic missiles to create an 'enveloping fire' around the island

U.S. Gen. Vincent Brooks, commander of Combined Forces Command, centre, salutes with incoming Deputy Commander General Kim Byung-joo, left rear, and outgoing Deputy Commander General Leem Ho-young, right, in a car, as they inspect honor guards during a change of command in Seoul, South Korea, today

U.S. and South Korean soldiers salute during a change of command in Seoul, South Korea, this morning

China fought alongside the North in the 1950-53 Korean War and the two nations signed a mutual defence pact in 1961, but the Global Times suggested Beijing should remain on the sidelines if Pyongyang launches the first salvo in a new conflict with the United States.

'China should also make clear that if North Korea launches missiles that threaten US soil first and the US retaliates, China will stay neutral,' the editorial said.

'If the US and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime and change the political pattern of the Korean Peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so.'
A man who was arrested over an alleged assault after a woman was pushed into the path of an oncoming bus has denied any involvement in the incident.

Millionaire American investment banker Eric Bellquist, 41, was held yesterday in relation to the incident in which the woman was pushed on Putney Bridge.

But his lawyers say he has irrefutable proof that he was in the United States at the time of the incident.

The bus managed to swerve at the last minute, narrowly avoiding running over the 33-year-old woman's head.

Eric Bellquist, 41, was held yesterday in relation to the incident in which the woman was pushed over on Putney Bridge

But today a law firm acting on behalf of Mr Bellquist, who works for London-based investment firm Hutton Collins, released a statement to say he was in the US at the time of the incident

But today the law firm acting on behalf of Mr Bellquist, who works for London-based investment firm Hutton Collins, released a statement to say he was in the US at the time of the incident.

It read: 'Our client has been wrongly implicated in this matter; he categorically denies being the individual concerned and has irrefutable proof that he was in the United States at the time of the incident.

'Consequently we expect a swift resolution to this wholly untrue allegation.

Mr Bellquist, who lives in Chelsea, west London, joined Hutton Collins in 2002.

Over the course of various transactions he has represented Hutton Collins in the leisure, media/telecom and manufacturing sectors.

He currently represents Hutton Collins on the boards of Byron Hamburgers and was responsible for the firm's investment in Caffe Nero.

Mr Bellquist (pictured), who lives in Chelsea, west London, joined Hutton Collins in 2002

Mr Bellquist currently represents Hutton Collins on the boards of Byron Hamburgers and was responsible for the firm's investment in Caffe Nero

Prior to Hutton Collins, Mr Bellquist worked in the European Leveraged Finance and Sponsor Coverage group at Lehman Brothers. He is a graduate from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Meanwhile, the driver of the London bus who swerved to avoid the woman who was pushed over has insisted he was 'just doing his job'.

Footage of the incident was released by Scotland Yard earlier this week, showing a man running over Putney Bridge and apparently knocking a woman into the path of an oncoming double-decker.

Bus operators Go Ahead London told 5 News: 'The driver commented that he is pleased to have been a hero, he was just doing his job.

A man was arrested after shocking CCTV apparently showed a jogger pushing a woman

A jogger was running across Putney Bridge in west London when he barged into the woman

'He is pleased to have been able to react the way he did and that there was no serious injury to the lady.'

Police said a 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm at an address in the Chelsea area of London yesterday morning following a public appeal.

He was taken to a south London police station and was released pending further enquiries, Metropolitan Police said.

Yesterday the Metropolitan Police said that officers had received a 'good response' after calling for information on the incident.

Mr Bellquist is a keen runner. He records his favourite routes across on the Mapmyrun smartphone app, which says he has covered more than 180 miles.

The device, which shows he last uploaded his runs in 2013, records how many calories he burned and his pace during various sprints across Chelsea. None of the routes shown on the website goes over Putney Bridge.

It is not clear why Mr Bellquist was apparently visiting America at the time when the pedestrian was pushed on Putney Bridge, but his family are all based in the US.

He is the grandson of the late Eric Bellquist, who was a distinguished Emeritus Professor of Political Science at Berkeley University, where he spent 56 years.

The professor, who died in 1979, once served as First Secretary of the US embassy in Stockholm.

The former diplomat was the recipient of a number of honours including being made Knight Commander and Order of the North Star in Sweden, and being given the Berkeley Citation  the universitys highest honour.

The bus stopped after the fall and passengers tended to the woman - who received minor injuries - following the incident during rush hour, at around 7.40am on May 5.

The Metropolitan Police said that officers had received a 'good response' after calling for information on the incident

The 33-year-old woman was lucky to escape serious injury after a bus driver swerved to avoid her on the bridge in south west London

Officers claimed the jogger ran the other way across the bridge around 15 minutes later and the victim attempted to speak to him, but 'he did not acknowledge her'.

Speaking earlier this week, sergeant Mat Knowles said: 'After he pushed her he ran across the bridge and 15 minutes later came back.

'By this time the members of the public who had helped the woman were gone and she tried to talk to him as he ran past her but he just ignored her.

A senior source from the bus company Go Ahead London said it was only down to the slow speed of the vehicle that the accident did not result in serious injury.

Yesterday morning on the bridge Putney locals on their way to work slammed the assault as 'despicable'.

Bellquist, pictured here giving his opinions on The Finance Forum on Youtube, is aged 41, and a partner at Mayfair based private equity firm Hutton Collins

Prior to Hutton Collins, Mr Bellquist worked in the European Leveraged Finance and Sponsor Coverage group at Lehman Brothers

Colin Stepney, a builder working on another house on the road, where homes fetch more than 4.4million, said: Four officers bought him out in handcuffs.

He looked like he had just got out of bed, a bit scruffy I suppose. He was wearing a white T-shirt.

He wasnt saying anything  he didnt look upset or angry. He just quietly walked with them to the van.

One woman, who refused to be named, said: 'I saw the video last night and I just couldn't believe it, the joggers round here can be a real menace.

'It is despicable. That poor woman, thank god she is okay.'

Another resident, a man in his late 20s, said:''I was watching the video last night and I couldn't believe how close she came to being under that bus.

'Some of the joggers around here can be really rude, but you would never expect that.'

Another commuter said: 'This driver is a hero it could have so easily ended differently.'
Smugglers have thrown some 280 migrants into the sea off the coast of Yemen in the last two days, causing at least 56 to drown and leaving over 30 missing, the UN migration agency said Thursday.

Survivors - all Ethiopian and Somali migrants - managed to make their way to Shabwa, a southern province along Yemen's Arabian Sea coastline, the International Organization for Migration said.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the migrants who were forced from boats in two separate 'deeply troubling' incidents were hoping to reach countries in the Gulf via war-torn Yemen.

The war in Yemen has left over 8,300 people dead and displaced millions since 2015, but the impoverished country continues to draw migrants from the Horn of Africa seeking work in prosperous Gulf countries further north.

At least 56 people have drowned over the past 24 hours, and dozens remain missing, after human traffickers forced 300 African migrants off two Yemen-bound boats and into the sea. Pictured above, IOM staff assist Somali and Ethiopian migrants, who were reportedly forced into the sea

The UN said 160 Ethiopian migrants were violently forced into the Arabian Sea on Thursday.

The IOM said in a statement late Thursday that its staff found six bodies on the beach - two male and four female - and 13 people are still missing.

It said 84 migrants left the beach before IOM staff arrived while it provided emergency medical assistance as well as food and water to 57 surviving migrants.

The majority of the migrants appeared to be teenagers and young adults.

On Wednesday, traffickers also forced more than 120 Somali and Ethiopian migrants into the rough seas off Yemen to avoid arrest by local authorities, leaving at least 50 dead and 22 missing, IOM reported.

IOM teams, working with the International Committee of the Red Cross, found the bodies of 29 migrants in shallow graves along the coast of Shabwa, currently under the control of Yemeni troops backed by the United States.

They had been buried by survivors.

'The smugglers deliberately pushed the migrants into the waters since they feared that they would be arrested by the authorities once they reach the shore', an IOM emergency officer in Aden, where the Yemeni government is based, told AFP.

Laurent de Boeck, IOM's Yemen mission head, said the boat's crew immediately returned to Somalia on Wednesday to pick up more migrants headed to Yemen on the same route.

He described the forced drownings as 'shocking and inhumane'.

'The suffering of migrants on this migration route is enormous. Too many young people pay smugglers with the false hope of a better future,' he said.

'The survivors told our colleagues on the beach that the smuggler pushed them to the sea when he saw some 'authority types' near the coast,' de Boeck said earlier. 'They also told us that the smuggler has already returned to Somalia to continue his business and pick up more migrants to bring to Yemen on the same route.'

Laurent de Boeck, IOM's Yemen mission head said 'too many young people' are paying smugglers in hopes of a 'better future'

De Boeck called the suffering of migrants on the route enormous, especially during the current windy season on the Indian Ocean.

'Too many young people pay smugglers with the false hope of a better future,' he said.

The IOM says about 55,000 migrants have left Horn of Africa nations for Yemen since January, most from Somalia and Ethiopia fleeing drought and unrest at home.

Many leave from points in Djibouti, with some departing from Somalia. A third of them are estimated to be women.

'Some are coming for the third time. They didn't succeed, they went back home, but the parents didn't agree with the fact that they didn't succeed so they send them back. And they have no choice,' de Boeck told the AP. 'They are between 12 and 25 years old.'

Migrants travelling from Djibouti pay about $150, while migrants travelling from northern Somalia pay between $200 and $250 because the route to Yemen is longer.

De Boeck expressed regret that the European Union is more focused on Mediterranean routes where smugglers have also cast migrants trying to reach Europe adrift.

'They have forgotten us a little bit,' de Boeck said.

Dujarric, meanwhile, said the situation for migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara desert are 'just as heartbreaking' as the tragedy unfolding off Yemen.

He said 2,405 people have died or disappeared during their attempts to cross the Mediterranean and more than 265 people have died or were missing while traveling across the Sahara trying to reach the sea.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres 'is heartbroken by this continuing tragedy,' Dujarric said.

'This is why he continues to stress that the international community must give priority to preventing and resolving a variety of situations which both generate mass movement and expose those already on the move to significant danger,' the U.N. spokesman said.

More than 2,000 people have died or disappeared during their attempts to cross the Mediterranean and more than 265 people have died or were missing while traveling across the Sahara trying to reach the sea (file photo)

'We must also increase legal pathways for regular migration and offer credible alternative to these dangerous crossings for people in need of international protection,' Dujarric said.

Long the Arab world's most impoverished country, Yemen has all but collapsed in what the United Nations has called the 'largest humanitarian crisis in the world'.

Years of fighting between the Saudi-backed government and Shiite Huthi rebels allied with Iran have been compounded by a cholera outbreak that has killed almost 2,000 people and the looming threat of famine.

The IOM estimates some 55,000 migrants have however left the Horn of Africa for Yemen since the start of 2017, more than half of them under the age of 18.

The journey is particularly dangerous at this time of year due to high winds in the Indian Ocean.

Despite the war, smugglers - who are highly active in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden - have continued to offer passage through Yemen, which shares a land border with Saudi Arabia.

In March, a helicopter opened fire on the vessel carrying over 140 Somali passengers in the Red Sea off the Yemen coast, killing 42 civilians and wounding another 34.

A confidential UN report, seen by AFP in June, said the attack constituted a violation of international humanitarian law and was most likely carried out by a Saudi-led military coalition backing Yemen's UN-recognised government.

The coalition has denied that its forces were operating in the area when the vessel carrying Somali refugees came under attack.
Shocking CCTV footage shows the moment a woman is slammed to the ground as a moped gang tries to rob her gold necklace in front of other motorists.

The 52-year-old woman was standing outside a Hindu temple in Lewisham, south London when she was attacked by a man wearing a crash helmet.

He grabs her 600 gold necklace and tries to violently pull it from her neck, but she puts up a fight.

As the pair struggle, two other gang members act as lookouts, before the woman is finally flung to the ground and the attacker jumps on the back of one of the waiting mopeds.

The 52-year-old woman was standing outside a Hindu temple in Lewisham when she was approached by a man wearing a crash helmet

The attacker grabs her 600 gold necklace and tries to violently pull it from her neck, but she puts up a fight

Metropolitan Police are now appealing for information following the attack at about 4.40pm on June 20, in Clarenden Rise, Lewisham.

Detective Constable Alexander Hamilton, from Lewisham CID, said: 'We are urgently seeking any information regarding this nasty crime, which has left the victim shaken from her ordeal.

'Please come forward if you know anything, witnessed anything, or you know who the men in the CCTV images are.'

The first suspect was described as wearing a black crash helmet, white shirt, a dark blue jacket with grey trousers and black shoes.

The second was wearing a black crash helmet, blue shoes and a grey tracksuit with white stripes.

Meanwhile, the third suspect was also wearing a black crash helmet, a grey hooded top, dark trousers and white trainers.

Anyone with information can call Lewisham CID via 101. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
Amazon paid just 15 million in tax on European sales of 19.5 billion last year.

The figure was based on pre-tax profits of 53.5m that were declared by the American giant through its Luxembourg headquarters.

The digital retailer uses a separate entity in the small state - Amazon Europe - to aggregate sales from across the entire continent.

It comes as the company saw its UK corporation tax bill halve from 15.8m in 2015 to 7.4m last year - despite seeing a 54 per cent turnover increase from 946m to 1.45bn - while also receiving a 1.3m tax credit from the Government.

Pictured: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who was briefly named the world's richest man in July when his net worth surpassed 69bn

Amazon saw its UK corporation tax bill halve from 15.8m in 2015 to 7.4m last year - despite seeing a 54 per cent turnover increase from 946m to 1.45bn - while also receiving a 1.3m tax credit. Pictured: An Amazon warehouse

Pre-tax profits in the UK, however, fell from 48.5m to 24.2m.

The news prompted Liberal Democrats leader Sir Vince Cable to accuse companies like Amazon of 'taking the Government for a ride'.

Amazon's tight margins lead to its small tax bills, but because its revenues in the UK go through the Luxembourg headquarters they are reported as a charge for delivering goods.

American documents show the revenue the company brought in from the UK last year was actually 7.3bn.

Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable accused the firm of manipulating the system to avoid paying tax

A spokesman from the company told The Guardian that it 'pays all the taxes that are required by every country where we operate'.

He added: 'We operate a pan-European business from our headquarters in Luxembourg where we have over 1,500 employees and growing, including our senior leadership team.

'We've invested over 20bn in Europe since 2010, and expect to hire 15,000 new employees this year, bringing our total permanent European workforce to over 65,000 people.'

It employs 24,000 people in Britain, with its Amazon UK staff receiving 95m in payouts from a share scheme as the parent firm's value tops 385 billion.

The founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, was named the world's richest person for a single day last month - with a net worth surpassing 69bn - but was pushed back into second place by Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

His surge in wealth was based on share prices in Amazon rising to over $950.

Ana Arendar, head of inequality at the charity Oxfam, said 'widespread corporate tax avoidance' was costing countries billions that could provide 'lifesaving healthcare' and education.
This is the dramatic moment a sleepy Hippopotamus reversed the rules of nature by viciously attacking a lioness.

The clip taken by tourists on the Maasai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya, along the Tanzanian border, starts with the large lioness traversing the overgrown savannah in search for food.

After around a minute of scouring the vast open plains it stumbles across the sleeping hippo and then approaches stealthily, thinking it had found a large snack.

Wrong: The lioness goes to pounce on the Hippopotamus in the Maasai Mara National Reserve

Attack: The hippo shoots up to chase off the fleeing cat

Grab: In a shock move the hippo engulfs the lioness' head in its mouth and slings it to the ground

However, the feline came up to the rear of the hippo, perhaps erroneously, and instead of sinking its teeth into its neck the lioness sniffs its behind confused.

At this point the grunting hippo shoots up and runs at the now fleeing lioness.

But the big cat underestimates the herbivore's speed.

The hippo catches up and traps the lioness' head in its huge mouth and throws it to the floor leaving a trail of dust in its wake.

The pair run off in separate directions and the clip, uploaded by the Maasai mara Sightings YouTube channel, ends.

Since being added to the video sharing website in June the short clip has amassed close to 1.5 million views.

Destroy: The lioness is slung to the ground by hippo

Start: After around a minute of scouring the vast open plains it stumbles across the sleeping hippo

Most viewers were surprised that lioness didn't run off at speed when the hippo woke and starting chasing the cat.

One person wrote: 'Why was the lion just jogging as though the hippopotamus was just going to sniff.'

Another added: 'It looks like the lioness underestimated the speed of a hippo?'
Jonathan Evans, the former head of the MI5, said the terror threat facing Britain is a 'generational problem'

Britain's former top spy has warned that Islamist jihadis could continue to try to bring bloodshed and terror to the UK's streets for another 30 years.

Jonathan Evans, the former head of MI5, said the threat is a 'generational problem' which will take decades to root out.

He said the 2005 London bombings inspired a wave of terror plots and he thinks the Westminster Bridge attack carried out earlier this year will have a similar impact.

And he said he would be surprised if the Russians had not tried to hack the UK's General Election this summer as he warned of the country's resurgent power.

Britain was hit by four terror attacks in just three months this year - killing dozens and injuring many more.

Lord Hill, who retired form the service in 2013, told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme this morning, said: 'We're at least 20 years into this, my guess is that we will still be dealing with the long tail in another 20 years time - I think this is genuinely a generational problem.

'I think that we are going to be facing 20 or 30 years of terrorist threats and therefore we need absolutely critically to persevere.'

He said the July 7 bombings in 2005 triggered an 'energising effect on the extremist networks in the UK', and thought there would be a similar feeling following the Westminster Bridge attack earlier this year.

He said: 'We did see a huge upsurge in threat intelligence after 7 July.

'And I suspect that there's the same sort of feeling in the period after the Westminster Bridge attack - that a lot of people who thought "I'd like to do this" suddenly decided "yep, if they can do it, then I can do it".'

Khalid Massood killed five people and injured dozens when he rammed his car into pedestrians in Westminster before leaping out and knifing to death PC Keith Palmer who was guarding Parliament.

Following the atrocity terrorist bombed detonated a bomb killing many teens at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester and attacked innocent people in London Bridge and Finsbury Park.

Lord Evans said he did not think security services were 'losing the race' despite the spate of terrorist attacks in Britain this year.

But he warned that encryption services like WhatsApp were making it harder for security services to get access to potentially crucial information.

An officer wipes away a tear at the funeral of PC Keith Palmer, one of the people killed in the Westminster Bridge attack. Lord Evans said he believes the attack will have inspired other terrorists to carry out similar atrocities on Britain

Mourners gather in Manchester in May to remember the victims of the Ariana Grande attack. Some 22 people were killed and 250 were injured in the bombing

He said: 'I don't think we are losing the race, I think that it is a race and we have to keep moving forward rapidly unless we are going to slip back.

'There will be some capabilities that do get eroded and I think the widespread use of encryption has reduced the ability of the agencies and the police to access the content of materials.'

However, he said he did not believe in weakening encryption because 'there is a parallel issue which is cyber security more broadly'.

He said: 'I think the way in which cyberspace is being used by criminals and by governments is a potential threat to the UK's interests more widely and it's very important that we should be seen and be a country in which people can operate securely - I think that's very important for our commercial interests as well as for our national security interests.'

And he also said he was 'rather surprised' that terrorists had not used a dirty bomb in an attack on the UK.

The former top spy also said he would be surprised if Russia's President Putin - pictured in the Kremlin in April - had not tried to hack the UK's election

'It seems such a clear opportunity. The fact that we haven't seen that is, of course, very, very good news.

'We have seen the use of chemical weapons in Iraq and Syria and in principle there is the risk that those could also be used in the West and in the UK, and I absolutely feel that we should be alert to that.

'There have been a number of measures taken, of course, to try to limit our vulnerability to radioactive devices and so on in the UK but there is still a vulnerability and it could happen.'

Lord Evans also told the programme he would be 'surprised' if Russia had not attempted to interfere with British democracy, following repeated allegations of Russian interference in foreign elections.

He said: 'It would be extremely surprising if the Russians were interested in interfering in America and in France and in various other European countries but were not interested in interfering with the UK, because traditionally I think we have been seen as quite hawkish.

'And therefore I would be surprised if there had not been attempts to interfere with the election.'
US Defense Secretary James Mattis has said war with North Korea would be 'catastrophic' as tensions with the reclusive nation reach breaking point.

But asked whether the United States was ready if North Korea did commit a hostile act, he responded: 'We are ready.'

President Donald Trump again stepped up the rhetoric against North Korea on Thursday, saying an earlier threat to unleash 'fire and fury' on Pyongyang if it launched an attack was not tough enough.

But Mattis has urged a more peaceful resolution, saying: 'The American effort is diplomatically led, it has diplomatic traction, it is gaining diplomatic results and I want to stay right there right now.

US Defense Secretary James Mattis has said war with North Korea would be 'catastrophic'

But asked whether the United States was ready if North Korea did commit a hostile act, he responded: 'We are ready.'

'The tragedy of war is well-enough known it doesn't need another characterization beyond the fact that it would be catastrophic.'

Meanwhile North Korea's state-run KCNA news agency said its army would complete plans in mid-August to fire four intermediate-range missiles over Japan to land near Guam.

Trump said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was not going to get away with his 'horrific' comments and disrespecting America.

'Let's see what he does with Guam. He does something in Guam, it will be an event the likes of which nobody's seen before, what will happen in North Korea,' Trump told reporters in New Jersey, without offering specifics.

Tension in the region has risen since the reclusive North, which staged two nuclear bomb tests last year and launched two intercontinental ballistic missile tests in July in defiance of world powers.

Trump has said he would not allow Pyongyang to develop a nuclear weapon capable of hitting the United States.

Malcolm Turnbull, the prime minister of U.S. ally Australia, said he had discussed North Korea and recent United Nations sanctions imposed on Pyongyang with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence in a telephone call on Thursday.

'His view and the view of the administration is that the way to resolve the situation with North Korea ... is through these economic sanctions. That's the preferred way to deal with it,' Turnbull said in a radio interview.

President Donald Trump again stepped up the rhetoric against North Korea on Thursday, saying an earlier threat to unleash 'fire and fury' on Pyongyang if it launched an attack was not tough enough

'But of course if North Korea decides to carry out some of its violent threats, then obviously terrible consequences will follow, and there's no point ducking that inevitable consequence,' he said, promising Australian military support for the United States if it was attacked.

China has urged the United States and North Korea on Friday to be 'cautious' with their words and actions after the two sides stepped up their bellicose rhetoric over Pyongyang's weapons programme.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang called on both sides to avoid 'going down the old path of alternately showing strength and continuously escalating the situation'.

'The current situation on the Korean Peninsula is highly complicated and sensitive. We call on the relevant parties to be cautious with their words and actions, and contribute more toward easing tensions and enhancing mutual trust,' Geng said in a statement.

On Thursday, U.S. and Japanese troops began an 18-day live fire exercise on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, which was to include rocket artillery drills and involve 3,500 troops.

The Northern Viper drills are one of the scheduled exercises that Japan's Self Defence Forces conducts regularly with their U.S. counterparts and are not a response to the latest tensions.

South Korean and U.S. troops are also gearing up for an annual joint drill from Aug. 21, called the Ulchi Freedom Guardian, in which up to 30,000 U.S. troops will take part.

Trump said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was not going to get away with his 'horrific' comments and disrespecting America

South Korea's national security adviser Chung Eui-yong and his U.S. counterpart H.R. McMaster spoke on the phone for 40 minutes early on Friday, a spokesman for the presidential Blue House in Seoul said.

The two discussed responses to North Korean provocations and the security situation on the Korean peninsula, he said.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in is expected to deliver a speech next week to mark Liberation Day, when the Korean peninsula secured freedom from the rule of Japan. Moon is likely to highlight his policy on North Korea on the holiday, the only one the two Koreas share.

The United States and South Korea remain technically still at war with North Korea after the 1950-53 Korean conflict ended with a truce, not a peace treaty.
Dramatic bodycam footage shows a police officer leaping off a freeway ramp to avoid being hit by a suspected drunk driver in Houston.

Officer Roshad Carter can be heard screaming in agony after falling 15ft to the ground below following the near miss.

He and another officer were attending a crash on the freeway last month when a woman named Bianca Bennett came speeding towards him.

Dramatic bodycam footage shows a police officer leaping off a freeway ramp to avoid being hit by a suspected drunk driver in Houston

Bennett and another officer were attending a crash on the freeway last month when a woman named Bianca Bennett (left) came speeding towards him

Both men jumped off the freeway, KHOU reported. Carter, who is recovering at home, is in a back brace for his back while his partner suffered only minor injuries.

Fireman Wesley Pleasant told of the moment he saw the men narrowly avoiding a potentially fatal crash.

'I saw a car driving around the engine I guess trying to exit the freeway but it wasn't slowing down, so I just yelled out, 'Watch out",' he told Click 2 Houston.

He added: 'I guess it was enough time for everybody to react and get out of the way.'

Houston Police Department released the video of the incident on Thursday.

Carter, who is recovering at home, is in a back brace for his back while his partner suffered only minor injuries

Sergeant Fendia said it was a 'miracle' that Carter survived, adding: 'If you look where they landed was in the grass.

'If he'd been five feet more towards the exit ramp, he would've hit the cement and it would've been a much different story.'

The 25-year-old Bennett was charged with intoxication assault.
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Jeremy McConnell has received a hero's welcome in his native Ireland after being spared jail over a brutal attack on his former girlfriend Stephanie Davis.

The 27-year-old reality TV star was released from the dock after being handed a 20-week sentence, suspended for 12 months.

In a video posted on Instagram, McConnell was met with cheers from crowds of supporters as he walked into Dublin Airport.

It comes after Davis revealed she is 'heartbroken' at the lack of remorse shown by her former boyfriend.

A source told MailOnline Davis felt let down by McConnell's attitude but was determined to move on, saying: 'Steph is really pleased with the outcome today.

'This case has put her through hell and back but she's really pleased with the result. Steph now has to come to terms with continuing as a single Mum bringing up her son.

'To say she is disappointed with Jeremy and his attitude is an understatement. To see that he showed no remorse was heartbreaking to her.'

In a video posted on Instagram, McConnell was met with cheers from crowds of supporters in Dublin Airport. They proclaimed his innocence despite the guilty verdict

Fans took photographs are the former Celebrity Big Brother contestant as it walked out of Liverpool Magistrates Court today

McConnell left Liverpool Magistrates for the city's airport, where he flew back to Ireland to a hero's welcome at Dublin Airport

Davis (pictured, left, yesterday) posted a picture of her apparently bruised legs (right) in the days after the March attack

Davis, who put on a brave face as she attended a bad-tempered magistrates court trial earlier this week (pictured), stayed away today to look after her son. She announced earlier this week that she had lost a second child to a miscarriage

In an earlier victim impact statement, read to the court, Davis said, 'I feel like I'm drowning... I just want this nightmare to be over'.

The judge said he had shown no remorse for the attack, or the impact it must have had on the couple's young baby, but she refused to impose an immediate jail term after hearing McConnell had no previous convictions.

She did however impose a restraining order on McConnell, preventing him from contacting Davis for three years and meaning he will have to make special arrangements to see his son.

Following a bad-tempered magistrates court trial earlier this week, McConnell was found guilty of attacking the former Hollyoaks star at her home in Rainhill, Merseyside in March this week.

Davis told the court that McConnell 'threw her around like a ragdoll' as she thought 'this is it; he's going to kill me.'

Davis, 24, did not attend court. Her spokesman said: 'Stephanie won't be attending court again today as she will be busy with Caben. As a single mother her priority has to be the continued focus on her son.'

In an official statement released after the trail, a spokesman for Davis hit out at McConnell's lack of remorse for the assault.

The statement read: 'We fully back the Judges comments on Jeremy not showing any remorse throughout this trial and find this incredibly disappointing given the severity of the situation.

'Stephanie has been in conversations this week with domestic violence and abuse charities about projects to raise awareness and collaborate together moving forward  she wishes to work to stop other women going through what she has.'

DAVIS: 'I'M A NERVOUS WRECK' In a victim impact statement read to the court, Miss Davis, who was not present, said: 'This incident has made me feel a nervous wreck. 'Every time I hear a loud noise I panic. I have to take anti-depressants. 'I feel like I'm drowning. I feel helpless like the whole world is against me and I feel alone and this has affected how I live my life. 'I feel numb inside and just want this nightmare to be over.' Advertisement

McConnell was ordered to pay 1,000 in court costs, 1,000 in compensation to Miss Davis and a victims surchage of 115.

McConnell's lawyer James Morris told the court the Dubliner's tough upbringing and a series of personal family tragedies had left him with 'demons'.

Mr Morris said: 'It's extremely sad when relationships break down. It's fair to say this was a volatile relationship where accusations of infidelity reared their ugly heads on a regular basis.

'Mr McConnell had a difficult upbringing in Dublin. His mother, he lost his mother at the age of 15, and in the same year, a brother and sister. His father was left as a single parent who had to bring up family on his own. There is bereavement issues that Mr McConnell has not dealt with.

'Mr McConnell sadly lost his father this year and attended his father's funeral with Miss Davis, three days prior to this incident and was in a very low frame of mind in the days leading up to this incident.

'Mr McConnell clearly has had a number of demons in his past that needs to be addressed.'

Mr Morris said the defendant had attended Smarmore Castle, a private rehab clinic in Ireland, to be treated for 'chemical dependency' and he was now free of cocaine use.

At the previous court hearing, Davis said McConnell suspected her of a lesbian affair and a fling with a fireman as he attacked her at a property in Rainhill, Merseyside, on March 10.

McConnell first met his former partner after they appeared together on Celebrity Big Brother

The couple, pictured last year, met on a reality TV show before the relationship went sour

The pair are pictured cuddling up on the Celebrity Big Brother sofa after they met in 2016

She described the assault 'like something out of a horror movie', adding that McConnell threatened to smash a bottle over his head.

The prosecution said the assault took place as Ms Davis held their eight-week old son Caben-Albi in her arms, a claim that was denied by McConnell.

The former Hollyoaks actress said: 'He's completely destroyed my life, it's been the worst 18 months of my life.'

She also told the court: 'He threatened to throw acid in my face.'

The city's magistrates' court heard they had been out for a meal with friends in Liverpool to celebrate Miss Davis's birthday on March 9 but when they returned home McConnell had left to go to the pub with two of the friends.

Miss Davis said when he got back to the house at about midnight he was 'out of it' and had been taking cocaine.

Family: Stephanie shares eight-month old Caben-Albi with ex-boyfriend Jeremy McConnell. She was pregnant with his second child but has devastatingly suffered a miscarriage

Concern: Stephanie (pictured, left, on Monday and, right, following a separate previous spat with McConnell) has recently suffered the horrific loss of her second child with her CBB co-star, with whom she has suffered a toxic on-off romance

JUDGE: 'You lost control'... taking alcohol and cocaine is not an excuse Sentencing, Judge Lloyd said: 'I am unable to give you any credit for a guilty plea [for damages]. You ran that matter [the assault] to trial. 'It was a prolonged and serious attack and she had a number of injuries. 'I understand the emotional impact there has been upon you but you had taken alcohol and cocaine and I have no doubt that affected your behaviour. 'You have to take responsibility for it. If you had just left her property none of this would have happened. You lost control. 'Fortunately, the arrival of her mother brought the assault to an end. 'I'm told you have suffered a number of bereavements in your life but I do not accept that the statements put forward should make me deal with this any differently. 'You are not to have contact with Miss Davis in any way at all.' McConnell, who was also ordered to complete 15 days of rehabilitation, lost his brother and sister in the same year he lost his mum. Speaking on the support McConnell is due to receive from the relationship building programme, Jude Lloyd said: 'What I have heard suggests you are a young man who has a great need of it.' Advertisement

The court was shown photos of a bruise she said was caused by McConnell biting her arm, as well as extensive bruises to her legs and body.

Miss Davis said McConnell began kicking the doors in an attempt to get in.

She said: 'I heard him go over the gate, it was literally like a horror film. I just thought, 'this is it, he's going to kill me'.'

Miss Davis said she let him in after fearing he would smash the glass patio doors and was thrown on to the bed, punched on the side of the head and then pushed against the wall twice as she held their eight-week-old son Caben-Albi.

McConnell had accused her of having affairs with her pregnant friend and with a fireman who lived nearby, the court was told.

McConnell told the court he was defending himself against Miss Davis, who he said attacked him after learning he had taken cocaine.

He claimed injuries shown in photos were 'self-inflicted' and that Miss Davis was aggrieved that he had ended their relationship six weeks ago.

The pair are pictured entering the Celebrity Big Brother house last year. They have had tempestuous relationship ever since

Stephanie Made her name playing Sinead o'Conner in long-running Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks from 2010 until 2015

McConnell, of Swords, Dublin, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to criminal damage of Miss Davis's property.

Following his assault conviction he was bailed on condition he did not contact Miss Davis and was told by District Judge Wendy Lloyd that a custodial sentence was a possibility.

On Thursday, Miss Davis revealed on Instagram that she had suffered a miscarriage.
The son of Kings Cross nightclub giant John Ibrahim has been released from custody after three nights behind bars, with his $630,000 bail surety paid in full on Friday.

Daniel Ibrahim was one of 18 people arrested this week as part of a sting on the multi million dollar drug syndicate alleged to be operating across Australia, Dubai and the Netherlands.

The 26-year-old was arrested in Sydney for allegedly handing over a suitcase holding $2.25m to buy illegal tobacco as part of a deal masterminded by his uncle Michael.

As Daniel walked free, it was revealed his uncles Michael and Fadi who were arrested as part of the sting would have their extradition back to Australia fast-tracked, with the pair likely to be home as soon as Monday, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Daniel Ibrahim (pictured) has been released on bail after a AUD$630,000 surety was paid in full on Friday afternoon

The 26-year-old was arrested in Sydney for allegedly handing over suitcase holding $2.25m to buy illegal tobacco as part of a deal masterminded by his uncle Michael

Michael (left) and Fadi Ibrahim (right), who were arrested as part of the sting will have their extradition back to Australia fast-tracked, with the pair likely to be home as soon as Monday

Both Michael and Fadi, who were arrested after stepping off a luxury yacht in Dubai on Monday, are reportedly set to return to Australia as soon as next Monday.

The two brothers are expected to be joined by Mustapha Dib, Stephen Elmir and Commanchero bikie Hakan Arif, who were all arrested alongside them.

'The Attorney General's office is keen to push through the paper work and get the Australians extradited out of Dubai,' a prosecution official said.

'It's up to the Australian authorities to deal with them, their (alleged) crimes were not committed in the UAE so these men are nothing to do with us.'

Officials from the Australian embassy in Abu Dhabi reportedly flew to meet with the men in Dubai on Friday night. The five men are split between three Dubai prisons.

The alleged deal that led to Daniel Ibrahim being arrested was reportedly set up by his uncle Michael.

Daniel, who is also known as Daniel Taylor, was granted bail on Tuesday but was not released until Friday when the entirety of his surety was finally posted.

He was charged with dealing with money intended as an instrument of crime after a raid on Sydney homes on Tuesday. It's believed the alleged deal took place in July.

Daniel, the son of Kings Cross nightclub giant John Ibrahim (right), was arrested as part of the sting on a drug syndicate alleged to be operating in Australia, Dubai and the Netherlands

The 'King of the Cross' John Ibrahim (left) with his son Daniel (right) who has been released from custody

Both Michael (left) and Fadi (right) are expected to be joined by Mustapha Dib, Stephen Elmir and Commanchero bikie Hakan Arif, who were all arrested alongside them

Daniel's lawyer Nick Hanna visited his client on Thursday, telling media outside it may take 'a few days' to raise the money to get the former army officer released.

Authorities say they prevented two tonnes of illicit drugs, including 1.8 tonnes worth of MDMA, from coming in to Australia from the Netherlands as part of the operation.

The estimated street value was up to $810 million, AFP Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan said this week, but authorities managed to pounce on the haul in time.

After working for his father at a number of bars in Kings Cross, Daniel later joined the army, serving in the Middle East. He left after three years.

'My mates joke that he joins the army to get an easier life, and that's a win for the army,' Ibrahim wrote in his recent autobiography Last King of the Cross.

About 80 kilograms of cocaine seized by police officers conducting a search warrant during a police operation as part of Operation Astatine in Rosebury, Sydney, Tuesday, August 8

Daniel Ibrahim (right), who was arrested on Tuesday, has served as an infantry soldier in the Middle East

Mr Ibrahim (pictured third from left) appeared in Central Local Court on Wednesday morning

As part of the raid's John Ibrahim's model girlfriend Sarah Budge (pictured) was also arrested

Budge is not involved in the drug-smuggling syndicate but has faced court on firearms and ammunition charges

Ibrahim began taking Daniel to the Anzac Day Dawn Service when he was a boy and believed that may have influenced his decision to join the army.

As part of the raid's John Ibrahim's model girlfriend Sarah Budge was also arrested, but received bail on Thursday.

She is not involved in the drug-smuggling syndicate but has faced court on firearms and ammunition charges.

Court documents suggested she was in possession of a Glock 26 pistol with its serial numbers removed when she was arrested at Double Bay on Tuesday.
A Russian doctor suffered the humiliation of delivering her husband's love child before he murdered his nurse mistress when she got pregnant again.

Anaesthetist Radion Nurmukhametov, 27, was jailed for murder after beating and strangling Kristina Melnik in a blood donors' room in the emergency department of the hospital where all members of the love triangle worked.

The couple's second child died in her womb because of the frenzied attack in Kizil, southern Russia.

The anaesthetist's wife Olga had forgiven him after he promised to end his relationship with the 27-year-old nurse following the birth of her love child daughter Alyonka - even though she had been the duty gynaecologist and had no alternative but to suffer humiliation and deliver the baby.

A Russian doctor suffered the humiliation of delivering her husband's love child before he murdered his nurse mistress when she got pregnant again. Radion Nurmukhametov (left) is pictured with wife Olga

The anaesthetist's wife Olga (right) had forgiven him after he promised to end his relationship with 27-year-old nurse Kristina Melnik (left) following the birth of her love child daughter Alyonka

But he secretly continued the affair even though his wife was also pregnant.

Olga gave birth to her own child by the medic six months after she had acted as midwife for her husband's lover.

The court heard that divorced Kristina became pregnant for the second time by Nurmukhametov as Olga was in hospital having her child.

Their affair was conducted mainly while both were on night duty at the hospital where Olga, also 27, worked too.

He told the judge from the accused's cage in court: 'I wanted to stay with my wife.'

His lover had been away on a medical course when she found out she was pregnant for the second time by Nurmukhametov, and delayed telling him, the court heard.

Anaesthetist Radion Nurmukhametov, 27, was jailed for murder after beating and strangling Kristina Melnik in a blood donors' room in the emergency department of the hospital (pictured) where all members of the love triangle worked

A judge exams evidence in the case - a medical cable said to have been used to strangle the victim

Radion Nurmukhametov told the judge from the accused's cage in court: 'I wanted to stay with my wife.'

The couple's second child died in her womb because of the frenzied attack at a hospital (pictured) in Kizil, southern Russia

When he found out, he demanded she had an abortion - but she refused, saying she wanted to keep the child and anyway it was too late, according to reports in Russia.

Pleading for leniency, he told the judge he was in a state of 'mental trauma' when he attacked his mistress, viciously beating her then strangling her with medical tape in February this year, before calling the police and admitting the murder.

The judge rejected his plea and jailed him for 15 years in a maximum security prison.

His wife had got to know about his relationship with the nurse from other staff and even patients.

Colleagues said she was 'hardworking and glamorous' and that the mutual attraction between her and the anaesthetist 'was there for all to see'.

At first he denied his sex sessions in the emergency department and told her: 'People here have nothing else to do but gossip.'

Kristina's mother Irina - now caring for Alyonka and an older son from her daughter's earlier marriage, said: 'Why did he take two lives?

Olga (pictured) gave birth to her own child by the medic six months after she had acted as midwife for her husband's lover

The medic's wife had got to know about his relationship with the nurse from other staff and even patients.

Later after he confessed, she posted in her social media account: 'People say love is quiet, betrayal is loud.

'It turns out that betrayal can be quiet too. The only thing that is loud is the scream of pain in your soul.'

After the birth, she allowed her husband to visit his love child and take presents, believing he had stopped the relationship.

'He visited them, bought toys, and later I found out he gave a pram and a cot.

'I didn't intervene. I know that they also went for a walk together, I allowed him.'

Kristina's mother Irina - now caring for Alyonka and an older son from her daughter's earlier marriage, said: 'Why did he take two lives?

'If he no longer wanted Kristina, just tell her to go away. But why did he kill her?

'Her son thinks that his mother is at work. I don't know how to tell him that there is no mother any more.'
Venezuela leader Nicolas Maduro has said he wants to meet with President Donald Trump and improve relations with the United States - despite his government previously attacking the 'genocidal nature' of American leaders.

The beleaguered president made the remarks in a lengthy address to the 545 members of a new, all-powerful constitutional assembly.

The Trump administration has called Maduro a 'dictator', accusing his government of violating human rights and undermining the country's democracy amid an escalating political and financial crisis.

But Maduro today said: 'Mr. Donald Trump, here is my hand.'

Pictured: Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro addressing the Constitutional Assembly in Caracas, Venezuela

The Trump administration has called Maduro a 'dictator', accusing his government of violating human rights and undermining the country's democracy amid an escalating political and financial crisis

He stressed that he wished to have as strong relations with the US as with Russia.

But just three months ago, he struck a different tone, saying: 'Enough meddling ... Go home, Donald Trump.

'Get out of Venezuela. Get your dirty hands out of here.'

The Venezuelan government also said the US was attempting to destabilise Venezuela and accused the Trump administration of crimes 'against humanity and its own people.'

Pictured: President Maduro outside the National Assembly building in Caracas. He has offered his hand to President Trump - despite previously attacking the US

'The extreme positions of a government just starting off only confirmed the discriminatory, racist, xenophobic, and genocidal nature of US elites against humanity and its own people, which has now been heightened by this new administration which asserts white Anglo-Saxon supremacy,' a government statement read.

The offer of a meeting came shortly after Maduro forcefully warned the US president that Venezuela 'will never give in.'

Yesterday, Credit Suisse bank banned the trading and use of Venezuelan bonds, citing 'recent developments and the political climate' in the country.

The bank will no longer trade, nor accept as collateral, two specific types of Venezuelan securities as well as any bonds the country issued from June 1 going forward, according to a company spokeswoman who was not authorized to give her name.

Further, any businesses who wish to do business with Venezuela and deal in any assets there will have to go through additional screening.

Venezuela has been rocked by protests over the governance of President Maduro. Pictured: A woman demonstrating in Valencia, Venezuela

Anti-government activists stand near a barricade burning in flames in Valencia on Sunday last week

Unrest: A member of the national guard fires his shotgun at the crowds during a protest against President Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, last month

Venezuela is facing mounting international criticism over a crackdown on opponents and moves to consolidate power, including the selection of the all-powerful assembly controlled by Maduro.

It is also in the midst of a severe economic downturn caused by low oil prices and poor government policies. The country's bonds are one of the few ways the current government is able to raise money to support its collapsing economy.

But as the country's political crisis has worsened, the bonds issued by the government as well as the state-owned oil company PDVSA have become a point of contention and concern for investors who increasingly worry they are supporting an oppressive regime as well as a country that is a great risk of defaulting on its debts.

Pictured: Maduro addressing the assembly today, with pictures of former leader Huge Chavez (right) and independence fighter Simon Bolivar (left) in front of him

Pictured: David Smolansky, mayor of El Hatillo district, who was ordered to be imprisoned for 15 months for not obeying orders to shut down the protests

Goldman Sachs came under political pressure earlier this year for buying a reported $2.8 billion in Venezuelan bonds on the open market at a significant discount.

National Assembly President Julio Borges, leader of the country's opposition, has sent more than a dozen letters to leading global banks warning them of the risk to their reputations and bottom line if they throw a lifeline to Maduro.

On Wednesday, a fifth opposition mayor in Venezuela was removed from his post, part of what the opposition is calling a campaign to illegally remove anti-government mayors from their elected posts.

Pictured: President Maduro

A small group of young people set up barricades of strewn metal objects in the eastern Caracas district of El Hatillo yesterday to protest the Supreme Court decision to order Mayor David Smolansky imprisoned for 15 months for not obeying orders to shut down the protests.

We can't allow 'the dictatorship to hunt down, imprison and treat our mayors like criminals,' said Andres Paez, a lawyer who joined the protest.

Smolansky issued a video from an undisclosed location in which he called on residents of the El Hatillo to take to the streets to uphold their right to representation against what he called the government's 'political firing squad.'

'My commitment to restoring freedom in Venezuela remains intact,' Smolansky said.

His arrest was ordered by the government-stacked Supreme Court less than 48 hours after it levied a similar sentence against Ramon Muchacho, another Caracas-area mayor.

Opposition leaders decried both rulings. According to their figures, about a third of the nation's opposition mayors have been removed from office or jailed or are under threat of arrest.

Gerardo Blyde, an opposition mayor of Baruta, a city of more than 350,000 near the capital, equated it to a sort of 'Russian roulette.'

'This is a continued coup against municipal public authority,' he said.
RAF planes could be sent on a mission over North Korea to help the US hunt for nuclear weapons sites, it has been claimed.

The Americans want Britain to deploy its specialist spy planes to help find Kim Jong-un's military bases as they prepare for a possible war with the rogue state.

The revelation comes after British MPs said the UK could join a war against North Korea if it launches a strike against the US.

As tensions escalate, US officials are keen to get as much intelligence as possible before any possible strike to minimise casualties if war is declared.

There are fears a nuclear war between the two powers could kill millions.

One Britain's three RC-135W Rivet Joint spy planes (pictured) could be deployed to help the US spy on target in North Korea. According to reports, the plane could be deployed to a base in Japan within a fortnight if British MPs agree

There are mounting fears that Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump could take their two countries to war. North Korea has announced it is finalising a plan to fire four missiles at the US territory of Guam, while Mr Trump said he will unleash 'fire and fury' in North Korea attacks American soil

If MPs back the request, one of Britain's three Rivet Joint spy planes could fly to a base in Japan within a fortnight.

A source told the Daily Mirror: 'Although a conflict between North Korea and America and their allies is unthinkable, everything that can be done is being done to prepare for that if it happens.

'Western war planners are keen to minimise the death toll and that means a massive stepping-up of intelligence gathering against North Korea.'

The source added: 'NATO needs to stand behind the US as this situation could impact everyone.'

The 800million spy plane would be able to pick up military communications in North Korea.

It is understood that the RAF crew would be joined by US personnel who speak the language and would be able to pick up on key information.

Meanwhile, Britain has put its own intelligence agencies on high alert with MI6 and the listening station GCHQ gathering information to glean information about how other countries are preparing to take on Kim Jong-un.

Pyongyang has carried out a series of intercontinental missile tests - including this one on July 29. The rogue state has ramped up its military testing in recent months

The move comes after MPs told the Mail Online that Britain could launch military strikes if North Korea launches an attack on our close ally.

Jack Lopresti said Britain would be under an obligation to step in and defend its Nato ally by force if necessary if Kim Jong-un follows through on his threat to launch a missile strike.

And fellow Tory MP Dr Julian Lewis, chairman-elect of the defence select committee, warned that an attack would be seen as a modern-day Pearl Harbor and would trigger a ferocious response by the Americans.

Mr Lopresti, told the Mail Online on Wednesday: 'I think the US President is absolutely right in being robust in his response to provide a deterrent.

The US and the UK have a very special relationship, and we are also Nato members.

Were he to attack them  as we saw with 9/11  Article 5 would be evoked which deems an attack on one an attack on all.

'There would be an obligation to do anything we can to support any further action.'
Australia's most wanted man is a 'master of disguise' but that hasn't prevented him being spotted in NSW after seven years on the run.

Graham Gene Potter, 59, has reportedly been seen at the regional city of Griffith, with police warning the public not to approach the dangerous killer.

He is wanted most recently for his alleged links to a murder plot involving Victorian underworld figures.

Criminal Graham Gene Potter (pictured recently) was spotted in NSW after seven years on run

Named Australia's most wanted man (pictured) is wanted most recently for his alleged links to a murder plot involving Victorian underworld figures

Potter, 59, (pictured) was reportedly seen at regional city of Griffith, with police warning the public not to approach the dangerous killer

The convicted murderer has evaded police for years and has an extensive criminal history, Victoria Police acting assistant crime commissioner Paul De Santo said on Thursday.

'It's the disguises, it's his criminal entity network and it's his ability to blend into the community,' the acting assistant commissioner said of the crook's ability to avoid apprehension.

'He is a master of disguise so he may have added weight, he may have added a beard, he may have taken off a beard.'

Potter is Australia's 'number one' fugitive, the senior officer added.

'This man is dangerous ... he has a significant criminal history.

'He has significant organised criminal connections, he has priors for murder he is wanted in connection to (trafficking a) large commercial quantity of drugs.'

Potter was jailed after he murdered and decapitated a woman on his bucks night in 1981

Potter has a significant criminal history including murder and alleged planned murders of men

Potter was jailed after he murdered and decapitated a woman on his bucks night in 1981.

He is one of three charged over the alleged planned murders of two men, including an associate of underworld figure Mick Gatto, related to disputes within a drug syndicate.

Potter is also wanted on federal drug charges for a record 4.4-tonne ecstasy haul, which involved 15 million tablets being smuggled in tinned tomatoes in 2008.

Potter is also wanted on federal drug charges for a record 4.4-tonne ecstasy haul, which involved 15 million tablets being smuggled in tinned tomatoes in 2008

Police urge people to call Crime Stoppers if they see Potter but to not approach the criminal

Convicted drug trafficker Frank Madafferi was found guilty of trafficking a commercial quantity of drugs in relation to the ecstasy bust.

His brother Tony Madafferi, who has been accused in court of being a high-ranking member of Melbourne's mafia, was this week revealed to have dined with Victoria opposition leader Matthew Guy.

Victoria Police was told in 2016 Potter was living in the Griffith area.

The latest sighting came through Crime Stoppers and police are urging the caller to again make contact.

Potter has most recently been described as caucasian, 175cm tall, of medium to strong build, with a fair complexion, brown eyes, brown greying hair and a ginger beard.

He is known to wear gold sleeper earrings in both ears, glasses and a gold neck chain.

There is a $100,000 reward offered for information leading to his capture.

Police have warned anyone who sees Potter not to approach him but to call Triple Zero immediately.
John Potter (pictured) was smuggled into France by submarine in 1942, taking on the identity of a dead Frenchman

The heroics of a Second World War spy who went undercover in Nazi-controlled Europe have finally emerged following his death at the age of 93.

As a teenager, John Potter was smuggled into France by submarine in 1942, taking on the identity of a dead Frenchman to set up resistance groups.

Mr Potter, who kept his spy career secret from his family for 50 years, was regularly flown back to Britain to meet with Winston Churchill.

The Prime Minister would then give him a glass of brandy before sending him back to Saint-Flour in France, where his mission was to protect several villages.

Following the war, he witnessed the horrific scenes of the Dachau concentration camp, near Munich in Germany.

He also assisted during the Nuremberg Trials, becoming a confidant for chemists responsible for the production of lethal gas.

His wife, Mildred, said her husband had to keep horrifying experiences secret for 50 years before he was finally able to tell her about it.

Mrs Potter, 79, of Worthing, West Sussex, said: 'I met John in Vienna, Austria, in 1973 and we got married three years later.

'I said to him one day that, because of his age, he must have been involved in the war in some way.

John Potter and his wife, Mildred, in Paris during 1972. The spy was regularly flown back to Britain during the war to meet with Winston Churchill

Mr Potter's wife Mildred (pictured) said her husband had to keep horrifying experiences secret for 50 years before he was finally able to tell her about it

'He told me he was and that he was part of the army, but that he couldn't tell me anymore than that at the moment because he had signed the Official Secrets Act.

'He said to me that one day he would be able to tell me all about his experiences.

'I forgot about it over time, but then we were on holiday in Spain when he said to me one day that the 50 years was now up.

'Initially I wasn't sure what he meant, but then I realised he meant he was able to talk about what he had done in the war.

'He told me he had been unable to join up with the army properly because he had a club foot when he was younger.

'John had been privately educated and wanted to defer any military service so he could continue studying maths and chemistry at London University.

'He was asked to attend a meeting one day, during which he told about his desire to defer but when he got there he was asked to sign part of the Official Secrets Act.

'He was then asked if he would go to France and replace a teenager who had been killed and report back to Britain on what was happening.

Following the war, Mr Potter witnessed the horrific scenes of the Dachau concentration camp, near Munich in Germany. He wouldn't tell his wife about his war stories for half a century

'He was just 18 when he was asked to do this and couldn't tell anyone about it, not even his family.'

Mr Potter was dispatched to France on a submarine, before being smuggled to Saint-Flour by the French Resistance, where he assumed his place in his new family.

When Churchill decided the reports he was receiving from France were not good enough, he brought Mr Potter into a select group of informants, whom he would meet with personally.

Mrs Potter said: 'John said Mr Churchill was a real presence - he could really get things done.

'John needed ammunition dropped in to his village, not just for them but for others nearby as well, and no one was sorting it. When he told Winston about it, he was able to sort it within days.

When the war ended, Mr Potter returned to Britain where he completed his studies at London University and spent the rest of his life working in chemistry

'Every time he went to see him, Winston always gave him a brandy before he went off again and wished him luck.

'The last time he visited Winston it was before D-Day and he said: 'You have done so well for all this time.'

During his time in France, Mrs Potter said her husband was able to ensure he never lost a man, until one of his force was shot by an American at the end of the war in 1945.

After Mr Potter demanded the US soldier face a court martial, General Omar Bradley of the US Army instead asked John to join them and assist them liberating towns and camps in France and Germany so that no further mishaps occurred.

Mrs Potter said: 'He joined the Americans as they swept through France and Germany to help them identify SS soldiers - the Americans couldn't tell the uniforms apart.

'The SS soldiers were obviously trying to hide and John knew how to tell them apart from others.

'He was there when they liberated Dachau concentration camp and he said the smell and sights were just horrific.

'In his later years he suffered with dementia and one day I came home and he was just sat in tears.

'I asked him what was wrong and he just said 'it is terrible, it is awful', he was remembering seeing those terrible scenes.

Mrs Potter (right) revealed that while visiting Churchill, the Prime Minister would give Mr Potter (left) a glass of brandy before sending him back to Saint-Flour in France

'He said to me that he would never forget a place like that and obviously he never did.'

After helping to free those at the camp, he continued on to Nuremberg with the Americans where he supported a chemist during his trial.

Mrs Potter said: 'The chemist was found not guilty and John said he believed that.

'The man had been trying to slow down the production of deadly gas, but the Nazis were threatening to put his wife and kids into a concentration camp.

'Luckily, the end of the war came before they could do that to them.'

When the trial ended, Mr Potter returned to Britain where he completed his studies at London University and spent the rest of his life working in chemistry.

His wife decided his efforts during the war deserved to be told to the country following his death in a care home.

She said: 'He deserves to have his story told. It was an incredible life that he lived.'

He is survived by his five children, 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Footage has emerged showing African migrants being ferried into Spanish territory on the back of jetskis.

One man - said to be a 28-year-old from Guinea - drowned before he could be dropped off on the coast of Spain's North African territory Ceuta.



The video shows the migrants disembarking on the shore by the small settlement of Benzu.

In a separate incident, Spanish rescue workers saved a further 11 refugees from a boat.

It comes as the International Organization for Migration warned Spain could overtake Greece this year in the number of migrants arriving by sea, with around 8,200 coming so far this year - triple last year's numbers.

Pictured: Jetskis can be seen near the shore of Benzu in the small Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa

Pictured: Rescuers trying to help the migrants from the water

Pictured: Migrants who were rescued from the boat sit on the sand near Benzu

Pictured: Ceuta and Cadiz

Pictured: The migrants on the shore being helped by Red Cross workers

Pictured: A red cross van helping the migrants

Pictured: A man is given a blanket and helped to the Red Cross van

The Civil Guard found the boat from the second incident in Benzu.

They later discovered the body from the jetski rider among rocks.

Local media reported that nine smugglers took part in the operation that left the 12 jetski-riding sub-Saharan Africans near a beachside cafeteria, after which they quickly fled.

Among those rescued from the boat during the other incident were two women and a minor who have been cared for by the Red Cross.

The smugglers were not apprehended and the fate of the newly arrived migrants was unreported.

The arrival comes just days after another boatful of African immigrants dramatically landed on a Spanish beach, surprising many holidaymakers enjoying a popular tourist destination.

Embarking: Earlier in the week some two dozen people, reportedly African migrants, jump off the boat and run onto the beach in front of surprised sunbathers and tourists in Cadiz

New arrivals: A video filmed by a witness show the dinghy pulling into shallow water at Cadiz

Footage of that incident shows the migrants leaping out of a black inflatable dinghy and dashing across the sand on beaches at Cadiz in southern Spain, after crossing the Strait of Gibraltar.

The group managed to leave from the beach before the authorities arrived some time after.

The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon, with footage showing the boat coming up behind a man and a child taking a dip in the sea.

Carlos Sanz, who shot the video while on vacation in Cadiz, said the group quickly vanished and police only arrived some time later.

The incident also follows a warning from the International Organization for Migration yesterday that Spain could overtake Greece this year in the number of migrants arriving by sea, using boats and even jet-skis.

According to the IOM's latest figures, until August 6, close to 8,200 migrants had arrived in Spain so far this year.

That is more than triple the number who reached Spain at the same time last year, according to Joel Millman, a senior IOM spokesman, and already more than the total arrivals in 2016.

While the figure pales in comparison with arrivals in Italy - where more than 96,400 have landed so far this year - Spain is catching up with Greece where 11,713 have arrived by sea in the same timeframe.

'It's possible that Spain will outperform Greece this year,' Millman told AFP.

'If so, that's a big change.'

He said many people taking the long route towards Italy via the Sahara and Libya were from west Africa.

But with the dangers faced, some may be deciding to go up along the coast instead.

'We assume that some of the change is due to the fact that the route is considered a safe route up to the coast through Morocco,' Millman said.

He added that the boats crossing the short but choppy sea to Spain were much smaller than those launching from Libya to Italy.

In Libya there 'appears to be a very deliberate strategy to put people out there, in overloaded boats that begin to take on water almost immediately and then it's a race to see how quickly the people on the boat can summon aid,' he said.

'Whereas in Spain, the strategy is smaller craft hoping to come in undetected, and undoubtedly some do.'

Disembarkations by migrants on Spanish beaches are not common but have happened before, especially at Spain's north African enclave cities Melilla and Ceuta, which border Morocco.

Unexpected: The Cadiz incident took place on Wednesday afternoon, with the migrants reportedly leaving the beach before Spanish authorities arrived

Ceuta and Melilla have the EU's only land borders with Africa, and as a result, they are entry points for people desperate to get to Europe.

Migrants regularly try to climb the high double border fences, swim along the coast or hide in vehicles crossing the frontier.

In recent days, migrants have repeatedly stormed the border with Ceuta by either attempting to cut through the wire fencing or running through the border post.

Once on Spanish soil in Ceuta, they are taken to migrant reception centres where they can apply for asylum.

But many are desperate to get to mainland Spain, believing that the process in Ceuta is slow or fearing that they will be returned to neighbouring Morocco, and try to hide in lorries boarding ferries.

On Tuesday, Spanish police found 30 Moroccan and Algerian migrants, ten of them minors, hidden in fairground vehicles in the enclave city.

The group had hidden in bumper cars and the ghost train loaded on lorries which were due to leave Ceuta for mainland Spain a after an annual festival.

Agents used heartbeat detectors and dogs to locate the migrants while the vehicles waited to board ferries to the mainland, the Guardia Civil police force said.

'They try to use attractions that are only half covered up to jump in and hide inside,' a spokesman said.

Spanish police push back 700 migrants as they attempt to storm a 20-foot border fence in Ceuta

Hundreds of migrants have attempted to storm the border between Spain's North African Ceuta territory and Morocco.

The Interior Ministry's office in the small enclave said the migrants tried to scale the 20-foot high barbed-wire fences around Ceuta after a crossing attempt at the Tarajal post failed.

All of the migrants - about 700 - were repelled by the Moroccan and Spanish authorities.

Spain and Morocco agreed yesterday to close the Tarajal post to freight traffic for a week because of recent migrant crossing attempts.

More than 180 migrants also stormed the border on Monday. Over 700 were repelled today

Footage showed migrants from Africa sprinting over the border from the Moroccan side while it was still dark on Monday

Pedestrian and passenger vehicles were still allowed.

Every year, thousands of sub-Saharan African migrants living illegally in Morocco try to scale the border fences surrounding Ceuta and Melilla, Spain's other North African enclave, in a bid to enter Europe.

On January 1 more than 1,000 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa tried to scale the fence at Ceuta during a violent assault in which one officer lost an eye.

At about 5am on Monday, 186 migrants stormed the border and reached European Union soil.

Once there, they celebrated, raising their hands in joy as they ran through the streets - with one man kneeling on the floor.

The migrants were eventually rounded up and taken to a reception centre, where they can apply for asylum in Spain.
The bodies of 16 cats have been discovered dumped in remote bushland in western Sydney, with all in varying states of decomposition.

An animal rescue group made the shocking discovery at Silverdale, in the city's west, on Thursday afternoon.

New South Wales police have launched an investigation into the feline graveyard as post mortem examinations reveal some of the cats were drowned.

The bodies of 16 cats have been discovered dumped in bushland at the rear of an industrial complex in Silverdale, far west Sydney (pictured)

The horror discovery was made at the rear of an industrial complex in Econo place, at Silverdale.

Police have been told the cats were living in bushland, and none of them appear to have been micro-chipped.

The RSPCA and police are working together with, the local rescue group and in an effort to identify who is responsible for the deaths.

It comes as police a thug who killed a beloved pet cat in its owner's backyard with an arrow was shot through its body.

All cats were in varying states of decomposition but post mortem examinations have so far revealed that a number were drowned (Stock image)

Ra, a three-year-old from Tahmoor, in New South Wales, was discovered dead but its owners in their 20s late on Thursday night.

They told police they had no idea why their pet would have been targeted or who would have done such a cruel act.

'This was not a feral cat: It was a couple's much-loved pet with a collar and tag. This act cannot be a justified in any way,' Detective Inspector Jayne Doherty said.
Pictured: Blair Logan, 27, has been jailed for 20 years

A solicitor's son burned his brother to death as he slept beside his girlfriend in the horrific culmination of a feud that had gone on for years.

Psychology student Cameron Logan was doused in petrol then set alight by his older brother Blair at their parents' home on New Year's Day.

Cameron's girlfriend Rebecca Williams, 25, saw him die and was badly burned herself but survived after managing to crawl away.

Yesterday, after Blair Logan was jailed for life for murder she said: 'The horror of what happened in that room will haunt me for ever.'

A court heard that the brothers had a hostile relationship and had not spoken since the death of their grandmother four years ago.

The attack, which the judge said was planned and motivated by malice, was said to be in retaliation after Cameron, 23, had earlier punched Blair, 27, at the house in Milngavie, a suburb of Glasgow.

A computer seized from Blair's bedroom showed that he had carried out internet searches on burns victims as far back as October.

'Devastating': Rebecca Williams, pictured above in white leaving court today, described the impact the ordeal has had on her life

Pictured: Cameron Logan, 23, and the family's pet dog Gomez, who were both killed in the fire

Cameron and radio journalist Miss Williams had been to a Hogmanay party before returning to the house where they went to sleep at around 4am on an inflatable mattress set up on the living room floor.

It was about three hours later when Tesco store assistant Blair, wearing a mask, crept in to the room and poured petrol on to the bed and directly on to his brother, the High Court in Edinburgh heard.

The court was told that the brothers' mother Catherine, 55, had come downstairs at that time after being woken by the sound of the family dog whining. She saw a masked figure in dark clothing standing inside the living room, holding something on fire.

He threw it on the bed and Mrs Logan heard Cameron 'roar in surprise, shock and fear'.

Prosecutor Alex Prentice QC said: 'Blair then ran from the living room and went out the front door. Catherine Logan slammed the door behind him, shouting something like 'get the hell out of my house', still not knowing who it was.

'When she turned back towards the living room she saw 'orange and crackling' and the room turning black. She also heard Cameron and Rebecca screaming.'

Tragic: Radio journalist Rebecca Williams managed to escape but her boyfriend Cameron (pictured together above) was killed

'He was my best friend': Rebecca Williams' father Philip (pictured together left) read out a statement prepared by Miss Williams where she called her late partner Cameron her soulmate

Miss Williams managed to roll on to the floor and crawl out of the room into the kitchen where she was unable to open the back door so put her head in the fridge to protect herself from the fire.

David Logan, 55, the brothers' father, tried to get into the living room but was beaten back by the intensity of the smoke and flames.

He managed to get out of the house, before he and a neighbour rescued Miss Williams from the kitchen. She suffered burns to her arms and face and damage to her throat, vocal cords and lungs.

Judge Lady Scott said Cameron, who had dreamed of joining the police, died a 'horrible death' and that Blair 'acted with wicked recklessness'. Logan admitted murdering Cameron and attempting to murder Miss Williams. He also admitted endangering the lives of their parents in the blaze in which the family dog Gomez was also killed.

Pictured: Rebecca Williams (left) and parents David and Cathy Logan (right) who managed to escape the fire

He was given a life sentence with a minimum of 20 years behind bars.

Logan claimed he had not intended to kill his brother but had poured the petrol 'with the intention of maiming or crippling' him.

Defence lawyer Shelagh McCall QC said Blair had shown genuine remorse. He viewed the murder of his brother as 'horrific' and said it cannot be justified.

She also referred to a letter that Logan's parents had written to the court in which they said they 'find it extremely difficult to reconcile the Blair they know with the Blair who caused Cameron's death'.

The barrister told the court Logan had attempted suicide in prison and is under high observation.

The judge accepted court reports that the killer has 'abnormal personality traits' and features of autism.

Pictured: Investigating officers outside the Logan's family home in Milngavie on New Year's Day this year

But she said there was no suggestion that Logan had a mental disorder and was fully criminally responsible for his actions.

Lady Scott said of the parents: 'I cannot imagine the pain they will forever endure from what you did, losing in effect both of their sons.'

She told Logan he had committed an 'exceptionally serious crime'. She added: 'Cameron was only 23. He was a happy and much loved young man full of ambition for the bright future ahead of him.

'Even if as you say you did not intend to kill your brother it is clear that you deliberately set fire to him and you acted with wicked recklessness. The explanation you give for this murder was your long held hostility to and difficulties with your brother. There is no doubt there was considerable animosity between you both  you had not spoken to each other since 2013.

'I do accept, as indicated in the psychiatric reports, that you have a recurring perception of being unfairly treated which has prompted your hostile reaction to your brother.

'What is very clear is that it was your stated intention in your words to maim him. Your motivation was malice.'
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These pictures show the inside of Pyongyang's 360ft deep metro system - that will double up as a nuclear bunker if war breaks out between North Korea and the US.

Images show commuters using the world's deepest underground train system which includes two lines with a combined length of 18 miles beneath North Korea's capital.

Construction work on the Pyongyang Metro started in 1968 and was inaugurated in 1973 by Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of current dictator Kim Jong-un.

And while it is usually busy with commuters, the depth of the subway system means citizens could also use it as a shelter should tensions between North Korea and America boil over into full-scale war.

Earlier this year, one of Kim's top officials insisted the country was 'not afraid' of the prospect of military action by the US.

Pictures have emerged showing the inside of Pyongyang's 360ft deep metro system - that will double up as a nuclear bunker if war breaks out between North Korea and the US

Pictures show commuters using the world's deepest underground train system which includes two lines with a combined length of 18miles beneath North Korea's capital

While it is usually busy with commuters, the depth of the subway system means citizens could also use it as a shelter should tensions between North Korea and America boil over into full-scale war

The trains are old carriages from Germany which were bought up by North Korea in 1999 as they were heading for the scrap heap. Pyongyang now claims the trains were built in North Korea, but despite attempts to conceal their origin, some old graffiti tags can be seen on the carriages.

French photographer Eric Lafforgue captured these images during a trip to the hermit state and said there were only 17 stations on two lines.

He said the fare was the equivalent of half a US cent

'You have to validate your ticket at one of these automatic machines. But they did not work the day I visited. Instead, a train attendant checked was checking the tickets by hand. Like in so many others places, the visits of the Dear Leaders are immortalised by a red billboard telling the date they visited the place,' Lafforgue added.

Earlier this year, one of kim Jong-un's top officials insisted the country was 'not afraid' of the prospect of military action by the US. A female guard is pictured in the subway

Construction work on the Pyongyang Metro started in 1968 and was inaugurated in 1973 by Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of current Kim Jong-un.

French photographer Eric Lafforgue captured these images during a trip to the hermit state and said there were only 17 stations on two lines

The trains are old carriages from Germany which were bought up by North Korea in 1999 as they were heading for the scrap heap

Lafforgue said each station was named after 'the revolution' with stops including Comrade, Red Star, Glory, Liberation, Signal Fire, Rehabilitation, Victory, Paradise and Restoration

'Each station is named after the revolution: Comrade, Red Star, Glory, Liberation, Signal Fire, Rehabilitation, Victory, Paradise, Restoration... not named after places though. Going down the 120 metres takes just few seconds but you feel like being in a movie as the revolutionary music and patriotic songs are played all around from the loudspeakers.'

The pictures come as military officials said today that they plan to move ahead with large-scale U.S.-South Korea exercises later this month that North Korea, now finalising plans to launch a salvo of missiles toward Guam, claims are a rehearsal for war.

The exercises are an annual event, but come as Pyongyang says it is readying a plan to fire off four Hwasong-12 missiles toward the tiny island, which is U.S. territory and major military hub.

The plan would be sent to leader Kim Jong Un for approval just before or as the U.S.-South Korea drills begin.

Going underground: A female guard monitors the flow of people in the subway system. Should war break out, citizens would use the network as a shelter

Lick of paint: A North Korean looks at some artwork on the wall of the subway system in Pyongyang

The subway would be the ideal place to escape Donald Trump's 'fire and fury' should full-scale war break out between the US and North Korea

Escalating tensions: Thousands of commuters use the network, which was built 360ft under the surface in the capital city

Called Ulchi-Freedom Guardian, the exercises are expected to run from August 21-31 and involve tens of thousands of American and South Korean troops on the ground and in the sea and air.

Washington and Seoul say the exercises are defensive in nature and crucial to maintaining a deterrent against North Korean aggression.

The exercises were scheduled well before tensions began to rise over President Donald Trump's increasingly fiery rhetoric and North Korea's announcement of the missile plan, which if carried out would be its most provocative launch yet.

Along with a bigger set of maneuvers held every spring, the exercises are routinely met by strong condemnation and threats of countermeasures from North Korea.

While tensions typically spike around the dates of the exercises - North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test just days after last year's maneuvers - the situation generally calms afterward as the North needs to focus on its farms and the approach of the fall harvest.

Rush hour: Residents try to close the door of a packed train along Pyongyang Metro. At 361ft deep, the subway would also double up as a nuclear bunker

Access to the subway system has historically been shut off to foreigners, but Pyongyang has recently arranged a limited number of tours for foreign media. Children are pictured opening a train door

Service started in 1973 and the network is said to carry hundreds of thousands of riders every day on trains that were once used in communist Berlin

Pictures of North Korea's former supreme leaders hang on the walls of the trains, which are believed to have been imported from Germany

Current affairs: A man reads newspapers fixed on to a stand in the middle of one of the Pyongyang Metro train stations

Pyongyang claims the trains were built in North Korea, but despite attempts to conceal their origin, some old graffiti tags can be seen on the carriages (pictured)

The heightened military activity on the peninsula this time is a concern because it could increase the possibility of a mishap or an overreaction of some sort by either side that could spin into a more serious escalation.

North Korea has been increasingly sensitive to the exercises lately because they reportedly include training for 'decapitation strikes' to kill Kim Jong Un and his top lieutenants.

Pyongyang is also switching its propaganda machine into high gear by bringing in a large number of foreign journalists to ensure it gets global attention for an event next week in honour of its ruling Kim family on Mount Paektu, a dormant volcano that straddles the Chinese border and is something of a spiritual home for the regime.
If you're going to burgle a home, be careful what leaves your behind.

Andrew David Jensen apparently left a deuce in a toilet during an Oct. 7, 2016 burglary in Thousand Oaks, CA. Tests of DNA extracted from the fecal matter linked the crime to Mr. Jensen through the FBI's Combined DNA Index System. He has been charged with first degree residential burglary.
The UK's former race tsar Trevor Phillips has said the British establishment must wake up and accept the fact that the men in these type of grooming rings are all Muslim

Britain's former race tsar Trevor Phillips today called for the authorities to admit that most men in sex Grooming gangs are Muslim.

He launched an angry attack on the refusal of the establishment - including the BBC - to properly describe the men behind the sickening crimes.

The former chairman of the equality and human rights commission said our elites have replaced their old fear of being labelled racist with a new bogey - the 'charge of Islamophobia'.

He said the UK must urgently wake up and admit the true nature of the grooming gangs to prevent other, vulnerable girls being targeted.

Meanwhile, a Tory former policing minister has said the gangs should be treated as 'race hate criminals' so they can be handed tougher prison sentences.

Mike Penning is writing to the government's top lawyer, Attorney General Jeremy Wright, urging him to consider changing the legal guidelines.

The clamour for change comes in the wake of the Newcastle grooming scandal, which saw over 100 girls plied with drink and drugs and rapes at sick 'sex parties' over several years

One of the 18-strong gang convicted said all white women are 'trash' and only good for one thing - sex.

Mr Phillips said that describing these gangs as Asian wrongly points the finger at ethnic groups like Indian Hindus who have not been implicated.

In a column for The Telegraph, he wrote: 'What the perpetrators have in common is their proclaimed faith.

'They are Muslims, and many of them would claim to be practising.

'It is not Islamophobic to point this out, any more than it would be racist to point out that the most active persecutors of LGBT people come from countries where most people are, like me, black.

Former Policing minister Mike Penning is writing to the attorney general to demand men in the grooming gangs are treated a race hate criminals and given tougher sentences. Meanwhile, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said political correctness must not put people off reporting Asian sex gangs to the police

'If we are going to call a spade a spade, then we should do so without embarrassment.

'But our elites have replaced their old fear of being called racist with a new bogey. It comes to something when the BBC prefers to risk being condemned for racism than expose itself.'

The authorities are under mounting pressure to radically change their approach to tackling these sex gangs after a wave of grooming trials have laid bare the sheer scale of the assaults carried out on young women.

Mr Penning said it is shocking that the men behind the sickening abuse cannot be given tougher sentences that reflect that they single out and target white people.

He said: 'Some of them freely admitted that their attitude to these girls was based on race.

'If that's the case then this is a racially motivated crime and the sentence should and must reflect that.

'I cannot understand, in a case where the police have done brilliantly well, why the sentence doesn't reflect the severity of the crime.'

Mohammed Hassan Ali (left) met his 15-year-old victim at a party and started a relationship after she claimed to be 18 but he continued to have sex with her after finding out her real age. Carolann Gallon (right) who was aged 17 and 18 at the time, admitted three offences of trafficking girls for the purposes of sexual exploitation.

Eisa Mousavi (left) was convicted of three counts of rape and two counts of supplying drugs. Prabhat Nelli (right) was convicted of two counts of supplying drugs and one count of conspiracy to incite prostitution

It is the latest in a string of grooming cases exposed across Britain where mainly Asian men have singled out and preyed upon young white girls.

Yet experts say that it is the British establishment that is scared of being called racist and therefore not taking on the grooming scourge as forcefully as it could.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said 'political and cultural sensitivities' must not get in the way of uncovering child sex abuse amid calls to review offences that are racially aggravated.

She said: 'Those responsible are not restricted to any single ethnic group, religion or community.

'It is an affront to everyone in our society and I want to be absolutely clear that political and cultural sensitivities must never be allowed to get in the way of preventing and uncovering it.'

Redwan Siddique (left) told a victim to have sex with him in return for drugs. Mohammed Azram (right) admitted five drugs offences, on count of sexual assault and one of inciting prostitution

Saiful Islam (left) bought one victim Malibu and took her to house where he and friends knew they could abuse girls and coerced her into having sex. Yasser Hussain (right) hosted 'parties'

Labour frontbencher Sarah Champion yesterday said a fear of being branded racist is leaving many too scared to speak out against Asian grooming.

And she hit out at at the 'floppy left' who she said would probably 'have a go at me for being a racist' for daring to speak out.

The shadow women's minister said: 'We've got now hundreds of men, Pakistani men, who have been convicted of this crime - why are we not commissioning research to see what's going on and how we need to change what's going on so it never happens again?'

The Labour frontbencher said Britain needed to wake up and accept that the prosecutions and convictions of grooming gangs are 'predominantly Pakistani men'.

She added: 'If it was people from a particular town that was doing this crime across the country, if it was people from - I don't know - a motorbike gang doing this, we'd recognise that as an indicator and we'd deal with it - but we're just not dealing with it.'

Lord MacDonald, the former director of public prosecutions, this week said the pattern of abuse needed to be recognised as a profoundly racist crime.

Attorney General Jeremy Wright was last night facing calls to review grooming sentences because the crimes were racially aggravated.

But Imam Qari Asim, of the Makkah mosque in Leeds, added: We cannot hide from the fact that the perpetrators of these appalling crimes were mostly Muslims. If it is cultural prejudices that have led these men to prey on white girls, seeing them as easy meat, then this needs to be addressed.

There can be no excuse if members of the British Pakistani community are aware of people exploiting children and young girls and not reporting the wrongdoers.
A pensioner has been left feeling like a 'germ' by a bank after they called police and forced him out of the building after he tried to help his unwell friend.

Brian Jamieson has been looking after his dementia suffering friend, Jean, for four years where he deposits money into her account fortnightly, A Current Affair reports.

Mr Jamieson transfers his Centrelink carers' allowance into a St George bank account where he uses Jean's ATM card to pay for living expenses.

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Brian Jamieson (right) has been looking after his dementia suffering friend, Jean, (left) for four years but was left feeling like a 'germ' by St George bank

Mr Jamieson tried to renew Jean's ATM card but he said they treated him like he wanted to steal her money

When the carer realised the ATM card was about to expire, Mr Jamieson went to the bank to renew the card, only to be met with an angry bank manager who called police to escort him out of the bank.

'(The bank manager) looked at me like I was some sort of germ ... like I was stealing Jean's money,' Mr Jamieson told A Current Affair.

Despite showing the bank a number of documents proving he was Jean's carer, including Centrelink documents, St George refused to renew the card.

Mr Jamieson told the program he went to the bank three times and took Jean with him the third time, but that still didn't please the bank manager.

'I've never had a problem with police in my life ... makes me sick, it's just pathetic,' he said.

A St George spokesperson told Daily Mail police were called because the 'carer became aggressive in the branch' and they could not comment on the matter because of customer confidentiality.

St George bank called police and had Mr Jamieson escourted (pictured) after he tried to help the ill woman he has cared for for the last four years

'We do take the security and protection of our customer's information very seriously,' the spokesperson said.

'Our process is that carers cannot transact on behalf of our customers without having the appropriate authorities in place, such as a power of attorney.'

During the four years caring for his friend, Jean's bank account has increased from $15,000 to $50,000.

After the issues with St George, Commonwealth Bank helped the two friends get a new ATM card, giving Mr Jamieson co-signatory of Jean's account.

'Financially amazing ... [otherwise] you need to take Jean back and forwards ... as proof of identity to a bank all the time to draw some money out ' Mr Jamieson told the program.
Natalie Saul, 37, raided technology firm Idio's accounts to feed her gambling addiction

An accountant who stole 350,000 from her employers walked free after a judge said she would not fit in in prison.

Natalie Saul, 37, from Wandsworth, south London raided technology firm Idio's accounts to feed her gambling addiction and blew more than 250,000 playing online poker.

The mother-of-one submitted more than 400 fake invoices to get the cash from the software company between March 2015 and December 2016.

But Saul was given a two-year suspended sentence and 250 hours unpaid work by Judge Catherine Newman, who admitted her sentence was 'wholly exceptional' and fell outside sentencing guidelines.

She told Southwark Crown Court Saul was 'not the general stuff of which the prison population is made'.

The judge added: 'I'm taking a considerable risk that the Crown will think it lenient and appeal, but it's a risk I'm willing to take.'

Lucie Daniels, defending Saul, had argued her client was 'shaken' by the loss of her grandmother in 2013 and was a committed charity worker.

Saul was given a two-year suspended sentence and 250 hours unpaid work by Judge Catherine Newman at Southwark Crown Court (pictured). The judge admitted her sentence was 'wholly exceptional' and fell outside sentencing guidelines

'This offending is so out of character, she has worked hard and paid her taxes and been a responsible citizen,' said Ms Daniels.

Yet her charitable efforts could not mitigate the loss to Idio, who hemorrhaged a total of 348,439 to her gambling addiction.

Saul's deception relied on her privileged role as office manager for the firm. She created fake invoices to the company which she sent to herself.

She then altered the details to her own bank account, paid herself the cash, and switched the bank details back to avoid detection.

Finally she marked the invoices as paid, using her knowledge of the company auditing system to escape attention.

The fraudster was caught when she went on maternity leave in December 2016 and a new CFO took over and spotted hundreds of fake invoices.

It was only after she was challenged by the company that she confessed her crimes, and admitted one count of fraud at Westminster Magistrates Court on July 13.

Judge Newman said she was on the brink of giving her a sentence of three years and four months, before being persuaded she was unfit for prison.

'I'm not sending a lady to jail' In the past year, a string of young female defendants have been spared prison: Student Karolina Szumko, 18, who attacked staff at a nightclub and shouted racist slurs at police, avoided jail after Hammersmith Magistrates Court deputy district judge Adrian Turner told her: Im not sending a lady to prison for something like this. Szumko was sentenced to 150 hours of community service. A former private schoolgirl who helped her brother supply cocaine to students was spared jail after arguing it would blight her future career. In October last year, Poppy Murray, 22, was handed a 12-month sentence suspended for 18 months at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester. Oxford University student Lavinia Woodward, 24, who stabbed her boyfriend last December, may be spared prison after Oxford Crown Court judge Ian Pringle said she had an extraordinary talent for medicine. Woodward is due to be sentenced next month. A mother who locked her seven-year-old daughter alone in their flat all weekend so she could have sex with her lover was spared jail after claiming she was breast-feeding. The defendant, who cannot be named, had admitted four counts of child neglect. Advertisement

'You abused your position of control over your employers bank account,' said the judge.

'You devised and created over 400 accounts for stealing money by a fraud using a sophisticated method which involved some planning.

'Each account required six steps. First you raised fake invoices to the company account system.

'Secondly you used knowledge of auditing to reduce risk of detection. You amended the bank details of the recipient to your own bank account.

'You paid the invoices to yourself. Then you changed the bank details back to the original supplier.

'Finally you marked the invoices as paid. You did this for over a year. It has caused considerable harm to your employer which could ill afford to lose such a substantial sum, but thankfully survived.

'Your grandmother's death rocked the stability of your hitherto good citizenship. You had a steady partner who had no idea of your gambling addiction and stands by you.

'I'm prepared to take the wholly exceptional course of reducing your sentence and suspend it.'

Saul burst into tears as Judge Newman told her the sentence was suspended.

Saul was given a two-year suspended sentence and 250 hours community order for one count of fraud by abuse of position.

She was ordered to pay just 360 costs, a little over 10 for every 1000 she stole from her company.
Pictured: Sophie Grey, 25, is currently being held in a Portuguese prison over a dispute with a police officer

A British woman has been forced to spend five months in a Portuguese prison awaiting trial for allegedly assaulting a policeman after she begged him not to shoot her dog.

Sophie Grey, 25, could face up to five years in prison if she is found guilty after being accused of shouting at a police officer who allegedly pointed a gun in her pet's face.

The full-time carer from Llangovan, Wales, was walking on the beach when she found her boyfriend and a friend 'covered in blood' after being detained by armed officers.

Her father Roger Grey has described his daughter's hellish experience inside the foreign prison where the first English-speaking person she met was a murderer.

He said she has been sharing a cell with four other people in the village of Tires, near Lisbon since she was arrested for a row with Portuguese officers who allegedly threatened her dogs in April.

Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Grey said he received an upsetting call from Miss Grey inside prison where she explained the alarming incident.

Sophie Grey, 25, could face up to five years in prison if found guilty

Mr Grey, 66, said: 'She said 'don't kill my dog' and then she was turned over, handcuffed and taken into custody.

'She phoned me from prison and said 'I don't know what I've done'.'She's going to trial with the two boys accused of assaulting a policeman, but she wasn't even there when it happened.

He said she had been visiting the country with her partner and was hoping to attend a festival when the incident happened.

He said: 'Any partner of somebody who saw a scene like that, in a foreign country, when there's guns and they are covered in blood, anybody is going to be agitated and scared.'

He said his daughter was keen to explain what happened during a preliminary court hearing but was advised by a duty solicitor not to speak which led to her being remanded in custody.

MP David Davies, for Monmouth, is calling on Portuguese officials to release Miss Grey, who has been remanded in custody since her last hearing

After hiring a new solicitor, she applied to be released on bail, but a judge refused, claiming she was likely to abscond.

Miss Grey's local MP David Davies, has called upon the Foreign Office to lobby the Portuguese government to release the 25-year-old carer.

He told The Sun had the crime happened in England, she would have been let off as yelling at an officer is a 'fairly minor crime'.

Pictured: Miss Grey's father Roger said he hoped his daughter would be released by Christmas

The Monmouth MP said: 'As someone who spent nine years as an officer I don't condone any behaviour against the police but it's manifestly unfair that she's been in prison for something like that.'

He added: 'I've spoken to an official in Portugal and I think it's being discriminating against her as she isn't Portuguese and doesn't have a permanent address.

'If this happened in London, if she came up and yelled at an officer, they would have told her to calm down.

'If she continued she might have got a public order offence but it would have been a fairly minor crime.'

The Foreign Office confirmed it was aware of the situation and said they were supporting a British woman while she was in detention abroad.

Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Grey said the conditions of the prison were pretty unpleasant, with his daughter kept locked up for 22 hours a day.

They have two hours where they are allowed out into a concrete yard but thats it, he said.

Pictured: The Estabelecimento Prisional de Tires where Miss Grey has been held since April

Mr Grey said the ordeal had set his family back thousands of pounds in travelling costs

He said: It is incredibly hot over there, Sophie is on the top floor and sharing a cell with four other people. There is a tin roof and I dont think there is any air-conditioning.

She has never been in a situation like this before but she is coping really well, if she wasnt doing so well it would be much harder for us at home but she is keeping everyone strong.

Now we have a trial date we have something to look towards though it is scary as it says on the charge sheet the maximum sentence is up to five years.

Describing his daughter, a dedicated care worker from Wales, he said: She is very resilient, she is feisty and in those circumstances she would have been standing her ground. I think its her strength that is getting her through this situation.

She is writing a diary which is difficult as theyre not allowed a lot of things in there so we have to keep bringing her paper. She has applied to learn Portuguese lessons as not many people there speak English.

The retired director of a vegetable oil firm in Newport Wales said the ordeal had set his family back thousands of pounds.

He said: It costs around 800 to 900 each time we go over and weve visited around five times now.

Describing the prison, he said: Its fairly bleak. There is a language barrier and the guards arent unfriendly but theyre not helpful either.

He said: Im amazed at the whole legal situation and the way police are, its very, very different to the UK. It does seem as though its an act first, ask questions later style from their officers. In this country if there is a situation police try to calm it down first but there it seems like get out their batons first.

There is a shred of light at the end of the tunnel with the news of a trial date which is set to start on September 22.

Mr Grey said: Without that, it would be much harder. We hope she will be back in time for Christmas.
A teenager in eastern China had to have one of his breasts partially removed after it grew into the size of an A-cup bra.

The patient, 19, noticed his right breast started growing when he was 13 years old, according to local media.

It's believed that his 'man boob' was caused by the consumption of fastfood.

The patient, from China, noticed his right breast started growing when he was 13 years old

Doctors performed a mastectomy on the 19-year-old who was pictured after the operation

WHAT IS MAN BOOB SYNDROME (AKA GYNECOMASTIA)? Man boobs are caused by a condition called gynecomastia that affects between 40 and 60 percent of men. It's generally caused by a hormone imbalance that starts during puberty, and is characterized by the growth of woman-like breasts caused by drugs, genetics, steroid use, weight gain and aging. When it's caused by weight gain it's called pseudo-gynecomastia, because it doesn't involve the growth of actual breast tissue, just the accumulation of fat in that area. Advertisement

According to Chinese newspaper Qianjiang Evening Post, the patient, known by a pseudonym Xiao Yang, lives in the Cangnan county of Zhejiang Province.

The teenager noticed a significant growth in his right breast six years ago.

He and his parents had visited numerous hospitals but failed to find a cure.

They went to the Wenzhou Central Hospital in early July, and were received by Dr Pan Zhongliang, the chief physician.

Dr Pan gave Xiao Yang a B-scan ultrasonography, which showed a growth in his right breast's mammary gland and it was about the size of an A-cup bra.

His left breast appeared normal and did not show any signs of swelling.

Doctors in Wenzhou decided to remove the growth in the breast through surgery

The doctor and his team performed a mastectomy on Xiao Yang. He was discharged from the hospital five days later.

Xiao Yang's breast growth is believed to have been caused by a hormonal imbalance, but it is not likely to grow back following the surgery, Dr Pan told Qianjiang Evening Post.

The condition is called gynecomastia, which is characterised in men by the growth of women-like breasts.

Dr Pan said the hospital receives more than 100 teenage patients every year who suffer from the condition.

He added that the condition is likely to be caused by eating too much fastfood and puffed food, due to the 'gender-bending' chemicals in them.

Dr Pan suggested men should avoid eating foods like fried chicken, soy milk and royal jelly.
Good Samaritans formed a human pyramid on top of a van so they could rescue a toddler spotted sitting on a second floor windowsill.

The little girl, who appears to be no older than two, had been left home alone and crawled through an open window and out onto the ledge.

The dramatic rescue was caught on camera by an eyewitness with a smartphone in the city of Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

Passersby spotted her on the precarious perch and, fearing she might fall, leapt into action.

They parked a van underneath the window and three men climbed on top of it and then formed a human pyramid to reach her.

Two of the men stood together while the third climbed on top of them, standing on their shoulders, and grabbed the child.

They were then able to safely lower the little girl, unharmed by her ordeal, back down to earth.

One of the rescuers, Daulet Imanzhanov, 29, said he and his friend Azamat Toktomysov, 25, spotted the toddler when they arrived at the building for a job.

Pictured left: The moment the baby was handed down by the rescuers. Right: The toddler perches on the windowsill before being picked up

Mr Imanzhanov said: 'When we entered the yard we saw two men that were hoping to catch the baby with their hands. We drove the van over the curb, there was no road there.'

He said the little girl had managed to dislodge the mosquito net from the window and crawled out onto the window sill, where she was sitting with her little legs hanging over the edge.

Mr Imanzhanov added: 'A neighbour took the baby. We found out from the neighbors which flat she lived in. He found the flat, and then her mother came.'

The video of the amazing rescue is proving popular with viewers online where poster 'E-Astana' commented: 'Amazing! Fabulous job!'

But 'Maral' wanted to know: 'How can one leave a baby at home with the windows wide open? Such a lack of responsibility.'
Pictured: Sajaad Mohamed Abu Abdallah, who died from gunshot wounds on Wednesday

A three-year-old boy has died after being shot by Saudi Arabian security forces, activists in the kingdom have claimed.

Sajaad Mohamed Abu Abdallah was allegedly shot in his home village of Awamiya while he was in a car with his family during the holy month of Ramadan on June 12.

He spent two months in 'harrowing pain' before dying in Damman Maternity Children's Hospital on Wednesday.

Activists from the European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights (ESOHR) and the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD) said he was shot by an armoured government vehicle as the family's car drove past the village's police station.

Activists said Sajaad was killed by Saudi security forces who fired on his family's car in Awamiyah, a village in the Shia-dominated Qatif governorate

Pictured: An X-ray posted by activists which purports to show the damage done to Sajaad by the bullet

Pictured: What activists claim was the bullet used to kill Sajaad

They say Awamiya has been under 'siege' since May 10 after the Saudi military was deployed on a 'supposed mission to maintain order' in the Shia-dominated Qatif governorate on the Persian Gulf.

The bullet that ultimately killed Sajaad apparently entered the car's rear door, where he was sitting, before penetrating his right hand and then his waist before exiting his body.

He spent two months in 'harrowing pain' before dying in Damman Maternity Children's Hospital on Wednesday. Pictured: Sajaad in hospital before his death

Sophie Baggott, Policy and Research Associate, BIRD: 'The tragic death of this young child means an investigation into these shootings is now more urgent than ever.

'The Saudi security forces' haphazard firing of live ammunition at Awamiya's civilians in June can no longer be an ignored incident.

She added: 'Saudi Arabia's failure to even acknowledge the fatal shooting of civilians shows contempt for the victims and provides the security forces with impunity.'

Meanwhile Ali Adubisi, director of the ESOHR, said a United Nations investigation was 'urgently needed'.

He added: 'There is a clear absence of international scrutiny on Saudi Arabia's unprecedented violent military operations in Awamiya.'

ESOHR reports that thirty people were wounded in shootings on the same day that Sajaad was killed.

Pictured: An image posted by activists showing blood on the backseat of a car near a lollipop

Sajaad was said to have been in 'extreme' pain before his death two months after being shot

Pictured: The boy's waist is shown covered with bandages

They claim that live ammunition was being fired 'indiscriminately' by security services and many hit pedestrians and cars.

The activists explain that local residents were under the impression the shootings were 'retaliation' for the killing of Major Tariq bin Abdullatif Al-A'laqi in a bombing the previous day.

The Saudi government has been told in the past to stop demolishing buildings of cultural heritage in the al-Musawara neighbourhood of Awamiyah by the United Nations.

In response to the allegations from activists, a spokesperson for the kingdom's Ministry of Culture and Information said:

'On June 12th, police received a call from Qatif Central Hospital reporting the arrival of a three-year-old child, Sajad Mohammed Abdullah Abu Abdullah, with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was accompanied by his uncle who told the authorities that their car was shot at from an unknown source while driving in Alwamiah.

'Sajad is one of the victims of heavily armed gunmen who are continuously trying to target policemen and are the ones to fire indiscriminately in the vicinity. This has resulted in the death and injury of a number of citizens and policemen. Terrorist acts of this nature underline our determination to restore order to this area and maintain security for all citizens.

'Residents of Awamiyah voluntarily leaving to seek safe haven were supported and protected by police from deliberate targeting by terrorists, who tried to prevent them from leaving so they can use them as human shields. At all times, civilian life is of the utmost priority for the security forces and local police.

The activities and destruction caused by local terrorists has left Awamiyah in the state it is in. Cultural heritage is something local authorities are determined to preserve and will work with the local community to ensure this is reflected in the rebuild of Awamiyah.'
A 14-year-old Malayan tiger named Hati that killed a Florida zookeeper last year has died in surgery for an intestinal condition.

The Palm Beach Zoo's associate curator Nancy Nill said in a news release that the male tiger underwent surgery last week for 'irritations in his guts.'

Hati stopped breathing during a second surgery on Thursday and could not be revived. A necropsy is scheduled for Friday to determine a cause of death.

The 350-pound tiger, who was known to be aggressive and territorial, mauled zookeeper Stacey Konwiser, 38, on April 15, 2016, after she walked into a caged area called a 'night house.'

A 14-year-old Malayan tiger named Hati (left) that killed Palm Beach Zoo staffer Stacey Konwiser (right) last year has died in surgery for an intestinal condition

Hati was born at Fort Worth Zoo in Texas in 2002 and came to Palm Beach Zoo (pictured) in July 2015

A state report released in October blamed Konwiser for not following 'established safety procedures' and cleared the zoo of wrongdoing.

Nill, the Zoos associate curator, explained in a statement that on Thursday, staffers noticed an abnormal bulge in Haits abdomen and monitored it throughout the day. As it grew larger, it was determined that the animal required emergency intervention.

Ailing cat: Hati had been suffering from ear infections and stomach problems since April

Hati was in surgery nine days earlier for irritation in his guts. Thursdays procedure, which was carried out by a team of four specialist surgeons, showed no sign of further damage, but during recovery Hati stopped breathing and could not be saved.

From ear infections to stomach problems, he has experienced a host of medical concerns that required multiple anesthetic procedures, since April of this year, Nill said.

Hati was born at Fort Worth Zoo in Texas on December 14, 2002. He came to Palm Beach Zoo in July 2015.

Weve lost a member of our family, and we are comforting each other during this time, the statement put out by the zoo read.

Palm Beach Zoo attracted national attention last year when on April 15, Hati attacked veteran zookeeper Stacey Konwiser while she was inside his enclosure preparing for an educational program.

'Tiger whisperer': On April 15, 2016, Hati attacked veteran zookeeper Stacey Konwiser (pictured above with her husband) while she was inside his enclosure

Mortally wounded: The 38-year-old zoo staffer is pictured being taken to an awaiting helicopter after suffering a severe bite to her neck

Who's at fault? A state report released in October blamed Konwiser for not following 'established safety procedures'

Knowiser, whose husband of ten years, Jeremy, also worked as a keeper at the zoo, was rushed to a hospital but later died after suffering a severe bite to her neck.

Konwiser had been trained to work with wild animals, including the zoo's four Malayan tigers, and big cats were her specialty and life-long passion, according to her co-workers.

The Malayan tiger is a smaller-sized subspecies of tiger, found throughout Malaysia and parts of Thailand. It is considered to be a critically endangered species, with an estimated 250 to 340 individuals.

The average life span of a Malayan tiger is between 18 and 25 years.
Panelists have voiced their outrage over Omarosa Manigault's inclusion

A huge fallout has engulfed a conference for black journalists after a senior aide to President Trump was added to a panel.

The decision to add Omarosa Manigault to the line-up at the National Association of Black Journalists conference in New Orleans has been branded 'extremely offensive'.

An insider told Page Six that members and moderators have been dropping out of the event after Manigult was added to a panel discussing police brutality.

The source said: 'The majority there dont want her involved. Its heavy drama  even the moderator is refusing. Everyone sees it as extremely offensive.'

Among the dropouts are New York Times journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and the New Yorker's Kelani Cobb.

Cobb told Page Six that Omarosa's inclusion wasn't the sole reason for quitting the panel, branding the event 'very disorganized'.

Omarosa, 43, is director of communications for the Office of Public Liaison.

Last week it emerged that she has waged war on journalists April Ryan and Roland Martin, as well as renowned Pastor Jamal Bryant calling them 'enemies of the Trump administration.'

Among those who Omarosa has waged war on is journalist April Ryan, pictured in June

The former Apprentice star told the president that the three high-profile personalities are the 'biggest threats to sow discord in the African American community against the White House agenda,' sources told DailyMail.com exclusively.

Omarosa, who now works on Trump's communication team, was once close pals with Ryan, Martin and Bryant, but is now monitoring them because of their political differences.

The reality star turned-political aide regularly partied with Martin, a former CNN contributor, during the annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Conference every September - but reportedly turned on him after he made bold anti-Trump commentaries.

Her friendship with Ryan came to an end after the CNN contributor advised Manigault against taking a job at the White House.

She also cut things off with Bryant after he supported Senator Bernie Sanders for the 2016 presidential election.

'It's shocking that three people she once considered her close friends are not just her personal nemeses, but she's always bashing in meetings with senior White House staff and has her team keeping a dossier on each of them,' one source revealed.
Citing privacy concerns, federal officials have declined to explain why Victorian government MP Khalil Eideh was banned from boarding a flight to the United States.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says it is unable to release any further information about why the state Labor backbencher was turned away from a flight between Vancouver and Denver in July.

The department sought urgent answers when airline staff first refused Mr Eideh entry to the aircraft while travelling as part of an official study tour.

Victorian Labor MP Khalil Eideh, who was refused entry to the US last month, has admitted he lied about visits to Syria this year

However 'due to privacy obligations we are unable to provide further information', a department spokesman said on Friday.

Earlier in the day it was revealed Mr Eideh made two private trips to Syria in April and July, the most recent just weeks before his flight rejection in Canada.

The Labor MP, who was born in Lebanon to Syrian parents, visited the war-torn country to see his elderly father, and paid for the trips himself, a government source confirmed.

'Of course, I have my father there, every time I have the opportunity,' he told the Herald Sun when asked if he visited Syria.

'He is 90 and can't travel back.'

Mr Eideh explained that a passport isn't required to cross the border into Syria.

'You just need a proper ID and you can go up and down.'

Officials have declined to explain why Mr Eideh was denied entry to America (pictured at Melbourne's Tullamarine airport on July 29 after being denied entry to the US)

The group had been in Europe and Canada studying drug laws and were due to fly to Denver on the next leg when Mr Eideh (third from left) was blocked at the airport

When Mr Eideh returned to Melbourne after being stopped from entering the US, he seemed uncertain when asked by reporters when he last went to Syria.

'About two months, six ... last Christmas,' was his disjointed answered.

Other MPs on the official study tour had to fill out a decade of travel history as part of their visa applications.

Mr Eideh did not respond to requests for comment on Friday.

Mr Eideh was part of a group of Victorian lawmakers examining the effects of drug laws and regulations in Europe and North America

US President Donald Trump (pictured) has faced court challenged to his travel ban which would deny entry to the US to visitors from Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen

He has previously said he doesn't believe US President Donald Trump's travel ban - which denies entry to America to citizens of Sudan, Somalia, Iran, Yemen, Syria and Libya - was behind him being prevented from flying.

A government spokeswoman said reports of Mr Eideh's Syrian trips were a distraction from opposition leader Matthew Guy's dinner with alleged mobster Tony Madafferi.

Mr Eideh was stopped at a Vancouver airport on July 28 after touring with other MPs and a senior Victorian police officer through Europe, Canada and the US.

Mr Eideh has previously come under fire for signing a letter in 2002 that ended with a pledge of loyalty to Syrian dictator Bashar Al-Assad (pictured)

He signed a letter in 2002 professing loyalty to Syrian dictator Bashar Al-Assad while seeking to get the Syrian Honorary Consul in Melbourne removed.

But when it was made public in 2006, Mr Eideh said he only added his signature to a letter penned by someone else and he was loyal to Australia.

Mr Eideh's Facebook features pro-Assad posts including a digitally-altered Time magazine cover labelling Assad a 'terrorism warrior' and his personal page contains other anti-Syrian rebel and anti-Trump posts.

Victorian Roads Minister Luke Donnellan stood up for his Labor colleague and said it was 'bizarre' his travel was being questioned.

'I feel like we're living in a communist state where suddenly Eideh Khalil (sic) needs to tell people he's gone to visit his own father,' Mr Donnellan told reporters.

US Customs and Border Protection have been contacted for comment.
A few days after news spread that FBI agents raided Paul Manafort's Virginia home to seize possible evidence in the Russia investigation, there's news that the former campaign manager for President Donald Trump "has tapped a new legal team to represent him as government lawyers examine possible Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election."

Law firm WilmerHale had been speaking on Manafort's behalf to investigators, but that relationship has ended, reports Reuters today.

"As of today, WilmerHale no longer represents Mr. Manafort," a firm rep told a reporter.
The hackers behind HBO's recent data breach have leaked an email in which the U.S. cable channel offered them $250,000 as a 'bounty payment,' it was reported Thursday.

The message from HBO, the Time Warner Inc cable unit that broadcasts 'Game of Thrones,' offers the money as part of a program in which 'white-hat professionals' are rewarded for identifying cyber security flaws, according to Variety.

The email was worded in a way that would allow HBO to stall for time while it assessed the situation, citing a source close to HBO's investigation.

Hackers behind HBO's recent data breach have leaked an email in which the U.S. cable channel offered them $250,000 as a 'bounty payment'. Game of Thrones scripts have leaked

HBO also requested the hackers to extend a ransom payment deadline by one week.

'You have the advantage of having surprised us,' the message from HBO reads. 'In the spirit of professional cooperation, we are asking you to extend your deadline for one week.'

The $250,000 sum is just 3-4 per cent of the 'six months salary' request made in the video letter by the hacker, who claims to make $12million to $15million per year.

They have threatened to release new data from the reach every Sunday until the sum is paid.

This week, that included the hackers releasing a months worth of emails from HBO's vice president and a synopsis of the upcoming episode of Game of Thrones.

HBO, which previously acknowledged the theft of 'proprietary information,' said it's continuing to investigate and is working with police and cybersecurity experts.

The network said Monday that it still doesn't believe that its email system as a whole has been compromised.

Last week, August 6's episode of Game of Thrones was released two days early but that was later pegged to a distribution partner in India, and not the hackers.

So far the HBO hack data dumps have been limited, falling well short of the chaos inflicted on Sony in 2014.

In that attack, hackers unearthed thousands of embarrassing emails and released personal information, including salaries and social security numbers, of nearly 50,000 current and former Sony employees.

Those behind the HBO hack claim to have more data, including scripts, upcoming episodes of HBO shows and movies, and information damaging to HBO.

In the video directed to HBO CEO Richard Plepler, 'Mr. Smith' used white text on a black background to threaten further disclosures if HBO doesn't pay up.

HBO did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The hack has come at a sensitive time for HBO, whose parent Time Warner is awaiting regulatory approval to sell itself to AT&T Inc in an $85.4 billion deal announced in October.
Officials say three flight attendants became ill on a plane headed to Barbados, causing it to return to a Florida airport.

JetBlue flight 385 took off from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport at 1.16pm Eastern Time, but returned just a little less than an hour later when three flight attendants got sick.

Officials say the plane was evacuated and paramedics were called.

Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesman Mike Jachles says the flight attendants were complaining of headaches and one of them used on-flight oxygen.

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A flight to Barbados was forced to return to Florida Thursday afternoon when its three flight attendants got sick. Above, the plane returned to Fort Lauderdale

Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesman Mike Jachles says the flight attendants were complaining of headaches and one of them used on-flight oxygen. Above, emergency crews at the airport

'We evaluated the three flight attendants who were complaining of symptoms, made sure there were no other injuries and checked the aircraft with our Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue hazardous materials team,' Jachles said.

In a statement, JetBlue said it was actually just one flight attendant who got sick, countering emergency responders.

'JetBlue flight #385 from Fort Lauderdale to Barbados returned to the airport after takeoff when the crew reported an ill in-flight crew member,' the statement said.

Once back in Florida, the flight attendants were evaluated and declined medical treatment. There were no complaints from the 101 passengers on board.

Officials say a hazmat team took readings on the plane and didn't detect anything.

The flight took off at 1.16pm, and returned at 2.09pm. JetBlue later got a new crew to work the flight and it departed for Barbados later that evening

Jet Blue assigned a new crew to the flight, and it finally took off again at 7.08pm, landing in Bridgetown, Barbados at 10.50pm local time.

The incident is under investigation.

It created an even longer day for the travelers headed to the sunny Caribbean island.

The flight was originally scheduled to take off at 8am, but was delayed more than five hours.
If you can't handle the heat, move to a different state.

That is the message that a Mississippi administrator delivered this week to a group of middle-schoolers whose parents complained about the sweltering conditions on board a school bus.

Hancock County Transportation Director Michael Ladner's rant on Wednesday afternoon was recorded on video and then shared on social media, where it has since gone viral.

The nearly four-minute-long cellphone video, which as of Friday afternoon has been viewed more than 26,000 times, shows Ladner lecturing Hancock Middle School students on school bus No 709 at the end of the school day.

Hancock County Transportation Director Michael Ladner (pictured in a screenshot) was caught on video Wednesday berating a bus full of Mississippi middle-schoolers whose parents complained about their school bus being too hot

Viral: The nearly four-minute-long cellphone video capturing Ladner's tirade has been viewed more than 26,000 times

Ladner told the students in the video that it will only get worse if students told their parents, as Sun-Herald first reported.

The footage posted by Hancock County mother Kellie Underwood on her Facebook page Wednesday begins with Ladner standing at the front of the bus and telling students that he has received 40 calls from parents complaining about the heat.

I can hook yall up. I can hook you up. Ive got a 206 bus back there, 14 years older than this bus, no air conditioning. You can have it all year long. Trust me. You dont want it, he is heard saying.

Whistleblower: Hancock County mom Kellie Underwood (pictured) posted the video on Facebook after she said her son came home red in the face and sweating

Ladner then goes on to explain that he is aware that its hot but reminds the children that the air conditioning system on board the bus is not the same as their home air conditioning.

Its not going to cool as much as home. Itll never be 70 degrees in this bus, he declares.

He adds: It aint that bad on here, but yall going home and telling your parents how bad it is. Its going to get worse if I give you that other bus. Thats the only other option.

Ladner also informed the students they should not lower the bus windows because it would make the situation even worse and said they should not be jumping around like idiots, or talking too loudly because doing so would generate even more heat.

Were going to have some hot days, he said. This is South Mississippi. Anybody here live in North Dakota? If you dont want to live in hot weather, you need to move north.

Kellie Underwood wrote in a status update that on the day of the rant, her eighth-grader son returned home telling her, 'I almost died on the bus today.'

According to Underwood, her child's face was red and he was sweating.

Temperatures in Hancock County were in the mid-80s on Wednesday.

He explained that the air only worked in the front of the bus and they were not allowed to put the windows down, the mom wrote, referring to her son. He said they tried and were yelled at to put the windows up. After talking with several parents, I realized he was right and it was in fact an issue on the bus.

Veteran educator: In 2015, Ladner (right) was named Administrator of the Year for Hancock County School District. Superintendent Alan Dedeaux is pictured next to Ladner

Underwood went on to say that she reached out of the local Department of Transportation via email to make a complaint but received no reply.

Superintendent Alan Dedeaux says he has received several complaints about the heat on that particular bus and is working on solutions, such as having bus drivers turn on the air conditioners for 10 minutes before classes let out.

Dedeaux confirmed that he has viewed the video showing Ladner's rant but declined to say whether the administrator would face any disciplinary actions. He said the district was still in the process of gathering information and added that it was a personnel matter.

In 2015, Ladner was named Administrator of the Year for Hancock County School District.

According to a notice published on that occasion by the Sea Coast Echo, Ladner has been an educator for more than 30 years.

After working as a teacher and bus driver in Hancock County for five years, he was promoted to director of transportation in 2012.
The attorneys for a former tugboat captain who admitted to murdering eight people at a Seal Beach salon in 2011 have argued he should not get the death penalty.

In closing arguments, Scott Dekraai's attorneys accused the prosecution of 'incredible deception' and claimed there was not evidence to move into the next phase which is to decide whether he goes on death row.

Prosecutors have sought to use a jailhouse informant to gain evidence against Dekraai who, in 2014, pleaded guilty to killing his hairstylist ex-wife and seven others 2011.

Dekraai's defense attorney Scott Sanders, who wants him spared the death penalty, condemned the use of what he called a 'snitch'.

The attorneys for, Scott Dekraii, a former tugboat captain who admitted to murdering eight people at a Seal Beach salon in 2011 have argued he should not get the death penalty

Scott Dekraai's attorneys accused the prosecution of 'incredible deception' and claimed there was not evidence to move into the next phase which is to decide whether he goes on death row

Innocent victims: The eight people shot dead in and outside a hair salon in Seal Beach, California. Clockwise from top left: Laura Elody, Michele Fast, David Caouette, Lucia Kondos, Michelle Fournier, Christy Wilson, Victoria Buzzo and Randy Fannin

Deputy Attorney General Michael T. Murphy makes his final arguments in the sentencing phase for Scott Dekraai before Judge Thomas Goethals in Santa Ana

Sanders also accused the Orange County Sheriff's Department of 'holding back evidence' that could be helpful to his client, the LA Times reported.

He added: 'This is a rogue department. They decided they didn't have to follow the rules.

'This concealment could go on forever because when people don't want to tell the truth, we really have no sense of what's left.'

In his first public sign of remorse during a hearing back in June, Dekraai said: 'I'm sorry. I'm very, very sorry.'

He spoke and wiped his eyes moments after Bethany Webb, the sister of victim Laura Webb Elody, criticized him for referring to those killed as 'collateral damage.'

'You can't give me back what you took,' Webb replied. 'I'm sorry, you can't apologize for this. . You will never give me back what was stolen from me,' reported the Orange County Register.

Dekraai's ex-wife was a target of the shooting spree

Dekraai, the ex-husband of one of the victims, went on the shooting spree at Salon Meritage, just blocks from the Pacific Ocean in the seaside resort of Seal Beach, California, after losing custody of his child.

Those who were killed in the massacre included young mothers, a newlywed woman doing her elderly mother's hair and a hard-working business owner, all of whom simply happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Victims' relatives are upset by sentencing delays. A decision on whether Dekraai should face death or life in prison has been postponed because of allegations that jailhouse informants were improperly used to secretly elicit information from Dekraai and suspects in other cases.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas M. Goethals has been holding hearings on whether the Sheriff's Department withheld information about the use of informants in the murder case.

Paul Wilson, whose wife Christy Lynn Wilson was killed, said his father and father-in-law are suffering from advanced cancers.

'It is awful and pathetic to know they may not live to see the coward that took Christy's life brought to justice,' Wilson told the judge.

A county grand jury report released blamed problems on rogue jail deputies and said there was no evidence of a conspiracy involving key law enforcement officials.

The allegations also have prompted state and federal investigations.

Scott Dekraai wipes his eyes after a statement by Bethany Webb, sister of Laura Webb Elody, one of eight people killed by Dekraai at a Seal Beach

Bethany Webb, sister of Laura Webb Elody, one of eight people killed in the rampage that targeted Dekraai's ex-wife
The City of London's top Brexit envoy has slammed the 'bewildering and reckless' approach of Brussels to the negotiations and their 'obsession' with the divorce bill.

Jeremy Browne said the bloc have woefully failed to properly prepare themselves for the negotiations.

He said the bloc is 'affronted by the idea of London remaining brazenly unaffected' by quitting the union.

And he revealed that countries outside the EU have criticised the bloc as 'bureaucratic' and 'protectionist' and see Brexit as an opportunity to foster closer relations with Britain.

The revelation rubbishes claims from Eurocrats that Britain will suffer by quitting the Brussels club.

And he said that Poland has a 'myopic obsession with the size of Britain's exit fee'.

The City of London's Brexit envoy Jeremy Browne was highly critical of the approach taken by Eurocrats in Brussels to the Brexit negotiations in a series of scathing dispatcher sent back to London (file photo)

His scathing assessment of the EU's failure to properly assess Brexit was revealed in a series of colourful dispatches sent back to London.

The memos, which were quietly published online, are a major boost to Britain and emerged just days before the Government is due to publish a series of position papers detailing our negotiating positions.

In one, Mr Browne, a former Lib Dem home office minister, said many countries see in Brexit an opportunity to 'act together on the global stage'.

In once memo he tore into the EU for briefing that Britain could face a Brexit divorce bill of 91billion (100bn euros) describing the aggressive approach as 'oddly cack-handed'.

He wrote: 'Some brinkmanship is inevitable, but it requires good judgement about where the brink is.

'The inability of Brussels to comprehend British politics, or read the British character at the most elementary level, is bewildering; reckless even.'

He said that Switzerland 'see opportunities' in Britain quitting the bloc as it will mean they have a 'much bigger non-EU kid in the European playground'.

The envoy added: 'They are excited about "Global Britain" as a concept and what it could mean for them.

'They strongly feel that there is the scope for enhanced UK-Swiss relations when these do not have to be routed through Brussels.'

He said that a number of countries have talked about their hopes to work with 'Global Britain' after our exit.

And he said that many moan that the EU is too 'bureaucratic', protectionist, and tries to force through a 'one size fits all' approach.

And he criticised the EU for trying to punish Britain for Brexit by issuing a threat to move London's 747billion-a-day euro-clearing business out of the Square Mile.

Brexit Secretary David Davis, pictured with EU negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels last month, has held a series of talks with the bloc. There have been rows over the Brexit divorce bill, EU citizens rights and the Irish border. But the dispatches reveal that despite this bluster countries are keen to have a close relationship with Britain after Brexit

He said there is no doubt the current system works well, but the EU is 'affronted by the idea of London remaining brazenly unaffected'.

And in a boost for post-Brexit Britain, Mr Browne said countries around the world are keen to maintain the closest of ties with the UK.

He said Switzerland wants to create a so-called 'F4' alliance with London, Hong Kong and Singapore.

While Estonia and Latvia's desire for the UK to remain 'a bulwark against Russian aggression' and Poland's 'myopic obsession with the size of Britain's exit fee'.

He also found that Finland and Sweden's hearts are in the right place, although 'their herbivorous nature prevents them from grabbing the steering wheel'.

Italians, meanwhile, 'retain a sentimental affinity for Britain' and are judged to be more 'conciliatory than the French or Germans'.

Mr Browne said he thinks the negotiations will 'ultimately succeed'.

Brexit Secretary David Davis and EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier have held a several round of Brexit talks since Artcile 50 was triggered in March.

They have been hit by a number of early stumbling blocks, with rows over the divorce bill, EU citizens rights and the Irish border, have all triggered rows.

A City of London Corporation spokesperson said: 'These memos are the corporation's key points from meetings across member states with government representatives, financial institutions and a host of trade bodies.

'These reports, published regularly as part of our policy and resources committee, are intended to make sure UK policymakers and businesses are kept informed of our discussions at these meetings.'
This might be the toughest police training exercise ever conducted.

Students at the Indiana University Police Academy (IUPA) may be on their last week of training before becoming fully fledged officers but many couldn't stomach 'The Chicken Test.'

The young cadets were lined up on the lawn and an instructor crept up behind them with a very noisy rubber chicken.

Drill: Cadets lined up in a rows for 'The Chicken Test'

Reaction: This trainee officer looks stone faced as the chicken is hooted in his face

Punishment: A female student is forced to do push-ups after laughing at the rubber toy

Some students didn't bat an eyelid as the comical toy was squeezed by their faces but the majority winced or smiled as they came face-to-face with the chicken.

One student laughed when the toy was meters away and another couldn't help but cackle when the chicken was pointed at his face.

The students who failed the task were instructed to do push-ups on the spot.

The clip was uploaded to the university's Facebook page on Wednesday and has been viewed over five million times.

A caption with the video said: 'The Chicken Test - Designed to test a cadet's demeanor, focus and sense of humor!'

Officials said they thought it would be a nice way for the officers-to-be to have a little fun towards the end of their training.

Wince: Some students didn't bat an eyelid as the comical toy was squeezed by their faces but the majority pulled faces

Fail: The young man grinned widely as the chicken was thrust in his face

'This is the first time we've conducted the test at the IU Police Academy,' the police academy told a local station. 'One of our instructors saw it elsewhere, and we thought it would be a nice way to have some fun and let off some steam.'

The tested cadets are in their final week of the academy. After graduation this weekend, they'll become certified law enforcement officers.
A Florida daycare driver has been charged in the death of a little boy who was left locked in a hot van for 11 hours in blistering heat.

Deborah St. Charles, 51, was charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child, Orlando police announced through social media on Thursday.

Myles Hill, three, was found dead in the van outside of Little Miracles Academy daycare center after spending all day trapped in the summer heat on Monday night.

Now St. Charles, who was not listed as an approved driver at the center, will face a judge for the first time on Friday.

Myles Hill (left) was found dead on Monday night in a van outside Little Miracles Academy daycare center in Orlando, Florida. Daycare driver Deborah St. Charles, 51, (right) was charged in his death on Thursday

Police say the three-year-old was locked inside the van for 11 hours as temperatures reached 144F inside the car

Police claim St. Charles picked up Myles at his home on Monday morning and placed him on the driver's side rear bench before proceeding to pick up two more children.

She drove to Little Miracles Academy and parked, unloading what she presumed were all the children and brought them into the center.

The woman did not perform a headcount, the police report stated.

Myles was marked present Monday when he wasn't actually in class.

Then St. Charles used the van to drive to another Little Miracles location and left it there, locking the car with Myles inside before she entered the daycare center, reported Click Orlando.

The three-year-old's family had called police after noticing he hadn't returned home from the daycare more than two hours after he was expected

Police revealed on Tuesday that the driver of the van will face criminal charges over Myles' death. Flowers and balloons were left outside a makeshift memorial on Tuesday

Police were alerted to the situation when Myles' great grandmother called the daycare to report the child had not been returned home. He was found dead by another worker around 8.30pm.

The boy's aunt, Barbara Livingston, said that when she asked daycare workers where her nephew was, they said he was 'gone'.

'(We) said, "Gone where?" And she pointed at the van,' Livingston told News 6. 'I'm numb. I don't know how to feel.'

A medical examiner has called the death an accident, listing its cause as hypothermia as a result of 'unbearable environment' exposure.

Police claim St. Charles didn't perform a headcount when unloading the children and that she was not listed as an approved driver for the daycare center

Police claim that by 3pm, Monday's temperatures would have been up to 144 degrees Fahrenheit inside the van.

Det. Shane Overfield said in the arrest report about St. Charles: 'This negligent act was committed with an utter disregard for the safety of the children she is responsible for transporting during the normal course of duties as a daycare service provider and driver of the childcare transport vehicle.'

The report continues to claim that too many children were riding in the van, and an 11-year-old was sitting in the front passenger seat, a violation of Florida rules.

St. Charles is being held on $30,000 bail. Jail records didn't list an attorney.

In the wake of Myles' tragic death, daycare owner Audrey Thornton begged for forgiveness from the boy's family on Wednesday at an emotional press conference.

A closed sign was found taped to the door of the Little Miracles Academy daycare center in Orlando, Florida

Audrey Thornton, who owns the daycare, begged for forgiveness from the boy's family on Wednesday at an emotional press conference

Thornton said she had just arrived home from work when she received the call that Myles was missing.

'I just started screaming and hollering, and crying and crying and crying,' she said.

She begged Myles' family for a chance to explain what happened.

'I'm sorry for your loss and I don't want you all to be upset with me and I loved Myles and I took care of Myles since he was a baby and if you all could forgive me,' a tearful Thornton said.

'I'm so sorry just give me a chance to talk to you and explain.'

'Anyone who knows me... they know I took care of my kids, I love my kids. I give back to the community and I just want them to trust me and trust in me and that if I ever open back up this will never happen again.'

When police arrived at the school later on Monday night, they found the boy dead in the van

The Florida Department of Children and Families has since revoked the daycare center's operating license and fined it $2,750.

A Florida Department of Children and Families inspection report from last month showed that the academy had been cited for not keeping track of children being transported.

'The facility's log for children transported did not include the following required elements: [destination time, arrival time, destination location and departure location.]. (Section 6.2, number 3) [SR],' the DCF report said.

The rule requires day care centers to maintain logs of the time children arrive, where they were supposed to be transported and what time they departed.

Myles would have turned four on August 22.
An 82-year-old man, who was stuck in an elevator for nearly a month despite pushing the emergency button twice, was found dead last week after people reported a foul smell.

Isaak Komisarchik had been missing since July 5. Between the morning of July 6 and August 2, Komisarchik is believed to have died after he was unable to escape an elevator, possibly because of dementia.

Elevator repair workers finally discovered his body after multiple residents of the Woodstream Village apartments reported a terrible smell coming from the parking-garage.

Authorities said a criminal investigation confirmed Komisarchik pressed the emergency button twice, according to the Denver Post.

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Denver resident, Isaak Komisarchik (pictured), 82, had been missing since July 5. His body was discovered last week in a parking-garage elevator of an apartment complex after residents reported a foul smell

Komisarchik died between the morning of July 6 and August 2 after he was unable to escape an elevator, possibly because of dementia. His body was discovered inside a parking-garage elevator at the Woodstream Village apartments (pictured)

When Komisarchik was first reported missing, Denver firefighters (pictured) searched five ponds near Woodstream in an attempt to find him. His daughter told authorities at the time that he 'couldn't take long walks' because he would sometimes get 'disoriented'

Denver Fire Department spokesman Capt Greg Pixley said detectives are now trying to determine why no one responded.

Family members said the last time they saw Komisarchik, he was wearing gray pajama pants and a gray-and-white striped shirt around 2pm on July 5.

'He actually walked to the mailbox to pick up the mail and to the office to get some things from there and then he just disappeared,' his daughter, Yelena told 9 News.

She told the station that her father 'couldn't take long walks'.

'He physically couldn't do that,' Yelena said, adding that he had 'mental' issues that come with age.

'He could've gotten disoriented at times,' she said.

Courtesy of Denver7

When Komisarchik was first reported missing, Denver firefighters searched five ponds near Woodstream in an attempt to find him.

Authorities determined that Komisarchik pushed the emergency button twice on July 6 at 9.09am and 9.17am, and got no response.

Denver's elevator code requires elevator operators to monitor emergency notifications around the clock.

The garage elevator at Woodstream Village was last inspected in December and found to be in good working order, authorities said.

All elevator cars must have signaling devices including an emergency switch labeled 'Alarm' adjacent to the car's operating panel and a phone or intercom labeled 'Help' allowing two-way communication with security.

Detectives are still trying to determine how Komisarchik ended up in the elevator and the Denver Medical Examiner said the cause of death has not been determined

The fire department said they didn't receive any emergency calls from that particular elevator car during the period of time Komisarchik was in it.

However, the parking-garage where Komisarchik was found had been closed for renovation.

When a Denver firefighter responded, the elevator doors were open. Elevator maintenance workers had just found Komisarchik's body inside the car, Pixley told the Post.

'Something is not right,' Pixley said.

The elevators at the apartment complex are monitored by MEI Total Elevator Solutions monitors.

A DailyMail.com request for comment to MEI was not immediately returned.

Greystar Management Services oversees operations at the Woodstream apartment complex. The company said they are currently investigating the incident with local authorities.

Numerous Woodstream residents complained to managers of a strong odor emanating from the garage area but nothing was done.

John White, the spokesman for Denver police, said the elevator 'wasn't inoperable'.

He said they are working to determine 'how he got in there and when he got in there'.

The Denver medical examiner said the cause of death has not been determined.
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Costing 3.1billion and weighing 65,000 tonnes, she's Britain's biggest and most advanced warship ever built.

But HMS Queen Elizabeth has been outmanoevred by a 300 drone which landed on the deck completely unchallenged.

The drone pilot, who wanted to remain anonymous, made the daring flight while the aircraft carrier was docked at Invergordon, Scotland in July.

He flew over the carrier before touching down on the four-acre deck and then taking off again unchecked.

Caught off guard: HMS Queen Elizabeth has been outmanoevred by a 300 drone which landed on the deck completely unchallenged

Landing: The drone pilot, who wanted to remain anonymous, made the daring flight while the aircraft carrier was docked at Invergordon, Scotland in July

The flight may now be discussed in Scotland's Parliament by MSPs concerned about security flaws.

Footage from the drone's camera shows it cruising over the enormous empty ship before landing. The pilot said: 'I was amazed that I was able to land on the aircraft carrier for two reasons.

'The first being that there was no-one about to prevent it from landing although there were security police around in small boats who were waving at the drone.

'The second reason was more technical. I received a high wind warning as I was videoing up and down the flight deck and my control system advised me to land.

'I expected the deck to be steel which would send the drone's electronic landing systems haywire, but I was able to touch down OK and took a couple of shots.

Panorama: Footage from the drone's camera shows it cruising over the enormous empty ship before landing on the deck

Fears: The flight may now be discussed in Scotland's Parliament by MSPs concerned about possible security flaws

One the move: Britain's most advanced warship set sail from the Rosyth dockyard in Fife in July

'It turned out that the deck is covered by some sort of material to give better grip and it did not interfere with the electronics.

'There was absolutely no-one around when I landed, it was like a ghost ship.'

After taking off again from the carrier, the pilot flew the drone back to Newhall Point on the Black Isle in Highland, where it took off from.

The pilot added: 'After I posted the picture taken from the flight deck I got some flak from other drone users who were saying 'You are going to make a lot of people unhappy.'

'I thought the only law I had broken was that I flew over a vessel I didn't have control over.

'I was a bit concerned so I drove round to Invergordon and spoke to the port security and explained that I wanted to speak to someone from the ship such as the duty watch or the captain about what I had done.

'I was only able to speak to some heavily armed police, I think from the MoD, and they said there was no-one available on the carrier as they were at dinner ashore.

HMS Queen Elizabeth: Where has she been? The ship set sail from the Rosyth dockyard in Fife this summer. She passed under the iconic Forth Road Bridge before heading to the south of England and docking at Southampton. She is now spending six weeks in the North Sea for sea trials. The boat will then head to America's east coast for flight trials which will begin in October 2018. Queen Elizabeth is expected to be operational by 2020. Advertisement

'No-one seemed too concerned, but the officer I spoke to said he would pass it up the chain of command.

'I was fascinated by the Queen Elizabeth and wanted to have a crack at filming her. I wasn't out to get anyone in trouble. What's done is done, and I can't undo the images I shot.

'I think if the MoD were in any way bothered by this then these videos and stills would not have been allowed to see the light of day.'

When operational, the new ship will boast 24 F-35B fighter jets with radars that can track tiny objects from 20km away, but these were not on board at the time the drone landed.

The drone pilot said: 'The ship has not been commissioned by the Royal Navy yet and doesn't have aircraft, so I don't think its defence systems that could block radio signals will be fully operational. If they were there would be no way I would get within a mile of this vessel.

'But it is worth a lot of money and I suppose I could have been a member of the Taliban or anything.'

Liberal Democrat MSP Jamie Stone said he was concerned at the security implications and would consider tabling a question in parliament about it.

North sea: The HMS Queen Elizabeth was on trial with US ships this week in a massive show of strength

The drone pilot said: 'I was amazed that I was able to land on the aircraft carrier for two reasons'

Security questions Navy chiefs boasted the defence system on the UK's biggest ever warship, the HMS Queen Elizabeth, will be NASA standard - unlike the NHS system that was hacked into several months ago. But computers in the flying control room on the 3.1billion state-of-the-art carrier showed the system was still running on Windows XP. This was the same software used by the NHS computers which were hit by a global cyber-attack in May this year. Advertisement

He said: 'I think the moral of this astonishing tale is that there is a serious question about security for the Royal Navy for it would have been quite easy for someone of evil intent to do something quite serious. Even a drone crashing into its radar could cause damage.'

An MOD spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We take the security of HMS Queen Elizabeth very seriously. This incident has been reported to Police Scotland, an investigation is underway and we stepped up our security measures in light of it.'

The 920ft long, 65,000 tonnes Queen Elizabeth made a second visit to Invergordon this week, arriving on Wednesday morning to take on more fuel and supplies.

Next year, the trials programme continues off the USA with its F35B aircraft. Trials should be over by 2020 but it will be 2021 before she is ready for active duty.

Meanwhile, work is continuing on the Queen Elizabeth's sister ship, the Prince of Wales at Rosyth.
Lucifer star Tom Ellis said he was appalled at the way British Airways dealt with his booking

Actor Tom Ellis, who plays Lucifer in the hit Fox show, has slammed British Airways and vowed never to fly with them again.

The star said he was appalled at the way the airline dealt with his booking when he asked a family friend to accompany his children.

He said was 'disgusted' by BA's 'lack of compassion and common sense' after his friend - who is from Indonesia - had her visa declined.

Ellis was left 1,200 - $1,550 - out of pocket after having to purchase a fresh ticket for another friend.

In a lengthy message posted on Twitter, the 38-year-old actor wrote: 'My children are coming to the UK to visit me.

'As theyre too young to travel themselves, they were meant to be brought to Los Angeles by our family friend who is from Indonesia, a primarily Muslim country.

'My friend had to apply for a special visa to travel to the US that had to be approved by the US Consulate in London, where she has lived and worked with a full UK work permit for 7 years.

'In order to get an appointment at the US consulate I was required to purchase the flight in advance to prove when she was entering and leaving the US.

The actor vowed to never fly with British Airways again because of the policy, but the airline said it needed to protect against a 'secondary market' of tickets

Ellis posted a lengthy rant about his experience on Twitter, vowing never to fly with British Airways again

'I purchased a flexible ticket from British Airways for 1200. The visa was then denied.

'I was left needing to find someone else who I trust to bring my children.

'Thankfully another good friend has offered. I assumed British Airways would understand this situation and change the name on the ticket that I had been forced to purchase in the first place.

'I was wrong. Instead, I have to buy a whole new ticket and will not be refunded for the first.

'Unfortunately in the sad current climate, I am not surprised by the US immigration decision  but I am disgusted by British Airways lack of compassion and common sense.

The 38-year-old actor said he was disgusted by BA's lack of compassion and common sense

'If it hadnt cost so much already I would cancel all the tickets and use another airline  but I can categorically say that I will never fly with British Airways again.'

British Airways has been contacted for a comment. In a statement to The Sun the airline wrote: 'We always do everything we can to help customers when their travel plans change.

'We can correct spelling mistakes on all of our tickets, and on many we allow changes to the date or time of a flight too.

'However, we dont allow customers to transfer their tickets as this could lead to a secondary market of trading in airline tickets.'

Welsh-born actor Ellis has played Lucifer Morningstar in the Fox series since 2015.
The hits keep on coming for the largest bank in America: in addition to stealing millions with fraudulent overdraft fees, creating 2,000,000 fraudulent accounts, blackballing whistleblowers, defrauding mortgage borrowers, and stealing tens of thousands of cars with fraudulent repos, they also grossly overcharged America's struggling small businesses for processing their credit-card fees, according to a new lawsuit.



A class action filed in New York by a Pennsylvania court says that Wells Fargo gave merchants an agreement based on "voluminous legalese that could not possibly be read in its entirety or understood by merchant customers," with "absurd provisions" that allowed the bank to charge any fees it chose to levy.



For example, the suit claims that the Program Guide included language that dictated Wells Fargo could "increase our fees and add new fees for services for any other reason at any time, by notifying you thirty days prior to the effective date of any such change or addition." "Boiled down to its core, this provision purports to give Merchant Services unlimited discretion to charge whatever it wants even if such fees and rates are vastly different and higher than those that are clearly set forth in the application," the suit states. Because of this provision, Wells Fargo was able to charge companies for a range of fees that had not previously been disclosed, included minimum transactions fees and early termination penalties, the plaintiffs contend.

Wells Fargo Accused Of Overcharging Small Businesses [Ashlee Kieler/Consumerist]

(Image: Smash the Iron Cage

, CC-BY-SA)
A grieving family has been devastated all over again after they spotted a decaying foot sticking into their grandfather's open grave during his New Jersey funeral.

Sandra Butler was burying her father Cleveland Butler, 85, at Mount Holiness Memorial Park when she spotted the rotting limb on top of his beautiful casket.

One relative snapped a picture of the ghoulish scene, which shows a leg wrapped in plastic and cloth and toes sticking into the casket's blue and white flowers.

'This was a very traumatizing situation, first dealing with losing my father and then this,' Sandra told the New York Daily News.

The family of Cleveland Butler, 85, were horrified when they saw a decaying foot from a 1969 grave sitting on top of their patriarch's casket at Mount Holiness Memorial Park in New Jersey

But the family said they were even more shocked when the cemetery workers kept working, unfazed by the leg, during the funeral last Friday.

'No one said anything to us,' Sandra continued. 'It was like business as usual for them. They just dumped the dirt in the plot like it was normal, like it's nothing to them.'

Relatives told the paper that one worker even accidentally dropped his phone and a pack of cigarettes into the open grave.

The items had to be fished out with a rake.

Sandra's brother Alonzo said he is angry the workers didn't try to investigate the leg, and the family revealed they may now pursue legal action.

Sandra Butler (pictured with Cleveland) said the family has been traumatized by the experience and where shocked when cemetery workers didn't say anything about the foot

'We were shocked. All we could say was "Wow", because that was a human, someone else's loved one,' he told the paper.

'I feel guilty seeing someone else's family member like that.'

But both Mount Holiness owner James Shmergel and caretaker Bill Plog believe the incident is par for course in a cemetery.

'That grave is from 1969. It's unfortunate that this happened, but this is a graveyard,' Plog said.

Plog added that the cemetery workers carried on with burying the grave because they thought it would be best to 'get it over with as soon as possible'.

'People are grieving,' he said. 'The last thing you want to do is get into an argument.'

Cleveland Butler died after suffering a fatal stroke in his Brooklyn nursing home.

He is survived by four children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
A motorcyclist is lucky to be alive after he was t-boned by a car in a horror crash that resulted in him battling a brain injury and losing a testicle.

Incredible dash cam footage captured the moment the motorcyclist was hit after a driver seemingly failed to see him at the Princes Highway intersection, in Melbourne.

Catapulted high into the air after colliding with the car, the motorcyclist was left with serious injuries and told the Melbourne Magistrates Court he wants the driver jailed, Nine News reports.

A motorcyclist is lucky to be alive after he was t-boned by a car in a horror crash that resulted in him being thrown over the top of a car and battling life threatening injuries (pictured)

Footage captured by the dash cam shows the motorcyclist riding down the middle lane of a three-lane road.

A car can be seen pulling across the three lanes just seconds before the motorcyclist reaches the intersection.

But after narrowly avoiding one vehicle the rider is then suddenly faced with another car in his path, which he is this time unable to avoid.

Slamming into the drivers' side of the vehicle at high speed, the rider is thrown over his handlebars and flies over the top of the SUV.

After doing a front flip in mid-air the rider lies motionless on the ground, with scans later revealing he had a brain injury, broken pelvis and a collapsed lung.

The horror crash left the motorcyclist in intensive care for a fortnight and unable to walk for up to three months.

The horror crash left the motorcyclist in intensive care for a fortnight and unable to walk for up to three months (pictured)

Appearing in court on Friday, the driver Ajith Udiriappu Waduge pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious injury.

The injured motorcyclist said he believes Waduge should be jailed over the incident.

'Its been a struggle, (but) I'm slowly getting there,' the motorcyclist told Nine News.

'I would like to see the defendant get some jail time out of it, we'll see how that goes I guess.'
A mother and daughter accused of forming the first all-female Islamist hit squad to carry out a Westminster knife rampage have appeared in court.

Mina Dich, 43, her daughter Rizlaine Boular, 21, plotted to murder a person or persons unknown, it is claimed.

The two women and a third, Khawla Barghouthi, 20, are each charged with one count of engaging in the preparation of a terrorist act and one count of conspiracy to murder between 11 and 28 April.

Happier days: Rizlaine Boular, 21, top centre pictured with her mother Mina Dich, 43, (centre)

Mina Dich pictured here in Islamic dress. She is accused of forming the first all-female Islamist hit squad to carry out a Westminster knife rampage with her daughter and Khawla Barghouthi

Rizlaine Boular, 21, her mother Mina Dich, 43, and 20-year-old Khawla Barghouthi appeared at the Old Bailey as they face terror charges. They are seen here at Westminster Magistrates Court in May

Boular was shot and wounded by armed police as the trio were arrested during a series of raids on 27 April.

Officers arrested the youngster and Barghouthi after firing CS gas into a house in Willesden, north west London, while Dich was detained in a separate raid in Kent.

Today, all three women appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from HMP Bronzefield.

Armed officers, pictured, shot Boular during the raid in Willesden last month. She and her mother Mina Dich have appeared in court today over terror charges

Officers arrested the youngster and Barghouthi after firing CS gas into a house in Willesden, north west London (pictured), while Dich was detained in a separate raid in Kent

Boular, who was charged after being treated for her injuries in hospital, and Dich were wearing traditional Muslim face veils covering their entire faces and raised their hands to identify themselves.

Barghouthi wore a hijab that did not cover her face.

Mr Justice Holroyde set a plea and trial preparation hearing for 23 October.

The three defendants are set to stand trial at the Old Bailey on 27 November.

Boular, of Clerkenwell, central London, Barghouthi, of Harlesden, north west London, and Dich, of Lambeth, south west London, were remanded in custody ahead of their trial.
Cell-phone video has emerged of a suicidal woman, 18, being bear hugged from behind and pulled to safety as she sat on the ledge of a bridge over the Mississippi River.

District Fire Chief Conrad Ertz is seen nervously inching towards the woman and making the heroic rescue on the Robert Street Bridge in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Officer Shawn Longen was speaking with the teen who was clearly distraught and told her to 'come over the barrier and talk to me'.

She was distracted by the officer long enough for Ertz to come up directly behind and pull her over, preventing her from falling 120 feet to her death.

An 18-year-old suicidal woman was on the edge of the Robert Street Bridge in St. Paul, Minnesota

District Fire Chief Conrad Ertz is seen in a video sneaking behind the woman and bear hugging her to safety

He pulls her over the edge and lowers her to the ground with the help of Officers Longen and Wall

Conrad Ertz is a hometown and internet hero after a bystander on the bridge captured the heroic rescue with his cell phone

Officer Longen told the Star Tribune that the teen told him that 'she felt like there was nobody who loved her. I told her there are people who love you'.

Another officer, Len Wall, was at the scene radioing to emergency dispatch. 'She's over the water, we're trying to talk her out of it', he told dispatch.

At 6'5" tall, Ertz's height gave him leverage if the woman had struggled or began to fall.

Once they got her off the ledge, the three men brought her to the ground and kept her there for a minute to calm down and let her know she was okay.

The teen was taken to a nearby hospital for an evaluation where Officer Longen spoke with her to 'share some personal experiences with her and try to give her some hope.'

The whole rescue was caught on camera by a bystander on the bridge and another from the ground. It hit the internet making the officers and fire chief hometown heroes.

Unfortunately, this isn't the first time these men have experienced something like this. Ertz said: 'Quite honestly, most [rescue efforts] have not been so successful so this is very special.'

He added that he hopes in this instance they've given a second chance.

Another angle from the ground gives a better scope of the bridge and the 120 ft. jump into the Mississippi river

If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide call the The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Trained staff is available 24/7 for anyone in crisis.
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This is the moment that the traumatized and scarred innocents of the world's most brutal war finally made it to safety.

Behind them, in shattered cages and compounds, 140 creatures lay dead - killed by bombs, bullets, starvation or stress in the zoo that found itself on the front line of the terrible Syrian civil war.

But for these few at least there was a happy ending. Plunged into a vortex of suffering by man, it was humans who also came to their rescue.

The international Four Paws animal charity admitted it dealt with some 'very bad men' to negotiate the safe passage of the last nine animals out of the remains of Aleppo zoo to their new home in neighbouring Jordan.

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Pictured: The male lion walking around in his new home after being freed from Aleppo's 'Magic World' zoo. He has been rescued along with eight other animals, while behind them in Syria lie 140 dead animals left to suffer in the zoo

Pictured: Saeeda the tigress jumps and shows off her agility after being moved to a new 40-hectare home in Jordan

Pictured: A charity worker feeds one of the hyenas in its new home in Jordan

Pictured: Saeeda relaxes in her new sanctuary after being rescued by the Four Paws charity

Saeeda (pictured) was rescued from the Magic World zoo in Aleppo after Syria's civil war began to affect animals as well as people in the city

Pictured: A lion is moved in a Four Paws cage so it can begin its new life in Jordan. The international animal charity admitted it dealt with some 'very bad men' to negotiate the safe passage of the last nine animals out of the Aleppo zoo

Proud: One of the lions, both of which are currently unnamed, explores its new surroundings after being evacuated from Syria

Four Paws, with the assistance of the Turkish government and a local security company, crossed into Syria from Turkey a week ago to rescue the animals from the abandoned zoo Aalim al-Sahar in Aleppo.

Three lions, two tigers, two Asian black bears, two Husky dogs and two hyenas from the zoo whose name translates as 'Magic World' were rescued with the permission from the owner, who had fled to the United States five years ago.

After the war began in 2011 and fighting intensified in Aleppo, the zoo's caretakers were forced to abandon its inhabitants.

Four Paws veterinarian Amir Khalil, who led the dangerous mission to rescue them, said: 'The ongoing war has taken its toll on the animals. The lack of water, food, and veterinary care has left the animals physically and psychologically traumatized. Several animals were killed by severe bombings. There was no way for them to escape from this deadly trap.

Pictured: Saeed, whose name is Arabic for 'happy', sitting at the Sabil park in Aleppo. The unhappy hamadryas baboon is 22 years old

Pictured: A scarred lion is seen in a cage in Bursa, Turkey last month after it was rescued from Magic World zoo in Syria

Pictured: Sultan, one of the tigers from the zoo in Aleppo, is shown being washed in a cage before being released into the Jordanian sanctuary in Jerash, near Amman

'The ever-deteriorating situation of the animals worried us. With our mission, we want to spread the message that humanity cannot be divided and that these suffering animals deserve to be heard and seen.'

When rescued the female tiger, Sayeeda, was malnourished and the male tiger, Sultan, went into cardiac arrest when he was given anesthesia for a health check-up.

After paperwork delays at the Turkish border the mini Noah's Ark was greenlighted to be loaded on to a cargo plane that touched down on the Jordanian capital Amman at midnight yesterday.

Today they were again loaded up on to trucks to be driven for two hours to a sanctuary operated by Four Paws and Jordan's Al Mawa foundation.

Princess Alia, sister of the Jordanian king and head of the foundation, was there to greet the animals on their arrival at the 40 hectare site.

Pictured: Saeeda the tigress struts about in the sunshine after being rescued from Magic World zoo in Aleppo

Pictured left: Saeeda revels in her new 40-hectare living space. Right: Sultan has a drink from a bottle of water while waiting to be released into the animal sanctuary in Jordan

Pictured: One of the animals is transported in a Four Paws cage as volunteers and staff stand by to help

Pictured: Sultan, the male tiger, enjoys a drink of water after being released into his new home

Pictured: Sultan lifts his paw as he perches on a rock in his new 40-hectare home

Pictured: American tycoon called Eric Margolis, 74. He was the major backer of the rescue and told the Daily Mail: 'I have loved animals all my life and have always been saddened when they are abused and mistreated'

They join other big cats and a bear, seized from a crumbling zoo in Gaza, from smugglers and from other decrepit zoos where they struggled to survive.

'They don't trust humans. I would say human presence is a bit of stress for them because of what they've been through, they have been in an area which has been in the centre of a conflict,' said Yavor Gechev of Four Paws of the newest, traumatized survivors.

Pictured right: Princess Alia, the Jordanian king's sister, who was at the sanctuary to greet the rescued animals on their arrival

Amidst all the death, life went on for the animals and the cycle will continue in their new home as vets prepare for the arrival soon of baby lions.

The pregnant lioness among the rescued beasts was given extra special care during the mission and, so far, she has borne her ordeal well.

Vet Khalil said he is pleased at the progress the animals have made.

'They were not in very good condition when we got to them,' he said. 'Not at all.

'They were all severely emaciated from malnutrition and many of them had open wounds on their skin.'

The animals have an American tycoon called Eric Margolis, 74, to thank for their rescue. He was the major backer of the rescue and told the Daily Mail: 'I have loved animals all my life and have always been saddened when they are abused and mistreated.'

Mr Margolis, who ran companies in Canada, added: 'When I was in the pharmaceutical industry I made it a point of honour never to do business with companies who tested on animals.

'I always thought that they should be tested on the humans who eat whatever product animals were suffering for.

'My wife learned about the Four Paws mission on the Internet. I don't want to say what I gave but it was substantial. I hope the rescued animals can now live out their days with peace and dignity.'
Megyn Kelly has praised current employer NBC for its 'resources, resources, resources' approach

NBC host Megyn Kelly has heaped praise on her current employers for giving journalists 'resources, resources, resources', and defended her early ratings.

In an interview with the Chicago Tribune while on a tour of NBC affiliates by private jet, the new $15 million-a-year star also admitted she hated her last two years at Fox News.

However, Kelly's new colleagues seem less than pleased with the star-hire, telling Page Six they are getting fed up with her 'divalike ways'.

They claim she has stolen staff from Today and that a new studio stage was built for her show Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly at great expense.

They even took exception to the national tour she is currently on, but NBC execs have said connecting with affiliates is standard procedure for new talent at the network.

Her Sunday Night With Megyn Kelly show came to an end after eight episodes, with ratings dropping, but the 46-year-old told the Tribune she thought the ratings were 'fine'.

She stated: 'I have three children, and they didn't come out of the womb running.

'They had to learn to crawl and then they walked and then they ran, and that's the same for television shows. I didn't expect anything other than that. Thankfully my bosses don't, either.'

The show will return next year, the network has confirmed.

Insiders have accused Kelly of 'divalike' behavior at the network, and said staff are outraged at the treatment she is getting

She praised NBC for ploughing resources into news coverage and said: 'NBC, they expect excellence, and they are willing to devote the resources needed to achieve excellence, and nothing less than excellence will do.'

An insider told Page Six however: 'People are outraged over her divalike ways. They wonder, "When does NBC stop throwing money at her?"'

Reflecting on the end of her tenure at Fox she said: 'It is true that the past couple of years have not been fun for me professionally. I mean, they've been challenging and they've been a growth opportunity, but they were not fun.'

He has accused former Fox News Channel chief executive officer Roger Ailes of sexual harassment in the early years of her career.
An Oxford University financial officer accused in the fatal stabbing of a Chicago hairstylist has agreed to be extradited from California to Illinois to face murder charges.

Andrew Warren and now-former Northwestern University professor Wyndham Lathem, 42, were arrested in the San Francisco area eight days after 26-year-old Trenton James Cornell-Duranleau was found dead inside Lathem's high-rise condo last month.

On Friday, police revealed that the 26-year-old victim buffered more than 40 'lacerations and mutilations' to his upper body during what Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi described as a 'very intense' attack.

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Courtroom sighting: Chicago murder suspect Andrew Warren enters a courtroom for an extradition hearing at the Hall of Justice in San Francisco on Friday

Warren, 56, and now-former Northwestern University professor Wyndham Lathem (right), 42, were arrested in the San Francisco area for murder after eight days on the lam

Grisly death: Police revealed on Friday victim Trenton James Cornell-Duranleau, 26, was stabbed more than 40 times

Authorities have said the attack on Cornell-Duranleau, a Michigan native who moved to Chicago last year, was so brutal that the blade of the knife investigators believe was used in the stabbing was broken. When police found him, he had already been dead for at least 12 hours.

Guglielmi said police believe there might have been some tension in Lathem and Cornell-Duranleau's relationship.

'We've been looking a great deal, not only at the relationship between Dr. Lathem and the victim, but also the connection between all three,' he said.

Guglielmi said Chicago police are investigating the backgrounds of all the men but won't be releasing details until they have questioned Lathem and Warren, who separately surrendered to California authorities last week. The pair had been on the run for eight days.

During a hearing Friday in San Francisco, Warren agreed to be extradited to Illinois to face charges and acknowledged that he was the suspect being sought by authorities in Cook County, Illinois.

Warren, an Oxford University financial officer accused in the fatal stabbing of the Chicago barber, has agreed to return to Illinois to face charges

Andrew Warren, bottom, looks toward attorney Ariel Boyce-Smith with the public defender's office during an extradition hearing at the Hall of Justice in San Francisco Friday

Lookin worse for wear: Warren wore an oversize orange jumpsuit during Friday's hearing, and he appeared haggard and unshaven after six days in jail

Attorney Ariel Boyce-Smith, with the public defender's office, said of her client that 'he is presumed innocent'

Warren, a 56-year-old British national, arrived in the US days before the killing. Warren wore an oversize orange jumpsuit during Friday's hearing, and he appeared haggard and unshaven after six days in jail.

'He is presumed innocent,' said his public defender, Ariel Boyce-Smith. She said Warren was 'agreeable' to being returned to Chicago, but she declined further comment.

Lathem, 42, an associate professor of microbiology specializing in the bubonic plague, is being held without bail in California's Alameda County and has waived extradition to Chicago. Authorities there now have 30 days to bring Lathem back.

His attorney has called him a 'gentle soul.' Northwestern University said Monday that they fired him effective August 4 - the date of his arrest.

Cornell-Duranleau was found dead in a luxury Chicago apartment block about 8.30pm on July 27 after police received a mysterious call from an unidentified man telling them 'there may have been a crime committed in Room 1004' of the Near North Side high-rise.

Reports claim two knives were found in the apartment on the 10th floor of the Grand Plaza Apartments where Lathem resides. One was near the sink, and another with a broken handle was in a trashcan

Officers got into the apartment using a master key. Once inside, they followed a trail of blood into the bathroom where the 26-year-old was lying face down, with stab wounds to his back.

Police found a knife with a broken blade in the trash can and another knife near the sink.

A source told the Chicago Sun Times: 'The victim was savagely killed. The crime scene was covered in blood.

'The body was mutilated. His genitals were cut, mutilated. It was so savage it broke the knife found at the crime scene.'

Cornell-Duranleau, a native of Michigan, worked as a hair stylist and loved video games, cars and cartoons, according to his obituary shared on Facebook by his mother

Police believe Cornell-Duranleau was killed in Lathem's apartment in the 500 block of North State Street around 5am.

But officers were not alerted until an anonymous caller reached the front desk of the building around 8.30pm, more than 15 hours later, the Tribune reported.

Chicago police on Friday revealed that Lathem sent a 'video message' apologizing to his loved ones and describing the killing as 'the biggest mistake of my life.'

Investigators say they have spoken to several people who have received the video from Lathem in the wake of the murder.

Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi would not go into the specific contents of the video, only saying that Lathem apologized in the video for his involvement in the slaying and called it 'the biggest mistake of my life.'

It also emerged last week that the two suspects drove to Wisconsin after the killing and made a $1,000 donation to a library in the dead man's name before his body was found inside Lathem's apartment.

Lathem and Warren were apprehended more than 2,000 miles away from the lavish Windy City apartment where they allegedly stabbed and mutilated Cornell-Duranleau.
Beyond the bluster, the Trump administration has been quietly engaged in back channel diplomacy with North Korea for several months, addressing Americans imprisoned in the communist country and deteriorating relations between the long-time foes, The Associated Press has learned.

It had been known the two sides had discussions to secure the June release of an American university student.

But it wasn't known until now that the contacts have continued, or that they have broached matters other than U.S. detainees.

People familiar with the contacts say the interactions have done nothing thus far to quell tensions over North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile advances, which are now fueling fears of military confrontation.

New York channel: Joseph Yun, one of the U.S.'s most senior diplomats, speaks secretly to the North Korean's regime's United Nations delegate

But they say the behind-the-scenes discussions could still be a foundation for more serious negotiation, including on North Korea's nuclear weapons, should President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un put aside the bellicose rhetoric of recent days and endorse a dialog.

The contacts are occurring regularly between Joseph Yun, the U.S. envoy for North Korea policy, and Pak Song Il, a senior North Korean diplomat at the country's U.N. mission, according to U.S. officials and others briefed on the process. They weren't authorized to discuss the confidential exchanges and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Officials call it the 'New York channel.' Yun is the only U.S. diplomat in contact with any North Korean counterpart. The communications largely serve as a way to exchange messages, allowing Washington and Pyongyang to relay information.

Drowned out by the furor over Trump's warning to North Korea of 'fire and fury like the world has never seen,' Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has expressed a willingness to entertain negotiations. His condition: Pyongyang stopping tests of missiles that can now potentially reach the U.S. mainland.

Tillerson has even hinted at an ongoing back channel. 'We have other means of communication open to them, to certainly hear from them if they have a desire to want to talk,' he said at an Asian security meeting in the Philippines this week.

The interactions could point to a level of pragmatism in the Trump administration's approach to the North Korean threat, despite the president's dire warnings

Secret channel: Trump's administration is sending secret messages through the 'New York' conduit to Kim Jong-Un's reclusive regime despite the public escalation of rhetoric

'LOCKED AND LOADED': President Donald Trump tweeted Friday that 'Military solutions are now fully in place' in his latest escalation with North Korea

LOCKED AND LOADED: The U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Carl Vinson arrives at the port of Busan, South Korea on March 15, 2017, for ongoing joint military drills with South Korea aimed at improving their response to missile launches by North Korea

Ready to go: The first image emerged Friday of all six B-1B Lancers deployed to Guam together on the ground.

On Friday, he tweeted: 'Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely.' But on Thursday, he said, 'we'll always consider negotiations,' even if they haven't worked in the last quarter-century.

The contacts suggest Pyongyang, too, may be open to a negotiation even as it talks of launching missiles near the U.S. territory of Guam. The North regularly threatens nuclear strikes on the United States and its allies.

The State Department didn't immediately comment on Yun's diplomacy. The White House also had no comment. A diplomat at North Korea's U.N. mission only confirmed use of diplomatic channel up to the release of U.S. college student Otto Warmbier two months ago.

Trump, in some ways, has been more flexible in his approach to North Korea than President Barack Obama.

While variations of the New York channel have been used on-and-off for years by past administrations, there were no discussions over the last seven months of Obama's presidency after Pyongyang broke them off in anger over U.S. sanctions imposed on its leader, Kim.

Obama made little effort to reopen lines of communication.

The contacts quickly restarted after Trump's inauguration, other people familiar with the discussions say.

'Contrary to the public vitriol of the moment, the North Koreans were willing to reopen the New York channel following the election of President Trump and his administration signaled an openness to engage and 'talk about talks,'' said Keith Luse, executive director of the National Committee on North Korea, a U.S.-based group that promotes U.S.-North Korean engagement.

'However, the massive trust deficit in Pyongyang and in Washington toward each other has impeded the confidence-building process necessary to have constructive dialogue,' he said.

The early U.S. focus was on securing the release of several Americans held in North Korea.

They included Warmbier, who was imprisoned for stealing a propaganda poster and only allowed to return to the U.S. in June - in an unconscious state. He died days later. Yun traveled on the widely publicized mission to Pyongyang to bring Warmbier home.

Despite outrage in the U.S. with Warmbier's treatment and sharp condemnation by Trump, the U.S.-North Korean interactions in New York continued.

Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-14 is pictured during its second test-fire in this undated picture provided by KCNA in Pyongyang on July 29, 2017

Soft power: As well as showing what supersonic B-1B bombers are capable of, Trump's White House has sent secret messages to the so-called hermit state

Yun and his counterpart have discussed the other Americans still being held. They include Kim Hak Song, a university employee detained in May accused of unspecified 'hostile' acts; Tony Kim, a teacher at the same school, accused of trying to overthrow the government; and Kim Dong Chul, sentenced last year to a decade in prison with hard labor for supposed espionage.

But the American and North Korean diplomats also have discussed the overall U.S.-North Korean relationship. The two countries have no diplomatic ties and are still enemies, having only reached an armistice - not a peace treaty - to end the 1950-1953 Korean War. Twenty-eight thousand U.S. troops are still stationed in South Korea.

In its own convoluted way, North Korea has indicated openness to talks in recent weeks, even as it has accelerated the tempo of weapons tests.

On July 4, after the North test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that could potentially strike the continental U.S., leader Kim added a new caveat to his refusal to negotiate over its nukes or missiles. Instead of a blanket rejection, he ruled out such concessions 'unless the U.S. hostile policy and nuclear threat to the DPRK are definitely terminated.'

That message has been repeated by other North Korean officials, without greater specification. Nor have they offered an indication as to whether Pyongyang would accept denuclearization as the goal of talks.

Still, advocates for diplomacy, including some voices in the U.S. government, view the addendum as a potential opening.

'North Korea is assessing its options,' said Susan DiMaggio, a senior fellow at the New America think tank who participated in unofficial talks with North Korean officials in Oslo in May that were also attended by Yun.

'They recognize that at some point they have to return to the table to address what's becoming a crisis. That's what they are weighing right now: the timing of engagement.'

Any negotiation would face huge skepticism in Washington given North Korea's long record of broken promises. The last serious U.S.-North Korea negotiations collapsed in 2012 when Pyongyang launched a long-range rocket that derailed an agreement of a North Korean nuclear freeze in exchange for U.S. food aid.

North Korea's weapons program has developed significantly since then. As a result, its price in any such negotiation is now likely to be far higher. At a minimum, Pyongyang would renew its long-standing demands for an end to joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises - which are set to resume this month - and an eventual peace treaty with Washington.

To date, the Trump administration has heavily concentrated its diplomatic energy on cranking up international pressure on North Korea's government, in particular pressing China to lean on its wayward ally. Last weekend, the U.N. adopted its strongest economic sanctions on Pyongyang.

Trump has been widely accused of injecting a new element of unpredictability and even chaos into U.S. policy toward North Korea, especially with his tweets and proclamations this week. It's unclear what effect they may have on the back channel contacts being maintained by Yun.
The US government is prepared to offer visa changes to immigrants willing to cooperate with authorities to help combat and curtail the MS-13 gang's ruthless and deadly activities within American borders.

Officers from ICE's Homeland Security Investigations division have said that Central American immigrant communities have been instrumental in their efforts to fight the El Salvadorian gang, which has now spread itself across 40 states.

Eddy Wang, Section Chief, HSI Contraband Smuggling and Gang Unit, told Fox News that his team 'wouldnt be able to close a good number of our cases without the cooperation of the immigrant community.'

ICE and Homeland Security Investigation officials are prepared to offer visas to immigrants who come forward with information that helps successfully prosecute MS-13 gang members

Authorities say that cooperation from Central American immigrant communities has been key in closing cases against the ruthless El Salvadorian gang in the US

Wang noted that one of the reasons why immigrants are keen to help authorities is because they are being exploited by gangs who spread drugs and violence through their communities, as well as target their children for future gang membership opportunities.

'They dont want to be victims so they work with us,' Wang said.

Some officials believe that offering visa changes to illegal immigrants in exchange for stepping forward to help fight MS-13 will entice undocumented immigrant cooperation from those who have been keeping quiet for fear of deportation.

According to statistics released in May, ICE arrests among undocumented immigrants has spiked 38 per cent since Donald Trump took office, USA Today reported.

While many of those arrested had previous criminal records, there has been a 156 per cent increase over 2016's same period figures in arrests of illegals without criminal records, too.

While that may make it appear that ICE and HSI agents are purely scouring communities to scoop up illegals for deportation, Wang said that the agents are actually offering up a 'very robust victim assistance and community outreach program' to spell out the various options available to undocumented immigrants looking for a way to stay in the country without worrying about gang violence retribution.

Officials believe that offering visas in exchange for useful information will help undocumented immigrants come forward with information, instead of keeping quiet for fear of deportation

In exchange for cooperating with authorities to successfully investigate and prosecute gang violence, undocumented illegals could be given opportunities like asylum; the S visa, for witnesses and informants; the T visa, for victims of human trafficking, and the U visa, for victims of certain types of crimes who suffered mental or physical abuse.

Wang also noted that since the HSI's primary goal is to work alongside all victims for the purpose of arresting criminals, 'We dont check the immigration status of victims or witnesses.'

Not everyone thinks the idea of offering visas in exchange for information is such a good idea, though.

Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies at the non-partisan Center for Immigration Studies, believes that promoting visas in exchange for information runs the risk of increased fraud.

She told Fox News that the visa policy works only 'if used sparingly to reward people who are critical in especially significant prosecutions, not just as a back-door green card for anyone who has been the victim of a crime.'

Vaughan said that there have been instances where illegals looking for a U visa will fabricate stories of having been victimized and then go out to try to find a law enforcement department willing to grant the visa in exchange for their fraudulent tales.

As an alternative to the visas, Vaughan said that ICE actually prefers to offer up Significant Public Benefit Parole, which the government traditionally gives to those outside the US looking for entry to the country for humanitarian reasons or due to a significant public benefit.

For illegals already in the US, they could be covered under the Significant Public Benefit Parole option through 'advance parole'  requiring that they leave the country and then return  or by seeking 'parole in place.'

Vaughan believes that the parole option is preferable because it gives immigration officers the ability to deny or end the benefit in cases where immigrant witnesses suddenly become uncooperative or if it's found that their information is useless.

In contrast, the U visa is hard to revoke.

'Any police department can tell you stories of fraudulent victimization claims to try to get the visa,' Vaughan said.

Wang, however, noted that it is hard to obtain these particular immigrant visas by fraud, as the investigating agencies would need to verify the supposed witness and informant claims and sign off on their visa applications.
Authorities say a South Carolina man died trying to get his cellphone from a burning mobile home.

Anderson County Chief Deputy Coroner Charlie Boseman said the 22-year-old man was inside the mobile home when the fire broke out about 3am Friday, according to CBS affiliate WSPA.

A 17-year-old female and another woman were also in the trailer at the time of the incident.

A 22-year-old man from South Carolina died Friday morning after running into a burning mobile home in order to retrieve his phone (pictured)

He says all three made it out safely, but the man went back in to get his cellphone and didnt make it back out.

'We're pretty sure the fire started in a front bedroom and then spread throughout the trailer,' Boseman said.

Anderson County Chief Deputy Coroner Charlie Boseman (pictured) said the victim died of smoke inhalation

'He went back in there for his phone and was overcome by smoke inhalation, most likely. We found him later in the back bedroom.'

The mans name has yet to be released.

The Homeland Park Fire Department and Flat Rock-Bowen Fire Department were called to the scene to battle the blaze.

They are currently conducting an investigation into how the fire was started.

Authorities noted that the mobile home did not have smoke detectors.

The broadcaster also reported that this is the second time the victims have had a fire this year.

The previous incident occurred earlier in the year and was determined to have been caused electrical fire from an air-conditioning unit.

Authorities suspect that the latest blaze may have been started by a cigarette.
Ugh, the "dog days of summer" are upon us. It's hot, with cities in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest reaching record-breaking temps well over 100 degrees.

It was over 98 degrees in Tokyo the other daya record high for that date. If you've never been in Asia during the summer, the combination of heat and humidity will make you wish you were in a coffin buried under a layer of cool earth. The sun feels like a ray of death. Even in the shade, if there's no breeze, the humidity alone will make sweat squirt from every pore in your body. One August I stayed in a large Hilton in Tokyo to attend a convention, and when the automatic doors opened upon exiting the hotel it felt as if a steaming wet towel was thrown on my face. Heatstroke is common. At the Tokyo Disney Resort, the characters atop the parade floats spray firehouses right into the crowd.

And what do we do in summer when it's hot out (aside from the obvious choice of remaining indoors)  eat ice cream, of course. But it melts, and really quickly, too, at those temperatures. Happenstance has recently changed that, according to Japan's Asahi Shimbum newspaper.

Kanazawa Ice touts its product of the same name as "not melting popsicles."  The intriguing products are manufactured by Biotherapy Development Research Center Co. in Kanazawa. The company began marketing the popsicles in April, also retailing them at outlets in Osaka and Tokyo. The company's president, Takeshi Toyoda, claims that its popsicles "will remain almost the same even if exposed to the hot air from a dryer."  The secret is the use of a polyphenol liquid extracted from strawberries, said Tomihisa Ota, professor emeritus of pharmacy at Kanazawa University, who developed the melt-resistant popsicles. "Polyphenol liquid has properties to make it difficult for water and oil to separate so that a popsicle containing it will be able to retain the original shape of the cream for a longer time than usual and be hard to melt," he said. The discovery of strawberry polyphenol's unique property was made by accident. The Biotherapy Development Research Center asked a pastry chef in Miyagi Prefecture to make new confectionery by way of trial using polyphenol from strawberries. It was part of efforts by the company to help strawberry farmers in Miyagi Prefecture affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. After the disaster, the farmers began growing the fruit again, but their produce was not in good enough shape to be marketable. So the company decided to make the best use of strawberry polyphenol. Later the company received a complaint from the pastry chef, who said "dairy cream solidified instantly when strawberry polyphenol was added." That led Ota to use the strawberry polyphenol to make popsicles that would not melt easily.

And they're not kidding. SoraNews 24 made this video of one of their ice cream pops at room temperature and it took THREE HOURS to melt!

In addition to cute bears, the ice cream comes in other shapes and flavors with various toppings.

The latest shop has opened in the fancy Harajuku area of Tokyo, and I bet the lines to get in run well down the block.

How does the non-melting ice cream taste? Not a clue, but I bet it can't beat Good Humor, Mister Softee, Carvel, Baskin Robbins, or Haagen-Dazs, which all happily collapse into a puddle on a hot day just as the Lord intended.

Via Asahi Shimbum

Via Via SoraNews 24

Via Via Asia One
David Johnathan Lee, 32, is said to have tricked the man to come to their north Phoenix house by sending a text from his wife's phone

An Arizona firefighter has been accused of luring his wife's boyfriend to their home, tying him up and forcing her to watch as he beat him up.

David Johnathan Lee, 32, is said to have tricked the man to come to their north Phoenix house by sending a text from his wife's phone which read: 'Come to the front door and don't say anything at all.'

Armed with a gun and knife, Lee forced then forced the man to handcuff himself to a chair in the garage, police records stated.

Investigators said Lee gagged the man with a pair of panties, kicked him in the groin and slapped his ears while his wife watched.

He also pointed a gun at his head and groin and choked the man, AZ Central reported.

Lee's wife admitted she was seeing another man the day before the attack, telling Lee to 'stay away', court records showed.

Armed with a gun and knife, Lee (pictured in court) forced then forced the man to handcuff himself to a chair in the garage, police records stated

After the attack, Lee is reported to have led the man outside and took a picture of his license plate before letting him go.

The alleged victim told his mother, who then called the police, the court heard.

Lee faces charges Lee is facing charges including aggravated assault with victim bound, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, and kidnapping.

The woman and her boyfriend had been seeing each other for about six months prior to the alleged attack.

The Phoenix Fire Department has confirmed that Lee is a firefighter for the agency but declined further comment, the Arizona Republic reports.
Former presidential candidate Sen John McCain enjoyed a much-needed break with his wife and daughter - to watch his beloved Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Republican, who has returned to Phoenix to begin chemotherapy and radiation treatment, having been diagnosed with glioblastoma, was pictured enjoying a game last night.

He watched the team face the Los Angeles Dodgers with wife Cindy and daughter Meghan at the Chase Field.

The senator tweeted, along with a picture of the family: 'Having fun at the @Dbacks game with @MeghanMcCain & @cindymccain - let's go #Dbacks!'

Meghan McCain also posted a picture on Instagram, captioned: 'Go D-BACS!'

The senator tweeted, along with a picture of the family: 'Having fun at the @Dbacks game with @MeghanMcCain & @cindymccain - let's go #Dbacks!'

His presence was unable to inspire a win, however, as the Diamondbacks were beaten 8-6.

Meghan McCain also posted a picture on Instagram, captioned: 'Go D-BACS!'

Sen McCain has returned to Phoenix to begin chemotherapy and radiation treatment, having been diagnosed with glioblastoma

Sen McCain is set to begin treatment at the Mayo Clinic.

A statement from his office at the end of last month said: 'In accordance with the guidance of his physicians, Senator McCain is returning to Arizona to undergo further treatment at Mayo Clinic.

'On Monday, July 31, he will begin a standard post-surgical regimen of targeted radiation and chemotherapy.

'During that time, Senator McCain will maintain a work schedule. He plans to return to Washington at the conclusion of the August recess.'
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) are using women's shopping skills as a technique to attract more women to the industry.

Australia's Chief of Army told recruiters to study women's shopping habits to understand the differences between genders so they could attract them to fighting on the front line, reported Daily Telegraph.

Wanting to employ more women to meet a monthly quota, Lieutenant General Angus Campbell told recruiters to take note of the Canadian study, 'Men Buy, Women Shop'.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) are favouring female recruits and are targeting job advertisements to attract women

Recruiters are using women's shopping skills as a technique to attract more women to front line combat roles (stock image)

'I think we can reasonably extrapolate these 'sales' issues to our 'sales' of Army careers,' Lt Gen Campell told the publication.

While there is no quota for hiring men amoung 35 of 50 of the Army roles, recruiters are told to 'recruit immediately' if a woman applies for a combat role, News Corp revealed.

Along with BHP and Holden, the ADF are using a recruitment platform called Found, used to target job candidates with specific ads based on features including gender, location and cultural background.

Found CEO Andrew Joyce told The Australian last month the ADF had partnered with the recruiting platform to increase the number of female applications.

Mr Joyce said the army was aiming to increase female employment by 15 per cent in six years while increasing female employment by 25 per cent in the air force and navy.

ADF said all roles in the defence force were 'open for men and women to apply' however a recruiter said 'only women will get the job'.
Among the million visitors expected to flock to Oregon for a rare solar eclipse at the end of the month, is an unnamed man looking for a night of passion.

The unnamed 40-year-old took out an advertisement on Craigslist in search of a 'worthy' female companion with 'strong genes, beauty and smarts' to conceive a child with him on August 21.

The suitor with a 'strong and pure' European heritage said the woman must like cats in order to 'experience the totality eclipse' with him, but admitted he hasn't decided on an exact location yet.

But those willing to have a child on the 'next level of human evolution' will have trouble finding their would-be lover because the post was taken down.

An unknown man placed a Craigslist ad (pictured) looking for a lover to conceive a child with him during the total solar eclipse on August 21 in Oregon

The ad reads: 'I am 40 years of age, Caucasian male from Europe. My heritage is strong and pure.

'My looks, instincts, knowledge and strength is 100 per cent pure and 100 per cent lethal.

'I am looking for a worthy female with strong genes beauty and smarts. To join me - to experience the totality eclipse in Oregon. Exact place not set.

'If we have chemistry, I would like for us to make love while the eclipse is happening.

'When totality occurs, we will have simultaneous orgasms and we will conceive a child that will be on the next level of human evolution.

'We will make love together, with me and my penis directed towards the sun. Everything will be aligned in the local universe.'

Those willing to have a child on the 'next level of human evolution' during the solar eclipse (file photo) will have trouble finding their would-be lover because the post was taken down

The man continues: 'Both of our cosmic orgasmic energy will be aligned with the planets.

'In a brief moment of ecstasy, we will understand everything, and together create a new universe. Full of love...

'You must like cats. Drugs are OK. Nitrous Oxide while we climax and experience totality and conception, is OK with me.'

Nitrous oxide is commonly known as laughing gas and is not commonly known to be used during sex.

The August 21 event will be the first coast-to-coast total solar eclipse to cross the continental United States in 99 years and will first be visible in Oregon.

It is expected to attract one million eclipse chasers to the state, with officials bracing for as many as 100,000 of them in and around Madras, Oregon.

Madras is predicted to be among the country's best viewing spots because of its clear, high-desert skies, flat landscape and stunning mountain views.

A total solar eclipse will pass from coast-to-coast through the continental US for the first time in nearly a century on August 21. It will be visible to millions of people as it crosses through 14 states, with the path of totality stretching from Lincoln Beach, Oregon, to Charleston, South Carolina

The best views of totality will be along the red line, though it will be visible in areas within the purple as well. It will first be seen in Oregon

Every hotel in the town is already booked, some residents are renting their homes for $3,000 a night, and campers are expected to flood the national forests and grasslands during peak wildfire season.

The eclipse will be visible to millions of people as it crosses through 14 states, with the path of totality stretching from Lincoln Beach, Oregon, to Charleston, South Carolina.

During this time, the sun will be completely blocked by the moon, leaving only the 'pearly white rays' of its elusive corona visible to the naked eye  but, even in areas set to experience the longest duration of totality, the sun will only be fully covered for less than three minutes.

Scientists revealed many ways to prepare ahead, from what time the eclipse will pass through your city, to when you should put on your safety glasses.

While entirety of the event will only be seen along the 70-mile-wide path of totality, even viewers outside the range will be able to see a partial solar eclipse.

The latter will be visible all across North America, and even in parts of South America, Africa, and Europe, according to NASA.

Totality will cross the US from west to east, beginning at Lincoln Beach, Oregon.

There, the total solar eclipse will begin at 10:16 a.m. (PDT).
Chief Constable of Northumbria Police, Steve Ashman, has helped lead the force in the prosecution of the grooming gang. But the force now faces criticism for trying to stop journalists directly contacting victims

A police force has tried to stop journalists covering the Newcastle grooming scandal from contacting the victims directly.

An 18-strong Asian gang were convicted of plying girls with drink and drugs before abusing them - sparking a national outcry and calls for the law to be changed and sentences toughened up.

But Northumbria police told reporters trying to cover the abuse that contrary to normal practice, they should not contact victims directly.

They issued two warning notices to journalists telling them that any approach to a victim should be made through the police force.

And they have warned that reporters who have tried to speak to a victim again after being turned away could face being given a harassment warning.

Such notices can be kept on file by police forces and can come up in advanced criminal record checks.

According to the Press Gazette, the force issued the following warning to journalists: 'Despite issuing two notes to media requesting journalists do not directly contact victims we are aware that some media are still continuing to do this and have provided them with an update from court.

'We would like to make it clear that we are incredibly concerned this is having a damaging effect on the victims and has the potential to cause them psychological harm.

'If we become aware any further approaches are made by journalists to contact victims and they have been previously asked to stop that journalist will be served with a harassment notice.'

The force says the approach will have a 'damaging effect' on the vulnerable victims, but it has sparked concerns that journalists are being hampered in doing their job.

One reporter who covers the North East told the Press Gazette: 'There is a huge public interest in speaking to these girls.

Taherul Alam (left) was convicted of supplying drugs, attempting to sexually assault, and inciting prostitution. Nashir Uddin (right) was convicted of sexual assault, inciting prostitution and drugs offences

Eisa Mousavi (left) was convicted of three counts of rape and two counts of supplying drugs. Prabhat Nelli (right) was convicted of two counts of supplying drugs and one count of conspiracy to incite prostitution

'They may very well want to tell their stories.'

Reporters have been key in shining a light on the grooming scandals across Britain.

Andrew Norfolk at The Times was widely commended for the articles he ran exposing the Rotherham abuse scandal.

Northumbria Police said in a statement: 'Any victim may choose to speak to the media, however where the victim has informed police they have been contacted by the media and this contact is not wanted it is appropriate for us to issue an harassment warning if that contact persists.

'Media directly contacting victims in Operation Sanctuary has had a damaging effect on them causing distress and harm to their well-being.

Mohammed Hassan Ali (left) met his 15-year-old victim at a party and started a relationship after she claimed to be 18 but he continued to have sex with her after finding out her real age. Carolann Gallon (right) who was aged 17 and 18 at the time, admitted three offences of trafficking girls for the purposes of sexual exploitation.

Redwan Siddique (left) told a victim to have sex with him in return for drugs. Mohammed Azram (right) admitted five drugs offences, on count of sexual assault and one of inciting prostitution

'Despite issuing two notices asking media not to contact victims directly journalists continued to make direct contact.

'It was decided due to the damaging effect the actions of the media were having on the victims that an harassment warning would be issued where appropriate in order to protect these very vulnerable women and girls  none of who wish to speak to the media. '

They added: 'We know media have requested, through us, to speak to victims and these have not been ignored. If and when a victim does wish to tell their story we will facilitate this.

'We understand the benefits of victims speaking to the media, however, this will be done in a managed way to ensure the victim is fully supported and any further unnecessary distress is minimised.'

The 18-strong gang plied their victim with drink and drugs before abusing them at so-called sex parties in Newcastle.

Saiful Islam (left) bought one victim Malibu and took her to house where he and friends knew they could abuse girls and coerced her into having sex. Yasser Hussain (right) hosted 'parties'

Over 100 girls are believed to have been abused between 2011 and 2014 and 20 young women gave evidence in a series of trials.

One of the convicted men, Badrul Hussain, 37, said that all white women 'are good for one thing, for men like me to f*** and use as trash, that is all women like you are worth'.

The case has sparked a national outcry and national debate about whether the authorities are doing enough to recognise and tackle the sex gangs.

Britain's former race tsar Trevor Phillips has torn into the British establishment over its failure to come and and publicly admit at the men behind this kind of grooming are mainly Muslim.

The former chairman of the equality and human rights commission said our elites have replaced their old fear of being labelled racist with a new bogey - the 'charge of Islamophobia'.

He said the UK must urgently wake up and admit the true nature of the grooming gangs to prevent other, vulnerable girls being targeted.

While Home Secretary Amber Rudd has intervened to say that political correctness must not stop people from reporting crimes.
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Chinese experts and French zookeepers are working to ensure a panda cub's survival after his twin died during the first-ever birth of the rare animal in France.

Panda mother Huan Huan can be seen enveloping the cub and zoo handlers feeding him in an incubator with a small bottle, in images from the Beauval Zoo, south of Paris.

The pink, hairless male weighing 5oz is tiny compared to his 190lb mother, who gave birth to twins on Friday.

Soon after birth, the first, which weighed just 4.2 ounces, began having problems breathing and died despite the best efforts of zoo staff.

A panda named Huan Huan gave birth to twin babies at the Beauval Zoo, south of Paris, over the weekend. Only one of cubs has survived, however

Soon after birth, the first, which weighed just 4.2 ounces, began having problems breathing and died despite the best efforts of zoo staff. But he said the second twin, pictured above, was in 'perfect health'

Two Chinese panda experts brought colostrum, or early breast milk, from panda mothers in China to help in the crucial first week

Panda births are closely watched because they remain rare - there are only about 1,800 pandas in the wild in China and about 400 in captivity worldwide

'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 was in 'perfect health'.

Delphine Delord, director of communications and educational programmes at the zoo, said Huan Huan is a very protective mother, which it makes it difficult for the panda experts to check on the baby and supplement his feedings.

Two Chinese panda experts brought colostrum, or early breast milk, from panda mothers in China to help in the crucial first week, Ms Delord said.

Panda births are closely watched because they remain rare - there are only about 1,800 pandas in the wild in China and about 400 in captivity worldwide.

The pink, hairless male (pictured left), weighing 5oz is tiny compared to his 190lb mother (right), who gave birth to twins on Friday

Delphine Delord, director of communications and educational programmes at the zoo, said Huan Huan is a very protective mother, which it makes it difficult for the panda experts to check on the baby and supplement his feedings

French first lady Brigitte Macron is the baby's 'godmother', and she and the Chinese ambassador to France called the zoo on Saturday to congratulate it on the birth

The zoo had two bits of good news by late Saturday, as the baby urinated for the first time, and his mother successfully began breastfeeding

Zookeepers frequently need to help raise the cubs to ensure their survival.

French first lady Brigitte Macron is the baby's 'godmother', Ms Delord said, and she and the Chinese ambassador to France called the zoo on Saturday to congratulate it on the birth.

'It's a big diplomatic moment as well as a zoological event,' she added.

Tradition holds that panda cubs born in captivity are named by China. Mrs Macron is expected to announce the name officially at a visit to the zoo in the next couple of months.

The zoo had two bits of good news by late Saturday, as the baby urinated for the first time, and his mother successfully began breastfeeding.

Nine-year-old Huan Huan was artificially inseminated from partner Yuan Zi this spring.

Huan Huan (meaning 'happy') and Yuan Zi ('chubby') are the only giant pandas living in France.

Tradition holds that panda cubs born in captivity are named by China. French First Lady Brigitte Macron is expected to announce the name officially at a visit to the zoo in the next couple of months

The baby panda was born after Huan Huan was artificially inseminated with sperm from her partner, Yuan Zi, during the spring

If the new cub survives, he will be shown to the French public in about two months. Then after about two or three years, he will be sent to a panda reserve in China's Chengdu province

While the French zoo is upset by the death of the firstborn twin, Ms Delord said it chose to film the birth and share images with the public

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.

Both are at Beauval on a ten-year loan from China, and their offspring officially belong to the Chinese government.

If the new cub survives, he will be shown to the French public in about two months. Then after about two or three years, he will be sent to a panda reserve in China's Chengdu province.

While the French zoo is upset by the death of the firstborn twin, Ms Delord said it chose to film the birth and share the images with the public.

'We made the choice of transparency, to encouraging talking about endangered species, the fragility of their lives,' she said.

Pandas have long been considered one of the world's most endangered animals, although last year a leading group, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, lowered its classification to 'vulnerable' thanks to decades of costly conservation efforts.

The Chinese government rejected the group's decision, saying the panda remains at risk.

China for decades gifted friendly nations with its unofficial national mascot in what was known as 'panda diplomacy' and more recently has loaned pandas to zoos on commercial terms.

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

Huan Huan and Yuan Zi are at Beauval on a ten-year loan from China, and their offspring officially belong to the Chinese government
Hands raised to his face with joy, he was simply expressing the excitement of a little boy getting a ride in a helicopter.

But an article on a leading LGBT website said the shot of Prince George has turned him into a gay icon.

Accompanied by the picture, the story on PinkNews said: Prince George has become a gay icon overnight. The monarch-to-be has always been cute and well-dressed, but one day before his fourth birthday, a photo of him excitedly holding his face changed everything.

A row has erupted after an LGBT newspaper branded Prince George a 'gay icon' causing a politician to describe their comments as 'outrageous and sick'

At least, thats what the people  sorry, his subjects  are saying.

It continued: The image of the prince expressing his happiness in this way led many to declare their support of George for a whole new position: gay icon.

Northern Irish politician Jim Allister, leader of the ultra-conservative Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) party, yesterday demanded an apology.

He said: Sexualising a young child in this fashion is entirely inappropriate. To take an image of a little boy and to fantasise of him being an icon for a life defined by sex is outrageous and sick.

'Inappropriate': Jim Allister, leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice said the article was 'sick'

Benjamin Cohen, the chief executive of the media outlet, described it as 'tongue-in-cheek'

PinkNews chief executive Benjamin Cohen said he had no intention of removing the article, which he said was tongue-in-cheek and based on the comments of hundreds of social media users.

Tweets that featured alongside the original article, included: Prince George is already a bigger gay icon to me than Boy George.

Mr Cohen told the Mail: At no point did PinkNews state that Prince George is a gay icon  the article merely reported on a large volume of social media posts saying that he was.

The original article was published on July 25 with the headline: People think Prince George looks fabulous in this new photo.

Some readers objected to the Twitter postings. One said: Stop looking at a 4yr old & trying to predict his sexual preference. Another wrote: Openly flamboyant? Hes a CHILD!

The photo was taken during a royal tour of Germany last month by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Earlier this year the Duke became the first member of the Royal Family to pose for the cover of gay magazine Attitude. Kensington Palace declined to comment last night.
Tiffany Trump said 'I do' to her billionaire beau Michael Boulos in a magical wedding under the fading Florida sunshine. Former President Donald Trump's youngest daughter looked resplendent in an iridescent long sleeved gown, her blonde hair styled in sleek waves and set off by diamond and peaks drop earrings. Her white veil trailed majestically behind her. The fairytale outdoor event started at 5pm with the blissful bride walking down the aisle towards a rhododendron festooned arch - thousands of blooms in dusty pink, blue and white. Her father - dressed like all the male guests in a black tux and bow tie - and posed together with her afterwards (top right). Tiffany, 29, looked ecstatic as she focused her gaze on her new husband as the sun began to go down and lights twinkled at her father's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, with Groom Michael, 25, returning the look of adoration (bottom right). The couple then took a picture with Trump and Tiffany's mother, Marla Maples (left). The bride, mother of the bride and Maid of Honor Ivanka all wore gowns by Lebanese designer Elie Saab. Marla and Ivanka were in goddess style gowns, Tiffany in an exquisite crystal encrusted confection. Tiffany told DailyMail.com, 'I have always loved Elie Saab and it's a Lebanese/American wedding so we are happy to have Elie create the magic.'
A Republican candidate hoping to defeat Sen Jeff Flake has come under fire after sending out campaign material in an envelope showing Kathy Griffin's infamous picture of a decapitated Donald Trump.

On the envelope, which is believed to have been sent out to registered Republicans, is the image of Griffin holding a bloody head, which bears a likeness to the President.

In a letter inside, Kelli Ward rallies against 'liberals' who she claims are 'dangerously unhinged'.

The letter, sent out to supporters, featured Kathy Griffin's controversial image alongside a warning that the left has become 'dangerously unhinged'

Kelli Ward (left) sent out the image in her campaign to defeat Sen Jeff Flake in Arizona

She told AZfamily: 'Liberals and Hollywood elites will do almost anything to obstruct this President and stop the conservative agenda Americans voted for last year.

'To defeat them we must be strong and unafraid to expose their shameless tactics, which is exactly what this campaign letter does. Politics is a tough business and unlike Senator Jeff Flake, I will never waiver or bow to political pressure from the opposition.

'Thats the kind of representation Arizona deserves in Washington and that's what Ill deliver once elected.'

Flake campaign spokesman Will Allison told AZfamily: 'We shouldnt be surprised by this. Its sadly in character for Kelli Ward.'
Cynthia Anderson, 59, who was convicted of drowning a three-week-old puppy in 2015, was arrested and charged with DUI Thursday

A Florida woman, who was convicted of drowning a three-week-old puppy in 2015, has been arrested for DUI in front of a pet store.

Cynthia Anderson, 59, was arrested around 3pm in front of Paw Print Pet Supply, by a K-9 officer, police said in a Facebook post.

'Dont drive intoxicated and definitely dont kill puppies!' the Edgewater Police Department wrote online.

An arrest report said that Anderson was found by police sitting in her truck. A witness, who reported her, said she had been sitting there for nearly an hour.

When confronted by officers, she told them that that she was tired because of her prescription medication, according to the report.

Anderson reportedly told officers that she took hydrocodone and valium prior to driving to the location, but denied drinking any alcohol. But authorities found alcohol inside Anderson's truck after a quick search.

Police also said Anderson failed a series of sobriety tests conducted at the scene before she was arrested.

Edgewater police booked Anderson into the Volusia County Branch Jail on Thursday for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics and released on a $1,000 bond.

Anderson was given two years probation for drowning a Doberman puppy in a Nebraska airport toilet right before her flight in 2015.

An arrest report said that Anderson (left) was found by police sitting in her truck. Anderson (right during 2015 arrest) reportedly told officers that she took hydrocodone and valium prior to driving to the location

Police said Anderson failed a series of sobriety tests conducted outside Paw Print Pet Supply (pictured in a small shopping area) before she was arrested

She was barred from boarding a January 23 flight at the Central Nebraska Regional Airport because the puppy was so young and was not properly contained.

Police said Anderson tried to board the flight with two small Yorkies in crates and three young puppies.

Following US flight regulations, workers at the airport barred Anderson from boarding her flight because dogs younger than eight weeks old are not allowed to fly.

'Their eyes weren't even open,' Grand Island Police Captain Dean Elliott said at the time.

Anderson handed off two of the puppies to her parents who live in western Nebraska, and tried to board a flight the next day with the two older dogs in cages and the remaining Doberman puppy which she tried to hide in her carry-on bag.

It was when airport security caught her trying to smuggle the dog again that Anderson drowned the puppy in a bathroom.

Anderson was given two years probation for drowning a Doberman puppy that was too young to fly in a Nebraska airport toilet right before her flight in 2015. She had four other dogs with her, including two Yorkies (shown)

The incident took place at the Central Nebraska Regional Airport (pictured) on January 23, 2015

The 59-year-old was also arrested (2017 mugshot left) earlier this year after she was spotted with a black-and-white dog in her possession at her Mango Tree Drive home

Anderson was arrested after police interviewed 'numerous witnesses' - including the woman who discovered the dead dog in the bathroom.

A necropsy conducted at the Humane Society determined the puppy had drowned after water was found in one of the dog's lungs.

Anderson received a five year ban on owning or living with animals and was ordered to pay $100 in restitution.

At the time of her sentencing, she apologized for her actions and pleaded for mercy and probation.

'I am so very sorry, gravely sorry. I am scared to death and ill because of it,' Anderson read in a statement.

She pleaded no contest in May to cruelly neglecting an animal, resulting in its death.

Earlier this year in March, Anderson was arrested after she was spotted with black-and-white dog in her possession at her Mango Tree Drive home.
Evolutionary biologist and "passionate rationalist" Richard Dawkins has a new anthology of essays out today, titled Science in the Soul. Over at Scientific American, John Horgan posted an interview with Dawkins in which the two discuss a range of topics, from A.I. to agnosticism. From SciAm:

At the Templeton (Foundation) meeting, you described yourself as an agnostic, because you cannot be certain that God does not exist, correct?

This is a semantic matter. Some people define atheism as a positive conviction that there are no gods and agnosticism as allowing for the possibility, however slight. In this sense I am agnostic, as any scientist would be. But only in the same way I am agnostic about leprechauns and fairies. Other people define agnosticism as the belief that the existence of gods is as probable as their nonexistence. In this sense I am certainly not agnostic. Not only are gods unnecessary for explaining anything, they are overwhelmingly improbable. I rather like the phrase of a friend who calls himself a "tooth fairy agnostic"his belief in gods is as strong as his belief in the tooth fairy. So is mine. We live our lives on the assumption that there are no gods, fairies, hobgoblins, ghosts, zombies, poltergeists or any supernatural entities. Actually, it is not at all clear what supernatural could even mean, other than something which science does not (yet) understand.



Do you share the concerns of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who has said that artificial intelligence might pose an "existential risk" to humanity?

Elon Musk is a 21st-century genius. You have to listen to what he says. I am philosophically committed to "mechanistic naturalism," from which follows the conclusion that anything humans can do, machines can in principle do, too. In many cases we already know they can do it better. Whether they can do it better in all cases remains to be seen, but I wouldn't bet against it. The precautionary principle should lead us to behave as though there is a real dangera danger we should take immediate steps to forestall. Unless, that is, we think robots could to a better job of running the world than we can. And a better job of being happy and increasing the sum of sentient happiness
Dangerous conditions are keeping Fresno police from recovering a vehicle containing two bodies believed to be missing Thai students.

Authorities say that the car plunged over 500 ft off a cliff into the river that straddles along a route that leads to Kings Canyon National Park, according to CNN.

The car has been stuck in the water for the last two weeks, with police struggling to retrieve the vehicle due to the violent flow of the streaming river.

Fresno, California Police say they found a vehicle possibly belonging to two missing Thai students (pictured)

Thiwadee 'Min' Saengsuriyarit (pictured left) and Pakkaphol 'Gof' Chairattanasongporn went missing in late July

A statement from Fresno Police confirmed that the remains of two individuals are still in the car, though their identities have yet to be confirmed.

'Recovering the bodies is top priority, but safety for our personnel is also a top concern,' Fresno Police Sheriff Toni Botti said.

'A date of when this will happen is still to be determined,' he added.

Thiwadee 'Min' Saengsuriyarit, 24, and Pakkaphol 'Gof' Chairattanasongporn, 28, students at the University of Florida, were reported missing on July 26.

They were apparently driving across the country and were last seen at Reedley Inn located in Fresno by the owner of the motel where the two were staying.

A helicopter scouting the area found the car standing half upright in King's River.

Police said that the airbags had been deployed and were blocking authorities from seeing inside.

Authorities said, however, that dangerous conditions are keeping them from recovering the vehicle

The Thai consulate in Los Angeles said in a statement that they are working closely with local police on the matter and have notified the families of the missing students who are still waiting for confirmation on their identities.

The Thai consulate noted that members of the Thai community are becoming increasingly frustrated with the slow process of retrieving the car, CNN reported.

The Thai community has threatened to organize a protest in Los Angeles and Fresno if a recovery effort is not underway by August 14.
Philando Castile's mother has been awarded the entire $3 million settlement over his fatal shooting, a Minneapolis judge has ruled.

Hennepin County District Judge Susan Robiner rejected his life sentence-serving father's bid for $500,000.

Valerie's attorneys will receive $995,000 of the total settlement over the death of Philando, who was shot dead by St Anthony officer Jeronimo Yanez in 2016.

Philando Castile's mother Valerie (pictured) has been awarded the entire $3 million settlement over his fatal shooting, a Minneapolis judge has ruled

Robert Bennett, one of her lawyer's, said he would use funds to support the Philando Castile Relief Foundation which helps victims of gun violence.

Bennett contacted Philando's relatives to ask them to either make a claim to the money or sign off on its distribution, the Star Tribune reported.

The victim's half-sister Allysza Castile consented to Valerie taking all of the money while other family members did not reply.

In a heartfelt letter, Philando's half-brother wrote: '[Valerie] did a beautiful job in raising [Philando] to be the wonderful man that he was... which allowed him to be the wonderful and respectful man to all he came in contact with.

'Since his death, her work in starting the Castile Foundation in his name and honor is more than satisfactory enough for me as his half-brother. I know she will do great things with the foundation to help improve others' lives.'

Valerie's attorneys will receive $995,000 of the total settlement over the death of Philando (pictured), who was shot dead by St Anthony officer Jeronimo Yanez in 2016

Philando's father Phelix Frazier Sr, who is serving a life sentence in federal prison, was the only family member to make a claim.

He said he was 'blindsided by [Valerie Castile's] lack of compassion for both me and her own daughter'.

On June 16, Yanez was acquitted of manslaughter and reckless discharge of a firearm in the July 6 shooting in Falcon Heights after a traffic stop.
The most popular variety of joke currently sweeping social media goes something like this: The world is facing imminent nuclear extinction because of a deranged, deluded, stupid dictator. Oh, and Kim Jong Uns a worry too.

Hilarious, right?

I mean, theres nothing funnier than the thought of millions of people being vaporised by nuclear weapons.

Just ask the Japanese people of Hiroshima or Nagasaki how amusing it can be to have one land on your city.

Im all for dark humour in times of crisis, dont get me wrong.

Sometimes its the only way to deal with something truly horrendous.

But this situation with North Korea long ceased to be remotely entertaining.

It is now a deadly serious game of brinkmanship that could potentially end in catastrophic disaster.

The situation with North Korea long ceased to be remotely entertaining and is a deadly serious game of brinkmanship that could potentially end in catastrophic disaster - and Kim Jong Un is hardly known for his calm or rationality. He is a ruthless megalomaniac tyrant

To add to the general unease, the key participants in this game are Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, two men not exactly renowned for their peace-making skills or calm, rational responses to being taunted or provoked.

But at this point, I think it is important to remind everyone who the bad guys are in this game.

Clue: its not America or the President of the United States.

Lets be very clear: North Korea, after decades of increasingly bellicose threats against the US, has now got miniaturized nuclear warheads.

Possibly as many as 60.

Further, it has made a specific threat to attack Guam, a small US territory in the western Pacific ocean that holds a US military outpost.

There are 6,000 American troops currently based there, along with 162,000 civilians.

In a statement, North Korea says it is seriously examining the plan for an enveloping strike at Guam through simultaneous fire of four Hwasong-12 intermediate-range strategic ballistic missiles in order to interdict the enemy forces on major military bases on Guam and to signal a crucial warning to the US.

The plan, the statement added, is to fly the missiles over Japan and land them in the waters 18-25 miles from Guam.

That would be bad enough.

But the Hwasong-12 missile has been tested only once and has a very unpredictable performance and unreliable accuracy.

Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-14 is pictured during its second test-fire in this undated picture. In a statement, North Korea says it is seriously examining the plan for an enveloping strike at Guam through simultaneous fire of four Hwasong-12 intermediate-range strategic ballistic missiles

So to put it bluntly, once fired they could go anywhere and land anywhere  Japan, Guam, who knows?

At this point, Id like you to imagine you are Donald Trump.

I realise that for many of you, this will not be an easy exercise, but force yourselves.

He is President of the United States, the most powerful man in the world.

He possesses the largest military force ever seen.

And he is now facing a very real and immediate nuclear threat from a crackpot country with a crackpot leader.

What would YOU do?

Calmly sit back, say oh, its just Kim being Kim and go back to watching Americas Got Talent with the family?

Or would you, like Trump, be extremely concerned about protecting the lives of your citizens and those of your allies?

I dont like some of the fire and fury rhetoric Trump has been using, because it is unnecessarily hyperbolic and inflammatory. Especially to a hyper-sensitive, over-reactionary douchebag like Jong Un.

I particularly didnt like Trump saying he would instantly retaliate against any further threat from North Korea because that left room for dangerous ambiguity.

What constitutes a threat  words or actions?

Now he has clarified he meant actions; if North Korea tries to attack to Guam, or anywhere else, then it will be met with fire and fury.

That is a perfectly reasonable position for the US to take, is it not?

Yet the reaction to Trumps emphatic statement of intent to defend America, and the world, against any actual attack from North Korea has been extraordinarily vitriolic and extraordinarily dumb.

Trump, for all his faults, is not a murderous dictator. To suggest he is somehow on the same level of depravity as someone like Jong Un is pathetic. Those who persist in making this absurd analogy need to take a long, hard look at themselves and wonder whose national interest they are serving right now

Such is the blind visceral hatred towards the US president from Trump-hating liberals, they cannot apparently bring themselves to see any distinction between him and Jong Un.

So let me spell it out for them..

Jong Un, like his father before him, is a ruthless megalomaniac tyrant who terrorises his people through torture, executions and systematic abuse.

The 33-year-old has murdered scores of political enemies, including his own half brother who was poisoned by a VX nerve agent in a Malaysia airport earlier this year.

Jong Un is also reported to have blown up an uncle, Jang Song Thaek, with an anti-aircraft cannon.

This, therefore, is a guy with a very low bar for wreaking death and havoc, even on his own family.

Trump, for all his faults, is not a murderous dictator.

To suggest he is somehow on the same level of sickening totalitarian depravity as someone like Jong Un is not just untrue  it is pathetic.

Those who persist in making this absurd analogy need to take a long, hard look at themselves and wonder whose national interest they are serving right now  Americas, or North Koreas?

This is the most serious threat to national security the US has faced since 9/11.

An unstable lunatic with a massive military force and nuclear warheads now has the capability to reach US territory and has directly signalled his intention to imminently do so.

For America to do nothing in the face of Jong Un actually unleashing his weapons towards Guam is unthinkable.

Trump is therefore quite right to warn the North Koreans that if they try anything of that nature, the full force of the US military will respond.

This is not a joke.

This is a very real and very dangerous moment in the worlds history.

And in such moments, clarity as to whose side to take is imperative.

Donald Trump is not the bad guy, Kim Jong Un is the bad guy.
Nine of the African migrants who landed on a busy Spanish beach in front of shocked holidaymakers have been tracked down - but locals reveal their arrival was just one of increasing regular landings.

Around 30 leapt out of an inflatable boat near the shore and sprinted across the sand past stunned sunbathers and beachfront homes into scrubland on Wednesday.

The incident happened at around 2pm at Playa de los Alemanes  known as Germans Beach  near the popular resort of Tarifa in south Spain.

Pictured: A shoe, two cans of Coke and other litter near the deflated dinghy on the Playa de los Alemanes beach

Last night, locals who witnessed the migrants arriving after crossing the Strait of Gibraltar told the Mail that it was just one of at least three landings in the area this week alone.

Maria Perez, 37, who is holidaying in one of the beach front properties, was near the shore with her children when they saw the boat approaching.

It was a surprise, I think the people in the boat were more scared than any of us. They were lying low and hiding until they were close to the beach then suddenly stood up and started running.

Some of them went across the properties into the bushes. One guy took off his shirt and tried to pretend he was a sunbather and two other guys hid in the bushes, we saw them two hours later.

People were more concerned about their welfare and tried to give them water, she added.

Pictured: A can of Red Bull, a bag of rice and a packet of pasta at the scene

Pictured: An abandoned boat recently used by migrants to get from North Africa to Spain

Other eyewitnesses described how the man who was driving the motorised boat slashed the dinghy with a knife sinking it before fleeing.

Mrs Perez said that there had been at least two more landings at neighbouring beaches this week alone; It is just one of many, she added.

Civil Guard sources confirmed an identical boat with around 15 refugees on board reached a nearby area between Playa del Retin and the fishing village of Zahara de los Atunes around the same time.

Deflated: The dinghy with the sea in the background. On Wednesday it was used by about 25 migrants to get into Spain

Pictured: The Playa de los Alemanes, near Tarifa, where a rib dinghy came ashore full of migrants

On the beach near the village the Mail discovered three more discarded boats within a few hundred yards which are believed to have used by migrants.

The boats, two wooden and one inflatable, contained clothes, shoes and used nappies as well as apples, water containers and a parasol.

Of the landings on Wednesday, the Civil Guard source said: In all around 40 migrants arrived. We think they were all Moroccans and were probably initially on a larger vessel which would have been carrying the inflatable boats aboard or towing them behind and dropped them off near the shoreline after crossing from Africa.

Nine of those that made it to shore were located in the vicinity, hiding in the countryside behind the coast.

New arrivals: A video filmed by a witness show the dinghy pulling into shallow water at Cadiz

Embarking: Some two dozen people, reportedly African migrants, jump off the boat and run onto the beach in front of surprised sunbathers and tourists

All nine are minors we think are probably aged between about 15 to 17. They were handed over to police but placed under the guardianship of the regional Junta de Andalucia government.

Another source added: Being minors, its unlikely theyll be returned to Morocco.

Like all the other migrants on those boats, they will have paid mafias to smuggle them to Spain.

There was only one Civil Guard officer in the area when they reached the beach and they had all vanished by the time back-up arrived.

The migrants are believed to have paid mafias between 1,360 and 2,700 each to reach Europe.

All nine are minors we think are probably aged between about 15 to 17. They were handed over to police but placed under the guardianship of the regional Junta de Andalucia government.

Another source added: Being minors, its unlikely theyll be returned to Morocco.

Like all the other migrants on those boats, they will have paid mafias to smuggle them to Spain.

There was only one Civil Guard officer in the area when they reached the beach and they had all vanished by the time back-up arrived.

The migrants are believed to have paid mafias between 1,360 and 2,700 each to reach Europe.

Pictured: An abandoned boat used by migrants lies in the sand in Cadiz province

Pictured: More detritus from the recent migrant arrivals in Spain

Experts say they often raise the money with help from their family and neighbours in their home villages, in the hope they will send money back if they manage to stay in Europe and find work.

Experts say they often raise the money with help from their family and neighbours in their home villages, in the hope they will send money back if they manage to stay in Europe and find work.

The numbers of refugees reaching the coast of Spains southern Andalucia region by boat has rocketed in recent months.

Earlier this year it emerged the number of migrants reaching the province of Malaga in the first six months of 2017 had almost equalled the number for the whole of the previous year.

The most recent figures available show nearly 3,400 minors - mostly Moroccan and mostly males - are living in Spain without their parents.

Pictured: Another boat used by migrants to cross into Europe from Africa

Pictured: Clothes washed up on the shore of Sahara de los Atunes, near Tarifa

Officials in the southern Spanish region of Andalucia say the numbers of those minors attended so far this year represent a 60 per cent rise on the same period in 2015.

Yesterday German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that while a lot has been done to address the causes of mass migration and to slow the flow of refugees to Europe, there is still a lot more to do.

Merkel famously opened Germanys doors to asylum-seekers in 2015. Some 890,000 migrants entered the country that year, many fleeing civil war in Syria.

The numbers have dropped significantly since then, in a large part due to a deal the European Union struck with Turkey to keep migrants there.

Speaking yesterday with the heads of the United Nations refugee agency and the International Organization for Migration, Merkel said she hoped a similar arrangement could be worked out with Libya, another key launching point for Europe-bound migrants.

She says Germany is willing to increase aid for migrant facilities in Libya and promoting the north African nations stability, but acknowledges theres a lot that lies ahead for us.

The boat came ashore in Cadiz, however it is not known from where the group had travelled
Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden has taken a sideways blast at the BBC gender pay gap - revealing that she is paid the same salary as her fellow Dragons.

During an appearance on today's Loose Women show on ITV, Ms Meaden told the presenters she knows how much her co-stars are paid, adding: 'We're all paid the same'.

She said: 'I'm not a woman in the Den, I'm a Dragon, we're all there to invest, it has nothing to do with gender.

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During an appearance on today's Loose Women show on ITV, Ms Meaden told the presenters she knows how much her co-stars are paid, adding: 'We're all paid the same'

She criticised the BBC's pay gap, saying: 'The whole gender thing, it's terribleif you're doing a job and doing it well, you get paid the rate for the job'

'The whole gender thing, it's terribleif you're doing a job and doing it well, you get paid the rate for the job.

'It's probably market rates. It's kind of historic. Women didn't used to get the good jobs. It used to be that they got the quite junior jobs.

'It's got to move on but it's stuck to that a little bit.'

Her comments come after the BBC was slammed by critics for not paying several of its female stars the same amount as the men.

In the BBC's list, which was published in July, the BBC revealed its top earners were Chris Evans, who earns up to 2.25million, and Gary Lineker, who earns up to 1.8million.

Ms Meaden is pictured with Touker Suleyman, Jenny Campbell, Tej Lalvani and Peter Jones

The BBC's top paid woman is Claudia Winkleman, who is on 499,000 a year.

Ms Meaden shot to fame after joining the panel of the BBC hit show in August 2006, replacing Rachel Elnaugh.

Prior to starring in the programme she embarked on a number of business ventures before joining her family's amusement arcade business.

She worked her up to the role of operations director before moving over to holiday park business, Weststar Holidays, and later being appointed managing director.

In 1999, she led a management buyout of the company before selling the company to Phoenix Equity Partners in 2005 in a deal worth 33m, while retaining a 23 per cent stake and a role in the company.

She later sold her remaining stake after the company was sold to Parkdean Holidays.
Most Remain voters now back a Brexit that gives Britain a clean break from the EU and control back of our borders, a major study has found.

Many of those who voted to stay in the European Union also now believe the country should only pay a small divorce bill and stop EU judges ruling over the UK.

The results are a major boost for Theresa Mays Brexit stategy - and suggest diehard Remainers, such as Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable and former prime minister Tony Blair, have overestimated support for backtracking on Brexit.

Brexit Secretary David Davis, pictured in Brussels last month with the EU negotiator Michel Barnier, is leading Britain's Brexit talks. A new survey reveals that most Brits - including many Remainers - back the government's plans for a hard Brexit

The survey of 3,293 people by the London School of Economics (LSE) and Oxford University found that when questioned in detail about their views, many favoured the elements of a so-called hard Brexit.

Of those who voted Remain, when given the choice of the two options, 53 per cent preferred a hard to a soft Brexit - suggesting they do not want continued single market membership, ongoing payments to Brussels, free movement, and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice (ECJ).

When offered the choice between a hard Brexit and leaving without a deal, 59 per cent of Remain voters opted for the former option.

Remain voters only preferred a soft Brexit when offered a straight choice between that and no deal, with 58 per cent backing it.

Of all respondents, more than two-thirds (67 per cent) preferred the idea of leaving the EU without a deal to a soft Brexit when given the choice of the two options, while 68 per cent opted for hard over soft Brexit.

Among Leave voters, an overwhelming majority - 85 per cent - preferred a hard exit to a soft exit, and 81 per cent preferred no deal to a hard Brexit.

LSE associate professor in political behaviour Thomas Leeper, who co-authored the report, said the results indicated that the public was more eurosceptic than many thought.

When offered the choice between a soft, a hard Brexit and no deal, a majority of people preferred the harder alternative, he said.

The only exception was when Remain voters opted for a soft Brexit over no deal. In every other scenario, a harder Brexit is preferred to a soft one.

The results suggest Remain voters are not as opposed to some of the harder Brexit positions as might be expected.

Even Remain voters are not that favourable towards certain aspects of EU membership. While they tend to be more favourable towards immigration and rights of EU citizens.

The bulk of British people feel slightly more Eurosceptic than you might typically believe.

The results will make unhappy reading for those who favour a second referendum on Britains EU membership, or who wish to form a new party of Remain backers.

The findings are a boost for Theresa May - pictured outside Downing Street last month - who has repeatedly said that no deal on Brexit is better than a bad ddeal

Asked whether these campaigners had overestimated their support, Associate Prof Leeper said: Those calling for a second referendum are missing the complexities of the British public.

The research also found that those who voted to Remain were more likely to acknowledge that their preferred options were not compatible with respecting the referendum result.

Brexit has been a difficult subject to poll as the public struggle to differentiate between the different, and sometimes incompatible, options.

Surveys have showed that most of the public support free trade with the EU after Brexit - but a majority also back border controls, which is a contradictory position.

The academics offered choices between what a soft or hard Brexit and no deal would mean in practice, avoiding any emotional attachment to the labels themselves.

Their results showed there was not much evidence that either Remain or Leave backers had changed their mind about the result.

Remain voters also showed a tendency to accept that the options they favoured did not honour the result of last years EU referendum.

Labour, SNP, Plaid Cymru, and Lib Dem voters all prefer a soft Brexit to leaving without a deal, although generally only by about 60 to 40 per cent.

But Conservative and UKIP voters overwhelmingly prefer a no-deal scenario to a soft Brexit.

The issue of EU citizens rights after Brexit was found to be the most divisive in the poll, with Remain voters strongly supporting those already in the UK staying indefinitely - something Leavers strongly oppose.

On immigration, neither group supports continuing free movement, although Remain voters feel less strongly about the issue than Leavers.

The most popular scenarios for both voters give the UK full control over its borders, with Remainers supporting immigration but Leavers favouring few to no arrivals.

Neither Leave nor Remain voters want to remain under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice following Brexit.

The public does not have strong views on the Irish border and neither Leavers nor Remainers are particularly against ongoing payments to the EU for future trade deals.

Neither side wants to pay a large divorce bill. The most popular option was no payment at all.

The public is also not bothered by Britain taking longer to leave the EU than has been suggested.

The polling shows that Remain campaigners are wrong to claim that the Prime Minister is wrong to pursue a proper break from the EU.

Last month Mr Blair claimed it is possible now that Brexit doesnt happen as public opinion is moving.
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New information about the 14 people killed in the 2016 Gatilinburg wildfires sheds new light about how they died, and not all were from natural causes.

Records released this week give chilling details on the people who died -including a mother and her two girls - when a wildfire scorched through Gatlinburg, Tennessee on November 28, 2016.

While autopsies performed by the Regional Forensic Center in Knoxville reports show that 11 of the fire victims died of either burns or smoke inhalation, three died from other causes.

Records released this week give chilling details on the people who died -including a mother and her two girls - when a wildfire scorched through Gatlinburg, Tennessee on November 28, 2016

After months of drought, hurricane-force winds engulfed the city in flames, injuring almost 200 people and damaging close to 2,500 homes and businesses, costing billions

81-year-old Elaine Brown died in a car crash 'when her vehicle left the roadway' as she was fleeing the blaze.

Bradley William Phillips, 59, was said to have tree limb fall on him outside his home.

May Evelyn Norred Vance, 75, was running from the fire with her husband, Jimmy, when she suffered a heart attack. They had been married for 53 years.

Constance Reed and her daughters, 12-year-old Chloe and nine-year-old Lily, all died together. The 34-year-old and her children had fled from their home after witnessing their neighbors home go up in flames

Jon Summers, 71 and his wife Janet, 61, were on vacation from Memphis with their three sons, when they were caught in the fire. Jon's body was found with three cellphones nearby and the couple's three sons suffered severe burns. Records didn't indicate where Janet's body was found

Many were found nearby their homes like Alice Hagler and Reverend Ed Taylor

Constance Reed and her daughters, 12-year-old Chloe and nine-year-old Lily, all died together. The 34-year-old and her children had fled from their home after witnessing their neighbors home go up in flames.

Jon Summers, 71 and his wife Janet, 61, were on vacation from Memphis with their three sons, when they were caught in the fire. Jon's body was found with three cellphones nearby and the couple's three sons suffered severe burns. Records didn't indicate where Janet's body was found.

Another couple, John and Mariln Tegler, died trying to escape their home. The 71-year-old's body was found on a nearby road, and it was revealed he collapsed from smoke inhalation and had been struck by at least one car.

Three people died from causes that weren't because of the fire. Bradley William Phillips (left) had a limb fall on him and May Vance (right) suffered a heart attack

Another couple, John and Mariln Tegler, died trying to escape their home. The 71-year-old's body was found on a nearby road, and it was revealed he collapsed from smoke inhalation and had been struck by at least one car

A burned out resort shows just how disatrous the fire was in the community

70-year-old Alice Hagler never even made it out of her home where her remains were found.

Two people died in their rooms at a local Traveler's Motel. Pamela Jean Johnson, 59, was found in Room 4 while Robert A. Hejny was found in Room 13.

Police found the Reverend Ed Taylor's body in an embankment not far from his home. He had performed more than 85,000 marriages.

Communication that night was wiped out for hours, as a massive power failure shut down the emergency operations centers where the city directed it's initial response to the blaze. Another angle of the burned down resort

Notes have been gathered from inside the emergency operations center, and they tell of a fire that was too hard to fight on multiple fronts that ravaged the region

'Resource(s) depleted; requesting more. ... Flames greater than 40 feet ... Wall of fire ... Overrun ... Retreating,' read one of the notes

After months of drought, hurricane-force winds engulfed the city in flames, injuring almost 200 people and damaging close to 2,500 homes and businesses, costing billions.

Communication that night was wiped out for hours, as a massive power failure shut down the emergency operations centers where the city directed it's initial response to the blaze.

Records - like those from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency's command center in Nashville, were lost due to technical issues. Other's, like the ones from the National Park Service's attempt to curb the fire, have yet to be released to the public.

In the days following the blaze, harrowing descriptions of door-to-door search communities reveal how the rescue for the missing went

Some notes say little more than 'DOA' or dead on arrival. A swimming pool at a motel has debris and fallen limbs in it

Notes have been gathered from inside the emergency operations center, and they tell of a fire that was too hard to fight on multiple fronts.

Under a court order obtained by 4th Judicial District Attorney General Jimmy Dunn, the autopsy records were sealed for months

'Fire heading up mountain,' one set of notes said according to AJC.

'Resource(s) depleted; requesting more. ... Flames greater than 40 feet ... Wall of fire ... Overrun ... Retreating.'

In the days following the blaze, harrowing descriptions of door-to-door search communities reveal how the rescue for the missing went.

Some notes say little more than 'DOA' or dead on arrival.

Under a court order obtained by 4th Judicial District Attorney General Jimmy Dunn, the autopsy records were sealed for months.

Dunn asserted that releasing the records would tamper the prosecution's case of two teenage boys from Anderson County who had been accused of starting the fire.

Five days prior to the blaze, the two boys were playing with matches inside the Great Smoky mountains National Park.

The charges were ultimately dropped as the prosecution noted that there was not enough evidence to tie the fire to the teenagers.
President Donald Trump is sending his son-in-law Jared Kushner and negotiator Jason Greenblatt to the Middle East soon to meet with regional leaders and discuss a 'path to substantive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks,' a White House official said on Friday.

Deputy national security adviser Dina Powell will also be on the trip, which will include meetings with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Authority, the official said.

'While the regional talks will play an important role, the President reaffirms that peace between Israelis and Palestinians can only be negotiated directly between the two parties and that the United States will continue working closely with the parties to make progress towards that goal,' the official said.

Jared Kushner, White House senior advisor and son-in-law to U.S. President Donald Trump,is heading to the Middle East to try to push forward peace initiatives, a White House official said

Kushner has traveled with President Trump when he has gone abroad, accompanying him to Israel, Saudi Arabia and Italy this year, although he returned home to deal with the swirling Russia scandal.

Trump has given Kushner, a senior advisor who was a real estate developer before joining his father in law's White House, a portfolio that includes Mideast peace efforts.

Kushner spoke about the assignment during a speech to congressional interns that got leaked, observing that 'not a whole lot has been accomplished over the last 40 or 50 years.'

'Everyone finds an issue, that 'You have to understand what they did then' and 'You have to understand that they did this.' But how does that help us get peace? Let's not focus on that,' Kushner contined.

Jared Kushner leaves for work in early August

Ivanka Trump and her husband, White House Senior Adviser Jared Kushner, arrive in Morristown, New Jersey, on August 4, 2017. Kushner remained with the president at Trump's New Jersey golf club

Security advisor Dina Habib Powell will be joining the delegation to the Middle East

White House Chief of Staff John Kelly (C), White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter (L), and Senior Adviser Jared Kushner (R), walk to Marine One prior to departure from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, August 4, 2017, as US President Donald Trump travels on a 17-day vacation to Trump's golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey

President Trump tweeted that he is sending daughter Ivanka to lead a delegation to India to focus on women's empowerment

'We don't want a history lesson. We've read enough books. Let's focus on, How do you come up with a conclusion to the situation?' Kushner told the interns, Wired reported early this month after getting a tape.

Kushner added: 'So, what do we offer that's unique? I don't know  I'm sure everyone that's tried this has been unique in some ways, but again we're trying to follow very logically. We're thinking about what the right end state is, and we're trying to work with the parties very quietly to see if there's a solution.'

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (not seen) receives US President Donald Trump's Assistant and Special Representative for International Negotiations, Jason Greenblatt (C) in Ramallah, West Bank on March 14, 2017

Then he hedged: 'And there may be no solution, but it's one of the problem sets that the president asked us to focus on. So we're going to focus on it and try to come to the right conclusion in the near future.'

Kushner has assumed a prominent role as an advisor to Trump. But he has also brought some headaches to his father in law. He amended his financial disclosure multiple times, and is revealed to have attended a meeting with Donald Trump Jr. and a Russian lawyer in June 2016.

He testified to the Senate Intelligence committee as part of its Russia probe. His attorneys say he is cooperating.

Haaretz reported in June that Palestinian officials were 'greatly disappointed' after their meeting with Kushner and Jonathan Greenblatt.

'They sounded like Netanyahu's advisers and not like fair arbiters,' said a senior Palestinian official, referring to the Israeli prime minister. 'They started presenting Netanyahu's issues and then we asked to hear from them clear stances regarding the core issues of the conflict.'
Red-faced lawyers were forced to download Google Translate to communicate with a Chinese defendant after a translator failed to turn up to court.

Xiu Ping Yang appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court accused of food hygiene offences at the Chinese restaurant she runs in Eston, North Yorkshire.

But proceedings were ground to a halt when it became clear that Mandarin speaker Ms Yang, needed a translator.

Xiu Ping Yang appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court accused of food hygiene offences at the Chinese restaurant she runs in Eston, North Yorkshire

No interpreter was booked for the defendant and barristers were forced to download the Google app in a rush.

Direct access barrister Joan Smith told the Law Gazette: 'She didnt understand what the judge or prosecutors were saying to her or what was happening.

The clerk asked if anyone had any way of communicating with her. No-one had phones on them and the council said they didnt know of anyone who could interpret.

'So I downloaded the Google translate app and tried to explain what was happening. It worked eventually but it could have been a long day.

Redcar and Cleveland Council, who launched the case against Ms Yang, said it was the court's responsibility to provide a translator.

However, Ministry of Justice guidelines suggest it is responsibility of the prosecutor to alert the court to such a situation, in civil cases.
If you walk onto a subway car and decide to stand rather than take only remaining seat next to a homeless man, that's a 'microaggression' - at least according to one New York City University.

'Microaggression' is a relatively new term that's now being widely used by liberals to describe subtle insults that target groups of people.

The New School recently published a guide to these so-called microagggressions, educating their students on what they are and how to deal with these divergences from the politically correct.

The New School university in New York City (above) has released a guide to so-called microagressions

The guide gives several examples of microaggressions, including classroom seats that are too small and make larger people feel bad about their bodies

In the document, posted to the school's student health services web site, microaggressions are defined as 'brief and commonplace verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or not, that communicate a hostile, derogatory, or negative slight or insult toward a targeted group.'

The guide gives plenty of examples of seemly innocuous situations that they deem microaggressions, including traditional 'male' or 'female' bathrooms, because 'trans and/or gender nonconforming folks don't feel safe or comfortable in either'.

Professors who don't ask what gender pronoun someone wants to be called by are guilty of microaggression too.

Even classroom seats can be a microaggression because they are 'too small for many people'.

Apparently there are multiple kinds of microaggressions too, which the guide helpfully breaks down into three categories: microinsults, microassaults and microinvalidations.

Microinsults are 'behavioral/verbal remarks or comments that convey rudeness, insensitivity, and demean a person's heritage, identity or self in any way. An example of a micoinsult is when someone asks a homosexual couple how they have sex.

Examples of 'microaggressions' A look of amazement or disgust at a gender-non-conforming couple in public.

Questioning looks or stares at a biracial person, interpreted as trying to 'categorize/decipher' them.

Being forced to use the complicated industrial elevator and take an extra ten minutes to arrive in class, because you are disabled and use a motorized wheelchair.

The majority of readings on all your class syllabi feature only readings from white cisgender men. Professors who try to bring in more variation are criticized by their department chairs.

Monuments, artwork, or portraiture in public spaces that are predominantly (often exclusively) white cisgender men and women.

Monuments, artwork, or portraiture in public spaces that are predominantly (often exclusively) white cisgender men and women.

Getting onto a subway car and sitting as far as possible from a black man, a homeless person, etc. Saying you shouldn't be annoyed. I meant that you must be smart because you're Asian.

Saying to a person of color, 'You act/speak/write so white.'

Holding a Social Justice Committee meeting in a space that is not accessible for wheelchairs.

Being called 'overly sensitive' when addressing a microaggression

Faculty and classmates do not ask for gender pronouns, and mis-identify people

Professors choose very expensive books and materials for classes and may not consider the limitations of lower income students by making copies available in the library, etc.

Seats in the classroom / auditorium / office are too small for many people

Food sold in the cafeteria does not include options for those with limited food budgets.

Professors and university staff, especially those in positions of power, are not representative of a diverse range of identities (i.e. they are mostly white, male, straight, cisgender, etc.). Advertisement

Microassaults are violent verbal or nonverbal attacks meant to hurt the intended victim 'through name-calling, avoidant behavior or purposeful discriminatory actions. The example of a microassault is a man catcalling a woman, and then telling her she is ugly when she ignores him.

The final subset, microinvalidation, are comments that 'exclude, negate or nullify the thoughts, feelings or experiential realities of the victim'.

'Saying "you shouldn't be annoyed. I meant that you must be smart because you're Asian,"' is one example of a microinvalidating comment according to the guide.

The school encourages students to call out their peers when they see them being microaggressive, and to use the opportunity to have a 'conversation on power, privilege and oppression'.

If microaggressions are sexual in nature the school says students should report peers to the administration.

The New School is a private research university located in lower Manhattan. Tuition is $65,700 a year.

It was founded in 1919 and grew significantly in the 1930s when it set up the University in Exile for scholars fleeing from Nazi Germany.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, playwright Tennessee Williams and former President of Israel Shimon Peres all attended the New School.
More than 250 Oregon residents marked 'X' as their gender on their licenses since it became an option last month.

It was the first state to allow residents who don't identify as male or female to mark their gender as 'not specified' when applying for a driver's license, learner's permit or identity card.

Within a month's span, a total of 266 people had been issued X-marked government paperwork since the change was enacted on July 3.

The policy change was cheered by supporters because it simplifies the process for people who in the past have had to go through tedious court procedures to change their gender on their licenses.

A total of 266 people marked their genders as 'X' on licences and IDs in Oregon since it become available in the state on July 3. Pictured: Sample 'X' driver's license

Washington DC is the only other place in the country where this option also exists, and went into effect a bit earlier on June 26.

Overall, the 266 people who chose to take advantage of the new gender option, is a fraction of the 40,000 licenses issued every month, reported the Register-Guard.

Oregon residents can go into any state motor vehicles office during business hours to obtain the 'X' designation.

The decision was seen as a major step in expanding legal recognition and civil rights for people who do not identify as male or female.

And transgender residents said the change would make them feel safer as they hand over their licenses at restaurants, health clinics and airports.

Last year, a Portland judge allowed Jaime Shupe to legally identify as neither male nor female.

It was the first state to allow residents who don't identify as male or female to mark their gender as 'not specified' when applying for a driver's license, learner's permit or identity card

Shupe asked for an updated license, prompting the proposed changes.

Some people don't identify as male or female,' said Amy Herzfeld-Copple, the co-executive director of Basic Rights Oregon. 'We're excited by the DMV proposal because it's an important step in recognizing what we already know to be true. Gender is a spectrum.'

'We have a system in much of this nation that is forcing intersex, transgender and nonbinary people to make a choice between male or female, when it doesn't fit them or accurately describe them,' Shupe said.

'In the case of people like me, it's like making a mixed-race kid identify as white, and pretend to be white and have the doctors trying to make them white.'

An estimated 20,000 Oregonians identify as transgender, according to The Williams Institute at the University of California-Los Angeles.

A 2015 nationwide survey of 28,000 transgender people found that more than a third identified as neither male nor female.
Riots and celebrations started in Kenya after the electoral commission announced President Uhuru Kenyatta has won a second term.

Opposition candidate Raila Odinga was quick to claim the vote was rigged and protests started in Nairobi after the result was announced.

Police have reportedly used teargas on protesters in the Kisumu and Nairobi slums.

Angry protests erupted almost immediately in Odinga's strongholds: in Nairobi's biggest slum Kibera police fired bullets in the direction of protesters, who looted and attacked businesses they said belonged to Kenyatta supporters.

Riots broke out across slums in Nairobi after the incumbant president held onto power with 54 per cent of the vote

Businesses were burnt and fires set while others celebrated with flags and vuvuzelas

In other slum and poor areas around the capital, as well as the western city of Kisumu, gunshots rang out and protesters lit fires in the street.

The fury from Odinga's supporters came in stark contrast to the cheers from Kenyatta's camp in his strongholds, with vuvuzelas and cries of joy in the streets.

The Kenyan commission said Mr Kenyatta won Tuesday's election with 54 per cent of the vote and called the poll 'credible, fair and peaceful'.

Mr Kenyatta called for peace and unity after the announcement and said: 'There is no need for violence.'

Protestors loot and burn premises belonging to the Kikuyu tribe on August 11 in the Kibera slum of Nairobi

Riot police officers fire tear gas in Kawangware slum in Nairobi. Police and rioters clashed today

Kenyan police officers clear a street in the Kawangware slum after an officer was hit in the head with a rock

Kenyan police officers grab a motorcycle driver who drove through a street they had cleared a few minutes prior in the Kawangware slum

Hundreds of police in anti-riot gear lined the streets of the capital, Nairobi, amid fears of further protests by supporters of opposition candidate Raila Odinga who claims the vote was rigged.

A witness and police are reporting gunshots and screams in at least two areas of Kenya where residents support opposition candidate Ralia Odinga.

They say the unrest broke out after Kenya's election commission announced that President Uhuru Kenyatta had won a second term, defeating Odinga.

Gunshots have been reported in the Nairobi slum of Kibera and in the southwestern city of Kisumu. Youth are reported to be stoning cars in Kibera.

Police clashed with opposition supporters as Uhuru Kenyatta was announced as president for his second term

Tensions are high in the capital of Nairobi after the election result was announced today

Kenyan police officers clear debris and stones from a barricaded road after a protest by supporters of the National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition coalition presidential candidate on August 11

Protesters reacted quickly and angrily to the news that Odinga had lost, and there are reports of gunshots

Incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta applauds after he was announced winner of the presidential election at the IEBC National Tallying centre

Kenyatta celebrates with Deputy President William Ruto after he was announced winner of the presidential election

Kisumu resident Lucas Odhiambo said: 'There are gunshots all over; we don't know how it will end but we are praying for peace.

'There was peace but people started blowing vuvuzelas as soon as the results were announced and police moved in.'

Kenya's president is asking the country to 'shun violence' as unrest erupts in some opposition areas after the country's election commission announced he had won a second term.

He has not commented on Odlinga's allegations.

Supporters of opposition candidate Raila Odinga have rejected the results but said challenging them in court is not an option. Odinga made a legal challenge after losing to Kenyatta in 2013, alleging vote-tampering, but was unsuccessful.

President Uhuru Kenyatta is asking the country to avoid the kind of violence that followed the 2007 election, when more than 1,000 people were killed.

'We have seen the results of political violence, and I am certain there is no single Kenyan who would wish to go back to those days,' Kenyatta said.

The country has been concerned about the kind of post-election violence that rocked Kenya a decade ago and left more than 1,000 dead. The country has largely been peaceful since Tuesday's election.

A spokesman called the vote a 'charade' and said going to court to challenge it is not an option.

Kenyan police officers patrol following a protest by supporters of the National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition coalition presidential candidate on August 11

Supporters of Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta cheer as they await an expected announcement of election results

President Kenyatta and Deputy President Ruto hold their certificates after winning the election

Kenya Deputy President William Ruto speaks to Kenyatta on the phone earlier today

Raila Odinga rejected the initial polls showing Kenyatta would win saying that the official tally doesn't match their own count

Kenyatta and Ruto congratulate each other after their party's victory in the election

The election has been a test of the stability of the East African economic power as many recalled the post-election violence a decade ago that left more than 1,000 dead.

Kenya has been relatively calm this week.

Earlier this week, an election official from the ruling party was hacked to death by a machete-wielding gang after Odinga claimed the election was 'stolen'.

The incident happened at a tallying centre in Kenya's coastal Tana River county and police shot dead two attackers, a witness said.

Earlier that night, Odinga claimed the country's election was a sham.

Supporters of the opposition candidate Raila Odinga set shops fire during a demonstration against the election results in Garissa, Kenya on August 10

A local man tries to extinguish fire caused by supporters of the opposition candidate Raila Odinga

A supporter of opposition leader Raila Odinga shouts in Kibera slum in Nairobi

A supporter of Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga holds a sign in Kisumu

He said the electronic voting system had been hacked using the identity of a murdered IT official, with protests breaking out straight after his speech.

Two people were killed in Nairobi as they took advantage of the protests to steal, Nairobi police chief Japheth Koome said, with one being shot in the head.

Kenyan police opened fire on people protesting election results earlier in another opposition stronghold - South Mugirango constituency - killing one person.
An Ohio father who was brutally beaten by a group of people in front of his young daughter died on Thursday - four days after the horrific road rage attack.

Thomas Lehman, 23, succumbed to injuries he sustained during the Saturday night incident.

Prosecutors in Toledo said they plan to file involuntary manslaughter charges against a 16-year-old boy, who was arrested that day.

Ohio father, Thomas Lehman (pictured with daughter), 23, died Thursday - four days after he was severely beaten by a group of men during a road rage attack in front of his four-year-old daughter and best friend

Lehman (left with his daughter) succumbed to injuries he sustained during the Saturday night incident. Kirsten Lilly, a friend in the car with Lehman, said the men severely punched and kicked Lehman

Kirsten Lilly, a friend in the car with Lehman and his daughter, said the men in the other car pulled up beside them and started making obscene gestures at Lehman.

Lehman pulled off the road so the car could pass.

Lilly told WTOL-TV that the car also pulled off the road and the men inside attacked them.

Police said the men kicked and punched Lehman several times, which ultimately led to his death.

Lehman's friend Lilly said the hardest part about it all is that his daughter 'was everything to him'. 'And all of us who were his friends will make sure she is loved,' she added.

Prosecutors said the suspect they have in custody was charged with felonious assault on the night of the incident.

The case is being investigated as a homicide. Police said others in the vehicle with the teen may also face charges.

Friends are remembering Lehman as the 'really good guy' who 'was always there for anyone'.
A 'furry' has admitted child sex trafficking a young boy, forcing him to dress up as Tony the Tiger before being sexually assaulted at festish parties.

David Parker, 38, of Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty Monday to child sex trafficking in a plea deal with prosecutors in return for a 30 year sentence. He had faced life in prison if convicted at trial.

Parker, a 'furry' admits he took the boy to Luzerne County to be molested at the furry parties - where participants dress in animal costumes - on multiple occasions.

Furries are people who dress up as animals and identify as the chosen animal, often as a sexual fetish, according to a release by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro.

David R. Parker, 38, (left) pleaded guilty Monday to child sex trafficking in a plea deal with prosecutors in return for a 30 year sentence. Kenneth C. Fenske, 57, of Milford Township, Bucks County (right) is accused of raping the victim while in his fox costume

The victim says he was forced to dress as 'Tony the Tiger' at parties before being attacked (stock image)

The boy says he was forced to dress as cartoon cereal character Tony the Tiger, and was assaulted at the furry parties, thrown in the Pennsylvanian suburbs, between June 2010 and August 2010.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro has said the boy was abused for nearly eight years, starting in 2009.

Authorities said the case began with the arrest of Jeffrey A. Harvey, 40, of West Wyoming, Pennsylvania, last summer.

Harvey was charged for trying to have sex with someone online that he thought was a 13-year-old boy, but was in fact an undercover investigator.

Stephen Taylor (left) and Paige Tasker (right) are also charged over the sex assaults

After he was caught, detectives found text messages he exchanged with Parker where they discussed Harvey wanting to have sex with the sex trafficked young boy forced to dress in the tiger costume.

Parker was arrested the next day. Police said Parker admitted he sexually fondled the boy when he was one to three years old.

WHAT ARE FURRIES? According to FurScience, the furry fandom encompasses much more than just the therians  or, people who feel as though theyre spiritually connected to animals. Furries represent fans of media featuring anthropomorphic animals, and may include artists, writers, gamers, and role players. Most create a fursona, or anthropomorphized animal character for themselves, to interact with the community. The demographics: More than 75% of furries are younger than 25 About 84% identify as male, while 13% are female, and 2.5% are transgender Most furries (83.2%) are white About one-third identify as exclusively heterosexual, but research has shown furries are about five times more likely to identify as exclusively homosexual than the general population Advertisement

The boy told investigators Parker molested him on multiple occasions in Schuylkill County before he was age 13 and, according to a search warrant affidavit, 'would take him to homes or apartments where... other adults would touch (him) in a sexual way.'

The boy told investigators in October that Craig Michael Knox, 35, of Henrico, Virginia, had molested him at a home in Pittston.

Knox told investigators that Parker encouraged him to 'have at it' with the boy, and that he sexually abused the child in an upstairs bedroom. He said Parker also forced the child to perform a sexual act, according to police.

'Knox stated that during this time the victim appeared embarrassed and looked at the floor as he did what he was instructed to do,' police wrote. Knox was charged last November.

The victim also told an investigator that on January 20, Parker, himself a 'furry', had taken him in 2009 to the Quakertown home of Kenneth C. Fenske, 57.

Fenske, whose chosen furry costume was a fox, would remove his costume before raping him, police said. Fenske is also charged with child rape and related offenses.

The teen said his parents were present at the parties but had no idea about the assaults.

He only opened up about the horrific incidents earlier this year.

Authorities said the case began with the arrest of Jeffrey A. Harvey, 40,(left) last summer on charges he tried to have sex with someone online that he thought was a 13-year-old boy. Craig M. Knox, 36, (right) is charged with sexual offences

The boy said he was the only child at the furry parties, and was allowed to play Xbox, but Fenske, who went by the name 'Lupine' and wore a fully body fox costume, with head, feet and tail, had asked him to go upstairs where he assaulted him on several occasions.

'I kept it to myself,' the boy testified, according to Philly.com. 'I didn't tell anyone.'

Stephen Taylor, Knox's roommate, is also charged over the crimes, and has also admitted bestiality and cruelty to animals after sexually abusing two Rottweilers.

Paige Tasker, 28, of Stroudsburg, is charged with statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault and corruption of minors.

The victim is now is in foster care and has been receiving therapy.

In total, three men and a woman from Pennsylvania and two men from Virginia also are charged over the crimes.
Shocking video has emerged showing a man going on a racist tirade against a young woman inside a New York City Subway car, as the rest of the riders sit quietly and fail to intervene.

The incident happened Tuesday afternoon on a Manhattan-bound Q train in Brooklyn, according to Gothamist, which obtained the video from the anonymous victim.

The 21-year-old woman told the outlet that she had noticed the man staring at her earlier in the ride and asked him to stop looking at her because it was making her uncomfortable.

At the next stop, she said he got off the train and then started asking people standing around on the platform if she 'had a right to tell him to stop staring'.

He allegedly said she 'had less of a right' because she was 'Asian'.

The woman says he got back on the train and that's when she started recording the confrontation, which turned threatening.

The video starts with her trying to correct him, saying she's white and not Chinese as he claims.

A video has surfaced, showing a man verbally assaulting a 21-year-old woman in a New York City Subway car

In the video, the man tells the woman she has 'f****** Chinese eyes' and to 'get the f*** out of my country'

'Are you calling me Chinese?' she says. 'I'm not Chinese! I'm not Chinese! This is my country too. I'm white.'

'What the f*** is wrong with you?' the man says. 'Your f****** Chinese eyes. Look at your f****** eyes! Motherf***** get the f*** out my country before I murder your whole f****** nation, motherf*****.'

He continues: 'Record this, motherf*****. You know this is my country, right? You in my f****** property. You are my property. I have the right to murder your whole f****** nation. Your whole nation, I don't give a f***. You are my property, motherf*****.'

The video ends with the woman telling him to get off at the Kings Highway stop so that she can report him to the police.

The woman says she didn't actually report the man to the police because she heard they don't take such complaints seriously and he didn't physically assault her.

After the video ends, she says he did 'jump' at her and continued yell at her.

One thing that struck her about the confrontation is that no one intervened.

'Nobody on the train really spoke up,' she said.

After viewing the clip, Manhattan City Council Member Margaret Chin spoke out against the incident to Gothamist.

'To those who think they can get away with threatening New Yorkers because of their ethnicity, gender or religion, I have one message: this City was built by immigrants and has no tolerance for bigotry and racism,' Chin said. 'I send my solidarity to fellow Asian Americans and other immigrant communities who feel targeted, and I hope this misguided person gets caught and is held accountable for his actions.'

According to NYPD statistics, there were 113 complaints of hate crimes in the first quarter of 2017. Five of those were against Asians.
The Arlington Police Department can't wait for the annual Police, Fire, and Sheriff Block Party - and their annual swimathon that promotes it.

Indeed, as part of the drive to get money for their annual block party five officers from the Virginia police force performed a flawless synchronized swimming routine and posted it to Facebook.

They donned swim caps, goggles, and even a life jacket.

The officers all wore blue floral swim caps and jumped into the pool one by one

The routine starts with the officers removing some of their heavier uniform gear and putting on floral swim caps.

They dive into the pool one by one. Four officers swim a circle around one policeman, who does the hula in the middle.

The people then begin making waves with their arms, while the officer in the life jacket dabs in the background.

One of the police officers dabs in the background while his coworkers dance

Heads down! All five cops did their best attempt at a handstand. Some were more successful

Can you do the hula? One cop did his best impersonation of the Hawaiian dance

The camera even takes a venture underwater to film the cops swimming.

The five policemen then get creative, and even do an underwater handstand.

The routine ends with four cops throwing the final officer into the air, who lands with a big splash.

The block party is free and family friendly. It will take place on August 26.
An Amber Alert has been called off after four-year-old Dominic Caprio was found safe

The Amber Alert for missing 4-year-old Dominic Caprio has been called off, and his nanny arrested.

Caprio mysteriously went missing from his home in Jupiter, Florida, around noon Thursday while authorities officially issued the statewide alert Friday morning.

The child's nanny, Blanca Castro, 57, was last seen with Caprio. His mother, Danielle Caprio, told the Palm Beach Post she left her son under the supervision of the nanny for a short period of time, and when she returned, both were out of sight.

The Jupiter Police Department did not release specific details on what indicated Castro to take Caprio away from his mother at the time of the event.

'Through the coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal agencies, along with our media partners, we were able to bring this case to a successful conclusion. Although the details surrounding this incident are still under investigation, I want to thank everyone for their assistance and cooperation,' Chief Frank Kitzerow said.

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The child's nanny, Blanca Castro, 57, was arrested for the suspected kidnapping

Authorities said Caprio was safe and unharmed when they found him

'Within twentyfour hours of the initial missing child report, Jupiter Police Detectives, in conjunction with a private legal counsel mediator, were able to arrange for the safe return of Dominic, who was unharmed. He was reunited with his mother who was extremely grateful.'

Authorities believed Caprio may have also been with his grandparents Elizabeth Caprio, 60, and Luis Caprio, 64 at the time of his disappearance.

Reasoning behind the act and why the mother was not in contact with the grandparents is unknown.

A neighbor to the grandparents told NBC Miami he was shocked after hearing the pair may have been involved in the Caprio's disappearance, adding that they threw a generous birthday party for the child just weeks prior and cared for him often.

Courtesy of WPLG

Danielle Caprio, right, said she left her son under the supervision of the nanny for a short period of time, and when she returned, both were gone

A reason as to why the mother was not in contact with the grandparents is unknown

Authorities believe Caprio was with Blanca Castro, 57, (left) as well as grandparents Elizabeth Caprio, 60, (center) and Luis Caprio, 64 (right) at the time of his disappearance

'They had a bounce house there, there were lots of people who attended and I thought they were fulfilling the role of parent very good,' Fernando Munoz said.

'Some body would have to explain to me how you can abduct someone you have been caring for ... I know that they started caring for - I want to say on a full time basis - their grandchild eight to nine months ago.

'For whatever reason the parent [was] unable to take care of the kid so all of a sudden they had to become full-time parents.'

A formal investigation is currently underway. The police department has asked anyone with further information to call (561) 746-6201.
A couple who wanted to turf out their tenant were instead forced to give him cheap rent for life because of little known laws dating back 92 years.

David and Sheila Harding bought their friend and next door neighbour Colin Gregory's three-bedroom home nearly 20 years ago.

Mr Gregory was struggling with the mortgage, and Mr Harding rented the home back to the former antiques dealer for 800 a month.

But decades later, when the couple wanted to sell up to fund their new life in Spain, he refused to leave.

David and Sheila Harding bought their neighbour's three-bedroom home nearly 20 years ago

Colin Gregory previously owned the house which the Hardings bought from him after he told them he was struggling with his mortgage. He continued to live there and rented it from them

The Hardings took him to the county court to get possession of the 310,000 home in Peacehaven, East Sussex.

But they were astonished when Mr Gregory's lawyer successfully used a law dating from 1925.

Moreover, the judge ordered Mr Gregory to be given a 90-year lease  and the Hardings cannot increase the rent above the current 800 a month.

The pair were refused permission to appeal and fear the lease could even be passed on to his relatives when he dies.

They rented the home back to their friend Colin Gregory for 800 a month but the trouble started when they wanted to sell the house to fund their new life in Spain

The judge branded both parties 'foolhardy in the extreme'.

Now Mr Harding, 58, is speaking out to warn others of letting properties to friends.

So, what is the 92-year-old law that was used? Mr Gregory's solicitor produced two pieces of law - dating from 1925 and 1948 - which the judge adjourned the hearing to consider. He cited a case known as Bannister v Bannister 1948, where a woman was given the right to live rent free for life in a cottage she sold to her brother for under market value. The judge decided the cases were similar, and he was given 800 a month rent 'for life' - which due to the 1925 Property Act equates to 90 years. The judge dismissed the Hardings' case and ordered them to pay his costs of 11,000. The Hardings are allowed to sell the home - but only on the condition it goes to someone who will keep Mr Gregory as a cut-price tenant. Advertisement

The grandfather-of-two said: 'We tried to help out, not only as a good neighbour and landlord, but we considered Colin a good friend.

'We own it, we pay the mortgage on it, we bought it but due to a nearly 100-year-old law he gets to live in it on the cheap. We have nowhere to turn to and can't believe it has turned out like this.

'We went into court told by our solicitors that there would be no problem and walked out with him winning the case and us owing him costs. It's ludicrous. There is nothing more we can do.

'We want to warn other people who are thinking of entering into any kind of agreement like this. We did everything by the book and look where it ended up.

'Nobody had ever heard of the law the solicitor used but it has cost us dearly. We're stuffed.'

The Hardings moved into Broomfield Avenue, next door to Mr Gregory, in 1993 and got on well.

They were so close that when Mr Gregory confessed he was struggling to pay his mortgage and was going to have to sell up and move out, Mr Harding offered to help.

He bought the home for 143,000 in 2001 and used a 'buy to rent' mortgage, meaning Mr Gregory did not have to move out, and he happily paid them 800 a month.

A tenancy agreement was signed by all parties. Mr Harding, a former roofing company owner, recalled: 'I told him he could stay there for as long as feasibly possible and that as long as I could afford it, I would keep the rent at 800.'

The couple sold their home and moved to Spain in 2002 but decided to sell the other house three years ago.

They needed some cash to fund their new three-bedroom villa in Torremolinos and explained the situation to Mr Gregory. Mr Harding offered to sell the home to Mr Gregory for 60,000 less than the 310,000 valuation.

The Hardings took him to the county court to get possession of the 310,000 home in Peacehaven, East Sussex but a little known law meant that they must now give him cheap rent

They gave him a year to find the money but he did not and they then accepted an offer from a buyer who was willing to pay about 240,000 for the home and keep Mr Gregory, 68, as a tenant.

But the buyer said he needed 1,200 a month rent and Mr Gregory objected to the rise.

The case went to Brighton County Court in March 2016 where Mr Gregory said he sold the house to the Hardings for a reduced price, only because he could rent it for as long as he wanted.

That claim, not mentioned in the tenancy agreement, was strongly disputed by the Hardings.

Then Mr Gregory's solicitor produced two pieces of law, dating from 1925 and 1948.

Under the 1925 Property Act he has the right to pay 800 for the next 90 years.

He also cited Bannister v Bannister from 1948, where a woman was given the right to live rent-free for life in a cottage she sold to her brother for under market value.

The Hardings were ordered to pay Mr Gregory's costs of 11,000 and told they can only sell the home to someone who will keep him as a cut-price tenant. Mr Gregory declined to comment.
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One of Britain's last working water mills cold be destroyed if plans are approved to allow boatloads of tourists to sail the river which powers it.

Grade II listed Charlecote Mill dates back to 1086 and is one of only ten commercial mills still operating in the country.

It was mentioned in the Domesday Book and, following 30 years of painstaking restorations last century, now produces 70 tonnes of flour a year.

The Avon and Navigation Trust are planning to deepen river which powers the mill as part of a 650 million plan to boost tourism.

Grade II listed Charlecote Mill dates back to 1086 and is one of only ten commercial mills still operating in the country

The historic mill was even mentioned in the Domesday Book and, following 30 years of painstaking restorations last century, now produces 70 tonnes of flour a year

But the Avon and Navigation Trust are planning to deepen river which powers the mill as part of a 650 million plan to boost tourism.

The plan involves creating a passable river route along the 12 miles between Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick to re-join the Grand Union Canal.

This would be achieved through increasing water depth and installing locks along the River Avon at the back of the mill in Hampton Lucy, Warks.

Miller Karl Grevatt, 35, fears that plans to increase the depth of the river which powers the mill will literally sink his livelihood.

He said: 'It's mainly for tourism, it's a 650 million tourism plan - pleasure cruising up and down the river, narrowboats, and those kind of things.

'I would have thought there's enough canals around without this.

'They would have to deepen the river and connect the canals up.

'This stretch round here is the last untampered with part of the river - its habitat for wildlife is amazing round here, it has really not been messed with.

The plan involves creating a passable river route along the 12 miles between Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick to re-join the Grand Union Canal

Pictured is the original wier gate at the back of the mill in the early 1900's. The new scheme would bring 650million into the local economy, say Stratford District Council and Warwick District Council

The mill, which is the only one of its kind in Warwickshire, operates a two-wheel system with a high take of water to the rear and low take to the front

'To make this stretch of river navigable the watercourse will need to be deepened and altered and here lies the problem.

'If the water levels are adjusted and the water level is increased below the mill this prevents the water wheels being able to turn.

'Under the existing proposal the water level will increase by about two feet, which is enough to prevent the mill from running.

'Increasing the water level will effectively put a brake on the system's operation and increase the risk of flooding.'

The mill, which is the only one of its kind in Warwickshire, operates a two-wheel system with a high take of water to the rear and low take to the front.

Karl Grevatt, 35, Miller and business owner at the Charlecote Mill fears that plans to increase the depth of the river which powers the mill will literally sink his livelihood

Mr Grevatt, who has run the mill for five years after taking over the lease in 2012, added: 'I've not had contact with anyone about this'

Mr Grevatt, who has run the mill for five years after taking over the lease in 2012, added: 'I've not had contact with anyone about this.

'I'm completely in the dark about the whole thing.

'My concern is how are we going to protect the mill?

'But no one is putting my mind at ease and as no one is talking to me I've decided to take the argument to them.

'I work by myself - I do have volunteers who come and help me but I run it singlehandedly.

'I do the whole process, get the wheat from local farms, mill it, package it and deliver it as well.

'Seventy per cent of the flour we produce goes to the Asian market of Coventry, Leamington and Warwick for making chapatis but we are now selling more bread flour for the local community and retailers.

'There used to be over 10,000 mills like this in the country.

'Less than 100 still work and less than ten commercially.

'It's a natural powered mill.

There has been a water mill on the site since 1752 and the previous one to that was in the Domesday Book, compiled in 1086. The picture above was taken in the early 1900s

Mr Grevatt said Stratford MP Nadhim Zahawi told him he would oppose any extension of the Avon around the mill in the interests of nature conservation

The current mill and mill house is owned by Edmund Fairfax-Lucy, of Charlecote Park. He said: 'Charlecote Mill has been a working mill for centuries, for all but 30 years after the war. The structure is pictured in around 1940

'It is in such good working order a Victorian miller could walk in tomorrow and start work.

'There's only a handful left in the UK doing this, let's not lose something so precious and rare.

'If boat loads of tourists want to use the river then all they'll see is a derelict building where a perfectly restored working water mill used to be. It would be a tragedy.'

Mr Grevatt said Stratford MP Nadhim Zahawi told him he would oppose any extension of the Avon around the mill in the interests of nature conservation.

The current mill and mill house is owned by Edmund Fairfax-Lucy, of Charlecote Park.

He said: 'Charlecote Mill has been a working mill for centuries, for all but 30 years after the war.

'Putting further locks in place will certainly jeopardise the mill as a working entity and make a beautiful site redundant.'

Stratford District Council's 'Developing Stratford District's Strategic Infrastructure Projects' document said the scheme 'would revitalise the waterways, have a significant impact upon the local and regional visitor economy, and create a wealth of new enterprises and local jobs'

The mill lay derelict from the mid-1960s to the late 70s until its previous miller John Bedington devoted 30 years of his life working on its restoration.

There has been a water mill on the site since 1752 and the previous one to that was in the Domesday Book, compiled in 1086.

The Avon Navigation Trust has defended the planned work to open up the river for boats, claiming they will be no 'detrimental impact' on the mill.

Chairman Jack Hegarty said: 'The trust has had a long-held aspiration to extend the navigation from Stratford to Warwick which would bring significant benefits to both towns and wider south Warwickshire.

'We are already in dialogue with Charlecote Mill and any design solution would ensure that there are no detrimental impacts on the mill or the river levels.

'Our engineering director, Roger Clay, plans to meet parish council and mill representatives shortly.'

'Seventy per cent of the flour we produce goes to the Asian market of Coventry, Leamington and Warwick for making chapatis but we are now selling more bread flour for the local community and retailers,' added Mr Grevatt

The trust say there are persuasive economic and tourism benefits to the project.

Stratford District Council's 'Developing Stratford District's Strategic Infrastructure Projects' document said: 'The new navigation route would add value to the very successful River Festival held in Stratford every summer which could be extended to Warwick.

'It would revitalise the waterways, have a significant impact upon the local and regional visitor economy, and create a wealth of new enterprises and local jobs.

'Indications are that the project could realise around 650 million of local tourism benefit.'

Councillor Peter Richards, the council's housing and infrastructure portfolio holder, said: 'The Upper Avon Navigation project has a number of technical issues that will need to be considered as work on the project progresses, the ongoing use of the Charlecote Mill being one of those.

'The miller has been in contact with the district council and we are holding a meeting with him, the Avon Navigation Trust and both the chairs of Hampton Lucy Parish Council and Charlecote Parish Council in early September to fully understand the history of the mill, its current use and any potential issues.

'As further work is undertaken on this project we will be working with the miller and the parish councils to find a suitable solution to the technical issues that arise.'
Indestructible: Roy Pagani suffered appalling torture, but still escaped some of the war's worst hotspots

The mob of local fishermen grabbed the fugitive British soldier as he tried to escape across the river, tied a rope around him and dragged him along like an animal on a lead. Bravely, he made a break for it, running for his life, until he tripped on a crack in the baked mud and fell.

Thats when the curved knives came out, stabbing and slashing at him. Corporal Roy Pagani, London-born but now 5,000 miles away from home and on the run in Japanese-occupied Burma, felt an agonising pain in his side and heard what sounded like a snarling dog.

I put a hand to my side and it came away holding a huge clot of blood. The snarling continued but then I realised it was not a dog, it was me. That awful sound was air bubbling through the hole in my side every time I breathed.

He was surely finished as the mob closed in over him.

I was barely conscious, just alive enough to know that this was the end. I was going to die, alone without identity in this distant land among hostile people.

I had made a promise to my wife and small son to return home but that would not now be kept. They would never even know what had become of me.

Yet, by some miracle, Pagani did survive. Because he always did.

He was one of World War IIs greatest survivors, though it is only now  72 years after that war ended with victory over the Japanese in August 1945  that his remarkable story is told in full in a new book, Lost Warriors.

Drawing extensively on Paganis own typewritten account of his adventures, author Philip Davies tells how this unprepossessing squaddie pulled off a series of extraordinary escapes from the wars hottest hotspots.

And then he slipped back into obscurity when it was all over, with scant recognition of his personal achievements, though they were unequalled by any another British soldier throughout the war.

A boy from a broken home, Pagani joined the Army on his 18th birthday in 1933. He met a 16-year-old girl called Pip in 1939 and married her after courting for six months, just before he was posted to France with the British Expeditionary Force.

Great survivor: When Hitlers armies sliced through France the following spring, he deliberately avoided the crowded and bombed evacuation beaches at Dunkirk, trekked north along the coast into Belgium, stole a boat and sailed it single-handed to England

Miraculous story: It took the British soldier four days before he washed up on a shingle beach in Suffolk after Dunkirk

When Hitlers armies sliced through France the following spring, he deliberately avoided the crowded and bombed evacuation beaches at Dunkirk, trekked north along the coast into Belgium, stole a boat and sailed it single-handed to England. It took him four days before he washed up on a shingle beach in Suffolk.

That was his first great escape.

The next was nearly two years later when he arrived in Singapore on the day the Japanese attacked.

A bomb plummeted down the funnel of his troop ship and, as she sank, he missed death by inches by jumping onto a destroyer that came alongside. He joined the defence of the island, only for the British garrison to ignominiously surrender a week later.

But not Pagani. As at Dunkirk, he set off on his own, racing through the burning city where corpses littered the streets and down to the docks.

There, he commandeered a 20ft sampan. Ignoring its cargo of fish manure, he took on board four other men and headed into the China Sea, aiming for Sumatra.

Pagani's next great escape was nearly two years later when he arrived in Singapore on the day the Japanese attacked

They island-hopped for a week, making good progress, until a ferocious tropical cyclone nearly sank them. He thought, not for the first or the last time, that he was a goner. But the storm abated, and the sampan staggered into shore in Sumatra, an exhausted Pagani thanking his lucky stars at surviving yet another brush with death.

He waited there to be ferried to British-held Ceylon but the Japanese arrived, the sun glinting cruelly on their bayonets. There was nowhere to run this time.

The prisoners were embarked on a tramp steamer for Burma, hundreds of them battened down in the tiny hold and fed on rancid vegetable soup. Dysentery was rife. So was death.

What followed was a nightmare train journey until they reached a remote jungle camp and were put to work on what would soon be known as the Death Railway.

For each of its 258 miles linking Burma to Thailand, 393 slave labourers would die from malnutrition, disease and brutality. The Allied death-toll was nearly 13,000.

New prisoners were harangued by the Japanese commandant: You are the remnants of a decadent white race and fragments of a rabble army. This railway will go through, even if your bodies are to be used as sleepers.

There was no escape, they were warned. The jungle around them was impenetrable. And any man caught trying would be tortured and then beheaded.

Pagani took no notice. Ever since his capture he had been plotting his escape as he worked on the line, day after back-breaking day, knee-deep in mud, plagued by insects and leeches, and sleeping in a damp bamboo hut.

Short and stocky and of similar build to the locals, he was confident that, by adopting their mannerisms and gait, he could blend in. He resolved to leave behind all his possessions and clothing and wear only a loincloth and an Indian turban. He practised walking barefoot to harden his feet.

What followed was a nightmare train journey until they reached a remote jungle camp and were put to work on what would soon be known as the Death Railway

Ahead lay a gruelling trek of at least 600 miles to reach British lines in India. He spoke no native language. His chances of success were minimal and the risks enormous, but he had to try.

One morning in November 1942, he simply left the camp.

On the way to work, he had whispered to those around him: So long. Im off, and just melted away into the jungle. For the third time, he was a fugitive on the run.

His disguise was very quickly tested. Walking boldly through a village, he saw a group of Japanese soldiers marching directly towards him, abreast in a line.

Though overwhelmed with fear, he had sufficient self-control to avert his gaze and then casually squat down in a drainage ditch to urinate, just like a local. The soldiers strutted past.

Drawing extensively on Paganis own typewritten account of his adventures, author Philip Davies tells how this unprepossessing squaddie pulled off a series of extraordinary escapes

The boy from Fulham had melted into the scenery. Perhaps he had a chance after all.

From then on, he hid during the day and walked 16 miles barefoot every night. Locals were kind, offering him shelter and food. Particularly friendly were the Karens, a separatist hill people who were sworn enemies both of the Burmese and the Japanese.

For many months he joined a band of Karen guerrillas hiding in the high jungle and harassing the enemy. He helped to organise them under the command of a mysterious and semi-mystical Briton, an army major who had stayed on after the Allied forces fled Burma.

It was good to be getting back at the Japanese, but his compulsion to return home got the better of him, and he continued his journey.

He said goodbye, moved down from the hills and out onto Burmas vast central plain, a lone figure plodding along, conspicuous and vulnerable. Here, however, the local people were hostile, and more than once he had to flee from villagers who wanted to turn him over to the Japanese.

Not wanting to be identified as the British escapee from the Death Railway labour camp, which would mean instant death, Pagani had concocted a cover story

And so it was that, after several narrow escapes, he ran into that howling mob on the banks of the Irrawaddy river and found himself bleeding profusely and certain he was about to die.

He didnt. He came to in a Japanese patrol boat taking him to hospital, where he was operated on without anaesthetic. For four hours, a so-called doctor rooted around inside his wounded body. The pain was excruciating.

Pagani was left in agony to recover or die, and remembered that night as the worst of his life, trying to suffocate himself by cramming a blood-stained towel into his mouth. Only the thought of the promise he had made to his wife made him stop.

Gritting my teeth, I forced myself to bear the pain and live out that long, lonely night.

For six weeks he recovered his strength. Then, to his horror, the Kempeitai, Japans equivalent of the Gestapo, came for him. What if they discovered his secret?

Not wanting to be identified as the British escaper from the Death Railway labour camp, which would mean instant death, Pagani had concocted a cover story. He told his captors he was a U.S. bomber pilot shot down during an air raid  Lieutenant Terry Ashton Melvyn (the Christian names of his son, which, he reasoned, he was unlikely to forget).

If he could convince them he was an American, then it might just save his life.

Remembrance crosses placed at the Thai-Burma Railway Line in 2008. The soldier told his captors he was a U.S. bomber pilot shot down during an air raid  Lieutenant Terry Ashton Melvyn (the Christian names of his son, which, he reasoned, he was unlikely to forget)

He stuck to his story throughout his gut-wrenching ordeal in the Kempeitai jail, a hellish hole dubbed the Rangoon Ritz where as many as 20 naked prisoners were forced to squat side by side motionless in a single tiny cell, forbidden to lie down or talk.

Human waste flowed across the floor. Lice and mosquitoes gorged on their emaciated bodies. Guards routinely handed out savage beatings. Men were hung upside down from a beam and whipped.

Interrogations took place in a series of torture chambers. In the first, Pagani was chained and caned. In the second, a pistol was put to his head and the blade of a sword slashed down on his neck before stopping just in time. But the third was the worst  a wash-house with a drain in one corner.

Here, he was forced onto his back with his hands shackled and his head beneath a dripping tap. Every few seconds, a drop of water hit him between the eyes until he thought his brain would explode.

Half of the PoWs died from malnutrition, abuse and diseases such as beriberi, malaria, jungle sores, diphtheria and cholera. Dysentery was endemic. Pictured are Prisoners of War from the Allied forces eating food after being liberated from a Japanese camp in Taiwan in 1945

At other times, they drove slivers of bamboo under his finger and toe nails, up his nose or into his genitals and set them alight.

He wrote later: How I survived these tortures I do not know. There were times when I could stand it no longer, and I wanted to die. Once again, the thought of his wife and baby son kept him going.

For six weeks he suffered unimaginable sadism. Then, for reasons he never understood, the Kempeitai let him go. He was taken to a prisoner-of-war camp in Rangoon Central jail and put in solitary confinement for four months.

There, he was beaten and interrogated daily, but it was nothing compared with the torture at the hands of the Kempeitai.

Eventually, he was allowed out into the main camp, though conditions there were just as harsh.

Half of the PoWs died from malnutrition, abuse and diseases such as beriberi, malaria, jungle sores, diphtheria and cholera. Dysentery was endemic. Allied bombs were also a hazard, and the prison was hit more than once.

But for most, the greatest threat was losing the will to live. They just faded away and died. Pagani, though, was having none of this.

For the next two years, his irrepressible spirit and attempts to outwit his jailers made a big impression on other inmates, helping them to keep going.

The Konyu Cutting aka 'Hellfire Pass' on the Thai-Burma Railway Line in Kanchanaburi

He stole food from under the noses of the Japanese and gave it to the sick. He was the man in the know, a channel of news about what was going on in the camp.

Finally, in April 1945, liberation loomed. The Japanese were increasingly nervous as Rangoon came under siege by General Slims approaching British 14th Army. Guards were burning documents and getting ready to go. There was a possibility of them butchering the inmates first.

Instead, 400 of the fittest prisoners, including Pagani, were marched out of the gates to an uncertain fate. Barefoot, they struggled along roads strewn with broken glass, harassed by guards who dispatched exhausted stragglers with a bullet in the head.

It became a terrible battle simply to survive. Pagani bided his time, waiting for his chance to run.

The preserved track into the cutting, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Then, one blissful morning, they were free. After a night stop, they woke to find the Japanese had scarpered like bats out of hell.

Pagani was euphoric. He was a free man. Soon, lorries from the British 14th Army arrived. It was time to go home. He had made it.

As soon as he could, he sent an airmail letter to his wife, who had not heard a single word from him in three long years, and did not know if he was alive or dead.

She wrote back immediately, ecstatic at his survival, and telling him that he now had a three-year-old daughter, born nine months after his embarkation leave.

Just days later, he flew home. He was debriefed by MI9, the Directorate of British Intelligence overseeing all matters relating to PoWs, who concluded his incredible wartime story was true.

Shortly after, he received a Military Medal through the post with no citation. There was no official presentation. It was as if already he was a forgotten man.

Adjusting to family life proved difficult. Although his back was scarred horribly from the wounds inflicted on the banks of the Irrawaddy, the psychological scars went much deeper. He could not abide being in bare feet or hearing a dripping tap.

That stubbornness and independence of mind that had kept him going through thick and thin in wartime now backfired. He proved an austere father, who never showed his feelings or gave outward displays of affection.

He re-enlisted in the Army, retired in 1959 and, in civilian life, set himself up in a taxi-cab business in Clacton-on-Sea, which later expanded into garages.

Pagani died in 2003, aged 87, his wartime achievements unnoticed. He had escaped from Dunkirk, Singapore and the Burma railway, the only European to do so.

His record, says author Philip Davies, was unequalled by any other soldier during the course of the war.

Pagani deserves to be remembered as one of the most courageous and intrepid British escapees of World War II, he adds.

His stoicism and self-belief in the face of unspeakable suffering bear testament to the triumph of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.

He simply never gave up. He was a man of unimpeachable courage, who stands in the front rank of Britains war heroes.

Lost Warriors: Seagrim And Pagani Of Burma  The Last Great Untold Story Of WWII by Philip Davies is published by Atlantic Publishing on Tuesday at 20. To order a copy for 15 (offer valid until August 19, p&p free), visit mailbookshop.co.uk or call 0844 571 0640.
Carolann Gallon at Newcastle Magistrates' Court. Her father has 17 children by four women, scattered across the city

Most people who attend court try to create a good impression. Or, at the very least, show some respect. Carolann Gallon, sporting half-dyed, half-shaved hair, did neither.

Instead, she wore a hoodie with a cannabis plant motif emblazoned with the word 'Addicted' on the front. Her attitude and appearance, complete with piercings in her tongue and eyebrows when she came before the bench in Newcastle in 2015, epitomised the culture of shamelessness which pervades so much of the country today.

One fact in particular confirmed this grotesque caricature of Broken Britain: Carolann's father has 17 children by four women, scattered across Newcastle upon Tyne.

Then there's the fact that Gallon herself, now 22, was a mother-of-two by the time she left school.

Neighbours have accused her of anti-social behaviour and complained to police and the local authority about her holding wild late-night parties at her council flat.

But that is not why Gallon was in court. She was there charged with three offences, committed between January 2012 (when she was 17) and March 2014 (when she was 19), under the Sexual Offences Act. She was given bail  and left the courthouse, cigarette in one hand, can of Red Bull in the other.

Only now, with the legal process having finally run its course, has the full, harrowing story behind those criminal charges emerged.

Carolann Gallon was at the heart of a sex grooming network in Newcastle where young girls were passed around a close-knit group of Asian men, plied with drink and drugs, and then abused at various properties in the city.

Jimmy Gallon, father of Carolann who was convicted of sex trafficking

Gallon's job was to recruit the girls. They, like her, were white. The perpetrators were (mainly) British-born Asians.

It's a distressing but all too familiar modus operandi which has been repeated  and is still being repeated  in towns and cities up and down the country. 'The challenge of our generation' is how the chief constable of Northumbria described tackling such sexual exploitation.

The 18-strong Newcastle gang was convicted of nearly 100 crimes, including rape, human trafficking and conspiracy to incite prostitution, in four interlinked trials which finally ended this week. Gallon had admitted trafficking children for the purposes of exploitation at a previous hearing. She will be sentenced next month. The decision, we are told, to treat her as an offender, not a victim, was approved by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

So how did she end up as the only girl, the only white face in the gang from local Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Iraqi, Indian and Turkish communities?

To date, no evidence has been heard against Gallon in open court. But the story of her almost dystopian life, that even the bleakest scriptwriter would struggle to conjure up, can now be revealed. Indeed, if ever there was a narrative that summed up the damage done by family breakdown, sink estates and the 'values' of a welfare state-spawned underclass, this surely is it.

Gallon refers to herself as 'Chucky' (her nickname is posted next to her real name on Facebook), presumably because she has naturally ginger hair, just like the satanic doll in the Child's Play horror movie franchise. With her ferocious urban appearance, she cuts a frightening figure.

(Top row left to right) Abdul Sabe, Habibur Rahim, Badrul Hussain, Abdulhamid Minoyee, Jahanger Zaman, Monjur Choudhury, (middle row left to right) Taherul Alam, Hassan Ali, Nadeem Aslam, Mohammed Azram, Yassar Hussain, Saiful Islam, (bottom row left to right) Eisa Mousavi, Prabhat Nelli, Mohibur Rahman, Nashir Uddin, Redwan Siddquee and Carolann Gallon, who have been found guilty following the force's Operation Shelter into child sexual exploitation in Newcastle

But what chance did she ever have of turning out any differently? Even her own mother refers to her as 'Bitch Number 2' on her Facebook page. Carolann is the second of her six-strong brood. She was born in Ashington, an old coal-mining town in Northumberland. It was one of a string of different addresses and towns she lived in during her formative years.

Gallon eventually enrolled at Lord Lawson of Beamish senior school in Gateshead. She had special educational needs and left with few qualifications.

Her parents, Jimmy, and her mother, who cannot be named, both unemployed, were together for more than 20 years, but eventually divorced around four or five years ago.

By then, the Gallons had moved to the West End of Newcastle, one of the poorest areas of the city.

They may have lived under the same roof for most of Carolann's childhood, but the environment was far from stable. She herself fell pregnant twice. We have not been able to establish who the father of those children is, but these are the brief, brutal facts about Carolann Gallon's early life.

Her mother has remarried and lives in Cruddas Park, Newcastle. A heavily built bingo fan with prominent tattoos, she is pictured on social networking sites with different coloured hair.

Jimmy still lives in the West End of Newcastle. We met him this week at his flat on the sixth floor of a tower block. He is in a pitiful state.

Now 63 and a double amputee, having lost both his legs due to chronic diabetes, he pulled himself to the door using his hands, and was wearing a stained T-shirt and underpants.

Inside the flat, a Yorkshire terrier leapt around the clutter on the floor  including what appeared to be a bucket of urine.

Jimmy Gallon will not hear a word said against Carolann.

'She is a good daughter, good to her old man,' he insisted.

Carolann's father has 17 children scattered around the city. Two of the women he has had children with are mother and daughter. Left and right, Carolann

'She looks after me because I need care after losing my legs. She's not the person she's been made out to be.'

Troubling information, however, came to light about Mr Gallon during our inquiries in Newcastle. It was not only that he had fathered 17 offspring by four different women. Two of the women are a mother and daughter with whom he had simultaneous relationships. He had two children by the mother and three by her daughter.

Could anything symbolise the dark world Carolann Gallon inhabited more than this disturbing revelation? After speaking to Mr Gallon, we took a trip to the West End of Newcastle. This is where, until recently, Carolann lived with her family. This is where the Newcastle grooming gang operated.

The neighbourhood, comprising a number of the most deprived estates in Britain, has a notorious reputation. A number of years ago, there were reports that local councillors were reluctant to park their cars in the West End when they attended meetings for fear that their vehicles would be vandalised or stolen.

Even today, the pavements are dotted with burned out and boarded up houses and shops. Prostitution, often involving trafficked Roma girls, is known to flourish behind shabby closed doors in the back streets.

Latest crime figures reveal that, on average, there are three violent sexual crimes every day in the West End, with 115 reported in May of this year, along with 127 offences of anti-social behaviour. Although Asians make up only two per cent of the population in the North-East, the figure rises to seven per cent in the West End.

In some roads, the traditional white working class has been almost completely displaced by Pakistani and Bangladeshi families and asylum-seekers from countries such as Syria.

It was around 2011 when Carolann Gallon, then aged about 16, is understood to have come under the influence of men such as 33-year-old Monjur Choudhury, one of the ringleaders of the Newcastle sex ring.

Northumbria Police Chief Constable Steve Ashman during a press conference in Newcastle

Some of the parties took place in his flat in Philip Place, Fenham, in the heart of the West End. Other girls were taken to Prabhat Nelli's home in Sidney Grove, which is also in Fenham. Both Nelli and Choudhury were found guilty of supplying drugs and conspiracy to incite prostitution. Carolann Gallon lived near Nelli and Choudhury. A former neighbour told us he became aware of her being involved with older, Asian men about six years ago.

He told us she used to boast of taking drugs, once confessing to having spent three days on speed. 'She looked a mess,' he said. 'Nothing like the girl I remember.'

Carolann's father told us he had informed the police after hearing about the sex parties.

He said: 'I knew. Everyone did. When I found out she was being given drink, I contacted the police and told them what was happening, but nothing was done.'

Mr Gallon, who cannot read or write, says his daughter was 'too young to know what she was getting into. They manipulated her, and had her approaching girls, but she didn't know she was doing anything wrong.

'The only thing that is different to the other girls is that Carolann ended up being charged when the other lasses were quite rightly treated as victims. She is as much a victim as any of them, and she is frightened and distraught.'

Some of the areas associated with Operation Shelter. She lured people to parties around the city

The story is not an unfamiliar one, as Rochdale, Rotherham and Sheffield have had gangs uncovered

Rightly or wrongly, the police and DPP took a less tolerant view, even though using white girls to recruit white girls has become a recognised tactic of grooming gangs.

They were used by gangs in Rochdale, Rotherham and Sheffield, where the then 17-year-old Amanda Spencer won the trust of victims. Spencer would listen to their problems, give them gifts and supply them with drink and drugs before delivering them to their abusers. She was jailed for 12 years in 2014.

Gallon, similarly, continued to invite girls and older Asian men to her flat not far from the West End, even when she was on bail.

'Every time I went out I used to see two gentlemen through the window,' said a neighbour. 'They were frequently in the house, the Asian guys . . . aged between 30 and 35. I used to see the guys all the time, going in and coming out. I actually thought she might be a lady of the night.'

Then there is the fact Gallon has two Facebook profiles. In one, where she calls herself 'Chucky, she has a half-shaven head and is pictured with a white boyfriend.

'Me and you forever babe,' is the caption under one photograph.

On her other Facebook page, she is dressed in a tight black top, trousers and leather jacket.

Underneath are compliments from older, smartly dressed Asian men: 'Good looking', 'beautiful', 'awesome'. The comments give a sickening insight into how a vulnerable, uneducated girl can have her head turned by kind words.

Carolann Gallon is now facing jail. Trafficking for sexual exploitation carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, but sentences vary widely depending on the methods used to control or coerce victims.

'Carolann's lawyer has warned us that jail is likely, and that filled her with so much horror that she wanted to run away. But she knows she has to face it,' her father said.

One thing we do know is that there are many girls like Carolann Gallon in towns and cities all over the country.

Broken Britain. Broken girls. And goodness knows how many gangs of Asian men ready to exploit them.
A sneaky snake that slipped from its vivarium and slithered onto a roof on a busy street was snared by firefighters after five days on the loose.

The Taiwanese beauty snake was spotted by shoppers on Market Street, Watford, after wrapping itself around a chimney - the warmest part of the roof.

RSPCA officer Peter Warne tried to reach the snake using ladders, but had to call in the local fire brigade, which reached the renegade reptile using a hydraulic platform.

The Taiwanese beauty snake was spotted by shoppers on Market Street, Watford, after wrapping itself around a chimney - the warmest part of the roof

The animal, which is part of a non-venomous breed that can grow six foot long, is now safely back with its owner following the incident on Wednesday.

Mr Warne said: 'The police called me after they had been contacted when someone spotted the snake on the roof of the shops.

'The snake migrated to the warmest place which is the chimney, where the heat rise up.

'It meant that I couldn't get up there with my ladders, so I had to get assistance from the fire and rescue team who took me up on their hydraulic platform.

RSPCA officer Peter Warne tried to reach the snake using ladders, but had to call in the local fire brigade, which reached the renegade reptile using a hydraulic platform

'Then it was simple enough to reach over and get the snake.'

Mr Warne described the owner as 'embarrassed', adding: 'He assured me he is going to buy a more secure vivarium to avoid any more daring escapes.

'Apparently the snake had been missing for five days, so he was very lucky to have survived.

'I think he must have sneaked through the attics above the shops and out onto the roof through a gap or a vent.'

The animal, which is part of a non-venomous breed that can grow six foot long, is now safely back with its owner following the incident on Wednesday

Nicola White, RSPCA senior scientific officer for exotics, said the charity is dealing with more escaped reptiles as they increase in popularity as pets.

She said: 'Reptiles are completely reliant on their owners to provide the correct environment for the species, including heating and lighting, and so it's lucky this snake was found.

'We urge potential new owners to research and look into what is required in the care of their pet first before taking one on so they know what is involved and how long it is likely to be for.'
A police dog from Colorado managed to save an officer who was fighting with a suspect by opening a gate with his paw.

The cop, who has not been named, was chasing Gabriel Steven Garcia, 25, of Lakewood, alongside his canine, Lex.

But when the pair jumped over a fence in an effort to get away the officer ended up becoming separated from his partner.

Lex is a three-year-old Belgian Malinois who has served with the Adams County Sheriff's Office since February, 2015

Gabriel Steven Garcia, 25 is currently being held on bail on a $500,000 bond and charged with with attempted first-degree murder and assault in the attack on the cop

When the cop finally caught up with the suspect, the pair began to fight and the officer was brutally assaulted.

However, not one to separated from his master for long, Lex a three-year-old Belgian Malinois, managed to unlatch the fence with his paw and was able to held subdue the suspect.

As the deputy and Garcia fought, 'Lex unlatched the gate with his paw,' the sheriff's office said. 'Then Lex came to the assistance of the deputy and the suspect was apprehended.'

'Our deputies view canine Lex as a hero for saving the day. We appreciate everyone in the K-9 Unit and their hard work to keep us safe,' said Adams County Undersheriff Harold Lawson.

The District Attorney has charged Garcia with attempted first-degree murder and assault in the attack on the deputy.

Garcia is currently being held on bail on a $500,000 bond.

Opening the gate with his paw was a stroke of genius for Lex, who has been with the department since February 2015.
The owner of the car in which Princess Diana died plans to put the wreckage on display in an American museum.

Jean-Francois Musa said it would be a 'mark of respect' to the royal, who died next to her boyfriend Dodi Fayed when drink driver Henri Paul crashed in a Paris tunnel.

But the plans were slammed by Diana's former bodyguard Ken Wharfe, who said exhibiting the object was 'distasteful'.

Jean-Francois Musa said it would be a 'mark of respect' to the royal, who died next to her boyfriend Dodi Fayed when drink driver Henri Paul crashed in a Paris tunnel. Pictured: The wreckage of the car

He told The Mirror: 'There seems to be no thought for her family who would find this incredibly upsetting that sick ghouls would be visiting this disturbing piece of history.'

Experts have claimed the mangled Mercedes S280 could fetch 10million at auction.

Mr Musa, 58, managed Etoile Limousines, which provided cars to the Paris Ritz, owned by Dodi's father, Mohammed al-Fayed.

The wrecked Mercedes has been in the possession of police in London since 2005, where it has been examined by forensics officers.

The plans were slammed by Diana's former bodyguard Ken Wharfe, who said exhibiting the object(pictured) was 'distasteful'

Diana arrived in Paris on 30 August 1997 with Dodi Fayed(pictured) after spending nine days together on his father Mohammed Al-Fayed's yacht in Sardinia

Mr Musa said: 'The car is still legally mine, but I havent seen it for almost 20 years.'

Diana arrived in Paris on 30 August 1997 with Dodi Fayed after spending nine days together on his father Mohammed Al-Fayed's yacht in Sardinia.

The pair dined at the Ritz hotel and left after midnight to travel to an apartment in Rue Arsene Houssaye, just off the Champs Elysees.

Henri Paul and Dodi Fayed were killed instantly, but Diana was still alive and was removed from the wreckage

The Ritz's deputy head of security Henri Paul was tasked with driving a black Mercedes away from the main entrance of the hotel on Place Vendome to fool the waiting papparazzi, while Diana and Dodi exited via the rear entrance on Rue Cambon.

Photographers pursued them into the underpass and Paul, who was under the influence of alcohol and speeding, lost control of the Mercedes 280S while trying to outrun the press pack and careered into a support pillar.

Henri Paul and Dodi Fayed were killed instantly, but Diana was still alive and was removed from the wreckage.

She suffered a cardiac arrest and died in hospital several hours later.

An inquest concluded that Diana's death was 'caused, or contributed to, by the speed and manner of the driver of the Mercedes and the speed and manner of the following vehicles'.

The Flame of Liberty, a replica of part of the Statue of Liberty, which stands on the Place de l'Alma has become an unofficial monument to the Princess, and is still visited by royal fans who lay pictures and flowers beside it.

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A man is due to face a Sydney court charged over the sexual assault of a three-year-old girl at a ski resort.

It's alleged the man assaulted the toddler at a guest house in Wheatley road, Perisher Valley, on July 15.

The man was a stranger to the child and her family.

A three-year-old toddler was sexually assaulted on July 15 at a ski resort by a 50-year-old man

The 50-year-old was arrested at a home in Roseville, on Sydney's upper north shore, on Friday following investigations.

He was taken to Chatswood Police Station where he was charged with sexual intercourse with a child under 10 and indecent assault of person under 16.

Child Abuse Squad Commander, Detective Inspector Peter Yeomans, said inquiries are continuing into guest movements at the chalet in July and urged anyone with information relevant to this investigation to contact police.

Police have arrested the man on Friday following investigations at his house in Roseville

'Our dedicated specialist investigators are trained to investigate crimes against children, including sexual assault, physical abuse and serious cases of neglect,' said Detective Inspector Yeomans.

'If you or anyone you know has ever been abused, no matter what the circumstance and no matter how long ago it occurred, please contact us,' he said.

The man has been refused bail and will appear in Parramatta Local Court on Saturday.
The Essential phone, designed to take on the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy, has gone into full production, according to its creator.

Android inventor Andy Rubin took to Twitter to make the announcement, fuelling speculation about when it might be ready for release.

New pictures appear to show the assembly lines, where the titanium body of the handset is being milled.

An announcement on where and when fans can buy the firm's first model, the PH-1, is expected next week.

A new handset designed to take on the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy has gone into full production, according to its creator. New pictures appear to show the assembly lines, where the titanium body of the handset is being milled (pictured)

KEY FEATURES - 5.71-inch, 2,560 x 1,312 edge-to-edge display - Screen protected by Corning's Gorilla Glass 5 - Will display at a 19:10 aspect ratio at 500 nits brightness - Dimensions: 5.6 inch (141.5 mm) tall, 2.8 inches (71.1 mm) across, 0.3 inches (7.8 mm) thick. - Will weigh less than 6.5 ounces (185 grams) - Titanium body with a ceramic back - 13-megapixel dual-camera system - 360-degree camera accessory - 128GB of internal storage - 3,040mAh battery - a USB Type-C port - A fingerprint sensor - Costs $699 (543) and comes in black, grey, white and green Advertisement

Startup firm Essential says it has raised raised over $300 million (231 million) in new funding and signed up retailers to sell its first device.

Retailers will include Best Buy, Amazon.com and carriers Sprint Corp in the US and Telus Corp in Canada, Essential said in a statement.

It emerged in recent weeks that executives from the California company had also met with UK operators, including EE, to thrash out a deal.

The firm is also said to be setting its sights on western Europe and Japan.

Speaking on Twitter, Rubin said: 'We are in full mass production, ramping up to deliver your Essential Phone.

'Find out where you can get yours next week!'

The timing and distribution of the new phone could be critical during a year with many new releases.

In September, Samsung is expected to unveil its Galaxy Note 8, and Apple is expected to announce its highly anticipated 10th anniversary iPhone.

Some of the Essential phone's features, like a detachable 360-degree camera, are also available on Samsung models, which are bulkier.

'It's going to be extraordinarily challenging,' Bob O'Donnell of Technalysis Research told Reuters.

'The initial specs of the phone look good, but not necessarily unique.'

Essential says Access Technology Ventures led the funding round, which brought its total investment raised to $330 million (254 million).

Android inventor Andy Rubin took to Twitter to make the announcement, fuelling speculation about when it might be ready for release (pictured)

Startup firm Essential says it has raised raised over $300 million (231 million) in new funding and signed up retailers to sell its first device. This image shows racks of the finished bodies

An announcement on where and when fans can buy the firm's first model, the PH-1 (pictured), is expected next week

Strategic investors also included Tencent Holdings Ltd , electronics contract manufacturer Foxconn and Amazon.com, which participated via its Alexa Fund.

Previous investors Redpoint Ventures and Playground Global also participated.

Amazon, Best Buy and Essential will sell unlocked versions of the phone that can be used on any network.

But contract deals could encourage buyers, R. 'Ray' Wang of Constellation Research said.

Mr Wang also said the presence of two strategic investors from Asia signals Essential's broader goals.

'It's not just about U.S. distribution, he added, this is going to be a global phone,

The Essential comes with a magnetic connector which will allow for connection of a 360 degree camera accessory (pictured)

'The biggest phone markets are China, India and the U.S.'

Rubin officially unveiled his new Android smartphone in May.

The handset features a 5.71-inch, 2,560 x 1,312 edge-to-edge display.

It boasts Qualcomm's high-end Snapdragon 835 processor and what Rubin claims is 'one of the world's best phone cameras.'

The phone is made out of titanium, instead of aluminium, to help it survive accidental drops. It features a ceramic back.

It is modular and can be fitted with a 360-degree camera accessory.

This clips to the rear of the phone, weighs 35g and includes a dual 12-megapixel fisheye sensors that can capture 4K 360 video at 30fps.

The founder of Android, Andy Rubin, finally unveiled his new Android smartphone in May. The handset features a 5.71-inch, 2,560 x 1,312 edge-to-edge display (left). It boasts Qualcomm's high-end Snapdragon 835 processor and 'one of the world's best phone cameras' (right)

It also boasts Qualcomm's high-end Snapdragon 835 processor and what Essential claims is 'one of the world's best phone cameras'

The back has a 13-megapixel dual-camera system designed for low-light photography.

The front camera of the Essential smartphone is a 8MP unit with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

It comes with a magnetic connector, 128GB of internal storage, a 3,040mAh battery, a USB Type-C port and a fingerprint sensor.

The screen is protected with Corning's Gorilla Glass 5 and it boasts a 19:10 aspect ratio at 500 nits brightness. Average LCD displays produce between 200 to 300 nits.

The handset measures 5.6 inch (141.5 mm) tall, 2.8 inches (71.1 mm) across and 0.3 inches (7.8 mm) thick. It will weigh less than 6.5 ounces (185 grams)

The phone is made out of titanium, instead of aluminium, to help it survive accidental drops. It features a ceramic back

The handset (pictured) will be available in black, grey, white and green and features 128GB of internal storage, a 3,040mAh battery, a USB Type-C port and a fingerprint sensor

There is no traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, but the Verge claims it may ship with a headphone dongle in the box.

The handset measures 5.6 inch (141.5 mm) tall, 2.8 inches (71.1 mm) across and 0.3 inches (7.8 mm) thick. It will weigh less than 6.5 ounces (185 grams).

Essential is launching the phone in the US to begin with, and it will be rolled out globally the near future.

It costs $699 (543) and comes in black, grey, white and green.

Rubin believes the phone is an 'iPhone killer' and can take on the likes of Apple and Google.
Researchers have struggled to explain how we can identify familiar faces - or how that process is different from the way we perceive unfamiliar ones.

Another question relates to different types of familiarity - for example, if you're looking at the face of a real-life acquaintance, or a celebrity's face that you've seen many times before.

But researchers have started unraveling this mystery by working with rhesus monkeys - primates whose face-processing systems are similar to our own -discovering two previously unknown areas of the brain involved in face recognition.

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Researchers measured the brain activity of rhesus macaques as they responded to pictures of monkeys' faces. The faces fell in three categories: personally familiar ones; visually familiar ones whose pictures they had seen hundreds of times; and totally unfamiliar ones

Because these areas are located in regions of the brain associated with memory, studying these areas could provide new insights into cognitive processes that go well beyond vision.

Researchers have long known that the brain contains a network of areas that respond selectively to faces as opposed to other kinds of objects, and they also know that human process familiar and unfamiliar faces differently.

For example, we're good at recognizing pictures of familiar faces when when they're disguised by poor lighting or shot at odd angles, but we struggle to recognize even slightly altered images of the same face when it is unfamiliar to us - for example, two pictures of a stranger we've never seen before, for instance, shown from different perspective or in dim light.

But trying to understand the neural basis for this in humans has been inconclusive, so researchers based at The Rockefeller University conducted a study involving macaques - which are close evolutionary cousins whose face processing networks are better understood and easier to study than our own.

The researchers, Dr Winrich Freiwald, head of the Laboratory of Neural Systems, and Sofia Landi, a graduate student in the lab, used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure the brain activity of rhesus macaques as they responded to pictures of other monkeys' faces.

The entire brain system showed more activity in response to the faces of long-time acquaintances. Faces that were only visually familiar from photos, meanwhile, actually caused a reduction of activity in some areas

The faces they were shown fell in three categories: personally familiar ones belonging to monkeys that the macaques had lived with for years; visually familiar ones whose pictures they had seen hundreds of times; and totally unfamiliar ones.

For comparisons sake, the researchers also showed the monkeys pictures of personally familiar, visually familiar, and unfamiliar objects.

The researchers expected the macaque face processing network to respond in a similar way to the first two types of faces, but instead, the entire system showed more activity in response to the faces of long-time acquaintances.

Faces that were only visually familiar from photos, meanwhile, actually caused a reduction of activity in some areas.

'The whole network somehow distinguishes personally familiar faces from visually familiar f baces,' says Landi.

HOW DOES AN FMRI SCAN WORK? Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI) is an exam that doctors and researchers use to image parts of the brain and body.

The machine is a large cylindrical tube that contains two powerful magnets.

A strong magnetic field is created around the patient and pulses of radio waves are sent from a scanner.

The radio waves knock the nuclei of the atoms in your body our of their normal position.

When the nuclei realign to their normal position, they send out radio signals.

The signals are received by a computer that analyzes them and converts them into a 2D image of the area being imaged.

The image then appears on a screen that doctors can analyze to look for brain activity, abnormalities or patterns. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI) is an exam that doctors and researchers use to image parts of the brain and body Source: HopkinsMedicine.org Advertisement

What surprised the researchers even more was that the faces of long-term acquaintances prompted the activation of two previously unknown face-selective areas.

One is located in a region of the brain associated with 'declarative memory' - which consists of facts and events that can be consciously recalled.

The other area is embedded in a region associated with social knowledge, such as information about individuals and their position within a social hierarchy'a specific form of memory,' Dr Freiwald says, 'that is highly developed in primates, and certainly in humans.'

These two newly discovered areas offered up another surprise - when the researchers showed the macaques blurry images of personally familiar faces, which gradually became sharper over half a minute, the activity of previously known face-processing areas increase steadily over time.

The newly discovered areas first showed little or no initial increase in activity, followed by a sudden surge - an all-or-nothing response that Dr Landi calls 'the sudden "aha" moment' we experience when we recognize a familiar face.

The newly discovered areas first showed little or no initial increase in activity, followed by a sudden surge - an all-or-nothing response that Dr Landi calls 'the sudden "aha" moment' we experience when we recognize a familiar face

The new findings will allow the researchers to further investigate the brain mechanisms that underlie face recognition, and how the brain responds to different kinds of familiarity.

'Well now be able to study these things with much more precision than was possible before,' Dr Freiwald says.

Because these areas are located in regions of the brain that are associated with different kinds of information, these novel areas should also provide an inroad to understanding cognitive and perceptual processes that go well beyond vision.

'It opens a window to explore the interaction between face perception, memory, and social knowledge,' says Dr Landi, who is already working on new experiments designed to do precisely that.
Some of the shine from office star performers can rub off on colleagues sat nearby, according to experts.

Scientists say the impact is so large, that simply changing seating arrangements to group the right types of co-workers together boosts business productivity by 15 per cent.

They also found that toxic workers, who end up being fired for misbehaviour, tend to drag down the people around them.

Both effects were temporary so disruptive workers should be dispatched with as quickly as possible, they say.

They also found that toxic workers, who end up being fired for misbehaviour, tend to drag down the people around them. Both effects were temporary so disruptive workers should be dispatched with as quickly as possible, they say (stock image)

BOOSTING WORKER PRODUCTIVITY The study found that sitting complementary colleagues together can boost this positive effect. Putting someone who works quickly but produces average results with someone who works more slowly but at a higher quality results in benefits for both. When such pairs were separated, the benefits gained disappeared. This suggests that the effect was the result of inspiring harder work, not that they had learned new skills. It also explains why toxic workers have the opposite effect and why this also disappears once the worker in question gets the sack. The full results of the research were published in a paper published by Cornerstone OnDemand. Advertisement

Researchers from Harvard Business School (HBS) wanted to examine the role an individual employee's attitude can have on office productivity.

Previous studies have looked at how office culture more widely can have an effect on performance.

HBS analysed two years of data on more than 2,000 employees of a large technology company with several locations in the US and Europe.

Experts looked at information like when they were hired and fired, the reasons for their termination, where they were sat and how they performed.

They measured how long it took workers to complete tasks, how often they were unable to complete a task without a colleague's help and how happy their bosses were with the final result.

'Spillover' from their performance on neighbouring colleagues was also inspected.

The results revealed the substantial impact that both stars and toxic influences can have in the office.

Speaking to The Times, lead author Dylan Minor said: 'The negative performance of these workers spills over to fellow workers.

'The bad news is that negative spillover effects happen almost immediately.

'The good news is that the effects vanish within a month of no longer being exposed to the toxic worker.'

The study also found that sitting complementary colleagues together can boost this positive effect.

Some of the shine from office star performers can rub off on their colleagues, according to experts. Restructuring seating arrangements to group the right types of coworkers together can boost business productivity by 15 per cent (stock image)

Putting someone who works quickly but produces average results with someone who works more slowly but at a higher quality results in benefits for both.

When such pairs were separated, the benefits gained disappeared.

This suggests that the effect was the result of inspiring harder work, not that they had learned new skills.

It also explains why toxic workers have the opposite effect and why this also disappears once the worker in question gets the sack.

Writing in Harvard Business Review, study author Jason Corsello and Dr Minor added: 'We saw that neighbours have a significant impact on an employee's performance, and it can be either positive or negative.

'In terms of magnitude, we found that approximately 10 per cent of a worker's performance spills over to her neighbours.

'Replacing an average performer with one who is twice as productive results in his or her neighboring workers increasing their own productivity by about 10 per cent, on average.'

The full results of the research were published in a paper published by Cornerstone OnDemand.
Senegal's Niokolo-Koba National Park is home to fewer than 50 lions after years of poaching decimated not only them but also their prey.

Small patches of lion skin are sold at local fetish markets for $10, and their bones have a thriving market in Asia.

Sightings have become so rare that it once took researchers conducting a lion survey in the area two months before they spotted one of the big cats.

Senegal's Niokolo-Koba National Park is home to fewer than 50 lions after years of poaching decimated not only them but also their prey. This adult male lion was spotted during a joint Panthera/DPN lion survey in Niokolo-Koba National Park in south eastern Senegal

A DIRE SITUATION Senegal's Niokolo-Koba National Park is home to fewer than 50 lions after years of poaching decimated not only them but also their prey. The situation is particularly dire in West Africa, where the lion sub-species has been classified as 'critically endangered.' Only about 400 lions remain there out of the total 20,000 worldwide, Henschel said. About 90 percent of those in West Africa are in a protected area that spans parts of Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger. Advertisement

Conservationists, however, believe the park could one day rebound.

'This landscape is still in fantastic shape,' said Philipp Henschel, West and Central Africa regional director for the lion program at Panthera, a global wild cat conservation organization.

'This area could potentially, if well protected, harbor between 400 and 500 lions.'

A $150,000 grant from a fund launched this week by the Wildlife Conservation Network and The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation is aimed at better equipping Niokolo-Koba's park rangers for those efforts.

The Lion Recovery Fund is initially providing $800,000 toward bolstering lions' habitat across the continent, from Senegal in the west to Tanzania in the east as well as Zambia and Malawi in southern Africa.

'Lions in Africa are facing a whole range of human threats that are increasing in scope as the human and livestock populations grow,' said Peter Lindsey, conservation initiatives director for the Wildlife Conservation Network.

Many wildlife areas 'are really suffering from a lack of funding and resources,' he said.

Small patches of lion skin are sold at local fetish markets for $10, and their bones have a thriving market in Asia. Sightings have become so rare that it once took researchers conducting a lion survey in the area two months before they spotted one of the big cats

A $150,000 grant from a fund launched this week by the Wildlife Conservation Network and The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation is aimed at better equipping Niokolo-Koba's park rangers for those efforts

The situation is particularly dire in West Africa, where the lion sub-species has been classified as 'critically endangered.'

Only about 400 lions remain there out of the total 20,000 worldwide, Henschel said. About 90 percent of those in West Africa are in a protected area that spans parts of Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger.

Startup support for the Lion Recovery Fund came from The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which previously has partnered on elephant conservation issues, Lindsey said.

They are pledging that 100 percent of donations to the fund will go directly toward work on the ground, without overhead costs.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has denied a bizarre story involving his longtime assistant, Mary Beth Brown, a woman who quit working for Musk in 2014 after 12 years.

According to the story, Ms Brown asked Musk for a significant pay rise after working for him for more than a decade.

Musk reportedly told Ms Brown to take two weeks off, during which time he would take on her responsibilities to see if she was worth the raise.

After her time off, Ms Brown returned only to be told by Musk that he no longer needed her.

Musk took to Twitter on Thursday to deny the story, writing that the 'bogus' anecdote - written as part of a 2015 biography on Musk's rise to fame - is 'total nonsense'.

Musk's mother even weighed in on the story, tweeting that some facts written in the biography are 'glaringly wrong'.

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Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk (third from right) has denied a bizarre story involving his longtime assistant, Mary Beth Brown (circled), a woman who quit working for Musk in 2014 after 12 years. Pictured is the SpaceX team in 2002

MUSK'S BIOGRAPHY First published in 2015, journalist Ashlee Vance's account of Musk's life is full of colourful comments from the billionaire, some of which he has denied. Musk reportedly once said that if there is a way he could not eat and work more, he would. 'I wish there was a way to get nutrients without sitting down for a meal,' he said. The book claims Musk also once berated an employee who missed a company meeting because he wanted to witness the birth of his child. 'You need to figure out where your priorities are,' Musk reportedly said in an email, 'we're changing the world and changing history, and you either commit or you don't.' In response to the book, Musk tweeted at the time that he would never berate an employee for attending the birth of their child, and that the book should be taken with a 'grain of salt'. Advertisement

Musk wrote that the biography 'Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX and the quest for a fantastic future', written by Bloomberg journalist Ahslee Vance, was 'mostly correct, but also rife with errors'.

While the book was published more than two years ago, the story involving Ms Brown resurfaced this week after Business Insider wrote an article about the 'two-week test' on Tuesday, describing it as an 'important career lesson'.

Musk replied to a Business Insider tweet promoting the story with a series of rebuttals.

'Of all the bogus anecdotes, this one troubles me the most. Ashlee never actually ran this story by me or my assistant. It is total nonsense,' he wrote.

'Ashlee Vance's biography is mostly correct, but also rife with errors and never independently fact-checked, despite my request that he do so.

'Mary Beth was an amazing assistant for over 10 yrs, but as company complexity grew, the role required several specialists vs one generalist.

'MB was given 52 weeks of salary & stock in appreciation for her great contribution & left to join a small firm, once again as a generalist.'

Musk's mother also gave her opinion on the biography's accuracy, tweeting in response to her son: 'I agree. Some of the facts were glaringly wrong, but altogether the "bio" was interesting.'

First published in 2015, Mr Vance's account of Musk's life is full of colourful comments from the billionaire, some of which he has denied.

Musk reportedly once said that if there is a way he could not eat and work more, he would.

Musk made his case in a series of Twitter responses to a recent Business Insider article about the incident, which was first reported in a 2015 biography about Musk

Musk wrote that the 'bogus' anecdote is 'total nonsense', and claimed that Bloomberg journalist Ashlee Vance, who wrote the biography, lied about the events

According to the story, Ms Brown asked Musk for a pay rise after working for him for more than a decade. Musk reportedly told Ms Brown to take two weeks off, during which time he would take on her responsibilities to see if she was worth the raise. Musk has now denied the story

'I wish there was a way to get nutrients without sitting down for a meal,' he said.

The Tesla CEO once had strong words for a reporter who noticed there were hundreds of people working at Tesla's headquarters on a Saturday.

'We've grown f****** soft,' he said.

The book claims Musk also once berated an employee who missed a company meeting because he wanted to witness the birth of his child.

Musk reportedly told Ms Brown to take two weeks off, during which time he would take on her roles to see if she was worth the raise. After her time off, Ms Brown returned only to be told by Musk that he no longer needed her. Musk gave his version of events this week via Twitter

While the book (left) was first published more than two years ago, the story involving Ms Brown resurfaced this week after Business Insider wrote an article about Musk's (right) two-week test, describing it as an 'important career lesson'

THE TOP FIVE QUOTES FROM ELON MUSK'S BIOGRAPHY 1. 'I do think of him as the Terminator. He locks his gaze on to something and says, 'It shall be mine.' Bit by bit, he won me over.'  Justine Musk, Elon's ex-wife 2. 'I believe the second sentence out of his mouth was, 'I think a lot about electric cars.' And then he turned to me and said, 'Do you think about electric cars?' '  Christie Nicholson, the daughter of an adviser to Elon Musk, recalling first meeting Musk. 3. 'That's my lesson for taking a vacation: Vacation will kill you.'  Elon Musk, who nearly died in 2000 from a malaria infection following a holiday in Africa. 4. 'I would like to allocate more time to dating, though. I need to find a girlfriend. That's why I need to carve out just a little more time. I think maybe even another five to 10  how much time does a woman want a week? Maybe 10 hours? That's kind of the minimum? I don't know.'  Elon Musk 5. 'He goes into his brain, and then you just see he is in another world. He still does that. Now I just leave him be because I know he is designing a new rocket or something.'  Elon Musk's mother describing Musk as a child. Advertisement

Musk's mother (right) even weighed in on the story, saying that some facts written in the biography are 'glaringly wrong'

'That is no excuse,' Musk reportedly said in an email. 'I am extremely disappointed.

'You need to figure out where your priorities are. We're changing the world and changing history, and you either commit or you don't.'

The book claims that when an employee complained about working long hours, Musk told him he could see his family again once the company had gone bankrupt.

Musk, who nearly died in 2000 from a malaria infection following a trip to Brazil and South Africa, said after the incident: 'That's my lesson for taking a vacation: vacation will kill you.'

In response to the book, Musk tweeted at the time that he would never berate an employee for attending the birth of their child, and that the book should be taken with a 'grain of salt'.

Shortly after the biography was published in 2015, Musk tweeted in response that he would never berate an employee for attending the birth of their child, as the book had claimed. He wrote that Mr Vance's version of events should be taken with a 'grain of salt'

He also took issue with the report that he once said: 'My mentality is that of a samurai. I would rather commit seppuku than fail.'

But he didn't take issue with a comment from his ex-wife Justine, who said his wooing technique was similar to that of the Terminator.
Looking at the world through the eyes of the Web
An asteroid the size of a house set to narrowly skim the Earth in October has been spotted by scientists for the first time in five years.

The asteroid, dubbed 2012 TC4, first flitted past our planet in October 2012 at about double the distance of its next expected pass, before disappearing.

Now the European Space Agency (ESA) has tracked down the giant hunk of rock, which is about 15 to 30 metres (49 to 98 feet) long and roughly the size of a house.

TC4's next approach, predicted for October 12, will bring the massive object 'damn close', according to experts, when it flied inside the moon's orbit.

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An asteroid the size of a house set to narrowly skim the Earth in October has been spotted by scientists for the first time in five years. The ESA has tracked down the giant hunk of rock (circled) which is about 15 to 30 metres (49 to 98 feet) long and roughly the size of a house.

NASA'S PLANETARY DEFENSE SYSTEM Nasa hopes to use its international network of observatories to recover, track and characterise asteroid 2012 TC4. As it starts to approach Earth in the coming months, large telescopes will be used to detect it and establish the asteroid's precise trajectory. The new observations are expected to help refine knowledge about its orbit, narrowing the uncertainty about how far it will be from Earth at its closest approach in October. Advertisement

ESA scientists tracked the space rock using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile.

Scientists expected the asteroid to return for a near-Earth rendezvous this year, but did not know just how close it would come.

The latest observations, made on July 27, 31, and then again on August 5, revealed 2012 TC4 will pass within one eighth of the moon's distance from the planet.

They believe it will shave past Earth at a distance of around 44,000 kilometres (27,300 miles).

That is far enough out to just miss our geostationary satellites, according to their calculations.

'It's damn close,' said Rolf Densing, who heads the European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany.

'The farthest satellites are 36,000 kilometres (22,400 miles) out, so this is indeed a close miss,' he told AFP.

'As close as it is right now, I think this prediction is pretty safe, meaning that it will miss.'

The asteroid was still very far from Earth, about 35 million miles (56 million km) at the time of the observations.

The asteroid, dubbed 2012 TC4, first flitted past our planet in October 2012 at about double the distance of its next expected pass, before disappearing. In this tweet, the ESA announced they calculate it passing at a distance of around 44,000 kilometres (27,300 miles)

It is travelling at speeds of around 30,000 mph (14 km per second).

Although still certain that it will not hit the planet, Nasa scientists previously calculated that 2012 TC4 could pass as close as 4,200 miles (6,800 km).

If the asteroid did hit Earth, it could lead to a much more devastating level of impact than the 18 metre (59 foot) asteroid that hit the city of Chelyabinsk in Russia in 2013.

That particular blast injured about 1,500 people, and damaged over 7,000 buildings, and experts now say 2012 TC4 is 'something to keep an eye on.'

But Detleft Koschny, of the European Space Agency, said: 'We know for sure there is no possibility for this object to hit the earth.'

According to Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the asteroid's next 'close-approach' to Earth will take place on December 29, 2019 - although at a much further distance of more than 21 million miles (34 million km).

Nasa scientists previously calculated that 2012 TC4 could pass as close as 4,200 miles (6,800 km). The agency is using the opportunity to test its 'planetary defense system'

If it were to make impact with Earth's atmosphere, scientists predict the space rock would burn up before hitting the surface.

But, this could still cause damage and injuries at the ground level.

'It is something to keep an eye on,' Dr Judit Gyorgyey-Ries, an astronomer at the University of Texas' McDonald Observatory, told Astrowatch.

'We could see an airburst maybe broken windows, depending on where it hits.'

Researchers however, are still uncertain of the asteroid's composition, which makes it difficult to predict what the effects of an impact on Earth would be.

A spokesperson for Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory told the DailyMail.com: '2012 TC4 was observed only briefly when it was discovered before it was too faint to see.

'The ongoing observation campaign and the data we collect during this flyby will provide more direct information on mineralogical composition, structure, size.

'Physical properties of an asteroid (composition, structure, size) and its velocity relative to the Earth will influence the effects on an impact.

'That is one of the reasons we perform follow-up observations  to determine those physical properties.'

Nasa is also using the opportunity to test its network of observatories for its planetary defense system system, in the event an asteroid did actually hit Earth.

Dr Michael Kelley, a scientist working on the Nasa TC4 observation campaign, said: 'Scientists have always appreciated knowing when an asteroid will make a close approach to and safely pass the Earth because they can make preparations to collect data to characterize and learn as much as possible about it.

ASTEROID 2012 TC4 The asteroid was first discovered in 2012, when it sped past Earth, but it has been too distant and faint to see over the last five years. If the asteroid is 30 meters wide (98 feet), it is almost the size of a Boeing 737-500 plane, which is usually 31 meters (101 feet) It is is estimated to be between 10 and 30 meters in size, or nearly the size of a Boeing-737. On October 12, the asteroid is set to make a 'close' flyby of Earth. It could pass just 4,200 miles (6,800 kilometers) from Earth for the first time since it went out of range in 2012, Nasa says. Based on predictions made at the agency's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies in Pasadena, California, it could also - and more likely will - pass much farther away, as far as 170,000 miles (270,000 kilometers). According to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the asteroid's next 'close-approach' to Earth will take place on December 29, 2019 - although at a much further distance of more than 21 million miles (34 million kilometers). Advertisement

'This time we are adding in another layer of effort, using this asteroid flyby to test the worldwide asteroid detection and tracking network, assessing our capability to work together in response to finding a potential real asteroid threat.'

Nasa hopes to use its international network of observatories to recover, track and characterize 2012 TC4.

Dr Vishnu Reddy, assistant professor at the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory who is leading the campaign, said:

'This is a team effort that involves more than a dozen observatories, universities and labs across the globe so we can collectively learn the strengths and limitations of our near-Earth object observation capabilities.

This animation depicts the safe flyby of asteroid 2012 TC4 as it passes under Earth on Oct. 12, 2017. While scientists can't yet predict exactly how close it will approach, they'ew certain it will come no closer than 4,200 miles (6,800 kilometers) from Earth. Credits: Nasa/JPL-Caltech

'This effort will exercise the entire system, to include the initial and follow-up observations, precise orbit determination, and international communications.'

Based on predictions made at Nasa's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, 2012 TC4 will pass no closer than 4,200 miles from Earth, although it will more likely pass much farther away, as far as 170,000 miles (270,000 kilometers).

The asteroid was first discovered in 2012, when it sped past Earth, but it has been too distant and faint to see over the last five years.

But as it starts to approach Earth in the coming months, large telescopes will be used to detect it and establish the asteroid's precise trajectory.

THE CHELYABINSK IMPACT A meteor that blazed across southern Urals in February 2013 was the largest recorded meteor strike in more than a century. More than 1,500 people were injured by the shock wave from the explosion, estimated to be as strong as 20 Hiroshima atomic bombs, as it landed near the city of Chelyabinsk. The Chelyabinsk space rock smashed windows and damaged buildings for 58 miles around in 2013 when it exploded over Russia Officials can be seen standing next to a 20-foot (six-meter) hole in the ice of a frozen lake, thought to be the site of a meteor fall resulting from the space rock The fireball measuring 18 meters across, screamed into Earth's atmosphere at 41,600 mph. Much of the meteor landed in a local lake called Chebarkul. Scientists have uncovered more than 12 pieces from Lake Chebarkul since the incident. However, only five of them turned out being real meteorites. Advertisement

The new observations are expected to help refine knowledge about its orbit, narrowing the uncertainty about how far it will be from Earth at its closest approach in October.

Paul Chodas, a manager working on the project, said: 'This is the perfect target for such an exercise because while we know the orbit of 2012 TC4 well enough to be absolutely certain it will not impact Earth, we haven't established its exact path just yet.

'It will be incumbent upon the observatories to get a fix on the asteroid as it approaches, and work together to obtain follow-up observations than make more refined asteroid orbit determinations possible.'




Last month, the US Maritime Administration filed a bizarre report, in which at least 20 Russian ships appeared on trackers to be in the same spot 20 miles (32 kilometres) inland, despite being at various positions in the Black Sea.

While this initially appeared to be a glitch, experts now suggest that Russia may have been testing a new system for spoofing GPS.

If this is the case, it could be a worrying first step towards electronic warfare in which movements can't be traced.

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On June 22, the US Maritime Administration filed a bizarre report, in which at least 20 Russian ships appeared on trackers to be in the same spot 20 miles (32 kilometres) inland, despite being at various positions in the Black Sea. While this initially appeared to be a glitch, experts now suggest that Russia may have been testing a new system for spoofing GPS (stock image)

WHAT IS GPS SPOOFING? A GPS spoofing attack involves broadcasting incorrect GPS signals to trick a GPS receiver. The fake signals cause the receiver to estimate its position to be somewhere other than where it actually is, as determined by the attacker. And while early versions were technically very difficult to create, experts say that more modern versions could easily be built with commercial hardware and software easily accessible online. The amount of power needed for GPS spoofing is also not very high, and Dr Humphreys predicts that a transmitter would need just one-watt of power for spoofing. Advertisement

The report was filed by the US Maritime Administration after the master of a ship off the coast of Russia discovered that his GPS had put him in the wrong spot.

And after contacting other ships nearby, the captain discovered that the same issue had affected at least 30 other ships.

Speaking to New Scientist, experts have said that they think the incident is the first documented use of GPS misdirection.

Previous studies have suggested that the biggest threat to GPS is jamming, in which the satellite signal is masked with noise.

But while this can be an issue, it is very easy to detect  unlike spoofing.

David Last, former president of the UK's Royal Institute of Navigation told New Scientist: 'Jamming just causes the receiver to die, spoofing causes the receiver to lie.'

Other experts have been warning of such a threat for years.

In 2013, Dr Tod Humphreys, an associate professor in robotics at the University of Texas at Austin showed that a yacht could be lured off-course by GPS spoofing.

Dr Humphreys said: 'The receiver's behaviour in the Black Sea incident was much like during the controlled attacks my team conducted.'

Dr Humphreys suggests that Russia has been testing out a new form of electronic warfare.

Since 2016, phone apps, including Pokemon Go, have been mysteriously redirecting users from the Kremlin (pictured) to Vnukovo Airport, 20 miles (32 kilometres away)

HOW COULD GPS SPOOFING BE USED? As GPS spoofing systems become easier to make, Dr Humphreys highlights that any hacker could make their own version. This could allow hackers to carry out a range of dangerous tasks, including diverting driverless cars or drones, or even hijacking ships. The biggest threat, however, is GPS spoofing in the hands of a state operator, according to Dr Humphreys. He said: 'It affects safety-of-life operations over a large area. 'In congested waters with poor weather, such as the English Channel, it would likely cause great confusion, and probably collisions. 'My gut feeling is that this is a test of a system which will be used in anger at some other time.' Advertisement

Since 2016, phone apps, including Pokemon Go, have been mysteriously redirecting users from the Kremlin to Vnukovo Airport, 20 miles (32 kilometres away).

And it seems that GPS spoofing has now extended beyond the Kremlin.

While Dr Humphreys' GPS spoofing system was technically very difficult to create, he says that more modern versions could easily be built with commercial hardware and software easily accessible online.

The amount of power needed for GPS spoofing is also not very high, and Dr Humphreys predicts that a transmitter would need just one-watt of power.

And as GPS spoofing systems become easier to make, Dr Humphreys highlights that any hacker could make their own version.

This could allow hackers to carry out a range of dangerous tasks, including diverting driverless cars or drones, or even hijacking ships.

The biggest threat, however, is GPS spoofing in the hands of a state operator, according to Dr Humphreys.

He said: 'It affects safety-of-life operations over a large area. In congested waters with poor weather, such as the English Channel, it would likely cause great confusion, and probably collisions.

'My gut feeling is that this is a test of a system which will be used in anger at some other time.'
Modern armed forces are increasingly reliant on electronic devices in battle and an accidental discovery could help to power their efforts.

US Army scientists were testing ways to lighten the load created by batteries, which are often as heavy as the equipment they keep charged.

The researchers found one of their experimental materials was generating high amounts of electricity when in contact with water.

The revelation could provide new ways for soldiers to power equipment on the battlefield as well as commercial products to power our electronic gadgets.

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US Army scientists found one of their experimental materials was generating high amounts of electricity when in contact with water. They proved the potential of their powder by using it to power a small radio-controlled tank around their laboratory (pictured)

HYDROLYSIS Hydrolysis is a reaction which breaks down water into it its constituent parts - namely oxygen and hydrogen. Scientists have known for a long time about aluminium's ability to produce hydrogen in this way, and many school chemistry lessons demonstrate the process in action. This usually involves the use of a catalyst, including electricity, heat or additional chemicals, to trigger the process. The discovery that their man-made nanomaterial produces this reaction without any provocation surprised the US Army research team. But they soon realised its potential implications for future power and energy applications. The hydrogen that is given off can be used in a fuel cell. And the team put this principal into practice by powering a small radio-controlled tank with the powder and water reaction. Advertisement

Experts from the US Army Research Laboratory at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, Maryland, stumbled upon the surprising property after an aluminium based powder began to bubble in water.

They soon realised the reaction was the product of hydrolysis, a process which breaks down water into it its constituent parts of oxygen and hydrogen.

The hydrogen that is given off can be used in a fuel cell.

And the team put this principal into practice by powering a small radio-controlled tank with the powder and water reaction.

Moments after mixing the powder with a small amount of water, a bubbling reaction produced a great deal of hydrogen, which was then used to power the model around the laboratory.

Dr Anit Giri, a physicist with the lab's weapons and materials research directorate, said: 'We all as a team were very excited and ecstatic that something good had happened.

'We have calculated that one kilogram (2.2 lb) of aluminum powder can produce 220 kilowatts of energy in just three minutes.

'That's a lot of power to run any electrical equipment.

'These rates are the fastest known without using catalysts such as an acid, base or elevated temperatures.'

Scientists have known for a long time about this property of aluminium and many school chemistry lessons demonstrate the process in action.

This usually involves the use of a catalyst, including electricity, heat or additional chemicals, to trigger the process.

The discovery that their man-made nanomaterial produces this reaction without any provocation surprised the research team.

But they soon realised its potential implications for future power and energy applications.

Scott Grendahl, a materials engineer and team leader, added: 'What we discovered is a mechanism for a rapid and spontaneous hydrolysis of water.

'We just take our material, put it in the water and the water splits down into hydrogen and oxygen.

They soon realised the reaction was the product of hydrolysis, a process which breaks down water into it its constituent parts of oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen that is given off can be used in a fuel cell

Since the nanomaterial powder (pictured) has the potential to be 3D printed, researchers envision future air and ground robots that can feed off of their very structures and self-destruct after mission completion

'There are other researchers who have been searching their whole lives and their optimized product takes many hours to achieve, say 50 per cent efficiency.

'Ours does it to nearly 100 per cent efficiency in less than three minutes.'

Since the nanomaterial powder has the potential to be 3D printed, researchers envision future air and ground robots that can feed off of their very structures and self-destruct after mission completion.

Researchers said another possible application of the discovery that may help future soldiers is the potential to recharge mobile devices for recon teams.

These teams are out for three to five days, depending on their food supplies and how long their electronic equipment holds out.

At the moment they rely on lithium batteries, but this innovation could massively extend the length of time they can stay out in the field.

The next steps are to document the discovery with scholarly papers and intellectual property protections, some of which are ongoing, and to coordinate further applications with scientists and engineers across the laboratory.
Goldfish produce alcohol to survive harsh winters beneath frozen lakes and might 'lose their inhibitions' as a result, researchers have found.

Humans would die within a few minutes without oxygen, yet this plucky little fish and their wild relatives, crucian carp, can survive for months at a time in oxygen-free water.

They do this by converting lactic acid into ethanol which stops them poisoning themselves - and a little bit of alcohol probably makes them a bit tipsy too.

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Crucian carp (pictured) and goldfish convert lactic acid into ethanol which stops them poisoning themselves- and a little bit of alcohol probably lets them loose their inhibitions too

HOW DO THEY DO IT? The international team has shown that muscles of goldfish and crucian carp contain not just the usual one, but two sets of the proteins normally used to channel carbohydrates towards their breakdown within a cell's mitochondria - a key step for energy production. While one set of these proteins appears very similar to that in other species, the second set is strongly activated by the absence of oxygen. This mutation allows them to make ethanol outside the mitochondria. The ethanol production allows the crucian carp to survive and exploit these harsh environments. This means they avoid competition and escape predation by other fish species with which they normally interact in better oxygenated waters. Advertisement

Research led by the University of Liverpool and Oslo found crucian carp produce between 50 and 100 mg per millilitre in their blood.

'This puts them above the legal drink drive limit in most countries', lead researcher Michael Berenbrink, an evolutionary physiologist at the University of Liverpool told MailOnline.

Researchers measured the blood alcohol limits of domestic goldfish in a lab and found they could also reach levels of around 50 mg per 100 ml.

The legal driving limit is 50 mg per 100 millilitres in Scotland and most European countries and 80 mg per millilitre in England and the US.

'However, putting an average sized goldfish into a pint glass and closing it off from the air would take more than 100 days to get the alcohol concentration of a typical lager', Dr Berenbrink said.

'They are very quiet and don't move much during that time', Dr Berenbrink added, explaining that it was hard to know what they felt when they are hiding beneath ice sheets.

'Experiments by other researchers have shown that high alcohol levels may, so to say, "let them lose their inhibitions", that means they are said to be less anxious.

'The blood alcohol levels they then produce depend on the size of the animals, the temperature of the water, and time,' he said.

The team has shown that muscles of goldfish and crucian carp contain not just the usual one, but two sets of the proteins normally used to channel carbohydrates towards their breakdown within a cell's mitochondria - a key step for energy production.

Research led by the University of Liverpool found goldfish and crucian carp (pictured) produce 50 and 100 mg per millilitre in their blood to help them survive in oxygen-free water

While one set of these proteins appears very similar to that in other species, the second set is strongly activated by the absence of oxygen.

This mutation allows them to make ethanol outside the mitochondria.

Further genetic analyses suggest that the two sets of proteins arose as part of a whole genome duplication event in a common ancestor of goldfish and crucian carp some eight million years ago.

Researchers say this explains why goldfish are such resilient pets.

'They can withstand low oxygen levels in their waters and poor water quality, that means people have kept them without a filter and aeration system simply in a goldfish bowl, although I do not recommend this for the welfare of the fishes', Dr Berenbrink said.

The ethanol production allows the crucian carp to survive and exploit these harsh environments.

This means they avoid competition and escape predation by other fish species with which they normally interact in better oxygenated waters.
Industry leaders in the self-driving car race have teamed up to create an 'ecosystem' to push the technology further.

Intel and Toyota, among others, announced this week that they have joined forces to create the Automotive Edge Computing Consortium.

The companies plan to share data to boost the creation of maps and improved driver assistance technology.

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Toyota's AI-enabled Concept-i prototype, which was unveiled at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

THE CONSORTIUM Several firms just joined forces to create the Automotive Edge Computing Consortium. This includes Intel, DENSO, Ericsson, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), NTT DOCOMO and both the Toyota InfoTechnology Center Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. They plan to share data to create a self-driving car 'ecosystem' and push technology in the space, including maps and intelligent driving. They will also focus on increasing network capacity to accommodate automotive big data between vehicles and the cloud. It's estimated that the data volume between vehicles and the cloud will reach 10 exabytes per month around 2025, which is approximately 10,000 times larger than the present volume. The collaboration of global companies will ensure the new architectures created to handle the expected data increase will meet applicable standards. Advertisement

'The objective of the consortium is to develop an ecosystem for connected cars to support emerging services such as intelligent driving, the creation of maps with real-time data and driving assistance based on cloud computing,' the announcement reads.

Also joining the consortium are DENSO, Ericsson, Intel, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), and NTT DOCOMO.

Both Toyota InfoTechnology Center Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. are part of the group as well, and the group is looking to expand to include other firms as time goes on.

'In the coming months, the aforementioned companies will initiate activities to invite relevant global technology leaders and expand the consortium,' Toyota says.

Overall, the consortium will focus on increasing network capacity to accommodate automotive big data between vehicles and the cloud.

It's estimated that the data volume between vehicles and the cloud will reach 10 exabytes per month around 2025, which is approximately 10,000 times larger than the present volume.

New architectures of network and computing structure will be necessary to handle the expected increase, and gathering several global companies to collaborate will be the best way to make sure the new architectures meet applicable standards.

The consortium will define requirements and develop use cases for emerging mobile devices with a particular focus on the automotive industry, bringing them to standards bodies, industry consortiums and solution providers.

The Concept-i's AI will use biometric sensors to detect and analyze how your feeling, then kicking automated driving features into gear accordingly. 'Let's say, for example, that you're feeling sad; the AI will analyze your emotion, make a recommendation and if necessary, take over and drive you safely to your destination,' Toyota says

It will also encourage the development of best practices for the distributed and layered computing approach recommended by the members.

Earlier this week, Intel announced plans for a fleet of self-driving cars following its completion of the purchase of Israeli autonomous technology firm Mobileye.

A day after closing the $15 billion deal to buy Mobileye, which specializes in driver-assistance systems, Intel said it will begin rolling out fully autonomous vehicles later this year for testing in Europe, Israel, and the US.

The fleet will eventually have more than 100 vehicles, according to Intel.

Silicon Valley giant Intel on Wednesday announced plans for a fleet of self-driving cars following its completion of the purchase of Israeli autonomous technology firm Mobileye. A Mobileye camera system that can be installed in your car is pictured

WHAT IS MOBILEYE? Mobileye's software, which reads inputs from cameras, radar, and laser sensors and makes decisions on what an autonomous car should do. Jerusalem-based Mobileye says it has contracts with 27 different automakers. It also makes software that runs automatic emergency braking and semi-autonomous cruise control systems that are in cars and trucks on the road today. Advertisement

The testing in real-world conditions 'provides immediate feedback and will accelerate delivery of technologies and solutions for highly and fully autonomous vehicles,' said Mobileye co-founder Amnon Shashua, who is to run the unit for Intel.

'Our goal is to develop autonomous vehicle technology that can be deployed anywhere.'

The Intel test fleet with include various types and makes of vehicles, and capitalize on Mobileye's expertise in computer vision, mapping and sensing.

Intel, which has been expanding beyond its core of computer chipmaking, is keen for its technology to be an engine powering self-driving systems across the spectrum of vehicle makers.

'We want to enable automakers to deliver driverless cars faster while reducing costs,' Shashua said.

Intel said the vehicles would offer 'level 4' autonomy, which under industry standards represents a 'high' level of autonomy just below the fully automated level 5.

US tech giant Intel, which has completed its acquisition of Israel's Mobileye, is rolling out a fleet of self-driving vehicles for testing in the United States, Europe and Israel

INTEL'S TAKE ON SELF-DRIVING CARS Self-driving cars are predicted to reduce motor accidents by 90 percent, but Intel's CEO believes the technology has more to offer than just decreasing collision rates. Brian Krzanich recently said in an interview that he foresees autonomous vehicles doubling as security cameras. Although many are concerned about privacy issues, the ability to have 'eyes' on the road could be beneficial during Amber alerts, as these cars will have the power to spot a specific license plat 'quite rapidly'. Intel also sponsored a study this month that discussed how passengers of autonomous vehicles will spend their time when they no longer have to keep their eyes on the road. This means riders will be able to stream movies during their travels and surf the web  providing advertisers with new outlets for targeting ads. This will create a 'personal economy' sector that is said to be a $7 trillion business by 2050. Advertisement

Most major automakers and several other technology firms have been stepping up efforts on autonomous driving in recent years, contending these systems will eliminate the vast majority of road accidents.

Apple has a testing permit in California.

German luxury carmaker Daimler and auto parts supplier Bosch have announced plans to work together to create completely driverless cars in the next few years.

US-based Tesla boasts that all its models are built with the hardware for self-driving in event regulators five the technology a green light.

US car rental giant Avis Budget earlier this year announced it will team up with Waymo on the self-driving cars being tested on Arizona roads.
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The wonderful thing about Western Australia's World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is its easy access.

The reef's crystalline waters, breath-taking marine life and year-round glorious weather aren't bad either.

I'd travelled from Perth to the small town of Exmouth on Western Australia's northwest coast to explore two new sea-based activities: a multi-day kayaking trail, and the opportunity to swim with humpback whales in open water.

I'd flown one hour north from cosmopolitan Perth's bustling city streets and crowded urban beaches to the back of beyond, where the outback meets the reef. It was August, and the air temperature was around 38 degrees when we landed in the desert-like landscape surrounding Exmouth: sand as far as the eye could see. Like a mirage, Exmouth shimmered in the heat on the horizon.

Lisa stayed at the jaw-droppingly stunning Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef  a tented safari camp nestled among the sand dunes of Cape Range National Park

Ningaloo is one of the longest fringing reefs in the world. Fringing reefs are found very close to the shore, which means you can walk, swim, dive or kayak straight to them

The lesser-known Ningaloo Reef has some fantastic advantages over the better-known Great Barrier Reef; the latter is geographically located on Australia's east coast, and you must travel by boat, plane or helicopter to reach it.

Ningaloo is one of the longest fringing reefs in the world. Fringing reefs are found very close to the shore, which means you can walk, swim, dive or kayak straight to them. You can find yourself on the rainbow-coloured reef in just a few minutes. Even better, there are no crowds on the 250-kilometre stretch of white-sand beaches.

I stayed at the exquisite Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef  a tented safari camp nestled among the sand dunes of Cape Range National Park on the reef's slow wave-lapped shore.

There are no crowds on the 250-kilometre stretch of white-sand beaches (left, with Sal Salis). Pictured right are tourists at the reef snapping a humpback whale

Lisa (not pictured) described how seeing humpback whales was a thrilling and exciting experience

'Whales are unpredictable, and every experience is different,' writes Lisa, who said that she could hear whale song vibrating through the water

My 'Groundhog Day' mornings all started the same. The sun's first rays would touch the water, casting an orange glow across the reef. Then, I'd see the silhouette of a turtle surfacing, or the fine fin of a harmless reef shark cutting through the water and taking in the early-morning warmth.

My wake-up call was the sound of wallabies slowly thumping along the boardwalk leading to my tent. Dressing for the occasion, in a swimsuit, snorkel and mask, I submerged myself in the sea, with the turtles and reef sharks for company, before settling down to an exotic breakfast back at the camp.

Sal Salis consists of 16 eco-luxe wilderness tents dotted among the dunes. It is a hidden gem and one of Australia's best-kept secrets  although it may not be a secret for much longer, as it now sits proudly at number four on Lonely Planet's Best Places to Stay in the World list for 2017.

A spotter plane guides tour groups towards groups of humpback whales. For safety reasons no more than five swimmers are allowed in the water with the amazing creatures at a time

My afternoons were spent paddling kayaks along the reef just a short distance from Sal Salis. You can hire kayaks and paddle the reef yourself, or join a guided tour. You should be a confident sea swimmer, but you don't need to be an expert kayaker.

New moorings placed along the reef provide kayakers with somewhere to paddle out to, tie up their kayaks and jump into the pristine, warm water to snorkel on the unique reef. There's an added opportunity to camp at special catered sites and then continue paddling the next day.

Decked out in our snorkelling gear (all provided, including wetsuit), we slipped into the clear water. Immediately, colourful neon damselfish swam by, while boldly coloured parrotfish nibbled away at living coral. Hundreds of fish filled my view.

We paddled across the calm, clear water to a mooring 400 metres away. The moorings are obvious: large, floating black balls with 'Kayak Mooring' written on them in big, white letters.

The kayaking trail starts at Bundegi Reef in the Exmouth Gulf, then wraps around the tip of the peninsula and continues 155 kilometres south towards Coral Bay on the Indian Ocean.

Lisa describes how everything about the trip is exotic, from the scenery to the food served. This is Sal Salis's dining room

Underwater spectacle: As well as whales, visitors to Ningaloo Reef see a whole host of colourful sea life

A turtle cruises along Ningaloo Reef

In 10 metres of water, I watched, mesmerised, as small whitetip sharks swam before me. They had no interest in me. A big, friendly grouper fish swam past and a well-camouflaged wobbegong shark lay on the sandy seabed.

Early evening brought another turtle experience at the Jurabi Turtle Centre, 13 kilometres from the town. Run by volunteers, the centre offers an insight into the lifecycle of these ancient animals, and the challenges they face. From January to April, you can see the result of the turtles' efforts as their unaccompanied hatchlings burrow their way out of the sand and head to the water.

The following morning, I was up with the sun as usual and soon on my way across choppy water in search of humpback whales with the Live Ningaloo expedition company. This new venture operates between 1 August and 31 October, and enables guests to swim with humpback whales while accompanied by marine experts.

A spotter plane circled above the boat and then radioed the humpbacks' coordinates to our skipper. For safety reasons, no more than five swimmers may enter the water at one time. My group floundered about, our heads in the water, looking for a humpback. Suddenly, a whale song vibrated through the water, getting louder and louder as the whale approached. The whale swam beneath us and, as I lifted my head out of the water, it surfaced in front of me. Its huge, wet and distinguishing hump glistened in the sun. It flipped its tail in the air before submerging itself. It was a thrilling and exciting experience, and we were unbelievably close. Whales are unpredictable, and every experience is different.

There's no shortage of fish in Exmouth's restaurants. I dined at the popular Whalers Restaurant, a short walk from the Ningaloo Novotel, where I devoured their Shark Bay crab and local tiger prawn cakes, and Coffin Bay oysters.

Other great things to do include going on a boat trip up Yardie Creek Gorge, where the shy black-footed rock wallabies live, and visiting the Mandu Mandu Gorge, with its magnificent fossils.

But, mostly, you'll want to slip into the sea, immersing yourself in an underwater world of wonder that gives you a sense of how special our oceans are  you'll be hard-pressed to find a better ocean experience.
British Airways summer flights are more delayed than many budget airlines - but easyJet is still worst for hold-ups, according to a new study.

Flights on UK's national flag carrier are delayed longer than Jet2.com, Monarch and Flybe.

And Gatwick, which specialises in charter holiday and leisure flights, is the worst of the UKs airports for hold-ups.

Travellers with budget airline easyJet are most likely to suffer long delays, according to a new study. And Gatwick, which specialises in charter holiday and leisure flights, is the worst of the UKs airports for hold-ups

The figures are based on a study of official data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for the summers of 2016 and 2015.

These show that flyers using easyJet had an average delay of 24 minutes, and those leaving from Gatwick waited 27 minutes.

While these average delays are enormously frustrating, they are not long enough to mean that passengers have a right to compensation.

Compensation is only due where a short haul flight is delayed for more than three hours and even then the airlines often make this difficult.

The consumer organisation Which? is calling for a change in the regime to ensure people who suffer delays, such as those caused by the recent meltdowns in the computer systems at British Airways, get automatic compensation.

Spokesman Alex Neill said: If youre unlucky enough to experience a severe delay, compensation could be available and people should claim what theyre entitled to.

We want to see airlines introduce automatic compensation where possible so that passengers can quickly and simply receive the money they are owed.

Data showed that flyers using easyJet had an average delay of 24 minutes, and those leaving from Gatwick waited 27 minutes

The research, which was carried out by the BBCs data journalism team, said Thomas Cook was second worst for delays, BA third and Thomson Airways in fourth. The best airline was Aer Lingus with an average delay of 12 minutes.

Both Easyjet and Gatwick said they were victims of problems outside of their control, including air traffic control strikes across Europe.

EasyJet said: EasyJet operates the largest number of flights of any UK airline, flying over 78 million passengers per year. In 2017, EasyJet will operate 33per cent more flights than in 2011, with less than 0.8% delayed by more than three hours.

Gatwick Airport said it had more flights to Europe than any other UK airport, and was impacted disproportionately by events on the continent

In fact, despite a number of adverse external factors like increasingly congested airspace, particularly in the London area, and record numbers of air traffic control strikes, over the last year, EasyJet has actually reduced the proportion of flights delayed by more than three hours.

We work hard to minimise disruption and fully comply with all relevant regulations.

Gatwick Airport said it had more flights to Europe than any other UK airport, and was impacted disproportionately by events on the continent.

A spokesman said: We recognise the inconvenience that delays cause to our passengers, and we will continue to do everything possible to prevent them from occurring.

We operate the worlds busiest and most efficient single runway airport, but, over recent years, Gatwick has been disproportionately affected by issues beyond our control.

These include repeated strike action by French, Greek, Spanish and Italian air traffic controllers and airport employees, prolonged bad weather, and heavily congested airspace above parts of Europe and London.

Gatwick has made it a priority to address punctuality and, in partnership with our airlines and ground handlers, we are already seeing the benefits of a new wide range of measures that have been implemented to improve punctuality.

Travellers who arrive more than three hours late in a journey of less than 1,500km (932 miles) are entitled to 250 euros (225) each in compensation from the airline. People who suffer long delays on long haul flights can get as much as 600 euros (540).
There are three things that wearing glasses can mean in soapland. The actor has bad eyesight and has to wear them to avoid breaking the set; he/she has aspirations of intellectualism; he/she has psychopathic tendencies.

Coronation Streets Norris falls into the first category, I suspect, whereas Ken puts them on when he wants to show hes the only person who knows how to hold a newspaper the right way up. Psychos with eyewear include EastEnders Ben and, most recently, the Streets Will.

Just when we thought Will was a nice young man who could put a smile on Marias face (no mean feat these days), out came the glasses. As he sinisterly removed them (cheap, black-rimmed  heaven forbid a monster would wear Ray-Bans), they were the metaphorical mask slipping.

Gemma has some explaining to the police to do after Rita's accusations

Its a pity he hadnt kept them on long enough to point out to Michelle that her non-waterproof mascara was making a veritable Clapham Junction of tracks down her face.

One question about glasses  where are the opticians in soapland?

Rita is losing it. From the moment she forgot shed bought Gemma her mug (the drinking sort, not the gobby one), the storyline was in motion. Failing to lock up the shop, two of Gemmas friends sneak in and steal 100. Convinced Gemma is the culprit, Rita calls the police, who take her in for questioning (above). Good luck with that. I suspect, I refuse to answer on the grounds it might incriminate me is not a sentence in Gemmas vocabulary.

Talking of vocabulary, please stop putting yoof colloquialisms into Chesneys mouth. This week, when he starts to become reclusive, lets hope he uses the time to delve into a dictionary and recover the power of adult speech.

CORONATION STREET: COPS AND ROBBERS

Eva still has doubts about taking Aidan for all hes got, and when Adam starts to see her in a new light (hopefully one thatll stop her lip colour from dominating widescreen TV), will she succumb when he leans in for a kiss? Hell need a manual to negotiate that lipstick.

Theres bad news for Mary when Jude says hes flying over for the wedding; therefore she and Norris will have to pretend that its genuine. How correct will Marys prediction be that Tracy still loves Steve? Watch this space  especially the one between Steves ears.

EASTENDERS: JAY WALKING AWAY?

Theres a sucker born every minute. Who, in their right mind, would make Phil an offer on the car lot? Clearly someone on day release from an institution. In any case, Phil decides against taking it and instead tells Sharon (below) that he wants to do right by his fairm-ly (thatll be a first).

A feud begins between Jay and Ben as Phil does his best to put family first

He decides to give the Arches to Ben, a lad for whom a wrench is likely to prove just a convenient tool for cracking open someones skull. If he could kill Evver with a picture frame, I fear for the locals safety when he has a garage full of tools.

Phil also decides to give Jay the car lot land, which is worth considerably more than the Arches (no surprises there: my toothbrush is worth more than the Arches). Sharon is shocked, as is Jay, who suggests to Sharon that fairm-ly matters and hell refuse the lot.

An emotional encounter between Sharon and Jay increases Bens paranoia and he confronts Phil, questioning if he ever wanted him in his life. I can answer that in a millisecond, Ben. No. Why, though, does Phil feel he owes Jay such a big gesture and, when Jay comes up with a conciliatory solution, will Phil come clean?

Emma is caught with two pieces of a note that could reveal the truth about James's death

Theres great excitement at The Vic when Linda tells Fi shes offered Tracey her job back. My theory is that Tracey wasnt really sacked at all, but she had more than three words to say during 2016 and has been recuperating from the stress. Will Linda extend the same privilege to Whitney, or will she heed Fis words about the younger woman?

EMMERDALE: A BRIDGE TOO FAR?

What are the implications of Brexit for the UKs farmers? Youll never hear that here; who cares about the EU when there are people to shoot, kidnap and turn into psychos?

Emma (above) panics this week when Finn says hes clearing out Wylies Farm. Catching her there, shoving an envelope into her pocket, he later finds two pieces of a note. Will she admit who wrote it, and is the truth about Jamess death on the bridge about to come out?

By the way, add bridges to the list of things everyone should stay clear of in Emmerdale  along with car boots, viaducts, Cain and any food thats been near Marlons unwashed bandana.
She's appeared in three back-to-back acting gigs; The Glass Castle, Gypsy and The Book Of Henry.

And Naomi Watts was hard at work once again as she headed to a Today interview with a Matt Lauer in New York City on Thursday morning.

The actress, 48, dazzled in a pretty white sun-dress and retro shades as she arrived at the NBC studios in Manhattan ahead of her chat.

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Summer glamour: Naomi Watts was hard at work once again as she headed to a Today interview with a Matt Lauer in New York City on Thursday morning

Showcasing her slim figure, the star's white midi-dress featured delicate embroidery on the shoulders, a flattering cinched-in waist and a pleated skirt.

The mother-of-two accessorised with retro-style sunglasses and a stylish white leather handbag, while teetering on black ankle-strap heels.

Naomi wore her blonde locks in lightly-tousled waves, and completed her look with a slick of rouge lipstick.

When Matt brought up her slew of new releases - namely The Glass Castle, a film out on Friday, Netflix's Gypsy released in June and The Book Of Henry, also released in June - Naomi quipped: 'I'm sure everyone's sick of me by now.'

Elegant: The actress, 48, dazzled in a pretty white sun-dress and retro shades as she arrived at the NBC studios in Manhattan ahead of her chat

Pretty as a picture: Showcasing her slim figure, the star's white midi-dress featured delicate embroidery on the shoulders, a flattering cinched-in waist and a pleated skirt

The British-born actress added: 'It's great. I'm very proud of all of those things.'

Oscar-winning actress Brie Larson gives a bravura performance alongside Oscar nominees Woody Harrelson and Naomi in The Glass Castle, as atrailer for the film's shown.

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and due for release this week, the film's based on the 2005 memoir by Jeannette Walls, whom Brie portrays when she's an adult.

Woody and Naomi play Jeannette's parents Rex and Rose Mary, who are seen leading a nomadic and chaotic existence with the young Jeannette and her three siblings.

Of the central characters, Naomi told Matt that 'I think there's a lot of hope and love - like you said, it's a dysfunctional family, but there's a lot of love between them.

Strutting her stuff: The mother-of-two accessorised with retro-style sunglasses and a stylish white leather handbag, while teetering on black ankle-strap heels

Suits you! Naomi later changed into a black cropped suit, which she teamed with a white tee and pristine white sneakers

Naomi said to the morning show host: 'Jeannette's story is very empowering, because she basically embraced herself, but it took a lot of time getting there.'

When Matt argued of Rose Mary that 'it would be really easy to call her a bad mom,' in as much as she prioritized painting over 'the simple things she should be doing to care for her family,' Naomi said: 'That's right,' but also offered a counterpoint.

She said: 'We're quick to judge when a woman chooses her art over her parenting role, but the truth is, is that I think she was struggling with so many different things - you know, no money, sometimes food, no food on the table, and Rex's alcoholism - she had to paint in order to keep her mind, you know?'

Matt's said that 'There was oftentimes physical violence in the relationship' with Rex, and that nonetheless 'you don't want Rose Mary to be seen as a victim.'

The publicity rounds: When Matt brought up her slew of new releases, Naomi quipped: 'I'm sure everyone's sick of me by now'

TV ready: Naomi wore her blonde locks in lightly-tousled waves, and completed her look with a slick of rouge lipstick

'Definitely not,' Naomi concurred, explaining that 'Jeannette's mother talked about that, and also Jeannette. You know, she did struggle, they did fight, but she didn't ever - she was never squashed. Her spirit was always there.'

Naomi went on: 'She remained optimistic, and an adventurer, and one of her great sayings, which I really held onto and really surmised the essence of who she was, was: "If I go down the drain, I'll still come out the winner."'

The actress split from husband Liev Schreiber, 49, in September 2016 after 11 years together,

The former couple continue to raise sons Alexander, 10, and Samuel, eight.
The series has already been rife with drama, despite only kicking off last week.

But Celebrity Big Brother are forced to issue yet another warning on Thursday night, after Sam Thompson flicks Jemma Lucy's nipple.

The Made In Chelsea star, 24, is taken to the Diary Room for a scolding, after he fooled around with the Ex On The Beach star's chest while she tried on one of Trisha Paytas' raunchy dresses.

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Invasive: Celebrity Big Brother are forced to issue yet another warning on Thursday night, after Sam Thompson flicks Jemma Lucy's nipple

'Those t**s!': The Made In Chelsea star, 24, is taken to the Diary Room for a scolding, after he fooled around with Jemma's chest while she tried on one of Trisha Paytas' raunchy dresses

Jemma was relaxing in the bedroom, when she decided to try on some of co-star Trisha's revealing dresses.

However the 28-year-old soon put on a raunchier display than expected when she realised the dress was made of pale pink mesh - revealing most of her ample cleavage and bust beneath.

At that moment, Sam then walked into the bedroom, and laughed: 'What are you wearing? Oh look at those tits!', before playfully flicking her nipple.

Think pink: Jemma was relaxing in the bedroom, when she decided to try on some of co-star Trisha's revealing dresses

Left in shock and then erupting into giggles, Jemma seemed unfazed by the incident - and even took to the Diary Room to state she was not offended by his actions.

However Big Brother soon called in Sam to discuss the matter, where he was issued with an official warning for his invasive behaviour.

The move only adds to a very dramatic 2017 series, which has seen multiple breakdowns and explosive rows after just one week on air.

Fit to bust: However the 28-year-old soon realised the dress was made of pale pink mesh - revealing most of her ample cleavage underneath

Shocked: Sam then walked into the bedroom, and laughed: 'What are you wearing? Oh look at those tits!', before playfully flicking her nipple - leaving Jemma in shock

This is the second warning that has been given so far, with former Hollyoaks star Paul Danan receiving one for his unacceptable behaviour.

Karthik had accused Paul of racism, when he referred to the star as 'Qatar' instead of his actual name - before later claiming he was joking.

Meanwhile Jemma herself had caused a stir on Wednesday night, after accusing Sarah Harding of doing a 'f*** load of drugs', before telling her to 'sort her nose out'.

Not happy: Big Brother soon called in Sam to discuss the matter, where he was issued with an official warning for his invasive behaviour

High drama: The move only adds to a very dramatic 2017 series, which has seen many explosive rows aired - including one between Jemma and Sarah Harding (R) on Wednesday

Her sensational allegations of drug use came after a video emerged last week of Jemma arranging a suspicious substance using a card, while a bag containing more powder lay alongside, before saying: 'See the size of that? Ready!'

TV regulatory body Ofcom has since received more than 20 complaints about the show, following its debut earlier this month.

Viewers have been outraged by the scenes, and have complained of witnessing 'racism, sexism and homophobia' in the post-watershed show.

An Ofcom spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We will assess these complaints before deciding whether or not to investigate.' A representative for Channel 5 declined to comment.
Scott Eastwood displayed his generous muscles and gym-cut figure in LA on Thursday.

The handsome actor/skydiver showed off his enviably buff body as he ran along the beach sans shirt.

Covering up on bottom, the 31-year-old donned blue trunks which he matched with a backwards hat.

Muscle man! Scott Eastwood displayed his generous muscles and gym-cut figure while taking a run along the beach Thursday in LA

The son of Clint Eastwood's rippling muscles appeared as if they were carved from stone as he strode across the sand.

The The Fate Of The Furious actor accessorized with stubble on his chiseled chin and a tall bottled of Fiji water in his hand.

After working up his heart rate the Loyola Marymount University alum made sure to hydrate, taking hearty sips from the bottle of water he kept on hand.

Roughing it! The The Fate Of The Furious actor accessorized with stubble on his chiseled chin and a tall bottled of Fiji water in his hand

Boy in blue! Covering up on bottom, the 31-year-old donned blue trunks which he matched with a backwards hat

The Texas Chainsaw star then tossed on a tee shirt while wrapping a striped towel around his legs before heading off.

The day prior, Scott was celebrating little sister Francesca's 24th birthday with the family.

He gave the model/actress a birthday shout out on Instagram, posting a candid photo of himself chomping on birthday cake besides his sister.

Thirsty! After working up his heart rate the Loyola Marymount University alum hydrated

Star in stripes! The Texas Chainsaw star then tossed on a tee shirt while wrapping a striped towel around his legs before heading off

Have your cake and eat it too! The day prior Scott was celebrating little sister Francesca's 24th birthday with the family, writing 'good to see all my sisters' in the caption

'This is real life. Busted. Cake to my face,' began the post.

He continued: 'Love you little sis. Happy birthday @francescaeastwood.

'Last night was great. Good to see all my sisters. And stuff my fat face with pasta and cake.'

Scott and Francesca are among Clint's seven children, who include Kimber (53), Kyle (49), Alison (45), Katherine (29), and Morgan (11.)
They're brothers who share both good genes and success in Hollywood.

But despite their fame, the Hemsworth brothers aren't above mocking each other on social media.

Liam, 27, shared a hilarious happy 34th birthday message for Chris on Friday.

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'Love you ya massive jerk!': Liam Hemsworth shares shirtless photo of big brother Chris in hilarious happy birthday message

Taking to Instagram, the Hunger Games star shared a shirtless photo of Chris, writing in the caption: 'Love you ya massive jerk!'

The photo on Instagram was of his older brother playing the Norse god superhero in a scene from one of the Thor or Avengers films.

The snap showed a shirtless Chris enjoying a dip in the water, however, Liam has photoshopped in a rubber duck and sponge on his head.

'Happy birthday Chrisso! Love u ya massive jerk ;) xox,' Liam captioned the cheeky photo, also adding the hashtags #bathtime and #rubberducky.

Close: While the brothers spend the majority of their time apart on different acting projects their close bond is apparent

That's cheeky! In 2015, Liam shared a graffitied copy of Chris' Vanity Fair cover to Instagram, captioning the photo: 'Really great cover bro!'

The birthday message comes as both brothers are on other sides of the globe - with Chris understood to at his Byron Bay home in Australia while Liam continues to film scenes for Isn't It Romantic in New York alongside Rebel Wilson.

While the brothers spend the majority of their time apart on different acting projects their close bond is apparent.

In 2015, Liam shared a graffitied copy of Chris' Vanity Fair cover to Instagram, captioning the photo: 'Really great cover bro!'

Talented family: Brothers Chris, 34, Luke, 36, and Liam, 27, are all actors in Hollywood

Meanwhile older brother Luke Hemsworth, 36, who stars in Westworld, told Page Six in May the brothers used to get very physical when they were playing as kids.

'We were never really intentionally hurting each other but our games would be physical and usually involve swords and pieces of wood,' Luke said.

'Inevitably someones fingers or face would get hit.'
She is known for her show-stopping figure, which she often flaunts for her fans on social media.

And Olivia Buckland was not certainly not afraid to show off her killer body in another sizzling Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter tanning campaign.

The Love Island star, 23, slipped her sensationally slender frame into a raunchy crochet swimsuit as she playfully posed for cameras.

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A bit of all-white: Olivia Buckland was not certainly not afraid to show off her killer body in another sizzling Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter tanning campaign

The blonde beauty displayed her envy-inducing figure in all its glory, as she posed up a storm in the barely-there swimsuit.

The one-piece, formed of semi-sheer crochet, plunged into a deep V at the neck to tease at her cleavage, before hugging her slim frame the rest of the way down.

Featuring an open back to show off even more skin, the garment then cut off at a daring height at her thigh, to draw attention to her long and lean legs as she posed.

Flattering: The one-piece, formed of semi-sheer crochet, plunged into a deep V at the neck to tease at her cleavage, before hugging her slim frame the rest of the way down

The Essex lass pulled her hair into a tight ponytail to keep all eyes on her impressive figure, but still sported her trademark false lashes and a brightly-coloured lip, in glamorous finishing touches.

Olivia displayed her more playful side in the snaps, as she beamed widely beside a bottle of the fake tan, before posing with a hip cocked, and a lifebuoy in hand.

The star has embarked on a number of fashion and beauty projects of her own, after rising to fame on last year's Love Island - where she met her now-fiance Alex Bowen.

Fierce: Olivia has now embarked on a number of fashion and beauty projects of her own, after rising to fame on last year's Love Island - where she met her now-fiance Alex Bowen

The pair fell for each other during their time in the villa, and proceeded to move in together in Essex, before becoming engaged in New York a mere five months after the show.

However following their whirlwind engagement, Olivia recently revealed she's already starting to feel the pressure of planning her big day - and admitted she's already turning into a bridezilla.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline at the launch of W7's Very Vegan beauty range last month, the Essex beauty discussed her anxiety ahead of her nuptials and the possibility of televising her wedding day.

Besotted: The pair fell for each other in the villa (above), and proceeded to move in together in Essex, before becoming engaged in New York a mere five months after the show

Talking about her big day, she revealed: 'Im so busy that wedding plans have taken a back seat because Ive been so busy, but Ive got one of my best friends, who is a wedding planner on the case.

'Shes helping me, weve started to get into it now. Were ordering different invitation templates, we might look at the venue next week so weve started to get the ball rolling but I think its going to be one of those ones where Ill need all hands on deck.

Before adding: 'I think I might turn into Bridezella at some point, just waiting for it to happen.'

Getting there: However Olivia admitted she was scared she would turn into 'bridezilla' during planning for her nuptials to Alex (above)

The dress: However Olivia has already said yes to a 2,069 Sophia Tolli dress on TLC's reality show in May

Discussing the strain wedding planning can have, she explained that she has confined in her mother as she knows she'll get overwhelmed by the arduous process, like many brides.

'I went for dinner with my mum and we were talking about it,' she shared. 'She asked how Ill even cope with it (wedding planning) because I get such high anxiety from things that I know Im going to have a meltdown over it.

'She said she didnt know how I was going to cope because Ill whittle down to nothing before the wedding. I do love being in control over things like that so there could potentially be a bridezilla on our hands.'

On the case: She said of her progress: I'm so busy that wedding plans have taken a back seat. But Ive got one of my best friends, who is a wedding planner on the case'

Waiting: Before adding: 'I think I might turn into Bridezella at some point, just waiting for it to happen' (pictured with her beau Alex)

Meltdown: Discussing her support system however, she said of her mother: 'She asked how Ill cope with it because I get such high anxiety, I know Im going to have a meltdown over it'

As the nation watched them fall in love on 2016's Love Island, Olivia revealed that they have been in talks to televise their wedding day, something she would 'never say never' to.

She admitted: 'Weve hand people come to us and ask if wed be interested, were always in the mix about it in different meetings but theres nothing been confirmed yet.

'Were just waiting with what the deal is with the people that have approached us. Wed never say never.'

Document: As the nation watched them fall in love on 2016's Love Island (above), Olivia revealed that they have been in talks to televise their wedding day

Interested: She admitted: 'Weve hand people come to us and ask if wed be interested, were always in the mix about it in different meetings but theres nothing been confirmed yet'

'Never say never': 'Were just waiting with what the deal is with the people that have approached us. Wed never say never' she added

Yet, while her pals Cara de la Hoyde and Emma-Jane Woodhams are expecting, Olivia insisted that she's too busy to think of kids just yet, but will be more than happy to babysit.

She said: 'Im so busy and always out and about, it would kind of be even impossible for me to try. I couldnt be pregnant because Im running around too much.

'Its nice that I have close friends having babies so I can cuddle them then give them right back. Im going to have to do so much babysitting.'
It was supposed to be an innocent picture of son Saint riding in the car with mom.

But instead Kim Kardashian, 36, sparked a firestorm of criticism after posting an image to Facebook in June showing Saint buckled into a car seat in the forward position.

Observations immediately flooded the social media maven's comments section, with many calling into question Kim's mothering abilities.

Speaking up: On Thursday, Kim Kardashian released a video defending her 20-month-old Saint's seat orientation

'He is so cute let's protect this handsome boy by making sure is rear facing,' posted follower Margaret Diaz, who was just one of the 1.8 thousand commenters.

Finally, on Thursday, the reality queen released a video via her app, defending the 20-month-old's seat orientation.

She began the video by describing the situation for her fans.

Sitting calmly in a flattering white bodysuit which showed off her ample assets, the wife of Kanye West stated 'so I took a photo of Saint and he was sitting forward and so they say for his age he should be rear facing.'

Trouble ahead: Kim Kardashian sparked a firestorm of criticism after posting an image to Facebook in June showing Saint buckled into a car seat in the forward position

The mother of two then set things straight for her fans by revealing why she made the decision to allow him to sit looking forward.

'But what people didn't know is that Saint is now the weight and the height requirement to sit forward facing. Saint actually weighs more than North if that is believable.'

The American Academy of Pediatrics tells parents 'to keep their toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age 2, or until they reach the maximum height and weight for their seat.'

Stylish explanation: Sitting calmly in a flattering white bodysuit which showed off her ample assets, the wife of Kanye West stated 'so I took a photo of Saint and he was sitting forward and so they say for his age he should be rear facing'

'Saint (right) actually weighs more than North if that is believable,' claimed Kim (brother and sister pictured back in April 2016)

California has even codified a requirement that children under two must use a rear-facing seat unless they are at least 40 inches tall and weigh at least 40 pounds.

Later in the video, Kim switched gears to talk about 4-year-old daughter North's future in the media.

Kim gushed that she has 'obsessive plans to build [North's] empire,' before qualifying that by saying 'I love her experiencing my life and what goes on. But I also love her having such a childhood life.'

'Whatever she wants to do Ill support that. No matter what it is,' admitted the KUWTK star.
They gifted a trip to London to every caller on The Kyle & Jackie O Show on Friday.

And during the same show, co-hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson also held a contest for one fan to win tickets to see The Chainsmokers live in Sydney.

During the conversation Kyle, 46, was immediately censored by the morning radio show's producers, who believed he accidentally dropped the word 'c***'.

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Slip of the tongue? Kyle Sandilands, 46, was immediately censored by The Kyle & Jackie O Show's producers on Friday, who believed he accidentally dropped the word 'c***'

A female caller, who had already won a trip to London, guessed it was Jackie telling the truth rather than Kyle in a contest question for Chainsmokers tickets.

Kyle tried to dissuade the participant from picking his co-host with a dramatically unfavourable description of Jackie.

'You don't know what a crafty, cunning person I work with!' he warned the caller.

'You don't know what a crafty, cunning person I work with!' he humourously warned the caller about his co-host Jackie O

The show's censors immediately beeped out the word 'cunning', mistaking it for a much more offensive word.

'I said cunning! They beeped me out, I said cunning!' the shock jock pleaded.

'I'm still locking in Jackie, sorry,' the caller told him, undeterred by his antics.

'I said cunning! They beeped me out, I said cunning!' the shock jock pleaded

After a number of laughs, Kyle happily revealed to the caller she had chosen the wrong side and lost the contest.

'Well, you are wrong! She lied,' he said, referring to his co-host.

'Sorry,' Jackie offered the listener. 'You got a holiday anyway, what do you care.'
She's been busy on the promotional trial of her new film The Glass Castle.

And on Thursday, 48-year-old Naomi Watts was spotted looking elegant and carefree as she left her New York hotel with her Yorkshire Terrier pooch, Bob.

The actress cut a glamorous figure in a flattering midi length black dress as she held her furry friend in her arms.

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They call it puppy love! Naomi Watts steps out in an elegant black dress with her Yorkshire Terrier dog after promoting her new film in New York

The ebony frock had a flared skirt and sleeves, while the deep V-neckline of the dress accentuated her decolletage.

Naomi accessorised the chic ensemble with black sunglasses and matching black pumps.

The blonde beauty appeared in good spirits as she cradled her pup in her arms.

Naomi has been proud owner of her beloved pooch since 2001.

As elegant as ever: The actress cut a glamorous figure in a flattering midi length black dress as she held her furry friend in her arms

Stunning: The ebony frock had a flared skirt and sleeves, while the deep V-neckline of the dress accentuated her decolletage

Almost unrecognisable: The British-born, Australian-raised actress plays the eccentric mother of journalist Jeannette Walls in the a film based on her unorthodox upbringing

The British-born, Australian-raised actress stars in the American Drama The Glass Castle, based on the life of journalist Jeannette Walls as her eccentric mother Rose Mary.

In the film, Naomi looks almost unrecognisable as the artist and teacher who lead a nomadic lifestyle with her husband Rex Walls, played by Woody Harrelson, and their four children.

Naomi said in an interview with Today about the film: 'I think there's a lot of hope and love - like you said, it's a dysfunctional family, but there's a lot of love between them.'

Hope and love: Naomi said in an interview about the film: 'I think there's a lot of hope and love - like you said, it's a dysfunctional family, but there's a lot of love between them'

Moving on She recently opened up about co-parenting with her ex-partner of 11 years Liev Schreiber and raising their raise sons Alexander 'Sasha', 10, and Samuel Kai, seven, in a stable environment (pictured on a recent stroll with Bob)

Meanwhile, the star also recently opened up about co-parenting with her ex-partner of 11 years Liev Schreiber in a candid interview with Australian Women's Weekly.

Naomi revealed that despite their differences, she and Liev, who annouced their split in September 2016, intend to raise sons Alexander 'Sasha', 10, and Samuel Kai, seven, in a stable environment.

'Routine is a big part of it,' Naomi said.

'Obviously Liev and I are actors - there is some moving - but we've really tried to keep the boys in the same school. Give them structure, boundaries,' she added.
Rating:

Performers (Assembly Rooms)

Verdict: Cartoonish criminality

Rating:

Doglife (Summerhall)

Verdict: A real hint of danger

We may associate Irvine Welsh with raw fiction about Nineties working-class Scotland, but his new play Performers, hyped as one of the Festivals big events, is set in late Sixties London and aims for an almost farcical air with some far-fetched trouser-dropping.

Is Irvine going soft in his old age? The show opens with Kray-era gangsters arriving at the offices of film director Donald Cammell. They wait for him for ages  shades of Godot. Are they there to collect money or beat him up? No. They have come to audition for his latest film.

George Russo (left) and Perry Benson in Irvine Welsh's Performers at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

There is a factual basis for this. Cammell did indeed cast gangland toughs in Performance, a Mick Jagger/Anita Pallenberg film hated by its American backers for being violent and edgy. It has since acquired cult status.

Our mobsters are Alf (immensely fat and avuncular) and knuckle-dustered Bert (dandyish, dim, itchily repressed). Perry Benson is in his plump element as Alf, squinting through thick spectacles.

George Russo does his best with Berts meagre lines, but the pace of the thing is glacial. Maya Gerber is excellent as a strumpety secretary. Lewis Kirk, as a flower-power production assistant, calls to mind the young Jude Law.

With better projection and firm editing  they should strip away most of the Cockney rhyming slang, for a start  Welsh and his co-writer Dean Cavanagh could have a reasonable half-hour radio comedy on their hands.

Fat Alf is entranced by the idea of acting in a film and agrees to strip to his voluminous smalls  and beyond  for a screen test. There are some wry one-liners and the sight of Mr Bensons enormous, bare gut has a certain theatrical novelty.

Yet one senses this project may originally have aspired to greater ambitions. Did it hope to tells us something about the vanity of violent men? Was there an idea of showing us a grittier side to Alf and Bert? If so, it was lost.

Alf, played by Benson, drops his trousers during Welsh's farcical play set in late Sixties London

Cammells film Performance achieved artistic merit by aiming for darkness. Welsh and Cavendishs play went the other way and feels a bit so what-ish.

For a real taste of gangsters mixing with drama, try the startlingly authentic Doglife, where former crime-world thug Thomas McCrudden again takes to the Fringe stage (as he did last year) to describe his trouble-scarred life.

Director Jeremy Weller and the Grassmarket Projects use drama to help people confront their experiences. The show, a bit whispery and delivered in chewy Glaswegian, takes the form of episodes between McCrudden and various women. His violent ways have left this bullish, muscular man darkly unable to cope with the words I love you.

It is theatre as a public confessional. At the end, McCrudden apologises to his family and also to the audience  society at large.

The cast of untrained actors are greatly believable. At a festival which has never felt so middle-class, what a welcome dose of reality this provided.

Rating:

To Hell In A Handbag (Assembly Rooms)

Verdict: What would Oscar say?

Governess Miss Prism and Canon Chasuble, two minor characters in The Importance Of Being Earnest, are given lives beyond Wilde in a droll if over-long pastiche.

Helen Nortons Miss Prism (she could be John Sergeants twin sister) is not quite the pillar of sobriety after all. Cork your communion wine!

Chasuble (Jonathan White, doing much Wildean chin-dropping) once frequented opium dens and has a sideline as an agony aunt.

The show was written by Norton and White and includes such lines as: His Grace The Archbishop of York may be a most pious churchman but helping others is not high on his list of priorities.

The result is highbrow whimsy perfect for Earnest enthusiasts.
If you dont know Jan Ravens from R4s Dead Ringers, youre in for a treat

Rating:

Jan Ravens: Difficult Woman (Gilded Balloon, Teviot)

Verdict: Brilliant impressionist

If you dont know Jan Ravens from R4s Dead Ringers, youre in for a treat.

Shes the best reason for Theresa May to remain PM  mercilessly spoofing her quivering diction.

She also takes aim at other politicos, from eyeball-rolling Diane Abbott to Scotlands wee three: Sturgeon, Davidson and Dugdale.

Just as priceless is her squeaking Hilary Mantel, and Joanna Lumley, enjoying a day trip to Mosul. Perhaps her best turn, though, is a satirical ditty sung a la Victoria Wood.

I could have done without some of the linking material (Springsteen fantasies and the menopause). But these are quibbles in a virtuoso act that is sure to sell out here, and will hopefully run and run on radio.

by PATRICK MARMION

Rating:

Tom Houghton: Class Half Empty (Gilded Balloon)

Verdict: Likeably laddish

Tom Houghton grew up in a posh bubble. His dad is the former head of the Armed Forces. Houghton Jr makes the most of his privileged life growing up in Northern Ireland with bodyguards, before going to boarding school (at six) and later living in the Tower of London.

Things degenerate into locker room banter, with the tale of an encounter with a transgender sex worker in Amsterdam. But Houghton clearly relishes being the butt of his own jokes, playing a crafty idiot.

by PATRICK MARMION

Rating:

Eshaan Akbar doesnt shy away from tough topics, but keeps it light in his show: Not For Prophet

Eshaan Akbar: Not For Prophet (Gilded Balloon)

Verdict: Sunny delight

Akbar is a gentle soul of Pakistani descent: son of a Labour dad and a pushy Thatcherite mum.

He doesnt shy away from tough topics, such as Islamophobia, but keeps it light  he says his dad was called Mohammed and so doesnt appear in any family photos. He admits he enjoys beer and bacon: I aint no Muslim, bruv.

With his big, sunny stage presence Akbar surely has an even sunnier future.

by PATRICK MARMION

Rating:

Geoff Norcott: Right Leaning But Well Meaning (Underbelly, George Square)

Verdict: He's blue!

The Edinburgh fringe brochure claims it has been defying the norm for 70 years but stand-up has not done that for ages. Most of the acts here are predictably anti-Trump/Brexit/Tories.

Out-and-proud Conservative member Geoff Norcott challenges that norm and delivers an hour of soft-spoken drollery, taking the rise out of posh Remainers, ranting Corbynistas, even Mary Poppins. Unusual and likeable, though he neednt be quite so defensive.

by QUENTIN LETTS
Rating:

Atomic Blonde (15)

Verdict: Mindless violence

The Berlin Wall is about to come down, and so is Charlize Therons underwear. Thats the knife-edge situation in Europe in 1989, into which Atomic Blonde plunges us practically before weve settled into our seats.

Theron plays a British secret agent called Lorraine Broughton. We know the South African actress is meant to be British because her boss is a slimy MI6 bigwig played by Toby Jones and because she tries exceedingly hard to sound like she comes from Surrey. Only her vowels and consonants let her down.

Still, there is plenty to distract us from Lorraines wobbly accent. Theres the soundtrack, for one thing, which begins with New Orders Blue Monday and rattles through plenty of other evocative Eighties anthems.

The Berlin Wall is about to come down, and so is Charlize Therons underwear. Thats the knife-edge situation in Europe in 1989

Moreover, with the film just moments old, lovely Lorraine has already stepped out of the Cold War into a hot bath. She luxuriates in it only briefly, for this is a woman who finds solace not by running a tap but by up-ending a bottle of vodka.

By the end, she has practically drunk her body weight in the stuff. She even has a favourite: Stolichnaya. But for its extraordinary levels of violence, Atomic Blonde  slick, stylish and saturated in Stolly  could be a two-hour vodka commercial.

However, director David Leitch and writer Kurt Johnstad have a more important mission: to present Lorraine as a female James Bond. Atomic Blonde is based on a graphic novel called The Coldest City, but their real inspiration is surely 007.

In fact, they evidently want Lorraine to make James Bond look more like James Corden, a flabby song-and-dance man. Martinis, shaken not stirred, are for wimps. Lorraine takes her vodka neat, prefers her men dead and likes her women hot. Yes, Lorraine is a lesbian.

Theres a great deal that is unintentionally laughable about Atomic Blonde, but the biggest hoot of all is that it packs a feminist message. Actually, it might be the least feminist film of all time.

A ruthless spy who looks like Charlize Theron, fights like Mike Tyson in his prime, drinks like Dean Martin in his, and sleeps with Sofia Boutella (playing a sexy French agent called Delphine), is less a credible female protagonist, more a rampant male fantasy.

Theron plays a British secret agent called Lorraine Broughton. We know the South African actress is meant to be British because her boss is a slimy MI6 bigwig

Did I mention that theres also a plot? Not half. Atomic Blonde is suffused with plot, some of it close to being comprehensible.

Lorraine is sent to Berlin where a MI6 agent has been murdered, evidently by the KGB. He was carrying a top-secret list, an atomic bomb of information, identifying all operational Cold War spies.

Naturally, it was contained on microfilm hidden in his wristwatch, which his assailant discovered immediately. One day, a spy will carry explosive information on a notepad in his breast pocket, and theyll never find it.

Anyway, everyone wants the missing list, which an East German Stasi officer (Eddie Marsan), codenamed Spyglass, has usefully gone and memorised.

Happily, he wants to defect to the West and Lorraine must help him do so.

But somewhere or other there is a double-agent determined to stop him, codenamed Satchel. Its fair to say that Lorraine doesnt need Satchel on her back.

Her contact is the arrogant MI6 head of station played rather annoyingly by James McAvoy, though he gets no favours from the script, which lumbers him with trashy-paperback lines such as: Weve been in the trenches long enough to know that, at times like this, Berlin has its own set of rules.

Still, it seems that Berlin does indeed have its own set of rules. Rule one is to kill as many people as possible, which Lorraine does in a variety of ingenious and ever more violent ways.

Now, Leitch was a stunt co-ordinator before he was a director, and strongly influenced both John Wick films, in which Keanu Reeves played the worlds top assassin, supposedly retired, but never far from another incontinent killing spree.

In Atomic Blonde, Leitch choreographs a string of grotesque deaths even more lovingly than he did in John Wick.

Did I mention that theres also a plot? Not half. Atomic Blonde is suffused with plot, some of it close to being comprehensible

He certainly knows how to craft a good-looking fight scene. But this film styles violence almost to the point of fetishising it. Id had enough of it long before the end.

The counterpoint to all the murderous mayhem is provided by Toby Joness MI6 officer and a CIA spook played by John Goodman, in an interrogation room back in London. There, they quiz Lorraine on what exactly happened in Berlin, which is handy for those of us who still arent sure.

The Berlin scenes unfold as a series of extended flashbacks, yielding occasional Bond-like shafts of wit, as when, after Lorraines Sapphic romp with her Gallic girlfriend, her po-faced boss says: So, you made contact with the French operative 

At the Leicester Square screening I went to, a lavish occasion for film- industry insiders, that line was greeted with a ripple of laughter. But the end-credits were received in silence, not with the appreciative applause that industry folk usually bestow.

That speaks volumes about a film that is full of energy, but morally empty.
Formula One whizz Jenson Button is clearly missing spraying champagne from the Grand Prix podium, which he hasn't done since 2014.

This week, he was photographed showering his girlfriend, Playboy model Brittny Ward, 27, with a hose on the Amalfi Coast where the pair are on holiday. Brittny and Button, 37, have been dating since March last year.

The romantic display comes after it emerged Jenson's ex-wife Jessica Michibata is expecting her first child  just 20 months after their split.

The Japanese model, who was with Jenson for seven years after they met in a Tokyo bar, revealed her news online. The identity of the baby's father is unknown.

This week, the Formula One driver was photographed showering his girlfriend, Playboy model Brittny Ward, 27, with a hose on the Amalfi Coast where the pair are on holiday

When it comes to her men, Kate will take a rebellious bad boy over a goody two-shoes any day.

Since splitting from Jamie Hince two years ago, Kate has been having an on/off relationship with Count Nikolai von Bismarck, 13 years her junior. The couple share a love of fashion and art and have both had spells in rehab.

Kate said she 'cried for years' when her four-year relationship with Johnny Depp ended in 1998. The relationship had been stormy  Depp was arrested for trashing a hotel suite the couple were sharing in New York in 1994.

There were flings with Daniel Craig and Fifty Shades Of Grey actor Jamie Dornan but her most controversial lover was heroin addict musician Pete Doherty.

Since splitting from Jamie Hince two years ago, Kate has been having an on/off relationship with Count Nikolai von Bismarck, 13 years her junior

The couple share a love of fashion and art and have both had spells in rehab

It was during her relationship with him that she was filmed apparently taking drugs at a recording studio.

Kate's daughter Lila Grace is from her three-year relationship with magazine editor Jefferson Hack. Lottie has had two serious boyfriends  both who appear in TV programme Made In Chelsea.

Sam Prince, 19, a model, was her first. Aged 16, Lottie dated him for two years then replaced him with Alex Mytton. They recently split amid claims he cheated on her.

Blur guitarist Graham Coxon has backed spiritualists fighting plans to demolish a former temple where he received a message from his late grandfather via a medium. Coxon says it would be a 'tragedy' if an application to knock down Rochester Square temple in Camden got the OK. 'I went in and had a communication with my grandad, Percy  personal things, there was no way they could have known.'

Soho Farmhouse, the Cotswolds club patronised by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, is in a lather over towel thieves.

Sources say they're losing up to 300 a month. The towels retail for 55 a time and bear the club logo, but are free for members to use.

'People have been stealing them,' I'm told. 'Someone must have a lot of luxury fluffy towels stashed at home.'

To thwart the culprits, the club has set up a new sign-in system where guests using the pool and other facilities have to write their name, the time they arrived, how many towels they borrowed  and then sign out when they place the used soggy ones in the laundry.

TV adventurer Ben Fogle will not be on MasterChef any time soon. 'I'm not a good cook,' he says.

'When James Cracknell and I were rowing across the Atlantic, we ate rehydrated food that comes in a sachet.When my wife has gone out with friends or is working late, I have been known to make myself an expedition meal at home through laziness  and they taste like dog food.' Best call for a takeaway next time you're down at Ben's!
He's made lighthearted digs about Adelaide and Melbourne in previous stand-up sets.

And during his Thursday night performance in Sydney Jerry Seinfeld jokingly took a swipe at Australia, saying he couldn't wait to leave the country once his tour wraps up.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the 63-year-old told the audience: 'Weve been here a whole week, weve had the best time but Ill be honest with you - at this point I have got to get the hell out of here.'

'At this point I have got to get the hell out of here!' Jerry Seinfeld says he can't wait to leave Australia after comedy tour wraps up

Jerry, seen here in Sydney's Olympic Park, also joked about the sold-out venue - Sydney Qudos Bank Arena

Jerry also joked about the sold-out venue - Sydney Olympic Park's Qudos Bank Arena.

'I have always wanted to play the Qudos Bank Arena,' Jerry continued.

'Its one of those things you think about when you start off in show business: Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Centre, but what about the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney - do you think Ill ever get there?'

The comedian also teased Adelaide with some light hearted ribbing during his stand up show

'I have always wanted to play the Qudos Bank Arena': Jerry also joked about the sold-out venue - Sydney Olympic Park's Qudos Bank Arena

What's the deal with hugs? During his tour Jerry and his manager George posed in front of a Melbourne mural mocking his now-viral meeting with Kesha

It's not the first time Jerry has made lighthearted fun out of Australian in his stand-up gigs, taking jokingly taking a swipe at the city of churches last Saturday.

The comedian teased Adelaide with some light hearted ribbing during his stand up show.

'Oh my God, Adelaide! You know how many years I've been wanting to come to Adelaide? Never. I've never wanted to come to Adelaide,' Jerry told a sold-out audience, before adding: 'And yet I'm thrilled to be here.'

'You know how many years I've been wanting to come to Adelaide? Never': It's not the first time Jerry has made lighthearted fun out of Australian in his stand-up gigs, taking jokingly taking a swipe at the city of churches last Saturday

During his last Australian stand-up tour in 1998, Jerry had some choice words to say about Melbourne, describing it as 'the anus of the world'.

But the father of three distanced himself from the comments during a 2007 Australian promotional tour for Bee Movie.

'I never said that,' he explained. 'That was so mean of someone to put those words in my mouth. I love Melbourne.'
Grammy winner Zedd (born Anton Zaslavski) didn't understand true fame 'until Selena [Gomez] came into my world' in 2015, and they embarked on a three-month fling.

'Reporters were calling my parents,' the Russian-born, German-raised 27-year-old recalled in the August 19 edition of Billboard.

'People were hacking my friends' phones. I was p***ed. [Though] I kind of knew what I was getting myself into. She is one of the most talked about people in the world, but I had no idea how much that would change my life.'

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Three-month fling: Grammy winner Zedd (born Anton Zaslavski) didn't understand true fame 'until Selena [Gomez] came into my world' in 2015

The electro house producer featured the 25-year-old pop diva - whom he nicknamed 'Mexican Taco' - on his 2015 track I Want You to Know, which nabbed the No. 17 spot on Billboard's Hot 100.

Selena - who famously dated Justin Bieber - is now romancing Canadian R&B crooner The Weeknd, and they'll celebrate their first anniversary in December.

Meanwhile, Kesha called Zedd 'the true definition of a gentleman' after they redid his song True Colors last year in the midst of her legal battle with Dr. Luke.

'I hope we're friends forever,' the 30-year-old songstress gushed to the mag.

The Russian-born, German-raised 27-year-old recalled in Billboard: 'Reporters were calling my parents. People were hacking my friends' phones. I was p***ed'

'I had no idea how much that would change my life': The electro house producer featured the 25-year-old pop diva on his 2015 hit track I Want You to Know

Still going strong! Selena - who famously dated Justin Bieber - is now romancing Canadian R&B crooner The Weeknd (R), and they'll celebrate their first anniversary in December

'Zedd reaching out was such a kind gesture. It resonated with my heart and soul and really touched me.'

The millennial DJ's Get Low partner Liam Payne called him a 'perfectionist' and said 'it felt like I was [recording] with a bandmate or friend.'

And Oscar winner Jared Leto has been collaborating with Zedd on his rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars' forthcoming fifth studio album.

'He is a relentless worker and really puts in the time. He is not someone who just shows up and takes selfies all day,' the 45-year-old frontman told Billboard.

First to reach out: Kesha called Zedd 'the true definition of a gentleman' after they redid his song True Colors last year in the midst of her legal battle with Dr. Luke (pictured in 2016)

The 30-year-old songstress gushed to the mag: 'I hope we're friends forever...Zedd reaching out was such a kind gesture. It resonated with my heart and soul and really touched me'

Virgos: The millennial DJ's Get Low partner Liam Payne called him a 'perfectionist' and said 'it felt like I was [recording] with a bandmate or friend'

'He is a relentless worker': And Oscar winner Jared Leto has been collaborating with Zedd on his rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars' forthcoming fifth studio album

'It's really refreshing when you see someone who works hard and has earned [recognition], and not be a total f***ing a**hole while doing it. We have plenty of those [people]. You can take your pick.'

Unlike a lot of baller EDM knob-turners of his ilk - the Stay hitmaker avoids private jets, drives a Tesla, doesn't drink vodka/beer, and requires 'eight hours of sleep.'

The former poker competitior - who's in the States on a temporary O-1 nonimmigrant visa - shrugged: 'I can't work any other way.'

Zedd might boast 17.5M social media followers and a $4M Hollywood Hills mansion, but he only mastered English three years ago.

'I can't work any other way': Unlike a lot of baller EDM knob-turners of his ilk - the Stay hitmaker avoids private jets, drives a Tesla, doesn't drink vodka/beer, and requires 'eight hours of sleep'

In the USA on a temporary O-1 nonimmigrant visa: Zedd might boast 17.5M followers and a $4M Hollywood Hills mansion, but he only mastered English in 2014 (pictured July 22)

Prodigy: It's hard to believe the former metalcore drummer began his career at the tender age of 4 playing in piano recitals in the tiny German town of Dansenberg (population 3,500)

It's hard to believe the former metalcore drummer began his career at the tender age of 4 playing in piano recitals in the tiny German town of Dansenberg (population 3,500).

The multi-millionaire musician will next perform Friday at Las Vegas hotspot Hakkasan before eventually kicking off his 15-date Echo Tour on September 29 in Vancouver.

Zedd is also nominated for five trophies - including 'Choice Electronic/Dance Artist' - at the fan-voted Teen Choice Awards airing this Sunday on Fox.

In demand: The multi-millionaire musician will next perform Friday at Las Vegas hotspot Hakkasan before eventually kicking off his 15-date Echo Tour on September 29 in Vancouver
She's had breast implants, a nose job and lip fillers since first rising to fame on Big Brother in 2014.

And busty reality TV star Skye Wheatley isn't stopping at those procedures, telling her Instagram followers on Thursday she is getting more work done.

Posting a photo of herself in a very skimpy bikini, Skye revealed she was getting fat cavitation and laser treatments ahead of her Bali holiday in December.

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Another day, another bikini: Skye Wheatley shows off her surgically-enhanced assets in a very skimpy swimsuit as she reveals she is getting MORE cosmetic work done

In a photo shared with her 324,000 Instagram followers, Skye strikes a provocative pose in a skimpy bikini.

Skye explains in the picture's caption that she will be soon getting more cosmetic work done.

'Starting my IPL and fat cavitation again @redefinedclinic so I'm Bali ready in December,' she wrote.

Holiday ready: Skye revealed she was getting fat cavitation and laser treatments ahead of her Bali holiday in December

Girl next door: Rising to fame as a contestant on the last season of Big Brother in 2014, Skye has continued to make headlines thanks to her many surgical enhancements

Fat caviatation is a process by which ultrasound pulses are said to liquefy fat cells, while IPL laser is used to remove body hair or smooth and beautify skin.

Rising to fame as a contestant on the last season of Big Brother in 2014, Skye has continued to make headlines thanks to her many surgical enhancements.

The social media fanatic traveled to Bangkok in 2015 for a $3,800 breast augmentation.

Wasn't happy: However Skye later claimed the surgery was botched, leaving her with a 'double bubble' in one breast

However, Skye later claimed the surgery was botched, leaving her with a 'double bubble' in one breast.

Since her boob job Skye has plumped her pout with lip fillers and underwent a nose job late last year.

The busty blonde told Yahoo Be she had the length of her nose shortened and her nostrils shrunk.

Surgery: The social media fanatic traveled to Bangkok in 2015 for a $3,800 breast augmentation

Lips done: Since her boob job Skye has plumped her pout with lip fillers

'When I woke up from surgery it was really painful because obviously I had just had my face half ripped up,' Skye recounted.

'The surgeon took most of the cartilage out my tip because it was really long and when you looked down at my face from a particular angle, it looked like a witch's nose.

'My nostrils were flared and I just wanted my them brought in and down.'
It was the television wedding felt around the world.

When Scott Robinson (Jason Donovan) tied the knot with Charlene Robinson (Kylie Minogue) in episode 523 of long-running soap Neighbours, the event went down in history as one of the most memorable weddings - fictional or real - of all time.

The event was heavily publicised with Kylie and Jason attending a special wedding breakfast at the Park Hotel in Parramatta with 400 competition winners.

They also undertook a whirlwind tour of shopping centres in which they would cut a wedding cake - and almost spark one riot - and the moment featured on the covers of TV Week and Time Magazine.

Iconic: When Scott Robinson (Jason Donovan) tied the knot with Charlene Robinson (Kylie Minogue) in episode 523 of long-running soap Neighbours, the event went down in history as one of the most memorable fictional weddings of all time

Out and about: The event itself was heavily publicised with Kylie and Jason attending a wedding breakfast at the Park Hotel in Parramatta with 400 competition winners

Ratings hit: The episode was seen by 2 million Australians when it aired on July 1 1987, while an astonishing 19.6 million people tuned in when it was broadcast in the UK a year later

The episode was seen by 2 million Australians when it aired on July 1 1987, while an astonishing 19.6 million people tuned in when it was broadcast in the UK a year later as the third most watched show of 1988.

The chemistry between the two lovebirds was palpable and Kylie's new-romantic inspired dress, made from Chantilly lace, organza and ivory silk was a perfect snapshot of the time.

The influence of the iconic wedding can still be felt today with an Australian-born groom surprising his wife with a $14,000 Neighbours-themed wedding on UK reality show Don't Tell The Bride this year.

So just where are the members of the iconic Neighbours Scott and Charlene wedding party now?

Kylie Minogue: Charlene Mitchell

Star in the making: Kylie's Charlene Mitchell was, and remains, one of the best loved characters on the popular soap, thanks in no small part to her wedding to Scott Robinson

From the moment she punched her future husband in her very first scene, Kylie's Charlene Mitchell became, and remains, one of the most beloved characters on the popular soap, thanks in no small part to her wedding to Scott Robinson.

Leaving the show in June 1988, Kylie became the first person to win four Logie awards in one year and was the youngest ever recipient of a Gold Logie.

Kylie has parlayed that fame into a career that has seen her become on of Australia's greatest musical exports, achieving global record sales in excess of 80 million.

National icons: Charlene Mitchell became, and remains, one of the most beloved characters on the popular soap, thanks in no small part to her wedding to Scott Robinson

Confirming in February this year that she had ended her two-year relationship with British actor and fiance Joshua Sasse, Kylie recently sparked rumours that she had rekindled her relationship with French actor Oliver Martinez, after the pair were both seen at iconic Hollywood hotel Chateau Marmont.

She also sparked romance rumours, this week, when she was spotted getting up close and personal with a mystery man over lunch in London, as reported by The Daily Telegraph.

Now 49, Kylie recently spoke to The Australian about the pressure to stay looking young.

'I'm so used to it, which is almost a sad thing to say, but that's just been my job for so long,' she said.

Legend: Kylie has parlayed that fame into a career that has seen her become on of Australia's greatest musical exports, achieving global record sales in excess of 80 million

Jason Donovan: Scott Robinson

Soap star: After leaving Neighbours in 1989, Jason, like Kylie pursued a pop career and while he may not have been as successful as his on-screen bride, he had a string of Australian and UK hits with the likes of Especially For You, Too Many Broken Hearts and Sealed With A Kiss

There's no denying Jason's Scott helped to popularise the mullet and never did the hairstyle look so luxurious than it did on his wedding day.

After leaving Neighbours in 1989, Jason, like Kylie, pursued a pop career and while he may not have been as successful as his on-screen bride, he had a string of Australian and UK hits with the likes of Especially For You, Too Many Broken Hearts and Sealed With A Kiss.

In a case of life imitating art, Kylie and Jason fell in love in real life while playing their Neighbours characters, with the pair eventually splitting in 1989 when Kylie started a relationship with INXS frontman Michael Hutchence.

Speaking to the Mirror in 2016, Jason revealed that the break-up took him a long time to recover from

'It was bad enough that she'd run off with anybody, but she happened to run into the arms of the greatest rock God of the period, the very guy who I secretly wanted to be,' he said.

Jason returned to fame on the stage in London's West End in such high profile productions as Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sweeney Todd and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Jason has also been open about his struggles with drug addiction, revealing that by 1995 he was taking around two grams of cocaine a day. In that same year he suffered a drug-induced seizure at the Viper Room in Los Angeles while celebrating model Kate Moss' 21st birthday party.

Having reportedly been clean since 2000, Jason has popped up in such reality fare as Strictly Come Dancing and I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and he is still producing music, releasing his last album in 2012.

In 2008, Jason married his partner since 1998, Angela Malloch, a former stage manager, with whom he has three children.

Jason is set to embark on a two-month in-conversation tour and will be performing his '80s hits as a string of UK festivals.

Still at it: Having been open about his struggles with addiction, Jason is set to embark on a two-month in-conversation tour and will be performing his '80s hits as a string of UK festivals

Guy Pearce: Mike Young

What a do: Guy Pearce's Mike Young was Scott's best man and, like Scott, also sported a sensational mullet and had the honour of being the best man at the legendary wedding

Guy Pearce's Mike Young sported a sensational matching mullet as he had the honour of being Scott's best man at the legendary wedding.

Playing Mike for 496 episodes, Guy was a Neighbours fan favourite until he left the cast in 1989, only to join rival soap Home and Away in 1991.

Guy left the soap world for a film career, first breaking through in the 1994 Australian comedy The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert before making his step to Hollywood two years later in L.A. Confidential.

He has since become a bankable Hollywood star with roles in such films such as Memento, Iron Man 3 and The King's Speech. He has also maintained a strong Australian presence with roles in the likes of Jack Irish and Animal Kingdom.

He tied the knot with psychologist Kate Mestitz in 1997, with the pair ending their relationship in October 2015 after 18 years.

Guy is currently in a relationship with Game Of Thrones actress Carice van Houten and the pair welcomed their first child, Monte, into the world in August last year.

Guy's next role will see him turn back time and revisit his wedding days when he is seen alongside Kylie in the much anticipated film Flammable Children.

Bankable star: Guy is currently in a relationship with Game Of Thrones actress Carice van Houten and the pair welcomed their first child, Monte, into the world in August last year.

Craig McLachlan: Henry Ramsay

Fan fave: Yet another Neighbours hunk with a memorable mullet, Craig played, lovable Henry Ramsay (formerly Mitchell) who had the honour of walking sister Charlene down the aisle before giving her away to Scott

Yet another Neighbours hunk with a memorable mullet, Craig played the lovable Henry Ramsay (formerly Mitchell) who had the honour of walking sister Charlene down the aisle before giving her away to Scott.

Like Jason and Kylie, Craig had a crack at pop stardom after he left the soap in 1989, putting out an album with his outfit Craig McLachlan and Check 1-2 in 1990. The single Mona - a cover of a Bo Diddely track - reached number three and two on the charts in Australia and the UK respectively.

Craig decided to put down the guitar to focus on his acting career and it paid off with roles on the stage in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Grease.

He has also become one of Australia's best-loved character actors thanks to turns in such fare as Packed To The Rafters, Always Greener and House Husbands.

Most recently Craig has played the title character in the hugely popular ABC series The Dr Blake Mysteries.

Versatile: Craig also become one of Australia's best-loved character actors thanks to turns in such fare as Packed To The Rafters, Always Greener, House Husbands and, most recently The Dr Blake Mysteries

Angry Anderson: The wedding singer

The wedding singer: While he didn't actually appear in the episode, rocker angry Anderson will forever go down in Neighbours folklore for providing the iconic theme song, Suddenly to the nuptials

While he didn't actually appear in the episode, rocker angry Anderson will forever go down in Neighbours folklore for providing the iconic theme song, Suddenly, for the nuptials.

Kylie Minogue chose the song personally and the Rose Tattoo frontman saw his best chart success with the track as it hit number three on the Australian charts.

Angry achieved international fame with his outfit Rose Tattoo who are still performing in 2017.

LA rockers Guns n Roses cite Rose Tattoo as a major influence and enlisted the band as the support act for their 2017 Australian tour.

Aside from music, Angry has also dipped his toe into the political arena, standing as a National Party candidate for the seat of Throsby in the 2013 Federal election. He also stood for the Nationals in the seat of Cessnock for the 2015 New South Wales state election but withdrew for personal reasons.

In 2016 Angry aligned himself with the far-right anti-Muslim party Australian Liberty Alliance who endorsed him as a senate candidate for the 2016 federal election.

This year, Angry was a guest speaker at the Q Society - an anti-Islamic organisation - at an event in Sydney to raise funds to fight a defamation case brought by the Halal Certification Authority.

Controversy: In 2016 Angry aligned himself with the far-right anti-Muslim party Australian Liberty Alliance who endorsed him as a senate candidate for the 2016 federal election

Annie Jones: Jane Harris

Bridal party: Annie actually auditioned for the role of Charlene but had to settle for fan favourite Jane Harris who was Kylie's bridesmaid on the big day

By the time of the iconic wedding, Plain Jane the Super Brain, had transformed into the beautiful girlfriend of Mike, as she joined the wedding party as Charlene's bridesmaid.

Annie actually auditioned for the role of Charlene but had to settle for the role of Jane Harris who swiftly became a fan favourite for her Cinderella storyline.

Annie joined the cast of Neighbours in 1986 and said farewell to Ramsay Street in 1989.

Post Neighbours, Annie found roles in the likes of Chances, Snowy and Newlyweds, however she stepped out of the spotlight after her mother Elizabeth was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1994.

Sadly Elizabeth passed away last year and Annie resumed her acting career alongside Guy Pearce in the crime thriller Jack Irish.

Speaking to news.com.au, Annie revealed that she was excited at the prospect of stepping back in front of a camera.

'Now that mum has passed on to a better place I'm kind of excited about the prospect of relaunching myself,' Annie, now 49, said.

Carer: Post Neighbours, Annie found roles in the likes of Chances, Snowy and Newlyweds, however she stepped out of the spotlight after her mother Elizabeth was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1994.

Sasha Close: Lucy Robinson

Long running character: The second of Charlene's bridesmaids Sasha played Lucy Robinson (a role also taken on by Kylie Flinker and Melissa Bell) from 1987 to 1989

The second of Charlene's bridesmaids, Sasha played Lucy Robinson, sister to Scott (a role also taken on by Kylie Flinker and Melissa Bell) from 1987 to 1989.

Post Neighbours, Sasha nabbed roles in the 1992 mini-series Good Vibrations and in a couple of episodes of the ABC criminal justice drama Janus.

Sasha has since stepped away from the camera and currently works as a film programming manager and independent cinema consultant for Wallis Cinemas in South Australia.

In 2016, Sasha was named the recipient of the Natalie Miller fellowship - a grant awarded to women in the Australian screen industry who exemplify entrepreneurship and excellence.

Behind the scenes: Sasha has since stepped away from the camera and currently works as a film programming manager and independent cinema consultant for Wallis Cinemas in South Australia

Paul Keane: Des Clarke

Icon: Des Clarke was arguably the heart and soul of Neighbours throughout his time on the show from 1985 to 1990. Paul is pictured with on-air bride Daphne (Elaine Smith)

Des Clarke was arguably the heart and soul of Neighbours throughout his time on the show from 1985 to 1990

Des' marriage to Daphne (Elaine Smith) was the bedrock on which much of the show was built and indeed Daphne's demise, after she was in a car accident which left her in a coma, was one of the most memorable and heart rending in Neighbours history.

Struggling to cope with his Neighbours fame, Paul stepped out of the spotlight after he left the cast in 1990 and reportedly began working in a pub.

Having struggled with drug addiction, Paul revealed to the Herald Sun in 2015 that he also suffered from mental health issues.

'It hasn't been all beer and skittles for me since leaving the show,' he told the publication.

'I have had a lot of problems. It's only years and years later that I have realised that I was struggling with mental health issues - with anxiety disorders and depression. I was hospitalised numerous times for substance abuse. The doctors were so focused on treating the addictions that they didn't recognise the underlying conditions that were causing it'

Paul's on-screen wife Elaine Smith has also bowed out of the spotlight and is currently a public school teacher in Sydney.

Strruggle: Having struggled with drug addiction, Paul revealed to the Herald Sun in 2015 that he also suffered from mental health issues.

Alan Dale: Jim Robinson

Alan Dale was one of the original cast members of Neighbours and was lucky enough to be the father of the groom for the auspicious occasion.

The veteran actor proved to be a Ramsay Street stalwart staying with the show until 1993.

Speaking to TV Week, Alan revealed he was fired from the show after management heard an off-the-cuff remark Alan made to a co-star about pay conditions.

'I made some sort of crack about the fact that when we started doing Neighbours [in 1985], we got paid the same money as when I was doing The Young Doctors [which he starred in from 1979-1983],' he told the publication.

Since then, he has become an in-demand film and television actor with roles such as wealthy tycoon Caleb Nichol in the O.C, Charles Widmore in Lost and as Vice President Jim Prescott in 24.

His silver screen work includes Captain America: Winter Soldier, Star Trek: Nemesis and The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo.

Alan also revealed to the publication that he bared no ill will for his axing saying: 'I'm glad to be out of it,' he said. 'Look at my career.'

Stalwart: Alan Dale was one of the original cast members of Neighbours and was lucky enough to be the father of the groom for the auspicious occasion

Second wind: Since leaving Ramsay Street, Alan has become an in-demand film and television actor with roles such as wealthy tycoon Caleb Nichol in the O.C, Charles Widmore in Lost and as Vice President Jim Prescott in 24




Upcoming DC Comics blockbuster Aquaman has begun shooting at New South Wales' Hastings Point.

The Tweed coast set of the superhero flick, starring hunky Hawaiian-born actor Jason Momoa, was completed on Thursday ahead of filming.

While the outside location was previously under threat of being blocked by local council, fans can now witness scenes being shot before the film's release in 2018.

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Lights, camera, action! Upcoming DC Comics blockbuster Aquaman, starring Jason Momoa, begins filming at New South Wales' Hastings Point on Friday

Stars! Alongside Jason Momoa(Pictured), Aquaman will also star Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe and Nicole Kidman

Alongside Jason, Aquaman will also star Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe and Nicole Kidman.

Crew were seen prepping the set on Thursday, with cranes and equipment at the seaside location.

The scene is believed to focus on a house near a potential lighthouse.

Ready to roll: Crew were seen prepping the set on Thursday

Prepping: Cranes and equipment at the seaside location

Tweed Shire Council Mayor Katie Milne previously threatened to block filming on the $160 million production.

The mayor had organised a 'special meeting' of the Tweed Coast Reserves Trust to vote on whether Warnes Bros would be granted a permit to film at Hastings Point, south of Kingscliff.

Sneak peek! While the outside location was previously under threat of being blocked by local council, fans can now witness scenes being shot before the film's release in 2018

According to The Courier-Mail, Aquaman location manager Duncan Jones told the council meeting the production employed 700 people and would bring 'wonderful economic benefits' and 'bragging rights' to the area.

'We all buy fuel, we all drink coffee and we all eat hamburgers,' he said.

The Hollywood film was given the go ahead and began shooting on Friday.

Scene: The scene is believed to focus on a house near a potential lighthouse

Threats: Tweed Shire Council Mayor Katie Milne previously threatened to block filming on the $160 million production

A win for Warner Bros! The Hollywood film was given the go ahead and began shooting on Friday

Game of Thrones star Jason has been happily shooting in sunny Queensland alongside 31-year-old co-star Amber Heard for the flick over the past few months.

However, the filming at Hastings Point is believed to be for location shots only, with no action stunts being shot or actors sighted on set.

Aquaman is set to be released in December, 2018.

On location: The filming at Hastings Point is believed to be for location shots only, with no action stunts being shot or actors sighted on set
It is not every day one's Game Of Thrones viewing party is crashed by one of the stars.

But just that happened when Varys turned up unannounced to give Leslie Jones a thrill in a Late Night With Seth Meyers skit.

However the not-so-dynamic duo ended up constantly bickering when they sat down to watch Sunday's show, though actor Conleth Hill, who plays the Machiavellian schemer, managed to get the best of their exchanges.

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The man Varys: Leslie Jones was excited when Conleth Hill showed up during a skit on Late Night With Seth Meyers

He landed his comedic coup de grace when she slated Theon Greyjoy for cowardice during the sketch.

After pointing out that he had saved her, he cheekily added: 'All eunuchs stick together'

Of course Theon was castrated by the wicked villain Ramsay back in season three, while Varys was gelded away by a wicked sorcerer when he was just a boy according to show lore.

He made his dramatic appearance after self-styled comedienne Leslie, 49, gave him a verbal bashing when he appeared on-screen during a live tweeting viewing session with Seth, which took place on Wednesday because she had been sick when the show actually aired on Sunday.

What did you say: He made his dramatic entrance after she laid into him during an on-screen appearance

She looks like she saw a ghost: The Ghostbusters star literally jumped out of her seat

Tickled pink: The show's host chuckled at her overenthusiastic reaction

She said: 'Varys is like the girlfriend that you dont know if she really your home girl or not.

'Because one minute she supporting you and got your got, but then the next minute you hear about some bulls**t she said to somebody else about you.'

However she soon changed her tune when she saw him, leaping from the sofa to run and give him a meaty embrace.

And Leslie later managed to make a few quips almost as good as her Ghostbusters one-liners.

Best friends? It seemed they would be getting on like a house on fire

'All eunuchs stick together': But Conleth was soon landing verbal barbs as they watched

Not her home girl: She was not pleased that he was standing up for cowardly Theon

At one point she said: 'Bronn is the gangsta, yo. Bronn is the dude, like, in the hood that knows where all the $1 cigarettes is.'

And she even landed a verbal blow of her own on Conleth, who spoke in his Northern Irish accent rather than the received pronunciation of his character.

She told him: 'I was saying that you cant trust your ass, but you know s**t that you not telling everybody.'

Comedy gold, indeed.

This is really dragon on: The surprisingly long skit eventually drew to a close when Drogon was shot from the sky
He's the English-born comedian who was raised in Perth.

And Tim Minchin has spoken out on marriage equality in Australia, and the upcoming postal poll where citizens are being asked to vote for or against same-sex marriage.

The 41-year-old debuted his expletive-laden remix to the 1980 hit 'I Still Call Australia Home' by Peter Allen on Friday, dubbing Australians against the vote 'bigoted c***s'.

Advocate: Tim Minchin has spoken out on marriage equality in Australia, and the upcoming postal poll where citizens are being asked to vote for or against same-sex marriage

Called 'I Still Call Australia Home(ophobic)', the lyrics of the song, which initially paid tribute to Australian expats missing their homeland, have drastically been amended.

'Im always travelling but wherever I stay, people love Aussies and they generally say, they think were kind, fun and funny, tall, tanned and toned... and a little bit racist, and a little bit homophobic,' the comedian sings.

He branded the country's politicians as 'a**holes' and made reference to the anticipated national plebiscite as a 'jig'.

Outspoken: He branded the country's politicians as 'a**holes' and made reference to the anticipated national plebiscite as a 'jig'

The Los Angeles-based entertainer also looked at the 'upside' of the plebiscite by offering: 'At least well know how many Aussies are bigoted c**ts. Yay, stats!'

He continued to sing: 'Some day, well all be together once more, once they do their bloody jobs and just change the f***ing law.'

The long-haired comic also warned religious critics of same-sex marriage: 'Your attempt to keep Australia in the past will be a failure, because most of Australia aint homophobic.'

Comical: The Los Angeles-based entertainer also looked at the 'upside' of the plebiscite by offering: 'At least well know how many Aussies are bigoted c**ts. Yay, stats!'

Australia is preparing for a non-compulsory postal vote on same-sex marriage.

If the plebiscite survives two High Court challenges, ballot papers will start to arrive in the mail on September 12 and voters have until November 12 to mail them back.

If a 'yes' vote is returned, the government has said it will not stand in the way of a private member's bill being introduced to the house, to lead to same-sex marriage.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Tim Minchin's representation for comment.
She's the Real Housewives Of Sydney star who famously refers to her sons Albert, four, and Harry, six, as 'di**kheads'.

And Lisa Oldfield, 42, has defended her parenting techniques, telling Millennial Mama that she speaks to her children the same was as she speaks to adults.

'Don't ever talk to them in 'baby talk'  it's bulls**t and it's annoying for the kid and for you when they start talking back that way,' she told the publication when quizzed on her top parenting tips this week.

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'I speak to my children in exactly the same way as I'd speak to an adult': RHOS star Lisa Oldfield, 42, has defended her parenting techniques, after famously calling her two young sons 'di**heads'

'I speak to my children in exactly the same way as I'd speak to an adult.'

She also reminded parents not to become frustrated when your child asks strange or difficult questions.

'As much as I'd like to say 'f**k off, I don't know' I know that response would be so damaging to his innate curiosity,' she explained.

Encouraging curiosity: She also reminded parents not to become frustrated when your child asks strange or difficult questions

Lisa concluded by revealing that she always sends her children to bed by reminding them about how special they are, adding: 'I remind them that family is everything and they need to look out for each other (not always easy to do when one has the other's head in a vice like grip).'

Avid RHOS fans may recall the scene where Lisa famously called her four-year-old Burt a 'd**khead' after he refused to get into the pool for a swim.

The scene became even more shocking when Burt responded by calling his mother a 'bloody f**king idiot.'

'I remind them that family is everything': Lisa concluded by revealing that she always sends her children to bed by reminding them about how special they are

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph about the incident, Lisa said: 'Oh yeah, I'm half expecting DOCS [Family and Community Services] to knock on my door. But they'd see a very well kept, very well loved little boy.'

Lisa also recently revealed to Daily Mail Australia that she plans to expand her family with husband David.

'David and I are currently trying for another baby, so I'm ambivalent,' she said.

'I figured we f**ked the first two up so hopefully three's a charm!'
She set tongues wagging in May, when she was pictured holding hands with a mystery man weeks after separating from her husband.

And on Friday, Ashley Hart turned heads for a different reason after stepping out braless at Sydney's Bondi Beach.

The 27-year-old posed up a storm during a photo shoot for Levi's, while rocking a number of chic ensembles.

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Peek-a-boob! Ashley Hart turned heads on Friday after stepping out braless at Sydney's Bondi Beach

Sporting a white T-shirt and blue jeans, the blonde beauty showed off her fit physique in the beachside setting.

She later changed into two different Levi's tops and paired the looks with tiny denim cut-offs, which displayed her toned pins.

The Aussie model also wowed in a flirty, red, floral-print dress which featured a plunging neckline and drop sleeves.

Poser: Sporting a white T-shirt and blue jeans, the 27-year-old blonde beauty showed off her fit physique while posing for the camera

Leggy lady: She later changed into two different Levi's tops and paired the looks with tiny denim cut-offs, which displayed her shapely pins

Her makeup was flawlessly applied and consisted of light foundation, mascara and nude lips.

Her luscious shoulder-length locks were worn loosely and styled in messy waves.

Ashley is the younger sister of international modelling sensation, Jessica Hart, 31.

Chic: Her makeup was flawlessly applied and consisted of light foundation, mascara and nude lips

Runs in the family! Ashley is the younger sister of international modelling sensation, Jessica Hart, 31

She launched her career in 2004 after signing with Chadwick models and has featured in endless campaigns for the likes of Australian Women's Health, Billabong and Rip Curl.

She previously revealed that she often struggles with the modelling industry pushing skinny models.

'The contrast of being in an industry that is mostly about the physical has made me really search and go deeper,' she told The Daily Telegraph.

A star is born: She launched her career in 2004 after signing with Chadwick models and has featured in endless campaigns for the likes of Australian Women's Health, Billabong and Rip Curl

Healthy frame: She previously revealed that she often struggles with the modelling industry pushing skinny models

'We all do it but if we do get obsessed with our physical image it is constantly changing and we are never going to reach the perfection that doesn't really exist.'

In January, Ashley and husband Buck Palmer announced their separation after two years of marriage.

'Our happiness evolved into a deep friendship that we will always have, but we have come to the conclusion that the path forward for both of us is best travelled as separate journeys,' they said in a statement.

Lady in red! The Aussie model also wowed in a flirty, red, floral-print dress which featured a plunging neckline and drop sleeves

Fashionista: She paired the dress with tan-coloured flats and gold accessiories

Split: In January, Ashley and husband Buck Palmer announced their separation after two years of marriage

Two months later, Ashley was pictured holding hands with a mystery man in California.

In May, Ashley and Buck stepped out together for a shopping outing in Los Angeles.
She's the golden girl of Australian models.

And Natalie Roser shone on Thursday night, wearing a slinky metallic dress to a YSL beauty launch in Sydney.

The 26-year-old bikini model flaunted some skin thanks to the frock's daring thigh split at the exclusive event.

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Golden girl! Bikini model Natalie Roser shines in a slinky metallic dress and shows off some skin at YSL beauty launch in Sydney

The blonde beauty, who spent the first half of 2017 modelling in the United States, showed off her golden tan in a strappy dress.

Natalie accessorised with eye-catching black tassel earrings and layered gold necklaces.

Beaming for the cameras, the lingerie model accentuated her natural beauty with a smoky eye and bold lipstick.

You beauty! Also at the event was Neighbours star Olympia Valance, who showcased her hourglass figure in a fitted black dress

Stylish: Blogger Yan Yan Chan and model Roberta Pecoraro were also in attendance at the YSL even

Also at the event was Neighbours star Olympia Valance, who showcased her hourglass figure in a fitted black dress.

Blogger Yan Yan Chan and model Roberta Pecoraro were also in attendance at the YSL launch.

Meanwhile Natalie has been in Australia for the past few months after spending the first half of the year modelling in the US.

Successful: The blonde beauty spent the first half of 2017 modelling in the United States

Plenty to smile about! Being based in Sydney puts the leggy blonde closer to her her actor beau Harley Bonner, who is based in Melbourne for his role on Neighbours

Being based in Sydney puts the leggy blonde closer to her her actor beau Harley Bonner, who is based in Melbourne for his role on Neighbours.

Last month Natalie told Daily Mail Australia she couldn't be happier with her new relationship.

She split from fiance Dan Adair in October after calling off their wedding, which had been scheduled for that month.

Loved up: Natalie told Daily Mail Australia she couldn't be happier with her new relationship

Former beauty queen: Natalie first rose to fame as Miss Universe Australia

The bikini model revealed she met Harley last November during a promotional trip for Heineken.

'We met on a work trip with Heineken. We went to New Zealand and he was on the trip and I was on the trip and we became really good friends,' Natalie said.

The couple went public with their romance earlier this year, with Natalie explaining: 'We got to know one another over time and eventually fell head over heels in love.'
A team of archaeologists from the University of Bristol and Zayed University (Abu Dhabi) have uncovered the foundations of two seventeenth century Portuguese churches on the East African island of Zanzibar.

The Portuguese controlled the East African coast between 1500 and 1698. Information about Portuguese missionary activity in the region is limited, and these findings will help understand the long period of conflict between Christians and Muslims in the Western Indian Ocean during this period.

The findings were made inside an eighteenth century Arab fort located in the heart of the Zanzibar Stone Town.

This fort, which is now a cultural centre, contains within its walls fragments of several earlier buildings. A Portuguese spy reported in 1710 that the Arabs had built a ridiculous little fort reusing the walls of the Portuguese mission church.

The archaeologists located this church that dates back to around 1610 and was founded by a mission of Augustinian monks. Ground penetrating radar gave the archaeologists a good idea of its size around 35 metres in length and 16 metres wide, with two transepts.

Portuguese records recall that the Christian community was massacred in 1651, including the Vicar, Father Manoel de Nazareth, and much of the church was destroyed.

The archaeologists were surprised to find a second smaller-sized church constructed among the ruins of the first church that may belong to a building dating back to around 1652 when the island was recovered.

This building was only 20 by 8 metres, and seems to have been a simple barn-like building. The second church contains numerous Christian burials below its floor, who could be the victims of the massacre as well as the Christians who later lived in Zanzibar in the seventeenth century.

One burial was of a female, possibly a nun, with a sacred heart medallion around her neck; the Sacred Heart became particularly popular after 1675. Another burial was associated with a bronze crucifix. At least one burial seems to have had traces of a musket ball injury.

The Portuguese community in Zanzibar fell apart with the murder of Vicar of Zanzibar, Manoel de Conceicao in 1694. Portuguese control of East Africa ended with the fall of Fort Jesus in Mombasa to Omani Arabs in 1698. The ruins of the church were converted into a fort, and the centre for Omani Arab expansion into the East African coast from Arabia.

Professor Mark Horton from the University of Bristols Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, led the research. He said: "The excavations also showed that the Portuguese were not the first to settle in this part of the island. Below the level of the Portuguese churches, were over two metres of archaeological deposits dating from the eleventh to the sixteenth centuries. Historians have long argued that the Zanzibar Stone is only about 300 years old; the new archaeological finds show that its history goes back a thousand years."

The research was undertaken in association with the Zanzibar Department of Antiquities and the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Cultural Authority and was directed by Professor Horton from Bristol and Dr Timothy Power from Zayed University (Abu Dhabi). The researchers are planning to return in 2018 to complete the excavation, with the aim of creating a museum and an archaeological zone on the site.
The Bachelor's Richie Strahan has stubbornly refused to address persistent rumours that he and girlfriend Alex Nation 'split months ago'.

And while speculations of the couple's relationship status continue to grow, Richie has placed his former bachelor pad on the market.

According to Domain, the fly-in-fly-out rope access technician, 32, is selling his newly renovated four-bedroom Cloverdale home.

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Moving on! The Bachelor's Richie Strahan is selling Perth home amid breakup rumours with Alex Nation

Over? The Bachelor's Richie Strahan has stubbornly refused to address persistent rumours that he and girlfriend Alex Nation 'split months ago'

The hunky star is believed to be moving to Melbourne, where Alex is based.

While Richie's new living arrangements have yet to be confirmed, he hinted to what his new home would be like.

'Im hoping my new location isnt as cold as Im being told it will be,' he told the real estate site.

Richie also claimed he was going to miss Perth beaches: 'We are so spoiled over here, its crazy!'

Selling up! While Richie's new living arrangements have yet to be confirmed, he hinted to what his new home would be like

Moving to Melbourne? Richie hinted he was moving interstate, as he said: 'Im hoping my new location isnt as cold as Im being told it will be'

Leaving his bachelor lifestyle behind? The hunky star is believed to be moving to Melbourne, where Alex is based

A worthy investment? Agent Robin Welsh, of Welsh Real Estate, told the publication they anticipate mid to high $500,000s

Agent Robin Welsh, of Welsh Real Estate, told the publication they anticipate mid to high $500,000s after her purchased the property (with a detached two-bedroom house) in mid-2008 for $420,000.

'It is a modern near-new house which has been finished off beautifully... It has an upmarket feel to it and its been styled very well. Richies got a good eye for design,' he said.

Richie is believed to be keeping the front house as an investment property, while selling the larger of the two homes on the 1040-square metre block 10 kilometres east of Perth.

Daily Mail Australia have reached out to Richie Strahan for comment.

'Richies got a good eye for design': The real estate agent said the modern 'near-new' house was 'finished off beautifully'

Nice! The stylish kitchen comes with stone benchtops and a dishwasher

'The new owners will certainly appreciate that': Richie claimed he didn't compromise on quality or design and maximised on the living quarters

'My favourite features have to be how spacious it is and the layout of the master bedroom. I designed the home to really maximise the living quarters and have a holiday home feel to it. I didnt compromise on quality or design  the new owners will certainly appreciate that,' Richie said.

Adding to its holiday feel, the property features a home theatre, a tiled open-plan living zone and an alfresco area.

The alfresco area extends from the kitchen and is covered with a roof.

Room to grow! The spacious abode has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with two of the bedrooms having ensuites

Lush! The main bathroom has a bath

The spacious abode has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with two of the bedrooms hosting ensuites.

The master bedroom has his-and-hers walk-in robes and private access to a paved courtyard.

Its listing also lists a double garage, ducted reverse cycle air-conditioning and a stylish kitchen with stone benchtops and dishwasher.

Former love rival interest Nikki Gogan joined Perth-based Caporn Young Estate Agents in June.

It appears Richie has avoided an awkward encounter with Nikki by opting to sell his property with Welsh Real Estate.

Is this the end? Fans predicted their relationship to be doomed from the start, as Richie lived and worked in Western Australia, while Alex was located in Melbourne with her son Elijah

Earlier this week, Woman's Day reported the Richie and Alex split six months ago but chose not to confirm the news due to the damage it would cause their public profiles.

'They were worried if they announced it their profiles would come falling down, so they decided to say nothing,' a source allegedly told the publication.

According to the magazine, the reason for the break-up was the 'neglect' Alex felt from Richie after he went back on his promise to move to Melbourne for her.

Fans predicted their relationship to be doomed from the start, as Richie lived and worked in Western Australia, while Alex was located in Melbourne with her son Elijah.

The master bedroom has his-and-hers walk-in robes and private access to a paved courtyard

It appears Richie avoided an awkward encounter with former flamer Nikki Gogan ( who works at Perth-based realtor Caporn Young Estate Agents) by opting to sell his property with Welsh Real Estate

Splitting his property: Richie is keeping the front house as an investment property, while selling the larger of the two homes on the 1040-square metre block 10 kilometres east of Perth

Off the grid: They haven't made a public appearance together since the Logie Awards in April but were seen at one of Alex's footy games in May, where they were spotted cuddling

Things appeared strained in February, after the couple were pictured looking tense on a Perth street, with Alex's eyes appearing bloodshot from crying.

Alex last shared a public update with Richie in April, with his last picture posted in May.

They haven't made a public appearance together since the Logie Awards in April but were seen at one of Alex's footy games in May, where they were spotted cuddling.

The twosome found love on The Bachelor last year, after Richie appeared as a contestant on The Bachelorette.

The new season of The Bachelor with Matty J is now airing on Channel Ten
He's the lauded funnyman recently sparked speculation that he proposed to his girlfriend Rebecca Harding while on a US holiday.

While there has been no confirmation from Andy Lee, 36, or Rebecca, the couple looked as loved-up as ever when they arrived back in Melbourne this week.

The duo went casual for their return flight, with Andy wearing a pair of navy blue track pants and a grey jumper, finishing his ensemble with a pair of blue sneakers and a blue and white trucker cap.

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Glad to be back: Comedian Andy Lee and girlfriend Rebecca Harding looked loved-up at Melbourne Airport after returning from their Malibu, California getaway

Rebecca, meanwhile, was also dressed for comfort in a pair of pink track pants and a simple white T-shirt.

With her brunette locks flowing in the breeze as the pair left the airport, Rebecca also wore a black and white striped jumper which she had slung over her shoulders and a pair of white sneakers.

She accessorised with a pair of round spectacles and a leather handbag that she clutched in her left hand as they walked.

Besotted: Ignoring their surroundings, Andy and Rebecca only had eyes for each other, with Andy sharing a joke with Rebecca at one point, taking time to playfully poke her nose as they walked through the terminal

Walking hand in hand, both Andy and Rebecca looked chuffed, both to be back in the country and in each other's company.

Ignoring their surroundings, Andy and Rebecca only had eyes for each other, with Andy sharing a joke with Rebecca at one point, taking time to playfully poke her nose as they walked through the terminal.

It seems that their Malibu, California getaway agreed with Andy and Rebecca with both displaying sprightly springs in their steps.

Rebecca fuelled rumours of a secret proposal when she shared a romantic Instagram snap of the couple on Monday.

The 25-year-old model posted a loved-up snap during a romantic getaway in Malibu, California, prompting fans to comment: 'Calling it, they're engaged!'

'Calling it, they're engaged!' This week, fans speculated Andy Lee (right) had proposed to his longtime girlfriend Rebecca Harding (left) during their romantic getaway in Malibu

Gossip: One particular follower posted, 'Calling it', alongside several engagement ring emojis

The picture showed Rebecca and Andy looking blissfully happy while dining at famed restaurant Nobu.

Posing with Malibu Beach in the background, the brunette beauty highlighted her slender figure in a plunging white frock.

Her long locks were styled in loose waves, and her pretty facial features were enhanced with a flawless complexion, defined brows, lashings of mascara and a matte nude lip.

She's a tease! It's not the first time Rebecca sent fans into a frenzy over engagement rumours, after drawing attention to her ring finger in a recent Instagram photo

Online frenzy: But her followers were left disappointed upon discovering it was not an engagement announcement, and was in fact for charity

Meanwhile, Andy donned a casual grey T-shirt and tailored white pants.

'Summer babies in Malibu,' Rebecca captioned the photo, alongside a love heart emoji.

Fans were quick to speculate whether Andy had finally proposed, with one writing, 'Calling it - they're engaged!', while others simply posted the engagement ring emoji.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to their representatives for comment.

Claims: The post came after Woman's Day reported in April that Andy is 'finally ready to walk down the aisle' with Rebecca, who is 11 years his junior

It's not the first time Rebecca sent fans into a frenzy over engagement rumours, after drawing attention to her ring finger in a recent Instagram photo.

The image featured the runway model wearing a grey sweater and holding up her left hand for the camera.

But her followers were left disappointed upon discovering it was not an engagement announcement, and was in fact for charity.

One comment stated: 'Thought he had gotten down on one knee for a second there'.

The post came after Woman's Day reported in April that Andy is 'finally ready to walk down the aisle' with Rebecca, who is 11 years his junior.

The couple previously split last year, before rekindling their romance in December.
It was only last month AFL WAG Rebecca Judd returned from her idyllic Queensland getaway with her young family.

And on Friday, the 34-year-old returned to the tropical destination to film a segment for travel show Postcards, and took to Instagram to share snaps of her working trip near Cairns.

Rebecca uploaded a selfie, in which she posed by the aqua water wearing a short off-white and off-the-shoulder dress by Victorian based label Steele.

She's back! Rebecca Judd flaunts her trim figure as she films for Postcards idyllic Great Barrier Reef

She also paired her bohemian style frock with a pair of gladiator sandals, which she showed off in her Instagram story as she sat on a ledge in front of the pristine water.

The TV presenter captioned her post: 'Wow! What a day  @9postcards for @queensland at Green Island.'

She then took to her Instagram story to tell her fans that she had spotted an array of fish and turtles while on a cruise with Green Island resort.

It seems Rebecca has been at the tropical location with a camera crew for the past couple of days to film for the travel show.

Stunner: The 34-year-old paired her bohemian style frock with a pair of gladiator sandals

Cool footwear: she showed off gladiator sandals in her Instagram story as she sat on a ledge in front of the pristine water

The fashionista shared a snap of her self showing off dance move alongside the camera man on Whitehaven beach at sunset, after capturing their last shot for the day.

Dressed in asymmetrical top and skirt ensemble by Steele and matched with a Gucci belt, she looked like she had returned to her relaxed, holiday mode.

She recently shared details of her chaotic family holiday in Port Douglas with husband Chris Judd and their four young children, Oscar, five, Billie, three, and twins 11-month-old twins Tom and Darcy.

Rebecca told her 3PM Pick Up co-host Yumi Stynes that a gentleman sitting next to her had vomited on the plane.

'Wow! What a day! She then took to her Instagram story, using a cat face filter to tell her fans that she had spotted an array of fish and turtles while at on a cruise with Green Island resort.

Last shot of the day! It seems Rebecca has been at the tropical location with a camera crew for the past couple of days sharing a snap of her self showing off dance move alongside the camera man on Whitehaven beach at sunset

'So one of my twins Tom smells the vomit and then he decides that he's going to vomit everywhere as well so it's on my legs and it's on my husband and it's on my mum.'

'And then my other son Darcy decides that he's got diarrhea,' she added, before explaining that Chris had accidentally suffered a spray of air freshener to his eye while attempting to change Darcy's nappy in the bathroom.

'Anyway, we're covered in poo and spew and we get to Melbourne airport, and who's waiting for us at Melbourne airport? A pap!' she exclaimed.

'So I've decided that in future holidays I'm never leaving Melbourne. It's just ridiculous!'
She was ruched to hospital earlier in the week after suffering from a mild concussion.

And on Thursday, Rebel Wilson assured fans she was back to her old self.

Returning to filming her latest movie Isn't It Romantic, the 37-year-old was spotted exiting her trailer in a purple dress.

She's back! On Thursday, Rebel Wilson was spotted returning to filming her latest movie Isn't It Romantic after suffering from a concussion earlier in the week

Rebel wore a purple figure-hugging frock that featured a v-neck cut.

Looking as though she'd just stepped out of hair and makeup, Rebel's blonde locks were curled tightly.

The Bridesmaids star also sported a fresh and luminous complexion with rosy pink cheeks.

Stunner: Looking as though she'd just stepped out of hair and makeup, Rebel's blonde locks were curled tightly

Keeping cool and comfortable before her scene, Rebel was seen wearing matching purple thongs.

In another shot, the Australian actress was seen walking to set alongside a member of the crew.

Earlier in the week, Rebel revealed she had suffered from a mild concussion after doing stunts for her upcoming movie.

Emergency: Earlier in the week, Rebel revealed she had suffered from a mild concussion after doing stunts for her upcoming movie

Wearing the same purple dress whilst holding a fan, the star took to Instagram to give thanks for everyone who had assisted her during her incident.

'Started the day with a fall that led to a mild concussion....yet somehow looking not bad at 7pm,' she captioned.

'Thank you to everyone on Long Island who helped me today in the emergency room & ambulance x.'
She will be rejoining celebrity pals Ant and Dec for the 20th anniversary of cult children's early mornings show SMTV Live, next year.

And a chipper Cat Deeley, 40, appeared happy and relaxed while enjoying a spot of retail therapy in Beverly Hills on Thursday.

The Brummie lass made her name as a co-host alongside the popular Geordie duo on the zany children's show that dominated the ratings battle in the early noughties and is set to reunite with the lads for an anniversary special.

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Cat Deeley appeared happy and relaxed enjoying a spot of retail therapy in Beverly Hills on Thursday. The Brummie star is set to rejoin pals Ant and Dec next year for a SMTV Live reunion

Clutching a Barneys bag in her hand, the leggy blonde star chatted happily with a friend while leaving the high end store.

Wearing a pair of high-waisted Madewell jeans rolled up above the ankle, Cat cut a relaxed figure in her effortlessly cool ensemble.

Matching her look with a loose fitting white t-shirt and a pair of trendy brown gladiator heels, the mother-of-one complemented her look with a brown handbag thrown casually over her shoulder.

Pushing her long dark blonde tresses back with a pair of Finlay & Co. sunglasses, the TV presenter wore light make-up highlighting her stunning looks.

Chic: The mother accessorized her Madewell jeans and white tee with a pair of trendy brown gladiator heels, the mother-of-one complemented her look with a brown handbag thrown casually over her shoulder

Meanwhile, Cat previously discussed how she would love to add to her brood because she is loving every minute of being a mother.

But the So You Think You Can Dance? host revealed doctors have warned her she is at 'triple high risk' as a 'geriatric mum'.

Talking about her wish to have more children, she told The Mirror: 'I would love some more. But I have got to get on with it if I do.

'When you go for your check-ups they call you a "geriatric mum". That is the terminology they use, I swear. They say, "Ma'am, you are triple high risk".'

The phrase is used to refer to women who get pregnant after the age of 39, where it is considered that there is a high risk of abnormalities.

Family! The couple raise their one-year-old son Milo together after welcoming him into the world in January 2016

Risks are said to include premature birth, low birth weight in the baby, stillbirth and chromosomal defects in the baby.

In the mother, it's thought that there could be labor complications, higher chance of cesarean section high blood pressure in the mother and gestational diabetes.

The television presenter welcomed her first child Milo into the world in January 2016, when she was 39.

Cat raises Milo with her husband Patrick Kielty, 46, who she married in a romantic ceremony in Rome in September 2012.

Completely smitten with one another, the couple tied the knot after only 11 months of dating.

But the pair had been great pals for years as they worked together on the set of BBC's Fame Academy together as co-hosts.

As for her star-studded career, the beauty was propelled to fame as a presenter on Ant & Dec's Saturday morning children's programme SM: TV Live.

Cat has gone onto host a string of high-profile shows including Fame Academy, Stars In Their Eyes and So You Think You Can Dance?
She is carving a career in Hollywood, following hot on the heels of her parents Clint Eastwood and his ex Frances Fisher.

And Francesca Eastwood also borrowed a few style tips from her mum when they headed out for dinner in West Hollywood on Thursday.

Oozing sex appeal, rising star Francesca, 23, flaunted her legs as she slipped into a thigh-skimming navy silk dress for the occasion.

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It's all relative! Francesca Eastwood wore a satin mini dress and thigh-high boots as she joined her mother for dinner in West Hollywood on Thursday

The dressy garment was cinched at the waist with a thick black belt to contrast, which best showcased Francesca's incredible figure.

Pulling out all the stops on her racy ensemble, the actress threw on a beige silk robe which she wore sexily off the shoulders.

Clint's daughter looked every inch the movie star and accentuated her features with a slick of scarlet lipstick as well as a smoky eye.

Francesca elongated her long legs with fog grey thigh-high boots, similar to her mum's sexy black boots which she wore over her jeans.

Leggy lady: The rising star, 23, draped a sexy jacket over her shoulders for the occasion

Dressed to impress, Frances pulled off a biker chic look when she wrapped up with a leather jacket.

The mother and daughter proved to be very close when they enjoyed a ladies' night out together.

Frances shares Francesca with fellow actor Clint, whom she dated for six years in the early 1990s.

As for extended family, her father Clint, 86, has seven children including daughter Kimber, 52, (with ex Roxanne Tunis) and daughter Alison, 44 and son Kyle, 48 with first wife Maggie Johnson.

Dressed to impress: Frances pulled off a biker chic look when she wrapped up with a leather jacket as she joined her daughter for dinner

Sexy looks: The US actress wore her knee-high boots over her chinos for dinner

He shares son Scott, 31, and daughter Kathryn, 29, with ex-wife Jacelyn Reeves and also has daughter Morgan, 20, with Dina Ruiz.

As for fame, Francesca starred alongside her stepmother Dina, 51, and half-sister Morgan in the short-lived E! reality show Mrs. Eastwood & Company in 2012.

Recently, she has been busy lately filming an episode of Twin Peaks and also has landed a starring role alongside her reported beau in the thriller M.F.A.

Francesca will also star alongside James Franco and Taryn Manning in horror The Vault, set for premiere later this year.
They are a rarity in the world of show-business, having been happily married for a huge 21 years.

And Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness' love certainly appeared stronger than ever on Thursday, with the pair seen strolling hand-in-hand as they took the iconic Bondi to Tamarama walk.

The actor, 48, and his producer partner, 61, looked smitten as they clasped hands and looked out to sea, before joining family friends for a picnic.

Happy together: Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness' love was stronger than ever on Thursday, withe pair seen strolling hand-in-hand along the promenade between Bondi and Tamarama beaches

Stroll: The actor, 48, and his producer partner, 61, looked smitten as they clasped hands and looked out to sea, before joining family friends for a picnic

The couple were dressed casually, with Deborra-Lee donning a pair of black, loose pants, sneakers and a cardigan buttoned over a black shirt.

She wore her hair in a loose bun, clipped at the back, and accessorised with a gold necklace and a series of bangles on her wrists.

Deborra-Lee carried a white shawl in her hand and completed her look with chic sunglasses.

Distracted a moment: The Wolverine actor, who wore sunglasses and carried a water bottle, looked at his phone as he walked along

Close: The actor then took his wife's hand once again as they strolled

Hugh was likewise looking relaxed, wearing a woolen jumper over a navy blue shirt and matching blue jeans with black sneakers.

The Wolverine actor, who wore sunglasses and carried a water bottle, looked at his phone as he walked along, before taking his wife's hand.

Family time: The pair had some one-on-one time before joining a family friend

The pair had some one-on-one time before joining a family friend who had with them two young children, at a nearby park in Tamarama.

The couple also greeted their own two children, son Oscar, 17, daughter Ava, eleven.

Oscar wore a black hoodie while Ava was in a sporty black and white ensemble with a bomber jacket and tights.

Meet up: The family friends had with them two young children

All together: The couple also greeted their own two children, son Oscar, 17, daughter Ava, eleven, who were seen standing behind their parents

The Logan actor adorably greeted a young child dressed in pink by bending down and offering her a high five.

His producer wife, who was wearing sunglasses, kissed and warmly embraced and the male friend while Hugh looked on.

The party moved to a nearby outdoor picnic table, with the group enjoying cold bottles of water as they chatted animatedly.

Cute! The Logan actor adorably greeted a young child dressed in pink by bending down and offering her a high five

Parched: The party moved to a nearby outdoor picnic table, with the group enjoying cold bottles of water as they chatted animatedly

Yum! They also appeared to be snacking on fish and chips, with a white box containing what looked like lemon slices visible

Smile! After a catch up, Hugh appeared to take a selfie with the friend and his young child, holding a phone in the air at arm's length

They also appeared to be snacking on fish and chips, with a white box containing what looked like lemon slices visible.

After a catch up, Hugh appeared to take a selfie with the friend and his young child, holding a phone in the air at arm's length.

Love for life: Hugh recently appeared on the Lorraine program where he revealed he never spends more than two weeks apart from his wife

Hugh recently appeared on the Lorraine program where he revealed he never spends more than two weeks apart from his wife.

The Australian actor sweetly confessed Deborra-Lee was his 'best friend' and main source of support in both his career, and personal life.

He said of his partner: 'Im married to the greatest woman alive. Shes amazing. We're best friends, and we share everything. Shes smart.'

He said of his partner: 'Im married to the greatest woman alive. Shes amazing. We're best friends, and we share everything. Shes smart'




She's still one of Love Island's most adored contestants despite leaving the famous villa more than a year ago.

And Olivia Buckland, 23, offered a glimpse into why she might still be so popular as she poked fun of herself whilst putting on a busty display for Instagram on Friday.

The stunning blonde, who wore her hair tousled in a 'birds nest style', showcased her ample assets in a seductive burgundy two piece bikini.

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Sizzling: Olivia Buckland, 23, offered a glimpse into why she's so popular after putting on a very busty display via Instagram on Friday

Posing seductively, the curvaceous model captioned 'major bikini try on sesh' ahead of her holiday away to Sonus Festival in Croatia later in the month.

Letting her messy blonde tresses bounce freely, the star made a joke about her 'birds nest' hairstyle while showcasing her enviable hour glass figure.

With her tanned and toned figure on full display, Olivia's midriff and thigh tattoos were complemented perfectly by her choice of dark slinky swimwear.

Adding a smattering of jewellery, the star looked effortessly cool ahead of her festival frisson.

Birds nest: Posing seductively, the curvaceous glamour model captioned 'major bikini try on sesh' ahead of her holiday away to Sonus Festival in Croatia late in the month

Seductive: Showing off her beach ready body, Olivia's midriff and thigh tattoos were complemented perfectly by her choice of dark slinky swimwear

Sssssexy: Olivia exuded confidence in a tiny crop top and matching snakeskin miniskirt when she posted a sizzling Instagram picture on Sunday evening

Date night: The star shared this make-up free snap as she prepared for a date night on Thursday

Meanwhile, the star exuded envy-inducing confidence when she posted a sizzling Instagram picture on Sunday evening.

The social media sensation - who is the most followed Love Island 2016 contestant on the platform - flashed a glimpse of her underboob in a very tiny crop top.

Slipping into a matching snakeskin miniskirt, the reality star drew attention to her phenomenal hourglass curves and impressive inkings.

Candid: The Essex beauty recently discussed her anxiety ahead of her nuptials and the possibility of televising her wedding day

The TV queen also showed off the results of her sun-soaked trip to Spain as she flaunted her toned tummy and long legs in her racy ensemble.

Olivia swept her glossy golden locks into a top knot bun, letting only a few wisps fall around her face.

In contrast she shared a make-up free snap with her beloved pooch on Thursday as she prepared for a date night with her beau.

For drama, the Love Island runner-up completed her sexy look with heavy make-up and towering high heels.

Olivia is busy planning for her wedding.She fell head-over-heels in love with the hunky scaffolder on the 2016 show.

They secured second place on the reality hit series after pals Cara de la Hoyde and Nathan Massey, who have since parted ways.

The couple moved in together very quickly in her native Essex in August 2016 and Alex popped the question during a romantic trip to New York in December.

It's been a real whirlwind romance as they had only been an item for five months before deciding to take their relationship to the next level.

But Olivia has confessed she's already feeling the heat of planning her big day and claims she's well on her way to becoming a bridezilla.

She couldn't resist saying yes to a 2,069 Sophie Tolli dress on the TLC reality show in May.

Whirlwind romance: The couple moved in together very quickly in her native Essex in August 2016 and Alex popped the question during a romantic trip to New York in December

The Love Island beauty told MailOnline: 'It's good. I'm so busy that wedding plans have taken a back seat because I've been so busy.

'But Ive got one of my best friends, who is a wedding planner on the case.

'Shes helping me, weve started to get into it now. Were ordering different invitation templates, we might look at the venue next week so weve started to get the ball rolling but I think its going to be one of those ones where Ill need all hands on deck.

'I think I might turn into Bridezella at some point, just waiting for it to happen.'
He will be the only original cast member when the Great British Bake Off returns to TV screens later this year.

And although headed onto soggy bottoms new Paul Hollywood has revealed he missed his former co-judge Mary Berry and hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins as he filmed the first series of Bake Off without them.

In a new interview with Closer magazine, the baking guru, 51, opened up on how difficult he found working on the hit show after Mary, Mel and Sue decided not to follow the show's move to Channel 4 and leave after the seventh series.

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Miss you: Although headed onto soggy bottoms new Paul Hollywood has revealed he missed his co-judge Mary Berry and hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins as he filmed the first series of the Great British Bake Off without them

Out with the old... In a new interview with Closer magazine, the baking guru, 51, opened up on how difficult he found working on the hit show after Mary , Mel and Sue decided not to follow theshow to Channel 4 and leave after the seventh series

He admitted: 'I have missed Mary, Mel and Sue, and when I started filming the new 'Bake Off' it was hard.'

The star, known for his steely critiques on the smash hit reality show, said there was, however, a light at the end of the tunnel as new hosts Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig left him rolling in the aisles .

'But I had tears rolling down my face because of how funny Noel and Sandi are, so I wasn't really that sad in the end.'

The star also spoke about being labelled a 'traitor' over his decision to move with the show to Channel 4, after a bidding war saw the BBC lose the rights to Bake Off, saying he was still filming with the channel.

Pastures new: The star, known for his steely critiques on the smash hit reality show, said there was, however, a light at the end of the tunnel as new hosts Noel Fielding (second right) and Sandi Toksvig (second left) left him rolling in the aisles, pictured with new judge Prue Leith

The way we were: The winning quartet made the show a national phenomenon

Winning duo: Paul and national treasure Mary Berry were key to the show's success for seven series

He said: 'It has been hard because I was called a traitor over my decision to leave the BBC to go to Channel 4... The other three left for whatever reason but I didn't want to lose my job. The show found me and I didn't want to turn my back on them.'

Despite his reputation for being tough on the wannabe bakers, Paul said he is just being 'constructive' and that his remarks are never personal.

The show premiered in 2010 and quickly won an audience of millions thanks to the quirky co-hosts Mel and Sue and Paul and Mary's banter.

The show also became synonymous with the phrase 'soggy bottoms'.

This comes after the first trailer, which was released earlier this week, divided fans after the show left the BBC for Channel 4.

Moving on: The star also spoke about being labelled a 'traitor' over his decision to move with the show to Channel 4, after a bidding war saw the BBC lose the rights to Bake Off, saying he was still filming with the channel

The famous baking tent is nowhere to be seen in the short clip, which has been eagerly awaited by fans of the much-loved programme ever since it was announced the show would be moving from the BBC to Channel 4 in a three-year deal.

Channel 4 paid a reported 75 million for three years of the hit show, which scored 15 million viewers for last year's final where Candice Brown won on the BBC.

National treasure Mary famously quit when the programme left for Channel 4 with Prue Leigh taking over as judge.

Comedian Fielding and QI host Sandi replace Mel and Sue, who also left the show when it moved from the BBC, saying they would not 'follow the dough'.

The show does not have an official launch date yet, but is due to air in the autumn.
Amber Dowding has been rushed to hospital with a mystery vomiting bug.

The 24-year-old TOWIE star left boyfriend Chris Dowding concerned after she was struck ill in Marbella, as they filmed new scenes for the reality show.

Having recently returned from a sun-soaked holiday in the Caribbean, production staff grew concerned after the blonde bombshell was 'unable to keep any food down'.

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Dramatic: Amber Dowding has been rushed to hospital with a mystery vomiting bug

A source told The Sun: 'Amber and Chris recently came back from Antigua but Amber had been really suffering and struggling to keep anything down.

'Production rushed her to hospital after seeing the state she was in during filming in Marbella and she was hospitalised for a few days, which was really worrying for Chris.'

'Thankfully she's on the mend now but is having to take tablets everyday to keep the sickness at bay.'

And she appeared to have recovered by Thursday, as she was spotted partying in Marbella with her beau (below).

MailOnline has contacted Amber's representative for comment.

Concerned: The 24-year-old TOWIE star left boyfriend Chris Dowding worried after she was struck ill in Marbella, as they filmed new scenes for the reality show (pictured in better spirits on Thursday)

'Amber and Chris recently came back from Antigua but Amber had been really suffering and struggling to keep anything down.', a source said of Amber pictured in a white mini dress and denim heels on Friday

'Production rushed her to hospital after seeing the state she was in during filming in Marbella and she was hospitalised for a few days, which was really worrying for Chris.'

'Thankfully she's on the mend now but is having to take tablets everyday to keep the sickness at bay.'

Back on: Amber and Chris have faced their fair share of strife - having split and reunited in the space of a year with many dramatic twists and turns

Going strong: Long-term couple Amber and Chris took a break for six months before reuniting

Amber and Chris have faced their fair share of strife - having split and reunited in the space of a year with many dramatic twists and turns.

Long-term couple Amber and Chris took a break for six months, during which time he hooked up briefly with Little Mix star Jesy Nelson, before they suffered an acrimonious break-up - leading to Chris and Amber's reunion.

As the last season of TOWIE came to a close, the couple were seen to start flirting again but they are now ready to return as a fully fledged couple - a point they were keen to display during Wednesday night's filming.

Cosy couple: Amber cosied up to her beau as they enjoyed a mini photoashoot in the sun

Bikini babe: The blonde bombshell showed off her sensational figure in a floral bikini

Life's a peach! Amber showed off her pert derriere in a pair of scanty tie side briefs

Pucker up: The duo shared a kiss as they cuddled up together in the Spanish sunshine

All over each other: The duo shared a cuddle as they packed on the PDA outside their hotel

Chris was also in the market for showing off his tan, so opted for a white T-shirt with a logo emblazoned across the front paired with charcoal-coloured shorts.

In June, Amber insisted she wasn't fussed when he moved on so quickly during their time apart. Speaking to New! Magazine, she said: 'Seeing an ex with someone new is always hard.

'You think to yourself 'Oh God, they've moved on!' It was all over social media too. But I just didn't look at it. It wasn't something I lost sleep over.'

Blonde bombshell: Amber was a vision of beauty as she flicked her hair over one shoulder and posed up a storm for the cameras

Pucker up: Chris wrapped Amber under her arm as they shared a smooch in the sunshine

Two of a kind: The duo looked in good spirits as they cosied up to one another in Marbella

Snap happy: Chris pulled out a camera as he snapped his own pictures from the sunny break

She went on to say that, because of her and Jesy's differences, she finds it pointless to compare them. 'We are completely different! Our styles and our looks are so different. How can you compare?' she said.

Amber retains that the split did her and Chris some good.

'We've been with other people and we've grown up a bit. I think our break was the best thing that ever happened. It's done us wonders and we're happier than ever.'

Amber also admitted that she and Chris have already talked about marriage and children and, when asked what she'd like to say to Jesy if she could, shied away the question.

Happy days: Amber and Chris have faced their fair share of strife - having split and reunited in the space of a year with many dramatic twists and turns- but looked stronger than ever as they partied in Marbella for new TOWIE scenes this week

Way back when: Long-term couple Amber and Chris took a break for six months, during which time he hooked up briefly with Little Mix star Jesy Nelson, before they suffered an acrimonious break-up - leading to Chris and Amber's reunion

It helped... Amber retains that the split did her and Chris some good

Kiss, kiss: She went on to say that, because of her and Jesy's differences, she finds it pointless to compare them. 'We are completely different! Our styles and our looks are so different. How can you compare?' she said

After admitting to OK! magazine that he 'always felt second best' to his former flame, Little Mix pop-star Jessy, Chris has been putting on a happily coupled up display with Amber since.

It's thought that he has spent considerable time with each other's families since their reconciliation, too.

Chris and Jesy first confirmed their romance with a loved-up snap at the BRIT Awards in February, but had broken up by April - with Chris reportedly initiating the split over the phone.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Disgruntled war veterans have escalated their fight with the First Family - this time by poking fun at influential Grace Mugabe - whom they are portraying as a failed mother through T-shirts carrying disparaging messages.The T-shirts are emblazoned with Grace's face and have gone viral on social media.Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) secretary-general Victor Matemadanda has been pictured wearing one such T-shirt."Control your children first. Grace a failed mum; her sons unruly rogues failing only with two boys, can't mother 14 million," reads the message on the T-shirt that Matemadanda proudly wore.This followed recent statements by Grace agonising over her sons' - Robert Junior and Chatunga Bellarmine - wayward behaviour which saw them being ejected from a plush residence in South Africa in June.The impressionable youths have now become the bane of jokes, with a post of Matemadanda's T-shirt on Facebook amassing thousands of "likes."Matemadanda yesterday told the Daily News that he had received the controversial apparel from well-wishers he declined to reveal."We are not afraid of being arrested. If we are arrested we will stay in prison until that time when they feel we should be freed," Matemadanda told the Daily News.At a press conference earlier on Wednesday, Matemadanda had also laid into Grace saying she does not deserve to be called the First Lady because of her conduct."We heard the first lady is doing this, no, this is the second first lady. Our first lady is Sally. Our first lady helped us during the war," said Matemadanda referring to the late President Robert Mugabe's Ghanaian-born wife who died of renal failure in 1992.In 1996, Mugabe married Grace Marufu, his former secretary, with whom he already had two children.Their third child was born in 1997."What worries us is that when Sally felt sick, she didn't go outside the country but some are getting treatment outside the country," Matemadanda told a news conference on Wednesday."Sally was a unifier not ava vekuuruka uruka ava (not this one who appears wild) dancing at rallies with (Zanu PF political commissar Saviour) Kasukuwere."Every time you will see her in Singapore, her children are misbehaving in South Africa, so do you think Charamba is more stubborn than her children?"So why did she do that to Charamba? We don't like that," said Matemadanda, referring to a rally held in Chinhoyi two weeks ago in which Grace attacked presidential spokesperson, George Charamba at the youth interface rally.A large section of the war veterans - including Matemadanda have publicly expressed their desire to see Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa succeeding Mugabe - a move which is being fiercely opposed by the G40 faction which has the backing of Grace.
She was keen to talk about her botched nose job during her appearance on Thursday's This Morning.

Yet after chatting candidly with Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford about her plight, the star took to Instagram to reveal that her biggest concern was her make-up during the interview.

In a lengthy post that she shared on her story, the 26-year-old glamour model hinted she had fired her make-up artist and revealed she had to jet to Spain in order to calm down.

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Meltdown: After discussing her botched nose job on This Morning, Chloe went on a meltdown as she fired her make-up artist and revealed she had to jet to Spain in order to calm down

She wrote: 'Im absolutely gutted about how I looked today, so you all can chill with the s**t DMs, I already know. It's not her fault, it's traffic but I was let down last minute by the makeup artist and then we had to do it in the car.

'Half the things have been forgotten, my foundation is about ten shades lighter than my face and my cheek bone contour is practically on my jaw.'

Revealing that she wouldn't be sticking to any of her commitments planned for the rest of the day, she added: 'If we have a shoot or any plans today cancel it because I just want to go home.

'F**k new team and new people. Today was meant to be such a slay day with so much good things on and instead its stressy and s**t.

'Get me to Barcelona now. Going for retail therapy to sort my head out. Bye humans. Helloo Louis Vuitton. [sic]'

Fuming: Chloe was unable to hide her emotions as she lashed out at her team (pictured in 2016) following yet another appearance on This Morning

Jet set: In a lengthy post that she shared on her story, the 26-year-old glamour model hinted she had fired her make-up artist and revealed she had to jet to Spain in order to calm down

Chloe, now known by the surname Khan but born Chloe Heald, appeared on This Morning on Thursday to reveal the devastating side effects her extreme plastic surgery makeover has left her with.

Revealing she has spent 100k on surgeries which include a nose job, lip enhancement, breast augmentation, liposuction, and bottom enlargement (known as Brazilian Butt Lift), she admitted the rhinoplasty has left her unable to smell or breath properly.

Chloe, who looks almost unrecognisable from her former self, said: 'I can't breathe or smell through my nose anymore'.

Explaining that she's spent an incredible 100k on overall surgery, Chloe admitted she thought she had done thorough research before committing to a new surgeon for her additional nose job- after she was unhappy with the results of her first one.

'My first nose surgery was on Harley Street, a British surgeon, conservative and minimal. He didn't want it to look freakish but I wanted it to be small. They wouldnt do what I wanted,' she said, her reason for deciding against returning to them.

Side effects: Revealing she has spent 100k on surgeries, the starlet admitted the rhinoplasty has left her unable to smell or breath properly

Pre-surgery: Chloe seen before her various surgeries at her X Factor appearance in 2010 (left) and post surgery in 2017 (right). Her surgeries include a nose job, lip enhancement, breast augmentation, liposuction, and bottom enlargement

'I stalked this surgeon for two years on Instagram', she said, explaining her journey to finding her new doctor.

'He looked amazing. I looked at lots of different options, but it looked as though he was the best in the world, and he was in the Ukraine so I went there.

'I felt this guy in Ukraine would do exactly what I wanted'.

'I can't breathe or smell through my nose anymore', she said speaking to Ruth Langsford and Ealmon Holmes, dressed in a thigh-skimming white lace up dress

'I woke up during surgery,' she described, horrifically. 'It was a disaster from the get go'.

'I feel embarrassed to talk about it, and it's stupid, I wake up with nose bleeds, I can't smell perfume.. but it's a vanity thing', she admitted

But she was left more than disappointed with the results, slamming the surgeon.

'I woke up during surgery,' she described, horrifically. 'It was a disaster from the get go'.

'I have to tape it 20 hours a day with a roll of medical tape,' she revealed angrily.

'I stalked this surgeon for two years on Instagram', she said, explaining her journey to finding her new doctor

'I have to tape it 20 hours a day with a roll of medical tape,' she revealed angrily

'It looks okay because it's the morning right now, but in three hours it will look worse'.

'I feel embarrassed to talk about it, and it's stupid, I wake up with nose bleeds, I can't smell perfume.. but it's a vanity thing', she admitted.

And she plans to go for a third nose job to correct it yet again.

'I'm waiting until January and someone else will correct it for me, she said.

MailOnline has contacted Chloe's surgeon for comment.

Casual exit: She sported a black t-shirt mini dress and a mini Chanel clutch bag as she left the TV studios following her appearance

Showing off the results of her butt surgery: Chloe had fat taken from her waist, thighs and arms and injected into her bottom

And despite having copious amount of surgery, the mother-of-one is surprisingly not a fan of the procedures.

'I hate having surgery, I don't actually like it,' she admitted.

But it won't stop her having more.

'I wouldn't rule out more surgery but right now, no, don't want any', she concluded.

'I hate having surgery, I don't actually like it,' she admitted surprisingly (showing off the results of lipo on her waist and her sculpted figure)
He's the Love Island Lothario who recently split from co-star Chyna Ellis.

And Jonny Mitchell, 26, has been branded 'disgusting', 'savage' and 'vile' by fans after posting a crude joke about the blonde beauty on his Instagram story, while enjoying a night out with fellow Islander Mike Thalassitis on Thursday.

Driving through the capital's Chinatown he took a quick snap to share with his 514,000 followers which he captioned 'The second china I've been through this month' followed by a crying with laughter emoji.

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Controversy: Jonny Mitchell, 26, has ignited the fury of fans after posting a crude joke about ex Chyna Ellis on his Instagram story, after enjoying a night out with fellow Islander Mike Thalassitis on Thursday.

Dig: Driving through the capital's Chinatown he took a quick snap to share with his 5,000 followers which he captioned 'The second china I've been through this month' followed by a crying with laughter emoji

It wasn't long before the business director was hit with a social media backlash, labelled 'disgusting' and 'ruthless' by fans for the joke at Chyna's expense.

One fan wrote: 'Hes disgusting! Needs taken down a peg or 2! Listen mate your not all that, your work will eventually dry up, so dnt sh** on plp! (sic') while another sprang to Chyna's defence, writing '@jonnyVmitchell still bringing up @chynaellis_ oh boo give it a rest now it's getting boring I mean I still can't believe you got a chance'.

One follower called the shot 'absolutely ruthless' while another simply said 'he is absolutely vile.'

Backlash: It wasn't long before the business director was hit with a social media backlash, labelled 'disgusting' and 'ruthless' by fans for the joke at Chyna's expense

No holding back: One fan wrote: 'Hes disgusting! Needs taken down a peg or 2! Listen mate your not all that, your work will eventually dry up, so dnt sh** on plp! (sic')

Hitting back: Another sprang to Chyna's defence, writing '@jonnyVmitchell still bringing up @chynaellis_ oh boo give it a rest now it's getting boring I mean I still can't believe you got a chance'

Outburst: One follower called Jonny 'vile' in her post

Not happy: His actions were labelled 'savage' by one follower

'Disgusting': Jonny enjoyed a brief romance with Chyna but he awkwardly denied being in a relationship with her on the Love Island reunion show, causing her to call him 'a p****'

Hitting back: Chyna herself hit back by reposting the picture, captioned 'still talking about me bless him! #hewishes'

Chyna herself hit back by reposting the picture, captioned 'still talking about me bless him! #hewishes'

But that wasn't the only provocative moment the beauty had on Instagram today, as she also appeared to flirt with Amber Davies' boyfriend Kem Cetinay, who she famously kisses in the Love Island villa.

Sharing a busty clip of herself and Tyne-Lexy Clarson blowing a kiss at the camera, the reality star captioned the clip: 'Kisses to my boy Kem'.

Defence: One follower called the shot 'absolutely ruthless' while another simply said 'he is absolutely vile.' (Chyna pictured above)

Cheeky! Sharing a busty clip of herself and Tyne-Lexy Clarson blowing a kiss at the camera, Chyna appeared to flirt with Amber Davies' boyfriend Kem Cetinay late in the day

But the star seemingly regretted her decision to cause a stir as she later deleted the post.

Jonny started dating Chyna after their exit from the Mallorcan villa but later denied they were dating on the Love Island reunion show, leading her to call him a 'p****' .

He was then rumoured to have enjoyed a threesome with two mystery reality starlets.

And days after his split from Chyna , Jonny proved he had well and truly moved on as he flaunted his new romance at DSTRKT in London on Tuesday.

Loving life: Jonny proved he wasn't slowing down with the ladies as he headed to DSTRKT in London on Tuesday

Stepping out hand in hand with his new squeeze, the star looked in great spirits as he headed to the club and partied with the likes of Calum Best and Marissa Jade.

Not content with putting on an united front with his new lady, the reality star took to Instagram to reveal their steamy antics from the inside of the club.

Sharing several videos of the pair enjoying a steamy smooch, he then uploaded a sweet snap of the pair cuddled up together.

Single: The outing came following his split from fellow Love Island star Chyna

Hot new couple: The 26-year-old business director proved he had well and truly moved on as he flaunted his new romance at DSTRKT in London on Tuesday

Cosy: Stepping out hand in hand with his new squeeze, the star looked in great spirits as he headed to the club and partied with the likes of Calum Best and Marissa Jade

Pucker up: Not content with putting on an united front with his new lady, the reality star took to Instagram to reveal their steamy antics from the inside of the club

Cosy: Sharing several videos of the pair enjoying a steamy smooch, he then uploaded a sweet snap of the pair cuddled up together

Flaunting his newfound love all over his social media, the star proved he was firmly back on Instagram, despite facing widespread mockery when it was claimed the millionaire lifestyle depicted on his account was a farce.

Jonny is also said to be maintaining he is a 'cut above' his co-stars, in reports surfacing after he enjoyed a threesome with two mystery reality babes after his split from Chyna - a night he is said to have 'no regrets over'.

Insiders tell The Sun, the business director got hot and heavy with the stunners following the show's final last month, after which he reportedly made claims about the stars of the show promoting 'naff' products.

Newfound freedom: Hours after she was evicted from the Celebrity Big Brother house, Mob Wives star Marissa Jade was also seen heading to DSTRKT with Calum Best on her arm

Suddenly camera shy? After appearing on the famed reality show Marissa suddenly appeared to be feeling bashful as she cuddled up to Calum on the outing

Lady in red: Marissa had dazzled upon her CBB departure - showing off her sensationally svelte figure in a tight-fitting red dress which she kept on for the night out

Racy in red: The slinky number hugged her slender frame from head to toe, and scooped into a low round neckline to tease at her famously ample cleavage

Jonny was a divisive late entrant to the show after he left fan favourite Camilla Thurlow heartbroken when they clashed in regards to views on feminism before unduly ditching her and leaving her in floods of tears.

Following his stint in the house, when her enjoyed a brief romance with Tyla Carr, he soon struck up a whirlwind relationship with fleeting star Chyna Ellis - who he swiftly whisked away on a mini break to Budapest.

However he soon parted ways with the stunner and is said to have enjoyed a night of passion with two mystery reality star beauties - much to Chyna's chagrin.

Insiders said: 'Jonnys night with the girls was sizzling hot. Hed only just come out of the villa on the show and landed back in the UK but was inundated with female attention, so whats a young good-looking guy like him to do?'

A fake? Sources insist Jonny maintains he is a 'cut above' his co-stars, in reports surfacing after he allegedly enjoyed a steamy threesome with two mystery reality babes hot on the heels of his split with Chyna

Lucky guy: Insiders tell The Sun , the 26-year-old business director got hot and heavy with the stunners following the show's final last month, after which he reportedly made claims about the stars of the show promoting 'naff' products

The 'high' life: His social media accounts reveal luxury cars, first class travel and an abundance of cash ready to be flaunted at his every whim - it's been claimed the reality star's lavish lifestyle is nothing but a facade

A spokeswoman for Jonny told MailOnline: 'Jonny had split up with Chyna when this night is said to have occurred as it's been reported. He's got no regrets about either the split with Chyna or anything else that has happened since.'

While his love life certainly spins a convoluted tale, Jonny's financial and business affairs are equally mysterious as it was claimed the lavish lifestyle he depicts on social media, complete with private jets and champagne, is all fake.

His social media accounts reveal luxury cars, first class travel and an abundance of cash ready to be flaunted at his every whim - it's been claimed the reality star's lavish lifestyle is nothing but a facade.

Oops! Despite the alleged reveal of his hoodwinking his 511,000 followers, insiders insist Jonny deems himself a 'cut above' his co-stars - who he knocked for their promotion of an array of products often associated with reality show celebrities

Oh dear... The Mercedes Benz belongs to his father, the Cartier watch is a fake, the exotic holidays are 'throwback' photos and his plush pad he purports to live in is, in fact, rented from Airbnb

The Mercedes Benz belongs to his father, the Cartier watch is a fake, the exotic holidays are 'throwback' photos and his plush pad he purports to live in is, in fact, rented from Airbnb.

Despite the alleged reveal of his hoodwinking his 511,000 followers, insiders insist Jonny deems himself a 'cut above' his co-stars - who he knocked for their promotion of an array of products often associated with reality show celebrities.

Sources told the publication: 'Jonny sees himself as above the other islanders, he wont promote naff products like tea bags and teeth whitening kits.

'Hes posting about private jets and big brand clothing brands and wont settle for anything below him. Hes pretty much the Posh Spice of the group, not cut from the same cloth - but a finer silk, so to speak.'
They've been busy filming the TOWIE Marbella special which will air next month.

And Chloe Sims ensured she looked in top shape as she visited the beauty salon with her co-stars on Thursday.

The 34-year-old reality star put on a sweet display as she posed with a puppy, before coming over maternal as she cooed over a hairdresser employee's baby.

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Sweet: Chloe Sims ensured she looked in top shape as she visited the beauty salon with her co-stars on Thursday

Whipping out her phone to capture the moment she posed alongside Georgia Kousoulou and a sweet puppy, Chloe sported a perfectly made up face and wet hair.

And she soon took a seat in the salon, with a hairdresser putting her hair in rollers as she blow-dried her hair ahead of the reality star's busy filming schedule.

And Chloe, who is mother to 12-year-old Madison, showed off her broody side as she cuddled an employee's young baby delightedly.

Cute! The 34-year-old reality star put on a sweet display as she posed with a puppy, before coming over maternal as she cooed over a hairdresser employee's baby

Dressed in figure-hugging green leggings and a plunging white vest, Chloe cut a glamorous display.

Georgia Kousoulou was sure to turn heads in a bum-skimming pair of cut-off denim shorts and lace bralet, as she joined Chloe.

She later changed into into a beige off-the-shoulder dress and casual slip ons.

Girly time: Whipping out her phone to capture the moment she posed alongside Georgia Kousoulou and a sweet puppy, Chloe sported a perfectly made up face and wet hair

Cheeky! Georgia Kousoulou was sure to turn heads in a bum-skimming pair of cut-off denim shorts and lace bralet, as she joined Chloe

Pampering: She soon took a seat in the salon, with a hairdresser putting her hair in rollers as she blow-dried her hair ahead of the reality star's busy filming schedule

The girls enjoyed a shopping outing, putting on glamorous displays as they swept the town for suitable buys.

Meanwhile Amber Dowding ensured she'd have all eyes on her as she slipped into a tiny bikini top to join Chloe Sims in the Spanish city on Thursday.

Highlighting her ample cleavage, the 24-year-old reality starlet donned the small floral number which struggled to contain her bust.

Driving them green with envy! Dressed in figure-hugging green leggings and a plunging white vest, Chloe cut a glamorous display

Feeling better: Amber Dowding looked in better spirits after reportedly being hospitalised

Enamoured: The pair cooed over a sweet puppy

Broody: They came over all maternal as they admired a cute baby

She teamed the garment with sheer sparkling beach trousers that offered a look at her lean legs, whilst front splits ensured she kept cool in the balmy climes.

Keeping her accessories simple, Amber donned a pair of mirrored aviators and a chunky black watch as she headed to the beach.

Staying true to the TOWIE tradition, she donned a full face of make-up to hit the beach, whilst she wore her glossy golden locks in a centre parting.

Getting ready: Amber sported her hair in rollers

Two piece: Meanwhile Amber Dowding ensured she'd have all eyes on her as she slipped into a tiny bikini top to join Chloe Sims in the Spanish city on Thursday

Leggy: Georgia Kousoulou was sure to turn heads in a bum-skimming pair of cut-off denim shorts and lace bralet, as she joined Chloe

Relaxed: She later changed into into a beige off-the-shoulder dress and casual slip ons

Their appearance came as co-star hit headlines after reportedly falling ill and being rushed to hospital.

The 24-year-old TOWIE star left boyfriend Chris Dowding concerned after she was struck ill in Marbella, as they filmed new scenes for the reality show.

Having recently returned from a sun-soaked holiday in the Caribbean, production staff grew concerned after the blonde bombshell was 'unable to keep any food down'.

Sexy senoritas: Amber Dowding (L) ensured she'd have all eyes on her as she slipped into a tiny bikini top to join Chloe Sims in Marbella on Thursday

Chest a glimpse! Highlighting her ample cleavage, the 24-year-old reality starlet donned the small floral number which struggled to contain her bust

Beach babe: She teamed the garment with sheer sparkling beach trousers that offered a look at her lean legs, whilst front splits ensured she kept cool in the balmy climes

A source told The Sun: 'Amber and Chris recently came back from Antigua but Amber had been really suffering and struggling to keep anything down.

'Production rushed her to hospital after seeing the state she was in during filming in Marbella and she was hospitalised for a few days, which was really worrying for Chris.'

'Thankfully she's on the mend now but is having to take tablets everyday to keep the sickness at bay.'

And she appeared to have recovered by Thursday, as she was spotted partying in Marbella with her beau (below).

All about the accessories: Keeping her accessories simple, Amber donned a pair of mirrored aviators and a chunky black watch as she headed to the beach

Chloe recently hit headlines when it emerged she had been faking a relationship with Five's Abz Love.

According to The Sun, the pair are among a number of celebrity couples aiming to fool the public into thinking they are in a relationship with PDA's and social media posts.

The show is due to air next month and others stars reported to be taking part in the show are Jamie OHara and socialite Lady Victoria Hervey and Geordie Shores Kyle Christie and Hayley Hasselhoff.

All eyes on her: Highlighting her surgically-enhanced assets, Chloe donned a scoop back white vest that offered a look at her ample cleavage

Meanwhile, Amber's romance with TOWIE co-star Chris Clark is the real deal.

The long-term couple are back together after they took a break for six months, during which time he hooked up briefly with Little Mix star Jesy Nelson, before they suffered an acrimonious break-up - leading to Chris and Amber's reunion.

As the last season of TOWIE came to a close, the couple were seen to start flirting again but they are now ready to return as a fully fledged couple.
He has embraced a healthier lifestyle following his retreat for 10 weeks in a Thai rehab centre.

And James 'Arg' Argent looked happier than ever when he visited his former TOWIE pal Elliott Wright's restaurant Olivia's in La Cala, Costa del Sol, on Thursday.

Living it up with The Only Way Is Essex cast in Marbella, the reality star, 29, flaunted the rewards of his grueling fitness regime in a slim-fit shirt.

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Look good, feeling fabulous: James 'Arg' Argent looked happier than ever before when he visited his ex TOWIE pal Elliott Wright's restaurant Olivia's in La Cala, Costa del Sol on Thursday

The TOWIE heartthrob showcased his slimmer physique as he slipped into fitted trousers for his night on the Spanish tiles with his pal, who now lives in Marbella with his fiancee Sadie Stuart.

Ahead of the evening, Arg arrived at the glamorous venue with restaurateur Elliott in a horse and cart.

In good company, the pair couldn't stop smiling as they enjoyed catching up with each other.

Living it up with The Only Way Is Essex cast in Marbella! The reality star, 29, flaunted the rewards of his grueling fitness regime in a slim-fit misty shirt

Demonstrating his new-found confidence, Arg put on an energetic performance with X Factor finalist Che Chesterman at the packed restaurant owned by his best friend.

The ITVBe personality was the first of the TOWIE group to arrive in Spain earlier this month.

Now the whole cast have arrived in Marbella, they are already getting stuck into filming the latest series of the explosive reality series.

Dance the night away! The TOWIE heartthrob showcased his slimmer physique as he slipped into fitted trousers for his night on the Spanish tiles

The new string of episodes are set to air on the small screen in September.

Arg is set to make a comeback, healthier and happier than ever before.

He has had a turbulent relationship with the show following his apparent drugs scandal back in 2014.

Centre stage! Arg later showed off his confidence when he put on an energetic performance

Good fun! He was joined in the spotlight by X Factor finalist Che Chesterman at the packed restaurant owned by his best friend

The hunk was suspended from the show after testing positive for cocaine.

Arg has since appeared on TOWIE but he had been taking an extended break of late in a bid to tame his old partying lifestyle.

But the star has turned his life around after spending three months in a Thai rehab.

Great time! Arg couldn't stop smiling as he twirled on the dance floor with a friend

Made In Marbella: Arg's new exercise regime has left him the picture of happiness

Back on home turf, Arg has appeared to have upheld his new attitude towards his body and health.

Elliott shed light on Arg's new regime and insisted he was 'very proud' in an exclusive interview with MailOnline.

He said: 'Before, hed come out and hed eat me out of house, home and restaurant. Now he comes out and he eats clean, no carbs and hes running every day.'

Im proud of him and its a pleasure to be around him.

'If anything hes a pain in the a**e because hes up at the crack of dawn every day. I know his mum and dad and from their point of view, they must be so proud of him.'

Stylish arrival: Arg arrived at the glamorous venue with the ex TOWIE star and restaurateur Elliott in a horse and cart

In good company: The pair couldn't stop smiling as they enjoyed catching up with each other

Good contact: Arg keeps in touch with his pal who since leaving TOWIE has made a venture for himself in Marbella

Filming: James was the first of the TOWIE group to arrive in Spain earlier this month

Revealed: The Only Way Is Essex latest series will now air on TV in September

Latest: The TOWIE crowd are in Marbella filming the latest series of TOWIE

Healthy! Arg is returning to TOWIE healthier and happier than ever before
Last year, live on Television, the woman Matty J confessed to being in love with broke his heart.

But after rejecting 21-women during The Bachelor filming this year, the 30-year-old has revealed he now understands why stars like Georgia Love were 'selfish.'

'You have to be,' he told The Living Room on Friday, 'knowing that the end goal, for me, was to find love was the light at the end of the tunnel.'

'You have to be': The Bachelor Matty J has confessed her now understands why Georgia Love had to be 'selfish' by rejecting him

His confession came after show host Amanda Keller asked him if experiencing rejection from Georgia has made it harder to do the same to contestants this year.

'It's a pretty heavy weight on your shoulders,' he replied, 'that being in the limousine by yourself, going home alone - it's a horrible feeling.'

'And then knowing you're going to put somebody else through that - it's tough, but you have to be selfish.'

Rejection: His confession came after show host Amanda Keller asked him if experiencing rejection from Georgia has made it harder to do the same to contestants this year

'Horrible feeling': 'It's a pretty heavy weight on your shoulders,' he replied, 'that being in the limousine by yourself, going home alone - it's a horrible feeling,' he said

It's worth it! The 30-year-old added 'And then knowing you're going to put somebody else through that - it's tough, but you have to be selfish'

With the shoe on the other foot this year, the hunky Marketing Manager said he understood being selfish in order to find Love.

The topic came up after Amanda asked him what it felt like to go down on 'bended knee and to have national rejection,' on The Bachelorette last year.

'I guess, for me, one of the biggest fears was I didn't know how people were going to react when they saw that moment,' he said.

Shoe on the other foot! With the shoe on the other foot this year, the hunky Marketing Manager said he understood being selfish in order to find love

'And then to have all the support afterwards, I think, was the biggest surprise.'

Georgia shocked the nation last year on The Bachelorette, appearing to clearly have a close bond with Matty on the show.

In the finale, she went with pun-loving plumber Lee Elliott, who she is still currently dating.
He's dad to two-year-old son McCoy Lee Porter with wife Kelsey.

And on Friday, Scott Porter and Kelsey welcomed their second child together - a daughter.

The former Friday Night Lights actor, 38, shared a picture of their newborn to Instagram, captioning it 'Sweet Dreams, world.'

'Sweet Dreams, world': Scott Porter and wife Kelsey welcomed a daughter on Friday

The TV star was snapped as he dozed off with his baby girl sleeping on his chest.

Hours before her arrival, the Hart Of Dixie star shared a sweet family photo on the social media app.

He told his 180,000 Instagram followers that before the arrival of their daughter, they spent time 'as a family of three at an amazing park.'

Scott added that they had 'a picnic and a waterfall and with a love that will never change for our little boy.'

Adorable: He's dad to two-year-old son McCoy Lee Porter with Kelsey; pictured together on Thursday during a picnic

Soon after, the actor revealed to his followers that his wife was in labor.

Scott shared a snap of himself dressed in hospital clothes - including a hair cover - with the caption: 'Go time...'

The star and his casting director wife married in April 2013 after meeting on the set of his show Friday Night Lights.

'Go time...': Soon after, the actor revealed to his followers that his wife was in labor

New addition: The Nebraska-born actor and his wife announced they were expecting their second child - a daughter - April; picture with their son McCoy

At the time, Kelsey was a cheerleader at the University Of Texas at Austin.

The lovebirds dated for four years before they tied the knot.

The Nebraska-born actor and his wife announced they were expecting their second child - a daughter - April.

Scott shared a picture of two baby cheerleader dresses - one for his home town school - the University Of Nebraska - and one for hers - the University of Texas.

He played the character Jason Street on Friday Night Lights for 42 episodes, from 2006 until 2008 and also in 2010.

Doting father: Scott and McCoy enjoyed a father-son bonding session last month

Baby on the way! Scott shared a picture of two baby cheerleader dresses - one for his home town school - the University Of Nebraska - and one for hers - the University of Texas
Amber Heard and Elon Musk have released an impassioned joint statement in the wake of their split after a year together.

The actress, 31, and the billionaire businessman, 46, blamed 'distance' on the demise of their long-term relationship, but insisted they have the 'utmost respect for one another' as they attempt to navigate their feelings.

In a joint statement, released to People, the former couple said: 'The distance has been really tough on our relationship, because we havent been able to see each other much. All relationships have their ups and downs, of course.

It's over: Amber Heard and Elon Musk have released an impassioned joint statement in the wake of their split after a year together (pictured in Sydney, Australia, in May)

'People occasionally send out speculation, which has no basis in fact, without our knowledge, believing that that they have our best interests in mind. Sometimes, other agendas are at work. It can get a little weird

'However, we would like to state directly that we have the utmost respect for one another, and it would be troubling if anyone had the impression that we thought otherwise.'

The tech entrepreneur is based in Los Angeles, California, while Amber is based in Sydney, Australia, meaning the former couple have been forced to endure a long-distance relationship for the duration of their romance.

The joint statement concluded: 'As a closing note, it is worth bearing in mind that events are always amplified and dramatized in a high profile relationship, whether the people involved like it or not (and we definitely dont).

Amber and Elon's joint statement in full 'The distance has been really tough on our relationship, because we havent been able to see each other much. All relationships have their ups and downs, of course. 'People occasionally send out speculation, which has no basis in fact, without our knowledge, believing that that they have our best interests in mind. Sometimes, other agendas are at work. It can get a little weird 'However, we would like to state directly that we have the utmost respect for one another, and it would be troubling if anyone had the impression that we thought otherwise. 'As a closing note, it is worth bearing in mind that events are always amplified and dramatized in a high profile relationship, whether the people involved like it or not (and we definitely dont). 'The reality is that this is just a normal relationship with a giant magnifying glass applied.' Advertisement

Opening up: The actress, 31, broke her silence on her split from billionaire businessman boyfriend, 46, this week, confirming the former couple 'care deeply for one another'

'The reality is that this is just a normal relationship with a giant magnifying glass applied.'

Amber broke her silence on her split from the businessman earlier this week, confirming the couple 'remain close' and 'care deeply for one another' after parting ways.

The actress - formerly married to actor Johnny Depp, 54 - thanked fans via her Instagram page for their 'support, respect and privacy during a difficult time'.

Amber's words come just hours after the Telsa CEO, 46, confirmed the couple's split, but hinted a reconciliation could be on the cards in the future.

Speaking out: Amber thanked fans via her Instagram page for their 'support, respect and privacy during a difficult time'

Writing on her Instagram page, Amber said: 'Being in the public eye means having to explain yourself to so many people, so much of the time. In this case, I'd like to remain more quiet.

'Although we have broken up, Elon and I care deeply for one another and remain close.

'Thank you for the continued support, respect, and privacy during these difficult, very human times.'

Musk confirmed the couple's split via an announcement on his ex-girlfriend's Instagram page on Monday, but hinted a future romance could be on the cards.

Reconciling? Amber's words come just hours after the Telsa CEO, 46, confirmed the couple's split, but hinted a reconciliation could be on the cards in the future

Writing under a picture Amber posted, he shared: 'Btw, just to clear up some of the press storm this weekend, although Amber and I did break up, we are still friends, remain close and love one another.'

He continued: 'Long distance relationship when both partners have intense work obligations are always difficult, but who knows what the future holds.'

The snap, which saw Amber emulate The Little Mermaid by running a fork through her hair in place of a comb, also warranted a 'V cute' comment from the billionaire.

Amber was said to be is devastated after the tech tycoon Elon Musk ended their year-long romance.

Cute: Elon commented on Amber's snap emulating The Little Mermaid by running a fork through her hair in place of a comb

A source told The Mail on Sunday: Its all over between Amber and Elon and shes devastated. It was his decision.

He ended it a week ago. Hed heard certain things about her behaviour that didnt sit well with him.

'Amber can be very manipulative and selfish. Elons back in LA while shes licking her wounds in Australia.'

Speaking out: Writing under a picture Amber posted on her Instagram page, Elon explained there were no hard feelings between the pair

Musk, worth a reported $15 billion, made his first fortune as co-founder of online service PayPal.

The creator of electric car giant Tesla and private space company SpaceX, he was spotted with Heard in Australia in April where she is filming the $129 million superhero movie Aquaman and was said to have put his private jet at her disposal.

Their romance began shortly after South African-born Elon divorced British actress Talulah Riley, 31, for a second time last year.

As their relationship struck up, Amber was still recovering from what she called a toxic split with Johnny Depp.

Cute couple: Amber and Elon dated for a year; heir romance began shortly after South African-born Musk divorced British actress Talulah Riley for a second time last year

Her lawyers accused the actor of hitting her and subjecting her to repeated abuse throughout their 15-month marriage, claims he denied.

Amber received $6.8 million from the divorce which she vowed to give to charity.

A spokesman for Elon, who has five sons from his first marriage to Canadian writer Justine Musk, declined to comment.

Amber met actor Depp while filming The Rum Diaries back in 2011, before tying the knot in a private civil ceremony at their home in Los Angeles in February 2015.

The actress filed for divorce in May 2016 and after a lengthy legal battle, a settlement was reached in August 2016.
She has been busy filming for the 21st series of The Only Way Is Essex out in Marbella.

But it seems Yazmin Oukhellou was keen to take a break from her hectic schedule overseas and indulged in being pampered poolside as she reclined in the Spanish heat on Friday.

The reality star, 23, was seen cooling off with the help of a hunky aide as he showered her feet with a chilled bucket off water, before she reclined back in her beach cabana.

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Need a hand? Yazmin Oukhellou, 23, appeared to cool off with the help of a hunky aide as he BATHED her feet while she reclined in the shade in Marbella on Friday

Taking a break from the sunshine, Yazmin - who has been flaunting the results of her recent nose job while away - opted for a moment in the shade and forwent bronzing her svelte frame, no doubt enlisting help to rid her feet of any sand.

Moments earlier, the brunette beauty had been keen to parade her sensational figure along the shore, as she took a stroll along the beach in a dazzling white crochet bikini.

Looking without a care in the world, Yazmin was a vision of beauty in her chic two-piece that paired together a lace-up crop top and high-waisted bikini briefs.

Taking a break: He had no doubt rid the beauty of any sand on her feet, before she kicked back out of the beaming sun in her plush beach cabana

Head-turner: Yazmin has been keen to flaunt the results of her new nose job. Yet it was Yazmin Oukhellou's sensational figure that stole the show as she donned a tiny bikini to frolick on the beach in Marbella on Friday

Yazmin's scanty bikini top flashed a hint of cleavage, thanks to its revealing lattice design across the bust, while its matching bottoms offered a look at her incredible physique.

With her abs on display, the star also showed off her tanned and toned pins.

Running her hands through her glossy chestnut locks, Yazmin looked sensational as she walked across the shore line.

Her outing came after she revealed the results of her nose job.

Glam: Looking without a care in the world, the 23-year-old TOWIE starlet was a vision of beauty as she prepared to film scenes for the upcoming ITVBe series

All eyes on her: Showing off her cleavage, the brunette bombshell donned a crop top style bikini, with the crochet detailing offering a look at her incredible physique

Tanned and toned: Yazmin looked incredible as she frolicked in the sea

'So the cat is finally out of the bag,' Yazmin posted on social media last week. 'I can confirm that I had a rhinoplasty... It has only been 2 weeks and I can already see the results are going to be amazing.'

The Essex native enthused about how 'amazing' the results of her rhinoplasty were going to be after decided to get the plastic surgery following an accident which left her with a broken nose.

She added: 'I had a previous broken nose and deviated septum so surgery was the only option for me. I am so glad I did it as I was nervous at first but so happy that I can now breathe properly and that the small bump has gone.'

Yazmin - who is dating James Lock - wasn't alone on the outing as she was joined by TOWIE stalwart Gemma Collins.

Don't mind me: But Yazmin was hard to miss as she offered the camera a coquettish glance

Leggy lady! With her abs on display, the star also donned a pair of high-waisted matching briefs with tie-side detailing that showed of her tanned and toned pins

Brunette bombshell! Running her hands through her glossy chestnut locks, Yazmin looked sensational as she walked across the shore line

Gorgeous: She was a vision of beauty as she strolled along the surf

Glamorous gal: Yazmin looked absolutely sensational as she hit the sandy beach

Brunette bombshell: Yazmin was a vision of beauty as she strolled across the beach

Striking: The TV personality commanded attention as she posed for photos on Friday

Enviable: Yazim's toned physique was on display during her latest photo opportunity

Gemma looked in great spirits on the holiday, despite her recent revelation that her size 20 physique causes her anxiety and that she hates the pressure of filming The Only Way Is Essex scenes abroad while clad in a swimsuit.

In a candid interview with Closer Magazine, the 36-year-old television personality said she feels 'trapped' when the cast frolic in exotic locations and sunbathes in private for fear of being stared at.

She said: 'I do get anxiety over my weight.When we film abroad it's a nightmare for me. You never see me sitting around the pool and I do miss out on a lot of fun.

'I feel like a trapped prisoner and I don't feel free to enjoy myself.'

Taking it easy: Yazmin reclined on a sun lounger as she sheltered on the sun beds

Loving life: The star lay back and relaxed in the shade under a canopy

Bum's the word: Yazmin showed off her peachy posterior as she lay on the sun bed

This is the life: Yazmin relaxed as a masseuse tended to her feet

That's it: The TV personality looked the picture of relaxation during her latest appearance in Marbella

Healing hands: The masseuse worked her magic as Yazmin relaxed

The single star said she is desperate to settle down and have children, but thinks her weight is affecting her dating life.

'If I lost weight, I'd be more at ease with myself. I do think, 'Have I not got a boyfriend because I'm overweight? I think if I was slimmer, I'd go on more dates and be more secure in myself.'

The star who said she feels like a 'huge part' of her life is missing, voiced her hopes for the future, saying in the next five years she wants to be in Barbados, a size 14, with a handsome husband and three children.'

Peachy: The brunette's pert posterier was on display in a lacy white bikini

Starting from the bottom: The local masseuse worked her fingers across the soles of Yazmin's feet

Deep tissue rub: The brunette's lower legs were treated to a welcome massage

Getting to the rub of it: The masseuse soon worked her way up Yazmin's thighs

Meanwhile, Yazmin had been joined on the beach by her co-star Gemma Collins.

She too appeared to shun the sunshine and was seen taking a moment underneath a curtained cabana.

The 36-year-old was clad in a floral maxi dress that she teame with a white vest top underneath.

Scraping her blonde locks back from her face with her stylish shades, Gemma looked animatedly in conversation with a female companion, before checking her war paint was still firmly intact with a handheld mirror.

Viewers can expect to see the cast's trip to Marbella on the new series of TOWIE which is set to air next month in September.

Taking it easy: Yazmin - who is dating James Lock - wasn't alone on the outing as she was joined by TOWIE stalwart Gemma Collins

Still got it? The 36-year-old was seen checking out her reflection with a handheld mirror as she reclined in the shade
She announced her split from Love Island beau Alex Beattie last week, and is focusing on her rising career.

And Montana Brown looked in good spirits as she arrived at Piccadilly Train Station in Manchester on Friday.

The reality star, 21, showed off her enviable abs in a figure-flaunting ensemble.

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Focused: Montana Brown looked in good spirits as she arrived at Piccadilly Train Station in Manchester on Friday

Wearing a nude sweater cropped at the ribs, she made the most of her minuscule midriff.

And teaming it with a pair of low slung leggings, she put on a casual display, teaming the ensemble with a pair of chunky trainers.

Showing off her natural beauty she opted for minimal make-up, injecting a splash of designer with a Hermes bag as she headed to an office to discuss the launch of her new line.

Turning heads: The reality star, 21, showed off her enviable abs in a figure-flaunting ensemble

This comes after Montana took to Twitter last week, announcing that she and her onscreen beau had broken-up, writing: 'Alex and I have decided to split.

'Making our relationship work on the outside has been hard. He hasn't been the same since coming out of the villa.

Adding: 'Despite this we are still close and I will always support him.'

Alex, meanwhile, had revealed that the pair had met in person to discuss their future as a couple, deciding that it would be best for them to instead part ways.

Abs-tastic: Wearing a nude sweater cropped at the ribs, she made the most of her minuscule midriff

Casual chic: Teaming it with a pair of low slung leggings, she put on a casual display, teaming the ensemble with a pair of chunky trainers

He shared on his Instagram story: 'Me and Montana met yesterday and have decided that it's best to call it a day with relationship with each other.

'It's been very hard on the outside to make us work how we desired. I still have strong feelings towards her and will be remaining close friends and supporting her throughout everything.'

It was previously claimed have now emerged that Montana faked her feelings in the villa as part of a game plan to scoop the 50,000 prize fund.

The couple were said to be at odds when the brunette beauty refused to post a picture of them together on social media, according to The Sun.

En natural: Showing off her natural beauty she opted for minimal make-up, injecting a splash of designer with a Hermes bag as she headed to an office to discuss the launch of her new line

A source told the publication: 'Montana had everyone fooled. She played a game in the villa and Alex is only beginning to realise that now.

'He watched all the other couples happily post on Instagram and begged Montana to do the same so he knew her heart was in the right place but she refused.'

Love Island, meanwhile, has kick started lucrative modelling careers for the duo. Montana is preparing to fly out to America as part of her new role as a brand ambassador for online retailer PrettyLittleThing.

Montana Brown's earnings are estimated to rise to 1.8million through a similar range of endorsements and a potential book deal.
It's not long before she welcomes a second child to her growing brood.

And pregnant Katie Piper, 33, looked every inch the glowing mummy-to-be as she was spotted out-and-about in London on Friday.

The philanthropist, currently filming a programme for Channel 4, stepped out in an olive green midi dress that showed off her growing baby bump, which she was seen to cradle adoringly.

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Happy days: Pregnant Katie Piper, 33, looked every inch the glowing mummy-to-be as she was spotted out-and-about in London on Friday

Gently holding her belly as she walked, the pretty blonde wore the flowing green dress with a delicately plunging neckline with a pair of nude suede boots.

Throwing a black leather handbag over her shoulder, the star was beaming as she made her way along the pavement.

Letting her flowing blonde tresses fall down to her shoulders, Katie wore a touch of smokey eye shadow and a slick of red lipstick.

Katie debuted her growing baby bump in Hello! magazine earlier in the year and penned alongside the sweet snap: 'I'm so excited to tell you all next Father's Day my husband will be celebrating with two children!!'

Chic: Letting her flowing blonde tresses fall down to her shoulders, Katie wore a touch of smokey eye shadow and a slick of red lipstick

The beloved star was inundated with congratulations from fans following her announcement.

It came after she posted a treasured photo of Richard and their daughter Belle moments after she was born in March 2014.

She wrote alongside it: 'Happy Father's Day to the man who is an incredible father to my daughter- a true role model of how wonderful a man can be #fatherdays.'

She and Richard had married a year after becoming parents for the first time.

Happy and relaxed: Throwing a black leather handbag over her shoulder, the star was all smiles as she made her way along the pavement

News that Katie is expecting again comes after she teased that her little girl Belle was keen to have a sibling.

Suggesting she too had been open to the idea, Katie told MailOnline at the beginning of May: 'Im totally open to it more children, if were lucky enough for it to happen. I think its a bit of a stop gap at the moment to give her a companion.

'We know what its like to grow up with siblings, we would like that as well for her eventually. I know one was a blessing though, if I only ever had one I would still be happy.'

All smiles: The starlet was inundated with congratulations from fans following her announcement earlier in the year

Katie previously told The Mirror that she feared she may not be able to conceive her second child naturally. Speaking to the paper in 2015, she revealed: 'I got pregnant with Belle really easily, but now I've got a problem with my oesophagus.

'There aren't enough vitamins to help me make a baby. That is why I have become so skinny. I think adopting is the best option.

'There are a lot of kids with burns and parents who have neglected them, and I would like to adopt, to give back a little.'

The media personality credits her fighting spirit for helping her overcome the adversity the 2008 acid attack brought upon her.

Traumatic: The media personality credits her fighting spirit for helping her overcome the adversity the 2008 acid attack brought upon her

Brave Katie has undergone more than 300 surgical procedures since a terrible acid attack at the hands of her ex-boyfriend back in 2008.

The mother-of-one suffered horrific and life-changing burns after convicted ex-boyfriend Daniel Lynch and his assailant - Stefan Sylvestre - threw acid in her face in March 2008. The incident was caught on CCTV and both Lynch and Sylvestre were handed life sentences.

A year after the attack she recalled the horrific incident in a bravely honest interview with the Mailonline.

Already proving steely determination and bravery so soon after the incident, she added at the time: 'I'm not going to be a victim. I'm the woman who got through this. I'm full of life and looking forward to the future.'

Katie stuck to her word- emerging as an advocate for body confidence, and setting up The Katie Piper Foundation in order to help burns victims and people suffering from disfiguring injuries.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP)'s president Tendai Biti will next week deliver the second edition of the State of the Economy Address (SEA) in Harare at a venue to be announced in due course.The PDP said in a statement, Biti - a former Finance minister - is expected to proffer a raft of solutions to the economic quagmire on varying issues including land invasions, illicit financial flows, dwindling revenues, poverty and unemployment.While the fiscal impulse and a recovery in agriculture following favourable rainfall after last year's drought will support moderate growth in 2017, the IMF has warned that financing constraints and declining confidence are likely to result in stagnant economic activity in the medium term.Political polarisation is also undermining the prospects for fiscal consolidation and reform, imperilling financial sector and external stability."The president will also deal with the political crisis including the contradicting messages from the State which is at war with itself owing to the State-party conflation," PDP said.
His stint in Geordie Shore has seen him became notorious for his playboy ways.

But Scotty T looked besotted as he enjoyed a romantic stroll with a mystery blonde in London on Thursday evening, with the pair enjoying a romantic dinner at the city's upscale restaurant, Hakkasan.

The 29-year-old reality star clasped the beauty's hand as they sauntered around the British capital, before seeing the sights on a rickshaw.

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Love is in the air! Scotty T looked besotted as he enjoyed a romantic stroll with a mystery blonde in London on Thursday evening, with the pair enjoying a romantic dinner at the city's upscale restaurant, Hakkasan

The Celebrity Big Brother star - real name Scott Timlin - seemed to have no trouble keeping his lady entertained as she was seen frequently laughing at his hilarious anecdotes.

Despite being known as somewhat of a womanizer, Scotty looked smitten as he wrapped his arm around the stunner while looking at his phone.

Reciprocating his affection, the unknown woman lovingly clasped her arms around the Newcastle native.

Besotted: Despite being known as somewhat of a womanizer, Scotty looked smitten as he wrapped his arm around the stunner while looking at his phone

MailOnline has contacted Scotty's representative for comment.

Sporting his typically laid-back sense of style, Scotty opted for a casual date night look in a fitted black T-shirt and ripped skinny jeans.

He broke up the look with a red, checked shirt and white trainers, maintaining his celebrity edge with mirrored sunglasses.

Charmer: The Celebrity Big Brother star - real name Scott Timlin - seemed to have no trouble keeping his lady entertained as she was seen frequently laughing at his hilarious anecdotes

His mystery girl's style was also a good mix of informal, yet stylish, as she donned a white shirt with heavily-fringed, statement pockets.

She highlighted her lean legs with form-fitting jeans and elongated her petite frame with black, heeled boots.

While Scotty has made no mention of his romance on social media, the TV personality did share a sneak peek of their night out on his Instagram story, posting a short clip of the pair on a rickshaw.
'Teflon' John Ibrahim has reportedly resorted to extraordinary measures to prove his loyalty to best mate Kyle Sandilands.

On Saturday, The Sydney Morning Herald claimed the Kings Cross nightclub identity told them to stop posting articles about his girlfriend, Imogen Anthony.

After the publication said her Australian Fashion Week outfits made her look like a 'stripper,' John, 46, allegedly 'requested a moratorium of coverage' on the beauty.

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'Requested a moratorium': On Saturday, Private Sydney claimed Kings Cross figure John Ibrahim (R) told them to stop posting articles about Kyle Sandilands' (L) girlfriend, Imogen Anthony (middle)

It appears the publication's gossip column, Private Sydney, opted not to honour the recently raided Sydney Businessman's requests.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to John Ibrahim for comment.

On Saturday, they continued their analysis of Imogen's Fashion Week display.

'(She) featured prominently in this year's coverage... thanks to her expletive and phallus-riddled front-row wardrobe and diva antics,' they wrote.

'Stripper': After the publication said her Australian Fashion Week outfits made her look like a 'stripper,' John, 46, allegedly 'requested a moratorium on coverage' of the beauty

After her appearance in March, they were even more damning of her bizarre outfits at the event, which included a silver-studded 'gimp' mask.

'Is she a stripper?... wearing thigh-high boots, pimp hat and a mangy-looking acrylic fur,' the publication wrote.

'Anthony sashayed past, leaving a plume of cigarette smoke and what smelled like freshly sprayed Impulse in her wake.'

Not honoured: It appears the publication's gossip column, Private Sydney, opted not to honour the recently raided Sydney Businessman's requests

'Phallus-riddled': '(She) featured prominently in this year's coverage... thanks to her expletive and phallus-riddled front-row wardrobe and diva antics,' they wrote Saturday

Kyle and John (both 46), have been good mates for years, often pictured partying together and enjoying luxury holidays.

On Wednesday's Kyle and Jackie O Show, the shock-jock confessed he feared his social life may now be over in the wake of multiple Sydney drug arrests.

His best mate 'Teflon' John wasn't arrested himself, but after the Kings Cross identity went MIA, Kyle claimed: 'it feels like: 'all [my] friends have died.'

Mates for years! Kyle, 46 (far left) and John (2-R), have been good mates for years, often pictured partying together and enjoying luxury holidays

'I'm gonna sit [in the cafe] today like a 90-year-old man whose friends have all died.'

Over 570 specialist police officers carried out raids on 32 homes scattered across Sydney on Tuesday to disrupt two long-running syndicates allegedly transporting drugs between Australia, Dubai and the Netherlands.

Police seized 1.8 tonnes of ecstasy, 136kg of cocaine, 15kg of methamphetamines and $5.45m in cash - with an estimated street value of close to one billion dollars.

All over? On Wednesday's Kyle and Jackie O Show, Kyle confessed he feared his social life may now be over in the wake of multiple Sydney drug arrests
She had a 'very awkward' run-in with her ex James 'Arg' Argent after a year of not talking to each other following their secret romp, sources told The Sun.

But Gemma Collins seemed keen to cast any romance woes aside on Friday, as she soaked up the sun during TOWIE filming in Marbella, Spain.

The 36-year-old reality star looked chic in a flirty floral maxidress as she reclined on a sunlounger in between takes.

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Relaxed: Gemma Collins looked chic as she soaked up the sun on Friday during TOWIE filming in Marbella, Spain

Seeming keen to go incognito, the clothes designer hid her eyes behind oversized square-frame shades.

Boasting her trademark glowing tan, Gemma accentuated her features with a slick of fuchsia lipstick and some mascara.

Her relaxed outing comes amid claims that she and ex James - who she split from in 2012 - had an 'uncomfortable' meet-up in Spain.

While Gemma is filming for TOWIE's 21st season, James is in the Spanish city after performing at Elliott Wright's restaurant.

Oh dear: She had a 'very awkward' run-in with her ex James 'Arg' Argent after a year of not talking to each other following their secret romp, sources claimed. Pictured together in 2012

Soaking up the sun: The 36-year-old reality star looked chic in a flirty floral maxidress as she reclined on a sunlounger in between takes

Pretty in pink: She accessorised with a pair of fuchsia studded flats on the day

Their encounter reportedly comes after a year of not talking because Gemma revealed she secretly slept with James in Marbella - just hours after he rekindled a romance with childhood sweetheart Lydia Bright.

Sources claimed Gemma 'apologised' for confessing to their romp on TV, while James said it was all 'water under the bridge'.

'They havent spoken in so long, it was uncomfortable,' an insider told The Sun.

'Gemma apologised for what happened. Arg is in a very positive mindset right now and just wants to focus on the future.

Rumour has it: Her relaxed outing comes amid claims that she and ex James - who she split from in 2012 - had an uncomfortable meet-up in Spain

Awkward: Their encounter reportedly comes after a year of not talking - because Gemma revealed she secretly slept with James in Marbella, just hours after he rekindled a romance with childhood sweetheart Lydia Bright

'He wasnt keen to discuss what happened  as far as hes concerned its all water under the bridge.'

Their conversation wasn't caught on camera and won't be aired on TOWIE's upcoming season in September as James won't return to the show until much later in the year.

The former couple's silence of a year came after Gemma told Lydia, 27, in February that they both slept with James on the same day.

Although Gemma was panicking about breaking the news, Lydia gave her a hug and reassured: 'I could never be angry with you. I wasn't with the boy - and really, you were before me.

All is forgiven? Sources claimed Gemma 'apologised' for confessing their romp on TV, while James said it was all 'water under the bridge'

Right then: The former couple's silence of a year came after Gemma told Lydia, 27, in February that they both slept with James on the same day

Unruffled: Despite Gemma panicking about Lydia's reaction, she gave her a hug and said: 'I could never be angry with you. I wasn't with the boy - and really, you were before me'

She added: 'It's humiliating for us both - it's not our fault. Let's just brush it under the carpet and forget about it.'

The pair then joked about heading to London to find some 'fresh blood' and Lydia quipped: 'Let's not choose the same man again!'

Meanwhile, Gemma recently revealed her size 20 physique causes her anxiety and that she hates the pressure of filming The Only Way Is Essex scenes abroad while clad in a swimsuit.

In a candid interview with Closer Magazine, the television personality said she feels 'trapped' when the cast frolic in exotic locations and sunbathes in private for fear of being stared at.

Candid: Gemma recently revealed her size 20 physique causes her anxiety and that she hates the pressure of filming The Only Way Is Essex scenes abroad while clad in a swimsuit

Struggling: She said she feels 'trapped' when the cast frolic in exotic locations and sunbathes in private for fear of being stared at

She said: 'I do get anxiety over my weight. When we film abroad it's a nightmare for me. You never see me sitting around the pool and I do miss out on a lot of fun.

'I feel like a trapped prisoner and I don't feel free to enjoy myself.'

The single star said she is desperate to settle down and have children, but thinks her weight is affecting her dating life.

'If I lost weight, I'd be more at ease with myself. I do think, 'Have I not got a boyfriend because I'm overweight? I think if I was slimmer, I'd go on more dates and be more secure in myself.'

Speaking honestly: She added: 'If I lost weight, I'd be more at ease with myself. I do think, 'Have I not got a boyfriend because I'm overweight? I think if I was slimmer, I'd go on more dates and be more secure in myself'

The star who said she feels like a 'huge part' of her life is missing, voiced her hopes for the future, saying in the next five years she wants to be in Barbados, a size 14, with a handsome husband and three children.'

Back in April Gemma, who has battled fluctuating weight for years, revealed her weight loss after a fertility expert warned her that her high BMI levels would hamper her chances of conceiving

Speaking on Loose Women, the reality star vowed 'nothing will stop me' in her quest to become a mother, admitting that her best friend has now offered to be an egg donor after discovering her plight.
After months of promoting the newly-released thriller Kidnap, she's finally ready to well and truly let her hair down.

And Halle Berry let her beautiful natural curls run free as she left an evening of comedy at the Coronet Club in West Hollywood with a female friend on Thursday night.

Going make-up free to display her striking features, the Oscar-winning actress, 50, looked to be in good spirits as she enjoyed a well-earned night off.

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Natural beauty: Halle Berry let her beautiful natural curls run free as she left an evening of comedy at the Coronet Club in West Hollywood with a female friend on Thursday night

The screen star showed off her toned legs in a black floral patterned dress from Tolani while enjoying a night of comedy at Largo at the Coronet.

Halle's outfit was tight around her trim waist and featured large white and grey floral designs.

The X-Men star's arms popped through the cold-shoulder dress as billowy fabric covered the rest of her arms.

A small silver pendant necklace rested above the star's modest neckline, and she added height to her frame with nude strappy sandals.

Legs for days: Going make-up free to display her striking features, the Oscar-winning actress, 50, looked to be in good spirits as she hit the town in a grey and black floral dress by Tolani

The Flintstones actress carried a large beige leather satchel on her wrist as she carried an iPhone in her hand.

Earlier this week, Halle revealed she lived in a homeless shelter during her early days in New York City when she was trying to carve out a career.

Speaking in an interview with PEOPLE magazine, Halle said: 'That was rough. I called my mother and asked her to send me some money, and she said no, and that led to a year of not speaking, but that's probably one of the best things she did for me.'

She continued: 'She said, "If you want to be there, then you work it out". Giving up was never an option.

Rise to the top: Earlier this week, Halle revealed she lived in a homeless shelter during her early days in New York City when she was trying to carve out a career

'Shelter life was part of figuring it out for a minute until I could get a waitressing job. Then I got a bartending job, and until I could figure that out, thats what I did.'

Directed by Luis Prieto, her new film Kidnap was released on August 4 to mixed reviews, earning a 58 percent audience score out of more than 10,000 user ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.

Halle portrays Karla Dyson in the thriller, a mother who stops at nothing to retrieve her kidnapped son.

Audiences waited nearly two years for the film to debut in theaters after the film's distribution company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in mid-2015 due to lawsuits and missing loan payments.

Berry's upcoming films include Kingsman: The Golden Circle, sequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service and Kings, a drama set around the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
He's one of the biggest stars on the planet - after transitioning his career from a professional wrestler to actor.

And on Friday, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson debuted his new bull tattoo - a replacement covering a smaller version of the animal.

The actor, 45, posted a side by side of his arm with the former ink as well as the newer version, calling it the 'evolution of the bull.'

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Impressive: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson debuted his new bull tattoo - a replacement over a smaller version of the animal - on social media on Friday

His former iconic tattoo was a nod to his WWE nickname - The Brahma Bull; he said earlier this week he 'got this tattoo when I was just a kid.'

His old ink featured a live bull with red looking eyes and an angry expression; it was also significantly smaller.

Dwayne had the new ink done by tattoo artist Nikko Hurtado in a process that took three sessions and 22 hours.

He noted that 'the story's almost done,' perhaps hinting that the tattoo will one day continue down the rest of his arm.

The movie star explained his reasoning for the large replacement tattoo: 'every detail is a reflection of my own personal history,' adding 'Evolution of the bull. Blood, sweat & years.'

The new art is much darker, featuring a skull of the animal as well as its sharp teeth.

Before: The Rock explained the importance of the bull in an Instagram video he posted earlier this week

A stoy: The actor, 45, posted a side by side of his arm with the former ink as well as the newer version, calling it the 'evolution of the bull'

The eyes were the main focus of the tattoo because it is 'the life, energy, power' of the animal.

They are the core and anchor of his intricate artwork, he said; they symbolize 'the mana (spirit).'

Mana is word used in Polynesian, Melanesian and Maori cultures when talking about a life force.

Out with the old: His old ink featured a live bull with red looking eyes and an angry expression; it was also significantly smaller.

The Rock shared a video of himself getting prepped for his new tattoo; seen with tattoo artist Nikko Hurtado

The star added that the eye 'tells the story of a disruptive positive energy always ready to dent the universe.'

He wanted cracks along the skull because the 'heavy damage in the bone' represents 'life's hard lessons I've learned over the years.'

The former wrestler said he's grateful for the the cracks, which he 'earned' - just like scars and wrinkles.

Wow: The actor also has a large chest and arm tattoo - Polynesian tribal design, which he got in 2003 in Hawaii by Po'oino Yrondi; pictured in the film 2017 Baywatch with Zac Efron

Dwayne wrote that the horns were purposely drawn pointing straight ahead to represent 'relentless energy and forward progress.'

The animal's eye could look glaring 'depending on the light and angle,' but the bull is 'always alone and ready to disrupt the universe and love and protect my family and all things I love with intense passion and gratitude,' he penned in the heartfelt caption.

The Rock concluded with 'cheers to living, learning, evolving and growing. And to the positive disrupters ready to dent the universe' with the hashtags '#EvolutionOfTheBull #TheDisrupter #TheMana #NowLetsBreakOutTheTequila.'
Jennifer Lawrence poses naked for the September issue of Vogue.

The 26-year-old Joy star appears to be makeup-free with tousled locks in the stunning image which was posted to the magazine's Instagram page on Friday.

The Oscar-winning actress sits with one knee up covering her modesty and what appears to be just a gold ribbon wrapped around her torso and leg.

A post shared by Vogue (@voguemagazine) on Aug 11, 2017 at 9:15am PDT

Alongside the Instagram post Vogue captioned: 'At 26, cover star #JenniferLawrence is already one of the most successful and exalted actors on the planet. Shes a four-time Oscar nominee and Best Actress winner (#SilverLiningsPlaybook) who simultaneously built a history-making franchise (@thehungergames) while costarring in another (@xmenmovies).

Windswept: The 26-year-old actress stuns in red satin on the cover of the American fashion bible

'In September, theres the shrouded-in-secrecy @mothermoviea tour de force from @darrenaronofsky, the filmmaking auteur and Lawrences boyfriend of the past year. Read our full interview with the actress about her new relationship, new movie, and more in the link in our bio.'

In a candid accompanying interview Lawrence talks about her the leaking of her nude photos in 2014, describing it as 'terrifying'.

Lawrence described how to this very day she's 'still waiting to get blindsided again', telling Vogue: 'When my publicist calls me, I'm like, "Oh, my God, what is it?" Even when it's nothing. I'm always waiting to get blindsided again.'

'It's scary when you feel the whole world judges you,' the Kentucky native continued.

Harrowing: In a candid accompanying interview Lawrence talks about her the leaking of her nude photos in 2014, describing it as 'terrifying'

Earlier this year, Edward Majerczyk, 29, from Chicago was sentenced to nine months in prison for hacking the electronic accounts of 30 celebrities, among them Lawrence, and stealing their private information, including nude videos and photos.

In the accompanying interview, Jennifer also discussed her relationship with director boyfriend Darren Aronofsky, 48, who she met while working on the set of mother!

'We had energy. I had energy for him. I dont know how he felt about me,' she told the September 2017 issue, which doubles up as the 125th anniversary edition of the fashion publication.

'I normally dont like Harvard people, because they cant go two minutes without mentioning that they went to Harvard. Hes not like that.'

She added: 'For the past year, Ive been dealing with him as just a human. Ive been in relationships before where I am just confused. And Im never confused with him.'

Love: In the interview, Jennifer also discussed her relationship with director boyfriend Darren Aronofsky, 48, who she met while working on the set of mother! (pictured in January)

The Vogue snap emerged the same week as Lawrence was accused of being the reason her Passengers co-star Chris Pratt, 38, and wife Anna Faris, 40, have split up.

The acting couple announced their decision to separate on Sunday and fans took to social media to point the finger at the actress.

The couple split after eight years of marriage, with TMZ claiming that their different family values were to blame.

However, Lawrence has been dating director Darren Aronofsky, 48, for the past year.

As the couple confirmed their separation on Facebook on Sunday, fans flocked to social media to bizarrely blame the actress for the split.

Drama: The Vogue snap emerged the same week as Lawrence was accused of being the reason her Passengers co-star Chris Pratt, 38, and wife Anna Faris, 40, have split up

Despite there being no suggestion Jennifer had any involvement in the split, another wrote: 'Jennifer Lawrence broke up Chris Pratt's marriage lol.'

'Watch chris pratt and jennifer lawrence be a thing,' another Twitter user speculated.

Other fans were quick to recall the seemingly awkward exchange that Faris, 40, and Lawrence shared when embracing at the premiere of Passengers in December 2016.

Though the ladies hugged it out in front of photographers, Anna appeared to have a pained expression while Lawrence kept her hands claw-like instead of fully touching her co-star's wife.

Split: As the couple confirmed their separation on Facebook on Sunday, fans flocked to social media to bizarrely blame Jennifer for the split

Rumors swirled in 2016 that Chris and Jennifer had hooked up while filming their sci-fi disappointment Passengers.

Though the claims were strongly denied by all parties involved, Anna opened up about how the rumors affected her in an interview in December 2016.

'It made me feel incredibly insecure,' she told Isla Fisher on her own podcast, Anna Faris Is Unqualified.

'Chris and I, we talk about this a lot,' she admitted. 'We grapple with a lot of the ideas of being a public couple.'

'I just remember feeling so hurt in a way that bothered me, because I didn't want to think of myself as somebody who could be affected by  tabloid s***.'
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They bonded over their love of acting, after meeting of the set of 2015's Sky.

But that shared passion means Diane Kruger and Norman Reedus are often apart - filming in locations thousands of miles from one another.

This past month Diane has been filming JT Leroy in Winnipeg, Canada, while her actor beau, 48, has been pictured on the set of The Walking Dead in Atlanta, Georgia.

Surf's up! Diane Kruger slips into a chic backless swimsuit to watch Norman Reedus catch the waves on romantic break in Costa Rica on Thursday

New couple: They bonded over their love of acting, meeting of the set of 2015's Sky, and began dating in March

Little black swimsuit: Diane, 41, showed off her slim, toned figure in a backless swimsuit, with the famously stylish star looking as typically chic as ever

So the reunion was surely all the sweeter when Diane joined her boyfriend for a romantic beach vacation in Costa Rica this week.

The loved up couple slipped straight into their swimwear to hit the beach together on Thursday, having jetted in to enjoy some alone time.

Diane, 41, showed off her slim, toned figure in a black backless swimsuit, with the famously stylish star looking as typically chic as ever.

Busy couple: This past month Diane has been filming JT Leroy in Winnipeg, Canada, while her actor beau, 48, has been pictured on the set of The Walking Dead in Atlanta, Georgia

Surfer's girl: The blonde actress sat watching from the shore as her 48-year-old surfer hunk hit the waves, before clambering out and removing his wet suit

New romance: The relationship came eight months after Kruger split from lover of a decade Joshua Jackson

The blonde actress sat watching from the shore as her 48-year-old surfer hunk hit the waves, before her clambered out and removed his wet suit.

They then sat side beside chatting and admiring the view from the quiet beach.

The couple first went public with their romance back in March as they enjoyed a boozy night out together in New York.

It came eight months after Kruger split from lover of a decade Joshua Jackson. Reedus shares a son Mingus, 16, with former flame supermodel Helena Christensen, while Diane and Joshua had no children.

Star power: With both actors as popular as ever, their relationship looks set to remain a long distance one

Catching up: The two are sure to have plenty to talk about after spending weeks apart

And with both actors as popular as ever, their relationship looks set to remain a long distance one, with Diane just cast in filmmaker Robert Zemeckis upcoming movie.

The drama film has yet to receive a title, but is based on the award-winning documentary titled Marwencol created by Jeff Malmberg in 2010. She will feature in the production alongside Janelle Monae, The Other Woman star Leslie Mann, and 54-year-old actor Steve Carell.

Meanwhile Diane's ex has admitted he is struggling to adjusting to life as a single man, following the demise of their decade long romance.

See that? Diane points out something on the horizon as the pair enjoy the view

New relationship: The two began dating back in March

Speaking on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Joshua admitted: 'Things have changed a little bit since last time I was single. Maybe it was there, but I don't remember it.

'I mean, everything's on your phone now, right? There's no more talking to people anymore.

'You talk to somebody and they're like, "Ugh! No, no, no, no, no! We don't do that anymore." So, yeah, it's been quite a big change.'

Time to go: The blonde actress threw on a denim skirt before leaving the beach

It was previously claimed that the pair split because Diane 'resented' leaving France to be with her then boyfriend in the United States.

A source said: 'Diane is fiercely independent and ended up resenting leaving Paris to be with Joshua. She's also disillusioned with Hollywood and wasn't interested in attending events as part of a power couple, she needs her own space. The move was make or break and in the end, it broke them. Joshua is heartbroken.'

Beach babe: Even barefoot on the sand, Diane looks seriously stylish

And German born Diane - who was previously married to Guillaume Canet - had admitted moving to New York whilst Joshua was appearing in a play in the city was a 'big step into adulthood'.

Asked if she would consider marrying again, she said: 'Welcome to my dilemma. I just moved to New York. I need to unpack and buy some house stuff, like candles and books. [Moving here] was a major commitment. That's a big step into adulthood for me, to allow that time for someone else out of my time.'

Despite their split, the couple vowed to stay friends. Their representatives said in a statement at the time of their split: 'Diane Kruger and Josh Jackson have decided to separate and remain friends.'
She revealed details of her bitter custody dispute and split from former partner Jean-David Blanc in March.

And amid her difficult legal battle actress Melissa George is yearning to return more often to Australia, confessing she feels more at ease in her home country.

The 41-year-old, who is currently in Australia promoting her new film The Butterfly Tree, told The Daily Telegraph this week it 'just feels right, it's home.'

'I always get off the plane and feel like, why can'I live here all year round?' Melissa George reveals desire to settle in Australia amid her bitter custody dispute with estranged partner

Melissa's time in Australia comes after she revealed details of her bitter custody dispute with former partner Jean-David to Sunday Night in March.

The actress, who is based in Paris with her two sons Raphael and Solal, told the newspaper she felt more relaxed in Australia.

'I always get off the plane and feel like, why can't I live here all year round? it just feels right, it's home,' Melissa said.

'You don't always have to pretend to be anybody else': The actress, who is based in Paris with her two sons Raphael and Solal, told the newspaper she felt more relaxed in Australia

'You don't always have to pretend to be anybody else.'

The Grey's Anatomy star felt great love from fans and the local industry as she promoted her new project.

'I feel like I come home with the right thing, I'm coming home with a beautiful film, a great movie and people are very accepting of that,' Melissa said.

Legal fight: Melissa's time in Australia comes after she revealed details of her bitter custody dispute with former partner Jean-David

Melissa's gushing comments about her country of birth comes after her now infamous 2012 TV talk show appearance and later newspaper interview.

In 2012, Melissa was claimed to be furious when The Morning Show hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies played clips of her soap star days and asked her about her time on Home And Away.

News Corp reported that the actress had threatened to walk off set if her time on Home And Away was mentioned.

Claims: News Corp reported that the actress had threatened to walk off set if her time on Home And Away was mentioned

'She kept saying she's had so many bigger roles since Home And Away that it was offensive to talk about it - she even said she'd send Seven an invoice because she inadvertently promotes it through the media,' a source told The Daily Telegraph.

Melissa broke her silence about the incident in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, explaining she wasn't going to come back to Australia for a while because of the stress local media interviews caused her.

'I don't need credibility from my country any more, I just need them all to be quiet. If they have nothing intelligent to say, please don't speak to me any more,' she said.

Wasn't happy: Melissa broke her silence about the incident explaining she wasn't going to come back to Australia for a while because of the stress local media interviews caused her

'I'd rather be having a croissant and a little espresso in Paris or walking my French bulldog in New York City.'

In 2014, Melissa spoke of the incident again to Fairfax Media, claiming she had heard staff refer to her as an 'Aussie b****'.

The actress also alleged they had planned to only use her to promote Home And Away before she stepped in and insisted they promote her current projects.
Ferne McCann has reportedly visited her ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins in jail ahead of his alleged nightclub acid attack trial.

The former TOWIE star, 27, has allegedly been to see the 25-year-old scaffolder and businessman at HMP Thameside in south London in the past two weeks.

She dumped Arthur earlier this year amid allegations that he carried out an acid attack at an east London club that left 22 people injured.

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Visit: Ferne McCann has reportedly visited her ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins in jail ahead of his alleged nightclub acid attack trial

A source stressed that the couple were 'certainly not' rekindling their romance, claiming that Ferne was visiting Arthur to discuss matters surrounding their unborn child.

A source told The Sun: 'They are most certainly not back together and she has no intentions of doing so. But she saw him to discuss certain matters, given she is carrying his unborn child. She clearly didn't want to be seen as she went in and kept a very low profile.'

The insider claimed that Ferne was keen to keep a low profile and arrived at the Greenwich prison, ahead of Arthur's trial in October, wearing a hoodie.

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Ferne for comment.

Rumour has it: The former TOWIE star has allegedly been to see the 25-year-old at HMP Thameside in south London in the past two weeks

It's over: She dumped Arthur earlier this year amid allegations that he carried out an acid attack at an east London club that left 22 people injured

Her outing comes as Arthur denied carrying out an acid attack which left two clubbers partially blinded and others disfigured.

The 25-year-old pleaded not guilty in June to six counts of causing grevious bodily harm and 11 of actual bodily harm when he appeared at Wood Green Crown Court today via video link from HMP Thameside.

A 24-year-old man and 22-year-old woman were each blinded in one eye while up to 18 others were burnt after the attack outside the Mangle nightclub in Dalston, east London in April.

Allegations: A source stressed that the couple were 'certainly not' rekindling their romance, claiming that Ferne was visiting Arthur to discuss matters surrounding their unborn child

Keeping a low profile: The insider added that Ferne arrived at the Greenwich prison, ahead of Arthur's trial in October, wearing a hoodie

Collins was arrested by armed police in his underpants at in Rushden, Northamptonshire, during an early morning raid.

The attack caused panic among clubbers and Sophie Hall, 21, was hit by the burning liquid while out celebrating a friends birthday.

Australian Isobella Fraser, 22, and her 20-year-old sister Prue also suffered burns to their arms and legs during the attack.

Clubbers Kwami Licorish, Scarlet Marshall, Tamara Castle, Jay Lanning, Nadia Pascal, James Bloor, Lauren Trent, Phoebe Georgiou, Laura Hester and Macai Brown were also injured. In total 22 people were hit by the corrosive substance.

Pleading guilty: Her outing comes as Arthur denied carrying out an acid attack which left two clubbers partially blinded and others disfigured. The 25-year-old pleaded not guilty in June to six counts of causing grevious bodily harm and 11 of actual bodily harm

Devastating: Sophie Hall, 21, whose face was burned in the incident near her table at 1am, said: 'My face felt as if it was on fire. The pain is indescribable Like your skin is eating itself'

Attacked:Arthur, 24, was arrested and charged with intent to do grievous bodily harm in connection with the acid attack in London nightspot Mangle (above) in April

Previously Ferne sobbed as she discussed becoming a single mother after Arthur was charged with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Speaking with hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, the former TOWIE star fought back sobs as they addressed his charges, at one point having to stop the interview as she was unable to speak.

Ferne explained: 'It had been such a stressful, surreal situation to be in but I'm actually feeling good, feeling positive because I'm pregnant.

'I think that has given me strength and hope to get through this.'

Explaining that she's been overwhelmed with the support she has received, Ferne - who is 12 weeks pregnant - revealed: 'I've got such a strong support group, everyone has been so amazing.

'This is the reason why I haven't spoken to anyone because when most women are pregnant they don't tell anyone until they're at that three month stage.'

Upsetting: Ferne had broken down in tears on This Morning as she revealed she wants to be the best mother she can be to her unborn child

Emotional: Feeling good: Ferne explained: 'It had been such a stressful, surreal situation to be in but I'm actually feeling good, feeling positive because I'm pregnant'

Just two days after Arthur was arrested, she told MailOnline that she will go forward with life as a single mother as she professed her determination 'to do all she can to have a happy and healthy child'.

Her full statement read: 'Ferne is grateful for the sympathetic way news of her pregnancy has been covered and people's support and obviously her first concern is for her child's health.

'Nor does she wish to discuss her ex-boyfriend who she does not recognise from the events of the last week.

'Ferne is in no way seeking sympathy for her situation and is determined to do all she can to have a happy and healthy child and face the challenges of being a single parent with all her energy.

'Her thoughts are with the victims of the horrific attack on Easter Monday.'

Staying strong: Just two days after Arthur was arrested, she told MailOnline that she will go forward with life as a single mother
An infant ape cranium, named "Alesi", excavated from the site of an archaeological dig at Napudet in Kenya, has preserved intriguing clues about human-ape ancestor

The skull of an infant ape buried by a volcano 13 million years ago has preserved intriguing clues about the ancestor humans shared with apes -- including a likely African origin, scientists said Wednesday.

A previously-unknown creature that shared an extended family with the human forefather, had a flat face like that of our far-flung cousin the gibbon, but did not move like one, its discoverers wrote in the journal Nature.

They named it Nyanzapithecus alesi after "ales" -- the word for "ancestor" in the Turkana language of Kenya, where the lemon-sized skull was unearthed.

The sole specimen is that of an infant that would have grown to weigh about 11 kilogrammes (24 pounds) in adulthood. It had a brain much larger than monkeys from the same epoch, the researchers said.

"If you compare to all living things, it looks most like a gibbon," study co-author Isaiah Nengo of the Stony Brook University in New York told AFP.

This does not mean the direct ancestor of living apes necessarily looked like a gibbon, just that a member of its family did at the time.

Assuming a gibbon-like appearance for our ancestor would be similar to scientists from the future unearthing a gorilla skull and concluding that all hominins -- the group that also includes chimps and humans -- looked like a gorilla.

The location of the extraordinary fossil find, said the team, supported the idea that the ape-human ancestor lived in Africa and not in Asia as some have speculated.

"With this we... put the root of the hominoidea in Africa more firmly," said Nengo.

Hominoidea, or hominoids, is the name for the family of apes.

The group is divided in two, with humans, bonobos, chimps, gorillas and orangutans on the one side (hominids), and agile, tree-swinging gibbons (hylobatids) alone on the other.

The new species belonged to a much older, ancestral group that included the forefather of hominoids, the researchers concluded.

- Out of Africa -

That group, which has no official name yet, lived and died millions of years ago.

"The majority of that group, and the oldest members of that group, are African but we would not have been able to resolve all of that without Alesi," said Nengo.

"Alesi is the one that has allowed us to... know who is in that group... and when we take a close look we see that most of the group are found in Africa."

Alesi's is the most complete ape skull from the entire Miocene period, which ranged from about 24 million to five million years ago.

"It may be younger (than some other fossil pieces) but it is the only one where you have a face, you have the base of a skull, you have the inside of the skull, so you can see what a representative of them might have looked like," said Nengo.

Hi-tech scans of the skull showed that Alesi had teeth similar to some gibbon species.

While its baby teeth had been knocked out, Alesi's adult teeth lay unerupted inside its jaw, and their age could be determined with great precision -- the ape was one year and four months old when it died.

The team also established that the balance organs in Alesi's ear were unlike those of the gibbon, meaning it probably had a different, slower, way of moving.

While a lot is known about human evolution since we split from chimps about seven million years ago, little was known about common ancestors from before 10 million years ago.

Commenting on the study, anthropologist Brenda Benefit of the New Mexico State University described this as a fossil find "that I never thought would be made during my lifetime".

"This discovery will help to fill in missing information regarding adaptations that influence ape and human evolutionary histories," she said in comments published by the journal.

"This is an exceptional discovery," agreed Paul Tafforeau of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France, who helped examine the skull.
News / National

by Staff reporter

In a rare challenge to Zimbabwe's powerful generals, the country's largest trade union Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) has said the military should stop interfering in politics.The trade union said in its Defence Forces Day message that it had noted with consternation the recent utterance and public spat between the Higher and Tertiary Education minister Jonathan Moyo and the commanders of the army and air force."Our defence forces must never be involved in party politics. If they want to join politics, they must remove their uniforms," Sylvester Mutindindi, ZCTU acting secretary general said.The ZCTU said it was also worried by reports of massive corruption in the police force, particularly from those in the traffic section."There has also been an outcry about the number of roadblocks that are being mounted by the police to extort money from members of the public. Such actions destroy the entire image of the police," Mutindindi said.
Doctors in the United States prescribe more opioids than in any other country -- enough to medicate every American adult

When 55-year-old Sheila Bartels left her doctor's office in Oklahoma, she had a prescription for 510 painkillers.

She died the same day of an overdose.

Her doctor, Regan Nichols, is now facing five second-degree murder charges -- one for each patient who overdosed after she prescribed them opioid drugs, such as Oxycontin -- prescriptions that can lead to addiction.

"Doctors bear enormous responsibility for the opioid crisis," said David Clark, a professor of anesthesiology at Stanford University who worked on a government-sponsored panel that studied the crisis, and recommended new training and guidelines for health care providers and regulators.

"We didn't have (a crisis) until doctors became enamored with what they imagined to be the potential for opioids in controlling chronic pain," Clark told AFP.

An estimated two million Americans are addicted to opioid drugs -- many forced to buy pills illegally when prescriptions run out. Some, in desperation, resort to heroin and synthetic opioids smuggled into the US by Mexican drug cartels.

Ninety people die every day in the United States from opioid overdoses.

More than 180,000 have died since 1999, including pop icon Prince, who passed away in April 2016 at age 57 after an accidental overdose of fentanyl, a powerful opioid painkiller.

Doctors in the United States prescribe more opioids than in any other country -- enough to medicate every American adult.

Pop icon Prince passed away in April 2016 at the age of 57 after an accidental overdose of fentanyl, a powerful opioid painkiller

While those physicians who are prosecuted for overprescribing make headlines, experts say they are not solely to blame, and that the US health care system as a whole must be held accountable for the country's spiralling opioid epidemic.

"Pharmaceutical companies targeted general practitioner doctors, the ones who see most of the people who have pain," Ohio attorney general Mike DeWine, whose state has been hard hit by the crisis, told AFP.

"I think they certainly were misled, and they were told things that were not true."

- Years in the making -

The problem is not a new one -- it began two decades ago, as doctors were being taught to better manage their patients' pain and drug companies were touting the efficacy of opioid painkillers.

The painkillers -- meant only for patients in the most dire need -- started getting into the hands of those with chronic conditions that had been treated with simple over-the-counter drugs like aspirin.

And they didn't know they were addictive.

"You had people with a simple toothache, or knee surgery, or back surgery, that were on these opioids for too long a period of time or prescribed a higher dosage than they needed," said Robert Ware, chief of police in the town of Portsmouth, Ohio, which became a sort of ground zero for the crisis.

As more and more people were getting addicted, "pill mills" began to pop up in Portsmouth and across the nation to meet demand. These clinics were run by doctors who would prescribe opioid drugs to anyone who could pay.

In Portsmouth, a struggling Ohio town bordering two other states where the steel industry was once king, Ware was seeing pill mills become part of the economy, as addicts from nearby states traveled there to get their fix.

Eventually, state regulators and local law enforcement shut down the pill mills by arresting doctors and requiring that clinics be associated with established, reputable medical programs.

The Justice Department has promised a further crackdown on unscrupulous doctors and pharmacists.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump -- hosting a meeting on the crisis during his summer vacation -- suggested more prosecutions as a whole may be necessary.

- Arrests not the only answer -

But in Portsmouth, Ware said the community has learned a tough lesson.

"You cannot arrest your way out of this problem," the chief said.

An estimated two million Americans are addicted to opioid drugs -- many forced to buy pills illegally when prescriptions run out and some, in desperation, resort to heroin and synthetic opioids

The town's opioid addicts came from a cross-section of society, because most got hooked through legitimate prescriptions.

And addicts needed help to recover over the long run.

So Portsmouth beefed up its health care offerings and addiction treatment -- and went from being a haven for pill mills to a refuge for recovery.

Overdoses there are now trending downward, in contrast to the rest of the country, Ware said.

"We are kind of ahead of the curve in getting out of the problem," he said.

- A new target -

Across the country, overall drug overdose deaths are rising to new highs -- 60,000 estimated fatalities in 2016. Certain states, like Ohio and West Virginia, have been harder hit than others.

DeWine is fighting the epidemic from another front -- suing the drug companies. According to The Washington Post, at least 25 states, cities and counties are doing the same.

"These drug companies are primarily responsible for this drug opiate epidemic. They created the problem. It's about time that they did something to help clean the problem up," DeWine said.

The federal government has proposed a 20 percent reduction next year in the amount of opioids drug companies are allowed to produce.

But physicians still appear to be writing prescriptions with gusto.

While the numbers have declined, doctors still handed out nearly 250 million prescriptions for opioids in 2013 alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

"Physicians have not fully accepted their roles as individual prescribers in feeding this particular epidemic," said Clark.

"There was never good evidence that these drugs could reduce pain well," he added, "especially for prolonged periods of time."
An Egyptian policeman stands guard on Cairo's landmark Tahrir Square on January 25, 2017

Egypt's interior ministry said on Thursday a policeman and three jihadists suspected of involvement in deadly attacks against the country's Coptic Christian minority were killed in a shootout.

Police had arrested one member of the cell who led them to their mountain hideout in the southern province of Qena where the two other jihadists opened fire on Tuesday, the ministry said.

The two suspects, who have not been identified, were killed in the ensuing firefight, along with the informer and a police officer guarding him.

Egypt is battling a local affiliate of the Islamic State jihadist group, which has claimed attacks that have killed more than 100 Copts since December.

At the hideout, police found weapons and "gold jewellery which was probably stolen from some of the Christian victims" of a massacre earlier this year.

On May 26, IS gunmen killed 29 Copts as they travelled in a bus to Saint Samuel monastery in Minya province south of the Egyptian capital.

The bus attack followed two suicide bombings of churches in April that killed 45 Copts. In December, a suicide bomber struck a church in Cairo, killing 29 Copts.

Relatives grieve after masked gunmen killed 29 Copts as they travelled in a bus to Saint Samuel monastery in Minya province south of the Egyptian capital, on May 26, 2017

Copts make up about 10 percent of Egypt's 90-million population.

Egypt's IS affiliate is based in North Sinai province, where hundreds of soldiers and policemen have been killed in attacks since the military's ouster in 2013 of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.
President Donald Trump warned North Korea that it should be 'very, very nervous' of the consequences if the isolated nation even thought of attacking US soil

Australia "will come to the aid of the United States" if North Korea attacks, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Friday, after nuclear-armed Pyongyang outlined plans to fire missiles near the US territory of Guam.

The Australian leader's comments of support to close ally Washington followed President Donald Trump's warning to North Korea that it should be "very, very nervous" of the consequences if the isolated nation even thought of attacking US soil.

"The United States has no stronger ally than Australia," Turnbull told Melbourne commercial radio station 3AW.

"And we have an ANZUS agreement and if there is an attack on Australia or the United States then... each of us will come to the other's aid.

"So let's be very clear about that. If there is an attack on the United States by North Korea, then the ANZUS treaty will be invoked and Australia will come to the aid of the United States."

Relations between Washington and Pyongyang have been tense for months, in the wake of the North's repeated missile tests, including two successful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test launches in July.

The escalating dispute took an unexpected turn Tuesday when Trump seemed to borrow from the North's arsenal of rhetoric and said it faced "fire and fury like the world has never seen" if it continued to threaten the US.

Turnbull said he spoke to US Vice President Mike Pence Thursday, who told him the preferred approach to deal with North Korea was through economic sanctions.

The UN Security Council on Saturday approved tough sanctions which could cost Pyongyang US$1 billion a year, with the sweeping measures the first of that scope to be imposed on North Korea since Trump took office.
The turmoil provided a grim reminder of a disputed 2007 election which led to two months of ethno-political violence

Kenya's defeated opposition coalition vowed Saturday they would not halt their bid to overturn a "sham" election result, which sparked violent protests that have left 11 people dead.

Protests flared in opposition bastions as soon as President Uhuru Kenyatta was declared the victor on Friday night after an election his rival Raila Odinga claimed was massively rigged.

Kenya is no stranger to post-election violence, and scars still run deep from a disputed 2007 vote which led to two months of ethno-political clashes, leaving 1,100 dead and 600,000 displaced.

However protests remained isolated Saturday, with several hundred demonstrators engaging in running battles with police who quickly dispersed what Interior Minister Fred Matiangi referred to as "criminal elements".

Eight bodies have been taken to the Nairobi city morgue, most of them with gunshot wounds, from the protest-hit slums of Mathare, Kibera and Kawangware since Friday night, a senior police official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

On Saturday morning, an AFP photographer saw the body of a young girl whose family said she had been shot in the back while watching the protests from their balcony in Mathare.

A police officer said a man had been shot dead in a demonstration in the southwestern town of Siaya and local government official Wilson Njega confirmed one person had been shot dead outside Kisumu in protests.

At the hospital Truphena Achieng said his brother had been shot and injured "and yet he was just standing outside our house where people were demonstrating ... we don't know why police were shooting."

The Doctors without Borders (MSF) charity said on Twitter that it had treated 54 wounded in its clinics.

The opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) has not laid out its plans, but has refused to take its grievances to court and said Saturday they would not back down.

"We will not be cowed, we will not relent," NASA official Johnson Muthama told reporters, describing a police crackdown on protests as an effort to force the coalition "into submission".

Muthama claimed that some 100 people had been killed, without providing evidence. According to an AFP tally, 17 people have died in election-related violence since Wednesday.

- 'Lawlessness' -

Interior Minister Fred Matiangi blamed the unrest on "criminal elements" looting and robbing businesses

Matiangi denied there had been any casualties, and said police had clamped down on "erratic incidents of lawlessness," adding the government would stop at nothing to protect citizens.

"The police have not used live bullets on any peaceful protesters," he said.

Human Rights Watch on Saturday urged police to show restraint.

Odinga, 72, has not yet addressed his supporters after losing his fourth shot at the presidency. He believes elections in 2007, 2013 and now 2017 were snatched away from him.

He laid out accusations of a massive hacking attack on election commission servers, and said they had evidence the true results -- which showed him to be the winner -- were being hidden.

The IEBC denied this, and argued his supporting documents were riddled with arithmetic errors and originated from a Microsoft database while the electronic tallying system was based on Oracle.

On Saturday, Kenyan election monitoring group ELOG, which deployed 8,300 observers and carried out a parallel tallying operation at a sample of polling stations, released a statement backing up the official results.

And former UN chief Kofi Annan, who helped mediate an end to the 2007 crisis, congratulated Kenyatta on his win and urged Odinga, "a courageous defender of democracy" to turn to the courts with his grievances.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini congratulated Kenyatta in a statement late Saturday but called for calm heads to prevail.

"All political forces should now look to the future and work together, at national and local levels, for the good of the country and the Kenyan people as a whole," she said.

- Exclusion, resentment -

Politics in Kenya is largely divided along tribal lines, and the winner-takes-all nature of elections has long stoked communal tensions.

Demonstrations and running battles with police broke out in isolated parts of Nairobi slums

Odinga's ethnic Luo supporters -- and their allies from other groups -- believe they have been denied political power by elites from the Kikuyus, the same ethnic group as Kenyatta, the country's biggest community.

"President Kenyatta, unlike his first term, must include everyone in his government," wrote the Daily Nation in an editorial, warning that limiting power to his tribal allies was "exacerbating exclusion and creating resentment and disillusionment."

In his acceptance speech Kenyatta urged Odinga and his supporters, to "work together... so that we can build this nation together".

"Let us be peaceful... We have seen the results of political violence. And I am certain that there is no single Kenyan who would wish for us to go back to this."
A group of galamseyers, illegal gold panners, working in the Kibi area of Ghana, long known for its bountiful gold reserves.

Ghana has long been known for its bountiful gold reserves and was called "the Gold Coast" during its colonial era.

But illegal mining in Africa's second largest producer is taking a heavy human as well as environmental and economic toll with more than $2 billion lost to the practice last year alone.

Campaigners have been lobbying against illegal mining -- known locally as "galamsey" -- since February when local media revealed the dramatic impact that the practice, which often uses mercury, was having on Ghana's soil and water supply.

While illicit prospecting has long been an issue for Ghana, the new government elected in December has now made combatting it a priority.

It issued a temporary ban on all small-scale mining and is forming a plan due to be released in September to end the phenomenon permanently.

Security forces recently clashed with illegal miners in the Ashanti region, leaving one miner dead.

The incident in the town of Obuasi was a result of "Operation Vanguard", which has seen 400 members of the security forces deployed to take on the illegal miners.

Abraham Otabil, a spokesman for the natural resources ministry, told AFP that while illegal mining was damaging rivers and farm land, it was also having a serious economic impact.

The ministry believes that more than $2.2 billion (1.87 billion euros) was lost to illegal mining in uncollected taxes in 2016.

- 'We can't go and steal' -

Around half of all small-scale mining operations are illegal, the government estimates, suggesting that the cost of the problem could be larger still.

Since 2006 gold has been Ghana's main source of foreign currency.

And while illegal mining has decreased since the government crackdown, rogue operators continue to defy the authorities.

As well as the environmental and economic costs, illegal mining has also caused much human suffering.

In the first week of July, 22 miners became trapped deep underground in an illegal mine.

Rescuers tried unsuccessfully to reach them for five days but were forced to concede defeat, declaring the men dead and sealing the pit.

One of the victims, 30-year-old Kojo Kandanoba, had been mining illegally for six years and used the meagre income to help provide for his family, his cousin Andrew Anchaba told AFP.

"He made some amount of profit from his work, that is what he used in catering for his parents and some other family members," Anchaba said.

An illegal miner himself, Anchaba said that many like him fear that the government crackdown will hurt them financially.

"We were aware of the ban on illegal mining but that was the only job available here and you know we cannot go and steal," he said.

"The government has promised us jobs but we are not seeing anything so we also continue to mine."

Maame Esi Eshun, a research analyst at the African Centre for Economic Transformation, said that small-scale mining is largely driven by poverty.

Her study on the practice in Ghana, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone found that mining was more appealing than agricultural work for many rural poor because it was seen as offering quick returns.

It also helped miners raise funds to buy farm equipment, she found.

- 'Not against the Chinese' -

An estimated one million people are involved in illegal mining in Ghana and each typically earn between $100 and $300 per month, she said.

Those who opted to farm could be expected to earn just $70 a month.

Otabil, the ministry official, said the government would try to support miners to shift away from their illicit incomes.

"Within the next five years, we should be able to help many more people acquire work and jobs on their own, set up their own businesses and forget this illegal mining business," he said.

But illegal mining does not just attract Ghanaians: some 50,000 foreigners are thought to be involved, according to an Oxford Business Group report published in 2015.

At least 200 Chinese nationals have been arrested in connection with illegal mining so far this year, Otabil said.

A media backlash against China over its citizens' involvement in galamsey prompted a rare rebuke from Beijing's ambassador who in April called on Ghana's government to "guide the media to give an objective coverage on the illegal mining issue".

President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo recently defended the crackdown, saying that it was in the national interest.

"We are not against the Chinese or any other citizens but what we are all seeking is to protect the integrity of our environment to secure a better future for unborn generations," he told local media.
Earlier this week, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said employees have a right to express themselves but that the memo appeared to "cross the line by advancing harmful gender stereotypes in our workplace."

Google Thursday canceled a Town Hall intended to air viewpoints on diversity, sexism and free speech, citing worker safety concerns.

"We'll find a better way to help our employees connect and discuss these important issues further," a Google spokesperson said in response to an AFP inquiry.

The employee gathering was scheduled to air viewpoints swirling in after the dismissal of a Google engineer over a memo defending the Silicon Valley gender gap.

The "manifesto" published as an internal memo by James Damore claimed "biological differences" were a key factor in the low percentage of women in technology jobs and sparked outcry from those claiming it perpetuated stereotypes and discrimination.

Then Damore was fired -- according to media reports and his own email to the far-right news website Breitbart -- which ignited backlash from those claiming Google was stifling free speech and politically conservative viewpoints.

News of the Town Hall cancelation was sent to employees in a memo from chief executive Sundar Pichai, who apologized to them for giving late notice.

Questions being posed internally by "Googlers," along with some of their names, began appearing on outside websites, prompting safety concerns, according to a copy of the memo obtained by AFP.

"We had hoped to have a frank, open discussion today as we always do to bring us together and move forward," Pichai said in the memo.

"Googlers are writing in, concerned about their safety and worried they may be 'outed' publicly for asking a question in the Town Hall."

He said Google intends a series of internal forums in coming days to give people chances to speak freely without fear.

Pichai said that he has met with many people at Google about the controversy, with the vast majority supporting the decision to fire the author of the manifesto.

The company has not officially identified the engineer at issue, citing employee privacy.

The fresh controversy comes with Silicon Valley struggling in the face of accusations of rampant sexual harassment and discrimination affecting startups like Uber and venture capital firms investing in the sector.

Earlier this week, Pichai said employees have a right to express themselves but that the memo appeared to "cross the line by advancing harmful gender stereotypes in our workplace."

"To suggest a group of our colleagues have traits that make them less biologically suited to that work is offensive and not OK," Pichai said in his email to employees.

Damore's firing made him a hero to the far right and those claiming political correctness has gone too far.
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When Americans debate the Vietnam War, what the Vietnamese thought rarely gets a mention.

Not any more.

"The Sympathizer," by Vietnamese-American academic Viet Thanh Nguyen, has ended that silence.

An excoriating tragi-comic novel, a bestseller in the US, it not only dismantles the Hollywood myth of the conflict but turns it inside out.

Told from the perspective of an American-educated Viet Cong double agent, its sweeping arc -- and bravura takedown of the legendary film "Apocalypse Now" -- won Nguyen the 2016 Pulitzer and a pile of other top prizes.

The judges of the Dublin Literary Award -- one of the few it didn't win -- described it as "the masterpiece on Vietnam that the world has been waiting for".

Nguyen, who escaped his homeland in his mother's arms after the fall of Saigon in 1975, is not the type to have his head turned by critics comparing his debut novel to such classics as "Catch 22" and "The Invisible Man".

"All Vietnamese people are apparently proud of me now even if they haven't read the book, or whether they agree with it. The Pulitzer trumps everything," he told AFP in Paris, where he is working on a new book.

"I'm happy that they're proud. I'm glad I can give them something, yet I find it a little bit sad that they feel their experiences are so little known that the validation of a literary prize matters so much."

- 'Humanising the Vietnamese' -

Having tried to "humanise" ordinary Vietnamese people in his acclaimed short stories, Nguyen chose to unleash their strangled anger towards the Americans, French colonialism and their own leaders in his novel.

Just to live, "I had turned my anger down to a pilot light", said Nguyen. "I turned it up for 'The Sympathizer', and that was unnerving for many Americans.

"We Asians are supposed to be the model minority. We are the nice people. We are not supposed to get upset.

"I have had some hate mail from veterans, which is OK. I'm trying to force everybody to reconsider everything they know about the Vietnam War."

But Nguyen, who grew up between a refugee camp and the shop his parents slaved to set up in California, is an equal opportunities satirist.

While he eviscerates a barely-disguised Francis Ford Coppola on the Philippine set of his iconic film, the Vietnamese do not emerge smelling of roses either.

"If I had only criticised the communists or the Americans I would have been fine," Nguyen said.

For his Vietnamese characters are not only human "they are also inhuman, capable of doing terrible things. Some terrible things happen in the book, as they did in Vietnam. Nothing I wrote about did not happen.

- 'Everybody did wrong' -

"Everybody did something wrong, everybody deserves to be offended."

Nguyen said he was "anxious" about how the Vietnamese translation would be received. "I wonder even how my own family will react to this depiction of Vietnamese complexity and contradictions," he said.

That it has taken this long for a Vietnamese writer to take on the war and its legacy is no surprise to him.

"Vietnamese people do anything to avoid conflict. There is a very big temptation not to talk about the war. The Communist Party control the narrative and if you try to get another perspective in there you are censored or exiled."

In America, Vietnamese writers are up against Hollywood, he said, "the unofficial propaganda of the United States. These movies cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Are you going to go up in front of that with your puny little novel?"

Americans also "like to think that they know something about Vietnam. But it is only ever their experiences we see," he insisted.

So Nguyen, a professor of English and ethnicity, decided to turn US attitudes on race to his advantage.

"As a minority you are expected to write about your 'minority experience'. So I decided to give them that, but done my way, a way neither Americans nor Vietnamese people have seen before."

His big challenge was to find a character who could cross the lines. And in coming up with an ambivalent Communist mole in the South Vietnamese army, the unwanted son of a French colonial Catholic priest and his maid, Nguyen found his man.

Smart, sarcastic, yet desperate to be accepted and to please, the spy agrees to become an advisor on the set of "Apocalypse Now".

"The Movie," the character observes at one point in the book, "was just a sequel to our war and a prequel to the next one that America was destined to wage.

"Killing the extras was either a re-enactment of what had happened to us natives or a dress rehearsal for the next such episode, with the Movie the local anaesthetic applied to the American mind."
A US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft, which will continue to operate in Japan following a recent fatal crash off Australia

Japan on Friday said it would allow Osprey tilt-rotor aircrafts to continue to operate in the country, accepting US assurances that the flights are safe following a fatal crash off Australia.

The US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft, which was based at an airbase in Japan, crashed on Saturday while on exercises off the Australian coast, leaving three service members missing and presumed dead.

Itsunori Onodera, Japan's new defence minister, had asked the US to temporarily stop flying the aircraft in his country following the accident, the latest deadly incident involving Ospreys.

But on Friday, Japan's defence ministry issued a statement saying that the US military "is taking reasonable measures" and "the US force's explanation that it can conduct safe flights of MV-22 Ospreys is understandable."

"It is appropriate (for Japan) to demand flights with maximum consideration to safety," it said.

The comment came a day after the US Marine Corps said in a statement it concluded "the Osprey is safe to fly" and "resumed operations" after initial investigation into Saturday's incident.

According to a US official, the Osprey crashed after clipping the back of the USS Green Bay while trying to land on the amphibious transport ship.

An Australian naval ship has found the wreckage and divers were preparing to try to locate the three missing Marines, the country's defence ministry said Monday in Canberra.

The MV-22 -- a hybrid helicopter-turboprop -- has two engines positioned on fixed wingtips that allow it to land and take off vertically. It can travel much faster than a helicopter.

The aircraft has been involved in a series of fatal incidents, mostly in the United States.

In April 2000, 19 Marines were killed in an MV-22 crash in Arizona.

Marines say the problems that plagued the aircraft while it was being developed have been fixed, and it is now actually one of the safest in the air fleet.

The Okinawa-based aircraft that crashed was in Australia as part of a joint military exercise called Talisman Sabre, which has just ended in Queensland state.

Locals on Okinawa have protested at the deployment of Ospreys to Futenma, which sits in the middle of a crowded city.

In December a "controlled landing" of an Osprey just off the Okinawan coast during a training flight sparked local anger. The aircraft broke into pieces but no one was killed.
More than 50 people who had been camping in colourful tents erected amid the high-end office buildings and glitzy stores of Sydney's Martin Place were asked by police to leave Friday

A homeless tent city in the heart of Sydney was being dismantled Friday, after political wrangling over the plight of those sleeping rough in winter sparked criticism and new laws.

More than 50 people had been living in colourful tents erected amid the high-end office buildings and glitzy stores of central Martin Place, with the camp becoming the most visible symbol of the lack of low-cost accommodation in Sydney.

Sydney council and the NSW government blamed each other for failing to deal with the camp, before the state's Premier Gladys Berejiklian eventually pushed through a new law Wednesday allowing police to remove the tent dwellers. The law came into effect Friday.

"What we've seen happening here in the heart of the wealthiest city, in one of the wealthiest countries anywhere on the globe, I think is a pretty distressing outcome," New South Wales Greens MP David Shoebridge told reporters as the tents came down.

"To respond to a homelessness crisis by sending in the police, threatening to arrest people and confiscate their last few possessions, I think that is a new low for politics in Australia," he said.

Critics of the new law have also expressed concerns it could be used to break up protests in the city, but Berejiklian has stressed it was specifically targeted at "unauthorised activity" such as the makeshift campsite.

"What is happening in Martin Place is beyond protest because it's unauthorised activity which is compromising the public safety of those most vulnerable but also the safety of the community," she told the Sydney Morning Herald earlier this week.

The camp was just metres from the central bank and the New South Wales state parliament in Australia's largest city, which is ranked second on a list of the world's least affordable housing.

The group of dwellers have camped out in Martin Place since the end of last year beside a building site, but more recently pitched the tents after the area was closed for construction.

Lanz Priestley, who has been dubbed the tent city's mayor, said people were moving to a crowd-funded location indoors, after residents were asked by police to pack up.

"Our intention is to go indoors now... where everybody that ever has a need for safety, a roof or food, can go," he said.

"This is not just for homeless people, this is for anyone that falls through the cracks."

State officials said they had earlier visited the site 47 times since March, placing some 230 people sleeping rough in Martin Place in temporary accommodation.

Volunteer Belinda Percy, who has been helping out in a makeshift kitchen beside the camp that offers free food and hot drinks, said the residents would continue to get help.

"Everyone will be supported. Nobody's going to left on their own. For the people who haven't secured housing at this point of time, we will be looking after them," Percy told AFP.

Social advocates warn Sydney's high prices are placing more pressure on those struggling to afford a roof over their heads.

More than 100,000 people across Australia were reported homeless in the 2011 national census, with welfare groups expecting the most recent survey held last year to show an increase.
Akshay Kumar (L) and Bhumi Pednekar star in 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha' ('Toilet: A Love Story') which is inspired by the true-life tale of one man's battle to build toilets in his village in rural India

Bollywood may be famous for its blingy song and dance numbers, but a new movie released Friday deals with a distinctly less glamorous subject -- India's chronic lack of toilets.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made building more toilets a key priority in the country of 1.25 billion people, around half of whom still have to go into the fields to answer the call of nature.

Campaigners estimate that nearly 200,000 infants die every year due to infections spread through open defecation, which they say also puts women at risk of sexual assault.

"Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" ("Toilet: A love story") is inspired by the true-life tale of one man's battle to build toilets in his village in rural India.

He wanted to win back his new wife, whose refusal to live in a house without a toilet won her plaudits in India.

Script writers Siddharth Singh and Garima Wahal told AFP they hoped the movie, featuring one of Bollywood's biggest stars Akshay Kumar, would have a "tangible impact" on Indian society.

"This happened in a village in Madhya Pradesh, and we thought that was a strong statement," said Singh, referring to one of India's most rural states.

The writers said they came across numerous stories of women being assaulted when they went into the fields late at night in the process of researching the movie.

"But defecating in the open is not only unhealthy it is also dangerous," said Garima.

Bollywood actors Anupam Kher (L), Akshay Kumar (C) and Bhumi Pednekar star in 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha' which deals with the distinctly unglamorous subject of India's chronic lack of toilets

"While we were doing our research we heard of three incidents of molestation. Crimes against women have increased owing to their vulnerability when they are out in the fields, alone in the dark, with their 'pants down' as it were."

Garima said it was hypocritical for Indian society to insist that women cover up on the one hand, while on the other forcing them to "expose themselves owing to a lack of sanitary and bathroom facilities".

Kumar, one of the world's highest paid actors with an income of $31.5 million according to a Forbes ranking published last year, recently released a "Toilet Anthem" to promote the cause.

"While mankind has progressed far enough to journey to Mars and scale Mount Everest, 54 percent of India defecates in the open," says the song.

Modi has called for every household in India to have a toilet.

Last year, he announced that his government had already built more than 20 million toilets since coming to power in 2014.

Around two-thirds of homes in the village that the movie is based on now have toilets, according to media reports.

"Our script was ready in 2014 and we felt we should get it going while it is still a hot topic. It's especially important to get people in rural areas to watch this film," said Garima.
Opinion / Columnist

IF there is anything terribly ominous and disturbing about President Robert Mugabe's current succession power struggle tearing Zanu-PF asunder, it is not just the involvement of the military, but also tribalism undercurrents bubbling under the surface.The problem has always been there in local politics and in Zanu-PF internal dynamics, but it is now threatening to erupt as the party's leaders and power brokers retreat to their tribal and regional laagers, despite strategic and expedient cross-ethnic alliances, to secure power.Actually, tribalism has been there since time immemorial. Colonialism made a bad situation worse as settler regimes sought to ethically divide and manipulate people to rule them. But the divide-and-rule strategy was also sadly adopted by nationalists and independent Zimbabwe rulers to gain power.Mugabe has late been grumbling about this problem at the Zanu-PF Youth League interface rallies around the country. He first spoke about it in Marondera in June and then mentioned it in Chinhoyi last week. It is clearly bothering him, although he is also one of the architects of ethnic state formation and tribal politics in post-independent Zimbabwe.In fact, building an ethnic state architecture and allowing tribal politics to be one of his methods of securing, maintaining and retaining power  controlling the power matrix through identity politics - is one of Mugabe's biggest failures.However, Mugabe is now playing victim to manage the situation. He is protesting some people are saying it is now time for Karangas to take over from Zezurus, his own ethnic group. Indeed, there is such an undercurrent in Zanu-PF.There is also the "Zezuru unconquerable" spirit, which is equally unhelpful. Add to that deep feelings of marginalisation in regions like Matabeleland and Manicaland; you have an ethnic political powder-keg. The party is now a cauldron of ethnic politics.The problem is Mugabe and Zanu-PF are not discussing the issue openly and honestly. Admittedly, it is an unsavoury subject; it smacks of primitive and village politics, yet it's a harsh reality not just in Zanu-PF, but also in other political parties.It is a cancer in our national life in general. Since it is a threat to nation-building and cohesion, it needs to be confronted and rooted out. Keeping quiet or ignoring the problem, hoping it will just disappear, is delusional. Constructive debate and nuanced engagement, not irresponsible polemics, are important to find a way forward.Previously, opposition leaders Morgan Tsvangirai and Tendai Biti spoke about the need for "de-Zezurunisation" of the state  which was rather reckless  but that manifested their inner feelings.That is not how the issue must be engaged; there are more civilised ways of dealing with it without demonising each other and driving the country down the dangerous path of Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Sudan, Somalia and Nigeria, among many other African countries ravaged by ethnic contradictions and strife.In this region, there are ethnic tensions and rivalries everywhere, some rooted in ancient history. It is a fight for power and resources, worsened by colonial borders  the lines of longitude and latitude drawn without due regard to history, language and culture.Colonial state-formation left Africa's fundamental social reality disfigured and the continent sitting on a geo-ethnic volcano.Currently, virtually every African conflict has some ethno-regional dimension to it. After independence some African leaders  from Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Kenneth Kaunda to Mugabe  denounced tribalism as divisive, some with forked tongues of course, and sought to enforce a mythical homogeneity amid diversity.Some banned regional parties, yet others co-opted ethnic groups through opportunistic distribution of posts, jobs and development projects  patronage.That is Mugabe's formula  cronyism-driven co-option rather than a strategic approach and viable meritocracy-based model.Zanu-PF needs to resolve the succession issue in the national interest and common good, not in the interest of tribes and regions.Tribalism is just wicked and unsustainable. It must stop.
MH370 disappeared in March 2014 with 239 people on board

Relatives of passengers aboard missing flight MH370 Friday demanded Malaysia accept a US exploration firm's offer to take up the hunt for the aircraft, which was suspended earlier this year.

No trace of the Malaysia Airlines plane, which disappeared in March 2014 with 239 people on board, was found during a lengthy deep sea hunt in the southern Indian Ocean off western Australia, with the search called off in January.

Ocean Infinity, a seabed exploration firm with a fleet of advanced underwater search vehicles, confirmed last week it had offered to resume the hunt.

Malaysian authorities have said discussions are ongoing and the firm only wants payment if the aircraft is found.

Voice 370, an international group of MH370 next-of-kin, urged authorities to take up the offer, saying in a statement: "Why hasnt Malaysia accepted this win - win offer?"

The group said the offer was made more than four months ago and it should be accepted "without further delay", and urged authorities to provide them with details. Neither Ocean Infinity nor the Malaysian government have said when the proposal was made.

"We are constantly in limbo. They (authorities involved in the search) do not engage us. It is upsetting and frustrating," Grace Nathan, a Malaysian lawyer whose mother Anne Daisy was on the plane, told AFP.

"We are always kept in the dark."

Malaysian transport officials could not be reached for immediate comment Friday.

Malaysia's Deputy Transport Minister Aziz Kaprawi previously said the agreement of Australia and China would be needed for a deal to be reached. China, where most of the passengers came from, and Australia were both involved in the search.

Only three fragments of MH370 have been found on western Indian Ocean shores, including a two-metre wing part known as a flaperon.

Australia's national science body CSIRO said in April that MH370 was "most likely" lying north of the former search zone -- a 120,000 square kilometre (46,000 square mile) area largely defined through satellite "pings" and the flight's estimated fuel load.
The South, which hosts 28,500 US troops on its soil to defend it from the North, has been banned from building its own nuclear weapons since it signed an atomic energy deal with Washington in 1974

As nuclear-armed North Korea's missile stand-off with the US escalates, calls are mounting in the South for Seoul to build nuclear weapons of its own to defend itself -- which would complicate the situation even further.

The South, which hosts US 28,500 troops on its soil to defend it from the North, is banned from building its own nuclear weapons under an atomic energy deal it signed in 1974 with the US -- its security guarantor that instead offers Seoul a "nuclear umbrella" against potential attacks.

But with Pyongyang regularly threatening to turn Seoul into a "sea of flames" -- and nagging questions over Washington's willingness to defend it if doing so put its own cities in danger of retaliatory attacks -- the South's media are leading calls for a change of tack.

South Korea, which fought a war with the North that ended in a stalemate in 1953, is highly technologically advanced and analysts estimate it could develop an atomic device within months of deciding to do so.

"Now is time to start reviewing nuclear armament," the Korea Herald said in an editorial Friday.

Defence of South Korea

After Pyongyang conducted two successful tests of an intercontinental ballistic missile last month, putting much of the mainland United States within reach, the paper warned: "Trust in the nuclear umbrella the US provides to the South can be shaken."

It urged Washington to deploy some of its atomic weapons to South Korea if it did not want to see a nuclear-armed Seoul.

The US stationed some of its atomic weapons in the South following the 1950-53 Korean War, but withdrew them in 1991 when two Koreas jointly declared they would make the peninsula nuclear-free.

But Pyongyang carried out its first nuclear test in 2006, and formally abandoned the deal in 2009.

Tensions have soared in recent months with US President Donald Trump this week warning of "fire and fury" against Pyongyang, which threatened missile strikes near the US territory of Guam.

The North's military chief Ri Myong Su responded saying that if the US continued in its "reckless" behaviour, Pyongyang would "inflict the most miserable and merciless punishment upon all the provokers".

The latest war of words between Trump and the North -- ruled by young leader Kim Jong-Un -- unnerved many in the South, even though it has become largely used to hostile rhetoric from its neighbour.

A conflict between the North and the US could have devastating consequences for Asia's fourth-largest economy, with Seoul within range of Pyongyang's vast conventional artillery forces.

"A catastrophe is looming," the South's top-selling Chosun daily said in an editorial this week.

"All options, even those considered unthinkable so far, must be on the table."

- 'Balance of terror' -

In all the North has staged five atomic tests -- including three under Kim -- as it seeks to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the continental US.

A survey last year -- even before tensions began to mount -- showed about 57 percent of South Koreans already supported the idea of nuclear armament, with 31 percent opposing it.

"We need to have our own military options to overwhelm the North," the Korea Economic Daily said in an editorial this week, calling for a nuclear weapon to ensure a "balance of terror" and prevent Pyongyang from attacking the South.

But a South Korean bomb would infuriate Pyongyang, which says it needs nuclear weapons to defend itself against the threat of invasion, and make bringing it to the negotiating table even harder.

Seoul's defence chief Song Young-Moo said recently the South was "fully capable" of building its own nuclear weapon but was not considering the option for now.

Atomic arms are not the only way Seoul can step up its defences.

Song is pushing for the development of nuclear-powered submarines, although doing so also requires consent from the US.

South Korean President Moon Jae-In has also urged limits on Seoul's missiles to be increased in a conversation with Trump.

At present, Seoul is allowed to possess ballistic missiles with a range of 800 kilometres and payload of 500 kilogrammes. It wants the weight limit raised to 1,000 kilogrammes, and the Pentagon said Monday it was "actively" considering the revision.
China has consistently sought the resumption of the "six-party talks", which collapsed in 2009 but could trumpet Beijing's role as a mediator in the North Korea crisis

As the United States and North Korea exchange fiery words over the regime's growing weapons programme, China -- the North's biggest ally and trade partner -- has receded into the background.

Donald Trump had been publicly prodding China for months to use its influence on Pyongyang, but this week the US president pointed his verbal salvos directly at North Korea, warning of "fire and fury" if it endangered the United States.

That prompted a defiant Pyongyang to threaten a missile attack on Guam, a tiny US territory in the Pacific that is home to major US air and naval facilities.

The bellicose rhetoric overshadowed Beijing's calls for restraint and political dialogue.

"Beijing is not able to persuade Washington or Pyongyang to back down at this time," the state-run Global Times tabloid conceded in an editorial on Friday.

Here are three questions and answers on China's conundrum:

What is the best-case scenario for China?

China has consistently sought the resumption of the "six-party talks" (alongside Russia, Japan, South Korea, North Korea and the US), which collapsed in 2009 but could trumpet Beijing's role as a mediator.

"Beijing could play the role of a chairman at these talks and boost its influence not only regarding North Korea but also South Korea and Japan," political analyst Willy Lam told AFP.

"This would bolster its claim to semi-superpower status."

China responded Friday to the US and North Korea's latest provocations by once again urging "caution."

The US and North Korea should avoid "going down the old path of alternately showing strength and continuously escalating the situation," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a statement.

But China's repeated proposals for peaceful dialogue appear to have fallen on deaf ears as the United States and North Korea ramp up the rhetoric.

Not long after Geng's statement, Trump launched another salvo on Twitter Friday, warning that a military option was "locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely".

"China has no real effective leverage to deescalate the situation if both Trump and North Korea's Kim (Jong-un) are reckless," Xu Guoqi, a foreign relations expert at the University of Hong Kong, told AFP.

How much sway does China really hold?

Before his verbal barrages this week, Trump had been complaining that China was not doing enough to use its considerable economic leverage on North Korea.

On Monday, China's foreign minister pledged to "implement...100 percent" new and wide-sweeping UN Security Council sanctions that could cost the authoritarian regime $1 billion in annual revenue.

But China, which accounts for 90 percent of the North's trade, has said it would not cut off humanitarian aid to the country's poverty-stricken population.

The US, Japan and South Korea would have to offer additional concessions to prompt China to consider using aid as a bargaining chip, analysts said.

"If Trump wants China to do more in terms of sanctions, Washington has to make significant concessions -- for example, in regards to the deployment of the THAAD missile defence system, trade issues or the South China Sea," Lam said.

"In theory, China could cut off aid tomorrow."

Would China defend North Korea in a conflict?

A cornerstone of Sino-North Korean ties is a mutual defence pact signed in 1961, eight years after the end of the Korean War.

Still, analysts said it was a "mystery" whether either side would uphold the military treaty should conflict really break out.

Beijing has long feared that a collapse of the North Korean regime would bring a flood of refugees across its border.

An editorial in the Global Times, a nationalistic tabloid, said Friday that China's actions should depend on who fires first.

"China should also make clear that if North Korea launches missiles that threaten US soil first and the US retaliates, China will stay neutral," the column said.

"If the US and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime and change the political pattern of the Korean Peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so."
Although Guam hosts two US military installations and 6,000 US soldiers, making it the target of North Korea's wrath, tourism authorities are keen to dispel any impression of danger to the tranquil island and its secluded beaches

Tourism-dependent Guam is looking to cash in on its new-found fame as a North Korean missile target, tapping an unlikely promotional opportunity to attract visitors to the idyllic island and prove that all publicity is good publicity.

Pyongyang's threats to launch four missile strikes near the US territory has stirred global curiosity in the remote Pacific destination, with it trending heavily on search engines as social media users wondered, "what is Guam?"

Although Guam hosts two US military installations and 6,000 US soldiers, making it the target of North Korea's wrath, tourism authorities are keen to dispel any impression of danger to the tranquil island and its secluded beaches.

"The circumstances are unfortunate but this is a good opportunity for us to educate the world about Guam and our culture, about where we are, and who we are," said Josh Tyquiengco, marketing director at Guam Visitors Bureau, the official agency for the island.

Guam

"Guam is more than a military base. We are a safe family destination. We reassure potential visitors that we continue to be a safe... place to visit," Tyquiengco told AFP.

Despite North Korea's threats to prepare plans within days that would surround Guam with "enveloping fire", fears of a potential attack have not deterred tourists from visiting Guam, he said.

"We heard about a few booking cancellations from South Korea, but it's too minimal to affect the industry," he said.

Governor Eddie Calvo, in a briefing late Friday, said any attack on Guam "would be met with overwhelming force", pointing out that the biggest threat facing the island was the looming typhoon season.

"With that, everybody should conduct their lives like business as usual. It's the weekend. Go out, have a good time, enjoy the beaches tomorrow and live your lives.

"At this point, there are thousands of tourists coming in on a daily basis... from Japan, (South) Korea, Taiwan and China and other areas. It is our belief that they should enjoy themselves here."

As aircraft after aircraft -- packed with tourists -- landed Friday at Guam's international airport, the latest visitors to the island appeared untroubled by the prospect of missile strikes.

Sun Doojin, who arrived with her husband and two-year-old daughter on a flight from Seoul, responded with an emphatic "no" when asked if she was concerned about an attack during her visit.

- 'A hidden gem' -

The Guam Daily Post, in an editorial, said the spotlight on the territory offered an opportunity to show the world why an island of 162,000 people draws more than 1.5 million tourists a year.

"The beach waters are crystal clear, beaches aren't overrun, and nature hiking trails are very accessible.

"The different cultures that are showcased on the island through food make Guam a hidden gem, a tropical vacation getaway but with the amenities and comforts of some of the small cities stateside."

Guam's history of earthquakes and typhoons mean its infrastructure is built to robust standards and authorities insist that the island is prepared for any emergency, including a North Korean strike.

Homeland Security spokeswoman Jenna Gaminde told the Guam Daily News that in the event of an attack, residents would be immediately notified by sirens from the All-Hazards Alert Warning System located throughout the island.

"If you hear the sirens, tune into local media -- radio, print, television -- for further instructions," she said.

Pyongyang has said it would take less than 18 minutes for a missile to cross the 3,400-kilometre (2,100-mile) distance to the US territory.

In addition to the US military bases, Guam is also equipped with the sophisticated THAAD weapons system which is capable of destroying intermediate-range missiles in the final phase of flight.

Officials, however, have sought to brush off fears and say there has been no change in the threat level for now.

"I don't think there's anything to worry about. No missile is going to land on Guam," said Carl Peterson, who serves on the Guam Chamber of Commerce's armed forces committee.

"We've got defense mechanisms in place... they have the ability to seek out the missiles with kinetic energy and destroy it."
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen appealed for Laos to "withdraw troops from Cambodian territory without any conditions"

Cambodia's prime minister on Friday issued a six-day ultimatum to Laos to pull back troops who have allegedly trespassed into a border area or face a military response.

Around 30 Laos soldiers have been stationed in Cambodia's northern Stung Treng province since April despite repeated requests by Phnom Penh for them to leave, according to strongman premier Hun Sen.

"I appeal to Laos Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith to withdraw troops from Cambodian territory without any conditions," Hun Sen said during a ceremony in Phnom Penh.

Military commanders have been ordered to deploy troops along with multiple rocket launchers to the border area, he said, giving Laos the "ultimatum" of pulling out by August 17.

"We are friends, but a friend cannot step on (our) head," said the mercurial leader, who often leans on ultra-nationalist rhetoric to drum up support, especially ahead of election season.

"We are not waging war, but we just want our land back," he said, adding that he was running out of patience with "the invasion" by Laos troops.

According to Hun Sen the Laos soldiers crossed into Cambodia to halt the construction of a road.

Later on Friday Cambodia's foreign ministry announced that Hun Sen would fly to the Laos capital Vientiane on Saturday to meet with his counterpart to hash out a solution.

Cambodia and Laos share a 540-kilometre (335-mile) land border but large tracts have not been officially demarcated, leading to territorial squabbles.

The border is hard to police, with increasing amounts of drugs -- mainly methamphetamine and heroin -- being moved from Laos into Cambodia.

For years Cambodia was locked in a bitter territorial dispute with Thailand over the ancient Preah Vihear temple near their shared border, with 28 people killed in the worst clashes in 2011.

In 2013 the UN's top court ruled that the area belonged to Cambodia and ordered Thai troops to leave.
On July 14, three Arab Israelis from Umm al-Fahm shot and fatally wounded two policemen near the ultra-sensitive Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, before they were gunned down

Two Arab Israelis were indicted Friday in a court in northern Israel for alleged contacts with the Islamic State jihadist group and illegal possession of weapons, the Shin Bet security agency said.

The Shin Bet said the two brothers from Umm al-Fahm in central Israel, charged in a Haifa court, had been arrested in July on suspicion of support for IS.

One of them, Mahmud Abdel Karim Kassem Jabarin, 25, had been in contact with an IS member in Syria and former resident of Umm al-Fahm, according to the Shin Bet, which alleged he had also sworn allegiance to the jihadist group.

An automatic weapon had been discovered in a sweep of the brothers' home.

On July 14, three Arab Israelis from Umm al-Fahm shot and fatally wounded two policemen near the ultra-sensitive Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, before they were gunned down.

The attack triggered a two-week-long crisis as Israel temporarily installed metal detectors and security cameras at the site.

Members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) move among destroyed buildings in Raqa, northern Syria on July 28, 2017

The Shin Bet said IS sympathisers among the Jewish state's Arab minority now posed a "serious security threat" for Israel.

By the end of 2016, 83 people, most of them Arab Israelis, were behind bars in Israel as suspected IS sympathisers, up from just 12 a year earlier, according to the Haaretz newspaper.

Some of them were arrested for planning to travel to Syria or Iraq to fight alongside the jihadists, or on their return to Israel, others for contacts on the internet with IS militants abroad or for planning attacks.

The Shin Bet estimates 50 Arab Israelis are currently fighting in IS ranks in Syria and Iraq.
Contaminated eggs have been found in at least 11 countries since the scare went public on August 1, with millions of eggs and egg-based products being pulled from supermarket shelves

A scandal involving eggs contaminated with insecticide spread to 15 EU countries, Switzerland and as far away as Hong Kong on Friday as the European Commission called for a special meeting on the growing crisis.

Ministers and food safety chiefs from around the European Union are set to meet on September 26 in a bid to get countries to stop "blaming and shaming" each other over the scare involving the chemical fipronil.

Millions of eggs have been pulled from supermarket shelves across Europe and dozens of poultry farms closed since the discovery of fipronil, which can harm human health, was made public on August 1.

The issue has sparked a row between Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, the three countries at the epicentre of the crisis, about how long they knew about the problem.

"Blaming and shaming will bring us nowhere and I want to stop this," Vytenis Andriukaitis, the European Commissioner for health and food safety, told AFP as he announced the meeting.

"We need to work together to draw the necessary lessons and move forward instead."

European Commission spokeswoman Mina Andreeva said that "this is not, let's be clear, a crisis meeting" and it is being held next month to get "distance to the events".

Fipronil is commonly used to get rid of fleas, lice and ticks from animals but is banned by the European Union from use in the food industry.

The EU insists there is no threat to human health, but the World Health Organization (WHO) says that when eaten in large quantities it can harm people's kidneys, liver and thyroid glands.

- Dutch admit 'errors' -

Brussels said the 15 affected EU countries were Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Sweden, Britain, Austria, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Denmark, along with non-EU Switzerland.

But in a sign the crisis is going global, Brussels also announced that Hong Kong had received some tainted eggs from the Netherlands, with the southern Chinese city becoming the first place in Asia known to be affected.

Hong Kong health minister Sophia Chan said Saturday authorities were "strengthening" inspections of eggs from Europe.

As well as dealing with the immediate food safety issue, the EU is also seeking to calm tempers over the egg row after a series of divisive crises in the bloc in recent years, from Brexit to migration.

Belgium earlier this week accused the Netherlands of knowing about the fipronil eggs since November 2016 and failing to notify other countries.

On Thursday Dutch Health Minister Edith Schippers admitted the government had made "errors" but denied a cover-up.

Dutch Health Minister Edith Schippers has admitted that mistakes were made in handling the eggs crisis

"We were well aware of a report of the presence of fipronil in the pens of egg-laying hens in November 2016, but there was no indication at the time that fipronil itself was found in the eggs," said Schippers.

A Dutch whistleblower separately said he had told the authorities that Chickfriend, the Dutch company at the centre of the scandal, was illegally using fipronil in the treatment of lice in chicken pens in The Netherlands.

"I am the anonymous whistleblower," Nick Hermens told the NPO public broadcaster.

A Belgian company, Poultry Vision, has said it provided Chickfriend with the chemical.

Dutch and Belgian investigators carried out coordinated raids on several premises on Thursday, arresting two people at Chickfriend.

However, Belgium itself has been forced to admit that it knew about fipronil in eggs back in June but kept it secret for nearly two months because of a criminal investigation.

- Fresh discoveries -

Fresh discoveries of contaminated eggs have continued daily.

Denmark said on Friday it had found two tonnes of fipronil-tainted scrambled eggs, bringing the total of contaminated eggs to 22 tonnes, mainly from Belgium.

Poland said it had discovered about 40,000 eggs imported from Germany.

French Agriculture Minister Stephane Travert said that since April the country had sold nearly 250,000 contaminated eggs, imported from Belgium and the Netherlands, but the risk for consumers was "very low" given French eating habits.

The food scare is one of the biggest to hit Europe since the 2013 horsemeat scandal when equine meat was falsely labelled and mis-sold.

Previous food scandals include contamination of chickens and eggs by dioxin in 1999, which began in Belgium, and mad-cow disease -- cattle feed contaminated by the ground-up carcasses of animals infected with a deadly brain disorder -- which ran from roughly 1986-1998 and started in Britain.

burs-dk/lc/boc/rb/mtp
Mont Blanc is western Europe's highest peak

Bad weather on Mont Blanc on Friday prevented efforts to locate a 35-year-old Japanese climber who has asked for help on his way down from the peak, the local rescue service said.

"There was no weather window this morning and there probably won't be today," an official told AFP.

The service posted an appeal on its Facebook page Thursday for help finding Hironobu Shimosawa, who set out on his own on Monday to scale western Europe's highest peak at 4,810 metres (15,781 feet).

No one has seen Shimosawa since Monday, according to the PGHM rescue service, which is based in the French Alpine town of Chamonix.

On Wednesday he sent an instant message over Facebook to a friend in Japan who in turn telephoned the PGHM saying Shimosawa was coming down from the summit but needed help.

The PGHM said he could have descended more than 1,000 metres since then.

PGHM head Patrice Ribes said Thursday that Shimosawa "could survive several days" providing he had found shelter and had enough water.
Two trains collided outside the Egyptian city of Alexandria, killing at least 36 people, the health ministry says

At least 36 people were killed as two trains collided Friday outside the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, in one of the deadliest in a string of such accidents in Egypt, the health ministry said.

The crash also injured 123 people, the ministry said in a statement.

Footage on the state broadcaster showed one train had partly keeled over in the crash, and medics were seen moving the dead and injured to ambulances.

Transport ministry officials, quoted on state television, said the crash was probably caused by a malfunction in one train that brought it to a halt on the rails. The other train then crashed into it.

One of them had been heading from Cairo to the northern city of Alexandria and the other from the canal city of Port Said, east of the capital, to Alexandria.

The dead and injured were initially placed on blankets by the sides of the tracks amid farmland on the outskirts of Alexandria.

Assistant health minister Sharif Wadi told state television that most of the injured had been taken to hospital.

Egypt's transport minister has ordered an investigation into the crash, pledging to "hold accountable" whoever was responsible, state television reported.

The dead and injured were initially placed on blankets by the sides of the tracks amid farmland on the outskirts of Alexandria

It was the deadliest train accident in the North African country since a train ploughed into a bus carrying schoolchildren in November 2012, killing 47 people.

That accident had jolted the government which ordered an investigation and sacked the transport minister and the head of the railway authority.

The accident was blamed on a train signal operator who fell asleep on the job.

The probe, however, did not prevent further accidents. Months later a train carrying military conscripts derailed, killing 17 people.

Almost a year later, a collision between a train and a bus killed 27 people south of Cairo.

They had been returning from a wedding when the train ploughed into their bus and a truck at a railway crossing.

Egyptians have long complained that the government has failed to deal with chronic transport problems, with roads as poorly maintained as railway lines.

There have been many other fatal crashes on the busy rail network.

In July 2008, at least 44 people died near Marsa Matruh in northwest Egypt when a runaway truck hurtled into bus, truck and several cars waiting at a level crossing, shunting the vehicles into the path of a train.

In August 2006, at least 58 Egyptians were killed and 144 wounded in a collision between two trains travelling on the same track.

In the wake of that crash, an Egyptian court sentenced 14 railway employees to one year in prison for neglect.

The deadliest accident on Egypt's railways dates back to 2002 when 373 people died as a fire ripped through a crowded train south of the capital.
More than 30 children have died at a government-run hospital in northern India over 48 hours, police said, allegedly due to lack of oxygen supply to the wards housing the sick

More than 30 children have died at a government-run hospital in northern India over 48 hours, police said Friday, allegedly due to lack of oxygen supply to the wards housing the sick.

The children were admitted at the Baba Raghav Das Hospital in Gorakhpur district of northern Uttar Pradesh, India's most populated state ruled by the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party.

"The hospital has said that 23 children died on Thursday and 11 today. At the moment we only have this information," senior police superintendent Satyarth Aniruddha Pankaj told AFP by phone.

"The matter is being investigated."

Multiple local media reports said the children died after the company which was supplying oxygen stopped the service, apparently over non-payment of dues running into millions of rupees.

City magistrate V K Srivastava however denied the allegations and said the hospital had enough oxygen cylinders in stock.

"The deaths were not due to lack of oxygen as is being reported. The supply was stopped yesterday (Thursday) but the hospital has enough cylinders in stock," he told AFP.

"Many acute cases are referred to the hospital and on an average 10-11 kids die daily. A team has been set up to look into the matter."

State-run hospitals in India are often stretched to breaking point, with patients facing long delays for even minor treatment and forced to share beds.

As a result, Indians avoid the state-run system if they can, with many flocking to private clinics and hospitals.

But a consultation with a private GP can cost 1,000 rupees ($15), a huge sum for millions living on less than $2 a day.
Opinion / Columnist

On the 29th of July 2017 the MDC National Council passed a resolution mandating the party to sign up to the MDC Alliance and further resolved that the party should consequently resign from CODE.Pursuant to that resolution, the MDC Secretary General, Miriam Mushayi delivered the letter of resignation to the current CODE Chairperson, Mr Tendai Biti on the 7th of August 2017.Kurauone ChihwayiMDC National Spokesperson

Source - Kurauone Chihwayi

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For more than a month, Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a standoff on a remote but strategically important Himalayan plateau near where Tibet, India and Bhutan meet

India has increased the number of troops along its northeastern border with China, reports said Friday, amid a tense standoff between Delhi and Beijing over a strategically key Himalayan plateau.

The "caution level" among the troops has also been raised, the Press Trust of India news agency said, quoting an unnamed government official.

"The troop level along the border with China in the Sikkim and Arunachal sectors has been increased," the official said without giving further details.

The official however said there was no deployment of extra troops at the tri-junction between India, China and Bhutan, where around 350 Indian army personnel have been locked in a face-off with Chinese troops for nearly seven weeks.

The border trouble began in June when Chinese soldiers started to extend a road through the Doklam territory -- known as "Donglang" in Chinese. The area is disputed between China and Bhutan.

India, a close ally of Bhutan, then deployed troops to stop the construction project, prompting Beijing to accuse India of trespassing on Chinese soil.

China insists that India must withdraw its troops before any proper negotiation takes place. India said both sides should withdraw their forces.

The plateau is strategically significant as it gives China access to the so-called "chicken neck" -- a thin strip of land connecting India's northeastern states with the rest of the country.

Mistrust between the giant neighbours is hundreds of years old with the pair having fought a brief war in 1962 in India's border state of Arunachal Pradesh.
Begum Kulsoom Nawaz (C), who has been married to Sharif for 46 years, has largely stayed out of politics

The wife of Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will contest the parliamentary seat left vacant after her husband was deposed by the country's top court last month, a party official said Friday.

The Supreme Court sacked Sharif after an investigation into corruption allegations against him and his family, making him the 15th prime minister in Pakistan's 70-year history to be ousted before completing a full term.

Nomination papers for Begum Kulsoom Nawaz were submitted in the eastern city of Lahore by her son-in-law, an official from Sharif's eponymous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) told AFP.

Kulsoom, who has been married to Sharif for 46 years, has largely stayed out of politics.

But when Pervez Musharraf arrested her husband in a coup in October 1999, the former first lady led the movement for him to be freed before the family were exiled to Saudi Arabia.

Within days of Sharif's ouster the PML-N nominated former oil minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as a new prime minister.

He was originally seen a placeholder for Sharif's younger brother, Shahbaz, who is chief minister of Punjab.

But reports this week said the party appeared to be backtracking on the succession plans announced by Sharif, saying the PML-N would likely keep Abbasi in place until next year's general elections.
This photo taken on July 13, 2017 shows a Muslim family at Maung Hnama village, Buthidaung township in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state

A UN rights expert voiced alarm Friday at a growing security operation in Myanmar's northwestern Rakhine State, where the government has been accused of widespread abuses against Rohingya Muslims.

Reacting to reports that an army battalion was flown into Rakhine Thursday to help local authorities boost security in the region, UN special rapporteur Yanghee Lee warned the development was "a cause for major concern."

"The government must ensure that security forces exercise restraint in all circumstances and respect human rights in addressing the security situation in Rakhine State," she said in a statement.

"I am particularly reminded of the allegations of serious human rights violations which followed security force operations in the aftermath of attacks against three border guard police facilities in Maungdaw and Rathedaung in October and further clashes in November," she added.

Lee's comments came after a government-appointed commission on Sunday dismissed UN allegations of widespread abuses during the crackdowns, clearing Myanmar security forces of systematic rape, murder and arson against Rohingya Muslims.

The commission examined the deadly violence which began in Rakhine last year after attacks by Rohingya militants on police posts near the Bangladesh border.

The government is refusing to allow a UN fact-finding team to conduct its own probe into whether the security response amounted to "ethnic cleansing" of the stateless Rohingya minority.

Buddhist-majority Myanmar has long faced criticism for its treatment of the more than one million Rohingya who live in Rakhine, who are seen as interlopers from Bangladesh, denied citizenship and access to basic rights.

Lee said she had taken note of the report from the government commission, pointing out that it had "admitted it was not able to verify many of these alleged violations or crimes including torture, rape and arson" and she asked that "these be properly addressed by the relevant authorities."

"There have been increasing reports of incidents affecting the local population, including the killings of six Mro villagers on August 3," she pointed out.

Lee said she shared the government's security concerns, and understood the state's responsibility to provide security and protect people from attacks by extremists.

But she stressed that the authorities needed to offer equal protection to all residents.

"Any measures security forces take or any operations they undertake to secure the areas concerned must be carried out in line with international human rights norms and standards," she said.
Etienne Tshisekedi was a key political rival who lost to Joseph Kabila in disputed presidential polls in 2011

An agreement has been struck with Kinshasa for the repatriation of the body of veteran Congolese opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, who died aged 84 in Belgium in February, his family and political party told AFP Friday.

The long delay in the return of Tshisekedi's remains was due to concerns it could touch off massive demonstrations as the Democratic Republic of Congo is mired in a political crisis over President Joseph Kabila holding onto power beyond his mandate.

Tshisekedi was a key political rival who lost to Kabila in disputed presidential polls in 2011.

Before his death, Tshisekedi had headed the opposition coalition that negotiated a transitional deal which allowed Kabila to remain in office until elections in late 2017.

However, the electoral commission chief has said that won't be possible and the opposition has cried foul, raising tensions with the Kabila government.

But apparently the government has now agreed "to honour the memory of the illustrious deceased" with no disruption to "the harmonious organisation of the funeral," according to a joint statement from Tshisekedi's family and his party sent to AFP.

According to a document signed on June 6, the plans call for a special plane to be sent to Brussels to bring Tshisekedi's body back to Kinshasa where he will lie in state in the parliament so that people can pay hommage.

He will be buried at N'sele, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Kinshasa.

The repatriation could take place in "early September", a family spokesman said.

"The Congolese state will cover all the expenses related to the organisation of the funeral," the statement said.

AFP was unable to reach the representatives from the government who had signed the document detailing the funeral plans for comment.
A handout picture provided by the press office of Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj shows him (R) meeting with New UN envoy Ghassan Salame (L) on August 5, 2017 in the capital Tripoli

Libya's military strongman Khalifa Haftar will visit Moscow on Saturday for discussions over a peace plan including a ceasefire and political talks, a Russian official said Friday.

Haftar will discuss "the issue of his eventual meeting with the prime minister" of Libya's recognised government, Fayez al-Sarraj, said Lev Dengov, who heads Russia's Libya contact group.

"Relevant questions on reconciling the parties and the conflict will be raised," Dengov was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.

Oil-rich Libya has been in turmoil since the ouster of longtime leader Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, turning the country into a hub for human trafficking and drawing jihadist groups from the region.

The United Nations has been struggling for months to re-launch talks on a deal reached in 2015 on setting up a national unity government that has been rejected by Haftar and other factions.

Appointed last year to lead the new government of national accord, Sarraj has failed to assert authority outside of Tripoli while Haftar's forces this month scored a major military victory when they seized Benghazi, Libya's second city.

The pair reached agreement on a new peace initiative during talks hosted last month by French President Emmanuel Macron.

In the 10-point joint declaration, Sarraj and Haftar agreed to work on a roadmap for security and defence, unifying national institutions such as the National Oil Corporation and the central bank, and hold elections as soon as possible.

Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army is backed by Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates and recently liberated Benghazi after a three-year campaign against jihadist groups.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta hails from the elite but has a reputation for the common touch

Uhuru Kenyatta, who won a second and final term in a disputed election Friday, is the son of Kenya's founding president and a man who epitomises the country's elite.

The 55-year-old US-educated multi-millionaire, whose family owns an array of businesses, properties and land, is the son of Kenya's first president Jomo Kenyatta.

Stretching a political feud to a new generation, he first beat Raila Odinga -- the son of his father's biggest rival Jaramogi Oginga Odinga -- to the presidency in 2013.

He was re-elected after Tuesday's election, trumping Odinga with 54 percent of the vote.

Both times Odinga has claimed election rigging.

Kenyatta won in 2013 despite being indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) along with his running mate, William Ruto, for alleged roles in orchestrating violence that left over 1,100 people dead after the previous election in 2007.

Foreign powers, including Britain and the US, warned at the time that Kenya under an ICC-indicted president would be a pariah, but the threats proved empty.

In 2014 the ICC dropped charges against Kenyatta -- and later Ruto -- citing the disappearance of witnesses and lack of evidence.

Since then Kenya has welcomed former US president Barack Obama, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Pope Francis and hosted a string of international gatherings.

- Privilege and wealth -

Kenyatta's first term was defined by big spending on eye-catching infrastructure and impressive economic growth in a tough climate.

But this has gone hand-in-hand with spiralling debt and widening inequality.

Terrorism has also been a consistent threat, with Kenyatta being forced to address the nation in doleful terms on numerous occasions, notably after the deadly 2013 Westgate mall siege and the 2015 Garissa university attack.

Kenyan presidents: from father to son

The former finance minister and deputy prime minister was born in 1961, shortly after his father Jomo Kenyatta was released from nearly a decade in British jails and before becoming Kenya's first president in 1964. His first name means "freedom" in Kiswahili.

Educated at a private school in Nairobi and at Amherst College in the United States, Kenyatta is regarded as a leader of the Kikuyu people, the country's single largest ethnic group.

He is married with three children and regularly attends Catholic church.

In 2011 Forbes magazine estimated Kenyatta's wealth at $500 million (420 million euros).

Despite his elite background Kenyatta has a common touch. He easily mixes it up with ordinary Kenyans, eagerly gets down on the dance floor and joshes in the local youth slang and, in his younger years, earned a persistent reputation for partying hard.

A leaked 2009 US diplomatic cable described him as "bright and charming, even charismatic" but warned that "Kenyatta's liabilities are at least as important as his strengths. He drinks too much and is not a hard worker."

- Dynastic politics -

Kenyatta's political career is a case study in pragmatism.

In the 1990s, he joined with the sons of other independence heroes to call for democratic reforms but then became a close ally of autocratic former president Daniel arap Moi who had him nominated as the ruling party's candidate for the presidency in 2002.

Kenyatta lost to fellow Kikuyu politician Mwai Kibaki but then backed Kibaki's successful re-election bid in 2007, against Odinga who at the time was allied with Ruto.

The violent fallout from the disputed result led to a power-sharing government in which Kibaki was president, Odinga prime minister and Kenyatta one of his deputies.

In 2013 the two ICC indictees, Kenyatta and Ruto, joined forces to defeat Odinga in a close and controversial election. Kenyatta won in the first round with a wafer-thin margin of 50.03 percent -- a result Odinga disputed, unsuccessfully but peacefully, in court.

No caption

The same team beat Odinga this time around.

The country is now holding its breath as violent protests erupted in Odinga's strongholds upon news of the result.
The C-Star has been plagued with problems since its mission began last month

Anti-immigration activists whose boat was reported in trouble said Friday they had got their engines going again, after a migrant rescue ship said it had been dispatched to help.

The C-Star, which has vowed to expose what it describes as "collaboration" between privately-funded rescue ships and people traffickers, said earlier on Twitter it had "developed a minor technical problem during the night", leaving it adrift but not in distress.

Germany's Sea-Eye, one of nine NGOs involved in migrant search and rescue (SAR) operations and a target of the C-Star's campaign, said it had been "asked by the MRCC (command centre in Rome) to assist the ship".

But later Friday a spokesman for C-Star told AFP that the boat, which had only just got going against after being blocked for five days off the coast of Tunisia, simply stopped its engines to resolve a technical problem.

This was what set off a signal to other boats in the nearby area, but not asking for help, he said.

The Sea-Eye returned to its previous route and activities once it was told its help was not needed by the C-Star.

The Italian coast guard could not be reached for a comment.

The C-Star has been plagued with problems since its mission began last month. It was initially refused permission to travel through the Suez Canal, before later being blocked over legal questions in Cyprus.

After finally making it to Libya's SAR zone, it needed to refuel but found itself stuck off the coast of Tunisia earlier this week after fishermen and a powerful Tunisian union refused to allow passage.

The 40-metre long ship, which is flying under a Mongolian flag, is leased by the far-right group "Generation Identity".

Funded by Internet-collected donations of more than $212,000 (180,000 euros), the Austrian, French, German and Italian activists on board have vowed to ensure migrants rescued at sea off Libya be returned to Africa.

Two NGO ships were badgered at sea by the C-Star last week with a radio message telling them to "leave the rescue zone" and "stop acting as an incentive for human traffickers".

The message echoed one transmitted Thursday by the Libyan navy, which has banned any unauthorised foreign ships from entering the SAR zone off its coast.
"What North Korea is doing is absolutely unacceptable, and it's posing an unacceptable security threat both in the region and to the entire world," Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland on Friday condemned North Korea's "unacceptable" actions while urging both the United States and the totalitarian regime to step back from a possible catastrophic conflict on the Korean peninsula.

Freeland, speaking days after a Canadian pastor was released from a North Korean prison, said North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile program is a grave threat that must be stopped.

"What North Korea is doing is absolutely unacceptable, and it's posing an unacceptable security threat both in the region and to the entire world," she said.

At the same time, Freeland renewed Canada's support for its neighbor, the United States, while urging both US President Donald Trump and the regime of Kim Jong-Un to tone down the saber-rattling.

"We stand by all of our allies very much including the United States. When they are threatened, we are there," she said.

She said Canada is "working with our international partners to seek a resolution, a de-escalation" in the situation.

In direct conversations with North Korea and through China, Freeland said Canada sought to "get North Korea to understand that it must get off this path, which is so destructive for North Korea and the world."

She said she briefly spoke with her North Korean counterpart, Ri Yong Ho, on the sidelines of an ASEAN ministers gathering in Manila on Sunday and with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's national security advisor Daniel Jean also travelled to Pyongyang to discuss the case of pastor Hyeon Soo Lim, who was released Wednesday.

Lim was arrested in 2015 for allegedly meddling in North Korean state affairs.

The South Korean-born pastor had been accused of subversive acts against Pyongyang, an allegation Canadian authorities strongly denied.
The post-election anger comes a decade after a disputed 2007 vote that degenerated into two months of politicall motivated ethnic bloodshed, which killed 1,100 people and left 600,000 displaced

Immediately after news broke that President Uhuru Kenyatta had been re-elected as Kenya's president, people took to the streets across the east African nation.

But while some celebrated with flags and vuvuzelas, others burned tyres and attacked businesses in a show of rage over an election they believe was stolen from opposition veteran Raila Odinga.

The post-election anger comes a decade after a disputed 2007 vote that degenerated into two months of politically motivated ethnic bloodshed, which killed 1,100 people and left 600,000 displaced.

"Why are they shooting at innocent people who are expressing their views?" said a protester in Kisumu, a city in Kenya's west where there is little love for Kenyatta.

"Why are they forcing Uhuru on people?"

Fueling the rage was Odinga's repeated claims that the election results had been tampered with to deny him victory.

As soon as the country's electoral commission called the vote's outcome on live television, angry people spilled on to the streets of the poor Kisumu neighbourhood of Kondele to be met by squads of riot police.

"They're trying everything, but they can't make it," an officer said into his radio as fires of protest were lit a few hundreds metres from a traffic circle that had already been the site of clashes in the days before the result was declared.

The angry voices of wailing women and screaming men rose above the banging on metal sheets and volleys of tear gas that ripped through the night.

Soon, gunshots could be heard from Kondele and neighbouring areas as a police helicopter hovered overhead, its spotlight trained on the violence below.

The rage in Kisumu was echoed in other opposition parts of Kenyan cities, including the capital Nairobi.

In Nairobi's largest slum Kibera, where Odinga is an MP, people poured into narrow alleys and targeted businesses whose owners were thought to be loyal to the president.

Kenyan security forces deploy in Kisumu minutes after the announcement of the reelection of incumbent Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on August 11, 2017

They tore metal from walls and ripped down wooden doors, prompting police to open fire into crowds.

The scene was repeated in poor neighbourhoods across Nairobi, where wood and tyres became kindling for protesters to set ablaze.

- Best leader -

The explosion of anger among Odinga loyalists was matched by an outburst of joy in Kenyatta's strongholds from his supporters.

In cities in the Kenyatta-supporting Rift Valley, the streets were clogged with thousands of the president's backers who waved flags and held burning flares aloft.

"Let Uhuru rule. He is the best leader we have had," said Simon Kipkoech in the town of Eldoret.

But amid the joy, the resentment that fuels Kenya's politics was still strong.

In the town of Nyeri, a Kenyatta supporter cheered: "Raila will never be president!"

The unrest that bookended Kenya's hard-fought election on Friday could degenerate into a political crisis comparable to the one faced after the 2007 vote dispute.

Supporters of both candidates believe their side is right.

A day before Kenyatta's victory became official, a crowd of hundreds gathered in Kisumu, joyfully celebrating the oppositions' claim that Odinga's victory was imminent.

"Raila was elected by everyone in Kenya," said 21-year-old Michael Omondi. "We the Kenyan people will not concede. This is just the beginning."
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on the probe into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election and the Trump campaign (all times EDT):

7:45 p.m.

FBI agents looking for financial documents have searched one of the homes of President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort.

Manafort spokesman Jason Maloni says FBI agents obtained a warrant and searched one of Manafort's homes.

The Associated Press has learned the warrant for the search on July 26 at Manafort's home in Alexandria, Virginia, sought information including tax documents and banking records. The Washington Post first reported the raid.

Manafort has been a subject of a longstanding FBI investigation into his dealings in Ukraine and work for the country's former president, Viktor Yanukovych. That probe has been swept into the investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

___

2:20 p.m.

A research firm tied to a dossier of salacious allegations involving President Donald Trump is turning over thousands of pages of documents to a congressional committee.

That's according to a person familiar with the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the arrangement had not yet been publicly announced.

The firm, Fusion GPS, was turning over records Wednesday in response to a request from the Senate Judiciary Committee. The panel is one of several investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

The firm hired a British intelligence officer who compiled a dossier of allegations involving Trump and his ties to Russia.

The committee also plans to hear privately from Glenn Simpson, a co-founder of the firm.

__

11 a.m.

Donald Trump Jr. has turned over 250 pages of records to a Senate panel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

The Senate Judiciary Committee says it received the records Friday from Trump's oldest son, and received 20,000 pages two days earlier from the Trump campaign.

The content of the documents was not immediately clear, though Trump Jr. helped arrange a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower that is of interest to investigators.

The committee is one of several congressional panels investigating potential ties between Russia and the Trump campaign.

Committee leaders have been in talks with Trump Jr. and committee chairman Paul Manafort about private interviews. The committee initially called for them to testify publicly, but lawmakers have since said they were negotiating the terms of their appearances.

__

10:13 a.m.

A spokesman for President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, says that FBI agents served a search warrant at one of his homes.

Spokesman Jason Maloni says that Manafort cooperated with the agents as he has "consistently" done.

Manafort has been a subject of a longstanding FBI investigation into his dealings in Ukraine and work for the country's former president, Viktor Yanukovych. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is also investigating Manafort as part of his probe into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election and any possible collusion with Trump associates.

Manafort has denied any wrongdoing. He has also cooperated with congressional committees investigating the election interference. Manafort has turned over documents to the intelligence and judiciary committees in the Senate. Manafort led the Trump campaign for several months.

.
Best Camping Hammocks

Upgrade Your Outdoor Lounge Game With These Hammocks

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

In the balmy days of late summer, when its too damn hot to do just about anything, its tempting to lay about and watch the world go by. And nothing embodies a lazy, lay-about summer day quite like a hammock, right? Once settled into that womb-like comfort, its almost too much to go get yourself another drink. Almost. Of course, youre not the kind to just lay about in your comfort zone, are you? Because, while a hammock is great in the backyard, its even better out in the great big yonder.

RELATED: What to Pack for Camping

You want to get out into the wild, scale peaks and ford rivers. Or at least get out for a bit of camping. But, once your mettle has been tested in the great outdoors  whether it be through a tough hike up a series of switchbacks, or the struggle through traffic, with kids complaints that you should stop to ask for directions, only to find your way into a campsite next to hundreds of other weary travelers  you will want a measure of relaxation. And relaxation is very nearly epitomized by the hammock. Fortunately, the market is filled is with great options for camping hammocks, suitable for both the weekend warrior and the backcountry sojourner.

Day hammocks come in two basic varieties. The first is the basic, lightweight hammock meant for carrying on backpacking trips, where weight and bulk matter. Theyre a small luxury at the end of a tough trail, above the fray and out of the dirt. The second variety are bigger, sturdier  and heavier  hammocks, meant for your base camp or car camping, when you dont have to haul the thing very far, but you just might want to spend a good deal of quality time in it, maybe even with a companion.

RELATED: Best Sleeping Bags and Pads

AskMen-Approved Hammocks

Color Options

Kammok Wallaby Hammock

Best for: Lounging around

This hammock is a great lightweight option. At only 10 ounces, it can be packed down to the size of a soda can, but its made of durable, 40 denier rip-stop nylon, and can hold up to 400 pounds. And, youll be happy to know its big enough for a six-foot tall, grown-ass man. It also has six gear loops for hanging a water bottle, flask, snacks, or flashlight. So you really wont have to get up once you get down.

From $43.07 at Amazon.com

For Sky Watchers

NEMO Cloudview Lite

Best For: Hours of comfort

Nemo took their excellent Cloudview hammock and put it on a diet, shaving half the weight and making it more packable not quite as light as our selections above, but close. Unlike the aforementioned, the Cloudview Lites unique layflat design, with head and toe spreader bars, is ideal for those who dont love the enveloped, sucked-in feeling of a conventional hammock. This makes for a great setup that allows you to swing away in your hammock  maybe strumming your six-string  without being locked away from your fellow campers or, say, the campfire. With its integrated drink holder and tablet/phone pocket, you could lock it in for hours in this baby.

$78 at Amazon.com

Parachute Parts

Grand Trunk Double

Best For: Lots of space

Your base camp is the place to go big or go home. Whether youre a big fella and you like to spread out, or you want someone to cuddle with in your hammock, this one has the room for you. And since its made of parachute grade, 70 denier nylon, it can handle all of you. Unlike most hammocks, this model comes with everything you need to hang it up, making it a superb choice for the price. And, if this matters to you, the fabric comes in a mind-boggling array of colors to suit just about anyone, whether you want to disappear (camo) or stand out (fluorescent batik).

$39.97 at Amazon.com

For Overnight Comfort

Hennessy Expedition Zip

Best For: Good night's rest

This is a great all-around sleeping hammock, made of durable 70 denier nylon, with a polyurethane-coated rain fly. It comes with all the ropes and webbing necessary for hanging. At two pounds, 12 ounces, its a little heavy, but remember, youve got your hammock and your tent all together. Its worth it.

$159.95 at Amazon.com

For Beating Back Mosquitos

Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter XT

Best For: Easing into no tent camping

If youre looking to try out camping this way, but arent ready to commit to a full replacement for your tent, this is a high-quality option at a great price. It comes with carabiners and a simple rope and suspension kit for the bug fly, which is spacious and zippered on both sides for easy access. While it doesnt come with a rain fly, you can add one later if you discover you need one. We also recommend purchasing a set of trunk straps at some point for ease of use.

$89.95 at Amazon.com

RELATED: Best Air Mattresses For Camping

Hammock Accessories

Most hammocks have additional accessories you can get to customize them to your liking: tree straps, stands, carabiners, mosquito nets, or rain flies. Once you have the model thats right for you, you can add to it to suit your needs.

When it comes to suspension systems there are a few things to keep in mind. The longer the straps and the more attachment points your sling has, the better. More options give you more flexibility to work around different types of trees. Ideally, use straps that are tree-friendly. These models are normally wider, flat and made from nylon or polyester so they wont cut into the bark  even small cuts make a tree more vulnerable to insects.

ENO Eagles Nest Atlas Straps

These straps loop back onto themselves for easy setup and takedown. The durable polymide material is tree-friendly and has a combined weight capacity of 400 pounds.

$29.94 at Amazon.com

Azarxis Wire Gate Carabiners

No need to over-engineer your hitching solution, unless youre hanging it up over a precipice, with locking steel biners. Aluminum wire gates are fine, both lighter and cheaper, for a hammock application. Comes as a set of two.

$9.99 at Amazon.com

Therm-a-Rest Snuggler Hammock Insulation

The Snuggler attaches underneath your hammock to cover your backside on chilly nights, a particular vulnerability with lightweight backpacking hammocks.

$129.95 at Amazon.com

pys Hammock Bug Net

The largest mosquito net on the market, this offering is long enough and large enough to fit even double hammocks. The lack of a central ridge also enables unfettered stargazing and the large access portal makes for easy late-night forays.

$24.90 at Amazon.com

ENO Profly Rain Tarp

Another great accessory from Eagles Nest Outfitters, the Profly tarp is lightweight, durable, and water-shedding. The DWR-treated 210 denier ripstop nylon has six attachment points to customize your hammock shed.

$79.95 at Amazon.com

Nemo Stargaze Recliner

Nemos Stargaze Recliner is a hammock for your butt, while lazing about the campsite, suspending on an engineered frame that allows the dynamic swinging motion of a hammock. As the name suggests, the chair can be set for both enjoying the nighttime sky or upright for socializing with friends. While packable and lightweight, the Stargazes aircraft-grade aluminum/composite frame is rugged enough to set up on broken ground.

$90 at Amazon.com

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ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - The owner of a Florida day care center where a 3-year-old boy was found dead after being left in a van all day apologized to the child's family hours before the state announced it was temporarily shutting the business down.

Audrey Thornton said Wednesday at a news conference at her attorney's office that she was extremely sorry about the death of Myles Hill. Later that day, the Florida Department of Children and Families issued an emergency suspension order for Little Miracles Academy.

"Our hearts are broken about the senseless loss of Myles and we will continue to support his family," DCF Secretary Mike Carroll said in a prepared statement. "We are conducting a thorough investigation and are assisting law enforcement with their criminal investigation."

More than 100 people gathered to remember Myles at a candlelight vigil Tuesday night. Relatives told local news outlets that the boy would have turned 4 on Aug. 22. Instead, he was found dead Monday night, and police say he had been inside the van for nearly 12 hours.

During the vigil, Chiel Banks remembered her son as a happy child, adding she called him "my baby genius, 'cause he knew everything."

Orlando police Chief John Mina said Myles was supposed to have been dropped off Monday morning at another day care center but instead he was taken to the location where his body was later found. The driver admitted to "not doing a head count" and may face criminal charges.

Detectives were awaiting autopsy results but believe they will show the boy's death was caused by heat in the van. Thornton wouldn't answer questions about the driver or procedures in place at the day care regarding the transport of children.

State records show the day care center wasn't in compliance last month with rules about keeping logs on transporting children.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal officials said Wednesday that they won't file charges against a police officer who fatally shot an unarmed black motorcyclist last year in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia said in a statement that there was insufficient evidence to prove the city police officer used unreasonable force or was not acting in self-defense.

The officer, Brian Trainer, shot Terrence Sterling after a high-speed chase that ended with the 31-year-old revving his motorcycle into a police cruiser's door, according to the statement. Federal officials said the level of alcohol in Sterling's blood was 0.16, twice the legal limit. They said he also tested positive for marijuana.

Federal officials said the chase began after Sterling pulled in front of the police cruiser that was stopped at a red light.

"Mr. Sterling looked over his shoulder in the direction of the officers and then accelerated at a high rate of speed through the red light," the statement said.

A chase ensued, covering 25 city blocks, federal officials said. Sterling allegedly drove 100 mph or more while narrowly missing pedestrians and cars.

The September shooting led to sustained protests and attracted national attention from activists concerned about police brutality. Sterling was a heating and air-conditioning technician from Fort Washington, Maryland.

Sterling's parents filed a $50 million wrongful-death lawsuit, claiming that Sterling posed no threat and that the officer was negligent when he failed to turn on his body camera.

City officials have acknowledged that the officer, who has been on administrative leave since the shooting, did not turn on his camera, and the city has since ordered 911 operators to remind officers to activate their cameras.

The Metropolitan Police Department released a statement Wednesday that said Trainer will remain on administrative leave as the department begins its own investigation now that the federal probe is over.

The department has not specified the race of the officer, but Jason Downs, the lead attorney for Sterling's family, has said his understanding is the officer is white.

Downs told DC television station Fox 5 on Wednesday that there was "no good reason for the government to decline to prosecute under these circumstances."

"We have to acknowledge that this is another young man that was unarmed, that was killed by a police officer," Downs added. "This is why people believe that there are two justice systems: one for the police officers and one for the rest of us."

Sterling's death prompted protests by activists affiliated with the Black Lives Matter movement. Steven Douglass, a youth minister who knew Sterling and organized protests, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that decision not to prosecute is a "smack in the face."

"The community doesn't feel safe," he said. "We now walk around with murderers who we pay with our tax dollars to protect and serve. We will protest and let it be known that we as a community will not be accepting this decision."
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A Subway shop where a worker was cleared of drugging a Utah police officer's drink filed a lawsuit Wednesday saying police waited two months to publicly disavow the headline-making allegations despite internal evidence the officer had no drugs in his system.

The Subway shop owners said officers in Layton, Utah, knew within hours that blood and urine tests were negative, but a police spokesman nevertheless continued to cite early tests indicating the possible presence of THC and methamphetamine in the officer's lemonade. Those results were never duplicated.

"My life has been changed forever. It will never be the same," said co-owner Kristin Myers. "It's always going to be known as the store that drugged the cop."

FILE - This Oct. 11, 2016, file photo, Tanis Ukena speaks at his attorney's office, in Clearfield, Utah. A Subway shop where Ukena, a worker was cleared of drugging a Utah police officer's drink filed a lawsuit Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, saying police waited two months to publicly recant the headline-making allegations despite internal evidence the officer had no drugs in his system. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File )

Layton City Attorney Gary Crane said the department had to investigate after the officer returned to the station with serious symptoms. Police couldn't publicly declare the worker had been cleared until receiving the results of extensive testing from the state crime lab.

Police responded to reporters' questions about information in public documents, and stressed that the allegations didn't reflect on the store, he said.

"You've got to investigate every angle," he said.

Layton police declined to comment.

The story made national headlines and garnered speculation about the possible motive of the worker who prepared the drink amid growing animosity and distrust of police around the country in the wake of a number of officer-involved shootings.

The Subway owners say their business dropped 30 percent after a police spokesman told a reporter about the sergeant who reported feeling impaired, having trouble finding the brake pedal and struggling to answer questions after getting the drink in his patrol car on Aug. 8, 2016. He was briefly hospitalized, Crane said.

Several Subway employees also quit after police detectives grilled other workers for hours about the case even though the store cooperated with the investigation, franchise owners Dallas Buttars and Myers said in the lawsuit. They say the lost business, employee time and stigmatization cost them nearly $300,000.

Buttars and Myers said they asked Layton city officials to publicize the negative test results for weeks before police announced they'd cleared worker Tanis Ukena in October 2016, two months after his arrest.

It's still a mystery what caused the serious symptoms the officer suffered that day, Crane said. The officer, whose name has not been released, remains employed with the department.

Ukena has said he received online death threats and hateful comments that made him afraid to leave his northern Utah home after the case became public. After being cleared, the top student and Eagle Scout who never had been in trouble said he was relieved but disappointed that police didn't apologize.

That family has reached a resolution with the city, he said, though he wouldn't give details.

Attorney Randy Richards has said his client, who is now serving a Mormon mission, had no reason to target a police officer and didn't put anything in the drink. He didn't immediately have comment on Wednesday's lawsuit, and members of the Ukena family could not be reached.

Attorney Robert Sykes, right, and Subway franchise owners Dallas Buttars, left, and Kristin Myers, center, speak during a press conference Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Salt Lake City. A Subway shop where a worker was cleared of drugging a Utah police officer's drink filed a lawsuit Wednesday saying police waited two months to publicly disavow the headline-making allegations despite internal evidence the officer had no drugs in his system. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Attorney Robert Sykes speaks to reporters during a press conference Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Salt Lake City. A Subway shop where a worker was cleared of drugging a Utah police officer's drink filed a lawsuit Wednesday saying police waited two months to publicly disavow the headline-making allegations despite internal evidence the officer had no drugs in his system. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - With liberals back in charge in South Korea, Seoul is making peace offerings to its archrivals, but the North isn't biting.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in believes the best way to solve the North Korean nuclear crisis is engagement of the sort that two past liberal leaders used to win historic summits with Pyongyang.

The problem, as clearly demonstrated during the last several chaotic days, is that North Korea doesn't want to talk.

FILE - In this July 4, 2017, file photo, South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks as he presides over a meeting of the National Security Council at the presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea. Moon believes the best way to solve the North Korean nuclear crisis is engagement of the sort that two past liberal leaders used to win historic summits with Pyongyang. (Kim Ju-hyung/Yonhap via AP, File)

Instead, it has been testing missiles at an unprecedented pace and threatening to launch some of those toward Guam. Pyongyang may be looking to eventually use the existence of its nuclear weapons to negotiate a peace treaty with the United States to officially end the 1950-53 Korean War and remove U.S. troops from the South. Until, and unless, that happens, Seoul probably will have little luck building bridges.

This puts Moon in a bind, forcing him right when his inclination is to go left.

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'SUNSHINE' REDUX

The Koreas last held formal talks in December 2015. Since then, North Korea has conducted a torrent of missile tests and two nuclear tests, boosting its efforts to make nuclear weapons small enough to fit on long-range missiles.

Moon, who took office in May, made his most ambitious plea for engagement two days after North Korea test-launched its first intercontinental ballistic missile last month.

In a July 6 speech in Berlin, Moon vowed to build on the legacies of late liberal leaders Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun and their so-called "Sunshine Policy." Seoul's economic inducements resulted in two historic summit meetings and temporary rapprochement between the Koreas in the 2000s.

Moon said the Koreas should start off with "easy" subjects. He proposed talks for reducing animosities across their heavily armed border and a resumption of meetings between aging relatives separated by war. He invited the North to participate in next year's Winter Olympics, which South Korea is hosting. And he proposed ambitious longer-term projects, such as reconnecting an inter-Korean railway and building a gas pipeline connecting the Koreas with Russia.

Moon said he wasn't offering unconditional cooperation. He condemned the ICBM launch and said the North could guarantee its security only through "complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization." He said he was willing to meet with North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un, but only under the right conditions.

The North Korean response was blunt. It ridiculed his comments, ignored his proposals and conducted its second ICBM test on July 28.

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EYES ON WASHINGTON

Reopening dialogue with Pyongyang is crucial for Moon, who says the South should take the lead when it comes to solving the North Korean nuclear problem. But analysts say the ICBM tests show that Pyongyang is focused on Washington and uninterested in what Seoul brings to the table.

Pyongyang needs more tests before it can produce a fully functional ICBM. It seeks a real nuclear deterrent to undermine the alliance between Washington and Seoul and eventually force the United States into negotiations for a peace treaty to formally end the Korean War, which was stopped by an armistice.

North Korea wants an end to annual military drills between the United States and South Korea that it condemns as invasion rehearsals, and the removal of tens of thousands of U.S. troops stationed in the South. It will also be looking to breathe new life into an economy hammered by years of heavy international sanctions, and to find more markets for its cheap products and labor.

These clearly are of greater significance to Pyongyang than anything Seoul can provide.

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'ONE-SIDED LOVE AFFAIR?'

Moon has harshly criticized the hard-line policies under a decade of conservative rule in Seoul, which he says did nothing to stop Pyongyang's weapons advancements and only diminished Seoul's voice in dealing with its rival. But North Korean intransigence may leave Moon in the same policy rut as his predecessor, Park Geun-hye, who also initially vowed more flexibility.

Following the North's second ICBM test, Moon took a hard line, ordering his military to schedule talks with Washington on allowing heavier warheads for South Korean missiles and to work with U.S. military commanders on adding launchers to a U.S. missile-defense system based in South Korea.

South Korea's conservatives want still more sanctions and pressure; they call his pleas for talks a "one-sided love affair."

Hong Min, an analyst at Seoul's Korea Institute for National Unification, said there's still a chance that Pyongyang could eventually accept Seoul's proposals for talks if recently strengthened U.N. sanctions are applied effectively in coming months.

But, he said, "it's critical that Seoul move with the international society to search for solutions, instead of approaching it as a matter of who gets to lead."

FILE - In this Oct. 4, 2007 file photo, South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, left, holds hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il after exchanging a joint declaration documents in Pyongyang, North Korea. The Koreas last held formal talks in December 2015. Since then, North Korea has conducted a torrent of missile tests and two nuclear tests, boosting its efforts to make nuclear weapons small enough to fit on long-range missiles. South Korean President Moon Jae-in vowed to build on the legacies of late liberal leaders Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun and their so-called "Sunshine Policy." (Yonhap Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - In this June 13, 2000, file photo, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, left, and South Korean President Kim Dae-jung shake hands in Pyongyang, North Korea. The Koreas last held formal talks in December 2015. Since then, North Korea has conducted a torrent of missile tests and two nuclear tests, boosting its efforts to make nuclear weapons small enough to fit on long-range missiles. South Korean President Moon Jae-in vowed to build on the legacies of late liberal leaders Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun and their so-called "Sunshine Policy." (Yonhap Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - In this July 28, 2017, file photo distributed by the North Korean government on Saturday, July 29, 2017, shows what was said to be the launch of a Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile at an undisclosed location in North Korea. North Korea has been testing missiles at an unprecedented pace and threatening to launch some of those toward Guam. Pyongyang may be looking to eventually use the existence of its nuclear weapons to negotiate a peace treaty with the United States to officially end the 1950-53 Korean War and remove U.S. troops from the South. Until, and unless, that happens, Seoul probably will have little luck building bridges. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File)
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - Gay-rights advocates filed a court challenge Thursday to the government's unusual plan to canvass Australians' opinion on gay marriage next month, while a retired judge said he would boycott the survey as unacceptable.

The mail ballot is not binding, but the conservative government won't legislate the issue without it. If most Australians say "no," the government won't allow Parliament to consider lifting the nation's ban on same-sex marriage.

Lawyers for independent lawmaker Andrew Wilkie and marriage equality advocates Shelley Argent and Felicity Marlowe, applied to the High Court for an injunction that would prevent the so-called postal plebiscite from going ahead.

Jonathon Hunyor, CEO of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, speaks in front of the law courts in Sydney, Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, after lodging an application in the High Court for an injunction to prevent a vote on gay marriage through a non-binding ballot by mail. The so-called postal plebiscite has never been tried in Australia and faces court challenges by gay-rights advocates who want Parliament to legislate marriage equality now without an opinion poll. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

"We will be arguing that by going ahead without the authorization of Parliament, the government is acting beyond its power," lawyer Jonathon Hunyor said.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the government had legal advice that the postal ballot would withstand a court challenge.

"I encourage every Australian to exercise their right to vote on this matter. It's an important question," Turnbull said.

Gay-rights advocates and many lawmakers want Parliament to legislate marriage equality now without an opinion poll, which they see as an unjustifiable hurdle to reform.

Retired High Court judge Michael Kirby, a gay man who supports marriage equality, dismissed the ballot as "irregular and unscientific polling."

"It's just something we've never done in our constitutional arrangements of Australia, and it really is unacceptable," Kirby told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

Kirby would not comment on the legality of the government proceeding with the 122 million Australian dollar ($96 million) ballot without Parliament's approval, but said: "I'm not going to take any part in it whatsoever."

Plebiscites in Australia are referendums that don't deal with questions that change the constitution. Voting at referendums is compulsory to ensure a high voter turnout and that the legally-binding result reflects the wishes of a majority of Australians.

The government opted for Australia's first-ever voluntary postal plebiscite after the Senate twice rejected AU$135 million funding for a conventional plebiscite, in which votes are cast in ballot boxes.

Pollster Martin O'Shannessy said a market researcher would be able to provide a more accurate picture of Australians' attitudes toward gay marriage through telephone polling for less than $AU1.2 million.

The accuracy of the postal ballot could be damaged by low voter response and responses coming primarily from voters with strong views on both sides of the argument, said O'Shannessy, a partner at Sydney market researcher Omnipoll.

"I would say that the process is open to significantly more risk than an opinion survey," he said.

Successive opinion polls show most Australians support gay marriage. But national referendums in Australia rarely change the status quo. Gay-rights advocates fear that on an issue that doesn't directly affect most Australians, a majority might be persuaded to opt against change.

Jonathon Hunyor, right, CEO of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre arrives the law courts with solicitors Laura Lombardo and Camilla Pandolfini, left, in Sydney, Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, to lodge an application in the High Court for an injunction to prevent a vote on gay marriage through a non-binding ballot by mail. The so-called postal plebiscite has never been tried in Australia and faces court challenges by gay-rights advocates who want Parliament to legislate marriage equality now without an opinion poll. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Just when President Donald Trump's strategy for North Korea was finally starting to show dividends, he threw it a curve.

At long last, his administration seemed to be speaking with one voice on a key national security issue, a surprisingly elusive task in Trump's first six months. But he upended all that with a threat to slam the North with "fire and fury like the world has never seen" if it provoked America again.

By inflaming the situation, Trump also may have undermined the only serious prospect for resolving the North Korea crisis: successful cooperation with China.

A copy of the local newspaper is for sale in Hagatna, Guam on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017. The small U.S. territory of Guam has become a focal point after North Korea's army threatened to use ballistic missiles to create an "enveloping fire" around the island. The exclamation came after President Donald Trump warned Pyongyang of "fire and fury like the world has never seen." (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)

Trump's strategy has relied on a delicate diplomatic two-step: increasing pressure on China in hopes that, in turn, China will use its influence to get North Korea to abandon its nuclear aspirations. Trump had been deeply frustrated by China's recalcitrance, but there were signs it was finally coming around, including its vote in favor of the toughest U.N. sanctions in a generation - possibly ever.

On its face, Trump's move seemed to fit a pattern in which he becomes his own biggest obstacle to achieving his objectives. Sometimes he exposes divisions within his administration that others can then exploit. Other times, Trump stakes out positions so unpopular that needed partners can't afford to work with him. In other cases, he's played directly into his critics' worst suspicions about him.

That tendency has been on display repeatedly, including his firing of the former FBI director that had been investigating his campaign's possible Russia collusion, his "Muslim ban" comments that sunk his travel ban in court, and siding with Saudi Arabia over Qatar in the Persian Gulf crisis just as his administration was trying to mediate.

With North Korea, it was the budding prospect for the cooperation he'd been seeking from Beijing that was jeopardized by his latest unforeseen move.

In recent months, Trump had been so frustrated by Beijing's reluctance to help that he let it be known he was considering new, punitive trade actions. The Treasury Department had even prepared unprecedented "secondary sanctions" targeting Chinese companies and banks that deal with North Korea.

But Trump agreed to hold off after China, with its U.N. Security Council vote, signaled it was finally moving in the direction Trump wanted, U.S. officials said.

So when Trump seemed late Tuesday to lower himself to Kim Jong Un's level, aggressively threatening the North with physical force, it wasn't just Washington that was taken aback.

"For the leader of the most powerful country in the world to be talking about the ability to annihilate another country with a power never seen before not only gets a reaction from Pyongyang, but from Beijing, and Europe," said Jeffrey Bader, formerly President Barack Obama's top Asia hand who now runs the Brooking Institution's China program. "That is not helpful to our interests."

Even before his threat, U.S. officials had been concerned that China would only halfheartedly enforce the sanctions. So Trump's administration put Beijing on notice it would be closely monitoring its compliance. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was in Asia pressing other North Korean neighbors to be strict, too. He also offered Pyongyang a way out: Halt missile tests, and eventually, the U.S. would return to negotiations.

But in the wake of Trump's threat, it's far from clear that China - the North's economic lifeline - will feel compelled to punish Pyongyang economically, a step that China ultimately feels is against its interests. The sanctions aim to cut off one-third of the North exports, starving it of cash for its nuclear and ballistic weapons programs.

China may see Trump's apocalyptic missive as evidence he isn't truly interested in the kind of diplomatic solution that would preserve Beijing's No. 1 interest: Stability in its neighborhood. Without Beijing's cooperation, the sanctions would have negligible effect.

So what drove Trump to upset the balance on North Korea so dramatically? And why now?

One possible trigger was a news report about a new U.S. military assessment claiming the North had mastered the ability to fit a nuclear warhead atop one of its long-range missiles - a key step toward being able to strike the U.S. Another may have been Pyongyang's threat of "thousand-fold" revenge for the new U.N. sanctions.

Trump's threat blindsided Tillerson while he was in Asia, according to officials familiar with the timeline. And while his alliterative "fire and fury" admonition seemed premeditated, Trump aides insisted that while they'd discussed with the president what tone he'd strike if asked about North Korea, they didn't know exactly how he'd phrase it. The aides weren't authorized to comment publicly and requested anonymity.

North Korea's military soon issued its own menacing warning about potential plans to attack Guam, and alarm spread. Tillerson, heading home from Asia, jumped on the phone with Trump for roughly an hour, before working to calm the situation by telling reporters on his plane that Americans should "sleep tight" knowing the situation hadn't changed and there wasn't "any imminent threat."

But Trump soon inflamed the situation again, with tweets boasting of a U.S. nuclear arsenal he said has no equal. Across the government, officials rushed to try to show Trump wasn't improvising national security on the fly. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned the North against "actions that would lead to the end of its regime and the destruction of its people." And State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert insisted "we are all singing from the same hymn book."

"We've had a lot of messages," said former U.N. Ambassador Bill Richardson, who's traveled to North Korea several times. "We've had a diplomatic message from the secretary of state, the national security adviser, the U.N. ambassador, they seem to have different messages, more aggressive. Pre-emptive military strikes. We need to cool down and be rational because this is a very grave situation."

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Associated Press writer Jonathan Lemire and AP Washington Bureau Chief Julie Pace contributed to this report.

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Josh Lederman has covered foreign policy, national security and the White House for The Associated Press since 2012. Reach him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP

FILE - In this March 7, 2003 file photo, a B-1B Lancer bomber, left, taxies past a B-52 shortly after landing at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. The small U.S. territory of Guam has become a focal point after North Korea's army threatened to use ballistic missiles to create an "enveloping fire" around the island. The exclamation came after President Donald Trump warned Pyongyang of "fire and fury like the world has never seen" on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017. (Masako Watanabe/Pacific Daily News via AP, File)
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - Ride-hailing company Uber is expanding its food delivery service to South Korea.

The San Francisco-based company's Thursday launch of UberEats in Seoul comes as it continues its talks with local authorities to resume its flagship ride-hailing service.

Before UberEats, Uber's presence in South Korea was almost non-existence. It withdrew its flagship UberX ride-hailing service in 2015, facing protests from local taxi drivers and the Seoul city government. In April, a court fined Uber $8,756 for violating a transport law.

With popular local startups offering various food delivery services already, the U.S. company will likely face an uphill battle to lure food delivery customers in the country, analysts said.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - A citizens review board is hearing final arguments over the decision by a North Carolina police force that the fatal shooting of a black man by a police officer was justified.

The board heard testimony for two days behind closed doors in the September 2016 shooting of Keith Lamont Scott. The board was hearing closing statements Thursday before starting deliberations.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said the shooting by Officer Brentley Vinson was justified. The district attorney said separately that no charges would be filed against the black officer.

The board is reviewing the police department's internal investigation and procedures. Its findings won't have authority over the district attorney's decision.

In June, the review board said it found a potential error in the police department's decision. The board hasn't publicly identified the error.

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This story has been corrected to reflect that the officer who shot the man is black.
BRUSSELS (AP) - The European Union says it has slapped sanctions on nine North Koreans and four entities including the state-owned Foreign Trade Bank, in addition to those already on its sanctions list.

In a statement Thursday, it says the asset freezes and travel bans were added to the EU's North Korea sanction list to bring the bloc into line with a new U.N. Security Council Resolution.

The resolution was adopted last week in response to North Korea's on-going development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile activities.

The EU move means that 62 people and 50 entities, like companies, organizations or banks, are now under sanctions in line with the U.N. list. The EU has autonomously slapped restrictive measures on a further 41 people and 7 entities.
STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) - A second person has been sentenced for his role in the fatal stabbing of a man outside a Connecticut fast-food restaurant sparked by a spilled cup of coffee.

The Stamford Advocate (http://bit.ly/2fvOeix ) reports that 24-year-old James McLamb was sentenced Wednesday to five years behind bars in the March 2015 killing of 52-year-old Antonio Muralles outside a Stamford McDonald's.

Prosecutors say Muralles had just left the restaurant with his coffee when he bumped into McLamb and Marquest Hall and accidentally spilled some on Hall.

Prosecutors say McLamb, of New Haven, punched Muralles, before Hall stabbed him twice.

McLamb pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and apologized to Muralles' family in court.

Hall, who was 15 at the time, pleaded guilty to manslaughter last month and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

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Information from: The Advocate, http://www.stamfordadvocate.com
POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (AP) - A Florida fire chief fired a firefighter recruit and accepted the resignations of three others following an investigation into a noose left hanging over the chair of the only black recruit in a class of six on their last day of training.

The men described what happened on June 7 as a "joke," but Pompano Beach Chief John Jurgle said he won't "tolerate this kind of thing."

"I heard the word 'joke' a lot and I said, 'Explain the joke to me, explain how this is funny,' "Jurgle said. "They haven't been able to do that."

Jurgle tells the SunSentinel he found out July 26 and the investigation wrapped up Wednesday. Pompano Beach is north of Miami in South Florida.

On the day it happened, Vilbert Green left the room to do a cleanup task. When he returned he found the noose dangling over his chair and a table, next to a paper nametag with Green's name on it, Jurgle said. He said Green took a picture.

"He was not happy with what was done, but after taking the picture, he decided he didn't want to do anything with it," Jurgle said. Later, Green showed the pictured to another firefighter outside the class.

That firefighter, according to the investigation, was offended and tried to address it with the recruits.

"They told him they knew nothing of it," Jurgle said. Their denial led the firefighter to report what happened to the captain in charge of training, who took the matter to Jurgle.

Matthew Reilly was fired and recruits Kerop Berberian, Geandy Perez and Austin Sovay resigned.

Pompano Beach spokeswoman Sandra King said Berberian, Sovay and Reilly are Caucasian and Perez is Hispanic. They would have become full-fledged firefighters next year after completing two months of training.

The chief said he determined during the investigation that Perez tied the knot, but no one ever owned up to putting the noose over Green's chair.

Jurgle said the fact that none of the four men was willing to tell the truth troubled him. He said he learned the four were a tight-knit group, who said they didn't intend any offense.

"It wasn't a noose. It was a fishing knot," Sovay told the newspaper.

His former colleague Berberian said, "people were let go for the wrong reasons."

The chief said he doesn't want his department associated with that kind of behavior.

"This is not our culture," he said.
NEW YORK (AP) - Alan Peckolick, an innovative painter and graphic designer whose creations included the bold, underlined logo for General Motors and typefaces for Pfizer and Revlon, has died.

Peckolick's widow, Jessica Weber, told The Associated Press that he died Aug. 3 at a hospital in Danbury, Connecticut. He was 76 and died from complications from head trauma suffered in a fall.

After struggling through art school at Pratt Institute, Peckolick became a protege of graphic designer Herb Lubalin and absorbed the styles of such artists as George Lois and Saul Bass. Besides his work for GM and other corporate clients, he also designed a widely admired poster announcing free, late-night museum openings in New York and covers for several books. His own book, "Teaching Type to Talk," was published in 2013.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. Postal Service is warning that it will likely default on up to $6.9 billion in payments for future retiree health benefits for the fifth straight year. It is citing a coming cash crunch that could disrupt day-to-day mail delivery.

The post office says it expects cash balances to run low by October. Postmaster General Megan Brennan stressed an urgent need for federal regulators to grant the Postal Service wide freedom to increase stamp prices to cover costs. She points to continuing red ink due to declining first-class mail volume and the expensive mandates for retiree benefits.

The Postal Service on Thursday reported a quarterly loss of $2.1 billion, compared to a $1.6 billion loss in the same period last year. That came despite double-digit growth in package delivery.

FILE - In this Feb. 7, 2014 file photo, U.S. Postal Service letter carrier Jamesa Euler delivers mail in the rain in Atlanta. Buffeted by threats from Amazon drones and Uber to delivery by golf cart, the beleaguered U.S. Postal Service is counting on a different strategy to stay ahead in the increasingly competitive package business: more freedom to raise your letter prices. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - The Latest on a white former Tulsa police officer acquitted of manslaughter in the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man going to work for the sheriff's office in a neighboring county (all times local):

2:20 p.m.

An Oklahoma sheriff says a thorough review shows his county's reserve deputy program is "squeaky clean" after a volunteer deputy in neighboring Tulsa was convicted of manslaughter last year in a high-profile shooting.

FILE - In this May 17, 2017, file photo, Betty Shelby leaves the courtroom with her husband, Dave Shelby, right, after the jury in her case began deliberations in Tulsa, Okla. Shelby, a former Tulsa police officer who resigned after being acquitted of manslaughter in the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man, is going to work for the sheriff's office in neighboring Rogers County. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton made the comments Thursday after his newest reserve deputy - former Tulsa police officer Betty Shelby - was sworn into the job.

Shelby was found not guilty in May of manslaughter in the shooting death of an unarmed man while she was on patrol in 2016.

While acknowledging some legitimate concerns about Shelby's safety in the field, Walton said he remains confident in her abilities.

Walton said he reviewed his county's reserve deputy program after the shooting of an unarmed black man by a 73-year-old white reserve deputy who said he confused his stun gun with his handgun.

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10:35 a.m.

A white former Tulsa police officer who resigned after being acquitted of manslaughter in the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man has been sworn in as a reserve deputy sheriff in a neighboring county.

Wearing a firearm on her hip and a Rogers County Sheriff's Office uniform, Betty Shelby took her oath of office Thursday morning.

Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton has been an ardent supporter of Shelby and a critic of Tulsa County prosecutors for pursuing manslaughter charges against her.

Walton says Shelby's duties haven't been determined, but she will serve in a volunteer capacity and will not be paid.

Shelby was found not guilty in May of manslaughter in the shooting death of Terence Crutcher as he stood near his SUV on a Tulsa street.

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6:40 a.m.

A white former Tulsa police officer who resigned after being acquitted of manslaughter in the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man is going to work for the sheriff's office in a neighboring county.

Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton told the Tulsa World that Betty Shelby will work for his office. He did not say what her duties will be.

Shelby was found not guilty in May of manslaughter in the September shooting death of Terence Crutcher as he stood near his SUV, which was stopped in the middle of a Tulsa street.

Shelby returned to the Tulsa Police Department in an administrative position, but resigned in July, saying she felt isolated from other officers.

Walton is a former Tulsa police officer who supported Shelby as she awaited trial.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - A grand jury has indicted a former Air Force senior airman accused of setting off a pipe bomb outside an Air Force recruiting office in Oklahoma.

The Tulsa World reports 28-year-old Benjamin Roden now faces a seven-count federal indictment in the July 10 bombing in suburban Tulsa. Charges against Roden include malicious damage to federal property by use of an explosive and possession of unregistered destructive devices.

No one was hurt in the explosion.

FILE - This July 11, 2017, file photo provided by the Tulsa County Sheriffs Office shows Benjamin Don Roden, an ex-Air Force airman who is accused of setting off a pipe bomb July 10 outside at an Air Force recruiting center in suburban Tulsa, Okla., was indicted by a federal grand jury. The seven-count indictment charges include malicious damage to federal property by use of an explosive and possession of unregistered destructive devices. (Tulsa County Sheriffs Office via AP, File)

Court records describe Roden as a disgruntled U.S. veteran who "hated the military."

Roden has been detained since his July 11 arrest. A judge ordered Roden to undergo a mental evaluation in July after defense attorneys questioned whether he can assist in his own defense.

A mental competency hearing for Roden is scheduled for Aug. 29.
ALAMO, Texas (AP) - While the economy in Texas has boomed over the last 20 years, along the border with Mexico about a half million people live in clusters of cinderblock dwellings, home-built shacks, dilapidated trailers and small houses.

Texas has more than 2,300 of these communities known as colonias, the Spanish word for "colony." For decades, the villages have sprung up around cities as a home for poor Hispanic immigrant families. Some are shantytowns with neither drinkable water nor waste disposal, and since the 1990s, the state has spent hundreds of millions of dollars trying to improve the worst and stop new ones from forming.

But that commitment is now being questioned. In the last few months, Texas lawmakers cut university budgets that help give immunizations and health checkups to children and others in the colonias. They did not renew a key program that provides running water and sewer service. And this summer, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott abruptly shuttered the office that since 1999 has coordinated the work of various agencies in the communities.

In this Wednesday, July 12, 2017 photo, a boy rides a horse through Indian Hills East colonia near Alamo, Texas. Texas has more than 2,300 of these communities, known as colonias, that have sprung up around towns and provide shelter to Hispanic immigrant families, most of whom are in the U.S. legally, but others not. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Lawmakers who represent the border area, and groups that provide help for indigent people there, are worried that concern about the living conditions and health risks in the colonias is flagging in a state government now taking a tougher stance toward immigrants.

To some, "it all feels like the colonias are no longer a problem. That's not true," said Nick Mitchell-Bennett, executive director of the Community Development Corporation of Brownsville, which helps residents of the colonias obtain sturdier housing. "We're approaching going back to the '70s and '80s," when conditions were at their worst.

Since the 1950s, Mexican migrants and families priced out of cities have jerry-built houses on cheap border scrubland from Texas to California, buying illegally subdivided lots from developers beyond the reach of utilities and building codes. Some shanties are made from scraps of plywood, with old campaign yard signs for siding and truck tires used as weights to hold down tarp roofs. Other houses are more substantial and could blend into a normal suburb. Most of the residents are in the U.S. legally, but some not.

Before her dad built a two-room house in an area known as Little Mexico, Eva Carranza's family lived in one half of a rundown trailer after coming across the border illegally from Reynosa. Another family lived in the trailer's other rooms.

"The bathroom was outside. We had to go outside for everything because the water wasn't connected to the trailer," Carranza said.

Residents work in nearby cities. Carranza makes around $350 a month babysitting and cleaning homes.

The conservative Republicans who controlled Texas government in recent decades opposed illegal immigration but launched a bevy of programs to curb the sanitation problems. Public agencies extended some water and sewer lines, paved roads and looked out for illegal septic tanks and disease-breeding stagnant water.

Abbott's office said that the state isn't pulling back.

"It is widely acknowledged in border communities that no governor in recent years has traveled to the border and worked with local border officials more than Governor Abbott," spokesman John Wittman said.

Exactly how much Texas is spending on the colonias is hard to determine with so much federal and state funding filtering through different agencies and counties. But some groups working in the colonias say they feel the support waning.

Doctors and medical school students at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley who provide vaccinations and free health screenings in about a dozen colonias say there will be fewer visits after losing $7 million as part of higher education budget cuts. Already, said Dr. Eron Manusov, a physician at the university's medical school and a former military doctor who has been deployed overseas, he sees more diseases than he did in the Philippines.

"Overall, they're going to suffer," Manusov said of the residents. "It's going to do great harm to the colonias."

According to a 2014 Texas state count, the last available, more than 37,000 people lived in high-risk colonias without potable water or functional sewage. Another 126,000 residents lived in places posing an "intermediate" health risk. Last year, the rate of tuberculosis in Hidalgo County, where there are more than 900 colonias around McAllen and other border towns, was double the statewide average.

Cynthia Alonso, 28, said she has already noticed less help coming into her colonia called South Tower. "We used to have some trailers that would come with free medical help for the people. Free checkups. That no longer happens," she said.

This year, the Legislature did not renew a cornerstone of Texas' help for the colonias, the Economically Distressed Areas Program. The last $50 million in the fund, which connects homes with clean water and replaces open septic tanks, will likely run out in the next year, said Amanda Lavin, deputy executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board.

Another $175 million effort launched in 2001 to pave flood-prone dirt roads is all but dried up. Federal dollars that go toward programs for rehabilitating and building homes has also fallen since 2010, said Mark Loeffler a spokesman for the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Abbott's decision in June to close the Colonias Initiative Program, the coordinating office for projects, surprised immigrant advocates and was viewed as a loss in the state's attorney general's office, which works to head off new settlements by going after illegal land developers.

"It was a great resource," Audon Gutierrez, head of the colonia prevention unit, said of the eight-member staff. "They were folks on top of the local situation."

Wittman called the program redundant and said money should go directly to colonias instead of funding a "bigger government bureaucracy."

Sam Taylor, a spokesman for the Texas secretary of state's office, said, officials "expect there to be no diminishment of tangible benefits to colonias residents."

Democratic state Rep. Mary Gonzalez, who represents more than 250 colonias around El Paso, said the office's demise reflected a tough anti-immigrant tone of this year's legislative session, in which Abbott signed a measure that authorizes police to ask people during routine stops if they are in the country legally.

"I feel there was no political loss to go through" for cutting it, she said, because "they attacked border communities all session anyway."

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Watch a 360-video of the colonias here: https://youtu.be/UDLZFCh8N3Y .

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Follow Paul J. Weber on Twitter: www.twitter.com/pauljweber .

In this Thursday, July 13, 2017 photo, pre-owned cloths for sale hang on a fence in the Indian Hills East Colonia near Alamo, Texas. In 2017, Texas lawmakers cut budgets that help deliver immunizations and health check-ups to children and others in the colonias. They also did not renew a key program that provides running water and sewage. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

In this Thursday, July 13, 2017 photo, Eva Carranza, left, with friend Josue Ramirez, enters her home in the South Tower Estates colonia near Alamo, Texas. Since the 1950s, Mexican migrants and families priced out of cities have jerry-built houses on cheap border scrubland from Texas to California, buying illegally subdivided lots from developers beyond the reach of utilities and building codes. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

In this Thursday, July 13, 2017 photo, Andrea Caranza works in the kitchen of her home in the South Tower Estates colonia near Alamo, Texas. With no warning, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott this summer eliminated the state's Colonias Initiative Program that began in 1999 under George W. Bush as a bipartisian and humanitarian effort to improve living conditions and basic infrastructure. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

In this Thursday, July 13, 2017 photo, Jose Ochoa plays in an above-ground pool at his home in the South Tower Estates colonia near Alamo, Texas. With no warning, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott this summer eliminated the state's Colonias Initiative Program that began in 1999 under George W. Bush as a bipartisian and humanitarian effort to improve living conditions and basic infrastructure. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

In this Wednesday, July 12, 2017 photo, Children play in the Indian Hills East Colonia near Alamo, Texas. An estimated 500,000 people in Texas live in colonias and both the state and federal government have worked to stop the proliferation of these impoverished neighborhoods and improve the ones already settled decades ago by migrant workers. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

In this Wednesday, July 12, 2017 photo, jars of fruit drinks line a table at drive-up grill stand near the South Tower Estates colonia in Alamo, Texas. Texas has more than 2,300 of these communities, known as colonias, that have sprung up around towns and provide shelter to Hispanic immigrant families, most of whom are in the U.S. legally, but others not. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

In this Thursday, July 13, 2017 photo, Advertising signs are used as a make-shift wall on a home in the South Tower Estates colonia near Alamo, Texas. Since the 1950s, Mexican migrants and families priced out of cities have jerry-built houses on cheap border scrubland from Texas to California, buying illegally subdivided lots from developers beyond the reach of utilities and building codes. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

In this Wednesday, July 12, 2017 photo, a sign promotes specials at drive-up grill stand near the South Tower Estates colonia in Alamo, Texas. With no warning, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott this summer eliminated the state's Colonias Initiative Program that began in 1999 under George W. Bush as a bipartisian and humanitarian effort to improve living conditions and basic infrastructure. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

In this Wednesday, July 12, 2017 photo, a young girl plays at her home in the Indian Hills East colonia near Alamo, Texas. In 2017, Texas lawmakers cut budgets that help deliver immunizations and health check-ups to children and others in the colonias. They also did not renew a key program that provides running water and sewage. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

In this Wednesday, July 12, 2017 photo, A rooster roams the Indian Hills East colonia near Alamo, Texas. An estimated 500,000 people in Texas live in colonias and both the state and federal government have worked to stop the proliferation of these impoverished neighborhoods and improve the ones already settled decades ago by migrant workers. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

In this Wednesday, July 12, 2017 photo, workers grill corn at drive-through near the South Tower Estates colonia near Alamo, Texas. An estimated 500,000 people in Texas live in colonias and both the state and federal government have worked to stop the proliferation of these impoverished neighborhoods and improve the ones already settled decades ago by migrant workers. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

In this Wednesday, July 12, 2017 photo, Water drains into the street from a washing machine in the Indian Hills East colonia near Alamo, Texas. In 2017, Texas lawmakers cut budgets that help deliver immunizations and health check-ups to children and others in the colonias. They also did not renew a key program that provides running water and sewage. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

In this Thursday, July 13, 2017 photo, a home with no windows sits for sale in the Indian Hills East colonia near Alamo, Texas. In 2017, the Texas Legislature didn't renew a cornerstone of Texas' help for the colonias, the Economically Distressed Areas Program, putting its future in doubt. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

In this Wednesday, July 12, 2017 photo, A horse is tied to a tree in the Indian Hills East colonia near Alamo, Texas. An estimated 500,000 people in Texas live in colonias and both the state and federal government have worked to stop the proliferation of these impoverished neighborhoods and improve the ones already settled decades ago by migrant workers. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

In this Thursday, July 13, 2017 photo, residents of the South Tower Estates colonia near Alamo, Texas, attend a meeting to discuss how to advocate for improvements. Lawmakers who represent the border area, and groups that provide help for indigent people there, are worried that awareness of the living conditions and health risks in the colonias is flagging in a state government now taking a tougher stance toward immigrants. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

In this Thursday, July 13, 2017 photo, Josue Ramirez talks to residents of the South Tower Estates colonia near Alamo, Texas, during a meeting to discuss how to advocate for improvements in their neighborhood. Lawmakers who represent the border area, and groups that provide help for indigent people there, are worried that awareness of the living conditions and health risks in the colonias is flagging in a state government now taking a tougher stance toward immigrants. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
DYER, Ind. (AP) - A suspected car thief was shot to death after a police chase in south suburban Chicago during which the fleeing car struck a pedestrian early Thursday, authorities said.

The chase wound through at least two Illinois communities and into Indiana, where the suspect was fatally shot about 6 a.m. in the town of Dyer, Indiana, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of downtown Chicago.

Authorities didn't immediately release information about the circumstances of the shooting, which is being investigated by Indiana State Police. In the confrontation's aftermath, both windows on the car's passenger side were broken out and the vehicle was just off a road near a gas station in a suburban area a few blocks east of the Indiana-Illinois state line.

Law enforcement investigate the scene of a shooting on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017 in Dyer, Indiana. A police spokesman says one suspect is dead after an officer-involved shooting in northwestern Indiana town, about 30 miles south of Chicago. (Warren Skalski/Chicago Tribune via AP)

The Lake County, Indiana, coroner's office identified the slain person as Mark P. Coffey, 33, of Chicago Heights, Illinois. The office said the man suffered gunshot wounds but didn't give further details of how he died.

Crete, Illinois, Police Chief James Paoletti said officers from his department spotted the suspected stolen car and chased it to a church parking lot in nearby Dyer, where they confronted the driver.

"He was making numerous movements that appeared that he was holding a weapon and was going to shoot at police," Paoletti told The Associated Press.

The driver then fled back into Illinois where he ditched the vehicle for a second stolen car, Paoletti said.

Soon afterward, the fleeing car struck a pedestrian, said Robert Kowalski, the police chief of Sauk Village, Illinois. The pedestrian was taken to a hospital but Kowalski provided no details on the person's condition.

"It's a shame because it was an innocent bystander just out for a morning walk," Kowalski said. "The best time to walk around here is in the morning. It's nice and quiet."

Kowalski said the Crete officers broke off the chase to help the pedestrian and Indiana police were notified by radio that the suspect's car was heading east.

Indiana officers soon confronted the car, but Indiana State Police spokesman Master Trooper Glen Fifield said he couldn't immediately confirm whether the person shot was armed or what prompted officers to open fire.

Multiple officers from the Dyer, St. John and Lake County police departments were involved, Fifield said.

Witness Ben Dykstra said the fleeing car side-swiped his vehicle and shots rang out just after he pulled over into the gas station.

"The officers were trying to break the windows of the car," he told WLS-TV. "Then they started shooting. I don't know if the suspect had a gun or what."
Police and prosecutors have offered no evidence that the fatal shooting of a Republican activist outside Philadelphia was politically motivated, despite online stories that strongly suggest his assailant was inspired by hatred of President Donald Trump.

Clayton Carter III, 51, of West Goshen Township, was charged with first-degree murder after police said he shot his next-door neighbor twice in the head early Tuesday.

The victim, Brooks Jennings, was a GOP committeeman, and Carter had anti-Trump signs in his yard. That prompted several right-wing websites to post misleading and inflammatory stories that made a connection between Carter's opposition to the president and Jennings's slaying.

But there's been no suggestion by authorities that one had anything to do with the other.

A police affidavit filed in the case makes no mention of Trump, nor of Jennings' work for the GOP, and says Carter had a "history of disputes" with Jennings and "multiple other neighbors." The affidavit said Carter and Jennings argued over a spotlight immediately before the shooting.

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan, a Republican, cited a "long-running neighborhood dispute" that culminated in the shooting.

West Goshen Police Chief Joseph Gleason told The Associated Press on Thursday: "They had their political differences, but at this point in time I'm not prepared to say it was politically motivated."

Neighbors told local media that Carter was as a menacing figure in the neighborhood. He had previously pulled a gun on Jennings, according to police.

Shannon Royer, senior adviser of the Chester County Republican Party, said there's no indication that Jennings' death had anything to do with his political leanings or Carter's anti-Trump politics.

"The shooter was a problem in the neighborhood for years. He had many disagreements with his neighbors on a whole range of issues. He was a very threatening individual, and he had a history of violence," Royer said. "We do not believe the shooting was inspired by any kind of political disagreement."

Carter told police after the shooting that Jennings pulled a knife, according to court documents. His lawyer, Terrence Marlowe, said Carter claims he acted in self-defense.

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Find AP Fact Checks at http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd
MARGATE, N.J. (AP) - A federal judge is allowing a beach replenishment project in New Jersey to resume, with conditions to address ponds of bacteria-laden water that had built up after a storm.

Judge Renee Marie Bumb on Thursday granted the request by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to let the project continue.

The government went to court Wednesday to ask her to overturn a state judge's ruling last week stopping the project while the two sides tried to work out a remedial plan.

Bumb gave the Army Corps conditions, including fencing off any areas with ponding of two or more inches of water.

The ponds of standing water are exactly what Margate residents had warned of in previous, unsuccessful litigation against the government's plan to build the protective sand dunes at the coastal town south of Atlantic City.
DYER, Ind. (AP) - The Latest on a police-involved shooting in northwestern Indiana (all times local):

6:15 p.m.

Authorities have identified a man fatally shot by officers after a police chase in south suburban Chicago.

Law enforcement investigate the scene of a shooting on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017 in Dyer, Indiana. A police spokesman says one suspect is dead after an officer-involved shooting in northwestern Indiana town, about 30 miles south of Chicago. (Warren Skalski/Chicago Tribune via AP)

The Lake County, Indiana, coroner's office evening identified the man as 33-year-old Mark P. Coffey of Chicago Heights, Illinois. It says he suffered gunshot wounds but didn't specify how he died.

The Crete, Illinois, police chief says his officers chased the suspected car thief into nearby Dyer, Indiana, early Thursday and he appeared to have a gun when the officers confronted him. Chief James Paoletti says the driver fled back into Illinois, where the car hit a pedestrian.

Authorities say the car returned to Dyer, where Coffey was shot by Indiana officers.

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2:10 p.m.

Authorities say the person fatally shot by officers after a police chase in south suburban Chicago was a 33-year-old white man.

A statement from the Lake County, Indiana, coroner's office Thursday afternoon didn't release the man's name or where he lived pending notification of his family. The office says the man suffered gunshot wounds but didn't specify how he died.

The Crete, Illinois, police chief says his officers chased the suspected car thief into nearby Dyer, Indiana, early Thursday and he appeared to have a gun when the officers confronted him. Chief James Paoletti says the driver fled back into Illinois, where the car hit a pedestrian.

Authorities say the car returned to Dyer, where the suspect was shot by Indiana officers. Indiana State Police spokesman Master Trooper Glen Fifield says he couldn't immediately confirm whether the person shot was armed or what prompted officers to open fire.

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1:35 p.m.

A suburban Chicago police chief says a suspected car thief appeared to have a gun when officers confronted him before he drove away in a chase that ended later when the suspect was shot to death in northwestern Indiana.

Crete, Illinois, Police Chief James Paoletti says his officers chased the car early Thursday to a church parking lot in nearby Dyer, Indiana, where the suspect acted as if he was going to shoot the officers. Paoletti tells The Associated Press the driver went back into Illinois where the car hit a pedestrian.

Authorities say the car returned to Dyer, where the suspect was shot by Indiana officers. Indiana State Police spokesman Master Trooper Glen Fifield says he couldn't immediately confirm whether the person shot was armed or what prompted officers to open fire.

Ben Dykstra tells WLS-TV his car was side-swiped by the fleeing car. He says officers were trying to break the car's windows before shots were fired.

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10:45 a.m.

Authorities say a suspected car thief hit a pedestrian during a police chase in south suburban Chicago that ended in northwestern Indiana where the suspect was shot to death.

Lake County sheriff's department spokesman Mark Back says one person died in the shooting about 6 a.m. Thursday in Dyer, Indiana, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of downtown Chicago.

Sheriff's Deputy Chief Dan Murchek says the chase began in Illinois and that Indiana State Police will investigate the shooting. He provided no other details.

Sauk Village, Illinois, police chief Robert Kowalski says officers were chasing a suspected stolen car when it hit the pedestrian. He says that person was taken to a hospital but provided no details on the pedestrian's condition.

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10:10 a.m.

Authorities say a pedestrian was hit as police chased a suspected car thief in south suburban Chicago. The chase ended in northwestern Indiana and the suspect was shot to death.

Lake County sheriff's department spokesman Mark Back says one person died in the shooting about 6 a.m. Thursday in Dyer, Indiana, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of downtown Chicago.

Sheriff's Deputy Chief Dan Murchek says the chase began in Illinois and that Indiana State Police will investigate the shooting. He provided no other details.

Robert Kowalski, the police chief in Sauk Village, Illinois, says officers were chasing a suspected stolen car when the pedestrian was hit. He says that person was taken to a hospital but Kowalski provided no details on the pedestrian's condition or which vehicle hit the pedestrian.

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8:40 a.m.

A police spokesman says one suspect is dead after an officer-involved shooting in northwestern Indiana.

Lake County sheriff's department spokesman Mark Back says the shooting happened about 6 a.m. Thursday in the town of Dyer, Indiana, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Chicago.

Chicago television stations are reporting that the shooting happened in Indiana following a police chase that started in suburbs south of Chicago. Back says he can't confirm those details.

Television helicopter video shows the windows on the car's passenger side broken, with the car partly off the street.

Back says he doesn't yet have details about the circumstances of the shooting.

Calls to other police agencies weren't immediately returned.
MONTREAL (AP) - Roger Federer overcame a weak first set to post a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory over David Ferrer in the third round Thursday at the Rogers Cup.

In Friday's quarterfinals, the second-seeded Federer will face 12th-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain, who outlasted Frenchman Gael Monfils 4-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (2) on center court at Uniprix Stadium.

Unseeded Argentine Diego Schwartzman beat American Jared Donaldson 0-6, 7-5, 7-5 to advance to a quarterfinal meeting with Robin Haase, the 52nd-ranked Dutchman who upset seventh-seeded Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-1.

Roger Federer, of Switzerland, celebrates his 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory over David Ferrer, of Spain, at the Rogers Cup tennis tournament Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, in Montreal. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP)

Federer, who breezed past Canadian Peter Polansky in the second round on Wednesday, struggled in the opening set, spraying balls long, wide or into the net, but gradually rediscovered at least some of the form that has seen the 36-year-old Swiss player earn two Grand Slam titles this year.

Federer is 17-0 in his career against the 35-year-old Ferrer, who was ranked third in the world in 2013 but is now at No.33.

Bautista Agut fought off a match point to force a tiebreaker, which the tired-looking Monfils opened with a double fault and never challenged again.

The unseeded Monfils played his third straight three-set match, including an upset win over fifth-seeded Kei Nishikori in the second round.

Schwartzman saved four match points to upset third-seeded Dominic Thiem in the second round. The win over Donaldson put him in a quarterfinal for the sixth time this year. Schwartzman's only ATP win was on clay in Istanbul last year.

Donaldson, 20, was seeking a first career quarterfinal in a Masters Series tournament, where he is 0-13 in round of 16 matches.

Later Thursday, Canadian Denis Shapovalov faced top seed Rafael Nadal.
MEXICO CITY (AP) - A panel of experts in Mexico has determined that an old drainage pipe was to blame for a sinkhole on a major highway that killed two men last month when their car plunged into it.

The 34-year-old drain was not replaced as suggested before an expanded highway was built on top of it, the experts concluded in a report released Thursday.

The drain became clogged, and water backed up and apparently washed away the earth beneath the road.

FILE - In this July 12, 2017 file photo, rescue workers use a crane to lift a vehicle that drove into a sinkhole on a highway in Cuernavaca, Mexico, where a father and son were killed when the deep sinkhole swallowed their car. A panel of experts in Mexico have determined that an old drainage pipe was to blame for washing out a section of highway and causing the sinkhole that killed two men. (AP Photo/Tony Rivera, File)

Clemente Poon, Mexico's highways director, cited "mistakes and omissions in the supervision and building" of the highway expansion.

Poon said the mistakes were made by "the companies responsible (for the project) and public servants."

The sinkhole spanning two lanes opened in July near Cuernavaca, on the highway connecting Mexico City and the Pacific coast resort of Acapulco. The victims died after their car fell into the void.

"The study indicates that the design to build a roofed drainage canal was not followed," Poon's department said in a press statement. "If the designer's proposal had been followed, surely the failure of the tube could have been avoided."
CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico (AP) - Nine inmates are dead and 11 injured following a fight between prisoners at a jail in the northern Mexico border city of Reynosa.

Authorities in Tamaulipas state say rival groups of inmates fought with shanks, sticks and rocks in two parts of the prison.

The fight occurred Thursday during family visiting hours. Guards fired shots to control the situation.

The state security Coordination Group said the fight appears to have involved a struggle for control within the prison between two groups.

While it did not identify the groups, Reynosa has seen pitched battles between factions of the Gulf Cartel.

Prisons in Tamaulipas state have been the scene of frequent riots, fights and escapes.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - With North Korea threatening to send a salvo of ballistic missiles close to Guam, a U.S. military hub in the Pacific, pressure could grow for Washington to put its multibillion-dollar missile defense system into use and shoot them out of the air.

If U.S. territory is threatened, countermeasures are a no-brainer. But if the missiles aren't expected to hit the island - the stated goal is to have them hit waters well offshore - should it? Could it?

It's not an easy call.

FILE - This May 14, 2017, file photo distributed by the North Korean government shows the "Hwasong-12," a new type of ballistic missile at an undisclosed location in North Korea. North Korea claims it is in the final stages of preparing a plan to launch four intermediate-range ballistic missiles over Japan and into waters just off the island of Guam, where about 7,000 U.S. troops are based.Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this photo. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File)

North Korea claims it is in the final stages of preparing a plan to launch four intermediate-range ballistic missiles over Japan and into waters off the tiny island of Guam, where about 7,000 U.S. troops are based and 160,000 U.S. civilians live.

Guam is a launching point for U.S. strategic bombers that the North, virtually flattened by U.S. bombs during the 1950-53 Korean War, sees as particularly threatening. U.S. bombers have flown over the Korean Peninsula several times to show American strength after Pyongyang's missile tests.

Unlike past missile launches that landed much closer to North Korean territory, firing a barrage near Guam would be extremely provocative, almost compelling a response. Trying to intercept the missiles, however, would open up a whole new range of potential dangers.

Here's the calculus.

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THE PROS

Each missile North Korea launches brings it closer to having a reliable nuclear force capable of striking the United States mainland, or its allies and military facilities in Asia. Kim Jong Un has radically accelerated the pace of the North's missile development, and many experts believe it could have an intercontinental ballistic missile able to hit major American cities within a year or two.

It already has ballistic missiles that can strike Japan, a key ally and host to roughly 50,000 U.S. troops. It's very possible the North could attack Japan and U.S. bases there with nuclear, chemical or biological warheads. But the North clearly still needs to conduct more tests to hone its technical skills.

In particular, doubts remain over whether it has perfected re-entry technology for its warheads. It also needs to train its troops to operate effectively in the field to handle nuclear warheads and missiles on short notice.

Shooting down the North's missiles would hamper its ability to glean the flight data it needs. And if his missiles prove no match for U.S. interceptors, Kim Jong Un might be chastened into thinking twice before conducting any more.

Intercepting a missile over the open ocean has the added benefit of not being a direct attack on North Korea itself. It would send a very strong message but leave more room for de-escalation than a pre-emptive strike against military facilities or other targets on the ground.

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THE CONS

A big problem is that failure would not only be humiliating, but could actually weaken the U.S. position more than doing nothing at all.

The U.S. has pumped billions of dollars into its missile defense systems and sold hundreds of millions of dollars' worth to its allies, including the very controversial deployment of a state-of-the-art system known by its acronym, THAAD, in South Korea. The U.S. military has also conducted two ICBM interceptor tests since May. Officials called them successes, but critics say they don't replicate actual conditions close enough to be a fair gauge.

Taking out Guam-bound missiles would require successful intercepts by ship-based SM-3 "hit-to-kill" missiles over the Sea of Japan or land-based PAC-3 "Patriot" missiles on Guam. The ship-based defenses are designed to kill a missile that's in midflight, while the ground-based ones take out whatever missiles make it through and are in the final stage.

But it's highly questionable whether either or both would be able to take down the full salvo of four North Korean missiles. President Donald Trump hinted the defense system still needs beefing up on Thursday when he told reporters the U.S. will be spending billions more on them.

A failed intercept would likely embolden the North to move ahead even faster. It could also have a chilling psychological impact on allies like Japan and South Korea, which might seek to build up their own nuclear forces independently of Washington. Rival powers China and Russia, meanwhile, might see the exposed weakness as an opportunity to push forward more assertive policies of their own.

Even if it were successful, a policy of shooting down missiles would undoubtedly raise tensions, and put an uncomfortable squeeze on American allies on the front lines.

Worst of all, if American intentions aren't clear, an attempt to intercept a missile might be misinterpreted by Pyongyang - or Beijing or Moscow - and escalate into a real shooting war.

On a technical level, just as the North learns valuable information on its capabilities with each launch, so does the U.S. military. Shooting down the missiles would cut that intelligence off.

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BOTTOM LINE

If the U.S. were to pursue this strategy, it would have to be hugely confident of success. And it would definitely want its allies fully on board.

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Eric Talmadge is the AP's Pyongyang bureau chief. Follow him on Twitter at EricTalmadge and Instagram at erictalmadge.

FILE - In this July 4, 2017, file photo, a U.S. missile defense system called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, is seen at a golf course in Seongju, South Korea. North Korea claims it is in the final stages of preparing a plan to launch four intermediate-range ballistic missiles over Japan and into waters just off the island of Guam, where about 7,000 U.S. troops are based. The U.S. has pumped billions of dollars into its missile defense systems and sold hundreds of millions of dollars' worth to its allies, including the very controversial deployment of a state-of-the-art system known by its acronym, THAAD, in South Korea. (Kim Jun-beom/Yonhap via AP, File)
BEIJING (AP) - China expressed its "strong dissatisfaction" with the U.S. over the Navy's latest freedom of navigation operation in which a warship sailed past one of China's man-made islands in the strategic South China Sea.

A leading U.S. think tank, meanwhile, released a new report documenting what it said was continuing reclamation work on Chinese-controlled islands in the area despite a recent claim by China's foreign minister that such work had stopped two years ago.

In a statement late Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang called the U.S. Navy's action a "provocation" that "severely undermines China's sovereignty and security, and severely endangers the safety of frontline personnel of both sides."

In this photo taken Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, the USS John S. McCain (DDG-56) destroyer sails off the coast of Vietnam. A Navy official says the USS John S. McCain has sailed close to a Chinese man-made island in a freedom of navigation operation in the disputed South China Sea. (AP Photo/Na Son Nguyen, File)

China, which claims virtually the entire South China Sea, routinely protests such operations, which President Donald Trump's administration has continued partly to reassure allies locked in territorial disputes with Beijing.

"China has the firm determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests," Geng said. The U.S. move will "compel China to take measures to further raise its capacity to defend national territory," he said.

A U.S. Navy official told The Associated Press that the destroyer USS John S. McCain sailed past Mischief Reef on Thursday. U.S. officials say the military will continue to sail, fly and operate wherever permitted by international law.

Geng said the Chinese navy "identified the U.S. warship, warned and expelled it."

China and the U.S. maintain different interpretations on international law as applied to the operation of warships, and Beijing has ignored a Hague arbitration court's ruling that invalidated much of its South China Sea claim.

Although the Philippines has taken steps to improve ties with China under its current leader, Rodrigo Duterte, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said Friday "we don't find (the sail-by) objectionable."

Tensions in the region escalated after China began to turn seven reefs in the Spratly group, including Mischief, which is also claimed by U.S. defense treaty ally the Philippines, into islands, including three with runways.

Missile systems and other defense infrastructure are believed to have also been installed on the islands, which the U.S. and China's neighbors fear could be used to project Chinese power into the area and potentially obstruct freedom of navigation.

Firing back at criticism of China's activities, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Monday that China had "stopped or already completed land reclamation" on its holdings in the South China Sea two years ago.

However, the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies said China was continuing to reclaim land in the Paracel Islands to the north of the Spratlys.

Wang's claim "is false" and China's reclamation work "did not end in mid-2015 with the completion of its artificial islands in the Spratlys," said the report.

The Paracels play "a key role in China's goal of establishing surveillance and power projection capabilities throughout the South China Sea," the report said. "To this end, Beijing has undertaken substantial upgrades of its military infrastructure in the Paracels."

China occupies 20 outposts in the chain and improvements include the addition of harbors, helipads, an airstrip, hangars and a surface-to-air missile battery, the report said.

Earlier in the week, Wang said talks on a nonaggression pact aimed at preventing clashes from erupting in the South China Sea may start this year if "outside parties" don't cause a major disruption, in an apparent reference to Washington and allies such as Japan.

The U.S. is not a party to the disputes in the busy and potentially oil- and gas-rich waters that also involve Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Washington, however, has declared it in its interest to ensure that the conflicts are resolved peacefully and that freedom of navigation and overflight remain unhampered. An estimated $5 trillion in annual trade passes through the waterway.

Washington's critical actions came as it courts the help of China, North Korea's most important economic partner, in taming Pyongyang's nuclear weapons ambitions and ending its missile tests.

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Associated Press writer Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, contributed to this report.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Stalwart U.S. ally Kuwait will continue to grant visas to North Korean laborers whose wages allegedly aid Pyongyang in evading international sanctions, its government told The Associated Press before its ruler travels to Washington to meet President Donald Trump.

In a statement responding to an AP story , Kuwait also said it never stopped issuing work visas for North Koreans, refuting a major State Department human trafficking report released in June that applauded the Mideast nation for taking steps to limit their presence.

Kuwait's response Thursday - and a later statement early Friday refuting itself after the U.S. expressed concern - shows the challenge America faces in trying to convince Gulf nations to cut back on using thousands of North Korean workers on major construction projects and to close government-run restaurants in the region.

FILE- In this Tuesday, July 25, 2017 photo, Korean waitresses play music at the Pyongyang Okryu-Gwan North Korean Restaurant in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Stalwart U.S. ally Kuwait tells The Associated Press it will keep issuing visas to North Korean laborers whose wages help Pyongyang evade international sanctions. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File)

Experts and analysts say the money earned from those enterprises helps Pyongyang buy luxury goods and build the missiles it now uses to threaten the U.S. territory of Guam, as well as other parts of the U.S. and America's Asian allies.

Kuwait currently hosts 6,064 North Korean laborers, the country's Public Authority of Manpower said in a statement sent to the AP by the Information Ministry .

That's more than double the estimate offered by two officials with knowledge of Pyongyang's operations in the Gulf who spoke to the AP. Speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence reports, they earlier said some 2,500 North Koreans worked in Kuwait.

Kuwait also dismissed the notion it cut off the laborers from coming to its construction sites.

"There are no plans to expel North Korean laborers and Kuwait has never done so," the statement said.

However, in June, the State Department said that Kuwait had stopped issuing new worker visas to North Korean laborers. Former Secretary of State John Kerry also had applauded Kuwait in 2016 for stopping direct flights by North Korea's state-run Air Koryo as a means to stop "an illegal and illegitimate regime in North Korea."

The State Department's June report alleged that since 2008, North Korean sent over 4,000 laborers to Kuwait "for forced labor on construction projects, sourced by a North Korean company operated by the Workers' Party of Korea and the North Korean military."

"According to these reports, employees work 14 to 16 hours a day while the company retains 80 to 90 percent of the workers' wages, and monitors and confines the workers, who live in impoverished conditions and are in very poor health due to lack of adequate nutrition and health care," the State Department said.

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauer said Thursday that North Korean workers in Kuwait "would obviously be a concern to us."

"The government of Kuwait will be taking further measures in response to the dangerous and provocative behavior of DPRK regime within the coming days, we are told," she said, using an acronym for North Korea.

Early on Friday, Kuwait's state-run KUNA news agency issued a statement quoting an anonymous official at the country's Foreign Ministry saying that it "categorically refutes the existence of such alleged numbers" of North Korean workers and that it had stopped issuing visas. The statement did not acknowledge that Kuwait's own government offered the figures to the AP.

"The state of Kuwait is committed to the U.N. Security Council resolution on the economic embargo on North Korea," the report said.

Most North Korean workers in the Gulf earn around $1,000 a month, with about half being kept by the North Korean government and another $300 going toward construction company managers, the officials said. That leaves workers receiving $200 for working straight through an entire month, they said. Even $200 a month can go a long way in North Korea, where the per-capita income is estimated at just $1,700 a year.

Outside of Kuwait, Pyongyang sends workers to the Gulf countries of Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, all U.S. allies. The workers face conditions akin to forced labor while being spied on by planted intelligence officers, eating little food and suffering physical abuse, analysts and officials say.

Gulf nations keep their ties with North Korea largely quiet while supplying oil and natural gas crucial to the economies of Pyongyang adversaries South Korea and Japan.

For Kuwait, the ongoing North Korea crisis puts the tiny, oil-rich nation in a tough position diplomatically. Kuwaitis even today will embrace Americans they meet in the street over the U.S.-led 1991 war that ended Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's occupation of the country.

The country hosts some 13,500 American troops, many at Camp Arifjan south of Kuwait City, which also is home to the forward command of U.S. Army Central. Guam, which Pyongyang now threatens to target , hosts 7,000 American troops - showing the strategic importance of Kuwait to the U.S.

But Kuwait also hosts North Korea's only embassy in the Gulf, through which Pyongyang conducts all its diplomatic affairs.

Kuwait's 88-year-old ruler, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, is scheduled to travel to Washington in September to meet Trump. The visit by Sheikh Sabah comes as he's been trying to mediate a dispute between Qatar and Arab nations, though North Korea potentially could come up at the meeting as well.

However, Kuwait's long embrace of America shouldn't be seen as it giving up making its own foreign policy decisions, said Shafeeq Ghabra, a political science professor at Kuwait University. Hosting North Korean laborers is part of that, he said.

"Being very close doesn't mean we become identical," Ghabra sad.

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Associated Press writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.

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Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellap. His work can be found at http://apne.ws/2galNpz.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Marvin Strombo was behind Japanese enemy lines on a Pacific island during World War II when he realized the other five men in his squadron had moved on without him.

The young U.S. Marine, part of an elite scout-sniper platoon fighting a 1944 battle on Saipan, nervously scanned the terrain. He spotted a body on the ground, a dead Japanese soldier lying on his left side. The young man looked peaceful, as if asleep, and something white poked out from his jacket.

Strombo knelt and pulled out a silk flag, all the space around the bright red emperor's sun filled with elegant calligraphy. He hesitated, then took the flag and scrambled to reunite with his squadron as they entered the Japanese-held town of Garapan.

In this Monday, Aug. 7, 2017 photo, WWII veteran Marvin Strombo, right, and Obon Society executives director Rex Zika hold up a Japanese flag with names written on it in Portland, Ore. Strombo recovered the flag from a dead Japanese soldier in the Pacific more than 70 years ago and now, at age 93, will return the flag to the Japanese man's surviving siblings. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

More than 70 years later, Strombo is returning the Japanese flag to his fallen enemy's family. The 93-year-old arrived Friday in Tokyo, the first stop in a 10,000-mile (16,000-kilometer) journey into the remote mountainside to bring the keepsake back to the man's home village - back to a brother and two sisters who could never say goodbye.

He was met by Japanese news media, who gathered around his wheelchair to interview him.

"I realized there were no bullets or shrapnel wounds, so I knew he was killed by the blast of a mortar," Strombo recalled in Portland, Oregon, this week before boarding a flight to Japan.

Then, quietly: "I think that soldier wanted me to find him for some reason."

The flags were a good-luck charm that linked Japanese soldiers to their loved ones and their call for duty. Some were signed by hundreds of classmates, neighbors and relatives.

Allied troops frequently took them from the bodies of their enemies as souvenirs. They have a deep significance because most Japanese families never learned how their loved ones died and never received remains.

For Strombo, the flag hung in a glass-fronted gun cabinet in his home in Montana for years, a topic of conversation for visitors and a curiosity for his four children. He never spoke about his role in the battles of Saipan, Tarawa and Tinian, which chipped away at Japan's control of islands in the Pacific and paved the way for U.S. victory.

He wrote letters to find out more about the flag but eventually put it aside. He knew no Japanese and, in an era before the internet, making any headway was difficult.

Then, in 2012, the son of his former commanding officer contacted him about a book he was writing on the platoon.

Through him, Strombo reached out to the Obon Society, a nonprofit in Oregon that helps U.S. veterans and their descendants return Japanese flags to the families of fallen soldiers.

Within a week, researchers found it belonged to Yasue Sadao by reading the script on the flag. They traced the corporal to a tea-growing village of about 2,400 people in the mountains roughly 200 miles (340 kilometers) west of Tokyo.

The calligraphy turned out to be the signatures of 180 friends and neighbors who saw Yasue off to war in Higashi Shirakawa, including 42 of his relatives. Seven of the original signatories are still alive, including Yasue's 89-year-old brother and two sisters.

When researchers contacted Yasue's brother by phone, he asked if the person who had his brother's flag was the same one who found it so many years ago, said Rex Ziak, who co-founded the Obon Society with his Japanese wife, Keiko.

"There was just silence on the line and then he asked, 'Do you imagine he knows how my brother died and where he died?'" Ziak recounted. "And that's when we realized that this person is very much alive in that family and this mystery of what happened to him is very much alive."

Strombo is the only person who can provide those answers. He can roughly show where he found Yasue's body on the outskirts of Garapan and can tell the siblings that their brother likely died of a concussion from a mortar round.

"I knew he was young because I could see his profile as I bent over him. He was laying on his back, kind of on his left side," he said.

The Obon Society has returned about 125 flags and gets about five inquiries a day from aging soldiers who regret their actions and want to return the flags before they die.

The group believes thousands of similar flags are likely hidden in attics across the U.S. that could give answers to countless other families. Strombo will be the first World War II veteran to return a flag in person to a Japanese family through the Obon Society.

The trip is a journey of forgiveness and closure as he finishes the final chapter of his life.

Only two other men in his platoon of 40 are still alive and he knows the humid islands where he fought for weeks are now a footnote in the war's larger history.

"It got so I kind of wanted to meet the family, you know," he said, his voice growing raspy. "I know it means so much to them."

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Obon Society: http://www.obonsociety.org

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Follow Gillian Flaccus on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/gflaccus .

In this Monday, Aug. 7, 2017 photo, Obon Society founders Rex and Keiko Ziak pose with a collection of WWII-era Japanese flags, gathered from dead Japanese soldiers by American soldiers, in Portland, Ore. The Obon Society works to return the flags to Japanese family members of the deceased soldiers. The names on the flags are from family and friends given to the soldiers before heading off to war. (Rex Zika/Obon Society via AP)

In this Monday, Aug. 7, 2017 photo, WWII veteran Marvin Strombo holds up a photo of himself taken during the battle on Saipan with him holding a captured sword and flag in Portland, Ore. Strombo recovered the flag from a dead Japanese soldier in the Pacific more than 70 years ago and now, at age 93, will return the flag to the Japanese man's surviving siblings. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

In this Monday, Aug. 7, 2017 photo, names are visible on a Japanese flag owned by WWII veteran Marvin Strombo in Portland, Ore. Strombo recovered the flag from a dead Japanese soldier in the Pacific more than 70 years ago and now, at age 93, will return the flag to the Japanese man's surviving siblings. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

In this Monday, Aug. 7, 2017 photo, WWII veteran Marvin Strombo, right, and Obon Society executives director Rex Zika lay out a Japanese flag with names written on it in Portland, Ore. Strombo recovered the flag from a dead Japanese soldier in the Pacific more than 70 years ago and now, at age 93, will return the flag to the Japanese man's surviving siblings. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

This Monday, Aug. 7, 2017 photo shows WWII veteran Marvin Strombo in Portland, Ore., Monday, Aug. 7, 2017. Strombo recovered the flag from a dead Japanese soldier in the Pacific more than 70 years ago and now, at age 93, will return the flag to the Japanese man's surviving siblings. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

In this Monday, Aug. 7, 2017 photo, names are visible on a Japanese flag owned by WWII veteran Marvin Strombo in Portland, Ore. Strombo recovered the flag from a dead Japanese soldier in the Pacific more than 70 years ago and now, at age 93, will return the flag to the Japanese man's surviving siblings. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

In this Monday, Aug. 7, 2017 photo, WWII veteran Marvin Strombo sits with a Japanese flag with names written on it in Portland, Ore. Strombo recovered the flag from a dead Japanese soldier in the Pacific more than 70 years ago and now, at age 93, will return the flag to the Japanese man's surviving siblings. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) - Democrats used a bus emblazoned with the words "Drive for our Lives" to gin up opposition to vulnerable House Republicans who voted against Obamacare with the aim of upending the GOP's majority in next year's midterm elections.

The vote to repeal and replace the Obama health care law looms large for 21 GOP lawmakers, including Iowa Reps. David Young and Rod Blum. They represent competitive congressional districts where Democrat Hillary Clinton won or came close in last year's presidential election.

The collapse of the yearslong Republican quest to dismantle Obamacare has been a bitter pill for House Republicans who voted for the legislation in May only to see the drive fall apart recently in the Senate when the GOP failed to muster enough votes.

In this Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017 photo, U.S. Rep. David Young, R-Iowa, speaks with Glenwood Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Linda Washburn, left, during a stop at the Glenwood City Hall, in Glenwood, Iowa. Conservatives in Young's district are angry with the GOP's failure to repeal and replace Obamacare. Independents don't like the partisan approach. And now Democrats are making an issue of Young's vote for a health care bill that President Donald Trump called "mean." (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Now all that some lawmakers have to show for the politically tough vote is the word "mean" - President Donald Trump's description of legislation that would have made deep cuts in Medicaid, allowed states to opt out of coverage for essential benefits and knocked 23 million Americans off insurance.

The bus motored into Iowa on Friday, stopping in Cedar Rapids, the largest city in Blum's eastern Iowa district.

The black-and-gray motor coach was parked in downtown Cedar Rapids as Diane Peterson urged Blum to listen to his district's independent voters, who outnumber those affiliated with either major party.

"Of course there are things in the ACA that need fixing," said Peterson, referring to the Obama health law's name, the Affordable Care Act. The 61-year-old Democrat and coffee shop owner from Hiawatha added, "But Republicans now need to reach out."

While Blum has allied himself with the House's conservative Freedom Caucus, Young angered conservatives when he initially opposed a House GOP health care bill, then weeks later swung behind it. Independents were frustrated with the two-term congressman's embrace of a partisan approach to repealing and replacing Obamacare.

"David Young is not as conservative as some would like here in southwest Iowa," said Council Bluffs Republican David Overholtzer, a 56-year-old accountant.

"Things need to get done," said Jeff Jorgensen, a western Iowa Republican county chairman. "He's doing OK, but his chances for re-election are tied to Trump's popularity."

The Des Moines Register's Iowa poll last month showed Trump's disapproval climbing to 52 percent. The increase was driven largely by independents, 59 percent of whom disapproved of Trump's job performance, compared to 50 percent in February.

Independents, who hold sway in Young's politically diverse district, want a bipartisan approach to health care.

"That's what I and others like me have been saying: Because of this fail, people might reach across the aisle and craft something together," said Mark Scherer, a 65-year-old manufacturing representative and political independent from a north Des Moines suburb.

Now, Young is threading the needle, talking bipartisanship as he faces the reality that Democrats are gunning for him in a state where Trump's approval is sinking and neither can boast a major legislative achievement.

"We've got to pivot for the good of the country to a more bipartisan solution," the 49-year-old Young, a former chief of staff to Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, told The Associated Press during a visit to far western Iowa. "It's probably an easier, clearer path."

A national poll released Friday by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation found that around 4 in 5 want the Trump administration to take actions that help Obama's law function properly, rather than trying to undermine it. Just 3 in 10 want Trump and Republicans to continue their drive to repeal and replace the statute.

Young defended his vote for the House GOP bill, arguing that Republicans added billions of dollars more to help people with preexisting conditions.

Democrat Janet Norris from Red Oak, who met privately with Young in her western Iowa hometown last week, called his reasoning "doublespeak."

"You need to assure me you care about us in the Third District, and not what Republican leadership tells you to do," she recalled telling Young during their private chat at the Red Oak fire station.

Norris doesn't rule out voting next year for Young, who has drawn seven potential Democratic challengers, but cringed and said, "I just don't feel like he's independent enough."

Young's newly expressed, less-partisan view is music to the ears of Republican Christi Taylor, 46, a physician from Waukee in Des Moines' burgeoning western suburbs, heavy with moderate Republicans and independents.

But she lamented Republicans' attempt to quickly pass legislation with support from only GOP lawmakers. "This is not something any one party should ram through," Taylor said, describing the House's effort as "naive and arrogant."

Democrat Bryce Smith from nearby Adel agrees with Young that the 2010 law needs tweaking, not shredding. The 26-year-old bowling alley owner complains that Young's bipartisan tone is convenient, in light of the spectacular collapse of Republican efforts.

"All of a sudden, now that this failed, we need to approach it in a bipartisan way?" Smith said in disbelief. "If it would have passed the first time, we would have never heard from him that we need to work on a bipartisan solution."

In this Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017 photo, U.S. Rep. David Young, R-Iowa, speaks with a local resident during a stop at the Glenwood City Hall, in Glenwood, Iowa. Conservatives in Young's district are angry with the GOP's failure to repeal and replace Obamacare. Independents don't like the partisan approach. And now Democrats are making an issue of Young's vote for a health care bill that President Donald Trump called "mean." (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Trump: If North Korea attacks US, it 'will regret it fast'

BEDMINSTER, N.J. (AP) - President Donald Trump on Friday issued fresh threats of swift and forceful retaliation against nuclear North Korea, declaring the U.S. military "locked and loaded" and warning that the communist country's leader "will regret it fast" if he takes any action against U.S. territories or allies.

The warnings came in a cascade of unscripted statements throughout the day, each ratcheting up a rhetorical standoff between the two nuclear nations. The president appeared to draw another red line that would trigger a U.S. attack against North Korea and "big, big trouble" for its leader, Kim Jong Un. Trump's comments, however, did not appear to be backed by significant military mobilization on either side of the Pacific, and an important, quiet diplomatic channel remained open.

"If he utters one threat in the form of an overt threat - which by the way he has been uttering for years and his family has been uttering for years - or he does anything with respect to Guam or anyplace else that's an American territory or an American ally, he will truly regret it and he will regret it fast," Trump told reporters at his New Jersey golf resort.

Asked if the U.S. was going to war, he said cryptically, "I think you know the answer to that."

The compounding threats came in a week in which longstanding tensions between the countries risked abruptly boiling over. New United Nations sanctions condemning the North's rapidly developing nuclear program drew fresh ire and threats from Pyongyang. Trump responded by vowing to rain down "fire and fury" if challenged. The North then threatened to lob missiles near Guam, a tiny U.S. territory some 2,000 miles from Pyongyang.

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War of Words: North Korea vs. Donald Trump

President Donald Trump's recent invocation of "fire and fury" in response to North Korea's nuclear weapons program had a familiar ring to it. It's the kind of dramatic rhetoric that North Korea regularly uses in its public statements.

Thanks in part to Twitter, the American president has also become somewhat infamous for his statements, though in a more casual, off-the-cuff manner than what appears to be North Korea's carefully crafted script. Has North Korea met its match? Stay tuned. It's a war of words, and one which analysts fear might lead to actual conflict.

FIRE

- NORTH KOREA (Rodong Sinmun newspaper commentary in April)

"Our pre-emptive nuclear attacks will bring the provocateurs nothing but tragic consequences: South Korea will be submerged in a sea of fire, Japan will be reduced to ashes and the U.S. will collapse."

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Trump says he won't rule out military response to Venezuela

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump said Friday that he wouldn't rule out military action against Venezuela in response to the country's descent into political chaos following President Nicolas Maduro's power grab.

Speaking to reporters at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club, Trump bemoaned the country's growing humanitarian crisis and declared that all options remain on the table - including a potential military intervention.

"We have many options for Venezuela and by the way, I'm not going to rule out a military option," Trump volunteered, adding, "A military operation and military option is certainly something that we could pursue."

Trump's comment mark a serious escalation in rhetoric for the U.S., which has up until now stressed a regional approach that encourages Latin American allies to escalate pressure on the Maduro regime. Hours before Trump's comments, a senior administration official speaking on condition of anonymity stressed that approach while briefing reporters on Vice President Mike Pence's upcoming trip to the region later this week.

The Trump administration has slapped a series of sanctions against Maduro and more than two dozen current and former Venezuelan officials in response to a crackdown on opposition leaders and the recent election of a constitutional assembly charged with rewriting the country's constitution.

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Judge tosses DJ's suit against Taylor Swift in groping trial

DENVER (AP) - A judge on Friday threw out a former radio host's case against Taylor Swift in a trial that delved into their dueling lawsuits over whether he groped her during a backstage meet-and-greet and whether she and her team ruined his career.

U.S. District Judge William Martinez determined that the pop star could not be held liable because David Mueller failed to prove that she personally set out to have him fired after the 2013 photo op in Denver. His identical allegations against Swift's mother and her radio liaison will go to jurors for a verdict.

Mueller denies groping Swift and sued the singer, her mother, Andrea Swift, and their radio handler, Frank Bell, seeking up to $3 million as compensation for his ruined career.

The singer-songwriter said in her countersuit that she wanted a symbolic $1 and the chance to stand up for other women. The jury will still consider her claim.

Swift teared up as the judge read his decision and said there was no evidence of her actions being insincere. Afterward, her team smiled and embraced. Mueller's side didn't speak.

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Navy: Only woman in SEAL training pipeline drops out

SAN DIEGO (AP) - The only woman in the Navy SEAL training pipeline has dropped out, a Navy special warfare official confirmed Friday.

The female midshipman voluntarily decided to not continue participating in a summer course that's required of officers who want to be selected for SEAL training, Lt. Cmdr. Mark Walton, a Naval special warfare spokesman, told The Associated Press. The Navy has not released the woman's name, part of a policy against publicly identifying SEALs or candidates for the force.

No other woman has started the long process required to become a Navy SEAL, Walton said.

Another woman has set her sights on becoming a Special Warfare Combatant Crewman, another job that recently opened to women. They often support the SEALs but also conduct missions of their own using state-of-the art, high-performance boats. She has started the various evaluations and standard Navy training.

Officials have said it would be premature to speculate when the Navy will see its first female SEAL or Special Warfare Combatant Crewman.

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Tillerson says diplomats in Havana suffered 'health attacks'

HAVANA (AP) - Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Friday that U.S. diplomats in Havana had been the victims of "health attacks" that left them with hearing loss - the most definitive U.S. statement yet on a series of mysterious incidents that have puzzled longtime observers of U.S.-Cuban relations.

His comments came two days after the State Department issued a vaguely worded statement saying there had been "incidents which have caused a variety of physical symptoms." U.S. officials later revealed that American diplomats had suffered unexplained losses of hearing, and on Thursday Canada's government said at least one Canadian diplomat in Cuba also had been treated for hearing loss.

"We hold the Cuban authorities responsible for finding out who is carrying out these health attacks on not just our diplomats but, as you've seen now, there are other cases with other diplomats involved," Tillerson said in Bedminster, New Jersey, where President Donald Trump and members of his administration spoke to reporters.

In the fall of 2016, a series of U.S. diplomats began suffering unexplained losses of hearing, according to officials with knowledge of the case. Some of the diplomats' symptoms were so severe that they were forced to cancel their tours early and return to the United States, the officials said.

The officials told The Associated Press that the hearing loss appeared to have been caused by the deliberate use of some sort of sonic device operating outside the range of audible sound.

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Kenyatta declared winner of disputed Kenya presidential vote

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - President Uhuru Kenyatta was declared the winner Friday of Kenya's hard-fought presidential election, but opposition candidate Raila Odinga alleged the voting was rigged.

In announcing the results of Tuesday's contest, the election commission said Kenyatta won a second term with 54 percent in balloting it called "credible, fair and peaceful."

Hundreds of riot police were in the streets of the capital, Nairobi, amid fears of further protests by opposition supporters, who called the vote a "charade" and said challenging the outcome in court wasn't an option.

Kenyatta, the 55-year-old son of Kenya's first president after independence from Britain, appealed for calm and unity after the bitter campaign.

"Kenya belongs to all of us," he said. "Let us shun violence and let us refuse to be used for short-term political gain."

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Police: Hair stylist slain in Chicago stabbed over 40 times

CHICAGO (AP) - A hair stylist suffered more than 40 stab wounds to his upper body in a fatal attack last month in the high-rise Chicago condo of a Northwestern University professor, police said Friday.

The since-fired professor, Wyndham Lathem, and Oxford University financial officer Andrew Warren were arrested in the San Francisco area eight days after 26-year-old Trenton James Cornell-Duranleau was found dead last month.

Cornell-Duranleau suffered "lacerations and mutilations to his body, his upper body, but not to the point of decapitation," Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said. He described the attack as "certainly very intense."

Authorities have said the attack on Cornell-Duranleau, a Michigan native who moved to Chicago last year, was so brutal that the blade of the knife investigators believe was used in the stabbing was broken. When police found him, he had already been dead for at least 12 hours.

Guglielmi said police believe there might have been some tension in Lathem and Cornell-Duranleau's relationship.

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Amateur Danish sub sinks, inventor held on murder charge

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - The owner of an amateur-built submarine was arrested on suspicion of murder Friday after his vessel sank off Denmark's coast and a journalist who had joined him for what was supposed to be a short voyage was reported missing, Copenhagen police said.

Police said in a statement Friday night that the man denied killing the missing woman and reported dropping her off on a redeveloped island in Copenhagen's harbor about 3  hours into their Thursday night trip.

The statement did not identify the submarine's owner, Peter Madsen, 46, but the Danish inventor's financing of the project through crowdfunding and first launch of the UC3 Nautilus in 2008 made headlines.

The 40-ton, nearly 18-meter-long (60-foot-long) vessel has been described as the largest privately built submarine of its kind.

Before his arrest, Madsen appeared on Danish television to discuss the submarine's sinking and his rescue. It was the journalist's boyfriend who alerted authorities early Friday that the sub had not returned from a test run, police said.

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AP source: Marlins plan to sell to group that includes Jeter

MIAMI (AP) - Derek Jeter wins again.

The Miami Marlins told Major League Baseball they intend to sign an agreement to sell the team to a group that includes the former New York Yankees captain, a person familiar with the negotiations said Friday.

Jeter would be a limited partner in the group led by venture capitalist Bruce Sherman, said the person, who confirmed the Marlins' plans to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team had not commented.

The Marlins' months-long sale saga included many twists before owner Jeffrey Loria settled on the popular Jeter, who led the Yankees to five World Series championships before retiring after the 2014 season.

The person speaking on condition of anonymity said MLB was told Loria's sale price will be about $1.2 billion to the group, which includes more than 10 entities.
BERLIN (AP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the government is committed to helping maintain the memorial at a former East German secret police prison, calling it an "authentic and thus painful" reminder of communist-era excesses.

During her first public appearance following a summer vacation, Merkel used the upcoming 56th anniversary of the construction of the Berlin Wall by the communist regime to criticize left-wing extremism.

Standing Friday outside the former Hohenschoenhausen prison that was operated by the East German Stasi secret police, Merkel said "it seems a long time ago but it reminds us strongly of the need to advocate for freedom and democracy."

The memorial is undergoing renovations, with some 12 million euros ($14 million) in financing from the federal government as well as funding from the city of Berlin.
PEARL RIVER, N.Y. (AP) - Police in a New York City suburb are searching for the culprits who destroyed a couple's food truck used for charity events.

WCBS-TV reports (http://cbsloc.al/2uv2Cho ) Ricardo Salazar was shocked to find the food truck he and his wife own destroyed last month. Salazar says vandals smashed the windows and stole a grill and propane tanks.

Salazar and his wife have given away sandwiches at events organized by the March of Dimes, Wounded Warriors and other charities since buying and restoring the truck last year. He says the truck was a point of pride for him and his wife.

Salazar says he can't even move the truck because the ignition barrel is broken. He and his wife kept the truck in a Pearl River lot near his job.

Police are investigating.

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Information from: WCBS-TV, http://www.cbs2ny.com
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - Threatening to fire a volley of missiles toward a major U.S. military hub - and the home to 160,000 American civilians - may seem like a pretty bad move for a country that is seriously outgunned and has an awful lot to lose.

But pushing the envelope, or just threatening to do so, is what North Korea does best.

By announcing a plan to send four "Hwasong-12" intermediate range missiles over Japan and into waters near the Pacific island of Guam, Pyongyang has significantly upped the ante despite threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.

In this Tuesday, April 23, 2013, file photo, a North Korean soldier looks at the southern side through a pair of binoculars at the border village of Panmunjom, which has separated the two Koreas since the Korean War, in Paju, north of Seoul, South Korea. Threatening to fire a volley of missiles toward a major U.S. military hub _ and the home to 160,000 American civilians _ may seem like a pretty bad move for a country that is seriously outgunned and has an awful lot to lose. But pushing the envelope, or just threatening to do so, is what North Korea does best. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File)

The North has made it clear Kim Jong Un still has to sign off on the plan and give the execution order. But it says it could be ready to go within days - or just before the U.S. and South Korea are set to begin their annual Ulchi-Freedom Guardian military maneuvers.

So what, ultimately, is Pyongyang trying to accomplish?

A lot of things, actually.

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FIRST, BUILD UP THE CRED

North Korea sees the United States as an existential threat.

It knows that if it is going to be taken seriously, it needs to have a credible military deterrent. Its strategy for years, if not decades, has been to attain that by building long-range missiles that can carry nuclear warheads to targets on the U.S. mainland. It's not good enough just to claim to have that capability - it must be demonstrated.

Successful tests provide the data needed to make technical advances and valuable training for ground troops. They also dispel doubts about whether those advances are being made.

Provocative testing or training also is a way of gauging where Washington's red lines are. That can be used to decide when to push more aggressively or when to ease off.

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SECOND, CLAIM A NEW NORM

North Korea has said many times it has no intention of giving up its nuclear weapons. It doesn't want to use them as a bargaining chip - or in a war it could not possibly survive. It wants them as a status-booster.

Pyongyang wants to force the United States to accept that it is a nuclear power, as it did with Pakistan and India, and treat it with commensurate respect. But while there is little remaining doubt about North Korea's nuclear capabilities, the U.S. has not accepted it as a nuclear power and is not likely to do so any time soon.

Pyongyang continues to push Washington's buttons in hopes of changing that attitude.

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THIRD, USE THE LEVERAGE

Though Trump is taking a very hard-line approach, at least in his rhetoric, growing concerns over Kim Jong Un's accelerated missile launches have added strength to the camp in the United States calling for a diplomatic resolution. That would likely involve some "carrots" - compromises that would be attractive in North Korea's eyes. This is Pyongyang's potential payoff.

Just forcing the U.S. to talk would in itself be a success for North Korea. Especially if it gives the appearance of talks between equals.

Of course, pushing the envelope with moves like the potential missile volley toward Guam has a lot of risks. One or more of the launches could fail. And if a missile actually hit the island, the consequences could be catastrophic. But having merely floated the idea sets a sort of precedent the North can use as a new baseline. And if it goes through with the launch and there are no consequences, it can use that too.

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FINALLY, PUSH FOR WHAT YOU REALLY WANT

What North Korea wants most is security. Its regime wants to survive.

It wants assurances it won't be attacked, or suffocated by economic sanctions.

It wants a peace treaty formally replacing the armistice that ended the shooting war phase of the 1950-1953 Korean War. Getting any of those things would require a sea change in relations with not only Washington, but also Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo and possibly Moscow.

The good news, for everyone involved, is that North Korea isn't likely to get what it really wants by starting another war.

But the bad news is that it's not at all clear the North's actions will help it achieve its goals. Indeed, they've helped create a risky situation that could spiral into something nobody wants.

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Eric Talmadge is the AP's Pyongyang bureau chief. Follow him on Twitter at EricTalmadge or on Instagram @erictalmadge.

This image made from video of a news bulletin aired by North Korea's KRT on Monday, May 15, 2017, shows what was said to be the launch of the Hwasong-12 missile at an undisclosed location in North Korea. Threatening to fire a volley of missiles toward a major U.S. military hub _ and the home to 160,000 American civilians _ may seem like a pretty bad move for a country that is seriously outgunned and has an awful lot to lose. But pushing the envelope, or just threatening to do so, is what North Korea does best. (KRT via AP Video, File)

In this Thursday, July 6, 2017, file photo, soldiers gather in Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea, to celebrate the test launch of North Korea's first intercontinental ballistic missile two days earlier. Threatening to fire a volley of missiles toward a major U.S. military hub _ and the home to 160,000 American civilians _ may seem like a pretty bad move for a country that is seriously outgunned and has an awful lot to lose. But pushing the envelope, or just threatening to do so, is what North Korea does best. (AP Photo/Jon Chol Jin, File)

In this Saturday, April 15, 2017, file photo, what analysts believe could be the North Korean Hwasong 12 is paraded across Kim Il Sung Square during a military parade in Pyongyang, North Korea. Threatening to fire a volley of missiles toward a major U.S. military hub _ and the home to 160,000 American civilians _ may seem like a pretty bad move for a country that is seriously outgunned and has an awful lot to lose. But pushing the envelope, or just threatening to do so, is what North Korea does best. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File)
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) - Cambodia announced Friday that its prime minister will make an urgent visit to Laos as he demanded its government withdraw soldiers he claimed are encroaching on territory in northeastern Cambodia.

Cambodia's foreign ministry announced Hun Sen's Saturday trip to the Laotian capital Vientiane after he threatened to use force to expel the Laotian troops if they did not withdraw by Aug. 17.

Cambodia and Laos have generally warm relations as both had fraternal communist governments after 1975. Hun Sen said Friday that the problem began in April when about 30 Laotian soldiers entered a no-man's land on the border to stop Cambodian military engineers from building a road on what Cambodia maintains is its territory in Stung Treng province.

Hun Sen said construction work ceased but the Laotian soldiers remained.

Calls and emails to the Lao Embassy in Phnom Penh were not returned Friday.

Hun Sen said he has ordered his military commanders to be ready to send combat forces to the disputed area but that at the moment a diplomatic solution remains possible. He urged Cambodians not to be alarmed if they see military forces on the move.

"I appeal to Laotian Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith to withdraw the forces out of Cambodia without any conditions, and the latest deadline is Aug. 17," he said. "We don't want to have a dispute with Laos but we also cannot allow the situation remain like this anymore."

Hun Sen said he had talked over the phone in recent months with the Laotian prime minister and recently sent him a letter, but had received no official reply. If Thongloun does not want to meet him, he should just withdraw his soldiers, Hun Sen said.

"I want to go to Laos to speak clearly about whether or not the forces will be withdrawn, he said.

A defense ministry spokesman, Chhum Socheat, said the military was prepared for a confrontation and awaited orders, reported Fresh News, an online news service close to the government.

Cambodian media have reported tensions on the border with Laos at least as long ago as February.

Cambodia's last major border disputes were with Thailand from 2008 to 2011, and were widely seen as benefiting Hun Sen politically, as he was able to portray himself as a nationalist protector of the country's territory. His party won a strong victory in the 2008 general election, but lost seats in 2013 and is expected to face a strong challenge next year.

Hun Sen is sometimes regarded as vulnerable on territorial issues. His political opponents accuse him of failing to stand up to alleged encroachment by Vietnam, Cambodia's traditional enemy but whose government is Hun Sen's political ally.
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) - Seven South Asian and Southeast Asian nations on Friday agreed to conclude early a free trade accord, implement the Paris agreement on climate change and step up cooperation among their security agencies to combat terrorism.

The foreign ministers of Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal expressed "great concern'" over increasing threats to the planet and peoples' livelihoods from climate change and agreed to combat it at local, national and regional levels.

They met in the Nepalese capital under the aegis of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, or BIMSTEC.

From Left to Right, Myanmar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Tin, Bhutanese Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji, Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, Nepal's Foreign Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, Sri Lankan State Minister of Foreign Affairs Vasantha Senanayake, Thai Deputy Foreign Minister Virasakdi Futrakul and BIMSTEC Secretary General Sumith Nakandala pose for a group photo during the BIMSTEC ministerial meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) was setup in 1997 to foster economic cooperation between the nations. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

Nepal is also scheduled to hold the fourth summit of the grouping later this year.

The ministers agreed to expedite the ratification of the BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking, said a joint statement issued at the end of a two-day meeting on Friday.

The nations agreed to explore the possibilities of promoting energy trade in the region, particularly of renewable and clean energy sources. They finalized an agreement to be signed soon on the establishment of the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection, the statement said.

In October, the BIMSTEC leaders interacted with the heads of state of five of the world's rising powers - Russia, China, India, Brazil and South Africa - during a two-day summit in the western Indian tourist resort of Goa, which focused on economic recovery and counterterrorism.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on the exchange of threats between the U.S. and North Korea (all times EDT):

6:20 p.m.

President Donald Trump is going to speak to Chinese President Xi Jinping (shee jihn-peeng) Friday about the deepening crisis with North Korea.

President Donald Trump speaks as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and national security adviser H.R. McMaster listen at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J., Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Trump told reporters at his New Jersey golf club Friday that he will make the call. It will come after days of fiery rhetoric about the nuclear threat posed by the isolated nation.

Trump has alternately praised and chided China for the efforts to contain its rogue neighbor.

He has increased his condemnation of North Korea in recent days, tweeting Friday morning that the U.S. would have military options "locked and loaded" if needed.

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6:10 p.m.

President Donald Trump is warning of severe consequences if North Korea attacks Guam.

Trump says he has yet to speak with the governor of the territory, but says, "I feel that they will be very safe, believe me."

He adds, "if anything happens to Guam, there's going to be big, big trouble in North Korea."

North Korea this week announced a detailed plan to launch a salvo of ballistic missiles toward the U.S. Pacific territory, which is a major military hub and home to U.S. bombers.

Trump has been escalating his rhetoric against North Korea, but says he hopes "it will all work out."

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12:45 p.m.

A Democratic congressman is urging House Speaker Paul Ryan to reconvene the House from its summer recess to consider legislation prohibiting a pre-emptive nuclear strike against North Korea.

Rep. David Cicilline (sihs-ihl-EE'-nee) of Rhode Island, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, says that in light of President Donald Trump's "reckless words" threatening North Korea, the House should immediately take up legislation barring a pre-emptive nuclear strike without prior congressional authorization.

Cicilline said Trump "has made a dangerous situation even worse by recklessly asserting that the United States is 'locked and loaded' to bring 'fire and fury' to North Korea."

Cicilline said Trump's bellicose language against North Korea has raised alarms around the world, adding that "if the president will not defuse this situation, then Congress must."

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11:20 a.m.

Japan has started deploying land-based Patriot interceptors after North Korea threatened to send ballistic missiles flying over western Japan and landing near Guam.

The Defense Ministry said Friday the PAC-3 surface-to-air interceptors are being deployed at four locations: Hiroshima, Kochi, Shimane and Ehime.

The deployment is largely aimed at responding to the risk of falling fragments while missiles fly over the region.

The four PAC-3 systems are brought from eastern Japan, as its missile defense is largely centered around Tokyo. They are expected to arrive in the designated sites early Saturday.

The ministry did not confirm whether Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera has already issued an order to shoot down incoming missiles.

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9:35 a.m.

Russia's foreign minister says the risk of a military conflict between the U.S. and North Korea is "very high."

Sergey Lavrov said Friday that Russia is strongly worried about escalating rhetoric coming from Pyongyang and Washington. He added that "when it comes close to fight, the one who is stronger and wiser should be the first to step back from the brink."

Asked how Moscow would act in case of a military conflict between the U.S. and the North, Lavrov answered it would do everything it could to prevent the worst-case scenario.

Lavrov said Russia doesn't accept the North's nuclear weapons bid and pointed at a proposal by China and Russia under which Pyongyang would freeze its nuclear and missile tests while the U.S. and South Korea would halt their military drills.

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9:15 a.m.

Despite tensions and talk of war, life on the streets of the North Korean capital Pyongyang remains calm.

There are no air raid drills or cars in camouflage netting as was the case during previous crises. State-run media ensures that the population gets the North Korean side of the story, but doesn't convey any sense of international concern about the situation.

North Koreans have lived for decades with the state media message that war is imminent, the U.S. is to blame and their country is ready to defend itself.

At a park in central Pyongyang Friday evening, young people practiced volleyball and grandparents and parents watched children on climbing frames and swings.

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9 a.m.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she doesn't see a military solution to rising tensions between the United States and North Korea and called for a de-escalation of the rhetoric.

Asked Friday about U.S. President Donald Trump's latest statements, Merkel declined to say whether Germany would stand with the U.S. in case of a military conflict with North Korea. She said, "I don't see a military solution and I don't think it's called for."

Merkel called on the U.N. Security Council to continue to address the issue. She says Germany would work to find diplomatic solutions with the countries involved, the U.S. and China in particular, but also South Korea.

She added: "I think escalating the rhetoric is the wrong answer."

Earlier this week, Trump said the U.S. would slam the North with "fire and fury like the world has never seen" if it provoked America again.

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8 a.m.

President Donald Trump is warning of military action "should North Korea act unwisely."

Trump tweeted: "Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!"

North Korea has announced a detailed plan to launch a salvo of ballistic missiles toward the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, a major military hub and home to U.S. bombers. If carried out, it would be its most provocative missile launch to date.

Trump said this week the U.S. would unleash "fire and fury" on North Korea if it continued to threaten the U.S.

A man watches a television screen showing President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a news program at the Seoul Train Station in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017. President Donald Trump issued a new threat to North Korea on Thursday, demanding that Kim Jong Un's government "get their act together" or face extraordinary trouble. He said his previous "fire and fury" warning to Pyongyang might have been too mild. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

This image made from video of a news bulletin aired by North Korea's KRT on Monday, May 15, 2017, shows what was said to be the launch of the Hwasong-12 missile at an undisclosed location in North Korea. Threatening to fire a volley of missiles toward a major U.S. military hub _ and the home to 160,000 American civilians _ may seem like a pretty bad move for a country that is seriously outgunned and has an awful lot to lose. But pushing the envelope, or just threatening to do so, is what North Korea does best. (KRT via AP Video, File)
BRUSSELS (AP) - The European Union said Friday that it plans to hold an extraordinary meeting late next month over a growing tainted egg scandal as it revealed that products contaminated with an insecticide have now spread to 17 countries.

Millions of eggs have been destroyed or pulled from supermarket shelves since July 20, when it was made public that the pesticide Fipronil, which is dangerous to human health, was found mixed with another treatment sprayed on chickens for ticks, fleas and lice, known as Dega 16.

Almost all lab tests show that only very low levels of Fipronil - seven to 10 times lower than the maximum permitted - have been detected in eggs from the treated chickens, although one test in Belgium was above the European limit. Poisoning by small doses has few effects and requires little treatment. Heavy and prolonged exposure can damage the kidneys and liver or cause seizures.

In this photo taken Monday, Aug. 7, 2017 Eggs are kept fresh in an egg-box in a laboratory of the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office in Krefeld, Germany. Dutch investigators detained two men Thursday who are suspected of being involved in the illegal use of pesticide at poultry farms that sparked a massive food safety scare in several European countries. (Marcel Kusch/dpa via AP)

The scandal has caused major political fallout, with neighbors Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany squabbling over who is to blame, and who knew what and when. Poultry farmers have been hardest hit, and are blaming the chemical industry for compromising their business and exposing consumers to danger.

The EU's executive Commission said Friday that contaminated eggs have been found at producers in four countries; Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Eggs or egg products from those producers have reached Austria, Britain, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia and Sweden, as well as Switzerland and Hong Kong outside the EU.

The Commission announced that it is aiming to hold talks between EU ministers and food safety agencies concerned on Sept. 26.

"The aim is to draw the relevant lessons and discuss the ways to continuously improve the effectiveness of the EU system to deal with food fraud," Commission spokeswoman Mina Andreeva said.

She said the EU's "priority remains to manage the situation, to continue to coordinate and to reassure our citizens."

In France, Agriculture Minister Stephane Travert said that tests on imported eggs contaminated with pesticide show no risk to public health.

Travert said on RMC radio Friday that some 244,000 eggs imported from the Netherlands and Belgium and sold in France were affected.

He said test results received overnight from the French food safety agency on affected eggs and egg products showed "the level of contamination does not present a risk for the consumer."

France has also confirmed one farm in the Nord-Pas de Calais region was found to have used Fipronil, and is now blocked from selling eggs.

The Agriculture Ministry says the French farm reported on July 28, as the scandal was coming to light, that Dega 16 had been used on the farm by a Belgian subcontractor, and the ministry claims no eggs concerned have been sold.

Danish food safety authorities say 20 tons of boiled and peeled eggs linked to the pesticide scandal were sold in recent months to a distributor in Denmark, which in turn sold them to canteens, cafes and catering companies in the country.

The agency said Thursday the Danish distributor, Danaeg Products, has been ordered to recall the eggs because "the content is illegal" but "not dangerous."

German Agriculture Ministry spokeswoman Jennifer Reinhard said Friday "the facts need to be swiftly and fully investigated."

She noted that there are rapid alert systems that should be used if consumers are at risk.

"There must be no compromises when it comes to food safety," Reinhard said. "Information needs to be shared between (EU) member states without delay."

In Poland, Jan Bondar, a spokesman for the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate, said that an estimated 40,000 potentially contaminated eggs have been imported but were not sold to consumers. He said the eggs came from the Netherlands and were delivered by a German company. Contamination hasn't been confirmed but they came from farms where contaminated eggs were found. He said the eggs would either be destroyed or returned to the producer.

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Angela Charlton in Paris, Frank Jordans in Berlin and Vanessa Gera in Warsaw contributed to this report.
BANGKOK (AP) - Thailand's main professional association of journalists has protested the arrest on trespassing charges of a reporter who was looking into the assets of a brother of one of the top members of the country's military government.

Nattaporn Weeranont of the Isra News Agency was arrested Wednesday night after going to a Bangkok apartment building believed to be owned by the wife of former Police Chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan, who is also the deputy prime minister's brother.

Nattaporn sought to speak with the building caretaker, who instead called police and filed a trespassing charge.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission, an independent state agency, acknowledged that it is investigating Patcharawat.

The Thai Journalists Association issued a statement Friday saying police were obstructing news and demanding that the charge be dropped.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A leading U.S. hospital has decided it won't move its annual fundraiser away from Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort despite pressure from health professionals and others over the president's support for repealing the Affordable Care Act.

The Cleveland Clinic said donors and hospital executives in Ohio and Florida reviewed the request and decided against changing the venue.

Spokeswoman Eileen Sheil said the event raises between $700,000 and $1 million annually to expand programs and purchase equipment for the hospital's Florida facility. It's been held at Mar-a-Lago the last eight years, she said.

FILE - In this April 15, 2017 file photo, President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. As President Donald Trump spends much of August at his New Jersey golf club, Democratic lawmakers are making a new push for information about how much money the federal government is spending at his for-profit properties. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are asking that departments hand over information about their Trump-related spending by Aug. 25. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

"For us, this is more about raising money to help our clinical programs and patient care," Sheil said. "This is not a political statement by the Cleveland Clinic by any means."

A public letter seeking relocation of the event has quickly collected more than 1,100 signatures from doctors, nurses, medical students and other Ohio residents concerned about the nation's No. 2-ranked hospital patronizing a Trump business.

A Columbus cardiologist who signed it says Cleveland Clinic is a thought leader in medicine and Trump's support for repealing the Affordable Care Act goes against its core principles supporting science, research and integrity.

"The Cleveland Clinic has always been a bastion of science, of research and of integrity," said Greg Lam, a member of the Physicians Action Network. "When the founders established the Cleveland Clinic in 1921, it was based on the principles of diversity, integrity, research and facts. And that's completely antithetical to what Donald Trump represents."

The letter says the hospital's support for the Trump Organization is unacceptable "because it symbolically and financially supports a politician actively working to decrease access to healthcare and cut billiions of dollars in research funding from the National Institutes of Health budget."

The American Red Cross faced similar pushback in January, when demonstrators rallied outside its annual fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago as the worldwide humanitarian relief organization was offering aid to those affected by Trump's moratorium on the U.S. refugee program.

Sheil said the hospital didn't make the decision lightly.

"We did really listen to the community and we did consider other options for the event this year, but, in the end, the decision was made to stay at Mar-a-Lago, because the venue is appropriate for the size of the event that we have," she said.

She said the hospital has a pending contract for the event, scheduled for Feb. 24, but it has not yet been signed.

"Obviously, we deeply care about health care coverage and health care reform and doing the right thing for citizens of the U.S.," Sheil said. "But, for us, that's a separate issue that we are doing different efforts for, to influence however we can."
ST. CHARLES, Mo. (AP) - A former Dent County sheriff's deputy and state correctional officer has been convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend during a child custody dispute.

Marvin Rice was found guilty Thursday in St. Charles County of first-degree murder in the 2011 deaths of Annette Durham, 32, and second-degree murder in the death of Steven Strotkamp, 39, in 2011, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported .

The sentencing phase begins Friday. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Rice and Durham had been arguing over custody of their son, prosecutors said.

They had had an affair while he was a Dent County sheriff's deputy. Durham, who struggled with drug addiction, was jailed several times and the boy was born in 2010 while she was in prison. Rice and his wife took care of the child but no formal agreement was in place, Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley said during the trial.

When Durham got out of prison in 2011, she decided to get her life together and establish a relationship with her son, Curley said.

Rice initially allowed her only brief supervised visits with the boy. On Dec. 10, 2011, she was allowed an unsupervised visit and decided that she wanted to keep her son overnight, Curley said.

That prompted Rice to go to the home outside Salem where Durham and Strotkamp lived. He shot the couple with a .40-caliber pistol, took his son and gave the boy to his wife before leading police on a chase that ended in a shootout in a Jefferson City hotel during a Christmas party, Curley said.

Curley said Strotkamp identified Rice as his killer before he died. Durham's daughter testified that she saw Rice with a pistol before he left with the boy.

Public defender Charles Hoskins told jurors that Rice "snapped" when Durham told him, "You're never seeing (your son) again, and neither is your family." He argued that Rice was under "extreme emotional distress" at the time and that a pituitary tumor and the 17 medications he was taking affected his impulse control and made him paranoid. He also argued that Rice didn't have "cool reflection" necessary to convict him of first-degree murder.

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Information from: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, http://www.stltoday.com
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The biggest mall in the United States is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a record-setting attempt involving cupcakes and party hats.

The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, marked the special day Friday by trying to set a Guinness World Record for the most people wearing conical birthday hats and the most people simultaneously decorating cupcakes, the Star Tribune reported .

The mall is 5.6 million square feet (520,000 sq. meters) with more than 520 stores and 11,000 employees. Its attractions include an amusement park, an aquarium, an indoor zip line and a mirror maze, and it hosts fundraisers, dance-a-thons, tribute concerts and celebrity appearances.

Kyla Davenport, 11, winces while her father puts her birthday conical hat back on during Mall of America's 25th birthday celebration, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, in Bloomington, Minn. (Courtney Pedroza /Star Tribune via AP)

The mall generates about $2 billion in economic activity and has more than 40 million visitors every year. The mall attracts more visitors than Florida's Disney World, according to the newspaper.

The mall, its retailers and events raise about $12 million for nonprofits annually.

"As we look ahead beyond our 25th birthday, we expect to include more entertainment in our retail mix, and continue to integrate digital tools to help enhance the guest's stay," said Greta Anderson, a spokeswoman for the mall. "We've succeeded in leading the retail and entertainment space for 25 years, and it's been a great ride."

The anniversary celebration included a one-of-a-kind cake from Bartolo "Buddy" Valastro of TLC's reality television show "Cake Boss." Valastro's family-owned business, Carlo's Bakery, is opening a location at the mall by the end of the year.

Anderson said an upscale CMX Theater will also open at the mall later this year.

Multiple Guinness World Records have been set at the mall. Records include largest number of people playing in a handbell choir, the most Ninja Turtles in one place and the largest number of people tying their shoes at the same time.

Jaslyn Rutledge looks at the contest cakes during Mall of America's 25th birthday celebration celebration, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, in Bloomington, Minn. (Courtney Pedroza/Star Tribune via AP)

Children decorate cupcakes during an attempt for a Guinness World Record for the most cupcakes iced in one hour during Mall of America's 25th birthday celebration, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, in Bloomington, Minn. (Courtney Pedroza /Star Tribune via AP)

Guinness World Records adjudicator Michael Empric announces Mall of America beat both records for the largest gathering of people wearing conical party hats and the most cupcakes iced in one hour during Mall of America's 25th birthday celebration, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, in Bloomington, Minn. (Courtney Pedroza /Star Tribune via AP)

Jaslyn Rutledge decorates cupcakes during a Guinness World Record attempt for the most cupcakes iced in one hour during Mall of America's 25th birthday celebration, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, in Bloomington, Minn. (Courtney Pedroza /Star Tribune via AP)

People decorate cupcakes during an attempt to beat a Guinness World Record for the most cupcakes iced in one hour during Mall of America's 25th birthday celebration, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, in Bloomington, Minn. (Courtney Pedroza /Star Tribune via AP)
United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Appellee, v. TONY IVEY, Defendant-Appellant. 17-795-cr Decided: August 10, 2017

PRESENT: ROBERT D. SACK, PETER W. HALL, CHRISTOPHER F. DRONEY, Circuit Judges. For Appellant: JAY S. OVSIOVITCH, Federal Public Defender's Office, Western District of New York, Rochester, NY. For Appellee: CARINA H. SCHOENBERGER (Geoffrey J.L. Brown, on the brief), Assistant United States Attorneys, for Richard S. Hartunian, United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York, Syracuse, NY.

Following a guilty plea to threatening to kill a federal prosecutor in violation of 18 U.S.C.  115(a)(1)(B), Defendant-Appellant Tony Ivey was sentenced principally to a term of 20 months' imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. On appeal, Ivey challenges the procedural reasonableness of his sentence. He contends that that his sentence is procedurally unreasonable because the district court failed to (1) provide reasonable notice that it was contemplating an upward departure, as required under Fed. R. Crim. P. 32(h); and (2) reference the new criminal history category it applied when departing upward. We assume the parties' familiarity with the underlying facts, procedural history, and issues on appeal.

We review sentences for procedural and substantive unreasonableness, which amounts to review for abuse of discretion. United States v. Cavera, 550 F.3d 180, 187 (2d. Cir. 2008). A district court's decision to depart upward is reviewed for abuse of discretion. United States v. Ashley, 141 F.3d 63, 69 (2d Cir. 1998).

When a defendant fails to object to an alleged sentencing error before the district court, we review for plain error. United States v. Villafuerte, 502 F.3d 204, 207 (2d Cir. 2007). An appellate court may, in its discretion, correct a plain error where the appellant demonstrates that (1) there is an error; (2) the error is clear or obvious, rather than subject to reasonable dispute; (3) the error affected the appellant's substantial rights, which in the ordinary case means' it affected the outcome of the district court proceedings'; and (4) the error seriously affect[s] the fairness, integrity or public reputation of judicial proceedings.  United States v. Marcus, 560 U.S. 258, 262 (2010) (alteration in original) (quoting Puckett v. United States, 556 U.S. 129, 135 (2009)).

I.

As to Ivey's argument regarding notice of the contemplated upward departure under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32(h), the Rule demands that before a district court can depart upward on a ground not identified as a ground for upward departure either in the presentence report or in a prehearing submission by the Government, Rule 32 requires that the district court give the parties reasonable notice that it is contemplating such a ruling. Burns v. United States, 501 U.S. 129, 138 (1991); see also Fed. R. Crim. P. 32(h).

The obligation of the district court, prior to sentencing with upward departure, is to assure itself that the defendant has received notice and has thus had adequate opportunity to defend against that risk. United States v. Contractor, 926 F.2d 128, 131 (2d Cir. 1991). So long as the defendant is adequately warned that he faces the possibility of an upward departure so that he will not be unfairly surprised and will have adequate opportunity to argue against it, the concern is satisfied, regardless of whether the defendant receives notice from the judge or from another source. Id. at 13132. The Government contends that because Ivey did not raise an objection before the district court, he must demonstrate that the district court committed plain error, which he fails to do because the PSR put him on notice of the potential for an upward departure. See Fed. R. Crim. P. 52(b).

We conclude that Ivey cannot demonstrate plain error. Indeed, the specific ground for the district court's departureinadequacy of initial criminal history categoryis identified in the PSR. While the PSR does not explicitly state that the district court could depart on this ground, it does provide notice that the court may want to consider an upward departure based on inadequacy of criminal history category. Presentence Report at 105. Because Ivey has not demonstrated that the district court committed error in relying on a ground that was not identified for departure, he cannot show plain error occurred. See, e.g., United States v. Belliard, 308 F. App'x 488, 48990 (2d Cir. 2009) (summary order) (concluding that appellant failed to demonstrate that the district court erred in relying on a ground that was not identified for departure  where PSR provide[d] notice that the district court might consider upward departure).

II.

Next, Ivey claims that the district court failed to reference the new criminal history category it applied when departing upward, as required by U.S.S.G.  4A1.3(a), and that the district court wrongly considered prior offenses in determining his criminal history category. Appellant's Br. at 24. Section 4A1.3 of the Guidelines authorizes an upward departure from the prescribed range when the sentencing court finds that a defendant's criminal history category substantially under-represents the seriousness of the defendant's criminal history or the likelihood that the defendant will commit other crimes. U.S.S.G.  4A1.3(a)(1).

Section 4A1.3(a)(4) guides sentencing courts as to the extent of such departures. Subdivision (A) instructs that where, as here, a sentencing court upwardly departs from any criminal history category lower than category VI, the court shall determine the extent of a departure  by using, as a reference, the criminal history category applicable to defendants whose criminal history or likelihood to recidivate most closely resembles that of the defendant's. Id.  4A1.3(a)(4)(A) (emphasis added). We have held, though, that [a] sentencing court considering an upward departure under [section] 4A1.3 is not required by our cases to pause at each category above the applicable one to consider whether the higher category adequately reflects the seriousness of the defendant's record before arriving at an appropriate sentence. United States v. Simmons, 343 F.3d 72, 78 (2d Cir. 2003). Indeed, as long as the reasons for such a departure are fully explained, a mechanistic, step-by-step procedure is not required. Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). Because Ivey did not object to the district court's explanation of its upward departure, we review for plain error. See United States v. Cassesse, 685 F.3d 186, 188 (2d Cir. 2012).

Here, the district court departed from a Guidelines range of six to twelve months' imprisonment (based on a criminal history category II) to a sentence of 20 months' imprisonment (a middle-of-the-range sentence implicitly based on a criminal history category V) on the ground that the defendant's applicable criminal history category II did not adequately capture the seriousness of Ivey's past criminal record. The court stressed Ivey's history of both domestic violence and violence in the community, pattern of criminal violent activity over decades, and past offenses involving violent assaults. App'x at 86. In reaching this conclusion, however, the court did not explicitly us[e], as a reference, the criminal history category applicable to defendants whose criminal history or likelihood to recidivate most closely resembles that of the defendant's as contemplated by section 4A1.3(a)(4)(A).

Although the district court was not required  to pause at each category above [category II] to consider whether [they] adequately reflect[ed] the seriousness of the defendant's record, Simmons, 343 F.3d at 78, it does not follow that it was free to disregard the methodology set forth in section 4A1.3(a)(4)(A) by failing to identify any criminal history category whatsoever. In other words, the district court acting under these circumstances erred by failing to explain why its implied choice of criminal history V was more appropriate than criminal history II. We need not resolve that issue, though, because even assuming that there was such an error, Ivey has failed to demonstrate that it was plain error. He has not established how any such error might have affected his substantial rights; it is clear from the record that the outcome at sentencing would have been no different absent the error. See Marcus, 560 U.S. at 262 (affecting substantial rights, means, in the ordinary case, affecting the outcome of the district court proceedings (internal quotation marks omitted)).

Last, Ivey's contention that the district court improperly considered his minor offenses in assessing the criminal history category finds no support in the record. In fact, the district court expressly acknowledged that not every one of Ivey's past offenses factored into its determination to depart upward, explaining that [e]ven though some [past offenses] involved violations, a number of instances  involved violent incidents. App'x at 88; cf. Ashley, 141 F.3d at 70 (concluding that upward departure was not unreasonable where the court noted that while many of them were minor offenses, several others involved physical conflicts with arresting officers or other assaults with intent to inflict bodily injury). The record clearly illustrates that the district court's upward departure was based on the violent nature of Ivey's criminal history and not solely on the number of offenses. The district court's upward departure was therefore not unreasonable.

We have considered all of Ivey's remaining arguments on appeal and determine they are without merit. For the foregoing reasons, the judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED.

FOR THE COURT:

Catherine O'Hagan Wolfe, Clerk

FOOTNOTES

. Subdivision B suggests an approach for upward departures from criminal history category VI (the highest category):In a case in which the court determines that the extent and nature of the defendant's criminal history, taken together, are sufficient to warrant an upward departure from Criminal History Category VI, the court should structure the departure by moving incrementally down the sentencing table to the next higher offense level in Criminal History Category VI until it finds a guideline range appropriate to the case.U.S.S.G.  4A1.3(a)(4)(B).

. Indeed, unlike section 4A1.3(a)(4)(B), which merely suggests a methodology, section 4A1.3(a)(4)(A) appears to mandate one. Compare U.S.S.G.  4A1.3(a)(4)(B) (providing that the court should follow a particular methodology), with id.  4A1.3(a)(4)(A) (providing that the court shall follow a particular methodology); see United States v. Harris, 13 F.3d 555, 559 (2d Cir. 1994) (interpreting section 4A1.3(a)(4)(B) as suggesting rather than mandating a methodology because, inter alia, it uses the word should rather than shall).
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Just days before the school bell's ring, the Democratic-controlled Illinois Legislature is grappling with a Republican governor over how to fix the biggest gap in the U.S. between a state's richest schools and its poorest.

The Senate convenes Sunday. Democrats say they'll attempt to override Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto of a school finance measure that is holding up state payments.

Rauner complains that the revamped funding formula is too generous to the heavily Democratic city of Chicago and doesn't allow the state enough future funding flexibility.

The Senate needs 36 votes to override the amendatory veto. The legislation was approved with only 35.

Democratic Sen. Andy Manar of Bunker Hill is the legislation's sponsor. He predicted an override vote. But he says attempts at compromise with Rauner continue.

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The bill is SB1 .
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - The Latest on the collapse of plans to build two new nuclear reactors in South Carolina (all times local):

11:10 a.m.

The state-owned utility Santee Cooper has dropped plans for rate increases in the next two years, after it cancelled plans to finish two new nuclear reactors in South Carolina.

Company leaders in Moncks Corner said Friday they will no longer seek increases of 3.5 percent and 3.9 percent that had been planned to help pay for the now-abandoned reactors.

Santee Cooper and South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. announced July 31 they were giving up on new reactors at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station northwest of Columbia. The two utilities had already spent $9 billion, much of it paid from their customers.

Santee Cooper CEO Lonnie Carter said it would have had to raise rates by 41 percent to continue with the project.

___

10:30 a.m.

A utility executive says his company might not resume work on a failed nuclear project even if was able to get a new partner.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported SCANA Corp. leader Kevin Marsh told some state lawmakers Thursday night in Charleston that South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. might not want to resume construction on two nuclear reactors even if a replacement was found.

SCE&G and Santee Cooper announced July 31 they were abandoning plans for the Fairfield County reactors after spending about $9 billion.

Gov. Henry McMaster has said he's trying to find a partner to get at least one reactor completed, even if it meant selling the state-owned Santee Cooper.

Marsh said it would take a lot of work to resume the project.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Federal authorities have charged an Ohio man with repeatedly harassing a county sheriff for nearly two decades via letters, emails and websites, with the alleged harassment apparently dating to the man's arrest by the sheriff in 1999.

Charging documents filed in federal court in Columbus charged William Young, of Columbus, with one count of cyberstalking.

Over the years, Young has falsely accused Delaware County Sheriff Russell Martin of pedophilia and filed numerous lawsuits against him, another officer and the Delaware Police Department accusing them of fraud and corruption, according to an FBI affidavit filed in federal court in support of the indictment.

Martin was with the Delaware Police Department at the time Young was arrested.

Young also barraged the sheriff and others with harassing letters, including letters sent to the sheriff's wife, doctor, barber and numerous other individuals in Delaware, the affidavit said.

"I'll force his hand if the powers that be make the mistake of coming after me again," Young said in a 62-page letter sent to Martin's wife in 2015, according to the affidavit. "Then I'll take everyone down who had a hand in what was done to me one by one."

The sheriff is not named in the affidavit or indictment but he confirmed in a statement he's the victim being referred to.

"The man the FBI arrested has threatened and harassed me and my family for years, and while I signed up for this job, my family didn't. We deserve to be safeguarded from danger - just as any other citizen," Martin said.

Federal Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Preston Deavers ordered Young detained on Friday. Young's attorney, Andrew Sanderson, declined to comment.

Martin told investigators the harassment has caused him considerable distress over the years and required him to change his routines, along with always having a gun hand free as he leaves his house or walks to his car after leaving work.

The sheriff has installed security cameras at his house and reviews the footage before he gets home, the affidavit said. The harassment has also taken a toll on the sheriff's wife.

She "is always concerned about staying alone in her residence and will often ask her adult son to come home when" the sheriff is not at home, according to the affidavit.

Young, 54, was sentenced to 30 days in jail for stalking a woman in 1999, with all but five days of the sentence suspended, the FBI affidavit said.

The following year a judge ordered Young to complete the rest of his sentence after he disobeyed orders to stay away from the woman and failed three times to report to probation, the report said.

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Andrew Welsh-Huggins can be reached on Twitter at https://twitter.com/awhcolumbus. His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/andrew-welsh-huggins
LOS ANGELES (AP) - The largest sheriff's department in the U.S. still cannot say how many assaults happened within its jails in 2016.

The Los Angeles County sheriff's department says it is working to figure out the correct figure after the county's inspector general found the department had unsound methods for calculating jail violence.

The agency also had statistics showing there were more assaults in the county's jails last year when officials provided The Associated Press with figures showing fewer jailhouse attacks.

FILE - In this Oct. 3, 2012, file photo, Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies inspect a cell block at the Men's Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles. The largest sheriff's department in the U.S. uses unsound methods to compile data about violence in Los Angeles County jails and provided inaccurate statistics about jailhouse assaults to news organizations and its oversight agency, according to a report released Wednesday Aug. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)

The sheriff's department provided statistics to the AP in late April showing 3,487 inmate-on-inmate assaults in the county jails in 2016.

But sheriff's spokeswoman Nicole Nishida concedes department officials knew days earlier that there were at least 3,500 assaults in the same time period.

The same month, officials told their watchdog agency there were 3,716 assaults among inmates in 2016.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump's feud with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell hasn't yet become an all-out political proxy war.

A super PAC aligned with Trump intends to help Alabama Republican Sen. Luther Strange's bid for re-election - even though Strange is the candidate favored by McConnell.

America First Action will spend at least $200,000 on a digital effort to get out the vote for Strange.

FILE - In this Aug. 4, 2017, file photo, Alabama Republican Sen. Luther Strange waves to constituents before a Republican Senate candidate forum in Pelham, Ala. President Donald Trump's feud with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell hasn't yet become an all-out political proxy war. A super PAC aligned with Trump intends to help Strange's bid for re-election _ even though Strange is the candidate favored by McConnell. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

That's according to a person familiar with the group's plan. The person requested anonymity because the person was not authorized to be named discussing strategy.

Strange is facing a tight, multiple-candidate primary election on Tuesday.

The Trump team's late political maneuver will please McConnell, who has been the target of the president's ire all week after he said Trump had "excessive expectations" for legislating.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) - Thousands of Argentines are staging a demonstration to demand answers about the fate of a missing activist.

Santiago Maldonado was last seen Aug. 1 when border police evicted a group of indigenous Mapuches from lands in Patagonia owned by Italian clothing company Benetton.

Demonstrators on Friday gathered in front of the presidential palace asking their government to find the 28-year-old alive.

People hold photos of Santiago Maldonado, who's missing, during a demonstration at Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. Human rights groups say Maldonado went missing after Argentine border police captured him on Aug. 1 during an operative against Mapuche indigenous who were blocking a highway in Argentina's Patagonia. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)

Maldonado's disappearance has sparked violent protests in recent weeks in Argentina. Human rights groups estimate that about 30,000 people died or were forcibly disappeared during the country's 1976-1983 military dictatorship.

Maldonado's family says border police detained him when he was blocking a road in Chubut province. The protesters were demanding the release of a jailed Mapuche leader who is wanted by Chile. Authorities deny any wrongdoing.

Tati de Almeyda, of the human rights group Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, holds a photo of Santiago Maldonado, who's missing, during a demonstration at Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. Human rights groups say Maldonado went missing after Argentine border police captured him on Aug. 1 during an operative against Mapuche indigenous who were blocking a highway in Argentina's Patagonia. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin Republicans announced revisions Friday to a state incentives package for Foxconn, including provisions that would tie tax credits to the number of living-wage jobs created and encourage the company to hire Wisconsin residents.

The Taiwanese electronics giant plans to build a 20 million-square-foot plant in southeastern Wisconsin that the company says could eventually employ up to 13,000 people. Gov. Scott Walker has introduced a bill that would lay out $3 billion in tax credits for the company, exempt the plant from a host of environmental regulations and borrow $252 million for interstate highway repairs around the plant.

Walker's fellow Republicans control both the state Senate and Assembly, but the two houses have spent the last two weeks at loggerheads over the bill. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who represents portions of Racine County where the plant could end up, has been pushing to pass the measure.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald has been more cautious, outlining a number of concerns about the plan. One of his main complaints has been that the bill doesn't lay out any deadlines for Foxconn to create jobs.

Vos released the new version of the bill on Friday afternoon. The changes tie payroll tax credits to the number of jobs Foxconn creates that pay between $30,000 and $100,000. They also call for state officials to include terms in any contract with the company that encourage hiring Wisconsin residents. Those revisions are designed to allay fears the jobs will be low-paying and could go to Illinois residents.

The new bill also calls for spending $20 million on worker training in the 2019-2021 biennium. Vos said that language will help create a pipeline of workers for both Foxconn and small businesses that lose employees to the massive plant.

The package retains provisions exempting plant construction materials from local sales taxes. Also still in the bill is a call to borrow the $252 million for road work and requiring a federal match before spending it. New language, though, would require the Legislature's budget-writing committee to sign off on any spending plan.

The Assembly's jobs committee plans to vote on the new bill Monday, with a full Assembly floor session to follow on Thursday. Passage would send the bill to the Senate.

Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, a Kenosha Democrat, issued a statement saying he was shocked Republicans would release a new version of the bill three days before the committee vote.

"It's clear that Republicans are trying to appear proactive without actually fixing the concerns that many people have with this bill," Barca said.

Fitzgerald has said he doesn't know if he has the votes to pass the bill in his chamber, drawing criticism from influential conservative radio talk show hosts worried he might blow the deal and drive Foxconn to another state.

On Thursday Fitzgerald emerged from a meeting with his members saying they'd made headway and he believes the budget committee could meet and pass the bill by the end of August.

The new bill doesn't contain any deadlines for creating jobs, though. Fitzgerald spokeswoman Myranda Tanck didn't immediately reply to an email seeking comment. Fitzgerald said Thursday that the deadlines didn't have to be in the bill and could be part of a contract the state signs with Foxconn to enact the legislation.

___

Follow Todd Richmond on Twitter at https://twitter.com/trichmond1
Liverpool have rejected a second, improved bid from Barcelona for star man Philippe Coutinho, according to reports.

The Reds are said to have dismissed a 90million offer from the Catalan giants, who have money to burn after selling Neymar to Paris St Germain for world-record figure last week.

Barca had already had a 72million offer for the Brazilian turned down, with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp going on record to say his prize asset is not for sale.

Coutinho joined Liverpool from Inter Milan for 8.5million in 2013 and signed a new five-year deal in January.

Despite struggling with an ankle injury last season, he still scored 14 goals and remains a key part of Klopps squad for the campaign ahead.

Rumours of a possible move to Barcelona were heightened last week when Coutinho was left out of the Reds squad for a pre-season trip to Bilbao.

But Klopp stressed the midfielder was merely suffering from a minor back injury which is also expected to rule him out of Saturdays Premier League opener at Watford.
A Briton held hostage by al Qaida for six years in West Africa has revealed he converted to Islam in captivity.

Stephen McGown, who also has South African citizenship, was captured in Mali while on a motorcycle tour of Africa.

The 42-year-old said his captors treated him better after he adopted Islam, giving him clothes, food and medication.

I did my best to see the best in a bad situation, he said.

Stephen McGown with his wife Catherine (Themba Hadebe/AP)

He described how he learned some Arabic to communicate and said he watched birds migrate backwards and forwards across the vast Sahara.

He was released with Swede Johan Gustafsson, 42, and in their first appearance since freedom, the pair said they were not clear whether any ransom was paid for their release.

I think its wrong to pay ransoms, Mr Gustafsson, who was freed in June, said.

I hope they let me out because they were tired of me.

Sweden has insisted it never paid any ransom and that his release was obtained through negotiations.

Stephen McGown savours freedom (Themba Hadebe/AP)

Mr Gustafsson and Mr McGown were the longest-held of a number of foreigners seized by Islamic extremists in Mali, where several armed groups roam the countrys 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.

Mr McGown told reporters in South Africa he did not know whether any ransom was paid for his release in late July. South Africas government has said it paid no ransom.

He said he was well-treated during his long years in the desert, but you always knew you were a prisoner.

Mr McGown also said he found out about his mothers death in May just minutes before he arrived home in South Africa.

Johan Gustafsson speaks to reporters in Stockholm after his release (Vilhelm Stockstad/AP)

Dutchman Sjaak Rijke also was seized with Mr Gustafsson and Mr McGown in Timbuktu but was rescued by French forces in April 2015. A fellow German traveller was killed during the kidnapping.

The founder of the South African aid organisation Gift of the Givers Foundation, which helped mediate Mr McGowns release, said he did not know whether any ransom was paid or any prisoners exchanged for the mens release.

But Imtiaz Sooliman said the extremists initial demands started at 10 million euro (9 million) per captive.

When asked how they coped during their long years in the desert with their captors, Mr Gustafsson said he converted to Islam to save my life.

He said fleeing the extremists had been out of the question.
United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff - Appellee v. CARLOS GONZALES-GOMEZ, Defendant - Appellant No. 16-40733 Decided: August 09, 2017

Before REAVLEY, HAYNES, and COSTA, Circuit Judges.

Carlos Gonzales-Gomez was convicted of possessing more than 100 kilograms of marijuana with intent to distribute and conspiracy to do the same. He had asked that the trial court suppress evidence of statements he made following his detention at an inland checkpoint operated by the United States Customs and Border Patrol. His appeal asserts that the agents at the checkpoint never developed reasonable suspicion of drug trafficking that supported extending the stop beyond its limited initial purpose. He also contends that statements he made during this time should not have been admitted because his waiver of Miranda rights was involuntary.

I.

The drug charges against Gonzales and co-defendant Alan Osvaldo Esquivel arose from a vehicle stop on Highway 4 east of Brownsville at the Boca Chica immigration checkpoint. The checkpoint consists of a trailer and a secondary inspection area under a canopy. The district court did not accompany its ruling with findings of fact; we thus construe the evidence about what happened during the stop in the light most favorable to the government as the prevailing party on the motion to suppress. See United States v. Macias, 658 F.3d 509, 517 (5th Cir. 2011).

Border Patrol agents Raul Salazar, Jr. and Omar Soto were on duty the afternoon at issue when a black Ford pickup truck stopped at the primary inspection area. There were five occupants in the truck: Gonzales in the driver's seat; his wife in the passenger seat; and, in the backseat, Gonzales's step-daughter, her minor child, and Esquivel.

Salazar questioned the occupants of the vehicle and referred them to the secondary inspection area. He decided to refer the truck to the secondary inspection area because the three individuals in the backseat (Esquivel, the step-daughter, and the infant) did not provide identification (it turns out all are citizens of the United States). Soto also thought Esquivel appeared to be nervous by stuttering and avoiding eye contact while answering immigration questions regarding status.

At the secondary inspection area, Soto recognized Esquivel from be-on-the-lookout (BOLO) alerts regarding marijuana trafficking and reminded Salazar about them. Also at the secondary inspection area, Salazar questioned Gonzales about his activities that day. Gonzales told Salazar that he and Esquivel had been driving a septic tanker truck looking for work, but the tanker truck broke down so he called his wife to pick them up.

That tanker truck was significant to two other agents who soon arrived at the secondary inspection area. Agents Jeff Davidson and Chris Garcia knew that within the previous hour an abandoned tanker truck registered to Esquivel had been located near fifty-three bundles of marijuana. Those bundles were first observed by a Border Patrol helicopter on patrol east of Brownsville. From the helicopter, an agent observed people crossing the river from the United States to Mexico in a boat. On the U.S. side of the river, there was a fenced property at the end of a dirt road approximately a quarter mile off Highway 4, which runs east from Brownsville. The agent saw a number of bundles left on that property and suspected narcotics smuggling.

Agents on the ground investigated and confirmed the suspicion: the bundles contained marijuana weighing a total of over 500 kilograms. The marijuana was wrapped in single bundles without handles, unlike the usual packaging of three to five bundles wrapped together with straps or ropes for carrying like a backpack. An agent surmised that the single bundles were intended to be concealed in a vehicle.

An agent on the ground then noticed a septic or water tank truck parked approximately one quarter of a mile away at the intersection of Highway 4 and the dirt road leading to the property where the marijuana was found. He investigated and discovered that the truck's motor was still hot but the driver was missing. The truck looked old and out of place. The tank portion of the truck had an opening without a cover that revealed a dry, rusted interior which did not look like it had been used recently. The agent surmised that the marijuana bundles would fit in the tank and that the truck was intended to be the transportation vehicle. Another agent determined by radio that the truck was registered to Esquivel.

Border Patrol intelligence agent Jacob Gamboa was monitoring radio traffic during the marijuana seizure and recognized Esquivel's name because he had previously issued two BOLOs associating Esquivel with marijuana trafficking. Gamboa also learned from radio traffic that Esquivel had been stopped at an immigration checkpoint on Highway 4 at about 2:45 p.m. Gamboa directed Davidson and Garcia to the checkpoint.

Upon arrival, Davidson and Garcia took over from Salazar and Soto. Davidson spoke with Esquivel and then Gonzales for approximately ten minutes each. During questioning, Esquivel could not provide details about the work he and Gonzales planned to do with the tanker truck, began stammering and became visibly nervous, and at one point became highly agitated and began rambling incoherently. Davidson also thought that Gonzales was nervous, that he could not give much detail about the work he intended to do with the tanker truck, and that other details he provided were inconsistent with Esquivel's statements. For example, Gonzales said Esquivel had hired him to drive the tanker truck and that they had been looking for water to pump. But Gonzales could not provide the name of the friend who supposedly introduced them, the amount of money he was being paid, or any details about how to operate a water pump. Davidson decided to detain them both for further questioning. Gonzales and Esquivel were then told that they were not under arrest, but they were being detained and both were given Miranda warnings. Both were transported to a Border Patrol station in Brownsville.

Davidson and Garcia then went to investigate the tanker truck before returning to the border patrol station in Brownsville to assist with further investigation. Gonzales signed a Miranda waiver at 6:52 p.m. Davidson then questioned him again, asking about the same topics they had discussed at the checkpoint. Gonzales essentially responded the same way. At some point Gonzalez was formally arrested on drug trafficking charges.

The district court denied Gonzales's motion to suppress without stating any reasons. Esquivel, who had confessed the second day he was detained at the border patrol station, pleaded guilty and testified at Gonzales's trial. A jury convicted Gonzales on both counts.

II.

Gonzales denies that the agents acquired reasonable suspicion of drug trafficking to warrant extension of the initial checkpoint stop. An agent at an immigration stop may investigate non-immigration matters beyond the permissible length of the immigration stop if and only if the initial, lawful stop creates reasonable suspicion warranting further investigation. United States v. Machuca-Barrera, 261 F.3d 425, 434 (5th Cir. 2001).

Gonzales belittles what he calls the government's diamond studded list of facts that it believes allowed the agents to reasonably suspect that he was involved in drug trafficking. Evidence sufficient to give an officer reasonable suspicion of a crime need not consist of diamonds: semi-precious stones will suffice. See Goodson v. City of Corpus Christi, 202 F.3d 730, 736 (5th Cir. 2000) (explaining that the reasonable suspicion standard is less demanding than the probable cause standard). The following gems were in the hands of the agents at the checkpoint when Davidson and Garcia arrived. Fifty-three abandoned bundles of marijuana had been found a quarter of a mile from a suspicious tanker truck. The truck was registered to Esquivel, who had been the subject of two drug-trafficking BOLOs issued earlier that yearone just weeks before the stop in questionbased on information associating Esquivel with backpackers carrying illegal drugs across the border. And Gonzales admitted that he had been driving a septic truck that had broken down when he called his wife to bring the pickup truck to retrieve them. These facts were sufficient to establish reasonable suspicion of criminal activity by the time Davidson and Garcia arrived at the checkpoint with this information. Cf. United States v. Jacquinot, 258 F.3d 423, 426427 (5th Cir. 2001). The inconsistent and evasive answers to the questions the agents then asked added to that suspicion.

Gonzales also contends that when he signed the written waiver of his Miranda rights at the border patrol station early in the evening he did so involuntarily as a consequence of his prolonged detention, especially the earlier time he spent at the checkpoint under the Texas summer sun. The record, however, does not support Gonzales's account. He describes an ordeal of forty or forty-five minutes in the hot, humid Texas air. But the record shows that he was under a canopy at the checkpoint with access to a restroom. And the timeline read in favor of the prevailing party shows a briefer detention outside.

Even on his account of the facts, Gonzales does not show how any duress from the heat rendered involuntary the waiver he signed roughly three hours later when his conduct was by all accounts cooperative. The waiver was signed, which is usually strong proof of the validity of that waiver. North Carolina v. Butler, 441 U.S. 369, 373 (1979). Gonzales had earlier been advised of his Miranda rights. There is no evidence of police coercion, which is a key consideration in whether a waiver is involuntary. United States v. Cardenas, 410 F.3d 287, 293 (5th Cir. 2005) (citing Colorado v. Connelly, 479 U.S. 157, 170 (1986)). Indeed, Gonzales stuck by his story that he was engaged in legitimate work and provided few details which is at odds with a conclusion that police pressure had overcome his free will. United States v. Melanson, 691 F.2d 579, 589 (1st Cir. 1981). And the interrogation was not extensive or pointed. Finally, Gonzalez's allegations about his continued detention overnight have no bearing on the voluntariness of a waiver and subsequent statements that occurred earlier in time.

Nor does it matter if Gonzales thought he was being questioned about transporting immigrants rather than drugs. Michigan v. Mosley, 423 U.S. 96 (1975), on which he relies, was a case in which the defendant had invoked his right to remain silent for questions about a robbery and was later questioned, after again being Mirandized and at that time waiving his rights, about a murder. Id. at 104. The Supreme Court allowed the statement the defendant made because that the defendant waived his rights after receiving a second warning. Mosley does not stand for the proposition that a defendant must be informed about the object of the investigation before waiving his Miranda rights. Indeed, we have held that even affirmative misrepresentations by the interrogatorand here we have at most an omission in failing to notify Gonzales that drugs were the focus of the agent's questionsdo not render Miranda waiver involuntary unless the deceit  deprives the suspect of knowledge essential to his ability to understand the nature of his rights and the consequences of abandoning them. Soffar v. Cockrell, 300 F.3d 588, 596 (5th Cir. 2002) (en banc) (quoting Moran v. Burbine, 475 U.S 412, 424 (1986)); see also United States v. Tapp, 812 F.2d 177, 179 (5th Cir. 1987) (finding waiver voluntary even though agent had incorrectly stated that the defendant was not a target of the investigation). On top of all this, the factual premise of Gonzales's argument is suspect. By the time he signed the waiver at the station, a DEA agent was present along with border patrol, and Davidson testified that the DEA agent told Gonzales he was being investigated for narcotics trafficking.

The district court did not err in finding Gonzales's Miranda waiver voluntary.

* * *

The judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED.

FOOTNOTES

. The record is underdeveloped and consequently hazy as to the amount of time it took these agents to arrive. This is likely because Gonzales argues only that Davidson and Garcia did not have reasonable suspicion that he or Esquivel had engaged in drug trafficking. At the suppression hearing and on appeal, Gonzales did not argue that the initial phase of the detention (before Davidson and Garcia arrived) was prolonged beyond the time permissible for a suspicionless stop at an inland immigration checkpoint. See generally United States v. Martinez-Fuerte, 428 U.S. 543 (1976); United States v. Portillo-Aguirre, 311 F.3d 647 (5th Cir. 2002). As for this question of the time it took Davidson and Garcia to arrive, the evidence viewed in the light most favorable to the government shows that Davidson and Garcia arrived about five minutes after the vehicle was at the checkpoint.

PER CURIAM:*
Jeremy Corbyn has urged Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un to calm down amidst escalating tensions between the US and North Korea.

The Labour leader said you cannot play fast and loose with nuclear weapons, adding that Britain had a role to play in bringing the two leaders back from the brink.

US President Donald Trump has warned the North Korean regime to get their act together or face extraordinary trouble, suggesting he had been too mild when he vowed to unleash fire and fury on North Korea if it continued to threaten the US.

Speaking to the Press Association in Bristol, Mr Corbyn said: We cannot play fast and loose with nuclear weapons and nuclear threats because do you know what  a nuclear explosion doesnt stop at national borders, it doesnt stop at the vicinity where the bomb drops.

The Labour leader, a long time anti-war campaigner, said the result of a nuclear strike would go on for decades, adding: I ask them both, calm down.

There are phone calls that could be made, theres discussions that could be held. Surely in the interests of sanity and safety over the whole world, do it.

Mr Corbyn said Britain and other nations with nuclear weapons also had a role to play in reducing the tensions.

Jeremy Corbyn (Victoria Jones/PA)

All the five declared nuclear weapons states, which includes the United States, Russia and China, as well as Britain and France, need to get on board on this to bring North Korea back from the brink, bring Donald Trump back from the brink, and support the NPT (the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons) and support the UNs efforts to make nuclear weapons illegal worldwide, he said.

North Korea has laid out plans to strike the US island territory and major military hub of Guam in the Pacific.

It comes after US intelligence analysts concluded that North Korean scientists had developed a nuclear warhead small enough to fit on a ballistic missile.

The UN Security Council last weekend backed a punishing new round of sanctions against North Korea following the test-firing of two intercontinental ballistic missiles, which experts believe could be capable of hitting the US mainland.

Koji Tsuruoka, the Japanese ambassador to the UK, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: If there is any provocation, it all comes from North Korea.

If they were to agree to conduct themselves in a constructive manner according to international rules there will be no use for any rhetoric that should be deployed. The problem comes from North Korea and it is totally wrong to say that other responses are propagating them.

On Thursday, First Secretary of State Damian Green said it is obviously in Britains interests that the stand-off between Washington and Pyongyang does not lead to conflict.

He added that the sensible way to proceed is to step up international pressure on the regime of President Kim through the United Nations.
Ministers must pass laws to ensure British people still have the right to sue the Government after the UK leaves the European Union as a chilling clause in major Brexit legislation waters it down, campaigners have said.

Lawyers told the Times that a clause in the so-called repeal Bill would mean laws covering areas such as air pollution may no longer be subject to financial redress through courts.

The passage relates to a European Court of Justice decision in 1991, known as the Francovich ruling, which established that EU member states could be liable to compensate individuals or businesses damaged by a sufficiently serious Government breach of Brussels regulation.

Govt playing down claims that Britons could lose their 'Francovich' rights to sue ministers for breaking the law.https://t.co/snEFaIsPkn  Shoaib M Khan (@ShoaibMKhan) August 11, 2017

The repeal Bill, formally known as the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, states: There is no right in domestic law on or after exit day to damages in accordance with the rule in Francovich.

Explanatory notes attached to the Bill state that the clause will not affect peoples rights to claim damages already enshrined in British legislation book or established in case law. But campaigners warned that the repeal Bill clause is so broad that it represents a watering down of rights.

Labour MP Chris Leslie, on behalf of the Open Britain campaign for close ties with the EU, said: This is exactly what we were told the repeal Bill would not be used for but it looks like another broken Brexit promise. Ministers have repeatedly pledged not to use Brexit to undermine our rights but those warm words are not being backed up by action.

The wording in the Bill is so broad that it represents a fundamental watering down of rights to redress against the state and ministers should be made to justify such a change. The Government should do what it said it would and ensure in law that none of our rights are lost after Brexit.

Martha Spurrier, director of Liberty, said: This chilling clause, buried deep in the Bills small print, would quietly take away one of the British peoples most vital tools for defending their rights. Putting the Government above the law renders our legal protections meaningless.

It exposes a clear agenda to water down our rights after Brexit  and shows exactly why the Human Rights Act is going to be all the more essential after we leave.

Leslie wants rights to be protected post-Brexit (Laura Lean/PA )

Lawyers told the Times the legislation could allow the Government to avoid its responsibilities to tackle air pollution.

David Hart, QC, who practises environmental law, told the newspaper: This seems to be a blatant way of Government seeking to avoid responsibilities. If you take an area like pollution, it means that the Government will escape any liability under the Francovich principle for past and future breaches.

The Government said the clause was required as the right to sue under the Francovich ruling is linked to EU membership and therefore will be irrelevant after Brexit.

A spokesman said: The UK has a longstanding tradition of ensuring our rights and liberties are protected. The people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU and that is exactly what we are doing. The right to Francovich damages is linked to EU membership  the Government therefore considers that this will no longer be relevant after we leave.
LIMA, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Peru plans to award some $2.8 billion in post-flooding construction contracts through 2018 in expedited bidding rounds that have drawn new companies to the country, Peru's reconstruction czar said on Thursday in an interview for Reuters Latin America Investment Summit.

Pablo de la Flor, tasked with ensuring that infrastructure destroyed by flooding this year is rapidly rebuilt, said Grana y Montero , a local partner of scandal-plagued Brazilian builder Odebrecht, is not barred from bidding but that the government prefers companies free of "suspicion."

Grana, which has repeatedly denied knowing about or participating in bribes that Odebrecht has admitted paying to local officials, declined to comment.

Peru aims to award some $6.2 billion total in contracts for roads, bridges, and housing in the next 3 to 4 years, with the first projects starting next month, de la Flor said.

About a quarter of the funding aims to ensure that infrastructure in El-Nino-prone Peru can withstand the kind of extreme weather events that could become more common with climate change, de la Flor said.

Sudden and severe flooding wrought some $4 bln in damage - or about 2 percent of gross domestic product - to Peru's infrastructure this year just as a massive graft scandal involving Brazil's Odebrecht raised questions about the country's biggest builders.

The government of centrist President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski has barred Odebrecht and any other company that has acknowledged or been convicted of corruption from future bids.

But de la Flor, a former bank manager and trade negotiator, said Peru nonetheless stands to benefit from an abundance of competition as companies from Turkey, Spain, Argentina, Colombia, China and North America have all expressed interest in taking part in the reconstruction effort.

Latin American builders are keenest on taking part as construction prospects are lackluster in much of the region, de la Flor said. (Reporting by Mitra Taj and Marco Aquino; Editing by Phil Berlowitz)
By Mitra Taj and Marco Aquino

LIMA, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Peru plans to award at least $6.15 billion in post-flood construction contracts through 2021 in expedited bidding rounds that have already drawn new companies to the country, Peru's reconstruction czar told Reuters Thursday.

Pablo de la Flor, tasked with ensuring that infrastructure destroyed by recent floods is rapidly rebuilt, said a quarter of the funds was intended to prepare El-Nino-prone Peru for the kind of extreme weather expected to increase with climate change.

Projects costing nearly $600 million should start this year followed by works costing $2.2 billion in 2018, helping to spur economic growth that slowed sharply in the wake of a brutal rainy season, de la Flor said.

Sudden and severe flooding in Peru this year killed more than 100 people and wrought some $4 billion in damage to infrastructure, or about 2 percent of gross domestic product.

Because of the urgent need for new roads, bridges, levees, housing and schools, contracts will likely be bundled together and awarded in a month instead of up to a year, de la Flor said.

Tight deadlines for issuing permits will keep the projects from facing the usual bureaucratic delays, de la Flor added.

"Our role is to coordinate, facilitate and push," de la Flor, a former trade negotiator and banking manager, said in an interview at his office for the Reuters Latin America Investment Summit. "We have a whip hidden back here."

The floods swamped Peru just as a graft scandal involving Brazilian builder Odebrecht raised questions about some of the country's biggest construction companies.

Peru barred Odebrecht and any other company that has acknowledged or been convicted of corruption from bidding on government contracts.

Grana y Montero, Peru's biggest construction company and Odebrecht's main local partner, is not under investigation but the attorney general's office has not ruled out a potential probe.

"In principle, Grana is not impeded" from bidding on the contracts, de la Flor said. "But we'd prefer that no company about which there is any suspicion of doubt...take part."

Grana, which has repeatedly denied any knowledge of or involvement in bribery, declined to comment.

De la Flor said companies from Turkey, Spain, Argentina, Colombia, China and North America have expressed interest in the contracts, including several that are new to Peru.

Latin American builders were the keenest because prospects for the construction sector in the rest of the region were dim.

"We're going to benefit from the competition," said de la Flor.

All contracts will include clauses to hold companies liable for any corruption, he added.

(Reporting by Mitra Taj and Marco Aquino; Editing by Phil Berlowitz and Eric Meijer)
By Prak Chan Thul

PHNOM PENH, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Friday accused neighbouring Laos of sending troops into Cambodian territory in April and set an Aug. 17 deadline for their departure, warning that he was mobilising soldiers to the border area.

Cambodia and Communist Laos are key allies of giant northern neighbour China, backing its "One Belt, One Road" drive to build regional infrastructure, but it was not immediately clear how their dispute would affect the plans.

Hun Sen said at a ceremony in the Cambodian capital he had been in touch with the government in Laos about 30 soldiers from Laos who had crossed into the area, where some remained during daytime.

"I can no longer keep patience," Hun Sen added. "It's not right that we fight each other, but if they don't withdraw, we must do it ... We don't declare war, we just ask to get our own land back."

Laos and Cambodia have a territorial and border demarcation dispute, an official at the Laos embassy in Phnom Penh told Reuters.

"We have not yet agreed the border line with each other," said the official, who declined to be identified. "A border commission has not come to check it."

Cambodia should stop clearing the area for road-building activities, in order to allow checks by inspection panels from both countries, he said.

China could help resolve the dispute, said an official from a Cambodian think-tank, adding that he feared it might provoke clashes.

"China has influence on the two countries, and if they want to solve it, only China can help solve it," said Ou Virak of the Future Forum think-tank.

"This issue might lead to clashes, like when it happened with Thailand," he told Reuters.

In a long-running dispute, land around an ancient temple on the Thai-Cambodian border was the scene of sporadic gun and artillery battles, with 28 killed in the worst incident in 2011.

In November 2013, a U.N. court in the Hague ruled that part of the land around the Preah Vihear Temple belonged to Cambodia and ordered Thailand to withdraw its forces from the area.

Last month, Thailand approved construction of the first phase of a $5.5-billion railway to link its industrial eastern seaboard with southern China through landlocked Laos.

In another land dispute, Cambodia accuses neighbouring Vietnam of encroaching on its territory. The two sides met last year in Phnom Penh but the dispute remains unresolved. (Reporting by Chan Thul Prak; Editing by Amy Sawitta Lefevre and Clarence Fernandez)
MOSCOW, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Russian aluminium giant Rusal said tycoon Mikhail Prokhorov has agreed to sell around a 7 percent stake to billionaire Viktor Vekselberg for $503.9 million, concluding lengthy negotiations over a sale.

Prokhorov, a minority shareholder in Hong Kong-listed Rusal, had been in talks to sell a 12 percent stake in the company to Vekselberg since last year but talks stalled in February.

Prokhorov has not said why he wants to reduce his holding in Rusal, which is 48.1 percent owned by Oleg Deripaska's En+.

After the talks with Vekselberg stalled, Prokhorov sold a 3.3 percent stake via an accelerated book build for $240 million in February, increasing Rusal's free-float..

Rusal said the stake sale to Vekselberg was still dependent on some conditions being met. Once it goes through, Prokhorov's Onexim Group will retain a 6.7 percent stake in Rusal.

The combined holding of Vekselberg and his vehicle SUAL Partners Limited will rise to around 22.80 percent of Rusal's issued share capital, the company said.

Vekselberg controls SUAL together with his partner Leonard Blavatnik.

Onexim Group declined to comment on the deal. Vekselberg's main investment vehicle, Renova, also declined to comment.

VTB Capital said in a note that Prokhorov can sell only a 1.7 percent stake out of his remaining 6.7 percent holding, without breaching shareholder agreements.

"We note that Prokhorov is able to decrease his shareholding to 5 percent without breaching the shareholder agreement, meaning that a limited overhang risk of 1.7 percent remains, in our view," VTB Capital said in a note on Friday. (Reporting by Polina Devitt; Writing by Dmitry Solovyov; Editing by Katya Golubkova and Susan Fenton)
By Eric Onstad

LONDON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Nickel and other base metals slumped on Friday as investors shunned risky assets amid tensions on the Korean peninsula and secured profits after a recent rally.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a new threat to North Korea, saying American weapons were "locked and loaded" as Pyongyang accused him of driving the Korean Peninsula to the brink of nuclear war.

"I think there's a combination of heightened geopolitical risk today and probably a bit of profit taking," said Caroline Bain, chief commodities economist at Capital Economics in London.

"Metals have had a good run and it's been underpinned by recent good activity data out from China, but I think it's gone a bit too far."

The industrial metals complex probably needs a correction in the region of 10 percent to get back into balance, Bain added.

The London Metal Exchange index of six base metals had climbed 13 percent in the past month up to Thursday's close.

* NICKEL: LME benchmark nickel was the biggest loser on the exchange, closing the day down 3 percent at $10,660 a tonne after gaining nearly a quarter over the past month, touching a four-month peak on Thursday.

"We're probably not going to see a big drop in Philippine nickel output, we've got Indonesian exports resuming now and still high stocks of refined metal," Bain said.

"The market is tightening, but it's still very comfortably supplied, so it's hard to get too positive on nickel."

* CHINESE STEEL: LME metals were also pressured after Chinese steel and iron ore futures slid as the Shanghai Futures Exchange urged investors to trade "rationally" and keep the market stable following a speculative rally.

Nickel and zinc were hit hardest since the former is mostly used in stainless steel while the latter's biggest demand is for galvanising steel.

* ZINC/LEAD: Three-month LME zinc shed 1.4 percent to finish at $2,896.50, but closed the week with a gain of 3 percent, the largest weekly rise since late June. Lead lost 1.7 percent to $2,327.

* ALUMINIUM: Trading data in aluminium show some investors are bracing for a correction from the recent rally, with demand weak and production cuts in China to reduce pollution likely to be not as big as expected.

LME aluminium bucked the weaker trend. It ticked 0.3 percent firmer to finish the day at $2,042, ending with a weekly gain of nearly 7 percent, the biggest weekly rise since September 2012.

* COPPER: LME copper slipped 0.2 percent to close at $6,411 amid indications that physical demand in China was faltering.

"After spending two weeks at levels not seen since November, Yangshan premiums have come under pressure, dipping today for the second time this week," Alastair Munro at broker Marex Spectron said in a note.

* TIN: LME tin dipped 0.1 percent to end at $20,305.

(Reporting by Eric Onstad, editing by David Evans and Jason Neely)
NAIROBI, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Heavy fighting erupted in the South Sudanese town of Pagak, near the Ethiopian border, when rebels launched an offensive against government forces, the rebels said.

Rebel spokesman Lam Paul Gabriel told Reuters that the rebels wanted to regain the town of Pagak, which was captured by government forces on Aug. 7.

Dickson Gatluak Jock, a spokesman for the forces of South Sudan's First Vice President Taban Deng Gai, also said they were engaged in fighting. (Editing by Kevin Liffey)
By Wa Lone

YANGON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Myanmar has sent hundreds of soldiers to beef up security in northwestern Rakhine state after a recent spate of killings, military sources said on Friday, fuelling fears of yet more violence and instability in the troubled region.

Muslim-majority northern Rakhine was plunged into violence last October when Rohingya Muslim insurgents killed nine police, setting off a brutal counteroffensive beset by allegations of rape, killings and torture by government troops.

Two military sources based in Rakhine told Reuters the army had sent troops to the state's north to "help tighten security" after seven Buddhists were found hacked to death in mountains near the town of Maungdaw last week.

The army dispatched about 500 soldiers to several towns near the border with Bangladesh on Thursday, including the towns of Buthidaung and Maungdaw, according to one of the military sources with direct knowledge of the matter.

"We have to increase security operations because the security situation has worsened - some Muslims and Buddhists have been killed by the insurgents," Rakhine State police chief Colonel Sein Lwin told Reuters.

The military spokesman and a spokesman for Myanmar's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, were not immediately available for comment.

Such a buildup raises fears of a fresh wave of violence after last year's operation in which security forces allegedly shot villagers at random, raped Rohingya women and burned homes.

United Nations investigators who interviewed some of the nearly 75,000 people who fled to neighbouring Bangladesh said troops probably committed crimes against humanity.

The government rejects the allegations and has refused to cooperate with a U.N. fact-finding mission to look into abuses in Myanmar.

Despite the massive counter-offensive last year, the government has accused the militants of continuing to run training camps in the mountains and killing alleged informants in the Muslim community.

The government blamed "extremists" for the killing of the seven Buddhists who, residents of the area believe, stumbled upon a camp for Rohingya militants.

That prompted security forces to hunt for the killers in an "intensive clearance operation", a military source told Reuters last week.

This week, the army has tightened security and the police force is on high alert, Rakhine police official Sein Lwin added.

Security forces have also strengthened border guard posts in the region, said Kyaw Swar Tun, the director of the general administration department based in the state capital, Sittwe.

Regional rights body ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights voiced concern about the increased number of troops in Rakhine.

"Aung San Suu Kyi should call on all parties, including the Myanmar army, to take steps to de-escalate conflict in northern Rakhine State, rather than exacerbate it," a member of its board, Eva Kusuma Sundari, said in a statement.

About 1.1 million Rohingya live in Rakhine, but are denied citizenship and face curbs on movement and access to basic services. About 120,000 live in camps set up after deadly violence in 2012, relying on aid agencies for basic supplies.

The U.N. has warned aid workers against rising hostility and imminent protests by Buddhists in Rakhine, some of whom say humanitarian agencies give support to Rohingya militants. (Writing by Yimou Lee; Editing by Antoni Slodkowski and Clarence Fernandez)
WASHINGTON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - North Korea's missile and nuclear program is the biggest foreign policy crisis faced by U.S. President Donald Trump since he took office in January.

The stakes are high as the rhetoric between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has escalated this week.

Critics say Trump and his team are delivering inconsistent messages, driven in part by the different power factions inside the White House. Many senior positions on arms control and Asia policy, as well as ambassadorial posts in Asia, remain unfilled, further complicating matters.

Here are the administration's top figures shaping the debate on North Korea policy and their views on how to counter Pyongyang.

DEFENSE SECRETARY JIM MATTIS

Mattis warned North Korea on Wednesday it must stop any action that would "lead to the end of its regime" and "stand down" in its pursuit of nuclear weapons, saying Pyongyang's actions would continue to be "grossly overmatched by ours". These were the strongest comment by Mattis on North Korea's advancing missile and nuclear programs.

When asked about Trump's threats of "fire and fury" against North Korea, Mattis said: "The rhetoric is up to the president. This is my rhetoric."

In the past, Mattis has said any conflict with North Korea would be "like nothing we have seen since 1953," referring to the end of the Korean War.

Mattis' assessment is generally shared among senior U.S. military leaders, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine General Joseph Dunford, who said a war with North Korea would lead to a devastating loss of human life.

On Thursday, Mattis said that, although it was his responsibility to have military options should they be needed, the United States prefers a diplomatic approach to North Korea.

While the situation is fluid, two U.S. defense officials said on Thursday they had not seen indications that North Korea was preparing to launch missiles, and the U.S. military's assessment of the threat has not changed.

SECRETARY OF STATE REX TILLERSON

Tillerson's priority has been persuading China to put more pressure on North Korea to give up its nuclear program, including by implementing existing U.N. sanctions, and encouraging other countries to stop trading with Pyongyang.

Early on, he sought to engage China's government and emphasized working together to solve the North Korea threat, though the possibility of placing financial pressure on China was never far off.

In May, without naming any specific country, Tillerson cited the possibility of "third-country sanctions" on those that do not enforce United Nations measures against Pyongyang.

But he has also sought to reassure Kim's government that the United States is not interested in its overthrow.

"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 (Korean) peninsula, we do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th parallel," Tillerson said this month. "And we're trying to convey to the North Koreans we are not your enemy, we are not your threat, but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond."

Tillerson has also opened the door to talks with Pyongyang, saying this week that the United States could be willing to negotiate if North Korea halted a series of recent missile test launches.

After Trump's "fire and fury" comment on Tuesday, Tillerson told reporters the president was "sending a strong message to North Korea in language that Kim Jong-un would understand, because he doesn't seem to understand diplomatic language."

But he also sought to downplay the prospect of any immediate military conflict, despite Trump's comments.

"I think what the president was just reaffirming is that the United States has the capability to fully defend itself from any attack, and our allies, and we will do so," Tillerson said. "So the American people should sleep well at night."

NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER H.R. MCMASTER

Like Mattis and Tillerson, McMaster thinks the overwhelming U.S. and allied military superiority in the Western Pacific can be used to deter North Korea from making any offensive or reckless military moves.

According to people familiar with his thinking, all of whom spoke on condition of anonymity, Trumps national security adviser also subscribes to the view, widely held by U.S. military and intelligence agencies, that despite his bluster and authoritarian rule, Kim is a rational actor who is seeking nuclear weapons to deter an attack on North Korea, not to attack the United States or its allies.

Publicly, McMaster has echoed Trumps views, but carefully ascribed them to his boss. "If they had nuclear weapons that can threaten the United States, it's intolerable from the president's perspective," he told MSNBC last week in an interview that aired on Saturday.

MATT POTTINGER

Advising McMaster is Matt Pottinger, the White Houses top Asia hand, who is regarded as a relatively moderate voice on North Korea and China issues compared with some of Trumps more hard-line aides.

A former journalist and ex-Marine, Pottinger, whose title is senior director for East Asia, has operated mostly behind the scenes, keeping a low public profile.

From the start of Trumps presidency, however, Pottinger has been vocal in closed-door meetings about the need to press China to do more to rein in North Koreas nuclear and missile programs, according to people who know him.

He played a key role in a North Korea policy review earlier this year that recommended stressing diplomatic and economic pressure over military options but did not result in any major new policy prescriptions distinct from former President Barack Obamas approach.

Pottinger is one of the few Trump advisers with on-the-ground Asia experience in an administration that has yet to fill many key diplomatic positions requiring regional expertise.

WHITE HOUSE CHIEF OF STAFF JOHN KELLY

Kelly, Trumps new chief of staff and former secretary of homeland security, said in April that North Korea would pose a serious risk to the United States if it possessed a missile that could reach American shores with a nuclear device.

The former Marine general also predicted that Trump would have to deal with the North Korean threat during his first term in office.

Kelly's major challenge is dealing with squabbling within White House factions and having anything more than "limited influence" over Trump's pronouncements or decisions, three U.S. officials said on Thursday.

WHITE HOUSE CHIEF STRATEGIST, STEVE BANNON

Steve Bannon, is thought to be wary of U.S. intervention abroad, arguing against sending additional American troops to Afghanistan, for instance. Known for his nationalist and "America First" views, Bannon lost his seat on the White Houses National Security Council earlier this year but retains influence on a host of issues, including foreign policy.

One U.S. official, however, said there was no sign that Bannon intervened in an effort to promote more threatening rhetoric against North Korea.

"Bannon loves the tough talk because it plays to the base and distracts the media from (ongoing Russia investigations), but he is also not eager for any more U.S. involvement overseas."

(Reporting by John Walcott, Idrees Ali, Yeganeh Torbati, Matt Spetalnick and Jeff Mason; Writing by Yara Bayoumy; Editing by Kieran Murray and Jonathan Oatis)
United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. Beatrice DEROUSSELLE, Plaintiff-Appellant v. WAL-MART LOUISIANA, L.L.C., Defendant-Appellee No. 17-30151 Decided: August 09, 2017

Before HIGGINBOTHAM, PRADO, and HAYNES, Circuit Judges. Randall Scott Iles, Lafayette, LA, for Plaintiff-Appellant Philip Andre Fontenot, Sr., Hallie P. Coreil, Jacques Charles Mestayer, Davidson, Meaux, Sonnier, McElligott, Fontenot, Gideon & Edwards, Lafayette, LA, for Defendant-Appellee

Plaintiff-Appellant Beatrice Derousselle appeals from the district court's grant of Defendant-Appellee Wal-Mart Louisiana, L.L.C.'s motion for summary judgment. Because we agree that the evidence does not raise a genuine dispute of material fact on an essential element of her claim, we AFFIRM.

I. Background

On the morning of September 26, 2015, Beatrice Derousselle slipped and fell while walking through the cold-cut department of a Wal-Mart in Opelousas, Louisiana. She alleges that she was injured by the fall and ensuing impact.

The culprit behind Derousselle's fall was a green grape. The details of the grape's journey to the scene of the accident remain unknown; neither Derousselle nor any Wal-Mart employee could say how or when the grape arrived on the floor of the cold-cut department. Employees for Wal-Mart were also unsure if and when the floor was inspected for spills and other hazards on the morning of the incident.

Derousselle sued Wal-Mart in state court and alleged that Wal-Mart was solely liable for her injuries under Louisiana Revised Statute  9:2800.6. After removal to federal court based upon diversity jurisdiction, Wal-Mart moved for summary judgment on the ground that Derousselle could not satisfy the notice requirement of  9:2800.6(B). Specifically, Wal-Mart argued that there was no evidence in the record that the grape was on the floor for some time before Derousselle slipped and fell. Derousselle responded that there were disputes of material fact and that Wal-Mart was liable because of a lack of safety policies and employee training on inspecting the store for spills. The district court agreed with Wal-Mart that Derousselle failed to provide any evidence of how the grape came to be at the location of the accident and therefore could not meet the notice requirement of  9:2800.6(B), rendering Derousselle's arguments about safety policies and employee training irrelevant. The district court granted summary judgment in favor of Wal-Mart, a judgment Derousselle timely appealed.

II. Standard of Review

We review a grant of summary judgment de novo, applying the same standard applied by the court below. Martinez v. Tex. Workforce Comm'n-Civil Rights Div., 775 F.3d 685, 687 (5th Cir. 2014) (per curiam). Summary judgment is appropriate where there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). All facts and evidence are viewed in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party. Ferraro v. Liberty Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 796 F.3d 529, 531 (5th Cir. 2015).

III. Discussion

In order to establish merchant liability for a slip and fall in Louisiana, a claimant must prove, inter alia, that:

(1) The condition presented an unreasonable risk of harm to the claimant and that risk of harm was reasonably foreseeable[;] (2) The merchant either created or had actual or constructive notice of the condition which caused the damage, prior to the occurrence[; and] (3) The merchant failed to exercise reasonable care. In determining reasonable care, the absence of a written or verbal uniform cleanup or safety procedure is insufficient, alone, to prove failure to exercise reasonable care.

La. Stat. 9:2800.6(B).

Derousselle's appeal turns on the second requirement of  9:2800.6(B): that the merchant either create the condition or have constructive or actual knowledge of the condition. To demonstrate constructive notice, a claimant must prove that the condition existed for such a period of time that it would have been discovered if the merchant had exercised reasonable care.  9:2800.6(C)(1). The presence of an employee of the merchant in the vicinity in which the condition exists does not, alone, constitute constructive notice, unless it is shown that the employee knew, or in the exercise of reasonable care should have known, of the condition. Id.

The Louisiana Supreme Court has held that a claimant relying on the constructive notice element of  9:2800.6(B)(2) must come forward with positive evidence showing that the damage-causing condition existed for some period of time, and that such time was sufficient to place the merchant defendant on notice of its existence. White v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 699 So. 2d 1081, 1082 (La. 1997) (emphasis added). We have echoed this requirement in upholding summary judgment in favor of Louisiana merchants. Cates v. Dillard Dep't Stores, Inc., 624 F.3d 695, 697 (5th Cir. 2010); see Duncan v. Wal-Mart La., L.L.C.  F.3d , 2017 WL 2991234, at *23 (5th Cir. July 14, 2017).

The district court properly held that Derousselle failed to meet her burden of providing evidence sufficient to support a factual finding in her favor on the second element of  9:2800.6(B). There is no evidence in the record demonstrating how the grape got on the floor of the Wal-Mart. Derousselle maintains that, since no one had seen the grape and it is unclear whether Wal-Mart employees inspected the floor in the time leading up the accident, Wal-Mart had constructive notice of the hazardous grape. We disagree. Derousselle, as the claimant, has the burden to bring forth facts demonstrating the existence of the grape on the floor for some period of time. White, 699 So. 2d at 1085. We have also clarified that:

In the absence of competent evidence of how long the grapes had been on the floor, whether [the merchant] conducted sufficient inspections or used reasonable care in maintaining the store is simply not relevant to the issue of constructive notice, i.e., whether the hazardous condition had existed long enough that it would have been discovered if [the merchant] had exercised reasonable care.

Martin v. Kroger Co., 273 F.3d 1099, 2001 WL 1070538, at *3 (5th Cir. 2001) (per curiam) (emphasis added) (unpublished). Derousselle, therefore, has provided no evidence that Wal-Mart caused the grape to be on the floor or had actual or constructive notice of the grape.

Derousselle also argues that there is a genuine dispute of material fact over whether a grape remained on the floor. But Derousselle mischaracterizes a lack of evidence as a genuine dispute. All of the witnesses agree that Derousselle slipped and fell because of a grape. No witness, however could say how the grape got to the cold-cut department or how long the grape was on the floor. This is not a dispute of fact: rather, the absence of evidence prevents Derousselle from demonstrating that Wal-Mart had notice of the grape. Because there are no disputes of material fact, Derousselle's failure to provide evidence of Wal-Mart's notice of the grape makes summary judgment proper.

AFFIRMED.

FOOTNOTES

.

. The leading cases by the Louisiana Supreme Court interpret a prior version of  9:2800.6 that was subsequently amended in 1996. See Babin v. Winn-Dixie La., Inc., 764 So. 2d 37, 38 (La. 2000) (considering an incident that occurred on February 16, 1996), Kennedy v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 733 So. 2d 1188, 1189 (La. 1999) (considering an incident that occurred on September 15, 1994), White, 699 So. 2d at 1082 (considering an incident that occurred on June 3, 1994); compare La. Stat.  9:2800.6 (1996), with La. Stat.  9:2800.6 (2015). However, the Louisiana Supreme Court appears to have accepted that this interpretation holds true for the modern version of  9:2800.6, and we see no change that would indicate otherwise. See Hines v. Garrett, 876 So. 2d 764, 768 n.2 (La. 2004) (per curiam) (explaining the holding of Babin and disagreeing only with the reasoning of the lower court), rev'g 865 So. 2d 296 (La. Ct. App. 2004) (considering an incident that occurred on October 1, 2000).

. Although Martin is not controlling precedent, it may be [cited as] persuasive authority. Ballard v. Burton, 444 F.3d 391, 401 n.7 (5th Cir. 2006) (citing 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4).

PER CURIAM: * FN* Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir R. 47.5.4.
Aug 11 (Reuters) - Indian captain Virat Kohli wants his team to focus on the task at hand rather than get carried away by the prospect of completing a whitewash over Sri Lanka ahead of the final test at Pallekele on Saturday.

India have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series with victories inside four days both in Galle and Colombo.

"For us, it's all about playing another test match. We have already won the series," Kohli told a news conference on Friday.

"It doesn't mean we can afford to be complacent. You can't look at these things and go to a game. We are not thinking about these things.

"I personally feel it is just a distraction, we need to stay in the present and treat every session and game with respect."

Kohli indicated that India would not make wholesale changes to the side, but said Kuldeep Yadav could replace suspended all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

Left-arm chinaman Yadav has not played in the longest format since taking four wickets on his debut against Australia in March.

Sri Lanka skipper Dinesh Chandimal said his side would try their best to get a consolation victory, but added that injuries had left them with a daunting challenge against the in-form tourists.

The hosts have rested spinner Rangana Herath after he complained of back stiffness, while all-rounder Asela Gunaratne and paceman Nuwan Pradeep were ruled out of the series with injuries during the first and second tests, respectively.

"India is a really good team, especially in the last two to three years. And we have had a lot of bad luck with injuries," Chandimal said.

"Gunaratne in the first Test, and then Pradeep, and now Herath. When that happens, the captain, manager and selectors cannot get the right combination. But we have a really good team for this game and we're looking forward to win this." (Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru; Editing by Gareth Jones)
By Andrew Hammond

Aug 11 (Reuters) - Rex Tillerson has had to make several tricky diplomatic tours since becoming U.S. secretary of state. He wrapped up his latest, this time to Southeast Asia, on Wednesday. With stops in the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia, Tillersons goal was to assure regional leaders that the Trump administration cares about this strategically important area which - if massed collectively - has the sixth largest economy in the world.

Yet far from bringing the parties closer together, the trip was overshadowed by developments in North Korea, and only underscored the fact that the agendas of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries - Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam - are not completely aligned with those of the White House.

While some officials of ASEAN members acknowledged concerns about North Korea, they also cited concerns about trade relations with the United States. "We havent really discussed that among ourselves," said Philippine acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo of the U.S. call to minimize relations with Pyongyang.

Before Trumps election, the Obama administration supported the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal to emphasize its regional commitment and also to push back on Chinas growing power and presence, which is a concern for many ASEAN states. But Trump pulled out of that initiative shortly after taking office and has offered no alternatives.

On the political front too, the administration has only limited affinity with ASEAN allies. The latter wanted to give priority to a broad range of issues such as maritime security, Beijings assertiveness in the South China Sea and regional counter-terrorism strategies.

Instead, Tillerson put the Korean stand-off center stage following U.S. concerns after Pyongyangs two intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests last month showed it had the capacity to hit the U.S. mainland. The regime added to the tensions with its threat Wednesday to launch a missile strike on the U.S. territory of Guam in the Pacific. Southeast Asian states also are concerned about Kim Jong Un, but do not generally share Washingtons prioritization of the issue because they are concerned it de-emphasizes other critical topics such as South China Sea tensions.

In this context, Tillerson used the weekend gathering of the ASEAN regional forum, Asias biggest security group that also includes "outside" nations such as the United States, North Korea and Japan, to try to isolate Pyongyang by "drastically" reducing their dealings with it. (North Koreas foreign minister attended the meeting, but Tillerson did not acknowledge his presence.) The forum took a stronger line than usual on North Korea, calling for the regime to comply with UN Security Council resolutions on its nuclear program and unanimously agreeing on Saturday to ban mineral and seafood exports worth some one billion dollars to the regime.

Along with this sanctions diplomacy, the United States and South Korea conducted their latest tests last month of the controversial Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system. Condemned by North Korea, China and Russia, THAAD is being deployed by Washington in South Korea as a defense against possible missile launches by Pyongyang.

Recent U.S. rhetoric has heightened international concerns that Trump might now be thinking more seriously about a pre-emptive strike on Pyongyangs nuclear facilities. On Tuesday, Trump asserted that he will respond with "fire and fury" to North Korea, which he previously said "is behaving in a very dangerous manner, and something will have to be done about it...and probably dealt with rapidly."

While Washingtons next steps are not clear, it looks increasingly likely that the two-decade U.S. policy of "strategic patience" towards Pyongyang may now be over. Aside from military force, scenarios range from a new round of peace talks to more aggressive actions like intercepting ships suspected of selling North Korea weapons abroad, one of the regimes key sources of income.

Washington knows it would be wise to try to bring other key parties, especially Beijing, on board for any intensified measures. Beijing, however, along with countries like Russia, has been reluctant to take more comprehensive, sweeping measures against Pyongyang, especially after the agreement on the new sanctions last Saturday.

China has taken some unilateral actions to tighten the screws on North Korea, including banning all coal imports into the country in February. However, it is unlikely to squeeze its neighbor too hard for fear of pushing the regime hard enough to destabilize it. From the vantage point of Beijing, this risks North Korea behaving even more unpredictably and, although unlikely, could even lead to the fall of Kim Jong Un.

Beijing wants to keep the regime in place for at least two reasons. One is that if the Communist regime in Pyongyang falls it could undermine the legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party too. In addition, Beijing fears that the collapse of order in North Korea could lead to instability on the North Korea-China border, a potentially large influx of refugees that it would need to manage, and ultimately the potential emergence of a new pro-U.S. successor to Kim.

Against this backdrop, Tillersons Korea-focused trip did little to ease concerns of Washingtons ASEAN allies that the area is not one of Trumps major priorities. If tensions with Pyongyang continue to grow, a risk is that the stand-off in the Korean peninsula will suck up much of the administrations foreign policy focus in coming months. This could shift U.S. attention further from the wider regional agenda, including South China Sea tensions, which remains crucial to Washingtons Southeast Asia friends. (Reporting by Andrew Hammond)
Police said that 160 individuals were arrested for dumping garbage in an ad hoc manner during raids conducted on August 8 and 9.

During the raids carried out in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Army, 40 people were arrested from Nugegoda area.

Data revealed that 34 were arrested in Colombo Central, 20 were arrested from Colombo North, 18 from Gampaha, 13 from Kelaniya, 12 each from Colombo South and Negombo, 10 from Mount Lavinia and 1 from Panadura.

Police said that cases would be filed against the culprits from the respective police stations and further raids would be carried out in future. (By Sheain Fernandopulle)
AFP: Tourism-dependent Guam is looking to cash in on its new-found fame as a North Korean missile target, tapping an unlikely promotional opportunity to attract visitors to the idyllic island and prove that all publicity is good publicity.



Pyongyangs threats to launch four missile strikes near the US territory has stirred global curiosity in the remote Pacific destination, with it trending heavily on search engines as social media users wondered, what is Guam?

Although Guam hosts two US military installations and 6,000 US soldiers, making it the target of North Koreas wrath, tourism authorities are keen to dispel any impression of danger to the tranquil island and its secluded beaches.



The circumstances are unfortunate but this is a good opportunity for us to educate the world about Guam and our culture, about where we are, and who we are, said Josh Tyquiengco, marketing director at Guam Visitors Bureau, the official agency for the island.



Guam is more than a military base. We are a safe family destination. We reassure potential visitors that we continue to be a safe... place to visit, Tyquiengco told AFP.



Despite North Koreas threats to prepare plans within days that would surround Guam with enveloping fire, fears of a potential attack have not deterred tourists from visiting Guam, he said.

We heard about a few booking cancellations from South Korea, but its too minimal to affect the industry, he said.



Governor Eddie Calvo, in a briefing late Friday, said any attack on Guam would be met with overwhelming force, pointing out that the biggest threat facing the island was the looming typhoon season. With that, everybody should conduct their lives like business as usual. Its the weekend. Go out, have a good time, enjoy the beaches tomorrow and live your lives.



At this point, there are thousands of tourists coming in on a daily basis... from Japan, (South) Korea, Taiwan and China and other areas. It is our belief that they should enjoy themselves here. As aircraft after aircraft -- packed with tourists -- landed Friday at Guams international airport, the latest visitors to the island appeared untroubled by the prospect of missile strikes.



Sun Doojin, who arrived with her husband and two-year-old daughter on a flight from Seoul, responded with an emphatic no when asked if she was concerned about an attack during er visit.

The Guam Daily Post, in an editorial, said the spotlight on the territory offered an opportunity to show the world why an island of 162,000 people draws more than 1.5 million tourists a year.



The beach waters are crystal clear, beaches arent overrun, and nature hiking trails are very accessible.



The different cultures that are showcased on the island through food make Guam a hidden gem, a tropical vacation getaway but with the amenities and comforts of some of the small cities stateside.

Guams history of earthquakes and typhoons mean its infrastructure is built to robust standards and authorities insist that the island is prepared for any emergency, including a North Korean strike. Homeland Security spokeswoman Jenna Gaminde told the Guam Daily News that in the event of an attack, residents would be immediately notified by sirens from the All-Hazards Alert Warning System located throughout the island.



If you hear the sirens, tune into local media -- radio, print, television -- for further instructions, she said.



Pyongyang has said it would take less than 18 minutes for a missile to cross the 3,400-kilometre (2,100-mile) distance to the US territory.
orth Korea and the US are once again at loggerheads. At first glance it appears a military confrontation is a distinct possibility.

Most sensible persons would like to believe that a confrontation which could lead to the use of nuclear weapons is unlikely. But both US President Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un do not give the impression of being sensible leaders; and this is the catch-22 situation unfolding in the Korean peninsula.

On August 9, North Korea announced that in retaliation for US-backed UN sanctions, it was considering carrying out missile strikes on the US Pacific territory of Guam.

Guam, roughly 2,128 miles from North Korea, is home to both US Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam, housing thousands of American service members and their families.

Pyongyang has, in the past three months, tested more missiles than it did during the past decade, and it is apparent it could achieve its target of producing numbers of nuclear-tipped ICBMs soon.

Hours after the Korean challenge, US President Trump responded with a threat of answering any further North Korean threats with fire and fury adding North Korea best not make any more threats to the US. They will be met with fire and fury the world has never seen.



President Trumps warning brings to mind former US President Trumans warning to Japan after nuclear bombing that country to expect a rain of ruin the like of which has never been seen on this earth.

The more hawkish among the US Republicans argue for an all-out war against N Korea to prevent Kim Jong Un from fully developing nuclear tipped weapons which could hit the US mainland.

Republican Senator Lindsay Graham is quoted by the Guardian as saying Trump told him, if thousands die, theyre going to die over there. They are not going to die here.

North Korea responded to Trumps warning with a promise to wipe out all strongholds of enemies (Japan and S Korea) and the US mainland.

The exchanges mark a sharp rise in the verbal duel between the two countries.

Despite the intemperate language by both sides to the conflict, it is unlikely that armed confrontation will break out.



The circumstances today are different; Japan during World War II did not possess a nuclear deterrent N Korea does.

Secondly, there are nearly 39,000 US troops stationed in Japan and another 23,000 in South Korea.

An all-out attack by the US on N Korea would force the North Korean leader to unleash his nuclear arsenal on both Japan and South Korea whom he views as enemies. The backlash to the resultant deaths of tens if not hundreds of thousands of Japanese, Korean, US military and civilian personnel would be uncontrollable.

However, in the aftermath of Trumps warning of unleashing fire and fury on North Korea; in an interview reported by CNN, US Secretary of State Tillerson sought to allay fears of any outbreak of a military confrontation.



Tillerson, while defending Trumps comments, said there was no sign that the threat level from North Korea had changed and that Americans should sleep well at night.

Additionally, there is also the China factor, the US President has to contend with. China does not want a war which would send thousands of Korean refugees across its border. It has already placed over a hundred thousand troops on its Korean border. Nor would China tolerate the presence of US troops at its borders.

North Korea too has subsequently toned down its rhetoric. In the past, N Korea had threatened the US mainland and the White House itself with nuclear strikes if the country felt threatened.

Yet, Wednesdays announcement was that it was considering strike around the US Pacific territory of Guam, choosing a lesser target and not talking of even hitting the US military bases there.

Though it appears that both President Trump and N Korean President Kim Jong Uns war-like statements are merely hot air, the protagonists still adamantly cling to their positions.

While US Secretary of State says the way out is through talks, North Korea has warned it would not negotiate on its weapons programme and had added a condition that the US end its hostility and nuclear threat to N Korea.
The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS) is now Sri Lankas pioneer International University Learning Centre, where local and regional students gain an opportunity to access the global workforce.



Be a biomedical scientist through the multiple pathways that IIHS has to offer, which gives students to graduate from Deakin University (Victoria), University of New England (New South Wales), University of Canberra (Australian Capital Territory) and Murdoch University (Western Australia), which give students access to four major states in Australia.



This pathway provides the students with the option of completing an advanced diploma in bio medical sciences at IIHS over the period of two years followed by two more years, where the student will be awarded the Bachelors in Biomedical Sciences Degree. This not only gears the student to the Australian education system but it is also financially appealing as the student will save an approximate figure of Rs.60 lakhs.



Upon graduation, the students may obtain a two-year work permit to further their career in Australia. The cost effectiveness element of the programme attracts students from diverse walks of life. The student may also continue to reside in Sri Lanka upon completion of the diploma, where employment opportunities will be made available in private sector hospitals and the food and beverage industry.

Furthermore, a biomedical sciences degree can be used as a stepping stone to a medical degree in Australia.



Registrations now open for the September intake. Speak to Nadeeka on 0768231827/0114651144 for further information.



The role of biomedical scientists include developing and improving medical treatments, vaccines, equipment and techniques involving healthcare and they are widely known for performing and analysing an array of technical procedures to screen, maintain and improve human health.
ealth is a primary need in any society. Sri Lankans are fortunate to enjoy a free health system in the country. People who have really benefited from the system will vouch for it. Unfortunately most of them dont think that they need to speak about it because they are already served with this facility. In other words they have taken this service for granted. The best example is the children who were treated for heart disease and critical illnesses at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH). Since 2005, over 10,000 children have undergone catheter based interventions or diagnostic procedures at LRH. Since 2007, over 7000 children have undergone cardiac surgeries. All these procedures were done totally free, but the actual cost could have varied from Rs. 30,000 to over one million a procedure. This is the full side of the half-filled glass of water. Unfortunately there is an empty side which is almost equal to the full side. An equal number of children with heart diseases or critical illnesses are added to the waiting lists as the hospital doesnt have adequate facilities to treat all children in need. They occasionally make their voices heard when they ask for financial assistance to seek treatment in the private sector or overseas. Most of them continue having their names in waiting lists and even without their knowledge eventually lose their beloved child. Certain losses can be accepted, but the preventable loss of a child cant be accepted under any circumstance. Who will say no to it, if it can be prevented by improving infrastructure facilities?

Improving infrastructure facilities

Project Little Hearts was initiated with only the sole objective of minimising the number of preventable childhood deaths in Sri Lanka. Approximately 375,000 children are born annually in Sri Lanka and around 3000 of them leave this world even before reaching their first birthday. Out of this, about 1500 deaths can be prevented every year through improvement of infrastructure facilities to treat heart diseases and critical illness in children. Considering the geographical, infrastructure and population characteristics of Sri Lanka, the best and most cost effective intervention is to expand the facilities to treat such children at the LRH, the premier public childrens hospital which provides free treatment to children from all districts of Sri Lanka. The first step in addressing the issue is development infrastructure facilities. Little Hearts is a project initiated to construct and commission a ten (10) storey Cardiac and Critical Care Complex to provide necessary infrastructure facilities for such children.

The proposal for this building came up in 2013, with the expansion of the cardiac complex at LRH. It was initially planned as a four storied building to accommodate the need to perform 2000 surgeries and 1000 catheter based interventions to treat all children with heart diseases in Sri Lanka. However, considering the limited space available and other requirements of the hospital, the building was later expanded to a ten storeyed complex with addition of Medical Intensive care unit, Neonatal Intensive care unit and training facilities required in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Planning is done by the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB). The Ministry of Health and Department of National planning has provided necessary approvals. Land has been allocated according to the master plan of the hospital. What is left now is the raising of funds and the construction.



Our target is to raise Rs. two billion thats required for construction and commissioning of this Cardiac and Critical Care Complex at LRH. If we have charged Rs. 120,000 from all 17,000 patients who have undergone treatment for their cardiac condition at LRH, we could have easily built this complex. But as treatment was given totally free, today we have to seek public support to expand the facility. Two billion is a colossal amount of money to raise this facility, but if we all get together and donate whatever we can, we can raise even double that amount in no time. We need only willingness to donate and to do it without a delay. Everyday that we delay the project, we lose about 4-5 children. Imagine the publics interest in saving 5 children getting drowned or being caught up in a fire. In such a situation, everybody will do his/her part without a delay. That is because they see the need themselves. These children die at different places due to different reasons. Only we know that they have died due to heart disease. Therefore, you need to believe in us. Dont wait until it happens to your own child or your grandchild as it may be too late.

Mr & Mrs Pathirana with their baby operated at LRH



Those who found true happiness

On the day, when Mrs. Rubasinghe, a retired Clerk, first saw the television program in Derana TV, she realised this need. Her child, who is now a medical student, was treated at LRH in 1992. She called more than 60 people in her list of contacts and requested from them to donate. The following day she arrived at LRH and made a personal donation of Rs. 25,000 to the project as a person who had reaped the benefits of free health care. She wanted the system to improve and save more children.

Mr. Thabrews granddaughter was about to celebrate her first birthday. He thought that the best gift that he could give to her granddaughter was to save another child in her name. He donated Rs. 10,000 and received a certificate under her granddaughters name in recognition of his efforts to save a child.

Tehan Dhanushka is a first year student in management faculty at Wayamba University. He has saved Rs. 10,000, from the money he raised by giving tuition to school children, with the view of doing something for the benefit of children. The moment he came to know about the project, he came to LRH and donated it to save another needy child.

"All top corporates are spending millions on CSR projects. The best CSR project one can carry out is one that will save the life of a child. People who will benefit from this project are the average people working in those corporates"



Mr. and Mrs. Pathirana had their first baby and on the first day itself came to know that the baby had a heart problem. They were helpless as it was a complex condition and the baby was just a newborn weighing even less than 3kg. She was operated at LRH and discharged from hospital. When they came to know about the project, they immediately visited the hospital and donated Rs. 300,000, not because they had enough spare money, but because they came to realise the need to improve such facilities in the government sector.

At the till donation campaign called Till Parade, children arrived from morning till late evening and donated their Tills to save another child. Within a day it was possible to collect over Rs. 1.4million through till donations alone. Some children had collected money to buy toy cars, dolls or compute games. But they decided to donate all what they had to save another child. They have realised that saving a life is more precious than a car or a doll or a computer game. The happiness that they have experienced by making the donations will last for many decades in their hearts unlike the mental satisfaction they get from a car or a doll.

Prisoners at Welikada Prison are a category in our society without any income. After realising the importance of helping the project they have worked out a way to offer support. The only thing that they can donate is their food which they get from the government. They have decided to donate the cost of their meals for a single day to the Little Hearts Project. This clearly proves that if there is a will, there is a way.



The way forward..

We need only one million people in Sri Lanka to donate Rs. 100 per month for 2years to raise this amount. We have facilitated that through Dialog and Hutch mobile companies. Any user can send a text message typed REG<Space>LH to 77100 and register for donation. Individually, what can you do with Rs. 100, but if we all work together we can save 1500 critically ill children. Can you imagine the power of masses? Why not be one of them?

Mrs. Rubasinghe, Mr. Thabrew and Tehan dont belong to the highest income group in Sri Lanka. But they have a heart to give. Having money and giving money are two different things. People who give are the ones who know the happiness and benefits of giving and therefore will continue to give. Once this facility is constructed, we can treat 10,000 children who have heart disease and critical illnesses, annually. In 20 years we can save 200,000 lives. So to initiate the process we need only Rs. 10,000 per life. We need 200,000 people like Tehan, Mr. Thabrew, Mr and Mrs. Pathirana and Mrs. Rubasinghe, who will give something back to the society. If you are one of them, you can visit any BOC branch or visit our website and donate Rs. 10,000 to save a life. You need only a heart to donate. If you have a heart, you will have enough money to donate.

All top corporates are spending millions on CSR projects. The best CSR project one can carry out is one that will save the life of a child. People who will benefit from this project are the average people working in those corporates. So what you donate is actually donated to look after your own staff. It may not be the average worker and his child. We have seen enough and more instances where critically ill children from the most affluent families die due to lack of facilities in that country. When your child is critically ill even if you can hire an air ambulance, you might not be in a situation to move him out. However much money you have, you cant get a cardiac transplant in a developed country if you arent a citizen in that country. This highlights the need to improve such facilities in our own country, not only to help the poorest of the poor, but to serve all strata of the society if a need arises. We need only 200 companies to donate 10million each. Is your company within that top 200?



Ways to contribute

We have facilitated almost all the possible ways to donate for the project. Those who are willing to donate Rs. 100 per month can donate using their Dialog or Hutch mobile. Just type REG<space>LH and send a SMS to 77100. Mobitel users can use M Cash to donate. Those who wish to donate online using their credit cards or Sampath Vishwa portal, can do so using our secure website www.littlehearts.lk/donations. If you wish to donate cash, you can either deposit it in our account no 79738633 at BOC by visiting one of the branches of Bank of Ceylon. You can also make donations at any Keels Super outlet islandwide.

We request children to donate their tills at any BOC branch nearest to them. They will be happy to accept your till.

If you work in a corporate, you can organise the donation of a days salary or the funds set aside for CSR projects. You may also consider donating a fraction of you profit from each item sold by your company. If your corporate or organisation has a big heart and is ready to donate 200 million, we can name one floor after your company.

Tehan Dhanushka, a student in Wayamba University, donating money



If you need any further information or request letters please call us at 0766411730 or email us info@littlehearts.lk.



We have seen parents selling their houses, tractors or whatever they have to seek treatment for their children. As a society, if we can get together, we can prevent it happening to our own brothers and sisters. This isnt only a donation to save another child. It may be your own child or your grandchild who gets treated following a heart disease, dengue or pneumonia in this unit. It will serve the whole country as almost all children with heart diseases and critical illnesses are transferred to LRH. By helping to construct this unit you assure a safe childhood to your loved ones. Do you want to wait for others to do it and risk the life of your beloved child? Imagine that your child gets a critical illness and is brought to LRH. How will you feel if we have to say sorry because we cant provide intensive care treatment as all ICU beds are occupied? Imagine your situation when you have to witness your beloved child leave this world due to lack of critical care facilities. It has happened in the past and happening at present, but dont let that happen at least in the future. Donate today to prevent it happening in the future.
A bipartisan delegation of US congressmen who arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday had assured the full support of the US Government to the Sri Lankan Governments efforts to work out a new Constitution.

In a statement, the US Embassy said Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen of New Jersey and Congressman Henry Cuellar of Texas held productive meetings with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan on Thursday.

In their meetings, the congressmen said the US fully supported the attempts by the government to strengthen democratic rights for Sri Lankans of all ethnicities, ensure reconciliation and foster greater prosperity in all regions of the country.

This visit demonstrates the strong bilateral relationship between the United States and Sri Lanka. Across the three branches of the US government, we will continue to support Sri Lankas commitments to constitutional reform, reconciliation, justice and economic prosperity, US Ambassador Atul Keshap said.

The two congressmen are visiting Sri Lanka during the US Congressional recess to emphasize continued US commitment to political reforms and economic growth in Sri Lanka, the statement said.
An evacuation order was issued by the Eravur Magistrates Court today following a request made by the Eravur Police, the Universitys Vice Chancellor said.

A tense situation was prevailing at the Eastern University from Tuesday when a large group of students surrounded the university's administrative building 'Senate House' and held it's Vice Chancellor captive, making a number demands.

The students had ignored a request made by the police to release the VC and move out of the premises.

Vice Chancellor Prof. T. Jayasingam told Daily Mirror that the university authorities would be forced to shut down the university temporarily if the students refused to obey the Court order.

According to the Eravur Police, some 200 second year students werecontinuing to surround the 'Senate House'. (Chaturanga Pradeep and Thilanka Kanakarathna)
Karunanayake was the Finance Minister during that controversial bond transaction took place

Only defence the party has is the offence- threatening the Joint opposition to drag all corruption charges against the members of the latter into the debate on the motion, in case it could not hide behind a law point, sub-judice

A debate over corruption in general or the bond issue in particular is something like an invitation for trouble for the Mahinda Rajapaksa faction as its adversaries are armed to the teeth with similar or more horrendous allegations against the leaders of it



Why shouldnt a Minister in Sri Lanka receive a gift worth, may be Rs. 10 million from one of his friends?



In Sri Lanka there are no laws or traditions or generally accepted ethical values that prevent a Minister from accepting such gifts. Then why did Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake tell the Presidential Commission inquiring into the controversial Central Bank bond issue that he wouldnt have accepted the penthouse, where his family resides now, had he known it was given to him by his long-time friend Arjun Aloysius?

As if adding to the pressure...Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe too had told that there was no room for thieves in his Government.



It is a well known fact that Ministers and other politicians receive highly valuable gifts from so-called friends and businessmen for obvious reasons and some do not hesitate to reveal it to the country.

For instance, when S.B. Dissanayake along with some others left the Government led by President Chandrika Kumaratunga in 2001, the State media, while showing visuals of a mansion in Hanguranketha built by Dissanayake questioned as to how he earned money to build such a huge house. Dissanayake replied that the building cost for that house was Rs. 40 million and his friends helped him to construct it.



However, Karunanayake was not prepared to tell the country that he knowingly accepted the penthouse from a friend whom he had known from the days of the latters grandfather. As if accepting something from Arjun Aloysius is a sin or a taboo he said that he wouldnt have accepted it, had he known that it was given by Aloysius.



By then everybody knew that something fishy had taken place during a Central Bank bond sale in February 2015 and a company related to Aloysius had profited in that sale. Also it was a well known fact that the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) had accused that Aloysiuss father-in-law, former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran was involved for the scam.



Therefore one has to infer that Karunanayake, who was the Finance Minister during that controversial bond transaction took place, has also admitted by this statement that the transaction involving the company related to Aloysius was a scam as the COPE described it.

In Sri Lanka there are no laws or traditions or generally accepted ethical values that prevent a Minister from accepting such gifts.



However, leaders of the United National Party (UNP) including Karunanayake were hell bent earlier to deny the fact that the bond sale in February 2015 was flawed.



At the beginning of the controversy a three-member committee appointed by the UNP leadership to look into the allegation had cleared the former Central Bank Governor from the charges. When the COPE was probing the matter the UNP members of it did their best first to deny that a fraud had taken place and later to absolve Mahendran from the charges.



The recent striking proceedings of the Presidential Commission that was appointed following the COPE findings on the matter had created such a strong public opinion against Mahendran and Aloysius, while confirming those findings that even the UNP leaders such as Karunanayake are attempting to dissociate themselves from the issue and those involved in it.



However, now the public opinion has turned against Karunanayake as well and an opinion that he has to resign from the Ministerial post is fast gaining ground.



Minister Karunanayake might still be thinking that he had successfully faced the commission. But nobody in the country seems to accept his answers for the questions on receiving a penthouse from Aloysius and travelling to Singapore 13 times with him, among others. It was interesting that several newspapers as if having an agreement among them carried a picture of him touching his nose along with the report on his testimony before the commission, reminding us of Pinocchio.



Even the UNP bigwigs, who were earlier attempting to cover up the controversial side of the bond sale in question and to defend Mahendran, seem to press the beleaguered Minister to resign compelling his daughter Onella to make an impassioned plea on her Facebook page asking why only her father was to blame in such a huge Government.



As if adding to the pressure by the members of the UNP, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe too had told that there was no room for thieves in his Government.



Even if the allegation against Karunanayake is proved one can argue that compared to the huge amounts of public money that had allegedly been embezzled through the bond scam he had received only a lollipop.



The call for Minister Karunanayakes resignation by the members of his own party, UNP is in fact an indictment not only against the minister, rather it is one against the party as a whole, since the Commission is probing not any allegation against the minister but a scandal that took place in the Central Bank which was attempted to cover up by the entirety of the party throughout.

The Joint Opposition or the Mahinda Rajapaksa faction of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has handed over a no-confidence motion to the Deputy Secretary General of the Parliament over Karunanayakes alleged close relationship with Aloysius on which he was questioned by the Commission.



This has in a way placed both the UNP and the Opposition parties, especially the Joint Opposition in a quandary. After the COPE investigation and the thus far proceedings of the Presidential Commission on bond, issue the UNP is in a difficult position to defend Karunanayake.



Apart from the power struggle among the leaders of the UNP this is why Minister Sajith Premadasa had said he would resign if he was forced to defend corrupt people.



Only defence the party has is the offence- threatening the Joint opposition to drag all corruption charges against the members of the latter into the debate on the motion, in case it could not hide behind a law point, sub-judice. If a sizable number of members of the party voted for the motion or refrained from voting due to the public pressure, it would be a slap in the face of the other leaders of the party.



The SLFP members of the Government, especially the Maithri faction of the party would also face the same situation as their vote for the motion would embarass Government they are in and the cohabitation between the two main parties in the Government would further strain.



In fact, a debate over corruption in general or the bond issue in particular is something like an invitation for trouble for the Mahinda Rajapaksa faction as its adversaries are armed to the teeth with similar or more horrendous allegations against the leaders of it. On the other hand if the motion is defeated in the numbers game in the House Government might use it to justify its stance in the larger issue, the bond scam.



Whether the no-confidence motion succeeds or not, whether Minister Karunanayake resigns or not, the facts that a huge fraud has taken place during the bond sale in February 2015 and the UNP is still attempting to shield the corrupt are well established by now.



However, two things are still disheartening the not so politicized people of the country. One is the possibility of the culprits of the main issue escaping the net as only a fact finding process is on for the past two years. The other one is the fact that people have no choice or they are not prepared other than entrusting their destiny to one corrupt party to another.
United States Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit. AIRPORT ROAD ASSOCIATES, LTD., Clifford E. OlsenDelta Square, Oakdale Associates, Limited, Serenity Village, a Partnership in Commendam, Southeastern Associates, Ltd., a Louisiana Limited Partnership, Southside Apartments, Ltd., Plaintiffs Bayou Des Glaises, Ltd., Bloomfield Partnership II, a Louisiana Partnership in Commendam, Clifford E. OlsenCollege Towne, Clifford E. OlsenCollins Square, a Louisiana Partnership in Commendam, Clifford E. OlsenHammond Towne, Clifford E. OlsenJefferson South, Clifford E. OlsenOld Man River, Clifford E. OlsenWalker Partnership, Clifford E. Olsen 1977-B, Cypress Cove Association, Plaintiffs-Appellants v. UNITED STATES, Defendant-Appellee 2016-1542 Decided: August 10, 2017

Before Prost, Chief Judge, Lourie and Taranto, Circuit Judges. Mark Blando, Eckland & Blando LLP, Minneapolis, MN, argued for plaintiffs-appellants. Also represented by Jeff Howard Eckland, Vince Reuter. Matthew Paul Roche, Commercial Litigation Branch, Civil Division, United States Department of Justice, Washington, DC, argued for defendant-appellee. Also represented by Benjamin C. Mizer, Robert E. Kirschman, Jr., Franklin E. White, Jr.

Appellants seeking to exit a federal housing program through loan prepayment appeal from the decision of the United States Court of Federal Claims (Claims Court) dismissing their claims against the United States (government) for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. We reverse and remand.

I. Background

Appellants are ten limited partnerships that took loans from and entered into housing development agreements with the Rural Housing Service (RHS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide affordable rental housing in Louisiana. They all share a common general partner, Clifford E. Olsen, and wish to prepay their loans and thereby exit the federal affordable housing program.

A

Under  515 of the Housing Act of 1949, ch. 338, 63 Stat. 413, amended by the Senior Citizens Housing Act of 1962, Pub. L. No. 87-723,  4(b), 76 Stat. 670, 671 (codified as amended at 42 U.S.C.  1485), the RHS makes loans to private, nonprofit entities to construct affordable rental housing for elderly and low- or middle-income people. Between 1972 and 1982, each Appellant entered into a fifty-year  515 loan agreement with the RHS. The loans all include a prepayment provision stating that each Appellant had the option of paying off the remaining loan balance and converting its properties to conventional housing any time after the first fifteen or twenty years. See, e.g., J.A. 52 (Prepayments of scheduled installments, or any portion thereof, may be made at any time at the option of the Borrower. (emphasis added)).

By 1987, however, Congress was concerned that  515 borrowers were choosing to prepay too often, which threatened the availability of affordable housing under the program. See Franconia Assocs. v. United States, 536 U.S. 129, 136, 122 S.Ct. 1993, 153 L.Ed.2d 132 (2002) (citing H.R. Rep. No. 100-122, at 53 (1987), reprinted in 1987 U.S.C.C.A.N. 3317, 3369). In response, it passed the Emergency Low Income Housing Preservation Act of 1987 (ELIHPA), Pub. L. No. 100-242, 101 Stat. 1877 (1988) (codified as amended at 42 U.S.C.  1472(c)). Important to this case, ELIHPA provides that before accepting an offer to prepay a  515 loan, the USDA Secretary (Secretary) must make reasonable efforts to enter into an agreement with the borrower under which the borrower will make a binding commitment to extend the low income use of the assisted housing and related facilities. 42 U.S.C.  1472(c)(4)(A). The Secretary can offer the borrower incentives with such an agreement. Id.  1472(c)(4)(B). And generally, if an agreement cannot be reached, the borrower must offer to sell the housing to any qualified nonprofit organization or public agency at a fair market value determined by 2 independent appraisers. Id.  1472(c)(5)(A)(i). If no nonprofit organization makes an offer to buy within 180 days, then the Secretary may accept the borrower's offer to prepay. Id.  1472(c)(5)(A)(ii).

As of April 2002, the time relevant to this appeal, the RHS had regulations in place at 7 C.F.R.  1965 Subpart E, implementing ELIHPA. Under these regulations, the RHS outlined the chronological order for the actions to be taken on a request for prepayment. 7 C.F.R.  1965.204(a) (2002). The regulations specified that [p]rior to initiating a formal prepayment request, borrowers considering prepaying their loans should meet with the [RHS]  to discuss the prepayment request and the requirements of this procedure. The borrower will be provided with exhibit C of this subpart, to aid in completing the prepayment request package. Id.  1965.205(a). Sections 1965.205 and 1965.206 set forth the requirements for submitting a formal prepayment request. Notably, for a prepayment request to be considered complete, the regulations required borrowers to make the request at least 180 days before the anticipated prepayment date and to provide, among other things, [a] written request to prepay  on a specified date; information needed to develop an incentive offer; and [d]ocumentation of the borrower's ability to prepay under the conditions specified in the prepayment request. Id.  1965.205(c). If the agency received a prepayment request that was not complete, it would return the request to the borrower specifying the additional information needed. Id.  1965.206(a).

B

This appeal relates to correspondence between Mr. Olsen, on behalf of Appellants, and the RHS in April 2002. A nonprofit organization at the time had expressed interest in acquiring some of Appellants' properties. On April 2, 2002, during those negotiations, Mr. Olsen sent the RHS a letter notifying the agency of these Appellants' intent  to convert [some] units into conventional housing and seeking approval of their request to pay off the mortgage(s) on certain properties. J.A. 31. The letter stated in its entirety:

We ask that you approved [sic] our request to pay off the mortgage(s) on the above-captioned developments. We desire to retain a few of the developments and we have an arrangement with a local and national non-profits [sic] to acquire the rest of the developments. Our intent is to convert these units into conventional housing. As we understand the nonprofits' motive, they, too, are seeking conventional housing. The total unit count for all of the developments above is 462 units.

Id.

About two weeks later, the RHS responded with a letter stating: This will acknowledge your letter dated April 2, 2002, regarding your request to pre-pay J.A. 32. The letter then pointed Mr. Olsen to a checklist of items that must be completed for each loan you are requesting to pre-pay. Id. The RHS attached a copy of instructions, including the checklist, for submitting prepayment requests. Mr. Olsen never responded to the RHS's letter, as the potential acquirer decided shortly thereafter against purchasing the properties.

Almost a decade later, in May 2011, Mr. Olsen submitted more definite prepayment requests on behalf of four of the Appellants. His requests indicated that he intended to prepay 180 days after the date of the requests. For one of the Appellants, the RHS responded with an incentive offer. Mr. Olsen accepted the incentive offer, thereby remaining in the housing program. For the other three Appellants, the RHS informed Mr. Olsen that no incentive offer would be made and that prepayment was also not an option. Based on the RHS's responses, Mr. Olsen purportedly believed that continuing to pursue prepayment on any of Appellants' properties would prove futile. He thus stopped pursuing the prepayment for those four Appellants and did not submit any additional prepayment applications for the other six Appellants.

C

In 2013, Appellants filed the underlying lawsuit against the United States, alleging that the government, through either Congress's enactment of ELIHPA or the RHS's 2011 responses, violated their right to prepay their  515 loans. Specifically, the four Appellants who sent prepayment requests to the RHS in 2011 allege that their claims began to accrue when the RHS failed to honor their requests to prepay at that time. The other six Appellants contend that their claims began to accrue when they filed the underlying suit, at which time they chose to treat ELIHPA's repudiation as a breach. Appellants asserted two causes of action: breach of contract (the contract claims) and just compensation under the Fifth Amendment (the takings claims).

The Tucker Act confers jurisdiction upon the Claims Court over any claim against the United States founded  upon any express or implied contract with the United States. 28 U.S.C.  1491(a). Under 28 U.S.C.  2501, all Tucker Act claims must be filed within six years of the date they first accrue[d]. The government moved to dismiss Appellants' claims for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. See John R. Sand & Gravel Co. v. United States, 552 U.S. 130, 128 S.Ct. 750, 169 L.Ed.2d 591 (2008) (holding  2501 jurisdictional). Specifically, it argued that the alleged breach of the obligation to accept prepayment first accrued in April 2002, and Appellants' claims were thus time-barred in 2013, when the complaint was filed. The Claims Court agreed that the statute of limitations had run and dismissed all of Appellants' claims.

Appellants timely appealed. This court has jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C.  1295(a)(3).

II. Discussion

Appellants seek reversal of the Claims Court's decision, arguing that the six-year statute of limitations did not begin to accrue in April 2002 because the RHS's letter response at that time did not constitute a breach of the RHS's obligation to accept Appellants' prepayment. If Appellants are correct, then there is no dispute that their 2013 contract claims would be timely. Appellants additionally argue that the Claims Court mistakenly dismissed their takings claims without separately addressing those claims. We take each issue in turn.

We review issues of subject matter jurisdiction de novo. Prasco, LLC v. Medicis Pharm. Corp., 537 F.3d 1329, 1335 (Fed. Cir. 2008). When a party has moved to dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, we view the alleged facts in the complaint as true, and if the facts reveal any reasonable basis upon which the non-movant may prevail, dismissal is inappropriate. Pixton v. B & B Plastics, Inc., 291 F.3d 1324, 1326 (Fed. Cir. 2002).

A

We turn first to the statute-of-limitations issue regarding the contract claims. In Franconia, the Supreme Court addressed the timeliness of a  515 borrower's claim for breach of the RHS's obligation to accept prepayment. 536 U.S. at 132, 122 S.Ct. 1993. Prior to that decision, this court had held that Congress's enactment of ELIHPA in 1988 constituted an immediate breach of  515 loan agreements and triggered the accrual of the six-year statute of limitations. Franconia Assocs. v. United States, 240 F.3d 1358 (Fed. Cir. 2001), rev'd, 536 U.S. 129, 122 S.Ct. 1993, 153 L.Ed.2d 132 (2002); see also Grass Valley Terrace v. United States, 7 Fed.Appx. 928 (Fed. Cir. 2001), rev'd sub nom., Franconia Assocs. v. United States, 536 U.S. 129, 122 S.Ct. 1993, 153 L.Ed.2d 132 (2002). The Supreme Court reversed, holding that the enactment of ELIHPA effected a repudiation of the [ 515] loan contracts, not an immediate breach. Franconia, 536 U.S. at 143, 122 S.Ct. 1993. The Court relied, in part, on the purpose of the repudiation doctrine, which is to avoid an unnecessary lawsuit by allowing the promisor an opportunity to adhere to its undertaking. Id. at 148, 122 S.Ct. 1993. The Court reasoned that [j]ust as Congress may announce the government's intent to dishonor an obligation to perform in the future through a duly enacted law, so may it retract that renouncement prior to the time for performance. Id. The Court thus held that [u]nless [a borrower] treated ELIHPA as a present breach by filing suit prior to the date indicated for performance, breach would occur when a borrower attempted to prepay, for only at that time would the government's responsive performance become due. Id. at 143, 122 S.Ct. 1993.

Appellants argue that the April 2002 correspondence between Mr. Olsen and the RHS at most constituted a repudiation, rather than a breach, of the RHS's obligation to accept Appellants' prepayment. They take the position that under Franconia a request for prepayment must indicate a time for performance in order to trigger the RHS's obligation to accept prepayment, and Mr. Olsen's 2002 letter did not specify when Appellants intended to prepay. Appellants also argue that nothing in the RHS's 2002 response could be construed as a rejection or disallowance of prepayment.

Taking the contrary view, the government relies primarily on our post-Franconia decision in Tamerlane, Ltd. v. United States, 550 F.3d 1135 (Fed. Cir. 2008). There, we stated that [t]he Franconia decision requires no more formalism than the written request to prepay followed by non-acceptance of the request by the government to trigger the running to the statute of limitations. 550 F.3d at 1143. According to the government, Tamerlane therefore made clear that the formalism of a prepayment request is not important; all that is required to trigger the RHS's obligation to accept prepayment is a written request to prepay, after which anything but outright acceptance would constitute a breach of contract. Here, the government contends, Mr. Olsen's 2002 letter was a clear written request to prepay so, like the letters at issue in Tamerlane, it triggered the RHS's duty to accept the prepayment. It further submits that, because we have described the ability to prepay as an unfettered right, id., the RHS breached the loan agreements simply by not accepting the request. Appellee's Br. 27. We disagree.

The Supreme Court's decision in Franconia expressly distinguished between repudiation and breach by drawing the line at the time for performanceuntil the government's obligation to allow or accept prepayment comes due, it has at most repudiated its obligation to accept prepayment. 536 U.S. at 139, 148, 122 S.Ct. 1993. The Franconia Court relied on well-established contract principles to observe that a promisor's renunciation of a contractual duty before the time fixed in the contract for  performance is a repudiation, whereas a [f]ailure by the promisor to perform at the time indicated for performance in the contract establishes an immediate breach. Id. at 14243, 122 S.Ct. 1993 (second emphasis added) (quoting 4 A. Corbin, Contracts  959, p. 855 (1951)) (citing Restatement (Second) of Contracts  235(2), 250 (1979)).

As Appellants argue, Tamerlane cannot be read as eliminating Franconia' s requirement of a time fixed for performance. Appellants' Reply Br. 8. Appellants surmise that the borrowers in that case had submitted complete requests for prepayment that included a date for prepayment, at least 180 days after the date of the requests, consistent with the then-governing regulations. We need not rely on such speculation. In Tamerlane, we held that a physical transfer of money was not required to trigger the government's duty to accept prepayment; rather, clear, unconditional offers of prepayment can suffice. 550 F.3d at 1143. But the parties did not dispute, and this court did not address, whether the particular requests for prepayment in that case sufficiently fixed a time for performance. Tamerlane could not have eliminated the Franconia Court's reliance on general contract principles.

Mr. Olsen's 2002 letter did not expressly indicate when he planned to prepay. And in context, we think it unreasonable to view the letter, with no specification of the time for prepayment, as going beyond an exploratory notification and triggering the contractual duty on the part of the government to accept prepayment and execute the appropriate releases. Franconia, 536 U.S. at 142, 122 S.Ct. 1993.

The Supreme Court in Franconia relied on the government's own equating of a duty to allow petitioners to prepay and a duty to accept tendered prepayments. Id. at 144, 122 S.Ct. 1993. Appellants did not tender prepayments with Mr. Olsen's 2002 letter or indicate a time they would tender them if the government indicated it would accept them. Indeed, there were many properties involved, for which the borrowers' actual ability and readiness to prepay could be expected to depend on completion and effectuation of the referred-to arrangements or other financing deals. Two of the properties were actually still within their covenants periods and not even eligible for prepayment by their terms, as the RHS would know.

More generally, the government's view of Mr. Olsen's 2002 letter as immediately triggering the government's duty is unreasonable, in context, from each side's perspective. From the government's perspective, it is unreasonable to make the government liable for breach for responding with a request for more information in late April 2002 (as it did). Such a view would make the government possibly responsible for damages the borrowers would have suffered from losing a limited-time opportunity in late April or early May of that year, even though the borrowers never more definitely specified a time by which the government had to accept prepayment and effect the associated releases. It is likewise unreasonable from the borrowers' perspective to treat Mr. Olsen's 2002 letterwith no definite time for prepayment specified making clear when the government had to perform in responseas having the effect the government proposes: exhausting a one-time right of prepayment, never available again after an initial exercise, during the long life of the loan. Yet the government must insist on that one-time-exercise view of the prepayment right, or else this suit would be timely based on the 2011 requests and 2013 complaint regardless of what occurred in 2002.

Under the circumstances, the letter must be read, objectively, as not requesting effectuation of prepayment either immediately or by a specified time. The Claims Court did not conclude otherwise, except by relying on Tamerlanewhich does not justify such a conclusion. Mr. Olsen's 2002 letter thus did not trigger the government's obligation to accept prepayment. Simply put, without specifying when Mr. Olsen wanted to prepay, the letter was akin to an open-ended exploratory notification that he intended to prepay.

Furthermore, we disagree with the government's position that any response other than outright acceptance (even informing a borrower about procedural requirements) qualifies as conduct constituting breach. Such a requirement reads our unfettered right language in Tamerlane too rigidly. Indeed, in that case, we did not rest our decision on the RHS's initial responses to the plaintiff's prepayment requests as constituting a breach. Rather, we held that the RHS had breached at least by the dates of the incentive loans, which occurred more than two years later. 550 F.3d at 1143.

Here, as Appellants contend, [t]he [RHS's 2002 response] letter  contain [ed] no rejection or disallowance of prepayment, either explicit or implicit. Appellants' Opening Br. 35. The RHS's response merely acknowledged Appellants' contractual right to prepay and provided instructions on how to proceed with the process. Such a response offering guidance cannot be characterized as non-acceptance of Appellants' request to prepay.

The regulations in force at the time further bolster the conclusion that there was not yet any non-acceptance of prepayment. The RHS required a complete prepayment requesta written request with a time for performance, plus additional documentation, including proof of ability to repaybefore it would substantively review the request, and an incomplete request would be returned with a request for more information. 7 C.F.R.  1965.205(c), 1965.206(a) (2002). Although these regulations, like ELIHPA itself, might arguably constitute a repudiation of the RHS's obligation to accept prepayment, they support Appellants' argument that the RHS's response was nothing more than a request for more information.

In sum, the Supreme Court in Franconia explained that the essential purpose of the repudiation doctrine is to avoid an unnecessary lawsuit by allowing the promisor an opportunity to adhere to its undertaking. 536 U.S. at 148, 122 S.Ct. 1993. During the 2002 correspondence between Appellants and the RHS, Appellants did not trigger the RHS's duty to accept prepayment, and the RHS did not take any steps inconsistent with allowing prepayment. Indeed, the RHS retained the option to retract its repudiation after the 2002 correspondence. The government therefore did not breach its contractual obligation to accept Appellants' prepayment in 2002. Because the alleged breaches occurred for some Appellants in 2011 and for the others when the underlying suit was filed in 2013, Appellants' contract claims are not time-barred under the six-year statute of limitations.

B

The Claims Court also dismissed Appellants' takings claims that had been pled separately from the breach-of-contract claims. In doing so, it did not separately allude to or analyze the takings claims. According to Appellants, this constituted error because there is no reason to assume without discovery that [Appellants'] takings claims accrued on the same day and based on the same event as their contract claims. Appellants' Opening Br. 42.

Because the Claims Court implicitly premised the dismissal of Appellants' takings claims on the same erroneous rationale as the dismissal of their contract claims, we also reverse the dismissal of the takings claims. We leave for the Claims Court on remand to address the viability of the takings claims in the first instance.

III. Conclusion

For the foregoing reasons, we reverse the dismissal of Appellants' claims and remand for further proceedings.

REVERSED AND REMANDED

FOOTNOTES

. Bayou des Glaises, Ltd.; Bloomfield Partnership II; Clifford E. OlsenCollege Towne; Clifford E. OlsenCollins Square; Clifford E. OlsenHammond Towne; Clifford E. OlsenJefferson South; Clifford E. OlsenOld Man River; Clifford E. OlsenWalker Partnership; Clifford E. Olsen 1977-B; and Cypress Cove Association.

. The RHS was formerly known as the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA). See Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, Pub. L. No. 103-354,  233, 108 Stat. 3178, 321920 (establishing a successor agency to the FmHA); see also Agency Name Change, 61 Fed. Reg. 2899 (Jan. 30, 1996) (renaming the successor agency to be the RHS). To avoid confusion, we refer to both the FmHA and the RHS throughout this opinion as the RHS.

. Although borrowers can prepay at any time, the applicable law when Appellants entered into the loans included a fifteen- or twenty-year restrictive-use provision (depending on the type of loan) that generally prohibited the government from accepting prepayment unless the borrower agreed to maintain low-income use of the rental housing for fifteen or twenty years from the date of the loan. Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-153,  503, 93 Stat. 1101, 113435 (codified as amended at 42 U.S.C.  1472(c)) (amending  502 of the Housing Act of 1949).

. These regulations were consolidated into stream-lined regulations and handbooks in 2004. Reinvention of the Sections 514, 515, 516, and 521 Multi-Family Housing Programs, 69 Fed. Reg. 69,032 (Nov. 26, 2004).

. In addition to Appellants, there were thirteen other plaintiffsall of whom also share Mr. Olsen as a common general partnerin the underlying lawsuit, for a total of twenty-three plaintiffs. The other thirteen plaintiffs agreed to dismiss their claims and are not parties to this appeal.

. That is so notwithstanding the government's stressing that Mr. Olsen's 2002 letter is similar to the letters in Tamerlane. Tamerlane held only that formal tender was not required. It did not hold that an informal request set the time for performance as of that very day, and as noted infra, we did not rest our decision in Tamerlane on the initial request letter.

. We need not decide what other government actions or non-actions would constitute non-acceptance of a prepayment request.

. The Supreme Court in Franconia did not provide guidance as to when the statute of limitations begins to run on takings claims brought by a  515 borrower. See 536 U.S. at 149, 122 S.Ct. 1993 (The Federal Circuit's holding that takings relief was time barred hinged entirely upon passage of ELIHPA. Because that conclusion was incorrect, we hold, the Federal Circuit erred in dismissing petitioners' takings theory on grounds of untimeliness.).

Prost, Chief Judge.
Reaffirming its credentials as a preferred partner for international credit lines, DFCC Bank has been granted a long term loan of 20 million by Proparco, a subsidiary of Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD). This organisation is devoted to private sector financing, to finance renewable energy projects and improve access to credit for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka. DFCC Bank has decades of experience in promoting development finance amongst the SME sector in the country, with an established record of a successful foray into the renewable energy sector.

Commenting on the new partnership, Mr. Gregory Clemente, CEO of Proparco said, We are pleased to partner with DFCC Bank to strengthen the SME sector in Sri Lanka. SMEs account for 70% of all businesses, employ 26% of the active population and contribute 52% of GDP, which makes them a critical growth engine in the island. We believe that strengthening this sector represents a key growth opportunity, in line with the vision of the Sri Lankan Government which recently stressed the major role of banks in SME finance. DFCC will be able to use this 20 million loan to boost the proportion of SMEs in its portfolio  which already stands at nearly 50%. We are also pleased to support a Bank that is already active in financing renewable energy.

DFCC CEO, Arjun Fernando further added, DFCC Bank is pleased to be selected as the disbursement partner for Proparco, a reputed development finance body in the world. DFCC Bank is a pioneer in supporting renewable energy projects, having supported the first hydro project in 1996. Since then, we have supported many large scale renewable energy projects including wind and solar energy. As Sri Lankas pioneering development bank, DFCC has had extensive experience in financing renewable energy projects in the past and as a fully-fledged commercial bank today, we are well poised to empower more of such projects which will create greater energy security for the nation. We are proud of our past record in standing by SMEs in their early and risky stages, enabling them to eventually to become big names in their respective sectors today. The Bank also adds significant value by offering entrepreneurship training programmes and other technical and marketing support to SMEs. Long-term finance of this magnitude is difficult to obtain in the domestic market, and we believe the credit line by Proparco will empower us to propel the SME sector to the next stage of development.

DFCC Bank financed Sri Lankas first hydro power project back in 1996, the countrys first wind farm in 2010 and its first solar power plant in 2015. The bank is currently providing funding for 70 hydro power projects, 3 wind farms and 2 solar energy projects as well as a biomass project.
After Apparel Tech Up in Bangladesh, India, Vietnam and Indonesia, ThreadSol hosted the first edition of Apparel Tech Up for the Sri Lankan apparel industry on 20th July 2017 at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. The event was aimed to discuss the latest trends in global apparel retail and manufacturing. And subsequently how new age technology like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Mobility can aid Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers.

The event saw a large turn out from the apparel manufacturing fraternity of Sri Lanka with presence of over 90 high management representatives from 42 manufacturing groups including Mr. Felix Fernando, CEO Sirio Ltd, Mr. Rakhil Hirdaramani, Director Hirdaramani Group, Mr. Murad CEO and Mr. Jehan Mutaliph from MAS Bodyline and Mr. Sadiq Omar, Mr. Shiraz Omar and Mr. Hasib Omar from Brandix. The audience also included technology providers  Fast React Systems and GSD.

The event began with a note by Anas Shakil, Head of Emerging Markets, ThreadSol. He discussed the changing landscape of retailers and consumers of fashion products, the inevitable rise of e-commerce and the plausible impact on manufacturers.

He said, The trends all over the world are changing, Amazon (An e-commerce company based in USA) holds a 6.6pct share of the fashion retail in USA and it is expected to rise to 16.2% in the next 5 years. This impact of fast fashion will greatly affect the global apparel manufacturing. From our analysis of 154 factories across 15 countries, we see number of styles per season are rising at a CAGR of 17.9%. By 2020, manufacturers will have to plan twice the number of styles as they do today, whereas the overall quantity will remain constant.

This was followed by a keynote by Founder CEO of ThreadSol, Manasij Ganguli. Manasij, a technocrat with 15 years of experience explained how ThreadSol products using AI, Big Data and Mobility can drastically change the landscape of apparel manufacturing in the world.

Big Data, Artificial Intelligence are concepts that are essential for the apparel industry to adopt to stay cost competitive. The information is available, just requires the right systems to mine it and use for data driven decision-making. We, at ThreadSol, are committed to continually innovate, to help our customers succeed in a fast-evolving industry concluded Manasij Ganguli.
In Tamil Nadu, fishermen in Pudukottai district announced indefinite strike from today urging the immediate release of fishermen and their boats by Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 49 fishermen from Tamil Nadu yesterday and detained their twelve fishing boats.

Fishermen from Pudukottai Ramanathapuram districts of Tami Nadu were apprehended by Sri Lankan Navy when they were fishing in Lankan waters.

Tamil Nadu fishermen say that they should be allowed to fish in traditional waters of Palk Straits.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edapady K Palanisamy in a letter urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and secure the release of 64 fishermen from Tamil Nadu lodged in Lankan jail and 125 mechanised boats detained by Lanka.

He pointed out that subsidy scheme to buy long liners for deep sea fishing was launched by the Prime Minister at Rameswaram. (Outlook India)
In recent times, there has been an intense debate on the legality of Article 35A of the Indian Constitution, specifically as it concerns Jammu and Kashmir. This Article empowers the state legislature to define permanent residents of the state, their special rights and privileges. It was added to the Constitution through a presidential order of 1954 with the concurrence of the state government of the day.

Article 370, on the other hand, guarantees special status to the state, restricting the central governments power to only three subjects - defence, foreign affairs and communication. The Delhi agreement between Jawaharlal Nehru and Sheik Abdullah in 1952 led to several additional provisions of the Constitution being extended to the state. This was done via a presidential order of 1954. Article 35A was inserted then.

Article 35A provides the right to purchase and own property, seek government jobs, aid, college admissions and scholarships in the state. Those who emigrated from the state to Pakistan during Partition are considered state subjects for two generations, but those who migrated from other than POK and settled in J&K, post Partition, are ineligible.

Article 35A is now being challenged in the Supreme Court. There are differences in views, both within the state and between political parties. The BJP had mentioned removal of the Article in its election manifesto and believes the Article has outlived its utility and the state should be merged with the nation, akin to other states.

Its coalition partner, the PDP and the National Conference (NC), both Valley-based political parties, are averse to its removal. CM Mehbooba Mufti stated that if the status of J&K is tampered with, there would be no one to hold the Indian flag in the state, while Farooq Abdullah warned of mass protests.

The Valley parties are against this proposal solely because they have been propagating that such a step would lead to change of demography in the Valley. Both have joined hands to contest this battle and deny any dilution to its current status. Omar Abdullahs announcement of commencing his protest on August 14 is seeking to convey a subtle message, as it is Pakistans Independence Day.

J&K has three distinct parts, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. There are no major objections to the Articles abrogation in Jammu; in fact the region desires its removal, as recent forum discussions have indicated, while Ladakh seeks a union territory status. However, the Valley remains solely averse. It is unlikely that the Article can be considered for removal in one part of the state, while it remains in the others.

J&K has three distinct parts, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Photo: Reuters

The Article has been discriminatory among its own population, hence has come under questioning. A resident woman marrying outside the state is no longer considered a permanent resident, thus she and her children lose their status. The same is not applicable to male members, who may marry outside the state. Further, residents of the state since Independence, having migrated from Pakistan, are non-residents, while those who emigrated to Pakistan are.

Legally, the Article can be questioned as it denies residents their basic rights under the Constitution. The Articles of the Constitution which are violated are Article 14 concerning equality, Article 15 concerning discrimination on basis of place of birth, Article 16 dealing with equality of opportunity in matters of public employment and reservations and Article 19, which is right to free speech and right of life and liberty.

Article 370 has a different connotation. The J&K High Court in October 2015 had ruled that Article 370 is permanent, beyond amendment, repeal or abrogation. In a subsequent appeal, the Supreme Court stated that it is not permanent and Parliament can take a call on scrapping it. Hence, the battle has now shifted to Article 35A, which could be a precursor to Article 370.

Over the years, local Kashmiris have been made to believe that scrapping of Article 35A would change the demography of the region. This could never be further from the truth, as facts indicate. Residents of the entire state possess the power to purchase property and settle anywhere, within the state.

There has been no movement of population from either Jammu or Ladakh towards the Valley and thus no demographic change has occurred in the region in the last 70 years. The property of Kashmiris who migrated post the ethnic cleansing was bought by local Moslems, not residents of Jammu or Ladakh.

The Valley on its part has refused to allocate land for ex-servicemen belonging to the state, Kashmiri Pundits and even migrants from Pakistan. The reality is that change in demography has been in the reverse direction, with Kashmiris, Bangladeshis and Rohingyas moving and settling around Jammu and NOT the Valley.

Secondly, why should Valley-based political parties possess the prerogative to take decisions on behalf of the state? Their logic that the demography of the Valley would change is skewed, as they represent the state and not only the Valley. The Valley is much smaller when compared to Jammu and Ladakh, both in terms of area and population, hence it should not be permitted to hold the rest of the state to ransom.

The reality is that the Valley-based parties are afraid of losing their support base, because for years they have drilled into the population the thought of demographic change, hence they cannot back down now, though evidence points to the opposite. In addition, there is a latent fear that the BJP would soon become a force in the Valley, eroding their power.

If the state is required to take a legal stand on the issue, then it should consult representatives of Jammu and Ladakh also. They are unwilling because Jammu is dominated by the BJP, whose views are clear and Ladakh by the Congress. Hence, in case political consensus is not forthcoming, then the next democratic step would be to conduct a referendum across the state.

Both PDP and NC are hesitant against this step, knowing they would lose. Thus, they are willing to support violent protests in the Valley, as it is the only part of the state where locals have been brainwashed.

I have asked many local Kashmiris to explain how they would lose if the Article is removed. The only answer which flows is change of demography, which in their opinion is a one-way ticket to paradise.

When explained that demographic changes have not occurred in 70 years - when anyone from the plains could settle in the Valley - hence is unlikely to change now, there is silence. When informed that it would only enhance investment, increase employment opportunities and ensure development, there is again silence.

In case the central government does seek to bring about a change, it needs to engage the population, commence debate on the advantages and disadvantages of the Article in vernacular media and college forums, creating awareness to override the misconstrued campaign of the Valley-based political parties.
In the real world, the jury is still out on whether universal suffrage is a good idea, or if it is something that collectively dumbs down societies. As a concept, it is still relatively new, becoming a norm only in the 20th century and that too not everywhere.

And so far as the election of Donald Trump shows, the record of masses electing their leaders has been mixed. But in the virtual world, a consensus seems to have been formed: giving choice to people is, most of the time, not a great idea.

In a world that is driven by the clicks people make, everything is going awry. The number of clicks, which in turn help tune the algorithms that rule our lives, aren't creating a world that is better.

We see this on social media. We see it on search engines. We see it on almost every website which is out there, including on this website. We know what people read on DailyO, we know what sort of comments they upvote. It is not always glorious.

In this virtual world, arguing for data democracy is not a bright idea. Yet, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India - the regulator that keeps a watch on the telecom sector in India - is rooting for the same.

It wants to give Indian web users and people who use smartphones the ability to choose how their data is going to be used. As a concept it sounds great - all about choices and dont we all love choice - but look at the nuances, and you start realising why a government regulator wants people to own their data and how things can go wrong a few years down the line.

To understand the intent of the government, which in this case seems to be collecting more and more data by forcing technology companies to unlock their virtual vaults, you need to hear what TRAI chairman RS Sharma recently said about Apple.

TRAI claims that for over a year now, it is fighting with Apple to bring the DND (Do Not Disturb) app on iPhones. This app is supposed to help Indian phone users fight spam calls and messages.

In reality, it is a rubbish app. It is useless - the spam messages and calls never stop - and unnecessary. On Android, where the app is available, it has a rating of 1.9 stars, which is pathetic by every measure. The app is not available on iPhones because it requires access to user data that Apple doesn't allow. TRAI doesn't like it.

Unlike Android phones, where user data is more easily accessible to apps, on the iPhone Apple tightly controls the private data that other apps can get. The company does this for several reasons, one of which is privacy and security.

Overall, the iPhone is arguably the most secure and private smartphone regular users can buy, all because Apple tightly controls how private data of an iPhone user can be accessed.

Overall, the iPhone is arguably the most secure and private smartphone regular users can buy.

For over a year now, TRAI is asking for access to users private data on iPhones for its DND App. But Apple has reportedly refused.

Sharma is now playing the "data democracy" card. "Let us not confuse the issue (DND issue) with privacy... the issue here is about the user's ownership of his (or) her own data and their ability to share that data consciously with the regulator and third party," he recently told PTI.

Apple so far has been unmoved, largely - but not wholly - because it believes that giving private data access to apps, however holy the app, will be akin to opening a chink in iPhone security.

Incidentally, this is not the first time such an argument has been heard from Indian government officials. Recently, in the Supreme Court during the debate on whether Indians have the fundamental right to privacy or not, the lawyers representing Indian government repeatedly argued that if users willing want to surrender their privacy they should be allowed to do that.

And then there is the recent TRAI consultation paper on data ownership. The same argument, which is also espoused by all those who love all things Aadhaar, is repeated in the paper.

TRAI notes: "In the context of data protection, it is also important to establish the ownership of the data. For instance, if the data is recognised as belonging to the user to whom it pertains, then this data becomes available for use by them to better their own lives."

In simple words, the argument that has come from the Indian government of late is that people should be given a choice to share their data with government bodies or private organisations. If people want to throw their privacy under the bus to get free pizza, they should be allowed to make that choice. We live in a democracy after all.

In a way this is a debate that will unfold gradually in other parts of the world too, particularly in the Silicon Valley where so far meritocracy - and it has its own problems - has been the guiding hand and not democracy.

But so far we have also seen that in the world of technology, meritocracy works better than democracy as far as the larger picture is concerned. Some of the security protocols, for example PGP (Pretty Good Privacy), are fantastic because they are not the result of a "democratic process". Repeatedly, we have seen that web users or smartphone users indeed do not know what is best for them.

Steve Jobs - of the same Apple that is in tussle with TRAI - was fond of saying that often users dont know what they want until you show it to them. Maybe this is because not enough people are well-versed with the basics of the virtual world. Or maybe the reasons are more political and philosophical.

But irrespective of the reasons it makes sense not to force something like "data democracy" on people who may not understand what is data and how it would be used.

It won't be unique to keep something like data security and privacy away from "democracy". Even in mature democracies, only the legislature is democratic. The executive and judiciary aren't.

Data transparency, yes. Regulation, yes. But not data democracy. It sounds very elitist. So does the concept of net neutrality.
United States Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit. AIA AMERICA, INC., fka Alzheimer's Institute of America, Inc., Plaintiff-Appellant v. AVID RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Defendant-Appellee Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, University of South Florida Board of Trustees, Defendants 2016-2647 Decided: August 10, 2017

Before Newman, Lourie, and Hughes, Circuit Judges. Peter Buckley, Fox Rothschild, LLP, Philadelphia, PA, argued for plaintiff-appellant. Lawrence Scott Burwell, Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP, Reston, VA, argued for defendant-appellee. Also represented by Charles E. Lipsey; Laura Pollard Masurovsky, Washington, DC; Manisha A. Desai, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN.

AIA America, Inc. appeals the district court's award of attorney's fees to Avid Radiopharmaceuticals and the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. Because the Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial does not apply to requests for attorney's fees under  285 of the Patent Act, the district court did not err by making factual findings not foreclosed by the jury's verdict on standing, and AIA's due process rights were not violated, we affirm.

I

AIA America, Inc. sued Avid Radiopharmaceuticals and the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania (collectively, Avid) for infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 5,455,169 and 7,538,258. The patents are generally directed to research technologies stemming from the discovery of the Swedish mutation, a genetic mutation that is associated with early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease. For example, the '169 patent claims a nucleic acid encoding a human amyloid precursor protein with the Swedish mutation. Dr. Michael J. Mullan is named as the sole inventor of both patents.

Avid, in response, alleged that AIA lacked standing to assert the '169 and '258 patents. According to Avid, Ronald Sexton, AIA's founder, and Dr. Mullan, the purported sole inventor, orchestrated a scheme to appropriate for themselves inventions from Imperial College (Imperial) in London and the University of South Florida (USF).

Avid argued that the scheme began when members of Dr. John Hardy's Imperial research group (including Dr. Mullan, then a Ph.D. student) made the groundbreaking discovery of one of the first gene mutations that causes Alzheimer's disease. The gene mutation was later called the London Mutation. Under a sponsored research agreement, Imperial gave options to that discovery to Athena, a pharmaceutical company.

Dr. Hardy and his team believed the Athena agreement undervalued their research. Soon thereafter, Mr. Sexton, a Kansas City businessman who had no experience in scientific research but saw a business opportunity for himself, offered Dr. Hardy and his team a better deal than they had with Athena. Initially, Dr. Hardy and his team attempted to undermine the agreement with Athena by misrepresenting the origins of their work on the London Mutation. This attempt failed when Imperial determined that it owned the discovery under United Kingdom law by its employment of the inventors. Dr. Hardy, his team, and Mr. Sexton then decided to make sure [they] didn't give anything else away. J.A. 2759:1314.

Therefore, when Dr. Hardy started investigating Alzheimer's mutations in Swedish families and realized the data was screaming that there was a mutation in the DNA, he decided not to identify the actual sequence of the mutation at Imperial. JA 2790:918. Instead, he sent the DNA to Dr. Mullan, who had graduated from Imperial and moved to USF, so the DNA could be sequenced there. To hide the involvement of Dr. Hardy and the Imperial researchers, the resulting patent application on the Swedish mutation was filed in Dr. Mullan's name alone.

To further their scheme, Mr. Sexton, Dr. Hardy, and Dr. Mullan sent false letters to Imperial denying Dr. Hardy's involvement in the discovery. The group also misled USF into believing that this discovery related to prior research to which Imperial had rights, thereby securing USF's signature on a letter waiving USF's ownership of the newly discovered Swedish mutation. After the patent application was filed, it was immediately assigned to Sexton's newly-formed company, AIA.

AIA, meanwhile, maintained that Dr. Mullan was properly named the sole inventor of the '169 and '258 patents and that Dr. Mullan's employer, USF, waived any ownership rights in the patents.

The district court ordered targeted discovery and held a jury trial on AIA's standing, in which twelve witnesses testified and over 200 exhibits were introduced. As part of the trial, Dr. Hardy testified about the conspiracy by which, he, Dr. Mullan, and Mr. Sexton denied Imperial and USF rights in the Swedish mutation. The jury determined that USF did not knowingly and intentionally waive its ownership rights to the Swedish mutation and that Dr. Hardy was a co-inventor. Based on the jury's verdict, the district court found AIA lacked standing to assert the '169 and '258 patents and entered judgment in favor of Avid. We summarily affirmed that decision. Alzheimers Inst. of Am., Inc. v. Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, 560 Fed.Appx. 996 (Fed. Cir. 2014).

Avid subsequently moved for attorney's fees. The district court allowed the parties to submit extensive briefing, evidence, and declarations on the issue of fees. After holding a hearing in which AIA was allowed to present arguments in opposition to the motion, the court awarded fees in the amount of $3,943,317.70 to Avid. AIA appeals the award of attorney's fees, but not the amount awarded. We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C.  1295(a)(1) (2012).

II

We first address AIA's argument that the Seventh Amendment requires a jury trial to decide the facts forming the basis to award attorney's fees under  285 of the Patent Act. Specifically, AIA argues that when an award of attorney's fees is based in part or in whole on a party's state of mind, intent, or culpability, only a jury may decide those issues. We review de novo the question of whether a party is entitled to a jury trial. Tegal Corp. v. Tokyo Electron Am., Inc., 257 F.3d 1331, 1339 (Fed. Cir. 2001).

A litigant has a right to a jury trial if provided by statute, or if required by the Seventh Amendment. See Feltner v. Columbia Pictures Television, Inc., 523 U.S. 340, 345, 118 S.Ct. 1279, 140 L.Ed.2d 438 (1998). With no right to a jury trial provided in the statute, AIA relies solely on the Seventh Amendment.

The Seventh Amendment preserves the right to a jury trial for [s]uits at common law. U.S. Const. amend. VII. The phrase suits at common law refers to suits in which only legal rights and remedies were at issue, as opposed to equitable rights and remedies. Granfinanciera, S.A. v. Nordberg, 492 U.S. 33, 41, 109 S.Ct. 2782, 106 L.Ed.2d 26 (1989). A legal remedy requires a jury trial on demand, while an equitable remedy does not implicate the right to a jury trial. Curtis v. Loether, 415 U.S. 189, 196 n.11, 94 S.Ct. 1005, 39 L.Ed.2d 260 (1974). A two-step inquiry determines whether a modern statutory cause of action involves only legal rights and remedies. Tull v. United States, 481 U.S. 412, 41718, 107 S.Ct. 1831, 95 L.Ed.2d 365 (1987). First, we must compare the statutory action to 18th-century actions brought in the courts of England prior to the merger of the courts of law and equity. Id. at 417, 107 S.Ct. 1831. Second, we examine the remedy sought and determine whether it is legal or equitable in nature. Id. at 41718, 107 S.Ct. 1831. The Supreme Court has stressed the second step of this test is the more important of the two. Chauffeurs, Teamsters & Helpers, Local No. 391 v. Terry, 494 U.S. 558, 565, 110 S.Ct. 1339, 108 L.Ed.2d 519 (1990) (The second inquiry is the more important in our analysis.).

Turning to the first step, the nature of the claim, English courts for centuries have allowed claims for attorney's fees in both the courts of law and equity. Arthur L. Goodhart, Costs, 38 Yale L. J. 849, 85154 (1929). But when brought in the courts of law, judges, not juries, determined attorney's fees. Id. Therefore, since either a judge in the court of law or an equity court would determine attorney's fees, this implies that attorney's fees generally do not involve legal rights.

As to the second step, the nature of the remedy, the fact that the relief sought is monetary does not necessarily make the remedy legal. Terry, 494 U.S. at 570, 110 S.Ct. 1339. In the context of attorney's fees, when attorney's fees are themselves part of the merits of an action, they are regarded as a legal remedy. For example, a lawyer's fee claim against a client is a question for the jury, Simler v. Conner, 372 U.S. 221, 223, 83 S.Ct. 609, 9 L.Ed.2d 691 (1963) (per curiam), and a claim for attorney's fees under a contractual indemnification provision is a contractual legal right that is also a question for the jury, McGuire v. Russell Miller, Inc., 1 F.3d 1306, 131516 (2d Cir. 1993). By contrast, when attorney's fees are awarded pursuant to a statutory prevailing party provision, they are regarded as an equitable remedy because they raise issues collateral to and separate from the decision on the merits. Budinich v. Becton Dickinson & Co., 486 U.S. 196, 200, 108 S.Ct. 1717, 100 L.Ed.2d 178 (1988) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted). Since Avid sought fees as a prevailing party under 35 U.S.C.  285, the attorney's fees in this action are properly characterized as an equitable remedy.

Both steps of the Tull test reflect that requests for attorney's fees under  285 are equitable and do not invoke the Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial. See Swofford v. B & W, Inc., 336 F.2d 406, 41314 (5th Cir. 1964) (holding there is no right to a jury trial for attorney's fees under  285).

Despite the foregoing, AIA argues that if a decision on attorney's fees involves considerations of a party's state of mind, intent, and culpability, then those questions must be presented to a jury under the Seventh Amendment. AIA, however, has pointed to no cases finding that once an issue is deemed equitable, a Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial may still attach to certain underlying determinations. Nor does AIA's argument fit within the Supreme Court's framework of when the right to a jury trial attaches to a claim. In 18th-century England, if a claim was in the court of equity, the equity court had the discretion to submit a claim to a jury but was never required to submit any issue to a jury, regardless of whether it was deciding issues of state of mind, intent, and culpability. Garsed v. Beall, 92 U.S. 685, 695, 23 L.Ed. 686 (1875). Finally, AIA's position is at odds with other statutory prevailing party provisions. See, e.g., Great Am. Fed. Sav. & Loan Ass'n v. Novotny, 442 U.S. 366, 375, 99 S.Ct. 2345, 60 L.Ed.2d 957 (1979) ( [Title VII] expressly allows the prevailing party to recover his attorney's fees Because the Act expressly authorizes only equitable remedies, the courts have consistently held that neither party has a right to a jury trial.). In sum, AIA's right to a jury trial under the Seventh Amendment was not violated.

II

AIA next argues that the district court erred by making factual findings on issues that were not considered by a jury. According to AIA, our decisions in Door-Master Corp. v. Yorktowne, Inc., 256 F.3d 1308 (Fed. Cir. 2001) and Jurgens v. CBK, Ltd., 80 F.3d 1566 (Fed. Cir. 1996) precluded the district court from making factual determinations about AIA's state of mind, intent, and culpability since these questions were never presented to the jury.

Our decisions in Door-Master and Jurgens stand for the straight-forward proposition that after a trial on legal issues, a court may not make findings contrary to or inconsistent with the resolution of any issues necessarily and actually decided by the jury. See also Kinetic Concepts, Inc. v. Smith & Nephew, Inc., 688 F.3d 1342, 1360 (Fed. Cir. 2012); Therma-Tru Corp. v. Peachtree Doors Inc., 44 F.3d 988, 994 (Fed. Cir. 1995) ([T]he court may not make findings in conflict with those of the jury.). These decisions do not prevent a court, when deciding equitable issues, from making additional findings not precluded by the jury's verdict. See Paragon Podiatry Lab., Inc. v. KLM Labs., Inc., 984 F.2d 1182, 1190 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (holding that in the context of the equitable defense of inequitable conduct, a disputed finding of intent to mislead or to deceive is one for the judge to resolve, not the jury). Thus, the district court was not foreclosed from making additional findings about AIA's state of mind, intent, and culpability.

III

Finally, AIA argues that its due process was violated because the district court did not give AIA the opportunity to submit evidence regarding its intent, state of mind, or culpability. Contrary to AIA's argument, the district court provided both parties the opportunity to fully brief the motion seeking attorney's fees and allowed both parties to submit any additional evidence and affidavits. The district court also held a hearing on the motion where AIA was allowed to present arguments. To the extent AIA believes its due process was violated because the district court did not allow it to present evidence regarding intent to a jury, AIA was not entitled to a jury trial on the issue of attorney's fees. Accordingly, the district court did not deprive AIA of due process.

IV

Because there is no right to a jury trial for attorney's fees under  285, because the district court did not err by making factual findings not foreclosed by the jury's verdict, and because AIA was not deprived of due process, we affirm.

AFFIRMED

Costs

Costs to Appellee.

Hughes, Circuit Judge.
8/15 Red Bank Council MeetingNoon  1 p.m.Red Bank Community Center: Tom Weathers DriveJoin the Chambers Red Bank Council for their monthly meeting.$10.8/16 SouthSide Community Coffee8  9 a.m.The Spot: 1800 E Main St.Join the Chambers SouthSide Council for coffee and networking.This event is free.8/16 Ooltewah/Collegedale Council Meeting9:15  10:30 a.m.Collegedale City Hall: 4910 Swinyar Dr.Speaker: TDOTThis event is free.8/16 Facebook Advertising Workshop 10110:30 a.m. noonBrightBridge: 535 Chestnut St., Ste. 161Learn how to target your ads, find who your customer is and fine tune your page info.This workshop is developed and delivered by an e-commerce seller, not a Facebook employee. As such, the views or opinions expressed are those of the instructor.Speaker: Emily Pilkington with BrightBridge Womens Business CenterRequired materials: Active Facebook Business Page and laptop computer (available upon request with notice)To reserve your free seat visit www.brightbridgewbc.org/event/FBads8-16/ 8/16 Hixson Council Meeting11:45  1 p.m.North River Civic Center: 1009 Executive Dr.Topic: Speed NetworkingJoin the Chambers Hixson Council for their monthly meeting.$10.8/17 Legal Basics for New Business Owners11 a.m.  noonBrightBridge: 535 Chestnut St., Ste. 161The training will provide an overview of legal information that a new business needs to know regarding operating in the State of TN.Topics include: Business documents and business silences needed to open your business; information about leases, contracts, insurance and registration with TN Department of Revenue.Speaker: Whitney Standefer, Staff Attorney, We Mean Business Program, Legal Aid of East Tennessee andTo reserve your free seat visit www.brightbridgewbc.org/event/legal-8-17/ 8/17 Ribbon Cutting for BMC Office Technology1  1:30 p.m.BMC Office Technology: 4505 Brainerd Rd.Join the Chattanooga Chamber for a ribbon cutting at BMC Office Technology.8/17 LCAA Reception5  7 p.m.Bessie Smith Cultural Center: M.L. King BoulevardJoin the Leadership Chattanooga Alumni Association in welcoming the 2017-2018 Leadership Chattanooga Class at a reception in their honor.Light hors doeurves and complimentary beverages provided.8/17 North Hamilton County Council Meeting11:45  1 p.m.Budweiser: 200 Shearer St.Join the Chambers North Hamilton Council for their monthly meeting.Speaker: Outdoor Chattanooga$10.8/17 Business After Hours Co-Sponsored by The Daily Ration & Money Pages5  7 p.m.The Daily Ration: 1220 Dartmouth St.Business After Hours brings an average of 100 business people together fornetworking and refreshments. In August, Business After Hours is Co-Sponsored by The Daily Ration & Money Pages.Visit chattanoogachamber.com to RSVP for this free event.8/17 Becoming a Target Customer Magnet5:30  8:30 p.m.BrightBridge: 535 Chestnut St., Ste. 161If you are marketing to everyone, you are marketing to no one! Learn how to identify and cater to your target market.Speaker: Linda Murray Bullard, LSMB Business Solutions and BrightBridge Womens Business CenterTo reserve your seat visit www.brightbridgewbc.org/event/customer8-17/
The Chattanooga community is invited to join Dr. Ernest L. Reid, Jr. and members of Second Baptist for a welcoming reception in honor of Dr. Bryan Johnson, newly selected superintendent of the Hamilton County Department of Education.

The reception will be held Saturday, Aug. 26 at 1 p.m. at Second Missionary Baptist Church, 2305 E. Third St.

Students, individuals, families, local pastors, congregations, civic, professional, and fraternal organizations, are all invited for an opportunity to meet and greet Dr. and Mrs. Johnson.



"It is a pleasure to welcome Dr. Johnson to our community and to encourage him in the prospect of successfully leading our children to improve, achieve, and excel academically. Second Baptist is excited about the educational future of our community's students under Dr. Johnson's leadership.

We look forward to having you join us for a two-hour get acquainted gathering on the fourth Saturday in August beginning at one o'clock," officials said.

For more information, call the church office at 423-624-9097.
The Engineering and Information Technologies division at Chattanooga State Community College will present its free Annual Summit 2017 on Friday, Aug. 18, in the Omniplex building, room 124/126. Participants should enter the campus using ChattStates main entrance to reach to the OMN building.

The summit will involve discussions about additive manufacturing, quality, nuclear processes and more. Participants may check in at 8:30 a.m.

Program presentations include:

3D Printing in Nuclear: Robert Temple, Operations Manager, Westinghouse Electric Company

Building Scale 3D Printing, Concepts & Changes for the Future of Construction: Platt Boyd, Branch Technology

3D Printing in Quality Control: Daniel Lewis, Quality Engineer, Newcomb Spring Corporation

Discussions about expanding opportunities for ChattState students during a free working lunch at noon will precede a panel question and answer session.

For more information, contact Samantha Travis at 423 697-5514 or email Samantha.travis@chattanoogastate.edu.
Cleveland State Community College will be hosting a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on Monday, Aug. 21 from 2-4 p.m. in the George L. Mathis Student Center for all faculty, staff and students.



The first 100 participants will be given eclipse viewing glasses, so those who already own a pair are encouraged to bring them. The NASA live stream will be showing in the Student Center during the party. All attendees are asked to wear space theme or CSCC gear, and there will be a costume contest for the person who is the most spaced-out of all the participants. There will also be other games to play, as well, including Family Feud - Solar System / Eclipse edition.



Libraries all over the country are providing informational resources, hosting events, and helping people view the eclipse safely, said Jen Marx, Library Public Services coordinator. Since Cleveland is in the path of totality, hosting an event was a no-brainer. Dr. Seymour's interest and support have helped us turn our little event into something really fun and memorable.



Ms. Marx said, Being in the path of totality for a solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we want those who attend to be able to remember it, not only because they witnessed an awe-inspiring scientific phenomenon, but also because they had so much fun with their community!



Since Cleveland and Bradley County Schools will be closed on this day, CSCC faculty, staff and students are encouraged to bring their children to join in on the festivities.
 Albemarle-Charlottesville NAACP offers Direct Advocacy Training from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Burley Middle School at 901 Rose Hill Drive. Registration required by calling (434) 220-1493.

 Concealed Carry Training for Orange County residents is offered by Orange County Parks and Recreation and the Orange County Sheriffs Office from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Sheriffs Office Practice Range at 17167 Mountain Track Road in Orange. Advance registration is required by calling (540) 672-5435.

 Fluvanna Leadership Development Program accepts applications through Tuesday for the 2017-18 series of classes. Details and applications are available at fluvannaleadership.org. (434) 591-1950.

 Getting Started with Family Genealogy is offered from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday at Nelson Memorial Library in Lovingston. (434) 263-5988.

 In the Shadow of the Moon: The Upcoming Solar Eclipse, led by University of Virginia associate professor Edward Murphy, will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Northside Library at 705 W. Rio Road. (434) 973-7893.

 Literacy Volunteer Training will be from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at Jefferson School City Center at 233 Fourth St. NW. Details and advance registration are available at literacyforall.org. (434) 977-3838.

 Packing 101 is offered from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 19 at Peace Frogs Travel at 1043 Milmont St. (434) 906-6682.

 Piedmont Virginia Community College holds information sessions for its culinary arts associate degree programs from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday at Jefferson City School Center at 233 Fourth St. NW. Attendance is required at a session for any new student interested in pursuing an associate of applied science degree in culinary arts. pvcc.edu/culinary. (434) 961-6581.

 Piedmont Virginia Community College holds Getting Started information sessions for prospective students from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday at Crozet Library and from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Scottsville Library. pvcc.edu/outreach. (434) 961-5275.

 Piedmont Virginia Community College holds Veterans Education and Transition Services sessions from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Aug. 24 for veterans and service members interested in attending PVCC. pvcc.edu/veterans. (434) 961-5282.

 The Realities of Cyber Risk and the Need for Cyber Security for Small Businesses  Financial Services Emphasis will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday at Central Library at 201 E, Market St. centralvirginia.org. (434) 295-8198.

 Senior Center offers I Have a Diagnosis; Now What? with elder law attorney Doris Gelbman from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. Long-Term Care Insurance Workshop is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. The Link Between Hearing Loss and Memory Loss from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday. 1180 Pepsi Place. (434) 974-7756.

 Washington and His Women is offered at 3 p.m. Sunday at The James Madison Museum at 129 Caroline St. in Orange. (540) 672-1776.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Trey Michalczewski doubled twice and singled, driving in a run and also scoring one as the Birmingham Barons defeated the Chattanooga Lookouts 7-4 on Thursday.

The first place Lookouts lead in the race for the North Division's second-half title is now at 5 1/2 games.

Kohl Stewart (5-6) took the loss in the Southern League game after allowing five runs and seven hits over five innings



Danny Mendick homered and singled with a pair of runs and a couple of RBIs for Birmingham.

Birmingham started the scoring in the second inning when Michalczewski hit an RBI double and then scored on a two-run double by Keon Barnum.

After Birmingham added two runs in the fifth on a home run by Mendick, the Lookouts cut into the deficit in the seventh inning when Max Murphy hit an RBI triple and then scored on a single by Carlos Paulino.

The Barons later tacked on two runs in the seventh when Nick Basto hit a sacrifice fly and Mendick scored on an error to secure the victory.

Chattanooga missed an additional scoring opportunity in the seventh, when Levi Michael hit into a double play with the bases loaded to end the inning.

Birmingham left-hander Tanner Banks (2-5) picked up a quality start and the win after allowing two runs on five hits over 6 1/3 innings.

Box
 Atlee Church (Scottsville) hosts Summer Family Movie Night with a screening of The Good Dinosaur at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 25. Victory Hall, 401 Valley St. (804) 730-3676.

 Charlottesville Clergy Collective hosts an afternoon of events, including guided meditations, yoga and dances, from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at Common Grounds Healing Arts, Jefferson School City Center, 233 Fourth St. NW. cvilleclergycollective.org. (434) 218-7677.

 First United Methodist Church offers a safe space with prayer and music from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. 101 E. Jefferson St. (434) 296-6193.

 Koinonia Fellowship hosts memorization expert Tom Meyer speaking the entire Book of Revelation from memory at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. 294 Malvern Farm Drive.

 Laurel Hill Baptist Church offers drive-thru prayer with coffee and doughnuts from 6 to 8 a.m. each Thursday, and pickleball is played from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays. 3595 Grand Forks Blvd. (434) 973-6125.

 Mt. Alto Baptist Church (Howardsville) celebrates Homecoming with Pastor Joseph Jones at 11:30 a.m. and the Rev. Rodney Sandridge of St. John Baptist Church in Wingina at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Revival services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. 4330 Mt. Alto Road. (434) 286-3956.

 Mt. Carmel Baptist Church (Browns Cove) celebrates Homecoming with services at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, and Revival at 7:30 p.m. Monday to Wednesday. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. each evening before revival. 4904 Browns Gap Turnpike. (434) 823-5643.

 Mount Eagle Baptist Church (Nellysford) celebrates Homecoming with the Rev. Fred Sales preaching the afternoon of Aug. 20. Revival services are held at 7 p.m. Aug. 21 to 25. 4094 Adial Road. (434) 361-1432.

 Mount Zion Baptist Church (Advance Mills) celebrates Homecoming with Pastor H. Steven Miller at 11 a.m. and guest preacher the Rev. Darnell Lundy at 3 p.m. Aug. 20. Revival services are held with Bishop Michael Jackson at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23, the Rev. Xavier Jackson at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24 and the Rev. Halliard Brown Jr. at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25. 6045 Advance Mills Road. (434) 293-9887.

 Operation Esther Prayer Circle and Student Christian Study Center meet jointly from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday to offer prayer for incoming students. Koinonea Church, 257 Bob Finley Way. (434) 227-0811.

 Overseas Students Mission hosts breakfast for pastors and outreach staff volunteers to discuss faith-based welcomes for incoming international students on Wednesday and Friday. Call (434) 227-0811 for time and location.

 Rock Spring United Methodist Church (Faber) holds a benefit taco dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday. 1655 Rock Spring Road. (434) 263-4603.

 Unity of Charlottesville hosts a prayer vigil from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday. 2825 Hydraulic Road. (434) 978-1062.

 Wake Forest Baptist church (Scottsville) holds a missionary program with guest speaker Minister Brenda Phillips of Richmond and a performance by Voices of Harmony of Warrenton at 2 p.m. Saturday. 3075 Rolling Road. (434) 295-4936.

 Westminster Presbyterian Church hosts the Music Feeds Us concert, benefiting the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Aug. 18. musicfeedsus.org. (434) 227-2409.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the city of Coalmont and The Conservation Fund will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony onMonday to announce a key property acquisition for the city of Coalmonts Southern Gulf Off Road Park.

The work began in 2014 to pursue land acquisition for the Coalmont Southern Gulf Off Road Park.

On June 27,Coalmont Mayor Preston Miller signed the property acquisition documents placing 1,319 acres of property within the ownership of the city of Coalmont.

The purchase was facilitated by The Conservation Fund, who assisted in acquiring specific parcels on behalf of the city of Coalmont.
Im glad that Charlottesville Councilors Wes Bellamy and Kristin Szakos will rewrite history. They can tell the story of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, who supported John Brown, the man who instigated the Civil War with his murderous rampage in 1859. For Virginians and the South, it was the 9/11 of their day: fearing being murdered in the night.

My ancestors served in the 14th, 23rd, 56th, and 57th Virginia infantries to defend their state from an army that would kill, rape, pillage, and burn its way through the South, declaring war upon civilians. One was starved to death in a Yankee prison; another, shot through the hip, was crippled for life; and a third saw his brother shot through the head at Cedar Mountain. Confederates fathers and grandfathers had fought the British in two wars; their grandsons and great-grandsons would fight the Germans in two more, all serving when called.

After the Federal army destroyed the South, the same generals turned their attention back to the annihilation of the Indians.

One of my ancestors came as an indentured servant, as did many of the first from Africa. At the end of his servitude, the Catholic who brought him here persecuted his Quaker family. Do I despise the descendants of Catholics (and those who invaded Virginia) for their ancestors actions? Those alive today have nothing to do with it. The only ones I despise are the newcomers currently rewriting our history.

The Charlottesville Civil War monuments had nothing to do with Jim Crow laws or white supremacy. They were a tribute to the old soldiers who were dying by the hundreds each day.

The price for slavery, an inherited English institution, was paid by 650,000 dead and millions wounded for life. The South suffered through extreme poverty for a century as a result of defeat.

Charlottesville an All-American City? No. 1 place to live? No longer. And certainly not for those who are Confederate descendants.

Emancipation Park? Good name, just what Lee and Jackson were fighting for.

What a racist mess City Council has created. My family and I will take our money and business elsewhere and shake the dust from our shoes as we leave.

Jerry Harlow, Louisa County
In Matthew 21 and 22, Jesus told a series of parables aimed primarily at identifying, defining, and condemning hypocrisy. The Parable of the Two Sons, the Parable of the Wicked Tenants (more accurately the Parable of the Landowner), and the Parable of the Wedding Feast each teach us about the terrible dangers of hypocrisy. However, our always gracious and forgiving God stood ready to forgive. In the final parable, Jesus pointed out the great danger inherent in hypocrisy, which is that the hypocrite fools himself.The hypocrite believes that he has trusted Christ when in reality he has trusted himself.In Matthew 22:1-14, Jesus told a parable about a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. The guests received at least four invitations but turned the invitations down for various trivial reasons. Verse three plainly states the real reason: they were unwilling to come. My own personal observation of this verifies that assessment. People, myself included, generally find time, money, and resources to do that which they are willing to do, i.e. what they want to do. Because those who had been invited refused to come, the king made an interesting pronouncement. He declared that they were not worthy to attend. Obviously, there can only be one reason why they were not worthy. It was because they had refused the invitation.There is another important aspect to this parable. It describes a man (a hypocrite) who attempted to attend the wedding feast without accepting the kings offer for clean clothes. This type of hypocrisy is the most dangerous of all, at least to the man himself. He has fooled himself into thinking that he can do something to clean himself up, to make himself presentable to the king and the kings son. Jesus did not tell us how the hypocrite tried to clean himself up but it does not matter. The truth is that nothing except the undeserved, free grace of God will work. Thus, there was no need for Jesus to name any of the ways that man tries make himself presentable to God. Nothing else will work, not circumcision, not baptism, not keeping the Ten Commandments, not praying to Mecca, not bathing in the Ganges, not attending church, not sending money to a television evangelist, not following the Noble Eight-Fold Path, nor any other human effort. Gods free offer of grace found in His Son, Jesus, is the only way to be made presentable to Him. The man who refused the wedding clothes provided by the king found himself muzzled, tied hand and foot, and cast into a place of utter darkness and torment.Matthew 22:14 concludes the parable with an unusual declaration, For many are called but few are chosen. (NASU) The testimony of this parable is that God has invited every person to the Great Marriage Supper of the Lamb which will take place at the end of time. In spite of the fact that every person has received multiple invitations, many have been declared unworthy based solely on their unwillingness to accept the invitation. In addition there are some who have fooled themselves into thinking that they have accepted the invitation when in reality they have not. Because they have tried to add some effort of their own to Gods free gift of grace they have rendered themselves unacceptable. Many are called but few are chosen. There are two beings that make the choice in this matter. God has made his choice. He has invited everyone. The other choice is made by humans. Each person must choose to accept or reject Gods invitation of salvation by grace through Jesus alone. What choice have you made?
The Morning Pointe Foundation announced the newest recipients of the Morning Pointe Foundation Scholarship at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Athens.

The scholarship at TCAT-Athens provides financial support to nursing students who demonstrate academic achievement and exhibit community leadership in geriatrics. Eligible students are currently enrolled in the practical nursing program and must meet the following criteria: must have successfully completed one trimester, write a scholarship essay and live in Bradley, McMinn, Meigs or Monroe counties.



The Morning Pointe Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living. Founded in 2014 by senior healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow, the 501(c)3 non-profit organization connects educational and wellness initiatives, forms community partnerships and supports caregivers in its mission to advance the care of seniors. The scholarship was created to encourage a growing workforce in the senior healthcare field.



Kammee Lindsey, Wendy Miller and Madison Standridge, practical nursing students, were each awarded a $500 scholarship, and will be recognized during an Aug. 24 reception at Morning Pointe of Athens.

Ms. Lindsey, a 40-year-old mother of three and active community volunteer, says the Morning Pointe Foundation scholarship helps alleviate the cost of nursing school on her single-income household; she says it also gives her children the opportunity to see a dream come true.



Fifteen years after becoming a mom, my children were suddenly big enough for me to let go of the reins a bit and continue following my dream of returning to school to become a nurse, Ms. Lindsey writes in her scholarship essay. I want them to see me complete this so they know they can have a dream and follow it, too.



Alise Holt, RN, BSN, practical nursing director at TCAT-Athens, expresses her gratitude for the Morning Pointe Foundations partnership with the community colleges nursing program.



Morning Pointes support for our program is greatly appreciated, said Ms. Holt. I believe it will add to the success of our students and in turn help provide outstanding nurses for our community.



In addition to TCAT-Athens, Morning Pointe Foundation awards scholarships to nursing students in Chattanooga, Columbia, Greeneville and Jacksboro. The Foundation has also expanded scholarship opportunities through its new nursing program partnerships in Kentucky, aimed at developing a workforce that is equipped to address a growing aging population with changing healthcare needs.

Morning Pointe Senior Living began contributing nursing scholarship funds in 2008 to Chattanooga State Community College in Chattanooga. The Morning Pointe Foundation is expanding its partnership with area colleges to raise awareness of growing career opportunities in geriatrics.
A Chicago Activist Is To Thank For That Inflatable Trump Chicken

By Stephen Gossett in News on Aug 10, 2017 10:17PM



Via Twitter

Even if you don't know the name Taran Brar, chances are you're familiar with his workparticularly the massive inflatable Trump chicken that you may have noticed taking roost behind the White House on Wednesday afternoon.

Or if you're an anti-Trumpist Chicagoan, you might have actually directly participated in a previous Brar production: He was one of the co-organizer's behind the Chicago satellite of the this year's Tax March protest.

When we talked to Brar in January he said he was alarmed that president had resisted releasing his taxes"a long tradition where the public can see if you have any conflicts of interest," as he said. The chicken metaphor seemed apt, he and other organizers thought. And when the inflatable presidential fowl made his dramatic entrance near the White House, Brar extended the metaphor:

Filmmaker inflates giant Chicken Trump in front of WH pic.twitter.com/Ac9den5uKI  Sean Langille (@SeanLangille) August 9, 2017 Anyone who thinks that words are better than images hasn't seen the massive inflated Trump chicken outside the White House. #mademyday pic.twitter.com/fgWxFOJhuf  mark cousins (@markcousinsfilm) August 10, 2017

Brar told Time that planning for the big reveal took several months, as he worked to wrangle permits and tried to make sure he had just the right angle of placement. I triangulated. Theres a reason it was there rather than to the left a little bit, it would have been blocked," Brar told the magazine.

He was finally able to secure a permit based on speech grounds, getting "a waiver for the First Amendment," he told the New York Times, even though the 30-foot chicken was about five feet taller than the limit.

This magnificent Trump Chicken brought to us by Taran Singh Brar, who hopes to organize a "chicken march" someday. pic.twitter.com/PmSbumcl5P  Jennifer Brooks (@stribrooks) August 9, 2017

It should be mentioned that Brar wasn't alone in bringing the bird to life. Other Tax Marches included Trump chickens, and the design was created by a Seattle-based artist before it ever took on its new life. But he does hope to keep the momentum advancing. He even told Time he's already pursuing an elaborate vision that would incorporate blow-up Russian guns to pair with dozens of the chickens. Keep your eyes peeled.
Man Shot By Thief Near Polish Triangle Despite Giving Up Cash, Cellphone

By Stephen Gossett in News on Aug 11, 2017 2:30PM



Polish Triangle / Google Maps

A man was shot by a thief near the busy Polish Triangle and Division Blue Line station on Thursday night despite having handed over his personal belongings, according to police.

Two menone of whom had a guncame up to a 34-year-old man at about 9 p.m. in the 1200 block of North Ashland Avenue, in Wicker Park, and demanded that the victim turn over his belongings, police said. The victim handed over cash and his cellphone, but the armed thief still shot the man in the left hand before fleeing.

The victim was taken to St. Mary's Hospital and listed in good condition. No one was in custody as of Friday morning.

As DNAinfo notes, the shooting happened just two block from where a man was shot to death early Thursday morning during a carjacking after he "refused" to give his car up, according to police. The shooting was one of at least five in the city between Thursday and Friday, according to the Tribune.


Video: Tammy Duckworth Tells Seth Meyer That Trump Can't 'Out-Crazy' Kim Jong-un

By Stephen Gossett in News on Aug 11, 2017 4:40PM

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) is apparently no fan of the madman theory when it comes to nuclear deterrence, especially when the other guy"a man who executed his own uncle with an anti-aircraft machine gun"has proven his ruthless bona fides.

Duckworth appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Thursday night, and the host asked her about the current showdown between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, particularly Trump's threat to unleash "fire and fury" (not to be confused with "fire and furry").

But that's not how military people approach things, she said. The toughest fighters out there, the operators out there, are the quietest, most understated people youll ever meet," Duckworth told Meyers. "And frankly, hes not helping us by engaging in this battle of terminology. You cant out-hyperbole a dictator whos crazya man who executed his own uncle with an anti-aircraft machine gun," she said, in reference to the brutal execution of Jang Song-thaek.

Trump is not going to out-crazy Kim Jong-un. Stop it. Youre the commander-in-chief of the greatest military on the face of the earth. Act like it," she added.

With any luck, the Wieners Circle may be safe after all.

She goes on to argue that Trump's bellicosity plays into the hands of the "North Korean propaganda machine." Duckworth also issues a call for public service and speak out against the trans military ban.

"We've had tends of thousands of trans servicemen and women who've served honorably, who've bled and died for this country. To turn away people willing to sacrifice for us is foolish at best," she said.
The Competition Commission has dismissed allegations of abuse of dominant position against realty firm Tata Housing Development Co Ltd with regard to sale of a flat in Pune.

New Delhi: The Competition Commission has dismissed allegations of abuse of dominant position against realty firm Tata Housing Development Co Ltd (THDCL) with regard to sale of a flat in Pune.

The complainant had purchased a flat in Inora Park  a project developed by the realty firm in Pune. Among others, it was alleged that the buyers were manipulated and tricked into signing an unread agreement of sale with unfair and unacceptable terms and conditions.

The complainant had also challenged various clauses of the buyers agreement with regard to the price of flat, sale of car parking, etc, as being one sided, ambiguous and uncertain.

For the case, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) considered "market for the provision of services relating to development and sale of residential flats in Pune city" as the relevant one.

In a recent order, the regulator opined that THDCL faces "sufficient competitive constraints" from various other builders in the relevant market.

Upon finding that THDCL is "not in a dominant position in the relevant market", the CCI said that the issue of alleged abuse of dominant position against the realty firm does not survive.
Industrial output or IIP contracted by 0.1 per cent in June.

New Delhi: Industrial output entered the negative territory in June contracting by 0.1 per cent mainly due to decline in manufacturing and capital goods sectors.

Besides, segments like mining, power generation, infrastructure/construction goods and consumer durables recorded poor performance.

Factory output, measured in terms of Index of Industrial Production, grew 8 per cent in June 2016, according to the data released by the Central Statistics Office today.

On a quarterly basis, factory output growth during April-June slowed down to 2 per cent from 7.1 per cent in the corresponding period last year.

This is the first time in the current fiscal, the industrial output has shown a decline. The IIP grew by 3.4 per cent in April and 2.8 per cent May as per the revised

estimates released on Friday.

Manufacturing sector, which constitutes over 77 per cent of the index, showed a decline of 0.4 per cent in June as compared to a growth of 7.5 per cent in the same month last year.

The output of mining and electricity sectors during the month decelerated to 0.4 per cent and 2.1 per cent from 10.2 per cent and 9.8 per cent respectively in June last year.

Capital goods output, which is the barometer of investment, declined by 6.8 per cent from a growth of 14.8 per cent a year ago.

Similarly, the output of primary goods and intermediate goods during the month declined by 0.2 per cent and 0.6 per cent as against growth of 8.2 per cent and 6 per cent respectively during June last year.

The Consumer durables and Consumer non-durables have recorded growth of (-) 2.1 per cent and 4.9 per cent respectively.

In terms of industries, 15 out of 23 industry groups in the manufacturing sector have shown negative growth during the month of June 2017 as compared to the corresponding month of the previous year.
About 35 per cent reported tightening of credit standards for large enterprises during the first half of 2017

New Delhi: Banks with operations in India witnessed a significant rise in non-performing assets during the first half of 2017, according to a survey released on Thursday.

The Ficci-IBA survey carried out for January-June revealed that NPAs in public sector banks shot up considerably, with 91 per cent respondents from public sector banks reporting an increase.

Twenty public, private and foreign banks participated in the survey, which together represent 64 per cent of the banking industry, as classified by asset size. Meanwhile, 71 per cent private and 50 per cent foreign bank respondents stated that their bad loans have increased during January-June.

Metal, infrastructure and textile industries have recorded high level of NPAs with at least 50 per cent of total respondents stating the same. In the next six months (Jul-Dec 2017), participating banks expect sectors like infrastructure, automobiles and pharmaceuticals to drive credit growth.

Lenders also expressed hope that amendment of the Banking Regulation Act along with Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code will help in resolution of stressed assets, which have ballooned in the recent past.

The banks suggested easing of provisioning norms for stressed assets and strengthening of legal infrastructure to facilitate quicker disposal of bad loans cases.

"The survey has been conducted at a time when NPAs are at a worrisome position, especially for the public sector banks," Ficci said in a statement releasing the survey.

The participating banks gave several suggestions to deal with the stressed assets. One is to set up industry committees to determine valuation of large stressed accounts and get big PSUs in respective sectors to bid for the said accounts at such valuations.

About 35 per cent reported tightening of credit standards for large enterprises during the first half of 2017 and about 40 per cent expect further tightening in the next six months.

During January-June, a majority (75 per cent) of the respondent banks have reduced their Marginal Cost of Funds based lending rate, with 45 per cent of banks reducing it by more than 50 basis points, aided by adequate liquidity and low cost deposits.

The survey observed that infrastructure sector continues to witness the largest increase in long term loans.

A majority welcomed the suggestion from the RBI about setting up of specialised Wholesale and Long Term Finance Banks. Bankers' views were also sought on consolidation of other public sector banks post SBI merger.

"Some participating banks suggested exploring avenues of privatisation alongside merger of PSBs," Ficci said quoting the survey's findings.

Views were also sought on the idea of Bank Account Number portability that had been suggested by former RBI deputy governor S S Mundra.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said speedy steps are being taken against shell companies.

New Delhi: Speedy steps are being taken against shell companies but a balance needs to be maintained between the ease of doing business and ensuring that the firms are not misused, Union Minister Arun Jaitley said on Friday.

Jaitley, who is also the Corporate Affairs Minister besides holding the Finance and Defence portfolios, told the Lok Sabha that there is no definition for shell companies under the Companies Act but such enitities are used for round tripping of money.

The real owners behind such entities need to be identified and expeditious steps are being taken under the benami and Income Tax laws, the minister said during Question Hour.

Replying to supplementaries, Jaitley mentioned about markets regulator Sebi's action against suspected shell companies on the stock exchanges, saying "baazaar mein thoda uthal puthal hua (there was some turmoil in the markets)".

On August 7, Sebi had asked the stock exchanges to take action against 331 suspected shell companies which were referred to it by the corporate affairs ministry.

While noting that a company can be registered in two days, Jaitley said a balance should be there in terms of ease of doing business and ensuring that the companies being set up are not misused. With technology, it is not difficult, he added.

Responding to a supplementary question by Congress member Shashi Tharoor, the minister said there is a distinction between dormant and shell companies.

There is potential for dormant companies being misused as shell companies but there is an additional instrument to deal with such entities, Jaitley said.

If business is being done under a fake name, then the benami law would be applicable, he added.

On whether there is a need to amend the Companies Act and strengthen the inspection and oversight mechanisms to prevent formation of shell companies, Jaitley said, "there is no such proposal under consideration".

He also emphasised that the existing provisions of the Act were sufficient to ensure that the individuals forming the companies are identifiable and traceable for the purpose of initiating penal actions.

To a question on whether in the recent past many shell companies have reportedly been set up to launder black money and hold benami property or companies, the minister replied in the negative.

"The term 'shell company' is not defined under the Companies Act, 2013. The Act requires that a company may be set up for any lawful purpose only. Subsequent to incorporation, if a company is found to be formed for fraudulent or unlawful purpose, it is liable for penal action, including for winding up under Section 271 of the Act," Jaitley said in a written reply.

The questions were asked by BJP member and former Home Secretary R K Singh.

BJD's Baijayant Panda wanted to know whether the government would look at using biometric to weed out people behind shell companies. In response, Jaitley said the suggestion would be taken into consideration.
The entire Khadi and Village Industries sector has enjoyed the benefit of tax exemption even in pre-independence era. (Photo: Representative image/ Pixabay)

New Delhi: The MSME Ministry has asked its Finance counterpart to consider exemption of Khadi sector from GST or ensure a seamless flow of input tax credit for Khadi Institutions to claim it, the government said in Parliament on Thursday.

At present only Khadi yarn produced in the sector is exempted, while other Khadi products attract a 5 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) levy. The entire Khadi and Village Industries sector has enjoyed the benefit of tax exemption even in pre-independence era.

"With the exemption to the SSI sector being drastically reduced from the existing Rs 150 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, the exemption cover enjoyed by many of the Khadi Institutions has been removed. Khadi Institutions are now mandated to obtain registration under GST and also pay GST on various Khadi products which is 5 per cent," Minister of State for MSME Shri Giriraj Singh said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

The minister informed that the products of the Village Industries sector were taxed at zero to 14.30 per cent before the GST while post-GST, the same products attract 12-28 per cent tax.

"Ministry of MSME has approached Ministry of Finance to consider the sector for exemption from GST or to ensure a seamless flow of input tax credit in order for Khadi Institutions to claim input tax credit," Singh said.
Mumbai: From cheesy dialogues, confessing about being a kleptomaniac and into gambling to her goofy antics, Kangana Ranaut displayed all possible imperfections in her character Praful Patel in the trailer of her upcoming film Simran released few days back.

The first song from the film Lagdi Hai Thaai is out now and the actress keeps her imperfections aside, looking perfect as the Gujarati chokri.

From perfectly draping the saree in Gujarati style to showing off her Garba moves, Kanganas Praful is seen having an enjoyable time at a Gujarati wedding.

Though different dance steps, the song might just remind you of Ghani Bawri from Tanu Weds Manu Returns or London Thumakda from Queen.

The actress dancing spree continues from her last release Rangoon, where she had a lot of dancing to do as well.

The song, composed by Sachin-Jigar, has been rendered by Guru Randhawa and Jonita Gandhi.

Simran directed by Hansal Mehta, is gearing up for release on September 15.

Watch the song here:
Mumbai: Bollywood is currently enjoying a rather successful tryst with biopics. And, while all actors undergo major physical transformation to look their part, Arjun Rampal's avatar as Arun Gawli in the upcoming film 'Daddy' has taken everyone by surprise  the actor's resemblance to the gangster is truly striking.

However, it was no cakewalk for Arjun to turn into the don. Prod him on the subject and he says, "I think Arun Gawli is a very good-looking man (laughs)."

On a more serious note, the actor insists that he wasn't willing to compromise on the authenticity of the character. He says, "It's a true story and so, it has to be real. It is also about ensuring that the character is not completely glamourised  he is a person who comes from a certain backdrop, someone who has been instrumental in creating so much fear and at the same time, garnering so much love."

In this behind the scene video, an emotional Rampal narrates the story of how he got the real Daddys consent to make this film.

He reveals that he started shooting for the film without acquiring proper rights from Arun Gawli. When Arjun met him to take the rights, the documents were written in English, and Gawli is not familiar with the language, but it was the honesty and zeal on Arjuns face, which made him sign the paper without even reading it.

Watch it in this video here:

'Daddy' which releases on July 21 is an unconventional film in every way. The trailer was launched at the Google headquarters which was the first for any film and ever since then social media has been buzzing with praise for the film. The gangster who never ran from the police, this catchphrase is enough to raise curiosity levels among the audience to visit theatres and catch the movie on July 21.

Releasing on July 21, 'Daddy' is directed by Ashim Ahluwalia starring Arjun Rampal.
Rating:

Cast: Bellamkonda Sreenivas, Rakul Preet, Jagapathi Babu, Sarath Kumar, Nandu, Pragya Jaiswal and others

Director: Boyapati Srinu

Jaya Janaki Nayaka is the stereotypical story of the hero impressing his sweetheart, their love meeting with opposition from their families and other circumstances, and how they overcome all obstacles. Its directed by Boyapati Srinu, one of the top directors in Tollywood, who has made some good films in recent times. Gagan (Bellamkonda Sreenivas) is the son of an industrialist named Chakravarthy (Sarath Kumar). Wealthy kids in the movies are usually portrayed as spoilt brats, but Gagan is a sincere young man. One day he gets into a fight with a rowdy gang in order to rescue a girl, which impresses Sweety (Rakul Preet), who happens to observe the act. The two get close. Sweety wins the hearts of Gagans family and even makes some of them give up alcohol and bad eating habits! However, as with most formulaic movies, Gagan fails to win the approval of Sweetys father (JP), who is the chairman of a road project.

The hero comes to know later that her father had promised to marry her to the son of Ashwin Varma, an industrialist played by the hero of yesteryears, Jagapati Babu. A disappointed Gagan shifts to Vizag for a change. In the meanwhile, Ashwin Varmas family gets into trouble when he wins a big road project that a big liquor baron and mafia don Ramesh Pawar (Tarun Arora) also had an eye on. Despite Pawars threats, the road project chairman awards the tender to Ashwin Varma. He also rejects Pawars demand that he give his daughter in marriage to the dons son. Gagan saves Ashwin Varmas family from the mafia don and only later comes to know that Sweety was to be married into the same family. However, all ends well as he finally wins over everyone and gets to marry his lady love.

Though the story is predictable, you can enjoy watching the film, which has many senior artistes such as Sarath Kumar, Jagapathi Babu, Suman and Vani Viswanath. Boyapatis style of narration will please the masses. Like his earlier films, it will be paisa vasool with its songs, dances, drama and action scenes. This is Sreenivass third film. He has performed well and shown his calibre in the dances. He has a good body and does the action scenes with ease. Its another good role for Rakul Preet Singh. Jagapathi Babu plays an interesting character, who gives preference to family pride. Sarath Kumar and Nandu play the heros father and brother exceedingly well. Pragya Jaiswal has a cameo role in the movie. Catherine Tresa provides the glamour. Cinematographer Rishi Punjabis visuals are good, especially the action scenes at Hamsala Deevi. Devi Sri Prasads music will appeal to the masses. Jaya Janaki Nayaka is the typical commercial movie that Boyapati is known for. The four-day long holidays may work out well for this film.
Ashley Savage, a police spokeswoman went on to say that someone had entered the premises unlawfully but added that she was not at a liberty to disclose what exactly had been cleaned as it was still under investigation. (Photo: Pixabay)

In what appears to be a really bizarre case of breaking and entering, it turns out that a Virginia man returned home form a trip to find that his house had been broken into.

However, what was surprising was that nothing was taken, and the entire place had been cleaned up.

The entire strange episode occurred in Arlington when the man who had gone on a vacation returned Monday after midnight to find someone had tidied up his apartment. The shocked man called Arlington Police to complain that his apartment appeared to have been cleaned and some items moved around.

Strangely, nothing was missing.

Ashley Savage, a police spokeswoman went on to say that someone had entered the premises unlawfully but added that she was not at a liberty to disclose what exactly had been cleaned as it was still under investigation.

A Virginia man returned home from a trip and found that his apartment had been broken into - and cleaned.

An Arlington, Virginia, man returned home on Monday soon after midnight to find someone had tidied up his apartment when he returned home from a trip.

He called Arlington County Police when he noticed that his apartment appeared to have been cleaned and some items had been moved around.

There do not appear to be any leads as to who the intruder is.
Rockys bite made Vitalijs blood was all over the room leaving police to pick up DNA samples which tied Kiseliov back to the scene of crime

A dangerous burglar was finally caught by police when he was attacked by a familys protective pet in what appears to be a really botched up raid on their home.

The burglar Vitalij Kiseliov who is of Lithuanian origin was bitten on the hand by an African parrot named Rocky.

The 37-year-old burglar met his match when he was trying to burgle a couples home in Kent. He had snatched a laptop and a phone before spotting the bird in his cage and tried to swipe him to sell.

The African Grey fought back and bit him on the hand before the enraged crook threw Rocky out of the window.

However, Rockys bite had already done the trick and Vitalijs blood was all over the room leaving police to pick up DNA samples which tied Kiseliov back to the scene of crime.

Victims Peter Rowing, 72, and his wife Trudy, 70, have hailed their parrot a crime-fighting hero.

Mr Rowing said he reckoned the burglar had tried to pinch Rocky, who they've looked after for more than 20 years, but got 'more than he bargained for'.

Rocky was soon reunited with his owners after their granddaughter put out an appeal on Facebook for anyone to look out for the parrot.
Victim In Brutal River North Slaying Was Stabbed Nearly 50 Times

By Stephen Gossett in News on Aug 11, 2017 7:11PM



Wyndham Lathem (left); Andrew Warren (right)

Although police have yet to cite a motive in the grisly stabbing death at a River North condo last month, some details are starting to emerge. Police said the 26-year-old victim was stabbed more than 40 times in the fatal attack, according to the AP. A source told Michael Sneed of the Sun-Times that the late Trenton Cornell-Duranleau was was stabbed almost 50 times and nearly decapitated.

Chicago Police Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said the stabbing was "certainly very intense." Cornell-Duranleau suffered "lacerations and mutilations to his body, his upper body, but not to the point of decapitation," Guglielmi said, according to the AP. Sneed's source described the attack as "a gruesome murder by overkill" and an act of "extreme passion." The blade of the knife believed to be used in the attack was reportedly broken, so violent was the attack.

Cornell-Duranleau was a hair stylist and Pilsen resident. He had moved to Chicago after completing cosmetology school in Michigan.

Wyndham Lathema 42-year-old associate professor of microbiology and immunology at Northwestern Universityand Andrew Warrena 56-year-old senior treasury assistant at Somerville College of Oxfordwere arrested last week in connection with the murder. Lathem turned himself in at a courthouse in Oakland; and Warren surrendered to authorities at a police station in San Francisco.

The surrender marked the end of an eight-day nationwide manhunt after the two suspects fled Illinois. Before they turned themselves in, the men curiously made a $1000 donation to a Wisconsin library in the victim's name. Lathem also sent a video apology to friends and family over his role in the murder.
Xiao had breast reduction surgery and was allowed home five days later (Photo: Pixabay)

A teenage boy had to have a part of his right breast removed after it grew to the size of an A cup bra.

The 19-year-old from Cangan County in Chinas eastern Zhejiang Province forts noticed his single man boob when he was 13.

The condition was put down to his body producing excess female hormones.

The teenager, known by his pseudonym Xiao Yang, sought help from doctors after his uneven chest became more obvious.

He checked himself into Zhejiangs Wenzhou Central Hospital.

Chief of Medicine Pan Zhongliang said that the right side of the patients body resembled a woman while the left, a man. He attributed the fact to hormonal imbalances that were common in young adults who go through puberty.

Xiao had breast reduction surgery and was allowed home five days later. Man boobs, or "moobs", are caused by a medical condition called gynecomastia.

According to Dr Pan, the hospital received almost 100 teenage patienst with similar conditions each year and attributed the condition to an over consumption of fastfood, which have gender bending chemicals in them.
Hyderabad: The Cyberabad police on Friday arrested the main accused in the Muthoot robbery attempt, in which seven suspects armed with pistols and knives had attempted to rob the Mailardevpally branch of the company. The arrested person has been identified as Mohammed Abdul Sharif Kadar Quadri, alias Sharif. Two pistols, 15 live cartridges and mobile phones have been recovered from him. Sheru Khan, the man who supplied him with the pistols, and Feroz, another man whom he met in prison, are absconding.

The police said that Sharif, a former convict, had learned the techniques involved in dacoity at the Dhuley prison.

Sharif, who hailed from UP, shifted to Mumbai in 1994. He began working as a barber and became friends with a scrap dealer. Based on his advice, he shifted to the scrap business. He was arrested in 2000 for an attempted robbery. He was held in Thane Central Prison, where he met Feroz.

In prison, he learnt dacoity techniques from Feroz. Even after his release, he often met Feroz in Mulakath and sought his advice. On Ferozs advice, he met Sardar Singh, an arms supplier, and a man named Arshad, said police commissioner Sandeep Sandilya.

He said that Sharif, Arshad and their associates had committed a dacoity in 2008, in Nandurbar in Maharashtra, where they had opened fire and made off with one kg gold. Sharif and Arshad were arrested and sentenced to seven years RI.

While serving their sentence, they met a techie named Shafi who had been convicted in a fake currency case. After their release, Sharif resumed his scrap business as well his illegal activities. He met Sheru through a man named Pradhan, and he bought two pistols for Rs 35,000 each and 15 live rounds for Rs 500 each.

He purchased a 9 mm pistol and a 7.5 mm pistol from Sheru, and tested them in Uttar Pradesh. He later purchased four mobile phones and distributed them to members of the gang, Mr Sandilya said.

The gang stole a Tavera vehicle and planned the Muthoot dacoity.

Four suspects have already been arrested and two remain absconding.

Sharif hit back at police team

Police said Sharif assaulted cops when he was caught in Mumbai. After put in a police vehicle he broke its window panes with his fist. If I had a weapon I would have shot you all, he said. He also claimed that Sheru who supplied him weapons had told him that he procured ammunition from cops. The commissioner said that they are checking his claims.

Mohammed Abdul Sharif Kadar Quadri alias Sharif stopped education at school and got married at 17. He has three children.

Though he began with small dacoities during his first stint in Thane prison he learnt robbery techniques from Feroz.

He was arrested and convicted but he used it as an opportunity to improve his criminal skills.

During his stay in Dhuley prison also, he met Shafi, who is also a convict. Immediately after release they met and planned the Muthoot heist in Mailardevpally. Before targeting Muthoot they conducted a recce in the city to assess the status of over 50 Muthoot branches in the city including the one in RC Puram, where another interstate gang struck in December 2016 and looted around 45 kg gold.

Mailardevpally was selected due to its multiple escape routes and lack of security, but they failed.

He was in a relationship with his sister-in-law's 20-year-old daughter and his wife also knew that. After fleeing Hyderabad, he was taking shelter in Osmanabad. He told his wife to bring his niece and meet him at Osmanabad railway station. While he was waiting to meet them, he was nabbed.

Inquiries revealed that with the money he earned from dacoities, he purchased a house for Rs 8 lakh in his home town in UP, while he was staying on rent in Osmanabad.
A case was registered on her complaint. He was arrested and remanded on Friday. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: The Kukatpally police arrested a 27-year-old TRS leader on Friday for sexually harassing a woman in her house. The suspect, M. Vishanth, is the SC Cell in charge of GHMC division 115.

Police said the victim had lost her husband and was living with her sons. On Thursday night, after dinner, her son went out and she fell asleep. Around 10 pm, Vishanth entered the house and sexually harassed her. The victim ran out of the house screaming. She rushed to her brothers house and informed them.

A case was registered on her complaint. He was arrested and remanded on Friday.

Police said he was earlier accused in a similar case and an attempt to murder case in Kukatpally police station limits.
Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti is keen to build consensus against scrapping the Constitutional provision, which empowers the state legislature to define the state's "permanent residents" and their special rights and privileges. (Photo: File | ANI)

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in Delhi on Thursday to discuss the legal challenges to Article 35A of the Constitution, official sources said.

The chief minister, who is scheduled to leave for Delhi in the afternoon, is also likely to meet leaders like JD(U)'s Sharad Yadav on the issue of Article 35A that gives special status to the state and has been challenged in the Supreme Court, they said.

Mehbooba is keen to build consensus against scrapping the Constitutional provision, which empowers the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define the state's "permanent residents" and their special rights and privileges, they said.

In a surprise development, Mehbooba had called on opposition National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah this week to seek the support of his party on the issue.

Abdullah had told her that she should meet the prime minister, all the important central ministers and also the BJP leadership to convince the Sangh Parivar against striking down the constitutional provision.

The chief minister has also held meetings with leaders of other opposition parties in the state, including Jammu and Kashmir Congress president GA Mir and DPN chief Ghulam Hassan Mir.

Sources in Mehbooba's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said striking down Article 35A will be "a catastrophe for all mainstream political parties in Kashmir".

It will be nothing short of a "tsunami" for mainstream politicians as protection of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir within the Indian Constitution is the "cornerstone of their politics", they said.

On the latest developments, NC spokesman Junaid Mattu tweeted: "On #35A, bizarre of @MehboobaMufti to seek a consensus against BJP WHILE in an alliance with the BJP. She wants to have AND eat the cake".

On #35A, bizarre of @MehboobaMufti to seek a consensus against BJP WHILE in an alliance with the BJP. She wants to have AND eat the cake.  Junaid Azim Mattu (@Junaid_Mattu) August 10, 2017

"That is the crux of her dilemma - run with the hare & hunt with the hounds. She wants to govern with the BJP & oppose their politics with us," the party's working president, Omar Abdullah, said in a tweet.

The controversy erupted in 2014 after an NGO 'We the Citizens' filed a PIL in the Supreme Court seeking Article 35 A be struck down.

The Jammu and Kashmir government, under the guise of Articles 35A and 370, which grant special autonomous status to the state, has been discriminating against non-residents, who are debarred from buying properties, getting government jobs or voting in local elections, the PIL said.

Article 35A was added to the Constitution by a presidential order in 1954, it said.

While the state government contested the petition, saying the president had the power to incorporate a new provision in the Constitution by way of an order, the Centre, recently, expressed its reservations.
Accompanied by Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Palanisamy called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the PM office in Parliament House. (Photo: File | PTI)

New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palanisamy on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi while the rival AIADMK camp moved the Election Commission (EC) again to declare as invalid the posts of Sasikala Natarajan and TTV Dhinakaran amid mounting speculation of a merger of the ruling party's two factions.

A possible merger of the two AIADMK factions gained currency on Thursday after a meeting presided over by Palanisamy adopted a resolution questioning the appointment of Dhinakaran as AIADMK's deputy general secretary, a move welcomed by the rival camp headed by O Panneerselvam.

Palanisamy, who is heading the AIADMK (Amma) faction, for the record maintained that he only discussed the need for exempting Tamil Nadu from the purview of the all-India NEET exam.

This was the second meeting since July between the two where Palanisamy took up the issue of exempting the state from the purview of the NEET, the all-India medical college entrance test.

Palanisamy "reiterated the request of exemption from NEET for Tamil Nadu", a brief official release in Chennai said.

Accompanied by Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, the chief minister called on Modi at the office of the Prime Minister in Parliament House, the release added.

Stalled negotiations on the merger of two AIADMK factions picked up again after Thursday's meeting in Chennai.

A resolution passed at the meeting said Dhinakaran's elevation to the post, hours before his aunt Sasikala Natarajan was taken to a jail in Bengaluru, was against party bylaws, a condition for the merger which former chief minister

O Panneerselvam's AIADMK had been pushing for.

Palanisamy had earlier met Modi on the NEET issue on July 25. He and some of his cabinet colleagues, including Health Minister C Vijayabaskar, also met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Tamil Nadu has been seeking exemption from NEET, saying it would benefit its students.

With the AIADMK (Amma) faction severing ties with Dhinakaran, the party's O Panneerselvam camp on Friday again demanded before the Election Commission (EC) to declare the posts of Sasikala and Dhinakaran as invalid in the AIADMK.

AIADMK General Secretary Sasikala Natarajan had appointed Dhinakaran as her deputy hours before she was sent to a jail in Bengaluru.

However, on Thursday a resolution passed at the meeting of Palanisamy camp declared that Dhinakaran's elevation was in violation of party bylaws.

A delegation of AIADMK Puratchi Thalaivi Amma camp of Panneerselvam submitted an affidavit along with the resolution with the poll panel to back their demands.

"We had already urged the EC to declare position of AIADMK General Secretary Sasikala and deputy GS TTV Dhinakaran as invalid as it was against party constitution. The resolution which was passed yesterday adds strength to our case," said senior leader K P Munusamy.

MLA K Pandiarajan, former MP Manoj Pandian and former state minister Natham R Viswanathan were other members in the delegation.

Dhinakaran sought to downplay the stand taken by the Palanisamy-led camp against him and Sasikala.

He said the ministers were acting against him due to some "fear," and only they should explain what it was.

He, however, reiterated that when warranted he would resort to "surgical action."
China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan trijunction for past two months (Photo: AFP)

New Delhi: In a strategically key move, India has poured in more troops along the entire stretch of its border with China in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the face of heightened rhetoric by Beijing over the Dokalam standoff, senior government officials said Friday.

The "caution level" among the troops has also been raised, the officials told PTI.

The decision to increase the deployment along the nearly 1,400-km Sino-India border from Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh was taken after carrying out a detailed analysis of the situation and considering China's aggressive posturing against India on Dokalam, the officials said.

"The troop level along the border with China in the Sikkim and Arunachal sectors has been increased," said the officials on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the information.

The Army's Sukna-based 33 Corps as well as 3 and 4 corps based in Arunachal and Assam are tasked to protect the sensitive Sino-India border in the eastern theatre.

The officials declined to give any figure or percentage of increased deployment, saying they cannot disclose "operational details."

According to defence experts, roughly 45,000 troops including personnel having completed the weather acclimatisation process are normally kept ready along the border at any given time, but not all are necessarily deployed.

The soldiers, deployed over 9,000 feet, have to go through a 14-day-long acclimatisation process.

The officials, however, said there is no enhancement of troops at the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction in Dokalam where around 350 army personnel are holding on to their position for nearly eight weeks after stopping Chinese troops from constructing a road on June 16.

Bhutan and China have competing claims over Dokalam, and are negotiating a resolution.

China has been ramping up rhetoric against India over the last few weeks, demanding immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Dokalam. The Chinese state media, particularly, has carried a barrage of critical articles on the Dokalam stand-off slamming India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj recently said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, and favoured a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.

India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday will hear the appeal filed by the Maharashtra Government against the Bombay High Court's decision to strike down the ban on possession of beef by citizens in the state.

Earlier in January, the Bombay High Court upheld the beef ban imposed by the state government after the enactment of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, which bans slaughter of bulls, bullocks.

However, the court said that the possession of the meat cannot be considered as a crime, while striking down the relevant sections of the act.

Slaughtering of cows and sale of cow meat in Maharashtra has been banned and made illegal since 1976, but as per the new law the ban has extended to calves, bulls and bullocks.

On May 25, the Centre, through an order, imposed a ban on the sale of cattle, including cows, for slaughter and restricted cattle trade solely to farm owners.

Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Harsh Vardhan had ordered that the ministry has notified the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 to ensure that the sale of cattle is not meant for slaughter purposes.

Regulating animal trade is a state business, but animal welfare is a central subject, thereby providing the window for the ministry to notify the rule.

In lieu of this, there was widespread opposition of the order, with many states openly denying accepting the notification.
With AIADMK (Amma) faction severing ties with TTV Dhinakaran, the party's O Panneerselvam camp on Friday again demanded before the EC to declare posts of Sasikala and Dhinakaran as invalid in the AIADMK. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: With AIADMK (Amma) faction severing ties with TTV Dhinakaran, the party's O Panneerselvam camp on Friday again demanded before the Election Commission (EC) to declare the posts of Sasikala Natarajan and Dhinakaran as invalid in the AIADMK.

AIADMK General Secretary Sasikala Natarajan had appointed her nephew TTV Dhinakaran as her deputy hours before she was sent to a jail in Bengaluru.

However, on Thursday a resolution passed in a party meeting headed by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy declared that Dhinakaran's elevation was in violation of party bylaws.

A delegation of AIADMK Puratchi Thalaivi Amma camp of O Panneerselvam on Friday submitted an affidavit along with the resolution with the poll panel to back their demands.

"We had already urged the EC to declare position of AIADMK General Secretary Sasikala and deputy GS TTV Dhinakaran as invalid as it was against party constitution. The resolution which was passed yesterday adds strength to our case," senior leader K P Munusamy.

MLA K Pandiarajan, former MP Manoj Pandian and former state minister Natham R Viswanathan were other members in the delegation.
BJP MLA from Gondal, Jayrajsinh Jadeja, has been awarded life imprisonment by the Gujarat High Court in the Nilesh Rayani murder case, which took place in Rajkot on February 8, 2004. (Representational Image)

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Friday awarded life imprisonment to BJP MLA Jayrajsinh Jadeja and two others in the murder case of a man, who was shot dead by Jadeja in Rajkot in February, 2004.

A division bench of justices Akil Kureshi and Biren Vaishnav awarded the life term to the MLA from Gondal in Rajkot and two of his aides, Amarjitsinh Jadeja and former under-19 cricketer Mahendrasinh Rana.

The bench directed the three convicts, who are currently out on bail, to surrender before the jail authorities by September 30. Jadeja and 15 others were chargesheeted in the murder case of Nilesh Raiyani, who was killed allegedly over a land dispute.

Earlier in 2010, a fast track court in Rajkot had acquitted Jadeja in the case. However, of the 16 accused, it had found Samir Pathan, an alleged associate of Jadeja, guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Subsequently, Pathan as well as the state government approached the High Court against the lower court's verdict. While Pathan pleaded innocence, the government challenged the acquittal of 15 others in the case, including Jadeja.

The high court on Friday reversed the lower court's order as it found Jadeja and two of his aides guilty in the case.

However, it acquitted Pathan as Ramji Makwana, a key eyewitness in the case, told the court that he saw Jadeja firing at Raiyani, while two others were accompanying the MLA at the time of the incident.

As per the case details, Raiyani was shot dead on February 8, 2004 when he, along with two of his friends, including Makwana, was travelling in a car. Subsequently, an FIR was lodged against Jadeja and 15 others in connection with the killing of Raiyani.

In his testimony, Makwana had told the court that he saw the BJP MLA step out of his car and open fire from his weapon. Makwana had escaped the attack unhurt.

According to Pathan's lawyer Aftab Ansari, Raiyani was killed over a land dispute as several parties were claiming ownership of a tract of land on the outskirts of Gondal, which resulted in the bloodshed.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar meets BJP president Amit Shah in New Delhi. During the meeting both the leaders are believed to have discussed ongoing political developments and other issues related to Bihar. (Photo: PTI).

New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on Friday as his party prepares to join the NDA after forming the government in the state in alliance with the saffron party.

It was Kumar's first visit to the national capital after he jettisoned the alliance with the RJD and the Congress, and sealed a tie-up with the BJP on July 26.

He told reporters after meeting Modi that it was a courtesy call and he will visit Delhi again in August end to discuss Bihar's developmental issues with the Prime Minister.

He later had a luncheon meeting with Amit Shah in which both leaders are believed to have discussed ongoing political developments and other issues related to the state.

JD(U) sources said the party is expected to announce its decision to formally join the BJP-led NDA in its national executive meeting on August 19 in Patna.

Asked if the party will also join the Modi cabinet, a JD(U) leader said such a decision will be "natural".

"When we are together in government in Bihar it is only natural that our party joins the Union government," he said.

However, he added that such a decision will be taken by Kumar and the party had not deliberated over it yet.

The JD(U) has 12 members in Parliament, two in the Lok Sabha and 10 in the Rajya Sabha.

Its leader in the Rajya Sabha Sharad Yadav has rebelled against the alliance with the BJP but apparently does not enjoy much support among other party's lawmakers.

Kumar almost shut the door on any reconciliation with Yadav, saying he is free to take any decision as the alliance with the BJP had the entire party's nod.

"He (Yadav) is free to take his decision. As far as party is concerned, it has already taken its decision. The decision was not mine alone and it was taken with the consent of the party. If he keeps a different opinion, then he is free to do

so," Kumar said.
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China's central government has pledged to promote traditional opera in schools.

Primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and universities will give students the opportunity to watch traditional opera free of charge in 2017, according to a guideline jointly issued by the publicity department of the Communist Party of China and the ministries of culture, education and finance.

By 2018, students in all schools and colleges nationwide can watch an opera free of charge every year.

The campaign for traditional opera to reach students will be common in all schools by 2020, according to the guideline.

The guideline also urges schools to strengthen the creation of opera interest groups. It called on the joint effort of the government, education, society and individuals to support the campaign.

The guideline also encourages investment from enterprises, social organizations and individuals.

There are hundreds of forms of local opera in China, with Peking Opera the most famous.

Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera are listed by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said the condition was tensed last year in the valley and now the situation is slowly normalising. The people of the state think that their identity can be in danger. (Photo: File | PTI)

New Delhi: Amid the growing debate on 'special status' to Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a positive response on the same and has assured that there will be no fiddling with Article 370.

"The basis of our agenda of alliance is that status quo of 370 has to be maintained and none of us can go against that. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave 100 per cent assurance on the agenda of alliance. He has said that there will be no fiddling with it," Mufti said after meeting the Prime Minister in New Delhi.

Mufti further highlighted that the discussion on Article 35 (A) across the nation is making a major impact on the situation of the Valley.

"The condition was tensed last year in the valley and now the situation is slowly normalising. The people of the state think that their identity can be in danger. A message should be conveyed that nothing is going to happen. Jammu and Kashmir cannot is a crown of India should be reiterated," she said.

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution grants special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Article 35A of the Constitution empowers the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly to define the state's permanent residents and their privileges.

This has been challenged in the Supreme Court, which will give its verdict in September.

It was inserted into the Constitution of India through a presidential order in 1954, to guarantee that the maharaja's ban on outsiders would remain. It actually makes little difference in practical terms, for domicile rights apply in other states too.

Earlier, Mufti warned about the consequence of tinkering with Article 35 (A) in the state said we first need to protect our 'special position' which was granted to us in year 1947 then we can demand for more.

While addressing a public meeting at Jawal Pora village in Budgam district, Mehbooba said, "We have to provide all facilities to our people but for that peace is essential in the state. We will first protect our 'special position' which was granted to us in year 1947 then we can demand for more."

Earlier in July, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister warned that any change in Article 35 (A) of the Constitution, would not be in favour of the people living in the Valley and would invite repercussions.

"Any tampering with Article 35 (A) won't be acceptable. I won't hesitate in saying that nobody will even carry the corpse of the National Flag in Kashmir, if it happens. Let me make it very clear," she said.
Hyderabad: The National Human Rights Commission on Friday took cognisance of the Nerella incident of torture of Dalits, based on a complaint as well as media reports.

The NHRC served notice on TS Director-General of Police Anurag Sharma and the government to conduct a fair and independent inquiry into the allegations that persons belonging to the SC and BC communities from Nerella in Sircilla Rajanna district were illegally detained and tortured. The report must be submitted in a month.

The incident has political ramifications as the area falls under minister K.T. Rama Raos constituency.

The NHRC said that it was alleged that the local police did not act on the many complaints of the villagers that lorries belonging to sand contractors were speeding dangerously, and had caused several deaths.

They are notorious for overloading lorries with sand and driving them at high speed disregarding the safety and security of the villagers. Reportedly, on July 2, 2017, a lorry of a sand contractor ran over a person belonging to a Scheduled Tribe. After this, two lorries were set ablaze by the angry villagers, following which the police indiscriminately picked up at least eight persons and brutally tortured them, the notice said.
Lingayat seers at a meeting on separate religion tag to the community in Bengaluru on Thursday.

BENGALURU: Infighting within Veerashaiva-Lingayat community is likely to intensify with several senior members of Akhila Bharat Veerashaiva Mahasabha (ABVM) reportedly rejecting a suggestion to endorse one of the resolutions seeking religion tag for Lingayats, adopted by some pontiffs, ministers and legislators, at a meeting here on Thursday.

On Thursday, one group of pontiffs and leaders led by water resources minister, M.B. Patil, adopted several resolutions, including one on separate religion tag for Lingayats, and renaming ABVM as Akhila Bharat Lingayat Mahasabha (ABLM).

A senior leader of the community and an office bearer of ABVM told DC that soon after conclusion of Thursdays meeting, ABVM president, Mr Shamanoor Shivashankarappa, called some of the office bearers and suggested that the organization issue a statement reiterating the stand taken by the leaders at the meeting. A majority, however, opposed the idea and in turn, advised Mr Shivashankarapappa not to react to the new developments. The office bearers were cut up on being dubbed as anti-Lingayats.

They told Mr Shivashankarappa that they did not want to associate with the new group which claimed to be genuine followers of Basaveshwara. Thereafter, Mr Shivashankarappa decided not to react to the developments.

Meanwhile, pontiffs of pancha maths (five maths), too, secretly met at an undisclosed venue.

When contacted Mr Shivashankarappa who declined to react to other developments contradicted Mr M.B. Patil, saying Mr Patil said he had contacted me. But no. Neither did he speak to me, nor was any letter sent to me about inviting me for Thursdays meeting.

He said a meeting would be convened on August 17 to discuss the issue.

On the new name for ABVM, he said, Twenty years ago when the issue turned controversial, the community leaders left it to pontiffs of Suttur and Siddaganga Math. What can I say when the revered swamis selected that name. I cannot remove or change the name, he added.

With one section of the Lingayat community upping the ante on the issue of a separate religion tag, a vertical split of the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community seems imminent. These leaders have opposed ABVMs contention that Veerashaivas and Lingayats are two faces of the same coin, and demanded a separate Mahasabha for Lingayats.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinaryi Vijayan has called for creating a think tank to counter attacks against Kerala in social networking sites, social media. He appealed to the people to contribute and share views, content by mailing these to teamsmview@gmail.com. In a Facebook post, the chief minister said the falsehoods spread by a section of Delhi-based media was smashed with the collective intervention of Malayalis in social media. Not only left sympathisers even common Malayalis across the globe joined the campaign to counter untruth, canard and baseless charges.

Mr Pinarayi said the resistance put up by self respecting Malayalees against the malicious campaign unleashed by the Sangh Parivar branding the state as the land of communal strive and killing fields was a unique experience. There was a continuous campaign to tarnish the states stupendous achievements in various fields, he said. When Malaylees found that Kerala was being pointlessly attacked, they came together voluntarily from across the world to defend the state. In one voice they said Kerala is the land of kindness, development and of right things. The land is No 1 in the country they said together without any appeal to do so from any quarter, he added.

The chief minister said the natural response that generated through the social media was very promising. By selectively targeting Kerala, there was a direct attempt to demolish one of the most democratically functioning states in the country. But the Malayalis across the world came together to counter this hate campaign, he said. Mr Pinarayi said while social media was playing a great role in dissemination of information, meaningful interaction between different sections and these were rare achievements, a section of people were misusing the same for spreading falsehood, targeting people and misusing it for their narrow political interests. He said he government was prepared to take strict action against those misusing social media platforms. for spreading lies, creating communal divisions and fabricating news.
MALAPPURAM: A dress code to distinguish between bright students and the less bright? That is unheard of anywhere in the world. But a smart private school at Pandikkad in the district had the audacity to introduce such a special dress code. However, following public protest, the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KeSCPCR) on Friday registered a suo motu case against the school authorities. The commission has asked the Deputy Director of Education, Malappuram, the school principal and the District Child Protection Officer to submit a report on the issue within 15 days.

The matter was brought to light by the Childline after it received complaints from students and parents pointing out the discrimination at the Al Farook English Medium School at Pandikkad. The self-financing CBSE school had asked 32 students to wear special dress while the rest followed the common uniform of the school which has around 800 students. The students were selected from fifth standard to 10. The ChildLine conducted a survey among the students to check the acceptance of the new system. We found most of the students were unhappy with the dress code and felt discriminated. We have asked the school authorities to stop the practice but they kept justifying it.

The teachers of the school have also reservations about this kind of separation, said Childline counsellor Muhammed Rashid. The Childline team visited the school three times before forwarding the case to the commission. Finally, the school authorities decided to withdraw the dress code on Thursday. The system was launched as part of forming a students collective named Perfect Group. They were selected based on their academic and co-curricular activities and discipline. The intention was positive and there were no complaints against it, Mr Abdul Kareem, principal, said.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Buoyed by the stupendous victory in Mattanur municipal elections, the CPM is all set to unleash a campaign not just in the state but across the country to counter BJP-RSS propaganda branding Kannur as killing fields of Kerala. After the recent brutal killing of RSS worker Rajesh in Thiruvananthapuram, the BJP had launched a nation-wide campaign targeting CPM for politics of violence. It culminated in Defence Minister Arun Jaitley's high profile visit to State Capital. During his stay here the minister also visited the slain RSS leaders house.

The national media which accompanied Jaitley went about giving nonstop coverage of political violence in state mainly holding CPM responsible for the bloody trail of killings especially in Kannur. But CPM came up with a timely counter campaign during Jaitleys visit by parading victims of RSS violence. For CPM, the Mattannur victory could not have come at a better time. The results coming massively in favour of LDF and that too from Kannur the hotbed of political killings, have already become viral on the social media. The party is not leaving any chances to keep up the momentum for getting maximum mileage.

The CPM is trying to convey the message that despite highly negative and vitriolic campaign, people of Kerala especially in Kannur have stood solidly behind the Left parties. Moreover, the BJP's failure to open account in the municipality is being projected by them as total rejection of Sangh Parivars divisive agenda and propaganda. As the Marxists are wary of BJP-RSS misusing central agencies even in the event of isolated incidents, the party has asked its cadre to be vigilant and not to succumb to provocations.

They have been directed to keep the campaign against medical college scam alive besides not leaving any opportunity to expose the murders, rapes, looting, communal violence taking place in BJP ruled states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The CPM is closely monitoring the hate' speeches of RSS and BJP leaders. In the event of provocative speeches which could trigger violence, party leaders have been asked to bring such instances to the notice of police and seek legal action.
Chennai: On a day marked by intense political activity with the AIADMK led by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami preparing the ground for merger with the faction under former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam by challenging the authority of its deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran, the

latter called on "mookupodi" siddhar in the temple town of Thiruvannamalai and sought his blessings.

Mr Dhinakaran who is known to maintain his poise even during hard times called on the mystic ahead of his statewide tour beginning on Aug. 14. He sat in meditation posture in front of the saint for some time before taking the blessings.

"I am visiting this saint for about 25 years and it is nothing new," Mr Dhinakaran later told reporters. He was accompanied by his supporters on Thursday.

The godman, who utters a few words, that too rarely, is believed to be an enlightened soul and his blessings, it is said, will induce progress. He is known for his affinity for mookupodi (snuff), which devotees offer him.

Tiruvannamalai is famous for the ancient temple of Sri Arunachaleswar.

Meanwhile, Mr Palaniswami, who has decided to bury the differences with Mr Panneerselvam, called on spiritualist Bangaru Adigalar at Melmaruvathur on Wednesday.
Former TD MP from Adilababd Ramesh Rathode joins TRS in the presence of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao at Telangana Bhavan in Hyderabad on Monday. (Photo: DC/File)

Nirmal: Differences that have cropped up among the TRS leaders came to fore on Friday with Khanapur MLA Azmeera Rekha Naik filing a police complaint against Mr Ramesh Rathod, who recently joined the party.

Some TRS leaders had opposed Mr Rathods entry into the party. The TRS top brass had anticipated such a scenario before Mr Rathods entry, according to sources.

TS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao asked Mr Rathod to treat Ms Naik as he would treat his sister on the dais during a function to welcome him into the party fold.

At that time, there were rumours that Mr Rathod avoided local ministers Jogu Ramanna and A. Indrakaran Reddy, and instead spoke to Mr Tummala Nageswara Rao, who also came to the TRS from the Telugu Desam to pave the way for his switching sides to the ruling party.

There are three Assembly constituencies reserved for STs  Asifabad, Boath and Khanapur. Ms Naik had tried to get the TD ticket from Asifabad when Mr Rathod was dominating district politics and failed to do so. She contested as an Independent in 2009 elections and suffered a defeat at the hands of Congress candidate Atram Sakku.

She later joined the Congress and then the TRS and got the party ticket in the last elections. Now, both Mr Rathod and Ms Naik are aspiring for the TRS ticket from Khanapur Assembly constituency for the next elections and reports are doing rounds in political circles Ms Naiks husband Shyam Naik is aspiring for the Adilabad Lok Sabha ticket.
Jobless growth, widely applied to the era of high growth from 2004 to 2009, has now become the bane of the Narendra Modi government. Not only is the economy flailing in its ability to deliver on its promises of Make in India, Swachchh Bharat, eradicating black money and bringing back the billions stashed abroad, it has also failed to give any succour to those seeking a livelihood. None of its programmes have seriously worked out the economic and job implications. The present government has been unable to generate enough jobs. The problems are partly structural  of being a few decades behind the countries in East Asia and Southeast Asia in catching the export boom. But such a situation has also arisen because of the governments inability to forge a suitable policy, its indifference to the crisis in peoples lives and its obsession with things like cow slaughter without bothering about its consequences on farmers livelihoods. The numbers tell a straightforward story even if they are incomplete. India was able to add only 135,000 jobs in eight labour-intensive sectors surveyed by the Labour Bureau in 2015 (the figure for 2016 has not yet been released), steadily declining from a peak of 930,000 jobs added in 2011. Both figures are much lower than the need to cater to the 10 million people entering the labour force every year.

In its appraisal of the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17) released recently, the Niti Aayog noted: Higher focus on investment in capital- and skilled-labour-intensive sectors in the country meant that the movement of workers out of agriculture into industry and services has been specially slow for the past 65 years. The Modi government has concentrated on capital-intensive and high-skilled sectors. This has meant that the fast-growing sectors in India with job opportunities have been automobile and its parts, two-wheelers, machinery, chemicals, petroleum refining, telecommunications, software and pharmaceuticals. The concentration on capital-intensive sectors has meant that the sectors that are employment intensive, like textiles and garments, leather tanning and processing, diamond polishing and jewellery manufacture, agro-industries like food processing and cold storages have been ignored. A case in point is the labour-intensive clothing industry. The Aayog said: India has performed rather poorly in this sector. (Clothing) exports from India started at a lower level in 1997 and also grew at a significantly slower pace. By 2013, these exports from China had risen to $177 billion, while those from India amounted to just $17 billion.

Unfortunately, more than Chinas exceptional performance, this comparison testifies to generally poor performance of Indian exports of labour-intensive products. Today, Indias exports of clothing and accessories in absolute terms fall short of not just Bangladesh but also Vietnam, whose population is 90 million. The story is similar in other labour-intensive items such as leather products, food processing and electronic assembly, the Aayog said. Two social sectors that are largely ignored by the Niti Aayog are health and education. This is in keeping with the government policy to gradually reduce the money allocated to them. Instead of a mindless rush to fund universities and colleges that pretend they are equal to the worlds best, a balanced approach on school education would raise the level of schools around the country and provide more jobs than industry can. Most village schools have just one teacher, who single-handedly handles Class 1 to Class 8. By having four teachers for each school in Indias seven lakh villages would not only raise the level of education and ability of students to deal with the world, it would also generate useful employment for nearly three million otherwise disgruntled youngsters.

Similarly, by ensuring that the primary health centres are manned by a sufficient number of trained medical helpers would not only give employment but also improve medical care. From 1991, Dr Manmohan Singh had initiated the new economic policies. Though the share of agriculture in national GDP has been steadily going down that of manufacturing has remained unchanged with almost all the gain going to services. Part of the decline in employment in cotton textiles and food products is because of sickness or obsolescence, which accounted for a sizeable part of factory employment. One reason why employment has not gone up as it should have is that when jobs are created almost an equal number are lost. A recent report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) states that employment has not kept up with growth because of productivity increases. Between 1999-2000 and 2012-13 only 52 million jobs were created instead of 355 million, because owners invested in machinery to reduce dependence on labour. Labour is mainly concentrated in the small informal sector in which something like 84 per cent of all industrial employment is found. Any government serious about tackling unemployment would turn here for solutions. But for all the brave talk of Make in India, the Modi government has ignored this sector totally. Microenterprises have the potential to propel growth and job creation, says the BCG report. However, for this to happen, the government must be sensitive to their needs  providing financial help and training.

It has to simplify procedures of dealing with the government. Instead, Mr Modis recent moves have made life more complicated  first the demonetisation gambit hurt the capacity to raise working capital. Then the level of paperwork involved in the GST will drown any entrepreneurial spirit in bureaucratic hurdles. The government seems to work for big business or lobbies, with its emphasis on reducing the influence of labour. It has made no attempt to seriously consider employment. The stage is being set for the violent confrontation we have seen in Gujarat, Rajasthan and now Maharashtra.
The AIADMK, Tamil Nadus ruling party, seems determined to strike out a new course independent of Sasikala and her family. A planned merger of former CM O. Panneerselvams breakaway faction with the ruling group, that was in the air for long, is likely to materialise. Whether that happens quickly or not, the move by chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami to steer the party away from the extra-constitutional authority of V.K. Sasikala, the late J. Jayalalithaas long-time confidante, and her nephew T.T.V. Dhinakaran is a very desirable step. It was an embarrassment for Tamil Nadu that its Cabinet and ministers remained beholden to a person jailed for corruption and disqualified from seeking election for a decade. To make a clean break from the history of loot is challenging, but is a step that has to be taken.

There are tricky issues before the government as it runs on a wafer-thin majority, but the fear of being toppled shouldnt preclude proper governance. This is where the merger may come in handy as the numbers may go to strengthen the governments hand. A united party can also reclaim the frozen Two Leaves symbol, that is the key to the popular vote as people voted for Jayalalithaa, the partys legitimate arm while she was alive. Her legacy may have been diminished by the serious crime of corruption she was guilty of. But to allow her companion to hijack a political party with a mass base was a travesty of justice as it served only rank opportunism and descent into the same path of using the government to pad up illegally-begotten fortunes.
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Authorities in southwest China's Sichuan Province have said that 20 people have been killed in the magnitude-7.0 earthquake which struck Jiuzhaigou County on Tuesday evening.

A woman injured in Jiuzhaigou earthquake receives medical treatment in the Central Hospital of Mianyang City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 9, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua]

At least 430 people have been injured in the disaster, with 15 said to be in a critical condition.

More than 60,000 tourists and local residents have also been moved to safety.

Four patients with severe fractures have been sent to a hospital in Mianyang, while a further 13 people were transferred to major hospitals in the provincial capital, Chengdu.

Meanwhile, nine national medical experts have been sent to Sichuan Province to assist local teams.
Outgoing vice-president Hamid Ansari, before laying down office on Friday after a 10-year stint, fell foul of the ruling BJP due to his frank assessment lately offered in the Rajya Sabha, of which he was Chairman, and in an interview on the Rajya Sabha TV channel that he helped found, on the state of social fissures and challenges to national unity that appear to have intensified of late. The nation should be happy that its highest constitutional functionaries are not afraid to speak home truths to the government. Just-retired President Pranab Mukherjee spoke several times about the growing intolerance, though he took care to couch his criticism in careful language. The outgoing V-P has been forthright, and this has evidently angered the BJP.

He said Muslims and the other minorities are feeling insecure due to the vigilante justice being summarily dispensed of late. He noted that this was against the ethos of our society. He also spoke of the responsibilities of the minorities (though this was been highlighted in the news reports), but he did emphasise it was an essential feature of democracy to ensure security and the common rights of citizens to them. Another noteworthy feature of his remarks was to dwell on the healthy spirit of dissent and criticism of governments in a democratic system. As is their wont, the BJP and others in the Sangh Parivar purposely misconstrue any criticism of their time in office as being against the country. The outgoing V-Ps candid observations could not escape this fate. But it was worrying, and not merely a matter of deep discourtesy, that incoming vice-president M. Venkaiah Naidu should launch a scathing assault on Mr Ansari, saying the words he had spoken were political propaganda.

This was downright personal, in the same vein as the vilification by a BJP general secretary who said that Mr Ansari might be hoping for political rehabilitation. Small-mindedness of this nature ill becomes those placed in high positions in any institution  even a political party. The VHP of course remained its usual self in saying that Mr Ansari was sounding like Mohammed Ali Jinnah and may create another Pakistan. Mercifully, the fusillade of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was indirect. He referenced Mr Ansaris distinguished lineage (grandfathers from both sides having been Congress presidents before Independence, members of the Constituent Assembly and associated with the Khilafat movement), his many years dealing with West Asia as an Indian diplomat, and post retirement his association with the Minorities Commission and Aligarh Muslim University, to hint that Mr Ansari only had Muslims on his mind. The PM also pointedly noted that after retirement Mr Ansari was freed from all constitutional restraints and could work according to his beliefs. A peevish, low-grade, affair, all things considered.
She sings a song

Of sixpence

 short change, dont make it long

Keep last nights dream

For Freud, spare me

I get bored fit to scream.

Now that all bets

Are off, you wish

We were still counting sunsets

From I Bit Anjali by Bachchoo

The voice of reason, the voice of neutral truth, the investigative counter to our era of fake news and social-media venom  which is what the glorious British Broadcasting Corporation, dedicated to inform, educate and entertain, should be. Britains politicians routinely accuse the BBC of bias. My left-wing friends and my right-wing acquaintances regularly rail against the stances adopted in questioning and reporting by the very accomplished Laura Kuenssberg, the BBCs political reporter who steers expertly through the complexities of contemporary British politics. Indian audiences have the benefit of the BBCs World Service and Newsday and can today pick up on-line all BBC output. One of these, probably not much subscribed to, except in a couple of areas in Indias Punjab, is the BBC Radios Asian Network. The Beeb is constantly battling to keep its sources and levels of funding and to compete with the plethora of rival channels. The Beeb, as with any broadcasting or media outlet, is guided by the viewing or listening figures attracted to its output. But, additionally or uniquely, the BBC with its public service remit, has to look beyond audience figures to provide quality or necessary programmes. So in 2010, in its review of expenditure the Beeb proposed to axe its Asian Network. It was spending 7.5million annually on it and attracting a weekly average of 477,000 listeners. The axe was vigorously opposed. Here was a service that had to be maintained in the interests of diversity. The protests worked. The BBC reprieved the network and asked it to economise on its budgets and to endeavour to increase its listener figures.

So larger audiences and smaller budgets  a more-for-less statistical injunction with no analysis of why the network was failing to get larger audiences or any regard for what the network was doing. The latest media interest in the minority radio channel has been stimulated by scandal. One of its disc jockeys, Tommy Sandhu, 40, has been suspended from the network for being part of a WhatsApp group of lads  two producers on the network and one other DJ  who posted nasty racist, homophobic, anti-Pakistani comments and a series of sexually explicit filthy posts about a female producer on BBCs Radio 1. Sandhus group was not simply indulging in social-media trivia. Their posts violated the codes of conduct expected of BBC employees, referred to their Muslim colleagues and the potential Muslim audience for a national broadcasting network as Pakis. One post proposed keeping Pakistani musicians and artists off some of the networks programmes.

Through a blunder, these posts were sent to a network office laptop and were seen by Amanpreet Kaur, a producer who was aghast at the nasty, sexist remarks directed at her and other female members of the network. She brought the cabals actionable attitudes and bullying remarks, including those which affected the policy of the network towards its potential audience, to official notice.

The BBC suspended two of the Indian-origin gang of four and instituted an inquiry. The inquiry will, of course, examine the structures and biases within the BBC unit which allowed people with these dispositions and opinions to be promoted to positions of influence in the network. What it wont do, and what a further fundamental inquiry ought to do, is to look at the output of the network, its relationship to the needs, wants, tastes, demands, cultural structure, religious diversity, age range, country of emigrant origin and relationship of the exclusive culture of the Asian communities to mainstream and other Britain.

The latest statistics show that for the 7.5 million spent on the network it gets 632,000 listeners a week. This is certainly an improvement on the 2010 audience figure but does it do what an Asian network of the BBC ought to be doing? A quick glance through the names of its presenters, producers and other staff indicates that there is a distinct imbalance in the diversity that such a network ought to represent. Most blatantly, there is a very strong contingent of Indian Punjabis running the show, despite the fact that the potential audience consists of a much larger number of people of Pakistani Punjabi and Mirpuri origins. Are the DJs all Bollywood and Bhangra oriented? What qualifications does one have, or what criteria as a broadcaster does one have to fulfil to serve and innovate on the network? These questions and many more should be asked if the Asian Network is to serve the potential audiences of multicultural Britain. The specialist Asian video channels and the minority commercial radio channels that broadcast to local British Asian communities cater for very specific tastes of their very narrow audiences. The Asian Network of the BBC ought to undertake, as far as is feasible, to bypass the narrow tastes of narrow segments of the population catered for by these channels and instead be the instrument of nurturing the multicultural facets of Britain. As commissioning editor for multicultural programmes on Channel 4 for 14 years, I wasnt given but assumed a clear and I hope multifaceted brief.

I am convinced that the Asian Network could with an intimacy, rigour and uninhibitedness which other networks may not possess, observe and investigate the impenetrable and increasingly isolated Asian communities of Britain. It might have told us, in some broadcasting format, for instance, that there was an unnoticed ambience within such communities which could induce five schoolgirls of high academic achievement to secretly abscond to Syria to become jihadi brides. One of the tests a revamped Asian network should pass is apart from its loyal audiences, attracting a demographic of Asian and non-Asian listeners who turn to it from commitment or to hear authoritative opinions on culture, society, politics and anything else.
With increasing presence of spam in India, TRAI had created an app which makes easy for users in the country to report numbers to the regulators and then have them blocked.

Apple has come under fire from the countrys telecom regulator after it reportedly blocked a spam reporting app created by TRAI which is supposed to help block pesky calls and unwanted messages.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has accused Apple of not caring about customers, as the company does not allow an application developed by the regulator to be used on iPhones due to the fact that it requires access to SMS and call logs.

With increasing presence of spam in India, TRAI had created an app which makes easy for users in the country to report numbers to the regulators and then have them blocked. Called Do-Not-Disturb, the application currently runs on Android exclusively, as it requires access to information that Apple does not allow to share in iOS, which means that iPhone users cant install it in the first place.

TRAIs Chairman, R.S. Sharma, says the regulator has been talking to Apple about the issue, but the negotiations have until now recorded no progress, with Cupertino only promising to address the problem but without taking any actions in this regard.

While Google's Android supports our Do-Not-Disturb (DND) app, Apple has just been discussing, discussing, and discussing. They have not done anything. They are anti-consumer and they are really not caring for their customers who could have been saved from pesky calls and unwanted messages, the Indian official has been quoted as saying.

So basically you (Apple) are violating the right of the user to willingly share his/her own data with the regulator or with any third party of his/her choice. Apple can at best be the custodian of data. The ownership should remain and shall remain with the consumer who produced the data.

Apple has not issued any response to these statements, but the company is said to be working with Indian officials on finding a way to get the app working on its devices. However, if no modification is implemented in the app and it still needs SMS and phone call log access. This means it is impossible to unblock it in iOS given the system-level protection in the operating system.

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There are still many consumers who have reported that their Samsung-branded smartphones are still experiencing similar problems, wherein their devices batteries are overheating and even catching fire in the process. (In image: Galaxy S6 Edge+/Softpedia/Representational image)

Samsung had a particularly unpleasant 2016, evidently due to the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, wherein hundreds of smartphones caught fire, reportedly due to an issue pertaining to the devices battery. The extent of the smartphones battery problems was such that the South-Korean technology giant had to follow it up with a global recall of millions of Galaxy Note 7 units, ultimately forcing them to take the smartphone off from the listings. The events caused much damage to Samsungs brand, in terms of consumers relying on the smartphone manufacturers future innovations. In short, Samsung wouldnt want to face something like this ever again.

However, following the incident and subsequent brand-fixing activities carried out by the firm, there are still many consumers who have reported that their Samsung-branded smartphones are experiencing similar problems, wherein their devices batteries are overheating and even catching fire in the process.

On a similar note, a North-West DC-resident, Sylvia Adams recently told NBC4 that her Samsung Galaxy S6 had caught fire in her bedroom. I was talking on the house phone and then all of a sudden, I heard this sizzle and then I looked and I saw flames, she said. She revealed the burn marks that the explosion had left on her blanked, top sheet, fitted sheet and mattress. The woman tried knocking the device off her bed, which ended up burning her hardwood floor as well. This phone almost burned my house down, she claimed.

Whats especially surprising about this particular case is the fact that Samsung hadnt even listed the Galaxy S6 smartphone in its recall list. Therefore, this further goes on to suggest that the issue is not only pertaining to Galaxy Note 7 units, but many of the other Samsung-branded smartphones that come packed with lithium-ion batteries which get easily overheated, and ultimately catch fire.

Immediately I called Samsung, Adams said. Then I called you all, Adams told NBC4. The company was quick at responding to her complaint, as a free replacement was immediately provided to her.

This isnt the first time that Galaxy S6 smartphone has caught fire. Previously, as listed on SaferProducts.gov, there have similar multiple reports about Galaxy S6 smartphones catching fire. Users have complained about the device catching fire, while charging. Samsungs Galaxy S7 Edge has also made it to reports, for bursting into sparks and flames by its users. This is particularly worrisome because Samsung has made an official statement, suggesting that no other of its smartphones have any battery issues, or other bigger problems that might end up in such consequences.

Samsung stands behind the quality and safety of the more than 10 million Galaxy S6 family phones in the US, a Samsung spokesperson said in a statement. We have reached out to Ms. Adams to retrieve the device and learn more about what happened. Until Samsung is able to obtain and examine any device, it is impossible to determine the true cause of any incident. Mobile phones are complex devices and there are many factors that could contribute to their malfunction. Any customer who has questions or experiences an issue with a Samsung product should contact us directly at 1-800-Samsung."

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A supporter holds up a placard of opposition leader Raila Odinga at his final electoral campaign rally in Uhuru Park in downtown Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo: File/AP)

Nairobi: Kenya's election commission was preparing to release final results Friday from a hotly-contested vote in which the opposition has already claimed victory, fanning tensions in the east African nation.

The National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition coalition on Thursday demanded that its candidate Raila Odinga be declared president, claiming massive fraud was behind preliminary results that placed him far behind incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta.

Foreign observers praised a peaceful, credible voting process, but the mood quickly turned sour when Odinga rejected the results after only a few hours of counting. Odinga first complained the electronically transmitted results were not being backed up by the required forms. He later unveiled details of an alleged hacking attack to manipulate results.

NASA then doubled down with a claim the election commission (IEBC) was concealing results contained on its server that, it said, showed Odinga to be the winner. "We demand that the IEBC chairperson announce the presidential election results forthwith and declare Raila Amolo Odinga as the duly elected president," said one of NASA's leaders, Musalia Mudavadi.

The charge ratcheted up tensions that have seen Kenya on a go-slow since voting day on Tuesday, with many businesses shut, civil servants staying at home and streets largely empty. The final results may be released in the afternoon.

"Any attempts to pressurise the IEBC, as being witnessed, are irregular, and may stoke the flames in an already tense situation. We have said before, and reiterate, that any candidate with grievances pursue established avenues of redress," the Daily Nation said in an editorial. "This process (of determining final results) is still ongoing, and so there are no election results on which to file a petition."

People want justice: Protests have remained isolated to Odinga's strongholds in Nairobi slums where police shot dead two protesters Wednesday and the western city of Kisumu.

But memories are still raw of a disputed poll that led to two months of ethno-political violence in 2007-8, leaving 1,100 dead and displacing 600,000.

While veteran opposition leader Odinga, 72, also claimed 2013 polls were stolen from him, he took his grievances to the courts and ended up accepting his loss.

"We do not want to see any violence in Kenya. We know the consequences of what happened in 2008 and we don't want to see a repeat of that," Odinga told CNN in an interview. But he repeated his assertion that "I don't control anybody. People want to see justice."

Kenyatta looked set for certain victory, with 8 million votes to Odinga's 6.7 million, according to the IEBC public website whose results are being cross-checked against polling forms from constituencies.

However, NASA provided documents purportedly obtained from IEBC servers via a "confidential source" showing that Odinga had 8.04 million votes, leading Kenyatta on 7.75 million.

We need peace: IEBC chief Wafula Chebukati responded to the NASA claims, detailing that their "evidence" was riddled with arithmetical errors and came from a Microsoft database, while the electoral commission's system was running on Oracle.

In the Kondele neighbourhood of the western city of Kisumu where protests erupted on Wednesday hundreds of Odinga supporters took to the streets, banging drums and blowing vuvuzelas after his party declared him the winner. "We are happy," said 35-year-old Anthony Karaba, as a police helicopter hovered overhead. "We need peace and we need the correct results."

The IEBC insists its electronic voting system seen as key to avoiding fraud was not compromised. Britain and the US joined foreign observer missions in urging party leaders to be patient and refrain from inflaming tensions ahead of the release of final results.

Former US secretary of state John Kerry, leading an observer team from the Carter Center, expressed confidence in the IEBC. "We believe the IEBC put in place a detailed, transparent process of voting, counting, reporting and securing the vote, all of which lends significant credibility and accountability," Kerry told journalists.

Before the election the race between Odinga and Kenyatta was seen as too close to call. It was billed as the final showdown between the two men whose fathers Jomo Kenyatta and Jaramogi Odinga were allies in the struggle for independence, but later became bitter rivals, setting the stage for decades of political rancour.

Kenyatta, 55, is seeking re-election after a first term in which he and his Jubilee Party were credited with a massive infrastructure drive and overseeing steady economic growth.

Odinga describes himself as a social democrat who wants to fight inequality.
The crash also injured 123 people, the ministry said in a statement (Representational image)

At least 36 people were killed as two trains collided on Friday outside the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, in one of the deadliest accidents in Egypt, the health ministry said.

The crash also injured 123 people, the ministry said in a statement. Footage on the state broadcaster showed one train had partly keeled over in the crash, and medics were seen moving the dead and injured to ambulances.

Transport ministry officials, quoted on state television, said the crash was probably caused by a malfunction in one train that brought it to a halt on the rails. The other train then crashed into it.

One of them had been heading from Cairo to the northern city of Alexandria and the other from the canal city of Port Said, east of the capital, to Alexandria.

Egypts transport minister has ordered an investigation into the crash, Nile TV reported. Officials fear the death toll and the number of injured could rise further.

The deadliest rail accident in Egypt was in 2002 when 373 people died as a fire ripped through a crowded train south of the capital.
US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to North Korea, asking them to 'get their act together'. (Photo: File)

New York: US President Donald Trump on Thursday issued a fresh warning to North Korea, asking them to "get their act together" to avoid facing "fire and fury like the world has never seen."

Trump said, "If North Korea does anything in terms of attacking us or our allies then they will be very very nervous as things will happen to them as like they haven't thought possible."

"North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States," Trump added. "They will be met with fire, fury and frankly power the likes of which this world has never seen before."

This stern warning of Trump came hours after North Korea state media has released a detailed plan of the military to be presented before Kim Jong-Un to fire four ballistic missiles near the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, a major military hub and home to the U.S. bombers.

The intermediate-range missiles would be fired east and over Japan before landing around 30 to 40 kilometres (18 to 25 miles) off the coast of the tiny island if the plan is implemented, CNN quoted statement of state-run KCNA.

Guam is more than 3,000 kilometres from North Korea.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said "Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's stand is very clear as there are diplomatic and military means both are strong and capable in the face of the threats by North Korea or other nations."

A day ago North Korea announced its military is "preparing and examining" a plan to launch a missile strike on the strategic U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, just hours after President Donald Trump warned the regime that any threat to the United States would be met with "fire and fury."

North Korea issued the warning through its state-run KCNA news agency, wherein it was specifically mentioned that a potential strike could be launched on Andersen Air Force Base designed "to send a serious warning signal to the US."

The base is one of two on the Pacific island, which are the closest bases on US soil to North Korea, and represent western most tip of the country's military might, the CNN reported.

Taking into account the threat and the fear of residents, Guam's governor, Eddie Baza Calvo, released a video address, reassuring the island's residents that there was no escalated threat.

"I want to reassure the people of Guam that currently there is no threat to our island or the Marianas," he said.
A decision in this connection was taken when Modi and Trump held their first meeting at the White House in June. (Photo: AP)

Washington: US President Donald Trumps daughter Ivanka will lead the American delegation at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in India, starting from November 28.

Ivanka Trump will lead the US delegation to India this fall, supporting womens entrepreneurship globally, Trump said in a tweeted on Thursday, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement on the micro blogging site.

.@IvankaTrump will lead the U.S. delegation to India this fall, supporting womens entrepreneurship globally.#GES2017 @narendramodi  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2017

India and the United States will co-host the summit in Hyderabad from November 28 to 30, Modi said.

Look forward to Ms. Ivanka Trumps presence at #GES 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of the US delegation. @realDonaldTrump @IvankaTrump  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 10, 2017

Honored to lead the US delegation to #GES2017 in India & meet with Prime Minister Modi & passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe! Ivanka, said in a tweet on Thursday. She also posted a picture of her shaking hands with the prime minister.

Honored to lead the US delegation to #GES2017 in India & meet with Prime Minister Modi & passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe! pic.twitter.com/yVyGGWua2x  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) August 10, 2017

A decision in this connection was taken when Modi and Trump held their first meeting at the White House in June.

Ivanka, 35, is also the advisor to the US president. In her tenure, she has emerged as a strong advocate of women and child issues.
Washington: US President Donald Trump on Friday said a military option against North Korea was "locked and loaded," his latest salvo in an escalating war of words with Pyongyang's nuclear-armed regime.

"Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!" Trump tweeted.

The US president's Twitter missive ratcheted up his already bellicose rhetoric with Kim over North Korea's weapons program, as Beijing appealed to the two leaders to dampen their fiery exchange.

A day prior Trump had hardened his warning that Pyongyang would face "fire and fury" if it kept threatening the United States, saying maybe his tough talk "wasn't tough enough."

Trump also warned North Korea it should be "very, very nervous" of the consequences if it even thinks of attacking US soil, after Pyongyang said it was readying plans to launch missiles towards the Pacific territory of Guam.

Military solutions are now fully in place,locked and loaded,should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 11, 2017

Pyongyang said the scheme to target the island, a key US military outpost in the western Pacific, was intended to "signal a crucial warning" as "only absolute force" would have an effect on a US leader "bereft of reason."

Beijing on Friday pleaded with the US and North Korea for restraint, urging the two parties "to be cautious with their words and actions."

China has repeatedly urged a resumption of long-dormant six-party talks to peacefully resolve the crisis, but its position has been overshadowed by the emerging brinkmanship between Trump and Kim.
Krishnamoorthy received multiple emails regarding the investment banks potential involvement in the transaction, which also summarized the mechanics of the deal. (Photo: Pixabay/Representational)

New York: A 42-year old Indian-origin executive has pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in a scheme to commit insider trading in which he made thousands of dollars of illegal profits.

Avaneesh Krishnamoorthy worked as a vice president and risk management specialist for a Manhattan-based investment bank.

He pleaded guilty yesterday to criminal information charging him with engaging in the insider trading scheme. He made over USD 78,000 by trading in the stock and options of three publicly traded companies based on material nonpublic information he misappropriated from the investment bank and its parent company, Acting US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Joon Kim said.

He pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of USD 5 million. He is scheduled to be sentenced in November this year.

"As he admitted in federal court, Avaneesh Krishnamoorthy abused his position as an investment bank executive to get nonpublic information about several companies and then trade on it. We remain committed to prosecuting financial professionals whose greed drives them to break the law," Kim said.

According to allegations in court documents, as a vice president and risk management specialist, Krishnamoorthy was given access to material, nonpublic information concerning mergers and acquisitions in which the investment bank was potentially going to be retained.

In November 2016, the investment bank was contacted about financing the acquisition by a private equity fund of technology company Neustar whose shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Krishnamoorthy received multiple emails regarding the investment banks potential involvement in the transaction, which also summarized the mechanics of the deal.

In violation of the company's policies and in breach of his duties to the company and its clients, Krishnamoorthy used this material nonpublic information to acquire Neustar stock and options.

In the days and weeks after receiving the emails, Krishnamoorthy purchased numerous Neustar call options and hundreds of shares of Neustar stock before the public announcement of the transaction.

He did not reveal these trades or the existence of the underlying brokerage accounts to the company. The price of Neustar stock increased approximately by 20 per cent following the public announcement of the funds acquisition of Neustar in December 2016.

Krishnamoorthy also used material nonpublic information that he received from the company to make profitable trades in securities of two other companies.
Reporters from the China-South Asia and Southeast Asia Center visited the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding in early August. This Home of the Panda looks quite different than it did when I visited 10 years ago. There are many more facilities and many more giant pandas in the thickened forest.

Giant panda in Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding [Photo / China.org.cn]

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding was founded in 1987, starting out with just six sick and starving giant pandas rescued from the wild. Today, there are over 180.

The Giant panda is an endangered species found only in a few mountain ranges in central China, mainly in Sichuan Province but with some in neighboring Shaanxi and Gansu. In the late 1970s, there were estimated to be only around 1,000 living in the wild.

According to the latest census (2014) by Chinas State Forestry Administration, this population had grown by 268, or 16.8%, to a total of 1,864. In late 2016, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) changed the classification of the species from "endangered" to "vulnerable.

Meanwhile, as of December 2014, a total of 49 giant pandas were living in captivity outside China.

However this much-loved distinctive black and white animal is an extremely vulnerable species threatened by continued habitat loss and habitat fragmentation, and by a very low birthrate, both in the wild and in captivity.

Breeding giant pandas is incredibly hard. Female pandas only ovulate once a year. Not only that, but the window that a male panda has to inseminate the female while in ovulation is only about 36-40 hours. And in captivity, many male pandas appear uninterested in mating or do not seem to know how to proceed.

The survival rate of newborn panda cubs is very low even under conditions of artificial rearing and in the wild even lower.

Despite these difficulties, the research base has managed to produce a Panda Boom phenomenon in recent years.

Up to 2015, it had managed to breed 143 giant panda cubs, serving as the largest artificial breeding population for captive giant pandas that ensures the genetic quality and the individual health of the population.

Over the past 30 years, researchers have tackled such key technological bottlenecks for captive giant pandas as artificial feeding and management, breeding and rearing infants, diseases prevention and population heredity management.

The base has made many technology breakthroughs and achieved multiple original innovative scientific results. More than 70 scientific projects of the Base have been awarded national, provincial or municipal technical innovation honors and scientific progress awards.

While paying much attention to both scientific research and tourism development, it has shaped a sustainable development mode of industry-university-research-tourism cooperation.

By simulating the wild ecological environment for giant pandas through landscape architecture, it has set up a delivery room, breeding area, scientific and research center and hospital in an orderly manner, and many luxurious villa residences for the giant pandas are scattered in the forest.

In 1998, the base was evaluated as a World Nature Heritage site. In 2006, it was listed as the AAAA tourism attraction and, by 2015, was receiving three million tourists a year.
US President Donald Trump has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for ordering the US embassy in Moscow to slash its staff  boasting that this would cut payroll costs.

Last month, the Kremlin demanded that Washington reduce its diplomatic footprint in Russia by 755 employees  both US diplomats and local staff  and close two compounds.

This was seen as marking a historic new low in post-Cold war Russia-US relations but Mr Trump, who has long argued the case for closer ties, said after a meeting with top aides in New Jersey he saw a silver lining. I want to thank him because were trying to cut down our payroll and, as far as Im concerned, Im very thankful that he let go of a large number of people because now we have a smaller payroll, Mr Trump said.

I greatly appreciate the fact that we've been able to cut our payroll of the United States. Were going to save a lot of money, he said.
Earlier research showed that porcine endogenous retroviruses embedded in the pig genome may infect humans. But scientists have successfully eliminated the virus from pigs in a trial.

Scientists have successfully edited the genetic code of piglets to remove dormant viral infections, a breakthrough that could eventually pave the way for animal-to-human organ transplants.

Their work, documented in the US journal Science, could save lives by reducing organ donor waiting lists that have risen over the years, partly thanks to better road safety.

For decades, scientists have been pursuing the idea of pig transplants. But transplanting a baboon kidney or a pig heart into a person  also called xenotransplantation  has drawbacks. One problem is the risk of infection. The pig genome is riddled with infectious agents called porcine endogenous retroviruses, or PERVs which can infect humans if a pig organ is transplanted into a person, The Verge reported.

Scientists, however, seem to have come closer to the goal. Harvard University geneticists George Church and Luhan Yang placed edited embryonic cells into a chemical cocktail that encouraged growth and overcame the destructive effect inherent in the modification process.

They then used a standard cloning technique to insert the edited DNA into egg cells that were placed into a surrogate mother.

Before our study, there was huge scientific uncertainty about whether the pig produced after this editing is viable, Mr Yang said, adding the team had now produced 37 piglets free of PERVs.

If this is correct, its a great achievement, said virologist Joachim Denner of the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin, an expert in the retroviruses.

It is not clear whether PERVs would infect humans who receive pig organs, but lab studies have shown human cells can be infected by the viruses in a dish. The work is novel and unpredictable. It may be years before enough is known about the safety of pig organ transplants to allow them to be used widely.

Humans can already receive pig heart valves and pancreas, but scientists have long sought to make their entire organs, which grow to around human size, available for harvest.

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Donald Trump had been publicly prodding China for months to use its influence on Pyongyang. (Photo: File)

Beijing: As the United States and North Korea exchange fiery words over the regime's growing weapons programme, China the North's biggest ally and trade partner has receded into the background.

Donald Trump had been publicly prodding China for months to use its influence on Pyongyang, but this week the US president pointed his verbal salvos directly at North Korea, warning of "fire and fury" if it endangered the United States.

That prompted a defiant Pyongyang to threaten a missile attack on Guam, a tiny US territory in the Pacific that is home to major US air and naval facilities.

The bellicose rhetoric overshadowed Beijing's calls for restraint and political dialogue. "Beijing is not able to persuade Washington or Pyongyang to back down at this time," the state-run Global Times tabloid conceded in an editorial on Friday.

Here are three questions and answers on China's conundrum:

What is the best-case scenario for China?: China has consistently sought the resumption of the "six-party talks" (alongside Russia, Japan, South Korea, North Korea and the US), which collapsed in 2009 but could trumpet Beijing's role as a mediator.

"Beijing could play the role of a chairman at these talks and boost its influence not only regarding North Korea but also South Korea and Japan," political analyst Willy Lam told AFP. "This would bolster its claim to semi-superpower status."

But China's proposal for peaceful dialogue appears to have fallen on deaf ears as the United States and North Korea ramp up the rhetoric.

"China has no real effective leverage to deescalate the situation if both Trump and North Korea's Kim (Jong-un) are reckless," Xu Guoqi, a foreign relations expert at the University of Hong Kong, told AFP.

How much sway does China really hold?: Before his verbal barrages this week, Trump had been complaining that China was not doing enough to use its considerable economic leverage on North Korea.

On Monday, China's foreign minister pledged to "implement 100 percent" new and wide-sweeping UN Security Council sanctions that could cost the authoritarian regime $1 billion in annual revenue.

But China, which accounts for 90 percent of the North's trade, has said it would not cut off humanitarian aid to the country's poverty-stricken population.

The US, Japan and South Korea would have to offer additional concessions to prompt China to consider using aid as a bargaining chip, analysts said.

"If Trump wants China to do more in terms of sanctions, Washington has to make significant concessions for example, in regards to the deployment of the THAAD missile defence system, trade issues or the South China Sea," Lam said. "In theory, China could cut off aid tomorrow."

Would China defend North Korea in a conflict?: A cornerstone of Sino-North Korean ties is a mutual defence pact signed in 1961, eight years after the end of the Korean War. Still, analysts said it was a "mystery" whether either side would uphold the military treaty should conflict really break out.

Beijing has long feared that a collapse of the North Korean regime would bring a flood of refugees across its border.

An editorial in the Global Times, a nationalistic tabloid, said Friday that China's actions should depend on who fires first.

"China should also make clear that if North Korea launches missiles that threaten US soil first and the US retaliates, China will stay neutral," the column said.

"If the US and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime and change the political pattern of the Korean Peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so."
Dutch health minister Edith Schippers, speaking publicly about the matter for the first time, admitted on Friday that errors had been made in the governments handling of the crisis (Representational Image)

The EU on Friday called an emergency meeting to stop blaming and shaming over the insecticide-tainted eggs scandal as it emerged that the crisis had spread to Asia.

Hong Kong, Switzerland and 15 European Union countries have all received eggs contaminated with the chemical fipronil, which can harm human health, the European Commission said.

With concern going global, the commission said it had now called a meeting of ministers and food safety chiefs from affected EU countries, setting a provisional date of September 26. Blaming and shaming will bring us nowhere and I want to stop this, Vytenis Andriukaitis, European Commissioner for health and food safety, said.

Andriukaitis urged the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany  the countries at the epicentre of the crisis  to stop trading accusations about who is responsible for the scare.

Dutch health minister Edith Schippers, speaking publicly about the matter for the first time, admitted on Friday that errors had been made in the governments handling of the crisis.

Fipronil is commonly used to get rid of fleas, lice and ticks from animals but is banned by the European Union from use in the food industry.
Beijing: A Chinese state-run newspaper called on Beijing on Friday to "stay neutral" if North Korea strikes first in a conflict with the United States, despite a mutual defence pact between the Asian allies.

The nationalistic Global Times tabloid said in an editorial that Washington and Pyongyang were playing a "reckless game" that could lead to "miscalculations and a strategic 'war'".

"Beijing is not able to persuade Washington or Pyongyang to back down at this time," the Global Times said.

"It needs to make clear its stance to all sides and make them understand that when their actions jeopardize China's interests, China will respond with a firm hand."

The commentary came after Washington warned North Korea this week it faced "fire and fury like the world has never seen" if it continued to threaten the US with its missile and nuclear programmes.

That prompted a defiant Pyongyang to threaten a missile attack on Guam, a tiny US territory in the Pacific that is home to major US air and naval facilities.

China -- which has been accused by the US of not doing enough to rein in its longtime ally -- has maintained that political dialogue is the only solution.

China fought alongside the North in the 1950-53 Korean War and the two nations signed a mutual defence pact in 1961, but the Global Times suggested Beijing should remain on the sidelines if Pyongyang launches the first salvo in a new conflict with the United States.

"China should also make clear that if North Korea launches missiles that threaten US soil first and the US retaliates, China will stay neutral," the editorial said.

"If the US and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime and change the political pattern of the Korean Peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so."
US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka will lead the American delegation at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in India, starting from November 28.



"Ivanka Trump will lead the US delegation to India this fall, supporting women's entrepreneurship globally," Trump said in a tweeted yesterday, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement on the micro blogging site.



India and the United States will co-host the summit in Hyderabad from November 28 to 30, Modi said.

"Look forward to Ms Ivanka Trump's presence at Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of US delegation," he wrote in the tweet.



"Honored to lead the US delegation to #GES2017 in India & meet with Prime Minister Modi & passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe!" Ivanka, said in a tweet yesterday. She also a posted a picture of her shaking hand with the prime minister.



A decision in this connection was taken when Modi and Trump held their first meeting at the White House in June.



Ivanka, 35, is also the advisor to the US president. In her tenure, she has emerged as a strong advocate of women and child issues.
US President Donald Trump doubled down on his warnings to North Korea today, saying his threat to rain "fire and fury" on it maybe "wasn't tough enough."



Speaking alongside Vice President Mike Pence at his New Jersey country club, Trump also said China could do "a lot more" to pressure Pyongyang to end its nuclear weapons program.



Responding to North Korea's dismissal of his dire warnings as "nonsense," Trump told reporters: "maybe it wasn't tough enough."



"They've been doing this to our country for a long time, many years," he said. "It's about time that somebody stuck up for the people of this country and for the people of other countries. So if anything, maybe that statement wasn't tough enough."



Trump warned North Korea this week it faced "fire and fury like the world has never seen" if it continued to threaten the United States with its missile and nuclear programs.



That prompted a defiant Pyongyang to threaten a missile attack on Guam, a tiny US territory in the Pacific that is home to a major US air and naval facilities.



The saber rattling set off diplomatic alarm bells, as well as mixed messages from Trump aides about US intentions.



But Trump pushed aside the concerns, telling reporters "there are no mixed messages."



He said North Korea "should be very, very nervous. Because things will happen to them like they never thought possible, okay."



He said the United States remained open to negotiations and once again suggested that he expected China to do more to bring North Korea into line.



"I think China can do a lot more. I think China will do a lot more," he said.



"I will tell you this, North Korea better get their act together or they're going to be in trouble like few nations have ever been in trouble in this world, okay?"




An IAS officer Mukesh Kumar Pandey, posted in Bihar, reportedly committed suicide at Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) on Thursday night. His body was found near the railway tracks at Ghaziabad junction.



Though the reason behind the suicide is being ascertained, the police are looking into all the angles behind the death of a young IAS officer, who was posted as district magistrate (DM) of Buxar in Bihar on July 31. This was his first stint as DM.



A resident of Guwahati in Assam, Pandey was a 2012-batch IAS officer and ranked 14th when he cleared the UPSC examinations five years back. Posted as sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) in Balia of Begusarai district in Bihar, Pandey later took charge as Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) in Katihar.



He was transferred as DM of Buxar barely ten days back. Staying in the Circuit House of Buxar, he was shifting his family when all of a sudden he went to New Delhi and stayed in a posh hotel at Chanakyapuri.



Before committing suicide, Pandey, who is a son-in-law of a Patna-based automobile showroom owner, sent a WhatsApp message to his friend informing him that he had left a suicide note in his bag in the Room No 742 of the hotel. Before committing suicide, Pandey is believed to have informed his friend that he was fed up with life. I am sorry. Love you all. was his last message.



As the acquaintance hurriedly informed the Delhi Police, the cops reached the hotel only to find that the IAS officer had already left the place. Late on Thursday night, his body was found near railway tracks at Ghaziabad.



Bihar DGP PK Thakur confirmed the news after talking to his counterpart in UP. The deceaseds father Dr Siddheshwar Pandey and mother Gita Pandey, who stay at Anand Nagar in Guwahati, have been informed about the incident.


Beijing voiced displeasure today after a US warship sailed near an artificial island in the disputed South China Sea, an operation that prompted the Chinese navy to warn off the American destroyer.



Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the actions of the USS John S McCain had violated Chinese and international law, "seriously" impairing the country's sovereignty and security.



"China is strongly dissatisfied with this," Geng said in a statement, adding that Beijing would lodge an official protest with Washington.



The USS John S McCain destroyer sailed within six nautical miles of Mischief Reef -- an artificial island built by China -- yesterday as part of a "freedom of navigation" operation, a US official said.



The reef is part of the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, which is the scene of rival claims between China and neighbouring countries.



Speaking on condition of anonymity, the US official told AFP a Chinese frigate sent radio warnings at least 10 times to the USS McCain.



"They called and said 'please turn around, you are in our waters'," the official said. "We told them we are a US (ship) conducting routine operations in international waters."



The official said the interactions were all "safe and professional," with the operation lasting about six hours from start to finish, but Geng said such operations "seriously endanger lives".



The freedom of navigation operation was the third of its kind carried out by the United States since President Donald Trump took office in January.



The US move came four days after the United States, Australia and Japan denounced Beijing's island-building and militarisation of the South China Sea on the sidelines of a security forum of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Manila.



China claims nearly all of the sea, through which $5 trillion in annual shipping trade passes and which is believed to sit atop vast oil and gas deposits.



Its sweeping claims overlap with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei -- all ASEAN members -- as well as Taiwan.



But in recent years Beijing has managed to weaken regional resistance by courting some ASEAN members.



On Sunday China scored a coup when ASEAN ministers issued a diluted statement on the dispute and agreed to its terms on talks at the Manila meeting.



China insists that a much-delayed code of conduct between it and ASEAN members over the disputed sea must not be legally binding, a demand to which Southeast Asian countries have so far acquiesced.



Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said the situation in the South China Sea has "stabilised" due to the "joint efforts" of China and neighbouring countries but the US operation threatened "peace and stability in the region".



"The US military's provocative actions will only encourage the Chinese military to further strengthen the defence capacity building and firmly defend national sovereignty and security," Qian said.



The operation also comes amid soaring tensions on the Korean peninsula over Pyongyang's missile programme, and as the United States seeks to push China into more assertively restraining North Korea.



Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Chris Logan declined to comment on whether there had been a freedom of navigation sailing but he said the United States would continue to do such operations.



"All operations are conducted in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows," he said.




Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said it is a tribute to the Indian democracy that people rise from humble and rural backgrounds to the highest constitutional positions, as he joined members of Rajya sabha in welcoming M Venkaiah Naidu as the Chairman of the House.



Soon after he was administered oath as the 15th Vice President of India, Naidu took over as the Chairman of the Upper House.



Leading the felicitations, Modi said the day holds a historic value as on this day, Khudiram Bose, a 18-year old young revolutionary of the freedom struggle, was hanged by the British.



That event "reminds us of the sacrifice of those who had fought for freedom and the responsibility that it places on all of us," he said.



Naidu, he said, is the first Vice President to be born in independent India. Besides having long experience, he is well-versed with the intricacies of parliamentary procedures and the functioning of the House, Modi said.



A son of a farmer, Naidu joined the student movement on a call given by J P Narayan and has since risen from the ranks to lead the second highest constitutional position in the country, he said, adding that issues concerning farmers and the poor have always been dear to his heart.



The rising of people of humble and poor background to the highest constitutional positions in the country is a tribute to Indian democracy and shows its maturity, he said.



"All constitutional positions today are occupied by poor or sons of farmers or commoners," he said referring to President Ram Nath Kovind also coming from a similar background.



Recalling his long association with the new Vice President, the Prime Minister said Naidu has always been sensitive to the needs of rural areas, poor and farmers and his inputs on these issues have been of immense value.



Even as a minister for urban development, he gave more inputs on rural and farmer issues, Modi said, adding that Naidu was the one who gave the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana - a scheme most sought after by the MPs for development of their constituencies.



He is also possibly the only Vice President who has spent so many years of his life amongst the people, he said.



Modi said Naidu was known for coining acronyms and since he is one who has spent so many years in the Rajya Sabha, there might be an initial discomfort, similar to the one faced by lawyers when one of them becomes a judge.



He expressed confidence that Naidu would rise to the occasion and his conduct would win him accolades from opposition benches as well.




Zhongshan Park is a common name for Chinese parks, in honor of Sun Yat-sen. Currently there are more than 40 Zhongshan Parks in China. Qingdao's Zhongshan Park is located in No.28 Wendeng Road of Shinan District. The park features more than 170 types of flowers and trees, including Cherry Blossom, Chrysanthemum, tulip and white pine.

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Indian Navy plans to expand its training academy in Kerala to accommodate more than 2,500 cadets in the next decade.



While the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala has a capacity of 1,200 cadets at the moment, plans are afoot to increase the intake by more than 100% as the maritime force would be needing a large number of technically-skilled officers to manage a large fleet of ships and submarines.



We are in the phase-II of the programme in which the capacity of the academy would be raised to 1,700 by 2020. Subsequently, we plan for the phase-III in which new facilities would be created to house another 1,000 cadets, Vice Admiral Anil Chawla, Chief of Personnel at the Indian Navy told DH here.



The proposed third-phase of the expansion of the INA is yet to be approved by the Centre as the Navy now focuses on completing the phase-II.



With more than 130 ships and submarines in operation and 41 vessels under different stages of construction, Indian Navy is one of the world's largest maritime forces. It aims to become a 200 ship by Navy 2027, which would necessitates a large flow of manpower.



But as on January 1, 2017 the blue water force was short of 1,256 officers and 12,785 sailors. Currently we are 12% short of officers, which we hope to make up when phase-II of the naval academy would be functional. But with addition of more platforms, our manpower requirement is set to increase, Chawla said.



To cater to to the increasing need of technically qualified naval officers, INA will offer only B Tech courses for the cadets from June 2019 onwards. At the moment, the academy runs an M. Sc course also to cater to those who passed out from the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla with a B. Sc degree.



With the introduction of B Tech degree at the NDA last year, all future naval cadets  direct recruits at the INA or those coming via NDA  will receive a B Tech degree.



To address faculty shortage issues, the Union Public Service Commission fixed the norms to recruit civilian professors for the academy. While there are 47 posts of civilian professors at the INA, the Navy has so far found 20 odd engineering professors, who have been taken on contract to teach the budding officers.



A one-hour documentary on Asia's largest naval academy has now been made by the National Geographic, which would release the film on August 15.
Son of a Surat based billionaire who was born and brought up amidst riches and had studied in the USA has successfully survived in Hyderabad on a Rs 500 pocket money to understand poverty, the value of money and above all the travails of unemployed youth in the country.



The 23-year-old Hitarth Dholakia is the seventh son of Ghanshyam Dholakia, one of the founders of Rs 6,000 crore Hare Krishna Diamond Exports which has a presence in 71 countries. His father asked him to live in a completely alien environment for a month that too without the Dholakia tag and a mobile phone. His father also did not tell him that his destination was Hyderabad till he landed in Mumbai.



Hitarth arrived at the Shamshabad International Airport on 10 July I never been to Hyderabad before nor I am aware of the eating habits and the local language. But I stepped out of the Airport with confidence and took the challenge, Hitarth who successfully finished his one month of exile assignment told media.



My father asked me not to disclose my identity to any one and not to stick to the same job for more than a week. As there is no mobile phone, I couldnt contact relatives or friends for help. My mission was to take up any job to survive, he said. Putting his New York University MBA brain into practice, he first gathered information about the twin cities with fellow passengers and information brochures available at the Tourism counter. He then took the airport bus from Shamshabad to Secunderabad embarking on a once in a life time journey.



Hitarth found accommodation in a cheap dormitory in Secunderabad which is known for its floating commercial population. I told the hotel manager that I am the son of a poor farmer from Gujarat in search of a job in the city. He was kind and understood my plight, he said. He didnt waste a single minute sitting idle and took his first job at Mc Donald eatery. Then he took the job of a delivery boy in a marketing company, then the salesman in Addidas Shoe Company and Jade Blue showroom.



Hitarth who walked most of the time during the past one month remembers each one of the employers as kind. But they used to ask me tough questions particularly about my background as they were concerned about employing a stranger, Hitarth recalls. The son of a billionaire shared beds with colleagues in the rented rooms, had breakfast and lunch at road-side eateries and travelled in local buses.



Started with Rs 500 in his pocket from Surat, Hitarth made Rs 5000 in exile. He said that there is no better education than experience. The take home point for him was that there is no dearth of jobs if one is hard working and patient. Hitarth will join his fathers diamond business after returning home. The experience I had will hopefully help me in turbulent times I might experience as a business man, a home bound Hitarth said.






M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday took charge as Rajya Sabha Chairman soon after his swearing in as the Vice President with a promise to be impartial and a lament that disruption has increasingly being chosen as the first parliamentary option in legislatures.



Naidu arrived in the Upper House, which he represented for over 20 years and who succeeded Hamid Ansari, at 11 AM to a thunderous applause from MPs and fulsome praise from speaker after speaker. The visitor's gallery saw the presence of Naidu's family members.



The new Vice President got advices and suggestions from the leaders in their welcome speech as a smiling Naidu later replied in detail. Opposition leaders suggested that he should follow the practice of not allowing passage of Bills in the din and give more time to them.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to speak and asserted that Naidu's elevation is a tribute to the Indian democracy that people rise from humble and rural backgrounds can rise to hold highest constitutional positions.



"The Constitutional posts now are represented by people who are from humble background. One does not need to be from a rich family," Modi said, a remark which Congress appeared to have taken as a dig at Gandhi family.



Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad countered him he contributions of not only the poor, but persons like Motilal Nehru who gave up their riches for the freedom struggle should also not be forgotten. "Who can forget the contributions of Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhai Patel?" he said.



Finance Minister and Leader of House Arun Jaitley said the Chair has to do a balancing act of giving time to Opposition but ensuring government business to be done.



In his response, Naidu said people desire is that the Parliament should be the voice of sanity echoing their concerns and finding solutions to their problems. "Over the years, both the Houses of Parliament have done a reasonably good job. But somehow there is a growing concern and resentment among the people over our functioning. We need to seriously introspect over this palpable discontent with the people saying we are not doing enough still," he said.



"Every election gives the winner a mandate and the opposition, the responsibility of ensuring accountability of the executive. Parliamentary democracy is all about numbers. But it does not necessarily mean that we reduce the functioning of our legislatures to a mere numbers game. The play of numbers should stop with the formation of governments and thereafter, it should be resorted to only in the rarest of the rare cases," he added.










External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met her Bhutanese counterpart Damcho Dorji here and is understood to have discussed bilateral issues, amidst the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Dokalam area of the Sikkim sector.



Both the leaders are here to attend a meeting of foreign ministers from the countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), a grouping of countries in South Asia and South East Asia.



Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal are members of the BIMSTEC.



"Time with a close friend and neighbour. The external affairs minister meets with foreign minister of Bhutan Damcho Dorji on sidelines of BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' meet," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted and also posted a picture of the meeting.



Though there was no official word on as to what was discussed between the two leaders, the meeting comes in the backdrop of the current standoff in Dokalam -- a trijunction between India, China and Bhutan.



India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector since June 16 after Indian troops stopped the Chinese People's Liberation Army from building a road in the area.
The Supreme Court on Friday decided to put a batch of civil appeals concerning the Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute at Ayodhya for final hearing on December 5.



A three-judge bench presided over by Justice Dipak Misra rejected a plea for four months time made by Sunni Central Wakf Board and others for translation of the documents from several languages into English.



The court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to file translated version of the oral evidence given in the title suits within 12 weeks.



Regard being complexity of the case, we grant 12 weeks for the translation. No adjournments shall be granted for the purpose, the bench, also comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer, told the counsel.



Senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Rajeev Dhawan, Anoop Chaudhauri and others, representing the Muslim groups, strongly opposed the fixing of date for hearing, saying translation of the voluminous documents of Hindi, Urdu, Persian, Arabian, Sanskrit, Pali and Gurmukhi, were yet to be done.



To say that the case is not ripe for hearing is not proper. We have to examine the High Court judgement. We can't wait for translations, the bench said.



Why not follow the procedure? Why you want to circumvent it? It is a very serious matter, don't start hearing like this, Sibal said.



The bench, however, said it is the civil appeals concerning the title suit pending hear for seven years and it will go by the Civil Procedure Code.



Senior advocate Shyam Divan, C S Vaidynathan and others, representing the other side including Ram Lalla, Nirmohi Akhara, submitted the court should not be wasting any more time and start considering the matter.



At the outset, BJP Subramanian Swamy submitted that he has filed a writ petition seeking declaration of his right to worship was to be given precedent over the right to property and it must be decided first.



The court, however, said it would hear civil appeals and other connected matters would be considered later. It allowed applications for substitution plaintiff and defendants who had died during the proceedings. It also directed for publication of notice within four weeks.






The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) today rejected fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya's appeal against SEBI barring him from the market and asked him to appear before the regulator within three weeks.



The tribunal also dismissed his plea against the SEBI order that barred him from holding any board position at listed companies, including as the chairman of his group firm United Breweries Ltd (UBL).



Mallya has been asked by SAT to appear before SEBI "in person or through a legally authorised representative" to make any submission within 21 days, so that the regulator can consider his plea for relaxing any restrictions imposed through an interim order passed in January relating to alleged illegal fund diversions at his erstwhile flagship United Spirits Ltd.



"Thereafter, SEBI shall consider the same and proceed further in the matter and pass final orders expeditiously and preferably within a period of four months in accordance with law to give finality to the issue," the tribunal said in its 25-page order.



SEBI is free to relax the restrictions as early as possible and according to the law, if the regulator finds the reply of Mallya appropriate, the tribunal noted.



In January, SEBI had barred Mallya and six former officials of USL from securities markets in a case related to illegal fund diversions.



Mallya had resigned as director and chairman of USL in March 2016.



With regard to submission that Mallya be at least allowed to continue as chairman of UBL, the tribunal said this prayer should be considered by SEBI as per law on receipt of such a representation.



"... in case SEBI finds merit in the submission of the Appellant, it would be free to grant partial relief to the Appellant in accordance with law," the SAT order said.



Mallya, who is currently in the UK, has been evading summons from various investigation agencies and courts for many months.
Gujarat High Court on Friday handed over life-term to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Jairajsinh Jadeja, representing Gondal constituency in Saurashtra, in a case related to the killing of a person in 2004.



The bench of Justice Akil Kureshi and B N Biren Vaishnav handed over the life-sentence to Jadeja and two of his associates Amarjitsinh Jadeja and Mahenrasinh alias Bhagat Rana. The court has also ordered the three to surrender to police before September 30.



Jadeja could now be disqualified as a legislator in the wake of this sentence unless he gets relief from the Supreme Court going forward. Jadeja first became Gondal legislator on a BJP ticket in 1998 and then in 2002.



According to the details of the case available, Nilesh Raiyani and Jadeja were political rivals locked in a dispute over a 35-acre land parcel of erstwhile royal family of Gondal. The trouble began when a guy named Vikramsinh Rana, a close aide of Jadeja and former cop, was killed in 2003 over disputed land. The allegations were that the faction of Vinu Singhala, who also happened to be the district Yuva Morcha president, was involved in this murder. Later in 2004, Vinu Singhala too got murdered. It was alleged that Jadeja was involved in this murder. However, Jadeja was acquitted in the case.



Later on February 8, 2004, close aide of Vinu Singhala, Nilesh Raiyani and two of his aides were travelling by a car when Jadeja and his aides banged into their vehicle. After that Jadeja apparently came out of his vehicle and fired two shots at Nilesh. The other accused then began assaulting Nilesh with sharp weapons, leading to his death.



Initially, 16 persons were accused in the case and one Samirkhan Pathan was handed over life-term by the lower court while 15 others, including Jadeja was acquitted. Later, Pathan and the state government approached Gujarat High Court in 2011.



The Gujarat High Court on Friday handed over life sentence to Jairajsinh and two of his aides. They could now approach Supreme Court for further legal remedy going forward.








A day prior Trump had hardened his warning that Pyongyang would face "fire and fury" if it kept threatening the United States, saying maybe his tough talk "wasn't tough enough."



Trump also warned North Korea it should be "very, very nervous" of the consequences if it even thinks of attacking US soil, after Pyongyang said it was readying plans to launch missiles towards the Pacific territory of Guam.



Pyongyang said the scheme to target the island, a key US military outpost in the western Pacific, was intended to "signal a crucial warning" as "only absolute force" would have an effect on a US leader "bereft of reason."



Beijing today pleaded with the US and North Korea for restraint, urging the two parties "to be cautious with their words and actions."



China has repeatedly urged a resumption of long-dormant six-party talks to peacefully resolve the crisis, but its position has been overshadowed by the emerging brinkmanship between Trump and Kim.



US President Donald Trump today said a military option against North Korea was "locked and loaded," his latest salvo in an escalating war of words with Pyongyang's nuclear-armed regime."Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!" Trump tweeted.The US president's Twitter missive ratcheted up his already bellicose rhetoric with Kim over North Korea's weapons program, as Beijing appealed to the two leaders to dampen their fiery exchange.
Uttar Pradesh government's directive to the 'madrasas' (Islamic Schools) to celebrate Independence Day by unfurling the tricolour and recital of National Anthem and National Song has triggered a huge controversy with a section of the Muslim clergy taking umbrage to the directives saying that it was tantamount to calling their patriotism in question.



The state government, in a circular issued to all the 'madrasas', directed them to celebrate Independence Day as per the guidelines contained in it.



The 'madrasas' were directed to unfurl the tricolour at 8 in the morning to be followed by the recital of the national anthem and national song. It further directed them to explain to the students the significance of Independence Day followed by a recital of patriotic songs by the students.



The teachers were also directed to tell the students about the contribution of the freedom fighters.



What irked the Muslim clerics most was the directive to conduct videography of the entire program and submit the video, pictures to the concerned government official.



''The directive appears to question the patriotism of the madrasas.....the madrasas had also made a significant contribution to the freedom struggle....it is not proper to cast doubt on their patriotism,'' said the manager of a madrasa in the state capital.



Some school managers also voiced opposition to the singing of 'Vande Mataram'. ''No one should be compelled to sing Vande Mataram....besides we always celebrate Independence Day,'' the manager added.



''Why was such a circular not sent to all the schools?......why only to the madrasas?'' asked a senior Muslim cleric here on Friday.



According to the sources in the government, it was for the first time such a circular had been issued to the 'madrasas'.



UP minister Mohsin Raza, however, defended the circular and said that no one should have any objection to holding programs on the occasion of Independence Day.










Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah as his party prepares to join the NDA after forming the government in the state in alliance with the saffron party.



It was Kumar's first visit to the national capital after he jettisoned the alliance with the RJD and the Congress, and sealed a tie-up with the BJP on July 26.



He told reporters after meeting Modi that it was a courtesy call and he will visit Delhi again this month end to discuss Bihar's developmental issues with the prime minister.



He later had a luncheon meeting with Shah in which both leaders are believed to have discussed ongoing political developments and other issues related to the state.



JD(U) sources said the party is expected to announce its decision to formally join the BJP-led NDA in its national executive meeting on July 19 in Patna.



Asked if the party will also join the Modi cabinet, a JD (U) leader said such a decision will be "natural".



"When we are together in government in Bihar it is only natural that our party joins the Union government," he said. However, he added that such a decision will be taken by Kumar and the party had not deliberated over it yet.



The JD(U) has 12 members in Parliament, two in the Lok Sabha and 10 in the Rajya Sabha.



Its leader in the Rajya Sabha Sharad Yadav has rebelled against the alliance with the BJP but apparently does not enjoy much support among other party's lawmakers.



Kumar almost shut the door on any reconciliation with Yadav, saying he is free to take any decision as the alliance with the BJP had the entire party's nod.



"He (Yadav) is free to take his decision. As far as party is concerned, it has already taken its decision. The decision was not mine alone and it was taken with the consent of the party. If he keeps a different opinion, then he is free to do so," Kumar said.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the pilferage of government fund to the tune of around Rs 500 crore by a Bhagalpur-based NGO, on Friday arrested Prem Kumar, private assistant (PA) of Bhagalpur District Magistrate Adesh Titarmare.



This was the seventh arrest made in the treasury loot case, which came into light a couple of days ago when Chief Minister Nitish Kumar disclosed that some government officials in Bhagalpur, with the help of bank and NGO staff, had syphoned off hundreds of crores.



Preliminary investigations indicated that around Rs 355.7 crore were fraudulently transferred from three heads  land acquisition (Rs 270 crore), urban development schemes (Rs 70.7 crore) and district administration (Rs 15 crore)  into the account of an NGO, Srijan Sahyog Mahila Samiti.



This NGO, which started as a self-help group comprising 10 women, and operating from one-room office at Sabour in Bhagalpur, now runs a cooperative bank with 5000 account holders. The NGO is at the centre of an investigation after being charged with swindling hundreds of crores from government accounts.



The sum involved may increase, said Bihar Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh, who, after Bhagalpur episode, has ordered physical verification of all the accounts maintained by all the district administration throughout the State.



The scam is being investigated by SIT headed by IG, Economic Offences Wing (EOW), JS Gangwar.



The modus operandi (in this financial embezzlement) involved the complicity of Srijan office-bearers with bank officials, who managed to transfer funds from district administration account into their own with the help of forged signatures of the district magistrate, said the Chief Secretary. The involvement of custodians of respective accounts into which the State Government transferred funds under different heads cannot be ruled out. Hence three separate FIRs have been lodged at Bhagalpur, the top official added.



Meanwhile, RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Friday demanded that Nitish should immediately sack his deputy Sushil Modi, who is also Bihars Finance Minister, and order a CBI probe into the scam which could be of higher amount. I also appeal to PM Narendra Modi to order CBI investigation into the scam so as to unravel the truth, said Lalu in Ranchi.



The entire scam came to light when a cheque of Rs 2.5 crore, issued by Bhagalpur DM Adesh Titarmare, was recently dishonoured by Indian Bank. The DM ordered probe which revealed that Rs 10.26 crore had been fraudulently withdrawn by Srijan using forged signature of the district magistrate. The clerk of the treasury Amrendra Yadav eventually lodged an FIR against Srijan and bank officials.




Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge today said the state government has decided to hold a mega event, Bengaluru Technology Summit, instead of multiple events to strengthen Brand Bengaluru globally.



"Instead of having multiple events, we have decided to hold one mega event, Bengaluru Technology Summit. We want to bring all the events under one umbrella, to strengthen Brand Bengaluru globally, which will act as a foundation to achieve greater traction from international community," he told PTI.



The event will be hosted from November 16 to 18, with the focal theme "Ideate, Innovate and Invent." The decision has been taken after Nasscom members and industry captains including Kris Gopalakrishnan and Nagananda recommended merging one all events into one, Kharge said.



The summit's aim is to connect technology across all industries because it is an era where technology is empowering across sectors, he said. "Earlier, it was only about IT. Nobody at that time thought that technology will be put to use in all sectors and fields. Hence, it is all about technology, and we cannot act in silos anymore," he said. The mega event is expected to attract over 300 exhibitors showcasing products and technologies to over 10000 business visitors.



The IT conference will cover pertinent segments like Cloud & Big Data, Aerospace and Defence, Telecom, Electronics, Cyber Security, AVGC AR & VR, ESDM, GIS, Robotics & AI, Privacy and Piracy, Blockchain and IoT as well as Biotech conference on Oncology, Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs, Proteomics, Big Data and Analytics and IoT.



Kharge said it would cost Rs eight to Rs 10 crore to hold the event, which is as much money spent to hold multiple events. "Every year government spent Rs 8 to Rs 10 crore to hold multiple events. It would spend as much to hold the mega event," he said.



The event is not going to be a regular trade show, but a show of investments, ideation, invention and innovation, among other things, Kharge said.



"We want to reposition Bengaluru not only as the hub for services, but also as hubs for ideation, innovation, invention, investments, R&D and skills", he said.
Nawaz Sharif today termed his disqualification from premiership as a "joke" and asked people to stand by him to make sure that their vote is respected.



A five-member Supreme Court bench last month disqualified Sharif for dishonesty and ruled that corruption cases be filed against him and his children over the Panama Papers scandal, forcing the prime minister to quit for the record third time.



Addressing a huge gathering in Gujrat on the third day of his journey from Islamabad to Lahore via the Grand Trunk (GT) Road to display his political might, Sharif said even the judges who disqualified him failed to point out a single example of corruption against him.



"I cannot accept this joke. Can you accept this joke that you elect someone, then he is disgraced and ousted," he said.



"May I ask why I was ousted? Did I commit any kind of corruption? I am innocent and did not commit any financial wrong. That has been said by the judges who disqualified me. Then why I have been ousted," the 67-year-old veteran politician said.



He said that the people's vote has been trampled upon as millions of people elected a leader and a couple of people or five judges disgraced and sent him home.



Sharif, who could not complete his term for a third time, also asked the gathering, "Should I sit back and accept the verdict or fight the injustice?"



The people responded in unison with a big 'No', prompting Sharif to ask them to stand by him.



"If you do not want me to sit back then you would have to stand by me. Then stand by me to change the fate of this nation. Promise me that you would do what I tell you," he said.



Sharif said the time had come to change the country.



"We would have to make sure that your vote is respected. It is a question of respect for vote of 20 crore people. I would not allow anyone to trample your right to elect leaders of choice," Sharif said. He also announced that he would announce his future plan of action and asked his supporters to wait for it.



Sharif stepped down after being disqualified by the Supreme Court on July 28 and after staying in Murree and Islamabad, embarked on road journey to his home in Lahore in the company of thousands of his supporters.



He was greeted by supporters lining up on the both sides of road as he came out of the Punjab House in Islamabad on Wednesday, making it impossible for his motorcade to move. He covered about 30 km in 12 hours to reach Rawalpindi where he addressed a big rally.



Yesterday, he resumed his travel from Rawalpindi and reached Jhelum in the evening and addressed an even bigger rally there. Later, he rested at a scenic hotel on the banks of the River Jhelum.



He left Jhelum at around 12 PM and stopped in Gujarat for Friday prayers and addressed his supporters. He has left for Gujranwala and will cross small towns of Wairabad, Gakhar Mandi etc. He is expected to halt briefly at some places to address his supporters.



According to the scheduled of Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N), Sharif is expected to spend the night in Gujranwala. He would leave for Lahore in the morning and is expected to reach there at 4 PM tomorrow.
Senior Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia today strongly condemned Nitish Kumar's decision to sever ties with 'Mahagathbandhan' as betrayal of people's mandate and termed the formation of a new government in the state with the BJP as an "unholy alliance".



Scindia asserted that the party would vehemently oppose the unholy alliance.



Scindia, who along with J P Agarwal held a meeting with party office bearers at Sadaquat Ashram here, came down heavily on JD(U) president Nitish Kumar for deserting the grand alliance and joining hands with BJP. Although, he did not name Kumar during his press conference.



"People gave mandate for five years to Grand alliance of which Congress, JD(U) and RJD were partners. It was the responsibility of GA to live upto the expectations of people but due to some reasons...There are people who used to comment (criticise) on the BJP and BJP used to comment on them. Sensing the opportunity, they deserted the grand alliance and formed an unholy alliance," Scindia told reporters here.



The party would vehemently oppose the person who can stoop to any level to grab the power, Scindia said in an oblique reference to Kumar.



He said that "Our party workers and leaders will take it (betrayal) to the every village, panchayat and ward in urban areas telling people about the unholy alliance."



Asked about the charge that Congress could have saved the alliance, he said that there is no point in discussing or conducting post-mortem on the issue that has already happened.



"Because it was a wrong decision (severing ties with grand alliance) and against the people's mandate and thats why it is an 'adharm ka gathbandhan" (unholy alliance)," he said.



In reply to a query as whether Congress will remain in alliance with RJD, Scindia said that "Right now, it is our (Scindia and Agarwal) responsibility to have a discussion with party office bearers, MLAs, MLCs, frontal organisations...So far as alliance is concerned, the decision has to be taken by local leadership, party in-charge and top leadership."



In reply to a query, the senior Congress leader said that "effecting defections and splits in parties are in BJP's DNA."



Scotching off rumours that his MLAs can also defect, he said that "Let me put a full stop on the rumours milling around...my all MLAs are sitting in front of you (media persons) and are committed to work for the party."



Though, party sources said only 18 out of 27 MLAs attended today's meeting chaired by Scindia. Scindia, however, did not entertain any other questions such as whether or not his party would participate in RJD's proposed August 27 rally in Patna.



Bihar Congress Chief Ashok Choudhary said the party has resolved to oppose the state government and will agitate right from block to state headquarters level to uproot it. He announced that the party will hold a massive rally in Patna after Dussehra.



Earlier in the day, the party held a meeting in which two resolutions were passed which was read out by the Congress Legislature Party leader Sadanand Singh during media interaction.



In the resolution, the party said that the massive mandate people gave to the grand alliance by defeating communal forces but the JD(U) led by Nitish Kumar betrayed the people by joining hands with the same communal forces.



The Congress legislature party strongly condemns the JD(U)'s decision, Singh said and added that the party has also resolved to raise the issue of betrayal with the people's mandate, both inside and outside the House.



Senior Congress leaders from Bihar like Shakeel Ahmad Khan, Awadhesh Kumar Singh, Madan Mohan Jha, Vijay Shankar Dubey, Ashok Kumar and others were also present on the occasion.
Bihar chief miniser Nitish Kumar on Friday said that his senior JDU colleague Sharad Yadav, who has revolted against the party's decision to return to the NDA fold, was free to choose his path.



"He (Yadav) is free to take his decision. As far as the party is concerned, it has already taken its decision. The decision was not mine alone and it was taken with the consent of the party. If he keeps a different opinion, then he is free to do so," Nitish told reporters here after his first interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi post joining the hands of the BJP to remain in power in Bihar.



Kumar's comment was in response to Yadav openly revolting against his decision to come back to the NDA after 2003. Rajya Sabha MP Yadav in his ongoing tour of Bihar had stated that he will remain with the grand alliance of RJD and Congress which Nitish had dumped after graft allegations were made against former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav. Sharad had claimed that the "real" JDU was with him and Kumar represented "sarkari" JDU.



The CM, meanwhile, described his meeting with PM Modi as a courtsy call and had a luncheon interaction with BJP president Amit Shah. BJP sources hinted that the meeting with Shah was to discuss how to handle situation arising of open defiance by Sharad Yadav ahead of JDU's national executive meeting in Patna on July 19 to formally announce merger with the NDA.



JDU suspended its MP Ali Ansari, who is said to be close to Sharad Yadav, from parliamentary party since he attended a meeting of leaders of 18 opposition parties which was convened by Congress president Sonia Gandhi to evolve next strategy to counter BJP surge.



The meeting with Modi and Shah also assumed significance as buzz has it that at least two JDU leaders are likely to be drafted into the central government when PM undertakes expected cabinet reshuffle sometime this or next month. A JDU source did not find unusual to join the central government after becoming an ally of the ruling coalition.



"When we are together in government in Bihar it is only natural that our party joins the Union government," he told a news agency.



The BJP is also working on AIADMK to join the NDA camp to boost its strength in Rajya Sabha which Modi government desperately needs to pass legislation ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections.



As of now, the JD(U) two MPs in the Lok Sabha and 10 in the Rajya Sabha, taking its strength to 12 in parliament.




The much-talked opposition unity faced a minor setback on Friday with NCP staying away from a meeting of leaders of non-BJP parties convened by Congress President Sonia Gandhi and the CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury walking out after a token presence.



Leaders of 16 opposition parties, including Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee, Yechury, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, RJD's JPN Yadav, CPI's D Raja, SP's Naresh Agarwal, RLD's Ajit Singh among others met here to chalk out the joint opposition programme for the next three months.



JD(U) MP Ali Anwar Ansari also attended the meeting as the representative of rebel JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, whom Gandhi had called on Thursday with an invitation to attend Friday's meeting. Within hours of Ansari marking his presence at the meeting, the JD(U) suspended him from the parliamentary party.



NCP is upset at the Congress accusing it of not supporting Ahmed Patel in the Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat. NCP leader Praful Patel said his party decided to boycott the meeting as the Congress was accusing it of not supporting the Ahmed Patel when its legislators had cast their votes in his favour.



We are not beholden to the Congress. We are contesting the Gujarat elections separately, still we voted for them in the RS polls. And what we get in return is accusations, Patel said.



Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad sought to play down the episode saying he had spoken to NCP supremo Sharad Pawar who has been keeping ill-health for the past 4-5 days.



You are talking of two parties and not talking about the 16 parties who attended the meeting, he said. Kerala Congress (M) leader Jose K Mani also skipped the meeting as he had a party function in Kerala.



Yechury also walked out of the meeting saying the CPI(M) has decided to launch an independent peoples' struggle on twin issues of agrarian crisis and unemployment to build a popular alternative narrative to the propaganda unleashed bu the Modi-led BJP.



Asked if he believed that the Modi-led BJP can be defeated by a united opposition, the CPI(M) General Secretary said: Defeating is later, first let us build an alternate narrative.



Azad said the leaders decided to form a small coordination committee that would talk to all parties and chalk out a common programme for the next three months.




Massive clashes erupted between stone pelting mobs and security forces in south Kashmir's Tral area on Friday evening after reports of global terror outfit Al-Qaeda's Kashmir chief Zakir Musa being trapped in the area spread.



Sources said security forces launched a cordon and search operation (CASO) at around 7 pm and conducted house-to-house searches in Shah Mohalla, Peer Mohalla and Dangerpora in Noorpora, Tral, the native area of Musa. The cordon around the area has been tightened as Musa is believed to be hiding in a house, they said.



Authroities also suspended Internet services in the area to prevent the spreading of rumours. However, police didn't confirm whether Musa was hiding in the area or not. "There could be some other suspects but we have no definitive information about Musa. Let us wait for the searches to get over. So far no one has been found, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Munir Khan told reporters.



There were reports that Musa had been trapped in the area by the security forces. Reports said as soon the news spread, stone pelting mobs clashed with security forces in Noorpora with people trying to disrupt the anti-terror operation.



A senior police officer told DH over phone that the inner cordon has been tightened so the militants can't flee taking advantage of the darkness. "The search operation would resume with the first light of the morning," he said.



Musa, who succeeded slain Burhan Wani last July as commander of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, was recently named as head of 'Ansar Ghazwatul Hind' (the Islamic name of the local al-Qaeda group).



Musa, an engineering college dropout, had stirred up a hornets nest in May when he threatened to chop off heads of those separatist leaders who claim the Kashmir struggle as political and not Islamic.



Consequently, Hizbul commanders based in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir termed his statement as unacceptable and his personal opinion. Following the snub, Musa disassociated from the militant outfit and recently Global Islamic Media Front, the propaganda arm of Al-Qaeda declared that he would head up the terror outfit-affiliated Ansar Ghawzat-ul-Hind in Kashmir.






With the hotel industry yet to recover from the GST impact, the state government came up with Indira Canteens offering subsidised food. Tiffin will be available for Rs 5 and meals for Rs 10 at these canteens. Each ward will have one such canteen.



Bruhat Bengaluru Hotels Association president Chandrashekhar Hebbar conceded that these canteens will impact the hotel industry.



We have to see how things unfold once the canteens start. If there is an adverse effect, we will registers our protest with the government, he said.



Hebbar, however, was apprehensive about the success of Indira Canteens. These canteens are just election gimmicks. The government cannot run them for too long. At such low rates, quality will surely take a beating, he opined.



Government will not bear the cost. It will pass on the expenses to the people in the form of more taxes. Ultimately, people will have to bear the burden, said Hebbar.



Karnataka Pradesh Hotels and Restaurants Association secretary Madhukar M Shetty admitted that there will be challenges in the coming days. He said people do not want subsidised food but jobs.



Eventually, people will become lazy. Running hotels is a challenge. These canteens cannot run for more than six months. Quality will suffer and people will have no choice but to turn to other hotels, said Shetty.



Due to GST, prices have invariably gone up. We too reduced prices but not to the level of Indira Canteens since the production cost itself is about Rs 10 per idli. This is apart from the hotel maintenance cost, said Shetty.



He blamed the government for pitching itself against hoteliers and creating an impression that hoteliers have been deceiving consumers till now.



The only positive thing about Indira Canteens according to the hoteliers was that they may put illegal roadside eateries on footpaths out of business.





With five days to go for the launch of Indira Canteens, hoteliers are getting jittery fearing losses.
Here is some good news for the residents of Vidyapeetha ward in Basavanagudi Assembly constituency.



Residents of Chennammanakere Achchukattu in the ward are a happy lot as they no longer wake up to the stench that used to emanate from the garbage dump on the Channammanakere Achukattu Main Road, thanks to Chief Ministers pet project- Indira Canteen.



The governments subsidised food outlet is now coming up on what was till recently an illegal garbage dump.



It has been almost a week since the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) started the construction of the canteen on the busy Channammanakere Achukattu Main Road, connecting Kamakhya cinema and Vidyapeetha Circle.



Unlike in other areas of the city, where residents have come out in protest against the BBMP and the state government for building canteens after encroaching upon many parks and playgrounds, the residents of Channamanakere Achukattu, an upper middle-class locality are singing a merry tune since the Indira Canteen project has driven off the filth that had accumulated in the neighbourhood.



In the absence of public toilets in the area, people were using this garbage dump to relieve

themselves.



Speaking to DH, Savitha, a local resident, said, People used to dump all kinds of waste here and this was the only place in the neighbourhood which was an eyesore. There have been times when even the pourakarmikas used to throw garbage here. On many occassions waste had been set on fire too. All that can be avoided now.



Saraswathi, another resident, hailed the project saying, Selection of this place is a good move by the BBMP. I think they should look for more such places in all the wards instead of encroaching upon playgrounds where the children come and play.








An employee and office bearer of the union told DH on condition of anonymity that any show-cause notice would lead to a long-drawn strike. We did not go on a strike demanding a hike in salary. We were protesting against the injustice meted out to a coworker. We will launch a strike even if one worker gets notice. We wont allow the management to divide us, he said.





Caught between the necessity to ensure discipline in the setup and a threat of another strike, BMRCL is yet to decide on taking action against employees who were involved in a quarrel and launched a strike that disrupted Metro services last month.On July 6, quarrel broke out between the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) employees and a constable attached to the Karnataka State Industrial Security Force (KSISF). Employees launched a strike against the arrest of their co-worker that continued till July 7 afternoon, disrupting Metro services much to the anger of commuters.Though the rumblings had subsided over the next few weeks, a draft show-cause notice leaked last week has led to a furore with BMRCL Employees Union threatening to launch a strike if the management initiates any disciplinary action.BMRCL managing director Pradeep Singh Kharola said he will take a decision after receiving the document related to the disciplinary proceedings. I am yet to receive the papers. I cannot comment on the issue. Our only aim is to ensure there is discipline and commuters are not denied of our service, he said.Listing out a slew of "unlawful" activities, including riotous and disorderly behaviour, sabotaging Metro operations and wilful insubordination, the draft notice asks the employees to reply within seven days. If an employee's "reply is not found to be satisfactory, further action will be initiated", it warns.Vice president of the employees union Suryanarayana Murthy said BMRCL will betray the trust of its employees if it serves a show-cause notice. The management had promised us no disciplinary action will be taken against the employees. It was on this condition that employees resumed work.Moreover, it was a peaceful protest, he said.


The BDA is offering 2,705 two- and three-bedroom flats at Valagerahalli, Alur and Malagala on a first-come-first-served basis. Anyone can walk in to the BDA head office, go to the sales counter, choose a flat of their choice, make payment and register it. As many as 1,500 flats are ready for possession and the rest will be ready in six months.



Although the sales generated good response, they also exposed the BDAs lack of marketing and event management skills. The sales counter opened at noon but closed for lunch just 45 minutes later, leaving many people who had come around 9 am waiting for three hours. By lunch break, just 20 people had collected the application forms and only five had purchased the flats by paying the initial deposit.



Flats in Alur and Valagerahalli generated the most number of enquiries.



I want a home in Alur Phase 2 as it has only ground and first floors. It will not feel like living in an apartment complex. I have a limited budget and I have been seeing this project for the past six months, said Kiran Danagowda, a software engineer who came with his wife to buy the flat.



Fifteen applications for flats in Valagerahalli have been kept pending.



We have a total of 33 flats in Valagerahalli. All the 15 in the general category were sold, while the rest are reserved for SCs, STs or under the government quota. If there are no takers for these categories on Monday, the flats will be allotted to general category applicants, a BDA official said.



BDA Chairman K Venk-atesh said: The idea behind this scheme is to ensure that all our flats are sold. We want to help the middle and lower middle classes that want to buy the flats quickly. We invited the applications twice, but received only 870 responses. So, we introduced the across-the-table sales. We are also selling civic amenity and corner sites, but the response has been poor.



Explaining how the sales work, BDA Engineer N G Gowdaiah said the buyer should pay the registration and application fees to get the application form. S/he then has to pay the initial deposit at a nationalised bank, submit the challan and the required documents to the BDA and get an acknowledgment.



Once the bank releases the payment, the allotment letter is sent to the buyer by post. The buyer has to pay the rest and get the possession certificate.



There will be no sale on Saturday and Sunday. The counters will reopen at 10 am on Monday.





The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) sold 275 flats on the first day of its across-the-table sales on Friday. But the event was spoilt by a less-than-encouraging sales team that was unprepared to answer buyers questions.Bhagyalakshmi Olekar, who works for the Indian Bureau of Mines, was very delighted as was the first to buy a flat. She arrived at the BDAs head office at 9.15 am and managed to buy a flat in Malagala Phase 2. I am happy to get this flat and I will move into it as soon as I get the keys, said a visibly excited Olekar.
BJP National president Amit Shah begins his three-day sojourn in poll-bound Karnataka on Saturday and will hold a series of interactions with the various stakeholders of the party.



The state unit of the party plans to accord Shah a rousing reception at the Kempegowda International Airport here. He is scheduled to arrive at 10.45 am.



On day one, Shah will preside over a meeting of the party core committee, where he is expected to crack the whip on infighting in the party. The squabble between state party president B S Yeddyurappa and senior leader K S Eshwarappa over organisational issues has been out in the open several times. In the evening, Shah will participate in an interaction with intellectuals.



Shah, who will be based in Bengaluru through his stay, is scheduled to meet religious leaders, state functionaries, legislators, members of Parliament, and leaders of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), among others.



Day 2 includes visits to Adi Chunchanagiri Math in Nagamangala in Mandya district, the spiritual headquarters of the Vokkaliga community, and also the Art of Living, the abode of Sri Sri Ravishankar.



On day 3, Shah will review, among others, initiatives of the social media unit of the party. The BJP is planning to create at least 5,000 WhatsApp groups in a bid to reach out to the electorate ahead of next years Assembly polls.




The Supreme Court on Friday refused to modify its order recording readiness of real estate developers to comply with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directions on protecting buffer zones around lakes and storm water drains in Bengaluru.

The order was dictated in presence of the counsel. It is very specific order, a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta told senior advocate R Venkataramani, appearing for Mantri Techzone and others.



Venkataramani contended if the order passed on November 11, 2016 was not clarified and modified, he would not be able to argue on the appeals filed by the companies as well as the state government.



We are contesting the directions by the NGT with regard to 75 metres buffer zone. It would mean virtually giving up our appeal, he said.

Limited relief

The bench, however, pointed out that the relief granted by the court was only to the extent of payment of penalty imposed on the developers.

The top court had in November last asked the real estate developer (Mantri) to approach the NGT with its plea for resuming construction activities in Bengaluru. The court had clarified its earlier order of May 12, 2016 directing status quo would not come in the way, if the tribunal was satisfied with the request for resuming construction.

The court had in May stayed Rs 117 crore penalty imposed on the developer by the NGT for encroachment of water bodies in Bengaluru. It had also asked all the builders not to construct within 75 metres of lakes and 50 metres of storm water drains in the city as per the direction of the NGT on May 4.



On Friday, as the court refused to budge, Venkataramani preferred not to press his application, prompting the bench to describe the plea dismissed as not pressed.






The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail link will be built with the Shinkansen Bullet Train technology of Japan. The leaders agreed to launch the work for the project in 2017 and the train would be operational in 2023.



Tokyo is also keen to support other high-speed rail link project New Delhi is planning across India. The leaders are likely to discuss the use of the technology to link like New Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai.



Sources said India and Japan were keen to further strengthen the partnership in high-speed railways.



Agreeing on the importance of human resource development in operation and maintenance of high-speed rail network, the two leaders wanted to start the preliminary work to set up High-Speed Rail Institute and develop its training module



The sources also added that the two prime ministers would review collaboration in expanding and modernising conventional railway system in India.



Modi and Abe will discuss ways to speed up commercial implementation of India-Japan civil nuclear cooperation agreement signed last year. The agreement came into force on July 20 last with the exchange of diplomatic notes between Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and Japans Ambassador to India Kenji Hiramatsu.





Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe will in September launch the work for Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project in September.Abe will visit New Delhi late next month for the annual bilateral summit. The two prime ministers will attend a ceremony in Gujarat to mark the beginning of the construction work for bullet train project, sources told DH.
For the first time, Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) celebrated the birthday of two hippos and hosted a party for visitors.

On Friday, BBP celebrated the birthday of hippos Naga (14) and Karthik (25) by cutting cakes made of hay, banana, grass and watermelon. While many visitors took photographs of the celebrations, the most delighted among them were 180 children of grade one and two from School of India.



This is the first time such an event has been organised and we aim to do it regularly. It is part of the awareness and educational programme which BBP has initiated. The zoo management has decided to celebrate all occasions including birthdays of animals. This will increase footfall to the park and also generate interest among visitors, said BBP executive director Santosh Kumar.



By organising birthdays of animals, visitors will learn about the species and the animals housed in the zoo. Not many knew that Naga is Kathiks son. He was the first child of Karthik and Sita. Karthik was brought from Mysuru zoo in 1999 under the animal exchange programme, Kumar said.



The day also coincided with Lions Day, where visitors, especially children, were taught how to identify the pug marks of different felines. A short film on lions was also screened.



BBP aims to create awareness about all threatened species through interactive activities catering to all age groups. The zoo management also organises guided tours for school and college groups visiting BBP to involve them in wildlife and nature conservation, Kumar said.






The High Court of Karnataka on Friday directed the counsel of liquor baron Vijay Mallya to file a report or a notice about their client being produced before any court in India in any matter.

A division bench comprising Justice Jayant Patel and Justice S Sujatha was hearing a contempt petition filed by a consortium of banks accusing Mallya of violating the undertaking given by him at the Debts Recovery Tribunal (DRT).



The bench had ordered issuance of a bailable warrant in the previous hearing but it was reported that Mallya is in the UK. The counsel appearing for the consortium of banks informed the bench about the Supreme Court already initiating contempt proceedings in another matter against Mallya and the Supreme Court directed listing the matter only after Mallya is produced before the court.

Further, the court was informed that the Centre has taken steps to secure Mallyas presence, but he is yet to be produced. According to the status report, extradition proceedings are on and all steps are being taken by the Centre. The consortium of banks have filed a contempt petition against Mallya accusing him of violating the undertaking given by him and his companies stating that they would not transfer their equity shares of United Breweries Holdings Ltd (UBHL) to Diageo Plc.



However, Mallya and his son pledged their shares to Standard Chartered Bank violating the undertaking given to DRT. The tribunal had passed an order restraining Standard Chartered Bank, where the shares were pledged to be handed over to Diageo Plc.




British Deputy High Commissioner Dominique McAllister on Friday announced the opening of the window for Chevening scholarship and fellowship programmes.



Noting that the number of Indians applying for British education visas is increasing steadily, he said the UK government welcomes more candidates to apply from India.



The UK in India hosts the largest Chevening country programme in the world, with a 2.6 million budget to fund about 120 fully-funded scholarships for future Indian leaders, he said



Of the 120, there are 60 scholarships and 60 fellowships. Indian nationals who want to study masters or conduct research in the UK should apply in the programme. India has a strong Chevening alumni of 2,500 and we want it to grow further, he said.



The Chevening scholarship covers education fee, travel and living costs (one year) of students who want to study masters degree in the UK.



The 60 fully-funded fellowships cover a wide ranging areas, including science, arts and media.



Last year, there were 50,000 applications from worldwide out of which 5,000 were interviewed. Out of them, 1,765 scholars were chosen from 141 countries.



Applications for 2018-19 are now open. The last date for application is November 7.




The Associated Management of Primary & Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) has issued a circular asking member schools not to create an environment of hatred against neighbouring countries or states.



This circular follows the incident on Thursday, when members of Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) forced Delhi Public School (DPS) North in Bengaluru to cancel a cultural exchange activity to celebrate Chinese New Year.



The circular says that educational institutions should not promote hatred towards any country or state on impressionable children. Schools have the responsibility of imparting positive ideas such as trust and peace.



If the state is having issues with neighbours such as Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, we cannot tell the students to start hating people from there. Teachers can have their personal opinions but we should not politicise education, said Shashi Kumar D, general secretary of KAMS.



The association has also advised member schools against promoting campaigns such as boycotting Chinese goods. Teachers have been advised not to discuss anything negative related to neighbouring countries and states in the classroom or read such news in the school assembly. They have been asked to be alert about local activists promoting political agendas in school.



Schools have also been asked to exercise caution when conducting activities to avoid controversies. The association has condemned activists entering the school premises which are sensitive zones, and creating fear among students and parents.


The University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE) in Bengaluru, Karnatakas oldest engineering college that turned 100 this year, rejoiced when Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a centenary grant of Rs 25 crore to meet its infrastructure needs.



Now, the state government wants the grant to be used for shifting the iconic college to the Jnanabharathi campus, a move facing stiff opposition from various quarters.



The plan to utilise the budgetary allocation of Rs 25 crore towards basic infrastructure development and modernisation has been revised and Bangalore University has to submit a detailed project report with estimates on shifting the UVCE to Jnanabharathi campus, reads a July 3 letter written by Higher Education under secretary (universities-2) M A Ahmad Jan.



This has angered faculty members at the UVCE because the Higher Education Department had, in separate letters in April and May, maintained that the Rs 25 crore was to be used only for infrastructure development. DH has copies of these letters.



In a meeting on Friday, the UVCE faculty decided to defy the governments directive. Heads of departments opined in unison that UVCE should not be shifted and the Rs 25 crore should be used for infrastructure development, UVCE principal K R Venugopal said. Bangalore University acting vice-chancellor H N Ramesh, who chaired the meeting, said: The proceedings of the meeting will be sent to the government.



The UVCE authorities maintain that shifting the iconic college will be detrimental, affecting academic activities as well as campus placements.



Located on a 15-acre campus in Central College, the UVCE was Indias fifth engineering college and was founded by Sir M Visvesvaraya in 1917. It counts some of the countrys finest scientists as its alumni.



The college is now grappling with crumbling infrastructure and shortage of manpower.



Its mechanical engineering block, for example, is still housed in a shed dating back to 1916.



With Central College becoming the headquarters of the newly created Bangalore Central University, the state government has decided to shift the UVCE to the Jnanabharathi campus, where the original Bangalore University will be based. The Bangalore North University will be located in Kolar.



With the Rs 25 crore grant, the UVCE plans to construct a 10-floored mechanical engineering block and a 10-storey block for computer science, electronics and electrical engineering courses. It also wants to take up refurbishment of the heritage building and open-air theatre.




Three people have filed so far to run against incumbent Congressman Darrell Issa in the 49th Congressional District of California election next year.

Retired Marine Col. Douglas Applegate, businessman Paul Kerr and environmental attorney Mike Levin have thrown their hats in the ring for the primary election on Nov. 6, 2018.

The 49th Congressional District of California includes cities in the southern portion of the state, including South Orange County and the North San Diego cities of Encinitas, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, Carlsbad, Vista, Oceanside and Camp Pendleton.

Applegate, Kerr and Levin will participate in a candidates forum presented by the Democratic Club of Vista on Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at 1234 North Santa Fe Avenue in Vista.

Those interested in attending should register at https://bit.ly/2hp0otK

49th Congressional District of California candidates so far (in alphabetical order):

Douglas Applegate

 Age: 63

 City of residence: San Clemente

 Time lived in 49th Congressional District: 30-plus years

 Political Party: Democrat

 Professional occupation: Marine Colonel (retired), Infantry Officer, Judge Advocate, Civil & Criminal Trial Attorney

 Education: Arizona State University

 Previous public service: 32 years active and reserve service, Marine Corps.

 What are three things you hope to achieve if elected?

Healthcare: I will work to make single payer healthcare a reality. I believe that healthcare is a human right, and a Medicare-for-All system will reduce costs and dramatically increase coverage. Immigration: We are a nation of immigrants. I will fight for sensible, compassionate, comprehensive immigration reform, with pathways to citizenship for our millions of hard-working undocumented residents. Environment: It is too late for half measures. The climate crisis we face demands massive public investment in a comprehensive sustainable energy production and a distribution system for the preservation of our national prosperity, national security, and global environment.

Darrell Issa

 Age: 63

 City of residence: Vista, California

 Time lived in 49th Congressional District: 30-plus years

 Political Party: Republican

 Professional occupation: Tech entrepreneur

 Education: Business Administration. Kent State, Siena Heights University

 Previous public service: Captain, United States Army.

 What are three things you hope to achieve if elected?

Promote jobs and innovation. As an entrepreneur and tech policy leader, Ive seen first hand the challenges new businesses face. Ill continue working to bring jobs back home and promote policies that allow all to have the opportunity to achieve the American dream. Reform our broken tax code. Fixing our tax code is my highest priority. Americans need to be able to keep more of their hard-earned money and job-creators need a tax structure that will allow us to unleash productivity, create jobs, and grow our nations economy. Put veterans first. The heroes who fought and gave it all to serve our nation deserve the highest standard of care and the benefits theyve earned. As a former Captain in the U.S. Army, Ill never stop fighting to put our veterans first.

Paul Kerr

 Age: 62

 City of residence: Rancho Santa Fe

 Time lived in 49th Congressional District: San Diego County for over 43 years, in boundaries of 49th Congressional District for 12 years.

 Political Party: Democrat

 Professional occupation: Business Owner

 Education: San Diego State University, BA in Economics with Minor in Real Estate

 Previous public service: I have been a member of the Advisory Board of the San Diego State University Corky McMillin Center for Real Estate since shortly after its inception, as well as an active and long-standing supporter of the San Diego Police Officers Widows and Orphans Fund, the California Highway Patrol 1199 Foundation, the MS Society and Fresh Start Surgical Gifts.

 What are three things you hope to achieve if elected?

Ensure that every American has quality health insurance. Pass a law that removes the deadline for veterans to use their GI Bill benefits Create a job training program for enlisted members of the military before they leave the service.

Mike Levin

 Age: 38

 City of residence: San Juan Capistrano

 Time lived in 49th Congressional District: Levin was raised in South Orange County and moved back after law school. Levin and his wife bought their current home in San Juan Capistrano in 2014 and lived in Ladera Ranch for a year prior to that.

 Political Party: Democrat

 Professional occupation: Environmental Attorney and Clean Energy Advocate

 Education: BA from Stanford University & JD from Duke Law School

 Previous public service: Executive Director of the Orange County Democratic Party until 2007 and Founder/Board Member of Sustain OC to present.

 What are three things you hope to achieve if elected?
Elizabeth Gillingham visited sites around Europe while on the Camino de Santiago. (Courtesy of Elizabeth Gillingham)

Each morning for about a month, Elizabeth Gillingham would wake up before the sun and begin her day  which usually consisted of walking about 20 miles.

From June 15 to July 9, the 20-year-old Solana Beach woman completed the Camino de Santiago, a 466-mile route stretching across Europe from St. Jean-Pied-du-Port near Biarritz in France to Santiago in Spain.

"It's really something to look at the map and see what I really did," she said. "It was a long way."

Gillingham first heard about the religious pilgrimage route, which follows the footsteps of Saint James, while studying art history at Torrey Pines High School. (She later transferred to and graduated from The Grauer School in 2015.)

Hundreds of thousands of people annually walk the Camino de Santiago on their own or in groups, according to the walk's website, santiago-compostela.net.

Gillingham  who has visited 23 countries since beginning to travel with her family when she was 13  has been traveling on her own for about the last two years while taking time off of school. She will return to college in Portland in the fall to focus her studies on the neurosciences.

She considers traveling solo to be a rewarding experience.

"That has really let me experience things in a much more intense and personal way," she said. "When you travel alone, you lose a lot of inhibitions that you get traveling with family. I lived with different home-stays and stayed in hostels by myself. That opened me up to a lot more people, and I've gotten to explore other languages and cultures more."

While on the Camino, Gillingham would walk between five and eight hours a day, with hours varying between 4 a.m. to 3 p.m. She said she did not train herself for the Camino but enjoys running as a hobby.

(Courtesy of Elizabeth Gillingham)

"When I first heard about it, I think I kind of took it lightly and thought, 'Hey, it's just walking,'" she said. "As it turns out, 20 miles is pretty far, so there were a lot of days where things just hurt physically and mentally. Somehow I managed."

Gillingham, along with thousands of other Camino travelers, would stay in hostel-like establishments called "albergues," and in total she visited about 30 large cities and small communities.

Each city would place a stamp on her "credential," which would be full at the end of the Camino.

She said one of her favorite memories while on the trip was staying in an albergue run by nuns. The travelers were asked to sing songs from their home countries in their respective languages.

The seven Americans sang "Country Road" by John Denver.

"That was really moving to hear pretty much 20 different languages singing songs," she said, adding she enjoyed meeting other travelers. "You're meeting new people from all over the world every night and staying in hostels with them. Talking to new people was the best part."

Gillingham, who said she next wants to travel to Chile and Thailand  and will attend Lewis & Clark College in Portland this fall  considers the Camino a really reflective experience.

"I really liked being on my own and having something to prove, not necessarily to anyone else, but to myself."
Editor's note: Cap Times film critic Rob Thomas will host a post-show talk after "An Inconvenient Sequel" at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday at AMC Madison 6, 430 N. Midvale Blvd.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times for climate change activists. It was the best of times because the use of renewable energy like wind and solar has grown by leaps and bounds. It was the worst of times because  well, have you seen the news lately?

Into this uncertain moment comes An Inconvenient Sequel, the follow-up to Davis Guggenheims 2006 Oscar-winning documentary about former Vice President Al Gore and his mission to fight global warming. That first movie had a huge impact, with Gores slide show crystallizing the arguments of 97 percent of climate scientists that climate change is real, dangerous and preventable, into a thoughtful, entertaining film.

Sequel, with Guggenheim handing directorial duties to Bonnie Cohen and Jon Shenk ("The Island President"), arrives at a different time. Positions have hardened  there are fewer people who need convincing about the threat of climate change, but on the other side, fewer people who can be convinced. In the film, Gore admits that his adversaries have regrouped, with powerful energy companies spending lots of money in politics to maintain the status quo.

As a result, Sequel has somewhat of an ungainly double mission  to show how bad things have gotten in the last decade, but also to show signs of progress and hope. The first half of the film is a somewhat disjointed mix of excerpts from Gores updated PowerPoint presentations to climate change activists and footage following Gore around the world as he observes the effects of global warming.

Climate change is a massive subject, and its a little exhausting to take this whirlwind tour with Gore through both continents and bar charts, the film hopscotching from subject to subject.

The evening news is like a nature walk through the Book of Revelation, Gore quips as the film shows footage of floods, droughts, crumbling glaciers, hurricanes and rain bomb storms, which he draws clear lines back to global warming.

Amid the mayhem, the image that stuck with me, strangely, was of a little wooden ladder. Visiting a glacier research station in Greenland, Gore climbs the ladder to enter a hut that seems to be built on stilts. Why on earth would they build the camp on stilts? In fact, we learn that the stilts were actually support beams driven deep into the ice back when the camp was built on the glacier surface. Now, the ice has melted away to the point that the station is literally left high and dry.

In his slide presentations, Gore sounds angrier than he did in the 2006 film, his Southern-preacher growl surfacing as he tears into the folly of those who wont heed his message. While he exudes a message of hope and optimism to these activists hes sending out into the world, in private he seems more muted, and admits to moments of despair. "I don't know any other way to do it," he says of his crusade.

Yet the overall message of the film is one of empowerment, and the film includes evidence that renewable energy is taking hold around the world. Gore visits a successful solar energy company in California, and goes to visit the mayor of "the reddest city in the reddest county in Texas," who has his town on 90 percent renewable energy.

Gore, nearly 70, refuses to give up or slow down. He tells the story of how in the late 1990s as vice president, he pushed to have a weather and Earth observation satellite called DSCOVR launched, only to see the project mothballed by the incoming Bush administration. But in 2015, President Obama approved the funding, and DSCOVR was finally launched into orbit.

An Inconvenient Sequel coalesces in its second half, which follows Gore to Paris in December 2015 as an unofficial negotiator at the Paris Climate Accords. The film offers a window into the arcane backroom negotiations between powerful heads of state that I found illuminating. The disagreements between developed and developing countries are particularly compelling; one Indian official pushes back against Gores entreaties for India to use solar energy, noting that the United States had a 150-year head start on using gas, coal and oil.

In the end, the Paris agreement was ratified, a significant step forward for climate change activism. But then, of course, an epilogue added to the film this summer reminds us that President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the agreement, and seems determined to undo progress thats been made.

Good thing we saw Gore traveling the world training this new generation of climate change activists; hes going to need them. So are we.
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An asteroid is expected to fly past Earth on October 12 this year - but will only miss the planet by an estimated 27,000 miles  a close shave in astronomical terms.

Astronomers recently spotted asteroid 2012 TC4 under a collaboration between the European Space Agency and the European Southern Observatory (ESO) to locate faint objects that might strike Earth.

The close pass will provide scientists with a valuable opportunity to learn more about its orbit and composition.

The campaign will exercise the international network of observatories and research organisations working on planetary defence.

It will test the international ability to detect and track near-Earth objects and assess our ability to respond together to an asteroid threat.

The asteroid  thought to be up to 100ft across  was discovered by the Pan-STARRS observatory in Hawaii. Its orbit meant that it could not be tracked during the past five years, leaving astronomers unsure on how close it would come. It was found this time by ESO's Very Large Telescope in Chile.

The new observations reveal it will miss Earth by about 27,000 miles.

An asteroid of similar size entered our atmosphere in February 2013, causing widespread destruction in Russia's southern Ural region.

The Chelyabinsk meteor exploded 16.3 miles above the surface with 26 to 33 times as much energy as that released from the atomic bomb at Hiroshima.

About 1,500 people were injured seriously enough to seek medical treatment, mainly by broken glass from windows that were blown in when the shock wave arrived. Some 7,200 buildings were damaged.
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Flowers have been left at the scene of a fatal stabbing that has seen a man arrested and charged with murder.

Wayne Fenton, 49, was stabbed to death at Plymouth Railway Station on Tuesday, leading to the concourse being sealed off for hours and extra police being deployed.

The floral tribute reads: "RIP Wayne/dad. Forever in our hearts, taken too soon. Missed by all, fly high.

"Love you lots, Jade, Billy, Ashley, Matthew and rest of family."

Further moving tributes were paid to the dad after he was formally identified by police on Wednesday afternoon, reports plymouthherald .

Debra Ecclestone, on Facebook, simply said: "RIP Gappy."

Others who didn't know Mr Fenton were still keen to show their devastation at his death.

Verena Love wrote: "May you fly high wrapped in angel wings to paradise. My family are devastated this has happened.

"I am not related to Wayne... but devastated over the tragic event."

Marie Dann said: "Thinking of his family at this sad time and hoping they get the answers and support they need. RIP."

28-year-old Jamie Skinner, of Bodmin Road, Plymouth, was arrested on suspicion of murder.

(Image: Penny Cross)

He appeared at Plymouth Magistrates Court on Thursday morning and was charged with the murder of Mr Fenton  he was not asked to enter a plea.

DCI Paul Langley from the British Transport Police thanked members of the public for their help in the investigation.

"I would like to thank the large numbers of witnesses who have come forward and my officers are in the process of speaking to those individuals," he said on Wednesday.

He added that his own thoughts remain with the family.

Jamie Skinner is due to appear at Plymouth Crown Court tomorrow - Friday.
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Police need witnesses to a major, and apparently head-on, crash near Axminster on Thursday afternoon which left four men injured.

Emergency services were called to the A35 at Kilmington at 2pm following the collision between a blue VW Passat and a red Chevrolet Corvette.

The Corvette driver, a 57-year-old man from Wellington, and a male passenger both sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to hospital where they remain in a stable condition.

The Passat driver, a 63-year-old man from Swanage, and a male passenger sustained less serious injuries and were taken by ambulance to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Local units as well as officers from the Roads Policing Team and Serious Collison Investigation Unit attended the scene.

The road was closed for six hours while officers carried out a forensic examination of the scene.

A spokesperson for Devon & Somerset Fire Service said: "Two crews attended a road traffic collision involving two vehicles. Crews released two adults using hydraulic cutting gear and small tools. They were taken to hospital by air ambulance.

Police are appealing for witnesses and appealing for anyone with information to contact police via 101@dc.police.uk or by phone on 101, quoting log number 0485 of 10/08/17.
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Police are concerned for the safety of a woman who went missing from a Devon hospital this morning.

Nicola Chaffe, 54, is 5'4'' tall, wearing grey trousers, a blue top and black trainers and was last seen at Derriford at 12.20am this morning.

Police say she may be walking towards the Tamar Bridge along main roads.

Anyone who sees her or knows where she is should call police quotinglog 54.
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The surgeon who has been reprimanded for performing an operation on a 12-year-old boy's genitals without consent has been defended as 'an outstanding surgeon and good human being'.

Surgeon Commader Anthony Lambert was performing hernia surgery on a 12-year-old boy when he notived 'adhesions' on his genitals, and decided to remove them - without getting the consent of the boy's parents.

He has now been taken off routine paediatric surgery and the hospital has issued an apology, as well as putting new procedures in place.

But people have spoken out to defend the surgeon for his work and surgery carried out on others, reports plymouthherald .

One person said: "This man is amazing at his job he goes above and beyond just like he did in this case... if he had spoken to the parents they hopefully would have told him to go ahead [...]".

Others added: "One of most the genuine, trustworthy, and committed men I know.... lives and breathes his work. So highly regarded by so many people.... saved so many lives, put his own life at risk in some of the worst war zones on the planet."

"Sorry, can't see 'any short-fallings of care' here. Only a surgeon that went that bit extra to avoid a boy going under anaesthetic a second time."

"What a shame for this obviously greatly admired chap! Reading all the other comments suggest that everyone is supporting him and his judgement. Any normal parent would be delighted that the surgeon made this decision and saved their son from going through further surgery."

"Everything I know about this man is that he is an outstanding surgeon and good human being. The procedure would have been explained afterwards and surely ensured that the boy in question didn't have to endure further surgery."

Cdr Lambert OBE was operating on the boy at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth for a hernia.

He decided it was in the best interests of the boy to 'free adhesions' on his genitals.

The surgeon went into the waiting room during the surgery but left without speaking to the parents or calling their names.

A colleague had advised him to get permission from the parents, who had been waiting outside the operating theatre.

The family's lawyer, Andrew Hannam, of Enable Law, told the BBC that for Cdr Lambert to continue under these circumstances was "shocking for the child and his family"

In a letter of apology, Cdr Lambert said: "Why I did not call your name when I left theatre to find you, I do not know," he told the family.

"I unreservedly apologise for the short-fallings in the care I provided to your son."

Dr Phil Hughes, medical director for Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, sent a letter to the family which said the operation "should not have happened without consent", reports the BBC.

He said an "organisational development intervention" will be put in place to ensure it does not happen again.

Who is Surgeon Commander Anthony Lambert?

Royal Navy surgeon Anthony Lambert has been in an array of war zones since 1988 including Iraq, Bosnia and Afghanistan.

Because of his vital work carrying out surgery, he was given the Armed Forces Award at the Pride of Plymouth ceremony in 2013.

As well as this, he was awarded an OBE in the 2013 New Year's Honours list for his charitable work, which supports injured servicemen and women and children undergoing surgery at Derriford Hospital.

Cdr Lambert also organises the annual rugby match between the Royal Marines and the Medical Students of the Peninsula Medical Schools, in aid of the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.
Sarahah is an anonymous messaging app that lets you get honest opinions from your co-workers, friends or even anonymous people

Sarahah is an app that was designed for honest anonymous feedback but is finding a much wider audience now. Zain al-Abidin Tawfiq, the Saudi programmar claims the site has garnered more than 270 million views and 20 million users in just a few weeks.

Sarahah means "honesty or "candour" in Arabic. It started as a workplace feedback tool but expanded its range after users started using it for regular anonymous confessions and message drops. Many users are concerned that a total anonymous environment may lead to cyber bullying. The developer Tawfiq has denied claims that Sarahah is a tool for abuse saying, it is solely designed for "constructive feedback". The app, however, also features a block option which lets users block messages from senders who may have sent offensive messages. When user blocks a contact, Sarahah won't reveal who sent the message but will make sure they are not able to send any more messages.

What is Saharah for?

Saharah is a messaging app which was designed as a way for people to share their honest thoughts anonymously with their friends and contacts. The Apps description states, "Sarahah helps you in discovering your strengths and areas for improvement by receiving honest feedback from your employees and your friends in a private manner."

The main focus of the app in the workplace is to let its users enhance their areas of strength and strengthen areas for improvement. On a personal level, the apps agenda is to improve your friendship by discovering your strengths and areas for improvement and enabling your friends be honest with you. Unlike traditional social networks, users cannot directly interact with one another. Also, there is no reply mechanism, or any indication of who sent the message. This could make a great app for confessions and honest feedbacks and seems to be doing so as the app, since its launch two months ago, has reached the number one position on Apple's App Store in 30 countries including US, UK and is rising fast in India.

How it works?

Its rather easy to set up the app. Its available for IOS and Android. After downloading and launching the app, it will prompt the user to enter their credentials. As soon as its done, you are taken to the settings section where you can configure the app to your liking. You can configure the app and set your display name as per your liking.

A user can also share their profile with friends or on other social media accounts so people can start sending them anonymous messages. Users can also search for anyone they know if they have their username in a search section of the app. All the incoming messages are received in an inbox and you have the option of flagging, deleting, or favoriting them to find them easily later.

The app has a mixed review on the Play stores with 10,000+ 5 stars ratings and also 9,600+ 1 star ratings. There have been many popular anonymous social messaging apps such as Confess and Secret. These apps mostly made interactions more social and public whereas Sarahah doesnt. Sarahah app has also been highly criticized as it can be a perfect tool for cyber bullying. People have a tendecy to go overboard as the internet provides a filter of anonymity in itself. Adding another layer atop can make things worse. As a warning, there is a precaution by users in the user reviews on the apps Google Play Store page which suggest, It's a good app, works well and does what it says. But people will say what they think and it can be harsh, but it's your choice if you want to sign up. So it's not the apps fault that other people get not very nice people on it.
In the year 2030, you will have a phone that never goes out of style. Or will you?

Modular smartphones came with an incredible promise. They were poised to bring an end to planned obsolescence, allowing you to upgrade specific parts of a smartphone instead of the entire phone. Ideally, modularity could in future encourage OEMs to provide updated operating systems, while hardware upgrades will be more meaningful.

But, while modularity could, in theory, be the future of smartphones, its implementation has been far from encouraging.

It all started with Google

Project Ara was where it all began. Googles attempt at making a modular smartphone was brought the concept to the mainstream. Initial videos released by Google showed a device that could indeed be a revolution for smartphones. Project Ara sought to make almost every element in a smartphone into a module, allowing users to swap out modules as and when they needed. A special logic board was required for the same.

Google explored this concept for four years, finally announcing its suspension on September 2. Project Ara was once the most promising development in the smartphone-verse, but it will never come to market.

And then there was LG

At MWC last year, LG made a blockbuster announcement with the LG G5. The bottom of the device was detachable, allowing users to add myriad modules to it. LG provided a button on the phone, that would allow you to pull out the bottom strip of the phone, along with its battery. The company hoped that with enough help from third parties, it could create an entire ecosystem around the LG G5 and its mods.

Sadly, LGs concept wasnt ideal. Pulling out the battery meant the phone would power down whenever you needed to swap modules. Moreover, LG never could get developers on board to create mods for the LG G5. The company called it quits on this concept less than a year after announcing the LG G6.

Motorola has been the most successful

We look at Motorola as the modular smartphone leader for now. Thats because the company has not only made a functional device, but also promised to remain committed to the platform in future. The Moto Z was accompanied by a few mods and Motorola has since announced a few more, along with hackathons in various countries.

Motorolas concept uses magnetic pogo pin connectors, which allow mods to snap on to the phone. Its a seamless mechanism that works without lags, and dont require the phone to be powered down. Motorolas implementation of modularity inspires concept in how seamless it is. Moreover, the company has announced more (albeit not many more) mods over the past year or so. At the very least, Lenovo and Motorola have put in efforts to reassure consumers that they are committed to the modular endeavour.

While Motorolas endeavour is certainly more effective, its main downside is that the company cant make major tweaks to design in future devices. Motorola is perhaps betting on the fact that candy-bar designs will remain for the foreseeable future, and its Moto Z series wont require major design changes.

Essential and RED

Andy Rubins Essential Phone also has a modular element added to it, as does the recently announced RED Hydrogen One. Rubins phone has three magnetic pogo pins for modular attachments, which doesnt limit design as much as on the Moto Z. Rubin has also promised an ecosystem of modular accessories, although we have only seen a 360 degree camera so far. The Essential Phone is yet to make it to market, so we cant really be sure what it will lead to in future.

On the other hand, REDs phone seems like a novelty right now, but it utilizes modules to enhance camera performance. Just how this will happen is something we shall find out once the Hydrogen One launches.

Are modular phones here to stay?

So far, the modular concept seems interesting to manufacturers and buyers alike. However, neither is showing the will to take them to the next level. Barring Motorola, no one has made it the primary feature for their devices. Modularity certainly has its benefits, but we need a market leader, like Samsung or Apple, to embrace the opportunity. Given the right resources, the modular concept can indeed be big in future, but thats perhaps a long way to go.
Nokia 2 is expected to be HMD Global's entry-level Android smartphone with on-screen Android navigation button. The smartphone will be priced lower than Nokia 3 and has appeared in four different variants with Android 7.1 Nougat.

Nokia 2, the rumoured entry-level smartphone from HMD Global has been leaked in the form of renders in the past. The smartphone has now received FCC certification indicating four different variants. The database reveals four model numbers TA-1007, TA-1023, TA-1029 and TA-1035 but it doesn't reveal device specifications.

Nokia 2 is not a mystery device and it has already appeared in the GeekBench benchmarking platform. The smartphone is expected to be placed below Nokia 3 in terms of pricing and could be powered by the Snapdragon 210 chipset coupled with 1GB RAM. The smartphone is likely to run on Android 7.1 Nougat. The smartphone has also leaked in the form of images indicating a design similar to the Lumia 620 with rounded edges. The handset is also tipped to adopt on-screen Android navigation buttons as opposed to capacitive buttons found on company's other handsets.

Android Headlines notes that the smartphone would sport a 5-inch display with 720p HD resolution and sport a combination of 8MP primary camera and a 5MP secondary camera. The handset is said to be backed by a 2800mAh battery and will be a budget friendly offering aimed to compete with similarly priced devices from Chinese smartphone makers.

Nokia 2's FCC certification suggests the smartphone could be announced alongside the company's flagship Nokia 8 smartphone on August 16. HMD Global, the Finnish company with the license to sell Nokia-branded devices is expected to announce its flagship smartphone at an event in London on August 16. The smartphone is expected to feature a 5.3-inch Quad HD display, Snapdragon 835 chipset, 4GB RAM and 64GB storage.

The Nokia 8 is also expected to bring back Zeiss partnership with a dual rear camera setup. The smartphone is expected to hit retail stores at 589 (around Rs 44,500). The Nokia 2s FCC certification further strengthens the fact that HMD Global will introduce both its entry-level and flagship handset at the same time.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A will differ from Redmi Note 5 primarily in terms of performance and battery life. The smartphone is expected to be priced around Rs 10,000 when it becomes available.

Xiaomi is expected to announce the Redmi Note 5A, the cheaper variant of Redmi Note 5 later this month in China. Ahead of the official announcement, the handset has leaked once again revealing additional details about the device. The smartphone leaked in the form of retail packaging last month revealing a 5.5-inch display and dual rear camera setup.

The new leak indicates that the Redmi Note 5A will be powered by the Snapdragon 425 chipset coupled with 2GB RAM and 16GB storage. The smartphone houses a 3080mAh battery and will run Android 7.1 Nougat based MIUI 9. It is also said to feature a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. The Redmi Note 5A seems like a budget handset that differs from the Redmi Note 5 primarily in terms of performance and battery life.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, successor to the Redmi Note 4 is likely to sport a 5.5-inch Full HD display and use Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 630 platform. The Redmi Note 5 could arrive in two storage variants - 3GB RAM variant with 32GB storage and 4GB RAM variant with an option for either 32GB or 64GB storage. Other features include a 16MP rear camera and a 13MP front camera. The Redmi Note 5 will switch to USB Type-C port and also support Bluetooth 5.0 standard. It is expected to retail at 1,200 Yuan (around Rs 12,000) while the Redmi Note 5A could become available for 1,000 Yuan (around Rs 10,000).
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note: this article has been updated.



As our readers know, we like to show people all sides of an issue and other opinions, not just what we think they want to hear; and were not posting this on the blog to keep anyone from coming to Ecuador; some of these issues may be hyped just to scare people from moving away from the U.S to another country, so keep this in mind as you read through parts of this crime report by the U.S Travel Website.

Some of you may have already gone to the U.S Travel Website and saw this yourselves, nonetheless, for those who have not, we would like to share a few bits of information with you just so you can know about these things and then take your own appropriate measures for yourselves according to your circumstances.





Retiring In Ecuador





In recent years, Ecuador has become a top overseas destination for retiring U.S. citizens. Bear in mind, organizations promoting Ecuador or any other place as a retirement destination may have a financial incentive to attract retirees, and may not always present a balanced picture. Consider multiple sources before choosing a destination.





Remain vigilant when contracting professional services for assistance with Ecuadorian visas, real estate transactions, or customs brokering for imported household effects. U.S. citizen retirees regularly complain about unethical practices by lawyers, real estate agents, and others who have taken advantage of their lack of knowledge about local language, laws, and culture, resulting in costly losses and little hope for a remedy through the local judicial system.





As in any country, Ecuadorian rules governing visas and customs are subject to change with little notice . The Ministry of Foreign Relations and other Ecuadorian government agencies publish little information in English, increasing foreigners reliance on lawyers or other facilitators, some of whom have distorted the true cost or requirements for obtaining Ecuadorian visas. Staff members at the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate General are not in a position to give detailed advice about Ecuadorian immigration law.





Women Traveling Alone to Ecuador

We are often asked our opinion about women traveling alone to Ecuadorwell, our opinion is this. Its not the traveling part that is dangerous it is the living part. I would not want someone such as my sisters or mother, or aunt, or any of my females friends to move to and live in Ecuador aloneyou may think you can handle yourself and you are independent woman, but many men that travel alone and walk alone are targets of all kinds of crimes, so how much more would be a women? Its not a matter of I can take care of myself, all women can take care of themselves, but not all women can fend off an attacker because she happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.





If you have taken defense classes, how will the perpetrator know that and, how will you defend yourself against a person with a knife or gun? And why would you want to put yourself in a position of having to do so? The attitude it wont happen to me is foolish thinking at best.



Update: 2015 - the US Travel website used to say more about women traveling alone but have shortened it to sexual assualts. Below is take from the US Travel website:



Sexual Assault: Incidents of sexual assault and rape have increased, including in well-traveled tourist areas. Criminals generally target women who are alone, and use alcohol or incapacitating drugs, such as rohypnol and scopolamine, on unsuspecting tourists to rob and/or sexually assault them. These so-called date-rape drugs disorient the victim and can cause prolonged unconsciousness and serious medical problems. To lower your risk, travel in groups, do not leave food or drinks unattended in public places, and never allow a stranger to give you a drink.



But anyone traveling alone, man or woman should stay vigilant and walk in pairs and groups just to be on the safe side, especially at night.



Update: 2015 - We have observed a different kind of people come out after 6PM, shortly before night fall. They dress different, they talk different, and they act different. That means be more aware of your surroundings after dark in South and Central American countries.



Be aware: Most of the violent crimes against foreigners happen at night. Most of the non violent happen during the day and night.



Ecuador Crime





Crime is a severe problem in Ecuador. Crimes against U.S. citizens in the past year have ranged from petty theft to violent offenses, including armed robbery, home invasion, sexual assault, and several instances of murder and attempted murder. Very low rates of apprehension and conviction of criminals  due to limited police and judicial resources  contribute to Ecuadors high crime rate.





Secuestro Express Taxi Assaults: Robberies and assaults against taxi passengers, known locally as secuestro express continue to present a significant safety concern, especially in Guayaquil and Manta, but also with increasing regularity in Quito. Shortly after the passenger enters a taxi, the vehicle is typically intercepted by armed accomplices of the driver, who threaten passengers with weapons, rob passengers of their personal belongings, and force victims to withdraw money from ATMs. Increasingly, victims have been beaten or raped during these incidents.





( Note: we have never heard of this happening in Cuenca).





Violent Robberies: Armed or violent robberies can occur in all parts of Ecuador, not just the major cities. Many travelers have been robbed after using ATMs or when exiting banks. Travelers should avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash at one time from banks and ATMs, and should use ATMs in protected indoor areas like well-guarded shopping malls. In some cases, robbers have used motorcycles to approach their victims and flee the scene. Tourists have also been robbed at gunpoint on beaches and along hiking trails.





Murder: Since September 2009, at least four U.S. citizens in Ecuador have been victims of murder. In most cases, the victims and alleged perpetrators personally knew each other. Investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators is the responsibility of the Ecuadorian government, and do not proceed with the speed and thoroughness we are accustomed to in the United States. Although the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate Generally monitor and encourage these investigations, our ability to intervene is extremely limited.





What We Think about This Report?





The report is just letting people know what they may be up against if visiting/moving to Ecuadorif they did not make such a crime report and a U.S citizen gets robbed while getting cash out of an ATM in Cuenca Ecuador, the first place the victim is going to go is to their home country complaining that they were never warned. Wellhere is that warning.





Some folks take it all with a grain of salt while others take it all in and are diligent and aware of whats going on around them while living in Ecuador. They take special measures to not be targets of crime. The report is there for anyone to read and then do with it what they will.





Although Cuenca is not a city where there is very much violent crime, this is changing, especially around the stairs area by the river, leading up into the old center of Cuenca. In the month of January 2012 it was posted on a forum on the Internet that there were like 4 robberies of gringos and even some Ecuadorians and the perpetrators (4 or 5 guys) used a knife to get personal valuables from these peoplemany of these robberies happened during the day!





(Note: we cannot confirm this as being true, however)





Rumored reports on forums state two of the perpetrators were apprehended and questioned by police but then they just let them go. So, to this day, as far as we know, they are still robbing foreigners and even Ecuadorians.





We know personally of a Canadian couple who were robbed of a necklace in Early February 2012 while walking up the stairs (during the day), into the downtown area of Cuenca, right there on Calle Larga. They just snatched the necklace right off her neck and then sped down the stairs knowing they were not going to be followed by this older couple.



Update 2015 - In 2013 Cuenca Ecuador added 200 new police throughout the city of Cuenca and many new tourist police in the downtown area.





Thieves work all over in the city of Cuenca and being out after dark alone is not a wise thing to do unless you are traveling in pairs and groups and taking taxis to and from your destinations. Leaving night clubs and bars intoxicated, especially at night is extremely haphazard and we do not recommend it.





The thing about the government report is that like any amount of statistics, they mix it all in and label it crime in Ecuador. Again, most of the very violent crimes are in the big cities. In the smaller towns this is not an issue, whether at the coast or in the mountains. However, we say that with caution, because, again, you can make yourself a target anywhere in Ecuador at any time even during the day.





Violent Crime in Wal-Mart Parking Lots in the U.S





Even so, in many cities of the U.S there are violent crimes of robberies and rapes happening in such seemingly safe places as the Wal-Mart parking lot, some of the robberies happen during the day too! So, were not saying all this to single out Ecuador, but we think that everyone who is thinking of coming here to live should be aware of whats happening crime-wise in Ecuador.





We do know that those people who are robbed usually do not take measures to protect themselves and their valuables. Almost all robberies here in Cuenca happen out of randomness and because the perpetrator KNOWS they can get something from a vulnerable looking person or couple.





Who is Vulnerable?





1. Older expat couples

2. Disabled persons

3. Women alone

4. Flashy donned individuals

5. Persons that have been drinking and coming out of night clubs

6. Anyone, no matter the age, who is walking out at night





Just because you may fall into the "more vulnerable" category does not mean you should not come to Ecuador, but it means that those people that are more vulnerable need to take special precautions according to their circumstances.




Note: This article was first published on March 12, 2016. We like to keep our popular articles updated and this one has been updated August 2017. All new updates will be in red text.

Wiki Latin America Latin America refers to territories in the Americas where the Spanish or Portuguese languages prevail: Mexico, most of Central and South America, and in the Caribbean, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Latin America is, therefore, defined as all those parts of the Americas that were once part of the Spanish and Portuguese Empires. Source:





If we were to go by this definition then both Spain and Portugal would be considered Latin America, however, since they are in the European nation we decided to keep them out of the list. Had we put them in the list, it would have pushed Ecuador out of the top ten, from number 8 to number 11. Below the video is the article with more details.

Safest Latin American Countries



FYI: Of the 162 countries worldwide, no Latin American country made the top ten list of most peaceful, nor did a Latin American country come in the top 20, however Chile did make it on the list at 29 out of 162 as the most peaceful/safest Latin American country. Does it surprise anyone that Chile is the safest country in Latin America?



The index gauges global peace using three broad themes: 1) the level of safety and security in society, (including crime rates), 2) the extent of domestic and international conflict and 3) the degree of militarization.



So how does the rest of Latin America measure up on the world Global Peace Index? Lets take a look. Btw, to see the entire list from safest to least safe, according to the Institute for Economics and Global Peace, click the source link below.



2. Costa Rica  ranks 34 out of 162 (The US State Travel Website Statistics says Costa Rica has more (reported) homicides against US Citizens than Ecuador. Costa Rica does have a much larger US Citizen population which accounts for the higher rates of crime. Costa Rica does not have a military.)

3. Uruguay  ranks 44 out of 162

4. Argentina  ranks 60 out of 162

5. Panama  ranks 64 out of 162 Panama does not have a military.)

6. Nicaragua  ranks 74 out of 162

7. Cuba  ranks 82 out of 162

8. Ecuador  ranks 84 out of 162

9. Paraguay  ranks 89 out of 162

10. Bolivia  ranks 90 out of 162 1. Chile ranks - 29 out of 1622. Costa Rica  ranks 34 out of 162Costa Rica has more (reported) homicides against US Citizens than Ecuador. Costa Rica does have a much larger US Citizen population which accounts for the higher rates of crime. Costa Rica does not have a military.)3. Uruguay  ranks 44 out of 1624. Argentina  ranks 60 out of 1625. Panama  ranks 64 out of 162 Panama does not have a military.)6. Nicaragua  ranks 74 out of 1627. Cuba  ranks 82 out of 1628. Ecuador  ranks 84 out of 1629. Paraguay  ranks 89 out of 16210. Bolivia  ranks 90 out of 162





Best Latin American Country to Live?

It looks like from the statistics above Costa Rica and Panama come out on top for the safest Central American countries but are they the best Latin American Country? Now that's a matter of personal opinion, don't you think?

There you have it folks, the top Latin American countries with the best scores for safest place to live in Latin America. As you can see, many are barely above half way point out of all the countries listed. Heres the rest of Latin America, well below the half way point.





~The Rest~ Safest Countries in South America

and Central America and Caribbean Nations



11. Peru  ranks 92 out of 162 (The source below says that Peru has less homicides (per 100,000 people) than Ecuador)

12. Trinidad and Tobago  ranks 97 out of 162

13. Haiti  ranks 98 out of 162

14. Dominican Republic - ranks 100 out of 162

15. Brazil  ranks 103 out of 162

16. Jamaica  ranks 109 out of 162

17. Honduras  ranks 116 out of 162

18. Guatemala  ranks 118 out of 162

19. El Salvador  ranks 123 out of 162

20. Philippines  ranks 141 out of 162 (Philippines is considered a Latin America/Asian Country)

21. Venezuela  ranks 142 out of 162

22. Mexico  ranks 142 out of 162

23. Colombia  ranks 146 out of 162





Moving to Ecuador?

Many folks are moving and traveling to Latin American countries right now and a popular destination is Ecuador. If you are moving to Ecuador to live in Ecuador permanently, you might want to know that with a large expat community comes more petty theft. Ecuador does not have a lot of violent crimes against foreigners but if you want to keep you valuables safe, stay on the lookout and have fun in Ecuador!

Safest Latin American Cities!





More than likely the safest cities in Latin America are going to have the smallest populations and for expat safety the smallest amount of expats. Petty crime rises where many expats live, which is what's happening in both Panama and Ecuador . So if you want to move to a safe Latin American city your best bet is to choose one that is not that large in population but still has amenities and services but that has a smaller expat population.





dangerous for foreigners, so you'll want to live inside or very close to a town or city. Loja, Ambato and Riobamba all fit that bill pretty well. But remember, living out in the country without any neighbors close by can be even more, so you'll want to live inside or very close to a town or city.





Safety Is Up To You!





A lot of North Americans move to a Latin American country and don't realize they have to behave differently about crime and their personal safety than they did back home. Everyone has their own opinions on safest and best Latin American countries to live but quite honestly, even in the safest Latin country of Chile you have to watch yourself and behave certain ways so as not to become a target.





The cliche is old but gringos are "regarded as rich" and even if you are rich, why flaunt the fact. Be a good steward for yourself and for others around you. The worse thing that has ever happened to these undeveloped areas is foreigners moving in and changing the culture of how things are done and then that changes the whole darn landscape.





Don't become a victim by not becoming a target. We talk about how to not become a target of crime in any Latin American country We just don't think it matters where you live in Latin America petty crime prevails and is some bigger cities so does violent crime.We talk about how to not become a target of crime in any Latin American country here.

US State Travel website says about crime rates of US Citizens living in Latin American countries. And now to give our readers something more to think about we share with you what thesays about crime rates of US Citizens living in Latin American countries.

REPORTED d eaths in last 6 years of U.S Citizens living in different parts of Latin America dated from January 2010 to January 2015 living in different parts of Latin America dated from January 2010 to January 2015

Murder Facts in Latin America and the Caribbean



The Guardian International Source 

The safest country in Latin America and the Caribbean measured is Chile, with just 2.74 murders per 100,000 people in 2013.

Only 10 countries in the region have homicide rates below 10 per 100,000 people. These include Chile, Cuba, Argentina, Suriname, Peru, Barbados, Uruguay, Dominica, Costa Rica and Paraguay.

When measured by homicide rate, 14 of the 20 most dangerous countries in the world are located in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The most dangerous cities in Latin America and the Caribbean are located in Honduras, Mexico, Belize, Brazil and Colombia.

Until next time, we leave you with a couple of related articles about crime and safety in Latin America.
WASHINGTON  Much has been made of the silly, weird, contrived hairstyles of Americas president and North Koreas Dear Leader.

The incredible gold helmet that finds no parallel in nature. The side-shaved mop top that astonishes with ugliness.

Unfortunately, the comparisons do not stop there.

Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un were both spoiled rich bullies growing up with unusual appetites for food, expensive toys and women. They both had father complexes. They both crave daily doses of flattery and adulation. And they each think ominous, untempered threats are the way to more power.

So how serious is this new crisis?

North Korea is fast developing nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles and likes to rattle sabers even though its probably not quite ready to deliver a warhead to U.S. shores. Trump, barely seven months into his presidency and with no major wins since taking office, sees his job approval rating is plummeting. He relishes making bellicose threats. Is war possible? Nuclear war?

Our instincts are to say thats ridiculous. But history is littered with evidence of stupid, pointless wars started because of miscalculation, hunger for power, fear, and rhetoric that quickly escalated beyond control, ending in death and destruction.

Experts warn that Trumps threat to unleash fire and fury and, frankly, power the likes of which this world has never seen before is counter-productive. They also warn that, yes, we could blunder into a devastating war, killing millions and destroying the idea of America as a peacekeeper and beacon of hope and democracy.

What good are nuclear weapons if they are never used, Trump famously asked with a shrug during his presidential campaign. Did he mean it? Who knows? Years ago on NBC, he said that he would launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike against North Korea.

When he took office, he said North Korea would not get a nuclear warhead that could threaten the United States It wont happen, he tweeted with certainty. Its happening. Hes piqued. He once promised hed be honored to negotiate with Kim Jong Un. But Trumps self-proclaimed amazing skills in the art of the deal wont do much good in working with a guy who has regularly cheated on the international stage.

The people Trump calls my generals  his chief of staff, the secretary of defense and his national security adviser  did not sign off on Trumps fiery rhetoric and red line. (Didnt we have enough ridiculous red-line drawing under former President Obama?) Trumps generals know there is no good military option in dealing with North Korea. No president, including Richard Nixon, responded to North Koreas provocations with military strikes.

Kim is a tyrant who thinks he is a supreme being, a man with no concern for the lives of others. He runs a dictatorship and promises to pre-emptively annihilate anyone who threatens the regimes supreme dignity. He sees North Koreas nuclear weapons as the only way to ensure the survival of his familys dynasty. He has hidden bunkers, 1,000 missiles, 1.2 million soldiers, 10,000 artillery tubes, and biological and chemical weapons 35 miles and three minutes away from Seoul.

The United Nations Security Councils new sanctions on North Korea, supposed to eliminate $1 billion to $3 billion in annual trade with other nations, must be enforced, with China being the key. The good news is that China and Russia both voted for tougher sanctions.

Trump should make clear in a prime time TV speech  using teleprompters  that the United States will not start a pre-emptive war. He should assure Japan and South Korea he will consult with them before he does anything and reassure them and the world the United States will always be a protector. It is also to be hoped that Kim knows war would spell the end for his debauched life.

We have lived with a nuclear Russia, far more dangerous to us than North Korea. We have lived with a nuclear China. It requires restraint and compromise. But in more than half a century, there has been no nuclear war. It would be catastrophic to yield to provocation and go to war with a criminal regime that will not last forever.

This is another reminder that elections have consequences and that sometimes what you see is what you get  on the head and inside it.
Alaska Power & Telephone

Bob Engel, CoBank's former CEO, has joined the board of Alaska Power & Telephone Co., an independently owned utility celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. It provides energy and communication services to 40 communities, from the Arctic Circle to Southeast Alaska.




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JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  A group of 16 southeast Alaska tribes has hired a coordinator to express their concerns about a series of large Canadian mining projects that the tribes fear could hurt salmon habitat.

The Juneau Empire reported Monday that Tis Peterman is the United Tribal Transboundary Mining Work Group's first full-time employee.





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By WILLIAM J. KOLE

Associated Press

AP Photo/Michael Dwyer [enlarge] Walden Pond is a popular fishing hole frequented by walkers, leaf peepers and cross-country skiers. Dont miss the reconstruction of the tiny cabin where Henry David Thoreau lived and worked.

CONCORD, Mass.  Henry David Thoreau went to the woods because, as he famously put it, I wished to live deliberately.





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SEATTLE  The Isherwood Apartments, at 3628 Linden Ave. N. in Fremont, have sold for $11.5 million, according to King County records.

The seller was Isherwood Apartments LLC, a family-related entity that has owned the property for decades.





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Love wins. Even for immigrants.

On Tuesday, a federal district court struck down a Louisiana state law denying marriage equality to foreign-born residents. The law had been backed by the religious right, the same crowd that had earlier fought to deny marriage equality to same-sex couples.

The legislation, which I first wrote about last October, required anyone wishing to get hitched to produce a birth certificate as well as an unexpired passport or visa before receiving a marriage license. People born in the United States were allowed to get a waiver from a judge if for some reason they didnt have a birth certificate; people born abroad were given no such option.

Ostensibly the objective was to prevent bigamy and other types of marriage fraud. And also, somehow, to thwart crafty terrorists.

We dont want terrorists obtaining green cards and citizenship through marriage, and I believe my constituents would agree with me, the legislations sponsor, Republican state Rep. Valarie Hodges, told a local radio station when the law went into effect in January 2016.

Whatever the laws purported justification, one vulnerable population was especially hurt by it: refugees.

Louisiana has a large population of refugees who fled Laos and Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Despite being here legally  and in many cases, having ultimately received U.S. citizenship  these Louisianans often were never issued birth certificates.

This affected couples such as Laotian-born refugee Out Xanamane and his longtime partner, U.S.-born Marilyn Cheng. Xanamane had been born at home in a village near Savannakhet, Laos, in 1975, in the year the country fell to communism. He never received a birth certificate.

The couple had undergone a Buddhist religious marriage ceremony in 1997  and subsequently had four kids  but never filed paperwork with the state. After Xanamane was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2016, he desperately needed a legally recognized marriage certificate to qualify for Chengs employer-sponsored health insurance plan.

Xanamane had multiple forms of identification, including a green card and state-issued drivers license, but the couple was turned away by multiple parish clerks because he could not produce a birth certificate.

They told me I have to go back to Laos and get my birth certificate, Xanamane told me last fall. But there isnt any birth certificate there, either.

The family contacted lawyers, judges and public officials, and everyone told them there was no wiggle room in the law. The couple and their kids ultimately drove to Alabama and got married there instead.

Other immigrants who were turned away by Louisiana parish clerks simply gave up. One, Viet Victor Anh Vo, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in an Indonesian refugee camp to Vietnamese parents, sued.

In addition to being heartless, the law was also unconstitutional because it infringed on the fundamental right to marry.

The court recognized that Louisiana had a two-tiered system, between those born outside of the country and those born inside the country, said Alvaro Huerta, a National Immigration Law Center staff attorney who represents Vo.

Tuesdays ruling was based on the equal-protection and due-process clauses, which do not distinguish between people of different immigration status, the court said. In the most recent legislative session, state lawmakers had applied some fixes to the marriage law, but the new bill did not address all its constitutional problems.

Vo and his U.S.-born significant other, Heather Pham, convinced a Catholic priest to officiate at their religious marriage ceremony last year even after they found out they could not get a state-issued license. (The planned wedding was two weeks away at the time, and they didnt want to cancel on their guests and vendors.) And while the court had issued a preliminary injunction against the law in March, thereby allowing the couple to obtain a legal marriage license, they decided to hold off until a ruling on the merits that vindicated all Louisianan immigrants marriage rights.

The happy couple expects to re-apply for a state-issued marriage license soon.

Also cheering the ruling is Out Xanamanes cousin, Phanat Xanamane, born in a Thai refugee camp to Laotian parents and now a naturalized U.S. citizen.

I feel that justice was upheld today, Phanat, who is not married, wrote me.

This is actually not the first time a federal court needed to step in and affirm Phanats constitutional right to wed; Phanat is gay, and almost exactly two years ago he celebrated when the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage the law of the land.

Tuesdays ruling, he said, shows you how easily you can have your rights ripped away if youre not paying attention to lawmakers.
The US government is investigating whether American diplomats serving in Cuba were victims of an attack that damaged their hearing and caused other physical symptoms, officials said Thursday. The two-year thaw in diplomatic ties was strained after The Associated Press reported that officials had concluded that the Americans in Havana were targeted by a ''covert sonic weapon''. AP described the suspected weapon or device as something that could not be heard by the victims. In the fall of 2016, a series of US diplomats began suffering unexplained losses of hearing, the report said, citing officials with knowledge of the investigation into the case. Several of the diplomats were recent arrivals at the embassy, which reopened in 2015 as part of former President Barack Obama's reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba. Some of the diplomats' symptoms were so severe that they were forced to cancel their tours early and return to the United States, officials said. After months of investigation, US officials concluded that the diplomats had been exposed to an advanced device that operated outside the range of audible sound and had been deployed either inside or outside their residences. It was not immediately clear if the device was a weapon used in a deliberate attack, or had some other purpose. A US official confirmed to The Washington Post that the diplomats suffered hearing damage and neurological symptoms that remain unexplained. The official did not identify a covert weapon as the suspected cause but said ongoing FBI and State Department investigations are looking at the incidents as an attack. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because of a lack of authorization to discuss the investigations on the record. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the US retaliated by expelling two Cuban diplomats from their embassy in Washington on 23 May. She did not say how many US diplomats were affected or confirm they had suffered hearing loss, saying only that they had ''a variety of physical symptoms''. The Cuban government said in a lengthy statement late Wednesday that ''Cuba has never permitted, nor will permit, that Cuban territory be used for any action against accredited diplomatic officials or their families, with no exception.'' The statement from the Cuban foreign ministry said it had been informed of the incidents on 17 February and had launched an ''exhaustive, high-priority, urgent investigation at the behest of the highest level of the Cuban government.'' It said the decision to expel two Cuban diplomats was ''unjustified and baseless''. The ministry said it had created an expert committee to analyse the incidents and had reinforced security around the US embassy and US diplomatic residences. ''Cuba is universally considered a safe destination for visitors and foreign diplomats, including US citizens,'' the statement said. US officials told AP that about five diplomats, several with spouses, had been affected and that no children had been involved. The FBI and Diplomatic Security Service are investigating. Cuba employs a state security apparatus that keeps many people under surveillance and US diplomats are among the most closely monitored people on the island, according to AP. Like virtually all foreign diplomats in Cuba, the victims of the incidents lived in housing owned and maintained by the Cuban government. When it comes to sound, the human body can be very fragile outside a narrow range. Certain low frequencies can lead to balance problems, soft-tissue pain and disturbed visual function. High ones can produce a powerful shock wave that can physically damage the ear. However, Seth Horowitz, a former professor of neuroscience at Brown University, told The Washington Post that ''there are no acoustic devices that can cause sudden onset hearing loss that the people involved could not hear'', and he expressed scepticism about the State Department's claims. Horowitz explained that infrasonic machines at a very high amplitude can cause nausea, ultrasonics have no effect on hearing, and long-range acoustic devices or sound canons are ''extremely noticeable and easy to move away from''. ''It's tragic,'' he said of the reports, ''but it can happen from viruses, genetic predisposition, an accident, exposure to urban noise.''








Govt to soon unveil policy to promote biofuel production and use

The government will soon come out with a policy on biofuel production and use so as to encourage its use in automobiles, which at present mostly use fossil fuels, causing a spike in air pollution in India, minister of state for petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan said on Thursday.

The new BioFuel Policy will take into consideration various facets like role of government, return on investment, minimum assurance etc, the minister said at a function to celebrate the World Biofuel Day.

Pradhan said the government plans investments of around Rs12,000 crore (approximately $2 billion) by public sector companies by way of R&D for setting up second generation (2G) biofuel refineries across the country.

Ways are being explored on conversion of urban and rural waste to fuel as also the use of waste / barren lands for cultivation of feedstock for 2G biofuels, the minister said.

He said the ministry of petroleum and natural gas and the ministry of new and renewable energy have been made jointly responsible for formulating a biofuel policy and that both the ministries will be working towards more utilisation of biofuels.

Pradhan said the potential for the biofuel industry in India would be around Rs1,00,000 crore in the next 1 to 2 years.

''We have to import crude for 80 per cent of petrol, diesel, LPG and kerosene needed to meet the demands and the cost is approximately Rs6,00,000 crore. We have to reduce this percentage to 10 per cent and produce biofuel in our own country,'' Pradhan said.

In order to give a major push to the use of biofuel by the automobile industry, the minister said that the government is looking to bring Rs1,00,000-crore investment in biofuel within a year.

''The government proposes to encourage farmers in Bundelkhand, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha to plant vegetation so that the waste can be used as raw materials for production of biofuel,'' added Pradhan.

Speaking at the function, minister of road transport and highways and shipping Nitin Gadkari stressed on the importance of biofuels as cost effective and environment friendly substitutes to conventional fuels.

He said besides bringing down pollution, biofuels produced indigenously from agricultural waste, plants like bamboo, non-edible oilseeds, or municipal waste will help reduce the country's huge import burden. In addition, it will also generate employment and boost the economy of rural areas, including the North East and the barren wastelands of the country. Gadkari said a Biofuel Policy will also be a major milestone in the socio-economic development of the country .

Talking about the transport sector the minister said the automobile growth in the country is an unsustainable 22 per cent. So efforts are on to promote public transport based on cheaper and greener biofuels and electricity.
Marianna City Manager Jim Dean worries about the pending closure of the SunTrust Bank branch downtown on Lafayette Street and hes standing ready to help get that structure thriving again as soon as possible. Hes opened an invitation for one-on-one conversations with all business who might want to buy and move into the structure. Theyre encouraged to call and ask for him personally at city hall, 482-4353. Hell eagerly tell them about some of the potential incentives the city has to offer.

Customers of the bank received letters about the closure a few days ago, told that it would close up shop at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 24.

SunTrust still has a branch on the northwest corner at Jefferson Street and Kelson Avenue, and the company is building a new branch on State Road 71 South, across from Walmart on Jackson Countys busiest I-10 corridor.

But Dean fears the closure of the big Lafayette Street branch will punch a 16,000-square-foot hole in the image of downtown as a vibrant hub of commerce. This is a huge blow, Dean said. It doesnt look good. It reflects negatively on our downtown area. As a municipality you dont want to have empty buildings downtown.

The sounds of silence will soon ring hollowly down the hallways of the structure. But Dean also knows whispers are in the air about the meaning of its closure. Those interpretations can echo and ricochet well beyond the confines of the building.

He knows the message it sends is bad, but he wont speculate on exactly what passersby will think when they realize another buildings gone empty downtown. He doesnt want to see a big "For Sale" sign in the window to further amplify that emptiness, but he knows that might be comingSunTrust is already advertising the structure with NAI TALCOR, a real estate company in Panama City.

Deans hoping a buyer will quickly find it, purchase it, and move in. The sooner, the better, he said, for the effect on downtowns image and vitality.

He said the city has some incentives that could help such a company.

For one thing, the building is located in the citys Community Redevelopment Area. Because of that, its owner could be eligible for up to $5,000 worth of dollar-for-dollar matching funds in the CRA account. The area was established in the 1990s to resolve and revitalize blighted areas.

There are other economic incentives possible as well, Dean said, things hes eager to share with interested parties.

The loss of SunTrust in that part of town is significant, but it doesnt have to signal a downhill turn. Instead, Dean hopes, the right business will soon realize its a prime opportunity to put down roots and become a primary player in the life of downtown Marianna for a long time to come.

We want to help do what we can to get somebody in there, Dean said. I know theres a right fit for this great space.
Dale Kennington captured the small moments of life in her paintings  a stolen kiss, couples dancing, swimmers splashing in a creek, a haircut at the barbershop.

A new book documents the contemporary realism captured in Kenningtons work. Grandeur of the Everyday: The Paintings of Dale Kennington is set for release on Tuesday, Aug. 15, and was published through the University of Alabama Press with support by the University of Alabamas College of Arts and Sciences.

A reception will be held Tuesday at the Wiregrass Museum of Art in Dothan to mark the books release. The reception  set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  is free and open to the public. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

Kennington died in May at age 83.

The book has been in the works for more than a year and a half, and Kennington helped select the 85 paintings included in the book.

While Im really saddened that she didnt have a chance to hold the final product in her hands, it was a great pleasure in working with her in bringing the book together, said Daniel Waterman, editor-in-chief for the University of Alabama Press. She was intimately involved.

The book features an introduction by Daniel White, the former director of the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art in Georgia; an interview with Kennington by art historian Kristen Miller Zohn; and an essay by Rebecca Brantley, the current director of the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art. The 128-page book will sell for $29.95.

Waterman said he had only seen pictures of Kenningtons work in a few publications before White pitched the book and brought Waterman a flash drive with hundreds of digital images.

When you saw the body of work beyond just two or three at a time, it was really an impressive  lifetime achievement of work, said Waterman, who did eventually see an exhibit of Kenningtons work in person.

Kenningtons paintings were known for their slice-of-life realism. The artist often painted on very large canvases and even had a series she painted on large folding screens.

In a 2015 interview with the Dothan Eagle , Kennington discussed her process. She pulled snippets of inspiration from everyday life  a floor pattern from one location, a light shining through a window, a piece of fabric, the sight of a couple sitting in a Paris cafe. Never knowing when inspiration would strike, Kennington kept a camera or smartphone nearby.

Ill sit down at a table meeting somebody for a drink or lunch, and Ill look over at another table and theres somebody who has put their glass down and the light hits it just right  It will end up somewhere when I need it, she said. I usually start with something that I want to paint  Ill keep that essence, but everything else is negotiable.

Born in Savannah, Georgia, Kenningtons family moved to Dothan in 1935 when she was just 6 months old. After college, she and her husband, Don, returned to Dothan.

Kennington began painting portraits in the mid 1970s, first of her own children and then of other children in the neighborhood. Today, Kenningtons art is in museums and private collections around the world.

Waterman said the fact that Kenningtons work had been so heavily documented through slides and digital images helped in putting the book together.

I think its a lifetime and a body of work that absolutely merits preservation and documentation, Waterman said. Because her work is held by so many collections and private individuals and is esteemed so highly by people who know Southern art and artists, it would be a shame for it not to be captured and embodied in this way.
Dothan Police investigators have arrested and charged David Lee Ivry, 23, of North Bell Street, with aggravated child abuse after his three-week-old infant suffered injuries from being shaken.

On Aug. 10, officers and the Dothan Fire Department responded to a call involving an unresponsive three-week-old infant, authorities said.

When units arrived, CPR was in progress and medics continued the efforts, restoring the infants heartbeat. The infant was transported to Southeast Alabama Medical Center for further treatment, and was airlifted to a Birmingham hospital.

As of this morning, the child is still alive, said Dothan Lt. Brian Smith Friday. If the babys condition changes any, we will be notified.

The baby had been shaken by Ivry, the babys father, in order to stop the infants crying, Smith said.

According to the information obtain during the investigation, both parents were home at the time this incident occurred, Smith said. Both parents also went to a neighbors home to use a telephone to call 911.

Bail has been set at $150,000.
The car industry has hit back at claims by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that it is not looking after car owners properly.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), the peak body that represents the automotive manufacturers and importers, released a statement taking issue with the ACCCs claims that the automotive sector, both the car brands and dealers, are not handling complaints appropriately and restricting independent repairers access to technical information in order to force owners to service their cars at dealerships.

The industry strives to deliver the best outcomes for its customers through offering world-class technology, safety, value and service to Australian consumers; a commitment which is underpinned by both consumer law and the manufacturers warranty and support mechanisms, the FCAI statement read.

The FCAI was reacting to the release of a draft report by the ACCC that has highlighted three key areas it believes the car industry needs to address in order to better look after car owners.

Complaints to the ACCC about new car manufacturers have risen to more than 10,000 over the past two years, said Rod Sims, ACCC chairman. Our draft report highlights the urgent need to address widespread issues in the industry.

The first major issue the ACCC has raised surround the way manufacturers handle complaints, with the consumer watchdog suggesting car makers do not give the full and relevant details of what car buyers are entitled to under the Australian Consumer Law.

Specifically, owners right to request repairs for minor faults and a replacement vehicle if the fault is significant. Further to that, the ACCC supports proposed changes to the consumer law that would allow owners to get a replacement or refund for repeated minor faults, which it argues amount to a major fault.

The ACCC is deeply concerned about the level of non-compliance with the Australian Consumer Law in the new car industry, Sims said. We will continue to take action to address failures by car manufacturers and retailers to provide the remedies to which consumers are entitled.

The second major issue flagged by the ACCC regards the way car manufacturers control the latest technical information about its cars, specifically the restriction of the latest information to independent repairers.

The current generation of new vehicles are highly sophisticated and require detailed information from the manufacturer. The ACCC report claims that manufacturers are not providing the relevant information in a timely fashion to independent operators in order to ensure customers return to official dealerships for servicing.

Car manufacturers should be required to share new cars technical information with independent repairers, said Sims. For new cars to be properly repaired and serviced, independent repairers need access to electronic information and data produced by car manufacturers.

This lack of competition hurts new car buyers who have fewer options to get the best deal for repairs and servicing, and restricts independent repairers from competing on a level playing field.

The final issue raised in the draft report is about fuel consumption ratings. The ACCC has backed research by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) that suggests real-world fuel consumption is on average 25 per cent higher than the laboratory tests carried out by car makers. In some cases the AAA study found fuel economy to be up to 60 per cent higher in the real world than what is claimed by the car manufacturer.

Sims said the ACCC wants the industry to develop more accurate systems for determining real-world fuel economy so consumers can make a clearer choice.

Car manufacturers and dealers must ensure the representations to consumers about fuel consumption and emissions are accurate and appropriately qualified. We also support introducing more realistic laboratory tests and an on-road real driving emissions test to give people more accurate information before they buy, Sims said.

The AAA, which is the peak motoring club body, has used the report to continue its push for real world fuel consumption testing to be introduced by the Federal Government.

In the wake of todays ACCC report, the AAA renews its call on the Australian Government to introduce a real driving emissions testing program, conducted in Australia, using Australian fuels, to provide consumers accurate information, said AAA Chief Executive, Michael Bradley.

Real driving emissions testing is the best way to ensure Australians can buy a car that suits their budget.

The ACCC will continue to take submissions until September 7 before it releases the final report by the end of the year.

The FCAI has vowed to work with the ACCC to provide relevant information according to its statement.

The industry looks forward to working closely with the ACCC to provide more information about the complex matters raised in the draft report, the FCAI release read.
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Evangelist Alveda King: This is War -- Life in the War Zone

Contact: Leslie Palma, 347-286-7277

ATLANTA, Aug. 11, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Evangelist Alveda King releases the following and is available for comment:

A friend recently asked me for my thoughts concerning camouflage. I didn't ask why, however the request prompted me to pen my reflections.

In today's world, things are not always as they seem or appear to be; this trend is increasing. That's why transparency in a relationship or situation is becoming a premium commodity. Also, more and more, people are calling good evil and evil good, as in the case of defending the abortion or abuse of children as "consensual" or "a right to choose." Horrendous.

Here's the response to the request to consider the state of camouflage:

Camouflage is a human tactic which is most commonly recognized as a military tactic. Perhaps a Christian connotation of the concept can be found in this context:

"Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you. You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don't call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.

"Don't be naive. Some people will impugn your motives; others will smear your reputation--just because you believe in me [Jesus]. Don't be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they've done you--and me--a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words." -- Matthew 10:16-20 MSG

Cam-ou-flage

kamfla(d)ZH/

noun

1. The disguising of military personnel, equipment, and installations by painting or covering them to make them blend in with their surroundings. "on the trenches were pieces of turf, which served for camouflage."

Synonyms: disguise, concealment, cover, screen" pieces of mossy turf served for camouflage"

2. Hide or disguise the presence of (a person, animal, or object) by means of camouflage."the war area had to be camouflaged with mud"

Synonyms: disguise, hide, conceal, keep hidden, mask, screen, cover (up)" the van was camouflaged with branches"

Please friends, pray continually, forgive quickly, love [Agape] deeply and fight the good fight. Don't give up. God is with us!
Sydney-based startup Hometime, which manages short-term property rentals, including Airbnb listings, has closed a $1.5 million seed funding round led by tech accelerator Asia Principal Capital (APCL).

Founders Dave Thompson and Will Crock added APCL director Martin Dalgleish (the former chief executive of PBL Media) to their board as part of the deal struck with APCL.

According to Thompson, since launching in June, last year, Hometime has serviced over 500 properties and welcomed more than 15,000 across Sydney and Melbourne, growing its monthly use base by double digits. He spoke to Dynamic Business about his plans for scaling Hometime and outlasting competitors.

DB: How will the seed funding be used to scale?

Thompson: The capital will be invested in driving further growth in Sydney and Melbourne, where we currently operate, and opening up new markets  our processes are now well defined, so theres an opportunity to plug and play into new cities with minor on-the-ground resources. We will also invest in enhancing our already sophisticated technology stack to include an owner dashboard, which will provide more transparency for hosts to review their earnings, occupancy and guest reviews.

DB: How was the Investment with APCL struck?

Thompson: Will and I were fortunate enough to be introduced to APCL. The process moved swiftly  it was only a month later that we had a term sheet/agreement drawn up.

DB: What assistance is Dalgleish providing?

Thompson: Martin and the team at APCL are well-versed when it comes to tech startups and they bring a wealth of expertise to the business, including marketing know-how, PLUS theyre very hands-on. We meet with them weekly which enables us to tap into their network and knowledge of the industry. This active involvement has already helped drive a substantial uplift in growth. Our marketing was previously quite ad-hoc but now we have a sophisticated marketing strategy that enables us to reach a very targeted audience and measure our efforts.

DB: Whats your approach to competitors?

Thompson: Airbnb has birthed an entire ecosystem of startups, all of which are dedicated to serving the platforms users in different ways. More companies will emerge; however, the industry will likely consolidate into a handful of well-capitalised players. To ensure we are one of these players, were leveraging APCLs network which includes industry and influential people. This will enable us to raise additional funding going forward to continue to position us as a key player in the space.

Were also able to offer a superior customer service, even at scale, due to the proprietary technology we have created:

Housekeepers and vendors have an app that provide them a notification, similar to Uber, allowing them to schedule availability.

Our technology uses an algorithm to match housekeepers with jobs in the vicinity and to facilitate effective management and on-time deliverables.

A live dashboard allows the operations team to easily keep track of the status of each job in real-time so they can see if someones stuck in traffic en route, when a housekeeper has arrived at an Airbnb and when each job is completed.

See also: Shareconomy startup MadeComfy secures $1.1m for its short-term rental management service
Sydney-based fintech startup easyshare has launched its rent and bill payment mobile app following a successful pilot phase, which saw it process over $10m in payments for a thousand early users. John Bush, who founded easyshare in 2014, spoke to Dynamic Business about his companys early success.

DB: What motivated you to launch easyshare?

Bush: I was in my 20s, living in a share house with my good mates and having a great time. However, I was also the households spreadsheet guy with responsibility for collecting everyones share of the weekly rent and bills, when they were due. This involved sorting through a shoebox of receipts at the end of the month to figure out who paid for  and owed  what. I realised this admin was taking me several hours a month and it was me drawing the short straw when any of my housemates were late to pay. So, I went searching for a solution and when I couldnt find one, I decided to build easyshare.

DB: What is the unique selling proposition?

Bush: easyshare is the only rent/bill splitting and payment app on the market that can collect payment from several users and make one total end payment to the biller. Other apps tend to focus on a single feature, such as keeping a ledger of who owes what or processing peer to peer payments, whereas we bring all of these functionalities together with the unique ability to consolidate a single final payment in the app. We collect everyones share of rent and bills, and pay the total for you.

DB: How does the startup generate revenue?

Bush: The app is free to use for bank transfer and we have a small surcharge for credit card  1.5% for Visa and Mastercard and 3.3% for AMEX.

DB: How big is easyshares addressable market?

Bush: Based on census data, we know that there are 1.3 million group households (i.e. 2 or more residents) renting from real estate agents nationally. This gives scope to tap into 4.1 million people living in share houses. We see a similar opportunity in markets such as the UK where government data indicates there are 18.6 million share house occupants or the US with 31.7 million. Now that weve launched our native mobile apps, we are looking to scale rapidly over the next 6 to 12 months.

DB: What success have you had with investment

Bush: easyshare built its MVP from a family and friends round of funding, and we received angel investment last year to build our native mobile apps and expand the team. Off the back of positive growth, we were recently selected to be part of the Qantas AVRO Accelerator program. Partnering with Qantas has been a valuable opportunity for us to not only demonstrate the commercial interest in our product but also accelerate our business growth objectives. Weve also received a lot of attention from the VC community and were now finalising a round of seed funding between $1 to $1.5M; however, we are still open to exploring conversations with strategic partners.

DB: What were the challenges on the path to launch?

Bush: Our decision to build two native mobile apps (one for iOS, one for Android) instead of one hybrid app was more time consuming than we originally anticipated. However, we have an enterprise grade, security tested API powering our systems and were committed to giving our users a trusted and awesome experience, which we know to be best delivered through native applications.
In secret, behind locked gates, our Nation's Oldest City dumped a landfill in a lake (Old City Reservoir), while emitting sewage in our rivers and salt marsh. Organized citizens exposed and defeated pollution, racism and cronyism. We elected a new Mayor. We're transforming our City -- advanced citizenship. Ask questions. Make disclosures. Demand answers. Be involved. Expect democracy. Report and expose corruption. Smile! Help enact a St. Augustine National Park and Seashore. We shall overcome!
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I know nobody can predict when the Big One will happen. But with the frequent earthquake happening in the country, isnt it wise to think of the worst case scenario.

Watch this live recorded video I took at the Disaster Resilience Forum to know if you are near a fault line and where to run after an devastating earthquake:

Recently I attended a disaster resilience forum and while I scared myself of whats gonna happen when the big one happens I also had to lament about what is gonna happen if I survived. My crazy evil twin said, I would rather die, with my entire family in a giant calamity, than survive alone and God knows what am I gonna wake to after. I may be prepared but how about the other people around me who survived as well. This is actually the basis for Zombie apocalypse movies where people turn to eat human flesh to survive.

Anyway as I was saying, I may be prepared for whatever is to come, how about other people who might drag me with their unpreparedness. I sound selfish with this but survival is always the first instinct of all living things.

Getting insured when the time comes safeguards myself , my family and my property. But if everyone gets affected who will process all the claims? Full stop.

This is why the forum was held. To ease all doubt and to show that there will be order when chaos comes. There will be people who are ready and willing to help everyone else in need.

At the forum, the nations biggest names in disaster management, risk reduction and post-disaster rehabilitation convened last August 8,2017 at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel for the 2017  Ready Disaster Resilience Forum  All Sectors In Making Everyone Disaster Resilient.

In partnership with the Insurance Commission, the Climate Change Commission and GIZ Duetsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit. The event was organized to serve as a platform to discuss measures on disaster resiliency for MSMEs, the agriculture sector, and the high risk communities. It also served as a venue to educate the public about the role of microinsurance in disaster preparedness. Microinsurance plays an important role and a vital preparedness tool , which helps protects Filipinos from the harsh effects brought by calamities.

Citing past disasters that ravaged our country which affected lives of millions and impacted 80% of the local economy. The effects of these natural disasters has become the new normal to many Filipinos. The forum would like to reach out to the most vulnerable sectors of society. As part of Cebuana Lhuillier disaster resilience campaign they introduced programs that will not only make Filipinos financially-included but also financially protected by highlighting the important role of microinsurance in mitigating risk.

One of the programs they launch was the RAPIDO Claims Rapid Action in Disaster-Stricken Areas Operations an initiative that enables Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions (CLIS) to immediately process and settle claims right at the site where a disaster had just occurred.

Visit a Cebuana Lhuillier near you to ask about their microinsurance which you can get for as low as Php5,000.

On your part, you can prepare your little go bag for each member of your family to which you can easily access and bring with you in case you need to evacuate. Whats in a go bag contains your survival kit for atleast a couple of days. Ill show you what is in go bag on another posts.

Do you think you are ready for the big one?

Stay gorgeous everyone!
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(Photo: Reuters / KCNA)North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C) presides over an urgent operation meeting on the Korean People's Army Strategic Rocket Force's performance of duty for firepower strike at the Supreme Command in Pyongyang, early March 29, 2013, in this picture released by the North's official KCNA news agency on Friday. North Korea put its rocket units on standby on Friday to attack U.S. military bases in South Korea and the Pacific, after the United States flew two nuclear-capable stealth bombers over the Korean peninsula in a rare show of force. Kim Jong-un signed off on the order at a midnight meeting of top generals and "judged the time has come to settle accounts with the U.S. imperialists in view of the prevailing situation", the official KCNA news agency said. The sign on the left reads, "Strategic force's plan to hit the mainland of the U.S.".

U.S. President Donald Trump's utterances on North Korea's nuclear threats and that country's missile launches have scared many political leaders and people that the world could be on the brink of a nuclear-driven war.

The stridency has spurred global church leaders to unite in prayer to ratchet down tensions and encourage bilateral dialogue as Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong-un try to outdo one another in aggression.

The World Council of Churches, the World Evangelical Alliance and the Catholic Church have joined forces in prayers for peace.

The World Evangelical Alliance issued an August 11 statement together with the World Council of Churches and the World Communion of Reformed Churches, calling on churches to observe Sunday August 13 as "Sunday of Prayer for the Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula."

It marks the Sunday before Liberation Day when Koreans in the North and South celebrate their independence from Japan on August 15, 1945. Yet at the same time it was also the day when the peninsula was divided.

The churches around the world are calling for bilateral dialogue, expressing their commitment to peace and nonviolent resolution of the tensions.

The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA is calling for an immediate cessation of hostile acts and rhetoric between the leaders of North Korea and the United States.

NCCCUSA's August 10 statement says that steps must be taken immediately to avoid the possibility of a cataclysmic nuclear war.

"Increased tension and destabilizing actions and rhetoric by both sides make such a war more likely.

"Recent comments by the leaders of the United States and North Korea threatening hostilities are beyond alarming, only serving to bring our countries, and the world, to the brink of war", states the NCCCUSA.

The U.S. churches are urgently calling upon both leaders to tone down their "similar and mutually inflammatory rhetoric".

"Indeed, if this rhetoric were to become a reality, it would only mean the horrifying exchange of nuclear weapons.

"This would not only threaten U.S. and North Korean civilians, soldiers, and territories; nuclear and conventional war would be a complete disaster for the people of South Korea, Japan, and other countries in Asia and the Pacific."

BILATERAL DIALOGUE

It is therefore essential that bilateral dialogue take place, that aggressive language be discarded, and that paths to peace be pursued, urges the NCCCUSA statement.

"We will continue to urge our government to tone down its rhetoric and to utilize diplomacy and work with the many partners, both governmental and nongovernmental, who stand ready to assist both the United States and North Korea to de-escalate this crisis."

The Evangelical Church in Germany's peace officer Rev. Renke Brahms stated that martial images expressed in the U.S. president's statements unfold a dynamic of their own which is hard to roll back.

"Complicated global situations cannot be resolved with twitter comments or talking to the press while on holidays."

He told the EPD news agency that the "Pacific region loaded with arms is like a gunpowder barrel - and it is irresponsible to wave a rhetorical match near it", calling for a verbal and diplomatic de-escalation.

Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, advisor to the Vatican's office for Integral Human Development and the Vatican's former diplomatic representative to the U.N. in Geneva called for dialogue and inclusive negotiations to resolve the current crisis between the United States and North Korea.

He told Vatican Radio that such crises can only be avoided by investing in conflict prevention, rather than in military technology.

The current crisis shows how international relations can easily break down when there is a determination to violate the minimum standard of common sense in dealing with other people, said Archbishop Tomasi.

He pointed to Pope Francis who regularly insists that the way forward is that of dialogue, including everyone in negotiations, in search for the common good.

The "way of conflict is always the wrong way", says Tomasi, which is why "we need to invest time, energy, money, resources" to avoid "arriving at these boiling points of crisis."

It is vital to help societies improve the quality of life of their people "instead of building walls and creating diffidence", he noted.

But to do this, we need to change the public culture, insisting that "the way forward is not that of having the latest military technology, but of having an approach of inclusion and participation" in building the common good of the global human family.
(Photo: REUTERS / Carlos Garcia Rawlins)Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro attends to a meeting with representatives of the opposition, the Roman Catholic Church and Union of South American Nations' (UNASUR) at Miraflores Palace in Caracas April 10, 2014. Maduro hosted Venezuelan opposition leaders on Thursday at the start of mediated talks intended to stem two months of political unrest that has killed dozens in the OPEC nation.

Venezuela's bishops have said their country's government aims to install a "military dictatorship, socialist, Marxist and communist."

The church and Venezuelan authorities have long had a tense relationship, Catholic News Service reported July 10.

It said comment by Archbishop Diego Padron Sanchez, president of the bishops' conference, refers to a process unilaterally initiated May 1 by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

He sought to draft a new constitution for the country and to create that document, Venezuelans will elect hundreds of representatives to a constituent assembly July 30.

Two days later, July 12, the Catholic bishops of Venezuela issued an "urgent message" condemning oppression committed by President Nicolas Maduro's regime, Catholic Culture reported.

The bishops referred to unconstitutional trials before military tribunals, allegations of torture, and the jailing of political detainees in military facilities and maximum security prisons.

They noted that that legitimate legislative authority rests in the National Assembly, in which the opposition party holds a majority.

The bishops expressed grave concern about the ruling group's plans to convoke a constitutional assembly to draft a new constitution.

Beginning their message, the bishops expressed their full communion with Pope Francis and quoted the Argentine pontiff, who said that "in the voice of the Venezuelan bishops, my voice also resonates."

Maduro has claimed his initiative aims to bring peace to the country, shaken by more than 100 days of anti-government protests in which over 80 people have died.

Both the Venezuelan opposition and the bishops have condemned the plan as illegitimate and illegal.

They have said they believe the assembly's structure would over-represent pro-government sectors, guaranteeing a body favorable to a government that polls show has the support of less than a quarter of the population.

"A constituent assembly without consultation from the people first will bring negative consequences for the country because the government excludes many sectors to impose a constitutional communal state," Padron had said in his message.

On June 30, the office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva 30 had said decision by the Venezuelan Supreme Court on 28 June to begin removal proceedings against the Attorney General, freeze her assets and ban her from leaving the country was deeply worrying.

ONGOING VIOLENCE

It also expressed concern on the ongoing violence in the country.

"We are also disturbed by the decision on 27 June by the Supreme Court's Constitutional Chamber to declare her appointment of a deputy attorney general to be null and void, and to appoint instead a temporary deputy, in violation of the appointment procedure under Venezuelan law," said the rights office.

It said that since March, the Venezuelan Attorney General had taken important steps to defend human rights, documenting deaths during the wave of demonstrations, insisting on the need for due process and the importance of the separation of powers, and calling for people who have been arbitrarily detained to be immediately released.

"We are concerned that the Supreme Court's decisions appear to seek to strip her Office of its mandate and responsibilities as enshrined in the Venezuelan Constitution, and undermine the Office's independence," said the UN office.




Philippine group to acquire Vietnam feed miller

Through wholly-owned subsidiary Pilmico International Pte., Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Pilmico International Pte., is buying 70% of Vietnam-based Europe Nutrition Joint Stock Co. (Eurofeed) for US$3.7 million, the Inquirer reported.

The deal is subject to a closing audit review, the execution of a shareholders' agreement, delivery of the corresponding amended investment certificates and other corporate documents to Vietnam authorities.

According to AEV's recent financial report, Pilmico had allocated P1.7 billion (US$30 million) in capital spending this year to support its flour, feeds and farms divisions, as well as "pursuing opportunities in the region."

Regional opportunities the report cited included the export of Pilmico's feed products to Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Pacific.

"Internationally, Pilmico VHF will operationalise a new aqua feed mill in Vietnam and look into exporting its aqua feeds to Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Africa. Moreover, the company will also actively pursue other opportunities in the region through mergers and acquisition," the report added.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his team are certainly not short on ideas that can easily impress the masses. The Prime Ministers recent (30 July) monologue (Mann ki Baat) is surely going to be a major step in augmenting this feeling. He has appealed to all citizens to take a pledge and to engage in a new movement to ensure that various ills quit India. Chale Jao (or Quit India) has an evocative resonance in Indian minds as a slogan that inspired the nation during the final phase of the struggle for independence. By reclaiming that memory, Modi has yet again shown why he is a successful political actor without any comparison from the contemporary stock of Indias many political leaders.

Ever since Modi emerged on the national political scene, he has distinguished himself by his rhetoricattractive even to sections of the intelligentsiahis polemical attacks on opponents, his penchant for acronyms and above all, by his ability to position himself as a person of big ideas and big thinking. Even after three years in power, Modis disposition for self-expression shows no signs of ebbing. In fact, communication constitutes an important part of Modis politics.
I can sympathise with you about life in the UK and a better work/life balance here in NZ. Much the same reasons why we moved across the world. In our experience, NZ has not failed at all. Yes it is way more expensive to live here and yes in general salaries are a lot less than the UK, but after months/years of living here it pales in to insignificance as you can't get away from those facts and live here with the benefits of a much better climate and a much better lifestyle and work/life balance.

It doesn't work for everyone though and you really need to do your homework before coming here. Our work/life balance was massively improved coming here but in saying that it all depends on the industry you are working in and your employer....they're not all family friendly.

There are some old interesting forum discussions (Google is your friend) about truck driving in NZ and they don't paint a great picture of it, however I've no idea how this compares to NZ. With you doing the Psychologist degree you'll also never have worked in this industry in the UK or in NZ so won't have a clue if the occupation is better in the UK or in NZ and whether either allows a good work/life balance. You need to research research research.



As visas go, you really have only two options.....you either apply for a temporary work visa or you apply for a permanent resident visa.

For the temporary work visa route the person applying must have a written job offer from an NZ employer and assuming that visa can be granted (for up to 5 years depending on the length of the job offer) you can also score a temporary work visa on the basis of partnership. Take note though that new rules have been applied that take effect Aug 14th onwards and it may affect the eligibility of the partner to get a visa through partnership.

Getting a job offer whilst overseas is difficult. Truck driver is classed as a skilled occupation but it is only listed on the Canterbury Skill Shortage List so in that respect it'll be more straightforward if he got a job offer from an employer in this region as Immigration has identified there is a skill shortage there so won't apply any other hoops to jump through whilst processing the visa. If he got a truck driving job offer anywhere else in the country the employer would have to justify offering the job to someone from overseas so it would be harder to get the visa.

For the permanent resident visa route via the skilled migrant category it's a points system and you need at least 160 points for the EOI to be selected so will most likely need points from a job offer to get your score high enough. Unfortunately truck driver is not on the skills shortage list for this visa type (it's called the LTSSL) so you wouldn't get any points for it even if your partner got a job offer meaning you'd be unlikely to score enough for the EOI. It is possible that your soon to be occupation Psychologist will be on the LTSSL, but you need at least 2 or 3 years post qualification experience in order to claim the points and you are unlikely to land a job as a newly qualified Psychologist here in NZ so again this may mean you wouldn't be able to make the points. You'd also need to gain professional registration for that occupation and it may not be possible to do that here in NZ without some experience. You most certainly wouldn't be able to be employed without the registration.

Looks like the temporary work visa route via a truck driving job offer in Canterbury region is your only option for the time being.



You can score a temporary work visa with a job offer not on the skills list but the process is more difficult for you and for the employer. More hoops to jump through.



There are other options - e.g. visitor visas or WHV (working holiday visas) but with you wanting to ship dogs with you that kind of rules them out.



We always wanted to live elsewhere. We didn't like the way the UK was going. We didn't agree with the influx of so many immigrants on benefits etc plus a lot more issues besides. Too many people, too much traffic, crap weather etc.

Just wanted to live somewhere with a better climate, good outdoors, good beaches, less people, less traffic, much safer as in regards serious crime, less politically correct....and NZ has all this. Tauranga is awesome and after 5 years renting we have now bought our own lifestyle block and built our own house so are settling in well.
Please does anyone here have good/bad experience with immigration advisor and can give recommendation of an immigration advisor for entrepreneur work visa and resident permit?

Thanks!
The new arrangements set out in magsasaja's link greatly change the calculation on Philhealth. Before it was mainly either a low cost insurance giving limited benefit for those of us here on small pensions, or the only insurance for those with existing conditions who would be turned away by private insurers. In my case I viewed it as a fall back in that previously I could qualify, for free, under my Senior Citizen's wife's cover, if ever I developed existing conditions not then covered under my private policy.



Now the premium is P15-17k pa and, importantly, Z package benefits are not included. These are the very conditions which can be most expensive to treat ,and especially for Seniors, more likely to be an issue. Connect that with the small benefits...40% has been quoted in this thread, but the fact is you can never be sure what percentage you are going to get. You only find out when you claim. In my experience in a couple of areas of medicine it can range from almost 100%, exceptionally, but down to 20 or 30% more usually. Contrast that with private insurance which usually pays 90 - 100%, though they do restrict how much you can claim by placing limits.



So the Philhealth premium raise makes it about half the cost of a private premium for younger foreigners and around a third of private premiums for older. Given the Z package restriction and its low/uncertain benefits I don't think it is worth it if you can afford private cover. Unless you live on into your 80s here, because then private cover does get much more expensive.



No point either having it alongside private cover as if you claim privately they will deduct the amount of any Philhealth claim you tell them about.
Hey all. I have been looking for a Thai language program. Not only do I want to learn to speak Thai but I'd like to read and write as well. I have been looking on the internet and it seems there are few choices. Any recommendations? Thanks
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DURHAM, N.C.  The malware entered the North Carolina transmission plants computer network via email last August, just as the criminals wanted, spreading like a virus and threatening to lock up the production line until the company paid a ransom.

AW North Carolina stood to lose $270,000 in revenue, plus wages for idled employees, for every hour the factory wasnt shipping its crucial auto parts to nine Toyota car and truck plants across North America, said John Peterson, the plants information technology manager.

The company is just one of a growing number being hit by cyber-criminals looking for a payday.

While online thieves have long targeted banks for digital holdups, todays just-in-time manufacturing sector is climbing toward the top of hackers hit lists.

Production lines that integrate computer-imaging, barcode scanners and measuring tolerances to a hairs width at multiple points are more vulnerable to malevolent outsiders.

These people who try to hack into your network know you have a set schedule. And they know hours are meaningful to what youre doing, Peterson said in an interview. Theres only a day and a half of inventory in the entire supply chain. And so if we dont make our product in time, that means Toyota doesnt make their product in time, which means they dont have a car to sell on the lot that next day. Its that tight.

He said that creates pressure on manufacturers to make the criminals go away by paying the sums demanded.

They may not know what that number is, but they know its not zero. So what is that number? Where do you flinch?

Last August at the 2,200-worker Durham transmission factory, the computer virus coursed through the plants network, flooding machines with data and stopping production for about four hours, Peterson said.

Data on some laptops was lost, but the malware was blocked by a firewall when it tried to exit the plants network and put the hackers lock on the plants computer network.

The plant was hit again in April, this time by different crooks using new malware designed to hold data or devices hostage to force a ransom payment, Peterson said. The virus was contained before affecting production, and no ransom was paid to either group, he said.

Manufacturers, government and financial firms are now the top targets globally for illicit intrusions by criminals, foreign espionage agencies and others up to no good, according to a report this spring by NTT Security.

A survey of nearly 3,000 corporate cybersecurity executives in 13 countries last year by Cisco Systems Inc. found about one out of four manufacturing organizations reported cyberattacks that cost them money in the previous 12 months.

Since 2015, U.S. manufacturers considered critical to the economy and to normal modern life, like makers of autos and aviation parts, have been the main targets of cyberattacks  outstripping energy, communications and other critical infrastructure, according to Department of Homeland Security incident response data. The numbers may be imprecise because companies in key industries often dont report attacks for fear of diminished public perception.

But attacks demanding ransom against all U.S. institutions are spiraling higher. The FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center received 2,673 ransomware reports in the year ending last September  nearly double from 2014.

While manufacturers are increasingly prey to these cyber-stickups, it may just be because criminals are playing the odds and striking as many enterprises of all types as they can across a targeted region, said John Miller, who heads a team at cybersecurity firm FireEye that tracks money-driven online threats.

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.

Attackers arent necessarily going after manufacturing to the exclusion of other sectors or with a preference above other sectors. Its more that, OK, were going to try to infect everybody in this country that we can, Miller said.

One high-profile example came in May and June, when auto manufacturers including Renault shut down production after they were swept up in the worldwide onslaught of the WannaCry ransomware virus.

But attackers also are increasingly injecting ways to remotely control the robots and other automated systems that control production inside targeted factories.

The threat of computer code tailored to hit specific targets has been around since researchers in 2010 discovered Stuxnet, malware apparently designed to sabotage Irans nuclear program by causing centrifuge machines to spin out of control. Stuxnet is widely believed to be a covert American and Israeli creation, but neither country has officially acknowledged a role in the attack.

Malicious software that attacked Ukraines electricity grid last December was built to remotely sabotage circuit breakers, switches and protection relays, researchers said.

Cyberattacks that reach into industrial control systems have doubled in the past two years in the U.S. to nearly four dozen so far in the federal fiscal year that ends in September, outstripping last years total, according to DHS data.

I think the emerging threat youre going to see in the future now is really custom ransomware thats going to be targeted more toward individual companies, said Neil Hershfield, the acting director of the DHS team that handles emergency response to cyberattacks on industrial control systems.
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The side street leading to Taqueria Hacienda Tapatia is stacked with big rigs parked on both sides, creating a white-knuckle gauntlet for the cars creeping along the tractor-trailer canyon.

And thats just fine. Not everybody traveling along Interstate 35 through San Antonio is privileged to be a tourist. Or a local. Or a restaurant critic.

For them, the interstate is a place of business, the rolling asphalt conveyor belt that moves goods from Point A to Point B. For them, Im glad theres a solid Jalisco-style taqueria right off the highway where they can get tacos on homemade tortillas, table service and a strong cup of coffee for the same price as fast food from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day, and up until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tacos: Chicken fajitas have suffered too long under the yoke of dried-out chicken breast. The Hacienda is there to help by using chicken thighs for its fajita taco. The kitchen leaves knobs of the silky dark meat intact to absorb a simple poultry rub and to spread the caramel-edged sear over a wider area, finished with cool shredded lettuce and a single half-moon tomato slice. And at $2.15 on a fresh flour tortilla, the price is right.

Nobody will confuse this chopped carne asada taco for grilled steak, but the confetti bits of fat and lean come together under a thorough flat-top sear for something thats filling, satisfyingly chewy and hamburgeresque with its lettuce and tomato dress ($2.15).

Its not all fun and games at the Hacienda. Its al pastor taco was a weird seasoned-salt aggregation of fatty pork that was somehow undercooked and burned at the same time ($2.15).

Breakfast note: Breakfast in all its taco and plate forms ends at noon.

Tortillas: The handmade flour tortilla hardened to a flatbread cracker crust, a sure sign of premixed masa and the rigor that comes from powdered shortening. Fresh, toasted corn tortillas stayed soft from start to finish.

Salsa: The Hacienda follows the Jalisco playbook with a trio of salsas going from mild salsa fresca with chips to sharp tomatillo-pepper-cilantro salsa verde to the esophageal scarring of a chile de arbol not so much stored in a squeeze bottle as imprisoned there for your protection.

Location: 6402 Interstate 35 N., 210-599-3600, Facebook: Taqueria Hacienda Tapatia

Rating: A solid neighborhood option

Follow the complete 365 Days of Tacos series at ExpressNews.com/Tacos. Get 365 Days of Tacos sent to your inbox. Sign up here.

msutter@express-news.net

Twitter: @fedmanwalking
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Heading into the first day at her new school, Shelby Balog, 9, grimaced Thursday morning when her mother mentioned that classes at her former school wouldnt begin for 11 days.

Shelby and about 400 other students at Lamar Elementary School, tucked into the Mahncke Park neighborhood in the San Antonio Independent School District, went back to classes weeks before most others in Bexar County and Texas. Lamar switched to a year-round calendar, with a six-week summer vacation and five one-week breaks interspersed through the rest of the year.

I wasnt sure about the different schedule, but were going with it, said Shelbys mother, Steffanie Balog. They lose so much knowledge over the summer, so I think its important.

Lamars early beginning reflects a local and statewide trend of moving up the first day of school under new Texas Education Agency approval for districts of innovation to bypass the states uniform start date requirement. The rest of SAISD starts school Monday, and South San Antonio, Alamo Heights and Fort Sam Houston ISDs start their school years Aug. 21.

Other local districts will begin Aug. 28, adhering to the fourth Monday in August set by state law.

Most districts of innovation in Bexar County wanted to align their calendars with standardized test schedules and dual-credit courses, give end-of-semester exams before Christmas break and let high school graduates enroll in summer college courses that begin in June. In those districts, the school year will end earlier as well.

Lamar Elementary, however, joins Castle Hills Elementary in North East ISD as a year-round school with a shorter summer break offset by more frequent short breaks throughout the year. Castle Hills students went back to school July 25, after a break of two months.

Lamars school year will not end until June 22. It differs from other elementaries in a number of other ways: It enrolls students through the sixth grade, and this year extended the school day by 30 minutes to give more social and emotional instruction without taking away from academics, Principal Brian Sparks said.

I think well probably have a couple of students who struggle to be here at first, Sparks said. I think itll be a short-term headache that will be worth it in the long run.

The school also opened a new dual-language track and continues to maintain a partnership with Trinity University, which provides money for teacher training and lends Lamar undergraduate and graduate education students as co-teachers in all classrooms.

Lamars curriculum includes a focus on project-based learning and civic engagement, Sparks said. For example, last year students researched the problem of low voter turnout in Texas and created a video public relations campaign to get out the vote.

Sparks, who is in his fifth year as the principal, said teachers and students generally started to burn out in November and March, after months of instruction without breaks. Administrators visited Castle Hills Elementary and said the calendar seemed to work for them.

Castle Hills, which routinely exceeds state averages on standardized tests, has been a year-round school for 25 years. The Texas Education Agency approved the schools calendar as a pilot program, but it was so successful that administrators decided to continue the year-round schedule, and the TEA determines every few years that the school is in compliance, said Aubrey Chancellor, spokeswoman for NEISD. The school is not open to students living outside that district.

During the weeklong breaks, Lamar will partner with local organizations including the San Antonio Zoo, the YMCA and the DoSeum to offer $50 camps, Sparks said.

The TEA this year granted the school an in-district charter designation, allowing it to open its enrollment to all of Bexar County, though first priority is given to neighborhood students and second priority to students in SAISD.

Erasmo Martinez Jr., 9, came back to Lamar for his fourth-grade year, this time bringing his brother Aaron, 4, who is starting kindergarten in the dual-language program.

Their mother, Nora Retiz, said in Spanish that she liked her sons new schedule.

They get bored at home, and Erasmo likes school, Retiz said.

AMalik@express-news.net
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The parked cars were as packed as the people  both crammed into lines fanning outward from the Eastside Education and Training Center, which offered free immunizations, backpacks and school supplies for kids and a job fair for adults Thursday.

Some families arrived hours early for the first Back to School/Back to Work Bash at the center, which opened in November in EastPoint, a name given to an area where three huge federal grants have focused their efforts.

The center is dedicated to training adults  a free resource for in-demand job training, said Michelle Vigil, an EastPoint spokeswoman. The idea is while kids are getting their supplies, we can target their parents to apply and enroll.

The former elementary school building was filled with displays from local nonprofits and companies, including Bexar Countys BiblioTech, Good Careers Academy and Pre-K 4 SA. More than 800 backpacks were stuffed with school supplies and given away in a roomful of organized  and disorganized  chaos.

By 5 p.m., an hour into the three-hour fest, staffers were yelling Backpacks, backpacks! amid announcements for the Magik Theater, which was scheduled to begin a science skit for children.

We needed backpacks and supplies because we just recently moved to Texas and money is really tight, said Tiffany McQueen-Ybarra, who moved here in June from Indiana. I figured whatever little bit I could get would help out a whole lot.

Having already picked up school supplies for her three children, she was sitting in another, quieter room, where families signed up for immunizations administered by the Metropolitan Health District, the citys health department.

Her 6-year-old daughter was waiting for a shot.

We partnered with EastPoint to provide immunizations for the community to ensure everybody is healthy and ready to return back to school, said Kenya Wilson, the immunization manager for Metro Health.

Students who dont have the proper shots for their age cant go to school. But for some parents who work long hours, its hard to take off work to make a doctors appointment. The immunizations were offered for free or on a sliding scale, depending on what a family could afford. Parents also could receive them.

We wont turn anybody away from an inability to pay, Wilson said. We dont want them to have to decide between paying rent or a vaccination.

McQueen-Ybarras son Andre Ybarra will be starting his first day of school, prekindergarten, with a backpack from the East Side center.

He said he was most looking forward to making friends.

What about learning? asked 14-year-old sister Dasianae Washington.

That too. Learning makes you smart, Andre said, his arms tight around his new red backpack. Im not smart yet.

He said he wants to be smart, though he wasnt quite sure when that will be.

Maybe Monday, he added. His sister burst into laughter.

sfosterfrau@express-news.net
AUSTIN  The House author of the so-called bathroom bill all but gave up Thursday, saying that absent some behind-the-scenes negotiations among top leaders  which is unlikely  theres no chance of passing it.

I dont. I dont, Rep. Ron Simmons, R-Carrollton, said when asked whether he has any hope for the bill.

Its one of several of Gov. Greg Abbotts priorities in limbo, embattled or apparently dead with less than a week left in the special session.

Two of Abbotts other priorities  curbing big cities annexation powers and local officials authority over local property tax revenue increases  are scheduled for House debate today and Saturday, respectively.

But when it comes to legislation affecting the public restrooms that transgender people can use, House State Affairs Committee Chairman Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, said its likely he wont even have a hearing on legislation.

Bathroom legislation is staunchly opposed by House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio. It has drawn an onslaught of criticism from top businesses, law enforcement and a number of faith leaders, who point out that pastors who support it arent speaking for everyone in the religious community.

Now, theres always a chance that theres a grand bargain going on behind the scenes that I dont know about between the three top leaders, that there could be something like we did at the end of the regular session with an amendment for schools, but I have not heard anything about that, Simmons said Thursday, referring to Abbott, Straus and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has championed the bathroom bill.

In the regular session, the House approved a bathroom proposal affecting only schools that was seen as making little to no change in the school districts discretion.

Straus and other opponents of bathroom legislation say it would target a vulnerable population and, because its widely seen as discriminatory, lead to boycotts affecting the states economy. Backers say its needed to protect the privacy and safety of women and children.

The Senate passed a sweeping bathroom bill in the regular session. Straus refusal to budge on the issue was one reason Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick forced the special session, stalling unrelated legislation that was needed to continue several state agencies.

Abbott called the special session and loaded it with numerous controversial issues, including the bathroom legislation.

In the first few days of the session, the Senate again passed a bathroom bill. It would require that multi-occupancy restrooms, showers and changing facilities of political subdivisions including schools be designated for use by people based on the sex designated on their birth certificates, drivers licenses or handgun license. It would forbid local regulations that say otherwise.

Simmons legislation would prohibit local ordinances and school district rules that protect transgender peoples ability to use multi-occupancy showers, locker rooms, restrooms and changing rooms in public facilities and school districts that correspond with the gender with which they identify. Simmons has said the matter should be determined at the state level.

Im disappointed, obviously, Simmons said of the prospects for his legislation. I think my approach was a very common-sense approach. But thats the way it is, right?

On other Abbott priorities, the House on Thursday opened up the prospect of a wide-ranging debate over proposed new restrictions on local property tax increases when that bill comes up in the chamber Saturday.

The proposal would require automatic rollback elections if property tax revenue goes up more than 6 percent.

House leaders abandoned an effort to ban any amendments from being proposed to the tax bill after tea-party-aligned lawmakers who want to toughen the bill threatened a fight over the matter.

The no-amendments rule was intended to honor commitments that the bills sponsor, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dennis Bonnen, made to fellow lawmakers in order to move it through the process and get it to a vote by the full House.

Bonnen, who a day earlier had predicted that any changes would doom the bill in the House, reiterated that sentiment Thursday.

If the bill changes, itll kill it, said Bonnen, R-Angleton, while expressing confidence that he has the votes to fight off amendments.

The property tax bill didnt even make it to a vote on the House floor in the regular session. It has been bitterly opposed by cities and counties that say it will impair their ability to properly fund services, including those necessary for public safety.

Abbott and Patrick have pushed the proposal vigorously, saying its needed to help property owners who are bending under their tax burden. Cities and counties counter that any property tax fix should focus on the school finance system; school taxes make up the biggest percentage of local property taxes statewide.

Before confronting the tax matter, the House on Friday is scheduled to take up the thorny issue of limiting big cities annexation powers by requiring a vote by residents in the targeted area. A major issue is how to protect military bases, like those in San Antonio, from development that could interfere with their mission.

Despite all the wrangling, there was a bright spot for Abbott on Thursday. So-called sunset legislation to keep key state agencies open is just a step away from his desk.

The House voted Thursday for two sunset bills to keep open the Texas Medical Board and other agencies. Just one more House vote is needed to send the measures, which already have been approved by the Senate, to Abbott.

Assuming that happens, theyll be the first bills to go to the governor in this special session.

With this, everything sunset is to the governor, said Rep. Larry Gonzales, R-Round Rock, chairman of the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission.

pfikac@express-news.net

Twitter: @pfikac
Fewer people seem to be crossing into the United States illegally from Mexico. So why are so many still dying?

That question has no simple answer, according to the United Nations' migration agency. But the trend has continued for years.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents stopped more than 1.6 million people crossing into the country through Mexico in fiscal year 2000, data from the agency show (the agency's fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30). They stopped only about 400,000 would-be immigrants in fiscal year 2016.

The decline in border deaths isn't nearly as drastic  the agency recorded 322 people died on their journey in fiscal year 2016, down from 380 in fiscal year 2000.

Of course, not all of the immigrants are Mexican nationals. The statistics include thousands of Central Americans who simply have to pass through Mexico to reach the U.S.

Few events underscored the issue of immigration more directly than last month's discovery of dozens of migrants in a sweltering tractor trailer in a San Antonio Walmart parking lot. Ten immigrants died in the incident.

Authorities charged the truck's driver, James Matthew Bradley, Jr., with human trafficking and alleged he transported the migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border. Bradley has argued he didn't know anyone was in the truck.

Immigrant apprehensions should decrease even further this year. U.S. border patrol agents apprehended about 140,000 migrants on the southwestern border in the first half of 2017, compared with about 268,000 in the first half of the previous year, according to the United Nations' International Organization for Migration.

However, deaths haven't seen a similar drop. The organization counted 239 migrant deaths in the first six months of 2017  up from 204 in the same period last year.
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WASHINGTON  Former San Antonio Mayor and HUD Secretary Julian Castro has formed a political action committee, signaling a return to national politics and a potential 2020 White House bid.

Castro, who served as former President Barack Obamas last housing secretary and returned to San Antonio this year to write his memoir, is calling the organization Opportunity First.

He filed a report with the Federal Election Commission this week indicating it can operate as a PAC supporting or opposing federal candidates, including presumably Castro, who has made use of the catch-phrase.

The new group has yet to list any fundraising activity. A Castro spokesman didnt respond to a request for comment.

Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, said the formation of the PAC is an important first step for Castro.

This type of PAC can serve two principle purposes, Jones said. One, it lays the groundwork for a future bid for electoral office, be it president, governor or senator. It also provides him with a way to build a political network, especially in Texas, by becoming something of a sugar daddy for Democratic candidates. It's a vehicle to make sure that his allies occupy key positions in county government, city government and the state Legislature.

Castro, 42, long has been considered a rising star in the Democratic Party and reportedly was a contender for the 2016 vice presidential nomination that eventually went to Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine.

Along with his twin brother, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, he also had been considered a possible challenger in next years Texas governor's race.

With both taking a pass, it remains an open question who the Democrats might put up against Republican incumbent Greg Abbott.

Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, also had been considered a top prospect to challenge Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018, until he bowed out in favor of U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke of El Paso, who jumped into the race in March.

But Julian Castro hasnt ruled out a run for president.

In a June interview on KLRU-TV, Austin's PBS station, Castro told the Texas Tribune's Evan Smith that he will look and see how things develop over the next year or so and then make a decision as to whether that's something I want to do.

On Twitter this spring, Castro said the president who follows Donald Trump will have to spend 80 percent of his or her time fixing the executive branch of the U.S. government and rebuilding the country's leadership across the world and trust at home.

Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University, acknowledged Castros long-held status as a rising star in the Democratic Party.

But he said Castro was not classically prepared for a presidential run.

What (the PAC) suggests is that the Democratic field is largely empty at this point, Jillson said. There is no heir apparent. Obama has left the stage and Clinton was unable to replace him. Biden is entering his mid-70s. And there is just no bench in the Democratic Party.

A vacuum welcomes new entrants, he said.

From a Texas perspective, it looks like Julian is way out over his skis, Jillson added. But when you look out over the rest of the country, there are a lot of Democrats who are not consensus presidential candidates who are making this move. 

Very few presidential candidates you can think of make it on their first run. So this may be part of a longer plan where he makes an early effort, tests the waters, and maybe even is in for some early events.

Castro recently has weighed in on local and state issues. In April, he criticized the Texas sanctuary cities bill, which allows police to ask about the citizenship status of people they question. Gov. Greg Abbott has signed the bill into law, which now is being challenged in federal court.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus and others have said the law is discriminatory and will lead to racial profiling.

Castro said at the time he hoped San Antonians will work with the City Council, county commissioners and law enforcement agencies to create as much trust as possible.

I don't want my daughter, in years to come, because she has brown skin, to get profiled because of legislation like this, he said.

In the contentious mayoral runoff in June, Castro supported eventual winner Ron Nirenberg over incumbent Ivy Taylor, who had succeeded Castro as mayor.

Castro was elected to the City Council in 2001. At age 26, he was the youngest councilman in the city's history. He was elected mayor in 2009, becoming the city's fifth Latino mayor and the youngest mayor of a Top 50 American city.

His signature achievement was leading the 2012 voter referendum to increase the local sales tax to fund citywide prekindergarten education, called Pre-K 4 SA. The programs four centers, along with grants to fund Pre-K in school districts, will provide full-day education to 3,700 students this year.

Castro broke onto the national scene in 2012 with a well-received keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention. Obama nominated him to his Cabinet in 2014.

He has since been traveling, writing his memoir, and lending his name to several Democrats in local and congressional races.

Politico, citing an unnamed source, reported that Opportunity First filed paperwork both as a federal PAC and as a 527 organization to give the group flexibility to fund both federal and nonfederal elections. So-called 527 groups are allowed to collect contributions in unlimited amounts.

Staff Writers Brian Chasnoff and Gilbert Garcia contributed to this report.
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AUSTIN  Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the biggest champion of the bathroom bill, dismissed questions about whether its dead Friday as the special session winds to its close next week.

Im just working hard every minute, every day, Patrick said when asked about the measure to restrict transgender peoples use of public restrooms.

He gave a similar answer about another top priority, reining in local officials authority over property tax increases.

Patrick also made plain his stance on how the special session should be judged, when asked about people who are counting on the session to get some measures they want.

People can always count on the Senate and the lieutenant governor to fight for what they want us to do, Patrick said.

The Texas Senate, over which Patrick presides, has approved a bathroom bill that has stalled in the House, where its opposed by Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio.

The bathroom bill has received an onslaught of opposition from businesses, faith leaders and others who say it would target a vulnerable population and lead to boycotts affecting Texas economy since its widely viewed as discriminatory.

Backers including Patrick say its needed to protect the privacy and safety of women and children. They also point to entities, including businesses and pastors , supporting the idea.

Rep. Ron Simmons, R-Carrollton, on Thursday said he had all but given up hope on passing a bathroom measure. He is carrying a bill to ban local ordinances that protect transgender peoples ability to use the facilities that correspond with their gender identity.

But Sen. Lois Kolhorst, R-Brenham, said Friday, I think everythings alive until the very last gavel.

Kolkhorst is the author of a bathroom bill passed by the Senate to require that facilities of political subdivisions including schools be designated for use by people based on the sex designated on their birth certificates, drivers licenses or handgun license. It would ban local regulations that say otherwise.

Senators also have passed a bill to trigger automatic rollback elections when cities, counties and special districts seek to raise local property tax revenues by more than 4 percent.

The House is scheduled to debate a version of the bill Saturday that would trigger rollback elections when local property tax revenues are slated to rise by more than 6 percent.

Currently, people can petition for a rollback election if property tax revenues are scheduled to go up by more than 8 percent.

Local officials including San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg have fought the proposed tighter restrictions, saying they would affect their ability to provide services including police and fire. Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, while opposing the additional restrictions, has said the county could live with the 6 percent threshold.

Asked whether the Senate could support the 6 percent level, Patrick said, Im just working hard every day.

Patrick forced the special session when it became clear that the bathroom bill and a property tax revamp wouldnt pass the House in a form with which he agreed. He did so by stalling separate, must-pass legislation to keep several state agencies running.

Gov. Greg Abbott, the only one who can call a special session and control its agenda, summoned lawmakers back to Austin for the session that began July 18. He set a 20-item agenda including the bills affecting state agencies, bathrooms and property taxes.

pfikac@express-news.net

Twitter: @pfikac
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Days after a wrong-way drunken driver received jail time for killing a man in January, attorneys met with a judge Thursday in an attempt to determine how the hospital bills of several survivors of the crash were to be paid.

Richard Sanchez, 49, smelled of alcohol and was wearing a neon wristband from a nearby nightclub when he caused a five-car wreck Jan. 17 in the 11700 block of Interstate 35 South, according to previous reports. Miguel Hernandez, 18, a passenger in a vehicle carrying his family, suffered fatal head trauma from the accident.

Sanchez pleaded no contest to a manslaughter charge as well as a charge of intoxication assault Monday in the 290th District Court before Judge Melisa Skinner. He was sentenced to 30 years prison and ordered to pay $4,000 in fines.

San Antonio police investigators said Sanchez drove his gray 2017 Toyota Tacoma pickup south for 2.7 miles at 2:49 a.m. in the northbound lanes on I-35.

The first vehicle Sanchez struck was a black 2016 Ford Transit van in which Hernandez was a passenger, causing it and another vehicle it was towing to lose control and continue through a highway barrier and onto a grassy median.

Meanwhile, Sanchezs pickup continued into another vehicle that was next to the Transit van and that police said in turn hit the right side of a fifth vehicle.

Officers at the scene said one of the automobiles burst into flames and that several victims were trapped in the vehicles.

Hernandez was taken to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Prosecutor Jessica Frazier confirmed Thursday that many of Hernandezs family members are still recovering from numerous types of injuries.

Skinner told the attorneys that any restitution for medical expenses for the crash victims will be decided in civil court.

Sanchez, an Army veteran who had three tours, including Iraqi Freedom and Desert Storm, told police that he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

He was taking medication for depression and anxiety and admitted to knowing that there are negative effects when the medications were mixed with alcohol, according to court records.

His attorney, Roger Perez, said Sanchez was a recovering alcoholic but had one drink that set him down that road.

Hes very remorseful. He understands the magnitude of the tragedy, Perez said, adding that Sanchez himself lost three of his friends in the Iraq War.

Sanchez will be eligible for parole in about 15 years.

JBeltran@express-news.net

Twitter: @JBfromSA
Roger Viollet, Contributor / Roger Viollet/Getty Images

Events this week between North Korea and the United States aren't the first time that two nuclear powers ratcheted up rhetoric in a way that made the rest of the world nervous.

The most famous of those incidents came in October of 1962 when the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the U.S. teetered on the edge of becoming a full-scale nuclear conflict. The "Cuban Missile Crisis" involved a showdown between the nations over missiles in Cuba and involved a naval blockade around the island.
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AUSTIN  Mourners filled the main level of the Texas Capitol for a solemn procession Thursday afternoon as they filed by to pay their final respects to former Texas Governor Mark White.

Legislators, family members and admirers from afar waited up to an hour to honor White, who died Saturday at the age of 77.

(White) was a person of the people, said Betty Gerlach, Whites sister. He never forgot that. I always thought he was as comfortable, or more so, in the kitchen as he was in the boardroom or the ballroom. He loved being with the real people of Texas.

White was a larger than life character who defined Texas politics in his roles as secretary of state, attorney general and governor during the 1970s and 1980s.

Luci Baines Johnson, friend of White and daughter of former President Lyndon B. Johnson, indicated White was always a man of the people.

He may have left public office, but he never left public service, Johnson said. You could laugh, and you could learn, and you could love in his presence. He welcomed the big tent of folks. He was not a divider, he was a uniter.

In the long line to honor White, Texans spoke about the former governor and why his death drove them to the Capitol to commemorate his life.

He is absolutely the greatest governor we have ever had, said Lael Hasty, a former administrative assistant to Whites wife, Linda Gale White. He was like a family member to all Texans ... Honestly, Im going to miss everything about him because he represented all of us so well.

Hasty, who became emotional when talking about White, said his personality and legacy of improving Texas public education made him stand out in a state full of strong governors.

Whites time as governor is often remembered for its impact on public schools by passing legislation that created teacher pay raises, limited elementary school class sizes, created standardized testing for high school students, increased taxes to fund schools and implemented the famous no pass, no play rule for high school athletes.

He was ahead of his time working on behalf of teachers, Hasty said. I came from a family of educators ... so he represented all of us and his agenda was fabulous.

A former worker for Whites campaigns, Linda Jann Lewis, said his record of supporting civil rights in Texas should also be mentioned when discussing his legacy.

I couldnt not be here because he changed the face of Texas government, Jann Lewis said. I think there are two men, Bob Bullock and Governor Mark White, who made Texas look like Texas. He hired so many people of color and women and appointed them to real positions with power and authority, and he tried to make sure he was working for all the people.

Jann Lewis also said Whites work on voting laws and expanding early voting has had a profound effect on Texas.

After three hours, the line of grieving Texans dwindled, and Whites body was taken to the Texas State Cemetery for a private burial ceremony.

We can all agree upon the fact that Mark White loved his state and served and gave it his all, and were better people for it, Johnson said. Now, lets see how can give him the just tribute he deserves: the willingness to do that ourselves.
Last month, freshman Councilman John Courage circulated a memo around City Hall proposing three ways the city could generate more revenue to deal with streets, sidewalks and public safety.

Courage suggested that his proposals  getting San Antonio Water System to bump up its annual revenue contribution to the city; creating a transportation assessment fee; and dipping into the citys reserve fund  could generate more than $39 million in new revenue for the city.

On Wednesday of this week, Ben Gorzell, the citys chief financial officer, delicately shot down Courages plan. In a memo addressed to City Manager Sheryl Sculley and members of the City Council, Gorzell did not recommend the implementation of any of Courages proposals for the forthcoming 2018 budget (although Gorzell said the transportation fee was worthy of more extensive research in the future).

In a broader sense, however, Courages vision  that the city should use the budgetary process to address chronic economic disparities  is all over the proposed budget that Sculley presented to council members Thursday morning.

The narrative behind this budget is that it was crafted through an equity lens, with a determination to compensate for the way many communities in this citys urban core have been shortchanged when it comes to housing, education, street maintenance, library services and economic development.

The equity aesthetic has been championed for years by Southwest Side Councilman Rey Saldana and more recently by newly elected District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval. It has the backing of Mayor Ron Nirenberg and was celebrated at Wednesdays B-Session by Rebecca Viagran and Shirley Gonzales, whose respective South and West Side districts have historically received the fuzzy end of the infrastructure lollipop.

Courage stands out, however, not only because he offered a revenue-enhancement plan, but because his North Side district is one of the most affluent in the city and he has talked openly about being willing to give up infrastructure dollars to help other parts of the city.

Such sacrifices wont be necessary, because Sculleys proposed budget will increase streets-and-sidewalks funding from $64 million to $99 million. No district will lose out on funding, but some will benefit more than others. And thats where the equity lens comes in.

Rather than clinging to the model of rough proportionality for infrastructure funding, the new approach, in Sculleys words, begins the process to more quantifiably focus on equity within the community.

This new vision led to a remarkable Wednesday B-Session, in which Dr. Christine Drennon, the director of Urban Studies at Trinity University, presented the council with a peoples history of San Antonio. Drennon examined how institutionalized segregation in the early part of the 20th century continues to resound, with succeeding generations struggling to accumulate wealth or help their children attain social mobility.

Drennons presentation marked the first time I can remember the phrase redistribution of wealth uttered in a San Antonio council meeting. But Drennon wasnt talking about taxing one group to give handouts to another. She was talking about closing the opportunity gap.

In an effort to provide a historical example, she pointed to the impact of the GI Bill of Rights, a federal program that hits close to home for my family.

Before the U.S. entered World War II, my dad was a 19-year-old high-school graduate making $10 a week doing clerical work in Laredo. He was bright and industrious, but had almost no chance of ever going to college. After serving in the Army and benefiting from the GI Bill, he was able to build a 40-year career as a civil engineer. That program not only transformed his life and the lives of his kids, it shook up the educational status quo for an American generation.

Some will decry the equity-lens approach as social engineering or say that Sculley has been unduly influenced by this new progressive council. But Sculley had her mind on the issue of equity back in 2006, when she prepared for her first bond program in S.A.

I suggested that we focus inside the 410 Loop, Sculley told the Express-News Editorial Board on Wednesday. I was promptly told that we arent going to be able to do that, for a variety of reasons, including that most of the people who vote in elections are north of 410.

That remains true, but its also true that our deepest needs remain inside the loop. As Drennon pointed out Wednesday, when inequality of opportunity becomes entrenched, equal funding simply perpetuates that inequality. And theres no lens through which that is acceptable.

ggarcia@express-news.net

Twitter: @gilgamesh470
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Step outside on an August day, and San Antonio reminds you that summers are not to be trifled with.

Epic hot summers have shaped the citys history and culture, according to historians and longtime residents. Such is life in a city where summer conditions can stretch from May to October and 80 percent of summer days have high temperatures above 90 degrees, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Climate change is driving these temperatures even higher. From 1880 until now, a steady warming trend has been seen in San Antonio, with average temperatures rising around 0.2 degrees per decade, NOAA data show.

San Antonios three hottest summers have occurred in recent years. In 2009, the city had 59 days of 100-plus degrees, followed by 57 days in 2011, then 41 in 2013. The highest temperature ever recorded in San Antonio was 111 on Sept. 5, 2000.

San Antonians nowadays may be able to glean some wisdom from the era when people lived without air conditioning.

We coped, said Charles Cantu, a retired dean at St. Marys University School of Law. Our lifestyle accommodated the heat.

Cantu, who was born in 1939, said his father did not install air-conditioner window units in their house until the 1950s or 1960s.

Mother and Dad would sit out in the backyard, he said about their home near what is now the Medical Center. You visited with your neighbors, and you had watermelon or lemonade and you waited for the southeast breeze to come in at 9 or 9:30 at night.

For many homes built before the age of AC, catching the breeze was an important design feature.

For example, the Southern-style dog-trot house, or breezeway house, was designed around a central walkway built to circulate air through adjacent rooms.

Local historian Maria Pfeiffer, who lives in the same historic King William home in which she was raised, said her house was designed with three rooms drawing cooler air from the dog-trot. The 1860s-era structure also includes a half-basement, a slightly cooler retreat from the upper level.

As a child, Pfeiffer, born in 1950, remembers sleeping on cots set up in the familys screened-in porch, a routine she followed until she left for college.

Going back further, to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, people found all kinds of ways of adapting to the regions climate, including many that persist today, she said.

I think people spent a lot of time outside, she said. They spent a lot of time swimming in the river, picnicking, sitting under trees. Thats not much different from the way it is now.

One major difference is the attire. Whether reposing under a pecan tree or strolling by the San Antonio River, middle- and upper-class San Antonians would never have been caught outside looking underdressed, former Witte Museum curator Michaele Haynes said.

For women, this meant a chamise, a corset, a petticoat and a dress, though they could all be white and made from lightweight cotton or linen. For men, there were lightweight wool and linen suits and straw hats in a variety of styles.

One exception may have been the guayabera, the Latin American embroidered shirt with an origin story that remains in dispute. Mexican-American men in San Antonio have worn them since the early 20th century, with Anglos catching up by the 1940s and 1950s, Haynes said.

That level of formality in everyday dress seems shocking to T-shirt-and-shorts-loving Texans of today.

It is inconceivable to any of us to voluntarily be uncomfortable unless its some mandatory interview or youre at your grandmothers funeral, Haynes said. In those days, being uncomfortable was simply part of your responsibility.

Then again, San Antonians living a century ago may have found the weather easier to cope with. Haynes said shes noticed a difference in her 74 years.

I, certainly in my lifetime, feel that it was cooler when I was young than it is now, she said.

Shes right. San Antonio has seen a steep rise over the past 130 years in the number of extremely hot days per year, according to NOAA data.

From 1890 to 1899, San Antonio recorded 38 days of 100 degrees or more. By the 1950s, that rose to 124 days.

After a dip to only seven days of 100 degrees or higher in the 1970s  a relatively cool decade worldwide  the mercury began routinely rising again. There were 101 days in the 1980s, 143 in the 1990s and 147 in the 2000s.

In the 2010s, with two summers left to go, San Antonio has already sweated through 173 days of 100 degrees or hotter.

That trend is only projected to continue. According to a 2015 analysis by Texas Tech University climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe, San Antonio can expect to have an additional 14 to 21 days per year of triple-digit highs, starting in 2041 and continuing through 2070.

This story has been edited to correct the data of initial construction of Maria Pfeiffers house.

BGibbons@express-news.net

Twitter: @bgibbs

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Business philosopher Jim Rohn said: Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals.

A recent OFAC enforcement action illustrated the importance of consistency.

AIG settled 555 apparent violations of trade sanctions against Iran, Sudan, and Cuba or blocked persons. The violations occurred over a six-year period despite AIGs OFAC compliance program in place.

In announcing the settlement, the U.S. Treasury Department said AIGs voluntarily disclosure of the violations and its compliance program were mitigating circumstances. But it also noted that the violations might have been avoided had AIG consistently included exclusionary clauses for sanctioned countries and blocked persons in the insurance policies it issued.

Unfortunately, not all policies included those exclusionary clauses or, OFAC said, the clauses were too narrow in their scope and application to be effective.

Ultimately, AIGs compliance program, self-disclosure of violations and subsequent cooperation resulted in a reduced civil penalty of $149,000  a better outcome than AIG might have faced under less positive circumstances.

On the other hand, enforcement agencies have shown a willingness to forgo enforcement actions entirely when a company diligently follows a robust compliance program and still finds itself in a compromising position.

For example, Harris Corporation avoided prosecution in spite of apparent violations of the FCPA by a newly-acquired subsidiary, CareFx Corporation.

The company received word from the DOJ during the second quarter of fiscal 2017 prosecutors had determined not to take any action against Harris for the CareFx matter.

Before that, the SEC said in September 2016: Although only able to perform limited pre-acquisition due diligence on the subsidiary, Harris took immediate and significant steps after the acquisition to train staff in China and integrate the subsidiary into Harriss system of internal accounting controls.

The SEC also said, As a result of Harriss post-acquisition measures, including the implementation of an anonymous complaint hotline, Harris discovered the misconduct at the subsidiary within five months of the acquisition.

The Harris declination was a landmark case for the DOJ Pilot Program, in part because the CEO of the Chinese subsidiary CareFx China was charged by the SEC for causing books and records violations of the FCPA, while the company itself was able to avoid an enforcement action because of the strength and consistent implementation of its compliance program.

Declinations are a good reminder that compliance programs, consistenty applied, matter.

_____

Karen Gray is a Senior Entity Due Diligence and Monitoring specialist for LexisNexis. She serves as an expert and central point person for all due diligence and third-party monitoring solutions. She is a resource for Benchmarking, Market Intelligence, Strategic Category Management, and Vendor Selection, and focuses on efforts to improve profitability and cash flow, risk mitigation and operational efficiencies with regard to vendor selection and monitoring.
Bryan Cranston got caught having sex on a train on his honeymoon.

Bryan Cranston

The 'Breaking Bad' actor and his wife Robin recently celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary and Bryan, 61, has opened up about the embarrassing incident which happened when they were enjoying a post-wedding break in Europe.

He told chat show host Conan O'Brien: "My beautiful wife Robin and I, who celebrated our 28th anniversary recently, we were in Europe for our honeymoon and one of the parts of the trip was to go from Switzerland to Italy, and they said, 'Take the train'.

"The travel agent said, 'By the way, the third tunnel is 50 minutes long. It's traditional for honeymooners to take advantage of that time.'

"We're reclining, going, and we're enjoying our love making. Within a short period of time, I start seeing the features of my beautiful wife's face, and I'm thinking my eyes are getting acclimated to this... Within seconds, WHAM, we're out in broad daylight."

Bryan revealed that the pair were entirely visible to their fellow passengers and Robin panicked.

He added: "And my gorgeous wife says to me those three words you always want to hear, 'Get off me.'"

Meanwhile, Bryan recently revealed how thankful he is that his career didn't take off until he was older as he was able to create a "solid foundation" throughout his 20s without fame getting in the way.

Asked how he thinks his life would have turned out if he was famous in his youth, Bryan said: "I'm grateful it happened later, because I was able to develop a sound foundation of my life without any level of fame given to a boy. One of the traps in being a celebrity is, there's a certain curfew that I have in my mind. If I'm out in public, every time I feel it, I look at my watch to see what time it is, and almost invariably, it's around 10:30 pm. I'm starting to feel a waning of the evening. The energy has changed. I attribute it to alcohol. My wife and I squeeze each other's legs, and it's time to leave."
PVH Corp has announced that the company has been honoured with the Sustainability Award at the Accessories Council 21st Annual ACE Awards. The Award is a testament to the companys sustainability accomplishments and commitment to making positive impacts for people, the environment and communities. The award winners were honoured in New York City.The award was presented to PVH Corp chairman and CEO, Emanuel Chirico, by actress and fashion icon, Brooke Shields.

PVH Corp has announced that the company has been honoured with the Sustainability Award at the Accessories Council 21st Annual ACE Awards. The Award is a testament to the company's sustainability accomplishments and commitment to making positive impacts for people, the environment and communities. The award winners were honoured in New York City.#

Shields wryly asked and answered, Do you know what comes between PVH and sustainability? Nothing. She added more seriously, When a powerful company makes sustainability a priority, the positive influence of their leadership can be felt across the globe.Receiving the Sustainability Award from the Accessories Council is an incredible honour, said Chirico. At PVH, we recognise our responsibility to address the social and environmental impacts of our industry and contribute toward a fair, healthy future for all.The ACE Awards were created in 1997 to honour individuals and companies who have furthered the awareness and use of accessories. The 2017 ACE Award winners were honoured in New York City. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Shenzhen Ellassay Fashion, a China based womens fashion supplier has purchased majority stake in fashion icon Vivienne Tams brand in China for about RMB 37 million (approximately $5.5 million). The Chinese company had recently acquired French contemporary fashion brand Iros complete operations for RMB 790 million (approximately $118 million).

Shenzhen Ellassay also owns its namesake brand Ellassay, a Chinese mid-market brand. It also has the rights to Ed Hardy, an American apparel brand in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau as well as Laurel, a German womens wear brand in China.

The Chinese company, which was founded in 1990 in Shenzhen, designs, manufactures and sells womens clothing including shirts, tops, knitwear, suits, leisure wear, accessories, shoes and more, in China and the US. The products are sold through the companys own retail outlets. The company earned a revenue of RMB 1.13 billion (approximately $169 million) in fiscal 2016 and its net income in the same year was RMB 197.95 million (approximately $29.5 million).

Shenzhen Ellassay Fashion, a China based women's fashion supplier has purchased majority stake in fashion icon Vivienne Tam's brand in China for about RMB 37 million (approximately $5.5 million). The Chinese company had recently acquired French contemporary fashion brand Iro's complete operations for RMB 790 million (approximately $118 million).#

Vivienne Tam is an international designer known for her culture-bridging, east-meets-west approach to design as well as pioneering global collaborations marrying fashion with technology and renowned brands. Tam effortlessly blends her cultural roots with a modern design vocabulary recognised for its artistry. Pieces from her collections are housed in the permanent archives of some of the worlds most prestigious museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) in New York, the Victoria and Albert museum in London and Andy Warhol museum in Pittsburgh. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
DOMOTEX 2018, the 30edition of the worlds leading trade show for carpets and floor coverings is expected to feature around 1,400 exhibitors from more than 60 countries. The show to be held in Hannover, Germany from January 12-15, 2018 will be a strong and international affair. The keynote theme for the upcoming edition of the fair is Unique Youniverse.

"We are more than pleased with the influx of exhibitor registrations for the upcoming show. It proves that the market is happy with where DOMOTEX is headed. More exhibitors have confirmed their participation at DOMOTEX than at the same time last year," said Susanne Klaproth, the director in charge of DOMOTEX and Deutsche Messe.

The upcoming DOMOTEX is taking a fresh new approach, with an improved site layout and a core focus on the product individualisation megatrend, as symbolised by the adoption of the keynote theme. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in a captivating world of trends, innovation and lifestyle in way they have never done before, said the organiser in a press release.

DOMOTEX 2018, the 30th edition of the world's leading trade show for carpets and floor coverings is expected to feature around 1,400 exhibitors from more than 60 countries. The show to be held in Hannover, Germany from January 12-15, 2018 will be a strong and international affair. The keynote theme for the upcoming edition of the fair is 'Unique Youniverse'.#

"Many exhibitors are already hard at work preparing for their showcases and their new locations at the venue. They are busy doing things like exploring ways of harnessing the keynote theme and figuring out how they might profile their organisations at the new 'Flooring Spaces' presentation format. Visitors are right to be excited about what awaits them at the show, particularly in Hall 9," added Klaproth.

Hall 9 is the home of Framing Trends  a richly diverse and immersive showcase in which established companies, industry newcomers and artists will engage with the keynote theme in an array of creatively staged individual and joint displays.

Framing Trends in Hall 9 will also feature a captivating and varied programme of talks by big-name architects and designers, as well as start-up entrepreneurs and design students. The talks will take the form of speed presentations and discussion groups dedicated to the individualisation trend. The presentations and discussions will examine the implications of this trend in many areas, including product design, production, sales and marketing. The specific topics to be explored are Modular design: individual vs. mass-produced?, New one-off originals: handmade vs. digital? and Retail interactive: virtual vs. real? The Framing Trends programme is complemented by daily guided tours which will take visitors to see exhibitors of relevance to them. At the heart of the Framing Trends display in Hall 9, visitors and exhibitors will find lounge-style meeting areas and a cafe  the ideal settings for relaxed, informal dialogue.

The Carpet Design Awards are another Hall 9 highlight. The internationally coveted award honours the world's best new designer carpets in eight categories. The 24 carpets shortlisted for the award will be on display in Hall 9 for the duration of DOMOTEX. At the start of each year, specialist carpet dealers, owners of carpet and rug exhibition galleries and visitors from the interior design industry look to the shortlisted creations on show at DOMOTEX for ideas and inspiration for their own new season's collections.

DOMOTEX 2018 features a new layout that puts related products in closer proximity to one another, thereby making it easier for visitors to get a comprehensive look at the latest market offerings. Halls 2 to 4 will now be home to the world's widest array of hand-made carpets and rugs. Halls 5 through 7 will feature classic machine-woven carpets and rugs, bathroom sets and runner rugs. Hall 8 will be the gateway to the latest carpet creations from the world's most innovative designers and labels. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Hong Kong-based EmergeVest has exited its investment with Chinese apparel supplier JD United Holdings Limited (JDU). The private equity firm has sold its stake to Taiwan-listed textile Roo Hsing Co for $500 million. The merger with Roo Hsing cements the business as one of the worlds leading denim manufacturers, with combined revenue above $500 million.

We are delighted to have helped JDU management make such significant progress in growing the business. We wish the enlarged company well for the future," said Roger Moh, managing director at EmergeVest.

"I would like to express my gratitude towards EmergeVest and its partners for their support. EmergeVest has enabled us to capitalise on growth opportunities, culminating with the merger with Roo Hsing. We are well positioned for future development," Richard Sun, CEO at JDU.

Hong Kong-based EmergeVest has exited its investment with Chinese apparel supplier JD United Holdings Limited (JDU). The private equity firm has sold its stake to Taiwan-listed textile Roo Hsing Co for $500 million. The merger with Roo Hsing cements the business as one of the world's leading denim manufacturers, with combined revenue above $500 million.#

EmergeVest first invested in JDU in 2014 and supported the companys expansion with additional capital in 2015. Headquartered in Changzhou, Jiangsu, China, JDU has 25 manufacturing facilities across Asia and Africa, producing apparel for leading international brands and retailers, such as Levi Strauss, Gap, Fast Retailing, Primark and C&A. During its investment period, EmergeVest reorganised JDUs shareholding structure, buying out a previous private equity investor, optimised JDUs balance sheet, financed expansion into new markets and product categories, and managed the merger with Roo Hsing. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Out of 682 Indian textile mills closed as on June end this year, 232 were in Tamil Nadu, 85 in Maharashtra, 60 in Uttar Pradesh and 42 in Haryana. Among the 1,399 operational textile mills, 752 were in Tamil Nadu, followed by 135 in Maharashtra and 112 in Andhra Pradesh, textiles minister Smriti Irani informed the lower house of parliament recently.Noting that the textile industry has attracted the highest foreign direct investment under the present government, she said the goods and services tax (GST) and labour reforms have been welcomed by the industry, according to a news agency report.

Out of 682 Indian textile mills closed as on June end this year, 232 were in Tamil Nadu, 85 in Maharashtra, 60 in Uttar Pradesh and 42 in Haryana. Among the 1,399 operational textile mills, 752 were in Tamil Nadu, followed by 135 in Maharashtra and 112 in Andhra Pradesh, textiles minister Smriti Irani informed the lower house of parliament recently.#

On new schemes initiated by the government to set up textile mills, the minister said under the Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) launched in 2016, a one-time capital subsidy of 15 per cent for the garments and technical textiles segments is offered with a cap of Rs 30 crore.A 10 per cent capital subsidy is also offered for segments like weaving, processing, jute, silk and handloom with a subsidy cap of Rs 20 crore for setting up new textile units or for expansion of existing units with benchmarked technology. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Pakistans Cotton Crop Assessment Committee (CCAC) estimates cotton production to be 12.6 million bales during the 2017-18 crop season, a drop of 10.26 per cent from the target of 14.04 million bales. This is a result of Punjab, the biggest crop producing province, not achieving its sowing target leading to a 12 per cent drop in production.Water shortage was a main reason behind low acreage. At a recent CCAC meeting in Islamabad, textile industry secretary Hassan Iqbal, however, said the estimate may rise in future as the count of plants per acre and balls per plant rise.

Pakistan's Cotton Crop Assessment Committee (CCAC) estimates cotton production to be 12.6 million bales during the 2017-18 crop season, a drop of 10.26 per cent from the target of 14.04 million bales. This is a result of Punjab, the biggest crop producing province, not achieving its sowing target leading to a 12 per cent drop in production.#

The committee estimates cotton crop production at 8.9 million bales in Punjab, 3.7 million bales in Sindh and 0.01 million bale each for Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to media reports in Pakistan.Cotton plant population has witnessed about 5.7 per cent rise whereas the average balls per plant grew by 40 per cent over last year, according to CCAC.The meeting was attended by representatives from All Pakistan Textile Mills Association, Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association and Pakistan Central Cotton Committee. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Your Excellency, the British High Commissioner to Fiji,

The Head Teacher of Tailevu North College,

The Manager and Members of the School Committee,

Teachers and students,

Ladies and Gentlemen.



Bula vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.



Today, we can finally put the disruption of Tropical Cyclone Winston behind us at the Tailevu North College. And Im delighted to be with you all, and especially our students, as we officially sign off on the work that has been done as part of the governments cyclone rehabilitation program. The major upgrading of five buildings that lost roofs and walls, and fixing the damage to 23 other buildings at an all-up cost of just over $850,000.



The memories of what happened in February 2016 will always be with us. But now that this work has been completed, I hope that our students can finally put the trauma of what happened behind them, concentrate on their studies and be able to say  we truly were stronger than Winston.



Friends, today I am joined by a distinguished visitor to the College, the British High Commissioner to Fiji, Melanie Hopkins. Britain has always been a great friend to Fiji and please put her hands together to welcome her and the other members of her delegation.



Many of you will be wondering why she is here. Well, in a few minutes, shell be making an important announcement about assisting Fiji to address the root cause of events like Cyclone Winston. And that is our global campaign to get the world to take decisive action on climate change.



I also want to again thank the High Commissioner on behalf of every Fijian for Britains assistance in the wake of Cyclone Winston. Among other things, this included a substantial private donation to the relief effort by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. And it is wonderful to know that the Queen continues to take an interest in the welfare of the Fijian people 64 years after she first visited us in 1953.



The High Commissioner will be addressing us shortly. But first I want to explain some important aspects of the cyclone rehabilitation program in our schools, not only here in Tailevu North but all the affected areas. These are not just simple rebuilds or simple fixes in the case of your own school. As part of our determination to build back better, all of this work has been done to a much higher standard.



There was no point in simply doing what weve always done in the past and let me tell you why: Unfortunately, we know that because of climate change, we are going to be hit by stronger and more frequent cyclones. And that means doing everything we can to make these structures more resilient. Not to be simply blown away or damaged again by the next cyclone but be strong enough to survive repeated events.



Thats why these rebuilds - in many cases  have been taking longer than usual. Right from the start, I issued the instruction that there be no short cuts. The rehabilitation work had to be done to the highest possible standard within our resources. From the design of the reconstruction to the materials used and the quality of workmanship. That is what has happened. And Im sure you will all want to join me in acknowledging the work that has been done here in Tailevu North by everyone associated with the project. Vinaka Vakalevu.



But friends, it isnt enough to merely make ourselves more resilient here in Fiji. We need to address the root cause of the extreme weather events like Winston, the rising sea levels and the changes to agriculture, caused by climate change.



I am not prepared as your Prime Minister to sit here in Fiji and expect the rest of the world to deal with this challenge  the greatest humanity has ever faced. We need to do some of the heavy lifting ourselves. And so that is why I have taken up the challenge myself to lead the world in the negotiations to get decisive action on climate change as the incoming president of COP23.



Friends, you all witnessed the fury of Tropical Cyclone Winston yourselves. We all know people who lost their lives or who were injured. Many of you lost your homes or part of your homes. Well unfortunately the scientists tell us to prepare for the same again or even worse. Along with droughts, rising seas and the threat to our crops, the very survival of our nation is at stake. Our way of life. All that we hold dear.



We Fijians have always answered the call to help meet a global challenge, whether in World War Two, Malaya or our ongoing peacekeeping missions in troubled parts of the world. And we are answering the call to help meet this one. To persuade the industrial nations to drastically reduce the carbon emissions that are causing our planet to heat up.



So I appeal to you all to support me in the role of COP President. I need your prayers and good wishes if we are to make a success of this mission. Because if we can, we can bring honour to Fiji and we can truly make a difference. A small nation punching above its weight and leading the global community along the path to decisive action. Action to save our planet.



I cannot do it without you. And I cannot do it without the support of our friends in the world  those nations that support decisive action like Britain. Fortunately we have those friends. And Id now like to invite one of them to speak to you. Would you please welcome the British High Commissioner, Melanie Hopkins.



Vinaka vakalevu, High Commissioner, for your supportive comments and your nations contribution to our presidency. Please convey to the British Government and the British people the sincere thanks of every Fijian.



Students, the school holidays are upon us and I can imagine how eager you are for us to finish up and set you free. But I want to close by saying this: The greatest thrill I get as Prime Minister as I travel the country re-opening schools or inspecting the repairs that have been done, is coming face to face with our young people. To see their smiles, hear their laughs and feel the optimism and hope they have about our future.



As you begin your holidays, I want to tell you that we face a great challenge getting the world to act on climate change but we are determined  I am determined - to meet this challenge. The world has no choice but to embrace decisive action. We are going to build resilience in Fiji and the rest of the Pacific so that we can improve our chances of surviving events like Winston. And we are also working together as a nation - one people - to build a better Fiji. One of opportunity and prosperity worthy of you all.



Vinaka vakalevu to everyone who put this program together at such short notice. I wish all of our students and teachers the happiest of times away from the classroom. Enjoy your break and then come back and work as hard as you can for the rest of the year. Because if you do, you are building a solid future for yourselves and building a solid future for our beloved Fiji.



Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you
HON PM BAINIMARAMA AT THE LAUNCH OF THE REHABILITATED MEDIUM WAVE TRANSMISSION





The Honourable Attorney-General and Minister for

Communications;Your Excellency, the Ambassador of the Government of Japan;The Chairman and Board of FBC;The CEO, Management and Staff of FBC;Distinguished Guests;Ladies and Gentlemen.Bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all.Im delighted to be here this morning as we launch the newly rehabilitated medium wave AM infrastructure and transmission  managed by our national broadcaster, the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation.We are nation spread out across over 300 islands and we are a people separated by vast oceans and seas. But today, we can celebrate that weve brought our people  our Fijian family  a bit closer, by extending the reach of AM radio broadcasts to every Fijian and every corner of our islands.This is a truly historic moment, as never before has every Fijian been able to simply switch on the radio and instantly become part of our national conversation  the dialogue and flow of information that keep us connected, even across tremendous distance.As of today, a Fijian living in Vanua Balavu, Lakeba or Ovalau, can turn on the radio and join listeners in Nausori, Lautoka or any one of our urban centres across a range of AM programming. And villages in the most remote pockets of our interior and in the furthest reaches of our outer islands can tune into AM radio at every hour of the day every day of the week.With this upgrade, weve achieved 100 per cent coverage of our islands. That means every Fijian in every community in Fiji can now tune to clear and dependable AM signals that will broadcast programmes on the Radio Fiji One and Gold stations.That doesnt only mean we can all now tune into Morning Glory, Vakekeli or listen to some of our favourite music. It means we all now have access to critical flows of information  programming on youth development, womens issues, health, agriculture and many other important topics. That wide range of programming brings us information that can be extremely useful in our day to day lives, and that is vital to our national development. And the right to access information is one of the most important rights my Government is sworn to uphold.That is why weve undertaken such a massive effort to bring high quality education throughout our islands, so our children can be taught accurate, relevant and up-to-date material. That is why were expanding our network of cellular data and ICT services. That is why, by December, we will extend the reach of free to air digital television to all of Fiji, using satellites and terrestrial technology to bring a whole other range of programming to Fijian communities. And that is why weve pursued this upgrade of our AM transmission. Because my Government believes that access to information is essential to a well-functioning democracy, as it grants full and meaningful participation in our national development and empowers our communities to realise greater opportunities.Access to information is also the single greatest defence for any communitys best interests. Because when members of a community have the most current news and up-to-date information, they can challenge and condemn any who seek to use bad information  those who use lies and deceit  to take advantage of our people.To all of our communities benefitting from this upgrade: you can now be more secure in your knowledge. You can now demand better of those meant to serve you. And you now have an even greater role in the conversations, the debates and the processes that make our democracy work and that define the Fiji we will become.When we first signed the MOU with the Government of Japan to launch this project, I spoke on my own fundamental belief that information belongs to the Fijian people, and that access to information is the life blood of our nation.Now that this project is complete, weve given more information to more of our people, and weve taken a big step towards becoming a more connected, transparent and accountable society.Weve also made Fiji a safer place to call home. Many of the communities that are benefitting from this upgrade were on the frontlines of Cyclone Winston in February of last year. And in the immediate aftermath of the cyclones devastation, some of our maritime communities were cut off from communication and, as a result, they were cut-off from information that could save lives and be a beacon of reassurance to affected communities.The big benefit of this new AM radio infrastructure is that it is far more resilient to severe weather than FM systems. We already know that storms like Winston are only going to become more frequent and more severe.And when those storms do arrive, this new transmission system will give us a much better chance of relaying disaster-related information that can ready our communities and keep our people safe.That is something that really cannot be priced. And Id like to extend a big thank you, a big vinaka vakalevu to the Japanese Government and people for their invaluable support in making this project happen. Their assistance towards this rehabilitation is a clear sign of their commitment to Fiji and the Fijian people, and of their support to my Governments vision to improve the lives of all Fijians  regardless of where in Fiji they call home.We all know well that providing radio coverage to every Fijian community  especially those in our outer islands  isnt commercially viable. But weve pursued this project through FBC for a far more important reason. Some Fijian communities are a long way away from our major urban areas, and their geography can make life more difficult.But it is my Governments duty to make special efforts to bring them the same level of opportunity and services that are enjoyed on Viti Levu, or in any of our larger population centres.Thats what this newly rehabilitated transmission represents. A special effort weve made to bring regular programmes, information on Government services and initiatives, and critical emergency information to our outer island communities. And that effort is part of our long-term strategy to bring better education, infrastructure, services and jobs to our maritime communities to give those Fijians who call them home an equal shot at bettering their lives and raising their standards of living.Id also like to thank FBC - the Board, CEO and staff for their role in this rehabilitation and for committing to carry out the maintenance of this project in the years to come. Vinaka vakalevu for helping us spread the enormous benefits of reliable AM radio transmissions to every Fijian, and for the work you do every day as our national broadcaster, developing innovative and entertaining programming that keeps the Fijian people informed and brings us closer together as a nation. We also would like to thank you for the hundreds of hours of public service broadcast for which we pay you a modest sum but in return ordinary Fijians receive more hours of broadcast than what we actually pay you for.FBC has put forward an impressive slate of television and radio programming that inspires, educates and involves the Fijian people. Ive been told that effort has paid off, and your audience is the best its ever been in both television and radio  so keep up the good work.I know all of our communities, especially in our outer islands, have awaited this day for many years. And Im very excited that weve been able to realise that dream and spread our radio network to reach every community in Fiji. I wish you all happy listening.Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you.
HON PM BAINIMARAMA AT THE POLICE MEDAL PARADE





The Commissioner of Police,

Senior Officers,Retirees and Families,Ladies and Gentlemen.Bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all.Im delighted to be here this morning as we recognise members of our Fiji Police Force who have exceeded the call of duty and showed their nation, and the Fijian people, an exemplary level of service.We have recipients here today of the Fiji Police Medal, the Long Service Medal, Overseas Medal and the Solomon Islands Police Force International Law Enforcement Medal. And to all of our recipients, I would like to say, today is your day. Your day to be honoured and celebrated. Thank you, on behalf of a grateful nation, for your service to Fiji and for setting such a high bar for your fellow officers to meet.I understand some of our recipients today are no longer serving as active members in the Force. Id like to thank them for their service, and Im very glad that we have this opportunity to pay tribute to the careers that they led as officers. Again, Vinaka Vakalevu.Each of our recipients here today has done their part to strengthen the reputation of this institution, and care and protect those who were in need  both here in Fiji, and abroad as part of our peacekeeping operations. We can never fully repay the debt owed to each of you, but know that you have our deepest gratitude. Fiji is a safer place, Fiji is a better place, thanks to your service.All of our officers, whether they are serving in Suva or the Sinai, are looked to as representations of our disciplined forces, and of Fiji. Your actions, your decisions and your conduct shape how our nation is seen around the world and determine the faith the Fijian people place in our officers to do the right thing and keep them safe.Serving in our Police Force is not an easy job, nor is it meant to be. You are the wall that protects the vulnerable from those who would seek to prey on them. You are the answer to the call from those who are in distress. You maintain order and you uphold the law. And you do so as servants. Because you are servants to the public, just as I am as Prime Minister.That duty of service extends to every Fijian. It extends to every corner of our islands and to every community in Fiji. Ive been made aware that some officers have disregarded that duty, and failed Fijians who sought their help and who sought justice for crimes committed against them. Ive been made aware that some Fijians have been treated as less than full citizens by our police  and I am here today to tell you that will not be tolerated.I realise this is a day to celebrate the best of our police force, but this is an issue far too important to go unaddressed.Every man, woman and child who calls Fiji home is a Fijian. And they are all entitled to every effort our police force can make to keep them safe. Fijians come from a wide range of backgrounds, religions, economic well-being and social status. Just because someone lives in a squatter area or is a labourer does not mean that his or her complaint is not as important as the rich person or well-connected or well-known person. It means that every single Fijian that makes a complaint or seeks your assistance must be treated with utmost professionalism, respect and compassion. Your level of professionalism should not depend on who is making a complaint. You must rid yourself of your personal prejudices and community prejudices and serve each and every Fijian equally.You are here to protect them, you are here to seek justice for them and you are here to give them peace of mind so they can sleep at night, live their lives without fear and which will as a result give them the confidence to fully participate in and contribute fully to our nation. This in turn will also mean economic prosperity for all Fijians including you.Increased professionalism will mean that the Fijian Police Force will be able to regain the respect and status it deserves. It will also regain the confidence of the public. However, if any instance is brought to my attention or the attention of the Commissioner of an officer dismissing any Fijian on the basis of ethnicity, religion or social or economic status, that officer will no longer be part of this force. Its that simple. Our police force isnt some community organisation, it is a national institution. And that means every Fijian should feel confident they can turn to our police when they feel endangered or in need.That being said, I know the majority of our officers are doing good work for Fiji and for every Fijian. And their service is making a real difference for the safety and security of the Fijian people. And Im proud that your work has led to a reduction in crime in Fiji by six per cent in the first six months of this year. That is commendable. But when it comes to the safety of our citizens, we can never sit back and be content. We can never settle for good work, we have to always strive to be greater.We certainly cant delude ourselves into thinking that more cannot be done. Im deeply troubled, that while weve seen an overall drop in crime, weve also seen a 32 per cent increase in robberies, and that increase has been seen across all four divisions.That isnt acceptable. That doesnt make anyone in Fiji feel like this is as safe place to call home. Criminals are stealing  and they are stealing more often  because they think they can get away with it. We have to make it very clear that they cant.It takes skill and expertise to do investigative work and narrow down a suspect. But we all know these crimes wouldnt happen if there werent a market for stolen goods in Fiji. So we cant stop at the individual, we have to take down the criminal networks that are trading in stolen goods.We need to be proactive. We need to employ tactics that have been proven to work around the world. And we need to make clear to any bold enough to steal that they cannot escape the reach of the law, and that justice will be served.We have through the 2017-2018 Budget given you all a pay rise. We will be giving you 200 more motor vehicles and 100 motorcycles. We have overall increased your budgetary allocation to give you access to greater communications technology and forensics to modernise the operations of the Fijian Police Force and give you the right tools to do your job better. We will also in the next 2 years conduct a review of your overall conditions including better access to quality housing.Never before in the history of Fiji has there been such a huge injection of funds and resources directed to the Fijian Police Force in such a holistic manner and in such a short period. In return we simply ask you to conduct yourself professionally and take advantage of the resources and career opportunities through an open merit recruitment system.I would like to leave you all with one final message this morning. And that is that as officers of the law, you must respect the rule law  more so than anyone. My Government has shown that we support our officers, but weve also shown that we demand they operate within the confines of the law. That expectation will continue, and all of our officers must be examples to our people by abiding by the law at all times.Congratulations again to those who are being recognised this morning. Thank you to all of our officers for the brave work they carry out to make Fiji a safer place. And of course, thank you to the families of all of our officers for caring for them and for being brave for them as they put their own safety on the line for the sake of the Fijian people.Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you.
Horizon Petroleum Ltd. ("Horizon") (TSXV:HPL) and PentaNova Energy Corp. (formerly PMI Resources Ltd, "PentaNova") (TSXV:PNO) are pleased to announce that further to the press release of July 26, 2017, Horizon's acquisition (the "Acquisition") of the Ledieux and Ger Permits from PentaNova is now closed. This includes a transfer of the shares of 2 Luxembourg subsidiaries of PentaNova to Horizon, plus an investment of $1.5 million (CDN) into Horizon by PentaNova by way of a private placement of shares in the capital of Horizon ("Shares") at $0.12 per share, as part of a larger private placement for approximately $3.5 million (the "Private Placement

Pursuant to the transaction, PentaNova subscribed for an aggregate of 12,500,000 common shares of Horizon at a price of $0.12 per share. Prior to the transaction PentaNova did not own any shares of Horizon. PentaNova has entered into an agreement with a third party to assign 250,000 of the Shares to a third party pursuant to an advisory agreement. After closing of the Private Placement, PentaNova will transfer these assigned shares to the third party, so that PentaNova will then own in aggregate 12,250,000 common shares of Horizon, representing 32.43% of the current issued and outstanding common shares of Horizon. Horizon shareholders approved the control position of PentaNova at a shareholder's meeting held March 14, 2017. PentaNova acquired these securities for investment purposes and may in the future acquire or dispose of securities of Horizon, through the market, privately or otherwise, as circumstances or market conditions warrant.

About Horizon Petroleum Ltd.

Calgary-based Horizon is focused on the appraisal and development of oil & gas reserves internationally. The Management and Board of Horizon consist of oil gas professionals with significant international experience.

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.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, forecasts, estimates, expectations and objectives for future operations that are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Horizon or PentaNova. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking information is based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks, which could cause actual results to vary and in some instances to differ materially from those anticipated by Horizon and described in the forward-looking information contained in this press release.

Although Horizon and PentaNova believe that the material factors, expectations and assumptions expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information available to it on the date such statements were made, no assurances can be given as to future results, levels of activity and achievements and such statements are not guarantees of future performance.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170810006284/en/

Contacts:

Horizon Petroleum Ltd.

Dr. David Winter, 403-984-2444

President & CEO

david.winter@horizon-petroleum.com

or

David R. Robinson, 403-399-9047

VP Business Development

david.robinson@horizon-petroleum.com

or

PentaNova Energy Corp.

Serafino Iacono, 416-804-4570

Executive Chairman Director

iserafino@cs.com

or

Gregg Vernon, 604-609-6110

President

gkeep@fiorecorporation.com
Regulatory News:

United Company RUSAL Plc (Paris:RUSAL) (Paris:RUAL):

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.

UNITED COMPANY RUSAL PLC

(Incorporated under the laws of Jersey with limited liability)

(Stock Code: 486)

INSIDE INFORMATION

INCREASE IN SHAREHOLDING BY

A SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDER

This announcement is made by United Company RUSAL Plc (the "Company") pursuant to Rule 13.09 of the Listing Rules, the Inside Information Provisions under Part XIVA of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and applicable French laws and regulations.

The Company was notified by Zonoville Investments Limited (the "Purchaser") that after the close of trading hours of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on 10 August 2017, it (as purchaser) has entered into a sale and purchase agreement (the "Sale and Purchase Agreement") with Dimosenco Holdings Co. Limited (the "Seller") (as seller), Mr. Mikhail Dmitrievich Prokhorov (as the Seller's guarantor) and Mr. Viktor Vekselberg (as the Purchaser's guarantor) for the sale and the purchase of 1,063,511,040 ordinary shares of the Company (the "Sale Shares") at a total consideration of USD503,885,220, representing approximately 7% of the issued share capital of the Company as at the date of this announcement.

The Company was informed that the Purchaser is an associated company of SUAL Partners Limited ("SPL") under the Hong Kong Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the "Takeovers Code"). SPL is a substantial shareholder of the Company directly holding 2,400,970,089 ordinary shares in the Company, representing approximately 15.80% of the issued share capital of the Company as at the date of this announcement.

The Company was informed that the completion of the sale and purchase of the Sale Shares (the "Completion") is conditional on:

(i) that the Completion does not constitute a breach of the relevant shareholders' agreement; and

(ii) that there being no restraint preventing Completion or prohibiting the Purchaser from paying the consideration or prohibiting the Seller from receiving the consideration.

The Company was informed that assuming the issued share capital of the Company remains unchanged as at the date of Completion and based only on the Purchaser's current shareholding in the Company, immediately following the Completion, (i) the Purchaser will become the beneficial owner of 1,063,511,040 ordinary shares in the Company, representing approximately 7.00% of the issued share capital of the Company, and (ii) the Purchaser and SPL will, together, hold approximately 22.80% of the issued share capital of the Company.

The Completion is subject to conditions and may or may not proceed. Shareholders and potential investors of the Company should exercise caution when dealing or investing in the securities of the Company.

By Order of the Board of Directors of

United Company RUSAL Plc

Aby Wong Po Ying

Company Secretary

11 August 2017

As at the date of this announcement, the executive Directors are Mr. Oleg Deripaska, Mr. Vladislav Soloviev and Mr. Siegfried Wolf, the non-executive Directors are Mr. Maxim Sokov, Mr. Dmitry Afanasiev, Mr. Ivan Glasenberg, Mr. Maksim Goldman, Ms. Gulzhan Moldazhanova, Mr. Daniel Lesin Wolfe, Ms. Olga Mashkovskaya, Ms. Ekaterina Nikitina and Mr. Marco Musetti, and the independent non-executive Directors are Mr. Matthias Warnig (Chairman), Mr. Philip Lader, Dr. Elsie Leung Oi-sie, Mr. Mark Garber, Mr. Dmitry Vasiliev and Mr. Bernard Zonneveld.

All announcements and press releases published by the Company are available on its website under the links http://www.rusal.ru/en/investors/info.aspxhttp://rusal.ru/investors/info/moex/ and http://www.rusal.ru/en/press-center/press-releases.aspx, respectively.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170810006150/en/

Contacts:

United Company RUSAL Plc
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2018 / Robert Ronning, a co-founder of innovation-driven payment processing company PayVida Solutions, is pleased to announce that Victory Square Technologies ("Victory Square") has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire approximately 33% of PayVida, on a fully-diluted basis. "We had multiple offers, a lot of people who wanted to lead the private placement. We are certainly honored to enter into an agreement with such a great company as Victory Square, and this partnership will definitely shape our future," Robert Ronning commented.

The LOI comes as PayVida is preparing to become a publicly traded entity, with expectations of this happening in the early part of 2018. The support of Victory Square will allow the Vancouver-based enterprise to advance its mission of revolutionizing the Canadian payment processing industry. Starting with the premise that simplicity, affordability, and transparency are the key attributes of this service, PayVida has quickly progressed to the point where its technology and the expertise of its team have empowered the creation of an innovative, highly differentiated offering. With a keen sense of ethics and a focus on the morality side of payment processing, the company takes pride in being the first Canadian provider to eliminate the onus of contracts and discard cancellation fees while offering the benefits of next-day funding and a price lock guarantee. "The entire blueprint and DNA of what we built from day one rests on the notion of no contracts and no cancellation fees. We have the industry's most transparent pricing, and we do not charge a monthly minimum," noted Ronning.

Established in 2012 and headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Victory Square is the ideal partner for PayVida given its focus on entrepreneurs with game-changing ideas. Businesses supported by the blockchain-focused venture builder obtain access to educational programs, global mentorship networks, distribution partners, creative workspaces, resources, and operational support in various other fields. Victory Square selects ventures with a potential for greatness and helps them build scale internationally. To date, it has changed the fortunes of more than 1,000 entrepreneurs and supported over 500 startups, assisting them in raising more than $100 million in combined funding. Its network partners include leading accelerators such as Y Combinator, 500 Startups, Techstars, and Launch Academy. The portfolio built by Victory Square is a testament to the forward-thinking approach of the leadership team led by CEO Shafin Diamond Tejani. The company is investing in all the technologies that are disrupting economic sectors: artificial intelligence, virtual/augmented/mixed reality, and blockchain. In 2017, Victory Square became a member of the Blockchain Investors Consortium (BIC) - an organization dedicated to identifying global investment opportunities in the digital assets category.

Robert Ronning co-founded Dominion Card Services in 2012 and led it for ten months, using this time to refine the vision for his next venture. The financial services technology provider he launched early in 2013, PayVida Solutions is on a mission "to rebuild the payment industry from the ground up" and radically change the way businesses get paid. PayVida aims to spearhead the creation of a healthier marketplace by offering ethical and affordable payment processing solutions to business owners and entrepreneurs.

Robert Ronning - Co-founder of PayVida Solutions: http://robertronningnews.com

Robert Ronning - Highlights Exciting Opportunities for PayVida with Pending App Release: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/robert-ronning-highlights-exciting-opportunities-172700230.html

Robert Ronning - PayVida Co-Founder Builds World Class Team: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/robert-ronning-payvida-co-founder-233200559.html

Contact Information:

RobertRonningNews.com

www.robertronningnews.com

contact@robertronningnews.com

SOURCE: Robert Ronning
HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/11/17 -- Asia's leading big data ad tech company, Vpon Big Data Group releases the '2017 H1 APAC Mobile Advertising Statistics and Trends Report' shedding the lights on the mobile behavior of tourists from Hong Kong and Greater China traveling to Thailand. Additionally, the report reveals the latest trend of mobile ad market across Asia Pacific.

Hong Kong people love to travel. The Census and Statistics Department and the Hong Kong 2016 Travel Show statistics show that the number of outbound travelers are as high as 12 times of the total population, of which the number of people traveling to Thailand and South Korea are on the rise. According to the report, Hong Kong tourists prefer to choose different cities such as Busan and Jeju in South Korea and Chiang Mai and Samui in Thailand, as opposed to the Taiwan tourists' choice of the capital as the main tourist destination. Compared with the Hong Kong tourists, Greater China tourists' footprints spread to more local cities, such as Krabi, Thailand. Hong Kong travelers still use mobile phones frequently while traveling. The average number of using mobile apps (excluding social media and instant messaging) is more than 12 times a day, slightly higher than that of Greater China tourists.

Victor Wu, CEO at Vpon Big Data Group, said, "Data drives transactions so that big data is the weapon to enhance competitiveness for all industries. With that being said, big data allows brands to gain a comprehensive understanding on customer behavior through mobile and to predict the trend. To gain such customer insights into tourists from Hong Kong and even entire APAC region, Vpon has long strived to build the biggest Asian tourist's mobile behavior database in the market through the continuous accumulation, consolidation, and data analysis over the years. Moreover, given the fact that the nature of data is interconnected, Vpon helps brands intersect and analyze the tourists' data through multiple dimensions in order to discover the underlying information and mobile behavior on a deeper level."

He further explained that with the tourist database in hand, Vpon's Cross-border Marketing solutions can greatly enhance the precision of audience targeting on tourists. More importantly, by intersecting the mobile behavior data from tourists' 3-stage journey (before-, during-, after-trip), the advertisers could gain actionable insights to their marketing strategy.

The report also covers the latest mobile ad market trends across APAC. Mobile advertising inventory has been dominated by two countries -- India and China and yet the biddable inventory from Southeast Asia countries, such as Vietnam and Thailand, surges significantly. Due to the abundant inventory, the effective cost per mille (eCPM) in China is relatively low, which the cost is only one-third of Hong Kong.

For full report: http://www.vpon.com/en/events/2017H1AsiaReport/index.html?utm_source=VPON_EN&utm_medium=EN_PPR&utm_term=HK&vpadn_src=EN_PPR_HK

About Vpon Big Data Group (www.vpon.com)

Founded in 2008, Vpon Big Data Group is a leading big data ad technology company in Asia. With extensive media resource reaching over 21 billion biddable inventory across Asia Pacific and advanced big data analytic technology, Vpon offers solutions in the areas of cross-border marketing to drive transactions for O2O and e-Commerce business and increase brand awareness.

Vpon has been widely recognized by the industry and won Bronze for Greater China Specialist Agency of the Year 2016 and Top 3 Forbes China's Top 100 Privately Held Small Businesses for 2015. Vpon services over 1500 renowned brands through its network of 4 offices in Shanghai, Tokyo, Taipei, and Hong Kong.

Media Contact

Ms. Bowie Ma

Email Contact

+852 - 2748 7376 (Ext.805)




HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/11/17 -- Asia's leading big data ad tech company, Vpon Big Data Group releases the '2017 H1 APAC Mobile Advertising Statistics and Trends Report' shedding the lights on the mobile behavior of tourists from Greater China traveling in Thailand. Additionally, the report reveals the latest trend of mobile ad market across Asia Pacific.

Contributing 20.6% of GDP in 2016, tourism is no doubt one of the key pillars of Thailand economy, while tourists from Greater China with high spending power are regarded as a goldmine of the industry in recent years. Nearly one-third of international visitors in Thailand came from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan in last year. Based on the heat maps of tourists' digital footprints in the report, tourists from Greater China tend to cluster in some famous touristic cities, such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai in a descending order by popularity. Mainland Chinese tourists are the biggest contributor to Thailand tourism, and among all the cities in China, Shanghai and Guangzhou send the most tourists to Thailand. Those tourists spent an average of 5 days in Thailand, with logging onto apps (besides social media and messaging apps) up to 10 times a day. Hence, during the short period of trip, mobile becomes an instant channel to search for travel information and, on the other hand, an efficient channel for brands to reach potential customers.

Victor Wu, CEO at Vpon Big Data Group, said, "Data drives transactions so that big data is the weapon to enhance competitiveness for all industries. With that being said, big data allows brands to gain a comprehensive understanding on customer behavior through mobile and to predict the trend. To gain such customer insights into tourists from Greater China and APAC, Vpon has long strived to build the biggest Asian tourist's mobile behavior database in the market through the continuous accumulation, consolidation, and data analysis over the years. Moreover, given the fact that the nature of data is interconnected, Vpon helps brands intersect and analyze the tourists' data through multiple dimensions in order to discover the underlying information and mobile behavior on a deeper level."

He further explained that with the tourist database in hand, Vpon's Cross-border Marketing solutions can greatly enhance the precision of audience targeting on tourists. More importantly, by intersecting the mobile behavior data from tourists' 3-stage journey (before-, during-, after-trip), the advertisers could gain actionable insights to their marketing strategy.

The '2017 H1 APAC Mobile Advertising Statistics and Trends Report' also covers the observations on Japan domestic tourism and the mobile behavior analysis of domestic Japanese tourists, as well as the latest mobile ad market trends across APAC. Mobile advertising inventory has been dominated by two countries - India and China and yet the biddable inventory from Southeast Asia countries, such as Vietnam and Thailand, surges significantly. Due to the abundant inventory, the effective cost per mille (eCPM) in India and China are relatively low compared with other countries in APAC.

For full report: http://www.vpon.com/en/events/2017H1AsiaReport/index.html?utm_source=VPON_EN&utm_medium=EN_PPR&utm_term=TH&vpadn_src=EN_PPR_TH

About Vpon Big Data Group (www.vpon.com)

Founded in 2008, Vpon Big Data Group is a leading big data ad technology company in Asia. With extensive media resource reaching over 21 billion biddable inventory across Asia Pacific and advanced big data analytic technology, Vpon offers solutions in the areas of cross-border marketing to drive transactions for O2O and e-Commerce business and increase brand awareness.

Vpon has been widely recognized by the industry and won Bronze for Greater China Specialist Agency of the Year 2016 and Top 3 Forbes China's Top 100 Privately Held Small Businesses for 2015. Vpon services over 1500 renowned brands through its network of 4 offices in Shanghai, Tokyo, Taipei, and Hong Kong.

Media Contact

Ms. Bowie Ma

Email Contact

+852 - 2748 7376 (Ext. 805)




HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/11/17 -- Vpon Big Data Group, Asia's leading big data ad technology company, released 2017 H1 APAC Mobile Advertising Statistics and Trends report, revealing the mobile behavior analysis of domestic tourists in Japan. Through these mobile data, advertisers can target potential tourists for promotion. Moreover, the report also explores the mobile behavior of Greater China tourists in Thailand and South Korea, and shows an overview of the latest Asia Pacific mobile programmatic advertising market.

Japan's tourism industry is booming. Although Greater China tourists contribute a big growth momentum, the Japanese domestic tourists are still the mainstay to support the industry. According to the statistics of the Japan Tourism Agency, the domestic tourism expenditure accounts for 80% of the total, and still rising. In view of this, the report provides an in-depth analysis of the mobile behavior of domestic tourists in Japan on the behavior pattern on planning their trips.

The aircraft is one of the major modes of transport in Japan, with Tokyo being the center of Japan's traffic to a number of cities. The domestic routes cover about 40 cities, with an average of 250 flights per day. The report also explores the behavior of Japanese tourists using mobile phones to plan trips to domestic destinations. Domestic visitors travel to metropolitan cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, or famous tourist cities such as Sapporo and Okinawa. In addition, with Tokyo as the center, Japan's domestic travel to the metropolitan cities is shorter, an average of 2.9 days and only about a month to prepare for the journey. On the contrary, Japan's domestic travel to the tourist cities is about 3.5 days, spending nearly two months to prepare. Furthermore, most tourists tend to use mobile phones to search and plan their itineraries on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoon.

Victor Wu, CEO at Vpon Big Data Group, said, "Data drives transactions so that big data is the weapon to enhance competitiveness for all industries. With that being said, big data allows brands to gain a comprehensive understanding on customer behavior through mobile and to predict the trend. To gain such customer insights into tourists from Japan and even entire APAC region, Vpon has long strived to build the biggest Asian tourist's mobile behavior database in the market through the continuous accumulation, consolidation, and data analysis over the years. Moreover, given the fact that the nature of data is interconnected, Vpon helps brands intersect and analyze the tourists' data through multiple dimensions in order to discover the underlying information and mobile behavior on a deeper level."

He further explained that with the tourist database in hand, Vpon's Cross-border Marketing solutions can greatly enhance the precision of audience targeting on tourists. More importantly, by intersecting the mobile behavior data from tourists' 3-stage journey (before-, during-, after-trip), the advertisers could gain actionable insights to their marketing strategy.

The report also covers the latest mobile ad market trends across APAC. Mobile advertising inventory has been dominated by two countries -- India and China and yet the biddable inventory from Southeast Asia countries, such as Vietnam and Thailand, surges significantly. Due to the abundant inventory, the effective cost per mille (eCPM) in India and China are relatively low compared with other countries in APAC.

For full report: http://www.vpon.com/en/events/2017H1AsiaReport/index.html?utm_source=VPON_EN&utm_medium=EN_PPR&utm_term=JP&vpadn_src=EN_PPR_JP

About Vpon Big Data Group (www.vpon.com)

Founded in 2008, Vpon Big Data Group is a leading big data ad technology company in Asia. With extensive media resource reaching over 21 billion biddable inventory across Asia Pacific and advanced big data analytic technology, Vpon offers solutions in the areas of cross-border marketing to drive transactions for O2O and e-Commerce business and increase brand awareness.

Vpon has been widely recognized by the industry and won Bronze for Greater China Specialist Agency of the Year 2016 and Top 3 Forbes China's Top 100 Privately Held Small Businesses for 2015. Vpon services over 1500 renowned brands through its network of 4 offices in Shanghai, Tokyo, Taipei, and Hong Kong.

Media Contact

Ms. Bowie Ma

Email Contact

+852 - 2748 7376 (Ext. 805)




Tecnotree Corporation Half Year Financial Report 11 August 2017 at 08:30 am



TECNOTREE CORPORATION HALF YEAR REPORT 1 JAN - 30 JUNE 2017 (UNAUDITED)



Tecnotree is a global provider of IT solutions for the management of services, products, customers and revenue for Communications Service Providers. Tecnotree helps customers to monetise and transform their business towards a marketplace of digital services. Together with its customers, Tecnotree empowers people to self-serve, engage and take control of their own digital life.



OPERATING RESULT SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED COMPARED TO LAST YEAR ALTHOUGH NET SALES IS LOWER



Second quarter



-- Second quarter net sales were EUR 15.1 (16.2) million. -- Financial situation and liquidity remain critical. -- The adjusted operating result for the quarter was EUR 3.6 (1.0) million and operating result EUR 3.1 (1.0) million. -- The adjusted result for the quarter was EUR 1.2 (-2.6) million and result EUR 0.7 (-2.6) million. -- The order book at the end of the period stood at EUR 30.4 (31 December 2016: 24.9) million. -- Second quarter cash flow after investments was EUR 0.6 (-0.4) million. -- Earnings per share were EUR 0.01 (-0.02). -- The company signed maintenance and support contract with a leading operator group valued at over EUR 14 million and three-year Managed Services agreement with a leading Middle Eastern Operator valued at EUR 8.2 million.



January-June 2017



-- Net sales for the review period were EUR 27.3 (29.2) million. -- The adjusted operating result was EUR 3.7 (-1.4) and the operating result EUR 2.9 (-1.4) million. -- The adjusted result for the period was EUR -0.7 (-7.1) million and the result EUR -1.5 (-7.1) million. -- Cash flow after investments for the review period was EUR 3.2 (-2.3) million and the company's cash and cash equivalents were EUR 1.1 (31 December 2016: 3.5) million. -- Earnings per share were EUR -0.01 (-0.06). -- The company announced about EUR 5 million further cost cuts in March 2017





KEY FIGURES 4-6/ 4-6/ 1-6/ 1-6/ 1-12/ 2017 2016 2017 2016 2016 Net sales, MEUR 15.1 16.2 27.3 29.2 60.1 Adjusted operating result, MEUR 1 3.6 1.0 3.7 -1.4 1.2 Operating result, MEUR 3.1 1.0 2.9 -1.4 -10.1 Result before taxes, MEUR 2.2 -1.4 0.9 -5.1 -5.6 Adjusted result for the period, MEUR 2 1.2 -2.6 -0.7 -7.1 -4.2 Result for the period, MEUR 0.7 -2.6 -1.5 -7.1 -6.3 Earnings per share, basic, EUR 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 -0.06 -0.05 Order book, MEUR 30.4 29.8 24.9 Cash flow after investments, MEUR 0.6 -0.4 3.2 -2.3 -0.9 Change in cash and cash equivalents, MEUR -0.1 -0.3 -2.2 -3.3 -3.0 Cash and cash equivalents, MEUR 1.1 3.1 3.5 Equity ratio % 17.4 13.1 17.9 Net gearing % 202.5 323.7 195.6 Personnel at end of period 719 926 818





1 Adjusted operating result = operating result before one-time costs. Details are given in the section "Result analysis".



2 Adjusted result for the period = result for the period without restructuring gains in financial items in Q4 2016 and one-time costs in operating costs.



With reference to the new guidelines on alternative performance measures issued by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), Tecnotree uses the alternative performance measures "adjusted operating result" and "adjusted result for the period". These measures are defined in the footnote to the above table, and in the table "Income statement, Key figures" under the section "Result analysis".



Unless otherwise stated, all figures presented below are for the review period 1-6/2017 and the figures for comparison are for the corresponding period 1-6/2016.



CEO Padma Ravichander:



Result



The results for Q2 2017, truly reflect that the path undertaken by the company, in the last few quarters is in the right direction. The cost optimization, which was the most important initiative, the company undertook in Q3 2016, and continue this year, has started yielding positive outcomes, and it has reflected in the result. The company also prudently ensured that the cost reduction activities did not adversely affect the revenues for this quarter.



Some of the major orders obtained in this quarter include Support & Maintenance for existing customers in at LATAM and the Middle East. Also during this period two customers, Mauritius Telecom and Nepal Telecom went live on the Tecnotree BSS Stack and Tecnotree Whole Sale Billing platforms respectively.



Business Outlook



While the financial performance in the review period is moderate, the trend is positive. The revenue has slightly decreased, but the cost level is further reducing. However, given the vagaries of the Business, company intends further optimize the costs in the coming quarters as previously announced in Q1 2017.



We are certainly encouraged by the progressively positive results of the second quarter compared to previous quarter and previous year same quarter. In the next half of 2017, from a business perspective, Tecnotree will continue to focus on the internal transformation of the company in the following areas:



-- Further reducing operating expenses -- Consolidating and rationalizing product portfolio, -- Building greater level of productisation and re-use



Thus improving overall quality, profitability and attractiveness of our products.



RISKS AND UNCERTAINTY FACTORS



The risks and uncertainty factors for Tecnotree are explained in the 2016 Board of Directors' Report and in the notes to the Financial Statements.



Risks and uncertainties in the near future



Tecnotree's risks and uncertainties in the near future relate to financial risk, availability of funding and sufficiency, projects, to their timing, to trade receivables and receivables from construction contracts and to changes in foreign exchange rates. Having sufficient cash funds and the development of net sales are the most significant single risks.



The liquidity of the company continues to remain tight and hence the financial situation of the company remains critical. At the group level, the amount of overdue trade payables have remained unchanged, but in the parent company they have increased. The company continues to be engaged aggressively to collect its receivables from the key customers and negotiating with financiers to secure some short term financing for additional liquidity. In addition, the company has been seeking long-term external funding through investors, which could be implemented through company or restructuring arrangements. The company's ability as going concern is dependent on the successful completion of the financing transactions that are currently under negotiations and its ability to continue to execute payments according to debt restructuring payment programme. The company has agreed on postponing the payments scheduled on 30 June 2017 until 31 August 2017 with its two biggest creditors.



The stringent financial situation and uncertainty of sufficient funding create uncertainty about obtaining new customers.



The company has sales in several countries where the country's central bank has a shortage of foreign currency. This causes additional delays in payments, costs and even the risk of not receiving payment at all.



At the end of June 2017, the Group's shareholders' equity of stood at EUR 8.6 million. However, the shareholders' equity of the parent company was EUR 5.4 million negative.



EVENTS AFTER THE END OF THE PERIOD



Tecnotree announced in July to start co-operation negotiations in Finland regarding the reduction of maximum twenty positions on financial and productive grounds.



PROSPECTS IN 2017



The company estimates that its net sales will be less than in the previous year, but the operating result will improve.



In the tight financial situation, Tecnotree will continue to implement additional cuts of operating expenses approximately EUR 5 million announced previously in March 2017. Mostly, the cost savings will realize in 2018.



As in previous years, variations in the quarterly figures are to be expected.



FINANCIAL INFORMATION



Tecnotree is holding a conference for analysts, investors and the media to present its half year financial report on 11 August 2017 at 10.00 am in the Tapiola conference room at the Scandic Hotel Simonkentta, Simonkatu 9, Helsinki. The result will be presented by CEO Padma Ravichander and the conference will be held in English. The material to be presented at the press conference will be available at www.tecnotree.com.



TECNOTREE CORPORATION



Board of Directors



Further information



Mrs. Padma Ravichander, CEO, tel. +97 156 414 1420



Ms. Kirsti Parvi, CFO, tel. +358 (0)50 517 4569



Attachment:

https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=640962

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11 August 2017

PHSC PLC

(the "Company" or the "Group")

Final Results for the year ended 31 March 2017

Financial Highlights

Underlying EBITDA* loss of 0.1m, down from a profit of 0.368m last year

Group revenue rose to 7.16m compared with 7.04m last year

Cash reserves of 0.207m at year end compared to 0.256m last year

Write-down of 0.625m (compared to 0.609m last year) due to impaired goodwill

Group net assets fell to 5.52m from 6.09m after goodwill impairment

Loss per share of 4.92p compared with last year's loss per share of 3.23p

Loss after tax of 0.691m compared with a loss of 0.414m last year

No final dividend proposed but interim dividend may be considered if progress continues

*Underlying EBITDA is calculated as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and acquisition costs and fair value movements on contingent consideration.

2017

 2016

 Profit before tax (720,693) (377,723) Less: interest received (471) (1,052) Add: interest paid 2,117 8 Add: depreciation 44,089 47,712 Add: impaired ALS goodwill 625,191 608,936 Acquisition costs - 50,000 Fair value movement on contingent consideration (50,000) - Underlying EBITDA (99,767) 367,881

Operational highlights

56% of revenues were in security-related technology services compared with 40% last year

Ongoing rationalisation and cost reduction programme

This announcement contains inside information.

Contact information

For further information please contact:

PHSC plc Stephen King 01622 717700 stephen.king@phsc.co.uk Northland Capital Partners Limited (Nominated Adviser) Edward Hutton

David Hignell 0203 861 6625 Beaufort Securities Limited (Broker) Elliot Hance 020 7382 8300

Chief Executive's Review

I present my review of the Group's performance over the year, and provide an update to shareholders on the improving picture emerging over recent months.

Key developments and outlook

PHSC plc, through its trading subsidiaries, is a leading provider of health, safety, hygiene and environmental consultancy services and security solutions to the public and private sectors. From the time of incorporation and up until the end of the 2015-16 financial year, the majority of the Group's revenue had always been generated by its health and safety businesses. In 2016-17, for the first time in the Group's history, more revenues arose from the security-related technology revenues in the form of installations, consumables and services than from health and safety services.

The legacy health and safety businesses continue to bring valuable income to the Group. Education, leisure, public transport and the care sector represent a large proportion of the clients to whom health and safety consultancy and training is provided. A wide range of general commercial and industrial organisations complete the client portfolio. In addition, the Group carries out statutory examination of lifting equipment, pressure systems and other plant and machinery via insurance brokers or directly for clients.

Our Scottish-based subsidiary specialising in quality systems management goes from strength to strength and further commentary is given later in this report. Conversely, our subsidiary engaged in asbestos management solutions has continued to encounter challenging market conditions and there is ongoing action to eliminate the losses arising there.

In recognition of the need to reduce reliance on traditional health and safety businesses, the Group moved into the security technology sector in 2012. This process continued with two further acquisitions in December 2015. The larger of those acquisitions, SG Systems (UK) Limited (SG), involved a two-year earn-out period whereby part of the consideration was based on performance. Due to this provision, the Company was restricted in the steps that could be taken in terms of integrating the businesses but agreement has recently been reached with the sellers that allows this process to commence. This is expected to result in savings where roles and functions can be combined, and economies of scale can be better exploited. This will enable us to bring forward the commitment given in last year's report where we stated that, after the earn-out timetable had been completed, we would formally consolidate B to B Links Limited and SG into a security division.

We also stated that in due course we would look to form a safety division to run parallel with the security division. This remains our strategy. The goodwill associated with Adamson's Laboratory Services Limited (ALS) was fully impaired during the year as a result of an impairment review.

Acquisition payments

Under the terms of the acquisition of SG, a cash payment of 200,000 fell due on the first anniversary of the purchase, in December 2016. This amount has been paid in full. A final payment becomes due in December 2017 and under the terms of the sale, this could have been an amount from 25,000 to 375,000 as determined by a formula that relates to performance over the period. Based on the expected results, for the purposes of the accounts, a fair value of 75,000 was initially provided for. However, the business has not performed in line with the targets that would have triggered a payment of that amount and we are confident that the final payment will be limited to 25,000. This has enabled us to release 50,000 of the initial estimated value back to the income statement.

Net asset value

As at 31 March 2017, the Company had consolidated net assets of 5.52m. There were 14,677,257 ordinary shares in issue at that date which equates to a net asset value per share of 38p. The ordinary shares of the company continue to trade at a discount to the net asset value, even after allowing for the goodwill impairment. Nevertheless, a large proportion of the Company's assets relate to goodwill associated with acquisitions and this is reviewed annually to make sure that values in the group statement of financial position can be justified. For the second year, we have found it necessary to impair ALS in accordance with requirements of accounting standards. We are writing down the carrying value of that business and this represents a reduction of approximately 11% in the consolidated net assets of the Group. The board is satisfied that all other goodwill valuations can presently be justified.

Outlook

Ongoing political uncertainty and the weaker sterling exchange rate continue to adversely affect the Group, and in particular the security-related subsidiaries that import materials priced in euros or US dollars.

It is encouraging that the Group saw a material improvement in underlying EBITDA in the second half of 2016-17. Our legacy health and safety businesses generally continue to enjoy a large amount of repeat business and have a very loyal client base. Losses at our asbestos-related business have bottomed out and management are seeing stabilisation of prices after a period of heavy discounting. There may be further costs associated with restructuring the business but the board anticipates that the large trading losses are a thing of the past.

Proposed restructuring of our security-related companies into a single division will ultimately result in cost savings. In addition, there continue to be good prospects for increased sales and opportunities for technological innovation of the products supplied. Significant new contracts can take a considerable amount of time to materialise and various trials and talks are underway with a number of existing and prospective clients.

Based on the latest management accounts (unaudited), the Group had total revenues of 1.82m for the first quarter of 2017-18. This is an increase of around 5% on the first three months of last year. Based on those revenues, EBITDA for the first quarter is showing as around 120k. This compares very favourably to the loss of 40k that was reflected over the corresponding period last year.

Aside from the final payment expected to be 25,000 under the terms of the purchase agreement for SG, no other acquisition payments are due and the Group is presently not considering any further acquisitions.

Performance by trading subsidiary

A review of the activities of each trading subsidiary is provided below. The profit figures stated are before tax and central management charges.

Adamson's Laboratory Services Limited (ALS)

2017: sales of 823,200 resulting in a loss of 194,600

2016: sales of 1,825,600 yielding a profit of 76,800

Competition within the sector continues to adversely affect revenues and has led to a situation where ALS along with several of its peers is trading at a loss. A number of loss-making competitors entered administration during the year.

The business had a very disappointing year with sales materially down and a resulting loss of 194,600. In response, ALS made significant cost reductions in both cost of sales and expenditure to compensate for the loss of revenue and negative margins. As part of the cost reduction, several members of staff were made redundant and the trading loss includes around 30,000 of severance pay.

The company has been supported by the Group and has recently seen some areas for optimism. It continues to win repeat business with blue chip clients and local government and has seen a growth in the education sector.

The health and safety department's turnover increased and the volume of occupational hygiene consultancy showed some growth.

ALS has successfully maintained its accreditation with UKAS ISO 17020, 17025, ISO 9001 and ISO14001.

B to B Links Limited (B to B)

2017: sales of 2,594,900 yielding a profit of 52,500

2016: sales of 2,551,800 yielding a profit of 134,200

During 2016-17 B to B generated revenues of 2,594,900 consistent with the previous three years. The majority of sales in 2016-17 came from national accounts, primarily in the department store, fashion retail, builders' merchants and DIY sectors. Independent retail sales were flat during the year compared with 2015-16. Non-retail CCTV sales activities contributed 254,400 to company revenues in 2016-17, the first full year of integration of the business of Camerascan CCTV Limited. Profits for the year fell by 81,700 due to a combination of trade cost increases caused by the depreciation of sterling following the June 2016 EU Referendum and a bad debt of around 40,000 incurred after a client went into administration.

Despite the headwinds faced in 2016-17 the outlook for B to B remains strong. B to B's retail customer base has performed well in the new financial year and existing key accounts all have clear plans to invest in property projects and associated CCTV and security tagging hardware during 2017-18. Global restructuring of key competitors in both radio frequency and acousto-magnetic security tagging technologies may also provide opportunities to grow market share.

Closer operational links have developed with SG during the year and these will deepen further during the 2017-18 financial year. Key priorities for 2017-18 are to grow B to B sales by further developing existing accounts, achieving stronger growth in independent sales, both retail and non-retail and to improve efficiency in technical delivery and stock management.

Inspection Services (UK) Limited (ISL)

2017: sales of 227,600 yielding a profit of 44,200

2016: sales of 219,600 yielding a profit of 40,300

Health and safety legislation requires employers to ensure that relevant equipment is examined at an appropriate frequency by a competent person to ensure it remains safe to use. Many organisations rely upon external agencies to assist them to comply with their duties in this regard.

The main business of ISL is to carry out statutory examinations and inspections of lifting plant and equipment, and of pressure systems, through contracts placed by insurance brokers. Commissions are paid to brokers for placing this work with ISL. Approximately 75% of revenue is derived through the insurance sector, with the remaining 25% from business placed directly by clients.

ISL's revenues rose by 3.5%, or 7k, from around 220k to 228k over the period. The increase was because the volume of new business outweighed the number of clients who did not renew the service with ISL. Costs rose as a consequence of the delivery of a greater number of services, and because sub-contractor fees rose in the second half of the year due to a need to cover for the medical-related absence of a member of staff. Despite the higher costs incurred, pre-tax and management charge profit rose to a little over 44k, an improvement of around 3.9k or 10%.

Personnel Health & Safety Consultants Limited (PHSCL)

2017: sales of 666,900 yielding a profit of 218,900

2016: sales of 703,300 yielding a profit of 276,100

The principal activity of PHSCL in the year under review continues to be that of providing general health and safety consultancy and training services to public and private sector clients. In addition, consultants provide expert witness reports in connection with criminal and legal cases, and some editorial content for safety publications.

Turnover decreased by around 5% with gross margins down to 59%. Higher staff salaries and the effects of pension auto-enrolment, combined with an inability to pass on our extra costs to clients were responsible for lower profits.

Most of PHSCL's revenue is obtained under a retainer service, with these clients' often purchasing additional consultancy or training days.

During the year an agreement was made with PHSCL's largest client to transfer a consultant from the payroll onto the client's headcount. Although a compensatory payment was received, this has led to a net loss of recurring revenues.

The company continues to be a net provider of resources to other members of the Group, with policy dictating that no cross-charges are applied to reflect this contribution.

QCS International Limited (QCS)

2017: sales of 624,000 yielding a profit of 210,800

2016: sales of 528,000 yielding a profit of 122,700

QCS's turnover and operational profit both exceeded management expectations. It was hoped that the company would benefit from changes to ISO standards, which experience has shown leads to greater demand for both training and consultancy services. This proved to be the case and the company increased sales significantly in the year, while keeping a close control on costs.

Sales increased by 96k (18%) compared to 2015-16 and the corresponding profit increased by 88k (72%) to 211k. This considerable increase in profit reflects the improved utilisation of assets/resources.

QCS continues to be a leader in the design, marketing and delivery of training courses and consultancy in respect of the ISO standards, which can be seen in the high number of training courses (public and in-house) and new consultancies delivered. QCS is highly regarded within its locale and has a considerable share of the ISO training market for southern and central Scotland.

The changes in 2015 to the standards ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 continue to underpin new sales. This is likely to continue until autumn 2018, by which point transition must be complete. QCS has presented plans to find new markets for 2018 onwards should the demand for services linked to the new standards decline.

QCS decided to retain full approved training partner status with our main professional body, IRCA. During the year IRCA adjusted their relationship with their training partners, causing some of QCS's competitors to decide to leave the group.

QCS continues to demonstrate high levels of customer retention; 70% of consultancy clients were retained while achieving a steady growth of 15% in new clients to the consultancy portfolio.

QCS's medical device consultancy service has been in place for over a year. Medical device consultancy sales were not as high as hoped in the first half of the financial year but new clients have been secured in early 2017. QCS are using their new website and marketing initiatives to focus on generating further work in this area which can be charged at a premium. Concerns are being raised amongst clients about the potential impact of Brexit in this sector which relies heavily upon EU cooperation in respect of regulations. This uncertainty may generate opportunities as clients seek reassurance and guidance once the new regulatory framework is established.

It was hoped that the British standard OHSAS 18001 for health and safety would have been replaced by a new international standard ISO 45001 in 2016-17. This did not happen and the latest indications are that this may not occur until late 2017. This will provide us with an opportunity to assist clients with the transition process, albeit at a lower rate than for work associated with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

Quality Leisure Management Limited (QLM)

2017: sales of 437,100 yielding a profit of 74,300

2016: sales of 506,290 yielding a profit of 95,900

The business continued to develop and diversify in 2016-17 but the company's core business functions will be the focus as QLM continues to adapt to the changing business environment and client base.

QLM saw a 14% fall in turnover from 506,290 in 2015-16 to 437,100 in 2016-17. This was largely due to staffing issues; a significant period of sickness absence in the second quarter and the loss of the equivalent of one full time member of staff in December 2016.

Auditing income declined by 22% from 108,900 in 2015/16 to 84,300 in 2016-17. The number of audits undertaken has decreased and lighter, more general topics or activity specific reviews have taken precedence over QLM Leisuresafe' audits.

Staffing and subcontractor's costs varied significantly in the latter part of 2016-17 with two part-time consultants retiring and another member of staff leaving the payroll and moving to a sub-contractor role to provide both parties with more flexible working arrangements. Savings and efficiencies should continue to be seen as sub-contractors are increasingly used in 2017-18.

Accident investigation income, although slightly down year on year plays a significant role in publicly demonstrating QLM's competence and level of expertise. QLM continues to provide expert witness testimony for civil and criminal cases and has been engaged by the Health and Safety Executive, environmental health departments, solicitors and insurance companies in support of swimming, leisure and service industry cases.

Publications generated 6,200 of income in the year ended 31 March 2017. The CIMSPA publications, Risk Assessment Manual and Best Practice Health & Safety Operating Procedures were published later than expected by the Institute and sales suffered accordingly.

QLM continues to update its technology, including website development, server replacement and the utilisation of cloud based systems. This expenditure is essential for the development of the business and to gain efficiencies within it. Investment in this area will continue to be a priority in 2017-18.

RSA Environmental Health Limited (RSA)

2017: sales of 374,100 yielding a profit of 65,100

2016: sales of 413,100 yielding a profit of 72,900

The principal activities of the company in the year under review were the provision of health and safety consultancy services and training, together with the sale of associated health and safety products.

Income has fallen year on year, as RSA continues its transition away from the provision of low-margin services to the public sector to higher margin private sector services. The benefit of this strategy is seen in the higher gross profit margins despite lower revenues.

Over the past year RSA has focused on adapting the company to one that no longer relies upon the previous strategy that was geared towards Local Authority contracts. This has allowed the business to concentrate its effort on supporting schools with their management of health and safety via the SafetyMARK service core offering. This area has seen an increase in growth from 2015-16 with the highest turnover achieved since the company moved into the schools market.

Indications show that there is a continuing demand despite cost pressures being placed on the mainstream schools sector. The SafetyMARK service is proving cost effective and is finding favour within its target market. The company seeks further growth through provision of services to multi academy trusts to build on revenues and increase the client base. Several multi-school partnerships have increased the number of schools under contract and this has brought in additional revenues.

The independent schools sector is another area where RSA has seen an uplift in clients using the SafetyMARK scheme. Cost pressures are less evident in this sector and the more complex nature of the schools concerned means that generally a higher premium can be commanded. Further marketing and attendance at the Independent Schools Bursars Association conference in May 2017 will aim to increase revenues from this part of the market.

One London borough council has continued to promote SafetyMARK as an alternative safety support service to that previously provided by the local authority. The business has seen modest growth in this area in the past year with the continued provision of audits and support as well as providing health and safety training within the borough. Currently there are 17 schools within the borough signed up to the scheme. Some schools are currently operating with no support and free training seminars were provided to increase awareness of the SafetyMARK brand. This resulted in new enquiries and an additional school signing up.

SG Systems (UK) Limited (SG)

2017: sales of 1,414,500 yielding a loss of 113,500

2016: sales of 256,700 yielding a loss of 68,900 (3.5 months)

In its first full year since joining the Group, SG generated sales of 1,414,500. Sales were lower than forecast due to a hiatus in store openings and refits from a major grocery customer following its acquisition of another retailer. This, combined with pressure on gross margins caused by the depreciation of sterling following the June 2016 EU referendum, has meant that the company made a loss for the year.

SG's traditional core customer base of national retail chains in the department store, fashion, grocery, stationery and electronics sectors has generally continued to trade well during 2016-17. The significant efforts made by the SG sales team during 2016-17 have seen a number of new retail accounts and a number of new product lines being launched in response to customer demand which will provide a strong platform for growth in 2017-18 and beyond. Sectorally the customer base has also diversified with a series of projects implemented in a range of non-retail sectors, including construction, school libraries, prisons/secure units, tourist attractions and hotels.

During the year closer operational links have developed with B to B and these will deepen further during the 2017-18 financial year. SG's key priorities for 2017-18 are to grow sales through the introduction of new products in existing accounts and new accounts and to improve efficiency of stock management and technical delivery.

PHSC plc

2017: net loss of 501,100 before management charges, exceptional costs and dividends received

2016: net loss of 479,600 before management charges, exceptional costs and dividends received

The parent company incurs costs on behalf of the group and does not generate any income. The costs incurred by PHSC plc represent the costs of running an AIM listed group and are consistent with the previous year.



On behalf of the board



Stephen King

Group Chief Executive

11 August 2017





Group Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 March 2017

2017

 2016

 Non-Current Assets Property, plant and equipment 626,224 675,345 Goodwill 3,878,463 4,503,654 Deferred tax asset 21,693 497 4,526,380 5,179,496

Current Assets Inventories 487,367 416,371 Trade and other receivables 1,447,493 1,894,875 Cash and cash equivalents 206,719 256,558 2,141,579 2,567,804

Total Assets 6,667,959 7,747,300

Current Liabilities Trade and other payables 1,064,358 1,221,599 Current corporation tax payable - 103,403 Deferred consideration - 200,000 Contingent consideration 25,000 - 1,089,358 1,525,002

Non-Current Liabilities Deferred tax liabilities 57,800 62,755 Deferred consideration - 75,000 - 57,800 137,755

Total Liabilities 1,147,158 1,662,757

Net Assets 5,520,801 6,084,543

Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the Company Called up share capital 1,467,726 1,308,634 Share premium account 1,916,017 1,751,358 Capital redemption reserve 143,628 143,628 Merger relief reserve 133,836 133,836 Retained earnings 1,859,594 2,747,087 5,520,801 6,084,543





Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 March 2017

2017

 2016

 Continuing operations: Revenue 7,162,299 7,004,340 Cost of sales (3,988,623) (3,803,240) Gross profit 3,173,676 3,201,100 Administrative expenses (3,319,092) (2,930,931) Administrative expenses - exceptional (625,191) (608,936) Other income 1,560 - Other income - exceptional 50,000 - Loss from operations (719,047) (338,767) Finance income 471 1,052 Finance costs (2,117) (8) Loss before taxation (720,693) (337,723) Corporation tax credit 29,495 (75,920) Loss for the year after tax attributable to owners of the parent (691,198) (413,643) Other comprehensive income - - Total comprehensive income attributable to owners of the parent (691,198) (413,643) Basic and diluted Earnings per Share from continuing operations (4.92)p (3.23)p





Group Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 March 2017



Share

Capital



Share

Premium

 Merger

relief

reserve

 Capital

Redemption

Reserve



Retained

Earnings





Total



Balance at 1 April 2015 1,268,634 1,751,358 79,836 143,628 3,355,410 6,598,866 Loss for year attributable to equity holders - - - - (413,643) (413,643) Issue of shares on acquisition 40,000 - 54,000 - (4,385) 89,615 Dividends - - - - (190,295) (190,295) Balance at 31 March 2016 1,308,634 1,751,358 133,836 143,628 2,747,087 6,084,543

Balance at 1 April 2016 1,308,634 1,751,358 133,836 143,628 2,747,087 6,084,543 Loss for year attributable to equity holders - - - - (691,198) (691,198) Issue of shares on acquisition 159,092 164,659 - - - 323,751 Dividends - - - - (196,295) (196,295) Balance at 31 March 2017 1,467,726 1,916,017 133,836 143,628 1,859,594 5,520,801

Group Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 March 2017





Note

2017



2016

 Cash flows from operating activities: Cash generated from operations I 124,925 414,062 Interest paid (2,117) (8) Tax paid (100,061) (83,041) Net cash generated from operating activities 22,747 331,013 Cash flows used in investing activities Purchase of property, plant and equipment (2,087) (35,654) Payments in relation to acquisitions (net of cash acquired) - (262,674) Disposal of fixed assets 1,574 724 Interest received 471 1,052 Net cash used in investing activities (42) (296,552) Cash flows used by financing activities Payment of deferred consideration (200,000) (50,000) Proceeds from placement of shares 323,751 - Dividends paid to Group shareholders (196,295) (190,295) Net cash used by financing activities (72,544) (240,295) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (49,839) (205,834) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 256,558 462,392 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 206,719 256,558

Notes to the Group Statement of Cash Flows





2017



2016

 I. CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS Operating loss - continuing operations (719,047) (338,767) Depreciation charge 44,089 46,882 Goodwill impairment 625,191 608,936 Fair value movement in contingent consideration (50,000) - Loss on sale of fixed assets 5,545 2,298 Increase in inventories (70,996) (28,179) Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables 447,384 381,937 (Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables (157,241) (259,045) Cash generated from operations 124,925 414,062



Notes to the results announcement of PHSC plc

The financial information set out above does not constitute the Group's financial statements for the years ended 31 March 2017 or 31 March 2016, but is derived from those financial statements. Statutory financial statements for 2016 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for 2017 have been approved by the board and will be delivered after dispatch to shareholders. The auditors have reported on the 2016 and 2017 financial statements which carried an unqualified audit report, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis and did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

While the financial information included in this announcement has been computed in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), this announcement does not in itself contain sufficient information to comply with IFRS. The accounting policies used in preparation of this announcement are consistent with those in the full financial statements that have yet to be published.

Annual General Meeting

This year's annual general meeting ("AGM") will be held at 10.00am on Monday 11 September 2017 at The Old Church, 31 Rochester Road, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7PR.

The report and accounts and notice of the AGM will be posted to shareholders on or around 15 August 2017 and will be available to view on the Company's website at www.phsc.plc.uk

Dividend

No final dividend is proposed but an interim dividend may be considered if progress continues
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/11/17 -- Touchstone Exploration Inc. ("Touchstone" or the "Company") (TSX: TXP)(AIM: TXP) announces its financial and operating results for the three months ended June 30, 2017 (the "second quarter"). Selected financial and operational information is outlined below and should be read in conjunction with Touchstone's June 30, 2017 unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis, both of which will be available under the Company's profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and the Company's website (www.touchstoneexploration.com). Unless otherwise stated, tabular amounts herein are in thousands of Canadian dollars, and amounts in text are rounded to thousands of Canadian dollars.

2017 Second Quarter Highlights

-- Completed an admission and listing on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. In conjunction with the admission, the Company successfully placed 20,000,000 new common shares with United Kingdom investors for gross proceeds of $2,446,000. -- Successfully drilled three wells and recompleted five wells. -- Achieved quarterly average crude oil sales of 1,334 barrels per day ("bbls/d"), representing an increase of 4% from the first quarter of 2017. -- Realized operating netback before realized derivatives of $19.89 per barrel, representing an increase of 23% from $16.21 per barrel recorded in the second quarter of 2016. -- Generated quarterly funds flow from operations of $438,000 ($0.01 per basic share) compared to $393,000 ($0.01 per basic share) in the first quarter of 2017.

2017 Second Quarter and Year to Date Financial and Operating Results Summary

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating Average daily oil production (bbls/d) 1,334 1,322 1,307 1,342 Operating netback(1)($/bbl) Brent benchmark price 66.66 58.72 68.79 52.61 Discount (5.40) (8.89) (6.12) (8.45) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Realized sales price 61.26 49.83 62.67 44.16 Royalties (17.84) (13.52) (20.34) (12.54) Operating expenses (23.53) (20.10) (20.61) (22.35) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating netback prior to derivatives 19.89 16.21 21.72 9.27 Realized gain on derivatives - 27.56 - 26.47 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating netback after derivatives 19.89 43.77 21.72 35.74 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financial ($000's except share and per share amounts) Funds flow from operations 438 3,278 831 4,197 Per share - basic and diluted( 1 ) 0.01 0.04 0.01 0.05 Net loss (1,848) (2,553) (3,397) (4,997) Per share - basic and diluted (0.02) (0.03) (0.04) (0.06) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capital expenditures Exploration 520 476 708 629 Property and equipment 4,940 (340) 5,486 706 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 5,460 136 6,194 1,335 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets - end of period 86,570 73,330 Net debt(1) - end of period 13,814 4,188 Weighted average shares outstanding Basic and diluted 84,236,044 83,125,605 83,689,629 83,106,374 Outstanding shares - end of period 103,137,143 83,137,143 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1)Refer to advisory regarding non-GAAP measures.

In the second quarter of 2017, Touchstone commenced its four well 2017 drilling program. Three wells were drilled in the quarter, two of which were completed and on production by the end of June 2017. Touchstone's workover program continued in the quarter with five wells recompleted, totaling ten well recompletions in the calendar year of 2017. The Company invested $5,460,000 in the second quarter of 2017 on exploration and development expenditures, of which $4,726,000 related to drilling and well recompletions. As a result, second quarter 2017 production increased to 1,334 barrels per day, representing an increase of 4% from the first quarter of 2017 and 1% from the second quarter of 2016. The two new wells commenced production in mid-June 2017, contributing a field estimated 3,350 barrels of incremental production in the second quarter.

Realized second quarter 2017 pricing for crude oil was $61.26 (US$45.51) per barrel versus $49.83 (US$38.59) per barrel received in the equivalent quarter of 2016. Petroleum revenues increased 24% from the prior year comparative quarter primarily based on the significant year over year increase in realized crude oil prices. Second quarter 2017 royalty expenses represented 29.1% of petroleum revenues compared to 27.1% in the prior year comparative period. The increase reflected the sliding scale effect of increased commodity prices on royalty rates. Second quarter 2017 operating expenses increased 17% per barrel based on increased workover activity. General and administrative costs increased 5% from the prior year second quarter, as less costs were capitalized in the second quarter of 2017. Second quarter 2017 net finance expenses increased 16% from the prior year equivalent quarter, as increased term loan interest expenses were slightly offset by reduced interest on income taxes and bank loan finance fees.

Funds flow from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2017 was $438,000 ($0.01 per basic share) versus funds flow from operations of $3,278,000 ($0.04 per basic share) recognized in the second quarter of 2016. Funds flow from operations decreased in comparison to the prior year comparative quarter largely due to $3,316,000 in realized derivative gains that were recorded in 2016. The Company recorded a net loss of $1,848,000 ($0.02 per basic share) during the three months ended June 30, 2017, versus a net loss of $2,553,000 ($0.03 per basic share) recognized in the second quarter of 2016.

On June 26, 2017, the Company completed an admission and listing on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. In conjunction with the AIM admission, the Company placed an additional 20,000,000 new common shares at a price of $0.12, resulting in gross and net proceeds of $2,446,000 and $777,000, respectively.

Touchstone exited the quarter with a cash balance of $9,925,000, a working capital surplus of $1,186,000 and a $15,000,000 principal term loan balance. $4,925,000 of the Company's cash balance was considered available at June 30, 2017, as Touchstone must maintain a minimum cash reserves balance of $5,000,000 in accordance with its term loan. In addition, the Company classified $3,186,000 in cash used to collateralize letters of credit that secured future work obligations on production and development contracts as long-term restricted cash. Cash and working capital decreased from the first quarter of 2017 due to drilling activity in the second quarter; the Company expects to realize the benefits of increased production in the second half of 2017.

The fourth well of Touchstone's 2017 drilling program was drilled subsequent to the end of the second quarter, and all four wells were completed and on production. The Company will provide an operational update when all new wells have stabilized with at least 30 days of production data.

About Touchstone

Touchstone Exploration Inc. is a Calgary based company engaged in the business of acquiring interests in petroleum and natural gas rights, and the exploration, development, production and sale of petroleum and natural gas. Touchstone is currently active in onshore properties located in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The Company's common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol "TXP".

Advisories

Non-GAAP Measures: This press release contains terms commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry, such as funds flow from operations per share, operating netback and net debt. These terms do not have a standardized meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company calculates funds flow from operations per share by dividing funds flow from operations by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period. Operating netback is presented on a per barrel basis and is calculated by deducting royalties and operating expenses from petroleum revenue. The Company discloses operating netback both prior to realized gains or losses on derivatives and after the impacts of derivatives are included. Realized gains or losses represent the portion of risk management contracts that have settled in cash during the period, and disclosing this impact provides Management and investors with transparent measures that reflect how the Company's risk management program can impact netback metrics. The Company uses operating netback as a key performance indicator of field results, and considers it to be a key measure as it demonstrates Touchstone's profitability relative to current commodity prices. Net debt is calculated by summing the Company's working capital and non-current undiscounted interest bearing liabilities. Working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities as they appear on the statements of financial position. The Company uses this information to assess its true debt and liquidity position and to manage capital and liquidity risk. Management uses these non-GAAP measures for its own performance measurement and to provide stakeholders with measures to compare the Company's operations over time.

Forward-Looking Statements: Certain information provided in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information in this press release may include, but is not limited to, statements regarding expectations related to the future incremental production to be achieved from the drilling program. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Certain of these risks are set out in more detail in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 21, 2017 which has been filed on SEDAR and can be accessed at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or otherwise, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

Touchstone Exploration Inc.

Mr. Paul Baay

President and Chief Executive Officer

403.750.4487



Touchstone Exploration Inc.

Mr. Scott Budau

Chief Financial Officer

403.750.4487



Touchstone Exploration Inc.

Mr. James Shipka

Chief Operating Officer

403.750.4487

www.touchstoneexploration.com




CALGARY, AB -- (Marketwired) -- 08/11/17 -- Canadian Overseas Petroleum Ltd (TSX VENTURE: XOP) (LSE: COPL)

TSX-V: XOP

Canadian Overseas Petroleum

Reports Q2 2017 Results

Calgary, Canada, August 10, 2017 - Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited ("COPL" or the "Company") (XOP: TSX-V) & (COPL: LSE), an international oil and gas exploration and development company focused on offshore West Africa, today announced its results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017.

During the period, the Company successfully raised  3,280,000 from the marketed sale of common shares to investors primarily in the United Kingdom through the facilities of the London Stock Exchange. Senior Management and employees participated in the offering on a private placement basis. The offering was over-subscribed.

COPL's technical team continued to perform geological and geophysical analysis on the rest of block LB-13, offshore Liberia, in order to decide whether or not to proceed into the third exploration phase of the PSC at LB-13 as the second exploration phase expires on September 25, 2017.

Meanwhile, the Company continues to source funds for its appraisal/development project at OPL 226 offshore Nigeria, held through COPL's partnership with Shoreline Energy. The Company, through its Investment Bankers COFARCO SAS of Paris, France and Zeus Capital of London, United Kingdom, are in discussions with a select number of Oil Traders, Merchant Banks and service providers to source the required funds. Discussions are advancing well and the Company hopes to have the process completed by the end of the third quarter. COPL remains confident that it will meet the target to drill an appraisal well in late 2017 or early 2018 with a subsequent Early Production Scheme in place shortly thereafter.

Arthur Millholland, President & CEO, commented:

"We remain focused on developing our attractive oil appraisal and development project in OPL 226, offshore Nigeria. The initial work program will be to drill an appraisal well to the NOA-1 oil discovery and place it on production through an Early Production Scheme. This would be followed by the drilling of up to three additional similar wells on the NOA Structure. This phase of the project would precede a full field development. The two Investment Banks engaged specialize in project financing of African energy ventures. We look forward to updating the market and our shareholders upon completion of the financing phase of the process."

Please click on the following link to view full announcement

http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/7213N_1-2017-8-10.pdf

Contacts:

RNS

Customer

Services

0044-207797-4400

rns@londonstockexchange.com

http://www.rns.com




VOF becomes a major shareholder in FPT Retail, the second largest mobile phone distributor in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, 11 August 2017 - VinaCapital, the manager of the VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund (LSE: VOF), announces that its flagship fund has become a significant investor in FPT Digital Retail JSC (FPTR), a leading mobile phone distributor in Vietnam.

As part of its divestment strategy, FPT Group (HSX: FPT) is spinning-off its retail distribution unit, and is selling 35% of the shares in FPTR to a few institutional investors of which VOF is one of the largest. VOF has invested USD11 million in this offering. As part of the conditions of the sale, FPT Group has committed to listing FPTR on the stock market in the near future, which will increase liquidity and the investor base.

Andy Ho, Chief Investment Officer of VinaCapital and Managing Director of VOF, said "The consumer sector is one our favourites, and Vietnamese people have shown a huge appetite for mobile phones and accessories, which is their primary tool to communicate and access the internet. This transaction enables us to make a meaningful investment in a premier, unlisted company at a substantial discount compared to the market and peers. We hope that other international institutional investors will see the growth potential of this business and invest with us."

About FPT Retail

FPTR is the second-largest mobile phone offline retailer in Vietnam, with 14% market share nationwide from 443 stores covering all 63 provinces in the country. The company grew revenue and profit over 50% and 150% per annum, respectively, in the last three years as a result of nearly tripling its number of stores during that period. FPTR's compounded annual growth rate of revenue and profit before tax is expected to be over 25% and 35% per annum, respectively, during the 2016 - 2019 period, more than double market growth of 8-10%, and driven by same-store sales growth as well as from 150 newly opened stores in the provinces where the smart phone penetration rate is still low. FPTR is well-positioned to capitalise on this growth given its expansive retail footprint.

# # #

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


CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Commodity currencies such as the Australian, the New Zealand and the Canadian dollars weakened against their major counterparts in the Asian session on Friday, as tensions continued to escalate between the U.S. and North Korea. President Trump further suggested that his 'fire and fury' comments may not have been tough enough. Investors also digested local corporate earnings results.



Crude oil delivery for September is currently down 0.37 percent or $48.21 per barrel. The crude oil prices fell after OPEC admitted that its production rose in July despite a supply quota agreement with Russia. The cartel pumped oil at a relatively robust pace even as Saudi Arabia tried to get smaller members to comply.



In other economic news, data from Business NZ showed that the manufacturing sector in July continued to expand in July, though at a slower rate, with a Performance of Manufacturing Index score of 55.4. That's down from the downwardly revised 56.0 in June.



Data from Statistics New Zealand showed that the food prices in New Zealand were down an unadjusted 0.2 percent on month in July, following the 0.2 percent gain in June. On yearly basis, food prices were up 3.0 percent for the second straight month.



Data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand showed that New Zealand's house prices increased in July from a year ago, while the volume of sales plunged. The national median house price index rose 3.4 percent year-over-year to NZ$501,000 in July. However, median prices dropped 2.3 percent, month-on-month.



On a seasonally adjusted basis, national median prices grew 3.3 percent in July from a year ago.



In the Asian trading, the Australian dollar fell to a 1-month low of 1.5011 against the euro and a 1-1/2-month low of 85.45 against the yen, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.4948 and 86.00, respectively. If the aussie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.51 against the euro and 84.00 against the yen.



Against the U.S. and the Canadian dollars, the aussie dropped to nearly a 4-week low of 0.7839 and a 2-day low of 0.9993 from yesterday's closing quotes of 0.7872 and 1.0035, respectively. The aussie may test support near 0.76 against the greenback and 0.98 against the loonie.



The aussie edged down to 1.0786 against the NZ dollar, from yesterday's closing value of 1.0819. On the downside, 1.05 is seen as the next support level for the aussie.



The NZ dollar fell to nearly a 3-month low of 1.6228 against the euro and nearly a 2-month low of 79.08 against the yen, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.6173 and 79.49, respectively. If the downtrend continues, kiwi may find its support around 1.63 against the euro and 77.00 against the yen.



Against the U.S. dollar, the kiwi dropped to 0.7252 from yesterday's closing value of 0.7277. The kiwi is likely to find support near the 0.71 region.



The Canadian dollar fell to nearly a 1-month low of 1.2753 against the U.S. dollar and a 1-1/2-month low of 85.47 against the yen, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.2742 and 85.69, respectively. If the loonie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.30 against the greenback and 84.00 against the yen.



Against the euro, the loonie dropped to 1.5008 from yesterday's closing value of 1.4999. The loonie is could find support near the 1.51 region.



Looking ahead, U.S. CPI for July and U.S. Baker Hughes rig count data are due to be released in the New York session.



At 9:40 am ET, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas President Robert Kaplan is expected to speak about economic conditions and monetary policy at an annual continuing education event for accounting professionals, in Arlington.



At 11:30 am ET, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari is expected to speak at the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota Annual Convention.



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BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The British pound weakened against other major currencies in the European session on Friday, as U.S. President Donald Trump's rhetoric on North Korea over the past few days made investors risk averse.



The U.K.'s FTSE 100 index is currently down 1.15 percent or 84.85 points at 7,305, France's CAC 40 index is down 1.16 percent or 59.21 points at 5,056 and Germany's DAX is down 0.54 percent or 64.44 points at 11,949.



Commodity-related stocks were among the worst performers against the backdrop of heightened political uncertainty after Trump further ratcheted up the rhetoric, suggesting that his 'fire and fury' comments may not have been tough enough.



The president said 'things will happen to them they never thought possible' should Pyongyang attack the United States or its allies.



In the Asian trading today, the pound had risen against its major rivals.



In the European trading, the pound fell to nearly a 2-month high of 141.26 against the yen and more than a 2-week high of 1.2452 against the Swiss franc, from early highs of 141.87 and 1.2501, respectively. If the pound extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 139.00 against the yen and 1.22 against the franc.



Against the euro and the U.S. dollar, the pound dropped to 0.9069 and 1.2968, from early highs of 0.9051 and 1.2999, respectively. The pound may test support near 0.91 against the euro and 1.27 against the greenback.



Looking ahead, U.S. CPI for July and U.S. Baker Hughes rig count data are due to be released in the New York session.



At 9:40 am ET, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas President Robert Kaplan is expected to speak about economic conditions and monetary policy at an annual continuing education event for accounting professionals, in Arlington.



At 11:30 am ET, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari is expected to speak at the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota Annual Convention.



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Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
LONDON, August 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

iATMChain large meeting in Shenzhen Aug 6th, 2017i

ATMChain Foundation, a foundation sponsored by Jiangsu Huaxin Blockchain Research Institute of China (JBI), acquired 7.5 million shares of RFintech for a total consideration of EUR 15 million.

RFintech and ATMChain will collaborate in the development of the next generation DLT, starting with ATMChain's "blockchain+media" platform.

ATMChain is a safe and highly reliable transaction system that combines blockchain network with digital media distribution. It created the new strategy of "blockchain+media" to explore the economic value of people's attention in a profound manner and turn media assets into the digital form.

As a result of this new partnership, RFintech will become part of the team to build the ATMChain global ecosystem and help the company complete its strategic presence in the blockchain ecosystem in Asia.

RFintech boasts advanced technology and rich marketing experience in high-tech areas such as AI and blockchain. It is devoted to creating new value with new technologies. It has established blockchain-based asset business backed by physical crude oil and other energy assets. It offers this new product, bilur, as the first eCommodity. Bilur will be exchanged in the major foreign exchange markets over the world.

RFintech will provide ATMChain with quality resources around the world and decisions have been made to create exchange child nodes in Geneva, Madrid, London, Toronto, the US (New York, Houston and San Francisco), Mexico (DF), and Argentina (Buenos Aires).

In addition, RFintech's business in Asia will be integrated into the ATMChain ecosystem project and ATMChain will adopt ATM bilur as its exchange currency in Europe.
Alytus, Lithuania, 2017-08-11 12:39 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On 22 August 2017 the extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of Snaige AB, the address of head office Pramones str. 6, Alytus, the company code 249664610 (hereinafter, the "Company") is convened the ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (hereinafter, the "Meeting").



The place of the meeting -at AB "Snaige" office, at the address Kareiviu str. 6, Vilnius, Lithuania.



The Meeting commences - at 10 a.m. (registration starts at 9.45 a.m.).



The Meeting's accounting day - 14 August 2017 (the persons who are shareholders of the Company at the end of accounting day of the General Meeting of Shareholders or authorized persons by them, or the persons with whom shareholders concluded the agreements on the disposal of voting right, shall have the right to attend and vote at the General Meeting of Shareholders).



The Board of directors of the Company initiates and convenes the meeting.



Agenda of the Meeting:



1. Regarding purchase of the Company's shares 2. Regarding approval procedure for payment of renumeration by AB Snaige to the Board Members and Board member agreement 3. Election of the audit firm for auditing purposes of financial statements and establishment of terms regarding the payment for audit services; 4. The withdrawal of Anton Kudryashov from Snaige AB Audit Committee members; 5. The election the new member to Audit Committee.



The Company shall not provide the possibility to participate and vote in the Meeting through electronic communication channels.



Draft resolutions on agenda issues, documents be submitted to the General Meeting of Shareholders and other information related with the exercising of the shareholders' rights are available on the website of the Company www.snaige.lt on menu item "For investors". This information will be also available for the shareholders at the head office of the Company (Pramones street 6, Alytus) on business days from 9:00 am. till 16:00 pm. (on Fridays till 14:00), tel. +370 315 56206, +370 5 2361970.



Shareholders holding shares that grant at least 1/20 of all votes shall have the right of proposing to supplement the agenda of the Meeting by providing the Meeting draft resolution on each additionally proposed issue or in case no resolution is required - the explanation. The proposals to supplement the agenda shall be submitted in writing or by e-mail. The proposals shall be presented in writing to the Company on business days or by sending it by registered mail at the address Snaige AB, Pramones street 6, LT-62175 Alytus, Lithuania. The proposals submitted via the e-mail shall be sent on vilniaus.biuras@snaige.lt. The proposals to supplement the agenda with the additional issues shall be submitted till the 7 August 2017, 4:00 p.m. In case the agenda of the Meeting is supplemented the Company will report on it no later than 10 days before the Meeting in the same ways as on convening of the Meeting.



Shareholders holding shares that grant at least 1/20 of all votes shall have the right of proposing new draft resolutions on the issues already included or to be included in the agenda of the Meeting, audit firms for auditing purposes of financial statements. The proposals shall be submitted in writing or by e-mail. The proposals shall be presented in writing to the Company on business days till 21 August 2017, 2 p.m. or by sending it by registered mail at the address Snaige AB, Pramones street 6, LT-62175 Alytus, Lithuania. During the Meeting the proposals shall be submitted to the Chairman of the Meeting after he announces the Meeting agenda and no later than the Meeting starts working on the issues of agenda. The proposals submitted via the electronic mail shall be sent on vilniaus.biuras@snaige.lt. The proposals submitted on this e-mail till 21 August 2017, 2:00 p.m. will be discussed during the Meeting.



The shareholders shall have the right to present questions related to the General Meeting of Shareholders' agenda issues to the Company in advance in writing. The shareholders shall present the questions not later than 3 business days before the Meeting via the electronic mail on vilniaus.biuras@snaige.lt. The Company undertakes to respond to the submitted questions via the electronic mail till the Meeting day, except the questions related to the Company's commercial secret and confidential information.



During the registration to attend the Meeting the shareholders or the persons authorized by them shall submit a document which is a proof of his identity. The shareholders' authorized persons shall submit the power of attorney confirmed by the established order. The power of attorney issued by the natural person shall be notarized. A power of attorney issued in a foreign state must be translated into Lithuanian and legalized in the manner prescribed by law. Representative can be authorized by more than one shareholder and shall have a right to vote differently under the orders of each shareholder. The shareholder holding shares of the Bank, where the shares have been acquired on his own behalf, but for the benefit of other persons, must disclose before voting at the General Meeting of Shareholders to the Company the identity of the final customer, the number of shares that are put to the vote and the content of the voting instructions submitted to him or any other explanation regarding the participation agreed upon with the customer and voting at the General Meeting of Shareholders.



Shareholder shall also have the right to authorize through electronic communication channels another person (natural or legal) to participate and vote in the Meeting on shareholder's behalf. Such authorization shall not be confirmed by the notary officer. The power of attorney issued through electronic communication channels must be confirmed by the shareholder with a safe electronic signature developed by safe signature equipment and approved by a qualified certificate effective in the Republic of Lithuania. The shareholder shall inform the Company on the power of attorney issued through electronic communication channels by e-mail vilniaus.biuras@snaige.lt no later than the last business day before the meeting at 2:00 p.m. The power of attorney and notification shall be issued in writing. The power of attorney and notification to the Company shall be signed with the Electronic Signature but not the letters sent via the e-mail. By submitting the notification to the Company the shareholder shall include the Internet address from which it would be possible to download free of charge software to verify an Electronic Signature of the shareholder.



Each shareholder or representative thereof shall have the right to cast his/her vote in advance in writing by filling in a general ballot paper. The general ballot paper form is on the Company's website www.snaige.lt on menu item "For Investors". Upon the written shareholder's request, the Company no later than 10 days before the Meeting shall send a general ballot paper by registered mail or hand it in person against signature. The general ballot paper filled shall be signed by the shareholder or his/her representative. In case the ballot paper is signed by the shareholder's authorized representative, such person along with the filled ballot paper shall submit the document to confirm the voting right. The ballot paper filled and the document confirming the voting right (if required) shall be submitted in a written form to the Company by registered mail at the address Snaige AB, Pramones street 6, LT-62175, Alytus, Lithuania, or by submitting it to the Company. Validated will be dully filled-in ballot papers, received until the meeting.



The following information and documents are available on the website of the Company www.snaige.lt on menu item "For Investors":



- report on the convening of the Meeting; - the total number of the Company's shares and the number of shares with voting rights on the convening day of the Meeting; - draft resolutions on each agenda issue and other documents to be submitted to the Meeting; - general ballot paper form.



Additional information on the stock event is provided by telephone: +370 5 2361970.



Draft resolutions of the General Meeting of Shareholders are attached.





Managing Director at interim Mindaugas Sologubas +370 315 56206



Attachment:

https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=641008

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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Venture capital firm Benchmark Capital, one of Uber's largest shareholders, filed a lawsuit against Travis Kalanick, co-founder and ousted CEO of the ride-hailing company over allegations of fraud, reports said.



The suit, filed in the Delaware Chancery Court, accuses Kalanick of fraud, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty. Benchmark is aiming for a preliminary injuction to remove Kalanick from Uber's board of directors.



Both Kalanick and Benchmark hold seats at the Board of the privately held company that is valued at nearly $70 billion.



In the suit, Benchmark claims that Kalanick has not honored the terms of his resignation and has been trying to change the board for his own advantage.



According to the suit, Kalanick's 'overarching objective is to pack Uber's board with loyal allies in an effort to insulate his prior conduct from scrutiny and clear the path for his eventual return as CEO - all to the detriment of Uber's stockholders, employees, driver-partners, and customers.'



Kalanick's position on Uber's board is thus improper and inequitable, and should be invalidated, the firm said.



The complaint reportedly is based on a 2016 decision that expanded the size of Uber's board to 11 from eight, and Kalanick was given the right to choose those seats. When he lost his CEO seat, Kalanick eventually gave one of those to himself, while the other two are yet to be filled.



Following pressure from investors, Kalanick in June stepped down as CEO from the company he built over the last eight years. The company is still searching for a potential replacement for the top job.



Meanwhile, a spokesman for Kalanick reportedly said, 'The lawsuit is completely without merit and riddled with lies and false allegations... Benchmark's lawsuit is a transparent attempt to deprive Travis Kalanick of his rights as a founder and shareholder and to silence his voice regarding the management of the company he helped create. Travis will continue to act in the interests of Uber and all of its stakeholders and is confident that these entirely baseless claims will be rejected.'



The spokesman said Benchmark was acting in its own best interests instead of those of Uber, its employees and its other shareholders.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 08/11/17 -- Goldmoney Inc. (TSX: XAU) ("Goldmoney") (the "Company"), a precious metal financial service and technology company, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended June 30, 2017. All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

Financial Highlights

-- Quarterly IFRS Profit of $2 million and Adjusted Profit of $3.3 million - the first in the group's history. -- Non-IFRS Cash and Tangible Common Equity of $61.2 million, up $2.4 million from $58.8 million at March 31, 2017. -- Quarterly revenue of $125 million and quarterly earnings per share of $0.03, improved from $112 million and a loss per diluted share of ($0.03) year over year ("YoY"). -- Non-IFRS Adjusted Quarterly Profit of $3.33 million or $0.05 per share. -- YoY Revenue growth of 11%.

"We are happy to report our first-ever quarterly profit under both IFRS and what is in my view the more relevant adjusted cash basis," said Goldmoney CEO Roy Sebag. "Our group achieved this feat only eight quarters after our first platform launch and sales, and, while we continue to invest in new product and growth, we remain disciplined and focused on our long-term vision following the recent consolidation of our two operating platforms into one unified service offering: the Goldmoney Holding. The group is now positioned for the next phase of our growth strategy from a strong base of capital. We are looking forward to the renewed marketing campaign, the launch of our global physical branches, growth from our partnerships and ecosystem investments in peer-to-peer lending platform Lend and Borrow Trust and investment jewelry platform Mene, and the continuation of client-focused growth initiatives such as the enhanced Goldmoney Holding service."

Prudent Capital Management and Continued Focus on Long-Term Earnings Power

"As we continue to build the business from the ground up, our goal is to achieve annual IFRS profitability and revenue growth, though our profitability will remain volatile quarter-over-quarter as we build new business lines, expand to new client segments, and make strategic investments and expenditures," said Sebag. "From a balance sheet perspective, the figures reported this quarter are even more impressive when considering that they include sizeable capital and operational expenditures associated with physical branches, our new lending business, and the new jewelry venture. Moreover, the strengthening of the Canadian dollar to the tune of nearly 12 percent and falling prices for silver and gold was more than offset by investment gains from management's capital and currency risk management strategy. All in all, as we view the business, the group grew our net worth on a return on metal weight (ROMW) basis of 48.6 kilograms or 1,562 Troy Ounces of gold. This surplus was added to our long-term precious metal holdings, which totaled nearly $10 million at quarter end."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- IFRS Consolidated Income Statement Data (expressed in $000s except loss per share) FY 2018 FY 2017 FY 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue 125,211 131,851 139,149 140,391 112,409 108,705 80,824 66,319 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fee Revenue 661 713 633 711 655 513 501 147 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross margin 1,320 1,284 1,401 1,543 1,361 1,271 897 787 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross profit (excludes precious metal inventory P&L) 1,981 1,997 2,034 2,254 2,016 1,785 1,398 934 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

"As seen in our highlighted results, the group continues to produce stable Gross margins despite the volatility in top line revenues from changing conditions in the precious metal markets. While still in the early days of growth and utilization for the platform we've invested in, our core business is generating nearly $2 million of Gross margin each quarter excluding movements in precious metals," said CFO Josh Crumb. "Our activities on the capital allocation side have more than offset unfavourable operating currency and precious metal movements, and this quarter resulted in significant net gains from currency and precious metal positioning, increased interest margins on loans and cash balances, and realized gains from the liquidation of accumulated cryptocurrencies from digital currency-processed deposits. This quarter saw nearly $4.4 million of such additional gains, but it would be incorrect to assume this was the sole reason for our profit. Our core operations and the client relationships that custody nearly $2 billion of metal are what position our business for these asymmetric gains in an era of structurally changing currency markets, which is ultimately the intrinsic value in our business."

Ongoing Unification, Stable Operations & Recurring Cash Flow Production

"The Company's year over year revenue growth was achieved despite last year's Brexit volatility, which contributed significant skew to our normalized operation. The transition from Network accounts to Goldmoney Holdings is progressing at a heightened pace; we have added nine additional staff members to help facilitate this transition and have already seen thousands of clients initiate the migration process," said Crumb. "The Company's acquisition of Schiff Gold has also led to increased year over year revenue, but in management's view, it is incorrect to view the Schiff Gold subsidiary as the sole contributor to revenue growth as we have been migrating clients' physical redemptions from the Holding platform to Schiff Gold, through which we earn higher margins and clients obtain enhanced service. Over the next few quarters we will further integrate Schiff Gold and expand this business segment.

Physical Branch Strategy

While Goldmoney is predominantly an online business, management believes that physical branches will help promote the integrity of the Goldmoney brand, increase trust among potential and current clients. As such, the Company has been developing the Goldmoney branch concept since the fall of 2016. Physical branches will offer: client education, bespoke customer service, accelerated onboarding, the ability to view and hold physical gold products such as the 18K Goldmoney Mastercard Prepaid Cards and Goldmoney bullion bars, the Company's latest brochures and research, Goldmoney t-shirts and other branded products, as well as books from a library of 200 titles carefully selected by the Goldmoney Insights research team.

The Toronto branch, located at 38 Avenue Road, will be open to the public by September 2017. The branch at the Company's owned headquarters, located at 9 Bond Street in St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands, will be open by October 2017. The Company plans to open two or more additional branches by mid-2018 and is in the early stages of negotiating leases for branch locations in: Manhattan, New York; Dallas, Texas; London, England; Zurich, Switzerland; and Madrid, Spain.

Lending-Driven Earnings Power, Client Value & Assets under Custody

The Company's lending business, which provides precious metals-secured loans, continues to grow and has contributed to both inflows of assets under custody and increased revenue per user. Since started in December 2016, the lending business has grown to $8.9 million in loans as at June 30, 2017. Including a $5 million loan extended after the end of the quarter, the group is now earning approximately $450,000 in net interest margin annually from loans secured by precious metals.

The Company plans to continue underwriting loan demand from precious metal owners who are already clients as well as from new clients who are prepared to move their investment-grade gold and silver bars to our platform. We estimate that total demand will exceed $100 million over time, which offers the opportunity to earn additional net interest margin. The Company can accommodate this demand beyond its own funding resources by syndicating loans to its own high net worth clients or external institutions that wish to earn interest income from loans secured by investment-grade gold and silver bars.

October Launch of Mene Inc.

The Company is also anticipating additional revenue from the October 2017 launch of Mene. Beyond Goldmoney's 40% equity stake in the jewelry venture, all precious metals used to manufacture Mene 24 karat gold jewelry will be purchased through Goldmoney, thereby positioning the group for significant revenue and margin growth should the venture prove successful. Importantly, this revenue growth would be achieved with nearly zero marketing spend by Goldmoney.

Buyback Black-out

Shareholders have enquired about the normal course issuer bid and this is to remind shareholders that, as per applicable policies, the Company is unable to engage in share buybacks so long as it may be engaged in any M&A activity or any other activity that may be material and non-public. The acquisitive nature of the group coupled with earnings black-outs make executing such buybacks difficult. The Company remains committed to using its surplus capital to execute buybacks when it is able, and will do so in accordance with the rules and policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Non-IFRS Measures

This news release contains non-IFRS financial measures; the Company believes that these measures provide investors with useful supplemental information about the financial performance of its business, enable comparison of financial results between periods where certain items may vary independent of business performance, and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in operating its business. Although management believes these financial measures are important in evaluating the Company's performance, they are not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, financial information prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS. These non-IFRS financial measures do not have any standardized meaning and may not be comparable with similar measures used by other companies. For certain non-IFRS financial measures, there are no directly comparable amounts under IFRS. These non-IFRS financial measures should not be viewed as alternatives to measures of financial performance determined in accordance with IFRS. Moreover, presentation of certain of these measures is provided for year-over-year comparison purposes, and investors should be cautioned that the effect of the adjustments thereto provided herein have an actual effect on the Company's operating results.

Non-IFRS Adjusted Profit is a non-IFRS financial measure. This figure excludes from comprehensive loss the impact of the following amounts: (i) any gains or losses on precious metals inventory, (ii) non-cash items, including the amortization of intangible assets or stock based compensation, (iii) the impact of foreign exchange gains or losses, and (iv) unrealized gains or losses on investments held for sale. Refer to the MD&A for a detailed breakdown of these items.

Tangible Common Equity is a non-IFRS measure. This figure excludes from total shareholders' equity (i) intangibles, and (ii) goodwill, and is useful to demonstrate the tangible capital employed by the business.

For a full reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures used herein to their nearest IFRS equivalents, please see the section entitled "Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures" in the Company's MD&A for the three months ended June 30, 2017.

About Goldmoney Inc.

Goldmoney Inc., a financial service company traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: XAU), is a global leader in precious metal investment services and the world's largest precious metals payment network. Safeguarding nearly $2 billion in assets for clients located in more than 150 countries, Goldmoney is focused on a singular mission to make precious metals-backed savings accessible to all. Powered by Goldmoney's patented technology, the Goldmoney Holding is an online account that enables clients to invest, earn, or spend gold, silver, platinum, and palladium that is securely stored in insured vaults in seven countries. All bullion assets are fully allocated and physically redeemable property. Goldmoney Wealth Limited is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) as a Money Services Business. Goldmoney Network is a reporting entity to the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), and is registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in the U.S. For more information about Goldmoney, visit goldmoney.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains or refers to certain forward-looking information. Forward-looking information can often be identified by forward-looking words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "may", "potential" and "will" or similar words suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. All information other than information regarding historical fact, which addresses activities, events or developments that the Goldmoney Inc. (the "Company") believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, is forward looking information. Forward-looking information does not constitute historical fact but reflects the current expectations the Company regarding future results or events based on information that is currently available. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking information will not occur. Such forward-looking information in this release speak only as of the date hereof.

Forward-looking information in this release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: service times for transactions on the Goldmoney network; growth of the Company's business, expected results of operations, and the market for the Company's products and services and competitive conditions. This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time it was made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: the Company's limited operating history; history of operating losses; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; fluctuations in the market price of the Company's common shares; the effect of government regulation and compliance on the Company and the industry; legal and regulatory change and uncertainty; jurisdictional factors associated with international operations; foreign restrictions on the Company's operations; product development and rapid technological change; dependence on technical infrastructure; protection of intellectual property; use and storage of personal information and compliance with privacy laws; network security risks; risk of system failure or inadequacy; the Company's ability to manage rapid growth; competition; effectiveness of the Company's risk management and internal controls; use of the Company's services for improper or illegal purposes; uninsured and underinsured losses; theft & risk of physical harm to personnel; precious metal trading risks; and volatility of precious metals prices & public interest in precious metals investment; and those risks set out in the Company's most recently filed annual information form, available on SEDAR. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by law.

Contacts:

Media and Investor Relations Inquiries:

Jacquelyn Humphrey

Director of Global Communications

Goldmoney Inc.

jac@goldmoney.com



Josh Crumb

Chief Strategy Officer & CFO

Goldmoney Inc.

+1 647-499-6748




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 08/11/17 -- Sparton Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: SRI) ("Sparton" or the "Company") announced today that it has entered into an option agreement with two independent prospectors (the "Vendors") to explore the 20 claim Bruell Property ("the Property") in Vauquelin Township, Quebec. The Bruell claims are located approximately 35 kilometers east of the prolific Val d'Or gold exploration and production area.

Under the terms of the 5-year option agreement Sparton will issue a total of 1,500,000 Common Shares, incur a total of $1,500,000 in exploration expenditures on the claims, and make cash payments totaling $300,000 over the 5-year period to earn a 100% interest in the Property as follows:

Signing: On Receipt of Regulatory Approval: cash payment of $25,000, 100,000 shares issued, and exploration expenditures of $100,000 in first year. (Firm commitment)

End of Year 1: Cash payment of $20,000, 150,000 shares issued, and exploration expenditures of $100,000. (Optional)

End of Year 2: Cash payment of $30,000, 200,000 shares issued, and exploration expenditures of $300,000. (Optional)

End of Year 3: Cash payment of $50,000, 350,000 shares issued and exploration expenditures of $400,000. (Optional)

End of Year 4: Cash payment of $75,000, 500,000 shares issued and exploration expenditures of $600,000. (Optional)

End of Year 5: Cash payment of $100,000, 200,000 shares issued and exploration expenditures of $600,000. (Optional)

Production Royalty: If commercial production takes place on the Bruell property, the Vendors collectively, will be entitled to receive an annual production royalty (the "Royalty") equal to 2% of Net Smelter Returns as customarily defined. At any time after a feasibility study is completed for development of any part of the Property 1/2 of this Royalty (or 1%) may be purchased by the Company for the sum of $1,000,000.

All cash payments share issuances, and royalty payments if any, will be paid or issued as to 50% of the totals to each prospector.

The agreement has received regulatory and Company board approval.

About the Bruell Property

The 36 Bruell claims are accessible from Val d'Or and Senneterre by paved Highways 117 and 113, and local forestry roads and logging trails. The property contains a number of structurally hosted vein type gold occurrences and two (2) shallow, vertical shafts, including the Bruell 1, Bruell 2, and one inclined shaft, the Avocalon (Aurora zone). Exploration work dates back to 1934, with the last significant work done in 2005 (C2C Inc.).

There are numerous surface showings of steeply dipping vein and shear zone hosted mineralization and at least 4 priority areas with past diamond drill hole intersections that require follow up evaluation. The last drilling program on the property was in 2005. Only surface work has been completed by the prospectors since that time. The claims are underlain by dominantly mafic volcanic rocks with a central granodiorite porphyry intrusion (the Bruell Pluton) that has not been explored. Several of the better grade gold zones are associated with magnetic diorite intrusions (Aurora) and quartz feldspar porphyry dykes and sills related to the Bruell Pluton (Bruell 1,2). A comprehensive ground magnetic survey has not been completed on the claim group. Limited magnetic surveys covering the principal gold zones near the shafts have indicated well defined magnetic anomalies related to the rock types hosting the mineralized structures.

Historical estimates for gold mineralization are documented and summarized in various company and government reports. Combined historical estimates for Bruell 1,2 and Avocalon /Aurora as reported in the Northern Miner on Dec 22, 1960, and are summarized in Quebec Government Reports (32CO3-27) and by C2C Inc. (GM62277). These have summarized Reports by Bruell Gold Mines Ltd. from 1934-6 for the Bruell 1 and 2 vein systems as historical drill inferred estimates, and these are given as 165,000 tonnes at 4.78 grams per tonne Au (GM08615).

These are also referred to in a 1963 report by A. C. Lee for Potter Gold Mines which included the Avocalon and Aurora structure drilling data along with Bruell 1 and 2 mineralization, which quoted a "historical mineral inventory" estimate of 220,0000 tonnes at 3.77 grams per tonne gold.

Cautionary Statement

It should be noted that these estimates do not include any more recent estimates or data available to Sparton, and more work needs to be done to upgrade or verify these historical estimates.

Further, a qualified person under NI 43-101 has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves; and Sparton is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves.

Work Program

Two key areas will initially be evaluated. Past drilling in the Avocalon-Aurora area has returned several intersections that merit follow up. These include: 5.32 grams gold/tonne over 2.44 meters, 6.51 grams gold/tonne over 2.13 meters (drill hole P-6) and 5.5 grams gold/tonne over 4.51 meters (drill hole P-8) by Potter Gold Mines in 1963 (Quebec MGRN report GM 13612). These are associated with an induced polarization ("IP") anomaly and shear zone near the margin of the main Bruell Pluton. A second area northwest of the Bruell intrusion has drill holes by Bellechasse Mining Corporation ("BMC"), and Placer Dome Inc. (optioned from BMC, Quebec Reports GM43883,44670,48645, 1985-1989), with intersections of 4.8 grams gold/tonne over 6.4 meters and 3.4 grams over 2.5 meters also associated with IP anomalies. The lateral and depth extensions of the intersections in these areas, adjacent to and into the Bruell Pluton have not been covered by geophysical surveys, drilled, or otherwise explored.

All of these intersections are reported as core lengths and true widths are estimated to be 70% to 90% of the numbers reported based on cross section data and measured inclinations of the mineralized zones.

Data verification for Quality Assurance ("QA") and Quality Control ("QC") protocols for assay data for the early Potter work cannot be verified as there were no regulatory reporting requirements at that time. QA and QC for work done by Placer Dome however, for the Bellechasse option, would have been consistent with those for a major mining company fully familiar with gold exploration and assay methodologies. The assessment reports reviewed for both programs indicate that well known reputable assay laboratories were used with normal internal QA-QC protocols for blank, internal standards, and duplicate assays.

Work Program

All data available for the property is being compiled and a field program to relocate past drill holes and survey grids will be undertaken shortly. A comprehensive ground magnetic survey will then be completed and various zones prioritized for drilling.

Location maps and historical exploration data will be posted shortly on the Company website www.spartonres.ca.

Company President A. Lee Barker stated:

"The opportunity to explore this very prospective and strategically located gold property in a proven area of Canada is very exciting. The Company, through its subsidiary VanSpar Mining Inc., will continue its activities in the vanadium sector, including the development and exploitation of high grade vanadium prospects it has identified in China. The addition of a domestic project at Bruell provides us with mineral diversification and additional financing flexibility."

A. L. Barker M.A. Sc., P.Eng., P.Geol. is the Qualified Person under NI 43-101 for the technical information in this news release and has reviewed all available data for the Bruell Property and approved the contents of this news release.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release involves forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, financings and transactions being pursued, and all such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although the Company 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 and, accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such forward-looking statements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein. We Seek Safe Harbour.

Contacts:

Sparton Resources Inc.

A. Lee Barker, M.A Sc., P. Eng., P.Geol.

President and CEO

Tel./Fax: 647-344-7734 or Mobile: 416-716-5762

info@spartonres.ca

www.spartonres.ca




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Within two weeks of being slapped with sanctions by the US Government, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said he wants a face-to-face meeting with his American counterpart. Addressing the newly elected all-powerful Constituent Assembly Thursday, Maduro instructed Venezuela's foreign minister to arrange a meeting or telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump. Maduro expressed his desire to have a personal conversation with Trump, preferably when heads of state and government from around the world gather for the UN General Assembly in New York on September 20. 'If he's so interested in Venezuela, here I am,' Maduro told the 545-member Assembly during a lengthy address. 'Mr Donald Trump, here is my hand,' the socialist president said, adding that he wants a strong relationship between Caracas and Washington. However, the Assembly heard a different tone for the rest of his three-hour speech. He criticized the 'imperialist' US Government for perceived actions against his regime, and vowed that Venezuela will 'never cede to foreign powers.' On July 31, US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added the Venezuelan leader to its list of specially designated nationals, in response to what the White House described as 'Maduro regime's recent anti-democratic actions.'. In a controversial election boycotted by the Opposition, a new constituent assembly was elected to draw up a new constitution that has the potential to fundamentally change the rules in favor of Maduro. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 15, 2017) - Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (TSXV: SSV) (OTCQB: SSVFF) (FSE: SEG1) ("Southern") reported today that the Company has received approval from the TSX Venture Exchange to extend the final closing date of its previously announced brokered private placement (the "Offering") until September 29th, 2017. The private placement is comprised of a brokered and non-brokered component. Gravitas Securities Inc. is acting as lead agent of the brokered portion of the private placement.

As announced on August 31st, 2017, the Company has closed a second tranche of the Offering by issuing 1,170,000 units ("Units") for a total of $468,000. In total, the Company has now closed two tranches for total gross proceeds of $3,017,000.

The Offering, which was initially announced on May 18th, 2017, consists of up to 12,500,000 Units at a price of $0.40 per Unit for a total of $5,000,000, with an over-allotment option to increase the Offering by up to 15%. Each Unit consists of one share of common stock of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"), with each Warrant exercisable to acquire an additional share of common stock of the Company at a price of $0.55 per share for a period of three years.

About Southern Silver Exploration Corp.

Southern Silver Exploration Corp. is a precious metal exploration and development company with a focus on the discovery of world-class mineral deposits in north-central Mexico and the southern USA. Our specific emphasis is the Cerro Las Minitas silver-lead-zinc project located in the heart of Mexico's Faja de Plata, which hosts multiple world-class mineral deposits such as Penasquito, San Martin, Naica and Pitarrilla. We have assembled a team of highly experienced technical, operational and transactional professionals to support our exploration efforts in developing, along with our partner, Electrum Global Holdings LP, the Cerro Las Minitas project into a premier, high-grade, silver-lead-zinc mine. The Company engages in the acquisition, exploration and development either directly or through joint-venture relationships in mineral properties in major jurisdictions. Our property portfolio also includes the Oro porphyry copper-gold project located in southern New Mexico, USA.

1. The March 21, 2016 Cerro Las Minitas Resource Estimate was prepared following CIM definitions for classification of Mineral Resources. Resources are constrained using mainly geological constraints and approximate 10g/t AgEq grade shells. The block models are comprised of an array of blocks measuring 10m x 2m x 10m, with grades for Au, Ag, Cu, Pb, Zn and AgEq values interpolated using ID2 weighting. The models identified at a 150g/t AgEq cut-off, an indicated resource of 3,724,000 tonnes averaging 90g/t Ag, 0.05g/t Au, 2.3% Pb, 2.5% Zn and 0.09% Cu and a cumulative inferred resource of 6,611,000 tonnes averaging 82g/t Ag, 0.17g/t Au, 1.6% Pb, 4.3% Zn and 0.2% Cu. Mineral Resource cut-offs are estimated using an average long-term price of $15/oz silver, $1,100/oz gold, $2.75/lb Cu, $0.90/lb lead and $0.90/lb zinc and metal recoveries of 82% silver, 86% lead and 80% zinc. AgEq calculations did not account for relative metallurgical recoveries of the metals. All prices are stated in $USD. Mineral Resources are conceptual in nature and as such do not have demonstrated economic viability. The current Resource Estimate was prepared by Garth Kirkham, P.Geo. of Kirkham Geosciences Ltd. who is the Independent Qualified Person responsible for presentation and review of the Mineral Resource Estimate.

Robert Macdonald, MSc., P.Geo, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and responsible for the supervision of the exploration on the Cerro Las Minitas Project and for the preparation of the technical information in this disclosure.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Lawrence Page"

Lawrence Page, Q.C.

President & Director, Southern Silver Exploration Corp.

For further information, please visit Southern Silver's website at southernsilverexploration.com or contact us at 604.641.2759 or by email at ir@mnxltd.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Southern Silver Exploration Corp. does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.
DENVER, CO -- (Marketwired) -- 08/11/17 -- ENSERVCO Corporation (NYSE American: ENSV), a diversified national provider of specialized well-site services to the domestic onshore conventional and unconventional oil and gas industries, today announced it has entered into an agreement with East West Bank for a $30 million revolving line of credit. The new facility, which replaces ENSERVCO's former credit agreement with PNC Bank, provides lower-cost and more comprehensive debt financing.

The new credit agreement has a three-year term that expires in August of 2020. Borrowings under the agreement will be classified as long-term and are secured by the Company's equipment fleet and accounts receivable.

"We are very pleased with the favorable terms of our new credit agreement, which will increase our financial flexibility and help us capitalize on our considerable potential to expand our operations in a recovering energy environment," said Ian Dickinson, CEO of ENSERVCO. "East West Bank is a high quality senior lender, and their team worked very hard to understand our business and design a facility that allows us to pursue some exciting opportunities to grow market share in our core well enhancement service offerings and accelerate growth of our new water transfer business. With a new executive management team and a new banking relationship, ENSERVCO is well positioned to execute its growth strategy."

About ENSERVCO

Through its various operating subsidiaries, ENSERVCO provides a wide range of oilfield services, including hot oiling, acidizing, frac water heating, water transfer, bacteria and scaling treatment and water hauling. The Company has a broad geographic footprint covering seven major domestic oil and gas basins and serves customers in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Wyoming and West Virginia. Additional information is available at www.enservco.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains information that is "forward-looking" in that it describes events and conditions ENSERVCO reasonably expects to occur in the future. Expectations for the future performance of ENSERVCO are dependent upon a number of factors, and there can be no assurance that ENSERVCO will achieve the results as contemplated herein. Certain statements contained in this release using the terms "may," "expects to," and other terms denoting future possibilities, are forward-looking statements. The accuracy of these statements cannot be guaranteed as they are subject to a variety of risks, which are beyond ENSERVCO's ability to predict, or control and which may cause actual results to differ materially from the projections or estimates contained herein. Among these risks are those set forth in ENSERVCO's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and subsequently filed documents with the SEC. Forward looking statements in this news release that are subject to risk include expectations of being well positioned to pursue the Company's growth strategy and expectations of increasing financial flexibility and capitalizing on potential to expand operations; and ability to pursue opportunities to grow market share and accelerate growth of the water transfer business. It is important that each person reviewing this release understand the significant risks attendant to the operations of ENSERVCO. ENSERVCO disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement made herein.

Contact:



Jay Pfeiffer

Pfeiffer High Investor Relations, Inc.

Phone: 303-393-7044

Email: jay@pfeifferhigh.com




PHSC PLC

(the "Company")

Director's Dealing

11 August 2017

PHSC plc, a leading provider of health, safety, hygiene and environmental consultancy services and security solutions to the public and private sectors, announces that Stephen King, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, today purchased 35,000 ordinary shares of 10p each in the Company ("Ordinary Shares"). The transaction was effected at a price of 13.35p per Ordinary Share via his SIPP account.

Following this transaction, Mr King's interest in the Company stands at 3,150,000 Ordinary Shares, representing 21.46% of the issued share capital of the Company.

The notification below, made in accordance with the requirements of the EU Market Abuse Regulation, provides further detail in respect of the transaction as described above.

1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a) Name: Stephen King 2. Reason for the notification a) Position/status: PDMR, CEO b) Initial notification/Amendment: Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name: PHSC plc b) LEI: 213800H1B3AR1XRE2674 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument:

Identification code: Ordinary shares of 10p each



GB0 33113456 b) Nature of the transaction: Purchase c) Price(s) and volume(s): Price(s) Volume(s) 13.35p 35,000 d) Aggregated information: Single transaction as in 4 c) above

35,000

13.35p e) Date of the transaction: 2017-08-11 f) Place of the transaction: London Stock Exchange, AIM Market (XLON)

This announcement contains inside information as defined in Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation No. 596/2014 and is disclosed in accordance with the Company's obligations under Article 17 of that Regulation.

For further information, please contact:

PHSC plc

Stephen King

Stephen.king@phsc.co.uk

www.phsc.plc.uk

01622 717700 Northland Capital Partners Limited (Nominated Adviser)

Edward Hutton/David Hignell 0203 861 6625 Beaufort Securities Limited (Broker)

Elliot Hance 020 7382 8300

About PHSC

PHSC plc, through its trading subsidiaries Personnel Health & Safety Consultants Ltd, RSA Environmental Health Ltd, Adamson's Laboratory Services Ltd, QCS International Ltd, Inspection Services (UK) Ltd and Quality Leisure Management Ltd, provides a range of health, safety, hygiene, environmental and quality systems consultancy and training services to organisations across the UK. B to B Links Ltd and SG Systems (UK) Ltd offer innovative security solutions including tagging, labelling and CCTV.
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 11, 2017 / The Law Offices of Vincent Wong announce that a class action lawsuit has been commenced in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of investors who purchased Axiom Holdings, Inc. ("Axiom Holdings") (OTC PINK: AIOM) securities between October 14, 2016 and June 19, 2017 .

Click here to learn about the case: http://www.wongesq.com/pslra-sb/axiom-holdings-inc?wire=1. There is no cost or obligation to you.

According to the complaint, throughout the Class Period, the Company issued materially false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Axiom lacked control over the merger process sufficient to ensure that the Agreement with CJC would be completed; (ii) accordingly, the Agreement with CJC Holdings, Ltd. ("CJC") was never completed; (iii) the Company's issuance of shares to the CJC Shareholders was thus improper; and (iv) as a result of the foregoing, Axiom's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On June 19, 2017, Axiom issued a press release revealing that it identified discrepancies related to prior news announcements in response to a subpoena from the Securities and Exchange Commission. The following day, the Company issued another press release, advising investors that "it now appears the merger was never completed" and advising investors that it would rescind the shares that were issued to CJC Shareholders in connection with the merger.

If you suffered a loss in Axiom Holdings, you have until August 21, 2017 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. To obtain additional information, contact Vincent Wong, Esq. either via email vw@wongesq.com, by telephone at 212.425.1140, or visit http://www.wongesq.com/pslra-sb/axiom-holdings-inc?wire=1.

Vincent Wong, Esq. is an experienced attorney that has represented investors in securities litigations involving financial fraud and violations of shareholder rights. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

Vincent Wong, Esq.

39 East Broadway

Suite 304

New York, NY 10002

Tel. 212.425.1140

Fax. 866.699.3880

E-Mail: vw@wongesq.com

SOURCE: The Law Offices of Vincent Wong
BOCA RATON, FL--(Marketwired - August 11, 2017) - Saxena White P.A. has filed a securities fraud class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio against TransDigm Group, Inc. ("TransDigm" or the "Company") (NYSE: TDG) on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired the common stock of the Company between May 10, 2016 and January 19, 2017, inclusive (the "Class Period").

TransDigm designs, produces, and supplies aircraft components to customers around the globe. The Company is incorporated in Delaware and maintains its principal executive offices in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Complaint brings forth claims for violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects.

Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) TransDigm's growth and profitability were artificially inflated as a result of its illegal business practices; (2) the Company used exclusive distributors to make noncompetitive government bids seems competitive; (3) TransDigm subsidiaries failed to list TransDigm as a parent entity when submitting government bids; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' statements about TransDigm's business, operations, and prospects were false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. As a result of this fraudulent scheme, Defendants were able to artificially inflate the Company's financials throughout the Class Period.

You may obtain a copy of the Complaint and join the class action at www.saxenawhite.com.

If you purchased TransDigm stock between May 10, 2016 and January 19, 2017, you may contact Lester Hooker (lhooker@saxenawhite.com) at Saxena White P.A. to discuss your rights and interests.

If you purchased TransDigm common stock during the Class Period of May 10, 2016 and January 19, 2017 and wish to apply to be the lead plaintiff in this action, a motion on your behalf must be filed with the Court by no later than October 10, 2017. You may contact Saxena White P.A. to discuss your rights regarding the appointment of lead plaintiff and your interest in the class action. Please note that you may also retain counsel of your choice and need not take any action at this time to be a class member.

Saxena White P.A., with offices in Florida, New York, and Massachusetts, concentrates its practice on prosecuting securities fraud and complex class actions on behalf of institutions and individuals. Currently serving as lead counsel in numerous securities fraud class actions nationwide, the firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of injured investors and is active in major litigation pending in federal and state courts throughout the United States.

Lester R. Hooker, Esq.

lhooker@saxenawhite.com



Saxena White P.A.

5200 Town Center Circle, Suite 601

Boca Raton, FL 33486

Tel: (561) 206-6708

Fax: (866) 290-1291

www.saxenawhite.com
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/11/17 -- China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd. (TSX: CGG)(HKSE: 2099) (the "Company" or "China Gold International Resources") reports on the Company's financial and operational results for the three months ("Q2", or "second quarter 2017") and six months ("first half" or "six months 2017") ended June 30, 2017. This news release should be read in conjunction with the Company's Financial Statements, Notes to the Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis.

Selected Production and Financial Highlights: Q2 2017 Compared to Q2 2016

-- Revenue increased by 40% to US$97.9 million from US$69.9 million for the same period in 2016. -- Mine operating earnings increased by 114% to US$25 million from US$11.7 million for the same period in 2016. -- Net profit after income taxes increased to US$20.6 million from a net loss of US$7.4 million for the same period in 2016. -- Gold production from the CSH Mine decreased by 6% to 45,798 ounces from 48,867 ounces for the same period in 2016. The decrease in gold production is mainly due to the lower recovery rates during the current period. -- The total production cost of gold for the three months ended June 30, 2017 increased compared with the same period in 2016, due to higher depletion and depreciation costs. The cash production cost of gold for the three months ended June 30, 2017 decreased by approximately 5% from US$695 per ounce for the three months ended June 30, 2016 to US$659 for the three months ended June 30, 2017 due to lower waste removal costs. CSH Mine Three months ended June 30, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total production cost(1) (US$ per ounce) 1,075 1,042 Cash production cost(1)(US$ per ounce) 659 695 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Non-IFRS measure. -- During the three months ended June 30, 2017, both cash production cost and total production cost of copper per pound decreased, mainly because of the higher ore grade mined during the period. Jiama Mine Three months ended June 30, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total production cost(1) (US$) of copper per pound after by-products credits(2) 1.08 1.36 Cash production cost(3) (US$) of copper per pound after by-products credits(2) 0.73 0.94 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Production costs include expenditures incurred at the mine sites for the activities related to production including mining, processing, mine site G&A and royalties etc. (2) By-products credit refers to the sales of gold and silver during the corresponding period. (3) Non-IFRS measure. -- Copper production from the Jiama Mine increased by 38% to 6,918 tonnes (approximately 15.25 million pounds) from 5,014 tonnes (approximately 11.05 million pounds) for the same period in 2016.

Selected Production and Financial Highlights: First Half 2017 Compared to First Half 2016

-- Revenue increased by 33% to US$180 million from US$135.5 million for the same period in 2016. -- Mine operating earnings increased by 128% to US$44.1 million from US$19.3 million for the same period in 2016. -- Net profit after income taxes increased to US$27.0 million from a net loss of US$10.9 million for the same period in 2016. -- Gold production from the CSH Mine decreased by 6% to 80,338 ounces from 85,570 ounces for the same period in 2016. -- Copper production from the Jiama Mine increased by 59% to 14,500 tonnes (approximately 31.97 million pounds) from 9,120 tonnes (approximately 20.11 million pounds) for the same period in 2016.

Mr. Bing Liu, the CEO and Executive Director of the Company, stated, "I am pleased to report that China Gold International saw a strong second quarter with increased revenue and reduced production costs. The Series I of Jiama Mine's Phase II expansion will achieve full capacity in the second half of the year which will increase copper production significantly. As the CSH Mine enters into what is traditionally its peak production quarter, we are optimistic that we can utilize the prime operating conditions to increase gold production. In addition, the Company continues to pursue growth opportunities and optimize its capital structure through strategic initiatives intended to build shareholder value."

Analysts, investors, media and general public are encouraged to visit the Company's website at www.chinagoldintl.com, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited's website at www.hkex.com.hk or SEDAR at www.sedar.com to view the complete set of the financial statements and MD&A or contact the Company with any questions.

About China Gold International Resources

China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd. is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada and operates both profitable and growing mines, the CSH Gold Mine in Inner Mongolia, and the Jiama Copper-Polymetallic Mine in Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. The Company's objective is to continue to build shareholder value by growing production at its current mining operations, expanding its resource base, and aggressively acquiring and developing new projects internationally. The Company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CGG) and the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKSE: 2099).

For further information on China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd., please refer to its SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or www.chinagoldintl.com.

Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information regarding China Gold International Resources contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although China Gold International Resources believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. China Gold International Resources cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what China Gold International Resources currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and subject to change after that date.

Contacts:

China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd.

604-609-0598

info@chinagoldintl.com

www.chinagoldintl.com




SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 11, 2017 / Coddington Design was recently mentioned on a list of the 10 best residential interior designers in San Francisco, CA. Those interested can view the full list of interior designers on the San Francisco Architects website, where Coddington Design is at number 5. It was also mentioned in the article that owner and founder Melanie Coddington has been named by House Beautiful as one of the top 20 interior designers to watch, while LuxPad indicated that she is a top 25 designer in California.

In an email from San Francisco Architects' founder Jack Cookson, Melanie Coddington was told, "I wanted to quickly let you know that after looking into the work of every residential interior designer in San Francisco, Coddington Design was selected as the 5th residential interior designer."

Coddington Design was established in 2005 and over the past 12 years, it has set itself apart as offering some of the best designs for those in the San Francisco and Los Angeles area. People are encouraged to view their design services, as well as images of past works that have been completed, on the company website. These include full-service interior design, new constructions, residential remodeling, full-service commercial design, and seasonal styling.

Melanie Coddington says, "We create residential and commercial spaces with an emphasis on timeless, family-friendly design. With studios in San Francisco and Los Angeles, our firm completes thoughtful projects that span the California coast. We're so happy to have been recognized for this by San Francisco Architects, as it is always good to hear we're doing things right."

People are encouraged to contact the San Francisco interior designer, located at 550 15th Street, Suite M18, San Francisco, CA 94103, to discuss their specific needs. According to Coddington, the company treats clients as if they are a member of the family. The company also releases a regular newsletter to which people can subscribe through the company website. It also has an active Instagram profile on which completed projects are shared.

Contact Coddington Design:

Melanie Coddington

415.285.2821

info@coddingtondesign.com

550 15th Street, Suite M18 San Francisco, CA 94103

SOURCE: Coddington Design
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 08/11/17 -- Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. ("Kirkland Lake Gold" or the "Company") (TSX: KL)(OTCQX: KLGDF) is pleased to announce that the Company has received approval to list its common shares on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"). Trading of the Company's common shares will commence under the symbol "KL" on Wednesday, August 16, 2017. Prior to that date, the Company's common shares will continue to trade on the OTCQX under the symbol "KLGDF," with trading on the OTCQX to cease concurrent with the NYSE listing. In celebration of the NYSE listing, Company management will be at the NYSE to ring the opening bell on Wednesday, August 16, 2017.

Tony Makuch, President and CEO, Kirkland Lake Gold, commented: "We are listing on the NYSE at a time when our company is reporting strong growth in production, earnings and free cash flow. We also are having significant exploration success extending existing gold deposits and identifying new areas of gold mineralization at our Macassa and Taylor mines in Canada and our Fosterville mine in Australia. Given the progress being achieved, we believe it is the right time to list on the NYSE and to increase our marketing efforts in the United States."

John Tuttle, Head of Global Listings, NYSE, commented: "We are excited to welcome Kirkland Lake Gold to the NYSE, where the Company will join some of the world's prominent gold producers. We are also pleased to provide Kirkland Lake Gold with all the benefits of our market model and unparalleled brand platform."

About Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. is a mid-tier gold producer with 2017 target production of 570,000 to 590,000 ounces from mines in Canada and Australia. The production profile of the company is anchored from two high-grade, low-cost operations, including the Macassa Mine located in northeastern Ontario and the Fosterville Mine located in the state of Victoria, Australia. Kirkland Lake Gold's solid base of quality assets is complemented by district scale exploration potential, supported by a strong financial position with extensive management and operational expertise.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of Kirkland Lake Gold with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect the Company's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although Kirkland Lake Gold believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the combined company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: the potential impact of the listing of the Company's common shares on the NYSE and anticipated timing thereof; the future development and growth potential of the Canadian and Australian operations; the future exploration activities and the anticipated effects thereof; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws; and compliance with extensive government regulation. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of Kirkland Lake Gold and market conditions. This information is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factor disclosure contained in filings made by Kirkland Lake Gold, including Kirkland Lake Gold's annual information form dated December 31, 2016, financial statements and related MD&A for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017 and their interim financial reports and related MD&A for the period ended June 30, 2017 filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although Kirkland Lake Gold has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Kirkland Lake Gold does not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.

For further information on Kirkland Lake Gold and to receive news releases by email, visit the website www.klgold.com.

Contacts:

Anthony Makuch

President, Chief Executive Officer & Director

+1 416-840-7884

tmakuch@klgold.com



Mark Utting

Vice President, Investor Relations

+1 416-840-7884

mutting@klgold.com




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump reportedly plans to interrupt his stay at Trump Tower next week with a brief return to Washington, D.C. on Monday. Citing a presidential schedule presented to local New York City law enforcement, Politico said Trump is now scheduled to fly to Washington early Monday before returning to Manhattan later in the day. Politico said Trump had previously been scheduled to spend Sunday through Wednesday holding 'internal meetings' at Trump Tower. The updated schedule shows Trump returning to New York and remaining at Trump Tower for two nights before heading to Bedminster, New Jersey, on Wednesday to finish his 'working vacation,' Politico said. Politico said it was not immediately clear why the president was returning to Washington in the middle of his planned seventeen-day summer break. Trump's 'working vacation' comes as the White House is undergoing major renovations, with West Wing staffers who stayed behind working out of the Old Executive Office Building. 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.
DUBLIN, Dec. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Application Management Services Market: Global Industry Analysis, Trends, Market Size and Forecasts up to 2023" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering.

The report predicts the Global Application Management Services market to grow with a CAGR of 7.5% over the period of 2017-2023.

The report on Global Application Management Services market provides qualitative and quantitative analysis for the period of 2015 to 2023.

The report on Application Management Services market is a comprehensive study and presentation of drivers, restraints, opportunities, demand factors, market size, forecasts, and trends in the Global Application Management Services market over the period of 2015 to 2023. Moreover, the report is collective presentation of primary and secondary research findings.

Porter's five forces model in the report provides insights into the competitive rivalry, supplier and buyer positions in the market and opportunities for the new entrants in the Global Application Management Services market over the period of 2015 - 2023. Further, the Growth Matrix given in the report brings an insight on the investment areas that existing or new market players can consider.



Segments Covered



Global Application Management Services market by Service

System integration

Modernization

Consulting

Database management

Support & maintenance

Global Application Management Services market by Deployment

Coud

On-premise

Global Application Management Services market by Application

Public sector

Retail

IT & telecom

Healthcare

BFSI

Companies Profiled



Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.

Accenture plc

Atos S.E.

Capgemini Group S.A.

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.

Computer Science Corp.

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd.

IBM Corp.

Infosys Ltd.

NTT Data Corp.



Key Topics Covered:



1. Preface



2. Executive Summary



3. Global Application Management Services market Overview



4. Global Application Management Services market by Service 2017 - 2023



5. Global Application Management Services market by Deployment 2017 - 2023



6. Global Application Management Services market by Application 2017 - 2023



7. Global Application Management Services market by Regions 2017 - 2023



8. Companies Covered



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/ddxkjp/application





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Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



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DUBLIN, August 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "SatCom for Defense & Security" report to their offering.

Global military demand for commercial satellite capacity has fallen by an estimated 20% from a peak of 12.5 GHz in 2011 following tremendous growth over the previous decade, due in large part to lower usage of the U.S. DoD.

'SatCom for Defense & Security' is the essential planning and forecast tool for future military satellite requirements. The report provides a comprehensive bottom-up assessment of all relevant military satcom user markets, including land forces, naval forces, UAVs and manned aircraft. The report also includes a forecasting tool that allows users to instantaneously measure possible demand requirements and impacts of any future conflict scenario over the next ten years, while taking into account all key trends, drivers and limitations of military satellite communications.

Highlights from the report:

While commercial capacity demand began stabilizing in 2016, proprietary satellites are serving a growing share of total military FSS capacity requirements as defense agencies seek to optimize usage of these sunk-cost assets. As of 2016, proprietary systems were estimated to account for more than 35% of overall military satellite communications demand. The number of countries investing in proprietary military satellite communications systems, whether directly or through partnerships, has expanded heavily in recent years, and is projected to reach upwards of 30 countries by 2021, from a base of just 11 in 2006. Capacity supply from proprietary military satellites is expected to grow seven-fold over the same period to upwards of 70 Gbps by 2021.



Key features include:



- Comprehensive bottom-up assessment of all relevant miiitary satcom user markets:

- Land Forces

- Naval Forces

- Air Forces - UAVs & Manned Aircraft

- In-depth evaluation of military satellite communications requirements for relevant applications

- Examination of current and future milsatcom equipment and ongoing procurement programs

- Assessment of proprietary and commercial milsatcom systems and capabilities

- Forecast Tool for future demand scenarios



New in this edition:



- Commercial capacity revenue forecasts (2016-2026)

- Military Satellite Supply database

- Recent contracts database - Fixed terminals

- Recent contracts database - Mobile terminals



Key Topics Covered:



1. Overview

1.1 Global milsatcom value chain

1.2 Historical U.S. DoD satcom usage

1.3 Strategic Issues

1.4 U.S. defense budgets

1.5 Commercial capacity procurement

1.6 International partnerships

1.7 Concept of operations

1.8 Conflict hotspots

1.9 Commercial capacity prices

1.10 Forecasts

1.11 Summary of assumptions, drivers & inhibitors

1.12 Consolidated demand

1.13 Proprietary capacity

1.14 Commercial capacity

1.15 Scenarios (peace-time vs. conflict scenario)



2. Land Forces

2.1 Addressable Market

2.2 Peacekeeping missions & deployed troops outside country of origin

2.3 Historical troop deployment by sponsoring institution

2.4 Other addressable land market segments

2.5 Terminal Inventories

2.6 United States

2.7 International

2.8 Current Usage

2.9 Market Drivers/Inhibitors

2.10 Forecasts



3. Naval Forces

3.1 Addressable Market

3.2 World map activity fleet inventories by country

3.3 Estimated naval fleet deployments from the U.S., U.K. & France

3.4 Current Usage

3.5 United States

3.6 International

3.7 Market Drivers/Inhibitors

3.8 Forecasts



4. Air Forces

4.1 Addressable Market: Overview



5. UAVs

5.1 Addressable Market

5.2 Terminal Inventories

5.3 Current Usage

5.4 Market Drivers/Inhibitors

5.5 Forecasts



6. Manned Aircraft

6.1 Addressable Market

6.2 Current Usage

6.3 Market Drivers/Inhibitors

6.4 Forecasts



7. Proprietary Satellite Supply

7.1 Overview

7.2 U.S. MilSatCom Roadmap

7.3 U.S. System Profiles

7.4 Wideband Global SatCom (WGS)

7.5 AEHF

7.6 MUOS

7.7 Europe MilSatCom Roadmap

7.8 National Profiles

7.9 United Kingdom

7.10 France

7.11 Italy

7.12 Germany

7.13 Spain

7.14 Luxembourg

7.15 International MilSatCom Roadmap

7.16 International Profiles

7.17 China



8. Commercial Satellite Supply/Services

8.1 FSS Operators

8.2 MSS Operators

8.3 HTS Operators

8.4 Procurement Mechanisms



For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/cgtr5w/satcom_for





Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
Technavio's latest report on the global trauma fixation devices marketprovides an analysis of the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2017-2021. Technavio defines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170811005369/en/

Technavio has published a new report on the global trauma fixation devices market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The growth in the number of accidents and sports-related injuries and the growing prevalence of OA drive the growth of the market. The demand for trauma fixation devices is growing due to the advantages of advanced products such as bioresorbable implants, drug eluting implants, and nano-coated devices. However, implant fractures, inflammations, infections, function loss, and the need for corrective surgeries affect the growth of the market.

Srinivas Sashidhar, a lead analyst from Technavio, specializing in research on orthopedics and medical devices sector, says, "The adoption of trauma fixation devices is growing in the Americas and EMEA. These two regions contribute the largest revenue share to the global trauma fixation devices market. The availability of reimbursements in the Americas will drive the growth of the market in the region."

This report is available at a USD 1,000 discount for a limited time only: View market snapshot before purchasing

Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free

The top three emerging trends driving the global trauma fixation devices marketaccording to Technavio research analysts are:

Strategic partnerships and collaborations

Technological advancements

Emergence of diagnostic protocols and technologies

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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.

Strategic partnerships and collaborations

The global trauma fixation devices market is saturated due to the presence of several vendors. Hence, to maintain their market share in a competitive environment, companies undertake strategic partnerships and collaborations. Sales and distribution partnerships help companies sell their products in new geographies. Collaborations with large-sized hospitals and research institutions will help companies increase their market share.

Technological advancements

Due to the growing demand for trauma fixation devices, companies are developing technologically advanced products to improve their market share. For instance, Bioretec has developed an antibiotic releasing bioabsorbable fixation screw, which is called CiproScrew, for trauma care. The product releases an antimicrobial agent around itself, which prevents bacteria from colonizing the surface of the screw.

"Titan Spine has developed nanoLOCK implant, which triggers the body to produce and regulate its own bone morphogenic proteins at the key stages of the fusion process. The product has received FDA approval. The CMS provides reimbursements for the new nano-textured surface on an interbody fusion device," says Srinivas

Emergence of diagnostic protocols and technologies

Advances in imaging technology and protocols permit the diagnosis and monitoring of trauma injuries such as soft tissue damage and spinal surgeries. Molecular-based diagnostics will improve the detection of injuries and monitor treatment. In 2017, Microsoft launched HoloLens for spinal surgery.

Similarly, technologies such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and morphologic assessments like the mapping of early molecular changes of soft tissue repair such as cartilage pathology provide insights about the ultrastructure of surgically manipulated cartilage.

The key vendors are as follows:

Stryker

Zimmer Biomet

Smith Nephew

Browse Related Reports:

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About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170811005369/en/

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UK: +44 208 123 1770

www.technavio.com
Citi (NYSE: C) has raised $6.25 million in its 5th annual e for Education campaign, a global initiative which has raised over $22.5 million for education-focused non-profits in the last five years.

Over the past ten weeks, Citi's Foreign Exchange and Local Markets (FXLM) business has donated $1 for every $1 million of FX that clients traded via a broad range of electronic platforms including Citi Velocity, Citi's flagship trading platform for institutional clients.

The funds raised will be shared equally between 7 education-focused non-profits and will contribute to several key initiatives supporting youth education and improving literacy globally. Projects supported by the campaign include the implementation of educational programs spanning 15 emerging market countries worldwide, the development of new, high-quality charter schools serving over 20,000 students in the US each year, the support of college fees for over 900 children of fallen patriots in the US, as well as the development and coaching of top graduates and career changers to teach in over 200 schools facing the greatest challenges in the UK.

"We are extremely proud to reach the 5 year milestone for this very important campaign," Nadir Mahmud, Citi's Global Head of Foreign Exchange and Local Markets said. "This result could not have been achieved without the support of our clients and employees who supported us to make a positive, significant impact on young people's lives and help them develop skills to move them towards their career goals."

Over the last ten weeks, Citi employees throughout the world have been hosting and attending a series of educational events focused on raising awareness around access to education and career development. Educational events involving Citi's employees and the non-profit organizations supported by the campaign included school visits to Citi's trading floors, introductions to financial services, trading simulations and school interviews workshops.

Commenting on Citi's partnership, David Kim CEO Co-Founder of Fallen Patriots one of the non-profits supported by the campaign said: "By globally investing in our youth through financial investments as well as utilizing employees' time and skills, Citi is honoring the sacrifices of parents worldwide and investing in the future leaders of our nations."

Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.

Additional information may be found at http://www.citigroup.com | Twitter: @Citi YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/citi | Blog: http://blog.citigroup.com/| Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171129005568/en/

Contacts:

Citi

Capucine Boncenne

(44) 207 805 93 55

capucine.boncenne@citi.com
CALGARY, Alberta, 2017-08-12 00:19 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Butte Energy Inc. ("Butte" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of its Annual General and Special Meeting of shareholders held on August 1, 2017 in Calgary (the "Meeting"). At the Meeting, shareholders holding 77.42% of the issued and outstanding common shares were present or represented by proxy and such shareholders voted 100% in favour of the sale of the Company's Chigwell properties to RKSmith Energy Corp. for $35,000 (the "Transaction").



In addition, the Company is pleased to announce the re-election of Charles Baker, Chris Reimchen, Victor Redekop, Gerald Gilbert and Cuneyt Tirmandi. At the Meeting shareholders also re-appointed Czechowsky, Graham & Hanevelt Chartered Accountants as auditors of the Company and approved a special resolution approving the winding up of the Company, the full text of which is set forth in the Company's management information circular dated June 30, 2017.



The Company also wishes to announce that Tyron Pfeifer has resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, with effect as of August 9, 2017.



This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Specifically, this news release includes, but is not limited to, forward-looking statements with respect to completion of the Transaction and the winding-up of the Company. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "projects", "intends", "anticipates", or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or "variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "can", "could", "would", "might", or "will" be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks associated with general economic conditions, adverse industry events, loss of markets, inability to obtain regulatory approvals, the liabilities of the Corporation, income tax and regulatory matters. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements will prove accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Corporation does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.



This press release is not an offer of the securities for sale in the United States. The securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.



Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States of America. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws.



For further information please contact:Butte Energy Inc. Victor Redekop, Chairman (403) 541-5310

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NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Envision Healthcare Corporation ("Envision" or the "Company") (NYSE:EVHC) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Middle District of Tennessee, and docketed under 17-cv-01112, is on behalf of a class consisting of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Envision securities, seeking to recover compensable damages caused by defendants' violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If you are a shareholder who purchased Envision securities between March 2, 2015 and July 21, 2017, both dates inclusive, you have until October 3, 2017 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll free, Ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

Envision Healthcare Corporation provides health care services. The Hospital offers surgery, pharmacy, medical imaging, emergency care, and other related health care services. Envision Healthcare serves patients in the United States. At all relevant times, EmCare Holdings, Inc. ("EmCare") has been one of the Company's primary operating subsidiaries.

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) EmCare routinely arranged for patients who sought treatment at in-network facilities to be treated by out-of-network physicians; (ii) EmCare accordingly billed these patients at higher rates than if the patients had received treatment from in-network physicians; (iii) the Company's statements attributing EmCare's Class Period growth to other factors were therefore false and/or misleading; (iv) Envision's EmCare revenues were likely to be unsustainable after the foregoing conduct came to light; and (v) as a result of the foregoing, Envision's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On July 24, 2017, The New York Times reported that hospitals associated with Envision's subsidiary EmCare were disproportionately likely to engage in "surprise billing," in which patients who sought treatment at in-network facilities were treated by out-of-network physicians and subsequently billed at higher rates.

On this news, Envision's share price fell $2.33, or 3.72%, to close at $60.28 on July 24, 2017.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

rswilloughby@pomlaw.com
Stephen R. Bolze, former President & CEO of General Electrics (NYSE:GE) $28 billion Power business, will join Blackstone (NYSE:BX), one of the worlds leading investment firms, as a Senior Managing Director and Head of Portfolio Operations and Asset Management for newly launched dedicated Infrastructure business.

In this role, Bolze will partner with portfolio company CEOs to drive key value creation initiatives throughout infrastructure companies, reporting to Sean Klimczak, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Blackstones Infrastructure business.

In May, Blackstone announced the launch of its new investment vehicle dedicated to infrastructure with an anchor $20 billion commitment by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.

The firm anticipates that, over time, the program will have $40 billion in total equity commitments in a permanent capital vehicle, including $20 billion to be raised from other investors.

Overall, through the equity in this vehicle and additional debt financing, Blackstone expects to invest in more than $100 billion of infrastructure projects, principally in the United States.

Bolze will join Blackstone in October from a nearly 25 year career at General Electric, during which time he led a number of the companys largest businesses, operating in over 140 countries with 52,000 employees.

In his most recent role with GE Power and its prior businesses (Thermal Power Generation, Nuclear, Wind, Water and Distributed Generation), where he oversaw extensive infrastructure investments globally, Bolze helped grow overall revenues from $16.5 billion to $28 billion over a 10-year period, and led the turnaround of the Wind and Thermal units.

He also oversaw major acquisitions, including the $14 billion acquisition of Alstom Power & Grid  the largest industrial acquisition in GE history. Prior to GE Power, he held senior roles with GE Healthcare, GE Energy and GE Corporate.

FinSMEs

11/08/2017
Miller Homes, one of the largest housebuilders in the UK, is to be acquired by private equity group Bridgepoint, from funds managed by GSO Capital Partners.

The transaction totalled 655m.

Established in 1934 and led by Chief Executive Chris Endsor, Miller Homes is one of the largest privately-owned housebuilders in the UK, with a strong regional presence through three divisions (Midlands & South, North, and Scotland). The company focuses on sustainable developments on the edge of urban or suburban areas, typically within 45 minutes of the nearest largest town or city.

In 2016, Miller Homes completed a total of 2,380 homes. For the year to 31 December 2016, the company reported a 13% increase in revenue to 565m and a 31% increase in operating profit to 103m.

The investment in Miller Homes was made by Bridgepoint Europe V, a 4 billion pan-European middle-market fund.

FinSMEs

11/08/2017
Ola (Ani Technologies Pvt. Ltd), an Indian cab-hailing company, raised $36m in funding.

New York-based hedge fund Tekne Capital Management made the investment.

ANI Technologies Pvt. Ltd., operating under the trade name . It was

Founded in 2010 by Bhavish Aggarwal, Ankit Bhati in Mumbai, Ola is now an online transportation network company which enables people to to book cabs nearby their location for best fares.

The company, based in Bangalore, operates a platform whose offering ranges from affordable AC cabs on the Ola Micro range, to the superior luxury offering from Ola Lux, as well as localized offerings like the Auto-rickshaws, to Shuttle buses for daily commute.

Using the Ola mobile app, today, users across 110 cities can book from over 6,00,000 vehicles available to them.

FinSMEs

11/08/2017
SparkLabs, a network of accelerators in Asia, is launching in Taipei after recently launching in Beijing.

The first accelerator was launched in Seoul in 2012, then expanded to Songdo, South Korea with an IoT & Smart City accelerator, Beijing, and early next year a FinTech accelerator in Hong Kong.

Edgar Chiu has joined SparkLabs Taipei as the Managing Partner who will oversee its operations. He was previously the COO of Gogolook where he was responsible for developing global partnerships in Japan, Korea, the Middle East and Southeast Asia for the Whoscall app, a global caller ID service which accumulated more than 50 million downloads.

Gogolook was subsequently acquired by Naver (Koreas leading Internet company with a US$24.4 billion market cap) in 2013, and Chiu took on the role as the founding General Manager at Camp Mobile Taiwan, Navers mobile group.

SparkLabs Taipei will target startup companies in IoT (Internet of Things), AI, VR/AR, mobile, fintech, healthcare, and others verticals. The mentorship-driven program will be three months in length and will provide funding, office space, a structure program and access to a network of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, angel investors and executives from Silicon Valley and across the globe.

Chiu is joined by two Venture Partners, Alex Wu and Tony Ling, who are part-time partners who will be providing support to SparkLabs Taipeis startups and sharing their experiences from Silicon Valley.

Wu is the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Newsela, and was previously at Quora, Facebook and Obama for America. While at Facebook, he was a product marketer where he managed over $50 million in media placements, accelerated adoption of products like Facebook Pages and Facebook for Android, and led global marketing initiatives with Facebooks mobile operator and device partners.

Ling is a former Managing Director at Silver Lake Partners, a technology-focused private equity firm with $39 billion under management. While at Silver Lake, Tony led investments across a range of technology sectors including internet, semiconductor and hardware-related companies.

Steve Chen, Co-founder and CTO of YouTube, and Kevin Chou, Co-founder and CEO of Kabam, join SparkLabs entry into Taiwan on their advisory board. Chen sold YouTube to Google for $1.65 billion and Chou recently sold Kabam to Netmarble, a South Korean online gaming company, for $800 million. Also joining are Charles and Kai Huang, the two brothers who sold Red Octane (Guitar Hero) to Activision.

FinSMEs

11/08/2017
Shares of Cochin Shipyard listed at nearly 2 percent premium over the issue price of Rs 432 in its debut trade on Friday.

The stock debuted at Rs 435, up 0.69 percent from its issue price on the BSE.

On NSE, shares of the company listed at Rs 440.15, a gain of 1.88 percent from the issue price.

However, the stock later zoomed 20.8 percent to hit Rs 522 on the BSE. At 11:44 am, the stock was at Rs 517, up nearly 19 percent from the issue price.

The bullish outlook for the stock was evident as its IPO was termed a hit among the investors. The IPO was oversubscribed 76.19 times during the 1-3 August offer period.

The portion reserved for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) was oversubscribed 63.52 times, non institutional investors 288.87 times and retail investors 8.51 times.

The price band for the Rs 1,468 crore IPO was Rs 424-432.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said the investor confidence shows the faith in the Narendra Modi government's economic policies.

The shipyard, whose almost the entire revenue of Rs 2,059 crore last year came from government, should diversify and cater to the private sector too, Gadkari said.

"Don't depend on only government orders. Now you have to go for cruise, catamaran, hovercraft and my ambition is sea-planes, go for it," he said.

Cochin Shipyard is currently building India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.

Gadkari said looking at the opportunity in the inland waterways sector, the shipyard has also partnered with a state-run yard in Hoogly near Kolkata to build and maintain smaller vessels.

SBI Capital Markets, Edelweiss Financial Services and JM Financial Institutional Securities were the book running lead managers to the issue.

In July, ahead of the IPO, chairman and managing director Madhu S Nair said the public sector shipyard will invest Rs 3,100 crore over the next five years for capacity expansion in both ship building as well as repairs side.

We are investing Rs 1,800 crore for a dry-dock, Rs 970 crore on the ship repair side and Rs 300 crore to augment the current capacities over the next five years, Nair had said.

The company will enhancing its shipbuilding capabilities by creating a 310-meter dock which can accommodate bigger vessels, including LNG carriers that would be required by the nation in future, Nair said.

The yard, which is building the countrys maiden indigenous aircraft carrier at present, already has two docks of 250 meters and 270 meters.

The state-run firm plans to create an international ship repair facility within the yard, for which it has already leased a 42-acre plot from the Cochin Port Trust, Nair had said, adding it will increase its capacity by over 60 per cent.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Why exactly is the Modi government going ahead with plans to privatise/disinvest Air India? Is it because of the airlines continued losses, demand for government funding under a previously approved turnaround plan and its dismal share of the domestic market? Or is Air Indias dismal share of international traffic, to and from India, the real driver behind the privatisation move? Well, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had listed out the first three reasons when he initially divulged that the government was willing to look at disinvestment in the national carrier.

Now, in the Economic Survey Volume II, tabled in Parliament on Friday, the Chief Economic Advisor says disinvestment in Air India will help boost Indian airlines international market share. Reforms such as privatisation/ disinvestment of Air India, creation of aviation hubs and reconsidering the 0/20 rule are some suggestions to improve Indian airlines share in the international market.

The Survey further says there is a need for committed action plan on privatisation/ disinvestment of the national carrier Air India to enhance its operational and management efficiency because it is a major carrier of international traffic to and from India, accounting for 11.4 percent of the total international travel. The recent announcement of the government towards privatisation of Air India is a well thought out decision.

The government seems to lack clarity on its motives for disinvesting its stake in Air India, never mind the overall benefits of such an exercise. By not being sure of what it is selling out for, the government runs the risk of getting private investors in for wrong reasons and this could well derail the process itself.

Though Jaitley has declared that the decision to privatise/disinvest Air India is on, there is still no clarity on key parameters like whether the government will exit completely or retain some stake; whether foreign airlines will be allowed to participate in the bidding process etc. Besides, how does getting private investors into Air India automatically improve its share of the international market? Remember, IndiGo, Indias largest airline by passengers, has said that it wants to preferably only acquire the international business of Air India and Air India Express to augment its own plans of a low cost long haul operation.

Anyway, as per the latest figures available with safety regulator DGCA, 62 percent of total international traffic to and from India was carried by foreign airlines in Q1 2016-17, leaving just about 38 percent for domestic airlines. This means only about a third of the international traffic was carried by domestic airlines. And even here, Air India was not the first choice of passengers, Jet Airways beat it by a significant margin. Anyhow, Air Indias standalone share among domestic airlines flying to overseas destinations was 28 percent but in the overall scheme of things, when we consider all airlines flying to and from India, Air Indias share was a tad below 11 percent. When numbers for Air India Express (a subsidiary) were included, the market share was about 17 percent. So not even a fifth of the market. How will this improve by merely divesting/privatising the airline remains a mystery.

The argument that makes more sense than using Air India privatisation to increase desi airlines international traffic share is the creation of domestic aviation hubs and further easing restrictions on Indian carriers overseas flights. On the first, the Survey quotes figures from FY16 to show that the maximum international traffic to and from India was to the UAE  almost a third. The top destinations of passenger traffic to and from India are the Gulf countries of UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and the South East Asian countries of Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

UAE alone accounts for 33.6 percent of the total passenger flows. However, these countries are not the end destinations of all passengers. In fact, these countries are invariably being used as stop-overs/ hubs by their respective home airlines to carry passengers for onward destinations of USA, Canada, Europe etc. This is the 6th freedom of air which allows foreign airlines to fly from a foreign country to another while stopping in one's own country. The 6th freedom has to a large extent been responsible for reducing the share of direct long haul flights for Indian carriers from 25 percent in 2011-12 to 20.5 percent in 2015-16.

This is the nub of the problem. Instead of gifting away growing international traffic to and from India to foreign carriers, India should encourage development of domestic hubs so that our desi airlines can take passengers directly, instead of foreign carriers first taking passengers to their home countries and then offering them onward connections.

On easing current restrictions on Indian airlines to fly overseas, the Survey has advocated a further liberalisation of the 0/20 rule. This rule allows Indian carriers to fly overseas as long as they own a fleet of 20 aircraft. This is dilution of the earlier 5/20 rule where in addition to the fleet specification, the airline had to have a five-year domestic flying record too. There is need to reconsider the 0/20 rule so as to allow private airlines to fly abroad. In return, private airlines can be mandated to fly to under-served airports in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in order to have greater regional connectivity (UDAN is a good initiative in this direction).
The RBI (Reserve Bank of India) transferred just Rs 30,659 crore as dividend to the government for the year ended June 2017, less than half the previous year's levels. Last year, it transferred Rs 65,876 crore to the government. This year, the expectation was Rs 74,901 crore will flow into the government exchequer, partly due to the demonetisation gains. But, this didnt happen for three reasons. One, as Radhika Rao, economist at Singapore-based DBS bank, points out in her note that demonetisation added to the RBIs cost burden through additional printing and destruction (of scrapped notes) costs.

Second, surplus domestic liquidity has forced the RBI to mop-up funds regularly on the reverse repo window (yet again mainly due to post demonetisation cash-flood), adding to its costs (the RBI needs to pay interest on this money to banks), in contrast to liquidity being in deficit in prior two years, which saw banks borrow from the RBI and add to latters earnings and, third, lower returns on foreign reserves in midst of weak global yields.

It wouldnt be an exaggeration to say that demonetisation has turned out to be a big spoiler to the governments earnings from RBI. Under normal scenario, it would have got much bigger share. The poor dividend could make it even tougher for the government to meet its fiscal deficit target of 3.2 percent of gross domestic product for the year ending in March. It will now have to do some smart revenue operations to make up for this notional loss. As far as demonetisation revenue is concerned, now the only hope left for the government is to wait for the counting of demonetised currency to be over and see if there is a substantial gap between the value of currency demonetised and the value of the currency ultimately returned. Here too, it is unlikely that government will turn lucky as it may have to wait for many more months.

There is a likely surprise for those who were waiting to see the noteban numbers. It will not be before March, 2018, the RBI completes the counting of old demonetised notes that returns to the banking system, if one goes by the estimates of former RBI deputy governor, R Gandhi shared in an interview with CNBC TV18 on Thursday evening (read here).

That will be nearly one and half years since the demonetisation of Rs 500, Rs 1,000 notes were announced by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on 8 November. About 86 percent of the currency in circulation was scrapped overnight in a bid to check black money, fake currency and terror funding in the country. The last time, the RBI gave a provisional update on the demonetised money returning to banking system was just after a month of the big-bang announcement, in the second week of December. Then, the central bank said it has received Rs 12.44 lakh crore in invalidated high value notes until 10 December. In other words, it took 32 days for the RBI to arrive at the figure of Rs 12.44 lakh crore or about 81 percent of the total amount of currency demonetised.

After that the repeated response from the central bank and the government officials has been that the physical counting and tallying of the currency stock is a cumbersome process and will take many more months for the process to get completed. Going by Gandhis statement, one will come to know about the final figure of demonetised currency--only a year ahead of the 2019 general elections. For the Modi government and opposition parties, that is an important piece of data to use either way in the run-up to elections. Why this figure is important? This is because the initial expectation of the government was that a good three to four lakh crores of unaccounted old currency will not return to the system. When that chunk of money gets destroyed outside the system, the RBIs liability will reduce and the resultant surplus will be transferred to the governments coffers in some form. Now, there are experts arguing both for and against this theory including the fact that whether there is a legal leeway for the central bank to do such transfer.

But, that question itself has turned irrelevant now when recent estimates emerged that almost all of the demonetised currencies may have found their way back into the banking system. If that is what comes at the end of counting, it will be an embarrassment for the government as far as the expected monetary gains from the demonetisation exercise is concerned. Till this point, demonetisation has only helped to eat into even what was originally due to the government (higher dividend revenue during seen last three years) and even after the final demonetisation figures come in, say, by March, 2018, the Modi governments luck is unlikely to turn any better than what it is already now.
Mumbai: The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) on Friday asked the stock exchanges to lift the trading restrictions imposed on shares of Parsvnath Developers and Kavit Industries, which are among the 331 suspected shell companies identified by the government.

Capital market regulator Sebi, on 7 August, had asked stock exchanges to restrict trading in shares of 331 "suspected shell companies", some of which have investments by several well-known domestic and foreign investors.

The move came after the watchdog received the list of such companies from the corporate affairs ministry and many of the 331 firms are under the scanner of the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and the Income Tax Department.

Parsvnath Developers and Kavit Industries had moved the SAT against the Sebi directions.

The companies submitted various financials along with their filings before SAT to establish that they are not shell companies and are in compliance with all regulations.

Following a hearing on Friday, the SAT asked the stock exchanges to lift the trading restrictions imposed on the two companies. The shares of these companies are likely to resume normal trading from Monday.

At the same time, SAT said, the MCA, Sebi and the stock exchanges can conduct probe in operations of these companies.

Kavit Industries, a Gujarat-based firm, is manufacturer and supplier of edible oil, and Parsvnath Developers is a Delhi-based real estate company.

On Thursday, SAT had stayed trading restrictions imposed on JKumar Infraprojects and Prakash Industries, observing that Sebi issued the list without investigating the credentials or fundamentals of these firms.

Out of the 331 companies on the list, more than 160 are actively traded shares on the exchanges.
The certification and release of a Tamil film titled Oru Pakka Kathai has been stalled due to deliberations over the use of the word 'intercourse', reports Times of India.

The makers of this Tamil film say that they applied for certification in March, but the actual screening happened in April, which is when they received a 'U/A' rating. Because they felt that the film must have a 'U' rating so that teenagers can watch it, they applied to the revising committee, who apparently saw the film at the end of June.

"They [executive committee] praised our film and suggested a couple of cuts, but gave us the 'U' certificate. And they did not have any objection to the word intercourse. But the regional censor board is refusing to give us the certificate saying they need to clarify with Mumbai on the use of the word. And they have already delayed it for more than a month without providing any definite answer," said the film's producer KS Srinivasan.

Oru Pakka Kathai tells the story of a medical complication that arises in a girl's life after she gets pregnant. The makers said that the word 'intercourse' is uttered in the film when a girl is asked about her medical history by a doctor, implying that it is not used in a 'vulgar' or 'obscene' manner. They also assert that the film has no adult content and no scenes depicting smoking or drinking.

Regional Officer M Mathialagan told Times of India that his board follows guidelines and must exercise uniformity when it comes to evaluations. "The regional officer can issue the certificate only after the reports are vetted by the chairman. We have submitted our reports to our head office in Mumbai, and presently, the file is not on my desk. We are pursuing the matter, but since they are dealing with nine centres, it is taking some time," he explained.

Recently, Jab Harry Met Sejal starring Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma was embroiled in a similar controversy involving the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) over the use of the word 'intercourse' in one of its mini trails. Chairman Pahlaj Nihalani said that he would allow the word to remain in the film if signatures were sought from the public in support of such a decision. When this was achieved, he refused to address questions from reporters of a news channel. Eventually, the word was dropped from the film.

On the other hand is the case of a Bengali film based on the story of the hanging of a convict found guilty of murder and rape titled Dhananjoy. While it can be argued that the word was passed because the film has been given an 'A' rating as opposed to JHMS and OPK, there appears to be another reason why this decision was taken.

A source from the CBFC speaking to The Quint said, "There is a difference between the way intercourse was used in Imtiaz Alis film and in Dhananjoy. Here words like 'sex' ,'intercourse' and 'semen' are part of the legal jargon that is used in the court case. We cant touch what the law has to say. Weve allowed all the graphic sexual references in the court scenes."
An Akshay Kumar film means half the industry is going to promote it on social media. With Toilet: Ek Prem Katha releasing this Independence Day weekend, Alia Bhatt, Karan Johar and Hrithik Roshan have given their Twitter blessings to the film.

However, the buzz about this satire on rural sanitation has been coming from many other quarters. Tying up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Campaign, leads Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar have been touring the country promoting safe sanitation and meeting with political leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to promote the film.

The film itself is about Keshav, played by Akshay Kumar and Jaya, played by Pednekar.

The film begins with a bunch of giggly village women discussing their mother-in-laws and other familial matters as they head to a far away farm for their morning toilet rituals. But we're shown that there's always a pervert lurking around, flashing lights at them or following them. This is when Bhumi, as Jaya, makes an entrance. She almost dethrones a pervert on a tractor the next morning for cat-calling her. She's been established as feisty from the get-go.

Keshav is introduced as a playboy, who breaks up with his girlfriend on the day of his wedding with someone else. He has his typical sense of humour in tow  a familiar lackadaisical, mischievous attitude that Akshay Kumar has sported in a lot of his films.

We then find out he's getting married to a cow, since he's 'manglik'. Getting people married seems to be the only obsession of the elders in this village, some of whom include the very talented Ayesha Raza Mishra and Anupam Kher.

You know this film is meant to play on nationalist sentiments for two reasons: It's releasing on the I-Day weekend, and there's an actual dream sequence with Akshay and the cow in a field!

On Firstpost: The Akshay Kumar Playlist  As Toilet: Ek Prem Katha releases, a look at his craziest '90s songs

The first time Jaya and Keshav meet is in  surprise, surprise  a toilet. He leaves the door open in a train's loo, and when she screams at him, he falls for her. Typical. 'Badtameez keh do madam, bhaisaab nahi,' he tells her. This is followed by a bunch of exchanges between Keshav and Jaya about equality of the genders. You can see them falling for one another (if the background score wasn't enough indication)  him a little more than her. Since the film is called Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, it only makes sense that this much screen time is being used to establish their 'love'.

The problem lies in how he chooses to stalk her. Most of us use Facebook or other social media to find out more about our crushes. Keshav literally follows Jaya around and takes pictures of her. In most universes, this is creepy. But she seems to be happy about it.

Quick note about their acting. While Akshay is his cheeky self, Bhumi seems to be trying very hard. However, the tone of the film so far is breezy, so we'll have to see how she holds in more serious scenes.

Coming back to the stalking, there does seem to be a sense of responsibility in showing these scenes. There's no glorification of the stalking, they're showing it as it is. Jaya puts Keshav in his place immediately  and once he gets the hint, it's back to his lackadaisical ways. But by now, both have fallen for each other.

There's an impressive scene where Keshav tells his brother (played by Divyendu Sharma), that he's in love with Jaya, and the friend starts to sings a lewd song to denote it, when Keshav immediately stops him and yells at him for spoiling the mood.

With Jaya constantly calling Keshav out for being a ruffian, and the scene with Divyendu, at least we know there is an effort being made to change how these depictions in Bollywood films are being viewed. The icing on the cake is when, once she warms up to him, Jaya ends up following him and clicking his pictures. There is a role reversal that's shown. In all this nok-jhok, Divyendu Sharma stands out for his impressive comic timing.

Also read: How Akshay Kumar went from being Bollywood's 'khiladi' to its go-to 'common man'

After a lot of jugaad, Keshav and Jaya finally get married. Things have picked up pace plot-wise, by now. So far, a lot of effort is being made to show a funny, charming, 'man's man' avatar of Akshay. We can anticipate everything is going to change once Jaya realises the house has no toilet. Someone as feisty as Jaya won't settle for walking kms to use the loo only to be followed by a pervert.

As predicted, she creates a fuss about Keshav's house not having a toilet. The tone changes from funny to serious, courtesy the background score. Jaya gives Keshav an ultimatum to do something or she'll leave the house. Keshav's father seems to have a problem with having a toilet in the house for ritualistic reasons. As a city girl, I may not understand his issues, but perhaps the father's character is not used to having a toilet inside the house  at one point, he claims it's like having a graveyard inside one's home.

The film has now shifted from being about Keshav and Jaya to the search for a toilet. This is the first time I've seen a massive smile on a lead actor's face on seeing an Indian toilet. It's at this point that the film catches your attention.

Toilet: Ek Prem Katha takes its time to make a point but it does get there. In a not-so-sharp but seemingly earnest way, it tells you the issues women in villages face. The film starts with humour and slowly warms you to the reality of things. It's quite refreshing for a commercial film to take this path. There is an outward attempt to make everything entertaining and comical but the point comes across.

It's at the midway point that the couple spars over not having access to a private loo, and Jaya leaves Keshav.

There's a point to be made about Keshav and Jaya's fights about a toilet. He thinks she's making a mountain of a molehill, whereas she think he isn't concerned over the fact that women have to strip in public to use the loo. The narrative keeps shifting between these two perspectives. This is why, when Keshav takes an active interest in getting a loo installed by hook or crook, you appreciate the merging of the narratives. Many will criticise how the village and some villagers' mentality has been portrayed. There are men who seem to be living in the stone ages and are portrayed as they are. But with Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, you can figure that an attempt is being made to bring both perspectives to the forefront  the conservative as well as the open-minded.

The positioning of the film is not just for urban centres but mostly for rural audiences to understand the importance of a basic toilet (of course with a peppering of love, songs and humour).

However one criticism of the film is that we are never shown the man's predicament. Where does he go? And what does he do? The assumption seems to be that men can go any where, and using a loo is not their problem. That's not entirely true and it shouldn't be. The fight should have been shown as from all sides and not just the woman's.

Sure, there is humour in a newlywed attempting to find a loo in a village for his wife to use. They find many different and innovative ways around the fact that the father doesn't want a loo in the house. But why does this fight have to be perpetrated for the woman alone? Does Keshav himself have no issues about sanitation? Shouldn't he?

Bhumi has a monologue moment, where she makes a point about why we need better sanitation. And her efforts slowly tend to change the minds of even the most conservative of villagers. But the crucial problem in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha is that is seems to be trying too hard to be impactful  and too preachy.

By this point, the film reminds me of Pink, where we needed an Amitabh Bachchan to save the day. A hard-hitting story that showed us the reality of being a woman in Delhi, but positioned Bachchan as the saviour in that film, just as Akshay is the saviour in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha.

Whereas, in my humble opinion, the film would have been far more hard hitting to all quarters (and not just its intended rural audience) if the issues were equally divided. The lack of sanitation seems to affect only Jaya and the women and Keshav seems to be the pacifier, and eventually the saviour in this situation.

A large part of the second half is spent showing various people trying to convince Jaya to go back to Keshav (because he's not asking for dowry or beating her up, so what's the problem?) and some people standing up for her right. Meanwhile, he's spending most of his time trying to get her love back.

Toilet would have been a far better and more holistic film if it were envisioned as a slice-of-life story about a couple and their issues with sanitation. As opposed to this film, which is trying so hard to be preachy and about social change. The agenda in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha is very very clear and obvious.

The question then is, as a viewer, what is your tolerance for this? Personally I don't like films that are so preachy, and try so hard to hammer their point home. But this kind of narrative may have its own takers.

At the end of the day, it's the message that is important  even as we debate over whether or not we liked how the message was made.

Finally, in its last quarter, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha turns into a social commentary about corruption and governance. And in turn, becomes a platform for Akshay to be a hero once again. Does Jaya walk along with Keshav and help him in getting toilets in the village? No. She's at home, helping in whatever way she can. Ultimately, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha has its heart in the right place, and tries very hard to be balances in its point of view, but chooses a preachy way to portray it. Unlike a Dangal or a Peepli Live, a major portion of the film panders to overused commercial tropes. However, if a film like Dangal can make so many points about female empowerment and familial units, without being preachy, Toilet could have most certainly done it too. Things start moving only towards the last few minutes in the film, and by then it's all about Akshay. Bhumi becomes a mere catalyst. This is the biggest issue with Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. Some of you may be able to ignore this in wake of the larger message in the film, but I would have preferred a different film altogether.

Watch the trailer of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha here 
Rupali Pangtey

In the dingy spaces of Bronx, one of the five boroughs of New York, one fine day, Clive Campbell was playing music in a Back to School party at 1520, Sedgwick Avenue to a crowd of teenagers. The 18 year olds tryst with reggae didnt go down well with the crowd, which gave a sense that reggae, an offspring of beats music, was fading away. When the crowd didnt respond much to this, he switched to percussive rhythm. The crowd went wild. And thus from the Burning Bronx arose a hip hop flame, DJ Kool Herc, who gave the much used 'break' to this crowd.

On 11 August, Google celebrates the 44th birth of this breakthrough music style, which, in a matter of time took White America and birthed a multi-million dollar industry. After graffiti, break music was the next big thing that arose from this culture. The Google Doodle celebrates it with an animated video with Fab 5 Freddy, an 80s Yo! MTV Raps host. In the animated description, the doodle explains the iconic break moment. In this infotainment video, Fab 5 Freddy illustrates the history of hip hop while accompanied with a DJ and a Master of Ceremony (MC) who would rhyme lyrics in between the music.

The doodle features graffiti by Cey Adams along with interactive turn tables which lets us choose music from a collection of vinyls from Betty Wright, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and the Lafayette Afro Rock Band. A user can choose their favorite recordings from the collection present and 'break' it to create their very own b-boy moment. The BPM (Beats per minute) gets further segmented to control the two tracks.

Often interspersed with a Boom and a Bap, the point of hip hop was to veer away from the psychedelic, sparkly disco to the hard hitting and resilient hip hop which was trying to reach out to its distant cousin, blues. Kurtis Blow, one of the forefathers of hip hop music, says, On one side of the street, big buildings would be burning down.while kids on the other side would be putting up graffiti with messages like Up with Hope. Down with Dope, I will Survive, and Lord, Show me the Way! Clearly, it was a cry for help.

Coming from a history of reggae music and beats poetry, hip hop was a fusion of blues, rap and reggae. Its the turntables and musical creativity that gave birth to hip hop. As a genre of music, hip hop had a cultural depth which spoke of the Hispanic's and Blacks cultural marginalization. It was time for these people to be recognised, and hip hop was the medium for this. Jimmy Castor Bunchs, Its Just Begun, had a rebellious spirit in it talking about, doing your thing.

In the economically and socially depressive city of Bronx, hip hop was a breath of fresh air for its youth who was mostly involved in the drug culture yearning for something better. It was the DJs and the MCs who came forward to save the youth. And Herc Kool, along with his MC, Coke La Rock.

Google this time has taken a break from its usual doodle pieces and has brought forth an interactive experience for users around the world. This is one of the few Google Doodles with a global reach. Users can choose from a number of records in a bin and mix two of them together. There is a slider to adjust the volumes on the two turntables. The selection is made up of tracks that were popular when Hip Hop music was just emerging, including songs from Debarge, George Clinton, Prince Paul and Zapp. There are also a selection of tracks from Google.

There is a gamification feature that lets you unlock achievements for completing various actions with the turntables. Each record has an indicator for the BPM used in the tracks, but the BPM sliders do not give you the option of specifying a particular BPM for a record. This Doodle could have been more fun with the ability to share remixes. Users can scratch the discs, and we recommend using a smartphone for getting the best experience from this Doodle.
Currently, Indian cinema is full of huge, commercial films featuring Bollywood stars, glamour and in some cases, social issues too. Beyond this sheen and glamour, there is another side to it, which often gets eclipsed by the phenomenon of star-power.

One such example is of the film Kadvi Hawa, helmed by Odia director and National Award winner Nila Madhab Panda. The film is set against the backdrop of Bundelkhand's terrain, and deals with issues such as drought and climate change.

Kadvi Hawa revolves around a visually-impaired old man and a young bank loan recovery agent played by actors Sanjay Mishra and Ranvir Shorey respectively. Through the film, Panda lays stress on the fact that the farmers of Bundelkhand are the ones who have a next-to-nothing contribution to the increasing carbon-footprint of human beings, yet they are the ones who suffer the most.

Speaking about this, Panda told The Hindu, "They dont even have electricity. There are one or two motorcycles but the largest farmer suicides are happening in Marathwada and Bundelkhand. There is so much pressure of loan that a couple of crop failures take the farmer to the brink. At a time when the Paris Agreement on climate change is still being debated, the film can help build a dialogue."

Like his previous films, I Am Kalam, Kaun Kitney Paani Mein, his upcoming Kadvi Hawa also delves into the world of the poor and presents globally relevant issues through the lens of destitution. Speaking about his inclination towards this subject, the director further adds, "For years, so-called art house cinema has presented the poor as bechara living a wretched life. My point is people living in penury also have their little joys. There is a beauty in poverty as well. The poor knows that he cant become an Ambani, but he also knows that both he and Ambani pray to the same God (sic)."

Kadvi Hawa also stars Ranvir Shorey and Tilottama Shome. The film also got a Special Mention at the 64th National Awards held in 2017.
Kochi: Popular Malayalam actor Dileep, arrested in connection with a case of plotting the abduction and sexual assault of a noted South Indian actress in February, moved the Kerala High Court seeking bail on 10 August.

The court had dismissed his bail application on 24 July after finding that the investigation in the case was progressing and the mobile phone, stated by the prosecution as a key evidence in the case, had not been recovered.

The actor in his fresh plea submitted on 10 August said that the scenario has completely changed and he is not the kingpin of any criminal conspiracy or even a participant therein.

The petitioner said he is not the perpetrator of any criminal offence.

"He is only the unfortunate victim of an orchestrated media campaign and proceedings of a group of police officers acting on the pre-conceived notion of guilt of the petitioner and wanting to implicate him as an accused," the petition said.

"Continued detention will not serve any useful purpose for further investigation, if any, and that being so his further detention is unjust," the petitioner submitted.

The petitioner said in his entire life, he has never seen, met or talked with prime accused in the case Pulsar Suni.

He never knew him by name or face and there is not even a remote possibility of any such person meeting him at any point of time.

He alleged that there was a 'large-scale conspiracy' hatched by a small but powerful section of film industry and certain others who could manage police, media and political leaders to spread utter falsehood and malicious stories about him for months together.

It ultimately resulted in his being implicated and arraigned as accused in the case about three months after the submission of the final report against the accused in the actress abduction and molestation case.

The actor also submitted that his continued detention was delaying the shooting and release of movies affecting the livelihood of people associated with them.

He was arrested on 10 July and since then for the last more than a month he is in custody.

"The accused is influential and is likely to tamper with the evidence if bail is granted at this stage," the court had said while rejecting his bail application earlier.

Dileep, charged under various sections of the IPC, including for hatching criminal conspiracy for abduction and assault of the actress in a moving car on 17 February, is currently lodged in a jail in his home town Aluva.

The police have claimed that the conspiracy to abduct and assault the actress and film the act was hatched by Dileep and Pulsar Suni, the prime accused in the case.

In their remand application, they had also claimed that Dileep had a grudge against the actress for letting his former wife know about his alleged affairs and had hatched a conspiracy to take revenge way back in 2013.

Six persons, including Pulsar Suni, have been arrested in connection with the actress abduction and molestation case.

The actress, who has worked in Tamil and Telugu films, was abducted and allegedly molested inside her car for two hours by the accused, who had forced their way into the vehicle and later escaped in a busy area here.
Kochi: On 11 August, the Kerala High Court adjourned to 18 August the hearing on a fresh bail plea of Malayalam actor Dileep, arrested in connection with a case of plotting the abduction and sexual assault of a South Indian actress in February.

Justice Sunil Thomas posted the matter for next Friday for hearing the version of the prosecution in the case.

The court had dismissed his earlier bail application on 24 July after finding that the probe into the case was progressing and the mobile phone, which the prosecution stated as a key evidence in the case, had not been recovered.

The actor in his fresh plea yesterday submitted that the scenario had completely changed and that he was not the kingpin of any criminal conspiracy or even a participant in it.

The petitioner also contended that he was not the perpetrator of any criminal offence.

He is only the unfortunate victim of an orchestrated media campaign and proceedings of a group of police officers acting on the pre-conceived notion of guilt of the petitioner and wanting to implicate him as an accused, the petition had said.

He submitted that there was a large-scale conspiracy hatched by a small but powerful section of film industry and certain others who could manage police, media and political leaders to spread utter falsehood and malicious stories about him for months together.

It ultimately resulted in his being implicated and arraigned as accused in the case about three months after the submission of the final report against the accused in the actress abduction and molestation case, the actor submitted.

Dileep, charged under various sections of the IPC, including for hatching criminal conspiracy for abduction and assault of the actress in a moving car on 17 February, is currently lodged in a jail in his home town Aluva.

Police have claimed that the conspiracy to abduct and assault the actress and film the act was hatched by Dileep.
Pahlaj Nihalani has been removed as the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification, with adman, poet and writer Prasoon Joshi being appointed as the new chief.

The development was reported by Mirror Now, which said:

#BREAKING: #SanskariNihalani Pahlaj Nihalani sacked as Censor Chief. @prasoonjoshi_ to take over as the new Censor Chief.  Mirror Now (@MirrorNow) August 11, 2017

More details are awaited at present, concerning Joshi's appointment. However, there has been speculation for a while now concerning the end of Nihalani's tenure. Officially, his three-year term was due to be completed in January 2018. Filmmakers like Prakash Jha and Madhur Bhandarkar, as well as producer Chandraprakash Dwivedi, were rumoured to be considered for the CBFC chief's post.

Meanwhile, veteran actor Raza Murad told Mirror Now, "Whatever has been done will be welcomed by the industry. Mr Joshi should take the lead from Nihalani (sic). Producers were feeling suffocated by the high-handedness of the chief. Mr Joshi will be much easier to approach." Filmmaker Sajid Khan was quoted by the channel as saying, "His diktats were too heavy... to cut out insignificant things from scenes, and make ordinary films look like adult films." Actress Vidya Balan will also reportedly be a member of the CBFC, while other names like Waman Kendre, Vivek Agnihotri and Narendra Kohli have also been put forward by News18.

A source in the Information and Broadcasting ministry said Nihalani was asked to go a few months before his tenure ended because of the frequent complaints against him, the same News 18 report stated.
Allahabad: The Allahabad High Court on Thursday sought a reply from the Uttar Pradesh government on a plea alleging that victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in the state have not been adequately compensated.

A division bench of Justices Arun Tandon and Krishna Singh asked the Principal Secretary (Home) to file his personal affidavit on the petition by a Kanpur-based organisation, Guru Singh Sabha.

The court fixed 31 August as the next date of hearing.

The petitioners have drawn the court's attention to the fact that 14 Sikhs, all of them from the same family, had been massacred in Kidwai Nagar locality of Kanpur.

Also, members of the community suffered huge loss of property across the state in the communal conflagration that had erupted across the country in the aftermath of the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The petitioners have further alleged that notwithstanding a compensation package of Rs 716 crore announced by the Centre for rehabilitating the riot victims, the solatium paid to those affected by the violence in the state was meagre.
New Delhi: BJP chief Amit Shah will be on a three-day visit to Karnataka starting Saturday as part of his 110-day nationwide tour to strengthen the party.

Shah's visit assumes significance as Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in the state early next year.

During his visit, the BJP president is scheduled to meet party legislators from the state.

He will also chair meetings of the party's state core group and political affairs committee. Shah will discuss the Assembly elections with the state leaders, the BJP said in a statement.

Besides attending a series of meetings with local leaders, he will also address a gathering of college students and intellectuals in Bangalore.

Shah's visit is also important in view of a factional feud between state party president BS Yeddyurappa and former deputy chief minister KS Eshwarappa.

The central leadership had sought to control the issue by acting against some state leaders. Shah has already announced that Yeddyurappa will be the party's chief ministerial candidate for the assembly poll.
Since last week, Kashmir's political scenario has been stirred with talk of possible abrogation of Article 35A, which grants exclusive state subject rights and other privileges to "permanent residents" of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This has brought another period of uncertainty for the Valley, with mainstream politicians warning of serious consequences from any tinkering with the article.

And with Attorney General KK Venugopal asserting that the Union government wanted a "larger debate" on the issue, many mainstream politicians have criticised the Centre for not filing an affidavit in the case.

While the controversy over the issue flares up, Engineer Rashid, the firebrand MLA from north Kashmir's Langate constituency in Kupwara, has offered to quit the post of MLA and join the separatist leadership to "fight for the right of people of the Valley."

This offer comes in response to the Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani's statement wherein he had asked mainstream political leaders to join the Hurriyat to help resolve the Kashmir issue. "In response to Geelani Sahab's appeal to mainstream political parties, to join the Hurriyat, we are ready to give it a thought. I am ready to join the joint Hurriyat leadership," he said in a statement.

But Rashid's offer comes with the condition that the Hurriyat should have a plan to fight for Article 35A. And therein lies the problem. In the past few agitations, the Hurriyat-led separatist leadership hasn't shown any imagination for protests apart from the frequent call for shutdowns.

Back in Rashid's constituency, many seem to support their MLA's move by saying that development of the area is less important when it comes to the Kashmir issue.

Mir Waheed, a journalist from the Langate area told Firstpost, "He has not clearly mentioned of joining Hurriyat, but had said that if they have a better road map to go for resolving the Kashmir issue, he will think of joining. It's least important to think of development in his own constituency, rather than the Kashmir issue".

"We have voted for Rashid Sahab not for development issues. He knows very well how to go about Kashmir related issues," Showkat Pandith, a businessman from Langate told Firstpost. Another resident, Reyaz Ahmad, echoed these views saying that Rashid is well aware of the situation. "If we talk about development, he has done his part in last five years," he added.

Making his point clear, Rashid said that he "will not be ashamed of working as a servant of Geelani, Mehbooba Mufti or Omer Abdullah for the betterment of Kashmir, but only if they have the potential to lessen the trouble of Kashmiris".

However, many believe that Rashid has made his point at a time when Hurriyat has nothing to fight the abrogation of Article 35A.

"I don't think Rashid is going to join Hurriyat because he has said that (he will join only) if Hurriyat has a clear road map, which everybody knows they don't have. The Hurriyat constitution might not allow him to be a member of both the posts and, moreover, Rashid stands for plebiscite which Hurriyat has almost abandoned. So, I believe it is Rashid's well-engineered political stint," Javid Wani, a political analyst told Firstpost.

There are various factors which might hinder Rashid's ways to join the Hurriyat. Some believe that north Kashmir, especially Langate, will lose its roaring voice from the state Assembly.

"Rashid cannot change the Hurriyat paradigm, which it holds since inception... both have a contrary vision. His joining may not produce the aspired results," Wani said.

Giving a different assessment, Noor Ahmad Baba, a political science professor said: "He is a very resourceful person and has the capacity to protest. He had been raising issues related to Kashmir from the very beginning. I believe that if he joins Hurriyat, at this point in time when they are under pressure, it will be a boost for the Hurriyat."

Rashid's offer of joining Hurriyat comes at a time when the latter is steadily losing ground in the Valley. While Rashid won't be a major steal for the Hurriyat, it will certainly indicate the shrinking space for mainstream politics in the current turbulent scenario of Kashmir.
In an attempt to find an amicable solution to the protracted Ayodhya dispute, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Dipak Mishra heard the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute on Friday. It has set the date for further hearing as 5 December.

Ayodhya Matter: Supreme Court fixed the matter for further hearing till December 5  ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2017

Seven years after the Allahabad High Court said in a ruling that the disputed land be divided into three parts  one-third to Ram Lalla, one-third to the Islamic Waqf board and the remaining to the Nirmohi Akhara. The Chief Justice of India JS Khehar on 21 July agreed to take an early decision after a number of people, including BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, challenged the high court's order.

On Friday, the apex court rejected Swamy's plea as a petitioner in the case. He had requested the court for an "intervening opportunity" to get heard. The court says it will give him the opportunity after all parties are heard.

The Supreme Court was informed that there were 523 exhibits in the Allahabad High Court's submission. Some of the exhibits were ancient texts in Arabic, Persian and Sanskrit which were submitted by the litigants to bolster their case, CNN-News18 reported.

The Sunni Waqf Board told the apex court that the translation of the texts is not yet complete. The board further sought at least four months time to translate the historical documents. Instead of four, the Supreme Court has given three months time for the translation. The court also said that it will facilitate the translation.

On Wednesday,the Shia Central Waqf Board told the Supreme Court a mosque could be built in a Muslim-dominated area at a "reasonable distance" from the disputed site in Ayodhya. The affidavit, filed by Syed Waseem Rizvi, chairman of Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board, disputed the claim of Sunni Waqf Board, saying the Babri Masjid site was its property and only it was entitled to hold negotiations for an amicable settlement of the dispute.

Favouring construction of the mosque at a "reasonable distance" from the site, it said, "Closeness of places of worship, that is, Masjid and Mandir of the two litigating denominations, should be avoided in as much as both denominations using loud speakers tend to disturb religious performances of each other, often leading to conflicts bringing acrimony in the two factions."
The affidavit recently filed by Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case has created a churn in the Muslim community. Shia Central Waqf Board chairman Wasim Rizvi, in his affidavit filed in Supreme Court, has petitioned that a mosque can be built in a Muslim-dominated area at a reasonable distance from the disputed site in Ayodhya to ensure peace. Significantly, this is a never-before move by a Muslim body which is being framed in two diametrically different fashionsa reconciliatory effort for the much-needed Hindu-Muslim harmony and a nasty bid to stir up the Shia-Sunni sectarian acrimony.

A section of the community consisting of a few progressive Shiite and Sunni thinkers have attached significance to this 'reconciliatory step' as an opening of a new chapter in Hindu-Muslim harmony in India and, thus, a starting point for a negotiated settlement of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. Viewed from this perspective, it will certainly go down well in Indian history as a constructive development on the case that has been a flashpoint between Hindus and Muslims since 1992. The affidavit filed by the Shia Central Waqf board says: In response to the opinion expressed by the court and considering the Muslim tenets of living in peace and harmony and respecting the religious sentiments of the Hindu community, we are ready and willing to initiate steps for a peaceful settlement of the case."

But a large number of the clergymen from the two Islamic sects  Shia and Sunni  have slammed the move as a sectarian slugfest of the Shia Central Waqf Board disbanded by the Uttar Pradesh government. They call it an attempt to gain the majoritarian sympathy and, hence, do not believe it as the opinion of the whole Shiite sect in India. Thus, the Shia Central Waqf Boards step, which appeared 'reconciliatory' to peace and dialogue, has been discredited by both Sunni and Shia clerics as 'illegal and irreligious.

Surprisingly, the leading Shia clergy  members of the executive and advisory committee of Majlis-e-Ulama-e-Hind (MUH), a national outfit of Shia clergy  has issued a hard-hitting statement: "The affidavit is nothing but to create a rift between the two communities and has no religious or legal sanctions. A mosque is not owned by anyone and the board is merely its caretaker. A mosque has no Shia or Sunni character either and is for the worship of Allah. Only its caretaker can be (a) Shia or (a) Sunni," said general secretary of MUH, Maulana Kalbe Jawad, as The Times of India reported.

But a closer look at the Shia Central Waqf Board affidavit reveals that it does not merely focus on the Shia-Sunni acrimony in the Babri Masjid ownership. Rather, it mainly seeks to highlight the 'extremist', 'hardcore' and 'intolerant' elements in the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board. It reads: "It is submitted that the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board is under the dominant control of Sunni hardliners, the fanatics and non-believers in peaceful co-existence, who have no stake in the present case."

On Thursday, the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Boards chairman Zufar Ahmad Faruqi has strongly responded to the allegations asking the Shia Central Waqf Board to make it clear as to who it is referring to as sakhtgeer and jununi (extremist and fanatic) and "non-believers in peace". "There is not a single person in the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board who can be charged with such heinous allegations," he averred.

The Shia Central Waqf Board is known for its false allegations against the ulema (clerics) of its own sect, let alone the Sunni outfits...there is no iota of corruption in the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board which represents the Babri Masjid case in a just and fair manner," Faruqi said, as reported in the Urdu daily, Inquilab on 11 August.

Not many know that that the accusation of corruption in the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board first came from the mainstream Sunnis themselves. Several Sunni outfits which claim to represent 80 per cent of Sunni Muslims in India like the apex body of the Sufi-Sunni Muslims, All India Ulama and Mashaikh Board (AIUMB), have protested against the alleged corruption in the management of the Waqf property.

Much before the Shia Central Waqf Board, the AIUMB held that the extremist elements systematically captured numerous mosques, mausoleums and even dargahs as they had absolute control over the state waqf boards. In October 2011, the AIUMB organised a large-scale conference titled "Muslim Maha Panchayat" in Moradabad in which it clearly stated: The Wahabis (hardliners) have captured key Muslim institutions such as the waqf boards and the madrasas, and also wield political influence far beyond their size....The government listens only to the hardliners. It has handed over waqf properties and Masjids, which belong to us, not to them," The Hindu had reported.

An official of the AIUMB told Firstpost that the Moradabad Muslim Mahapanchayat was part of a concerted endeavour to awaken the Muslim masses about the 'corrupt elements' looming large in Islamic institutions particularly in the waqf property. He said that the conference tried to keep the administration and bureaucracy abreast of the fact that "after independence, Muslim representation has been hijacked by the Wahhabi hardliners in the name of Sunnis, who hardly comprise of 13 percent in the total Indian Muslim population".

Tellingly, after Moradabad conference, several similar Sunni processions were held across cities in Uttar Pradesh. They witnessed an overwhelming crowd of the Sunni population in the heartland of Uttar Pradesh in support of the demands put forward by the Sunni ulema, heads of the Sufi shrines and the Mashaikh (spiritual leaders). They urged the Indian government to mitigate the influence and control of the corrupt and fanatic elements over waqf boards being used for furthering an 'extremist agenda' which is antithetical to the rich cultural fabric of the pluralistic Indian Islam.

If the allegation of the Shia Central Waqf Board and the apex body of the Sunni-Sufi Muslims is believed to be true, it does not augur well for the Indian Muslim communitys construction, development and integrity. But interestingly, the noted Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad has reportedly pointed to 'corruption' within the Shia Central Waqf Board as well. He has blamed the Shia board for several contradictions in the affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court. It is an attempt to cover up the contradictions, Jawad said as reported in Firstpost.

In any case, the affidavit filed by the Shia Central Waqf Board which came only three days before a crucial hearing in the Supreme Court has opened the Pandora's box.

It would be interesting to note that the institution of the waqf board(s) has its origin in the British rule when many such religious institutions were created with an aim to "divide and rule". In 1934, the Bengal Waqf Act introduced the concept of waqf boards and appointed the waqf commissioners. The sole purpose for creating the concept of waqf boards and waqf commissioners was to sow seeds of religious discord in order to extend the British Raj in India. In the early 1930s when the Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed (1931) and third civil disobedience movement started, the British realised that they would have to leave India sooner or later. Therefore, they started implementing their plan to divide India on religious lines. Siphoning off the waqf property was one such tool.

The author is a scholar of classical Islamic studies, cultural analyst and researcher in media and communication studies. He tweets as @grdehlvi
Beard contest part of C-Days

COLUMBUS -- A beard contest will be held as part of the Columbus Days "Wild Wild West" celebration.

The contest will start at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 19 in Frankfort Square. Categories include mustache only, mustache and goatee and beard/mustache. Just show up and youll be entered. Beards will be judged by natural or trimmed/styled.

CCC offering adult education

Central Community College is offering adult education classes during the 2017 fall semester at 11 locations in 10 Nebraska communities, including Columbus, Schuyler and St. Edward.

Adult education includes assistance with basic reading, writing, math and spelling skills; drills and special instruction through the English as a second language program; citizenship classes; and preparation for the Nebraska high school diploma (GED) exam. All adult education classes are open to individuals 16 years or older who have officially withdrawn from secondary school. A fee is charged for each of the four GED tests.

For more information, contact Ann Chambers in Grand Island at 308-398-7446 or toll-free at 1-877-222-0780, ext. 7446, or one of the following local coordinators: Columbus/Schuyler/St. Edward, Mary Wiegand at 402-562-1432 or toll-free at 1-877-222-0780, ext. 1432; Schuyler Cargill, Jolene Hake at 402-352-8221.

Body identified as Florida woman

WEEPING WATER (AP)  Authorities have identified a body found in woods west of Weeping Water as that of a 38-year-old Florida woman.

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the Cass County Sheriff's Office on Thursday identified Alicia Wilemon-Sullivan, of Orange City, Florida, who was last seen on Aug. 1.

Her body was found Saturday evening, and officials say foul play has not been ruled out.

The sheriff's office says an autopsy was completed Sunday in Omaha, but the results are not yet being made public.

Fremont man killed in crash

FREMONT (AP)  Fremont police have identified a man killed in the crash of a semitrailer and pickup truck.

Police say the 11 a.m. Thursday crash on U.S. Highway 30 killed 63-year-old Stanley Von Seggern of Fremont.

Investigators say Von Seggern was driving a pickup and pulled out onto Highway 30 in front of the semitrailer, leading to the collision.

Von Seggern was pronounced dead at the scene. The 68-year-old semi driver from North Bend was not injured.

Omaha woman seeking seat

LINCOLN (AP)  An Omaha woman with a background in public affairs and civic engagement is seeking a seat in the Nebraska Legislature.

Machaela Cavanaugh kicked off her campaign Thursday to represent Legislative District 6, an area that includes central and west-central Omaha.

Cavanaugh works at the Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska. She previously served as director of development for Opera Omaha and also was a staff assistant to former Democratic U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson.

Cavanaugh is the daughter of former U.S. Rep. John Cavanaugh, a Democrat from the 2nd congressional district.

Machaela Cavanaugh says she will focus on property taxes, education, senior issues and jobs if elected. She is running for the seat held by current state Sen. Joni Craighead.
The Shia community has taken the plea made by the Shia Central Waqf Board of Uttar Pradesh that a mosque could be built at a reasonable distance from the disputed Ramjanmabhoomi site with a pinch of salt.

Reacting sharply to an affidavit filed by Shia Central Waqf Board chairman Syed Waseem Rizvi before the apex court, Majlis-e-Ulema-e-Hind, a Lucknow-based umbrella body of Shia clerics in India, has said that the Shia Waqf Boards affidavit doesnt have any legal standing according to the law of the land as well as Islams Sharia law.

The Shia Central Waqf Board, in an affidavit on 8 August, told the apex court that building a mosque in a Muslim dominated area at a reasonable distance from the Ramjanmabhoomi site was acceptable to it.

"This affidavit is nothing but an attempt to create a rift between the Sunnis and the Shias, and it should be ignored. There are several contradictions in the affidavit that been given to the Supreme Court. It is an attempt to cover up the corruption within the Shia Central Waqf Board, which Maulana Kalbe Jawad (general secretary of Majlis-e-Ulema-e-Hind) has been raising for years," the members of the executive and advisory committee of Majlis-e-Ulema-e-Hind said in its statement.

Other objections raised by Majlis-e-Ulema-e-Hind

A mosque doesnt have any owner. The Shia Central Waqf Board is just a caretaker and not an owner.

A mosque doesnt have any sect  it's neither Shia nor Sunni. Its the abode of Allah.

The caretaker of a mosque can be a Shia or a Sunni, therefore the Shia community or the Shia Waqf Board alone cannot say what is acceptable to Muslims at large.

The Shia Central Waqf Board is embroiled in corruption; so it doesnt have any locus standi to make any such demand as it has done before the apex court.

Anjuman-e-Haideri, a religious trust of Shias that looks after the Waqf and the Imambara of Dargah Shah-e-Mardan, Delhi, has also questioned Rizvis affidavit.

"There are serious allegations against the Shia Central Waqf Boards chairman Rizvi related to illegally occupying board's property and corruption in land dealings. The government has initiated an inquiry into it. Moreover, how can an individual can make a demand related to a mosque," Syed Bahadur Abbas Naqvi, general secretary, Anjuman-e-Haideri said.

According to a PTI report, the affidavit assumes significance as it has been submitted within few days of the apex court agreeing to fast track the hearing on a batch of appeals challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict on the land dispute in the case. The Shia Central Waqf Board is one of the parties in the pending appeals in the apex court.

The board also sought time from the Supreme Court to set up a committee to explore an amicable settlement on Ayodhya dispute through negotiations, claiming, in the affidavit, that Babri Masjid was its property.

This affidavit by the Shia Central Waqf Board is an example of political posturing and opportunism. Its up to the Supreme Court whether to accept it or not. But, we should accept the apex courts decision on Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case. Even, if reconciliation process is followed, as the Supreme Court suggested, it should be done under the monitoring and control of the Chief Justice of India and the terms of reference should be set by the Supreme Court. Forget about any individuals view in this case," Zafar Sareshwala, Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, told Firstpost.

Moreover, credibility in such matters is extremely important. The Shia Central Waqf Board has been disbanded by the Yogi Adityanath government and its chairman Rizvi has already been charge-sheeted. So, the sudden raising of this issue by Rizvi is questionable, he said.

Historically, the date of construction of the Babri Masjid is uncertain. The inscriptions on the Babri Masjid premises found in the 20tth century state that the mosque was built in 935 AH (year of Hijri) that is 152829 CE by Mir Baqi in accordance with the wishes of Babur.

Historically, the Babri Masjid was a Sunni mosque. In 1945-46, the Shias filed a suit before the Faizabad district court, claiming that the mosque was built by the Shias, which was rejected. The courts decision was in favour of Sunnis. But, after 72 years, this sudden statement by the Shia Central Waqf Board is surprising," Sareshwala added.

After the Shia Central Waqf Board made a plea to the Supreme Court, the main petitioner in the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, Zafaryab Jilani, member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board had told a news channel, "They (Shia Central Waqf Board) are already a party to one of the suits, and cant come up with a new additional affidavit. The Supreme Court will not entertain it."
Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Friday expressed grief over the death of Buxar district magistrate Mukesh Kumar Pandey, who allegedly committed suicide at Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh.

"Mukesh Kumar Pandey's death is a very heart-rending incident. He was an efficient administrator and a sensitive officer...May his soul rest in peace," the chief minister said in his condolence message.

Kumar prayed to the almighty to give strength to his family members to bear the loss of their loved one, an Information and Public Relations Department release said.

Pandey's body was found on Thursday on the railway tracks about one km from Ghaziabad railway station, the police said. A purported suicide note was also recovered from the spot.

In the suicide note, Pandey, a 2012-batch IAS officer, had written that he was fed up with his life and had lost his "belief on human existence," the police said.
Patna: A Bihar legislator on Friday demanded a CBI probe into the alleged suicide of Buxar District Magistrate Mukesh Pandey, whose body was found near the rail tracks in Uttar Pradesh.

"I strongly suspect that Mukesh Pandey had not committed suicide but was murdered. It is a stage-managed conspiracy," Sanjay Kumar Tiwari, Congress legislator from Buxar, told IANS in Patna.

"This is the second case of mysterious death of an IAS officer in Uttar Pradesh. Three months ago, another IAS officer was found dead there," he said.

According to police, the body, with the head severed, was found at 9 pm on Thursday near Kotgaon crossing in Ghaziabad and a suicide note was recovered.

The note said that he was fed up of his life and had lost "belief in human existence".

"I am committing suicide in District Centre area of Janakpuri in west Delhi... by jumping off the 10th floor of the building. I am fed up with life and my belief on human existence has gone, my suicide note is kept in a Nike bag in room 742 of a five-star (name withheld) hotel in Delhi. I am sorry, I love you all! Please forgive me," said the note, according to Senior Superintendent of Police HN Singh.

Singh said it was not immediately known at what time or how Pandey committed suicide.

Pandey, an IAS officer of the 2012 batch, took charge as District Magistrate of Buxar on 3 August, 2017. He was earlier posted as Deputy District Collector at Katihar. His first posting was as Sub-Divisional Officer, Balia, in Bihar's Begusarai district.

Hailing from a village in Saran district, Pandey had not yet shifted to his official residence in Buxar and was staying at the district circuit house.

After his matriculation and higher secondary education in Assam, Pandey graduated in English from Guwahati's prestigious Cotton College. He secured 14th rank in the 2012 Union Public Service Commission Examination.

He had married the daughter of an influential Patna businessman two years ago and is survived by his wife and two-month-old daughter.
Ghaziabad: The body of Buxar district magistrate Mukesh Pandey was on Thursday found near the railway tracks here, police said.

His body was found from the rail tracks about one km from the Ghaziabad railway station, they said, adding a purported suicide note was also recovered from the spot.

In the note it was written that Pandey, a 2012-batch IAS officer, was fed up with his life and lost his "belief on human existence".

"I am committing suicide in district centre area of Janakpuri in west Delhi... by jumping off the 10th floor of the building. I am fed up with life and my belief on human existence has gone, my suicide note is kept in a Nike bag in room 742 of a five-star (name withheld) hotel in Delhi. I am sorry, I love you all! Please forgive me," said the note, according to Senior Superintendent of Police HN Singh.

Singh said it was not immediately known that at what time or how Pandey committed suicide. The SSP added that the post mortem would be conducted on Friday.

Officials of the Government Railway Police (GRP) who reached the spot, near Kotgaon here, said prime facie it appeared a case of suicide. Senior officials of Ghaziabad district administration also reached the spot.

Meanwhile, a senior Delhi Police official said that police received information from his friends that Pandey would commit suicide and had gone to a west Delhi mall. A police team was immediately rushed to the mall but it could not trace him.

After scanning the CCTV footage, it was found that he was leaving the mall and going towards the nearby metro station, the official said, adding on analysis of CCTV footage there, he could not be traced.

Later, Delhi Police learnt that he had committed suicide, the official said.
New Delhi: A special court on Thursday ordered framing of graft and criminal conspiracy charges against 11 former MPs, who were charge-sheeted in the infamous 2005 cash-for-question scam for allegedly taking money to ask questions in Parliament.

Special Judge Poonam Chaudhry said that charges for alleged offences of criminal conspiracy under IPC and under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act were prima facie made out against these former Parliamentarians, who were expelled in the wake of the scam, and a private person.

The court directed all these 12 accused to remain present before it on 28 August for formally framing charges against them. The 11 former MPs who are accused in the case are  Chhatarpal Singh Lodha (BJP), Anna Saheb MK Patil (BJP), Manoj Kumar (RJD), Chandra Pratap Singh (BJP), Ram Sewak Singh (Congress), Narender Kumar Kushwaha (BSP), Pradeep Gandhi (BJP), Suresh Chandel (BJP), Lal Chandra Kol (BSP), YG Mahajan (BJP), Raja Rampal (BSP).

Besides them, the court has also ordered framing of charges against Ravinder Kumar. The proceedings against one of the accused, Vijay Phogat, have been abated as he has died. Besides these ex-Parliamentarians, two journalists of a web portal were also charge-sheeted for allegedly abetting the offence under the anti-graft law and were summoned by the trial court but the proceedings against them were quashed by the Delhi High Court.

The Delhi Police had charge-sheeted these MPs. The prosecution, represented through Special Public Prosecutor Atul Shrivastava, alleged that they had misused their office as they were caught on camera seeking money during a sting operation for asking questions in Parliament. The sting operation against the then MPs was conducted by the two journalists. It was telecast on a private news channel on 12 December, 2005 and came to be known as cash-for-question scam.

During the hearing on Thursday, Lodha, Rampal and Ravinder Kumar were present in court and rest of the accused sought exemption from personal appearance for the day. The prosecution has relied upon CDs/DVDs containing conversation among the accused and others.
As the ongoing Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) protest enters the 58th day, Bhutanese residing in the border town of Jaigaon, which falls in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal are caught in the abrupt sealing of border gates and rumours of a possible strike every alternate day.

This follows the violent GJM agitation on 30 July outside the Bhutan gate forcing the West Bengal Police to deploy forces armed with tear gas and rubber bullets to control the mob.

There are close to 5,000 Bhutanese residents living across the Indian border because of housing shortages in the Bhutanese commercial town of Phuentsholing.

After incidences of violent protests, the Bhutanese people living in Jaigaon are shifting or looking for places to shift within the Bhutanese territory for security reasons.

Tirtha Ghalley, a government school staffer told Firstpost that he has shifted to Phuentsholing after being caught up in multiple unannounced sealing of border gates.

"It has been a week since I shifted to a place close by to the school," said Ghalley adding that it was alarming to be stopped at the gate every time there is a problem. "I was not allowed to exit Bhutan or enter after the gates were closed, so I had to take a decision," he said.

Ghalley is not the only one who is worried over the developments.

"We have fared so far but it may get worse, given the West Bengal government is paying no heed," said Ugyen Lhamo, a private sector employee.

Authorities in Phuenstoling Municipal Corporation along with immigration officials, Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) are prepping temporary shelters just in case.

Speaking to Firstpost, the mayor of Phuentsholing town, Uttar Kumar Rai said they are ready if they have to relocate people. "We are prepared for the worst case scenario to accommodate people given the increasing security concerns," he said. "You never know how the agitation might turn out to be," Rai said.

According to local media reports, a committee has also been formed to put up an action plan to look into problems of Bhutanese living in Jaigaon. The RBP has also set up a control room.

Jaigaon serves as an overland entrance to Bhutan as the country does not have its own internal roads to connect to some districts in the southern belt. The bordering town also caters as a shopping and transit hub for travellers in terms of cheap lodging.

Meantime, over 100 Bhutanese students studying in Darjeeling and Kalimpong have been affected and are unable to return for over two months even after their holidays have ended.

Bhim Subba, a second year Bhutanese student studying at the Kalimpong Government College said his parents want him to remain at home until the agitation subsides.

"It is getting worrisome as I will lose a year or maybe be more," said Bhim. He is also concerned about financial implications on his family. "I may start working if it takes longer," he said.

Another student, Pema Gyeltshen told Firstpost that he is exploring possibilities of going to Bengaluru and start a new course. "I don't think any Bhutanese parent or student will want to see Darjeeling and Kalimpong as an education hub anymore," Gyeltshen said.

Firstpost has learnt that Bhutanese Students Association in North East India has approached Bhutan's education ministry seeking intervention.

Business houses in Jaigaon have been affected as fewer Bhutanese vehicles ply towards India to avoid trouble.

Local travel agents in Jaigoan are suffering given the low volume of regional tourists arriving this year following the Gorkhaland unrest. Sanjay Kumar, proprietor of SK Tours and Travels said that business has been going from bad to worse.

"Our travel bookings should have been closed by now but this year we are not even able to open it as there are fewer travellers coming," said Kumar. "There should have been plenty of booking during Durga Puja but because of the ongoing Darjeeling shutdown, tourists are rerouting their plans. I may have to close shop until the situation improves," he said.
The All India Parents Association (AIPA) has accused Delhi government schools of violating the Right to Education Act by denying admission to many students from weak financial backgrounds on frivolous grounds. The association submitted a memorandum to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday complaining of the issue.

The allegations have come at a time when the Aam Admi Party government is claiming to have ushered in a revolution in the education sector in the national capital by increasing the education budget to a hefty 25 percent of the total allocation.

Ashok Agarwal, a lawyer and president of the All India Parents Association told Firstpost that some of the government schools are denying admission to students on flimsy grounds of non-production of transfer certificate, report card, Aadhaar card, residence proof, age related problem, or for not having a bank account.

"Denying admission to a child is illegal and unjustified and violates the child's rights to education provided under the Right to Education Act, 2009," he said.

He also said that the RTE Act also holds the principle that education should have no fetters, and the act of denying admission violates this very principle.

The right to education is a Fundamental Right in India which can never be compromised by any authority. It provides for free and compulsory education for every child from six years to 14 years of age.

The human resource development ministry of India interprets the term compulsory education as one that "casts an obligation on the appropriate government and local authorities to provide and ensure admission, attendance and completion of elementary education by all children in the 6-14 age group." Denying admission to children from families with weak financial background by Delhi government schools is being seen as a violation of this right by activists.

The AIPA mentioned a number of such incidents where students were being denied admission in various Delhi government schools in the Kapas Hera area of the city.

One such example is Anjali Kumar who has been refused admission to a Delhi government school for not being able to produce the original transfer certificate from her previous school.

Her father Vikas Kumar, who is a tailor by profession, told Firstpost about the plight his daughter faced while seeking admission in a Delhi government school. "I went to the school to seek for my daughters admission in Class VI. The only document she did not possess was the original copy of the transfer certificate."

Anjali had her schooling till Class V in Bihar. She has all the documents to prove her educational qualification. The only document that she lacked was the original copy of her transfer certificate.

Kumar was told to bring the document from Bihar before admission, which he could not and her admission was denied.

"I am a tailor by profession and earn Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 a month. I cannot afford to leave for Bihar whenever required. So, I told the school authorities to provide her with admission provisionally until I get the transfer certificate from Bihar. But they would not listen," he said.

"Now I am not able to provide education to my daughter. I do not know what to do now, he added.

Sonu Kumar, another resident of Kapas Hera area who recently moved to Delhi was given an even difficult condition to get admission in a Delhi government school. He was asked for a copy of the transfer certificate duly signed by an official from the education department of Bihar, where his child studied till Class VII. No wonder, he could not do that and his child met the same fate as Anjali.

"I somehow managed to get a fax copy of the transfer certificate. But they wanted the original one. I told them that it would take time. The school authorities did not listen and his admission was denied," he said.

The petition submitted to the Delhi chief minister also mentioned a case where a student was denied admission because she did not have a residence proof.

Roshni, daughter of Bhola Ram seeks admission in Class VII. Her father works in a private company and earns a salary about Rs 8,000 per month. Roshni studied in a government school in Bihar. She is now being denied admission on the ground that she is unable to produce a residence proof," the petition said.

Agarwal told Firstpost that if these students do not get admission to schools, they will either lose an academic year or drop out from schools.

He also said that these students sought admission in government schools because they are from financially weak families and could not afford education in private schools.

Anita Rampal, an educationist with the University of Delhi told Firstpost that education is the only medium by which the financially weak in India can get themselves out of the vicious cycle of poverty.

"Hence, the provisions of Right to Education should be applied in letter and spirit," she said.

Firstpost tried to contact various officials of Delhi Education Department including director Soumya Gupta, and Aatishi Marlena, advisor to the Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodiya, but they did not respond.
eScan, a security company that focuses on providing Enterprise Security has issued a new report highlighting many security flaws in the MIUI operating system. To be clear, the report points out at flaws and un-intentional vulnerabilities in the user apps and other security apps. According to the report, MIUI system apps are responsible for the vulnerabilities. The major points highlighted in the report state that the 13 percent of smartphone users in India with Xiaomi smartphones are at a significant threat because of the laxity that MIUI OS has about security.

The company issued a warning to Xiaomi users stating that the operating system has multiple security lapses by design. This means that users cant do much about the issues as Xiaomi has designed the operating system in such a way. eScan highlighted Mi Mover app as one of the main culprits which overrides the internal sandbox that Android operating system employs to ensure the security of data. Mi Mover app is a system app that Xiaomi bundles with MIUI to help users migrate their user data from an older device to a new device.

According to the report, any device-administrator app can be uninstalled without the need to revoke its device-admin rights. Device administrator apps are special apps that add an additional level of security to prevent removal. Security scanner apps employ this to ensure that rogue apps, malicious scripts or viruses dont uninstall them from the device. The report also points that Mi Mover app can clone a Xiaomi smartphone in few minutes without the need to root your smartphone.

Other issues pointed in the report state that MIUI hides the Work-Profile Admin app and it is not possible to differentiate between Workspace profiles and personal profile making it difficult for network administrators in the enterprise setting to check which profile they are remotely removing as part of the Enterprise Mobility Management. This also poses security challenge as if the network administrator wants to remove the Work-Profile and accidentally removes the Personal-Profile. In addition to the difficulty in distinguishing, it is not easy to remove the Work-Profile; in the first place. The report was compiled by Sachin Raste, a senior research analyst working with eScan.

We reached out to Xiaomi for a comment on the accusations and Xiaomi provided an official statement regarding the issues pointed by eScan. Xiaomi emphasised that user privacy is of utmost importance for the company. The smartphone maker stated that it strongly disagrees with the allegations made by eScan. It pointed out that eScan report assumes that you would need an unlocked device without any password, PIN, pattern or fingerprint security enabled.

The company stated that anyone who can get their hands on an unlocked smartphone can wreak havoc and cause irreversible damage to the owner of the smartphone with all the data available on the smartphone. Xiaomi stated that it encourages users to set a password, PIN, pattern lock or enable the fingerprint to unlock the smartphone. This ensures that all the private data is secure on the smartphone unless the person with malicious intent gets his/her hands on the PIN, password or pattern.

Addressing the concerns associated with Mi Mover app, Xiaomi pointed out that this tool is made to make it convenient for users to switch from old smartphone to a new one. It also pointed out that the users require a password for Mi Mover to initiate the process. To use the Mi Mover app, the users need to unlock their smartphones. Which means that using Mi Mover app requires two separate layers of security protection.

A spokesperson from Xiaomi pointed out that taking a smartphone in an unlocked state is a very high barrier and unlikely to happen in day-to-day life. This makes the type of attacks mentioned her as theoretical at best. Xiaomi pointed out that to stop your private data from leaking, users should ensure that they dont lose their smartphone or give away the unlock PIN, password or pattern to anyone else.
In a shocking incident on Friday, 30 children in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur district died in a span of 48 hours at Baba Raghav Das Medical College, ANI reported. The district administration, however, refuted the claims.

Initial media reports claimed that a disruption in oxygen supply led to the death of the children, however, the state government, as well as the district administration, have denied those reports.

A magisterial probe has been ordered to investigate the real cause that led to deaths of the children.

#Visuals: 30 children lost their lives due to encephalitis in last 48 hours at Gorakhpur's Baba Raghav Das Medical College #UttarPradesh pic.twitter.com/GZQRbAmfUx  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 11, 2017

According to Hindustan Times, the oxygen supply at the medical college was allegedly stopped after the suppliers bill of Rs 67 lakh was not cleared. The medical hospital is largest in the Gorakhpur region and also Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath's former parliamentary constituency.

The Indian Express reported that Gorakhpur has seen at least 114 deaths due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in 2017. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Gorakhpur, Ravindra Kumar was quoted as saying, "The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) last year was more than 20 percent and this year we have reduced it to 16 percent. In 2015, the CFR was somewhere near 30 percent.

The Finacial Express reported that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier in May 2017, launched a campaign to eradicate deadly encephalitis disease that had led to deaths of hundreds of children every year in Uttar Pradesh. The report further added that he has also stressed on awareness and public participation for the success of the campaign.

According to NDTV report, of the 30 deaths reported, 17 have died in the neo-natal intensive care unit, while eight died in the pediatric ward and five in the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome ward. The report further added that BJP Lok Sabha member Kamlesh Paswan carried out an inspection at the medical college. He was quoted as saying, "From what I saw, daily 7-8, or 10 patients have been dying in the medical college...there are problems. However, he said that the real reason for the Friday's deaths should be investigated.

Talking to CNN-News18, Deepankar Sharma, an employee of Pushpa Gas Pvt Ltd  which supplied liquid oxygen to the medical college  claimed that the company had written several letters to the principal of BRD medical college regarding the payment of liquid oxygen since February 2017.

The company supplies approximately three to four trucks of liquid oxygen to BRD medical college monthly.

Sharma claimed that in spite of several applications, the medical college did not respond to their notices. He further added that the children might have died due to encephalitis and not due to shortage of oxygen supply. The Uttar Pradesh government also claimed that seven children died at the hospital due to 'medical reasons' and not a shortage of oxygen supply.

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In a shocking case of moral policing, a group of women were publicly shamed by the society members of Essel Towers in Gurugram for having male guests over in their flats, citing a rule that disallowed unmarried tenants from inviting people to their flats of the opposite sex, media reports said.

The housing society accused the women tenants of supporting prostitution. In a video uploaded on social media, a member of the Resident's Welfare Association (RWA) tells one of the women, "Please give me your landlord's name. I will tell him you're supporting prostitution in the society."

The RWA later denied having said those words in the heated argument with the women. Speaking to The Times of India, Shivani Singh, a lawyer, said she joined fellow residents to support the women, who had been reduced to tears when the society guards refused to let their male friends enter. "We offered to help them. That is when we were told we are supporting prostitution," Singh, who is also a tenant, was quoted as saying.

Essel Towers had earlier grabbed the headlines in April when it had announced a ban on visitors of the opposite sex at rented accommodations occupied by single tenants in the society. The notice issued then, The Indian Express had reported, with the subject rules and regulations for residents and visitors, had stated: Where only girls are staying boy visitors shall not be allowed and where boys are staying girl visitors shall not be allowed.

The RWA members had justified the move, claiming that the step was taken after several incidents in which the male and female visitors created ruckus in the society. "If required, the tenants presently residing in the society may be asked to leave," RWA president Rajeev Sinha had said, according to The Times of India.
As 15 August approaches, we are seeing a number of disturbing developments that could disrupt the peace and tranquility in the country. While intelligence agencies may not perceive any specific threats, when pieced together, the recent arrests of Bangladeshi extremists call for extra vigil and alertness along the border and in India, so as to maintain a secure environment especially in the view of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations.

On August 10, the Delhi police arrested Raza Ul Ahmed, an Al-Qaeda operative who was trying to escape to Nepal. Copious amount of fake Indian currency notes (FICN) was recovered from his possession. Preliminary investigations have revealed that Ahmed, a Bangladeshi citizen, is wanted by West Bengal Police. More importantly, he is believed to be a member and activist of the Ansarullah Bangla Team.

An extremist organisation from Bangladesh, Ansarullah Bangla Team went on a killing spree from 2013 to 2015 in Bangladesh, terminating atheist bloggers and liberals perceived to be non-believers of Islam.

Ansarullah Bangla Team was also actively affiliated to Islami Chatra Shibir, the students' wing of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, which not only abetted Islamic fundamentalism but also unleashed terror on those opposed to Islamic zealots. Further, ABT is believed to be the front group of Al-Qaeda in the Indian sub-continent. Their website is located in Pakistan. So, we notice a nexus between Pakistan and Bangladesh which is not at all desirable from the security point of view.

The presence of Raza Ul Ahmed in Delhi  with a suspected profile and background of a Bangladeshi extremist outfit and that too with Pakistani links  raises suspicion. And, the timing of his arrest is perhaps more than a coincidence.

Earlier, the Anti Terror Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh Police arrested one Abdullah Al Mamoon from Saharanpur. He, too, is a Bangladeshi belonging to district Mymensingh. Mamoon had made an Indian passport through brokers and undesirable elements for just Rs 9,000. He has also got a voters' ID from Assam.

Mamoon had come to India through the borders of Tripura and has been living in Saharanpur for the last four years. A close look leads us to a disturbing pattern and the fact that he chose to remain in Saharanpur makes the whole thing very suspicious.

Saharanpur recently in news for violent caste-linked clashes, and, in the past, it had also witnessed fierce communal riots. Saharanpur is also home to Deoband theological institution, Deoband Darul Uloom. A section of this school may be a target of a bigger plan and that needs a detailed interrogation by all arms of the security outfits.

Intelligence agencies, however, do not yet know if Mamoom had any linkages with Ahmed, who was nabbed in Delhi. But if a nexus is established, one may safely infer that a broader blueprint is being planned by the hostile forces for some deadly subversive activities detrimental to Indian interests.

During his preliminary investigation, Mamoon, currently under Police custody, disclosed that a large number of Bangladeshis continue to infiltrate into India through the borders of Assam, West Bengal and Tripura, and disturbingly they try to pass as 'students'. This is really a matter of genuine concern and calls for a tightened immigration and beefing up of security along the borders with an active collaboration of the Border Security Force (BSF).

The activities of Pakistan Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) in Bangladesh and India are established beyond doubt. In the past one year, Bangladesh has declared several staffers of the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka as persona non grata for their incompatible activities. The ISI is using several Bangladeshis as operatives on the Indian soil as part of its proxy war and for intelligence operations. Despite an all out alertness and vigil, the ISI is also active in India trying to cover as many targets as they can to subvert vital installations and collect hard military intelligence. They don't seem to remain deterred.

In a fresh incident less than a week ago, an Indian ISI agent was questioned by the UP ATS in Jhansi. According to reports, a low-level civilian officer was interrogated at length for supplying crucial military related information to his ISI handlers. It's noteworthy that Jhansi has a huge military cantonment with high military formations (under XXI corps) as well as a division and a brigade. It also has a large firing range where all arms of the army and the paramilitary units converge for firing practices using a variety of weaponry.

The stepped up activities of the ISI, the arrests of the two Bangladeshi nationals with doubtful antecedents plus the timing of their apprehension  15 August is only a few days away  indicate that forces inimical to India's security interests are active and it's possible that others are waiting in the wings to strike at an opportune time. Thankfully, the Indian intelligence fraternity is working in close concert trying to foil any evil design threatening our security system.

It would augur well if Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 15 August, appreciate the police and intelligence agencies for their tireless efforts in keeping the enemy at bay. A special mention may be made acknowledging the Jammu and Kashmir police for their proactive role in engaging terrorists in fierce encounters in an apparent bid to bring Kashmir back to normalcy. The morale of the security forces has to be at an all time high. And a word from the prime minister will be decidedly helpful with a positive impact.

The writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and senior fellow of the India Police Foundation
Washington: US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka will lead the American delegation at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in India, starting from 28 November.

"Ivanka Trump will lead the US delegation to India this fall, supporting women's entrepreneurship globally," Trump said in a tweeted yesterday, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement on the micro blogging site.

.@IvankaTrump will lead the U.S. delegation to India this fall, supporting womens entrepreneurship globally.#GES2017 @narendramodi  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2017

India and the United States will co-host the summit in Hyderabad from 28 to 30 November, Modi said. "Look forward to Ms Ivanka Trump's presence at Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of US delegation," he wrote in the tweet.

"Honoured to lead the US delegation to #GES2017 in India & meet with Prime Minister Modi & passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe!" Ivanka, said in a tweet yesterday. She also a posted a picture of her shaking hand with the prime minister.

A decision in this connection was taken when Modi and Trump held their first meeting at the White House in June.

Ivanka, 35, is also the advisor to the US president. In her tenure, she has emerged as a strong advocate of women and child issues.
Kolkata: Student unions members of Jadavpur University continued their sit-in before its Executive Council (EC) meeting room for the second day on Friday to protest against a provision of a bill, which has already been passed in the assembly.

The provision in the West Bengal Universities and Colleges (Administration and Regulation) Bill 2017, against which members of Arts Faculty Students' Union (AFSU) and Faculty of Engineering and Technology Students' Union (FETSU) are protesting, will enable the government to have the power to prescribe rules and procedures for conducting students body or union election.

The agitating students were demanding that the JU EC adopt a resolution describing the governments step as "undemocratic" and "unacceptable".

"We will not withdraw our agitation till the EC meeting passes such a resolution. We hope the EC will take up this issue at its meeting today," AFSU spokesperson Somasree told PTI.

"We sat through the night singing, raising slogans against the state government's move to take away the right of democratically elected student representatives by a government appointed student council.

"Many of the EC members left the meeting room by this morning and we didn't prevent them. Others can also leave but we will continue to sit here. We have the support of the researchers, our teachers and non-teaching staff on the issue," she said sitting along with other protestors before the main administrative building of the university.

A JU teacher said vice-chancellor Suranjan Das and the deans are among those who are still in the EC meeting room.

"We had left early today. But the vice-chancellor and some other senior varsity officials refused to leave. The vice-chancellor is holding talks with students but the impasse continues," the teacher said.

The sit-in had started at 2 pm on Thursday when the 15 EC members, consisting vice-chancellor and others met at the conference hall of the building.

Das had told the agitating students that since the bill has already been passed in the state assembly, the university cannot adopt any stand on its own.
Chennai: A fresh petition has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking a commission of inquiry to probe the death of late chief minister Jayalalithaa.

The petition, filed on Friday by one SA Miyajan, who claimed himself to be a social worker, also sought exhumation of the body of the late leader for conducting a post-mortem to determine the "real cause" of her death.

When it came up before the first bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sunder, the judges directed that it be tagged along with petitions with similar prayers already pending and posted them for hearing on 23 October.

Petitions, including those by IRS officer B Balamurugan, Assistant Commissioner of Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax Tribunal, and social activist Traffic Ramaswamy, have been filed earlier seeking a probe into the death of Jayalalithaa on 5 December last year at a hospital here after prolonged illness.

Balamurugan has sought direction to the state government to form a panel headed by IAS officer U Sagayam to probe the circumstances leading to the death of Jayalalithaa.

In the present PIL, the petitioner alleged the death was "mysterious" and there appeared to be human negligence and that the public was anxious to know the real cause of death of their leader.

He sought appointment of a judicial inquiry commission headed by a retired high court judge assisted by two leading doctors to ascertain the real cause of death of Jayalalithaa at the Apollo Hospital.

The cause cannot be ascertained based on the available hospital records, hence post-mortem was necessary, he submitted.

He prayed the court to direct the union home secretary to order an inspection of the body by exhuming it.
Lost in making sense of what had befallen his family, Muhammad Yousuf Sheikh caressed his four-year-old daughter's hair in abject silence for hours, as mourners poured in, in twos and threes, to console the death of his son.

Sheikh, who served in the Indian Army for 24 years before retiring in mid-2010, had been living a simple life in his native Saimoh village of Tral in Pulwama district, and had committed his life to better the future of his three children: a son, who is physically and mentally challenged, another who died in clashes with security forces, and a four-year-old daughter, who was now in his lap, trying to figure out why so many people were coming to their home.

Residents of the village offered water to visiting mourners in Saimoh, while inside their home, women counselled the family members of the slain youth.

"He was a simple and shy child," Manpreet Singh, a resident of Saimoh said, as a steady trickle of mourners entered the house.

Among the three siblings, Sheikh looked to his second child, Muhammad Younus, to take up the responsibility of his parents in their old age. A bright student, Younis was hit by hundreds of pellets to his chest, according to doctors who treated him at Srinagars SMHS hospital, "It was as if a full cartridge of pellets has been fired at him. He died on Wednesday evening," the doctors said.

The Kashmir Police said in a statement: "During a law and order situation, one person sustained pellet injuries and later on succumbed to his injuries."

"You would expect me to say that after serving in the Indian Army for 24 years, I must get justice. To tell you honestly, I am not. The word justice here means nothing. If children participate in protests, even if they clash with forces, does that justify pumping hundreds of pellets in someone's chest? the retired soldier asked.

"They want to kill our children, their intention is not to maim or fire at their legs or to arrest them. They just want to kill them."

The government forces had gunned down three militants in Gulab Bagh village in Tral on Wednesday in an encounter. They were a part of Zakir Musa's group and were coming back to re-join Hizbul Mujahideen.

Younis was killed after the encounter was over. Forces allege that they came under attack from mobs of stone pelters in the area, compelling them to resort to "harsh measures to prevent the situation from going out of control."

Younis, 16, whose Class 10th results were awaited, had gone to participate in the funeral procession of a local militant killed in the encounter.

"I served the country for 24 years. When the child of a man who sacrificed his life for the nation was not spared, what will be the state of the common man here," Sheikh said, "How much damage could a sixteen-year-old child possibly do to anyone?"

"People outside Kashmir proudly wear the tag of Indian Army because soldiers command respect. But when you are a Kashmiri, it means nothing," he added.

This was the fourth civilian killing in the past two weeks. More than two dozen civillians have lost their lives since the start of the year. Most of the killings reported these two weeks have been either during clashes or protests in the Valley. According to official data, 41 civilians have been killed in militancy related incidents and in law and order situations. They are among 216 people killed in the year 2017.

After every civilian killing, a ritual used to unravel in the Valley. Starting with the condemnation brigade in Kashmir, then the separatists stepped in with their protest calendar followed by the announcement of an official probe. This year, the set pattern has been done away with. So, there was neither any shutdown call against Younis's killing nor did the government care to announce a probe.

Director general of police SP Vaid said that the forces have been always trying to avoid civilian casualties during counter insurgency operations but sometimes the situation turns ugly and goes out of control and "people make mistakes".

"The unfortunate truth is that this culture of violence has brought nothing but death and destruction. Who will like to kill a civilian when you have your children?" Vaid said.

On 4 August, a civilian, Ghulam Mohiuddin Bhat, was killed during an operation launched by government forces in Herpora Kanelwan Karvel area of Anantnag. Police said Bhat was "mysteriously in the area and was caught in the crossfire and killed". He was riding a motorcycle when he got killed.

Three days earlier, Akeel Ahmad Bhat had sustained a bullet injury after forces opened fire on demonstrators in Hakripora, after killing Abu Dujana and Arif Lelhari. Two civilians were killed.

According to Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS), a human rights group that documents cases of rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir, 111 civilians have been killed since the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in 2016 and more than three dozen have died in the first six months of this year during protests, clashes and counterinsurgency operations.

The Government of India, however, in a written reply, informed the parliament that 218 civilians were killed in law and order incidents in 2010, 2016 and 2017. The home ministry said that out of the 218, 112 were killed in the 2010 unrest, while 85 civilians were killed in the 2016 unrest.

According to the ministry, only 21 civilians were killed till 9 July in 2017. The death toll on the ground, however, seems to be much higher than reported.
Mumbai: In a major push to the Maharashtra government's efforts to improve the ease of doing business in the state, around four lakh registered hotels and restaurants in the state might be able to operate 24x7 soon.

The state Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the bill which seeks amendments to the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act.

The bill states that shops and establishments in the state are divided into two categories - mainly those having the employee strength below 10 and above 10.

The changed provision of keeping establishments open 24x7 is available for both the categories. The establishments and shops having employees less than 10, will have to submit their details as self-declaration to the local authority and it will face minimum scrutiny.

On the other hand, establishments with more than ten employees, will be scrutinised for their licences and services. "But the government would ensure that they would not be harassed," Chief Minister Fadnavis had said in the assembly during a discussion on the bill.

The bill will now be sent to the Legislative Council for discussion, where the ruling coalition of BJP and Shiv Sena do not hold majority.
Year after year, thousands of students studying in Mumbai University-affiliated colleges bear the brunt of delayed results, faulty evaluations, and inefficient administrative systems. While the grievance cell and helpline numbers are largely inaccessible, a look at unofficial complaint portals online unearth the cracks in the system: students are particularly troubled by severely delayed results, errors in evaluation and unavailability of marksheets even after result declaration.

An RTI filed by activist Vihar Durve revealed that nearly 73,000 students or 30 percent of the 2.19 lakh applicants for re-evaluation of papers between 2014 and April 2016 were erroneously failed. The results of the re-evaluated papers are often declared after repeat examinations have already been conducted.

Mumbai University has nearly 750 colleges within its ambit. This year, about 19 lakh answer scripts were produced by 5 lakh undergraduate and postgraduate students studying in affiliated colleges. Although not all examinations are evaluated centrally, the university is nevertheless under-resourced both in terms of infrastructure and manpower to be able to efficiently operate a system of this magnitude.

It is not only a severe dearth of educators in these colleges  top administrative positions, indispensable for structure, direction, regulation and oversight, remain conspicuously vacant. The position of the Pro-Vice Chancellor, responsible for overseeing examinations and the grievance cell among other things, has been lying vacant since May 2015 when the last official resigned, and nearly 60 percent of unaided colleges under the university function without a permanent principal.

This cycle of examinations has witnessed unprecedented delays and blunders in the process of evaluation. Apart from the entrenched issues that plague the university, this chaos is primarily the result of the much-critiqued switch to an online system of evaluation, where answer scripts were scanned and uploaded, and assessed by teachers on computers.

Amid a barrage of criticism and protest, Vice Chancellor Sanjay Deshmukh, who introduced the online system, has been asked to step down until further notice, and projected scores and provisional certificates are being provided to students who approach the university for help. These are simply damage control measures for a situation that shouldnt have arisen in the first place and do nothing to engage with the underlying facilitators of a crumbling system.

As one of us has been a minister in the government and has pushed for credible and efficient e-governance mechanisms, we support the idea of digitising clunky, outdated administrative processes. If implemented responsibly, the switch to an online system could prove to be a safeguard against paper tampering, and introduce transparency into the evaluation process. The operationalisation of Passport Seva Kendras under the Passport Seva Project, as well as the online filing of income tax returns, where the assessee has the flexibility of choosing between online and offline options, are good examples of responsible reform.

However, progressive reform without practical considerations and adequate infrastructure is meaningless and may cause much more harm than good, as is evident in the case of Mumbai University. An analysis of the online process reveals that the infrastructure required for such a massive upheaval of the system was woefully inadequate; that examiners were not equipped with sufficient training and information; and the abysmal coordination between various agencies responsible for different tasks paralysed the whole process. Moreover, the fact that a lot of colleges in semi-urban areas where Internet connection may have been patchy or sparse was clearly not taken into consideration.

The exercise should have been to gradually move towards an online system, rather than an imposition in this coercive manner, and in that context, it should have been introduced as a voluntary process. Reform is essential, particularly in light of the universitys unbridled inefficiencies, but not at the cost of such disruption. The university must seriously look at restructuring and streamlining its processes, establishing some credibility and accountability, and restoring its students faith in the system.
Kolkata: West Bengal Minister and Kolkata Mayor Sovan Chatterjee was on Thursday grilled by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for around eight hours in connection with the Narada sting footage probe, an official said.

"He came to our office at 11.53 am. and left around 8.30 pm", an ED official told IANS. He described Chatterjee's attitude as "non-cooperative".

Citing "administrative reasons", the state Fire and Emergency Services, Housing and Environment Minister and Trinamool Congress leader had skipped the ED summons in July and sought more time to appear before the agency.

Chatterjee was among a dozen TMC leaders allegedly caught on video receiving money in exchange for a promise to dole out favours to a fictitious company.

The clipping was uploaded on the Narada news portal in March last year ahead of the state assembly elections.

The investigating agency had on Wednesday interrogated Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim.

Besides Chatterjee and Hakim, Transport Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Panchayat Minister Subrata Mukherjee were also summoned by the investigating agency.

Trinamool MP Sultan Ahmed and Kolkata Deputy Mayor Iqbal Ahmed were also interrogated by the ED.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given "100 percent assurance" to the PDP-BJP government's Agenda of Alliance which says there will be "no fiddling" with Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said on Friday.

Mehbooba met the prime minister amid reports that she was seeking help against attempts to alter constitutional provisions that give special status to the state. Emerging from the 15-minute meeting, Mehbooba said the basis of the Agenda of Alliance between the PDP and the BJP is that there should be no "fiddling" with the status quo on Article 370. "That is the basis of the agenda and no one can go against it. The response of the prime minister is positive. The prime minister gave 100 percent assurance to the Agenda of Alliance," she told reporters.

The meeting comes amidst the backdrop of the debate on Article 35A of the Constitution that grants special status to the state and is being challenged in the Supreme Court.

The chief minister said she had told the prime minister about the difficult situation in Jammu and Kashmir and also that the situation was improving gradually. "People of Jammu and Kashmir feel that their identity will be in danger. A message should go that there is no such thing," she said.

The chief minister said Jammu and Kashmir had been facing difficult circumstances.

At the time of accession, Jammu and Kashmir, being a Muslim majority state, took a different decision to join "our country, India". "Jammu and Kashmir has the peculiar diversity where everything is different. It is a Muslim majority state. Hindus also live, Sikhs and Buddhists also live. Seeing that, there is a special position of Jammu and Kashmir. It was a question that the idea of India has to accommodate with the idea of Jammu and Kashmir," she said.

Last year, the chief minister said, the situation turned bad again and now wounds were getting healed. "The discussions on Article 35A, in these circumstances, will adversely affect the process."

The chief minister said such discussions (on Article 35A) should not happen. At the end of the day, Jammu and Kashmir is an important part of the country.

According to her, Jammu and Kashmir was the crown of the country. It was a Muslim majority state which had rejected the two nation theory and joined this country with the view that aspirations, identity would always remain alive. "And that identity should always remain alive," she said.

The state BJP, an alliance partner in the state government, had upped the ante with its spokesperson Virendra Gupta stating on Thursday that time had come to bid farewell to Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution as they created a "separatist psyche".

The controversy erupted in 2014 after an NGO 'We the Citizens' filed a PIL in the Supreme Court seeking that Article 35A be struck down.

Article 35A, which empowers the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define the state's "permanent residents" and their special rights and privileges, was added to the Constitution by a presidential order in 1954.

Article 370 grants special autonomous status to the state. While the state government contested the petition, saying the president had the power to incorporate a new provision in the Constitution by way of an order, the Centre, recently, expressed its reservations.

On Thursday, officials in the home ministry had said that its law officers would be presenting legal aspects related to Article 35A only and would refrain from joining the case.
New Delhi: A farmers' conglomeration on Friday said it will launch another round of protests for over two months from 31 August to voice its demands for a loan waiver and remunerative price for agricultural produce.

The objective of the protest marches  which would go on till 10 November  was to unite farmers across the country before their main protest was organised in Delhi during the Winter Session of Parliament, leaders of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), which held farmers' protest march from Mandsaur to Delhi in July, told the media in New Delhi.

"After we held a 'yatra' (march) in the wake of killing of six farmers in Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh, the government took notice of the farmers' problems. However, the farmers still are awaiting fulfilment of their demands," said Lok Sabha member and farmer leader Raju Shetty.

"Our plan is to bring the farmers from all over the country to Delhi for the big protest when Parliament's Winter Session starts," said Shetty, whose political outfit Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana is part of the AIKSCC.

AIKSCC Convener VM Singh said the protest marches will be held in three phases.

It will be flagged off on 31 August and pass through Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. On 16 September, the second phase of protests will starts from southern parts of the country.

"There will be a farmers' rally in Champaran in Bihar on 2 October. Later, the marches will be held in eastern and north-eastern states from 10 October to 10 November. Consequently, farmers from all over the country will be called to Delhi for a mega protest, likely on 20 November," he said.

The AIKSCC leaders said they had passed two resolutions  one to condemn the Madhya Pradesh government for what it said was "using undemocratic ways to suppress the protest by those living in Narmada Valley" and another to support the demands of Tamil Nadu farmers.

"We condemn the undemocratic ways of the Madhya Pradesh government for lathi charging the people living in the Narmada Valley and the arrest of social activist Medha Patkar. Also, we have decided to intensify our protest if the demands of Tamil Nadu farmers are not met," said Yogendra Yadav of Swaraj Abhiyan, which is part of the AIKSCC.

Patkar-led Narmada Bachao Andolan has been protesting against the forcible eviction of people affected by the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river and in support of the demand for their proper rehabilitation.
President Donald Trump on Friday would not rule out the possibility of a military intervention in Venezuela.

Asked about the possibility of a military intervention in response to a mounting crisis in the country, the President said that is something the United States "certainly could pursue."

"We have many options for Venezuela. And by the way, I am not going to rule out a military option," Trump said. "We have many options for Venezuela. This is our neighbor. You know, we are all over the world and we have troops all over the world in places that are very, very far away. Venezuela is not very far away and the people are suffering, and they are dying. We have many options for Venezuela, including a possible military option if necessary."

Trump spoke with reporters after a meeting with US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Bedminster, New Jersey. During the remarks, Trump also said he will speak by phone with Chinese President Xi Jinping Friday night about North Korea.

When asked about the ratcheted-up rhetoric in recent weeks between the US and North Korea, Trump said there are good options on the table for dealing with the tensions.

"Lots of good things could happen and we also could have a bad solution," he said.

When asked if that bad solution meant war, Trump declined to say. "I think you know that answer to that," he said.

"You know what I can say, hopefully it will all work out," Trump said. "Nobody loves a peaceful solution better than President Trump, that I can tell you. But this has been going on for many years, would have been a lot easier to solve this years ago before they were in the position they are in. But we will see what happens."
Editor's Note: The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that sexual intercourse with wife below 18 years of age will be considered rape. This article, published originally on 11 August, is being republished in the view of this ruling.

A few weeks ago, the Supreme Court issued a revolting directive around domestic violence and cruelty under Section 498A, ordering that such cases be verified and validated by a yet-to-be constituted family welfare committee before charges are pressed under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the husband and his relatives. Next is a flurry of judgments on the right to termination of pregnancy, especially where the foetus is born out of rape, under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 (MTPA). These cases are often arbitrary and there is no set pattern on how the judiciary handles each case. The Supreme Court outdid itself earlier this week when it stated that marital rape cannot be considered a criminal act.

In the case Independent Thought v. Union of India, the Centre told the Supreme Court bench consisting of Justices Madan Lokur and Deepak Gupta that it stands by Exception 2 of Section 375 of the IPC to provide protection to the husband, his minor wife and the sanctity of their conjugal relationship. Independent Thought, a non-governmental organisation, in a petition in 2013, had challenged Exception 2, which states that sexual intercourse by a man with his own wife, the wife not being under 15 years of age, is not rape. However, there is a discrepancy within the same provision. It states that a man is said to commit rape who has sexual intercourse with a woman with or without her consent, when she is under 18 years of age. Independent Thoughts plea to the judiciary was simple: It urged that all minors be protected from rape under Section 375, irrespective of marital status.

The discrepancy is quite apparent if one thinks about it. By law, India does not permit a woman to be legally married before the age of 18. Moreover, the penal code in India also states that consensual sex with a minor, outside of marriage, is statutory rape. How would this ideally work? A minor girl is protected from rape until she gets married, seems to be the extant position of the law. The lawyer representative of Independent Thought, Gaurav Agrawal, told The Times of India: We see a girl under 18 years of age as a child in POCSO Act, but once she is married, she is no more a child under the exception 2 to Section 375 of the IPC. This is totally inconsistent. The truth is that a girl under 15 is still a child, married or not. The parliament has to protect the child.

The writ petition that was filed by Independent Thought in 2013 outlined that Section 375 is heinously violative of Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution of India, and that consent for any sexual relationship should be increased to eighteen, irrespective of marital status of the girl child. In 2013, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 examined the present circumstances and increased the age of consent for sexual intercourse by girls from 16 to 18 years. Exception 2, however, still contains the age of consent for a married girl as 15 years.

This discrepancy puts girls, who are between the ages of 15 to 18 and are married, in a legal vacuum where they are unprotected by law from intrusive sexual intercourse. Ideally, there is no rational nexus in classifying girls under the age of 18 into two groups  those who are married, and those who are not. Moreover, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POSCO) states that a girl under the age of 18 years is a child and hence, does not have the capacities  physical, emotional or mental  to take an informed decision about engaging in sexual intercourse. The petition stated: If this is the object for increasing the age of consent to 18 years in 2013, then marriage of girl at the age of 15/16/17 years does not make the girl mature enough [mentally or physically] for the purpose of consent. Thus, the law is ex-facie discriminatory as the classification has no rational nexus with the object.

The Centre, however, defended its position, stating that it prefers to fall back on tradition when it comes to these things  especially because the case concerns sexual/conjugal relationships in the context of marriage. Binu Tamta, the lawyer representing the Centre, cited the laws around marriage and stated that wedlock between children are voidable, and that child marriage is a reality in India because of poor socioeconomic conditions. Tamta also stated that protecting the institution of marriage was a priority.

What a disturbing notion that a human rights violation such as child marriage must be accommodated because of poverty!

In fact, in the past few years, several politicians have said many disturbing things about the concept of marital rape. The Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Maneka Gandhi, has stated that marital rape cannot be applied to the Indian context". Another Member of Parliament from Gujarat, Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary, has said, It is considered that the concept of marital rape, as understood internationally, cannot be suitably applied in the Indian context due to various factors, including level of education, illiteracy, poverty, myriad social customs and values, religious beliefs, mindset of the society to treat the marriage as a sacrament."

The Supreme Court bench, in the present case, refused to look at marital rape as an issue that can debated and considered as a criminal act under the IPC. Parliament has extensively debated the issue of marital rape and considered that it was not an offence of rape. Therefore, it cannot be considered as a criminal offence. In fact, the bench seemed to have clammed up and passed the buck to the Parliament.

What is even more disturbing is that the apex court seems unfazed by the issue. The fact that the countrys penal code has a dangerous, almost draconian discrepancy that goes against the Constitution as well as international conventions such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) does not seem to bother the judiciary at all. Moreover, the judiciary is increasingly taking on the role of protector of the institution of marriage, instead of examining issues in the context of the Constitution  more and more human rights are being thwarted upon on the pretext of traditions and cultural relativism.

Lastly, between the debates on child marriage and marital rape, the apex court leaves out completely the concept of consent, which was, in fact, the agenda of the petition by Independent Thought. It does not once stop to consider the vagaries of consent  informed or exacted  by a young girl who has been married off, say at 16, and by virtue of the institution, has been displaced from the protection of the State, and is more vulnerable to violence.

For years together, the Indian judiciary made sound decisions and now suddenly, the courts are weighing womens bodies, agency, autonomy and consent against the institution of marriage at the cost of their rights.
New Delhi: Amid the border standoff with China, defence minister Arun Jaitley on Friday rejected reports about shortage of ammunition and asserted that the armed forces have enough quantity to face any eventuality.

He stated this in the Lok Sabha after a member raised questions about the preparedness of the armed forces while contending that there are "disturbing reports from our border areas", a reference to the Doka La standoff.

A question was also asked in reference to a CAG report which had stated that the defence forces have ammunition that can last for 20 days in an event of a war, instead of the minimum requirement of 40 days.

"This question has been asked earlier also and I will only reiterate what I had said. Our defence forces have adequate equipment to face any eventuality," Jaitley said, without any mention of the Doka La standoff which has been going on for nearly two months.

The defence minister said the findings of the CAG report, which had talked about the shortage of ammunition, related to a particular point of time.

"Thereafter significant process has been made. It is a continuous process. Therefore, nobody should have any doubt about the availability of equipment or the preparedness of our forces," he asserted.

Jaitley also sought to allay fears of closure of ordnance defence factories, saying all these factories and defence PSUs are going to continue and no employee will be retrenched.

"The core expertise of these ODFs (ordnance factories) is (manufacturing) ammunition and they will continue to do that," he added.

In response to another question on the government's target to achieve indigenisation by 2022, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said taking into consideration the next 15 years, the forces have a long-term integrated (LTI) perspective on this.

CPM member A Sampth wanted to know whether the defence ministry would initiate steps to conduct an independent inquiry about the "disappearance" of Sukhoi aircraft and also to recover the bodies of two fighter pilots of the Indian Air Force namely Flight Lieutenant Achudev and Squadron Leader Devesh Pankaj.

He claimed empty coffins were sent to homes of the deceased.

The remains of the two pilots of the crashed Sukhoi-30 were recovered on 31 May from the crash site in dense forest area on hills in Assam-Arunachal Pradesh, eight days after it went missing.

"In any case, let us not have any doubt. The Air Force have investigated the matter and have given a detailed report. Nobody should have any basis to doubt the report of the Indian Air Force," Jaitley said.
New Delhi: Amid the Doka la standoff, army personnel from India and China on Friday are understood to have held a meeting at Nathu La mountain pass in Sikkim.

The face-off between armies of the two countries at the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction in Doka la figured in the border personnel meeting (BPM), a source said.

The BPM set up was launched by both countries to sort out local issues and ensure peace and tranquillity along the sensitive border.

The two sides hold BPM in five points which include Daulat Beg Oldie in northern Ladakh, Kibithoo in Arunachal Pradesh, Chusul in Ladakh, Bum-La near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and Nathu La in Sikkim.

India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Doka la area of the Sikkim sector for nearly eight weeks after Indian troops stopped the Chinese Army from building a road in the area.

China claimed it was constructing the road within their territory and has been demanding immediate pull-out of the Indian troops from the disputed Doklam plateau. Bhutan says Doka la belongs to it but China claims it to be its territory.

China has been ramping up rhetoric against India over the last few weeks demanding the immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Dokalam. The Chinese state media, particularly, have carried a barrage of critical articles on the Doka la stand-off slamming India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had recently said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.

India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.
The Madras High Court on Friday allowed DMK Working President M K Stalin to visit a tank in Edappadi taluk in Salem district, falling under Chief Minister K Palaniswami's constituency, to monitor desilting work claimed to be carried out by DMK cadres.

Justice M Duraiswamy passed the order on a petition by DMK's legal wing secretary MK Giririjan, claiming that the government was preventing Stalin from visiting water bodies which were being desilted by DMK cadres across the state.

The judge said, Stalin can visit the tank in Kacharayanpalayam after duly informing the Salem district Collector two days in advance. The collector shall provide necessary police protection during his visit, he added. The judge also directed Stalin to restrict the number of persons accompanying him to 25 during his visit.

The DMK in its petition wanted the court to restrain the state government from preventing Stalin from visiting any part of Tamil Nadu to inspect water bodies.

The main opposition party filed the petition after Stalin was detained in Coimbatore by police last month en route to Salem to visit the Kacharayanpalayam tank and also to participate in a human chain protest on the issue of all-India medical entrance examination NEET.

The state government had opposed the petition the ground that such a relief may lead to breach of law and order.
New Delhi: Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu Friday advised the media to shun sensationalism and focus more on constructive debates that take place in the House.

Citing a personal example, the vice-president said that several years back as an enthusiastic member of parliament, he had gone in-depth into the issues relating to agriculture in India and gave a nearly hour-long speech.

He said several members in the House came to him and complimented him on the exhaustive exposition on the various aspects of the issue. However, next day, to his surprise, he realised that it had been completely ignored by all the papers, barring one. And that too mentioned just one line that Venkaiah Naidu spoke eloquently on agricultural issues.

As members smiled and thumped desks, Naidu said the media was independent but as the Chairman of the House, he would like to convey the widely held feeling among the members that media should focus more on constructive debates.
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"On the issues of farming, agriculture and rural development, Naiduji has been giving detailed analysis. Even when he was urban development minister, he had more inputs about rural development," Modi added.

"Naiduji was completely devoted to the JP movement and student politics," he said, adding that this commitment was the reason why Naidu was chosen as the vice-president.

"Perhaps the country has also got the first vice-president who is so well aware of nitty-gritties of the Parliament," added the prime minister.

"Venkaiah Naidu is the first vice-president who was born in independent India," said Modi in the Rajya Sabha.

"We will have a bit of difficulty in the House now," Modi said, adding that many legislators in the House will be taken aback at how one of the leaders who was among them in the House is suddenly the vice-president.

"You are one of the few people who rose from the bottom in his party," Azad said in the House. "There are many people who risen from weak sections of the society. This is the beauty of our democracy," he added.

"You are not new to this House. You have been here as an MP and a minister too. At those times, we have had our jokes and disagreements," Ghulam Nabi Azad said in the Rajya Sabha.

"There has always been the tradition of freedom given to all leaders in the Rajya Sabha to speak their minds," he said. "The responsiblity of this House is double. We are responsible to the people and to the state legislatures," he added.

"Their is another post, which you have been appointed to now. Behind you, there are the (mark of) weighing scales," he said.

"A party leader's point of view often changes when he comes into the ministry. That person then has to think of the country apart from his party too," Azad said.

"I also want to point out that apart from the people, our democracy is also possible because of those leaders who sacrificed their lives of luxury and power to work for the country," Azad said, mentioning leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Motilal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, etc.

"Properly conducting the House is not just the responsibility of the chairman. The leaders making noise in the House should also think about what they are making noise about," he added.

"People from politics should be appointed to posts like these because the non-political person cannot understand the difficulties of the political person," he said.

"There is a radical change when a political activist reaches a position in which he is supposed to be apolitical," SP's Ram Gopal Yadav said in the Rajya Sabha.

People from politics should be appointed to posts like these: SP

You have to give some credit to A Navaneethakrishnan. He really misses no opportunity to mention Jayalalithaa in the House. "As everyone knows, the Chairman was very close to honourable Amma in Tamil Nadu," he said.

As if his speech could not get more entertaining, TMC MP Derek O'Brien also read out a poem with some funny rhymes to welcome Venkaiah Naidu as the Rajya Sabha chairman.

Vice-President-elect M Venkaiah Naidu will on Friday take oath as the 13th Vice-President of India at around 10 am. Naidu, the National Democratic Alliance's nominee, had defeated former West Bengal Governor and Mahatma Gandhi's grandson Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the Opposition candidate in the 5 August election.

Naidu, hailing from Andhra Pradesh, got 516 votes out of the total 771 votes cast, while Gandhi could only manage 244 votes. Of the total 771 votes polled, 11 were found to be invalid.

Naidu will also take over as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha from the outgoing vice-president Hamid Ansari. The vice-president is also the chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Parliament.

M Hamid Ansari, who held the constitutional post for the last ten years, stepped down as the Vice-President of India, bringing to an end what was largely an uncontroversial tenure with unexpected outspoken comments that stirred a national debate.

Ansari, 80, was first elected vice-president and Rajya Sabha chairman in 2007, when he defeated the NDA's candidate Najma Heptullah. In 2012, he was re-elected to the post when he won against the BJP's Jaswant Singh by 252 votes.

The soft-spoken former diplomat  the only vice-president to serve two terms after S Radhakrishnan  marked his departure with words of concern about threats to plurality and about insecurity among Muslims in a television interview on Wednesday.

Naidu, however, rejected the outgoing vice-preident's views that there is a sense of insecurity among minorities in the country as "political propaganda".

"Some people are saying minorities are insecure. It is a political propaganda. Compared to the entire world, minorities are more safe and secure in India and they get their due," Naidu told PTI.

He also disagreed with the view that there is growing intolerance, saying Indian society is the most tolerant in the world because of its people and civilisation. There is tolerance, that is why democracy is so successful, he said. The former BJP president also cautioned against creating divide in the nation by singling out one community, saying it will draw adverse reaction from other communities.

"If you single out one community, other communities will take it otherwise. That is why we say all are equal. Appeasement for none justice for all," the 68-year-leader and former Union minister said. He said history has proved that there is no discrimination against minorities. "They (minorities) got in prominent positions including constitutional responsibilities because there is no discrimination, and also on account of their merit," he said.

Although Naidu refrained from openly criticising anybody, his comments were apparently a rejoinder to Ansari's statement that insecurity amid Indian Muslims was on a rise due to increased intolerance.

With inputs from agencies
New Delhi: Outgoing Vice-President Hamid Ansari on Wednesday said there is a feeling of unease and a sense of insecurity among the Muslims in the country, asserting the "ambience of acceptance" is now under threat.

Ansari, whose second five-year term as the Vice-President ends on Thursday, made these remarks in the backdrop of incidents of intolerance and cow vigilantism and comments made by some saffron leaders regarding the minority community.

Stating that he had flagged the issue of intolerance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet colleagues, Ansari, 80, also described as a "disturbing thought" that Indianness of citizens was being questioned.

Asked in an interview to Karan Thapar on Rajya Sabha TV whether he shared his concerns with the prime minister, Ansari replied in the affirmative.

"Yes...yes. But what passes between the Vice-President and the prime minister in the nature of things must remain in the domain of privileged conversation," the Rajya Sabha Chairman said.

He also said that he has flagged the issue with other union ministers too.

"Well, there is always an explanation and there is always a reason. Now it is a matter of judgement, whether you accept the explanation, you accept the reasoning and its rationale," he said when asked about the response of the government.

In the interview, Ansari referred to incidents of lynching and 'ghar wapsi' and killings of rationalists as a "breakdown of Indian values, breakdown of the ability of the authorities at different levels in different places to be able to enforce what should be normal law enforcing work and over all the very fact that Indianness of any citizen being questioned is a disturbing thought."

"Yes it is a correct assessment," Ansari said when asked whether he agreed with the assessment that the Muslim community is apprehensive and that it was feeling insecure as a result of the kind of comments made against them.

"Yes it is a correct assessment, from all I hear from different quarters, the country; I heard the same thing in Bangalore, I have heard from other parts of the country, I hear more about in north India, there is a feeling of unease, a sense of insecurity is creeping in," he said.

Asked whether he felt that the Muslims are beginning to feel they are not wanted, Ansari said, "I would not go that far, there is a sense of insecurity."

He said India is a plural society that for centuries, not for seventy years, has lived in a certain "ambience of acceptance" which is now under threat.

He was of the view that the propensity to be able to assert your nationalism day in and day out is "unnecessary".

"I am an Indian and that is it."

Ansari was of the view that while tolerance is a good virtue, it is not a sufficient virtue. "...therefore you have to take the next step and go from tolerance to acceptance," he said.

At an event in Bengaluru on Sunday, Ansari said the "version of nationalism" that places cultural commitments at its core promotes intolerance and arrogant patriotism.

Responding to a question on comments made by some BJP leaders related to minorities, he said he would not talk about political people or political parties.

"But to me, every time such a comment appeared or came to my knowledge; I mean my first reaction was that, A: the person is ignorant, B: that he is prejudiced and C: he does not fit into the framework that India has always prided to itself on, which is to be accommodative society," he said.

Responding to questions on triple talaq, Ansari said it is a social aberration, not a religious requirement.

"Firstly, it is a social aberration, it is not a religious requirement. The religious requirement is crystal clear, emphatic, there are no two views about it but

patriarchy, social customs has all crept into it to create a situation which is highly undesirable," he said.

He said the courts do not have to step in as the reform has to come from within the community.

"The courts can say that we don't recognise it. That's all. I mean a marriage has to be recognised on certain occasions by the system of the state. And if a state

functionary at a particular point of time refuses to recognise a happening which may be the product of a triple talaq, thats it," he explained.

To a poser on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the former diplomat said, "the problem has always been primarily a political problem. And it has to be addressed politically."

He agreed to a suggestion that politicians are ducking the problem.

"Thats my impression. And Im not the only one in the country...when young boys and girls come out on to the streets and throw stones day after day, week after week, month after month, it's something to worry about because they are our children, they are our citizens.

"Something is obviously going wrong. What exactly, I am not the final word on it, but I think there are enough people in the country who are worried about it. Eminent people belonging to different political persuasions and their worry must be taken on board," the Vice President said.
Former Hizbul Mujahideen commander Zakir Musa has been cornered by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Tral district, media reports said. According to reports, Musa, is believed to have gone into hiding as soon as forces closed in on him.

#BREAKING -- Al Qaeda Kashmir chief Zakir Musa believed to be in hiding. Clashes going on in Tral, J&K pic.twitter.com/8iHkRDDk6X  News18 (@CNNnews18) August 11, 2017

Kashmiri daily, Greater Kashmir reported that government forces launched a cordon-and-search operation on Friday in Norpora village of Tral in south Kashmirs Pulwama district.

Norpora is the native village of the Kashmiri militant.

According to reports, people took to streets to stage protests as the operation was launched. The Indian armed forces had to reportedly resort to teargas shelling to disperse the protesters because they started pelting stones on the army.

The internet connection has also been suspended in the area because the police does not want anyone spreading any fake news as Musa has a huge following in the village, CNN-News18 reported.

Musa was made the head of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, the Al-Qaeda cell in Kashmir, in June this year. The announcement of Musa as the head of the terror group marked the entry of Al-Qaeda into Indian territory.

Musa is in the list of the 12 most-wanted militants released by the Indian Army in June 2017. Musa was named as an A++ category militant in the list.
New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid growing speculation over the merger of the two factions of the AIADMK in the state.

Palaniswami, however, told reporters in New Delhi that he only discussed with Modi the state's demand that it be exempted from the purview of the all-India medical college entrance test, NEET.

The chief minister, along with Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, met the prime minister at his office in Parliament House.

Stalled negotiations on the merger of two AIADMK factions picked up again on Thursday after a meeting presided over by Palaniswami questioned the appointment of TTV Dinakaran as AIADMK's deputy general secretary.

A resolution passed in the meeting said Dinakaran's elevation to the post, hours before his aunt VK Sasikala was taken to a jail in Bengaluru, was against party bylaws, a condition which former chief minister O Panneerselvam's faction of the party had pushed for a merger.

Panneerselvam, the head of the rival faction, is also in Delhi. Both he and the chief minister attended Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu's oath-taking ceremony on Friday morning.

Panneerselvam is also trying for an appointment with Modi, sources in New Delhi said. Members of his faction will also meet officials of the Election Commission (EC).

The sources said the Panneerselvam faction will present a copy of Thursday's resolution to the EC.
Patna: Amid speculation of a split in Congress in Bihar, four of the 27 party MLAs skipped the meeting called by senior leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday in Patna.

Jyotiraditya and JP Aggrawal, sent by the party high command to keep the flock together, faced open criticism from many party leaders in Sadakat Ashram where the meeting was called.

Sarwat Jahan Fatima openly demanded removal of the state unit chief Ashok Chaudhary from the post accusing him of making personal gains and not paying attention to strengthen the party organisation when he was the education minister in the Grand Alliance government.

"The post of a party president is in itself a very strong position and he was made a minister too. But he never ever did anything for the party. We have conveyed to Jyotiraditya that change in leadership is required," he said.

Four MLAs  Awidur Rehman from Araria, Tausif Alam from Bahadurganj, Mohammad Javed from Kishanganj and Abdul Jaleel Mastan from Amaur  skipped the meeting of the legislature party. They all belong to Muslim dominated Seemanchal region.

However Jyotiraditya Scindia played down reports of discontent within the party and claimed all are united against chief minister Nitish Kumar's decision to break the Grand Alliance. He attacked Nitish for siding with the BJP whom he was intended to fight in 2019.

But the chaotic situation was visible in the party office when Ashok Chaudhary and Jyotiraditya started a separate meeting of district office bearers on the first floor leaving around 50 party workers and leaders on the ground floor. They started shouting when their demand of participating in the meeting was ignored.

"If things continue the same way, the party would be finished here," former state vice president of Congress Praveen Kumar quipped.

Congress leaders were also not sure about their future strategy. When a reporter asked Jyotiraditya about continuing alliance with the RJD, he said that the state unit would decide on this. He gave the same reply when asked if Congress will participate in the 27 August rally called by RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav.

On the other hand veteran party leader Sadanand Singh called for 'Ekla Chalo' saying every regional party has ditched congress in the state. Party leaders announced to hold a grand rally in Gandhi Maidan in October this year.
LINCOLN  Opponents of the Keystone XL pipeline will "put our bodies on the line" to block construction if state regulators approve the project, a lead activist said Thursday.

"There would be so much civil disobedience, it would make Standing Rock look like a rehearsal," said Jane Kleeb, founder of Bold Nebraska.

Kleeb spoke after the conclusion of a four-day, courtroom-style hearing by the Nebraska Public Service Commission, which is reviewing whether the proposed pipeline is in the public interest.

Nebraska's approval is one of the last necessary steps before pipeline builder TransCanada can begin turning dirt on the 1,179-mile project.

The five elected commissioners have until Nov. 23 to reach a decision. Their review includes about 20,000 pages of documents and comments from about half a million people who weighed in on the project, either in writing or in person at four public hearings over the summer.

The PSC will continue to accept written comments through Friday afternoon.

Appeals are almost certain, regardless of the commission's decision.

Opponents say the pipeline wouldn't benefit Nebraska and poses too great a risk to the land, cultural sites, wildlife and other natural resources. If anything, they argue, TransCanada should consider a route through the state that closely follows its existing Keystone pipeline.

TransCanada contends it has met the standards required in state law, and that any negative impacts from Keystone XL would be minimal.

"The preferred route has been studied exhaustively. It's one of the most studied cross-border pipelines in history," said TransCanada spokesman Matt Johns.

"The safety, the environmental merits of this project have been studied at length, and the preferred route has been the route that has been determined to be the safest and most environmentally responsible route."

The 275-mile portion of the pipeline that would cut through this state would run from Keya Paha County in north-central Nebraska to a pumping station in Steele City, along the Kansas state line. There, it would connect with the existing Keystone pipeline to haul Canadian crude oil from Hardisty, Alberta, to the U.S. Gulf Coast.

The original Keystone tracks farther east, from Cedar County almost directly south to Steele City.

Ken Winston, a lawyer for the Sierra Club and Bold Nebraska, tried Thursday to force TransCanada to provide more data on an alternate route that would closely follow the original Keystone pipeline.

Retired Judge Karen Flowers, presiding over the hearing under contract with the PSC, denied Winston's request.

Flowers also rejected opponents' attempts to block added written testimony by TransCanada, which they argued made substantial changes to the company's original application.

After three full days of lengthy, sometimes intense questioning, the hearing ended before noon Thursday "with a whimper," said Dave Domina of Omaha, an attorney for landowners along the route who oppose the Keystone XL.

The final day focused mainly on how TransCanada and its contractors would avoid disturbing Native American cultural sites that might be located along the pipeline route.

Brad Jolly, a lawyer for the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, challenged TransCanada consultant Erin Salisbury on how and when the company learned the location of the Ponca Trail of Tears.

The Trail of Tears is the route followed by Ponca Chief Standing Bear and other members of the tribe in 1877 during their forced relocation to Indian Territory in modern-day Oklahoma.

The Keystone XL would cross the trail in two places; there is also a Trail of Tears campsite along the pipeline route.

Salisbury claimed last month in written testimony that the Keystone XL wouldn't impact any known historic properties, but Jolly pointed to maps and emails showing TransCanada knew about the Trail of Tears as early as 2015.

TransCanada handles all cultural sites with "ultimate care," Johns said after the hearing.

A lawyer for the Yankton Sioux Tribe, Jennifer Baker, also voiced concerns about a workforce camp, or "man camp," which could house pipeline workers during construction.

TransCanada has said a camp, if needed, would be about 10 miles northwest of O'Neill, near the Yankton Reservation in South Dakota.

Rick Perkins, logistics manager for Keystone XL, said while pipeline workers are subject to random drug tests, TransCanada hasn't met with local law enforcement along the route in Nebraska and the company doesn't prohibit sex offenders from working on the pipeline.

Like previous days, Thursday's hearing drew a quiet crowd of about 75 viewers.

Nebraska State Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas thanked attendees for remaining "safe and orderly" this week and during public hearings throughout the summer.

"We hope that that level of dialogue continues," he said.

However, patrol officials are preparing in case protests erupt along the route following the Public Service Commission's decision.

Nebraska sent some of its own troopers to North Dakota last fall when thousands of protesters gathered along the final link of another pipeline, the Dakota Access, near Cannon Ball, North Dakota, and the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.

"We've learned from what happened in North Dakota," Thomas said.

But Nebraska faces an added complication: While the Standing Rock protests were limited to certain locations, anti-pipeline demonstrations here could pop up anywhere along the route.

The Keystone XL apparently died in 2015 after being rejected by then-President Barack Obama. But President Donald Trump revived the project earlier this year as one of his first acts in office.

Nebraska's decision could determine the pipeline's ultimate fate.

Lawyers for TransCanada and its labor union supporters and landowners, environmental groups and tribes who oppose the Keystone XL will submit closing briefs to the Public Service Commission in writing by Sept. 15.

The judge asked lawyers to keep their briefs no longer than 50 pages, the same length required by the Nebraska Supreme Court.

"You might as well start getting used to those requirements," Flowers said.
New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Ashutosh on Friday claimed that "a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and minister are involved in a medical college scam".

The AAP leader said the BJP leader and the minister are involved in the scam with four persons  who were remanded by a CBI court last week for trying to overturn the ban on a medical college in Haryana.

Presenting a copy of the FIR (First Information Report), Ashutosh said the four persons were arrested on 3 August from Ghaziabad.

Reading out from the FIR, the AAP leader said the arrested persons were working on behalf of World College of Medical Sciences and Research and Hospital, Jhajjar, Haryana to overturn a ban on the college for non-fulfilment of required criteria.

Quoting the FIR, Ashutosh said: "The above-mentioned persons have been trying to get the orders of debarment overturned through the ministry (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare). In this regard (they) have been contacting various persons who have assured them of helping them in this regard, in lieu of huge illegal gratification for the concerned unknown public servants."

Ashutosh said the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court has filed the FIR against the four persons and other unknown public servants and private persons.

The AAP leader said, "this is proof that there has been corruption in the Narendra Modi-led government which has been claiming that there has been no corruption in its three-year rule".

"Sources also told that the agreed illegal gratification is likely to be delivered to a for influencing and inducing senior functionaries of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare by corrupt or illegal means through their contacts," he read from the FIR.

Ashutosh also posted 13 questions for the BJP and central government on the issue.

He said though there is a Supreme Court order that all CBI FIRs should be uploaded to the website, this FIR was only uploaded five days after a media outlet ran a story on the arrest.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh said, "though Modi has given a call for Quit Corruption movement, just like they didn't take part in Quit India movement, they have nothing to do with Quit Corruption movement too".
Mumbai: The Congress on Thursday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention to reopen the probe into the death of Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, who was found dead at Mughalsarai Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh in 1968.

"Deendayal Upadhyay murder case has been a mystery for the last 49 years. At least in his birth centenary year, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reopen the probe into his murder," MPCC (Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee) spokesperson Sachin Sawant said in a statement.

He said the Centre and various state governments were celebrating the birth centenary of Upadhyay who was the president of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), forerunner to the present day BJP.

"The government is renaming railway stations in his name, erecting his statues in various places, naming various schemes in his memory, among other initiatives. It is thus unfortunate that the death of such a towering personality remains a mystery," Sawant said.

Notably, Fadnavis on Thursday moved a congratulatory proposal in both Houses of the state legislature, hailing the work done by Upadhyay.

"Since it came to power three years back, the BJP has discussed and shown an inclination to probe the death of revolutionary leader Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. It was expected that the government also probe the death of Upadhyay, who holds immense importance for the saffron party.

"Unfortunately, neither the government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, nor the present day dispensation headed by Modi initiated any steps in this regard," Sawant said.

He said former BJS president Balraj Madhok reportedly had some crucial information about the Upadhyay case, but nothing was done, "though his (Upadhyay's) descendants and BJP leader Madhu Sharma had demanded a fresh probe".

"There is no harm in making another attempt. Fadnavis should request the prime minister on behalf of the state to start a fresh probe," Sawant added.
Las Vegas: Floyd Mayweather has said he has done his homework on mixed martial artist Conor McGregor and promised their multi-million dollar fight in Las Vegas on 26 August will not go the distance.

Both fighters have now tipped a knockout finish to the hotly anticipated bout between arguably one of the greatest boxers of all time and the explosive UFC champion.

"Expect excitement. He's gonna talk trash, I'm gonna talk trash, there's gonna be a lot of blood, sweat and tears," Mayweather told reporters at a media conference at his gym in Las Vegas.

Casually dressed in a black T-shirt and shorts, the bluster and profanity of the recent four-city promotional tour undertaken with McGregor was replaced by a more sober analysis.

"It's about doing your homework. It's not really watching fight tapes, it's about knowing the person you're facing across the ring from you. You want to know what they like to eat, what they're doing when they're not in camp," said the undefeated 40-year-old.

"That's called really doing your due diligence, doing your homework on your opponent."

Mayweather brushed off suggestions that the left-handed McGregor might cause him problems.

"Last time I checked I was undefeated, whether it was orthodox or southpaw. McGregor, he's gonna come out and keep switching (stances)... but when you keep switching all you're doing is burning energy," he told reporters.

The brash 29-year-old Irishman, who has never boxed professionally, became the first UFC fighter to hold two belts simultaneously when he added the lightweight belt to the featherweight title he already held last November.

Having scored two knockouts to win his belts, McGregor has confidently predicted he will floor Mayweather within four rounds to hand the American his first defeat in what will be his 50th professional bout.

"He's looking forward to getting out there and ending the fight early. I'm looking forward to going out there and ending the fight early. It won't go the distance," said Mayweather, the winner of a slew of titles in various weight classes.

"He's confident. They're always confident. But it's different when you get in there with Floyd Mayweather."

WBA light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly will defend his title against Sweden's Badou Jack, who is promoted by Mayweather, on the undercard of the Las Vegas bout, event organisers announced on Thursday.

This fight will be Briton Cleverly's first title defence since beating German Juergen Braehmer to win the belt last October.

"This is a fight I have wanted ever since Badou Jack moved to light heavyweight and I'm delighted to fight in Vegas on an event like this," Cleverly said.

The other fight on the undercard sees Gervonta "Tank" Davis put his IBF junior lightweight world title on the line against the undefeated Francisco Fonseca.
New Delhi: The BJP may have suffered a setback with its candidate's defeat to Ahmed Patel in the Gujarat Rajya Sabha poll but it believes the defection of many Congress heavyweights to its ranks will help it in the coming Assembly election in the state.

The entry of Balwantsinh Rajput, who was its losing candidate, Tejashree Patel, and Ramsinh Parmar, among others into the saffron camp will be a big jolt to the Congress as they are leaders with a strong base and had won against the odds in previous polls, a senior BJP leader said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Gujarat assembly polls are likely to be held by this year end.

The BJP has been in power in the state since 1995, except for a brief spell when a rebel faction led by Shankersinh Vaghela formed the government with the help of the Congress.

Vaghela has now broken ranks with the Congress and is likely to be a BJP ally in the upcoming polls in which the opposition party hopes to cash in on a host of issues against its saffron rival.

The BJP leader said many Congress defectors are several-term MLAs and were senior party leaders with certain bases.

Rajput was the Congress' chief whip, Patel too was a whip while Parmar, a seven-term MLA, is also chairman of Amul, a cooperative having state-wide influence.

The Congress enjoys considerable influence in the cooperatives in the state.

The BJP believes that it can replicate the Uttarakhand formula where it had engineered defections by a number of Congress leaders, laying the ground for a big win in this year's assembly polls in the hill state.

However, unlike Uttarakhand where it was in the opposition, the BJP has had a long innings in power in Gujarat and the Congress is hopeful of putting up a good show on account of anti-incumbency and perceived anger among Patidars.

BJP sources also reiterated that Rajput will go to court against the Election Commission's order to annul two votes by rebel Congress MLAs, resulting in Ahmed Patel's victory.

The BJP had won 116 seats in the 182-seat Gujarat Assembly in 2012 against 60 won by the Congress.
As his second term as the Vice President of India came to an end on Thursday, Hamid Ansari was given a grand farewell, hosted by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. Ansari served 10 years as the Vice-President of India, by virtue of which he was the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha as well.

Ansari was lauded for his constant endeavour to stick to the rules. After staying in term for a decade, Ansari was showered with praise by the Parliamentarians on Thursday for his contribution towards enriching the functioning of the Upper House.

A day before retiring, Ansari had raked up a controversy by stating there was a feeling of unease and a sense of insecurity among Muslims in the country. While he received criticism from the BJP and the now Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu, he was still hailed by many who worked with and under him during his term.

Bidding goodbye to the then vice-president, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Ansari's diplomatic stint in West Asia has had an influence on him and that he could freely pursue his "basic ideology" now after shedding Constitutional duties.

Modi said that despite retiring from service, Ansari had mostly worked with the Minority Commission and Aligarh Muslim University. Stressing that Ansari had made a good effort at his role as the Chairman, Modi said, "There may have been some struggle within you (all these years) but from now onwards, you won't have to face this dilemma. You will have a feeling of freedom and you will get an opportunity to work, think and talk according to your ideology."

Talking about Ansari's diplomatic career, the prime minister quipped that the way a diplomat talks or shakes hands, have a meaning and it cannot be understood immediately.

Modi said though he did not have much interaction with Ansari, he had understood a lot from him whenever they met. "I hope you will continue to guide the nation in moving forward on the path laid down by the Constitution," he added. Modi also noted that the outgoing Chairman had also kept himself physically fit.

Calling the occasion as nostalgic for both Ansari and the members, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, "The chairperson's job is a very challenging job in this House ... This House, unlike in 1950s and 1960s, now has a changed character. It really reflects the strength of the parties in the state.

"The character of this House is that things start with a lot of acromonius debate, noise, disruptions but eventually you would have seen during your tenure that nothing remains indefinitely held up," he said.

Jaitley said that a Chairman's job is also a thankless job, adding "you take the good with not so good".

He said that Ansari's tenure might have seen disturbances but it also saw a high quality of debates on many occasion. "I am sure you retire from this House with great memories. We all recollect the sage advice that you kept giving to us and through us to the country from time to time... We will always have memories of you as the Chair and how you lent dignity to the quality of the debates in the house while presiding over it," the finance minster said.

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad praised Ansari his way of conducting the proceedings of the House. Azad recalled his long association with Ansari, and said that the then Chairman had received several honorary degrees by different countries, but had never used them.

Samajwadi Party too praised Ansari. Ram Gopal Yadav said that Ansari conducted the Upper House without any discrimination and never allowed any legislation to be passed in din. Yadav hoped that Naidu too would continue the tradition. Naresh Agrawal said people are known by the Chair they hold, but Ansari had shown that the Chair is known by the person holding it. "You taught me discipline and I thought the point of order to this House," he said.

While most members hailed Ansari for his conduct in the House, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien took a note of the then vice-president's fitness habits. He said that Ansari did yoga and routinely went for evening walks to maintain good health. He also joked that Ansari must have set a world record for eating sandwiches everyday at lunch for the past 40 years.

Appreciating Ansari's decision to shift the Question Hour from 11am to noon, CPM leader Sitaram Yechury hoped that in future too legislations would not be allowed to be passed amidst din.

Yechury also appreciated of Ansari's initiative of starting the Rajya Sabha TV channel. He also took to social media to further praise the then outgoing vice-president.

Ansari had become the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. On Thursday, Singh hailed Ansari's contribution in the House and said the country progressed largely because of people like him.

Singh said he had received maximum possible guidance and cooperation from the then Chairman. He then quoted an Urdu couplet of Iqbal which says, "Kuch baat hai ki hasti mit-ti nahin hamari; warna sadiyon raha hai dushman daur-e-zaman hamara. (There is something about us that despite adversity, we survive)."

"When I reflect on India's history, the tensions, the challenges that our country faces from time to time. Yet it keeps on going, progressing..., it is largely because people of your capacity have guided this country in various capacities from time to time," Singh told Ansari.

Describing Ansari as his friend, philospher and guide, Singh wished Ansari a life of a thousand years.

Union minister Ramdas Athavale paid tribute to Ansari in the Rajya Sabha by reciting a few lines which left many members, including leader of the House Arun Jaitley, laughing. "We wished that you could get another five years, but you belonged to that side and was not possible," he said.

NCP member Majeed Memon said that managing children in a primary school or kindergarten may not be as difficult as handling the House but Ansari always managed to do an exceptional job. He said Ansari's performance in public sphere would continue to be important for the country.

Sanjay Raut said Ansari, as Chairman never allowed any advocate, either on the ruling side or the opposition side, to flout the rules of the House. He always imposed "vice-president's rule" and ensure that no norms are flouted, Raut quipped.

Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien said he had enjoyed working with Ansari. "You protected me, you guided me and you corrected me," he said, adding "if we were to choose our destiny, then we all would pass a resolution to have Chairman Hamid Ansari for another term."

With inputs from agencies
There was a common aspect about the first few speeches made by leaders from Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha on Friday when MPs welcomed new Chairman Venkaiah Naidu as he chaired his first session of the Upper House.

All of them praised Naidu but many of them also made statements about how the Rajya Sabha Chairman needed to be unbiased and apolitical, irrespective of his political leanings earlier.

"A party leader's point of view often changes when he is appointed as a minister. That person then has to think of the country apart from his party too," Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said.

"Their is another post like that, which you (Naidu) have been appointed to now," Azad further said, adding that the symbol of weighing scales was behind Naidu on his chair.

Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav and Trinamool Congress' Derek O'Brien also reminded Naidu of the fact that the vice-president needed to have a balanced point of view.

Merely a day earlier, Naidu had rejected as "political propaganda" the view that there is a sense of insecurity among minorities in the country, apparently a rejoinder to former vice-president Hamid Ansari, who had said that there is a feeling of unease and a sense of insecurity among the Muslims in the country.

Now, the Opposition leaders may or may not have expressed their concern about bias in Rajya Sabha proceedings directly because of Naidu's statement, but their apprehensions were certainly well-timed.

After all, if Hamid Ansari's remarks were more about "political propaganda", so were those made in response by Venkaiah Naidu, going by the same logic.

It is true that the Congress-led UPA government had appointed Ansari as vice-president. And it will also be naive to assume that Ansari's reference to incidents of lynching and 'ghar wapsi' and killings of rationalists as a "breakdown of Indian values" was purely out of concern for minorities and was completely apolitical.

But if saying that the social fabric of India is under threat is an exaggeration, so are statements about how the Indian society is the most tolerant in the world because of its people and civilisation, a remark Naidu made in response.

In fact, Naidu made a lot of generic remarks in his response too, based on vague assumptions.

"Compared to the entire world, minorities are more safe and secure in India and they get their due," he said, assuming that the condition of minorities in India is satisfactory just because it is worse in other countries.

Naidu also said that minorities "got in prominent positions including constitutional responsibilities because there is no discrimination, and also on account of their merit." But appointment of people from backward or oppressed sections of the society to important posts is not the only  and not even the most important criteria  to comment on the overall respect given to minorities.

This is like assuming that racism in the United States disappeared once Barack Obama became its president.

Moreover, when asked about incidents of alleged intolerance, Naidu said India is a huge country and there could be some "stray" occurrences, which are "nothing but aberrations".

Dismissing frequent incidents of hate crimes based on caste, religion or even food habits as mere anomalies at a time when a report has pointed out that almost all incidents of cow-related violence took place after 2014 is as political as you can get.

As a BJP leader, Naidu's remarks were perhaps necessary for him to defend the NDA government. But Naidu had quit BJP after being named the vice-presidential candidate.

As then vice-president-elect and now vice-president, Venkaiah Naidu's veiled response to Hamid Ansari was anything but apolitical.

With inputs from PTI
New Delhi: The JD(U) on Friday night suspended its Rajya Sabha member Ali Anwar Ansari from the parliamentary party for attending a meeting of Opposition parties convened by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

Party spokesperson KC Tyagi said Ansari has been suspended from the parliamentary party for attending the meeting of Opposition parties despite the JD(U) severing its ties with the Congress-led UPA.

Leaders of 16 Opposition parties, led by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, met in New Delhi on Friday to deliberate on evolving an "alternative narrative" to counter the BJP.

Tyagi also hit out at Gandhi for trying "encroach upon" the party by interfering in its internal matters.

Ansari had criticised JD(U) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's decision to walk out of the Grand Alliance in Bihar and form government with the BJP.
New Delhi: Sacked Delhi minister Kapil Mishra was marshalled out of the Delhi Assembly on Friday after the rebel AAP leader held up a banner accusing Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of "bunking off" House proceedings.

As soon the House met on the session's last day, Mishra stood up with the banner which said "Kejriwal missing, come to the House" written across it.

Speaker Ram Niwas Goel said Mishra's act was against the rules of the House and called the marshals in. He ordered that Mishra will not be permitted to attend the House for the rest of the day.

"Chief Minister Kejriwal has not attended a single sitting of the House over the last four days. I sought to know why and was marshalled out. He bunked off the entire session," Mishra told reporters.

Mishra, who was a Kejriwal loyalist at one point, was stripped off his portfolios of water and tourism and removed as minister in May after the municipal polls where the AAP suffered a humiliating defeat.

After that, he made a series of allegations against the AAP supremo, PWD Minister Satyendar Jain and other leaders of the party.

He was promptly suspended from the party's primary membership.
New Delhi: Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar on Thursday termed as "baseless" the Congress' charge that the BJP has received money for getting the Centre's nod for setting up of private medical colleges in Kerala.

Responding to the allegation by Congress MP KC Venugopal in the Lok Sabha, Kumar said the Congress member should not be allowed to impose such a wild allegation.

"It is totally baseless...If there is a party which is known for corruption that is the Congress party. The Congress party is the mother of all corrupt activities and all the scams from 2G, from 4G or damaad ji, everything," the minister said.

Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, Venugopal alleged that "a BJP internal investigation report had come out which confirmed that the party received Rs 5.50 crore for getting the Central governments sanction for starting private medical colleges in the state."

This, he added, was a very serious scam "involving many BJP leaders in the state".

The Congress MP from Alappuzha said the BJP was trying to hide this "very serious" allegation only because of the internal rivalry in the party.

"On the one hand, the government is saying that they are taking action against hawala and black money and on the other hand their own internal enquiry revealed that the hawala money came to Delhi," Venugopal said, adding the matter should be investigated.
Lucknow: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Thursday tried to cajole party workers into not losing hope in the wake of desertions by senior party leaders and exhorted them to "complete the unfinished task of Baba Bhim Rao Ambedkar".

Addressing party cadres and office-bearers to review the situation in the party after some senior leaders left the party, Mayawati reminded the workers of the hard times they had faced in the formative years of the BSP.

Two senior leaders - Indrajeet Saroj and Thakur Jaiveer Singh - quit the party accusing the Dalit leader of extorting money from them. Singh has since joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

She also asked them to get ready for the success of the zonal meetings she proposes to start from September 18 from Meerut.

She has announced rallies against the BJP governments at the Centre and in the state every month at different places.

The four-time Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also castigated the Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological mentor of the BJP.

She claimed that there was fear and restlessness in many sections of the society due to the policies of the BJP governments in various states and at the Centre.
The 19-day Monsoon Session of the Parliament concluded on Friday as the Upper House welcomed its new Chairman, M Venkaiah Naidu and bid farewell to three retiring members, Sitaram Yechury of CPM, Dilipbhai Pandya of BJP, and Debabrata Bandyopadhyay of All India Trinamool Congress. Both Houses have passed only nine out of the 25 bills on a range of subjects. The items on the governments priority list were four bills to replace Ordinances such as the Motor Vehicles bill and bills related to the IIMs and IITs. The crucial Motor Vehicles Bill and 'The Code on Wages' bill could not be passed in the Monsoon Session of the Parliament.

According to The Indian Express, Lok Sabha worked for approximately 70 percent of its scheduled time, and Rajya Sabha for about 73 percent of the allotted time. The Upper House spent 22 hours discussing bills while the Lower House dedicated 28 hours out of the 71 functional hours to legislative business. That comes up to around 26.4 percent of productivity out of the hours allotted for functioning in the brief session of the Parliament.

Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha passed nine bills and held debates on a number of crucial issues like lynchings and the agrarian crisis facing the country in its 243rd session. A highlight of the session was that the new Chairman M Venkaian Naidu took over on its last day on Friday. During the 19 sittings, the House sat for more than 78 hours but lost nearly 25 hours due to disruptions over various issues.

The House also sat late for more than seven hours to complete legislative and other businesses. Naidu, before adjourning the House sine die, gave an overview of the proceedings during the session that began on 17 July. During the session, members spoke on the 75th anniversary of the Quit India movement and a resolution was adopted.

Two new members Vinay Dinu Tendulkar, Sampatiya Uikey joined the House while BSP leader Mayawati and M Venkaiah Naidu resigned. During the session, references were also made to the passing away of Union minister Anil Madhav Dave and sitting member Palvai Govardhan Reddy as well as 11 former members.

References were also made to torrential rains in several parts including the North East and the terror attack in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. Among the bills passed by the House were National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research (Amendment) Bill, Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Public Private Partnership) Bill, Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Bill, etc.

The Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill was referred to a Select Committee while the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill was referred to a joint committee. There were 87 special mentions and 17 hours of short duration discussions. During the session, 285 starred questions and 3,040 unstarred question were admitted and answered. Of these 46 starred questions were orally answered. Question Hour could not be taken up on three days due to disruptions.

Several reports, including those by various committees, were also presented during the Monsoon Session of the Rajya Sabha.

Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha met for 19 sittings in the Monsoon Session that saw the passage of 14 legislations, including the Banking (Amendment) Bill, and the suspension of six Congress members for "highly unbecoming" behaviour. The Monsoon Session also witnessed the elections to the posts of the President and the Vice President of the country.

Heated debate and verbal duels were witnessed between the Opposition and Treasury benches during the session on vital issues like cow-lynching and mob-violence, agrarian crisis, and the attack on Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat, allegedly by BJP workers. A special discussion was also held on the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement.

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the House sat for 71 hours during the Monsoon Session. She said 29.58 hours were wasted due to disruptions, but the House tried to compensate it by sitting for 10.36 extra hours.

Starred questions numbering 63 were given oral answers and 4,370 unstarred questions were given written responses. Ministers laid 1,270 statements during the session, while members also introduced 28 Private Members Bills in the House.

Crucial legislations like the Company (Amendments) Act 2016 and the NABARD (Amendment) Act 2017 were also passed by the Lok Sabha. The session saw six Congress MPs getting suspended for five days for hurling papers at the Chair, termed as "highly unbecoming" behaviour. The suspended Congress members were Gaurav Gogoi, K Suresh, Adhir Rajan Chowdhury, Ranjeet Ranjan, Sushmita Dev and MK Raghavan.

With inputs from agencies
New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah as his party prepares to join the NDA after forming the government in the state in alliance with the saffron party.

It was Kumar's first visit to the national capital after he jettisoned the alliance with the RJD and the Congress, and sealed a tie-up with the BJP on 26 July.

He told reporters after meeting Modi that it was a courtesy call and he will visit Delhi again this month end to discuss Bihar's developmental issues with the prime minister.

He later had a luncheon meeting with Shah in which both leaders are believed to have discussed ongoing political developments and other issues related to the state.

Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar meets BJP President Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/Ol0fdmgcPv  ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2017

JD(U) sources said the party is expected to announce its decision to formally join the BJP-led NDA in its national executive meeting on 19 July in Patna.

Asked if the party will also join the Modi cabinet, a JD (U) leader said such a decision will be "natural".

"When we are together in government in Bihar it is only natural that our party joins the Union government," he said.

However, he added that such a decision will be taken by Kumar and the party had not deliberated over it yet.

The JD(U) has 12 members in Parliament, two in the Lok Sabha and 10 in the Rajya Sabha.

Its leader in the Rajya Sabha Sharad Yadav has rebelled against the alliance with the BJP but apparently does not enjoy much support among other party's lawmakers.

Kumar almost shut the door on any reconciliation with Yadav, saying he is free to take any decision as the alliance with the BJP had the entire party's nod.

"He (Yadav) is free to take his decision. As far as the party is concerned, it has already taken its decision. The decision was not mine alone and it was taken with the consent of the party. If he keeps a different opinion, then he is free to do so," Kumar said.
Patna: Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday attacked Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar for his "undemocratic move" of breaking the Grand Alliance in the state.

He also refuted reports that some party MLAs are likely to join the ruling JD-U.

"Nitish Kumar's decision to join hands with the BJP to form government after dumping the Grand Alliance is against the principles and values of democracy", Scindia, a former union minister and Congress MP, told the media in Patna.

Nitish Kumar dumped the Grand Alliance of JD-U, RJD and Congress on 26 July and aligned with the BJP to form government on 27 July.

Scindia was in the state capital on a day-long visit to attend a meeting of the party that aims to strengthen its reach among the people.

"Bihar is a state known for its principles. People of Bihar will reply to Nitish Kumar for his decision."

He said the 2015 Bihar Assembly poll mandate was for the Grand Alliance of Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Janata Dal-United and it was against the BJP-led NDA.

"But contrary to the mandate given by the people, Nitish Kumar joined hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party and formed the governmen", he added.

Scindia also refuted reports of any split in the party's state unit.

Slamming media reports, Scindia said: "Congress is united and intact and will remain so in future".

Local media reported that the Congress party in Bihar may go the Gujarat way as some party legislators were likely to join the ruling JD-U.
New Delhi: Leaders of 16 Opposition parties, led by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, met on Friday to deliberate on evolving an "alternative narrative" to counter the BJP.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) skipped the meeting.

It was, however, attended by dissident JD(U) MP Ali Anwar Ansari, who is opposed to his party's alliance with the BJP in Bihar.

West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee attended the meeting, besides leaders of Left parties.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said that the opposition parties have to build an alternative narrative to counter Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP, whose political power has reached a historic high in the last three years after the party won a series of Assembly polls.

He told reporters that this could be done through effective strategy and taking up pro-people issues such as agrarian crisis.

The meeting would deliberate on these matters, he said. He indicated that a small group of Opposition leaders might be formed to carry forward the consultation process.
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The deputy chairman also added that Naidu's vast experience as a parliamentarian and parliamentary affairs minister will help him take charge of the new responsibility.

"My best wishes and greetings to him and we are ready to extend a warm welcome to him as chairman of Rajya Sabha," Dy Chairman PJ Kurian told Rajya Sabha TV.

We are ready to welcome M Venkaiah Naidu as Chairman of Rajya Sabha: PJ Kurien

Rajya Sabha welcomes Venkaiah Naidu as the Chairman of Rajya Sabha for the first time

"It is an honour for us to have people coming from poor and rural families sit on highest constitutional posts," Modi said. The prime minister also said that Venkaih ji is known for his art of alliterations, and hi soratoryship. "However, behind this art is a startling clarity of thought and not mere wordplay," Modi said.

Commenting on a lighter note, Narendra Modi said, "When a Bar member reaches the Bench it becomes a little awkward for his colleagues to look at him in the new role. Similarly we too will have a tough time adjusting to the fact that a fellow parliamentarian, who we used to joke and work till yesterday has become the Chairman."

"Venkaiah ji is one of the few leaders presiding over this house who has a deep understanding of rural issues. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna was his gift to the nation," Modi said

"We are proud to have a Chairman from the humble beginings and a rural background and I must salute the strength of democracy and the Constitution that enabled one and all to rise through the ranks and reach here," LoP Ghulam Nabi Azad said.

Recounting the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, all of whom hailed from affluent families, Azad said that the nation that they handed us must be strengthened and those principles should be maintained.

While hailing the humble background of M Venkaiah Naidu, who today took over as the 13th Vice-President of India, Azad said that he would also like to salute the spirit of sacrifice of the capitalists of the gone era who gave up everything for nation building.

"May the Chair always listen the voice of the Opposition," says Derek O' Brien

"Please never commit the one sin of passing a bil in din," Derek O' Brien said while Ram Gopal Yadav reminded Naidu to hear the voices of even smallest of parties. Leader of Opposition Ghulam nabi Azad also reminded the Chairman that a pair of balancing scales hangs behind his chair for a reason.

Amid a list of advices and expectations as a parliamentarian, Derek O'Brien also coined an acronym imitating Naidu's popular style of speech.

He, however, urged the Chairman to remain truthful and just to his new responsibility.

"I am spared the awkardness that the prime minister was referring to as we too have been associated with each other for forty years but now as you enter parliamet ina new role, I will take your leave," Yechury said.

Welcoming M Venkaiah Naidu to the Upper House as Chairman, Misra said that his humble beginings gave his party the hope that never again will the voice of poor and the Dalits be left unheard in the House. He said that Naidu is an examples for those coming from humble beginings that no height is unreachable.

You show us how a grassroots level leader can climp every step of the political ladder: LoH Arun Jaitley to Venkaiah Naidu

Meanwhile... Sonia Gandhi to chair meeting of Oppn parties at the end of Monsoon Session

Let the govt propose, the Opposition oppose but the Parliament must dispose: M Venkaiah Naidu

Opposition should have its say but the govt must have its way: M Venkaiah Naidu tells RS

"Being a parliamentarian for 19 years, most of it in Opposition, I am aware of the aspirations, expectations and sometimes frustration of the members. I am also aware that worthy people like Dr Sarvapalli Rashakrishnan and Zakir Ali have sat in this position before me and I have to uphold the precedents set by them," Venkaiah Naidu.

While around 30 hours were wasted due to disruptions and adjournments, the House also sat for around 10 hours 36 minutes extra to complete its business, the Speaker said.

Meanwhile... Sonia Gandhi to chair meeting of Oppn parties at the end of Monsoon Session

Let the govt propose, the Opposition oppose but the Parliament must dispose: M Venkaiah Naidu

Opposition should have its say but the govt must have its way: M Venkaiah Naidu tells RS

"Being a parliamentarian for 19 years, most of it in Opposition, I am aware of the aspirations, expectations and sometimes frustration of the members. I am also aware that worthy people like Dr Sarvapalli Rashakrishnan and Zakir Ali have sat in this position before me and I have to uphold the precedents set by them," Venkaiah Naidu.

While around 30 hours were wasted due to disruptions and adjournments, the House also sat for around 10 hours 36 minutes extra to complete its business, the Speaker said.



The Parliament will convene today for the last day of the Monsoon Session. The day will also mark the change of guards in Rajya Sabha, with M Venkaiah Naidu taking over as the Chairman of the Upper House from outgoing vice-president M Hamid Ansari. Naidu was also sworn-in as the 13th Vice-President of India

Meanwhile, Congress President Sonia Gandhi will chair a meeting of leaders of 18 Opposition parties on Friday, the last day of Parliament's Monsoon Session, to discuss Opposition unity and chalk out a strategy against the Modi government.

Janata Dal-United (JD(U)) leader Sharad Yadav, on a Bihar visit, has been invited for the meeting. Sharad Yadav on Thursday declared in Patna that he was still with the Grand Alliance of the RJD and the Congress in Bihar.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is slated to be present.

The Nationalist Congress Party of Sharad Pawar has also been invited. There were reports that two MLAs of the NCP may not have voted for Congress candidate Ahmed Patel in the Gujarat Rajya Sabha elections.

The meeting is likely to discuss an Opposition rally called by Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad in Patna on 27 August, which will target the newly-formed Bharatiya Janata Party-Janata Dal-United alliance government in Bihar led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

In Parliament, on Friday, a short-duration debate on the use of police force against social activist Medha Patekar and others seeking rehabilitation of people displaced by the Sardar Sarovar Dam project. Police removed Patkar on Monday, who was on indefinite fast since 27 July seeking proper rehabilitation of Sardar Sarovar Project-oustees, from Chikhalda in Dhar district, and shifted her to Bombay Hospital in Indore, citing her worsening condition.

Recap from Thursday

The Rajya Sabha bid farewell to former Vice-president of India, Hamid Ansari, who was also the Chairman of the Upper House. The Upper House members also bid adieu to three members who will be retiring and not coming back for another term. The Upper House saw Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav turn emotional as he said goodbye to CPM's Sitaram yechury who concluded his second term in the Upper House on Thursday. Leader of House, Arun Jaitley too was all praise for Yechury as he remarked that the veteran Left leader has always raised the level of debate by making his contributions.

Apart from Yechury, D Bandopadhyay of TMC and Dilipbhai Pandya of BJP also bid farewell to the House.

The Lok Sabha meanwhile, debated the Chandigarh stalking case, in which the son of a BJP leader is an accused. The government told the House that those involved in stalking and alleged attempt to abduct a 29-year-old Varnika Kundu, daughter of an IAS officer, will be punished.

A bill which seeks to deal with insolvency of financial service providers was today referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament, while another bill that seeks to fix a national minimum wage for all categories of over 40 crore unorganised sector workers and provide a fixed timeline for their payment was introduced in the Lower House.
As the central committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), its highest decision-making body, decided against nominating party general secretary Sitaram Yechury for a third consecutive Rajya Sabha term, the Upper House on Thursday bid farewell to the Left party stalwart.

On 26 July, a deeply divided central committee had taken the decision to bar Yechury from being re-elected for another term as a Rajya Sabha MP after a vote. "The decision was taken keeping in mind the party norm that no CPM leader can represent the party in the Upper House for more than two terms," Yechury had said.

Yechury will now have more time to focus on his role as the general secretary of the party. Yechurys second term ends on 18 August.

Here is how politicians from across the party lines, keeping their differences aside, bid adieu to the veteran politician:

The Leader of the House, Arun Jaitley, and other MPs admired Yechury's immense contribution as a parliamentarian on Thursday. In a lighter vein, Jaitley said that since Yechury has never had an opportunity to be in the government, he has the liberty of making several suggestions which are "idealistic but un-implementable".

Jaitley said that in almost every debate in which Yechury participated, he raised the level of the debate to such an extent that others found it difficult to match that.

The Leader of Opposition, Ghulam Nabi Azad, said, "Yechury is one of those few leaders who do not belong to just a party but to the whole nation". He said his departure from the Rajya Sabha is a loss of the entire House and not just the Opposition.

According to The Indian Express, Azad urged Yechury to change the CPMs constitution, which bars him from being re-elected for another term as a Rajya Sabha MP. "Every era has some leaders who are bigger than the party Yechury was one of those leaders, who are leaders of this country, and future generations will count him as one of them," Azad said.

Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav, who sits adjacent to Yechury in the House, got emotional while saying that he would miss his beloved colleague and almost broke down. Yadav also echoed Azad's view and said "when the country's Constitution can be amended, why can't the Left party's constitution be amended," The Indian Express reported.

Deputy chairman PJ Kurien lauded Yechury as an excellent parliamentarian and said the nation will be benefited from his contribution. Yechury has set high standards of political behaviour, he said.

Derek O'Brien of Trinamool Congress said Yechury, who belongs to bitter rival CPM, is a politician who has set high standards. He wished luck to Yechury for his upcoming book "The Left is Always Right".

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh remembered the days when he used to sit together with Yechury to draft the Common Minimum Programme of UPA-I and UPA-II governments.

"Yechury was responsible, of course, for the troubles that both the governments had. I used to often refer to him not as Sitaram Yechury, but as Sitaram 'Obituary', because he was the one who wrote the 'obituary' for both the UPA Governments in a way but, certainly for UPA-I, when the Left Front withdrew support from the 123 Agreement," Ramesh was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express.

With Inputs from PTI.
tech2 News Staff

Conspiracy theorists are claiming that the Earth will be destroyed in a cataclysmic collision with the mysterious planet Nibiru during the August solar eclipse. The solar eclipse will be the first total solar eclipse seen in North America in almost a century. According to reports in News.com.au, The Telegraph, and Mail Online, the eclipse apparently signals the start of the cataclysm, which conspiracy theories expect will destroy the Earth in September.

The theory was first proposed by Nancy Lieder in 1995, a person who claims to have been contacted by an alien race known as Zetas. The Zetas are supposed to be tall, thin beings with bulging heads and large black, pupil-less eyes. The Zetas apparently implanted Zetan genetic material into Nancy's brain to enable communication and use Nancy as a "communicator." Her role was to warn the residents of Earth of an impending collision with Nibiru, which was first supposed to take place in 2003.

When the Earth did not collide with Nibiru in 2003, the date was shifted to 2012, which conveniently coincided with the ending of the Ancient Mayan Calendar. Nibiru ditched its date with the Earth in 2012 as well, and now the conspiracy theorists are suggesting that the planet is again headed towards Earth and that the August total solar eclipse signals the start of the cataclysm. A number of photographs of the incoming Nibiru, clicked by amateur photographers, appear to be little more than flares on the camera because of the Sun.

In 2011, David Morrison, a scientist at NASA released a video rejecting the claims of the impending catastrophe. Much of the reasons provided are still valid today. The video was put up as a response to questions from students who were scared of the end of the world. Any planet about to collide with the Earth would be visible with the naked eye, and astronomers would have spotted it coming from a long way away.

A real planet in the inner solar system would be detected by the gravitational perturbations on the inner planets even if, for some reason, it would be invisible to the naked eye. The orbit of the Earth would be changed even before Nibiru actually collided with the Earth. The stable orbits of the inner solar system planets proves that no planetary mass rogue object has entered the inner solar system for at least a million years. Here is the video:

According to the works of Zecharia Sitchin, a pseudoscientists and a pseudohistorian who has written books on the the role of aliens in ancient human history, Nibiru was an alien base. The species in question are the Anunnaki, who may have been interpreted as angels, and who apparently seeded the Caucasian race on Earth. According to Sitchin, Nibiru is a visitor from another solar system that collided with a planet known as Tiamat, creating the Earth and the asteroid belt in the process. Life on Earth began because of this event, as life had originally originated on Nibiru, which was an Earth-like planet.

Nibiru is often confused with Planet X, a placeholder name for an undiscovered trans-Neptunian planet in the solar system. There are a number of objects that have been identified as a potential planet on the fringes of the solar system. Scientists believe one such object predicted to exist based on computer models will be spotted by telescopes in the next five years. In one of the surveys conducted of the outer solar system, two trans-Neptunian "worlds" were identified. NASA's Sentry program keeps a watch on near Earth objects that could potentially collide with the Earth and does not have a listing for a world-ending event this September.

So what will happen after September? Nothing. The Earth will continue in its orbit around the Sun, there will not be a Nibiru and the date of the cataclysm will be postponed for a third time.

The myth of Nibiru, however, will continue to live on, considering that two, almost three missed dates were not enough to permanently silence the theorists.
IANS

Germany believes the European Commission will propose quotas for electric cars in its next review of measures to cut emissions, a spokesman for the German environment ministry said on Friday.

The Commission said on Monday it had no plans to introduce quotas for electric cars for an automobile sector seeking to recover from the Volkswagen diesel scandal.

A spokeswoman for the German environment ministry, which is run by the Social Democrats (SPD) - the junior partner in Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling coalition - said without quotas for electric cars the European Union could miss its carbon dioxide emissions targets.

The SPD, Merkel's main rival in September's election, wants a European-wide quota to accelerate the shift towards electric cars, the SPD's general secretary said on Friday.

"There must be ambitious targets, otherwise we won't make any headway," Hubertus Heil told Reuters.

He added that he was not, however, in favour of setting a specific date to take diesel motors out of service.

The SPD, which is lagging far behind Merkel's conservatives in opinion polls, is in favour of tax incentives to accelerate the switch to electric cars.

Merkel has repeatedly warned against "demonising" diesel engines.

Britain said last month it would ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2040 in an attempt to reduce air pollution. The global auto industry debate could one day herald the end of more than a century of reliance on the combustion engine.
hidden

Alt-right protesters are planning a "March On Google" next week, following the US tech giant's firing of an employee over his internal company memo discussing gender differences in the workforce, the media reported.

Far right internet activist Jack Posobiec and "a coalition of free speech activists around the US" organized the march, according to the official "MarchOnGoogle" site.

"We are going to raise awareness about Google's one-sided bias and campaign against dissenting opinions and voices," Posobiec told the media on Thursday. The marches will take place "anywhere Google has an office" including Austin, Boston, New York City, Mountain View, and Washington D.C., reports The Hill magazine.

"Google is a monopoly, and it's abusing its power to silence dissent and manipulate election results," says the website. "Their company YouTube is censoring and silencing dissenting voices by creating "ghettos" for videos questioning the dominant narrative. We will thus be Marching on Google!"

James Damore, a software engineer at Google, was fired this week after he circulated a controversial anti-diversity memo. Google CEO Sundar Pichai said Damore's memo violated the company's code of conduct.

This news comes hours after Sundar Pichai reportedly cancelled a town hall meeting to allay fears over the manifesto and addressed a coding event for women on the campus.

"I want you to know there's a place for you in this industry. There's a place for you at Google. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You belong here, and we need you," said a report in The Verge on Friday, quoting Pichai.

With inputs from IANS
Tech2 News Staff

In February, we reported that ISRO scientists were in the process of studying the feasibility for future interplanetary missions after the success of the Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions. A study team exploring the various options and opportunities available for missions to Mars and Venus, has now submitted its report on Venus. Based on these recommendations, India's maiden mission to Venus will be chalked out.

The report submitted by the study team will now be reviewed by the Advisory Committee for Space Sciences (ADCOS) for further considerations. Indian scientists have been asked to submit proposals for scientific experiments for the mission, through an Announcement of Opportunity. ISRO hopes to carry about 175 kg of payload that would consume 500 watts of power. ISRO has also initiated talks with NASA on using electric propulsion for the mission.

After the scientific payloads have been selected, and the details of the mission will be worked out, including the budget. An initial Rs 10 lakh has been sanctioned for the mission. Union Minister Arun Jaitley allocated 23 percent more funds to the Department of Space during the last budget, and specifically mentioned provisions for "Mars Orbiter Mission II and Mission to Venus."

According to the initial plans, the spacecraft will be injected into an elliptical orbit around Venus, an approach that ISRO also used in the Mangalyaan mission to its advantage. The elliptical orbit allowed ISRO to capture images of the moons of Mars from never before seen angles. On Venus, the spacecraft is expected to be at an altitude of 500 km at its closest approach, and be at a distance of 60,000 km at its farthest point. There is only an orbiter, and no landing component on the Venus mission, which is scheduled to take place after 2020.

Other missions for planetary research being planned by ISRO include Mangalyaan-2, a follow up mission to Mars, Chandrayaan-2, a follow up mission to the Moon, The Aditya mission which will be India's solar observatory, The POLIX (X-ray Polarimeter Experiment) mission to observe celestial bodies that emit x-rays, The IRSIS (Infra-Red Spectroscopic Imaging Survey) mission for conducting infrared spectroscopic surveys of the skies on Earth and the SENSE (Satellite for Earths Near Space Environment) mission for investigating electrodynamical environment near the Earth.
tech2 News Staff

In February 2017, NASA announced that its Spitzer space telescope had found seven Earth sized exoplanets in orbit around TRAPPIST-1, an ultracool dwarf star 40 light years away. A puzzling aspect about the system was how the planets were in a stable orbit, considering all of the seven planets are in orbit much closer to the host star than Mercury is to the Sun.

Follow up observations from the Kepler space telescope allowed astronomers to figure out the mystery. The planets were locked in orbital resonance, with each planet giving a gravitational tug to the next planet and keeping it in place. This allows the seven planets to maintain their orbits so close to the star without colliding into each other. This is the only known system where seven planets are in orbital resonance.

The orbital resonance is a difficult concept to understand, but researchers from Canada have collaborated to create a web-based interface that allows users to understand the intricate dance of the planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system. The interface is also a musical instrument, that allows users to generate music from the orbits of the planets.

The repeating pattern of transits used to discover the planets was translated into a melody. The pitch of the sounds corresponds to the orbital frequency of the planets, which has been shifted to be audible to human ears. The gravitational tug of war in the system has resulted in the orbital frequencies of the planets not being whole number ratios, which means the notes are slightly out of tune, giving the TRAPPIST-1 system a unique sound signature.

The gravitational tugs can be understood with the beats. Different parts of a drum kit are mapped to different sets of planetary conjugations. This is the point when an inner planet overtakes an outer planet. There is a crash cymbal, a ride cymbal, a closed high hat, a pedal high hat, a snare and a kick mapped to various pairs of conjugations. Every time you hear a beat, that is the sound of a planet tugging another into place. The variations of the brightness of the star was mapped to the volume of the sound.

The same process can be used to generate music based on other star systems as well. However, these may just not sound as good as the TRAPPIST-1 system. The process is known as System Sounds, and there is a web interface where you can play around by generating sounds based on the TRAPPIST-1 system. The creators encourage users to capture the music on screen and share their creations online.

According to researchers, three of the planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system are in the habitable zones of the host star. This means that there could be liquid water on the surface of the planets, a prerequisite for a planet to support life as we know it on Earth. With the right conditions, all seven planets in the system could have liquid water on the surface. The James Webb Space Telescope which NASA plans to launch in 2018, will investigate the possibility of the planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system harbouring life.
Reuters

A former British spy chief said on Friday that encryption of online communications was "very positive" for the country's national security interests despite the difficulties that it poses for security services attempting to tackle militants.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has proposed tougher measures to tackle militants online activities after four attacks in Britain this year while Home Secretary (interior minister) Amber Rudd visited Silicon Valley earlier this month to demand tech companies step up their efforts.

Jonathan Evans, who ran Britain's MI5 spy service from 2007 until 2013, said that while encryption did make attacks harder to stop, it also helped to prevent criminals and even foreign governments from hacking private data.

"I'm not personally one of those who believes that we should weaken encryption ... whilst, understandably, there is a very acute concern about counter-terrorism, it's not the only national security threat that we face," he told BBC Radio.

"The way in which cyberspace is being used by criminals and by governments is a potential threat to the UK's interests more widely... so encryption in that context is very positive."

Evans' views echo those of Robert Hannigan, the former head of the UK's eavesdropping spy agency GCHQ, who said in July that the government should work with companies for access to messages to ensure that systems were not weakened.

A suicide bomb at a pop concert in Manchester and three attacks in London which used cars to drive into pedestrians have killed 36 people in the last six months.

In addition to those successful attacks, the number of plots that have been thwarted in Britain has risen this year too. Security services say they have thwarted 19 plots since June 2013, six in the last four months.

Police say three of the four attacks in Britain this year, which have killed 36 people, were inspired by Islamist ideology.

Evans said that while he thought that the threat from Islamic militants was on the decline when he left his role in 2013, the rise of Islamic State had fuelled a new generation of militants which could pose a threat for decades in the future.

"We're at least 20 years into this. My guess is that we will still be dealing with the long tail in another 20 years time," he said. "I think we are going to be facing 20, 30 years of terrorist threats, and therefore we need absolutely critically to persevere."
Canberra: Australia is ready to support the US if North Korea decides to attack Washington in the wake of escalating tensions, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced on Friday.

"If there's an attack on the US, the ANZUS (Australia, New Zealand, US Security) Treaty would be invoked and Australia would come to the aid of the US, as America would come to our aid if we were attacked", Turnbull said.

Turnbull added that in the event of an attack, "how that manifests itself obviously will depend on the circumstances and the consultations with our allies", reports Efe news.

The prime minister has already discussed the issue in a telephone conversation with US Vice President Mike Pence, whom he assured that Australia's commitment to support the US is "rock-solid".

In 1951, Australia, New Zealand and the US signed the ANZUS Security Treaty Alliance, which was last invoked by the Australian government following the September 2001 terror attacks in the US.

On Tuesday, North Korea announced that it was preparing to fire four mid-range missiles in mid-August towards waters near Guam, an American territory located in the Western Pacific where strategic US Navy and Air Force bases are stationed.

Trump previously responded to the threat saying that the US is ready to respond to North Korean attacks on Guam "with fire and fury like the world has never seen", and also announced an increase in the spending on anti-missile systems amid escalating tensions with Pyongyang.

According to the US intelligence service, North Korea could already have a nuclear warhead small enough to mount on an intercontinental missile.

Turnbull's confirmation came just a day after Foreign Minister Julie Bishop refused to speculate as to whether Australia would invoke ANZUS in the event of conflict, reports Xinhua news agency.

She told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that Australia was "not a party, in the legal sense, to the (current) Korean War armistice", and was at the time hesitant to declare its support for the US.

"As far as the ANZUS security alliance is concerned, that is an obligation to consult," Bishop said on Thursday morning

Meanwhile, Australia's Opposition Labor party has declared that it would work with the government in a bipartisan approach to the escalating tensions between Pyongyang and Washington.

"Australians should be reassured that on this matter, the politics of Labor and Liberal are working absolutely together", Labor leader Bill Shorten told the media on Friday.
China's Navy wants to join hands with India to maintain security of the Indian Ocean, amid growing concerns in New Delhi over the increasing presence of the PLA fleet in India's backyard.

Throwing open its strategic South Sea Fleet (SSF) base in the coastal city of Zhanjiang to a group of Indian journalists for the first time, People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) officials say the Indian Ocean is a common place for the international community.

"It is my opinion China and India can make joint contributions to the safety and security of the Indian Ocean," Captain Liang Tianjun, deputy chief of feneral office of China's SSF said.

His remarks came as China's Navy embarked on a massive expansion to extend its global reach.

Liang also explained the growing forays of the Chinese warships and submarines into the Indian Ocean, where China for the first time established a naval base at Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.

Defending the first Chinese overseas naval base against criticism that it would amplify China's growing influence, he said it will act as a logistics centre and support anti-piracy, UN peacekeeping operations and humanitarian relief missions in the region.

The Djibouti base will also provide a resting place for Chinese navy personnel, he said.

But analysts feel the opening of the first Chinese military base abroad was in tune with PLAN's ambitions to expand its global reach amidst China's growing economic and political footprint.

"The Indian Ocean is a vast ocean. It is common place for the international community to contribute to the peace and stability in the region," Liang said.

Interacting with the Indian media on the decks of the PLAN's frigate Yulin about Chinese growing presence at the Indian Ocean much to the disquiet of India, he said China's military is defensive in nature and not offensive.

At the same time, he made it clear that China would never "intrude into other countries" but would also not "be obstructed by other countries".

"All my major weapons are not toys," he said as he gave a guided tour of the sophisticated frigate which was commissioned in 2010.

Liang also gave a detailed account of the armaments on board the stealth vessel that includes medium-range air defence missiles and various anti-submarine rockets.

Denying any specific significance and context in inviting the Indian media delegation, whose visit is sponsored by the official All China Journalists Association (ACJA), he said it was part of regular exchanges with various countries.

The sprawling base on the coast of the South China Sea is one of the three major bases of PLAN, which now is poised to expand in a major way.

Interestingly, the Sanya naval base of the PLAN on Hainan Island  where a large chunk of China's submarine force, including nuclear submarines, are based  also comes under the SSF which has 70,000 personnel in its ranks.

It has 300 naval ships, a fleet of bombers, Offshore patrol vessels, nuclear and non-nuclear submarines.

The role of the Chinese Navy is increasing as China's 2.3 million strong army, the world's largest, announced plans to downsize its strength of its troops to under a million.

Under the new plan, the PLA will increase the numbers of other services including the navy and missile forces. Both navy and the missile forces were expected to get the lion's share of the annual defence budget which last year amounted to $152 billion, second only to the US.

The SSF is also responsible for keeping an eye on the resource-rich South China Sea where China is having maritime disputes with countries like the Philippines and Vietnam.

China claims almost all of the South China Sea and is currently building multiple artificial islands in the area to control them as more than half of the worlds annual cargo fleet passes through it.

Asked to comment on the challenges faced by the PLAN in the South China Sea, especially from the US Navy, commanding officer of Yulin Captain Hu Luyang said it was okay for the American navy to patrol the area in the international waters.

However, if they encroach upon Chinese maritime areas, "we will not tolerate such behaviour," he added.

His comments came amidst reports from Washington that a US Navy destroyer carried out a "freedom of navigation operation" yesterday, coming within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built up by China in the South China Sea.
Kathmandu: India and Bhutan on Friday held their first high-level meeting after the Doka La standoff, with Bhutanese foreign minister Damcho Dorji meeting Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in Kathmandu, and expressing hope that the situation is resolved peacefully.

The two ministers met on sidelines of the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' meeting.

The meeting was focused mainly on the standoff between the armies of India and China in Doka La in the Sikkim sector.

The two ministers put their respective positions as well as reiterated the stances on the face off, according to the diplomatic sources.

"We hope the current standoff in Doka La will be sorted out peacefully," said Dorji after the meeting, and added that "both sides should be satisfied with the outcome".

The meeting comes as the Government of Bhutan on Thursday refuted Chinese foreign ministry claims that Thimpu had told Beijing that the trilateral junction in Doka La is not Bhutanese territory.
Washington: US president Donald Trump has defended his decision to ban transgenders from serving in the country's military, saying he is doing the armed forces a "great favour" on the issue he calls "complicated" and "confusing".

"It's been a very confusing issue for the military, and I think I'm doing the military a great favour," Trump said during a news conference in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Thursday.

The president said he has "great respect" for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and denied that his ban amounted to a betrayal after pledging to protect them during last year's campaign, the New York Times reported.

"I've had great support from that community," Trump said. "I got a lot of votes."

He said the military is "working on it now", adding that "I think I'm doing a lot of people a favour by coming out and just saying it."

Trump's announcement of the ban in tweets on 26 July, reportedly caught military leaders by surprise and drew sharp criticism from LGBT advocates.

The president said that the military could not afford the medical costs of supporting transgender people. He also said transgender personnel made it harder for the military to focus on "decisive and overwhelming victory".

Earlier this week, two gay rights groups filed a lawsuit to halt the proposed ban before it takes effect. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of five transgender women who are now serving openly, said a ban would violate the women's constitutional rights.

One administration official said the White House was considering urging transgender service members to retire early. But a defence official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said doing so might be difficult to defend in court.
Washington: Nuclear weapons pose greatest threat to the world, US President Donald Trump has said as he favoured a complete elimination of atomic arms by all countries possessing it including Pakistan, China and Russia.

"I would like to de-nuke the world. I know that President Obama said global warming is the biggest threat. I totally disagree. I say that it's a simple one  Nuclear is our greatest threat worldwide. Not even a question, not even close," he told reporters on Thursday at Bedminster in New Jersey.

"So, I'd like to de-nuke the world. I would like Russia and the United States, China and Pakistan, and many other countries that have nuclear weapons, get rid of them," Trump said.

He said until his aim of a nuclear-free world is achieved, America will be the most powerful nuclear nation on the earth by far.

"The first order I gave to my generals, I want this, our nuclear arsenal, to be the biggest and the finest in the world," Trump said in response to a question.

"We spent a lot of money, a lot of time, and a lot of effort. It is in tip-top shape, and getting better and getting stronger. Until such time as this scourge disappears, we will be so much better and so much stronger than anybody else. And nobody, including North Korea, is going to be threatening us with anything," he said.

Trump said his administration will be increasing military budget by many billions of dollars because of the North Korean threat and other reasons.

Talking about the Russia sacking 755 workers of the US Embassy in Moscow, Trump thanked his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, boasting that the move would cut payrolls and save him some money.

"I want to thank him (Putin) because we're trying to cut down on payroll. And as far as I'm concerned, I'm very thankful that he let go of a large number of people because now we have a smaller payroll," he said.

"There's no real reason for them to go back. So I greatly appreciate the fact that they've been able to cut our payroll for the United States. We'll save a lot of money," Trump said.

Moscow had last month announced counter measures in response to tough new sanctions proposed by the United States, ordering Washington to reduce its diplomatic staff.
Washington: President Donald Trump has escalated a stunning feud against his top Senate partner, suggesting majority leader Mitch McConnell might have to think about stepping aside if he doesn't deliver on the president's agenda of health care, taxes and infrastructure.

Trump called McConnell's failure to pass an "Obamacare" repeal in July "a disgrace." Asked if McConnell should consider stepping aside or retiring, an outcome some conservatives are openly clamouring for, the president's response was far from a vote of confidence.

"Well I tell you what, if he doesn't get repeal and replace done and if he doesn't get taxes done, meaning cuts and reform, and if he doesn't get a very easy one to get done, infrastructure, if he doesn't get them done, then you can ask me that question," the president told reporters in Bedminster, New Jersery on Thursday, where he is in the midst of a 17-day break from Washington.

Trump later added that he is "very disappointed in Mitch" but would be the first to praise him if legislation begins moving, once again presenting himself as a passive observer in the process rather than a deal-maker with the presidential pulpit.

There was no immediate response from McConnell's office. A sitting president openly turning on a Senate majority leader of his own party in such a fashion is practically unheard of yet another norm destroyed since Trump's rise on the political scene. And while the fighting words might elate Trump's core supporters, they can only hurt broader Republican efforts to move major legislation this fall on taxes and spending while preparing for congressional elections next year where energised Democrats are rallying to retake the House.

Republicans control both chambers, but the Trump factor in many races remains a mystery.

Trump's comments came after he spent two days slamming McConnell on Twitter, writing Thursday morning that after "screaming" about repealing and replacing "Obamacare" for seven years, McConnell "couldn't get it done." Several hours later, the president's tone took a motivational turn as he exhorted McConnell to "get back to work" and pass bills. "You can do it!"

The presidential megaphone amplified the McConnell-bashing that's been snaking through conservative media: Breitbart News, Fox News' Sean Hannity and radio host Rush Limbaugh are among those who have vilified the leader after the Senate's failure on health care late in July.

They represent a segment of the Republican electorate, including some major donors, who are out to punish what they see as a "do-nothing Congress" that has hampered the president's goals.

McConnell is "a coward who leads from behind," "spineless," and a lifelong "political animal" of the sort Trump wants to eject from Washington, said Doug Deason, a major donor based in Texas. Deason said he decided months ago not to give money to any Republicans up for re-election in 2018 unless they can pass Trump's priorities.

Trump and his supporters love such political brawls, and the McConnell flare-up potentially shores up the president's base at a time when it is showing signs of weakening support. But other Republicans saw Trump's moves as counter-productive. Even Newt Gingrich, a Trump backer and informal adviser who formerly served as speaker of the House, criticised the dispute.
A large dose of toxicity has been added to the political soup brewing in Pakistan. A long time member of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) announced the launch of a political party, the Milli Muslim League, recently.

Saifullah Khalid, known for his vituperative speeches against India, made some expected and unexpected remarks. While condemning the rise of "professional politicians" and the machinations of foreign powers like India and the United States, he also declared that the party recognised the importance of women in politics. Apparently, the JuD has honed its marketing skills and is ready to greet the rather less than brave new world in Pakistan.

There are several reasons for the JuD leadership to take to politics at this juncture, after twenty years of "charitable" work and creating mayhem in at least two countries. First, as Saifullah himself notes, the efforts of the reigning political parties to remove Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution, relating to the character required of a Member of Parliament has incensed the party. It would also have infuriated his mentors.

While one article prescribes moral righteousness, the other bars those who have defaulted on loans from standing for elections. At one level, the across the board enthusiasm to get rid of these clauses showcases the severe corruption endemic in Pakistani politics. More to the point, however, it is these two clauses that give the security establishment the lever to hoist anyone out of Parliament or the highest office, as seen recently in the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif.

A JuD in Parliament in requisite numbers would be a brake on any such venture. Once inside, it would also decide on whether a nominee is "ameen" and knows his religious texts, as required under Article 62 (e). That's calculated to send a collective shudder through the Pakistani Parliament.

Second, election season is all but declared. Not only is the ex-prime minister, Sharif, campaigning on the streets, but Tahirul Qadri is back in Lahore, once more threatening to grab the political stage on the issue of corruption. Another relatively unnoticed development was reported by Pakistani media. There was a report of a group of religious leaders, headed by the savvy Maulana Fazlur Rehman, calling on Hafeez Saeed for his blessings in reviving the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), a six party alliance of religious groups that had once been backed by General Pervez Musharraf to be the government's choir.

In the 2002 elections, it won a respectable 45 seats in National Assembly, taking more than 11 percent of the votes. That was the highest ever for the religious right. This time, with voters having a ringside seat on the court dramas on corruption, the religious right may be scenting a better chance for themselves. The security establishment may have reached a similar view, and decided that it could do one better. Thus, the sudden entry of the JuD into the political stage.

There is a third possibility. Saeed was somewhat hastily put under house arrest on 30 January, 2017, after it became evident that the new US Administration was likely to be intolerant of Pakistan's terrorist havens. Saeed is probably more than 67-years-old, and as a "hot potato", he may be quietly shifted aside to be an "advisor".

In addition, there have been intermittent rumours of rifts between him and Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, who remains the operational commander of LeT, despite still being part of the court proceedings on the 26/11 terror attack. Released on a bail of Rs 5,00,000 and ten years younger than Saeed, he is likely to want more control over the group, especially its huge funds.

The JuD can rival most business houses, running more than 200 schools, at least three large colleges, and cyber centres in major metropolises of Pakistan. The transition of the group from being a medieval outfit, which did not even allow photographs, to one that efficiently uses all available social media tools indicates not only larger resources at hand, but also a recognition that it has to 'rebrand' itself to accommodate the new generation. This is a group that can 'market' a political candidate if it chose to do so.

It needs to be remembered that this is not the first attempt by the group to inch into politics and near respectability. Over time, it has used organisations like the Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation  which also does genuine relief and charity work  to project its benign image. The Difa-e-Pakistan Council, a grouping of more than 40 religious and political groups was used to showcase its political clout.

During the Musharraf period, the government had also encouraged the JuD to set up several trusts for charitable work. At the time, several local and foreign analysts had predicted that this would "turn" the group away from terrorism, and onto more peaceful activities. That didn't happen then. It won't happen now.

Foreign analysts will be tempted to see Saifullah's statement on the inclusion of women as a hopeful sign. However, the reality is different. As elections approach, religious groups will look for more partners in the fight for seats. In the process, extremists like the Sipah-e-Sahaba and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi will join the political process in new avatars, pushing the political dialogue further to the right.

With the JuD undoubtedly being the leader of the pack, a new Pakistan Assembly may look like nothing it has before. If Pakistan is sensible, it will deny the group a clearance by the Election Commission. But sense remains in terribly short supply. It seems there is more trouble ahead for those looking for improved India-Pakistan ties.

The author is former director of the National Security Council Secretariat
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Islamabad: Pakistan's opposition leader Imran Khan is facing contempt of court proceedings after the Election Commission on Thursday set aside his objections challenging the EC's jurisdiction to initiate such proceedings, a media report said.

The Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief had on 10 July submitted a reply before an EC tribunal, saying the commission could not initiate contempt of court proceedings against an individual as that right lies with the Supreme Court and the high courts.

A five-member tribunal heard a plea by Akbar S Babar seeking Khan's disqualification and rejected the PTI chief's objections regarding its jurisdiction to initiate contempt of court proceedings, Dawn reported.

The same was argued before the commission by Khan's lawyer Babar Awan. "If the ECP is equal to a high court, will a full-bench conduct proceedings every day?" Awan had asked, arguing that the Constitution gives the EC a different status from that enjoyed by the high courts. "If a full bench of the EC gives a verdict, where will I file my appeal?"

The tribunal had reserved its judgement on the matter after Awan's statements. In light of today's ruling, the tribunal will continue to hear the petition against Khan. The EC has also issued Khan a show-cause notice and asked him to submit a reply by 23 August.

In January, the EC had issued a contempt notice to Khan over his contentious remarks in a review application filed before the election body.

During the hearing of a contempt petition filed by Babar, a former founding member of PTI who parted ways with the party and is now the complainant in the foreign funding case against his old party, the commission took exception to the remarks made by Khan alleging "bias" in favour of the petitioner for "extraneous reasons, including political."

Khan had filed the review application against the EC's order to produce the PTI's financial documents before the commission.
United Nations: The Islamic State extremist group is still capable of sending funds to supporters and motivating attacks in Europe and elsewhere despite military pressure and falling revenue and Al-Qaeda remains resilient especially in West Africa, East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, UN experts said in a report.

The experts monitoring sanctions against the extremist groups said competition between the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda continues, but "shifting alliances" among fighters "and cooperation on the tactical level in several regions also allow them to move between various groups."

The report said the extremist threat continues to rise in Southeast Asia, where Islamic State wants to establish a foothold. It said recent events in the southern Philippines, where the city of Marawi has been under siege by Islamic State-linked militants for more than two months, is evidence of this.

The experts said in the report to the UN Security Council that "the core" of the Islamic State extremist group is adapting to military pressure in Iraq and Syria by delegating decision-making responsibility to local commanders and switching to encrypted communications.

Several member states highlighted "the increasingly creative use of drones" by Islamic State, primarily in Iraq and Syria.

They said the group is developing the capability to design and construct larger drones which will increasingly enable it "to weaponize the drones, thereby increasing its ability to strike at a distance," according to the report.

It said Islamic State "continues to send funds to its affiliates worldwide" and is likely to do so as long as the group has the means. Islamic State leaders have also sent money to places where the group doesn't have affiliates in an attempt to prepare for its eventual defeat in Iraq and Syria, according to an unidentified UN member state quoted in the report.

The experts quote several member states as saying Islamic State fighters returning home generally fall into three categories: Those disenchanted with the extremist group "and terrorism as an ideology" who can potentially be deradicalized and reintegrated into society; a much smaller group of high-risk individuals who return with the aim of conducting "terror attacks"; and individuals who have cut ties with Islamic State but "remain radicalised and are ready to join another terrorist group should the opportunity arise."

The report assessed extremist trends by region: Attacks in Europe in the first half of 2017 demonstrate that "Europe remained a priority region" for IS attacks, it said. However, thus far in 2017 the group hasn't conducted an attack in which the Islamic State "core" is involved in detailed planning and decision-making, sending fighters and providing financial resources, the report said.

It quoted some member states reporting "an increase in radicalisation and violent extremism" linked to Islamic State networks in Europe.

In Iraq, the report quoted several member states saying key Islamic State leaders left Mosul prior to the attack by Iraqi forces supported by the US-led coalition. But it said Islamic State resistance in Mosul "indicates that its command and control structure has not broken down completely and that the group remains a significant military threat." In Syria, the report said key Islamic State members also left their stronghold of Raqqa ahead of an expected attack and air strikes.

The Arabian Peninsula faces "a significant threat" from Al-Qaeda and Islamic State in Yemen, the report said. It said a member state reported that over 30 Islamic State-related "terrorist plots" have been disrupted in the region, including one in June targeting the Grand Mosque in Mecca, and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

It said the importance of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula for the militant group is demonstrated by a statement from Osama bin Laden's son, Hamza bin Laden, encouraging sympathizers to join Al-Qaeda training camps in Yemen.
Islamabad: Nawaz Sharif on Friday termed his disqualification from premiership as a "joke" and asked people to stand by him to make sure that their vote is respected.

A five-member Supreme Court bench last month disqualified Sharif for dishonesty and ruled that corruption cases be filed against him and his children over the Panama Papers scandal, forcing the prime minister to quit for the record third time.

Addressing a huge gathering in Gujrat on the third day of his journey from Islamabad to Lahore via the Grand Trunk (GT) Road to display his political might, Sharif said even the judges who disqualified him failed to point out a single example of corruption against him.

"I cannot accept this joke. Can you accept this joke that you elect someone, then he is disgraced and ousted?" he said.

"May I ask why I was ousted? Did I commit any kind of corruption? I am innocent and did not commit any financial wrong. That has been said by the judges who disqualified me," the 67-year-old veteran politician said.

He said that the people's vote has been trampled upon as millions of people elected a leader and a couple of people or five judges disgraced and sent him home.

Sharif, who could not complete his term for a third time, also asked the gathering, "Should I sit back and accept the verdict or fight the injustice?"

The people responded in unison with a big 'No', prompting Sharif to ask them to stand by him. "If you do not want me to sit back then you would have to stand by me. Then stand by me to change the fate of this nation. Promise me that you would do what I tell you," he said.

Sharif said the time had come to change the country.

"We would have to make sure that your vote is respected. It is a question of respect for the vote of 20 crore people. I would not allow anyone to trample your right to elect leaders of choice," Sharif said.

He also announced that he would reveal his future plan of action and asked his supporters to wait for it.

Sharif stepped down after being disqualified by the Supreme Court on 28 July and after staying in Murree and Islamabad, embarked on road journey to his home in Lahore in the company of thousands of his supporters.

He was greeted by supporters lining up on both sides of the road as he came out of the Punjab House in Islamabad on Wednesday, making it impossible for his motorcade to move. He covered about 30 kilometres in 12 hours to reach Rawalpindi where he addressed a big rally.

On Thursday, he resumed his travel from Rawalpindi and reached Jhelum in the evening and addressed an even bigger rally there.

He left Jhelum at around 12 pm and stopped in Gujrat for Friday prayers and addressed his supporters.

He has left for Gujranwala and will cross small towns of Wairabad, Gakhar Mandi and others. He is expected to halt briefly at some places to address his supporters.

According to the scheduled of Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N), Sharif is expected to spend the night in Gujranwala. He would leave for Lahore in the morning and is expected to reach there at 4 pm on Saturday.
United States president Donald Trump's "tough talk" to North Korea seems to have fallen on deaf ears as Pyongyang announced its new detailed plans for firing four ballistic missiles that would fly over Japan and land near the US territory of Guam.

While Trump has hardened his warning, saying that North Korea would face "fire and fury" if it kept threatening the US, it seems to have little effect on Kim Jong Un. After the recent announcement by Pyongyang, Trump warned North Korea it should be "very, very nervous" of the consequences if it even thinks of attacking US soil.

The warnings issued by the US, the threats by North Korea to do significant damage to US territories and China's apparent reluctance to take a hard stance against Pyongyang forms an endless circle. This isn't the first time North Korea has sent out such warnings. The fear of its missiles has long ruffled feathers among world leaders, with almost each country adopting being a part of a resolution to try and curtail the ever growing missile programme of North Korea. However, despite odds, warnings and sanctions, Kim Jong Un's missile programme has continued to grow.

North Korea possesses significant missile capabilities and has been one of the most active exporters of complete ballistic missile systems, components, and technology.

Pyongyang entered the field of rockets and missile in the early 1960s with the production of early rocket launchers. Then in 1965, Kim Il Sung established the Hamhung Military Academy, where North Korean personnel began to receive training in missile development.

As the country's military budget increased to about 30 percent of its state budget, North Korea received its first ballistic missile system, the Soviet Scud-B, from Egypt sometime in the late 1970s or early 1980s, according to a paper by The National Committee of North Korea. Then in 1985, Pyongyang signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

In 1993, it tested a medium-range ballistic missile, Nodong, based on Scud technology. It is believed that Soviet or Russian scientists aided in the development of the missile without approval from their government. Nodong was also purchased by Pakistan in the early 1990s.

The International Atomic Energy Agency started demanding that inspectors be given access to two nuclear waste storage sites, according to a CNN report. North Korea threatened to quit NPT but later opted to continue.

It collaborated with Egypt in missile development and began selling the technology to Iran. According to an analyst quoted in the paper, North Korea hit the peak of its foreign missile sales in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

In 2002, the George W Bush administration revealed that North Korea had admitted to operating a secret nuclear weapons programme in violation of an agreement that Washington and Pyongyang signed in 1994. North Korea had pledged to freeze and dismantle its graphite-moderated nuclear reactors in exchange for international aid to build two new light-water nuclear reactors.

North Korea eventually withdrew from the NPT and declared its nuclear weapons, as BBC reported. The country has had nuclear bombs since 2006 and the most effective way to deliver a bomb is to attach it to a missile. Therefore, it test fired its long range missiles and the result was United Nations Security Council passing a resolution to demand that Pyongyang suspend its programme.

North Korea claimed to have conducted its first and second nuclear test in 2006 and 2009 respectively. In defiance of the United States and UNSC resolution, North Korea said it will continue long-range rocket launches. The launches will feed into an "upcoming all-out action" targeting the United States, "the sworn enemy of the Korean people," The New York Times quoted National Defence Commission of North Korea as saying.

In 2017, Kim Jung Un's announcement that his country would soon test an intercontinental missile sent ripples throughout. Just months after this, North Korea successfully tested an ICBM in July, 2017. The "landmark" test of a Hwasong-14 missile was overseen by leader Kim Jong-Un.

The ICBM test and the warning issued of a missile that can reach Guam are just the latest in a series of provocations that have ratcheted up tensions.

With inputs from AFP
Lahore: Kulsoom Nawaz, the wife of ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, on Friday filed her nomination papers for bypoll to the NA-120 seat that fell vacant after her husband's disqualification on 28 July by the Supreme Court.

Kulsoom Nawaz late on Thursday signed the nomination papers after the PML-N decided to field the former first lady for the bypolls in September.

After her husband's incarceration following the military coup by General Pervez Musharraf in 1999, Kulsoom had successfully led the party, though she never contested elections.

Her nomination for the key seat comes days after Nawaz Sharif had proposed that his younger brother Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif should succeed him as prime minister - after contesting from NA-120 to become a National Assembly member.

But the name of Shahbaz was apparently withdrawn after some senior party members apprehended that the PML-N could stand to lose its grip in Punjab in the absence of the younger Sharif.

Meanwhile, Yasmeen Rashid of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf also submitted her nomination papers for the NA-120 bypoll.

On Thursday, two independent candidates had also submitted their papers.

According to media reports, as many as 35 candidates have filed nomination papers for the bypoll scheduled to be held on 17 September.

The scrutiny of papers will be held between 15 and 17 August, while the final list of candidates will be issued on 26 August, according to the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Washington: US President Donald Trump said that he has no plans to fire special counsel Robert Mueller, who is heading the probe into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election, the media reported.

"I haven't given it any thought... I've been reading about it from you people. You say, 'Oh, I'm going to dismiss him'. No, I'm not dismissing anybody," he told the media on Thursday.

Trump said that he has not passed notes to Mueller through his lawyers but that his administration is working with the special counsel despite their belief that the probe is investigating something that never happened, reports CNN.

"We have an investigation of something that never took place," he said.

Trump added that he was eagerly awaiting the findings from the House and Senate investigations into Russia's 2016 election meddling, CNN reported.

"I mean, I want them to get on with the task," he said, saying "But I also want the Senate and the House to come out with their findings."

Trump has long derided Mueller's probe, calling it a "witch hunt" and suggesting his team is "biased".

On Thursday, Trump also said he did not win the election because of Russia, but because he was a better candidate than his Democrat rival Hillary Clinton.
An Australian teenager emerged from a night-time dip in the ocean with blood streaming from his feet and ankles in a gruesome mystery that doctors have struggled to explain.

Sam Kanizay waded waist-deep into the water at Brighton Beach in suburban Melbourne on Saturday evening, standing still for about 30 minutes. When he came out of the sea he was bleeding profusely from the calves down.

"The cold water numbed my legs. I felt what I thought was pins and needles but maybe it wasn't just pins and needles," the 16-year-old told 3AW radio, on Monday.

Washing the blood off his legs in the shower did little to stem the flow from what his family believed was an attack by sea lice.

Marine scientist Genefor Walker-Smith told National Geographic that the creatures were in fact sea fleas and not sea lice. But the report adds that there is still room for doubt.

Kanizay, who was rushed to hospital, said doctors could not explain what had caused the injury.

"We had a few people guessing that it was sea lice, but no one really had any ideas."

His father went as far as scooping some of the tiny critters from the ocean and posting a film online of them devouring small chunks of meat.

Some reports cited experts pointing instead to stingrays or jellyfish as the suspected culprits.

But Jeff Weir, from the Dolphin Research Institute, said the injury was likely caused by opportunistic amphipods, a tiny crustacean that latches onto decaying plant or animal matter to help break it down.

"They are not there to eat us, but sometimes they might take a little bit, like mosquitoes and leeches and other things out there in the environment," he said.

"He (Kanizay) must have been very, very cold and he wouldn't have felt it," added Weir, who experienced a similar injury on his forehead after a night dive 40 years ago.

The veteran marine researcher said Kanizay's injury was much like a graze and he should not fear returning to the water.

"I don't think there has been anything that has changed, there just aren't that many people that stand really still for that long."
The deafening war drums that the Chinese media beat over the Doka La standoff almost makes Arnab Goswami sound like a radio jockey or an evangelist preaching peace and harmony. But the shrill hysteria in Beijing hides the fix that their leader Xi Jinping finds himself in over the border tension with India.

Xi's acolytes in China credit him with superior wisdom and an ability to cure the world of all evils, ranging from mosquito menace to nuclear proliferation. But the Chinese president is right now at a total loss on how to wriggle out of a bizarre situation arising from the Doka La faceoff.

Xi's immediate crisis is that of presenting himself as a world statesman dedicated to eternal peace at the BRICS summit that he is hosting in the first week of next month, while his underlings shout themselves hoarse about a war against India on a daily basis. Perhaps the decibels of the Chinese bluff and bluster will be lowered as the summit at Xiamen in China nears, but the irony of the situation on the border will not be lost on BRICS nations.

For this year's summit of BRICS  a grouping comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  China, as the host, has picked the high-sounding theme of "stronger partnership for a brighter future".

Even as the soldiers of China and India have dug their heels in Doka La, with their noses almost touching, Xi will find it awkward to share the platform with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the summit. The heads of Brazil, Russia and South Africa may politely hide their amusement as Xi and Modi shake hands and rig up contented smiles for cameras. India's External Affairs spokesman Gopal Baglay will perhaps tweet yet another picture that he will insist speaks a thousand words, but nobody will be fooled.

It will be indeed awkward for both the leaders, but more so for Xi, because he is the one who is hosting the summit and he wants BRICS to be a hunky dory affair in appearance and reality.

Solution before BRICS summit?

A Reuters report from China quotes diplomats as saying that Beijing would like to resolve the border issue before the BRICS summit and ensure that nothing dampens what China wants to be "a show of cooperation and friendship" among developing countries.

But that won't be easy. So, China wants to put the onus on India, ignoring the fact that the border standoff was its own doing. In the first place, it was China's move to build a road on a territory that Bhutan claims to be its own, India's commitment to protecting Bhutan and the strategic threat that the road poses to India itself that started off the tension on 16 June. China began something that it has no clue how to end  by next month.

Xi's catch-22 dilemma can't be worse: China is right now not in a position to either withdraw troops from Doka La or declare war on India.

Withdrawal of troops would make Xi a Knight of Peace at the BRICS summit. But the price that he must pay for it is too dear in his domestic theatre for him to even consider. For Xi, that will be a huge loss of face within China, where he wants to be seen as a man who will restore lost glory to his country. "Xi dada", as the Chinese (are permitted to) call him, can't afford to look like a man turning tail in the battlefield.

More importantly, any treatment of India by Xi with velvet gloves will not be taken kindly during the run-up to the all-important Communist Party Congress, to be held probably in November, where he is sure to get approval for his second term.

An end to the Doka La stalemate appears unlikely before this party event, and even tougher before the BRICS meet, unless something unforeseen develops.

At this party conclave, Xi has elaborate designs to not only ensure that the Politburo Standing Committee continues to be packed in his favour but will also try to prepare the ground for a third term for himself in 2022. The image of a weakling is the last thing Xi wants for himself if he must realise his dream of turning into a leader more powerful than Deng Xiaoping.

And declaring war against India at this juncture comes with other, equally big risks. At the BRICS summit, he will be seen as a narcissistic bully, and any pleasant homilies from him about peace will sound shallow and ridiculous. And it will fuel fears of small countries that are part of Xi's One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative over China's hegemonic designs.

What perhaps worries Xi more is the assessment of military experts that any operation against India in Doka La's tough terrain is not guaranteed to produce a victory for China. A defeat at India's hands could upset his plans at the party Congress.

But before the party meet, it's the BRICS summit that Xi must be losing sleep over. Already smarting from India's boycott in May of the OBOR summit, Xi must be aware that whatever pretences he  and Modi  put up at the summit, it will be hard for the participating countries to see BRICS as a homogenous group.

China's miscalculated, mistimed move

Xi must be wishing now that he had started off the road-building adventure in Doka La after both the BRICS summit and the party Congress. But perhaps he never expected India to come on the scene and then stick to its guns.

Meanwhile, Chinese "experts" are doing what they are best at: turning the tables on India. Take for instance Hu Zhiyong, a research fellow at the Institute of International Relations of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. Blaming India squarely for the tension, he said that it would be "embarrassing" for India to attend the BRICS summit if the issue was not resolved by then. Hu added: "In other words, China is standing on a moral high ground."

Yes, China is on a high ground, but it isn't a moral one: it's a strategic one. By building a road up to the high-altitude Zomplri (Jampheri) mountain ridge, China wants to be in striking distance of the "Chicken neck" that connects India's North East region to the rest of the country.

As for now, the constant noise from China is not only an assault on Indian ears but also an affront to India's intelligence.

Author tweets @sprasadindia
New Delhi: In a strategically key move, India has poured in more troops along the entire stretch of its border with China in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the face of heightened rhetoric by Beijing over the Doka la standoff, senior government officials said today.

The "caution level" among the troops has also been raised, the officials told PTI.

The decision to increase the deployment along the nearly 1,400-km Sino-India border from Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh was taken after carrying out a detailed analysis of the situation and considering China's aggressive posturing against India on Doka la, the officials said.

"The troop level along the border with China in the Sikkim and Arunachal sectors has been increased," said the officials on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the information.

The Army's Sukna-based 33 Corps, as well as 3 and 4 corps based in Arunachal and Assam, is tasked to protect the sensitive Sino-India border in the eastern theatre.

The officials declined to give any figure or percentage of increased deployment, saying they cannot disclose "operational details."

According to defence experts, roughly 45,000 troops including personnel having completed the weather acclimatisation process are normally kept ready along the border at any given time, but not all are necessarily deployed.

The soldiers, deployed over 9,000 feet, have to go through a 14-day-long acclimatisation process.

The officials, however, said there is no enhancement of troops at the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction in Doka la where around 350 army personnel are holding on to their position for nearly eight weeks after stopping Chinese troops from constructing a road on 16 June.

Bhutan and China have competing claims over Doka la, and are negotiating a resolution.

China has been ramping up rhetoric against India over the last few weeks, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Doka la. The Chinese state media, particularly, has carried a barrage of critical articles on the Dokalam stand-off slamming India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj recently said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, and favoured a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.

India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.
While the aggressive rhetoric and threats between President Trump and North Koreas Kim Jong-un have put a lot of Americans on edgeit has been good for at least one sectorthe business of bomb shelters.

One Southern California startup called Atlas Survival Shelters, which makes bunker models ranging from $10,000 to around $165,000, told FOX Business that not only has business increased 300% over the last monthbut over the last three days they have sold more than 30 shelters, which is more than they would have sold in one yearsix years ago.

The last couple of days have been crazy, Ron Hubbard, president of Atlas Survival Shelters told FOX Business. Yesterday the line was out the door.

The company recently had to build a manufacturing plant in Dallas to keep up with the heavy demand, with a majority of those requests coming from Japan.

And that news isnt surprising, as The Pentagon confirmed late Thursday night that Kims regime has fired an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile that appears to have landed a few hundred miles off of Japans coast.

But Atlas isnt alone. According to the Miami Herald, sales of bomb shelters first began to spike after last years election. Gary Lynch, general manager of Rising S Bunkers in Texas told the paper that in January, sales were up 700% since Trump took the helm. Lynch says that many people fear a Trumpocalypse or Trumpnado.

And to top it off, just last month, Lynch told Bloomberg News that Rising S inquiries have doubled again, with 80% of that demand coming directly from Japan.
A Lithuanian businessman suspected of tricking more than $100 million out of Google and Facebook in an elaborate cybercrime case should be extradited to the United States, a local court ruled Friday.

The Lithuanian Court of Appeal in Vilnius ruled that Evaldas Rimasauskas must be handed over to the U.S., where he will be tried for wire fraud, money laundering and aggravated identity theft. He allegedly posed as one of the companies' suppliers, an Asian computer hardware manufacturer, and tricked them into accepting fraudulent invoices. Google earlier said it had detected the fraud and alerted authorities.

Rimasauskas has denied the charges. If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence.

"Lithuania has a bilateral extradition agreement with the U.S. and this case meets all criteria," judge Algimantas Valantinas told reporters. "The United States has launched an investigation into this crime, so the request to hand over this citizen of Lithuania was legitimate and motivated."

Rimasauskas' lawyer, Linas Kuprusevicius, said his client "cannot expect a fair and impartial trial in the United States," and claimed the extradition request lacked key information, but the court dismissed these statements.

Friday's decision is final. A date for the handover will be announced later this month.
If you're looking forward to getting Medicare because you think this health insurance for seniors will provide comprehensive coverage, you may end up disappointed. Studies have shown seniors with high-prescription drug needs could incur as much as $350,000 in out-of-pocket spending on healthcare during retirement, even with both Medicare and a supplementary Medigap policy.

You need to be as prepared as you can for high healthcare costs as a senior, and that starts with understanding the kinds of healthcare services that Medicare won't pick up the tab for. Here are seven you should be aware of.

1. Chiropractic care and most alternative treatments

Even though about half of all older adults experience some degree of back pain, Medicare won't cover chiropractic care or acupuncture to help manage or eliminate discomfort.

While Medicare will cover spinal manipulation when necessary to correct a misalignment in the spine (called a subluxation), routine chiropractic care to stay healthy -- which is called maintenance care -- is not paid for. Acupuncture and many other alternative and holistic treatments are also not covered at all.

To try to get your chiropractic costs covered, make sure your doctor knows of any discomfort or symptoms of pain you've been experiencing, as care for an acute condition can be paid for through Medicare. Ask your alternative care practitioner up front how much a procedure will cost and how much insurance may cover -- and before you undergo an alternative treatment in the first place, make sure there are clinical studies attesting to its efficacy.

2. Home health aides/personal care

If you become unable to perform the routine activities of daily living, like showering or eating meals on your own, you may require a personal care aide to come to your home and assist you. Medicare will pay for certain types of home care, including occupational therapy, intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy and speech therapy services -- as long as your doctor certifies that you need the care as part of a planned course of treatment, and as long as leaving your home is difficult for you.

If you need more than intermittent care, or if you need unskilled care -- e.g., help with hygiene, as opposed to physical therapy or injections -- Medicare will not pay for you to receive this type of care in your home. You can purchase long-term care insurance to cover the costs of home health aides, but the premiums can be high, the amount of coverage may be too low, and you may have a long waiting period before the insurer begins to pay for the costs of care.

Medicaid will pay for long-term care services for eligible seniors who need more than just intermittent help and who need unskilled services, but in order to qualify for Medicaid, your income and assets must fall below your state's eligibility threshold. Some seniors work with Medicaid planning attorneys to structure the ownership of their wealth in such a way that their assets do not count as resources that would disqualify them from Medicaid coverage. This may be the best way to preserve your wealth and still get long-term care at home if you need it.

Another option is to self-insure -- i.e, to pay for long-term care out of your own savings. This is a viable option if you're confident you can pay for a few hundred thousand dollars' worth of long-term care. If you aren't, you may want to explore one of the alternatives above.

3. Nursing home care

Like long-term care, nursing home care for eligible seniors can be covered by Medicaid, while Medicare pays only for a brief stay in a skilled nursing facility. You should take the same approach to paying for nursing home care as you would to paying for long-term care. Look into a comprehensive long-term care policy if you can afford it, or make plans to qualify for Medicaid coverage when you need it.

The Veterans' Administration may also provide some help covering costs of long-term care and nursing home care for eligible veterans and their family members. Aid & Attendance benefits, for example, are an increase in pension funds for veterans who require care in a nursing home setting or who have functional limitations that leave them unable to do everyday tasks.

4. Dental care

Medicare does not cover dental services except in limited circumstances, like when you must go to a hospital for a complicated procedure or emergency surgery. You can purchase a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan to get supplementary coverage for dental care, and this supplementary plan may also cover other costs as well. You can also talk with your doctor about cash discounts or seek care from a dental school if one is located near you.

5. Vision care

Medicare does not cover routine eye exams, eyeglasses, or contact lenses. Cataract surgery and certain other procedures for the eyes, including emergency procedures, can be covered by Medicare. However, if you just need a routine exam or an updated pair of glasses, you'll have to pay out of pocket.

Many Medicare Advantage plans also include vision coverage. Otherwise, online sources like Zenni Optical offer glasses as inexpensive as $6.95 plus $4.95 shipping, and discount eye exams are available at big box stores, including most Walmart and Sam's Club stores.

6. Hearing care

Diagnostic hearing tests are covered only if your healthcare provider orders a hearing and balance exam to determine whether you need medical care. Hearing exams and hearing aids are not paid for by Medicare. Purchasing a hearing aid or buying a hearing aid online could save you thousands of dollars, as could shopping at wholesale stores like Costco. Some Medicare Advantage or Medigap plans will also provide at least partial coverage for hearing exams and hearing aides.

7. Routine foot care

Although Medicare Part B will pay for a podiatrist to treat foot injuries and diseases such as heel spurs or bunions, you're on your own for routine care like nail clippings, removal of corns or calluses, and preventive maintenance. To save on care costs, consider telemedicine services, or shop around for low-priced care by calling podiatrists in your area. Make sure your doctor knows all that symptoms you're experiencing so your doctor can determine whether you have foot problems that are covered.

By working with your caregiver -- not just for foot care but for all the types of care that are not covered -- you can find ways to keep your costs down even for services you have to pay for yourself. Working with a caregiver to lower healthcare costs should help your retirement savings last longer.

The $16,122 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $16,122 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies.

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Every day, Wall Street analysts upgrade some stocks, downgrade others, and "initiate coverage" on a few more. But do these analysts even know what they're talking about? Today, we're taking one high-profile Wall Street pick and putting it under the microscope...

Boeing (NYSE: BA) stock has soared 75% over the past year -- a nearly continuous rise from $134 last August to more than $230 a share today. But one analyst thinks Boeing could surprise investors with even more gains in the year to come. As investment banker Bernstein writes this morning in a note outlined on StreetInsider.com (requires subscription), Boeing has two initiatives underway that could drive further upside for Boeing stock. If just one of these projects works as planned, Boeing stock could soar to $300 a share -- and beyond.

Here are three things you need to know about that.

1. Services with a smile

Nearly one year ago, Boeing made a bold announcement: By 2025, the company would triple its airplane support and services sales, building a $50 billion annual business in less than a decade.

As Boeing said at the time, its plan was to "launch its third major business unit," known as "Boeing Global Services ... operating alongside Commercial Airplanes and Defense, Space & Security." Boeing Global Services would offer "Supply Chain, Engineering, Modifications & Maintenance, Digital Aviation & Analytics, and Training & Professional Services" to its airplane customers, helping airlines to "reduce costs, drive efficiency and ultimately optimize their operations."

Airplane services, said Boeing, would be worth "$2.6 trillion" over 10 years (so roughly $260 billion a year). In targeting $50 billion in annual revenue, Boeing was aiming to control nearly 20% of that market.

2. Margins make the manufacturer

That was an ambitious goal (to say the least). But Boeing wasn't done thinking big just yet. Not content to just grow revenue, Boeing wanted to grow the profit margins it makes on that revenue, too.

As I pointed out last week, Boeing is currently pulling down operating profit margins of 9.6% -- an all-time high for the company. But management isn't content with that. By 2020, Boeing is targeting 50% better margin than it earns today -- 15% operating profit margins. Bernstein thinks the company can do maybe 12.5%, and has predicated its $274 price target on that assumption. But, says Bernstein, if Boeing can somehow grow its operating profit margin to 15%, as it intends, then the company would earn so much profit as to justify a price target of as much as $317 a share -- 36% higher than where Boeing stock trades today.

3. What it means to investors

So what's the upshot of all this? Bernstein likes Boeing stock a lot already. Just like me, Bernstein has a buy rating on Boeing stock. (You can view my stock ratings here, on Motley Fool CAPS.) In fact, Bernstein has maintained its outperform rating on Boeing since June 2012. Thus Bernstein cannot actually upgrade Boeing stock any higher than it already has.

Additionally, Bernstein already has a price target on Boeing stock that's 18% higher than where the stock trades today. But as the analyst explains in its argument, Boeing stock could potentially rise twice as far as Bernstein is predicting it will -- and that's if Boeing only succeeds in growing margins. If Boeing also succeeds in building a $50 billion services business, then it's conceivable Boeing stock could go up even more.

How much more is hard to say -- but here's one thing I'm sure of: With $11 billion in annual free cash flow and a market capitalization of only $136.7 billion, Boeing stock today sells for just 12.4 times its annual cash profits. With minimal net debt to cloud the issue, Boeing stock is still a bargain -- and it's going up.

10 stocks we like better than BoeingWhen 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 Boeing wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

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Defense stocks including Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) rallied this week amid escalating threats from North Korea.

Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) and Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) each recorded new all-time highs on consecutive days Wednesday and Thursday, as President Donald Trump vowed to respond to any North Korean threats with fire and fury.

Lockheed has advanced 2.5% during the first four sessions of the week. Raytheon, known for the Tomahawk and Patriot missiles, is up 2.7%. Northrop Grumman has climbed 0.7%. L3 Technologies (NYSE:LLL), which provides intelligence and surveillance systems, jumped 4.1%.

Multiple defense contractors told FOX Business that customers are showing more interest in missile defense systems. Shares of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ:KTOS), a supplier of target systems and missile targets that simulate threats, has surged 9.4% this week.

The industrial giants that make fighter jets, weapons and other military equipment have been on a tear since Trumps Election Day victory. The PowerShares Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSE:PPA) has gained 25.3% since Trump won the 2016 election, as investors banked on new spending on the U.S. military.

Tensions between North Korea and the U.S. have reached a boiling point. North Korea has conducted multiple ballistic missile tests this year, and U.S. officials now believe the Kim regime can make a miniaturized nuclear warhead. In recent days, North Korea has dismissed Trumps warnings and threatened to attack the waters near Guam.

Trumps latest warnings to North Korea came in a speech Thursday, and the broader market swiftly retreated on renewed concerns over a potential conflict.
One campaign to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, known as the "Fight for 15, gained national momentum in 2016 but has seen a significant drop-off in strike activity this year, causing critics to question its longevity.

While workers went on strike in more than 600 cities across the United States in 2016, protests have occurred in just 30 cities throughout the first seven months of 2017, according to an analysis by the Employment Policy Institute  a think tank that opposes the movement to raise the federal minimum wage. The national reach of the groups sponsored strikes are at the lowest rate since 2013, when they occurred in 60 U.S. cities. Between August 2013 and November 2016, the number of Fight for 15 events were on a nearly steady upward trajectory, before taking a sharp nosedive in 2017, the EPI analysis shows.

[What were seeing is] not a slight cutback [in events], but almost like a fall off a cliff, Michael Saltsman, EPI managing director, told FOX Business.

The Fight for 15 movement, which has received a lot of cash from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), seems to be less of a priority for the group this year as well, Saltsman said. In the wake of last years election SEIU was expected to cut funding to the Fight for 15 by 30%, according to Bloomberg.

The funding cutbacks seem to be reflected in the strike activity that the Fight for 15 has engaged in. Those strikes are expensive to do, he said, adding the SEIU wouldnt have cut back funding levels had the Fight for 15 yielded benefits.

Spokespersons from the Fight for 15 and the SEIU did not return FOX Business requests for comment.

However, some arent convinced the decline in protest volume or funding levels are suggestive of the Fight for 15 movements waning significance. In fact, David Madland, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, believes the movement is as strong or stronger than ever.

I think all the evidence that I see, whether looking at the press coverage or the political reaction, is the Fight for 15 seems to have as much, or more, energy, Madland told FOX Business. Its dominating how workers think about what they should get for wages and how politicians in a lot of cities and states think about workplace policies.

The minimum wage hike has been a divisive issue across the country. It even caused divisions within the Democratic Party throughout the 2016 election cycle, with Bernie Sanders pushing for a 15 minimum wage, while Hillary Clinton appeared to waffle between $12 and $15. California and New York have approved a gradual increase in state minimum wage to $15 per hour, among a host of cities including Seattle and D.C.

Republicans, on the other hand, have argued that increasing the federal minimum wage could drive down hiring incentives and result in a loss of job opportunities.
North Koreas military threat to the U.S.-held Pacific island of Guam has triggered the territorys homeland security department to issue guidelines for its citizens in the event of an attack.

During an interview with FOX Business Melissa Francis of After the Bell, Guam Governor Eddie Calvo shared his uneasiness over Kim Jong Un threats on the U.S. territory.

Obviously, I am concern and there are lot of people in Guam and the Northern Mariana [Islands] that are concern because basically Kim Jong-Un is saying, hey we are going to bomb you, and he is pointing the finger at the territory of Guam, he said.

The Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean is about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines with more than 200,000 U.S. citizens, according to Gov. Calvo.

If a war were to happen in this part of the world, over there, as your senator says, not only are you endangering the lives of tens of thousands of military and their dependents, but hundreds of thousands of American citizens in American soil, he said.

The governor said he is more concerned with ensuring that decisions over the North Koreas threats are executed very carefully.

I am more concerned about that then I am about the tweets of President Trump because at least with President Trump, hell and fury, if the United States is attacked and that means Guam, I would hope hell and fury falls on North Korea.

Calvo said this is not the first threat by North Korea and despite growing concern among its citizens and neighboring islands, Guams threat level has not changed.

There are multilayer umbrella system of defense for the U.S. territory of Guam and Northern Mariana [Islands], he said. So I am telling the folks, hey I know there is reason to be concern with all the rhetoric going on, but folks live your lives, we do have a defense system that can protect the territory.
U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis visited Googles (NASDAQ:GOOGL) campus in Mountain View, California on Friday, during a trip to promote the Pentagons commitment to high-tech defense innovations.

Mattis was touring the West Coast, touting the Pentagons Defense Innovation Experimental Unit (DIUx), a government group that works as a bridge between commercial companies and the U.S. military in order to solve the countrys most challenging national defense problems.

Some areas of the defense sector that DIUx has sought investments in, and continues to look for innovations in, include artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, information technology and space advancements, according to the agencys website.

In the second quarter of 2017, the Defense Innovation Experimental Unit awarded 25 contracts worth a total of $48.4 million. Since June of 2016, DIUx has awarded $100 million in contracts for 45 different pilot projects, according to Reuters. The private sector has invested more than $1.5 billion in DIUxs portfolio companies.

DIUx was created by former Defense Secretary Ash Carter in 2015. Mattis most recent trip indicates the Trump administrations defense team is intent on pushing the innovations forward.

Mattis Google visit follows a stop at Amazons Seattle headquarters on Thursday. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos tweeted a picture of the pair after meeting.

A pleasure to host #SecDef James Mattis at Amazon HQ in Seattle today pic.twitter.com/JnQZoSOnFN  Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) August 10, 2017

Google and Amazon did not immediately return FOX Business requests for comment.

President Trump has not shied away from technological advancements throughout his presidency, hosting an entire Technology Week at the White House earlier this year. From modernizing the governments technological infrastructure to seeking innovative improvements within the labor force through high-tech solutions, many CEOs, including Bezos and Googles Eric Schmidt, have participated in roundtables.
North Korea has threatened a missile strike against the U.S. territory of Guam as tensions continue to mount, even suggesting a mid-August timeline. Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio (R-Guam) told the FOX Business Networks Maria Bartiromo of Mornings with Maria, that though they have not been in direct contact with President Trump about the threat, We are in communication with the Department of Defense, through the Joint Region Marianas, were in contact with the military leaders here, Admiral Chatfield of the U.S. Navy and of course are corresponding with our civil defense and Homeland Security.

When asked about Chinas role in the situation, Tenorio responded, Really the demon here is not the president or China. In this case, its Kim Jong-un and the North Korean regime.

Though its not the first time the island or its neighbors in Asia have dealt with threats from North Korea, Tenorio is confident in the defense systems that have been put in place.

Weve been receiving these kind of threats as many people have, many of our neighbors in Asia have been on the receiving end of the threats. But we know that the multiple layers of defense that protect our island, along with the rest of our partners and our allies in the region, we have confidence in them.

But Tenorio was hopeful diplomacy and sanctions would be effective, so those layers of defense would not be necessary.

This is an attempt on North Koreas part to ratchet things up, but I think the diplomatic channels that President Trump talked about are the ones that were hoping, along with sanctions, that will work and not a war.

Despite the threats, the Lt. Governor said the people of Guam feel safe.

The people of Guam know that theyre protected, they know that theyre safe. There are threats but again, weve faced these threats before.
Amid an exchange of words between President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell over Congress failure to repeal ObamaCare, the House Freedom Caucus is calling for another vote this fall to undo  without replacing  President Barack Obamas signature health care law.

The conservatives filed a petition Friday calling for a House vote. For that to happen, they must collect signatures of 218 lawmakers, a majority. That seems like an uphill task.

But it could give conservatives a chance to call attention to Republican lawmakers who've pledged over the years to tear down Obama's law but haven't voted to do so with Donald Trump in the White House.

The Republican-led Senate turned down a similar repeal-only bill last month.

On Monday, in his home state of Kentucky, McConnell suggested during a press event that Trumps political inexperience gave him excessive expectations about how quickly things happen in the Democratic process.

Trump has been hitting back throughout the week, tweeting on Wednesday that after 7 years of hearing Repeal & Replace, why not done? Trump also followed up on Thursday, tweeting McConnell should get back to work.

Mitch, get back to work and put Repeal & Replace, Tax Reform & Cuts and a great Infrastructure Bill on my desk for signing. You can do it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2017

Also on Thursday, when asked whether the Senate majority leader should step down, Trump told reporters to ask him that question if McConnell fails to gather majorities on three of his major policy agenda items: health care, taxes and infrastructure.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Chelsea Handler called for a military coup on Twitter on Friday.

The Netflix host, who has been outspoken in her dislike for President Trump, suggested he be removed by the military.

To all the generals surrounding our idiot-in-chief...the longer U wait to remove him, the longer UR name will appear negatively in history," she wrote.

The comedian's comments were met with passionate negativity.

One social media user pleaded with Handler to think about what she asking for.

"Man, Chelsea. Do you think before you tweet? You really want the military to overthrow the President? Think about that for a moment."

But some supported Handler. One fan wrote, "agree. But what we have in the WH is also misguided and dangerous. At this point who do we trust? (rhetorical question)"

Handler also posted a picture on Instagram on Thursday wearing a T-shirt that read, "Sorry about our president" in all different languages.

The photo was accompanied with the caption, "The shirt I wear now when I travel. Thanks to whomever sent it to me."
Its not uncommon to wake up with feelings of regret after a night of drinking, but Zhang Wei is probably suffering more than most.

Wei, a Chinese tourist who was visiting Switzerland with his grandmother, had reportedly purchased a small taste of 1878 Macallan Scotch from a Swiss hotel for the whopping sum of more than $10,000  only to find out the whiskey mightve been fake after getting home from his trip.

A representative for the hotel has since reached out to Wei, and promised to give him back his money if the bottle turns out to be a forgery.

MAN HOSPITALIZED AFTER DRINKING WORLD'S SPICIEST VODKA

Wei, who makes his living as a popular online novelist in China, first told his followers of his Scotch-tasting in a post to the Chinese social media site Weibo on Aug. 3. In it, he explained that he jumped at the chance to taste the Macallan, as it was the same age as his grandmothers grandmother.

I was in Switzerland and saw a 100-year-old whiskey. I didnt spend long weighing up whether to get it, he wrote, acccording to Shanghaiist. In a nutshell, it tasted good. I was drinking not so much the whiskey but a lot of history.

Wei also shared photos of himself tasting the whiskey, which he purchased from the Devils Place Whiskey Bar inside St. Mortizs Waldhaus Hotel.

WATCH CHANNING TATUM DELIVER VODKA TO UNSUSPECTING DRINKERS

Soon afterward, a whiskey blogger and other experts began to question the legitimacy of the bottle, which the hotel touted as being the last unopened bottle of its kind. The hotel, however, claimed that theyd had the whiskey in their possession for at least 25 years, and never had the slightest suspicion that the whiskey could be fake, reports SwissInfo.ch.

The resort has since sent the whiskey out for rigorous" testing to determine the authenticity of the Macallan.

On Thursday, I got some information from a whisky expert that this bottle could be a fake," wrote hotel manager Sandro Bernasconi in a statement obtained by ScotchWhiskey.com.

I called the Chinese guest to tell him that it could be a fake and said we would give the money back  Were open to find out the truth. If we had known it before, we would never have sold it.

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SwissInfo reports that Hotel Waldhaus has achieved a Guinness World Record for having the worlds largest collection (upwards of 2,500) of whiskeys.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation is mourning lots of pizza fatalities after a truck carrying frozen pizza crashed on a stretch of highway in Little Rock.

The accident happened at about 1 p.m. on Wednesday, after the truck rammed into an overpass on Interstate 30. According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the 18-wheeler scraped up against a bridge support at the Mabelvale Pike overpass, tearing off part of the trailer and causing the vehicle to spill its cheesy haul  along with a bunch of diesel fuel  across the highway.

BUD LIGHT TRUCK FLIPS OVER IN ARIZONA, STATES DOT STARTS TWEETING JOKES

No injuries were reported, but hundreds of frozen Tombstone and DiGiorno pizzas were sacrificed in the collision, as seen in photos tweeted out by the Arkansas Department of Transportation.

From the scene, DoT spokesperson Danny Straessle also confirmed lots of frozen pizza laying out on the interstate right now  lots of pizza fatalities.

The highway was reportedly closed for four hours while cleanup crews attended to the mess. Traffic was reportedly backed up for miles in both directions until the highway reopened at 5:30 p.m., the Democrat-Gazette reported.

The overpass itself suffered only cosmetic damage, the DoT confirmed.

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This is reportedly the second time in two weeks that a truck delivering consumable goods has crashed in Arkansas. On Aug. 2, a semi-truck hauling whiskey overturned on I-40.

Straessle has since said he hopes no other food trucks befall accidents on Arkansas roadways, but confirmed that hes already gotten several requests for an ice cream truck to flip over.

Gosh I hope nothing happens, because if there is one, I might be blamed for it, he told the Democrat-Gazette.
A Florida resident contracted a deadly bacterial infection, officials confirmed Monday.

The Florida Department of Health confirmed that an Escambia County resident became infected with vibrio vulnificus, according to Pensacola News Journal.

Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria found in salty, warm water. Though infections are rare, the risk is higher during the period of May to October.

THE LINK BETWEEN DEODORANT AND BREAST CANCER

This is the second case of the bacterial infection this year in Escambia County. Since 2014, there have been six known cases of the infection in Escambia County. In 2015, one county resident died of the infection.

The infection normally appears in people who have open wounds or have weak immune systems. Officials have warned people to cover their wounds before going into the water.

Raw shellfish could also carry vibrio vulnificus. Health officials have urged people to cook shellfish and oysters.

OPIOID CRISIS SPARKS INNOVATIVE PROPOSALS IN FIGHT AGAINST EPIDEMIC

Vibrio vulnificus infections are fatal about 40 percent of the time, according to the Florida Department of Health's website. Wound infections with vibrio vulnificus are fatal about 20 percent of the time, and can require aggressive surgical treatment to prevent death, the department said.

The wound infection can make a persons skin swell and become red. The bacteria would cause a fever, chills, blisters and a diminishing blood pressure.
A new ingredient thats making its way into high-end skin care products is full of beneficial compounds that moisturize, reduce inflammation and minimize acne scars. But youll need to keep an open mind if you want the benefits. Helix aspersa muller glycoconjugates is the technical name for the slimy mucus secreted by snails to protect their undersides from cuts, bacteria and sun damage.

This protective goo that snails produce is filled with beauty-enhancers like hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein enzymes, glycolic acid, antimicrobial and copper peptides, proteoglycans and elastin. All of these compounds are known skin enhancers that are already added to beauty products.

PREVENTING CANCER THROUGH ORAL HYGIENE

Using snail mucus, also called snail cream, is new to the modern beauty industry, but its benefits have been recognized for thousands of years. The use of snails to promote skin healing goes back to ancient Greece and is attributed to Hippocrates. Pliny later recommended applying crushed snails to wounds and burns in order to speed healing. (The snail cream you see in beauty products is harvested from live snails in captivity, not made from crushed snails.) More recently, Chilean farmers who harvested snails for the French escargot market noticed that the skin of their hands looked smoother and younger.

Snail mucus first caught the attention of skin care companies in Korea, a country known for being on the cutting edge of skin care. Its popularity spread to the US several years ago, but some companies didnt advertise the odd new ingredient. At first, they chose to let it get lost in products long ingredients lists, worried that the ick factor might scare customers off, but today most manufacturers openly advertise their snail cream products, relying on consumers sense of adventure and willingness to try anything that might work.

EYE MAKEUP DANGEROUS FOR YOUR VISION?

Theres limited research to support the ancient idea that snail cream restores the skin. Snail slime seems to boost the production of elastin and collagen in cell cultures, but there havent been any long-term trials or research on skin cells that arent in petri dishes. And theres no high-quality research on any specific snail-based beauty products. But the lack of research doesnt necessarily mean that snail cream products dont work. Consumers are drawn to the number of beneficial compounds in snail cream, and it continues to rise in popularity, bolstered by smart marketing and glowing customer reviews.

According to anecdotal evidence, snail cream products are particularly effective at minimizing the appearance of dark spots and scars, making the products popular among young adults with acne scars, which are notoriously difficult to treat. Customers also claim that their skin looks plumper and less wrinkled after using snail cream products, but dermatologists warn that these effects may be short-term, offering temporary smoothing without true, long-term anti-aging properties.

VITAMIN B3 COULD PREVENT BIRTH DEFECTS, MISCARRIAGES, SCIENTISTS SAY

If you want to get snail cream straight from the slimy source, you can visit a spa in Thailand or Japan and pay over $200 for a snail facial. This is exactly what it sounds like  letting snails crawl all over your face. If you want to save on airfare, you can check out the many snail-based beauty products that have exploded into the American market. You can find the ingredient in moisturizers, eye creams, anti-wrinkle creams, cleansers and soothing gels. But dont fall prey to deceptive advertising  look for products that advertise the percentage of snail mucus filtrate to make sure that youre really getting the benefits of snail cream.

Whenever trying a new product, apply it to a small, less sensitive patch of skin before using it on your face. Just because a product is naturally-derived doesnt mean its necessarily safe for you. In fact, its more common to have allergies to natural ingredients than to synthetic ingredients, and both natural and synthetic ingredients can cause irritation even if no allergy is present. Rashes and irritation have been reported from the use of snail cream products, and its not usually recommended for sensitive skin.

This article first appeared on AskDrManny.com
As any good therapist (or cheesy rom-com will tell you), trust is key for healthy relationships  especially a relationship as important as the one with your doctor. But in a terrible breach of doctor-patient confidentially, one woman in California filed a plastic surgery lawsuit after her nude before-and-after photos were posted online.

Let's start at the beginning. With cosmetic procedures, its pretty routine to take before-and-after photos (which, duh, involve the patient's naked body if they're having a procedure anywhere below the neck) for the doctor's portfolio  as long as the patient consents.

When Mandi Stillwell enlisted the skills of Quita Lopez, a cosmetic surgeon at the Aesthetic Laser Center in Fresno, California, for a tummy tuck, breast lift and implants in 2013, she gave the office written consent to photograph her naked torso for before-and-after shots, reports The Fresno Bee. But this consent had two major caveats: the photos were only to be used for business promotion and most importantly, they were never to be attached to her name. Totally standard.

Until the photos showed up online five months after Stillwell's procedure  with her name. The worst part? Stillwell found out from a guy she'd been talking to on an online dating app  when he'd Googled her name, the photos came up. Horrifying. "I had lots of anxiety, lost a lot a sleep and cried a lot," Stillwell told The Bee.

Understandably, she slapped the surgeon with a plastic surgery lawsuit. The surgeon's defense claimed that the office had accidentally published the photos with Stillwell's name and took them down as soon as she alerted them. If you ask us, that sounds like too little, too late for a serious breach of doctor-patient confidentiality. "The unauthorized publication of personally identifiable patient photographs on the internet can be very damaging to the well-being and reputation of patients, especially those who have an internet business or presence," Stillwells lawyer said in court. "When something like that happens, doctors need to be held accountable when they fail in their affirmative duty to protect the privacy of those patients."

This week, a Fresno judge ordered Lopez to pay Stillwell $18,000 in damages  significantly less than the $300,000 the patient sought for emotional distress and lost wages  according to another report by The Bee.

The photos have since been taken down, but let's be real  the internet is forever.

This article originally appeared on Allure
Radwan Ziadeh is ten years younger than Bashar al-Assad. Both of these Syrians initially pursued medical careers, dentistry for Ziadeh and ophthalmology for Assad. Their paths diverged dramatically after Assad became the countrys president following his fathers death in 2000, and Ziadeh focused on advocacy of human rights and democracy. Though they have never met, Ziadeh has long been a target of the Assad regime. He was fired from his position as a dentist at a state hospital in 2003, and a warrant for his arrest was issued in 2008, a year after he left Syria for his own safety.

All of this was before Assad initiated a viciously brutal crackdown on protesters. Since March 2011, more than 500,000 Syrians have been killed and more than five million are living as refugees in neighboring countries, while another six million are internally displaced.

For the past 10 years, Ziadehs base for advocacy has been in Washington, D.C., where he lives with his wife and three children. As long as Assad is in power, returning to his homeland is not an option. Assuming he would be welcome to stay in the U.S., Ziadeh recently applied for political asylum.

But the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rejected his request. Though acknowledging his refugee status, stating, The record supports that you were persecuted on account of your political opinion, opposition to the Assad regime and support for human rights in Syria, the agency nonetheless concluded that you are not eligible for asylum status in the United States because of having allegedly provided material support to terrorists.

Ziadehs singular achievement is the Syrian Transition Roadmap, a blueprint for creating a democratic Syria following the end of the Assad regime. Published in 2013, the roadmap called for political reforms, including a parliament representative of all Syrian citizens, a new constitution, economic reform, and an overhaul of the countrys notorious security services. Ziadeh coordinated the work of more than 300 Syrians involved in the discussions and drafting of this landmark document.

To develop the Roadmap required assembling the various parties opposed to Assad in a series of conferences that took place in Istanbul in 2012 and 2013. Among those attending were several individuals affiliated with the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood, two groups that the U.S. has labeled undesignated terror organizations.

The conferences were necessary steps for airing a variety of viewpoints of key stakeholders and gathering wide support for the Roadmap. Moreover, the very idea of Ziadeh organizing these gatherings was encouraged by the U.S. government. At the time the White House was still calling for Assad to step aside.

For a $40 plane ticket, Im being criminalized, Ziadeh told me. In asserting that Ziadeh has engaged in terrorist activity, the USCIS claims that providing air tickets, hotel accommodations, and other materials related to the conferences constitutes material support to the FSA and Syrian Muslim Brotherhood.

Steven Schulman, Ziadehs pro bono attorney, has dealt with similar cases with clients from around the world over the past decade. He calls the USCIS decision disappointing. What troubles him most is that the Department of Homeland Security has expanded the definition of material support beyond recognition. It entirely ignores context.

The context is the ongoing war in Syria and the efforts, led by Ziadeh, to find a peaceful, negotiated solution to the nightmare. He maintains that he did not directly invite those affiliated with FSA and Syrian Muslim Brotherhood, and they came as individuals, not as official representatives of the two groups.

As Ziadeh awaits action on his request to USCIS to reconsider its decision on his asylum application, he continues heading up the Syrian Center for Strategic Studies in pursuit of transition, justice, and accountability in Syria. Meanwhile, war crimes and crimes against humanity take place daily. Ziadeh is disheartened by Secretary of State Rex Tillersons decision to close the Office of Global Criminal Justice, which has led U.S. efforts to bring perpetrators of such heinous crimes to justice. The U.S. played a key role in international human rights. Now to see the U.S. is stepping back is alarming, says Ziadeh.

Expressing sadness over the stillborn initiative that he tried to bring into being, Ziadeh says, the Roadmap is another document gathering dust.

There is no political solution, a disheartened Ziadeh told me. Russia now controls everything and the U.S. is not interested in investing any capital with Syria. Indeed, with Iran and Russia deepening and expanding their assistance to him, Assad is more ensconced in power than ever in the country that he himself destroyed.

No end is in sight to the Syria tragedy. But for Ziadeh, whose current permit to stay in the U.S. will expire in March 2018, there is urgency to resolve this matter soon, and gain the political asylum he so much desires and deserves.
Cheating in a game of cards can involve stacking the deck arranging the cards in a way that advantages yourself while ensuring your opponent loses.

It appears that this is the way special counsel Robert Mueller has approached his investigation. Consider the evidence.

Mueller chose, of all places, the venue of Washington, D.C., to convene a grand jury to examine evidence in the Russia-Trump investigation. It would be difficult to find a group of people more hostile to Trump than in the nations capital. The president garnered a scant four percent of the vote there, compared to Hillary Clintons 93 percent.

There was already a grand jury convened in Virginia looking into the related Michael Flynn matter and Mueller could have easily presented his case there. But no, that would run the risk of being potentially fair to the president since the jurors there are more apt to be politically bipartisan. So, from the outset, Mueller dealt himself a high ace on his way to a royal flush.

His next card, a king, is the grand jury process itself. Over time, this Fifth Amendment principle has devolved into a one-sided farce, favoring only the prosecution. Defense attorneys are not allowed inside what has become a secret star chamber, permitting no adverse party to challenge the truth and credibility of witnesses through the test of cross-examination. It gets worse.

There are no enforceable rules of evidence during grand jury proceedings, which means that otherwise inadmissible hearsay or double-hearsay is perfectly acceptable. Unauthenticated documents are copacetic. Prosecutors are free to present only incriminating evidence, to the exclusion of exculpatory evidence. All too often grand jurors simply rubber-stamp a prosecutors instructions. Thus, the old saying, you can get a grand jury to indict a ham sandwich.

With no meaningful limits on abusive tactics, the entire system is anathema to fairness. A grand jury is to justice what military music is to music. It bears no resemblance. My apologies to John Philip Sousa, but you get the point. This is precisely why grand juries, which were once in vogue everywhere, have now been banished in all nations except the United States and Liberia.

Muellers queen card is the Obama-appointed judge likely overseeing the D.C. grand jury. Under local court rules, Chief U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell is the one who presides over decisions on grand jury subpoenas, witness testimony, any executive privilege and possible Fifth Amendment assertions. In the past, she worked closely with former Attorney General Loretta Lynch and one of Muellers top staff lawyers, Andrew Weissman.

Indeed, Howell and Weissman co-authored a scholarly law article that explored obstruction of justice which just happens to be part of what Mueller is reportedly investigating in the Russia-Trump case. Betsy Woodruff of the Daily Beast uncovered this nugget. A conflict of interest? Surely. But dont expect a judicial recusal anytime soon, even though Judge Howell teaches ethics at American Universitys law school.

Dealing himself a jack, Mueller has chosen to hire for his staff an unconscionable number of lawyers of the liberal persuasion. Out of 14 lawyers retained thus far, eight have donated to Democrats while none appear to have contributed a nickel to Republicans. Several of Muellers lawyers gave generously to Hillary for America, while another actually represented the Clinton Foundation. The special counsel could have selected a more balanced team devoid of partisan ties, but he deliberately chose not to do so.

Finally, Mueller is holding a precious ten card in the very man who hired him, Rod Rosenstein, the Deputy Attorney General who authored the infamous memo advising President Trump to fire FBI Director James Comey. In any obstruction case arising therefrom, Rosenstein would be a prosecutor, investigator and witness all rolled into one. Despite his glaring conflict of interest, Rosenstein has made no move to step aside. Which means he is unlikely to fire Mueller for his own similar conflict of interest.

As explained in previous columns , Muellers close relationship to the key witness, James Comey, creates a disqualifying conflict of interest specifically forbidden by the special counsel law itself (28 CFR 600.7 and 45.2), not to mention the Code of Professional Responsibility which governs the conduct of lawyers. Their record as longtime friends, allies and partners is well-documented and indisputable.

It is inconceivable that Mueller could be completely impartial in judging the credibility of his friend versus the president who fired his friend in deciding whether to pursue a charge of obstruction. Even scrupulously honest people can be influenced in ways they do not recognize themselves. This is exactly why there are legal and ethical rules that demand recusal based on prior relationships. Even the appearance of a conflict is sufficient for recusal. But Mueller remains on the job.

And so, the deck has been shrewdly stacked against President Trump. Robert Mueller has dealt from the bottom of the deck. There is a lot at stake on the table.

The only good hand the president may have requires a trump card called innocence. Does he have it?

There is no bluffing in this game.
Editor's note: The following column is adapted from a post which originally appeared on AEIdeas.org, the blog of the American Enterprise Institute.

Back in 2015, I published the second edition of Dancing with the Devil, an academic and policy study of more than a half century of US attempts to engage and negotiate with so-called rogue regimes, a moniker embraced by the Clinton administration to address those states which did not abide by the norms of diplomacy and which engaged in terrorism or nuclear proliferation. North Korea, of course, was perhaps the first rogue regime to confront the United States. What follows is a much abridged version of the study of US diplomacy with North Korea and how we got to where we are.

The Korean War never ended. The 1953 Armistice merely ended the most active phase of the conflict, but more than a million troops still face each other across a demilitarized zone (DMZ) less than three miles wide.

By the end of the 1960s, it appeared fighting could again erupt on the peninsula. Between 1966 and 1969, there were more than 280 North Korean attacks on Americans or South Koreans around the DMZ. North Korean commandos staged attacks on the presidential mansion in Seoul and North Korean forces seized the USS Pueblo, a US Navy intelligence-gathering ship operating in international waters off the North Korean coast and took hostage all the ships personnel.

Only after Lyndon Johnson dispatched the USS Enterprise battle group did the North Koreans even agree to discuss the Pueblo but when North Korean leader Kim Il Sung concluded that American military force was off the table, talks went nowhere. It was almost a year before the North Koreans released the Pueblos crew, and then only after Gen. Gilbert Woodward signed a humiliating confession on behalf of the US government.

North Korea often couples provocation with outreach. On April 15, 1969  Kim Il Sungs birthday  and just day after North Korean officials proposed a meeting in the DMZ, two North Korean MiG-21s shot down an unarmed U.S. surveillance aircraft over the Sea of Japan, killing 31 American servicemen. Nixon contemplated military action but embraced diplomacy. Talks failed.

To continue reading Michael Rubin's column on AEIdeas, click here.
I was watching a late-night show mock Melania Trump. Which show? I cant remember, so many of them do it.

Ive been a bit surprised at all the gags. Generally, the first lady is off limits, unless she gets directly involved in politics, like Hillary Clinton did.

But then, this is comedy, and these shows aim so much at President Trump that theres bound to be collateral damage to those around him. At least respectable media sources know enough to leave her alone.

Or do they?

Eight years ago, when Barack Obama was our new president, the press treated his wife Michelle with something close to a sense of wonder.

In the March 16, 2009, issue of The New Yorker, they wrote about her contribution to White House fashion:

[H]er legacy may well be to show women how to move gracefully from the insecurities of youth into a sophisticated and stylish maturity. [...] Michelle Obama reminds women that they can make a place for vanity in their lives, and that, when they do, a little fashion can be supremely empowering.

On the other hand, Melania, who was an actual fashion model, got this snide comment in the March 1 issue of The New Yorker:

[T]he very last thing Melania aspired to be was First Lady. If she makes it seem to be an unenviable role, that is understandable, though to an outside observer it hardly seems worse than being Mrs. Donald Trump.

Not that her fashion sense has gone unnoticed. In an April piece from The New York Times entitled Rocky Start for a Brand, they note Melania has a look that calls to mind a militarized version of 1950s womanhood, one that favors tightly belted coat dresses instead of housedresses, with the passive-aggressive role playing that implies.

At the same time in 2009, the paper of record was lauding Michele Obamas volunteer work in a piece called First Ladys 100th Day is One of Service.

And the fashion comments continue.

In 2009, Vanity Fair put Michelle (and Barack, too) on their International Best-Dressed List. As they breathlessly noted, The Washington, D.C., and Chicago-based First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, 45, describes her personal style as colorful and practical with simple silhouettes. 

Melanias coverage in Vanity Fair has been somewhat different. This years May issue featured Inside The Trump Marriage: Melanias Burden. As they describe it:

Until November 8, Melania Trump's marriage provided her with a golden Fifth Avenue fortress, at a price--putting up with her husband's humiliations and boorishness. From Melania's ill-fated campaign appearances to her apparent reluctance to embrace the role of First Lady: how a very private woman is coping with the intense public scrutiny of her marriage.

Though it offers surface sympathy, its by and large a hit piece.

In fact, these days it seems hardly a week goes by without someone, somewhere, in the press doing a questionable piece on Melania. The latest Newsweek has an article thats ambivalent at best regarding her (and the Trump womens) preference for high heels.

The title notes the heels are a symbol of everything that is beautiful and horrifying about the first lady. It goes on to state heels are not currently in fashion, though the Trump women are rare political mountain goats who are normalizing the footwear of the beauty pageant.

(Try finding an ambivalent piece from an equivalent source about Michelle Obamas fashion choices, then or now. Reporting on the ESPY Awards last month, the Huffington Post notes Michelle Obamas black ESPYS dress is instantly iconic and this look is absolutely jaw-dropping.)

Its clear the people who write these things dont like Donald Trump. Thats fine, have at him. He's the president of the United States, after all.

But do they really need to bring Melania into it? She didnt run for office, and shes not presently serving.

The wife of a politician may suffer at how her spouse is attacked, but the press should have the sense of proportion to leave her out of it.
On Tuesday, President Trump outlined some of his plans for dealing with our opiate epidemic, which took the lives of more than 50,000 Americans during 2015 and will likely cost many more lives this year. On Thursday, the president declared the epidemic a national emergency.

The president has emphasized sealing our southern border and punishing drug offenses more severely. Those measures will never, however, end the opiate epidemic.

The opiate epidemic is fueled as much by demand, as it is by supply. And the demand for opiates is a result of many and complex forces, including people dispirited by unemployment as well as misguided, liberal social policies that reward those who elect to stay out of the labor force.

If these addicts don't obliterate themselves with opioids, they will with marijuana, or alcohol, or cocaine, or crystal methamphetamine.

Drug users need real help  not the revolving door of detox, "rehab" and release that passes for treatment at 99 percent of the substance abuse facilities in the United States.

As a forensic psychiatrist who has testified in dozens of drug-related criminal cases, I say good riddance to the days in which decades-long jail terms were handed out like candy to users who bought drugs in quantities potentially consistent with distribution.

Countless lives were ruined and countless families torn apart by judges who added up grams of cocaine or heroin, ran their fingers across a chart and came to numbers like 11 or 17 or 22 years in prison.

Those draconian sentences should be a source of national disgrace.

Obviously, true drug dealers need to pay significant penalties. But drug users need real help  not the revolving door of detox, "rehab" and release that passes for treatment at 99 percent of the substance abuse facilities in the United States.

And we are ignoring data that suggests that alternative medications such as ayahuasca and ibogaine could provide lasting abstinence for millions of our fellow citizens.

This is no time to be coy or overly cautious in green-lighting and studying treatments like these that show incredible promise to rid people of addiction.

Tens of thousands are dying every year.

This is one of the reasons I took the step of joining The Holistic Sanctuary in Mexico as a psychiatric adviser. Having sent three patients to that facility and seen all three return off all drugs of abuse  and having stayed off  I have anecdotal evidence that miraculous healing can occur when these ancient plant-based medicines are harnessed for good purpose.

I was also among the first psychiatrists in the United States to offer patients ketamine to defeat depression.

I have a rule: Seek to do for patients what you would do for your own child who was at risk of death from addiction.

Would you wait for years of studies to be reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to see if that organization ever approves such medications?

Or would you take your child where those medications are offered and also advocate that they be offered, under proper supervision, in the United States?

I am guessing (and it is a guess) that President Trump and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie might well opt to access ayahuasca or ibogaine were one of their children at death's door from opiates or cocaine or crystal methamphetamine.

And what would be good enough for their sons or daughters should be good enough for anyone's.
What is an American city worth?

On September 11, 2001, we were deeply moved by the deaths of 2,996 people and the wounding of another 6,000 in terrorist attacks on our nation.

In reaction to that shocking day, America launched a series of wars that have gone on for nearly 16 years, have cost more than $5 trillion, and have left more than 4,000 Americans dead and more than 50,000 severely wounded.

That has been the cost of attacks by terrorists using commercial airliners as weapons.

Now consider the human cost of losing one American city to a nuclear strike.

I chose only one city to make a point about our current lack of seriousness in dealing with the spread of nuclear weapons to more and more unstable and dangerous countries.

The Los Angeles Times reported on, August 16, 2006, that a nuclear attack on the Port of Long Beach would "have catastrophic consequences for the United States, resulting in the instant deaths of 60,000 people and irradiation of another 150,000. Additionally, the paper reported the economic loss would be ten times that of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The paper cited a report by the RAND Corporations Center for Terrorism Risk Management Policy, which the articles author wrote presented a terrifying picture not only of the possibility of such an attack but of its immediate and long-term effects on Southern California, the nation, and the global economy."

The Long Beach estimate was for a 10-kiloton device  thats half the size of the Fat Man atom nuclear bomb dropped on Nagasaki and two-thirds the size of Little Boy dropped on Hiroshima.

The devastating impact of one nuclear device  even a "small" weapon  is so enormous that it must be taken incredibly seriously. The destruction that could be wrought by larger, modern devices is nearly unfathomable.

The burn casualties alone from one attack could be overwhelming. A 2007 study by the Center for Mass Destruction Defense at the University of Georgia noted there were about 1,500 beds for severe burn victims in the entire country and more than 80 percent are occupied at any one time. If a 550-kiloton bomb were to drop in Atlanta, it would produce an estimated 300,000 burn victims and collapse the entire health system, according to the study.

Whats called NUKEMAP on the internet allows anyone to visualize potential impacts of nuclear strikes and estimate casualty rates for a wide variety of cities. The images of what could happen are sobering.

I first became horrified by the impact of a nuclear weapon attack after reading Philip Wylies novel, Tomorrow as a teenager living at Fort Riley in Kansas. Wylie outlined an attack that hit two neighboring cities (similar to Minneapolis and St. Paul). One city had effective civil defense preparations. The other city had ignored civil defense. The difference in casualties and in human tragedies was enormous.

The impact of this novel was translated into serious nonfiction in 1962, when Herman Kahn wrote Thinking about the Unthinkable . This was a vivid examination of the facts of nuclear weapons and nuclear war. Kahn was dealing with superpower threats in which hundreds and even thousands of hydrogen warheads could be used. It would have been the end of our world.

The danger has since increased.

After three years of study, the Hart-Rudman Commission, which President Clinton and I created in 1998 to evaluate our national security strategy, warned that "America will become increasingly vulnerable to hostile attack on our homeland, and our military superiority will not help us."

Furthermore, the commission reported that the dangerous combination of weapons proliferation and terrorism would make the U.S. homeland less secure, and that "a direct attack against American citizens on American soil is likely over the next quarter century.

Among other things, the commission suggested that we create an independent National Homeland Security Agency to plan, coordinate, and integrate government activities related to homeland security and ensure necessary resources were readily available  in addition to making homeland protection the National Guards primary mission.

This proposal was for a dramatically more robust, nuclear war-oriented agency than the current Department of Homeland Security, which was created in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. As such, we still need to develop a totally new or separately structured civil defense system for responding, recovering, and rebuilding after a nuclear event.

These bold, decisive proposals for both active and passive defenses should be read in the context of the scale of pain a nuclear event would inflict upon America.

In a future newsletter, I will outline a robust response to the North Korean-Iranian nuclear threats.

The age of deterrence as the sole strategy may be over. The age of deep defense against nuclear weapons may be beginning.

If we thought we could reliably deter North Korea or Iran, we would not be so intense about blocking their nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

However, if we truly believe the North Korean and Iranian nuclear programs might be used against us, we have an obligation to rethink our strategy and our investment in defense both civil and military.

Remember how you felt after 9/11, when almost 3,000 people were killed and 6,000 were injured. Now, imagine how you would feel if 60,000 people were vaporized and 150,000 were exposed to hazardous radiation in a Long Beach-size attack.

What is avoiding a disaster on that scale worth?
North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States. They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen.President Trump Tuesday

During the Cuban Missile Crisis we stood behind JFK. This is analogous to the Cuban Missile Crisis. We need to come together. Sebastian Gorka, a White House national-security aide, on Fox & Friends, Wednesday

What is happening with North Korea is not analogous to what happened in 1962, except for the word crisis. Fifty-five years ago was a different age with vastly different players and dynamics. We all mine the past to make our points, but Mr. Gorkas evoking of the Cuban crisis to summon political support is intellectually cheap and self-defeating.

The Soviet Union and Cuba were trying to hide what they hadoffensive missiles in Cuba. King Jong Un enjoys showing what he has and taunting the world with it. President Kennedy gave great and grave attention to reassuring a nation and world understandably alarmed by nuclear brinkmanship. Does Mr. Trump? Not in the least.

To continue reading Peggy Noonan's column in the Wall Street Journal, click here.
Politicians often seek to tap voters younger than themselves. Not Kansas gubernatorial candidate Jack Bergeson.

He is only looking for older voters, because come Election Day in November 2018, hell still be too young to cast a ballot himself.

Thanks to his states vague election rules on candidate ages, Mr. Bergeson, a 16-year-old high-school student from Wichita, has thrown his hat in the ring to run for his states highest office. Last year, he signed papers that allow him to start raising money for his campaignthe same step taken by all the major candidates.

His running mate is 17-year-old Alexander Cline, who is vying to become Kansas next lieutenant governor. The friends, who are seeking the Democratic Party nomination, have known each other since seventh grade.

As long as Im giving people the option of my candidacy, it doesnt really matter too much that I wont be able to vote for myself, said Mr. Bergeson, who works summer shifts busing tables and washing dishes at his familys burger and beer joint, called Fizz.

Click for more from The Wall Street Journal.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is facing a backlash from the party she used to lead over the controversy involving a former IT aide now at the center of a criminal probe.

One member of the Democratic National Committee leveled unsparing criticism at the former DNC chairwoman in an interview with Politico, saying: We wish she would go away and stop being so public by doubling down on negative stories.

DNC member Nikki Barnes, from Wasserman Schultz home state of Florida, suggested the controversy is creating a sense of deja vu for a party trying to move on from last years DNC upheaval  when Wasserman Schultz was pressured to step down in the wake of an email hack that exposed internal discussions about ways to undermine then-primary candidate Bernie Sanders. Barnes argued her return to the national spotlight has the potential to damage the party anew.

Those of us on the DNC know we have to rebrand ourselves and earn the peoples trust. And unfortunately Debbies name does not scream trust. It screams power, she told Politico.

WASSERMAN SCHULTZ BREAKS SILENCE

The criticism comes as Wasserman Schultz has defended her decision to keep aide Imran Awan on the payroll for months, even after a criminal investigation was revealed and he was barred from the House IT network.

'Those of us on the DNC know we have to rebrand ourselves and earn the peoples trust. And unfortunately Debbies name does not scream trust.'  DNC member Nikki Barnes

She did not fire him until he was arrested in late July on a bank fraud count. Awan and other family members for years had a lucrative arrangement for IT-related work on Capitol Hill for House Democrats. According to The Daily Caller, the members of the Pakistani family made at least $4 million since 2009.

In an interview published last week in the Sun Sentinel, Wasserman Schultz blamed the right-wing media circus fringe for the attention on 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.

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., recently told Fox & Friends.

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.

Wasserman Schultz 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.

Those services included consulting on a variety of office needs, such as on our website and printers, trouble-shooting, and other issues, he said.

Awan, 37, of Virginia, pleaded not guilty to the single count of bank fraud.

Attorney Christopher Gowen told Fox News that federal authorities have no evidence of misconduct by Awan relating to his IT duties.
House conservatives launched a new effort Friday to force an ObamaCare repeal vote on the floor, amid frustration over stalled legislation in the Senate.

The House Freedom Caucus wants to revive an earlier bill to simply repeal the Affordable Care Act, leaving negotiations over a replacement for a later time. They filed a petition Friday calling for a vote that would not take effect until January 2019.

I would like to prove that the House can do what we said, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told Fox & Friends.

The move comes as President Trump is openly pressuring Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to try once more on an ObamaCare repeal bill after legislation was narrowly defeated last month. The maneuvers on the House side are, likewise, a long shot.

To force a House vote, conservatives need the signatures of 218 lawmakers, a majority, on whats known as a discharge petition. That seems an uphill task because many GOP moderates oppose annulling Obama's law without a replacement they'd support, and all Democrats are opposed.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION DELAYS KEY OBAMACARE DEADLINE

Even if they succeeded in getting the signatures, the House would still have to vote on the measure. Further, it is the Senate  not the House  that has been unable to pass ObamaCare repeal legislation, and its unclear whether another vote in the House would change that.

Jordan argued a successful vote on a clean repeal would prove the House has the support, suggesting it could give the push some momentum across Capitol Hill. Further, he said a vote to repeal the law in full could encourage both parties to eventually work together on a replacement.

The way you get [a] bipartisan solution is first repeal it, Jordan said.

The GOP-led Senate, though, turned down a similar repeal-only bill last month, and top House Republicans have little interest in refighting a health care battle they were relieved to put aside after their chamber approved separate legislation in May.

Asked how Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., views the conservatives' push, spokeswoman AshLee Strong said, "The House has already passed a plan to repeal and replace Obamacare."

This week has also featured an extraordinary verbal barrage by Trump against McConnell, R-Ky., over the Senate crash of the health care drive.

After tweeting caustic criticisms of McConnell, Trump insinuated to reporters that McConnell should consider resigning if he can't push health care, tax and infrastructure legislation through his chamber. McConnell had said Trump had "excessive expectations" about how quickly Congress could pass complicated bills.

Discharge petitions are rarely successful. Only two have worked in the past 15 years. In 2002, then Reps. Chris Shays, R-Conn., and Marty Meehan, D-Mass., muscled through a discharge petition on their version of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance bill. A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers also escorted through a discharge petition to renew the Export-Import Bank in 2015.

Fox News Chad Pergram and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Paul Manafort's prison stay was extended Wednesday  nearly a week after he was sentenced to 47 months on bank and tax fraud charges in a separate case. The former Trump campaign chairman is now slated to spend a total of 81 months in prison.

He was given extra prison time at his second sentencing in connection with his guilty plea related to foreign lobbying and witness tampering.

In August, Manafort became the first Trump campaign associate to be found guilty by a jury as part of Special Counsel Robert Muellers long-running probe. He was convicted of eight bank and tax fraud charges at that time.

PAUL MANAFORT SENTENCED ON FOREIGN LOBBYING AND WITNESS TAMPERING CHARGES

Manafort has been the subject of an investigation over his dealings in Ukraine several years ago  he didnt file as a foreign agent until June 2017. But Mueller has incorporated that investigation into his probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion with Trump associates.

Manafort was convicted on multiple counts of financial fraud last year in connection with his Ukranian work, and is in prison. In November, Mueller accused Manafort of lying "on a variety of subject matters" since his plea deal, thus violating that agreement.

Read on for a look at Manafort's work with the Trump campaign and how he is connected to the Russia investigation.

What kind of foreign work did Manafort do?

A GOP operative who worked for former Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, Manafort reportedly began his work in Republican politics in the 1970s.

Eventually, Manafort was hired by former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, a controversial pro-Russia politician who was ousted from power twice. After Yanukovych was elected president in 2010, Manafort reportedly stayed on as an adviser and worked on other projects in Eastern Europe, including the Party of Regions political party.

Manafort also worked for Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska. In 2005, Manafort allegedly came up with a plan to influence U.S. politics, business dealings and the media in order to greatly benefit the Putin government, according to The Associated Press.

Deripaska is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and signed a $10 million annual contract with Manafort in 2006; they maintained a business relationship until at least 2009.

Financial records obtained by The New York Times indicated that Manafort was in debt to pro-Russian interests by up to $17 million prior to joining Donald Trumps presidential campaign.

He also took more than a dozen trips to Moscow and frequently talked to Putin allies over a period of about 10 years, McClatchy reported. He traveled to Kiev at least 19 times in 20 months after the February 2014 removal of Ukraines pro-Russia leader.

How was Manafort involved with Trump's campaign?

Manafort joined Trump's presidential campaign in March 2016 to help wrangle delegates ahead of the Republican National Convention in Ohio, something he'd done for former President Gerald Ford.

Just two months later, Manafort became Trump's campaign chairman.

Manaforts resignation from the campaign was announced on August 19, 2016, after The Times reported that he'd received $12.7 million in undisclosed cash payments from Yanukovychs pro-Russian party between 2007 and 2012.

Manafort and Donald Trump Jr., the president's eldest son, met with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya in June 2016. She reportedly was said to have damaging information on Trumps campaign rival, Hillary Clinton, which was "part of Russia and its governments support for Mr. Trump."

What was Manafort charged with?

Along with his former business associate Rick Gates, Manafort was initially indicted in October 2017 on multiple counts that included: conspiracy against the U.S., conspiracy to launder money, false statements and failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts.

Nearly four months later, in February 2018, the pair were hit with additional tax evasion and bank fraud charges. These charges involved much of the same conduct Manafort and Gates were initially accused of, but the amount of money Manafort said to have laundered through offshore accounts increased to $30 million.

In June 2018, Mueller's team brought additional charges of obstruction of justice against Manafort and Konstantin Kilimnik, an associate. The charges against Manafort and Gates dont relate to allegations of misconduct during Trumps campaign.

Mueller also accused Manafort of secretly paying former European politicians to lobby on behalf of Ukraine.

Manafort was found guilty of eight counts in August in the first trial victory for Mueller's team. The judge declared a mistrial on 10 other counts after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict.

In September, Manafort pleaded guilty as part of an agreement with Mueller's team ahead of his second trial. According to Politico, the plea deal includes a 10-year cap for how long Manafort will be in prison. It also includes allowing Manafort to serve his time for both trials concurrently.

He received a nearly 4-year prison sentence on March 7 after a federal jury in Virginia convicted him on eight counts of bank and tax fraud last year. A week later, on March 13, he received an additional three and a half years on foreign lobbying and witness tampering charges.

Manafort previously maintained his innocence despite all of the charges brought before him  but he has since expressed remorse for his actions.

"I am sorry for what I have done and all the activities that have gotten us here today," Manafort said in a written statement in March, begging a judge for mercy.

Fox News' Ann Schmidt, Jake Gibson, Alex Pappas, Matt Richardson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Judicial Watch sued the Justice Department on Friday in an effort to obtain any non-disclosure agreements signed by former FBI Director James Comey.

The Freedom of Information Act lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, after the DOJ did not respond to the conservative watchdog's June 13 FOIA request. The group wants to see any such agreements in light of Comey's controversial decision to leak notes describing conversations with President Trump.

How is it the FBI allowed Mr. Comey to walk out the door with sensitive documents about President Trump? Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said. It is remarkable that we have to sue the FBI in federal court to get these answers about this scandal.

In the lawsuit, Judicial Watch is seeking any and all non-disclosure agreements pertaining in full or in part to the handling, storage, protection, dissemination, and/or return of classified and/or sensitive information that were signed by or on behalf of former FBI Director James Comey.

Fitton also wrote to the FBI in June urging them to recover and release federal records and memos it claims were unlawfully removed by Comey.

As you may be aware, the Federal Records Act imposes a direct responsibility on you to take steps to recover any records unlawfully removed from the FBI, Fitton wrote in that letter, claiming Comey unlawfully removed memos that could contain contents regarding the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

The FBI, at the time, told Fox News that they had no comment on the letter from Fitton.

JUDICIAL WATCH SEEKING DOCUMENTS 'UNLAWFULLY REMOVED' BY COMEY

The memos in question were written by Comey himself, leaving unclear how the FBI or the courts would view them; Judicial Watch insists they are official records.

Comey testified in June before the Senate Intelligence Committee that he gave one of his memos regarding a meeting with President Trump to a friend, Columbia University Professor Daniel Richman, who then leaked the contents of the memo to the New York Times.

I asked a friend of mine to share the content of the memo with a reporterI thought that might prompt the appointment of special counsel, Comey said in his testimony.

But when asked about the contents of that memo, Richman told Fox News it was a non-story.

No memos were given to the press, and no memos were classified at the time I received them, Richman told Fox News, explaining the substance of the memo was given to the press, but not the physical document.

This was not classified at the time, and remains unclassified, Richman said.
Just halfway through his first year in office, President Trump is delivering on a key campaign promise to cut red tape, according to a new study.

The six-month review of Trumps regulatory agenda by the American Action Forum shows the federal government practically slamming the brakes on regulation. The number of new rules is now at a record low, according to the study, in sharp contrast to the start of the Obama administration.

If you look at whats happening in the first six months for President Trump compared to President Obama, its staggering, group president Douglas Holtz-Eakin told "Fox & Friends" on Friday.

On the campaign trail, then-candidate Trump promised that for every new regulation, were going to cut two, and to get rid of all the unnecessary regulations.

The data from AAF, a conservative-leaning think tank, shows a total of 27 rules have been withdrawn so far this year, which is slightly lower than the 41 rules that were approved.

But the study shows the regulatory push at the beginning of the Obama administration was roughly 20 times more costly to the U.S. economy than at the start of the current administration.

TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ROLLING BACK OBAMA-ERA ENERGY REGS

The Obama administration's first six months of regulations imposed $24.4 billion in total costs, compared with the $1.2 billion for the Trump administration. And the 41 rules approved represents a fraction of the number approved at the start of previous administrations.

The business community really feels like the beatings have stopped, Washington is not trying to put them in the bullseye, and they can go about running their businesses and not worrying about the regulations, Holz-Eakin, who ran the Congressional Budget Office under then-President George W. Bush, said.

ROLLING BACK ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS WILL SHORE UP ECONOMY, EXPERTS SAY

A Fox News review of Trumps first 100 days in office in April also showed the president following through on vows to roll back red tape. Thirteen of the 28 bills signed at the time were done under the Congressional Review Act to roll back Obama-era regulations.

According to AAF, those measures overturned a series of Obama-era rules that produced annual cost savings of $1.1 billion--or $3.7 billion in lifetime cost savings.

"No longer can we allow these rules and regulations to tie down our economy, chain up our prosperity, and sap our great American spirit," Trump said in June at the Department of Transportation.

TRUMP'S REGULATORY CZAR COULD HAVE A MAJOR IMPACT ON HOW AMERICANS WORK AND LIVE IN THE FUTURE

The rollback has affected a range of sectors.

In March, he signed an executive order to review the Clean Power Plan, which restricts greenhouse gas emissions at coal-fired power plants.

In April, Trump ordered the Agriculture Department to eliminate unncessary regulations that "hurt farmers and ruraly communities," and just this summer, Trump moved to scrap an Obama-era rule that withdrew hundreds of millions of acres of federally owned land from energy exploration, and another that expanded the number of waterways covered by the federal Clean Water Act.

EPA MOVES TO NIX OBAMA'S 'WATERS OF THE US' REGULATION

But the rollback of Obama-era energy and environment regulations drew considerable pushback from Democrats. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., blasted the administration for a "spitefaul assault" on the Clean Power Plan.

Fox News' Kevin Corke and Sam Chamberlain contributed to this report.
Pentagon officials told Fox News on Friday that the U.S. military stands ready to fight tonight on the Korean Peninsula, as President Trump said the U.S. is locked and loaded and retweeted images from U.S. Pacific Command showing B-1B Lancer bombers on Guam.

At the same time, a North Korean state news agency statement warned that even a single shell dropped on the Korean Peninsula might lead to the outbreak of  thermonuclear war.

We consider the U.S. no more than a lump which we can beat to a jelly any time, the Korean Central News Agency said, quoting Institute of International Studies researcher Kang Kum Chol.

The exchange capped a week of escalating warnings between Washington and Pyongyang.

Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path! Trump tweeted early Friday morning.

Shortly afterward, he retweeted the Pacific Command saying: #USAF B-1B Lancer #bombers on Guam stand ready to fulfill USFKs #FightTonight mission if called upon to do so.

The fight tonight vow is a long-held motto for U.S. forces deployed to the region.

Trump and top military officials have left little to the imagination in warning Pyongyang about what would happen if it followed through on threats to attack Guam, a U.S. territory.

He does something in Guam, it will be an event the likes of which nobody has seen before  what will happen in North Korea, Trump said Thursday, at his property in Bedminster, N.J., in response to Kim Jong Uns threats. Its not a dare, its a statement.

Trumps tweets follow days of escalating rhetoric toward the regime.

Earlier this month, the U.N. Security Council voted unanimously to introduce a set of punishing sanctions that could cost North Korea almost $1 billion off of its $3 billion annual export revenue. The resolution, which is considered the harshest levied against Pyongyang in a decade, was payback for its testing of two intercontinental ballistic missiles last month. Those tests, plus word that the rogue regime may have miniaturized nuclear weapons, have brought the world to the brink of war.

But dictator Kim Jong Un responded with more threats against the west, touching off a rhetorical escalation that culminated in Trump's warning this week that the rogue nation would be met with "fire and fury" if it tried to carry out its threats. Hours later, state media in North Korea reported that its leaders were seriously considering a plan to fire missiles at Guam.

Despite the tough rhetoric, there are just six B-1 bombers deployed to Guam right now, according to defense officials. Out of the Air Force fleet of 62 bombers, only half can fly right now after years of budget cuts, according to Air Force statistics. There is currently no U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike group or Marine Corps Expeditionary Unit off the Korean Peninsula right now.

Military assets could scramble from other locations, however.

The president has faced some criticism in Washington for the tone of his rhetoric against Pyongyang, with lawmakers warning he could needlessly escalate the standoff. But Trump maintained Thursday his words might not have been "tough enough."

The warnings from Trump come as China  North Koreas primary ally  issued a veiled warning to the U.S.

Chinas government, via state media, said it would remain neutral if North Korea attacks the U.S. but would defend its neighbor if the U.S. were to strike first against Kim Jong Un.

Meanwhile, other Asia-Pacific countries, including Japan and Australia, have come out in support of the United States in the event of a North Korean nuclear attack.

Fox News Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report.
Although specifics werent provided, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un joined his counterpart to the south in promising to rid the Korean Peninsula of nuclear weapons.

The vow to create a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula through complete denuclearization came during the Koreas historic summit between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in in late April, and just before a much-anticipated meeting between Kim and U.S. President Trump.

I feel like Im firing a flare at the starting line in the moment of (the two Koreas) writing a new history in North-South relations, peace and prosperity, Kim told Moon.

Kim is the first known member of his familys dynasty to set foot on South Korean soil since 1953. There, at least in front of cameras, his rhetoric drastically changed since he engaged in a war of words with Trump throughout the first year of the U.S. presidents time in the White House. (Kim called Trump a dotard; Trump called the North Korean leader short and fat.)

Since Kim took over North Korea in 2011, the regime rapidly expanded and tested its missile arsenal with weapons capable of striking the U.S. mainland. His end goal, he once said, was to "establish the equilibrium of real force with the U.S. and make the U.S. rulers dare not talk about military options for the North.

Read on for a brief look at how North Koreas nuclear weapons program has grown throughout the regimes in the past century.

Kim Il Sung, leader from 1948-1994

Kim Il Sung can be credited with founding North Korea and propelling the nations nuclear program forward  but he did not live to see his country conduct its first nuclear test.

It was under the first Kim that North Korea began to build up its nuclear reactors. And it was under his leadership that the nation began the Korean War  surely a catalyst that led the leader to believe his nation needed nuclear weapons, Dr. Sung-Yoon Lee, the Kim Koo-Korea Foundation Professor of Korean Studies at the Fletcher School at Tufts University, told Fox News in an interview.

TRUMPS COMMENTS ON NORTH KOREA, FROM FIRE AND FURY TO BLAMING CHINA

The seeds of nuclear aspirations were sown in the Korean War, Lee said.

The Korean War pitted North Korea and its ally China  two nations that did not have nuclear capabilities at the time  against a nuclear-armed U.S., making it clear to the first Kim that nuclear weapons are very powerful, a powerful deterrent, Lee said.

Kim Jong Il, leader from 1994-2011

When the second leader of the Kim dynasty died in 2011, Kim Jong Il was remembered as the dictator who turned North Korea into a nuclear state, in his New York Times obituary.

And its Kim Jong Il that really gets the credit of taking the country down the nuclear path," Lee said.

In the beginning of his reign  he was North Koreas supreme leader from 1994 to 2011  North Korea denied that it had a nuclear weapons program.

TIMELINE OF NORTH KOREAN MISSILE LAUNCHES IN 2017

However, in 2003, Pyongyang announced that North Korea was withdrawing from the 1968 Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, which barred the nation from making nuclear weapons.

By 2005, North Korea confirmed that it had its own nuclear weapons. It tested its first nuclear device in 2006.

Kim Jong Un, leader from 2011-present

Kim Jong Un is credited with accelerating North Koreas push for nuclear weapons, and under the Obama administration, many of the worlds attitudes toward the East Asian nations nuclear capabilities became less blase than in the past, Lee said.

Kim Jong Un also crossed a major threshold for his country in the summer of 2017  the ability to credibly threaten the U.S. with an intercontinental ballistic missile.

In 2017, North Korea successfully tested its longest-ever flight of a ballistic missile. The intermediate-range weapon traveled 3,700 miles and passed over Japan before it landed in the Pacific. The country also tested its most powerful nuclear test to date this year.

After the missile test, Kim Jong Un said North Korea is nearing equilibrium with the U.S. in terms of its military force.

The increasingly frequent and aggressive tests added to outside fears that North Korea is closer than ever to building a military arsenal that could viably target the mainland of the U.S. or its allies in Asia.

Calling Kim Jong Un Rocket Man, Trump said in 2017 the dictator is on a suicide mission for himself and for his regime.

The United States has great strength and patience, Trump said. But if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea.

But 2018 brought a dramatic turn of events after he declared in a stark New Years address that a nuclear launch button is always on my table. Kim Jong Un offered to meet with Trump and became the first known member of his familys dynasty to set foot in South Korea since 1953. At the historic summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, both leaders pushed for peace and would work toward a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.

However, neither leader provided any specific measures or seemed to forge a potential breakthrough on the issue that has captivated and terrified many, especially since last year.

Before Trump canceled a much-anticipated meeting with Kim Jong Un, North Korea said it demolished what it claimed to be its nuclear test site, setting off several explosions over the course of a few hours in the presence of foreign journalists.

The planned closing of the Punggye-ri site was previously announced, but it's unclear if another facility could be used to continue the country's nuclear weapons program. Yongbyon nuclear complex, located about 64 miles north of Pyongyang, has a new reactor that could produce weapons-grade plutonium. Pyongyang insists is being used to produce electricity for its citizens.

Trump ultimately rejected Kim Jong Un's invitation to a June meeting in Singapore, citing North Korea's "open hostility."

Fox News Edmund DeMarche, Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Alabamans head to the voting booth today and will come one step closer to electing a new U.S. senator.

Republican Jeff Sessions vacated his seat in February after he was confirmed as the U.S. attorney general. Former state Attorney General Luther Strange was picked by the governor to finish Sessions' term.

The special election primary was scheduled for Aug. 15. However, if no candidate gets 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election will occur at the end of September.

The general election is set for Dec. 12.

Heres a look at the nine Republicans and seven Democrats who are running to become the next U.S. senator from Alabama.

James Beretta, Republican

Dr. James Beretta, a pain management specialist just south of Birmingham, moved to Alabama 25 years ago to raise his family in a community-oriented area, according to AL.com.

Beretta said he is disillusioned with Washington  which is why he is running for office.

"I'm tired of the corruption," he told AL.com. "I'm tired of the purpose of me being in office is to promote my own ideology and not what's being voted on and passed."

Beretta said he would like to see immigration reform done correctly and thinks there should be a law against texting and driving, AL.com reported. He also thinks the state of health care today is another disaster and said former Gov. Robert Bentley should have expanded Medicaid in Alabama.

Beretta supports President Donald Trump and thinks Trump presents himself to the world in a much better light than the previous administration.

Will Boyd, Democrat

The Rev. Will Boyd is a Democrat, but he doesnt support gun control or abortion.

Im not somebody who wants to take guns away. Im not somebody who wants to kill babies, Boyd told AL.com.

He said he grew up in South Carolina around guns and would just want to enforce existing laws regarding who can purchase a firearm. As for abortion, Boyd described himself as a man of the cloth and emphasized the importance of adoption.

As a U.S. senator, Boyd would support a realistic path to citizenship plan for undocumented immigrants who are living and working peaceably in the U.S., according to his campaign website.

He also opposes the privatization of Social Security, supports legislation that helps fill the health care/Medicaid coverage gap that exists for women in Alabama, opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership and wishes to increase the minimum wage to $14 by 2018.

Joseph Breault, Republican

Despite running for office, Joseph Breault is keeping a low profile. So low, in fact, that the Alabama GOP wasnt even aware of who he is, according to AL.com.

And as the newspaper discovered, Breault doesnt like to speak to reporters, either.

Breault, a chaplain based at the Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, was also the Republican nominee in a Utah House race last year, his LinkedIn page says.

He previously served as chaplain at a VA hospital in Salt Lake City and at the Buckley Air Force base in Aurora, Colo.

Randy Brinson, Republican

A lay minister and former university trustee, Randy Brinson also received a medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and served as the chief of gastroenterology at Maxwell Air Force Base.

Aside from his professional accomplishments, Brinson also notes his Christian activism on his campaign website. He said he brought WAY-FM, a Christian music station, to Montgomery and headed the nonprofit Christian Coalition of Alabama.

He also founded the conservative organization Redeem the Vote, which seeks to increase voter registration and participation of Christians. Brinson stepped down from the organization to run for Senate, AL.com reported.

Now, Randy continues to advocate strongly for America and Israels interests across the globe, and he values to protect us from the threat of radical jihadists and historical adversaries such as China and Russia, as they seek world domination and threaten our way of life, his website states.

As a senator, Brinson would push to end Common Core, repeal and replace ObamaCare and protect gun rights and the freedom of religion.

Mo Brooks, Republican

Like some of his opponents, U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., was born in South Carolina but moved to Alabama as a child.

But in Alabama, Brooks has been influential in politics and law. He graduated from the University of Alabama Law School, worked as a prosecutor in the Tuscaloosa District Attorneys office and clerked for Circuit Court Judge John David Snodgrass, according to his campaign website.

He was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1982, appointed Madison County district attorney in 1991 and served as the special assistant attorney general for Sessions in 1995 when Sessions was the states attorney general.

Brooks became a U.S. congressman in 2011 and is a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

As a senator, Brooks said he would defend gun rights, support Trumps promise to build a border wall and push for sanctions against hostile nations.

With growing tension between Sessions and Trump  and rumors that Sessions could be next to leave the administration  Brooks offered to band together with the other GOP Senate candidates and drop out of the race to allow Sessions to have his seat back.

Brooks said last month that while he supports Trumps policies, he does not support the public waterboarding of Sessions.

I recognize that President Trump is popular in Alabama. My closest friends and political advisers have told me to not side with Jeff Sessions, that it will cost me politically to do so, Brooks said. My response is simple: I dont care. If this costs me politically, thats fine but I am going to do the right thing for Alabama and America. I stand with Jeff Sessions.

Strange, one of Brooks Republican opponents, said Brooks plan proved he is desperate to get attention.

The pair has also reportedly clashed over whether to keep the filibuster in the Senate.

Vann Caldwell, Democrat

Vann Caldwell is the constable in Talladega County  near the center of the state.

He has worked on a farm and for the public safety division of the University of Alabama, according to his website. After that, he developed his own security business.

"I have experience with working with a diversity of people. Caldwell, 33, told AL.com. I have developed [an] understanding as well as a plan for all of the people. I will give my [very] best in the betterment and growth of this state and nation. It's not magic; it will take hard work and passion, which I have.

He said that as a senator, he would focus on the economy, which in turn would help other issues  education, the military and homeland security.

As for health care policy, Caldwell told AL.com that by virtue of the Democratic beliefs and by virtue of the Republicans beliefs, only Democrats can make a health care law.

Republicans can only outlaw a health care law, he said.

Jason Fisher, Democrat

Jason Fisher is a longtime resident of Alabamas Gulf Coast, but the 45-year-old Democrat grew up working on farms in Eastern Iowa, according to his campaign website.

For Fisher, health care is a top issue  and it hits close to home for him.

Fishers wife unexpectedly died from a blood clot just before her 31st birthday, AL.com reported. He is now the single father of a 2-year-old girl who has special needs, the report said.

"I have had no shortage of bad luck over the last six or seven years when it comes to my personal life," Fisher said. "But there is a gift that comes from that and it is the perspective of understanding what is truly important and how to work with people in a different way to get a better result.

He said he hopes Congress would work to improve the current health care law to make it better for Americans.

Fisher is a vice president and senior consultant at a marketing firm, but he has worked as a business manager, consultant and nonprofit executive, his website states.

Michael Hansen, Democrat

Michael Hansen, 35, said his Senate bid is a long shot  but its a shot hes willing to take anyway.

Hansen, executive director of the health advocacy group Gasp, is openly gay and a Democrat.

In a Medium blog post announcing his run, Hansen noted that folks are sick and tired. He specifically noted the stereotypes that liberals, conservatives, Christians, people of color, men and white people face.

Our list of grievances with one another goes on and on, and its unsustainable, he said.

In the Senate, Hansen said he would fight for a federal law to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination, fight against policies that would systematically oppress people of color and advocate for funding family planning services, including Planned Parenthood.

Doug Jones, Democrat

A former federal prosecutor, Doug Jones said he hope[s] to return to public office.

On his campaign website, Jones criticized Trump for withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris climate change agreement. He also said he supports a womans right to choose and supports Planned Parenthood.

The shenanigans around the 2016 campaign must be pushed aside and full equality for women made the law and the norm in America, he said.

Former Vice President Joe Biden endorsed the candidate this week and joined in on a robocall to voters.

Doug Jones will make a great U.S. Senator so please make sure you get out and vote on Tuesday - and Im hoping youll vote for my friend, Doug Jones, Biden said.

Thus far, Jones has raised more than $158,000 for his campaign, AL.com reported. Thats only about half as much as some of the top GOP candidates, but its most likely more than any of his fellow Democrats, according to the newspaper.

Robert Kennedy Jr., Democrat

No, hes not related to the famous political family. But Robert Kennedy Jr., does hope to become a lawmaker.

Kennedy attended Duke Universitys Fuqua School of Business and was stationed in Japan with the Navy. He spent nine years on active duty.

AL.com reported that Kennedy, 47, remained fairly private during an interview and declined to reveal certain personal details about his life, including his job.

His campaign website simply said Kennedy launched his civilian career in the casino industry, and subsequently transitioned into retail.

Im a fiscally responsible Democrat who leads with faith, Kennedy said on his website. He told AL.com that he considers himself to be a conservative Democrat who supports gun rights.

But he also supports keeping and fixing ObamaCare and abortion rights, according to his website.

Despite staying fairly private about certain details, Kennedy led the field of Democrats in a recent WBRC-TV poll with 49 percent. Jones trailed with 28 percent.

Mary Maxwell, Republican

Mary Maxwell specifically moved to Alabama to run for the open Senate seat  all the way from Australia.

She told AL.com that she learned about the election from a Yahoo News article and decided that, after spending several decades in Australia, it was time for a move. In June, Maxwell became an Alabama resident.

Maxwell, 70, is a unique candidate  she travels the state by Greyhound bus because she doesnt want to drive on the right-hand side of the road, shes written about mind control and teen etiquette and she sued former President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney over the administration attacking Iran and Syria without a declaration of war.

Maxwell was born in Massachusetts where she lived until she moved to Australia with her late-husband in 1980.

"I don't mind admitting that as a Northerner, the South wasn't there for me," she told AL.com. "We don't see it, we don't think about it. I was never thinking about Alabama, I'll admit."

Maxwell said she hang[s] out in front of Walmarts when [she] can, distributing copies of the Bill of Rights, usually warmly received, according to her campaign website.

She said she is against war, mandatory vaccinations and privatizing prisons. She also would like to audit the Federal Reserve System and would look into government bullying as a senator.

Roy Moore, Republican

If Chuck Norris had his way, Judge Roy Moore would be the next senator.

The "Walker, Texas Ranger" star endorsed Moore as he is "the real deal," Norris said.

Alabama needs Judge Moore there doing what hes always done: fighting to protect our constitutional rights to life, religious liberty and the freedom to protect ourselves and our families. And he will always put principle over politics, Norris said.

Moore recently served as the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court but was suspended in September 2016 from chief justice for violating the canons of judicial ethics.

Prosecutors said Moore told probate judges to defy the Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay marriage nationwide. Moore said on his Senate campaign website that he retired to seek the office in 2017 and addressed the controversy by saying that he was suspended for upholding the sanctity of marriage as between one man and one woman.

Moore advocated for using the military to protect the countrys southern border, immediately repealing ObamaCare and making homosexuality against military policy on his campaign website.

He is also opposed to abortion, federal funding to Planned Parenthood, same-sex marriage, civil unions and all other threats to the traditional family order.

Bryan Peeples, Republican

Bryan Peeples is young, has never held an elected office and doesnt have a campaign chairman, according to AL.com.

Im doing this by myself, the 37-year-old said.

As a consultant for small- and medium-sized hotels and restaurants, Peeples is focused on middle-income families and mid-sized businesses, he told AL.com.

He is also focused on tax reform and term limits. He would like to donate a portion of his Senate salary to charity, according to a contract on his campaign website states.

Trip Pittman, Republican

State Sen. Trip Pittman is the natural successor to Jeff Sessions in the U.S. Senate, his campaign website states. He would also be the first non-lawyer in more than 100 years to represent Alabama in the Senate, it said.

Pittman ran for state Senate after he survived a plane crash in 2007, according to his campaign website.

Pittman is anti-abortion and supports Trumps call for a border wall. He also supports Trumps call to drain the swamp in Washington, D.C.

Luther Strange, Republican

Strange currently holds Sessions old seat, as he was appointed by the governor to finish out Sessions' term. But Strange hopes to keep the office he was given.

Before his Senate appointment, Strange was Alabamas attorney general and joined a lawsuit against the Obama administration that challenged Obama's executive order on amnesty for undocumented immigrants.

Strange said he stands with President Trump and looks forward to working with the new administration to achieve landmark conservative success, on his campaign website. He also supports repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act and calls for immediate deportation of criminal undocumented immigrants and the construction of a border wall.

And his loyalty to Trump appears to have paid off. The president endorsed Strange in a tweet on August 8.

Senator Luther Strange has done a great job representing the people of the Great State of Alabama. He has my complete and total endorsement! Trump said.

Strange said he was honored to receive the endorsement.

Strange raised $1.8 million in just three months, AL.com reported in July. Hes endorsed by the National Rifle Association and Perry Hooper Jr., the Alabama Trump Victory chairman.

Charles Nana, Democrat

Businessman Charles Nana immigrated to the U.S. from Cameroon in West Africa, and he splits his time between his job in Nashville and his home in Birmingham, AL.com reported.

He unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for Senate last year.

[Nana] is deeply troubled by the way faith is being used by some to serve hate, racism and greed, his campaign website states.

Nana advocates for a new fresh wind, which includes free education through college.

If we can contemplate building a wall with Mexico, we can surely afford giving our children free education from Pre-K to college, he said on his website.

Nana considers himself a Berniecrat and a conservative Democrat, according to AL.com.

Withdrew

- Dominic Gentile, Republican

- Ed Henry, Republican

- Karen Jackson, Republican

- Brian McGee, Democrat
After declaring the nations opioid epidemic a public health emergency in October, President Trump revealed his plans to crack down on the health crisis.



His plan, which he discussed in March, includes harsher penalties for drug traffickers and lowering the amount of drugs needed to trigger mandatory minimum sentences for dealers.

These are terrible people and we have to get tough with those people, Trump said of traffickers and dealers. This isnt about committees ... this is about winning a very tough problem.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 115 Americans die daily from opioid-involved deaths. Opioids, including prescriptions and heroin, killed 42,000 people in the U.S. in 2016  the highest on record.

Its important that the full weight of the federal government  with each Cabinet department determining their role in the crisis  is involved in tackling the epidemic, said Tom Coderre, a former official with the Obama administrations Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The opioid crisis is multi-faceted and multi-dimensional. Its not like there is a secret weapon out there, Coderre, recently hired as a senior adviser to Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo to help combat the opioid crisis, told Fox News.

Heres a look at what the Trump administration has proposed to deal with the crisis.

Death penalty

Trump has often mused that certain countries  such as Singapore  have fewer issues with drugs because of the harsh penalties dealers can face if caught. He has argued that a person in the U.S. can receive the death penalty or life in prison for shooting one person, but a drug dealer who potentially kills thousands spend little to no time in jail.

When the president unveiled his plan to combat the epidemic, he brandished the death penalty as a fitting punishment for traffickers.

Drug traffickers kill so many thousands of our citizens every year, Trump said. That's why my Department of Justice will be seeking so many tougher penalties than we've ever had and we'll be focusing on the penalties that I talked about previously for big pushers, the ones that are killing so many people, and that penalty is going to be the death penalty.

He added, Other countries don't play games ... But the ultimate penalty has to be the death penalty.

"The ultimate penalty has to be the death penalty."  President Trump

The Justice Department said the federal death penalty is already available for several limited drug-related offenses, including violations of the drug kingpin provisions of federal law.

Attorney Gen. Jeff Sessions issued guidance to all U.S. attorneys, urging them to "hold opioid manufacturers and distributors accountable for unlawful practices."

"[T]his should also include the pursuit of capital punishment in appropriate cases," he said. "Congress has passed several statutes that provide the Department with the ability to seek capital punishment for certain drug-related crimes."

Sessions added, "I strongly encourage federal prosecutors to use these statutes, when appropriate, to aid in our continuing fight against drug trafficking and the destruction it causes in our nation."

Mandatory minimum sentencing

Trump has called on Congress to pass legislation which would lower the amount of drugs needed to trigger a mandatory minimum sentence for dealers who knowing distribute illicit opioids.

Congress already has plans to weigh a range of bills targeted at curbing the epidemic.

Republican Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina have put forth a bill that includes lowering the amount of fentanyl needed to invoke mandatory minimum sentences in certain distribution cases.

Fentanyl is a high-risk type of opioid used by doctors to treat pain.

Its past time the punishment matched the crime when it comes to opioid distribution and trafficking, Cotton said in a statement.

Graham added, Increasing these mandatory minimums is well-justified.

More research, less prescriptions

Part of Trumps plan to attack the nationwide crisis is to increase research and development through public-private partnerships between the federal National Institutes of Health and pharmaceutical companies.

With the public health emergency declaration, officials are able to more easily deploy state and federal workers, secure grants for the unemployed and shift funding from certain programs  such as HIV or AIDs programs  to provide substance abuse treatment for certain individuals.

Trump wants to see the number of opioid prescriptions cut by one-third within three years. He also called for expanding access to proven treatment and recovery efforts.

Awareness campaign

Trumps plan includes broadening education and awareness as well  something he called for last fall when he declared the opioid epidemic a public health emergency.

This awareness campaign includes broadcasting great commercials to scare kids from dabbling in drugs. Trump also announced the creation of a new website, CrisisNextDoor.gov, where people can share their stories about addiction.

Gary Mendell, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Shatterproof, said the crisis needs more attention and awareness, which the president can provide. An emergency declaration, he told Fox News, creates recognition ... and awareness around the country that this epidemic needs right now.

Past declarations

In October, Trump declared the crisis a national public health emergency, short of the national state of emergency sought by a presidential commission he put together to study the issue. It was renewed in January.

HHS has issued public health emergency declarations in the wake of natural disasters as well as the spread of diseases.

The agency issued its first declaration for the Zika virus in Puerto Rico in August 2016. It was last renewed in April 2017.

Public health emergencies were also declared in New York following Hurricane Sandy in November 2012 and in Missouri following a series of storms and tornadoes in May 2011.

Fox News' Elizabeth Llorente and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
President Trump took to Twitter early Friday issuing yet another stark warning to North Korea that the United States military was locked and loaded, and urged the rogue regimes dictator to find another path.

Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path! the president tweeted Friday morning, amid escalating tensions this week.

Trumps tweet comes after days of tough rhetoric toward the regime, which has made several threats to the United States amid a new United Nations sanctions package that was passed unanimously last week.

Earlier this week, Trump reacted to reports that North Korea had produced a compact nuclear warhead and warned the country they will be met with fire and fury if they carry out an attack. Hours later, state media in North Korea reported that its leaders were seriously considering a plan to fire missiles at Guam.

Lets see what he does with Guam. He does something in Guam, it will be an event the likes of which nobody has seen before what will happen in North Korea, Trump said Thursday, at his property in Bedminster, N.J., in response to Kim Jong Uns threats to attack the U.S. territory. Its not a dare, its a statement.

Trump added: He has disrespected our country greatly. He has said things that are horrific. And with me, hes not getting away with it. Its a whole new ball game.

The president has faced some criticism in Washington for the tone of his rhetoric against Pyongyang, with lawmakers warning he could needlessly escalate the standoff. But Trump maintained Thursday his words might not have been "tough enough."

The warnings from Trump come as China  North Koreas primary ally  issued a veiled warning to the U.S.

Chinas government, via state media, said it would remain neutral if North Korea attacks the U.S. but would defend its neighbor if the U.S. were to strike first against Kim Jong Un.

Meanwhile, other Asia-Pacific countries, including Japan and Australia, have come out in support of the United States in the event of a North Korean nuclear attack.
Throughout the first year of his presidency  and even as he campaigned for the office  President Trumps rhetoric regarding North Korea has been harsh.

He warned earlier this year that Americas nuclear capabilities were much bigger [and] more powerful than that of the Asian nation. And at the end of 2017, Trump designated North Korea a state sponsor of terror again  a classification that came with additional sanctions.

On the heels of a planned, historic summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Trumps tone softened, saying great progress has been made. But Trump ultimately cancelled that meeting, citing "open hostility" from North Korea.

From agreeing to meet with Kim to dubbing him Little Rocket Man, heres a look at what Trump has said about North Korea and its leader over time.

Back together again

After meeting with a North Korean official in the White House for more than an hour, Trump announced the June summit with North Korea is back on.

We'll be meeting on June 12 in Singapore," the president told reporters after the meeting.

Let's call the whole thing off

Trump announced on May 24 that he has decided to pull out of the June summit with North Korea.

"We were informed that the meeting was requested by North Korea, but that to us is totally irrelevant," Trump said in a letter to Kim. "I was very much looking forward to being there with you. Sadly, based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, I feel it is inappropriate, at this time, to have this long-planned meeting."

"You talk about your nuclear capabilities, but ours are so massive and powerful that I pray to God they will never have to be used," Trump said.

"I felt a wonderful dialogue was building up between you and me, and ultimately, it is only that dialogue that matters. Some day, I look very much forward to meeting you," he added. "In the meantime, I want to thank you for the release of the hostages who are now home with their families. That was a beautiful gesture and was very much appreciated."

Deal or no deal?

After speaking with the South Korean president amid threats from the rogue regime to cancel talks, Trump suggested the historic summit between him and Kim might not happen after all.

If it doesnt happen, maybe it will happen later. You never know about deals. Ive made a lot of deals, Trump said on May 22. You never really know. It may not work out for June 12.

Trump said he wants the Korean peninsula to be denuclearized in an all in one manner.

I can guarantee Kims safety. He will be safe. He will be happy, Trump said. His country will be rich.

Trump also said hes noticed a change in Kims attitude recently.

I cant say that Im happy about it, he added.

Save the date

Trump officially announced that he would meet with Kim in Singapore on June 12.

We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace! Trump said in a tweet.

The announcement came hours after Trump and the first lady welcomed the three Americans freed from detention in North Korea at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland early on May 10.

After Trump met with the three men, he publicly thanked Kim for releasing the prisoners.

Were starting off on a new footing, Trump said.

Positive gesture of goodwill

In announcing that a date and place has been set for his much-anticipated meeting with Kim, Trump also confirmed three American prisoners have been released.

The three Americans  Kim Dong Chul, Tony Kim and Kim Hak Song  are returning to the U.S. with newly-confirmed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Trump said in a tweet. The president confirmed the three men are also in good health.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE HISTORIC SUMMIT BETWEEN TRUMP, KIM JONG UN

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement that Trump appreciates Kim Jong Uns action to release these American citizens, and views this as a positive gesture of goodwill.

Another American detainee, Otto Warmbier, died in June 2017 after he was released back to the U.S. with severe brain damage.

Good relationship formed

Trump has confirmed that CIA Director Mike Pompeo  his pick to lead the State Department  secretly met with Kim in April and a good relationship was formed. He said the meeting went very smoothly.

The president also disclosed that the U.S. and North Korea have held direct talks at extremely high levels in preparation for the summit.

Kim will do what is right

After Kims first reported visit to China, Trump said there is a good chance that Kim Jong Un will do what is right for his people and for humanity.

For years and through many administrations, everyone said that peace and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula was not even a small possibility, Trump said in a March tweet, adding that he is looking forward to his upcoming meeting with the North Korean leader.

He also gave North Korea the benefit of the doubt earlier that month, saying he believes the country will abide by its pledge to suspend missile tests.

When Trump delivered a speech in Pennsylvania, the crowd booed the mention of Kim, but the president stopped them.

No, it's very positive ... no, after the meeting you may do that, but now we have to be very nice because let's see what happens, let's see what happens, Trump said.

Invitation accepted

Trump accepted an invitation from Kim to meet, the White House said. While a time and place has yet to be determined, the two leaders are expected to meet by June.

The invitation to convene was extended by Kim.

Kim Jong Un talked about denuclearization with the South Korean Representatives, not just a freeze. Also, no missile testing by North Korea during this period of time. Great progress being made but sanctions will remain until an agreement is reached, Trump said on social media. Meeting being planned!

The deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the World. Time and place to be determined, he later said.

Possible progress

As North Korea is reportedly willing to negotiate its nuclear weapons, Trump cautiously acknowledged possible progress.

For the first time in many years, a serious effort is being made by all parties concerned, Trump said on Twitter. The World is watching and waiting! May be false hope, but the U.S. is ready to go hard in either direction!

At a later White House news conference, Trump said he believed North Korea, which has a long history of deception and threats to target U.S. cities with nuclear missiles, is sincere.

We have come certainly a long way, at least rhetorically, with North Korea, Trump said. Of the possibility for peacefully resolving the nations deep differences, he said: Itd be a great thing for the world, would be great for North Korea, it would be a great thing for the peninsula.

But well see what happens, Trump said.

Spirit of the Olympics

At the conclusion of the 2018 Winter Olympics, North Korea sent the U.S. a message through South Korea, saying it has ample intentions of holding talks with America.

During a meeting with the nations governors at the White House in February, Trump said those talks will only occur under the right conditions.

The administrations position has been that North Korea must get rid of its nuclear and missile programs first before any talks can take place.

Relationship status: Its complicated

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Trump reportedly said he probably has a very good relationship with North Korea.

Trump also suggested that he is open to diplomacy with the country hes spent years criticizing, the newspaper reported.

I have relationships with people. I think you people are surprised, Trump said.

The Wall Street Journal released the audio and transcript of the interview after Trump denied making the comments.

'Success for the world'

Trump told South Korea that he would be open to talks with its northern neighbor under the right circumstances, the White House said.

Trump also took credit for the talks between North and South Korea ahead of next months Winter Olympics. At a January Cabinet meeting, Trump said it was his administrations pressure on North Korea that caused the rogue nation to negotiate with the South.

"Without our attitude that would have never happened," Trump said of the inter-Korean dialogue. "Who knows where it leads. Hopefully it will lead to success for the world  not just for our country but for the world, and we'll be seeing over the next number of weeks and months what happens."

Whose button is bigger?

After Kim warned Trump about North Koreas nuclear capabilities, Trump hit back on social media, arguing that his Nuclear Button is bigger [and] more powerful.

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the 'Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times,' the president tweeted. Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!

Kim previously warned the U.S. should know that the button for nuclear war is on my table.

The entire area of the U.S. mainland is within our nuclear strike range, he said. The United States can never start a war against me and our country.

Good news or bad news?

Trump insinuated at the start of the new year that sanctions and additional pressures are having a big impact on North Korea.

Soldiers are dangerously fleeing to South Korea, Trump said. Kim now wants to talk to South Korea for the first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not  we will see!

In his tweet, Trump was seemingly referring to the recent, dramatic escape of at least two North Korean soldiers across the heavily militarized border into the southern country He also alluded to Kims recent comments indicating he would send a delegation to the Winter Olympics to be hosted in South Korea.

Trump also took credit for the talks between North and South Korean leaders.

With all of the failed experts weighing in, does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasnt firm, strong and willing to commit our total might against the North, Trump said in a Jan. 4 tweet. Fools, but talks are a good thing!

'Sick puppy'

While giving a speech on tax reform at a Missouri event in November, 2017, Trump digressed from the topic to call the North Korean leader a "sick puppy."

His comments drew hoots from the crowd.

State sponsor of terror

Trump re-designated North Korea a state sponsor of terror on Nov. 20, 2017, citing its support of international terrorism, including assassinations on foreign soil.

During a Cabinet meeting, Trump announced the designation came along with new sanctions on the murderous regime as part of the administrations maximum pressure campaign in dealing with North Korea. He said these sanctions will be the highest level of sanctions on the North.

North Korea was on the list but was taken off by the Bush administration in 2008.

Why can't we be friends?

In a series of tweets while in Vietnam, Trump said he doesn't know why the North Korean dictator would "insult" him.

Why would Kim Jong-un insult me by calling me old, when I would NEVER call him short and fat? Trump said. Oh well, I try so hard to be his friend - and maybe someday that will happen!

The comment came after Kim referred to Trump's speech in South Korea as reckless remarks by an old lunatic.

'Dont try us'

In Asia, Trump issued a stern warning to North Korea, saying it would be a fatal miscalculation for the country to attack the U.S. or an ally.

This is a very different administration than the United States has had in the past. Do not underestimate us. And do not try us, Trump said during an address at South Koreas National Assembly.

North Korea has interpreted Americas past restraint as weakness, Trump said.

'Lets make a deal'

While on his Asia trip, Trump implored North Korea to come to the table for talks on its nuclear weapons program. Trumps request for North Korea to make a deal was in stark contrast to his previous hardline rhetoric when it comes to the rogue nation.

"It makes sense for North Korea to come to the table and make a deal that is good for the people of North Korea and for the world," Trump said during a news conference alongside South Korean president Moon Jae-in in November 2017.

Trump also said hes seen a lot of progress in dealing with North Korea but still called the country a worldwide threat.

In a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo the day before, Trump repeated his assertion that the era of strategic patience with North Korea was finished.

Some people say my rhetoric is very strong but look what has happened with very weak rhetoric in the last 25 years, Trump said then.

'Rocket Man' is on a 'suicide mission'

After dubbing him Rocket Man in a tweet, Trump eventually tried out the new nickname for Kim during his inaugural address to the U.N. General Assembly.

During his speech, Trump vowed to totally destroy North Korea if the country so provokes him. He also said Kim was on a suicide mission.

No more talking

After North Korea said it successfully launched a missile over Japan, a U.S. ally, and into the Pacific Ocean, Trump initially had a subdued response.

"Threatening and destabilizing actions only increase the North Korean regime's isolation in the region and among all nations of the world," Trump said in a written statement after North Koreas missile soared almost 1,700 miles into the Pacific Ocean, triggering alert warnings in northern Japan and shudders throughout Northeast Asia. "All options are on the table."

The missile launch was said to be a precursor to North Koreas containment of the U.S. territory of Guam by Kim, according to state-run media.

But in a tweet, the president suggested the U.S. is finished talking to North Korea.

The U.S. has been talking to North Korea, and paying them extortion money, for 25 years. Talking is not the answer, Trump tweeted.

The U.S. is 'locked and loaded'

Trump took to social media in August 2017 to proclaim that the U.S. military is locked and loaded in case North Korea act[s] unwisely.

'Fire [and] fury' isn't 'tough enough'

With the threat of nuclear violence growing, Trump warned North Korea on Aug. 8, 2017 that he would unleash fire, fury and frankly power, the likes of which this world has never seen before.

But when tensions continued to rise and North Korea threatened to attack Guam, Trump said maybe that comment wasnt "tough enough."

"Lets see what [Kim] does with Guam. He does something in Guam, it will be an event the likes of which nobody has seen before  what will happen in North Korea," Trump said.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Trump was "sending a strong message to North Korea in language that Kim Jong Un can understand, because he doesnt seem to understand diplomatic language."

Kim Jong Un is 'not getting away with it'

Trump said Kim has disrespected our country greatly.

He has said things that are horrific. And with me, hes not getting away with it, Trump said. He got away with it for a long time, between him and his family. Hes not getting away with it. Its a whole new ball game.

'Strategic patience  is over'

After meeting with the South Korean president in Washington, D.C., in June 2017, Trump said that the era of strategic patience with the North Korean regime has failed.

Frankly, that patience is over, he said.

As Trump made these comments, the U.S. was rocked with the death of Otto Warmbier, the 22-year-old American college student who suffered extensive brain damage while being held captive in North Korea for more than a year.

There are 'worse things' than assassinating Kim Jong Un

In an interview with CBS News during the presidential campaign, Trump said he could get China to make [Kim Jong Un] disappear in one form or another very quickly.

When asked if he was talking about assassinating the North Korean dictator, Trump shrugged.

Well, you know, Ive heard of worse things, frankly. I mean, this guys a bad dude  and dont underestimate him, Trump said. Any young guy that can take over from his father with all those generals and everybody else that probably wants the position, this is not somebody to be underestimated.

'What the hell is wrong with speaking?'

Trump told supporters at a campaign rally in Atlanta that should Kim want to come to the U.S., he would be accept[ed].

I wouldnt go there, that I can tell you. If he came here, Id accept him, but I wouldnt give him a state dinner like we do for China and all these other people that rip us off when we give them these big state dinners, Trump said in June 2016.

What the hell is wrong with speaking? Trump said, referencing the criticism he received for being willing to talk with North Korea. Its called opening a dialogue.

'Maniac'

During a GOP presidential debate in September 2015, Trump railed on the maniac in North Korea while answering a question about Planned Parenthood and womens health issues.

Nobody ever mentions North Korea, where you have this maniac sitting there, and he actually has nuclear weapons and somebody better start thinking about North Korea and perhaps a couple of other places. But certainly North Korea, Trump said.

You have somebody right now in North Korea who has got nuclear weapons and who is saying almost every other week, Im ready to use them, and we dont even mention it, he continued.

China needs to solve the problem

Even before he was president, Trump urged China to step in and help alleviate problems with North Korea.

North Korea is reliant on China. China could solve this problem easily if they wanted to but they have no respect for our leaders, Trump tweeted in March 2013.

In April 2013, Trump continued that line of thinking, adding that North Korea cant survive, or even eat, without the help of China. He then accused China of taunting the U.S.

As president, Trump has said he is very disappointed in actions China has taken regarding North Korea, particularly allowing oil to go into the nation. He also said a Chinese envoy to North Korea had no impact on Kim.

Additionally, Trump has said hes spoken to Chinas President Xi Jinping regarding the provocative actions of North Korea as well as the planned meeting between Trump and Kim.

President Xi told me he appreciates that the U.S. is working to solve the problem diplomatically rather than going with the ominous alternative, Trump said in March 2018. China continues to be helpful!

'Wack job'

In April 2013, Trump urged then-President Barack Obama to be very careful with the 28-year-old wack job in North Korea.

At some point we may have to get very tough, he tweeted.

'Negotiate like crazy'

Trump warned that the U.S. needed to do something to stop North Korea in 1999 during an interview with the late Tim Russert on Meet the Press.

"Do you want to do it in five years when they have warheads all over the place, every one of them pointing to New York City, to Washington and every one of us, is that when you want to do it, or do you want to do something now? Trump said. You'd better do it now. And if they think you're serious  they'll negotiate and it'll never come to that.

He said then that if he ever became president, the first step he would take would be to negotiate like crazy to make sure that the country would get the best deal possible. Trump also predicted then that in three or four years, North Korea would have weapons aimed all over the world, including at the U.S.

Fox News' Adam Shaw and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Rochester Hills woman was tragically attacked by a hippopotamus on an African safari and ultimately passed away from her injuries.

Carol Kirken went to Tanzania on vacation with her family and was posting details of her trip to Facebook as late as August 5, including witnessing a migration. The same day Kirken posted about the migration, she was attacked and died in her son's arms.

'BIGFOOT' REPORTEDLY SPOTTED IN NORTH CAROLINA

"Just shock," said Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett, according to comments obtained by Fox 2 Detroit. "There are few people in the community that you think of that are absolute treasures and Carol is one of those in our community."

Hippos kill more people than any other mammal. According to data compiled by Mother Nature Network, approximately 3,000 people each year succumb to hippo-related deaths.

Family members are trying to get Kirken's body transported back to the US.

Hippo attacks have been generating considerable buzz in recent weeks.

CHUPACABRA SIGHTED IN THE CAROLINAS? STRANGE ANIMAL SPARKS DEBATE

In the African country of Niger, at least 27 hippos were destroyed last month after villagers blamed them for destroying crops and livestock.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) is warning citizens in several of its counties to be vigilant of paranormal activity associated with the upcoming total solar eclipse. Considering that the eclipse is a space event, you might think the warning is simply an amusing alert to keep an eye out for UFOs, but that's really not the cast. SCEMD is being quite specific about its advice, and it's asking citizens to be wary of Lizardmen.

It might sound like an April Fools' joke, but SCEMD's warning is apparently completely legitimate, as South Carolina has a history of Lizard Man sightings. The agency tweeted out a handy map of where Lizardmen have been spotted in the past along with an overlay of the path of the solar eclipse.

"This historical map is in response to recent media reports about possible paranormal activity associated with the upcoming total eclipse," the agency explains. "SCEMD does not know if Lizardmen become more active during a solar eclipse, but we advise that residents of Lee and Sumter counties should remain ever vigilant."

The first reported sighting of a Lizard Man in the state dates back to the 1980s. Described as a "red-eyed demon," the creature (or creatures?) have crossed paths with other South Carolina residents in the years since, with several more reports of large lizard-like creatures helping to build the local lore.

The eclipse, which is slated to take place on August 21st, is sure to be an exciting event, but if you happen to live in South Carolina it might be safer to just watch it from your windows.
Google surprised many of its workers Thursday after the company suddenly canceled a town-hall meeting in the wake of the firing of a worker who had written the controversial leaked memo on diversity.

In an email to employees, CEO Sundar Picahi said some workers had expressed concerns they would be "outed" for their questions about the company and the firing, The Wall Street Journal reported. The names of some workers who posed questions in an internal online forum reportedly leaked on multiple right-leaning websites and social media.

"Googlers are writing in, concerned about their safety and worried they may be 'outed' publicly for asking a question in the Town Hall," Picahi added.

The fired engineer, James Damore, wrote a memo criticizing Google for pushing mentoring and diversity programs and for "alienating conservatives." The parts that drew much of the outrage made such assertions as women "prefer jobs in social and artistic areas" and have a "lower stress tolerance" and "harder time" leading, while more men "may like coding because it requires systemizing."

Google's code of conduct says workers "are expected to do their utmost to create a workplace culture that is free of harassment, intimidation, bias, and unlawful discrimination." Picahi said Damore violated this code.

Damore later spoke out about the company's culture. "There was a lot of just shaming and 'no, you cant say that, thats sexist,'" he said in the interview posted online. "Theres just so much hypocrisy in a lot of things they are saying."

The fallout comes as Silicon Valley faces a watershed moment over gender and ethnic diversity.

Blamed for years for not hiring enough women and minorities -- and not welcoming them once they are hired -- tech companies such as Google, Facebook and Uber have promised big changes. These have included diversity and mentoring programs and coding classes for groups underrepresented among the companies' technical and leadership staff. Many tech companies also pledge to interview, though not necessarily hire, minority candidates.

Initially shared on an internal Google network, the memo leaked out to the public over the weekend, first in bits and pieces and then in its 10-page entirety.

It took a life of its own as outsiders weighed in. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange took to Twitter to offer Damore a job. One conservative group, Americans for Limited Government, criticized what it called Google's politically correct culture and left-wing bias. Others called for a Google boycott.

Known for its motto, "don't be evil," Google is broadly seen as a liberal-leaning company, something Damore criticized in his manifesto. Liberals and tech industry leaders came to Google's defense and denounced Damore's claims as baseless and harmful.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
An astronaut wandering the moon next year could use a smartphone to call home. A German startup is preparing to set up the first telecommunication infrastructure on the lunar surface.

The German company Part Time Scientists, which originally competed for the Google Lunar X Prize race to the moon, plans to send a lander with a rover in late 2018 to visit the landing site of Apollo 17. (Launched in 1972, this was NASA's final Apollo mission to the moon.) Instead of using a complex dedicated telecommunication system to relay data from the rover to the Earth, the company will rely on LTE technology  the same system used on Earth for mobile phone communications.

"We are cooperating with Vodafone in order to provide LTE base stations on the moon," Karsten Becker, who heads embedded electronics development and integration for the startup, told Space.com.

"What we are aiming to do is to provide commercial service to bring goods to the moon and also to provide services on the surface of the moon," Becker added.

More From Space.com Part Time Scientists

Part Time Scientists has a launch contract for late 2018 with Space X as a secondary payload on the Falcon 9 rocket. Becker said the company believes it will be the first private entity to reach the surface of the moon, suggesting that none of the Google Lunar X Prize participants are likely to meet the December 2017 deadline for the competition. (Part Time Scientists itself withdrew from the Google Lunar X Prize earlier this year due to the time constraints of the competition.)

The Falcon 9 will carry the team's spacecraft, Alina, to the geostationary transfer orbit, a highly elliptical Earth orbit whose highest point is 26,000 miles (42,000 kilometers). From there, Alina will continue on its own to the moon.

"We will soft-land on the moon and disembark our two rovers, the Audi Lunar Quatro rovers, with which we are going to drive up to Apollo 17," Becker said.

"The two rovers are essentially mobile phones that will communicate our video stream to Alina, which serves as an LTE base station, and Alina will communicate the data to us," he said.

The two rovers, which appeared in this year's "Alien: Covenant" film, will examine in detail the Apollo 17 spacecraft to see what has happened to it in its 45 years on the lunar surface.

"Using the LTE modem to transmit our data is much more energy efficient than using direct Earth communication," Becker explained.

The rover gets 90 watts of energy from its solar panel, half of which goes to driving, Becker said; previously, the other half would have to go to the modem for communicating directly to Earth. "With LTE, it's significantly less," he said.

Additionally, relaying data via the base station rather than directly to Earth solves difficulties with pointing the rover's antenna in the rough lunar terrain, Becker said.

He said Part Time Scientists does not expect Alina and the rovers to survive the lunar night because of the extreme low temperatures. However, the experience gained during the first mission will be used in subsequent missions that will aim to establish a permanent telecommunication infrastructure on the moon's surface, he said.

"We are trying to show that you can use the most widespread means of communication, which is the mobile network and particularly the LTE network, on the surface of the moon, to execute missions there," said Becker. "We are aiming to provide cost-effective solutions to problems that are arising in terms of building the lunar village."

According to Becker, Part Time Scientists plans to conduct a second mission around 2020 that would carry LTE terminals designed to survive in the harsh lunar environment for extended periods of time. The company is closely cooperating with the European Space Agency, which has proposed a lunar village concept that would lead to permanent human presence on the surface of the moon. The agency's plan would let all nations and entities contribute to the overall operations with their unique skills and expertise.

The Alina spacecraft can carry up to 100 kilograms (220 lbs.) of payload. During its first mission, the craft will carry three customer payloads, including an experiment designed by NASA Ames.

Follow us @Spacedotcom , Facebook and Google+ . Original article on Space.com .
A Republican congressman from California took to Twitter on Thursday, objecting to Googles recent firing of an employee who criticized the tech giants left-leaning corporate culture.

The mistreatment of conservatives and libertarians by tech monopolies is a civil rights issue, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Costa Mesa, tweeted.

The congressmans tweetstorm was prompted by the recent firing of James Damore, an engineer who in a recent memo criticized Google for pushing mentoring and diversity programs and alienating conservatives.

There was a lot of just shaming and no, you cant say that, thats sexist, Damore said during a video interview posted online. Theres just so much hypocrisy in a lot of things they are saying.

Damore also took heat from liberal critics after asserting in his memo that women were underrepresented at tech companies because they prefer jobs in social and artistic areas, have a lower stress tolerance, and a harder time leading, while more men may like coding because it requires systemizing.

The critics called Damores claims unsubstantiated.

But the backlash against Damore didnt sit well with Rohrabacher, a former special assistant to President Ronald Reagan who is now serving his 13th term in Congress.

I am very troubled by @googles treatment of James Damore, Rohrabacher tweeted. You shouldnt lose your job for telling the truth!

Rohrabacher, who is up for re-election in 2018, called upon Congress to launch an investigation if tech companies are shown to be mistreating conservative and libertarian employees in the future.

Meanwhile, following the firing of Damore, Google canceled a scheduled town hall-style meeting among its employees.

"Googlers are writing in, concerned about their safety and worried they may be outed publicly for asking a question in the Town Hall, CEO Sundar Picahi wrote in an internal email to employees, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Having your smartphone run out of battery power at a crucial moment can make you mad enough to spit. Fortunately, new research coming out of Binghamton University, State University of New York suggests that could one day be the perfect solution. Thats because members of the electrical and computer science department have developed the next step in microbial fuel cells (MFCs): a paper-like battery thats activated by saliva.

[We have developed] a disposable, easy-to-use, and portable biobattery that can generate power from bacterial metabolism, Professor Seokheun "Sean" Choi told Digital Trends. This battery is ready to operate with human body fluids like saliva for on-demand power generation for other disposable low-power applications, such as biosensors. The battery includes specialized bacterial cells called exoelectrogens, which have the ability to harvest electrons externally to the outside electrode. For long-term storage, the bacterial cells are freeze-dried until use. This battery can be used even in challenging environmental conditions like desert areas. All you need is an organic matter -- such as saliva -- to rehydrate and activate the freeze-dried cells.

As it turns out, this isnt the first time weve written about the use of saliva in tech. Previously weve discussed smart mouthguards and even smartphone apps that are designed to monitor health and diagnose infections through small saliva samples. However, this is the first time weve written about saliva-powered batteries.

Binghamton University

While we hope to never live in a world in which our fellow commuters start the day frantically spitting (or worse) onto their iPhones to charge them up, as Choi points out, this technology could be extremely useful in certain extreme settings.

Right now, the bacterial electricity produced isnt close to enough to power a phone. Testing of the device by the team demonstrated that it can achieve a power density of several microwatts per square centimeter, meaning that it can currently power an LED light using a single drop of spit. That means the technology is more likely to find use in powering low-energy disposable diagnostic devices in developing countries. But that's not to say the tech wont expand in the future.

We are improving the power to have more applications, Choi said. Folding or stacking paper batteries will connect them in series or parallel for further power enhancement. This could allow the researchers to expand the power of the batteries from a few microwatts into hundreds, or conceivably more.

A paper describing the work was recently published in the journal Advanced Materials Technologies.
It may sound like a script for a science fiction movie, but scientists have created the worlds first mutant ants.

Two independent research teams have harnessed the gene editing technology CRISPR to genetically alter the ants. In one study, researchers at Rockefeller University modified a gene essential for sensing the pheromones that ants use to communicate. Experts say that the resulting deficiencies in the ants social behaviors and their ability to survive in a colony, sheds light on social evolution.

It was well known that ant language is produced through pheromones, but now we understand a lot more about how pheromones are perceived, said Daniel Kronauer, head of Rockefeller Universitys Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, in a statement. The way ants interact is fundamentally different from how solitary organisms interact, and with these findings we know a bit more about the genetic evolution that enabled ants to create structured societies.

GENE EDITING BREAKTHROUGH COULD PAVE WAY FOR PIG-TO-HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANTS

CRISPR, which has been compared to a pair of molecular scissors, lets scientists alter or replace specific sections of DNA.

Scientists used CRISPR to disrupt a gene known as Orco in the clonal raider ant, species Ooceraea biroi, but then faced the challenge of keeping the mutant ants alive. We had to convince the colonies to accept the mutants. If the conditions werent right, the worker ants would stop caring for larvae and destroy them, said Rockefeller University graduate fellow Waring Trible, in the statement. Once the ants successfully made it to the adult phase, we noticed a shift in their behavior almost immediately.

While ants typically travel single file, researchers noticed that the mutant ants couldnt fall in line, along with other behavioral abnormalities.

DNA BREAKTHROUGH: SCIENTISTS REPAIR GENES IN HUMAN EMBRYOS TO PREVENT INHERITED DISEASES

The results of the study are published in the journal Cell.

A separate study, also published in the journal Cell, saw scientists target the Orco gene in the Indian jumping ant, Harpegnathos saltator. Experts note that the Indian jumping ant is unlike other ant species because only the queen can mate and pass genes onto the next generation. However, any adult female worker of the species can become a pseudo queen in the queens absence.

The second study was led by researchers from New York University, NYU School of Medicine, Arizona State University, the University of Pennsylvania and Vanderbilt University.

Ant queens suppress the ability of female workers to mate and lay eggs, although if the queen is removed, the most aggressive females, after winning a series of antenna duels with rivals, can go on to lay eggs.

DNA DISCOVERY UNRAVELS THE MYSTERY OF EARLY GREEK CIVILIZATIONS

The study engineered three mutant ants to lack the Orco gene. Without the gene, females cannot process pheromones, making them less likely to engage in dueling.

"While ant behavior does not directly extend to humans, we believe that this work promises to advance our understanding of social communication, with the potential to shape the design of future research into disorders like schizophrenia, depression or autism that interfere with it," said Claude Desplan, professor at NYU's Department of Biology, and one of the reports authors, in a statement.

In a third related study by the University of Pennsylvania, scientists injected the brain chemical corazonin into ants transitioning to become a pseudo-queen, which simulated worker-like hunting behaviors, while inhibiting pseudo-queen behavior, such as dueling and laying eggs.

DNA DISCOVERY IDENTIFIES LIVING DESCENDANTS OF BIBLICAL CANAANITES

These results are also published in the journal Cell.

Gene editing has been generating plenty of buzz recently. Earlier this week, scientists announced the elimination of viruses in pigs that could be harmful to people, utilizing the CRISPR technology. The discovery could potentially lay the foundations for pig-to-human organ transplants.

GENE EDITING BREAKTHROUGH COULD PAVE WAY FOR PIG-TO-HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANTS

In another project, researchers used gene-editing to correct a disease-causing gene mutation in human embryos, preventing the mutation from passing to future generations. In the stunning discovery, a research team led by Oregon Health and Science University reported that embryos can fix themselves if scientists jump-start the process early enough.

Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers
A supercomputer built by Hewlett Packard Enterprise will be on board a SpaceX spacecraft when it launches on a resupply mission to the International Space Station Monday. The computer will be used in a year-long high-performance computing experiment during its time in orbit.

The Spaceborne Computer will be in the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft that is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center on Aug. 14. Designed to eventually support astronauts computing and communication needs on missions to Mars, the technology will be closely monitored during its time on the ISS.

NASA SEARCHES FOR PLANETARY PROTECTION OFFICER TO SAVE EARTH FROM ALIEN CONTAMINATION

The computer harnesses HPE Apollo 40 class computer systems with a high performance computing interconnect running a Linux operating system.

We didnt make any hardware modifications to these components; instead we created a unique water-cooled enclosure for the hardware and developed purpose-built system software to address the environmental constraints and reliability requirements of supercomputing in space, explained Mark Fernandez, Americas technology officer of SGI at HPE, in an email to Fox News.

Factors that could impact computing during space missions include unstable electrical power, irregular cooling, radiation, solar flares, subatomic particles and micrometeoroids.

ASTRONAUTS GOING TO MARS COULD FACE BRAIN DAMAGE, STUDY WARNS

Generally, in order for NASA to approve computers for space, the equipment needs to be 'ruggedized'  or hardened to withstand the conditions in space," Fernandez added. "This physical hardening takes time, money and adds weight, so HPE took a different approach to harden the systems with software.

Mars is about 140 million miles away from Earth and astronauts could experience larger communication delays the closer they get to the Red Planet. It could take as much as 20 minutes for communications to reach Earth and another 20 minutes for the responses to reach astronauts, according to HPE.

HOW NASA CREWS COULD SLEEP FOR 6 MONTHS ON THE JOURNEY TO MARS

NASAs long-term goal is to send a manned mission to Mars in the 2030s. The Spaceborne Computer aims to ensure that astronauts will have sufficient tech firepower and robust communication links when they eventually journey to Mars.

This launch represents the first step into the next frontier of space explorationa mission to Mars, Fernandez told Fox News. Mars astronauts wont have near-instant access to high performance computing like those in low-earth orbit do.

Estimates of a Mars journeys duration range from six months to a year.

NASA SHOWS OFF BATMOBILE-LIKE MARS ROVER PROTOTYPE

Having a supercomputer onboard the spacecraft will allow our deep space explorers to access the data they need to meet any challenge in real time, said Fernandez. But first we need to figure out how to make a supercomputer function flawlessly in orbit. Thats what we aim to research through this experiment.

Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers
13 Images

Amazing experimental attack planes on show

The U.S. Air Force Light Attack Experiment (OA-X) is a groundbreaking event where innovative aircraft undergo a series of trials to determine how they perform in attack roles. Heres an inside look at some of the exciting aircraft on show at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico during OA-X.
The solar eclipse is going to be a huge event. So huge that the Oregon government is planning for one million people to come to the Portland, Oregon area in hopes of catching the event along the path of totality.

With so many people traveling from out of town, hotels and car rental services have been cashing in  some hotels fetching as much as $1,500 a night during the special weekend.

FANS OF MIDWEST EXPRESS AIRLINES ARE HOPING TO REVIVE CARRIER

Hertz car rental tried to capitalize on the hype by advertising their services for the event on their blog  going as far as to break down the exact times and locations are best to experience the total eclipse.

Travelers quickly snatched up the services, placing car reservations months in advance of the August 21 eclipse.

However, for many of the prepared travelers, their advance reservations were enough to secure a car rental from Hertz.

Now, two weeks before the eclipse, Hertz has placed robocalls to several hundred people who had reserved cars  many of them months in advance  to inform them that their reservation had been cancelled due to severe overbooking.

Many people have taken to social media to express their anger that the car they had reserved was no longer available. Some who had received the calls even said that when they looked back at the site to make reservations, the price had jumped from $300 for the weekend to $3,000  infuriating people even more at the price gouge, and leading some to think that Hertz is dropping reservations so they can hike up prices.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Hertz is trying to do damage control. In a statement to Inc., a Hertz spokesperson said:

We are reaching out to those customers this week to let them know that we are bringing in additional fleet from outside areas to fulfill as many customer reservations as we can.

So there may still be hope for some, but for the majority this means a spoiled vacation.
The Sun Princess cruise ship that was traveling to the South Pacific had a norovirus outbreak that sickened at least 91 passengers, Australian officials said.

Health officials discovered the cause after the ship docked Thursday morning in Brisbane, Australia, according to the Courier Mail.

The outbreak was apparently discovered on the first day of the 10-day cruise to the South Pacific, a Princess Cruises spokesperson told Fox News.

"The first case was reported on day one of the previous cruise suggesting the illness was introduced to the ship during embarkation in Brisbane," Negin Kamali, a spokesperson for Princess Cruises told Fox News.

US AIRLINES BUMP FEWER PASSENGERS AFTER DRAGGING BACKLASH

Passengers experienced diarrhea, vomiting and other syndromes, according to ABC.net.au.

We have been advised that on board testing has found norovirus to be the cause of the illness, a Queenslands Metro North Public Health Unit spokesperson told the BBC.

Princess Cruises confirmed some passengers on board Sun Princess recent cruise to the South Pacific reported norovirus symptoms, Negin Kamali, a spokesperson for Princess Cruises told Fox News.

Consistent with current public health alerts that norovirus and influenza are widespread in the general community in Australia's eastern states, New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, proactive and successful steps were taken on board Sun Princess to limit any spread of the illness.

Princess Cruises said the ship underwent a deep cleansing before it traveled again.

AMERICAS WACKIEST ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS, FROM COMBAT VEHICLES TO SUPER-HUGE GNOMES

The Sun Princess experienced two other similar outbreaks in February. About 140 people were sickened by a norovirus outbreak on the ship two weeks after 90 other passengers became sickened on the same cruise while on their journey to Papua New Guinea.
Following widespread outrage over a passenger who was violently dragged off an overbooked plane, U.S. airlines are bumping customers at the lowest rate in at least two decades.

The Transportation Department said Tuesday that just one in every 19,000 passengers was kicked off an overbooked flight in the first six months of this year.

That's the lowest rate since the government started keeping track in 1995.

The biggest decline took place between April and June, partly because airlines began paying many more passengers to give up their seats.

CRUISE SHIP HAS 10 DAY BLACKOUT TO AVOID PIRATES

Airlines have routinely overbooked flights for years in the expectation that some passengers won't show up. When a flight is overbooked, airlines typically offer travel vouchers to encourage a few passengers to take a later flight.

That practice backfired in April when United employees, whose offers of vouchers were ignored, asked Chicago airport officers to help remove four people from a United Express flight to make room for airline employees commuting to their next flight.

A 69-year-old man was dragged forcibly down the airplane aisle and other passengers captured the spectacle on camera phones, turning the incident into a public-relations disaster for United.

AIRPLANE WITH BOARDING DOOR OPEN MAKES EMERGENCY LANDING

Since then, United and other large U.S. airlines have introduced new measures to reduce overbooking, and raised the maximum amount that passengers can be offered to give up a seat.

Passengers still get bumped, however. Besides instances in which airlines sell too many seats, passengers may get booted when a mechanical breakdown causes an airline to use a smaller aircraft, or when the plane's weight must be reduced for safe takeoff.

United Airlines spokeswoman Megan McCarthy said the carrier has sharply reduced bumping since the April incident. United booted 1,964 passengers in the first six months of 2017, with more in the second quarter than the first.

However, McCarthy said, bumpings dropped from 957 in April to 61 in May and 46 in June. The Transportation Department did not provide a monthly breakdown.

Travelers were least likely to be bumped on JetBlue Airways, Hawaiian Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Spirit Airlines had the highest rate of booting passengers, although Southwest Airlines, a much bigger carrier, bumped the most people, 2,642 in six months. United's rate exactly matched in the industry average.

United, JetBlue, Delta and Southwest all convinced more passengers to give up their seats than they had in the same period a year ago.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

The Transportation Department issued the latest numbers of bumped passengers as it released its monthly report card on airline performance. The department said 76.2 percent of flights in June arrived on time, down from 78.0 percent in June 2016. The government counts a flight on time if it arrives within 14 minutes of schedule.

Hawaiian Airlines had the best rating among the 12 largest U.S. airlines, and JetBlue Airways had the worst rate  two of every five flights arrived late.

Consumer complaints about U.S. airlines ticked up 3 percent to 1,115 in June. That is a tiny fraction of the millions of airline travelers, but most people who complain go straight to the airline, not the government.

United had more complaints than average but not the worst rate. That belonged to discount carrier Spirit Airlines by a wide margin. Alaska Airlines had the lowest rate of complaints.

The on-time ratings will be expanded next year to cover 18 airlines, including Allegiant Air, a discount carrier, and Envoy Air, a major operator of American Eagle flights.
An NYPD cop was shot in Brooklyn by a deranged man with a rifle  who opened fire on him moments after he entered his apartment  and then barricaded himself inside before taking his own life, police said.

Officer Hart Nguyen, of the 75th Precinct, was hit twice in the bulletproof vest and once in the arm while responding to a call of an emotionally disturbed person at a residence in 149 Ridgewood Ave. in Cypress Hills, the sources said.

He was rushed to Jamaica Hospital and was expected to survive.

The vest definitely saved him, Mayor de Blasio said at a press conference on Thursday night.

It was initially unclear if anyone else was inside the apartment while the suspect was holed up, but sources said it was the mans mother who called the police on him.

The mother called 911 because her sons an EDP, a source explained. When [the officer] gets into the apartment, he comes out of the bedroom shooting.

Police officials later revealed that the worried woman had told cops that her son was not violent  and unarmed  but acting erratically.

Click here for more from The New York Post.

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Public universities in Arizona said Thursday they will not stop offering in-state tuition for eligible immigrants granted deferred deportation status, despite recent threats of a lawsuit from the state attorney general.

Arizona Board of Regents President Eileen Klein sent a letter to the state attorney general's office stressing that abruptly ending in-state tuition for those in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program would have "a devastating impact on hundreds of innocent young people."

The letter came after the Arizona Court of Appeals overturned a 2015 decision by a lower-court judge saying DACA recipients were considered legally present in the U.S. under federal immigration law and therefore qualified for state benefits.

The Maricopa County Community College District board said it will ask the Arizona Supreme Court to overturn the latest ruling.

If the state Supreme Court reverses the decision and allows in-state tuition rates at the community college, it would mean treating one set of DACA students differently from another because "students who have chosen to attend an Arizona public university will be denied in-state tuition while their community college counterparts are not," Klein said.

The Board of Regents, which oversees three public universities and other colleges, had voted soon after the decision to allow in-state costs to stand while the issue remains under court review.

The attorney general's office told Klein in its own letter in July that it demanded an explanation of how the board thought its position wasn't violating Arizona law. The office also threatened to take potential legal action.

In a statement to The Associated Press Thursday, Attorney General Mark Brnovich said the board's response is disappointing because it received a policy argument instead of a legal analysis.

"While we should all welcome a broader conversation about making college more affordable for everyone, tuition policies must be consistent with the law and respect Arizona voters. We're evaluating all options," the statement said.

Klein also wrote that many DACA students are Mexican and abruptly ending in-state tuition for some but not all of them will impede the state's attempts to improve relations with the country. She said the move will "undoubtedly be seen by our Southern neighbors as unnecessarily cruel and illogical."

The Trump administration has stepped up immigration enforcement and says it has not decided the fate of former President Barack Obama's DACA program.

Klein said a 2015 fallback tuition policy that gives eligible DACA students a chance to apply for the non-residential tuition rate for Arizona high school graduates, which allows them to pay 150 percent of undergraduate resident tuition, could help some but it would not eliminate or minimize the disruption.

"The reality is that most DACA students will have to end or seriously curtail their college education because they will not be able to afford attendance at our universities," Klein said.
A proposal in Congress intended to help reduce the suicide rate among U.S. military veterans might actually do more harm than good, its critics say.

The Oath of Exit Act, sponsored by a Florida Republican who lost both legs to a roadside bombing in Afghanistan, recently passed the House as a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act, Stars and Stripes reported.

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast said he created the bill in hopes of helping veterans who struggle with emotional and psychological issues.

Nearly every week I hear from a veteran who is thinking about taking their own life -- maybe walking into their garage, turning on their car and never coming out, Mast said while speaking on the House floor.

Nearly every week I hear from a veteran who is thinking about taking their own life -- maybe walking into their garage, turning on their car and never coming out.  U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla.

Mast said the idea for the oath grew from conversations he has had with friends who served in the military and had thoughts of suicide.

The plan calls for veterans to take a voluntary pledge when leaving the armed forces, to continue to look after their brothers- and sistersin-arms, as well as themselves.

However, some experts say the no-suicide contract might have the opposite effect  resulting in more veterans harming themselves.

It wont work, to put it bluntly, Craig Bryan, a psychologist and executive director of the National Center for Veterans Studies at the University of Utah, told Stars and Stripes. At best, it would be a neutral effect, but it could make things worse.

Bryan, whose research was funded by the Department of Justice, found in a six-month test period that crisis-response plans were more effective than no-suicide contracts in preventing veterans from committing suicide.

No-suicide pacts are not a new concept, and have actually been discouraged as a method for suicide prevention the past 10 years, said Caitlin Thompson, a former director of suicide prevention programs for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Stars and Stripes reported.

The wording of the oath itself could have a negative impact on veterans struggling with suicidal thoughts, Heather OBeirne Kelly, director of military and veterans health policy for the American Psychological Association, told Stars and Stripes in an email.

The Oath of Exit language, she wrote, could backfire in lethal ways, by discouraging help-seeking among veterans in crisis and engendering a false sense of security among those to whom the oath is given.

"The Oath of Exit language could backfire in lethal ways, by discouraging help-seeking among veterans in crisis and engendering a false sense of security among those to whom the oath is given.  Heather OBeirne Kelly, American Psychological Association

According to Veteran Suicide Prevention, an average of 20 veterans commit suicide each day, representing 18 percent of all suicide deaths in the United States in 2014  when veterans constituted 8.5 percent of the U.S. population.
As tensions between the U.S. and North Korea continue to escalate, Guams Homeland Security Office has released a bevy of tips for its residents to prepare in case of a missile attack.

North Korea on Thursday announced a detailed plan to launch a volley of ballistic missiles toward the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, a major military hub and home to U.S. bombers. About 7,000 military personnel and more than 160,000 Guamanians  who are U.S. citizens  reside on the island.

President Donald Trump has threatened North Korea and promised to release fire [and] fury as Guam Gov. Eddie Calvo has sought to reassure his constituents.

But while Calvo seemingly has shrugged off North Koreas threat in media interviews, the islands Homeland Security office released fact sheets informing Guamanians on what to do in the event of a missile attack.

Here are some tips from the Guam Homeland Security Office in preparation for an imminent missile threat.

Make an emergency supply kit

To prepare for an attack, the Homeland Security office encouraged residents to create an emergency disaster supplies kit  tailored to families special needs, such as senior citizens or pets.

WHERE IS GUAM AND WHY WOULD NORTH KOREA ATTACK IT?

A basic kit should include: one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, a three-day supply of nonperishable food, battery-powered or hand crank radio, flashlight, first aid kit, extra batteries, whistle, dust mask, moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties, wrench, manual can opener, local maps, and cell phone with chargers and backup batteries.

Additional items for kits could include: glasses, medications, pet food, important family documents, a fire extinguisher, matches in a waterproof container, and blankets.

The Homeland Security office recommends that people store supply kits at home, work, and in vehicles.

Find your shelters

In preparation for a potential attack, the Homeland Security office instructed residents to make a list of potential concrete shelters near [a] home, workplace and school. Basements or the windowless centers of middle floors in multilevel buildings could be good shelters, a fact sheet said.

Listen to local media

Guam Homeland Security spokeswoman Jenna Gaminde told the Pacific Daily News that residents immediately would be warned by the All-Hazards Alert Warning System sirens across the island.

TRUMP SAYS US IS LOCKED AND LOADED AMID NORTH KOREA THREAT

If you hear the sirens, tune into local media  radio, print, television  for further instructions, she said.

Stay inside

The fact sheet states that staying inside of a building  preferably made of concrete or brick  is the safest place for residents during an attack. Residents also should expect to stay inside for at least 24 hours during an attack.

It can save your life, the fact sheet said.

Wait for blasts

If caught outside during an attack, the Homeland Security office warned residents not to look at a flash or fireball as they could be blinding.

The office also instructed Guamanians to lie flat on the ground with heads covered and wait.

If the explosion is some distance away, it could take 30 seconds or more for the blast wave to hit, the office said.
EXCLUSIVE - Guccifer, the Romanian hacker who first revealed to the world that Hillary Clinton used a non-secure private email address while serving as secretary of state, has reached out to Fox News from behind prison bars in Arad, Romania to argue that he shouldnt be sent back to the U.S. to serve another jail sentence.

Marcel Lehel Lazar, 45, known by his famous moniker "Guccifer," told Fox he wants to stay in a Romanian prison and not be returned to America to serve his 52-month sentence for U.S. computer hacking crimes involving unauthorized access to a protected computer and aggravated identity theft.

Lazar made a series of calls to Fox Senior Executive Producer Pamela Browne from the prison where he is finishing his seven-year sentence for hacking crimes committed in his native country. After giving permission to be recorded by Fox, Lazar said he has an upcoming mid-August court hearing in Timisoara, the third largest city in western Romania, and will ask judiciary authorities to allow him to serve his U.S. and Romanian sentences concurrently in his country.

His wife and family live near the prison.

Lazar does not deny he hacked over 100 Americans, including Clinton confidant Sidney Blumenthal, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, and members of the Bush family using Russian proxy servers because they were the fastest.

In the midst of the highly contentious U.S. presidential campaign, on March 31, 2016, Lazar was extradited to the U.S. from his Romanian cell. Meanwhile, the FBI was pursuing its criminal investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a non-secure private server and multiple non-government issued devices while she served as secretary of state. The timing for Lazars extradition remains striking in the overlap of the cases.

Indeed, the summer of 2016 was a 'summer of hacking' and to this day, Guccifer's hacking remains at the epicenter.

After he pled guilty to two of the nine counts against him, Lazar was sentenced on September 1, 2016 to 52 months by U. S. District Court Judge James C. Cacheris, who noted that Lazar was cooperative with U.S. government officials, including the FBI. Still, the judge imposed a harsh sentence, citing escalated cyberattacks against Americans, the hacking of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), and other revelations by WikiLeaks.

During Lazar's sentencing, Cacheris specifically noted that Romanian prison conditions are much "worse" than in the U.S.

In his wide-ranging new interview, Lazar weighed in on several current events, including a bombshell claim as to why he believes the hackers behind "Guccifer 2.0," who claimed to have hacked into the DNC computer network, are not "the Russians" but instead the "U.S. government." Lazar told Fox the idea came from one his handlers assigned to the State Department during his extradition plane ride to the U.S. in spring 2016.

Ok, so now, now I think that it is maybe Guccifer two-zero, the State Department, or this guy from the State Department, who is handling my case, he said. I think it was more like they were planning this. I mean they, this guy from the State Department.

So I think Guccifer two-zero is an inside job, Lazar added. I think Guccifer two-zero is something made from some guys at the State Department. Some guys from the cyber command of the NSA, and some guys from the Vault, Vault 7 of the CIA. So there are these guys, you know Pam, I'm in this business for sort of 15 years now, this is my take on this whole. They were setting up something of Guccifer two-zero. Because the State Department guy was asking me, 'What is your opinion,' or something like this, 'what do you say if another Guccifer is showing up?'

And I said, 'You know something, I expect that not one, but one hundred Guccifers will show up.'

Lazar has made repeated claims to Fox News that he had successfully breached Clinton's private server. In May 2016, he made the same claims to NBC News. Today, Lazar still adamantly maintains that he breached Clinton's server in Chappaqua, New York despite a denial by former FBI Director James Comey. In a House hearing on July 7, 2016, Comey, responded to a question from Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Texas, that Lazar lied about hacking into Clinton's server. Comey said, "He did not. He admitted that was a lie," but added: "We do assess that hostile actors gained access to the private commercial email accounts of people with whom Secretary Clinton was in regular contact from her personal account."

The FBI's files on the case showed that Clinton's private server was targeted immediately after "IP addresses from Russia and Ukraine attempted to scan the server on March 15, 2013, the day after the Blumenthal compromise, and on March 19 and March 21, 2013."

According to Lazar's highly redacted FBI 302 witness summary, reviewed by Fox News, Lazar hacked Blumenthal in March 2013. He said it only took him 20 minutes to get inside Blumenthal's AOL account. Once inside, "Lazar recalled that Blumenthal's account contained approximately 30,000 emails, which took him approximately six to seven hours to sort and review. Lazar downloaded approximately 25 attachments that were contained in the emails, including memorandums and briefing documents. He recalled that some of those attachments were official memos between Blumenthal and Clinton. Additionally, Lazar took screenshots of other items in the account that he deemed to be of interest. Lazar recalled taking a screenshot of an email that contained information related to the Benghazi incident." On Page 32 Lazar noted, "One of the screenshots captured a list of 19 foreign policy and intelligence memos authored by Blumenthal for Clinton."

It was Lazars 2013 compromise of Blumenthal's email accounts that sent Clinton's aides into a frenzy of reaction, hammering non-secure Blackberrys . Blumenthal, although not listed by name, was Victim No. 5 in the (Plea Agreement) federal court proceedings against Lazar. The hacking of Blumenthal's account, although not listed by name, was part of Lazar's criminal conviction.

In a controversial July 2016 press conference, the former FBI Director declared that Hillary Clinton and her colleagues were extremely careless in their handling of very sensitive, highly classified information and had sent seven e-mail chains which concerned matters that were classified at the Top Secret/Special Access Program level when they were sent and received. However, Comey said that Clintons email practices were not criminal.

Lazar also offered Fox a new theory that Clinton's server was compromised as early as 2012 by multiple countries.

Look, about the server in Chappaqua, in New York state, he said. That server was scanned well before me. It was scanned 2012, from IP numbers in Serbia, Belgrade, it was scanned again in 2013 from IPs in Ukraine and Russia. The point is, somebody had mirrored, had copied, mirrored the whole server of Hillary Clinton, the question is how many countries. One, two or three? At one point, it was the whole server. I just think, I'm sure some people, I can say some people, I'm sure some people have the server contents.

Its not the case that it was or it was not mirrored, her server, he said. The case is how many people did this. How many countries?

Asked if he thought there had been at least three intrusions between 2012 and 2013, Lazar replied, Yeah. Yeah. In 2012, it was, there were from Serbia, in '13, they were from Ukraine and Russia. I mean this is information from all sources.

Morgan Wright, cybersecurity analyst and senior fellow at the Center for Digital Government, told Fox News, "There is nothing inconsistent about Lazars statement, given the facts that Mrs. Clinton had a third rate homebrew setup while serving as secretary of state." As a security expert, he added, 'I would have expected it. Mrs. Clinton visited hostile countries with her unsecure devices--including Blackberrys and iPads--and her communications would have been targeted by foreign intelligence agencies."

Fox News spoke to both Romanian and U.S. authorities associated with Lazar's case and upcoming August court hearing. No one would comment on the record, with a State Department spokesman saying to contact the FBI, who declined to comment as did a spokesman for the Eastern District Department of Justice.

Fox was told by multiple sources that there are still outstanding legal matters in Lazar's case.

Recently returning from Romania, Father Chris Terhes, a dual Romanian and American citizen and president of the Romanian Community Coalition in California, said, "Marcel Lazar's attorney contacted us to look into his case."

Terhes was referring to the nearly six months Lazar was held at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention center in Alexandria, Virginia after his 2016 extradition to the U.S.

He told Fox in email and phone conversations that "Romania refuses to acknowledge the sentence he (Lazar) received in the United States, which is violating his rights and the law. As far as the pretrial detention time he spent in a U.S....this period of time is not acknowledged by either the U.S. or Romania, so he has to serve this time again, which is absurd."

Referring to the Romanian justice system, he added, "what we saw in his (Lazar's) court case in Romania is another proof of how the rights and the law means nothing to many Romanian judges."

Meanwhile, in the U.S. as Special Counsel Robert Mueller expands his investigation into possible ties between President Trump's campaign and Russia, Lazar still remains the only person behind bars who has been connected to the Clinton email affair. Lazar does not believe a Russian connection will be found because, "the Russians are more skillful than this, to let the tracks saved in the documents point to them. So, this is made by the other guys who want to put and point to the Russians."

And as for how President Donald Trump is doing? "People don't give him enough credit...understand-- the guy is not a politician, but he wants the good of his country. Ok."
An Alabama high school teacher accused of having sex with two male students has had her criminal case tossed by a judge who ruled the state's teacher-student sex law unconstitutional.



Decatur High School history teacher Carrie Witt, 44, was charged with having sex with a male student who was 17 when the relationship started, and another male student who was 18.

She convinced Circuit Court Judge Glen Thompson that in Alabama the age of consent is 16 and that police never had accused her of having used her position to coerce the students into having a sexual relationship.

Had it have been some sort of coercion it would be a different story, her attorney Robert Tuten told Fox News Friday. The state has never said it was other than consensual. If that is the case they cannot charge (her) with a crime.

He added: It doesnt mean we think teachers should be having sex with students, but this is not the way to handle that.

Tuten said Witt was glad the judge had ruled in her favor.

Alabama lawmakers made teacher-student sex under the age of 19 a crime in 2010.

Decatur police arrested Witt in 2016 after investigating a complaint that she had been involved in a sexual relationship with a student younger than 19. She was placed on administrative leave after her arrest and has been free on $10,000 bail.

Thompson found that while there may be a gap in power between teacher and student, it "clearly does not exist between every school employee and every student regardless of where that student is enrolled," WHNT-TV reported.

He held that prosecutors must prove a school employee was actually in a position of authority over the victim/student and that the position of authority was abused to obtain consent, according to the station.

The statute at hand embeds an irrebuttable presumption that any sexual encounter between an employee of any school and any student (without qualification as to class, school, or school system) is conclusively the result of misuse of authority," wrote the judge, the station reported.

The law takes away the right of the employee to assert a defense that legal consent that was freely and legitimately given  abrogating the students capacity to consent.

Thompsons ruling also dismissed a case against David Solomon, a Falkville High School teachers aide charged last year with having sex with a 17-year-old female student.
The individual trapped in the screen to the left is Dr. Paul Lasky. Although I stated trapped, he voluntarily gave up his time at in Melbourne to videoconference with our 2017 SHSU BLAsT class at the CSIRO Astronomy and Space Sciences campus in Marsfield, NSW. This Monash University researcher is a member of the Australian Centre for Gravitational Wave Research (OzGrav), the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, and the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array. Today we traveled back in time to 1915 when Einstein presented his theory of gravity to the Prussian Academy, neatly explaining the orbit of Mercury and revolutionizing the way we think about gravity. Einstein presented what looked like a pretty simple field equation which solved some of the problems in the way gravity behaved and that couldnt be fit by Newtons theory. Einsteins weird idea was supported in 1919 by Sir Arthur Eddington and colleagues, who observed bending starlight during the solar eclipse. In fact, this is something that our group is HOPING to witness in Casper, Wyoming, during the upcoming total eclipse. Despite looking simple, Einsteins equation is so hard to comprehend that most physics departments do not even present it to university students until they are upperclassmen.

Now we traveled forward in time, and Dr. Lasky told us that without this equation we would not have advancements such as GPS, understanding neutron stars, and the discovery of black holes.

Black holes were really where Laskys story took off. Like ducks swimming across a pond, black holes  and all masses, for that matter - create ripples in spacetime. These ripples can even be detected when something extreme happens, like two merging black holes. In fact this is what our gravitational wave telescopes first detected in September 2015. The black holes in question were orbiting each other at about half the speed of light, (really freaking fast!). They merged within a fraction of a second, sending out these ripples we call gravitational waves. These black holes were about 30 times the size of our sun, and their merger released more energy than the rest of the universe combined during that fraction of a second. Seems easy to detect, right?

Wrong.

Meet LIGO! These two facilities detected the merging of the two black holes by using a highly sensitive laser. LIGO shoots a laser into a mirror down two arms, which then reflect the light back and scientists can measure how well the light waves match up after the return trip. When a gravitational wave rolls through, this stretches and compresses spacetime, so one arms laser will come back a bit earlier or later compared to the other. How much earlier or later? Well, the wave we felt changed the size of LIGOs 4-km-long detection arms by one-thousandth the width of a proton at which point the whole class went, Whaa!? This is due in part to the billion or so light years of distance between us and the merging black holes, and also to the fact that gravitational waves are so week. And since we cant feel or measure this on our own, we need a large, highly sensitive machine like LIGO. With this technology, we can ride the wave to a future with better understanding of our universe. Cowabunga Dude!

ABOUT (one of) THE AUTHORS:

My name is Abigail Stephens and I am a senior at Sam Houston State University with a major in Communication Studies and a minor in Family and Consumer Science. I chose to come on this study-abroad because I've always wanted to know more about astronomy, and this would be the most hands on I would ever get. Between comparing the skies in both hemispheres and ending with a total solar eclipse, this is a bucket list trip!
The Latest on memorial for Australian woman shot and killed by a Minneapolis police officer (all times local):

8:05 p.m.

The fiance of Justine Damond, an Australian woman shot and killed by a Minneapolis police officer, has told more than 200 mourners "it felt like a privilege to love Justine."

Don Damond spoke Friday night at the memorial at a stage at Lake Harriet in southwest Minneapolis. He shared with the crowd some of the optimism expressed in three or four pages of words she would free-write every morning.

He said, he had "immense gratitude for being the one she chose." They were scheduled to be married next week.

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7:55 p.m.

The father of an Australian woman shot and killed by a Minneapolis police officer says at her public memorial service that "you have stolen our daughter and ripped her from our arms."

John Ruszczyk choked back tears as he talked about the pain of the loss of his daughter, Justine Damond. She was planning to get married next week.

Ruszczyk spoke at the memorial Friday night at a band shell at Lake Harriet in southwest Minneapolis.

He said: "Justine my daughter was killed by a bullet fired by an agent of the state. I don't understand. I should have been on a plane to her wedding but we were flying to her funeral."

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6:35 p.m.

Mourners wearing heart-shaped stickers have gathered at a lakefront stage to remember an Australian woman shot and killed by a police officer responding to her 911 call.

A banner above the band shell at Lake Harriet in southwest Minneapolis reads, "Move from fear and survival to fascination and creation." An Australian flag stood on the sage next to a large color photo of Justine Damond and pink and white flowers.

The 40-year-old was fatally shot by Officer Mohamed Noor on July 15 after she called 911 to report a possible sexual assault near her home. A man at the back of the crowd held a sign that read, "NOOR RESIGN NOW."

Damond was engaged to be married in August. Her fiance, Don Damond, and her father, John Ruszczyk, were among those scheduled to speak at the public memorial.

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12:25 p.m.

A judge has approved a search warrant for investigators to examine the smartphones of two Minneapolis police officers in the fatal shooting of an Australian woman last month.

The search warrant application was filed Thursday. It shows that an agent with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension requested permission to download data from the iPhones issued by the Minneapolis Police Department.

The application says the information "may more clearly define" the officers' actions before and after 40-year-old Justine Damond (DAY'-mund) was killed on July 15.

Investigators have said Officer Mohamed Noor shot Damond after she called 911 to report a possible sexual assault near her home.

Noor's partner told investigators a noise startled him just before Damond approached their police SUV. Noor was in the passenger seat and shot Damond through the open driver-side window.

Noor has declined to be interviewed by investigators and cannot be compelled to do so.

(This item has been corrected to show Damond was killed on July 15, not July 14.)

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12:15 a.m.

An Australian woman shot and killed by a Minneapolis police officer responding to her 911 call will be remembered at a public memorial at a lake near her home.

The life of 40-year-old Justine Damond (DAY'-mund) will be celebrated Friday night at Lake Harriet Band Shell in southwest Minneapolis.

Damond was fatally shot by Officer Mohamed Noor on July 15 after she called 911 to report a possible sexual assault near her home.

Damond was engaged to be married in August. Her fiance, Don Damond, and her father, John Ruszczyk, are among those scheduled to speak at the memorial.

Attendees are encouraged to wear blue to honor Justine Damond. The memorial will end with a silent walk around Lake Harriet.
The Latest on a World War II veteran returning a flag taken from a fallen Japanese soldier in 1944 (all times local):

10:40 a.m.

A World War II veteran who's returning a battlefield flag to the family of a long-dead Japanese soldier has arrived in Tokyo.

Marvin Strombo landed Friday after flying from Portland, Oregon, to bring back the keepsake to the family of Yasue Sadao. He was greeted at the Tokyo airport by Japanese reporters.

The 93-year-old took the flag off Yasue's body during a 1944 battle on the Pacific island of Saipan but always regretted it.

He recently connected with the nonprofit Obon Society in Oregon, which identified the Japanese soldier using calligraphy on the flag and found his surviving siblings.

Strombo will travel next week to the remote mountain village of Higashi Shirakawa to return the flag to Yasue's elderly brother and two sisters.
The U.S. Marine Corps has ordered all its aircraft grounded for a 24 hour-period following two deadly recent crashes in which 19 service members were killed.

General Robert B. Neller, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, directed U.S. Marine Corps aviation units to conduct an operational reset for a 24 hour-period where no flight operations will take place but no operational commitments will be impacted, the USMC said in a statement Friday.

This operational reset will occur within the next two weeks and will be taken at the discretion of commanders, based on their unit's operational commitments, to focus on the fundamentals of safe flight operations, standardization, and combat readiness, the statement continued.

The move affects about 1,000 aircraft in total, including those currently deployed, a U.S. Marine Corps spokesman confirmed to Fox News. It is up to unit commanders to choose which day during the next two weeks to do the grounding to avoid affecting current operations.

MARINE CORPS LIFTS GROUNDING OF MV-22 OSPREY AND OTHER AIRCRAFT IN DEPLOYED UNIT FOLLOWING CRASH

On Monday, the submerged wreckage of a U.S. military aircraft was found two days after it crashed off the east coast of Australia, killing three U.S. Marines. The MV-22 crashed while on final approach to USS Green Bay, a Navy amphibious ship off the east coast of Australia.

And in July, 15 Marines and one Navy Corpsman were killed when their U.S. military plane spiraled out of the sky and crashed in a Mississippi field.

News of the grounding comes after President Donald Trump tweeted on Friday morning, in response to threats from North Korea, Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!

The USMC said that the 24 hour-period grounding is not unusual.

Pauses in operations are not uncommon and are viewed as a responsible step to refresh and review best practices and procedures so our units remain capable, safe, and ready, the USMC said in their statement.

The last time a fleet-wide aviation operational pause occurred was August 2016.

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Muslim woman was awarded $85,000 by the city of Long Beach Tuesday after she sued the citys police for removing her hijab against her will during an arrest in May 2015.

Kirsty Powell, an African-American Muslim, filed the lawsuit in 2016, causing the Long Beach Police Department to change its policy regarding inmates wearing head scarves due to their religion, according to The Los Angeles Times. Police originally banned inmates from wearing head scarves.

There really is no justification for taking off a persons religious headgear, Marwa Rifahie, Powells attorney, told The Los Angeles Times.

CALIFORNIA BILLIONAIRE ORDERED TO RESTORE PUBLIC ACCESS TO $32.5M BEACHFRONT PROPERTY

Powell was arrested in May 2015 after she and her husband were pulled over by two officers due to the lowrider vehicle he was driving, Rifahie said.

After officers had checked Powells identification, they discovered she had three misdemeanor warrants on her record. The warrants were for resisting arrest, car theft and petty theft.

Rifahie said her client had no recollection of a warrant being sent out for a petty theft offense in 2002. The other two warrants were apparently not for Powell but for her sister, who falsely utilized her name, the federal lawsuit stated.

When officers went to arrest Powell, she asked them to deploy a female officer to the incident because physical contact must be done by a woman, the lawsuit stated.

RESCUERS SEEK TO RECOVER STUDENTS BODIES FROM CAR IN CALIFORNIA RIVER

The officers declined her request and told Powell to remove her hijab. Powell refused and told them: that she wears a hijab in accordance with her religious practice and that it is her legal right to wear it, according to the lawsuit.

After she was booked at the Long Beach police station, officers removed her hijab while in the view of male officers and inmates.

Powell was without her hijab for 24 hours until she was released.

She was held in the jail overnight, forced to sit in a cell feeling distraught, vulnerable and naked without her headscarf to everyone that passed, according to the lawsuit. She cried throughout the ordeal and experienced humiliation when both her religious beliefs and personal integrity were violated. She felt that the male officers and male inmates had seen parts of her body that they should not have seen, according to her religious beliefs.

Powell contacted CAIR, Council on American-Islamic Relations, following the ordeal. She filed a lawsuit in April 2016 and claimed the citys police violated her 1st Amendment rights and Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. The act protects individuals, houses of worship, and other religious institutions from discrimination in zoning and landmarking laws, according to the Department of Justice.

Following the suit, the department changed its policies. Female officers can take off a female inmates head covering when necessary for officer safety, Monte Machit, Long Beachs assistant city attorney, said. The religious head covering would then be delivered back to the inmate.
A hospital in New Hampshire reportedly had a chemical release in its emergency room that affected multiple patients on Friday.

At least 20 patients from the Exeter Hospital were evacuated from the emergency room to an area outside the hospital for treatment, according to NBC Boston. At least 17 hospital staff members were also evacuated from the building, according to CBS News. Aerial footage from local media outlets captured patients on hospital beds outdoors and doctors treating them.

The hospital told CBS News in a statement that a few patients reported dizziness Friday morning from an unknown cause. The hospital shuttered the operating and emergency rooms out of an abundance of caution.

Epping Fire told NBC News they were called for a carbon monoxide problem.

"What we know is patients were being treated in the [operating room] with flu-like symptoms when those treating them also started feeling ill, so the OR was shut down and people were moved to the ER for treatment," the town manager, Russell Dean, said following the incident.

"The same thing happened there, so the ER was shut down and a staging area has been set up outside the main hospital, with patients being transported to area hospitals."

Dean said officials are investigating what caused the possible leak.
Rescuers say they are trying to devise a plan to recover the bodies of two crash victims, whose car plunged down a cliff two weeks ago and now is perched precariously on a rock in the middle of a raging California river.

The effort involves the military which used a Chinook helicopter to survey the area Thursday, the Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims said. She confirmed two bodies are in the car.

Several ideas on how to best approach the recovery are being discussed, she said.

The victims are Bhakapon Chairatanathongporn, 28, and Thiwadee Saengsuriyarit, 24, exchange students from Thailand attending the University of South Florida, according to reports.

A relative of one of the victims has criticized the recovery effort, which has been big news in the Thai media, the Fresno Bee reported Thursday.

Two weeks have passed and the state of California failed to retrieve the bodies of both students, Chairanathongporns uncle said in an August 9 letter to the U.S. embassy in Thailand, according to the paper.

Had this incident occurred in Thailand, the Thai rescue team would have been able to complete the operation within 12 hours regardless (of) the weather condition without the assistance of a helicopter, the uncle Ekachai Taidecha said.

The uncle said he is working on sending a Thai rescue team to California to recover the bodies, according to the paper.

To reiterate, recovering the bodies is a top priority, but the safety of our personnel is also a top concern, and it will dictate any efforts we make moving forward with the operation, Mims said Thursday.

The students were in a rental car on Highway 180 on July 26 when it went through a guardrail, off a 500-foot cliff and into the Kings River, about 75 miles east of Fresno, Mims said.

Photos of skid marks suggest the students failed to negotiate a turn.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

Family members of the two students arrived in Los Angeles Saturday and went to the crash site where a monk led them in Buddhist prayer, said the Thai consulate, according to The Associated Press.
North Korea has announced a detailed plan to launch a salvo of ballistic missiles toward the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, a major military hub and home to U.S. bombers. If carried out, it would be the North's most provocative missile launch to date.

Here's a closer look at Guam and its role in the U.S. and North Korea's ongoing war of words.

THE LATEST

North Korea warned that they are finalizing a plan to fire four Hwasong-12 missiles over Japan and into waters around Guam. Japan and South Korea vowed a strong reaction if the North were to go through with the plan. The North said the plan, which involves the missiles hitting waters 19 to 25 miles (30 to 40 kilometers) from the island, could be sent to leader Kim Jong Un for approval within a week or so. It would be up to Kim whether the move is actually carried out.

President Donald Trump responded that perhaps his 'fire and fury' warning "wasn't tough enough." North Korea "better get their act together or they are going to be in trouble like few nations have ever been in trouble," the president told reporters while on vacation at his New Jersey golf club before a security briefing with top advisers.

GEOGRAPHIC BASICS

The strip of land in the western Pacific Ocean is roughly the size of Chicago, and just 4 miles (6 km) wide at its narrowest point. It is about 2,200 miles (3,500 km) southeast of North Korea, much closer than it is to any of the United States. Hawaii is about 4,000 miles (6,500 km) to the east. Its proximity to China, Japan, the Philippines and the Korean Peninsula has long made the island an essential possession of the U.S. military.

U.S. RELATIONSHIP

Guam was claimed by Spain in 1565 and became a U.S. territory in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. Japan seized it for about 2 years during World War II. In 1950, an act of Congress made it an unincorporated organized territory of the United States. It has limited self-government, with a popularly elected governor, small legislature, and non-voting delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives. Residents do not pay U.S. income taxes or vote in the general election for U.S. president. Its natives are U.S. citizens by birth.

MILITARY HISTORY

The U.S. keeps a Naval base and Coast Guard station in the south, and an Air Force base in the north that saw heavy use during the Vietnam War. While already taking up 30 percent of the island, the American military has been seeking to increase its presence by relocating to Guam thousands of Marines who are currently based in Okinawa, Japan. Protecting the island is the U.S. Army's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, which is used to shoot down ballistic missiles. While there has been some resistance and displeasure from the people of Guam over the U.S. military's presence, it is also essential to the island's economy, second only to tourism in importance.

PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT

The island was first populated about 4,000 years ago by the ancestors of the Chamorros, still the island's largest ethnic group. Now, about 160,000 people live on Guam. Its capital city is Hagatna and its largest city is Dededo. Its chief languages are English and Chamorro. It has seen various popular movements pushing for greater self-government or even U.S. statehood, most notably a significant but failed effort in the 1980s to make it a commonwealth on par with Puerto Rico.

MILITARY INSTALLATIONS AND THIER SIGNIFICANCE

There are two major bases on Guam: Andersen Air Force Base in the north and Naval Base Guam in the south. They are both managed under Joint Base Marianas. The tourist district of Tumon, home to many of Guam's hotels and resorts, is in between. The air base was built in 1944, when the U.S. was preparing to send bombers to Japan during World War II. Today, Naval Base Guam is the home port for four nuclear-powered fast attack submarines and two submarine tenders. Andersen Air Force Base hosts a Navy helicopter squadron and Air Force bombers that rotate to Guam from the U.S. mainland. It has two 2-mile (3-kilometer) -long runways and large fuel and munitions storage facilities. Altogether, 7,000 U.S. military personnel are stationed on Guam.

GUAM AND NORTH KOREAN THREAT

The U.S. military began rotating bombers  the B-2 stealth bomber as well as the B-1 and B-52  to Andersen in 2004. It did so to compensate for U.S. forces diverted from other bases in the Asia-Pacific region to fight in the Middle East. The rotations also came as North Korea increasingly upped the ante in the standoff over its development of nuclear weapons. In 2013, the Army sent a missile defense system to Guam called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense or THAAD. It's designed to destroy ballistic missiles during their final phase of flight. A THAAD battery includes a truck-mounted launcher, tracking radar, interceptor missiles and an integrated fire control system.
Police in a New York City suburb are searching for the culprits who destroyed a couple's food truck used for charity events.

WCBS-TV reports Ricardo Salazar was shocked to find the food truck he and his wife own destroyed last month. Salazar says vandals smashed the windows and stole a grill and propane tanks.

Salazar and his wife have given away sandwiches at events organized by the March of Dimes, Wounded Warriors and other charities since buying and restoring the truck last year. He says the truck was a point of pride for him and his wife.

Salazar says he can't even move the truck because the ignition barrel is broken. He and his wife kept the truck in a Pearl River lot near his job.

Police are investigating.

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Information from: WCBS-TV, http://www.cbs2ny.com
North Korea launched what it called a successful missile in August that flew over Japan and into the northern Pacific Ocean  an apparent threat to Guam, according to its state run media.

After the launch, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for even more weapons launches targeting the Pacific Ocean to advance his countrys ability to contain the U.S. territory of Guam, state media said.

The launch seemed designed to show that North Korea can back up a threat to target Guam, if it chooses to do so, while also establishing a potentially dangerous precedent that could see future missiles flying over Japan.

Guam, a U.S. territory in the western Pacific Ocean, is tiny  but its strategic location is of great importance, especially to the U.S. military.

Heres a rundown on the island and its significance.

Location

Roughly 2,100 miles south of North Korea, Guam is one of the U.S. territories closest to Asia.

Guam, which is 210 square miles, is nearly 4,000 miles west of Hawaii.

Its proximity to China, Japan, the Philippines and the Korean Peninsula has long made the island an essential position for the U.S. military.

Military importance

Reportedly called Americas permanent aircraft carrier by military commanders, Guam is home to some 7,000 U.S. service members. Its total population is more than 162,000, according to the latest census data.

The U.S. keeps a Naval base and Coast Guard station in the south, and an Air Force base in the north that saw heavy use during the Vietnam War.

While already taking up 30 percent of the island, the American military has been seeking to increase its presence by relocating thousands of Marines, who are currently based in Okinawa, Japan, to Guam.

Former Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work said in 2014 that Guam increasingly has become a strategic hub for the U.S. military.

Guam has always been a central part of our plans, Work said then. Certainly, a central part of the Navys plans, but now a central part of the entire Department of Defenses plans.

Guam is also armed with the U.S. Armys missile defense system  known as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD  the same system recently installed in South Korea.

While the 162,000 Guamanians on the island rely primarily on tourism, the U.S. military is also essential to the islands economy.

Relationship with the U.S.

Though Guam was initially claimed by Spain in 1565, it became a U.S. territory in 1898 during the Spanish-American War.

Japan seized it for more than two years during World War II. But in 1950, an act of Congress made it an unincorporated organized territory of the United States.

Guam has limited self-government, with a popularly elected governor, small legislature and a non-voting delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives. Residents do not pay U.S. income taxes or vote in the general election for president, but they are U.S. citizens by birth.

Guams response

Despite the growing concerns and threats, Guamanians feel reassured and protected by the military.

"I feel that the presence of the military on Guam will help us a lot," said Virgie Matson, 51, a resident of Dededo, Guam's most populated village. "They are here to protect the islands, just in case something happens."

A missile launched from North Korea would only take about 14 minutes to reach the island, Guam Homeland Security spokeswoman Jenna Gaminde told the Pacific Daily News. And if a missile would be fired, Guam residents would be notified immediately through alert sirens.

In an interview with Fox News, Guam Gov. Eddie Calvo dismissed the continuing threats from North Korea, chalking them up to the nations position of fear.

There is a defense umbrella contained within South Korea, there is a defense umbrella for Japan, there are naval assets between Korea, Japan and Guam, and there is a missile defense system of Guam that make up a multi-level defensive umbrella, Calvo said.

Calvo thanked Trump for his support in a recent phone call and said "everyone should be unifying behind our president."

"Mr. President, as the governor of Guam representing the people of Guam and as an American citizen, I have never felt more safe or as confident with you at the helm," Calvo said. "We need a president like you, so I'm just so thankful, and I'm glad you're holding the helm, sir."

Trump responded that Guam shouldn't "have to worry about a thing." He also said tourism in Guam will "go up ten-fold."

Guam Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio called Kim Jong Un the demon in the rising tensions and said threats from North Korea arent uncommon.

We know that multiple layers of defense that protect our island, along with the rest of our partners and our allies in the region, we have confidence in them, Tenorio told Fox Business.

"An attack or threat to Guam is a threat or attack on the United States," Calvo, who has been in contact with White House officials said. "They have said that America will be defended."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The South Middleton School Board has launched an expedited search for a new district superintendent with the goal of appointing a successor to Alan Moyer by early October.

The board Monday hired Templeton Advantage of Newport to conduct a search for candidates for the chief executive job at a cost not to exceed $11,750.

Moyer announced in early July that he plans to retire from public education on Aug. 18 after almost 36 years in the field. He has been superintendent of South Middleton School District since August 2013.

Board members could vote Aug. 21 to put into place interim leadership to manage the district during the search, board president Michael Berk said. The school year begins a week later on Aug. 28.

Options include bringing in someone from the outside or appointing an acting superintendent from the current administration. Im not going to make a comment on that now, Berk said. The board is still deliberating.

We want to make sure we do our due diligence, he said. The board decided to put together a timeline that would wrap up a search by the end of September. By the beginning of October, we will name our next superintendent.

Board meetings that month are scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 2, and Oct. 16, in the board room at the Iron Forge Elementary School.

If the board appoints a superintendent from within the district, that person could start almost immediately, Berk said. The start date for someone outside the district could be delayed as long as 60 days until that person is released from his or her current job.

The plan going forward is to advertise the superintendent vacancy as soon as possible in order to receive applications by early September, Berk said. He said the whole board will be involved in screening the applications for the first round of interviews that could be scheduled the week of Sept. 11. A second round of interviews could take place the week of Sept. 25.

The board will work with Templeton Advantage to schedule stakeholder meetings early in the search for input from teachers, parents, students and the community on what district priorities are important to look for in a new superintendent, Berk said.

He said he is confident the board is not being too hasty with its abbreviated timetable. The search that hired Moyer took about six to nine months instead of less than two months.

Berk said there has been advanced notice of the pending vacancy for about a month now in public education circles. He said technology has improved since the last search in getting the word out to professionals looking for opportunities.

Tom Templeton is the founder and project manager of Templeton Advantage. He was the consultant South Middleton School Board hired in 2013 to find a replacement for Patricia Sanker.

We are very familiar with his work, Berk said. Having been here before, he knows our district. We wanted this to be a thorough, but shorter search. He asked him to set some parameters.

District Operations and Business Manager Matthew Ulmer said the hope is the district could absorb the $11,750 consulting fee using money saved from not having to pay the full salary of a superintendent during the search period. Otherwise the district would have to use funds drawn from its reserves to pay the consulting bill.

The school board Monday formally accepted the resignation of Alan Moyer as district superintendent. With Al, he put our students first. That was always his primary objective, Berk said. He never lost his sense of optimism and commitment to the school district.

Moyer is leaving South Middleton for the job of lecturer and coordinator of the Education Leadership Program at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He will take charge of the same graduate program that ushered in his own career as a school administrator.
World War II veteran Marvin Strombo returned a Japanese flag to the family of the fallen soldier he recovered it from more than 70 years ago.

Strombo, 93, who was part of an elite U.S. Marines scout-sniper platoon, told The Associated Press how he came across the flag and why he needed to return it.

Strombo discovered the flag in 1944 during a battle in Saipan when he spotted a dead Japanese soldier lying on the ground. Strombo saw a white cloth poking out from the mans pocket where he discovered the silk flag filled with elegant calligraphy. He took the flag home with him to Oregon.

BILL TO HELP CURB VETERANS SUICIDES MIGHT HAVE OPPOSITE EFFECT, CRITICS SAY

More than 70 years later, Strombo is returning the Japanese flag to his fallen enemy's family. He arrived Friday in Tokyo, the first stop in a 10,000-mile journey into the remote mountainside to bring the keepsake back to the man's home village  back to a brother and two sisters who could never say goodbye.

"I realized there were no bullets or shrapnel wounds, so I knew he was killed by the blast of a mortar," Strombo told The Associated Press.

I think that soldier wanted me to find him for some reason.

The flags were given to Japanese soldiers for good luck. Relatives, neighbors and friends signed their names on the flags.

Allied troops frequently took them from the bodies of their enemies as souvenirs. They have a deep significance because most Japanese families never learned how their loved ones died and never received remains.

NIGHT SHIFT TO AIR EPISODE CREATED AND ACTED BY VETS

Strombo kept the flag hung in a glass-fronted gun cabinet in his home for years. He wrote letters to learn more about the flag but eventually put it aside. He did not know Japanese and, in an era before the Internet, making any headway was difficult.

Then, in 2012, the son of his former commanding officer contacted him about a book he was writing on the platoon.

Through him, Strombo reached out to the Obon Society, a nonprofit in Oregon that helps U.S. veterans and their descendants return Japanese flags to the families of fallen soldiers.

A week later, researchers discovered the flag belonged to Yasue Sadao by reading the script on the flag. They traced the corporal to a tea-growing village of about 2,400 people in the mountains roughly 200 miles west of Tokyo.

The calligraphy on the flag were the signatures of 180 friends and neighbors who saw Yasue off to war in Higashi Shirakawa, including 42 of his relatives. Seven of the original signatories are still alive, including Yasues 89-year-old brother and two sisters.

The Obon Society has returned about 125 flags and gets about five inquiries a day from aging soldiers who regret their actions and want to return the flags before they die. The group believes there are similar flags still hidden across the U.S. that could give answers to other families.

Strombo will be the first WWII veteran to return a flag in person to a Japanese family through the Obon Society.

Strombo can also help give the family some closure and show where Yasue died.

"I knew he was young because I could see his profile as I bent over him. He was laying on his back, kind of on his left side," Strombo said.

Only two other men in Strombo's platoon of 40 are still alive.

"It got so I kind of wanted to meet the family, you know," he said, his voice growing raspy. "I know it means so much to them."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
China is expressing its "strong dissatisfaction" with the U.S. over the Navy's latest freedom of navigation operation in which a warship sailed past one of China's man-made islands in the strategic South China Sea.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a statement the U.S. move undermined Chinese sovereignty and security and endangered the safety of frontline personnel from both sides.

China, which claims virtually the entire South China Sea, routinely protests such operations, which President Donald Trump's administration has continued partly to reassure allies locked in territorial disputes with Beijing.

A U.S. Navy official told The Associated Press that the destroyer USS John S. McCain sailed past Mischief Reef on Thursday but gave no details.

Geng said the Chinese navy "identified the U.S. warship, warned and expelled it."
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Thursday that war with North Korea would be catastrophic, casting a dire tone after President Trump unleashed a string of warnings to the rogue nation.

"The American effort is diplomatically led, it has diplomatic traction, it is gaining diplomatic results and I want to stay right there right now," Mattis said while speaking with reporters in Mountain View, California.

"The tragedy of war is well-enough known it doesn't need another characterization beyond the fact that it would be catastrophic," Mattis continued.

Secretary Mattis remarks followed days of escalating threats between North Korea and the U.S. When asked about the United States readiness if North Korea were to take action against the U.S. or another country, KNTV reported that Mattis replied: I dont tell the enemy in advance what Im going to do  Were ready.

JAPAN READY TO PROTECT GUAM, DEFENSE MINISTER SAYS

Mattis pointed out the United Nations Security Councils unanimous vote last week to characterize North Koreas statements as a threat to the worlds community.

How often to do you see France, China, Russia, the U.S. voting unanimously on any issue? Mattis asked.

Earlier Thursday, President Trump turned up the heat on North Korea by threatening stronger consequences if the regime were to attack Guam.

Lets see what he does with Guam, Trump said of North Korea leader Kim Jong Uns threats to hit the U.S. Pacific territory. He does something in Guam, it will be an event the likes of which nobody has seen before  what will happen in North Korea.

Meanwhile, Australia's prime minister said his country would come to the aid of the United States if North Korea attacks Guam.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told Melbourne Radio 3AW: "We would come to the aid of the United States. How that manifests itself will obviously depend on the circumstances and consultations with our allies."

Turnbull added: "If North Korea decides to carry out some of its violent threats, then obviously terrible consequences will follow."

The prime minister says he discussed the threat with Vice President Mike Pence overnight.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A panel of experts in Mexico has determined that an old drainage pipe was to blame for a sinkhole that killed two men last month.

It concludes that the 34-year-old drain was not replaced when an expanded highway was built on top of it. The drain became clogged, and water backed up and apparently washed away the earth beneath the road.

Mexico's highways director cites "mistakes and omissions in the supervision and building" of the highway expansion.

Clemente Poon said Thursday that the mistakes were made by "the companies responsible (for the project) and public servants."

The sinkhole spanning two lanes opened in July near Cuernavaca, on the highway connecting Mexico City and the Pacific coast resort of Acapulco. The victims died after their car fell into the void.
A group of employees who work for a United Nations agency in Gaza are under investigation for aiding the terrorist group Hamas -- and at least one person has been arrested, Fox News has learned.

The acting head of a U.N. office in Gaza was arrested last month while crossing into Israel on what that countrys security service, the Shin-Bet, called security related offenses.

The Palestinian official Hamdan Timraz, who according to reports is the acting head of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in Gaza, was released Wednesday.

Fox News has learned from sources that while the investigation into Timrazs case is still active, he's not alone.

"He is not the only person from UNDSS under investigation for aiding and abetting Hamas in Gaza, said an official with knowledge of the investigation.

Israels Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it had given reports regarding the officials activities to U.N. authorities.

During questioning, information was received indicating his involvement in prohibited activity. Following his questioning, he was released and the findings of the investigation are currently being examined by relevant authorities, the statement said.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, told Fox News that while he was not aware of any new case, the U.N. knew of Timrazs release and was thankful hes reunited with his family.

It is important that when U.N staff are arrested or detained, he continued, they are accorded their rights which include the U.N. being advised of their detention, access is provided to them, they are able to access legal representation and they are treated fairly and in line with privileges and immunities.

Dujarric added, As a matter of principle, any allegation against a staff member should be made known to them and subject to an open and transparent judicial process.

Israels ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, chastised the U.N. for allowing its agencies to be used by Hamas.

We will not allow U.N. agencies to become branches of the Hamas terrorist organization. While U.N. workers should be focused on humanitarian assistance for the local residents, Hamas is attempting to cynically exploit these officials and turn them into accomplices to terror. Danon said.

The U.N. must act to put an immediate end to this unacceptable situation, Danon said in a statement to Fox News.

This is not the first time that a Palestinian working for the United Nations had been arrested for security-related issues and accusations of helping Hamas.

In January of this year, Israel sentenced a Palestinian who worked for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for aiding the terror group.

The Israeli security agency Shin Bet said that Wahid Abdallah al Bursh used UNDP resources for building a jetty for Hamas naval forces and using money earmarked for rebuilding Gaza after the 2014 war with Israel.

The money, they said, went to rebuild homes in neighborhoods where Hamas members lived.

In a June Security Council meeting on the Middle East, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley called upon fellow council members to designate Hamas a terrorist organization, in a Security Council resolution.

Hamas is designated by the U.S. State Department as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO.)
North Koreas vow to strike this U.S. Pacific territory with ballistic missiles that could potentially be armed with nuclear warheads has this island in the cross hairs and its 160,000 residents, most of whom are U.S. citizens, on edge.

I mean, obviously for me, because Im a father, its really concerning, said 29-year-old Guam resident Jacob Martinez.

That concern was underscored Friday by Guam Homeland Security spokeswoman Jenna Gaminde, who said island residents would have just 14 minutes to take cover once North Korea fired the four promised ballistic missiles.

WHERE IS GUAM AND WHY WOULD NORTH KOREA ATTACK IT?

There is not a whole lot we can do, said John Bell, whod just arrived in Guam from a week in San Diego. If we are going to get nuked, nothing I do or say is going to change anything.

Residents offered a range of opinions, from resignation and complacency to anxiety and fear. But, more than anything, residents said they felt unsettled.

It is a little concerning, said a woman visiting Guam for the first time from Ohio. I think when the two heads of state get together, I hope they wont do anything stupid.

NORTH KOREA THREAT: PENTAGON SAYS READY TO 'FIGHT TONIGHT,' AS TRUMP SHOWS BOMBER PICS

On Wednesday, in response to a statement by President Trump, North Koreas official state-run news agency, KCNA, said its military is "examining the operational plan" to strike areas around Guam with four medium-range ballistic missiles. It said the plan would be ready in mid-August, and the missiles would splashdown 18 to 25 miles from shore after a 17-second flight.

Guam may be vulnerable but it is not defenseless. As the tip of the spear, as Guam is often called, the island is the closest U.S. territory to North Korea, 2,100 miles away compared to almost 6,000 miles from Hawaii and San Francisco.

North Korea is focusing on Guam because it has two key military bases the U.S. uses to conduct exercises in Southeast Asia. One is Andersen Air Force Base, used by U.S. heavy bombers, nuclear and conventional, to overfly the Korean peninsula. The other is the U.S. Naval Base Guam, where four nuclear submarines are based, along with other warships, including Aegis class destroyers, which carry an advanced anti-missile defense system.

TRUMP TURNS UP HEAT ON NORTH KOREA, WARNS OF UNPRECEDENTED RESPONSE IF GUAM ATTACKED

That, along with a land-based system called THAAD, protect Guam. The missile interceptor system was installed in 2013 after Kim Jong-un said he had Andersen in his sights. Guam also holds the worlds largest stockpile of weapons, according to an Andersen fact sheet.

I dont sense people are scared, says Lee Weber, former publisher of the Pacific News newspaper. They know our nation has a strong defense and the military will watch over us, take care of us.

Guam Gov. Eddie Calvo agreed, telling residents Wednesday they had nothing to worry about because Washington assured him it would defend Guam, an island 30 miles long and just 2- to 12-miles wide, or roughly nine times larger than Manhattan.

At this point there has been no change in the threat level, either on a military base in Guam or in our civilian community, Calvo told reporters at a news conference.

The governors office, however, did distribute a fact sheet to residents telling them what to do in case of an imminent missile strike. It tells them to avoid looking at a fireball since it can blind you, stay inside concrete block buildings and remove any clothing that may be contaminated with radioactive fallout.

That doesnt sound like much of a tourist billboard. Yet, according to the Chamber of Commerce, there have been only a few cancellations.

People are talking about Guam all over the world, says Carl Peterson, of the chambers Armed Forces Committee. They know where Guam is now. We think that is good PR for us.
An American investment banker who was arrested on suspicion of pushing a woman in front of a London bus earlier this year said he was in the United States at the time, his lawyers said.

Eric Bellquist, 41, who is employed by Hutton Collins Partners, was arrested Thursday by Londons Metropolitan Police on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, according to The Guardian. Bellquist was released pending further inquiries.

BRITISH POLICE ARREST MAN WHO ALLEGEDLY PUSHED WOMAN IN FRONT OF BUS

Law firm Duncan Lewis Solicitors said Friday that their client has been wrongly implicated in the case and Bellquist has irrefutable proof he was in the United States at the time of the May 5 incident.

1/3 Eric Bellquist, who was arrested yesterday in relation to an assault that took place on #PutneyBridge has been wrongly implicated  Duncan Lewis (@DuncanLewis) August 11, 2017

Our client has been wrongly implicated in this matter; he categorically denies being the individual concerned and has irrefutable proof that he was in the United States at the time of the incident, the law firm said in a statement. Consequently we expect a swift resolution to this wholly untrue allegation.

Surveillance camera footage showed a jogger in shorts and a T-shirt banging into the 33-year old victim, who tumbled in front of a double-decker bus. The bus swerved just in time to avoid hitting the woman.

REPORT: 5 KILLED AS GERMAN GARBAGE TRUCK TIPS ONTO CAR

After the bus stopped, passengers ran off to aid the woman, who suffered non-life threatening injuries. She apparently attempted to speak to the suspect, but he did not acknowledge her and carried on jogging, Met Police said.

Officials released the video Tuesday hoping the public could help identify the suspect.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Chinas government says it would remain neutral if North Korea attacks the United States, but warned it would defend its Asian neighbor if the U.S. strikes first and tries to overthrow Kim Jong Uns regime, Chinese state media said Friday.

If the U.S. and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime, and change the political pattern of the Korean Peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so, reported the Global Times, a daily Chinese newspaper controlled by the Communist Party.

Meanwhile, other Asia-Pacific countries have come out in support of the United States in the event of a North Korean nuclear attack.

Japans defense minister, Itsunori Onodera, said this week that his nations military was ready to shoot down North Korean nuclear missiles, if necessary.

In Australia, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described his country and the U.S. as being joined at the hip, the South China Morning Post reported.

If there is an attack on the U.S., the Anzus Treaty would be invoked, and Australia would aid the U.S., Turnbull told Australias 3AW radio Friday morning. Turnbull was referring to a collective security agreement between the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

The Chinese response to the heightened tensions between the U.S. and North Korea followed a number of hot-headed proclamations.

North Korea has threatened the U.S. with a nuclear attack on Guam, a U.S. territory south of Japan, after President Donald Trump said additional threats against the country or its allies would be met with fire and fury.

On Thursday, the president doubled-down on the remarks, saying his original comment possibly wasnt tough enough.

In a separate appearance, Trump added: Lets see what [Kim Jong Un] does with Guam. He does something in Guam, it will be an event the likes of which nobody has seen before  what will happen in North Korea.

One North Korean government official, meanwhile, accused Trump of going senile, Fox News reported.
A court in southern Germany has convicted three Syrian men over the drowning deaths of 13 migrants off the coast of Greece in September 2015.

Prosecutors accused the men of "professional smuggling of people resulting in death."

The court in Traunstein near the Austrian border on Friday sentenced the 27-year-old main defendant to four years in prison for organizing the boat that was to take Syrian refugees from Turkey to the island of Lesbos.

The boat struck a freighter shortly before reaching shore, killing 13 people. Two children are still missing.

Judges sentenced the man who drove the boat to two years in prison. A third man, who acted as a liaison for families, received a two-year suspended sentence.

The three defendants had come to Germany as refugees themselves.
15th BIMSTEC Ministerial meeting begins in Kathmandu

Published: August 11, 2017

The 15th edition of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) ministerial meeting was held in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The two-day meet was inaugurated by Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba and will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Krishna Bahadur Mahara. India was represented by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Key Facts

The meeting will review the progress and achievements in the identified areas of cooperation and discuss the ways to accelerate the partnership under the BIMSTEC process. The key areas expected to be focused in the meeting are trade, investment, energy, transport, tourism, poverty alleviation and counter-terrorism.

The main agenda of this edition of the meeting is to finalise a free trade agreement among the BIMSTEC member countries. It will also include negotiations on market access for professionals and reducing the duty on trading goods.

About BIMSTEC

The BIMSTEC is a sub-regional grouping comprising of seven countries of South Asia and South East Asia. It was established on 6 June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration. It is headquartered at Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BIMSTEC mainly comprises of seven countries viz. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal.

Its objectives are technological and economical cooperation among south Asian and south East Asian countries along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It also covers cooperation in commerce, technology, investment, agriculture, tourism, human resource development, fisheries, transport and communication, textiles, leather etc.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2017

Topics: BIMSTEC  India-International Relations  National  Nepal

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The Latest on the North Korea crisis (all times local):

7:10 p.m.

China has reiterated calls for all sides to maintain calm and reduce tensions over the Korean Peninsula.

The statement Friday does not mention any specific actions China would be willing to take, although some Chinese scholars and state media have called on Beijing to take on a shuttle diplomacy role to facilitate talks between the U.S. and North Korea.

China is the North's biggest economic partner and source of aid, but says it alone can't compel Pyongyang to end its nuclear and missile programs. China has called on South Korea and the U.S. to suspend large scale military exercises in return for the North halting its programs in order to facilitate talks.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang says in a statement that the current situation on the Korean Peninsula "is complex and sensitive."

He says: "The Chinese side hopes all related parties will exercise caution in their words and actions and make greater efforts to alleviate the tense situation and enhance mutual trust, while not traveling the old path of making displays of strength and constantly exacerbating the situation."

An editorial in the Communist Party tabloid Global Times says "Beijing is not able to persuade Washington or Pyongyang to back down at this time. It needs to make clear its stance to all sides and make them understand that when their actions jeopardize China's interests, China will respond with a firm hand."

It adds China should also make clear that if North Korea launches missiles that threaten U.S. soil and the U.S. retaliates, "China will stay neutral."
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The Latest on Kenya's presidential election (all times local):

12:20 p.m.

Kenya's government is urging citizens to return to work as they wait for results from the presidential election.

At least three people have died in protests this week over preliminary results showing President Uhuru Kenyatta leading with a significant margin.

Television and radio presenters are echoing messages from the Interior Ministry saying the country is safe despite pockets of protests.

Tension is high in the capital, Nairobi, after opposition leader Raila Odinga declared he won the election and that the provisional results were hacked. Businesses have been closed in Nairobi's central business district since Tuesday's vote.

___

10:50 a.m.

Kenyans are expecting to hear the final results today of Tuesday's already disputed presidential election.

Opposition candidate Raila Odinga has claimed that the electoral commission database was hacked and results manipulated in favor of President Uhuru Kenyatta.

While Kenyatta holds a strong lead with almost all polling stations counted, supporters of Odinga say an unofficial tally shows he won.

Kenyan election officials say only they have the authority to declare the winner, and international election observers say they have seen no signs of interfering with the vote.

Violence broke out this week in some opposition strongholds in parts of the capital, Nairobi, and elsewhere. At least three people were killed amid clashes with police.

The election is a test of democracy in the East African economic power.
In January, a lone gunman entered the trendy Blue Parrot nightclub in the upscale Mexican resort town of Playa del Carmen and opened fire. Chaos ensued as the crowd scrambled for cover as the gunman traded shots with another man inside the club and security working the annual BPM music festival tried to suppress the melee.

When the bullets stopped flying in what is believed to be a drug cartel-related gunfight, five people were dead  including a Canadian bodyguard caught in the crossfire and an American teenager who was trampled to death as panicked partiers fled the club.

On Sunday, sunbathing tourists were forced to take cover on the white sand beaches of Los Cabos  a popular getaway at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula  as gunmen unloaded and left three people dead.

These two incidents bookended a bloody eight months for the resort towns of both of Mexicos coast, heightening concerns that the countrys ongoing drug war could leave more tourists dead and threaten Mexicos multibillion dollar tourism industry.

Were in a period of disequilibrium and it will take some time to get back to equilibrium, Christopher Wilson, the deputy director of the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, told Fox News.

In Quintana Roo, the Mexican state that is home to both Cancun and Playa del Carmen, the government has recorded 134 homicides this year, which is nearly equal to the 165 the state saw in the entirety of 2016. The Benito Juarez municipality, which includes Cancun, has already surpassed last years homicide total of 89 when it ended June with 95 murders and in nearby Solidaridad has registered 21 slaying through June, closing in on last years total of 26. In Los Cabos, homicides in the famed beach area are up 400 percent this year.

The U.S State Department, which last updated its Travel Warning for Mexico last December, cautioned travelers of the dangers of travel in Baja California, but so far has no advisory for Quintana Roo.

Mexicos drug war, which began in earnest in 2006 when then-President Felipe Calderon declared an all-out military offensive on the countrys narcrotraffickers, has left at least 200,000 dead. While current President Enrique Pena Nieto came into office in 2012 at time when violence was on the decline, the bloodshed continues and in June the country saw a record number of killings with the 2,566 homicides victims being the most in a month since the Mexican government started releasing that data in 2014.

The overall rise in violence in Mexico is due to the extradition of Chapo Guzman.  Christopher Wilson, deputy director of the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center

The skyrocketing demand for heroin in the United States due to the opioid crisis  cartels are believed to make somewhere better $19 and $29 billion annually from the U.S. drug market  and the splintering of major drug trafficking organizations following the arrests or deaths of their leaders are believed to be the main factors for the spike in violence in places like Cancun and Los Cabos.

The arrest and extradition of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman to the United States has created a massive power struggle within the Sinaloa Cartel, once the countrys largest and most powerful drug trafficking organization, and is believed to be the main cause of violence along Mexicos Pacific coast. Disparate factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, along the rising Cartel Jalisco Nuevo Generacion, are also known to be active in Quintana Roo.

The overall rise in violence in Mexico is due to the extradition of Chapo Guzman, Wilson said. Simply because of internal criminal group dynamics there is a natural waxing and waning of violence. The one constant is that there is no governmental structure to respond effectively and until that is implemented these types of flare-ups will continue to happen.

Mexicos tourism officials are undeniably concerned with the spike in killings and the accompanying bad press. Tourism is the fourth largest source of foreign exchange for Mexico, with visitors doling out an estimated $20 billion a year to visit the countrys beaches, clubs and famed archeological ruins.

Drug war violence has already turned one of the countrys preeminent tourist hotspots, Acapulco, into one of the countrys most dangerous cities with dead bodies being hung from bridges, human heads being left in coolers outside city hall and shootouts occurring at posh hotels.

At least in regards to Cancun and other Caribbean resort towns, however, both Mexican officials and outside experts attest that while violent crime may be on the rise there is little chance of it reaching the endemic levels seen in Acapulco and other towns along the countrys Pacific Coast  home to the traditional trafficking routes used by the cartels.

"Tourist security has been a constant priority for the authorities," Daniel Flota Ocampo, director of Riviera Maya Tourist Promotion, told USA Today, adding that the violence is between "criminal groups settling scores among themselves" and that authorities are taking action against them. He also noted that the majority of the violence has occurred far from the all-inclusive resorts frequented by tourists.

For now, it appears that the violence has not deterred tourists from vacationing along Mexicos coasts. Occupancy rates at hotels in Cancun are at 90 percent and 74 percent in Los Cabos.

Mexico also saw a record 35 million international travelers visit the country last year - a 9 percent jump compared to 2015. The Mexico Tourism Board aims to reach 50 million international visitors by 2021.
Indonesia's deputy foreign minister says a Jakarta family who joined the Islamic State group in Syria out of an apparently naive belief it would give them a better life is now in Iraq and in contact with the Indonesian government.

Abdurrahman M. Fachir says Friday the family of 17, including young children, is safe but also indicated their journey won't be straightforward.

The government in Baghdad only controls parts of Iraq and the family's travel involves dealing with different authorities depending on what region they're moving through.

He says, "our representatives in Baghdad are trying to oversee this process."

Last month, an Associated Press team met with members of the family and reported on their journey two years ago from Jakarta to Raqqa, IS's self-proclaimed capital.
A decree issued last month by the Palestinian Authority, without public input, threatens free expression in West Bank areas the authority controls, human rights activists say.

The Palestinian government, however, contends that the new law is aimed at computer hackers and other transgressors.

The ambiguously worded edict  which some see as a crackdown on news sites and social media comments -- allows the government of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to imprison anyone deemed harmful to national unity or the social fabric.

Prison sentences range from one year to life for offenders who use digital means to endanger the safety of the state disrupt public order, or harm national unity or the social fabric, the new law says.

Its one of the worst laws in the Palestinian Authoritys history and a big setback to the freedoms in the West Bank, said Ammar Dweik, head of the government-appointed Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights.

Other critics note that the laws ambiguous phrasing means it can be abusively applied.

It effectively allows the government to detain anyone for any reason, said Ghazi Bani Odeh, a researcher for the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA).

It opens the door wide to more violations of freedom of expression," he added.

"It opens the door wide to more violations of freedom of expression."  Ghazi Bani Odeh, Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms

But Ibrahim Hamodeh, a prosecutor in the Palestinian attorney generals office, denied that the edict is aimed at limiting free speech and dissent.

He said the law is about closing loopholes that have allowed hackers and other offenders to go unpunished.

There is nothing about (restricting) freedom of expression in the new law, he said, adding that the intention is to criminalize slander and defamation.

One can criticize the president and his policy, but one cannot accuse the president or anyone else of treason or make fun of him in an image, or something like that, he said.

"One can criticize the president and his policy, but one cannot accuse the president or anyone else of treason or make fun of him in an image, or something like that.  Ibrahim Hamodeh, prosecutor

Nevertheless, the Palestinian Authority has blocked 30 websites in the last month, MADA reported. The list includes multiple sites linked to Abbas two main rivals  Palestinian politician Mohammed Dahlan and Gaza-based Islamic militant group Hamas.

On Tuesday, five journalists working for news sites affiliated with Hamas were detained on charges of violating the edict, an advocacy group for Palestinian journalists claimed.

Some of the journalists were detained on suspicion of leaking sensitive information to hostile authorities, a senior Palestinian security source told the official Palestinian news agency, the Jerusalem Post reported.

Separately, four other journalists were summoned for questioning regarding their social media posts criticizing the government.

Fada Arouri, a photojournalist for Chinas Xinhua News Agency, was among those called in for questioning. He said he was told that his Facebook comments could lead to disorder in the society.

This story includes reporting from the Associated Press.
A U.S. seabed exploration company has offered its services for a proposed new hunt for a Malaysia Airlines passenger jet that has been missing for more than three years.

Ocean Infinity, a Houston company specializing in deep-sea exploration, said Friday it was responding to pleas from families of the victims that the Malaysian government allow a private-sector search for the wreckage from Flight 370.

The company has offered to search for the plane using high-tech deep-sea drones fitted with sonar equipment.

The terms of the offer are confidential, but I can ... confirm that Ocean Infinity have offered to take on the economic risk of a renewed search, the company said. Were in a constructive dialogue with the relevant authorities and are hopeful that the offer will be accepted.

Were in a constructive dialogue with the relevant authorities and are hopeful that the offer will be accepted.  Ocean Infinity statement

The flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing disappeared March 8, 2014, with 239 passengers and crew members aboard. The cause remains unknown.

Calls for a private-sector began in January, after Malaysia, Australia and China suspended their joint three-year search of the southern Indian Ocean. They canceled the operation after scouring 46,000 square miles (120,000 square kilometers) of ocean and failing to find any signs of Flight 370.

So far, however, the governments of Malaysia, Australia and China havent expressed interest in a renewed search, suggesting the search area was too massive to justify spending more of taxpayers money. The three-year search cost $160 million.

But a group called Voice370, which supports the families of the victims, backs the private-sector proposal. It claims the U.S. company made an exploration offer in April and would like to be paid a reward if and only if it finds the main debris field.

Voice370 branded the private plan as a win-win offer, and has asked the Malaysian government to explain its delay in making a decision.

Earlier this month, Malaysian Airlines CEO Peter Bellew said advances in science and the availability of artificial intelligence thats coming on stream will lead to finding the missing Boeing 777, the Australian reported.

(There are people) who are spending a lot of their own resources at the moment and coordinating with authorities. ... I do think somebody will make a breakthrough somewhere around this, or a combination of people, he told the Australian.

The planes wreckage is most likely within a 97,000-square-mile (25,000-square-kilometer) area, far southwest of Australia, on the northern boundary of the most recently searched area, says an international board of experts, who based their analysis on airliner debris that washed up on a beach in the western Indian Ocean.

Australia joined the search for the airliner because it was believed to have crashed in the countrys zone of search and rescue responsibility.

Australian Transport Minister Darren Chester didnt respond to questions about possible private-sector initiatives to find Flight 370.

Malaysia, as the state of registry for the aircraft, retains overall authority for any future search and any questions regarding possible future search efforts should be directed there, his office said in a statement.

Australia stands ready to assist the Malaysian government in any way it can.

This story includes reporting from the Associated Press.
For 16 years, the United States has tried to stabilize and rebuild Afghanistan with a goal of preventing the war-torn country from once again being used as a launching pad for international terrorism  as it was during the September 11 attacks.

But despite spending more than $600 billion and thousands of lives lost, American efforts in Afghanistan have largely fallen short of expectations and promises.

The situation in Afghanistan is incredibly shaky right now, said Lt. Col. Mike Waltz, a former Special Forces commander in Afghanistan and the Middle East. We are essentially partnered with the Afghans. And the Afghans are losing slowly.

PENTAGON TO SEND ALMOST 4,000 ADDITIONAL FORCES TO AFGHANISTAN, US OFFICIAL SAYS

As the Trump administration mulls its next move, experts say both Iran and Russia are actively trying to move in to shape Afghanistan in its favor.

Experts say the two American foes are trying to exert their influence over Afghanistans future as the U.S. debates what the new strategy should be for the U.S. mission there. According to U.S. and Afghan officials, both countries have stepped up their contacts with insurgent groups and are even training and arming them.

The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen John Nicholson Jr., has repeatedly warned about both countries growing influence.

Russia has become more assertive over the past year, overtly lending legitimacy to the Taliban to undermine NATO efforts and bolster belligerents using the false narrative that only the Taliban are fighting [ISIS], Gen. Nicholson told the U.S. Senate Armed Services committee in February. Similarly, neighboring Iran is providing support to the Taliban while also engaging the Afghan government over issues of water rights, trade, and security.

EVIDENCE OF RUSSIAN MILITARY SUPPORT FOR AFGHAN TALIBAN IS GROWING

A few months later, one of the Pentagons top Generals issued a similar  though more tempered  warning.

"I believe what Russia is attempting to do is they are attempting to be an influential party in this part of the world," Gen. Joseph Votel, chief of U.S. Central Command, told American lawmakers in March. "I think it is fair to assume they may be providing some sort of support to [the Taliban] in terms of weapons or other things that may be there."

After initially losing territory during the surge of American troops six years ago, the Taliban is gaining ground in areas once controlled by the U.S.-led NATO coalition and Afghan security forces. ISIS has also established a foothold in several parts of the country, as well.

Insurgents have gained ground in the wake of President Obamas decision to withdraw U.S. combat forces at the end of 2014. Both groups have launched a string of deadly attacks across the country this summer, and Afghan security forces have sustained huge losses among their ranks.

GEN. KEANE: RUSSIA MOVING ARMS THROUGH IRAN TO TALIBAN IN AFGHANISTAN

Unlike, Afghanistans troublesome neighbor, Pakistan, which directly supports the Taliban, it is not clear the extent of Russia and Irans involvement with insurgent groups.

We havent any indications that there are sanctuaries in Iran right now, said Hamdullah Mohib, the Afghan Ambassador to the U.S. told Fox News, But the ones in Pakistan continue to be a problem for Afghanistan.

Pakistan has long been the chief supporter of the Taliban. Admiral Mike Mullen, former chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, described the violent Taliban group, the Haqqani network, as a veritable arm of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence Agency,"

In order to deal with the growing problems in Afghanistan, the Pentagon has proposed sending roughly an additional 4,000 U.S. troops to train and assist Afghan Security forces.

"We are not winning in Afghanistan right now, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told Congress in June. And we will correct this as soon as possible."

But the Trump administration, which promised a new strategy by the middle of July, is resisting that plan. Some in the White House, including President Trump, have questioned whether winning in Afghanistan is even possible.

Some security analysts are worried  given the deteriorating security situation  that the Trump Administration will simply walk away from the 16 years of American investment in Afghanistan.

The stakes are high. What we cant do is just walk away, said Waltz, who argues that the troop number sent to Afghanistan is secondary, and not nearly as important, as a public statement of continued commitment from President Trump. President Trump will then be to Afghanistan what President Obama was to Iraq.

The White House is expected to announce a new policy in the coming days. Afghan officials hope it will be one of continued support.

The United States and Afghanistan are fighting a common enemy, Mohib said. We have had a long partnership so far. We are hoping to be able to continue that.
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Dozens of Tibetan exiles have held a rally in New Delhi in support of India in the ongoing border standoff with Chinese forces over disputed territory high in the Himalayas.

The Tibetan Youth Congress members on Friday waved Indian and Tibetan flags and demanded that China leave Tibet.

The standoff began in June after Indian troops confronted Chinese forces working on a road over the Doklam Plateau that is also claimed by India's ally Bhutan.

China demands that Indian troops withdraw unilaterally before any talks can be held while New Delhi says each side should stand down. China and India fought a border war in 1962 and much of their frontier remains unsettled.

A large number of Tibetans have been living in exile in India since 1959.
U.S.-backed Syrian fighters advancing on the Islamic State group from the eastern and western parts of the northern city of Raqqa have linked up for the first time since launching their offensive on ISIS' de facto capital, officials said Friday.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces launched a wide offensive to capture Raqqa on June 6.

So far the Western-backed fighters, under the cover of U.S.-backed coalition airstrikes, have captured half the city and linking up forces from the eastern and western fronts would be a major milestone in the battle for Raqqa.

The linkup of the eastern and western fronts deprives IS from access to the Euphrates River  and effectively leaves the remaining militants in Raqqa and thousands of civilians surrounded.

U.S. Army Col. Ryan Dillon tweeted that SDF forces have linked up "East-West axes" in Raqqa and are continuing to pressure IS.

"The fighting is ongoing from room to room and from house to house," said Mustafa Bali, head of the SDF media center. Bali also confirmed that SDF fighters pushing from opposite sides of the city have met up.

Bali said by telephone from northern Syria that the key difficulty facing advancing SDF fighters is to avoid striking civilians used by ISIS as human shields.

The top U.S. envoy for the international coalition against the Islamic State, Brett McGurk, tweeted about the linkup of the two fronts, describing it as a "milestone" that is tightening the noose around ISIS.

Meanwhile, the U.N. migration agency said Friday that over 600,000 displaced Syrians have returned to their homes this year, citing an increasing trend of returns while warning the situation remains "not sustainable."

International Organization for Migration spokeswoman Olivia Headon said the 602,759 returns between January and July was on track to surpass the figure of 685,000 returns for all of 2016.

But she also cautioned about the huge number of displaced Syrians this year  nearly 809,000.

IOM said that its partner agencies have found that two-thirds of the returnees have gone to the northern Aleppo governorate, where government forces ousted rebels from the city of Aleppo last year.

A third of the returnees said they went back to "protect their assets" while one-quarter cited "improved economic conditions," IOM said.
The U.S. military says it conducted two drone strikes Thursday against Al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabaab fighters in southern Somalia.

The results of the strikes were still being assessed, a statement from the U.S. Africa Command said.

The strikes took place near the Banadiir region of Somalia, an area that includes the capital, Mogadishu, the statement said.

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, the statement said.

The strikes were carried out under new authorities that President Trump granted the Pentagon in March. The president authorized the military to conduct offensive operations against al-Qaedas third largest affiliate, which is seen as the most lethal terrorist group in Africa.

Somalias president says the drone strikes killed a high-level al-Shabaab leader, the Associated Press reported.

The U.S. military is now conducting airstrikes in Somalia, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Yemen.
      :    AQI 300  ,          
In an unlikely move, Venezuelas president said Thursday that he wants to meet with President Donald Trump in an attempt to strengthen his countrys relationship with the U.S.

Addressing 545 members of Venezuela's new constitutional assembly, President Nicolas Maduro spoke about arranging a meeting or phone call between himself and Trump.

Mr. Donald Trump, here is my hand, the socialist president said.

Mr. Donald Trump, here is my hand.  Nicolas Maduro, president of Venezuela

The comments came just as the two countries have engaged in a war of words over the recent power struggle in Venezuela. The government has moved to consolidate power to the new assembly controlled by Maduro, taking extreme measure to quell any opposition.

The Trump administration has issued sanctions against Maduro, whom it calls a dictator, and more than two-dozen former and current Venezuelan officials, asserting that human rights violations that undermine democracy have occurred during the country's recent political turmoil.

The Trump administration has sanctioned more than 30 Maduro loyalists since April.

Meanwhile, in what would be a huge blow to the OPEC members oil industry, the White House has considered blocking oil shipments from Venezuela as part of the sanctions, Reuters reported.

The U.S. imports around 740,000 barrels per day from the socialist government.

Venezuela is also facing a crippling economy. On Thursday, Credit Suisse Bank banned the trading and use of their bonds over the recent political climate in the country.

Any businesses looking to do business with Venezuela will have to go through additional screening, which may hurt the economy further.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
6 Images

Guam guarded by lethal air power

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 sequenced bilateral missions, August 7.
Downtown Fredericksburg restaurant Bistro Bethem is changing hands.

Married couple and owners Blake and Aby Bethem sold the restaurant at 309 William St. to Jacqueline Hartman, executive chef at The Kenmore Inn.

The Bethems said they need more time to focus on their three children and other restaurant, Vivify Burger & Lounge, located just across William Street from Bistro Bethem.

Financial terms of the deal, which will close Aug. 28, were not disclosed.

Hartman, who was was trained at the French Culinary Institute in New York, has been the chef and general manager at The Kenmore Inn for seven years. During that time, she developed a menu of American cuisine with French influences, but she said the cuisine at the new restaurant wont be similar to Kenmores menu. The new restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner.

It will be a little more evolved, she said. The space will be casual but sophisticated, with lots of clean lines.

Hartman is keeping the name and concept under wraps. She wont bring staff from Kenmore with her to the new eatery to keep that kitchen intact after her departure. She said she will approach each employee at Bistro Bethem to see if they want to be a part of her new restaurant.

The William Street location was pivotal, she said. Ive always wanted to open my own space and William Street is really on the map with foodies coming here from Richmond and D.C.

As part of the transition, Bistro Bethem will offer only dinner beginning Aug. 15 and will serve its last plate on Aug. 27. The menu will be limited during that time.

Hartman will close the restaurant for a brief renovation.

We wanted a buyer who would have the same passion for food as we have had through the years, and we are happy for what she will bring to the Fredericksburg food scene, Aby Bethem said.

She said focusing on Vivify will allow them to fine-tune that eatery, build out its rooftop bar to provide more shade, and look into opportunities like events, providing food to breweries, delivery and more small plates.

The Bethems previously worked at and then purchased Bistro Bethem, originally known as Bistro 309, from Vanessa V. Moncure.
Rappahannock Big Brothers Big Sisters announced the election of its 20172018 officers of the Board of Directors. Jacqueline Baker of Union Bank & Trust will serve as president. Other officers include first vice president Loren Wallace of Dan Wallace Enterprises; second vice president Catherine Corbin Moss of Lloyd F. Moss; treasurer Heather Hagerman of Coldwell Banker Commercial Elite; secretary Tiffany Clements of Childrens Hospital of Richmond at VCU; and Gail Fernett of Landmarc Real Estate, past president. Also joining the board are Michael Gillies of Re/Max LegacyThe Gillies Team, Matt McBride, Daniel Pierson of Mary Washington Healthcare and Ashley Shifflett of Shiffletts Waste Services. Other members of the Board include Paul Janney, Stephen Kingsley, Debra Levy, Catherine Saller and Ron Utt.

Stafford Hospital has earned recertification through 2020 with Surgical Review Corporation as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology. Under the direction of Kurian Thott, Stafford Hospitals GYN Surgery program meets the requirements of the COEMIG program to ensure the safest, highest quality patient care. Stafford is among only eight Virginia hospitals designated as a COEMIG facility by the Surgical Review Corporation.

Virginia Credit Union has received two statewide awards for its financial education efforts. The awards come from the Virginia Credit Union League, the statewide trade association for credit unions in Virginia. VACU received a first-place award among large credit unions in the Virginia Desjardins Adult Financial Education Awards. The award recognizes VACU for a series of online webinars conducted with more than 1,000 employees of Bon Secours Richmond Health System. By winning the first-place award in the adult category, the credit unions entry will move on to the national Desjardin Financial Education Awards program administered by the Credit Union National Association. VACU also won a second-place award among large credit unions in the youth category for programs VACU conducted with Longwood University.

Long & Foster Real Estates Fredericksburg office will host a free career seminar on Thursday, Aug. 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event will be held at 1910 William St. and it is open to anyone interested in pursuing a career in real estate. Attendees will learn from industry pros what it is like to run a real estate business and get their questions and concerns about entering the industry addressed. Email FredVA@LNF.com, or call 540/604-1843 for registration and more information.

Mission BBQ will host the Red Hometown Heroes Cup fundraiser again this year. When customers buy a Red Hometown Heroes Cup, $2 from the purchase will be donated to the local charities chosen by local fire and police departments. The fundraiser raised more than $208,000 in 2016. Then, on Sept. 11, Mission BBQ will also honor all law enforcement, firefighters and EMS with free sandwiches. Additionally, a local first responder will perform the National Anthem at noon.

Lindley Estes
A New York man died and his wife was seriously injured in an overnight crash that shut down southbound Interstate 95 in Spotsylvania for several hours.

The crash happened at 12:35 a.m. between the Thornburg and Massaponax exits when a box truck slammed into the back of an SUV and rammed it into a stopped tractor trailer, according to the Virginia State Police.

The tractor trailer had stopped in the right lane as traffic slowed for a work zone when the box truck, loaded with furniture, hit the back of the Jeep SUV driven by Vincent J. McNeece, a 58-year-old New York resident who died at the scene, according to Sgt. Les Tyler. His wife, Trina Estrella, 51, suffered serious injuries and was flown to the VCU Medical Center in Richmond.

The tractor trailer driver was not hurt.

The box truck driver, Dwight Preddie, a 33-year-old Georgia resident, suffered minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.

Preddie went from the hospital to jail, as he faces charges of reckless driving, driving without a license and for having no insurance. Preddies Georgia license is suspended.

He is being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

I-95 was shut down and traffic rerouted to U.S. 1 around the accident scene. All lanes were reopened just before 6 a.m.
U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill will hold a public town hall at 3 p.m. on Friday at Long Memorial Hall, located at 110 W. Columbia St. in Farmington.

The press release provided by McCaskill's office states she's hosted "more public town halls throughout Missouri in her time as Senator than the rest of Missouri's Congressional delegation combined."

The best way for Missourians to know that their voices are heard in Washington is for me to show up, and hear them in person, said McCaskill, who was raised in rural Missouri. Whether they agree with me or not, every Missourian is my boss, which is why I consider it a must, to go to every corner of the state I love, to hear those ideas and concerns directly, and hold myself accountable to Missourians.

On previous tours this year, McCaskill hosted 18 public town halls throughout Missouri. During debate over the Affordable Care Act  at a time of heightened demonstrations against the legislation  McCaskill held a series of highly publicized town halls, including in traditionally conservative areas of Missouri, to hear directly from Missourians about their concerns and respond to criticisms.

The press release also said in 2014, McCaskill logged more than 1,000 miles around the state on her McCaskill on Main Street series of public town halls. McCaskill has also toured the state with town halls aimed at military veterans and seniorsand has hosted individual town halls, such as one she hosted last year with then-U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack focused on the opioid epidemic.

McCaskill held a town meeting at the Farmington OAKS Senior Center in April of 2015, answering questions dealing with senior adult and aging issues.
Katherine M. Garrett, 90 years old, from Fredericksburg passed away peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at the home of her son, Nelson and his wife, Donna Street with them by her side. Katherine is preceded in death by her husband, William David Garrett. She is survived by her sons, Nelson and his wife, Donna R. Street of Fredericksburg and Lloyd Street; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Doris M. Parrish; her brother-in-law, Harold Brown both of Doswell; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. Katherine was a longtime member of Salem Baptist Church of Sparta, Va. and had retired from Union Bank and Trust. In her younger years she was a Sunday School teacher at Salem Baptist Church. Katherine was very active with Daughters of the Confederacy for many years and made many lap robes for the veterans. The family would like to thank Mary Washington Hospice of Fredericksburg for her care during the last two months. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, August 13 at Salem Baptist Church with Rev. Kevin James officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friend 6-8 p.m.Saturday, August 12 at Storke Funeral Home, Bowling Green. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salem Baptist Church or cemetery fund. Sign register book online www.storkefuneralhome.
With the first total solar eclipse visible in Southeast Missouri in more than 600 years to take place Aug. 21, most schools in the area have decided to cancel classes that day.

The concerns for local school officials ranged from predictions that tourists will flood the path of the eclipse, snarling traffic and creating potential travel issues, to the idea that while in the district's care children might look at the eclipse without wearing their provided safety glasses and cause potential medical concerns.

Most area school districts decided to cancel classes for the day.

In St. Francois County, all but Farmington R-7 have opted to dismiss classes on Aug. 21.

Superintendent Matt Ruble said Thursday afternoon, "We still plan to be in session. We feel it's an amazing learning opportunity for our students and we feel the safest place for them to view it is at school with their classmates and teachers. We have and will continue to welcome parents onto our campuses to view this once in a lifetime experience with their kids."

Ruble said additional information would be available during the new school year open houses at each of the district's campuses.

The North County School District administration was among the first to cancel classes. In a release Wednesday they explained that while they understand the tremendous opportunity for an educational experience, the safety of students had to be the top priority. All students in attendance at North County on Aug. 18 will be provided with a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses for them to take home. They will also provide educational activities both before and after the eclipse.

Additionally, Superintendent Jason King announced that the Bismarck School District will also not hold classes that day. Classes will resume as usual Aug. 22.

West County Superintendent Stacy Stevens said West County has decided to cancel classes for the eclipse.

Central School District Superintendent Dr. Desi Mayberry and board members discussed the topic in a special session Thursday and decided to go ahead and cancel classes for Aug. 21. Word of that news spread quickly via social media and texts and calls.

In Madison County, Fredericktown R-I Superintendent Brett Reutzel announced that district has cancelled all Aug. 21 classes.
The Wall Street Journal has reported that special counsel Robert Mueller has convened a grand jury to investigate purported collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians to affect the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.

For its part, the Trump people have hired a phalanx of high-priced lawyers. One of them, special counsel to the president Ty Cobb, has announced that "the White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr. Mueller."

I sure hope Ty was kidding. Cooperation with Mueller's lynch mob is the last thing Trump or any of his people should do. But, just in case Cobb meant what he said, let me offer him some free advice.

Ty, you don't know me. No reason you should. I'm not a high-powered New York or Washington lawyer. A classy guy like you would sneer at my low hourly rate and my cheap, ill-fitting wardrobe. If I ever showed up at your private club, you would undoubtedly rub your cigar out on my forehead and have me escorted off the premises for vagrancy.

But please, listen up. I'm speaking to you as one who spent more than 20 years as a prosecutor conducting federal and state grand jury investigations and another 20 years as a defense lawyer representing targets of grand juries. As a prosecutor, I interrogated hundreds of witnesses under oath for thousands of hours and presided over the return of grand jury indictments and presentments resulting in thousands of felony charges. So listen carefully.

The absolute last thing someone in your client's position should do is cooperate with Mueller. For the target of a grand jury investigation, cooperation is a sucker play guaranteed to result in disaster. If your client is a so-called person of interest or potential target, never, ever allow him to testify before the grand jury. Same thing for giving a statement to an investigator. It's a trap, plain and simple.

Even if the prosecutor can't prove that your client committed the crime supposedly being investigated, he will be charged with obstruction of justice or some similar offense for providing false information to agents or false swearing. This will happen as surely as night follows day.

And I don't care if your client is Mother Teresa telling the absolute truth. All a highly motivated prosecutor has to do is have some lying sleazebag contradict her testimony, and Teresa will leave the courthouse in handcuffs.

Is this unfair? Of course, but it happens all the time even under the best of circumstances. But, as you know, your client is not being investigated under optimum conditions.

In addition to supposedly colluding with the Russians, your client is facing investigation for obstruction of justice because of a conversation that he purportedly had with former FBI Director James Comey about the FBI's investigation of retired Gen. Michael Flynn.

Put aside the law-review nicety that it is legally impossible for a president to obstruct justice in this manner. Keep your eye on the ball. If Trump gives a statement to an agent or testifies before the grand jury, all Mueller will have to do is have Comey, his friend and former colleague, provide contrary evidence. And whose testimony do you think Mueller will credit?

Predicting the winner of that swearing contest becomes easier if one keeps in mind that Mueller has hired a team of assistants, many of whom either supported Hillary Clinton's candidacy or worked for the Clinton Foundation. And given the hyperpartisan rancor that pervades Washington as well as the Clintonistas' naked determination to undo the results of the election, your client's prospects become bleak indeed.

Ty, it is your duty to protect your client by every legal and ethical means. But beyond the usual duty of a lawyer to serve his client's interest, keep in mind that there are more than 60 million very angry pro-Trump voters who are watching to see if the immutable and permanent Washington political class will effectively disenfranchise them by using the criminal justice system to reverse the outcome of the election.

In that sense, your client's cause is their cause, too.
Remember the ad in which a man was pushing an old lady in a wheelchair up a steep hill? At the top, he pushed the chair off a cliff and declared it was Obama pushing your grandmother as part of his death panels.

President Obama never had death panels, but Jan Brewer, former governor of Arizona, did.

One night on his show, Keith Olbermann highlighted an Arizona couple. The wife was on a list to receive a liver to save her life. A friend on his deathbed volunteered to be tested and it turned out he was a perfect match.

When he died, the wife was cleared to receive his liver, but Jan Brewer would not authorize government funds for the lifesaving operation. The liver went instead to someone with a good health care plan and the intended recipient died.

And that, folks, is a death panel. And it was brought to you by a Republican, not an "uppity Kenyan."

The attempted repeal of Obamacare would have cost tens of millions of people their health insurance.

"Joe Six-Pack" has never been of concern to Republicans. ... But he seems incapable of realizing he is one step away from "The Green Mile."

Party of God? More like the party of the Grim Reaper! You sell your soul to Donald Trump and the check bounces. Now who could have ever have seen that one coming?

Will Ross

Bealeton
Before we go off raising taxes by means of a new regional transportation authority, there's a big question that needs to be answered: If we pony up a bunch of our own money, will our region get more big projects funded by the state?

The answer is no; not if the state stands by its Smart Scale (HB-2) principles. Matt Kelly and Hap Connorsspeaking in favor of new transportation taxes, and inspired by the funds granted to large urban areasthink otherwise [Officials question Smart Scale, July 30], but their argument overlooks the Smart Scale 45-minute rule.

That rule works to restrain costly suburban sprawl by weighing against highway projects that encourage long-distance commuting. Forty-five minutes is the limit past which commutes are considered unreasonably long for the taxpayers to subsidize.

Just because the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads areas have been able to fork over lots of their own money and receive lots of state funds for their projects, doesn't mean we would get the same results. Our commuters drive over 45 minutes, but theirs average only a fraction of that.

Instead of trying to subvert the goals of Smart Scale by raising taxes for more counterproductive highway projects, our leaders might be more productive if they support those goals by bringing jobs and workers closer together. The cost of doing things the right way is much less, so transportation authorities may not be required.

Rupert Farley

Spotsylvania
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Story Highlights Democrats' economic views have shifted from net conservative to net liberal

Still, almost half of Democrats identify as moderate on economic views

Republicans more conservative on economic issues than during Bush years

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Americans' economic ideology has tilted conservative over the past two decades, with only modest variation in conservatives' lead over liberals. However, changes have been happening beneath the surface, with slightly more Republicans identifying as economically conservative than did so during the George W. Bush years and Democrats tugging the national needle a bit left as they have grown more economically liberal.

This partisan divergence suggests that the White House faces a more challenging political landscape than did the last Republican president in terms of bringing Republicans and Democrats together over tax reform and other economic policies.

Gallup asks U.S. adults each year to describe their social and economic views on a five-point scale, from "very conservative" to "very liberal," with "moderate" as the midpoint. The net conservative percentage is the difference between those describing their views as "conservative" or "very conservative" minus the percentage saying "liberal" or "very liberal."

In terms of their economic philosophy, Republicans' and Democrats' views have changed over time, but in steps rather than gradually -- resulting in three distinct public opinion phases since Gallup began tracking this annually in 2001.

The first phase spanned George W. Bush's presidency, from 2001 to 2008. Over those eight years, Republicans' and Democrats' economic stances were largely steady, with Republicans' net conservatism averaging +54 and Democrats' averaging +2.

At the start of Barack Obama's presidency in 2009, Republicans took an abrupt turn to the right, with their net conservativism on economic issues averaging +69 from 2009 to 2012. Meanwhile, Democrats' views became slightly more liberal than conservative, averaging -6.

In 2013, Republicans' economic conservatism softened a bit, while Democrats' economic liberalism grew further. As a result, from 2013 to 2017, net economic conservatism has averaged +62 among Republicans and -15 among Democrats.

Trend in Economic Ideology, by Party Net conservative = % conservative minus % liberal 2001-2008 2009-2012 2013-2017 % % % Democrats/Democratic leaners Conservative 27 25 18 Moderate 45 43 46 Liberal 25 31 33 NET CONSERVATIVE +2 -6 -15 Republicans/Republican leaners Conservative 61 74 68 Moderate 31 19 25 Liberal 7 5 6 NET CONSERVATIVE +54 +69 +62 Gallup

Shifts in Economic Views Largely Uniform Within Parties

Using the same three time periods to evaluate the demographic trends in economic views within each party, it is apparent that increased economic conservatism among Republicans has mostly occurred across the board, with similar increases seen by gender, age and race.

Only on the basis of income is there a difference. Lower-income Republicans have become slightly less conservative on economic issues since the Bush years, while middle-income and more affluent Republicans have grown more conservative.

More specifically, net conservatism among Republicans with an annual household income of less than $30,000 has fallen to +37 in recent years, from +42 during the Bush era. Meanwhile, net conservatism among Republicans in middle-income households has risen to +66 from +53. Republicans in households earning $75,000 or more are the most economically conservative of all, with an average net-conservative score of +70 since 2013, up from +64 from 2001 to 2008.

Similarly, the shift toward economic liberalism among Democrats has occurred among most major demographic subgroups within the party. However, it has been a bit less pronounced among younger Democrats -- who already tilted economically liberal from 2001 to 2008 -- than among those aged 35 and older.

See the tables at the end of this article for net-conservative scores by subgroup within each partisan group.

Bottom Line

While more Americans still identify as conservative than as liberal on economic issues, the conservative edge has narrowed after widening slightly during the Obama years. Democrats have become significantly more liberal on economic issues, while Republicans have grown more economically conservative.

As previously reported, Americans' ideology on social views has shifted over the past two decades, with self-identified social liberals nearly catching up to social conservatives, largely due to burgeoning social liberalism among Democrats.

Unlike Democrats' increasing social liberalism -- which has been most pronounced among older, white, female and college-educated Democrats -- the increase in Democrats' economic liberalism has been more universal within the party. This may help explain what holds Democrats together as a party, even as certain subgroups differ on social issues.

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There currently are 93 Fisher Houses in the United States and in Europe with plans for more.
BROWNSVILLE  On a stifling August day when the mercury soared well past the century mark, Greenbelt Land Trust Executive Director Michael Pope picked his way through knee-high clumps of native grass turned brown and crispy in the heat.

A few months from now, though, it will be a different story.

This is really awesome in the spring  all purple with camas, Pope said. Probably from October to May, depending on the rainfall, it stays pretty wet out here.

Here is Greenbelts latest acquisition, a 202-acre property a few miles outside of Brownsville in southern Linn County near the headwaters of Courtney Creek, an important tributary of the Calapooia River.

The Corvallis-based nonprofit closed on the property Thursday, purchasing the land from a family that prefers to remain anonymous. Like the rest of the 3,000-plus acres owned or managed by Greenbelt, it will remain on the tax rolls. But instead of being used for agriculture, it will be used for conservation.

Tucked into a cove at the northern tip of the Coburg Hills, the Courtney Creek property sits on the fringe of the Willamette Valley agricultural belt. And while about a third of it is currently used for farming and grazing, its never been drained like most of the surrounding fields, allowing some of the native plant and animal communities to hold on.

Thats what makes this property valuable for conservation.

One of the most significant features out there is extensive wet prairie and wet ash forests, said Claire Fiegener, Greenbelts conservation director. It supports a wide range of flowering prairie plant species, including one of the largest remaining populations of Bradshaws lomatium.

Also known as Bradshaws desert parsley, Bradshaws lomatium was once widespread throughout the Willamette Valley, thriving in open, seasonally flooded prairies along the river and its many tributaries. But much of its habitat has been lost to land development and changes in flooding patterns. Today the plant is found only in isolated pockets of Linn, Benton, Marion and Lane counties, and it has been listed by the federal government as endangered since 1988.

According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Courtney Creek property may be home to more than 30,000 of the imperiled plants. Granting permanent conservation status to this population, Fiegener said, will enable the agency to count it toward recovery goals for the species, possibly helping to pave the way for eventual delisting.

Growing only about a foot and a half high, Bradshaws lomatium blooms in April and May, producing clusters of tiny yellow blossoms.

Bradshaws is probably the least spectacular flower youve ever seen, Pope acknowledged. But it doesnt matter whether its a beautiful, showy flower or a modest flower. Its the fact that its rare and disappearing and could be extirpated that makes it important.

Its also an integral part of a larger wet prairie ecosystem that has been sharply reduced and badly fragmented in the Willamette Valley. Other native plants and animals found at Courtney Creek include camas, tufted hairgrass, a variety of sedges and rushes, Oregon ash, songbirds such as the willow flycatcher, western meadowlark and orange-crowned warbler and even large mammals  there are signs of elk on the property, and it may be used by bears and cougars as well.

Greenbelt plans to phase out farming on the site, which currently has about 50 acres planted to meadowfoam, as well as grazing on another 20 or so acres. Most of the wet ash forest will likely be retained, while the wet prairie acreage will be restored and expanded. There is also an opportunity for restoring upland prairie on higher, drier ground, and the conifer forest on the propertys southern end provides a transitional link to the wooded Coburg Hills.

The purchase was funded with $544,000 from the Bonneville Power Administration through the Willamette Wildlife Mitigation Program, which channels money to the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife for conservation projects like Courtney Creek as part of a settlement to make up for habitat loss caused by the BPAs network of 13 hydropower and flood control dams in the Willamette River basin.

The program also provided an additional $340,000 for long-term stewardship of the property. Some of that money will go to cover ancillary costs related to the purchase, but most of it will be invested, with the financial returns going to maintain the land over the long haul. Greenbelt will seek grant funding to help cover restoration costs.

The Calapooia Watershed Council played a key role in Greenbelts acquisition of the property, Fiegener said, helping to identify the sites crucial conservation importance and providing an introduction to the owners.

We built a relationship with them and they were interested in selling the property, so it all worked out, she said.

Outside the core

Because of the sensitivity of the habitat it protects, the Courtney Creek property will not be open to the public like some of Greenbelts other holdings, although the nonprofit does plan to host tours and educational programs on the site. Pope is particularly excited about getting Brownsville residents out to see the conservation work being done on the property.

Theres a great interest for us in getting to know communities outside our core area, he said.

In addition to its intrinsic conservation values, Greenbelt was attracted to Courtney Creek because its a sizable piece of property that fits into the nonprofits long-term conservation goals, Fiegener said. It also extends the groups reach into a new corner of its four-county service area and adjoins a region of mixed public and private ownership that offers significant opportunities to protect sensitive habitat for a wide range of species.

We see this as a real starting place and foothold in this Coburg Hills area to build off of, Fiegener said. There hasnt been a lot of permanent conservation work in that region.

Pope sees the Courtney Creek property as a potential anchor site in the area, a haven for threatened plants and animals that could potentially be expanded if other willing sellers can be found.

Moreover, he believes it can help connect the dots with other protected sites around the Willamette Valley, helping to knit back together the frayed web of habitat that once supported a thriving ecosystem in what is now the most heavily populated part of the state.

Its all a matter of scale, Pope said. For the Willamette Valley, 20 or 30 acres is pretty small. But 200 acres is pretty good-sized, and you add onto that and you start to build something. Theres other work going on that really compounds those values.
The current saber-rattling between North Korea and the United States is not new and is now escalating fast, as the two leaders show their bare chests and threaten each other with their big weapons. This is disturbing on many levels but most frightening is the mental instability of both leaders and their inability for making rational decisions and to be civil and mature. The risk is two narcissistic, immature, and dangerous men will use their power to trigger nuclear destruction and human suffering.

Is leadership threatening one another? Is leadership proving our gun is bigger than theirs? North Korea and United States are the only two countries in the world that have refused to sign the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty. Have we evolved as humans living in a global community or are we still in the Dark Ages raiding castles and swinging swords?

We as citizens have to make a choice in who we support, whom we vote for, and how to keep this democratic republic functioning through civil discourse, dialogue, listening to one another, and working for peace.

War comes from fear. We fear the loss of power and control, we have geopolitical pressures for resources, and the desire to control economic markets. Please call your representative and ask them to put dialogue above threats, as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson suggested and is working toward to get North Korea to the table to talk. Lives depend on it.

Jim Gouveia

Corvallis (Aug. 10)
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.
Start and finish at Haus Schlesien : 40th GA Hiking Day in September

Bonn Its coming up in September - the 40th annual GA Hiking Day. Everyone is invited to join in and and enjoy a day of nature, fresh air and plenty of movement. A Silesian cultural center marks the start and finish of the hike this year.

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Get ready for General Anzeigers 40th Wandertag (Hiking Day) which is coming up on Sunday, September 10. It will begin at Haus Schlesien in Konigswinter-Heisterbacherrott between 9 and 11am, and end in the same location at 5:30 pm. Everyone is invited to join in the hike, young and old, singles or with family and friends.

Haus Schlesien links Poland and Germany, with a documentation and information center at the heart of the house. There is also a small but fine museum with rich Silesian art and culture and this will be open on the hiking day. A Silesian grill buffet will also be offered to all GA hikers and a ceramics expert will give visitors a look at how Bunzlau ceramic (Polish pottery) is produced.

, in Bonn-Beuel at the GA-ticket agent Bianca Quadt, in Haus Schlesien, in Bad Honnef on Hauptstr. 48 at the magazine stand N. Eimermacher. Children up to 6-years-old do not need tickets, children 7 and up pay 3 euros, and adults from age 18 pay 3.50 euros for advance tickets. Add 50 cents if ticket is purchased on the event day.

The ticket gives participants a starting card which enables them to use the shuttle buses, enjoy free beverages at the break stations, entry into a raffle and a certificate at the end.

The bus shuttle will leave from both Bad Godesberg and Bonn.




We talk of ancient giants a lot, but some want more proof that such a race of humans existed in our past.





Science is beginning to uncover clues in our very own DNA, as well as fossil finds that may yet yield the name of this race. But, for now, we can look at some extraordinary evidence of a larger cranial capacity, a greater exposure to locations around the world, and the very first civilizations that we may have later wrestled away from them and adopted for purposes other than their original construction intent.





Ancient aliens theorists often refer to this evidence as signs of visitors from other planets. Rather than go to the extraordinary, let's apply a bit of Occam's Razor and find the most realistic explanation - man of an advanced culture that had a head start on Homo sapiens as worldly globe trotters and go-getters.



We commonly refer to them as "giants" and undoubtedly their size and power was impressive, but to a very short prior man (averaging 5'5" among the Neanderthal), they likely seemed like gods. When I use the term "giant" is filling a spot for an as-of-yet unnamed prior man that our ancestors attributed with power and advancement.





**what I am about to propose are my own conclusions based on looking at a variety of factors, but it is certainly not proven as fact or accepted by the scientific community. As these mysteries remain open, conjecture is up to the individual and their interest and education level to come to conclusions that suit. These are my conclusions I am sharing and the evidence I use to support this viewpoint**





This bracelet (above) is quite finely made for having been carved out 40,000 years ago when our ancestors were barely chasing Pleistocene creatures with arrows. It was made by the Denisovans people.









This fine sewing needle (above) was made 50,000 years ago by the Denisovans.













We do not have to go far to find a people of large cranial capacity. Neanderthals had 1800 cc brains, whereas Homo sapiens have 1300 cc.





Today, Homo sapiens carry DNA of both Denisovans and Neanderthal, as well as another as-of-yet unnamed man. Tens of thousands of years ago, we were mixing it up with the "natives" of Europe and Asia.





We know that a highly intelligent man was wandering around Siberia and Asia before Homo sapiens started venturing out and about. What did these more intelligent people do ahead of us, adapting to different climates and the like, provide us in the way of influence and even DNA, to make us the ruler of the Earth today?





If they existed, what other forms of man we have not yet identified walked the earth and established itself first? Were were terribly impressed with these people by their size, their intelligence, or perhaps their carnivorous tendencies? In our legends and religious texts, did we empower them with greater-than-true attributes to describe our skirmishes and our victories against "giants"?





Let's take a look at what we know of the potential giants (other man) culture and the signs of its presence -
Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIS in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Aug. 10, 2017  U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 18 strikes consisting of 29 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

U.S. Central Command continues to work with partner nations to conduct targeted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria as part of the comprehensive strategy to degrade and defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS.

Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 16 strikes consisting of 25 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Abu Kamal, a strike destroyed ISIS oil equipment.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, a strike destroyed an ISIS wellhead.

-- Near Raqqa, 14 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units and destroyed 27 fighting positions, five command-and-control nodes, two heavy machine guns, a mortar system, a vehicle and an improvised explosive device factory.

Strikes in Iraq

In Iraq, coalition military forces conducted two strikes consisting of four engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Kisik, a strike suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.

-- Near Tal Afar, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS-held building and a vehicle.

Aug. 8 Strikes

Officials also announced results today on 11 strikes consisting of 19 engagements conducted Aug. 8 in Syria and Iraq for which the information was unavailable in time for yesterday's report:

-- Near Raqqa, seven strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions, three command-and-control nodes, an IED and a heavy machine gun.

-- Near Kisik, two strikes suppressed 10 mortar systems.

-- Near Tal Afar, two strikes destroyed an ISIS staging area and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.

Part of Operation Inherent Resolve

These strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to destroy ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The destruction of ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria also further limits the group's ability to project terror and conduct external operations throughout the region and the rest of the world, task force officials said.

The list above contains all strikes conducted by fighter, attack, bomber, rotary-wing or remotely piloted aircraft; rocket-propelled artillery; and some ground-based tactical artillery when fired on planned targets, officials noted.

Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike, they added. A strike, as defined by the coalition, refers to one or more kinetic engagements that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single or cumulative effect.

For example, task force officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIS vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against a group of ISIS-held buildings and weapon systems in a compound, having the cumulative effect of making that facility harder or impossible to use. Strike assessments are based on initial reports and may be refined, officials said.

The task force does not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target.

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OIR Spokesman: No Safe Havens Left for ISIS in Syria or Iraq

By Cheryl Pellerin DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2017  With 50 percent of Raqqa, Syria, now under the control of Syrian Defense Forces and holding forces in place in Mosul, Iraq, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has no safe haven left in either country, the Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman said today.

Army Col. Ryan S. Dillon, briefing the media live from Baghdad, gave an update on operations in Syria and Iraq, noting that determined SDF fighters continue to make progress against ISIS as they fight block by block in Raqqa.

"The SDF has now cleared more than 50 percent of the city from terrorists," Dillon said.

"The SDF are in a fierce urban fight and have almost managed to link up their forces along the eastern and western axes as they conduct deliberate clearance operations of areas under their control," he added.

Syria Operations

Fighting in the tightly packed old city is difficult because buildings and even corpses are rigged with improvised explosives by ISIS to stall the SDF advance, the colonel said.

In the past week, ISIS has used car bombs to attack evacuating civilians and working journalists. In attacks two days in a row, ISIS used armored vehicles packed with explosives to kill six noncombatants and wound five reporters, he said.

The Raqqa Internal Security Force, otherwise known as the RISF, now more than 1,000 strong and composed mainly of Arabs from the Raqqa area, is filling in behind the SDF to provide security and prevent ISIS from returning to cleared neighborhoods, Dillon said.

In southern Syria, near the Iraq-Syria border, there were clashes Monday between ISIS and militia groups, he said, noting that there were initial allegations of coalition strikes on Iraqi popular mobilization forces.

"We verified that the coalition did not conduct air or ground artillery strikes in that location at that time," the colonel said. "This has since been confirmed and corroborated by Iraqi security forces and Iraqi popular mobilization forces."

Rebuilding Iraq

Holding forces are in place in Mosul, Dillon said, and the federal police, the 16th Iraqi Armored Division and some Counter Terrorism Service battalions remain in eastern and western Mosul to provide security as the cleanup begins and civilians start rebuilding their lives.

"We have seen the resilience of the Moslawis in East Mosul and we are beginning to see it in the west as markets open and people begin to return  to their neighborhoods. The coalition continues to support the [Iraqis] as they reset and prepare for follow-on operations in Tal Afar," he said.

The coalition conducted more than 50 strikes in the past week against ISIS defensive positions, headquarters, weapons caches and vehicle bomb and road bomb factories in Tal Afar and Kisik Junction, which is about 30 kilometers east of Tal Afar, Dillon said, where ISIS is defending the approach to the city.

The coalition estimates that about 2,000 ISIS fighters are in and around Tal Afar, and the colonel said the fight to root them out from one of ISIS' last Iraq strongholds is expected to be difficult, he said.

"In former ISIS strongholds, where local Iraqis are back in control and taking care of their people, we see continued progress," Dillon said.

In Tikrit, liberated in April 2015, more than 95 percent of those who fled the city have returned, the colonel said. In Ramadi, liberated in February 2016, more than 300,000 displaced persons have returned, and 20 schools, 18 health centers and 250 houses are rehabilitated, he added.

In Fallujah, liberated in June 2016, 400,000 displaced persons have returned, clean water is pumped to 60 percent of residents, and projects have begun to rehabilitate more than 10,000 houses over the next 18 months, Dillon said.

After ISIS is removed from an area, it is cleared of hazards, international aid and local governance resumes, he said.

Degrading ISIS Finances

Highlighting success in degrading ISIS financial resources, Dillon said the coalition conducted precision airstrikes on five ISIS financial centers in Iraq and Syria over the past two weeks.

"In southern Syria, two airstrikes in Abu Kamal destroyed an ISIS financial headquarters and a bulk cash depository, and another ISIS financial headquarters was destroyed in Deir ez-Zor. Two airstrikes in Iraq destroyed ISIS financial centers in Huwayjah and al-Muthanna," the colonel said.

The coalition is disrupting ISIS financing across Iraq and Syria to keep the terrorist organization from raising, moving and using the resources to pay for fighters and fund terrorism around the globe, Dillon said.

The coalition has struck about 30 ISIS banks and financial centers over the past three years, destroying tens of millions of dollars, and Iraqi government has cut off more than 90 bank branches inside ISIS territory from global financial systems, he added.

ISIS also is under significant pressure because the coalition is targeting its oil and other revenue streams, the colonel said.

"They have been forced to cut fighter pay by half, and having lost Mosul, and with the SDF making steady progress in Raqqa, ISIS has lost much of its revenue base," Dillon explained.

ISIS is becoming increasingly desperate and resorting to more arbitrary taxation and extortion, undermining credibility with the local population and attractiveness to recruits, he added.

These efforts along with ISIS battlefield losses, leader deaths and degraded propaganda all contribute to a losing organization, Dillon said.

"ISIS does not have the same level of leadership it once had. They do not have the same level of grandeur. People just no longer want to come and join these terrorists. And they do not have the resources they once had," he noted.

"ISIS is losing [and] it will continue to lose under the pressure of our partner forces and the coalition until they are defeated in Iraq and Syria," Dillon said.

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Guard Bureau vice chief touts force, emphasizes 'Always Ready, Always There'

By Tech. Sgt. Erich B. Smith, National Guard Bureau August 10, 2017

ARLINGTON, Va. -- For Army Lt. Gen. Dan Hokanson, the unpredictable environment we live in today means that Guard members need to embrace their motto "Always Ready, Always There" now more than ever.

"As an operational reserve and integral part of the Total Force," said Hokanson, the vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, "we need to take every opportunity to increase our readiness.

"As professional Soldiers, Airmen and Civilians, we must uphold the Army and Air Force standards and values, and leverage our Citizen-Soldier and Airmen roots  always," added Hokanson, who was confirmed as vice chief by the U.S. Senate in September.

Hokanson recently returned from Kuwait, where he attended the transfer of authority between the 29th and 35th Infantry Divisions, and visited numerous National Guard units. The units conveyed to him their pride in having the opportunity to support operations throughout the region, and briefed him on their mission, accomplishments, and goals for their deployment.

"They"re not just supporting the warfight, they are in the warfight -- completely focused on their mission," said Hokanson, adding that he returned from the visit energized. "Everything we are doing here [at the National Guard Bureau] is to support them and their ability to perform their mission overseas."

Before visiting Kuwait, Hokanson also had the opportunity to visit Antarctica, where the Guard supports the National Science Foundation's research programs. He praised the work of the New York Air Guard's 109th Airlift Wing, the only unit in the DOD that flies the LC-130 Hercules transport aircraft equipped with skis.

"When you look at the importance of the science and research taking place in Antarctica, the Guard plays a critical role in helping facilitate the accomplishment of the National Science Foundation's mission," he said.

Hokanson also highlighted the State Partnership Program (SPP), a National Guard-managed, Department of Defense initiative that pairs Guard states with foreign nations in an effort to bolster global security through long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.

"The program creates enduring partnerships, provides opportunities to train and conduct subject matter expert exchanges, and increases partner capabilities while we learn from them as well," Hokanson said.

The National Guard"s 79 state partnerships, he added, also provide great value to combatant commanders by supporting their theater security cooperation goals.

While the SPP serves its purpose at the international level, Hokanson also noted Guard members continue to build enduring partnerships in their communities and states every day.

"As Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen," he said, "Guard members should continue to be active members of their communities, maintain the high standards we expect of our organizations, and inspire others to join the incredible National Guard team."

This also pertains to leveraging the innovative spirit our service men and women bring to the National Guard from their civilian jobs and experiences, he added.

He highlighted an example of how a deployed Army National Guard enlisted member, whose civilian employer was a delivery services company, observed issues with a convoy route system and made recommendations based on his civilian experience and expertise.

"His input streamlined operations," Hokanson said, "helping improve our convoy route system."

The National Guard"s state and federal missions, and the unique requirements to support them, are reasons why the chief of the National Guard Bureau is working hard for NGB representation on the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, or JROC. Members of this body, which is comprised of the Vice Chiefs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, review DOD acquisitions that support the war effort.

"Our military equipment, much of which is fielded in the National Guard, often has dual-use capabilities that can be used in our communities and states when responding to natural or man-made disasters," Hokanson said.

The ability to represent the non-federalized National Guard on the JROC, and advocate for how our equipment is often leveraged in the homeland, he added, would be a great benefit to the Total Force.

The service the National Guard provides to our communities, states and nation does not rely solely on our military assets and resources, however, noted Hokanson.

"Our greatest resource is our people. We have to take care of our service members and their families, and identify and develop our future leaders," he said. "Serving our states and nation is an incredible honor and an experience all National Guard members should be proud of."

Looking ahead, the vice chief challenges every member of the National Guard to focus on their individual and unit readiness, so when the call comes, "we will be 'Always Ready, Always There.'"

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Transcript

Presenter: Colonel Ryan Dillon, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve Spokesman; Colonel Rob Manning, Director, Defense Press Office August 10, 2017

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Colonel Dillon via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq

COLONEL ROB MANNING: Well, good morning. It's nice to see all of you.

My name is Colonel Rob Manning, and I back-filled Captain Jeff Davis as the director for press operations. So I'm in my first week here at the Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs.

Again, very nice to see you. I present a more familiar face here with Colonel Dillon for an update on operations in Iraq and Syria.

Colonel Dillon, can you hear? How do you hear us?

COLONEL RYAN DILLON: I can hear you well, Rob. How about me?

COL. MANNING: Okay. We hear you. We want to turn it up just a little bit. Okay. Excellent.

And we appreciate your patience in advance. We're working through some technical challenges, but we appreciate your patience there.

Colonel Dillon is the spokesperson for Combined Joint Task Force/Operation Inherent Resolve. And he's going to make an opening statement, and then we'll turn to the floor for questions. Again, this is my first briefing, so I would ask that you state your name and affiliation. That will help Colonel Dillon with knowing who's asking the question. And it will help me -- help familiarize me with each one of you.

And with that, I'll turn it over to Colonel Dillon.

COL. DILLON: All right. Thanks, Rob, and welcome to the team. It's great not being the new guy anymore. So, tag, you're it.

So, good morning everyone. We'll go ahead and get started. We'll begin in Syria and then move to Iraq.

Determined fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces continue to make progress against ISIS as they fight block by block in Raqqa. The SDF has now cleared more than 50 percent of the city from terrorists. The SDF are in a fierce urban fight and have almost managed to link up their forces along eastern and western axes as they conduct deliberate clearance operations of areas under their control.

Fighting in the tightly packed old city is particularly difficult, with ISIS rigging buildings and even corpses with improvised explosives to try to stall the SDF advance. In the past week, ISIS has also used car bombs to attack evacuating civilians, as well as journalists. In attacks two days in a row, ISIS used armored vehicles packed with explosives to kill six noncombatants and wound five reporters.

The Raqqa Internal Security Force, otherwise known as the RISF, now more than 1,000 strong, comprised of mainly local Arabs from the Raqqa area, they are filling in behind the SDF to provide security and prevent ISIS from returning to cleared neighborhoods.

In southern Syria, near the Iraq-Syria border, there were clashes Monday between ISIS and militia groups. There were initial allegations of coalition strikes on Iraqi popular mobilization forces. We verified that the coalition did not conduct air or ground artillery strikes in that location at that time. This has since been confirmed and corroborated by Iraqi security forces and Iraqi popular mobilization forces.

Moving to Iraq, hold forces are in place in Mosul. The federal police, the 16th Iraqi Armored Division, and some CTS, Counterterrorism Service battalions, remain in East and West Mosul to provide security as the cleanup begins and civilians begin to rebuild their lives.

We have seen the resilience of the Moslawis in East Mosul and we are beginning to see it in the west as market open and people begin to return more and more to their neighborhoods.

The coalition continues to support the ISF as they reset and prepare for follow-on operations in Tal Afar. We conducted more than 50 strikes in the past week against ISIS defensive positions, headquarters, weapons caches, and VBIED and IED factories in Tal Afar and also Kisik Junction. Kisik Junction is about 30 kilometers east of Tal Afar, where ISIS is defending in depth leading to the city.

The coalition estimates there are about 2,000 ISIS fighters in and around Tal Afar. We fully expect this to be a difficult fight to root out ISIS from one of their last strongholds in Iraq.

In former ISIS strongholds, where local Iraqis are back in control and taking care of their people, we see continued progress.

In Tikrit, liberated in April 2015, nearly all of the IDPs who departed the city -- more than 95 percent have returned.

Ramadi, liberated in February 2016, has seen more than 300,000 IDPs return; 20 schools, 18 health centers and 250 houses have been rehabilitated.

In Fallujah, liberated in June of 2016, 400,000 IDPs have returned. Clean water is pumping to 60 percent of residents, and projects have begun to rehabilitate more than 10,000 houses over the course of the next 18 months.

These are all examples of progress that has occurred after ISIS has been removed, areas have been cleared of hazards, arrival of international aid and transition to local governance.

In my last two Pentagon press briefings, I announced coalition efforts to remove ISIS leaders from the battlefield. Today, I would like to specifically highlight some of our successes towards degrading ISIS financial resources.

The coalition conducted precision airstrikes on five ISIS financial centers in Iraq and Syria over the past two weeks.

In southern Syria, two airstrikes in Abu Kamal destroyed an ISIS financial headquarters and a bulk cash depository. And another ISIS financial headquarters was destroyed in Deir Ez-Zor.

Two airstrikes in Iraq destroyed ISIS financial centers in Hawija and Al-Mukana.

The coalition continues to disrupt ISIS financing across Iraq and Syria to prevent the terrorist organization from raising, moving and using these resources to pay for fighters and fund terrorism around the globe.

The coalition has struck around 30 ISIS banks and financial centers over the past three years, destroying tens of millions of dollars. The Iraqi government has cut off more than 90 bank branches inside ISIS territory from global financial systems.

ISIS is under significant pressure as a direct result of the coalition targeting its oil and other revenue streams. They have been forced to cut its fighter stay by half, and, having lost Mosul and with the SDF making steady progress in Raqqa, ISIS has lost much of its revenue base. They are becoming increasingly desperate and resorting to more arbitrary taxation and extortion, which further undermines its credibility with the local population and its attractiveness to recruits.

These efforts, along with ISIS battlefield losses, their leaders being killed, and degradation of their propaganda, all contribute to an organization that is losing.

ISIS does not have the same level of leadership it once had. They do not have the same level of grandeur. People just no longer want to come and join these terrorists. And they do not have the resources they once had.

ISIS is losing. It will continue to lose under the pressure of our partner forces and the coalition until they are defeated in Iraq and Syria.

And with that, I'll now be happy to take your questions.

COL. MANNING: Thank you, Colonel Dillon.

First question? Go ahead, sir.

Q: Sure. (inaudible) -- with the Daily Caller.

Colonel, could you tell us what percentage of Raqqa is now under SDF control?

COL. DILLON: Just over 50 percent of the area has -- is now under SDF control. They have continued to make steady progress along the east and west axes of advance. And over the course of the last week, in the southern portion just north of the Euphrates River, they have taken some ground from there as well.

Q: So by my count there, it's been about five percent gain in the last two weeks. Is there a reason that gains have slowed? Is there -- are they hitting more fierce resistance than seen before?

COL. DILLON: As I've stated in the last, you know, two Pentagon press briefings, there's no question that they have hit stiffer resistance, definitely compared to the beginning of offensive operations. We've talked about the IEDs, car bombs, and the static vehicle-borne IED placements that they have used throughout Raqqa.

I mentioned last week that 80 percent of the engagements that the SDF have faced have been from some sort of improvised explosive device. So, that also with the back-clearance that I mentioned in my opening statement, to make sure they hold the gains that they have had, all contribute to the level of progress that has happened.

But I'll be certain that there has been progress and none of the territory that they have gained has been ceded to ISIS at all.

Q: Hello, Colonel Dillon. Thank you for doing this. It's Ryan Browne here.

I have two quick questions for you. The first one, Brett McGurk last week at State Department said that he's -- it looked like the regime would be able to recapture Deir ez-Zor from ISIS, and looked like it was committed to doing so. You know, you talked about the RISF and we talk a lot about the need to train hold forces that are from the local population. The regime seems to be heavily reliant on Shia militias, Hezbollah, people who are not local.

So, are you worried that if the regime takes places from ISIS, that those -- that there may be continuing problems and that that won't be a long-term solution to beating ISIS?

COL. DILLON: Well, first off, to just address the Deir ez-Zor and the regime's progress, you know, towards that. We've talked, you know, several times from the same podium that they are making a concerted effort. They have -- the regime is moving just south of the Euphrates River valley, south of the de-confliction line. That has been coordinated and de-conflicted, and has been placed between the SDF and the regime and the Russians and the U.S.

So, they are moving in that direction. Whether or not they get to Deir ez-Zor, that is still yet to be seen. As far as the question about are we worried about the -- the militias as they get there, our focus and our number one concern right now is the defeat of ISIS in Raqqa. And the -- we can point to other examples where the council and where the security forces that have been in place are working -- places like Manbij, places like Tabqa, where people from the area after they've been liberated are very passionate about, you know, signing up and joining these security forces so that people like ISIS cannot return to their neighborhoods and their towns.

Q: Just to follow up, and then I have one more question. But just to follow up on that, right, you talked about these local hold forces and how they're keeping ISIS out, but the regime does not have any kind of parallel program, it appears. Are you worried that ISIS could return to areas that the regime is taking from ISIS? Is that a concern?

COL. DILLON: That is not an immediate concern of ours, but I don't know if we have looked into that more deeply. Again, I told you where our focus is now and where our efforts are concentrated.

Q: Thank you. And just -- you mentioned Manbij and kind of the hold force there. I -- we are hearing reports though -- I understand that the coalition has maintained an advisory presence in Manbij to kind of serve as a bit of a deterrent between clashes that are not, you know, armed forces that are not directed at ISIS. How is that -- is that mission still ongoing?

And we've also heard reports that there have been attacks against coalition advisers in Manbij. Is there any -- do you have any information on that?

COL. DILLON: Okay, Ryan. Thanks.

The -- we do. The coalition does continue to advise and assist our partners, and reassure them in northern Syria. We are conducting overt patrols. And over the course of the last week, there have been clear, direct fire engagements that have not resulted in injury or damage to equipment, but near our forces. And we are prepared to defend ourselves if required. But that mission continues, and it is ongoing. And we have been doing that for some time now.

Q: Just one last thing, Colonel -- just one last follow-up on that. You've talked they are overt patrols. We've seen the images of them flying the American flag on these armored vehicles. Are you -- is it your assessment that these -- these -- these -- these folks firing at these vehicles, firing at these patrols are aware that this is, you know, U.S. or coalition personnel? And do you have any idea of who is behind these attacks?

COL. DILLON: We do not know who is behind these attacks. But, you know, we are very clear about our presence there. Like I said, these patrols are overt. Our forces are clearly marked. And we have been operating in that area for some time. So, it should not be news to anyone that we are doing this, operating in that particular area. And we will continue to -- to advise our partners and reassure them in that area. But we will be prepared to defend ourselves if necessary.

COL. MANNING: Okay. Next, we'll go to Lucas Tomlinson from Fox.

Q: Colonel, where are the ISIS safe havens in Syria where they can still plot attacks against the West?

COL. DILLON: Lucas, I would say that there are no safe havens in Syria where they can plot attacks safely. I've talked several times, especially over the course of the last two weeks -- the last two times that I discussed, and even today, how we will not allow ISIS sanctuary wherever they are. And so, we have seen over the course of the last three weeks the targeting of high-value targets. I think that at least 15 over the course of the last month. So we target them wherever we find them, and we've been very successful at that.

We talked today about the financial resources and we also know that their defensive positions that they continue to try to set up, as they know that they will inevitably face the coalition and/or the regime.

We will continue to service those targets to soften them up. But I would say that there is no safe haven for ISIS in Iraq and Syria. They are on their heels right now.

COL. MANNING: Craig?

Q: And what can you tell us about this ISIS plastic explosive that was mailed from Turkey to Australia. Has the coalition been involved in any way in that investigation? Or can you tell us more about what exactly happened?

COL. DILLON: Lucas I cannot. We're focused on Iraq and Syria, the military defeat. I don't have any information, specifics, on the particular instance you're talking about, with that bomb in -- going to Australia.

Q: And finally, is there a concern that, despite all the disruption of ISIS safe havens -- that ISIS still has the ability to carry out attacks abroad?

COL. DILLON: We've -- we know that there has been inspired attacks. But I would also say that, within Iraq and Syria, they do not have the ability with -- to plot and plan, certainly not the way that they did in the past.

So if we -- (inaudible) -- that they're doing something, if they have headquarters, if they're planning, if they're conducting external operations, they do not have sanctuary in Iraq and Syria.

I've also talked about the greater coalition and the 73 international organizations that have come together. Those are countries and places -- people like Interpol, the European Union, who are working together to make sure that ISIS fighters and terrorists -- terrorists cannot move freely in and amongst the countries and the world.

So, those are some of those points in progress of greater coalition to stem the ability of ISIS fighters to move around the world.

COL. MANNING: To you.

Q: Hi, Colonel Dillon. Elizabeth McLaughlin with ABC.

There have been reports of hundreds of ISIS fighters who are actually surrendering from inside Raqqa. I don't seem to remember that happening this early in the operation with Mosul. Can you speak to a little bit about why you think that's happening and your assessment of how many of these fighters are surrendering?

COL. DILLON: Okay, Elizabeth. I don't have the -- a good confirmation of the total number of ISIS fighters that have reportedly surrendered.

We do know that they have done that. Not only have they surrendered, there are several who are -- have been caught as they try to -- they drop their weapons and then they try intermingle with IDPs as people try to get out of the city.

So the security forces, the SDF and the Raqqa internal security forces, have done a great job of identifying those fighters.

And then what they do is they will detain them, and then temporarily get them to judiciary councils in Ayaneesa and another -- and another location that I can't remember off the top of my head. But there are two judiciary councils that they get people to.

I don't have the total numbers. So -- and that's -- and that's okay. As long as we are -- ISIS is being defeated, or they're being held in Raqqa, or they're surrendering or they're being captured, these are all signs of progress, and something that we certainly would welcome and would like to continue as we progress in the fight against ISIS in Raqqa.

Q: Are these -- are these fighters that are mingling with your -- with your forces -- are they trying to conduct attacks as they try to blend in? Or are they actually trying to -- to escape?

COL. DILLON: We've seen a little bit of both. I mentioned last week a female ISIS fighter that intermingled, and then she detonated a suicide vest as she intermingled with these people.

We've also seen them just lay down their weapons, without, you know, suicide vests, without the attempt to try to blow or kill up other people.

So we've seen a little bit of both.

Q: All right. Thank you.

Q: Hey, Colonel Dillon. Corey Dickstein with Stars and Stripes.

I just wanted to follow up on Ryan's question. What --

(CROSSTALK)

Q: No, not Lucas' story.

What -- what different groups are still in the Manbij area besides, you know, obviously us and I assume some of the SDF in that area?

And then on these direct attacks, are these -- is this a sniper firing off a couple of shots? Or can you, you know, describe those attacks a little bit further?

(AUDIO GAP)

COL. DILLON: You guys let me know when -- I'll give you a thumbs up when I can hear you again.

COL. MANNING: Okay, Colonel Dillon, can you hear us?

COL. DILLON: I can. Thumbs up.

COL. MANNING: Excellent, welcome back. And we'll go ahead and restate the question there.

Q: Sir, it's Corey Dickstein with Stars and Stripes. So, my question was following up on Ryan on the Manbij.

What -- what groups are still in the Manbij area?

And then do you have any more details on these direct attacks? Is it a sniper shooting a couple of shots or is it something more than that, I guess?

COL. DILLON: Okay.

Corey, I know that we're still working with our partners in the SDF. I owe you an answer back if it has -- if we are working with anyone else in the particular region in or around northern Syria and around Manbij.

As far as those attacks, they were engagements, they were small-arms fire that were directed towards our patrols. I can't really, you know, tell you whether or not it was a single shot, you know, sniper, but what I can say is that with these engagements, and there was more than one, there was no damage to equipment or casualties on our side.

Q: I guess -- are there -- besides the SDF and groups that we might be working with, are there any others? I think the Russians -- there was a Russian group out there months ago probably, or Turkish troops or Turkish-backed groups or any of those kind of people in that area?

COL. DILLON: Corey, I don't know that question. I -- I don't know that answer. I know -- (inaudible) -- back to you. I know that there were other groups that we were working with, and that was prior to me coming and showing up and taking this position. I owe you a follow-up on that.

COL. MANNING: Okay. Lucas with Fox for a follow-up question.

Q: To follow up -- were there any casualties on the other side, Colonel? The guys doing the shooting?

COL. DILLON: I -- we did not -- we did not engage. We did not. We do reserve the right to defend ourselves. We did not engage in direct fire in these instances. So, not that we know of. There were no casualties on the other side as far as I know.

Q: Just to be clear. You're saying that U.S. forces did not return fire?

COL. DILLON: That is correct.

Q: Thank you.

COL. MANNING: Okay. Any other questions?

Okay.

(CROSSTALK)

Q: Colonel, just since I have you -- have your time here, I just wanted to follow up again on the middle Euphrates River valley and on al-Tanf. Has there been any change to the mission there? Are we continuing to train and continue to conduct joint patrols with the rebel groups there?

And you mentioned a little bit the defections in the past, a couple of -- a very small number of defections. Have there been any more defections since we last spoke?

COL. DILLON: Ryan, we are continuing to conduct patrols with our vetted Syrian opposition group that we are working with now singularly in al-Tanf. There have not been any more defections as far as I know. And we do continue to, as I said, conduct patrols in and out of the al-Tanf -- (inaudible) -- and in and around that area.

COL. MANNING: Okay.

(CROSSTALK)

Q: (inaudible) -- policy.

Can you talk a little bit about the gains that the Syrian army has made in southern Syria along the Jordanian border? Does that come in close to al-Tanf or where those troops are operating?

COL. DILLON: I don't know. I forget who that was. Is that Paul?

COL. MANNING: It is, Colonel Dillon. It's Paul.

COL. DILLON: All right. Thanks, Paul.

The -- the regime, you know, we have that 55-kilometer de-confliction ring around al-Tanf. And that remains. There are pro-regime forces that have moved around and to the north and to the east of that de-confliction ring. The pro-regime forces are located -- have made it up to the, and you've read this I'm sure in open reporting, al-Suqna, which is north of al-Tanf, and then along the Euphrates River area southeast of Raqqa towards the area of Maidan.

So those are the two areas that we know of where the pro-regime forces are.

COL. MANNING: Okay. Any more questions?

Okay. I guess we'll cut it a little bit short today. Colonel Dillon, we'll go to you for any closing comments that you may have.

COL. DILLON: No. Again, you know, sorry about the coms issues. We'll continue to try to work through these, but we'll always have a backup plan if this happens again. So thanks again for your patience, your time. And I think I'll see a few of you in the next couple of weeks. So I look forward to it.

COL. MANNING: Well, Colonel Dillon, thank you. Stay safe. And thanks to all of you for coming today. Appreciate it.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1274983/

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Transcript

Presenter: Defense Secretary Jim Mattis August 10, 2017

Media Availability by Secretary Mattis en route to Seattle

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE JIM MATTIS: (Off mic) And it was pulled off, you know, it's a unanimous effort.

I'm going out here, and this is a long-scheduled trip. I mean, this is not something I'm doing, again, all of the sudden. I mean, any time you go to a nuclear submarine base, ok, this has been on the schedule for weeks. Many weeks, months, right now.

So just -- I want to be sure that it's not mischaracterized in your mind that -- as something that just popped up, like, "What's going on?"

I'm also going to be talking to some West Coast companies, every one of which, you know, you've heard from me  Amazon, Google, and all the rest. I lived, for three years, on the West Coast -- for three-and-a-half years, after I got out of the Marines. I lived right on -- right in -- right on Sand Hill Road, in Silicon Valley.

[I'm a] Big admirer of what they do out there, about the way they germinate ideas, the way they harvest ideas, from one breakthrough, rapidly, to another, and that -- So I'm going out to see what we can pick up in DIUx (Defense Innovation Unit Experimental).

I don't embrace it; I enthusiastically embrace it, and I'm grateful that Secretary Carter had the -- had the foresight to put something in place to anchor the Department of Defense out there.

So what I like to do -- I haven't traveled across with lots of you -- I've traveled with (inaudible). But I like to just talk to you when I start on a trip, let you know kind of, you know, what -- why I'm taking all the government's money to make the trips, you know, and go out there, and what I'm trying to gain from it.

It's mostly where I'm in listening mode and I want to hear what's going on with the Sailors who work our nuclear deterrent, our most survivable leg of the nuclear deterrent, a few forward-thinking people who have shown an ability to innovate on a -- on a scale that is -- that is exhausting, just mind-blowing.

And so that's -- that's what's going on. You have any questions at all for me?

Q: A lot. Are you answering any questions on the statement?

STAFF: Just -- just, sir, we're on the record. Do you want to answer questions?

SEC. MATTIS: Yes.

STAFF: Yes.

Q: Great. I wanted to ask exactly -- the last line, it says -- let's see -- what -- what would North Korea do that would sort of the -- prompt any kind of action from the U.S.?

SEC. MATTIS: Oh, I won't speculate on that. No, no. No.

Q: It says any arms race or conflict that initiates. So what would that -- what would that mean? What would that mean?

SEC. MATTIS: I can't really expand on it. Thanks for asking. The DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)regime deck will continue to be grossly overmatched by ours, OK, and would lose any arms race or conflict it initiates.

Yeah?

Q: Let me ask you, Mr. Secretary -- so, this morning, the President specifically tweeted out this idea that, when he came into office, one of his first orders was to modernize -- I don't have the line in front of me, but modernize the nuclear arsenal --

SEC. MATTIS: Yes.

Q: -- as part of improving readiness, et cetera.

You talk about the improved readiness when it comes to nuclear infrastructure --

SEC. MATTIS: (inaudible) --

Q: -- the improved -- the emphasized readiness of the ballistic missile defense, nuclear deterrent forces -- you mentioned specifically in your statement. Can you give us any greater detail as to --

SEC. MATTIS: For the growing threat, in the first part, I emphasized the readiness of our ballistic missile defense and nuclear deterrent forces, yeah.

Q: Right. So can you give us any greater details -- since President Trump said, that was one of his first orders, was to improve the existing nuclear readiness -- the existing arsenal, can you give us any greater sense as to what's been done during your tenure to try to improve that?

SEC. MATTIS: No, I don't think I want to tell the adversary what we've done. Yeah, I had to think my way through it. I think it's a very good -- it's a very legitimate question.

I think also you're aware that we are reviewing our nuclear posture right now. Obviously, we're reviewing our ballistic missile defense. You know that's going on. We've been very open about it.

So there are any number of things underway, but I don't want to get into the specifics. I hope for confidentiality on those things.

Q: Can I ask you  the President -- yesterday when he said "fire and fury." Were you surprised by that or did they give you a heads-up he was going to articulate that view?

SEC. MATTIS: Yeah, again, Tony, what I want to do is say this is my statement. This is where I stand on it. And I want to make certain that this is where I stand right now.

The President is -- I was not elected. The American people elected the President. And he -- I think what he's pointing out is simply that -- that these provocations -- you can see his diplomatic effort to try and stop it.

And he's just showing the -- the -- the -- the concern he has, that is shared, obviously, globally, when you see that kind of unanimous Security Council result. That -- that's what he's conveying.

Q: But his rhetoric -- the world will -- "fire and fury, the world"  is unlike anything we've seen before.

SEC. MATTIS: The rhetoric is up to the President. This is my rhetoric.

So, yeah?

Q: Can you define "stand down" in pursuit of nuclear weapons?

SEC. MATTIS: Say that again?

Q: Can you define "stand down" in this context?

SEC. MATTIS: Yes.

What we're -- what we're looking at here is if you look at, for example, South Korea's -- what their policy is on nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula, if you look at Japan's policy on nuclear weapons on the Korean [Peninsula], if you look at China's policy, if you look at our policy, it is a denuclearized Korean Peninsula.

So, they are the only ones who are trying to nuclearize -- who are nuclearizing this through provocations and rhetoric that is alarming to the entire world.

I mean, I get questions about this every time I meet with foreign leaders. Not just -- not just about South Korea. This is not just about Japan. It's not just about the United States. And it's not just about China or Russia. These are the nations that border or have interests, alliances right there. This is a global problem.

I hear about this every time I meet. I won't go into those details and say what each one said, but it comes up from Brussels to -- to Singapore, Shangri-La -- from NATO to Shangri-La, put it that way.

Q: So the goal is still a denuclearized Korean Peninsula?

SEC. MATTIS: Pardon?

Q: That goal is still a denuclearized Korean Peninsula?

SEC. MATTIS: Absolutely. Absolutely. That's the goal of the Chinese. It's the same policy goal of the United States, of Japan.

Q: What do you make of the reports that North Korea now can fit a miniaturized warhead on a missile now?

SEC. MATTIS: Yeah, I'm not -- I'm not going to discuss that.

Q: Okay. And then, should folks in Guam be worried?

SEC. MATTIS: Pardon?

Q: Should folks in Guam be worried in response to North Korea's threat?

SEC. MATTIS: No.

Q: Is there a military solution to North Korea's nuclear program?

You recall, three years ago, before the Iran agreement, there was a lot of discussion on whether conventional attacks could delay or derail Iran's capabilities.

SEC. MATTIS: (inaudible)

Q: What's your take on the -- North Korea, in terms of the use of military force to derail --

SEC. MATTIS: Yeah.

Q: -- Korea's capabilities?

SEC. MATTIS: What we're doing is a diplomatically-led effort that is succeeding in drawing the international community together and speaking with one voice. You just saw it. That's where we're at.

Do I have military options? Of course I do. That's my responsibility, to have those. And we work very closely with allies to ensure that this is not unilateral either -- that we -- this is a -- multilateral military options that we have.

And of course there's a military solution.

But what we're trying to do here is leave it loud and clear that -- if you see us -- loud and clear in the diplomatic arena: It is North Korea's choice. Do you want a much better future -- the entire world community is saying one thing -- or do you want a much worse future?

And I'm not going to go into the military options themselves, but of course there's a military option. We want to use diplomacy. That's where we've been, that's where we are right now and that's where we hope to remain. But at the same time, our defenses are  are -- are robust.

Q: Is Kim a rational actor? Kim -- is Kim Jong-un a rational actor?

SEC. MATTIS: I'll leave that to you to figure out.

Q: Can I ask, actually, something not on North Korea, but on the trip in general?

Since two  the next two days we're going to be spending in Silicon Valley. You talked about your time out there. Your predecessor viewed the --

SEC. MATTIS: Talked about what out there?

Q: Your time in Silicon Valley, the three years you lived there.

SEC. MATTIS: Oh, yeah.

Q: Your predecessor viewed the innovation initiative, the third offset or however you want to phrase it, as an existential issue for the military. It's very much -- I mean, he had several offices reporting directly to him on the idea that this innovation had to happen, otherwise the military was going to be caught flat-footed in the future.

Do you view it with that same level of urgency? Do you similarly think that the third offset is as critical to the future of the military?

SEC. MATTIS: Yeah, I -- I deal with a military that's engaged in current active operations. It's an equal obligation for me not just to maintain the current readiness, but to make certain that the secretary of defense after next has the same advantages -- competitive edge, to put it in particular words -- the same competitive edge that -- that I enjoyed growing up in this country.

So I rate it as a top-level priority.

Q: And, I mean, some of the moves, for instance, with the new R&E (Research and Engineering) chief who's going to be coming up -- when that office gets split, STO (Special Technical Operations) is going under that R&E chief, DIUx -- obviously, there's some reorganization there.

Do you think that'll change the agency's emphasis on innovation in any way?

SEC. MATTIS: I've always thought you needed to bring the right people into an organization and reward the right behavior, because we will get the behavior we reward.

And so you'll notice that my deputy has a different experience base, his formative years were spent differently, and brings a different skill set. You'll notice that the lady we just brought in to AT&L (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics) --

Q: Ellen Lord?

SEC. MATTIS: -- Ellen Lord, has got a different and very precise skill set for what she's doing. We have other -- (inaudible).

What impressed me when I got here -- and I -- it's very unusual for the Congress -- excuse me -- to direct a reorganization inside a department. And so I went in and read and talked to a number of people involved, read about the reorganization, talked to a number of people involved up on Capitol Hill.

And what struck me was how well they had defined the problem of trying to keep our troops in the field with everything they needed -- acquisition, technology, logistics. Meanwhile, we expect that same organization to be looking 20 years down the road. And they had defined the problem so well that, when I came in, after reviewing it critically, I embraced it 100 percent.

I think they actually came up with a very sound way to address it. That does not relieve us, now, of organizing inside for success, and doesn't relieve us of finding the most high-quality people to lead that, and that's what we're engaged in now. So it's full speed ahead.

Does that give you an answer on that?

(CROSSTALK)

Q: Yeah -- (inaudible).

Q: So DIUx, you have fully embraced the concept. You're not going out here to be convinced?

At DIUx, you have fully embraced the concept? This trip is not to go, "Come out and show me," basically? You're convinced of their value?

SEC. MATTIS: Well, they're going to show me. I want to see results. I want to see what they're doing with their location and the ideas that they're bringing, they're harvesting -- what are we getting out of it?

Absolutely, I want to see them in their mission. I'm not coming out here questioning the mission, I think, is what -- is what you're asking, though.

Q: Do we need more of that tech talent in the Pentagon?

SEC. MATTIS: Pardon?

Q: Do we need more tech talent in the Pentagon -- in the civilian ranks?

SEC. MATTIS: We -- I -- that's a good question. I don't know right now. Let us get organized the way we are. But I -- I could imagine maintaining a high percentage of STEM-background (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics-background) people -- science, technology, you know, that kind of stuff. Mathematics, physics. I love that stuff.

Q: Will we have a chance to engage with you toward the end? Will we have a chance to engage with at the end?

SEC. MATTIS: (inaudible)  well, depending on the length of the trip, I'll try to see you on (inaudible).

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1274624/

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Government of Thailand - RGM-84L Harpoon Block II Surface Launched Missiles

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No: 17-32

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Thailand for RGM-84L Harpoon Block II Surface Launched Missiles. The estimated cost is $24.9 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on August 9, 2017.

The Government of Thailand has requested the possible sale of up to five (5) RGM-84L Harpoon Block II Surface Launched Missiles and one (1) RTM-84L Harpoon Block II Exercise Missile. Also included are containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representatives technical assistance, engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $24.9 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Thai strategic relationship and to improve the security of an important partner.

The proposed sale will provide enhanced capabilities in effective defense of critical sea lines. Thailand intends to use the missiles on its DW3000 Class Frigate. The proposed sale of the Harpoon Block II missiles and support will increase the Royal Thai Navy's maritime partnership potential. Thailand has purchased Harpoon missiles previously and will have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces.

The proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be the Boeing Company, St. Louis, MO. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require annual trips to Thailand involving U.S. Government personnel and contractor representatives for technical reviews, support, and oversight for approximately five years.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

-30-

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Pakistan says no military solution to Afghan conflict

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Aug 10, IRNA -- Pakistan says there is no military solution to Afghan conflict and the crisis in the country can be solved only by holding dialog between all the parties, including Taliban.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nafees Zakaria at his weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday said an enduring solution of the conflict can only be achieved through reconciliation and peace talks.

He said Pakistan appreciates the dialogue initiative between Hizb-e-Islami and the Afghan government.

About media reports suggesting America's possible tougher policy towards Pakistan on the pretext of supporting some militant groups, the spokesman said this misperception has been created through media propaganda.

He said Pakistan prefers to discuss such issues through channels other than media.

The spokesman, however, said Pakistan's contribution to war on terror, its sacrifices and successes are unmatched and it does not need certification from others on this account.

He said Pakistan has been engaged in military operations to wipe out terrorists without any discrimination.

Commenting on Afghan refugees in Pakistan, he said: We want Afghan refugees to return back voluntarily with honor, he added.

Zakaria reiterated that Pakistan has been hosting Afghan refugees for the last four decades and stressed that the country did not force any Afghan refugee to leave the country.

272**1723**2050

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Lebanese army annihilates Daesh terrorists

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Beirut, Aug 10, IRNA -- The Lebanese army, in an attack to the Daesh (ISIS) terrorist group's positions in Ras Baalbek heights on northeast of the country on Wednesday night, eradicated a number of the terrorists.

Ras Baalbek and Al Qaa heights have been occupied by Daesh for almost three years and according to the reports, eradication of several terrorists has been affirmed.

The recent attacks of the Lebanese army on Daesh positions are considered a prologue to a greater wipe out of this terrorist group from the occupied areas.

The attacks are following the clearing out of Arsal heights from the Al Nusra terrorist group by Hezbollah forces and now the Lebanese army is going to act against Daesh directly and Hezbollah forces, with the Syrian Army collaboration, are going to raid the terrorists in Syria.

Ras Baalbek heights are connected to some areas in Syria and the whole area is around 200 km square.

9411**1394

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McCAIN CALLS FOR NEW STRATEGY FOR AFGHANISTAN

Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced an amendment he has filed to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (NDAA) that offers a new strategy for success for the ongoing war in Afghanistan.

For months, Chairman McCain has urged the new administration to submit a strategy for success to Congress, but no strategy has been submitted to-date. Developed in consultation with some of the nation's most experienced and respected former military and intelligence officials, the strategy calls for a civil-military approach to bolster U.S. counterterrorism efforts, strengthen the capability and capacity of the Afghan government and security forces, and intensify diplomatic efforts to facilitate a negotiated peace process in Afghanistan in cooperation with regional partners  supported by an enduring U.S. troop presence.

Chairman McCain released the following statement on the strategy:

"America is adrift in Afghanistan. President Obama's 'don't lose' strategy has put us on a path to achieving the opposite result. Now, nearly seven months into President Trump's administration, we've had no strategy at all as conditions on the ground have steadily worsened. The thousands of Americans putting their lives on the line in Afghanistan deserve better from their commander-in-chief.

"Adopting a new strategy for achieving America's national security interests in Afghanistan is a decision of the highest importance, one that should be subjected to rigorous scrutiny and debate within our government. But we must face facts: we are losing in Afghanistan and time is of the essence if we intend to turn the tide.

"That is why, after consulting with some of our nation's most experienced and respected former military and intelligence officials, I have filed an amendment to the defense authorization bill that outlines the strategy we need to achieve America's national security interests in Afghanistan and the wider region.

"The goal of this strategy is to ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a sanctuary for terrorists to plot and conduct attacks against America, our allies, or our interests. To accomplish this goal, we need an integrated civil-military approach to bolster U.S. counterterrorism efforts, strengthen the capability and capacity of the Afghan government and security forces, and intensify diplomatic efforts to facilitate a negotiated peace process in Afghanistan in cooperation with regional partners.

"America's Armed Forces in harm's way in Afghanistan deserve leadership from Washington worthy of their service and sacrifice. Adopting a clear policy and strategy in Afghanistan, backed with the authorities and resources necessary for success, would be a critical step toward restoring that kind of leadership, which has been absent for far too long."

Chairman McCain's Amendment Providing a New Strategy for Success in Afghanistan

It is in the national security interest of the United States that Afghanistan never again serve as a sanctuary for international terrorists to conduct attacks against the United States, its allies, or its core interests.

To secure the national security interest of the United States in Afghanistan, the United States should pursue an integrated civil-military strategy with the following strategic objectives:

Deny, disrupt, degrade, and destroy the ability of terrorist groups to conduct attacks against the United States, its allies, or its core interests;



Prevent the Taliban from using military force to overthrow the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and reduce the Taliban's control of the Afghan population;



Improve the capability and capacity of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the extent feasible and practicable to defeat terrorist and insurgent groups as well as sustainably and independently provide security throughout Afghanistan;



Establish security conditions in Afghanistan necessary to encourage and facilitate a negotiated peace process that supports Afghan political reconciliation and an eventual diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Afghanistan; and



Forge a regional diplomatic consensus in support of the long-term stabilization of Afghanistan through integration into regional patterns of political, security, and economic cooperation.



The United States should pursue an integrated civil-military strategy that would achieve U.S. strategic objectives in the following ways:



Bolstering the United States counterterrorism effort in Afghanistan by:





Increasing the number of U.S. counterterrorism forces in Afghanistan;







Providing the U.S. military with status-based targeting authorities against the Taliban, the Haqqani Network, al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, and other terrorist groups that threaten the United States, its allies, and its core interests; and

Pursuing a joint agreement to secure a long-term, open-ended counterterrorism partnership between the United States and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, which would include an enduring U.S. counterterrorism presence in Afghanistan;

Improving the military capability and capacity of the Afghan National Security and Defense Forces (ANSDF) against the Taliban and other terrorists groups by: In the short term, establishing U.S. military training and advisory teams at the kandak -level of each Afghan corps and significantly increasing the availability of U.S. airpower and other critical combat enablers to support ANSDF operations; and In the long term, providing sustained support to the ANSDF as it develops and expands its own key enabling capabilities, including intelligence, logistics, special forces, air lift, and close air support;

Strictly conditioning further U.S. military, economic, and governance assistance programs to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan upon measurable progress in achieving joint U.S.-Afghan benchmarks for implementing necessary institutional reforms, especially those related to anti-corruption, financial transparency, and rule of law;

Imposing graduated diplomatic, military, and economic costs on Pakistan as long as it continues to provide support and sanctuary to terrorist and insurgent groups, including the Taliban and the Haqqani Network, while simultaneously outlining the potential benefits of a long-term U.S.-Pakistan strategic partnership that could result from Pakistan's cessation of support for all terrorist and insurgent groups and constructive role in bringing about a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Afghanistan; and

Intensifying U.S. regional diplomatic efforts working through flexible frameworks for regional dialogue together with Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, India, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and other nations to promote Afghan political reconciliation as well as to advance regional cooperation on issues such as border security, intelligence sharing, counternarcotics, transportation, and trade to reduce mistrust and build confidence among regional states.

The President should ensure that the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and U.S. military commanders have all the necessary means, based on political and security conditions on the ground in Afghanistan and unconstrained by arbitrary timelines, to carry out an integrated civil-military strategy as described above, including financial resources, civilian personnel, military forces and capabilities, and authorities.

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South Africa opposition moves to dissolve parliament

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 10, 2017 3:55PM

South Africa's opposition party in parliament has submitted a motion to dissolve the national assembly and hold fresh elections.

The attempt to dissolve parliament, which requires 201 out of 400 parliamentary votes to pass, is seen as unlikely to succeed as the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party holds a majority of 249 of the house's seats.

The Democratic Alliance's (DA) dissolution motion on Thursday comes hot on the heels of a failed no-confidence motion against President Jacob Zuma.

Zuma, who has survived multiple attempts by the opposition to remove him from power, narrowly survived the vote on Tuesday. Tuesday's no-confidence motion was the first to be held by secret ballot.

ANC revolt

Zuma survived the vote by garnering 198 votes against 177. ANC described the outcome of the secret ballot as a disappointment for the ruling party. However, it did not say what measures it would take against the ANC members who voted against Zuma.

More than 25 members of the ruling ANC party revolted and supported the motion or abstained, the ANC said.

"We are deeply disappointed that some of our ANC members allowed themselves to be used by the opposition to fracture and weaken the ANC and destabilize our country," the party said in a statement.

The ANC is expected to replace Zuma as party president at a meeting in December, but his term as head of state is set to continue until elections in 2019.

DA's call for new elections

The DA claims the ANC is backing President Zuma while the nation no longer supports the 75-year-old leader who is facing allegations of corruption and incompetence resulting in an ailing economy.

The motion says some ANC lawmakers "no longer represent the earnest hopes and aspirations of the electorate" and "exhibit unquestioning fealty to President Jacob Zuma and to the organization he leads."

"The ANC is willing to do anything to protect President Jacob Zuma," said John Steenhuisen, the chief whip of the DA party. "South Africans need to be given the opportunity to make their voices heard at the polls."

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Israel to speed up underground Gaza wall construction: Cmdr.

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 10, 2017 12:44PM

An Israeli military commander says the regime will speed up building a huge wall around the blockaded Gaza Strip in a bid to prevent what it claims to be tunneling into the occupied territories.

"In the coming months, we are going to accelerate the construction of the barrier," Major General Eyal Zamir, the head of the Israeli Southern Command, said on Thursday.

He further expressed hope that the project "will be complete in two years."

The 64-kilometer-long wall, comprising concrete planks and sensors, will reach a depth of 40 meters below the ground and a height of 6 meters above it.

The project is expected to cost approximately three billion shekels ($834 million).

The wall will be erected in the occupied lands parallel to the fence sealing off Gaza, according to Israel's Construction and Housing Minister Yoav Galant.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Zamir cautioned the Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, which runs the Palestinian coastal enclave, against any attempt to foil the construction of the wall.

"If Hamas chooses to go to war over the barrier, it will be a worthy reason (for Israel) to go to war over. But the barrier will be built," the commander said.

He further noted that the Israeli forces had mapped the alleged militant emplacements hidden under Gaza civilian sites that may be attacked in any new war on the coastal sliver.

Following the last Israeli offensive against Gaza, Israel understood that it needed to come up with a solution and "this (the wall) is the solution," Zamir concluded.

Separately on Thursday, Israeli media reported that the military also planned to build an underwater barrier in the Mediterranean Sea to prevent any purported infiltration from Gaza in the occupied land.

Hamas dismisses Israeli 'lies'

In response, Hamas spokesman, Fawzi Barhoum, rejected the Israeli claims as "lies and fabrications that aimed to damage the image of the Palestinian resistance and justify the mass killing of thousands of Palestinian civilians".

The Gaza Strip has been under an Israeli siege since June 2007. The blockade has caused a decline in living standards as well as unprecedented unemployment and poverty.

Tel Aviv has waged three wars on the coastal enclave since 2008, including the 2014 offensive, which left more than 2,200 Palestinians dead.

Israel claims that Hamas uses Gaza tunnels to store weapons and infiltrate into the occupied territories.

The resistance group, however, says the underground tunnels are needed to defend Gaza against Israeli attacks and transfer essential supplies, including food and fuel, into the besieged Palestinian territory.

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US imposes new sanctions on Venezuela, targets members Constituent Assembly

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 10, 2017 3:52AM

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Venezuela following the oil-rich nation's election of a new assembly tasked with rewriting the constitution.

The Department of the Treasury said on Wednesday the sanctions targeted several members of the Constituent Assembly who are linked to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Among those who are sanctioned is the brother of late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and a military officer in charge of security for the powerful assembly, as well as a board member of the national electoral authority.

The Treasury Department has already slapped sanctions on the Venezuelan leader by freezing his assets in the United States, banning traveling to the country, and prohibiting Americans from doing business with him. The Treasury also sanctioned 13 former and current Venezuelan government officials just before the assembly was elected on July 30.

On Wednesday, the Treasury slapped additional sanctions on Maduro himself.

"President Maduro swore in this illegitimate Constituent Assembly to further entrench his dictatorship, and continues to tighten his grip on the country," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

"This regime's disregard for the will of the Venezuelan people is unacceptable, and the United States will stand with them in opposition to tyranny until Venezuela is restored to a peaceful and prosperous democracy."

Maduro insists that a new constitution is needed "to restore peace," stop the opposition from carrying out a "coup d'etat," and address social and economic problems of the country.

He has repeatedly condemned what he calls "imperialist meddling" by the United States.

In reaction to the latest sanctions, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said the US was "making a fool of itself in front of the world."

It "doesn't respect any criterion, any basic principle of international law," Arreaza told state television. "Venezuela can't be sanctioned for anything, nor by anybody."

The United States is also reportedly considering financial sanctions against Venezuela to restrict the OPEC nation's oil exports but those penalties are not expected soon.

"We want to leave room to do more if Maduro's actions continue, not do everything and everyone who remains all with one stroke," said one of the officials involved in the White House deliberations.

The powerful 545-seat Constituent Assembly, with the principal task of rewriting the 1999 constitution, started its work on Friday, following an election which was held amid a wave of deadly clashes and violence, with protesters attacking polling stations and barricading streets.

At least 125 people have died over the past four months in Venezuela during riots and violent demonstrations against the government.

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Russian Surveillance Plane Flies Low Over Washington, Creating Stir

RFE/RL August 10, 2017

A Russian plane has conducted a surveillance flight over the U.S. Capitol building, Central Intelligence Agency, Pentagon, and other critical government centers in Washington after being cleared by the Pentagon.

The August 9 flight, which created a stir in U.S. media and political circles, was part of a long-standing program of surveillance under the Open Skies Treaty that allows both countries to fly unarmed observation planes over each other's territory.

Besides Russia and the United States, 32 other states have signed the treaty, which is aimed at fostering transparency about military activity, reducing mistrust and misunderstandings, and facilitating the monitoring of arms-control agreements.

CNN and Politico reported that besides buzzing over Washington, the Russian Tu-154M plane is due to fly over Bedminster, New Jersey, where President Donald Trump is vacationing, and the presidential retreat in Camp David, Maryland.

Pentagon spokesman Dan Gaffney said he could not confirm the path of the plane until its mission was over. "A typical mission has several segments taking place over a few days," he said.

But the U.S. Capitol Police issued an advisory ahead of time, saying an "authorized low-altitude aircraft" would enter restricted airspace over the Capitol between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on August 9.

"The aircraft will be large and may fly directly over the U.S. Capitol," the police notice said. "This flight will be monitored by the U.S. Capitol Police command center and other federal government agencies."

Since the treaty entered into force in 2002, there have been more than 1,200 Open Skies flights. According to the Pentagon, the overflights are conducted by aircraft typically equipped with film and sensors allowed under the treaty.

The Pentagon and State Department said that before the flights, each state is given the flight plan of the mission and escorts fly aboard the aircraft to make sure it complies with the treaty. After each flight, the host country gets a copy of any imagery taken by the observation aircraft.

U.S. officials have testified in the past that while Russia complies with the Open Skies Treaty, they believe it has adopted measures that are inconsistent with the spirit of the accord.

The treaty, for instance, obligates each member to make all of its territory available for observation, yet officials said Russia has imposed restrictions on surveillance over Moscow and Chechnya and near Abkhazia and South Ossetia, two breakaway regions of Georgia now under Russian control.

With reporting by AP, CNN, Politico, and TASS

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russian- surveillance-plane-flies-low-over-washington- creating-stir/28668685.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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Chinese Defense Ministry Calls on US to Stop Provocations in South China Sea

Sputnik News

22:54 10.08.2017

The Chinese government urges the United States to immediately stop provocative activities in the South China Sea, which impede bilateral relations and mutual trust between the armed forces of the two countries, the Chinese Defense Ministry said in a statement Thursday.

BEIJING (Sputnik)  Earlier in the day, US guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain sailed within six miles from the man-made Mischief Reef in the Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea, during a "freedom of navigation exercise" in the disputed region.

"We urge the United States to immediately correct its wrongdoing and stop provocations under the pretext of so-called 'freedom of navigation'," the Chinese Defense Ministry said.

The ministry stressed in the statement that the provocative actions of the US armed forces would only push the Chinese army to increasing its defense capability in order to ensure sovereignty and safety.

"At the moment the relations between the armed forces of China and the United States show stable development. However, such provocative actions of the United States significantly hinder bilateral strategic trust, and also create difficulties and obstacles for enhancing relations between the armed forces of the two countries," the statement read.

Chinese authorities have repeatedly voiced their protests against US actions in the region, which are considered by Beijing as violations of its own sovereignty. In July, Beijing expressed its outrage over US guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem entering the waters off the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, known in China as the Xisha Islands. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the US actions violated Chinese law as well as international law, and constituted a serious political and military provocation.

The Asia-Pacific region faces several territorial disputes in South China and East China seas, involving China, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. China considers the Spratly archipelago as its territory, despite the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration decision that Beijing had no reasons for territorial claims in the South China Sea. The arbitration proceeding was initiated by the Philippines in January 2013.

 Sputnik

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Beijing Outraged as US Destroyer Approaches Disputed South China Sea Island

Sputnik News

20:00 10.08.2017(updated 23:39 10.08.2017)

The Chinese Foreign Ministry called on the United States to respect China's sovereignty and security interests after the US guided missile destroyer John S. McCain approached a disputed island in the South China Sea.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  China accused the United States of a blatant violation of its sovereignty, as well as international law after the USS John S. McCain destroyer sailed close to the disputed Spratly Islands, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

USS John S. McCain sailed near a Chinese-made island in the South China Sea in a freedom of navigation exercise in the disputed region, US media reported on Thursday.

The ship sailed within six miles of the man-made Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, Stars and Stripes reported citing an anonymous US Navy official.

It is the third time this year that US ships traveled within 12 nautical miles of land claimed by China, the report said. The previous approach took place less than a month ago, when the US destroyer Stethem sailed close to the disputed islands.

The Spratly Islands, also known as the Nansha Islands, are disputed territory between China and a number of US allies, including Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The US Navy has patrolled the area in what it calls freedom of navigation exercises, while Beijing claims the Philippines and Vietnam use Washington's support to escalate the situation in the region.

The whole territory of the South China Sea, which is believed to be extremely rich in energy resources, is disputed. Chinese authorities claim 90 percent of the area and have repeatedly said that the country's activities in the region are China's sovereign right.

 Sputnik

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Philippine Army Pursues Offensive Against Daesh-Linked Terrorists in Marawi

Sputnik News

11:32 10.08.2017

Philippine military forces continued their offensive against terror groups linked with Daesh (a terrorist group outlawed in Russia) on Thursday in city of Marawi on the southern Mindanao island, media reported, citing a military official.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Spokesperson for the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command told the Anadolu news agency that intensified airstrikes and artillery fighting against the Maute and Abu Sayyaf terror groups were launched at 7 a.m. local time (23:00 GMT, Wednesday).

At least nine terrorists were killed in the latest attacks, according to the news agency.

Martial law was declared on the island in May by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte after a conflict broke out between Philippine security forces and Islamic extremists affiliated with the Daesh.

 Sputnik

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Super Tigers: New Upgrades to Keep Aging Thai F-5s Flying Into the 2030s

Sputnik News

03:37 10.08.2017(updated 10:10 10.08.2017)

The Thai Royal Air Force (TRAF) is enhancing the readiness of its fleet via an upgrade package that will transform four F-5E Tigers into bonafide F-5T Super Tigers.

The warplanes will receive Python-4 and I Derby beyond-visual-range air-to-air weapons, new radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities and "network-centric capabilities for disaster preparedness," the Air Force said in an August 2 announcement.

Converting F-5Es into F-5Ts began in 2014 when the government authorized funds to upgrade 10 of the fighter-bombers, the Diplomat reported on August 8.

Thai "F-5E fighter aircraft have been in service since 1978 and [are] considered a third-generation plane with limited capabilities," the service said. "With outdated technology, you cannot face current threats," the announcement noted.

Renovations will transform the jets into 4/4.5-generation aircraft, the service claimed, placing the jets on par with RTAF's Lockheed F-16A/B Fighting Falcons and Saab JAS-39C/D Gripen warplanes.

The aim of the $96 million project is to extend the planes' useful life by 15 years, RTAF added.

 Sputnik

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UN agency begins moving hunger-relief assistance to Nigeria's troubled northeast

10 August 2017  The United Nations humanitarian agency fighting hunger has begun transporting food assistance to Nigeria's crisis-hit northeast, where people  displaced by Boko Haram violence and the fight against it  face the threat of famine.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has already begun moving the first batch of rice donated by the Government of Nigeria, which contributed 5,000 metric tons of rice and pledged a further 2,000 metric tons of millet.

"This donation once again testifies to the quality of relations between WFP and Nigeria," said Ronald Sibanda, WFP's interim Country Director, in a news release, noting that the assistance will help feed nearly half a million internally displaced people in the country's conflict-ravaged northeast.

The United States will cover the associated costs of getting the donated rice to those displaced in the hardest-hit states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, as part of its $100 million contribution to WFP's Nigeria response.

Nigeria's crisis has spilled over borders, leaving millions in the broader Lake Chad Basin region uncertain of where their meal is coming from. Experts have warned that without sufficient and timely humanitarian assistance, northeast Nigeria risks tipping into famine.

Since launching operations last year, WFP has rapidly expanded its offer of food, nutrition and cash to reach more than a million people a month. Having overcome a funding challenge, it has set its target at 1.36 million people during the current pre-harvest lean season, the hungriest time of the year.

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Kenya's Electoral Commission: 'We Are Now in the Final Stretch'

By Jill Craig August 10, 2017

The results of Kenya's presidential election are expected Friday, as people continue to wait to learn the outcome of Tuesday's presidential poll pitting incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta against opposition leader Raila Odinga.

As of Thursday afternoon, election officials were waiting to receive about 170 forms from the country's 290 constituencies and about 1,000 forms from the 40,883 polling stations.

The chairman of Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Wafula Chebukati, said Thursday "we are now in the final stretch."

"All presidential results from returning officers will reach the national tallying center by 12 p.m. tomorrow, that is, 11th of August," said Chebukati.

The expectation is that the announcement of the winner will be made soon thereafter.

Provisional tallies released by the electoral commission so far show Kenyatta with a nine-point lead on Odinga.

Opposition cries foul

The opposition is rejecting those results as fraudulent, however, saying the electoral commission's computer networks were hacked. On Thursday, the electoral commission chief confirmed that there was an attempt to hack the system after the vote, but he said that attempt failed.

The opposition says its calculations show Odinga beating Kenyatta by a margin of more than 600,000 votes. The leader of the opposition NASA coalition, Musalia Mudavadi, spoke to reporters Thursday.

"We demand that the IEBC [Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission] chairperson announce the presidential election results forthwith and declare the right honorable Raila Amolo Odinga and his excellency Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka as the duly elected president and deputy president of the republic of Kenya, respectively," said Mudavadi.

Appeals for calm

Meanwhile, International election observers Thursday called for restraint as Kenyans await the announcement of the official results from the nationwide polls.

Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry led the election observation mission for the U.S.-based Carter Center, alongside former Senegalese Prime Minister Aminata Toure.

Kerry urged Kenyans to follow due process in challenging any results, including the allegations of hacking.

There have been pockets of unrest in the country, like in western Kenya's Kisumu, as well as Mathare and Kibera slums in Nairobi, where burned tires have been smoldering in the road since Wednesday.

But 37 year-old Kibera resident George Omondi Otieno says that no matter the outcome, people need to resist violence.

"Even if I am celebrating, let me celebrate in a way that will not provoke the other person because if I celebrate in a way that provokes another person, that escalates that feeling of people fighting of which we don't want," said Otieno.

And as the electoral commission finalizes its work, the country continues to wait.

Lenny Ruvaga contributed to this report.

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China slams US Navy's new 'provocation' in South China Sea

Iran Press TV

Fri Aug 11, 2017 12:28AM

China has blasted the US Navy for sending yet another warship close to Chinese-held territories in the South China Sea, saying it amounted to a breach of China's sovereignty.

On Thursday, the US Navy's USS John S. McCain warship sailed within 12 miles of Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly chain in the South China Sea.

"The US destroyer's actions have violated Chinese and international laws, as well as severely harmed China's sovereignty and security," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said in a statement.

"China is very displeased with this and will bring up the issue with the US side," he added.

This was the US Navy's third such mission under Donald Trump's presidency. Beijing said the move was aimed at challenging its "indisputable sovereignty" over the disputed waters.

Territorial waters are generally defined by international law as extending at most 12 nautical miles from a country's coastline.

Two other US Navy ships approached China-claimed islands in the South China Sea in July and May.

This time, Chinese warships were scrambled to identify the USS McCain and "warn it off," the Foreign Ministry said.

"The US provocation also forced the Chinese side to take measures to further enhance the national defense capability," it added.

China's sovereignty claim over the sea has been challenged by five regional nations  Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The US, however, says it supports none of the territorial claims and only sends the warships to protect what it calls "freedom of navigation" in the South China Sea, which acts as a strategic transfer route for Chinese goods and is believed to be rich in natural resources.

Washington has constantly accused Beijing of undertaking a land reclamation program through building artificial islands in the sea and deploying weapons there.

China has rejected the claim, saying the islands serve civilian purposes only.

The new development comes amid Washington's attempts to get Beijing on board for more international pressure on North Korea over its development of nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles.

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Bhutan Asks India to Amicably Resolve Standoff with China

Sputnik News

16:56 11.08.2017

While calling for peace between India and China, Bhutan has made it clear that it wants status-quo at Doklam unless the territorial dispute between itself and China is settled as per an earlier agreement.

New Delhi (Sputnik)  India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj met her Bhutanese counterpart Damcho Dorji in Kathmandu today on the sidelines of a regional bloc's meeting hosted by Nepal.

The duo reportedly discussed the standoff between Indian and Chinese forces at the Doklam area. Following the meeting, the Bhutanese foreign minister told the press, "We hope the situation in Doklam will be resolved peacefully and amicably". This was the first meeting between the two ministers since the Doklam crisis broke out.

Earlier on Thursday, the Government of Bhutan refuted Chinese foreign ministry claims about Thimpu telling Beijing that Doklam is not Bhutan's territory. A top Chinese diplomat Wang Wenli had claimed that Bhutan had conveyed to Beijing through diplomatic channels that the area of the standoff is not its territory.

India and China have reportedly increased their military presence at the Doklam region. The territory is claimed by both Bhutan and China. The Indian and Chinese forces engaged in a face off on June 16 when the Indian Army allegedly stopped Chinese troops from constructing road in the area. India claims it is helping Bhutan as per the terms of a treaty between the two neighboring countries.

However, experts view this as a manifestation of India's concern that road construction by Chinese in the Doklam tri-junction would have great security implications for India as it will give China an easy access to Siliguri corridor that connects India's north eastern part to the rest of the country. Meanwhile, China has vociferously expressed its displeasure over India's move with the state-run media warning India of dire consequences if troops are not immediately withdrawn.

 Sputnik

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Bhutan Denies Ceded Claim Over Doklam

Sputnik News

11:05 11.08.2017

Wang Wenli of China's foreign ministry had said Bhutan accepted China's claim over Doklam.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik)  Bhutan has denied having conveyed any message to China ceding its claim of the disputed Doklam area. This comes in response to Chinese bureaucrat Wang Wenli's statement to a visiting delegation of Indian journalists that Bhutan had agreed that Doklam was indeed China's territory.

Wenli is Deputy Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs in China's foreign ministry. The Indian media had reported that Wenli could not produce evidence to back her claim.

The Asian News International (ANI) quoted Bhutan's official sources as saying: "Our position on the border issue of Doklam is very clear. Please refer to our statement which has been published on the website of Bhutan's foreign ministry on June 29, 2017."

In its June 29 statement, Bhutan's foreign ministry had published a statement confirming that the Chinese Army had started constructing a motorable road from Dokola in the Doklam area towards the Bhutan Army camp at Zompelri on June 16, 2017. The statement said the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory was a direct violation of agreements and affected the process of demarcating the boundary between the two countries.

China has claimed the area as its own territory citing various documents dating back to 1890, signed during the British colonial days. However, Bhutan says the area belongs to it. The two countries have no direct diplomatic ties and maintain contacts through their diplomatic missions in New Delhi. Nevertheless, Bhutan and China have held 24 rounds of talks to resolve their boundary dispute.

Meanwhile, India's support to Bhutan's claim over the territory has further alienated the two Asian rivals. China has been categorically demanding that India pull back its troops from Doklam which shares a border with Sikkim in India's north east. The Chinese state-run media, in its various commentaries since the standoff, began warned India of dire consequences, including teaching it a 1962 like "bitter lesson".

However, India has refused to put its foot down while conveying to China that the road construction represents a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for New Delhi. Indian experts say New Delhi can no longer ignore China's attempt to change the facts on the ground and larger strategic implications coming out of its actions.

"Amid claims and counterclaims between two major powers, let's not forget the issue is primarily about China bullying Bhutan and its attempt to change the facts on the ground. Thimpu has stood up against China with Indian help, with which it enjoys a unique relationship. From India's point of view, it is not just about helping Bhutan, but also ensuring that China is not able to change strategic dynamics on the ground in the Doklam, which before June was to be solved as per the terms discussed and agreed under the 2012 agreement," Harsh V. Pant, Distinguished Fellow at Observer Research Foundation and Professor of International Relations, King's College London, told Sputnik.

On Wednesday, an editorial published by China Daily said that the countdown to a military conflict between India and China had begun and New Delhi should come to senses and withdraw troops from Doklam before it's too late. It said the "clock is ticking away."

 Sputnik

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Somali Military Commander Survives Apparent Assassination Attempt

By Harun Maruf August 11, 2017

The commander of Somalia's Custodial Corps, General Hussein Hassan Osman, has survived an apparent assassination attempt inside Mogadishu's central prison, security sources have told VOA Somali.

A suicide bomber detonated a vest midday Friday inside the prison, authorities said, saying that General Osman survived the attack and was rushed out of the prison. VOA Somali later contacted Osman, who said he did not want to comment on the attack.

Witnesses say a man ran after the commander when he stepped out of his car on his way to a mosque inside the prison.

A security guard intercepted the suspect, forcing the attacker to detonate a suicide vest, killing the soldier and wounding three others, according to security sources.

Security sources say three people were arrested.

It's unclear how the bomber managed to pass through security checks to make his way to a mosque inside Mogadishu's biggest central prison.

The mosque also is used by officials from Somalia's military tribunal, which tries Al-Shabab suspects.

Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.

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US Special Counsel Mueller Probes Trump Finances

By Masood Farivar August 11, 2017

What does President Donald Trump's 2008 sale of a Florida mansion to a Russian billionaire have to do with collusion during the 2016 election?

On the surface, not a whole lot.

"You know the closest I came to Russia, I bought a house a number of years ago in Palm Beach  for $40 million, and I sold it to a Russian for $100 million," Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in 2015.

Two years later, Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigators are taking a closer look at the lucrative sale  as well as a host of other deals involving Trump's businesses  as they search for clues into whether Trump's campaign coordinated with Moscow to influence last year's election.

Questions raised

The expansion of Mueller's investigation into Trump's finances has raised questions about how far the special counsel can go in chasing down leads before the probe devolves into a fishing expedition beyond its intended scope.

While following the money trail can uncover critical clues in any white-collar crime investigation, Trump recently warned that any digging into his finances would be a violation of Mueller's mandate. White-collar crime typically is nonviolent and done for financial gain.

The special counsel authority given to Mueller by the Justice Department on May 17 is relatively broad but has room for interpretation. While it explicitly authorized him to investigate "any links and/or coordination" between the Trump campaign and Moscow during the election, it also mandated Mueller to examine "any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation."

Grand jury rules

Thomas Zeno, a former federal prosecutor now with the Squire Patton Boggs law firm, said examining Trump's business dealings does not necessarily fall outside the special counsel's mandate.

"Just hearing the president's investments are being looked at is not enough," Zeno said. "We need to know why. We don't know why because that's what Mr. Mueller is doing behind a grand jury."

Muller's team operates under grand jury secrecy rules and does not comment on the investigation.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller in May and supervises his investigation, said that Mueller was operating within his mandate.

"We don't engage in fishing expeditions," Rosenstein told Fox Sunday, using a phrase for an investigation that doesn't stick to a stated purpose but hopes to uncover incriminating information.

Rosenstein said Mueller would have to seek his permission to investigate matters that fall outside his mandate.

Eric Jaso, a former associate independent counsel for the Whitewater investigation who is now a partner with the Spiro Harrison law firm, said Mueller's mandate gives him "a fair amount of wiggle room" to probe matters related to the investigation.

However, there is no requirement to publicize any additional authorities given to the special counsel, Jaso said.

A spokesman for Mueller did not respond to a request for comment.

Trump's Russia ties

Trump has long de-emphasized his financial ties to Russia. In February, he told reporters, "Speaking for myself, I own nothing in Russia. I have no loans in Russia. I have no deals in Russia."

To demonstrate his limited Russian dealings, the president's lawyers released a letter in March showing income from two Russian deals: $95 million from the 2008 sale of the Palm Beach mansion to Russian fertilizer tycoon Dmitry Rybolovlev, and nearly $12 million from a partnership with oligarch Aras Agalarov to bring the Miss Universe pageant to Moscow in 2013.

But in 2008, Donald Trump Jr., the president's eldest son, told investors in Moscow, "Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross section of a lot of our assets. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia."

Seva Gunitsky, a University of Toronto professor who has researched Trump's Russian business interests, said the president's financial connections to Russia run deeper than he has admitted. Since the 1990s, he said, Trump has done "hundreds of millions of dollars" worth of business with Russian investors "if not more."

The Florida mansion sale and the Miss Universe pageant are among an array of financial transactions Mueller's investigators are examining, Bloomberg reported last month.

Investigators are also looking at Trump's partnership with Russian investors in a controversial New York condo-hotel project and purchases of Trump condos by Russian investors.

As part of their investigation, Mueller's team is delving into the finances of Trump associates, including former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, son-in-law Jared Kushner and former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who has deep financial ties to Russia and Ukraine. Last month, FBI agents raided Manafort's home outside Washington to seize documents and other material, the Washington Post reported Wednesday.

To conduct the investigation, Mueller has assembled a high-caliber team of lawyers, including three with extensive experience in the financial fraud section of Department of Justice's Criminal Division.

"If you want to get to the roots of collusion, to the roots of Trump's relationship with Russia, they don't start with Putin, and certainly don't start with the 2016 campaign," Gunitsky said. "They start with lots and lots of Russian oligarch money coming into Trump's real estate businesses, into his casino businesses, since the 1990s and even earlier."

The president's refusal to release his tax returns makes it difficult to know the exact extent of his Russian financial interests, Gunitsky said.

Andrew Kent, a Fordham University law professor, said the expansion of Mueller's investigation has put Trump and the special counsel on a collision course.

"If the investigation gets hot for Trump personally, for his son or son-in-law, I'd not be at all surprised if President Trump took steps to try to fire Mueller or otherwise rein in the investigation," Kent said.

Asked if he'd thought about or considered firing Mueller, Trump told reporters Thursday, "I haven't given it any thought.  No, I'm not dismissing anybody. I want them to get on with the task."

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Chinese scientists conduct ground-to-space quantum teleportation

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:13, August 10, 2017

BEIJING, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- "Beam me up, Scotty." The famous "Star Trek" catchphrase has launched teleporting daydreams the world over.

Now Chinese scientists have completed an experiment straight out of the realms of science fiction - quantum teleportation - from the ground to the world's first quantum satellite.

The experiment was similar in some ways to the Star Trek mode of transport, except that the scientists beamed up the quantum states of photons rather than people.

The results of the quantum teleportation experiment - Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS) - via the quantum satellite was published in the latest issue of the academic journal Nature.

The satellite is named "Micius" after a 5th century B.C. Chinese philosopher and scientist who is credited as the first person ever to conduct optical experiments

The reviewers of Nature commented that the results represent an important breakthrough in the quest for quantum communication over long distances. This goal is very challenging and new.

Pan Jianwei, lead scientist of QUESS and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, explained that quantum teleportation allows faithful transfer of unknown quantum states from one object to another over a long distance, without physical travel of the object itself. Long-distance teleportation has been recognized as a fundamental element in protocols such as large-scale quantum networks and distributed quantum computation.

However, previous teleportation experiments between distant locations were limited to a distance of about 100 kilometers, due to photon loss in optical fibers or terrestrial free-space channels. An outstanding challenge for building a global-scale "quantum internet" is to significantly extend the range for teleportation, Pan said.

A promising solution to this problem is exploiting satellite platforms and space-based links, which can conveniently connect two remote points on Earth while greatly reducing channel loss, because most of the photons' transmission path is in empty space, said Pan.

In the experiment, the scientists transmitted quantum states of photons from a ground station about 5,100 meters above sea level in Ali Prefecture, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, to the satellite 500 km above.

To optimize the link efficiency and overcome the atmospheric turbulence, a series of techniques were developed, including a compact ultra-bright source of multi-photon entanglement, narrow beam divergence, high-bandwidth and high-accuracy acquisition, pointing and tracking, according to Pan.

This work established the first ground-to-satellite up-link for faithful and ultra-long-distance quantum teleportation, an essential step toward a global-scale quantum internet, Pan said.

Quantum physics is the study of the universe's basic building blocks at a scale smaller than atoms. These tiny particles behave in a way that could overturn assumptions of how the world works.

Entanglement is one of the strange properties of quantum physics. It so confounded Albert Einstein that he described it as "spooky action at a distance" in 1948.

Scientists found that when two entangled particles are separated, one particle can somehow affect the action of the far-off twin at a speed faster than light.

This magic-like connection has inspired the idea of quantum teleportation.

The first paper expounding the idea of quantum teleportation was published by six physicians in 1993.

In 1997, Austrian quantum physicist Anton Zeilinger, tutor of Pan Jianwei, succeeded in the first experimental verification of quantum teleportation. Since then, scientists have demonstrated quantum teleportation with different physical systems such as atoms, ions, electrons and superconducting circuits.

Meanwhile, the limit for quantum teleportation is constantly expanding.

Pan's research team was awarded the Physics World 2015 Breakthrough of the Year "for being the first to achieve the simultaneous quantum teleportation of two inherent properties of a fundamental particle - the photon," according to PhysicsWorld.com.

Pan regards the achievement as a step toward the teleportation of more complex quantum systems.

Despite the progress, Pan said, the prospect of using it to beam people is still a distant dream. The technology is now mainly applied in the areas of quantum communication and computing.

But like most sci-fi fans, Pan hopes that day will come: "It's a common dream to see what's beyond our solar system. However, our life is limited, and we could grow old before we get out of the solar system in a spacecraft."

But as a vehicle to the stars, quantum teleportation might carry generations to come, Pan said.

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Cuba starts investigation into alleged incidents concerning U.S. diplomats

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 14:04, August 10, 2017

The Cuban Foreign Ministry said Wednesday it had started an "exhaustive" investigation into the bizarre incidents which the United States said had caused physical symptoms in its diplomats serving here.

The matter had also resulted in the U.S. expulsion of two Cuban diplomats from Washington in late May.

Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters that the exact nature of the incidents was unclear, but that the affected Americans had returned to the United States for non-life-threatening "medical reasons." She didn't give the number of the Americans affected.

"We don't have any definitive answers about the source or the cause of what we consider to be incidents," she said, adding that "we take this situation very seriously."

Reports said the affected Americans, who first reported in fall of 2016 that some incidents were causing physical symptoms, suffered a severe hearing loss.

The Cuban Foreign Ministry statement released late on Wednesday said Havana complies strictly and seriously with its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 regarding the protection and security of diplomatic agents.

"Cuba has never, nor would it ever, allow that the Cuban territory be used for any action against accredited diplomatic agents or their families," said the statement. "Cuba reiterates its willingness to cooperate in the clarification of this situation."

Cuba said it had started a comprehensive investigation into the alleged incidents after it had been informed of them by the embassy in February.

"Various entities conducted an exhaustive, high-priority, urgent investigation ordered by the highest authorities of the Cuban government and requested the U.S. embassy to share information on these incidents, " said the statement. Meanwhile, Cuba had strengthened security around the U.S. Embassy, diplomatic and staff residences.

The Cuban Foreign Ministry statement also called the U.S. decision to expel two Cuban diplomats based in Washington "unjustified and baseless."

The United States and Cuba officially resumed a diplomatic relationship in July 2015, more than five decades after they severed it, during the administration of then U.S. President Barack Obama.

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U.S. expels two Cuban diplomats over "incidents" in Havana

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:38, August 10, 2017

The United States has expelled two Cuban diplomats in late May after "incidents" at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, the U.S. State Department said Wednesday.

The expulsions happened after some U.S. Embassy personnel in Havana reported that some "incidents" caused "a variety of physical symptoms" in them, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told a regular briefing.

The spokeswoman declined to provide further details on the nature of the incidents, and said some affected Americans had returned to the United States for non-life-threatening medical reasons.

"We don't have any definitive answers about the source or the cause of what we consider to be incidents," she said, adding that "we take this situation very seriously."

Media reports said the affected Americans suffered a severe hearing loss.

The United States and Cuba officially resumed a diplomatic relationship in July 2015, more than five decades after they severed it, during the administration of then U.S. President Barack Obama.

In June, U.S. President Donald Trump announced new restrictions on U.S. leisure travel to Cuba and on U.S. business with the Cuban military in an effort to cancel Obama's "one-sided deal" with Cuba.

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Cuba probing 'incidents' involving US diplomats

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 10, 2017 6:5AM

Cuba says it is investigating allegations by the United States that unspecified "incidents" caused physical symptoms in some US nationals serving at the American Embassy in the Cuban capital, Havana.

"Cuba has never, nor would it ever, allow that the Cuban territory be used for any action against accredited diplomatic agents or their families," the Cuban Foreign Ministry said in a statement late on Wednesday, expressing its willingness to cooperate in the "clarification of this situation."

It said that the Caribbean island nation had already commenced a "comprehensive, high-priority and urgent investigation" into the purported incidents "at the behest of the highest level of the Cuban government." Havana had been informed of the "incidents" by the US Embassy in February 17.

According to Washington, late last year, a group of US diplomats, a number of whom were recent arrivals at the Embassy in Cuba, began suffering from severe hearing problems and "a variety of" other related physical symptoms, attributed to a purported covert sonic device.

Earlier on Wednesday, US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said that the exact nature of the "incidents" were not clear, adding that the affected diplomats had returned to the US for non life-threatening "medical reasons."

Nauert said that the FBI and Diplomatic Security Service were already investigating the incidents.

"We take those incidents very seriously," she said.

The spokeswoman added that, back in May 23, the White House had expelled two Cuban diplomats from Havana's diplomatic mission in the US "as a reciprocal measure." Cuba has described that move as "unjustified."

Under former US President Barack Obama in 2015, Cuba and the US, foes from the days of the Cold War, reopened embassies in each other's capitals and resumed limited diplomatic bilateral relations after more than five decades of hostilities.

The two-year-old bilateral ties may now be at stake over the alleged "incidents." Incumbent US President Donald Trump has also already rolled back parts of Obama's policy toward Cuba.

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US expels 2 Cuban diplomats

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 10, 2017 12:50AM

The United States has expelled two diplomats from the Cuban Embassy in Washington, DC, according to Department of State spokesperson Heather Nauert.

Nauert said on Wednesday the expulsions were in response to a series of attacks on a group of US diplomats in Havana with a covert sonic weapon.

"Some US government personnel who were working in our embassy in Havana, Cuba on official duty they reported some incidents which have caused a variety of physical symptoms," Nauert stated.

"We can tell you that on May 23, the State Department took further action. We asked two officials who were accredited at the embassy of Cuba in the United States to depart the United States. Those two individuals have departed the United States," she said.

American officials told The Associated Press that five diplomats, some along with their spouses, had been affected by the attacks in which a covert sonic weapon allegedly was used. The FBI and Diplomatic Security Service are investigating.

Nauert said that investigators could not determine yet the real reason behind incidents but stated they take them "very seriously".

"We requested their departure as a reciprocal measure since some US personnel's assignments in Havana had to be curtailed due to these incidents," she said.

"Under the Vienna Convention, Cuba has an obligation to take measures to protect diplomats," she added.

Former US President Barack Obama re-established diplomatic relations with Havana in 2015 and loosened some restrictions on doing business in the country during his tenure in the White House.

During last year's presidential campaign, Donald Trump threatened to "terminate" deals that the Obama administration made with Cuba.

Now, according to source, President Trump is considering sanctions against Cuba in a bid to scale back Obama's policy shift towards the southern neighbor.

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DPRK slams Japan for "hyping up threats" from Pyongyang

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 19:14, August 10, 2017

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday slammed Japan for "hyping up threats" from the DPRK over its nuclear and missile program.

"Japan is still terming the DPRK's steps for beefing up its strategic nuclear force as a 'threat,' not away from its persistent and anachronistic way of thinking, while billing the DPRK's steps as a pretext for meeting undesirable partisan interests," the official daily Rodong Sinmun said.

The Japanese Defense Ministry said Tuesday that the security threats of the DPRK's nuclear and missile program had "entered a new stage."

"The present Japanese authorities are hyping up the 'threat' from the DPRK in a bid to deflect the mindset of the public opposing the revision of the constitution, but such a move would rather backfire," said the official daily of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.

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Plans to fire missiles at Guam ready by mid-August: North Korea

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 10, 2017 1:50AM

North Korea has announced that it will develop plans by mid-August to fire four intermediate-range missiles at the US territory of Guam.

North Korea's state media made the announcement on Thursday, noting that the plans will be presented to the country's leader Kim Jong-un who will decide on whether to launch the missiles.

"The Hwasong-12 rockets to be launched by the KPA (Korean People's Army) will cross the sky above Shimane, Hiroshima and Koichi Prefectures of Japan," said the report, citing KPA Commander General Kim Rak-gyom.

"They will fly 3,356.7 kilometers for 1,065 seconds and hit the waters 30 to 40 kilometers away from Guam," added the report.

'Trump bereft of reason'

The KPA commander was cited in the reported as saying that US President Donald Trump was "bereft of reason" and only "absolute force can work on him."

He added that Trump's recent "fire and fury" comments were a "load of nonsense."

"They will be met with the fire and fury and, frankly, power, the likes of which this world has never seen before," said Trump speaking in New Jersey on Tuesday.

North Koreans protest UN sanctions

Meanwhile, North Koreans took part in a mass rally arranged by Pyongyang authorities in protest at recent sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council.

The UN Security Council on Saturday passed a resolution slapping sweeping sanctions on the North over its first test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

The council members, including Pyongyang's traditional allies Beijing and Moscow, voted 15-0 for a partial ban on exports, aimed at slashing the North'a $3 billion foreign revenue by a third.

The sanctions ban all exports of coal, iron and iron ore, lead and lead ore, as well as fish and seafood from the country. They also block North Korea from increasing the number of workers it sends abroad, and prevents new joint ventures with Pyongyang or increasing investments in current ventures.

During the Wednesday rally, the protesters gathered in Pyongyang's central square where senior North Korean officials delivered speeches to the crowd.

France 'preoccupied' with N Korea situation

Also on Wednesday, France urged all the concerned parties in the North Korean crisis to act responsibly and towards de-escalating the situation.

"France's position is that it's preoccupied by what is happening. You all know like me that today North Korea is capable of firing an intercontinental ballistic missile with missiles which can cross distances of 6,000 to 9,000 kilometers. And then, the American media have reported these past days about the North's capacity to nuclearize its ballistic missiles," said French government spokesman Christophe Castaner.

"We call on all parties to act responsibly and de-escalate the situation," He added.

UN worried by 'confrontational rhetoric' on the North

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric also told reporters that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is deeply worried over the surge in aggressive rhetoric by parties to the North Korea crisis.

"The secretary general remains extremely concerned by the ongoing situation and is troubled by the increase in confrontational rhetoric," said Dujarric.

Russia hopes US 'keeps calm' over N Korea crisis

In a relevant development on Wednesday, Russia's UN envoy, Vassily Nebenzia , expressed hopes that the US would keep "calm" in the crisis with Pyongyang.

"A military solution is not an option anyway," he said.

"Our strong wish is that the United States keeps calm and refrains from any moves that would provoke another party to actions that might be dangerous," he added.

North Korea has been under UN sanctions over its missile and nuclear development programs since 2006. The sanctions have, however, failed to dissuade the country from pursuing its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.

Pyongyang says it needs to continue developing its missile force as a deterrent against the US and its regional allies' aggression and expansionism.

Since early July, the North has tested two ICBMs, which it says can hit the US mainland.

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Democrats in US Congress Urge Tillerson to Moderate Trump Rhetoric on N. Korea

Sputnik News

23:03 10.08.2017

Sixty-four Democratic lawmakers in the US Congress are seeking help from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to tone down President Donald Trump's threats of military action against North Korea, according to a copy of a letter released on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  Congressman John Conyers, ranking Democrat on the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee was the first to sign the letter to Tillerson.

"We respectfully but firmly urge you to do everything in your power to ensure that President Trump and other administration officials understand the importance of speaking and acting with the utmost caution and restraint on this delicate issue," the letter said.

The letter claimed that a US military strike threatens to unleash retaliation that could place 30,000 American service members and 100,000 American residents of South Korea in jeopardy and result in the death of one third of the nation's population of 51 million.

US intelligence reports claiming that North Korea has miniaturized a nuclear bomb to fit on top of intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States have prompted Trump to threaten massive retaliation if Pyongyang attacks.

North Korea responded by claiming it is preparing a plan to fire missiles at the US territory of Guam in the western Pacific.

 Sputnik

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'Strong and Resolute': South Korea, Japan Issue 'Stern Warning' to North Korea

Sputnik News

22:51 10.08.2017(updated 01:30 11.08.2017)

South Korea and Japan reaffirmed their support for the US on Thursday following North Korea's announcement that they are considering a ballistic missile attack against Andersen Air Force Base on the US island territory of Guam in Micronesia.

An attack on Guam would be met with a "strong and resolute retaliation" from South Korea's military, a South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesman told reporters. "If North Korea commits provocations despite our stern warning, it will face a strong response from South Korea's military and the US-South Korea alliance," the spokesman added.

Meanwhile, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said Japan can legally intercept North Korean missiles aimed at Guam if they pass over Japanese territory, and that Tokyo reserves the right to invoke collective self-defense to ensure Japan's security.

"If bombers attacked us or warships bombarded us, we would fire back," the defense minister said in March, adding that "striking a country lobbing missiles at us is no different."

Trump's declaration that North Korea will endure the "fire and fury" of the US military arsenal was "one of the most bellicose remarks made in public by a US president since the atom bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that were announced back in 1945," Asia political expert Keith Bennett told Radio Sputnik's Loud & Clear on Wednesday.

"It's worth noting," Bennett said, "Trump made this remark on Nagasaki Day, the 70th anniversary of when a US atomic weapon slaughtered around 100,000 civilians in that Japanese city."

Bennett described the ongoing rhetorical battles between Washington and Pyongyang as a game of tit-for-tat that "certainly" won't intimidate Pyongyang's leadership. Whatever verbal arrows are directed at North Korea will probably to be launched right back at Washington, he noted.

"Predictably, [North Korea has] done that" with their statement about a possible strike on Guam, Bennett said, "which was very much seen as paying the US president back."

Lisa Collins, a fellow with the Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Politico Magazine on Thursday, "the rhetoric has been heightened, but I don't think that it changes the actual reality of the North Korean threat. North Korea is used to giving and relaying this kind of rhetoric, and North Korea is very used to these responses."

 Sputnik

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Pentagon Hopes for Diplomatic Solution on N. Korea, But Has Military Options

Sputnik News

22:46 10.08.2017

The US Defense Department is hoping for a diplomatic solution that would halt North Korea's quest for a nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the United States, but has military solutions ready if ordered to act, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said in a press briefing on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  Mattis said the Defense Department works very closely with allies to ensure that there are multilateral military options and a military solution to the crisis.

"We want to use diplomacy [and] that's where we've been, that's where we are right now and that's where we hope to remain, Mattis said during a press briefing on Thursday. "Do I have military options? Of course, I do. That's my responsibility, to have those."

The defense secretary made the comments on a flight en route to California, where he is scheduled to visit technology giants Google and Amazon.

"What we're trying to do here is [be] loud and clear in the diplomatic arena: It is North Korea's choice," Mattis said. "So they are the only ones who are trying to nuclearize [the Korean peninsula] through provocations and rhetoric that is alarming to the entire world: This is a global problem."

Asked if he thought North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was a rational actor, Mattis said he would leave it to those seeking the answer to figure out themselves.

 Sputnik

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North Korea Finalizing Test Missile Launches Aimed Toward Guam

By Ken Bredemeier August 10, 2017

North Korea said Thursday it is finalizing a plan to launch a salvo of four ballistic missiles off the shores of the U.S. territory of Guam, the newest provocation in the war of words between Pyongyang and Washington.

The reclusive communist state, in an unusually detailed announcement, said that within a week North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would be handed a plan to fire the Hwasong-12 missiles over Japan into the waters off Guam 3,300 kilometers to the south.

State media said the missiles would land 30 to 40 kilometers off the shores of Guam, where 163,000 people live and the U.S. has 7,000 military personnel at a naval installation and an air base.

General Kim Rak Gyom, the commander of the North's strategic rocket forces, told the state-run KCNA news agency that after the plan was given to Kim, the military would "wait for his order."

Mixed signals

Washington has sent mixed signals to the world this week in its effort to thwart North Korea's nuclear weapons development in the aftermath of the new round of sanctions unanimously approved last weekend by the U.N. Security Council.

President Donald Trump vowed to attack North Korea, if it starts a war, with a "fire and fury like the world has never seen," and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Pyongyang risks annihilation with military action. But Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said, "I think Americans should sleep well at night and have no concerns about this particular rhetoric of the last few days."

World stock markets, averse to the uncertainty of the standoff, slid for the second day in a row, with stock indexes in Asia, Europe and the United States all falling a fraction of a percentage point or, at some exchanges, more than 1 percent.

General Kim said that "sound dialogue" was not possible with Trump, calling him a man "bereft of reason" and that "only absolute force can work on him." He described Trump's "fire and fury" threat as "a load of nonsense."

Mattis said Thursday that Trump was "just showing the concern he has, that is shared, obviously, globally." The U.S. defense chief said North Korea "would lose any arms race or conflict it initiates."

If North Korea carries out the missile launch aimed toward Guam, the U.S. could attempt to shoot down the missiles. It has six Aegis ballistic missile defense ships in the region capable of targeting North Korean missiles, but if Pyongyang were to launch the four missiles simultaneously it could make it harder to shoot down all of them.

Firing the missiles over Japan would ratchet up North Korea's military adventurism. Its test missiles in recent months, launched at a very high angle, have landed in waters off Japan, although within its economic zone.

If the North carries out its missile launch plan aimed near Guam, South Korea said it would draw a "stern and strong" response from Washington and Seoul.

Japan's Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told parliament that a North Korean missile attack on Guam would constitute a Japanese national emergency and would imperil Japan's existence as a nation.

The threats and counterthreats between Pyongyang and Washington have occurred this week in the days after the U.N. Security Council imposed new, more stringent sanctions on North Korea. The new penalties are intended to reduce Pyongyang's income from exported goods and labor by at least $1 billion  one-third of its current annual earnings  in an effort to end its nuclear weapons development.

The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency concluded in the last month that North Korea has now miniaturized a nuclear warhead capable of being attached to an intercontinental missile. If Pyongyang does have such capability, it would make North Korea the world's ninth full-fledged nuclear power.

Mattis, in a statement Wednesday, said North Korea "should cease any consideration of actions that would lead to the end of its regime and the destruction of its people." He said North Korea "must choose to stop isolating itself and stand down its pursuit of nuclear weapons."

He warned that the United States and its allies "now possess the most precise, rehearsed and robust defensive and offensive capabilities on Earth." He said any North Korean military operation "will continue to be grossly overmatched by ours."

Mattis' vow came hours after Trump declared on Twitter that the U.S. nuclear arsenal "is now far stronger and more powerful than ever before."

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US State Dept. Tones Down Trump's Rhetoric on N Korea as Tensions Escalate

Sputnik News

19:53 11.08.2017(updated 19:54 11.08.2017)

North Korea must first stop its pursuit of nuclear tipped missiles before any dialogue can take place to avoid a looming US military threat that was signaled by President Donald Trump earlier on Friday, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Southeast Asia Patrick Murphy told reporters.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  Although Murphy comments marked a restatement of longstanding US demands, Trump's statement earlier on Friday that US forces are "locked and loaded" for a strike on North Korea appear to limit options available to avert a military confrontation.

"Standing down on the pursuit of dangerous missiles and nuclear programs, in defiance of the international community, in defiance of the [UN] Security Council resolutions is what's at stake here," Murphy said. "Now is not the opportunity for dialogue because we have not seen in North Korea a willingness to address these fundamental problems."

Murphy declined to comment on the president's remarks, nor would he confirm published reports that US Ambassador Joseph Yun is engaged back-channel diplomacy with North Korea.

In recent days, Trump has been widely criticized, especially by Democrats in the US Congress, for his refusal to openly negotiate with Pyongyang.

Earlier this week, Kim Jong Un said that Pyongyang is considering an attack on Guam, which hosts multiple US military bases after Trump threatened Pyongyang with "fire and fury."

Earlier, media reports suggested that the Pentagon had prepared a contingency plan to launch a preemptive strike against North Korea, which may involve US fighters on Guam. A strike could also come from sea, land or cyberspace  if ordered by US President Donald Trump.

The United States has recently intensified training flights of B-1B bombers stationed at the Andersen air base in Guam after tensions rised over North Korean increased missile tests.

The tensions around North Korea have been high over the recent months and they have escalated further after the tightening of the economic sanctions against North Korea by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Saturday in response to July's launches of ballistic missiles by Pyongyang.

 Sputnik

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Indian Navy Floats Global Tender for High-Tech Night Vision Helmets

Sputnik News

14:02 10.08.2017(updated 14:06 10.08.2017)

The Indian Navy has requisitioned for two options - uncooled thermal imaging devices and image intensifier tube with wide field of view.

New Delhi (Sputnik)  Indian Navy has started the process to equip its forces with highly advanced helmet mounted night vision devices. Such devices will help naval personnel in search & seizure procedures as well as security operations. The tender states that the initial order will be for about 1000 such devices and the quantity may be expanded in future.

India's ministry of defense has sought response in detail from vendors interested in transferring the technology to Indian manufacturers. The global tender is expected to be issued in second quarter of 2018. The devices would be made available to the naval personnel from 2019.

"Amongst the vendors cleared by Field Evaluation Trials, a Contract Negotiation Committee (CNC) would decide the lowest cost bidder and conclude the appropriate contract," reads the request for information issued by the India's Ministry of Defense.

Meanwhile, as per a requisition made by the Indian Army in December last year, India is also looking to purchase long range thermal imaging night vision with fusion technology for the Indian Army's T-90 tank, light machine guns, and rocket launchers. The Indian Army has asked for 15000 night sight for rocket launchers, 5000 night sight device for medium machine guns and more than 125000 for other small handheld arms. It is estimated that army will have to spend approximately $3.2 billion for such purchase.

 Sputnik

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caconservative said: In order for the FBI to acquire a search warrant, they had to believe there was evidence Manafort was hiding. It's been a few days now, any such evidence surfacing? I've heard nothing. Click to expand...

Why would you expect Mueller, an actual professional with ethics, to go blabbing to the paper?And I guess he actually knows how to gather a group around him that respects him so there aren't any leaks.Donnie Dumbfuck should take lessons from him.
India Freezes Purchase of Additional AH-64E Apache From US

Sputnik News

13:52 10.08.2017

Indian Army was to receive its first tranche of eleven AH-64E Apache helicopters under the options clause of an earlier deal; but government says it has no immediate plans to place the order.

New Delhi (Sputnik)  Hard-pressed by operational requirements at the country's restive north-east region, the Indian Army, in its requisition, had demanded that they be provided with eleven US made helicopters. However, in a clear indication of Indian government's unwillingness to purchase additional AH-64E Apache helicopters from the United States, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) has called off its meeting that was to discuss the Indian Army's requisition. The DAC is India's apex decision making body for defense purchases.

In September 2015, The Narendra Modi led government had cleared a deal with Boeing for the purchase of 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters. Ever since, the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force have been in a tug of war for acquiring the aircraft. The earlier regime, led by Dr Manmohan Singh, had said that any future procurement of attack helicopters would be for the Indian Army. However, the Indian Air Force laid claim on all 22 helicopters and even refused to heed to the Indian Army's proposal to share half of the fleet.

The Indian Army then moved a separate proposal seeking 39 attack helicopters. According to the proposal, the Indian Army was to receive its first tranche of eleven helicopters under the options clause of the 2015 deal. But India's Minister of State for Defense, Subhash Bhamre informed the Parliament earlier this week that the government has no plans to expand the 2015 deal with Boeing. "No follow-up order has so far been placed with any foreign ordnance company for procurement of attack helicopters," he said.

Presently, the Indian Army operates the homemade Dhruv-WSI (weapon system integrated) attack helicopters. It has already placed an order of over 100 such helicopters from state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. 50% of the components of the twin engine, multi-role helicopter is imported. They are considered highly efficient for close air support and high altitude operations. Dhruv Helicopter is equipped with 20 millimeter turret gun and can carry 70 millimeter rockets, the Mistral air to air missile, air to ground missile, helmet pointing system and anti-tank missiles.

 Sputnik

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Iranian cmdr: Armed forces' readiness deterrent to enemies

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Aug 10, IRNA -- Readiness and authority of the Iranian armed forces is a deterrent factor against the enemies and a source of honor for the country, said Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Army Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan.

During a visit to the summer camp of a military university in Tehran, General Pourdastan said that the enemy is well-planned, uses high-tech equipment and is insistent on its enmity which necessitates that the armed forces, as powerful hands of the Islamic establishment, make defensive capacities according to the threats.

'You should always turn threats into opportunities and get ready to fight against the global arrogance,' he added.

9417**2050

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Serious costs await nuclear deal violators: Iran deputy FM

Iran Press TV

Fri Aug 11, 2017 7:15AM

A senior Iranian official has warned against serious ramifications of breaching the 2015 nuclear deal, expressing Tehran's preparedness to respond to any such scenario.

Addressing a Friday meeting of Japan's Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Abbas Araqchi said if any party to the deal, called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), violates its terms, they will have to pay a "serious cost."

Araqchi denounced the new US sanctions against Iran over its missile program as "unacceptable" and argued that Tehran's missile program, which relies on Iranian people's capabilities, is solely defensive and deterrent.

Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council  the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China  plus Germany reached the JCPOA on July 14, 2015 and began implementing it in January 2016.

The UN Security Council later unanimously endorsed a resolution that effectively turned the JCPOA into international law.

Under the agreement, limits were put on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for, among other things, the removal of all nuclear-related bans against the Islamic Republic.

However, the US Senate and Treasury Department have imposed new sanctions against the Islamic Republic and several Iranian companies and individuals in recent months over its national missile program, which is not in breach of the JCPOA.

Araqchi's comments come as the Iranian parliament (Majlis) is set to vote on a motion which incorporates a host of retaliatory measures in the face of US "acts of terror" and "adventurism" in the region.

The bill, which was passed by the Majlis' Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy on Wednesday, will be put on the parliament's agenda next Sunday, said Hossein Naqavi Hosseini, the committee's spokesman, in a Thursday interview with the IRIB.

It "takes into consideration the aspects of US hostile measures in the region and their behavior in different areas, [including] acts of terrorism and human rights violations, will be put under close monitoring," he added.

The bill allocates some $609 million to several state bodies, including the Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, the Judiciary, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and its Quds Force, to monitor and probe US actions in the region, the lawmaker said.

Iranian lawmakers had passed the single-urgency motion with 93 percent of the votes, referring it to the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee for further consultation with different state organizations and legislative bodies, Naqavi Hosseini said.

The motion comes in response to the US violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear energy program and Washington's new sanctions against Tehran's missile activities, the latest round of which was adopted last month.

'Iran's source of power is its people'

Elsewhere in his remarks in Japan, Araqchi elaborated on Iran's role in the Middle East, describing the Islamic Republic as the most stable and secure country in the tense region.

Iran, contrary to many other countries, gains power from its people, Araqchi said.

He went on to enumerate the key challenges facing the Middle East, including poverty and economic disparity, undemocratic regimes, extremism and terrorism as well as the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

Araqchi described Takfiri terrorism as the main challenge in the Middle East, which jeopardizes the entire global community and called for a collective campaign by all countries to eradicate the phenomenon.

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US, Turkey, KRG against Hashd Sha'abi inclusion in Tal Afar battle: Cmdr.

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 10, 2017 5:0PM

A high-ranking commander of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) has described the United States and Turkey as the major parties opposed to the inclusion of the pro-government Iraqi forces in the forthcoming operation to liberate the northern city of Tal Afar from Daesh terrorists.

Jawad al-Talibawi, spokesman for the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq volunteer forces, told Lebanon-based al-Mayadeen television news network on Thursday that US and Turkish statesmen together with senior officials from Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), particularly Masoud Barzani, have voiced strong opposition to the involvement of the PMU fighters, commonly known by the Arabic name Hashd al-Sha'abi, in the offensive to retake Tal Afar, located 63 kilometers west of Mosul.

Talibawi added that red lines have been set for Hashd al-Sha'abi on Tal Afar liberation operation, alleging that the basic units of the pro-government volunteer force have received orders not to take part in the battle.

He further noted that the PMU is an integral part of the Iraqi military system; nevertheless, there are external objections to its role.

"We are confident that there are Arab and foreign officers in Tal Afar, so our participation in the forthcoming operation will expose the facts that several parties have long sought to hide," Talibawi pointed out.

The top Hashd al-Sha'abi commander later called on Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to stand by his words, and include the pro-government fighters in the Tal Afar liberation operation.

Commander of Nineveh Liberation Operations, Major General Najim Abdullah al-Jubouri, told Reuters in an interview on July 30 that he expected a relatively easy victory for government forces in the forthcoming operation to retake Tal Afar from Daesh as the extremists were "worn out and demoralized."

"I don't expect it will be a fierce battle even though the enemy is surrounded. The enemy is very worn out. I know from the intelligence reports that their morale is low," he commented.

Jubouri estimated that there were between 1,500 and 2,000 Daesh terrorists left in Tal Afar. He highlighted that the battle for Tal Afar was set to start soon, and was waiting for orders from Abadi, which would probably be issued within the next few "days or a week or two."

Speaking at a youth meeting on Saturday, Abadi said Hashd al-Sha'abi fighters would take part in the offensive to win back Tal Afar.

He said the army and security commanders had devised a plan to dislodge Daesh from Tal Afar, which required the participation of security personnel as well as Hashd al-Sha'abi and tribal fighters.

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Iraq launches UN-supported action plan to save lives of mothers and newborns

10 August 2017  Decades of conflict and under-investment have placed a huge strain on Iraq's healthcare system  with pregnant women and their babies paying for it with their lives, according to three United Nations agencies.

"Although progress has been made to lower maternal mortality rates, there has been slow headway in reducing the mortality rates for children under five," said the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO) and UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in a joint statement.

"Newborn babies are particularly vulnerable because of poor birth practices, inadequate referral mechanisms and inefficient neonatal care, particularly in remote areas," they added.

With the support of UNICEF, the Ministry of Health launched the Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP), which was developed jointly with UNICEF, WHO and UNFPA. The ENAP is an evidence based strategy to invest in, and improve the quality of maternal and newborn care.

According to the agencies, breastfeeding, neonatal resuscitation, kangaroo mother care for preterm babies, and the prevention and treatment of infections will help prevent these infant deaths.

"Providing high quality care before and after birth not only saves lives, it is also an investment to ensure Iraqi children have the best start in life and meet their full potential," said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF's Representative in Iraq.

"WHO and other partners will work to support the Government of Iraq through the Ministry of Health to achieve equitable universal health coverage, including the provision of comprehensive services for every woman and newborn in Iraq in order to contribute to the substantial reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity," added in Musani Altaf, WHO Representative in Iraq.

Ramanathan Balakrishnan, UNFPA's Representative in Iraq, added: "Neonatal mortality contributes significantly to child mortality in Iraq. UNFPA is proud to have played a part in the formulation of the Newborn Action Plan and commits to support the Ministry of Health in its implementation."

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Tillerson Allegedly Urged Iraqi Kurdistan Leadership to Delay Independence Vote

Sputnik News

21:56 11.08.2017(updated 22:00 11.08.2017)

US State Secretary Rex Tillerson has asked Iraqi Kurdistan's President Masoud Barzani in a telephone conversation to postpone holding the region's independence referendum, which is scheduled to take place in September.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  On June 7, Barzani announced his intention to hold a referendum on the independence of the autonomous region of Kurdistan from Iraq on September 25, a decision which has been criticized by Baghdad.

"The US Secretary of State also stated he would rather see the referendum in Kurdistan to be postponed, and he reiterated his support for dialogue and negotiation between the [Kurdistan] Region and Baghdad On the issue of postponing the referendum President Barzani said to the US Secretary of State that the kind of coexistence that the Kurdistan Region had worked for with the state of Iraq in the past and over various stages was not implemented, and that is why the people of Kurdistan have decided to take their own path," the Kurdish Presidency said in a statement as quoted by Rudaw broadcaster.

According to the broadcaster, Tillerson and Barzani spoke by telephone on Thursday evening and discussed bilateral relations and the fight against terrorism among other issues.

Tillerson also praised the decision of Erbil to send a delegation to Baghdad to discuss the upcoming vote with the Iraqi leadership, according to the statement. However, no US State Department comment has been available so far.

The referendum is set to be held throughout Iraqi Kurdistan, as well as territories of the Nineveh, Kirkuk, Saladin and Diyala provinces claimed by both Kurdish Iraq and Baghdad.

Responding to the Kurdistan leadership's move, Iraqi government spokesman Saad Hadithi said that Baghdad would not back any unilateral steps taken by Iraqi Kurdistan aimed at gaining independence, as such moves would violate the country's constitution.

The referendum is viewed by a number of regional and international officials as a threat to both Iraqi and international security.

Both Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, the commander of the US-led coalition against Daesh terrorist group, and US special presidential envoy Brett McGurk said that the Kurdish authorities should not hold the referendum amid the anti-Daesh campaign in Iraq as it would destabilize the Iraqi and Kurdish forces fighting in the region.

The Kurds, making up about 20 percent of the Iraqi population, have been seeking self-governance for decades. In 2005, Iraq's Constitution recognized Kurdistan as an autonomous region, run by the Kurdistan Regional Government.

 Sputnik

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Libyan Army Starts Liberating Derna From Al-Qaeda - Spokesman

Sputnik News

19:45 10.08.2017

The Libyan National Army (LNA) began military operation to liberate the country's eastern city of Derna from the al-Qaeda terrorist organization (outlawed in Russia), according to the army's spokesman Ahmed Mismari.

CAIRO (Sputnik)  The Libyan National Army (LNA), headed by Khalifa Haftar, has started an operation to liberate the country's eastern city of Derna from the al-Qaeda terrorist organization (outlawed in Russia), the army's spokesman Ahmed Mismari said on Thursday.

"The battle for Derna has begun," Mismari told a press briefing in Benghazi.

The spokesman added that the LNA would be pushing terrorists from the city to save its infrastructure and ensure the security of its residents.

"We do not want any damage to the city and its residents. We do not want the city's residents to leave Derna either. If this happens, terrorists will remain there [in the city], a war will begin and most of the infrastructure will be destroyed. We have to carry out the battle outside the city and force terrorists to leave it," Mismari stressed.

In the last four years, the coastal city has become a safe haven for various terrorist organizations, including al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group (also banned in Russia), which was forced out of the city in April 2016.

 Sputnik

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Myanmar deploys 500 soldiers to Rakhine, military sources say

Iran Press TV

Fri Aug 11, 2017 4:11PM

Myanmar has deployed 500 soldiers to the Muslim-majority northern part of Rakhine state amid fears of another wave of crackdown on Rohingya Muslims.

Two military sources based in the northwestern state said the decision was taken after seven Buddhists were found dead in mountains near the town of Maungdaw last week.

One of the military sources said about 500 troops were sent to several towns, including Buthidaung and Maungdaw, near the border with Bangladesh on Thursday.

Residents claim the seven Buddhists were killed after they discovered a camp for Rohingya fighters.

The government blames the incident on "extremists," accusing the fighters of killing informants in the Muslim community.

Rakhine State police chief Colonel Sein Lwin said, "We have to increase security operations because the security situation has worsened, some Muslims and Buddhists have been killed by the insurgents."

The stepped-up measures raised fears of a fresh wave of violence against the Rohingya after last year's crackdown that was launched in the wake of a deadly attack on the country's border guards on October 9, 2016 which left nine policemen dead. The government blamed the Rohingya for the assault.

Nearly 75,000 people have fled from the Muslim-majority northern part of Rakhine to Bangladesh since Myanmar's military launched the crackdown, according to a UN report.

There have been numerous accounts by eyewitnesses of summary executions, rapes and arson attacks against Muslims since the crackdown began. The military has blocked access to Rakhine and banned journalists and aid workers from entering the zone.

The United Nations has warned that the ongoing human rights violations against the Rohingya in Rakhine could be tantamount to "crimes against humanity."

Myanmar's government has denied entry to the members of a United Nations fact-finding mission tasked with investigating allegations of crimes by security forces against the Rohingya.

ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), a human rights group, expressed concern on Friday about the increased number of soldiers in the troubled state.

"Aung San Suu Kyi should call on all parties, including the Myanmar army, to take steps to de-escalate conflict in northern Rakhine state, rather than exacerbate it," said Eva Kusuma Sundari, a member of APHR's board, referring to Myanmar's state counsellor.

Myanmar's government already denies full citizenship to the 1.1 million-strong Rohingya population that lives there, branding them illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, but the Rohingya community track their ancestors many generations back in Myanmar.

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Deposed Pakistani Prime Minister Continues March Toward Lahore

RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal August 10, 2017

Deposed Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif continued his journey from Islamabad toward his hometown of Lahore on August 10, a trip that appears aimed at displaying his political influence after a Supreme Court decision forced him out late last month.

Sharif launched the "caravan" despite concerns voiced by close advisers about security for himself and the crowds he is expected to attract.

Sharif resigned on July 28, shortly after the Supreme Court disqualified him from office following an investigation that concluded that his family could not account for what the court said was vast wealth in offshore companies.

The claim stems from the Panama Papers leaks in April 2016, when documents from a Panama-based law firm revealed that three of Sharif's four children owned offshore companies and assets not shown on his family's wealth statement.

Sharif's ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party elected his close aide Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as his replacement on August 1.

Sharif spoke briefly to his supporters at Sohawa while en route to the city of Jhelum, a city some 120 kilometers from Islamabad where he is expected to address a large rally.

"There are no allegations of corruption against me," Sharif told the crowds from inside his bulletproof car. "The honorable judges sent me home. Do you agree with their decision?" he asked.

The march is taking place amid tight security, with large numbers of police officers and paramilitary soldiers deployed both in Islamabad and along the Grand Trunk Road, the main highway connecting the capital with Lahore.

Late on August 9, addressing a rally in Rawalpindi, Sharif said the court's decision to disqualify him from office last month over undeclared wealth was an "insult to voters."

Sharif's "caravan" took 12 hours to travel the 20 kilometers from Islamabad to Rawalpindi due to big crowds estimated as large as 30,000 that were walking and driving alongside his car.

However, Sharif's decision to address crowds from within a bulletproof car drew criticism from Imran Khan, the leader of the Tehreek-i-Insaf opposition party.

"Speaking from a bulletproof car doesn't inspire confidence in already dwindling crowds. If you fear death, you shouldn't undertake 'people's' rallies," Khan tweeted on August 10.

With additional reporting by dawn.com

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-sharif-march- lahore-supreme-court/28669614.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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India-Pakistan Row May Grow as Lashkar Leader Tries to Found Political Party

Sputnik News

16:12 10.08.2017(updated 16:25 10.08.2017)

India is concerned that the launching of the political outfit by Hafiz Saeed, co-founder of terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, may increase cross border terrorism.

New Delhi (Sputnik)  Hafiz Saeed's charity outfit Jamat-ud-Dawa has launched a new political party named Milli Muslim League which aims to convert Pakistan into a "real Islamic state." Jamat-ud-Dawa are the charity outfit of the banned terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba. The outfit belongs to United Nations' list of banned organizations.

Meanwhile, India is cautiously watching Pakistani government's response to Saeed's attempt at getting his party registered as a valid political entity in the country.

"They [Hafiz Saeed and his terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba] have been carrying out terrorist activities not only against India but against others in the region and it has been a matter of concern not only for us but for the entire region and beyond," a statement of India's Foreign Ministry reads.

Qamar Agha, a security expert, told Sputnik said that Saeed entering politics will not only become a threat to regional security but also spell doom for democracy in Pakistan.

"Democracy in Pakistan is fragile and if the persons like Hafiz Saeed will enter the politics and become part of the government then it will make democracy in Pakistan more fragile. It is a threat to the democratic regime set up in Pakistan. Hafiz Saeed's political ambition will jeopardize peace in South Asia," Agha said.

Hafiz Saeed is 'most wanted' in India for masterminding the 2008 terror attack on financial capital Mumbai in which 166 people were killed. Relation between India and Pakistan has been on the slide since the attack with India constantly slamming Pakistan for providing "sustenance" to the scourge of terrorism with the aim of destabilizing Kashmir.

The Jammu and Kashmir region has been disputed by India and Pakistan since the end of British rule in 1947. Following several armed conflicts, the two countries agreed to a ceasefire in 2003. Since then, both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violating the truce. The unstable situation in the region led to the emergence of extremist groups.

 Sputnik

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Pakistan's Sharif Criticizes Supreme Court For Forcing Him From Office

RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal August 11, 2017

Deposed Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif criticized the country's Supreme Court for disqualifying him from office over undisclosed wealth on the second day of his "caravan of democracy" on August 10.

Sharif stopped for the night in the town of Jhelum, about one-third of the way through a procession from Islamabad to his hometown of Lahore, a journey that appears staged to show that he remains popular among voters despite being forced out of office last month.

Giving a speech in Jhelum on a makeshift stage behind bulletproof glass, Sharif told a crowd of about 10,000 supporters that the Supreme Court justices acted against the people's will.

"I was removed in a minute," he said. "It is not an insult to an elected prime minister, but an insult to millions of voters."

Sharif said his conscience is "clean" about the charges against him.

Sharif launched the "caravan" despite concerns among close advisers about his security. He has attracted crowds of thousands of people so far during the journey, although the numbers had dwindled somewhat by the time he got to Jhelum.

Sharif resigned on July 28, shortly after the Supreme Court disqualified him from office following an investigation that concluded that his family could not account for what the court said was vast wealth in offshore companies.

The claim stems from the Panama Papers leaks in April 2016, when documents from a Panama-based law firm revealed that three of Sharif's four children owned offshore companies and assets not shown on his family's wealth statement.

Sharif's ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party elected his close aide Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as his replacement on August 1.

Sharif spoke briefly to his supporters at Sohawa while en route to Jhelum.

"There are no allegations of corruption against me," Sharif told the crowds from inside his bulletproof car. "The honorable judges sent me home. Do you agree with their decision?" he asked.

The march is taking place amid tight security, with large numbers of police officers and paramilitary soldiers deployed both in Islamabad and along the Grand Trunk Road, the main highway connecting the capital with Lahore.

Late on August 9, addressing a rally in Rawalpindi, Sharif said the court's decision to disqualify him from office last month was an "insult to voters."

Sharif's "caravan" took 12 hours to travel the 20 kilometers from Islamabad to Rawalpindi due to big crowds estimated as large as 30,000 that were walking and driving alongside his car.

However, Sharif's decision to address crowds from within a bulletproof car drew criticism from Imran Khan, the leader of the Tehreek-i-Insaf opposition party.

"Speaking from a bulletproof car doesn't inspire confidence in already dwindling crowds. If you fear death, you shouldn't undertake 'people's' rallies," Khan tweeted on August 10.

With reporting by dawn.com, AP, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-sharif-march- lahore-supreme-court/28669614.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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S. Korea urges DPRK to stop threatening rhetoric

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 18:05, August 10, 2017

South Korea on Thursday urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to stop letting out a threatening rhetoric that runs against the consensus of the international community.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Cho June-hyuck told a press briefing that the DPRK's recent threatening rhetoric, which went too much, ran against the general opinion of the international society, urging Pyongyang to immediately stop it.

Cho said the DPRK should make a right choice and come to the way to denuclearization, urging the DPRK to rapidly respond to the South Korea- proposed initiative for improved inter-Korean relations and for building constant peace on the Korean Peninsula.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in declared the so-called "Korean Peninsula Peace Initiative" in early July in Berlin, Germany in a bid to enhance ties with the DPRK through economic cooperation and the exchange of sports, culture and personnel.

As follow-up measures, Seoul proposed to Pyongyang for holding talks about military affairs to stop all hostile acts near the military demarcation line (MDL) dividing the two sides, while offering a separate Red Cross dialogue on humanitarian issues.

Pyongyang has been mum about the dialogue overtures, while issuing a warning against the United States to fire missiles near the waters off the U.S. island of Guam in the Pacific.

The spokesman said South Korea would make all diplomatic efforts to make the DPRK come to the dialogue table to ease tensions and denuclearize the peninsula.

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Russia Boosts Air Defense in Far East Amid Escalating N Korea Nuclear Situation

Sputnik News

12:33 11.08.2017(updated 13:02 11.08.2017)

Russia has put on high alert its air defense systems in the country's Far East due to the escalation of the situation around North Korea's recent missile tests.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russia's air defense systems in the country's Far East region have been enhanced and put on a state of high alert in connection with the escalated situation around North Korea's recent missile tests, Russia's upper house of parliament lawmaker Viktor Ozerov told Sputnik on Friday.

"What is happening now around North Korea cannot but cause our sense of concern and understanding of the need for additional measures to protect our territory. Air defense and aerospace forces were reinforced in the Far East region," Ozerov, former chairman of the defense and security committee of Russia's upper house of parliament, said.

According to the lawmaker, air defense systems in the Russian Far East are in a state of high alert.

"We are monitoring everything that is happening around North Korea. The zones of the possible launches [of North Korean missiles] were given increased attention," the lawmaker added.

The situation on the Korean Peninsula has become aggravated in recent months due to a series of missile launches and nuclear tests conducted by Pyongyang in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

North Korea's military said Wednesday it was considering a missile attack near the US island territory of Guam after President Donald Trump threatened Pyongyang with "fire and fury." Guam hosts several US military bases.

 Sputnik

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Syrian govt. forces, allies recapture more areas near Jordan border

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 10, 2017 2:36PM

Syrian government forces, backed by fighters from allied popular defense groups, have continued their counter-terrorism operations in the country's southernmost province of Suwayda, and gained more ground in their fight against foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants.

The media bureau of the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement reported on Thursday that Syrian army troops and their allies were now in control of all checkpoints and outpost on the border with Jordan.

Said Saef, spokesman for the Western-backed militant group Martyr Ahmed Abdo Brigade, said the advances came from two sides in the eastern countryside of Suwayda.

"They are now on the Jordanian border and back to outposts they had evacuated early in the conflict," Saef added.

Another militant spokesman, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the army gains were made after members of Jaish al-Ashair militant group pulled out of the areas in the face of army attacks.

Syrian state-run TV later reported that government troops had captured an area of 1,300 square kilometers in addition to some strategic hills.

Elsewhere in the troubled eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr, Syrian army forces and pro-government fighters pounded the positions of Daesh Takfiri terrorists, killing and injuring scores of them.

Syria's official news agency, SANA, reported that army units clashed with the Daesh extremists on the outskirts of Dayr al-Zawr Airport, eliminating many terrorists and destroying their munitions.

Syrian Air Force jets and artillery units also struck Daesh fortifications in al-Mawared, al-Banorama and al-Thurdeh areas in addition to the villages of al-Boughailiyeh , al-Tabni and al-Qasabi.

US-led aerial attacks kill over dozen Syrians

Meanwhile, more than a dozen civilians have lost their lives when the US-led coalition purportedly fighting Daesh conducted a series of airstrikes in Dayr al-Zawr Province.

Local sources told SANA that at least 19 people were killed and several others wounded as US-led military aircraft bombarded the city of Mayadin, located about 44 kilometers southeast of Dayr al-Zawr, as well as the northern outskirts of al-Tabni.

The US-led coalition has been conducting airstrikes against what are said to be Daesh targets inside Syria since September 2014 without any authorization from the Damascus government or a UN mandate.

The military alliance has repeatedly been accused of targeting and killing civilians. It has also been largely incapable of fulfilling its declared aim of destroying Daesh.

Daesh terrorists trapped in Raqqah's center

Separately, militiamen from the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have surrounded Daesh extremists in the center of the militant-held northern city of Raqqah.

"We've cleared about half of Old Raqqah ... and we're advancing on all axes," Haval Gabar, a 25-year-old commander from the People's Protection Units (YPG), which is a major component of the US-backed SDF, said on Wednesday.

He added, "The day before yesterday there was still a small gap. Yesterday it was closed. We are now pressing towards Mansur and Rashid districts."

Gabar added that the Raqqah battle would be over within the next three or four months, dismissing YPG's initial predictions that the offensive will finish in a matter of weeks.

The Kurdish commander went on to say that SDF militiamen were advancing steadily, but landmines planted by Daesh Takfiris were slowing down their progress.

"They've laid many mines; that's one of the biggest difficulties. As for car bombs, they don't use them every day, but if our forces are advancing down a street, then they deploy them," Gabar pointed out.

The city of Raqqah, which lies on the northern bank of the Euphrates River, was overrun by Daesh terrorists in March 2013, and was proclaimed the center for most of the Takfiris' administrative and control tasks the following year.

It is estimated that a population of 300,000 civilians is trapped inside Raqqah, including 80,000 displaced from other parts of Syria. Thousands have fled in recent months, and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs believes about 160,000 people remain in the city.

On June 6, the US-backed militiamen from the SDF said they had launched an operation aimed at pushing Daesh out of Raqqah.

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Syrian Army Retakes Some 500 Square Miles From Daesh in As Suwayda

Sputnik News

16:50 10.08.2017

Syrian government forces liberated 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of the country's territory from terrorists in the country's southern As Suwayda province and a 30-kilometer (18.6 mile) stretch of the Jordanian border, according to local media.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Syrian government forces have regained control over some 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of the country's territory from terrorists in the country's southern As Suwayda province and liberated a 30-kilometer (18.6 mile) stretch of the Jordanian border, a military source told the Syrian state-run SANA news agency Thursday.

"Army units supported by allied forces advanced in the east of the As Suwayda province and regained control of 1,300 square kilometers and a number of hills," the source said.

The source added terrorists of the Daesh terror group (outlawed in Russia) had suffered losses in clashes with the Syrian army and had lost control of at least five regions as well as "all the checkpoints along 30 kilometers on the Jordanian border."

The source did not specify over what period the territories were liberated.

 Sputnik

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Syrian Army Repels Daesh Attack in Homs, 80 Terrorists Killed

Sputnik News

11:27 10.08.2017

The Syrian army has repelled a powerful attack by militants of the Daesh terrorist group (banned in Russia) in the east of Homs province, the Syrian national agency SANA reported Thursday.

BEIRUT (Sputnik)  The report said that during the clashes, 80 terrorists were eliminated. The remaining militants fled, leaving the wounded and personal weapons.

The Syrian forces are continuing the operation to retake the town of As Sukhnah in the Homs province, where the Daesh largest stronghold is located. The army in cooperation with its allies have surrounded the town and started to mop up the outskirts.

Syria has been in the state of civil war for six years, with government forces fighting against both Syrian opposition groups who strive to overthrow President Bashar Assad, and numerous extremist and terrorist groups such as the Daesh.

 Sputnik

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US alliance with Syria Kurds strengthens other terror groups: Turkey

Iran Press TV

Fri Aug 11, 2017 5:13AM

The Turkish foreign minister has warned that the US partnership with Kurdish militants in Syria's northern province of Raqqah will pave the way for "other terror organizations" in the region to strengthen their positions.

"Even if just for tactical reasons, the use of a terrorist organization, the YPG (People's Protection Units) in the Raqqah operation will lead to other terror organizations in the region gaining more ground," Mevlut Cavusoglu said in a Thursday interview with the Turkish daily Turkiye.

"The aim of the YPG is to make its territorial gains lasting through demographic engineering under the cover of the fight against the Daesh," Cavusoglu said.

Ankara views the YPG as a terror organization linked to the homegrown Kurdistan Workers' Party (YPG), which has long been fighting for the establishment of an independent Kurdish state.

Turkey has been on a collision course with the US in Syria, with Ankara sharply criticizing Washington over its support for the YPG forces in the operation in Raqqah, which serves as the main Daesh bastion in the Arab country.

Tensions between the two NATO powers have seen a rise in recent months after US-backed YPG militants made a series of gains against Daesh at the Turkish doorstep, including the capture in May of the Tabqa twon and the nearby dam from the terror group.

Cavusoglu further said Ankara has repeatedly told Washington that "fighting against one terror organization by allying with another terrorist group" is unwise and dangerous, especially for Turkey's security concerns.

"We have conveyed our sensitivities and expectations to the US administration. The US administration has made commitments to us on these. We will continue to monitor the fulfillment of these commitments," Cavusoglu said.

"When the operation is concluded, the control and security of Raqqah should be handed to local Arab groups," he pointed out.

Turkey fears that the YPG will permanently hold parts of land in northern Syria after finishing with Daesh.

In May, US President Donald Trump drew strong condemnation from Ankara by approving the dispatch of weapons to the YPG, which is part of the Washington-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance of Arab and Kurdish militia.

Washington has promised Ankara that it would take back the weapons and equipment it had supplied to the YPG after curbing Daesh in Raqqah.

Turkey, which has deployed its own military equipment and forces to northern Syria, has warned that US-supplied weapons could fall in the hands of the PKK militants on its soil.

The city of Raqqah, which lies on the northern bank of the Euphrates River, was overrun by Daesh terrorists in March 2013, and was proclaimed the center for most of the terrorists' administrative and control tasks the following year.

The SDF offensive is backed by US-led airstrikes, which have claimed hundreds of civilian lives in Raqqah over the past months.

This is while the Syrian army, supported by the Russian air force, is engaged in its own operation against Daesh terrorists in Raqqah City's western countryside side, where it has made several gains against Daesh.

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Detention warrants issued for 35 media employees: State Media

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 10, 2017 10:5AM

Turkish authorities have issued detention warrants for 35 journalists and media workers on suspicion of links to the movement of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara accuses of having masterminded a failed military coup last year.

Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency said police on Thursday conducted raids in the city of Istanbul to detain the suspects, who allegedly used ByLock, an encrypted messaging application for communication.

Among the detainees was Burak Ekici, a journalist working for the Turkish opposition Birgun newspaper.

Anadolu said the detention warrants had been aimed at what the Turkish government calls the media branch of the US-based cleric's network and that the suspects had been accused of "membership of an armed terrorist organization."

Turkey witnessed a coup attempt on July 15, 2016, when a faction of the Turkish military declared that the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was no more in charge of the country.

However, over the course of some two days, the putsch was suppressed. Almost 250 people were killed and nearly 2,200 others wounded in the abortive coup.

A group of rogue soldiers had also reportedly planned to assassinate Erdogan.

Gulen has denied the charges of having masterminded the coup.

In a post-coup crackdown, Turkish authorities have shut some 150 media outlets and jailed around 160 journalists.

About a dozen journalists from the opposition daily Cumhuriyet are currently in prison on suspicion of supporting Gulen, facing jail terms of up to 43 years if convicted.

In addition to the crackdown on the media, Turkey has also suspended or dismissed more than 150,000 judges, policemen, teachers, and civil servants and has arrested nearly 50,000 others.

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Great Wall of Turkey: Ankara Builds Massive Barrier Along Iranian Border

Sputnik News

18:04 10.08.2017(updated 20:00 10.08.2017)

Turkish authorities have begun the construction of a huge wall along the border with Iran, claiming that this fortification is needed to protect the country against the Kurdistan Workers' Party.

The wall will be comprised of 7-ton concrete blocks, each of them 3 meters high and 2 meters thick. According to Turkey's Hurriyet newspaper, the Turkish government is building this wall along the Iranian border in order to curtail the activities of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)  the left-wing Kurdish organization which is recognized as a terrorist organization by Ankara.

However, Iranian political analyst and Middle Eastern affairs expert Seyyed Hadi Afghahi told Sputnik Persian that Turkey's endeavor is counterproductive in terms of security, as there has never been a security threat arising from its border with Iran and the past, and there still isn't to this day.

"And if Turkey is so concerned about its security, why did it target Iran instead of building a wall along the border of Syria  the main traffic terminal for real terrorists. Logic dictates that terrorists are moving across the Turkish-Syrian border, not the border between Turkey and Iran. Today terrorists flee from Syria to Turkey to recuperate so as to rejoin fighting later on or to relocate to other countries," Afghani said.

He pointed out that terrorist attacks in Turkey were perpetrated by Daesh (ISIL/ISIS) militants who infiltrated the country via the Syrian border, and that the PKK does not operate on Iranian soil.

Furthermore, he noted, Turkish armed forces moved deep into Syrian territory, effectively "invading another country", but at the same time Ankara claims that it needs to build a wall to protect itself against some kind of Iranian "aggression."

"This is a politically motivated double-standards approach which is counterproductive in terms of security," Afghani surmised.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ardeshir Pashang, expert on Kurdish affairs in the Middle East, remarked that the PKK does not operate in Iran, and that this organization was created in Turkey as a response to Ankara's Kurdish policies which triggered mass protests and led to a military confrontation that continues for four decades.

"Until this Turkish domestic conflict gets resolved via peaceful means, building walls of any kind, including the one along the Iranian border, won't help improve security in Turkey," Pashang explained

He noted that the lack of dialogue between Ankara and the Kurdish opposition in Turkey further exacerbates the problem, and that building some sort of border fortification would hardly improve the current state of affairs.

"In this situation, building walls is simply inappropriate. It is just another way for construction companies to stuff their pockets: according to several Turkish media outlets, these companies have direct ties to the upper echelons of Turkish government," he added.

 Sputnik

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Turkey Restricts Border Crossing With Syria Due to Terrorist Threat - Minister

Sputnik News

14:39 10.08.2017

Turkey's Customs Minister Bulent Tufenkci said that Ankara put restrictions on the Turkish border crossing at Cilvegozu checkpoint due to seizure of Bab Al-Hawa checkpoint on the Syrian territory by a terrorist group.

ANKARA (Sputnik)  Turkish authorities have restricted passage through the Cilvegozu checkpoint in the country's southern Hatay province, which borders Syria, in connection with the terrorist threat emanating from the war-torn state, Customs Minister Bulent Tufenkci said Thursday.

"The decision to put restrictions on the border crossing at Cilvegozu checkpoint was taken with regard to seizure of Bab Al-Hawa checkpoint on the Syrian territory by a terrorist group," the minister was quoted as saying by Turkish NTV broadcaster.

Meanwhile, Turkey is in the final stage of reinforcing the Syrian border with a 559-mile long wall.

In June, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Fikri Isik stated that Ankara was considering the possibility of conducting a military operation in Syria's Afrin district in the neighboring the province of Hatay if the area became a threat to Turkish national security.

Ankara regards the People's Protection Units of Syria, a predominantly Kurdish militia that controls Afrin, to be a terrorist organization associated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The Kurdistan Workers' Party is a designated terrorist group in Turkey and the United States.

Kurds are an ethnic minority in Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Syria and are striving for the establishment of an independent Kurdish state. The conflict between Turkey and Kurdish militant groups seeking independence escalated in July 2015, and was soon followed by terrorist acts allegedly committed by PKK militants and regular anti-PKK operations by the Turkish government.

 Sputnik

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Honestly, Sabcat. Just when I think I've read your most award-winning, pig-ignorant post, you surprise all of us with another gem.

The statement was this: ...Trump is the most gifted politician of our time....

AND you can't bring yourself to even slightly disagree? You can't bring yourself to say something like...uh...oh...."I can't say Trump is the MOST gifted politician ever."

Your response is to say: "define generations"?? Then, after saying how we should ALL show respect to POTUS, you refer to our last two presidents as stuttering fools and bumbling cowboy.

You can't tolerate government. You can't stand Big Brother, taxes, laws, rules. You lust for political freedom and autonomy, freedom of choice, voluntary association, individual judgment, and self-ownership. You are super smart, perpetually childish and now a devotee' of one of the most ignorant, inarticulate, greedy, reckless, disloyal men on the planet...and you want us to sincerely believe that you think this guy is the 'most gifted politician of our time'??



I don't believe that for ONE minute. I don't believe you've been duped like the rest. It's not possible.
Experts Debate Pros and Cons of Lethal Arms for Ukraine

By Daniel Schearf August 10, 2017

U.S. military experts are lining up on either side of a debate on whether to supply lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine, a move that would mark a turning point in U.S. policy on Kyiv's 3-year-old conflict with Russian-backed separatists.

Supporters of the move, which is under active consideration by President Donald Trump's administration, argue that it is long overdue. The current policy of supplying only non-lethal military gear has neither deterred Russian aggression nor created an opening for cooperation with Moscow to resolve the conflict, they argue.

"I don't think Russia has given us a window for more positive cooperation on Ukraine," said Molly McKew, an independent analyst with consulting firm Fianna Strategies. "Maybe other places. But, I certainly don't see it.So, I think it's time to reconsider what our strategy has been and what that means.

"And ... Ukraine is not asking for foreign troops to come and stand beside them," she told VOA's Ukranian Service. "They're asking for the ability to fight the war in the way that they know they need to fight."

Other advocates argue that sending a message of strength would be timely after Russia retaliated against U.S. sanctions by expelling U.S. Embassy staff from diplomatic property in Moscow and demanding their numbers be reduced by 755 people by September 1.

But opponents of the move worry that supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine could escalate the conflict and provoke retaliation from the Kremlin, which has already denounced the possibility.

"I think it would make much more sense to re-think some of the aid and capabilities that are being given ... and not plan them for a short-term fight, since major battles in the fronts are now passed," said Michael Kofman, a researcher at CNA Corporation, a private research organization.

He said the U.S. should "think much more about the medium and long term of the Ukrainian military and the kind of Ukrainian military we would like to help them build."

Kurt Volker, the Trump administration's special envoy to Ukraine, rejected the argument that lethal arms sales would provoke Russia during a July 25 interview with Current Time, a Russian-language network jointly operated by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and VOA.

"I hear these arguments that it's somehow provocative to Russia or that it's going to embolden Ukraine to attack," he said. "These are just flat out wrong. First off, Russia is already in Ukraine, they are already heavily armed. There are more Russian tanks in there than in Western Europe combined. It is a large, large military presence. And, there's an even larger military presence surrounding Ukraine from Russian territory."

Analysts on both sides agree that Russia's overwhelming military advantage over Ukraine means the supply of U.S. weapons would provide more of a political and morale boost for Kyiv than a defense one.

Nevertheless, Moscow is likely to raise the issue with Volker, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO, when it gets the chance. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said the special envoy is expected to visit Russia for talks on Ukraine in the near future, although U.S. officials have yet to confirm the trip.

"It will be interesting because Mr. Volker has been in a number of capitals already including Kyiv, Paris, Berlin, London," Lavrov said. "We would be interested to see what impression the U.S. special envoy has on the current state of affairs."

During a trip to Ukraine last month, Volker visited front-line areas in the east where Ukrainian troops have been in a stand-off against Russia-backed separatists for the past three years.

He blamed Russian aggression for the violence, which has killed more than 10,000 people since 2014, when Russian forces seized Ukrainian military bases in Crimea, annexed the Black Sea peninsula, and began covert support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.

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After four years of conflict, uncertainty lingers for displaced Ukrainians  UN refugee agency

11 August 2017  As the conflict in Ukraine enters its fourth year, nearly 1.6 million internally displaced people are struggling to find safety, adequate housing and access to employment, according to the United Nations refugee agency.

"Sporadic exchanges of fire in areas near the line of contact continue to damage civilian infrastructure, leading to new humanitarian needs and creating risks of displacement," said Andrej Mahecic, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, at today's regular press briefing in Geneva.

"Safety and security remain major concerns for nearly 800,000 people living near the Line of Contact in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in the country's east," he added.

In June, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine recorded more than 1.1 million crossings of the dividing line in eastern Ukraine  sparking UNHCR's concern about difficulties over civilians' freedom of movement, particularly while crossing the conflict line.

"There are frequently long queues and subsequent delays at checkpoints. Those waiting to cross have limited access to basic services, such as drinking water, latrines, weather shelters and medical care," the spokesperson noted.

Mr. Mahecic pointed out that this creates additional hardships for those with limited mobility and specific needs, especially older people and mothers with children making the journey.

"Since the beginning of 2016, nearly 586,000 retired and elderly people residing in the conflict zone lost access to their pensions as a result of verification procedures introduced by the Government of Ukraine. This has affected the most vulnerable groups, as many of them depend on pensions and social payments as their sole source of income," he stated.

"Those living in non-Government controlled areas are required to register as internally displaced persons with the Ukrainian authorities in order to have access to their rightful pensions and social payments," he continued.

UNHCR and partners advocate for displaced people to have full access to Government services and payments, and de-linking pensions and social benefits from residences.

The agency also maintains that at least 40 communities near the dividing line have limited access to medical services  with some 150 healthcare facilities damaged since the start of the conflict  and medical personnel have left the area.

Noting that in 2017, UNHCR helped to repair 89 schools, Mr. Mahecic stressed that "children in affected zones have limited access to education due to the security situation and damaged school buildings" with at least 700 damaged since the conflict began, including 55 schools this year alone.

Earlier this year UNHCR received first-hand testimonies of displaced people while conducting focus groups with conflict-affected population  including women; orphaned children; persons with disabilities and medical conditions; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and intersex people throughout 10 regions of Ukraine.

Along with problems of security, access to basic services, and livelihoods, residents of frontline communities told of civilian houses being used for military purposes.

"The stationing of combatants and weapons in residential areas places civilian populations at risk during fighting," Mr. Mahecic underscored.

In conclusion, the spokesperson stressed that UNHCR continues to call on all conflict parties to protect civilians and their communities from fighting and shelling, and to restrict the use of civilian homes for military purposes.

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You mean a SUCCESSFUL MAN that does not speak with Poise verses a Person that speaks well that has done nothing with their life except marry a man that Screwed around on her.



What has Clinton accomplished



1. She was fired for ethics violation in the prosecution of RICHARD NIXON. How do you out do Nixon on ethics violaions (classic)

2. She Went to work for a Law firm in Arkansas left it with a mess in ethics issues due to her over billing.

3. She was appointed Chair of the Healthcare Taskforce that was shut down because of ETHICS violations (Violated Sunshine laws).

4. Elected Senator and not one bill from her office was ever put to a vote, Then she had the gumption to claim she was the author of Abrams Veterans benefit bill. (Stolen Valor)

5 As Sec. of State she left the state department Eyeball deep in Ethics violation. Emailing Classified data, Keeping Classified data on an unsecured Server which the NY Times reported may have been hacked as many as 6 times, destroyed evidence that was ordered to be turned over to the senate, Distruction of dozens of blackberries and Cell phones. (they forgot the copying of the data to the computer of a sex offender (not her husband's) but her lover's husband's computer.



That is the Clinton accomplishments.



Trump had failures but he had many many more successes.
CHATHAM  Jill Vogel, Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, talked about her plans to help create job growth in the Dan River Region by updating the tax code during a stop in Chatham on Thursday.

Were here because we care, and we want to meet as many people as we can and talk about the issues, Vogel said.

Surrounded by her family members and campaign staff outside the Chatham Public House restaurant downtown, Vogel said she had spent part of the day touring the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex.

There are so many great resources in this region, Vogel said.

Vogel said as lieutenant governor, she would help aid the resources and residents of the region, and added she was frustrated to see the region losing out to wealthier areas of the state. As a native of the Shenandoah Valley, Vogel said she understood how the loss of factories could affect the region.

Vogel also criticized Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe for focusing too much on attracting big businesses to the state, and not doing enough for the regions small businesses.

Thats all well and good, but thats not getting it done in parts of Virginia, Vogel said.

Vogel said she would like to update the Virginia corporate tax code to aid small businesses, and said she hoped to lower the business tax, reduce tax regulation and reduce the tax burden. Virginia currently has a corporate tax rate of 6 percent, which has not been raised since 1972.

That is whats going to impact this region, Vogel said. Thats whats going to bring jobs back to this region.

Vogel also praised the success historic tax credit renovation projects, which have been used in Danville to renovate the former Dan River Research Building.

Lauren Zehyoue, a spokesperson for Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax, said in a statement that hundreds of thousands of jobs that required less than a college degree but more than a high school diploma remain unfilled in Virginia.

Matching workers with these existing jobs would give people the opportunity to rise economically by paying significantly more than the minimum wage, Zehyoue said in the statement.

Zehyoue said Fairfax also would focus on expanding Medicaid health care coverage in Virginia, which he said would bring about 30,000 jobs to Virginia. A Senate Finance Committee report estimated the funding from the federal expansion could create those jobs.
TORONTO, Aug. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mandalay Resources Corp. ("Mandalay" or the "Company") (TSX:MND) today announced revenue of $44.1 million, adjusted EBITDA of $12.1 million and consolidated net loss of $10.1 million, or $0.02 loss per share, for the second quarter of 2017.

The Companys condensed and consolidated interim financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, together with its Managements Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for the corresponding period, can be accessed under the Companys profile on www.sedar.com and on the Companys website at www.mandalayresources.com. All currency references in this press release are in U.S. dollars except as otherwise indicated.

Commenting on second quarter of 2017 results, Dr. Mark Sander, President and CEO of Mandalay, noted, Mandalays financial performance in the second quarter of 2017 was negatively affected by the operating suspension at Cerro Bayo in response to the June 9, 2017, flooding of the Delia NW mine, as previously discussed in the Companys production and sales report issued for the quarter (see Mandalay July 12, 2017, press release). Suspension of operations caused reduced silver and gold production, and therefore revenue, at higher cost per ounce than planned.

Operations at Cerro Bayo remain suspended pending completion of the investigation of the cause of the event and the risk assessment of restarting mining in the vicinity of Laguna Verde. In addition, the Chilean regulator, Sernageomin, has issued a decree that it must approve a request to reopen based on the results of the risk assessment. This process is likely to add an additional one to two months to the one to two months months needed to complete the risk assessment, making it unlikely that we will be in a position to restart mine development and production this year. Therefore, we are providing revised guidance for 2017 assuming no Cerro Bayo production or capital spending for the rest of the year while maintaining guidance for Bjorkdal and Costerfield.

Dr. Sander continued, Looking at the Companys operations, Bjorkdal delivered record gold production for the quarter at low cash cost per ounce. The annualized rate of production during the quarter was approximately 64,000 ounces per year. We are pleased that the grade control program continues to function well and that the debottlenecking actions we took in the open pit and underground mines at the end of the first quarter performed exactly as planned. Second quarter results reflected higher than planned mill feed grades as well as higher mining rates and we expect continued good performance from Bjorkdal for the rest of the year.

Dr. Sander continued, Costerfield continued to deliver dependable performance in the second quarter of 2017, producing 14,300 gold equivalent ounces at a very sound cash cost of $648 per ounce, and at an all-in cost of $962 per ounce. We expect continued performance at these levels for the balance of the year.

Dr. Sander concluded, The Companys balance sheet remains in a strong position after the re-structure of the exchangeable loan with Gold Exchangeable Limited. We paid off half of the $60 million of the loan and amendended the terms of the remaining $30 million, including an extension of the maturity date to May 2022 (see Mandalay May 24, 2017 press release). When combined with our new $40 million revolving credit facility announced in July, 2017, (see Mandalay July 25, 2017, press release), we have ample funding to maintain our capital investment program in our existing mines, restart Cerro Bayo, and maintain working capital. We also have the ability to act quickly on attractive acquisition opportunities that may arise, which remains a core strategic objective for the Company.

Second Quarter 2017 Financial Highlights

The following table summarizes the Companys financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:

Three months

Ended June 30, 2017 Three months

Ended June 30, 2016 Six months

Ended June 30, 2017 Six months

Ended June 30, 2016 $000 $000 $000 $000 Revenue 44,124 54,166 89,497 104,608 Cost of Sales 30,030 29,927 62,018 61,353 Adjusted EBITDA* 12,130 22,127 23,542 39,389 Income from mine operations before depreciation and depletion 14,094 24,239 27,479 43,255 Adjusted net income before special items* (6,933 ) 5,154 (9,284 ) 7,781 Consolidated net (loss) income (10,105 ) 3,611 (12,456 ) 4,760 Cash capex* 12,998 11,472 25,090 20,529 Total assets 320,062 355,100 320,060 355,100 Total liabilities 126,811 142,996 126,811 142,996 Adjusted net (loss) income per share* $ (0.02 ) $ 0.01 $ (0.02 ) $ 0.02 Consolidated net (loss) income per share $ (0.02 ) $ 0.01 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.01

* Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net (loss) income before special items, cash capex and adjusted net (loss) income per share are non-IFRS measures. See Non-IFRS Measures at the end of this press release.

During the second quarter of 2017, Mandalay sold 12% fewer ounces of gold equivalent versus the second quarter of 2016. At the same time, average silver and antimony prices rose 2% and 41% quarter-over-quarter, respectively, while the average gold price remained almost constant quarter-over-quarter. The net effect is that Mandalays revenue of $44.1 million in the second quarter of 2017 was $10.1 million lower than in the second quarter of 2016.

Total cost of sales across the Company was approximately constant when comparing the second quarter of 2017 to the second quarter of 2016. At Costerfield, cost of sales increased by $1.0 million, where fewer tonnes at lower grade were mined and processed to produce fewer gold equivalent ounces than in the year-ago period. Per tonne mining and milling costs at Costerfield remained nearly constant through this expected decline in ore grades. Total cost of sales at Cerro Bayo increased by $1.3 million in the second quarter of 2017 relative to the second quarter of 2016 mainly due to inventory movement from a reduction in the level of ore inventory at June, 2017. Cost of sales decreased by $2.0 million at Bjorkdal, due to the build-up of ore inventory over the quarter from the record quarter of production in the second quarter of 2017, compared to the inventory movement recognized in the second quarter of 2016. Consolidated administrative costs remained virtually constant, increasing slightly by $0.2 million in the second quarter of 2017.

Mandalay generated $12.1 million in adjusted EBITDA in the current quarter, $0.7 million higher than in the previous quarter, and $10 million lower than the second quarter of 2016. This led to a consolidated net loss of $10.1 million in the second quarter of 2017 versus a loss of $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2017. Second quarter results were adversely affected by the expenses of search efforts related to the flooding incident at Cerro Bayo and accrual of estimated future costs stemming from the event. Non-cash adjustments include the write-off of the remaining carrying value of mining interests associated with the Delia NW mine, a loss of $0.5 million of property, plant and equipment, and certain other costs.

Mandalay ended the second quarter with $18.4 million in cash and cash equivalents.

Second Quarter Operational Highlights

The table below summarizes the Companys capital expenditures and operational unit costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:





Three months

ended June 30, 2017 Three months

ended June 30, 2016 Six months

ended June 30, 2017 Six months

ended June 30, 2016 $000 $000 $000 $000 Costerfield Gold produced (oz) 8,933 12,252 16,920 24,685 Antimony produced (t) 765 962 1,506 1,962 Gold equivalent produced (oz) 14,300 17,023 27,191 33,989 Cash cost* per oz gold equivalent produced $ 648 $ 530 $ 682 $ 521 All-in cost* per oz gold equivalent produced $ 962 $ 772 $ 996 $ 756 Underground capital devel. & open pit prestrip 1,099 Nil 1,876 Nil Capital purchases 1,465 1,289 2,480 1,594 Capital exploration 1,398 1,155 2,386 2,113 Cerro Bayo Silver produced (oz) 359,457 462,462 794,533 977,678 Gold produced (oz) 3,174 3,818 5,909 8,154 Cash cost* per oz silver net byproduct credit $ 12.31 $ 8.45 $ 13.29 $ 9.26 All-in cost* per oz silver net byproduct credit $ 24.05 $ 16.54 $ 23.25 $ 17.84 Underground capital devel. & open pit prestrip 2,518 2,505 5,882 3,903 Capital purchases 339 1,031 1,354 2,458 Capital exploration 114 787 497 1,306 Bjorkdal Gold produced (oz) 16,112 12,648 26,760 24,833 Cash cost* per oz gold produced $ 824 $ 967 $ 954 $ 897 All-in cost* per oz gold produced $ 1,081 $ 1,212 1,220 1,138 Underground capital devel. & open pit prestrip 2,596 2,138 5,860 4,885 Capital purchases 1,297 1,752 3,050 2,757 Capital exploration 671 748 1,082 1,491 Consolidated Gold equivalent produced (oz) 38,491 39,653 70,972 79,618 Average cash cost* per oz gold equivalent $ 853 $ 811 $ 914 $ 781 Average all-in cost* per oz gold equivalent $ 1,173 $ 1,095 $ 1,243 $ 1,069 Underground capital devel. & open pit prestrip 6,213 4,643 13,618 8,788 Capital purchases 3,698 4,166 7,089 6,955 Capital exploration 2,568 3,103 4,759 5,668

*Cash cost and all-in cost are non-IFRS measures. See Non-IFRS Measures at the end of this press release.

Costerfield gold-antimony mine, Victoria, Australia

Costerfields production of 14,300 ounces gold equivalent in the second quarter of 2017 was higher than in the first quarter of 2017, although it remained approximately 16% less than in the year-ago quarter. Lower production in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2016 was expected, as a year ago Mandalay was mining in the heart of the highest-grade portion of the Cuffley lode and currently is mining lower-grade parts of the deposit. Absolute operating costs continued to be well-controlled at Costerfield. Lower production arising from lower grades translated into higher cash costs per ounce of gold equivalent than in the year-ago quarter.

Bjorkdal gold mine, Sweden

In the second quarter of 2017, Bjorkdal achieved a record production quarter under Mandalay management as the mining bottlenecks reported with first quarter production were relieved and larger volumes of higher grade ore were consistently delivered to the mill. Consequently, cash operating costs in the current quarter were lower at $824 per ounce of gold, much lower than $967 per ounce gold reported in the year-ago quarter.

Cerro Bayo silver-gold mine, Patagonia, Chile

Cerro Bayo production in the second quarter of 2017 was lower than in the second quarter of 2016 due entirely to the operating suspension in response to the flooding event. Prior to the suspension, Cerro Bayo was closely tracking both production and cost performance anticipated in the revised guidance of February 16, 2017.

Challacollo, Chile

Mandalay completed its water exploration program in the second quarter of 2017, finding a significant supply of groundwater. The Company has applied for the surface rights to construct a permanent water production well in a process that will take several months.

La Quebrada

The La Quebrada copper-silver project in central Chile remained on care and maintenance throughout the period. Spending on care and maintenance at La Quebrada was less than $0.1 million during the second quarter of 2017.

Lupin and Ulu

The Lupin and Ulu gold projects in Nunavut, Canada were acquired with the Elgin acquisition in late 2014 and are currently held for sale as non-core assets. On October 31, 2016, the Company entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of both projects, however a transaction was not completed due to a C$9 million increase in the bonding requirements for the Lupin project that was imposed shortly before the planned closing date. In light of the increased bonding requirement, the Company is transitioning to final reclamation of the Lupin and Ulu projects, which it firmly believes can be accomplished for the original bonded amounts or less. At the same time, the Company has held discussions with stakeholders (Kitikmeot Inuit Association, Nunavut Water Board and Indigenous and Northern Affairs of Canada (INAC)) on the right-sizing of the Ulu site to enable WPC to conduct exploration work on the property, and continues discussions with WPC and INAC on a possible sale or optioning of the Lupin project, before final reclamation is complete.

2017 Revised Full Year Guidance

In light of the ongoing operating suspension at Cerro Bayo, the Company has revised its 2017 guidance. The revised guidance assumes that the Cerro Bayo operating suspension will continue for the balance of the year, leading to no further production and dramatically reduced capital spending. The Company maintains its previously issued guidance for Costerfield and Bjorkdal:

Total Cerro Bayo Costerfield Bjorkdal Challacollo Saleable Ag produced oz mill. 0.8 0.8 Saleable Au produced oz '000 85-95 5.9 30-35 52-58 Saleable Sb produced t '000 3.2-3.7 3.2-3.7 Total Saleable Au Eq produced* oz 000 114-128 16 46-54 52-58 Cash Cost per Au Eq. oz** $/oz 925-975 1,086 710-780 860-910 Capital expenditure USD mill. 44-49 7 12-14 24-27 1 Exploration USD mill. 8 2 3 3

*assumes full-year 2017 prices: Au $1,185/oz, Ag $16.72/oz, Sb $7,701/t

**MND total cash cost per Au Eq. oz includes corporate overhead spending. Cash cost per Au Eq. oz is a non-IFRS measures. See Non-IFRS Measures at the end of this press release.

Conference Call

Mandalays management will be hosting a conference call for investors and analysts on August 11, 2017 at 8:00 am (Toronto time).

Analysts and interested investors are invited to participate using the following dial-in numbers:

Participant Number: (201) 689-8341 Participant Number (Toll free): (877) 407-8289 Conference ID: 13668200

A replay of the conference call will be available until 11:59 pm (Toronto time), August 25, 2017 and can be accessed using the following dial-in number:

Encore Toll Free Dial-in Number: (877) 660-6853 Encore ID: 13668200

About Mandalay Resources Corporation:

Mandalay Resources is a Canadian-based natural resource company with producing assets in Australia, Chile and Sweden, and a development project in Chile. The Company is focused on executing a roll-up strategy, creating critical mass by aggregating advanced or in-production gold, copper, silver and antimony projects in Australia, the Americas, and Europe to generate near-term cash flow and shareholder value.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including guidance as to anticipated gold, silver, and antimony production and production costs in the future. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on, among other things, changes in commodity prices and general market and economic conditions. The factors identified above are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Mandalay. A description of additional risks that could result in actual results and developments differing from those contemplated by forward-looking statements in this news release can be found under the heading Risk Factors in Mandalays annual information form dated March 31, 2017, a copy of which is available under Mandalays profile at www.sedar.com. Although Mandalay has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Non-IFRS Measures

This news release may contain references to adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, cash cost per saleable ounce of gold equivalent produced, cash cost per saleable ounce of silver produced net of gold credits, site all-in cost per saleable ounce of gold equivalent produced, site all-in cost per saleable ounce of silver produced net of gold credits, all-in costs and cash capex, all of which are non-IFRS measures and do not have standardized meanings under IFRS. Therefore, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

Management uses adjusted EBITDA as a measure of operating performance to assist in assessing the Companys ability to generate liquidity through operating cash flow to fund future working capital needs and to fund future capital expenditures, as well as to assist in comparing financial performance from period to period on a consistent basis. Management uses adjusted net income in order to facilitate an understanding of the Companys financial performance prior to the impact of non-recurring or special items. The Company believes that these measures are used by and are useful to investors and other users of the Companys financial statements in evaluating the Companys operating and cash performance because they allow for analysis of its financial results without regard to special, non-cash and other non-core items, which can vary substantially from company to company and over different periods.

The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as income from mine operations, net of administration costs, and before interest, taxes, non-cash charges/(income), intercompany charges and finance costs. For a reconciliation between adjusted EBITDA and net income, please refer to page 14 of managements discussion and analysis of the Companys financial statements for the first quarter of 2017.

The Company defines cash capex as cash spent on mining interests, property, plant and equipment, and exploration as set out in the cash flow statement of the financial statements.

The Company defines free cash flow as a measure of the Corporations ability to generate and manage liquidity. This term does not have a standard meaning and is intended to provide the reader with additional information.

For Costerfield, saleable equivalent gold ounces produced is calculated by adding to saleable gold ounces produced, the saleable antimony tonnes produced times the average antimony price in the period divided by the average gold price in the period. The total cash operating cost associated with the production of these saleable equivalent ounces produced in the period is then divided by the saleable equivalent gold ounces produced to yield the cash cost per saleable equivalent ounce produced. The cash cost excludes royalty expenses. Site all-in costs include total cash operating costs, royalty expense, accretion, depletion, depreciation and amortization. The site all-in cost is then divided by the saleable equivalent gold ounces produced to yield the site all-in cost per saleable equivalent ounce produced.

For Cerro Bayo, the cash cost per saleable silver ounce produced net of gold byproduct credit is calculated by deducting the gold credit (which equals saleable ounces gold produced times the realized gold price in the period) from the cash operating costs in the period and dividing the resultant number by the saleable silver ounces produced in the period. The cash cost excludes royalty expenses. The site all-in cost per saleable silver ounce produced net of gold byproduct credit is calculated by adding royalty expenses, accretion, depletion, depreciation, and amortization to the cash cost net of gold byproduct credit, dividing the resultant number by the saleable silver ounces produced in the period.

Also for Cerro Bayo, saleable equivalent gold ounces produced is calculated by adding to saleable gold ounces produced, the saleable silver ounces produced times the average silver price in the period divided by the average gold price in the period. The total cash operating cost associated with the production of these saleable equivalent ounces produced in the period is then divided by the saleable equivalent gold ounces produced to yield the cash cost per saleable equivalent ounce produced. The cash cost excludes royalty expenses. Site all-in costs include total cash operating costs, royalty expense, accretion, depletion, depreciation and amortization. The site all-in cost is then divided by the saleable equivalent gold ounces produced to yield the site all-in cost per saleable equivalent ounce produced.

For Bjorkdal, the total cash operating cost associated with the production of saleable gold ounces produced in the period is then divided by the saleable gold ounces produced to yield the cash cost per saleable gold ounce produced. The cash cost excludes royalty expenses. Site all-in costs include total cash operating costs, royalty expense, accretion, depletion, depreciation and amortization. The site all-in cost is then divided by the saleable gold ounces produced to yield the site all-in cost per saleable gold ounce produced

For the Company as a whole, cash cost per saleable gold equivalent ounce is calculated by summing the gold equivalent ounces produced by each site and dividing the total by the sum of cash operating costs at the sites plus corporate overhead spending.



For further information:



Mark Sander

President and Chief Executive Officer



Greg DiTomaso

Director of Investor Relations



Contact:

1.647.260.1566


VANCOUVER, Aug. 11, 2017 - WestKam Gold Corp. (TSX-V:WKG) (WestKam or the Company), a Vancouver-based gold exploration company focused on developing the Bonaparte Gold Project property approximately 50 km northwest of Kamloops, B.C., announces the recent signing of a Cooperation Agreement (the Agreement) with the Stkemlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation.The Agreement formalizes a process for ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the Stkemlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation and the Company regarding future exploration and bulk sampling activities planned for the Bonaparte Gold Project, which lies within the Stkemlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation traditional territory, recognizing their cultural, traditional heritage and environmental interest.The Cooperation Agreement spans a term of five years and provides WestKam unrestricted access to explore its registered mineral property located within the Stkemlupsemc te Secwepemc traditional territory including installation of required infrastructure. The Stkemlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation have agreed to prepare a Cultural Heritage Study of the Bonaparte Gold Project area, and support WestKam in all government applications, permits and other processes and regulatory applications. In consideration, WestKam will issue 1.5 million shares of its capital stock to the Stkemlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation, which shares will be subject to a 4 month hold period when issued as required under applicable securities laws. In addition, WestKam will pay the Stkemlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation $150,000 upon completion of a cultural heritage study. The parties also agreed that the Stkemlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation will receive a 2% net smelter royalty on mineral product sales relating to the bulk sample program proposed for the property.The foregoing is subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.The Stkemlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation consists of the Tkemlups te Secwepemc and Skeetchestn Indian Band, a division of the Secwepemc Nation. The Stkemlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation are responsible for Aboriginal Title and Rights on their Territory.Tkemlups te Secwepemc is a progressive Band on the leading edge of self-sufficiency for their approximate 1350 members (living both on and off the reserve). They pioneered Indian Property taxation and have created over 200 direct jobs and over $200 million of regional economic activity. The Band, which operates over 10 corporations, added 20,000 acres of fee simple land, and crown leases for resource development, partnerships with investors, entrepreneurs and other investment/economic opportunities. TteS has the Secwepemc Museum which is the cultural interpretive centre. Cultural and sporting events, such as pow wows, are important to the community.The Skeetchestn Indian Band is working towards self reliance through education, as another key component of the Band's strategy, as evidenced by the opening of the Skeetchestn Community School in 1996. They also have the Knucwentwecw Development Corporation, which manages several ventures including the Big Sky Gas Station, Trailer Park, Sk7ain Ventures, Skeetchestn Holdings, Painted Rock Aggregates and a Movie Set. Other future projects may include a cultural interpretive centre and a restaurant. Cultural and sporting events such as pow wows and annual rodeos are important to the community.Termination of Proposed Sale of Bonaparte Property and Acquisition of Adjacent ClaimsWestKam announces the termination of its proposed sale of the Bonaparte Gold Project property (initially announced in the Companys news release dated January 5, 2017). In addition, the Company has terminated the proposed acquisition of three mineral claims adjacent to the Bonaparte Gold Project property (initially announced in the Companys news release dated January 5, 2017), which three claims were subsequently referred to as the Bonaparte North Property in the Companys news releases dated April 25, 2017 and May 11, 2017. In that the Company will not be proceeding with these two transactions, it intends to focus its current efforts and resources on advancing the Bonaparte Gold Project property.We are extremely pleased to have executed the Cooperation Agreement with the SSN and look forward to continue working together in renewing our efforts to advance the property, said Matt Wayrynen, WestKam President and CEO I am confident that, together, we will make positive progress in the near term that will add value for WestKam stakeholders. WestKam Gold Corp. is a Canadian gold exploration company focused on developing the Bonaparte Gold Project near Kamloops, British Columbia. The Bonaparte Gold Project is a high grade, bulk tonnage, copper gold target with significant potential. Subject to financing and other considerations, the Company plans to resume a 10,000 tonne bulk sample program in 2017 that will focus on veins that have produced multi-ounce values of gold. This program is expected to provide further information about the known vein system and test the potential for copper-gold porphyry type mineralization. Company website: www.westkamgold.comFor additional information, please contact: WestKam Gold Corp. 604.682.3701ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORSMatt Wayrynen, PresidentWestKam Gold Corp.John Ulmer, Investor RelationsSuite 900, 570 Granville Street778.994.6453Vancouver, BC V6C 3P1www.westkamgold.comNeither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements.In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding the future work programs on and advancement of the Bonaparte Gold Project property, the future expenditure of Company efforts and resources on the property, the proposed issuances of shares and other payments to the Stkemlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation, and receipt of TSXV acceptance to the Cooperation Agreements and the issuance of shares thereunder.These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances.These statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Companys control.Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.
The siting of an intermodal reloading facility is turning into a bit of a tug-of-war between supporters of the 165-acre former International Paper plant in Millersburg and those who want it developed on 47 acres on the north side of Lebanon.

State Rep. Andy Olson (R-Albany) recently announced that the states $7 billion transportation plan includes $25 million for development of a reloading facility in the mid-valley, but siting has not been finalized.

Olson and Roger Nyquist, chair of the Linn County Board of Commissioners, believe the best site is the former paper plant, which closed in 2009. They have been working with the Albany-Millersburg Economic Development Corp. to purchase the property and manage operation of the facility.

Ive always believed the Millersburg property is the best site in Linn County, Olson said. Its all there. It has full rail service, is next to the interstate, has good state road access and has plenty of land available to develop an industrial park.

Companies already have been contacting the economic development organization with interest in moving their operations to the property.

But Lebanon city officials and Rep. Sherrie Sprenger (R-Scio) are saying, Not so fast, noting that the community has been working on developing a reloading facility for some time.

And former Oregon politician Kevin Mannix, spokesman for the Oregon Shipping Group  whose goal is to improve shipping and transportation opportunities statewide  believes reloading operations can be developed on both sites to meet current and future needs.

Two things all three entities agree are needed: One, a local reloading facility to allow mid-valley farmers and other businesses to bring goods to be loaded onto rail cars and shipped to ports in Oregon, Washington or California; and two, a reduction in semitruck traffic on Interstate 5. The idea is that the reloading facility would help reduce that truck traffic.

Its a system Olson calls rubber to rail.

Lebanon city officials said they were surprised when Olson announced Millersburg as the target site, but Olson said he has never been contacted by anyone from Lebanon about their plans.

Lebanon City Manager Gary Marks said the city has been working with Mannix for more than a year and he has memos that show the city began talking about the project as early as November 2015.

Mannix said he drew up a business plan for the city.

The property on Hansard Avenue is owned by Albany Lebanon Investments LLC, whose principals are associated with Entek International, based in Lebanon. It is available for purchase for this project, Marks said.

Community Development Director Walt Wendolowski said the property is shovel-ready with full power, water and stormwater services, and, he said, there are no wetlands issues.

The property is also adjacent to the private Albany & Eastern rail line.

Marks said the city was told during the last legislative session that two reloading facility sites were being considered  one in Lebanon and the other in Millersburg  so he was surprised when the Millersburg site seemed to become the lone potential site.

We are ready to build now, Marks said. The property in Millersburg is not.

Wendolowski said warehousing and other activities associated with a reload facility would be fully compatible under the current zoning rules.

We would need engineering plans and those could be approved in less than a week if they are done correctly, he said. It is bare ground with infrastructure in place and no wetlands issues.

Mayor Paul Aziz said the reloading facility was included in the citys 2040 Vision Plan and this years City Council goals.

None of the Lebanon officials has contacted Olson or Nyquist.

The potential Millersburg site was featured in a newspaper article seven or eight months ago when members of the Legislatures Transportation Committee went out to see it, Nyquist said. I didnt get a phone call after that.

Nyquist is concerned that the Lebanon site would put the facility within a few hundred feet of the Edward C. Allworth Veterans Home and the Samaritan Health Sciences Campus.

I cannot emphasize enough how much I am concerned about the possible negative impact this facility would have on our veterans home, he said.

By its very nature, the loading facility will have extensive truck traffic and noises associated with a railroad.

Olson said his idea to develop the reload facility at the Millersburg site came while he was a member of the transportation task force that held 14 meetings around the state.

During a meeting in Ontario, Olson learned about the work by Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) to develop such a facility to aid farmers in eastern Oregon. Olson said he realized the same type of facility would solve a lot of problems for mid-valley farmers and other businesses.

The Legislature has clearly committed $25 million to an intermodal project that is expected to be located in the mid-valley, Mannix said. From the Legislatures discussions, the International Paper site in Millersburg is very desirable, but it is not the only site that can be considered. International Paper is negotiating with folks about the potential sale of the property, which has gotten into the wind and has strengthened their position about the sale of the site. But there are other sites that can be considered.

Mannix said the Oregon Shipping Group has been looking at potential properties, adding the Lebanon property is a very attractive site that could serve the purpose nicely.

He said Oregon Shipping Group has not put an option on the Millersburg property, but would not say whether he is associated with other groups that may have done so.

He added the Millersburg site has good access to I-5, plus the available rail lines, but Lebanon could access those lines through the Albany & Eastern as well.

There are a lot of factors at work here and it is a sensitive time to be talking about it in public since International Paper is in negotiations for the sale of the site, Mannix said.

Mannix said possible environmental issues were cleared up when International Paper removed its buildings and cleaned the property.

He added that the Oregon Shipping Group is looking at the states transportation needs over the next few decades, not just the next few years, and that includes possibly improving rail line connections with the Port of Coos Bay and reviving the Willamette Valley Railroad that ran from Woodburn south.

He believes basic reloading operations could be developed for less than $10 million at each site, plus the cost of land, and both sites would be viable for the project.

"I'm pleased to see the state looking seriously at the Willamette Valley to site a facility that will help local businesses move their products in spite of the problems at the Port of Portland, Sprenger said. The city of Lebanon has been working on this issue a long time with dedicated meetings and emails, specifically about this issue, dating back to at least November 2015. Lebanon has shown consistent progress and interest in an Intermodal Transfer Station.

Sprenger added: There are many factors to consider in a project of this size. I'm pleased to see that Lebanon has consistently invested resources to explore this project."

The final siting decision will be made by the state. Funds must be expended by January 2020.
Alondra Diaz cant get enough of Elmo and Barney, and she adores picture books.The 14-year-old, who will enter high school next week, has several complex and debilitating medical conditions, including epilepsy, microcephaly and a mitochondrial disorder. Her long-standing team of doctors  a neurologist, geneticist, orthopedist, pediatrician and others  is primarily based at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where Diaz lives.But Diaz may lose access to that team because of a recent move by the state agency that administers Medi-Cal, Californias version of the Medicaid health insurance program for low-income residents.Like Medicaid programs in many states that want more budgeting certainty or hope to save money, Medi-Cal is shifting many patients like Diaz, with complex conditions, into managed care plans. The plans agree to cover enrollees for a fixed amount per month. But in doing so, they often rely on narrow networks of physicians that do not include the patients doctors.The care and the attention that she gets and has been getting would not be the same, said Diazs mother, Maria Colin, 45, who spoke through a Spanish-language interpreter. Instead of going forward, she would be going backward in her development.Thirty-nine states use managed care to cover all or part of their Medicaid populations, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. (California Healthline is produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorial independent publication of the foundation.)In 28 of those states, at least 75 percent of Medicaid beneficiaries were enrolled in managed care last year, and those numbers are likely to increase. About 80 percent of Californias 13.5 million Medi-Cal members are now in managed care.In January, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) overturned a ruling by an administrative law judge that would have allowed Diaz to stay in the traditional form of Medi-Cal  known as fee-for-service  and keep her doctors. Instead, the department said she must switch to a managed care plan with which her doctors do not contract.Two health consumer advocacy groups, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County and Western Center on Law and Poverty, sued DHCS Tuesday to help Diaz and the dozens of other Medi-Cal members whove had similar rulings overturned by the state.The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that the department is contradicting doctors opinions and illegally reversing decisions by administrative law judges that would allow patients with complex medical conditions to remain in fee-for-service Medi-Cal.As a result, theyre putting our clients at great medical risk, said Mona Tawatao, senior attorney for Western Center.The department said it does not comment on pending litigation.In fee-for-service Medi-Cal, patients can see any doctor who accepts them, and providers are reimbursed for each medical service or visit. Under managed care, the state contracts with health plans to deliver benefits to enrollees and pays them a fixed monthly premium to cover the expense of doing so  a payment system known as capitation.Managed care encourages providers to offer preventive care and to scrutinize every test or treatment, since they bear financial risk if they go over budget.A [monthly] capitation payment provides a relative amount of budget certainty, said Matt Salo, executive director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors.But budget concerns are not the only reason to move patients to managed care, he said. Medicaid enrollees tend to be the sickest, the frailest, the most medically complex and most expensive patients in the country, and their medical care needs to be managed, he said. You really want some kind of entity or some kind of organized involvement in how to best provide comprehensive, holistic care to that patient.But shifting to managed care comes at a price for some patients: They must remain within the plans network of providers, and that can mean losing their medical team.That is the case with Diaz.In California, Medicaid patients who are slated to move into managed care can appeal by filing a Medical Exemption Request.As part of that process, the enrollees doctor must submit evidence that [the patient] is unstable and that  treatment cannot safely be transferred to a managed care plan physician(s) of the same specialty or specialties, according to DHCS.An exemption lasts up to 12 months when approved, and is dependent on an individuals unique situation, said department spokeswoman Carol Sloan.From October through December 2016, the most recent quarter for which data are available, the department approved 66 percent of exemption requests and denied 34 percent.When Medical Exemption Requests are rejected, members can then take their case to an administrative law judge, as Diazs family did.For several years, Diazs Medical Exemption Requests had been approved by the department. But it rejected her latest request in July 2016, her mother, Colin, said.Colin appealed to an administrative law judge on behalf of her daughter, and the judge ultimately agreed that Diaz should remain in fee-for-service Medi-Cal under the care of her existing medical team.Diazs treating physician certified that she has not stabilized to a level that would enable her to change physicians and begin receiving care from a plan provider without deleterious effects, the judge wrote.But the health care department, in its January order reversing the judges decision, asserted that there is no evidence of clinical or physical instability.  The beneficiary is currently stable for transfer to a managed care plan.The lawsuit targets such reversals, arguing that in overturning the judges decisions, the department is not abiding by its own rules.In the past two years, roughly 130 Medi-Cal patients  primarily in Los Angeles County  have had decisions in their favor overturned by the department, said Ella Hushagen, a staff attorney for Neighborhood Legal Services.When theres evidence from the treating physician that the patient is too unstable to move into a managed care plan, the department is not following that standard, Tawatao said. The department should follow the rules.The suit seeks redress for Medi-Cal recipients who have already had judges decisions overturned, as well as those who may appeal in the future. It covers most Medi-Cal recipients, including those in Los Angeles County, Tawatao said. Some beneficiaries may not be affected because they live in counties with different medical-exemption rules, she said.These are people who are very fragile, with rare diseases and conditions for which there appear to be very few specialists, Tawatao said.Diaz and her family are working separately with Neighborhood Legal Services to contest the departments reversal. The soon-to-be ninth-grader remains in fee-for-service this month while that appeal is pending, Hushagen said.Diaz was placed in managed care for a few days earlier this month before advocates got her out. During that time, she couldnt get her epilepsy medication refilled, and the mobile nurse who visits her three times a week didnt have authorization to help.Meanwhile, Diazs medical needs mount. She had to start using a wheelchair last year after she kept falling and doctors discovered her right leg was longer than her left.Her doctors are now investigating whether she has petit mal seizures every night when she sleeps. Her last grand mal seizure landed her in the hospital in October.If she moves to managed care, we would have to start all over again with new doctors. Its like starting from scratch, Colin said. Thats time wasted that she needs to be spending with her doctors receiving treatment.
Delaware voters soon will cast their ballots on new voting machines.But exactly when  and what those machines will look like  remains to be seen.A state task force created last year to study the issue is still debating what bells and whistles the new voting machines should feature  four months after it was supposed to make a final recommendation to the Delaware General Assembly.A coalition of civic groups is now urging the task force to complete its work soon so the Legislature can include funding for the new equipment in its next year's budget. Those groups include the state chapters of the American Civil Liberties Union, the League of Women Voters and the Sierra Club.
Krish Vignarajah, a former policy director for First Lady Michelle Obama, is the latest Democrat to join Maryland's gubernatorial race.Vignarajah said Wednesday she'll kick off her campaign in September. She is the first woman to announce a run for governor.The Montgomery County resident said she's getting into the race because she is worried her newborn daughter won't have the same opportunities she had.Vignarajah, who also worked as an adviser at the State Department, said she was encouraged to run after making several speeches about her work in Washington that were well-received."There was a lot of enthusiasm for my message and my perspective on what we should be doing," she said. "I really do think that there is a lack of fresh voices and new ideas, and that's where I think I will bring new insight."Vignarajah said her "personal narrative" is an antithesis to the rhetoric from President Donald J. Trump and is a message that can inspire Democrats."We live in a day where the president of our country thinks everything I am is what's wrong with America," she said. "I'm a woman. I'm a minority. I'm an immigrant and I'm a new mom. I think each of those aspects of my identity provides a valuable perspective that will color and shape what I talk about on the campaign trail."The White House did not respond to a request for comment.Vignarajah declined to discuss specific policy ideas, saying she would save those conversations until after the public launch of her campaign Sept. 19.Questions emerged Wednesday as to whether Vignarajah meets Maryland's requirements to run for governor, including living in the state and being a registered voter for five years. Vignarajah said she registered to vote in Maryland as early as she was able, and she acknowledged she also registered to vote in Washington, D.C., in 2010 and last voted there in 2014.Vignarajah said she never voted in more than one place at a time, and believes that being registered to vote in two locations does not present a legal barrier to running for governor. She compared questions about her eligibility to Trump's past claims that President Barack Obama wasn't a U.S. citizen."I feel like I'm under the same attack President Obama faced," she said.She registered a campaign finance committee with the state on Wednesday, and also unveiled a website and social media accounts.While at the White House, Vignarajah said she led Obama's "Let Girls Learn" initiative. She also has worked as a lawyer and holds a bachelor's degree from Yale College, studied at Oxford University as a Marshall Scholar and attended Yale Law School. She graduated from Woodlawn High School in Baltimore County.Vignarajah, 37, is the daughter of career educators who immigrated to Maryland from Sri Lanka when she was 9 months old. She lives in Gaithersburg with her husband and daughter.Several Democrats have lined up for a chance to take a shot at Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, who has not yet publicly launched a re-election campaign.The Democrats who have launched campaigns include: Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, former NAACP leader Ben Jealous, state Sen. Richard Madaleno, tech entrepreneur Alec Ross and Jim Shea, former chairman of the Venable law firm.Vignarajah will draw attention to her candidacy because she is the first woman to enter the race, but she'll have to do more to win over voters, political observers said.Todd Eberly, an assistant professor of political science at St. Mary's College of Maryland, said Vignarajah likely falls on the progressive end of the political spectrum -- but he said it's hard to tell based on her basic campaign website and modest social media presence."She's less known, so it would have done them well to populate that website," Eberly said. "There are going to be a lot of people Googling her today."Melissa Deckman, chairwoman of Washington College's political science department, said Vignarajah is among a wave of Democratic women inspired to run for public office following frustration with Trump."She basically represents everything Trump is not," said Deckman, who researches women in politics. "She is young, she is the daughter of immigrants. She worked for the Obama administration and the Obamas are extremely popular in Maryland."Deckman said she'll be watching to see whether Vignarajah can translate her ties to the Obamas and status as the only woman in the race into a viable campaign."She's largely unknown. Can she raise money? That's a big question mark," Deckman said.Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, a policy consultant from Baltimore, is the only other woman who has said she's exploring a run. Rockeymoore Cummings is married to U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings.Other Democrats considering a run include Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and former state Attorney General Doug Gansler.U.S. Rep. John Delaney, who many observers thought might consider a run for governor, instead announced he plans to run for president in 2020.The primary election will be held next June.
A federal judge has permanently blocked a Louisiana law that prevented foreign-born U.S. citizens from getting married if they couldnt produce a birth certificate.U.S. District Judge Ivan Lemelles ruling resolves a lawsuit Lafayette resident Viet Anh Vo filed last year after he and his U.S.-born fiancee had their application for a marriage license rejected two weeks before their wedding.The permanent injunction benefits anyone whom the 2016 law prevented from obtaining a marriage license.The judge initially blocked enforcement of the statute in March, pending Tuesdays final ruling. Lawmakers responded in June by allowing marriage license applicants who cant produce a birth certificate to get a judicial waiver. But Lemelle said that new law, which took effect on Aug. 1, preserved other unconstitutional provisions, such as passport and visa requirements, that apply only to foreign-born citizens.
On Thursday, in the morning, at the Anglican Church Grammar School, Brisbane, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, with Mrs Kaye de Jersey, officially unveiled a bronze statue of St Magnus the Martyr and addressed guests.

Following, at Parliament House, Brisbane, the Governor presided at a meeting of the Executive Council of Queensland, and then greeted students from St Johns Anglican College, Forest Lake, visiting for a tour of the Parliament.

Following, at Government House, the Governor received Ms Linda Apelt, incoming Agent-General and Trade and Investment Commissioner for Europe.

Also in the afternoon, at the Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane, Mrs de Jersey attended the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) Ladies High Tea 2017 Charity Fundraiser.

In the evening, at the Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills, the Governor attended the RNA Cabinet Dinner.
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GIS  11 August, 2017: Government wants to endorse innovation and technology by using Switzerland as a model to boost the ICT sector in Mauritius, emphasised the Minister of Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mr Yogida Sawmynaden, yesterday at the Hennessy Park Hotel in Ebene during the opening of a half-day conference on Innovation.

In his address, Minister Sawmynaden highlighted that Switzerland has a remarkable track record in terms of political stability and this in turn creates a climate of trust conducive to innovation which has an essential role to play in the development strategy of any country. New or enhanced products as well as the associated methods of productions have, for a long time now, been considered as the main engines of economic growth, he added.

The Minister dwelt on modernising Mauritius by 2030 and transforming the country into a higher income economy and one of the effective means of achieving this objective is by making the country more innovative. He highlighted the need for the development of adequate skills in technology, high-tech engineering and agriculture, finance, oceanography and tourism.

He recalled that Government wants to make Mauritius an entrepreneurship nation, capable of using technology to create innovative products and market them on the African continent and across the world. The reopening of the Geneva-Mauritius air route will no doubt contribute to making this vision a reality , he added.

An initiative of the Mauritius Institute of Directors, the Conference under the theme Innovation: a Swiss-Mauritian Perspective, brought together some 150 participants from both the private and public sectors. The objective was to explore Switzerlands overall success, innovation covering technological and non-technological aspects, and, help Mauritian companies adopt strategies implemented by the Swiss Model.
Search teams on Saturday morning found a missing hiker they'd been looking for since Wednesday evening near Parish Lake.

A ground crew located Jerry Walter Thomas, 70, of Prineville, at approximately 8:55 a.m. near Daly Lake, about three miles from the Parish Lake trailhead.

Linn County Sheriff Bruce Riley said that Thomas was wet and hungry but overall in good spirits and health. After taking a hot shower and being reunited with his wife, a registered nurse, Thomas declined medical treatment.

"This is a testament to the teamwork, dedication and tenacity of all involved," Riley said, in thanking all the agencies and personnel who participated in the search. "Being part of a life-saving mission such as this is one of the most satisfying rewards we can experience in law enforcement. The successful outcome of this search would not have been possible if not for the services and dedication of numerous volunteers and agencies."

More than 80 SAR members from numerous agencies were deployed Saturday morning alone. The Marion, Lane, Jefferson, Benton, and Deschutes County sheriff's offices, as well as Corvallis Mountain Rescue and the Oregon Army National Guard, participated in the operation.

Thomas had been picking huckleberries with friends Wednesday, but he failed to return to camp at about 1:30 p.m. After searching for some time themselves, Thomas' friends called 9-1-1 at 5:20 p.m. Members of Linn County Search and Rescue responded with a team of 15 personnel and began searching, continuing their efforts through the night.
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GIS  11 August, 2017: The Mauritius Maritime Week 2018, an international trade event to promote transportation and logistics in the Indian Ocean, would be hosted by Mauritius in January next year.

The event, organised by Transport Events Management Limited of Malaysia, will comprise the 12th Indian Ocean Ports and Logistics Conference and Exhibition. The objective is to showcase Port Louis Harbour as a cruise destination and an important maritime logistics and transport hub in the region.

The Maritime Week would feature 30 International Exhibition Stands. Some 35 International Conference Speakers are expected to discuss topical issues and challenges on global transportation and logistics. Around 300 delegates from the African Union and the Indian Ocean region would participate in the Conference.
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GIS - 11 August, 2017: The winners of two competitions focused on Energy Efficiency launched by the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities in collaboration with the Energy Efficiency Management Office (EEMO) in February 2017 were rewarded during a prize giving ceremony held yesterday at Cyber Tower 1, Ebene.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Mr Ivan Collendavelloo who was present at the ceremony, underlined that people need to change their mindset about adopting energy efficient measures especially the youth.

Mr Collendavelloo recalled that Mauritius aims to produce about 35% of its electricity needs from renewable sources, supported by several projects that include wind energy plants and photovoltaic farms and Waste-to-Energy projects that are already in operation. He pointed out that Mauritius has attained 22% of self-sufficiency in renewable energy.

He stated that several initiatives and measures are being implemented in a bid to increase energy efficiency. They include: labelling of electrical appliances; replacement of street lighting by LED lamps; saving energy campaign by the Central Water Authority; and energy audits.

The Deputy Prime Minister announced that a pilot project on wave energy will be carried out by Australia in the south of the country. He also said that 10 000 houses from vulnerable groups will soon benefit from free energy production units.

Speaking about the energy efficiency competitions, Mr Collendavelloo highlighted that the aim is to change behaviours on energy use and promote its efficient use. He expressed confidence that the youth will be able to contribute to the required change in the mindset of the population.

For his part, the Chairman of the EEMO, Mr Kendall Tang, congratulated the students who have participated in the competitions. Their participation means that the Mauritian youth is reflecting on pertinent issues and how to address them in our daily lives.

He recalled that energy efficiency means producing more with less energy. Being energy efficient is therefore important as it enables us to lessen emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere and protect the environment, he added.

The two competitions

Launched as part of the EEMOs awareness raising activities, the competitions provided students with an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of energy efficiency and energy saving, investigate related issues and propose solutions.

The competitions were: Report and Debate competition for Lower and Upper VI students of secondary schools; and Amateur Video Production Competition for the public. A shield, certificate and cash prize were awarded to the winners in the two categories.

For the Report and Debate competition, the first and second prizes were awarded to the Royal College of Curepipe. The team from Loretto Convent of Quatre Bornes won the third prize. As regards the Amateur Video Production competition, Rajeshwar Seetohul and Leenisha Dabeedoyal bagged the first prize. The second prize went to Jean Ashley Chenel and Yashna Roochan while Rajiv Seetohul and Krishnanandsingh Ramdeny won the third prize.

For both competitions, the winner received a cash prize of Rs 50 000 while cash prizes of Rs 30 000 and Rs 15 000 were awarded to winners in the second and third positions respectively.
(TNS) - While Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi's main duty is to guard what are frequently the calm waters of the Corpus Christi Bay, things aren't so calm behind the scenes of the Coast Guard at large.President Donald Trump has proposed cutting that branch of service's budget by $1.3 billion, or 12 percent, in fiscal year 2018, according to the USA Today Network.Coast Guard Capt. Tony Hahn said the cuts could affect Coast Guardsmen's ability to complete their mission of protecting the public, the environment and economic interests in ports and waterways.Sector Corpus Christi guards the coastline from the mouth of the Colorado River near Bay City south to Brownsville, Hahn said. In that area, Coast Guardsmen protect ports, conduct search-and-rescue missions, inspect commercial vessels and stop illegal fishing."The only mission we don't do in Corpus Christi is ice breaking, for obvious reasons," he said.Over time, Hahn has had to make trade offs to ensure the sector stays within their budget allowance.In the past five fiscal years, the Coast Guard's budget was at its highest in 2016 at nearly $11 billion. The president's proposed budget for 2017 is about $663 million less than last year's budget, according to Coast Guard documents."The problem with the Coast Guard's budget is not just this year, it's over time," Hahn said. "Our budget has not kept pace with what we need to do from our operation and maintenance accounts."Some of the trade-offs made have come at the expense of buildings needed for training, staffing requirements and replacing older vessels.Life of equipment and aircraft also have been stretched because of the budget constraints.The HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft, which Sector Corpus Christi uses for water rescue missions, are roughly 50 years old, but Hahn said replacing them will prove difficult under proposed budget constraints.Port of Corpus Christi officials agree the Coast Guard is integral to the safety of the city and its port."They have a massive amount of responsibility," said Tom Mylett, director of port security chief of police for Port of Corpus Christi. "They're the primary law enforcement on the water. "Port police and Coast Guard members often work side-by-side to ensure the safety of the waterways.The law enforcement agencies participate in several training exercises, such as rescue swimmer training and search-and-rescue training near the jetties, Mylett said.Military equipment also comes into the port, and the Coast Guard provides security on the water to make sure no one tampers with the equipment.Sector Corpus Christi Coast Guardsmen also perform aerial overflights of the entire port to check for oil spills or suspicious activity, Mylett said.Any loss of staff in Corpus Christi could have economic effects on the city as well."Those people own homes here, buy groceries here," said Joe Guzman, director of the South Texas Military Facilities Task Force committee of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce. "All that is impacted because we wont have that money they spend here for those goods."Admiral Paul Zukunft, commandant for the Coast Guard, is asking for a 5 percent growth of operational accounts to fund all aspects of the service branch's mission."Cuts would hurt everybody," Mylett said. "They're really dedicated, sacrificing individuals.They need all the support they can get. I don't think anyone could afford to lose what they got."2017 the Corpus Christi Caller-Times (Corpus Christi, Texas)Visit the Corpus Christi Caller-Times (Corpus Christi, Texas) at www.caller.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(TNS) -- Pennsylvania motorists will have an opportunity to participate in a study exploring the potential impact of a road usage tax on the East Coast.PennDOT has teamed up with the I-95 Corridor Coalition and the Delaware Department of Transportation to test how to administer a tax or fee based on the amount of miles a motorist drives.As cars become more fuel efficient, electric and even autonomous, revenue collected from taxes on gasoline  a principal source of transportation funding  may not keep up with funding needs for maintaining roads, bridges and other infrastructure, said Patricia Hendren, executive director of the I-95 Corridor Coalition. A road usage tax would charge drivers for the miles driven, not for the gas purchased.It's a wholesale change on how we fund the transportation system, Hendren said. We are exploring whether or not a usage fee is an option.Enacting a road usage tax was discussed by state legislators as they debated Act 89, which passed in 2013 to fund transportation projects. PennDOT spokesman Rich Kirkpatrick said the agency wasn't aware of any pending legislation in Harrisburg to enact such a tax or fee.Hendren said the coalition is not endorsing or lobbying for usage taxes or fees. Rather, it wants to study the unique challenges they could present on the East Coast. I-95 stretches along the East Coast from Maine to Florida. The coalition includes representatives from state and local transportation departments and authorities in 17 states and Washington, D.C., through which the interstate runs.We have to think about what happens when a person drives across multiple states or what happens when someone drives on a toll road, Hendren said. It's a unique challenge that we have on the East Coast.The few projects that have studied mileage-based usage taxes have been in California, Oregon and Washington. This will be the first East Coast study.The coalition received a $1.16 million grant for the project. It hopes to recruit 50 drivers from both Pennsylvania and Delaware. Hendren said volunteers will track their mileage in a variety of ways, using everything from a pencil and paper to GPS tracking and a device that plugs into their car. They will not be charged a per-mile fee during the test.The coalition hopes to start the test in 2018 or 2019. Hendren said many details are still being worked out.We are participating with the coalition to understand the issues that may arise in the event the federal government decides on a replacement for motor fuel taxes, Rich Kirkpatrick told the Tribune-Review in an email.Pennsylvania receives about $1.6 billion a year from the federal government in federal highway and bridge funding, Kirkpatrick said.
(TNS) -- Old grievances between Alaskas telecoms have resurfaced with allegations that GCI holds a monopoly over the states broadband internet services, and after benefiting from the public pot with $50 million to help build the system, it is now charging rural Alaska schools, hospitals and other companies uncompetitive prices to access the network.Fellow Anchorage-based telecoms Alaska Communications and Quintillion filed formal objections with the Federal Communications Commission to recommend the agency deny the sale of GCI to Colorado-based Liberty Interactive for $1.12 billion.During their Aug. 3 conference call with investors to discuss second quarter earnings, GCI officials said they expect the FCC to approve the transaction at the end of the year. The company was granted early termination of the waiting period on June 7 by the FCC and the Department of Justice.Now complaints brought by the competitors and Alaska rural leaders are before the FCC in a forum that GCI argues isnt the appropriate place.GCI has said in its filing that the transaction is in the public interest because it will result in GCI becoming more stable and will not result in any countervailing harms.The applicants claim that the transaction will serve the public interest by providing GCIs operating businesses with more stable access to financial markets and greater capacity to execute GCIs current business plan, the FCC summarized in its invitation for public comment.Alaska Communications and Quintillion, in separate letters to the FCC, wrote that to the contrary, the proposal poses substantial harm to the public interest.Quintillion has been laying subsea fiber optic cable for high-speed internet infrastructure in the Arctic over the past two summers and will complete Phase 1 this December.When completed, the subsea cable system will be accessible to Japan in the west and London in the east. In partnership with Alaska Communications, Quintillion began offering broadband services to rural Northwest Alaska schools and clinics this spring.In an objection written by attorney Karen Brinkman June 19, Alaska Communications asked the FCC to impose several conditions on a combined GCI-Liberty. Alaska Communications asked that first GCI-L must be required to use federal Universal Service Fund, or USF, support to expand the middle mile infrastructure linking remote facilities to existing networks.GCI recently completed its six-year TERRA project that involved multiple phases, starting in 2011 when 400 miles of fiber optic cable and 13 new microwave towers began providing network connection for 65 communities in Southwest Alaska.The TERRA Southwest and Northwest phases serve 84 communities totaling nearly 45,000 residents, and another 12 communities will be connected by the end of 2017, according to GCI. The TERRA route covers 3,000 miles.Secondly, Alaska Communications wrote, the new infrastructure that relies on federal money should be available to all carriers on commercially reasonable and non-discriminatory rates, terms and conditions.Alaska has about 20 telecoms ranging from smaller Adak Telephone Utility, Bristol Bay Coop, Mukluk Telephone and Nushagak Electric &Telephone to larger entities such as GCI, Matanuska Telephone Association and Alaska Communications.Each is able to hook into GCIs TERRA infrastructure where that is possible but the complaint from Alaska Communications alleges wholesale costs charged by GCI makes it prohibitive.Thirdly, Alaska Communications asked the FCC to require emergency service restoration agreements with other carriers on reasonable commercial terms. This means in case of a natural disaster or downed systems for any reason, telecoms commit to come to one anothers aid.Alaska Communications sees needs in additional middle mile build-out as necessary to meet future broadband demand in rural Alaska. This is where the smaller telecoms could build out broadband, but Alaska Communications makes the argument that the FCC needs to force GCI to do so because the current monopoly pricing elbows out their ability to do it.Alaska Communications also points out that though TERRA was built in part with federal funding, it is now part of a publically traded entity that is ultimately owned by the shareholders.GCI holds 16 percent of the voting interest and 23 percent of the total equity, while shareholders hold 84 percent of the voting interest and 77 percent of total equity. If the sale is approved by the FCC, an Outside entity, Liberty, will have a majority ownership in GCI.Though the two companies are competitors, Alaska Communications heavily relies on GCI for long-haul transport or middle mile telecommunications between Alaska Communications facilities in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, on the one end, and many of its customers in rural and remote communities, the filing states.Because GCI has effectively been unregulated on those routes, GCI enjoys market power indeed a monopoly, and has priced Alaska Communications out of the market due to excessively high middle-mile transport prices charged by GCI over facilities funded directly or indirectly by the federal government, the company alleges.Rural objectionsAlaska rural leaders overseeing large organizations along GCIs new TERRA route also urged the FCC to look deeper at the monopoly argument in light of the fact that federal funding was used to help pay for fiber-optic miles GCI now owns outright.Vivian Korthuis, the chief executive of the Association of Village Council Presidents, which oversees services for 56 tribes in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, also submitted testimony to the FCC on the proposed GCI-Liberty transaction.She said broadband costs need to be accessible and affordable to individuals and tribes. She questioned high costs that continue to be charged AVCP even though the TERRA Southwest, which hooks into Bethel where AVCP is centered, was supposed to bring costs down.GCI was given $44 million in a federal stimulus grant under the Obama administration for TERRA Southwest and another $6 million in from the Regulatory Commission of Alaska for TERRA Northwest.TERRA Southwest was partly funded with a $44 million, low-interest federal loan and GCI also borrowed about $50 million with low interest loan through the New Market Tax Credit program for TERRA Northwest.NMTCs are used to attract investments that otherwise wouldnt be economic into low-income communities with the goal of revitalizing local economies. The federal program allows the investor, in this case US Bancorp, to use 39 percent of the investment as a credit against its tax liability. This in turn allowed US Bancorp to loan GCI funds at a rate of about 1 percent, according to the companys Securities and Exchange Commission filings.Out of all funding streams, GCI calculates it has spent $300 million in total for the TERRA project. Out of the $44 million initial grant, GCI spent $42 million and returned the rest, said GCI spokeswoman Heather Handyside.Weve been able to pay back the loan and built the rest of the TERRA with our own $200 million capital, she said.However, the amount of aid GCI received in various forms is a recurring theme among those protesting the GCI-Liberty transaction.Former Alaska Rep. Harry Crawford, in his letter to the FCC, noted the government substantially subsidized GCIs TERRA system in Southwest Alaska, yet the rates to consumers in that part of Alaska have not materially been reduced.This appears to be the result of a lack of competition to supply services in these regions serviced solely by GCI. GCIs monopoly position in its ownership of the infrastructure is yielding the predictable result  namely non-competitive high prices.Crawford cited the Nome School District as an example. The district has five schools, and 700 students, and paid $305,000 per month to GCI for its internet service.According to Crawfords letter, the district was able to reduce its bill to $95,000 a month once Quintillion connected to the shore from its subsea fiber optic cable.Handyside noted that each Request for Proposal submitted by schools to gain internet contracts can vary greatly, even from year-to-year for the same district. According to the bid specifications, Quintillions package wasnt an apples-to-apples comparison with the previous contract.Rep. Zach Fansler, representing the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region in District 38, also wrote a lengthy letter to give his concerns about the proposed merger. He, too, brought up the Nome School District example of what happens when new competition emerges but focused on subsidies GCI used to help build the TERRA project.The Alaska Plan, and grants made possible through the FCCs E-Rates programs are a lifeline for Alaska communities. The FCC has committed billions of dollars to build the infrastructure to provide broadband internet access. In particular the FCC subsidies in Southwest Alaska have funded the infrastructure that makes up GCIs TERRA project, yet costs have not gone down, he wrote.Schools in the region are paying hundreds of thousands of dollars a month for state-mandated broadband internet access, Fansler wrote. The FCC is directly subsidizing GCI, and without competition, the company still charges whatever it wants with little oversight, he wrote.The Alaska legislator red-lined what he called an inefficient use of public money to the FCC.But GCI counters that it doesnt have a monopoly because it competes in a bid process against other telecoms.One place we do distinguish ourselves is in rural Alaska where its risky to cover telecommunications and there is the need to connect vast distances, Handyside said. GCI understood it was a financial risk. We worked hard to develop a business model that would be viable.The Alaska Plan, to be fair, involves most all the telecoms in Alaska, explains Alaska Telephone Association Executive Director Christine OConnor, who has worked for the Nushagak Electric &Telephone and MTA.They each have tasks they are obligated to complete in order to receive the money. If they dont, they must pay it back, she said.The Alaska Plan secures $152 million per year for the next 10 years from an annual $4.5 billion national fund. The funding is supposed to result in expanded fixed and mobile broadband service to Alaskans across close to 100 rural communities by building out both wireline and wireless services to 4G LTE or better for 85 percent of the population.Complex costsThe way costs breakdown for broadband in rural Alaska is complicated, said OConnor, who leads the ATA consortium made up of Alaskas 20 telecoms, including GCI, ACS and Quintillion.Schools are charged the same prices as those in urban centers though it costs more to deliver broadband to places such as Naknek or Quinhagak. In a calculation like the school lunch federal subsidy, schools receive USF E-Rate help for up to 90 percent of their costs.All of the telecoms in Alaska are heavily subsidized through the various flavors of USF funding, OConnor said.Revenue from managed broadband, the category in GCI financial reports that list rural data services to schools and hospitals, showed a steady increase from 2011 to 2015.Figures from 2010, the last pre-TERRA year, show GCI revenue of $50 million from managed broadband. Each year the amount climbed as more of the TERRA route communities went live.In 2011, GCI reported revenue of $63 million for managed broadband; in 2012, $86.5 million; 2013, $95.6 million; in 2014, $105 million and in 2015, $127.4 million.The total for the five years of TERRA Southwest Service came to $477.5 million.Again, GCI responds that it took on all the risks of the TERRA infrastructure, which is a hybrid terrestrial fiber-optic and microwave network that removes the latency limitations of satellite. Recouping costs of its projects is part of its business model, Handyside said.TERRA not only cost $250 million of our capital to invest, there also is a significant cost to upgrade and maintain this network that is over 3,000 miles long, she said. A team of technicians is always on standby in Bethel and other hubs. Equipment is staged so we can deploy it at a moments notice if something goes wrong.We have specialized equipment and helicopters to refuel TERRA sites where they are not on a power grid. So we have to have 5,000 gallon diesel tanks and we fly out and refuel them  just some examples of the high cost of the project.After 2015, GCI changed how it reported managed broadband. The 2016 report released in March of this year did not have managed broadband as a separate category. Handyside said broadband for hospitals and schools is now listed under business revenue along with the other 2,000 businesses.In the past, managed broadband was an independent department responsible for construction, deployment, sales and customer service. Late last year, the Managed Broadband department was combined with the Business and Enterprise departments to form GCI Business, she wrote in an email.The FCC Universal Services Administrative Co., or USAC, shows that GCI is the largest recipient of federal subsidies for all four categories of Rural High Cost support: Lifeline (for low-income consumers), Rural Health Care, and school and library E-rates.According to the FCCs Deputy Director of Media Relations Mark Wigfield, GCI brought in $220 million in 2016 from the four areas of USF funds. The majority, $78.6 million, came from Rural Health Care telecom subsidy funds.Because GCI is the largest Alaska telecom, this isnt surprising. But the primary complaints voiced to the FCC by Alaska leaders and GCIs competitors centers on questioning high costs given the funding help.Total costs for a schools broadband, for example, vary around the state. In the Bering Straits School District, 90 percent of the costs for school internet are paid by USF E-Rate directly to the telecom that won the RFP, in this case GCI.They were charged $171 per student per month, which tallies to $316,008 per month for 8,000 students, according to Connect Alaskas survey of school districts across the state in 2015.In Cordova School District, E-Rate funding is $21 per student or $7,329 per month for its 349 students with service provided by AT&T. They receive an 80 percent E-Rate subsidy.The Lower Kuskokwim School District served by GCI is $110 per student per month, or $471,350 for 4,285 students. Some 80 percent of costs there are covered by USF subsidy.These funds put the telecoms on equal footing with what those costs would be in an urban setting to level the playing field, OConnor said. Otherwise, they would be prohibitively expensive.And costs for broadband have been reduced since GCI built the TERRA middle-mile routes, say the providers of major medical services via GCI.Rural Health Care subsidies, like E-Rates for schools and libraries, are critical to one of the largest health providers in Alaska. At the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp., President Dan Winkelman said with the subsidy YKHC spends the same as hospitals and clinics in Anchorage pay, yet they have the ability to reach thousands of miles.It saves us millions of dollars a year, he said. In addition to saving money, it can save lives along with travel and air-ambulance costs.Telemedicine made life-saving changes possible on an amazing scale, he said.The ability to treat a patient in remote Alaska from centers of specialty, behavioral health counseling, electronic health records, voice-over-internet contact with professionals throughout 56 villages  all is now possible for 42 village clinics and five sub-regional health centers, he said.TERRA wasnt about speed; it was about reliability, Winkelman added.Satellite connections would go down. It helped on the reliability side, he said.GCI also is building redundant lines so that if one system fails on the TERRA route, theres backup, he said.Regulatory jurisdictionThe Regulatory Commission of Alaska analyzes price increase proposals on behalf of consumers for water, electrical, telephone and gas companies, then approves or denies the changes. But who approves rates for broadband before they imposed?Thats a big question right now, said OConnor. The FCC has struggled to set benchmarks, an Alaska-specific price benchmark because rural Alaska presents real challenges on pricing.The RCA does not have jurisdiction over broadband rates as it is superseded by the FCC.In April, the FCC announced benchmarks for Alaska Plan Carriers, a first attempt to rein in free-market pricing. But the new FCC Chairman under the President Trump administration, Ajit Pai, has said high-speed internet service should no longer be treated like a public utility. He has spoken in favor of leaving the industry to police itself, according to national news accounts on changing net neutrality rules.In using the GCI-Liberty transaction, however, as the basis for complaining about GCIs prices and alleged monopoly, GCI lawyers argue Alaska Communications and Quintillion are utilizing an incorrect forum.(Their) attempt (is) to use the Commissions review of this transaction to rehash old grievances about GCIs extensive and ongoing efforts to invest in terrestrial middle-mile facilities to connect remote Alaska with city centers and the rest of the world, wrote Liberty attorney Richard Baer.The Commission should recognize these efforts for what they are: attempts to resuscitate pre-existing, shop-worn complaints unrelated to the pending transaction to seek unwarranted conditions on GCI.GCI also counter-claims that ACS hasnt taken on the financial burden of building large infrastructure but wants to piggyback off GCIs investments and gain a discount to do so.The FCC could refuse to address the complaints in its GCI-Liberty ruling later this year, as it had in earlier complaints by the competitors.Quintillion, Alaskas newest entity changing the landscape of future broadband, still hopes the FCC will realize this as an opportunity to protect the public and taxpayers interests in balance with the desire to reduce regulatory barriers to industry, wrote Vice President of External Relations Kristina Woolston in an email.For much of the public the telecom industry is a confusing puzzle and they rely on the FCC to enforce rules and regulations that assure public funds are benefiting the public as intended.Competition on the horizonCompetition and collaboration between telecom companies promises to bring the costs down for Alaska in the coming years as Quintillion, Alaska Communications and AT&T launch projects building out wireless and fiber optic networks.Besides Quintillions high speed fiber optic, changes are coming to internet broadband in Alaska over the next two years due to new low earth orbit, or LEO, satellite technology.Alaska Communications developed a non-exclusive memorandum of understanding to become the first reseller of OneWeb enabled broadband access in Alaska starting in 2019. That puts rural Alaska a step closer to more affordable broadband access, said CEO Anand Vadapalli.The LEOs will be deployed by OneWeb in late 2018 or early 2019, Vadapalli said in a June 9 interview with the Journal.OConnor notes that since this is a non-exclusive agreement, any telecom, even the smaller village-based entities, could hook into OneWeb for bringing down their broadband costs.A satellite dish the size of a pizza box will be able to move 500 megabits at a 30 nanosecond speed, OConnor said, noting those speeds are fast enough for live gaming. OneWeb is looking for partners in Alaska, which is seen as the great telecom challenge. If they can make it work in Alaska, they can make it work anywhere in the world.OConnor said the increasing internet options coming online over the next few years could render moot the current angst over rates and market share.
(TNS) -- The Los Angeles Police Departments slow and careful process for developing a policy on how it will deploy drones is imperfect, but Chief Charlie Beck and his department are approaching the question in the proper spirit, taking public input and considering the many very serious concerns about drones being used for unwarranted police snooping.If only L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell would take heed.Both the LAPD and the Sheriffs Department have already acquired the small, remote-controlled and camera-equipped devices that could prove valuable in providing an aerial view of tense standoffs  or could just as easily be misused to ramp up intrusive public surveillance, ostensibly in the name of crime prevention. McDonnell unveiled his program in January as a done deal and has deployed one drone despite criticism from members of the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission, who want publicly vetted standards for using the equipment.Beck, by contrast, has sworn off drone flights pending the drafting of guidelines and a series of public meetings, and amid demonstrations by activists who oppose any use of the devices in their belief  not altogether unreasonable, given how some departments have used red-light cameras and license-plate readers  that once police have them they will be prone to misuse them. The LAPD presented its drone proposal to the civilian Police Commission on Tuesday and reiterated that the drones wont fly until that panel signs off on deployment guidelines that have yet to be drafted.That process is important. It demonstrates that the Police Department understands public concern over new technologies and their penchant to erode privacy, especially when wielded by armed government officers with powers to arrest, and by a department with a history of compiling dossiers not merely on criminal suspects but on political enemies and individuals holding controversial opinions. The process also underscores the LAPDs relationship with its civilian overseers on the commission, which at least in name are collectively in charge of the department and dictate its policy.The Police Commission has already sought public input on the use of a different recording technology: body cameras, which were once widely embraced by police critics as a tool to provide an unbiased view of shootings, arrests or other police encounters. In a cautionary note for the LAPDs drone ambitions, many supporters of body cameras now reject them on the argument that police exercise too much control over the video before the public sees it.Tools are just tools, whether they are body cameras, drones or flashlights, and are intrinsically neither good nor bad without carefully crafted, publicly reviewed and strictly enforced rules for using them. Such rules should be subject to periodic review, as should each use of a drone. The benefits of the technology should be weighed against not just the monetary costs but the potential for impingement on civil liberties, and the burden should fall on law enforcement to make the case for deploying it.Without such rules and processes, even older tools are subject to abuse, as was the case more than a decade ago when LAPD officers improperly used their heavy flashlights as batons. Much time was spent over replacement flashlight models, but the process was important and won back a measure of the community support that the department had lost after more and more cases surfaced of officers beating suspects with their old-style flashlights.The LAPD could improve its drone process by making its proposed guidelines public before asking for input, then revising them as appropriate, as many times as necessary. Without that step, public meetings become a sort of suggestion box  not without value, but not as useful as they could be.Like Becks department, McDonnells has an oversight panel  but unlike the Police Commission, it is less than a year old, has no enforcement powers and is still figuring out its role. McDonnell launched a one-year drone pilot project without waiting for commission input. The law entitled him to do that. Good judgment and political acumen, however, would have dictated a different course.Last month, after testimony and public input, a majority of the sheriffs oversight commissioners called for grounding McDonnells drone pending further review and input. The department has relied on a survey showing public support for drone use, but such surveys dont generally outline the pluses and minuses of any new technology and are no substitute for careful vetting by an oversight body of deployment guidelines. McDonnell would be wise to follow the LAPDs lead in grounding his drone pending a process that invites meaningful public input and oversight.
(TNS) -- An explosive lawsuit against former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, filed by early investor Benchmark Capital, alleges gross mismanagement and other misconduct that threaten the value of its investment in Uber. The suit says Kalanick committed fraud to retain control of Ubers board and seeks to have him kicked off the board and pay unspecified damages.The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Delaware Chancery Court, alleges that Kalanick  who co-founded ride-hailing company Uber in San Francisco, built it into the worlds most valuable private technology company, and still owns about 10 percent of its stock and 16 percent of its voting power  committed fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contractual obligations.Such open conflict is rare in the clubby world of Silicon Valley. Venture capital firms strive to maintain an image of being friendly to startup founders, resolving disagreements behind closed doors. But Benchmark itself has investors  limited partners who could take action if Benchmark didnt act to protect their interests. And with Uber valued at $70 billion, fortunes are at stake.Under Kalanicks watch, Uber experienced a pervasive culture of gender discrimination and sexual harassment and alleged(ly) harbored trade secrets stolen from a competitor, the suit claims.A spokesman for Kalanick said the lawsuit is completely without merit and riddled with lies and false allegations. ... Benchmarks lawsuit is a transparent attempt to deprive Travis Kalanick of his rights as a founder and shareholder and to silence his voice regarding the management of the company he helped create.Benchmark and Uber declined to comment.If the allegations in the complaint are supported by the evidence, then Travis Kalanick has a very, very serious problem, said Joe Grundfest, a professor at Stanford Law School and former commissioner at the Securities and Exchange Commission. Potentially the proof could be quite easy, he said. Much of the information in the complaint is already in the public record now but wasnt known earlier, Grundfest said. All (Benchmark) would have to do is demonstrate that Kalanick knew about these problems at the times he requested various consents from the directors and didnt disclose them.In other words, it comes down to who knew what when, he said.Kalanick was ousted as Ubers CEO in June by Benchmark and other investors after the company was rocked by months of legal and ethical scandals, including allegations of a hostile workplace culture and a lawsuit by Alphabets Waymo alleging that Uber stole self-driving trade secrets. Kalanick had already taken a temporary leave after the recent death of his mother in a boating accident. But press reports said Kalanick was angling to return to lead Uber, just as Steve Jobs did years after being forced out of Apple.The lawsuit makes it crystal clear that Benchmark  which owns 13 percent of Ubers stock and controls a fifth of its voting power  wants to make sure Kalanick never again assumes a leadership role.Kalanicks overarching objective is to pack Ubers board with loyal allies in an effort to insulate his prior conduct from scrutiny and clear the path for his eventual return as CEO  all to the detriment of Ubers stockholders, employees, driver-partners and customers, the suit said.In 2016, Kalanick worked to secure his position by rigging the board, the suit charges. He orchestrated a plan to expand the board from eight to 11 seats, giving himself the sole right to pick the new directors. When he resigned, he assured Benchmark that two of those three directors would be independent and subject to approval by other board members, according to the suit. Kalanick named himself to one of the three new board seats after he had to relinquish the seat reserved for the CEO, and refused to honor his commitments regarding the board seats, the suit charges.Benchmark partner Bill Gurley was a longtime Uber board member and at one point a close confidant of Kalanick. According to news reports, the two fell out, with Gurley pushing for his resignation as CEO. Still, he remained publicly supportive. On the day Kalanick stepped down, Gurley tweeted, There will be many pages in the history books devoted to (Kalanick)  very few entrepreneurs have had such a lasting impact on the world.Gurley left the Uber board after Kalanicks resignation and was replaced by another Benchmark partner, Matt Cohler. Cohler and Benchmark partner Peter Fenton had flown to Chicago to deliver a letter from investors to Kalanick urging his resignation, the New York Times reported in June.By filing suit without public support from any other Uber shareholders or board members, Benchmark is revealing a huge split on Ubers board, said San Francisco lawyer Steve Hirschfeld, who is not involved in the case.Normally these kinds of skirmishes are dealt with quietly and discreetly behind the scenes, he said. There must be a level of dysfunction on the board that they cant repair at this point. Benchmarks only way to get leverage is to file a lawsuit with scintillating allegations.Robert Bartlett, a UC Berkeley law professor and co-director of the Berkeley Center for Law, Business and the Economy, said the lawsuit paints a picture of a company that Travis basically was ruling without a lot of direct oversight by the board. Its an indictment of the governance of Uber.The suit rehashes much of Ubers annus horribilis, laying the blame for the scandals directly on Kalanick and saying that his misstatements and omissions sought to conceal his gross mismanagement from Benchmark and Ubers board.The suit details several of the scandals:Waymo vs. Uber lawsuit. Kalanick assured the board that Ubers $680 million acquisition of self-driving truck startup Otto would be transformative for Uber. Otto was started by former Waymo star engineer Anthony Levandowski, who now stands accused of having purloined trade secrets from Waymo to bring to Uber  the basis of a trade-secret-theft lawsuit Waymo filed against Uber, which is set for an October trial.Recent public disclosures suggest that Kalanick apparently knew before (buying Otto) that Levandowski had improperly taken information from Waymo, the suit says. Waymos lawsuit presents significant legal, financial and reputational risks to Uber  risk that could have been reduced or avoided if Kalanick had disclosed critical facts about his own apparent knowledge at the time of the Otto acquisition.India rape. An Uber driver was convicted of raping an passenger in India in 2014. After the rape victim sued Uber, the companys senior executives, including Kalanick, allegedly obtained and reviewed a medical report of the rape victim in an effort to discredit her claims, the suit says.Sexual harassment and gender discrimination. After engineer Susan Fowler wrote a blog post about Ubers aggressive workplace culture, the company commissioned an external investigation.Kalanick already knew and facilitated the pervasive cultural issues at issue, the suit said. A 2013 memo from Kalanick advised employees on rules for having sex with each other at a company event in Miami, according to the Recode news website.Greyball. Uber used technology called Greyball to trick authorities investigating the company, according to a March New York Times article. Kalanick knew of the Greyball program but didnt tell the board anything about it, the suit says.The lawsuit and the board schism it reveals dont bode well for Ubers attempts to hire a new CEO.Uber is still a phenomenal opportunity, an unbelievable global brand, even if its now somewhat tarnished, Hirschfeld said. In theory, a lot of people would love to take a shot as the CEO, but its very hard to recruit a new CEO if you dont have the entire board behind you.
(TNS) -- Jim Ballard had hopes for Blue Chip UAS, an area drone service company that the former EagleMed owner is a key investor in.Formed in 2014 by a group of young military veterans with extensive backgrounds in unmanned aircraft, Blue Chip aimed to provide imaging, three-dimensional mapping and other aerial services to the agriculture, oil and gas, construction and filmmaking industries, using commercial grade fixed-wing and multi-rotor drones.It was the first company in the area to receive an exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration to legally operate commercial drones while waiting for the FAA to develop a set of permanent regulations governing the fledgling drone industry.But Ballard and others said what at first appeared to be a new industry full of promising business opportunities turned out to be an industry that was still evolving and one that was extremely competitive. That experience prompted some companies like Blue Chip to put their activities on hold, while pushing others to remain in the industry but participate in an entirely new way."The drone business wasn't going well," Ballard said. "All the contracts we were looking to hopefully get ... they just didn't pan out."We've put it on hold right now," Ballard said of Blue Chip. "More or less, the guys (at Blue Chip) are taking other jobs."Andrew Fawcett, Blue Chip's CEO, couldn't be reached by phone or text message.Ballard said he initially thought the FAA would have stricter rules for commercial drone operations, like it does for aircraft charter and air taxi services. That would require the services of experienced drone operators such as the group at Blue Chip.In some cases, companies that previously would have hired Blue Chip for a project bought their own drones and trained their own people to fly them."The only reason I've got is they decided to do it themselves," Ballard said.The evolving industry also prompted another drone service company, McPherson-based Saxon Remote Systems -- formerly Skynet UAVs -- to dramatically change its business model to a manufacturer of fixed-wing drones and accessories."I just didn't want to be fighting for table scraps," said John Ferguson, CEO of Saxon. "I know service companies are not ... making money unless they have a large contract, a very large contract."We realized if everybody wants to own a drone, why don't we be a manufacturer?" he said.Ferguson made the change to his business in late 2015. His family owns Ferguson Production, a plastics manufacturer in McPherson, "so it was just a natural shift for me" to transition from a service business to a manufacturer.Saxon's offerings include three different types of fixed-wing drones, including the model M-10, which has wing spans from 10- to 12-feet-long and are powered by either an electric or gas motor.And "we've managed to grow," Ferguson said.Bob Brock, director of unmanned aerial systems for the Kansas Department of Transportation's division of aviation, acknowledged that the drone industry is a dynamic one, but it's really no different than any other emerging industry."The beginning of any industry is ambiguous," he said.Brock said he's seen a number of businesses in the industry struggle but an equal number of businesses start up and succeed."There's a balance in all that," he said.He said his hope is the state is putting things in place to help the drone industry expand and grow in the state. One way it can do that is through KDOT's partnership with AirMap , announced earlier this week.Besides establishing a network to manage drone traffic in the Kansas skies, the partnership enables the state and AirMap to develop the country's first statewide infrastructure to support the testing of technologies aimed at enhancing data exchange and air traffic control for drones.Having that kind of infrastructure in place should make Kansas attractive to the broader drone industry and convince companies involved in the manufacture of drones and related systems to locate their operations here, Brock said.It "makes the state a safe place to operate and do things they can't do elsewhere," Brock said.
(TNS) -- Atlantic City is not where you might expect to find the next policing success story.Its in the throes of a financial crisis that triggered a state takeover. The police force has been pared down to 267 officers from 374 in 2010. Even more severe cuts could be on the way.And yet, lately, Police Chief Henry White Jr. finds himself optimistic.The first six months of this year, our violent crime is down about 20 percent compared to the same time last year. But at the same time our arrests are also down 17 percent, he said. We were able to reduce crime without contributing to mass incarceration.Thats a first for White, an old-school cop who started on foot patrol in 1985 and rose through the ranks.What gives him hope is a high-tech intervention his department has adopted with help from Rutgers University criminologists. Its a type of predictive policing called risk-terrain modeling that aims to help police identify places that attract crime, and intervene to make them less attractive to criminals.Predictive policing has become a buzzword in recent years, as a growing number of startups have marketed competing software options to police forces around the country. But civil-rights advocates have raised alarms. A coalition of 16 groups including the ACLU and the Brennan Center for Justice last August joined in a statement warning that such tools exacerbate racial biases, ignore community needs and contribute to the over-policing of poor minority neighborhoods.But Joel Caplan, a wiry, bespectacled professor from the Rutgers School of Criminal Justice, believes hes cracked that problem with risk-terrain modeling (RTM for short), which he developed with another professor, Leslie Kennedy. And, unlike tech companies that charge tens of thousands of dollars, Caplans giving away his software to any department that will use it.White had experimented with data-driven policing before. But looking back, he said, we were just playing games.Now, after less than a year using RTM, even intractable hot spots like Stanley Holmes Village, a housing project that has seen numerous shootings, are starting to calm, he said.Weve had certain neighborhoods in town that have been hot spots since I was on patrol. We made a ton of arrests. But, you know what? They were still hot spots until recently, he said. Before, we would clean up an area temporarily but all we were doing was displacing crime.Part of whats radical about RTM is that many interventions it advocates are not about policing at all  or, at least, not policing as we normally think of it.Police still have to investigate crimes and make arrests, but the focus of RTM is creating conditions that deter crime from occurring.The first step is to identify those conditions. Caplan often uses an analogy to make this point.If you noticed kids playing at the same place over time, you might identify that as a hot spot of playful behavior. But if you take your focus off the kids and look at the environment, you might see slides and swings and open fields  what we might call a playground. If we can identify places with similar characteristics  swings, slides, open fields  we can expect playful behavior to occur.Adding or removing those characteristics would in turn influence the behavior.So, when it comes to hot spots of criminal behavior, he said, the response isnt to assume that people who are located there are bad, or criminals  the answer wouldnt be, say, to stop-and-frisk passersby  but to do things to make the environment less attractive to crime. Thats how we can reduce crime, and we can do it without arrests.An early success applied RTM to cellphone robberies in Glendale, Ariz. It found they clustered near convenience stores, which had kiosks offering instant cash for phones. Police asked store owners to move the kiosks to the front of the store, near windows and surveillance cameras. Robberies fell 42 percent.Assessing Burglary RiskSoftware developed by Rutgers University uses a type of analysis called risk-terrain modeling to assign areas a relative risk value based on the presence of landmarks and features such as vacant lots, schoolyards, and take-out restaurants. Police in Atlantic City used this software to map burglary risk after a number of break-ins this spring. Two suspects were arrested for a series of burglaries that were committed mostly in an area that the software showed had the highest risk for that crime.SOURCE: Atlantic City Police DepartmentAdoption of RTM has been slow, Caplan said, in part because he doesnt market it. Its word-of-mouth. But he believes it could be used to respond to everything from Philadelphias opioid crisis to traffic accidents to border security.Atlantic City police applied RTM to shootings and homicides, mapping the crimes, then all the landscape features around them. Then they began holding monthly meetings with police and community stakeholders.We found that convenience stores, laundromats and vacant properties  where all those things were located together, they increased the risk, Caplan said. Because most shootings were drug-related, police theorized a narrative: Convenience stores were where buyers were solicited, unsupervised laundromats became host to transactions, and vacant properties doubled as stash houses.Then, he said, we addressed that narrative.That didnt just mean sending in more patrols. Instead, they treated the landscapes.They put sign-in sheets inside convenience stores and laundromats, so patrols could log their visits. They helped business owners get security cameras. And they shared the information about problematic vacant properties with Atlantic City code enforcement, so they could prioritize which vacant buildings to board up, which lots to clean, and which negligent property owners to push into compliance.Even if no crime has occurred in a given spot, White said, were getting there before the crime does to make sure that now it is not the next hot spot. Were no longer playing Whack-a-mole.Its not just Atlantic City. Across the country , big data is already transforming crime-fighting.Departments began mapping hot spots a few decades ago , identifying areas where crime spiked and flooding them with patrols and, often, a zero-tolerance approach.They would go out there and stop everybody for everything: riding your bike without a light, or jaywalking. Sure, youre going to make some arrests: you stop a hundred people and chances are somebodys going to have drugs, White said. But it turned the community off. There was a high cost.Today, those maps are being replaced by slick software programs fed with real-time data and marketed by for-profit companies.The leader is PredPol, which generates heat maps based on past incidents.But one study found that if deployed in Oakland, Calif., it would concentrate forces in low-income communities of color. That potential was concerning enough to Oakland police that, after consideration, they decided not to adopt the software Still, other cities are pressing ahead, about a dozen of them with HunchLab, a software created by a Philadelphia company, Azavea. Philadelphia Police recently tested HunchLab here, but declined an interview request, saying the research is not yet complete.Cities pay between $20,000 and $100,000 per year for the service, depending on their size.In return, the computer model combines crime data (police incident reports and calls to 911 for service), geographic traits like nearby bars or vacant buildings, and factors like the weather and school schedules. It generates a map dotted with boxes  risky zones  and a screen encouraging an officer to visit a box and perform some intervention: for example, walk a 15-minute foot patrol.In Greensboro, N.C., police tested HunchLab by giving officers on one shift the software and providing another group with their existing hot spot maps. Major crimes fell by about 30 percent with HunchLab.That impact was startling, given that the local officers didnt think the software had any effect. The officers didnt see any value in it, said Jeremy Heffner, HunchLab product manager. What it did do, he concluded, was force officers to spend 15 minutes patrolling every side street and back alley of a compact area.The HunchLab boxes broke them out of their routine. It shows that such nuanced changes, even that we dont know were making, can have an impact.Heffner is keenly aware of civil-rights concerns; he believes hes addressing them. For one thing, HunchLab doesnt use arrest data, or any data that would create a feedback loop by interpreting elevated police action as elevated risk. For another, it moves officers around, so residents dont feel harassed.But, unlike RTM, HunchLabs approach to overcoming bias is to provide less information, not more. It doesnt tell police why a box is selected or even whether its a high- or average-risk zone. And while RTM focuses on the why, HunchLab works off the notion its better for officers not to know too much.This shouldnt be justification to stop someone, Heffner said. Thats why we actually hide a lot from the officers. We dont tell them the likelihood that a robbery will happen, because people get hung up on probabilities. The goal isnt to go into these places and make a bunch of arrests. The goal is to have nothing happen.To Caplan, who was a Cape May police officer before he went to the University of Pennsylvania to study criminology, concealing information is a poor workaround.He believes the way forward is transparency: Its knowing where to go, knowing what to focus on, knowing why youre doing what youre doing, being able to explain it to the community and get feedback  its that transparency that helps to reduce bias and improve community relations.White is trying to build those community ties by combining RTM with old-fashioned policing tactics. He has added foot and bike patrols, which are popular with residents, using RTM to prioritize patrol locations.There are hurdles, though.The biggest challenge were having here is getting the rank-and-file to buy in, he said. Were trained to focus on the bad guys, and its hard for them to make that shift.Then theres the hard work of winning over Atlantic City residents.Kellie Cors-Atherly, who runs Peace Amongst Youth, a support program for crime victims in the city, said she hasnt noticed the impact of RTM yet.Were having active shootings in Atlantic City once a week. That doesnt seem to be changing so much. And its still a division between the police and the community. Theres still a big trust factor, she said.And for activists like Steven L. Young, who is affiliated with the National Action Network, community-police relations cant be solved without more sweeping reforms.They have a track record of so many officers abusing and beating down the community, and theyre still allowing them to be on the streets doing the same thing. The relationship remains the same.Still, some business owners have noticed an impact.Sammy Nammour, who manages 13 Cedar Food Markets in Atlantic City and Pleasantville, said the daily police visits have helped restore order.Theres been multiple occasions where someone would come in and scream and shout and to walk out with something, he said. It happens a lot less often now.He thinks the kids who frequent his store also benefit from casual, friendly interactions with officers.After all, the dream of predictive policing is that it can change the climate, and eventually overcome persistent police biases.White sees that promise in RTM.A good example is the perception that housing projects are connected with crime, he said. What we found in Atlantic City is housing projects are not in fact correlated with crime, and if police were to focus their patrols in those areas, they would be in the wrong place.
A health provider network in the works with the state Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (DFPR). In May, Jennifer ORourke, business liaison for the Illinois Blockchain Initiative, told Government Technology that blockchain could let residents do things like check their doctors licenses and insurance through an app. This pilot is in the requirement and solution definitions phase.

that blockchain could let residents do things like check their doctors licenses and insurance through an app. This pilot is in the requirement and solution definitions phase. Tracking continuing education credentials with DFPR and the University of Illinois.

Defining a use case around digital identity with the Department of Health, examining questions including how one claims against that, and how birth or other vital records information could be documented using blockchain.

A property title transfer underway with Cook County, the states largest county.

A use case on the recording of academic credentialing, in the works with public universities.

Tracking Renewable Energy Credits, which are generated by creating 1 Megawatt-hour of electricity through wind turbines or solar panels, to follow trades in secondary and tertiary markets and eventual retirements.

Roughly a year into its blockchain research, Illinois is piloting six explorations of the technology, up from five in May, and hopes to deliver proofs of concept by years end, CIO Hardik Bhatt toldThe state began its deep dive into blockchain last summer with the formation of a working group, and its effort grew quickly following a Request for Information late last year that yielded 20 industry responses suggesting potential use cases.Blockchain, the encrypted digital recording of a transaction or an event through a shared incorruptible ledger, hasnt yet found wide use among governments, although states including Illinois, Delaware and New Jersey have expressed interest in the technology. And in May , the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) added blockchain to a list of the next big, transformational technologies.Illinois is utilizing what the state CIO referred to as a three-pronged approach centered on economic development, establishing a single liaison point in its Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; collaboration between government and the private and academic sectors; and comprehending its application in government.Since May, Illinois has had to regroup its six pilots by priority, Bhatt said, with the goal of effectively managing resources as the state works through an ongoing complete digital transformation. Its current Priority 1 pilots are:Efforts are somewhat subject to change depending upon findings, Bhatt said.I will not be surprised if these proofs of concept could be a one-time proof of concept and may not get further developed on the same technology platform or using the same technology, and we may come up with a complete new RFP if we think that this has legs, he told. While we say that it is a proof of concept, we are taking it very seriously because its testing out a completely new technology.Priority 2 pilots are:Staffers are engaged in 75-day sprints and hope to have finished solution definition requirements and have developers working by Sept. 30 when the current sprint ends, said Bhatt, who also serves as the state's chief digital officer. Illinois hopes to have Proofs of Concept ready by Dec. 15, the end of the next sprint; and in February, when the next sprint ends, the state will likely focus on best practices and lessons learned."It's not a trivial task," Bhatt said, indicating he wants to ensure the state's digital modernization and pilots share resources including managers. "That's mainly why we put them on Priority 2. I think as soon as we feel that one of these projects is now on autopilot, we can move on to the next one."Illinois has four general goals in mind, the CIO said: determine whether blockchain really is a good fit for government; whether it can help achieve increased efficiency; whether it can help achieve increased effectiveness; and whether it can improve citizens relationships with government.Im hoping if we can prove it out, we can be helpful to other governments with our lessons learned, Bhatt said, noting that he attracted interest from other CIOs with a presentation that mentioned blockchain at a recent NASCIO event.And one way the CIO is getting word out about the state's forays into blockchain is through a conversation with New Jersey Chief Technology Officer Dave Weinstein on an episode of the TechNJ podcast series.Produced by the New Jersey Office of Information Technology (NJOIT), Weinstein said the series is an ideal venue for the discussion because its intended not just to promote his states technology work but as a convening authority for thought leadership on technological issues that intersect its mission and that of other client agencies in the state.Weinstein praised Illinois as one of the few states that have leaned forward in this space, an area many already understand they should prepare to inhabit at some point during the next decade.He said New Jersey is interested in blockchain as well, and officials are evaluating use cases across the enterprise that involve citizens interacting with state-managed databases to identify ways to increase efficiency and security.This goes hand-in-hand with the broader discussion around automation and the opportunities that will present themselves over the next five to 10 years to reduce the size of government, to be a little leaner in the interest of improving the customer experience, Weinstein toldThe technology has obvious potential to reduce fraud, he said, but could also eliminate or reduce mistakes that are the inevitable result of human interaction.In the podcast, Weinstein said he sees blockchain as being roughly where security intersects with trust, and already deploying fairly maturely in industries like financial services and fintech.Bhatt said in the podcast that he views blockchain in its simplest terms as how you transact between two parties in a very secure manner. He also called it a foundational technology that is poised to disrupt how we do transactions in our economy and in our society.He and Weinstein demurred on the question of what the recent Bitcoin split and the creation of the new cryptocurrency Bitcoin Cash mean for blockchain, which records Bitcoin transactions.Weinstein did, however, note that other blockchains have already emerged, though none operate at such a scale yet.That gets to an earlier point  that I think its incumbent upon us in the technology field to remove some of the mysticism about blockchain," Weinstein said, pronouncing himself less interested in the exchanges and more interested in how the technology itself can be applied to infrastructure and government.Reiterating that Illinois remains in the exploratory stage, Bhatt said its too soon to determine whether blockchain could play a specific role in his states ongoing digital transformation. But early indications show its here to stay, he said.I dont think government will be the driving force behind full adoption of this. Government will be a player in the overall game," he added. "The financial industry, the insurance industry and others are going to play a major role in this as well. It will continue to be a team sport when it comes to it being adopted by industry."
Felipe Massa looks to be on track for his return to action after the August break.

The Brazilian veteran sat out the Hungarian grand prix recently with an illness that caused dizziness.

But already last weekend, the 36-year-old posted on Instagram a photo of himself out running with his trainer.

And now, as Massa holidays in his native Sao Paulo, he has revealed he has been lapping at speed on the kart track at Interlagos.

"Great feeling getting back on track!" he said. "I feel good."

(GMM)
Yet another respected figure in the F1 paddock has backed Robert Kubica's return to F1.

Last year, Daniel Schlosser was Nico Rosberg's physiotherapist as the now retired Mercedes driver raced to the title.

Now, Schlosser works with Force India tester Nikita Mazepin, but it's former grand prix winner Kubica that he publicly backs to be capable of immediately racing in F1.

Kubica tested Renault's 2017 car in Hungary recently and Schlosser said he thinks the 32-year-old's permanently injured right arm should be no obstacle to his return.

"He still has very good muscles in his right arm -- only the volume is not so great," he told Sport Bild.

Some have expressed surprise that Kubica is still able to drive well with such a visibly-damaged arm, but Schlosser is not among them.

"Nico (Rosberg), for example, always had a lot of tension in his wrists, so he had to train his arms heavily. But other drivers are lighter on the steering due to having a different driving technique.

"Nick Heidfeld was one of them, and probably also Kubica," Schlosser explained. "They never had to train as much as the others."

As for how Kubica can negotiate tight left hand corners now that his right arm is compromised, he answered: "Instead of pressing with the right, you can pull with the left. And depending on the technique, this can even be more efficient."

And so from the evidence seen so far, Schlosser thinks Kubica can return to F1.

"In Hungary, he ran a very difficult programme in high temperatures, which was hard for some young drivers. Anyone who can handle that can also handle a grand prix," he said.

(GMM)
ELKO  Jeannie Gillins remembers sweeping the floor of her parents furniture store as a child, and now, after more than 45 years of her and husband Eds managing and owning Bodilys Furniture, she will soon sweep the furniture store for the last time.

The Gillinses recently announced plans to retire, and the stores last day open under their ownership is Aug. 26.

Forty-five years of six days a week is enough, Ed says, and Jeannie chimes in: Were tired.

The couple began co-managing Jeannies parents furniture business in 1973 and later became the fifth generation of owners. The store originated as the Stinson-Berger Furniture Co. before Jeannies family  the Bodily family, operating as C.B. Brown Co.  purchased it in 1963. The name changed to Bodilys Furniture in 1967.

I was born into it. I had to do it, Jeannie says with a smile, adding that Ed married in. He got a whim one day to ask my dad for a job.

Forty-seven years later   Ed says.

Generations of furniture sales and community involvement led to relationships with customers and employees akin to family that the couple says they will miss.

The people. Its just  . Jeannie says, eyes filling with tears as she stands in the nearly empty 10,000-square-foot building Aug. 7. People are great.

Loyal customer Susie Sandoz has known the Gillinses for about 35 years. She describes what she likes about shopping at Bodilys furniture.

The excellent customer service and smiling faces, Sandoz says. Either one or both of them was always there. It was like a family. Theyre like family to me.

Over the years, Sandoz purchased flooring, window treatments, a dining set, bar stools and beds from Bodilys. Her favorite piece, she says, is a leather couch she purchased for her Spring Creek home.

Its still beautiful, she says.

Owning the business has been about more than helping shoppers find the right furniture. The couple lived their philosophy of shopping locally, supporting the community and attending Elko events.

For the community, it has been amazing because they are always a part of anything downtown, Sandoz says, and theyve contributed to many school functions and community functions.

The store location on Commercial Street, where it has been since 1951, helped keep the Gillinses central to the community.

It really was the center and heart of the town, says longtime friend and Elko historian Jan Petersen. The businesses that have been there over the years have always been general goods, furniture and possibly a few grocers along the way.

Jeannie recalls how residents would take shelter in the shade of the stores blue awnings on Commercial Street on parade days of years past then go into the store for relief from the heat.

Weve watched families grow up in front of the store, Jeannie says. They congregate around here.

Two nonfurniture-related attractions also drew residents inside the store. Olive, the French bulldog and pug mix, has been a store fixture as much as the arrays of couches, wall hangings and bedroom suites.

We have people who come in just to see the dog, Jeannie says.

Others want to see the alleged ghost, who some say dwells in the basement. Petersen says local lore dictates that the ghost is the spirit of a second-hand store owner, who had worked next door to the furniture store and was slain. A bag of diamonds that the pawn shop-type salesman owned went missing, and its whereabouts remains one of Elkos enduring mysteries.

Can we go down and see? Jeannie says people would ask, and she would let them go look, although Jeannie says she never saw the ghost herself.

No ghost story could prevent Petersen from shopping at Bodilys Furniture, however. Standing in her kitchen, she looks around and says everything in it came from that store. She says her favorite piece of furniture from the store is a well-worn, dark-wood coffee table around which her children learned to walk.

My furniture is early modern and late Bodily, she says.

Once a customer found the right piece of furniture, one of the Bodilys Furnitures delivery trucks would motor out to the destination. Sandoz complemented the stores delivery service, saying, Their delivery people were amazing. Friendly, careful.

She might be referring to delivery person and warehouseman Moises Albarran, who worked at Bodilys Furniture for 36 years before retiring. The Gillinses watched his children grow up, and he met their grandchildren. Sons Danny and Scott Gillins also worked for their parents, sweeping floors, like their mother did, and learning the secrets of how to maneuver large furniture through tiny doors. Other longtime employees include bookkeepers who stayed onboard for 19 and 13 years.

Judy ODell, the bookkeeper for the past year and a half, is a relative newcomer to the business, but already recognizes the Gillinses value as employers.

They are awesome, awesome people to work for, ODell says. They make you feel like family, not so much of an employee, just a member of the family.

The feeling is mutual  for customers and employees alike.

Wed like to thank our customers weve had. Id like to thank them for their loyalty and friendship over the years, Ed says. We appreciate all our long-term employees for their loyalty, hard work and good work ethic. Theyre as much a part of our success  or more  than Jeannie and I are.

In their retirement, the Gillinses plan to stay in the Elko community, with stints away for worldwide travel. Ed says he looks forward to having more time for fishing and Jeannie for quilting.

Its the end of a chapter, Petersen says. The business and heritage and traditions of shop Elko will continue on and thrive.

The business, including the name, Commercial Street building and warehouse, has been purchased and is expected to reopen under new ownership in early September.
On its face, the General Assemblys defunding of the Department of Justice looks like petty payback from a Republican majority to Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein.

But its actually much worse than that. In conjunction with other actions taken by the General Assembly in crafting its $23 billion budget, there appears to be part of an overall strategy of making the people  especially the poor  more powerless.

Consider another action that was not so easily explainable. As reported by Taft Wireback in July, the budget writers also eliminated a $1.50 surcharge on certain court fees.

It didnt qualify as a tax cut, nor did it save money in the budget. The surcharge was levied in court costs paid only by those found guilty of various offenses.

Why would the budget writers care about a $1.50 surcharge? That small charge translated into $1.7 million yearly in legal aid to low-income residents.

There is no public defender for civil-court matters, such as home foreclosure, renter eviction, disability cases, veterans benefits, disaster relief and restraining orders.

Eliminating the surcharge certainly was not a mistake or an oversight on the part of the GOP majority. Not only did legislators cut the surcharge, they made it difficult for future budget writers to restore that funding.

As they have done in the past, GOP leaders used the budget to change the law, striking down the Access to Civil Justice Act.

This general statute recognizes the states responsibility to ensure that even its most indigent residents have legal representation in the civil courts.

The exact wording of the statute, passed in 1989, says, The General Assembly of North Carolina declares it to be its purpose to provide access to legal representation for indigent persons in certain kinds of civil matters.

The 2017 General Assembly abandoned this purpose in one sentence with no floor debate and no awareness on the part of many representatives that they were doing so.

Enabling legislation will now have to be passed before any funding can be restored  not that the current leaders of the General Assembly would have any interest in doing so.

On the contrary, it appears the GOP majority is quite intentional in making sure the residents of North Carolina cant fight back. The UNC Board of Governors, stocked by the General Assembly with GOP members, is moving to bar the UNC Law Schools Center for Civil Rights from litigating civil rights cases on behalf of North Carolina residents.

The General Assembly also reduced the funding for the next two fiscal years for emergency judges, who are assigned to help reduce case backlogs and step in when sitting judges have medical or other emergencies. The funding cut did not include emergency judges for business court  another example of the GOP tendency to privilege businesses and corporations over individuals.

The $10 million cut from the Attorney Generals budget is directed precisely at attorneys whose job it is to defend the public, who work to prosecute criminals and keep them behind bars, who save taxpayers millions of dollars by defending against frivolous suits, who keep corporate bad actors in line, and who protect our clean air and water, Stein said.

Unveiled with no warning in the final version of the budget, the cut was protested by Democrats, but not a single Republican spoke to explain or defend it. The cuts were also opposed by statewide organizations of police, sheriffs and district attorneys  groups who are united in a focus on justice, not politics.

A survey by left-leaning Public Policy Polling found a bipartisan majority of 60 percent of voters oppose the cuts, and 58 percent disapprove of the General Assemblys overall performance.

Executing indefensible legislation has become so easy that Sen. Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) and Rep. Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) dont even bother trying to justify it. As long as they, and the rest of the GOP majority, can maintain their gerrymandered districts, they dont have to explain their actions or worry about the General Assemblys 18 percent approval rating.

Emboldened by their grip on power, they have pushed a conservative agenda that has curtailed the voting rights of state residents, cut unemployment benefits to the lowest in the nation and refused to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, leaving more than 400,000 low-income adults without health care coverage.

Now they have moved to deny the states poorest residents any means of defending themselves against commercial and corporate interests or claiming benefits they rightly deserve.

This is not just a case of political payback. It is a further, concerted effort to disenfranchise the poor.
The afternoon highs are expected to continue to be around 90 degrees, which means that trout fishing on many of our waters is poor with streaks of fair. Whats a fishin bum to do? Time to head for them thar hills! Hit the alpine lakes in the East Humboldts and the Ruby Mountains, where projected highs this week are anywhere from 70 to 80 degrees, depending upon the elevation.

While not for the faint of heart, these lakes are underused and provide great fishing. There are two lakes that are fairly accessible to the average person, Lamoille Lake and Island Lake. While they do get the most use, fishing can still be good.

Anglers can use natural bait, spoons, spinners and flies. At several lakes this past week spoons and spinners were working well, as were the tried and true hopper, royal Wulffs, humpies, Griffiths gnats, stimulators and mosquito patterns.

If you dont own a fly rod, use your spinning outfit with a clear bobber filled with a bit of water and about 5 to 6 feet of line behind the bubble. For natural baits, use worms, grubs and especially grasshoppers you can catch on the hike up. Put the grasshoppers behind the bubble the same way you would a fly. Besides the fishing, you will see some great views and stay cool.

Not able to hike to the higher elevations, but want to visit an alpine lake? Then head for Angel Lake just outside of Wells, about an hours drive from Elko. This is one of the highest elevation lakes in the country that can be reached by a paved road. Fish it the same as you would the other alpine lakes mentioned above.

Expect to see very little change in fishing conditions from last week.

WILDHORSE

There is road construction on SR-225 between milepost 37 and Lone Mountain Station. During the week drivers can expect up to a 30 minute delays, though on the weekends this shouldnt be a problem. Construction is expected to continue to the end of August. With surface water temperatures well above 70 degrees, trout fishing is slowing down and anglers are having their best luck early in the morning before it gets too hot or by fishing in deeper water. Fishing has been productive for boaters who are fishing between 16 and 18 feet deep. Fishing from shore in the canyon that leads to the dam where the water gets deep quickly has also been productive.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR

There is road construction south of the state park headquarters so those wanting to access the west side of the lake will need to go in through Twin Bridges. Expect this to continue into October. The surface water temperatures have climbed into the mid to high 70s, and trout fishing has slowed considerably due to this. Even boaters dont seem to be having a lot of luck for trout. The trout being caught are averaging between 13 and 17 inches with an occasional 20 inch fish. If fishing from a boat, use a deep diving presentation to get your terminal tackle to between 15 and 20 feet deep for trout. Some trout are being caught in the river above the reservoir using hopper patterns. Black bass are moving into vegetation at the south end of the lake and onto structure along shorelines. Some smallmouth bass have moved into the river above the causeway. There are special regulations in the river including single barbless hooks, so make sure to read the fishing proclamation for this water before fishing here. Wiper fishing continues to be fair to good and many of the wipers are still being caught at the south end of the lake near the buoy line along the old river bed. Mayflies and damselflies are hatching, so flies such as pheasant tail nymphs, gold ribbed hares ears, pale morning duns, blue winged olives (BWOs) and other mayfly as well as damselfly imitations should be used. Damselflies should be fished near vegetation and mayflies may be fished on more open water.

JIGGS/ZUNINO RESERVOIR

Shore fishermen dont appear to be faring as well as boaters or float tube anglers as the edges are getting weedy and the fish are hanging in the deeper, cooler water in the middle of the reservoir. Remember this is a wakeless water so go slow if you are in a boat with a motor. It is difficult to launch much more than a small rowboat or car topper due to water and shore conditions. Small spinners, PowerBait or worms should all work. While fly rodders should be using hares ears, small nymphs and wooly buggers. Please return any black bass or blue gill back to the lake to help with rebuilding the warm water fishery here.

WILSON RESERVOIR

The road to Wilson has been graded and tout fishing here has been good and bass fishing is picking up. Wilson has the best water quality of the larger reservoirs in eastern Nevada with little algae growth though the water temperatures are hitting the mid 70s in the afternoon. Trout were averaging 12 to 15 inches in the lake. Expect similar conditions to South Fork and anglers should use the same presentations. The usual PowerBait or worms work well. Gold, green and yellow, or black and yellow spinners are working. Fly fishermen should be using chironomids, mayfly nymphs and emergers, damselfly nymphs/dries or black crystal buggers for best results. Lots of small bass are being caught, but not a lot of keeper sized. Wilson has been stocked with almost 29,000 fish this spring.

RUBY LAKE NWR

Bass fishing is improving with the hot weather and anglers report good fishing for keeper bass, though total numbers of bass caught is down. With water levels up the bass are spread out more so anglers need to move until they find them. Dark plastic four to six inch grubs with sparkles in them seem to be the presentation of choice. Colors include blue, dark red, dark green, purple and motor oil. Fishing in the ditch for trout is fair. Fly rodders should try the usual assortment of nymphs under an indicator as well as wooly, seal and crystal buggers. Scuds, midges, and small Blue Winged Olives are all worth a try. Of course the usual small hares ears, PTs, copper Johns and buggers are all staples in the ditch. Spin fishermen should try small minnow imitators and gold spinners. The collection ditch is artificial lures and flies only and no wading is allowed. Boaters need to be aware of the afternoon winds and thunderstorms which may make getting back to the boat ramps difficult.

JAKES CREEK/BOIES RESERVOIR

The weeds have come on and shore anglers are finding it difficult to catch fish from shore. Trout fishing has been fair, while bass fishing has been good. However, right at dusk, the trout bite seems to turn on and one angler in a raft caught a limit of fish up to 18 inches. Bass fishing is also good, especially in the evenings with anglers reporting a large number of 6 to 8 inch fish with keeper bass being caught about every fifth fish. Dark soft plastics in blue or black with sparkles were working for bass. Worms and PowerBait are popular here as are black or olive woolly buggers, prince nymphs, PTs and hares ears.

COLD CREEK RESERVOIR

Fishing is fair for trout and fair to good for bass. There continues to be a mayfly hatch so BWOs, PMDs, hares ears, Adams and Griffiths gnats are all worth a try for fly fishermen.

CAVE LAKE

No change here. Fishing has been good for 10- to 12-inch fish using worms or cheese baits under a bobber. Small spinners in black and gold or green and gold have been effective. For fly rodders: hares ears, pheasant tail nymphs, prince nymphs, small crystal buggers and Cave Lake specials are all good flies. Mayflies and damselflies are also hatching, so fish these imitations. This lake was stocked with approximately 16,000 trout this spring.

COMINS LAKE

Surface water temperatures are in the mid to high 70s and trout fishing is slowing down. Fish the deeper water. Shore anglers arent doing as well as boaters. The usual PowerBait and worms should work, while small spinners and minnow imitations can be productive. Fly fishermen should be switching to damselfly and mayfly patterns in addition to the usual assortment of chironomid patterns and buggers. The lake was stocked with approximately 13,000 fish this spring. Please return any black bass back to the lake while the bass fishery rebuilds.

ILLIPAH

The water level has dropped considerably and the old dam is above the water. Just like the rest of the eastern Nevada reservoirs, the trout fishing has slowed as they move into the deeper cooler water. The usual worms, PowerBait or mealworms should all work. Small spinners and spoons should be good for spin fishermen. The usual black and olive wooly buggers, small chironomids, hares ears and pheasant tail nymphs are good starting points for fly rodders. The trick is to get any of the presentations deep into the water column. Illipah was stocked with approximately 18,000 fish this spring.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR

Fishing for keeper crappie has been fair to good with the fish starting to move a bit deeper onto structure, though it is closer to fair than good. The road is rough so care should be taken driving here. Anglers report catching crappie in the rocks, fishing a small white plastic grub underneath a bobber. Crappie like structure, so look for submerged brush, willows and rocks.

ANGEL LAKE

The water level has dropped a bit so there is more shoreline for fishing. Bait anglers have seen fishing slow as trout are keying on aquatic insects. Fly rodders have had success using small elk hair caddis, hopper or stimulator with an olive or peacock soft hackle dropper below though any dropper fly with green or peacock herl will work. Small spinners and rooster tails should also be effective, just give them enough time to sink to the level the fish are at. Spin anglers can put a fly behind a bobber for casting and have better luck that way.

ALPINE LAKES

Fishing is good at the higher elevations as trout take advantage of the short growing season. The same presentations and techniques that work at Angel all work well up here. Remember the further you get from the trailhead, there is less fishing pressure therefore the better the fishing is. All of the lakes are accessible.

STREAMS

Area streams are at or near normal flows making for good fishing. Not only that, but hoppers are out and this is the time of year to hit our creeks for some great dry fly action. Just be on the lookout for snakes. Lamoille Creek is finally flowing at a normal 21 cfs as of this past Thursday. Streams in northern Elko County are flowing close to normal with the Bruneau at 15 cfs and the West Fork of the Jarbidge at 13 cfs and they are fishing well. The East Fork of the Owyhee was flowing at 68 cfs near Mountain City. Creeks in central Nevada are flowing at normal or slightly below normal flows for this time of year and many such as Steptoe, Cleve and Ward Creeks are fishable.
We have a long history of hating parties. John Adams said that parties destroyed all  virtue, honor, decorum, and veracity. Yet he quickly found himself leading the Federalists against the Republicans led by Thomas Jefferson, another hater of parties. Why? Because there is no democracy without parties.

Parties assemble the coalitions necessary to govern in a diverse society. Just as importantly, they form the Loyal Opposition that holds the government accountable. They activate the checks and balances of our Constitution. Russias constitution also has separation of powers  and no checks or balances because one party controls all branches.

Our current City Council members are all party members  not one is registered as unaffiliated. Thats a good thing. Parties are how politicians mobilize public support for a legislative agenda. Id like to see council candidates openly declare their party affiliation. And voters seem to like it, too. In the 2016 N.C. Court of Appeals election, where judges party affiliations were printed on the ballots for the first time, the number of votes cast doubled.

Some would say these are low information voters  its better if they stay home. But in a democracy, the legitimacy of the government depends on voter turnout. If we cant get everyone to research the candidates and issues (and we cant), lets get as many people as we can to come out and show their support for the democratic system, and express their preference for the D philosophy of government or the R philosophy.

Admittedly, partisanship can turn nasty. Politicians can start to view their opponents as illegitimate and out to destroy America. This kind of hogwash is whats driving Americans frustration with the party system.

But I dont think the problem is parties  its primaries.

We didnt start selecting candidates through primaries until the 1970s (in 1968, only 13 states held presidential primaries). And nasty partisanship seems to be on the rise ever since. In gerrymandered districts  and 83 percent of them are (Cook Report PVI score of 5 percent or more)  the smart strategy is for a Democrat to run left and a Republican to run right. The primaries become tests of ideological purity.

Our council elections use top-two primaries, open to all comers, with the two candidates with most votes going to the general election. Although ours are nonpartisan, Washington and California use top-two primaries for partisan elections. This can mean two candidates of the same party facing off in the general election. In this case, its the more moderate of the two, who can reach out to opposition party voters, who has an advantage. So why not have the best of both worlds  partisan elections that fire up voters, but top-two primaries that promote moderate candidates?
Just one year after silver was discovered in the Comstock Lode, a band of Paiute and Bannock Indians attacked several white settlers at Williams Station about 30 miles east of Virginia City along the Carson River. The station was burned and several men were murdered.

When word of the attack reached the Comstock, a volunteer group of soldiers and vigilantes was formed under the direction of Major Ormsby. Virginia City, Genoa, Dayton, Silver City and Carson City all sent volunteers to retaliate for the attack. Over one hundred men marched down the Carson River to the ruins of Williams Station and buried the dead settlers. They then followed the trail of the Indians toward Pyramid Lake intent on defeating the marauders.

As the company of untrained volunteers led by Major Ormsby approached Pyramid Lake along the banks of the Truckee River, they suddenly found themselves surrounded in a trap by the hundreds of Indians encamped there. Major Ormsby ordered a charge, but hundreds of the Indians closed in with rifles, arrows and knives and quickly defeated the unprepared white invaders, killing most of them, including Major Ormsby. This became known as the Pyramid Lake War.

Shortly after Major Ormsbys defeat, Colonel John Hayes and Captain Joseph Stewart formed a larger group of volunteers and U.S. Army Regulars to avenge Ormsbys defeat. This campaign finally defeated the Natives in what became known as the Second Battle of Pyramid lake.

A great feeling of panic and insecurity was felt on the Comstock with all the Indian trouble so near the blossoming mining district. After defeat of the Indians, Captain Stewart formed a contingent and established a permanent U.S. Army fort along the Carson River near the ruins of Williams Station. Construction of the fort was begun on July 20, 1860. It was named Fort Churchill after Sylvester Churchill, Inspector General of the United States Army. The fort was completed in 1861.

Fort Churchill was constructed with several adobe brick buildings forming a large square. The enclosed area became the drill area for the 200 soldiers stationed there from 1861 to 1869, when the post was abandoned. The fort provided protection for the emigrants traveling along the California Trail and the Pony Express, which came through the same location.

Eventually, the property became a Nevada State Park and in 1961, (one hundred years after it was completed) it was declared a National Historic Landmark. There is now a Visitors Center and a picnic area along the Carson River at the park where visitors can tour the ruins of the fort and see photos and artifacts in the interpretive center.

The visitor center has exhibits on the history of Fort Churchill, Native Americans that inhabited the area, and natural features of the surrounding countryside. A 20-site campground is situated along the Carson River within a grove of cottonwood trees with an adjacent group-camp and day-use picnic areas. A primitive camp lies further along the Carson River in the Carson River Ranches unit.

Hiking trails include a self-guided trail around the fort ruins with interpretative signs explaining each of the buildings. The Orchard Trail runs along the Carson River from the campground to Buckland Station. A continuation of this trail runs the length of the Carson River in the Carson River Ranches unit.

After the Fort was abandoned, local ranchers including Samuel Buckland salvaged wooden materials from the fort to construct the two-story building at the Buckland Ranch within sight of Fort Churchill. This ranch also became a part of the State Park in 1997.

After over 150 years of exposure to wind and weather, many of the adobe bricks that formed the walls of the fort have begun to melt away. There has been an ongoing program of replacing some of these these with new adobe blocks so people who visit the site can see how the buildings looked somewhat in their original state. Some of the original walls are now nothing more than mounds of dried mud from the melted adobe brick.

The original road from Virginia City to old Fort Churchill ran down Six-Mile Canyon, across U.S. Highway 50 and down the Carson River Canyon Road to Fort Churchill, which is near the Intersection with U.S. 95. This makes an interesting side trip for visitors to the Comstock and provides a chance to follow the route of the California Trail and the Pony Express.
Lesson one: Invest in a good freezer. Photo: Katie June Burton/Courtesy of Oddfellows

A weeklong series dedicated to exploring everything thats happening in the world of ice cream right now.

You make one thing, how hard could it be? OddFellowss Sam Mason recalls thinking. The former wd~50 pastry chef was definitely not a restaurant novice in 2013 when he went into the ice-cream business with partners Mohan and Holiday Kumar. It seemed like a very easy day-to-day thing to do, he says, but it just turned out to be a lot more moving parts than I ever thought it would be. In the end, the shop was as difficult as a full-service restaurant. I guess there are new problems, and you kind of dodge some of the old problems, but at the end of the day, Mason muses, theyre still problems.

Everyone loves ice cream. Everyone loves the idea of ice cream, the reality of ice cream. They love thinking about ice cream, and talking about ice cream, and eating ice cream. And its not just the ice cream itself, but the old-timey experience of ice cream, which is the ultimate comfort food, the pasta of desserts. Youre selling nostalgia, says Nicholas Morgenstern, of Morgensterns Finest Ice Cream on the Lower East Side. Its not just a food; its a feeling. But actually running an ice-cream shop? Thats a business. Its not what you think it is, Morgenstern adds. If anyone has a fantasy about it, theyre not aware of what it takes to do it.

For customers, ice cream is a transportive experience, an indulgence, a budget escape. For operators, running a New York ice-cream shop is a cutthroat, low-margin food business where vanilla costs $400 a gallon, rent is skyrocketing, and half your business disappears when the weather gets cold. In other words, loving ice cream isnt enough to make a go of it in the ice-cream business. It requires a very different set of skills to run a solvent business where the only product costs $5 and easily melts into nothing. In addition to the general New York City small-business problems  finding a space to lease, turning enough profit on waffle cones and sundaes to pay the rent  there are also ice-cream-specific challenges, issues you dont necessarily anticipate, until youre tasked with making sure 300 gallons of ice cream dont melt.

If I ever have a little block of time out of work, Mason says, Im going to freezer school. If a freezer conks out  and it happened once to Mason, which was one time too many  its like starting a brand-new ice-cream shop. Now, he says, ice-cream-store business lesson No. 1 is dont skimp on freezers. Thats where you invest, Mason explains. In the next year, OddFellows  which currently runs two full-time locations  is planning to open a larger production facility, for which theyll spend more than six figures on walk-in freezers. And we have not even touched on the high-stakes drama that is transporting ice cream in a van. Its a ticking time bomb, says David Yoo, of Daveys Ice Cream. You have an hour. (To talk to ice-cream people is to find yourself exceedingly concerned with the logistics of temperature control.)

If anyone has a fantasy about it, theyre not aware of what it takes to do it.  Nicholas Morgenstern

Freezers aside, the ice-cold reality of the ice-cream biz is this: In order to succeed, you have to make and sell truly staggering amounts of the stuff. On a really nice weekend day in June  80 degrees, no humidity, nice breeze  Yoo will serve 2,000 customers across all the shops (with about a 50:50 cup-to-cone order ratio). At his LES shop, Morgenstern serves between 1,000 and 1,500 people each day. During peak season, OddFellows goes through ten pounds of sprinkles per day, 100 gallons of ice cream, and 400 homemade waffle cones, which can go bad within the hour if its humid enough. (Wed rather run out of waffle cones in a day than have them sit overnight and spoil and get soft, Mohan Kumar says.)

Of course, selling a lot of ice cream means making a lot of ice cream (Yoo: A lot. A loooooot.), which can be difficult to do in a 600-square-foot space. As such, Daveys, OddFellows, and Morgensterns are all in the process of expanding their footprints. Were at the point where were having production issues because theres just too much going on, says Yoo, who is moving production for Daveys out of his East Village flagship to a bigger space in Greenpoint. (Mason and Morgenstern, meanwhile, are both looking for spaces.)

Once you figure out where to make (and store) that ice cream, youre presented with what might be the great schism of the ice-cream-shop business: How often do you update the menu? Some owners subscribe to the theory that you can swap out flavors as often as you like: Sell out of one, swap in a new one! Do it multiple times a day, even! Others try to keep things consistent, on the principled belief that if a customer has made an actual trip for your green-tea-pistachio, they should be able to get it. (The world, after all, has enough uncertainty as it is.)

Daveys keeps eight to ten classics on the menu  cookies and cream (I make it legit), French vanilla, strong coffee  plus a rotating cast of seasonal flavors. Yoo also has notebooks full of white-whale recipes (so many freakin recipes), ideas hes chasing but hasnt figured out how to make work because theyre too expensive, too laborious, or too complicated. Those flavors include brunch ice cream with French toast and coffee-glazed bacon, as well as ultrababka, which requires custom-made babkas. Not, to be clear, that hes giving up on any of it. Its all like a game to me, Yoo says. I really want to figure out how we can do it.

At OddFellows, which has a roster of more than 300 flavors (We lost count after 200, Kumar says, but weve definitely made at least 100 since then.), the menu is constantly in flux, as ice creams run out and are replaced by different ice creams  chorizo-caramel swirl, prosciutto and melon, lemon-meringue pie. You kind of throw something out there, and then all of a sudden, its gone, Kumar says. (Anything posted to the shops Instagram account, which Kumar runs himself, goes even faster.) Weve never thrown away ice cream because it didnt sell.

At Morgensterns, the printed menu changes only once a year, and its always fraught with the potential for heartbreak. Invariably, Morgenstern says, we take away something that somebody loved. Right now, his team can do 50 flavors at a time  salt-and-pepper pine nut, vegan-coconut espresso, black-walnut fernet  and hes planning to double that to 100, or 80, just as soon as hes got the space to produce it.

Daveys, OddFellows, and Morgensterns represent a fraction of the citys ever-expanding roster of top-flight ice-cream shops (dont forget Ample Hills, Ice & Vice, Blue Marble, and Big Gay Ice Cream, to name an arbitrary handful). It might seem like the market is saturated  how much ice cream can one city eat? But demand isnt slowing down, even if the business itself is inherently inconsistent. In the depths of winter, the numbers can easily drop by half, or more. At Daveys, Yoo says, January traffic is maybe a quarter of what it is in peak season. Thats being devastatingly negative, but it feels like that.

In some ways, running a shop in a city with seasons can be a bit like running two shops: the high-volume summer version, and the slightly slower winter version. Yet some owners dont subscribe to the theory that you should adjust your business too much. I question it when I see a place thats closed on Sunday or something like that, Morgenstern says. You pay rent every day. You pay taxes every day. You should be open for business as much as you can be. He doesnt want to say its a public service, exactly, but if you want his legendary eggless Philadelphia-style ice cream at 9 a.m. in February, then, you know: He wants to be there for you.

So, its kind of a headache to run an ice-cream shop. But make no mistake, for the people who do it, they really are living the dream  the high-stakes, high-stress, incredibly labor-intensive dream. Im all in, says Yoo, as though the smiling-cone tattoo on his forearm didnt make that abundantly clear. And, the more you talk to successful people in the ice-cream business, the more you realize this isnt so much a job as much as a calling. You dont choose ice cream; ice cream chooses you. Its just my thing. I dont know, Morgenstern says, when I ask him what draws him to devote his life to the stuff. Like, he adds, why music for Bon Jovi?
Sony will release the Xperia XZ Premium in Canada soon. The device is already on sale in the US, where it's even received a $100 price cut recently. It will be out up north either on August 15, or in September. Two different reports came out on the matter today, and they don't agree on much. What is clear is that Amazon will be offering the unlocked model, and that we'll have to wait until it becomes available in order to find out how much it will cost.

Given that its current price in the US, in unlocked form, is $699.99, that means it could go for CAD 899 - or even CAD 999 if we take into account that the recommended retail pricing for the US is $799.

Another issue the two sources linked below don't agree with is whether the XZ Premium's fingerprint sensor will be disabled in Canada like it is in the US. As you may know already, Sony phones sold in the US have had their scanners disabled so far due to some mysterious contractual obligations pertaining to side-mounted biometrics. And since so far all Sony handsets have had their fingerprint sensors embedded in the power button, that means every single model the company has offered in the US with this feature has had it disabled. Will the same happen in Canada? Maybe. We'll have to wait and see.

Source 1 | Source 2
ELKO  Nevadas freshman Democratic U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto will give the keynote speech at the Aug. 26, Roosevelt/Kennedy fundraising dinner hosted by the Elko County Democratic Central Committee.

Cortez Masto, the first Latina elected to the U.S. Senate, joins speakers West Wendover Mayor Daniel Corona, the youngest person in Nevada to be elected mayor; and William McCurdy, the first African American chair of the state Democratic Party, from 5-8 p.m. at the Elko Convention Center.

The new ECDCC, reinvigorated during the 2016 presidential campaign, is hosting the dinner following the quarterly meeting of the Nevada State Democratic Central Committee.

We are honored to have Senator Cortez Masto as our guest, said Steve Anderson, chair of the ECDCC. We appreciate her willingness to interact with citizens in Elko and look forward to hearing her thoughts on national politics and the impacts on rural Nevada.

Dinner tickets are $65 per person with a discounted cost of $500 for the purchase of a table seating eight people. Tickets can be purchased at the Elko Convention Center, by emailing ElkoDems@gmail.com, or by calling Mike Smith at 775-530-0165.

A no-host bar opening to the public at 5 p.m. will precede the 6 p.m. dinner catered by the Star Hotels Basque restaurant. A local Basque dance troop will dance during the event.

Cortez Masto serves on six Senate committees: Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Energy and Natural Resources; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Rules and Administration; Indian Affairs; and the Special Committee on Aging.

For information about the dinner, local Democratic events, and the ECDCCs mission, visit www.elkodems.org, email ElkoDems@gmail.com, or find them on Facebook/elkocountydems or Twitter @ElkoCountyDems.

Local Democrats meet the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital classroom adjacent to the hospitals cafeteria.
ELKO A fight that started when someone threatened the driver of a vehicle resulted in one of the combatants being taken to the hospital Wednesday night.

Officers were alerted to a subject dragging another onto the roadway near the Peace Park and upon police arrival, one 23-year-old male was on the ground in the roadway and a second 24-year-old male exited from the passenger side of a stopped, nearby vehicle.

The man on the ground was reported to be intoxicated, while the second claimed to have been attempting to help him.

The man on the ground had blood on his clothing but no apparent bleeding injuries. Officers searched the park and located a third male, 56, who appeared to have multiple injuries from skin penetration and blunt force trauma.

The man from the car fled from the scene while medical treatment was being given. It was later learned that he had entered the car uninvited and demanded the driver give him a ride. The man claimed to have a knife, but did not display a knife while making the threat.

It is believed the three men were talking with each other when a fight began. A large glass bottle was broken during the fight and used in the battery on the older male. Police did not know if the penetrating injuries were from the glass bottle or other instrument. He was transported to Utah for treatment.

Police said all of the people have been identified and are current Elko residents. The investigation continues and upon completion will be forwarded to the Elko District Attorneys Office for charging.




Haiti - Social : 53 illegal Haitian migrants arrested in Providenciales





On Tuesday, a boat of illegal migrants with 53 Haitian nationals on board was intercepted in the West Caicos region.



The interception of this vessel, a 35-foot sloop, was carried out in cooperation with several agencies, including: the US Coast Guard, the Turks and Caicos Islands Coastal Radar Station and the Royal Police Marine Unit.



At 4h11 pm the sloop docked in Providenciales, where Haitian illegal migrants were arrested by immigration officials and other Task Force officials. The police confirmed that the boat carried 16 women and 37 men, indicating that the 53 migrants were currently detained and being processed for their repatriation to Haiti.



The Minister of Border Control said that illegal migration threatened the life and livelihoods of the people of the islands of the archipelago and that those engaged in trafficking in human beings would be prosecuted with all the severity of the law. He advises all persons to strictly observe the immigration laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands, because anyone found in violation will be dealt accordingly.



See also :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-21416-icihaiti-security-rescue-of-6-haitians-off-the-turks-and-caicos-islands.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20851-haiti-social-the-body-of-15-shipwrecked-repatriated-to-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-17980-haiti-security-13-haitian-migrants-rescued-at-sea.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-17508-haiti-social-the-turks-and-caicos-are-fighting-against-illegal-haitian-migrants.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-17006-icihaiti-social-54-haitians-intercepted-off-the-coast-of-providenciales.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-14968-icihaiti-migration-mhave-seeks-a-solution-with-the-turks-and-caicos-islands.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-14578-icihaiti-social-99-haitian-boat-people-intercepted-off-providenciales.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-13089-haiti-social-risk-his-life-at-sea-migrants-testify-video.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-10902-haiti-social-84-haitian-migrants-intercepted-off-the-coast-of-tcis.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-8904-haiti-social-hunting-smugglers-in-turks-and-caicos.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-8354-haiti-social-168-haitian-poeple-boat-intercepted-in-turks-and-caicos.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-7380-haiti-social-127-boat-people-intercepted-off-the-turks-caicos.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politics : The State contributes to the work of Delmas





Wednesday, at the invitation of the Mayor of Delmas, Wilson Jeudy, the President Jovenel Moise, visited certain construction sites in the commune, notably in the neighborhoods of Delmas 75, Siloe and Delmas 33. He took the opportunity to inquire about the needs of the municipal administration in order to accelerate the construction of road infrastructures to improve the living environment and facilitate the movement of the population.



In the presence of the Minister of Public Works, Engineer Fritz Caillot and Delmas Deputy, Gary Bodeau, the Head of State renewed his promises to the Mayor of Delmas to support his efforts to disenclave and interconnect his commune. To this end, he will bring the contribution of the State by providing to the municipal administration, asphalt required to complete the construction of the sections in the framework of development of a synergy between all the powers of the State, with a view to creating a favorable environment for the development of the country.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : 410 Haitians arrested in the Espaillat Province, 109 deported to Haiti





Following the migratory control operations carried out this week in the province of Santiago Rodrigez (North-West) where 510 Haitians were arrested and 182 deported to Haiti https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21766-haiti-flash-vast-operation-against-haitians-in-dr-510-arrests.html , the Directorate General of Migration (DGM), following intelligence information on Wednesday, carried out a new and important operation including a staff of 104 men, including inspectors, DGM agents and support from the Dominican Army, in various localities of the 8 communes of the province of Espaillat (North) where 410 Haitians were arrested for control purposes.



After a process of identification and verification, 109 Haitian nationals (93 men and 16 women) who had no documents in good standing were deported to Haiti by the Dajabon border crossing.



In a statement, the DGM reiterated its appeal to citizens of different nationalities who are with an expired migratory status to regularize and those deprived of documentation to return to their country in order to avoid expulsion. The DMG recalls that control operations will continue in other provinces of the national territory to identify and deport all undocumented aliens without proper papers, who violate the provisions of the law.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















First section of Interstate 11 to open in Nevada

HENDERSON (AP)  The Nevada Department of Transportation has announced the first section of Interstate 11 will open next week.

The southbound section will open on Tuesday, running more than 2 miles between Railroad Pass hotel and U.S. Highway 95.

Opening up the small segment marks a step toward completing the first leg of an international trade route that is expected to ease cross-border trade from the Mexico border to Canada by running through Arizona, Nevada and Idaho.

Department spokesman Tony Illia says drivers heading south on U.S. Highway 93 will be directed onto southbound I-11s concrete lanes near the casino in Henderson. Vehicles then will get to use a new 600-foot-long flyover bridge that connects I-11 with the overlapping U.S. highways 93 and 95.

Former Reno city workers file sex harassment suit

RENO (AP)  Two women whose complaints helped lead to the termination of former Reno City Manager Andrew Clinger last year have filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against city.

The lawsuit filed in federal court on Aug. 1 reveal for the first time the names of the women who came forward with allegations Clinger had created a sexually hostile workplace and then retaliated against them for complaining about it.

Deanna Gescheider, the citys former communications director, and Maureen McKissick, former assistant to the city manager, both resigned from the city late last year.

Reno City Attorney Karl Hall told the Reno Gazette-Journal the allegations in the lawsuit are without merit. Hes vowing to defend the city but says he will assign the case to the deputy city attorney.

Petition seeks to recall state Sen. Joyce Woodhouse

LAS VEGAS (AP)  A former Nevada Republican Assemblyman is part of a petition seeking to recall Democrat state Sen. Joyce Woodhouse.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports Stephen Silberkraus, his wife Chelyn Sawyer and a Henderson resident filed a recall petition with the Nevada secretary of states office on Aug. 2. Under Nevada law, petitioners do not need to specify their reason for submitting a recall petition.

Silberkraus did not respond to requests seeking comment on Wednesday.

The petition needs to garner signatures from 25 percent of the voters who cast a ballot in the Senate District 5 in 2016 to push for a special election.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Ford denounces the effort in a statement from the Democratic caucus calling it a pitiful attempt to subvert the will of voters.

City pays $50K in false drugging claim

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  A Utah city has paid $50,000 to settle with a Subway worker who was wrongly accused of drugging a police officers drink in a case that made national headlines, its attorney said Thursday.

The out-of-court settlement came after police in Layton, Utah, cleared the then 18-year-old worker who was arrested when a police officer reported feeling impaired shortly after taking a sip of the lemonade in August 2016.

Layton City Attorney Gary Crane released the settlement amount in response to a public records request from The Associated Press and other media outlets. The response came a day after the owners of the Subway shop sued the city, saying they lost thousands of dollars in business.

Worker Tanis Ukena had originally sought $250,000, according to an early settlement proposal saying police had done lifelong damage to the young Eagle Scout.

Ukena agreed to the settlement so he could focus 100 percent on the Mormon mission hes now serving, said his lawyer Randy Richards. Layton officials apologized to him for getting him wrapped up in the case and acknowledged he didnt do anything wrong.
Woolworths employee Berhane Ghebreigziabiher Berhane has been awarded more than $230,000 in damages after the Court of Appeal in Brisbane found warehouse demands had aggravated a shoulder injury.



The 54-year-old migrant from Africa worked at the Woolworths distribution centre in Larapinta between September 2010 and June 2011.



The appeal judge found Woolworths' demands on its Queensland distribution centre workers violated safety laws and aggravated the onset of a shoulder injury.



Berhanes job involved lifting cartons weighing up to 17 kilograms onto pallets, an action he would perform 1600 times on a normal day and up to 2160 times.



"The system of work involved frequent lifting away from the body of weights in excess of recommendations of the Worksafe Victoria Guide to Manual Order Picking," said Court of Appeal Justice Phillip Morrison in his ruling.



Berhane worked in a chiller room where the temperature dropped to below zero and he was given one 10-minute and one 30-minute break during an eight-hour shift.



Workers at the centre were required to meet performance targets, and Berhane was concerned about being sent home from his shifts early or losing his job if he did not meet expectations.



"Because of Mr Berhane's concern about the system and his job security, it was likely he took shortcuts such as leaning across a pallet rather than walking around it, or carrying more than one item. Other workers did exactly that," said Justice Morrison.



Less than 12 months after starting at the Larapinta distribution centre, Berhane was diagnosed with subacromial bursitis and impingement of the left shoulder, which his doctor found was caused by constant heavy lifting.



However, the court was told Berhane already had a shoulder condition when he started the job and would not have been injured were it not for that condition. He now suffers from ongoing pain.



Woolworths submitted they had no duty of care because of Berhane's pre-existing condition.



But the judge found policies and practices were not followed at the warehouse, which meant "pickers were allowed, or required, to reach, holding significant weights away from the body, in breach of Woolworths' own training instructions, standards and guidelines," Justice Morrison said.



HRD contacted Woolworths for comment and a spokesperson said the safety of our team members is critically important and we remain committed to providing a safe workplace.



We achieve this through training and a range of policies and processes to improve workplace safety standards, said the spokesperson.



We are continuously looking to how we can improve our performance and are currently reviewing the Court's decision.



Berhane was represented by Shine Lawyers who said the case had been closely watched in the supermarket industry and would set a precedent for workers who were injured on the job.



Shine Lawyers general manager Peter Gibson added that a negligent work system encouraged employees to work harder and faster  where some were frequently sent home if their rating was less than the others.



"It has confirmed a key point of law which clarifies an employer's duty to protect their employees, particularly when repetitive, high-intensity work is involved," he said.




(HedgeCo.Net) The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged four former Atlanta-area brokers with fraudulently inducing federal employees to roll over holdings from their federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement accounts into higher-fee, variable annuity products.

The SECs enforcement action comes at a time when the agency has been focusing more specifically on brokers and advisers interactions with senior investors, and others investing for retirement, through the ReTIRE initiative of the agencys national exam program and the work of the Broker-Dealer Task Force in its Enforcement Division.

The SECs complaint charges an entity called Federal Employee Benefits Counselors through which the brokers targeted federal employees nearing retirement with sizable funds invested in the TSP. The complaint alleges that the brokers misled investors concerning significant details about the recommended variable annuity investment, including the associated fees and guaranteed investment returns. The brokers allegedly fostered the misleading impression that they were in some way affiliated with or approved by the federal government. In some instances, investors were led to believe that their funds would be invested in a product that was offered, vetted, or specifically selected by the TSP. According to the SECs complaint, the brokers sent investors incomplete or modified transaction forms as well as written materials they devised that obscured that the investment was a privately issued variable annuity with no connection to the TSP and would be processed through a private brokerage firm with which the brokers were associated. The brokers sold approximately 200 variable annuities with a total face value of approximately $40 million to federal employees, who used monies rolled over from their TSP accounts to fund their purchases. The brokers collectively earned approximately $1.7 million in commissions on these sales.

As alleged in our complaint, these brokers were motivated by the prospects of higher commissions as they targeted federal employees age 59 and over and intentionally obscured important details when recommending variable annuity purchases. They even allegedly excluded the words variable annuity from some materials they shared with TSP account holders, said Aaron W. Lipson, Associate Director of the SECs Atlanta Regional Office.

The SEC today issued an investor alert stressing that the TSP will never contact federal employees asking them to provide sensitive personal information and does not authorize third parties to provide counseling or investment-related services.

Be skeptical if someone offers you an investment opportunity and claims to be affiliated with the federal government, said Lori Schock, Director of the SECs Office of Investor Education and Advocacy.
(The Business Insider) A $14.4 billion macro hedge fund is having a tough year  but still raising money.

Graham Capital Management is in the red for 13 of 14 strategies listed in a July client letter reviewed by Business Insider, despite a better month in July for many of the funds. Graham, which is based in Rowayton, Connecticut in a Tudor-style mansion, runs discretionary and systematic macro strategies.

The firms flagship Tactical Trend strategy, a quantitative fund which manages about $5 billion, is down -2.3% after fees this year through July. Two of its other large funds, which separately manage several billion dollars each, are also in the red.

To read this article:
(Reuters) Hedge fund firm Pine River Capital Managements flagship fund has lost about 68 percent of its assets in the 12 months to July, according to data compiled by HSBC. Assets in the multi-strategy fund dropped from $2.99 billion in July 2016 to $960 million in July 2017, the data showed.

Minnetonka, Minnesota-headquartered Pine River, which also has offices in New York, London, Hong Kong and Luxembourg, has hit hard times in recent years, shedding partners, assets and funds.

To read this article:
A pair of sex abuse cases from Elko County demonstrates what a sham mandatory minimum sentences are, especially in light of the continuing national debate over U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions decision to use these one-size-fits-all punishments more frequently.

In November 2009, a jury found 34-year-old Michelle Taylor guilty of lewdness with a minor under 14. Ms. Taylor, drunk at the time, had forced her friends 13-year-old son to touch her breast. She also told the boy to have sex with her. Nothing more happened, but it might have had the boys younger brother not walked in on them.

When she was formally charged Ms. Taylor was disgusted with herself, embarrassed, and deeply remorseful for what shed put her victim through. She knew she had screwed up and was going to have to pay for her offense.

Unfortunately for Ms. Taylor, two years before she was charged, the Nevada legislature amended the states lewdness statute by imposing a mandatory life sentence for all offenders. So on April 15, 2010, Michelle Taylors judges only option was to sentence her to life in prison with parole eligibility in 10 years.

Ms. Taylors attorney pointed out that her sentence would have been lower if she had murdered the boy. Even the district attorney who prosecuted Ms. Taylor confessed he thought the legislature had been wrong. I dont agree that the Nevada  legislature should have made this a mandatory sentence, he said. I think its dumb. But they didnt ask me about that.

Sen. Bill Raggio, who helped draft the law, told a reporter who asked about Ms. Taylors sentence, You know, you draft the law because of the more serious cases, and you cant always foresee that something maybe far less could come under that condition.

The late senator was right. The inability to foresee all future cases  and the unique circumstances and facts that might arise  is one of the biggest problems with mandatory minimum sentencing laws. Proponents of the laws, usually prosecutors, argue that any shortcomings are outweighed by the laws benefits, including their ability to ensure that everyone who commits the same crime gets the same punishment.

But is that true?

Nearly seven years after Michelle Taylor was sentenced to life in prison, Ristina Slack, 40, was charged with the exact same crime  in the exact same place, Elko County. The crime was the same, but the facts were not identical. (They never are.)

Ms. Taylors crime took place over a couple of hours while she was intoxicated. Ms. Slack seduced her young victim, who had previously dated her daughter, over a period of months. Whereas Ms. Taylor demanded but did not actually have sex with her young victim, Ms. Slack engaged in various sex acts with hers. She also made him take nude pictures of her.

There is an even bigger difference in these two cases. While Michelle Taylor was sentenced to life in prison, Ristina Slack was sentenced to less than 80 days in jail.

How did it happen? Ms. Slacks prosecutor offered her a plea deal, which she accepted. The deal eliminated the mandatory minimum. Ms. Taylor was not offered a deal by her prosecutor, a fact that bothered her judge when he was forced to impose a life sentence.

Mandatory minimums, these cases show, are not really mandatory; they simply give prosecutors the power to decide who is going to get a lengthy sentence.

There was relatively little controversy over Ms. Slacks 80-day jail sentence. Why? Perhaps it was because a psychological evaluation revealed that, if the state really wanted to prevent her from re-offending, treatment was going to be more effective than prison. Or maybe because Ms. Slack will never truly be free again; she was required to register as a sex offender for the rest of her life. Is this enough punishment? Reasonable people can disagree.

On the other hand, Michelle Taylor has already served eight years in state prison and has decades more to go, unless she is granted parole or clemency. She has completed various life skills and vocational programs while incarcerated and presents minimal to no risk to reoffend if released. So why should Nevadas taxpayers be forced to spend nearly $1 million to keep her behind bars for the rest of her life?

Mandatory minimums do not always fit the crime, as these cases make clear. Both of these women committed terrible crimes, but neither deserved a life sentence.
A Dublin man accused of IRA membership has been refused bail by the Special Criminal Court after gardai claimed concerns about the possibility of him interfering with witnesses was a "real concern".

Kevin Braney was arrested last week by gardai investigating the activities of dissident republicans.

Mr Braney, of Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght, is charged with membership of an unlawful organisation on August 2.

Objecting to the accused's bail application, Detective Inspector Nigel Mulready, of the Special Detective Unit (SDU), told prosecuting counsel Fiona Murphy that, if released, Mr Braney would be a flight risk.

Refusal

Another reason for objection, the court heard, was the detective's fear that the accused would interfere with witnesses.

The court also heard evidence from Detective Chief Superintendent Tom Maguire, who said that his objection was based on Section 2A of the Bail Act.

The section allows a Chief Superintendent to give evidence that the refusal of bail is necessary to prevent the commission of a serious offence.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, sitting with Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Gerard Haughton, said the court was satisfied that the possibility of Mr Braney interfering with prospective witnesses in the case was a "very live and real concern".

"On that ground alone," the judge said, "the court is disposed to refuse bail."

Referring to the Chief Superintendent's objection, Mr Justice Hunt said that, in this instance, possible interference with witnesses was also a "significant and real concern".

The judge said that the court had "no hesitation" in refusing bail.

Custody

Mr Braney was remanded in custody until October 5, when his case is again listed for mention.

Tony McGillicuddy, defending, asked if that appearance could be via video link from Portlaoise Prison, rather than in person.

Mr Justice Hunt said that, although a video link system had been put into the court, it was a "shambles", so the accused would have to appear in person.

Mr Braney's co-accused, Ciaran Maguire (29), also appeared in court yesterday, but made no bail application.

Mr Maguire, of Kippure Park, Finglas, faces the same charge as Mr Braney on the same date.

He was remanded in custody until August 31, when his case is listed for mention and a bail application is expected.
Aoibheann McMonagle celebrates being named Best Dressed Lady at the Dublin Horse Show

The capital experienced a fashion invasion on day two of the Dublin Horse Show yesterday, as punters from across the country made their annual pilgrimage to the RDS for Ladies' Day.

With four awards given out, the style stakes were higher than ever - and it was Aoibheann McMonagle from Falcarragh, Co Donegal, who won the coveted Best Dressed Lady prize.

The primary school teacher is no stranger to the equestrian shindig and is an annual attendee, having previously won the Most Colourful award in 2014.

"I've done a few Ladies' Days. I come every year, it's one of my favourite social events," she said.

"I'm absolutely shocked. I was standing on the outskirts there and then I heard my name being called out. Literally, my jaw dropped."

Elegance

Aoibheann wore a Marc Jacobs skirt, a white shirt from Karen Millen, a hat by Ashleigh Myles and shoes from Aldo. She walked away with a 10,000 voucher for Dundrum Town Centre.

Other winners included Martina O'Donovan, from Kinvara, Co Galway, for "Elegance Is An Attitude"; Everton Tadeu Da Silva, from Brazil, for Best Dressed Man; and Kaela Keegan, from Longford, for Most Creative Hat.

Enjoying her first trip here was former Miss World Australia Erin Holland.

"My family is from here so to come and see where they are from is very cool," she said.

"I am here until next Tuesday night and Tourism Ireland is taking us around Ireland on a bit of a journey. I know the Guinness Storehouse and the Powerscourt Hotel are both on the radar."

With Ladies' Day out of the way, all eyes are on today's Nations Cup for the Aga Khan Trophy.

Ireland has 23 previous wins, with the most recent in 2015. Mark McAuley, from Ardee, Co Louth, is hoping for another triumph this year.

"I've had a great year so far and this is the ultimate reward to be here and to be selected for the Aga Khan. For most of us Irish riders, it's the ultimate goal," he told the Herald.
Suspected Regency Hotel gunman Kevin 'Flat Cap' Murray, who died late on Wednesday night, is "highly unlikely" to receive a paramilitary funeral this weekend.

The criminal (46) gained his nickname after he was photographed running from the hotel wearing the distinctive hat, with a handgun in his hand, in the aftermath of the murder of key cartel figure David Byrne (33) in February 2016.

Murray, who stayed in the hotel the night before the murder, had been diagnosed with rapidly deteriorating - and terminal - motor neurone disease.

He died at 10.50pm on Wednesday at his home in Townsend Street in Strabane, Co Tyrone.

His funeral will take place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Strabane, at 10am on Saturday. Extra PSNI resources are expected to be deployed on the day.

Dissident

Last night, sources said that it is not expected that he will be afforded a paramilitary funeral by his former dissident republican associates.

Murray's pal Michael Barr (35), who was shot dead by the Kinahan cartel as part of the capital's deadly gangland feud, had such a funeral in Strabane in May of last year.

The PSNI arrested 15 men for terrorism offences at Barr's funeral, where the cortege was flanked by dozens of men in paramilitary uniform, with berets, sunglasses and covered faces.

"The feeling is that this will not happen at Murray's funeral," a source said last night. "The reason that he may not be honoured by the New IRA is because of his involvement in criminality and in particular the Hutch gang."

Murray was identified by gardai for his role in the Regency Hotel bloodbath just hours after he participated in the shocking gun attack, in which two other men were seriously injured.

It is thought he was not paid a single cent by the Hutch mob for his role in the murder.

He fled to his home in Northern Ireland, where the PSNI had to mount a number of special operations to protect him, because of fears that the Kinahan cartel would murder him.

As Murray's health continued to deteriorate, gardai in Dublin arrested a north inner city man in May of last year, charging him with Byrne's murder, as well as possessing three AK-47 assault rifles in connection with the fatal shooting.

This suspect had allegedly been disguised as a woman during the Regency Hotel shooting.

He will be tried at the non-jury Special Criminal Court. With Hutch arrested and charged, gardai continued to build a careful case against 'Flat Cap' and, by this time last year, they had enough evidence to charge him with murder.

Officers used facial recognition software to formally identify Murray.

A European Arrest Warrant was issued and Murray was lifted by armed PSNI officers at his Strabane home at 6pm on September 5, 2016.

He appeared at Belfast Recorder's Court the following day.

Extradition

A major legal battle ensued, as Murray indicated he would be fighting his extradition to the Republic on health grounds.

In fact at his first court appearance, he had to be helped into the dock by two police officers, as it was revealed that he was battling motor neurone disease.

Last December, it was estimated that he had only a few months to live.

His family was informed last week by doctors that there was nothing more that they could do.

A Northern Irish judge ruled in May of this year that he was too ill to stand trial in relation to the Regency murder.

A court heard that Murray was confined to his bed and was being fed through a tube.

The judge ruled that his rapidly deteriorating health meant he could not be extradited here to stand trial for murder.

Murray's lawyers had argued against his extradition on the grounds that he would be unlikely to stand trial given his condition.

Murray was part of a five-man hit team involved in the Regency Hotel attack, but may not have even fired a shot during the bloodbath.

He was the only gunman not disguised, with sources revealing that this may have been due to the fact that none of the Kinahan gang members knew his identity prior to the shooting.

After the shooting, gardai suspect Murray took the AK-47s used back across the border.
BRISTOL, Va.  A more than 30-hour manhunt ended Thursday night when a Bristol Virginia jail escapee was captured in the city.

Steven Andrew Thompson, 30, of Bristol, Virginia, was taken into custody after 9 p.m. in the 700 block of Wagner Road, according to Sgt. Steve Crawford of the Bristol Virginia Police Department.

Police received a call from the Ballpark Corner Market, located at the corner of Wagner Road and Randolph Street. The caller said Thompson may have been in the store.

Officers from multiple agencies responded to the market, where they learned someone who looked like Thompson had purchased chips, a drink and cigarettes. Crawford said officers reviewed video surveillance from the store and determined it was Thompson.

A K-9 was then used to follow a possible track. Crawford said officers located Thompson outside, along Wagner Road, a short time later.

He had nowhere to go, Crawford said.

Thompson had fled on foot from the city jail about 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday when deputies were attempting to serve new warrants that tied him to a recent string of daytime break-ins in Washington County, Virginia. Thompson had been arrested Tuesday by city police on charges of possession of ammunition by a felon and obstruction of justice. The new warrants would have also charged him with grand larceny and two counts of breaking and entering.

They brought him and sat him in the booking area on the bench, Bristol Virginia Sheriff Jack Weisenburger said. Were doing the paperwork on the warrants, and a GED tester [who] was here was finished and was leaving.

The woman went to the front door, which had to be opened by jail staff. Once the door was open, the woman turned around and began speaking to one of the deputies.

When she did that, the inmate got up from the bench and took off out the front door, Weisenburger said.

Three deputies were in the booking area, including one who had been escorting Thompson, the sheriff said.

When Thompson ran out the door, the deputies followed, pursuing him across Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Thompson then ran across the railroad tracks and through the rail yard. At that point, Weisenburger said, Thompson took off his jail-issued shirt. Officers lost sight of the man as he ran through the woods. They later found his pants along a creek in the area of Williams Street.

Police launched a large-scale manhunt that continued through the night. The Bristol Tennessee Police Department, Virginia State Police, Washington County Virginia Sheriffs Office and U.S. Marshals Service assisted in the search.

Weisenburger was reviewing the incident on Thursday, reading reports, speaking to the individuals in the booking area and viewing video surveillance. Weisenburger said he would be looking at the process to see what changes the department can make to prevent similar escapes from happening again.

He wouldnt necessarily have to have been cuffed as he came from population, Weisenburger said. But once he was placed in the booking area, he should have been secured, either to the front counter or to the bench where he was. And he wasnt.

Weisenburger said there could have been circumstances that led to the decision not to cuff the man. Inmates must move a bit in the booking area in order to be fingerprinted, visit the magistrate and have their charges read to them.

Generally, inmates [that] are brought into the booking area, while its a secure area of the jail, should be restrained, the sheriff said. When the front or back doors open, it no longer is secured.

Very few escapes have actually been reported over the years at the city jail. Weisenburger recalled a similar incident when an inmate escaped from the booking area. The inmate was brought up to the area, saw an attorney open the door and escaped from custody. In another incident, Weisenburger said two inmates escaped from the jails recreation yard.

Weisenburger said that upon completion of reviewing the escape, he will decide whether to discipline the staff members.

We use progressive discipline here, from a reprimand all the way up to a termination, Weisenburger said.

Crawford said Thompson was wearing black clothing and shoes when he was located Thursday night. Police were attempting to find out how he acquired the clothing.

Thompson is being held without bail at the Bristol Virginia Jail, where he faces a felony escape charge, as well as the previous charges from Bristol Virginia and Washington County.
NORTON, Va. -- A Norton, Virginia physician who specialized in urology has pled guilty to a federal drug distribution charge in federal court in Abingdon.

Felix Shepard, Jr., 56, pled guilty yesterday to one count of distributing oxycodone, a schedule II controlled substance.

According to evidence presented to the court, Shepard admitted to writing 47 prescriptions for oxycodone to a patient he was involved in a sexual relationship with.

Shepard admitted to the Virginia Board of Medicine that the narcotic prescriptions were written to the patient outside of a bona fide doctor-patient relationship.

Shepard continuously prescribed narcotic medications to the patient over an extended period without performing adequate physical examinations, evaluations, or diagnostic testing, for conditions that were outside the scope of his urological practice.

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for November 1 at 10:30 a.m. in U.S. District Court in Big Stone Gap.
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.
Major genealogy companies-including JewishGen-exhibited at the IAJGS conference held here in Orlando the last week of July. Avraham Groll, director of JewishGen, is shown at left (in white shirt), explaining the website to participants.

A beginner in the Jewish genealogy search, Jane Edelstein recently attended the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies conference held in Orlando. This is the first article in a series about her experience finding her roots.

You didn't know your great-grandparents, and even thinking about Europe at the turn-of-the-century doesn't really sound appealing to you. So why should you spend at least a little bit of time, and seek out your Jewish ancestry?

"Jewish genealogy is not a hobby-it's a mission," noted Avraham Groll, director of JewishGen-a free website that helps people find their Jewish ancestors. JewishGen (at jewishgen.com) lists more than 21 million records, a Family Finder tool, hundreds of yizkor books and lots of other research." Best of all, it's easy to use for both young and old-regardless of ones computer expertise.

"The site is designed to help Jews connect-on whatever level they want," Groll continued. "Regarding ancestors in Europe, it tells not only who they were, but also how they lived. It's about identity and continuity-not just about history."

Learning about ones ancestors doesn't necessarily require a lot of time. "Someone who has just a small amount of time can just register on the site, go to the Family Finder, and easily search for family ancestors by either surname or town," Groll explains. A user doesn't even need to know the correct spelling of a name: JewishGen uses various forms of technology that allows searches based on sounds and/or phonetics.

In addition to Family Finder, some of JewishGen's other most popular databases include the Gazetteer, a database of the names of all towns in 54 countries in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East; and a worldwide Burial Registry, with more then three million burial records from 6,800 cemeteries.

Groll spoke to a group of some 50 people at the recent annual conference of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies. Overall, the conference drew hundreds of people-including many professional genealogists-to the conference at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort. Indeed, JewishGen was one of some 10 sponsors of the conference. Also present were the leading names in genealogical research: Ancestry, Family Search, Find my Past and My Heritage (headquartered in Israel).

More information on JewishGen may be found at jewishgen.com. More information on the local chapter of IAJGS may be found at jgsgo.org.
Do you remember?...

The following (in part) was sent to my editor from LAURENCE MORRELL and was passed on to me. (The original author is unknown).

Growing up Jewish...

If you are Jewish, and grew up in a city with a large Jewish population, the following will invoke heartfelt memories.

(I grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y. with a super large Jewish population!)

The Yiddish word for today is PULKES (PUHL-kees). Translation: THIGHS. Please note: this word has been traced back to the language of one of the original Tribes of Israel, the Cellulites.

The only good advice that your Jewish mother gave you was: "Go! You might meet somebody!"

You grew up thinking it was normal for someone to shout "Are you okay?" through the bathroom door when you were in there longer than 3 minutes.

(I still do this!)

Your family dog responded to commands in Yiddish.

(My family dog just doesn't respond to any commands that don't come from her deceased "Daddy" Irv.)

Every Sunday afternoon was spent visiting your grandparents and/or other relatives.

(We ate Chinese food on Sundays!)

You experienced the phenomenon of 50 people fitting into a 10-foot-wide dining room hitting each other with plastic plates trying to get to a deli tray.

You had at least one female relative who penciled on eyebrows, which were always asymmetrical.

You never knew anyone whose last name didn't end in one of 5 standard suffixes (berg, baum, man, stein and witz).

(Until I met my Irving Yousha...a Sephardic Jew!)

You can look at gefilte fish and not turn green.

When your mother smacked you really hard, she continued to make you feel bad for hurting her hand.

You can understand Yiddish but you can't speak it.

You know how to pronounce numerous Yiddish words and use them correctly in context, yet you don't know exactly what they mean.

(Kaynahurra.)

You thought speaking loud was normal.

You considered your bar or bat mitzvah a "Get out of Hebrew School Free" card.

You think eating half a jar of dill pickles is a wholesome snack.

You're compelled to mention your grandmother's "steel cannonballs" upon seeing fluffy matzo balls served at restaurants.

Your mother or grandmother took personal pride when a Jew was noted for some accomplishment (showbiz, medicine, politics, etc.) and was ashamed and embarrassed when a Jew was accused of a crime as if they were relatives.

You thought only non-Jews went to sleep-away colleges. Jews went to city schools... unless they had scholarships or made an Ivy League school.

And finally, you knew that Sunday night and the night after any Jewish holiday was designated for Chinese food.

(See? I told you so!) Zei gezunt!!

A super talent...

This was sent to NANCY LUDIN from SONJA MARCHESANO, vice president of the Orlando Jazz Society, and forwarded on to me to pass along to you:

"Put on your dancing shoes or sit back and relax and enjoy the music. The Orlando Jazz Society will be kicking off their 2017-18 season on Sunday, Aug. 27th with a dinner dance at Dubsdread Country Club from 4-7 p.m.

The festivities include a buffet supper, a cash bar and prizes galore. The couvert is $45.

DAVY JONES on trumpet, and his fabulous band will bedazzle participants with their wonderful talent and ability to improvise. Proceeds of the event benefit the Central Florida Jazz Society Scholarship Fund."

JCC39ers last minute program change...

Because of some discrepancy, the program originally planned for the recent JCC 39ers meeting was changed. Instead, SHELDON BROOK showed another of his wonderful videos. This one was titled "Broadway Musicals, A Jewish Legacy" and was quite entertaining.

(I felt tears form in my eyes when the video covered musical genius, George Gershwin, his super talent and his early death from a brain tumor. Songs of today can't compare!)

Wow Wednesdays...

On Aug. 23rd, the JCC 39ers will present "Pillars of the Past," an in-depth look at many of our earliest leaders from the patriarchs and matriarchs with Rabbi MICHOEL RENNERT. Lunch is included.

RSVP to ROBIN MERKEL at register@orlandojcc.org by the Monday before.

Shout out...

I've written about her before but, because she is so proficient and pleasant, she is worthy of many mentions! I'm talking about CHELSEA HOSTETLER, a waitress at the Perkins Restaurant on University (near Forsythe Road) in Winter Park. Three cheers for you Chelsea! You are the BEST!!

One for the road...

Max was talking to Louie. "Did you know that I'm one of 18 children?"

Louie said, "No, I didn't. Why do you think your parents had so many children?"

Max replies, "The problem was that my mom was hard of hearing. When mom and dad went to bed each night, dad would ask, "Do you want to go to sleep, or what?"

And mom would say, "What?"
Pyotr Tchaikovsky's works include six symphonies and three piano concertos, only two of which are finished, a violin concerto and 11 operas.

LOS ANGELES (JTA)  While researching his latest one-man show, "Our Great Tchaikovsky," Hershey Felder-a playwright, actor and composer who has brought the loves, torments and soaring music of some of the world's greatest composers to the stage-faced a moral question.

Does towering talent exculpate a composer, or any artist, for a racist or anti-Semitic remark, even at a time and place where such comments were commonplace?

The answer isn't simple.

"This is a very complicated matter," Felder, 49, who was raised in a Yiddish-speaking home in Canada, told JTA in a phone interview.

In a letter written in 1878, Pyotr (Peter) Ilyish Tchaikovsky wrote that when his train stopped at a Russian railroad station, he noticed "a mass of dirty Yids, with that poisoning of the atmosphere which accompanies them everywhere."

"Tchaikovsky was a man of the 19th century, when the intelligentsia in Russia and other European countries was anti-Semitic almost by reflex," said Felder, whose father survived Auschwitz.

By way of analogy, Felder noted that George Gershwin, living in New York and Los Angeles, commonly referred to his 1925 one-act jazz opera "Blue Moon," the predecessor to "Porgy and Bess," as his "nigger opera."

Although considered extremely offensive now, in the 1920s and '30s-when Al Jolson regularly performed in blackface-such an appellation, while certainly derogatory, hadn't become what journalist Farai Chideya has called "the nuclear bomb of racial epithets," at least among most white Americans.

"Porgy and Bess" premiered in New York in 1935 with an all-black cast, and is still embraced by many African-American performers. Did Gershwin's use of the epithet mean that he was racist? Felder asked.

Answering his own question, he said, "We can't correct or apologize for history, and I don't feel that I have to go into that aspect [of Tchaikovsky's life] in my stage presentation."

Also, Felder added, Tchaikovsky's putdown of "Yids" was countered by his actions. He provided a scholarship from his own pocket for the young Jewish violinist Samuli Litvinov; he maintained a deep friendship with composer-conductors Anton and Nikolai Rubenstein; and he defended Felix Mendelssohn against Richard Wagner's anti-Semitic slurs.

What Tchaikovsky feared most was that he would be outed as a homosexual, Felder said, which would have ruined him and led to likely exile in Siberia. To scotch rumors, Tchaikovsky married-an idea that would prove disastrous. The union lasted less than three months and the ex-spouse would extort blackmail payments for a lifetime.

The composer's struggle with his homosexuality-compounded by his fear of exposure-is a central motif through Felder's performance. While Felder uses a Russian-inflected accent while speaking as Tchaikovsky, he reverts to his own voice and accent when denouncing the discrimination and persecution suffered by gay men in Russia, then as now.

The same struggle also is reflected in Tchaikovsky's music, Felder said, nowhere more clearly than in his Sixth Symphony, the "Pathetique." The composer conducted its premier performance in St. Petersburg in 1893, and he died suddenly nine days later at 53.

Initially, his death was attributed to cholera, but a widespread belief persists that Tchaikovsky committed suicide.

As for Felder, he has steadily added to his repertoire of one-man musical bio-dramas over the past 22 years. His productions have celebrated the lives and works of classical giants Ludwig van Beethoven, Frederic Chopin and Franz Liszt, as well as more contemporary (and Jewish) composers Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Leonard Bernstein.

In "Our Great Tchaikovsky," audiences get a generous sampling of the Russian master's work, from such favorites as the "1812 Overture," selections from "The Nutcracker" and "Swan Lake," to the little-known "Jurisprudence March."

Hershey Felder as Pyotr Tchaikovsky in his latest show, "Our Great Tchaikovsky."

Not all reviews of Felder's presentations have been ecstatic, but the large majority have been highly laudatory-especially compared to the sharp criticism that many of Tchaikovsky's works received in his lifetime.

The current run of "Tchaikovsky" was extended for a third week, to Aug. 13, even before the July 19 opening at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. The show will move to the Hartford Stage in that Connecticut city, Aug. 19-27.

In late September and early October, Felder will return to London for overlapping runs as Berlin and Bernstein at the Other Palace, a theater in the West End. After that, Felder said he will select one final composer, not yet chosen, as the final entry in his lineup of one-man concert plays.

He then expects to concentrate on creating his own compositions, which currently include the "Aliyah" concerto, the opera "Noah's Ark" and a recording of love songs from the Yiddish theater.
Written by his daughter, Marion Cohen Schwartz

Frederick (Freddy) Cohen passed away on May 18, 2017, at 90 years of age, in Altamonte Springs, Florida. He was born on Jan. 11, 1927, in the Bronx, New York, to David and Sophie (Brand) Cohen. In 1948, he moved to Orlando where he met and married Shirley (Rand) Cohen (deceased, 1986). Together they had two children, Marion Cohen Schwartz and Jerry Alan Cohen (deceased, 1998) and working together for many years, they opened Great South Supply Company, a wholesale plumbing and heating supply business. In the late 1980s, after selling their business, he began his second professional career as a Licensed Real Estate Broker, developing and managing real estate properties in central Florida, until just prior to his passing.

Rabbi Joshua Neely officiated and he was laid to rest on May 19, 2017, at Temple Israel Cemetery. Honored pallbearers were: David Strober, Zachary Schwartz, Marissa Crasnow, Kevin Cohen, Steven Cohen, and Mark Wright. Eulogies were offered by Dr. Malcolm Schwartz and Hope Cohen Barnett.

Frederick is survived by his daughter, Marion Cohen Schwartz, and her husband, Dr. Malcolm Schwartz, and he was the doting grandfather to three grandchildren whom he loved and cherished dearly: David Lawrence Strober (Dr. Lauren Foran), Zachary Adam Schwartz, and Dr. Sari Rachel Schwartz.

Frederick is also survived by his wife, Fayge Siskind Crasnow Cohen and her children: Neil Crasnow (Dr. Susan Druckman), Robyn Pringle (Hale), Abbie Katz (Frank Crasnow, deceased). He enjoyed their 10 grandchildren, who affectionately called him Pop-Pop. He was predeceased by his brother, Leonard Cohen, and is survived by his sister, Phyllis Mendelwager, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and an abundance of close friends. He is also survived by his special daughters-of-the-heart Barbara Greenfield and Katie Hollerman.

Frederick was in World War II (United States Army Air Force), where he was assigned as an assistant to the rabbi/chaplain. He was the rabbis driver and administrative assistant. One of his most rewarding experiences was up righting tombstones desecrated during the war. Recently he enjoyed his trip to Washington, D.C., where he participated in the Honor Flight from Central Florida. He attended the City College of New York prior to joining the Army. He was an inventor, with many technical patents to his name. He enjoyed the distinction of being a thirty-second-degree Mason and Shriner. He was also proud and delighted to become a bar mitzvah at the age of 56.

Frederick was a technological whiz, a voracious reader and enjoyed history. Some of his hobbies, which he shared with his grandchildren, included fishing, traveling, telling jokes and playing cards. One of his special passions was his love and respect for nature and horticulture. He propagated and raised roses, bromeliads, orchids and violets. Fred provided specimen violets for the clubhouse in his community, and also revived failing plants of friends. The specimen plants he shared were enjoyed by all. Fred was a wonderful teacher and readily shared his vast knowledge and expertise.

Frederick deeply cared about people and never had an unkind word to say. He was respectful and exhibited a special kindness to all who knew him. This past January, he reveled at his 90th birthday party, surrounded by his family and dear friends from near and far. He will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and dear friend. Freddy is missed by all and will always be remembered as a gentleman and a gentle man.

Donations in Frederick Cohens memory may be sent to The Frederick Cohen Large Print Siddur Fund at Temple Israel, 50 South Moss Road, Winter Springs, Florida 32708.

Arrangements entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 640 Lee Road, Orlando 32810. 407-599-1180.
Norman S. Sherwood, age 84, of Poinciana, passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at Cornerstone Hospice at Orlando Regional Medical Center. A native of New York City, Norman was born on July 21, 1932, to the late Ernest and Lillian Block Sherwood. He attended New York University and received his BA degree from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pa. He received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia and was a urologist. Dr. Sherwood served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Reserves. He moved to Las Vegas where he was the third board certified urologist to practice there. On March 15, 1972, in Las Vegas, he married the former Maxine Traczynski, his wife of more than 45 years who survives him. They relocated to the Orlando area in 1998. For seven years they traveled around the United States in a motorhome.

In addition to his wife, Norman is survived by his daughter, Mara (Eli) Katz of New York; and his sons, Roger of Las Vegas and Scott of New York; and seven grandchildren.

A funeral service, with military honors, was held at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery with Rabbi Arnold Siegel of Jewish Family Services officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 640 Lee Road, Orlando. 407-599-1180.
Congregation Beth Am invites the community to its Open House and Back to School Bagel Bash on Sunday, Aug. 20, 9:30 a.m. to noon, where families will have the opportunity to check out CBAs religious school and meet its new education director, Cantor Nina Fine.

Enrolled students will have brunch with their class and teacher while parents can have a nosh and kibitz with other parents of children in their childs class. Those children not yet registered will also be invited to brunch with their prospective classmates and teacher. Children and parents will later reconnect for Israeli dancing and a performance by Breakthrough Voices, a local youth singing group.

CBAs school is convenient for families on both the east and west sides of town and is open to all students, regardless of synagogue affiliation. Curriculum is tailored to meet each childs individual needs, including a unique program designed for children with special needs.

Students in grades Pre-K5 meet on Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. until noon at CBA in Longwood while those in grades 6 and 7 meet on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m., prior to the Shabbat morning service.

Students in grades 37 also attend one of CBAs two mid-week sessions, each utilizing the same curriculum with locations at both CBA in Longwood, Wednesday 4:15 to 6 p.m. and Winter Springs, (Fellowship Hall on Red Bug Lake Road, between Dodd Road and Tuskawilla Road) Tuesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Students within one year of their B/Mitzvah meet for one hour after their weekday session.

In addition, CBA has what is believed to be the only special needs Sunday school class in Orlando, giving children of all abilities the opportunity to learn.

The special needs class is great, said Robyn Eichenholz. My son gets to go to Sunday school just like my daughter and has learned the Hebrew alphabet and Jewish customs.

Contact the CBA office at 407-862-3505 or shalom@congbetham.org for more information. New enrollees to the school who mention they read about CBA in the Heritage will receive up to a 10 percent discount on tuition.
Palestinians are vowing to continue their efforts to prevent Jews from living in large parts of Jerusalems Old City, despite a July 31 Israeli court ruling permitting a Jewish purchase of several properties there.

The ruling by Judge Gila Kanfi-Steinitz, deputy head of the Jerusalem District Court, capped a 13-year legal struggle over the purchase by Jewish investors of two Arab-run hotels and an unidentified third property, all owned by the Greek Orthodox Church and located in the area of the Old City known as the Christian Quarter.

The transaction was arranged by Ateret Cohanim, an Israeli organization that facilitates the repopulation of parts of the Old City from which Jews were expelled by Arab attackers in the 1920s and 1930s. Kanfi-Steinitz ordered the church to pay Ateret Cohanim $8,420 for its legal expenses.

After the sale was first publicized, in 2004, a senior Greek Orthodox church official involved in the transaction fled the country. Ateret Cohanim Executive Director Daniel Luria told JNS.org that while he could not comment on the specific details of the hotels purchase, the Palestinian Authority has circulated fatwas (Muslim religious rulings) against selling property to Jews, and Palestinian Authority (PA)-controlled media constantly incite against such sales.

The exact purchase price for the hotels has never been made public, but the Israeli newspaper Maariv reported in 2005 that the buyers paid several million dollars.

Luria said his organizations efforts to acquire property in the Old City are made difficult by the fact that the PA security forces arrest and torture Arabs who serve as middlemen in such transactions. PA law imposes the death penalty on Arabs who sell land to Jews.

PA representatives declined requests from JNS.org to comment on the Old City dispute.

Resist Judaization

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate announced Aug. 2 that it will file an appeal to Israels High Court against the district courts ruling. At the same time, the PAs Higher Committee of Church Affairs declared that the court ruling is evidence of an Israeli conspiracy to annex Palestinian land.

The PA committee also claimed the judges decision was connected to what it called Israels attack on Jerusalems Al-Aqsa mosquean apparent reference to Israels brief use of metal detectors to prevent the smuggling of weapons into the Temple Mount compound. The committee vowed to continue acting to protect the mosques and churches of Jerusalem.

Such efforts are aided by the Organization of the Islamic Conference, which oversees a multimillion dollar Al Quds Fund to maintain the Arab character of the City of Jerusalem and prevent and resist the Judaization policy pursued by Israeli occupation authorities. It helps finance legal challenges to Jewish real estate purchases in Israels capital, such as those arranged by Ateret Cohanim.

Palestinian advocacy groups view the fight over the hotels as just one small part of a broader struggle. All of Jerusalem is occupied Palestinian territory, the California-based Free Palestine Movement said in a statement provided to JNS.org. Asked if it would be justified for Palestinians to use force to prevent Israeli Jews from residing in parts of the Old City, a movement spokesperson replied, International law permits armed resistance against occupation and ethnic cleansing.

Mark Twain slept there

The two properties in the latest court ruling, the New Imperial Hotel and the Petra Hotel, are situated just inside the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City. The 45-room New Imperial was built in 1884. The 40-room Petra, built in the 1820s, describes itself as the oldest hotel in the city and claims its guests have included famed American authors Mark Twain and Herman Melville. Ateret Cohanims Luria declined to say whether the new owners will continue to operate them as hotels, or convert them into residential buildings.

The British authorities in Mandatory Palestine began using the designations Christian Quarter, Muslim Quarter, Jewish Quarter and Armenian Quarter in the 1930s for the sake of administrative convenience, not because the terms reflected the actual ethnic composition of the neighborhoods.

There were substantial Jewish communities in the Christian and Muslim quarters a century ago, but Arab rioters in the 1920s and 1930s drove them out. Today there are close to 1,000 Jews living in those sections, as well as approximately 4,000 in the Old Citys Jewish Quarter, according to Luria.

Controversy erupted in 1990 when Ateret Cohanim arranged for the purchase by Jewish philanthropists of St. Johns Hospice, an Armenian-owned 72-room building in the Christian Quarter. But the purchase withstood various legal challenges, and the building, known as Neot David, has for many years housed some 80 Jewish residents as well as a yeshiva with 60 students.

As the indigenous people of this Jewish homeland, we have the moral, historical and natural right to live in peace, side by side with tolerance-accepting Christians and Muslims, in any and every neighborhood of Jerusalem, said Luria. No amount of hatred or terror will deter us.
The Scouts of Troop 641 showed their support of Eagle Scout candidate Steven Kluger last Sunday at Temple Israel. Steven's Eagle project was to rebuild the synagogue's outside fire pit and add permanent benches for the children.

Several Eagle Scouts from the Troop were on hand to help with the project as well as Scout leaders and friends. Steven went through several meetings with leaders to finalize his plans. The project was completed just as the rain began falling.

For more information on the Troop scouting program, email scoutmaster@troop641orlando.org or visit our website at troop641orlando.org.
On Friday night July 21, Maj. Hanan (full name withheld for security reasons) received word of a gruesome development.

A knife-wielding Palestinian terrorist had killed three members of an Israeli family in the settlement of Halamish. The terrorist, a 19-year-old Palestinian from a nearby village, was shot and injured by an Oketz K9 unit soldier, who lived next door.

By the time Hanan, who heads the Counter-Terrorism Branch in the IDF's Counter-Terrorism School, arrived at the blood-stained scene, there was little he or his soldiers could do.

"We scanned the area searching for more potential attackers, and spent the rest of Shabbat there," he said.

Hanan and his soldiers are not an ordinary response unit-they're the ones responsible for training all of Israel's elite special forces.

"We can't be a school that is disconnected from what is happening on the ground," Hanan told JNS.org. "I arrived there with my team, and we started to work."

The IDF's Counter-Terrorism School, based near Modi'in in central Israel, was founded in the 1970s as a response to a wave of terrorist airplane hijackings and bus attacks.

Since then, Hanan said, the threat has evolved in a major way, and the IDF branch's job is to make sure that it's up to date, as it shapes Israel's counter-terrorism combat doctrine.

The Counter-Terrorism School is made up of Hanan's branch as well as a branch that trains soldiers in underground warfare, which Hanan had helped set up and command. His experience as a paratrooper company commander who fought in Gaza during the 2014 summer conflict proved useful for that job.

An additional branch is dedicated to training the military's snipers, and a fourth specializes in rope climbing and abseiling (also known as rappelling) techniques for combat units.

Taking part in operations on the ground is one way Hanan's branch makes sure it stays up to date, he said.

"Outside of Israel, we see states falling apart, and many terrorist organizations filling up vacuums, which enable them to grow stronger. Some are becoming semi-military," he said. Such enemies threaten Israel with rockets, missiles and plans to infiltrate Israel, either overground or through tunnels.

The Counter-Terrorism Branch monitors tactics used by lone-wolf terrorists. The special forces that are trained by the branch range from commando units to covert elite units. They also include reconnaissance units that are part of every IDF infantry brigade. After completing their lengthy, grueling training, the units go on standby, ready to move into action in several areas if called upon.

"We try to give them the best training and equipment," Hanan said. "They will need to conduct complex missions."

According to Hanan's assessments, the forces he trains will need to know how to operate skillfully in civilian areas.

The Counter-Terrorism Branch studies incidents such as the July 14 terror attack near Jerusalem's Temple Mount, in which a cell of three Arab jihadist gunmen shot dead two Israeli Druze policemen, and looks for lessons. The branch pours over speeches made by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in which he threatens to "conquer" the Galilee, and draws its conclusions.

"We understand that the enemy will try to enter Israel, and move the fighting into our territory, with large numbers of attackers and weapons. This calls for selective combat, but at a higher level of intensity than we have known," Hanan said.

"We could find ourselves in an Israeli village near Gaza, engaging a Hamas cell, which is backed by Hamas fighters launching mortars at us. And civilians would be stuck in this," the branch chief added. "We need to prepare for that, and come up with suitable replies. If this occurs, our objective will be to finish it as quickly as possible, with minimal achievements by the enemy, and maximal achievements by us."

To make that happen, Hanan said, his instructors must take part in real-life operations.

"As a school, our approach says that you can't teach something that you're unable to do alone, or have no experience in," he said. "Therefore, we instruct our cadets, individually and in teams. Afterwards, we instruct them on how to instruct...And where we can, we go out and do operations."

The IDF is keen to use Counter-Terrorism School's personnel and experience. The instructors are placed on standby shifts in case of emergencies.

"My soldiers, who train other units, stood in that home in Halamish, in which a terrorist had murdered civilians a few moments ago," Hanan said. "They emerged from that as different instructors... We need to be ready for the next war, not the last one."
NEW YORK (JTA)-If Jared Kushner is the only person who can deliver Middle East peace-as his father-in-law Donald Trump said-he comes off as a reluctant savior.

In a speech delivered Monday to a group of congressional interns and leaked to the media, Kushner expounded on the Trump administration's efforts to achieve Israeli-Palestinian peace. What emerged was an outlook that at once was resolutely pro-Israel and skeptical of the chances of success.

"So what do we offer that's unique? I don't know," Kushner said in his seven-minute answer to an intern's question in a recording obtained by Wired magazine "And we're trying to work with the parties very quietly to see if there's a solution. And there may be no solution, but it's one of the problem sets that the president asked us to focus on."

Kushner traveled to the region in June along with President Trump's chief negotiator, Jason Greenblatt, to meet with Israeli and Palestinian stakeholders and suss out the chances of reaching a peace deal. It's among a bevy of issues that Kushner has taken on as a senior adviser to his father-in-law-including criminal justice reform, streamlining the federal government, stemming the opioid addiction crisis and more.

In the speech, Kushner sounds unenthused to be handling the peace process. He opens his answer by saying "this is one of the ones I was asked to take on," and becomes more pessimistic from there, criticizing Israeli and Palestinian leaders for being mired in history and unable to let go of minor provocations.

"You know everyone finds an issue, that 'you have to understand what they did then,' and 'you have to understand that they did this,'" Kushner said. "But how does that help us get peace? Let's not focus on that. We don't want a history lesson. We've read enough books."

He also made some questionable claims. Kushner said that "not a whole lot has been accomplished over the last 40 or 50 years we've been doing this," apparently dismissing Israeli peace pacts with Egypt and Jordan, the Israeli-Palestinian Oslo Accords and Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. Then he said "the variables haven't been changed much"-something that both Israeli and Palestinian officials would fiercely dispute. Israelis charge that their withdrawals from territory have been met only with terror and incitement, while the Palestinians claim growing Israeli settlements are making a Palestinian state near impossible.

Aaron David Miller, who worked on the peace process in Republican and Democratic administrations, said he appreciated Kushner's skepticism while adding that his dismissal of history is misguided.

"If you want to have any chance of doing anything on this issue, you have to see the world the way it is, not just the way you want it to be," Miller told JTA, adding later, "You do need a history lesson, big time, because if you don't know where you've been, you don't have a chance of figuring out where you're going"

Kushner did boast how the Trump administration mediated an agreement to provide Palestinians with an increase of 32 million cubic meters of fresh water. He also praised his team for helping resolve the recent Temple Mount crisis that erupted when three Arab-Israeli gunmen killed two Israeli police officers, and escalated when Israel set up metal detectors at the holy site revered by the Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary.

In describing recent events, Kushner displayed a pro-Israel stance-unsurprising given that he was raised in pro-Israel Jewish day schools and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once slept in his childhood bed. Palestinian officials have criticized Kushner for siding with Netanyahu during his June meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Kushner did not speak of the two-state solution in his answer. He defended Israel's decision to erect metal detectors as "not an irrational thing to do," although Palestinians decried the move and said the security measures made them feel like suspects at their own holy site. He criticized a Palestinian imam for forbidding worshippers from passing through the metal detectors.

And in recounting fatalities during the weekend of violence that followed the detectors' placement, Kushner listed only the Israelis-including three members of an Israeli family stabbed to death in their home by a Palestinian terrorist-and did not mention the Palestinians.

Miller said that while Kushner is clearly pro-Israel, he is not the first American negotiator who is partial to Israel's interests due to longtime associations with the country.

"It's clear that emotionally, by virtue of his background and his association with Israel and the prime minister, there's a high degree of sensitivity" toward Israel, Miller said. "That's hardly new in the wonderful world of peacemaking. You could have said that about any number of individuals who participated in this process over the past 20 years."

Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts have been largely stalled for well over a decade. Four years ago, then-Secretary of State John Kerry poured his energy into starting negotiations that ultimately went nowhere. The same goes for negotiators under the George W. Bush and Clinton administrations, including Bill Clinton himself. The Oslo Accords, however, were signed during his presidency.

The difference is that those negotiators all at least sounded optimistic as they were beginning their quests. Kushner, at least in this would-be private briefing, sounded at times like he was already close to giving up hope.

"You have some people who don't want to see and achieve an outcome of peace," he said. "And other people sometimes thrive in the chaos... And that's not new to politics, and it's not new to that conflict. It's just the way it is."
The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando (JFGO) recently awarded more than $50,000 in community collaborative grants to local Jewish organizations and synagogues. The grants are designed to encourage and promote collaboration in the Jewish community and to support programs and services that enrich Jewish life in Orlando.

To qualify for a grant, at least two agencies, synagogues or organizations must work together to develop and submit a proposal and implement a program. In addition, the programs or services must be open to the entire Jewish community of Greater Orlando regardless of religious affiliation, synagogue or agency membership.

JFGOs Grants Committee, which reviewed all the grant proposals, was co-chaired by Dr. Maxine Silverman Rosenthal and Maura Weiner. The committee submitted its recommendations to the Federations Board of Directors, which approved the grants.

Grants were awarded to Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando for holiday meal deliveries to the elderly; the RIDE (Reliable Independent Drivers for the Elderly) program, which provides round-trip rides to medical appointments for elderly or disabled adults; and the Community Rabbi program, a long-time collaboration between JFS and Hospice of the Comforter. In addition to providing hospice services, Rabbi Arnie Siegel is a source of pastoral support to unaffiliated and needy community members.

JFGO awarded grants to support three community-wide events:

 A community-wide Shabbat retreat at a local campsite, which will be a collaborative effort between Federations Jewish Teen Education Network and educational and youth directors from Congregation Ohev Shalom, Congregation of Reform Judaism, Temple Israel, Congregation Beth Am, Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation, Temple Shir Shalom and the local chapter of BBYO.

 In November, several synagogue mens clubs will present Mens Night Out, an evening of food, fun and brotherhood in support of Jewish youth programs. Read more at http://www.jfgo.org/MNO.

 The Roth Family and Rosen JCCs will bring the community together to celebrate Israels 70th birthday next spring.

Other local initiatives receiving grants:

 An intergenerational program by The Jewish Pavilion, From Generation to Generation, will bring together seniors with students from the Jewish Academy of Orlando, synagogue religious schools and youth groups for one-on-one and group intergenerational experiences.

 Temple Israel and Temple Shir Shalom will bring together middle- and high-school students for social interactions and to build a better understanding of Jewish diversity in our community.

 The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center (HMREC) received a grant in support of Orlandos first production of Brundibar, a childrens opera written in 1938 by Hans Krasa. This production, an HMREC collaboration with Opera Orlando and Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, will be performed at the Rosen JCC in commemoration of Kristallnacht this fall.
Jordans foreign minister blames the occupation for the Temple Mount terror, and threatens even more dangerous crises.

As recently as the mid-20th century, when Arabs last controlled parts of Jerusalem, they exhibited no respect for the Holy City.

In 1948, when Jordan took control of the eastern part of Jerusalem, including the Old City, it divided the city for the first time in its 3,000-year history. Under the 1949 armistice agreement with Israel, Jordan pledged to allow free access to all holy places but failed to honor that commitment. From 1948 until the Six-Day War in 1967, the part of Jerusalem controlled by the Jordanians again became an isolated and underdeveloped provincial town, and its religious sites the target of religious intolerance.

The Old City was rendered void of Jews. Jewish sites such as the Mount of Olives were desecrated. Jordan destroyed more than 50 synagogues, and erased evidence of a Jewish presence. In addition, all Jews were forced out of the Jewish Quarter of the Old City adjacent to the Western Wall, an area where Jews had lived for generations.

For 19 years, Jews and Christians residing in Israel (and even Israeli Muslims) were barred from their holy places, despite Jordans pledge to allow free access. Jews, for example, were unable to pray at the Western Wall; Christian Arabs living in Israel were denied access to churches and other religious sites in the Old City and nearby Bethlehem, also under Jordanian control.

During Jordans reign over eastern Jerusalem, its restrictive laws on Christian institutions led to a dramatic decline in the holy citys Christian population by more than halffrom 25,000 to 11,000a pattern that characterized Christian Arabs in other Arab countries throughout the Middle East where religious freedom is not honored. It is worth noting that after Jordan annexed the West Bank in the 1950s, it too failed to make Jerusalema city that Arabs now claim as the third most holy site of Islamits capital.

It was only after the Six-Day War that the Jewish Quarter was rebuilt and free access to holy places was reestablished for all religions.
Jewish men pray as they gather for the ritual of Tisha B'Av at the Western Wall (Kotel) in the Old City of Jerusalem, on July 31, 2017.

More than 1,000 Jews braved a searing heat wave Tuesday morning to visit the Temple Mount on Tisha b'Av, the saddest date on the Hebrew calendar, while thousands more sat on the floor-a traditional Jewish sign of mourning-at the Western Wall Plaza to commemorate the destruction of ancient Jerusalem by the Roman Empire in the year 70 CE.

More visitors were expected throughout the day.

One person, a 15-year-old boy, was lightly wounded when a Muslim worshiper threw a chair at him. He was given first aid by security officials and did not require further treatment. The man was not arrested.

In addition, six people were ejected for violating the rules and four people were arrested when a fight broke out adjacent to the Chain Gate between three Jews and an Arab man as the group left the Mount.

Throughout the morning, hundreds of people stood in line adjacent to the Mughrabi Gate, the only entrance to the Temple Mount for non-Muslims, to visit the site. There are 11 entrances for Muslims only.

Jewish Visitors Undergo Intensive Security

Entering the ramp leading to the Mount, Jewish visitors passed through metal detectors and thorough security checks to ensure no forbidden items, including prayer books, religious items and Israeli flags, made it up to the Mount. Officers briefed visitors on visitation rules, including prohibitions on praying and bowing down. Jewish visitors were also required to leave identification at the checkpoint.

To accommodate the unprecedented number of Jewish visitors, police allowed large groups to enter the site, a practice they usually frowned upon, and eventually limited the visitors' presence on the Mount to an abbreviated route.

The event, the largest visit by Jews to the Temple Mount in years, comes on the heels of weeks of tension surrounding the holy site that began July 14, when three Arab-Israeli terrorists murdered two Druze Israeli policemen at the compound, leading Israel to install metal detectors and security cameras for the Muslim worshipers. This was followed by massive Muslim protests outside the site and a 12-day standoff, during which a Palestinian terrorist slaughtered three members of a Jewish family in Samaria, among other acts of violence and terror.

"Unbelievable! Over 1,000 Jews so far have ascended the Temple Mount... This number is unprecedented! Times are changing," exclaimed activist Joshua Wander, one of the visitors.
When Kacie Zemel relocated from Orlando to North Miami Beach to accept a position as a third-grade teacher at a Jewish day school, she still thought of herself as an active participant in The Roth Family JCC of Greater Orlando community-despite living more than 200 miles away.

She would teach her children by day, and then continue to make plans for The Roth Family JCC at night. During school breaks, instead of relaxing or recuperating, she would make the journey to Maitland to oversee the JCC's winter and spring break camps. Her dedication was so great that in summer 2016, she secured seasonal housing just to work at Camp J throughout the summer.

Beginning with this school year, Zemel will no longer have to split her residence-as The Roth Family JCC has appointed her as its new Youth & Camp director effective Aug. 21. In that role, Zemel will be responsible for providing professional planning, direction, implementation, supervision, and administration of all facets of year-round children's and family programming for grades K-8, and grades 1-10 during the summer.

"When the Youth & Camp director position became available, I felt that it was the calling I needed to make my way back to Orlando," Zemel said. "It's a wonderful opportunity to learn, grow professionally, and work with the campers and staff that I have grown to love over the course of my time here."

Before she lived this geographically disparate life, Zemel was immersed in day-to-day life at The Roth Family JCC. She began as a part-time Welcome Center Associate in 2010, and then took on the role of Birthday Party coordinator. One day she was asked if she'd like to become Camp J's Arts & Craft specialist, and that commenced her professional summer camp journey. She worked her way up to Head Specialist, and then transitioned into Camp J coordinator, and finally to Camp J assistant director-a position she held during summer 2017.

"Kacie has been a part of our JCC family for a long time, but we are very excited to finally welcome her aboard full-time," said Robby Etzkin, the JCC's executive director, who has twice served as The Roth Family JCC's camp director on an interim basis since he arrived in 2012-and personally trained Zemel. "She's organized, empathetic, and extraordinarily dedicated."

Etzkin added that it's always the best-case scenario to promote from within, so that the director can build upon existing bonds with colleagues, parents, and children, rather than starting from scratch.

JCC life is practically a part of Zemel's DNA. She attended the David Posnack Jewish Community Center in Davie for preschool, summer camp, and after school care. Her time at the JCC launched her on a Jewish journey that led her to becoming chapter president of her USY chapter in high school.

"I grew up with a strong Jewish identity. I was involved in the JCC growing up, went to a Jewish sleepaway camp, graduated from a Jewish day school, and was involved in Jewish teen programming. In college, it was natural for me to find my way back to the JCC."

Zemel explained that her Jewish education combined with her love for the JCC, and working at the J just felt right. While she worked part-time, she earned her Bachelor's in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida. She continued her education in South Florida by graduating from the Jewish Federation of Broward County's Horizons Leadership Program.

When Zemel talks about this new opportunity, she practically oozes enthusiasm. She explained that she is focused on creating a "safe and creative environment for campers and staff to be who they are, grow and develop, try new things and make friendships that last a lifetime."

She wants parents to know that "regardless of where you come from, or your background, I will do everything I can to find a place for your child in our programming, whether it be after school in our J University program, at a School's Out Day, on the weekend for Saturday Night Out, during the summer at Camp J, or over a winter or spring break."
Her demeanor is reserved. She speaks softly with dignity and grace. Yet beneath that quiet exterior lays a strength to spearhead many projects that enhanced the Orlando Jewish community. Sara Stern reveals her deep love of Judaism and the Jewish people through her accomplishments within organizations such as Congregation Ohev Shalom, Hadassah, the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando and the Women's League of Conservative Judaism. Her motivation comes, she stated, from "a deep-seated belief that all human beings are created in the image of God, and therefore they need to be treated with kindness, dignity and respect."

Describing Stern, Es Cohen stated, "I am reminded of the poem 'Woman of Valor' and one particular line, 'Her speech is wise, and the law of kindness is on her lips.' Through her words and actions, Sara exudes love and respect. She is a true leader, friend and mentor to our community and to me."

For these reasons the Heritage is pleased to announce that Sara Stern is the recipient of this year's Human Service Award.

"Sara is the perfect recipient of this year's Human Service Award. She exemplifies the virtues of the award, an individual who does not look for recognition, but performs tikkun olam, repairing the world through human actions," said Cohen.

Stern and her husband, Dr. Louis Stern, met in Gainesville, Fla., when he was in medical school, she in nursing school. Louis served his residency in Mobile, Ala., then the couple moved to Tampa for three years, arriving here in Orlando in 1987. Sara worked at Florida Hospital South (resigning from her nursing position in 1997), served the Jewish community, and raised three children-Anna Serviansky, who lives in New York City and is assistant dean at List College; David Stern, who is a full-time employee at Universal Orlando; and Melissa Stern, an RN at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York. "I am so proud of all my children," Stern stated with a sparkle in her eye.

After arriving in Orlando, the first Jewish organization Stern became involved in was the Aliyah Hadassah group.

"It was great-a bunch of us young women, all pregnant at the same time with our third child. It was so much fun," she said with a big smile.

At that time, there were three groups of Hadassah in Orlando-Rishona Masada, Chaverot and Aliyah. Overseeing the three groups was the Orlando Chapter of Hadassah, in which she was also a volunteer.

"I helped with voters registration, co-chairing with Janie Unger. Here I was in my 30s and I got to know women [in the Orlando Chapter] like Audrey Pearlman and Trina Herman-they were just so cool and so much fun!" she said with a sense of awe about these, and other dynamic women who contributed so much to the Jewish community.

In 1988, Stern wanted to be more than a member at Congregation Ohev Shalom. She served on the education committee and the Beit Hamidrash board. Over the years, Stern has held positions at COS as parliamentarian (2003-2005), vice president Administration (2005-2006), executive vice president (2006-2008), and then president twice-from 2008-2010 and 2013-2014. She was Sisterhood president from 1998-2000 (and was chosen Sisterhood Woman of the Year in 2001), and served on a plethora of committees.

Asked if she had a favorite position at COS, she answered hesitantly at first. "Actually, yes, but not what you'd expect. I am very proud to have been president twice, but actually, being Mikveh Lady was my favorite," she said shyly.

Why? "Helping women. It was an interpersonal kind of thing. I remember two incidents in particular of two women who had been traumatized prior to coming there and I hope that I was a comfort to them. And one who was returning to Judaism. It's those more personal things that are most meaningful to me," she said.

Personal interaction and showing kindness to others also prompted Stern to volunteer with Maasim Tovim-cooking for the homeless.

As a member of the Women's League of Conservative Judaism, Stern chaired the Torah Fund, with a goal to raise enough money to have a plaque at the Jewish Theological Seminary-the Seminary of the Conservative movement.

"I worked very hard to raise this money, and now there is a plaque at JTS that has COS's name on it!" she beamed.

During her first term as COS president, Stern served on the Blue Ribbon Committee. She was the only woman on the committee.

"We had to determine what the people wanted. Was there enough financial support? We were navigating to see if we were ready to move forward with this project. The dream was to be right in the center of Jewish Orlando."

Stern then chaired the Building Committee during her first term as COS president (2008 to 2010).

"This was a huge part of my presidency. And don't forget, this was in 2008 during the housing crash," she shared. "Getting the money part in order and getting all the contracts-I learned a lot!"

With Bob Yarmuth and Rabbi Rubinger, who were pivotal to the fundraising effort, and the chairs of the Capital Campaign-Jeff Bornstein, Burt Chasnov and Bill Sholk-they raised over $11.2 million for a new building.

Alan Ginsburg was instrumental in getting the property, as well as the building blue prints. According to David Bornstein, who also served on the committee, Ginsburg arranged for the entire committee to fly to Detroit, Michigan, to look at a new synagogue there.

"I was the only woman to go to Detroit-that was earlier in the process when the committee was smaller," Stern shared.

This was when Bornstein saw Stern's abilities.

"I got to know Sara during the early stages of construction for the new Ohev Shalom sanctuary. I honestly didn't know why Sara came along. She wasn't a builder, a designer, or a million dollar donor. What I discovered quickly was that she didn't need to be. All she needed was to be herself: smart, aware, insightful, open-minded. In other words, all the qualities you want your best leaders to embody. I came to trust Sara's judgment and opinions as much, if not more, than anyone else's during the course of the new Ohev Shalom synagogue construction, and I feel lucky today to call her a friend."

As Stern's second term as COS president came to an end, Roz Fuchs and Irwin Feldman mentioned to her that COS's 100th anniversary was coming up. She got right on it.

"I formed a steering committee and asked different individuals to chair different aspects of it, and now they've just taken off!" she said.

As this committee was planning COS's centennial, it occurred to Stern and Fuchs, who co-chaired the project, that this also marked the anniversary for the entire Jewish community. The Kehillah Exhibit idea caught on. Fuchs took over the planning of Kehillah and Stern continued with the COS Centennial, while also doing research and editing for the Kehillah project.

"She shares her many skills and talents willingly and has been a great partner in this tremendous Kehillah project. I really think she's just a fabulous person in every regard," Fuchs stated.

Stern has also been very involved with Junior League Of Greater Orlando. Through the League, she became a docent for the Anne Frank In The World: 1929-1945 exhibit, which ran from November 1993 to January 1994 at the Orange County Historical Museum (as it was called then). She was also vice chair of Green Circle, a program she facilitated in half a dozen Orange County public schools to promote inclusion of everyone.

As Stern spoke about this program, her face lit up. "It was more than being about tolerance. It was a wonderful experience going into the classroom and talking to the children about being inside and outside the circle and how can we bring people into the circle."

What makes Stern a great and sensible leader is her ability to place people in the right job.

"I think you need to think of people and what their talents are. If you can ask them to do something that you know they will be successful at-you know, the perfect job for them-they will want to do it because it's what they want to do. It's a great experience for them and for the organization because they're successful. But when you ask somebody to do something that's not really them-not a good fit-it's not good for anybody."

Then she added, "Let them do their thing-you don't tell them what to do!"

Space does not allow for all of Stern's accomplishments to be listed in this article. Jeff Gaeser, publisher of the Heritage, will share more of Stern's accomplishments when he presents her with the Human Service Award at the Annual Federation Board Meeting, Aug. 27, 11 a.m. at The Roth Family JCC.

Kehillah: A Century of Jewish Life in Greater Orlando will be on display at the Orange County Regional History Center this coming November. The COS Centennial will take place Feb. 9-10, 2018.
Before an Arab terror attack that killed two Israeli policemen ignited the latest wave of tension over the Temple Mount, much of the Jewish worlds attention had focused on an internal Jewish controversy surrounding prayer rights at the adjacent Western Wall.

In June, American Judaisms Reform and Conservative movements as well as other Jewish organizations reacted with outrage to the Israeli governments decision to cancel the construction of a new egalitarian prayer pavilion at the Western Wall. Yet a mixed-gender prayer facility called Ezrat Yisrael, situated in the Robinsons Arch compound near the Western Walls main worship area, remains intact.

American Jewish Committee CEO David Harris decried the Israeli governments move as a setback for Jewish unity. Abraham Foxman, former national director of the Anti-Defamation League, called the decision a slap in the face to diaspora Jews. Eric Goldstein, CEO of the UJA-Federation of New York, charged that Israel deepened the already accelerating divide between diaspora Jews and Israel.

The reactions are strong-worded, but what is the reality on the ground regarding Israels decision and current prayer rights at the Western Wall?

What Israels decision means

The Ezrat Yisrael egalitarian section was founded in 2000 and was significantly upgraded in 2013 under the direction of Israels Diaspora Affairs Minister Naftali Bennett.

The Israeli cabinet approved plans for the creation of additional egalitarian prayer facilities in 2016, in an agreement brokered by Natan Sharansky, chairman of The Jewish Agency for Israel. Prior to the cancellation of the 2016 plan this summer, new egalitarian prayer facilities would have been constructed in the Ezrat Yisrael section. Mixed-gender prayer in the existing Ezrat Yisrael space, however, has not been affected.

The reactio

Americas Reform and Conservative movements have long called for an egalitarian section outside of the Western Walls main prayer space, which separates men and women in accordance with Orthodox tradition. Following the Israeli governments rescinding of the new construction plans, the top institutions of Conservative Judaism issued a joint statement declaring that the rising influence of an intolerant religious establishment is an existential threat to [Israels] future.

Anat Hoffman, director of both the Women of the Wall prayer rights group and the Reform movements Israel Religious Action Center, published a video in early July claiming the Ezrat Yisrael facility is a second-rate platform for second-rate Jews.

In the video, which was subsidized by the Reform movements Israeli operations, Hoffman appears in a small area of the Ezrat Yisrael section, which was specifically designed so that worshippers can touch the Western Wall without harming an archaeological site beneath the pavilion. The video doesnt show a full view of the Ezrat Yisrael section, which has sufficient space for dozens of worshippers.

Further, progressive American Jewish groups launched a contentious billboard campaign across Israel, calling on the government to free the Western Wall from haredi control.

The Israeli haredi political parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, which form part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus governing coalition, said the governments cancellation of the construction plans reflected the will of most of the nation that seeks to safeguard the Western Walls sanctity and status.

Bennett, the diaspora affairs minister, acknowledged that mistakes were made with Israels decision to freeze the construction plans, but emphasized that the dispute largely resulted from a campaign of misinformation claiming the [Western Wall] is being closed to diaspora Jews.

What American rabbis are saying

The Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV), which represents some 200 North American rabbis, directly addressed the misinformation in a July 16 statement, saying the progressive groups billboard campaign in Israel disenfranchised all traditional Israeli Jews.

It doesnt merely demonize the haredim, it insults all Jews who do not follow Reforms lead in the abandonment of classical Jewish practice, CJV said.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, told JNS.org the Western Wall plan that had been reached in 2016 included a dramatically enhanced spaceopen and visible to all with a joint entrance, and a policy and budget oversight committee including leaders from the Reform and Conservative Movements and Women of the Wall. The space being offered [Ezrat Yisrael] falls far short of even the physical space and is completely unacceptable, violating the letter and spirit of the Israeli governments historic compromise.

Echoing Jacobss sentiments, Rabbi Eric Gurvis, rabbi emeritus at Temple Shalom in Newton, Mass., told JNS.org the cancelled deal would have allowed for greater access for mixed-gender prayer.

There are places where mixed groups can gather in that plaza, but that new space was meant to be for mixed groups... [with] availability and access for more than just the ultra-Orthodox community, Gurvis said. I think its mostly a symbolic problem.

Rabbi Richard A. Block, senior rabbi of The Temple - Tifereth Israel in Cleveland, and a past president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, told JNS.org the current egalitarian prayer space at the Western Wall is a small, temporary platform in the vicinity of Robinsons Arch, that is distant from, below and much inferior to the existing, gender-segregated prayer spaces along the wall that are now essentially an outdoor ultra-Orthodox synagogue.

Block added that the exhaustively negotiated agreement that Netanyahu cancelled would have created a dignified, accessible permanent space for egalitarian prayer that would have been overseen by a committee that included representatives of the Reform and Conservative movements and two non-Orthodox women.

Yet the CJV rabbinic group said the current Ezrat Yisrael egalitarian facility, though it is claimed by the progressive American Jewish denominations, is never utilized by those movements for its intended purpose.

[The Conservative and Reform movements] are demanding an equal space for political reasons, while falsely claiming that current facilities for their use are inadequate and discriminatory, said Rabbi Pesach Lerner, executive vice president emeritus of the National Council of Young Israel.

The CJVs Rabbi Yaakov Menken, who is also the co-editor of the Orthodox online journal Cross-Currents.com, said the video published by Hoffman and the Reform movement exploits the fact that most American Jews have not come to Israel to see the truth for themselves. Opponents of Israels Western Wall decision, Menken said, should end their dishonest attempt to divide the Jewish people.
Donald Trump speaking with journalists at a rally against the Iran nuclear deal at the U.S. Capitol, Sept. 9, 2015.

WASHINGTON (JTA)-Campaigning last year for the presidency, Donald Trump said the Iran nuclear agreement was the "worst deal" he had ever seen.

It was never exactly clear, however, what he intended to do about it: Appearing at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's policy conference in March 2016, Trump said in the same speech that he planned to "dismantle" and "enforce" it.

As president, Trump appears to be edging toward dismantling. His administration recertified Iran's adherence to the deal in mid-July, but it reportedly took the better part of a day for Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary James Mattis and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster to convince Trump to go along. Trump said afterward that he likely would not recertify by the next deadline, in mid-October.

And within days of recertification, Foreign Policy reported that Trump had set up a special White House team to provide him with a path out of the deal, seemingly sidelining Tillerson, a champion of recertification. Among those on the team: Trump's top strategic adviser, Steve Bannon, and one of his deputies, Sebastian Gorka, both known for seeking to diminish America's commitments to international alliances.

Every path out has its perils. The signatories to the 2015 deal, which trades sanctions relief for Iran's rollback of its nuclear program, are Iran on one side and the United States, France, Britain, German, China and Russia on the other. Key to the success of any American pullout is to what degree its four partners-and other major trading partners with Iran, like South Korea and India-join in.

Should the United States walk away from the deal, the dilemma for those countries is what costs more: alienating the United States by keeping up trade with Iran, or angering domestic economic interests by going along with tough U.S. sanctions on the oil-rich country. The less persuasive the Trump administration case is for pulling out, the likelier it is that other nations would not cooperate and would continue to do business with Iran-setting the stage for increased U.S. isolation on the world stage.

"Europeans may look to contingency and fallback options if the United States unreasonably undermines the deal," said Ellie Geranmayeh, a senior policy fellow for the Middle East and North Africa Program at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

In a conference call organized by J Street, the liberal Jewish Middle East policy group that backed the deal, Geranmayeh said European officials were planning to stage an all-out effort to keep the Trump administration from bolting.

"The challenge in the next three months is keeping the United States and the Trump character personally with keeping the deal," she said. "In the next 90 days you'll see a lot of activity on the Hill, in the State Department" by European diplomats.

Mark Dubowitz, who directs the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a group that opposed the deal, said the Europeans would likely stick with the alliance, especially if the Trump administration's aim was not to quit the deal but to reconfigure it.

"I don't think Europeans are going to risk a transatlantic war with the administration, particularly if the administration is not looking to abrogate the deal but to improve it by addressing some of the flaws of the existing JCPOA," he said, referring to the formal name of the pact, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action

Here is a look at the possible paths out of the Iran deal for the US. and what the likely consequences would be.

Just walk away

U.S. assessments of Iranian adherence to the deal are governed by a law passed in 2015 with bipartisan backing, the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act. Under the act's broad language, there may be room for the president to stop waiving sanctions on Iran simply because he sees the deal as inadequate. Parts of the law require Iran's adherence with the JCPOA, but others are more fungible and depend on what the president determines are U.S. national security interests.

Under those circumstances, Trump has three options:

 Go to the joint commission governing the JCPOA and seek to have Iran declared not in compliance. The committee has eight members-the United States, Iran, Russia, Britain, France, China, Germany and the European Union, and decisions need a 5-3 vote. Obama pitched this arrangement as a guaranteed escape hatch because five partners at the time agreed on red lines: the United States, the three European countries and the EU.

Trump's policy of distancing the United States from some aspects of the European alliance-the withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, for instance-means that comity is no longer guaranteed. He would need a substantive argument that Iran is not complying-not just that he thinks the deal is bad one.

 Exercise the U.S. option to trigger the "snapback" of international sanctions. Under this complex mechanism, the U.S. veto on the United Nations Security Council would prevent other parties from reversing the snapback and the whole deal would effectively be dead.

Busting the deal just on Trump's say-so could exacerbate tensions with U.S. allies, experts said, and drive the other partners to establish a separate arrangement with Iran.

"It will be difficult for the Europeans to defy Trump because of the close security and economic relations the Europeans have with the United States," Geranmayeh said. "At the same time, I don't think we should underestimate the European capacity to do so."

 Stop waiving sanctions, but don't blow up the deal. This would have the advantage of satisfying Trump's call to exit the deal while avoiding, for now, a direct confrontation with U.S. allies, who would continue to do business with Iran under the terms of the deal. What's uncertain is whether the United States would enforce secondary sanctions-that is, punishing companies and individuals in allied countries that do business with sanctioned Iranian entities.

Walk away, but explain why

There are signs that Trump is ready to make the case to the international community that Iran is not in compliance as a predicate to pulling out. Here are some strategies:

 Iran is not complying with the "spirit" of the deal. A day after Tillerson first recertified the deal in April, Trump said at a news conference, "They are not living up to the spirit of the agreement, I can tell you that."

The reference was to Iran's continued testing of ballistic missiles, its human rights abuses, its military interventionism in the region and its backing for terrorism worldwide.

The notion that Iran must abide by the deal's "spirit" has been perpetuated for the most part by those who opposed the deal in the first place. The Obama administration, which brokered the deal, and its European partners do not see it this way: The deal, they say, was designed to remove the threat of a nuclear Iran as a means of more effectively confronting Iran in other arenas.

"Show me in black and white where there's a definition of the 'spirit of the deal,'" Daryl Kimball, the executive director of the Arms Control Association, a group that promoted the deal, said in an interview. "The Obama administration was crystal clear that this is a nuclear deal, this is not a deal that affects Iranian behavior in other areas."

Another tack is to insist on more intrusive inspections of some Iranian military sites, which require Iranian consent under the deal. Getting backing among U.S. allies for this gambit would require persuasive evidence that Iran is violating the deal at these sites; that's not necessarily a given.

 Iran is not in compliance with the letter of the deal.

This strategy was behind a letter last month by four Republican senators-Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Marco Rubio of Florida, Ted Cruz of Texas and David Perdue of Georgia-urging Tillerson to declare Iran not in compliance with provisions of the deal The letter noted reports that Iran had exceeded the limits of heavy water-needed to enrich uranium-allowed under the deal, and was operating more enrichment centrifuges than permitted.

The excesses have been noted by the U.N. inspection agency charged with overseeing the deal, the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, but have also been deemed not significant enough to declare Iran in violation-a posture the Obama administration embraced.

Conservatives say this is typical of Iranian regime behavior, pushing the envelope as far as it can, and is dangerous.

"What would be highly imprudent is to continue the Obama-era practice of offering sheepish and fainthearted certifications as a matter of course, hoping no one takes notice," the senators' letter said.

One possible danger in pressing forward with such an approach: The international community, which places greater stock than the Trump administration does in international organizations, would see it as nitpicking and would side with the IAEA.

 Provoke Iran into leaving the deal.

Experts touted this strategy following Trump's election but before he assumed office. It would involve abiding by the agreement, but increasing pressure through non-deal related sanctions, targeting Iran's government for its missile testing and adventurism, and possibly increasing U.S. military presence in the region. According to this theory, the resulting pressure by Iranian hardliners on the government of President Hassan Rouhani, which favors the deal, would lead Iran to pull out.

The problem with this idea, said Ilan Goldenberg, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security and an Obama administration Middle East policy veteran, is that Trump has made it so clear he wants out of the deal that it would seem by now to be disingenuous-American allies would smell a set-up.

"Nobody believes he's acting in good faith," Goldenberg said.

Don't leave the deal-but make the case it must be reconfigured

The Trump administration and Congress appear to be embracing this path for now, if only by default. Congress passed new sanctions last week targeting Iran's non-nuclear activities, and Trump keeps tacking on sanctions by executive order.

The strategy, as described by Dubowitz of the anti-deal Foundation for Defense of Democracies, would be to make the case that Iran is effectively violating the agreement.

"You make it clear that they've been violating incrementally, but not egregiously-but you also make it clear the sum total ends up being egregious," he said "Then you waive the existing statutory sanctions but you impose very tough, economically painful non-nuclear sanctions that target Iran's malign behavior."

That gives the United States and partners leverage to bring Iran back to the table and address the deal's flaws, including sunset provisions that end some of the international oversight in 15 years.
The Trump administration has reportedly reached a new contract with the Israeli defense electronics company Elbit Systems to implement advanced security systems on the U.S. border with Mexico, similar to the security technology utilized along Israel's borders.

According to reports that emerged last weekend in Hebrew- and English-language Israeli media, an American delegation recently visited Israel to tour the country's borders with the Gaza Strip and Egypt. Delegation members were pitched on a "smart border" security concept to be implemented along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The plan reportedly involves the construction of observation towers and the implementation of cutting-edge technology-including highly advanced sensors as well as monitoring and communications systems-to combat illegal border infiltration from above and below ground.

During his 2016 election campaign, President Donald Trump lauded Israel's border security expertise when commenting on his proposed wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.

"You could ask Israel about walls that work. Believe me, walls work," Trump told a rally in Atlanta in February 2016.

After news reports on the border security contract surfaced, the Israeli company downplayed its role.

An Israel-based representative of Elbit Systems, who asked not to be named, told JNS.org, "Since [July 30], we have been receiving calls from various media outlets regarding a story about the Trump administration contracting Elbit for a new border security program. This is not true."

"Elbit Systems of America was awarded [contracts for] two parts of the [U.S.-Mexico] border and what happened last week was that one of the parts was accepted by the customer," the representative added. "This is the only thing that happened... This is nothing new. It's not a new award, it's not a new contract... it's an old story."

The 3,360-mile-long border between the U.S. and Mexico crosses varying types of terrain-including, deserts, mountains and plains-and sees some 200,000 people cross illegally into America each year. Further, Mexican drug cartels net an estimated $19-$29 billion a year on narcotics smuggled into the U.S., often through dozens of underground tunnels beneath the border.

The cartel tunnels running beneath the U.S.-Mexico border are similar to tunnels dug by the Gaza-ruling Palestinian terror group Hamas under the border with Israel. Hamas's tunnels are used to smuggle weapons into Gaza and to launch attacks inside the Jewish state.

The Israeli security fence along the border with the disputed territories has prevented many Palestinian terror attacks inside Israel, while a fence constructed along the Israeli-Egyptian border in the Sinai desert has helped reduce the number of African migrants illegally entering the Jewish state. Israel has also started the construction of a $77 million fence along its border with Jordan.

"President Trump is right, I built a wall along Israel's southern border. It stopped all illegal immigration. Great success. Great idea," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted in January 2016, drawing ire from Mexico's foreign ministry.

Under the purported new contract, Elbit's U.S. branch would implement its Integrated Fixed Tower (IFT) border security system along several-hundred miles of Arizona's border with Mexico, and the system would gradually expand to other areas of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Elbit Systems of America would also provide U.S. authorities with sophisticated surveillance equipment, including advanced radars and cameras fitted to sensor towers situated along the border. The systems would provide border patrol agents with 24/7 surveillance capabilities and a cohesive view of the security scenario.

According to a July 24 statement released by Elbit Systems of America, the first stages of the IFT system have already been constructed along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The system was reportedly approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in July and implemented in Douglas, Ariz., marking Elbit's "second successful deployment of the system, with the first occurring in the Nogales, Arizona," according to the Israeli company.

"We achieved this important milestone by working closely with CBP and understanding their agents' needs," stated Raanan Horowitz, CEO and president of Elbit Systems of America.

"Border Patrol agents rely on our homeland security solutions to provide situational awareness and enhanced safety," he added.
Supreme Court orders Netanyahu to release some details of Sheldon Adelson calls

JERUSALEM (JTA)Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must disclose the dates and lengths of the phone conversations he had with billionaire American Sheldon Adelson, publisher of the pro-Netanyahu daily newspaper Israel Hayom.

The Supreme Court ruling on Monday was a response to an appeal filed by a reporter for Israels Channel 10 and overturns a Jerusalem Magistrates Court decision in 2016. The Magistrates Court ruling had overturned a decision calling for the release of the material in 2015 by the Jerusalem District Court.

The reporter, Raviv Drucker, has requested the material under Israels Freedom of Information Law, calling the information of public interest.

There is a clear public interest in exposing the nature and strength of the relationship between Adelson and Netanyahu, Justice Menachem Mazuz said in his decision, Channel 10 reported.

Channel 10 noted that the release is not a violation of privacy, since the requested information does not relate to the content of the talks but rather to when they took place.

Netanyahu must transfer the call log to Channel 10 and Drucker within 15 days.

Adelson, a casino magnate, and his wife during recent visits to Israel have been questioned twice by police investigators in corruption scandals that allegedly involve Netanyahu. Police have assured the couple that they are not suspects in one of the probes.

Part of the investigation includes accusations that Netanyahu and Arnon Mozes, publisher of the daily Yediot Acharanot, discussed a deal in which Netanyahu would receive favorable coverage in Yediot in exchange for legislation that would cut into the circulation of Adelsons free paper.

In recordings obtained by police of Netanyahu and Mozes discussing such a deal, they referred to Adelson as the gingy, or redhead. Investigators reportedly have asked if Adelson was aware of the deal.

Miriam Adelson reportedly deals with the couples Israeli affairs, including the newspaper. The Adelsons and Netanyahus are considered to be close friends.

A T-shirt company tried to reclaim the swastika as a peaceful symbol. It didnt go so well.

(JTA)An American company is facing criticism for marketing T-shirts that frame the swastika as a symbol of love and life.

KA Designs was selling the shirts, which feature white swastikas on a rainbow-colored background with the words peace or zen, on the U.S.-based clothing company Teesprings website.

Before the Nazis tainted the swastika by using it as their official symbol during World War II, it had beenand remainsa religious icon in Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism for thousands of years.

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum and the Simon Wiesenthal Center slammed the shirts.

Andrew Anglin, founder of the neo-Nazi Daily Stormer site, praised the design.

I want to say that I am in 100% support of the rebranding of the Swastika as a symbol of love, Anglin said.

KA Designs released its own statement on the controversy.

The new meanings given to our Swastika wouldnt make any sense if not based on the previous ones. We want to promote love and peace to remind everyone that mankind can be better that what it currently is and was in the past, the statement read.

By Monday, Teespring had removed the shirts from its site, The Times of Israel reported.

However, The Jerusalem Post pointed out Monday that Teespring was still offering clothing that referenced or painted Nazis in a positive light, such as shirts that said things such as Hitler did nothing wrong ever and Were all Hitler now.

Teesprings lack of sensitivity on these issues is repulsive and the companys obvious goal is to shock people and reap the possible financial rewards, under the guise of their supposed creativity, Ephraim Zuroff, head of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, told The Jerusalem Post.

Ramah camp in the Rockies evacuated due to early-morning fire

(JTA)An early-morning fire caused the evacuation of the Ramah in the Rockies summer camp and destroyed the building housing the camp kitchen, dining hall and administrative offices.

No one was hurt in the blaze, which started at 2 a.m Monday and spread to some nearby trees. The camps executive director, Rabbi Eliav Bock, noted the damages in a message posted on Facebook.

Local firefighters quickly brought the fire under control, according to the newspaper. The cause has yet to be determined.

The campers and staff were relocated to a field far from the fire, where they played games and sang while under close supervision, according to the post. They then boarded a bus to a synagogue in Denver, where volunteers provided them with food.

There were about 130 campers in the area when the fire broke out, the Denver Post reported.

The immediate implementation of emergency protocols resulted in a calm and quick camp evacuation, the statement said. Camp leaders also retrieved Torah scrolls and other important items, and all animals were released to safe areas away from the fire.

The camp said it is working on a plan for the last week of camp, which could include relocating to a nearby camp or returning to Ramah in the Rockies with a mobile kitchen.

Jordans King Abdullah makes rare visit to Ramallah in West Bank

JERUSALEM (JTA)Jordans King Abdullah visited Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah for the first time in nearly five years.

The two leaders in their West Bank meeting reportedly discussed President Donald Trump and the peace process, as well as the recent crisis over the Temple Mount.

Abdullah has not visited Ramallah, the capital of the Palestinian Authority, since December 2012.

Abdullah reportedly told Abbas that Trump is committed to brokering peace between Israel and the Palestinians, and stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to create real political prospects for progress toward resolving the conflict, the Jordanian governments Petra News Agency reported.

Both the king and Abbas emphasized the need to preserve the historical and legal status quo of the Temple Mount, which Petra called the Al-Quds Al-Sharif. Abdullah reiterated that the Hashemite Kingdom would continue to take seriously its guardianship of Muslim holy sites in the city and involve the international community, according to the report.

Abbas reportedly praised Abdullah for his efforts to defuse the recent Temple Mount crisis.

The two sides agreed to form a joint task force that would study the crisis, which was sparked by the murder of two Druze-Israeli police officers by three Arab-Israeli visitors to the site, and to prepare for possible future conflict at the Temple Mount.

Abdullah flew into Ramallah by helicopter, which required coordination with Israeli authorities, but did not meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The failure to meet was meant to show the kings unhappiness with Netanyahu in the wake of the Temple Mount crisis and the incident late last month in which an Israeli security guard from the Israeli Embassy shot and killed two Jordanian civilians after he was stabbed by one of thema teen who was installing furniture in an apartment used by the embassy.

Vandalized St. Louis Jewish cemetery rededicated with help from Muslim donors

(JTA)A St. Louis-area Jewish cemetery was rededicated nearly six months after more than 150 headstones were toppled and damaged by vandals.

Dozens of members of the St. Louis Jewish community and its supporters gathered Sunday at the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in University City, Missouri, to acknowledge the community support while honoring those who are buried there, the local media reported.

While God could not guard this sacred place from harm, God did send so many to repair, reclaim and rededicate, Rabbi Roxane Shapiro of the St. Louis Rabbinical Association said at the ceremony. Our help had no barriers and no hate, simply care, compassion and hope.

Among those in attendance at the rededication was Tarek El-Messidi, founder of the Muslim organization Celebrate Mercy. The group, with the support of other Muslim leaders, including pro-Palestinian activist Linda Sarsour, set up a crowdfunding campaign that raised $162,000 from nearly 5,000 donors, exceeding its $20,000 goal in the first few hours

In the wake of the attack, hundreds of community volunteers came to the cemetery to help with the cleanup and repairs, including Vice President Mike Pence and Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, who is Jewish and had invited Pence.

No suspects have been identified in the vandalism. The Anti-Defamation has offered a $10,000 reward for tips that lead to an arrest.

Israeli couples embrace a rabbinical prenup

JERUSALEM (JTA)Recognizing Tu bAv, the Jewish Day of Love, the Tzohar rabbinical organization said that public interest is increasing in its halachic prenuptial agreement.

Tu bAv is observed this year on Monday, the 15th day of the Jewish month of Av.

The Heskem BAhava, or Agreement of Love, was introduced in 2015 to prevent legal and halachic, or Jewish legal obstacles, in the event of the dissolution of a marriage.

Nearly 2,000 couples have signed the agreement before their weddings, with many more inquiring about it in recent months, according to Tzohar.

The organization hopes to make the agreement standard practice ahead of all Jewish weddings in the hopes of avoiding such issues as agunot, or chained wives.

Rabbinical and legal scholars drafted the agreement to address cases in which one spouse refuses the Jewish divorce, often demanding large sums of money or child custody in exchange for the get.

Every couple who goes under the chuppah deserves to play a part in addressing the growing problem of people trapped by their spouses because of the absence of these types of agreements, Rabbi Uri Ganzel, director of the Heskem BAhava Program, said in a statement. So by signing on, a couple is able to help make this process more mainstream and combat that trend with the hope that it will one day be completely eradicated from our society.

Founded in 1996, Tzohars core program provides halachic weddings for Jewish couples in Israel as a legal alternative to marriage under the haredi Orthodox-dominated Chief Rabbinate. More than 50,000 weddings have been performed under Tzohars auspices, with 20 scheduled this year for Tu bAv.

When the couple is standing under the chuppah and dreaming of their lives ahead together, all they can think of is love, said Tzohars founder, Rabbi David Stav. But the reality of life is there will be other marriages that dont thrive in the way yours hopefully will. On their behalf, you deserve to be a part of making this agreement standard practice

Trump attacks Sen. Richard Blumenthal on Twitter as a liar, baby and con artist

(JTA)President Donald Trump interrupted his working vacation in New Jersey to renew his attacks on Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., calling him a phony Vietnam con artist on Twitter.

Trump wrote a series of tweets Monday, apparently responding to Blumenthals appearance on CNN that morning in which the Jewish senator voiced support for the investigation into alleged Russian election meddling and asserted the possibility of collusion by the Trump campaign and then obstruction of justice.

Never in U.S.history [sic] has anyone lied or defrauded voters like Senator Richard Blumenthal, Trump wrote on Twitter shortly afterward. He told stories about his Vietnam battles and ... conquests, how brave he was, and it was all a lie. He cried like a baby and begged for forgiveness like a child. Now he judges collusion?

Trump also wrote: Interesting to watch Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut talking about hoax Russian collusion when he was a phony Vietnam con artist!

The president was referring to Blumenthals run for senator in 2010, when the former state attorney general gave a tearful apology for appearing to characterize his service in the Marine Corps Reserves as taking place in Vietnam, where had never served.

Trump received five draft deferments in avoiding service during the Vietnam era; he has said bone spurs in his feet made him ineligible.

Trump has attacked Blumenthal on the same issue in the past.

In February, he assailed Blumenthals credibility based on his Vietnam statements after the Democrat reported that then-Supreme Court justice nominee Neil Gorsuch was disheartened by the presidents attacks on a judge. Gorsuch later confirmed the Blumenthal account.

Blumenthal responded to Trumps latest Twitter volley on Monday, referring to the ongoing investigation into Russian voter meddling by special counsel Robert Mueller.

Mr. President: Your bullying hasnt worked before and it wont work now. No one is above the law, Blumenthal tweeted. This issue isnt about meits about the Special Counsels independence and integrity.

Israeli court revokes citizenship of Arab-Israeli man over terrorism conviction

JERUSALEM (JTA)An Israeli court revoked the citizenship of an Arab-Israeli man over his terrorism convictionreportedly for the first timein a stabbing and car-ramming attack.

The Haifa District Court on Sunday agreed to the request of Interior Minister Arye Deri in the case of Alaa Ziad of Umm al-Fahm. Ziad seriously injured three Jewish Israelis in the October 2015 attack at the start of what has been called the stabbing intifada.

Reports said it was the first time that an Arab Israeli has lost his citizenship over a terrorism conviction. Ziads mother is an Israeli citizen but his Palestinian father is not. Deri has also said he would revoke the Israeli residency permit for Ziads father.

Ziad can appeal the ruling while remaining in the country as a temporary resident, at least until October, Ynet reported.

Revoking Ziads citizenship constitutes a proper and proportionate measure, Judge Avraham Elyakim wrote in his decision, Ynet reported.

The Adalah Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights and The Association for Civil Rights in Israel said in a statement that a decision to revoke Ziads citizenship deviates from precedent as well as international law. They noted that the Supreme Court in Israel decided not to revoke the citizenship of Yigal Amir after he assassinated Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995.

Ziad drove his car into a group of people waiting at a bus stop near Kibbutz Gan Shmuel in northern Israel, near Hadera. He then exited his car and began stabbing people, injuring four, including a soldier seriously. One of the victims was a 15-year-old girl.

Ziad was found guilty of four counts of attempted murder last year and sentenced to 25 years in prison.

It is not known to where Ziad would be deported.

Holocaust denier Ernst Zundel dies in Germany at 78

(JTA)Ernst Zundel, a Holocaust denier who was jailed for inciting hatred against Jews, has died in Germany

Zundel died Sunday at his home in Baden-Wuerttemberg, reportedly of a heart attack. He was 78.

He served a five-year prison sentence in Mannheim, Germany, after being found guilty in 2007 of inciting hatred against Jews and systematically denying the Nazi genocide against the Jewsin 14 specific instanceson his website and in a newsletter. His five-year sentence included two years in jail following his deportation from Canada in 2005. He left prison in 2010.

A native of Germany, Zundel left the country in 1958 allegedly to avoid military service. He was considered among the most active Holocaust deniers in the world and was arrested in Canada in February 2003.

Zundel was among the first right-wing extremists to use the internet to spread hate material. Canada expelled him after courts there found his website to be unconstitutional. He was one of several Holocaust deniers deported to Germany at about that time.

He co-wrote the book The Hitler We Loved and Why under the pseudonym Christof Friedrich.
When presidential adviser Jared Kushner said in a recent private discussion that there may be no solution to the conflict between the Palestinian Arabs and Israel, he was just stating the obvious.

For nearly a century, self-appointed wise men have been claiming to have the solution, but every such proposal has proved to be a mirage.

The British thought they had the solution in 1922, when they sectioned off the eastern part of Mandatory Palestine78 percent of the original mandate territoryand set up an Arab kingdom there, which came to be known as Jordan. Youd think that giving the Palestinian Arabs 78 percent of the country would be enough to convince them to let the Jews have the remaining 22 percent. No such luck!

England tried again 15 years later. The Peel Partition Plan of 1937 proposed to divide up the remaining 22 percent of the country. The Arabs would get three-fourths of it. The British would keep Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The Jews dwarf-state would consist of the Galilee and a thin strip of land running down the coast. Jewish leaders, desperate for a few grains of sand, were willing to negotiate on that basis. The Arabs, however, refused.

In 1947, the United Nations came up with its own solution. Once again, the Arabs were offered the majority of the remaining territory. The Jews would be given a piece of the Galilee, part of the coast and a portion of the Negev. Such a Jewish state would have been militarily indefensible, not to mention incapable of absorbing large number of immigrants. But Jewish leaders, now desperate for anything in the wake of the Holocaust, accepted it. The Arabs, of course, rejected it. A bloody war followed.

State Department officials Daniel Kurtzer and Dennis Ross came up with a new solution in 1989. They convinced outgoing president Ronald Reagan and incoming president George H.W. Bush that the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was for the U.S. to pretend that Yasser Arafat and the PLO wanted peace, and to negotiate with him. Bush had to withdraw U.S. recognition of Arafat 18 months later, when PLO terrorists were caught on their way to slaughter Israelis on the Tel Aviv beachfront and take hostages at the nearby American embassy.

But Kurtzer and Ross revived their solution 12 years laterand managed to embarrass the next President Bush in the same way. They persuaded George W. Bush that Arafat, having signed the Oslo Accords, really wanted peace this time. But in January 2002, Arafat was caught trying to smuggle in 50 tons of weapons on a ship called the Karine A. Now it was the other Bushs turn to declare that the Palestinians must develop a new leadership, not tainted by support for terror. Like father, like son!

The Palestinians didnt heed Bushs advice. Instead of developing a non-terrorist leadership, they made Arafats number-two man, veteran terrorist Abu Mazen, whom we know as Mahmoud Abbas, their new leader. AndWas this so hard to predict?he promptly continued Arafats policies of glorifying terrorism, paying salaries to terrorists and encouraging terrorist attacks. So much for the Kurtzer-Ross solution.

Two desperate Israeli leaders, Ehud Barak and Ehud Olmert, came up with solutions, too. Prodded and pressured by the State Department, Barak (in 2000) and Olmert (in 2008) offered the Palestinian Authority (PA) massive concessions. The Palestinians still wouldnt accept.

Anybody remember Dennis Rosss solution in 2010? He claimed more Palestinian housing would lead to peace. He pressured Israel to let Hamas import cement. I argued with Israeli leaders and security officials, telling them they needed to allow more construction materials, including cement, into Gaza so that housing, schools and basic infrastructure could be built, he later wrote in The Washington Post. They countered that Hamas would misuse it, and they were right, Ross admittedHamas used the cement to build a labyrinth of underground tunnels, bunkers, command posts and shelters for its leaders, fighters and rockets.

But the State Department just wont give up. Martin Indyk and his assistant David Makovsky came up with a solution of their own which, as usual, would have involved Israel making sweeping territorial concessions and the Palestinians getting an armed, sovereign state that would be jammed against Israels throat. Israel needed to release 104 terrorists (who had killed 70 Israelis) just for the privilege of negotiating with the PA. But then right in the middle of the 2013-2014 Indyk talks, the PAs Abbas suddenly announced the creation of a PA-Hamas unity government. The Indyk-Makovsky solution was left in tatters.

Anybody notice a pattern here? Isnt it obvious by now that any solution involving the permanent existence of a Jewish state of any size will never be sincerely accepted by the Palestinians?

All the professional peace processors and self-appointed Middle East experts still dont seem to grasp a simple fact that an unassuming real estate developer-turned-presidential son-in-law evidently understands: the conflict between Palestinian Arabs and Israel has no solution. A century of bitter and bloody experience has made that painfully clear.

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.
Its not yet clear that the commotions surrounding the Temple Mount and the incident in Amman are behind us. An optimists view is that two weeks of demonstrations, nastiness from the pinnacle of the Jordanian government as well as the Palestine National Authority, a few deaths and perhaps a couple of hundred injuries were nothing more than blips on a troubled history, now seemingly back to whats been the normal range of manageable tensions. Those few days also invite some comparisons with minorities elsewhere, and especially African Americans.

The histories of African Americans and Arabs living under the dominance of Israel differ in important details. Israeli Arabs and Palestinians have resisted comparison with African Americans, occasionally with comments that have a taste of racism. The comparison is also confused by the role of Islam in the Middle East.

With all the reservations that are appropriate, it appears that Israeli relations with its minority and nearby Palestinians arent all that different from what prevails in the country that labels itself the leading example of a pluralistic democracy. Both clusters of minorities are diverse.

The most recent 60 years of African American history have witnessed significant progress under the headings of integration and affirmative action. Not only has one African American family reached the White House, but there are numerous African Americans in the upper levels of the economy and society. Yet there remains a substantial black underclass, with hopeless lives in ghettos, violence, drugs, families without fathers, and incarceration.

Thomas Hobbes comment about life being nasty, brutish, and short may have come from his knowledge about the lesser places in 17th century Britain, but it is also appropriate for inner city neighborhoods of the United States.

Israeli Arabs and Palestinians are divided by differences in support, tolerance, or fierce opposition to anything identified with Israel and Jews, as well as being divided ethnically/culturally/religiously into the clusters of Druze, Muslims, Christian, and Bedouin. Each of those groups are largely or almost completely separate in their choice of marriage partners, as well as tending to reside in their own villages or neighborhoods. There are further distinctions between Palestinians of the West Bank and those of Gaza, between those two and Israeli Arabs, with the Arabs of East Jerusalem having their own history and distinctive traits.

Both African Americans and Israeli Arabs/Palestinians are significantly more violent than majority White or Jewish communities. Most, but not all of the violence is internal, i.e., black on Black or Arab on Arab.

The threat of violence from minority to dominant populations is similar. The annual incidence of Blacks killing Whites in the US is about the same as the annual incidence of Israeli deaths attributed to Arab/Palestinian terror. Calculations come from FBI reports on murder in the US and Israeli statistics on deaths from terror, both calculated as percentages of total populations.

African Americans and Israeli Arabs claim to suffer from discrimination and relative deprivation.

Generalized measures of their social conditions are family incomes and longevity (life expectancy) relative to majority populations. While the statistics available differ from one country to another, they indicate that African American and Israeli Arab family incomes are about 60 percent of White and Jewish family incomes. On life expectancy, minorities do not live as long, and arguably are less healthy than majority populations. However, Israeli Arabs do relatively better than African Americans relative to majority populations, with Arab females living even longer than White American females.

Among the distinctive traits in Israeli Arab and Palestinian families are killings for the sake of honor. The victims include young girls caught looking at the wrong young man, as well as girls and women suspected of more overt sexual misdeeds. Along with being outside western norms, the practice frees Arabs from one of the problems of African American society, i.e., many children without fathers who begin life with dire chances. Israeli statistics show a number of never married Jewish women with children, but no such women in the Arab sector.

Both societies have been marked by occasional minority uprisings. Black destruction of property in their ghettos is not all that different from what the Israeli military has done in response to violence from West Bank or Gazan Palestinians.

One of the latest incidents of Arab violence resembles a chronic US problem. Arabs in normally peaceful Jaffa rioted for several hours this past weekend (after the problems with Jordan and the Temple Mount seemed to be resolved) in response to the police killing of an Arab fleeing arrest.

Even if we recognize legitimate grievances of African Americans, Israeli Arabs and Palestinians, at least some of their rioting seems to have been rioting for its own sake, with deaths, injuries, and property destruction fueled by enthusiasm.

An insightful comment came from one of the Arabs participating in a panel discussion on Israeli TV. He said that the vast majority of young people demonstrating, throwing stones, and chanting for the sake of Islam and in defense of al Aqsa were people who seldom if ever prayed, and may never had visited the mosque on the Temple Mount.

That recent demonstrations continued for a day after Palestinian and Muslim religious authorities urged a renewal of calm adds to the impression that much of the commotion was done for the sake of running wild and challenging authority.

Among the sharp differences between the two countries minority-majority relations has been the willingness of African American political leaders to play by the rules of the political game, and trade political support for personal and community benefits. African Americans have reached high office in federal and state governments, and city halls. One may argue as to whether Barack Obama qualifies as an African American or if he or other individuals did enough to advance the community.

Palestinians and Israeli Arab politicians have in most cases clung to the status of angry outsiders. Individual Israeli Arabs (including Druze) have reached high positions in government, the military, police, and courts. However, Knesset Members affiliated with political parties that most Arabs support limit their role to chronic criticism of governments, and the Arab one-third of Jerusalems population has almost entirely refrained from voting in municipal elections.

In both countries the enmity between minority and majority populations runs deep, and is vulnerable to occasional crises provoked by incidents that begin as individual or local, but have the potential for igniting tensions.

Both countries majority-minority relations have also proven to be manageable, with routines for dealing with outbursts and getting back to acceptable, if tense, levels of accommodation.

Yet one only has to note what comes from Black Lives Matter or the chants of Muslim demonstrators claiming the injustice of occupation or alleged actions against al Aqsa, to realize that the potential for further crises and bloodshed are not far under the surface.

Comments welcome. Irashark@gmail.com
The last two weeks was not a good time to be prime minister of Israel.

A series of unfortunate events led Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make decisions that wound up being blasted from both the left and the right. Those decisions were, at best, debatable. But the resulting tsunami of disparagement that accused him of simultaneously being intransigent and a weakling may tell us more about the nature of the conflict between Israel and its enemies than it does about his shortcomings. Though he deserves criticism, the most important conclusion to be drawn from the Temple Mount crisis is that, much as Netanyahu has told us for years, his nations security dilemma may be managedbut it cannot be solved. In such a situation, the options available to any Israeli leader will always range from bad to worse.

The latest proof of this dismal fact was a series of events set in motion by a July 14 terrorist attack near Jerusalems Temple Mount that killed two Israeli policemen. When Israel installed metal detectors to try and prevent another such atrocity, Palestinians and Muslims responded with outrage at what they considered an affront to their faith. Though it requires a staggering amount of cognitive dissonance to construe a security measure as an attack, that is exactly what they did. What followed was more violence, including a Palestinian terrorists slaughter of a Jewish family in Halamish, and then an attack on the Israeli embassy in Amman, Jordan.

Up until the attack in Jordan, Netanyahu resisted calls to end the trouble by removing the new security measures. But when an Israeli embassy guard, who had been wounded before shooting his assailant and a bystander, was told he would not be able to leave Jordan without being first put on trial for killing the terrorist, Netanyahu was put in an impossible position. Jordans King Abdullah was willing to sacrifice the guard in order to appease his Palestinian Arab subjects. Netanyahu couldnt let that happen. But the price for the guards freedom was the removal of the Temple Mount detectors.

Its arguable that installing the detectors in the first place was a bad idea. Officials knew the Palestinians would seize on any pretext to claim the status quo on the Temple Mountwhich gives the Islamic Waqf control of the site and forbids Jews from praying at the holiest place in Judaismwas being changed. But its also arguable that doing nothing would have been equally irresponsible.

Once the detectors were in place, removing them would not only reward the terroristsit would demonstrate that Palestinian mobs were in charge. That would be a blow to Israeli sovereignty and an undeserved triumph to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who like his predecessors, has done so much to cynically stoke the fires of religious warfare with lies about the Jews attacking the Al-Aqsa mosque.

Anyone who has followed Netanyahus career knew what the answer would be.

Just as he has done in the past when Israelis were held hostage by their foessuch as the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit by Hamasthe prime minister paid the ransom. In this case, his surrender didnt lead to the freeing of terrorists with blood on their hands. But by agreeing to a deal in which the guard would be allowed to leave Jordan in return for taking down the detectors, Netanyahu ensured future outrages. The prime minister is a student of history and knows that far from ending the trouble, appeasement will only make it more certain that further demands and violence aimed at chasing the Jews out of their holy places will follow. But had he let the Jordanians put the guard on trial, he would have been attackedwith equal justicefor leaving an Israeli behind in the hands of hostile foes.

The Israeli public thinks his decision is a defeat, with the prime ministers right-wing supporters calling him a weakling and his left-wing opponents damning him for provoking the controversy.

Yet its not clear that any of the alternatives Netanyahu could have chosen would have avoided more trouble or ended the problem without damaging Israels interests. In other words, he had no good options available to him.

A conflict rooted in religious rhetoric cannot be solved by a territorial compromise or more goodwill. For the foreseeable future, as Netanyahu has asserted, it can be managed but not solved. That means Israels leaderno matter what his or her name might beis fated to make more such unpopular and unsatisfactory decisions. This means that Netanyahu may have been wrong this time. But its not likely that anyone else would have done better.

Jonathan S. Tobin is opinion editor of JNS.org and a contributing writer for National Review. Follow him on Twitter at: @jonathans_tobin.
As a child, I spent my summers at Camp Solomon Schechter, a Conservative Jewish camp in Tumwater, Wash., set on the shores of Lake Joshua Stampfer. My experiences at Camp Schechter were central to the development of my Jewish identity and eventual decision to immigrate to Israel.

Each day began at the flagpole. Kicking off every morning, hundreds of sleepy-eyed campers and counselors from all around the Pacific Northwest strolled to the flagpoles, where we would circle up around the American, Canadian and Israeli flags. Just as everyone circled up, the Israeli scouts (young Israeli counselors) would lead us in a morning song. Bo-bo-bo-boker tov! they sang, meaning Good morning! in Hebrew.

Additional Hebrew songs, the American and Canadian national anthems, and of course, the Israeli national anthem Hatikvah would follow.

Camp Schechter was founded on Zionist principles and served as a safe haven to build Jewish community for many campers who might be the only Jews in their schools and hometowns.

But to my dismay, this safe haven was shaken last week when the Palestinian flag was raised over the campgrounds. I can only imagine the outrage among my thousands of fellow Camp Schechter alumni.

First reported by The Mike Report, a blog that focuses on Jewish news in the Pacific Northwest, Camp Schechter welcomed a group of Palestinian Muslims and Christians from a group called Kids4Peace to join the Jewish campers for the beginning of a new session.

Like the overwhelming majority of Schechter alumni, I welcome the idea of dialogue and friendship, especially with Palestinian children and young adults. But for Israelis, this flag embodies hatred and violence toward Israelis and Jews, and without warning or authorization from campers, staffers and parents, raising it was beyond insensitive.

After an avalanche of complaints, the Schechter administration sent out an email explaining that the flag was raised in a teachable moment as a sign of friendship, empathy and acceptance toward the Kids4Peace delegation.

The camp administration admitted that the flag was met with uncertainty by some campers and staff, especially the Israelis, and said the flag was taken down for Shabbat since there is no peace and also to relieve the sadness and anger that some feel by the site of the flag.

We have not altered any part of camp; we remain unabashedly pro-Israel, and we are celebrating Israel alongside our new friends, maintained the administration, which later sent out an apology for its lapse in judgment.

From my vantage point as a Schechter alumna-turned-Israeli, I can tell you that raising a Palestinian flag is a politically and emotionally charged act, especially for visiting Israeli counselors who have vivid memories of war and Palestinian terrorism. In the latest major attack, a Palestinian terrorist broke into a home in Halamish and killed three members of a Jewish family that was celebrating Shabbat.

For Israelis, the Palestinian flag evokes a denial of the call in Hatikvah for the Jewish people to be a free in the land of Israel, as the Palestinian Authority government that represents the flag incites and pays terrorists who take that denial into their own hands.

The camps move must also be viewed within the broader context of the way in which American Jewry is headednamely, indifference and even a growing hostility toward Israel. Many Jews, especially in younger generations, distance themselves from Israel because they fear being associated with negative narratives about Israel, Zionism and too often, the Jewish people. By rejecting Israel or Judaism, they conform to gain acceptance in liberal circlesthis phenomenon is especially prevalent in liberal communities in the Pacific Northwest. Therefore, we have an even greater responsibility to strengthen Jewish identity and unapologetic pride in our own backyard.

I can only hope that the benefit of interfaith dialogue was not lost because of the Palestinian flag incident. As an alumna, I pray that Camp Solomon Schechter remains the same camp that shaped my Jewish identity and made me the unabashed Jew that I am today, living in the state of Israel.

Eliana Rudee is a fellow with the news and public policy group Haym Salomon Center. Her bylines have been featured in USA Today, New York Daily News, Forbes and The Hill.
PARISIt took too long for the French people to recognize the Jewish victim of a brutal April 4 murder by name. After weeks of indifference by media outlets and politicians, French President Emmanuel Macron demanded publicly that the judiciary shed light on the nature of the crime.

Significantly, Macron spoke of Sarah Halimi during the ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the Vel dHiv, the roundup of more than 13,000 French Jews during the Holocaust in 1942.

Despite the denials of the murderer, our judiciary must bring total clarity around the death of Sarah Halimi, Macron said, adding that we were silent, because we did not want to see.

Halimis face and body were fractured in multiple places. She had been afraid of her attacker and his sisters anti-Semitic insults for some time. Her assassin called her a dirty whore and Sheitane (Arabic for Satan), and recited verses from the Quran as he beat her severely, shouting Allahu Akbar (God is greater) before defenestrating her (throwing her out the window).

All of France should have been shocked by this horror, and should have risen up asking for truth and justice in support of this woman assassinated in her home simply because she was Jewish. Instead, everyone buried their heads in the sand. The prosecutor still has not designated Halimis murder as a premeditated anti-Semitic act.

Once more, all those fighting for French society to stand up against anti-Semitic violence find themselves in the same position as the mythological hero Sisyphus, condemned for all eternity to perform the impossible task of pushing an immense boulder up a steep hill each day, only for it to roll back down as the sun sets.

How many years have we implored French authorities and society to react to the rising number of anti-Semitic incidents? How many times have we heard attempts by the authorities to relativize the situation, to explain that there is no new anti-Semitism, that the rise in anti-Semitic acts is only hooliganism?

In 2006, very few protested the kidnapping, 24-day torture and assassination of Ilan Halimi. But notably, Nicolas Sarkozy, then Frances interior minister, declared that the murder was an anti-Semitic crime. This affirmation set the stage for yet another battle over acknowledging the source of the new anti-Semitism. This meant accepting the fact that victims of racism could themselves be racists.

It also meant understanding that anti-Semitism does not only concern Jews, but rather all of French societythat it is a virulent cancer. If left untreated, it can metastasize and destroy an entire society. Historically, in our liberal democracies, the safety of Jewish communities is an indicator of the level of health of the society as a whole.

Other courageous voices joined. The Foundation for Political Innovation carried out a study together with the American Jewish Committee, pointing out that vehement anti-Semitism comes from three sectors of the population: a substantial portion of French Muslims, the extreme left and the extreme right. Former Prime Minister Manuel Valls famously stated that France without Jews would no longer be France, and emphasized this inconvenient truth: Yes, anti-Zionism has become in many parts of French society a screen that hides a visceral anti-Semitism. DILCRAHa ministerial delegation opposing racism, anti-Semitism and anti-LGBT hateproposed a plan to fight this scourge, and the plan was adopted by Frances government.

Then how is it possible that after the murder of Ilan Halimi in 2006, the murder of three Jewish schoolchildren and a rabbi in Toulouse in 2012, and the terrorist attack on the Hyper Cacher kosher supermarket in 2015, France has relapsed into denial by refusing to acknowledge the reality of anti-Semitic violence when it comes to the murder of Sarah Halimi?

Maybe it was our fault, as we Jews did not want to be seen as constantly complaining. Maybe the Jewish community was unwilling to believe that in 2017, it is still possible that an elderly lady would be beaten and defenestrated just because she is Jewish.

By recalling her name at the ceremony commemorating the Holocaust-era roundup of French Jews, and by demanding justice for Sarah Halimi, President Macron has broken down the wall of indifference that surrounded this drama, and has stood up for all of us, for all of France.

With these words he has, in his own way, advanced the boulder of Sisyphus.

Let us keep the boulder from rolling back down, by refusing to accept the continued impunity of those who spew the poison of anti-Semitism in our country.

Simone Rodan-Benzaquen is director of the American Jewish Committees Paris-based Europe branch.
As much as President Donald Trump enjoys taking a metaphorical sledgehammer to even the merest of slights against him, there is no reason to repeat the commander-in-chiefs behavior in judging his administration.

That there is so much darkness around Trump, his character and his intentions should not obscure the occasional rays of light emanating from his administration. In foreign policy, one can list a few achievements on this score. There was the appointment of Nikki Haley as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. In a few short months, she has done sterling work in confronting U.N. bias against Israel; exposing the various threats posed by Iran, North Korea and Russia; and shining a light on the forgotten civilian victims of conflicts from Africa to the Middle East.

There was the U.S. airstrike on the Syrian regime in response to its use of chemical weaponsnot a strategy, to be sure, nor even that meaningful in a military sense, but at least a signal of a moral opprobrium that was conspicuously absent from the former Obama administration.

Then, this week, there was the placing of sanctions on Venezuelas criminal dictator Nicolas Maduro, who has lost all legitimacy by usurping the democratically elected National Assembly and replacing it with a crony constituent assembly. Again, the sanctions on Maduro could have been tougher, but their very existence is a far cry from Obamas belief that Maduro should be negotiated withWe dont want to do more sanctions, he told a contact of mine in the Venezuelan opposition in 2013rather than isolated and removed from power.

But none of this really tells us a great deal about how Trump thinks the world should be organizedassuming he thinks about that subject at all. Does he agree, for example, that the State Department should remove democracy promotion from its mission statement, as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is rumored to want to do? Just going by his various statements on Syrias Assad regimerunning the spectrum from potential ally against Islamic State to the embodiment of the evil humans are capable ofone realizes that Trump could go either way. But one should also realize that as long as Trump remains ambiguous on the serial violations of tyrants, those same tyrants will interpret his lack of clarity as acquiescence, and push the envelope even more. This, in fact, is what men like Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russias President Vladimir Putin are already doingand with gusto.

On two critical fronts, North Korea and Iranboth fine examples of the dictum that war chooses you, and not the other way aroundTrump is severely, even dangerously, wanting. North Korea now presents a credible nuclear threat to the continental U.S.the culminating moment of the regimes Songun ideology that puts North Koreas military prowess before anything else, including the empty stomachs of thousands of ordinary North Koreans. If Trump is seriously considering using the military option against North Korea, as some congressional Republicans are suggesting, then we can only guess whether he will make the case for conflict to a worried American public, or whether he will announce any attack on Twitter, in order to retain the element of surprise.

This lack of systematic thinking, against the backdrop of the bitter factional divides Trump cultivates among his staff, is even more pronounced when it comes to dealing with Iran. As the result of a July 7 agreement between the U.S. and Russia creating four de-escalation zones in Syria, Iran and its proxies are becoming even more entrenched on Syrian territory with the full consent of the Russians, who have several-thousand troops on the ground there as well. Israel is furious with Trump for reaching an agreement that now presents a danger even more immediate than the Iranian nuclear program. One Israeli official put it starkly in an interview with Al-Monitor: This is not just some disagreement. This is a real clash, pitting Israel against Russia and the United States. It reflects Israels conspicuous disappointment with the way that the Americans let Putin outmaneuver them, leading to the sellout of Israeli interests in the Golan Heights and Lebanon versus the Shiite axis.

On this point, Trump needs to make clear to the Israelis that they will enjoy the full, unqualified support of the U.S. in the event of any confrontations with Russia as they carry out their mission to interdict Iranian weapons shipments. Trump should also tell Putin that the U.S. wants the Iranians and their proxies out of Syria, not least because groups like Hezbollah represent a threat as barbaric and potentially more deadly than Islamic State.

It is true that in these long, humid summer days, dominated as they are by the internal antics of the White House, such global dangers seem remote, with nobody wanting to believe that the worst-case scenarios are possible. But this is one reason why we trust our elected leaders to protect the national interestand why, when they fail to deliver, we tend to find out only once its too late to matter.

Ben Cohen writes a weekly column for JNS.org on Jewish affairs and Middle Eastern politics. His writings have been published in Commentary, the New York Post, Haaretz, The Wall Street Journal and many other publications.
HICKORY  Two employees of a local furniture company, Quaker Furniture Inc., in Hickory claim they have not received a paycheck for close to three weeks.

It has been so aggravating to deal with this in the last couple of weeks, Employee Annette Anderson said. When you work for a company, they want you to be truthful.

When it comes to something like this, (the company) need(s) to be honest with us like we have been with them.

Anderson and coworker, Pamela Stevens, are still waiting to hear from company officials.

When we call down to ask about our checks, they tell us, There is no money, and they, Will call us when it is released, so we can get our checks, Stevens said.

Stevens said that payday is normally a hectic time.

We all go down there to get our checks and as soon as we leave there with checks in our hands, we go straight to the bank, Stevens said. We are afraid if we dont, theyll use the money for something else.

Quaker Furniture Inc. gave employees a new handbook recently.

They just came up with this handbook at the end of last month, Annette Anderson said. It has his (McNeil) signature on it and it tells about our pay period and that kind of stuff.

Quaker takes all reasonable steps to ensure that employees receive the correct amount of pay in each paycheck and that employees are paid promptly on the scheduled payday, According to the handbook. In the unlikely event that there is an error in the amount of pay, the employee should promptly bring the discrepancy to the attention of your department manager so that corrections can be made as quickly as possible.

(The handbook) says in there that we are supposed to get paid promptly, Pamela Stevens said.  Thats a joke.

Stevens has worked for Quaker furniture for 23 years.

It used to be one of the best places to work. When the Lail family had it, it was a good business, Stevens said.

Stevens said the original owner recently passed away due to bad health and his son began to run the business.

I dont know exactly what happened, maybe financial problems, Stevens said. (The son) sold out the equipment and stuff to Ed McNeil, who is out of St. Louis, Missouri.

Stevens said that McNeil, company president, took the business over August 2016.

From that point he (McNeil) tells us that he is going to build the company back up, its going to be making all kinds of money and all this stuff, Stevens said. It has done nothing but went downhill since.

Anderson had previously worked for the company for 16 years.



I worked there for 16 and a half years and quit, but I went back this past May  they called me back to work, Anderson said.

When Anderson began working in May, she said the work was steady.

There wasnt a problem until about three weeks ago, Anderson said.

At that point, the company had been manufacturing furniture for another company.

Quaker was doing work for another company and (employees) werent working because they werent getting paid, Anderson said. The company (Quaker was) supposed to do the order for repossessed the stuff they were working on  they came and picked it up.

Anderson can remember Quaker Furniture Inc. manufacturing an order for Wesley Hall Inc., a local upholstery company, recently.

They were doing an order about a month ago for Wesley Hall, Anderson said. I know they made money from that and they just shipped that out about a week ago.

When asked about their affiliation with Quaker Furniture Inc., Wesley Hall Inc. wished to make no comment as of now.

Weve went to the Labor Board, Ive called them and several other people have, Anderson said.

The North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) Wages and Hour Bureau enforces the Wage and Hour Act, which includes employee protection for minimum wage and overtime payments, payment of promised wages not normally covered by law, youth employment, and recordkeeping.

NCDOL currently has record of three alleged wage complaints in regards to Quaker Furniture Inc. There is an investigation currently opened on the alleged complaints.

The Labor Board said it is federal  they cant hold our money, Pamela Stevens said. There are several more (employees) that have called.

Company President Edward McNeil said he is in the process of renegotiating lines of credit and hopes to be fully operational next week, according to a released statement to office employees.

Upon hearing this news, both Anderson and Stevens laughed.

No, I wouldnt go back. Not after they way they have been with this, Anderson said. Most of (the other employees) have already gotten a different job.

Ill let them call me before I call them."
The Chandigarh stalking has received more than usual attention, some of it because one of the two men accused, Vikas Barala, is the son of the states BJP chief.

But much of it is also is to do with what happened afterwards and the unflinching quest for justice by the woman they allegedly targeted.

Varnika Kundu stood her ground as assorted politicians, lawyers and unclejis asked the usual questions -- why was she driving so late at night? Was she drunk? She stood her ground through fake photographs, lost and found CCTV footage and speedy bail. She stood her ground right until the eventual arrest of Barala and his friend, Ashish Kumar.

Sure, MPs like Kirron Kher and Harsimrat Badal in a brave display of decency spoke up for her. Media channels were for once united in supporting her. And her fight on social media inspired at least one hashtag #AintNoCinderella as women posted selfies of themselves after midnight. We are independent and we dont need you to curb our freedom, tweeted Rekha Navani.

But, supported by an articulate and calm father, it has been one womans fight, and this is the unexpected twist to an otherwise routine crime story.

Stalking is only one of the many forms of violence faced by 48.5% of the country  the statistic itself a rebuke. In 2016, 7,132 cases of stalking were registered and just this past week, a 17-year-old girl on her way to school was stalked by five men who, after she rebuffed them, slit her throat and killed her.

The dominance of public spaces by men makes women less-than-equal citizens, unable to participate fully in education and employment. It goes against the grain of our Constitutional rights to equality and dignity. You cannot celebrate 70 years of Independence if half your citizens are too scared to be out on the street, parks or the metro.

Its time to reclaim this space. It wont be easy. Not many women have Varnikas resilience. And public support remains ranged against the free movement of women.

But a fight-back has begun. Whether its Varnika Kundu or Gurmehar Kaur, a new generation of women is speaking up and saying enough. These women are unwilling to be victims. They are saying, you cannot wish us away.

In his first Independence Day address as prime minister, Narendra Modi had asked parents to control their sons. Perhaps its time for him to call for a second freedom movement  for daughters. To enable their full participation in civil society. To be able to go out. To study. To work. To have fun. To just live their lives.

Its time for all of us to be truly free.

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Since his appointment as the head of the Central Board of Film Certification in January 2015, Pahlaj Nihalani has made headlines for a number of controversial moves and statements.

On Friday, Nihalani was reportedly removed as chief of the CBFC. Prasoon Joshi is expected to be announced as his replacement.

Here is a timeline of his controversial tenure as chief:

April 2014: Nihalani, a known film producer, came up with an election campaign video for BJPs prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi titled Har Har Modi.

Jan 17, 2015: Then-CBFC chief Leela Samson, along with nine other board members, resigned from the board following the controversy around Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singhs movie Messenger Of God.

Jan 19, 2015: Pahlaj Nihalani appointed as CBFC chief.

Jan 20, 2015: In one of his first interviews after becoming the CBFC chief, Nihalani said that he is a proud BJP man and Narendra Modi is his action man.

Jan 24, 2015: Nihalani, in an interview with a leading daily, said that certain cuss words will not be tolerated in films. He suggested a list of words that shouldnt be used without a solid context. Many filmmakers called it an attack on their freedom of expression.

Feb, 2015: A list of banned words started doing the rounds on the internet. The list had many contentious words, including Bombay, leaving the board red-faced.

Feb, 2015: Nihalani targeted former censor board chief Sharmila Tagore for clearing Omkara in 2006. He said Tagore didnt question the content of the film because it had her son Saif Ali Khan in the lead.

March 12, 2015: Censor board member Ashoke Pandit called Nihalani a tyrant and accused him of giving illogical diktats. He talked at length about the cuts suggested in Hollywood film Fifty Shades Of Grey in a Facebook post.

March 2015: Raj Amit Kumar was stopped from releasing his film Unfreedom, a film based on homosexual relationships, which led to widespread criticism from LGBT rights activists as well as film makers. They told me that Hindus and Muslims will start fighting, and that the film will also ignite unnatural passion. I was aghast as my film is not provocative, Raj Amit Kumar was quoted as saying.

October-November, 2015: Censor board trimmed down a kissing scene in the latest instalment of the James Bond franchise, Spectre, and said it was needed to keep up with the Indian sanskars.

November 12, 2015: The audiences at theatre across the country are shocked when the Salman Khan-starrer Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is preceded by a video, Mera Desh Hai Mahaan, which praised PM Modi and showed some foreign locales as the symbol of Indias meteoric growth. The video left the BJP red-faced. Later, Nihalani said that it was a projection of Indias future.

November 17, 2015: Nihalani said that he is planning to make a film on the students of the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, which will bring out their ant-national activities, sparking a row on social media.

December 2015: When trailers of sex comedy films Mastizaade and Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 were released online, several people questioned the vulgarity in the videos. Pahlaj Nihalani, however, told DNA, We are in a catch-22 situation. Karo toh gaali, na karo toh gaali. When we were strict with the vulgarity quotient, we were called prudes. Sanskaari became a gaali. And to endorse obscenity was seen worthy of taali. So, we certified some films with scenes and dialogues that we would otherwise have never passed as they went against our guidelines.

Dec 27, 2015: Central Minister Arun Jaitley hinted towards a possible change in the hierarchy of the Censor Board.

Dec 30, 2015: The information and broadcasting ministry questioned the intent behind clearing the trailers of Kya Kool Hain Hum 3 and Mastizaade. Nihalani said it was done to shed the boards sanskari image.

Jan 2016: Awarded an A certificate to Hansal Mehtas film, Aligarh, for its themes of homosexuality. Tell me, is the subject of homosexuality for kids? For teenagers? he asked.

June 2016: Refused to certify Nawazuddin Siddiquis Haraamkhor, a film that was released a year later. The films theme of an affair between a school teacher and his underage student was deemed unacceptable.

November 2016: Awarded A certificate to Oscar-winning film, La La Land.

December 2016: Removed dozens of kissing scenes from Ranveer Singh-starrer, Befikre, including a scene witch featured homosexual characters.

December 2016: Heavily censored Quentin Tarantinos The Hateful Eight, removing over a minute of footage.

Jan 2017: Asked for a scene in which Vin Diesels teetotaller character drinks cranberry juice in xXx: Return of Xander Cage be removed, perhaps mistaking it for alcohol.

Jan 2017: Said, I dont see any (films), I just make them go through the examining committee. I dont see a single movie, because as per rules I cant see any movie.

February 2017: Asked for 7 cuts from Ryan Reynolds-starrer, Deadpool.

June 2016: Recommended 89 cuts be made in Shahid Kapoor-starrer, Udta Punjab. Also demanded references to the state be removed from the finished film.

July 2017: Lipstick Under My Burkha refused certification for being too lady-oriented.

July 2017: Bans smoking and drinking from films. Addressed for the first time rumours of his being sacked. If now I am asked to leave, Id do so just as swiftly, wishing my successor all the best.

August 2017: Nihalani files police complaint against reporter alleging harassment, intimidation and breach of privacy.

August 2017: Removes a lesbian lovemaking scene from Charlize Therons Atomic Blonde.

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Bollywood actor-turned-writer Twinkle Khanna went all out to put in a positive review for husband Akshay Kumars Toilet Ek Prem Katha that hits theatres on Friday. Twinkle took to Twitter to sing laurels for husband dearest and his latest film that takes cudgels against open defecation. Starring Akshay and Bhumi Pednekar in lead roles, the film is directed by debutant Shree Narayan Singh.

Saw #ToiletEkPremKatha and loved it! Very proud of Mr K-Its a highly entertaining and equally important movie! #MustWatch, Twinkle wrote in her short, personal review of the film. Akshay plays Keshav in the movie.

Saw #ToiletEkPremKatha and loved it! Very proud of Mr K-It's a highly entertaining and equally important movie! #MustWatch pic.twitter.com/X8PW3BUuHf  Twinkle Khanna (@mrsfunnybones) August 10, 2017

After the makers held a special screening in Mumbai, Bollywood actors and other celebs took to Twitter to shower praises on the film and the stars. Heres what they said:

#ToiletEkPremKatha is not just a film it's a trigger to a revolution which is the need of the hour. Congrats @akshaykumar paaji & @psbhumi   Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) August 11, 2017

Supa Romantic And Entertaining @akshaykumar #ToiletEkPremKatha not a film it's an Experience...... must watch   Warda S Nadiadwala (@WardaNadiadwala) August 10, 2017

#ToiletEkPremKatha ..a Strong but subtle message giving film.. good luck @akshaykumar n team.. U have touched an imp social issue as always  PankajaGopinathMunde (@Pankajamunde) August 11, 2017

Several actors and filmmakers also expressed their interest in watching Toilet Ek Prem Katha.

Hey guys! Just 1 day to go for #ToiletEkPremKatha! @akshaykumar @psbhumi, kudos for raising such an important issue! Excited to watch this! pic.twitter.com/mVyW2iNPt3  Sonam Kapoor (@sonamakapoor) August 10, 2017

This Friday my choice of film to watch #ToiletEkPremKatha .All the best to @akshaykumar , @kriarj and the entire team  Bipasha Basu (@bipsluvurself) August 10, 2017

All the very best @girishjohar #Kriarj

Go have a blast at the BO. #ToiletEkPremKatha  Anubhav Sinha (@anubhavsinha) August 10, 2017

First our this khiladi taught us fitness and now sanitisation.@akshaykumar sir take a bow.@psbhumi Waiting to watch #ToiletEkPremKatha   AANAND L RAI (@aanandlrai) August 11, 2017

Divyendu Sharma, Sudhir Pandey, Shubha Khote and Anupam Kher also feature in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha that is inspired by a real life story of a woman who left her husband days after their wedding after finding out that his home has no toilet. The husband fights social stigma and crosses several hurdles to get a toilet built for his wife and get her to return home.

The film doffs its hat to Prime Minister Narendra Modis Clean India campaign. Akshay also met PM Modi to talk about the film. Later, the Prime Minister also tweeted about the film.

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Hallelujah! Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, Joey and Ross are making their way back into our lives.through a book. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ill Be There for You, a look at the history and enduring appeal of Friends has been acquired by Harlequin imprint Hanover Square Press for publication in 2019.

The book will be released on the 25th anniversary of the shows debut. The book is being penned by Kelsey Miller. The book is pitched in the vein of Seinfeldia, which not only looked at the history of Seinfeld but assessed its cultural impact and was a bit of a surprise hit last summer. The book promises a look at the origins of the show and the numerous high profile guest stars (Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and many more).

The book will also explore the shows afterlife and why it continues to appeal to people too young to have watched it the first time around. F.R.I.E.N.D.S, which debuted on NBC in 1994 and ran for 10 seasons, was one of the biggest hits of the 90s, ranking in the top five most viewed shows for nine of 10 seasons. The series continues to draw about 16 million viewers a week in reruns.

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More than 1.62 lakh companies not carrying out business for long have been deregistered, with Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad together accounting for nearly half of such firms, the government told Parliament on Friday.

The response was to a query on whether there is an increase in the closure of bogus private limited companies especially those which had barely done business in the previous years but only taking loans and giving advances and creating money entries.

The term bogus company is not defined under the Companies Act. However, Registrars of Companies (RoCs) have removed 1,62,618 companies from the register of the companies as of July 12, 2017 after following the due process under Section 248 of the Companies Act, minister of state for corporate affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

Section 248 provides powers to the Registrar of Companies (RoC) to remove the name of a company from the register on various grounds, including that the entity was not carrying out any business for two preceding financial years.

Out of the 1,62,618 companies that have been struck off the register, a total of 76,451 firms were cancelled by RoCs of Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad put together.

Individually, RoC (Mumbai) has cancelled registration of 33,000 companies, RoC (Delhi) 22,863 and RoC (Hyderabad) 20,588 firms, Meghwal said.

Further, RoC (Chennai) removed the names of 12,133 firms, RoC (Bengaluru) 11,286 and RoC (Pune) 10,083, RoC (Ahmedabad) 9,625 and RoC (Kolkata) 8,078, he added.

Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said 37,000 shell companies indulging in tax evasion had been detected and more than three lakh firms were under the scanner for suspicious dealings, post demonetisation.

The government has cancelled registration of over 1 lakh companies in a single stroke and more than 37,000 shell firms have been identified for strong action, he had said.

In a separate query, Meghwal said that the ministry has taken action against five unregistered companies -- Krishi Vipran Vikas Ltd, Bhagya Laxmi Financial Pvt Ltd, Natraj Finance, Webtern India Pvt Ltd, and Tanishka Infotech Pvt Ltd -- in the last three years.

In another reply, Meghwal said that the ministry has not received any communication for setting-up of central institution to check the fraudulent activities of chit funds/ multi-level marketing companies.
Markets regulator Sebi on Thursday entered into a pact with its counterpart in Iran to promote technical assistance and facilitate cross-border co-operation in the area of securities regulations.

It will facilitate mutual assistance, contribute towards efficient performance of the supervisory functions, and enable effective enforcement of laws and regulations governing the securities markets.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) and Securities & Exchange Organization (SEO) of Iran have entered into a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for mutual cooperation and technical assistance, Sebi said in a statement.

The MoU was signed by Sebi chief Ajay Tyagi and SEO Iran chairman Shapour Mohammadi here.

Sebi has signed nearly two dozen bilateral MoUs with the regulators of various jurisdictions. The markets regulator is also a signatory to the multilateral MoU of International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).

In order to encourage the exchange of information and assistance, Sebi has been signing pacts with the jurisdictions who are yet to become a signatory to the multilateral MoU of IOSCO.
Tata Steel UK announced on Friday it had signed the documentation for a Regulated Apportionment Arrangement (RAA) with the trustee of the British Steel Pension Scheme, paving the way for a possible merger with German steel major ThyssenKrupp.

When the RAA takes effect, the British Steel Pension Scheme will be separated from Tata Steel UK and a number of affiliated companies, the company said, after Britains pensions regulator gave initial approval to its proposal affecting nearly 130,000 members.

The development commences a 28-day period, at the end of which, and in the absence of any referrals, it is expected that the regulator will confirm its approval of the RAA.

The RAA would take effect after Tata Steel UK makes a payment of 550 million to the British Steel Pension Scheme.

At the same time, shares in Tata Steel UK would be issued to the British Steel Pension Scheme trustee under the terms of a shareholders agreement, leading to a 33% economic equity stake in Tata Steel UK being held by the Trustee, the company said.

Tata Steel UK has also reached an agreement for the sponsorship of a proposed new pension scheme. All members of the British Steel Pension Scheme would be invited to transfer to the new scheme subsequent to the completion of the RAA.

If the qualifying conditions are met, members who choose to, will transfer to the new scheme.

Koushik Chatterjee, Tata Steels Group executive director, said: Considering the continued challenges in the global steel industry as well as the uncertain global politico-economic environment, the RAA presents the best possible structural outcome for the members of the British Steel Pension Scheme and for the Tata Steel UK business.

The RAA is one important milestone in Tata Steel UKs journey towards a sustainable and enduring future, with pension obligations, whose risk profile would be consistent with the underlying business. The net financial impact of the RAA including the payment of the agreed amount would be reflected in the Q2 FY18 financials for the company.

Lesley Titcomb, chief executive of the UK regulator, said: We do not agree to these types of arrangements lightly but after several months of robust negotiations in this case, we believe that it is the best possible outcome for everyone involved in what is a very difficult situation.

The regulator is willing to work closely and constructively with employers who face real challenges in meeting their pension obligations due to difficult trading conditions...This proposal brings greater certainty for pension scheme members and unlocks the possibility of restructuring the company, which in turn could lead to preserving jobs.

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Independence Day calls to mind Akka Mahadevi. Akka (elder sister in Kannada, Telugu and Tamil) was born into a rich Hindu family in Udutadi village in present-day Shimoga district, Karnataka. She was married at the age of 10 to Kausika, a Jain chieftan. This was in the early 12th century. The Jains, then as now, were a prosperous community and Akka was expected to live the life of a medieval corporate wife, dress well, bear her husband sons and fulfill her traditional biological, domestic, social and ritual duties.

Instead, Akka ran away. Moreover, she cast off her clothes, possibly influenced by the Digambara or sky-clad sect of naked Jaina ascetics, and wore her long hair as her only covering.

What could have made a gently bred girl utterly reject her prescribed life and wander bravely alone into the aggressive, jeering world of men? We cannot begin to imagine what she must have endured or the strength of mind and conviction it must have taken to make and sustain this terrifying choice back then.

Akka seems to have experienced a deep emotional transference to Shiva as Chenna Mallikarjuna, beautifully translated by the late AK Ramanujan as O lord white as jasmine (Speaking of Shiva; Penguin, 1973). This love poured out in about 350 vachanas or sayings in Kannada. Akka wished to join a soul family, the Virashaivas, a new and radically democratic group of Hindus in the region. She made her way to their camp at a place called Kalyana and asked to be one of them.

Scandal had preceded her and she must have presented an unsettling sight, so young, staunch and unclad. Allama Prabhu, the Virashaiva leader, was caught between his heartfelt Shaiva empathy with all creatures and this severe test of his belief: did all creatures include a woman who broke so many male rules? Despite his great saintliness and impeccable credentials as a spiritual democrat, in the Q&A reported by legend we see the overpowering need of the male mind to construct a patriarchal context for Akkas wildness, to conventionalise her as Gods wife, if not a mans.

Allama Prabhu reportedly asks: Who is your husband? Akka reportedly answers, I am married forever to Chenna Mallikarjuna.

Allama Prabhu says: Why do you roam around naked as though illusion can be peeled off by mere gestures? And yet you wear a sari of hair? If the heart is free and pure, why do you need it? Says Akka, with absolute honesty: Till the fruit (mind) is ripe inside, the skin will not fall off.

Melted by her sincerity, he accepts her into the Virashaiva fold. But some years later, now in her 20s, Akka leaves to look for Chenna Mallikarjuna. The legend goes that she went to the holy peak of Srisailam in todays Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Her body was never found. But nine hundred years later, little girls married off early all over 21st-century India still bear Akka Mahadevi witness.

shebaba09@gmail

(The views expressed are personal)

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The dramatic midnight twists and turns in what should have been an anodyne and colourless Rajya Sabha election from Gujarat tells you one thing about the BJP under Amit Shah: It is in constant poll mode. No election is too small; no seat too inconsequential for the take-no-prisoners approach of the party president and his expansionist ambitions.

But this time, did Shahs over-enthusiasm end up doing the beleaguered Congress a favour? Did the eventual fight to the finish challenge the BJPs notion of invincibility? Ahmed Patel, the elusive, influential political secretary to Sonia Gandhi has lived to fight another day and a party  otherwise paralysed by a weird mix of denial and despair, has been forcibly shaken from its stupor.

But hold both the applause and the commiserations just yet. Admittedly the party showed a rare, never-say-die energy in swiftly mobilising the Election Commission when two of its cross voters revealed their ballot was for the BJP; but at the end of the day it is Ahmed Patel who won and not the Congress. Leveraging what one Congressman described as old equities Ahmed Patels fight to retain his seat was almost entirely an individual battle till the penultimate moments when the party machinery got involved. Till then most Congressmen were busy trying to find some disassociation between Patel and his boss Sonia Gandhi. Had he lost, the defeat would have been pinned at his door; now that he has won, the party wants to share the credit.

If anything, Patels victory  met with distinctly noticeable silence on social media by Rahul Gandhi who found time to publicly tweet Venkaiah Naidu but not his own partys veteran  has exposed the internal fault-lines and the generational collisions within the party. One Congressman said Patels victory had pushed Rahul Gandhi deeper into a shell. The tenuous relationship between Gandhi and Patel is well known to those who track the Congress. For the past three years amid cliched forecasts of Rahul Gandhi taking over from his mother, Patel would frequently tell those who met him that most decisions had been taken without him in the loop. Even accounting for characteristic self-deprecation, Patel did not hide the fact that he was not central to the decision-making of Rahul and his sister Priyanka. Equally, Rahul is known to have told people close to him that the Congress needs an open-heart surgery; he privately believes that something original can rise only from the ashes of the old-guard politics that leaders like Patel represented. The Gujarat victory proves any such obituary to be vastly premature. In any case the older Congressmen have shown way more spunk than the less-driven, more urbane and distinctly less political younger Turks, whether in Gujarat, or earlier in the year, in Punjab. Far from dislodging them  as the Rahul Gandhi camp may have hoped  the Rajya Sabha polls have guaranteed that the generational confusion in the party will persist. Decisions will continue to fall between what nine-time MP Kamal Nath called, two stools when he plaintively told me in 2015 that no organisation can have two bosses.

The other reason the Congress shouldnt be celebrating  though Ahmed Patel can  is the partys failure to build and retain strategic alliances without putting itself at the centre of them. The mystery over whose 44th vote took Patel across the finishing line persists, but it seems likely that Sharad Pawars party abandoned the Congress. The loss of Nitish Kumar in Bihar and the NCP in Gujarat could have a domino effect among other regional players. The inability of the Congress to internalise a new reality and shed its entitled attitude to power has led it to over-assert for seats and influence with regional players. Gujarat must teach it otherwise.

Finally, the party will be stuck in the same morass unless it abandons the high command culture and idiom. Its Delhi-centric political feudalism (where state leaders have to wait eons to even get the attention of the leadership) will have to move to intra-party federalism if it has to survive. In a state where the Congress has been out of power for three decades, leaders like ShaktiSinh Gohil showed a remarkable appetite for a good fight. Will he be empowered or flung aside as so many others have been before him?

In the end the Congress will have to script a new narrative and be willing to take a backseat to allow other, more rooted leaders to shine in the spotlight. Otherwise, in the long term, Patels victory will become more about survival than winning.

Barkha Dutt is an award-winning journalist and author

The views expressed are personal

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Congress MLA from Dharchula Harish Dhami and BJPs Didihat MLA Bishen Singh Chufal on Friday entered into a fight during a public hearing on the Pancheshwar dam in Pithoragarh.

Both of them pushed each other leading to tension among their supporters.

Later, Dhami sat on a fast unto death demanding that the public hearing should be held at the Nyay Panchayat level and not at the blcok level so that the peoples grievances can be gauged in a genuine manner.

He said he would break the fast only when the administration assures him of accepting his demand.

Uttarakhand Kranti Dal patron Kashi Singh Aeri was also allegedly pushed out of the hall by the BJP supporters.

During the public hearing on the Pancheshwar hydro power project at the Vikas Bhavan, Djhami was speaking about grievances of the people from the areas that would come in the submergence zone. He was questioned by a BJP activist which led to a heated altercation.

Dhami then had a fight with BJP MLA Chufal and both of them pushed each other. Dhami alleged that the BJP members have turned the public hearing into a party forum.
A day after supporters of ministers Satpal Maharaj and Madan Kaushik clashed in Haridwar, the Opposition Congress dubbed the scuffle as a clear sign of a bitter power tussle in the Trivendra Singh Rawat Cabinet.

The clashes turned violent because the two ministers didnt speak to each other nor did they try to restrain their supporters, said senior Congress leader Surendra Kumar, adding that lack of communication between them was a clear sign of the power tussle dogging the nearly five-month old government.

The BJP, however, termed the scuffle as something circumstantial. The episode is painful but not much should be read into it as it was not deliberate but something circumstantial, partys state general secretary Naresh Bansal said.

Haridwar mayor Manoj Garg along with about a dozen BJP workers was injured in a violent scuffle that ensued after supporters of Kaushik and Maharaj came to blows over removing allegedly illegal structures outside the latters Ashram.

It (clash) was a strange way of doing Kirtan (singing devotional songs) in the world famous shrine town, Kumar said taking a jibe at Maharaj, who is also a spiritual leader. On the other side was somebody who wanted to remove illegal structures, he said in an apparent reference to Kaushik who represents Haridwar (city) in the Assembly. Who put up those illegal structures, he asked.

Kumar accused the two BJP leaders of being in the race for the post of chief minister. It seems those who are eyeing the top post are in a tearing hurry to grab it, he said. Kumar said the ministers could have resolved the issue by sitting across the table. If two Cabinet ministers are not communicatingThey are challenging each others authoritythe message is clear that they are in a hurry to become the CM and cant wait for five years, he said.

Reports of discontent among the ruling BJP legislators surfaced soon after Rawat constituted the nine-member Cabinet on March 18. Those who missed the bus accused him of failing to strike a caste and regional balance while choosing his Council of Ministers. In fact, if reports are to be believed, Maharaj and his ministerial colleague Harak Singh Rawat openly argued over an issue during one of the Cabinet meetings.

The alleged differences between the two ministers though elicited mixed reactions from analysts. It was more of an upshot of ego clash of two personalities than both eyeing the top post, said Prof M C Sati of HNB Garhwal (Central) University.

His colleague M M Semwal said the CM and his ministerial colleagues see in Maharaj a threat for two reasons. First, he is a former Congress heavyweight who joined the BJP only some three years ago. Besides, the party leadership also wanted to project him as the CM candidate but changed its mind later.

Bansal dubbed all such theories as mere conjectures. There was nothing pre-planned about the scuffle between their supporters, which was nothing but a mob fury, he said. Besides, both the leaders were out of station the day when the clashes took place among their supporters.

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Increased vigil by the local police and the Indo-China border tension has taken its toll on the trade of Yarsa Gumba this year, with the sellers adopting wait and watch policy. The rate of this expensive aphrodisiac, known as Himalayan Viagra is currently around 7-8 lakh per kg, which sometimes goes up to 15 lakh.

Yarsa Gumba is the fusion of a moth and a fungus that emerges out of the melting snow. Its trade is banned in India.

This year, the collection or picking of Yarsa Gumba was conducted in the alpine meadows of the state till July 15 . The competition was high due to the large number of people, who had gone to collect the aphrodisiac, locally known as Keeda Jadi.

Indra Singh of Munsyari said that the collected Yarsa Gumba is sold by the local people to contractors. It is then taken to Nepal or China through various routes to be sold in the international markets. In Mid July, the contractors were offering 6 lakh per kg to the villagers, due to which they did not sell the produce. The state government has introduced city patrolling unit (CPU), a dedicated police force for checking crime in Pithoragarh district, which has created panic among the Yarsa Gumba traders.

Hukum Singh of Dharcula said that the authorities caught two people in separate incidents in Chamoli and Pithoragarh district with Yarsa Gumba, which created panic among the contractors. The continuing tension between India and China has also contributed to the sluggish trade of the aphrodisiac.

Pithoragarh superintendent of police Ajay Joshi said there is no police presence in the areas where Yarsa Gumba is collected, as the aphrodisiac is found in the higher reaches. The revenue police keeps a tab over the activities of people in these areas, but this time we have caught some persons with Yarsa Gumba and have been keeping vigil that has led to curb on its trade, said Joshi.
Buxar district magistrate Mukesh Pandey, who allegedly committed suicide on the rail tracks in Ghaziabad on Thursday, had informed his family of his suicidal intentions three hours before he took the extreme step. His family and batchmates were quick to alert the Delhi Police. But that could not save him from the tragic end.

Two teams of Delhi Police  one from the Sarojini Nagar police station and another from west district  swung into action after being informed about Pandeys plan. However, they could not track down the official.

Ishwar Singh, deputy commissioner of police (south), said the 29-year-old IAS officer reached Delhi from Patna in an Indigo flight. Around 12:30 pm, Pandey checked in at Hotel Leela Palace and remained in room number 742. Around 4:30 pm, he locked his backpack in the room and left the hotel in an Ola cab, said the police.

Through technical surveillance, the police learnt that Pandey reached District Centre in Janakpuri. The CCTV footage of the District Centre confirmed his presence on the eleventh floor. From shopkeepers, we learnt that he attempted to reach the top floor but was stopped by security guards and that probably forced him to change his plan, said a senior official adding Pandey left his mobile phone there and it was picked up by a shopkeeper.

Pandey was seen leaving District Centre at 5.55 pm. CCTV footage shows him board a train from Janakpuri Metro station. While the police were still looking for him in Delhi, Pandey deboarded at Anand Vihar Metro station. We believe that he reached Ghaziabad in a train. Around 8.30 pm, his body was found on railway tracks in Ghaziabad, said the official.

According to the DCP, at around 5.30 pm, Pandey had sent a message to his father-in-law, other relatives, and batchmates telling them that he was staying at Leela Palace Hotel and planned to end his life at Janakpuri District Centre.

The IAS officers sister-in-law, who lives in Delhi, reached the hotel after her father told her about the message. The hotel authorities alerted the Sarojini Nagar police and unlocked the room and found Pandeys backpack that contained his clothes and a notebook.

Pandey had written a suicide note on four pages. On the sister-in-laws complaint, the Sarojini Nagar police lodged Pandeys missing complaint. The family members, batchmates, and police officials tried to contact him on his mobile, but he did not answer the calls, the officer said.

In the four-page suicide note, the officer said, Pandey wrote about his strained married life and that he was fed up with life. In the letter, he allegedly mentioned about his wifes extrovert and strong personality and his being an introvert. In the note he has written that he was upset because his parents did not get their due respect from his wife, the officer said adding Pandey also wrote about his three-month-old daughter.
Buxar district magistrate Mukesh Pandey, who allegedly committed suicide in Ghaziabad on Thursday by lying on rails tracks, had informed his family of his suicidal intentions hours ago. But that could not save him from his tragic end.

Delhi Police swung into action after receiving a missing complaint from Pandeys sister-in-law at 7pm, but they could not track down the official. Pandey left from Leela Palace Hotel in Chanakyapuri at around 4pm for District Centre in Janakpuri and later took a metro train. While the police were still looking for him in Delhi, his body was found on railway tracks in Ghaziabad.

At around 6pm, he had sent a message to his father-in-law and other relatives telling them that he was staying at Leela Palace Hotel and he planned to end his life at Janakpuri District Centre in west Delhi.

This is what followed soon after:

The IAS officers sister-in-law, who lives in Delhi, approached the Sarojini Nagar police on Thursday evening and filed a missing complaint. Her father had told her about the message and asked her to approach the police as Pandeys phone was switched off, said a Delhi Police official.

A team was sent to the hotel but his room was found locked. He had already left from there. Sarojini Nagar police then informed their colleagues in Janakpuri who reached District Centre looking for the officer but he was nowhere to be found.

The CCTV footage of the District Centre was scanned that showed the officer leaving from there. He was further seen boarding a train at Janakpuri Metro station.

After information, we launched a search. At night, we got information that a body was found on the railway tracks in Ghaziabad. We had sent our officials there, said Chinmoy Biswal, additional DCP (South).

After the officer was found dead, the Sarojini Nagar police unlocked his hotel room and found his backpack that contained a small notebook and his clothes.

As Pandey stated in a note found on him, the police recovered a detailed suicide letter written on four pages of a notebook from his backpack that also carried his clothes. Police sources said he allegedly mentioned about his strained married life in the letter and that he was fed up with life.

They said he also wrote about his three-month-old daughter. A postmortem is being conducted in Ghaziabad. On receipt of their report, further action will be taken, said Biswal.
Delhi Police, in order to bolster their prepardness for any terror activities during the 70th Independence Day celebrations, pressed a fleet of 14 new Parakram vans in service on Friday.

The force now has a total of 24 such vehicles at their disposal.

Police said that with the addition of the new vehicles, they could now secure most of the citys important establishments that witness high footfall and almost all of Lutyens Delhi.

The first batch of these Parakram vans (10) was launched in May. The experiment proved effective. The presence of these commando-manned vehicles not only serves as a major deterrent for terror elements, but they also help to show police presence near soft targets, Amulya Patnaik, police chief told Hindustan Times.

But what make these new 14 vehicles different from those in the previous fleet are the special equipment provided to the commandos inside them.

These commandos are already armed with MP-5 and AK-47 rifles. But now they also have been provided stunner guns and special batons to neutralize terror suspects even in close combats, body-worn cameras, anti-ballistic goggles to protect their eyes even in case of a blast, among other things, said Dependra Pathak, Delhi Police spokesperson.

The first 10 Parakram vans had been deployed at Vijay Chowk, Palika Bazar, Saket Select City Mall, Police Headquarters, Pacific Mall, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, Chandni Chowk, the RSS headquarters in Jhandewalan and DLF Mall in Vasant Kunj.

The new ones will be deployed at the Supreme Court, Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Area, Delhi High Court, Khan Market, Parliament House, India Gate, L-G House, Sarojini Nagar Market, Lajpat Nagar Market, Akbar Road, Netaji Subhash Palace. Two of the vans will be reserved for emergencies.

Almost all the important establishments in New Delhi region have been covered, said Pathak. He said these vans will be deployed round-the-clock and will keep moving around for better policing and check on criminal activities.

Even the drivers deployed in these vans are NSG-trained. Drivers deployed on these vans will be armed with small weapons and are trained by NSG in offensive/evasive driving with 360 degree turning and firing in mobile mode, said the officer.
Commuting between Delhi and Meerut will get smoother with the Delhi government considering giving the green signal to the first line of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) between the National Capital and Meerut in Uttar Pradesh.

A team of National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited (NCRTC) recently made a presentation to Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot and received a positive response, sources said .

I will take another meeting. The file on approval is yet to reach me. I will examine it. Its a brilliant idea. Delhi to Meerut in 60 minutes will be a big boon, said Gahlot.

The 90.2-km corridor will have 17 stations out of which two are proposed in Delhi and the rest in Uttar Pradesh. The UP government has already approved the project.

Delhi to Alwar in 104 minutes: Rapid rail proposal moves to approval stage

Once we get the approval from the Delhi government, the file will be sent to the Centre. After final approval from the Centre, construction will start. It will take five years to complete it and construction is likely to start by July 2018, said a NCRTC official.

The NCRTC has posted field unit and other officers for the corridor and project offices for them are being set up. Tenders for geo-technical investigation and detailed design consultant are being finalised.

A meeting was recently held with the Meerut commissioner for notification of the alignment to all departments and authorities concerned.

The project will change the way India travels as people will leave cars to travel in RRTS. Time saving is the priority of every commuter and the project will help complete the 90.2km journey in 62 minutes, the official said.

Sarai Kale Khan and Anand Vihar are the two stations in Delhi. Both will be developed as integrated stations.

Both places have a bus terminal, a railway station and metro station. So we have planned multi-modal integration where a passenger will get to interchange for all modes of transport. Our stations in Anand Vihar and Sarai kale Khan will be underground, he added.

The daily ridership is expected to be 7.4 lakh and the entire network in Delhi will be underground. The cost of the total project is expected to be Rs 33,000 crore.

We requested the Meerut authorities to form committees at the district level for identifying utilities to be shifted. Unauthorized encroachments will be removed done with the help of local authorities, said a NCRTC official.

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The Pragati Maidan complexs makeover into a world-class convention centre has been challenged at the National Green Tribunal, which has asked for the Union governments response on the issue.

The petition filed in the green court has asked for quashing of the environmental clearance granted to the India Trade Promotion Organisation for re-development of the Pragati Maidan complex.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notices to the Environment Ministry, the Delhi government, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and others on the plea claiming that the EC for the integrated exhibitioncum-convention centre was obtained by concealing material information.

The NGT was hearing a plea on Friday filed by environment activist Verhaen Khanna and others asking for inquiry against officers of the ministry and others who completely failed in discharging their statutory duties by granting the EC.

The EC was obtained by concealing material information and the appraisal of the project has been conducted in complete violation of the provisions of the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, the plea, filed through advocate Meera Gopal, alleged.

Hindustan Times had on July 6 highlighted that more than 1,700 trees may be felled to make way for this integrated exhibition-cum-convention centre at Pragati Maidan, according to a reply of an RTI query.

Green activists say that the trees to be felled are mostly more than 60 years old.

The redevelopment plan is to develop a total of 3,26,065 sq. metres of built-up area, including 1,19,445 sq metres of exhibition space, a convention centre with seating capacity of 7,000 persons with a number of different-sized meeting rooms, space for public circulation in phase-I.

Environment activists have already raised concerns and said that more than 15,000 trees have already been felled in the Capital over the last three years. While more than 6,000 were cut in 2014-15, around 4,600 and 4,700 trees were felled in 2015-16 and 2016-17.

Forest officials have already issued permission for cutting down the 1700 trees around Pragati Maidan as per Delhi Preservation of Trees Act and the required fees has also been deposited.

The Union environment ministry, too, last month gave the green approval to the proposed project with some riders after taking into account the recommendations of its expert panel.
JNU students today formed a human chain and marched across the campus in New Delhi in protest against alleged corruption by the varsity administration, stating that an undeclared emergency has been imposed in the premier institute.

The administration is trying to curb dissent at a time when students are already agitated by the corruption in current admission process, JNU Students Association president Mohit Kumar Pandey said.

They wont allow us to protest even at the admin block. This is nothing but an undeclared emergency, he said.

The students also raised the case of emeritus professor Prabhat Patnaik receiving a letter from the JNU registrar for violating rules by taking part in a lecture convened by Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU).

Patnaik had received the letter on Thursday saying that he had taken part in the August 4 lecture convened by JNUSU President Mohit Kumar Pandey, whom the varsity termed as a non-registered student.

The meeting in which you addressed the gathering was convened by Mohit Kumar Pandey, who is not a registered student of the university. It is expected from you that such violation of rules is not repeated in future, the letter to Patnaik had said.

The students yet again raised questions on irregularities in filling up seats in M Phil and Phd courses at the varsity as well as nepotism in recruitments to centres.

Protest is a democratic right. Students are protesting in the university because of serious problems on the administrations side. But, instead of addressing our concerns, the authorities are trying to ban protest and threaten protesters, Pandey added.
Economist Prabhat Patnaik, who is an emeritus professor with Jawaharlal Nehru University, has been asked by the university not to address students at prohibited areas on the campus.

Patnaik, who began teaching at the university in 1974 when it just a few years old, was sent a letter by the registrar on Thursday telling him it was unfortunate that he did not care to respect the rules of the university.

It is expected from you that such violation of rules is not repeated in the future, the letter from registrar Pramod Kumar said.

JNU students union had on August 4 organised a pubic talk on The idea of a university: democracy, resistance, and future challenges where Patnaik along with former JNU professors Harbans Mukhia, and Chaman Lal, and a journalist addressed the students.

The spot has become a bone of contention between the administration and a section of teachers and students. The area around the Administrative Block has popularly come to be known as Freedom Square since February 2016, when protests broke out in the university following arrest of some students in an alleged sedition case.

The administration had on August 3 asked Patnaik not to address meetings in the vicinity of Administrative Block, which is a prohibited area for holding such activity.

Patnaik had replied to the letter by saying that he did not know where the meeting was being held. But if it is being held at some venue where it should not be held, then that is a matter for you to take up with the students and not with me, he said.

In the past, the university has served notices to students and teachers over protests at the spot. The vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar had banned protests and sit-ins at the spot, citing a university rule that prohibits such activities within 20 metres of the building.

The students union president Mohit Pandey said that they held the talk away from the administration building and did not violate any rule. We held the talk near the Nehru statue, which is more than 20 meters away from the administration building, he said.

Patnaik said the registrars letter, which demands obedience, is clearly based on a misconception.

I wrote back to the university reminding them that I am not a salaried employee of the university but only a professor emeritus. My relationship with the university authorities of any particular time are governed by mutual courtesy, and not be obedience to these authorities, he said.

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A city court on Friday issued a production warrant against jailed real estate baron Gopal Ansal in a case related to tampering of evidence in the 1997 Uphaar fire tragedy.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sumit Dass directed that the accused be produced on August 16.

On June 13, 1997, when the Hindi film Border was being screened, a massive fire had engulfed the Uphaar cinema, killing 59 people and injuring over 100.

The theatre owners, Gopal Ansal and his brother Sushil, and five other persons are accused of tampering with evidence in the case, pending since 2006.

A court on January 31, 2003 had ordered an inquiry after some documents related to the Uphaar case had gone missing from the court record room. After an inquiry, a court employee was dismissed.

The court directed Sushil Ansal to file a response on a plea by Association of Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT) that there were apprehensions that he played a fraud on the authority concerned to get his passport renewed.

The court also put two persons - Praveen Shankar Sharma and Deepak Kathpalia - on trial in a separate case of alleged harassment of AVUT chairperson Neelam Krishnamoorthy by passing lewd remarks inside the Patiala House court premises on the evening of May 10, 2007.

Krishnamoorthy, who lost two children in the Uphaar fire tragedy, has been fighting a legal battle on behalf of the victims families for the last 20 years.

On February 9, the Supreme Court had directed Gopal Ansal to undergo the remaining one-year jail term in connection with the tragedy. However, it had spared 77-year-old Sushil Ansal because of his age.

The apex court had also upheld the fine of R 30 crore each imposed on the brothers. Following this, Gopal Ansal had approached it seeking modification of its order on the grounds of parity, saying he was a 69-year-old and would suffer an irreparable damage to his health if sent to prison.

The plea was dismissed and Gopal Ansal subsequently surrendered before the Tihar Jail authorities on March 20.

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Having risen to power on a plank of avowed opposition to dynastic politics, it probably wasnt easy for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to invite United States President Donald Trumps daughter Ivanka Trump to India for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in November. India and the United States will co-host the three-day summit, which intends to bring together entrepreneurs of the two countries.

Mr Modis invite to Ms Trump has generated a fair amount of unease because Ms Trumps career credentials have almost entirely been built within her fathers business empire. But before criticising Mr Modis decision, please do remember that Ms Trump is a senior advisor to the US president, Donald Trump. By inviting Ms Trump, Mr Modi is taking one for the team, and the nation.

Moreover, this is not the first time that the Indian government is dealing with members of a world leaders family officially: New Delhi has hosted princes of countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Britain among several others. Lets not forget that the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade in 2017.

As mentioned earlier, it is in Indias self interest that Mr Modi extended the invite to Ivanka Trump. This move could help to cement a relationship with someone very influential in shaping the US presidents policies, but also help build better business relations with one of the worlds largest economies and democracies. Several thorny issues dog US-India relations, one being the issue of H1-B visas for Indians.

The stakes for both countries are high and there are several shared interests such as maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific, terrorism in the south and central Asia, economic opportunity and democratic values.

Experts say that India-US ties are critical not just for the two countries but also for catalysing growth globally. The India-US bilateral trade touched the $115 billion-mark in 2016 and is expected to rise, thanks to Indias business-positive outlook and young population.

In such a scenario, a cordial relationship with one of the American presidents most trusted advisors could only help in fixing the problems in the relationship and also firm up bilateral ties.
New Delhi The Delhi Assembly has passed the Delhi Netaji Subhash University of Technology Bill 2017. The bills were reintroduced in the assembly on Wednesday.

The House had earlier passed the bill in 2015 and sent it to the Central government for clearance. These were however returned by the President to the assembly for reconsideration.

The Delhi Netaji Subhash University of Technology Bill 2017 aims to accord the existing Netaji Subhash Institute of Technology (NSIT) the status of a university.

The latest bill carries an additional change relating to the appointing authority in the university.
The NDA government has undertaken the project to re-introduce cheetahs in India for which they have sought the Supreme Courts approval.

In an application filed before the top court, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has asked it to clarify its 2013 order, which had then quashed a notification issued by the ministry of environment, forest and climate change to introduce African cheetah at the Kuno sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.

The SC had noted the government must give priority to protect Asiatic lions, an endangered species, and to provide them a second home. However, the court had not closed the doors for re-introduction of cheetahs.

Rather, it had asked the government to do a detailed scientific study because objections were raised against the import of foreign species that never existed in India.

Armed with surveys and field researches, the government now wants the top court to clarify the 2013 order. Despite reports favouring the Centres re-introduction programme, the states have showed reluctance owing to the court order, the NTCA said in its application, filed by advocate Wasim Qadri.

Tracing the creatures history, the government said it was incorrect to suggest that cheetah is a foreign animal. Several parts of northern India under the Mughal empire had habitats occupied by cheetahs.

Suitable sites have been identified by the Wildlife Institute of India, the government said. These include Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, and Shahgarh area in Rajasthan.

Kuno was found most appropriate, considering its feasibility on account of its improved habitat status owing to relocation of 24 villages. The three sites continue to be monitored by the Wildlife Institute of India. More sites can be examined if the court permits, the application said.

Apart from the states reluctance, agencies in South Africa, which were donating the cheetah for reintroduction and were to train personnel, also interpret the judgment as a blanket ban on re-introduction of cheetahs in India. This is hindering the governments efforts to bring back the mammalian species that would significantly contribute in the conservation of neglected grasslands and open forests.

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Wearing sunshine citrus hues with a smile that lights up the room, Alexandra Kutas looks at home when we meet her on a sweltering evening, at her temporary abode in Delhi. Even with hardly any makeup on, Kutas embodies confidence that one could expect from a professional model, instantly evident with the click of our camera. After the impromptu photo session, we sit down to talk with the Ukrainian, bound to a wheelchair since birth, and freelancing as a model for various brands including Tommy Hilfiger and Fedor Vozianov.

It has been two years of contacting different agencies all around the world and in spring this year, me and my manager from the US sent more than 300 letters to agencies around the globe. Most of them told me the world is not ready for a model in a wheelchair. Others were more positive but said itd be difficult to get a work permit for me. But then, I got an offer from India, and I here I am. Isnt she afraid of rejection in India too?

Well, I thought to myself Why not? Worse comes to worst, its just going to be an interesting journey in a different part of the world, says the 23-year-old. Signed by Strawberrifox Model Management in Delhi,

Kutas landed in the city last weekend. The agency pitches itself as pro-diversity, having also put American model Rhyan Atrice on the Delhi runway, the first African American to do so.

Kutass fashion shoot styled by Brunilda Culaciati. (Karina Poltavceva)

Being discovered by a photographer in a cafe five years back gave her the opportunity for her first shoot. When I started in Ukraine, no one thought that the girl in the wheelchair could be a model. But now, I am doing this not only at home, but all over the world. Unfortunately still, the market is not diverse. But I know for a fact that no matter what happens to my career, theres going to be a day when its going to be totally normal for a disabled person to be a model. Fashion is not just about fancy clothes, It reflects the society we live in. So we will evolve.

Kutass American shoot styled by Brunilda Culaciati. (Karina Poltavceva)

Did she ever wish she was different? I had a birth injury due to a doctors mistake, I never walked in my life. So, I never had the feeling that I wish I was someone different, because I dont really know how it is. I always wanted two things  first, to be happy and second, to do the best with what I have. Other models have to strive to be unusual. But for me, I just have to be myself, which is anyway unusual. I am my own competition so I never felt like I had to be someone besides myself , says Kutas .

Her inspiration? Double amputee Aimee Mullins, who made a career in fashion with a push from the late fashion legend, Alexander McQueen. In India, I hope I would be lucky to find a designer whod want to put me on the runway. When you are on a wheelchair, there are so many ways to present it on the ramp to make it more like a fashion performance. In Ukraine, I entered the runway on a special chair made for me, carried by four men, said Kutas, who says acting  even a shot at Bollywood  features in her plans.

Alexandra Kutass runway appearance at designer Fedor Vozianovs showcase. (Uly Pashkova)

An official disability advisor to the city of Dnipro in Ukraine, the psychology major says theres no reason for any physical challenge to act as a dream thwarter. I believe in a saying: Everything is possible, impossible just takes a little bit more time. So, Keep pushing, she insists. The industry might not be ready..but with your work, you make it ready.

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A driver working with the cab aggregator Uber was arrested on Friday for allegedly abusing over a phone a 27-year-old employee of a multinational bank.

The accused, identified as Jumran, had abused the woman on Wednesday night when she twice cancelled the ride, suspecting behaviour of the driver. The woman had called the police control room and lodged a formal complaint at Sushant Lok police station on Thursday night, following which the police arrested Jumran from Ghaziabad on Friday.

Gourav Phogat, SHO, Sushant Lok police station, said Jumran was arrested from Ghaziabad and he is being brought to Gurgaon. Jumaran lives in Sriniwaspuri in Delhi.

A team from Sushant Lok police station tracked the accused and arrested him through the location of his mobile phone, he said. The accused was booked under sections 506 and 509 of IPC, said police.

In response to a query from HT, an Uber representative said the driver has been permanently removed.

Whats been described is unacceptable. We internally reviewed the matter and have permanently disabled the drivers access to the Uber app. Uber is complying with all legal processes and is in touch with the law enforcement authorities for any assistance, said an Uber spokesperson.

The woman told the police that she had booked an Uber cab on Wednesday night from her office in DLF 5 to Sector 15.

Soon after the booking was accepted, the victim got a call from the cab driver during which she overheard two people talking to each other and got suspicious. She cancelled the ride and made another booking but it was again assigned to the same cab. She cancelled the booking again and made a third booking, said a police officer, quoting the complaint by the woman.

A few moments later she got a call from an infuriated Jumran allegedly abused her.

During the 40-seconds call, he abused me and used vulgar language. I was shocked and snapped the call. I informed the police control room, where an official asked me to contact police station, the victim told HT.

Thanking the police for swift action, the victim told HT, He will now think a hundred times before doing this to any woman or anyone for that matter. He must learn his lesson.

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At least 20 people, including a couple of State Reserve Police Force personnel, were injured in Gujarats Vadodara on Thursday night after people from two communities clashed with each other during a procession to install the idol of Hindu god Ganesha.

Police sources said the clashes broke out when the procession was passing through Mandvi area of the city. When it reached a crossroad, streetlights went off and the stone-pelting started.

Several shops and some 40 vehicles parked in the area were damaged and set ablaze by the mobs.

Police lobbed around 30 tear gas shells to disperse the rioting mobs and fire tenders were pressed into service to control the fire.

The situation was brought under control in the early hours of Friday, police said.

SRP soldiers have been deployed in large numbers in the area and no fresh violence was reported on Friday.
Amid the Doklam standoff, Army personnel from India and China on Friday are understood to have held a meeting at Nathu La mountain pass in Sikkim.

The face-off between armies of the two countries at the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction in Doklam figured in the border personnel meeting (BPM), a source said.

The BPM set up was launched by both countries to sort out local issues and ensure peace and tranquility along the sensitive border.

The two sides hold BPM in five points which include Daulat Beg Oldie in northern Ladakh, Kibithoo in Arunachal Pradesh, Chusul in Ladakh, Bum-La near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and Nathu-La in Sikkim.

India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector for nearly eight weeks after Indian troops stopped the Chinese Army from building a road in the area.

China claimed it was constructing the road within their territory and has been demanding immediate pull-out of the Indian troops from the disputed Doklam plateau. Bhutan says Doklam belongs to it but China claims it to be its territory.

China has been ramping up rhetoric against India over the last few weeks demanding immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Dokalam. The Chinese state media, particularly, have carried a barrage of critical articles on the Doklam stand- off slamming India.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had recently said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.

India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.
A fresh petition has been filed in the Madras high court seeking a commission of inquiry to probe the death of late Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa.

The petition, filed on Friday by one SA Miyajan, who claimed himself to be a social worker, also sought exhumation of the body of the late leader for conducting a post-mortem to determine the real cause of her death.

When it came up before first bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sunder, the judges directed that it be tagged along with petitions with similar prayers already pending and posted them for hearing on October 23.

Petitions, including those by IRS officer B Balamurugan, assistant commissioner of Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax Tribunal, and social activist Traffic Ramasway, have been filed earlier seeking a probe into the death of Jayalalithaa on December 5 last year at a hospital here after prolonged illness.

Balamurugan has sought direction to the state government to form a panel headed by IAS officer U Sagayam to probe the circumstances leading to the death of Jayalalithaa.

In the present PIL, the petitioner alleged the death was mysterious and there appeared to be human negligence and that the public was anxious to know the real cause of death of their leader.

He sought appointment of a judicial inquiry commission headed by a HC judge assisted by two leading doctors to ascertain the real cause of death of Jayalalithaa at the Apollo Hospitals.

The cause cannot be ascertained based on the available hospital records, hence post-mortem was necessary, he submitted.

He prayed the court to direct the union home secretary to order an inspection of the body by exhuming it.
Indigenously built robots, capable of delivering ammunition at intended locations, will soon be used by the Army in its fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

An army proposal, projecting a requirement of 544 robots, has been approved by the defence ministry, paving the way for the indigenous development of such machines, army officials said.

The armys proposal for adopting robotic security and surveillance stresses that the footprint of terror has expanded from jungles and rural areas to urban sectors, necessitating the induction of the systems in the force.

The way the situation is evolving (in J&K), it may just be a matter of time when security forces as a whole, and Rashtriya Rifles (RR) in particular, will be facing the threat in built-up and super built-up areas, the army said, making a strong case for robotic platforms.

Involved in carrying out scores of operations daily, the RR is an elite counter-terrorism force raised in the nineties. These robotic surveillance platforms can be extensively used by the RR forcesfor gathering real-time input prior to manual insertion, says an army note.

The lightweight and rugged robots will consist of several subsystems such as surveillance cameras and transmission systems with a range of 200 metres. The armys requirements state that the robots should be able to deliver suitable ammunitione.g. stun grenade.

The approval for the robotic surveillance platform has been granted under the Make category of acquisition in the Defence Procurement Procedure 2016 that lays down that only Indian vendors are eligible for the projects.

The army has also factored in the possibility of two or more teams operating jointly in a target area. A second unit which can be operated alongside the first unit by a single operator with the same remote (having at least dual display screen) should also form part of the system, the note adds.

The force has been using a locally-produced remotely operated vehicle, Daksh, for handling improvised explosive devices. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, Daksh can climb stairs, has three-hour endurance on battery, can be operated with remote within a range of 500 metres and can lift 20 kg loads.
On his last day in office, BJP attacks Hamid Ansari for minorities insecure remark



Indias next vice president Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday dismissed allegations of insecurity among Muslims as a political propaganda, a day after his predecessor Hamid Ansari flagged a growing unease among the countrys minority community. Though Naidu did not name anyone, his comments are being seen as a response to Ansari, who told a government-run TV channel on Thursday that insecurity was creeping in among Muslims in India and that there was a breakdown of Indian values. Some people are saying minorities are insecure. It is a political propaganda. Compared to the entire world, minorities are more safe and secure in India and they get their due, Naidu said. In his parting interview to Rajya Sabha TV, Ansari pointed out alleged failure of law enforcing agencies, seen as a reference to growing incidents of mob lynchings over cow smuggling. Read the story here.

PM Modi says Hamid Ansari free to pursue core thinking from now on

A day after outgoing vice president Hamid Ansari said Muslims were feeling insecure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday he (Ansari) will be free to pursue his core thinking once he demits office. In his remarks in the Rajya Sabha, where Ansari was given a farewell on his last day in office, Modi hailed his role in the past 10 years and said Ansari had tried his best to live up to it. The Prime Minister referred to the 100 years of public life of Ansaris forefathers and said they were aligned with the Congress and Khilafat Movement. Modi recalled Ansaris diplomatic career during which he spent many years in West Asia and his role on retirement as the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University and as the Chairman of Minorities Commission. Read the story here.

India has ordered evacuation of frontier Sikkim village: Chinese media

The army has ordered evacuation of a frontier Sikkim village near the site of a tense India-China border standoff, the Peoples Daily newspaper said on Thursday. The Indian military refused comments on the report by Communist Party of Chinas mouthpiece. But army sources denied any evacuation or plans for such an action in Sikkim. The Peoples Daily tweeted: Indian troops on Thu orders evacuation of Nathang village, near site of two-month standoff between #Chinese and #Indian armies. Read the story here.

Is Taj Mahal a mausoleum or a Shiva temple? CIC asks govt to clarify

The Central Information Commission has directed the Union culture ministry to clarify its stand on whether the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum built by Shahjahan or a Shiva temple gifted to the Mughal emperor by a Rajput king. The question, forwarded as an alternative narrative of history by some claiming to be historians and the subject of various court cases, reached the CIC through an RTI plea and is now at the culture ministrys door. In a recent order, Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu said the ministry should put to rest the controversy and clarify doubts about the history of the white marbled mausoleum, considered one of the wonders of the world. Read the story here.

Article 370 created separatist psyche, time to say goodbye to it: J-K BJP

Blaming Article 370 of the Constitution for creation of a separatist emotion, the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP said on Thursday that the time has come for the people of the state to say goodbye to it and also Article 35 A. Both these articles, instead of being beneficial to the people of the state, have done a great damage and hamper progress and development, claimed J-K BJP spokesperson Virender Gupta. The time has come when the people of Jammu and Kashmir should say goodbye to Article 370 and ask the Government of India to revoke Article 35 A, he said. Read the story here.

Govt may miss December 2020 deadline to clean Ganga river, says parliamentary panel

A parliamentary panel on Thursday expressed apprehension that due to slow pace of work, the government may miss the deadline of making river Ganga clean by 2020. The Standing Committee on Water Resources, in its Demand for Grants (2017-18) for Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, asked the ministry to fast track the projects to ensure expeditious cleaning of the river. The committee, in the report tabled in Parliament on Thursday, noted with utmost concern that so far only four sewage treatment plant (STP) projects -- two at Haridwar, one each at Varanasi and Mathura -- have been taken up. Read the story here.

Jagan Mohan Reddy calls for Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu to be publicly hanged

After kicking up a controversy last week by asking people to shoot Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on the streets for failing to fulfil pre-election promises, YSR Congress party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday triggered yet another uproar by calling for hanging Naidu in public. What is wrong in asking for Naidus hanging for cheating the public with false promises? Jagan asked, while addressing a series of road shows in Nandyal in Kurnool district, where by-elections are scheduled to be held on August 23. Read the story here.

Superstars joining politics? Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan attend DMK event in Chennai

Two reigning superstars of Tamil cinema  Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan  on Thursday attended 75th anniversary celebrations of DMKs mouth piece Murasoli in Chennai on Thursday amid speculation about their joining politics. While Rajinikanth is being assiduously wooed by the ruling BJP at the centre, his contemporary Kamal Haasan has been critical of the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu. Haasan took a seat on the dais along with DMK working president MK Stalin and other senior party leaders. Rajinikanth, however, was sitting in the front row. Read the story here.

As US sends mixed signals, North Korea plans strikes near Guam

North Korea on Thursday dismissed US President Donald Trumps threat of fire and fury as a load of nonsense and announced outlines of a plan to launch missile strikes near the US territory of Guam. The plan, which will be ready for leader Kim Jong Uns consideration by mid-August, will involve firing four Hwasong-12 mid-range ballistic missiles that will fly 3,356.7 km  and hit the waters 30 to 40 km away from Guam, North Koreas military said in a statement. The statement, attributed to Gen Kim Rak Gyom  the head of the countrys strategic forces  was replete with the usual North Korean bluster and invectives. Read the story here.

Nawaz Sharif criticises Pakistans judiciary for his ouster

A defiant Nawaz Sharif criticised on Thursday the judiciary for forcing him to quit as prime minister, saying it was an insult to 200 million people of Pakistan that their elected leader was unceremoniously ousted with a single stroke of pen. It is an insult to 20 crore people of Pakistan. You voted for me and five honourable (judges) with a single stroke of pen sent me home, 67-year-old Sharif told his supporters in Jhelum on the second day of his journey from Islamabad to Lahore via the Grand Trunk (GT) Road. There is no charge of corruption or embezzlement. May I ask why I have been ousted? the former prime minister asked. Read the story here.

Helicopter carrying wedding party mistakenly lands in prison in Bangladesh

A private helicopter carrying a wedding party landed by mistake inside a high security prison on Thursday, sparking massive security concerns amid reports that terrorists were planning an attack on the jail to free the militant inmates. According to the officials the guards at Kashimpur Central Jail detained the five passengers, all members of an expatriate Bangladeshi family, for a brief period but the pilot, reportedly a retired air force officer, flew the plane away after sensing his mistake. Read the story here.
Kannur (Kerala) To keep the heat on the Left government in Kerala over killings of BJP and RSS workers, the BJP will hold a mega roadshow after Onam to be attended by top leaders, including president Amit Shah and chief ministers of BJP-ruled states.

After the killing of RSS office-bearer E Rajesh on July 29 in Thiruananthapuram, the BJP has stepped up its attack on the Left Front government, accusing it of escalating political violence in the state aimed at crushing the BJP and RSS.

The roadshow will begin from Kannur and proceed to Thiruvananthapuram early next month.

After Onam, our Kerala president Kummanam Rajashekaran will begin a 460-km Padyatra from Kannur, probably on September 8, that will culminate at Thiruvananthapuram after covering 10 districts, a BJP leader here told IANS.

We are giving final shape to the programme but it is sure that Amit Shah will flag off the yatra and address a huge gathering at its culmination, he added.

Apart from senior union ministers including home minister Rajnath Singh, chief ministers of BJP-ruled states will join and address the yatra.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley has already visited Thiruvananthapuram and met Rajeshs family.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, which has just one member in the 140-seat Kerala assembly, is also planning to take up the issue of political killings with the National Human Rights Commission as well as the ST and SC Commissions.

Most of our victims are from the SC, ST and OBC community, BJPs lone legislator O Rajagopalan told a group of journalists from Delhi.

He said the recurring attacks on BJP and RSS activists were a desperate attempt by the Left, particularly the Marxists, to finish off the political opponents.

They are more desperate now as our influence is growing. They feel their future is bleak. So they want to eliminate all their foes, Rajagopalan said.

Rajagopalan, the senior most BJP leader in Kerala, dismissed the so-called peace talks offered by the state government.

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and state CPI-M secretary K Balakrishnan are themselves accused in the murder of BJP workers. Now, they are in power. What can we expect from them? In public gatherings they preach peace and tolerance but in reality practice the opposite, he said.

The CPI-M, which heads the Left Front, has denied any links with those accused of the July 29 murder who have already been arrested. It also alleges that the RSS and BJP are more involved in violence in Kerala but pretend to be the victims.
The Bihar unit of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officers Association will on Friday discuss the need for anti-stress sessions to prevent young officers from killing themselves.

The association is toying with this idea following the reported suicide by a Bihar-cadre IAS officer in Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday evening.

Mukesh Kumar Pandey, a 2012 batch IAS officer, committed suicide on railway tracks in Ghaziabad.

The discussion would follow a condolence meeting, which the IAS Officers Association have organised at the IAS Bhawan in Patna and the Bihar Bhawan in New Delhi on Friday evening.

Principal secretary, forest, and secretary of the associations Bihar unit, Vivek Kumar Singh, told HT, Suggestions have come from some senior officers like Ms Amita Paul (since superannuated) that we should talk to young officers under stress and ask them to share their feelings, so that they let out their pent up emotions. The idea is to identify young officers under stress and prevent them from taking such an extreme step.

Sishir Sinha, development commissioner and president of the IAS Officers Association, expressed shock and regret at Pandeys death.

Pandeys father Sudheshwar Pandey and mother Geeta Pandey are settled in Guwahati, where he did his schooling and graduation from. Pandey did his matriculation from Faculty Higher Secondary School,intermediate from Maria Public School and graduation in English honours from Cotton College, Guwahati (Assam). His brother is in the Indian Foreign Service and posted in Moscow.

Pandey was married to Aayushi Pandey, director at Vaus automobile, a Maruti dealer in Patna. Aayushi, who had left for Delhi, has a two-and-a-half month old daughter. Aayushi studied at Christ University, Bangalore, after passing out from St Josephs Convent High School in Patna.

Condoling Pandeys death Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar said, Mukesh Kumar Pandeys death is a very heart-rending incident. He was an efficient administrator and a sensitive officer.

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The CBI has initiated a probe against an organisation, named 'Narendra Modi Vichar Manch', and it's President on the charges of fraudulently collecting donations in the name of PM Modi.

The CBI in its FIR said the outfit has no link with the office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"It is revealed that 'Narendra Modi Vichar Manch is a registered group housing society located at G-57, Indira Enclave, sector 21D, Faridabad under Haryana Registration and Regulation of Societies Act and it has no link with the office of Honourable Prime Minister of India," said the CBI FIR.

The agency said the president of the organisation along with other unknown persons has been cheating people by demanding or collecting donations 'illegally and fraudulently by inducement and misusing the name of PM Modi.

The agency has also found that the organisation also has a website that displays photo of PM Modi.

Screengrab of the Narendra Modi Vichar Manch website.

"The said website also carries the photograph of JP Singh in the capacity of President of said sanstha," said the FIR.

The CBI has invoked sections of cheating and criminal conspiracy in its FIR.

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In a rare action against a serving Intelligence Bureau official, the CBI has arrested an assistant director of the domestic spy agency on the charges of being involved in a transfers and postings racket of public servants.

Sources say the arrested IB official, Kameshwar, is a recipient of police medal for meritorious service. The medal could be in jeopardy now.

We have arrested two more accused Kameshwar and Banay Singh Meena, who is a Delhi police inspector, in the case, said CBI spokesperson RK Gaur.

Before this, the agency had controversially probed the serving and former IB officials in the Ishrat Jahan and Sadiq Jamal Mehtar encounter cases of Gujarat.

In the Ishrat Jahan encounter case, the CBI filed chargesheet against former IB special director Rajendra Kumar and three serving officers  P Mittal, MK Sinha and Rajiv Wankhede  but the home ministry refused sanction to prosecute them citing lack of evidence.

In the present corruption case against the IB official, the CBI has alleged that Kameshwar has provided the government accommodation allotted to him to a private person named Rajan Kumar.

According to the CBI FIR, Rajan Kumar used to claim that he was a senior government servant. But he was in corrupt nexus with another private person Arun Tiwari for ensuring undue favours related to transfers and postings of public servants.

He also claimed to have contacts with high level/senior public officials in various departments.

According to CBI officials, Banay Singh Meena, the Delhi police inspector posted in the security wing, had Rs 10 lakh to Tiwari for a favourable posting and the money was to be delivered to Kumar in coordination with Kameshwar.

During searches at Kumars residence, the CBI sleuths recovered Rs 1.6 crore in cash. Several rubber stamps and fake letterheads have also been seized.

Following the alleged deal, Kameshwar sought information about Meenas posting or interview, says the CBI FIR.

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A Delhi district court has issued an order against the sale of a book on yoga guru Ramdev and its publisher, Juggernaut Books, said on Friday it has complied with it immediately thereafter.

The order also restrains the sale of Godman to Tycoon: The Untold Story of Baba Ramdev, which has been authored by journalist Priyanka Pathak-Narain, on e-commerce sites such as Amazon and Flipkart.

In a statement put on its blog on August 11, Juggernaut Books said they received a copy of the order on August 10, 2017.

The order was passed ex-parte without hearing either the publisher, Juggernaut Books, or the author of the book, Priyanka Pathak-Narain, in order to avoid the delay which would be caused during the process of serving the notice and hearing the defendants, read the statement.

Juggernaut Books said Godman to Tycoon was a work of serious journalism and they would stand by their book and defend the case in court.

It is the product of over fifty interviews, many of them taped, with key players in Baba Ramdevs life, including with Ramdev himself and close aides and family members. The book contains a detailed 25-page note on sources that lists the interviews, articles, police reports and RTI replies that are the basis of each chapter, the publishers statement read.

Godman to Tycoon maps the yoga gurus journey from Haridwar to setting up the Patanjali group, which is now Indias second-largest FMCG company.

The author also investigates his past, the controversies Ramdev has been involved in - such as the mysterious deaths of his two associates, Rajeev Dixit and Swami Yogananda - and certain claims made by Patanjali Ayurved.

HT tried to reach out to Baba Ramdevs spokespersons, but they were unavailable for comments.
The parliamentary panel on external affairs said that peace process with Pakistan should not be held hostage to the acts of terrorism, a position at variance with the NDA governments stance that terror and talks cannot go together.

The standing committee on external affairs headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor submitted its report on India-Pakistan relationship to Parliament on Friday.

The committee are of the considered opinion that peace process should not be held hostage to acts of terrorism, and both countries must keep the channels of communication open, even during the worst of crises and let non-state actors and their state sponsors derail or dictate the foreign policy objectives of sovereign, the committee said.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and BJPs Varun Gandhi are among the 31 members of the committee.

The peace process with Pakistan has remained fragile after the NDA government came to power 2014, a great deal of it because of the continuing mistrust between the two counties since the 2011 Mumbai terror attack which added to the legacy of suspicion against each other.

Though the then-prime minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif attended the swearing-in ceremony of his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and the latter made an unannounced visit to Lahore residence of Sharif, a series of terrorist attacks ensured the peace process remained suspended.

The parliamentary committee found that the government suspending formal dialogue with Pakistan owing to national security concerns as justified by compulsions.

But it urged the administration to make all appropriate agencies and players realise the futility of continued imbroglio.

The recommendations of the parliamentary panels are not binding on government, but their reports are seen as valuable inputs from legislators on various issues.

The committee called for having a comprehensive national security framework and a coherent strategy towards Pakistan.

The committee have desired that a comprehensive National Security Framework be worked out after evolving consensus on its various aspects and the ministry of external affairs should play a rightful role in shaping such framework without any further loss of time, it said.

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External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday met her Bhutanese counterpart Damcho Dorji and is understood to have discussed bilateral issues, amidst the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Dokalam area of the Sikkim sector.

Both the leaders are here to attend a meeting of foreign ministers from the countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), a grouping of countries in South Asia and South East Asia.

Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal are members of the BIMSTEC.

Time with a close friend and neighbour. The external affairs minister meets with foreign minister of Bhutan Damcho Dorji on sidelines of BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers meet, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted and also posted a picture of the meeting.

Though there was no official word on as to what was discussed between the two leaders, the meeting comes in the backdrop of the current standoff in Dokalam -- a trijunction between India, China and Bhutan.

India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector since June 16 after Indian troops stopped the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army from building a road in the area.
Around 3.5 lakh college students in Gujarat will get tablets at a subsidised rate of Rs 1,000 each under a state government scheme launched by chief minister Vijay Rupani in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Under this scheme, the first year college students in the state will get 7-inch NAMO E-Tab tablets, which have a market value of Rs 8,000 each, by just paying Rs 1,000.

Several students, who had already registered for the scheme, received the tablets from the chief minister at the launch ceremony in Ahmedabad.

In the coming days, more such events will be organised in different parts of state to distribute the tablets, which have voice-calling facility, a government release said.

NAMO E-Tab is the acronym for New Avenues of Modern Education through Tablets.

The state government has allocated Rs 200 crore for this scheme, Rupani said during the launch function.

Our aim is to realise the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build a new India. Though the tablets, made by well known companies, are worth Rs 8000 in the market, we are giving it at a token rate of Rs 1,000 to the college students, he said.

On the upcoming assembly elections in Gujarat, Rupani said the BJP government does not believe in giving false promises to win votes.

Whenever election comes, parties promise to give laptops, houses and what not. But, we do not walk on that path. Our aim is to transform our youth into the new age power, not just new age voters. I am confident that these tablets will open new frontiers for our students, he said.

Rupani said the government is not distributing such tablets for free because people, usually do not value such (free) things.

He announced that the government will spend Rs 30 crore, earned through the distribution of such subsidised tablets, on building digital infrastructure in college campuses across the state.

I want to announce that we will utilise that money in making all the college campuses WiFi-enabled. We will also spend that money to set up e-libraries and digital classrooms across the state, he said.
India and Bhutan on Friday held their first high-level meeting after the Doklam standoff, with Bhutanese foreign minister Damcho Dorji meeting Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday, and expressing hope that the situation is resolved peacefully.

The two ministers met on sidelines of the Bimstec foreign ministers meeting in Kathmandu.

The meeting was focused mainly on the standoff between the armies of India and China in Doklam in the Sikkim sector.

The two ministers put their respective positions as well as reiterated the stances on the face off, according to he diplomatic sources.

We hope the current standoff in Doklam will be sorted out peacefully, said Dorji after the meeting, and added that both sides should be satisfied with the outcome.

The meeting comes as the Government of Bhutan on Thursday refuted Chinese foreign ministry claims that Thimpu had told Beijing that the trilateral junction in Doklam is not Bhutanese territory.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday who she said assured her of no fidgeting with Article 370, which grants special status to her state.

The meeting comes in the backdrop of a debate on Article 35A of the Constitution, which was added to Article 370 in 1954 by a presidential decree, and is being challenged in the Supreme Court.

Mufti is fighting growing calls from her ally BJP to abrogate the law, which empowers the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define the states permanent residents and their special rights and privileges.

Discussions on 35A have a negative impact on Jammu & Kashmir, it should not happen. The basis of our agenda of alliance is that status quo of 370 has to maintained. None of us can go against that, said Mufti.

The Jammu and Kahsmir BJP had upped the ante with its spokesperson Virendra Gupta on Thursday saying time had come to bid a farewell to Article 370 and Article 35A as they created a separatist psyche.

In New Delhi, Mufti also referred to Kashmir choosing to remain with India, despite being a Muslim majority state, indicating that New Delhi must accommodate the demands of the people to retain the special status.

The idea of India has to accommodate the idea of Jammu and Kashmir, said the chief minister after he meeting with the PM in his Parliament office.

 Spoke to PM. The situation is normalising but people think our identity can be in danger. So the message that J&K is crown of India should be reiterated, she said.

Mufti, who arrived in the capital on Thursday, met home minister Rajnath Singh. Officials in the home ministry said its law officers would be presenting legal aspects related to Article 35A only and would refrain from joining the case.

The chief minister had met opposition National Conference president Farooq Abdullah earlier this week to seek the support of his party on the issue.

Abdullah had told her that she should meet the prime minister, all important central ministers and the BJP leadership to convince the Sangh Parivar against striking down the constitutional provision.

(With agency inputs)

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India is days away from celebrating its 70th Independence Day: A remarkable journey for a large and diverse nation with a flourishing democracy that accords its citizens powerful social and economic freedoms.

Independence has helped people and communities to smash barriers of caste, class, gender, ability and faith and achieve their dreams. But structures of oppression persist, and many people languish in islands of darkness where freedoms are few and choices absent.

HT brings you stories from across our nation, of hope, courage and perseverance in free India that reflect the actual promise of independence, and of isolation, hate and despair that stalk the unfree India among our midst.

In Part 1, read about the inspiring journey of a Muslim woman boxer and the challenges of a Naga woman fighting for her rights. Here is the Naga womans story:

Rosemary Dzuvichu wears many hats. She teaches literature at Nagaland University, is adviser to the Naga Mothers Association (NMA), an apex body of women in the state, and is associated with organisations that take up human rights issues and political empowerment.

She has made her presence felt in local administration in Kohima. And as president of the Kohima District Mahila Congress, she had drafted the partys first manifesto on women.

Yet, she remains the exception. For, the norm in Nagaland remains of women not having a role in public life.

Making a mark

The rigidly patriarchal Naga society told Dzuvichu early in life that men call all the shots and that a Naga woman, whatever her ambition, has to weave, wash clothes, cook and do all other household chores. And, womanhood means raising a family.

Having grown up in a militarised set-up  her family lived close to an army camp in Kohima  and getting used to clashes between security forces and Naga underground groups, Dzuvichu developed a rebellious streak. She attributes her fighting spirit to her grandmother Zeliezhu, one of the first women leaders of the underground Naga National Council, and her mother Alhouu, who got into traditional apex tribal bodies that were male bastions.

My exposure to other cultures and education beyond the confines of the state let me see positive progress elsewhere, Dzuvichu told HT at her residence in Kohimas High School Colony.

She spearheaded a fight to improve the Nagaland University system and filed public interest litigations on health, education and other social issues. But activism took a toll on her marriage. My divorce steeled me into standing up for womens rights, she said.

Battle for representation

Nagaland has more women voters than men, and the 2011 census said women constitute 55.75% of the states population. But the state has had no woman MLA with Rano M Shaiza having been the only MP (Lok Sabha) from 1977-1980.

Less than a decade ago, Dzuvichu and the NMA decided it was high time women in Nagaland  like everywhere else in India  got 33% reservation in urban local bodies. Patriarchs opposed the idea, citing customary laws of Naga tribes. Reservation, they feared, could alter social equations and said women, who dont have property rights, are not supposed to be in administrative or leadership roles.

The NMA went to court in 2011 seeking a directive to immediately hold civic body polls with 33% seats reserved. The polls were to be held in January-February 2010 but were indefinitely postponed by the state cabinet that predicted trouble.

The contention of NGOs such as Naga Hoho, the apex tribal body, was that womens quota was a violation of Article 371(A) that guarantees special status to Nagaland and preservation of customary laws. Citing such objections, the government challenged the high courts decision.

The Supreme Court finally stepped in, and in April 2016 ordered the Nagaland government to hold polls across 32 municipal and town councils with a third of the seats reserved for women. The government too conceded that stalling elections in the past 10 years hurt development.

But the governments move to hold the polls in January-February this year sparked violence and forced TR Zeliang to quit as chief minister. The intimidation and damage of property belonging to women was shameful. It was all the more frustrating because having women in local bodies is nothing new; we already had women in town councils in the 1980s, Dzuvichu said.

The old, yet new, battle

To many outsiders, Naga society seems very attractive. Women are seen as liberated, but the reality is that we struggle with so many confinements, be it patriarchy, customary laws, social practices, diktats from the community. But these have made our women stronger and bolder over the years, she said.

Dzuvichu feels the mindset in Nagaland has to change in an era when even the most rigid of nations are moving towards greater gender equality. It took World War I for women in England to enjoy voting rights, and American suffragists were imprisoned and beaten up by police. We have not had to fight for voting rights, but we will continue for our right to be public representatives in constitutional bodies, she said.

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In a strategically key move, India has poured in more troops along the entire stretch of its border with China in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the face of heightened rhetoric by Beijing over the Doklam standoff, senior government officials said on Friday.

The caution level among the troops has also been raised, the officials told PTI.

The decision to increase the deployment along the nearly 1,400-km Sino-India border from Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh was taken after carrying out a detailed analysis of the situation and considering Chinas aggressive posturing against India on Doklam, the officials said.

The troop level along the border with China in the Sikkim and Arunachal sectors has been increased, said the officials on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the information.

The Armys Sukna-based 33 Corps as well as 3 and 4 corps based in Arunachal and Assam are tasked to protect the sensitive Sino-India border in the eastern theatre.

The officials declined to give any figure or percentage of increased deployment, saying they cannot disclose operational details.

According to defence experts, roughly 45,000 troops including personnel having completed the weather acclimatisation process are normally kept ready along the border at any given time, but not all are necessarily deployed.

The soldiers, deployed over 9,000 feet, have to go through a 14-day-long acclimatisation process.

The officials, however, said there is no enhancement of troops at the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction in Doklam where around 350 army personnel are holding on to their position for nearly eight weeks after stopping Chinese troops from constructing a road on June 16.

Bhutan and China have competing claims over Doklam, and are negotiating a resolution.

China has been ramping up rhetoric against India over the last few weeks, demanding immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Dokalam. The Chinese state media, particularly, has carried a barrage of critical articles on the Dokalam stand-off slamming India.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj recently said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, and favoured a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.

India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.
India is in talks with Bangladesh and Myanmar about its plan to deport around 40,000 Rohingya Muslims it says are living in the country illegally, a government spokesman said on Friday, with state governments told to form task forces for the purpose.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya have fled persecution in Buddhist-majority Myanmar to neighbouring Bangladesh since the early 1990s, with some of them then crossing over a porous border into Hindu-majority India.

New Delhi says only around 14,000 of the Rohingya living in India are registered with the UN refugee agency, making the rest illegal and liable to be sent back. India is not a signatory to UN conventions on refugees and no national law covers it.

These things are being discussed at diplomatic level with both Bangladesh and Myanmar, Interior Ministry spokesman K.S. Dhatwalia said.

More clarity will emerge at an appropriate time.

Junior Interior Minister Kiren Rijiju told parliament on Wednesday the federal government had directed state governments to constitute task forces at district levels to identify and deport the illegally staying foreign nationals.

Rijiju was in Myanmar recently to attend an event, although it was not clear if he discussed the Rohingya issue.

Officials in Myanmar could not be contacted immediately for comment.

Amnesty International has said deporting and abandoning the Rohingya would be unconscionable.

The Indian office of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said it was trying to find the facts about New Delhis plans to deport them.

Rohingya are generally reviled in India, where its 1.3 billion people are fighting for resources and job opportunities. Nationalist, anti-Islamic sentiments have also fuelled hatred towards them.

More than 75,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since Oct. 9 after an insurgent group called Harakah al-Yaqin attacked Myanmar border police posts, prompting a huge security crackdown in which troops have been accused of murder and rape of Rohingya civilians. (http://reut.rs/2uue0ub)

A senior government official in Bangladesh, which has complained of being burdened by the heavy flow of refugees, said New Delhi was helping it solve the crisis.

The Rohingya in India live mainly in Jammu, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi in the north, Hyderabad in the south, and Rajasthan in the west.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jammu, the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Indias only Muslim-majority state, drew widespread condemnation in April when it threatened to launch an identify and kill movement if the government did not deport Rohingya settlers there.
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of the Indian Air Force crashed near a village in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday morning.

Senior superintendent of police Suleman Choudhary said the incident occurred at Ladoli village in Kathua district. We were informed about this at 3.30 am. A police team has been sent to the spot, and further information is awaited, he added.

No loss to life or property was reported.

Kathua witnesses terrorist activity on occasion, given its proximity to the India-Pakistan border. Militants have staged attacks on the Jammu-Pathankot highway  which passes through the district  several times in the past.

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The JD(U) suspended on Friday its Rajya Sabha member Ali Anwar Ansari from the parliamentary party for attending a meeting of opposition parties convened by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

Party spokesperson KC Tyagi said Ansari has been suspended from the parliamentary party for attending the meeting of opposition parties despite the JD(U) severing its ties with the Congress-led UPA.

Leaders of 16 opposition parties, led by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, met here today to deliberate on evolving an alternative narrative to counter the BJP.

Tyagi also hit out at Gandhi for trying encroach upon the party by interfering in its internal matters.

Ansari had criticised JD(U) president and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumars decision to walk out of the Grand Alliance in Bihar and form government with the BJP.
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Friday said that senior party leader Sharad Yadav, who has expressed himself against the alliance between his party and the BJP in the state, is free to choose his path.

The party has taken a decision with everyones consensus. He (Sharad Yadav) is free to make his own decisions, Nitish Kumar told reporters outside Parliament.

His remarks came a day after former party president Sharad Yadav declared he was still with the Grand Alliance of the RJD and Congress.

I still stand with Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) that was given a mandate by 11 crore people in Bihar in the 2015 assembly polls to rule for five years, Yadav had told the media after landing at the Patna airport from Delhi.

Nitish Kumar, President of the Janata Dal-United, on July 26 resigned as the Chief Minister of the state dumping the 20-month-old Grand Alliance comprising the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

He again took oath as the Chief Minister with the support of the BJP on July 27.

The JD-U President also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss developmental issues of the state and said that he will come back again this month to have a detailed meeting.
The Madras High Court has suspended the conviction and sentence of seven persons in the 2004 Kumbakonam fire tragedy that killed 94 school children and modified the sentence awarded to two others.

The division bench, comprising Justices M Sathyanarayanan and VM Velumani also abated the sentence and conviction in the case of the wife of the school founder, who had passed away.

It reserved its orders on appeals by the accused, as well as that by the state against the acquittals, passed by a lower court in Madurai.

A total of 21 accused had been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code in the incident.

On July 30, 2014, the trial court had acquitted 11 of them and convicted and sentenced the other 10, including Pulavar Palanisamy, founder of Sri Krishna Matriculation School, to life imprisonment and his wife Saraswathi to five years.

As Sarawathi passed away during the period of appeal, the bench abated the charges against her.

The bench, which passed orders on the appeals, set aside the conviction and sentence passed by the lower court in the case of school principal Santhana Lakshmi, noon meal organiser Gajalakshmi, engineer Jayachandran, district educational officer R Balaji, personal assistant Sivaprakasam, supervisor Dhandavan and one Durairaj, an assistant.

It modified the life sentence awarded to Palanisamy to one of the period already undergone during investigation, trial and post conviction and modified the fine amount to Rs 1,16,500.

The bench, which dismissed the appeal by Vasanthi, the cook, who was awarded five years imprisonment by the trial court, modified the sentence to one of the period already undergone.

It directed that the bail bonds executed by the accused shall stand terminated.

Ninety four children and a teacher were charred to death and 16 others seriously injured when a devastating fire swept through the Sri Krishna School and Saraswathi Nursery School complex in Kumbakonam on July 16, 2004.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Saturday targeted BJP leader and Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi over a Rs 1,000 crore scam, and demanded that chief minister Nitish Kumar sack him and get him arrested for direct involvement in the scam.

A day after he demanded a CBI probe into the scam involving Modi and an NGO, where funds were allegedly illegally transferred to private accounts between 2005 and 2010, Lalu Prasad said: Nitish Kumar should sack Modi from his ministry immediately if, like he says, he has zero tolerance against corruption. He should lodge an FIR against Modi and have him arrested. There is solid evidence of Modis involvement in the scam when he was Bihar finance minister.

Lalu Prasad threatened that his Rashtriya Janata Dal will not allow functioning of the monsoon session of the Bihar Assembly beginning in the third week of August if Modi is not sacked.

Lalu Prasad said Modi is not the only senior BJP leader involved in this scam, which he said was bigger than the fodder scam that surfaced in the mid 90s. Modi and other BJP leaders, including BJP MP Ashwani Kumar Choubey, Manoj Tiwari and former Union minister Shahnawaz Hussain, are involved in the scam.

This scam happened in the full knowledge of Modi, who was Bihar finance minister from 2005 till 2013 June. As a finance minister Modi is responsible for the scam, Lalu Prasad said.

The RJD leader recalled that charges against him in the fodder scam are that he was finance minister at the time and was thus responsible for the fodder scam.

He said that Modi has again been made Bihar finance minister by Nitish Kumar after the latter junked the Grand Alliance of JD-U, RJD and Congress, and formed government with the BJP.

Lalu Prasad said he does not have faith in the ongoing probe into the scam by the state agency. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should take cognizance of the scam and order a CBI probe into it because a state government agency is not reliable to investigate as Sushil Kumar Modi is involved in it, he reiterated.

After three days of investigations, a Special Investigation Team of Bihar Polices Economic Offence Unit said that at least Rs 700 crore was diverted from the bank accounts of different departments, including Mukhyamantri Shahari Vikas Yojna, in Bhagalpur district.

Now it has crossed Rs 700 crore and it may increase in coming days with the probe still on, an official of the SIT said.

So far, seven people have been arrested -- including Prem Kumar, PA of Bhagalpur district magistrate, on Friday in connection with the scam in the last three days.

SIT officials said an FIR was lodged on Tuesday evening at Tilkamanjhi police station in connection with fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 10.26 crore fund of the Mukhyamantri Shahari Vikas Yojana, against board members of Srijan Sahayog Mahila Vikas Samiti, a Sabour-based NGO and officials of Indian Bank.

Two more FIRs were lodged on Wednesday in connection with fraudulent withdrawal of funds of the land acquisition department.

(This article was first published on August 11. Figures have been updated since.)
Former Union minister Venkaiah Naidu was sworn in as the thirteenth vice president of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Friday morning.

President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath to 68-year-old Naidu at a grand ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet members, among others.

Soon after being elected to the post, Naidu said that he  as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha  would sincerely try to steer the functioning of the house without fear or favour, and uphold its dignity and decorum with the cooperation of all its members.

Here are the highlights:

1.06pm: We must discuss and then debate till theres a way out, says Naidu.

1.03pm: Adversarial politics should not be allowed to make adverse impact on India, says Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu.

1.02pm: We must all come together, work together and make India strive together, says Naidu.

12.59pm: Im above party, an all-party man, will be above politics, says Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu.

12.58pm: Naidu says: I am grateful to all those concerned who have reposed faith in me.

12.57pm: Feel proud that Im an agriculturalist , says vice president Venkaiah Naidu.

12.56pm: Its true that the opposition is concerned it must have a say. They must be heard. But a balance should be maintained, says Arun Jaitely.

12.52pm: You have grown from a grassroots worker to the vice president, says Leader of the House Arun Jaitely in the Rajya Sabha.

12.48pm: We hope vice president Venkaiah Naidu will see both the opposition and government as two wheels of democracy, says Anand Sharma of the Congress.

12.25pm: TR Keshava Rao, a TRS MP, says the new chairman should give importance to the last benchers.

12.20pm: The opposition must have its say, but the treasury bench must have its way, says Ravi Shankar Prasad while welcoming Venkaiah Naidu in the Rajya Sabha.

11.34am: Derek OBrien of the TMC describes Naidu in acronym -- N: Now, A: All, I: India, D: Dearest, U: Umpire.

11.23am: Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad says he hopes the new vice president will continue the tradition of Rajya Sabha that no bill is passed amid din.

11.15am: Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad welcomes Venkaiah Naidu, says a man from a poor family has made it to the vice president post. I salute the Constitution of India, he says.

11.07am: Venkaiah ji knows the working of Rajya Sabha very well, being in the house for so long, says Prime Minister Modi in the House.



11.05am:Venkaiah Naidu is the son of a farmer. He was the urban minister but talked about farmer issues with equal vigour, says PM Modi.



Venkaiah Naidu has risen from grassroots, will lead Indian polity to greater heights, says PM Modi in RS

11.02am: Venkaiah Naidu is the only vice president to have born in Independent India.

11.01am: In the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes the new chairman to the House.

10.58am: Rajya Sabha deputy chairman PJ Kurein tells Rajya Sabha TV the new vice president has a vast experience as a parliamentarian that will help him run House smoothly.

10.53am: Railway minister Suresh Prabhu congratulates Venkaiah Naidu on taking oath as the vice president of India.

10.45am: Senior leaders from Rajya Sabha welcome vice president Venkaiah Naidu in the Parliament.

10.39am: Vice president Venkaiah Naidu pays tribute to Bhim Rao Ambedkar in the Parliament.



10.28am: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan greets Venkaiah Naidu on being sworn in as vice president.

10.09am: President Ram Nath Kovind administers oath of office to vice president Venkaiah Naidu. He will also take charge as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha this afternoon.

10.04am: President Ram Nath Kovind arrives at the Durbar Hall. This will also be the first major function for the new President Ram Nath Kovind.



10am: Hamid Ansari, whose term as vice president ended on Thursday, greets Union ministers at the Durbar Hall, where Naidu will take oath.

9.56am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Durbar Hall for the swearing-in ceremony of Venkaiah Naidu as the vice president of India.



9.55am: Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, other BJP leaders are also present at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

9.50am: Venkaiah Naidu reaches Rashtrapati Bhawan to take oath as the vice president.



9.10am: M Venkaiah Naidu pays tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Patel Chowk before taking oath as the Vice President of India.

9.03am: Vice president-elect M Venkaiah Naidu pays tribute to Deen Dayal Upadhaya at DDU Park.
Bihar chief minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah as his party prepares to join the NDA after forming the government in the state in alliance with the saffron party.

It was Kumars first visit to the national capital after he jettisoned the alliance with the RJD and the Congress, and sealed a tie-up with the BJP on July 26.

He told reporters after meeting Modi that it was a courtesy call and he will visit Delhi again this month end to discuss Bihars developmental issues with the Prime Minister.

He later had a luncheon meeting with Shah in which both leaders are believed to have discussed ongoing political developments and other issues related to the state.

JD(U) sources said the party is expected to announce its decision to formally join the BJP-led NDA in its national executive meeting on July 19 in Patna.

Asked if the party will also join the Modi cabinet, a JD (U) leader said such a decision will be natural.

When we are together in government in Bihar it is only natural that our party joins the Union government, he said.

However, he added that such a decision will be taken by Kumar and the party had not deliberated over it yet.

The JD(U) has 12 members in Parliament, two in the Lok Sabha and 10 in the Rajya Sabha.

Its leader in the Rajya Sabha Sharad Yadav has rebelled against the alliance with the BJP but apparently does not enjoy much support among other partys lawmakers.

Kumar almost shut the door on any reconciliation with Yadav, saying he is free to take any decision as the alliance with the BJP had the entire partys nod.

He (Yadav) is free to take his decision. As far as party is concerned, it has already taken its decision. The decision was not mine alone and it was taken with the consent of the party. If he keeps a different opinion, then he is free to do so, Kumar said.
In a measure aimed at inculcating more discipline amongst the teaching fraternity, the government higher education department has issued directions to all the schools to ensure that educators dress up formally at the workplace.

Education Factfile Primary Schools 10724 Middle schools 2064 High school 923 Senior secondary school 1718 Degree colleges 174

The notification directs school managements to strictly implement the dress code for teachers in the class failing which they would be issued notices. We have directed flying squads to carry out random checks in schools, Director, Higher Education , BL Binta, told HT.

It has been observed that teachers dress up casually during school hours, which does not leave a good impression on the children, said Binta, adding that the government plans to introduce uniforms for teachers, particularly in schools affiliated to Himachal Pradesh School Board of Education.

Last year, the department had banned the use of mobile phones in schools, and phones of students found using them in school hours were confiscated.s

The education departments orders come in wake of fresh directions issued by Chief Secretary V.C Pharklha.

Soon after the HP high court reprimanded a junior engineer for dressing up casually for a court hearing , the department of personnel had issued an order asking all officers to ensure that the employees are dressed modestly during the office hours. The advisory also warned of strict action against the defaulters.

The orders had not gone down well with the lower rung officials of the Himachal Pradesh secretariat, and the employees union had demanded a dress code instead of a ban on casual dressing.

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National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Friday took a dig at Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, saying her claim of getting an assurance of protection for the special status enjoys by the state is immaterial.

The former chief minister was referring to Muftis claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured her that the special status the Muslim majority state enjoys would not be diluted.

She made the claim after calling on Modi in New Delhi amid the debate on Article 35(A) of the Constitution, which was added to Article 370 in 1954 by a presidential decree.

It allows the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define the list of permanent residents and their special rights and privileges.

The BJP, which is an alliance partner in the Mufti-led government in the state, has been calling for the scrapping of the special provision since the partys inception in 1980.

The article came into the limelight recently after a Delhi-based NGO challenged its validity in the Supreme Court.

What she said is immaterial. What matters is what the PM said. Thats the only part of this meeting that matters at all, Abdullah tweeted after Mehbooba-Modi meeting.

What she said is immaterial. What matters is what the PM said. That's the only part of this meeting that matters at all. https://t.co/tw5DQhx4dk  Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 11, 2017

Mufti brought to the notice of the Prime Minister sentiments of the people of the state attached to the special provision and the apprehensions the debate over its possible abrogation created in their hearts and minds, said a state government spokesperson.

Reacting on the chief ministers claim, Abdullah further tweeted if every assurance Mehbooba Mufti claimed to have received had been fulfilled, the state would be largely trouble free today.

Excuse us if we no longer believe what @MehboobaMufti says after she comes out from these meetings. Can @PMOIndia explain assurances pls?, he tweeted.

Excuse us if we no longer believe what @MehboobaMufti says after she comes out from these meetings. Can @PMOIndia explain 'assurances' pls?  Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 11, 2017

Discussions on 35A have a negative impact on Jammu & Kashmir, it should not happen. The basis of our agenda of alliance is that status quo of 370 has to maintained. None of us can go against that, Mufti had said earlier.

Meanwhile, an NC spokesman asked the chief minister to explain to the people of the state what precise assurance she got from Modi on the emotive issue.

Party spokesperson Junaid Azim Mattu in a statement questioned the credibility of her statement, saying all such previous claims made by Mufti about similar alleged assurances have proved to be lies.

What assurance did Mehbooba Mufti manage to get from the Prime Minister? Did the Prime Minister assured her that the Central government no longer desires a larger debate on Article 35As validity - as was asserted by the Attorney General of India in the Supreme Court?, Mattu said.

He said the CM should clarify whether the Prime Minster gave an assurance that his party would drop its demand for the scrapping of the Article 370.

Mattu further accused Mufti of deliberately choosing an inadequate and irresponsible legal defence in the face of this serious challenge to Article 35A.

The chief minister should be ashamed that the Supreme Court ridiculed the quality of the response filed by the state government in another case pertaining to the issue of minority rights and status within the state, the NC spokesperson added.
Facing an existential crisis, Opposition leaders are meeting Friday afternoon in the national capital to work out joint stratagems to meet the common threat posed by a seemingly unstoppable BJP in the run up to the 2019 general elections.

While Congress leader Ahmed Patels success at pulling off victory from the jaws of defeat in the Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat provides hopes, the Nitish Kumar affair in Bihar has dealt a debilitating blow to unity efforts amongst the secular parties in recent weeks.

Fridays assemblage  organized at the initiative of the Congress  is likely to include satraps of regional parties like the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Trinamool Congress and the Biju Janata Dal, apart from representatives of the four Left parties.

Following repeated defeats at the hands of the BJP in a series of elections and the saffron partys aggressive push to establish footprints in non-BJP ruled states through other means (such as in Bihar), the Opposition leaders are working around the unite or perish principle.

While the Congress leaders are reaching out to leaders of breakaway groups (Mamata Banerjee of the TMC, Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party or the YSR Congress leader Jagan Mohan Reddy), a similar effort to bring together the splinter groups of the Janata Dal factions has been initiated.

In a significant development, Congress President Sonia Gandhis political secretary Ahmed Patel met TMC chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday evening to discuss possibilities of a realignment of the Opposition space.

Read more: Amid JD(U) rift, Sonia invites Sharad Yadav to Opposition meeting on Friday

While Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United) has not been officially invited to the conclave, it is likely that leaders of the JD (U) rebel factions will attend. Former JD (U) president Sharad Yadav  currently on a tour of Bihar  has already come out in open criticism of Kumars decision to change horses mid-way to align with the saffron party.

Kumars move violates the Bihar mandate of 2015, which was to keep the BJP out of power, Yadav said at a roadside rally near Patna on Thursday.
The Supreme Court on Friday decided to hold the final hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute from December 5 and made it clear that no adjournment shall be given in any circumstance.

The apex court, after an intense deliberation for more than one-and-half-hours, reached a consensus on commencement of the hearing on the cross-appeals filed against the 2010 judgement of the Allahabad high court.

The HC had ruled a three-way division of the disputed 2.77 acre area at Ayodhya among the parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and the Ram Lalla.

A specially constituted bench, headed by Justice Dipak Misra, asked the contesting parties to complete the translation of the exhibits of the documents likely to be relied upon into English within 12 weeks since these were in eight different languages.

The bench, also comprising justices Ashok Bhushan and Abdul Nazeer, asked the Uttar Pradesh government to complete within 10 weeks the translation of the evidence recorded for adjudication of the title dispute in the high court into English.

The bench made it clear that the parties would have to strictly adhere to the time frame fixed by it and no adjournment shall be given in any circumstances.

Senior counsel CS Vaidyanathan, appearing for Lord Ram Lalla and additional solicitor general Tushar Mehta, representing the UP government, pressed for early hearing of the matter, but senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Anoop George Chaudhari and Rajeev Dhavan, representing other parties, were not in favour of commencement of the hearing before January next year.
Ruling out any possibility of a split in the state Congress legislature party (CLP), senior Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday accused the BJP of trying to strangulate democracy by poaching legislators and misusing august offices to hijack popular mandates.

Scindia, who is deputy leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, rushed to Patna along with Rajya Sabha member JP Agrawal to meet legislators and senior party leaders and take stock of the situation after desertion fears hit the party, following the collapse of the Grand Alliance (GA) on July 26.

The 20-month-old GA government fell when CM Kumar resigned, citing the failure of his deputy, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, to clear the air on a CBI FIR against him as a beneficiary in an alleged scam from 2006, when his father, Lalu Prasad, was railways minister.

On the following day, Kumar formed a new government with the BJP, a party against which the GA, comprising the JD (U), RJD and the Congress, had won a big popular mandate in the 2015 Bihar assembly poll.

With BPCC chief Ashok Choudhary and CLP leader Sadanand Singh maintaining silence on Nitish Kumars betrayal, it was being feared that a majority of party legislators might desert the Congress to join the JD (U).

Scindia, however, dismissed the perception, saying party leaders at a meeting on Friday passed a resolution slamming Nitish Kumar for betraying the peoples mandate and decided to take the issue to the masses with all power at their command.

All our legislators are intact and they attended the urgently convened meeting, said Scindia, oblivious of the absence of at least six MLAs, including former minister Abdul Jalil Mastan. Others who skipped the meeting were Purnima Yadav, Anil Kumar, Sudarshan (all of them were offered Congress tickets on Nitish Kumars recommendations), Tausif Alam and Dr Javed.

Scindia attacked the BJP for tampering with popular mandates and said Bihar was one example of how the saffron party operated to make a mockery of democratic practices.

It has forged an alliance of immorality (adharma ka gathbandhan) in Bihar. They formed the government in Goa, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, even though they did not have the majority, he added.

The BPCC chief said the party would organise a rally at Patnas Gandhi Maidan after Dussehra to protest against the disrespect to the mandate. Soon after the organisational elections, the party will launch a campaign to sensitise the masses about the mischief played by the chief minister and appeal to them to join the rally, he said.

The visiting leaders, however, refused to comment on the fate of partys tie up with the RJD, saying that it was an issue to be decided by the party high command.

Factional feud in the party surfaced in the presence of before the visiting leaders as supporters of former Union minister Akhilesh Prasad Singh and former vice president Prem Chandra Mishra shouted slogans at the airport against BPCC chief Choudhary and demanded his ouster.

Choudharys supporters retaliated with counter slogans.

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Janata Dal (United) Rajya Sabha MP Sharad Yadav, at odds with the official leadership of his party, is understood to have struck a deal with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad to field his son as the RJD candidate for the Madhepura seat in the next Lok Sabha poll.

Yadav has expressed his disagreement with JD (U) president Nitish Kumars decision last month to jettison the 20 month old grand alliance government in Bihar last month and to form a new one with the BJP, with himself has CM.

Much against the wishes of the JD (U)s official leadership, Yadav has commenced a tour of Bihar on Thursday, dubbed the Jan Samvad Yatra, to gauge public mood. He has been sharing stage with RJD leaders and has been openly critical of the JD (U) leadership..

RJD insiders said Lalu had agreed to field Sharads son Shantanu Bundela, a post graduate from London University, from Bihar as a quid pro quo for the JD (U) veterans rebellion against Nitish Kumar. The move suits both the Yadav stalwarts common agenda to keep CM Kumar on tenterhooks, said a party leader.

However, no official confirmation of this move was available immediately.

Sharads supporters point out he had already been sidelined in the JD U). As such, getting for his son the Madhepura in north Bihar, which he had represented four times but, as JD (U) candidate, had lost to RJDs Rajesh Ranjan aka Pappu Yadav, in 2014, sounded like a good deal.

Madhepura, a Yadav stronghold and land of BP Mandal, whose Mandal commission report formed the basis of job reservation for the other backward classes, in the early 1990s, is available in the sense that Pappu was expelled from RJD in May 2015 for questioning Lalus family-centric politics.

The Madhepura seat was won by Sharad four times between 1991 and 2009, whereas Lalu, who broke away from the original Janata Dal, to form the RJD in July 1997, won the seat in 2004. In 2014, RJDs Pappu Yadav won it, defeating JD (U)s Sharad.

Despite being represented by political heavyweights, development has largely eluded Madhepura. An electric locomotive factory cleared during Lalus tenure as railway minister (2004-09) is still in a limbo. As its MP, Sharad has also faced flak for being away from the constituency and doing little for its development.

Old associates of Sharad are of the view that his move to launch his son as RJD candidate was a gambit, considering sitting MP Pappu, who wields influence in Madhepura, had given no indication he was ready to give up the seat.

Also, it wont look very good for Sharad to launch his son in politics, considering he has always opposed dynastic politics, said a Sharad supporter.

But at the veteran socialist leader hit Muzaffarpur district of north Bihar on Friday, his mood remained defiant. He accused party chief Nitish Kumar of intimidating his (Sharads) supporters. They are handing out the threat of expulsion from the JD (U). This is intolerable, he said.

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Two teenage sisters suffered burn injuries after unidentified assailants doused them in petrol and set them on fire in Nawabganj area of Bareilly in the wee hours of Friday, police said.

The teenage girls, aged 19 and 17, were sleeping in the courtyard of their house at Deorania Jahangir village when they were attacked.

The victims were admitted to the intensive care unit of the district hospital with 60% second and third degree burns.

The Nawabganj police registered an FIR against unidentified persons under 307 (attempt to murder) and other sections of the Indian Penal Code and are investigating the case jointly with the crime branch.

Additional charges will be added as the investigation progresses, said Joginder Kumar, superintendent of police (SP), Bareilly.

Victims father, who was sleeping in an adjoining room, said: They started screaming in the middle of the night. I woke up and saw them burning. I have never heard anyone cry out like that...they were burning like dry wood.

The parents tried to douse the fire using blankets, but by the time they managed to do so, the girls had sustained burns all over their bodies.

Hospital sources, however, said the victims were out of danger.

Prima facie, it seems the attackers entered the house through the outer door, which was reportedly left open in the night. Our teams are interrogating close relatives and neighbours of the victims for more details, said Kumar.

Police also recovered two mobile phones from the spot. We are trying to identify the people who contacted the victims before the incident. Two suspects have been summoned to the police station for quizzing, he added.

Meanwhile, the girls parents appealed to the district administration to ensure the best possible medical treatment for them. Following their request, the district magistrate directed the sub-divisional magistrate to assist the family.
A woman and daughter from West Bengals Malda district on Friday morning claimed their hair were mysteriously chopped off while they were asleep in a rerun of similar bizarre incidents recently reported in north India.

Manjura Bibi (35) and her nine-year-old daughter Reba Khatun from Fetehpur village in the district said they had no inkling as to how they lost their braids.

The hair was found lying in the room and they had no sign of injury on them.

The incident, first in Bengal, spread panic in the village, some 230 km north of Kolkata. Many superstitious villagers claimed it was the handiwork of some evil spirits.

The Malda villagers said the mother and daughter duo did not hear any noise or experience anything unusual during the night.

In the morning, Manjura Bibi noticed a lock of hair from her daughters head lying on the bed. She raised an alarm and the neighbours rushed in. Shocked by the incident, Manjura Bibi became unconscious and was taken to the local Bhaluka hospital. She was released from the hospital after a few hours.

Pradhan of Bhaluka gram panchayat, Obaidur Rahaman said local police and civil administration were informed about the incident as it had spread panic in the area.

An organisation of the rationalists, the Paschim Banga Bigyan Mancha, however said the incident could be a prank.

People in these villages dont lock their doors properly. It seems somebody played a prank to spread panic. Police should take action, said Kamal Krishna Das, a senior member of the organisation.

Several women in Delhi-NCR, Haryana , Punjab and Uttar Pradesh recently complained of their brads being chopped off, but psychiatrists blamed mass hysteria for such incidents.

From all the available evidence, it seems the women are cutting their own hair either consciously or in an altered sensorium, likely to seek attention, Dr Sudhir Khandelwal, former head of the department of psychiatry at New Delhis All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) had said.
Chief economic advisor (CEA) Arvind Subramanians tenure comes to an end in October, and the big question is: Will he get a two-year extension?

Although it was widely believed until recently that Subramanians extension was certain, whispers of doubt have been heard in New Delhis corridors of power over the last few weeks. These suspicions have peaked since the sudden exit of NITI Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya, and its not just because they share the same first name. Many believe that the government, with just two more years to go, wants to experiment with new ideas from fresh economists.

Critics of the Modi government believe the new appointees are likely to be economists more tuned to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sanghs economic views.

Subramanian was appointed as the CEA in October 2014, over a year after Raghuram Rajans elevation to Mint Street left the position vacant. If his tenure is not extended, Subramanian will return to the Peterson Institute for International Economics  where he was employed as a senior fellow before his appointment by the Modi government.

Subramanian has also promised to write a memoir that would disclose his views on demonetisation, the Prime Ministers surprise move of yanking high-value currency notes from circulation. Though the government has hailed the move as its most radical economic reform yet, many insiders say it was done without consulting the CEA.

Subramanian has pushed several new ideas, such as the universal basic income and state-backed bad bank, and has been closely associated with the recently launched Goods and Services Tax.

The CEA has also had his share of controversies in the last two years. A quip that commenting on the Maharashtra beef ban would cost him his job resulted in a political brouhaha that resonated for days to come. His strong criticism of the Reserve Bank of Indias stance on monetary policy, when it refused to reduce rates in May, also attracted a lot of attention.

The top-ranking official even found himself at the receiving end of BJP MP Subramanian Swamys Twitter tirade in the recent past.

Before moving to New Delhi as the CEA, Subramanian had advised the Indian government in various capacities. He was also a part of the finance ministers expert group on the G-20.

Subramanian also worked as an assistant director in the International Monetary Funds research department during the course of his career. Besides this, he was associated with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (198892) during the Uruguay round of trade negotiations, and taught at Harvard Universitys Kennedy School of Government (19992000) and Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies (200810).

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On the verge of closure, 446 state-run schools in Barmer have just been granted a lifeline, but barely so. The district education department has, as special arrangement, granted these schools a teacher each.

These 446 schools were functioning without any teacher until a month ago and for reason were facing imminent closure.

Since Rajasthan government banned deputation of teachers, the order issued by the district administration for posting the teachers at these schools, mentions educational arrangement as the reason.

With these 446, Barmer now has 1,100 schools with just one teacher. It makes up for more than 26 per cent of the 4,213 government schools in the district.

The reason for this alternative arrangement is a directive issued by the state secondary education department on July 6 warning that principals and district education officials will be held responsible if a school is shut down due to lack of teachers.

With the proverbial Damocles sword hanging over their head, the principals and the district education department officials are now questioning the directive. They reason that filling the vacancies and posting teachers in schools is governments responsibility and they should not be made a scapegoat for governments failure.

The district education department officials termed the directive to hold principals responsible for school closure for lack of teachers as dictatorial. How can principals perform if there are no teachers in the school? Filling the vacancies is governments job. If a school is shut down due to lack of teachers, the government should be held responsible, not the principals, an official told HT requesting not to be named.

In Barmer alone, 55 per cent or 6,269 posts of teachers out of the total sanctioned strength of 11,365 in the district are vacant.

The district officials may have managed to save the 446 schools from imminent closure, but the situation hasnt got any better for students. The sole teacher is supposed to take classes in all subjects and also organise the distribution of midday meals. The teachers are also responsible for increasing the enrolment. Apart from this, they are also called in for other government work such as election duty and census.

When this teacher is on leave, theres unscheduled holiday in the school.

Contacted, Nathmal Didel, director, secondary education, said that the directorate has sent a good number of teachers to Barmer and such a situation, wherein the schools have to shut down because of lack of teachers, should not arise. Ill get a detailed report on the matter from Barmer, he added.

Opposition Congress, however, termed the exercise as eyewash. The government is taking such steps to hide its failures, said district Congress vice-president YD Joshi.
Aafreen Chhipa from Rajasthans Bhilwara had not travelled outside the state when she received her admission letter from the California State University, Fresno, in March this year.

The 16-year-old, who has not boarded a flight before, will fly to the US on Sunday. Her mother is a schoolteacher and father owns a cloth shop in Bhilwara.

Aafreens US dreams took wings in April 2016 when she got a letter informing her about the chief ministers sponsorship scheme for three girl toppers from the state wishing to go abroad for higher studies, with a scholarship of Rs 25 lakh a year. In 2015, Aafreen had topped Class 10 exams in the state among girls in the government school category.

Her family met the district education officer to confirm the scheme. Doubts gone, apprehensions cropped up. My mother was worried, how would I go and manage alone, that too in a place so far, said Aafreen.

Her mother spoke to two other girl toppers and knew that one of them was interested like Aafreen. The family decided that Aafreen would stay in Jaipur and prepare for admissions to US universities, but the final decision was reserved.

Aafreen stayed in Jaipur for a year in a girls hostel and shared the room with the second state topper from Sikar. The third topper wants to become a doctor, so she did not try for a US university as medicine is taught there at the postgraduate level.

She wrote SAT, a test for undergraduate admissions in the US, and TOEFL, an English competency test. She scored 1150 out of 1600 in SAT and 72 out of 120 in TOEFL, Aafreen said.

The second topper could not make it to a US university and will try again this year.

After she got selected for California university, President Donald Trumps comments against Muslims and reports of violence in the US put her parents in confusion.

Aafreen is the first person in the extended family to go abroad for studies, said her mother Aabey Kausar. The only other time anybody has gone abroad from family is for Haj, said the mother.

Aafreens teachers have been suggesting her to do a BA and a BEd to become a schoolteacher. But she wanted to be an IAS officer. Teachers told me that a lot of people manage to crack the Prelims and Mains of the IAS exam but fail in the interview, she said.

One of the reasons why she chose to study in a US university is to develop her personality, so that she will do well in the IAS interview. Others are saying that I wont come back from the US. But mark my words, Ill come back to my country and become an IAS officer, said Aafreen, a fan of former president APJ Abdul Kalam.

Kalams biography is her bible. Her grandfather, a retired school headmaster, is another inspiration.

When I entered Class 9, my nana told me, Beta, pass sabhi ho jate hain, second bhi bohot se log aate hain, lekin taaliyaan sirf first ke liye bajti hain (A lot of people pass the exam, a lot many secure the second spot too, but its only the first ranker who gets the applause), said Aafreen.

Asked about fears of being away from family, she said she has already lived alone in Jaipur for a year. The day my parents left me in Jaipur, I cried a little. But minutes later I was fixing my targets.

The girls next targets are to engage in activities in California, and understand the academic system in the US to know why its universities are the best in the world.

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Jadavpur University (JU) has been on the boil since Thursday evening, with members of the arts, science and engineering student bodies picketing an administrative building on its campus. The university vice chancellor and a number of other senior officials were still trapped there till Friday afternoon.

The protesters are agitating against reforms by the Mamata Banerjee government that aim to curb the powers of student union members. Student unions should consist of elected representatives. We will not agree to a students council with nominated members, said Jubi Saha, one of the agitating students.

The government had charted the reforms in the wake of clashes during student union elections at colleges across West Bengal, including Kolkata. However, both JU and Presidency University were untouched by violence.

JU students have demanded that the government instruct other varsities to follow their example of peacefully conducting union elections, instead of imposing the reforms on them. They also want the vice-chancellor to tell the government that the JU executive committee has decided to refrain from enacting the proposed changes.

However, the university authorities seemed disinclined to accept the students demands. A democratically elected government has made these rules. We will apprise the government of the students objections but we cannot oppose it, JU vice chancellor Suranjan Das said.

Education minister Partha Chatterjee seemed just as rigid on the governments stand. Let them agitate. The rules will not change. The decision has been taken, he said.

The reforms stipulate that a college lecturer be appointed as the student council president while another member of the teaching staff becomes its treasurer. Each class can elect a single representative, instead of the current practice of voting in two.

Campuses across the state have witnessed clashes during the elections, with the student wing of the ruling party being accused of perpetrating violence in most cases. Incidentally, the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad has failed to make inroads in both JU and Presidency  the most prestigious institutes in the state  until now.

There have been many instances of JU students picketing officials in the past. The Hok Kolorob movement a couple of years ago ended with the resignation of its then vice chancellor, Abhijit Chakraborty.

The Jadavpur University Teachers Association has supported the students movement.

Opposition parties, on the other hand, said everything would have been alright if the ruling party was able to control its students wing. Since 2011, elections could not be held in most colleges and universities across West Bengal because Trinamool would not allow candidates from rival parties to file their nominations. Students should be allowed to contest without threats, said Madhuja Sen Roy, president of the Student Federation of Indias Bengal unit.

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After an unprecedented show on Ram Navami this year, the saffron camp is preparing for a shastra puja in Bengal on Bijoya Dasami. According to a closely guarded plan, weapons such as swords and scythes and even firearms will be worshipped in different parts of the state and carried in processions.

The plan is a step forward after the unprecedented success of Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti celebrations on April 5, when hundreds of youths participated in processions displaying swords and other weapons. Rallies were organised in Bhawanipore near the residence of chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

Incidentally, Muharram, when Shia Muslims take out processions, often carrying swords to mourn the battle of Karbala, is slated on the next day, October 1.

Sachindranath Singha, Vishwa Hindu Parishad organisational secretary for West Bengal, Odisha, Sikkim and Andaman, told HT the organisation will take all legal steps if the Mamata Banerjee administration tries to stop shastra puja.

Well see how the government can bar Hindus from taking out processions on Bijoya Dasami. Display of swords is not illegal and the government should not come in the way if licensed arms are worshipped , Singha said.

RSS and VHP usually celebrate the occasion with grandeur in various parts of the country. In other states, VHP and Bajrang Dal courted controversy several times for displaying firearms during shastra puja, and even for celebratory firing.

Shastra puja has never been popular in West Bengal. Bengalis celebrate Bijoya Dasami with sindoor khela, when married women spear each others face with vermilion. However, processions with lathis and swords are taken out in some areas such as Asansol, Kharagpur, Durgapur and Burnpur that are dominated by Hindi-speaking Hindus. We do not have any specific information, but we will keep an eye on such celebrations, said ADG law and order, Anuj Sharma.

In 2016, a series of low-intensity communal clashes took place in Bengal centering Bijoya Dasami and Muharram.

The saffron camp plan is likely to trigger a fresh controversy in the state. In April, following display of swords in Ram Navami processions, CM Mamata Banerjee threatened stringent actions against illegal display of weapons.

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In changing times when historical places are more or less restricted to history books, we highlight key places in Uttar Pradesh that remained an epicentre of activity during the freedom movement.

GENERAL POST OFFICE (GPO)

Lucknow: Present General Post Office (GPO) and erstwhile Ring Theatre has witnessed a gamut of changes. Building was used by the British families for organising cultural events, screening movies, holding parties and for other recreational purposes. And there was a display board bearing textDogs and Indians are not allowed, said Yogesh Praveen, a noted historian. The building, Praveen said got also famous due to the Kakori train tragedy trial as it turned into the special court where the whole trial took place. It was later in 1929-1932, the then GPO which was situated inside the Begum Kothi (now known as Janpath) was shifted to this building and thus, getting permanently transformed, he added.

AMAR SHAHEED STAMBH

Bareilly: Standing in one corner of the busy commissioners office, this obelisk in black was erected in place of an old banyan tree that stood witness to the freedom movement and British atrocities. It was at this place where 257 revolutionaries were hanged with the branches of the tree during the revolt of 1857 after British government found them guilty, reads the plaque on the obelisk.

PURANI CHUNGI IN AGRA

Agra:The Purani Chungi ground adjoining Yamuna Kinara road is a silent reminder of the independence struggle, when freedom fighters gathered here during British rule. The ground also bears testimony to the martyrdom of a youth who laid down his life for the nation here during August Kranti on August 10, 1942.

 Earlier, Independence Day was celebrated here but now the present generation is not aware of the importance of this place and the martyrdom of Parushram, a 19- year-old youth who made the supreme sacrifice during August Kranti in 1942, recollects veteran freedom fighter Shashi Shiromani.

There was a municipal office in the adjoining building which was, in fact, a library set up by Dara Shikoh, brother of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Now a girls school is run in part of this red sandstone building, says Shiromani.

GORA KABRISTAN

Kanpur: The city has a few places of historic importance related to countrys Independence, but almost none of them is protected.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has only protected the Gora Kabristan, where the British officers were laid to rest.

On the completion of 150 years of the First War of Independence in year 2007, several British nationals came to the cemetery to pay homage to their loved ones.

The Satti Chaura Ghat south of the city and Bibi Ghar in the heart of the city are places of interest as well. Since about 300 Britishers, including women and children, were killed here during the First War of Independence in 1857, the ghat was named Massacre Ghat by the British.

The British, who had escaped from Satti Chaura Ghat, were killed at Bibi Ghar in the Mall Road area and the place was named Nana Rao Park. Nana Rao Peshwa is said to have sparked the revolt against the British.

BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY (BHU)

Varanasi: Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was founded by the great nationalist leader Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1916 in association with personalities such as Dr Annie Besant.

It was viewed as the University of India. It played a crucial role in the independence movement and developed into one of the greatest centres of learning in India. It has produced many great freedom fighters and builders of modern India.

SHAHID SMARAK

Meerut: A high-rise Shahid Smarak made of white marble proudly stands in the middle of the town adjacent to Bhainsali ground which reminds people about the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the First War of Independence in 1857.

A group of 85 native soldiers, both Hindus and Muslims, laid the foundation of the First War of Independence against the British by refusing to use cartridges reportedly greased with fat of pig and cow.

They were arrested and humiliated in public which eventually triggered the uprising on May 10, 1857. It was, however, quelled by the British. A museum was set up here which has paintings depicting valour of native soldiers and important episodes of the war.

The motive of establishing museum was to make people aware of the supreme sacrifices by the native soldiers. But barring a few occasions like the Independence Day, the Republic Day and Kranti Diwas very few people visit the memorial. Sometimes, students and teachers of schools visit the place to collect information about the war of freedom.

GITA PRESS

Gorakhpur: Gita Press occupies a pride of place for publishing over 65 crore books from Mahabharata, Ramayana, Ram Charitmanas and Shrimad Bhagwad Gita to books on numerous fasts and rituals observed in Hindu homes books since its inception in 1923. The books are published in more than 14 languages.

Post Independence, the press increased its production and publication work keeping in mind its mission to provide access to Gita and Ramayan to everyone at low price. It has also been publishing monthly magazine Kalyan for the last 95 years without any break and more than 3 lakh copies are sold every month across the country.

When you tell someone you belong to Gorakhpur, the first thing they ask is it the same place where Gita Press is located? Publishing 65 crore books is a major achievement, said Arun Tripathi, a social activist.

WITNESS TO AZADS MARTYRDOM

Allahabad: Perhaps the most famous park to be associated with Indian Freedom Struggle, the present Chandra Shekhar Azad Park was constructed in the heart of Allahabad in 1870 to mark the visit of Prince Alfred to the city. During the times of British rule in India, the Alfred Park often witnessed music performances of the police band that were preceded by official ceremonies.

On February 27, 1931, freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad came to the park to meet a fellow freedom fighter Sukhdev. However, one of Azads close friends tipped the police about this visit in return for money. The park was soon surrounded by policemen working for the British and Azad fought valiantly to let Sukhdev escape. After a gun battle in which he managed to kill three policemen, he sustained bullet injury in his thigh. Azad shot himself in the head with the last bullet in his pistol to keep his promise of never being caught alive. After Independence, the park was named Chandra Shekhar Azad Park. Azads statue was also erected at the spot of his martyrdom, said historian and professor of medieval and modern history at Allahabad University, Prof Yogeshwar Tiwari.

The park is frequented on special occasion like Independence Day and Republic Day by locals and dignitaries alike while usual days just witness couples trying to steal a few moments of privacy here.
BSP president Mayawati on Thursday called upon Dalits and Muslims to unite against communal and casteist policies of the BJP government at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing leaders and office-bearers of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) at the state unit office here, Mayawati claimed Muslims and Dalits were being terrorised by saffron brigade.

They are being forced to live as second grade citizens. There is a need to launch a countrywide movement against the anti-minority and anti- poor policy of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, she said.

BSP is the only political party in the country that follows and promotes the ideals of Dr BR Ambedkar. The followers of Ambedkar should join the movement launched by the BSP to come to power in UP and at the Centre, Mayawati said.

Grappling with the rebellion of senior party leaders, including Indrajit Saroj, Naseemuddin Siddiqui, KK Gautam, Pramod Kureel and Thakur Jaiveer Singh who have announced to launch a political party, Mayawati had called a meeting of party leaders and office-bearers to review preparations for statewide workers conference starting September 18.

She also discussed the preparations for the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

Mayawati said though the BSP failed to open its account in the 2014 Lok Sabha election and secured victory only on 19 seats in 2017 assembly poll but there was no big drop in the partys vote percentage.

The BSP secured over 20% votes in the both the elections. We did not lose support base but fell prey to the conspiracy hatched by the saffron brigade. No pro-dalit political party is in power in any state, she said.

The BJP is adopting various tactics to eat into the support base of the BSP. They should know that the followers of Ambedkar will never surrender, she said and asked the supporters to remain united against the BJP.

We will continue to fight for the rights of Dalits by organising conferences in districts. The first conference will be organised in Meerut on September 18, she said.

Read more: BSP rebels plan to float political party to challenge Mayawati

The BJP government is pursuing a policy of hatred towards Muslims. The restlessness within the community is obvious. The BJP government is against social change and economic empowerment of the weaker sections. People are being deprived of their constitutional rights. To suppress the voice of the opposition, the BJP leaders are attacking rival parties, she alleged.

Mayawati also condemned the state government for changing the names of cities, railway stations, roads and government institutions. Under the BSP government, new districts and educational institutions were named after Dalit icons, she said.

Mayawati is likely to attend the anti-BJP rally organised by RJD leader Lalu Prasad at Patna on August 27 where she will share the dais with archrival SP national president Akhilesh Yadav.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and NCP leader Sharad Pawar are likely to attend the rally that might give a thrust to the formation of a grand alliance to fight the 2019 Lok Sabha election.
Software major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is going to stay in Lucknow, for now. It will remain here at least till the company launches its consolidated operations in Noida.

An assurance in this regard came after the TCS team, led by its CEO Rajesh Gopinathan, met chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday.

The team that also included COO NG Subramaniam, vice president Alok Kumar and senior general manager SK Nayar made a presentation before the CM about companys proposals.

The team made a presentation about its operations in Noida and Varanasi and assured the chief minister of not shifting Lucknow operations for now, said Sanjiv Saran, principal secretary, information technology.

TCS has about 15,000 staff in Noida. It proposes to consolidate operations in next two to three years to take the total staff strength there to 25,000--40,000. An option will be given to Lucknow TCS staff to shift to Noida once the company consolidates its operations there in next two to three years, said Saran.

The state government has also offered land to TCS near Amausi airport and the companys team has promised to consider the proposal, said Saran.

The TCS delegation also informed Adityanath that the work on its BPO was nearing completion and the company would soon get the same inaugurated.

When contacted, the TCS officials refused to comment.
After working out a new policy to attract investment and create more employment avenues, the Yogi Adityanath government is making efforts to attract investment.

A high level state team led by UP industrial development Satish Mahana met Gujarats industrialists in Ahmedabad on Thursday, inviting them to invest in Uttar Pradesh.

With its industry friendly policies, Uttar Pradesh has created a favourable atmosphere for investment and realise Prime Minister Narendra Modis dreams. Gujarat industry should come forward for investment in UP, said Mahana at a programme organised by the FICCI in Ahemdabad on Thursday.

Read more: CM Yogi directs Noida officials to bring in investment, industrial development

Principal secretary infrastructure and industrial development Alok Sinha made a presentation about how the process has begun to make the sleeping giant UP awake. Besides Sinha, the state team includes chief executive officer Greater Noida Devashish Panda.

The UP team met leading industrial houses of Gujarat and informed them about new industry policy and steps taken by the Yogi government to attract investment in Uttar Pradesh.
Atomic Blonde

Director - David Leitch

Cast - Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, Sofia Boutella, John Goodman, Toby Jones, Eddie Marsan, Til Schweiger

Rating - 3.5/5

Atomic Blonde  if the title didnt give it away already  is a film obsessed with appearances. Like a vain model who spends hours in the makeup chair hiding her every blemish underneath a layer of lies, Atomic Blonde, at least for a while, successfully manages to con us into thinking that its a good time. It stays in disguise till the very end, gorgeous as ever, but when the polluted city rain washes away the foundation, it stands there in shame, unsure of what to say or what to do, its cocksure strut rudely interrupted.

Its set in the days leading up to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Newly-minted action star Charlize Theron stars as Lorraine Broughton, an M16 agent  just not the sort youd expect to find in James Bonds bed. Instead, its quite likely that were Agent 007 to make advances towards her, he would probably find himself out of a wrist, with a shattered knee, and a deep gash where his cocky smile used to be.

Lorraines been sent to Germany to track down a double agent who, her bosses tell her, has been sliding information to the Soviets. When she gets to Berlin, shes supposed to meet the eccentric station chief, played by James McAvoy, wholl act as her eyes and ears as she navigates a city in mid-celebration, what with Ronald Reagans two-year-old plea having finally come true.

This is the briefest, most efficient way to describe Atomic Blondes premise. The plot, you will learn  once the cool, 80s-inspired opening credits have come and gone, and Lorraines cracked a few skulls  is damn near impossible to follow. But thats the nature of the beast. Its an unwritten law that Cold War spy movies must be needlessly convoluted, replete with too many murky characters, the double, triple and quadruple crosses arriving at a rate faster than anyone - even Lorraine - can handle. Every time Atomic Blonde sneaks out into the real world, it is as if two wrinkled hands drag it back into a smoky room, and into a squeaky chair, where it will have to engage in dense conversation.

But thats not the kind of movie it is. Its hyper-stylised to a fault  almost to the extent of 300 and Sin City, which were both, like Atomic Blonde, adapted from comic books. Its the kind of movie in which characters foxily pull down their shades to reveal come-to-bed eyes; the kind of movie in which hot women take luxurious drags off half-smoked cigarettes, and walk with the clip-clop of stilettos on cold concrete.

And in the hands of David Leitch, one-half of the team that brought us John Wick, its a film that has one of the best action scenes of the last decade. Not even exaggerating. The scene arrives a little after an hour into the movie, and without a shadow of doubt, is worth the price of admission alone.

We begin at the top of a staircase, and follow Lorraine as she hacks and slashes her way through several goons to the bottom, the handheld camera ducking in and out of hallways and bedrooms and kitchens, and into the street, where it squeezes itself into a car with her. And then it continues, unbroken, for almost 10 minutes.

It isnt the first time DP Jonathan Sela has shot mayhem in Berlin, but its certainly his finest hour behind the lens. More than Leitch, more than Theron, the one person who leaves their unmistakable stamp on this picture is Sela. His visuals are almost annoyingly beautiful, but always composed in service of the story.

The screen is awash with blues and greys as Lorraine plots her cold moves, and plunges into ice baths. But when the action heats up  either through stunningly-choreographed violence, or in bed with another woman  her face is ablaze with reds. Its a rather rudimentary approach to visual storytelling, but thats how DW Griffith and Erich von Stroheim did it almost a hundred years ago. It works.

But none of this  Leitchs expertise at action, Selas frames, and Tyler Bates Kavinsky-inspired score (aided by moody German covers of 80s hits)  is enough to distract from the uneven writing. Oh, what a tremendous film this would have been disrobed of 30 minutes. But it stands, slightly conscious of the attention its attracting, in two layers too many.

Watch the Atomic Blonde trailer here

Follow @htshowbiz for more

The author tweets @RohanNaahar

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A year after the customer of an Andheri bank was duped of Rs40,000 by a cybercriminal, it finally approached the police, requesting them to file an FIR.

Police said the 55-year-old branch manager asked them to file a case as the victims card had been cloned. On May 13 last year, the fraudster withdrew the sum from his account at an ATM in Kolkata. The victim asked the bank to reimburse him for the loss. After realising that he was not at fault, the bank paid up.

A bank can ask the police to file a case any time its customers are the victims of fraud. In this case, bank has paid the victim back for his losses and so they need the police to file an FIR so it will not be in trouble if it is audited, said advocate and cyber expert Vicky Shah.

However, the bank manager submitted a written complaint to the police on February 1, saying she was busy with other work and so did not have the time to ask them to file a complaint.

Police verified the complaint and lodged a case on August 3 under sections of Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. They are now trying to trace the accused.
Mumbaiites are irked with the Maharashtra governments application in the Supreme Court seeking nod for police action against those getting beef from outside the state .

The Maharashtra government wants the SC to reinstate a rule in the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act that allowed the police to prosecute those possessing meat from cows, bullocks and buffaloes slaughtered outside the state. The Bombay high court had struck down the rule in May 2016.

We are a law-abiding community. We will go by the rules, but this is certainly not the right way. We are sad that the government wants to enter our kitchens, said Joachim Colaco, trustee of United Christian Community Centre (UCCC).

Read: Supreme Court to decide if you can keep and eat beef brought from outside Maharashtra

Javed Anand, convener of Indian Muslims for Secular Democracy, said the Bombay High Court judgment was reasonable. The government wants to enforce Hindutva on other communities. There was no reason for the government to further challenge the decision, said Anand.

On May 6, the Bombay High Court struck down sections 5(d) and 9(b) of the Maharashtra Animals Preservation (Amendment) Act, 1995, which criminalised and imposed punishment on those found possessing of beef of animals, slaughtered in or outside the state, on the grounds that it infringed upon a persons right to privacy.

In its judgment, the court had upheld the ban on slaughter of bulls and bullocks imposed by the Maharashtra government, but decriminalised possession of beef in case the animals were slaughtered outside the state.
A Ludhiana businessman had to face the ordeal of prosecution for a murder for two decades  until he brought his victim before the trial court.

Now, the Bombay high court has asked the Maharashtra government to give him Rs6 lakh.

On March 14, 1996, the body of a man was found near the Ismail Yusuf College at Jogeshwari. While the mans head was badly crushed by boulder, at least eight witnesses identified him as Guddu, 21, who was living in the area with a married woman.

One of the witnesses told the police three people had come from Ludhiana in search of the woman and that they might have killed Guddu.

With this information, the Jogeshwari police went to Ludhiana and on May 24, 1996, arrested Jawaharlal Sharma, a small-scale industrialist. On July 4, 1996 he was granted bail.

Ever since, Sharma worked hard to trace Guddu. He made several trips to Guddus native place in Uttar Pradesh. During the first visit, he was surprised to see Guddus mother completely unaffected by the news. She said she knew he was alive.

A bench of Justice Ranjit More and Justice Sarang Kotwal was irked to note the investigation officers of the case, one after the other, showed a complete apathy to probe the case properly even though in July 1996 itself they were told by witnesses from Guddus village that he was alive.

We find the investigating officers have shown utter disregard to the cause of justice, said the bench, adding that despite being made aware that Guddu was alive, the officers did not make any effort to trace him.

Instead, they charge-sheeted Sharma and proceeded with his prosecution knowing fully well the person for whose murder Sharma had been charged was very much alive.

Later, Sharma applied to the trial court seeking an issuance of summons to Guddu.

He travelled to Guddus village to serve the summons. Sharmas ordeal came to an end in November 2011 after the Uttar Pradesh police produced Guddu before the trial court.
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former minister Eknath Khadse, who lost his job following allegations of graft, is unlikely to make a political comeback anytime soon.

The justice Dinkar Zoting commission report, which probed the allegations that Khadse used his clout to help his relatives buy land owned by the industrial department for a fraction of the cost, was not tabled in the Maharashtra legislature on Friday, the last day of the monsoon session.

The state government was expected to table the report submitted on June 30 in both houses. There was speculation that the report had passed strictures against the former minister, but stopped shy of recommending action against him. A section within the BJP had felt that the report would allow Khadse, a veteran leader, to return to the state cabinet.

However, sources close to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis told HT that Khadses comeback would be problematic for the state owing to the court case pending against the minister and the investigation conducted by the anti-corruption minister.

We will fall flat on our face if Khadse returns to the cabinet and the high court raps him. The report will now be tabled in the state legislatures winter session of the state legislature. The report has not given a Khadse a clean chit. As such, the states interpretation of it becomes important, said a BJP leader.

Khadse was the first BJP minister to lose his job over allegations of graft. He is accused of using his post as revenue minister to facilitate a land deal in favour of his wife and son-in-law. The industries department had claimed ownership of a three-acre plot in Bhosari near Pune and termed this purchase illegal. The market value of the land was Rs23 crore, but Khadses family bought it for Rs3.75 crore. Under the new land acquisition law, the industries department would have to pay the owner of this plot nearly Rs100 crore.

Since Khadses ouster, more than half a dozen ministers of Fadnavis cabinet have faced allegations of irregularity or graft. However, Fadnavis has shielded all of them. Given Khadses seniority and the overall lack of experience among the cabinet members, a section within the party thinks he should be re-inducted before the 2019 polls.

However, the BJP-led government is also battling serious allegations of graft and irregularity against two of its senior ministers, state housing minister Prakash Mehta and Senas industries minister Subhash Desai. It thus wants to minimise the hits it has taken.

Fadnavis has announced a probe against Mehta in connection with a slum redevelopment scheme in Tardeo, but is yet to declare the details of this inquiry.

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The Maharashtra government is considering a plot at Dharavi to build the starting point of the Prime Minister Narendra Modis pet project  Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train. The state is considering this plot as an alternative to land in the business district of Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), which the Union government wants.

Speaking in the state legislative council, state transport minister Diwakar Raote said the government has not given any land for the project. He also said the an International Financial Services Centre will come up at BKC.

It is not true that the state government has approved setting aside land at BKC for the bullet train. We are looking for an alternative in Dharavi, the Shiv Sena minister said.

The starting point of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train has been a bone of contention between the two governments. The Centre is keen on building the station at BKC, as it is one of Mumbais prime business district and the bullet train is expected to cater to the business travellers between the two cities.

However, the state government, wants to utilise the same plot for an International Financial Services Centre. The state had also proposed plots near Bandra Terminus and Kurla as an alternative. Modi is likely to lay the foundation stone for the project at Sabarmati, Gujarat, next month.

Raote added the state plans to build a portion of the train corridor from Mumbai to Thane underground to minimise land acquisition.

Farmers whose lands the state will acquire will be given a fair compensation. Tribals along the belt will also benefit, as the corridor will bring in industrial growth in the area, he said.

Raote assured the house that the bullet train project will not impact the already states finances. The transport minister said the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) would be giving a loan to cover 80% [approx R1 lakh crore] of the project cost, estimated to be close to Rs one lakh crore. While the Centre will fund 10%, the remaining 10% will be provided by Maharashtra and Gujarat governments.

However, other Sena members seem to be unhappy with the project. On Friday, MLC Neelam Gorhe said, The project is not in the best interest of the Marathi population. It will only benefit diamond traders. 

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After facing intense pressure from Opposition parties, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday ordered a probe into allegations against housing minister Prakash Mehta, industries minister Subhash Desai and senior IAS officer Radheshyam Mopalwar.

He made the announcement in the state legislature as its monsoon session ended on Friday.

Allegations against Mehta, a BJP minister, would be probed by the Lokayukta of the state, while an independent probe will be conducted against Desai, a Shiv Sena minister. On the other hand, a special investigation team (SIT) comprising a senior IAS officer and officers from the Economic Offences Wing of the police will conduct investigations into various allegations against Mopalwar.

The Lokayukta will probe all the allegations against Mehta. Opposition party members or even citizens who have any information about the allegations can hand it over to the Lokayukta, Fadnavis said in the legislative council.

Mehta is facing a series of allegations, including favouring builders. He was accused of re-allotting redevelopment work of a Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority-owned transit camp at Pant Nagar, Ghatkopar, to a builder, even though the housing authority had cancelled an earlier allotment. He was also accused of directing the administration to club this project with six adjoining slum pockets to turn it into one redevelopment project in Ghatkopar. The project would have meant a windfall for the builder. HT had published a series of stories highlighting the case.

In another case related to MP Mill Compound at Tardeo, Mehta was accused of directing government agencies to transfer floor space index (FSI) available for a slum rehabilitation project to the Tardeo project, which would have benefitted the developer. The Opposition had also raised questions over Mehtas son and other relatives getting houses in a redeveloped building in Ghatkopar even as the original tenants awaited theirs. Mehta denied all the allegations and had offered to relinquish the housing department if Fadnavis asked him to do so.

Meanwhile, Opposition parties had accused Desai of denotifying a 30,000-acre land earmarked for industrial use in Igatpuri in Nashik district. It had further alleged Desais decision benefitted certain builders. Desai, however, defended his decision saying he had done it because the farmers whose land was acquired wanted the same back.

Mopalwar found himself in a controversy after audio tapes containing his alleged conversation with a detective hired by him went viral. It was alleged the conversation revealed bribery that had links to Mantralaya. Fadnavis came under pressure in case of Mopalwar because the latter was heading his ambitious Mumbai-Nagpur expressway project. He first removed Mopalwar as managing director of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, which is building the expressway, and on Friday ordered a probe against him.

As some of the allegations are related to financials considerations and some are in the administrative ambit, we have decided to form a joint team, Fadnavis informed the state Assembly. The Opposition, while raising this issue and citing the probe directed by various central agencies, including the prime ministers office, had demanded action against the officer. HT had published reports of the conversation and how the private detective, who allegedly recorded the conversation, feared for his life.

Fadnavis told the legislative Assembly the probe against industries minister Subhash Desai will also be conducted by the Lokayukta if he agrees to do so. We have discussed a probe in the Prakash Mehta case with the Lokayukta and he has taken it up. If he agrees to conduct a probe in the cases against Desai, we will not have a problem in handing them to the Lokayukta,he said.

Fadnavis, however, turned down the Oppositions demand to sack Mehta and Desai. He said prima facie there was no substance in the cases and the probe was announced just to clear the air. He said it would set a bad precedent if the government begins sacking ministers merely on the basis of allegations by the Opposition.

Mehta comes from the Gujarati community in Mumbai, which supports the BJP and wields influence, while Desai is a senior Shiv Sena leader and a trusted aide of the Thackeray family. Sources said Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray was not keen on any stringent probe against Desai.

The CM said the decisions regarding the MP mill plot in Tardeo were taken by the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party government between 1999 and 2014. Even after construction, additional FSI was allotted to the same plot. How can FSI be given in this case? Despite this, as suspicion has been raised, the Lokayukta will probe the allegations, Fadnavis said.
A 47-year-old real estate agent from Dongri and his 44-year-old wife allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison in the guestroom of a dargah in Uran on Thursday.

The police have found a suicide note, apparently written by the couple, stating they were taking the drastic step as they were in deep financial crisis.

According to the police, Yusuf Adam and his wife Fatima came to Pariwadi dargah on Wednesday.

Read: Mumbai couple, daughter commit suicide, note talks of depression, ill health

When they didnt step out of the room the next day, the dargah authorities informed us. We broke open the door and found the couple lying on the floor, said NG Majge, police inspector from Uran police station.

The police found a half empty bottle of soft drink in the room.

Majge said, The note said Yusuf borrowed a huge amount of money from someone a few months ago, but he was unable to repay it. He didnt mention the amount in the note.

The police have registered an accidental death case.

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Travel portals recorded a 15% rise in flight bookings for this weekend, thanks to the 4-day break leading to Independence Day, said officials.

Independence Day is on Tuesday, but those working for five days a week have converted it into a small holiday starting Saturday by taking Monday off.

Yatra.com said they witnessed a two-fold surge in bookings for this weekend this year, compared to the corresponding period last year. Sharat Dhall, COO (B2C) of Yatra.com, said, Over the past few years, there has been a rise in the number of people taking frequent breaks on long weekends to get respite from their monotonous schedule.

Travellers prefer domestic destinations such as Goa, Mahabaleshwar, Ooty, Coorg, Shillong, Meghalaya, Jaipur, Shimla, Ladakh, along with international destinations such as Dubai, Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka that can be reached easily.

Ezeego1.com witnessed a 20% rise in bookings for short-haul destinations, compared to the same period last year. Spokesperson of Cox & Kings said that they have seen a growth of 15%-20% in domestic and international bookings for this weekend.

Karan Anand, head of relationships, Cox & Kings, said, Most travellers dont consider monsoon as an off season. Longer weekends this monsoon and season discounts have led to the rise.

Meanwhile, Jet Airways on Thursday announced a special six-day sale  30% discount on economy fares and 20% on premium  starting Friday. The offer will be valid on both on one-way tickets and return tickets of domestic flights from September 5 and September 15 for international flights
The state on Friday said it will probe the allegations of misuse of industrial land in Powai by Larsen and Toubro (L&T) for building a residential project without obtaining change of use permission from the government.

The announcement was made after legislators alleged that the company did not take permission from the state for changing the status of the industrial plot before constructing a residential project on it. The probe will be conducted by a senior IAS officer, on par with the principal secretary, said Dr Ranjit Patil, minister of state for home.

The investigation will be completed in two months. The government will also file criminal case, if it finds violations, said Patil in his reply to the calling attention debate.

He added that action will be also taken against government officials under Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act (MRTP) if found guilty of providing permissions despite violations by the firm.

The issue was raised by legislators across party lines in the lower house. Shiv Sena legislator Sunil Prabhu alleged it was a Rs400 crore scam. While BJPs Ashish Shelar said the BMC has issued stop work notice to the project for lack of NOC from director of the Urban Land ceiling.

Company speaks

Refuting all the allegations, the firm said it had obtained all the permissions before starting the project. It said the project is being built on a freehold land and not on an industrial plot.

In an e-mail response, an L&T spokesperson said the firm owns two types of plots in Powai. One has been allotted by the government for industrial use and the other purchased by the firm from private parties. The residential project is being built on the freehold land purchased from private parties and that too after obtaining all the necessary permissions from the state and the civic body, the spokesperson said.

The ULC Act was repealed in 2007 and L&T started the development in 2011. Further, the matter pertaining to the Urban Land Ceiling Act (ULC) is sub-judice and under the purview of the Bombay high court. The stop work notice issued by the BMC was subsequently withdrawn in view of the high courts order, read the statement.

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Vietnam's former President Truong Tan Sang visited the exhibition (Source: hcmcpv.org.vn)

The exhibition shows more 300 coloured photos selected from thousands of journalist and photographer Gian Thanh Son who is a member of the Vietnam Journalists Association and the Vietnam Lawyer Association. As a journalist for more than 40 years, he has traveled to 60 countries and participated in many UN conferences and summits. He was the reporter who was in charge of Vietnams former President Truong Tan Sang during the 2011-2016 term.

More than 250 photos featured the diplomatic work of the President during his five-year term. Over 50 photos were made published for the first time, reflecting deep sentiments of the President for Long An province.

Such exhibition was held in Ho Chi Minh city.



The event will run until August 16th./.
The Charkop police on Friday arrested a 24-year-old man for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl in Kandivli (West), after it was revealed that the girl was 27 weeks pregnant.

The girls parents have approached the Supreme Court to abort the foetus.

The man is a business partner of the girls father and they sell idlis. He often used to visit the girls house, said the police.

The man was arrested from his residence, said P Dhavare, senior inspector at Charkop police station.

The police registered a rape case under sections of the Indian Penal Code and under sections 6 and 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act on Wednesday. The incident came to light on Wednesday after the girl was admitted to the hospital and it was found that she was 27 weeks pregnant.

The hospital authorities then alerted the police and a case was registered based on the complaint of her mother. The girl later revealed to the police that the man had sexually assaulted her on more than one occasion.

He was produced before a metropolitan court that remanded him in police custody till August 16.

The police will question the accused to ascertain the exact sequence of events and to determine when he first targeted the girl.

He would also undergo a medical test. The police are probing if the man knew about the girls pregnancy. However, during his preliminary inquiry, he has denied having any knowledge about the same.

READ

12-year-old rape survivor from Mumbai seeks SC permission to abort 27-week-old foetus

Supreme Court allows Mumbai woman to abort 25-week foetus with anencephaly

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The BMC on Thursday passed a proposal to make singing Vande Mataram compulsory in civic-run schools, sparking protests from some corporators.

The notice of motion moved by BJP corporator Sandeep Patel was passed in the general body meeting of elected representatives without any discussion, alleged corporators. There are approximately 1,025 civic school in the city and 448 aided schools.

The proposal was passed exactly a year after the BMC passed another controversial proposal to make yoga and surya namaskar mandatory in civic schools. That move has since fizzled out.

Patel, a corporator from Goregaon, moved the notice of motion following the Madras high courts July order to make singing Vande Mataram mandatory in all government schools, colleges and universities in Tamil Nadu at least once a week. Patel said the song should be sung in civic-run schools and schools aided by the BMC at least twice a week.

It should also be sung in all civic committee meetings. Vande Mataram is already played before and after the general body meeting, for which all 227 corporators assemble, at the BMC headquarters.

Corporators alleged the motion was passed without a discussion or polling.

Rais Shaikh, Samajwadi Party corporator, said, We demanded the mayor take a vote to decide the outcome of the proposal. We walked out after the proposal was passed without a debate.

Shaikh said the word Vandan refers to puja (worship). Muslims cannot worship anyone but Allah, Shaikh said in his press statement.

Several Muslim organisations have also opposed compulsory singing in Tamil Nadu saying it goes against the tenets of their religion.

Officials from the BMC said the proposal will now be sent to the civic chief. In case of a motion moved by the corporation, the civic administration looks at its feasibility and sends a reply to the corporation.

In his proposal, Patel said the song is as important as the national anthem and evokes a strong sense of patriotism. Speaking to HT, the corporator from Goregaon said, Singing the song will ensure civic students feel patriotic about their country. It will evoke a strong sense of nationalism among them. It was a song composed during Indias struggle for Independence. Why should there be any opposition to make it mandatory?

Congress corporator and opposition leader Ravi Raja said that a similar proposal was introduced in the corporation in 2004 but rejected by the then civic chief.

Raja said, We think that such decisions should not be made mandatory in a democracy. If the minorities are not comfortable, then why make it binding on them? Another corporator Asif Zakaria from Congress said that BJP is only trying to politicise the issue. Why not make singing the national anthem compulsory? What is the rationale behind this proposal?

In August 2016, the corporation passed a similar motion to make yoga and surya namaskar compulsory in civic schools. A senior civic official from the education department said that the administration was not in favour of backing the proposal. Only the administration can understand the feasibility and implement a motion passed by the corporation, the official said.

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A cook working for a builder in Juhu was held for allegedly sodomising and sexually harassing his co-workers 16-year-old son on Tuesday. Police nabbed him the next day, acting on a tip-off from the builder.

Police said the 38-year-old cook had sexually assaulted the boy between 12.30 am and 2.09 am. The minor will undergo a medical test.

Police registered a case under section 377 (unnatural offences), penetrative sexual assault and harassment charges under section 4, 8 and 12 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

The cook was produced before a sessions court and remanded in police custody till August 14.
The MIDC police on Thursday arrested a 53-year-old man for allegedly molesting his 19-year-old colleague in a private company at SEEPZ in Andheri (East) on Thursday. The owner of the firm has also been booked for abuse and criminal intimidation.

Police said the woman, a computer operator, is the sole bread winner in her family. She lives with her mother, two sisters and brother. She started working as soon as she finished Class 11. Owing to a huge workload, the woman would be at the office from 10.30 am to 7.30 pm.

At 5.30 pm on August 1, she was asked to meet her senior in the store room, said the police. On reaching there, she was touched inappropriately by the 53-year-old man, who demanded sexual favours, said an officer. The man allegedly told her she was hot and sexy. He said if she gave in to him, he would ensure that she had a bright future in the company.

He also threatened to get her fired if she told anyone what he had said.

The woman informed the offices womens committee what had happened. They asked her to wait until the owner returned from a trip. When the woman told the owner about her ordeal on August 3, he asked her to keep quiet.

The woman then asked the police to register a complaint on August 9. Police said she told them that the owner has misbehaved with other women employees too.
The Maratha Kranti Morcha organisers have blamed the state government for the deaths of five protestors who were returning home after Wednesdays massive rally in Mumbai.

They have demanded that the state compensate the kin of the dead.

All five died in road accidents---two in Mumbai and three on the Yeola-Vaijapur highway.

According to Viren Pawar, a volunteer at the Morcha, the state had not taken adequate measures. Despite knowing that thousands were participating in the Mumbai morcha from across the state, there were no restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles, said Pawar. Both the accidents occurred because of these vehicles, he added.

Pawar said that the restrictions needed to be like those placed during the Ganpati festival on the Konkan belt, where large number of devotees from Mumbai proceed to celebrate at their native places.

In a meeting that took place on Thursday, it was decided that the Maratha Kranti Morcha members would contribute and offer help to the families of the victims.

On Wednesday evening, around 6pm, two youngsters died in Mumbais Wadala area after a truck hit their motorcycles. The accident took place near the monorail at Bhakti Park. The three boys  Vinayak Dhage, 22, Siddhesh Mhase, 25, and Siddharth Chavan, 21 had gone to Wadala after the rally and were waiting for a friend beside their parked motorcycles. Suddenly, a truck approached and hit them, killing Dhage and Mhase. The police arrested the truck driver.

In the second incident, three men were killed after a truck collided against their car at Yeola Tehsil in Nashik. The incident took place around 7am when they were on their way back after taking part in the morcha. According to the police, the car was initially hit by another vehicle on the rear end. As a result, the driver lost control and the vehicle swerved into an adjoining lane. A truck proceeding towards Nashik collided with the car and resulted in the casualties.

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This weekend, work could begin on yet another statue of the Maratha king Shivaji  this one outside the railway station named after him.

There are five other statues of the Maratha ruler on public land across Mumbai  Gateway of India, Mumbai international airport, Dadars Shivaji Park, Juhu beach and Chembur  while one more has been planned in the middle of the Arabian Sea.

The newest statue will be built at the entrance of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, on the P Dmello Road side, and is estimated to cost the state government Rs1.5 crore.

READ: Three firms in race to build mid-sea Shivaji memorial off Mumbai

Officials said Union railways minister Suresh Prabhu will most likely be in the city on Sunday to lay the foundation stone of the statue. Sources said the statue will be designed by the JJ School of Arts, which has already suggested three designs to Central Railway authorities, who have sent it forward to the Railway Board for approval.

Government approvals for this statue comes 21 years after the Victoria Terminus was renamed after Shivaji. For years now, there have been demands for a Shivaji statue or build a memorial at the station, a CR official said.

The statue is likely to be constructed within a year, the official said.

According to the CR, part of Prabhus agenda during his visit is also officially changing the names of two stations  adding Maharaj to CST and renaming the Elphinstone Road station as Prabhadevi.
The Bombay high court on Friday temporarily restrained the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) from carrying out any construction or ancillary work on the Metro 3 line between 10pm and 6am.

A division bench of chief justice Manjula Chellur and justice Nitin Jamdar issued a restraining order after noticing that the MMRCL had no permission to carry out the work at night. Applicant, advocate Robin Jaisinghani, complained work on the Metro line was being carried out in violation of noise pollution rules and an August 2016 judgment of the high court holding that no noise emitting equipment can be used in residential areas in the night time i.e. between 10pm and 6am.

The 50-year-old resident of Dalamal Tower in Cuffe Parade highlighted that Metro construction work had received a nod from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) with one of the conditions being no construction activities at night time. Despite these rules, noise levels exceed 90 to 100 db at any point in time, he said.

Noise Pollution Control Rules prescribe maximum noise levels of 55dB during the day and 45 dB at night in a residential zone and 50 dB and 40 dB during the day and night in Silence Zones.

Advocate Kiran Bagalia, who represented MMRCL, informed the bench the corporation had applied to the authorities concerned seeking permission to continue construction work even at night and the application was pending. The bench disapproved the approach of the corporation saying it could not have started work at night in anticipation of permission. How are you carrying out work at night when no permission has been granted yet, the bench sought to know from the lawyer.

According to Jaisinghani, on February 8 this year, construction activity continued till 4am. The next day, when he visited the contractors site office and requested them to comply with noise rules, a heated exchange took place and close to 20 people employed by the contractor purportedly surrounded and intimated him. I was told that I would be beaten up if I entered the site again, he said.

The lawyer has, therefore, sought a direction to the MMRCL to ensure that noise caused by the construction activity does not exceed limits prescribed under the noise rules and no activity is carried out at night i.e. between 10pm and 6am.

He has also sought compensation of Rs10,000 a day each for him, his wife and two school-going daughters on account of the suffering and hardship caused to them by the construction work noise at night.
The Supreme Court will hear the Maharashtra governments appeal against a Bombay HC decision to allow residents to store and consume beef brought from outside the state.

The state governments special leave petition challenges a high court decision that struck down two controversial provisions of the law that made it an offence to carry or keep beef at home in Maharashtra.

It struck down provision 5 D of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Animal Act, 1995  it allowed police officials to search a person suspected of possessing meat of cow, bulls or bullock slaughtered outside Maharashtra and to enter homes to carry out these searches.

It also struck down another section, 9 B, which put the burden on the accused to prove he was innocent, instead of the prosecution.

This amendment that banned sale, slaughter and consumption of the meat of bulls and bullocks in Maharashtra was among the first policy decisions taken by the Devendra Fadnavis-led government after it won power in the state in 2014. The bill received presidential assent in March 2015, four months after the Fadnavis government came to power in Maharashtra.

The Maharashtra governments plea says the high courts order gives safe passage and cover to unscrupulous wrongdoers for transporting cattle outside Maharashtra to slaughter them and then, after slaughtering, bringing their flesh back to the state with impunity.

The government said the absence of section 9B would result in acquittals. The state also argued there were many other laws that imposed the burden of proof of innocence on the accused, such as the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substances Act, Essential Commodities Act, and the Foreign Exchange Management Act.

By striking down both sections, the high courts order has disturbed the entire scheme of the act and posed extreme practical difficulty before the state in implementing the act resulting in irreparable loss to the agriculture and livestock, the Maharashtra governments petition said.

The Maharashtra government has also sought a stay on the high court order until the matter is disposed of by the Apex Court.

The state governments amendment was challenged in the Bombay high court, which on May 6 this year upheld the beef ban under the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act. But, the order allowed people to store and consume beef that was brought from outside the state. The apex court is already hearing a petition of the beef dealers association that has challenged the beef ban in Maharashtra. The dealers want to be allowed to slaughter bulls and bullocks  but not cows  that are over 16 years of age, contending that these are too old to be used for farming or other activities.

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Three days after he was allegedly kidnapped by unidentified people in Vashi, a 26-year-old software engineer was found dead in Krishna river at Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday.

According to the police, Shilwant Shonkatle, a native of Solapur, lived in a rented house at Kopri village, sector 26, in Vashi with a roommate. Shonkatle worked in a software company in Vashi.

On Monday evening after leaving office, he messaged one of his friends from Pune that he was being kidnapped by some people. He also asked for help from his friend in that message.

When the friend called back, Shonkatles phone was switched off. He then informed Shonkatles family. His parents registered a kidnapping case with us on Tuesday, said Ajay Kumar Landge, senior inspector of Vashi police station.

On Thursday, residents of Vijayawada spotted a body in the river and informed the Bhavanipuram police there.

The police found a notebook with some phone numbers in his pocket and informed some of his friends about it. His Aadhar card was also recovered from his pocket. His family members Andhra Pradesh and identified the body. After a post-mortem, the body was later handed over to them. We have not received the postmortem report. The family is taking the body to Solapur, said Nitin Gite, inspector of Vashi police station.

The Vashi police have sent a team to Andhra Pradesh for investigation.

Dr Sudhakar Pathare, deputy commissioner police of zone I, said, So far, we have learnt that there were no injury marks. Therefore, its tough to say what caused the death. We will have to wait for the postmortem report.

The police have not ruled out the suicide angle.

Since the kidnapping case was registered with us, we will investigate the matter. We will also take statements of his roommate, colleagues and family members, Gite said.

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If youre travelling by the Tejas Express to visit your loved ones this Ganeshotsav, the Indian Railway Catering and Transport Corporation (IRCTC) plans to make your trip a little sweeter.

Now, you can feast on Ukadiche Modak  a popular Maharashtrian delicacy served during Ganeshotsav. Made of steamed rice flour, stuffed with a combination of coconut and jaggery, the traditional sweet is considered to be Lord Ganeshas favourite food.

After the Tejas Express was launched by railway minister Suresh Prabhu on May 21, it became popular among passengers owing to its infotainment systems and automatic doors. However, the number of passengers has dipped since then.

Railway authorities said they hope the flow of commuters will pick up again during Ganeshotsav, the biggest festival in Konkan. Keeping in mind the scores of people who travel during the 10-day-long fest, they plan to woo potential tourists with such ideas.

The corporation had served passengers aboard the Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani Express modaks during Ganeshotsav last year. Many of them responded positively.

We have also served passengers pedas, jalebis and other sweets during festivals. They have told us that they appreciate this,said an IRCTC spokesperson.

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Delegates at the event (Photo: vov.vn) Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Ho Minh Tuan highlighted some of the key achievements during the development of ASEAN. Since its founding in 1967, ASEAN has been striving to build a peaceful, stable environment for growth and prosperity in the region. The ASEAN Community, establishment in 2015, is a milestone in the blocs development process. ASEAN has established relationships with 10 major partners in the world, including the US, Russia, the EU, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

ASEAN has become one of the most successful regional cooperation models, and is seen as a driving force of the economy in Asia and the world. Currently ASEAN is the third largest economy in Asia and the seventh largest one in the world, with GDP of nearly USD3,000 billion, and its economic growth rate is about 4.7% per year.

He affirmed that ASEAN cooperation is one of the top priorities in Vietnam's foreign policy. Since its accession in 1995, Vietnam has actively participated in and contributed to the process of building the ASEAN Community, as well as promoting the integration of the bloc.

The Ambassador also appreciated the role and contributions of the ASEAN Committee in Prague (ACP) in promoting the image of the association, strengthening the relations with the Czech government and people, as well as international organizations in the country.

Previously, the 13th session of ACP took place in the headquarters of the Vietnamese Embassy. The ambassadors, representatives of the five countries and subcommittees reviewed activities in the first half of the year, as well as discussing activities in the last six months of the year. At the meeting, the Thai Ambassador officially handed over the ACP alternate chairmanship to the Vietnamese Ambassador.

Mr. Ho Minh Tuan emphasized that Vietnam took the chairmanship of the committee in an important period. As chairman, the Ambassador will work to strengthen solidarity among ACP member countries and promote relations between ASEAN and the Czech Republic, Czech authorities and people./.
The Allahabad high court on Friday granted a relief to GD Goenka school authorities in connection with the death case of class 4 student Arman Sehgal and directed that coercive action against the petitioners in the aforesaid case shall be kept in abeyance. The direction implies that any police action will be on hold till August 28, which is the next date of hearing in the case.

Arman died after a fall on the second floor corridor of the school campus on August 1. He was to appear for his weekly unit test and was rushed to Shanti Gopal Hospital where he was declared brought dead. Following the incident, the parents lodged an FIR against the school authorities under sections of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and destruction of evidence.

During the hearing on August 11, the high court also granted two weeks time to seek instructions with regard to the collection of the documents of material evidence of the investigation which has been done till date.

List on 28.08.2017 before appropriate Bench. Till the next date of listing, coercive action against the petitioners in the aforesaid case shall be kept in abeyance (sic), the court said in its order.

Dr Kavita Sharma, the schools principal, and four others moved a petition before the high court seeking quashing of the FIR and also contended that they were falsely implicated on the ground of suspicion. They further claimed that there is no direct involvement of any of the school employee or the management in the matter.

Read I Ghaziabad students death: We were planning to fly him to Disneyland, says mother

However, the lawyer representing the Sehgals said that it was a case of custodial death and from the perusal of the FIR it cannot be said that no cognisable offence is made out. Hence, he argued, the FIR is not liable to be quashed.

Since the incident, Armans parents have approached police authorities who have maintained that their investigation is on in the case. However, till date, they have failed to make any arrest. Sehgals also carried out a candlelight march and also staged a peaceful dharna (sit-in) outside the school a couple of days ago.

However, they called it off a couple of hours later as they had to move to Allahabad for appearing in court.

The school has also remained shut since August 3. Sehgals have maintained that police made no arrest in order to allow time to school officials to seek legal remedy.
A day after the Allahabad bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) admitted IDBI Banks insolvency plea against Jaypee Infratech, homebuyers staged a protest outside Jaypee Groups Sector 128 office.

The protesting homebuyers, who have booked flats in Jaypee Groups Wish Town in Sector 128 and Jaypee Aman housing projects in Sector 151 gathered outside its Sector 128 corporate office and shouted slogans against the builder and the Uttar Pradesh government.

They gathered at around 2pm and raised slogans for around an hour before leaving the protest site. They are planning to stage a big protest very soon against the Jaypee Group for allegedly failing to deliver their flats on time.

Jaypee Infratech has already given possession of 6,000 out of 28,000 flats that were proposed to be built. In July, it offered possession of 1,000 flats in the Jaypee Aman project in Sector 151. As part of this project, it was supposed to deliver a total 5,000 flats. After the insolvency plea, homebuyers doubt if they would ever be handed the keys to their promised apartments.

Previous governments in Uttar Pradesh sheltered Jaypee Infratech and did nothing to prevent innocent homebuyers from falling into the trap of this realty firm. We have suffered for last 6-7 years, as the builder failed to deliver the projects as per schedule. And now, the insolvency plea has only made things more uncertain for us. Buyers of Wish Town and Aman will come together to hold a mega protest and demand that the Centre and the state government do us justice in the case, SK Nagrath, retired army official and president of Jaypee Aman homebuyers association, said.

IDBI filed an insolvency plea in the tribunal after Jaypee Infratech defaulted on a loan of around 8,500 crore. Although the company had claimed that it held adequate assets to repay the loan, IDBI went ahead and filed the plea. The tribunal has appointed Anuj Jain, a chartered accountant, as Interim Resolution Professional (IRP) under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

Following the NCLT order the IRP has taken over the management of the Jaypee Infratech assets, including the Wish Town and Aman projects. The IRP reached Jaypees Sector 128 office on Thursday itself. He continued his meetings with Jaypee Infratech on Friday as well. He will verify whether Jaypee Infratech has adequate assets or not. The company has adequate assets and will deliver the projects, Ajit Kumar, Jaypee Groups adviser for the realty sector, said.

With the admission having been admitted, banks, lenders such as the Noida authority or homebuyers cannot initiate any proceedings against Jaypee Infratech for recovery of any loan amount.

Buyers, who have sought refund or are seeking justice in consumer courts will not get anything till the NCLT case is settled. We are suffering, as government bodies, including the state government and the Noida authority, did not alert buyers not to invest in Jaypee Groups projects. The government should take over Jaypee Groups assets and raise funds to deliver flats to us, Orchie Bandhopadhyay, a buyer of Jaypee Group, said.

Jaypee Group, however, advised homebuyers not to panic.

IRP will explain financial position our company in the next three to four days. Either we will complete the projects as per schedule, or the IPR will do so. Homebuyers need not worry, as they have signed agreements with a company that is still in good financial health, Kumar said.

The Jaypee Group is currently developing Aman, the 26-tower housing project in Sector 151 and Wish Town, a 250 tower housing project along the Noida Expressway. It has built the civil structure of most of the towers, but needs to deliver on the flats. Most of the towers were launched in 2008-09 onwards with a promise of delivery in 2012-13.

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Around 3,300 girls in Noida will now receive a glass of milk every day in their school hours thanks to an initiative by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Foundation for Nutrition and its sister concern, Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetable Private Limited (MDFVPL).

Girls in government senior secondary schools in sectors 44, 51 and Sadarpur will now receive 200 ml of milk every day from Mother Dairy under the Gift Milk programme. Mother Dairy will be the donor as well as the implementing agency.

The initiative was launched on Friday morning in Noida at Government Balika Inter College in Sector 51 when representatives of both NDDB and MDFVPL distributed milk packets among girl students.

Children are the foundation of a strong, vibrant and dynamic India. As lack of adequate nutrition creates long lasting, often permanent physiological changes in children; meeting their nutritional needs in early formative years becomes important. We have embarked on a noble mission of providing milk and milk products to government school children through Mother Dairy, Dilip Rath, chairman, NDDB, said.

As per the National Health Survey, 2015-16, about 36% of our children are undernourished. It is believed by experts that the issue of malnutrition could be addressed through the provision of milk, as it is considered wholesome food.

Explaining the idea behind the Gift Milk initiative, Rath said that his organisation will also serve milk in three Delhi schools as well.

Presently, we are providing Giftmilk to about 3,500 students, covering 7 schools in Gujarat, Telengana and Delhi. So far NFN has distributed about 6 lakh units of milk among government school children. Today, NFN added 6 government girls schools, having around 6,000 students, in Noida and Delhi under the Giftmilk programme. Mother Dairy will be providing 200 ml flavoured milk to the students on all working days, Rath said.

However, it is not clear for how long the organisation intends to provide milk for free to the students.

We have just started this initiative in Noida schools and we will provide milk on all working days. However, we have not yet decided till when, said a representative of NDDB.

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Inner beauty and self-esteem can be your award winning virtues if you are five feet two inches tall, have passed Class 12 and belong to one of the three tribes of Lisu, Nah and Puroik.

It is not a beauteous sentence but the only way to sum up the quota system proposed for the three underprivileged tribes by the Miss Arunachal Beauty Pageant. Ahead of auditions for the 10th edition next month, the organisers of the contest have announced a direct entry by reserved quota for contestants from Lisu, Nah and Puroik minority tribes. The ethnic character of these tribes, their migration and roots in places as far as China or their history of political de-recognition followed by a deprived if restored citizenship in India makes them a very curious anthropological case study. But to offer them affirmative action via a beauty contest is a classic case of cross-wired and complicated social activism.

Arunachal Pradesh has been making a virtue out of positive discrimination. Last year, 59-year-old Hage Tado Nanya from Ziro village was crowned Mrs Arunachal. Married at 13, she participated to raise awareness against domestic violence, gender discrimination and polygamy. Many contestants in that pageant were victims of polygamy and violence.

Beauty contests have always had discrimination and commercial gain wired into their plumbing. The Miss Universe contest launched in 1952  a year after Miss World  was a marketing stunt by Pacific Knitting Mills, a California clothing company after the winner of another rival pageant Miss America refused to wear one of its swimsuits. The point was to sell a swimsuit, not crown a woman for beings gods blue-eyed kid.

Such contests have long been debated as hotbeds of female objectification and commercial opportunism. They confuse the psychological self esteem of a person with her body attributes. But despite loud protests and sloganeering across the world, they have never really faded away from popular culture.

Even in these last two years when persuasive new arguments of colour, race, plus size and body positivism got added to fundamental feminist concerns, no society or country has weaned away entirely from beauty pageants.

Whats happened instead, including in India, is an improvisation of the beauty contest model. Beauty has not only become accepting of diversity but it is now outraged and activist like. The old contest model of dressing up, lining up, walking out before a jury to be judged for a set of agreed upon virtues, should have been scrapped to wipe out its inherent flaws. Instead it has been made bigger with room for the violated, the ostracised, the downtrodden, the gay, the married (thats a separate category of contests), the physically challenged and now the tribal. There are beauty contests for incarcerated women across the world. Bom Paston Womens Prison in Brazil holds a contest ironically titled Miss Jail whereas Lithuanias Penal Labour Colony calls it Miss Captivity.

In India too what we now have is an alternative culture of contests that still in some form worship the body  positivism or whatever. Indias first transgender pageant Indian Super Queen was launched in 2010 by Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, the Mumbai-based transgender activist to reiterate the beauty and esteem of an otherwise ridiculed community. Mr Gay India, Nepals Ms Dalit Queen (launched in 2013) and a contest organised for visually challenged girls by Mumbais National Association for the Blind last year add to the list. What exactly are such contestants contesting for though is hard to define if it is not dressed up beauty?

Back to Miss Arunachal Pradesh.

The three tribes chosen via quota entry to the pageant come with a defensive explanation, which says it is to celebrate inner beauty and raise self confidence and self esteem. Whether self esteem is directly proportional to winning or participating in a beauty pageant has still not been proved by any scientifically designed anthropological study done with beauty queens across the world. But what is worse is creating reservation for an ideological and existential talent as vague as like inner beauty for which there are no barometers of measurement on a scale of 1 to 10.

The question we may need to address as a society is why in the first place do we need beauty contests to address societal issues like LGBT rights, or rehabilitate downtrodden tribes like the Lisu, Nah and Puroik?

Perhaps it is easier to find sponsors for events that glamourise anything  victimhood, violence, natural and cosmetic beauty or physical handicaps but hard to raise a hue and cry on personal empowerment programmes that dont parade the dressed up body posturing to seek notice.

Shefalee Vasudev is a fashion journalist and author

The views expressed are personal
The British high commissioner and deputy high commissioner on Friday met Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh and discussed cooperation with the state government in agriculture and allied fields.

The envoys said their country was interested in collaborating with the state in key areas of agriculture, skill development, food processing and cold chain development. They also evinced keen interest in making significant investment in these fields, an official spokesperson said.

The CM directed officials of the state government to work closely with their counterparts in the British government to take forward the discussion on boosting business cooperation between Punjab and the United Kingdom on subjects of mutual interest, the spokesperson said.

The delegation also showed keen interest in dairy farming, which the chief minister said his government was striving to promote in a big way as an alternative source of income for the beleaguered farmers of the state.

Meanwhile, the CM sought the British envoys support for his governments efforts towards conservation of the fast depleting ground water table in the state.
A war will mark Independence Day  August 14 for Pakistan, a day later for India  for the two countries that will complete 70 years of freedom from British rule, and of the partition that carved their borders, next week. This war without bloodshed is over who can hoist its flag higher, on the Attari-Wagah border near Amritsar.

Indias tallest Tricolour, which was fluttering at 360 feet in Attari village, has been out of sight for the past three months as it tore often due to strong winds. But the government has decided to hoist the flag once again, especially around Independence Day, as Pakistan has plans to hoist the worlds eighth tallest flag, that is taller than the Indian flag, on August 14.

This competitive nationalism was initiated by BJP leader Anil Joshi  during his stint as minister in the Punjab government  who got the Indian flag installed at the record height in a Rs 3.5-crore project. Replacements have cost at least Rs 6 lakh.

Considering the height a challenge, Pakistan decided to hoist a taller flag opposite it, in a park adjacent to the Wagah checkpost. The pole has been erected. Media reports in Pakistan say it is 400 feet tall, and will have a 120 feet wide flag hoisted on August 14.

The Indian authorities, now, are gearing up to hoist the Tricolour on August 13, a day before Pakistans move. Earlier plans for August 15 were changed to be ahead on this count, said sources. It will be taken down on August 16 for the same reasons for which it was removed before  strong winds leading to damage and expensive replacement . Amritsar deputy commissioner Kamaldeep Singh Sangha confirmed the plans, but added, The flag is not being hoisted permanently, because we are yet to find a way to make that sustainable.

Denying any competition with the neighbour, the DC said, We should not consider what Pakistan is doing. We should only give out a positive message.

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Shock and disbelief, this is the first reaction of college friends of Vikas Barala, 23, son of Haryana BJP Chief Subhash Barala, who has been remanded in two-day police custody for stalking and harassing daughter of bureaucrat on August 5.

We never expected this from Barala as during his stay in Hisar as a law student, he came across as a sober individual, goes the common refrain.

After passing out his Class-12 from Tohana-based Colonel High School, with a good record in studies, Barala took admission in a five-year law at Chhaju Ram Law College, Hisar, in 2011. He passed out in 2016, but has reappears in five subjects. He stayed as a paying guest in Hisar and maintained a low-profile, with some of his friends caught unawares when they first got to know his family background.

Never touched liquor, claim friends

Sandeep Zazaria, who was a year senior to him at the Hisar law college, said, We were good friends, even though I was a year senior to him. During his stay in college, he never touched liquor. He never even allowed his friends to drink at his PG accommodation, as they all used to drink a lot. News of his stalking a girl was a shocker to us. He was very simple and shy student.

His law college teacher, on the condition of anonymity, said, He was not a particularly bright student, but we never received any complaint against him. He was of shy and was asked to reappear in five subjects and as far I know was busy preparing for these.

Tohana farmhouse wears a desolate look

Native of Tohana, a town in Fatehabad, that lies around 170km from Chandigarh, the place that now has him in the grips of the law, the Baralas palatial farmhouse, 10km from Tohana city in Bidhaikhera village in the district, wears a deserted look.

The guard at the main gate has just one stock answer to all your queries. Abhi ghar par koi nahi hai, aap apna naam pata likhwa jao, jaise hi koi aata hai baat kar lenge (no one is at house, please write your name and address as someone will come will contact you). After Vikas Barala was booked for stalking a girl in Chandigarh, only media persons are visiting Baralas house at his farmhouse, a middle-aged resident of the village said, requesting anonymity.

We have never seen the house so desolate. The place used to teem with more than 200 party leaders and workers every day. Vikas has grown up before our eyes. He was not like this, the man added.

The Chandigarh connection

Sources add that Barala had always been a frequent visitor to Chandigarh just to get fresh and enjoy himself in the city even when he was studying law and used to stay at House number 74 in Sector 7, a house that was allotted to his father Subhash Barala. After his graduation, the frequency of his visits increased, they claim.

Room mate says he kept low-profile

His roommate at the PG in Hisar, Dharamvir said, Even in college, students were not aware that he is the son of BJP president. Only, we got to know, after his father was elected as MLA for the first time.

His friend from Tohana, Lucky Handa said, He had very little interaction with people. He campaigned for his father in the state assembly polls, but maintained a low profile. It is shocking that stalked a woman in a drunken state. He hated liquor, as far I know.

Nephew also faces kidnapping charge

Residents of Tohana claim that Jaideep Barala, a cousin of Vikas, looks after the constituency when Vikass father Subhash Barala, the MLA, is not around. On May 8 this year, the Tohana police booked Jaideep for kidnapping a minor girl of Bidhaikhera village.

A journalist of Tohana said, We never heard anything about Vikas Barala, but Jaideep is known to be short-tempered. We have heard of allegations that he thrashed a local journalist, but there is no complaint against him. Subhash Baralas agriculture field is located at Dangra village, about 3km from the Bidhaikhera village. Baralas farmhouse is located at the outskirts of the Bidhaikhera village.

(With inputs from Bhaskar Mukherjee)

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Chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday approved in principle the proposal of the state police to set up elite specially trained Special Operations Group (SOG) to combat terrorism, infiltration, hijacking, and other sensitive threat situations.

The contours of the proposed small but effective 270-member young and dynamic team were discussed at a meeting chaired by the CM. An official spokesperson said the CM also suggested that a small core team from the SOG could be sent to Israel for the latest and state-of-the-art counter-insurgency training.

Counter-insurgency team The proposal for setting up SOG will be placed in the next cabinet meeting The annual recurring expenditure is estimated to be 5.70 crore The SOG will be headed by an officer in the rank of additional director general of police All other specialised units like commandoes and SWAT will be merged with SOG

A formal proposal for setting up the SOG would be placed in the next cabinet meeting. The annual recurring expenditure is estimated to be Rs 5.70 crore. The SOG would be headed by an officer in the rank of additional director general of police (ADGP) with an inspector general (IG) and a deputy inspector general (DIG) rank officer to assist him.

The SOG would be divided into three teams, headed by a SP rank officer (team leader) who would be of less than 35 years of age. The DSP-rank officers in the team would be younger than 30 years and other ranks would be in the age group of 18-25 years, the spokesperson said.

These teams would specialize in tackling different situations and trained both by the army and the National Security Guards (NSG). The CM asked the officials to immediately start the process to identify officers and personnel for the SOG from various police departments. Once the SOG takes shape, all other specialised units like commandoes and SWAT should be merged with it, he said.

The spokesperson said that in order to attract the best talent, personnel and officers who join the SPG would be paid higher risk, ration and other allowances, besides being given an insurance cover of Rs 1 crore each. The team would be armed with latest weapons, including LMGs and MP5 sub-machineguns and sniper rifles.
A joint operation by the Madhya Pradesh anti-terrorist squad (ATS) and Punjab police busted an alleged terror module and arrested three men said to be associated with the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) from the Dabra region of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh.

Sources said that the module had direct links with Pakistans ISI-backed banned terror outfit International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) and they are also suspected to be involved in arms smuggling.

Those arrested have been identified as Balvinder Gill, 22, Balkar Singh, 45, and Satyendra Singh alias Chotu Rawat, 26. The three men were picked up from their hideouts in Dabra, Chinor and Dulpura area of Gwalior. The Punjab police have taken all the three arrested with them as all three have cases under the Arms Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act registered against them.

Accused Satinder Singh (HT Photo)

On Thursday, they were presented by the Punjab State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) in a court in Ajnala in Amritsar district that sent them in six days remand of the police.

Punjab police and the ATS had been camping in Gwalior for the last two days following specific intelligence inputs about their location and succeeded in nabbing them on Wednesday night.

Accused Balwinder Singh (HT Photo)

Sources in Bhopal said that Punjab police had recently arrested Gurdial Singh, Jagroop Singh and Satwinder Singh and they provided information about these terror suspects. Two aides of the trio, Mann Singh and Sher Singh, were arrested by the Ramdas police in Amritsar on May 21.

Investigations had started in May after the BSF had intercepted a consignment of arms and ammunition from near the international border in Amritsar and it was found to be supplied by the ISYF. Maan Singh and Sher Singh were arrested trying to pick up the weapons. The entire module was under surveillance since then, sources said. Mann and Sher too had disclosed the trios names and locations, police in Punjab said, adding that they had been operating from Gwalior for the past few years.

Officials in MP said that during interrogation, the trio arrested in Gwalior said that they were trained for carrying out terror attacks by Lahore-based ISYF chief Lakhbir Rode, and KLF operative Harmeet Singh. They were trained in using AK-47s and other weapons and had visited Lahore in 2016.

(Inputs by HTC, Amritsar)

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Giving a clean chit to power and irrigation minister Rana Gurjit Singh, the justice JS Narang Commission, probing allegations of irregularities in the sand mines auctions by the Punjab government, has said there was no loss of revenue and the auction was carried out in a transparent manner through e-tendering process.

Justice Narang handed over a 90-page report to chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday. The CM had ordered constitution of the one-man commission in May this year following allegations of impropriety against Rana Gurjit in sand mine auctions.

Justice Narang met Amarinder at his (CMs) official residence in the morning and handed over the report. The CM has marked the report to the chief secretary and asked him to revert with his comments within two weeks, said an official spokesperson.

Justice Narang (right) submitting the report to CM Amarinder Singh on Thursday. (HT Photo)

Though Justice Narang refused to discuss the contents of his report calling it confidential, sources say the report attached replies to questionnaire given to all those named in the auction row, including the power minister, his close aide Amit Bahadur and officials of the mining wing of industries department. The report, sources said, also brought on record that the government earned much more in the auction as compared to the annual earnings during the previous Akali-BJP government. The report, sources revealed, said that no government official was pressured by the bidders.

The Congress government, which took over in March 2017, was rocked by the allegations of irregularities when it came out that some former employees of the minister had got sand mining contracts in the auction held by the department of mining. The opposition parties, especially the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), went after the state government, demanding the ministers resignation.

The AAP questioned how Rana Gurjits cook Amit Bahadur, who earns 1 lakh per year, successfully got a mine auctioned in his name after giving a whopping bidding amount of 26 crore. Sources say the report is silent on the source of money pumped in by Bahadur and others into the auction, because it was not commissions mandate.

The inquiry commission was mandated to probe all aspects of the allegations of impropriety against the minister in the controversial auctions. It was tasked with inquiring whether the terms and conditions of the bid were adhered to while awarding the tender of two mines to ex-employees of the minister and whether Rana Gurjit had in any manner influenced the price bid at which these two mines were awarded, and if the bidders were bidding on behalf of the minister in question for the said two mines.

The commission was also asked to inquire whether the minister has received any undue financial benefit or gain from the award of such two mines to the bidders and if there has been any loss to the state revenue by the award of such two mines to the bidders at the price in question.

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Three years after stalling the work on 168 MW Shahpur Kandi dam project over the Ravi river, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government has finally agreed to allow Punjab to restart the project.

The go-ahead was given in a meeting of J&K council of ministers late Wednesday night and the decision was conveyed to the Punjab government on Thursday. The breakthrough came after several rounds of meetings between the officials of Punjab and J&K, and the intervention of Prime Ministers Office (PMO). PMO officials had met officials of the two states in May and July this year. Officials from the two states say the work on the project will take a month to begin again.

The work will begin soon. Only logistics are to be worked out now, Punjabs principal secretary irrigation VK Singh told HT.

FRESH AGREEMENT

Paving the way for the resumption of work on the project, a fresh agreement was signed in March last year when both states agreed on their share of water and electricity. Its a zero-cost project for J&K.

The work on Shahpur Kandi dam project, declared by the Centre as a project of national importance in 2009, had originally begun in April 2013. In August 2014, the J&K government objected to the project, taking the plea that Punjab might not adhere to the agreement on sharing of water and power, in the light of the Termination of Agreements Act of 2004, by which all water sharing agreements were cancelled by Punjab.

The Rs 2,287-crore Shahpur Kandi project, which is a twin project of 600 MW Ranjit Sagar Dam on its downstream, will help in optimum utilisation of Ravi water, which is currently flowing into Pakistan.

As per an estimate by the irrigation department, 12,000 cusecs of Ravi water continuously flows into Pakistan.

Of the total project cost, 71.39% is to be shared by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and 28.61% by the state irrigation department. The project cost shared by the irrigation department will come as a grant from the Union ministry of water resources, while PSPCL will have to raise its share on its own.

The Ranjit Sagar dam is currently generating 325 MW of power.

PROJECT CONCEIVED IN 1970s

The project was conceived in late 1970s when its total cost was pegged at around Rs 70 crore only. The initial agreement was signed in 1979 between the then Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and the then J&K CM Sheikh Abdullah.

The foundation stone of the Ranjit Sagar dam, of which Shahpur Kandi was a part, was laid in 1982 by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, on the same day when the stone was laid for the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal at Kapuri in Patiala district.

The Ranjit Sagar dam was completed at a cost of Rs 6,800 crore in 1998, but it remained under-utilised as Shahpur Kandi project never took off. Experts say if the loss of power generation is calculated due to delay in these projects, it will easily be thousands of crores of rupees.

Due to the stalling of the project for three years, the Punjab government had to give a huge penalty to construction companies Soma of India and Russia-based Bureya, which are jointly executing the project.

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It was the clash of titans in Tamil Nadu on Thursday as superstars Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth attended a 75th anniversary of DMK mouthpiece, Tamil daily Murasoli in Chennai. While Rajinikanth chose to sit in the audience, Kamal Haasan took to the dais and spoke at length.

Haasan, who has of late been critical of the AIADMK government, was seated on the dais next to DMK working president MK Stalin. Rajinikanth, who has given signs that he may enter politics, was seated along with other dignitaries.

In what is being read as a veiled attack on long-time friend and colleague Rajinikanth, Kamal said that self-respect matters most and not self-defence, reports New Indian Express.

DMK working president MK Stalin (c), actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan (r) and superstar Rajinikanth (l) at the Diamond Jubilee celebration of DMK's mouthpiece Murasoli in Chennai on Thursday. (PTI)

Self-respect, not self-defence, matters most, he said.

Explaining why he chose to speak at the function as Rajinikanth chose to be seated among the audience, Kamal said: When I asked whether my friend Rajini would come to the event, they replied in the affirmative but noted that he would remain a spectator; I said I too wanted to be a spectator without taking the dais. Then I stood before a mirror and saw my image. I thought to myself, hey fool! What an important function is this! What an opportunity you are going to fritter.

He dismissed any talk of him joining the DMK. Explaining his stance, he said: I received a telegram from him (M Karunanidhi) in 1983 asking me why I shouldnt join the DMK. I folded it and kept with me, he recollected and added that the DMK patriarch hadnt ever talked about it since then. Till now, I havent responded to it either, Kamal said.

Kamal added that the DMK chief did not ask him about it again due to his magnanimity.

For a while now, Kamal has been mounting a scathing attack on the ruling AIADMK government, accusing several departments of rampant corruption.

On the question of relevance of Dravidian culture, the Tamil megastar said it is pan-Indian and would continue to exist till the word Dravida exists in Indias National Anthem. He said: Many are predicting that Dravidian culture would vanish. But Dravidam (Dravidian culture) would continue to exist till the word Dravida exists in the National Anthem.

He said Dravidian culture is actually a pan-Indian culture that spread from the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Kamal further said he did not want to miss an opportunity to sit along with editors of various dailies and magazines and hence decided to accept to participate in Thursdays function. The function was attended by editors of various dailies and magazines and cine stars.

(With IANS inputs)

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Sonys new television show has led to quite a controversy with its portrayal of a marriage between a 9-year-old boy and an 18-year-old woman. Fans, media and even other TV actors are slamming the show for its regressive content and a petition has been filed to get it off air. Seeing the strengthening storm, the makers of the show have spoken out in the shows defence.

An unnamed source from the show told The Indian Express that Pehredaar Piya Ki doesnt champion child marriage: It is such a futile attempt by people. The show is nowhere promoting child marriage nor is it showing anything objectionable. The suhaagraat sequence that people have been bashing had the lead Diya (Tejaswi Prakash) actually standing up against the ritual. She also mentioned that their marriage is for a cause and not to enjoy the marital pleasures. When we are giving out such strong messages, why do people need to file petitions? Its an unnecessary criticism and completely unjustified.

The show drew great ire from the viewers for references to suhaagraat and honeymoon. The petition, asking Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Zubin Irani to take the show off air, has earned more than 1 lakh signatures.

In an interview to IANS, Tejaswi said she doesnt understand why people are being critical of her show when they support the same thing on a show like HBOs fantasy drama Game of Thrones. It also happened in Game Of Thrones... People love Game Of Thrones and if same thing happens in Pehredaar Piya Ki, then its an issue, she said.

Actor Suyyash Rai, who is also a part of the show, told The Indian Express that the show is being targeted only because it is different, How much time these people have to start such petition. Tell me did we show them having sex that theres such a hullabaloo over the suhaagraat sequence. And there is no honeymoon sequence. Its all imagined by these critics to pull our show down. The producers have been in the industry for a long time and do know their job well. It is not just an entertaining show but it is also helping so many people earn their living. People are only targeting us because its a different show. I can only say that dont watch the show if you dont like it, but dont put so many peoples hard work down. We are not here to preach but only present a fictitious entertaining story, he said.

About 20 episodes of Pehredaar Piya Ki have been aired so far. The shows synopsis on YouTube reads: While Diya takes up her duty of a wife and wilfully commits to the relationship, Ratan is enamored by her beauty and considers her to be a pari from the fairy tales he has heard from his Maasa. Though being a miss matched couple, both create a comfortable world for themselves. While 9-year-old husband tries to cheer up his wife Diya with his cute gestures, Diya keeps up the promise to protect him and nurture their relationship. Will Diya and Ratan rewrite the pages of history with their love story? Is age only a number when it comes to finding true love? Watch the unfolding of a beautiful fairytale as Pehredaar Piya Ki presents the most unique Jodi on Indian television (sic).

The show is being slammed for its storyline and a sequence where the 9-year-old protagonist was seen putting vermillion on his wife.

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Television actor Amit Tandons wife, Ruby, is jailed in Dubai. Ruby is a dermatologist in Mumbai who was reportedly arrested about a month ago for threatening government officials in UAE.

Amit, who rose to fame for participating in Indian Idol and is now seen in Colors show Kasam, confirmed the news to Indian Express. Yes, she is still there and we are trying our best to get her out soon. I will be flying to Dubai next week to once again plead for her innocence, he said.

Start your day on a positive note...with a selfie ;) A post shared by Amit Tandon (@amit_tandon0411) on Sep 22, 2015 at 12:51am PDT

A beautiful Star is with me..#party #starsinthesky #beautiful #romanticnight #love #her #Instagood #Instadaily # A post shared by Amit Tandon (@amit_tandon0411) on Sep 8, 2015 at 7:28am PDT

Picture Perfect #allineed #blessed A post shared by Amit Tandon (@amit_tandon0411) on Aug 21, 2015 at 1:06am PDT

He added, We are really saddened by this as we believe that Ruby has been framed. She has been doing a wonderful job and someone levelled false accusation at her which caused the trouble. We believe in the judicial authorities and are hopeful that she will be back home soon.

The couple was married for 10 years and have a seven-year-old daughter together. They are now separated.

I am very saddened by the developments that such a hardworking and caring woman who did her best to treat the rich, poor, and disabled to the best of her abilities and genuinely make a positive change has been put through this. Some very influential people or competitors who could not stand to see her succeed, as Dr. Ruby had begun treatments on not only Bollywood but even Hollywood celebrities, levelled false accusations against her due to which the poor girl has been held in remand for almost a month. I always want to believe in the due process of law, but sadly this time Ruby is at the receiving end of it. We still hold faith that the judicial authorities will realise that she is 100 per cent innocent and let her come back to her work and most importantly to her daughter who misses her every day (sic),  Amit told Spotboye.com.

Yesssssss!! My drama queen is back...@imouniroy She's a reflection of me, but just a little crazy and wild. Luv you to moon and back plus infinity and beyond...My MO #thankyougodforeverythingyoudo#overgownchild#mybabies#mybestiemysista #soulmate#luvyoutobitsandpiecesandpiecesofthosebits A post shared by Dr. Ruby Tandon +919769768652 (@drruby1) on Jul 2, 2017 at 4:34am PDT

Television actors Mouni Roy, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Iqbal Khan and director Vikram Bhatt were reportedly Rubys clients. She was on a trip to Dubai last month when she was arrested for misbehaving with DHA (Dubai Health Authorities).

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A roadside bomb killed at least three people and wounded 26 others in a Pakistani tribal district near the Afghan border Friday, officials said.

The explosion struck a truck carrying civilians, most of them labourers, in a far-flung frontier village in Bajaur tribal district, one of Pakistans seven semi-autonomous tribal regions.

At least three people have been killed and 26 wounded, the roadside bomb exploded when the truck passed by, Mustafa Khan, a local government official told AFP.

Anwarul Haq, a senior local government official, confirmed the casualties, telling AFP that the injured have been taken to local hospitals.

No militant group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but Taliban militants have carried out several bomb attacks against security forces and pro-government tribal elders in the area in the past.

Violence in Pakistan has declined in recent years following a series of military offensives against insurgents along the northwestern border.

But the remnants of militant groups are still able to carry out periodic bloody attacks, particularly in the northwest.
The silly season is officially on, with most news-makers in Britain off on holiday, including Prime Minister Theresa May, who is in Switzerland. The tabloids are struggling to make news, but that has not prevented ministers contradicting each other on Brexit.

Silly season is the time when the big mouths are away from Westminster and when funny, quirky stories are passed off as news. The tabloids usually go to town with stories such as an egg being fried on pavement on a very warm day, Jesus appearing on a toast, a cow falling from cliff-top into a caravan, or UFOs being sighted.

In London, top cabinet ministers Philip Hammond, Liam Fox and others have been commenting and contradicting each other on Brexit, with no one the wiser on the real position.

The figure of 36 billion was mentioned as a Brexit divorce bill the UK would need to pay, but it was promptly shot down by Downing Street. By now everyone knows that no one knows how exactly Brexit will pan out, if it does at all.

But politics cant be far behind even on holidays. Michael Gove, once aspirant an aspirant for 10, Downing Street and now a member in Mays cabinet, and former chancellor George Osborne were reported attending a rather appropriate drama of twists of power and betrayal  Richard Wagners Ring Cycle in Bayreuth, Germany.

Holidays are important for politicians, as former Prime Minister David Cameron told newspersons on the eve of silly season some time ago: I am a great believer that politicians are human beings and they need to have holidays. I dont call it annual leave, I call it a holiday and I am looking forward to having a holiday. If you dont think politicians ought to have holidays I think you need to have a serious think.

This time last year, May reminded many of former prime minister Margaret Thatcher by her performance during her first Question Time. She then did another Maggie by selecting Switzerland for her holiday  one of Thatchers favourite destinations.

In 2011, holidays and the silly season were disrupted when riots swept across London, with agitators stepping into a vacuum in which no one seemed to be in charge.

The riots were real events for journalists, and with a scarcity of news, there was a blanket coverage of the happenings in London, with riveting images of cars, buses, shops and houses going up in flames broadcast across the world.

The silly season had turned serious as leading lights of the coalition government, including Cameron and May  then home secretary  had to cut short their holidays.

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Beijing voiced displeasure on Friday after a US warship sailed near an artificial island in the disputed South China Sea, an operation that prompted the Chinese navy to warn off the American destroyer.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the actions of the USS John S. McCain had violated Chinese and international law, seriously impairing the countrys sovereignty and security.

China is strongly dissatisfied with this, Geng said in a statement, adding that Beijing would lodge an official protest with Washington.

The USS John S. McCain destroyer sailed within six nautical miles of Mischief Reef -- an artificial island built by China -- on Thursday as part of a freedom of navigation operation, a US official said.

The reef is part of the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, which is the scene of rival claims between China and neighbouring countries.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the US official told AFP a Chinese frigate sent radio warnings at least 10 times to the USS McCain.

They called and said please turn around, you are in our waters, the official said. We told them we are a US (ship) conducting routine operations in international waters.

The official said the interactions were all safe and professional, with the operation lasting about six hours from start to finish, but Geng said such operations seriously endanger lives.

The freedom of navigation operation was the third of its kind carried out by the United States since President Donald Trump took office in January.

- Overlapping claims -

The US move came four days after the United States, Australia and Japan denounced Beijings island-building and militarisation of the South China Sea on the sidelines of a security forum of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Manila.

China claims nearly all of the sea, through which $5 trillion in annual shipping trade passes and which is believed to sit atop vast oil and gas deposits.

Its sweeping claims overlap with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei -- all ASEAN members -- as well as Taiwan.

But in recent years Beijing has managed to weaken regional resistance by courting some ASEAN members.

On Sunday China scored a coup when ASEAN ministers issued a diluted statement on the dispute and agreed to its terms on talks at the Manila meeting.

China insists that a much-delayed code of conduct between it and ASEAN members over the disputed sea must not be legally binding, a demand to which Southeast Asian countries have so far acquiesced.

Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said the situation in the South China Sea has stabilised due to the joint efforts of China and neighbouring countries but the US operation threatened peace and stability in the region.

The US militarys provocative actions will only encourage the Chinese military to further strengthen the defence capacity building and firmly defend national sovereignty and security, Qian said.

The operation also comes amid soaring tensions on the Korean peninsula over Pyongyangs missile programme, and as the United States seeks to push China into more assertively restraining North Korea.

Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Chris Logan declined to comment on whether there had been a freedom of navigation sailing but he said the United States would continue to do such operations.

All operations are conducted in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, he said.
The India-China military standoff at Doklam dominated a meeting between visiting external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and her Bhutanese counterpart Damcho Dorji on the margins of the BIMSTEC ministerial meeting in Kathmandu on Friday.

This was the first high-level contact between the two sides since the beginning of the faceoff near the Sikkim border in mid-June. China has accused Indian troops of trespassing into Doklam or Donglang, a region which is controlled by Beijing but is claimed by Thimphu.

Swaraj and Dorji mainly focussed on the Doklam standoff, with their discussions centring round the positions taken by their countries on the issue and measures taken to end the face-off, according to diplomatic sources.

We hope that the current standoff in Doklam will be sorted out peacefully, Dorji said after the meeting. Both sides should be satisfied from any of the outcomes, he said without giving details.

India has said it acted in coordination with the Bhutan government to block the construction of a road by Chinese troops in the strategic Doklam region, located at the junction of the frontiers of India, Bhutan and China. The confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops is now in its second month.

New Delhi has said both sides should withdraw their troops and begin talks to resolve the matter. China has insisted that India should unilaterally withdraw its forces before any dialogue.
President Donald Trump said Thursday that he did the US military a great favour by banning transgender troops from the armed forces.

Trump, speaking to reporters at his New Jersey country club, said the issue of transgender service members had been complicated and confusing for the military.

Look, I have great respect for the (transgender) community, Trump said. I think I have great support -- or Ive had -- great support from that community.

I got a lot of votes.

But Trump said the issue of transgender troops has been a very difficult situation for the US armed forces.

As you know, its been a very complicated issue for the military, he said. Its been a very confusing issue for the military.

I think Im doing the military a great favor.

In a series of three tweets last month, Trump upended an Obama-era policy of more than a year that allowed transgender troops to serve openly.

His announcement came with little or no coordination with the Pentagon and landed while Defense Secretary Jim Mattis was on vacation, leaving the astonished department scrambling to come up with a coherent response.

Five transgender women in the US military filed suit against Trump and the Pentagon this week over the ban.

In a lawsuit filed in federal court Wednesday, the five plaintiffs from the Air Force, Coast Guard and the Army said they faced uncertainty about their futures, including whether they would be fired or lose post-military and retirement benefits.

The lawsuit was filed against Trump, Mattis and various other senior military officials by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLAAD, a legal advocacy group.

All the unidentified Jane Doe plaintiffs were previously men who have transitioned to being female.

The number of transgender troops among Americas 1.3 million active duty service members is small, with estimates ranging from between 1,320 and 15,000.

In the two weeks since Trumps tweets, the White House has still not provided the Pentagon with clear directives on how it should implement a transgender ban, so the current policy remains in place for now.
President Donald Trump is warning of military action, saying the US is locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely.

Trump tweeted: Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. 

Military solutions are now fully in place,locked and loaded,should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 11, 2017

North Korea has announced a detailed plan to launch a salvo of ballistic missiles toward the US Pacific territory of Guam, a major military hub and home to US bombers. If carried out, it would be its most provocative missile launch to date.

The US presidents Twitter missive ratcheted up his already bellicose rhetoric with Kim over North Koreas weapons program, as Beijing appealed to the two leaders to dampen their fiery exchange.

A day prior Trump had hardened his warning that Pyongyang would face fire and fury if it kept threatening the United States, saying maybe his tough talk wasnt tough enough.

Trump also warned North Korea it should be very, very nervous of the consequences if it even thinks of attacking US soil, after Pyongyang said it was readying plans to launch missiles towards the Pacific territory of Guam.

Pyongyang said the scheme to target the island, a key US military outpost in the western Pacific, was intended to signal a crucial warning as only absolute force would have an effect on a US leader bereft of reason.

Beijing on Friday pleaded with the US and North Korea for restraint, urging the two parties to be cautious with their words and actions.

China has repeatedly urged a resumption of long-dormant six-party talks to peacefully resolve the crisis, but its position has been overshadowed by the emerging brinkmanship between Trump and Kim.
Relatives of passengers aboard missing flight MH370 on Friday demanded Malaysia accept a US exploration firms offer to take up the hunt for the aircraft, which was suspended earlier this year.

No trace of the Malaysia Airlines plane, which disappeared in March 2014 with 239 people on board, was found during a lengthy deep sea hunt in the southern Indian Ocean off western Australia, with the search called off in January.

Ocean Infinity, a seabed exploration firm with a fleet of advanced underwater search vehicles, confirmed last week it had offered to resume the hunt.

Malaysian authorities have said discussions are ongoing and the firm only wants payment if the aircraft is found.

Voice 370, an international group of MH370 next-of-kin, urged authorities to take up the offer, saying in a statement: Why hasnt Malaysia accepted this win - win offer?

The group said the offer was made more than four months ago and it should be accepted without further delay, and urged authorities to provide them with details. Neither Ocean Infinity nor the Malaysian government have said when the proposal was made.

We are constantly in limbo. They (authorities involved in the search) do not engage us. It is upsetting and frustrating, Grace Nathan, a Malaysian lawyer whose mother Anne Daisy was on the plane, told AFP.

We are always kept in the dark.

Malaysian transport officials could not be reached for immediate comment Friday.

Malaysias Deputy Transport Minister Aziz Kaprawi previously said the agreement of Australia and China would be needed for a deal to be reached. China, where most of the passengers came from, and Australia were both involved in the search.

Only three fragments of MH370 have been found on western Indian Ocean shores, including a two-metre wing part known as a flaperon.

Australias national science body CSIRO said in April that MH370 was most likely lying north of the former search zone -- a 120,000 square kilometre (46,000 square mile) area largely defined through satellite pings and the flights estimated fuel load.
A major fire broke out on Friday inside the Air India office at Bangladeshs international airport in Dhaka, prompting the government to launch a probe.

Ten firefighting units took nearly two hours to douse the fire that began around noon at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the countrys main aviation facility.

The airport has resumed normal flight operations.

We have resumed normal operations of the airport at 4 PM as the fire was completely doused, civil aviation authority spokesman Rezaul Karim told PTI.

Authorities ordered an inter-departmental investigation by a committee comprising fire service, civil aviation and police officials to find out the cause behind the incident.

The three-member committee has been asked to submit its findings in the next seven working days, a civil aviation ministry spokesman said.

He said that the fire did not hamper the scheduled arrival and departure of flights.

Officials said the fire originally broke out at the Air India office on the second floor of the airports Terminal 1 and spread in the adjacent offices including the one of Qatar Airways raising a security alarm.

The airports internal fire-fighting unit doused the fire within a short time but 10 fire fighting units from the neighbourhood rushed to the scene, an airport official said.

An Air India official said the fire originated from the office of the airline.

Initially, electricity supply to the airport was cut off.

Employees and passengers evacuated from the various floors have reported seeing smoke inside the building.

TV footages showed that the elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion and special Armed Police Battalion laid a siege around the airport blocking its entry points as the fire fighters made hectic efforts to douse the fire evacuating passengers and non-essential staff.

The display screen of the airports auto fire detector showed the text - Fire on Air India floor as soon as the fire alarm went off.
An Afghan official says a gunman loyal to a local warlord has opened fire inside a mosque in the northern Takhar province, killing four worshippers and wounding as many as 40 people.

Provincial police chief Gen. Faqir Mohammad Jawzjan says the attacker belongs to a militia loyal to local warlord Bashir Khan.

He says the warlord allegedly had a dispute with the mosque cleric, Maulvi Mafuz, who was the gunmans target in Fridays attack.

Mafuz was not hurt in the assault.

The cause of the dispute wasnt immediately clear but dozens of warlords who returned to positions of power after the collapse of the Taliban are protected by heavily armed local militias, who have resorted to gunbattles to settle disputes.
Hate crimes in Britain spiked in the aftermath of three attacks blamed on Islamist militants earlier this year but the number quickly dropped in the following days, police said on Thursday.

Figures released by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) showed there had been significant rises in recorded hate crime incidents after the attacks in London and Manchester which claimed the lives of 35 people.

But these returned to average levels after shows of support and unity by communities across the country, the NPCC said.

We know that terrorist attacks and other national and global events have the potential to trigger short-term spikes in hate crime and so we have been carefully monitoring community tensions following recent horrific events, said Mark Hamilton, the NPCC spokesman on hate crime.

Reporting from police forces show that levels of hate crime peaked in the wake of the attacks but quickly subsided within a few days. This is in line with trends we have seen before, though obviously still a real concern for the police service and wider society.

In March, a man drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in London killing four, before he stabbed a policeman to death outside parliament.

That was followed by a suicide bombing at a pop concert in Manchester which killed 22, and the following month eight people died after three Islamist militants drove into pedestrians on London Bridge and stabbed people at nearby restaurants and bars.

British police recorded 62,518 hate incidents in 2015/16, about 171 per day. The NPCC figures showed there were 234 hate crimes recorded two days after the Westminster incident, 273 following the Manchester bombing and 319 after the London Bridge attacks.

The numbers had all fallen seven days afterwards although to a level significantly higher than during the same period the previous year. Police said this reflected a general rise in reporting of incidents and improved recording of such crimes.

However, the NPCC said there was no similar spike after the fourth incident which they were treating as terrorism when a van was driven into worshippers near a mosque in Londons Finsbury Park area which left one man dead.

The number of hate crimes fell by 7 percent in the week of the Finsbury Park attack compared with the same period in 2016.
Balwinder Singh, the Indian-origin director of a Worcestershire-based pizza company, has been disqualified as a company director for diverting funds he had secured from loans to a partnership in which he had a personal interest, officials said.

The Insolvency Service said Singh, 58, was the sole registered director of Charnwood Foods Ltd but an investigation found that he unreasonably caused payments of at least 205,000 to the partnership he had a personal interest in.

The company went into liquidation with no assets on August 26, 2015, owing an estimated 358,816 to creditors, of which 308,233 was owed to a bank as loan.

Singhs misconduct, accepted by him, was that he breached his fiduciary duties as director of the company when he made the payments that were at the risk of, and to the detriment of, the company and its creditors.

He also failed to deliver adequate accounting records to show that such payments were reasonable, the service said.

A disqualification order has the effect that without specific permission of a court, a person with a disqualification cannot act as a director of a company; take part, directly or indirectly, in the promotion, formation or management of a company or limited liability partnership; and be a receiver of a companys property.

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US President Donald Trumps daughter Ivanka will lead the American delegation at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in India, starting from November 28.

Ivanka Trump will lead the US delegation to India this fall, supporting womens entrepreneurship globally, Trump said in a tweeted on Thursday, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement on the micro blogging site.

India and the United States will co-host the summit in Hyderabad from November 28 to 30, Modi said.

Look forward to Ms Ivanka Trumps presence at Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of US delegation, he wrote in the tweet.

Honored to lead the US delegation to #GES2017 in India & meet with Prime Minister Modi & passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe! Ivanka, said in a tweet on Thursday. She also a posted a picture of her shaking hand with the prime minister.

Honored to lead the US delegation to #GES2017 in India & meet with Prime Minister Modi & passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe! pic.twitter.com/yVyGGWua2x  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) August 10, 2017

A decision in this connection was taken when Modi and Trump held their first meeting at the White House in June.

Ivanka, 35, is also the advisor to the US president. In her tenure, she has emerged as a strong advocate of women and child issues.
India and the United States on Thursday announced the schedule for their first joint global entrepreneurship summit in November via tweets by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump.

India and US will co-host the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) at Hyderabad from 28-30 November 2017, Modi tweeted, tagging Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump, who will lead the US delegation.

He further wrote: The Summit is a unique opportunity for bringing together entrepreneurs and start ups with global leaders. Look forward to Ms. Ivanka Trumps presence at #GES 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of the US delegation.

India and US will co-host the Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Hyderabad from 28-30 November 2017. @realDonaldTrump @IvankaTrump  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 10, 2017

The Summit is a unique opportunity for bringing together entrepreneurs and start ups with global leaders. #GES2017  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 10, 2017

Look forward to Ms. Ivanka Trumps presence at #GES 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of the US delegation. @realDonaldTrump @IvankaTrump  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 10, 2017

Trump later tweeted:@IvankaTrump will lead the US delegation to India this fall, supporting womens entrepreneurship globally.

.@IvankaTrump will lead the U.S. delegation to India this fall, supporting womens entrepreneurship globally.#GES2017 @narendramodi  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2017

Ivanka retweeted all of Modis posts, and wrote one of her own and posted it with a picture of her with the prime minister, from Modis June visit. Honored to lead the US delegation to #GES2017 in India & meet with Prime Minister Modi & passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe!

Honored to lead the US delegation to #GES2017 in India & meet with Prime Minister Modi & passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe! pic.twitter.com/yVyGGWua2x  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) August 10, 2017

Modi and Trump had announced the joint enterprise when they met in Washington in June. A fact sheet issued by the White House said: The United States and India will co-host a Global Entrepreneurship Summit this year in India, focused on supporting women entrepreneurs, and geared toward solving 21st century challenges and improving lives. President Trump has asked Ivanka Trump to lead the United States delegation to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit.
A London-based Muslim man has sued the Virgin Atlantic airlines following his being ordered off a flight by police after innocently mentioning the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, the media reported.

Mohammad Khan has alleged that Virgin Atlantic staff racially and religiously profiled him over a harmless conversation with a flight stewardess and another passenger, the Independent daily reported on Friday.

The 26-year-old said he was escorted off his flight from London to Atlanta, Georgia, following a massive overreaction by the cabin crew.

The Middlesex University graduate was travelling to the US for an interview for a business internship in Medellin, Colombia.

He said another passenger had complained about the length of airport security queues as the plane taxied on the runway.

I totally innocently said theres been more security since 9/11, then asked the stewardess I bet your job has changed since 9/11, but she looked stunned, Khan said on Thursday.

The plane was then turned around and taxied back to the terminal where he was led off by police officers.

I was racially and religiously profiled. It was a complete overreaction to completely innocent and harmless comments. I know this would not have happened if I was a white man in his 60s who had done the same thing.

It totally ruined my trip and I felt humiliated. I was made to feel like a criminal, the Independent quoted Khan as saying.

He was denied a refund on his 560 pounds ($720) ticket and was forced to spend 817 pounds ($1,060) on flights with another airline.
Former premier Nawaz Sharif again attacked Pakistans judiciary on Friday as he made his way towards Lahore in a rally even as his wife Kulsoom filed her nominations to contest the parliament seat left vacant by his disqualification by the Supreme Court.

Sharifs rally, which began making its way from Islamabad to Lahore on Wednesday, is being seen as the start of his PML-N partys campaign for the 2018 general election.

After spending the night at a hotel on the banks of the Jhelum river, Sharif made his way into central Punjab, the political heartland of the PML-N, where he again received a mixed reception at different places.

A defiant Sharif had criticised the judiciary on Thursday for forcing him to quit as prime minister, saying it was an insult to the people of Pakistan as their elected leader was unceremoniously ousted by the Supreme Court.

It is an insult to the 200 million people of Pakistan. You voted for me, but the five honourable judges sent me home with a single stroke of a pen, Sharif told his supporters in Jhelum on the second day of his journey along the historic Grand Trunk Road.

On Friday, he told his audience: Every prime minister in this country was given a tenure of one-and-a-half years, on average, to govern. Some were executed, some jailed, some handcuffed and some exiled.

On the other hand, dictators were allowed to rule for decades and the judges even allowed them to rule.

In a related development in Lahore, Sharifs wife Begum Kulsoom Nawaz submitted her nomination papers to contest by-elections to the seat he had vacated. The papers were submitted by her son-in-law Muhammad Safdar.

A total of 35 candidates have submitted nominations for the by-elections scheduled for September 17. The last date for submission of papers is August 12.

Sharifs wife has never contested elections though she played a key role in the PML-Ns movement for the release of her husband when he was deposed in a military coup in 1999 and jailed. Sharif had initially said his brother, Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif, would contest the by-elections in order to become the premier but the plan was dropped because the PML-N believes his elevation could hurt the party in Pakistans most populous province.

As Sharifs convoy made its way through Punjab, he stopped at Gujrat, where he offered Friday prayers and addressed PML-N workers at GTS Chowk.

The media reported that as the convoy approached Kharian, anti-Sharif songs could be heard playing inside the local cantonment. There was an estimated crowd of 2,000 to 3,000 waiting to welcome the motorcade in Kharian.

The convoy then moved to Lalamusa, from where it proceeded to Gujrat. According to the schedule issued by the PML-N, Sharif will spend the night in Gujranwala and leave on Saturday morning for Lahore. He is expected to reach the city at 4 pm on Saturday.

PML-N leader Talal Chaudhry backed the ousted premiers statements and said Sharif is not seeking to be restored to power. Sharif has undertaken the rally to end the insult to the peoples mandate.

Sharif has specifically referred to the five judges on the bench of the Supreme Court that passed the verdict to disqualify him under Article 62 of the Constitution in the Panamagate case.

I became the prime minister of Pakistan through votes, whereas five honourable judges sent me home. Only those who vote politicians into power have the right to depose them, he thundered.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday cautioned that the risks of escalation of tensions between the United States and North Korea were very high following the recent war of words between Washington and Pyongyang.

I believe the risks are very high, especially considering this rhetoric, when direct threats of using force are voiced, Lavrov said at a youth forum in the Vladimir region east of Moscow.

Lavrov did not refer to President Donald Trumps most recent remark that the US military is locked and loaded in the event of a misstep by North Korea, but said Moscow was very alarmed at Washingtons rhetoric of preemptive military action.

He added that the United States, as a more powerful state than North Korea, should take the first step to cool tensions.

When a fight has nearly broken out, the first step away from the dangerous threshold should be taken by the side that is stronger and smarter, Lavrov said.

Moscow has joined China to push an initiative that would see Pyongyang halt missile tests in return for the US ending military drills in the region.

Kim Jong-Un freezes any nuclear tests or ballistic missile launches, while the US and South Korea freeze massive military drills that are constantly used by North Korea as a pretext for holding tests and proclamations about relying on their nuclear power, Lavrov said of the plan.

The double freeze plan would be a step toward the goal of de-nuclearising the Korean peninsula, he said.

Unfortunately, the rhetoric in Washington and Pyongyang is starting to go over the top, he said. We hope that common sense will prevail.

He added that Moscow does not accept a nuclear North Korea.

The fiery rhetoric between US and North Korea of recent days, which follows two intercontinental ballistic missile tests by Pyongyang last month, even led South Korea to mull placing nuclear weapons on its own soil.

Pyongyang said this week it was readying a scheme to launch missiles towards Guam, an island outpost of the US military in western Pacific.

Were doing everything we can so that this what if doesnt happen, Lavrov said when asked about the prospects of a conflict.
Indonesia has urged officials to stand up to mob pressure after Muslim and nationalist protesters called for a 30-metre-tall statue of a Chinese deity erected in a temple complex in an East Java town to be torn down.

The brightly-painted statue of Guan Yu, a former general who is worshipped by some Chinese, was inaugurated in July in a temple complex in the fishing town of Tuban and is claimed to be Southeast Asias tallest such representation of the deity.

The statue in Tuban, about 100 km west of the city of Surabaya, has been partially covered up after the protests, provoking both praise and ridicule on social media in the worlds most populous Muslim-majority country.

If they ask for the statue to be torn down, authorities cannot bow to such pressure, Teten Masduki, chief of staff to President Joko Widodo, told reporters.

Protesters demonstrated this week outside Surabayas Parliament against the statue, some wearing paramilitary-style outfits and waving placards that read Demolish It and We are not worshippers of idols.

Allowing a depiction of a foreign general was a symbol of treason to this nation, an unnamed protester said in a video of the rally on news portal Kompas.com.

Officials of the Kwan Sing Bio Temple in Tuban declined to comment, but media have quoted residents as saying the statue was good for tourism.

Indonesia is a secular state whose constitution enshrines religious freedom and diversity, but there are concerns that rising intolerance threatens its reputation for moderate Islam.

Muslims form about 85% of the population, but there are also substantial Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and other minorities.

Religious tension has soared this year after Islamist-led rallies saw Jakartas incumbent governor, a member of a so-called double minority who is ethnic Chinese and Christian, put on trial during city elections over Koran insult allegations.

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama was later jailed for two years for blasphemy, a sentence rights groups and international bodies condemned as unfair and politicised.

The protests against the statue were primarily about nationalism, said Suli Daim, a lawmaker in East Java.

What they were protesting about is that the statue did not represent their general or commander, he said, adding that a permit for the statue had also not yet been approved.

The fate of the statue, reported to have cost 2.5 billion rupiah ($190,000) to build, has sparked sparring on social media.

Praise be to God, the noisy fighting in social media succeeded in ensuring the idolatrous statue has been covered. I hope it will soon be taken down, Muhammad Syahrir tweeted.

Another Twitter user ridiculed the protesters.

Like they have nothing else to do but to protest against a statue, tweeted Paring Waluyo. Instead they should be protesting about Tuban being among the poor regencies of East Java.
A strong 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the region south of the Philippine capital on Friday, causing buildings in Manila and nearby areas to sway, seismologists and witnesses said.

The quake struck just off the coast of Lian town at 1:28 pm (0528 GMT), at a relatively deep 173 kilometres (107 miles), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology told AFP.

The US Geological Survey measured it at 6.2 magnitude.

Due to its depth we do not expect any damage, the institutes director Renato Solidum said on government television.

A rescue official at the town closest to the epicentre also reported no damage or casualties.

But buildings in Manila and other nearby areas swayed, with employees of Malacanang presidential palace and other government buildings in central Manila and the nearby town of Bacoor evacuated, witnesses said.

City hall employees as well as those transacting business there were ordered to leave the building as a precaution, government lawyer Bugsy del Rosario told AFP from Bacoor.

ABS-CBN television also showed photos of students stood outside schools.

It wasnt really that strong. We did not see anyone running out of buildings here, fire officer John Christopher Carandang told AFP by telephone from Lian, a town of 46,000 people about 70 kilometres (43 miles) south of Manila.

The Philippines lies on the so-called Ring of Fire, a vast Pacific Ocean region where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.

Last month a 6.5-magnitude quake killed two people and heavily damaged power generation plants on the central island of Leyte, leaving large areas of the central Philippines without power for weeks.

Eight people also died and more than 250 were injured following a 6.5-magnitude quake outside the southern city of Surigao in February.

The latest major quake to hit the Philippines was in 2013, when a 7.1-magnitude quake left more than 220 people dead and destroyed historic churches in the central islands.
The National Council of Hindu Temples (UK) on Friday expressed disappointment at the Bank of Englands decision to go ahead with the use of polymer based on animal products in producing new currency notes despite complaints and a public consultation.

For some in the Indian community, the 2016 decision of the Bank of England to use the polymer in new notes that are expected to last longer evoked memories of the 1857 uprising, as Hindu and Sikh organisations, vegetarians and others protested.

However, the bank did not stop the production of the new 5 note, and has now decided to use the same process for the new 10 note expected to be introduced later this year.

It said 3,554 people responded to the public consultation, and of those who expressed a preference, 88% were against the use of animal-derived additives and 48% were against the use of palm oil-derived additives.

However, the bank said there would be no change on the ground of value for money: The estimated extra cost of switching has increased since the consultation and is now estimated to be around 16.5 million over the next ten years.

The Bank has consulted with Treasury, as the ultimate bearer of this additional cost is the taxpayer. Treasury advised the Bank that it does not believe switching to palm oil derivatives would achieve value for money for taxpayers.

Satish Sharma, general secretary of NCHT (UK), said: The decision to take no heed of the contributions of 88% of respondents who submitted details of a value based position to the bank, although not unexpected, is disappointing.

The bank has determined that there is a monetary value to the ethics and morals of a rapidly increasing number of British citizens, ie, the vegan and vegetarian community, and also of the religious and spiritual values of the members of the Dharmic traditions who view all of life as one family.

According to Sharma, for many Hindus, Sikhs and Jains as well as vegans and vegetarians, the spirit of money transactions will be tainted, which will affect donations and monetary activities of Hindu temples in the UK.

A petition to ban the use of tallow in notes attracted more than 135,000 signatories.

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US President Donald Trump added a new dimension on Thursday to the decades-old tradition of countries expelling diplomats and cutting mission staff to sanction the target nation. He thanked Russia for recently ordering a drastic downsizing of the American mission, saying it would help him cut the salary bill.

I want to thank him (Russian President Vladimir Putin) because were trying to cut down on payroll, Trump replied to a question about the recent order from Kremlin to cut US mission in Moscow by 755 personnel. Im very thankful that he let go of a large number of people because now we have a smaller payroll.

His remarks ran into furious criticism from former and current employees of Americas vast diplomatic service.

As a Foreign Service veteran, I find it lamentable that our great career diplomats are treated with such disrespect by their President, Nicholas Burns, a senior Bush administration diplomat who played a critical role in the India-US nuclear deal, tweeted.

Some Trump allies and supporters hastened to push back against the roiling controversy to claim Trump was joking, which seemed like another desperate attempt by his aides to explain him or reel back his unscripted forays into policy and personnel areas not familiar to him and his team of inexperienced advisers.

Burns had a response to that too: A shameful statement by Pres. (president) Trump. He justifies mistreatment of US diplomats by (Russian president Vladimir) Putin. If he was joking, it shows his true character.

Others, mostly Trump allies, suggested Trump was trying to punk Putin. But Michael McFaul, former US ambassador to Russia, was brutally realistic about the prospects: Punk Putin?! Cmon man ! I know Putin. He is not punked by these silly comments. Putin will see Trumps comments as another sign of weakness.

Kremlin ordered the downsizing last month in a delayed retaliatory action to former President Barrack Obama expelling 35 Russian diplomats in December for alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential elections.

Trump is irritated by any suggestion that his victory was anything but his and has pushed back against the Russia interference narrative as something that takes away from his victory and something the questions his legitimacy as president.

But thanking Putin for the downsizing could cost him whatever equity he had with those dealing with Russia, especially those at the state department, where Russia is still viewed suspiciously through the lens of the cold war and its nakedly aggressive posture against its smaller neighbours such as Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for ordering the US embassy in Moscow to slash its staff -- boasting that this would cut payroll costs.

Last month, the Kremlin demanded that Washington reduce its diplomatic footprint in Russia by 755 employees -- both US diplomats and local staff -- and close two compounds.

This was seen as marking a historic new low in post-Cold war Russia-US relations but Trump, who has long argued the case for closer ties, said after a meeting with top aides in New Jersey he saw a silver lining in the crisis.

I want to thank him because were trying to cut down our payroll and, as far as Im concerned, Im very thankful that he let go of a large number of people because now we have a smaller payroll, Trump declared.

Theres no real reason for them to go back. I greatly appreciate the fact that weve been able to cut our payroll of the United States. Were going to save a lot of money.

The US and Russia are at loggerheads over Moscows armed intervention in Ukraine and Washingtons imposition of economic sanctions on Kremlin allies.

Ties were further clouded by Russias interference in last years US presidential election, which US intelligence agencies say was designed to help Trump get elected.

Trumps supporters have dismissed this idea but a US special prosecutor is investigating allegations that members of his campaign colluded with Russian sources.

Last month, US lawmakers passed a law toughening sanctions imposed on Russia for corruption, rights abuses, subversion of Western politics and backing Ukrainian separatists.

Trump opposed the bill, which further blocks him from removing sanctions without consulting Congress, but begrudgingly signed it into law.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has embarked on a wholesale review of State Department operations aimed at cutting costs and refocusing on new objectives.

While in Manila earlier this week, Tillerson had said his department would respond to the Kremlins order to cut their Moscow staff before a September 1 deadline.
The Irish-born labor leader bolstered the Workingmens Party.

At 1:20 p.m., on April 4, 1882, Congress finally received President Chester Arthurs decision regarding Senate Bill No. 71. The bill, a referendum prohibiting Chinese labor immigration to the United States for 20 years, would in Arthurs words [act as] a breach of our national faith, and might repel oriental nations from us and drive their trade and commerce into more friendly lands. Thus the president vetoed the bill.

Congress lacked the two-thirds majority to override his veto, but a compromise bill limiting the exclusion period to 10 years eventually won over a majority of both parties and Arthur. The Chinese Exclusion Bill, an effort born in part by the protestations of the Workingmens Party of California and its leader, Denis Kearney, became law on May 6, 1882.

The genesis of Kearneys role in helping foster antiChinese immigration sentiment and his affiliation with the Workingmens Party of California, a branch of the national party comprising mostly Irish and other European immigrants, began in the mid-1870s. Born in 1847 in Oakmount, County Cork, Ireland, Kearney rose from cabin boy to first officer while working on English and American ships. Upon arrival in San Francisco in 1868 he worked for local steamship lines and then bought a drayage business that elevated him to the ranks of the middle class. Draymen hauled dry goods to merchants via flatbed wagons known as drays.

Although not initially driven toward politics or labor agitation, Kearney spoke out against the monopolization of the drayage business in San Francisco. Apparently just one drayage concern in town had been granted federal bonding, relegating the Irishman and other draymen to the economic hinterlands. Understanding the influence of media on public opinion and the importance of rhetoric in conveying ones appeal, he courted reporters and participated in the Lyceum of Self-Culture, a debating society.

A meeting over this issue with state Senator Aaron Augustus Sargent proved futile, as Sargent held Kearney and his associates in contempt. In response, Kearney delivered a scathing speech at the Sandlot, a gathering place near City Hall that would become the Workingmens oratorical platform. The San Francisco Chronicle covered subsequent speeches, its wide circulation drawing crowds of the unemployed to hear Kearneys Sandlot commentaries.

Henry George, the 19th-century political economist, suggested that Kearneys stock losses and what political possibilities lay in the general feeling of discontent and irritation might have dictated his actions. George also acknowledged Kearneys skill at tapping into working class jealousies and animosity.

Kearney and others formed the Workingmens Party of California in 1877, and he was elected president that October 5. One of the partys stated principles was to unite all the poor and workingmen and their friends into one political party defending themselves against the encroachments of capital. Kearney endorsed the organizations bylaws advocating distribution of land monopolies, public welfare, punitive taxation of the rich and ridding the country of cheap Chinese labor because it tends still more to degrade labor and aggrandize capital. He suggested that to an American, death is preferable to life on a par with the Chinaman. He advocated a minimum wage between $3 and $4 for any kind of labor, as well as homesteads for every man and the confiscation of surplus corporate profits for public works projects. At the same time Kearney called for the Central Pacific Railroad to do away with its Chinese laborers within three months, threatening Stanford and his crowd with consequences should they fail to act.

Since 1872 the Central Pacifics Big Four magnatesLeland Stanford, Charles Crocker, Collis P. Huntington and Mark Hopkinshad been developing a railroad terminus outside San Francisco.The location of the terminus, charged Kearney and others, would effectively hinder commercial development on the west side of town and harm existing entrepreneurs, including draymen. One San Francisco paper lamented that Stanford and Co. acted only to destroy the value of property in this entire city to enrich themselves. Negative media coverage of the Big Fours business practices, coupled with Stanfords continued use of Chinese laborers, encouraged Kearney to target the railroad magnate as a monopolistic plutocrat and exploiter of labor.

The mayors office later had Kearney and his supporters arrested for their incendiary comments and threats, and the state legislature made it a felony to suggest or encourage civil disobedience. But after two weeks in jail Kearney resumed his public tirades against civil officials and decreed that any traitor to the Workingmen should be hanged to the nearest lamppost. Despite such harsh rhetoric, Kearney attracted ever more members to the Workingmens Party. That Thanksgiving the party staged a parade in San Francisco that drew 7,000 marchers.

On January 3, 1878, demanding work, bread or a place in the county jail, Kearney led a crowd of 1,500 Workingmen on a march toward City Hall. In response the state legislature authorized San Francisco to employ 2,000 Workingmen for three months labor on public works, although the city supervisors, perhaps in collusion with monopoly interests, ignored the directive. The supervisors did, however, take seriously the Workingmens threat to blow up the monopolistic Pacific Mail Steamship Co. and assigned a man-of-war to patrol the docks.

The increasing presence of Chinese laborers in depression-ridden San Francisco further upset other workers. Some politicians even called for repeal of the 1868 Burlingame Treaty, which granted Chinese immigrants and travelers similar privileges and immunities as American citizens. As Kearneyisma term the San Francisco papers tacked to the philosophies of the Workingmens Partybroadened its appeal among trade unions, some Workingmen, in hopes of ridding the city of Chinese labor, advocated dynamiting the Chinese quarter. While not officially encouraging violence against its adversaries, the party vowed not to repress or put down or arrest or prosecute demonstrators who manifest their hatred of the Chinamen. Kearneys Sandlot vitriol included his catchphrase: The Chinese must go!

1878 was a watershed year for the Workingmens Party in California. Following legislative takeovers in Alameda and Santa Clara counties, and mayoral victories in Oakland and Sacramento, the party elected one-third of the delegates to the 1879 Constitutional Convention, which sought to revise the document adopted 30 years earlier. Recognizing the clout of the Workingmens Party, the conventioneers included an eight-hour day for public works projects and excluded Chinese employment by public and private agencies in the new constitution. Politicians in California and nationwide capitalized on Kearnys broad popular appeal. In 1878 Kearney spoke in Massachusetts on behalf of former Union Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler, an erstwhile Democrat and Republican then running as a Greenback Labor gubernatorial candidate. Butler courted the labor vote and hoped Kearney could galvanize its support. In engagements throughout the Midwest, Kearney harked back to a common themelabors discontent with Chinese competition. His cross-country stump speeches referred to the parasites from China and repeated that all Chinese must go. Although some Eastern newspapers and several national politicians chastised his rhetoric, labor leaders Uriah Stephens and Terence Powderly considered him a useful tool.

Kearney was among a growing chorus of labor leaders and politicians advocating immigration reform in the late 1870s. Senator James Blaine of Maine, a presidential hopeful in 1880, joined a bipartisan faction promoting the Fifteen Passenger Bill, which would limit to 15 per ship the number of Chinese passengers en route to America. That years Angell Treaty, while enforcing the civil liberties of those Chinese already in the States, barred the Qing government from any say-so in Sino-U.S. immigration policy.

Since 1880 was an election year, both Democrats and Republicans campaigned against immigrants in hopes of gaining labors vote on the Pacific coast. Two years later Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, at President Arthurs signature the Republican County Central Committee fired a 100-gun salute, its Democratic counterpart doing the same that Friday.

Kearneys meteoric ascent was almost matched by the velocity of his and his partys political demise. His support for the 1880 Greenback Labor presidential ticket offended many California Workingmen, even as the two major parties effectively courted the party membership, thus diluting its influence. The California courts never did implement the tax reforms and controls on railroads pushed by the Workingmen, and the federal courts nullified the Chinese exclusions of the 1879 California Constitution. Politically inactive by the end of the century, Kearney built a profitable drayage business and invested in San Francisco real estate until his death in 1907.

British scholar James Bryce, in summing up Kearneys foray into 1880s California politics, opined that Kearney had no sordid personal ends to serve and gained for himself nothing more solid than notoriety. Bryce viewed the draymens political appeal in the context as that which has appeared in the Western states under the forms of Grangerism, the Farmers Alliance and Populism perhaps a reasonable assessment.

Originally published in the December 2012 issue of Wild West. To subscribe, click here.
He was the states most notorious since the James-Younger Gang.

When authorities arrested 20-year-old William Rudolph and sidekick George Collins in March 1903 for killing a Pinkerton detective in Missouri, newspapers started calling Rudolph the Missouri Kid. The New York Times claimed he and his partner had started in to make dime-novel records in Missouri. A bit of exaggeration perhaps, but Rudolph and Collins had, in fact, created the biggest criminal sensation in that state since the exploits of the notorious James-Younger Gang a quarter-century earlier.

Willie was born out of wedlock in 1883 to Nancy Jane Armistead of Stanton, Mo. Three years later Nancy married Frank Rudolph, and her son adopted his stepfathers surname. The boy grew up in Franklin County, keeping close to Stanton. As a 15-year-old he helped rob and torture a local elderly couple named Schwartz and skipped town rather than face charges. Willie was not heard from again for almost four years.

On December 18, 1902, Rudolph arrived at his parents home with 23-year-old Collins, and the pair hatched a plan to rob the bank in neighboring Union, Mo. About midnight on the 26th they broke a window of the bank to gain entrance. Rudolph entered with nitroglycerin while Collins stood guard. When Rudolph blew the vault door, Collins randomly fired his gun in the air to cloak the explosion. Many townspeople mistook the noise as fireworks from revelers belatedly celebrating Christmas, but a few living near the bank suspected what was happening. Collins, however, warned them off by directing his fire at any residence with a light switched on or a face in a window.

It took Rudolph 15 minutes to fix a second charge and blow open the safe. The second explosion confirmed the suspicions of the curious, but by then it was too late. Rudolph emerged from the bank toting a sack containing some $12,000 in cash and securities. He and Collins started east on foot and made their circuitous way back to the Rudolph home. A day or two later they went to Hot Springs, Ark., for two weeks before returning to Stanton in mid-January 1903.

Meanwhile, Pinkerton agent Charles J. Schumacher of St. Louis arrived in Franklin County to investigate the bank robbery. Schumachers inquiries led him to Stanton, where he learned that Rudolph had recently returned to the area after a long absence and that lately his stepfather had been spending money freely. On January 22 the detective and a companion, masquerading as rabbit hunters, called at the Rudolph residence about four miles north of Stanton and asked for something to eat. Mrs. Rudolph invited them in, and her son calmly told the men to set their guns in a corner. Willie, with two pistols strapped to his waist, positioned himself between his guests and their weapons as his mother served them dinner.

Schumacher left the home convinced young Rudolph had participated in the bank robbery, and upon his return to Stanton he promptly telephoned the county sheriffs office at Union. Deputy Sheriff Louis Vedder met Schumacher that afternoon in Stanton with a warrant for Rudolphs arrest for his participation in the earlier Schwartz robbery.

About 8 oclock the next morning Schumacher set out on foot with Vedder and two other men, arriving at the Rudolph home a little after 10. Vedder knocked at one of the two front doors with Schumacher close behind him and the other two deputies farther back. Willie Rudolph and George Collins sprang from the other door, both with a revolver in each hand, and opened fire. Schumacher, their primary target, was killed instantly, a bullet through his brain.

His companions retreated and briefly exchanged shots with the desperadoes before withdrawing to Stanton. When news of Schumachers killing reached Union, a sheriffs posse headed toward the crime scene and split up to scour the immediate area. The fugitives spent several hours trying to obtain horses to make a getaway before an Armistead kinsman sold Rudolph two ponies late in the afternoon. As the outlaws rode southwest, they happened upon two posse members. After another exchange of gunfire, the fugitives made their escape.

At the Rudolph home later that day the posse found Schumachers body still lying where it had fallen and returned the corpse to Stanton. The next day law men searched the Rudolph property and found a sack of silver that had been taken in the Union bank robbery. The entire Rudolph family was arrested and taken to Union for questioning.

Rudolph and Collins, meanwhile, abandoned their horses and hopped a freight train bound for Memphis. There they boarded another train to Collins hometown of Hartford, Conn., where they felt they would be safe. However, detectives searching a stove at the Rudolph home found a charred scrap of paper bearing the words GEORGE COLLINS, HARTFORD, CONN. Pinkerton agents arrested the fugitives there on March 1, 1903.

Returned to Union, the two outlaws faced indictment for first-degree murder in Schumachers death. Authorities took them to St. Louis for safekeeping, as the Franklin County jail was not considered secure enough. A large crowd outside the Four Courts jail in St. Louis greeted Rudolph and Collins as if they were returning heroes, with the handsome Rudolph, in particular, drawing the attention of several young women in the crowd.

The St. Louis facility, though, was apparently not particularly secure either. On July 6, 1903, Rudolph escaped by breaking through the skylight of the facilitys central hall. Lawmen picked up his trail three days later in northwest Missouri but lost all trace of the fugitive soon after. Upon learning of the escape, William Pinkerton declared the world was not big enough to hide Rudolph, but a massive manhunt turned up no sign of him for more than six months.

Then, on the night of January 16, 1904, Rudolph and a young man named Rogers were thwarted in Cleveland, Mo., while preparing to blow open a bank safe in that small town. Fleeing across the nearby state line to Louisburg, Kan., they botched an attempt to blow open a safe at a train depot and were apprehended early the next morning by the local order of the Anti Horse Thief Association.

Rogers was turned over to Missouri authorities on a charge of horse stealing, while Rudolph, who gave his name as Albert Gorney, was charged with attempting to rob the safe at Louisburg. He pled guilty, hoping that under an assumed name in the Kansas State Penitentiary he would be safe from discovery by authorities in Missouri.

About the time Rudolph arrived at the Lansing, Kan., prison on February 10, the Pinkerton agency received a copy of the mug shot taken after his recent arrest. William Pinkerton recognized it and sent a detective to Lansing to make a positive identification. When the inmate was brought to the wardens office on February 15, the detective said, Hi, Bill, and the startled Al Gorney knew he had been found out.

After other evidence confirmed the identification, the governor of Kansas pardoned Rudolph on the burglary conviction so he could stand trial in Missouri for the murder of Detective Schumacher. Rudolphs recapture and extradition made headlines across the country. Seemingly suggesting that his primitive upbringing might have contributed to his criminal behavior, The New York Times observed that Rudolph came from a family of crackers living in one of the wildest sections of Missouri. But Rudolphs hometown Franklin County Tribune noted that his mother and stepfather, although poor, were considered honest. What everyone, even the lads own mother, seemed to agree on was that Willie Rudolph was always a bad boy.

Rudolphs trial began at Union in late March 1904. He was in the courthouse on Saturday, March 26, when Collins was hanged from a gallows in the adjoining jail yard for the same crime for which Rudolph was being tried. Within hours a jury returned a verdict of guilty in Rudolphs own case.

A series of appeals held up Rudolphs execution for more than a year. As his date with death approached, Rudolph wrote two letters from his jail cell to William Pinkerton, pleading with the detective chief to please use his powerful influence with the governor to have my sentence commuted, but the Missouri Kids time ran out on May 8, 1905. He bade goodbye to his mother from his jail cell and then was led to the gal lows. A crowd of more than 200 people, including many female admirers, gathered to witness the spectacle. Hanged with a short rope, Rudolph writhed in agony for several minutes before dying of strangulation.

Originally published in the December 2012 issue of Wild West. To subscribe, click here.
Killed in action in September 1917 leading Romanian troops into battle, Ecaterina Teodoroiu was likely the first woman in the 20th century to command a male infantry unit in combat. Today shes regarded as a national heroine, but during Romanias communist era (194789) she was a nonperson due to her association with the former royal family. It was that connection, however, that led to her infantry commission.

Born in 1894 into a farming family, Teodoroiu initially trained as a schoolteacher, then in 1913 joined the Romanian branch of the international Scouting movementanother target of the postwar communist regime. When Romania entered the war on the side of the Allies in August 1916, Teodoroiu volunteered as a field nurse so as to be close to her brothers. Working on the Eastern Front that October, she joined an ad-hoc band of reservists and civilians who repulsed Bavarian troops seeking to cross a bridge over the Jiu River. Impressed by her courage under fire, the royal family invited Teodoroiu to visit them in Bucharest.

A week later, on November 1, Teodoroius brother Nicolae, a sergeant in the 18th Infantry Regiment, was killed in action. Wanting to avenge his death, Ecaterina sought permission to join the unit as a volunteer. It was an unprecedented request, one that undoubtedly would have been denied if not for the support of the royal family. She soon proved her worth by devising a ruse that allowed the unit to evade the Germans. Teodoroiu was captured, but she managed to escape with light wounds after shooting her German guard in the head with a concealed revolver. Days later she fought in skirmishes near Barbatesti and Tantareni, then in the fighting near Filiasi, where she suffered shrapnel wounds to both legs.

Released from a Bucharest hospital in January 1917, Teodoroiu requested reassignment to the 43rd/59th Infantry Regiment as a volunteer nurse. Heartbroken by the harsh conditions, she appealed to Queen Marie for relief. The monarch sent the nurse back to the front with cigarettes and supplies for the men. On March 10 Teodoroiu received the Military Virtue Medal 2nd Class for her prior combat actions. A week later King Ferdinand I awarded her the MVM 1st Class and commissioned her a brevet sublieutenant. Teodoroiu took command of a 25-man infantry platoon in the regiments 7th Company.

In early August 1917 Teodoroius regiment was part of the First Army reserve when a Russo-Romanian force launched an offensive against the Austro-Hungarian First Army (which included German units) around Marasesti and the Siret River. The 43rd/59th crossed the river and bivouacked close to the front. Two weeks later the unit dug into a defensive position near Muncelu-Varnita. Anticipating an enemy attack, and recognizing Teodoroius propaganda value, Brig. Gen. Ernest Brosteanu, commander of the 11th Division, ordered her to withdraw to a mobile hospital in the rear. She refused.

On September 3 the German 115th Division struck the 11th Division lines in force. While leading her platoon in a counterattack, Teodoroiu was killed by a burst of machine gun fire.

The costly but successful defense was the last major battle of World War I on Romanian soil between the Central Powers and Romania. Though the Germans and Austro-Hungarians had occupied much of the country, the Battle of Marasesti kept the northeastern region free from occupation.

Teodoroiu was buried near the front, but in 1921 her remains were reinterred near the bridge she had helped defend. Among other memorials in her honor is a stone plinth near the village of Muncelu, marking the spot where she fell at the head of her men. MH
Exactly what happened in that Hays City saloon remains a mystery, but details have since emerged about the two 7th Cavalry troopers shot by Deputy U.S. Marshal Hickok.

For a brief stint in 1869 James Butler Wild Bill Hickok was sheriff of Ellis County, Kansas. A year later, in July 1870, Deputy U.S. Marshal Hickok revisited the bustling county seat, Hays City. He was drinking in one of the saloons when two troopers of Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custers 7th U.S. Cavalry suddenly accosted him. In the ensuing struggle Hickok mortally wounded one soldier and severely injured another with a pistol shot to his knee. The cause of the brawl is unknown, though it was most likely triggered by a confrontation the wounded trooper had had with Hickok when Wild Bill was county sheriff. Hickok was lucky to escape the 1870 fight alive. The soldier who eventually died had reportedly pressed his Remington pistol to Wild Bills ear and pulled the trigger, only to have it misfire.

Contemporary newspaper accounts differed about how many soldiers were involved and exactly what happened. False accounts have since surfaced repeatedly in the growing Hickok literature, a biographer here and there embellishing the narrative, further submerging the truth in the miry bog of myth.

Some authors have suggested Wild Bill was wounded. In the first Hickok biography, published in 1880, J.W. Buel wrote that the fight involved 15 soldiers and began in Paddy Welchs saloon on North Main Street, a few doors east of Tommy Drums saloon. According to Buel, a drunken sergeant challenged Wild Bill to a fight in the street. Hickok was easily winning when 14 of the sergeants comrades joined in and pummeled Wild Bill until the saloon owner handed the marshal his revolvers. Hickok killed one soldier, shot dead three more and mortally wounded two others. Hickok took seven woundsthree shots in his arms, three in the legs and a flesh wound in his side. Lieutenant General Philip Sheridan, claimed Buel, was so incensed that he ordered Wild Bill be brought to justice, dead or alive.

In all likelihood Hickok was not wounded in the saloon fight. Annie Gibson Roberts, who was visiting nearby Fort Hays at the time of the brawl, wrote in her diary of reports Wild Bill had been shot. Other than her diary entry, however, no contemporary accounts confirm his having been wounded. Indeed, within a week Hickok was again performing his duties as a deputy U.S. marshal, and in September he traveled to Abilene, Kan., to arrest a counterfeiter.

Tracing the two soldiers lives has been a long process. No one had confirmed their actual namesJeremiah Lonergan and John Kile until Hickok biographer Joseph G. Rosa turned to military records almost 50 years ago in search of the truth surrounding the brawl. An accurate account of their military careers has remained hidden until now.

Most people writing about Hickok continued to use Buels embellished account until 1933 when biographer William Connelley changed the story and delivered the mythical coup de grace in Wild Bill and His Era: The Life and Adventures of James Butler Hickok. In it Connelley asserted the greatest conceivable fiction as fact: The real perpetrator of the brawl was not a sergeant but rather Colonel Custers younger brother, a wild and drunken 1st Lt. Thomas Custer. According to Connelley, Tom liked to get drunk in Hays City when Hickok was serving as sheriff in 1869. On one such spree Tom ran his horse into a saloon. When he couldnt get it to jump on the billiard table (something he had seen Hickok do with his own horse), Tom angrily shot his horse dead. Hickok arrested him. It was then, Connelley claimed, the brash lieutenant vowed revenge and enlisted three soldiers to kill the sheriff. While Wild Bill was drinking in a saloon on New Years Day 1870, one soldier jumped on his back and pinned his arms while another leaped upon him to hold him down. Hickok managed to free one of his six-shooters and fire behind him, instantly killing one soldier. He then shot and killed another soldier whod taken aim at him. Finally, he fired over his shoulder again, killing the third soldier. Hickok then fled, knowing the entire 7th Cavalry would seek revenge.

Eugene Cunningham enshrined this fantastical Tom Custer connection in his classic 1941 book Triggernometry: A Gallery of Gunfighters. There was no longer any need to create new myths in the brawl. The legend had become factand it would mask the truth for decades. Connelley provided no documentation for the incredible tale in his book, but among his papers in the Western history collections of the Denver Public Library the author reveals that his account follows very closely a letter he received in 1925 from a Kansan named Rolla W. Coleman. But Coleman was not even born until seven years after the brawl, and he had waited until he was nearly 50 before sharing his account with Connelley. A weaker source could not be found. Further, if there were a grain of truth in this ridiculous account, one would find supporting documentation in the many surviving letters and accounts of the 7th Cavalry officers and enlisted men. George and Tom Custer had their detractors within the regiment, but not one of them hints at such a possibility.

The truth of the brawl began to unfold in 1964 when Rosa published They Called Him Wild Bill: The Life and Adventures of James Butler Hickok. From untapped records in the National Archives in Washington, D.C., Rosa set straight exactly when the brawl happenedJuly 17, 1870confirming the date in Annie Roberts diary, and established that only two troopers were shot, one fatally. This version is supported by the first publication to mention the brawl, W.E. Webbs 1872 travelogue Buffalo Land.

When Rosa put out his second edition in 1974, he had learned a bit more, with the discovery of an obscure 1909 newspaper account of the brawl in The Newton (Mass.) Circuit by 7th Cavalry veteran John Ryan. Ryan had served 10 years in Custers cavalry and was the sergeant of Company M, to which the troopers involved in the brawl were assigned. Unlike others, Ryan really was there in 1870, and he knew both soldiers. He identified Jerry Lonergan as the soldier wounded. Ryan added interesting details about the soldier Hickok killed, noting the man had earlier deserted from Company M under the name John Kelley but upon reenlistment had gone by another name, which Ryan spelled as Kyle (a misspelling of the soldiers real name, John Kile). Further, Ryan made clear the saloon in which the brawl happened was that of Tommy Drum, not Paddy Welch, as noted in Buels biography.

Ryans newspaper account was more fully fleshed out in his personal memoirs, which were lost for many years before being discovered in 2000 and edited and published by Sandy Barnard as Ten Years With Custer: A 7th Cavalrymans Memoirs. In the memoirs Ryan claimed Lonergan and Hickok had some trouble once before, which caused this action.

From Ryan we learn that the troopers snuck into town from Camp Sturgis, near Fort Hays and across the river from Hays City, after the bugler had sounded tattoo. At their favorite haunt, Tommy Drums saloon, they became very drunk and no doubt boisterous, probably from two to four hours of merrymaking. Seeing Hickok standing at the bar, Lonergan threw himself upon the back of Wild Bill, quickly taking him down and holding him from behind to prevent the marshal from using his arms. But Lonergan couldnt keep Hickok from pulling a revolverWild Bill had a reputation for placing his six-shooters backward in his belt for easy retrieval in cases just like thisand pointing it behind him. Kile, seeing Hickok gaining the advantage on his buddy, pulled his Remington pistol from his belt and put the barrel against Hickoks ear. To Wild Bills fortune the gun misfiredRemingtons were notorious for misfires and, on occasion, blowing upand before Kile could get off a second shot, Hickok pulled his trigger, striking Kile in the wrist. A second shot followed, piercing Kile through his stomach. With Kile mortally wounded, Wild Bill got off yet a third shot, this one striking Lonergan in the knee and thus freeing the marshal from the soldiers grasp. With that, Hickok sprang to his feet and smashed through a window into the night, never again to appear in Hays City.

Had Kiles revolver not misfired, few people today would know the name Wild Bill Hickok. Instead, the drunken Kansas brawl marked one of Hickoks many violent encounters on his way to lasting fame as probably the most accurate, brave and lucky of the plainsmen who endure in the legacy of famous gunfighters.

Scholars and enthusiasts know the rest of Hickoks life story, including his last moments at a card table in Dead- wood, Dakota Territory, in August 1876. But a fuller picture of the two soldiers who participated in the Hays City brawl has only recently come to light via records in the National Archives.

Jeremiah Lonergan, born in Cork, Ireland, and 22 when he enlisted in New York City on December 26, 1867, again found himself in serious trouble just six months after his fight with Hickok. In a drunken rage after taps he repeatedly kicked at a sleeping corporal, yelling: Get out of that bed, you Dutch son of a bitch, you bastard.If I had a revolver, I would kill every Dutch son of a bitch in the quarters. He then drew a knife and threatened the company first sergeant. In addition, according to his court-martial record, he did with forethought and malicious intent, commit a nuisance in the quarters of his troop. One soldier testified that Lonergan threatened, He would s___ in the room [barracks] if he had a mind to, and nobody would say a word to him. Indeed, continued the soldier, He [Lonergan] stopped and done his business in the quarters, [making] a deposit of man manure on the floor.

When 1st Sgt. Frederick Thies told Lonergan he was going to the guardhouse, the quick-tempered soldier replied, Before I go to the guardhouse, I shall give you some more trouble. Thies quickly put on his belt and pistol and then ordered him to the guardhouse. Lonergan drew a clasp knife from his pocket, opened it and threatened, If you say another word to me, Ill cut the guts out of you. The sergeant then drew his pistol, subduing Lonergan.

Convicted by court-martial, Lonergan was sentenced to nearly three years at Fort Leavenworth in Kansasthe rest of his initial five-year enlistmentand then given a dishonorable discharge. While in prison he sought to have his sentence commuted. His poorly spelled request reads: I hereby ask for a remission of sentence and to be again restored to duty, if such is possible, having bin in the U.S. service since 61 and endured all the hard ships of a soldiers life during the late rebellion, suffered the hard ships of Southern prison as a prisoner of war for eight months. Upon being discharged, I again joined the Regular Army and have served honorably ever since, until the misfortune of being court-martialed befell me. I have no disliken to become a soldier again, having never deserted the Army. I feel my self capable of doing the duty of a soldier in every respect.

Superiors turned down Lonergans request with this comment: He is probably a coarse blackguard, when sober, yet the record makes it apparent that the words and acts for which he was tried and sentenced were the result of intoxication. His threats were the boasts of a drunken man. The service wanted nothing more to do with him, and after being sentenced, he disappeared from history. Ryans memoirs erroneously reported that Lonergan deserted and was later killed by an infantryman during another drunken brawl at another saloon somewhere in Kansas.

John Kiles military career was more complex marked by desertions, courts-martial, prison sentences, heroic actions and manipulations of the military system (see chart at right). Kile first enlisted as a teenager in the 5th Cavalry on December 9, 1865. On November 20, 1866, he deserted. Three days later he reenlisted as John Kelley into the 7th Cavalry, serving in Company M with John Ryan. On June 20, 1867, he deserted the 7th Cavalrysurprisingly, with Ryan, who omitted the incident from his memoirs. On July 24 he reenlisted as John Kile into the 37th Infantry. On May 1, 1868, he was court-martialed and given a dishonorable discharge as well as a three-year prison sentence, from which he escaped. He then turned himself in on August 19, 1868, to face a court-martial for his earlier 5th Cavalry desertion. He was sentenced to eight months of hard labor. After finishing in May 1869, he participated in the 5th Cavalry Republican River Expedition.

On July 8, 1869, he had a fight with Indians, for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor, receiving it on August 24 but with his name given as Kyle. The misspelling came from Lieutenant William Volkmars itinerary report that Brevet Maj. Gen. Eugene A. Carr used to write the MOH recommendation. On May 17, 1870, Kile finished his 5th Cavalry enlistment as a first sergeant, a soldier described as having good character. Two weeks later he reenlisted using the misspelled name John Kyleinto the 1st Infantry in Buffalo, N.Y. But he deserted the next day and then reenlisted one last time, back in the 7th Cavalry, on June 9, as John Kile. He reported for duty at Fort Hays on June 26 and just three weeks later had his fatal brawl with Hickok. Even this short version of Kiles career is confusing and begs for further elaboration.

Kiles early service with the 5th Cavalry dealt with the Federal occupation of the Southern states at the close of the Civil War. In late fall 1866 he was part of a detail that escorted citizen prisoners, guerrillas, etc., from Mitchellville, Tenn. (north of Nashville), to Louisville, Ky. Kile rode the train north and delivered the prisoners, but on November 20 he missed the return train from Louisville (he was probably drinking) and was charged with desertion. Three days later he enlisted in the 7th Cavalry under the alias John Kelley. He was soon promoted to corporal of Company M and in the summer of 1867 participated in George Custers Hancock Expedition as well as Custers first independent Indian campaign (see Custers First Fight With Plains Indians, by Jeff Broome, in the June 2007 Wild West). He again deserted when Custers command was in Nebraska. The military records vary as to the exact date he disappeared, but in all likelihood he was discovered missing on the morning of June 20. He then reenlisted a month later as John Kile in the 37th Infantry.

Because of Kiles 186667 7th Cavalry stint as John Kelley, he was immediately recognized as a deserter when he returned to the regiment in 1870 (more on what happened in between later). Ryans memoirs recount what happened next, but they do not mention Ryans desertion with Kelley/Kile. In fact, superiors had exonerated Ryan from his 1867 desertion, buying his argument that while going to retrieve water for several canteens at a stream not far from Custers Fort McPherson command, he had become hopelessly lost in a dense fog. (Hed turned himself in two months after disappearing.) That same alibi would now work for Kelley/Kile, since he and Ryan both were corporals when they deserted together.

Ryan wrote that upon his friends return in 1870, he took Kelley/Kile to Custer. General, Ryan told Custer, I have brought a man to you by the name of Kelley. He has surrendered to me as a deserter. Ryan recalled: The general asked me what company he deserted from, and I told him Co. M.He also asked me what kind of man he was, and I told him that he was a very good soldier and a corporal in my company.During the time that Kelley had been away from the 7th Cavalry, he enlisted in the 5th U.S. Cavalry and served under General [Eugene] Carr over in the Department of the Platte and had some meritorious papers from that general. Custer replied, Well, Sergeant Ryan, you take him back and report him to the 1st sergeant of his company for duty. Not sure which company to take him to, Ryan said to Custer, Kelley deserted from Co. M, my company, and he was now assigned to Co. I. Custer, according to Ryan, then told him to take Kelley back to the 1st sergeant of Co. M and turn him over for duty.

National Archives records confirm that Kelley/ Kile was actually the same person, a question that had troubled Rosa and other writers. When Kile was killed, the company commander filled out a standard form explaining the cause of death. Captain Myles Keogh, commander of Company I, filled out that form: Death of pistol shot received July 17, 1870, at Hays City, Kansas. Died in post hospital at Fort Hays, Kans., July 18, 1870. Headquarters sent back Keoghs statement, as he had failed to indicate whether the death was in the line of duty. Keogh amended the form, explaining that Kile died at Fort Hays, Kans. (in post hospital), by reason of pistol ball wound received July 17, 1870, in a drunken row at Hays City, Kans., and not in the line of duty. Private Kile (alias Kelley) was originally a deserter of Troop M of this regiment and on reenlisting was assigned to Troop I but attached and doing duty with Troop M at the time he was killed. The form provided another clue about Kile when Keogh added: Last served in Co. M, 5th U.S. Cavalry. Discharged May 17, 1870. The 5th Cavalry muster rolls confirm this soldier enlisted December 9, 1865, and deserted November 20, 1866.

After his 1867 desertion from Custers command, Kelley/Kile enlisted in the 37th Infantry as John Kilewhere things took a downturn. He was assigned to Company C and sent to northern New Mexico Territory, where his company was to construct a new camp, later named Fort Lowell. On Christmas Day 1867 Kile was arrested for being drunk and, worse yet, accused with two other soldiers of breaking into the sutlers store and taking more than $600 in merchandise, including clothes and boots. Kile was found guilty of all charges, sentenced to a dishonorable discharge and ordered to serve three years in the federal prison in Jefferson City, Mo.

Though records are unclear exactly how Kile avoided his sentence in Jefferson City, he certainly did. Penitentiary records show he was never admitted. Since Fort Lowell was literally in the middle of nowhere, it was a few weeks before an escort could take him from New Mexico Territory to Missouri. The Company C, 37th Infantry muster roll for June 1868 states that Lieutenant [John W.] Jordan was removed from command of his company for leaving the company in charge of prisoners. It can be surmised that Kile escaped from his escort.

Kile next appeared before military authorities in Gallatin, Tenn., where he voluntarily surrendered for his November 20, 1866, desertion from the 5th Cavalry, his initial enlistment into the Army. At this second court-martial for his first desertion, he pled guilty and asked for consideration from the court in sentencing, noting that his intentions were not bad when he deserted. Kile gave an interesting statement regarding why he deserted:

When I went to Louisville, I turned over the prisoners and went up in town and expected to be back in time for the train in company with some of the men of the detachment. I did not mean to stay but stayed until after the train left and the detachment went away. I stayed a considerable time over my time, and was afraid to come back on account of punishment, and thought Captain [Edward H.] Leib was down on me, as a few days previous to that he had threatened to have me driven out of the company. That was one reason I did not come back. Afterward I was sorry for what I had done, and seen [sic] that I was wrong, and came back and reported. I hope the court will be just enough to give me a just and fair trial, as my intentions were not bad when I left.

By May 1869 he was back serving in his company and soon promoted to corporal. Carrs Republican River Expedition engaged in several fights with the hostile Cheyenne Dog Soldiers under the leadership of Tall Bull, and Kile distinguished himself in each one. In one skirmish he fought alongside 23-year-old scout Buffalo Bill Cody. The Indians, smarting from their losses, went into north-central Kansas and conducted a series of retaliatory raids against outlying settlements and stage stations, killing several settlers and capturing two women (see Death at Summit Springs: Susanna Alderdice and the Cheyennes, by Jeff Broome, in the October 2003 Wild West).

Shortly after the womens capture, Carr again went in pursuit of the Indians. In early July, as Carr moved from Nebraska into Colorado Territory, he sent nearly half of his command under Brevet Major William Bedford Royall to follow one trail west, roughly along the Republican River, while he stayed with the rest of his command and crossed the Republican in a southwest direction following the Arikaree River. Royalls command, including Kiles Company M, had a brisk skirmish with a few warriors, killing three. Running out of rations, Royall rejoined Carr. When the two forces came together on July 7, Carr withdrew the command to a campsite very close to where the 1868 Battle of Beecher Island had been fought.

The next day Corporal Kile and two privates volunteered to retrieve a horse Royall had abandoned. They found the horse and were returning to camp when a dozen Dog Soldiers charged into them. Lieutenant Volkmar wrote that the men were attacked by a much superior force of Indians, of whom they killed and wounded three and made their escape.

Carr reported that the soldiers killed the lame horse for defense and repelled the Indians. Corporal John Kyle [Kile], Company M, 5th Cavalry, was in charge of the party; he showed especial bravery on this, as he had done on previous occasions. Another officer with Carr, George Price, later wrote that Kyle/Kile had a brilliant affair at Dog Creek, in which the Indians13 of themsurrounded the small party but soon lost three killed and departed.

The biggest fight in Carrs expedition, however, happened three days later at Summit Springs in northeast Colorado Territory among the most significant and underrated battles of the entire Indian wars era. There, in the early afternoon of July 11, 1869, Carrs command surprised an unsuspecting Cheyenne village of 84 lodges. When the 5th Cavalry Kile and Cody includedcharged in with a contingent of Pawnee Indian scouts, they routed the village. Though most of the nearly 500 Cheyennes escaped, the troopers and scouts killed anywhere from 52 to 73 Dog Soldiers, including Chief Tall Bull. Only one soldier was wounded. A warrior killed captive Susanna Alderdice when the fight began. Captive Maria Weichel was shot in the back but recovered.

Kile was discharged on May 17, 1870, his enlistment having expired. Within two weeks he surfaced in Buffalo, N.Y., and reenlisted on June 2 in the 1st Infantry. In Kiles era, when a soldier reenlisted within 30 days after finishing an earlier enlistment, he would receive an additional $2 per month in pay throughout the reenlistment. Another $2 was given to anyone issued a Certificate of Merit, an official recognition of acts of bravery short of receiving the Medal of Honor. Kiles MOH papers more than qualified him for the extra $2 per month.

But he enlisted as John Kyle, rather than under his real name of Kile, and within a day deserted. He then went to Chicago and on June 9 reenlisted yet again, this time back into the 7th Cavalry, as John Kile. Information written on both enlistment papers verifies his earlier enlistment with the 5th Cavalry, proving that Kyle/Kile was the same man.

Why did Kile use the name Kyle when he enlisted in New York, and why did he immediately desert? Army regulations at the time mandated no large bonuses for reenlistment, so that cannot be the reason.

Kiles use of the name Kyle was probably to avoid detection, as Kile had a 37th Infantry bad conduct discharge and had escaped a prison sentence. If he enlisted under his real name, the records could potentially catch up to him, and if caught, he faced years behind bars and the end of his military career. Kile may have deserted so quickly because he recognized an officer who would remember him from New Mexico Territory. The prospect of arrest would have convinced him to desert. Desertion had served his needs in the past, so why not again?

Kile obviously wanted a military career and apparently loved Army life. Thus he reenlisted one week later, hoping to continue his chosen career. He avoided the infantry and instead enlisted back into the cavalry as John Kile, the only name he could use and remain eligible for the monthly reenlistment and Medal of Honor bonuses, since he had just deserted under the name Kyle. But, as destiny proclaimed, he was assigned back to the 7th Cavalry. It was fortuitous that John Ryan recognized him almost upon arrival, for it was then very easy for George Custer, given Ryans testimony, to exonerate Kile (Kelley) for his 1867 desertion. Kiles 5th Cavalry papers revealing both the coveted Medal of Honor and his former rank of first sergeant was gravy on the meat. Custer had every reason to believe Kile was a meritorious soldier and would perform well back in his regiment. Kile no doubt felt likewise.

The deadly Hays City brawl on July 17, 1870, finally brought an end to John Kiles long string of desertions and reenlistments. Events seemed to have played out that night the way they often did in frontier saloons when men drank too much. Lonergan and Kile annoyed the wrong man, one who knew how to use a six-shooter better than almost anyone and who was fully prepared to defend himself. Kiles killer, Wild Bill Hickok, went on to an equally violent demise six years later in Deadwoodfatally shot from behind by drifter Jack McCall on August 2, 1876. That June, of course, George and Tom Custer, Keogh and many other 7th Cavalry officers died at the Little Bighorn.

One can only wonder what history would reflect had Kiles service revolver not misfired that night he brawled with a frontier legend. Certainly Kile would be much better remembered todayas the Medal of Honor recipient who killed Wild Bill Hickok. Instead, Kile died at 24. Today Kiles remains are interred at the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery. His headstone bears the insignia and gold trim of an MOH recipient and, after more than 130 years, his real name. He at least deserves that.

Jeff Broome of Colorado is writing a book about Hickok and the 1870 Hays City brawl. Also see They Called Him Wild Bill and Wild Bill Hickok, Gunfighter, both by Joseph G. Rosa.

Originally published in the December 2012 issue of Wild West. To subscribe, click here.
Agrovesna 2011 berry cooperative plans to build an agroindustrial park for cooling, processing and packaging its products in Kyiv region.

"We are looking for an investor not only with money but also with technologies for the construction of an agroindustrial park, where there will be cooling, freezing, packaging, processing of fruit and berry products. Investments in such a park are estimated at $20 million to $30 million," cooperative director Oleksandr Tkachuk told Interfax-Ukraine.

Now 12 cooperative member companies manage 500 hectares of land. Participants in the cooperative grow blueberries, currants, raspberries, and strawberries.

"We have dormitories for 500 employees, joint equipment, we get consultations of foreign specialists together, we buy plant protection agents together, buy packaging, cool berries, and we jointly sell them," he added.

He said the enterprises that become members of the cooperative initially invest UAH 1-5 million in development.

Agrovesna 2011 sells its products in the domestic market, but plans to develop exports, therefore it is now passing GlobalGAP certification.
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
He's coming back after a successful stint here last year.

Badly Drawn Boy is returning to Ireland after headlining Bundoran's Sea Sessions and playing the Galway Arts Festival last year.

Known to his mother as Damon Gough, he plays Whelans, Dublin on October 18 for a gig packed with hits and more than a few surprises.

"I really love playing Ireland and I cant wait to get back there. I get a lot of love from the Irish Audience and I always get looked after, Gough says.

According to the press release, "Damon is having something of second coming and as he says himself hes only half way through his career. He likes to think of the second half only starting now."

Badly Drawn Boy first came to prominence with the Mercury Prize winning The Hour Of The Bewlinderbeast in 2000.

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His soundtrack to the 2002 Hugh Grant film About A Boy was critically acclaimed and featured two successful singles, Silent Sigh and Something To Talk About.

Tickets are one sale now at 27.50. Get them online at WAV Tickets or Lo-Call 1890 200 078.A 50 cent service charge applies per ticket.

In the meantime, here's some Badly Drawn Boy to whet your appetite:
Instagram have published their top 15 most influential accounts to celebrate the one year anniversary of their Instagram Stories Feature.

??? Ein Beitrag geteilt von Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata) am 18. Mai 2017 um 13:26 Uhr This article can only be read with a Premium Account Please Log In or Subscribe to continue reading
It's the latest track they've revealed from their upcoming album Villains.

One of the last remaining rock titans of the modern era Queens Of The Stone Age have released a new track.

'The Evil Has Landed' is a stormer that manages to be funky, danceable and dystopic all at once.

Its jerky sway is reminiscent of similar tracks from its 2013 opus ...Like Clockwork, but the last 40 seconds ramp up the rock steamroller.

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New album Villains comes out on August 25.

Queens' Dublin gig in the 3 Arena on November 24 is already sold out.
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(Bloomberg) -- Alphabet Inc.s Google canceled an all-hands meeting to address gender issues and the firing of an engineer who stirred controversy with a memo about hiring practices, citing concerns over staff safety.

In a memo to employees on Thursday afternoon, Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai said he canceled the meeting after questions to be asked at the meeting were posted online, raising concerns that employees identified in the leak would be harassed.

"In recognition of Googlers concerns, we need to step back and create a better set of conditions for us to have the discussion," Pichai wrote. "So in the coming days we will find several forums to gather and engage with Googlers, where people can feel comfortable to speak freely." A Google spokeswoman declined to comment further.

James Damore, a software engineer for the company, wrote an internal memo saying that women are biologically less suited than men to be engineers. It also decried Googles efforts to diversify its workforce. Google fired him Monday, saying that the memo violated the company code of conduct and advanced "harmful gender stereotypes in our workplace.

Damore has said that Google executives had "shamed" him for the views expressed in the memo.

The memo and firing has placed the company into the center of a maelstrom of political controversy. Several commentators, some of representing the far right, have blasted the companys decision, accusing it of suppressing free speech.

On Thursday, Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican Congressman from California, joined the online fray in support for Damore. "If Silicon Valley continues with its illegal hiring practice Congress must investigate #googlememo," he wrote on Twitter. Ken Grubbs, a spokesman for Representative Rohrabacher, did not return a request for comment. Google has denied Damores charge that its hiring practices are illegal.

To contact the reporters on this story: Mark Bergen in San Francisco at mbergen10@bloomberg.net, Ellen Huet in San Francisco at ehuet4@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Jillian Ward at jward56@bloomberg.net, Tom Giles

2017 Bloomberg L.P.
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has said that the so-called cryptocurrency Bitcoin does not have the concrete legal status in Ukraine.

"Bitcoin today does not have concrete legal status in Ukraine. The determination of the status is complicated by the absence of a common approach to the classification of Bitcoin and regulation of deals with it in the world," Deputy NBU Governor Oleh Churiy told Interfax-Ukraine.

He said that some countries permit transactions with Bitcoins. Usually Bitcoin is considered as a commodity or investment asset and relevant legislation is used for taxation purposes. In some countries Bitcoin is announced monetary unit of account.

"For example, EU legislation at present classifies Bitcoin as "digital presentation of the value not confirmed by the central bank or a public authority and it is not pegged to legally set currency exchange rates. It could be used as the means of exchange to buy goods and services, transfer and store them. It could be bought in the electronic form. The exchange of conventional currencies to Bitcoin unit is exempted from paying VAT," Churiy said.

However, in Israel, Bitcoin is not considered as currency both as financial guarantee and taxable asset. Each time when Bitcoin is sold, the seller is to pay capital gains tax.

The People's Bank of China believes that Bitcoin is a virtual commodity, not currency and its sale could be taxed with VAT. Japan has the similar approach, where Bitcoin is recognized as asset-like values. VAT is imposed on its sale.

In Australia, Bitcoin is considered as ownership and transactions with it as barter transactions.

In Canada, Bitcoin is considered as invisible asset and the transactions with it as barter transactions as well.

"Thus, in different countries Bitcoin is classified in different ways  as virtual currency, money substitute, intangible value, virtual commodity and other things. The NBU has not yet officially supported any of the presented notions," Churiy said.

He said that the NBU has commenced a dialog with the Finance Ministry, the State Fiscal Service, the State Financial Monitoring Service, the National Commission for Securities and the Stock Market and the national commission for financial service markets regulation to come to a common position on the legal status of Bitcoin and its regulation.

The issue will be discussed at the nearest meeting of the Financial Stability Council scheduled for late August, Churiy said.
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A proposed Louisiana project could define the ceiling for the future of the Texas shale boom, a report says.

While Houston and Corpus Christi are leading the way in exporting crude, they could be surpassed by plans to turn the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, or LOOP, into an export center, as well as one the receives oil imports. The LOOP is seeking customers for U.S. oil, and if interest isn't there, it will delineate the "ceiling on international demand for shale crude," said Sandy Fielden, Morningstar's director of oil and products research.

"That ceiling could pose a greater constraint on future production than lower prices or OPEC production cuts," Fielden concluded.

LOOP only imports crude, moving foreign oil to pipelines that ship it to refineries, so the 36-year-old port's plan to get into the export business is another example of how the shale revolution has reshaped the global energy industry and Gulf Coast economy. Instead of sending billions of dollars overseas to buy crude oil, the nation is now shipping it to foreign markets. Since Congress lifted the decades-old ban on crude exports at the end of 2015, U.S. crude exports have grown from about than 500,000 barrels daily in 2016 to almost 1 million per day this year, according to the U.S. Energy Department.

At the same time, terminals once planned to accept liquefied natural gas from foreign shippers have become export facilities. The U.S. energy industry's capacity to export LNG is set to increase nearly sevenfold over the next three years as companies bring gas super-cooling facilities into production.

The United States has exported more gas than it imported over the past few months, a trend the EIA expects to continue for the rest of this year and next. The advent of shale drilling has raised the nation's natural gas production by a third since 2008.

LOOP took in 900,000 barrels a day in 2010, but that has fallen to under 600,000 barrels daily. Because of the nation's falling reliance on foreign oil, a growing percentage of the oil LOOP receives now comes from Texas and the deep-water Gulf of Mexico.

While most of the country's crude exports leave Houston or Corpus Christi, the problem is that Texas' facilities can't accommodate the biggest tankers carrying full loads. They're mostly spending more time and money to use smaller vessels and then transfering those cargoes to the tanker class called very large crude carriers, or VLCC.

The first VLCC to enter Corpus Christi did so in May for testing purposes, but such vessels can't take even close to full cargo loads until terminal modifications are completed over a couple years or so.

LOOP's advantage is it can already handle the largest oil supertankers, the only Gulf Coast terminal with that capability. Exporting from LOOP would lower freight costs and allow for the blending of different crude grades to meet specific customer because of LOOP's crude storage hub.

Still, Houston and Corpus Christi remain well situated because they, and not LOOP, are best connected to pipelines from West Texas' Permian Basin, where the oil boom is focused, Fielden noted.

Collin Eaton contributed.
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PECOS - On a rocky strip of land here, six tall storage tanks guzzle oil and water flowing from a nearby well, waiting for tank trucks to rumble down dirt roads for yet another pickup.

For many drillers in the remote Delaware Basin, a section of the broader Permian Basin that stretches across West Texas and New Mexico, the only way to get crude from the fringes of oil boom towns to global markets is to dispatch fleets of trucks to scattered wells, from where they haul oil and water to terminals and various other collection points. With truckers in high demand - and commanding top salaries - it's an expensive obstacle for oil companies scraping pennies to ride out the recent drop in oil prices.

Meanwhile, as drilling rigs spread across oil fields, the Delaware Basin's sparse and jagged roads have become dangerously crowded. "They've got to get the oil to market to make any money, but it's a wild frontier," said Sandy Fielden, a Morningstar energy analyst in Austin.

A few miles south of this small town, the Houston oil company Noble Energy recently took its first step to get trucks off the road and save money in the Delaware, by firing up the first of four planned central gathering facilities - plants that collect oil, gas and water from its wells through a series of long pipelines, before treating and piping it along to various collection points. No trucks are required.

Noble brought the first facility online a few weeks ago; a second is scheduled for late 2017, and two more for the first half of 2018.

"Out in an area like this, trying to get trucks down these roads, it'd tear them to pieces, and tear up the roads, too," said Russ True, operations manager of the Permian Basin and DJ Basin in Colorado for Noble Midstream Partners, an affiliate of the Houston oil producer and owner of the facility.

Noble Energy's central gathering facilities are just a handful of the ongoing projects - pipelines, terminals, storage tanks - oil companies are building to turn oil and gas discoveries in the Delaware into marketable products. Across West Texas, as companies move farther from developed oil fields around Midland, these projects are following rigs across the empty expanses.

The region's gushing oil wells are expected to put out more crude than they can carry away in pipelines by early next year, according to Chicago research firm Morningstar. The Energy Department projects daily crude output in the Permian will reach about 2.5 million barrels this month, up from about 2 million barrels a year ago.

In the Delaware, the average oil well requires 1,800 truck trips to develop and maintain. Lined up bumper to bumper, that's 18 miles worth of trucks, according to energy research firm Wood Mackenzie. And there are thousands of wells in the region.

"As you drill more and more and move into development mode, costs creep up," said Ben Shattuck, an analyst at Wood Mac. "A centralized gathering system offsets that. You've seen that in other shale plays, and in the gas world."

In addition to getting trucks off the road, Noble's central gathering facility will shrink the size of the company's oil production operations, removing the half-dozen on-site storage tanks that each hold some 500 barrels a day. Instead, the company purchased much smaller tanks that separate oil from water and natural gas, before feeding them into separate pipelines that run to the central gathering facility.

Noble's first central gathering facility holds daily production of 10,000 barrels of oil, 20 million cubic feet of natural gas and 15,000 barrels of water that come up with the oil and gas. Noble plans to boost its oil and gas storage capacity over the next year as it ramps up oil production.

It's a strategy Noble Energy began a few years ago in the DJ Basin, another remote region where trucks jockey for elbow room on rough roads. There, the company built similar facilities, and reduced its trucking mileage by 8.8 million miles, saving 215,000 separate trips around the region.

"We learned a lot in Colorado," True said, standing in the shade near the newly active facility, a small labyrinth of interconnected pipes and storage tanks. "I actually live in that area, so I'm glad we took those trucks off the road."

In the Delaware, the company plans to bring another three central gathering facilities online by the first half of next year. All told, those four facilities will collect 90,000 barrels of oil a day, 210,000 barrels of produced water a day and 160 million cubic feet of natural gas a day, connected to Noble Energy's wells through roughly 450 miles of pipelines.

Noble Midstream plans to spend between $200 million and $220 million in the Delaware Basin developing these projects this year.

A few miles east of the Billy Miner facility, Noble Energy's first connected well is set to begin producing oil and piping it to the facility. It's an arrangement that will allow Noble's crews to drill and frack wells faster, said Donnie Moore, vice president for Texas operations at Noble.

"It's very capital-efficient and allows us flexibility in our development plans," Moore said in an interview at Noble's field offices near Pecos. "It really gives us the advantage."

Noble Energy expects to boost its domestic oil production 40 percent in the second half of the year, with a great deal of the increase coming from the Delaware. Over the past year, the company has tripled its oil production in the region, where it purchased two smaller producers, Rosetta Resources and Clayton Williams Energy, for a combined $4.8 billion in cash and stock. It now has some 118,000 net acres in the region, according to regulatory filings.

By 2020, Noble Energy expects to pump an average 125,000 barrels of oil a day in the Delaware, up from an average daily output of 27,000 barrels this year and 9,000 barrels last year. Even if oil prices continue to languish below $50 a barrel, the company expects to expand its drilling fleet here later this year from five to six rigs, Moore added.

In West Texas, the dramatic increase in drilling activity over the past year has brought back rigs, oil field workers, hydraulic fracturing crews - and trucks. Behind the wheel of a white pickup, Mark Holdsworth, Noble's production superintendent for the Delaware Basin, said he has seen traffic on the Delaware's unpaved roads surge since the beginning of the year. On his left, dozens of large trucks rumbled by, kicking up thick dust. A few months ago, these roads weren't nearly as crowded, said Holdsworth.

"This place is hopping," he said.

He tapped the pickup's brakes, wary of the growing dust cloud.
Wells Fargo & Co. Chairman Stephen Sanger will likely step down before the company's next shareholder meeting early next year as part of a shake-up of the board of directors, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Vice Chairman Elizabeth Duke will probably replace Sanger atop the San Francisco-based company's board, according to the newspaper. Wells Fargo said last week that the board is reviewing its own "structure, composition and practices," which will lead to actions to be announced later in the third quarter.

Calls for changes on the board intensified last month after the bank said 500,000 clients might have unwittingly paid for protection against vehicle loss or damage while making monthly loan payments, even though many drivers already had their own insurance policies. The disclosure follows a scandal last year in which the company acknowledged that it may have opened millions of unauthorized deposit and credit-card accounts.

New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, whose office oversees investments in city pension plans, last month called the new revelations about auto insurance a "full-blown scandal." He said the company should replace Sanger with a new independent chairman, and Wells Fargo's directors should disclose "what the board knew and when it knew it, and how executives are being held accountable."

Oscar Suris, a Wells Fargo spokesman, declined to comment about board member changes.

The bank said last week that the board's review was in response to "feedback received at our annual stockholders' meeting in April."

Sanger, 71, joined the bank's board in 2003 while chairman of General Mills and became Wells Fargo's lead director in 2012. Only three of the lender's board members have served longer. He'll turn 72 before the next annual meeting and the bank requires directors to retire by that age.

Four Wells Fargo board members, including Sanger, received less than 60 percent of investors' votes for re-election at the firm's April shareholders' meeting. Sanger got 56 percent, while Enrique Hernandez Jr. and Federico Pena both received less. Cynthia Milligan received 57 percent.

Four other members got less than 70 percent of votes: John Baker II, Lloyd Dean, James Quigley and Susan Swenson.
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The most important skill in advanced manufacturing has a funny name, but those who master the field have their pick of 388,000 openings for well-paying American jobs.

U.S. manufacturing is no longer about using your hands to turn a chunk of steel into a spare part. Today's jobs require knowing how to maintain the machines that turn raw materials into useful goods, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported last week that the number of open jobs grew in June.

"Automation does not do away with jobs. Automation simply makes the job easier," said Mike Branch, the lead mechatronics instructor at Lone Star College. "We still need people to be able to troubleshoot and repair this automation, and automation is mechatronics."

While the word will be new to many, it was invented 50 years ago by Japanese factory workers to describe the multidisciplinary knowledge needed to build and to maintain robotic factories. They combined the two main fields, mechanical engineering and electronics, to name it mechatronics.

Branch showed me around Lone Star's Energy & Manufacturing Institute, where he teaches mechatronics and students learn electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, motors, computer controls, and heating and air-conditioning equipment. All are needed to maintain a modern assembly line.

"It's a big puzzle, and it all comes together at the end of the program," Branch explained as he demonstrated a miniature assembly line that students disassemble and reassemble. About 75 percent of the training is hands-on.

One machine uses a claw to pick up a part and to position it on an arm that swings the part onto a conveyor belt. Another machine picks up the part and screws in a bolt before sending it to the next stage. The students must learn how each sorting tray, sensor, spring, motor and pneumatic arm operates and how to troubleshoot when something doesn't work.

The production line looks like a Rube Goldberg machine, but similar assembly lines make most of the devices we use today. Problem-solving and technical skills are more important than brawn.

"When I started, it was bust your knuckles and work 10-12 hours a day. ... It was maybe 15 percent automation," Branch said. "When I left there, we were about 89 percent automated. Now it's push a button and make it happen."

Anyone with mechatronics training is in high demand among Houston's major employers, including Daikin, HP, National Oilwell Varco and Halliburton, said Linda Head, associate vice chancellor at Lone Star Community College for workforce education. The college trains 160 students a year, but local companies need twice that number.

"Our employers have been adamant that they want someone who can demonstrate these skills and have been trained on equipment," Head said. "They also want someone who has behavioral skills. Someone who comes to work on time, someone who is willing to work overtime, wear a work shirt, tuck in their shirt, respect authority and understand how, when you make a mistake, that affects the business model."

The entry-level pre-apprentice course takes 10 weeks, studying eight hours a day, four days a week. The accelerated program is intended to put students into a job as quickly as possible.

"Some students who come in here have only flipped burgers," Branch said. "That's what it's about. Let's get you to work, and then you can continue your education."

Erick Quinteros, a 29-year-old former airport security guard, was doing extra work after class when I visited. He's looking for a career to support his wife and three kids, but taking time away from a regular paycheck and driving an hour each way from Brookshire to campus, were major challenges.

"I knew these two months were going to be really intense. I had to find something part time, at night, that would accommodate my schedule," he said. "Of course, I got a lot of support from my family."

Quinteros received a grant that paid for his tuition and books, so now he isn't wasting a single opportunity, including staying after class.

"The more practice I have, the more confidence I'll have going into a company and knowing what I'm talking about," Quinteros said.

Lone Star College is expanding the Energy & Manufacturing Institute to include a full-size manufacturing line, making it one of the few schools outside Germany with such an advanced facility, Head said. Local employers are pitching in and asking for more graduates.

"We need students to come in. We're adding more sections, more programs. We're trying to get more money for students, and we're creating scholarships," she said.

Automation and robots have eliminated thousands of rote, repetitive jobs. But replacing people with machines means we need people to build and to repair those machines.

Rather than dwell on losing the jobs of the past, we should be encouraging people to train for the good-paying, long-lived jobs of the future.
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Lauren Holston, a 31-year-old single mom, has been uninsured for years. Even when she worked, before losing her job a few months ago, her employer did not offer coverage. She has diabetes and Crohn's disease but rations her treatment like any other household extra these days, turning a need into a want.

On Thursday, a national foundation that studies the U.S. health-care system released a snapshot of the progress women are making under the Affordable Care Act. The Commonwealth Fund report was upbeat overall, but buried deep within the data were troubling numbers coming out of Texas.

One in four Texas women remain uninsured - nearly five times the rate of uninsured women in New York and almost 1 times higher than those in California. The Commonwealth findings show they also lag far behind in affording treatment and are struggling with medical debt.

It could've been written about Holston's life. She is three for three.

For months the Houston woman tried to ignore the unexplained bleeding, the weight loss, the exhaustion that never went away.

"I knew there was something wrong, but without insurance I just pushed through," she said.

Finally, in January she could not avoid the doctor any longer. At the Legacy Community Health clinic she got the diagnoses which, while serious, felt like relief to know what she was up against. But then she lost her job. The $50 for a doctor visit or the $150 for tests to monitor her conditions soon became occasional things if not out of reach completely.

More Information By the numbers 24 percent Texas women lacking health insurance coverage. 52 percent Texas women having cost-related access problems. 50 percent Texas women having problems paying medical bills. See More Collapse

"I skip all the time," she admitted. "I choose which tests to get and let the rest go." The last thing she needs is another medical bill in collections. She already has one unpaid tab from an emergency room visit for her daughter before the 11-year-old got coverage under CHIP, the insurance plan for low-income Texas children.

Holston lives with her mother and makes the unemployment checks stretch while she looks hard for a job with insurance.

"Absolutely, it scares me," she said Thursday. "This is no way to live."

The Commonwealth Fund 2016 Biennial Health Insurance Survey reported solid progress for women across the country since the law known as Obamacare was enacted. In 2010 the number of women, ages 19 to 64, without insurance nationwide had spiked to 20 percent or about 19 million. By 2016 it had dropped by almost half to 11 percent.

But in Texas the gains for women have been minimal, dropping only 1 percentage point from 25 percent since 2012, the report showed.

Some of the differences between states can be explained because many chose to expand Medicaid while Texas did not.

Gender-based costs

Researchers said that does not tell the whole story.

For instance, in Florida, which also did not expand Medicaid, the uninsured rate for women is 17 percent, still significantly lower than in Texas.

Overall, Texas continues to lead the nation in the number of uninsured, with an estimated 4.5 million people without coverage.

One of the biggest changes under the current law is that insurers can no longer charge women higher premiums or deny them outright simply based on gender, researchers found.

"To insurers, women's gender was in effect a pre-existing condition that signaled the potential for higher health use and higher costs," the Commonwealth study's authors wrote.

In many states, including Texas, it was once common for a healthy, non-smoking woman to pay more for a health plan than a man the same age who smoked, according to a separate 2012 study by the National Women's Law Center.

The justification for the gap was that women typically went to the doctor more than men, had more checkups and annual screenings, and, of course, had babies.

Back then, maternity coverage was often elusive if not nonexistent. In Texas, of the 118 insurance plans offered to a 30-year-old woman in the individual market in 2012, zero came with maternity coverage, the National Women's Law Center research found.

Tiffany Hogue, now a senior policy analyst for Texas Organizing Project, found out the hard way in 2007 just how difficult it was to get maternity coverage in Texas.

Pregnant with her first child, she had insurance. It was a $500-per-month transitional policy she bought as she was leaving her old job and moving to Houston so she figured all was well when she made her first obstetrics appointment. Then the bills started rolling in. None of the tests a mom-to-be gets early in pregnancy were covered nor was the doctor visit.

"What do you mean maternity is not covered?" she sputtered at her insurer.

She thought she would just buy a different policy but kept striking out.

"They said no one is going to cover you," she remembers one company telling her.

Hogue began negotiating with her doctor to lower costs. She skipped visits as well screenings and ultrasounds. Looking back she remembers how frightening it was since those are the very tools to catch potential problems.

She eventually got a job with employer-sponsored insurance that covered maternity, but there was a waiting period for it to take effect. She was not fully covered until late in her pregnancy. Her out-of-pocket costs had climbed into the thousands of dollars.

'Way behind in caring'

Maternity coverage became a requirement in all individual plans under Obamacare. Lately, though, critics have taken aim, complaining its inclusion has not only has driven up premium prices for everyone but also is inherently unfair to those who did not need it.

Sara Collins, vice president for health care coverage and access at the Commonwealth Fund, said such complaints are based "on a myth."

Maternity coverage raised premiums on average only about 4 percent while the potential harm to women and families would be dramatic. Without the requirement, out-of-pocket costs for families wanting to have babies could rise 1,000 to 3,000 percent depending on the type of delivery and how complicated it was, she said.

Health-care advocates fear such a return, saying Texas women's health could serve as a cautionary tale.

In 2016, half of Texas women still reported having trouble paying medical bills during the previous 12 months compared with 29 percent in California and 31 percent in New York, the Commonwealth research found.

Also, the study showed that 52 percent of Texas women had failed to fill a prescription, skipped a test or follow-up appointment or did not get needed specialist care because of cost. That compares to a third of women in both California and New York and 46 percent in Florida.

"It points out the sad fact that we're still way behind in caring for all of our population, particularly women," said Jose Camacho, executive director and general counsel for the Texas Association of Community Health Centers.

He called it a confluence of events that has hit Texas women hard but is not wholly unexpected because of a series of events.

Texas chose not to expand Medicaid to cover the state's poor and near-poor and it also made enrollment and outreach difficult when Obamacare was introduced in the state, he said. At roughly the same time lawmakers slashed funding to family-planning clinics in an apparent effort to defund abortion.

Camacho said one of the consequences was that women, especially in remote areas, lost their only access to health care.

"This is the picture of what eventually comes down the pike when there are so many interruptions," he said.
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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 it's not the West, it's the South.

Of France.

I'm 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 France's 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 local sparkling 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 Camargue's 400 square miles of wetlands.

More Information 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; croisieuroperivercruises.com. See More Collapse

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), we're 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 region's surprises.

B B B

The five-day journey into the heart of France's wild southeast begins as I board the Camargue, a recently refurbished two deck, 148-passenger vessel operated by CroisiEurope. France's second longest river - and the country's 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.

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, France's 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.

Europe's thousands of miles of rivers and canals have long been the continent's commercial and intellectual lifeblood, carrying a steady flow of commerce, culture and ideas. From my vantage point on the Camargue's 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 continent's 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 region's pieces des resistance.

B B B

Gilbert Arnaud can trace his family's 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, they're also exceptionally intelligent.

"Don't 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. "He's too smart for that. He's 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 Camargue's 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, they're considered ideal mounts for the work.

"Camargue horses are more pony than horse," says Arnaud.

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 Camargue's 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-Mariesde-la-Mer's 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.

It's hard to believe this languid holiday town is the Cheyenne of the Mediterranean. Then I pass the town's prominent bullfighting ring - guarded by a life-size black statue of a raging Camargue bull glaring at the cobalt sea.

B B B

In Arles, a town of 50,000 just upstream from where the Rhone forks into two branches forming the Camargue, it's said that if you start digging in your basement, you're 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.

This famously sunny town also inspired some of Vincent van Gogh's 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 city's 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 Rome's authority - outlaws in Europe's version of the Wild West - prayed, slept, ate, schemed and died.

B B B

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 l'Arc - hanging 200 feet above the valley floor.

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 soundtrack 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 France's 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 terra-cotta-roofed villages - and the same rippled lights in the water that added to van Gogh's unorthodox, untamed style. Just another starry night over the Rhone.
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The young man walked into the California urgent care clinic with a severe "ataque de nervios"  a cultural term for a psychological syndrome similar to a nervous breakdown or a panic attack. He was 18 years old, a Mexican national who'd been brought to the U.S. by his parents at age 2, and had lived without legal status all his life.

An excellent student who would be graduating from high school soon, he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders: His father, the family's main provider, recently had been deported, and his mother was ill, so now the teen worked multiple jobs to support her and his two younger siblings.

Though he had a work permit and deportation relief through the federal government's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, he couldn't see how he'd be able to afford college. With DACA facing an uncertain fate, he worried he could be deported, too.

All this was taking a serious toll, a follow-up psychological consultation revealed  he couldn't sleep well, he was struggling to focus in school, he found himself avoiding public places and distrusting others, and he was having physical symptoms with no obvious cause. He felt, at various times, fearful, sad, disappointed, anxious, worried, depressed, hopeless.

Young adult immigrants who came to the United States as children are at a high risk of suffering from mental health distress, a Rice University researcher has found. Luz Garcini, a postdoctoral fellow in the psychology department who studied the health of unauthorized Latino immigrants and deportees, says they face unique stressors due to their complicated social and legal status.

Known as "Dreamers," in reference to the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act  the as-yet failed legislation that would grant them a path to citizenship if they have a high school diploma and enlist in college, the workforce or the military  this group of immigrants typically were raised in the United States and became acculturated, striving for goals they find themselves unable to reach as they enter adulthood.

They end up living in conditions of chronic stress, fearing deportation and feeling voiceless and invisible as their opportunities diminish. But perhaps the most difficult factor, Garcini found, is the inner conflict they experience contending with a country they feel doesn't want them.

"The majority in that age group considers the United States their home," she says. "They speak fluent English, most of them have had a good education, so it's kind of like they don't know where they belong. It's that sense of identity: 'I've worked so hard to belong here, yet I'm unwanted.' Whereas probably other immigrants don't have that sense of identity conflict."

According to the Pew Research Center, about 1.1 million undocumented immigrants qualify as Dreamers. But Garcini's research would apply to an even larger group: the estimated 4.4 million undocumented immigrants under the age of 30.

Garcini, who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and a master of public health, led a research team that surveyed nearly 260 undocumented immigrant adults and found 63 percent of those aged 18 to 25 showed signs of psychological distress  the highest percentage of any age group.

More than 90 percent of all respondents cited the loss of their home, social status, family and symbolic self as the reasons for their mental health struggles. Garcini refers to this as "contextual distress"  the sense of social discrimination, stigmatization and marginalization that isolates them from work and educational communities, and leads them to internalize the negative views society reflects back on them.

"The stories repeat over and over," she says. "It's a very difficult context to be in."

Take the case of the 18-year-old in California. His consultation found that he'd internalized the stereotype of the undocumented immigrant and felt he was a burden and didn't deserve opportunity. As a result, his self-esteem had dropped, and he felt guilt and shame. He struggled with the thought that he couldn't repay his parents for the sacrifices they'd made for him or help them advance economically or socially.

His anxiety affected his performance at school and work as well as his relationships, and he mentioned feeling at risk of drinking to cope. Yet his multiple responsibilities left him little time or resources to seek therapy; he gave up on treatment and said it was easier to get help from his church community.

"They have so many things to deal with," says Garcini, that getting help "would add another layer to deal with, in terms of timing, in terms of stigma."

Garcini's research, which was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, includes suggestions for improving access to much-needed services and recommendations for culturally sensitive interventions and adaptive coping strategies. She says mental health providers can partner creatively with institutions where immigrants have stronger relationships  such as schools, community centers or faith-based groups.

"Churches are leading the way in helping us provide for the needs of this community," she says.

As a clinical practitioner, she's found that good jobs, family cohesion, and a sense of religious or spiritual faith seem to be the strongest factors that help immigrants cope and maintain a sense of hope.

"Building a social support system is extremely important," she says. "'Familismo,' maintaining the family together, is another one." She also suggests values-based intervention: "helping develop a sense of pride in their culture, a sense of pride in their accomplishments."

The next phase of her research involves collaborating with her Rice faculty mentor, Christopher Fagundes, and the Biobehavioral Mechanisms Explaining Disparities (BMED) lab to measure how stress "gets under the skin," affecting cellular immune function in the body and causing it to break down.

They're also gathering data to provide population-based estimates of the number of people at risk.

"You can only put someone through so much," she says. "And that's when you say, we need to find something. We need to find services."

Cecilia Balli is on Twitter: @ceciliaballi.

Bookmark Gray Matters. It's a cultural term for a psychological syndrome similar to a nervous breakdown or a panic attack.


Twice in the past seven years, Pasadena ISD voters have gone to the polls to approve bond measures totalling $445.6 million for campus renovations, technology, six new schools and eight "replacement campuses."

District officials promised that both bond measures wouldn't carry a property tax rate increase. Construction cost overruns meant one promised intermediate school was never built, officials said.

With more than $700 million in existing debt, trustees now are planning to ask voters to approve another $135 million in school bonds with scant information as to how the bond proceeds would be spent. And despite promises of no tax increases during the 2011 and 2014 bond elections, trustees at a meeting Wednesday approved a rollback election for Nov. 7 to authorize increasing the property tax rate by 13 cents to $1.48 per $100 of valuation, effectively a 9.6 percent tax-rate hike.

Pasadena ISD spokesman Art Del Barrio stressed that revenues from this bond would go toward operations, not debt payments.

"That portion of the rate isn't being increased," Del Barrio said.

The district said in a statement late Wednesday that a 13-cent property tax rate would generate not only $16 million in local funds but an additional $20.7 million in matching state funds. The news release didn't explain why.

Exceeding budgets

Del Barrio said that no decisions on projects had been made but a committee in the coming weeks would consider a list of projects and district needs from those not included in the 2014 bond.

In February 2016, trustees discussed problems with higher-than-anticipated construction costs and overruns that threatened construction of an intermediate school funded as part of a $175.5 million bond. The proposed $29.5 million intermediate school was needed to ease overcrowding at Thompson, Bondy and Beverly Hills intermediate schools and was to be built in the southern part of the Riverstone Ranch subdivision.

"I know asking to postpone a project is not popular. We've promised our citizens and the community this is what we're going to do," Superintendent DeeAnn Powell told trustees in 2016. "I'm not going to say we don't do a project. I just want to have time to see how these other projects come in."

Powell told Pasadena ISD trustees that recent demographic data showed the need for the intermediate school was not as pressing as the need for another new campus funded by the 2014 bond: The Dobie Ninth Grade Center, now expected to open this year.

Original estimates for construction of the 170,000-square-foot center for ninth-graders were $27 million. But the following month, trustees approved a $35.8 million construction contract to Drymalla Construction that exceeded that budget estimate by $8.8 million, documents show.

'Soaked up' workers

Cost overruns also were associated with the L. F. Smith Elementary replacement school. Trustees approved a $19.85 million contract with Drymalla Construction that was more than $4.3 million over original budget estimates. And a $25.45 million contract with Durotech Construction for the Pomeroy Elementary replacement school was roughly $8.3 million higher than original budget estimates.

At the time, trustees were told worker shortages were driving up construction costs.

"We don't have the workers because the industry soaked them up," Kevin Fornof, associate superintendent of facilities and construction, told trustees at a Feb. 26 meeting. "During the recessions, many workers left and went into other things. They had to make a living, and they're not coming back."

Plans for construction of the proposed intermediate school remain on hold - and it's unclear if the newly proposed bond would fund its construction.

Ballot language for the recently approved $135 million bond measure says the funds will be used for "construction, acquisition and equipment of school buildings." However, the bond proposal doesn't say how many schools will be built or renovated. The proposal also says bond funds will be used to purchase land for new schools, renovate and expand existing schools and purchase equipment and school buses - again, with no specifics.

Increased property tax

Trustees also agreed this week to ask voters to increase the current property tax rate of $1.35 per $100 of assessed value. It has two parts - $1.07 for maintenance and operations and $.28 for debt payments. The district's rate has remained unchanged for over a decade and is among the lowest in the greater Houston area.

According to state law, a tax ratification election is required if the district proposes a maintenance-and-operations rate higher than $1.07. Trustees hope voters will approve a 13-cent increase to the portion needed to fund daily operations; the portion for debt payments will stay the same.

District officials say the tax-rate increase is needed to cover increasing utility costs, to maintain competitive salaries for teachers, to deal with increased student enrollment and to pay for unfunded mandates from state lawmakers. Pasadena ISD officials say they must currently comply with more than 100 mandates in nine categories, such as criminal background checks for employees and volunteers, end-of-course exams and school-breakfast and lunch programs, among others.
A military confrontation with North Korea may now be "inevitable," says Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. The United States is "done talking" about North Korea, tweets U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. President Donald Trump threatens "fire and fury like the world has never seen," then says maybe his language "wasn't tough enough."

The North Koreans return verbal fire, talking of using "absolute force" to hit the U.S. territory of Guam and even "turn the U.S. mainland into the theater of a nuclear war."

In this moment of heated, belligerent rhetoric, planners in and out of government are diving into decades of plans and projections, playing out war games, engaging in the macabre semi-science of estimating death tolls and predicting how an adversary might behave. Inside Washington's "what if?" industry, people at think tanks, universities, consultancies and defense businesses have spent four decades playing out scenarios that the Trump administration now faces anew.

The pathways that have been examined fall into four main categories: doing nothing, hitting Kim Jong Un's regime with tougher sanctions, pushing for talks, and military confrontation. An armed conflict could take place in disparate spots thousands of miles apart, involving any number of nations and a wide variety of weapons, conventional or nuclear.

In hundreds of books, policy papers and roundtable discussions, experts have couched various shades of armageddon in the dry, emotion-stripped language of throw-weights and missile ranges. But the nightmare scenarios are simple enough: In a launch from North Korea, a nuclear-tipped missile could reach San Francisco in half an hour. A nuclear attack on Seoul, South Korea's capital of 10 million people, could start and finish in three minutes.

Talking tough about war doesn't necessarily lead to it. Inflammatory language can work both ways, sometimes lighting the fuse of battle, sometimes bringing the parties to an easing of tensions.

At this volatile intersection, alternatives to war are at least as much the focus as preparation for battle. Luring the North Koreans to the negotiating table is perhaps the most popular pathway among many experts, who advocate a "freeze-for-freeze" option, in which the United States might promise to restrict military exercises in the region or eschew new sanctions against Kim's regime, in exchange for North Korea agreeing to halt expansion and testing of its nuclear capabilities.

Former defense secretary Robert Gates, for example, has suggested promising not to seek regime change in North Korea in exchange for Kim committing to a cap on his nuclear program.

However, Susan Thornton, the acting assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, said the Trump administration rejects the idea of freeze-for-freeze, calling it a false moral equivalency.

Accepting North Korea into the world's nuclear club is a hard step for many politicians, but maybe not quite as hard as it once was. Now, it's not so much a step as an acceptance of the status quo.

"I don't think we're going to get denuclearization," said Richard Nephew, a scholar at Columbia University who was a sanctions coordinator in President Barack Obama's State Department. "So we might want to accept them and depend on deterrence theory. There's a reason North Korea has not invaded South Korea: They fear overwhelming response from the United States."

But if North Korea won't negotiate, or if the Trump administration decides against making concessions that might lure the Kim regime to the table, a military confrontation remains "a very plausible path," Nephew said. "It's a very tempting idea to solve this problem once and for all."

The current spate of North Korean agitation is hardly a new phenomenon. Security experts in Washington have been debating how best to respond to a nuclear threat from the Kim regime for four decades and three generations of the family's rule. North Korea was presumed to have nuclear warheads in the 1990s, and the country exploded its first nuclear device in 2006.

A military confrontation could start with a U.S. effort to force regime change, either by taking out the Kim regime or by fomenting a rebellion among elites in the isolated dictatorship.

"But it's hard to imagine that scenario ending with anything other than the North Koreans deciding to light up Seoul," Nephew said. And if South Korea were given a voice in any U.S. decision to use force, it's unlikely that Seoul would assent to a strategy that could spark a wider conflagration on the Korean Peninsula.

Most of those who have considered the merits of launching a limited attack on the North - say, to destroy nuclear capabilities - have concluded that what Americans might see as limited could well be interpreted by the Kim regime as an invitation to all-out conflict.

North Korea might even respond with force to the ongoing U.S. show of strength in its neighborhood. American ships, planes and troops have been on maneuvers nearby as part of annual exercises, and the United States sent B-1 bombers stationed in Guam over the Korean Peninsula last month.

The North could also launch its own provocation - an attack on Guam, a cyberattack on Japan or a skirmish on the boundary between the two Koreas, the planet's most heavily armed border.

In 2010, for example, the North sank a South Korean naval vessel, the Cheonan, and a few months later shelled Yeonpyeong Island, a South Korean territory in the Yellow Sea, killing two soldiers. In those cases, "South Korea took hits and did not retaliate," said Richard Lacquement, a retired Army colonel who served as a military planner in South Korea. But if they did retaliate, he wondered, might that ignite a larger war?

If the latest North Korean threats about hitting Guam reflect any real intent beyond rhetorical saber-rattling, a launch would be detected by Japanese radar, leading U.S. ships in the Pacific to launch missiles to destroy the North Korean warhead, according to one scenario. The immediate crisis might be averted, but North Korea might then respond by attacking South Korean patrol boats near the border between the two Koreas.

Skirmishes have taken place in that area for many years, but the chances that such a conflict could quickly metastasize into a full-scale war are high, military analysts said.

In a conventional war, heavy casualties would likely result as North Korean troops poured into the South, using tunnels the North is reported to have built under the demilitarized zone between the countries. In addition, North Korea is believed to have a stockpile of several thousand tons of chemical weapons, according to the International Crisis Group, which studies global conflicts.

In war games played out at Washington policy institutes, even minor confrontations have led to a nuclear exchange. In one model, a single nuclear device deployed against Seoul would result in 180,000 deaths and 160,000 additional injuries, along with a near-total collapse of civil order, including a mass exodus from the city leading to gridlock and a paralyzed health-care system.

Even without using nuclear weapons, the North could sow panic and perhaps force a shift in U.S. policy. North Korea might attempt to spread fear through an act of terrorism, said Patrick Cronin, an Asia-Pacific security expert at the Center for a New American Security. "A few grenades in downtown Seoul will absolutely close down the city out of fear," he said.

Even without nuclear force, North Korea might seek to divide the United States from its allies. How, for example, would regional Asian powers react if North Korea shot a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse over Tokyo, temporarily turning off the lights in the Japanese metropolis?

In that instance, some experts concluded, Japan might join with some neighbors to urge Washington to cut a deal with Kim, averting further military conflict by accepting North Korea as a nuclear power.

North Korea has "proven adept over the years at using force in pretty calibrated ways to achieve political objectives," said Thomas Mahnken, president of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, which does war-game planning. He said the North takes advantage of the relative unwillingness of the United States and South Korea to risk war.

"We lived in a period from the end of the Cold War until the recent past where we could delude ourselves that we lived in a risk-free world - and that era is over," Mahnken said.

Many scenarios exploring how a U.S.-North Korea conflict would unfold flounder on uncertainties about what Kim really wants. Despite the country's acquisition of nuclear weapons, "the regime does not have regional ambitions," concluded Robert Carlin of Stanford University and Robert Jervis of Columbia in a paper that studied how North Korea might use its new status.

"The most likely scenario," they wrote, "is for Pyongyang to remain tightly focused on its domestic situation, especially on its economy, and on ways to loosen or blunt the pressures from its neighbors and the United States."

Still, they said, "we could well enter the danger zone of North Korean fatalism, in which a decision to use nuclear weapons, especially against Japan - the historic enemy - would rise on the list of 'patriotic' options."

The North Korean leadership, they warned, "might become. . . fatalistic and decide that death with 'glory' is preferable to defeat."
Houston ISD trustees opted not to save an under-performing charter school on Thursday, voting 3-4 against making the C.O.R.E. Academy an in-district charter school.

The Texas Education Agency told the southeast Houston charter, which serves about 475 students in elementary school through high school on Houston's south side, that it could either close or be absorbed by Houston ISD after it received poor academic ratings from the state in each of its three years of existence.

While traditional public schools are given five years to improve their accountability ranking, charter schools only have three years, according to state law.

C.O.R.E. Academy officials told the board on Thursday that preliminary data showed the school had finally improved its accountability rankings this year, although the ratings won't be published until Tuesday.

"C.O.R.E. would not enter HISD as a failing school but rather one that would add value to HISD's portfolio of schools," said Shun Johnson, C.O.R.E. Academy's business manager. "We ask for your vote of confidence, we ask you to help us keep our doors open to these promising students we welcomed four years ago."

The school ranked last out of 878 elementary schools and 317 middle schools in the Houston area on the Children at Risk rankings, which measure academic performance in the context of poverty levels.

About 93 percent of C.O.R.E. Academy's students qualified as economically disadvantaged, and 84 percent were deemed "at risk" under state guidelines in 2016-17. Children can be considered at-risk if they have a history of poor academic performance or meet certain social criteria, such as being homeless or pregnant.

The TEA this week notified Houston ISD that the district faces takeover or campus closures if by 2018 it fails to improve 15 low-performing schools. Some HISD trustees worried that absorbing the school would add another campus to its list of struggling schools that could trigger a state takeover.

C.O.R.E. Academy has floundered academically amid extraordinary teacher turnover. According to state data, about four in five C.O.R.E. Academy teachers each year had zero classroom experience. The average C.O.R.E. Academy teacher earned about $38,000, at least $10,000 less than was made by entry-level teachers at Houston-area traditional public schools.

At the same time, Johnson and Principal-founder David Fuller each earned about $180,000 in 2016-17. By comparison, Houston ISD principals earned $80,000 to $130,000 this year, and superintendents of traditional public school districts serving less than 1,000 students averaged about $100,000 a year.

Fuller told the Chronicle earlier this month that he and Johnson took in salaries of $143,750 this year and back compensation of $36,000, the result of board members not having paid them their full salaries in prior years.

Despite the C.O.R.E. Academy's shortcomings, students and parents said Thursday night that the school helped them succeed when they otherwise would have been lost on a larger campus.

Shawntae Wilson, whose two students attended C.O.R.E., said the school's caring teachers helped reignite her children's love of learning.

"I really love this school. The main reason why is because my kids leave in the morning and they're excited, and in evening when they come home they're excited," Wilson said. "They'll come home talking about assignments and what they learned in school."

Savannah Nicole Parrish, who would have been a rising senior at C.O.R.E. Academy, said she came to the school a year behind but will now graduate on time thanks to help from the school's teachers and administrators.

"I didn't have the confidence in myself, but C.O.R.E. believed in me and taught me how to believe in myself," Parrish said. "They saw the potential in me I never knew that I had. It showed me my potential and changed my life forever."

Trustees Jolanda Jones and Rhonda Skillern-Jones said the testimony from teachers, parents and students made them change their votes in favor of keeping the school open. They and Board President Wanda Adams voted to keep the school open while Trustees Anna Eastman, Diana Davila, Anne Sung and Holly Flynn Vilaseca voted against it. Trustee Mike Lunceford was absent during the vote.
The National Association of Banks of Ukraine (NABU) positively assesses the proposal of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) to impose only general capital flow rules as part of the bill on currency, and not for each separate transaction.

"All internal transactions are to be described in bylaws, such as NBU resolutions. This approach would allow the regulator to be more flexible in currency regulation and liberalization of the currency market. This is absolutely logical, taking into account the current situation on the dynamic market, being developed in Ukraine," NABU CEO Olena Korobkova told Interfax-Ukraine.

"The outdated and extremely amended currency regulation system in Ukraine makes importers and exporters to close real deals outside Ukraine, which hinders attraction of foreign investment. Facilitation of currency regulation is the priority task of inclusive liberalization," she said.

Commenting on concrete new requirements presented by the NBU in the bill, Korobkova pointed out the refusal to issue personal licenses by the regulator, instead of which permits will be issued specifying the upper amount. In addition, securities will no longer be currency values.

"The latter is important, as now it will be taken into account not in what currency the securities are denominated, but in what currency the calculations connected with them are denominated, which has the economic sense," the director of the NABU said.

Korobkova drew attention to the fact that the bill declares the equality of rights of residents and nonresidents, although in certain cases different regulatory regimes for various participants of currency transactions can be established.

In her opinion, this proposal may have negative consequences due to complications when performing the functions of currency control agents and implementing lawsuits of participants of currency transactions.

According to the current NBU acts, residents and nonresidents have different rights.

Korobkova said that the regulator also needs to apply the same approach to currency control of labor and services.

"Today, there is an unclear definition of labor and services under the current legislation, which leads to an excessive burden on banks in the implementation of foreign exchange control, a high probability of errors, conflicts between banks and their customers," she said.

In general, Korobkova pointed out the unity among banks in the issue of the need to change the existing rules of currency regulation. In her opinion, there is a high probability that the bill will be registered in parliament before the end of autumn.
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Renesha Allen and her fiance dragged their three tents, half a dozen boxes, three coolers and two bikes across the street from the underpass they call home as city crews moved in to clean.

"I've got three years worth of clothes here," she said.

Allen and dozens of other homeless people were temporarily displaced Thursday from the Interstate 69 underpass in Midtown for what city officials called a "serious health hazard," as workers descended with power washers to scrub out feces, urine, trash and animal carcasses from the encampment.

"Nobody should be living in this filth," said Marc Eichenbaum, special assistant on homelessness to Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Now Playing: City officials, citing a "serious health hazard," evacuated a homeless encampment in Midtown to clean feces, urine and maggots below the Highway 59 overpass. Residents must leave the area while the City of Houston power-washes pillars and digs up contaminated dirt. Power-washing began near La Branch Street at about 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Video: Houston Chronicle

The clean-up  the second in a month by the Houston Health Department  is the city's latest effort to control the homeless encampments since the city's ban against tent camps became the target of a federal lawsuit.

But even as city employees and officers with the Houston Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team worked at the I-69 camp Thursday, they realized it wasn't a permanent solution.

"It's inhumane," said City Council member Dwight Boykins, whose district includes the camp.

The camp near Caroline and LaBranch  among at least a half-dozen camps scattered throughout the city  has grown rapidly over the past year, even as the city's homeless population has declined to its lowest levels in years.

On Thursday, the power washing began about 9:30 a.m. as the underpass' occupants stuffed clothing in clear plastic bags and grills into a U-Haul. A garbage truck followed. City officials said couches and mattresses had to go for fear of contamination.

The city will store the belongings for free for up to 90 days in East Downtown, Eichenbaum said.

Yet activist Shere Dore said that wasn't enough for people with no place else to go.

"The city is not making it easy for the homeless to get out of here," Dore said.

Residents were told Monday about the scheduled cleaning but most refused to leave until officials arrived Thursday morning. They said they were frustrated with being shuttled from neighborhood to neighborhood and the restrictions that come with living in a shelter. Many had previously lived on the streets in downtown.

Allen, 33, and her fiance, George Bolden, 41, have been living at the underpass for months.

The city passed an ordinance in April that was set to kick in May 12 banning tents and other habitation structures on public property, and requiring that personal belongings fit inside a three-foot cube.

The ordinance and another banning panhandling was part of city attempts to deal with increased complaints about begging and the homeless camps. Citations would carry fines up to $500.

The ACLU filed a federal lawsuit against the city on behalf of three homeless people the same day the ordinance went into effect, arguing the restrictions were unconstitutional.

Officials said Thursday's clean-up was not connected to the city ordinances but instead were driven by the public health concerns.

David Persse, the director of the city's emergency medical services, toured the Midtown encampment in July and August and found tents coated in bird droppings, buckets filled with human waste and dead animal carcasses.

"There was literally piles  inches-high piles  of human feces in areas that were ... stained with urine," Persse said Thursday. "Right next to that there was trash."

The first encampment cleaned was on Chartres street, near Minute Maid Park, about a month ago.

No additional clean-ups are anticipated in the near future, he said.

Lakeith Jones, 42, was one of the encampment's few residents who wasn't bothered by the cleaning. He had been living under the highway for 8 months.

He said he had considered staying in homeless shelters but lacks the necessary identification to get a place to sleep, he said.

"This isn't good for me," Jones said, citing the unsanitary conditions.

The cleaning comes days before construction is scheduled to start on a parking lot under part of the underpass, Eichenbaum said. The parking lot, which is for a nearby nonprofit, will be in the center of what is now the encampment, he said.

Nearby homeowners have been complaining since tents started going up about a year ago under the freeway.

Boykins, the city council member who lives about two miles away, said his neighbors are concerned about crime, public defecation and drug activity.

Data show that Houston-area homelessness is at its lowest level in years. The homeless population in Harris and Fort Bend counties fell 57 percent between 2011 and 2016 to about 3,600, according to the Coalition for the Homeless.

Yet, the encampment has continued to grow.

Lynda Fuqua, 54, who owns a home nearby on La Salle Street, recalled seeing just one couch below the overpass last November. By last month, the outreach team had counted 50 tents in the area.

And Fuqua has spent $1,000 adding extra gates around her home.

"By letting it get this big," she said, "[the city] created a huge problem."

Lindsay Ellis contributed to this report.
AUSTIN - Entering the final week of the 30-day special legislative session, Texas House and Senate members Thursday were on the verge of sending the governor the first set of bills he can sign - but are running out of time to send him more.

Aides to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott said the governor was keeping the pressure on to get as many of his priorities approved as possible before adjournment next Wednesday.

However, most measures on the governor's 20-point priority list are struggling. Some have simply failed to advance through the legislative process. Others are in jeopardy because major differences remain between the House and Senate versions.

The first bills likely to land on the governor's desk are arguably the most important. House members voted Thursday to approve a pair of bills that will continue and fund operations for the Texas Medical Board and four other agencies that oversee therapists and medical professionals past their Sept. 1 expiration date.

The so-called "sunset legislation" failed to pass during the regular legislative session, requiring lawmakers to return to the Capitol for the special session. Although the bills are not controversial, the legislation moved slowly in both chambers until this week. Senate Bills 20 and 60 are expected to pass the House on final reading Friday, handing the governor his first wins of the special session that is expected to adjourn Wednesday.

Also still making progress among Abbott's priorities are bills regulating end-of-life decisions and changing the state's annexation rules.

Another area in which agreements appear possible is abortion-related legislation. In fact, by the end of the weekend, two abortion-related bills could be among the next set of bills on Abbott's priority list to make it to his desk for his signature.

One measure - House Bill 13, requiring stricter reporting requirements for doctors when they have complications while performing abortions - has passed the House and is to be debated by the Senate as early as Friday.

And another, which would block private insurance policies and those offered under the Affordable Care Act from including abortion coverage except under supplemental policies, has already passed both the House and the Senate. The Senate is expected to review the House version - HB 214 - at a committee hearing on Friday and have it up for discussion in the Senate over the weekend or early next week.

If the Senate doesn't change the House version, it can be set for final passage and sent on to the governor.

"I really didn't know how the House would treat this legislation," said Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, who sponsored the Senate version of the insurance coverage legislation. "I'm very pleased with the package of bills that are advancing."

During the regular session, the Senate passed similar legislation, but it didn't make it through the House. Creighton said that had him thinking his bill was one of those most at risk of failing during the special session. Instead, Texas is close to joining 26 other states that bar insurance policies from the Affordable Care Act exchanges from covering abortions. To get that coverage, Texans would have to purchase supplemental policies. Just 10 other states block all private insurance plans from covering abortions.

Creighton said his legislation helps prevent taxpayers who oppose abortion rights from having to subsidize the procedure either through Obamacare or through private insurance pools.

The House plans to take up one of the governor's priority bills Friday to give residents veto power over a city's move to annex its community. The bill would curb power of local governments to scoop up land outside their growing cities without residents' consent, allowing voters to defeat the proposed annexations through referendums.

But the House and Senate plans differ, which means the bill - should it pass the House - could still die before the special session is over.

Also making its way through the House is Senate Bill 11, which would bar doctors and medical facilities from applying a do-not-resuscitate order unless patients are notified in writing. If a patient is not conscious or competent, the patient's power of attorney, legal guardian or family member must be notified. Currently Texas law does not require patient or family consent prior to execution of a DNR order.

Long tied up in committee, the bill advanced out of committee Thursday and is expected to surface for a floor vote.

Most measures taken up in the special session by both chambers differ from one another.

One such bill is Senate Bill 1, a property tax reform bill high on the governor's priority list. The House plans to debate that bill on the floor Saturday, although it backed off its plan to freeze the bill in its current form.

House leadership originally planned to ban amendments to the bill, which allows voters to block cities and counties from raising effective tax rates above a 6 percent threshold via a referendum. The Senate wants to set that trigger at 4 percent. Currently, voters can petition for a rollback election if their municipality raises their effective tax rate higher than 8 percent.

Members of the House Freedom Caucus - about a dozen tea party Republicans - had threatened to fight the rule blocking changes to the bill earlier in the week, increasing tensions over the fate of the governor's conservative agenda. Other members said they favored the amendment ban because they want the bill unchanged.

Chairman Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, said Thursday House members pushed back against the Calendar Committee's plan to block amendments to Senate Bill 1 and decided he would abandon that rule.

Mike Ward contributed to this report.
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AUSTIN - Mourners filled the main level of the Texas Capitol for a solemn procession Thursday afternoon as they filed by to pay their final respects to former Texas Governor Mark White.

Legislators, family members and admirers waited up to an hour to honor White, who died Saturday at age 77.

"(White) was a person of the people," said Betty Gerlach, White's sister. "He never forgot that. I always thought he was as comfortable, or more so, in the kitchen as he was in the boardroom or the ballroom. He loved being with the real people of Texas."

White was a larger-than-life character who defined Texas politics in his roles as secretary of state, attorney general and governor during the 1970s and 1980s.

Luci Baines Johnson, friend of White and daughter of former President Lyndon B. Johnson, said White was defined by his work during and after his time in the governor's office.

"He may have left public office, but he never left public service," Johnson said. "You could laugh, and you could learn, and you could love in his presence. He welcomed the big tent of folks. He was not a divider; he was a uniter."

In the long line to honor White, Texans spoke about the former governor and why his death drove them to the Capitol to commemorate his life.

"He is absolutely the greatest governor we have ever had," said Lael Hasty, a former administrative assistant to White's wife, Linda Gale White. "He was like a family member to all Texans.  Honestly, I'm going to miss everything about him because he represented all of us so well."

Hasty, who became emotional when talking about White, said his personality and legacy of improving Texas public education made him stand out in a state full of larger-than-life former governors.

White's time as governor is often remembered by its impact on public schools by passing legislation that created teacher pay raises, limiting elementary school class sizes, creating standardized testing for high school students, increasing taxes to fund schools and implementing the famous "no pass, no play" rule for high school athletes.

"He was ahead of his time working on behalf of teachers," Hasty said. "I came from a family of educators  so he represented all of us, and his agenda was fabulous."

A former worker for White's campaigns, Linda Jann Lewis, said his record of supporting civil rights in Texas should also be mentioned when discussing his legacy.

"I couldn't not be here because he changed the face of Texas government," Jann Lewis said. "I think there are two men, Bob Bullock and Governor Mark White, who made Texas look like Texas. He hired so many people of color and women and appointed them to real positions with power and authority, and he tried to make sure he was working for all the people."

Lewis also said White's record with voting laws and expanding early voting has had a profound effect on Texas.

After three hours, the line of grieving Texans dwindled, and White's body was taken to the Texas State Cemetery for a private burial.

"We can all agree upon the fact that Mark White loved his state and served and gave it his all, and we're better people for it" Johnson said. "Now, let's see how we can give him the just tribute he deserves: the willingness to do that ourselves."
With every year, the Texas Renaissance Festival draws an increasingly larger crowd, eager to chow down on kettle corn, survey the costumes and watch knights joust.

But with that crowd comes something less desirable: traffic.

Waller County commissioners this week discussed methods for keeping the flow of festival-goers out of neighborhood streets and moving along major thoroughfares.

Among ideas the county plans to pursue are resident-only vehicle stickers, which will allow only county residents access to the neighborhood roads.

The county also intends to have more officers directing traffic, paid for by the festival, as well as additional signage.

Traffic otherwise could be a "nightmare" for those who lived there, one resident said at Wednesday's commissioners court meeting.

County Judge Trey Duhon said some residents had to sit in traffic for several hours just to reach their homes - a problem both for residents and emergency vehicle access.

"It was horrible last year," Duhon said in an interview Thursday. "The public safety issue is really the bigger thing we're worried about."

County commissioners hope the measures will help address the issue around the festival, which has been running since the 1970s.

"We have to start somewhere," Commissioner Jeron Barnett said at Wednesday's meeting.

Once they are ordered and printed, Duhon said, he expects the stickers to be available at the county courthouse and Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace. Residents can also contact the Precinct 2 constable, he said.

The 2017 festival is scheduled to begin Sept. 30. It will run every Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 26, in addition to opening the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 24.
In a striking advance that helps open the door to organ transplants from animals, researchers have created gene-edited piglets cleansed of viruses that might cause disease in humans.

The experiments, reported Thursday in the journal Science, may make it possible one day to transplant livers, hearts and other organs from pigs into humans.

If pig organs were shown to be safe and effective, "they could be a real game changer," said Dr. David Klassen, chief medical officer at the United Network for Organ Sharing, a private, nonprofit organization that manages the nation's transplant system.

Animal exploitation?

There were 33,600 organ transplants last year and 116,800 patients on waiting lists, according to Klassen, who was not involved in the new study.

Dr. George Church, a geneticist at Harvard who led the experiments, said the first pig-to-human transplants could occur within two years.

The new research combines two great achievements in recent years - gene editing and cloning. But it may be years before enough is known about the safety of pig organ transplants to allow them to be used widely.

Porcine organs can be the right size for human transplantation, and in theory, similar enough to function in patients.

But the prospect also raises thorny questions about animal exploitation and welfare.

Scientists pursuing this goal argue that the few thousand pigs grown for their organs would represent just a small fraction of the estimated 100 million pigs killed in the U.S. each year for food and that they would be used to save human lives. The animals would be would be anesthetized and killed humanely.

Retrovirus-free piglets

Major religious groups have already weighed in, generally concluding that pig organs are acceptable for lifesaving transplants, noted Dr. Jay Fishman, co-director of the transplant program at Massachusetts General Hospital.

In 1998, Fishman and his colleagues discovered that hidden in pig DNA were genes for viruses that resembled those causing leukemia in monkeys. When researchers grew pig cells next to human embryonic kidney cells in the laboratory, these viruses - known as retroviruses - spread to the human cells.

Church and his colleagues thought the retrovirus question could be resolved with Crispr, the new gene-editing technology. They took cells from pigs and snipped the viral DNA from their genomes. Then the scientists cloned the edited cells.

Church and his colleagues ended up with 15 living piglets, the oldest now 4 months old. None have the retroviruses.
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UNITED NATIONS - Smugglers have thrown some 280 migrants into the sea off the coast of Yemen in the last two days, causing more than 50 to drown and leaving over 30 missing, the U.N. migration agency said Thursday.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the migrants who were forced from boats in two separate "deeply troubling" incidents were hoping to reach countries in the Gulf via war-torn Yemen.

The International Organization for Migration said Wednesday that up to 50 migrants from Ethiopia and Somalia were "deliberately drowned" by a smuggler off Yemen. The U.N. agency said 160 Ethiopian migrants were violently forced into the Arabian Sea on Thursday.

A 'continuing tragedy'

The IOM said in a statement late Thursday that its staff found six bodies on the beach - two male and four female - and 13 people are still missing. It said 84 migrants left the beach before IOM staff arrived while it provided emergency medical assistance as well as food and water to 57 surviving migrants.

Dujarric said the situation for migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara desert are "just as heartbreaking" as the tragedy unfolding off Yemen.

He said 2,405 people have died or disappeared during their attempts to cross the Mediterranean and more than 265 people have died or were missing while traveling across the Sahara trying to reach the sea.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "is heartbroken by this continuing tragedy," Dujarric said.

"This is why he continues to stress that the international community must give priority to preventing and resolving a variety of situations, which both generate mass movement and expose those already on the move to significant danger," the U.N. spokesman said.

The narrow waters between the Horn of Africa and Yemen have been a popular migration route despite Yemen's conflict. Migrants, most of them Ethiopians, try to make their way to oil-rich Gulf countries in hopes of finding jobs.

Laurent de Boeck, the IOM's chief of mission in Yemen, told the Associated Press on Thursday that some of the migrants trying to reach Yemen "are not aware at all that there is a war. Sometimes they don't even believe us when we explain it to them."

Just by making land they feel "they are halfway to wealthy," he said.

Growing migrant numbers

In the first drownings on Wednesday, a smuggler forced more than 120 migrants into the sea as they approached Yemen's coast, the IOM said. Its staffers found the shallow graves of 29 migrants on a beach in Shabwa during a routine patrol. At least 22 migrants remained missing.

The passengers' average age was around 16, the IOM said.

The IOM says about 55,000 migrants have left Horn of Africa nations for Yemen since January, most from Somalia and Ethiopia fleeing drought and unrest at home. Many leave from points in Djibouti, with some departing from Somalia. A third of them are estimated to be women.

Migrants travelling from Djibouti pay about $150, while migrants travelling from northern Somalia pay between $200 and $250 because the route to Yemen is longer.

More than 111,500 migrants landed on Yemen's shores last year, up from around 100,000 the year before, according to the Regional Mixed Migration Secretariat, a grouping of international agencies that monitors migration in the area.
AUSTIN -- If Texas lawmakers think they bridged a state budget crisis with the new one they approved in May, they should think again.

A new report by Austin-based Texas Taxpayers and Research Association warns that the stop-gap fixes that the Legislature made last spring "will create a structural gap that guarantees Texas will continue to face budget challenges into the next regular session."

An $8 billion gap, to be exact.

"Dwindling state revenue forced some tough fiscal decisions this recent legislative session, but ultimately lawmakers were able to put a balanced budget in place," the group states, after analyzing Texas' revenue projections in coming years.

"The budget was balanced with the help of a number of one-time measures and deferrals that paid for ongoing expenses."

Legislative leaders who are in Austin for a special session said they had not seen the report and had no immediate comment. Previously, though, several have warned that tight budgets will continue until the state's economy improves.

The gap will show up in 2019, the next time lawmakers will have to write a budget. And it "could worsen if lawmakers fund new initiatives using accounting shifts in the current special session," Dale Craymer, the association's president, writes in the report.

The report says the $8 billion gap "will be created by several factors, including a potential Medicaid shortfall along with one-time measures and funding shifts lawmakers relied on during the past session to balance the 2018-2019 budget. These strategies, Craymer writes, are not unusual in the budgeting process, but "it is a gamble that sometimes pays off, and sometimes does not."

Rising school property taxes  projected to increase 7 percent each of the next two years  allowed the state to reduce funding for public schools, the report notes. But what the state counted in its current spending plan will translate into higher property tax bills for many Texans.

"This is a huge loophole in the state's current spending limit," Craymer predicts.

The report concludes, "Of course, as always, there is little wrong with the Texas budget at any time that cannot be cured by $80 per barrel oil; but absent that, lawmakers are assured of continual budget difficulties for the foreseeable future."

Check out the full report here.
A concept for reforming the country's coal industry until 2020 approved by the government envisages the creation of state-owned enterprise National Coal Company, which will receive 33 state-owned coalmines, Deputy Prime Minister Volodymyr Kistion said at a first meeting of the interagency working group for settling crisis in coal industry.

"It is easy to solve administrative issues in one state-owned enterprise. Managers will be able to more quickly and easily transfer equipment of unpromising coalmines to other facilities. According to preliminary estimates, the creation of the company will save expenses to maintain lossmaking coalmines in the amount of UAH 1.5 billion a year," the press service of the deputy prime minister reported, citing Kistion.

He said that the National Coal Company is to determine what coalmines are promising and what coalmines require financing for their modernization.

As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the concept for reforming the country's coal industry until 2020 on May 24, 2017. However, the document has not yet been published.
His birth certificate showed he was a native Texan, born 69 years earlier in Weslaco. If that wasn't enough proof of his citizenship, Emilio Olivo also offered his Social Security card to the border guards who questioned him as he returned from a visit with his family in Reynosa, just across the border from McAllen.

Nonetheless, Olivo, a proof-positive citizen of the United States, was taken into custody, locked in a cell for three months and deported to Mexico.

What happened to Olivo is startlingly common. As the Chronicle's Lise Olsen recently reported, ("U.S. citizens forced to fight deportation," Page A1, July 31), U.S. immigration agents during the past six years targeted for deportation more than 1,700 people who told immigration judges they were U.S. citizens. Hundreds of those who were eventually freed spent months locked up in detention centers. Some of them, like Olivo, presented paperwork. Others offered testimony supporting their claims of citizenship.

But few of these imprisoned people facing deportation had help from lawyers. That's because people accused of entering the country illegally for the first time face civil proceedings rather than criminal charges, so they're not entitled to court-appointed attorneys. As a result most of these people detained at our borders, even if they're American citizens, stand alone as they confront a system that's trying to throw them out of the country. That's wrong, and it needs to change.

The circumstances vary, but it's noteworthy that many of these cases happen not at the border, but well within the boundaries of the U.S. Ricardo Garza, a naturalized citizen, was arrested on a routine DWI charge in Grand Prairie, but he was jailed without bond for more than a month while ICE agents investigated whether he was a citizen. Gerardo Gonzalez Jr., who was born in Los Angeles, languished for months in pre-trial detention on a California drug charge because somebody mistakenly wrote on a form that he was born in Mexico. Lorenzo Palma was about to be released from a Texas prison after serving five years on an assault charge, but he spent months trying to prove he was a citizen so he could avoid deportation.

The biggest problem many of these detained citizens face is that it's hard to dig up birth certificates and other documents from behind bars. In some cases, proving citizenship requires deeper investigation, like tracking down evidence about parents and grandparents. That's the sort of routine work lawyers can perform, but only if a detainee can afford an attorney.

More than a half-century has passed since the U.S. Supreme Court's unanimous 1963 ruling that governments are constitutionally required to provide lawyers to indigent criminal defendants. The principle is that presumably innocent people, whether or not they can afford to pay a lawyer, need legal representation in court proceedings that could cost them their freedom or their lives. That same doctrine should apply to U.S. citizens the government is wrongly trying to deport.

Just as poor people accused of crimes are granted free legal representation, people facing deportation who attest they're U.S. citizens should have the right to a court-appointed lawyer. Opponents of this idea will correctly point out that it will cost taxpayers a lot of money. But that same argument didn't stop the nation's highest court from decreeing that indigent defendants accused of crimes are entitled to an attorney.

What happened to Emilio Olivio shouldn't happen to any American. If immigration authorities want to throw a man who claims U.S. citizenship out of the country, the government needs to provide him a lawyer.
If Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro doesn't qualify quite yet for the title of dictator, he's pretty close and has been already given that sobriquet by President Donald Trump, who only seems to mince words when he speaks about Russia.

Maduro took another step toward assuring himself dictator status last week when his new "constituent assembly" was sworn in to begin a likely rewrite of the Venezuelan constitution that will give him broad powers.

The U.S., the European Union, a number of Latin American countries and others around the globe have condemned the assembly, and the Vatican last week called for its suspension, all of which Maduro no doubt laughed off because now he basically controls the country.

The assembly, being called a "legislative superbody" by the international press, was his creation and won approval in a national election on Sunday that the opposition made the huge mistake of boycotting because they said it was illegitimate.

They were right about the illegitimacy, but that matters not because, with Maduro having previously packed the Supreme Court with lackeys who do whatever he wants, they have no legal recourse.

The only thing they can do is continue the street protests that have gone on without end since April, all to no avail. More than 120 people have died in the demonstrations.

This new "superbody" is in fact a superbody for Maduro because all 545 representatives are Socialist Party members or sympathizers, meaning we can look forward to a lot of 545-0 votes out of this laughable exercise in democracy.

Maduro tossed the other side a bone on Friday when he sent an opposition leader that his henchmen had thrown in prison a couple of days before back home, where he is under house arrest.

The bogus election and the seizing of the opposition leader prompted Trump's "dictator" accusation and his threat to take "strong and swift" action against Maduro, possibly including a ban on oil sales between the two countries.

U.S. refiners - Valero, Phillips 66 and Venezuela-owned Citgo among them - import 740,000 barrels of Venezuelan heavy oil daily. Venezuela buys about 106,000 barrels a day of refined products and light crude oil from the U.S.

We would urge the Trump administration to hold the oil card in abeyance because of the effects on price and supply even a limited embargo could have and, frankly, with little chance of success. It's better to explore all other options first.

In fact, an interesting one may be developing in Peru, which has organized a regional meeting of foreign ministers this week to discuss Venezuela.

Our hope is that they will propose a regional push to get Venezuela's feuding political factions to end their fighting.

We would certainly urge them to try because a similar effort, in which Venezuela played an important part, helped end Colombia's half-century-long war with leftist rebels last year, a conflict that seemed much more intractable than Venezuela's.
Love thy neighbor

Regarding letter to the editor "Christian faith" (Page A13, Tuesday), the letter writer, a Baptist pastor, proclaims that an anti-transgender bill is somehow mandated by the Christian faith. Tellingly, he does not identify which "biblical law" supports his view. I am a Methodist and was taught that Jesus said to "love thy neighbor." Are transgender persons not my neighbors? Perhaps this minister should go back to the seminary.

Scott Martin, Katy

Accountability needed

Regarding "Time chips away at Abbott's agenda" (Page A1, Thursday), we have another standoff in the Texas Legislature where there is lots of posturing but little action. The governor and lieutenant governor set out the agenda for the special session. The speaker of the House is on record as being opposed to most of that agenda. As in the general session, most of the bills will have passed the Senate but the House Speaker and his leadership team are preventing these from even being put to a vote in the House. In response, the lieutenant governor is holding back House bills from being voted on in the Senate. Thus, there is no action and not even any closure on these issues since the strategy seems to be to let the bills die with no accountability.

I'm not sure what the speaker is afraid of, but my challenge to him and his leadership team is to allow the bills passed by the Senate to at least come to the floor of the House for a vote. At that point, let the chips fall where they may. If that happens, I would also challenge the lieutenant governor to do likewise in the Senate. If bills pass or fail, at least we'll have some closure and accountability. All representatives and senators can be on record with their votes and defend their positions, regardless of which way they voted. After all, isn't that what representative government should be all about?

Thomas McCaig, Katy

Champions for disabled

Regarding "For disabled, Christian silence is crushing" (Page F3, Sunday), Christians are not the only ones who are silent and churches are not the only ones with "a history of excluding and erasing people with disabilities." The same happens in other religious communities. Rabbi David Lyon's Sermon published Sunday, May 28, "Championing the unfortunate; We can't fix all the world's ills, but we still must try" (Page F1), speaks to that. Further damage is done by legislators who politicize disabilities instead of addressing them as a moral endeavor.

As the mother of a very disabled daughter, I would argue that the problem of marginalization begins even more closely, among family and friends. Many people are so frightened by our disabled loved ones that they believe that the best course of action is to ignore the person. They do not understand that support begins with acknowledgement and that it is when the disabled person appears to be invisible that the pain begins. Every time people ask me about my daughter, my heart warms.

What we need is an interfaith, grassroots educational initiative. Each religious establishment needs an inclusion committee to integrate the disabled as part of the community. They may be disabled, but as I have witnessed, they particularly love to be part of the religious experience. And when politicians interfere with the well-being of these less fortunate members, the entire interfaith community needs to break the silence and speak up for them, because this is a moral issue and that is the right thing to do.

Luisa Kluger, Houston
Each year, approximately 4.5 million visitors travel to Ellis Island, stand before the Statue of Liberty and read Emma Lazarus' poem inscribed at the statue's base.

The iconic words we all know well are etched into the collective psyche of generations of immigrants who have found refuge on our shores, and the opportunity to live out their American dreams.

But for the descendants of Africans who were brought to America as slaves, Lazarus' beautifully written poem, for far too long, belied an ugly truth. Racial and social barriers, the legacy of Jim Crow and a segregated south, had become nearly impenetrable, necessitating bold government intervention to help African Americans seeking to overcome the vestiges of slavery.

Affirmative action was an essential component of that intervention. Yet in a short-sighted and cynically calculated move, the Trump administration has launched a two-pronged attack seeking to undermine the legal immigration of largely brown immigrants while eroding the laws that guarantee and protect opportunity and access for African Americans.

The Trump administration's justification for its immigration strategy surrounds the premise that low-skilled non-English speaking immigrants take jobs from Americans. The 'RAISE Act', introduced by Republican lawmakers and backed by the White House, would establish a NEW system, giving preference to immigrants who speak English and hold advanced degrees.

Concurrently, Trump's Department of Justice has launched an attack on affirmative action ordering the DOJ's Civil Rights Division to investigate and consider suing universities over affirmative action admissions policies. Not only does this threaten to undo the progress made over the past several decades to ensure that every child in America - regardless of race or ethnicity - has an equal opportunity to succeed, but it also flies directly in the face of settled legal precedent upholding the constitutional validity of affirmative action programs in higher education.

Both approaches being advanced by the Trump Administration are deeply flawed and portray a cynical disregard for the values that make America great.

With respect to immigration, a 2016 study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine finds immigrants have "little to no negative effects on overall wages and employment of native-born workers," and calls immigration "integral to the nation's economic growth."

And the notion that affirmative action is no longer needed to ensure African Americans and other minorities with equal access to higher education is not borne out by the facts.

We have already seen the effects of university admissions policies that do not address racial disparities in accessing higher education. From 1997 to 2004, affirmative action in admissions at the University of Texas was barred by the infamous Fifth Circuit decision in Hopwood v. Texas, 78 F.3d 932 (5th. Cir. 1996).

As a result of the University of Texas's inability to consider a qualified applicant's race in the admissions process, between 1997 and 2004 African-American students never comprised more than 4.5 percent of the entering class - far below the 13 percent of Texas high school graduates who are African Americans.

According to a 2014 Pew Research study, African-American undergraduate populations at top-tier universities has remained flat for 20 years, with African-American undergraduate populations averaging 6 percent, less than half of what their share of the population might suggest.

The Trump administration says it wants to help minorities find better jobs, but rolling back affirmative action protections will have the opposite effect. Vast inequities in hiring practices still remain. Data from the National Science Foundation shows that African Americans comprise 6.2 percent of people with degrees in engineering and science but make up just 3 percent of the workforce. Today, there are only six African-American Fortune 500 CEOs, down from seven in 2007.

Like all Americans, I would like to live in a society where there is an equal opportunity to succeed regardless of race, creed, religion or national origin. But we are not there yet, and that is why affirmative action is still needed. Trump's two-pronged attack to undermine legal immigration while peeling away protections to correct the vestiges of racial discrimination is dog-whistle politics designed to reawaken and exploit a dark chapter in America's history.

Lee represents Houston-area 18th Congressional District in the U .S. House of Representatives.
WASHINGTON - Progressives generally support better labor protections, including policies meant to provide higher wages, more predictable working hours, increased bargaining power, and greater access to paid family leave, sick leave and overtime. And given the raw deal that workers get so often, these are all policies that I generally support as well.

But lately, as Democratic leadership has increasingly embraced the far-left impulses of its base, I've become convinced that the left needs to think harder about the unintended consequences of such benevolent-seeming proposals. In isolation, each of these policies has the potential to make workers more costly to hire. Cumulatively, they almost certainly do.

Which means that, unless carefully designed, a lefty "pro-labor" platform might actually encourage firms to hire less labor - or at least to shift toward contract labor that's exempted from these cherished protections.

These are not mere hypotheticals. A two-tier labor market, in which some lucky workers are entitled to generous compensation and job security and the rest are hung out to dry, already plagues countries, such as France and Japan, with traditionally stronger labor protections than the United States.

But these are not outcomes that lefty politicians and policy wonks seem keen to grapple with. It's easier, or perhaps more politically convenient, to assume that "pro-worker" policies never hurt the workers they're intended to help.

Take the proposal to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, a policy endorsed in the Democratic Party's new "Better Deal" platform.

An increase in the federal minimum wage, stuck at $7.25 for eight years, is long overdue. But more than doubling it would likely result in massive job losses and cuts in work hours.

We've already seen preliminary evidence that raising wages in Seattle to $13 has produced sharp cuts in hours, leaving low-wage workers with smaller paychecks. And that's in a high-cost city. Imagine what would happen if Congress raised the minimum wage to $15 nationwide.

In West Virginia, the median hourly wage is just $14.79; in Arkansas, it's $14.48; and in Mississippi, it's a depressingly low $14.22. A $15 minimum wage could be binding on more than half of jobs in these states. In fact, in every state (not including D.C.), it could cover at least a quarter of positions.

That might seem like a good thing. Why wouldn't you want to improve the living standards of as many people as possible?

The answer: You won't actually be helping them if making their labor much more expensive, much too quickly, results in their getting fired.

Similarly, a year ago, the Obama administration issued a new overtime rule. This rule massively expanded the universe of white-collar employees entitled to time-and-a-half pay for working beyond 40 hours per week. Before, white-collar workers earning salaries up to $23,660 were generally entitled to overtime. The new rule more than doubled the threshold, to $47,476.

The new threshold was to be implemented in one fell swoop, starting last December. There was fierce debate within the Obama administration about the wisdom of such an abrupt increase, but those who mentioned this to me declined to ever do so on the record. Meanwhile, left-leaning groups cheered the millions whose pay was about to go up.

Then, a court blocked the rule in November, and several weeks ago the Trump administration began the process of revising it. During his confirmation hearings, Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta cautiously suggested that a cutoff of about $33,000 might be appropriate, though he wanted to spend more time looking at the effects on workers and firms. As strange as it feels to say something nice about policies being pursued by the Trump administration, this might be a better approach.

On this and other labor issues, says Michael Strain, director of economic policy studies at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, "We need to be debating whether a cost-benefit test is passed, something on which reasonable people can disagree." Strain says a lot of thoughtful, well-meaning people on the left seem to be looking for a free lunch - that is, for policies with all winners, no losers and no costs. (Kinda like the right's attitude toward tax cuts, I might add.)

Here I confess that I've been guilty of this. I'm often drawn to studies and stories about pro-labor policies that "pay for themselves." And while there often is a pro-business or macroeconomic case to be made for policies that help workers, I pledge to be more mindful about potential unintended costs as well.

Readers, I hope you'll hold me to this. And anyone else peddling free lunches, too.

Rampell (@crampell) is an opinion columnist at the Washington Post. Her email address is crampell@washpost.com. Charles Krauthammer is on vacation.
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Former Georgian President and former Odesa regional administration head Mikheil Saakashvili will be able to enter Ukraine only if he has a Ukrainian visa, Ukrainian Deputy Prosecutor General Yevhen Yenin said.

"Permission for Saakashvili (currently a non-citizen if information that he has a passport issued in third countries is not confirmed) to enter Ukraine will be possible only if a visa is issued to him," Yenin said on his Facebook page.

"Any performances in the midst of his activists or illegal crossing of the border give 100% legal grounds to impose administrative penalties on him and launch criminal prosecution against persons who will facilitate such illegal crossing of the border (and don't say then that you have not been warned)," he said.

Saakashvili may appeal the decision to revoke his Ukrainian citizenship with the Higher Administrative Court of Ukraine, Yenin said.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko earlier issued a decree revoking Saakashvili's Ukrainian citizenship.
According to Cook, there are a number of different areas where trial periods tend to cause problems for employers.

Firstly, the clause is not compliant; its not actually included in the clause what is required in the legislation, he tells HRD.

Secondly, the clause doesnt precisely define the 90 day period. It might include phrases such as not exceeding 90 days or up to 90 days which isnt actually defining precisely how long that period is going to be.

Cook also says employers are sometimes guilty of failing to comply with their own clauses.

Sometimes employers will put into the clause that there will be performances requirements or performance management meetings that will take place during the trial period but the employer doesnt actually have those meetings, he says.
Current business activity for United Arab Emirates' hoteliers weakened in July according to the latest reading of the country's Hotel Industry Pulse (HIP). eforecasting.com's United Arab Emirates HIP - a business analytic which tracks current monthly overall business conditions in United Arab Emirates' hotel industry - decreased 2.3% in June to a reading of 77.7. HIP index is set to equal 100 in 2010.

Current business activity for United Arab Emirates' hoteliers weakened in July according to the latest reading of the country's Hotel Industry Pulse (HIP). eforecasting.com's United Arab Emirates HIP - a business analytic which tracks current monthly overall business conditions in United Arab Emirates' hotel industry - decreased 2.3% in June to a reading of 77.7. HIP index is set to equal 100 in 2010.

However, looking ahead of the curve, prospects of future business activity for United Arab Emirates' hoteliers increased in July according to the latest reading of the country's Hotel Industry Leading (HIL) indicator. eforecasting.com's United Arab Emirates HIL - a predictive analytic which gauges monthly what's next for business in United Arab Emirates' hotel industry - rose 0.4% in June to a reading of 111.9, following an increase of (+0.4%) in May. HIL index is set to equal 100 in 2010.

The six-month smoothed annualized growth rate of United Arab Emirates' predictive analytic HIL registered a positive reading of (+7.2%) in June, following a gain of (+7.8%) in May. Consistent with its goal, the six-month smoothed annualized growth rate in HIL dips down several months ahead of the growth rate of the country's hotel performance indicators, like Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR). Similarly, when the country's hotels are in a downswing of the industry's business cycle, the growth in HIL pops up first, signaling an upcoming end of the business recession, which implies a forthcoming recovery in business activity.

"While we have witnessed a major drop in business activity in this area over the last year and a half, future prospects and signs that the region may see at the very least, a stall in the freefall and some stabilization albeit at much lower levels than what this region has grown accustomed to, as our predictive analytic HIL reveals strengthened foreign demand and favorable energy prices which will positively impact tourism and the local economy. The probability for the country's hotels entering a recession in the near future with falling performance indicators, like Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR), remains elevated near 42%, but continues to stay below 50%. Once it crosses this threshold its highly unlikely that future recession-like business activity would not prevail for the remainder of the year, " noted Maria Sogard CEO at e-forecasting.com.

Two of the three forward looking indicators of business activity that comprise United Arab Emirates' Hotel Industry Leading (HIL) had a positive contribution to its change in June: Future Foreign Demand and Energy Costs. Only one indicator of future business activity had a negative or zero contribution to the change of United Arab Emirates' Hotel Industry Leading (HIL) in June: US Hotel Leading.

e-forecasting.com currently covers the top 25 US markets with predictive analytics reports on a monthly basis along with international countrywide hotel predictive analytics on the following nations: Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore, United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates. The firm also produces hotel market forecasts for the same regions. Rather than simply collecting data, the analytics technology relies on the aggregation of data. This approach connects data, helping integrate facts in a meaningful way. The process first adjusts raw data for recurring events such as seasonality and then filters out outliers such as specific events - so called blind spots - which debilitate informed decisions; second, it aggregates adjusted data to groups of similarly-moving contextual analytics - called composites.

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 2022 Hospitality Trends
Hotels in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, reported negative year-over-year performance in July 2017, according to preliminary STR data. Occupancy decreased 3.6% to 65.7%, ADR dropped 11.5% to 471.25 Emirati dirhams ($128.30) and RevPAR fell 14.7% to 309.76 Emirati dirhams ($84.31).

STRs preliminary July 2017 data for Dubai, United Arab Emirates, indicates steep performance declines consistent with the year-to-year shift in Ramadan dates.

Based on daily data from July, Dubai reported the following in year-over-year comparisons:

Supply: +5.6%

Demand: +1.8%

Occupancy: -3.6% to 65.7%

Average daily rate (ADR): -11.5% to AED471.25

Revenue per available room (RevPAR): -14.7% to AED309.76

Dubais hotel performance continues to be affected by supply expansion. Additionally, STR analysts note that July performance was affected by the Ramadan calendar shift, with the Eid al-Fitr holiday in late June this year versus early July last year. However, Dubai did not experience as severe a downturn as several other Middle Eastern markets during this years Ramadan period.

STR will release actual July 2017 results later this month.

STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 10 countries around the world with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and an international headquarters in London, England. For more information, please visit str.com.

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Being one of a small number of disabled Vice Chancellors in the UK I like to believe that, along with my colleagues in student disability and mental health support, I have unique insight into the challenges faced by disabled people who are perhaps encountering university for the first time.

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It is important to appreciate that not all disabilities are visible. Regent's University London currently has around 250 students with a registered disability, and almost half of this number relate to specific learning difficulties, including dyslexia and dyscalculia.

Support in this area should be a priority for all higher education institutions.

Regent's is widely recognised for its work with disabled students and even visiting partners and we are currently investigating the latest assistive technologies, such as open reader document scanning, and indoor navigation technology to support the visually impaired.

My own disability story involves a physical condition that radically reduces my quality of life, although I am fortunate it doesn't directly affect my work, thanks in large part to the support I receive from my family, especially my wife, colleagues, LloydsPharmacy Clinical Homecare (LPCH) and the medical team who care for me at the National hospital.

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Earlier in my life I was a keen sportsman - a competitive swimmer, high board diver and international squash player. Then, around 15 years ago, I noticed that I could no longer swim, wasn't quite able to run around the squash court as well as I used to and felt that something wasn't quite right.

Although most tests showed nothing seemed to be wrong, a specialist consultant hypothesised that I might have a rare case of late onset Pompe's disease, a genetic condition normally identified in children. After six months of further tests this diagnosis proved to be correct. The prognosis at that time was death within 18 months.

However, I was fortunate that the Pharmaceutical company, Genzyme, had developed an artificial enzyme that can be infused fortnightly and I can receive this in my office.

Pompe's disease affects the body's ability to process glycogen effectively, leading to impaired organ and muscle function. Following this diagnosis my mobility deteriorated and I can now only walk for short periods and regularly need to take breaks. The condition also affects my breathing so I have to sleep with a ventilator.

Luckily in my case, having access to LPCH on campus has quite literally proved to be a lifesaver. My treatment includes:

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Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT)

Fortnightly, 4-hour, 800ml infusions at the office

Connection and drug administration by a LPCH nurse

Regular delivery of medication and equipment to the office

I've even had this vital therapy administered while officiating at graduation ceremonies.

A nurse arrives and connects me to the ERT so that I can continue working at my computer while the infusion takes place. My duties have never been affected by my condition and I've even had this vital therapy administered while officiating at graduation ceremonies by disguising the equipment under my robe.

Receiving treatment in hospital is simply not an option given my demanding and varied schedule, often resulting in an 80-hour working week. The idea of having to give up four hours every two weeks to visit hospital for treatment is just not feasible.

If this is the case for me, then how can universities better apply such thinking and processes for students and staff who need similar support?

Firstly - anyone with a disability in higher education should recognise that they are not alone. The number of UK-domiciled entrants to full-time first degree courses with a known disability was 44,250 in 2015-16, an increase of 56 per cent since 2010-11. Of those with a known disability, about 18,750 (42 per cent) were in receipt of Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).

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Every day I count myself lucky for the tremendous help I receive. I don't believe I could lead my day-to-day life without it.

I have now been receiving treatment for more than seven years. Every day I count myself lucky for the tremendous help I receive. I don't believe I could lead my day-to-day life without it.

Studying and working in a university is a privilege. It offers unmatched learning, network and career development opportunities. Initiatives like homecare should not be seen as disruptive. Quite the opposite - they should be viewed as a pathway to a new future.

Studying with a disability should not be a minority cause. At Regent's, we have a very strong set of values including diversity, inclusion, mutual respect and good citizenship. Students are encouraged to look out for each other and, if they are experiencing difficulties, to talk to academic and support staff to help them better understand the challenges they face. We are a relatively small university with a family atmosphere and this helps everyone get to know each other.

It is up to universities and students themselves to help form a connection and find solutions.

Lecturers don't always have experience of disabilities and special needs, so it is up to universities and students themselves to help form a connection and find solutions that genuinely work in learning environments. Sharing individual experiences and continuous communication is vital.

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HuffPost UK Lifestyle has launched EveryBody, a new section calling for better equality and inclusivity for people living with disability and invisible illness. The aim is to empower those whose voices are not always heard and redefine attitudes to identity, lifestyle and ability in 2017. We'll be covering all manner of lifestyle topics - from health and fitness to dating, sex and relationships.

We'd love to hear your stories. To blog for the section, please email ukblogteam@huffingtonpost.com with the subject line 'EveryBody'. To flag any issues that are close to your heart, please email natasha.hinde@huffingtonpost.com, again with the subject line 'EveryBody'.
The ultimate guide to A-Level and GCSE Results Day 2017

The 17th of August 2017 (A-Level Results Day) and the 24th August 2017 (GCSE Results Day) will inevitably be a memorable day for thousands of students all over the UK. However, the reason why this day will be ingrained in their memory will vary enormously.

In recent years A-Level results day has by far become one of the busiest days of the academic year. So, we thought we'd put together an ultimate guide to A-Level and GCSE results day 2017!

Top Tips for A-Level Results Day 2017

Get a good night's sleep - Just like with the exams themselves, you want a fully-functioning brain in case you have to make an important decision regarding your university choices, clearing or taking a year out.

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Have a big breakfast - Even though results officially come out at midnight, eating well will fuel the emotional (and physical) energy you will need to tackle the day ahead.

Charge your phone overnight - You want to be ready to call friends and family about your results. You may also need to contact your school, other universities, or simply want to call us for some free advice and support.

Pack a bag - Make sure that you have paper, a pen and a calculator at hand in case you need to re-calculate your UMS marks for each unit.

Don't panic! - If you don't receive the results you need or expect, don't worry! There are plenty of options available to you.

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Don't rush - Take your time making decisions. It is important not to make any hasty decisions that you may later regret. There are many options, so don't rush.

Don't keep your results to yourself - Talking about your results is essential. Talk to trusted members of staff and/or friends and family. Tutor House can also offer you support whenever you are ready. We can talk you through the next steps available to you.

Check clearing - Check the UCAS website or newspapers (such as The Daily Telegraph) for clearing places. In order to stand a chance of securing a place you will need to act quickly and efficiently.

Receiving Your A-Level Results

There are many routes via which you can receive your results. Most students will either collect their results in person or they will wait to receive them online. However, some schools, sixth form colleges and academies will send out results via text message.

When deciding how you would like to receive your results consider how you will feel if the results are good or bad and whether or not you are best suited to receive the news in private or in a public place. Some find comfort in going with friends to receive their results as they know that they will find moral support if they need it.

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Others prefer to keep themselves to themselves (except perhaps with the exception of family) and not go in to collect their results. You could of course compromise and collect your results at school and then open them quietly alone, allowing you to find out your result privately, but also giving you easy access to the school in case you need to go in and seek guidance.

What happens if you get the results you needed?

If you meet the grade requirement stated by your conditional offer and wish to take it up then you will very soon be on your way to university!

If you're concerned about the content of the upcoming course or want any advice, or if you wish to retake a few units or modules, we can help.

Tutor House is here to offer free advice and guidance to any student who requires assistance with their results. Our qualified team have been helping students for the last decade and are highly experienced and knowledgeable. We offer private A-Level tutors in London, and all over the globe, for students looking for supplementary support outside of school.

What happens if you do better than expected?

If you exceed your firm conditional offer you may be interested in what other courses and universities you could now potentially secure a place at. If this is the case go to UCAS' adjustment service to explore your options.

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What happens if you no longer want the offer you accepted?

If you no longer want the offer you previously accepted you will have to contact the university or college to ask them if you can decline. UCAS will have already let your insurance university know that you have declined their offer (even though it still shows as an unconditional insurance on UCAS Track).

Next, you would enter clearing and see if your insurance choice or any other university can offer you a place.

However, it is crucial to note that there are no guarantees that you will find an offer and you can't go back to your original offer.

What happens if you didn't receive your required grade(s)?

Don't panic - There are plenty of options available.

Although it might initially seem as though your fate has been sealed, there are in fact many alternative avenues for you to explore.

The first task is to take a piece of paper, a pen and a calculator and re-calculate your UCAS points just to be sure that no mistakes have been made. If no fault is found call up your university of choice to double check that you definitely have not been accepted and if there is anything that you can do to achieve the acceptance.

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Failing this, call up your other university choices (including your insurance option) and ask them the same.

If neither works it is time to start considering other options such as looking into exam reviews and appeals. If you want to arrange a review you will need to do it as soon as possible and be sure to keep your chosen university or college up to date with the progress.

Alternatively, the UCAS clearing service offers the opportunity for you to find another course or university. If this brings no reward then you may want to consider apprenticeships, going into full (or part-time) work, or taking a gap year.

A final option is to re-sit your A-levels (or GCSEs). Although the idea of resisting your exams might seem a daunting and tedious task it pays off.

At Tutor House, many of our students not only meet the grade requirements they previously failed to attain, but exceed and go on to study at a higher tiered university. There is also the option to take on a new A-Level which we can homeschool you through for the academic year.

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Not sure what to do next?

To support students living in London, we're offering two days of free advice and support to all A-Level students receiving their exam results on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th August 2017.

A-Level students are invited to join the Tutor House team during the two open days at our offices in Fitzrovia for advice on what to do if they didn't get their required grades to get into their universities, as well as free guidance on:

Exam retake options

A-Level clearing support

Gap year options

UCAS advice

Private tutoring options

Short intensive exam retake courses

Group tutoring and revision courses in London

Personal statement advice
Just hearing the word 'election' again might be enough to make you shudder, especially if you're a UK voter. Or US citizen. But this week Kenya faces a close-run Presidential Election which could have a broader impact on us all.

Kenya has the second largest economy in East Africa, with significant foreign investment. It also provides key transport routes for the fragile economies of surrounding countries.

And the threat of disruption is very real.

Three of the previous four elections were marred by violence, including the 2008 election when 1,100 people were killed and 650,000 displaced. The suspicious death of a senior Electoral Official has only added to the uncertainty.

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However in the midst of challenging circumstances, Kenya is taking the unlikely step of allowing its prisoners to vote for the first time. That's potentially 50,000 individuals who are now eligible to vote in over 18 prisons.

The Voting Rights of Prisoners

The issue of prisoner's rights to vote is a deeply controversial one. In the UK, convicted prisoners experience what has been called a 'civil death'. This means losing a wide range of legal and civil rights taken for granted by the rest of the adult population.

Most of us are in support of this. The argument being, 'If you are willing to break the law, you can't claim the right to make the law for everyone else'. However few of us would feel that our vote has so significant an impact.

John Hirst, imprisoned for a 25 year life-sentence first took the issue to the European Court in 2004. His reason for doing so was to bring about a wider change to prisons conditions, without having to start a riot.

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"Basically I'd read books that said if you want to change something you start up a pressure group, and then you put pressure on MPs and then you get things changed in Parliament," he said. "Well that's all right if you've got the vote ...."

In its ruling the Court stated that a blanket voting ban on British prisoners is contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights. It went on to state that "[The] removal of the vote... runs counter to the rehabilitation of the offender".

What Purpose Should Prison Serve?

Nelson Mandela once said, "no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones". Treatment which he understood from both sides of the prison walls.

Generally prison serves as a punishment, an intentional withdrawal of rights and a restriction of freedoms. There is an assumption that a term in prison is able to provide retribution and recompense for whatever terrible act has been committed. Rehabilitation is secondary. It's believed that for most prisoners, it will have sufficiently 'taught them a lesson' that they will leave a reformed character. Statistics would suggest otherwise. Former British home secretary Douglas Hurd once described prisons as simply, "an expensive way of making bad people worse."

Prison Can Be A Place of Positive Change

The African Prison Project takes another view. Whilst many prison systems across the world are in crisis, we exist to transform imprisonment and to empower people in prison to drive positive change.

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We are awaiting the graduation of over 60 students - African prisoners and prison staff - who have been studying law via the University of London's distance learning programme. Many of those who have previously graduated with us have gone on to provide significant legal advice for those around them, changing the justice system from the inside out.

The crisis of our prison systems may not be solved by granting prisoners the right to vote. That comes with its own risks and challenges. However perhaps it's those behind bars who have the insight and innovation that we need the most. Whilst they may appear to have the least to contribute, they offer us a unique perspective.

Who Is Missing Out The Most?

In its 2005 ruling, the ECHR determined there was "no evidence that disenfranchisement helped to prevent crime". Whatever the challenges for Kenya, many prisoners are taking their opportunity to vote very seriously. Prisoners at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, where APP works, just outside Nairobi, were keen to register as soon as the chance arose. Perhaps it's the knowledge that many of them, whether guilty or not, will find themselves or their family caught in the justice system sooner or later.
Two servicemen have been injured in the ATO zone since the beginning of Friday, Anatoliy Stelmakh, spokesman for the ATO headquarters' press center, told the agency.

"Since the beginning of the day, we have two soldiers wounded. The enemy has violated the ceasefire regime three times," Stelmakh told Interfax-Ukraine on Friday morning.

In particular, according to him, the town of Avdiyivka in the Donetsk region was shelled by the militants with a mortar of a 82 mm caliber and grenade launchers. "Grenade launchers were also used in the settlements of Krymske and Novo-Oleksandrivka," the spokesman for the press center of the ATO headquarters said.

"In all three cases, the ATO forces were forced to open fire in response," Stelmakh said.
Pick up any popular London magazine and check the listings. Read any informed, popular cultural blog (like this one!). Check out any one of the mainstream press articles on what's hot on the UK scene and you'll see that regularly highlighted as a top night out, is a visit to Pro-Wrestling: Eve. Billed as delivering the UK's Premier Feminist-Punk-Rock Wrestling Events, this socially and politically conscious company is deservedly becoming not just the best wrestling gig in town but the best event full-stop.

Comparisons abound to Netflix Show GLOW. Some have even suggested that GLOW inspired a 'renaissance' in women's wrestling but that would be wrong. Eve was there first. Whilst GLOW is a fun show, EVE is emotionally more engaging, politically more important and the wrestling is incomparably better. Moreover, Eve is not just a show but a brand which is engendering a responsible community, encouraged by its founders to, in the words of Bill and Ted, 'be excellent to each other'. The company operates a one strike and you're out policy for troublemakers and insist that tall c***s are stood at the back. Its base of operations - the Resistance Gallery in Bethnal Green - is not only appropriately funky but represents the community Eve is seeking to foster - close and caring.

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Comparisons have also been made to what men are doing in wrestling. "Professional Wrestling is a man's game", one article said when writing about EVE. It feels patronising, irrelevant and perhaps a little structurally sexist to talk about women's wrestling as a contrast to what men do. Women's wrestling is fantastic because the women are talented entertainers. Eve is succeeding because it builds great stories around fantastic performers. Eve is openly feminist, home to women, men and "non-binary folk". The company seeks to help women feel empowered, 'fight like a girl' or "be big and loud and take up space" as co-founder Emily Read has said. This is not about men. It is about women and a political movement for change. That is really all that needs to be said.

There are no comparisons that can be made to Eve when analysing its heart. The UK wrestling scene is on an upward trajectory. Companies are profiting, business is booming but as we have always written, it is about what one does with a platform that counts. There is no other promotion in the world that from its foundations is as socially progressive, politically engaging and confident as Eve. The company, having sought to create a caring community has further sought to educate, activate and inspire that community for good. From social media posts encouraging people to vote, to its unique 'piledrive a fascist' t-shirt response to Trump's attempt to claim 'masculine' wrestling credentials, to its highlighting veganism as a different way of living, Eve has a manifesto and is not dictating nor preaching but fighting, quite literally, for change.

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Eve is also incomparably honest. Though the company is getting on for a decade old, it hasn't been a straight run through. In 2012, Emily Read was admitted to hospital under the Mental Health Act. She has talked elsewhere about her experiences, describing herself as 'broken' and the importance of both wrestling and her co-founder and husband Dann Read's support to her recovery. Her journey to being properly diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and her frankness about her continuing struggles is braver and more important than Emily might appreciate. In September 2014 we wrote that "mental health problems can of course affect anyone, no matter how famous". We stated that "stigma, myth and discrimination are widespread" and called on "individual promotions to be considering public educational campaigns about mental health, depression and addiction". We concluded that "in doing so, they might help to demonstrate that mental health is not something to be embarrassed about and encourage those quietly suffering talent and fans alike, to speak up and seek help." Emily is doing this and more. She has battled a sexist industry, lost her house and business, struggled with mental health and is using her experiences to inform, educate and push for change. She is an utter badass in our book and like the company she has grown, is brave, brilliant and bold.

A third area in which Eve is incomparable relates to the talent it provides a platform to - and oh, what talent. The company returned with a bang in March 2016 with the first all-female show to take place in London. Speak to Dann Read about wrestling and you cannot but be inspired. This is a man who lives and breathes the business. Alongside Emily, Dann has turned Eve's dramatic twists and turns into unmissable live action. That action is delivered by the top talents on the British scene and from overseas. There are wrestlers you will see popping up in WWE soon - Piper Niven (Viper), Kay Lee Ray and Nixon Newell. There are British wrestlers that are renowned on the world independent scene like Rhia O'Reilly and there are amazing up-and-comers like Laura Di Matteo, Session Moth Martina, Nina Samuels and Sammi Jayne all of whom are mind-blowingly great. You might even get the chance to see GLOW's Kate Nash (Brittanica) who has been as drawn in to EVE as the rest of us. It is no surprise that EVE hosted the farewell for Manami Toyota, widely considered to be one of the best wrestlers in the world, or that it regularly runs sessions with Emi Sakura, another of the best the profession has seen. International talent is drawn to places like EVE. Just ask WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley, he's clearly been drawn in.

Perhaps the best bit about EVE, is that you can get involved too. The company's August show is already sold out, without having announced a match. They will however be back on Friday October 6 and then of course four shows on Saturday/Sunday November 11 and 12 for the SHE-1: Ace of Eve tournament. There will then be a massive York Hall show in Bethnal Green in the first half of next year which could be the biggest all-woman show outside of Japan. Tickets for all EVE shows are on sale here and SHE-1 tickets are on sale now so don't hang about!
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Last year, just under 65,000 freshers used Clearing to find a place at university. Although the Clearing system can seem daunting, Hannah Morrish, student choice and higher education lead at The Student Room, has helped hundreds of students to understand the process and secure a great alternative place at uni. Here she offers advice for any students who don't meet their offer, along with advice on how to make the most of Clearing to choose a course that's right for you.

Nearly every university now offers course in Clearing

Life doesn't always go according to plan and that's why Clearing was invented! The UCAS Clearing system helps students who have missed their offers to find a new university place and there are hundreds up for grabs. In fact, on A-level results day last year, UCAS listed 41,000 courses on their course-finder tool and by midnight, 44,000 students had received confirmation that they had been accepted into their newly chosen university through Clearing.

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Clearing is a completely valid way to get onto a great course at top universities and you shouldn't feel like a failure for using the system. With universities like Durham, Loughborough, Lancaster and Birmingham offering places for great courses, it's time to shop around and take advantage of what's on offer. Never forget, universities want you as much as you want them, it's important to remember that.

Shop around now if you think your exams haven't gone to plan

If you've not got your results yet but think there's a chance you're going to be in Clearing, get a headstart now by looking at current vacancies and starting a list of universities and their phone numbers. Clearing vacancies are live on the UCAS website and are kept up-to-date throughout results day. If you're only just short of the grades you need to get into your firm, you might find they'll still accept you. If not, Clearing is plan B.

On the day, make sure your phone is charged ready for you to make calls to the universities you're interested in. If you can it's handy to have two phones, one for making calls and another for universities to ring you back with offers so you don't cut them off.

Have a plan in place on A-level results day

Don't just accept the first offer you get. You can't enter a Clearing choice into Track until 3pm, so you have plenty of time. Plus, you're allowed to shop around in Clearing and take your time to make your final decision. Make sure you understand the course content, there can be significant differences between courses with the same name - or you can find two courses with different titles could be virtually the same. It's a big choice so don't rush yourself.

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You'll want to write down the phone numbers of the universities, course codes, results and have your Clearing number ready (which you will find on UCAS Track). Jot down a few points about your passion for your chosen course or subject and why you particularly like the course you're applying to via Clearing and be ready to ask lots of relevant questions. Make sure you have your personal statement to hand too. You'll want to know about the course, student life, accommodation and what happens next if they give you an offer. You can speak to current students, universities and trained advisors on The Student Room to get a real feel for the place.
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One of the hardest parts of my job is seeing mothers turned away from one of Save the Children's health clinics, even when their babies are malnourished. Supplies have run so low that we can only treat the most severe cases of starvation and have to prioritise children most at risk. Any medic or parent will know how heart-breaking that is.

But here in South Sudan, life is precarious and every decision could be life-changing. If the conflict doesn't reach your village, hunger and thirst will. Girls are dropping out of school to spend three days a week in the bush collecting leaves to eat. Boys spend five hours a day digging deep into the dried river bed to reach water for their thirsty cattle.

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My wife and I made a difficult decision ourselves three months ago. Although Kapoeta, our home town in South Sudan, may be safe now, that may not always be the case. As a safety measure, my wife and children have fled over the border to Kenya. They are in a refugee camp, until the conflict settles. At least there my children can get an education. Here in Kapoeta many schools have shut because children are too hungry to attend school. Their time is filled foraging for wild fruits, anything they can get their hands on - fruit that will soon run out if it doesn't rain soon.

Famine has been declared in three states in South Sudan and more than one million children in the country now risk starvation. The number of people hit by this food crisis is up by nearly 40% following the worst harvest season since South Sudan became the world's newest nation in 2011. Children are the most at risk of dying as they are less able to withstand acute malnutrition, their small and weakened bodies more susceptible to diseases such as measles, malaria and cholera.

Everyone working for Save the Children knows that we have a small window of opportunity to stop this famine spreading. We are praying that the rains do come. It hasn't rained properly since May last year. Traditional 'rain makers' are in deep trouble in their villages as they have failed to do their job. Some of their lives have even been threatened. Without rain we can't grow crops or keep cattle alive. If the drought continues, famine will spread. So it's crucial we get enough emergency food and medicine into the areas where children are already hungry, and could easily starve if we don't intervene.

The British public have been incredibly generous to South Sudan despite many of them never having been here themselves and we are very grateful for that.

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Save the Children is running 16 clinics across Kapoeta where mothers bring their children for a check-up and if they are severely malnourished, they're given a two-month supply of emergency food to increase their weight. But malnutrition is the cause of many secondary diseases, such as pneumonia, which is five times as likely to plague a child if they're malnourished. Other killers like Edema are deceptive, with water retention luring mothers into a false sense of security as they believe their child looks plump and healthy. Yesterday our team lost an 18 month old baby, Lomilo, to Edema. We'd diagnosed her and were treating her in our intensive care unit, but she'd been brought to the clinic too late and we couldn't save her.

As with Lomilo, there's more to this crisis than meets the eye. Drought is natural but famine is always man-made. But whatever your politics, the truth is that innocent children always suffer first and foremost. Luckily we know what needs to be done. The difficult thing is to sound the alarm loud enough that we can urge donors to help us buy the right supplies in time. Right now it's supposed to be the rainy season, we don't want it to be the dying season.

Aid agencies are often criticised for showing photos of African children with flies in their eyes. Of course it pains me that my country is thought of as poor. But nobody talks about why the flies swarm around children, who haven't been washed in months because a shower for them would mean a cow dying of thirst. Nobody sees the shame in their mothers eyes when visitors come to their village to check on the children's health. Or the anger when NGO's say they haven't got the funds to properly help them.
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A new report from the National Crime Agency says modern slavery is now "prevalent" across the UK, affecting "every large town and city in the country". The more they look, the more they find according to William Kerr, the NCA Director of Vulnerabilities. He says "we need those communities to be our eyes and ears". People in the UK may be shocked to hear that this crime is so widespread, but for those working to raise awareness of modern slavery, today's revelations from the National Crime Agency are not surprising.

For years, the numbers of potential victims found have climbed, in 2016 hitting 3805. They came from 108 different countries, including the UK, and were exploited in all sorts of ways; from car washes, to fruit farms, to brothels.

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We need communities that have their eyes open, who are aware enough of their surroundings that they can say when something doesn't look right. When the man cleaning their car has no safety equipment, and looks underfed and tired. When their neighbours live-in nanny never seems to leave the house, and is too frightened to talk to them. When the holiday-let at the end of the road is being visited by different men all through the day and night.

The Church of England, with a presence in every parish, is uniquely placed to be those eyes and ears, and to spread this message further. We believe that the tools to end modern slavery already exist within the local community, and that the Church has a primary responsibility in leading these efforts.

That's why in October we will be launching The Clewer Initiative, a three year project designed to enable Church of England dioceses to respond to modern slavery in their communities. It involves working with the Church locally, identifying resources that can be utilised, developing partnerships with others, and creating a wider network of advocates seeking to end modern slavery together. We have already seen examples of this with churches running English classes for survivors, or joining with other denominations to raise awareness of the issue. Work in the Dioceses of Derby, Portsmouth, Southwell and Nottingham, and Southwark is already underway, with each Diocese committing to develop strategies that are tailored to their area.

In one example of local collaboration, the Diocese has become a key member of the Derby and Derbyshire Modern Slavery Partnership, uniting with the police and social services to bring an end to slavery in Derbyshire.

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Brexit will Make Britain Great Again.

I've never heard a bigger, more grotesquely misguided or egotistical slogan in all of the Brexit campaign, and its still going strong.

Its worse than the big red bus promising to give 350m a year back to the NHS- but now instead, it turns out we are going to have to come up with 40 billion to leave the EU- hmm, not quite the right maths hey?

Its worse than the immigration lie- EU members are probably still going to have access to Britain, and most of the immigration is currently from NONE-EU countries -which will not change. In fact, we will probably have to allow in more people to come and work in all the jobs we don't want to do - like in the underpaid NHS.

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Its even worse than the belief that somehow our 'we will get back our autonomy'. WE WROTE many of the laws that currently govern the EU, we will have to spend Billions rewriting them all over again for Britain once we leave. Most of the EU standards are GOOD for us! - do you really want me to explain the benefits of having basic health and safety regulations for importing food, chemicals, livestock, not to mention animal welfare, environmental protection, child welfare (yes they too are protected under EU law). And that's not even including the risk of terrorism and security threats that we will no longer have intelligence about. You wanted to finish with the EU? Britain is going to spend the next few years dealing with very little else other than the EU! We need more experts in EU policy now than ever before! We will need to become specialists in the very thing we are trying to get rid of!

In fact, it's even more head-shakingly, depressingly worse than the 'we've had enough of specialists' campaign slogan. I really don't get that one. When you are ill, do you call your plumber and ask him to prescribe you medicine? No, you call a trained Doctor, who has studied for decades in medicine to know what's best for you. When you get into a legal dispute, do you ask your mate from work to come and argue your case for you? No, you ask your professionally trained Lawyer who has studied the legal system for years to represent you. When you want to buy a house, do you go down the pub and ask the barman where's the best place to buy these days? No, you go to a real estate agent who is an expert in your local area. And when you want save up for your children's education fund, do you give your gambling buddy all your hard earned savings? No, you go to a professional financial advisor who is an expert in long-term investments.

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So why then, WHY!? when you are asked to decide the future of your country, which will affect the value of your savings, your pension, your FREE national health service, you and your children's rights to live and travel abroad, your house, your holiday costs, your food quality, your forests, your clean air protection... Why would you go a listen to a bunch of Tories clowns from Eaton, who's SOLE reason for leaving the EU is to set up better tax havens for their trillion offshore accounts, so that they don't have to pay our "Great" country a penny?

Why listen to them, when the Chief Surgeon of the NHS is telling you to leave will be a disaster, when the Head of the Bank of England is telling you to leave will be a disaster, when the Chief Economist from the American Institute of Economics (and yes he's not even British so what does he care) has stated that which ever way you twist it there is NO economic benefit to leave the EU for any sector in the UK and that its going to be a distaster.

Specialists in EU law and Immigration Law are telling you its going to be a disaster. Business Executives, CEOs, Lawyers, Deans of Universities, Eminent Professors of Economics and Law, Real Estate Agents, Investment Managers, Journalists, Scientists, Accountants, Architects, Mathematicians, Musicians, Artists, and an entire generation of hopeful, open minded, enlightened, learned-from-histories-mistakes, multicultural, tolerant youth, are ALL telling you that to leave will be a complete disaster.

And EVEN, when most of these wise and unfortunately accurate predictions have already started to become true, and EVEN when the EU government is offering us ways to end the madness and step away from the Abyss.. Even then, you STILL shout proudly that we should leave, just because we voted on one horrid day and Leave won. Even though you won by a majority of just 1% of the living population of the UK, and because apparently "Brexit means Brexit". This isn't just cutting of your nose to spite your face, its cutting of your hands, and your eyes and your mouth too.

BUT, none of these gob-smackingly awful, hand-wringingly frustrating, unbelievably mad beliefs are anywhere near as sad or misguided as the belief that we need to leave the Eu to Make Britain Great Again.

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You know why?

Because we never were Great.

Do you know why we are called Great Britain?

You probably think its because once we were a "Great Empire'. Well that's not why we are called Great Britain. We are Great Britain because the island of Britain is the largest of the British Isles, hence it is called Great (meaning "large"). Well you've seen a map of the world- We really aren't than large are we.

But even if it was because of our Great Empire that we haven't had for more than 100 years; Do you know why we colonised the entire world through slavery, abomination of human rights abuse and outright theft of other people's land and resources? It wasn't because we were great, it was because we didn't have enough resources on our tiny little mud island to prosper so we needed to steal everyone else's. It was because Africa had minerals that we wanted, so we took them, it was because India had tea and Tigers and we wanted them, it was because the Caribbean had fertile land for coffee plantations that could be worked by our slaves from other colonies, and the Falkland Islands was politically strategic to build an army base. How pleasant for us that all these places happened to be sunny too! We don't even have enough sun (which is free!) on these chilly British Isles so we colonise all the warm countries.. Why didn't we colonise Siberia? Why not set up a colony in Antartica?

Ok, we still own a bit of Antarctica, but there aren't so many people there to demand we give it back are there,

It was our COLONIES that made us great. Their natural resources, their exotic cultures, music, foods, and fabrics, the billions of people from whom we took away rights to access their own land, stole their wealth, murdered all who opposed us. They were was made Britain great, not us.

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And what's more, we don't "own" those colonies any more. We have no Empire any more. Leaving the EU isn't going to reinstate our sovereignty in India or Ghana. We don't have any say over who trades with us or at what price. The EU has trade agreements, we won't when we leave. The EU has standards in place, we won't when we leave. The EU is in the Single market, we won't be. We will be left alone without any resources and without any friends. The bully that everyone decided to just ignore.

What exactly do you think is going to happen when we leave? That the rest of the world is going to come flooding to us begging for our trade, forgetting all history of oppression and pilfering? That all our ex-colonial Republics are going to come to our aid in some form of gratitude for releasing them from slavery? Look at Zimbabwe, they won't even talk to us any more. Do you think that the rest of Europe will remember our greatness, and beg to let their people come and work in our Great country? Many EU nationals that live here are leaving or considering leaving Britain, whether or not they are "allowed to stay" by our gracious selves.

Do you even know how the rest of the world perceives us since 23rd June 2016?

Japan thinks we've gone mad, Singapore thinks we are "having a mental breakdown at a national level", Germany and France are laughing at us with pity, and China and Canada are staring in disbelief. The US would be crying, but unfortunately they've got Trump to deal with and quite frankly that's enough for anyone's plate.. but hey- at least they only have to suffer him for another 3.5 years - BREXIT IS PERMANENT!

Britain has no special status, we are not the royalty of the world. What does being British mean anyway? - we are melting pot Celtic, Gaelic, Saxon, Norman,Viking, French, African, Middle Eastern, Romanie, Indian, Polish, Asian, Spanish, Germanic genes among many others. Even most of our royalty is imported from Europe. We are an influx of constantly blending ethnicities, some just happened long ago and some are newer. Our language is half French half German, our beer is Belgium, our wine is French, our fashion is Italian, our tomatoes are Spanish, our cars are from Japan, our democracy is Greek, our Vodka is Russian, our curry is Indian, our coffee is Brazilian, our tea is Chinese. Even Heinz baked beans are American! Europe and the rest of the world gives us much more than we give them! We do have Cheddar though- we can give them cheddar. And Branston pickle.

No, my dear fellow patriotic Britons, Britain is not revered. We are not feared or respected. We are not the cream of the crop. Britain has become the Bunion on the side of Europe's foot, it was fine until it started becoming painful and now it just something to cut off as soon as possible. Britain is the annoying little brat with jam all her face that thinks all the doughnuts are rightfully hers and starts screaming when ever someone else takes one. No-one likes us, no one will come running to play, no one cares if we leave or not. We are the tiny islanders. We are the bad egg, the nagging child, the moaner at the party, the pimple on your back.

To put it bluntly,

We just aren't that fucking Great.
A mosque in Minnesota, United States, was bombed by anti-Muslim attackers in the early hours of the morning whilst worshippers were praying inside. Despite the fact that the intent was to harm worshippers and criminal damage occurred due to the shattering of windows, Donald Trump remains tight lipped about the incident.

It is evident that this is an act of terrorism, yet the deafening silence from the US President shows the double standards when Muslims are the victims of such attacks. Why has there not been a single word of reassurance to those affected for someone who is so quick to respond when other tragedies have occurred. There has not even been so much as a tweet from Mr Trump to show solidarity or express condemnation at the incident. This further arouses sentiment that the President endorses such acts if he is not even willing to condemn it and urge people to be united.

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According to Pew research an estimated 3.3 million Muslims live in America, a staggering amount to be ignored. The state governor for Minnesota, Mark Dayton stated that, "this was a criminal act of terrorism" and went onto state that, "if the roles were reversed, it would be called a terrorist attack. And that's what it is, an act of terrorism."

The refusal to even raise awareness that this was an act of terrorism against Muslims is sickening. All forms of terrorism should be dealt with in the same manner and leaders should be expected to act with the decency in establishing justice, religious tolerance which can only help to spur progression.

Anti Muslim crimes in the US has increased over the years with a weekly count of at least nine mosques being attacked within a week in the US alone. If the leaders of a country do not step up and show solidarity and religious tolerance what message does that send to the communities in the United States and around the world.

This is not the first time that President Trump has decided to remain silent on attacks carried out by extremists against Muslims. We saw the same approach of silence when there was an attack on Finsbury Park Mosque in the United Kingdom where Muslims were attacked by a vehicle that ploughed into worshippers.

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The escalation of crimes against Muslims in the US and the lack of support given by Trump will ensure that the very people he is supposed to protect will only increase in feeling isolated by the Trump government. The President has to ensure that he is responsible for protecting and safeguarding people from all walks of life and cannot pick and choose what he feels is important. Every act of terror should be documented and addressed so that it can be dealt with in a way that holds the perpetrators accountable and be put to justice.
Although cryptocurrencies have been studied and argued for a long time, they are just now becoming known as financial tools t
The Solomiansky District Court of Kyiv on August 10-11 elected a pre-trial restriction for the defendants in the case of embezzlement of funds allocated for the development of the Ukrainian-Russian state border (the "Wall" project), all of them are taken into custody with an alternative of bailment, the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) said on its Facebook page.

According to the SAPO, the former head of the first separate capital construction department of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and the founder and director of Vitiaz construction center LLC were applied a pre-trial restriction in the form of custody with the alternative of bailment in the amount of UAH 8.2 million (for each).

The director of AZI LLC was arrested with the possibility of making a bail of UAH 3.6 million, the head of the construction department of the Border Guard Service was taken into custody with an alternative of bailment in the amount of UAH 3.2 million. The mediator was taken under arrest with the possibility of making a bail of UAH 1.2 million.

In addition, the court ordered the arrest of the senior officer of the first separate capital construction department of the Border Guard Service and the former director of Chernihiv Regional Automobile Company (Chernihiv Oblavtodor) of state enterprise Automobile Roads of Ukraine with an alternative of a UAH 500,000 bail (for each).

"The total amount of bailment is about UAH 25.5 million. Thus, the court granted the petitions of detectives and prosecutors in full," the SAPO said.
Pittsfield Considering Putting Ban On Recreational Marijuana To Vote

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The City Council will consider putting a referendum on the ballot to ban the sale of recreational marijuana.

Local attorney William Barry put forth a petition to ban marijuana retail shops. However, he wrote it before the state had passed a reworked version of the law that requires such a measure to go to a citywide vote in communities that passed the question on the statewide ballot.

"I didn't want to have pot shops at Allendale Center, Berkshire Crossings, on North Street where I work. But, the law is the law," Barry told the City Council, changing his request from instead of asking for the council to ban it to putting a ban to a vote.

Barry said there are negative health and legal consequences relating to recreational marijuana and he doesn't believe the city should be encouraging it.

"I need to take a stand on it and I think that is the message we need to send to the youth," he said.

The state Legislature debated the question for months following the vote and only recently settled on an agreement. That debate included whether or not mayors or city councils had the right to ban marijuana shops altogether. A compromised position gives mayors and councils the right to, but only in towns that have voted against it. In those where the question passed, a citywide vote is needed.

Voters in the city of Pittsfield voted in favor of the statewide ballot initiative by a margin of 58.4 percent to 41.6 percent.

The City Council opted to send Barry's revised request for a citywide vote on the issue to its ordinance and rules subcommittee to discuss. Barry said he had hoped the state lawmakers would do more to prevent shops from opening in the city, but they are "caving to special interests."

Barry received support on Tuesday from two other citizens who routinely weigh in on city matters during the council's open microphone period: Alexander Blumin and Ellen Mary D'Agostino. Both of them voiced support for a ban on such shops.

"It is absolutely inappropriate," Blumin said of marijuana shops.

D'Agostino argued that the majority of the inmates who enter the jails with drug problems report that they started with marijuana. She says the city will see even more drug abuse should shops open.

In other business on Tuesday, the City Council authorized the Airport Commission to hire the law firm Anderson & Krieger to take on a review of the contracts relating to the fixed-base operator Lyon Aviation and renegotiate a new lease.

"The end product is to have a term that is beneficial for the FBO and the city," Airport Manager Gloria Bouillon said. "It is up to the city and the airport as far as what we will be pursuing."

Bouillon said the leases are routinely reviewed but there hasn't been a renegotiation in a long time. Now, Lyon has "expressed interest to develop airport property" and the commission wants to make sure the new lease benefits the city, Lyon, and conforms with Federal Aviation Administration requirements. Anderson & Krieger specializes in the laws regarding airports and aviation.

The council also approved adopting an ordinance to allow the Police Department to use fingerprinting for non-criminal background checks. Chief Michael Wynn said the FBI and the state have moved away from a database check on the applicant's drivers licenses for such things as canvassing permits, vendor's licenses, and others to verifying identities by fingerprints.

Now, the department can't use the current system because of a state update, leaving the city with no way to perform the checks.

"I can't run the computer checks. I can't run the fingerprint checks, and I can't ask the applicant to provide their own checks. So, I am kind of jammed up," Wynn said.

Wynn said the FBI issued a notice that departments needed to switch to a fingerprinting system, which Wynn says provides the same information but identities are confirmed through fingerprinting rather than a driver's license, back in 2010 when the CORI laws were reformed. But, the computer system was still active until last year when Massachusetts updated its systems.

"We're unable to process some of those permits because we can't use the old system and we haven't yet embedded an ordinance to use the new system of fingerprints," City Solicitor Richard Dohoney told the council

Wynn said he asked multiple times since 2010 for an ordinance from prior city solicitor offices but he never got a response.

"Back to 2010, we've been sending requests over saying we are going to have to do something about this," Wynn said.
Dennis Powell swears under oath that he collected his nomination signatures the proper way.

Pittsfield Registrars Uphold Powell's Candidacy for School Committee



For more than an hour, Alexander Blumin pointed to instances where the handwriting closely matched handwriting in others. PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Two city gadflies wasted everyone's time on Thursday in a "shameless plug" when they accused Dennis Powell of falsifying nomination signatures for School Committee, according to Board of Registrar member William Barry.

Craig Gaetani, who is running for City Council at large, and resident Alexander Blumin filed objections to Powell's nomination papers.

The pair, who are both regular speakers during the City Council's open microphone period, accused Powell of having the same person write multiple signatures, or that spouses were signing for each other, throughout his 222 certified names for office.

The Board of Registrars took more than two hours of testimony on Thursday to ultimately reject the accusations outright.

"To go through this, to waste people's time, I thought this was totally uncalled for. I thought it was a shameless plug by someone trying to run for office, trying to promote their own agenda, and using you as a scapegoat," Barry told Powell before casting his vote to overrule the objections.

A candidate for School Committee needs 150 signatures from registered voters. Powell turned in 273, 222 of which were certified by the Registrar of Voters.

During Thursday's hearing, which was presided over by City Solicitor Richard Dohoney and was before Board of Registrar members Jody Phillips, Jennifer Kerwood, and Barry, Blumin walked the group through 11 pages of signatures, pinpointing addresses that appeared to be in the same handwriting.

"The person was using his hand, making the same angle of writing, the same pattern of writing," Blumin contested. "In my opinion, about 15 percent of the signatures are correct, are original, correct signatures."

He compared such things as the D in Dewey Avenue to the D in Powell's name. He compared the way sixes were written to ones near by. He accused entire pages of signatures as all being written by the same person. He repeatedly focused on the handwriting in the address column despite his contesting the signatures were forged.

"We're talking about addresses only," Blumin repeatedly said.

He further contended that there wasn't sufficient time to get all of the signatures required. Papers were made available in early April and Powell returned his in early May.

"Mr. Dennis Powell submitted more than 150 signatures, and all of those signatures were dated in May," Blumin said, claiming as much as 85 percent of the signatures were falsified.

Blumin also repeated that it was "his opinion" that the signatures appeared to be forged. It is incumbent on the accuser to bring forth a preponderance of evidence to prove wrongdoing.

"It was an opinion and even in his own testimony 'I may be wrong' was repeated several times," Barry said.

Following Blumin's testimony, Powell offered a brief rebuttal, listing his multiple leadership roles he has in the community and civic organizations, and called the allegations an "insult" to himself, the people who signed for him, and the community.

He also questioned why he was the only candidate for office singled out.

"I find these accusations offensive to my integrity," Powell said, later adding, "It is a direct insult on the 273 individuals who offered their signatures in support of my candidacy."

One of those names specifically cited by Blumin was that of Superintendent of Schools Jason McCandless, who testified that he signed his own name and address.

"I was at an event and watched almost every one of these people sign this sheet individually, including myself," McCandless said, vouching for about a dozen signatures Blumin accused of being falsifying.

Thasia Giles testified that her name was also written by her.

"This signature was completely my own I was surprised to hear it called into question," she said.

Even the mayor's name on the signature page was cited as possibly being falsified. Powell had a dozen or more supporters in the audience willing to testify that their signatures were, in fact, their own. But, in an effort to save time he didn't call each one.

Gaetani specifically called attention to some of the notable names of people who signed for them, and those in the audience ready to testify on Powell's behalf.

"We have wall to wall good old boys, special interest groups, in the audience," Gaetani said.

During his testimony, which often veered into him spouting off accomplishments and money he allegedly saved the city in the past regarding the water treatment plant  a common topic for Gaetani during open microphone during City Council meetings  Gaetani disputed even the Board of Registrar's ability to rule on it.

He called for a forensic audit, which the Board of Registrars does not have the authority to order, on the signatures and a ruling from the secretary of state.

"We have to make absolutely certain in elections that we have transparency," Gaetani said. "I don't know whether Mr. Powell was completely honest."

He continued to say how his objections were to help the "taxpayers" and boasted of his own self-worth and vigilance toward accomplishing political and social gains.



The pair said large sections, and even entire pages, featured the same handwriting all the way down the address column. "Mr. Blumin and myself are mavericks. It is mavericks who move communities and countries ahead. We don't care anything about how many people oppose us, all we care about is having our say to be able to express ourselves," Gaetani said.

Blumin said the city is filled with "political corruption" and objected to Dohoney, who was not a voting member, moderating the hearing. He said he sent multiple letters to Dohoney in the past and never got a response.

"Because you disrespected me by not replying, you diminish me as a United States citizen, diminish me as a resident of Pittsfield, and you are hostile with me. I oppose you being part of this hearing," Blumin said.

Both Blumin and Gaetani said they've also filed objections to Powell's paperwork with the state and with District Attorney David Capeless, but have not received a response from either.

Gaetani didn't offer any new evidence beyond the multitude of signatures Blumin cited as looking similar to each other. Though he didn't submit his papers as evidence for comparison, he said the signatures he collected for at-large does not have the same number of incidences where handwriting is similar than in Powell's paperwork.

Powell again had a chance to rebuke Gaetani's objection, to which he replied: "there is absolutely nothing necessary to say."

Powell didn't speak a lot in his own defense overall, and Barry felt the accusations were so outlandish that he respected Powell's demeanor throughout the hearing.

"I have to tip my hat to Mr. Powell to go through this with dignity, to be able to listen," Barry said. "If this shows what kind of candidate and what kind of demeanor you have in doing this, boy, I am all for you."
New PA Joins Southwestern Vermont Medical Center's Emergency Department

BENNINGTON, Vt.  The Emergency Department at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center has welcomed physician assistant Ethan C. Evankow. With this appointment, Evankow also joins the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Putnam Medical Group.



Evankow earned his master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies from University of New England in Maine and his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Vermont. He completed clinical rotations at Mayo Regional Hospital in Maine, Tobey Hospital in Massachusetts, and Pittsfield Medical Associates in Massachusetts, among others.



He is certified by the American Academy of Physician Assistants.



SVMC's Emergency Department is staffed 24 hours a day and treats over 25,000 patients a year, many with life-threatening conditions. It is equipped with the latest telemedicine technology, which allows emergency specialists from Dartmouth-Hitchcock to consult on cases remotely through a high-definition two-way camera and monitor system. The hospital is located at 100 Hospital Drive in Bennington.
Pittsfield Puts Out Bid For Street Markings

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The city has put out the bid for line painting.

The city was late getting the bid out this year, leaving crosswalks unpainted as school quickly approaches. Ward 4 Councilor Christopher Connell and Ward 2 Councilor Kevin Morandi both voiced outrage at a recent council meeting that the work hadn't been done.

"I've been around the city, I've seen the crosswalks, and they are disgusting. It is unacceptable," Morandi had said on Tuesday. "We pay for services and we expect them to be done ... We've got school in three weeks, those crosswalks have to be done."

Commissioner of Public Service and Utilities David Turocy said the department was shorthanded and the bid hadn't gone out. Now, the city has released a request for proposal and is hoping to get some of the work done this fall.

"Ideally we would paint all the road lines  center lines, fog lines, etc.  as well as crosswalks this year. We'll see how far we get based on contractor availability/scheduling and weather," Turocy said on Friday. "What doesn't get done this year will be completed next year."

The bid opens for contractors to submit proposals by Aug. 30 with work commencing on Sept. 11. Turocy noted that the bid is for a two-year contract, which he hopes will ensure that next year's work is done more timely than this year.

"This is being put out as a two-year contract, which will enable us to get onto a better schedule for all this work next year and ensure it gets down on a more timely basis," Turocy said.

Turocy had planned on getting a bid out early in the spring in hopes to get a contractor on board and get more favorable scheduling for the work. As contractors load up with more and more work, it gets tougher for the city to request work be done at certain times.

While there is the chance for contractors to bid on the contract and start working this fall, there is no guarantee a contract will be awarded. But, the hope is that at least some of the work will be done.

On Friday, Connell, who filed the petition to discuss the issue at Tuesday's council meeting, said he still wants the crosswalks done before school starts.

"The line painting is done every year especially the crosswalks. If the crosswalks are not going to be completed before school opens, then I feel the highway department should complete this task. This is a safety issue that should have already been done," Connell said.

Connell and Morandi had voiced concern about liability should a pedestrian get hit while crossing the street in a faded crosswalk. Connell suggested on Tuesday that the highway department purchase line striping equipment and make sure at least the crosswalks are done by the end of the month.

Pittsfield IFB Street Markings by iBerkshires.com on Scribd




Haiti - Security : Dominican High Command inspects the border





For the first time in over 20 years, a joint inspection tour of the Dominican High Command was conducted this week along the Dominican-Haitian border. The Minister of Defense, Lieutenant-General Paulino Sem was accompanied by Major General Braulio A. Alcantara Lopez, Commander of the Army; General Luis Napoleon Payan Diaz, Commander of the Air Force; Vice-Admiral Miguel Enrique Pena Acosta, Commander of the Navy, as well as members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Heads of Military Units designated in the border area, mainly to verify the functioning of the checkpoints, the status of troops deployed in the region and compliance with protocols ensuring the control of illegal entries and repatriations.



"We traveled on the border with the heads of all the military branches of the institution. We checked each of the checkpoints, the military endowments, from the largest to the smallest and we made sure that the orders of President Danilo Medina to keep the border controlled are strictly enforced with respect for human rights and the dignity of the person," explainded Lieutenant-General Ruben Dario Paulino Sem.



The tour, which was conducted with the approval of President Medina, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces allowed military commanders to verify the status of troops and the status of their facilities and support brought to the immigration authorities in the exercise of their functions in the border area, in order to guarantee the entirety of the national territory and to highlight the unity of the criteria among the military leaders.



SL/ iciHaiti


















There are currently 120 Ukrainian servicemen in pretrial detention centers suspected of committing crimes, an official for the Military Service of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Serhiy Chastiuk has said.

"According to available information, at present more than 120 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are detained in detention centers on the territory of Ukraine pursuant to court rulings. There are more than 100 servicemen in these facilities in Donetsk and Luhansk regions," he said at a briefing in Kyiv on Friday.

According to Chastiuk, the number of complaints from servicemen about violations during their detention and conducting investigative actions has recently increased.
The number of violations of the ceasefire regime in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) area in the east of Ukraine over the past week has been increased by 55%, Principal Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Alexander Hug has said.

During the week, we registered an increase in the level of violence along the disengagement line. The number of violations of the ceasefire regime has been increased by 55%. We are particularly concerned about the widespread use of weapons prohibited by Minsk agreements. We recorded at least 547 instances of multiple rocket launchers, other artillery and mortar systems. Some 137 such cases have been registered over the last week, Hug said at a briefing via Skype on Friday.

  
Professor Georg Milbradt, the German government's special envoy for reforms, in particular in the field of governance and decentralization, will visit Ukraine on August 14-19, the German Embassy in Ukraine reported.

"At an invitation of the president of Ukraine, the federal government managed to engage retired prime minister Mr. Milbradt as a special envoy for reforms in Ukraine, in particular in the area of governance and decentralization. As a consultant in Ukraine and other countries, Professor Milbradt has many years of experience in this area," the embassy said in a statement.

The German Embassy noted that Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko addressed all G7 member states to provide their envoys to assist reforms in Ukraine in seven selected areas of reform.

Professor Milbradt's mandate is designed for a year.




This Isnt Our Last Love Letter



Dear Don Don,

Way back in 92



I walked into the room and knew



Never felt this way before



I shook your hand while gazing into your eyes



And the feeling grew



As I took a seat I knew



A love that would have my heart



Forever



I knew



Way back in 92





They say love at first sight doesnt always last or isnt true



We were the exception to that rule



Our love had no where to hide



A spark set fire



As if this is how the universe started





I never doubted our love or what we could do



Together we grew



Forming a bond everlasting



That became our glue



My euphoria was YOU



Im eternally grateful for the love and life we shared



For how fortunate we were :



to have and to hold

through sickness and in health

Til death do us part



Until we are together again



This isnt our last love letter



I love you with all my heart and soul



Yours forever,



Deirdre (Mrs. Hank Snow)





Im fortunate to have fallen in love with, marry and make a life with the sharpest, coolest, funniest, most rare, bad ass, tender loving, loyal man on the planet, my husband Don Imus.









A True American Hero

I dont know why it has been so hard for me to write about my dear friend Don Imus.



I certainly know what he meant to me, my family, my charity, my hospital and the millions of fans that listened and loved him for so many years.



I keep reading all the beautiful condolences that people are writing about how much a part of their lives were effected by listening to him over the years.

But what most people dont talk enough about is what he did for all of us.

In every sense of the word, he was an American Hero. His work with children with so many different illnesses and his dedication to their future was unmatched by anyone I have ever known or heard about.



Besides raising over $100,000,000 for so many causes, he took care of young people for over 20 years in a state where he could not breathe. Along with his incredible wife Deirdre, he created a world where children were not defined by their disease. That was a miracle! He was a miracle.

I will miss him ever day for the rest of my life.

I was blessed to be a part of his and Deirdes life.

No one will ever do what he did.

I love you Don Imus - A TRUE AMERICAN HERO





David Jurist

IMUS IN THE MORNING

FIRST DAY BACK!
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Pink Floyd's Roger Waters has criticised the stances of both the US media, and fellow musicians, on Israel.

When asked by RT why the issue isn't more openly discussed by the US media, he answered with what a producer for PBS reporter Charlie Rose had allegedly told him: "We're not quite sure, but it comes from above. So, you can figure it out for yourself. It's not rocket science."

The musician has been vocal about Israel in the past; his belief is that many American musicians are afraid of supporting a boycott on Israel over the issue of Palestinian rights, for fear it may destroy their careers over accusations of anti-Semitism.

He reiterated to RT his criticism of Radiohead's decision to perform in Israel, despite BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) campaigners calling for a cultural boycott of the country.

Waters had joined in with multiple artists as part of an open letter issued by Artists for Palestine UK, which called on the band to reconsider the gig.

Frontman Thom Yorke responded by stating that, though the band do not support the Israeli government or its occupation of Palestine, they would not be cancelling the gig; he further pointed out that Radiohead still play in the US despite not supporting Donald Trump.

Water has stated that he still hopes to speak to Yorke personally, adding, "Thom Yorke is wrong about not endorsing the policies of the Israeli government by playing there."



"Spokespersons of that government have said how excited they are, that this is the best thing that's happened for their hasbara, which is the explaining to the rest of the world what a wonderful and precious democracy Israel is."

He added that by not joining the BDS' boycott, Yorke and his band are crossing an ideological "picket line" and serving the Israeli government's agenda, no matter their intention.

"They are making a public statement that they do endorse the policies of the government, whatever they say, because that is what will be reported in Israel, and that is what gets reported around the world," Waters explained. "Thats why Radiohead are being so soundly criticized by anybody with progressive ideas about human rights, because they have taken that step."
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The Walt Disney Company has been accused of using 42 of its apps and games to illegally track children and violate their privacy.

The company is being sued for allegedly breaching the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), by collecting childrens information without their parents consent, and selling it on to third-party companies for targeted advertising.

Apps including Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story: Story Theater and Frozen Free Fall are all named in the lawsuit. The entire list is available at the bottom of this article.

The plaintiff who brought the case forward, a San Francisco resident called Amanda Rushing, claims 42 of Disneys apps contain software designed to collect data than can be used to detect a childs activity across multiple apps and platforms on the Internet, and across different devices, effectively providing a full chronology of the childs actions across devices and apps.

Disney developed the apps alongside three software companies: Upsight, Unity and Kochava.

The lawsuit calls for Disney to stop tracking and sharing data without parental consent, destroy any information it has allegedly already collected by these means, and pay up damages and legal fees.

Disney, however, has said its looking forward to defending itself.

Disney has a robust COPPA compliance program, and we maintain strict data collection and use policies for Disney apps created for children and families, it told the Business Journals.

Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

The complaint is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of COPPA principles, and we look forward to defending this action in Court.

COPPA is a law that requires companies to obtain parents permission before using apps to collect data from children under the age of 13.

The Disney apps and games named in the lawsuit are as follows:
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Many children and adults alike put their feet up on the dashboard of a car when travelling in the passenger seat - its comfortable and relaxing.

However its also potentially a lot more dangerous than you might have thought, and one woman is telling her story to spread that message.

Two years ago, Audra Tatum from Walker County, Georgia, USA, was sitting in the front of her car while her husband was driving.

Audra Tatum

As she was wont to do, she had her legs crossed and one foot on the dashboard, despite her husbands warnings that she may injure herself doing so.

She wasnt wearing her seatbelt either.

Recommended Newlyweds killed in car accident just one day after getting married

Out of nowhere, a car pulled out in front of them and Tatum and her husband T-boned him, the front of their car crashing into the side of the other.

As the airbag ballooned, Tatums foot was thrown into her face, breaking her nose in the process.

Basically my whole right side was broken, and its simply because of my ignorance, Tatum told CBS News.

She had to have several operations and weeks of physical therapy and still walks with a limp now.

According to doctors, had she had her foot on the floor, she wouldnt have had to go to hospital at all.

(Audra Tatum)

And Tatum is now trying to raise awareness of what happened to her and warn others not to sit in cars with their feet up on the dashboard.

I keep telling everybody, you dont want this life, she said. You dont want the pain and agony every day.

Its a huge price to pay for simply sitting a certain way.

This horrific crash shows the importance of having both feet on the floor of the car and wearing a seat belt at all times when driving, a spokesperson for road safety organisation Brake told The Independent.

I regret it every single day, Tatum told NewsChannel9.

Every hour of every day because every time I put pressure on my leg I feel it Do not sit like that. If you sit like that youre asking for it.
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Morgan Stanley has predicted one pound will be worth less than one euro for the first time in its history.

Analysts from the US investment bank said sterling could fall below parity by early next year as prospects on the continent improve and the UK outlook worsens.

The bank sees a further downturn for the pound, which has already lost ground since the Brexit vote last June. Weak economic growth and increased political uncertainty as EU divorce talks show little signs of progress, will weigh on the UK currency, Morgan Stanley said on Friday.

Recommended Food prices rise at fastest pace for more than three years in June

The US investment bank raised its forecasts for the single currency, predicting it would hit $1.25 early next year.

Morgan Stanley analysts said that the defeat of populist movements that had threatened to take control in France and the Netherlands would help bolster the euro for years to come.

Polls in Germany suggest Angela Merkel will comfortably win a fourth term as Chancellor in a vote next month, giving further cause for optimism, Morgan Stanley said.

Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled  leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year.

What markets will focus on is this idea that the core of Europe, France and Germany, are working toward a stronger European Union, making a push toward reform that we havent seen in a number of years, said Andrew Sheets, a Morgan Stanley strategist. Thats structurally bullish for the euro, he told Bloomberg TV.

Morgan Stanley also cut its forecast for the Mexican peso to 20 per dollar in the third quarter of next year, saying it would come under pressure ahead of the country's elections.
The II international conference Grain Ukraine took place in Odesa on July 7 and 8. Motto of this year was "Be among the best - be here!" And, indeed, the best representatives of the Ukrainian and international agrarian community gathered at the right time in the right place to effectively address the most pressing issues of the market. We collected the main points of Grain Ukraine 2017. 1 open letter to the President of Ukraine On July 7 at conference an unscheduled appeal to the government was addressed by the leaders of largest port operators and agro-industrial companies, headed by Shota Khadzhishvili, whose company RISOIL S.A. day before, on July 6, was subjected to armed searches. This appeal to the President, the Head of the Government, the Prosecutor General, the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Head of Security Service of Ukraine, with the demand to put an end to the raider attacks and power pressure practice was supported by Ivan Miroshnichenko, People's Deputy of Ukraine, Member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Committee on Agrarian Policy and Land Relations. As part of the appeal, all guests of the conference were invited to sign an open letter to the President and Prime Minister. 1 presentation of the investment project: Chornomorsk port The Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine represented by the Minister Vladimir Vladimirovich Omelyan and his deputy Nadezhda Kaznacheeva, as well as the Administration of Seaports of Ukraine in the person of its head Raivis Veckagans, presented the project "Investment opportunities: the Chornomorsk port". Within the framework of presentation, the vision of the approach to berths No. 7, 8, 9 development of the Chornomorsk port was voiced. Raivis Veckagans has noted: ". 8 experts, government officials, business representatives and independent analysts speaking on the land issue The hottest topic of the conference was the round table "Land reform: from emotions to understanding". On this issue the audience was divided into supporters of the rapid adoption of the law on lifting the moratorium on land and opponents of accelerating this process. The discussion moderator, an entrepreneur, teacher at the Kyiv-Mohyla business school, co-founder of the Nova Kraina project, Valeriy Pekar shared his conclusions after the debates: "". 4 main blocks of the educational program The educational block oh the conference was devoted to 4 main sessions "Global trends in agriculture", "Consumption markets", "Origination markets" and "Investments and financing of agribusiness", where the best international speakers talked about the current year forecasts, technologies and tendencies of the agro-industrial complex. The first session "Global trends in agriculture" was held under the moderation by Elena Voloshina, Head of IFC activities in Ukraine. Senior Economist at the International Grains Council, Darren Cooper told about the forecast for 2017/18 regarding global markets for grain and oilseeds. "", - said Mr. Cooper. Tamas Benko, Head of the corn trading in Europe and Africa at Cargill International SA, in his report drew attention to the corn market: "". The questions and trends that should be taken into consideration based on the previous trading season experience, were exposed by Ivanna Dorichenko, partner at Integrites. Andrei Agapi, Senior Grains Analyst at S&P Global Platts, and Jeffrey Kuijpers, Executive Director at CME Group, analyzed the pricing mechanism in the Black Sea region and the new production landscape. The "Consumption markets" topic was moderated by Nikolai Gorbachev, President of the Ukrainian Grain Association. In this session, Jeffery Xu, General Manager at Overseas China Investment Limited, provided an overview of the 4 systematic crises with soybean imports in China since 1996. Karen Braun, Global Agriculture Columnist for Thomson Reuters, told about the productivity global trends: "". Damien Plan, Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development at European Commission, noted in his presentation: "". Bogdan Tymkiv, Founder of AgroChart.com, identified the Black Sea region role in the distribution of grain and oilseeds world trade flows. Sergey Vovk, Director of the Center for Transport Strategies, moderated the session "Origination Markets", where Ezequiel Hajnal, Director of Agrosud S.A., shared his experience in the South American grain market and Marcelo Neri and Arthur Neto, Managing Director and Managing Partner, respectively, of Alphamar Shipping Agency, provided an overview of grain logistics in Brazil. Daniel Donner, Senior Vice President of AGI, also touched upon the topic of Brazil on the example of Ukraine's similarity in the grain infrastructure development. Olga Trofimtseva, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine on European Integration Issues, also spoke during the session. In the last educational program block, "Investments and financing of agribusiness" headed by Yuriy Vakhel, Business Development Director at "Astarta-Kyiv", sounded presentation by David Hightower, President of "The Hightower Report", entitled "Return of funds to commodities, the reflation trend and the prospect of a weaker dollar and the currency influence on grains" The next speaker was Oleksandr Artiushyn, Vice President and Senior Originator of Food and Agriculture Business at Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, with report "Risk management solutions across the agribusiness supply chain". Olivier Bouillet, CEO at Agritel International, reviewed the impact of increased grain production in Ukraine on pricing. This block was closed by Cedric Hermann, Managing Partner in EUROPE Insurance Brokers, reporting about innovative insurance solutions, namely, the cost of hedging the agricultural insurance price and drought risk management with the help of soil moisture index insurance. 3 reasons for effective networking The educational part of the Grain Ukraine 2017 program in the concert hall "Sady Pobedy" was closed with the evening cocktail of the Special Sponsor AGI. After that everybody went to the GALA EVENT NIGHT sponsored by the GSI, where guests enjoyed buffet from Fratelli restaurant, cocktail bar from Fitz, performance by the cover-band Monkey Juice, dances for "Diskopartizani" and other Balkan motives by Shantel (Germany), followed by dj-set of Ravin (Buddha Bar, Paris). On July 8 the guests of the conference spent the day by the sea at the beach complex PLAGENICK, protected from the sun with caps bearing proud inscription GRAINHERO. In addition to the previously announced morning cocktail, performance by band "Money Ahead", volleyball tournament and Latifundia game, the guests were very "Odesa-hosted" with a coloristic buffet including crabs, shrimps and mussels, frisbee, live performance of incompared Tatyana Amirova and dj-set by no less beautiful Yana Kenziro, and also, a lottery of the box in the Ibiza club for the Mumiy Troll band concert. 2 best agrodays of this summer and more than 450 participants Andrey Stavnitser, CEO of TIS, Head of the Grain Ukraine Conference Organizing Committee: "The main thing is people who want to move this country forward. We have many allies. China, Argentina, the United States, Great Britain, Brazil, Japan, Germany, France - people gathered from all over the world. There was a lot of new acquaintances. New blood, new contacts, new experience are exactly what Ukraine needs so much, and in very large numbers. We feel real interest! Visa-free and Stockholm arbitration against Gazprom are doing their job. Thank you to all those who did not go with the Prime Minister to London; these were not empty words, my promises, that everything would be great". Vladimir Omelyan, Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine: "I sincerely congratulate all participants of Grain Ukraine. This is indeed one of the key events in Ukraine. Ukraine, which traditionally is a supplier of grain, food for the whole world. This event is planned to combine business, authorities, experts and citizens, so that we clearly understand where we are going, what we do and what is our ultimate goal". Nadezhda Kaznacheeva, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine: "Today in Odesa: Grain Ukraine, agricultural traders and producers, logistics professionals. Interesting discussions on the stage and no less interesting at coffee breaks. Infrastructure and agrarians are united in one harness. Their challenges and tasks are common, and therefore we must move together with reforms too". Vladimir Naumov, Board Chairman of Center for Strategic Research, Vice President at the Union of Cooperators and Entrepreneurs of Ukraine: ". " Summarizing the results of the conference, it should be noted that the organizers desire to become even better and express gratitude to everybody, who took part in Grain Ukraine 2017! See you at Grain Ukraine 2018!
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When Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission met Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban in Riga in May 2015, he greeted him by saying hello dictator.

Junckers words were perhaps an ironic response to Orbans earlier statement that he wants to build an illiberal state based on national foundations, citing Russia and China as examples. He might also have been referring to the way Orban has been gradually amending Hungarys constitution to give his government more power. His efforts to date have left his Fidesz party with significant control over the judiciary, media and banks.

Whatever Junckers motivation back at that meeting in 2015, the scathing greeting now doesnt look all that misplaced. (A year earlier US senator John McCain had labelled Orban a neo-fascist dictator.)

Orban has long been a nationalist but his rhetoric of late has whipped up xenophobia. His government has cracked down on the media and non-governmental organisations that are considered disloyal to the nation. All this seems to be part of a general shift away from Hungary as a liberal democracy.

Orban is a staunch critic of Western European multiculturalism and immigration. When the migration crisis hit in 2015, his country quickly became notorious for the brutal way it was treating the refugees arriving at its borders. Orban himself referred to the refugees as poison and erected razor-wire fences on Hungarys southern borders to keep them out.

State acquisitions

Orban presents himself as the defender of the Hungarian nation. His nationalist rhetoric is laced with references to the the Treaty of Trianon, signed by the allies and Hungary to mark the end of World War I. The treaty deprived Hungary of two-thirds of its territory  and Orban takes every opportunity to remind people of that.

The strategy seems to be to redress what Orban sees as a historical injustice by stoking ethnic nationalism. He regularly clashes with the EU over anything that could be construed as an attack on the identity and integrity of the nation state. The EUs efforts to deal with the migration crisis through a quota system were a particular point of contention. He even took the matter to the European Court of Justice, so opposed had he become to Brussels asking him to take in a certain number of refugees.

Dont let Soros have the last laugh: a poster targeting the US-based billionaire

Orbans government has been acquiring various print, broadcast and online media outlets. According to the latest report by US think tank Freedom House, Hungary has the lowest democratic score in the Central European region: 3.54 out of 7. The report raises concerns about corruption networks and the use of public power and resources to reward friendly oligarchs.

Slovakia-based NGO Globsec also recently warned that the Hungarian government has a firmly pro-Russian view and that its national media is weakened by a vast concentration of ownership by pro-government oligarchs who are completely biased on issues of the EU, Nato and Russia.

This pro-Kremlin stance was particularly interesting to witness while Hungary benefited from a 10bn loan from Russia for the development of its nuclear power.

The EU looks on

Yet the EU only began to officially debate Hungarys drift to illiberal democracy in April. Thats when the Hungarian parliament adopted a higher education law that threatens the survival of the prestigious Central European University (CEU) in Budapest.

The university was founded by the Jewish Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros to promote liberal democracy and open society in post-communist Eastern Europe. The law places restrictions on the CEU that many argue will make it impossible for it to operate freely, if at all.

Orban and his government did not stop at the legislation but continued with a sustained attack on Soros in a thinly disguised anti-Semitic campaign, casting him as manipulative and powerful. Posters have appeared showing a grinning Soros above a caption reading, Dont let Soros have the last laugh!.

Speaking to students in July, Orban claimed that a Soros plan was under way, aiming to bring hundreds of thousands of migrants from the Muslim world into the territory of the EU. This agenda, he argued, lies behind Brussels continuous withdrawal of powers from the nation states.

Similar attacks on liberal values can be heard from populist politicians the world over and Orbans is a particularly worrying case. His intensifying rhetoric and growing indifference to democracy, combined with his governments slow but systematic dismantling of democratic institutions are evidence that he is making steady progress towards establishing the illiberal state he so openly envisages.

This is not to say that Hungary will leave the EU, but Orban is playing a dangerous game. He is exploiting nationalism at home and attacking the EU, all the while taking its cash for short-term political gain.

Erika Harris is a professor of politics at the University of Liverpool. This article was originally published on The Conversation (www.theconversation.com)
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On a steep, narrow road lit only by the light of the moon and the occasional street lamp, just across the road from the place where the sculptor Barbara Hepworth lived out her days in the Cornish seaside town of St Ives, dark deeds are afoot.

The place we are standing outside was a nightclub, once, and a group of friends were telling of a legend about Barnoon cemetery, just up the hill, which overlooks Porthmeor beach. The old stories said that if you walked around a certain grave a set number of times, and uttered the name of the unfortunate buried there, you would see his ghost.

Shanty Baba, dressed in his fishermans smock and cap, and holding a three-pronged staff on which hangs a palely glowing lantern, pauses, and closes his eyes, as if to signal to us that in this story-within-a-story, foolhardy actions are on the horizon.

By the light of his lantern, Shanty Baba prepares his story within a story (Handout)

Indeed, says Shanty, his eyes bright in the lamplight, one of the number of this group of revellers was sufficiently emboldened by drink to make the short journey up to Barnoon cemetery alone, with the promise that she would drive one of her friends fishing knives into the earth of the grave as proof to be gathered the next morning that she had indeed committed midnight foray.

Now, says Shanty Baba, we will follow her footsteps up to Barnoon, and learn of her fate. He gathers up the small folding stool, which is his portable stage, and holding his staff and lantern aloft, he leads us in silence through the winding, deserted back-streets of the coastal town to where the dark shapes of the headstones await, silhouetted against the starlit canopy of the Cornish night.

Im a storyteller, Shanty Baba tells me, two weeks later, in the bright daylight where his stories have receded from goosebump-inducing horrors to the quaint tales given the gloss of a master orator. Shanty is one of the many people across the country who are conducting their business in the dead of night the hosts of the ghost walks.

From Bath to Belfast, Cambridge to Cardiff, Whitby to Windsor, you will find them, these modern-day bards who haunt the alleys and courtyards of their home towns, taking parties of tourists around the hidden corners and deserted backstreets and spinning tall tales about murder, mayhem and, sometimes, monsters.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures 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 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Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. 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We love a ghost story whatever the weather, and especially in the seaside resorts youll find flyers and posters dotted around for ghost walks across the summer months, sometimes three or four competing walks in one town. Halloween is good for business, as well, and in those cities where the tourist trade isnt seasonal there will be winter walks carried out on crisp, cold evenings, or given a Yuletide flavour.

And while a ghost story told around a roaring fire is atmospheric enough, theres an extra frisson to be had from standing in the exact location where some horrific event occurred and which holds the echoes and unquiet ghosts of those involved in the deeds.

Shanty Baba has a commanding presence as he stands on his little stool, lantern-light painting his face a sickly orange, telling his stories of dark doings and supernatural mysteries around St Ives. Shanty Baba isnt his real name, of course; he declines to tell me with a short laugh. Perhaps he left it with his previous life, because Shanty hasnt always been a story-teller; he used to be a chartered accountant.

Perhaps 20 years ago I went to a storytelling festival in Shropshire and I rushed home to tell my wife that was what I wanted to do, he says. I got really into storytelling and in 2001 we moved from London to St Ives. I started three walks, one was about spiritual matters, in which I have an interest, one was about local history, and the third was the lantern ghost walk. The ghost walk proved immensely popular and that was obviously what people wanted.

So Shanty gave up the life of a London chartered accountant and became a storyteller. Presumably with a considerable pay-cut? You dont come to St Ives for the money, he says. And now I can say that I truly love what I do.

While he might not necessarily be earning City wages anymore, his ghost walks are by no means just a hobby. There were perhaps 50 of us on his walk a couple of weeks ago. He does the lantern ghost walks three times a week, plus walks catered more for a younger audience and also pirate walks for the kids. Hes also been experimenting with indoor events this summer, but has decided to scrap them; people want to be outdoors, experiencing the stories in the locales where they were supposed to have happened.

Location plays a huge part in ghost walks, says Richard Jones. There's nothing to beat standing on a quiet street or in a pub or castle where theres supposed to be a ghost.

Like Shanty, Richard also describes himself as a storyteller, and says that ghost walks  hes been running them in central London for 35 years now  are the last bastion of the oral tradition.

And like Shanty Baba, Richard also ran away from a conventional job to join the storytelling circus. Originally from Stoke, he moved to London in the late 1970s to take up a job as a civil servant, a position that did not, to be fair, make his soul sing. Flicking through the Evening Standard he saw an advertisement for postmen jobs, and on a whim decided that was what he was going to do.

So I went to be a postman in the City of London, says Richard. I worked a lot of nightshifts, and on my break I would wander around the area, sometimes even looking at the graveyards, and I began to collect stories.

Those stories would come from other posties, or from the clientele or staff of pubs and bars, from police officers and other nightshift and early-morning workers he would meet on his rounds. He began to assemble quite a portfolio of scary tales, sometimes straight from the horses mouth.

In any gathering youll get people who believe in the supernatural, people who arent sure, and people who say, I dont believe in it at all but this funny thing happened once to someone I know.

Telling some of his stories to his colleagues, Richard was asked by a co-worker who had relatives coming over from America if he wouldnt mind taking them around a couple of places where his stories took place, graveyards and such. It was such a success that Richard began to wonder if he couldnt actually do this for a living, so he tentatively put an ad in the paper in June 1982 saying he was hosting a ghost walk around London.

That first night, 18 people turned up, says Richard. By the 1990s it had really taken off, and now Im getting about 50 people for each walk, though that can go up considerably around events such as Halloween.

Richard Jones gave up a civil service job to become a storyteller, which he sees as 'the last bastion of the oral tradition' (Handout)

He was approached by a publisher to make a book of walks of haunted London, which set Richard off on a new path as an author, travelling around Britain finding the folklore and ghost stories with which hes filled, so far, 21 books.

But the ghost walks are his first love, and hes constantly finding new tales and legends. He also runs a walk around Charles Dickens-inspired locations, and indeed points out that Dickens himself used to take people around spooky locations in London.

I suppose people really started doing ghost walks commercially properly in the 1980s, he says. Thats chimes with what Simon Unsworth at Nottingham Ghost Walks believes. Simon began doing his walks 21 years ago, and says: When we set up, the main established ones were York and Edinburgh, but now theyre all across the country. I think what happened was that general heritage walks were very popular, but people liked the odd ghost story that was thrown in to those, and wanted more, so ghost walks developed.

Most ghost-walk hosts will be suitably attired to some degree, from Shantys maritime-meets-artist get-up to Richards frock coat, to Simon at Nottinghams penchant for steampunk-style dress. A bit of theatre is required; as Simon says: Nobody wants to come to a ghost walk run by a bloke in jeans and a T-shirt.

So what do they want? Why do they keep coming in increasing numbers? Richard says: Because they love to be scared, and they love a good story. We might think ourselves quite sophisticated, and have all this technology, but we still enjoy being frightened.

Does Richard believe in his stories? I dont think we should try to apply scientific methods to the idea of ghosts, because that takes away some of the mystery, he says. I dont believe there are actual ghosts haunting people, but I think I do subscribe to the Stone Tape Theory, which says that buildings and physical things can absorb traces of peoples lives from history. He pauses, and reflecting on his 35 years in the ghost walk trade, adds with a laugh: Maybe Ill end up haunting my own ghost walk route!

Shanty Baba, on the other hand, is a firm believer. He spent a year in India, in the Himalayas, and says he learned techniques which enable one to have a full experience of the supernatural. Hes willing to pass on at least one of those secrets to his ghost walk clientele, but mainly they are there for the thrills.

People just love stories, Shanty says simply. We are a storytelling species. We love to have that brush with the unknown.

At the top of the hill, in Barnoon cemetery, Shanty gathers us around the dark gravestones, and continues his tale. The lone reveller from the nightclub did indeed brave the night of the churchyard, did indeed find the supposedly haunted grave, and circled it the requisite number of times, speaking the name of the dead man in order to see his ghost. Then she plunged the knife into the soft earth as proof she had been there. But then, when she tried to leave

Ah, that would be telling. If you want to know how that story ends, youll have to seek out Shanty Baba in the shadowy alleys and byways of St Ives long after the sun has set
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One of Donald Trump's national security advisers gave a "terrifying" interview on British radio, prompting disbelief among listeners.

Sebastian Gorka, the deputy assistant to the US President, told Radio 4's Today programme that the threats from North Korea should be taken "seriously" and that there should be no doubts about the Trump's administration "decisiveness" when time will come to act.

A hardliner in the White House, Mr Gorka also dismissed the idea that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson would discuss military matters with North Korea as "nonsensical".

He made the comments after Mr Tillerson sought to downplay the escalating diplomatic crisis by saying Americans "should sleep well at night" and seemed to suggest there still was the possibility of dialogue between the two countries.

Mr Gorka said: "The idea that Secretary Tillerson is going to discuss military matters is simply nonsensical. It is the job of Secretary Mattis, the Secretary of Defense to talk about the military options and he has done so unequivocally.

"Secretary Tillerson is the chief diplomat of the United States and it is his portfolio to handle those issues."

When asked whether the US would interpret as war a threatening action by North Korea, Mr Gorka said: "If you threaten a nation then what should you expect? A stiffly worded letter to be sent by Korea? Is that what the UK would do if a nation threatened a nuclear-tipped missile launch against any of the United Kingdom's territories?"

Mr Gorka was asked to clarify whether this would apply solely to an attack, or also to the threat of it.

"Well, there is a quote that I use when I'm teaching my courses on brand strategy," he said. "It's from a survivor of the Holocaust who had his whole family whipped out in the death chambers of the concentration camps.

"'What is your one taker? What is your one lesson learnt from the horrors of the millions killed?' And he said that it is very simple: when a group of people repeatedly say that they want to kill you sooner or later you should take them seriously.

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. 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"North Korea has said they wish to annihilate the United States and use nuclear weapons. Sooner or later someone should take them seriously," he added.

Mr Gorka said the US would "not give in to nuclear blackmail".

Asked whether he believed Mr Trump would be "ready to act" against North Korea, Mr Gorka replied: "I'm saying Donald Trump has been unequivocal. We will use any appropriate measures to protect the United States and her citizens".

He said the Trump administration will not "telegraph" how it will react to future scenarios but that the US has sent "a clear message": "Do not challenge the United States because you will pay a cost if you do so."

Mr Gorka added that the Trump administration had been "decisive from day one" and that no-one needed "to worry about our decisiveness".

Social media users were quick to react to the interview.

Pippa Sturt tweeted: "Sebastian Gorka on #radio4today terrifying & horribly pompous. If that is with whom Trump is surrounding himself, we really are screwed."

Lee Jones added: "The idea of Sebastian Gorka teaching students is almost as frightening as Trump having control of nuclear weapons. #r4today"
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British citizens will no longer be able to sue the Government for breaking the law after Brexit, under far-reaching new plans being drawn up in Whitehall.

A clause in the Brexit bill set to be debated next month means Britons could lose the ability to seek compensation or damages over issues including workers' rights, environmental policy and business regulation.

The Government can currently be sued under The European Court of Justice's 1991 Francovich ruling. It stipulates that a member state is liable if an individual or business has been damaged because of a failure by the country to implement EU law.

But a clause in the repeal bill says: There is no right in domestic law on or after exit day to damages in accordance with the rule in Francovich.

The Government issued a statement saying individuals would retain the ability to receive damages or compensation for losses caused by breaching the law, but did not explain how they could still do this.

Experts have warned that this could mean the Government escapes liability for past breaches of EU law, when it was a member of the bloc.

Director of human rights group Liberty Martha Spurrier, said: This chilling clause, buried deep in the bills small print, would quietly take away one of the British peoples most vital tools for defending their rights.

Putting the Government above the law renders our legal protections meaningless. It exposes a clear agenda to water down our rights after Brexit  and shows exactly why the Human Rights Act is going to be all the more essential after we leave.

We cannot trust a handful of ministers with our hard-won rights and freedoms  the chasm between what they are promising in their soundbites and what theyre putting down in law is growing wider by the day.

We need more than words  we need a formal commitment in the Repeal Bill, in the black and white letter of the law, that the British people will not leave the EU with fewer rights than we have now.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven 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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 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Liberal Democrat Brexit Spokesperson Tom Brake described the clause as a "shameless" attempt to strip people of their rights. Citizens must be able to hold the government to account when it breaks the rules," he said.

A Government spokesman said: The right to Francovich damages is linked to EU membership. The government therefore considers that this will no longer be relevant after we leave.

After exit, under UK law it will still be possible for individuals to receive damages or compensation for any losses caused by breach of the law.
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Faith leaders across Newcastle have urged the public not to cast blame on entire communities in the wake of a police operation exposing the sexual exploitation of more than 700 victims across north-east England.

The former head of the Crown Prosecution Service called the abuse perpetrated over several years by grooming gangs a profoundly racist crime after 18 members of a grooming gang were convicted of offences including rape, assault, supplying drugs and trafficking for prostitution.

The defendants were mainly British-born Muslims and belonged to the Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian, Iraqi, Iranian and Turkish communities, while their victims are believed to be mainly white British girls and young women.

Following similar patterns of abuse in Rochdale, Rotherham and Oxford, the convictions have provoked fresh national debate over whether select minorities should be taking responsibility.

Dipu Ahad, Newcastle councillor, said local Muslims were absolutely disgusted by their crimes and feared a possible backlash.

Its not a Muslim issue but they are mostly Muslims, he told The Independent.

So are Isis  they might not represent what Islam says but you cant deny theyre Muslims.

Toods Nook in Newcastle, where 'sex parties' were held by a grooming gang in a top floor flat (Lizzie Dearden)

Mr Ahad said fellow Muslims should not feel the need to apologise for grooming gangs, adding: Did the white community come out and condemn the crimes of Jimmy Savile?

But he said religion was an opportunity for faith leaders and community groups to discuss perceptions of women and relationships, using religious texts and prayers to further equality.

The Labour councillor, who represents the Elswick ward where several abusers lived, said some convicted groomers led double lives, including one man who was already married to a white woman and recently had a child, adding: He had one face when he was in the house, and outside he was something else.

We need to challenge deep-rooted issues in the community, where some men looking at women  not just white women  in a way thats not acceptable, Mr Ahad added, accusing racists of trying to exploit exploitation.

Far-right groups have seized on the Newcastle case to vindicate a long-running narrative claiming a widespread conspiracy among Muslim men and certain immigrant groups to target white women.

Greg Stone, a city councillor from the opposition Liberal Democrats, said at least two convicts were not Muslim but warned extremists were thriving on false claims of a cover up by police officers.

No one wants to demonise a particular community but the fact that his is happening again and again in the same circumstances and communities is a fact we cannot ignore, he added.

I think there needs to be a national approach  this is happening in too many places for it to be local circumstances.

 Sarah Champion on Newcastle sex ring: "The majority of the perpetrators have been British Pakistani

Mr Stone said sexual exploitation would not go away until we ask difficult questions, adding: I dont think we can eliminate the scale of abuse, which has national implications, unless we ask some tough questions of the Pakistani and Bangladeshi community in particular.

Sarah Champion, Labour's Shadow Women and Equalities Minister, claimed grooming gangs have so far been made up of predominately Pakistani men who were involved in such cases time and time and time again.

The Government aren't researching what is going on, said the MP for Rotherham, where at least 1,400 children were found to have been exploited between 1997 and 2013.

Are these cultural issues? Is there some sort of message going out within the community?

This isn't racist, this is child protection.

The former Director of Public Prosecutions said the grooming itself was a profoundly racist crime.

Lord Macdonald, a Liberal Democrat peer, told BBC Radio Four's Today programme there was a major problem in particular communities of men viewing young white girls as trash regarded as available for sex.

The court heard that the gang operating in Newcastle had no respect for their victims and selected them as easy targets.

One member, Badrul Hussain, had claimed white women are only good for one thing during a rant at a female ticket inspector who found him travelling on public transport without a ticket in 2014.

Canning Street in Newcastle, where grooming gang member Yassar Hussain lived (Lizzie Dearden)

All white women are only good for one thing, he shouted. For men like me to f*** and use like trash. Thats all women like you are worth.

The Home Secretary said the abusers were not restricted to any single ethnic group, religion or community but added: Political and cultural sensitivities must never be allowed to get in the way of preventing and uncovering it.

Chi Onwurah, the Labour MP for Newcastle Central said she was ashamed that her home city had harboured men committing abuse for which there is no excuse.

She said those who sought to use the abusers' Asian or Muslim backgrounds to create division were putting other girls at risk, adding: Assuming that grooming and child abuse is prevalent in one group helps potential abusers hide in plain sight if they are not part of that group.

"Crimes of sexual exploitation can be and are committed by members of all communities and indeed it remains regrettably true that sexual abuse is most likely to come from within the family circle."

Both Northumbria Police and Newcastle City Council have rejected accusations of political correctness in the three-year Operation Sanctuary probe, which has identified more than 700 victims and led to more than 400 convictions resulting in 300 years of imprisonment since 2014.

The grooming gang in Newcastle was targeted by the smaller Operation Shelter, which controversially saw a former child rapist paid almost 10,000 to gather intelligence on suspects.

Police said the gang targeted vulnerable girls and young women who were coerced into sex using alcohol, drugs, violence, threats and money, while others were incapacitated and woke to find themselves being raped.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures 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 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 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Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. 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Much of the abuse between 2010 and 2014 took place at so-called sex parties at homes across Newcastles West End, some of which were under local authority control and involved girls in care, with potential failings to be examined by a serious case review.

Ewen Weir, who is responsible for social services at Newcastle City Council, said it was oversimplistic to attribute the attitudes underpinning the abuse to one group.

Its not right to oversimplify this because there are men from all sorts of backgrounds, including white men, in this, he added.

In terms of religion, Ive seen no evidence personally that it is a big driver.

A statement signed by faith leaders including Christian, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh and Hindu denominations vowed to continue their strong and supportive relationships.

We are all profoundly saddened by the shocking cases of grooming and child exploitation, including exploitation of vulnerable adults, uncovered by police investigations, it continued.

We are also conscious that members of all communities are amongst those who are most disturbed and devastated by these crimes.

It is important now that we do not compound the profound suffering that victims of these crimes have endured by casting blame on entire communities, and we all need to support one another in the aftermath of these events."
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A Muslim man is suing an airline over claims he was marched off a plane by police after "innocently" mentioning 9/11.

Mohammad Khan, from north London, alleged Virgin Atlantic staff "racially and religiously profiled" him over a "harmless" conversation with a flight stewardess and another passenger. The 26-year-old said he was escorted off his flight from London Heathrow to Atlanta, Georgia, following a "massive overaction" by cabin crew.

The Middlesex University graduate was travelling to the US for an interview for a business internship in Medellin, Colombia.

He said another passenger, who he had not met before, had complained about the length of airport security queues as the plane taxied on the runway. Mr Khan told the London Evening Standard: "I totally innocently said theres been more security since 9/11, then asked the stewardess 'I bet your job has changed since 9/11', but she looked stunned."

The plane was turned around and taxied back the terminal where he was led off by police officers.

Mohammad Khan said he 'harmlessly' mentioned 9/11 after another passenger complained about security checks (Facebook/Mohammad Khan)

Mr Khan said: "I was racially and religiously profiled. It was a complete overreaction to completely innocent and harmless comments. I know this would not have happened if I was a white man in his sixties who had done the same thing.

It totally ruined my trip and I felt humiliated. I was made to feel like a criminal."

He said he was not formally interviewed by police, who accepted there had been a "misunderstanding". But Virgin Atlantic would not allow him back in the flight, on 8 January last year.

Mr Khan was denied a refund on his 560 ticket and was forced to spend 817 on flights with another airline.

He has since been battling for compensation and his solicitors recently submitted a final claim for 5,000 plus legal costs. Mr Khan said he would sue in the county court for breach of contract and racial discrimination if the airline did not meet the demand.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesman said Mr Khan was removed from the flight after "multiple customers and crew reported hearing highly inappropriate comments concerning security".

He added: "This is not a decision we take lightly and although such security events are rare, we have a responsibility to report them to the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of our aircraft, customers and crew.

"Our team has been in regular contact with Mr Khan and his lawyers, and we have offered to refund his flights."
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A Nigerian gay rights activist who was told by a judge that she was faking her sexuality has won a 13-year battle to be granted asylum in the UK.

Aderonke Apata feared being killed or imprisoned if she returned home, but her application for asylum was rejected for a second time in 2015 after the judge said he did not believe she was a lesbian.

Her cause gained widespread support when it was revealed that, in an act of desperation, she sent a private video to the judge as evidence of her sexuality.

As a result, multiple petitions in support of Ms Apatas asylum bid were created, gaining hundreds of thousands of signatures between them.

The Asylum for Aderonke Facebook page, run by supporters, has now been updated to say her application had been successful and she has been granted refugee status. It thanked those who helped her cause, including her legal team, her family, and, among others, well known equality campaigner Peter Tatchell.

Since coming to the UK, Ms Apata has been a prominent gay rights activist, receiving a nomination for an LGBT Role Model Award as well as an Attitude Pride Award for her activism.

She also became a vocal critic of Yarls Wood Immigration Removal Centre after spending over a year there.

Speaking in 2014, the activist told Novara Media the facility is a concentration camp due to the fact people are detained there for an indefinite amount of time. Asylum seekers should not be treated as criminals, she said.

Speaking to The Independent, Ms Apata said one of her darkest times was the week she spent in solitary confinement at Yarls Wood as punishment for leading a peaceful demonstration at the centre.

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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 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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

After being granted asylum, Ms Apata said she was overwhelmed with gladness, but remains angry knowing that there are other LGBTI people seeking asylum facing the same fear of deportation that I had just overcome.

I was just crying on the phone with my solicitor when he broke the news to me, she said. I must have embarrassed him. I wasnt assimilating all of the information he was giving to me on the phone as I was crying and singing.

Home Office figures obtained by gay magazine Attitude suggest that, between 1 January and 18 November last year, at least 76 LBGT+ asylum seekers were detained in immigration centres.

Highlighting the number of LGBT people still facing persecution, Ms Apata pledged to continue her work as an activist through the African Rainbow Family community group that she founded.

The group itself stated it will continue its commitment in advancing a humane and fair process for people who flee persecution to the UK due to their sexual orientation and gender identity.

 Asylum seekers in UK struggle to build new lives

Speaking after receiving her asylum verdict, Ms Apata openly criticised the Home Office for its treatment of her, saying it was dehumanising and demeaning.

Despite the gains in acceptance of LGBTI people in the UK, LGBTI people seeking asylum in the UKs situation remains precarious and appears not to fit into the wider LGBTI community, she said.

The Home Office needs to catch up with the rest of the UK, drop its vile proof of sexuality policy and move on from 1967. All LGBTI people seeking asylum in the UK want  like anyone else  is to be treated with fairness, dignity and humanity.

Having been forced to flee by hate and intolerance at home, being branded a liar by the Home Office is demeaning and cruel for LGBTI people seeking asylum. I hope the Home Office will look back, reflect on my case and treat everyone with the decency and respect they deserve.

Leading equality campaigner Peter Tatchell welcomed the verdict, saying: I am delighted that Aderonke has finally won refugee status but outraged that the Home Office took so long and fought so hard to stop her.

They locked her up without justification, drove her to severe depression and tried ceaselessly to deport her. The asylum system is homophobic and unjust. It needs radical reform.

A Home Office spokesperson said: We do not routinely comment on individual cases.

The Government is looking into how to improve the asylum process for people claiming asylum on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity, they added, saying an individual would never be asked to provide video evidence of their sexuality.
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Islamist terror will threaten the UK for decades, the former head of MI5 has warned as the methods of radicalisation and attack continue to adapt.

Jonathan Evans said Britain was facing a generational problem seeing extremists energised by recent attacks like Westminster.

Were at least 20 years into this, my guess is that we will still be dealing with the long tail in another 20 years time  I think this is genuinely a generational problem, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

I think that we are going to be facing 20 or 30 years of terrorist threats and therefore we need absolutely critically to persevere.

Lord Evans, who now sits as a crossbencher in the House of Lords, said that when he retired from the domestic security service in 2013 he believed the UK was over the worst of the al-Qaeda threat.

But then we saw the development and emergence of Isis with the same ideology and many of the same people, he added.

The former MI5 director said the July 2005 London bombings had an energising effect on the extremist networks in the UK that may have been repeated by the Westminster attack in March.

In pictures: Westminster attack Show all 9 1 /9 In pictures: Westminster attack In pictures: Westminster attack An air ambulance lands after gunfire sounds were heard close to the Palace of Westminster in London PA wire In pictures: Westminster attack MPs wait until the situation is under control in Westminster. 'The alleged assailant was shot by armed police,' David Lidington, leader of the House of Commons, told the house. BBC News In pictures: Westminster attack Crowds gather in Westminster after shooting incident, which police are treating as terror attack BBC News In pictures: Westminster attack Police were also called to an incident on Westminster Bridge nearby AP In pictures: Westminster attack Early reports indicate the car, which mounted the pavement on Westminster Bridge and mowed into around a dozen people, was the same vehicle which then rammed into the railings of the Palace of Westminster, just around the corner Reuters In pictures: Westminster attack Security sources described the suspected assailant as a middle-aged Asian man, who is understood to have left the car before attacking a police officer with a seven-to-eight inch knife PA wire In pictures: Westminster attack Police have asked people to avoid the immediate area to allow emergency services to deal with the ongoing incident AP In pictures: Westminster attack One woman has died and a number of others, including the police officer, have been hurt, according to a junior doctor at St Thomas' Hospital Reuters In pictures: Westminster attack At least three gun shots were heard by those inside Westminster, and proceedings in the House of Commons have been suspended AP

It was followed by Isis-inspired massacres in Manchester and London Bridge, and then the far-right terror attack on Muslims in Finsbury Park  as well as six foiled plots.

Since 2013 there have been 19 attempted attacks that have been disrupted and even since the attack at Westminster we are told there have been six disruptions, so this is a permanent state of preparedness, Lord Evans said.

Mark Rowley, the head of national counter terrorism policing, said there has been a dramatic increase in pace with the number of threats identified.

That number of 10 [attacks and plots] over a few months compared to 13 over four years illustrates the change in tempo that weve seen, which is a real challenge for us and thats why were going to have to do some things differently, he said.

Mr Rowley, who is also Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, suggested new powers and legislation could help preventative work, as well as increased resources to bolster the huge surveillance operations needed to monitor 3,000 known extremists and 20,000 other people who could become a threat.

 'Three Musketeers' terror cell convicted of Lee Rigby-style plot

Its that wider cohort that we have to keep an eye on as well; to see if any of them that reactivate, so to speak, and become dangerous again, he said.

The security services have been heavily criticised for failing to prevent attacks carried out by known extremists, like London Bridge ringleader Khalid Masood, who was part of Anjem Choudhrys extremist network, and Manchester bomber Salman Abedi, who had been reported to authorities for radical statements.

Mr Rowley said police were wrestling with an extraordinarily diverse range of threats, adding: Youve got plots directed by al-Qaeda, plots directed by Isis  organised and planned at one end of the spectrum  all the way through to individuals who have been inspired by the propaganda online, radicalised perhaps  some of them who are vulnerable  and decide to pick up a weapon and act in the name of Isis.

He said there was no either/or with attacks being directed by terror groups and carried out by lone actors, with terrorists drawing on advice and encouragement from organisations like Isis to come up with their own plan.

Mr Rowley contrasted the tight network of wicked individuals previously seen with the IRA and al-Qaeda with the current situation where Isis has created more of a cultish movement where they are putting out propaganda and saying anybody and everybody, act in our name and youre part of our terrorist campaign.

Analysts have warned that Isis will increasingly seek to gain legitimacy from terror attacks on the West as it loses territory in Syria and Iraq, while Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said key defeats in Mosul and Raqqa may not decrease the risk to the UK.

Mark Rowley said there has been a dramatic increase in pace with the number of threats identified (PA)

Mr Rowley said security services were deeply hurt by the failure to protect the 36 people killed and 200 injured by recent attacks and were redoubling efforts to improve prevention work across all agencies including local government and the general public.

The Government is currently conducting a review of the response to this years atrocities, including work carried out by the controversial Prevent programme, which recent research found risked dividing communities and alienating Muslims.

Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, has defended the initiative and emphasised that it targets not only jihadism but all forms of extremism.

In an article for The Sun, she accused some critics of seeking to undermine Prevent without offering a meaningful alternative to stop radicalisation.

Prevent has made a significant impact in preventing people being drawn into terrorism and it is here to stay, Ms Rudd said.

In light of the horrific terror attacks in London and Manchester, we are reviewing all aspects of our counter terrorism strategy to make sure we keep pace with the changing terrorist threat  I am clear that when it comes to keeping our families, communities and country safe, doing nothing is simply not an option.

The current terror threat level for the UK is set at severe, meaning an attack is considered highly likely.
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Yisrael Kristal, a Holocaust survivor who became the world's oldest man, has died at the age of 113.

The Polish-Israeli man died on Friday, a month before his 114th birthday, following a short illness.

Certified as the oldest man alive by the Guinness Book of Records in 2016, he had two children, nine grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.

Mr Kristal hit the headlines last year after deciding to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah a century late.

Usually marked at 13 for boys and 12 or 13 for girls in the Jewish faith, the Bat or Bar Mitzvah marks the transition to a person responsible for their own actions.

Recommended French twins celebrating 104th birthday share secret to longevity

But when he was about that age in 1916, Mr Kristals mother had recently died and his father was a soldier in the Russian army during the First World War.

My father is religious and has prayed every morning for 100 years, but he has never had his Bar Mitzvah, his daughter Shula Koperstoch told the AFP news agency last year.

Mr Kristal was born in Zarnow in modern-day Poland on 15 September 1903 - three months before the Wright brothers' first successful powered airplane flight.

After World War I ended, Mr Kristal moved to Lodz where he worked in the family sweet factory, married and had two children.

But his happy family life was horrifically interrupted when the Jewish quarter of the city was occupied by the Nazis during World War II.

Mr Kristal was sent to the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, where around 1.1 million people, mostly European Jews, were killed between 1940 and 1945.

His wife Chaja Feige Frucht and their two children died, but Mr Kristal survived, weighing a skeletal 37 kilos (81 pounds) at the end of the war.

According to Tablet Mag, he thanked Soviet soldiers who liberated the camp by making them sweets.

He made a fresh start in Israel, where he opened a sweet shop and remarried, having two more children.

The Guinness World Records' website says that on receiving his certificate at his home in the northern Israeli city of Haifa last year, Mr Kristal offered no explanation for his longevity beyond his belief in God.

I don't know the secret for long life. I believe that everything is determined from above and we shall never know the reasons why, he said.

There have been smarter, stronger and better looking men than me who are no longer alive.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA

The World Jewish Congress noted his passing on Twitter.

Holocaust survivor Yisrael Kristal was the oldest man in the world. Yisrael passed away today. May his memory be a blessing," it said.

His daughter Shula Koperstoch told Israeli website Ynet that he had been a great father.

Despite all that he went through, and he lost the whole family in the Holocaust, he had a lot of optimism, and he always saw only light and good in everything.
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Voters who backed Leave in the EU referendum do not support the idea of expelling all EU nationals after Brexit, new research suggests.

Those who support withdrawal from Europe found common ground with Remain voters in rejecting the idea that all EU citizens should be forced to leave the UK after negotiations are concluded.

An innovative study by researchers at Oxford University and the London School of Economics (LSE) found the views of Remainers and Leavers, away from the sometimes vitriolic public debate, were not as far apart as had been thought.

Instead of asking directly whether participants would accept certain outcomes of Brexit  such as a specified level of immigration control or a given value for the divorce payment  the academics included a wide selection of propositions in a slew of potential scenarios ranging from hard to soft Brexit.

Under the study, a score of 50 per cent was considered neutral, with scores below meaning that a proposition was viewed negatively. Remain voters gave the idea of expelling all EU nationals from the UK a score of 29 per cent - making it the least popular of the scenarios answered by participants in the study. It was given a score of 42 per cent by Leave voters.

"We allowed those numbers to be revealed by people's choices," Dr Thomas Leeper, an associate professor in political behaviour at LSE, told The Independent. "Twenty-nine per cent of Remain voters would be willing to accept a [deal] that contained that feature, against a set of alternatives. They are not isolated preferences.

"That number is actually signifying that Remain voters are very favourable to the rights of EU citizens, but they're not so favourable as to oppose that outcome completely."

The study uncovered a phenomenon Dr Leeper called "losers' consent", meaning Remain voters appeared willing to accept features of a hard Brexit out of respect for the result of last June's referendum.

Figures shared with The Independent showed a convergence of opinion, rather than reflecting the often highly polarised public discourse, with voters' preferences in many areas falling closely together.

Leavers and Remainers felt similarly, if not necessarily very strongly, about trading terms, the divorce bill, paying for market access and the timeline for exiting the EU, with both camps accepting a degree of leeway on the final date, up to 2025.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA

Dr Leeper said: "People aren't regretting their vote choice, they're not regretting the decision of the people to leave. Even Remain voters are reasonably favourable towards outcomes that wouldn't necessarily be categorised as Remain positions by, perhaps, the media.

"We're also seeing an emergence of Leave and Remain as social identities."

In a head-to-head comparison, Remainers preferred hard Brexit to soft, the study of more than 3,000 people found. Leave voters were found to prefer "no deal" over hard Brexit, as did non-voters.

The phenomenon has been hinted at before. In May, YouGov coined the term "re-leavers" to describe people who had voted Remain but believed the Government had a duty to carry out the will of the 52 per cent of voters who wanted out of the EU.

It found that 68 per cent of the country now wanted Brexit carried out  45 per cent who were Leavers and 23 per cent consenting Remainers.

The full LSE-Oxford study is due to be published later this year, following peer review.

NOTE: This article has been amended. The original headline read '29 per cent of Remain voters would accept expulsion of all EU nationals after Brexit, study suggests'. This was a mis-reading of the study, which has been in explained in full in this article, 'Do 29 per cent of Remainers really want to deport EU citizens?'
The all-Ukrainian Ideas Festival "The Future of Communities" press conference was on August 9. The Ideas Festival "The Future of Communities" is a great event with all-Ukrainian significance, aimed at the future community development according to the life activity spheres. Initiators and organizers of the festival were the Impact Hub Odessa Social Innovation Center in partnership with the Aspen Institute Kyiv . The organizing committee representatives - Denis Poltavets and Alexandr Slavskyi began a press conference with an introductory part about the event and the festival key goals. At this stage, the organizers took as a basis the international experience in America and decided to implement it in Ukraine with the main task - to establish a cooperation platform between different communities and different influence groups for positive changes in the country's economic, cultural and social life. "The festival advantage is that in a short time you can get acquainted with a very wide range of different thoughts, concepts, ideas that are not yet full projects, but they have convincing initiatives to present them to society," Denis Poltavets said. The organizers promise an intensive program with the introduction of a variety of formats where the festival visitors can be lecturers, participants in discussions and workshops, guests of musical jazz evenings, as well as spiritual practices on the beach. "An informal communication between participants and speakers is one of the most important formats for building communications, where certain intersections and synergies between projects can easily occur," comments one of the of Ideas Fest 2017 speakers, businessman and public figure - Oleg Derevianko The press conference participants opened the curtain about the speakers and told that it is necessary to expect international representatives who will also become the Odessa event integral part. All speakers were selected according to the relevance of ideas, professional competence, as well as the involvement level in their issue. Another one press conference participant, Evgenii Mushkin, the head of the National Economy Achievement Exhibition added about the festival sign for the urban space optimization, which should be submitted for discussion with a large concentration of motivated and ambitious people. The participation in the festival is free, but with pre-registration on the website. We remind that the ideas Festival "The Future of Communities" will be held in Odesa on August 25-27 at six city locations.the OSCE project coordinator in Ukraine, the International "Renaissance" Foundation, Event.ua, Glavkom, Obozrevatel, Koktebel Jazz Festival, Woman magazine.
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The disaster of Brexit will destroy the Conservative Partys chances of ever again winning power, former party adviser James Chapman has warned.

Leaving the EU will take our economy off the cliff and make Black Wednesday look like a picnic, he said  leading to angry voters wreaking their revenge on the Tories.

Mr Chapman, who was chief of staff to Brexit Secretary David Davis, also revealed that two cabinet ministers had expressed interest in his call for a new political party to fight EU withdrawal.

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Two people in the Cabinet, a number of people who have been in Conservative Cabinets before now  better Cabinets I might say than the current one  and a number of Shadow Cabinet ministers have also been in touch, he said.

They are not saying they are going to quit their parties, but they are saying they understand there is an enormous gap in the centre now of British politics.

Mr Chapman, who left Whitehall earlier this year for a public relations firm, has called for a new centrist party called the Democrats to be set up.

The Conservative brand has been damaged to such an extent that the party wont ever get a majority again, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

There are times in our national life when you have to put your nation before your country and the hard Brexit plan that Mrs May is pursuing is going to take our economy off the cliff and make Black Wednesday look like a picnic.

What experts have said about Brexit Show all 11 1 /11 What experts have said about Brexit What experts have said about Brexit Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond The Chancellor claims London can still be a world financial hub despite Brexit One of Britains great strengths is the ability to offer and aggregate all of the services the global financial services industry needs This has not changed as a result of the EU referendum and I will do everything I can to ensure the City of London retains its position as the worlds leading international financial centre. Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Yanis Varoufakis Greece's former finance minister compared the UK relations with the EU bloc with a well-known song by the Eagles: You can check out any time you like, as the Hotel California song says, but you can't really leave. The proof is Theresa May has not even dared to trigger Article 50. It's like Harrison Ford going into Indiana Jones' castle and the path behind him fragmenting. You can get in, but getting out is not at all clear Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Michael OLeary Ryanair boss says UK will be screwed by EU in Brexit trade deals: I have no faith in the politicians in London going on about how the world will want to trade with us. The world will want to screw you  that's what happens in trade talks, he said. They have no interest in giving the UK a deal on trade Getty What experts have said about Brexit Tim Martin JD Wetherspoon's chairman has said claims that the UK would see serious economic consequences from a Brexit vote were "lurid" and wrong: We were told it would be Armageddon from the OECD, from the IMF, David Cameron, the chancellor and President Obama who were predicting locusts in the fields and tidal waves in the North Sea" PA What experts have said about Brexit Mark Carney Governor of Bank of England is 'serene' about Bank of England's Brexit stance: I am absolutely serene about the  judgments made both by the MPC and the FPC Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Christine Lagarde IMF chief urges quick Brexit to reduce economic uncertainty: We want to see clarity sooner rather than later because we think that a lack of clarity feeds uncertainty, which itself undermines investment appetites and decision making Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Inga Beale Lloyds chief executive says Brexit is a major issue: "Clearly the UK's referendum on its EU membership is a major issue for us to deal with and we are now focusing our attention on having in place the plans that will ensure Lloyd's continues trading across Europe EPA What experts have said about Brexit Colm Kelleher President of US bank Morgan Stanley says City of London will suffer as result of the EU referendum: I do believe, and I said prior to the referendum, that the City of London will suffer as result of Brexit. The issue is how much What experts have said about Brexit Richard Branson Virgin founder believes we've lost a THIRD of our value because of Brexit and cancelled a deal worth 3,000 jobs: We're not any worse than anybody else, but I suspect we've lost a third of our value which is dreadful for people in the workplace.' He continued: "We were about to do a very big deal, we cancelled that deal, that would have involved 3,000 jobs, and thats happening all over the country" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Barack Obama US President believes Britain was wrong to vote to leave the EU: "It is absolutely true that I believed pre-Brexit vote and continue to believe post-Brexit vote that the world benefited enormously from the United Kingdom's participation in the EU. We are fully supportive of a process that is as little disruptive as possible so that people around the world can continue to benefit from economic growth" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Kristin Forbes American economist and an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England argues that the economy had been less stormy than many expected following the shock referendum result: For nowthe economy is experiencing some chop, but no tsunami. The adverse winds could quickly pick up  and merit a stronger policy response. But recently they have shifted to a more favourable direction Getty

Cabinet ministers contemplating this disaster knew they would never again be in power if Brexit went ahead as planned.

Remember that 60 per cent of Tory MPs were for Remain and now they are paralysed  they wont say what they think, Mr Chapman added.

The former aide  who also worked for George Osborne  denied the former Chancellor was behind the push for a new party, saying: Not at all. I have not spoken to George about this.

But Jacob Rees-Mogg, a leading Brexit-backing Conservative MP, poured scorn on the idea of cabinet ministers quitting to try to halt EU withdrawal.

About 70 per cent of people just want Brexit to be delivered, however they voted a year ago, because they just want democracy, he said.

Mr Chapman was political editor of the Daily Mail before leaving to work for Mr Osborne and then Mr Davis, but has now renounced the Conservative party.

He has said Boris Johnson should be in jail for the broken Brexiteer promise to deliver an extra 350m-a-week to the NHS.

And he has claimed the hundreds of extra lorry bays required to deal with extra post-Brexit border checks would mean compulsory purchase and demolition of lots of Brexit voters houses.

None of the thousands of extra customs officers that would be needed if Britain leaves the EU customs union had been hired, he said.

However, there are enormous obstacles in the way of forming a new political party, particularly after Labour bounced back under Jeremy Corbyns leadership at the June election.

Talk of scores of moderate Labour MPs potentially defecting has evaporated and pro-EU Conservative MPs have dismissed the idea of a breakaway party.
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Britain risks a new Brexit fight in international courts if it tries to quit the EUs single market without giving other countries official notice, The Independent can reveal.

Legal experts, including one who advised the Treasury, agree Theresa May will leave the UK open to legal action in The Hague if she pulls out of the European Economic Area (EEA) without formally telling its other members 12 months in advance, to avoid disrupting their trade.

The notice is demanded by an international agreement, but ministers do not intend to follow the process because, insiders believe, they want to avoid a Commons vote on staying in the EEA  and, therefore, the single market  that they might lose.

Recommended May faces Commons showdown on EU single market next month

As well as the a court battle, experts warn the stigma from breaking the agreement could also make it harder for Britain to secure the trade deals it desperately needs to secure the economy after Brexit.

Pro-EU MPs hope the legal opinion will help persuade the Commons to force and win the vote on staying in the EEA planned for the autumn.

The Government has insisted EEA membership will end automatically with EU withdrawal but former Treasury legal adviser Charles Marquand, said: A failure by the UK to give notice of its intention to leave would, I think, be a breach of the EEA Agreement, which is an international treaty.

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 barrister said it was difficult to predict how another EEA states might seek to take action, if it believed its single market rights had been removed wrongly. But he added: I believe there is a potential for international proceedings. One possibility is the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

Heinrich Nemeczek, from the Law Faculty at the University of Basel, said: This question would certainly have to be decided by a court, or other institution.

It would, in principle, be possible that the question on the UKs EEA membership can be brought to the International Court of Justice, or the Permanent Court of Arbitration, as the EEA Agreement is an international agreement.

Mr Nemeczek stressed the ability to bring a case did not mean he believed it would succeed in proving Britain was in breach of Article 127 of the EEA Agreement.

Stephen Kinnock is among a group of Labour and rebel Tory MPs trying to secure retained membership of the EEA for several years at least, to avert the threat of severe economic damage when Brexit is completed in 2019. The Labour MP said the threat of a tribunal action strengthens the case for MPs to defeat the Prime Minister on the controversy.

A backbench amendment is likely to be tabled to the flagship European Union (Withdrawal) Bill  or Repeal Bill  which reaches the Commons floor on 7 September.

 Lord Sugar says Boris Johnson and Michael Gove should be in prison over Brexit 'lies'

This has to be taken into account, said Mr Kinnock. We must avoid any difficulty with an international tribunal, perhaps even the International Court of Justice. MPs have to examine their consciences and whats in the national interest. Part of that must be whats best for the UKs international standing as a country that wants to stand tall in the world, that recognises its international obligations.

And Sir Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat leader, said: Yet again the Governments shambolic approach to Brexit puts the UK in legal uncertainty. If these legal experts are correct, there must be a vote in Parliament to settle the matter. And I would gladly work with MPs from any party to ensure that Britain maintains our membership of the EEA in order to protect jobs, trade and the economy.

 Michel Barnier seeks clarification over key issues in Brexit talks

Mr Marquand acted as the barrister for Single Market Justice (SMJ), a group trying to force the Government to require the explicit consent of MPs before it leaves the EEA. In February, the High Court rejected its case, but only because the Government had not yet decided which legal route it would take to leave the EEA  leaving the door open to future appeals.

Now ministers have set out that route, as part of the EU Withdrawal Bill, stating: The UK is a member of the EEA by virtue of its membership of the EU. Therefore on exit day the UK ceases to participate in the EEA Agreement.

It means that, unless the bill is amended, the Government will have parliamentary consent to automatically leaving the EEA  with the risk of breaching the treaty and a tribunal challenge. But only a small number of rebel Tories could be sufficient to defeat the Government in any Commons vote, given the Prime Ministers precarious working majority of just 12.

Adrian Yalland, one of SMJs founders, said: If Parliament wants a meaningful say over the single market, it must amend the bill so that EU membership is decoupled from EEA membership.

But a spokeswoman for the Department for Exiting the European Union said: "We have been clear that we will no longer be a member of the EEA after we leave the EU. The UK is party to the EEA agreement only in its capacity as an EU member state. Once the UK leaves the EU, the EEA agreement will automatically cease to apply to the UK."

The EEA, created in 1994, consists of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, together with the 28  soon to be 27  EU members, with all accepting free movement of citizens.
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The United States has not requested Britains help to find North Koreas nuclear weapon sites and prepare for military strikes, The Independent has been told.

A claim that the RAF has been asked to join an international spying operation over the rogue state to pinpoint nuclear locations and artillery batteries is flat out wrong, a source said.

Instead, Government sources have suggested Britains support for Donald Trumps hardline stance will go no further than backing at the United Nations to impose tougher sanctions.

The briefing follows Theresa Mays deputy, Damian Green, appearing to criticise President Trumps threat to unleash fire and fury on North Korea, raising the threat of nuclear war.

Mr Green said: I think the sensible way for people to proceed is to work through the UN process, thats what the British Government has been supporting and will continue to support.

Tom Tugendhat, the new chairman of the powerful commons Foreign Affairs Committee, has also called for the nuclear brinkmanship to end.

Comparing the situation to the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, Mr Tugendhat said: Kennedy and Khrushchev showed that nuclear tensions can be unwound by measured and thoughtful action.

I look forward to the US and North Korea working with regional partners including China to reduce tensions and end the nuclear brinkmanship.

The Daily Mirror claimed the US had asked for Britain to deploy Rivet Joint aircraft to spy on Kim Jong-uns regime and find his military bases.

At least one of Britain's three 800m Rivet Joint spy planes could be sent to a base in Japan within the next fortnight, the paper said, with US personnel joining its crew.

But, speaking to The Independent, a well-placed Government source insisted no request to send a plane had been made.

Meanwhile, a separate source told The Sun: The Americans are more than capable of doing what they might want, or have to do, in the region without our help.

The Prime Minister, who is still on holiday, is yet to comment on the growing crisis between North Korea and the US.

The rogue state has said it plans fire missiles towards a US nuclear base in Guam, having developed - US intelligence officials believe - a nuclear warhead small enough to fit inside its missiles.

Mr Trump has said any such threats would be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen, later musing that the warning may not be tough enough.

Jeremy Corbyn made clear his opposition to military action, telling Sky News: The idea that anyone can contemplate using nuclear weapons at any stage against anybody is unthinkable.

There is no such thing as an isolated nuclear attack. It will kill millions on both sides of the Korean border and of course in neighbouring countries.

In the US, more than 60 members of Congress have signed on to a letter condemning their Presidents bellicose threats.

Sent to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, it expresses the legislators profound concern over the statements made by President Trump that dramatically increased tensions with North Korea and raised the spectre of nuclear war.
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The Government has been accused of undermining its own efforts to tackle climate change after new research revealed it is investing twice as much in fossil fuel projects overseas as it is in renewables.

Almost half (46 per cent) of the money the UK spent on energy overseas went on fossil fuels while barely more than a fifth (22 per cent) was spent on renewable energy sources.

The research, commissioned by Catholic charity CAFOD and carried out by the Overseas Development Institute, analysed spending between 2010 and 2014  the last period for which data is available.

It shows that, of the 7.5bn the UK spent on energy abroad, 1.3bn was spent on renewables and 2.9bn on fossil fuels  appearing to contradict both government ministers promises on climate change and the UKs international commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.

The treaty, signed in 2015, says countries must work towards making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.

The Conservative manifesto, meanwhile, promised ministers would continue to lead international action against climate change.

However, UK spending on fossil fuels overseas increased by more than half a billion pounds in the five-year period up to 2014  up from 2.2bn in 2009-2013.

Only a fraction (8 per cent) of UK spending on energy in developing countries went to helping poor people access energy sources, despite ministers having committed Britain to the international Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to make sure everyone in the world has access to affordable and sustainable energy sources by 2030.

The data also reveals apparent tensions at the heart of government over whether to prioritise the UKs climate change commitments or focus on short-term economic benefits.

Progress made by the Department for International Development means almost a third of its energy spending (32 per cent) went to renewable sources compared to 22% per cent on fossil fuels.

Is there a viable alternative to vehicles run on fossil fuels? Show all 4 1 /4 Is there a viable alternative to vehicles run on fossil fuels? Is there a viable alternative to vehicles run on fossil fuels? 362061.bin Is there a viable alternative to vehicles run on fossil fuels? 362062.bin Is there a viable alternative to vehicles run on fossil fuels? 362063.bin Is there a viable alternative to vehicles run on fossil fuels? 362064.bin

In contrast, more than 99 per cent of UK Export Finance investment, which helps British companies sell their products and services overseas, was spent on fossil fuels - suggesting environmental factors are barely a consideration when decisions over spending are made.

It means different government departments are seemingly undermining each others efforts, with some departments helping to fund the shift towards renewable energy sources while others are investing in the fossil fuel industries that renewable energy producers have to compete with.

And at the same time as encouraging developing countries to prioritise renewable energy, and contributing almost 6bn to its International Climate Fund, the UK Government is continuing to invest in fossil fuel industries in the very same countries.

The report authors said the Government investing in fossil fuels overseas while also spending billions trying to combat climate change was an inconsistent approach.

The UK must urgently phase out all public funding of coal, they added.

The data was released hours after Nigel Lawson, the former Conservative Chancellor and a vocal climate change denier, claimed it was "not true" that the UK subsidises fossil fuels.

"It's not true - we tax fossil fuels and we subsidise renewable energy," he told the BBC Today programme.

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Green Party Co-leader Caroline Lucas said: "These shocking figures show that Britain's overseas spending on energy is utterly skewed towards the fuels of the past. With air pollution and climate change posing a grave threat to the developing world Britain should be ploughing resources into clean energy - but instead we're paving the way for increased fossil fuel consumption and dirty air.

"Behind the Green veneer this Government has a rotten core when it comes to protecting our natural world. Britain should look to cut spending on fossil fuel projects and help communities in the global south embark on ambitious clean energy projects that empower people and provide them with power for years to come."

Campaigners said the Governments investment strategy was undermining international climate change efforts and attempts to help developing countries develop cleaner energy sources.

Dr Sarah Wykes, lead analyst on climate change and energy at CAFOD, said: To tackle climate change we have to leave fossil fuels in the ground and switch rapidly to renewable sources of energy. Yet the UK carrying on a business as usual spending pattern overseas in recent years suggests a huge inconsistency in policy and a missed opportunity to promote greater investment in renewable technologies, as DFID has tried to do through its spending.

It doesnt make sense for there to still be any public money going into fossil fuels overseas, whether thats through aid money, loans or export finance to support British companies operating overseas.

The Conservatives made manifesto commitments they would continue to lead international action against climate change and extreme poverty, but supporting fossil fuels overseas puts that leadership at risk at a time when international leadership is needed now more than ever on the Paris Agreement.

Hannah Martin, Head of Energy at Greenpeace UK, said: The UK government has promised global leadership on climate change, yet it keeps using millions in taxpayers' money to bankroll fossil fuel projects all around the world. What's worse, many of these projects are in the same developing countries that are already bearing the brunt of climate change.

This seems to be an acute case of the right hand not knowing what the left is doing, and it makes no economic or environmental sense. Renewable energy is booming, and Britain has done a lot of pioneering work on technologies like offshore wind. Instead of using public money to drive more climate change, ministers should use it to help Britain export clean technologies that can help tackle the problem while creating trading and employment opportunities that will last beyond the fossil fuel age.

10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Show all 10 1 /10 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A group of emperor penguins face a crack in the sea ice, near McMurdo Station, Antarctica Kira Morris 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Floods destroyed eight bridges and ruined crops such as wheat, maize and peas in the Karimabad valley in northern Pakistan, a mountainous region with many glaciers. In many parts of the world, glaciers have been in retreat, creating dangerously large lakes that can cause devastating flooding when the banks break. Climate change can also increase rainfall in some areas, while bringing drought to others. Hira Ali 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Smoke  filled with the carbon that is driving climate change  drifts across a field in Colombia. Sandra Rondon 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Amid a flood in Islampur, Jamalpur, Bangladesh, a woman on a raft searches for somewhere dry to take shelter. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to sea level rise, which is expected to make tens of millions of people homeless by 2050. Probal Rashid 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Sindh province in Pakistan has experienced a grim mix of two consequences of climate change. Because of climate change either we have floods or not enough water to irrigate our crop and feed our animals, says the photographer. Picture clearly indicates that the extreme drought makes wide cracks in clay. Crops are very difficult to grow. Rizwan Dharejo 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Hanna Petursdottir examines a cave inside the Svinafellsjokull glacier in Iceland, which she said had been growing rapidly. Since 2000, the size of glaciers on Iceland has reduced by 12 per cent. Tom Schifanella 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A river once flowed along the depression in the dry earth of this part of Bangladesh, but it has disappeared amid rising temperatures. Abrar Hossain 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A shepherd moves his herd as he looks for green pasture near the village of Sirohi in Rajasthan, northern India. The region has been badly affected by heatwaves and drought, making local people nervous about further predicted increases in temperature. Riddhima Singh Bhati 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A factory in China is shrouded by a haze of air pollution. The World Health Organisation has warned such pollution, much of which is from the fossil fuels that cause climate change, is a public health emergency. Leung Ka Wa 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Water levels in reservoirs, like this one in Gers, France, have been getting perilously low in areas across the world affected by drought, forcing authorities to introduce water restrictions. Mahtuf Ikhsan

Of the UK money spent on fossil fuels overseas, 87 per cent (2.5 billion) went to oil, gas or a combination of the two. A further 9 per cent (240m) was spent on coal  the most polluting of all fuels.

The research also raises concerns about whether UK aid and investment is going to the countries that need it most.

Only 9 per cent of energy spending went to countries classed as low-income, while almost half (47 per cent) went to upper middle-income countries.

By far the biggest recipient of UK spending on energy was Brazil, where 1.6bn was spent. That was followed by Vietnam, Turkey and India. 206 million of UK money was spent on energy in Russia  the fifth biggest recipient of British energy spending.

Critics are also likely to question why more than a fifth of UK aid spending on energy is being spent on the highly polluting fuels that are responsible for climate change.

Experts said there should be no contradiction between spending on aid and investing in green energy, because renewable energy sources are generally cheaper and quicker to set up than fossil fuel sources, meaning they are of greater benefit to people living in poverty or in remote areas.

A Government spokesperson said: The UK is a global leader in tackling climate change  we played a key role in securing the historic Paris Agreement and have helped 12 million people gain access to clean energy around the world through development assistance.

Our priority is to help developing countries establish a secure and diverse energy supply, supporting their economic growth as part of the transition to a low carbon economy.
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Jeremy Corbyn has urged Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un to calm down to avert a catastrophic nuclear war between the US and North Korea.

The Labour leader warned you cannot play fast and loose with nuclear weapons, adding that Britain had a role to play in bringing the two leaders back from the brink.

The comments came as the US President risked further tensions by tweeting: Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong-un will find another path!

The rogue state has said it plans to fire missiles towards a US nuclear base in Guam, having developed  US intelligence officials believe  a nuclear warhead small enough to fit inside its missiles.

Mr Trump has said any such threats would be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen, later suggesting that the warning may not be tough enough.

Speaking in Bristol, Mr Corbyn said: We cannot play fast and loose with nuclear weapons and nuclear threats because do you know what  a nuclear explosion doesnt stop at national borders, it doesnt stop at the vicinity where the bomb drops.

The Labour leader, a long time anti-war campaigner, said the result of a nuclear strike would go on for decades, adding: I ask them both, calm down.

There are phone calls that could be made, theres discussions that could be held. Surely, in the interests of sanity and safety over the whole world, do it.

Mr Corbyn said Britain and other nations with nuclear weapons also had a role to play in reducing the tensions.

All the five declared nuclear weapons states, which includes the United States, Russia and China, as well as Britain and France, need to get on board on this to bring North Korea back from the brink, bring Donald Trump back from the brink, and support the NPT [the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons] and support the UNs efforts to make nuclear weapons illegal worldwide, he said.

Meanwhile, a Pentagon spokesman said a joint military exercise between the US and South Korea was expected to start, as planned, on 21 August.

Russia accused both the US and North Korea of inflammatory language and warned the risks of a conflict were very high. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov put forward a peace plan under which the communist state would freeze missile tests in return for the military exercise being called off.

Earlier, a Government source denied a claim that the US has requested Britains help to find North Koreas nuclear weapon sites and prepare for military strikes.

The report, that the RAF has been asked to join an international spying operation to pinpoint nuclear locations and artillery batteries, was flat out wrong, The Independent was told.

Theresa May, who is still on holiday, is yet to comment on the growing crisis between North Korea and the US.

But her deputy, Damian Green, appeared to criticise President Trumps threat to unleash fire and fury on North Korea, raising the threat of nuclear war.

Mr Green said: I think the sensible way for people to proceed is to work through the UN process, thats what the British Government has been supporting and will continue to support.
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Video footage has captured the moment a twister passed through the sky above Wigan.

The mini-tornado was filmed by hairdresser Joanne Tolley Cottom, who said it was the weirdest moment ever" to see it pass through the Billinge Hill area of the Greater Manchester town.

She said that after she made the recording from her salon, the area was lashed by 30 minutes of torrential wind and rain.

There were two of them that tried to form. Me and my client couldnt believe our eyes  I didnt think we got them in this country," she told the Manchester Evening News.

After about 20-30 minutes there was horrendous wind and rain over the salon. The rain was so heavy it even set car alarms off.

Recommended Wales and the Midlands struck by series of tornadoes

A spokesman for the Met Office who examined the footage said the formation was in fact a funnel cloud, which is how a tornado begins.

The Met Office said: A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that reaches from the base of a storm cloud to the ground. They happen in unsettled weather conditions, usually as part of thunderstorms.

If the rotating column of air does not reach the ground it is a funnel cloud.

At the point a funnel cloud reaches the earths surface it becomes a tornado, or if it reaches a body of water it becomes a waterspout.

Tornadoes in the UK are not as rare as we might think, according to the Met Office.

In a typical year, the UK sees between 30 and 35 of them, although it is very rare that they reach the strength where they cause the type of havoc often wreaked by tornadoes in the United States.

Wigan was hit by a more powerful twister in July, which caused a "trail of destruction" according to local media reports.
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Gunshots sounded through Nairobi and properties were set alight after Uhuru Kenyatta was declared victor in Kenyas fiercely-contested presidential elections that the opposition claims was riddled with irregularities.

Mr Kenyatta of the Jubilee party, who was vying for a second and final term, won with 54.3 per cent of the vote to Raila Odingas 44.7 per cent, a margin of 1.4 million votes. The winner was required to pass a threshold of 50 per cent by one vote.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Kenyatta, from the Kikuyu tribe, urged his opponents and their supporters to set aside their differences and come together as one nation after what has been a divisive and bitter campaign. To our brothers, our worthy competitors, we are not enemies, he said.

Elections come and go, Kenya is here to stay, he added. There is no need for violence.

Recommended Observers declare Kenya election fair despite opposition outcry

In Kibera, where many residents belong to Mr Odingas Luo tribe, residents reported screaming and gunfire, which rang out across parts of the city, and said that rioters were setting fire to Kikuyu properties. Clashes between protesters and police were also being reported in Kisumu in western Kenya, where Mr Odinga enjoys strong support.

International observers and envoys earlier appealed to the losing side to accept defeat amid fears that Mr Odinga, who has repeatedly asserted that the vote was rigged, could incite his supporters to take to the streets in violent protest.

Kenya, East Africas most vibrant and developed democracy, has a history of tense and disputed elections, when tribal divisions often manifest themselves into violent unrest. In 2007, flawed elections plunged the country into its most deadly turmoil in decades, with ethnically-motivated attacks leaving more than 1,200 people dead, and some 600,000 displaced.

Tensions started to rise as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) delayed its announcement of results while it scrambled to gather the last remaining vote tally forms from constituencies around the country. A promised announcement yesterday - three days after the vote took place - was repeatedly postponed, and finally delivered at around 10.30 pm.

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. 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In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. 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Speaking a few hours before the official announcement, the opposition Nasa party, whose 72-year-old flagbearer Mr Odinga has claimed he was cheated of victory in 2007 and 2013 elections, said it rejected both the process and the result.

We raised some very serious concerns, they have not responded to them. As Nasa, we shall not be party to the process they are about to make, senior opposition official Musalia Mudavadi said.

James Orengo, a senior election agent for the opposition, said the process had been a charade.

He added that Kenyans had a history of challenging elections. The Kenyan people have never disappointed. Every time an election has been stolen, the Kenyan people have stood up to make sure changes are made to make Kenya a better place, he said.

Nobody should think that this is the end of the matter, he added. Going to court, for us, is not an alternative. We have been there before.

The oppositions rejection of the result immediately raised the prospect of an eruption of violence across the country, with Mr Odingas supporters convinced that the election was theirs for the taking.

 Riots break out after Kenya election's contested result

But few predict trouble on the scale of 2007, when the Kalenjin and Kikuyu tribes rose up against each other. Mr Kenyatta, a member of the Kikuyu elite, and William Ruto of the Kalenjin, subsequently allied with each other in the 2013 elections as they fought charges of orchestrating the violence by the International Criminal Court. The charges were later dropped for lack of evidence - with the two men having denied the charges against them.

Since the preliminary results started trickling out, muted protests have rocked slum areas in Nairobi, and Kisumu, an opposition stronghold in western Kenya, in recent days, with at least three people killed. In Kibera, where poverty-stricken residents live less than half a mile from affluent suburbs, many said they were waiting for the call to action from the opposition leader. As of last night, areas of Nairobi were essentially in lockdown, and patrolled by a heavy security presence.

The result has not been handled well, and people are worried, said Kibera resident Michael Okithi, 26. In the event of a Jubilee win, he predicted, there will be chaos. A lot of people will die.

This election has been seen as an important test case for the IEBC, heavily tainted in the past by a perception that it was biased towards the ruling party. At the oppositions instigation, new commissioners were appointed ahead of the 2017 polls. Observers have widely praised the electoral process as the most organised and transparent in the countrys history. More than 40,000 polling stations were equipped with biometric kits, and preliminary figures streamed live on the electoral bodys website.

As the provisional results from Tuesdays vote gave Mr Kenyatta a commanding lead, Mr Odingas Nasa party came out the next day to denounce the election as a sham and a massive fraud, tying the murder of a senior election official a week before elections to a hack of IEBC servers, and a falsifying of results. It provided no evidence to support its claims.

The IEBC robustly defended itself against the oppositions allegations, and described claims by the opposition that the IEBC had an alternative tally on its servers as grossly inaccurate and premature.

Despite subsequent dismissal of Mr Odingas claims, there are concerns about the tallying process. Critical to the transparency of these elections was the scanning of signed forms showing the results at the same time as the tallies were submitted by polling stations to their constituencies by text message. But roughly 11,000 forms were not uploaded, and the IEBC has given no explanation for the apparent break-down in this process, which must be followed by law.

It creates an impression that some mischief is going on, said Patrick Gathara, a Nairobi-based political analyst. That was the whole point of the electronic system. The main problem [in previous elections] was [that] en route from the polling station to the tallying centre, things got changed.

The international community, which includes an observer mission led by John Kerry, former US Secretary of State, has strongly urged Nasa to take the matter of irregularities down the constitutional route. After a challenge has been filed at the Supreme Court, it has 14 days to rule.

Violence must never be an option, US Ambassador to Kenya Bob Godec said. No Kenyan should die because of an election. Kenya's future is more important than any election. Leaders above all need to make that clear.
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Along the US-Canada border, a tent camp has been constructed by the Canadian military to house and shelter a stream of mostly Haitian refugees fleeing from the United States for fear that Donald Trump will order their deportations.

Just north of an unfenced section of the friendly border that runs between Quebec and New York State, an uptick in crossings has been noticed recently, with as many as 250 refugees arriving on foot a day. But, while the tent camp is seen as a humane response to a growing problem, the refugees are still marching north to what will likely be months waiting in legal limbo for their cases to be heard.

This is the first time in my career that they have built a refugee camp, Stephane Handfield, an immigration lawyer in Montreal for 25 years, told The Independent. He said that, although the government was doing a decent job housing the immigrants, temporary housing provided in places like the tent camp, Montreals Olympic stadium, and elsewhere still arent enough.

This is not the place to put families, he continued. There are kids there. There are pregnant women there. In a small bed in the Olympic Stadium  the Olympic Stadium is not built to receive families or to receive people, he continued.

Refugees have been bypassing normal ports of entry as the result of a longstanding agreement between the US and Canada to turn away refugees arriving from either country at a border checkpoint  but refugee seekers who make it onto Canadian land will still be processed. Following recent crack downs on undocumented immigrants in the US, portions of the mostly Haitian population that sought refuse in the US after the 2010 earthquake have been sneaking up north.

The uptick in migrant crossings into Canadian territories have put incredible stresses on the governments ability to process refugee applications. As a result, the refugee claim process that previously took little time now may take months, and even then the application process for a work visa can take months longer. Even the initial registering process is bogged down, prompting the military to build the tent camp for temporary shelter.

After a year of despair, Haiti orphans get a fresh start in France Show all 2 1 /2 After a year of despair, Haiti orphans get a fresh start in France After a year of despair, Haiti orphans get a fresh start in France 521838.bin AP After a year of despair, Haiti orphans get a fresh start in France 521839.bin AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Nearly 100 soldiers were sent to the border to construct the tent camp, which will provide basic amenities including heat for the 500 or so refugee seekers there. The soldiers are expected to return home once the tents are set up.

Refugee claimants arriving in Canada right now may have to wait until as early as December before their eligibility interviews can be scheduled, which will hinder their ability to gain access to some critical services like healthcare and work permits, Chantal Lannicello, a board member with the Quebec Association of Immigration Lawyers, said. Their source of income, as they wait in limbo, will come in the form of cheques from the government to help cover basic costs of living.

I dont understand why, when they apply for the refugee status, the Canadian government doesnt give them a work permit. A lot of my clients  they want to work, Mr Handfield said. They dont want to be on social welfare. They dont want to take money from the government. They want to pay for their families, for their kids, for their life.

Canada first implemented a deportation ban on Haitian refugees after a coup in 2004, and extended that measure following the 2010 earthquake. The ban expired last August.

Still, returning to Haiti could pose risks for those in the United States. The government maintains a strict confidentiality rule for refugee processing, for fear that the names of individuals seeking asylum might make it back to the Haitian government. In addition to political risks posed to anyone who may have cause to fear the government there, a crumbling infrastructure that has been devastated by that earthquake and tropical storms has already left 175,000 people displaced and 280,000 people in "highly food insecure" positions.

Many refugees appear to be hearing that they will find safe haven in the the Great White North. It is unclear if that is true, however, as Canada grapples with what to do with the large numbers of refugees theyre processing.

Already in the first half of 2017, Canada saw more than 4,300 asylum seekers walk across the border from the US. That was before the uptick of Haitians leaving the United States began. Last year, Canada accepted 50.5 percent of the 410 refugee claims from Haitians, according to government data.

The United States this year extended in January the deportation bans on the 50,000 Haitians who had come following the devastating 2010 earthquake, but notified those same refugees in May that they should begin acquiring travel documents to return to Haiti.

The US, under Mr Trumps leadership, plans to impose stricter immigration standards, and has suggested it will cut legal immigration by 50 percent over 10 years.
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Ivanka Trump has reportedly been likened to a half-wit Saudi prince by an Indian diplomat after it was announced she would lead the US at a summit in southern India.

Donald Trump on Thursday announced that his daughter, who works for him as an official unpaid adviser, would head the country's delegation at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in November.

An unnamed Indian diplomat told Bobby Ghosh, the editor-in-chief of the Hindustan Times: "We regard Ivanka Trump the way we do half-wit Saudi princes. It's in our national interest to flatter them.

Recommended Ivanka Trump is part of the problem in the White House

He later added: Yes, it is a shame that the US should be compared to a kingdom. But that is America's shame, not Modi's, or India's.

The US Department of State says the three-day event encouraged collaboration between American entrepreneurs and investors with international counterparts "to form lasting relationships".

Ms Trump has previously come under fierce criticism for representing the US on the international stage.

The former businesswoman and fashion model took her father's seat for a period during G20 discussions in Hamburg, prompting claims of nepotism.

Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Show all 22 1 /22 Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Donald Trump's international Presidential trips French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump talk as they leave the Army Museum at Les Invalides in Paris AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump arrive for the group photo at the G7 Taormina summit on the island of Sicily in May 2017 Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Mr Trump was pressed on the subject at the G7 summit in Italy Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump gives a speeech at the Warsaw Uprising Monument on Krasinski Square Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May during a ceremony at the NATO headquarters before the start of a summit in Brussels, Belgium Reuters Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic is seen to the right of Donald Trump at a Nato summit in Brussels REUTERS Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Pope Francis meeting with US President Donald J. Trump EPA Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Pope Francis poses with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump arrives at Palazzo del Quirinale ahead of the meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella Ufficio Stampa Presidenza della via Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump is seen during a joint press conference with the Palestinian leader at the presidential palace in the West Bank city of Bethlehem AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas meets US President Donald Trump PPO via Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with US President Donald Trump prior to the President's departure GPO via Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands after delivering a speech at the Israel Museum AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump lay a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance as White House senior advisor Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump watch on during a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial museum AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump visit to Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem accompanied by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu GPO via Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump takes his seat before his speech to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia Reuters Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump look at a display of Saudi modern art at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud take part in a signing ceremony at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips King Salman presents Donald Trump with The Collar of Abdulaziz al-Saud Medal at the Royal Court Palace on 20 May AP Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump is welcomed by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk on the South Lawn prior to their first foreign trip Getty Images

Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who invited Ms Trump to India in June, said he was looking forward to her leading the delegation.
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A man who was named 'Teacher of the Year' at the school where he worked has been jailed for hosting sex parties for teenage boys at his house.

Jared Anderson encouraged boys to play sex games, including at a "bros night" where a sign on the door read "the last one to get naked has to get the first dare".

The 29-year-old English teacher and church leader was honoured in the yearbook of Judson High School in Texas just two months before his arrest in March 2016.

School officials were forced to recall the yearbook and remove a page praising Anderson as 'Teacher of the Year' after he was accused of multiple child sex charges, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

He was suspended and later fired after being charged with four counts of inciting sexual performance by a child and two counts of indecency with a child.

One of the charges related to a party he called a "bros night" at his house on February 12 last year, involving seven boys aged 15 to 17 who were encouraged to take their clothes off and perform sex acts on each other.

Jared Anderson admitted six child sex offences (San Antonio Police Department)

Anderson also swapped pictures of his genitals with another 17-year-old boy, San Antonio Police Department said.

He was arrested after two of his victims told authorities.

Judge Stevenn Hilbig sentenced Anderson to 10 years in prison after he admitted the charges at Bexar County's 177th Criminal District Court in San Antonio.

He had faced up to 20 years behind bars but reached a plea agreement last month.

He was also fined $9,000 (6,900).
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Cover your head, strip off those irradiated clothes and make sure not to look at the glaring fireball.

These are among the guidelines Guam has released as, amid escalating tensions with North Korea, the small Pacific island contemplates the nightmare scenario of a nuclear strike.

An American territory that hosts a significant military contingent, Guam has found itself in the crosshairs of a geopolitical feud sparked by Donald Trump promising fire and fury in response to further threats.

In response, North Korean state media claimed that the military was formulating plans to attack Guam.

In the days since, Mr Trump has ratcheted up the rhetoric, saying his words were not tough enough and then boasting that the American military was locked and loaded.

Guam Governor Eddie Calvo has backed Mr Trump, saying I want a president who defends American territories with tough talk.

Gov Calvo has also sought to allay anxiety among his citizens, telling them there is no threat to our island.

He reiterated that reassurance to reporters on Friday, saying Everyone should continue to live their lives.

But the newly released fact sheet, entitled Preparing for an Imminent Missile Threat, makes an abstract worry more concrete.

It urges residents to identify concrete shelters near their homes - brick structures also work - and instructs people to dispose of their clothes and wash heavily after an attack in an effort to reduce the impacts of radiation.

Some additional tips: The more distance between you and the fallout particles, the better, so stay away from flat roofs where particles accumulate; the thickest possible walls are ideal; and the more time you remain in your shelter the better, since radioactive fallout poses the greatest threat to people during the first two weeks.

In time, the advisory says, you will be able to leave a fallout shelter.
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A Texas priest says that Donald Trump has not been anointed by god to rain fire on North Korea, in spite of what a fellow clergyman may have said.

Catholic Pastor Jushia J Whitfield pushed back on the word of a fellow Texas pastors word in an op-ed published in the Dallas Morning News, noting that early Christians lived under oppressive regimes. Politics were viewed, he noted, as belonging to the demonic.

Paul, like other New Testament writers and, of course, like Jesus, thought the political realm the realm of Satan, Father Whitfield wrote. Political institutions, along with principalities and powers, according to early Christian belief, belonged to the demonic. Hence bloody history, hence violence.

Mr Trump has engaged in an escalating rhetorical battle with Kim Jong Un. North Korea has been testing its nuclear and missile capacities recently, raising concerns that the country will meet its goal of developing a nuclear warhead that could hit US shores. In response, Mr Trump has vowed to rain fire and fury on North Korea that would effectively destroy the countrys military capacity.

Father Whitfield argues that the Presidents words, and potential action, are antithetical to Christian belief.

For Paul, it would have been unthinkable to consider a political ruler some sort of anointed Christian prince or president waging war on behalf of believers, he wrote.

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

In response to Mr Trumps threats, North Korea has recently announced that they are developing attack plans to strike Guam, an American territory, if the US President doesnt soften his rhetoric. The US, then, announced that there are several potential plans available to Mr Trump should he decide that an offensive or defensive attack is necessary to curb North Koreas ambitions.

The US is locked and loaded, Mr Trump tweeted recently.
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A former US spy chief has said he fears a war of words between Donald Trump and North Korea could "spiral" out of control into global military conflict.

James Clapper, the ex-Director of National Intelligence, warned the two countries could "blunder" into a Third World War as they exchange escalating hostilities.

His caution came after the US President further ramped up the rhetoric of the nuclear stand-off, vowing North Korea risked being in trouble like few nations have ever been".

He suggested he had not been "tough enough" when he threatened to unleash "fire and fury" in retaliation to threats by Pyongyang, which responded by claiming it was formulating plans to fire missiles at the US territory of Guam.

"I do worry that this game of rhetoric chicken is going to become self-fulfilling," Mr Clapper told CNN Tonight.

"The President has kind of drawn a red line here and has implied - more than implied - [he would] take some direct action just based on the things that the North Koreans say, which to me is not very responsible."

Mr Clapper, who was Barack Obama's intelligence chief from August 2010 until January this year, added he was worried "that this will spiral out of further control".

"It's somewhat reminiscent to me of the history of World War I and how the world kind of blundered into that. I hope people learn from history here and don't repeat that," he said.

But he added: "I don't think we are there yet. I think there is still time for other measures. Sanctions, diplomacy, all those kind of things."

Mr Clapper served in US intelligence agencies and the military for more than 40 years, working under both Democrat and Republican presidents.

CNN's chief national security correspondent Jim Sciutto suggested the ex-spy chief's warnings should be taken seriously because he "is not someone who tends towards bombastic comments".

"He has genuine concern about the direction of events in North Korea," the journalist added.

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 Trump's bellicose rhetoric this week rattled both allies and adversaries and led to 60 members of Congress signing a letter of complaint to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Thursday.

But the President showed no signs of toning down his hostility after North Korea taunted him as bereft of reason and someone for whom only absolute force can work".

Frankly, the people who were questioning [my] statement, was it too tough? Maybe it wasnt tough enough, he said.
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A federal judge has ordered a new search of Hillary Clintons Benghazi emails, nine months after the Democrat lost the 2016 election.

US District Court Judge Amit Mehta ruled that the State Department hasnt done enough to track down emails Ms Clinton may have sent out related to the 2012 Benghazi attack that left four Americans dead. The new directive asks for a review of emails received or sent to Ms Clinton's by aides using State Department servers.

The US ambassador to Libya at the time, Chris Stevens, was one of those killed.

Before the recent ruling, the State Department had searched tens of thousands of emails handed over to the agency by Ms Clinton and three of her top aides. The State Department also searched a trove of emails the FBI had assembled when it investigated Ms Clintons use of a private email server who serving as secretary of State.

Recommended Republicans still pushing to investigate Hillary Clinton despite 2016

But conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch argued that those efforts werent enough. They urged the federal judiciary to force the State Department to search its own stems for relevant emails that may have been sent to state.gov email addresses.

The first search found 348 Benghazi-related emails sent in the five months following the attack.

To date, State has searched only data compilations originating from outside sources  Secretary Clinton, her former aides, and the FBI. ... It has not, however, searched 8 the one records system over which it has always had control and that is almost certain to contain some responsive records: the state.gov e-mail server, Mr Mehta wrote in his 10-page ruling.

Sources point to FBI office in New York City for Hillary Clinton leaks Show all 8 1 /8 Sources point to FBI office in New York City for Hillary Clinton leaks Sources point to FBI office in New York City for Hillary Clinton leaks NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 4: A view of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, where the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a field office on the 23rd floor, November 4, 2016 in New York City. FBI Director James Comey informed Congress last Friday that his agency was taking steps to review newly discovered emails relating to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary ClintonAs private email server. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Getty Sources point to FBI office in New York City for Hillary Clinton leaks NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 4: A view of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, where the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a field office on the 23rd floor, November 4, 2016 in New York City. FBI Director James Comey informed Congress last Friday that his agency was taking steps to review newly discovered emails relating to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary ClintonOs private email server. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Getty Sources point to FBI office in New York City for Hillary Clinton leaks NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 4: A view of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, where the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a field office on the 23rd floor, November 4, 2016 in New York City. FBI Director James Comey informed Congress last Friday that his agency was taking steps to review newly discovered emails relating to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary ClintonOs private email server. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Getty Sources point to FBI office in New York City for Hillary Clinton leaks NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 4: A view of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, where the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a field office on the 23rd floor, November 4, 2016 in New York City. FBI Director James Comey informed Congress last Friday that his agency was taking steps to review newly discovered emails relating to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary ClintonOs private email server. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Getty Sources point to FBI office in New York City for Hillary Clinton leaks NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 4: A view of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, where the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a field office on the 23rd floor, November 4, 2016 in New York City. FBI Director James Comey informed Congress last Friday that his agency was taking steps to review newly discovered emails relating to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary ClintonOs private email server. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Getty Sources point to FBI office in New York City for Hillary Clinton leaks NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 4: A view of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, where the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a field office on the 23rd floor, November 4, 2016 in New York City. FBI Director James Comey informed Congress last Friday that his agency was taking steps to review newly discovered emails relating to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary ClintonAs private email server. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Getty Sources point to FBI office in New York City for Hillary Clinton leaks NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 4: A view of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, where the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a field office on the 23rd floor, November 4, 2016 in New York City. FBI Director James Comey informed Congress last Friday that his agency was taking steps to review newly discovered emails relating to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary ClintonAs private email server. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Getty Sources point to FBI office in New York City for Hillary Clinton leaks NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 4: A view of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, where the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a field office on the 23rd floor, November 4, 2016 in New York City. FBI Director James Comey informed Congress last Friday that his agency was taking steps to review newly discovered emails relating to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary ClintonAs private email server. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Getty

If Secretary Clinton sent an e-mail about Benghazi to Abedin, Mills, or Sullivan at his or her state.gov e-mail address, or if one of them sent an e-mail to Secretary Clinton using his or her state.gov account, then States server presumably would have captured and stored such an e-mail. Therefore, State has an obligation to search its own server for responsive records, he continued.

It is not clear if the State Department archived emails sent from Ms Clintons top aides regularly or reliably.

The issue of Ms Clintons use of a private email server, and her handling of the Benghazi attack, dogged her throughout her 2016 presidential campaign. Although investigators never concluded that Ms Clinton had done anything illegal, Republicans repeatedly attacked her for her emails, raising suspicions of foul play and conspiracy.
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Donald Trumps company is said to have taken home nearly $2m in profits this year at its extravagant hotel in Washington, DC  amid ethics concerns stemming from the Presidents refusal to fully divest from his businesses while he is in office.

Because Mr Trump has retained ownership of his real estate empire while serving in the White House, he can still financially benefit from his business interests. Ethics experts have also asserted that several of Mr Trumps businesses present ways by which foreign governments could seek to influence the President by, for example, booking stays at one of his hotels.

The Trump Organization had predicted that the Trump International Hotel  located just blocks from the White House  would lose $2.1m during the first quarter of 2017, according to the Washington Post. Instead, the company turned a 1.97m profit during that period at the property.

The hotels $660.28 average nightly rate  much higher than the average rates of comparable hotels in the area, according to the Huffington Post  likely contributed to the propertys profitability. The Wall Street Journal reported that the hotel also received a higher-than-normal part of its revenue from food and beverages.

Members of Mr Trumps inner circle and other Republican leaders have often been spotted in the hotels bar and restaurant.

The hotel, which opened last fall, is in the Old Post Office building on Pennsylvania Avenue, the same road on which the White House is located. The Trump Organization rents the property from the federal government.

Government ethics experts and congressional Democrats have admonished the governments lease, with Representative Peter DeFazio calling it a highly unethical arrangement.

In January, before being inaugurated into office, Mr Trump said he would maintain ownership of his global business empire but hand off control to his two oldest sons while president.

Ethics experts have said the arrangement would not prevent conflicts of interest in the White House, and the attorneys general of Maryland and DC sued Mr Trump in June, saying he has committed unprecedented constitutional violations by failing to appropriately disentangle his public responsibilities as president from his private interests as a businessman.

Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Show all 22 1 /22 Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Donald Trump's international Presidential trips French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump talk as they leave the Army Museum at Les Invalides in Paris AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump arrive for the group photo at the G7 Taormina summit on the island of Sicily in May 2017 Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Mr Trump was pressed on the subject at the G7 summit in Italy Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump gives a speeech at the Warsaw Uprising Monument on Krasinski Square Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May during a ceremony at the NATO headquarters before the start of a summit in Brussels, Belgium Reuters Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic is seen to the right of Donald Trump at a Nato summit in Brussels REUTERS Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Pope Francis meeting with US President Donald J. Trump EPA Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Pope Francis poses with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump arrives at Palazzo del Quirinale ahead of the meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella Ufficio Stampa Presidenza della via Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump is seen during a joint press conference with the Palestinian leader at the presidential palace in the West Bank city of Bethlehem AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas meets US President Donald Trump PPO via Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with US President Donald Trump prior to the President's departure GPO via Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands after delivering a speech at the Israel Museum AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump lay a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance as White House senior advisor Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump watch on during a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial museum AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump visit to Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem accompanied by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu GPO via Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump takes his seat before his speech to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia Reuters Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump look at a display of Saudi modern art at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud take part in a signing ceremony at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips King Salman presents Donald Trump with The Collar of Abdulaziz al-Saud Medal at the Royal Court Palace on 20 May AP Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump is welcomed by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk on the South Lawn prior to their first foreign trip Getty Images

Unlike other US government officials, the president is not required by law to steer clear of conflicts of interest.

I could actually run my business and run government at the same time. I don't like the way that looks, but I would be able to do that if I wanted to, Mr Trump said in January.

In June, lobbying records showed that the Trump International Hotel received nearly $270,000 from Saudi Arabia, which had been trying to convince the US to overturn an anti-terrorism law. Mr Trump eventually said he would donate the Saudi payments to the Treasury.
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Hong Kongs public broadcasting service is set to halt its 24-hour BBC World Service broadcast and replace it with Chinese state programming.

The move was intended to enhance the cultural exchange between the mainland and Hong Kong, a spokesperson for the broadcaster said.

From 4 September, Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) will instead transmit the state-run China National Radio Hong Kong Edition, which features programmes including news in Mandarin.

The broadcaster, which is run as a government department, said it was making the change because its Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) service was ending next month.

The government decided in March to halt all digital channels in the city state, saying the fast development of the internet had replaced traditional services.

Eight hours of BBC World Service will still be played live for eight hours overnight on Radio 4, from 11pm to 7am on a daily basis, RTHK said.

Hong Kong, a former British colony, became a special administrative region of China in 1997. It has reportedly run a continuous relay of the World Service since 1978.

The city state is governed under the one country, two systems principle, which allows it a high level of autonomy.

Yet Beijing can veto changes to the government system, which pro-democracy campaigners claim has hampered progress towards wider suffrage.

Although Hong Kong has a diverse media and freedom of the press is enshrined in the territory's constitution, there are growing concerns about Beijing's influence.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has said more than half of Hong Kong's media owners have roles in Chinese politics, meaning they are reluctant to upset Beijing.

Mass protests against Chinese control of Hong Kong have been held nearly every year since the territory returned to China in 1997.

On the 20th aniversary of Chinese control in July this year, some 60,000 protesters marched through the streets.

A string of political scandals, including the abduction of a group of booksellers, had revived concerns that China was preparing to tighten its grip on the former colony.

A BBC spokesperson said: Were always disappointed when a service our listeners are used to changes, and always thinking about the best ways to reach audiences.

"BBC World Service will still be available on RTHK FM Radio 4 overnight, and available online 24 hrs a day for listeners in Hong Kong."

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

Head of corporate communications for RTHK Amen Ng said in a statement: This channel is tailor made for RTHK when we first introduced DAB, and it can enhance the cultural exchange between the mainland and Hong Kong.
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The US mainland could be reduced to ashes at any moment, the North Korean governments official newspaper has said, as tensions between the two countries continue to mount.

The Rodong Sinmun, an official mouthpiece of Kim Jong-uns ruling Workers Party, said the reckless and hysteric behaviour of Donald Trump would be to blame if the US is attacked.

The Trump administration has been seized with anxiety and terror following North Korea's successful testing of a long-range missile, the newspaper claimed, saying US military warmongers are running amok.

It is a tragedy that the reckless and hysteric behaviours may reduce the US mainland to ashes [at] any moment, it continued, according to KCNAWatch.

Ominously, it said it was the steadfast will of North Korea to put an end to the hostile moves of the US and vowed that the communist state will win the final victory in the stand-off with imperialism and the US.

The US and its vassal forces will dearly pay for the harshest sanctions and pressure and reckless military provocations against the DPRK, it added.

The latest threats follow days of mounting tensions between the US government and the North Korean regime.

The escalation began when North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and Mr Trump threatened to inflict fire and fury the like of which the world has never seen on the country in response.

Kim Jong-uns government then announced it was putting together plans to fire four missiles close to the US Pacific territory of Guam.

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

As the war of words continued, the US ramped up joint military exercises with Japan and South Korea and flew bomb B-1B bombers over the Korean peninsula.

Amid criticism that his aggressive comments had stoked tensions, Donald Trump claimed his previous remark maybe wasnt tough enough and said North Korea should be very, very nervous.

They've been doing this to our country for a long time, for many years," he added.

"And it's about time that somebody stuck up for the people of this country and for the people of other countries."
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Anti-migrant activists whose ship ran into trouble in the Mediterranean Sea has refused help from a humanitarian rescue vessel.

The German charity Sea Eye, which has been saving refugees and others if they get into difficulty while trying to cross from Africa to Europe, was told it was not needed when it reached the vessel C-Star carrying the activists from the Identitarian group.

The Sea-Eye's founder, Michael Buschheuer, said the Italian coastguard had asked his ship to set sail for the activists' 130ft boat because it was in distress.

But the Identitarian members on board the C-star denied on Twitter that their ship needed help.

However they also said they had alerted other vessels in the area because its main engine had stopped due to a minor technical problem.

Mr Buschheuer told Reuters by telephone that after their ship arrived in the area "we had radio contact ... they said they don't need or want our help.

Defend Europe insisted everything would soon be fixed.

C-Star developed a minor technical problem during the night, a spokesperson said, saying that its engine was stopped so it could be fixed.

This means that under [maritime laws to prevent collisions] the vessel is considered not under command and information was sent out to vessels nearby in accordance with regulations.

This problem is about to be resolved.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA

Supporters of the Identitarian movement have vowed to defend Europe from a migrant invasion from Africa. They also claim they want to prevent human tafficking.

They are mainly young people aged in their 20s and 30s from France, Germany, Italy and Austria, and have been described by some as the European equivalent of America's alt-right movement.

This is not the first time the Defend Europe activists have run into difficulties with their mission, as the C-Star was held up in Egypt and Cyprus, and later refused access to Tunisian ports.

In Cyprus, the crew of the C-Star was stopped on suspicion of smuggling Sri Lankan men to Europe, before being released.

The group, which describes itself as a patriotic NGO, says it motivated by growing unease in Europe about mass immigration from North Africa that has brought more than 600,000 impoverished migrants and refugees to Italy in about four years.

In that time, more than 13,000 people died trying to make the perilous crossing, often on boats not designed for the open sea.

Since 2014, charities have operated rescue ships that have pulled tens of thousands of migrants from the overcrowded boats to safety.

The rescue groups have expressed concern the Defend Europe activists will try and disrupt their work and endanger lives, although the group insists its intention is to "achieve a complete documentation and observation of the doings of those NGOs with the aim of stopping them from patroling the Mediterranean.

Additional reporting by Reuters
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A British model who claims she was kidnapped in Milan has detailed her ordeal in a police statement.

Chloe Ayling claims she was held captive for almost a week after being lured to Italy for what she was told was a photo shoot.

Her alleged captor, Lukasz Pawel Herba, reportedly drugged her and placed her in a large suitcase in a car boot.

Now fresh details of the 20-year-old's account have come to light from a translated transcript of an interview with Italian police.

While some people have raised doubts about her story, her lawyer, Francesco Pesce, said investigators believed her claims.

Italian prosecutors said they believe the model was kidnapped and dont see any inconsistencies in the story.

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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. 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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. 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The interview, translated by the MirrorOnline, recounts the moment the model claims she was grabbed by a gloved hand from behind and injected with a sedative.

The mother-of-one also told how she was transported in the boot of a car, after being stripped down to her underwear and socks.

Read the statement in full:

The door to the studio was closed and before I entered a person from behind put a hand on my neck and one on my mouth stopping me from screaming.

Both hands had black gloves. A second person, who also came from behind, (came round to) face me.

The second man had a balaclava on, so I could only see his eyes through two holes and his mouth.

Recommended Lawyer defends Chloe Ayling as questions mount over kidnapping

The man behind me continued to restrain me, forcing me to lift my face (up), while the one in front gave me an injection in my right arm.

I don't know how he got to my arm because I was wearing a long sleeve leather jacket.

I felt like I didn't have enough air because the man holding me from behind was stopping me from breathing.

When they injected me, my arm was uncovered. Maybe they had taken off my jacket, but I don't remember.

The attack happened in front of the door of the studio, in a narrow stretch of corridor.

In the circumstances, I lost lucidity. I don't know whether as a result of lack of air or the injection.

Then I lost consciousness, because when I came around I was only wearing my Chenille pink body and the socks I am wearing now.

I realised I was in the boot of a car. Someone had taken off my jacket, my jeans.

The total number of people who participated in harming me up until this morning when I came to the consulate is five.

From when I was kidnapped to when I was freed today I have only seen the faces of two people.

One of these is the guy who came to the consulate this morning, and who in the first instance, I did not identify as one of those responsible in front of consulate (staff) and the police.

Under those circumstances, I told those present, that once I had become free I stopped a passerby to use their phone to call the only person I knew in Italy and whose number I knew (off) by heart.

I provided this version of events only out of fear of revenge.

The man who was with me at the consulate - after my kidnapping at the studio and after two men took me to an apartment by car - was the only one who held me prisoner for the entire duration of my kidnapping, who watched over me, stopped me from going out or escaping, threatening me that they would kill me if I did so.

Chloe Ayling, 20, was attacked by two men as she attended an arranged photo shoot in Italy (Chloe Ayling/Facebook) (Facebook)

From the moment I was kidnapped and held in the flat, the man who today took me to the consulate took off my handcuffs and the tape from my mouth, leaving just the handcuffs (attached to) my ankles which held me to a bedside table preventing me from moving freely or (any) possibility of escaping.

The place where they held me was an apartment with two rooms. I was forced to stay on the floor of one in a sleeping bag.

As I said, when I regained consciousness, I got the impression of being in the boot of a car.

I realised someone had put cuffs on my wrists and ankles. On my mouth there was tape.

They had put me in a bag closed with a zip. There was only a little hole allowing me to breathe.

I tried to open the hole. The boot was the kind where you have access from the front of the car but there is a cover (which) when closed stops you from seeing (its) contents from (the) outside.

(While) trying to open the bag, I put my hands outside the bag making the cover move and attracting (the) attention of (the) kidnappers.

Recommended Rape survivor teams up with attacker to tell their story

The car stopped, two people got out and opened the boot.

I briefly saw the face of one of them, the driver. I didn't see the face of the second person.

The driver is not the man who brought me to the consulate.

They forced me to put my hands (inside) the bag and closed it. Neither spoke to me.
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Volunteers on a German refugee rescue ship have been deployed to help a vessel chartered by far-right activists that became stranded in the Central Mediterranean.

Sea-Eye said Italian officials told their crew that the C-Star, operated by an anti-immigration group calling itself Defend Europe, had suffered a mechanical failure and could not manoeuvre.

A spokesperson for Sea-Eye, which is among those Defend Europe has accused of colluding with Libyan people smugglers, said it was prepared to offer any aid needed.

Michael Buschheuer, the chairman of Sea-Eye, said: To help a ship in distress is the duty of anyone at sea, without regard for their origin, race, religion or beliefs.

But when his ship approached the crew of the C-Star reportedly refused help.

Sea-Eye took on a course towards the C-Star and got in contact with the right-wing extremists but they refused any help, a spokesperson said.

On the instructions of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre [in Rome], the Sea-Eye continued its search for shipwrecks and drownings.

Defend Europe confirmed its ship was suffering a minor technical problem that was being resolved.

C-Star developed a minor technical problem during the night, a spokesperson said, saying that its engine was stopped so it could be fixed.

This means that under [maritime laws to prevent collisions] the vessel is considered not under command and information was sent out to vessels nearby in accordance with regulations.

This problem is about to be resolved.

Migrants receive life jackets as workers from Proactive Open Arms pull alongside their dinghy about 15 miles north of Sabratha, Libya (AP)

The group, an offshoot of the white nationalist Identitarian movement, crowdfunded its ship with claims it would target criminal NGOs that are nothing less than part of the international human trafficking ring.

Defend Europe claims the rescuing of refugees from the Mediterranean Sea, where more than 2,400 men, women and children have drowned so far this year, is part of an invasion endangering the continent.

The mission has been beset with difficulties that saw it delayed by several weeks, switching the launch to Cyprus from Sicily, where anti-racist campaigners and journalists had gathered last month.

The C-Star, a chartered ship, was stopped in the Suez Canal for security checks before journeying to northern Cyprus, where crew members were arrested over people smuggling allegations.

They were later freed after claiming that Sri Lankan crew members on board were apprentice sailors who were supposed to disembark in Egypt.

Humanitarian groups raised concern that Defend Europe could endanger lives in the Central Mediterranean if it interrupts rescue missions, but the group now claims it is merely monitoring NGO activity and will conduct refugee rescues if needed.

So far, activists on board have been shouting at humanitarian ships through megaphones and trolling other crews including the Spanish charity Provactiva Open Arms over radio by ordering them to leave the search and rescue zone.

In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea Show all 7 1 /7 In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A baby being taken on to MSF's Bourbon Argos ship from a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A refugee boat carrying 101 people being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A refugee boat carrying 101 people being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos all images by Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A baby among refugees on a boat carrying 185 people off the coast of Libya Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea Migrants and refugees sleeping after being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos ship Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A crew from MSF's Bourbon Argos ship rescuing a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees off the coast of Libya, at sunrise Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A woman in a stretcher being lifted onto MSF's Bourbon Argos ship from a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees off the coast of Libya Lizzie Dearden

Robert Timm, a German member of the group, told The Independent the C-Star would not interfere with humanitarian operations.

If we are called, we will help, he added. But we would make sure that they [the migrants] dont get to Europe.

Mr Timm claimed the C-Star would take asylum seekers to the closest safe African harbour instead of Italy and named Tunis as a possibility, although Tunisian authorities are not believed to have agreed to the plan.

He refuted the far-right label applied to the group and called Defend Europe a democratic movement, adding: You can be against net immigration to Europe and on the other hand you can be compassionate with the people that drown.

From our prospective people dont drown because of Fortress Europe, but these NGOs are working as a pull factor.

The activist claimed his organisation would help enforce a controversial code of conduct imposed by Italy, which only three of eight groups operating rescue ships have so far signed.

Mr Timm claimed Defend Europe has a lot of evidence to support its position but studies including a recent report by a House of Lords committee have not found any proof of NGO activity causing increased deaths or crossings.

Research has found the EUs Operation Sophia anti-smuggling mission could itself be increasing death rates by causing smugglers to switch from wooden vessels to flimsy dinghies that cannot survive the treacherous crossing to Italy.

Prosecutors in Sicily have ordered the seizure of one of eight humanitarian rescue ships operating in the Mediterranean  the Luventa  over allegations its crew had contact with Libyan smugglers.

 Italian coastguard rescues refugee boat from Libya in the Mediterranean

Ambrogio Cartosio, a public prosecutor from Trapani, Italy, said there was evidence some members of German charity Jugend Rettet had contact with smugglers during one incident in September and two others in June. But he stressed that there was no evidence of the group receiving any money from Libyan traffickers and no indication of a wider conspiracy between the two groups  a favourite theory of the European far-right.

My personal conviction was that the motive is humanitarian, exclusively humanitarian, Mr Cartosio said. It would be fantasy to say there was a coordinated plan between the NGOs and the Libyan traffickers.

The EU is training and equipping the Libyan coastguard, which is itself accused of killing, beating and abusing migrants, and has given millions of pounds towards detention centres and other controls by the fragile Libyan Government of National Accord.

The United Nations has warned of widespread rape, abuse, forced labour, kidnapping and ransom in the country, where smugglers have expanded a profitable trade in the chaos of the continuing Libyan civil war.

Libya is now the main launching point for overloaded boats to Europe, where almost 120,000 migrants have arrived so far this year, mainly from Nigeria, Guinea, Bangladesh, Syria, the Ivory Coast and other sub-Saharan African countries.
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A rental agency in the Netherlands has been accused of racism after telling a woman they would only lease her an apartment on their books if she would cook in the property in the Western way.

Maysaa Munaf moved to Amsterdam a week ago and was trawling through websites which show homes to rent in the Dutch capital so she could find somewhere to live.

She contacted Executive Home Rentals after spotting two particular homes that took her interest on their online portfolio and arranged a viewing.

But the company made it clear in an email reply that the property was not suitable for people who like ethnic food and want to cook for hours with lots of herbs.

They would only set up an appointment to show the property if Ms Munaf apparently agreed to prepare food that is more common in the Netherlands.

A friend later posted the reply on Twitter where it caused anger and public shame.

The email from EHR to Ms Munaf read: Dear Maysaa.

Both properties are not suitable for tenants who like to cook for hours with lots of herbs (only western way of cooking).

If you cook the western way, we can offer you a viewing for this property.

Awaiting your reply.

Ms Munaf later wrote about the response from EHR in a Facebook post titled: In todays episode of Racism is alive and well.

She added: I did not get what I was reading, she told RTL. What is western cooking. Am I only allowed to eat sprouts?"

After sending a critical email back to the company, Ms Munaf was told that the firm did not mean to be racist.

Executive Home Rentals director Michel Rootring later told NOS news website that the apartments are sensitive to smells. He said the flats were not suitable for long sessions of cooking but the word western was an extremely misfortunate choice of worlds.

A tweet of the offending email to Ms Munaf went viral and was shared more than 1,000 times and prompted some 200 replies, with many angry in tone.

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

Meerkat suggested to Ms Munaf: Send another application with a Dutch sounding name. If response is different, you might have material for a discrimination case.
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New evidence presented by experts to the United Nations Security Council has found that Isis is still a dangerous and capable militant organisation, despite its recent heavy losses across its territory in Syria and Iraq.

The 24-page report, discussed by member nations on Thursday, found there is ongoing Isis resistance in Mosul, despite the fact the Iraqi city was declared liberated by US-backed Iraqi coalition forces in July.

The bitter fight put up by militants showed that Isis command and control structure has not broken down completely, and remains a significant military threat by delegating decision-making responsibility to local commanders and switching to encrypted communications.

 Footage shows Isis schoolgirl Linda Wenzel being captured in Iraq

The organisation has also become skilled at modifying or building its own drones for both spying and bombing purposes, it said.

While the groups financial situation is becoming more precarious, Isis is still raking in funds from oil profits, taxing and robbing local populations under its control and small inconspicuous remittances from supporters abroad, the report found, allowing it to motivate and enable international terror attack efforts.

Foreign fighters returning to their countries of origin as the caliphate crumbles pose a particular threat, the experts said, and radicalised children and teenagers in particular require specific attention and strategies that take into account the legal protections afforded to minors.

Outside Syria and Iraq, it is likely the top levels of the organisation will attempt to expand its operations in south-east Asian countries such as the Philippines, which is currently battling a bloody Isis insurgence that has killed 700 people in the city of Marawi.

In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Show all 11 1 /11 In pictures: Isis' weapons factories In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A mortar round fin manufactured by Isis in Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis rocket components discovered in Gogjali, Mosul, Iraq in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis mortars discovered near Karamlais, Iraq, in November 2016 CAR In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis rocket launch frame in Qaraqosh, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A memo from Isis' COSQC on quality control at a manufacturing facility in Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Electrically-operated initiators manufactured by Isis in forces Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis mortar tubes at a manufacturing facility in Karamlais, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis mortar production facility discovered in Gogjali, Mosul, in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis weapons manufacturing facilities near Mosul in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Stocks of French-manufactured Sorbitol, Latvian potassium nitrate and Lebanese sugar at an Isis weapons factory in Iraq Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A destroyed Isis weapons facility in Qaraqosh, Iraq, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research

Isis leaders have also sent money to places where the group doesnt have affiliates in an attempt to prepare for its eventual defeat in Iraq and Syria, according to an unidentified UN member state quoted in the report.

Isis and al-Qaeda both still pose a significant threat in and from Yemen, the authors said, where more than 30 recent failed extremist plots targeting areas in the Middle East originated from the war-torn country.

Al-Qaedas networks in the Arabian Peninsula, East and West Africa remain strong, the report said.

News agencies contributed to this report
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When I was little, I dreamt of being an IDF war pilot, says 19-year-old Noa Gur Golan.

Now, however, the teenager is sitting in Military Prison 396 near Haifa. Shes been branded a traitor and a coward. Its not clear when she is going to be released, because shes being detained for refusing to do her military service with the Israel Defence Force (IDF).

Noa is not allowed to receive international calls. But in her answers to The Independents questions, relayed via her mother Iris and aunt Michal, who were also interviewed for this exclusive story, the young woman provides an extraordinarily rare insight into what happens to young people in Israel who would rather face prison time than compromise on their opposition to Israeli policy.

 Soldiers drag 8-year-old from house to house in Hebron for over an hour

All three women are keen to stress that Noa loves her country and is happy to serve it. But since the conscription process began when she was 17, Noa has come to the conclusion she cannot condone the violence and death inherent in being part of a military organisation.

If war is the answer, we are asking the wrong question, reads a postcard nestled among photographs of family and friends on a pin-board in her bedroom.

It is highly unusual for Israelis to refuse to do their compulsory military service on non-religious grounds. Iris says Noas decision was a huge shock  no one in the family or anyone else Noa knew had ever done it before.

Her older brothers, one 29 and one 24  the latter finished his own conscription 18 months ago  support Noas choice, but still think she is naive, Iris says.

All Jewish, Druze and Circassian Israeli citizens over 18 are expected to report for duty in the IDF; Israels 20 per cent Arab population is exempt. Men serve for two years and eight months, and women for two years.

In practice, only around 75 per cent of potential conscripts end up enlisting. Most who evade service do so because they are Orthodox, and Orthodox women are the only major group of people allowed to complete civic, rather than military, service.

There are no publicly available statistics, but the support network Noa is currently relying on believes only 10 women have been imprisoned for refusing to serve on non-religious grounds in the last two years.

A handful of people each year manage to avoid military service by proving they are pacifists  but after two hearings so far, this is a position Noa is finding it difficult to convince the authorities of.

Some pro-bono legal organisations which help defend conscientious objectors report that defendants are asked questions such as: Would you kill someone hurting a member of your family? to which any other answer than no is used as evidence of a non-pacifist outlook.

Noa performing with fellow students from around the world at the United World College of the Adriatic in Duino (Iris Gur)

Jersualem-based activist Sahar Vardi said the process is "very difficult".

The military committees have "a very narrow definition of what pacifism is, and traditionally do no exempt anyone who hints to a 'political' reason for refusing (mainly opposition to the occupation)," she said via email.

The IDF did not immediately respond to The Independents request for comment. In an emailed statement dated 13 August, however, a spokesperson said that "Service in the IDF is mandatory by law, and is critical in maintaining the security of the state of Israel.

"The committee found that Gur-Golan did not meet the conditions of conscience objection and thus her request was denied. On the day of her recruitment, Noa violated the law and thus "disciplinary action was taken against her".

"Refusal to draft, in violation of the law, is extremely rare and the IDF deals with a very minor number of such requests per year," a statement added.

"It is rare for teenagers to refuse the draft and it is found only within circles on the hard left", says Yehuda Shaul, the founder of anti-occupation veterans group Breaking the Silence.

These people pay a very high personal price for their decisions and they usually spend three months to a year-and-a-half in prison.

Iris says it is hard to understand the role the IDF plays in the country if you are not Israeli.

We grow up with the IDF, it is part of the education we get in Israel. It keeps us safe and service is a part of the fabric of our lives, she says.

Noa and Iris on 12 July, the day Noa was detained for the first time (Iris Gur)

Noa herself, in an open letter written before she refused the draft last month, says that experiencing the 2014 Gaza War as an adult working with children opened her eyes to the kind of atmosphere children in this country grow with. An atmosphere full of hate and fear. They grow up in a reality where violence is the norm.

As a result of her choice, she has been detained for a total of 31 days since 12 July  released briefly between military committee hearings before being locked up in Prison 396 again, where she shares a room with up to nine other women and can only see her family once a fortnight.

While inside, Iris says, Noa has been talking to other detainees about what she is doing, and why.

She is well-liked, I think. She showed me a letter that one of the women who has since got out sent and she says she respects her even if she doesnt agree with Noas opinion, Iris says. They are learning from each other.

Noa, for her part, says she does not look away from the complicated reality in which we live  the terror attacks and the wars and does not blame any soldier or any person who sees life differently than I do.

Her views, however, have changed since she went to Italy to complete her last two years of school at the United World College of the Adriatic, a sixth-form college which is part of a network of 17 scholarship-based institutions around the world which bring together students of different nationalities to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.

Noa and a Palestinian girl from Hebron were the recipients of the two scholarships available for Israel and The Territories to attend the college in Duino in 2014.

I have had the privilege of meeting friends from the Palestinian Territories, Jordan and other countries. I have gotten to know the people, their personal stories and not the perceptions we were raised upon, Noa says.

The love I feel towards my friends from my city Netanya is identical to the love I feel towards my friends from Hebron. With this in mind, I have realised that I will not agree to take part in the oppression of another nation, that I do not believe in building walls but building bridges.

For Iris, Noas decision has been very hard. Her military service was 30 years ago, and the idea of refusing when she was young was unthinkable.

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

I broke down after I saw her in there the first time, Iris says of military prison. She is alone and afraid. But she believes what she is doing is meaningful.

Noa could lie to get out of military service, she could claim to be unwell or religious, but shes not, shes making a point of principle. And for that I am very proud of her.

I see my refusal as an active step of showing an alternative to the violent reality in which we have gotten used to living, Noas open letter concludes.

For the sake of true security, I believe there must be another way.
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Fourteen men who face being imminently beheaded in Saudi Arabia at the stroke of a pen have raised the plight of the Shia minority in the Sunni kingdom.

The activists were given the death penalty after being convicted of a series of terrorism charges for taking part in protests described by the authorities as an armed rebellion.

They had taken to the streets as part of the Arab Spring protests which had swept across Islamic countries in 2011 in a bid to topple despotic leaders and oppressive governments.

Activists in Saudi Arabia say the men who face immediate execution for taking part in the Shia uprising in the country is proof of an on-going crackdown on the minority faith in the country.

Human rights groups said the fourteen, including a student and a disabled man, had been tortured before being enduring a grossly unfair mass trial.

The Arab Spring protests in the kingdom erupted in the eastern province of Qatif  a Shia stronghold which has seen violent clashes between government forces and militants in recent months.

Seventeen were left dead in May in one stand-off in the town of Awamiya when the security forces moved into to flush out rebels, with thousands fleeing their homes in the aftermath.

Activists blame the clashes on the government for failing to address the grievances of the Shia minority, and tackling the protests of the Arab Spring with force rather than dialogue.

Armed individuals are a threat to both sides. A threat to the government and a threat to the community. Getting rid of this threat would be a step forward, says Waleed Sulais, a campaigner.

The 14 men face being imminently beheaded as soon as the country's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud signs-off their death sentences.

The Supreme Court last month gave the men the death penalty for offences including shooting at the security forces, throwing Molotov Cocktail bombs and for organising and taking part in riots.

The Saudi justice ministry last week defended the death penalty levelled at the 14 men who took part in the Arab Spring protests despite widespread criticism from human rights groups.

All accused before the Saudi courts are entitled to fair trials fulfilling all standards, conditions and requirements, said Mansour al-Ghafari, the ministrys spokesman.

Amnesty international director of campaigns for the Middle-East Samah Hadid said court documents show the men told the court they were subjected to prolonged pre-trial detention and were tortured during their interrogation to extract their confessions.

One of the fourteen men who faces a beheading includes Mujtaba al-Sowaiket, a student whom police arrested as he was about to board a flight to the U.S. to start university.

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

Um Mujtaba, his mother, is hoping King Salman, and Mohammed bin Salman, the newly promoted crown prince, will intervene in her sons case.

She said Mujtaba, who was 17 when he took part in the Arab Spring, had joined the protest out of a humanitarian motivation, out of his love for his community and his desire for people to have some of their legitimate rights.

He has never believed in guns or violence, she told the Financial Times.

I appeal to them to let my son leave this place and start the university in the US and make his and our dream come true. We have been dying each passing minute in these five years.
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Saudi Arabia proposed on Thursday that the United Nations reopen and run the international airport in Yemens capital, which has been closed for a year because of a Saudi blockade to pressure the Houthi rebel movement.

The Saudi proposal, made by a spokesman for the military coalition that has been bombing the rebels in a war that began more than two years ago, appeared to take the United Nations by surprise.

It came a day after international aid groups, vexed at what they called obstacles created by the Saudis that are hindering efforts to send relief supplies to Yemen, said that more civilians had died from deprivations attributable to Saudi restrictions on Yemeni airspace than from military airstrikes.

Denial of access to travel has condemned thousands of Yemenis with survivable illnesses to death, Mutasim Hamdan, the Norwegian Refugee Councils country director in Yemen, said in a statement. Without access to safe commercial travel, Yemenis are left with no way to access critical medical care.

The capital, Sanaa, is occupied by the Houthi rebels, who control much of the countrys north. But the airspace is controlled by Saudi Arabia, which regards the Houthis as proxies for its regional rival, Iran.

Sanaa International Airport was closed to commercial traffic on 9 August 2016, leaving thousands of Yemenis with no practical way to leave the country.

The reopening of Sanaa airport is essential to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population, Jamie McGoldrick, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, said in a Twitter post Wednesday, the first anniversary of the closing of the airport.

Recommended 50 refugees killed after smugglers throw them off boat

Any reopening would require an agreement between the antagonists in the war, which has led to what the United Nations has called the worlds worst humanitarian disaster.

Col. Turki al-Malki, spokesman for the Saudi-led Joint Forces Command military coalition, said in a statement that the coalition had been working to ensure the safety of air traffic in areas of the country not controlled by the Houthis.

The statement said the shutdown of Sanaas airport and other security restrictions on air traffic should not be stigmatized as the cause of suffering for the Yemeni people.

It asked the United Nations to contribute in resuming flights from and to Sanaa airport through managing airport security and putting the legitimate Yemeni government fears to rest.

The statement, in a report by the official Saudi Press Agency, was titled Official Coalition Spokesman Asks UN to Run Sanaa International Airport.

Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for the United Nations in New York, said, Were examining the report, but he had no further comment.

The United Nations has experience in managing airports in countries where it has deployed peacekeeping contingents, but there is no such force in Yemen.

Joel R. Charny, director of the Norwegian Refugee Councils Washington office, said he was skeptical of the Saudi proposal, asserting that similar arrangements had been made for aid shipments into the Houthi-controlled port of Al Hudaydah.

Were still seeing delays, where its the equivalent of a blockade, he said. In our view, its part of a strategy to squeeze the civilian population of Yemen as part of the war effort.

Saudi Arabia has denied that it is intentionally targeting civilians in the war, which has shown no sign of ending.

An estimated 10,000 people have been killed, millions have been displaced, and much of the population is threatened by famine. A collapse in the health care system has exacerbated an outbreak of cholera that has sickened roughly 400,000 people.

In a further threat that took shape this week, Yemens national blood bank could face a shutdown because it has nearly exhausted supplies.

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

Doctors Without Borders, the medical charity, had been supporting the blood bank since September 2015 but transferred its responsibility to the World Health Organization in June.

Tarik Jasarevic, a spokesman for the WHO, said in an email that supplies had been ordered for the blood bank but that they had not yet reached the country.

Ayman al-Shihari, the director of the blood bank, was quoted by The Associated Press on Thursday as saying that the blood bank had received up to 3,000 patients monthly and that closing it could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.

(C) New York Times
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Tourism = Terrorism reads a slogan spray-painted on a honey-coloured wall in the Old Town of Palma de Mallorca.

Across in Barcelona, according to Almudena Lopez Diaz in The Independent, The swelling numbers of tourists [are] creating massive overcrowding.

The twin cities have plenty in common: each is a Mediterranean city with deep historic roots, dominated by a vast cathedral and blessed by the lilting architectural fantasies of Antoni Gaudi.

They are also extremely popular with tourists. That brings money, of course, as well as the inevitable and dangerously proficient pickpockets and mobile-phone snatchers who prey on visitors.

And, according to some increasingly vocal and belligerent locals, tourists dont just destroy the character and the fabric of the city  they also distort the housing market, and hound less well-off families out of the central areas where they have lived for generations.

So the communities are getting active. As the Barcelona resident, Almudena Lopez Diaz, says: You feel so much a stranger in your own city that it makes you angry. And one day you feel the need to express it somehow: writing angry graffiti fuelled by your sense of desperate isolation.

To equate tourists, however badly behaved they may be, with people who practice arbitrary murder for their beliefs, is absurd. And I bet for every activist who expresses his or her views so forcibly, there are 100 locals who are perfectly happy to tolerate tourists for the wealth that they bring to the city.

Exploitation is a common theme in tourism, but usually its the visitor who is the victim  as with the Gelato 4, who were charged more than 50 for four ice creams in Rome.

If that relationship has now turned around, and the host community is suffering, then its representatives should start pushing the levers that will put tourism back in its place .

Behaviour you dont like, such as stag parties behaving disgracefully or scantily attired tourists? Ban it and police it  its your city. Get some tips from the wardens of places of worship: nothing in shorts gets past the Swiss Guards at the Vatican. When young, thirsty people learn that the police in Magaluf are on their tail, they will migrate to a resort in Greece or Cyprus or wherever else they believe drink-fuelled antics will be tolerated.

Day-trippers who dont spend any cash? Target cruise ships. Passengers tend to go on excursions run by the cruise line, leave little with the local community, and are bussed back to the ship to spend more money on board before they have had time for even a sip of cava in a tapas bar. So cap the number and/or the size of vessels that are making their promiscuous way around the Mediterranean.

High rents and vanishing affordable apartments? Thats what planning laws are for. The Balearic government has brought in licensing rules that aim to reduce dramatically the number of properties rented out on Airbnb.

No room on the Rambla for local people? Tax the summer crowds until the pips squeak, with a levy on accommodation during high season. And having done that, you can sit back and allow human nature to take its course.

Inevitably, with the supply of accommodation sharply reduced and demand stable, prices will rise. So people will either time-shift their holidays to quieter times or go elsewhere; thankfully, there are many destinations which would love to have the problem that Barcelona and Palma are enduring.

Travel blogger bagpipes his way around the world Show all 12 1 /12 Travel blogger bagpipes his way around the world Travel blogger bagpipes his way around the world Dubai Travel blogger Ross Jennings, aka the First Piper, is aiming to play the bagpipes in every country in the world. Here he is playing in the Dubai desert. Ross Jennings Travel blogger bagpipes his way around the world Malaysia Ross lugged bagpipes and a kilt for seven hours up Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia. Ross Jennings Travel blogger bagpipes his way around the world India Ross says: "Two years ago I never even contemplated the idea of piping in India let alone in front of one of the worlds' most iconic sites. The Taj Mahal is jaw-droppingly beautiful, and to have her as my subject for the day was one for the bagpipe bucket list." Ross Jennings Travel blogger bagpipes his way around the world Bahrain In Bahrain, women wearing the niqab asked Ross to pose with them. Ross Jennings Travel blogger bagpipes his way around the world Singapore Ross says: "Some of the most impressive types of buildings in this country have to be the HDBs (the buildings behind me!), which are apparently the Singaporean equivalent to council housing. Sad to think these colourful ones are soon to be knocked down." Ross Jennings Travel blogger bagpipes his way around the world Kuwait Ross says: "Apparently there's a strict noise law in Kuwait, but I'm yet to be subject to it, so I'm having a blast." Ross Jennings Travel blogger bagpipes his way around the world Kuala Lumpur Ross says: "Serenading the twins... Couldn't have been more excited to pipe at the top of the Petronas Twin Towers!" Ross Jennings Travel blogger bagpipes his way around the world India Ross visited the Hawa Mahal, an elaborately designed palace in Jaipur that was built for royal women to spy on people in the street. Ross Jennings Travel blogger bagpipes his way around the world Laos Ross says: "Based on a few recs from travellers and locals, I headed North from Luang Prabang to a riverside gem called Muang Ngoi, where the sunsets were incredible and the stars at night were totally out of this world." Ross Jennings Travel blogger bagpipes his way around the world Liberia Ross says: "Apart from the alarmingly jet-black rock, my beach walk and bagpipe session felt thoroughly Scottish as the rain kicked in and we ran for cover. Much of the Liberian coastline is like this but there are some beautiful beaches which one day (I hope) brings more tourists!" Ross Jennings Travel blogger bagpipes his way around the world Lisbon "Forget Paris and Rome they say?! Head to Lisbon eh?? Couldn't agree more!" says Ross Jennings. Ross Jennings Travel blogger bagpipes his way around the world Nairobi Ross's trip to a Nairobi nature reserve brought an audience of giraffes. Ross Jennings

But host communities should be careful what they wish for. That burly Bulgarian backpacker with a rucksack the size of a small house who is inadvertently bruising commuters on the Barcelona Metro is contributing cash to the citys public transport system. His air fare from Sofia helps to make the Catalan capital one of the best connected airports in Europe. And the locals would not benefit from airport buses every five minutes from each terminal to the Plaza Catalunya if tourists did not make the service viable.

Tourism is killing Mallorca, reads another slogan in Palma. I think it is doing the opposite: bringing money and energy to an island which might otherwise have slipped into the shadows.
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Plenty of passengers are feeling the squeeze, as densification of aircraft seating cuts costs per traveller and boosts profits. But the skies are also more congested. In the past five years, the number of passengers in the European skies has increased by 30 per cent  with year-on-year growth at 9 per cent in the first six months of 2017, according to Airports Council International Europe.

Ive digested all the figures from ACI Europe, the body that represents the continents airports, so that you dont have to. Trust me, these are the best bits.

The star performer: Keflavik airport in Iceland, which saw 40 per cent more passengers between January and June this year compared with 2016. The departures board looks as impressive as a standard size European airport. Six flights are scheduled to depart at 10.30am on Thursday, for example - to Boston, New York, Seattle, Toronto and Washington DC on Icelandair, and to Copenhagen on SAS. And this is for a city of 120,000 people and a nation of one-third of a million.

Later in the day, some entrants in the routes you never thought you would see category include Reykjavik to Pittsburgh and to Lyon on Wow Air.

Cynics might see this amount of aeronautical activity as a bubble waiting to burst, but proponents say it is simply a reflection of Icelands appeal and geographical advantage  perfectly poised between Europe and North America.

The next best performing nation is Russia, where the three leading airports are seeing passenger growth at a remarkable rate. St Petersburg is up 26 per cent, while the two key Moscow gateways are also soaring. Sheremetyevo, the hub for Aeroflot, has seen an 18 per cent rise. And Domodedovo, which British Airways shares with its Russian partner, S7, is up 10 per cent.

Partly that is due to recovery following a slump in the Russian market; in 2015, the Transaero airline failed, and in the same year easyJet axed its London Gatwick-Moscow Domodedovo route.

Resurgence is also behind two of the other strong performances: Brussels, which had a dreadful 2016 with the terrorist attack in March; and Antalya in Turkey, where passenger numbers are slowly returning after the slump in tourism to the troubled nation.

The most scenic airports Show all 10 1 /10 The most scenic airports The most scenic airports Saba airport Saba (Juancho E Yrausquin) Airport, Caribbean: Landing at Saba is essentially playing a game of chicken with a mountain sticking up in the middle of the ocean. Aim right for it and at the last possible moment a sharp turn to drop down on the shortest active commercial runway in the world. Gorgeous scenery and more than a little bit of excitement along the way. Cees Timmers The most scenic airports Donegal Airport Donegal Airport, Ireland: The rugged coastline of Ireland's North West coast is even more awe-inspiring from the air, with the backdrop of Mount Errigal adding to the timeless appeal. Owen Clarke The most scenic airports Nice Airport Nice Cote d'Azure Airport, France: Spectacular mountain backdrop, the gorgeous Cote d'Azur and skimming in over the blue and turquoise Mediterranean. Nice Cote d'Azure Airport The most scenic airports Gibraltar Airport Gibraltar Airport, Gibraltar: Coming in from either East or West, the approach offers amazing views of this jewel of the Med. It also has one of the shortest runways and always provides entertainment on landing. Gibraltar Airport The most scenic airports Queenstown Airport Queenstown Airport, New Zealand: Drop out of the clouds, between the mountains and into a lush valley with a lake in the distance. It has a bit of everything. Queenstown Airport The most scenic airports London City Airport London City Airport, UK: Landing at London City Airport is not only convenient for work, it also offers an ever-changing snapshot of one of the greatest cities in the world. London City Airport The most scenic airports St Maarten Airport St Maarten Airport, Caribbean: The beautiful scene of the plane coming in over the sea and and the thrilling experience of seeing the low landing makes for some of the most beautiful pictures. St Maarten Airport The most scenic airports Orlando Airport Orlando Melbourne International Airport, USA: A beautiful beachside landing over Florida's Space Coast. Orlando Airport The most scenic airports Barra Airport Barra Airport, UK: Its natural beauty is breathtaking, and landing on the beach has to be a number one bucket list must do. Barra Airport The most scenic airports Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Canada: When you approach Billy Bishop to land on Toronto Island, the view is breathtaking, framing the striking cityscape against the harbour. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

When such issues are stripped away, and you look at real growth, two airports stand out: Manchester (up 13 per cent) and Gatwick (9 per cent higher). And both of them have made remarkable achievements.

Manchester is now firmly in the top 20 European airports, yet it shares none of the main characteristics of the other 19. It doesnt serve a capital (London, Paris, Rome etc.), its not a hub (Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Istanbul etc.) and its not a key inbound destination (Barcelona, Palma). All the more remarkable, then, that it has grown to be a more significant airport than Stockholm, Vienna and Lisbon.

Gatwick handled as many passengers in July (4.7 million) as airports such as Belgrade, Pisa and even Newcastle handle in a year. With an average of 150,000 people in or out each day in July, the Sussex airport is extracting an absurd amount of capacity from its single runway. How much more can be squeezed out  and what are the consequences in terms of resilience, or lack of it? I shall be watching.

Meanwhile, if you like your airports quiet, allow me to direct you to Taranto on the heel of Italy. In June, just 16 commercial passengers passed through. Gatwick gets through that many people in 10 seconds.
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Flown easyJet from Gatwick over the past two summers? The chances are your plane took off or landed nearly half-an-hour late.

Britains tardiest airlines and airports have been named. In June, July and August 2015 and 2016, passengers flying to or from Gatwick airport departed or arrived an average of 27 minutes late, while travellers on Britains biggest budget airline, easyJet, were an average of 24 minutes behind schedule.

The BBC Data Unit analysed Civil Aviation Authority figures on flights to and from UK airports for British and Irish airlines.

Among airlines, Aer Lingus performed best, with an average delay of just 12 minutes, while its giant Irish rival, Ryanair, was 15 minutes behind schedule on average.

The top 20 UK airports for delays (average lateness in minutes) 1 Gatwick 27 2 Luton 24 3 Jersey 21 4 Belfast International 20 5 = Edinburgh 18 5 = Birmingham 18 7 = Manchester 17 7 = Glasgow 17 7 = Stansted 17 10 = Heathrow 16 10 = Bristol 16 10 = Cardiff 16 10 = Doncaster Sheffield 16 10 = Southampton 16 15 = Southend 15 15 = Liverpool 17 Aberdeen 14 18 = Newcastle 13 18 = East Midlands 13 18 = London City 13

Best performing UK airline was Flybe, at 13 minutes. Monarch (15 minutes) and Jet2 (16) were slightly more punctual than their tour-operator rivals, Thomson (17) and Thomas Cook (19).

British Airways was third-tardiest at 18 minutes, though its CityFlyer subsidiary averaged only 14 minutes behind schedule.

Of the biggest airports, the 27-minute average delay at Gatwick was almost matched by Luton, at 24 minutes.

Other big airports performed significantly better: Edinburgh and Birmingham were on 18 minutes, Manchester, Glasgow and Stansted on 17, and Heathrow on 16. Leeds/Bradford and George Best Belfast City shared the honours with an average delay of just 10 minutes.

The summers of 2015 and 2016 were blighted by French air-traffic control strikes, which affected Gatwick and easyJet disproportionately. The Sussex hub is the closest major airport to France, restricting options for avoiding the airspace.

A large proportion of easyJet flights normally pass over France. A spokesperson for the airline said: Despite a number of adverse external factors like increasingly congested airspace, particularly in the London area, and record numbers of Air Traffic Control strikes, over the last year, easyJet has actually reduced the proportion of flights delayed by more than three hours.

We work hard to minimise disruption and fully comply with all relevant regulations.

A spokesperson for Gatwick told the BBC: We recognise the inconvenience that delays cause to our passengers, and we will continue to do everything possible to prevent them from occurring.

Gatwick has made it a priority to address punctuality and, in partnership with our airlines and ground handlers, we are already seeing the benefits of a new wide range of measures that have been implemented to improve punctuality.

Last month, Gatwicks single runway handled more than 150,000 passengers a day, compared with 243,000 at Heathrow  which has two runways. The Sussex airport is the most efficient in the world in terms of aircraft movements. But there are frequently queues for both departures and arrivals.

When disruption occurs, whether caused by bad weather, a burst tyre on a plane or someone flying a drone, flights tend very quickly to be delayed, diverted or cancelled as the operation unravels.

In terms of resilience, easyJet is in the same predicament as other airlines: how to balance the the provision of spare capacity, with pilots and planes on standby in case things go wrong, with the wish to extract as much revenue as possible while the sun shines.

The 10 biggest airlines ranked by average delay  longest to shortest easyJet Thomas Cook British Airways Thomson Airways Jet2.com Monarch Ryanair BA CityFlyer Flybe Aer Lingus

The travel industry makes a loss for most of the year, and gets it back (and turns a profit) only in summer, when prices are high.

Many passengers were delayed by less than these figures, but some were seriously behind schedule  with one in five flights leaving more than half-an-hour late.

The figures for summer 2017 are still being recorded. But with passenger numbers, flight movement and, therefore, congestion being at an all-time high, there is unlikely to be a significant improvement.

The Independent has identified the busiest days this summer at key UK holiday airports.

At Gatwick, Sunday 13 August will be the busiest day overall with 168,000 passengers expected to use the Sussex airport.

Manchester airport predicts Friday 18 August to be its busiest day.

Stansted, Luton and Birmingham all predict their busiest days will be Friday 25 August. On that day, 93,000 people  more than the capacity of Wembley Stadium  are expected to fly in and out of Stansted, which is Britains biggest single-terminal airport.
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The question of whether or not Britain should remain a member of the single market once it leaves the EU has dominated much of the Brexit debate since the referendum.

The Conservatives have been steadfastly against membership since May ruled it out in her Lancaster House speech in January. Labour on the other hand still has no definite position; with Jeremy Corbyn confirming on the BBCs Andrew Marr Show that a Labour government would take Britain out, only for the partys Brexit spokesman, Sir Keir Starmer, to support membership  at least as part of a transitional deal  a week and-a-half later.

So far little attention has been paid to the actual process of leaving the single market: the question of how we might go about it. But the answer could have profound implications for Britains leverage in the negotiations with the EU, as well as for its international reputation  depending on whether or not the Government gets it right.

The protocol for leaving the European Economic Area (EEA) is clearly set out in the single market treaty: the EEA Agreement. Article 127 states, Each Contracting Party may withdraw from this Agreement provided it gives at least twelve months' notice in writing to the other Contracting Parties.

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

But within the Explanatory Notes of the EU (Withdrawal) Bill  or Repeal Bill  the Government says, The UK is a member of the EEA by virtue of its membership of the EU. Therefore on exit day the UK ceases to participate in the EEA Agreement. In other words, it has no intention of giving notice.

MPs will debate the Repeal Bill on 7 September; and if it is passed unamended, the Government will have parliamentary consent to leave the single market without following the Article 127 protocol.

Charles Marquand, former legal adviser to the Treasury and barrister for Single Market Justice, a group campaigning to force a parliamentary vote over EEA membership, told me, A failure to give notice under Article 127 would be a breach of the EEA Agreement  an international treaty.

Marquand thinks theres a chance this could land the UK in an international tribunal. Another EEA member may wish to preserve full access to British markets for as long as possible, and to buy more time to prepare for Britain leaving the single market. Such a state may seek action against the UK at an international tribunal  arguing that Britain should remain bound by the EEA Agreement until notice is given under Article 127 (and for one year thereafter).

After Brexit, businesses in the UK and the EU will presumably be adjusting to new customs and regulatory arrangements, as well as to new immigration controls. A sudden international ruling against the UK, which kept Britain in the single market for an additional year after Brexit, would be hugely disruptive, confusing, and inevitably costly.

Not to mention the damage that would be done to Britains reputation. Would the rest of the world be willing to sign new trade deals with a country that ignores its international treaty obligations?

The question is, why risk it? Why not just give notice?

The Government thinks it doesnt need to, because the UK will be outside the geographic scope of the EEA Agreement when it leaves the EU. Many treaties have a section on geographic (or territorial) scope, which explain what parts of which countries treaties apply to. Article 126 of the EEA Agreement says that the territorial scope of the single market is limited to the European Economic Community (now the EU), plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

It is for this reason that Catherine Barnard, Professor of EU law at the University of Cambridge, thinks the Government is right. Although the EEA Agreement does require the giving of notice, I think the stronger argument is that we would fall outside its territorial scope when we leave the EU, she says. On this view, we will not retain membership of the single market when we leave the EU, regardless of whether or not the Government gives notice.

 Sir Simon Fraser: Brexit talks damaged by Cabinet splits which leave UK without a coherent strategy

But Heinrich Nemeczek, Academic Visitor to the Law Faculty at the University of Oxford, disagrees. There is no mechanism by which the UK may leave the single market without giving notice, he told me.

Article 62 of The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties describes the mechanism by which a country may terminate a treaty. It states that this can only happen upon a fundamental change of circumstances, but only if the change radically affects every other party, and comes out the blue (is not foreseen). Nemeczek argues these criteria would not be met by the UK leaving the EU.

Nemeczek thinks this could be the UKs secret weapon in the negotiations with the EU. If the possibility of crashing out of the EU without a deal is removed  because Britain will remain a member of the single market unless notice is given  then much of the EUs leverage disappears. It would also allay business fears of a cliff-edge Brexit, boosting investment and jobs in the short term.

The Government should be trying to find out whether or not Nemeczek is right, possibly by asking the European Court of Justice. What is there to lose? The Government could be throwing away crucial leverage and risking a diplomatic crisis with its assumption that once we leave the EU we automatically leave the single market.

Labour MPs and Tory rebels are reportedly planning to table an amendment to the Repeal Bill that would keep the UK in the single market for several years after Brexit, as part of a transitional deal. But if that amendment is defeated, and the bill is passed in its current form, parliament will have granted complete control over how we leave the single market to a Government that intends to breach an international treaty, according to some experts. And even if the amendment is passed, MPs would only be delaying the inevitable.

If we must leave the single market, surely it would be best to leave on amicable terms and in-keeping with our treaty obligations? Even Professor Barnard, who thinks the Government is legally in the right, argues we should give notice for claritys sake.

If MPs do not wish to risk an international tribunal, along with Britains reputation as a reliable and trustworthy trading partner, they must amend the Repeal Bill to prevent the Government from leaving the single market without giving notice under Article 127.
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A new anti-Brexit centre party is not going to be launched anytime soon, despite Fridays explosive claim by James Chapman, the former chief of staff to David Davis, that two current cabinet ministers, and some former Conservative ministers and senior Labour figures are sympathetic to the idea.

We should certainly take seriously Chapmans view that Brexit will be a disaster because he has seen the Governments preparations  or lack of them  up close. Plenty of civil servants share his view; some even tell their ministers. So there is a case for a new party when a right-dominated governing party and left-wing opposition appear to conspire in an economically-dangerous hard Brexit outlined by Theresa May in January. That leaves some politicians homeless; they are convinced many voters feel the same, even though 82 per cent of people voted Conservative or Labour in June.

Although there is chatter at Westminster about a new party, that doesnt mean it will lead anywhere. A band of about 20 pro-Europe Tory backbenchers are talking to like-minded Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs about amending Brexit legislation. But are Tory backbenchers and cabinet ministers really going to jump ship, and risk handing Jeremy Corbyn the keys to Downing Street? I doubt they would have the stomach to face charges of betraying their party. As one put it: We are Conservatives first, and pro-Europeans second. Breaking up is hard to do.

 Conservatives will never win power again after Brexit 'disaster', former Tory government adviser says

Similar calculations take place in Labour circles. The Democrats, the new party envisaged by Chapman, would require a sizeable breakaway from Labour MPs to be credible. That might well have happened if Labour had done badly at the June election and the left had retained the leadership. There was no shortage of rich financial backers for the project. But Corbyns brilliant campaign and the strength of the Labour brand mean that even his harshest critics are keeping their heads down, burying themselves in their work as MPs rather than plotting a new party. If we break away, or even talk about it, we would be blamed forever by the left for Labour not winning when it was on the brink of power, said one Labour MP.

Some Corbynistas fret about a new party  not because they fear those they erroneously brand right-wingers would sweep the country, but because the Social Democratic Party walkout in 1981 split the anti-Tory vote and helped Margaret Thatcher win the following two elections.

Those who dare to dream about a new anti-Brexit party point out that politics is much more fluid now than in the 1980s. Last years referendum has eroded voters class-based, tribal party loyalties. Under their new leader Vince Cable, the Lib Dems would probably be more open to joining the party than previously.

Backers look with admiration across the Channel at the rise from nowhere of Emmanuel Macron and En Marche! But, when pushed, they cannot answer the big question: who is our Macron? They had one once  Tony Blair. Instead of launching a new party, he mounted a take-over of Labour  a feat now repeated by Corbyn. Blair would be among the first to sign up to a new party. He wants his Institute for Global Change to remake the centre left. But he cannot lead a new party as he has too much Iraq baggage. David Miliband blows hot and cold about returning to British politics from New York, but re-entry is never easy once you have left the Commons.

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

However, there are some circumstances in which a new party could yet happen. A bad Brexit deal could be the catalyst for pro-European MPs across parties to vote for a second referendum. A realignment for a final campaign to stop Brexit might then take place. True, the Chancellor Philip Hammonds success in pushing the Cabinet towards a smoother exit will make Tory MPs less likely to walk out on their party. But the proposed transitional deal also gives opponents of Brexit up to three years for public opinion to change, a necessary ingredient for them to succeed.

Corbyn stopped a new party being formed by doing so well in June. He could stop it again. Firstly, by bowing to the growing pressure from Labour MPs for stronger opposition to Mays Brexit. Secondly, by preventing a Labour civil war and putting out the word that his followers should not deselect Corbyn-sceptic MPs, who might be tempted by a new party if they were sacked. Neither action will come naturally to Corbyn but if he doesnt bite the bullet, we could have a new political landscape in a few years.

Brexit is a unique issue that cuts across the battle lines between and within parties. It has the potency to suspend the normal rules of politics and, crucially, to persuade politicians to put country before party. One former Cabinet minister, who would join a new centre party said: Its not dead, just in abeyance. It all hinges on Brexit.
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So what does Al Gore think of Donald Trump? Ever since the US president announced he was pulling America out of the Paris Agreement Ive had the image in my mind of the former vice president and climate change campaigner with his head in his hands.

An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power (the follow-up to Gores Oscar-winning 2006 documentary on climate change, An Inconvenient Truth) is sprinkled with clips of Trump the Denier.

Now we all know the mans got a brass neck. But to see Candidate Trump, as he was then, berating President Obama for wasting his time by attending the Paris talks is up there with some of his worst utterances.

This was a conference on the future of the planet which virtually the whole world attended, and where everyone agreed to work together to achieve net zero greenhouse emissions.

Not necessarily a pledge that will save the planet, but a step in the right direction nevertheless.

So you can imagine the dismay when, not only did Candidate Trump not only win the White House, but also follow through on his threat to pull out of the Paris agreement.

 First episode of 'Trump TV', Trump's own 'real news' channel

After all, America is supposed to be the country leading the world forward on climate change, not taking everyone back.

Its been suggested that Gore and his friends never expected Trump to beat Hillary Clinton and the first edit of the film has been described as anachronistically optimistic.

So when Trump won the presidency it had to be hastily re-edited to accommodate reality and insert some of those Trump denials.

While never losing hope the film does convey a sense of despair that corporate interests have hacked our democracy and the battle is far from won.

So I was very interested to hear what Gore might have to say about Trump when he turned up at the first British screening of his new documentary last night.

Referring to how long Trump has been in office the former vice president told the audience: Some experiments get terminated after six months for reasons of ethics.

Realising he had gone too far he quickly added: I probably shouldnt have said that, but then shrugged his shoulders as if to say: Well, Ive said it now so too late!

Like all good politicians, Gore also offered a solution. Which is to go round the president.

He said he had been worried that when America pulled out of Paris that other countries might use that as an excuse to follow suit, but he was heartened when the world actually came out and renewed its pledge to what had been agreed.

He reminded everyone of that wonderful moment when Trump said: I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris  only for the Mayor of Pittsburgh, Bill Peduto, to issue an executive order saying the city still followed the Paris Agreement.

When he insisted there are members of the Trump administration who are climate change believers a member of the audience quipped: Yes, but for how long?

To which Gore responded: Well, hopefully his family will be the last to get fired  a reference to Trumps daughter, Ivanka, being a climate change believer.

Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Show all 22 1 /22 Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Donald Trump's international Presidential trips French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump talk as they leave the Army Museum at Les Invalides in Paris AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump arrive for the group photo at the G7 Taormina summit on the island of Sicily in May 2017 Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Mr Trump was pressed on the subject at the G7 summit in Italy Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump gives a speeech at the Warsaw Uprising Monument on Krasinski Square Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May during a ceremony at the NATO headquarters before the start of a summit in Brussels, Belgium Reuters Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic is seen to the right of Donald Trump at a Nato summit in Brussels REUTERS Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Pope Francis meeting with US President Donald J. Trump EPA Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Pope Francis poses with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump arrives at Palazzo del Quirinale ahead of the meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella Ufficio Stampa Presidenza della via Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump is seen during a joint press conference with the Palestinian leader at the presidential palace in the West Bank city of Bethlehem AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas meets US President Donald Trump PPO via Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with US President Donald Trump prior to the President's departure GPO via Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands after delivering a speech at the Israel Museum AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump lay a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance as White House senior advisor Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump watch on during a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial museum AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump visit to Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem accompanied by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu GPO via Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump takes his seat before his speech to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia Reuters Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump look at a display of Saudi modern art at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud take part in a signing ceremony at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips King Salman presents Donald Trump with The Collar of Abdulaziz al-Saud Medal at the Royal Court Palace on 20 May AP Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump is welcomed by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk on the South Lawn prior to their first foreign trip Getty Images

His tone is messianic comparing the climate change fight to the titanic struggles which America and the world have fought and won  civil rights, gay marriage, womens suffrage, the anti-apartheid movement. All movements that triumphed after years of those in power saying No.

And, rather than everyone listening to him drone on, he said Mother Nature was doing his job better than he ever could.

Everywhere you look there are fires, floods, storms and droughts turning the planet into something like the Book of Revelations.

After An Inconvenient Truth Gore was mocked for suggesting that climate change could one day lead to New Yorks Ground Zero being flooded.

So its not surprising there is a riposte to this with footage of Hurricane Sandy causing the sea to pour into the memorial site in Lower Manhattan in 2012.

The trouble Gore has is he doesnt need to convince the people watching his film. Unless they stumble into the wrong cinema, everyone who pays to see this documentary has most likely already been won over by the argument.

Its the peddlers of their own fake news he needs to convert. The ones who declare, and believe, without any evidence that Trumps inauguration drew the biggest audience in history, the ones who talk about alternative facts.

Its they who will talk about An Inconvenient Sequel being a liberal conspiracy peddling false facts and, yes, fake news.

But, as Gore says, only three and a half years to go.

Surely 61 million people cant be so dumb as to give Donald Trump a second term? Or can they?
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The Tories are obviously hastening to complete their privatisation of the NHS before the next election (NHS waiting lists) and trying to make reversing the process as difficult and expensive as possible. Brexit will magnify the problem greatly, too.

Why do the Tories so delight in destruction and regression? Where is the virtue in policies that ensure the growth of unmet need?

When was the last time that a Tory government did anything positively, actively constructive  other than in the South East?

Steve Ford

Haydon Bridge

Slaughterhouse CCTV is not a post-Brexit reform  France did it last year

Greens have been calling for mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses for decades and the UK's membership of the EU has never prevented the introduction of the measure  France introduced it earlier this year. So, while the Government's announcement is welcome  albeit long, long overdue  the pitching of the policy as a post-Brexit reform is cynical and opportunistic nonsense.

As for the policy itself, the devil is in the detail and we've yet to see any. To help prevent the cruellest and most pitiless treatment of UK farm animals the Government needs, as a minimum, to ensure cameras are placed in any area of a slaughterhouse where animals are handled, held and killed. The footage must also be held for a reasonable length of time and made available for independent viewing and monitoring.

At the same time, urgent steps are needed to improve and monitor on farm animal welfare standards, too. At the very least, the Government must urgently ensure existing EU safeguards are strengthened and maintained. The House of Lords EU committee warned only last month that leaving the EU and rushing to sign Britain up to post-Brexit free trade at all cost deals will pose the biggest threat to farm animal welfare in the UK.

Ultimately, it's also worth remembering that no amount of legislation or regulation can ever make the slaughter business truly cruelty-free.

Keith Taylor

Green Party MEP for the South East

If we are criticising Corbyn over Venezuela, lets criticise Mays track record as well

How refreshing to read something sensible at last about Corbyn's reaction to the recent crisis in Venezuela, by Mary Dejevsky. Of course he was being set up by the right to "divert attention from the two main parties divisions over Brexit", and no matter what his response was, the Labour leader would be criticised.

What makes this so typical of the right's behaviour in politics currently is that little or no demands are made of Theresa May to denounce the atrocities committed every day by her allies in the Middle East or for her to pressurise the Saudis into stopping the bombing of Yemen.

Venezuela has, as Dejevsky says, provided the UK media "with a stick to beat Corbyn with", but the many opportunities offered by May's flirting with the likes of Trump and Erdogan are ignored. Sasha Simic's letter rightly stated that the media should be working to insist May tone down Trump's bellicose outbursts, but as she doesn't even keep her own Foreign Secretary sufficiently under control, there is no chance of her being a force for peace anywhere.

Bernie Evans

Liverpool

Diversity is the pillar of Britishness

The Cotswolds villagers may indeed be shocked after DNA tests show they are less than 50 per cent British. But I think they should tell Nigel Farage. And they should also tell Russell James of AncestryDNA. He need not be deceived by the villages typical England look and feel.

As the DNA data proves, typical England and Britishness through and through is a composite of diverse heritage we should all be proud of. Its only the isolationists failure to recognise the reality of who we are that deceives us.

Gary Wiltshire

Norfolk

Tony Blair is trying to get down with the kids

So Tony Blair had a brief affair with Trotsky's ideas? Isn't that something! In no way does this sound like a desperate attempt at being hip: "I was like Corbyn too you know, only I grew up you see and got real."

David Murphy

Address supplied
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If there is one area that exemplifies and embodies the startling hypocrisy and doublespeak of UK foreign policy, then its the Governments record on arms exports.

Recent weeks have seen a lot of tough and uncompromising talk from government ministers about the increasing scale of repression and human rights abuses taking place in Venezuela. Boris Johnson has said that the country is turning on itself and that democracy and basic rights are in jeopardy.

This is something Whitehall and Downing Street have been concerned about for some time, which is one reason why Venezuela has been on the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices (FCO) list of human rights priority countries for the last two years.

Despite the condemnation and concerns, more than 1.4m worth of military equipment has been licenced to Venezuela since the Conservatives came to power in 2010. Unfortunately, Venezuela is not an isolated case  and far from the worst. The FCO list includes 30 countries where the UK has serious concerns about the state of human rights and democracy. Yet, in the last two years alone, the Government has licenced a total of 4.1bn worth of arms to 22 of them.

 Video shows Venezuelan men in uniform claiming start of coup

The list of buyers even includes countries which are in a state of conflict (including Iraq and Afghanistan). Of course, the lifespan of a weapon is very often longer than the political situation it is sold in to, and there is little, if any, control over what happens to military equipment once it enters a war zone. That is why research from Amnesty International suggests that UK arms that were originally sold to the Iraqi government had been obtained by Isis.

The FCO list also includes a number of other countries that have seen widespread state repression and political violence at least on par with, if not even worse than, the abuses being committed in Venezuela (including Bahrain, China and Egypt).

Arms sales can never be apolitical, and these sales dont just provide military support  they also send a clear sign of approval and political support. They send a clear sign of trust and assign an extra layer of respectability and legitimacy on those that buy them.

The results can be catastrophic and deadly. As I write, Saudi-Arabian military personnel are flying UK-made fighter jets and dropping UK-made bombs on Yemen. The bombardment has lasted for almost two-and-a-half years, and has inflicted a brutal humanitarian crisis on the people of Yemen.

More than 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict, with many more dying as a result of the collapsing infrastructure and scarcity of lifesaving services and medical help. Recent months have seen a terrible cholera outbreak taking root, with almost 365,000 suspected cases, and 2,000 people being killed by the deadly disease.

Regardless of the brutality and the rapidly escalating death toll, Saudi Arabia is by far the largest buyer of UK arms, with more than 3.8bn worth of arms having been licenced since the intervention began.

In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Show all 22 1 /22 In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela A girl scavanges for food in the streets of Caracas Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela A man scavenges for food next to girls in the streets of Caracas. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is resisting opposition efforts to hold a vote on removing him from office. The opposition blames him for an economic crisis that has caused food shortages Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Venezuelans line up to get the 'Fatherland's Card' at Bolivar Square in Caracas Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela The mother of Venezuelan Rebecca Leon, who scavenges for food in the streets of Caracas, feeds her grandson at their house in Petare shantytown. Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Venezuelan Rebecca Leon, who scavenges for food in the streets of Caracas, with her two-year-old son at her house in Petare shantytown Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Members of a pro-government community organisation work in an expropriated bakery in Caracas. Supported by popular militiamen, Venezuelan government inspectors oversee bakeries as bread comes out of the oven, to undermine an alleged plot to induce scarcity of this staple food Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Forensic police stand next to the body of a man outside a supermarket, where he died of a heart attack after waiting in a long line to buy food, in Caracas Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Venezuelan opposition activists take part in a protest against the government of President Nicolas Maduro at the Francisco Fajardo highway in Caracas Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela National guard throws a tear gas canister during a rally against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas, Venezuela Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Opposition supporter shouts at a police officer during a rally against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Opposition supporters clash with national guards during a rally against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela A boy wearing a t-shirt with the colours of the Venezuelan national flag, during a demonstration against President Nicolas Maduro's government at Foreign Affairs Ministery, in Buenos Aires, Argentina AP In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Protesters cover themselves from tear gas fired by the Venezuelan National Guard officers during a protest in Caracas AP In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Opposition supporters clash with national guards during a rally against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Venezuelan opposition activists take part in a protest -blocked by the National Guard- against the government of President Nicolas Maduro at the Francisco Fajardo highway in Caracas Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela A Venezuelan national guard reacts to the effect of pepper spray during a protest of opposition supporters against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Opposition supporters holding a Venezuelan flag protest against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government during a rally in Caracas Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Opposition supporters clash with riot police during a protest against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas, Venezuela Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Opposition supporters protest against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government during a rally in Caracas Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Venezuela's Supreme Court abandoned measures to seize power from the opposition-controlled legislature after the moves drew international condemnation and raised pressure on President Nicolas Maduro. The president of Venezuela's National Assembly Julio Borges dismissed the court's gesture and told reporters that nothing had changed and the coup continued Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Venezuelans living in Peru and other protesters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government, outside the Venezuela embassy in Lima, Peru Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Venezuelans living in Peru and other protesters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government, outside the Venezuela embassy in Lima, Peru Reuters

In theory, UK arms export criteria should stop the sale of arms to countries where there is a clear risk that arms might be used in a serious violation of international humanitarian law or for internal repression. However, for decades now, governments of all political colours have continued to promote and prioritise arms sales to come of the most repressive regimes in the world.

This inconsistency and hypocrisy hasnt been an accident, it has been by design. The UK Government isnt merely an observer in the global arms trade, it is an active participant. There is even a 100-strong civil service department  the Defence and Security Organisation  that exists for the sole purpose of promoting arms exports.

Next month, the Excel Centre in east London will be hosting Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI), which is one of the worlds biggest arms fairs. DSEI will bring many of the most repressive regimes in the world together with the worlds biggest arms companies. The arms dealers wont care about those being tortured and imprisoned by their buyers. All they care about it one thing: profit.

DSEI would not be possible without the full support of government. In fact, senior ministers, including the Secretary for International Trade, Liam Fox, and the Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, will be there to welcome and address delegates. Meanwhile, civil servants and military personnel will be on hand to chaperone their guests and push for even more sales.

Thousands of campaigners will be there to stop them  with a full week of action having been called for the week before to stop the setup.

The message we will be sending is loud and clear, whether its to Venezuela, Saudi Arabia or anywhere in-between. If May and her colleagues really believe in promoting human rights and democracy, then they must stop arming human rights abusers.

Andrew Smith is a spokesperson for Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT). You can follow CAAT at @CAATuk
Outraged residents last night voiced their opposition to proposals for a massive new pig farm in Limavady.

If approved by the council's planning committee, it is reported the planned farm off the Moys Road would have five pig houses which would hold 13,000 animals.

The operation would also produce around 20,000 tonnes of slurry a year to be spread across 1,300 acres of surrounding farmland.

Causeway Coast and Glens council confirmed they have received over 3,000 letters of objection along with five petitions with a total of nearly 14,000 signatures.

The first of two public meetings to oppose the plans was held in Ballykelly last night, with a second event to be held in Greysteel this evening.

Diane Greer from the Stop the Limavady Pig Factory group said she believed the farm would bring serious animal welfare and environmental problems.

"This isn't just about the pig farm," she said.

"It's about the distance they're going to spread the slurry, from Magilligan to as far as Derry.

"And for the sheer number of pigs involved it would be a massive disease control operation and would only bring a few jobs."

She added: "We're pulling them up on their processes.

"We're saying they have done an environmental impact assessment on the pig farm itself, not on the ground where they are spreading the slurry."

So far the farmer in charge, Thomas Simpson, has declined to comment publicly on the plans.

The next council planning meeting is due on August 23.

Mr Simpson has been asked to provide details on odour, noise and ammonia levels at the meeting.

The PCM Group, a company which negotiates with processors for 32 pig farmers, has publicly backed the application.

Spokesman Hugh McReynolds told the BBC the farm would be a "high welfare site".

He also explained there would be a lower use of antibiotics and vaccines used on the animals as pigs would be moved off the farm to be fattened after reaching a certain weight.
Northern Ireland's top vet has welcomed news that China has given final approval for Northern Irish pork exports.

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Chief Veterinary Officer, Robert Huey, said the announcement was a major boost to the local agri-food industry worth in excess of 10m.

I am delighted that Chinas certification agency, the CNCA has announced its final approval for Northern Ireland plants to export pork to China. I look forward to the commencement of exports."

He said that ministerial visits to China by former Agriculture Ministers, ONeill and McIlveen, in support of the industry were an essential element of this success story.

between Government, industry and key stakeholders is central to this announcement today.

The new UK export deal with China will bring a 200m boost to the UK food industry and support 1,500 jobs, according to DEFRA.

In Northern Ireland, two slaughterhouses and two cold stores in Northern Ireland have now been given the green light to export pork.

Huey said the move meant that the Chinese authorities have recognised the rigorous standards we have in place to produce our high-quality, safe and wholesome pork.

"We place a clear emphasis on traceability at the heart of our production and processing and recognise that a joined up, safe and efficient food supply is essential."
Mourners in Co Antrim have given thanks for the life of a 49-year-old man killed in a tractor accident.

James Moore's brother found him under a tractor at his farm on the Lowtown Road, Co Antrim on Sunday.

Described as a "quiet" and "well-liked man", Mr Moore was a full-time bicycle mechanic but also farmed part-time.

Mourners gathered at Bairds Funeral Home for a service led by Rev Richard Kerr of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church to remember his life.

The cause of Mr Moore's death is still under investigation, but the incident is being treated as a farming accident.

However, it is understood he was found trapped underneath a tractor by his brother Samuel after he went to check on him.

Expand Close The victim, named locally as James Moore, was discovered on Sunday at his home in Templepatrick. Image: Google Maps / Facebook

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The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service was called to the scene at Lowtown Road shortly before 1pm.

The Health and Safety Executive has confirmed it is investigating the incident.

Its staff has removed the tractor for inspection.

Ulster Farmers' Union president Barclay Bell was among those who expressed his sympathy.

He said: "We all need to make farm safety a priority if we are to put a stop to farm accidents and fatalities, and the terrible heartache they cause to farming families."
Ireland can reap the economic benefits from the EU-Japan trade deal, especially in agri-exports, an MEP has said.

Currently Japan is Ireland's 11th most important trading partner.

But Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly says it is keen on importing more EU agricultural products - particularly dairy goods.

In 2013, Ireland exported over 1.6bn worth of goods to Japan, mostly from the agri-food, pharma/medical, ICT and financial services areas. Ireland imported just over 1bn worth of goods from Japan.

"An EU FTA with Japan opens up the possibility of growing that trade surplus substantially," Mr Kelly said.

The outline deal between the EU and Japan plans for the scrapping of duties on many European cheeses such as gouda and cheddar (currently 29.8pc). In addition it will allow the EU to increase its beef exports to Japan substantially, while on pork there will be duty-free trade in processed meat and almost duty-free trade for fresh meat, according to the MEP.

"The EU-Japan FTA is good news for Ireland, especially with regard to concerns for the trading impact of Brexit - new markets are vital. Being an EU Member State gives Ireland access to the Single Market and to new trading opportunities," added Mr Kelly.

Last month Japan's Ministry of Finance said the country will raise tariffs on frozen beef imports from the US and other countries from August to protect domestic producers.

Tariffs on frozen beef will jump to 50pc from the current 38.5pc between August 1 and the end of March next year, as a "safeguard" mechanism to protect domestic farmers. (Additional reporting by Reuters).
Imports of Chinese-coated, corrosion-resistant steel have surged 45pc this year and make up 51pc of total EU imports of the product, according to investment bank Jefferies. Stock image

The European Union has imposed provisional import duties of as much as 28.5pc on certain Chinese corrosion-resistant steels after an eight-month investigation found that the products benefited from unfair subsidies.

The European Commission decision followed a complaint by steel association Eurofer whose members include ArcelorMittal, ThyssenKrupp and Tata Steel Europe.

Imports of Chinese-coated, corrosion-resistant steel have surged 45pc this year and make up 51pc of total EU imports of the product, according to investment bank Jefferies.

"With Voestalpine, Thyssenkrupp and ArcelorMittal leading exposure to galvanised (corrosion resistant) steel, today's news is a positive catalyst for boosting domestic market share and margins," Jefferies analysts said.

The EU has hit China, which produces half the world's steel, with anti-dumping duties on various steel products in recent years after EU companies cited illegal subsidies.

The EU executive body said anti-dumping duties were necessary to help producers in at least 15 EU countries, according to an announcement published in the bloc's Official Journal.

"It was provisionally concluded that the imposition of measures would contribute to the recovery of the Union industry by allowing price increases enabling the industry as a whole to return to a profitable situation," the Commission said in a statement. The EU import duties, ranging from 17.2pc to 28.5pc, will affect Hesteel Group, Shougang Group, Shagang Group and several other companies.

The companies can challenge the European Unioin's decision at a hearing within 25 days. (Reuters)
A car belonging to a man shot dead as part of the Kinahan/Hutch feud has been torched at a Dublin garda station.

Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan (62), a friend of Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch, was sitting in a car outside his house in St Ronans Drive, in Clondalkin on December 22 last when he was shot several times. He was the tenth person to die in the Hutch-Kinahan feud.

His partner sitting was in the passenger seat was but was not injured in the shooting.

Now it has emerged that this vehicle, a black Ford Mondeo, was torched late last Friday night.

It was the only vehicle damaged in the arson attack.

However sources have revealed that nothing of evidential value was in the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Units of Dublin Fire Brigade were called to the station but by the time the fire had been quenched the car was completely destroyed.

A garda spokesman confirmed that they are investigating this latest incident.

"Gardai are investigating an incident of criminal damage at Ronanstown Garda Station on Friday 4th August at 11.45pm," a statement read.

Detectives believe that Mr Kirwan was targeted by the Kinahan crime cartel because of his friendship with Gerry Hutch.

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On May 8 last, 25-year-old Jason Keating of Lower Main Street in Rush was brought to Blanchardstown District Court under armed escort charged with the murder of Mr Kirwan.

Detective Sergeant Damian Gannon had told that hearing that Mr Keating made no reply to the charge after caution. Legal aid was granted and he was remanded in custody.

There is no suggestion that the man charged over Noel Kirwan's murder had anything to do with this arson attack.
There may have been plenty of fuss over the fashion, but talk on day two of the Dublin Horse Show quickly turned to the coveted Aga Khan National Cup.

It's four out of four for Ireland going into cup day today after Greg Broderick made it a double of international class wins with Zuidam, and Bertram Allen galloped to victory with Izzy by Picobello.

Allen, who was runner-up with Izzy by Picobello on Wednesday, said: "Yesterday when I came out of the ring I thought I could have done better, but I knew it would have to be a faster horse to get me today."

Rodrigo Pessoa will be hoping that Irish domination will continue when Allen (Molly Malone), Cian O'Connor (Good Luck), Denis Lynch (RMF Echo) and Mark McAuley (Miebello) line out in the Aga Khan this afternoon.

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Ireland will be second to go in the eight-nation contest which is the last leg of the 2017 FEI Nations Cup series.

Tough

Ireland has won the Aga Khan competition 23 times since its inception in 1926.

However, Pessoa's team will face a tough challenge, not least from Britain, who will be looking to add to their impressive total of 26 Aga Khan wins.

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Both Allen and O'Connor were on the last winning Irish team in 2015, and McAuley, from Ardee, Co Louth, was all smiles as he spoke of making his family proud.

"My dad is here and the rest of my family and they're very excited. I've had a great year so far and this is the ultimate reward I suppose, to be here and to be selected for the Aga Khan.

"Since the age of 19 or 20, I would have jumped every year. I think for most of us Irish riders, it's the ultimate goal.

"When we would be here as young kids riding ponies, we would come in on the Friday and watch the Nation's Cup and the Irish riders and just aspire to be there one day.

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"It's the ultimate achievement. I feel very lucky to be on this team."

The grounds of the RDS were heaving from early afternoon as ladies crowded around the parade ring in colourful ensembles.

A number of well-known faces were out to enjoy the day and head to the Champagne bar.

Former Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh was spotted enjoying the Best Dressed Lady competition with friends.

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Stylist Courtney Smith and Lorna Weightman wandered about and posed against a floral picture frame.

While former Miss World Erin Holland, from Australia, seemed determined to make the most of her first trip.

"This is my very first time in Ireland.

"My family is from here so to come and see where they are from is very cool," she said.
The GAA insists it is doing everything it can to crack down on ticket touting and is into double figures on the number of tickets cancelled for the All-Ireland semi-final between Dublin and Tyrone.

General sale tickets swiftly sold out on Wednesday, with a number of those purchased ending up online on re-sale site Seatwave for four times the price.

It is understood that up to 28,000 tickets were made available for general sale.

A spokesman for the GAA told the Irish Independent that it was currently in negotiations to have GAA tickets removed from Seatwave.

However, the spokesman would not say if the cancelled tickets would be re-issued by the GAA.

In a submission to an Oireachtas Committee earlier this year, the GAA called for stronger legislation on ticket touting, saying that current laws do not reflect the technology changes in the past two decades.

It said that touting in its various forms should be classified as criminal activity.

Fine Gael TD Noel Rock has praised the latest action taken by the association. "I am glad to see the GAA's proactive stance in the battle against ticket touts," he said.

"Like every fan, I was disgusted to see tickets going on offer far above face value yesterday - only hours after they had gone on sale," he added.
Emergency departments are on course for a nightmare winter, as the numbers left waiting on trolleys continue to rise in many hospitals.

Records compiled by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) show that 57,674 patients admitted for care spent time on an A&E trolley in the first seven months of the year.

Health Minister Simon Harris has been in contact with chiefs in the HSE to "express his concerns" and seek assurances "that actions are being taken to address this urgently".

However, the INMO says the latest figures show a series of initiatives already taken by the HSE are failing to make a significant impact.

"The record levels of patients on trolleys, in the first seven months, is most alarming as we prepare for the autumn/winter period," INMO General Secretary Liam Doran said.

"These figures are further confirmation that our health service continues to be too small and, regardless of the initiatives that have been taken, demand continues to outstrip the capacity of the health service to provide timely, appropriate and dignified care."

Prioritise

He argued the minister must prioritise community nursing services and solve the "recruitment/retention crisis facing nursing".

Separate figures this week showed that nearly 6,000 people aged over 75 were among those left on trolleys for more than 24 hours.

The HSE said 615,874 patients attended an Emergency Department (ED) in the first six months of the year. This is an increase of almost 2pc on 2016.

The health body also pointed out that the population is ageing, which translates "into increased reliance and usage of scheduled and unscheduled care resources".

"The HSE recognises the importance of a system-wide focus on improving patient experience times, particularly in respect of older persons.

"To this end, the Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons, in conjunction with acute hospitals and respective community-based services, is implementing a comprehensive programme of improvements aimed at increasing hospital avoidance, improved patient pathways, as well as timely and safe discharge for older persons," the HSE said.

It added there has been an overall reduction of 1.6pc in the numbers on trolleys when compared to last year.

The Department of Health said the HSE's Special Delivery Unit has been working closely with those hospitals currently experiencing ED pressures "to improve patient flow and to reduce the number of patients on trolleys".

Mr Harris will be meeting with HSE officials and the National Treatment Purchase Fund next week to address waiting times for hospital procedures and trolley numbers.

"The Department of Health and the HSE are currently working intensively on the development of a plan to be implemented over the coming months aimed at improving access to emergency care and reducing trolley numbers," a spokesperson said.
Ireland's European Commissioner Phil Hogan racked up travel and expenses bills of more than 17,000 in just two months.

The former environment minister came eighth out of the EU's 28 commissioners when it comes to spending.

The figures, which have been published after significant resistance from EU officials, show the Commission splashed out more than 500,000 on travel in January and February 2016. The average cost of a trip was 1,880.

Mr Hogan, who is the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, made eight foreign trips during the period.

Most notably he went to Columbia and Mexico for a series of political and trade meetings. He was accompanied by around 35 senior European executives representing key sectors in EU trade.

Mr Hogan's five-day visit to South America cost 8,922, including daily allowances worth 445.

The documents also show he travelled to Berlin, Budapest, Paris, Strasbourg and London during the two months.

The ex-Carlow/Kilkenny TD recorded two trips to Ireland but does not appear to have claimed any significant expenses during these excursions.

In January 2016, he addressed the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association in Portlaoise and met with Government ministers at a total "mission cost" of 54.80.

A further trip in February came with a bill of 1,035 - however, this largely consisted of travel agent costs and included a stopover in Paris for meetings.

While Mr Hogan ranks in the top 10 spenders, his bills are moderate compared to some of his colleagues, including EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Mr Juncker made only six travel expenses claims but they amounted to almost 30,000. This included more than 18,000 to hire a private jet to Rome.

High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini incurred the largest expenses of 100,749.

More than half of this was spent on a two-day trip to Azerbaijan and Armenia for meetings.

The EU has been accused of trying to hide the information in the wake of a campaign by a group called Access Info Europe, which began in May 2014.

British media have pointed to the expenses regime as a reason why the UK should not pay billions to leave the EU.

A European Commission spokesperson said: "Being a member of the European Commission is a political function.

"Attending events is an integral part of the job. Commissioners are all over the world ambassadors of Europe, also including their home country."
A mother of four has spoken of the pain of becoming homeless with her children after she lost her job.

Jessica Martin (34), originally from Finglas, Dublin, but who had been living in Gorey, Co Wexford, was renting until she lost her job as a care worker for the disabled.

She returned to Dublin to live at a friend's house in the hope she will find a home in the city.

"I don't want my kids to be homeless. I never in my worst nightmare thought this would be happening to us," said Ms Martin.

"The children and I have no home now and I know I am lucky to have my friend but she has her own family.

"I want to work, I worked hard and got up to drive an hour to work every day and an hour back but I lost my job and this is life, it happens.

"I shouldn't be homeless for losing my job."

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Ms Martin has been looking for rented accommodation for two months, with the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), - but said no landlord has so far accepted it.

"I've applied to rent hundreds of properties but no one will take HAP," she said.

"One landlord told me straight out 'no HAP' and a landlady said she liked me but she wouldn't take the payment because it would take too long to come through.

"I definitely feel I've been discriminated against with HAP and because I'm on my own and I have four kids."

Former housing minister Simon Coveney introduced a fine of up to 15,000, in January 2016, if agents or landlords discriminate against anyone receiving welfare payments.

A Department of Housing spokesman confirmed that it is illegal for a prospective tenant to be discriminated against on the grounds that they are in receipt of social housing support, including HAP.

But Ms Martin, who had been employed until May, says she never received call backs when she mentioned HAP.

"I thought I could rely on HAP to help until I got back on my feet, [but] I feel I'm being judged as being lower for being on HAP.

"I remember when I was looking to rent a home when I was working, it was easy - I just sailed in and rented, but not now."
A 13-year-old girl with a suspected back injury was airlifted from the Irish Sea off the Wexford coast today

The child and her father were enjoying an afternoon with a jet ski pulling a rubber donut when the she suffered a back injury.

The incident happened offshore in the vicinity of Ardamine, south of Courttown, shortly after 4pm.

Three kayakers also got into difficulty in the same area. Arklow Lifeboat and Courtown Lifeboat went to the scene.

The Coastguard R117 helicopter based in Waterford went to the scene and airlifted the injured girl and her father to Waterford Regional Hospital.

The three kayakers were taken aboard the Arklow Lifeboat and later transferred to the Courtown Lifeboat.

They were assisted by a HSE paramedic when they were taken ashore at Courtown Harbour.

Another alert was received by emergency services shortly after 5pm when a 23-year-old woman fell while climbing the Sugarloaf mountain in County Wicklow.

A Dublin and Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team and an advanced paramedic assisted the woman at the scene, who appeared to have fractured her ankle.

She was airlifted by the R116 Coastguard helicopter based in Dublin and taken to Dublin Airport and transferred to Beaumont Hospital.
A hero who helped rescue a kayaker who had been stranded in the water for over four hours admits it was like "finding a needle in a haystack."

The unnamed man (45) was kayaking on Lough Conn, Co Mayo with his son and a friend on Thursday night when he capsized and they got separated.

The alarm was raised when the group didn't return for dinner, the boys managed to make it to shore and told a local fisherman that a man was in the water.

Irish Coast Guard said a member of the public put in a call for a missing kayaker on Lough Conn at 8.30pm, Killala Coast Guard and Rescue 11 were dispatched within minutes.

Michael Tiernan Jr (26) was called by his father to help search for the man and it was his boat that found him.

He told Independent.ie: "It was my boat that found him and I was holding him up with the side of the boat. Then when search and rescue arrived we lifted him onto that boat, he said

Im a boatman on the lake. I had been on the lake earlier and seen the kayakers and then I got talking to club members who had seen them later on. I went straight back out.

I put two and two together and knowing the wind had changed I figured out where they were. It was still like finding a needle in a haystack.

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Michael explained they spotted a reflective stripe on the man's jacket.

He said: "The lake is over 9 miles long. He couldve been anywhere. It was a stroke of luck then really when we saw a silver strip reflecting on his life jacket. When we got closer we also heard him shouting.

I just want to point out how important it was that he was wearing a life jacket. If he wasnt wearing that hed be gone.

the man was recovered from the water and brought to hospital by ambulance.

Gerry Murphy, who owns a local boat hire business, said he was contacted when the trio hadnt returned in time for dinner.

I know the lake inside-out and thats why I was contacted. I was on the lake in five minutes. The lake is quite big and we were looking in total darkness, he said.

He said the man works in London and was visiting friends in the area.

He had capsized for some reason and the wind had picked up and he had drifted out into the lake, he said.

The moment that word got out there were lights and jeeps and people all along the shore of the lake. The whole community got involved, Gerry added.

He said when the man was returned to shore at around 10.30 last night there were 30 or 40 people on shore.

He did the right thing. He wore a life jacket and didnt panic, he stayed calm.

The Coast Guard Helicopter shone a light down on the rescue efforts and a paramedic came down to assist on the shore.

It was a good result. Everyone did their best, the search went on for an hour or so and we all exchanged numbers and stayed in contact.

The Coast Guard, rescue services and gardai dont get enough praise for what they do, he said.

Michael Jrs father, Michael Sr, is involved in the local fishing club and put out a call to action to the members.

Im involved in the local angling club and Gerry got in touch with me when he was worried they didnt get back in time. He knew I had access to local bodies to get out on the water, he said.

I contacted the local gardai and started getting in touch with members of the club including my son and Paul Walsh, Michael Sr added.

They all went searching. The two kids involved were found on the shore and it was established he was still in the water. The situation escalated then and the Coast Guard was called, he said.

When you hear of a guy in the water like that you have to act quickly, Michael Sr added.

Members of the club are preparing for the Foxford RiverFest between 18-20 August which will feature the Coast Guard and have a focus on water safety

Club members and members of Foxford and District Search and Rescue were out searching on boats in the dark. My son and Paul had lights and they spotted a reflective strip on his life jacket,

If he wasnt wearing that jacket he was dead. It definitely saved him. He was in the water for four hours and he was in pretty poor condition. He was lucky it wasnt later in the year when the water was colder, he said.
Irish people living in Barcelona have warned that an anti-tourism sentiment is growing in the Spanish hot spot.

Last month a tourist bus was stopped by people in balaclavas outside the Nou Camp stadium and its tyres were slashed. Anti-tourism protest marches have also been taking place around the city in reaction to local accommodation being used for AirBnB short term leases instead of as accommodation for locals.

Eoin Corcoran, originally from Cork city has been working in Barcelona as an English teacher for the last four months. He told Independent.ie that he regularly sees protesters on the streets wearing anti-tourist signs.

"I find it surprising because I used to live in Colombia which has a bad reputation and they did everything they could to welcome tourists, whereas here it's different. I see one guy wearing a placard on his head with 'This isn't tourism, it's an invasion' written on it a lot," he said.

Fionn Carty (22) from Enniscorthy, Co Wexford works in Scobie's Irish bar in the city, he said that protests are an almost daily occurrence there.

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"It's pretty head on at the moment. There's signs that they want to cap the tourism and there were the incidents with the bikes last week and the tires being slashed on a tourist bus.

"You can't go around attacking people. There's strikes about everything these days. The metro was on strike and the taxis go on strike every few weeks. It's a nightmare."

Aidan McGovern, originally from Carrigaline, Co Cork, has been living in Barcelona since before the economic crash in 2008 and owns the Bien Cuadrado gallery in the city centre. He said that many of the protests are understandable as accommodation prices have "sky-rocketed" and so many people are homeless in the city.

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"House prices have gone up massively and wages have completely stagnated. Rent prices are going up and pushing out locals for AirBnB."

"It's really tough out here. I've worked in every job here. I worked in a university and in call centres. I'm at the end of my tether here though. The living wage is very low, so I might only stay on for another year."

Limerick man, James Curtain has been teaching in Barcelona for the last month and warned that tourists need to be "more on the ball" as pick-pocketing is more common than ever since the protests began.

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"There's pickpocketing and it's normal to see people wearing their backpacks in front of them because if you go down the wrong avenue you could get pick-pocketed."

"People see tourists and might see that they're vulnerable but if they see you every day they get used to you. Tourists over there need to be more on the ball."

He added that overall the city is very welcoming and that tourists have nothing to worry about once they stay vigilant.

"It's a remarkable city... It's very accepting of everyone," he said.

Cork man Shane Buckley, owner of Fastnet pub in the city has been living in there for 27 years and believes that the protests are exaggerated and will blow over.

"I've been living here 27 years and the protesters just want publicity. It happens every year... they protest about anything," he said.

Barcelona receives almost 32 million visitors to its shores every year. The protests are being undertaken by Arran which is the youth wing section of CUP, the pro Catalan party. Other protests are also taking place in the Balearic Islands and in areas of the Basque region.

Independent.ie contacted AirBnB for a comment.
Scene of the fire at Blackrock Shopping Centre, South Dublin. Picture: @PaulFedayn and DubFireBrigade

Scene of the fire at Blackrock Shopping Centre, South Dublin. Picture: @PaulFedayn and DubFireBrigade

Scene of the fire at Blackrock Shopping Centre, South Dublin. Picture: @PaulFedayn and DubFireBrigade

A shopping centre in South Dublin was evacuated this afternoon after a fire broke out on the roof.

Emergency services were called to the scene Blackrock Shopping centre shortly before 1pm today.

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A spokesman for Dublin Fire Brigade explained that the blaze broke out on the roof of the building where works are currently taking place. it is understood the incident involved a gas cannister.

Three units from Donnybrook, a district officer and a hydraulic platform from Dun Laoghaire attended the scene.

The shopping centre was evacuated and the area was cordoned off while fire crews tackled the fire.

The spokesman explained that the blaze was brought under control shortly after 1.30pm and fire officers remained on site for a period.

It has been a busy couple of days for the Dublin Fire Brigade in south Dublin.

Last night they were called to the M50 where a Dublin Street Parking Service (DSPS) tow truck caught fire.
One in seven homeless adults is in employment but unable to afford a home to call their own.

And the latest census results show that homeless people are younger than the general population, are less likely to enjoy good health, are less educated and twice as likely to be divorced or separated.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) says that some 6,906 people were recorded as homeless on census night last year, April 24. One in four are under 18 years of age.

The figures are not directly comparable with the 2011 Census results, when 3,744 people were classed as homeless. This is because those in long-term accommodation were excluded while those in emergency homes, including hotels and guesthouses, are counted.

But it highlights the impact the recession and lack of new home delivery has had on wider society, where hundreds are unable to provide a home for themselves and their families due to soaring rents and a lack of houses and apartments.

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The results show the average age of the homeless population was 31, compared with 37 for the general population. Women were 26.8 years of age, compared with 33.2 years for men.

Of the 6,906 homeless people counted, some 1,846 were children aged up to 17 years. Some 413 were 60 years or older.

But it also shows many of this cohort are working. Of the 5,212 people aged 15 or over, 56pc, or 2,915, were in the labour force, or available for work.

Of these, 899 or 31pc were employed, but unable to pay for a home. Some 429 were students, and a further 2,016 (69pc) were unemployed or looking for a first job. Some 607 were unable to work due to sickness or disability.

The CSO said just 62pc of those living on the streets or in emergency accommodation considered their health to be very good or good, compared with 87pc of the general population. Almost 20pc said their health was fair, bad or very bad, almost double the 9.6pc of the general population.

Non-nationals account for 14pc of the homeless population, with UK and Polish nationals topping the list. Most homeless people are based in Dublin, 5,009 of the total, or just over 70pc.

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Some 123 people were recorded as sleeping rough, with 104 men and 19 women.

On marital status, the CSO reports 55pc of those aged 15 or over are single, compared with 41pc of the general population. More than 12pc were divorced or separated, compared with 5.9pc in the general population.

It also shows that 896 families are homeless, representing 2,968 people - almost half the total. There were 67 couples with no children, 326 with one child, 261 with two children and 131 with three. Some 111 had four or more children.

Labour housing spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan said the figures highlighted the need for a national affordable housing scheme.

"While these figures will come as no great surprise given the extent of the housing and homelessness crisis, I am particularly concerned that families and children accounted for nearly half of the total homeless population," she said.

"Data published since the census date last year show that these figures have risen considerably.

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"It is clear that the issue of affordability in the housing and rental market needs to be urgently addressed."

The 'Homeless Persons in Ireland' report also shows that 2,891 people were accommodated in hotels and guesthouses on census night, and 306 in domestic violence refuges. Another 778 were in hostels, and 2,737 in supported temporary accommodation.

The Simon Community said the findings suggested an 81pc increase in the number of homeless since 2011, and while unsurprising it was "deeply concerning".

"It is hugely concerning to see the increase in young people who are becoming homeless," it said.

"We know that people who have experience of homelessness in their youth are more likely to become homeless again as adults." It said it highlighted that thousands of workers could not afford to buy or rent a home, and that more social housing was needed.
The plain packaging laws, spearheaded by former health minister James Reilly, former junior health minister Marcella Corcoran Kennedy and now Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, are due to come into effect from September 30. Stock picture

Tobacco giants threatened to take measures that could undermine Ireland's economic recovery as part of their attempt to block the Government's plain packaging laws, the Irish Independent can reveal.

The lengths to which the world's most powerful tobacco firms went to in order to block our legislation are detailed for the first time in secret correspondence with EU bosses.

Letters obtained by this newspaper show how three major firms told former commissioner Olli Rehn that the proposed measures would undermine both the Irish and EU recovery.

One letter stated how tobacco firms were prepared to "seek compensation for damages" which could "undermine savings" and "negatively impact the Irish economy".

The same correspondence adds that such a legal avenue would "not help the overall EU economic situation."

Sources close to the Government here stated that the correspondence, which has never been released, illustrates the huge efforts taken by the tobacco industry to defeat the Government's plans.

The plain packaging laws, spearheaded by former health minister James Reilly, former junior health minister Marcella Corcoran Kennedy and now Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, are due to come into effect from September 30.

Health Minister Simon Harris will formally introduce the measures when the Dail returns following the summer recess.

For the first time, packets will not contain any logos or branding. But any products already manufactured by September 30 may be sold for another year, under the legislation being brought in.

Ireland is the fourth country to bring the measures in, after Australia, the UK and France.

But all EU member states must give effect to the EU Tobacco Products' Directive, which is designed to cover two-thirds of a pack of cigarettes in graphic health warnings, ban smaller pouches of rolling tobacco and outlaw menthol and slim cigarette products. Failure to meet the deadline this Friday leaves member states open to hefty fines.

Delay

Ireland would have been the first EU country to bring the measures in, however the length of time taken to form a new administration in 2016 resulted in an unexpected delay.

The letter to Mr Rehn was sent by The Confederation of European Community Cigarette Manufacturers (CECCM), which represents three major Europe-based cigarette manufacturers - British American Tobacco, Imperial Tobacco Group and JT International - in September 2013.

"We will defend our intellectual property rights and if necessary will seek compensation for damages, the level of which could be quite significant. It is to be expected that this will undermine savings achieved in the anticipated public expenditure cuts in Ireland in 2014 and hence will negatively impact the Irish economy," the letter stated.

"During a time of economic and financial crisis, this will not help improve the overall EU economic situation and we would appreciate an opportunity for an exchange of views with you on this matter. We will contact your office in the coming days regarding a possible date for a meeting," it added.

It's not known whether Mr Rehn did in fact meet the tobacco giants.

While the industry has for years lobbied against the introduction of the new measures, sources with specific knowledge of their efforts say this letter detailed the most severe of threats seen from an Irish perspective.
The paying passenger, or those travelling on a free travel pass, will not be affected by the decision to outsource 10pc of the Dublin bus network to a private operator. Like Luas, the State will retain control of timetables and fares and will own the infrastructure, but services will be operated by UK firm Go-Ahead.

But there are questions surrounding this exercise, in particular the insistence by the National Transport Authority that it will allow Dublin Bus to offer more services on other unaffected routes. This assumes the Government is willing to fund those services, which is by no means a certainty.

There are also questions as to why Dublin Bus lost the right to operate these routes. The decision to outsource was taken by the last government, and it's hard to imagine that the contract could have been awarded to the incumbent.

While no worker will be forced to move, unions are critical of the outsourcing process, and are fearful of more routes being tendered out in the coming years. They are worried about drivers being employed on lower wages, but the NTA says it doesn't expect this to happen. That said, it is a matter for the new operator.

The fact that Dublin Bus won on price, but lost on technical or quality issues, is in itself interesting. The contract was not awarded solely on the basis of cost, but also on the ability to deliver services.

Given that the State owns Dublin Bus, which is also overseen by the NTA, it appears to be the case that it simply couldn't measure up to the private sector. The company has undergone a number of changes over recent years, including a dramatic cut in its Government subvention, but the most recent performance reports suggest it is exceeding all its targets. The fact the NTA doesn't believe it measures up should be a cause for concern. Just what does the department or NTA want from the company? Clarity is needed.
Relatives of Omagh bomb victims are to sue Northern Ireland's police chief for investigative failings they believe let the killers escape justice.

Ahead of next week's 19th anniversary of the Real IRA outrage that claimed the lives of 29 people, bereaved families have issued a writ against Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) chief constable George Hamilton seeking damages and a declaration their human rights have been breached.

It is the latest legal twist in their two-decade quest for justice and answers.

The families are pursuing judicial review proceedings against the UK government's decision not to hold a public inquiry into claims the attack could have been prevented if it had not been for a series of intelligence failings.

The writ against Mr Hamilton focuses on what happened after the bomb detonated on August 15, 1998 and why, 19 years on, no one has been successfully convicted in a criminal court.

The relatives have already successfully sued four republicans in a landmark civil trial that found they were responsible for the bombing.

The latest court action has been issued against Mr Hamilton because he has legal responsibility for the actions of both his service and its predecessor, the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC).

Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aidan died in the bombing, said the families needed answers.

"Here we are 19 years on and the criminals responsible for this are still walking the streets - there has been absolutely no punitive measures taken against any of them," he said.

"We can't walk away and say 'it's just one of those things'."

Stanley McComb, whose wife Ann was killed, said: "It does hurt you, you learn to live with it, but that's what drives me on. Why should people get away with something like that?"

The action is issued in Mr Gallagher's name on behalf of bereaved families belonging to the Omagh Support and Self Help Group.

It cites the damning findings of official inquiries and court proceedings that identified multiple failures in how police investigated the bombing.

The relatives' solicitor, John Fox, explained the basis of the latest legal bid.

"A particular concern is the delays in arresting known suspects by the police and the families have tried to get answers from the PSNI and the public prosecution [service] and have yet to get any answers to the questions that remain unanswered," he said.

"And that is what they are now bringing before the court - an action against the chief constable of the PSNI to get answers in relation to how the police investigation was handled."

In response to the sending of the writ, a PSNI spokeswoman said: "Once received, we will take time to consider the contents and respond in due course."
Suspected Regency Hotel gunman Kevin 'Flat Cap' Murray, who died late on Wednesday night, is "highly unlikely" to receive a paramilitary funeral this weekend.

The criminal (46) gained his nickname after he was photographed running from the hotel wearing the distinctive hat, with a handgun in his hand, in the aftermath of the murder of key cartel figure David Byrne (33) in February 2016.

Murray, who stayed in the hotel the night before the murder, had been diagnosed with rapidly deteriorating - and terminal - motor neurone disease.

He died at 10.50pm on Wednesday at his home in Townsend Street in Strabane, Co Tyrone.

His funeral will take place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Strabane, at 10am on Saturday. Extra PSNI resources are expected to be deployed on the day.

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Dissident

Last night, sources said that it is not expected that he will be afforded a paramilitary funeral by his former dissident republican associates.

Murray's pal Michael Barr (35), who was shot dead by the Kinahan cartel as part of the capital's deadly gangland feud, had such a funeral in Strabane in May of last year.

The PSNI arrested 15 men for terrorism offences at Barr's funeral, where the cortege was flanked by dozens of men in paramilitary uniform, with berets, sunglasses and covered faces.

"The feeling is that this will not happen at Murray's funeral," a source said last night. "The reason that he may not be honoured by the New IRA is because of his involvement in criminality and in particular the Hutch gang."

Murray was identified by gardai for his role in the Regency Hotel bloodbath just hours after he participated in the shocking gun attack, in which two other men were seriously injured.

It is thought he was not paid a single cent by the Hutch mob for his role in the murder.

He fled to his home in Northern Ireland, where the PSNI had to mount a number of special operations to protect him, because of fears that the Kinahan cartel would murder him.

As Murray's health continued to deteriorate, gardai in Dublin arrested a north inner city man in May of last year, charging him with Byrne's murder, as well as possessing three AK-47 assault rifles in connection with the fatal shooting.

This suspect had allegedly been disguised as a woman during the Regency Hotel shooting.

He will be tried at the non-jury Special Criminal Court. With Hutch arrested and charged, gardai continued to build a careful case against 'Flat Cap' and, by this time last year, they had enough evidence to charge him with murder.

Officers used facial recognition software to formally identify Murray.

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A European Arrest Warrant was issued and Murray was lifted by armed PSNI officers at his Strabane home at 6pm on September 5, 2016.

He appeared at Belfast Recorder's Court the following day.

Extradition

A major legal battle ensued, as Murray indicated he would be fighting his extradition to the Republic on health grounds.

In fact at his first court appearance, he had to be helped into the dock by two police officers, as it was revealed that he was battling motor neurone disease.

Last December, it was estimated that he had only a few months to live.

His family was informed last week by doctors that there was nothing more that they could do.

A Northern Irish judge ruled in May of this year that he was too ill to stand trial in relation to the Regency murder.

A court heard that Murray was confined to his bed and was being fed through a tube.

The judge ruled that his rapidly deteriorating health meant he could not be extradited here to stand trial for murder.

Murray's lawyers had argued against his extradition on the grounds that he would be unlikely to stand trial given his condition.

Murray was part of a five-man hit team involved in the Regency Hotel attack, but may not have even fired a shot during the bloodbath.

He was the only gunman not disguised, with sources revealing that this may have been due to the fact that none of the Kinahan gang members knew his identity prior to the shooting.

After the shooting, gardai suspect Murray took the AK-47s used back across the border.
The United Nations has criticised the Irish Government for failing to implement its recommendations to investigate allegations of ill treatment of women in Magdalene Laundries.

The UN Committee against Torture also criticises the Government for failing to prosecute perpetrators and to ensure that victims have an enforceable right to compensation.

The Committee is the most important international human rights treaty that deals with torture. It obligates countries who are parties to the treaty to prohibit and prevent torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in all circumstances.

In the report the Committee also highlighted the need to improve staffing at prisons and to review the prison healthcare system.

It noted the number of women in Irish prisons is increasing and that there is overcrowding in the Dochas Centre, as well as Mountjoy and Limerick prison.

It condemned sanitary conditions, saying that over 1,500 prisoners must use toilet facilities in the presence of another inmate in cells where they also eat their meals.

However the report also praised Ireland for many achievements in the six years since the UN Committee Against Torture's previous review.

These include the creation of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the provision of community service as an alternative to imprisonment.

Ireland was also praised for the establishment of the Citizens Assembly to consider a number of issues, including abortion laws, in 2016.

The Committee requests the State follows up on all the Committee's recommendations by August 11 2018.
The founding president of the University of Limerick is sending his honorary doctorate in the post back to the National University of Ireland, after failing to receive a formal response.

Dr Edward Walsh said that he was "surprised" that he has not received a reply in writing from the Chancellor of the National University of Ireland (NUI), Dr Maurice Manning, after he wrote to him nearly a fortnight ago.

He outlined that it was his intention to rescind the honour in protest after the same accolade went to former Taoiseach Brian Cowen, whom Dr Walsh feels is "totally unworthy" of it, after "bringing the country to its knees".

He told the 'Limerick Leader' that he intends to send a letter along with the parchment in the post, noting that it should be put on the record the circumstances surrounding its return.

Dr Walsh, who led UL for 28 years from its infancy, said he regards Dr Manning as "a good friend, an excellent gentleman and a very fine person".

"I am just sorry that he is probably embarrassed by the position he finds himself in," he added.

Dr Manning declined to debate the issue with Dr Walsh in a recent 'Today with Sean O'Rourke' show on RTE Radio One.

In a separate segment, Dr Manning said Dr Walsh's request "is a first".

"Nobody else has given their degree back and we don't have any protocol for it. He can send them back to us and we'll keep them in a safe place if he changes his mind."

Dr Manning said while they can "remove his name from the roll [of recipients], we can't un-doctor a doctor".

He added that any time future editions of the roll are printed Dr Walsh's name won't be included, if that continues to be his request.

Dr Manning rejected suggestions the NUI acted imprudently in honouring Mr Cowen.
When it comes to holidays, most people spend all year longing for quality time with their loved ones. A few languorous weeks in the sun will be the perfect chance to 'get away from it all'; to leave the stresses of work and routine behind; to focus on your relationships - whether on an intimate couples' getaway, complete with toe-curling PDAs a la Sting and Trudie Styler, or a wholesome, screen-free adventure for all the family.

Yet, all too often, that long-awaited summer holiday can turn into torturous weeks of sun, sea and strife. We've all heard about the post-Christmas divorce rush but, actually, it is the end of the summer holidays where divorces really peak.

In Ireland, we don't get a monthly breakdown of when couples split, but studies in the US show that August is the highest point for divorce petitions. British relationship charity Relate reported a 20pc spike in calls last September, compared to an average month, and my own experience as a divorce lawyer echoes this, with more enquiries coming into our law firm in October alone than the entire first quarter of the year.

People in struggling relationships often put a lot of pressure on their holidays - a golden opportunity to enjoy each other's company away from the stresses and strains of ordinary life. Sadly, for many couples, it ends up as the moment they realise it is those strains that have been masking deeper flaws in their marriage.

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Two weeks in each other's company can often become the exact opposite of the tonic people expect. Rather than bringing families together, it can highlight how far apart they have grown. Whether it is because one person cannot be separated from their work phone, disagreements over how to look after the children, or over-indulgence in alcohol, holidays often reveal whether couples really are working together or not.

As a lawyer, my autumn is often filled with people whose holidays didn't just fail to live up to their expectations, but exposed much deeper fault lines in their marriage.

Sometimes the blow-up can be dramatic. One wife arrived at our London office fresh from the Eurostar. She and her husband had gone for a romantic break in Paris, but when a small row about how much she was spending down the Champs-Elysees escalated, she realised she could no longer cope with his controlling behaviour. She walked away from their lunch and jumped on a train straight back home. She had filed her divorce petition before the day had ended.

On other occasions, the holiday marks the end of a far slower slide to separation. One husband who came to see us was constantly frustrated by his wife being distracted by work. He'd planned an exotic holiday for the whole family - two weeks on an exquisite Caribbean island with minimal phone reception and only the patchiest of Wi-Fi. When his wife chartered a boat to get her to somewhere with better signal to check her emails, he realised he'd had enough of her workaholic obsession and left her to continue her relationship with her smartphone in peace.

Of course, it is not just family holidays that create problems for relationships. Where spouses have strayed, the other woman or man often wants their share of time in the sun. Once upon a time it was easy - a convenient "business trip" could crop up and provide the perfect cover. But such subterfuge is harder in our technologically advanced times.

One philanderer came to see us after being caught out by his holiday snaps. When his smartphone synced to the family account, his latest photos showed that rather than being at a dull business conference, he was lying on a beach with a lady who was definitely not his wife. Another was rumbled when his wife checked the family bank account and saw the bills that her husband's mistress had run up on designer bikinis.

These stories may sound amusing to many, but each one represents the sad end to a relationship. Often couples have worked very hard to keep things going and have pinned their hopes on a big summer getaway to finally take them back to a better place.

Instead, they find that the pressure of keeping children entertained whilst trying to find time to relax only creates even more tension. Combined with being cooped up in the close quarters of a hotel or holiday let, those tensions can easily explode into the end of a marriage.

When you can't even enjoy a holiday with your spouse, it can highlight that your busy and separate lives back in the real world are not just the consequences of hectic calendars, but distractions you have both built up to avoid dealing with the reality of a failing relationship.

It's a trend that is mirrored in the celebrity world. While their summer breaks might be more glamorous than a week in Dingle, many do still try to take time off from their busy, jet-setting schedules for a couples' holiday. The results are similar to those of us mere mortals. Last July, Drew Barrymore's marriage to Will Kopelman fell apart, as did Mary J Blige's 12-year marriage. Even super-couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie fell prey to the summer curse, separating after a fight on a flight in September last year.

It might sound like 2016 was just a bad year all round, but it's no anomaly. The previous summer saw the end of just as many high-profile couples. Gwen Stefani ended her marriage to Gavin Rossdale in August 2015, just weeks after being pictured celebrating July 4th as a family, while Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner split that June. 2017 seems to be following a similar pattern - earlier this week, Chris Pratt and Anna Faris announced their separation after eight years.

There is a lesson from all of this we can take - namely, about the gap between expectations and reality. Summer escapes can never be the cure for floundering marriages. Our relationships need to work on a day by day basis, rather than limping along in the hope of a summertime shot in the arm. The family break is rarely the idyll we hope for - what with delayed flights, unruly children and nowhere to escape. If you are going to make a marriage that works, it is vital to cherish the ordinary days together instead of praying that two weeks away will cure all ills.

And if you do go on a summer holiday and find it a real challenge, perhaps it is time to accept that your relationship needs a more drastic form of rehab before you spend another summer arguing with your partner over paella.

Summer of love - how to make it work

Disconnect to reconnect: With Wi-Fi, holidays can easily become a case of different scenes, same old screens. Compulsively checking work email will wind yourself up, as well as your partner; Instagram and Facebook updates can wait until you get home.

Plan proper time with the children: Quality family time will only be quality if you put some thought into it. Find something that all your tribe will enjoy, or take turns to choose activities.

...and without them: Make sure you spend some time, be it an afternoon, evening or week, kid-free. That reminder of why you fell in love with your spouse - be it via wakeboarding or Wagner - can do wonders for a relationship.

Indulge yourself: Family holidays can often feel like a working holiday, not least on a villa break, when you bring arguments over cooking/cleaning/washing up with you from home. Plotting in some mandatory beach/reading/relaxing time will ensure you still leave recharged.

...but don't over indulge: Nothing sours a family holiday like one member regularly getting well and truly sloshed. The worst relationship bust-ups always involve alcohol, so think twice before accepting the waiter's offer of another bottle.
Dubrovnik will drastically cut the number of visitors allowed into its ancient centre in just two years, the mayor has revealed.

The new limit, designed to prevent ruinous overcrowding, will go further than Unescos recommendation of permitting only 8,000 people a day inside the hefty Medieval walls.

Instead, a cap will be put at 4,000.

Mayor Mato Frankovic, elected to the position in June, told Telegraph Travel that the move was to protect the quality of the experience for visitors to the Croatian city.

We dont want to go with the maximum, we want to go lower than that, he said.

Frankovic said Dubrovnik needs to reset after a period of unchecked growth in the number of day trippers and cruise passengers that flood into the tiny city each day.

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Unesco last year warned Dubrovniks world heritage status was at risk, while recent reports have conveyed local concerns that the city is being blighted by the daily hordes.

Authorities announced in January that CCTV cameras would be introduced to monitor - and, if necessary, stop - crowds passing through the citys three gates, but Frankovic says more must be done, including cancelling cruise ship stops.

I am not here to make people happy but to make the quality of life [in the city] better, he said.

Some of the cruise lines will disagree with what Im saying but my main goal is to ensure quality for tourists and I cannot do it by keeping the situation as it is.

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We will lose money in the next two years - a million euros maybe by cutting the number of tourists - but in the future we will gain much more. We deserve to be a top quality destination.

The mayor is attempting to steer Dubrovnik away from the experiences of Venice and Barcelona, where tensions over numbers of tourists have led to protests and anti-visitor sentiment.

He is targeting the hundreds of cruise ships that arrive at the port two miles from the Old Town. In 2016, 529 ships called there, bringing 799,916 passengers, up from 475 in 2015 and 463 in 2014.

Last year in August, in one day alone, 10,388 visitors bought tickets to walk Dubrovniks ramparts, a record number expected to be topped this summer, while the number of permanent residents has slipped from 5,000 in 1991 to 1,157.

Frankovic has his work cut out to reverse the exceptional growth Dubrovnik has witnessed since the end of the Yugoslav Wars in the Nineties.

It was something that was not controlled and not planned, said Frankovic, explaining that he would cut the number of cruise ships arriving at peak time and attempt to move them away from peak times, such as the weekend. He also said he would impose limits on tour operators running day trips to the city.

Currently we have a problem with Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Those three days are complicated for us. We cannot have from 8am to 2pm, six cruise ships, then after 2pm, nothing at all, he said.

Forbidding a bigger number coming into the city at the same time will gain a quality. I am 100 per cent sure the cruise ship passengers will be happy with that.

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The German state of Rhineland-Palatinate has finalized the sale of Frankfurt-Hahn airport to the Chinese conglomerate HNA, HNA confirmed on Thursday.

HNA Group has agreed to pay 15.1 million euros (17.7 million US dollars) for an 82.5% share of the airport.

The acquisition defies fears that recently passed stricter regulation on inbound investment in Germany and outbound investment in China would dent Chinese international mergers and acquisition activity.

In April, the regional assembly of Rhineland-Palatinate had voted in favor of the plans to sell the public asset. The state's interior minister Roger Lewentz expressed his conviction that a "good partner" had been found in HNA at the time.
The threats being issued by the leaders of US and North Korean governments indicate that the risk of nuclear war is now possibly greater that during the Cuban missile crisis in 1962.

At least in 1962 we had two intelligent, pragmatic leaders, both of whom compromised to avert a nuclear war.

Now we have the opposite, two national leaders who are behaving irrationally and recklessly.

While it is impossible to predict accurately what will happen if the shouting war develops into a shooting war, a possible scenario is the US will begin by attempting to shoot down any further North Korean missile launches and may also attack North Korean missile launch sites and other targets using sub-nuclear bunker bursting bombs.

If this happens, a possible response may be massive artillery attacks by North Korea on South Korea.

Since North Korea does already have some nuclear weapons, there is a very serious risk of these being used and possible US nuclear strikes in retaliation.

Our Government has been silent on this threat to humanity, and the Irish preparations for a nuclear disaster, either a civil or a military one, are almost non-existent.

Experts are already saying that most sea food in the Pacific is already unsafe for human consumption due to the Fukushima disaster.

While it would be irresponsible for Ireland to be assisting North Korea at times like this, allowing Shannon airport to be used by the US military is also irresponsible.

Our Government should now be restoring Irish neutrality and using its good offices towards creating international peace and avoiding nuclear war.

Edward Horgan

Newtown, Castletroy, Limerick

Family time too valuable to give up

The EU plan for closing the gender pay gap is represented as an important strategy. However, what the EU actually wants here is contrary to what a lot of women want, including myself - which is to reduce or stop paid employment for a period of life, in order to have time to take care of our children ourselves.

It's only fair that men and women should have the same opportunity to get a job and equal pay for the same work (all other things being equal), and any injustices in these areas should be eliminated. But aiming to eliminate inequality between men and women in their long-term salaries is not the same thing, keeping in mind real differences exist between men's and women's priorities in life across the population.

As David Quinn's recent column ('Sexist employers are not to blame for gender pay gap - children are', Irish Independent, July 28) on the gender pay gap points out, over twice as many women as men work part-time, and recent surveys have found the majority of women who work part-time in paid employment and/or look after their own children at home are satisfied with these arrangements.

It concludes that "the only way to achieve the aim of eradicating the gender pay gap completely is to override the wishes of vast numbers of people".

Personally, as a mother and professional, my years of limiting paid employment to part-time hours have cost me financially in the short term and long term (and contributed to the gender pay gap).

But they have been priceless for me and, I hope, worth something to my sons. The privilege of time with family is too valuable to give up, either for the financial benefits, or for the sake of artificial, misguided and counterproductive gender equality goals on pay. Meanwhile, looking beyond the money, how about recognising and rewarding the diverse contributions of hard-working men and women, whether inside or outside the home, whether paid financially or not, with the respect they deserve?

Ruth Foley

Clondalkin, Dublin

Credit where it's due

If Trump is using words that Kim Jong-un can understand, then the North Korean dictator is doing better than most of us.

Dennis Fitzgerald

Box Hill, Victoria, Australia

History not on America's side

I see that the American government has now raised paranoia to an art form. It seems to see enemies everywhere.

One small sovereign state in the Far East, North Korea, is merely testing armaments in order to defend itself, and has presented no threat whatsoever. To anybody.

However, the warmongering American government is promising "fire and fury". Essentially, the Americans are trying to act as a global policeman.

I note, however, that no politicians have yet to climb on an aircraft and actually have any dialogue with Kim Jong-un, who is portrayed by the liberal, left-wing media as a dictator.

Yet why should we all succumb to democracy, which also has its flaws? Myself, I much prefer a benevolent dictatorship to the lily-livered societies that democracy spawns. Remember Singapore, once led by the amazing dictator Lee Kuan-Yew.

However, I digress. Should we be worried by all the sabre-rattling? I don't think so. It should be noted that America has lost every single Far East and Middle East war that it has indulged in since 1945. That's 72 years.

Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, the list is endless. The mighty USA defeated by chaps in funny hats carrying bamboo spears and Kalashnikov rifles.

If the US was to start World War III, it would probably vaporise nearby countries, because American forces are not great at actually hitting the enemy.

In fact, they have much more success at killing their own troops. They've even coined a term for it - the so-called 'friendly fire'.

Maybe it would be best for the Americans to just focus on their own country, and stop trying to run the world. From where I'm standing, they don't seem to be doing a very good job at either.

Edward Mitchell

Somerset, England

Leo should lead on diplomacy

I was just wondering what was Ireland's strategic plan for the eventuality of a nuclear winter? Is duck and cover going to be as good as it gets?

Might I propose that it may be pertinent, in the face of the absence of a plan, that our Taoiseach stands up and adds his weight to the calls for diplomacy?

Barry Sweeney

Address with editor

Heading for a correction

I am writing in connection with a report in your newspaper under the headline which reads: "Jason beaten 10 times with a bat and a brick" (Irish Independent, July 26).

This is ungrammatical as you cannot have two a's in the same sentence.

It should have read: "Jason beaten 10 times with a bat and brick."

Tom Corr

Killiney, Co Dublin
Gary McLoughlin knows a great deal about drink. This is not to suggest or imply or presume that he is any way an alcoholic. His encounter with the reporter from the 'People' takes place at a perfectly sober hour on a weekday morning. Yet it is nevertheless abundantly clear that Gary is very well versed in drink indeed.

We meet in one of Ireland's newest examples of an ancient craft, the headquarters of Glendalough Distillery, billed as Ireland's craft first distillery. It is located down the hill from Glendalough itself in the unpretentious setting of a Newtownmountkennedy business park.

'You have to start somewhere,' muses Gary, against a background of the pipes and vats which make the manufacture of whiskey and gin possible. 'We have been here since 2013 and it is a great place.' Nevertheless, he hints that a move to a quainter, more tourist friendly site is on the cards.

The production of spirits in this country has long been the preserve of major companies, with the well-known brands owned by vast multi-national corporations. Gary used to see first-hand how these industrial giants operated. As a marketing executive working in Dublin, his portfolio included Heineken and Harp lagers, as well as Murphy's stout. During his 15-year career in advertising he also helped to make Jameson the toast of whiskey drinkers all around the world.

Whiskey was very much the topic of conversation he had a few years ago with his buddies Barry Gallagher and Brian Fagan, who earned their living as drinks analysts, studying global trends in drink sales. They confided in Gary their conviction that there was room in the market for their own small distillery, though they were realistic enough to perceive that they did not have a clue how to set about it. He persuaded his friends that that if their hunch was correct, then he was just the man to market their wares.

'Barry and Brian had the idea and they came to me about the branding. I picked up the phone to call Kevin Keenan, creative director,' recalls Gary.

Within a few months, four became five as Barry's cousin Donal O'Gallachoir was added to the growing conspiracy. The Bray man was in the United States at the time selling whiskey, so he was a logical person to turn to. Five years ago, the quintet all had good careers in well established businesses but now they are committed to making Glendalough known in pubs and cocktail bars around the globe.

They looked at a whiskey market dominated by the likes of Jameson, Midleton, Bushmills and Cooley, all controlled by multi-national corporations. The conspirators, all men in their thirties, noted that distilling used to be scattered across Ireland in hundreds of locations rather than concentrated in a handful of places. It was time, they reckoned, to recapture some of the 19th-century approach and set up the first Irish craft distillery of the 21st century.

They hit on Glendalough and St Kevin as their inspiration.

'You can tell a great story with a spirit,' says Gary. 'Growing up, we were all brought for walks to Glendalough. It is an amazing and special place, a place we loved.' Heaven alone knows what the hermit Kevin would make of being enrolled in an alcoholic enterprise but McLoughlin insists that the saint provides plenty of inspiration. 'St Kevin is our favourite Irish monk and he is prominent on all our labels.' His namesake Kevin Keenan and Gary came up with the logo.

The image shows the holy man standing with arms extended and hands raised, a bird settled on his right palm. It illustrates the legend which tells how the saint chose to stay stock still for months on end rather than disturb the bird which had chosen to nest in his hand. The tale is certainly appropriate for production of whiskey, which takes a long, long time to mature. The five lads were just a tad more impatient than their holy inspiration as they set about their revolutionary activity.

So they have started out by selling whiskey distilled by someone else (though matured by Glendalough) and with producing drinks which take less time to make. They are the front-runners in an emerging movement which has already spawned a dozen new, small-scale distilleries around Ireland, with more on the way. Gary insists that it was the Irish who showed the Scots how to make 'uisce beatha' and now it is time for the Scots to return the compliment.

Production in Scotland comes from 100 or so plants and he believes there is no reason why this more scattered approach should not be mirrored on this side of the water. Scotch is huge business, though the Irish equivalent shows signs of catching up.

'Jameson have opened the way for Irish whiskey to be great again - they are brilliant,' comments Gary McLoughlin. He likes the way that Jameson not only makes and sells its products but also welcomes tourists who come to see the distillery in Dublin. The production line in Newtownmountkennedy is a less grand affair.

The day that the still arrived from the Black Forest in Germany at the business park is remembered with laughter by those involved.

'It was pretty much flat pack - like a big Ikea project.'

The assembled contraption now that they have put it successfully together is a thing of engineering beauty, with its assemblage of copper or stainless steel vats and pipes. It is now operated by Ciaran 'Rowdy' Rooney, who commutes out from Dublin city centre to tend to the process of turning Irish ingredients into Irish spirits. But the first batches were concocted by the five pioneers over weekends and during holidays. They immediately found takers for their liquor - not just for the whiskey they have matured in oaken barrels but also for poitin made from barley and sugar beet and for gin.

'I am full time since 2015,' says Gary on his move from advertising other people's products to selling his own wares. 'It was as big decision but I didn't have to think twice about it - Glendalough was flying.' The other four have followed suit at various stages and Glendalough is still 'flying'.

Two years ago the graphic of St Kevin with his arms outstretched was exhibited on the shelves behind the bars of eight countries. Now the total runs to 36 countries, with 16 people on the pay roll. Lithuania and Finland were recently added to the ever expanding list, with India due to come on stream shortly, though the US, Canada, UK, France and Germany are the major export markets.

The key destination is the United States, where Donal O'Gallachoir is based full time, ensuring that discerning drinkers in Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington DC are catered for by a team of 'brand ambassadors'.

Word is also spreading closer to home.

'This business is all about distribution,' explains McLoughlin, delighted to report that drink distilled in Co. Wicklow is beginning to find its way into SuperValu supermarkets and O'Brien's off-licences. Persuading retailing customers to sign up has been made easier by successes at events such as the San Francisco World Sprits competition. In 2015, a Glendalough entry was rated 'Best Irish Whiskey' by the discerning adjudicators in San Fran: 'I nearly fell off the chair when I got the news.'

With such honours to boast about, Rowdy Rooney is hard pushed to keep up with the demand and a second distiller will soon be added to the Glendalough Distillery payroll.

Glendalough gin is winning plenty of admirers, as it is fortified with some most unusual ingredients. Glenealy woman Geraldine Kavanagh has been recruited to add some Glendalough magic in the form of elderflowers, clover and wild raspberries to the mix.

'We are the first to do seasonal gin,' declares Gary, who has seen the mixologists in the cocktail bars of London fall in love with the 'Wild Botanical Gin'. Whiskey takes long years to bring to market, gaining flavour in bonded warehouses as it is stored in casks that once held bourbon or sherry, while gin can be cooked up in less than two months.

Glendalough Distillery has attracted admirers, including former Irish rugby captain Brian O'Driscoll, who can look forward to an expanding choice of offerings coming their way. The current range covers the whiskey (aged seven or 13 years), the poitin (selection embraces a sherry cask spirit and the dynamite 60% alcohol 'Mountain Strength') and the gin ('Wild Botanical' or pick any one of the four seasons).

The marketing spiel traces the history of distilling back to around the time of St Kevin when sixth-century Irish monasteries were recorded experimenting with rudimentary pot stills when not attending to their prayers. Gary and his comrades reckon they are tapping into the soul of Ireland's drinks tradition as they bid to recapture the days when the island boasted more than 200 licensed distilleries.

Cheers!
This month, musical mania will grip Skerries when Magic Carpet Productions present 'Summertime Musicals' in Skerries Harps GAA club.

Toe-tapping and hand-clapping hits from such famous shows as 'Chicago', 'Guys & Dolls', 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 'Fiddler on the Roof' and 'Miss Saigon', to name but some, are sure to have audiences in high spirits as befits a summer spectacular like Summertime Musicals.

Director, Anne Stack has assembled a stellar cast led by the musical expertise of Noreen Gavin.

There is however a very serious and worthwhile purpose to this event and all proceeds will be donated to Nurture Counselling Services.

CEO of Nurture, Irene Lowry explained: 'Losing a baby is one of the most harrowing and tragic events in any persons life. Among many others, Nurture supports a wonderful couple who lost a gorgeous little baby boy in late 2016. We now invite everyone to join us for a very special evening of Summertime Musicals to celebrate the short life of their beautiful son.'

Producer Susan Keogh said: 'This is a very special cause and one that is close to our hearts. We are delighted and privileged to be associated with Nurture and we are sure that the people of Skerries will support such a worthy cause and in doing so will help to save lives.'

Nurture, the maternal mental health charity was born in Rush, grew up in Skerries and has recently moved to a new base in the ICA grounds in Termonfeckin. The charity, which provides support around the area of depression in pregnancy, fertility issues, post-natal depression and grief, was started by seven years ago by Irene Lowry, a qualified counsellor, at her home in Rush.

It has now established its nationwide base at the ICA lands in Termonfeckin and Nurture is now the ICA's chosen mental health charity in Ireland offering immediate supports to all their members. So far this year, Nuture counsellors have seen 1,000 women and 250 men.

While the charity originally focused on post natal depression, Irene said the demand for services grew with women coping with the loss of babies or following miscarriages seeking counselling sessions while others struggle to deal with the emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatment and IVF.

Summertime Musicals will take place in Skerries Harps GAA club on Friday, August 18 at 8pm. (Doors open 7.30pm). Tickets are 10 and are available from Skerries Bookshop. For further information telephone 087 7510464.
In a major coup for the local theatre, Rush's Millbank Theatre is to host the Pat Kinevane Trilogy fresh from the production's run at The Peacock.

The production will be on the Rush stage from Thursday, August 10 to Saturday, August 12 and promises to an unforgettable show for local audiences.

In 2006, Fishamble produced Pat Kinevane' first solo play, Forgotten and together they started a remarkable journey which would see them create an outstanding trilogy of work which has been critically acclaimed both in Ireland and across the world.

Forgotten was followed in 2011 by a second play, Silent, and by Underneath in 2014, all three written and performed by Pat Kinevane and directed by Jim Culleton.

Fishamble has continued to tour these remarkable productions in Ireland and internationally, including performances in Prague, Romania, Bulgaria, Germany, Turkey, Switzerland, England, Scotland, Wales, Croatia, Serbia, Iceland, Finland, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Washington DC, Boston, New York and Los Angeles.

Most recently, these plays have been presented together as Fishamble's Pat Kinevane Trilogy at the Town Hall Theatre in Galway, Hawk's Well Theatre in Sligo, and at a sold-out run at the Peacock Theatre in association with the Abbey Theatre. Now Forgotten, Underneath and Silent are coming to the Millbank Theatre in Rush, Co Dublin, for one performance each!

The run at the Millbank in Rush begins on Thursday, August 10 with 'Forgotten' - a unique collage of Kabuki dance and Irish storytelling, Forgotten has been a huge international success for Fishamble during the past decade. It is a captivating portrayal of four elderly characters living in retirement homes around Ireland. Pat Kinevane's haunting performance brings to life these sometimes forgotten voices of society.

On Friday, August 11th, The Millbank hosts 'Underneath'. This stunning play is a blackly comic, rich and vivid tale of a life lived in secret, a testament to the people who live on the fringes, under the nose of everyday life. The multi award-winning Fishamble production explores the surface, and what lies underneath.

The three night, three play run ends on Saturday, August 12 with 'Hopeless' - the homeless McGoldrig has lost it all - including his mind. Dare to laugh at despair and gasp at redemption in this brave, bleak, beautiful production for which Fishamble and Pat Kinevane won an Olivier Award last year.

Fishamble is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed theatre company, dedicated to the discovery, development and production of new work. Fishamble is committed to touring throughout Ireland and internationally, and typically presents over 200 performances of its plays in approximately 60 venues per year.

Booking Information for the three shows is at www.millbanktheatre.ie

Tickets are 60 for all three plays or 25 for a single show and can be booked by phoning 01 8437475 or email bookings@millbanktheatre.ie
The small rural community of Drishogue was left shocked and saddened by the grim discovery of the body of a 32-year-old Polish national at a laneway off the Ballyboughal to Oldtown Road, last Friday morning.

Gardai have identified the body as Michal Kurek (32), originally from Poland who had been living in the Dublin area for a number of years and was brutally killed, stabbed up to 40 times.

Ballyboughal-based councillor, Cllr David O'Connor knows the rural and mostly agricultural community where Mr Kurke's body was found, intimately. He told the Fingal Independent that everyone in Drishogue was 'shocked that someone can be so brutally murdered and left on the side of the road, like that'.

Investigating Gardai are appealing to the public for information in relation to Mr Kurek's recent movements and to friends and associates to contact the incident room at Balbriggan Garda Station on 01-802 0510, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

A local man discovered the body and alerted gardai in Balbriggan who were on scene at approximately 10.40am.

The scene was preserved and the offices of the State Pathologists and the Garda Technical Bureau were notified.

Gardai are working on the assumption that Mr Kurek was not killed where he was dumped.

No arrests have been made so far but Gardai are understood to be reviewing CCTV coverage in the area to identify any vehicle that may have been used in the dumping of the body.

At a media briefing at Balbriggan Garda Station on Friday, Superintendent Noel Carolan confirmed this was a 'murder investigation'.

He said: 'It looks as if he (Mr Kurek) could have been there overnight, or maybe even a couple of days before that.'

He added: '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.'
While some have criticised the length of time taken to deliver the Balbriggan Primary Care Centre, others have dismissed its arrival as 'window dressing' and says it will not bring additional services but centralise existing ones.

Local Sinn Fein TD, Louise O'Reilly described the facility as 'window dressing' earlier this year, as the HSE announced the building's construction was completed.

Deputy O'Reilly said the HSE Service Plan for 2017 shows that 'the new primary care centre in Balbriggan will not have any new staff employed, any additional beds or any additional capital spending'.

The Sinn Fein Health Spokesperson said: the Government's primary care programme was 'window dressing' and was 'providing new buildings but no new staff'.

But Senator James Reilly who put the centre on the national agenda as Minister for Health is still a big supporter of the facility and defended it against its critics who he accused of 'scaremongering'.

He said: 'A new modern Primary Care Centre will present attractive opportunities for our young doctors to work in Balbriggan and offer a comprehensive service to the local community.

'Balbriggan has a currently has a population of 25,000 with 7,000 kids in schools in the area. The town is growing at pace and is predicted to grow to 35,000 over the next few years.

'Mental Health services in the town are being moved to the Primary Care Centre from its existing location at Hampton Street in Balbriggan to the bright new spacious Primary Care Centre.'

He added: 'Primary Health Networks have been established with the key objectives of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes, and improving coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.'

The Primary Care Centre has had a long and difficult birth and it will now be down to the people who use it in Balbriggan to determine whether or not it is a success.
A fishmongers in Skerries is among 13 businesses on the coasts of Fingal, Meath and Louth to benefit from a new round of grants for coastal community projects.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle TD, recently joined BIM, Ireland's Seafood Development Agency and the North East Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) in the National Maritime Museum of Ireland, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin to announce grant aid of 219,310 to 13 distinctive maritime projects across coastal communities in counties Louth, Meath and Dublin that will deliver a total investment of 434,337.

FLAG North East is one of seven regional FLAG groups that operate under the FLAG programme, co-funded by the Exchequer and European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and contributes to the Action Plan for Rural Development. Administered by BIM, the scheme will provide 12 million in funding to Ireland's coastal communities over the duration of the programme from 2014 - 2020.

Fourth generation fishmongers in Dublin, Egan's Ocean Fresh is steeped in the fishing and seafood industry. This project, led by Egan's, involves the fit out of a new wet fish and cooked seafood processing facility located in Fingal, designed to service the increase in demand from existing customers and expansion into new markets. This facility will also include a factory retail outlet.

Currently trading as a fishmonger and wet fish processor based in Skerries Co. Dublin, Egan's supplies local retail customers with value added fresh fish sourced locally and processed on their premises. They also supply to restaurants and hotels in the North East Region.

The new facility will be home to 'Simon's Fishcakes' a company to whom Egans currently supplies whitefish. Simon's produce, high end Fishcakes for Supervalu Supermarkets in Leinster and are now about to go nationwide.

This FLAG funded project will allow both of these businesses to expand and service the increase in demand for their current seafood products, but it will also allow their exciting, newly developed products to be brought to market. New products include Egan's Gravalax a uniquely cured salmon product crusted in dill.

Chairman of FLAG North East, Garret O'Brien, said: 'The projects to be funded by FLAG North East highlight the rich coastal heritage, seafood and marine tourism potential of Louth, Meath and Dublin. Because of the FLAG Programme and the projects we support, we are seeing increased community collaborations and huge energy in the North East. We can see this across all 13 approved projects and the many more vying for future funds. What this clearly demonstrates to me is the passion amongst those in our coastal communities for our region, for its seaside, shoreline and seafood. There is a real desire to work together to maintain and promote these assets and to capture the opportunities our beautiful Coast presents.'
Alexandra Shulman, novelist and editor in chief of British Vogue, at the FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival on April 1, 2017 in Oxford, England. (Photo by David Levenson/Getty Images)

Alexandra Shulman, the former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, has started a body confidence conversation with a bikini selfie.

The columnist and author (59), who was at the helm of the style bible for 25 years before announcing her resignation in January, is being praised for posting a picture of her 'bikini body' on holiday in Greece with the simple caption, "Time for the boat".

There's no "brave" or "inspiring" caption alongside the pic, but the fact that Shulman has a body more in line with her readers than the super skinny models she featured in Vogue for decades, has earned her new legions of fans.

The mother-of-one reveled back in 2009 that she doesn't stress about hitting the beach and her only pre-summer preparation is a good pedicure.

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"My chosen method of preparation for the great summer unveiling is to have a really good pedicure, so that my toes are ready to greet the fresh air for the first time this year, with a little help from three layers of Butter's coral-coloured Macbeth varnish," she wrote in a column for the Daily Mail.

"I am comfortable in my body. I don't think it's particularly great, but it doesn't bother me hugely and makes me realise that being comfortable with your figure has relatively little to do with how you actually look.

"Perhaps I've been lucky enough to be surrounded by men who have been very appreciative of it, educated enough to know that there are more interesting things one can offer than a flat stomach."

Despite holding the "dream job" for many, she said in a statement earlier this year that her decision to leave was motivated by a simple desire to find her identity outside of Vogue.

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"It has been very hard to find a rational reason to leave what is unquestionably a fascinating and rewarding role but last autumn I realised that I very much wanted to experience a different life and look forward to a future separate to Vogue," she explained in a statement.

"Although I have had months to acclimatise to the idea of leaving Vogue, it hasnt made the moment of announcing this any less sad. I have been incredibly privileged to have been able to look after such a great magazine for so long and even more to have worked with so many people over those years who have made the experience so interesting and rich."

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"It was difficult to decide to leave but 25 years is a very long time and I am tremendously excited that I will now look forward into a different future," Shulman added, "but I know that nothing will be quite like the years I have spent at Vogue."
The Duchess of Cambridge departs after a visit to the De Bouwkeet Work Space in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte attend a ceremony to mark their departure at Victoria Harbour seaplane terminal in Victoria during the Royal Tour of Canada.

The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at County Hall on the Southbank in London, as they mark World Mental Health Day.

The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry arrive at County Hall on the Southbank in London, as they mark World Mental Health Day.

The Duchess of Cambridge arrives to officially open the new Haida Gwaii Hospital, in Haida Gwaii, Canada, on the seventh day of the Royal Tour to Canada.

The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry arrive at County Hall on the Southbank in London, as they mark World Mental Health Day.

The Duchess of Cambridge arriving at the Mauritshuis in The Hague to visit an exhibition of 22 picture by Dutch artists loaned to the art gallery from the Royal Collection.

Kate Middleton is to appear on the cover of Vogue. Photo: PA

The pictures were taken by Josh Olins, one of the worlds leading fashion photographers Credit: Josh Olins/Vogue

British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman has revealed what Kate Middleton was really like to work with on set of her recent cover.

The Duchess of Cambridge shot in secret in Norfolk for the centenary issue of British Vogue and the style bible's long-standing editor praised her as "incredibly likeable".

Details of the shoot were kept under lock and key and the 35-year-old royal famously drove up to set wearing rollers

Shulman, who has been at the helm of the publication for 22 years, compared Kate's serious approach to her role to that of her late mother-in-law Princess Diana.

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"She's incredibly likeable. She really is. She wants to do what she's doing well, and she's very professional," she told ES Magazine.

"Diana was more interested in that high-voltage celebrity, that was something she really embraced. The Duchess of Cambridge is prepared to do her bit, but it's not one of the things that she most cares about."

"She loves her kids and the countryside. Dressing up, that's a professional side to her. It's a sort of uniform, all those lovely couture costumes."

Landing Middleton for the cover was a major coup for the magazine as it marked Kate's first ever magazine interview and photoshoot and likely her last for some time.

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Whatsapp The Duchess of Cambridge arrives to officially open the new Haida Gwaii Hospital, in Haida Gwaii, Canada, on the seventh day of the Royal Tour to Canada.

The iconic cover was kept under wraps for four months despite the fact that Schulman allowed a documentary crew inside the Vogue offices for a BBC Two special.
Australia's largest airline Qantas announced a partnership with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba on Friday, that will see Chinese travellers able to buy flights from Qantas directly on the associated site.

The partnership to create a strategic relationship between the two companies gives the world-renowned Australian airline access to over 507 million active mobile users of the Alibaba platform in China, with over 75 percent of those users aged 35 years old or younger.

The chief executive of Qantas, Gareth Evans, lauded the partnership, and said it will make the process of coming to Australia easier for the many Chinese tourists who would like to, and do travel there every year.

"With travel between China and Australia booming ... (this) is an exciting opportunity for us to have a connection with younger Chinese travellers, who increasingly turn to mobile applications," Evans said.

Evans said his company plans to develop its presence in China even further, with the airline already operating more than 130 return flights between Australia and China every week.

With many of the likely users of this new platform being millennials, this relationship is set to take advantage of a shift in travellers that was identified by the managing director of Tourism Australia, John O'Sullivan, who said in a recent interview with Xinhua that the nature of Chinese tourism to Australia is changing.

"What we are seeing now is an amazing change within the Chinese tourists in Australia. We are seeing a far more sophisticated visitor coming to Australia than was coming probably two or three years ago," O'Sullivan said.

According to figures from the Australian Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport, and Regional Economics, airline passenger traffic between Australia and China was up 28.7 percent in 2016.
Johnny Depp's daughter Lily-Rose Depp cemented her spot in the modelling industry as she graced the catwalk during the finale of the Chanel show at Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris.

The 17-year-old - who is carving out a career of her own as a model and actress - wore creative director Karl Lagerfeld's most ostentatious design of the collection; a powder pink, heavily ruffled bridal gown.

Lagerfeld joined his young muse on the catwalk during the event, which also saw models-of-the-moment Kendall Jenner, 21, and Bella Hadid, 20, sport his couture designs.

Despite Jenner and Hadid's presence, Depp was the star of the show - having landed the coveted finale spot due to her affiliation with French fashion house Chanel.

Depp has walked the runway for Chanel in recent years, and has fronted two of its campaigns - including for its new fragrance Chanel No.5 L'Eau.

The rising star was supported at the fashion presentation by her mother, French model and actress Vanessa Paradis, also a Chanel ambassador.

As well as her flourishing fashion career, Depp has a handful of acting credits under her belt and received a nomination for most promising actress at the Lumieres Awards, a French film awards, for her role in French musical drama The Dancer.

She also recently starred opposite Natalie Portman in Planetarium, a drama about two sisters who perform as supernatural mediums in 1930s France.

Depp is prominent on social media, with 2.4 million followers on Instagram, and last year used the platform to defend her Hollywood star father during his bitter divorce battle from Amber Heard.
At least 19 migrants are presumed to have drowned after 160 people were forced from a boat into rough seas off the coast of Yemen by smugglers in what may be a worrying new trend, the UN migration agency has said.

The report from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) came less than a day after it said up to 50 migrants from Ethiopia and Somalia were "deliberately drowned" by smugglers who pushed them from a separate boat off the coast of Shabwa province in southern Yemen.

"We're wondering if this is a new trend," said Olivia Headon, an IOM spokesperson. "The smugglers are well aware of what's happening in Yemen, so it may just be they're trying to protect their own neck while putting other people's lives at risk." Six bodies were found on the beach, while 13 remain missing, presumed dead, Ms Headon said.

Smugglers were pushing migrants into the sea away from the mainland for fear of government boats, amid reinforced border controls, or to avoid encountering armed groups on shore in the war-torn country, the IOM said. They were then going back to Africa to pick up more migrants. The passengers were mostly from Ethiopia and had an average age of around 16. In the first drowning, on Wednesday, smugglers pushed 120 passengers into the water using guns and other weapons.

The narrow waters between the Horn of Africa and Yemen have been a popular migration route despite Yemen's ongoing civil war. Migrants, most of them Ethiopians, try to make their way to the oil-rich Gulf countries. Along the route, they are vulnerable to abuse by armed trafficking rings, many of them believed to be connected to the armed groups involved in the war.

"They're sold this idea of a future that probably doesn't even exist in the Gulf countries where they can make money they wouldn't make at home, where they can get a job and start providing for themselves or their families," Ms Headon said. "Unfortunately this dream can become death, because they are not equipped with all the information about the dangers of the route.

"Right now, it's the windy season, it's not safe to be in these small boats crossing these waters. Yemen is in conflict, they might be aware of that, but they might not know the whole extent. What it comes down to is that they know the risks, but they've got this pitch that has been sold to them by these salesmen, these absolute criminals. It's like a balancing act: 'Do I stay here or do I go to this place that has been sold to me as heaven, even when I know the risk and could be abused along the way?'"

Yemen's conflict itself is a deadly risk. In March, Somalia's government blamed the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen for an attack on a boat that killed at least 42 Somali refugees off Yemen's coast.

More than 111,500 migrants landed on Yemen's shores last year, up from about 100,000 the year before, according to the Regional Mixed Migration Secretariat, a grouping of international agencies that monitors migration in the area.

Already this year 55,000 migrants have taken the hazardous route from the Horn of Africa to Yemen to seek possible opportunities offered in the Gulf, the IOM said.

Yemen itself is beset by a two-year civil war in which forces loyal to the Saudi-backed government are pitted against Iran-backed Houthi rebels. ( Independent News Service)
Smugglers have thrown some 280 migrants into the sea off the coast of Yemen in the last two days, causing more than 50 to drown and leaving over 30 missing, the UN migration agency has said.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the migrants who were forced from boats in two separate "deeply troubling" incidents were hoping to reach countries in the Gulf via war-torn Yemen.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said on Wednesday that up to 50 migrants from Ethiopia and Somalia were "deliberately drowned" by a smuggler off Yemen. The UN agency said 160 Ethiopian migrants were violently forced into the Arabian Sea on Thursday.

The IOM said in a statement that its staff found six bodies on the beach - two male and four female - and 13 people are still missing. It said 84 migrants left the beach before IOM staff arrived while it provided emergency medical assistance as well as food and water to 57 surviving migrants.

Mr Dujarric said the situation for migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara desert are "just as heartbreaking" as the tragedy unfolding off Yemen.

He said 2,405 people have died or disappeared during their attempts to cross the Mediterranean and more than 265 people have died or were missing while travelling across the Sahara trying to reach the sea.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "is heartbroken by this continuing tragedy," Mr Dujarric said.

"This is why he continues to stress that the international community must give priority to preventing and resolving a variety of situations which both generate mass movement and expose those already on the move to significant danger," the UN spokesman said.

"We must also increase legal pathways for regular migration and offer credible alternative to these dangerous crossings for people in need of international protection," Mr Dujarric said.

The narrow waters between the Horn of Africa and Yemen have been a popular migration route despite Yemen's conflict. Migrants, most of them Ethiopians, try to make their way to oil-rich Gulf countries in hopes of finding jobs.

Laurent de Boeck, the IOM's chief of mission in Yemen, told The Associated Press that some of the migrants trying to reach Yemen "are not aware at all that there is a war. Sometimes they don't even believe us when we explain it to them".

Just by making land they feel "they are halfway to wealthy," he said.

In the first drownings on Wednesday, a smuggler forced more than 120 migrants into the sea as they approached Yemen's coast, the IOM said. Its staffers found the shallow graves of 29 migrants on a beach in Shabwa during a routine patrol. At least 22 migrants remained missing.

The passengers' average age was around 16, the IOM said.

"The survivors told our colleagues on the beach that the smuggler pushed them to the sea when he saw some 'authority types' near the coast," Mr de Boeck said earlier. "They also told us that the smuggler has already returned to Somalia to continue his business and pick up more migrants to bring to Yemen on the same route."

Mr de Boeck called the suffering of migrants on the route enormous, especially during the current windy season on the Indian Ocean.

"Too many young people pay smugglers with the false hope of a better future," he said.

The IOM says about 55,000 migrants have left Horn of Africa nations for Yemen since January, most from Somalia and Ethiopia fleeing drought and unrest at home. Many leave from points in Djibouti, with some departing from Somalia. A third of them are estimated to be women.

"Some are coming for the third time. They didn't succeed, they went back home, but the parents didn't agree with the fact that they didn't succeed so they send them back. And they have no choice," Mr de Boeck told the Associated Press. "They are between 12 and 25 years old."

Migrants travelling from Djibouti pay about 126, while migrants travelling from northern Somalia pay between 165 and 209 because the route to Yemen is longer.

Mr de Boeck expressed regret that the European Union is more focused on Mediterranean routes where smugglers have also cast migrants trying to reach Europe adrift.

"They have forgotten us a little bit," Mr de Boeck said.

In Ethiopia, people expressed outrage on social media over the drownings.

"This is an unprecedented level of cruelty," wrote one Facebook user, Behailu Talegeta.

Despite the fighting in Yemen, African migrants continue to arrive in the country where there is no central authority to prevent them from travelling onward. The migrants are vulnerable to abuse by armed trafficking rings, many of them believed to be connected to the armed groups involved in the war.

Yemen's conflict itself is a deadly risk. In March, Somalia's government blamed the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen for an attack on a boat that killed at least 42 Somali refugees off Yemen's coast.

More than 111,500 migrants landed on Yemen's shores last year, up from around 100,000 the year before, according to the Regional Mixed Migration Secretariat, a grouping of international agencies that monitors migration in the area.
The superhero made his feelings on the matter very clear (lisafx/Getty Images/PA)

Captain Planet is inspiring people around the world once more with his latest plea to Australians.

The official Facebook page for the 90s hero shared a post with a picture of the shows characters running under a rainbow, with text reading Heart not hate above them.

The accompanying message reminds Australian fans to register for a postal vote in the upcoming plebiscite on same-sex marriage in the country.

Without heart, there would be no Captain Planet! Australia, you have only 14 days to make sure you are enrolled to vote for the postal vote on same sex marriage: http://www.aec.gov.au/enrol/ THE POWER IS YOURS! Posted by Captain Planet on Thursday, August 10, 2017

Using his signature catch phrase, the environmental superhero tells Australians the power is yours to vote for the legalisation of gay marriage in the country.

The vote is voluntary (unlike voting in elections in the country) and non-binding, so the government would not have to act on the outcome.

It is hoped by some supporters of same-sex marriage that a Yes vote would inspire parliament to get moving on enshrining the decision in law.

Some commenters on the Captain Planet Facebook post questioned the characters intervention. One said: Now i know for sure Captain Planet dont [sic] manage his own account to which the people behind the account replied: Actually I very much do, with the people who made the show. The Power Is Yours!

In reply to another comment, the team behind the page wrote: People are a huge part of our planet and caring about each other is one of the most important things we can do to make our world a better place.

The power of heart is all about compassion, caring about our planet and each other  and like when we did episodes about children in war torn countries, Aids and gun violence  we care.

Australians must register to vote by the 24th August.
First responders work at the site of an accident after a coach hit the wall of the Qinling Mountains No. 1 Tunnel on the Jingkun Expressway

A long-distance passenger bus has crashed into the wall of a highway tunnel in north-west China, killing at least 36 people, including two children, and injuring 13 others.

The vehicle smashed into the wall at the entrance to the tunnel on the four-lane highway.

The crash happened in Shaanxi province shortly before midnight on Thursday local time, as the bus, with a legal carrying capacity of 51, was on its way to Luoyang, a city in central China, from Chengdu, the capital of the south-western province of Sichuan.

Long-distance buses are a common mode of budget transport, particularly for migrant workers and people on low incomes.

Xinhua News Agency and other media outlets said the bus was the only vehicle damaged, although it was not clear if any other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Two children were among those killed, reports said.

Minister of public security Guo Shengkun ordered a swift investigation into the accident, according to state broadcaster China Central Television.

Highway accidents are common in China because of high speeds, aggressive driving and a failure to leave adequate braking distance.

The World Health Organisation estimates traffic accidents kill around 260,000 people in mainland China each year - a rate of 18.8 in every 100,000 people.
North Korea released this propaganda photo of a mass rally in Pyongyang this week in support of Kim Jong-un. Picture: Reuters

US President Donald Trump has said North Korea's leader will "regret it fast" if he threatens or acts against Guam or any other US territory or ally.

Trump said tens of millions of Americans support his tough position on North Korea's nuclear danger.

Following days of grave threats to North Korea, Mr Trump directed his latest warning directly to the communist country's leader, Kim Jong Un.

Earlier today Trump tweeted that the US military is "locked and loaded" as he warned North Korea over its continuing threats.

American and South Korean officials said they would move forward with large-scale military exercises later this month that North Korea, which has laid out plans to strike near the US territory of Guam, claims are a rehearsal for war.

President Trump tweeted on Friday morning: "Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path."

Two days after North Korea laid out its plans to strike near Guam with unsettling specificity, there was no observable march toward combat, despite the angry rhetoric from both sides.
Stephen McGown was the longest-held of a number of foreigners seized by Islamic extremists in Mali.

A Briton held hostage by al Qaida for six years in West Africa has revealed he converted to Islam in captivity.

Stephen McGown, who also has South African citizenship, was captured in Mali while on a motorcycle tour of Africa.

The 42-year-old said his captors treated him better after he adopted Islam, giving him clothes, food and medication.

"I did my best to see the best in a bad situation," he said.

He described how he learned some Arabic to communicate and said he watched birds migrate "backwards and forwards" across the vast Sahara.

He was released with Swede Johan Gustafsson, 42, and in their first appearance since freedom, the pair said they were not clear whether any ransom was paid for their release.

"I think it's wrong to pay ransoms," Mr Gustafsson, who was freed in June, said.

"I hope they let me out because they were tired of me."

Sweden has insisted it never paid any ransom and that his release was obtained through negotiations.

Mr Gustafsson and Mr McGown were the longest-held of a number of foreigners seized by Islamic extremists in Mali, where several armed groups roam the 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.

Mr McGown told reporters in South Africa he did not know whether any ransom was paid for his release in late July. South Africa's government has said it paid no ransom.

He said he was well-treated during his long years in the desert, but "you always knew you were a prisoner".

Mr McGown also said he found out about his mother's death in May just minutes before he arrived home in South Africa.

Dutchman Sjaak Rijke also was seized with Mr Gustafsson and Mr McGown in Timbuktu but was rescued by French forces in April 2015. A fellow German traveller was killed during the kidnapping.

The founder of the South African aid organisation Gift of the Givers Foundation, which helped mediate Mr McGown's release, said he did not know whether any ransom was paid or any prisoners exchanged for the men's release.

But Imtiaz Sooliman said the extremists' initial demands started at 10 million euros (9 million) per captive.

When asked how they coped during their long years in the desert with their captors, Mr Gustafsson said he converted to Islam "to save my life."

He said fleeing the extremists had been "out of the question."

AP
EU officials say 15 countries including Hong Kong have reported receiving contaminated eggs or egg products in a growing food scandal.

The European Union plans to hold an extraordinary meeting late next month over a growing tainted egg scandal as it revealed that products contaminated with an insecticide have now spread to 17 countries.

Millions of eggs have been destroyed or pulled from supermarket shelves since July 20, when it was made public that the pesticide Fipronil, which is dangerous to human health, was found mixed with another treatment sprayed on chickens for ticks, fleas and lice, known as Dega 16.

Almost all lab tests show that only very low levels of Fipronil - seven to 10 times lower than the maximum permitted - have been detected in eggs from the treated chickens, although one test in Belgium was above the European limit.

Poisoning by small doses has few effects and requires little treatment. Heavy and prolonged exposure can damage the kidneys and liver or cause seizures.

The scandal has caused major political fallout, with neighbours Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany squabbling over who is to blame, and who knew what and when.

Poultry farmers have been hardest hit, and are blaming the chemical industry for compromising their business and exposing consumers to danger.

The EU's executive Commission said on Friday that contaminated eggs have been found at producers in four countries; Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Eggs or egg products from those producers have reached Austria, Britain, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia and Sweden, as well as Switzerland and Hong Kong outside the EU.

The Commission announced that it is aiming to hold talks between EU ministers and food safety agencies concerned on September 26.

"The aim is to draw the relevant lessons and discuss the ways to continuously improve the effectiveness of the EU system to deal with food fraud," Commission spokeswoman Mina Andreeva said.

She said the EU's "priority remains to manage the situation, to continue to coordinate and to reassure our citizens".

In France, Agriculture Minister Stephane Travert said that tests on imported eggs contaminated with pesticide show no risk to public health.

Mr Travert said on RMC radio that some 244,000 eggs imported from the Netherlands and Belgium and sold in France were affected.

He said test results received overnight from the French food safety agency on affected eggs and egg products showed "the level of contamination does not present a risk for the consumer".

France has also confirmed one farm in the Nord-Pas de Calais region was found to have used Fipronil, and is now blocked from selling eggs.

The Agriculture Ministry says the French farm reported on July 28, as the scandal was coming to light, that Dega 16 had been used on the farm by a Belgian subcontractor, and the ministry claims no eggs concerned have been sold.

Danish food safety authorities say 20 tons of boiled and peeled eggs linked to the pesticide scandal were sold in recent months to a distributor in Denmark, which in turn sold them to canteens, cafes and catering companies in the country.

The agency said on Thursday the Danish distributor, Danaeg Products, has been ordered to recall the eggs because "the content is illegal", but "not dangerous".

German Agriculture Ministry spokeswoman Jennifer Reinhard said on Friday "the facts need to be swiftly and fully investigated".

She noted that there are rapid alert systems that should be used if consumers are at risk.

"There must be no compromises when it comes to food safety," Ms Reinhard said.

"Information needs to be shared between (EU) member states without delay."

In Poland, Jan Bondar, a spokesman for the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate, said that an estimated 40,000 potentially contaminated eggs have been imported but were not sold to consumers.

He said the eggs came from the Netherlands and were delivered by a German company.

Contamination has not been confirmed, but they came from farms where contaminated eggs were found.

He said the eggs would either be destroyed or returned to the producer.

AP
Xiaomi overtook Apple in the global wearable band market in Q2, according to an industry analyst.

The market grew 8 percent year on year in the second quarter, Canalys said in a research report.

Xiaomi topped the market with shipments of 3.5 million units, closely followed by U.S. firm Fitbit, which shipped 3.3 million units, a 34-percent year-on-year decline, Canalys estimated.

Apple fell to third place with 2.7 million shipments.

The smartwatch market will grow in H2, driven by cellular-enabled smarwatches, with 12 million units forecast to be shipped by the end of the year, according to the report.

Xiaomi also posted record-high quarterly smartphone sales in the second quarter and aims to ship 100 million smartphones in 2018.
Chris Walker has been slammed for his comments about travellers

An English former mayor has caused controversy by claiming that travellers in the UK "should go back to Ireland" with their "thieving and filthy ways".

His comments were made in a heated email exchange with Labour councillor, Julian Ware-Lane.

Mr Ware-Lane called for more "compassion, tolerance and understanding" of the traveller community in Southend-on-Sea, Essex in an email to his fellow local councillors.

He said that he is "seriously concerned that the traveller community gets treated like pariahs and are shifted from pillar to post".

He received a reply from Chris Walker (72), a Conservative councillor and former mayor of Southend.

Mr Walker said: "They are treated like pariahs because they are pariahs. They have been driven from Ireland whence they emanate because of their thieving and filthy ways."

He added: "They contribute nothing to society in the way of taxes etc and create filth wherever they go.

Why should we make allowance for them? It would be better for all if they were to learn the foolishness of their ways and go back to Ireland.

They are their own worst enemies."

Mr Ware-Lane shared the response on his blog http://awordfromwier.blogspot.ie.

He said that he hopes Mr Walker rethinks his comments, retracts them and then aplogises.
Washington has imposed sanctions on eight Venezuelan officials for their role in creating an all-powerful legislative body loyal to President Nicolas Maduro, while a mayor-turned-fugitive called for more anti-government protests.

The new US sanctions targeted politicians and security figures but stopped short of actions against Venezuela's vital oil industry. Energy sector sanctions, which could cripple Venezuela's already ailing economy, are still being considered, US officials said.

The sanctions followed Friday's installation of a legislative superbody known as the constituent assembly, made up entirely of allies of the ruling Socialist Party and armed with the power to re-write the constitution.

The assembly's first action was to fire Venezuela's chief prosecutor, who had accused Mr Maduro of human rights abuses, confirming opposition fears that the assembly would purge the government of dissenting voices.

Mr Maduro's loyalist Supreme Court has, meanwhile, stepped up the prosecution of opposition politicians including Ramon Muchacho, mayor of the wealthy Chacao district of capital city Caracas.

Mr Muchacho appeared in a video shot from a secret location after the court removed him from office and sentenced him to 15 months in prison on Tuesday for failing to halt anti-government protests in his district.

"To all Venezuelans, the message is to continue in this struggle," said a bearded Mr Muchacho, clad in a white T-shirt emblazoned with the Venezuelan flag and appearing before a plain white backdrop. The video was circulated on social media.

Chacao has been the epicentre of demonstrations against Mr Maduro, and Mr Muchacho's video could help breathe new life into the protest movement. The massive street protests seen before the election of the assembly have lost steam while anti-Maduro activists try to draw up a strategy for the future.

The Supreme Court said on Wednesday, via Facebook, that it had sentenced David Smolansky, of the El Hatillo district of Caracas, to 15 months in prison, fired him from his post and ordered his arrest. Mr Smolansky, the fifth mayor to face such sanctions this year, was also accused of defying an order to prevent opposition protests from blocking streets.
An Oxford University employee who spent more than a week as a fugitive with a US professor has appeared in court accused of murdering a 26-year-old hair stylist.

Somerville College's Andrew Warren (56) and Professor Wyndham Lathem (42) are suspected of repeatedly stabbing Trenton Cornell-Duranleau in the academic's Chicago apartment.

Warren confirmed he is the wanted man and declined to fight his extradition to Chicago to face a murder charge as he appeared in court in San Francisco on Friday.

The Briton, appearing in a baggy, orange prison-issued sweatshirt and jogging bottoms, was denied bail and will be held in custody.

Judge Edward Torpoco said: "Based on the nature of the charge, the defendant is remanded and no bail is set."

Warren timidly entered the room in San Francisco's Hall of Justice while being filmed and photographed by the press.

Listening to the judge's procedural questions assisted by a hearing aid, he quietly agreed he would not oppose extradition and said he would accept a public lawyer on the basis he could not afford his own.

The judge permitted filming on the basis he had already been subject to extensive publicity as the subject of an eight-day manhunt.

Warren and Lathem gave themselves up separately in California, more than 2,000 miles away from the crime scene.

Warren, who says online he lives in Swindon, Wiltshire, has since been suspended from his job as senior treasury assistant.

He had been reported missing to Thames Valley Police two days before the body was found, having left the UK on July 24.

Microbiologist Lathem, since sacked by Northwestern University, plans to plead not guilty, according to his lawyer Kenneth Wine who described him as a "gentle soul".

Chicago Police have said Lathem was in a "personal relationship" with the victim.

The force said the corpse of Mr Cornell-Duranleau, originally from Corunna, Michigan, was found mutilated in a "very violent scene" on July 27.

After the hearing, his lawyer, Ariel Boyce-Smith, said: "Mr Warren is agreeable to being transported to Chicago, he wants the process to be started.

"I just want to remind everyone that he is presumed innocent and his agreement to go there to start the process is where we are now."
Defiant Donald Trump has warned Kim Jong Un's government to "get their act together" or face extraordinary trouble - suggesting he had been too mild when he vowed to unleash "fire and fury" on North Korea if it continued to threaten the US.

"Maybe that statement wasn't tough enough," the US president said, firing the latest salvo in the escalating exchange of threats between the nuclear-armed nations.

There was no obvious march towards combat, a day after North Korea laid out plans to strike near the US island territory and major military hub of Guam, despite the angry rhetoric from both sides, but the stage is set for new confrontation.

But how did this dispute start?

Here's all you need to know about the current tensions between the US and North Korea.

Expand Close American student Otto Warmbier was sentenced to hard labour by a court in North Korea (AP/Jon Chol Jin) / Facebook

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Whatsapp American student Otto Warmbier was sentenced to hard labour by a court in North Korea (AP/Jon Chol Jin)

When did this begin?

Donald Trump first became irate with North Korea when Otto Warmbier, the 22-year-old American student who was detained in North Korea in 2016, died just six days after he was returned to the United States.

He had been arrested for trying to steal a propaganda poster, he returned to the US in a coma in June.

His family declined to confirm his cause of death but said he had been subjected to "awful, torturous mistreatment."

President Donald Trump called North Korea a "brutal regime" after the death was announced.

What happened next?

Though tensions have been building for months amid new missile tests by the North, the pace has intensified since Saturday, when the United Nations Security Council passed sweeping new sanctions Mr Trump had requested.

Following reports that US intelligence suggests the North might be able to pair a nuclear warhead with a missile capable of reaching targets on the United States mainland, Mr Trump warned North Korea that "it faces retaliation with fire and fury unlike any the world has seen before".

He also said he would soon announce a request for a budget increase of "billions of dollars" for anti-missile systems.

How did Kim Jong Un's government react?

A general who heads North Korea's rocket command, warned Pyongyang was preparing a plan to fire four of its Hwasong-12 missiles over Japan and into waters around Guam, the tiny US Pacific territory island which hosts 7,000 military personnel on two main bases and has a population of 160,000.

Expand Close North Korea released this propaganda photo of a mass rally in Pyongyang this week in support of Kim Jong-un. Picture: Reuters / Facebook

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Whatsapp North Korea released this propaganda photo of a mass rally in Pyongyang this week in support of Kim Jong-un. Picture: Reuters

It said the plan could be finalised within a week or so and would then go to leader Kim Jong Un for approval.

What do US officials think?

Current and former US officials said if war did come, America and its allies would be likely to hit hard and fast, using air strikes, drone operations and cyber attacks aimed at military bases, missile sites, artillery, communications, command and control headquarters and intelligence gathering and surveillance capabilities.

US defence secretary Jim Mattis said on Thursday that while it was his responsibility to have military options, the US effort was focused on diplomacy and the Trump administration was working with its allies on a diplomatic solution.

US secretary of state Rex Tillerson sought to calm the sense of crisis, saying: ""Americans should sleep well at night."

What is the next move for the US?

The US and South Korean military plans to move ahead with large-scale exercises later this month that North Korea, now finalising plans to launch missiles towards Guam, claims are a rehearsal for war.
North Korean leader Kim Jung Un, centre, at the site of a missile test at an undisclosed location (KRT/ AP Video)

President Donald Trump answers questions regarding the ongoing situation in North Korea at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP)

Donald Trump has said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "will regret it fast" if he continues his threats to US territories and allies.

In remarks to reporters, Mr Trump issued the threat directly at Kim, who is also known for his bellicose rhetoric, and all but drew a red line that would trigger swift US action.

"If he utters one threat in the form of an overt threat - which by the way he has been uttering for years and his family has been uttering for years - or he does anything with respect to Guam or any place else that's an American territory or an American ally, he will truly regret it and he will regret it fast," Mr Trump said.

The words followed an early morning tweet in which Nr Trump declared the US military is "locked and loaded" if the isolated rogue nation acts "unwisely".

The threats came in a week in which the long-standing tensions between the US and the isolated nation seemed to abruptly boil over. North Korea threated to launch an attack on the US territory of Guam, while Mr Trump vowed to deliver "fire and fury" if threatened.

Tough talk aside, there was scant sign the US military was preparing for imminent action and an important, quiet diplomatic channel remained open.

The Associated Press reported on Friday that talks between North Koreans and a US official continue through a back channel previous used to negotiate the return of Americans held in North Korea.

The talks have expanded to address the deterioration of the relationship, according to US officials.

But Mr Trump on Friday sought to project the military strength.

He tweeted: "Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!"

He later retweeted a posting from US Pacific Command that showed B-1B Lancer bomber planes on Guam that "stand ready to fulfill USFK's #FightTonight mission if called upon to do so".

Such declarations, however, are not necessarily indicators of a new more aggressive posture. "Fight tonight" has long been the motto of US forces in South Korea to show they are always ready for combat on the Korean Peninsula.

US officials insist that there have been no new significant movement of troops, ships, aircraft or other assets to the region other than what has already been long planned for previously scheduled exercises.

American and South Korean officials said they would move forward later this month with the exercises, which North Korea claims are a rehearsal for war.

The days of war rhetoric have alarmed international leaders.

"I don't see a military solution and I don't think it's called for," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

"I think escalating the rhetoric is the wrong answer," she added.

Russia's foreign minister Sergey Lavrov estimated the risk of a military conflict between the US and North Korea as "very high," and said Moscow was deeply concerned.

"When you get close to the point of a fight, the one who is stronger and wiser should be the first to step back from the brink," Mr Lavrov said on Friday.

AP
The narrow waters between the Horn of Africa and Yemen have been a popular migration route despite Yemen's conflict (Hani Mohammed/AP)

Smugglers have thrown some 280 migrants into the sea off the coast of Yemen in the last two days, causing more than 50 to drown and leaving over 30 missing, the UN migration agency has said.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the migrants who were forced from boats in two separate "deeply troubling" incidents were hoping to reach countries in the Gulf via war-torn Yemen.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said on Wednesday that up to 50 migrants from Ethiopia and Somalia were "deliberately drowned" by a smuggler off Yemen. The UN agency said 160 Ethiopian migrants were violently forced into the Arabian Sea on Thursday.

The IOM said in a statement that its staff found six bodies on the beach - two male and four female - and 13 people are still missing. It said 84 migrants left the beach before IOM staff arrived while it provided emergency medical assistance as well as food and water to 57 surviving migrants.

Mr Dujarric said the situation for migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara desert are "just as heartbreaking" as the tragedy unfolding off Yemen.

He said 2,405 people have died or disappeared during their attempts to cross the Mediterranean and more than 265 people have died or were missing while travelling across the Sahara trying to reach the sea.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "is heartbroken by this continuing tragedy," Mr Dujarric said.

"This is why he continues to stress that the international community must give priority to preventing and resolving a variety of situations which both generate mass movement and expose those already on the move to significant danger," the UN spokesman said.

"We must also increase legal pathways for regular migration and offer credible alternative to these dangerous crossings for people in need of international protection," Mr Dujarric said.

The narrow waters between the Horn of Africa and Yemen have been a popular migration route despite Yemen's conflict. Migrants, most of them Ethiopians, try to make their way to oil-rich Gulf countries in hopes of finding jobs.

Laurent de Boeck, the IOM's chief of mission in Yemen, told The Associated Press that some of the migrants trying to reach Yemen "are not aware at all that there is a war. Sometimes they don't even believe us when we explain it to them".

Just by making land they feel "they are halfway to wealthy," he said.

In the first drownings on Wednesday, a smuggler forced more than 120 migrants into the sea as they approached Yemen's coast, the IOM said. Its staffers found the shallow graves of 29 migrants on a beach in Shabwa during a routine patrol. At least 22 migrants remained missing.

The passengers' average age was around 16, the IOM said.

"The survivors told our colleagues on the beach that the smuggler pushed them to the sea when he saw some 'authority types' near the coast," Mr de Boeck said earlier. "They also told us that the smuggler has already returned to Somalia to continue his business and pick up more migrants to bring to Yemen on the same route."

Mr de Boeck called the suffering of migrants on the route enormous, especially during the current windy season on the Indian Ocean.

"Too many young people pay smugglers with the false hope of a better future," he said.

The IOM says about 55,000 migrants have left Horn of Africa nations for Yemen since January, most from Somalia and Ethiopia fleeing drought and unrest at home. Many leave from points in Djibouti, with some departing from Somalia. A third of them are estimated to be women.

"Some are coming for the third time. They didn't succeed, they went back home, but the parents didn't agree with the fact that they didn't succeed so they send them back. And they have no choice," Mr de Boeck told the Associated Press. "They are between 12 and 25 years old."

Migrants travelling from Djibouti pay about 115, while migrants travelling from northern Somalia pay between 150 and 190 because the route to Yemen is longer.

Mr de Boeck expressed regret that the European Union is more focused on Mediterranean routes where smugglers have also cast migrants trying to reach Europe adrift.

"They have forgotten us a little bit," Mr de Boeck said.

In Ethiopia, people expressed outrage on social media over the drownings.

"This is an unprecedented level of cruelty," wrote one Facebook user, Behailu Talegeta.

Despite the fighting in Yemen, African migrants continue to arrive in the country where there is no central authority to prevent them from travelling onward. The migrants are vulnerable to abuse by armed trafficking rings, many of them believed to be connected to the armed groups involved in the war.

Yemen's conflict itself is a deadly risk. In March, Somalia's government blamed the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen for an attack on a boat that killed at least 42 Somali refugees off Yemen's coast.

More than 111,500 migrants landed on Yemen's shores last year, up from around 100,000 the year before, according to the Regional Mixed Migration Secretariat, a grouping of international agencies that monitors migration in the area.

AP
Deposed Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif waves to supporters as he arrives to address a rally

The wife of deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif is to run for a seat in parliament, a lawmaker from Pakistan's ruling party said.

Kulsoom Nawaz will contest the seat that was left vacant after her husband was disqualified from office by the country's Supreme Court for concealing assets.

Asif Kirmani said Ms Nawaz submitted her nomination on Friday in the city of Lahore. The election will take place next month.

Lawmaker Shahid Khaqan Abbasi replaced the three-time prime minister Sharif after the Supreme Court's July 28 ruling.

Sharif is currently holding rallies across Punjab, where the city of Lahore - the Sharif family's home town - is the provincial capital. His final rally is expected some time this weekend in Lahore.

He has called the rallies a "democracy caravan".

AP
Despite predictions of a "red wave" rolling throughout the country  one in which Republican political candidates would cruise to victory up and down the ballot on the strength of nationwide frustration with crime, inflation and dissatisfaction with the Biden administration  Tuesday's midterm election delivered more of the same for many Rhode Islanders. In addition to Democratic victories in all the major statewide races, voters in North Kingstown, Narragansett and South Kingstown skewed overwhelmingly blue in General Assembly races and all local school boards and town council races. With the results of Tuesday's midterm election all but finalized pending a few outstanding mail-in ballots and certification, it appears local boards of government in Southern Rhode Island towns will see a large number of familiar faces. With that in mind, do you believe your local town and school committee seats are held by the best representatives available in your town? Why or why not? Let us know in this week's poll question below.

You voted:
CGTN photo

The European Commission decided on Wednesday to impose anti-dumping duties of up to 28.5% on certain corrosion-resistant steels from China.

The European Commission, or the European Union's executive arm, said, after an eight-month investigation, it found that the Chinese products benefited from unfair subsidies.

"It was provisionally concluded that the imposition of measures would contribute to the recovery of the (European) Union industry by allowing price increases enabling the industry as a whole to return to a profitable situation," the Commission said in a statement.

The new EU import duties range from 17.2 % to 28.5%, and will affect Shougang Group, Shagang Group, Hesteel Group and some other Chinese companies.

The companies have 25 days to challenge the EU decision at a hearing.

The EU has imposed anti-dumping tariffs on various Chinese steel products in recent years. On April 6, the European Commission decided to impose anti-dumping duties on hot-rolled flat steel products from China.

A Chinese Ministry of Commerce statement said the EU continued the use of the unfair and unreasonable "surrogate country approach" in the investigation, which resulted in artificially-determined high anti-dumping duties for Chinese products and thus seriously undermined Chinese enterprises' interests.
A day heavy in green Indian equity markets saw a day, heavy in green, today. Nifty 50 ended, up by 321.5 points. Sensex ended, up by 1181.34 points. Top Gainers today were HDFC, HDFC Bank, Infosys. Top Losers ... November 11, 2022 | 11-11-2022 3:43 pm

In early trade, Rupee rises 71 paise to 80.69 / $ Early on Friday, the rupee strengthened 71 paise to 80.69 against the dollar as investors' attitudes were bolstered by easing US CPI data and a decline in the dollar index. Forex traders claime... November 11, 2022 | 11-11-2022 2:24 pm

Sensex zooms over 1,100 pts; Nifty above 18,300; IT index top contributor Domestic benchmark indices in the fast lane today led by IT and Metal stocks outperforming. Both the Sensex and Nifty benchmarks were nearly 2% higher amid positive global cues. On the se... November 11, 2022 | 11-11-2022 2:00 pm

NIBE receives order of Rs11.88 crore from Goa Shipyard; Stock slips 1% Nibe Limited stocks in focus as the company announced the receipt of purchase orders. As per the regulatory filing, it has received two purchase orders dated November 08, 2022 from G... November 11, 2022 | 11-11-2022 12:53 pm

Ashoka Buildcon receives provisional certificate for NHAI road project; Stock up 2% Ashoka Buildcon Limited has informed the declaration of October 26, 2021 as the Commercial Operation Date (CoD) for its Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) Project of National Highways Authority of ... November 11, 2022 | 11-11-2022 12:26 pm
China is concerned about the European Union's anti-dumping probe against Chinese tire products and urges the EU to use trade remedy measures discreetly, an official with the commerce ministry said Friday.

The European Commission, or the EU's executive arm, announced on Friday that it would launch an anti-dumping investigation into truck and bus tires imported from China.

There is no sufficient evidence that Chinese exporters are dumping truck and bus tires onto the EU market and hurting EU industries, said Wang Hejun, head of the Ministry of Commerce trade remedy and investigation bureau.

The amount of Chinese tire exports to EU countries has remained stable in the past two years, said Wang, who attributed lower product prices to a decline in global commodity prices.

In February this year, the United States terminated its anti-dumping investigation against bus and truck tires from China as no damage to U.S. industry was found.

Chinese and European tire firms have enjoyed close cooperation, and the EU-initiated probe will not only undermine the interests of Chinese enterprises, but also affect the development of the EU tire industry and the benefits of its own consumers, Wang said.

The Chinese government is highly concerned with the EU investigation and will protect the justified rights of Chinese companies, he said.

The EU, a WTO member, should have stopped using the surrogate country approach to conduct anti-dumping investigations against China by Dec. 11, 2016, said Wang, citing Article 15 of the accession protocol signed when China joined the WTO.

He urged the EU to fulfill its WTO obligations by conducting the investigation fairly and using trade remedy measures discreetly.
Ancient mammals that evolved to glide and live in trees are shown in an artist's rendition. [Photo: CCTV.com]

In dense Chinese forests populated by dinosaurs 160 million years ago, two furry critters resembling flying squirrels glided from tree to tree, showing that even in such a perilous neighborhood early mammals had succeeded in going airborne.

Scientists announced on Wednesday the discovery of fossils of two Jurassic Period gliding mammals so well-preserved and complete that they show the winglike skin membranes the creatures employed while gliding effortlessly between trees.

The two species, Maiopatagium furculiferum from Liaoning province and Vilevolodon diplomylos unearthed about 60 kilometers away in Hebei province, come from an extinct early mammalian side branch. One of the critters was about 23 centimeters from head to tail, and the other 8 cm without its tail, which was missing.

These two and another apparent glider from about the same time that was described in 2006 were the vanguard of the mammalian air force. It was not until more than 100 million years later that bats, which use powered flight like birds, and more gliding mammals appeared, following the dinosaurs' demise.

Mammals first appeared roughly 210 million years ago. These fossils underscore that early mammals were not merely cowering at the feet of dinosaurs but boasted a range of body plans and lifestyles. They included beaver-tailed swimmers, tree climbers, hoppers, borrowers and small carnivores that ate baby dinosaurs.

"Despite living in dinosaur-dominated ecosystems, early mammals diversified into many ecological niches," said University of Chicago paleontologist Luo Zhexi, who led the research published in the journal Nature.
Fanclubs

Misha is all set to turn one this year and instead of opting for a grand birthday celebration, Shahid and Mira have opted for an exotic family vacation and the couple was spotted at the Airport last night.

The film will be written by Hussain Dalal, the writer of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and will be helmed by newcomer Akarsh Khurana.

In her speech, Mithila said, "There are no repeats of your first film, but somehow my name was missed as the Bol credits scrolled in front of me. Then for Raees, even though the teaser said introducing Mahira Khan, I felt like being punched in the stomach when there was no such credit in the film itself. Then when it was released, I was banned in India and the film was banned in Pakistan. It is a big thing to work in a foreign film. I pray I get my introducing credit when I work in an Iranian film. Failure is knowledge and knowledge is success. So it is a win-win. We actors know how to paint smiles on our faces and carry on, I did too."

Madrid-All in a day!!! coz tmrw we go back to the bay!! A post shared by Nia Sharma (@niasharma90) on Jun 27, 2017 at 4:36pm PDT

While Nia is yet to react and clarify if this is true, considering how popular Nia is on social media circuit and TV, this might just be true. Hosted by Salman, Bigg Boss is all set to return to TV in less than a month.

Screenshot

Minister of State for HRD Mahendra Nath Pandey, was quoted in an agency report saying, The government addressed the physically challeged divyang and not viklang to ensure there was no distinction. This is a proud moment for us that the National Anthem has been produced in sign language for those who depend on it.
In a bizarre incident, man who allegedly shot dead his girlfriends ex-boyfriend, has thrown a challenge to the Ganganagar police to catch me if you can.

Facebook/Deepak Kumar Malik

24-year-old Deepak Kumar Malik from Rajasthan, an engineering graduate, who murdered his girlfriend's ex-lover, has been audaciously posting threats to police on his Facebook timeline.

Reports state that the police arrested the girl three days ago but are still on the lookout for the main accused.

Malik in his Facebook post has threatened, 2-3 constables who allegedly misbehaved with the love of my life saying they will face dire consequences.

His girlfriend, Indubala, is in police custody after being arrested on charges of killing her former boyfriend, Vinod Beniwal on July 31.

Sriganganagars circle officer Tulsidas Purohit told Hindustan Times,A badly maimed body was found in Sriganganagar a few days ago. It was later identified as that of Vinod Beniwal, a resident of Haryana. During investigation we came to know about the involvement of Malik and Indubala in the case."

He also added that Indubala, who wanted to get rid of Beniwal, inebiriated him then drove to a deserted area where Malik shot him in the head. She then drove over his body several times to make it look like an accident.

Malik has also confessed to the crime in one of the posts. Ek ne hath lagane ke soachi thimara na kutte ki mout (One had thought of touching her (Indubala)he died like a dog), the post reads.

The Facebook posts are no big deal. We have constituted four teams to arrest Malik and he will be soon brought to justice. His last known location was in Uttar Pradesh, said Purohit.

But Deepak Kumar Malik, seems to be undeterred, his last post reads, "Just wait and see what I will do now."
In a surprise move unmindful of the huge controversy it had sparked, the Maharashtra government has moved the Supreme Court seeking revival of a provision of law that made it an offence to carry or keep beef at home in the state.

ap/representational image

More than a year ago, the Bombay high court had doused protests against the beef ban by striking down Section 5D of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, 1995, which received presidential assent on March 4, 2015.

reuters/representational image

The provision allowed any police officer to stop and search a person suspected of possessing the meat of cow, bull or bullock slaughtered outside Maharashtra. It also empowered police to enter homes to carry out searches. The state had banned cow slaughter in 1976.

In its appeal filed before the SC, the Devendra Fadnavis government said the HC erroneously held privacy to be a fundamental right and struck down Section 5D permitting the police to enter homes, stop and search a person on suspicion of possessing beef. The SC will hear the appeal on Friday.

reuters/representational image

The state said the May 6, 2016, judgment could not have held privacy to be a fundamental right as at that time, the field was occupied by two SC judgments - one by an eight-judge bench in M P Sharma case in 1954 and another by a six-judge bench in Kharak Singh case in 1962 - declaring right to privacy as not a fundamental right. It is only now that a nine-judge bench is examining the status of privacy as a constitutional right, it said.

"Obviously, the HC failed to appreciate the law in its correct perspective, besides failing to observe judicial discipline, which is the foundation stone of the entire justice delivery system," the state said in its delayed appeal filed through additional advocate general Nishant Katneswarkar.

reuters/representational image

The HC had also struck down Section 9B which put the onus on the person, in whose possession beef was found, to prove his innocence. It had termed this a breach of Article 21.

Maharashtra said, "The HC failed to consider that in a similar manner, to the Act in question, presumptions have been raised against accused and reverse burden has been placed on accused in different laws - Essential Commodities Act, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, Wildlife Protection Act, Foreign Exchange Management Act, Food Adulteration Act and Customs Act."
A woman from Dallas, Texas, triggered a wave of online ridicule after she innocently asked if it was possible to reschedule the total solar eclipse because the date wasnt practical for her.

It all started when the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, Texas, announced a party for the solar eclipse later this month.

Facebook/Free Event  Solar Eclipse Party

On the 21st of August all of North America will be witnessing a total eclipse of the sun and people are planning on having parties and arranging for a lot of fun activities

But, children in Dallas will be returning to school on that particular Monday.

"Can it be done on the weekend?" the frustrated mother asked, oblivious to the natural phenomenon.

Sorry, guys. We have to reschedule the eclipse because it conflicts with this person's schedule. pic.twitter.com/ae72z3sUgQ  Juli Caldwell (@ImJuliCaldwell) 8 August 2017

The original post has since been deleted, although this has not stopped the Internet from trolling her to glory.

#1

Listen - if Superman can change the rotation of the earth - this should be totes mcgotes doable.  Tomo (@NotMyNestle) 8 August 2017

#2

#3

#4

#5

While the mum certainly had no luck, one has to give a standing ovation for her dedication to postpone an eclipse for her kids.
The Bank of England will continue to use its new notes that contain traces of tallow made from animal fat. There have been objections to this from vegetarian and religious groups, including Hindus, in the country.

afp

According to reports, the central bank had launched a public consultation on the material following protests, including by Hindu groups  some of whom had banned the new notes from UK temples.

However, its report into the consultation has concluded that alternatives to the polymer notes, such as palm oil, were not viable and also more expensive.

"The use of palm oil raises questions about environmental sustainability and the Bank's suppliers have been unable to commit to sourcing the highest level of sustainable palm oil at this time. Value for money was also a consideration in the Bank's decision," the bank said in a statement.

The additional cost of switching to a new type of production would rise to about 16.5 million pounds over the next 10 years, according to the Bank of England.

ap

The decision means that future production of the polymer 5-pound notes and 10-pound notes this year, as well as the 20 pounds to be launched in 2020, will remain unchanged.

"The bank fully recognises the concerns raised by members of the public, both prior to and during the consultation. The bank has had to balance these responses against its other public duties and priorities as well as the other evidence gathered over the past months," the bank said.

Around 3,554 people had responded to its consultation, of which 88 per cent were against the use of animal-derived additives and 48 per cent were against the use of palm oilderived additives.

Polymer banknotes are used in more than 30 countries. It emerged during the bank's research that plastic containing animal fat is also used in debit and credit cards, mobile phones, cosmetics, soaps, household detergent bottles and car parts.

reuters

"During our research and discussion with manufacturers and consultants, we were informed that animal-derived additives are used extensively in the many different types of plastics found in a wide range of household goods used on a regular basis, eg in cosmetics, plastic carrier bags, household detergent bottles, and car parts," the report noted.

The polymer notes were chosen because they last substantially longer than paper versions, meaning fewer have to be made and the environmental cost is lower overall.

"The Carbon Trust has certified that over their full life cycle, the carbon footprint of a 5 pound polymer banknote is 16 per cent lower than the 5 pound paper banknote," the bank said.

In November 2016, the Bank of England had admitted that small traces of animal-derived products were used by a supplier in the manufacture of the new polymer 5 pound notes launched last year.

Tallow is a hard, fatty substance made from rendered animal fat. The new polymer note uses beef tallow made from suet, which is hard fat found around the animal's kidneys, stomach and other organs.

reuters

Hindu Council UK, an umbrella body, had highlighted that many Hindus were concerned due to the animal-derived products in the new notes, because one of the key virtues in the Hindu faith is Ahimsa or the practice of non-violence.

It had received many calls from various temples across the UK who had banned the use of the new 5 pound note as donations and offering to deities within the sanctuary of the temple environment.

"As a consequence of not allowing the 5 pound notes in the temple environment, many of the temples had seen a huge decrease in their temple economy, which relies totally on donations in order to operate," it had said.

The council, which had welcomed the Bank of England's public consultation on the matter, is yet to respond on the latest development on polymer notes.
The platform seeks to draw as many Chinese tourists and investors to Africa as possible (Photo: Kimeng Hilton)

Zhou Hua International Business Consulting Limited, ZHIB, a Chinese-incorporated company has created a platform to promote the African market to Chinese business people. ZHIBs founder and chief executive officer (CEO), Hermann Mefire Louis Claude, on August 9 said the platform, which was created last May, will organize business and cultural events in China to promote Africas investment potentials and culture with the aim of attracting more Chinese people to the continent and thereby strengthen exchanges between the two peoples.

Platform partners

ZHIB is working with African embassies in the Chinese capital, Beijing to use the platform in promoting the Chinese-driven Belt and Road Initiative in boosting cooperation and development. Chineseresidents out of Beijing will also be assisted with information on how to apply for visas to different African nations. Our objective is to promote leisure and business travel to Africa to assure Chinese people that the continent is secure, contrary to what some media reports suggest, Hermann Mefire explained.

Cameroon-based Chinese oil painter

After Unusual Impressions, Huang Jianbing is looking forward to a second book on his paintings in Cameroon (Photo: Kimeng Hilton)

So far, Hermann Mefire has been working with a Chinese oil painter, Huang Jianbing, who is based in Cameroon. Huang held a special exhibition in Beijing on May 19 on the occasion of Cameroons national day reception. He has published "Unusual Impression," an 80-page, glossy hard cover book in Chinese and English on his works in Cameroon and is due to hold his first exhibition in the country in December.

The exhibition is scheduled to coincide with the publication of Huangs second book on his paintings in Cameroon. Meanwhile, Hermann Mefire and Huang Jianbing are travelling to Cameroon as from August 24 to enable the Chinese painter discover more of the countrys culture and promote Cameroon-bound tourism by Chinese people, especially in the Northwest and West provinces.

The platform is working closely with African embassies in Beijing to promote investments on the continent (Photo: Kimeng Hilton)

Precast construction method

Since the creation of the platform, a number of Chinese firms have shown interest in doing business with Africa. For example, Fiac Finland, a joint Chinese-Finnish company with operations in China, wants to introduce the precast method of construction in Africa, especially in the real estate sector.

During my trip to Cameroon next week, I will talk about Fiac to government ministers. Fiac is ready to introduce and transfer its technology to local partners and also assist them to secure funding for their projects. I think precast construction deserves serious consideration by Africans because it is 30 per cent cheaper than the traditional method, Hermann noted.

Wood processing

ZHIBs chief executive officer and a Chinese entrepreneur from Tianjin municipality are due in the Republic of Congo Brazzaville next month to explore the possibility of setting up a wood processing plant. ZHIBs business promotion platform has also extended its activities to education. It has reached understanding with Beijing Union University to offer business and financial management training to African students at the Bachelors and Masters degree levels.

Outstanding students will receive full scholarships while others will have their tuition reduced by 30 per cent. A similar deal has been struck with Liaoning University of Science and Technology for the training of engineers, Hermann Mefire Louis Claude said.

Shenyang culture industry fair

At the planning meeting in June, details of the Seventh Culture Industry Fair China Northeast 2017 were worked out. (Photo: Chinanews)

Meanwhile, Zhou Hua International Business Consulting Limited will participate in the Seventh Culture Industry Fair China Northeast 2017 from August 24-28. It is organized by the Shenyang municipal government, Liaoning province. This will be a great opportunity to exhibit African culture and attract Chinese people to the continent. Western media reports about Africa are not often positive, thereby scaring those with little knowledge of the real Africa from visiting for tourism or business reasons. We hope to change this trend by organizing more exchanges between Africans and Chinese, Mefire noted.

Chinese tourists might be interested in witnessing a beautiful traditional wedding in Cameroon's North West region (Photo: Cameroon tourism archives)

Kimeng Hilton Ndukong is Sub-Editor for World News with Cameroon Tribune bilingual daily newspaper in Cameroon. He is currently on media attachment with Peoples Daily Online in English.
Were excited to announce that indmin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com.

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Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials.

If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details.
ICCE2017 committee cordially invite all the participants interested in sharing their knowledge and research in the area of clean & renewable energy to submit their abstract and attend the ICCE2017. ICCE 2017 provides a platform for researchers and scientists to share their research work while the participants from industry can promote their products . This is an excellent opportunity for the delegates from universities and institutes to interact with the their colleagues.

ICCE2017 takes place in Toronto, Canada. Toronto is a major Canadian city along Lake Ontarios northwestern shore. It's a dynamic metropolis with a core of soaring skyscrapers, all dwarfed by the iconic CN Tower . ICCE 2017 is an opportunity to network with some of the worlds leading scientists, and visit one of the greatest Canadian city.
What Are We To Believe?





Fake news plus phony intelligence equal disaster



By Justin Raimondo

August 11, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The Washington Post has published a story claiming that the North Korean regime of Kim Jong Un has succeeded in miniaturizing a nuclear warhead small enough to fit onto an intercontinental ballistic missile. Its another leak coming from an intelligence community that seemingly does little these days but leak like a sieve. Which raises the question: Should we believe them?

What we are dealing with is a national security bureaucracy that is not only highly politicized  thats not really anything new  but is also engaged in an extended campaign to accomplish specific political objectives. The leaks coming out of Washington have had a clear political purpose  to a) discredit President Donald Trump, and b) push us closer to some sort of conflict on the international stage. And of course the two are not mutually exclusive: indeed, they are congruent. For a war on the Korean peninsula, for example, would define and, I would submit, discredit  Trumps presidency, as many thousands would die in a conflagration of unimaginable horror.

The Post quotes a single sentence of a Defense Intelligence Agency assessment dated July 28:

The IC [intelligence community] assesses North Korea has produced nuclear weapons for ballistic missile delivery, to include delivery by ICBM-class missiles.

Thats it: thats the whole thing. The Post hasnt actually seen the document: it was read to reporters by the leaker. Oh, and Two U.S. officials familiar with the assessment verified its broad conclusions.

What broad conclusions? The conclusions drawn by this article arent in the least bit broad, but are instead quite specific. Are they true? We just dont know, and, whats more, we cannot know. Indeed, we know almost nothing about this alleged assessment. We dont know the identity of the leakers. We dont know their motives. Based on the sparse information we have, we cannot evaluate the veracity of this latest revelation, and this is doubly true not only due to the laconic nature of the reporting, but also because of the journalistic context in which it appears.

To begin with, this story is nothing new. Back in 2013 , Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado) blurted out the DIAs assessment on Capitol Hill:

Three hours into a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee, Lamborn said the Defense Intelligence Agency, which is under the Pentagon, determined with moderate confidence that North Korea has the capability to make a nuclear weapon small enough to be launched with a ballistic missile.

The Colorado Springs Republican gleaned the information from the conclusion of a classified report, though that sentence was unclassified, said his spokeswoman Catherine Mortensen.

Pentagon officials told The New York Times that the information had previously not been released publicly.

Pentagon spokesman George Little issued a statement after the hearing, saying it would be inaccurate to suggest that the North Korean regime has fully tested, developed, or demonstrated the kinds of nuclear capabilities referenced in the passage.

The Post is telling us the DIA assessment is fresh off the presses, finished as late as last month  not so! Whether the Post is being deluded by its sources, or is trying to delude us in collaboration with its sources, is up for debate.

Which brings us to another problem, not only with this story but with all the news were getting from the mainstream media these days: reporters have become as politicized as their sources in the intelligence community. The Obama holdovers in the national security Establishment are not alone in their campaign to discredit the President. The media have been complicit all along: indeed, the legacy medias journalists have been eagerly cheerleading the Russia-gate witch-hunt, and openly proclaiming their hostility to this administration. This is in addition to their traditional role as the War Partys journalistic camarilla.

While this particular story is not directly linked to Russia-gate, or the Presidents political fortunes, what it comes down to is that neither the sources of this story nor those who are reporting it can be trusted. It could be true that the North Koreans have developed the capability of miniaturizing nuclear warheads, but we just dont know. The observant reader is left in a fog  the fog of an information war in which journalism is not a means of discovering knowledge, but a weapon to be deployed in a political-ideological conflict.

If the media is on a war footing, wielding the battle-cry  democracy dies in darkness , then today the truth is tangential  because a few untruths may be necessary in the fight to push back against the darkness.

People complain that theres too much news, that the sheer volume is overwhelming, and disorienting, but in reality were living in a news vacuum because we dont know whats true anymore. All standards have been thrown out: sure, the mainstream media was never really objective, but now even that pretext has been abandoned.

If we liken the function of the media in a free society to the function of our eyes and ears, then we have, in effect, been struck blind and rendered deaf. Although actually its far worse than that: rather than conveying information about the real world, the mainstream media is giving us a highly distorted version of events in many cases, a Bizarro World inversion of what is actually occurring.

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All this is bad enough, but we must take it one step further. If the media is the eyes and ears of the public, then the intelligence agencies and the national security bureaucracy of which they are a part are Uncle Sams sensory organs. The price to be paid for the politicization and corruption of the intelligence community is that US policymakers are operating in the dark  where not only democracy dies, but also any sort of rational decision-making. In which case Uncle Sam is a blinded Titan, deaf to the entreaties of those he unknowingly tramples underfoot, stumbling this way and that  with the very strong possibility of ending up at the bottom of a cliff.

This epistemological disability brings to mind two citations, one from the run-up to the Iraq war and one more recent. The former is the famous reality-based community quote reported by Ron Suskind in the course of an interview with a top aide in George W. Bushs White House:

The aide said that guys like me were in what we call the reality-based community, which he defined as people who believe that solutions emerge from your judicious study of discernible reality.  Thats not the way the world really works anymore, he continued. Were an empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality. And while youre studying that reality  judiciously, as you will  well act again, creating other new realities, which you can study too, and thats how things will sort out. Were historys actorsand you, all of you, will be left to just study what we do."

Suskind wasnt reporting anything all that unusual: this is how our political class thinks. After all, they create the political reality in which the rest of us are forced to live. Yet there is a point beyond which this kind of hubris becomes dangerous  and suicidal. Encased in a bubble, the Beltway elites never saw the victory of Trumpism coming  and that failure may be just the beginning of their undoing (and our own). For as Vladimir Putin put it to Oliver Stone :

I think that when the United States felt they were at the forefront of the so-called civilized world and when the Soviet Union collapsed, they were under the illusion that the United States was capable of everything and they could act with impunity. And thats always a trap, because in this situation, a person and a country begins to commit mistakes. There is no need to analyze the situation. No need to think about the consequences. No need to economize. And the country becomes inefficient and one mistake follows another. And I think thats the trap the United States has found itself in.

A person who cannot distinguish fantasy from reality is clinically insane, or perhaps senile. What do we call an entire society so afflicted?

Justin Raimondo is the editorial director of Antiwar.com, and a senior fellow at the Randolph Bourne Institute. He is a contributing editor at The American Conservative, and writes a monthly column for Chronicles. He is the author of Reclaiming the American Right: The Lost Legacy of the Conservative Movement [Center for Libertarian Studies, 1993; Intercollegiate Studies Institute, 2000], and An Enemy of the State: The Life of Murray N. Rothbard

You can buy An Enemy of the State: The Life of Murray N. Rothbard (Prometheus Books, 2000), my biography of the great libertarian thinker, here .

This article was first published by Anti War -
North Korea Does Not Trust America for a Pretty Good Reason

By Doug Bandow

August 11, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - North Korea obviously wants to be a nuclear power with the ability to deter the United States. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson sought to reassure Pyongyang about Americas intentions. Unfortunately, however, Kim Jong-un would be a fool to believe any promises made by Washington. Only actions are likely to convince him.

In recent days Secretary Tillerson has gone on a charm offensive directed at the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK). He said America is not the DPRKs enemy and Washington is not seeking regime change. The implication is that Kim should relax, agree to give up his nukes and missiles, and enter into a beautiful new friendship with Americajust like Muammar el-Qaddafi did back in 2003. Okay, maybe not Qaddafi, but surely the North Korean Supreme Leader gets the point.

The problem is, Kim almost certainly does get the point. And that doesnt help Secretary Tillerson or the Trump administration.

Imagine trying to maintain the Kim dynasty, now on the third generation, in todays world. The DPRK remains desperately poor; a bad harvest threatens the countryside with malnutrition and hardship. The North is locked in a long-term competition with South Korea, which has around forty times the GDP and twice the population. Moreover, Seoul is defended by the worlds sole superpower, which routinely runs aircraft carriers along North Koreas coast and flies bombers over North Koreas cities. Pyongyang is friendly with Russia and nominally allied with China, but neither of its traditional protectors likely would save the DPRK from internal collapse or external aggression.

The way forward surely involves some economic reform, which Pyongyang is undertaking. But too much economic liberty could undermine the totalitarian political order. The Peoples Republic of China (PRC) is willing to help, but Beijing does little for free. Kim wants to rule an independent nation, not a de facto PRC province. Whatever Moscow does likely will reflect its relations with America, since relations with the DPRK are more a means to inconvenience Washington than than a positive end. Ultimately, the North can only depend on itself.

For that purpose, nukes and missiles obviously are helpful. They certainly offer a comparatively cheap means of defense, given the impossibility of matching the Republic of Korea and United States in conventional forces. Affirming the Norths strategy are the squeals from Washington policymakers who fear not so much of being attacked, but of being prevented from attacking the DPRK without consequence.

There are other reasons Kim might want his country to become a nuclear powerinternational status, opportunities for neighborly extortion, strengthening the militarys allegiance to the family dynasty. However, long-range missiles only make sense as a means to confront the United States. If Washington wasnt threatening North Korea, Pyongyang would prefer to ignore the hyper-power half-way around the globe. Since thats not the case, the North logically wants to be able to bring the war home to Americans.

Thus, Tillerson hopes to convince the DPRK leadership that it has nothing to worry about. It is a worthy intention. If only Kim felt safe, he would disarm and embrace Uncle Sam. Or something like that.

Should Kim believe Secretary Tillerson? No knock on the secretary, but diplomats and their equivalents have been lying since the first negotiation at the beginning of time. Who can imagine the secretary instead declaring that the DPRK tops Americas target list for regime change? Whatever Secretary Tillerson actually believes, he will say he is for peace.

Even if Secretary Tillerson is truly inclined in that direction, why should anyone believe the same of President Donald Trump? The two have disagreed on a host of issueshow to approach to Europe, the value of the Iran nuclear deal, blame among the feuding Gulf States. As president, Donald Trump can set policy if he chooses. Having already threatened war and talked of sending armadas to the region, the president could easily overrule his secretary of state and opt for war.

Alas, no one knows what the president believes. He accused the South Koreans of cheating the United States by free-riding, called Kim a smart-cookie he would be honored to meet, affirmed the alliance, suggested that Kim was insane, tried to subcontract the North Korea problem to China, dismissed the alliance as of no value, promised to act alone against the DPRK. What foreign leader would trust President Trump to take a positionany positionand stick with it?

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Moreover, the North Koreans surely are not ignorant of the strong war party in Washington whose members do the Maori Haka whenever a possible conflict appears on the horizon. Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham have been talking up the likelihood of war. The latter said he expects President Trump to act if Pyongyang does not yield. Even if the DPRK abandoned its nukes, American politicians soon might be back advocating military action. Only a couple years before the ouster of Qaddafi, McCain and Graham had dinner with the Libyan leader in Tripoli and suggested the possibility of foreign aid to reward him for his cooperation against Al Qaeda. Soon thereafter they were pushing for military action to oust him.

Nor is it enough to believe that President Trump wont change his position, whether under pressure or not. President George W. Bush struck his deal with Qaddafi after ousting the leaders of Afghanistan and Iraq. But Bush kept his word and left Libya alone.

That changed in the next administration. The 2011 Arab Spring gave the Obama administration its opportunity to defenestrate the Libyan dictator. In the name of humanitarianism, even though Qaddafi had neither targeted nor threatened civilianshis infamous speech was directed against armed insurgentsthe United States and Europeans pushed regime change. Never mind past deals and discussions of aid. Qaddafi was vulnerable and the allies struck.

No one knows who will follow President Trump. It could be an uber-hawk Republican. Moreover, Hillary Clinton could run again. Her comment on Qaddafis end, delivered while laughing, was we came, we saw, he died. If Kim disarmed, what would prevent a change of position in Washington similar to that toward Libya?

Of course we would be better off if the Kims went the way of the Ceausescus, Romanovs, Habsburgs, and other ruling dynasties. However, like others before them, they are not likely to go voluntarily, quietly or peacefully. To the extent they believe they are threatened, they will amass the tools necessary to resist their ouster. In North Koreas case that means nukes and missiles.

If Secretary Tillerson wants to convince Kim Jong-un that the United States does not seek the North Korean dictators ouster, America needs to act the part. That means reducing obvious military threats against the DPRK: warnings of potential attack, comments that all options are on the table, bomber overflights, carrier sail-byes, military exercises, bases and garrisons, and the like.

More important, Washington should bring home its troops from South Korea. It is the bilateral alliance which puts American military units up against those of the North. The Republic of Korea is capable of defending itself. Seoul should construct the military and adopt the policies necessary to deter the North from attacking and win the war if one erupts. That could include South Korean nuclear weapons as an alternative to the United States providing a so-called nuclear umbrella over South Korea. If Washington was not aiming its forces at the DPRK, the Kim regime would not be aiming back.

Secretary Tillerson has the right idea in trying to reassure North Korea about Americas intentions. But Kim would be foolish to believe verbal assurances by someone who may not even speak for his own administration, let alone for the U.S. government over the long-term. American conduct must change. Only if Washington stops targeting the DPRK is the latter likely to see no need for a nuclear deterrent against America. Washington policymakers must decide if they believe defending South Korea is worth endangering the American people.

Doug Bandow is a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute and a former Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan. He is the author of Tripwire: Korea and U.S. Foreign Policy in a Changed World and co-author of The Korean Conundrum: Americas Troubled Relations with North and South Korea .

This article was first published by

The National Interest

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Hurtling Toward Fire and Fury





Under congressional and media pressure to confront U.S. adversaries, President Trump alarmed the world with rash rhetoric about inflicting fire and fury on North Korea, a frightening prospect, says Jonathan Marshall.



By Jonathan Marshall

August 11, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Be prepared, there is a small chance that our horrendous leadership could unknowingly lead us into World War III.  Donald Trump, August 31, 2013

Like some demonic Hollywood director, President Trump keeps finding new ways to make us jump out of our seats, just when we think weve seen everything. On Tuesday, he outdid himself by twice pledging to meet any further North Korean threats to the United States with fire and fury like the world has never seen.

His headline-grabbing comments were sufficiently incendiary that White House staffers rushed to reassure reporters (and the public) that the President was just improvising, not speaking from an approved script. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson insisted that the President simply meant to say that the United States has the capability to fully defend itself from any attack . . . So the American people should sleep well at night.

People at home and around the world were rattled but not too alarmed, judging by the modest drop in stock prices on U.S. and foreign exchanges. North Korea responded to Trumps threat with a threat of its own to vaporize Guam, yet no war broke out. So far, leaders of both countries, like taunting schoolboys, seem content to lob only harsh rhetoric across the ocean, not fully armed missiles.

Its easy to discount Trumps bluster, based on his long history of practicing the art of bullshit . Maybe hes just trying to make Chinese leaders nervous about his intentions, so they try a little harder to rein in Pyongyang. Surely he understands by now just how devastating a war with North Korea would be, right?

Im not so sure. What increasingly keep me up at night are the uncontradicted claims of one of the GOPs leading foreign policy spokesmen, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, that Trump is ready and willing to launch a preemptive war if [North Korea tries] to keep developing an ICBM with a nuclear weapon on top to hit the [U.S.] homeland.

North Korea isnt quite there yet, but some U.S. intelligence officials claim that Pyongyang has already produced a miniature nuclear warhead suitable for delivery by missile, and its accelerated testing of long-range ballistic missiles means that the time is quickly drawing near when Kim Jong Uns regime will be able to put the United States at risk.

Tough-Guy Senators

Early in Trumps presidency, the influential Republican senator went to the President with a powerful message. Graham asked Trump, Do you want on your resume that during your presidency the North Koreans developed a missile that could hit the American homeland with a nuclear weapon on top of it? Trump replied, according to Graham, Absolutely not.

Graham advised President Trump that if all else failed, he must order a military strike. As Graham put it , It would be terrible but the war would be over here (there), wouldnt be here. It would be bad for the Korean Peninsula. It would be bad for China. It would be bad for Japan, be bad for South Korea. It would be the end of North Korea. But what it would not do is hit America and the only way it could ever come to America is with a missile.

Speaking to NBCs Today show this month, Graham reiterated that Trump isnt bluffing about preparing an all-out strike against North Koreas nuclear program. He has told me that. I believe him, Graham said. If theres going to be a war to stop [Kim Jong Un], it will be over there. If thousands die, theyre going to die over there. Theyre not going to die here. And he has told me that to my face.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chair John McCain, R-Arizona, was with Graham for the private meeting with Trump in April, and did not dispute his colleagues description of the conversation. He added only that a preemptive strike would be a  last option .

Trump has said nothing to call Grahams account into question, either. Indeed, one of his first tweets of 2017 was a flat-out declaration , North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S. It wont happen! Trumps national security adviser, H. R. McMaster, confirmed just this month that allowing North Korea to acquire functional nuclear-tipped ICBMs would be intolerable, from the Presidents perspective.

The Trump-Graham doctrine recalls the George W. Bush administrations justification for preemptive war against Iraq in 2003  with the key difference that North Koreas weapons of mass destruction are real, not mythical. Contrary to all evidence, Trump appears to believe that Americas immense nuclear arsenal will be insufficient to deter North Korea from attacking the United States or its allies.

North Korean Fears

North Korean leaders have consistently maintained that they want and need nuclear weapons only to deter a U.S. attack, not to start a war against the worlds only superpower. Most experts on Korea agree. Former Secretary of Defense William Perry, who actually negotiated with Kims predecessor in 2000, asserts that while the risks of inadvertent war are growing, North Korea has no intention of launching a surprise nuclear attack:

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I have studied North Korea for several decades and have had serious talks with many of their military and political leaders. . . . They are not crazy, as some people believe. North Korea is a pariah state and nearly alone in the world, but there is logic to the actions of its leadership. Fundamental to that logic is an overriding commitment to keeping their regime in power, to sustain the Kim dynasty. . . . and they understand that if they launch a nuclear attack, their country will be destroyed, and . . . it would end the Kim dynasty.

Experts also reject the Graham/Trump assumption that preemptive war with North Korea would be merely bad but manageable. Pyongyang has thousands of artillery aimed at Seoul, hundreds of rocket launchers, vast stocks of deadly chemical weapons, and as many as 60 nuclear warheads, which could render much of South Korea and Japan uninhabitable and rock the worlds economy.

Defense Secretary James Mattiss gloomy warning that any conflict with North Korea would be probably the worst kind of fighting in most peoples lifetime, was almost certainly an understatement. As I have discussed previously , even without functioning ICBMs, Kims regime already has the ability to wipe out major U.S. coastal cities simply by floating nuclear bombs into our harbors, hidden in container vessels.

President Trumps views on preemptive war are rejected not only by the experts, but by the majority of Americans. Fewer than a third of U.S. adults believe the situation in North Korea requires a military response, according to a new CBS poll , and 61 percent are rightfully uneasy about Trumps ability to handle the situation.

But what experts and most Americans think doesnt really matter. The U.S. military is undoubtedly ready to carry out an order from its commander-in-chief to attack North Korea. It holds massive training exercises every year for just such an eventuality. And the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Admiral Scott Swift, answered unequivocally yes when asked whether he would follow an order by President Trump to launch a nuclear attack against China, a vastly more dangerous foe than North Korea.

So how, under these circumstances, do I get any sleep at all? Deep down, I suspect that Trump is too gutless to start an unnecessary war that will kill millions of people. I also have faith that South Korean President Moon Jae-in, a former human rights lawyer, will refuse to cooperate with a preemptive attack, making it difficult for U.S. forces to go it alone. I hope and pray that Im right.

This article was first published by Consortium News -
Home Deep State Memo That Rattled McMasters National Security Council Released By RT August 11, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - A controversial memo penned by a former National Security Council staffer has been released. The document states, among other accusations, that the deep state is trying to undermine President Donald Trump. A copy of the POTUS & Political Warfare memorandum, dated May 2017, was published by Foreign Policy on Thursday. Rich Higgins, who served as the director of strategic planning for the NSC, was the author of the seven-page memorandum. He resigned from the NSC in July after National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster discovered he was behind the memo. Although it does not mention McMasters name specifically, the NSC chief is purportedly one of the people described in the memo as trying to restrain Trump, an unnamed source with first hand knowledge of the memo and events, said, according to Foreign Policy. The administration has been maneuvered into a constant back-pedal by relentless political warfare attacks structured to force him to assume a reactive posture that assures inadequate responses, the memo stated. Having become the dominant cultural meme, some benefit from it while others are captured by it; including deep state actors, globalists, bankers, Islamists, and establishment Republicans, the document reads. After the memo reached McMaster, Higgins, who was working in the strategic planning office, was forced to resign by McMasters deputy, Ricky Waddell. Waddell told Higgins that if he didnt resign, his security clearance would be revoked. McMaster allegedly determined some NSC staffers that were holdovers from former National Security Advisor Michael Flynns brief tenure were the type of people he had been looking to replace. This also led to the firing of top NSC intelligence official Ezra Cohen-Watnick and Derek Harvey, who controlled the NSCs Middle East portfolio, according to Foreign Policy. The most notable change resulting from the shake up is the removal of the presidents chief strategist, Steve Bannon, from his seat on the security council. An unnamed source with first hand knowledge of the memo described McMasters decision-making after reviewing the document and discovering his inclusion, Foreign Policy reported. It was about H.R. McMaster, the source said. So, when he starts reading it, he knows its him and he fires [Higgins]. The memo was purportedly first discovered by McMaster and the NSC after a search for staffers who were believed to be giving information to conservative author and activist Mike Cernovich, who seemed to have uncanny knowledge of operations at the NSC. A subsequent routine security audit of NSC staffers communications eventually led to the finding of the memo, unnamed sources said, according to Foreign Policy. A different unnamed source explained the email audit as a McCarthyist-type leak investigation targeting staffers who had communication with Cernovich. McMaster was just very, very obsessed with this, with Cernovich, an unnamed senior administration official told Foreign Policy. He had become this incredible specter. Trump eventually saw the memo and was furious after learning the author was fired by McMaster, an unnamed senior White House official said. He is still furious, the senior official added. The fallout from the document has magnified McMasters difficulties at the NSC since taking over from Flynn. One unnamed source familiar with the NSC staff stated that the NSC chief doesnt really have any allies, Foreign Policy reported. It doesnt seem as though he has the ear of the president, which is obviously essential to his survival. On Wednesday, the billionaire Sheldon Adelson-backed Zionist Organization of America, the oldest pro-Israel group in the United States, unleashed a report calling for McMasters reassignment to a post not dealing with issues concerning Israel or Iran. The group accuses McMaster of being a threat to Trump due to his firing of Flynn-era NSC staffers. Adelson contributed $5 million to Trumps inaugural committee before he was sworn in as president. This article was first published by RT - No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Heres the Memo That Blew Up the NSC By Paul McLeary August 11, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The memo at the heart of the latest blowup at the National Security Council paints a dark picture of media, academics, the deep state, and other enemies allegedly working to subvert U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a copy of the document obtained by Foreign Policy. The seven-page document, which eventually landed on the presidents desk, precipitated a crisis that led to the departure of several high-level NSC officials tied to former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. The author of the memo, Rich Higgins, who was in the strategic planning office at the NSC, was among those recently pushed out. The full memo, dated May 2017, is titled POTUS & Political Warfare. It provides a sweeping, if at times conspiratorial, view of what it describes as a multi-pronged attack on the Trump White House. Trump is being attacked, the memo says, because he represents an existential threat to cultural Marxist memes that dominate the prevailing cultural narrative. Those threatened by Trump include deep state actors, globalists, bankers, Islamists, and establishment Republicans. The memo is part of a broader political struggle inside the White House between current National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster and alt-right operatives with a nationalist worldview who believe the Army general and his crew are subverting the presidents agenda. Though not called out by name, McMaster was among those described in the document as working against Trump, according to a source with firsthand knowledge of the memo and the events. Higgins, the author, is widely regarded as a Flynn loyalist who dislikes McMaster and his team. It was about H.R. McMaster, the source said. So, when he starts reading it, he knows its him and he fires [Higgins]. The story of the memos strange journey to the Oval Office captures the zeitgeist of what has become the tragicomedy of the current White House: a son trying to please his father, an isolated general on a mission to find a leaker, a right-wing blogger with a window into the nations security apparatus, and a president whose closest confidante is a TV personality. The result is an even wider rift between the president and his national security advisor, marking what may be the beginning of the end of the generals tenure, and a radical shift of power on the NSC. The controversy over the memo has its origins in a hunt for staffers believed to be providing information to right-wing blogger Mike Cernovich, who seemed to have uncanny insight into the inner workings of the NSC. Cernovich in the past few months has been conducting a wide-ranging campaign against the national security advisor. McMaster was just very, very obsessed with this, with Cernovich, a senior administration official told FP. He had become this incredible specter. In July, the memo was discovered in Higginss email during what two sources described to Foreign Policy as a routine security audit of NSC staffers communications. Another source, however, characterized it as a McCarthy-type leak investigation targeting staffers suspected of communicating with Cernovich. Higgins, who had worked on the Trump campaign and transition before coming to the NSC, drafted the memo in late May and then circulated the memo to friends from the transition, a number of whom are now in the White House. After the memo was discovered, McMasters deputy, Ricky Waddell, summoned Higgins, who was told he could resign  or be fired, and risk losing his security clearance, according to two sources. Higgins, who agreed to resign, was escorted out of the building. He later learned from his colleagues still at the NSC that his association to this now-infamous memo was the reason he was removed. Following Higginss departure, McMaster set out to clean house, a source close the White House said  getting rid of NSC staffers linked to the memo, perceived as loyal to his predecessor, Michael Flynn, or simply those with whom hed butted heads over foreign policy. Among those fired was Ezra Cohen-Watnick, the NSCs top intelligence official, and Derek Harvey, who handled the NSCs Middle East portfolio. In the meantime, however, the memo had been working its way through the Trump White House. Among those who received the memo, according to two sources, was Donald Trump Jr. Trump Jr., at that time in the glare of media scrutiny around his meeting with a Russian lawyer at Trump Tower during the presidential campaign, gave the memo to his father, who gushed over it, according to sources. In a comedy of errors, Trump later learned from Sean Hannity, the Fox News host and close friend of the president, that the memos author had been fired. Trump was furious, the senior administration official said. He is still furious. The memo lays out what it described as a concerted campaign to undermine the president. The administration has been maneuvered into a constant back-pedal by relentless political warfare attacks structured to force him to assume a reactive posture that assures inadequate responses, it reads. The president can either drive or be driven by events; its time for him to drive them. The purpose of the memo, said a source familiar with the document, was to educate others in the White House about just what the president is allegedly up against. The memo maybe reads a little crazy, sure, but its not wrong and Rich isnt crazy, an administration official said. Many inside the White House had only seen the first page or two of the memo  or had only read the excerpts published in the Atlantic, which first reported the existence of the memo, several sources said. The memos repeated references to the Muslim Brotherhood  which is grouped among key international players that includes the European Union and the United Nations  surprised few inside the NSC familiar with what had been a Flynn obsession. Oh look, its the newest member of the Muslim Brotherhood, was a common joke among those critical of Flynn loyalists, and what they regarded as a conspiracy theory, a source close to the NSC said. This 3,500-word memo was written in a personal capacity, according to a source familiar with its drafting. The source described it as a technical assessment of the current political situation, and said it was never disseminated from the NSC in any official manner, but shared with personal contacts from the Trump campaign. While opposition to President Trump manifests itself through political warfare memes centered on cultural Marxist narratives, this hardly means that opposition is limited to Marxists as conventionally understood, the memo reads. Having become the dominant cultural meme, some benefit from it while others are captured by it; including deep state actors, globalists, bankers, Islamists, and establishment Republicans. Its not wrong per se, said another official. Actually, its not wrong at all. The not-wrong part is just, well, buried a bit I guess by some of the wackier parts. The memo calls out those pushing for rights based on sex or ethnicity, which is a direct assault on the very idea of individual human rights and natural law around which the Constitution was framed. It also says that transgender acceptance is denying a person the right to declare the biological fact of ones sex. Contacted by FP, Higgins declined to comment on the memo or his departure from the NSC. The recent NSC shake-up appears to go beyond concerns about the memo. The recently ousted NSC staffers had been brought in by Flynn, who resigned for allegedly lying to Vice President Mike Pence about the substance of a December phone call he had with a Russian official. Flynn is now under investigation for, among other things, failing to report income for lobbying on behalf of Turkey shortly before he became involved in the campaign. The elimination of Higgins, Cohen-Watnick, and Harvey has helped McMaster assert control of the NSC, which was staffed during the early days of the administration by those loyal to Flynn and Steve Bannon, Trumps chief strategist. Late last week, McMaster also planned to put at least four other NSC staffers on the chopping block, but was prevented from doing so by newly installed Chief of Staff John Kelly, according to two sources. All but one of those staffers had ties dating back to the campaign or transition. A source close to McMaster denied those planned firings. The White House press office did not respond to FPs request for comment. A NSC spokesman declined to comment, citing a policy against speaking about internal personnel issues. Despite Higginss firing, McMasters difficulties inside the White House arent going away anytime soon  though he might. McMaster doesnt really have any allies, said a source familiar with the NSC staff. It doesnt seem as though he has the ear of the president, which is obviously essential to his survival. Kate Brannen and Jenna McLaughlin contributed reporting to this article. This article was first published by Foreign Policy - The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. See also - Fire McMaster, Urges Pro-Israel Group Backed by Sheldon Adelson Needed: Civilian Control of the Military : The case against H.R. McMaster is a case in point. Search Information Clearing House Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. What's your response? - Scroll down to add / read comments Please read our Comment Policy before posting - It is unacceptable to slander, smear or engage in personal attacks on authors of articles posted on ICH. Those engaging in that behavior will be banned from the comment section. Click here to comment on our Facebook page
North Korea: Fire, Fury and Fear





Alarm bells ringing as rampant speculation breaks out over Pyongyang's 'possible' miniaturized nuclear warheads



By Pepe Escobar

Beware the dogs of war. The same intel folks who brought to you babies pulled from incubators by evil Iraqis as well as non-existent WMDs are now peddling the notion that North Korea has produced a miniaturized nuclear warhead able to fit its recently tested ICBM.

Thats the core of an analysis completed in July by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). Additionally, US intel believes that Pyongyang now has access to up to 60 nuclear weapons.

On the ground US intel on North Korea is virtually non-existent  so these assessments amount to guesswork at best.

But when we couple the guesswork with an annual 500-page white paper released earlier this week by the Japanese Defense Ministry, alarm bells do start ringing.

The white paper stresses Pyongyangs significant headway in the nuclear race and its possible (italics mine) ability to develop miniaturized nuclear warheads able to fit on the tips of its missiles.

This possible ability is drowned in outright speculation. As the report states, It is conceivable that North Koreas nuclear weapons program has already considerably advanced and it is possible that North Korea has already achieved the miniaturization of nuclear bombs into warheads and has acquired nuclear warheads.

Western corporate media would hardly refrain from metastasizing pure speculation into a North Korea has miniaturized nuclear weapons frenzy consuming the cable news cycle/ newspaper headlines.

Talk about hearts and minds comfortably numbed by the fear factor.

The Japanese white paper, conveniently, also escalated condemnation of China over Beijings actions in both the East and South China seas.

So lets look at the agendas in play. The War Party in the US, with its myriad connections in the industrial-military-media complex, obviously wants/needs war to keep the machinery oiled. Tokyo, for its part, would much appreciate a pre-emptive US military attack  and damn the inevitable, massive South Korean casualties that would result from Pyongyangs counterpunch.

Its quite enlightening that Tokyo, for all practical purposes, considers China as a threat as serious as North Korea; Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera went straight to the point when he said, North Koreas missiles represent a deepening threat. That, along with Chinas continued threatening behavior in the East China Sea and South China Sea, is a major concern for Japan. Beijings response was swift.

Kim Jong-Un, demonized ad infinitum, is not a fool, and is not going to indulge in a ritual seppuku unilaterally attacking South Korea, Japan or US territory. Pyongyangs nuclear arsenal represents the deterrent against regime change that Saddam Hussein and Gaddafi could not count on. Theres only one way to deal with North Korea, as Ive argued before ; diplomacy. Tell that to Washington and Tokyo.

Meanwhile, theres United Nations Security Council Resolution 2371. It does target North Koreas major exports  coal, iron, seafood. Coal accounts for 40% of Pyongyangs exports, and arguably 10% of GDP.

Yet this new sanctions package does not touch imports of oil and refined-oil products from China. Thats one of the reasons why Beijing voted in favor.

Beijings strategy is a very Asian attempt to find a face-saving solution  and that takes time. UNSC resolution 2371 buys time  and may dissuade the Trump administration, for now, from going heavy metal, with horrible consequences.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi cautiously stated the sanctions are a sign of international opposition to North Koreas missile and nuclear weapons programs. The last thing Beijing needs is a war right on its borders, also bound to negatively interfere with the expansion of the New Silk Roads, a.k.a. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Beijing could always work on re-building trust between Pyongyang and Washington. Thats an order taller than the Himalayas. One just needs to look back at the 1994 Agreed Framework , signed during Bill Clintons first term.

The framework was supposed to freeze  and even dismantle  Pyongyangs nuclear program and was bound to normalize US-North Korea relations. A US-led consortium would build two light-water nuclear reactors to compensate for Pyongyangs loss of nuclear power; sanctions would be lifted; both parties would issue formal assurances against the use of nuclear weapons.

Nothing happened. The framework collapsed in 2002  when North Korea was enshrined in the axis of evil by the Cheney regime. Not to mention that the Korean War is still, technically, on; the 1953 armistice was never replaced by a real peace treaty.

So what next? Three reminders.

1) Beware of an engineered false flag, to be blamed on Pyongyang; that would be the perfect pretext for war. 2) The current narrative is eerily similar to the usual suspects blaring since forever that Iran is a heartbeat away from building a nuclear weapon. 3) North Korea holds trillions of US dollars in unexplored mineral wealth. Watch the shadowplay by candidates bound to profit from such juicy loot.

This article was first published by Asia Times -
The Indefensible Hiroshima Revisionism That Haunts America To This Day



Seventy years ago this week we vaporized 250,000 civilians, and yet still view the bombings as an act of mercy



By Christian Appy Never, never waste a minute on regret. It's a waste of time. -- President Harry Truman Here we are, 70 years after the nuclear obliteration of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and I'm wondering if we've come even one step closer to a moral reckoning with our status as the world's only country to use atomic weapons to slaughter human beings. Will an American president ever offer a formal apology? Will our country ever regret the dropping of Little Boy and Fat Man, those two bombs that burned hotter than the sun? Will it absorb the way they instantly vaporized thousands of victims, incinerated tens of thousands more, and created unimaginably powerful shockwaves and firestorms that ravaged everything for miles beyond ground zero? Will it finally come to grips with the black rain that spread radiation and killed even more people -- slowly and painfully -- leading in the end to a death toll for the two cities conservatively estimated at more than 250,000? Given the last seven decades of perpetual militarization and nuclear modernization  in this country, the answer may seem like an obvious no. Still, as a historian, I've been trying to dig a little deeper into our lack of national contrition. As I have, an odd fragment of Americana kept coming to mind, a line from the popular 1970 tearjerker Love Story : Love, says the female lead when her boyfriend begins to apologize, means never having to say you're sorry. It has to be one of the dumbest definitions ever to lodge in American memory, since real love often requires the strength to apologize and make amends. It does, however, apply remarkably well to the way many Americans think about that broader form of love we call patriotism. With rare exceptions, like the 1988 congressional act that apologized to and compensated the Japanese-American victims of World War II internment, when it comes to the brute exercise of power, true patriotism has above all meant never having to say you're sorry. The very politicians who criticize other countries for not owning up to their wrong-doing regularly insist that we should never apologize for anything. In 1988, for example, after the U.S. Navy shot down an Iranian civilian airliner over the Persian Gulf killing all 290 passengers (including 66 children), Vice President George H.W. Bush, then running for president, proclaimed , I will never apologize for the United States. Ever. I don't care what the facts are. It turns out, however, that Bush's version of American remorselessness isnt quite enough. After all, Americans prefer to view their country as peace-loving, despite having been at war constantly since 1941. This means they need more than denials and non-apologies. They need persuasive stories and explanations (however full of distortions and omissions). The tale developed to justify the bombings that led to a world in which the threat of human extinction has been a daily reality may be the most successful legitimizing narrative in our history. Seventy years later, its still deeply embedded in public memory and school textbooks , despite an ever-growing pile of evidence that contradicts it. Perhaps its time, so many decades into the age of apocalyptic peril, to review the American apologia for nuclear weapons -- the argument in their defense -- that ensured we would never have to say we're sorry. The Hiroshima Apologia On August 9, 1945, President Harry Truman delivered a radio address from the White House. The world will note, he said, that the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, a military base. That was because we wished in this first attack to avoid, insofar as possible, the killing of civilians. He did not mention that a second atomic bomb had already been dropped on Nagasaki. Truman understood, of course, that if Hiroshima was a military base, then so was Seattle; that the vast majority of its residents were civilians; and that perhaps 100,000 of them had already been killed. Indeed, he knew that Hiroshima was chosen not for its military significance but because it was one of only a handful of Japanese cities that had not already been firebombed and largely obliterated by American air power. U.S. officials, in fact, were intent on using the first atomic bombs to create maximum terror and destruction. They also wanted to measure their new weapons power and so selected the virgin targets of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In July 1945, Secretary of War Henry Stimson informed Truman of his fear that, given all the firebombing of Japanese cities, there might not be a target left on which the atomic bomb could show its strength to the fullest. According to Stimson's diary, Truman laughed and said he understood. The president soon dropped the military base justification. After all, despite Washington's effort to censor the most graphic images of atomic annihilation coming out of Hiroshima, the world quickly grasped that the U.S. had destroyed an entire city in a single blow with massive loss of life. So the president focused instead on an apologia that would work for at least the next seven decades. Its core arguments appeared in that same August 9th speech. We have used [the atomic bomb] against those who attacked us without warning at Pearl Harbor, he said, against those who have starved and beaten and executed American prisoners of war, against those who have abandoned all pretense of obeying international laws of warfare. We have used it in order to shorten the agony of war, in order to save the lives of thousands and thousands of young Americans. By 1945, most Americans didn't care that the civilians of Hiroshima and Nagasaki had not committed Japan's war crimes. American wartime culture had for years drawn on a long history of yellow peril racism to paint the Japanese not just as inhuman, but as subhuman. As Truman put it in his diary, it was a country full of savages -- ruthless, merciless, and fanatic people so loyal to the emperor that every man, woman, and child would fight to the bitter end. In these years, magazines routinely depicted Japanese as monkeys, apes, insects, and vermin. Given such a foe, so went the prevailing view, there were no true civilians and nothing short of near extermination, or at least a powerful demonstration of America's willingness to proceed down that path, could ever force their surrender. As Admiral William Bull Halsey said in a 1944 press conference, The only good Jap is a Jap who's been dead six months. In the years after World War II, the most virulent expressions of race hatred diminished, but not the widespread idea that the atomic bombs had been required to end the war, eliminating the need to invade the Japanese home islands where, it was confidently claimed, tooth-and-nail combat would cause enormous losses on both sides. The deadliest weapon in history, the one that opened the path to future Armageddon, had therefore saved lives. That was the stripped down mantra that provided the broadest and most enduring support for the introduction of nuclear warfare. By the time Truman, in retirement, published his memoir in 1955, he was ready to claim with some specificity that an invasion of Japan would have killed half-a-million Americans and at least as many Japanese. Over the years, the ever-increasing number of lives those two A-bombs saved became a kind of sacred numerology. By 1991, for instance, President George H.W. Bush, praising Truman for his tough, calculating decision, claimed that those bombs had spared millions of American lives. By then, an atomic massacre had long been transformed into a mercy killing that prevented far greater suffering and slaughter. Truman went to his grave insisting that he never had a single regret or a moment's doubt about his decision. Certainly, in the key weeks leading up to August 6, 1945, the record offers no evidence that he gave serious consideration to any alternative. Revisionists Were Present at the Creation Twenty years ago, the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum planned an ambitious exhibit to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. At its center was to be an extraordinary artifact -- the fuselage of the Enola Gay, the B-29 Superfortress used to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. But the curators and historical consultants wanted something more than yet another triumphal celebration of American military science and technology. Instead, they sought to assemble a thought-provoking portrayal of the bomb's development, the debates about its use, and its long-term consequences. The museum sought to include some evidence challenging the persistent claim that it was dropped simply to end the war and save lives. For starters, visitors would have learned that some of America's best-known World War II military commanders opposed using atomic weaponry. In fact, six of the seven five-star generals and admirals of that time believed that there was no reason to use them, that the Japanese were already defeated, knew it, and were likely to surrender before any American invasion could be launched. Several, like Admiral William Leahy and General Dwight Eisenhower, also had moral objections to the weapon. Leahy considered the atomic bombing of Japan barbarous and a violation of every Christian ethic I have ever heard of and all of the known laws of war. Truman did not seriously consult with military commanders who had objections to using the bomb. He did, however, ask a panel of military experts to offer an estimate of how many Americans might be killed if the United States launched the two major invasions of the Japanese home islands scheduled for November 1, 1945 and March 1, 1946. Their figure: 40,000 -- far below the half-million he would cite after the war. Even this estimate was based on the dubious assumption that Japan could continue to feed, fuel, and arm its troops with the U.S. in almost complete control of the seas and skies. The Smithsonian also planned to inform its visitors that some key presidential advisers had urged Truman to drop his demand for unconditional surrender and allow Japan to keep the emperor on his throne, an alteration in peace terms that might have led to an almost immediate surrender. Truman rejected that advice, only to grant the same concession after the nuclear attacks. Keep in mind, however, that part of Truman's motivation for dropping those bombs involved not the defeated Japanese, but the ascending Soviet Union. With the U.S.S.R. pledged to enter the war against Japan on August 8, 1945 (which it did), Truman worried that even briefly prolonging hostilities might allow the Soviets to claim a greater stake in East Asia. He and Secretary of State James Byrnes believed that a graphic demonstration of the power of the new bomb, then only in the possession of the United States, might also make that Communist power more manageable in Europe. The Smithsonian exhibit would have suggested that Cold War planning and posturing began in the concluding moments of World War II and that one legacy of Hiroshima would be the massive nuclear arms race of the decades to come. In addition to displaying American artifacts like the Enola Gay, Smithsonian curators wanted to show some heartrending objects from the nuclear destruction of Hiroshima, including a schoolgirl's burnt lunchbox, a watch dial frozen at the instant of the bomb's explosion, a fused rosary, and photographs of the dead and dying. It would have been hard to look at these items beside that planes giant fuselage without feeling some sympathy for the victims of the blast. None of this happened. The exhibit was canceled after a storm of protest. When the Air Force Association leaked a copy of the initial script to the media, critics denounced the Smithsonian for its politically correct and anti-American revision of history. The exhibit, they claimed, would be an insult to American veterans and fundamentally unpatriotic. Though conservatives led the charge, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution condemning the Smithsonian for being revisionist and offensive that included a tidy rehearsal of the official apologia: The role of the Enola Gay... was momentous in helping to bring World War II to a merciful end, which resulted in saving the lives of Americans and Japanese. Merciful? Consider just this: the number of civilians killed at Hiroshima and Nagasaki alone was more than twice the number of American troops killed during the entire Pacific war. In the end, the Smithsonian displayed little but the Enola Gay itself, a gleaming relic of American victory in the Good War. Our Unbroken Faith in the Greatest Generation In the two decades since, we haven't come closer to a genuine public examination of history's only nuclear attack or to finding any major fault with how we waged what Studs Terkel famously dubbed the Good War. He used that term as the title for his classic 1984 oral history of World War II and included those quotation marks quite purposely to highlight the irony of such thinking about a war in which an estimated 60 million people died. In the years since, the term has become an American cliche, but the quotation marks have disappeared along with any hint of skepticism about our motives and conduct in those years. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Admittedly, when it comes to the launching of nuclear war (if not the firebombings that destroyed 67 Japanese cities and continued for five days after Fat Man was dropped on Nagasaki), there is some evidence of a more critical cast of mind in this country. Recent polls , for instance, show that only 56% of Americans now think we were right to use nuclear weapons against Japan, down a few points since the 1990s, while support among Americans under the age of 30 has finally fallen below 50%. You might also note that just after World War II, 85% of Americans supported the bombings. Of course, such pro-bomb attitudes were hardly surprising in 1945, especially given the relief and joy at the war's victorious ending and the anti-Japanese sentiment of that moment. Far more surprising: by 1946, millions of Americans were immersed in John Hersey's best-selling book Hiroshima , a moving report from ground zero that explored the atomic bomb's impact through the experiences of six Japanese survivors. It began with these gripping lines: At exactly fifteen minutes past eight in the morning, on August 6, 1945, Japanese time, at the moment when the atomic bomb flashed above Hiroshima, Miss Toshiko Sasaki, a clerk in the personnel department of the East Asia Tin Works, had just sat down at her place in the plant office and was turning her head to speak to the girl at the next desk. Hiroshima remains a remarkable document for its unflinching depictions of the bomb's destructiveness and for treating America's former enemy with such dignity and humanity. The crux of the matter, Hersey concluded, is whether total war in its present form is justifiable, even when it serves a just purpose. Does it not have material and spiritual evil as its consequences which far exceed whatever good might result? The ABC Radio Network thought Hersey's book so important that it hired four actors to read it in full on the air, reaching an even wider audience. Can you imagine a large American media company today devoting any significant air time to a work that engendered empathy for the victims of our twenty-first century wars? Or can you think of a recent popular book that prods us to consider the material and spiritual evil that came from our own participation in World War II? I can't. In fact, in the first years after that war, as Paul Boyer showed in his superb book By the Bombs Early Light , some of America's triumphalism faded as fears grew that the very existence of nuclear weapons might leave the country newly vulnerable. After all, someday another power, possibly the Soviet Union, might use the new form of warfare against its creators, producing an American apocalypse that could never be seen as redemptive or merciful. In the post-Cold War decades, however, those fears have again faded (unreasonably so since even a South Asian nuclear exchange between Pakistan and India could throw the whole planet into a version of nuclear winter ). Instead, the Good War has once again been embraced as unambiguously righteous. Consider, for example, the most recent book about World War II to hit it big, Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. Published in 2010, it remained on the New York Times best-seller list in hardcover for almost four years and has sold millions of copies. In its reach, it may even surpass Tom Brokaw's 1998 book, The Greatest Generation. A Hollywood adaptation of Unbroken appeared last Christmas. Hillenbrands book does not pretend to be a comprehensive history of World War II or even of the war in the Pacific. It tells the story of Louis Zamperini, a child delinquent turned Olympic runner turned B-24 bombardier. In 1943, his plane was shot down in the Pacific. He and the pilot survived 47 days in a life raft despite near starvation, shark attacks, and strafing by Japanese planes. Finally captured by the Japanese, he endured a series of brutal POW camps where he was the victim of relentless sadistic beatings. The book is decidedly a page-turner, but its focus on a single American's punishing ordeal and amazing recovery inhibits almost any impulse to move beyond the platitudes of nationalistic triumphalism and self-absorption or consider (among other things) the racism that so dramatically shaped American combat in the Pacific. That, at least, is the impression you get combing through some of the astonishing 25,000 customer reviews Unbroken has received on Amazon. My respect for WWII veterans has soared, a typical reviewer writes. Thank you Laura Hillenbrand for loving our men at war, writes another. It is difficult to read of the inhumanity of the treatment of the courageous men serving our country. And so on. Unbroken devotes a page and a half to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, all of it from the vantage point of the American crew of the Enola Gay. Hillenbrand raises concerns about the crew's safety: No one knew for sure if... the bomber could get far enough away to survive what was coming. She describes the impact of the shockwaves, not on the ground, but at 30,000 feet when they slammed into the Enola Gay, pitching the men into the air. The film version of Unbroken evokes even less empathy for the Japanese experience of nuclear war, which brings to mind something a student told my graduate seminar last spring. He teaches high school social studies and when he talked with colleagues about the readings we were doing on Hiroshima, three of them responded with some version of the following: You know, I used to think we were wrong to use nukes on Japan, but since I saw Unbroken I've started to think it was necessary. We are, that is, still in the territory first plowed by Truman in that speech seven decades ago. At the end of the film, this note appears on the screen: Motivated by his faith, Louie came to see that the way forward was not revenge, but forgiveness. He returned to Japan, where he found and made peace with his former captors. That is indeed moving. Many of the prison camp guards apologized, as well they should have, and -- perhaps more surprisingly -- Zamperini forgave them. There is, however, no hint that there might be a need for apologies on the American side, too; no suggestion that our indiscriminate destruction of Japan, capped off by the atomic obliteration of two cities, might be, as Admiral Leahy put it, a violation of all of the known laws of war. So here we are, 70 years later, and we seem, if anything, farther than ever from a rejection of the idea that launching atomic warfare on Japanese civilian populations was an act of mercy. Perhaps some future American president will finally apologize for our nuclear attacks, but one thing seems certain: no Japanese survivor of the bombs will be alive to hear it. Christian Appy, TomDispatch regular and professor of history at the University of Massachusetts, is the author of three books about the Vietnam War, including most recently American Reckoning: The Vietnam War and Our National Identity (Viking). The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House.
The Tripartite Commission for the voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon has called for the safe, dignified return and sustainable reintegration of about 58,000 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon.

This is part of the communique issued at the end of its inaugural meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

The Tripartite Commission which comprised Nigeria, Cameroon and the UNHCR is meant to ensure the voluntary and dignified return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon in line with international best practice.

The Communique was read by Hajia Sadiya Farouq, Federal Commissioner, National Commission For Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and signed by representatives of Nigeria, Cameroon government and the UNHCR.

The Commission directed the Technical Working Group to conclude concrete operational modalities and support measures, including setting timetable and procedures to ensure the safe, dignified, voluntary return and sustainable reintegration of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon.

The Commission also directed the Technical Working Group to develop a phased-approach for organised return of the refugees based on the security situation in the North-east.

It also stressed the need for various bilateral and multilateral development partners to raise the necessary funds to facilitate the repatriation and restoration programme.

Earlier, the Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau had expressed joy at the inauguration of the Commission as it will bring succour to the refugees.



I am very delighted and honoured to be here today to inaugurate the meeting of Tripartite Commission for the implementation of the Tripartite Agreement for the voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees living in Cameroon.



It could be recalled that it was in June 2016 at this venue the agreement was drafted by Nigeria, Cameroon and the UNHCR along with other stakeholders.



However, we have not been able to implement the agreement, more than 12 months after it was drafted and over four months after it was signed on March 2, 2017 in Yaounde, he said.

The Communique was signed by the Minister of Interior, Nigeria, Abdulrahman Dambazau, Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, Cameroon, Mr Rene Sadi and the UNHCR representative in Nigeria, Mr Antonio Canhandula.

Source: ( PM News )
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has revealed how over N11 trillion meant to provide regular electricity supply was allegedly squandered under the governments of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa YarAdua and Goodluck Jonathan.

ACcording to the report, The total estimated financial loss to Nigeria from corruption in the electricity sector starting from the return to democracy in 1999 to date is over Eleven Trillion Naira (N11 Trillion Naira). This represents public funds, private equity and social investment (or divestments) in the power sector. It is estimated that may reach over Twenty Trillion Naira (N20 Trillion Naira) in the next decade given the rate of Government investment and funding in the power sector amidst dwindling fortune and recurrent revenue shortfalls.

The 65 pages report launched today at the Westown Hotels, Lagos is titled: From Darkness to Darkness: How Nigerians are Paying the Price for Corruption in the Electricity Sector. The report presented to the media by presented by Yemi Oke, Ass. Professor, Energy/Electricity Law, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos discloses that the country has lost more megawatts in the post-privatisation era due to corruption, impunity, among other social challenges reflected in the report.

The report shows that, The much-publicised power sector reforms in Nigeria under the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005 is yet to yield desired and/or anticipated fruits largely due to corruption and impunity of perpetrators, regulatory lapses and policy inconsistencies. Ordinary Nigerians continue to pay the price for corruption in the electricity sectorstaying in darkness, but still made to pay crazy electricity bills.

Mr Femi Falana SAN who chaired the report launch said that, This report is a must read, and I promise to lead in the follow-up litigation efforts to ensure the full implementation of the recommendations of the report.

The report launch was also attended by Babatunde Irukera, the Director General/Chief Executive of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC); and Mr Ibrahim Magu Chairman Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) who was represented by Mr Osita Nwajah, Director Public Affairs EFCC. Both promised to work to ensure the full implementation of the recommendations contained in the report.

Others at the events are Barrister Babatunde Ogala; Dayo Olaide, Deputy Director Macarthur Foundation; Eva Kouka, Program Officer Ford Foundation; Motunrayo Alaka Coordinator Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism; representatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC); the National Human Rights Commission, and the media.

The report accuses Dr. Ransom Owan-led board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) of allegedly settling officials with millions of Naira as severance packages and for embarrassing them with alleged Three Billion Naira (N3,000,000,000.00) Fraud. The authorities must undertake a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation as to the reasons why corruption charges were withdrawn, and to recover any corrupt funds.

The report also called for the reopening and effective prosecution of corruption allegations, including the alleged looting of the benefits of families of the deceased employees of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) levelled against a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali

The report reads: The Obasanjos administration spent $10 billion on NIPP with no results in terms of increase in power generation. $13.278,937,409.94 was expended on the power sector in eight years while unfunded commitments amounted to $12 billion.

The Federal Government then budgeted a whopping N16 billion for the various reforms under Liyel Imoke (2003 to 2007) which went down the drains as it failed to generate the needed amount of electricity or meet the set goals. Imoke was alleged to have personally collected the sum of $7.8 million for the execution of the contract for the construction of the Jos-Yola Transmission Line, which was never executed. There were documented/reported allegations of corruption against Imoke that fizzled-out shortly thereafter.

Professor Chinedu Nebo handed over the assets of the PHCN to private investors on November 1, 2013. Prof. Nebo is alleged to have corruptly funded the privatized power sector with over N200 Billion despite privatization. The allegation of N200 Billion funding of the privatized power sector during Prof Nebos tenure should be thoroughly and transparently investigated and anyone suspected to be responsible prosecuted. Any corrupt funds should be fully recovered.

Our research revealed that the sum of N1.5 billion with which the vehicles were acquired was allegedly sourced from the diverted N27 billion insurance premium of deceased workers of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

The National Assembly and members should desist from and avoid manipulating the award of electricity contracts or cite projects in their constituencies under the guise of Constituency Project. The National Assembly should publish and ensure the full implementation of the recommendations of all power-related investigations to date.

The Federal Government should back-down from Rural Electrification initiatives and allow States to undertake rural electrification through their respective Local Governments and Development Areas. Federal Government should consider fully divesting its stakes in the power sector and allow for efficient, decentralized sector governance by Federal and State governments, as appropriate, in line with the provisions of the Second Schedule, paragraph 13 and 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

The 36 state governments should wake up to their rights, duties and obligations under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria relating to the power sector by working to promote and ensure access to regular and uninterrupted electricity supply for all residents within their states. The 36 state governments have been abdicating the duties to the power sector, bearing in mind that Power is an item on the Concurrent Legislative List under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended).

When the late Bola Ige took up the mantle of the Power and Steel Ministry in 1999, he probably didnt understand the magnitude of problems in the power sector and consequently, promised that within six months of his appointment, power failure will be a thing of the past and that on a regular basis, he will brief the nation on the state of power, steel and aluminum. Current minister Babatunde Fashola SAN also claimed that a serious Government will fix the power problem in six months

The power sector under Ige was characterized by epileptic and unreliable supply, bogus billing and archaic rate collection. The late Minister failed and was unable to put an end to these. His failure was attributed to acts of sabotage and corruption by people who were benefitting from the use of generators. The late Bola Ige was not accused of corruption.

When Rilwan Lanre Babalola (2008 to 2010) took over the affairs in the Ministry of Power, he met 3,700MW on ground and promised to increase it to 6,000MW and ensure a 24-hour power supply by the end of 2009. Six months after assuring Nigerians of making a significant impact in the sector, in September 2009, the 3,700MW capacity he met on ground dropped to 2,710MW which shortfall was attributed to inadequate supply of gas to the new generators.

The duo, Elumelu and Ugbane allegedly colluded in misappropriating over N10 billion public funds from the account of Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The research also established, based on evaluation and analyzing documents, a prima-facie case of misappropriation of unspent funds at the end of the year instead of returning same to the treasury. Alleged misappropriation of N500million to buy houses; diversion of REAs funds; flouting of governments rules on award of contracts and award of fictitious and unnecessary contracts without following due process.

The government of Nigeria handed over the transmission company to a Canadian company Manitoba, to manage and under a management service contract of over $200 million. Findings also show that the Transmission Company of Nigeria could not execute most of its approved 44 projects after having 50 percent of its N30 billion 2016 budget released to it. Funds were released from Eurobond. $23.6 million allegedly paid to Manitoba Hydro International (MHI) of Canada to manage the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) would appear to be without due process.

The privatization of PHCN would appear to have yielded the country total darkness. Gains of privatization were lost through alleged corruption, manipulation of rules and disregard to extant laws and lack of transparency in the exercise. The PBE encouraged the deferment of payment and restructuring of payment terms in contravention of bidding rules to the disadvantage of other bidders.

Billing methodology shrouded in secrecy. Billings do not reflect actual electricity consumptions in most cases. Most if not all, officials of the DISCOs are still very corrupt and demand gratification from customers before doing the job they are paid to do. Grand corruption against the Federal Government owner of the 40% stakes in the DISCOS, and by implications, the Nigerian masses due to non-remittance or under-remittances of the monies collected by the DISCOs.

The Manitoba deal is shrouded in secrecy as essential details of the deal remain unknown to Nigerians till date. The authorities should undertake a public-oriented audit on the state of affairs of the TCN two years before and after the Manitoba deal. The outcome of the audit should form basis for further action and charges in court against the suspected perpetrators and corrupt funds fully recovered.

The Federal Government should undertake a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the power sector privatization with a view to doing things the right, fair and just way. Ownership of public stakes of 40% in those entities should be revisited and further privatized to avoid using government/public resources to subsidize private entities.

Attention should be focused also on petty corruption. Petty corruption in the electricity sector has not received much attention, as the focus has been on grand corruption in the sector.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami SAN should request the report of the House of Representative Committee that probed government spending in the power sector from 2000 to 2007, and the Elumelu House Probe Committee which had accused 21 persons and 36 companies of subversion of government policy on due process make the report public and ensure appropriate legal action against anyone suspected to be involved in corruption as well as full recovery of corrupt funds.

Undocumented, monumental fraud and corruption is said to be perpetrated at the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and investigation by the EFCC and ICPC will ensure that those involved are effectively brought to justice.

Mr Malami should direct the EFCC and ICPC to probe metering and billing fraud and corruption and bribery among Discos. Most consumers are unhappy with their billing methodology and feel short-changed by the operators. Mr Malami should promptly make progress on all outstanding cases of corruption in the electricity sector including by ensuring effective prosecution of all power sector cases being handled by the Ministry.

The ICPC should make public the status of the investigation and recommendations for prosecution (if any) on the AEDC Recruitment Scandal/Jumbo Pay Scandal given the facts that the Nigerian Government and public have 40% stakes in the AEDC. The Manitoba deal is shrouded in secrecy as essential details of the deal remain unknown to Nigerians till date. The EFCC/ICPC should lead a public-oriented audit on the state of affairs of the TCN two years before and after the Manitoba deal.

The ICPC show tell Nigerians about the current status of the probe of the recruitment scandal and corruption-induced jumbo pay to workers of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC Plc). Anyone found to be responsible should be brought to justice and corrupt funds fully recovered.

Source:( PM News )
Many people were feared dead on Thursday in a fresh attack by Boko Haram Islamists on Ghumbili community in the Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The attack comes a few days after a similar incident in neighbouring Mildu village in the local government, where seven people were killed by the insurgents.

Confirming the attack, the Chairman of Madagali Local Government Council, Mr. Yusuf Muhammed, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the attack lasted from 11pm on Wednesday to 3am on Thursday.

He said that the jihadists burnt no fewer than 60 houses and looted foodstuffs.They looted foodstuffs, killed livestock and burnt the village completely, he stated.

Muhammed said that the exact number of the dead and the injured people had yet to be ascertained and that villagers who escaped the attack were currently taking refuge at Gulak, the headquarters of the council.

But the spokesman for the Police Command in Adamawa State, Mr. Othman Abubakar, who also confirmed the attack, said no life was lost.

He, however, said that houses were destroyed in the attack  the latest in a string of deadly blows on mainly soft targets in Nigerias troubled North-East, Speaking on the development, the Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Haruna Furo, said that only one person was killed and that many houses were destroyed.

Boko Haram appears to have raised its onslaught in recent weeks in its eight-year bloody insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
Charly Boy has accused the Presidency of hiding the true nature of President Muhammadu Buharis illness.

In a statement issued by the maverick musician and members of the #ResumeorResign protesters on Thursday, they accused the Presidency of playing a chess game with the lives of 200 million Nigerians.

Read the full statement issued by Charly Boy and others below:

In the last 24 hours, reports have emanated from different sources that during the course of his 94-day medical sojourn in the United Kingdom, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) has received treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. These reports state that this treatment includes chemotherapy and go further to declare that President Buhari has become affected thereby to the point where he has severe difficulty communicating with the medical personnel treating him as well as close aides and family who are around him.

2. These reports are difficult to confirm or refute because of the secrecy with which President Buharis aides have handled information related to his illness. The reports are deeply disturbing and are a source of grave concern. Even more disturbing is the fact that there are several conspiracy theories circulating as to the state of health the president and how the secrecy behind his ailment persists only to favor the cabals and influence peddlers playing chess with the lives of 200million Nigerians.

3. It is in this light that we ask the Presidency to clear the air by providing full disclosure of the details of the illness which the President suffers from and the nature of treatment he is undergoing to combat such illness.

4. Nigerians will recall that for a long time, false information has been peddled around parts of the country that President Buhari was poisoned. Therefore, It is imperative to point out that only full disclosure of the details of the Presidents ill-health will put an end to reports of this nature and prevent the sort of social upheaval the lack of information may cause.

5. Finally, we have read the statement made by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Alhaji Garba Shehu, to the effect that our demands for full disclosure and resignation upon confirmation of incapacitation are an attempt to distract the government from the fight against corruption.

It is shameful that this pedantic sort of reasoning is still being applied to critical issues at this point of our national history. At no point has any correlation been made between our demands on President Buharis health status and the fight against corruption.

Therefore, and for the avoidance of doubt, we urge the government to continue the fight against corruption by arresting, prosecuting and securing the conviction of any person or group of persons who are found guilty of looting the nations treasuries. At the same time, we urge the government to ensure it fully discloses the details of President Buharis illness.

SIGNED:

Charles Oputa (Leader, #ResumeOrResign Movement)

FOR: Our Mumu Don Do Movement.

Deji Adeyanju (Co-Convener, #ResumeOrResign Movement

For: Concerned Nigerians.

Adebayo Raphael (Co-convener, #ResumeOrResign Movement)

For: OurMumuDonDo Movement.

Source: ( PM News )
A fraudster, Afolabi Ojo, who operates a fake Instagram shopping channel has been arrested by operatives of EFCC, Ibadan Offfice.

Afolabis arrest came after a complaint was laid sometime in June, 2017. The victim who was window shopping on Instagram, came across some slippers and shoes on a page Best Classic Store owned by one Kemisola with WhatsApp number 08106802815 displayed on the page.

The victim further disclosed that the sum of N53,000 was paid for some items purchased on the online store (Best Classic), into an account purportedly owned by one Oyebola Olasunkanmi with account number 0027735703 domiciled in one of the first generation banks.

Strangely thereafter, the suspect not only refused to deliver the goods, but went incommunicado. Hence, the suspect was reported to the EFCC. On arrest, Ojo who is also a student of the Polytechnic, Ire, Osun State confessed to being the one posing as Kemisola on Instagram, to deceive people especially ladies into patronizing him.

He said: I do not have any goods. I only pose as a lady using the name Kemisola with the handle Best Classic Store on Instagram. Some of the items I used to display for sale include female shoes, slippers, hand bags and wallet. After I have lured my victim to pay, I will disable him from my chat so that he can no longer reach me.

The EFCC operatives further disclosed that the suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded, while warning members of the public to be cautious when buying goods online, as not to fall victim of phony online stores with heinous motives
Three persons have been confirmed dead in a clash between Fulani herdsmen and farmers at Akpagodogbo, in Otukpa Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to reports, the crisis started last night August 9th when cows belonging to the herdsmen strayed into the farmland of residents of the community, destroying farm produce.

An argument ensued and this degenerated into a fight that has left three people dead with many properties and farm lands destroyed.

Police officers have been drafted to the area to maintain law and other.
Nigerians have condemned an alleged public harassment of a yet-to-be identified lady by some military officers.

A picture of the incident, which has been trending on the Internet, showed the victim being forced to pull down her trousers as her underwear jutted out.

A military man, who was supervising the unsavoury show, bent over the victim, who looked terrified and appeared to be begging another officer whose face was not revealed by the shot.

Although the identity of the supervising military officer was also shielded by his cap, the face of the lady at the centre of the drama was visible.

The place and time of the incident could not establish the time, place and circumstances surrounding the incident. But available information showed the victim was harrassed somewhere in the northern part of the country for putting on army camouflage.

A large number of people, who reacted to the photo on different social media platforms condemned the incident, saying the victim was dehumanised.

On Nairaland, a poster with the alias, Superpark, said it was wrong for anyone to take the law into his own hands no matter the offence.

While citing sections 108, 109 and 110 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act which prescribed punishment for use of a military uniform for the purpose of impersonation, the poster said the lady was not guilty of any crime.

She is not impersonating anybody with the clothes; when did army men start to wear tight trousers, and who gave the army the right to strip civilians? he wrote.

Another poster, Mikool007, said the military were fond of intimidating civilians.

It is your right to wear anything you want, but if you impersonate someone, e.g. a military officer, you will be prosecuted accordingly (not humiliated publicly) and is the army too dumb to differentiate their uniform from designer clothes? These guys are too busy intimidating us; weve forgotten they are here to serve us. Im not in the army, but I know for sure that the girl is not wearing the Nigerian military uniform, he said.

Another user, Link20k, said if the victim committed a crime, she was supposed to be taken in for questioning and not humiliated in the public.

He said, If she has in any way breached the law, she should have been taken in for questioning or kept behind bars and the necessary punishment given to her, not behaving like you are in the animal kingdom where anything goes and stripping her. In a sane climate or where humans reside, the army officers should be the one behind bars now.

Another user, Sweatlana, said, In a sane country, these men would be arrested, charged, convicted and jailed! The Nigerian Army makes it very easy for civilians to hate them. Even when they die in battles, I dont pity them! Is there any law that says civilians cant wear camouflage? If yes, is the prescribed punishment stripping the suspect?

If no, then who the hell do they think they are to tell people what to wear? It is written law that a person cannot be punished for a crime not known to law and punishment therein prescribed.

What are we if we do not have laws? Bloody babarians! The western world is right when it thinks of us Africans as such. We have no atom of civility.

On Facebook, one Isaac Okwu said camouflage was sold in some other countries.

Nigerians are primitive and crude. In Dubai, camouflage is sold in all their boutiques and anyone is free to buy. I even bought it, which I wore down to Nigeria the last time I travelled. People wear it everywhere in other countries and their soldiers even like it; they feel honoured that the people are identifying with them, he said.

However, there were other people who felt the victim should be blamed for the harrassment.

One Ezinne Chibuzo said the military had warned against wearing of military camouflage.

She said, Please, lets stop looking for trouble. These people have warned us not to wear their uniforms. If we refuse to listen, then we should be ready to take anything we get from them.

Another responder, lectuerdabo, said the constitution of the country disagreed with the idea of wearing military camouflage.

He said, Section 251 of the Constitution states; any person who, not being a person serving in any of the armed or police forces of Nigeria, wears the uniform of any of these forces, or any dress having the appearance or bearing any of the regimental or other distinctive marks of any such uniform, in such manner or in such circumstances as to be likely to bring contempt on that uniform, or employs any other person so to wear such uniform or dress, is guilty of a simple offence, and is liable to imprisonment for three months or to a fine of N40.

One Zachariah Apamshan said, Countries facing guerrilla or asymmetrical warfare, like Nigeria, where controlled military wares like camouflages are used by non-state forces to challenge the state, the state do not tolerate such indiscriminate use of military items. Nigeria is in a state of difficult warfare where the enemy knows you as a soldier while you dont know the enemy. Come on people! Weve got to support our military. You can join the military if interested in the uniform or go to other countries where you can be allowed to wear the uniform freely. Remember, camouflage remains a banned item in Nigeria. Be warned!

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
A 22-year-old man in Abeokuta, who has allegedly contacted Lassa Fever, is under medical observation at the State General Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta.

The patient, whose name was not given, was said to have returned from a trip to Lagos when he came down with the symptoms.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Babatunde Ipaye, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abeokuta.

He said the patient had been placed under watch.

He (patient) is resident here in Abeokuta; he travelled to Lagos and returned with the fever.

He is currently at the state General Hospital Ijaye where he is under medical observation.

We have carried out the first test.The first sample was positive. It shows some reactions, but we need to carry out another confirmatory test.

We are doing everything to see whether it is a confirmed case, the patients temperature was high, but, today, it has reduced considerably.

By tomorrow, we should be able to confirm whether it is Lassa fever or not. Meanwhile, the patient has been isolated, Ipaye said.

The Commissioner said the government had commenced preventive measures against the infection.

NAN recalled that two persons, including a 36-year-old pregnant woman, died at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, after being treated for Lassa fever. (N
Another ritualist hideout has been discovered at Ile-Zik on the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway very close to Ikeja, the Lagos state capital. Lagos, just two days after a ritualist den was uncovered under the bridge at Obadeyi bus-stop, Ijaiye, Lagos-Abeokuta road, the police in Lagos state

Items found in the den included several human parts, clothing items and others. The police fired tear gas canisters to smoke out two of the suspected ritualist hiding inside the den. One of the suspects who posed as a mad man but had a sharp knife on him was also arrested.

The suspects have been taken to the Isokoko police station for questioning.

Source: ( Linda Ikeji )
President Buharis media aide, Lauretta Onochie who was dragged few days back for saying it is disrespectful for Nigerians to ask about the Presidents health status, has dragged former President Jonathans media aide, Reno Omokri in new tweets.

Lauretta Onochie replaced Renos before and after photos with before looting and after looting.
President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki has sacked his director of protocol, head of administration and 96 others to scale down the number of his aides, our correspondent reliably gathered yesterday.

According to the Daily Trust,it was gathered that the affected aides have been issued sack letters through the office of the Chief of staff, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed. It was gathered that with the mass sack, Sarakis aides have been reduced from over 300 to a little above 200.

The newspaper had exclusively reported in March, 2016, how hundreds of aides engaged by Saraki, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and Deputy Speaker, Yusuf Lasun weighed down the National Assembly.

An aide to Saraki told our correspondent that the last batch of the affected aides, were given their sack letters on Tuesday.

They started last Wednesday and they have finished distributing the letters on Tuesday. Out of the 300 aides, about 100 were affected. You know we have some of our colleagues that are based in Kwara, he said.

He said among those affected were the director of protocol, Arthur Ndiwe and the head of administration, Mrs Folasade Adigun.

It was also gathered that the Special Adviser to Saraki on legal matters, Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi has also resigned.

Another source in Sarakis office, who also confirmed the mass sack, said majority of those affected were staff of the National Assembly, who have been on secondment for over a decade.

The source who doesnt want to be named said others who were affected are those who were redundant and are not adding value to the system.

Source: ( PM News )
The Chairman, Heir Holdings, Mr Tony Elumelu, has decided to join forces with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Thursday for accepting that his foundation would partner the agency in its fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.

Its Director-General, Julie Okah-Donli, gave the commendation when she paid Elumelu a courtesy visit in Lagos.

She said that more private sector operators needed to be reached to collaborate with the agency in executing its war against human trafficking.

Okah-Donli also said 540 Nigerian deportees would arrive Lagos from Libya before end of August.

Between January and July of this year, we have witnessed a mass deportation of Nigerians from various countries including Libya. This has seriously drained our very lean budget.

This year alone, over 2,000 Nigerians have been deported from Libya alone. It may interest you to note that we are expecting the deportation of no fewer than 540 Nigerians from Libya in three batches this August.

The first batch of 180 will arrive in Lagos anytime from now. However, we can no longer wait for government alone to do this, hence, the visit to seek support for the agency and for the empowerment of the victims.

Many victims are on standby, waiting for rehabilitation packages to be fully reintegrated into society. We are therefore constrained to run to you for support.

We need provision of financial and logistics support including operational vehicles and work tools, sponsorship of some of the agencys projects and programmes.

We need to refurbish and rehabilitate our existing shelters, periodic provision of food, clothing and medical consumables and shelter to help victims.

We need assistance in the development of standard skills acquisition centres in some strategic locations in Nigeria for training of vulnerable and indigent persons, as well as rescued victims.

We also need education empowerment for victims, capacity development for personnel of the agency, sponsorship of awareness campaigns on the problem through various platforms including the media, she told Elumelu.

On the achievements of the agency, she said it had recorded a number of milestones including the conviction of no fewer than 325 persons.

Already, over 12,000 victims have passed through NAPTIP shelters and we have given psychological support, provided skills, education, medical supports, empowerment and reintegrated to their families and society.

We have many victims who have graduated from tertiary institutions and in the last three weeks, two of such have graduated with one having a 2:1 in accounting under the sponsorship of NAPTIP, she said

She said that despite these achievements, NAPTIPs main challenge had been funding, adding that the crime of human trafficking according to the United Nations in terms of profit was third in ranking and coming next to drugs and gun running.

It generates more than 150 billion dollars annually across the globe. However, the fund to fight it in Nigeria has been grossly inadequate, she noted

Responding, Elumelu expressed pride at the elevation of Okah-Donli to head the agency, adding that she was once a product of the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

She was our product in UBA, thus we are not surprised at what she has become. We have known she will get to this level because of the passion she has for stopping human trafficking.

We support what you are doing and we stand behind you. The Tony Elumelu Foundation believes in the empowerment of our youths and they cannot be empowered if they are not free.

We stand with you in eradicating human trafficking in Nigeria. We all engage more with you as you try to restore dignity to mankind and make sure our youths have self dignity and no one can take undue advantage of them.

Selling of human parts is an ungodly act and it is despicable. I call on the Federal Government that started this good role to make more resources available to support you.

Private companies pay tax to the Federal Government and we want to see a more judicious use of those tax paid, he said.

He appealed to private organisations to join the agency to fight human trafficking, stressing that they needed to come onboard because they could vouch for the incumbent DG of NAPTIP.

If she succeeds, we will all succeed. We will make sure our future leaders are not trafficked, he said.

Source: ( PM News )
The Peoples Democratic Party said in Abuja on Thursday that it was expecting those it described as high-profile  defectors to join its fold within the next three weeks.

The Chairman of the partys Special Non-Elective National Convention, who is also the Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, stated this in a chat with journalists.

He said the party was preparing to welcome the expected defectors from other political parties.

But he did not reveal the identities of the defectors and their political parties.

He spoke while inspecting the Eagles Square, venue of the convention, saying necessary arrangement had been made in order to have a successful convention.

He said, We just came to see what is on the ground, I believe that our people will be safe because we have everything under control, we are not expecting hitches at all.

We are doing very well as a party and as a committee. In this kind of planning you will have some challenges here and there but there are solutions being proffered to everyone of them and we are confident that we are on the right track and it shall be well on Saturday.

I believe that a lot of people who thought that the party was going to implode will realise that we are back and ready to offer what it takes to better the lives of Nigerians.

Many of our members that left earlier due to one form of disagreement or the other will return to their party because the National Caretaker Committee has constituted a Reconciliation Committee as well as a Contact and Mobilisation Committee to reach out to them.

From the way things are going presently in this country, I believe Nigerians will realise that PDP is the only alternative that can bring Nigeria out of her present economic challenges. We are expecting high profile defectors in the next three weeks or so.

However, the All Progressives Congress said it was not bothered by the PDPs claim.

Spokesperson for the ruling party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said, Three weeks is not forever; we will wait for it to come. We are confident that we will not lose any our valuable members to the former ruling party.

He added that the PDP was just making an unsubstantiated claim.

Also speaking at the venue, the National Chairman of the partys National Caretaker Committee, Ahmed Makarfi, assured members of the party that the issues relating to the South-West zone of the party had been resolved.

Makarfi said, Yesterday (Wednesday), we had a meeting with the leaders from the zone to resolve the issues.

As a party, we will continue to work hard not to lose anybody, but we will work harder to bring in more members to the party.

Meanwhile, there was a mild drama at the PDP national secretariat on Thursday when the committee set up to screen the seven governorship aspirants for the Anambra State governorship election openly expressed displeasure about what it called acts of indiscipline by some of the aspirants.

The Chairman of the Screening Committee, who is also a former Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Waziri, spoke on behalf of the committee.

He said it was unfortunate that some of the aspirants did not show up at the venue of the screening, even 90 minutes after 9.am when the event was scheduled to take off.

Aspirants who were screened on Thursday included Prince Okechukwu Emeka, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Mrs. Linda Ikpeazu, Oseloka Obaze, Chief Ifeanyi Uba, Senator Stella Oduah and Akolisa Ufodike.
Copper Nears Important Area Taurus Trading LLC - Sat Nov 12, 11:33AM CST Watch price action between 3.9615 and 4.1167.

Elections, inflation and crop reports bring volatility Sidwell Strategies - Sat Nov 12, 11:28AM CST Black Sea Corridor Renewal ahead

Americans Are Saving Less. Heres How to Save More. Young & The Invested - Sat Nov 12, 6:00AM CST Several recent data studies show that Americans, after saving heavily during the pandemic, are starting to pull money from those savings. We discuss how to maintain healthy savings habits.

Hog Prices Closed Mixed Barchart - Fri Nov 11, 4:21PM CST Lean hog prices were mixed on Friday with 12 to 52 cent losses through the April contract. The deferred contracts closed 10 to 15 cents in the black with May UNCH. The USDA National Average Base Hog Price... HEZ22 : 84.350s (-0.62%) HEJ23 : 94.100s (-0.13%) KMZ22 : 94.900s (-0.63%)

Friday Cotton Closes Triple Digits Higher Barchart - Fri Nov 11, 4:21PM CST Cotton added 116 to 182 points to the upside on Friday after a brief pause for the WASDE numbers. That kept the board under the high on Tuesday, but ended as a weekly gain of 253 points. USDAs FAS... CTZ22 : 88.20s (+2.11%) CTH23 : 86.33s (+2.09%) CTK23 : 85.56s (+1.89%)
Janus International Group LLC, a manufacturer of self-storage roll-up doors and building components, has acquired ASTA Door Corp., a U.S. supplier of rolling-door products. ASTA will continue to operate as a standalone company under its current president, James C. French III. Its headquarters and primary manufacturing will be moved from Acworth, Ga., to Cartersville, Ga., in early 2018.

We are very excited about the acquisition of ASTA, and we remain committed to the companys continued growth and prosperity, said Janus CEO David Curtis. We will look for synergies that may exist between both firms and do our best to take full advantage of them; however, we do not foresee any changes in operations for either company moving forward. Both companies will continue to serve our valuable customers with quality products and outstanding customer service.

Headquartered in Temple, Ga., Janus has six U.S. locations as well as manufacturing facilities in Europe and Mexico. The company is owned by Saw Mill Capital Partners LP, a New York-based private equity investment fund managed by Saw Mill Capital LLC.
Two days ago we reported Aegons 266 million (AU$439 million) broker in the Netherlands being sold to Aon  now its Aegon Irelands turn.AGER Bermuda Holding Ltd. (AGER) is acquiring Aegon Ireland for about 163 million (AU$269 million)  approximately 81% of Aegon Irelands Solvency II own funds (200 million; AU$330 million).The Dublin-based insurer  with assets of approximately 4.7 billion (AU$7.7 billion) as of June 30, 2017  provides wealth management and retirement planning products to more than 25,000 customers in the UK and Germany.We see significant opportunities with Aegon Ireland. This acquisition gives us a strong platform to accumulate Irish annuities, to create a reinsurance hub in Europe, and to provide services to all AGER group companies including our existing German operations, said AGER executive vice president Deepak Rajan when the deal was announced.Aegon, for its part, said there are no immediate changes to its product lines because of the announcement. Existing policyholders arent affected and will continue to enjoy the benefits that our products offer, it said.According to the Financial Times, the latest sale  which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2018  is part of an ongoing streamlining within the Dutch firm. Prior to the deals announced this week, Aegon recently divested US run-off businesses to Wilton Re, as well as 9 billion of UK annuities.Bermuda-based AGER is the holding company of Athene Holding Ltd.s (Athene) European group companies. Athenes subsidiaries are Athene USA, Athene Life Re, and Athene Germany.
It is a criminal offence if directors do not apply for their director ID on time
Manulife Financial has clarified speculation that it is exploring an initial public offering of its US unit, John Hancock.Several of Manulifes competitors, namely MetLife and AXA SA, have shed their US operations prompting speculation that Manulife would follow suit.In July, the Wall Street Journal reported that Manulife was under pressure from several of its shareholders to spinoff John Hancock Financial Services after years of disappointing performance at the unit.Its all market rumor and speculation as far as Im concerned, Manulife CFO Steve Roder told Reuters in an interview.What Manulife did confirm, however, was that it would consider selling some businesses that are impeding its growth.For the last 18 months or so, weve highlighted to our investors that we are always considering how we can optimize our balance sheet and accelerate the growth in [return on equity], Roder explained.During a conference call with investors, outgoing CEO Don Guloien said that the company had some challenging blocks of legacy business and regularly investigates all opportunities of improving shareholder value.When he was asked if he thought an IPO of John Hancock was a non-starter, he said: No, I dont think there are any non-starters. When you run a public company youve got to look at every perspective in a dispassionate way. Thats not to suggest that we would do that or thats its easy to do. The ultimate determination would be is it good for building shareholder value? That would be the criteria our company would use.Related stories:
A family in Mason, Ohio, has been charged in a $2.9 million life insurance scheme  prosecutors allege that the family bought policies for a relative who had severe medical conditions but hid that information from the insurer.Mitch G. Stevenson, 53, his wife Patricia Stevenson, 57, and their daughter Candace Stevenson, 30, were each charged with conspiracy to launder money and money laundering.According to the indictment, when the relative (who was left unnamed) died on January 09, 2012, West Coast Life Insurance Company issued a $1.5 million check to Patricia and another $1.4 million check to Candace. Cincinnati Enquirer noted that an obituary from January 2012 listed Mitch Stevensons sister, referring to details in the report.The life insurance policy applications falsely stated that the relative had never been diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure or ulcers, among other conditions, and that she had not had any medication in the previous 12 months, the indictment, filed in US District Court in Cincinnati, read.The applications reported the persons weight as around 170lbs when she actually weighed between 375 and 400lbs.In early February 2009, an unknown individual in Sugar Land, Texas, who met the description in the applications, represented herself as the relative at the examination and was weighed at 176lbs, US Attorney Benjamin Glassman explained in a release.Glassman said that three weeks prior to the examination, the actual relative went to a Cincinnati emergency room and was weighed at 387lbs.Court documents also detailed that, in 2011, amendments were made to the owners and beneficiaries of the two policies, naming Patricia and Candace.The indictment said that the Stevensons then engaged in a complicated series of transactions meant to obscure the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds of the fraud scheme.Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the Stevensons had purchased a 2012 Bentley GT Convertible for about $247,000. Another $284,000 was used as a down payment on a land contract on a home in Mason. Other purchases the family made included approximately $16,000 to World of Decor and almost $33,000 to Facet Jewelry.Court documents also show that Mitch and Patricia, along with their two sons, were involved in a scheme involving the purchase and sale of scrap metal.
Under a new rule, insurers covering homes in California may be on the hook for home repairs  even if they exceed the homes total value.Earlier this week, the California Supreme Court unanimously denied a review of an insurance groups appeal of a lower-court decision that favored a homeowner. The high court also denied the insurers request to prohibit the use of the lower-court ruling as a precedent for future cases. Essentially, that means the ruling is binding on trial courts across the state.Simply put, the ruling means that insured homeowners whose homes have been damaged without being destroyed are entitled to coverage for the cost of repair  even if that cost is far more than the homes market value, according to a report by SFGate.The ruling stems from a 2011 kitchen fire that badly damaged the home of Richmond, Calif., resident Marlene Garnes. Her insurer, the California Fair Plan Association, paid Garnes only $75,000, the homes market value at the time. Garnes sued the insurer and won the right for coverage of $320,549, according to SFGate.In its ruling in May, the First Circuit Court of Appeal said that a 2004 state law allowed homeowners to recover repair costs  and that insurance coverage is limited to market value only if a home has been completely destroyed or damaged beyond repair.Courts have recognized that homes may have values to an owner that are distinct from economic worth, such as familiarity, comfort and the memories they invoke, Justice Therese Stewart wrote for the appeals court.Garnes lawyer, Dylan Schaffer, said homeowners should be able to depend on their insurance coverage without worrying how fluctuating property prices will affect it.The point of having insurance is to be able to fix your house, not to be able to make a profit, Schaffer told SFGate.
A new managing general agent that will specialize in serving Midwest non-GMO crop growers, as well as traditional crop-insurance markets, has launched in Iowa.Crop Pro Insurance has received approval as an MGA for an A-rated insurance company from the US Department of Agriculture. That approval makes Crop Pro one of only 16 companies eligible to participate in the Federal Crop Insurance Program.First and foremost, we are committed to serving the needs of the traditional crop insurance market, Billy Rose, chairman of Crop Pro Insurance, told the Des Moines Business Record. At the same time, agriculture is evolving as new technologies come to market and emerging markets are developing.Rose said that providing dependable coverage for non-genetically-modified crops would help the US grab a bigger piece of the growing non-GMO pie.Eighty percent of non-GMO products consumed in the United States are imported from other areas of the world, and new biologicals can replace the use of existing crop-protection products, he said. In order to position the United States as a leader in the non-GMO and sustainable markets, we have to provide growers the support and income assurance they need to confidently embrace new technologies more rapidly.Crop Pro will offer both federal crop insurance and private insurance, focusing initially on 13 Midwestern states, according to the Business Record. Working with a network of independent agents, it will begin offering insurance products in time for the spring 2018 growing season.
Erie Insurance, based in Erie, Penn., has appointed Sarah Shine as senior vice president of commercial products.

Shine joined Erie in 2000 as an actuarial analyst for personal lines and shifted focus to commercial lines in 2004. Since 2013, Shine served as vice president of commercial underwriting and, earlier this year, was named regional vice president of underwriting for the Southeast region.

Under Shines leadership, Eries commercial underwriting function strengthened the role of support staff to enable greater effectiveness across the team, according to a company press release. Shine also initiated efforts to build talent through internships and training programs, in addition to building bench strength within the underwriting team.

Source: Erie Insurance

Topics Commercial Lines Pennsylvania
The U.K. raised its estimate of eggs contaminated by the unauthorized pesticide fipronil, with the outbreak believed to have affected some products made by major supermarkets.

We have now established that more eggs from affected farms than previously identified came to the U.K., the Food Standards Agency said in a statement, raising its estimate to 700,000 from 21,000.

Products will be withdrawn due to the chemicals unauthorized status, rather than a specific safety concern. Processed food products are likely to have been affected, including salads and sandwiches made by Sainsbury Plc, Wm Morrison Plc and Wal-Mart Stores Inc.s Asda.

The contaminated eggs are likely to have been mixed with non-contaminated eggs, diluting the amount of fipronil that could be consumed. It is very unlikely there is any risk to public health, the FSA said.

The outbreak is believed to have originated in the Netherlands, the European Unions biggest egg exporter, according to Eurostat data. Local authorities arrested two men in relation to the fipronil use Thursday, according to the Dutch public prosecutor.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Medical Professional Liability
Dozens of antique vehicles were destroyed when a fire swept through a garage outside the southern Illinois community of Staunton.

Staunton Fire Protection District Chief Rick Haase says about a third of the building that served as Country Classic Cars showroom and warehouse was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived late Tuesday.

Firefighters from 13 departments tackled the blaze. Haase says the majority of the personnel were used to shuttle water to the site, which had no access to fire hydrants due to its rural location.

Business owner Russ Noel estimates about 150 classic cars likely worth millions were damaged.

Investigators with the Illinois State Fire Marshalls Office were on scene Wednesday to look into the cause of the blaze. Haase says determining the origin of fires in a single large room is difficult.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Illinois
Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway has released a report alleging a rural hospital under financial strain in northern Missouri billed insurance companies for lab tests that didnt occur at the hospital and received a cut of payments funneled to another lab company.

The audit says there wasnt enough oversight by Putnam County Memorial Hospitals board and that the hospital acted as a shell organization to funnel most of roughly $90 million insurance payments it received to another lab company.

Its deeply disappointing that the Putnam County Memorial Hospital was in such a dire situation that, in order to stay operational, the hospitals board accepted these income sources without question, Galloway said in a statement. The citizens that live and work in this area and the patients that depend on the hospital are ultimately going to be the ones who pay for those mistakes.

A request for comment from the hospital wasnt immediately returned.

The audit claims the financially embattled hospital in September 2016 hired Hospital Partners Inc. to take over management and made its president, David Byrns, CEO of the hospital. Byrns then hired partner organization, Hospital Lab Partners LLC to do lab work.

But Galloways office said most of the lab tests were for patients who never went to Putnam County Memorial Hospital, and employees for the lab company worked in other states across the country.

The audit alleged the hospital billed insurance companies for the tests, then funneled most of the more than $90 million in insurance payments back to Hospital Lab Partners. Galloways office said in exchange, the hospital got a cut of the insurance payments.

In a July response included in the audit, the hospital said it needed more time to review allegations before commenting because it had just recently hired an attorney to handle any issues related to the audit.

Galloways office said the hospital could be liable for any potential fraud or negligence by Hospital Partners. The company wrote a contract the hospital signed that has an indemnity clause that says the hospital shall at all times indemnify and hold harmless Hospital Partners, its officers and directors, from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, actions, management and proceedings, and expenses from managing the hospital.

The audit also called out the hospital board for not more closely monitoring Byrns, who set and raised his own pay to $200,000 a year. In the July response, the hospital said Galloways audit made allegations but didnt say if laws were broken.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Missouri
A new State of the Climate report released today by the American Meteorological Society has confirmed that 2016 surpassed 2015 as the warmest year in 137 years of recordkeeping.

The report was compiled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Center for Weather and Climate at the National Centers for Environmental Information. Its based on contributions from scientists from around the world, according to those who compiled the report.

The report provides updates on global climate indicators, notable weather events, and other data from environmental monitoring stations and instruments.

Surface temperature and carbon dioxide concentration, two of the more publicly recognized indicators of global-scale climate change, set new highs during 2016, as did several surface and near-surface indicators and essential climate variables, the report states. Notably, the increase in CO2 concentration was the largest in the nearly six-decade observational record.

Highlights of the report include:

The global surface temperature was the highest on record.

The global lower tropospheric temperature was the highest on record.

Sea surface temperatures were the highest on record.

The global sea level was the highest on record.

The report also shows that greenhouse gases were the highest on record.

The annual global average carbon dioxide concentration at Earths surface surpassed 400 ppm (402.9  0.1 ppm) for the first time in the modern atmospheric measurement record and in ice core records dating back as far as 800000 years, the report states.

Florida

According to a paper published this week by University of Florida researchers, sea level rises in the Southeast occurred at a much faster rate than the rest of the world.

The paper focuses on the region north of Cape Hatteras, which has been labeled as a hot spot, where the acceleration of sea level rise over the past several decades exceeds that of global mean sea level. The paper in particular looks at sea level rise in the area from 2011 to 2015.

The rapid rise in the area has been attributed to processes that include longshore wind forcing, weakening of the Gulf Stream associated with decreased Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, whats known as an inverse barometer effect and variability.

Scientists also proposed a new mechanism to explain the sea level rise in this area that could benefit flood-watchers, according to a New York Times story published on Wednesday.

This new mechanism, if it holds up to scientific scrutiny, might ultimately give researchers the ability to predict tidal flooding more accurately and warn communities what to expect months in advance, the story states.

Cape Hatteras is geographically significant because the Gulf Stream, which runs close to the coast for hundreds of miles, veers off into the deeper ocean when it passes Cape Hatteras.

That had led scientists to suggest that changes in the Gulf Stream might account for some of the rapid variations in sea level, the NYT article states. But now, three University of Florida scientists  Dr. Dutton, Arnoldo Valle- Levinson, and Jonathan B. Martin  suggest that the Gulf Stream was not the primary culprit in the 2011 to 2015 rise.

However, the scientists discovered that two large atmospheric patterns most likely accounted for the hot spot. Those were the El Nino cycle and the North Atlantic Oscillation.

The paper suggests that the two sometimes interact in a way that causes water to pile up, the story states. The work confirms and extends two earlier papers, including one published in 2015 by a group led by Britains National Oceanography Center in Liverpool.

NYT

The New York Times was on the climate beat this week.

Earlier in the week it reported on a sweeping federal climate change report that awaits Trump administration approval. The report shows that the average temperature in the U.S. has risen rapidly since 1980 and that recent decades have been the warmest of the past 1,500 years.

The draft report by scientists from 13 federal agencies concludes that Americans are feeling the effects of climate change right now, the NYT story states. It directly contradicts claims by President Trump and members of his cabinet who say that the human contribution to climate change is uncertain, and that the ability to predict the effects is limited.

The reports authors state that many lines of evidence show human activities are responsible for the recent observed changes in the climate.

The report concludes that even if humans immediately stopped emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, the world would still feel at least an additional 0.50 degrees Fahrenheit (0.30 degrees Celsius) of warming over this century compared with today, the NYT story states. The projected actual rise, scientists say, will be as much as 2 degrees Celsius.

Weather Extremes

The Guardian is reporting that the staff at the U.S Department of Agriculture are being told to avoid using the term climate change and to instead use weather extremes.

A series of emails obtained by the Guardian between staff at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a USDA unit that oversees farmers land conservation, show that the incoming Trump administration has had a stark impact on the language used by some federal employees around climate change, the Guardian story states.

Evidently also the term reduce greenhouse gases is being done away with in favor of build soil organic matter, increase nutrient use efficiency, and sequester carbon is being replaced by build soil organic matter.

The emails with instructions on word and terminology usage come from Bianca Moebius-Clune, director of soil health.

The emails are dated Feb. 16. In them, Moebius-Clune writes that we wont change the modeling, just how we talk about it  there are a lot of benefits to putting carbon back in the sail [sic], climate mitigation is just one of them, according to the Guardian story.

In contrast to these newly contentious climate terms, Moebius-Clune wrote that references to economic growth, emerging business opportunities in the rural US, agro-tourism and improved aesthetics should be tolerated if not appreciated by all,' the story states.

Topics Trends Florida Climate Change
The Southwest region of USI Insurance Services (USI) appointed Joshua Glover as the property/casualty practice leader for North Texas. Glover will be based in USIs Dallas office, reporting to Jack Wagner, USI southwest region president.

Glover brings 15 years of insurance brokerage experience to USI. Prior to joining USI, he was with Willis in Dallas, where he served as vice president in a team leader and producer role. Prior to that, Glover was principal and founder of a start-up brokerage in Florida, which became known for its client-centered, consultative approach to risk management and cost containment.

Headquartered in Valhalla, New York, USI has over $1.0 billion in revenue, employs more than 4,400 professionals and operates out of 140 local offices serving every state.

Source: USI

Topics Texas Property Casualty Property Leadership Casualty
An attorney says a settlement has been reached in a lawsuit involving a West Virginia car dealership and a former employee.

John Howard Motors Attorney Johnnie Brown told The Dominion Post that the car group and its owner deny any liability but decided to settle for $2.1 million.

Christopher Azzaro filed suit in 2015 alleging that he was fired after raising concerns about Randy Buzzo and the dealership allegedly participating in a scheme that involved the improper sales of vehicles to avoid paying taxes.

Brown said Buzzo denied the allegation. He said Buzzo sold cars to friends at a personal loss, but always paid taxes and filed the proper paperwork for sales.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Auto Virginia
Students prepare dishes at a shared kitchen in Hubei University. (Photo/thePaper.cn)

Yang Haibei, a senior student at Hubei University, has started a kitchen-sharing service at the campus cafeteria. With an online reservation and ten yuan, students can take their food materials and cook dishes in the kitchen, ThePaper.cn reported on Aug. 11.

Xu Xu, a staff member at the students' affairs office, said that food materials brought into the kitchen should be examined by the cafeteria.

Students prepare dishes at a shared kitchen in Hubei University. (Photo/thePaper.cn)

Yang is from nothern China. His friend gave him the idea because he misses his hometown food after moving to the city of Wuhan in central China for study.

Yang submitted a proposal to the head of the university catering center, and the latter agreed to provide him a kitchen area in the cafeteria for free. China has positive policies in place for college student startups; therefore, the university supports his plan, as long as there is no violation of laws and it does not negatively impact his study.

Approved by the university, Yang's shared kitchen officially opened in mid-May. He has two partners who help with promotion and coordination. Cooking ingredients and equipment cost about 20,000 yuan ($3,000), Yang revealed. At present, the kitchen is only open to college students in Wuhan.

Students prepare dishes at a shared kitchen in Hubei University. (Photo/thePaper.cn)

The number of students coming to the kitchen has grown sharply. Yang is considering implementing monthly and annual cards for users to guarantee customer flow and increase the utilization rate.

"Most students go to the shared kitchen when having a date, a gathering, or a birthday party. Right now the reservation system can meet the demand," said Yang.

Crayfish dish cooked by students at a shared kitchen in Hubei University. (Photo/thePaper.cn)

Crayfish is students' favorite dish. A serving of crayfish can cost more than 200 yuan at a restaurant. But students can buy enough fresh crayfish for the whole dorm in a supermarket for only 50-60 yuan. In addition, students can experience the joy of cooking and of being together. Dumplings, dishes from different students' hometowns, and desserts are also welcomed.

The university's logistics department strictly controls food materials. Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are also available at the cafeteria. Yang's kitchen sharing idea has already attracted investors. Later on, Yang will promote the idea at other universities in Wuhan and continue doing the business after graduation.

Clam dish cooked by students at a shared kitchen in Hubei University. (Photo/thePaper.cn)

Students prepare dishes at a shared kitchen in Hubei University. (Photo/thePaper.cn)
HSBC Holdings PLC (HSBC) is a multinational investment bank and financial services institution. It is headquartered in the U.K. Its U.S.-based subsidiary, HSBC Bank USA, has its operational headquarters in New York City. The company has operations in 63 countries and territories, including in Europe, Asia, North and Latin America, the Middle East, and North Africa. The company has over 40 million customers and there are a total of 219,000 full-time equivalent staff who work for HSBC worldwide.

Key Takeaways HSBC Holdings PLC is a multinational investment bank and financial services institution.

The company's lines of business include retail banking and wealth management, commercial banking, global banking and markets, and global private banking.

Its largest shareholders include several major global investment institutions such as Dimensional Fund Advisors, Renaissance Technologies, and J.P. Morgan Securities.

The company's lines of business include retail banking and wealth management, commercial banking, global banking and markets, and global private banking. As of Sep. 2, 2022, the company had a market capitalization of $123.94 billion. Its largest shareholders include several major global investment institutions with a high level of interest in the company and its banking sector position. As of this writing, these are the top three shareholders of HSBC Holdings PLC based on the number of shares owned.

Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) LP

As of June 12, 2020, Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) LP held approximately 9.6 million shares of HSBC, a total of 0.24% of the outstanding stock. This stake is worth approximately $220.3 million.

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP is a private investment firm headquartered in Austin, Texas. In addition to the U.S. headquarters, the company has affiliate offices located in Canada, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Australia, Singapore, and Japan. DFA was founded in 1981 by David G. Booth, Rex Sinquefield, and Larry G. Klotz. The firm focuses on index funds; it was one of the earliest firms to focus on index funds, and it currently offers over 100 equity and fixed income mutual funds. As of March 31, 2020, DFA had $454 billion in assets under management. DFA's investment philosophy is rooted in the efficient market hypothesis.

Renaissance Technologies LLC

As of June 12, 2020, Renaissance Technologies LLC held approximately 8.98 shares of HSBC, a total of 0.22% of the outstanding stock. This stake is worth approximately $207.19 million.

Renaissance Technologies LLC is a hedge fund based in East Setauket, New York. The firm specializes in systematic trading and uses quantitative models derived from mathematical and statistical analyses. The firm was founded in 1982 by James Simons, an award-winning Cold War codebreaker and mathematician, and it is now regarded as one of the most successful hedge funds in the world. In 1988, the firm established its most profitable portfolio, the Medallion Fund. This fund is responsible for around $10 billion of Renaissance's approximately $10 billion in assets under management. This particular fund has also delivered an average post-fee gain of 38% a year since 1988. Renaissance uses a quant-oriented investment strategy, which means that it only relies on mathematical and statistical modeling

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

As of June 12, 2020, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC held approximately 5.83 million shares of HSBC, a total of 0.14% of the outstanding stock. This stake is worth approximately $134.56 million.

J.P. Morgan Securities is the investment banking division of the larger J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. banking institution. It has offices in many U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, and Atlanta. The firm's main clients are large-market companies and institutional investors, and it provides debt and equity underwriting, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and corporate restructuring advisory, securities dealing and brokerage, and trade execution services. For individuals, the firm also offers the services of financial planners and investment advisors.

The Bottom Line

The position of HSBC within the banking sector is of high interest to these three companies. In 2019, HSBC was the seventh-largest bank in the world according to the S&P Global Market Intelligence report, which ranked banks based on their assets under management (without accounting for different accounting practices).

As of June 12, 2020, HSBC's earnings per share (EPS) was 0.89 and its P/E ratio was 26.79. The company's profit margin was 10.10%. The beta (five-year) was 0.51. HSBC earned net income of $13.7 billion on $86.1 billion of revenue during the fiscal year 2018.
What Is the Paris Agreement/COP21?

The Paris Agreement, also known as the Paris Climate Accord, is an agreement among the leaders of over 180 countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the global temperature increase to below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 F) above preindustrial levels by the year 2100. Ideally, the agreement aims to keep the increases to below 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 F). The agreement is also called the 21st Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The two-week conference leading to the agreement was held in Paris in December 2015. As of December 2020, 194 UNFCCC members have signed the agreement, and 189 have become party to it. The Paris Agreement is a replacement for the 2005 Kyoto Protocol.

Key Takeaways The Paris Agreement is a U.N.-sponsored international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The agreement was formed in 2015 and has over 190 signatory nations.

The U.S. officially exited the Paris Agreement in November 2020.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Jan. 20, 2021, announcing that the U.S. would rejoin the Paris Agreement.

Understanding the Paris Agreement/COP21

One of the most significant results of the 2015 Paris Agreement was that both the United States and China initially signed on for it. The U.S. briefly left the agreement in November 2020 but rejoined in February 2021. Together, the U.S. and China are responsible for approximately 43% of global emissions: 28% attributable to China and 15% attributable to the United States. All signatories agreed to the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions due to rising temperatures and other risks that affect the entire world. Another significant component of the agreement is that it includes countries that rely upon revenue from oil and gas production.

Each country that attended the 21st Conference of the Parties agreed to cut its emissions by a particular percentage based on a base year's emissions level. The United States, for example, promised to cut its emissions by up to 28% from 2005 levels. These promises are called intended nationally determined contributions. It was decided that each participating country would be allowed to determine its own priorities and targets because each country has different circumstances and a different capacity to undertake change.

The United States Withdrawal From the Paris Agreement

On June 1, 2017, United States President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the 2015 Paris Agreement. Trump reasoned that the Paris Accord would undermine the domestic economy and place the nation at a permanent disadvantage. The United States' withdrawal could not occur before Nov. 2, 2020, according to Article 28 of the Paris Agreement. Until then, the United States had to meet its commitments under the agreement, such as reporting its emissions to the United Nations.

The decision by the United States to withdraw was met with widespread condemnation from proponents of climate change theory in the United States and worldwide, religious organizations, businesses, political leaders, scientists, and environmentalists. Despite the withdrawal, several U.S. state governors have formed the United States Climate Alliance and have pledged to continue to adhere to and advance the Paris Agreement.

The Paris Agreement was also an issue during the 2020 presidential campaign. The U.S. formally left the global pact on Nov. 4, 2020.

U.S. Reentry Into the Paris Agreement

On Jan. 20, 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order announcing that the U.S. would rejoin the Paris Agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, it took 30 daysor until Feb. 19, 2021for the U.S. to officially rejoin.

Structure of the Paris Agreement

For the agreement to be enacted, at least 55 countries representing at least 55% of global emissions were required to join. The agreement opened for formal commitment in April 2016 and closed in April 2017. After a country's leader decided to join the agreement, domestic government approval or the passing of a domestic law was required for that nation to officially participate.

Scientists have cautioned that the agreement is not sufficient to prevent catastrophic global warming because countries' carbon emissions reduction pledges will not be enough to meet temperature goals. Other criticisms relate to the agreement's ability to address climate change-related losses in the most vulnerable countries, such as most African countries, many South Asian countries, and several South and Central American countries.

Every five years, governments must report on their progress toward and plans for cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The Paris Agreement also requires developed countries to send $100 billion a year to developing countries starting in 2020, when the agreement became effective. This amount will increase over time.
What Is the Social Security Tax?

Social Security tax is the tax levied on both employers and employees to fund the Social Security program in the U.S. Social Security tax is collected in the form of a payroll tax mandated by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) or a self-employment tax mandated by the Self-Employed Contributions Act (SECA).

The Social Security tax pays for the retirement, disability, and survivorship benefits that millions of Americans receive each year under the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Programthe official name for Social Security.

Key Takeaways Social Security taxes fund the retirement, disability, and survivorship benefits that millions of Americans receive each year from the Social Security Administration.

In 2022, the Social Security tax rate is 12.4%, divided evenly between employers and employees, on a maximum wage base of $147,000 ($160,200 in 2023).

Self-employed individuals pay the employer and employee portions of Social Security tax, but only on 92.35% of net business earnings.

Certain groups, including some nonresident aliens and members of religious groups with specific views, are exempt from paying Social Security tax.

How the Social Security Tax Works

The Social Security tax is applied to income earned by employees and self-employed taxpayers. Employers usually withhold this tax from employees paychecks and forward it to the government. The funds collected from employees for Social Security are not put into a trust for the individual employee currently paying into the fund, but rather are used to pay existing older people in a "pay-as-you-go" system.

Social Security tax is also collected to support individuals who are entitled to survivorship benefitsbenefits paid to a surviving spouse upon the death of a spouse or to a dependent child upon the death of a parent.

As of 2022, the Social Security tax rate is 12.4%. Half of the tax, or 6.2%, is paid by the employer, and the employee is responsible for paying the other half. The Social Security tax rate is assessed on all types of income earned by an employee, including salaries, wages, and bonuses.

However, there is an income limit to which the tax rate is applied. For 2022, the Social Security tax is taken from income up to an annual limit of $147,000; any amount earned above that is not subject to Social Security tax. The limit for 2023 is $160,200.

Social Security Tax for the Self-Employed

Social Security tax is also taken from the earnings of the self-employed. Since the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers a self-employed individual to be both an employer and an employee, they have to pay the full 12.4% Social Security tax.

The Social Security tax is applied to all net earnings up to the wage limit. The self-employment tax is made up of the Social Security tax and the Medicare tax. As of 2022, the self-employment tax is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security tax + 2.9% Medicare tax). The self-employment tax is only applied to 92.35% of net business earnings.

Here's an example: Ike, who runs a human resources consulting business, calculates his total net income for the year to be $200,000 after business expenses have been deducted. His self-employment tax rate will be assessed on 92.35% x $200,000 = $184,700. Since this amount is above the capped limit, his tax bill will be 15.3% x $147,000 (limit) = $22,491.

Ike can claim an above-the-line deduction for half of his self-employment tax, or $22,491 2 = $11,245.5. In effect, he gets a partial refund on the employer portion (6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare = 7.65%) of his self-employment tax.

Exemptions

Not every taxpayer has to pay Social Security tax. Exemptions are available to specific groups of individuals, including:

Members of a religious group who are opposed to receiving Social Security benefits during retirement, if disabled, or after death

Nonresident aliensthat is, individuals who are neither citizens nor legal residents of the United States, who are in the country temporarily as students

Nonresident aliens working in the U.S. for a foreign government

Students who are employed at the same school where they are enrolled, and where employment is contingent upon continued enrollment

Example of Social Security Taxes

The Social Security tax is a regressive tax, meaning that a larger portion of lower-income earners' total income is withheld, compared with that of higher-income earners. Consider two employees, Izzy and Jacob. Izzy earns $85,000 for the tax year 2022 and has a 6.2% Social Security tax withheld from his pay. The federal government, in effect, collects 6.2% x $85,000 = $5,270 from Izzy to help pay for retirement and disability benefits.

Jacob, on the other hand, earns $175,000 for the tax year 2022. The Social Security tax rate will only be applied up to the limit of $147,000.

Therefore, Jacob will pay 6.2% x $147,000 = $9,114 as his contribution to the countrys Social Security account for older people and people with disabilities, but his effective Social Security tax rate is $9,114  $175,000 = 5.2%. Izzy, with a lower income per annum, is effectively taxed at 6.2% (i.e., $5,270  $85,000).

What Is the 2022 Social Security Tax Limit? The income limit for Social Security tax for which employees will not have to pay tax above is $147,000. The limit in 2023 is $160,200.

How Can I Avoid Paying Taxes on Social Security? If you are earning money in retirement, you may have to pay taxes on your Social Security benefits. If you earn between $25,000 and $34,000 as an individual, you may have to pay up to 50% in taxes on your Social Security benefits. If you earn more than $34,000, you may have to pay up to 85%. To minimize the tax, you can earn less, move income-generating assets into an IRA, minimize withdrawals from retirement plans, and donate your required minimum distribution.
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Breaking AI Stock News: GBT's (OTCPK: GTCH) Facial and Body Recognition Patent Application Received a Notice of Allowance

San Diego, CA - November 9, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) GBT Technologies Inc. (OTC PINK: GTCH) with GBT Tokenize Corp. ("GBT/Tokenize") received a notice of allowance for its facial and body recognition non-provisional patent application.

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Breaking EV Stock News: Mullen (NASDAQ: MULN) Enters into Agreement with Newgate Motor Group, one of Ireland's most Recognized Auto Groups, to Distribute the Mullen I-GOTM in Ireland and United Kingdom

BREA, Calif. - November 9, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN), an emerging electric vehicle manufacturer, announces today that it has entered into an agreement to appoint Newgate Motor Group, one of Ireland's most recognized dealership groups, as marketing, sales, distribution and servicing agent for the Mullen I-GO in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

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Breaking AI Stock News: Intellagents, a FatBrain AI (OTCQB: LZGI) Company, Announces Hiring of Insurtech Industry Veteran as Chief Revenue Officer

NEW YORK, NY - November 2, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) FatBrain AI (LZG International, Inc.) (OTCQB: LZGI), the leader in powerful and easy-to-use artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for star enterprises of tomorrow, announces the hiring of Euan King, an experienced and respected Insurtech industry leader as Chief Revenue Officer for insurance technology-focused subsidiary Intellagents.

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Early last week, a major goof-up on Apples part has revealed several things about the highly-anticipated iPhone 8, alongside other unreleased Apple devices. Pre-release HomePod firmware was accidentally uploaded to public servers on 31st July 2017. And before Apple could pull it down, copies were downloaded and being scanned word-for-word by people on the Internet.



Although this firmware was related to Apples upcoming smart speaker, it has also revealed a ton of information about the iPhone 8 and the new Apple TV too.

Lets start with five of the most interesting finds from the leaked HomePod firmware related to the iPhone 8.

#1. The iPhone 8 top-notch design

Hidden in the leaked firmware, the iPhone 8s speculated design finally got a confirmation of sorts, especially regarding the way the screen extends to the top edge, wrapping around the front camera, earpiece and sensor array. Referred to as the notch, this design was first seen on phones like Andy Rubins Essential phone and more recently in the Sharp Aquos S2. Although the leaked firmware didnt have any actual picture of how the iPhone 8 looks like, a diagrammatic representation of an iPhone prototype named D22 clearly suggests the notchs presence.

Props to @charavel for a quick mockup taking these numbers into account. This is what I expect usable screen space to look like on iPhone 8 pic.twitter.com/wyCmfHtusO  Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) August 10, 2017

These findings accurately portray how the upper part of the iPhone 8 would look like. Its going to be interesting to see how Apple retrofits the remaining parts of the interface in this unusually-designed display. For instance, theres no certainty of where the time  which has persistently appeared on the top bar of every iPhone  will be shown. Also, the two overflowing corners are just about wide enough to fit in the status bar, carrier name, battery status icon and the battery percentage. The question that remains is the position of other status icons like Bluetooth, WiFi, Location, Alarm, Lock-screen rotation lock, Do not disturb, etc.

#2. Face Unlock on iPhone 8 Almost Certain

In the initial iPhone 8 rumor days, several of them pointed to a new iteration of Touch ID, Apples fingerprint recognition technology, which would work from underneath the display. We also saw leaked renders of iPhone backs with a fingerprint sensor, similar to Android phones. Today, a fingerprint scanner underneath the display is not at all hypothetical, as Qualcomm demonstrated the tech on a Vivo phone at MWC Shanghai this year. And although Android phones with this technology will not arrive any time before 2018, Apple has historically proven its capabilities in the past by being the first to implement a feature, for other companies to follow.

But this time around, the HomePod firmware suggesting the presence of an infra-red face unlock feature, meaning Apple could go a different path. Dubbed Pearl ID in the code, this feature will rely on sensors mounted next to the earpiece to detect a face to unlock the phone. Whats impressive though is that it supposedly will be able to scan your face even when the phone is resting flat on a surface (like a table). Another interesting tidbit revealed recently is that the iPhone 8 could intelligently mute notifications when the user is looking at the screen. And if that wasnt enough, the company also seemingly is working on something related to facial expressions, if rumors are to be believed. Well, maybe there is some correlation to this and the company Apple acquired all the way back in 2015, that worked on motion capture of facial expressions.

Now, you may be wondering if it will be easy to fool this biometric system by flashing a photo or video of the user in front of the camera? By the way, this trick has compromised the Samsung Galaxy S8s facial recognition already. Well, as the demo video below of a company called RealFace suggests (see 13:52 onwards), such a hack could potentially be avoided. Apple acquired RealFace earlier this year.

There are other clues pointing to facial recognition being used throughout the software. For instance, its mentioned in code related to Apple Pay. It also seems that third-party apps will be able to use the new biometric verification mechanism. But just a few days ago, it has also been revealed that the new iPhone may be armed with multi biometric options. Could it be a combination of face and fingerprint recognition? Will this Face ID feature work in pitch dark conditions? Its going to be an interesting wait-and-watch for all to be revealed this September.

3. The iPhone 8 Will Have a Crisper Retina Display

From the flood of leaks derived out of the HomePod firmware, weve learnt that the iPhone 8 will finally have a higher display resolution. The 5.8-inch edge-to-edge display is said to feature a 2436 x 1125 pixel resolution. This odd figure is higher than the 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution on the 5.5-inch iPhone Plus models. By the way, iOS downscales to 1080p on bigger iPhones from an actual resolution of 2208 x 1242 (3x Retina).

Eagle-eyed readers may find the numbers 2436 x 1125 familiar, because the same numbers were used by serial Apple leakster Ming Chi Kuo several months ago regarding the iPhone 8 resolution. The only difference being, Kuo suggested a higher overall 2800 x 1242 pixel resolution with the former representing the usable area (the rest was suggested to be a function area that the virtual home button and other elements will occupy). John Gruber of Daring Fireball has very nicely explained why Kuos 2800 x 1242 pixel information is wrong, and why the iPhone 8 will most likely come with the aforementioned 2436 x 1125 pixel resolution.

If that will indeed be the iPhone 8 resolution, that takes the pixel density to 462 PPI, which is a nominal improvement over the 400 PPI 5.5-inch iPhone Plus models, but a marked improvement over the 326 PPI 4.7-inch iPhone models. If Grubers calculations are correct, this will also mean that the iPhone 8 will not require any downsampling of content like todays Plus-sized iPhones, as it will show content at true 3x Retina resolution. And theres a good chance thats the case, as the leaked code points to 1920 x 1080 and 2436 x 1125 as two distinct hardware resolutions.

There are little tidbits in the OS suggesting upcoming iPhone will have a 3x screen at 11252436. Hard to gauge what that will mean for devs pic.twitter.com/SK8QjOAfDt  Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) July 31, 2017

Other tidbits about the display also suggest a tap-to-wake mechanism, like several Android and even Windows Lumia phones have had for years.

4. iPhone 8s Virtual Home Button and Function Area

The bottom of the iPhone 8 is as interesting as the top; because this would be the first time an on-screen virtual home button will replace the iconic physical button. Last year, we already got a taste of what that feels like with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, as the mechanical home button was replaced by a placeholder area that simulated a click, thanks to the Taptic Engine. We presume hard-pressing the on-screen button on the iPhone 8 will result in a similar feel.

The leaked HomePod firmware tells us that the on-screen button can be hidden in the event of full-screen video playback, thereby utilising a majority of the 5.8-inch edge-to-edge display.

The other interesting thing is the utilisation of space on the sides of the virtual home button. While in the past there have been concepts of a Touch-Bar-like area that could have contextual shortcuts, recently a more realistic explanation of what those sides could be used for came to light. A former Apple software engineer suggests that the navigation and menu items typically placed on top of iOS apps will be repositioned to the bottom, on either sides of the virtual home button. This could make these commonly-used elements easier to reach, especially considering the taller iPhone 8 display height.

5. iPhone 8 Will Record 4K Video at 60fps and Other Smart Features

Finally, the leaked firmware also touches upon the camera aspect of the upcoming iPhone 8, which youve probably noticed features a vertically-aligned dual camera setup. The information suggests that both the front and rear cameras will be able to record 4K videos at a smooth 60 frames per second. This will be a marked improvement over its predecessor, which could only record 4K in up to 30 frames per second. This potentially also signals a performance improvement in Apples A11 chip that will be powering the phone.

Theres also a SmartCamera feature addressed in the firmware, that can automatically detect a scene (like fireworks, snow, sunrise, sport, etc) and tune the camera for better image or video capture.

Lastly, theres also a mention of ModernHDR which could mean an advanced High Dynamic Range (HDR) technique for improved quality.

Bonus: New Apple TV and HomePod

Its not only the iPhone 8 details that were leaked  as we got to know that the upcoming Apple TV 5 will support 4K and HDR10. The Apple TV hardware update is a long time coming, since itll be two years since the 4th generation launched soon. We can also assume the aging A8 chip on the 4th Gen Apple TV will be replaced most likely by the A10 or A11 chip for better performance.

And finally, information about the HomePod itself suggests that the smart speaker will feature a 272 x 340 pixel LED matrix display. It will feature a simplistic output for showing basic info like weather, track name, etc. Meaning it wont a proper touchscreen like an iPhone or like the Amazon Echo Show. Next, it is already known that the HomePod is powered by a custom-made Apple A8 chip, but the leaked code also suggests 1GB of RAM to go along with it. Lastly, HomePod will also feature accessibility features like VoiceOver.

So the #HomePod probably has a screen like this. If it's the right density could easily show basic things like temperature & weather icons  pic.twitter.com/l5f16EkddV  Alan Miller (@rosewoodat5th) July 28, 2017

So there you have it. This has been the list of the most interesting tidbits revealed about the iPhone 8 from the HomePod firmware. Every day, there are newer findings being revealed, so be sure to check out our iPhone 8 page to read about them.

So, which of these excites you the most? For us, were pretty intrigued about how Apple is going to fit the UI on the top and bottom area of this all-screen iPhone.
UPI implied that the trio of appointments may have been made partially in reaction to recent criticism over the lack of diversity in Rouhanis much-anticipated cabinet appointments. Seventeen of the 18 appointments had been announced as of Wednesday and all of them were Shiite Muslim men. Only one woman has served as a cabinet minister since the 1979 Islamic revolution, and that was during the second term of Rouhanis hardline predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The current presidents reelection campaign involved various promises of reform, of which an end to the overwhelming male dominance of government was one.

Various reports have indicated that Rouhani has already turned away from those reformist campaign promises. During his campaign, he claimed that a stronger mandate would allow him to follow through on his first-term promise of freedom for the Green Movement leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, but soon after winning reelection on May 19 he distanced himself from these assurances and noted that such matters would remain largely in the hands of the judiciary. But even after this reversal, some of Rouhanis supporters continued to express hope that cabinet appointments would point the way along a course of moderation.

Then, on Monday the New York Times reported that following Rouhanis second-term inauguration, he was reportedly consulting with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on all cabinet appointments, thus implying that he was quickly ceding ground to hardliners at the expense of his progressive-sounding campaign rhetoric. The lack of female cabinet appointees deals a significant blow to those who had remained optimistic about the countrys prospects under a second term for Rouhani. The expansion of female vice presidential positions from two to three is certainly not enough to appease those who are contributing to popular calls to reform, though it may generate some positive headlines in international media.

The dissatisfaction of reformists should be especially obvious in light of the fact that the regime as a whole is deep in the midst of a crackdown on reformist voices including womens rights activists and advocates of secular, arguably Western lifestyles. The consistency of this crackdown was made obvious last week by the release of an Amnesty International report detailing dozens of specific instances of lax prosecution of human rights defenders. The report explains that these prosecutions continued with increasing levels of impunity throughout the first four years of the Rouhani presidency, thus casting early doubt on the prospects for moderation under his leadership.

With respect to womens rights in particular, the National Council of Resistance of Iran reported recently that Tehrans Friday prayer leader Kazem Sadeghi had given a speech emphasizing the notion of confronting women over perceived violations of the countrys mandatory veiling laws, even in cases where those violations take place while women are alone inside their cars. This comes after months and years of the regime escalating its enforcement of public segregation of the genders and of other measures that especially affect women.

Toward this end, the regime has also expanded the powers of security organizations including the intelligence wing of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Basij civilian militia, which is under the control over the IRGC. The crackdown on womens rights has coincided with stringent efforts to confront supposed pro-Western social views, and these two trends frequently overlap. Accordingly, IRGC officer Hamid Damghani recently boasted of the arrest of four young men and two young women for the teaching of Zumba, according to World Bulletin. The Latin dance-based fitness regime was targeted for supposedly encouraging a change of lifestyle, and Damghani also accused the teachers of promoting a lack of hijab.

It is not clear whether Rouhanis female vice presidential appointments will distract attention from these or other enforcement measures, but it is easy to imagine this as part of the presidents rationale. Interestingly, the appointments came just after the news that Rouhani had replaced one of his controversial first-term cabinet choices. The ouster of Justice Minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi had been another cause championed by Rouhanis pro-reform supporters, mainly on account of his leading role in the massacre of 30,000 political prisoners in the summer of 1988.

Last year, after Ahmad Montazeri, the son of the late Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, release a recording of his father condemning then-colleagues in the Iranian establishment for these killings, Pourmohammadi publicly acknowledged his role in Tehrans death committee and declared that he was proud to have helped carry out Gods command of death for anti-theocratic dissidents like members of the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran.

Ahmad Montazeri was among those who used Rouhanis recent reelection campaign to call for Pourmohammadis removal, and unlike some harsh critics of the Iranian regime he seemed to hold out hope for the president to make a significant gesture of reform on this point. But although Rouhani appeared to respond to such calls by replacing the existing Justice Minister, the new appointee possesses a record that is remarkably similar to that of Pourmohammadi.

The National Council of Resistance of Iran, which maintains the Peoples Mojahedin as its main constituent group, released statements in the wake of the appointment of Alireza Avai, explaining that the incoming Justice Minister had served on the local death commission in Khuzestan Province and thus had contributed to the 1988 massacre. The killings that are known to have been carried out under Avais watch include hangings of persons under the age of 18  a violation of international human rights conventions.

The execution of minor offenders is a prime example of international standards that the Islamic Republic has repeatedly rejected outright. This trend continued in the immediate aftermath of the Avai appointment, when Amnesty International issued an urgent action statement regarding the imminent execution of Alireza Tajiki, who had been arrested at the age of 15 and sentenced to death at 16 following an unfair trial that relied upon evidence that had allegedly been extracted under torture.

Amnesty notes that 88 other minor offenders remain on death row in Iran, and it describes this situation as an example of the Islamic Republics callous disregard for human rights. The report also indicates that domestic and international pressure previously convinced the Iranian government to undertake reforms in this area, but that these only served to deflect criticism while failing to address the problem in any meaningful way. Various minor offenders have had their executions delayed and their sentences reviewed in recent years, but in the vast majority of cases the hardline judiciary has upheld the death sentences, affirming that the teenaged offenders were sufficiently mature to be subject to capital punishment.

The regimes dismissive attitude about execution of minor offenders is evidently reflected in similar attitudes about large scale crimes against humanity like the 1988 massacre. The NCRI reported on Wednesday that Irans Basij News had expressed consternation over the efforts of the Iranian Resistance to continue promoting public awareness of that massacre following Ahmad Montazeris release of his fathers recordings. The report recalled attention to the fact that figures including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had persisted in justifying the killings and decrying the Justice Seeking Movement that has grown up around the issue.

That movement has sought to secure a full account of the scale of the massacre and to identify the locations of secret mass graves in which the dead are buried. Naturally, it has also urged international charges for leading participants in the killings. Yet Khamenei has maintained that advocacy for this movement mistakes the victim for the oppressor. Meanwhile, the NCRI has taken to describing this rhetoric as indicative of the regimes fear of the movements growth.

Similar awareness seems to be growing around other past Iranian crimes, apart from the 1988 massacre. Further NCRI human rights activism has called attention to a series of chain murders that took place in Europe and the Americas in the 1990s, targeting dissidents and opposition activists. And on Wednesday, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty indicated that similar killings had taken place much closer to home, also under the direction of high-level Iranian officials.

Specifically, that report pointed to a documentary broadcast on Tajikistans state television, which implicated Tehran in a series of assassinations that took place in that country in the 1990s, as part of the Iranian governments support of an Shiite Islamist Tajiki political party. The broadcast alleged that in addition to supporting that party politically and financially, the Islamic Republic also helped to foment a civil war in Tajikistan and trained terrorist operatives for activities including the political assassinations.

With tensions over these past crimes mounting, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon was not among the attendees at Rouhanis re-inauguration on Saturday. However, that swearing-in ceremony was otherwise well attended, with the guest list including European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini. This fact led to severe criticisms of Mogherini and other Western officials over their perceived disregard for Iranian human rights violations and the Rouhani administrations general lack of moderation. In the wake of cabinet appointments that are disappointing to reformists, these criticisms are certain to only intensify, unless Western powers take measures to send a critical message to Tehran.
In its May 20th statement following the presidential election, the Iranian Resistance said, In Rouhanis second term massive economic and social destructions along with political suppression would continue. Rouhani neither wants, nor is able to seriously alter the foundations, structure or behavior of this historically backward regime And indeed it should never be expected from him, who for the past 38 years has held the highest positions in the regimes security and military apparatus in domestic suppression and war mongering. And as his rivals have noted, he was the one who called for public hanging of conspirators during Friday prayers right from the beginning.

The new Minister of Communications and Technology, Mohmmad Javad Azari Jahromi, has been a Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS) agent since the age of 21. He was appointed to the MOIS Technical Department and Director of Surveillance during the 2009 uprising, and played a large role in arresting demonstrators and quelling the uprising. In his appointment of Azari Jahromi, Rouhani attempts to confront the growing influence of the Iranian Resistance among the Iranian people.

According to YJC website, associated to the IRGC, Jahromi said on July 17th, We are blocking 3,300 Telegram channels each week and around 13,000 each month. For two years now we have been surveilling these channels, including pornography, religious beliefs and even political material It is true that the channel of the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) is open, and as the leader has said these people have murdered our youth. The PMOI/MEK are using Telegram and other social media platforms to quickly publish their desired material.

The YJC website, also published remarks by the director of the Working Group on Criminal Material Determination, The PMOI/MEK are freely spreading propaganda inside the country through social media and providing material for our youth? In fact, these very channels have disrupted our order We have been humiliated in social media he said.

Amir Hatami is Rouhanis new Defense Minister, who is a member of the IRGC paramilitary Bassij, and who, according to state media, has a criminal past. Hatami also played an active role in confronting the PMOI/MEK during the 1988 Operation Eternal Light. State media wrote, that he had an active and effective role in the struggle against anti-revolution groups and the PMOI/MEK, along with infiltration teams in the countrys northwest and western regions. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei sent him a letter of gratitude. Khamenei also appointed the 32-year-old to Brigadier General and Deputy Army Intelligence Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran In 1999.

Rouhanis new Labor Minister is Habibollah Bitaraf, a former member of the six-man central council of the students who supported former Iranian Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini. He was also one of the officials in charge of raiding the US Embassy and taking it hostage in 1979. He was one of the initial organizers of the Construction Jihad foundation and a member of the IRGC during the bloody Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s.

The new Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade, Mohammad Shariatmadari, has been a senior official since the early days of the regime. He played an active role in establishing and organizing the Revolution Committees and the MOIS in 1985, after which, he was appointed Deputy Intelligence Minister. He was also allegedly involved in plundering ordinary peoples assets. He was in charge of the Setad Ejraiye Farmane Hazrate Emam  Headquarters for Executing the Order of the Imam, which is said to be a massive economic cartel, controlled directly by Khamenei himself, with assets worth $95 billion, mainly from confiscating assets belonging to regime dissidents. (National Council of Resistance of Iran article, August 9, 2017)

Rouhanis new Justice Minister, Alireza Avaie, was in charge of executions in Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran during the 1988 massacre. He replaced Mostafa Pourmohammadi, who was part of the Death Committee, who sentenced thousands to execution during the 1988 massacre.
It is too early to evaluate the real protection effect and use of the Johnson & Johnson HIV vaccine though the company has made substantial progress, said chief epidemiologist Wu Zunyou of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC).

Wu made the remarks after recent media reports on Johnson & Johnsons announcement that its HIV vaccine clinical trial results showed that 100 per cent of the volunteers produced HIV antibodies after injection.

It was also reported that the subjects risk of HIV infection under single exposure to the AIDS virus was reduced by 94 per cent.

The information led to online euphoria in China with some people already saying HIV is of the past; and that this years Nobel Prize is reserved for those who developed the vaccine.

Experts however pointed out that the news was indeed a misinterpretation of the clinical trial results.

According to Johnsons oral report at the 9th International AIDS Conference on HIV Science in Paris, 100 per cent of the 393 healthy volunteers of the mosaic vaccine, who used a variety of antigen HIV (gene fragments) together, produced HIV antibodies. In addition, the vaccine was well tolerated and no side effects were spotted.

Wu noted that the production of virus antibody may suggest a three-fold meaning from the medical science perspective: infection of a certain pathogenic microorganism, recovery or impossibility of future infection.

He however stressed that the real AIDS situation is complicated and the antibody produced in the project does not indicate the three-fold meaning as concerns AIDS prevention.

Many medical experts say the data released by Johnson & Johnson was actually results from animal tests rather than human clinical trials. AIDS clinical expert, Li Taisheng, cautioned the public not to consider animal and human tests as the same concept.

According to Wu, phase 3 clinical trial will be the real evaluation of the vaccines effect, so it is too early to reach any conclusion now.

Wu said it was difficult to predict when an effective HIV vaccine will be ready. But he believes it will take at least 5 years because that is the time needed to carry out phase 3 clinical tests.

It was learnt that a larger clinical trial is being considered by Johnson & Johnson. It is expected to start at the end of 2017 or the beginning of 2018 if everything goes according to plan.
According to official North Korean news reports, a top aide to supreme leader Kim Jong-Un is on a ten day trip to meet with Iranian leaders in Tehran, along with officials from North Koreas army, navy and air force.

Levitt believes, Iran is not a closed economy that is entirely blocked off from the rest of the world, while North Korea largely is, meaning that Tehran has a lot to lose from breaking the 2015 nuclear deal that eased sanctions on the country, which allows deals such as the one to build cars in Iran that was made by French automaker Renault earlier this week, or the one French energy giant Total recently made with the Iran.

Meanwhile, it is estimated that more than 90 percent of all trade conducted by North Korea goes through China. Levitt added, when one situation goes wrong it is inevitable that you think about the other. He believes that President Donald Trumps administration must focus its attention on North Korea.

Still, Ed Walker, a former representative for the Clinton administration in Egypt, disagreed, saying, As soon as you start distracting U.S. efforts to contain Iran, that frees up space for Iran to move forward with its nuclear program. Walker also said that if the Trump administration cant keep both issues in-check at the same time, they should quit and go home. Walker added, President Trump has put himself at a terrible disadvantage by leaving key posts at the State Department unfilled and by not hiring qualified staff fast enough.

Michael OHanlon, who specializes in U.S. defense strategy and the use of military force at the Brookings Institution, warned in an interview last week, that Iran is using whats happening on the Korean Peninsula as a test. He asked, What lessons will Iran draw if North Korea gets away with not only getting a bomb, but building up continuously with China and Russia tolerating it?
Employees at St Vincent de Paul charity shops in Cork have balloted for industrial action.

It is after the charity sent redundancy notices to a number of staff working at the charity's outlets in Cork city and county.

SIPTU has accused the society of trying to force union members out of their jobs.

The union has requested the intervention of the WRC in the dispute.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Eddie Mullins, said that union representatives presented proposals concerning the future of the shops that were accepted to be far more cost effective than anything management had produced. However, management made no formal response to these proposals following discussions around restructuring of the company.

Rather, in recent days, the SVP Regional President has written to each worker. His letters state that their current role is redundant and that their employment will therefore cease by virtue of redundancy, said Mr Mullins.

Up to this point the Regional President had played no direct role in the restructuring process. The reality is that there is no need for redundancies.

Indeed, it is clear that SVP intends hiring more workers as part of its restructuring plan. It is the SIPTU position that the letters sent to workers amount to an attempt to bully them from their jobs, he added.
Nearly 3,000 firefighters are battling more than 60 wildfires raging across Portugal.

Wildfires have flared across Portugal following a rise in temperatures and strong winds, ending days of cooler weather that had brought a brief respite from a spate of blazes.

Morocco and Spain have both sent water dropping planes to help the efforts.

The fires come after more than 60 people were killed in June, and more than 250 injured, in a blaze in central Portugal.

The number of wildfires ratcheted up from seven in the space of a few hours, with most afflicting areas in central and northern Portugal.

A stretch of Portugal's main north-south highway, the A1, was closed due to one blaze.

Massive clouds of smoke prevented the use of water-dropping planes in some places.

No injuries have been reported.

Temperatures are forecast to keep rising in coming days, which could worsen what is already a bad year for forest fires.

Portugal usually has woodland blazes in the summer, but this year has been particularly unfavourable because around 80% of the country is experiencing "severe", or "extreme", drought conditions.

Wildfires in Portugal this year have accounted for more than one-third of the burnt forest in the entire 28-country European Union.

The EU's Emergency Management Service said almost 140,000 hectares (346,000 acres) of Portuguese woodland was charred up to August 5.

Across the EU, some 380,000 hectares have been burnt.

The agency said the area of blackened forest in Portugal up to August 5 is about five times larger than the average recorded in the country between 2008 and 2016.
More than 70 registered sex offenders from the UK have been refused entry to countries in south east Asia in the last 2 years.

It is the result of a major campaign by the National Crime Agency - which is sharing intelligence with countries where paedophiles are known to hide out.
According to accounts just filed by Directroute Fermoy Ltd, revenues fell slightly to 16.4m in 2016 from 16.7m the previous year. Operating profits increased slightly to 7.58m.

Traffic levels grew faster than anticipated in 2016 and further increases are expected as motorists continue to recognise the benefits of the motorway, according to the accounts.
Tourists have been piling into Spain over the last two years due to security concerns around other summer destinations such as Tunisia, Egypt, and Turkey.

Visitors to Spain jumped 12% in the first half of 2017 to 36.4m.

Reports have also circulated in the past week that chronic overcrowding in some of Europes most beloved tourism hotspots is fuelling a backlash by locals against visitors.

Spain is pretty full, Fritz Joussen told reporters after the group reported third-quarter results.

Last year we had an all-time high and this year we will be on similar levels.

Mr Joussen said most people in Spain were happy with tourists because they help provide jobs and support the economy. But with prices for Spain rising due to high demand, other more affordable destinations could come into play.

If demand is very high, prices are high and other destinations build because they are more affordable and that is what is happening right now, Mr Joussen said.

The higher prices could be a factor in particular for UK customers, who have seen the cost of their holidays rise due to the weak pound following the countrys vote to leave the EU. Initially we saw some weakening demand, but its now resilient so people are getting used to higher prices, Mr Joussen said of UK customers.

He said TUI would probably not reduce capacity for Turkey next year, because demand was coming back. And he said TUI would look at adding Tunisia back into its programme but no decision had been taken.

Rival Thomas Cook is planning to restart holidays to Tunisia but said it would take time to set up.

Mr Joussen was speaking after the group increased its sales target for the year to significantly more than 3% growth and reported a 38% rise in core profit to 221.6m, partly thanks to the later timing of Easter.

It confirmed a target for core earnings to rise by at least 10% this year.

Reuters
Figures released by the Defence Forces show that in 2015 three ships deployed by the navy in the Mediterranean Sea carried out 57 rescue operations during which they brought 8,631 migrants onboard.

Last year three ships were involved in 41 operations, rescuing 6,837 migrants.

This year LE Eithne carried out six rescue missions during her tour of duty, picking up 1,188 migrants.

LE William Butler Yeats made her second rescue yesterday, saving 149 migrants 54 miles north of Tripoli.

The crews first rescue was on July 30 when they plucked 109 migrants from the sea.

Sources within the Defence Forces say there are a number of reasons for the decline in rescues.

The Naval Service has deliberately sunk wooden fishing vessels when it has rescued migrants from them so that people-smugglers will be unable to use them again.

So too have warships belonging to the EU-led Operation Sophia, which is taking a more robust approach to stopping the people smugglers.

This has led the people-smugglers to become increasingly reliant on inflatable dinghies, which they are importing from the Far East.

However, when the wind is blowing inshore they are unable to launch them beyond the surf.

In the meantime, the Libyan coastguard has become more effective in turning back migrant boats within their 12-mile limit.

Volunteer ships from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are also increasingly going in close to the coastline to pick up migrants.

It has been claimed that on a couple of recent occasions, they have got in so close that migrants moved to one side of their craft in an effort to be the first to be rescued and as a result caused it to capsize.

Meanwhile, the Irish navy ships, which would have previously been reasonably close to shore, are now further out to sea, meaning the NGOs are far more likely to be first to the scene of rescues.

More than 110,000 migrants from northern Africa and the Middle East have made a perilous journey across the Mediterranean to Europe this year, according to the UN.

The Irish ships are currently working with the Italians under the purely humanitarian Operation Pontus and are under the command of an Italian admiral.

The Italians previously positioned Naval Service ships in a more frontline role, but according to well-placed sources they have now positioned LE William Butler Yeats further off the Libyan coast, to be held in reserve should the NGO ships get overwhelmed, or to respond should there be a security risk.

Islamic State still has a presence in Libya and therefore is a security threat.

In the meantime, the country is being torn apart by a number of other different armed groups.

The Irish Government recently agreed to switch the Naval Services role, which will occur while LE William Butler Yeats is still on her tour of duty.

The ship will then be involved in a more aggressive anti-people-smuggling role, which will include ensuring a UN weapons embargo is imposed on Libya, training Libyan coastguard units and seeking and destroying shipments of inflatable dinghies.
Junior jobs minister John Halligan has slammed some of Mr McGraths comments about the alliance and other political matters as laughable, completely untrue and even ridiculous.

Mr McGrath earlier this week called for an Independent to run for the presidency, saying it would be lazy politics to allow Michael D Higgins a second term without a contest.
The Alpha-One Foundation has called on Health Minister Simon Harris to reconsider the decision which it describes as a devastating blow to the estimated 60 patients who could, or, already have, benefited from Respreeza.

The notice to the foundation of the States refusal to reimburse the cost came on the same day that Mr Harris issued a statement in which he said it was vital that we ensure patients have access to a sustainable supply of safe and effective medicines.

His comment relates to the opening of a public consultation process on biosimilar medicines which are typically less expensive to produce than more widely-used biological medicines and have no clinically meaningful differences.

Up to now, 21 patients have been able to access Respreeza under a compassionate-use scheme operated by the drug manufacturer, CSL Behring, due mainly to their participation in a clinical trial for the past decade.

However, the future is uncertain for both these patients and 40 other diagnosed with Alpha-One antitrypsin deficiency.

The HSE has said it would cost the State 37m over five years to fund the drug and has questioned its efficacy. Prof Gerry McElvaney, consultant respiratory physician involved in the clinical trial of Respreeza in Ireland, and chair of the foundation, said the trial was the only study he had ever seen in 30 years which slowed down the progress of emphysema. He said his patient were in dread of what might happen if the drug is withdrawn.

We do not know what happens when you suddenly stop taking if after 10 years, Prof McElvaney said.

He said the really sad thing was that patients in other European countries now have the drug available to them as a result of the trial, for which Ireland was the major centre.

Foundation chief executive Geraldine Kelly it was not too lat for the health minister to reconsider the decision. We ask them [minister and HSE] to take into account the cost savings through reductions in hospitalisations and spending on other less effective medicines.

Equally, we urge CSL Behring to put forward a cost that is realistic [a figure of c80,000 per patient per annum has been mentioned].

These patients have been selfless in taking part in the clinical trial here, which has been of huge benefit to the company in demonstrating the efficacy of this therapy and their service should be recognised.

Such a gesture would no doubt be noted by clinicians and future prospective patients when considering whether to support clinical trials, Ms Kelly said.
THE White House National Security Council (NSC) has no shortage of crises.

Nuclear and missile proliferation on the Korean Peninsula, Islamic State-inspired attacks in western countries, the political and economic crisis in Venezuela, and Russian military intervention in Ukraine, Georgia, and Syria are just a few.

The NSC is where all of these incredibly dangerous issues collide. It is an inter-agency coordinating body, where national security professionals across the US government provide recommendations to the president.

The people who staff the NSC are chronically sleep-deprived, but managing US foreign policy and containing crises that could quickly spiral out of control require nothing less.

As Loren DeJonge-Schulman, a former senior director in US president, Barack Obamas NSC, described the experience: the NSC melds existential terror with physical deprivation and feats of strength.

Being a White House national security staffer is a tough job in the most ideal of circumstances. But if colleagues are afraid of backstabbing or are unable to establish productive working relationships, the environment becomes unbearable.

In their respective memoirs, former US secretaries of defence, Robert Gates and Leon Panetta, both griped about how co-ordination between the US national security bureaucracies can be slowed or stopped by personality differences and individual self-interest.

This is why all of the staff changes, resignations, and score-settling, in the media, between top NSC and White House officials are so concerning.

If left unchecked, the healthy competition and inter-personal rivalries that often give the president more policy options can breed mistrust, hindering workflow and coordination.

The NSC must nip this problem in the bud, before it negatively impacts the presidents work.

The past few weeks of NSC activity have been so dizzying that it is becoming difficult to know who retains the confidence of the president and who is falling out of favour.

US national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, the man at the top of the hierarchy for ensuring the president is properly briefed, has removed several officials he believed were either undermining his authority or suspected of leaking to the press.

Derek Harvey, the NSCs top Middle East adviser, was shown the door in late July and reassigned to another part of the government.

Rich Higgins, the man responsible for strategic planning at the NSC, was let go after distributing a controversial memo about government bureaucrats allegedly attempting to destroy Trumps agenda.

Ezra Cohen-Watnick, the senior intelligence director, whom the intelligence community considered too inexperienced and too close to former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, is no longer working in the White House.

The staff turnover is something McMaster views as necessary to streamline the process and eliminate threats to his own power.

Even more disconcerting than the resignations and firings, however, is the ongoing smear campaign against McMaster himself, a three-star Army general, who has served his country with distinction in numerous war zones, across multiple deployments, over a span of decades.

In just a few short days, former administration staffers  likely affiliated with the nationalist camp in the White House  have spoken to reporters to dish dirt on the general and damage his credibility with the president.

One anonymous official told the Daily Caller news website, last week, that [e]verything the president wants to do, McMaster opposes.

In a post on her Facebook account, Jerusalem Post reporter, Caroline Glick, reported that several senior anonymous officials believe that McMaster is insufficiently supportive of Israel. Hashtags like #FireMcMaster are picking up steam on Twitter.

Intra-NSC spats are hardly unprecedented. Like in any organisation, NSC employees can get on each others nerves for many reasons, including working in an environment where life-and-death decisions are made.

During the Obama presidency, cabinet members and senior staff fought vehemently over US policy in Afghanistan and the wisdom of deploying tens of thousands of additional US soldiers to the country.

During the first term of the George W Bush years, US defence secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, and vice-president, Dick Cheney, were legendary for getting into sparring matches with secretary of state, Colin Powell, and national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice  all four of whom were principal members of Bushs NSC and critical stakeholders in the national security policymaking process.

Defence secretary, Casper Weinberger, and secretary of state, George Schultz, were hardly in agreement on anything, so much so that the New York Times Magazine devoted an article to the bickering between the two men.

However, the difference between then and now is that all of the other administrations had a relatively orderly  if spirited  national security decision-making process. After the heated arguments and feuding, final decisions would eventually get made.

The Trump administration, in contrast, is still hobbled by a lack of staffing in the US State Department, a development that will reduce Foggy Bottoms influence on the NSC.

The vicious innuendo, personality-laced leaks to the press, and the anonymous public airing of grievances that has dominated the Trump White House during its first six months are placing the ego of government officials above what is most important: giving the president sound recommendations.

New White House chief of staff, John Kellys campaign to instil some internal cohesion in the ranks will depend, in large measure, on whether President Trump supports the effort.

For a man who despises negative media coverage, cracking down on the White House infighting should be highly appealing to Trump. Otherwise, the news cycle will continue to revolve around disorganisation and palace intrigue.

H.R. McMaster, and his nationalist rivals in the National Security Council and in the administration more broadly, can disagree over policy matters without resorting to ad hominem attacks that do nothing but introduce more stress into an already stressful environment.

Keeping America safe, and developing sound, pragmatic, and smart foreign policy is difficult enough without having to manoeuvre around the unnecessary baggage.
The Foreign Ministry has dismissed a media report that China offered to reposition its troops to resolve the tension with India in the Donglang (Doklam) area.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that after India demanded Chinese troops pull back 250 meters, China counteroffered to move its troops back 100 meters.

The Spokesperson's Office told China Daily on Thursday that the report is not true. "China will not trade its territorial sovereignty under any circumstances," it said.

"China's position on solving this incident is clear and firm. India must immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its trespassing troops and equipment back to the Indian side of the border," the office said in a statement.

Sun Hongnian, a borderland expert of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, called the Reuters report "fake news" coming possibly from India, which "intends to turn Donglang into a disputed area".

Zhao Xiaozhuo, a researcher at the PLA Academy of Military Science, said China could never accept India's "totally unreasonable" demand.

India aims to nullify the Convention Between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet so it can change the only defined sector on the China-India boundary into an "undefined" one, Zhao said.

The Sikkim sector of the China-India boundary was defined in the convention signed in 1890 with Donglang being Chinese territory on the Chinese side of the border.

India had honored the convention until Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration refused, Zhao said.

Indian troops crossed into Donglang in mid-June to block Chinese road construction. It has tried to justify the incursion as being in a "tri-junction" between China, India and Bhutan.

"India's intrusion ... has not only violated China's territorial sovereignty but also challenged Bhutan's sovereignty and independence," the Foreign Ministry said earlier this month.

On Thursday, several Indian media cited anonymous sources as claiming that India's military had ordered immediate evacuation of an Indian village 35 kilometers from Donglang.
There was rare good news on the ransomware front this week. Police in Ukraine arrested a 51-year old man in the city of Nikopol in connection with the spread of the NotPetya virus. A raid was conducted on the mans house and computers that are suspected of having spread the malware were seized.

The suspects name was not released. The police said that the man gave them a statement admitting that he uploaded the malware to a file-sharing account and that it was downloaded about 400 times.

Several companies, the man claimed in the statement, downloaded NotPetya in an effort to evade payments to the state and to conceal criminal activity.

The story says that the man was arrested. It also said that it is unclear if he is a formal suspect or just a person of interest in the cyberattack in which the malware reached more than 60 countries.

European Consortium Working on 5G-as-a-Service

Cloud-based as-a-service offerings and 5G are two of the big buzzwords of contemporary telecom. They are coming together.

BT, Orange and Nokia Bell Labs France announced a wide-ranging consortium that will look at next-generation platform as-a-service (NG-as-a-service). The consortium is part of the 5G Infrastructure Public Private Partnership (5G-PPP) initiative launched in 2014 to facilitate cooperation between European telecom operators and the European Union, according to RCR Wireless.

5G is a key to this difficult task. The consortium will deal with building, shipping and operating virtual network function applications that perform at telephone company levels for latency, reliability and capacity. Thats not all:

The platform must also combine all sorts of third-party applications with those VNF, thereby creating more versatile and powerful cloud objects breaking silos between connectivity (to humans, robots, sensors, etc.) and computing (machine learning, big data, video applications).

Other members of the consortium include Nokia Bell Labs France, Nokia, Atos, BT, Orange, Virtual Open Systems, Vertical M2M, B-COM, ONAPP, the University of Milano-Bicocca, Danmarks Tekniske Universitet and IMEC.

Organizations Spending Lots on Gear for Sales Reps

Its clear that organizations spend a lot of money on technology for their employees. SugarCRM has provided some specifics. The company found in a survey of 400 sales executives that employers spent at least $1,000 on 80 percent of sales representatives.

The survey, conducted for the company by CITE Research, found that companies spend $1,500 on two-thirds of employees and at least $2,000 on 49 percent of the employees. Sixty-nine percent of respondents worry about training staff and 63 percent about keeping pace with innovations and updating systems adequately.

The survey found that the technology is helpful. Customer relationship management (CRM) was found to be the most frequently used tool.

Will the IEEE See the Light?

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is considering including Light Fidelity (LiFi) in the 802.11 standards family.

LiFi uses LED lights, mostly in the invisible spectrum, to transmit data, says Network World. It theoretically can operate 100 times faster than Wi-Fi. Realistically, however, it is seen as a complement to fill in where Wi-Fi falls short.

As odd as LiFi sounds, the story says that using light to transmit data is an old technology. Television remotes, for instance, use it to change channels and adjust volume. The difference is that these devices use infrared light are thus are limited.

Toyota Heads the Vehicular Edge Computing Consortium

The Toyota InfoTechnology Center, the Toyota Motor Corp., DENSO, Ericsson, Intel, NTT, NTT DOCOMO have formed the Automotive Edge Computing Consortium.

The press release highlights the vast increases in data moving between vehicles and the cloud. It says that by 2025, monthly volume will reach 10 exabytes, which is 10,000 times more than it is today. This will necessitate additional capacity and the movement of much of the computing to the edge.

Among other things, the group will define requirements and develop vehicular use cases for mobile devices. It will also develop best practices. It is not clear from the press release if the consortium will deal with actual vehicle operations or just ancillary data.

Carl Weinschenk covers telecom for IT Business Edge. He writes about wireless technology, disaster recovery/business continuity, cellular services, the Internet of Things, machine-to-machine communications and other emerging technologies and platforms. He also covers net neutrality and related regulatory issues. Weinschenk has written about the phone companies, cable operators and related companies for decades and is senior editor of Broadband Technology Report. He can be reached at [email protected] and via twitter at @DailyMusicBrk.
Samsung indeed redeemed itself from last year's Note 7 fiasco. The entire world was horrified. Imagine how it was like for the company. With the successful launch of Samsung Galaxy S8, there's no other place to go but up.

The Korean tech giant is unstoppable. The company pulled all stops to make sure that the latest S8 is the best device. At the rate the S8 is going, it is indeed the best smartphone around currently.

To up the ante more, Samsung recently launched its Galaxy S8 Rose Pink in Taiwan. It became an instant hit as the Note 4 also had a version of it. A lot of female buyers clamored to have one. It had soft pink hue, perfect for the gentle yet modern fashionista.

With its successful Taiwan launch, the Samsung Galaxy S8 Rose Pink may head out to take world domination. According to BGR, Samsung started the Rose Pink in July but not available for purchase easily. For a moment, the Rose Pink may just be available in selected markets such as Taiwan.

However, Samsung may have changed its mind. The Rose Pink color option may make its way to the world market. There's a good reason for such. As the latest iPhone plans to have Copper Gold color option, Samsung must have an answer to this.

There will be no orange hue for Samsung. They are sticking to the soft pink color. The Samsung Galaxy S8 Rose Pink might launch in Eastern Europe next as per Phone Arena. Even better, the Rose Pink S8 may make its appearance in next month's IFA alongside the all-Black BlackBerry KeyOne.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Rose Pink is one unique device. Rose Pink may even be a highly desired and copied color. Other competitors may even take the cue from Samsung to have its share of a pink hue. It is best to stay tuned for more updates.
The Google Pixel XL and Sony Xperia XZ Premium are two flagships with top class specs and features. Google's Pixel XL is the larger of the two first-generation Pixel devices launched by Google, while Sony's Xperia XZ Premium is the latest flagship smartphone from the Japanese tech major. Which of these two devices ship with premium hardware, and offer premium build quality?

The Google Pixel XL is designed, developed and marketed by Google, but manufactured by HTC. The Pixel XL has a 5.5-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) AMOLED display, which has Corning Gorilla Glass 4 for protection. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 821 SoC and 4GB of DDR4 RAM with 32GB or 128GB of UFS 2.0 storage. The smartphone ships with a rear-facing fingerprint scanner and an NFC chip for compatibility with Android Pay.

The Google Pixel XL includes a rear-facing 12.3-megapixel sensor and on the front side, there is an 8-megapixel camera. Google Pixel XL originally comes with Android 7.1 Nougat onboard and it includes a non-removable 3,450mAh Li-ion battery with the fast-charging facility, as reported by Android Headlines.

On the other hand, Xperia XZ Premium also boasts of some truly impressive hardware including tremendous design. The device features an IPS LCD Triluminous display, which has a 4K pixel resolution (3840 x 2160) and is protected by Corning's Gorilla Glass 5. The smartphone is equipped with the Snapdragon 835 SoC, which comes with eight custom Kryo 280 cores, four of which are clocked at 2.45GHz while the other four run at a maximum frequency of 2.19GHz. There is also an Adreno 540 GPU and 4GB of RAM with 64GB of expandable onboard storage, as reported by NDTV.

The Xperia XZ Premium has a 19-megapixel rear camera and a 13-megapixel front facing the camera. The device has a non-removable 3,230mAh Li-ion battery with support for Qualcomm's Quick Charge 3.0. The flagship device from Sony comes with pre-installed Android 7.1 Nougat and is said to receive the Android O update going forward.

As the Sony's Xperia XZ Premium is a decent smartphone in general with a build quality that's second to none, it seems to be the winner! It packs the latest hardware, offers comprehensive protection from the elements and, comes with a striking, so far elegant design that's unmistakably Sony.
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Updated at 2:51 p.m.

BEDMINSTER, New Jersey  President Donald Trump on Friday again delivered a bold warning to North Korea, tweeting that the U.S. military is "locked and loaded" if the isolated rogue nation acts "unwisely," escalating an exchange of threats between the nuclear-armed nations.

American and South Korean officials said they would move forward with large-scale military exercises later this month that North Korea claims are a rehearsal for war. Pyongyang has laid out plans to strike near the U.S. territory of Guam.

Trump tweeted Friday: "Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!"

He later retweeted a posting from U.S. Pacific Command that showed B-1B Lancer bomber planes on Guam that "stand ready to fulfill USFK's #FightTonight mission if called upon to do so." ''Fight tonight" has long been the motto of U.S. forces in South Korea to show they are always ready for combat on the Korean Peninsula.

Trump's provocative public declarations, a break from the careful language of his predecessors, have only grown louder as the week as gone on. They included the president musing that his initial warning of delivering "fire and fury" to North Korea  which appeared to evoke a nuclear explosion  was too timid. The days of war rhetoric have alarmed international leaders.

"I don't see a military solution and I don't think it's called for," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel. She declined to say whether Germany would stand with the U.S. in case of a military conflict with North Korea and called on the U.N. Security Council to continue to address the issue.

"I think escalating the rhetoric is the wrong answer," Merkel added.

Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, estimated the risk of a military conflict between the U.S. and North Korea as "very high," and said Moscow was deeply concerned.

"When you get close to the point of a fight, the one who is stronger and wiser should be the first to step back from the brink," Lavrov said Friday.

Trump's bluster, however, stands in stark contrast to an ongoing back channel for negotiations between the United States and North Korea, which came to light Friday. It had been known the two sides had discussions to secure the June release of an American university student. But it wasn't known until now that the contacts have continued, or that they have broached matters other than U.S. detainees.

People familiar with the contacts say the interactions have done nothing thus far to quell tensions over North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile advances, which are now fueling fears of military confrontation. But they say the behind-the-scenes discussions could still be a foundation for more serious negotiation.

Despite tensions and talk of war, life on the streets of the North Korean capital remains calm. There are no air raid drills or cars in camouflage netting as was the case during previous crises.

North Koreans have lived for decades with the state media message that war is imminent, the U.S. is to blame and their country is ready to defend itself. State-run media ensure that the population gets the North Korean side of the story, but don't convey any sense of international concern about the situation.

Two days after North Korea laid out its plans to strike near Guam with unsettling specificity, there was no observable march toward combat. U.S. officials said there was no major movement of U.S. military assets to the region, nor were there signs Pyongyang was actively preparing for war.

As it is, the U.S. has a robust military presence in the region, including six B-1 bombers in Guam and Air Force fighter jet units in South Korea, plus other assets across the Pacific Ocean and in the skies above. U.S. military options range from nothing to a full-on conventional assault by air, sea and ground forces. Any order by the president could be executed quickly.

The U.S.-South Korea exercises are an annual event, but they come as Pyongyang says it is readying a plan to fire off four Hwasong-12 missiles toward the tiny island, which is U.S. territory and a major military hub. The plan would be sent to Kim for approval just before or as the U.S.-South Korea drills begin.

Called Ulchi-Freedom Guardian, the exercises are expected to run Aug. 21-31 and involve tens of thousands of American and South Korean troops on the ground and in the sea and air. Washington and Seoul say the exercises are defensive in nature and crucial to maintaining a deterrent against North Korean aggression.

The exercises were scheduled well before tensions began to rise over Trump's increasingly fiery rhetoric and North Korea's announcement of the missile plan, which if carried out would be its most provocative launch yet. Along with a bigger set of maneuvers held every spring, the exercises are routinely met by strong condemnation and threats of countermeasures from North Korea.

The heightened military activity on the peninsula this time is a concern because it could increase the possibility of a mishap or an overreaction of some sort by either side that could spin into a more serious escalation. North Korea has been increasingly sensitive to the exercises lately because they reportedly include training for "decapitation strikes" to kill Kim Jong Un and his top lieutenants.

The possibility of escalation is made even more acute by the lack of any means of official communication across the Demilitarized Zone, though there has been no easing of the barrage of inflammatory comments in the U.S. and the North since new sanctions against North Korea were announced last week.

___

Talmadge contributed from Seoul, South Korea. Associated Press writers Josh Lederman, Matthew Pennington and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed to this report.

SEOUL, South Korea  President Donald Trump has issued an urgent warning to North Korea not to move ahead with its ballistic missile testing.

He is tweeting: "Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!"

North Korea has announced a detailed plan to launch a salvo of ballistic missiles toward the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, a major military hub and home to U.S. bombers. If carried out, it would be its most provocative missile launch to date.

Trump previously said the U.S. would unleash "fire and fury" on North Korea if it continued to threaten the U.S.

___

7:10 p.m.

China has reiterated calls for all sides to maintain calm and reduce tensions over the Korean Peninsula.

The statement Friday does not mention any specific actions China would be willing to take, although some Chinese scholars and state media have called on Beijing to take on a shuttle diplomacy role to facilitate talks between the U.S. and North Korea.

China is the North's biggest economic partner and source of aid, but says it alone can't compel Pyongyang to end its nuclear and missile programs. China has called on South Korea and the U.S. to suspend large scale military exercises in return for the North halting its programs in order to facilitate talks.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang says in a statement that the current situation on the Korean Peninsula "is complex and sensitive."

He says: "The Chinese side hopes all related parties will exercise caution in their words and actions and make greater efforts to alleviate the tense situation and enhance mutual trust, while not traveling the old path of making displays of strength and constantly exacerbating the situation."

An editorial in the Communist Party tabloid Global Times says "Beijing is not able to persuade Washington or Pyongyang to back down at this time. It needs to make clear its stance to all sides and make them understand that when their actions jeopardize China's interests, China will respond with a firm hand."

It adds China should also make clear that if North Korea launches missiles that threaten U.S. soil and the U.S. retaliates, "China will stay neutral."
WASHINGTON -- I had dreams of fire and fury like the world has never seen. But now I will sleep well, because Rex Tillerson told me I should.

There is no "imminent threat" from North Korea, the secretary of state said Wednesday. "The American people should sleep well at night."

It was the latest and largest cleanup effort undertaken by President Trump's aides since this administration took power. Their unorthodox message to an anxious nation and a panicky world: Don't take seriously what the president of the United States says.

On Tuesday, Trump delivered remarks about North Korea -- words we now know to have been off the cuff -- that pushed the world toward a nuclear standoff last seen in the Cuban missile crisis: "North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States." If it does make threats, the president said, "they will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen."

Many noted that the wording echoed Harry Truman's warning at the time of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. But then came Tillerson, a former Exxon Mobil chairman, to assure us that there is nothing to see. It has become a familiar exercise: walking back, cleaning up and outright contradicting crazy things uttered by the man with the nuclear codes.

Early on, Trump announced that he had undertaken "a military operation" to get "really bad dudes out of this country, and at a rate that nobody's ever seen before."

The U.S. military is rounding up immigrants? Mexican officials freaked out. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, now White House chief of staff, drew cleanup duty: "No -- repeat, no -- use of military force in immigration operations. None," he said.

Trump, during his visit to Brussels, shocked allies and caught his aides by surprise when he struck from his speech to NATO the usual commitment to the alliance's collective defense -- this, after calling NATO "obsolete." Days later, Vice President Pence reassured jittery allies: "Our commitment is unwavering. ... An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us."

Trump, appearing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, upended the long-standing U.S. commitment to a "two-state" solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "I am looking at two-state, and one-state," he said. Nikki Haley, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, was put on walk-back patrol the next day. "We absolutely support a two-state solution," she said.

The cleanup patrol has a domestic operation, too. When Trump, after a bipartisan budget deal was reached, tweeted the notion that "our country needs a good 'shutdown' in September," White House budget director Mick Mulvaney was hustled out to contain the damage: "We've averted a shutdown. ... That's the story now, not what might happen in September."

After Trump tweeted that "Obama had my 'wires tapped' in Trump Tower," Sean Spicer, who was White House press secretary, famously explained that "the president used the word 'wiretaps' in quotes to mean, broadly, surveillance and other activities."

And, when Trump attacked the "FAKE NEWS media," which he proclaimed "the enemy of the American People," Pence swabbed the decks, saying: "Rest assured, both the president and I strongly support a free and independent press."

The cleanup patrol has a broad membership. Gary Cohn, director of the National Economic Council, took a turn after Trump declared: "The Germans are bad, very bad. See the millions of cars they sell in the U.S.? Terrible. We will stop this."

Cohn said: "He said they're very bad on trade but he doesn't have a problem with Germany." Cohn explained that Trump's "dad is from Germany."

Asian allies became restless after Trump, during the campaign, said Japan should protect itself from North Korea, or pay the United States for providing security. After taking office, he jettisoned the Trans-Pacific Partnership and told South Korean officials that it would be "appropriate if they pay" for a $1 billion U.S. missile defense system. This time, it was the duty of the national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, to reassure South Koreans that the United States would continue to pay.

And Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, as part of an extended cleanup tour in the region, announced: "Our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan, to include the employment of our most advanced capabilities, is ironclad."

There have been other such cleanup actions, and there will inevitably be many more, as Trump's advisers try to convey to the world a perverse message: Rest assured, sleep well -- and pay no attention to the president's yammering.

@Milbank.

The Washington Post
The Post reports:

President Trump on Tuesday issued a stern warning to North Korea, saying that if its threats to the United States continue, the outcast nation will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen.

Trumps comments came as North Korea spurned a new round of sanctions approved by the United Nations Security Council and pledged to continue to press forward with development of nuclear weapons that could reach the U.S. mainland.

The presidents rhetoric, many noted on social media, sounded a lot like what we hear out of North Korea  both foolish and unhinged. Trumps language was swiftly criticized by politicians on both sides to the aisle. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) stated: I take exception to the presidents words because you got to be sure you can do what you say youre going to do.

Indeed, was Trump threatening military action if Kim Jong Un made more verbal threats? If Kim conducted more missile tests?

Democrats likewise urged the president to tone it down.

Sounding like the same kind of cartoon villain we face in Pyongyang, Trump managed only to inspire ridicule and tempt Kim to make yet another threat. (The regime suggested it was considering striking Guam.)

So if alarmist rhetoric and empty threats dont work and military action would almost certainly set off a catastrophic war putting cities in South Korea, not to mention U.S. troops stationed there, in peril, what can we do?

Tom Malinowski, assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labor in the Obama administration, recently advised a number of steps: Flooding the zone with information (designed to break the regimes grip on information and provide dissenters with ways to counter the regimes propaganda), emphasizing human rights and peaceful reunification, imposing sanctions on but not entirely isolating North Korea, strengthening our alliances with South Korea and other Asian democracies, and using intermediaries to warn North Korean elites. None is a quick, certain remedy, but Malinowski argues that we should recall the Cold War, when the spread of democratic ideas and culture, aided by people-to-people ties and communications technologies, and our principled insistence on respect for human rights were critical to victory.

Several former administration officials under President George W. Bush with whom I spoke praised that approach, not as a cure-all, but as part of a holistic approach to defusing the North Korean threat. However, one exasperated former official observed, The Trump administration, from Trump to [Secretary of State Rex] Tillerson in particular, seems to have zero understanding of the war of ideas and how we won the Cold War.

Other critics of Trumps foreign policy point out that there is no certain time frame for such an effort and remind us that China has emphatically resisted reunification. Former ambassador Eric Edelman cautions that our [military] deterrent has degraded and we need to take steps to reinforce deterrence. That also requires a carefully calibrated declaratory policy, and exclamations of impending fire and fury are not what I have in mind. He adds, Absent concrete steps like resuscitating the TLAM-N (nuclear-armed version of the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile), opening a discussion about the possible return of other tactical nuclear systems to the peninsula, etc., the threats could end up being quite counterproductive.

In sum, newly appointed Chief of Staff John F. Kelly this week failed to exercise the sort of discipline this White House desperately needs. He needs to carefully script the president and impress upon him the need for more modulated statements that will increase, not decrease, his stature and leverage. Whether Kelly can put together a policy process with rational steps to address the crisis remains to be seen. At the very least, however, he needs to get the president to pipe down. This isnt merely about politics  this is about war and peace, and the danger of a novice, intemperate president making a blunder of giant proportions.
A North Carolina man walks into a popular Washington D.C. pizzeria and opens fire, telling police upon his inevitable arrest that he came to "self-investigate" a widely debunked conspiracy theory involving former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

In Hollywood, actress and model Jenny McCarthy and others wage a campaign against mandatory vaccinations for children, despite mountains of evidence showing they're the key to preventing debilitating childhood diseases.

At the dinner table, your loudmouthed uncle holds forth on the events of the day, insisting he's right and refusing to accept counter-arguments, even as he mangles facts and disregards clear truths.

Separately, these are amusing - and maybe a little disturbing, anecdotes.

But taken together, they're part of "the death of expertise," a stubborn insistence by the ignoramuses in our midst that everyone is as smart as everyone else; that expert opinion is meaningless and that any attempt to dismiss such claims is just "elitism."

Tom Nichols, a former staffer to the late Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. John Heinz, and a professor of national security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I., stirred the pot of debate this summer with his new book, sensibly titled, "The Death of Expertise: The campaign against established knowledge and why it matters."

Despite having access to more information than ever before, Americans are not only getting dumber, they're also proud of their ignorance and can't be moved off their opinions - no matter how effective the counter-argument with which they're presented.

"The bigger problem is we're proud of not knowing things," Nichols writes. "Americans have reached a point where ignorance, especially of any public policy issue, is an actual virtue."

He lays blame for this phenomenon in a couple of places.

Among them, the fever swamp of the Internet where "confirmation bias" reigns supreme, the galaxy of "news" sources that exist to reaffirm and stoke those prejudices, and on college and university campuses, where students become "clients" to be coddled rather than challenged.

Of course, there's always been a strain of "know-nothingism," in our politics. The difference now is that when presented with facts proving him wrong, your drunk Uncle Harry will dismiss contradictory evidence as "fake news" and "alternative facts" and go blithely on his way.

But it's not "that people don't trust experts or eggheads," Nichols said in an interview.

Nope, it's worse than that: "It's that they have actually come to believe that they're smarter than those experts."

"Increasingly, laypeople challenge experts by trying to explain their own subject back to them," he continued. "'Oh, you're an expert on Russia? Well, let me explain Russia back to you.' This is not skepticism, it is narcissism."

And in case you're inclined to dismiss that argument out of hand, think for a moment how many times you've self-diagnosed a malady on WebMD and then quibbled with your family doctor over what actually ails you.

That's the kind of narcissism that Nichols describes.

The "death of expertise" trend reached its absolute apogee in 2016 when billionaire Donald Trump, who pushed the debunked "birther" conspiracy involving President Barack Obama, won the White House.

Trump, who has been caught in seemingly countless fibs and fabrications since, screams "fake news" at the slightest criticism.

And he routinely undercuts the credibility of government institutions, as in the case of his ongoing fight with the intelligence community over Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

Trump's bleating about "fake news" is dangerous because "it makes news the vessel for partisan politics rather than a presentation of ideas or facts. We now distrust the politicians, and the sources that check on the politicians," Nichols says.

So where does that leave us? Are we just doomed to get dumber and dumber until the flow chart of human intelligence looks like the "Ascent of Man" drawn in reverse?

Unfortunately, according to Nichols, the answer is "Probably, yeah" (and I'm paraphrasing here).

"My concern is that this won't end until a populist fad like anti-vaccines cause a disaster. Diplomacy will come back as a skill when we face war -- or are in one," he said. "We might start consulting economists during the next depression. Populism always drives itself into the ditch, and experts always have to fix it. It's one of the reasons people resent experts; we're the people who generally have to repair the damage on the morning after."

Note to self: Stock up on both canned goods and economists in the event of the apocalypse.


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[JURIST] The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit [official website] ruled Wednesday [opinion, PDF] that Judge Scott Silliman [official profile] should have recused himself in a case concerning multiple defendants who were charged with aiding in the 9/11 attacks. The petitioner, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed [CNN profile], argued that Silliman was biased in the matter and cited [CNN report] a 2010 comment in which Silliman called Mohammad and his co-defendants the major conspirators in the 9/11 attacks. The court found that because Silliman expressed an opinion that Petitioner is guilty of the very crimes of which he is accused, he manifested an apparent bias and thus should have recused himself. The court granted the petition asking the court to recuse Silliman and vacated a decision [text, PDF] by the United States Court of Military Commission [official website] to reinstate charges for attacking civilians and destroying property in violation of the law of war against Mohammad and his co-defendants.

Mohammed allegedly met Osama bin Laden sometime in 1996. Following the 9/11 attacks, he was placed on the FBIs Most Wanted Terrorists list [website] in October of 2001. One year later, Mohammed was linked to a Bali nightclub bombing [BBC report] in 2002 . He was captured in Pakistan along with other al Qaeda operatives in 2003. In 2006 the US government acknowledged that Mohammad was being held in Guantanamo Bay [JURIST news archive] with other suspected terrorists. In February 2008 the US announced that it would be seeking the death penalty against Mohammed and his co-defendants. In January 2009 then-president Barack Obama ordered a halt to the Guantanamo Bay [Guardian report] tribunals, delaying Mohammeds trail by 120 days. In April 2011, following more delays, the Department of Justice announced they would refer the case against Mohammed back to the Department of Defense [press release]. The matter of Mohammed and his co-defendants is still pending today.
[JURIST] A judge for the US District Court for the Western District of Texas [official website] on Wednesday dismissed [order, PDF] a case concerning Senate Bill 4 [text, PDF], a bill intended to penalize so-called sanctuary cities. The action was filled by the state of Texas seeking to have SB 4 declared constitutional before the bill was scheduled to take effect. The law would require local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and prohibit local agencies from enforcing policies that bar officers from inquiring as to an individuals immigration status. The court found that there was no justiciable injury to Texas as there was not yet a challenge to the bills constitutionality. Without a requisite injury, the court held that it must dismiss the matter as moot.

The existence and functioning of sanctuary cities have come under fire since the first week of President Donald Trumps administration. From the beginning of the year, some states and cities have proposed legislation to crackdown on sanctuary policies while some cities continue to stand behind their policies [JURIST op-ed]. In June the California State Assembly passed two bills which, if passed by the senate, will strengthen protections for undocumented immigrant students in public schools from kindergarten through college by preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers from entering a school site without a valid judicial warrant [JURIST report] and approval from the superintendent. In May Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law the bill banning sanctuary cities [JURIST report] in the state. In March the Mississippi Senate approved a bill [JURIST report] to prohibit local sanctuary immigration policies. In February the Alabama House approved [JURIST report] a bill to block funding for sanctuary universities. In the same month, Texas Senate approved a bill targeting sanctuary cities [JURIST report] by requiring them to comply with federal immigration law. Earlier in February San Francisco similarly filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over an executive order that would cut federal funding [JURIST report] from sanctuary cities, including San Francisco.
Judge Yehia El-Dakroury, the senior-most judge on Egypts State Council, filed an appeal on Thursday with the High Administrative Court to suspend president Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's decision to bypass him as the councils senior-most judge in appointing a new head of the council.

The appointment was in accordance with the newly ratified law that expands presidential powers in appointing the heads of judicial bodies.

El-Dakroury also asked the court to refer the new law (13/2017) to the Supreme Constitutional Court to determine if it violates the country's 2014 constitution.

Law 13/2017 states that the boards of judicial authorities are to nominate to the president three judges as candidates for the heads of their respective authorities.

The law states that if the boards fail to fulfil the nomination requirement, the president has the right to choose a new head from among the seven senior-most judges on the board.

In May, the State Council, which publicly opposed law 13/2017  citing concerns over the impact of the law on the independence of the judiciary vis a vis the executive branch  selected El-Dokroury as its sole nominee for the position of head of the council to replace the outgoing head.

In July, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sis appointed judge Ahmed Abu Al-Azm, the fourth senior-most judge on the State Council, as the new head of the council after the outgoing head reached the age of retirement.

In the past few weeks, the president appointed new heads of three other judicial bodies  the Administrative Prosecution, the State Lawsuits Authority and the Cassation Court  after each nominated a list of three candidates after the retirement of outgoing heads.

Last month, El-Dakroury filed a grievance with the presidency against the decision to bypass him for head of the council as the senior-most sitting judge, saying the decision violates the spirit of constitutional articles safeguarding the principle of honouring judges' seniority in the formation of judicial bodies.

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The Oklahoma Supreme Court [official website] ruled [opinion, PDF] against a state cigarette tax [text] on Thursday. The plaintiffscigarette companies, distributors, and smokersargued that the $1.50 tax violated the state constitution. The majority agreed, saying that since the tax was a revenue bill, it must originate in the House, be passed at least five days before the legislative session ended, and be approved by either the public or 75 percent of each house. In this case, the Senate created the tax and approved it on the last day of the session. The bill also did not gain 75 percent of the vote, rendering it unconstitutional.

Cigarettes continue to be a serious health and legal issue around the world. Last month Philip Morris was ordered to to pay [JURIST report] legal fees to the Australian government. In May 2016 the EU Court of Justice upheld [JURIST report] EU rules that will require health warnings to cover 65 percent of a cigarette pack. In June 2015 a judge for the Quebec Superior Court awarded over $15 billion [JURIST report] in damages to Quebec smokers in a case against tobacco companies JTI-Macdonald, Imperial Tobacco, and Rothmans, Benson & Hedges, making this the largest award for damages and the biggest class action lawsuit in Canadas history. In May 2014 the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit upheld the dismissal [JURIST report] of a consolidated lawsuit brought against various tobacco companies.
[JURIST] The Washington Supreme Court [official website] upheld Seattles tax [ordinance, PDF] on guns and ammunition sales on Thursday. The two individual gun owners and organizations bringing the suit argued [opinion, PDF] that the tax was actually a state regulation on guns, which is prohibited by a Washington state law [official website]. The six-justice majority [materials] affirmed the lower courts decision in favor of the city. The majority opinion said, While courts should be dubious of regulations masquerading as taxes (and vice versa), in this case Watson [the plaintiff] offers no convincing evidence that the Ordinance has a regulatory purpose or intent. The court also cited the fact that the revenue from the sale of guns was used for public services as evidence that the ordinance was a tax. The dissenting justice argued that since Seattle passed an ordinance that relates to firearms, it is invalid, because the state law prohibits the city from doing exactly that.

Gun control remains a controversial domestic issue. In July a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction [JURIST report] against Californias controversial gun ban. Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed legislation [JURIST report] in April expanding gun rights in the state. South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard in March vetoed a a pair of bills [JURIST report] that would have loosened the states regulations on concealed carry laws. The US House of Representatives approved [JURIST report] a bill in March making it easier for certain veterans to obtain firearms.
Nine Spanish tourists were rescued when their yacht sank in the Red Sea near Hurghada early on Friday, state news agency MENA reported.

The chairman of the Society for the Rescue and Protection of the Environment in the Red Sea, Hassan El-Tayeb, said the tourists were rescued in the El-Muwaieh area between Quseir and Safaga, south of Hurghada.

In a press statement, El-Tayeb said that the association sent rescue boats immediately after receiving an emergency alert and the tourists were rescued without any injuries.

The armed forces also dispatched boats and a helicopter to rescue the tourists, Al-Shorouk newspaper reported. Further details of the rescue operation were not immediately available.

The group were on a cruise to a diving area 80 miles south of Hurghada, Al-Shorouk reported.

The cause of the boats sinking was not identified.

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A train collision near Alexandria on Friday left at least 41 dead and 179 injured, a statement from the health ministry read.

One of the trains was travelling from Cairo to Alexandria, and the other from Port Said to Alexandria.

The transport ministry said in an official statement that the train coming from Cairo to Alexandria crashed into the back of the train coming from Port Said to Alexandria, which was stationary at Khorshid station when the collision occurred.

The driver of the Cairo-Alexandria train has surrendered himself to police and has been transferred to El-Raml police station in Alexandria pending investigations, according to Al-Ahram Arabic website.

Khorshid station is on the Cairo-Alexandria line southeast of Alexandria on the Mediterranean.

Egypt's prosecutor-general, Nabil Sadiq, has ordered an urgent investigation into the collision.

Speaking on Friday evening, President El-Sisi expressed his condolences to the victims and ordered government bodies to follow up on developments from the deadly collision, and to form investigative work teams in order to identify the reasons behind the accident and hold those responsible to account.

Health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed said that the dead were transferred to Koum El-Dekka morgue, while injured passengers are mainly at El-Mery, El-Gomhoria, Ras El-Tin, and Mostafa Kamel hospitals.

Social Solidarity Minister Ghada Wali has said that the ministry will provide EGP 50,000 in compensation to the families of those killed.

Compensation for those injured will be determined on a case-by-case basis, Al-Ahram reported.

The American embassy in Cairo wrote on Twitter that "Our thoughts & prayers w/ families of those killed & injured in today's train crash. We stand with the Egyptian people in this hard time.

A number of other foreign missions in Cairo have also expressed their condolences following the deadly accident, including the Ukrainian, British and German embassies.

El-Sisi has also received condolences from a number of Arab countries, including Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Ahmed El-Gaber Al-Sabah, Jordanian King Abdulluh, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, according to MENA.

Mass-casualty train accidents in Egypt are not unknown.

A train derailment in Badrashin in Giza killed at least 19 people in 2013.

In 2012, a collision between a train and school bus on a rail crossing in the town of Manfalut in Upper Egypt killed 51 people, mostly children.

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The Egyptian National Council for Women has described a new bill that would lower the minimum age of marriage for women from 18 to 16 as backwards.

In a statement on Friday, the NCW said that the law, which MP Ahmed Sameh has proposed, would lead to a regression in the rights attained by women, and would delay the achievement of desired development in the country.

"It impedes all efforts by the state to overcome the problem of population explosion, and to prevent early marriage, and it does not guarantee the rights of women to complete their studies and choose their life partner, read the statement.

It also pointed to the impact of [early marriage] on the health of women and children and hence society" and said it would contribute to the marginalisation of the role of women in the development process, and public affairs.

According to the statement, the draft law would contradict with the countrys child law, which defines children as those under the age of 18.

Child marriage is a persistent issue in Egypt. Despite the current law mandating 18 as a minimum age, nearly 36 percent of marriages in remote areas and southern Egypt, according to studies by the NCW, include a partner who has not reached 18.

Maya Morsi, the head of the council, has said that a key factor in the nation's population growth is the phenomenon of early marriage.

The law has already been criticised by a number of MPs in parliament.

The council, an official body, noted in its statement that many countries around the world, including African countries, have set 21 as a minimum age of marriage.

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Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has ordered government bodies to follow up on developments from Fridays deadly train collision, and to form investigative work teams in order to identify the reasons behind the accident and hold those responsible to account.

A train collision in Alexandria on Friday left at least 36 people dead and 123 injured, according to health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed.

In a statement carried by MENA state news agency, El-Sisi also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, adding that the government will use its full capacity to provide full care for the injured.

One of the trains was travelling from Cairo, and the other from Port Said.

The transport mininstry said in an official statement that the train coming from Cairo to Alexandria crashed into the back of the train coming from Port Said to Alexandria, which was stationary at Khorsid station when the collision occurred.

Governor of Alexandria Mohammed Soltan told Al-Ahram Arabic that the initial investigations suggest that the driver of one of the trains was responsible for the collision, as he had not seen a signal.

Khorshid station is on the Cairo-Alexandria line.



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Heavy fighting erupted on Friday in the South Sudanese town of Pagak near the border with Ethiopia when rebels launched an offensive against government forces, the rebels said.

Rebel spokesman Lam Paul Gabriel told Reuters that the rebels were seeking to regain Pagak, which was captured by government forces on Aug. 7.

"We decided to launch an attack on them because Pagak is our base. They took it from us and we want to take it back," Gabriel said.

"We cannot say right now that we are in full control but we are going towards taking control."

Dickson Gatluak Jock, a spokesman for the forces of South Sudan's First Vice President Taban Deng Gai, confirmed that they were engaged in fighting.

"At 5:00 am, SPLA-IO forces (loyal to the Juba government) came under heavy fire (from the rebels) in Pagak ... Their main aim was to drive out our forces from the strategic town of Pagak," he told Reuters.

South Sudan descended into civil war in 2013, only two years after it won independence, when President Salva Kiir fired his deputy, Riek Machar, unleashing a conflict that has since splintered along multiple ethnic lines.

Machar has been under house arrest in South Africa since December as regional leaders try to bring about an end to the conflict.

The rebels fighting government forces in South Sudan remain loyal to Machar. UNMISS, the U.N. peacekeeping force in South Sudan, told Reuters in an email the situation in Pagak was "extremely worrying" and urged all combatants to show restraint.

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KEARNEY  The Kearney Area Parkinsons Support Group will meet from 2-3 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church at 4500 Linden Drive.

Ted Wuebben of Omaha will speak on the recently formed Parkinsons Nebraska. It was started by his wife, Colleen Wuebben, who was diagnosed with Parkinsons at age 52.

The organization was formed to help people thrive on their journey with Parkinsons disease by being Nebraskas primary resource for Parkinsons information; providing educational programs, outreach events and awareness; and to raise funds for local services.

The support group meetings provide an opportunity to meet with those who have Parkinsons or a related condition and people who serve in a support role.

For more information, call Rod Behrhorst at 308-830-0170.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday cautioned that the risks of escalation of tensions between the United States and North Korea were "very high" following the recent war of words between Washington and Pyongyang.

"I believe the risks are very high, especially considering this rhetoric, when direct threats of using force are voiced," Lavrov said at a youth forum in the Vladimir region east of Moscow.

Lavrov did not refer to Trump's most recent remark that the US military is "locked and loaded" in the event of a misstep by North Korea, but said Moscow is "very alarmed" at Washington's rhetoric of preemptive military action.

He added that Washington, as a more powerful state than North Korea, should take the first step to cool tensions.

"When a fight has nearly broken out, the first step away from the dangerous threshold should be taken by the side that is stronger and smarter," Lavrov said.

Moscow has partnered up with China to push an initiative that would see Pyongyang halt missile tests in return for the US ending military drills in the region.

Pyongyang said this week it was readying a scheme to attack Guam, an island outpost of the US military in western Pacific.

"We're doing everything we can so that this 'what if' doesn't happen," Lavrov said when asked about the prospects of a conflict.

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Ontario deputy NDP leader Jagmeet Singh launches his bid for the federal NDP leadership in Brampton, Ont., on May 15, 2017. New Democrat MPs in the House of Commons could be without a permanent leader on Parliament Hill until after the federal election in 2019 if Singh takes over at the party's helm. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Related Nineteen killed by China quake as aftershocks rattle survivors

The death toll from an earthquake that scarred a scenic region of southwest China's Sichuan province rose to 24 on Friday, state media said, as authorities found more bodies.

A total of 493 were injured in Tuesday's 6.5-magnitude quake, including 45 in serious condition, Xinhua news agency said, citing rescue authorities.

The Aba prefecture emergency response office earlier said in a statement that more bodies were found inside a bus in a river valley in Zhangzha. It did not give more details about what had happened to the vehicle.

State media said that around 85,000 people have been evacuated from towns and villages hit by the quake, which struck Jiuzhaigou, a popular tourist destination with a national park, forested mountains and over 140 lakes that has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The tremor evoked memories of a devastating 8.0-magnitude earthquake in the region in 2008 that left 87,000 people dead or missing.

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FILE - In this Aug. 26, 2016 file photo, people enjoy the weather near the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, during a hot and sunny day. A new U.S. report says last yearAos weather was far more extreme or record breaking than anything approaching normal. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, released its annual state of the climate 2016 report, highlighting numerous records including hottest year, highest sea level and lowest sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctica. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File)
FILE - In this May 14, 2009 file photo, Navy SEAL trainees carry inflatable boats at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in Coronado, Calif. The only woman in the Navy SEAL training pipeline has dropped out, a Navy special warfare official confirmed Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy, File)
Iranians look at and take pictures of paintings of Narges Mousavi in "House of Free Designers" art gallery in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. A daughter of Iran's opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, who has been under house arrest since early 2011, is holding a painting exhibition in Tehran. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
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It is easy to mock the ridiculous and potentially harmful health advice and product lines promoted by Gwyneth Paltrow and her team at Goop. Sleeping near healing crystals, lugging around jade eggs in the vagina, swilling moon juice, undergoing raw goat milk cleanses, dabbing on sex dust, and snapping photos of your aura are just some of the ridiculous treatments and remedies offered at high prices to those looking for health ideas from a movie star.

The mocking may be a bit understated. How does this company and other equally daffy outfits pull off these highly lucrative health scams?

Mainstream medicine is partly to blame.

Some of the most prestigious hospitals and clinics in North America offer many of the same kinds of treatments that Goop promotes. And some of the practitioners who advise the company, those Goop calls the best doctors and experts in the field for advice and solutions, work at these same institutions.

Why is this? And isnt it time for all of mainstream health care to condemn rather than tolerate doctors who are advising the Goop-like companies of the world that are growing rich by peddling a potent mix of glamor, hipness, and mumbo jumbo?

Several thousand years ago, whether you were an Egyptian pharaoh with migraines or a feverish Spartan soldier, chances are your doctor would try to cure you by bloodletting. He would open a vein with an unsterilized knife or sharpened piece of wood, causing blood to flow into a handy bowl. If you had a high-tech doctor, he might have used leeches instead of a knife.

Despite the fact that bleeding did not work and probably killed a fair number of those who got it, this treatment was a mainstay of medicine for thousands of years. It wasnt until late in the 20th century that doctors began to argue that tradition, custom, and patients willing to pay were a lousy foundation upon which to base medical care. Evidence, in the form of objective clinical trials, needed to be the basis upon which doctors treated their patients.

Still, the twisted logic that ancient therapy means effective therapy can be found on both Goop.com  to justify cupping, essential oils, and jade vagina eggs  and, incredibly, on many academic and university websites pushing alternative practices.

Today, all medical education from medical school through continuing professional education preaches the value of evidence-based medicine, with one exception. Up in medicines attic, the crazy uncle of medical practice, alternative and complementary medicine, is allowed to offer aromatherapy, crystals, herbal remedies, homeopathy, reiki, detoxification, and other nostrums and elixirs at many of the finest hospitals and clinics in North America. Neither evidence nor scientific plausibility are required. Custom, cultural beliefs, and fairy dust are deemed sufficient to entice patients willing to pay for the equivalent of bleeding.

Think we are kidding? In fact, many universities and academic health centers throughout North America have provided either explicit or implicit support for everything from spoon bending to homeopathy to reiki.

Worse, some of these institutions also endorse the supernatural underpinnings of these therapies. The Cleveland Clinic, to cite just one example, suggests that energy therapies like reiki work by promoting balance and flow in the bodys electromagnetic and subtle energies. Ridiculous? Yes. But not very different from the much-mocked language that Goop and Gwyneth use to market wearable stickers that target our bodies energy imbalances, because, as the Goop website explains, human bodies operate at an ideal energetic frequency.

Little wonder that Goop and its ilk are flourishing. Medicine is sitting inside a glass pyramid from which it is tough to throw stones at alternative and complementary medicine.

A team of researchers recently published a wonderful study outlining how primary school children in Uganda could be taught critical thinking skills in the context of health claims. Teaching a few basic concepts  that testimonials are not evidence and that ancient and/or popular does not mean a therapy is effective  had a significant impact on how the children assessed claims about health remedies. Perhaps Gwyneth and a few of the leaders of our best academic health institutions should take the same course.

Arthur L. Caplan is head, division of medical ethics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY. Timothy Caulfield is the Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta and author of Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong about Everything? This article originally appeared in STAT News.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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The two biggest sources of frustration for the majority of physicians are the EMR systems and bureaucracy within the work environment that physicians are forced to deal with daily. EMRs are a ship that has sailed, unfortunately, and our only option currently is to try and improve this situation.

However, the bureaucracy and administrative burdens that physicians encounter are issues that we should challenge, and I feel single payer is a solution (not the only solution, but the best) to this morass. Frankly, physicians hard work directly supports the immense bureaucracy that is present in the hospital and private insurance companies. Why are physicians forced to see ever more patients in a shorter period of time? So visits can be billed, and the lifestyles of the C-suite and middle management can be supported. These individuals have salaries in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and never lay eyes on a patient. Ironically, physicians are increasingly pushed to provide high-value care. It is impossible for the managers to provide any value if they are not involved in patient care! If one is in private practice, the same issues manifest  but the physicians clinical volume supports her office staff, most of whom deal with the insurance companies and not take care of patients.

There is no perfect solution to our health care conundrum, but I would argue the pros for the patient and the physician in a single-payer system  arguably the two most important participants in the healthcare equation  outweigh the cons. Three of the most common arguments heard against single payer from physicians are that: 1) Medicare reimburses less than private insurers; 2) the regulations imposed by the federal government are onerous; and, 3) access would be restricted. All of these observations are true but, for practitioners and their staff, there is a daily challenge to collect from insurers.

The insurers strategy is to delay and deny claims so their profitability is not impacted. So the overall cost of collecting from the insurer could negatively impact the practices bottom line. Keeping track of multiple sets of onerous rules instituted by the insurance company are less challenging than one set instituted by CMS. Dealing with MACRA, MIPS etc. is more difficult when one has to track formulary requirements and inane clinical rules restricting clinical decisions. Access currently is functionally restricted by narrow networks and economic burdens posed to the patient by our health care system. Additionally, in a single-payer system, the PCP can make the referral based on the quality of the physician and not whether the specialist is in the network. A single-payer system would possibly make it easier for graduating physicians to practice in rural settings since initial and ongoing overhead and cost to set up a practice would be less thereby improving access.

The devil is in the details, as they say, of what a single-payer system would look like (Medicare for all, regulated competition, state initiatives like those in Minnesota), but I am writing this from the physicians and patients viewpoint. Most of us went into health care and became physicians to help the sick and would like to get back to doing what we love. Would it not be nice to see patients, help them and not worry about whether insurance would put obstacles in your way or whether the patient is in your network?

Giri Venkatraman is an otolaryngologist.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
As the world famous Kilkenny Arts Festival gets underway, the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny, together with Breast Cancer Ireland, is organising a very special afternoon of art and fashion.

On Thursday, (August 17) from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, Vogue in the Afternoon, hosted by leading Irish fashion stylist Laura Mullett, will take place in the hotels newest space, The Terrace, overlooking the beautifully landscaped grounds of the hotel, that was recently opened after an investment of 250,000.

The fashion show and Prosecco Afternoon Tea is part of the hotels ongoing sponsorship of the festival, which also includes the sponsorship of the Mick ODea Exhibition taking place with the artist in residence in the Home Rule Club on Johns Street, Kilkenny. The Newpark is also hosting an art exhibition at the hotel until August 31 by award winning Irish artist Gill OShea, featuring a collection of vibrant portraits of some of Hollywoods female style icons from the last century.

With all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Ireland, Vogue in the Afternoon will include a talk from Gill OShea on her collection, as well as stunning fashion from the region styled by Laura Mullett, giving a nod to some of the style icons featured in Gills collection.

On the collection, artist Gill OShea stated Vogue in the Afternoon offers the viewer a space to experience bold portraits of a selection of leading females of Hollywood in an alternative gallery setting in the luxurious lobby of the Newpark Hotel and I am looking forward to meeting as many art and fashion lovers as possible at this very special fundraising event.

Mark Dunne, GM of the Newpark Hotel stated The Kilkenny Arts Festival puts our city on a global platform and we are delighted to play our part in supporting this great activity which acts as a magnet for the region. As well as our sponsorship of one of the flagship events in the city, the Mick ODea Exhibition, we are delighted to be hosting our own exhibition at the hotel with Gill OSheas portrait collection of some of Hollywoods iconic and beautiful actresses.

On the charity event, Mark added Gill has kindly given of her time for this special charity event and we thought why not tie in art and fashion, as well as giving art and fashion lovers a chance to have some fun and relaxation in our new Terrace with a very special Afternoon Tea in aid of a charity which helps so many people in this area and throughout Ireland.

Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland said The Newpark has always been a great supporter of the work that we do and we are delighted to be the beneficiaries of this special event. It comes at a very opportune time as well for us as we prepare for the Great Pink Run in Kilkenny on the 10th of September. Hopefully some of the ladies enjoying their special Afternoon Tea might be inspired to participate in September when we are back in Kilkenny.

For anyone who would like to view the collection but who cannot attend on the day, from the 7th to 31st of August, the paintings will be displayed in the hotel, and to celebrate the collaboration, the Newpark is organising a special Afternoon Tea menu, which will be served everyday from 12pm to 3pm, specially designed to celebrate the glamour and vogue of a bygone era.

Tickets for Vogue in the Afternoon are priced 35 each and include a goodie bag. Tickets are on sale at the hotel and on Eventbrite at http://bit.ly/2vdiG7i .

For further information on the event visit the hotels Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NewparkHotel/ .

For further information on Breast Cancer Ireland visit www.breastcancerireland.com.
Hurling legend Henry Shefflin took time out of his busy schedule to model some of the hottest looks this season from formal to casual wear.

The retired hurler turned GAA pundit is a regular face on The Sunday Game and looks forward to getting suited and booted at Pauls.

For the past two years he has been getting outfits at Pauls for The Sunday Game.

I like a clean and crisp look when I am appearing live on television and it's great that all my fashion needs are met in Pauls on High Street.

They have a fantastic range of labels. One of my personal favourites is Remus Vomo who provides design-led, formal tailoring and off-duty casuals, he said.

Remus Vomo weaves the latest styles into even the most subtle details of each and every collection and can be summed up with the words, understated sophistication.

The record-holding All-Ireland medal winner also enjoys labels such as Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, R2 Shirts, Gant and Circle of Gentlemen - all at Pauls.
Rose of Tralee hopeful Tara Roche is enjoying a week to remember at the Rose of Tralee festival.

The Callan veterinary nurse has been a popular choice with the public and will undoubtedlly impress the festival judges.

Spurred on by her late grandfather's wish to see her become a Rose Tara decided to enter the competition this year.

I did not think for a moment that I would be chosen as the Rose of Kilkenny. I have enjoyed every moment of it, she said.

Tara has great support from her home town of Callan and indeed the entire county and friends and family have travelled to Tralee to support her. Her godparents from Greece have even flown in to cheer her on.

Last Thursday Aroi on Friary Street, who recently was named the Best Asian Street Food in Ireland hosted a tea party for Tara to wish her well in Tralee.

Rosebud Hallie (10) was excited about her role in the festival.

I will be helping out the German Rose and I can't wait, said the ten-year-old who is a pupil at St Canice's National School on the Granges Road. Her Mum Anthena Hogan told the Kilkenny People that all the family are very proud of Hallie.

Escorts Patrick O'Neill from Bennettsbridge and Cillian Phelan from Newpark Drive are also down in Tralee for the duration of the festival.

Manager of MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre Marion Acreman said that the centre is delighted to be backing Tara.

main Sponsor

We are very happy to be Tara's main sponsor and wish her all the best.

She is smart and intelligent and it has been an absolute pleasure getting to know Tara and she will represent Kilkenny very well in Tralee, she said.

Callan-based vet, Eoin Wilson and his wife Anna were also full of praise for Tara.

We wish her all the best. She is a genuine, caring and bubbly personality and all the staff at the surgery and customers will have their fingers crossed, said Eoin.

Tara is a strong advocate for animal welfare and has a number of pets including three dogs, two horses and three cats.

I love my job, I don't think you could do it unless you were totally devoted to it, it is a 24/7 committment, she said.

The Rose of Tralee festival runs from August 16 to 22. 64 Roses are in Tralee and this number will be whittled down to 32 over the coming days with 16 Roses due to be eliminated tomorrow (Thursday) and the remaining 16 elimanated on Saturday.

The finals will be televised live on RTE One on August 21 and 22.
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.

As the summer doldrums in the precious metal mining space are coming to a close, many of the best in class juniors have formed year-long accumulative bases in their respective charts. Since the beginning of this year, I have been recommending sector participants to scale into the junior developer/explorers and early stage exploration firms who have made strategic deals with global miners. Most of these companies are not included in the mid-tier miner fund GDXJ and have been rising, while the GDXJ continues to languish.

This follow the money approach to investing in the precious metal junior space has paid off handsomely, with my junior miner portfolio being up over 33% year to date. However, I feel the window of opportunity to get into the best companies at these low valuation levels may be ending soon.

As I stated last week, when the US Non-Farms Payroll (NFP) report was released, the computer based algorithm sell-off was a good time to add to your positions. The sector has reversed this week, continuing to trade on historically low volume, on a percentage basis, in both the GDX, and the GDXJ.

Meanwhile, the gold price is attempting to break the $1300 level for the third time since April and could generate a breakout from the 2017 trading range, which has been contained between the $1200 and $1300 price levels. Even though many of the quality juniors have made 4-year highs, the gold price technically remains in a bear market until the $1375 level is breached on a weekly basis.

The 4-year highs of many quality juniors speak volumes for the case of gold rising to the $1500 level soon. Four years ago, in April 2013, the bottom fell out of the gold price at the $1500 level which ushered in a historic sell-off in the miners until the final low on January 19, 2016. With many of the best juniors now rising to their respective prices when spot gold was last at the $1500 level, market participants have been trading up these companies as if the gold price is already there. This makes sense, as the miners usually lead the gold price in both directions.

The US market is showing signs that we may see a 10-15% correction heading into September, which has been a historically bad month for stocks in previous over-bought market years. On August 8, the US Market made an intra-day reversal to the downside, while the GDX made the same reversal to the upside off of $22 support.

The miners have been trading inversely to US equities with investors rotating safe haven capital into global miner producers and royalty companies since this reversal. In the meantime, most of the junior developers and explorers have not caught many bids. This may try the patience of sector investors even further, creating a buying opportunity in the junior space if the US market continues to sell off into September.

As far as the miner sector in general is concerned, based on the GDX, the charts of sector leaders Barrick Gold Corp.(ABX) and Newmont Mining (NEM) have turned bullish, while the gold royalty leader in the space, Franco Nevada, is very close to its all-time high. These three companies represent over 27% of holdings in the global miner ETF.

The levels to watch in the GDX are $22 on the downside, and the $25 level on the upside. If the $22 area is breached and closed below on a weekly basis, more consolidation into Q3 could be needed, building an even stronger base going forward. However, once the $25 level has been broken on a weekly basis, the second leg of the miner bull should be under way.
MELBOURNE, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Philip Lowe said on Friday accusations of money laundering and financing extremism levelled against Commonwealth Bank of Australia are a very serious matter.

There needs to be accountability at CBA if shortcomings are identified, Lowe told a parliamentary economics committee.

Financial intelligence agency AUSTRAC launched civil penalty proceedings against Australia's No.1 lender last week for "serious and systemic non-compliance", in the biggest case of its kind in Australia and the first against a major bank. (Reporting by Wayne Cole and Swati Pandey in SYDNEY; Editing by Paul Tait)
MANILA, Aug 11 (Reuters) - The Philippine central bank was "constantly monitoring" developments in the foreign exchange market for any excessive volatility, its governor said on Friday after the peso fell to 11-year lows against the U.S. dollar

"We're constantly monitoring peso developments for excessive short-term volatility not consistent with underlying economic fundamentals," Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla told reporters.

He said the central bank was ready to "take appropriate action when necessary" and recognizes that "the market is also often self-correcting."

(Reporting by Enrico dela Cruz and Manolo Serapio Jr.; Editing by Lisa Twaronite)
SINGAPORE, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Singapore Telecommunications Ltd on Friday reported a 5.6 percent drop in first-quarter net profit, hurt by exceptional items and lower contributions from India's Bharti Airtel Ltd , one of its regional associates.

Southeast Asia's largest telecom operator posted a net profit of S$892 million ($654 million) for the three months ended June, including one-off charges from workforce restructuring at its Australian subsidiary Optus, compared with S$944 million a year ago.

Underlying net profit, which excludes one-time items, fell 3.5 percent.

Singtel said pre-tax profit contribution from Airtel, India's top telecoms operator, dropped 42 percent due to fierce competition. Singtel said it maintained its outlook provided in May. The company had forecast consolidated revenue to grow by mid-single digits and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) by low single digits for the full year ending March 2018.

In July, Singtel listed its broadband unit NetLink NBN Trust in a $1.7 billion initial public offering, reducing its stake in the subsidiary to 24.99 percent. ($1 = 1.3636 Singapore dollars)

(Reporting by Aradhana Aravindan; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Stephen Coates)
(Adds data on mutual funds and ETFs, analyst quote, table, byline)

By Trevor Hunnicutt

NEW YORK, Aug 10 (Reuters) - U.S. fund investors reduced their exposure to stocks and bought bonds during the latest week, Lipper data showed on Thursday, as saber-rattling between the United States and North Korea appeared to shake investor sentiment.

Stock funds in the United States posted $2.8 billion in withdrawals during the seven days through Aug. 9, marking the largest outflows in five weeks.

Nearly $31 billion moved into relatively low-risk money market funds, the strongest figure since 2013. About $4 billion moved into taxable and municipal bonds, according to the research service.

Investors took that defensive crouch as the United States and North Korea exchanged threats during the week. On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said aggression from Pyongyang would be "met with fire and fury like the world has never seen." North Korea's state media reported the country had plans to fire missiles near the U.S. Pacific territory Guam. "It's people taking money out of play," said Pat Keon, senior research analyst for Thomson Reuters' Lipper unit.

"This is driven more by geopolitical news than financial or economic news," overshadowing positive signs from strong second-quarter corporate earnings, recent data on jobs and wage growth and a supportive Federal Reserve. The S&P 500 index is down more than 1.3 percent over the last week.

Within equities, investors favored exposure abroad, putting $1.5 billion in non-domestic funds while pulling $4.3 billion from stocks at home.

In bonds, investors preferred investment-grade corporate bond funds over safe-haven Treasuries that offer lower returns. Treasury fund outflows of $69 million for the week compare to $2.5 billion in inflows for the investment-grade funds.

Precious metals funds continued to report weak sales despite the risk-off sentiment and four straight weeks of positive performance. Withdrawals for the category were $225 million for the week, the data showed.

The following is a breakdown of the flows for the week, including mutual funds and exchange-traded funds: Sector Flow Chg % Assets Assets Count

($blns) ($blns) All Equity Funds -2.809 -0.05 6,137.546 11,469 -Domestic Equities -4.348 -0.10 4,219.756 8,176 -Non-Domestic Equities 1.538 0.08 1,917.789 3,293 All Taxable Bond Funds 3.289 0.13 2,496.877 5,795 All Money Market Funds 30.930 1.27 2,467.397 1,093 All Municipal Bond Funds 0.631 0.16 392.862 1,419 (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Jennifer Ablan and Phil Berlowitz)
By Brendan Pierson

NEW YORK, Aug 11 (Reuters) - A former Los Angeles investment banker imprisoned for 11 years for a stock manipulation scheme was sentenced on Friday to an additional five years for misappropriating proceeds from a bond issue by a Native American tribe.

Jason Galanis, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams in Manhattan, who also ordered him to forfeit more than $43 million.

"There simply aren't enough words to fully express how profoundly sorry and remorseful I am," Galanis, once dubbed "Porn's New King," said before the sentence was imposed. "I stand before you humiliated, utterly humiliated."

Abrams said that while she was pleased to learn that Galanis had been teaching other inmates in prison, his conduct, which prosecutors say harmed both investors and the Oglala Sioux Nation in South Dakota, warranted a substantial punishment.

According to prosecutors, beginning in 2014, Galanis and his father, John, persuaded the Wakpamni Lake Community Corp, an affiliate of the Oglala Sioux Nation, to issue $60 million in municipal bonds.

Together with his father and five associates, Galanis and his co-defendants then misappropriated bond proceeds, prosecutors said. They said he obtained $8.5 million for himself to fund a lavish lifestyle.

The scheme left bond investors holding worthless securities, and the tribal corporation with no way to make interest payments due on the bonds, prosecutors said.

Galanis pleaded guilty to the scheme in January.

He had already pleaded guilty in July 2016 to a separate scheme to manipulate shares of the now defunct reinsurer Gerova Financial Group Ltd.

In February, U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel sentenced Galanis to 11 years and three months in prison for the Gerova scheme, also ordering him to forfeit $38 million, a mansion in Bel Air, California, and a $7 million apartment in New York.

Galanis was dubbed "Porn's New King" by Forbes magazine in 2004 after buying the nation's largest processor of credit card payments for internet pornography.

Three years later, the SEC fined him $60,000 after alleging he prepared false accounting information for Penthouse International Inc, in which he held a large stake.

(Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Andrew Hay)
ACCRA, Aug 11 (Reuters) - The Bank of Ghana said the yield on its weekly 91-day bill rose to 12.62 percent at an auction on Friday, from 12.35 percent at the last such sale on Aug 4. The bank said it had accepted 580.42 million cedis ($130.48 million) worth of bids out of the 627.57 million cedis tendered for the paper, which will be issued on Aug 14. For full details, click here: ($1 = 4.4480 Ghanaian cedis)

(Reporting by Kwasi Kpodo; editing by Andrew Roche)

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.
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):

DATA Central bank to release June current account at 1200.

Statistics office will release July CPI and trade data at 1200.

STATE GUARANTEES State bank BGK will double to 2 billion zloty ($549.96 million) guarantees for small and medium companies interested in taking loans, Rzeczpospolita daily reported.

****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 = 3.6366 zlotys)

(Reporting by Warsaw Bureau; Editing by Biju Dwarakanath)
* New York float would demand more disclosure than London

* NYSE would give Aramco access to larger pool of capital

* Prince has said IPO will value Aramco at minimum $2 trln

By Rania El Gamal, Katie Paul and Alex Lawler

DUBAI/RIYADH/LONDON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia favours New York for the main foreign listing of state oil giant Aramco, even though some financial and legal advisers have recommended London as a less problematic and risky option, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

A final decision on where to stage what could be the world's largest initial public offering will be taken by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman - or MbS as he is known - who oversees the kingdom's economic and energy policies, the sources said.

Their comments point to internal disagreements between what some advisers are recommending and what the crown prince wants.

Prince Mohammad may choose to list Aramco on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for "political considerations", given the longstanding relationship between Riyadh and Washington, the sources said. However, they added that financial and commercial factors would also play a role in the choice.

Aramco said in a statement that no decision has been taken yet on the listing venue, beyond the Saudi exchange Tadawul. "All options continue to be held under consideration. There is no timetable requirement for an immediate definitive decision," Aramco said in response to a Reuters request for comment.

Selling around five percent of Aramco by next year is a centrepiece of Vision 2030, an ambitious reform plan to diversify the Saudi economy beyond oil which is championed by Prince Mohammad.

Several advisers have recommended London for the main listing outside Saudi Arabia, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters last month, partly due to concerns that a U.S. flotation would require greater disclosure of sensitive information on Aramco. One senior industry source, however, said New York is likely to be the favoured option for the Saudi government and Prince Mohammad. "That is broadly correct," the source said, adding: "All awaits on the final shareholder decision."

Apart from New York and London, Hong Kong is also a contender, sources say. The flotation is expected to raise tens of billions of dollars which would be invested to help develop other Saudi industries.

The New York and London stock exchanges declined to comment.

Exchanges are vying to win part of the flotation as it will bring a major boost to their trading volumes, and will be likely to help them win listings from other Gulf states which are looking to part-privatise their commodity assets.

But the Aramco plan has created some public misgivings that Riyadh is relinquishing its crown jewels to foreigners cheaply at a time of low oil prices. Some Aramco employees secretly wish the whole idea would be shelved, sources say. Apart from choosing an exchange, no decision has been made either on exactly which assets will be floated, or what Aramco's internal organisational structure would look like after listing, the sources say.

One of the main issues being discussed internally is the valuation. Prince Mohammed has said the IPO will value Aramco at a minimum of $2 trillion, although some analysts' estimates are between $1 trillion and $1.5 trillion.

Though listing on the New York market would mean access to more liquidity, this would bring greater scrutiny to Aramco's estimates of proven energy reserves and future oil prices, as well as its demand forecasts, all of which play a major role in the company's valuation, another industry source said.

For the valuation, much depends on the outlook for oil prices, which are currently only half what they were three years ago.

"That's why Saudi Arabia needs a higher oil price for the IPO now, to get a better value for Aramco," the source said.

The back-and-forth internal talks between the crown prince, Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih, Aramco management and the many financial and legal advisers on some of these main decisions have raised speculation that the listing, which is expected to be in the second half of 2018, could be pushed further out.

"They are still studying. When all is settled, they will present all options to MbS," said one industry source.

JASTA RISK

Aramco's lawyers caution about litigation risks associated with the U.S. Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), two sources said.

That law, passed last September, allowed lawsuits to proceed against the Saudi government claiming it had helped to plan the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States and should pay damages to victims. Riyadh denies the allegations.

Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan, a lawyer by training, is most attuned to the legal risk of the four senior government officials advising the crown prince on the listing decision, the source said.

Falih, who is also Aramco's chairman, Economy and Planning Minister Adel Fakieh and Public Investment Fund Managing Director Yasir al-Rumayyan are the other members of the crown prince's advisory committee, the source said, without elaborating on their views.

The Finance Ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the views of Jadaan.

Saudi industry sources dismissed JASTA as a reason for not listing in New York, noting that Saudi Arabia is believed to have hundreds of billions of dollars of investments in the United States already, including Aramco assets.

They say the difficulty is related more to the disclosure process and complex regulations in New York. These may legally interfere with the sovereignty of the Saudi government, which would remain the major shareholder of Aramco after the flotation.

While the London Stock Exchange has made winning the Aramco listing a priority, the NYSE has not offered any regulatory changes, a source familiar with talks between NYSE and Aramco told Reuters last month. Britain's Financial Conduct Authority has proposed creating a new "premium" listing category for companies controlled by sovereign states which would exempt them from certain regulatory requirements. The new rules are due to be published towards the end of this year. (Additional reporting by Tom Arnold in Dubai; Dasha Afanasieva in London, John McCrank in New York, Editing by David Stamp)
Aug 11 (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 0411 GMT.

August 11 USD/VND mid-point 22,442 USD/VND interbank 22,725/22,730 USD/VND unofficial 22,720/22,740 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.34/36.56

Interbank offered rates Overnight 0.4-0.8

1 week 0.5-0.9

1 month 1.4-1.9

3 months 3.0-3.6

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank offered rates are the latest indicative bid/ask prices, quoted from market sources.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co.

For more interbank rate fixings released at 0400 GMT, click on .

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom)
JOHANNESBURG, Aug 11 (Reuters) - South Africa sold 3.555 billion rand ($264 million) worth of three-month Treasury bills on Friday, at an average yield of 7.32 percent compared with 7.31 percent last week, central bank data showed. The bid-to-cover ratio rose to 2.1 from 1.7 last week. Auction date: 11/08/2017 Settlement date: 16/08/2017 Days 91 182 273 364 Amount received (R'bln) 7.393 3.15 5.65 5.3 Amount on offer (R'bln) 3.555 2.36 2.3 2.3 Amount allotted (R'bln) 3.555 2.36 2.3 2.3 Bid-to-cover ratio 2.1 1.3 2.5 2.3 Avg discount rate (pct) 7.19 7.13 6.99 6.84 Average yield (pct) 7.32 7.39 7.38 7.34 ($1 = 13.4908 rand)

(Reporting by Mfuneko Toyana; Editing by James Macharia)

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.
Aug 11 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 index is seen opening 42 points lower on Friday, according to financial spreadbetters.

* RESOLUTION-LINCOLN: British insurance entrepreneur Clive Cowdery is raising money for a fourth investment vehicle, at the same time as his third, U.S.-focused fund is being wound down and its sole asset put up for sale, sources aware of the matter told Reuters. * BRENT CRUDE: Brent crude, the global benchmark, was up 1 cent at $51.91 per barrel, as of 0044 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude CLc1 was up 3 cents, or 0.1 percent, at $48.62 a barrel. * GOLD: Gold prices edged up to touch their highest in over two months on Friday, set for a fourth consecutive day of gains as rising tensions between the United States and North Korea stoked safe-haven buying. * The UK blue chip index dropped 1.4 percent on Thursday, as weak housebuilders dragged along with companies going ex-dividend. * For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on: cpurl://apps.cp./cms/?pageId=livemarkets

* UK CORPORATE DIARY: Old Mutual PLC Half Year 2017 Earnings Release

TODAY'S UK PAPERS

> Financial Times > Other business headlines Multimedia versions of Reuters Top News are now available for: * 3000 Xtra : visit * For Top News : (Reporting by Harish Bhaskar)
(Adds details on sector performance)

MEXICO CITY, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Mexican industrial output rose 0.1 percent in June from May and was 0.3 percent lower year-over-year, the Inegi national statistics agency said on Friday.

The growth over the previous month was supported by better production from the electricity, water and gas sector, which grew 1 percent, the national statistics agency said. Construction and mining grew 0.3 percent and 0.1 percent, respectively, while manufacturing industries fell 0.2 percent.

Mexico's industrial output, which is closely linked to the United States, its biggest commercial partner, declined 0.3 percent from the previous year, accoring to Inegi.

Mexico sends almost 80 percent of its exports to its principal partner in the North American Free Trade Agreement. Renegotiations between the U.S., Mexico and Canada begin next week.

Mexico sends mostly factory-made goods like televisions and cars to its northern neighbor.

(Reporting by Sharay Angulo and Julia Love; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
* Rand slips as nerves keep demand in check

* Naspers drags bourse lower

* Bank shares weak ahead of Moody's

(Adds latest prices, analyst comment)

JOHANNESBURG, Aug 11 (Reuters) - South Africa's rand gave up its modest gains on Friday ahead of a ratings decision by Moody's, erasing the benefits of higher commodity prices as traders treaded cautiously and avoided large bets.

Stocks fell to 1-1/2-week lows, their worst daily performance since mid-July, as market heavyweight Naspers weakened after China launched a cyber investigation into its top social media sites.

At 1520 GMT the rand had weakened 0.25 percent to 13.4950 per dollar, inching towards a one-month low hit late on Tuesday after President Jacob Zuma survived a no-confidence vote by secret ballot.

On Monday, the rand had rallied to 13.1125 after the parliamentary speaker said she would allow a secret vote, with markets betting it could embolden members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to vote against Zuma.

The ruling party closed ranks and defeated the vote, dragging the currency to its weakest since July 12. Market participants said focus had shifted to the Moody's decision due later on Friday and the fate of an economy stuck in recession, with traders short-selling the rand and adopting a wait-and-see approach while eyeing policy and political developments.

"The hope is Moody's won't do anything until the ANC's elective conference in December, which they see as a policy defining moment," said chief economist at Nedbank Dennis Dykes.

South Africa's sovereign debt was cut to sub-investment by Fitch and S&P Global Ratings in April after Zuma fired Pravin Gordhan as finance minister. In June, Moody's cut its rating to one notch above junk with a negative outlook .

In equities, e-commerce group Naspers dragged the bourse into the red, weakening 2.83 percent to 2764.53 rand after China launched an investigation that will include the South African media company's subsidiary Tencent's WeChat. The JSE All-Share index fell 0.98 percent to 55,155 points, while the Top-40 index declined 1.09 percent to 48,766 points.

Stocks were also hit by rising tension between North Korea and the United States as it set in motion risk-aversion. "The war of words between the two nations is putting investors on high alert, and more comments from President Trump overnight have resulted in additional risk-off being seen in the markets," ForexTime research analyst Lukman Otunuga said.

Banks slipped 0.58 percent while financials fell 0.71 percent as investors looked ahead to Moody's.

Bonds weakened, with the yield on the benchmark paper due in 2026 up 4.5 basis points to 8.645 percent.

(Reporting by Mfuneko Toyana and Nqobile Dludla, editing by Alister Doyle)
Big Clinch River cleanup collects more than a ton of trash





Tires are unloaded at Peach Orchard access ramp and lifted into a truck via a volunteered machine. Image courtesy of F. H. Oates



NORRIS, TN  Nearly 2,200 pounds of trash plus 75 tires were hauled out of the Clinch River by the 103 volunteers who worked this summers Fifth Annual Big Clinch River Cleanup, sponsored by the Clinch River Chapter of Trout Unlimited.



During the communitywide effort on July 22, the Clinch River tailwater was cleaned from Miller Island to Peach Orchard Access; additionally, the shoreline was cleaned from Norris Dam to Miller Island.



Collected from the river and its banks were 71 bags of litter, a big truckload of metal and the 75 tires -- bringing the total of tires removed from the river and its banks to more than 7,500 since the chapter started river cleanups in the late 1990s.



Miscellaneous objects removed this year included an auto gas tank, a street sign with post, the front end of a Jeep and a childs dental retainer. Volunteers arrived from 30 ZIP codes, including Texas and California; they included a squad of Boy Scouts and a heartening number of families with children.



Trash piles up on the Peach Orchard access ramp as canoes and kayaks land at the end of the day. Image courtesy of F. H. Oates



As in previous years, Big Cleanup 2017 started with breakfast on the picturesque grounds of the Museum of Appalachia (expenses of the meal were supported by a grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority). From there, volunteers set out in teams to attack debris along the Clinch.



Above the water line, workers walked along riverside roads and through parking areas, gathering trash. In shallow water, volunteers wearing waders patrolled for litter. In kayaks and canoes, volunteers worked between Massengill Bridge and the Peach Orchard boat ramp to clean shorelines and shallow water where there is no access by road. Those in powerboats hauled tires and other items from the depths.



Support for all the teams was supplied by volunteering emergency medical people, ham radio operators, tire disposal professionals and volunteers with trucks who collected and disposed of filled trash bags.



Rusty Hallett of Norris, chairman of this years cleanup, called the results amazing. Thanking the volunteers, Hallett said, It is a good feeling to know that you have done something worthwhile while asking nothing in return except the satisfaction of making a small portion of the world better.



Volunteers stream out of the Museum of Appalachia after breakfast, picking up gloves, litter grabbers, water and snacks on their way to clean up the Clinch. Image courtesy of F. H. Oates



The Clinch River is the reason my wife and I moved to Norris. We both enjoy the river, we fish, we kayak, we walk the Songbird Trail. The river has become a center point of my life. I am so grateful for people who are willing to help keep it beautiful!



Most people think Trout Unlimited is a fishing club. Well, most of us do love to fishbut the main focus of TU is conservation. Our goal is to make rivers and lakes more sustainable and available for everyone to use. We are not only fishermen and fisherwomen, we are very much conservationists.



The Big Clinch River Cleanup got its start in 2013, an expansion of river cleanups conducted by the Clinch River Chapter since the late 1990s. Chapter member Buzz Buffington said he started the cleanups after he heard someone call the Clinch the Tirehole River, a joking comparison to Wyomings Firehole River. I was mortified, and that was the genesis of the cleanups.



Sponsors of this years cleanup included Anderson County Solid Waste, area ham radio operators, Holm Construction, Bingham Tire of Clinton, Keep Anderson County Beautiful, Museum of Appalachia, Steve and Kathy Stout, Tennessee Valley Authority and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.



Clinch River Chapter TU works to preserve and protect the Clinch River tailwater and its watershed through conservation projects and through education of children and adults in aquatic natural resources. Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month at St. Francis Episcopal Church, Norris, except when outdoor activities are scheduled. For more information, visit crctu.org.




New science education program brings Great Smoky Mountains National Park to classrooms





Teachers and students will experience science outside the textbook and inside national parks. Image courtesy of GSMNP.



GATLINBURG, TN  Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont have been selected to participate in a new science education program, Citizen Science 2.0 in National Parks. Made possible thanks to a $1 million Veverka Family Foundation donation to the National Park Foundations Centennial Campaign for America's National Parks, this new program supports collaborations among select national parks, local environmental science education providers, and local middle and high schools over a three-year period.



Private support from generous partners like the Veverka Family Foundation is making it possible for national parks  some of our richest learning environments  to offer new and innovative education programs like Citizen Science 2.0, said Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation. Thanks to this $1 million donation to our Centennial Campaign for Americas National Parks, teachers and students across the country will experience science outside the textbook and inside national parks.





Teachers working with Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Image courtesy of GSMNP.





Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont will partner with Great Smoky Mountains National Park and local schools to provide citizen science engagement for students and deliver professional development for teachers. This new teacher education program, Citizen Science 2.0: Equipping Educators to Inspire Future Environmental Stewards, will consist of a series of residential workshops at Tremont Institute and consults at local schoolyards to give teachers practice with experiential teaching and linking what they have learned to standards-based subject matter.



Great Smoky Mountains National Park values the research conducted through citizen science, said Park Superintendent Cassius Cash. These science-based opportunities cultivate lasting connections between the public and their parks by establishing a fascination and love of science. We are thrilled to work with the National Park Foundation and the Veverka Family Foundation to implement this citizen-science based education project.



The goal of the program this year is to:

 Establish a place-based, science-focused community of practice among national parks, schools, and education partners

 Equip classroom teachers with the tools, training, and opportunity to conduct high quality, experiential science education aligned with Next Generation Science Standards

 Create student-centered curriculum that connects students to their local national park through hands-on scientific study of water quality and watersheds



We are truly excited to work with the National Park Foundation, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and our local East Tennessee teachers, said Dr. Jennifer Jones, President and CEO of Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. This partnership will allow us to innovate teacher education programs that bring citizen science to school yards as a powerful tool to engage students in meaningful research. We are thankful for the National Park Foundations vision in expanding the role of parks-based science education.



Student studies outside the textbook and in the National Park. Image courtesy of GSMNP.



In addition to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this program is also kicking off this 2017-2018 school year at Cabrillo National Monument, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Rock Creek Park.



This years projects are:



 Cabrillo National Monument (California)

The partnership with Ocean Discovery Institute will engage students in scientific inquiry in their local watershed and central San Diego neighborhood through the state-of-the-art facilities at the Living Lab. By collecting environmental data from the park alongside natural resource rangers and biologists, students will examine the impact of urbanization, resource management techniques, and the importance of maintaining biodiversity.



 Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)

The partnership with the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park will create a sustainable citizen science program that strengthens educators ability to teach scientific methods and protocols in conjunction with stewardship of the Cuyahoga River Watershed. The program will provide schools with workshops to develop the skills needed to incorporate citizen science into course curricula. More details can be found at www.forCVNP.org/education.



 Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee and North Carolina)

The partnership with the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and local schools will provide citizen science engagement for students and professional development for teachers. Through a series of residential workshops at Tremont Institute and training events in their schools, teachers will gain skills and develop content for standards-based science teaching in an outdoor setting. Teachers will co-design lessons with their students and develop a citizen science research program that addresses a water quality need in their community. Tremont will provide toolkits for training and establish a local network of support for teachers to use the park. More details and application information for teachers can be found at www.gsmit.org.



 Rock Creek Park (Maryland and Washington, DC)

The partnership with the Audubon Naturalist Society and Montgomery County Public Schools will engage students in investigating watershed health in their own schoolyards and nearby Rock Creek Park. Through a new, hands-on, field-based module, high school chemistry students will explore real-world environmental problems and participate in citizen science water quality monitoring while learning about careers in the National Park Service.



The National Park Service and the National Park Foundation will continue to identify additional park locations, schools, and education partners across the country to participate in this initiative.



Private support from generous partners like the Veverka Family Foundation is making it possible for national parks - some of our richest learning environments - to offer new and innovative education programs like Citizen Science 2.0, said Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation. Thanks to this $1 million donation to our Centennial Campaign for Americas National Parks, teachers and students across the country will experience science outside the textbook and inside national parks.



To date, the National Park Foundations Centennial Campaign for Americas National Parks, a comprehensive fundraising campaign to strengthen and enhance the future of Americas treasured places for the next hundred years, has raised more than $420 million.



For more information regarding Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremonts Citizen Science 2.0: Equipping Educators to Inspire Future Environmental Stewards please visit www.gsmit.org.



The National Park Foundation is the official charity of Americas national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help PROTECT more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts, CONNECT all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, and INSPIRE the next generation of park stewards. In 2016, commemorating the National Park Services 100th anniversary, the Foundation launched The Centennial Campaign for Americas National Parks, a comprehensive fundraising campaign to strengthen and enhance the future of these national treasures for the next hundred years. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.



Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, was established in 1934 with the purpose of preserving the scenic beauty, extraordinary diversity of natural resources, and rich human history found within the Southern Appalachian Mountain ecosystem. Today, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is world-renowned for its diverse plant and animal life, with over 19,000 species. It is one of Americas few International Biosphere Reserves and is also a World Heritage Site. Great Smoky Mountains National Park benefits greatly from its partnerships with public, private, and nonprofit groups for education, scientific research, and stewardship of park resources.



Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont has provided hands-on education through local, personal, and relevant programs within the 500,000-acre classroom of Great Smoky Mountains National Park since 1969. For many students, it is their first opportunity to learn outdoors, participate in hands-on science, and explore a national park. With a mission of connecting people and nature, Tremont Institute develops a personal connection between participants and nature to increase interest in science learning. They accomplish this through direct interaction with participants on their campus and the training of teachers within the community. In recent years, Tremont Institute has made it a strategic priority to provide these experiences for underserved communities in order to make meaningful education for all people.



Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing in-depth experiences through education programs that celebrate ecological and cultural diversity, foster stewardship, and nurture appreciation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tremont welcomes all ages to step away from their daily routine to learn, reflect and grow while living in the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.




South Dakota Airmen team up with South Korean, Japanese air forces







Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, prepare to take off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, for a 10-hour mission, flying in the vicinity of Kyushu, Japan, the East China Sea, and the Korean Peninsula, Aug. 7, 2017. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers under the command of Pacific Air Forces joined their counterparts from the South Korean and Japanese air forces Aug. 7 in sequenced bilateral missions.



This serves as the first mission for the crews and aircraft recently deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, in support of U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence missions, officials said.



After taking off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, the B-1s -- assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron -- flew to Japanese airspace, where they were joined by Japanese F-2 fighter jets. The B-1s then flew over the Korean Peninsula, where they were joined by South Korean KF-16 fighters. The B-1s then performed a pass over the Pilsung Range before leaving South Korean airspace and returning to Guam.





Enhancing Combined Capabilities, Skills



Throughout the mission, which lasted about 10 hours, the aircrews practiced intercept and formation training, Pacific Air Forces officials said, enabling them to enhance their combined capabilities and tactical skills while also strengthening the long-standing military-to-military relationships in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.



Ellsworth B-1s were last deployed to Guam in August 2016, when they took over continuous-bomber-presence operations from the B-52 Stratofortress bomber squadrons from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, and Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.



"How we train is how we fight, and the more we interface with our allies, the better prepared we are to fight tonight," a 37th EBS B-1 pilot said. "The B-1 is a long-range bomber that is well-suited for the maritime domain and can meet the unique challenges of the Pacific." The pilot is not identified by name for security considerations.





Commitment to Stability, Security



Aircrews, maintenance and support personnel will continue generating B-1 bomber sorties to demonstrate the continuing U.S. commitment to stability and security in the region, providing commanders with a strategic power-projection platform and fulfilling the need for aircraft that are mission-ready at any time, an important part of national defense during a time of high regional tension, Pacific Air Forces officials said.



"While at home station, my crews are constantly refining their tactics and techniques so that we can better integrate with our counterparts from other nations," said Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel Diehl, 37th EBS commander. "As demonstrated today, our air forces stand combat-ready to deliver air power when called upon."



The United States has maintained a regular bomber presence in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region since 2004. The Aug. 7 mission demonstrated the U.S. commitment to regional allies, increased readiness and exercised the right under international law "to fly legally in the place and time of our choosing," officials said.





Source: Pacific Air Forces news release



Published August 11, 2017










Top security advisers of South Korea and the United States agreed Friday to discuss in advance any steps they could take to contain provocative North Korea, Seoul's presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said, apparently suggesting the U.S. will not pre-emptively strike the communist North without informing Seoul beforehand.

The agreement came at a telephone conversation between Chung Eui-yong, the head of South Korea's Presidential National Security Office, and his U.S. counterpart H.R. McMaster.

The two "discussed current security conditions surrounding the Korean Peninsula caused by North Korean provocations and heightened tension, and ways to deal with such threats," Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Park Soo-hyun told a press briefing.
By Yi Whan-woo

The delayed appointment of ambassadors to the United States, China, Japan and Russia are deepening worries about whether South Korea can have in-depth dialogues with the four countries over security issues.

The war of words between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korea this week heightened tensions in the region and raised a need to bolster cooperation with the four countries, all of which have deep ties to the Korean Peninsula.

Some diplomatic sources said Lee Tae-sik, former South Korean Ambassador to Washington under the Roh Moo-hyun government, may be tapped for the job again.

Lee joins a list of diplomats and scholars who were touted as candidates.

The government customarily chooses ambassadors to China and Japan after the ambassador to the U.S. is decided, and therefore choosing the top envoy to Washington promptly is critical.

Moon nominated former lawmaker Noh Young-min as the ambassador to China but is still undecided about whom to send to Japan and Russia.

"It will take at least one more week before the nominees for the ambassadorships are finalized," a Cheong Wa Dae official said. "There are multiple candidates and we are screening them thoroughly."

Given this climate, critics said Friday the current ambassadors appointed under the Park Geun-hye government must be having trouble in having candid dialogues with relevant officials in the countries they serve.
By Choi Ha-young





Mark L. Keam Helen Gym

Twenty Korean-American elected officials and council members have delivered a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump expressing deep concerns over his inflammatory rhetoric about North Korea.

The letter was delivered to the White House Thursday, after Trump made his "fire and fury" remark that prompted Pyongyang to threaten to fire missiles into the sea off Guam.

It was the first time Korean-American elected officials and council members have sent a letter to the U.S. president concerning a matter related to their mother country. This highlights the gravity of the situation on the Korean Peninsula, where tension is escalating over the war of words between Trump and North Korea, the officials said.

They serve at state and local levels of government throughout the United States.

"This is not a time for any side to escalate the language of warfare and introduce the threat of nuclear weapons," they said in the letter. "It is clear that no military action involving 'fire and fury like the world has never seen' can be targeted solely at the North Korean regime."

The letter recalled the tragedies resulting from the 1950-53 Korean War, lingering not only in Korea but also in U.S. society. "Over 36,000 Americans gave their lives to fight against communism," the letter said. "Millions of Korean families live with collective memories of both the American and Korean bloodshed and the unending yearning for those loved ones who were lost or separated during the three-year war."

The public officials further called on Trump to change his foreign policy and use diplomatic experts who can handle the crisis delicately.

"We ask you to pursue all diplomatic options and strategies and to fully staff your State Department with policy experts who understand the Korean Peninsula so that, working with all stakeholders, we can find a workable and permanent peaceful resolution."












Lawmakers hold a forum on how to seek a negotiated solution to the North Korean nuckear crisis at the National Assembly, Friday. /Yonhap





By Rachel Lee

Some North Korea experts predicted Sunday that Washington and Pyongyang may take a drastic shift to dialogue following the ongoing nasty war of words.

They see North Korea's plan to fire four Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBM) into the sea near the U.S. territory of Guam as unrealistic and a calculated scenario. They also speculate that Pyongyang would not take any military action before having talks with Washington.

There is also only a slim chance the U.S. would launch a pre-emptive strike or military reactions to the North's further provocations in the future as a military conflict between the two could escalate into a full-scale war, which is too costly for both nations.

Korea National Strategy Institute Director Kim Chang-soo said North Korea has used each provocation as a bargaining chip and its provocation is on course to reach a peak since it has disclosed details of its ICBM.

In the U.S., voices are rising that U.S. President Donald Trump's hard-line policy toward North Korea would be no solution to handling the matter, observers said.












Sarah Lee, left, and Christine Chang, co-founders and CEO of the U.S.-based K-beauty retailer Glow Recipe, pose in this file photo. This May, the two launched their own skin care products company. / Courtesy of Glow Recipe



By Kim Ji-soo





Entrepreneurs may be wishing for the kind of stress the founders of K-beauty retailer Glow Recipe face after launching their own skin care line in May.

The founders of the New York-based retailer, established in 2014, launched two skin care products  a cleanser and a mask. The Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask sold out in five hours on Glow Recipe's website. Soon after, it was launched on Sephora.com, selling out five times in a month.

"It was a stress, a happy kind of stress," said Christine Jang, one of the cofounders of the K-beauty retailer, in an interview held over the phone and through email.

"With this mask, we wanted to provide both the fun experience of K-beauty texture and the multitasking process and effect of K-beauty in one product," said Sarah Lee, the retailer's other cofounder. After a lot of searching, the company found a Korean manufacturer for their facial mask.

"You know, watermelon is not regularly used in cosmetics, but we harkened back to the time when our grandmothers would beat the heat and soothe their skin by putting watermelon on their back or face," Chang said.

Glow Recipe's success is a ray of hope as sales of K-beauty products in China begin to decline and as more Korean firms look toward the U.S. market.

"There is a lot of interesting movement in the U.S., including the Laneige launch at Sephora, the Innisfree retail store launch in New York later this year and the influx of K-beauty brands at U.S. retailers," Chang said. Hundreds of K-beauty companies have reached out to the company this year, Lee said.

Chang and Lee think a lot about expanding opportunities for more Korean cosmetic firms interested in entering the U.S. market, because they know how challenging and diverse the market is. One of their recommendations is for Korean firms to invest in critical marketing and brand building initiatives in the United States to support their products with the right context and education. For example, they explain how Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask was inspired by beauty rituals both experienced in Korea, where their grandmothers used to rub watermelon rind on their skin to soothe heat rash and irritation.

Chang and Lee are longtime friends and former fellow colleagues at L'Oreal Korea; they left their executive-level jobs at L'Oreal in New York to found their platform in late 2014. "We are passionate about making Glow Recipe the go-to platform for brands both big and small, to grow and build them in the U.S. in the right way," Lee said.

The company features 20 Korean brands, including J.One, Blithe, Whamisa and Primary Raw, both on their website and in Sephora retail stores.

The two cofounders, who each have over 10 years of experience in the Korean and global cosmetics industry, said they saw K-beauty's potential and decided to merge their Korean and global business experiences for Glow Recipe.

Both have bicultural life experiences. Chang has lived most of her life in the United States, attending only high school in Korea, while Lee has lived in South Korea and spent five years in Hong Kong. Lee and Chang met at L'Oreal Korea in 2004 and went to New York at different stages of their careers.

Chang and Lee excel at translating K-beauty for American consumers, who tend to be more rational consumers and less familiar with multitasking skin care products.

"For example, when actress Ha Ji-won's J.One brand launched the jelly pack (facial mask), we explained it as a make-up gripper," Chang said. Glow Recipe is among the three main U.S.-based K-beauty retailers, albeit it was a relatively late market entrant. Chang said they are grateful to be mentioned as the top three.

The company, however, broke even just three months after launching. Since 2014, the company has grown an average of 350 percent annually and now has 10 employees. Chang and Lee are expecting sales to reach around 10 billion won this year. As CEOs, they are receiving less pay than what they used to receive as executives at L'Oreal, so they could afford to recruit more employees to the company.

One of their first breaks came after they participated in the ABC show "Shark Tank" in 2015. Chang said they ultimately decided not to pursue the initial investment offer from a Shark Tank judge.

The company is currently bootstrapped without venture capital, and as the company became profitable a few short months after its inception, the priority was to find an investor and valuation more aligned with the co-founders' vision for the company.

Another boost came in 2016 when the company launched some of its partner brands' products on Sephora's K-beauty wall and partnered with QVC for their first hour-long K-beauty show.

"K-beauty has introduced some breakthrough products, such as BB cream and the sheet mask, and there really is this sense that Koreans are making innovative attempts with beauty products," Lee said.

Currently on their radar are new interesting mask textures and new application systems, such as pads and puffs.

"These unique technologies help make the skin care experience fun and accessible, versus being a daily chore," Lee said. "We call this K-beauty approach to skin care skin-tertainment."

The two said they actually do not perceive a glass ceiling working as female CEOs in the cosmetics industry. "I've had a lot of mentors at L'Oreal, people who successfully built their careers and then became mentors. I still keep in touch with them," Chang said.

"I went to an all-girls' middle school and a women's university," Lee said.

"This field that I work in has a lot of female colleagues and partners. And New York City, it's the city where working women thrive. I feel blessed to be a female CEO in a way."
By Lee Seo-young

A left-handed person is one who uses his or her left hand far better and far more often than his or her right hand. It is said that 10 percent to 12 percent of humans are left-handed in the general population but in Korea the proportion goes down to below 5 percent. Around 4 percent of Koreans use their left hand for eating and 1 percent for writing.

Handedness has remained an enigma for a long time. One emerging theory is that it is genetically inherited, which means one gets the trait from one's parents. Prof. Chris McManus at London University argues that the origins of handedness have something to do with our genes.

Unlike other animals, he notes that only humans got handedness through evolution, just one in 10 is left handed for a complicated evolutionary reason.

These days, discrimination against left-handed people is less common compared with the past but we still find it in our culture. First of all, it is found in semantics. For example, in Korean the root word for left carries negative meanings _ something incorrect and odd _ while that for right has positive meanings _ something correct and normal.

Also, in other languages, left has meant fool, the insane, homosexuals and so on.

In the past, many tried with great efforts to correct the left-handed into becoming right-handed. People were forced not to be left-handed and it was sometimes banned as being illegal.

The course of the correction caused stress, lowered self-confidence and in some cases led to stammering. On the contrary, an increasing number of parents encourage their children to use both hands these days thereby forcing the correction in a different way. But attempts to correct left-handed people have decreased.

Currently, due to the efforts for better understanding left-handed people, they are treated better but still face many inconveniences every day. Chopsticks, door handles, camera shutters, knives, scissors, armrests in public spaces such as movie theaters, flushing handles, OMR cards are designed, produced and placed for the right-handed.

Perhaps such situations have been inevitable so far as the world is dominated by the right handed but we need to think about the fact that the left-handed persons suffer inconveniences every day.

The efforts are exerted continuously to remove the inconveniences. Many products that are fitted for left-handed people are available. Included among the products are scissors and a computer mouse.

Moreover, August 13 is designated as International Left-Handed Day to improve their human rights and promote general understanding of the left-handed. Many campaigns and events are planned every year for these purposes. In the cyber world, a hashtag campaign has been launched to support the day, attracting participation from all over the world.

It is clear that we all have to make efforts to enhance our understanding and support so that left-handed people's inconveniences are dealt with and discriminations against them are not tolerated any more.

Lee Seo-young is a third year student at Daewon Foreign Language High School.
By You Soo-sun



A former South Korean diplomat received a three-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting minors in Chile, where he was stationed. Gwangju District Court, Friday, gave what many see as an unprecedented verdict for government officials here. Critics view this as a warning to diplomats, as numerous sexual offenses by diplomats have been revealed over the past few years.



The ruling against the 51-year-old diplomat, identified by his surname Park, received much attention as his molesting of a minor was caught on video by a local television program in Chile. In September 2016, he was indicted on charges of hugging and molesting a 12-year-old female student and for sending an obscene text message in October the same year. He was indicted without restraint in May 2017.



According to a local news agency here, the court decision was affected by the fact he assaulted the victim repeatedly.and also failed to settle with the victim. The court also said Park "disgraced Korean government officials and damaged the country's reputation."



The local news agency also reported that while the prosecution had sought a four-year sentence for Park, the court eased the sentence as "the sexual assault was not severe" and he "did not have a prior criminal record."



Some believe the verdict was unusually harsh despite his former post as a government official. Moreover, Kim consistently acknowledged his responsibility for his misdeed throughout the trial. Many take this to be a sign of the court sending a warning to embassy officials and diplomats, who have been embroiled in many such cases in recent years.



Most recently, a sexual assault case was revealed in Ethiopia. Its diplomat, Kim Moon-hwan, was accused of assaulting a female employee working at the Korean embassy there. He now faces criminal prosecution.




President Moon Jae-in will hold his first live media conference next week to mark his 100th day in office, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said Friday.

The conference will be held Thursday at Cheong Wa Dae, involving hundreds of journalists from local and foreign news outlets.

Moon has briefly attended a couple of press briefings to announce his nominees for new ranking government officials, but the upcoming meeting with the media will mark the first of its kind where he is expected to take a series of questions on any issue.

The new South Korean leader took office on May 10. Thursday will mark his 100th day in the top elected office.

Also on next Sunday, the president will speak directly to hundreds of everyday citizens who offered their own policy recommendations for the so-called people's transition team, according to Cheong Wa Dae. (Yonhap)
This comfort woman statue will be unveiled on Tuesday in Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, to commemorate Korea's Liberation Day. The statue, which symbolizes victims of Japan's wartime sex slavery, shows a girl with a caterpillar in her left palm and a butterfly in her right. / Yonhap



Districts rush to memorialize sexual slavery ahead of Liberation Day



By You Soo-sun

Two comfort woman statues  symbolizing victims of Japan's wartime sex slavery  will be unveiled Tuesday to commemorate Korea's 72 years of independence from imperial Japan. They will be placed in Dobong-gu and Geumcheon-gu in Seoul, making the total number of such statues in the city 11. One more is planned for Gangseo-gu by the end of this year.

The one in Geumcheon-gu depicts a girl with a caterpillar on her left hand and a butterfly on her right. The caterpillar reflects the wounds from the past before it transforms into a butterfly, which signifies the future. As the girl releases the butterfly, she also lets go of her scars from the past  finally she is able to embrace hope for the future.

The once-sluggish efforts to build these statues were accelerated by the controversial deal about the wartime sex slaves struck between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Korea's ousted former President Park Geun-hye in December 2015. In less than two years, six new statues have been built in addition to the three already in Seoul.

The comfort woman statue itself has been a source of an ongoing row between the two countries. The first statue, revealed in 2011 in front of the Japanese Embassy in central Seoul, met fierce opposition from the Japanese government which demanded it be removed. Korea maintained that a formal apology and appropriate compensation be made first.

The 2015 deal was intended to settle the matter, with Abe offering his apologies and payment to provide care for the victims. The two governments called it a "final and irreversible resolution" of the issue. But it enraged civic activists and some of the surviving ex-comfort women, who said it did not go far enough in acknowledging the responsibility of the Japanese government and called for renegotiation.

Consequently, more statues have been built. In 2016, three were installed in Seoul alone. One was built outside the Japanese consulate in Busan, sparking another round of the feud between the two countries. Japan even withdrew two of its diplomats from Korea, claiming it breached the 2015 agreement.

Students have been the leading activists in the movement. In 2014, students at Ewha Womans University, Yonsei University and Pusan National University raised money for a second statue at a park in Daehyeon-dong, northwestern Seoul. It was the first one to be added in three years.

Another was built in Jung-gu, central Seoul. This was initiated by students at Ewha Girls' High School who pleaded with the government for its placement. For one year, 16,400 students at 53 high schools participated in raising the funds.

The statue in Dobong-gu, to be revealed Tuesday, was also led by middle school, high school and college students as well as residents of the district.






Canadian pastor Lim Hyeon-soo was released this week after two and a half years of detention in North Korea. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent a special envoy to Pyongyang earlier to discuss his release. "Today, I am pleased and relieved to confirm that Pastor Lim has been released from jail in North Korea," Trudeau said in a statement released Aug. 10. "Pastor Lim's health and wellbeing remain of utmost importance to the Government of Canada."



The senior pastor at the Light Presbyterian Church in Mississauga had been released on "sick bail," according to a report by the North Korean Central News Agency. He had been sentenced to life imprisonment in 2015 on charges of conspiring against the North Korean regime.



Many people still remember the tragic case of U.S. college student Otto Warmbier, who was brought home in a coma in June after spending 17 months in North Korean prison.



The lesson from these cases is that people should not attempt to travel to North Korea or enter it for humanitarian purposes because their safety cannot be secured in a regime controlled by an insane leader like Kim Jong-un.



The U.S. State Department has imposed a travel ban on North Korea after Warmbier's death. Other countries should also strictly forbid their citizens from entering the country. In particular, humanitarian workers should stay away from North Korea as long as it continues to infringe upon the rights of foreign visitors.



The release of the Canadian pastor has also renewed attention to Korean captives. There are currently six South Korean nationals detained in North Korea. Since inter-Korean relations have been severely strained, it will not be easy to bring them home any time soon. But the Moon Jae-in administration should continue efforts to ensure their safety and repatriation.








Quality of life of young people is presidential priority



A recent survey by the Korea Employment Information Service, affiliated with the Ministry of Employment and Labor, contains some worrisome signals about the wellbeing and quality of life of Korea's young adults.



The survey was conducted among 1,578 people between ages 19 and 34. The biggest worry for people in this age group is getting a job, given the high youth unemployment rate. But the survey showed even those who had jobs were feeling generally unhappy and overstressed. Seven out of 10 said they were not happy with their current job. About 80 percent said they had experienced stress and depression and 49 percent said they had even felt extreme anger.



The survey also highlighted the increasing reluctance among young people to get married and start a family, with six out of 10 university students saying they were negative about getting married and enjoyed dining and drinking alone. About 27 percent of the respondents said they had absolutely no plans to get married mainly due to housing costs and other expenses related to marriage. Many were also set against having children because of costs and difficulties in child-rearing, with 44 percent saying children will not be in their future.



President Moon Jae-in arrived at Cheong Wa Dae with the promise to prioritize job creation, but the youth unemployment situation has not improved significantly. Korea's youth unemployment rate grew at the fastest rate this year among OECD countries. The youth unemployment rate reached 9.3 percent last month, 0.1 percent higher from a year earlier.



With the extremely competitive job market and rising living costs, more young people find it harder to get on the cycle of jobs, marriage and children that had been taken for granted by their parents' generation.



So far the President has done little to assuage the concerns of young jobseekers. His job-related policies are mostly geared toward expanding public sector jobs. President Moon's 11 trillion won ($9.7 billion) supplementary budget and his pledge for an "era of zero irregular workers" are not fundamental solutions to alleviating the job crisis.



The President marks his 100th day in office on Aug. 17. To mark the occasion, he will hold policy forums later this month with 22 ministries divided into nine groups. But talking to government officials will not be helpful for the President to gain an understanding of what is wrong with his policies and what the people want from his administration.



We suggest Moon hold more public discussions with people who need special policy attention, particularly the young adults struggling from a wide range of job and life issues. He should also talk to mothers who need help with childrearing and retired people who need more financial security. Such talks should be held regularly so their concerns can be better reflected in his job and welfare policies.




By Hyon O'Brien





I grew up in the 1950s in Wonju, Gangwon Province, with five brothers and one older sister in a cramped household. One thing we learned quickly was not to complain. Not about not having enough personal space and not about having enough clothing and shoes. We never mentioned that we wanted more meat. We knew that no matter how much we complained the end results would be the same. We all accepted the fact that everyone was going through the same hard times, and didn't try to do anything about it but just accepted our fate.

Some people don't complain, but are galvanized to do something to right a wrong and strive to better the areas they are concerned about. Two organizations come to my mind that exemplify this.

In 1980, a 13-year-old girl, Cari, was killed by a drunk driver in California. Driven by a mother's grief and determination to do something about the senseless deaths caused by irresponsible drunk drivers, Cari's mother, Candace Lightner founded the non-profit organization Mothers Against Drunken Driving (MADD), Their mission statement clearly defines their aim: to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking. Now nearly 40 years later, there is at least one MADD office in every State of the United States and at least one in each province of Canada. MADD claims that drunk driving has been reduced by half since its founding.

Habitat for Humanity International is also a nonprofit organization. It was founded in 1976 by Millard Dean Fuller (1935-2009) with the mission statement, "Seeking to put God's love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope." Homes are built using volunteer labor and the organization makes no profit when they transfer them to low-income persons with generous mortgages. Habitat for Humanity so far has helped over four million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve more than 800,000 homes. Founder Millard Fuller majored in economics at Auburn University and received a law degree from the University of Alabama. He married Linda Caldwell in 1959. His ambition was to make money as soon as possible and as much as he could. By 29, he was a self-made millionaire. However, his drive for wealth accumulation weakened his marriage to the point that his wife declared that it was over. This was his wake-up call.

In 1968, he and his wife gave up their wealth to refocus their lives on Christian service. They moved with their children to Koinonia Farm, an interracial farming community in southwest Georgia. After five years they moved in 1973 to Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) as missionaries with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Upon their return, the Fullers began a Christian ministry at Koinonia Farm building simple, decent houses for low-income families in their community using volunteer labor and donations, requiring repayment only for the costs of building materials by the new owners. This gradually turned into the larger-scale ministry known as Habitat for Humanity. In 1996, President Clinton awarded Fuller the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

What was the complaint in this narrative? What was the contribution? What I see is a family almost breaking up because of one party's blind pursuit of wealth. Then, fortunately for them, they agreed to do something about it. They were saved by serving others.

The Fullers' turn-around reminds me of what Nelson Mandela said: "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived, it is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead."

President Jimmy Carter, who for years actively participated in building houses through Habitat for Humanity, puts it this way: "I have one life and one chance to make it count for something... My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference."

Are we inspired? Let's remember, whenever we feel like complaining, to look for ways to contribute and solve the problem by becoming part of the solution. In my personal corner, what I do is pick up litter every day while I am out biking or walking. When I arrived here in Miami Beach, Florida, seven years ago, I used to bitterly complain about people throwing trash out of their car windows while driving past me. I used to feel terrible looking at the trash that was flying around after the weekend crowd left the beach in front of our apartment building. I realized quickly that I could do something about it. Now I carry disposable gloves and bags to deal with my daily pick-up. It seems like a small thing but it is something I can do every day without fail. You too can find something you can do in your part of the globe instead of complaining.





Hyon O'Brien is a former reference librarian now living in the United States. She can be reached at hyonobrien@gmail.com.
By Oh Young-jin





The May 9 election of Moon Jae-in as president was a Korean version of Brexit.

It was a two-stage affair. The first was about candlelit protests that ousted Moon's predecessor, Park Geun-hye. The second was Moon's election.

The candlelit protests showed the masses were in charge. Millions of people demonstrated for weeks. They demanded Park be impeached and removed from office.

Park was the lightning rod of ordinary people's dissatisfaction with the power class.

Allegations against Park were the illegal delegation of presidential powers to her private friend, Choi Soon-sil, and the extortion of billions of won from chaebol. The protests forced the National Assembly to pass an impeachment motion against Park, Dec. 9, 2016.

The protests served as a trigger but masked the real reasons for her impeachment.

The reasons were an imbalance in income, lack of upward mobility and social injustice.

Then, March 10, the Constitutional Court voted 8-0 to have Park removed as president.

Then came the May election. Moon won 41 percent of the vote, a plurality.

It's not an absolute majority but a big number. The runner-up conservative Liberty Korea Party candidate Hong Joon-pyo won 25 percent and the third-place centrist People's Party's Ahn Cheol-soo won 21 percent.

Moon became the people's leader for reasons. The candlelit protests were a liberal movement. Moon is a liberal leader. And the people were anxious for Moon to fill the power vacuum left by Park's ouster.

Upon taking office, President Moon introduced many liberal policies. The conservative media have been criticizing Moon. But he remains unscathed. His approval ratings are strong.

Here are some statistics.

Let's start with the conversion of irregular workers' status to regular workers.

On May 12, three days after his election, Moon visited Incheon International Airport and promised to make all 10,000 irregular workers there regular workers.

During the campaign, Moon pledged to save all irregular workers in the public sector.

Workers in the private sector are calling for the same treatment.

The Chosun Ilbo, a major vernacular newspaper, criticized President Moon with four editorials.

The May 15 editorial warned Moon not to try and become Santa Claus on account of the taxpayers.

The May 26 editorial raises an issue over the government's attempt to penalize firms for hiring too many irregular workers.

The May 27 editorial chided Moon for snubbing the Korea Employers Federation for expressing opposition to his plan.

The May 29 editorial objected to the government blaming chaebol for using irregular status workers.

The conservative media's concerted efforts to discredit Moon failed.

The Gallup Korea poll from June 6 to 8 showed Moon enjoyed an 84 percent job approval rating, the highest in history. The previous high was in March 1993 for President Kim Young-sam.

Another case is Moon's declaration for the phase-out of nuclear power plants.

On June 19, Moon announced the permanent closure of the Gori 1 nuclear power plant.

The government decided not to refurbish and extend the life of 11 of 24 existing power plants.

The conservative Donga Ilbo newspaper had three editorials against Moon's plan.

First, it criticized Moon for using a civic committee to decide whether to stop the construction of two nuclear reactors _ Shingori 5 and 6. Second, it called Moon hypocritical for hiding behind the committee.

Third, it urged the committee not to rubber stamp Moon's stance.

The Gallup poll from June 20 to 22 showed Moon's approval rating at 79 percent.

The third case is the 2018 minimum wage.

On July 17, it was decided to raise the minimum wage by 16.4 percent from this year to 7,350 won, $6.50.

Moon has promised to raise the wage to 10,000 won before the end of his term.

The right of center Joongang Ilbo and other newspapers editorialized their opposition.

They claimed it would make a big dent in the economy. Small businesses would go bankrupt en masse. Young and vulnerable part-time workers would suffer the most.

Still, Moon's approval rating held. The Gallup Korea poll from July 18 to 20 showed 74 percent approved.

Here is the case of Moon's July 29 THAAD deployment decision after North Korea's second supposed ICBM test launch

This decision satisfied the conservatives but alienated his liberal support base. Still, the Aug. 1 to 3 Gallup Korea poll showed Moon's approval rating at 77 percent.

From these cases, I conclude as follows.

1. The public trust in the mass media is damaged. People think the media have become part of vested interests and no longer reflect their side of the story.

2. The mass media face the choice between revival and marginalization.

3. The mass media's revival is even more important now when political institutions have lost relevance. In the Aug. 1 to 3 Gallup poll, approval ratings for the opposition parties were low. The Liberty Korea Party had 11 percent; the Bareun Party, 10 percent; and the Justice Party and People's Party, 6 percent each.

4. Finally, if the mass media fail to regain their role of watchdog, it could mean letting the Moon government set its own agenda and pursue it at its own leisure -- becoming something similar to a populist dictatorship. The danger is the Moon government is forming a direct partnership with the people with the media being shoved out of the loop. Even though President Moon has worked with conscience, this direct partnership may free him from accountability. Even power with the best intentions would corrupt absolutely when given the chance.



This column is an edited version of a speech the writer made at the Asia Democracy Research Network Seoul Forum hosted by the East Asia Institute in Seoul last week. Contact him at foolsdie5@ktimes.com and foolsdie@gmail.com.
Clustrix CEO Mike Azevedo, right, and Rockplace CEO Seo Dong-sik pose after signing a partnership at the latter's office in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Emerson K Partners



By Kang Seung-woo



Clustrix, a San Francisco-based database company, formed a consulting and reseller partnership for its flagship database product with Rockplace, a Korean open source software company, Thursday.



Under the partnership, Rockplace will have the exclusive rights to sell ClustrixDB in Korea and the U.S. company will provide technical support. ClustrixDB is a relational database optimized to meet the needs of fast growing e-commerce sites. It is available in software that runs on commodity hardware and on any cloud.



Rockplace is consulting on and maintaining open source software including database management, operating systems and middleware. It has 80 expert engineers for open source software in Korea.



"We are thrilled about our expansion into the Korea database market with the partnership of Rockplace's highly trusted consulting with more than 500 references in telecommunications, manufacturing, finance and public with high security requirements," Clustrix CEO Mike Azevedo said.



"We are committed to continuing to find partners with outstanding consulting experience and technical support for business synergy in various industrial areas in Korea."



Rockplace CEO Seo Dong-sik, said, "It is very impressive that ClustrixDB boasts of advanced scalability and compatibility. With this partnership, we can meet particular database requirements from various customers in the Fourth Industrial Revolution."



Clustrix has high-profile customers including AOL, Nielsen, Rakuten and Symantec.
By Yoon Sung-won



KT has opened 100,000 free Wi-Fi access points (AP), the company said Friday.



The move is part of its plan to participate in the government's push to expand public Wi-Fi networks to cut household telecom expenses. The telecom company also pledged to enhance Wi-Fi network equipment in subway trains nationwide.



"Aiming at reducing people's telecom expenses, we have worked on opening 100,000 Wi-Fi APs and improving the quality of Wi-Fi networks inside subway trains," said Park Hyun-jin, vice president of KT Mobile's business department. "We will come up with more measures to further cut household telecom expenses and expand benefits for our subscribers."



Under its policy _ "Public Wi-Fi 2.0" _ the Moon Jae-in administration has urged telecom companies to open and improve Wi-Fi APs nationwide. KT has vowed to open more this month.



According to the company, the newly opened Wi-Fi APs are mostly set up at crowded places such as convenience stores, department stores, shopping malls, bus stations, subway stations, gas stations, tourist sites, cinemas, theaters and bookstores.



The new Wi-Fi points can be accessed by KT subscribers and non-KT users. However, those who don't subscribe to KT's mobile service will be asked to provide personal information such as email address, phone number, gender and age and agree to the terms and conditions to use the free Wi-Fi for an hour. They can then continue using it after watching video ads, the company said.



The free Wi-Fi APs are also available to foreign tourists who are visiting Korea. Prepaid phone numbers are also accepted in the registration process, a KT spokesman said.



Adding to the expansion of free Wi-Fi APs, KT said it has also improved network equipment to provide faster and more stable Wi-Fi services.



The company said it is working to replace old Wi-Fi network devices, which are based only on WiBro technology, on subway trains with new hybrid devices that support WiBro and LTE technologies.



With the new hybrid Wi-Fi network devices, users will be able to experience up to five times faster network speeds. The new devices are also capable of supporting 15 times more users, the company said.



KT said it will first complete the replacement for subway trains on lines 1 to 8 in the capital area and will expand the application nationwide by the end of this month.




By Jung Min-ho

Park Ky-young, left, and Hwang Woo-suk in 2005 / Yonhap





A senior government official, who was mired in a major stem cell research fraud in 2005, has resigned amid massive criticism.

Park Ky-young, who was appointed to lead the Science, Technology and Innovation Office earlier this week by President Moon Jae-in, said she has decided to step down.

This comes after opposition from hundreds of scientists and politicians, who had urged President Moon to cancel the appointment saying she is neither qualified nor ethical enough for the post.

"I sincerely apologize to everyone for causing controversy," Park told reporters. "I hope the government will help many scientists realize their dreams through the institution, which has been born under difficult circumstances."

The biology professor at Sunchon National University served as a senior adviser to former President Roh Moo-hyun until 2006, when she resigned over a fraud scandal in which Hwang Woo-suk used fabricated data in his stem cell research paper.

Park played a key role in supporting Hwang with generous government subsidies during her two-year tenure in the post. She was also one of 15 co-authors of one of his scientific papers.

Before her resignation, 288 professors at Seoul National University said in a joint statement the appointment was an "insult to all scientists in Korea."

"She was either so greedy that she deliberately let Hwang lie about it or incapable of finding what's wrong," they said. "She must not take the post and be allowed to make decisions over how the country's R&D budget of 20 trillion won ($17.5 billion) should be allocated."

Park denied the accusations that she played a leading role in creating the fraudulent data, saying her fault was simply trusting Hwang too much.

Previously, she refused to step down. Speaking to reporters Thursday, she said she is deeply sorry for failing to catch his deception and wants to "pay back the country with my work."
By Jhoo Dong-chan



The Kia Motors workers' ordinary wage case trial, the result of which is due next week, is expected to stir up a whirlwind not only in Korea's automobile industry but also in the nation's other industries as well.



Observers express their concern that the nation's second-largest carmaker may have to pay up to 3 trillion won ($2.66 billion) under a lawful obligation from its reserve fund if the verdict goes against it. The result of the legal battle could also influence a number of similar ongoing lawsuits with hundreds of Korean companies.



Kia Motors posted an operating profit of 787 billion won in the first half of the year, down 44 percent from a year ago. It was the carmaker's worst performance since 2010.



Having already suffered from low demand in the U.S. market along with the Chinese government's economic retaliation against Korean products for the deployment of a U.S. missile shield here, Kia Motors is likely to post a deficit in the third quarter if it loses the case. It would be the first time for the carmaker to record a deficit since 2007.



The first trial's result is expected to impose a burden on other Hyundai Motor Group affiliates under the group's vertically integrated structure, and a Kia Motors official recognized the gravity of the situation.



"Not only Kia but also its sister company Hyundai Motor has a worsening business performance. Against this backdrop, the trial is feared to deal a critical blow to the carmaker group's management," he said.



"It will cause a serious impact not only on Hyundai and Kia's immediate financial status but also on our future business portfolio and competitiveness."



A market observer says the case would have a more severe impact on the group's 5,300 subcontractors.



"Kia Motors' quarterly deficit is something the market has never seen in 10 years," said futures trader Lee Sang-hoon, who formerly worked as an analyst at Daishin Securities.



"The carmaker's crisis is likely to spread to thousands of its partner companies. Plus, it will affect the nation's industries as a whole."



An industry insider who is familiar with the case said on condition of anonymity that Kia Motors may lose the trial.



"The plaintiffs, or Kia Motors workers, are said to have a solid legal basis for the trial. GM Korea and Hyundai Motor won similar cases several years ago, but it doesn't seem it will be that easy this time around," he said.



If the court rules in favor of the workers next week, union members of the nation's various large- and medium-size companies are likely to file similar lawsuits across all industries, and the Korea Employers Federations said the total cost could reach 38.55 trillion won.



The case first started with Kia Motors' 27,459 unionized workers filing a lawsuit in 2011, claiming their bonus should be regarded as an ordinary wage. Three years after that, another 13 union members filed a representative suit demanding the retroactive payment should be applied to each employee of the automaker.








KFC Korea CEO Eom Ik-soo speaks during a conference at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Friday. He said the Korean unit of the Kentucky-headquartered fried chicken chain will operate 500 stores here by 2023, up from the 214. / Courtesy of KFC Korea

By Lee Hyo-sik

KFC Korea will open 300 new stores by 2023 to compete more effectively with BBQ and other home-grown fried chicken franchises, the company CEO said Friday.

The Korean unit of the Kentucky-headquartered fried chicken chain also plans to hire nearly 1,000 new workers to staff the outlets. It now directly operates all its 214 stores across the country, unlike other fried chicken brands that let individual owners open stores under their brands.

"KFC Korea will operate 500 stores nationwide by 2023 to become the country's best chicken brand," company CEO Eom Ik-soo told a press conference. "Our direct management helps ensure consistency in the quality of menus across our stores and implement marketing strategies more effectively."

He said the company is in a better position to achieve sustainable growth after it was acquired by KG Group, a mid-tier business group centering on fertilizers, in March.

"When the brand was owned by a private equity fund, it wasn't easy to draw up long-term business strategies because the investment fund is largely interested in maximizing short-term profits," Eom said. "But under KG Group, KFC can invest more, hire new workers and contribute more to improving local communities. We can also create synergies with KG Inicis and other group units."

KG acquired KFC Korea, which opened its first store in Seoul in 1984, from CVC Capital Partners for 50 billion won ($44 million). In 2014, the Hong Kong-based fund paid Doosan Group nearly 100 billion won for the brand.

In 2016, the fast-food chain had 177 billion won in sales but incurred a 12.2 billion won operating loss.

"We failed to turn things around in the first half of this year," Eom said. "But we are positive that the company will be in the black in the latter half. Consumers should know that we use only high-quality, unfrozen domestic chickens to make our dishes. We also will strengthen a mobile sales platform to attract more mobile-savvy young consumers."
Korean Air CEO Walter Cho Asiana Airlines CEO Kim Soo-cheon

By Lee Hyo-sik

Korean Air and Asiana Airlines posted better-than-expected earnings in the second quarter despite a steep fall in the number of Chinese visitors.

The two flagship carriers were initially expected to have performed poorly during the March-to-May period because many Chinese chose not to visit Korea after the nation formally decided to deploy a U.S. anti-missile Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery.

But with more Koreans heading abroad, the carriers have been able to weather China's so-called THAAD backlash. In addition, a rise in the number of inbound tourists from Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other regions helped the carriers cope with the unfavorable business environment.

Korean Air, headed by CEO Walter Cho, said Friday its sales rose 3.1 percent to 2.9 trillion won ($2.5 billion) in the second quarter

It posted a 172.8 billion won operating profit, up 8.5 percent from the same period last year. It was the largest second-quarter profit since 2010 when it reached 395 billion won.

The carrier attributed its better-than-expected second-quarter performance to more Koreans traveling overseas, adding the number of outbound passengers rose 12 percent from a year earlier.

"We were earlier concerned about the adverse effects of the deteriorating Korea-China ties on our business," a Korean Air official said. "But despite the falling number of Chinese visitors, we were able to beat market expectations thanks to a surge in outbound travelers."

"In particular, the number of passengers on our European and Southeast Asian routes jumped 14 percent and 11 percent, respectively," he said. "We are looking forward to our third-quarter performance, which will be much better than the previous year, as a record number of Koreans head abroad during this summer holiday season."

The official said the firm's cargo business will continue to recover on Korea's growing outbound shipments, which he said will further bolster the company's bottom line.

Asiana Airlines, which is more dependent on China than Korean Air, also posted an earnings surprise in the second quarter, despite declining Chinese passengers.

The carrier, headed by CEO Kim Soo-cheon, had sales of 1.49 trillion won, up 8.5 percent from the previous year. Operating profit jumped 48.7 percent to 42.8 billion won.

Asiana officials said the company expanded routes linking Korea with destinations in Europe, Southeast Asia and Japan while reducing the number of flights to and from China.

From March to June, the firm's sales in China dropped 38 percent, but it earned 55 percent more in Europe. Sales from operating flights to and from Jeju Island rose 11 percent as more Koreans visited the country's southernmost resort island.

Asiana's cargo business expanded 23.8 percent as the firm transported more semiconductors, LCDs, smartphones and fresh agricultural products.

"To maintain stable growth in sales, we will conduct a rigorous analysis on potential internal and external risks," a company official said. "We will operate A350 aircraft in our mid- to long-haul routes to secure competitiveness. For the cargo sector, we are planning to operate freighters based on fluctuating demand and increase sales for premium cargo products."
U.S. lawmakers will have three weeks to raise America's $20 trillion borrowing limit and avert a potential debt default when Congress gets back to work next month -- the first such deadline to occur during the Trump administration. If recent history is a guide, raising the debt ceiling will be anything but drama-free, with lawmakers demanding concessions in return for votes to prevent an outcome that could throttle global finances: the U.S. government unable to pay its bills. The White House is pushing for a so-called "clean" debt ceiling increase with no conditions attached, something Congress delivered dozens of times prior to the Obama administration. "I respectfully urge Congress to protect the full faith and credit of the United States by acting to increase the statutory debt limit as soon as possible," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin wrote to congressional leaders earlier this year.

 Call for Spending Cuts On Capitol Hill, Republican fiscal hawks are demanding spending cuts. "Most Republicans want to do something to lower the trajectory of the debt," Republican Congressman Tom Cole of Oklahoma said Tuesday on MSNBC. "A clean debt ceiling hike is like having a credit card and saying, 'I've reached my [credit] limit. I'm going to make the limit higher without changing my spending habits.'" "The biggest conflict we've seen so far on this issue isn't between the parties," noted political analyst Molly Reynolds of the Washington-based Brookings Institution. "It's within the Republican Party, where some rank-and-file members, especially in the House, have been pushing back against the idea of a clean [debt ceiling] increase."

The U.S. Capitol in Washington /AP

 Democrats Some Democrats, meanwhile, have a demand of their own: that Republicans forgo any debt-incurring tax cuts. "It's going to be very hard to raise the debt limit if their [Republicans] intent is to increase the debt by massive tax cuts on the very wealthy," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said last month. In 2011, protracted congressional wrangling over the borrowing limit led to a downgrade of America's creditworthiness. Much as they do today, Republicans demanded fiscal reforms as a condition for hiking the debt ceiling. "At a time when were borrowing 40 cents out of every dollar we spend, we want to make sure we take a significant step to reduce spending," Republican Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee said days before the 2011 fiscal deadline. Congressional Democrats responded by accusing Republicans of taking the U.S. economy hostage through debt ceiling demands. At the White House, then-President Barack Obama argued that linking the debt ceiling to spending reforms was misguided. "It's not a vote that allows Congress to spend more money," Obama said. "Raising the debt ceiling simply gives our country the ability to pay the bills that Congress has already racked up. It gives the United States of America the ability to keep its word."  Standoff Feared In the end, Congress raised the debt ceiling in 2011 while also imposing spending caps. Shortly thereafter, Standard and Poors downgraded the U.S. government's credit rating based on what it saw as chronic political chaos in Washington. That chaos could prove even more severe in the current debt ceiling standoff, according to analysts. "Breaching the [debt] limit is sufficiently consequential that we should always be worried about whether Congress, especially in periods of dysfunction, can get it done," Reynolds said. "Also, even if Congress has historically managed to do what's necessary, how theyve done that has come with consequences." In reality, the federal government reached its borrowing limit in March of this year. To avoid default, the Treasury Department took what it termed "extraordinary measures" such as postponing investments in a variety of pension programs for federal retirees. Secretary Mnuchin has advised that Treasury's ability to use bookkeeping slight-of-hand to avoid default runs out on Sept. 29.
A Chinese law firm has filed a complaint against Apple on behalf of 28 local developers alleging the firm breached antitrust regulations.

The complaint, lodged by Beijing-based Dare & Sure Law Firm, accuses Apple of charging excessive fees and removing apps from its local store without proper explanation, Lin Wei, an attorney at the firm told Reuters on Thursday.

"During its localization process Apple has run into several antitrust issues ... after an initial investigation we consulted a number of enterprises and got a very strong response," said Lin.

The law firm invited developers to join the complaint in April and on Tuesday filed it to China's State Administration for Industry and Commerce and the National Development and Reform Commission, which oversees antitrust matters in the country.
It said the plans, complete with missile trajectory and targets, will be finalized next week, and then the Strategic Rocket Forces will await orders to strike from commander-in-chief Kim Jong-un, the forces' commander Kim Rok-gyom was quoted as saying by the official [North] Korean Central News Agency.

North Korea on Thursday called U.S. President Donald Trump's bluff with detailed plans to surround the U.S. territory of Guam in the Pacific Ocean in "enveloping fire."

The announcement, which included detailed maps, came after a week of an increasingly heated war of words between North Korea and the U.S. that saw Trump threaten Pyongyang with "fire and fury."

Kim shot back, "Sound dialogue is not possible with such a guy bereft of reason and only absolute force can work on him."

The plan is to launch four Hwasong-12 medium-to-long range ballistic missiles toward Guam.

"The Hwasong-12 rockets to be launched" by the People's Army "will cross the sky above Shimane, Hiroshima and Koichi prefectures of Japan." The commander added, "They will fly for 3,356.7 km for 1,065 seconds and hit the waters 30 to 40 km away from Guam.


Korea has banned the distribution and sale of imported products with processed eggs from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, which are convulsed by a contamination scandal.

The Korea Food and Drug Administration said Thursday it will analyze the products over the next three months and look for signs of contamination with the insecticide Fipronil.

The products include bread and cookies made with processed eggs from the three European countries. Fipronil is used to kill lice and ticks, and traces of the chemical were discovered in eggs and chicken in the Netherlands late last month.

According to the KFDA, the only European eggs that were imported over the last year were 57 tons from Spain. But over the same period, 2,637 tons of processed egg products were imported from European countries including the Netherlands and Germany, and 1,969 tons of chicken were imported from the Netherlands and three other countries.

A KFDA official said, "No eggs from the Netherlands have been imported, and the expiry dates of European chicken imports have passed, so we only issued a temporary ban on the distribution and sales of processed egg products from Europe."

The KFDA said tests conducted on bread and confectioneries made with European egg products showed no potential harm effects on humans.


Former Ambassador to Washington Lee Tae-sik is being tapped for a repeat run in the job by the Moon Jae-in administration, sources said Thursday.

President Moon is expected to officially announce his nomination, and will also name Noh Young-min as ambassador to China, government sources said.

An experienced diplomat, Lee has a wide range of personal connections in the U.S. He was vice foreign minister and ambassador to Washington during the Roh Moo-hyun administration but left the job in January 2009, a year after Lee Myung-bak was sworn in as president.

During the last presidential election, Lee Tae-sik assisted Moon as a member of a policy think tank. Cheong Wa Dae originally tapped politicians who share Moon's philosophy instead of career diplomats as ambassadors to the four major powers -- the U.S., China, Japan, and Russia. But the presidential office finally decided on Lee.

"The prevailing view at Cheong Wa Dae was that we need a person who is well versed in both U.S. affairs and diplomacy," a senior presidential official said.


NATURAL LA JOLLA:

Summer is slowly drawing to an end as many kids are already heading back to school. It will still be a while before our temperatures dip down and we return to the cool breezy days of the fall, so there are plenty of things to see and do in La Jolla before summer fades away.

Snorkeling is a fun way to see whats beneath the waves during the late part of summer, while the warm water and hot sun linger. At The Cove, you can see garibaldi defending their territories and you may see starfish along the seafloor as well. Over at the Shores, leopard sharks swim in shallow water just off the Marine Room restaurant. They wont bite you; they like only clams and small invertebrates that they can find along the sandy bottom.

On top of the water, there should still be some whales visible from shore  blue whales, the largest living animal, can be seen fairly close by  their spout is vigorous and tall, and can be seen from far off. Of course, there are endless sea lion and seal watching opportunities along the shoreline, although the seals spend a good portion of their time underwater and playing in the nearshore waters at this time of year.

Flowering trees and bushes are abundant as well. You can spot gold medallion trees, hibiscus, and flowers that bloom all year like the striking bird of paradise. Sweet summer in Southern California!

 Kelly Stewart is a marine biologist with The Ocean Foundation who writes about the flora and fauna of La Jolla. She may be reached at naturallajolla@gmail.com
GENOA CITY  Dave Laurine gave a sprinkle doughnut to a 5-year-old girl not long after his travel center opened near Highway 12.

She returned the next day to Laurine to share a secret with him.

She said, That was the best sprinkle doughnut I ever had in my life, and if you sell this, Im going to go in my room and cry and cry, and never come out, said Laurine. I thought my heart was going to stop. Youre looking at these eyes, and theyre so serious.

The center, which includes a bakery, deli, convenience store and gas station, opened a few days before the Country Thunder Music Festival in July.

Laurine, who owns and operates the business with his family, said that was a big decision, but the festival crowd returned often and was well-behaved.

Country Thunder was an incredibly pleasant surprise. Renewed your faith in the youth of America, he laughed.

Apparently, the place is becoming a hit with the locals.

On Aug. 2, a group of people from Richmond, Illinois and Genoa City  including Mary Buchert, the former clerk in both communities  chatted and drank coffee at the center.

Ive been there three or four times since he opened, said Genoa City Village President Bill Antti.

He said Laurine is redefining what a gas station should be with the travel center. Hes making it more of a destination and not just a quick-stop-and-go.

Laurine believes one draw is the products on the shelves, items that are a blend of local favorites and things not often readily found in the area.

Swiss Maid Bakery stocks the baked goods, Boars Head meat products are in the deli, and brats from Lake Geneva Country Meats are in the cooler.

Soon, a Something Special From Wisconsin co-op room will open, featuring small business items Laurine has come across attending various trade shows.

Soups, fresh coleslaw and a Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company store are also on tap for the near future.

Whats great about this place is its turning into the neighborhood place to go, said Laurine. Its someplace where they can take the family out for an inexpensive deal.

Building a museum

The place doesnt look like an average gas station.

Lining the walls are stained glass windows and hand-painted murals depicting family members as different fictional characters, including Snow White and Robin Hood.

Look closely at the finer details and one might recognize remnants of some historic Chicago buildings, such as wood trim from the Blackstone Hotel and oak columns from the Bismarck Hotel.

I love to be able to save something that would have been destroyed, Laurine said. If you look at the brass in here, it was out of the old McVickers Theater, and they were going to scrap it for 90 cents a pound.

When it comes to discussing the unique look of the center, Laurine tends to draw the conversation to the restrooms, which feature custom marble and granite installed by Crafted Countertops.

He wanted the kind of restrooms for which people would travel out of their way to use.

But thats not why the Genoa City Travel Center was a long time coming.

Laurine said the plan took three years to reach this point because the site, on 80 acres at 229-231 South Road, was too low and needed much work.

I think, if ever in my life there was a labor of love, this one turned out to be, he said.

Laurine thanked village of Genoa City officials for being cooperative and Tom Brehm, sales manager of U.S. Oil, and Mobil Gas Co.

Mobil felt Laurine should concentrate on pumping gas instead of building a museum, he laughed, but they were incredibly patient once they saw what he wanted to do.

Restaurant on the way

Opting for the word-of-mouth approach instead of the big crowd a grand opening would entail has caused people to drift in slowly, Laurine said, and its worked well for them as theyre opening in stages.

Yolos Restaurant and the ice cream shop remain closed, but he hopes to open the shop next month.

Then, well tackle the restaurant side of it, said Laurine.

Hes also working toward being open 24 hours a day.

Currently, the center is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday promised to boost public health insurance coverage to all treatments and medications except cosmetic surgery. The government will pick up most of the tab for MRIs, ultrasound, consulting specialists, hospital room expenses and nursing care. Moon said the increased coverage will slash individual medical expenses by 18 percent over five years and by 46 percent for low-income households.

A considerable number of Korean households end up going bankrupt due to hospital fees or give up treatment due to soaring costs. These people certainly need to be helped. Korea's health insurance coverage stands at 63.4 percent, far below the OECD average of 80 percent.

But where will the money come from? The Health Ministry expects the extended coverage to cost an extra W30.6 trillion over five years, and most of that will come from a W21-trillion public health insurance fund, while the rest will be covered with taxpayers' money. But the Ministry of Strategy and Planning warned the fund will shift to the red next year and run dry by 2023. If that is correct, the government may not be able to tap into the fund or end up drawing only a small amount of money from it.

Expanded medical coverage will result in explosive growth in the number of patients. Back in 2006, the Roh Moo-hyun administration adopted measures to exempt children under six hospital room fees, which meant that vastly more young patients spent the night in hospital and the government had to scrap it after just two years. It therefore seems likely that MRI and ultrasound exams will skyrocket as well.

On top of that, Korea is the fastest-aging society in the world, and senior citizens require lots of medical care. The reason past administrations were unable to boost coverage was precisely because they needed to stockpile funds to cover the ever-increasing medical fees of senior citizens. That stockpile totals W21 trillion and the government now wants to use it (US$1=W1,143). It may last five years, but what will happen once Moon's five-year term ends?

The government is pursuing a lot of very expensive policies, including a nuclear-free energy policy with a promise not to raise electricity fees for five years, and a hefty hike in the minimum wage. The president seems to feel that taxpayers will come to his rescue every time. He only has five years, but the public may be saddled with the consequences for a long time.


PRESS RELEASE

Blackout of Hoenig Shows Media Supporting Wall Street Leveraging

Aug. 8, 2017 (EIRNS)The polar opposite of reinstating the Glass-Steagall Act is the current loud demands of Wall Street, the Republican Congressional leadership, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, to eliminate or reduce regulations on big banks capital so that they can gain more debt leverageand supposedly, lend more. These demands are loud, because they are constantly repeated and headlined in the financial press when Wall Street or Mnuchin makes them.

But Pam Martens Aug. 7 column in her Wall Street on Parade blog, "Federal Regulator Drops a Bombshell as Corporate Media Snoozes," reports that Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. vice-chair Thomas Hoenigs letter to the Senate Banking Committees leadership on this subject, has been blacked out by the same financial pressBloomberg, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post.

The reason is what Hoenig told the Senate. To quote Martens report,

"What the fearless Hoenig told the Senate Banking Committee was effectively this: The biggest Wall Street banks have been lying to the American people that overly stringent capital rules by their regulators are constraining their ability to lend to consumers and businesses. Whats really behind their inability to make more loans is the documented fact that the 10 largest banks in the country will distribute, in aggregate, 99% of their net income on an annualized basis, by paying out dividends to shareholders and buying back excessive amounts of their own stock."

Hoenig included a chart, which Martens reproduced, showing that Citibank, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley and Bank of New York Mellon all pay out well over 100% of their earnings in dividends and stock buybacks.

Clearly, if allowed to have more debt leverage, they would use it to buy still more of their stock, and pay still more dividends.

Another factor, not mentioned by Hoenig, is that the big Wall Street banks in the recent period have shifted their derivatives betting away from the dominant interest-rate and commodity derivativestrading in which has not been doing well for themand toward "equity derivatives." Of course, that means complex bets on stock market indices. And if the same banks massive stock buybacks are a significant factor driving the stock market up, profits from "equity derivatives" wont be hard to come by.

Hoenigs case is solid: The big banks wont lend more if allowed less capital and more leverage; theyll speculate more. And theyll securitize more, which is their way of dumping more and more of the toxic load of corporate and consumer debt, onto other investors, in preparation for another crash.
PRESS RELEASE

Russian and U.S. Military Leaders Discuss Cooperation in Syria and Iraq

Aug. 9, 2017 (EIRNS)Chief of Russian General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov and Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford spoke by phone on Aug. 8, concerning cooperation in Iraq and Syria, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, as reported by TASS.

"The sides exchanged views on the situation in Syria and Iraq and discussed further actions to counter international terrorist organizations, as well as issues of the functioning of the de-escalation zone in the southwest of Syria,"

the statement said.

A statement by Dunfords office, reported TASS, said:
PRESS RELEASE

Bloomberg Lets the VIPS Cat Out of the Bag

Aug. 10, 2017 (EIRNS)Leonid Bershidsky wrote an opinion for Bloomberg today, titled, "Why Some U.S. Ex-Spies Dont Buy the Russia Story." He supports consideration of the Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS) evidence against the Russia Hack allegation. Bershidsky points out that the VIPS were right about Saddam Husseins lack of weapons of mass destruction, while the rest of the intelligence community was wrong. He also points out that the VIPS says who they are, while the pro-Russiagate investigators are anonymous; that no intelligence agency actually examined the Democrats servers, but, instead, relied on CrowdStrike, which was paid by the Democrats, and linked to the anti-Russian Atlantic Council.

While carefully pointing out that none of the VIPS evidence is conclusive, Bershidsky writes that neither is the lack of evidence supporting Russiagate. He concludes by obliquely criticizing Russiagate, writing,
PRESS RELEASE

War Hype Around North KoreaWhile Steps Are Being Taken To Begin Talks

Aug. 10, 2017 (EIRNS)War talk is going on around the world on the North Korea situation, but the reality is different. The "fire and fury" from President Trump, a stern warning from General Mattis that the U.S. could obliterate North Korea in a war, and North Koreas declared plans to demonstrate the capacity to hit Guam with missiles, are in fact the same sort of rhetoric common after every provocation from either sidebe it a North Korean missile or bomb test or a new sanction from the United States or the United Nations Organization.

In fact, in the past week, meetings took place between Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-Ho, and between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Ri, while there was a brief greeting between Ri and South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-hwa, all at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) events in Manila. Secretary Tillerson told the press Wednesday that he is "hopeful" that the agreement of all UN Security Council members, including Russia and China, to approve new sanctions last week

"can begin to persuade the regime that they needed to reconsider the current pathway theyre on and think about engaging in a dialogue about a different future."

But despite all of the belligerent rhetoric, he added:

"Nothing that I have seen and nothing that I know of would indicate that the situation has dramatically changed in the last 24 hours." Asked about Pyongyangs way out, Tillerson said: "Talks. Talks with the right expectation of what those talks will be about."

On the ground, nothing has changed militarily. An unnamed U.S. military official told Reuters that

"Just because the rhetoric goes up, doesnt mean our posture changes. The only time our posture goes up is based on facts, not because of what Kim and Trump say to each other."

The facts on the ground in the region confirm that fact.

In South Korea, the Presidents spokesman Wednesday said there was not an "imminent crisis," and that efforts to begin talks with the North "are working with a belief that the possibility is very high."

A source in Seoul, in former government circles, told EIR that things are calm there, as they always are when there is hype in the West about an imminent war on the Peninsula, since they believe the West is not crazy enough to start a war which would wipe out much of South Korea and perhaps some other nations. But, the source said, the confidence in President Moon Jae-in is dwindling, primarily because he is trying to play it both waysacting tough by joining in Western threats, while calling on Pyongyang to begin talks. This will not succeed, the source believes, since it will not be accepted in the North, which requires some assurances of its security guarantees in order to begin talks. Moon is seen as indecisive.

The Chinese/Russian offer of a mutual freezea freeze on testing in the North and on U.S./Korean military exercises in the Southhas not been totally rejected, but is not being accepted by the United States at this time.
PRESS RELEASE

Russia Expert Cohen: Trump and Putin Stand Against Mainstream Drive for War

Aug. 10, 2017 (EIRNS)The Nation posted an article by Russia relations expert Stephen Cohen on Aug. 10 headlined "Unverified Russiagate Allegations, Irresponsibly Promoted by Congress and the Media, Have Become a Grave Threat to American National Security." Cohen points out that the new round of sanctions passed by Congress against Russia, in a situation where the Russiagate allegations prevent Trump from seeking cooperation with Russia, creating a situation he calls a new cold war, that is more dangerous than the 40 year-long conflict we thought had been settled two decades ago.

Cohen points to the following factors to demonstrate this:

The current conflict includes three areas of potential conflict due to NATO or U.S. military activity: The Baltic and Ukraine on Russias borders, and Syria, where U.S. and Russian forces operate in uneasy cooperation.

There is no "mainstream" opposition to conflict, as demonstrated by the virtually unanimous sanctions vote in Congress. Fear of Russiagate has kept anti-Cold War leaders publicly silent, and the war policy has been adopted without debate.

Cohen cites obvious bias in the building coverage in which Putin is blamed for "saber-rattling," when Russia beefs up defenses on its own territory in response to NATOs military build-up adjacent to it. Another case is the failure to cover the Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS) report that refutes the Russia hacking myth. VIPS, incidentally, was founded by officers who resigned their posts in opposition to the fraudulent assessment that Iraq was stockpiling weapons of mass destruction, which was the excuse for the murderous war that left that nation a devastated haven for Al Qaeda and ISIS. Cohen points out that this bias is buttressed by efforts, supported by establishment media and politicians to censor opposing views.

Cohens conclusion is to report the irony that Putin, whom the establishment voices portray as a ruthless tyrant, is a strong voice of moderation against Russian calls for harsher responses to the U. S. actions, just as Trump, with similar reputation, stands alone, possibly with some support from our European allies who are targeted along with Russia by the sanctions, as the leadership that might just save us from an open U.S./Russia conflict.
The entirety of President Trumps job-creation strategy was visible July 26 during a White House ceremony to announce a deal bringing a $10-billion video-screen factory for the Taiwan electronics company Foxconn to southeastern Wisconsin.

The elements included a claim about the number of jobs that was unverifiable and not believable; a description of the cost and terms of the $3 billion in tax incentives dangled in front of Foxconn that concealed their astronomical cost for Wisconsin taxpayers; the presence of political sycophants (in this case, Vice President Mike Pence, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and House Speaker Paul Ryan, [R-Wis.]) to attest to Trumps role in negotiating the deal; and grandiose assertions by Trump himself that its all about him: If I didnt get elected, he wouldnt be spending $10 billion, Trump said of Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou, also in attendance.

Left unexpressed were doubts that the factory would ever actually be built, and that even if so, it would employ the extraordinary workforce of 13,000 that was claimed. Reporters on hand might have delved into that issue, but no questions were permitted.

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This is a transfer of wealth from Wisconsin taxpayers to Foxconn shareholders. For the taxpayers, its a guaranteed loser.  Tax incentive expert Greg LeRoy

So lets provide some of the context that was overlooked on that occasion. Experts who have examined the proposed deal, which must be approved by the Wisconsin Legislature, have concluded that it wont begin to pay off for state taxpayers for more than two decades, if then  or ever.

A good portion of the jobs will go not to Wisconsin workers, but to residents of Illinois, meaning that Wisconsinites will pay, and their cross-border neighbors will profit. The deal would exempt the Foxconn plant from a host of environmental regulations, placing the local water supply and ecology at risk.

In other words, the announcement was all flash and precious little substance. But what substance is known is disturbing.

This is a transfer of wealth from Wisconsin taxpayers to Foxconn shareholders, says Greg LeRoy, the head of Good Jobs First, which tracks government economic incentives handed over to corporations. LeRoy observes that even if the plant reaches its projected complement of 13,000 workers, that means the deal would cost about $230,000 per job.

The average worker at Foxconn is never going to pay $230,000 more in state and local taxes than the public services she and her family will consume during her work tenure there, he says. For the taxpayers, its a guaranteed loser. If the size of the workforce falls short, he noted, the cost per job could be much higher.

Under Gov. Walker, who briefly ran for the Republican presidential nomination last year, Wisconsin has been something of a sinkhole in economic development schemes. After Walker privatized the states main job-development agency, it became ensnared in scandal after scandal while failing to make much of a mark on job growth. The defining job program of Walkers administration was a $6-million grant in 2014 to Ashley Furniture, which was allowed to lay off half of its 3,800 Wisconsin workers as part of the deal. A few weeks after the grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. was approved, Ashleys owners donated $20,000 to the reelection campaign of the development groups chairman, Gov. Walker.

The Foxconn proposal boasts similar elements of a glittery political veneer concealing signs of rot from the inside out. One blow was landed in Madison on Aug. 8 by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, which analyzes bills with budget implications. Among other points, the bureau pointed out that Foxconn would receive at least $1.35 billion and possibly as much as $2.9 billion in tax incentive payments even if it didnt owe any Wisconsin tax, that increased state tax revenue from job growth wouldnt offset the incentive spending until at least 2042  and then only if the full complement of 13,000 jobs was reached and all went to Wisconsin residents.

But the bureau acknowledged that anywhere from 10% to half of the jobs could go to nonresidents. Thats because the proposed factory site in the Racine-Kenosha area  Paul Ryans home district  is within easy commuting distance of Illinois. If there are fewer jobs, and fewer go to state residents, the bureau said, the break-even point could be years or decades later.

Whether the plant ever will host 13,000 workers is doubtful; the legislative analysis acknowledged that some estimates place the probable payroll as low as 3,000. Trump touted the plant as a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, but state-of-the-art electronics factories are replacing human assembly workers with robots, a trend the efficiency-minded Foxconn is unlikely to abandon.

The most important aspect of Trumps participation in the Foxconn announcement may be what it says about his job development approach. It doesnt seem to be aimed at anything special except generating photo opportunities. Foxconn itself is getting a reputation for making lavish promises and letting them lapse, as appears to have been the case with a project the company touted for Harrisburg, Pa., in 2013. That deal was for a $30-million plant employing 500 workers. But the plant hasnt materialized.

Ever optimistic, Pennsylvania officials participated in a seven-state beauty contest Foxconn staged this year, playing Pennsylvania and Wisconsin off against Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Texas in its quest for the most lavish state and local incentives. This race to the bottom has the effect of all but eliminating any genuine economic gains the ostensible winner can claim from landing the plant.

Yet Trump explicitly endorsed such interstate shakedowns in December, when he bragged about keeping a Carrier air conditioning plant in Indiana. Employers can leave from state to state and they can negotiate good deals with the different states and all of that, Trump said then. But leaving the country is going to be very, very difficult.

Even Trumps victory in the Carrier episode was predictably ephemeral. Even though the company supposedly pledged to retain more than 1,000 jobs rather than move them to Mexico, in June it emerged that Carrier will lay off more than 600 of its workers by the end of this year.

In Wisconsin, Foxconn is insisting that the state Legislature enact the package of proposed incentives by the end of September, or no deal. That means that for all the preening at the White House last month, the deal may end up like others sponsored by Trump and offered by Foxconn: real hype and false hopes.

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.
April Underwood, 37, is the vice president of product at enterprise software company Slack, one of the hottest tech companies in the Bay Area. As the head of product, she partners with engineering leadership to oversee a team of around 350 people and is responsible for product vision and strategy at a company that boasts more than 5 million daily active users and a valuation of more than a billion dollars.

Curious kid

Underwood grew up in Amarillo, Texas, the daughter of parents who studied architecture. She was never pressured to pursue any particular career, although her family had a geeky streak. An uncle who worked at Texas Instruments encouraged her to play with the Speak and Read, Speak and Spell and Speak and Math toys when she was a kid. Another uncle gave her toys focused on learning binary. She wound up excelling at Advanced Placement chemistry and was later accepted to the University of Texas, Austin , for chemical engineering.

Risky change

When Underwood decided to major in chemical engineering, she thought she would enjoy it because she had done well in classroom chemistry. But she quickly learned that the chemistry taught at school differed from its practical applications. I realized a lot of those paths lead to working in oil and gas fields at refineries, she said.

During her first semester, she knew she didnt want to go further with it  but changing majors meant losing her engineering scholarships. It was a huge leap of faith, she said. At the time it was really scary for my parents to see me do that, so I knew I needed to figure out a way to close that financial gap.

She switched to management information systems, a business-centric major that enabled her to take classes in coding, finance, accounting and marketing. To make up for the lost scholarships, she got a part-time job.

Tech support

Answering an ad in the college newspaper, Underwood got a gig in tech support for Austin firm TeleNetwork Inc., where she was paid $10 an hour.

Customers would call in, Id have to walk them through exactly how to fix their computers, then theyd have to hang up the phone and try it because they only had one phone line, Underwood said. This was during the days of dial-up Internet, so Underwood learned to communicate clearly to customers what they had to do because she couldnt walk them through it in real-time. She wasnt intimidated by computers or technology. While doing tech support, she even saw an opportunity to create training programs for other people in the call center.

Over the holiday break she taught herself HTML coding from a book, and convinced her bosses to let her build the software. They agreed, and she built it.

Bubble bust

Underwoods senior year coincided with the height of the dot-com bubble  students were receiving lucrative job offers and signing bonuses and could have their pick of where they wanted to work. By the time she graduated, though, the bubble had burst, and a company she had interviewed with, Enron, was about to go under.

I passed on a couple of job opportunities, and my peers and professors were angry with me because they thought it was very shortsighted of me, she said. It was like the world was crumbling.

Still, with a background in business and coding, and internships at 3M and Deloitte , she scored a job at Intel in Oregon as a software engineer, working on Intels enterprise software.

Superpower

Underwoods software engineering chops landed her at Intel, but she quickly learned that she wasnt content to only do software engineering. She was fascinated by the business side. She had an interest in marketing. She enjoyed and was good at communicating with people. She wanted to do something that combined all these skills. After a year at Intel she went to travel site Travelocity, again as a software engineer, but this time taking on more responsibilities, asking business questions, and serving as the bridge between the companys technical and business teams.

Youve got to have your superpower, Underwood said. Youve got to have the thing youre really good at, because you need to be useful from day one, and you need to get your foot in the door.

For Underwood, that ability was solving problems through code.

But once you get there, if you have a broader perspective and some experience or interest in other areas, youre going to stand out. That happened for me really quickly in my career, and its part of the reason I made the transition from engineering to product management a couple of years in.

Navigating a path

Underwood moved around a lot in her career, working on enterprise-focused companies such as Intel and now Slack, and consumer-facing companies such as Travelocity, Google (where she spent two years) and Twitter (where she spent five years). During these job changes, she also transitioned from solely being a software engineer, to someone who straddled engineering and business, to being focused on product.

The key to her successful transitions, she believes, is she never made any major leaps.

You have to imagine theres a stone path, and youre trying to get from one place to another, she said. If the goal is to get to product management of a consumer app, but youre starting as an engineer of an enterprise app, then start by making the transition into product management at your own company, or in an enterprise company. Try to change one thing at a time, and it makes it a lot easier. It takes a few leaps and a few years.

When to leave

Underwood often left companies when they were on the upward trajectory, a move that baffled some of her peers. Instead of clinging to a role at a company because of its prestige, or feeling that she had to do her time before she could move on, she asked herself three questions when deciding whether to take a new role.

The first is to ask yourself, what will you learn over the next year at the company youre at, versus what you believe you might learn somewhere else, she said.

The second is how you feel about the product the company makes. In the case of Slack, Underwood had been a longtime user before shed even considered working for the company.

And the third is to look at whether youve set up your existing team for success once you leave.

I do think theres a responsibility that you owe to your team, she said.

Stay curious

Underwood chalks up much of her success to her curiosity. Be really, really good at something at any given time, she said, whether its engineering, business strategy or something else entirely, and then get to know what the people next to you are working on, and develop relationships with them.

Thats when you start to get a broader perspective. People who can do what theyre assigned to do, and anticipate the problems that are overlooked, those people are gold within an organization. So be good at the thing youre good at, and be curious about the rest.

Personal

Underwood lives in Marin County and enjoys hiking and baking. She is gluten intolerant and cannot eat most of what she makes, but it doesnt stop her from baking it.

More success stories from How I Made It 

UPDATES:

8:15 a.m.: This article was updated to clarify that Underwood alone does not manage 350 people.

This article was originally published at 3 a.m.
Shanghai tourists safe after their ordeal

From:Shanghai Daily | 2017-08-10 09:30

SHANGHAI tourists traveling in Jiuzhaigou have spoken of their panic when the earthquake struck.



We thought it was a landslide at first, but we suddenly realized it was earthquake because we felt the tremor strongly, said Yang Rongfei.

Yang was part of a group of 30 tourists.

We were nervous and people started running out of hotels immediately, he said. We gathered on the streets because it was safe to stay in open areas.

Yang Xian, a Shanghai Spring Tours guide, told how she rounded up all 17 of her group, staying at the Jiuzhai Resort Hotel, within 20 minutes.

I was talking to the phone when the earthquake happened, and I heard strange sounds like trains running.

The strange sounds lasted about 10 seconds and the lights were out suddenly, she said.

In darkness, she left the hotel and shouted out the names of her party at the entrance.

There was no power or cell phone signal.

I told myself to keep calm because it is my duty as a guide to find all my tourists said Yang.

Yang was in Jiuzhaigou when the 2008 earthquake struck, and she said she drew on her experiences of that disaster.

She bought mineral water and biscuits for group members and they were evacuated from the area.

Dong Zhou, a Ctrip guide, said: My tourists were in a panic and I took some precautions. I told my tourists to put a bottle upside-down on the ground and, if it shakes, they should run through the emergency exits immediately.

Men were told to keep their eyes open, and be vigilant, he said.

The tourists in Jiuzhaigou who were on trips that had been organized by travel agencies in Shanghai are safe, the citys tourism administration said.

All 5,591 tourists whose trips had been organized by agencies in Shanghai had been evacuated to cities that included Chengdu, Mianyang and Guangyuan in Sichuan Province and Wenxian County in Gansu Province, the administration said, or they had been returned to where they had started their journey.
Los Angeles billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiongs NantHealth Inc. said it would cut about 300 employees and sell some assets as the biotech company looks to focus on artificial intelligence for cancer treatment.

The Culver City company said Thursday that it signed an agreement to sell its provider and patient engagement assets to Chicago-based healthcare IT firm Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc., allowing NantHealth to integrate the remaining engineering teams to focus on cancer.

NantHealth said the assets sale, integration of acquired businesses and other moves are expected to result in annual cost savings of more than $70 million.

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On Thursday, the company reported a net loss for the quarter ended June 30 of $70.1 million. Its net revenues fell 17% from the same period a year earlier, to $26.2 million.

NantHealth spokeswoman Jen Hodson said in a statement Friday that the companys moves could help it become one of, if not the leading cancer company driving 21st century delivery of care.

However, the companys share price fell sharply. Shares of NantHealth closed at $3.49, down 13.8%.

Brandon Couillard, an equity analyst at Jefferies, remarked in a note to clients that NantHealth had grown immensely complex after it acquired a number of companies prior to its stock market debut last summer.

Between synergies, transferring a significant number of workers to Allscripts and internal consolidation, the company said it expected to cull its workforce by about 300.

One of NantHealths key products is a genetic test known as GPS Cancer, which helps oncologists determine individualized cancer treatments. Soon-Shiong, the companys CEO, is the second-largest shareholder of Los Angeles Times owner Tronc Inc.

Soon-Shiong announced a research initiative last year called Cancer MoonShot 2020 focused on developing cancer treatments.

NantHealth touted sales of its GPS Cancer commercial tests in the second-quarter earnings report. The company said it had its largest month of orders to date in July, and that 379 GPS Cancer commercial tests were ordered in the second quarter, with 264 deliveries.

But in the note to clients, Couillard said commercial uptake of the GPS Cancer test remained lackluster as orders and tests completed were essentially flat compared with the previous quarter and GPS test revenue figures were unchanged from the previous two quarters.

The companys stock was priced at $14 a share when it went public, and shares traded as high as $18.59 last year.

But its share price has tumbled since then, especially after healthcare publication Stat reported in March that Soon-Shiong and his charitable foundation donated $12 million to the University of Utah for genetic-disease research, and the university paid NantHealth $10 million for genetic analysis.

NantHealth has said the university was free to choose any vendor and disputed the assertion that the donation was made to benefit Soon-Shiongs commercial interests.

We remain focused on extending coverage and driving physician engagement for our GPS Cancer solution around the world, Soon-Shiong said in a statement Thursday. We strongly believe that GPS will result in extended and improved quality of life.

samantha.masunaga@latimes.com

Twitter: @smasunaga

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Many great artists suffer for their work, and celebrity chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay is no exception.

The host of a bevy of Fox reality cooking shows, including Hells Kitchen and MasterChef spares no detail when recounting his most humiliating moment on-set during the filming of the sixth season of MasterChef Junior last spring.

Prancing around in a frickin elf suit in the middle of Easter, with a pair of tights on and looking like Ive just come out of some hideous show in Paris, was destroying, Ramsay said of the holiday-themed stunt, during a recent visit to The Times video studio.

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But the tart-tongued chef, whod rather mince onions than words, wasnt finished.

I cried, Ramsay deadpanned. I went back in my elf house. I came back out eating a cookie. I bent down and I saw this massive hole in my tights, right under my ass. Let me tell you, for any 8-year-old kid, that was not a pleasant sight.

(No children were actually traumatized during Ramsays wardrobe malfunction, which he assured us happened during a dress rehearsal.)

Ramsays willingness to be the butt of the joke and undercut his image as a passionate, if volatile, personality are in large part what makes his work co-hosting MasterChef Junior so, well, masterful.

At least the Emmy voters think so, giving Ramsay his first nomination for his hosting abilities.

But more than scoring accolades, Ramsay is interested in teaching the young home cooks competing on the show a skill that will last them a lifetime, both in and out of the kitchen.

The first thing I say to these young kids coming into this kitchen: Theres no Mum, theres no Dad, theres no teacher, Ramsay explained. Were going to be handling issues and youre going to be running out of time and youre going to be upset and the most important thing throughout this competition is a solution.

Thats what lifes about, he continued. Whats the solution?

If Ramsay seems preternaturally good at managing the meltdowns and mood swings of children, know that the wisdom is hard-earned.

He spoke glowingly of his four children, all teenagers: daughter Megan, 19, currently attending Oxford Brookes University, twins Holly and Jack, 17, and youngest daughter Matilda, a UK reality cooking star in her own right.

But though he appears to have it all well in-hand on MasterChef Junior, Ramsay admitted that hes currently dealing with a bit of classic Ramsay obstreperousness when it comes to the baby of the family.

Shes getting a little bit too big for her boots, Ramsay confided. Shes now trying to charge me to eat my food, cooked in my house.

Matildas reasoning?

Well you charge people to come to your restaurant, so why cant I charge you? Ramsay recounted of his daughters home cooking efforts.

For more of Ramsays stories, insights and an explosive expose on The Times fake plants, check out the full interview below.

 Gordon Ramsay sees a higher purpose working with young cooks on MasterChef Junior: I adore them.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

libby.hill@latimes.com

@midwestspitfire
True Detective season three, starring Oscar winner Mahershala Ali, is officially confirmed at HBO By Sarah Rodman Mahershala Ali accepting his Oscar for Moonlight. The actor will star in the third season of the HBO drama True Detective (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) During the HBO executive session at the summer edition of the Television Critics Assn. press tour, programming president Casey Bloys confirmed reports that Moonlight Oscar winner Mahershala Ali would star in a third season of True Detective. Although he was mum at the time on when it might happen, he did say that he had read five scripts and thought they were terrific. Thursday night, the premium pay cabler released a statement officially confirming that the series will indeed return for a third installment. While no episode count or premiere date was included in the release, an enclosed synopsis stated that the next iteration of the show tells the story of a macabre crime in the heart of the Ozarks, and a mystery that deepens over decades and plays out in three separate time periods. Ali will star as Wayne Hays, a state police detective from northwest Arkansas. (Ali follows in the footsteps of season one stars, and continuing executive producers, Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, and season twos Colin Farrell and Vince Vaughn. No word yet on whether hell have a partner.) The show will once again be helmed by creator Nic Pizzolatto, who penned all the episodes of the upcoming series, save the fourth, which he co-wrote with David Milch (Deadwood, NYPD Blue). He will share directing duties with fellow executive producer Jeremy Saulnier (Blue Ruin.) Im tremendously thrilled to be working with artists at the level of Mahershala and Jeremy, said Pizzolatto in a statement. I hope the material can do justice to their talents, and were all very excited to tell this story. Bloys noted that Nic has written truly remarkable scripts. With his ambitious vision and Mahershala Ali and Jeremy Saulnier aboard, we are excited to embark on the next installment of True Detective.  Facebook

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Newly reopened Angels Flight has long been a popular L.A. shooting location By Mark Olsen Its among the more unusual landmarks in Los Angeles, a short, steep railway that gets people up and down a single hill. So it makes sense that Angels Flight has been featured in many movies and television shows over the years. Angels Flight resumed regular service Thursday after being closed since 2013 (it did operate for one day of shooting on La La Land). It remains to be seen if it starts to appear again in movies and television shows. (Not that it ever really stopped.) Speaking to The Times at last years Toronto International Film Festival, La La Land star Ryan Gosling reflected on the use of historic locations in the movie. This was an opportunity to show an L.A. thats still there.... Youve got to squint your eyes a little, but there are still places in L.A. that are still part of the golden years of Los Angeles when Hollywood was in its heyday, Gosling said. I lived around the corner for a long time from Angels Flight and Grand Central Market, although I never got to ride Angels Flight because it had been shut down, Gosling added. Those places are still there... these gems that are there, and we were able to shoot them one by one. Angels Flight reopened on Thursday. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) The small piece of land next to the top of Angels Flight, known as Angels Knoll, was also prominently featured in (500) Days of Summer. The location has appeared in a wide variety of movies over the years, as early as 1916s Good Night, Nurse, 1918s Up She Goes and 1920s All Jazzed Up. It has also had high-profile cameos in Act of Violence (1949), M (1951), Kiss Me Deadly (1955), The Exiles (1961), The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies (1963) -- all the way up to to 2011s The Muppets and last years La La Land. And on television, Angels Flight has been seen on Perry Mason, Dragnet and the recent series Bosch. READ MORE: Angels Flight: How it works and what its been through in its 100-year history Facebook

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Jamie Foxx announces telethon for Harvey relief By Libby Hill (Andrew Krech / News & Record via Associated Press) A new stream of celebrity support for victims of Hurricane Harvey opened Wednesday, as Jamie Foxx announced that a telethon fundraiser is in the works. In an Instagram post where the actor revealed his own donation of $25,000 to GlobalGiving, Foxx also shared preliminary plans for the upcoming benefit. From a fellow Texan, my heart goes out. My prayers go out, Foxx, from Terrell east of Dallas, said. September 12 we have a telethon that were doing. Well give you more details, so we can raise as much money as we can for everybody down there. View Instagram post Scooter Braun, talent manager and mastermind of One Love Manchester, is helming the event along with rapper and Houston native Bun B. TMZ reported that Foxx, Reese Witherspoon, Blake Shelton, Hilary Duff and Michael Strahan are all involved with the project, with commitments from the four major broadcast networks to air the special for an hour on Sept. 12. In an interview with TMZ, Bun B said that fellow Houston natives Beyonce and Jim Parsons are high on his wish list for the telethon. The outlet also reported that Bun B would only want President Trumps presence if it was via a show of unity with other former presidents. Solange also announced Wednesday that she will be holding a benefit show at Bostons Orpheum Theatre on Sept. 28. Featuring the Sun Ra Arkestra, the performance is titled Orions Rise and all proceeds will go to Hurricane Harvey relief. View Instagram post Facebook

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Gwyneth Paltrows love life? Yeah, she admits shes screwed up plenty of relationships By Libby Hill Gwyneth Paltrow takes full responsibility for her romantic failings. She admitted as much in a recent interview with the podcast Girlboss Radio, during which Paltrow went deep on some of her lost loves. Oh, my god, Ive [screwed] up so many relationships, so many, Paltrow said. Im actually a pretty good friend and a good sister and a daughter and a mother, but I am at my potentially most vulnerable  in the romantic slice of the pie. So its taken me a lot of work to get to the place where I have a good romantic relationship. Paltrow consciously uncoupled from ex-husband Chris Martin in 2014 after 10 years of marriage and has been romantically linked to American Horror Story creator Brad Falchuk for the past three years. On Girlboss Radio, Paltrow sent a shout-out to former beau Brad Pitt, whom she dated from 1994 through 1997, and was at one point engaged to. I [screwed] that up, Brad, Paltrow said. Paltrow also delved into her experiences as founder and CEO of her lifestyle brand Goop, sharing that once shes in the boardroom with investors, no one cares if shes a celebrity. I go into the room, and for the first 90 seconds, Im Gwyneth Paltrow, she said. And theyre like, Oh, my god, my wife loves you .... And then, about 90 seconds later, Im just getting grilled like anyone else. But she doesnt get offended; she relishes the challenge. It was such a beautiful chapter of my life when I started raising [venture capital financing], because it knocked me down so many pegs. I was like, Oh, Im, like, no one. Im nothing. This [stuff] is real. I have to know the most granular aspects of my business and be able to defend it. The celebrity just completely drains out of the room. Its irrelevant, she said. Paltrows full conversation with Sophia Amoruso can be streamed at Girlboss. Facebook

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Longtime Simpsons composer Alf Clausen fired from the show after 27 years By Randall Roberts When the 29th season of The Simpsons premieres in the fall, it will, for the first time in decades, be doing so without its longtime musical contributor, Alf Clausen. Clausen, who composed the Fox animated shows incidental music, was told that the show was looking for a different kind of music moving forward, according to Variety. Clausen confirmed his firing via Twitter. Thank you for all of the support...unfortunately, the news is true... https://t.co/jBQH0b40cz  Alf Clausen (@TheAlfClausen) August 31, 2017 The composers orchestral scores supported the familys foibles since the shows primitively drawn early days. And although The Simpsons theme song was penned by Danny Elfman, the sonic feel of the series has been defined by Clausens grandiose, often epic productions. Hes responsible for scoring Mr. Burns breakout See My Vest moment and crafted the tunes for the Springfield musical theater companys A Streetcar Named Desire adaptation. Ditto The Planet of the Apes musical. In short, nearly every classic music moment of The Simpsons has featured Clausens fingerprints. On Twitter, fans thanked Clausen for his work while expressing outrage at the circumstances surrounding his departure. Fired over the phone, yet, wrote one user. Clausen quickly corrected him with a one-word reply: Email ... On Thursday, producers for The Simpsons issued a statement to Variety. It stressed that Clausen will continue to contribute to the series: We tremendously value Alf Clausens contributions to The Simpsons and he will continue to have an ongoing role in the show. We remain committed to the finest in music for The Simpsons, absolutely including orchestral. The statement concluded: This is the part where we would make a joke but neither Alfs work nor the music of The Simpsons is treated as anything but seriously by us. Update, 1:16 p.m.: This story was updated with a statement from The Simpsons. Facebook

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Instead of statues, Trevor Noah and Roy Wood Jr. have another idea for honoring Confederate history By Chris Barton With the country still reeling from the harrowing impact of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Wednesday nights Daily Show looked at one of the summers ongoing controversies: Confederate monuments. Occasionally setting aside the shows usual comedic tone, Trevor Noah enlisted correspondent Roy Wood Jr. to consider whether these statues honor Southern heritage, as their supporters claim, or the nations history and lingering problem with racism. After showing a montage of guests on network news shows who reminded viewers that these statues were erected during the Jim Crow era, decades after the Civil War, Wood equated slavery to another tragedy. Its like if a woman got out of an abusive relationship and then she had to keep pictures of her ex up in her house to remember the time, a straight-faced Wood explained. No, I dont need pictures to remember pain. People say, We want to remember the history of the Civil War, Noah added. Theres an easier way to remember what happened in the Civil War: Just walk around in the South. And if you see free black people, then you know what happened. Watch the segment above. Facebook

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Gloria Gaynor sings to Texas Harvey victims: You will survive By Christie DZurilla (Astrid Stawiarz / Getty Images) Gloria Gaynor wants people affected by Harvey to know they will survive, and shes communicating that message through a new version of the song that has defined her career. Gaynor, whose I Will Survive became an anthem over the years, rewrote the 1978 disco hit to reach out to victims in Texas and posted her rendition on social media Wednesday. Hi, my neighbors in Texas, she said in a video shot while she sat at a piano she was about to play. This is Gloria Gaynor with a song that hopefully will cheer you up just a little bit. @SylvesterTurner @rashivats @SallyMacFox26 @TheRitaGarcia @kaitlinmonte @ChrisdyannUribe @MsCoCoDominguez @JMartinFOX26 TX WILL SURVIVE  pic.twitter.com/FCNOnDr85o  Gloria Gaynor (@gloriagaynor) August 30, 2017 Here are the tweaked lyrics, for those who dont want to hit play with the sound on. First we were afraid

We were petrified

Thinking Texas couldnt live

With floodwaters this high

We know you spent plenty of time

Preparing for this hurricane

Who couldve known that it would come

With so much devastating rain

But we will strive

And youll survive

With all our love and help and prayers

We will stay strongly by your side

We are your neighbors tried and true

Well do all we can for you

And youll survive

You will survive, you will survive Similarly on Monday night, Coldplay unleashed a new original song written after the band was forced to cancel its Friday show in Houston with Hurricane Harvey bearing down. This is a new song, and well never play it again, frontman Chris Martin told an audience in Miami. Its a once-off. Its called Houston. Were going to sing it in Miami for everybody here, and then were going to send it over there to everyone who missed the show. Facebook

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Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation donates $1 million to Harvey recovery By Christie DZurilla (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) Leonardo DiCaprio has stepped up with a $1-million donation to aid the victims of Hurricane Harvey, now a tropical storm, which has dumped historic levels of rain on the Gulf Coast over the last several days. United Way Worldwide announced Wednesday that it has started the United Way Harvey Recovery Fund with a seven-figure donation from the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. The money  100% of it, according to the charity  will go to help victims of flooding with mid- and long-term recovery over the coming years. There are 23 United Ways that operate in the path of the storm, which made landfall Aug. 24. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of Leonardo DiCaprio and his foundation, United Way Worldwide President and CEO Brian Gallagher said in a statement. Responding to Hurricane Harvey requires the best of all of us  and thats what this gift represents. DiCaprio has been urging support of the United Way and American Red Cross this week on his Twitter account and retweeting stories talking about Harvey and climate change. Di Caprios foundation has been committed to climate-related issues and environmental projects since 1998, Terry Tamminen, president and CEO of the foundation, said in a statement. We support efforts to build climate resilient communities and protect vulnerable wildlife and ecosystems across the planet, and have supported disaster relief and victim funds in the past. We hope others will step up and support the United Way and other organizations. Earlier this week, Sandra Bullock, who has a home in Texas, gave $1 million to the American Red Cross, repeating the lump-sum generosity she showed after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. Ellen DeGeneres was also in the seven-figure donation tier. The comic and talk-show host dropped $1 million in the relief bucket on Wednesday via J.J. Watts foundation. The effort by the Houston Texans star player topped $10 million on Thursday, with Watt chronicling its progress all week via videos on social media. Update, 8:50 a.m.: This post was updated with information about DeGeneres donation to Watts fund. Facebook

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A Star Is Born: Chris Tucker turns 45 today By Los Angeles Times Staff (Iris Schneider / Los Angeles Times) I had a dream as a kid: I wanted to be big, big like Richard [Pryor] and Eddie [Murphy]. I imagined it. I studied it. I had a passion.  Chris Tucker, 2001 FROM THE ARCHIVES: In a Big Rush Facebook

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Springsteen on Broadway was born to run, is extended through February By Libby Hill Bruce Springsteens solo shows on Broadway have been extended through February, just hours after the original run sold out. (Greg Allen / Invision/Associated Press) Good news for Bruce Springsteen fans who were locked out of purchasing tickets Wednesday morning for his upcoming run of shows on Broadway. Ticketmaster announced that Springsteen on Broadway, an intimate stage experience that launches in October and features the rock legend performing solo, will be extending for 10 additional weeks. Originally scheduled to close in November, the show was extended through February after the original block of tickets sold out in a matter of minutes Wednesday. "#SpringsteenBroadway has been EXTENDED! the ticket outlet tweeted, with a follow-up tweet explaining that fans who had previously registered to purchase tickets will not have to register again. #SpringsteenBroadway has been EXTENDED!

More information coming today.

There will NOT be any additional codes released for today's onsale. pic.twitter.com/xGY3rj3Yrl  Ticketmaster (@Ticketmaster) August 30, 2017 #SpringsteenBroadway extended run information 

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REGISTER AGAIN!

NEW #VerifiedFan registration: https://t.co/2xNBBhcVES pic.twitter.com/FT3mLaTLPV  Ticketmaster (@Ticketmaster) August 30, 2017 Springsteen will be performing at New York Citys Walter Kerr Theater, which houses fewer than 1,000 seats. To curtail ticket scalping, Ticketmaster relied on its Verified Fan program. The program forces fans to register to even have an opportunity to purchase tickets and are limited to two tickets per purchase. For all of Ticketmasters efforts, resale sites already are flooded with Springsteen on Broadway tickets, with some reaching $10,000 apiece. Fans interested in trying their luck for the second batch of performance dates will need to register with Ticketmaster Verified Fan by Sept. 3 (at 7 p.m. Pacific). Tickets will be available for purchase 10 a.m. Pacific on Sept. 7. Facebook

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Sandra Bullock donates $1 million to Harvey relief efforts By Libby Hill Sandra Bullock donated $1 million to the American Red Cross for storm relief. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) With the Gulf Coast still battling the aftereffects of Tropical Storm Harvey, celebrities continue to come forward to help with relief efforts for the humanitarian crisis. Sandra Bullock, who has a home in Texas, donated $1 million to the American Red Cross emergency efforts, the organization confirmed to The Times on Wednesday. We are so thankful for the overwhelming and generous response from those who want to help those affected by this devastating storm, Elizabeth Penniman, vice president of communications for American Red Cross national headquarters, said in an email. Massive disasters like Hurricane Harvey create many critical and immediate needs, so we are heartened by donations like this  which allow us to provide immediate shelter, food and comfort to thousands in need, Penniman continued. The entertainment community has been so supportive to the Red Cross in response to this devastating disaster, and we are so grateful. Bullock is just the latest star who has donated to recovery efforts in Texas. The Kardashian family pledged $500,000 to the Salvation Army and Red Cross on Tuesday. Kevin Hart also spearheaded a celebrity-driven fundraising campaign on Crowdrise that has brought in more than $1 million for the Red Cross. Facebook

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Corinne Olympios wants DeMario Jackson to know she doesnt blame him for anything By Christie DZurilla Corinne Olympios doesnt have any hard feelings toward DeMario Jackson, the fellow Bachelor in Paradise cast member who was with her at the center of a scandal that shut down production on the reality TV series in June. I dont blame DeMario. I never pointed fingers at DeMario. I never said a bad word about DeMario, the 25-year-old told host Chris Harrison in an early-August taped interview that aired Tuesday night on ABC. She and Jackson havent spoken since production was halted after allegations of misconduct were made by a producer, leading to an investigation of what happened during a period when, Olympios now says, she was blacked out. I was almost a little bit nervous to talk to [DeMario], because he did run to the media and I didnt want to add fuel to the fire, she said. Before she had a chance to collect her thoughts, he was out there and so on the defensive, she said. He was doing his thing and I didnt want to get messed up in that. ... I cant help but feel like maybe he felt like I thought he did something to me. Jackson did not do anything bad, she insisted. Seeing him start crying in a clip from his own interview with Harrison, which had aired on the show last week, Olympios welled up a bit too. It was hard for me to go through something like that. I know exactly how he feels. The media wants to paint you a certain way that you know youre just not, she said. Olympios told Harrison the same things she had said in a Tuesday morning interview with Good Morning America about blacking out from drinking too much and mixing alcohol with medication. However, she didnt directly address her I am a victim statement that was released at the height of the scandal. On GMA, she said she meant she was a victim of the media. Regarding Bachelor in Paradise with Harrison, she simply talked about how awful it was to have so many people acting like they had been there or were suddenly experts on her life. To even get up and go get eggs at the grocery store ... my face was all over every magazine and I had to check out and everyones staring, Olympios said. Youre looking at them and its like, Im not what youre thinking right now. Then, near the end of the interview, she shared one big wish. Obviously hindsight is 20/20, she said, and I wish it could have been handled differently. Facebook

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Tomi Lahren finds new home at Fox News By Libby Hill Conservative firebrand Tomi Lahren is again gainfully employed after being fired from Glenn Becks The Blaze in March. On Wednesday, Lahren announced via her Facebook page that she is joining the Fox News team as a contributor. This exciting new step will allow me to give voice to all the America-loving patriots who have had my back since day one, Lahren wrote. I will remain a solid and passionate advocate for you. Though 25-year-old Lahren has made television appearances before -- including a contentious appearance on The Daily Show With Trevor Noah -- much of her career has been in digital media. She hosted On Point With Tomi Lahren for One America News Network, and her Final Thought videos have garnered her over 4.4 million Facebook followers. In addition to her role as a contributor, Lahren will also have a signature role on a Fox News digital product in development, according to a press release issued by the network. Lahren makes her debut on Wednesdays edition of Hannity at 7 p.m. PDT. Facebook

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Trevor Noah is shocked  shocked  by the latest revelations about Trump and Moscow By Robert Lloyd Even as the Earth offers humanity another taste of its weather future  and President Trump keeps Sheriff Joe Arpaio out of jail and North Korean missiles fly over Japan  late-night TV hosts have disappeared from their chairs as if it were August in France. Trevor Noah is on the job, though, hosting The Daily Show. Tuesday night, he had some mirthful words about the ongoing investigation into the Trump campaigns Russian affairs. Specifically, he reflected on the revelation of a letter of intent, signed by POTUS himself, to build a Trump Tower skyscraper in Moscow  and make it the tallest building in the world  despite Trumps repeated claims to have no business, no interests, no nothing in Russia. How can one person lie so big? HOW? Noah asked, amazedly. Its like if your friend said he had never heard of Mumford and Sons and then one day you see the album cover and youre like, wait a minute, youre Mumford. Were those connections strictly business, or were they getting out on the votey-votey action? Thats not clear yet, he said. What was clear is that a typically dubious character was at the center of it  namely Felix Sater, a Russian-born real estate developer once convicted of stabbing a man in the neck and face with the stem of a broken margarita glass. Of all the glasses to stab someone with, a margarita glass is the worst, Noah said. Youre literally putting salt into the wounds. There was also a conviction for Saters involvement in a $40-million stock fraud, Noah added, which came as no surprise to the host. You never trust someone with a cat name. If a human goes by Felix or Whiskers or Mittens, you should probably just stay away. There were emails, of course; there are always emails. Buddy, our boy can become President of the USA and we can engineer it. I will get all of Putins team to buy in on this, Sater wrote to Trumps personal lawyer, Michael D. Cohen. This buddy boy email may not be the smoking gun for Trump, Noah concluded, but what it could end up being is the broken taillight  the thing that gives law enforcement the excuse they need to look into Trumps trunk. And we all know, he said, as a picture of the golfing presidents derriere appeared over his shoulder, hes got a lot of junk in that trunk. Facebook

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Jury president Annette Bening addresses lack of female representation at Venice Film Festival By Nardine Saad (Claudio Onorati / Associated Press) Though there arent as many women represented at this years Venice Film Festival as she would like, jury president Annette Bening believes things are changing. The four-time Oscar nominee, whose film credits include American Beauty, The Kids Are All Right, 20th Century Women and Bugsy, addressed the lack of female directors Wednesday during the 74th annual Venice Film Festivals opening press conference. (Only one of the 21 films in competition is directed by a woman this year.) As women, we have to be sharp, shrewd and creative in what we choose to make. Sexism does exist and there is no question about it. But things are changing, the actress said at the opening press conference, according to Variety. The more we can make films that speak to everybody, the more we will be regarded as filmmakers, she added. Bening, the first woman to chair the jury in more than a decade, said she knew of both veteran and rookie filmmakers struggling to get their movies made whether they are men or women. She said the industry has a long way to go, in terms of parity but was confident that the direction were going is positive. Facebook

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A Star Is Born: Lisa Ling turns 44 today By Los Angeles Times Staff (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) [People have said to me], When you were in the worlds largest slum [in India], you could almost smell what it was like by your expression.' Its not that Im trying to force myself on the viewer. Im just their eyes and ears. I think our work is quite pure.  Lisa Ling, 1997 FROM THE ARCHIVES: Taking news personally Facebook

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In wake of Charlottesville strife, Virginia Film Festival to host director Spike Lee as special guest By Josh Rottenberg Director Spike Lee photographed in 2015. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times) As the city of Charlottesville, Va., and the nation as a whole continues to grapple with the violent racial strife that erupted earlier this month, the Virginia Film Festival announced on Tuesday that it will host filmmaker Spike Lee as a special guest at the upcoming festival as part of a program around the legacy of slavery. Lee, who has tackled thorny issues of race throughout his career, will present his Oscar-nominated documentary 4 Little Girls about the 1963 bombing of a Baptist church in Birmingham, Ala., that claimed the lives of four African American girls, an act of white supremacist terrorism that marked a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. We have for many years been interested in bringing Spike Lee to the Virginia Film Festival as he remains one of the most talented, innovative, and socially conscious filmmakers in our world today, said Jody Kielbasa, director of the film festival and vice provost for the arts at the University of Virginia. We first reached out to Mr. Lee in the spring to include him in our upcoming collaboration with Montpelier, and of course, the recent events in Charlottesville have made his participation more compelling, relevant and vital. The festival program will also include a short film titled I Cant Breathe that combines footage of the 2014 chokehold death of Eric Garner during his arrest by a New York City police officer with footage of the death of Radio Raheem under similar circumstances in Lees 1989 film Do the Right Thing. The program is part of a larger collaboration with Montpelier, the Virginia plantation of President James Madison, who owned more than 100 slaves, that will explore both how the legacy of slavery continues to affect the lives of African Americans and how they are depicted in film and other media. The 30th annual Virginia Film Festival will run from Nov. 9 to 12 in Charlottesville. Facebook

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Jerry Seinfeld recaps childhood in Netflixs first Jerry Before Seinfeld trailer By Nardine Saad The first trailer for Netflixs stand-up special Jerry Before Seinfeld has arrived, and its a madcap recap of Jerry Seinfelds humble beginnings, quirky family dynamics and bits of everyday observations. The teaser opens with Johnny Carson introducing the iconic comic in 1981 during his debut on The Tonight Show. Then it showcases the sitcom star back at the mike at the Comic Strip, the famous New York comedy club where he launched his career. Throwback photos, videos and interviews with Seinfeld are woven throughout. Hes back where he began, the title reads, doing what he loves. The original comedy special is the first of two stand-up specials Seinfeld will deliver in his massive deal with the streaming giant. (The deal also includes the entirety of his Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee catalog and 24 new episodes of the Emmy-nominated talk show, which will launch later this year.) Seinfeld and Netflix teased to the special last week with several clips posted on Instagram and a close-up look at the numerous legal pads scrawled with handwritten jokes hes kept from the 1970s. Jerry Before Seinfeld begins streaming Sept. 19. Facebook

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Kermit the Frog finds his new voice in Matt Vogel By Nardine Saad The new Kermit the Frog has arrived and hes following his dreams -- literally. New Muppeteer Matt Vogel made his vocal debut as the iconic frog on Monday in a Muppet Thought of the Week video posted on YouTube. Dreams are how we figure out where we want to go. Life is how we get there, he says in the brief clip. Im headed this way. The veteran voice actor has worked on Sesame Street and also operates the Muppets Floyd, Constantine and Sweetums. He is only the third puppeteer to take on Kermit the Frog full time since the character was created in 1955. He replaced former puppeteer Steve Whitmire, who began work on The Muppet Show in 1978 and inherited the role of Kermit when creator Jim Henson died in 1990. Whitmire was dismissed over concerns about his repeated unacceptable business conduct over a period of many years and he consistently failed to address the feedback, the Muppets Studio said at the time. Whitmire claimed he was fired in October 2016 and kept quiet about it until Vogel was announced as his replacement in July. It was his opinionated communication style that earned him his walking papers, he said. Facebook

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Trevor Noah says Trumps pardon of Sheriff Arpaio renders courts powerless By Nardine Saad The Daily Show host Trevor Noah broke down former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaios presidential pardon on Monday, explaining how President Trumps decision undermines the judicial branch of government. The controversial Maricopa County lawman, who was convicted of criminal contempt of court for violating Latinos rights, earned himself a thuggish reputation as a sheriff, Noah said, citing his agencys use of tent cities, stun guns, jail overcrowding and numerous cases of inmate deaths and police brutality. But those were just his extracurriculars, Noah said. It turns out his full-time job is racism. The 85-year-old Arpaio was found guilty in July of defying a 2011 court order barring officers from stopping and detaining Latino motorists to check their immigration status. As much as Sheriff Arpaio presented himself as anti-illegal immigrants, it turned out really he was just anti being a decent human being, Noah said. When the president of the United States steps in and pardons someones contempt conviction, hes essentially rendering the courts powerless.  Daily Show host Trevor Noah His abuses hurt inmates and taxpayers, costing the state $142 million in legal fees, settlements and compliance costs, Noah said. Other things they could have spent that money on? Schools, roads or they could have just paid Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather to just punch Arpaio in the face. But Noah made the point that Trumps decision completely undercut the judiciary. Remember how the three branches of government are supposed to be equal? Well, convicting someone of contempt is the one and only way the judicial branch can put muscle behind its decisions. So when the president of the United States steps in and pardons someones contempt conviction, hes essentially rendering the courts powerless, he said. Watch the full segment above. Facebook

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Watch Coldplay dedicate new song to Harvey victims -- and vow never to play it again By Randall Roberts (Jens Meyer / Associated Press) On Monday night in Miami, Coldplays Chris Martin drew attention to the victims of Tropical Storm Harvey by unveiling a new song called Houston -- and then vowed never to play it again. The band, which was forced to cancel its Houston show days earlier due to the storm, wrote the song as the region was enduring historic flooding. After acknowledging that he and the band all grew up loving country music, and, of course, thats kind of what we think of when we go to Texas, Martin asked the crowd to bear with them. This is a new song, and well never play it again, Martin said. Its a once-off. Its called Houston. Were going to sing it in Miami for everybody here and then were going to send it over there to everyone who missed the show. Vowing to return to Houston, Martin and band huddled and tentatively started a twangy little number. Im dreaming of when I get back to Houston, sang Martin, replete with a touch of Johnny Cash-ian twang. Describing it as that city where they send you into space, Martin crooned of Corpus Christi, Harris County, Galveston, of a harmony that hums down there in Houston, and urged the region to keep on keeping on. Merle Haggard it wasnt (and everyones a critic), but the performance drew huge applause from fans and went viral on Tuesday morning. Coldplays quick-turnaround ditty is hardly the first to document such deluges. Johnny Cashs Three Feet High and Rising occurred in real time as a family struggled to keep dry. In Charley Pattons High Water Everywhere, the country blues singer recalled the lives lost in the Great Flood of 1927, which consumed the Mississippi Delta and spawned dozens of songs: Oh, Lordy, women is groaning down / Oh, Lordy, women and children sinking down, Patton sang. I couldnt see nobody home, and was no one to be found. Below is another song about the flood of 27: Bessie Smiths Backwater Blues. Facebook

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Corinne Olympios on Bachelor in Paradise scandal: I was really a victim of the media By Christie DZurilla (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images) Corinne Olympios says medication, the booze and the media were key players in Junes production-stopping Bachelor in Paradise scandal and its aftermath. Calling the situation just really unfortunate, she said Tuesday on Good Morning America that she doesnt remember anything that happened. Seeing video of what transpired on the first day of production on the looking-for-love reality show was like watching not-me, she said. Im watching someone else. On that day, Olympios and fellow cast member DeMario Jackson allegedly wound up in the pool or hot tub together in a situation that a producer thought went too far. Allegations of misconduct were made, and production shut down the next day for an investigation that ultimately determined nothing untoward had happened. The show, sans Corinne and DeMario, premiered its fourth season Aug. 14, a week later than originally planned. I did drink, too much, I definitely understand that, Olympios said. But I was also on a medication that severely blacks you out and impairs your judgment and messes with your balance, that I didnt know you were not supposed to not drink on, and so it really just caused a horrible, horrible blackout. It was like I went under like anesthesia and then just like woke up. Shes now weaning off the medication, she said, and cutting down on her drinking. But in explaining her provocative official statement that she was a victim living out her worst nightmare, Olympios revealed her specific definition of victimhood, which had little or nothing to do with consent, which was a hot topic throughout the scandal. I was really a victim of the media, Olympios said. It was just, all of a sudden people became an expert on the situation and on what happened, and it was like, Im still trying to figure out exactly what happened. It was just horrible to deal with. It got really, really bad. ..., she added. The things people say are just insane. When the remaining Paradise cast met as a whole on the first episode of the season, their sympathies seemed to lie with Jackson as they worried about the long-term effects the scandal would have on him and any future career opportunities, especially given the lingering racial issues of alleged misconduct between a white woman and a black man. However, they were quick to say they were not slut-shaming Olympios either. Jackson spoke last week on Bachelor in Paradise, sitting down with host Chris Harrison to give his take on what happened. Heres a taste of that, courtesy of GMA: Facebook

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Victorias Secret Fashion Show heads to Shanghai this year By Nardine Saad Angels will fly over the Great Wall of China in November as the Victorias Secret Fashion Show heads to Shanghai for the first time. Supermodels Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Behati Prinsloo, Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldridge and more will strut their stuff for the annual lingerie extravaganza, Victorias Secret and CBS said in a statement on Tuesday. The iconic pre-holiday show  replete with teensy underwear and massive angel wings  is usually filmed in New York, but Miami, Los Angeles and London have also hosted the scantily clad runway walk. The broadcast will air on CBS on Nov. 28 and will be shown in more than 190 countries. Models Elsa Hosk, Jasmine Tookes, Josephine Skriver, Lais Ribeiro, Martha Hunt, Romee Strijd, Sara Sampaio, Stella Maxwell and Taylor Hill will also walk in this years show. Musical performers will be announced at a later date, the statement said. Ni hao, China! This year's #VSFashionShow is headed to Shanghai. Watch it Nov 28, 10/9C on @CBS. Learn more: https://t.co/AHWHWjKOCI pic.twitter.com/tgIVJs7Lsr  Victoria's Secret (@VictoriasSecret) August 29, 2017 Facebook

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A Star Is Born: William Friedkin turns 82 today By Los Angeles Times Staff (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) I love the experience of making films. I love the mud. I love the dirt. I love all the inconveniences. Thats why you do it. If you do it because youre looking to be the Great American film maker, youre liable to experience disappointment.  William Friedkin, 1989 FROM THE ARCHIVES: The Exorcisms of William Friedkin Facebook

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Taylor Swifts Look What You Made Me Do video bashes another YouTube record By Randy Lewis Taylor Swifts official video for her first new music in three years, Look What You Made Me Do, has blasted through the existing YouTube record for most views tallied during its first 24 hours of release. The clip logged 43.2 million views since the video was posted Sunday evening. That far surpasses the record set in 2013 by Korean pop star Psys Gentleman, which racked up 36 million views in its first day. It also hasnt slowed interest in Swifts previously released lyric video for the same song, which set a record for lyric video viewership by drawing 19 million views in the first 24 hours. That version has now surpassed 47 million views in less than four days. Both videos have generated flurries of debate and analysis among Swifts fans and her dissenters, the former seemingly outnumbering the latter by a margin of nearly 5 to 1. Likes have surpassed the 1 million mark, while dislikes stood at 232,000 at the 24-hour mark. The song is the first single from her forthcoming album Reputation, due Nov. 10. It will be Swifts sixth studio album. Each of her last three albums sold more than 1 million copies during the first week of release. Swift is the only artist with that achievement to her credit. Update Aug. 29, 10:30 a.m.: This post has been updated with the finalized 24-hour viewer total. Facebook

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Watch the Game of Thrones cast and crew break down some of Season 7s best scenes By Tracy Brown Game of Thrones Season 7 may have concluded Sunday, but there is still plenty left for fans to unpack before Thrones"-withdrawal sets in. Along with all the burning questions left in the wake of the season finale, HBO has left us with some behind-the-scenes videos from this seasons most epic moments. The production magic of Game of Thrones is undeniable and it extends to beyond special effects dragons. From Arya donning Walder Freys face to dole out her brand of vengeance to Daenerys walking into Dragonstone for the first time, there is plenty to explore from just the first episode alone. The video above dives deep into what it took to craft the Season 7 premiere, including how Cerseis fancy new giant map came to be. Of course, plenty of fans are probably still contemplating the latest episode and what Jon and Danys new level of intimacy means going into the final season. Can this be how the actual prince that was promised is conceived? And if you were a bit squicked out by the pairs developing relationship, youre not alone. Unlike Jon and Daenerys, Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington are definitely aware that they are both Targaryens. For us as actors its just weird, said Clarke in a video about the coupling. The reality of what they are to each other. In fact, the actors had more facial expressions and sound effects to convey their feelings about this union than words. Watch in the video below. Facebook

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Ed Skrein leaves Hellboy after whitewashing furor By Christie DZurilla (Jordan Strauss / Associated Press) Ed Skrein will not play Maj. Ben Daimio in a reboot of Hellboy, the English actor said Monday, noting that when he accepted the role he didnt know that in the comics the character was of mixed Asian descent. Just a week ago, Skrein had tweeted his excitement over taking on the role. Backlash  in the form of whitewashing allegations  ensued. It is clear that representing this character in a culturally accurate way holds significance for people, and that to neglect this responsibility would continue a worrying tendency to obscure ethnic minority stories and voices in the Arts, the 34-year-old Deadpool actor said in a statement announcing that he had changed his mind about portraying Daimio. Calling it a moral decision, he said he was sad to leave the movie but hoped his action would make a difference in making equal representation in the arts a reality. David Harbour, the Stranger Things actor slated to play Hellboy, tweeted, Hey internet. Thank you for your voices. An injustice was done and will be corrected. Many thanks to @edskrein for doing what is right. Mike Mignola, who created the Hellboy comics, also thanked Skrein on Monday and said the move was very nicely done. Hey internet. Thank you for your voices.



An injustice was done and will be corrected.



Many thanks to @edskrein for doing what is right. https://t.co/tUvP6YibgG  David Harbour (@DavidKHarbour) August 28, 2017 In addition to Harbour, the 2018 version of the story so far stars Milla Jovovich as Nimue, Ian McShane as Professor Broom and Alice Monaghan as Sasha Lane, according to IMDb. Neil Marshall, who among other things has helmed episodes of Game of Thrones and Westworld, is set to direct. The Daimio character didnt appear in the 2004 or 2008 Guillermo del Toro films based on the Hellboy comics. Heres Skreins full explanation: pic.twitter.com/8WoSsHXDFO  Ed Skrein (@edskrein) August 28, 2017 Updated, 2:39 p.m.: This story was updated with comments from Harbour and Mignola. Facebook

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Kathy Griffin and Anderson Cooper are super-friends no more By Libby Hill Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin (Rob Kim / Getty Images) What began as a tasteless joke at the expense of President Trump continues to have real-life consequences for comedian Kathy Griffin. In an extensive interview with The Cut, Griffin admitted that her 17-year friendship with Anderson Cooper, with whom she co-hosted CNNs New Years Eve gig for a decade, ended in the wake of the Trump controversy. In May, Griffin publicized a photo shoot that featured her holding a bloodied imitation severed head bearing a strong resemblance to the president. The backlash was immediate and largely bipartisan, as many saw the images as glorifying violence and furthering political division. Griffin quickly apologized for the misstep but the damage had been done, with condemnation from the White House, investigation by the Secret Service and the loss of several jobs, including her CNN gig. On May 30, Cooper tweeted his disapproval of Griffins artistic expression, calling it disgusting and completely inappropriate, and Griffin admitted at a June 2 news conference that Coopers comments hurt her. For the record, I am appalled by the photo shoot Kathy Griffin took part in. It is clearly disgusting and completely inappropriate.  Anderson Cooper (@andersoncooper) May 31, 2017 In July, Cooper appeared on Bravos Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen and stated that he and Griffin were still friends. Yeah, were still friends, and look I said what I said about  I didnt think what she said was appropriate, but I wish her the best and I hope she bounces back, he stated. But Griffin claimed that at that point, nearly two months after the fact, she had yet to hear from Cooper privately. In reality, it wasnt until Aug. 10 that Cooper finally reached out to Griffin in a series of text messages, CNN confirmed to The Cut  at which point Griffin informed him that their friendship was over. Facebook

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In One Mississippi Season 2 trailer, Tig Notaro prays for the gay to stay By Christie DZurilla Tig Notaros One Mississippi is coming back for a second season, one in which her character is getting used to life back in her small Mississippi hometown. Season 1 of the Amazon Prime Video series took viewers through a fictionalized series of events that echoed Notaros own life: a potentially deadly intestinal illness, breast cancer, a double mastectomy, the unexpected death of her beloved mother and a romantic breakup. Yup, its a dark comedy. In Season 2, L.A. transplant Tig is navigating her new environs, including strategizing about how to proceed with a crush on Straight Kate and dealing with some well-meaning, pray-the-gay-away critics of her radio show. Plus, theres her stepfathers whole dishwasher drill to contend with, not to mention the story line that has to do with sexual assault. The new season of One Mississippi starts streaming Sept. 8. Facebook

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Watch Frank Oceans lyric video for new song Provider By Randall Roberts As is his wont these days, R&B superstar Frank Ocean unveiled a new song, Provider, his own way: during the newest installment of Blonded Radio, the Apple Music/Beats 1 radio show he hosts and curates. The ballads a meditation that name-checks Aphex Twin, shoegaze, Talking Heads, Jaws, Patagonia sportswear and Stanley Kubrick, and moves through verses without much regard for structure. Immediately following the Sunday premiere, Ocean dropped the lyric video on his website. Featuring a souped-up mini-boombox retrofitted with bigger speaker cones and a Velcro-attached machete, the clip suggests an owner getting ready to hunt prey while using Provider as the lure. Ocean hasnt uploaded the clip to YouTube, but you can listen and watch on his blonded.co website. Facebook

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Gone With the Wind, deemed insensitive, has been pulled from a Memphis theater By Christie DZurilla Gone With the Wind will not be shown in the future by a Tennessee theater that decided it was insensitive to many in the local community. The 1939 movie, which marked the first Oscar win by a black actor, depicts a romanticized view of slavery and life on a Southern plantation before, during and after the Civil War. Gone With the Wind, which won 10 Academy Awards in 1940, including for best picture, had been shown by the Orpheum Theatre Group for years as part of an annual Summer Movie Series, according to Memphis Commercial-Appeal. At times, it was screened more than once a year, the paper said. This year, however, a different climate prevailed. The recent screening of Gone With the Wind at the Orpheum on Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, generated numerous comments, Brett Batterson, president of the theater group, said Friday in a statement (via the New York Times). The Orpheum carefully reviewed all of them. As an organization whose stated mission is to entertain, educate and enlighten the communities it serves, the Orpheum cannot show a film that is insensitive to a large segment of its local population. The majority of Memphis residents are black, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The screening happened, coincidentally, on the day before a rally of white nationalists that turned violent in Charlottesville, Va.  a rally that has been followed by a national conversation about whether to purge monuments to Civil War generals and soldiers from public spaces. In an interview with the Commercial-Appeal, Batterson said the appropriateness of screening Gone With the Wind had been discussed every year, but the social media storm this year really brought it home. By Monday, comments on social media, including on the Facebook post announcing the screening, had shifted in large part to defense of Gone With the Wind as a product of its time that, despite its romanticized portrayal of the Old South and of slavery, was still part of movie history and worth showing on a big screen. The Orpheum did not respond Monday to The Times requests for comment. Hattie McDaniels Oscar win for supporting actress was a significant first but was also loaded with a lot of political and racial issues given that the film was the classic archetype of the Mammy, said Adilifu Nama, associate professor of African American Studies at Loyola Marymount University, speaking to The Times in 2014. McDaniels role of Mammy is fundamentally a subservient role and is part of a film that is a Southern racial fantasy, Nama said. Facebook

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Taylor Swift gets petty and Pink talks pretty in the must-see moments from MTVs Video Music Awards By Libby Hill Were you too busy watching [spoiler] revealed as [spoiler] on Sunday nights Game of Thrones finale to watch MTVs Video Music Awards? Fear not! Weve gathered up four must-see moments from the socially conscious affair (and one lackluster video debut from Taylor Swift) to keep you in the loop. Pinks PowerPoint presentation It was a banner night for singer Pink, who received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award for her body of work and used the occasion to share an anecdote about her daughter Willow. Recently, Pink stated, her daughter referred to herself as the ugliest person she knew and complained that she looked like a boy with long hair. At first, the Raise Your Glass singer was taken aback by her daughters words but soon swung into action, compiling an elaborate PowerPoint presentation about the history of androgynous rock stars, including Michael Jackson, David Bowie and Annie Lennox. Pink relayed a simple sentiment that most of us could learn a lot from: So, baby, girl, we dont change. We take the gravel and the shell and we make a pearl. Logic talks emotions Plenty of artists used the VMAs stage to speak passionately about issues they care about, but few did so as extensively as rapper Logic. After his performance of 1-800-273-8255" with Khalid and Alessia Cara, the title of which is the phone number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Logic talked about mental health and equality. Beginning at 3:50 in the above video, Logic first thanked the audience for giving him a platform to discuss the important issue of mental health. He then quickly pivoted to other pressing social issues including discrimination, sexism and domestic violence. I dont give a damn if youre black, white or any color in between, Logic said. I dont care if youre Christian, youre Muslim, youre gay, youre straight, I am gonna fight for your equality because I believe that we are all born equal, but we are not treated equally and that is why we must fight. Jared Leto honors Chester Bennington Logics performance and subsequent speech were particularly moving given the past years loss of two rock musicians to suicide  Linkin Parks Chester Bennington and Soundgardens Chris Cornell. Jared Leto, an Academy Award winner and frontman of Thirty Seconds to Mars, spoke about both men at Sundays ceremony. MTV asked me to come here to say a few words about Chester and the late, great, Chris Cornell, two artists I had the absolute pleasure of touring with, Leto said of the two singers who were also close friends. Chester said of Chris, Your voice was joy and pain and anger and forgiveness, love and heartache, all wrapped up into one, Leto recalled. Leto also recounted his own memories of Bennington. I think about his heart, Leto said. And I remember his voice. At once ferocious and delicate, that voice will live forever. Fifth Harmony gets shady Despite the pleas for equality and the heartfelt speeches, there was still plenty of time for pettiness at the VMAs, as evidenced by Fifth Harmonys performance. As the group took the stage to perform its latest single, Angel, a mystery fifth member appeared in the lineup before being unceremoniously yanked offstage as the song began. What appeared as an inexplicable stunt to the uninitiated was likely a shady reference to former Fifth Harmony frontwoman Camila Cabello, who exited the group in December to pursue a solo career. It wasnt so much that Cabellos departure stung her former colleagues but that she reportedly failed to inform them of her decision before announcing it to the world. Oops. Also Taylor Swift Unless you were in a coma for the whole of last week, you probably heard that Taylor Swift announced the release date for her upcoming album, Reputation, as well as releasing the first single, Look What You Made Me Do. Its fine. Sunday night, Swift debuted the video for Look What You Made Me Do. It is also fine. This has been your daily Taylor Swift update. Facebook

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Kevin Hart, Beyonce and Drake lead charge for Hurricane Harvey flood relief By Nardine Saad (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times) As Harvey lashed southeastern Texas over the weekend, celebrities rallied for the relief effort. Comedian Kevin Hart led the charge Sunday night, donating $25,000 and challenging his celebrity friends to donate to the Red Cross amid catastrophic flooding in the Lone Star State. I think weve participated in a lot of challenges on the Internet, some meaningful, some meaningless, but weve all done them. Ive been a person thats partaken in several of them, Hart said in an Instagram video. At this point, this is a serious matter, he continued. I think the people are in bad shape and they need help. Im going to lead the charge and step up in this way. The Jumanji star called on his co-star Dwayne Johnson, comics Steve Harvey, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle and Jerry Seinfeld, as well as musicians Jay-Z, Beyonce and Justin Timberlake to make donations and tag someone else to do the same. At that point, Houston native Beyonce and Kelly Rowland of Destinys Child had already posted notes about their hometown on Instagram, sending thoughts and prayers to the state that launched their careers. View Instagram post View Instagram post The deluge of support continued with country star Chris Young. The Man I Want to Be singer posted an emotional YouTube video about his certainty that his Texas home was destroyed and concern for his friends and family in the state. He donated $100,000 to relief efforts to a GoFundMe campaign to benefit the Red Cross. Harvey, one of the worst natural disasters in the states history, slammed onshore Friday as a Category 4 hurricane, then weakened to a tropical storm on Saturday, dropping up to 24 inches of rain on Houston in 24 hours. The National Weather Service reported that at least five people had died as of Sunday evening, but that number was expected to increase as the floodwaters recede. More than 30,000 people across the Gulf Coast are likely to seek temporary shelter as the tropical storm continues to drench southeastern Texas and Louisiana with heavy rains and surging floodwaters, The Times reported. Toronto native Drake, who has lived in Houston for the last eight years, said that he and DJ Future the Prince are working with local relief groups to aid and assist the people of Texas in anyway we can and in the most immediate way possible. I also want to thank all the men and women of service and volunteers for their courageous efforts to help people in need, the rapper said on Instagram. I encourage everyone to do what they can to assist the people of Texas knowing whatever effort you can make to help will go a long way. View Instagram post Also, during the MTV Video Music Awards Awards on Sunday, host Katy Perry touched upon the catastrophic event. She too urged viewers to donate to the Red Cross. All of us here at the VMAs are sending love to the people of southeastern Texas and everyone affected by Hurricane Harvey right now, Perry said onstage. Were praying for your safety in the days to come and we stand with you as you rebuild because were all in this together. According to the Houston Chronicle, more than 15 inches of rain could fall on several more southeastern Texas cities. Corpus Christi, where Harvey first made landfall, saw upward of 20 inches of rain in two days. By Monday morning, up to 40 inches of rain had fallen on northeast Houston. Another 20 inches were expected Monday before Tropical Storm Harvey travels farther east. Facebook

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Susan Bro, mother of slain Charlottesville protester Heather Heyer, announces anti-hate foundation at the MTV VMAs By Randall Roberts (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) During an evening filled with defiant messages against racism, homophobia and body shaming, the mother of Heather Heyer announced some concrete actions to further the cause. Susan Bro, whose daughter was killed two weeks ago during protests in Charlottesville, Va., has worked through her grief by speaking out against racism, and took a further step by creating the Heather Heyer Foundation. Describing it as a nonprofit organization that will provide scholarships to help more people to join Heathers fight against hatred, Bro requested that viewers visit the new site to help me make Heathers death count. Added Bro: Heather never marched alone. She was always joined by people from every race and every background in this country. Bro was introduced by Robert Lee IV -- a descendant of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee -- who said his ancestor has became of idol of white supremacy and hate. Lee went on to describe racism as Americas original sin. He went on to ask all of those with privilege to confront white supremacy and racism head-on. Watch his speech below. I call on all of us with privilege and power to confront racism and white supremacy head-on" - Robert Lee IV #VMAs pic.twitter.com/ko4SM9VnaU  MTV (@MTV) August 28, 2017 Facebook

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Watch Pinks inspiring MTV VMA speech to individuality By Randall Roberts In receiving her Video Vanguard award at the MTV VMAs on Sunday at the Forum -- the shows equivalent of a lifetime achievement trophy -- the pop star Pink told a story about a conversation shed recently had with her young daughter. They were driving to school and her daughter said, Mama, Im the ugliest girl I know. Pink replied, Huh? And she was like, Yeah, I look like a boy with long hair. Pink said that she immediately thought, My god, youre 6. Where is this coming from? The artist and mom didnt lecture her daughter. Instead, said Pink: I went home and made a PowerPoint presentation for her, and in that presentation were androgynous rock stars and artists that live their truth; are probably made fun of every day of their lives and carry on and wave their flag; and inspire the rest of us. These are artists like Michael Jackson and David Bowie and Freddie Mercury and Annie Lennox and Prince and Janis Joplin and George Michael, Elton John, so many artists. Pink said that her daughters eyes glazed over, but Pink pressed her about why she felt that way about herself. What do you think I look like? She said, Youre beautiful. The pop singer explained that she gets critiqued, too. They say I look like a boy or Im too masculine or Im too -- I have too many opinions. My body is too strong. I said to her, Do you see me growing my hair? She said No Mama. I said, Do you see me changing my body? She said, No Mama. Do you see me changing the way I present myself to the world? No Mama. Do you see me selling out arenas all over the world. Yes Mama. OK baby girl. We dont change. We take the gravel and the shell and we make a pearl. And we help other people to change so that they can see more kinds of beauty. Added Pink in closing: To all the artists here, Im so inspired by you. Thank you for being your true selves and for lighting the way for us. Facebook

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Watch Jared Leto offer touching tribute to Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington at the MTV VMAs By Randall Roberts In a moving tribute to two fallen musicians, the actor and musician Jared Leto honored the lives of Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Chester Bennington of Linkin Park at the MTV VMAs on Sunday. Cornell and Bennington committed suicide in 2017, and Leto was friends with both. In 1976 in Phoenix, Ariz., a child was born. He was precocious, full of life, and determined, and grew up to become the singer of one of the greatest rock bands in the history of music, Leto said. His name was Chester Bennington, and the band is Linkin Park. Leto added that MTV asked him to say a few words about Bennington and Cornell, who he described as two artists that I had the absolute pleasure of touring with. They were close friends with one another -- Chester even singing the cover of the classic Hallelujah at Chris funeral. Recalling Benningtons words at Cornells funeral service, Leto said: Chester said of Chris, Your voice was joy and pain and anger and forgiveness, love and heartache all wrapped up into one. Just weeks later, Chester himself was gone. Chester was my friend. As he was to so many. Witnessing his life taught me important things -- especially about working relentlessly, pursuing dreams and being kind and caring while doing it. Facebook

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Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert and more steal the MTV VMA spotlight By Gerrick Kennedy Kodak Black arriving at the MTV VMAs. (Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press) The line near a concession stand inside the Forum minutes before the MTV VMAs kicked off on Sunday was lengthy, but no one was waiting on food or drinks. Instead, a dozen or so folks waited patiently to get a selfie with Kodak Black, who high-fived and posed with as fans fumbled with smartphones. The VMAs are typically rife with heavyweights (Kendrick Lamar, Katy Perry, etc.) but this years ceremony looked to tap into the wide scene of rising acts that have been dominating streaming services and social media all summer. Before the telecast even began Lil Uzi Vert clinched a major win, taking the trophy for song of summer for XO Tour Llif3" and he later joined Ed Sheeran for the tune, no doubt the nights most surprising collaboration. Meanwhile, Khalids pre-show medley could have easily anchored the main show while reality star turned breakout rap sensation Cardi B was another highlight of the pre-show festivities. Her viral hit Bodak Yellow rattled throughout the Forum during nearly every commercial break. Fifth Harmony later made its debut at the VMAs with an explosive main stage performance of Down, a song that also won the award for pop video. Facebook

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Jack Antonoff is living his best life at the MTV VMAs By Mikael Wood Jack Antonoff performs onstage during the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards pre-show. (Joshua Blanchard / Getty Images) Has anyone at MTVs Video Music Awards had more screen time so far than Jack Antonoff? First the A-list producer and songwriter turned up on the nights pre-show ceremony for a performance with his band Bleachers. Then he introduced Lorde by noting that hed seen her eat gas-station sushi during the two years they spent together working on her album Melodrama. He also accepted the award for best collaboration  for Taylor Swift and Zayns I Dont Wanna Live Forever (Fifty Shades Darker), which he helped create  because the singers couldnt be there. But Antonoffs best moment? Obviously the candid reaction shot in which he was shown casually eating a banana, as his girlfriend, Lena Dunham, described it on Twitter. My boyfriend just casually eating a banana at the VMAs is a good reminder of why we've been at it half a decade  Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) August 28, 2017 Facebook

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Watch Taylor Swifts bold Look What You Made Me Do video, which premiered during the MTV VMAs By Randall Roberts Taylor Swifts new video for Look What You Made Me Do, which premiered during the 2017 MTV VMAs on Sunday night, features her dressed as a zombie, a diamond-drenched queen, a red-dressed seductress, a car-crash victim, a bird in a cage, a kitty-masked thief with a baseball bat, a biker chick wearing studded leather and a whip-snapping dominatrix. As she poses and pretends, Swift makes a not-so-veiled reference to her ongoing feud with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, getting all combative behind the microphone as a feather-light melody jumps behind her. The video premiered during a ceremony hosted by pop star and avowed Swift nemesis Katy Perry. Perry didnt introduce the clip, a hint that the two probably still arent besties. Inside the Forum, the video premiered on multiple big screen TVs rose that from the stage, and Perry was nowhere in sight. As the clip seems to be winding down, the music fades. But Swift hasnt fully made her point. In its final moments arrive a dozen-odd versions of Swift standing in front of a black private jet with the name of her new album, Reputation, scrawled on it. The many Swifts start bickering and referencing the various criticisms that have been lobbied at her over the years. Stop making that face, its so annoying, the zombie Swift says, a nod to what some believe is the exaggerated excitement the artist shows when she wins awards. A young version of Swift interrupts with an innocent Yall! but is shot down by an embittered Swift: Oh stop acting like youre so nice. Youre so fake! Standing in the center of the line is Swift seemingly dressed as she was at the 2009 VMAs, when West interrupted her victory speech to decry Beyonce's loss. Holding her VMA trophy, she says, Id like very much to be excluded from this narrative, both a nod to to the musical Hamilton and a repeat of a phrase Swift posted on social media in wake of controversy resulting from Wests song Famous. In that 2016 tune, he he boasted that I made that [profanity] famous and, therefore, that he and Swift might still have sex. The other Swifts reply in unison: Oh shut up! Facebook

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Kendrick Lamar opens 2017 VMAs with fiery performances of DNA and Humble By Randall Roberts Wearing a red scarf on his head and a poofy winter coat onstage, Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar opened the 2017 MTV VMAs needing neither. Within a few minutes of launching with DNA a dancer center stage burst into flames. You could almost feel the heat simmering through the screen. I was born like this, since one like this, Lamar rapped. Immaculate conception/I transform like this, perform like this. Perform he did, moving into a second track, Humble, from his recent album Damn. Shedding the coat, he stood in front of a fiery backdrop grid that burned as dancers scaled it. As they did so, Lamar rapped, My left stroke just went viral/Right stroke put lil baby in a spiral. It was the opening shot of a VMAs in which politics and protest may end up taking center stage. Indeed, moments later presenter Paris Jackson drew a rousing applause when she denounced the racism and hatred propogated by white supremacists and neo-Nazis. Facebook

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Heidi Klum, Jack Antonoff and others stand in support of transgender military service members at VMAs By Randall Roberts View Instagram post As the 2017 Video Music Awards were approaching, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) was out in full force at the Forum. Its president and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis, walked the red carpet along with her invited guests: six transgender members of the military. The action came in the wake of President Donald Trumps direction to the Pentagon on Friday, as reported in The Times, to return to the long-standing policy and practice barring military service by transgender individuals. Praising MTV as a pioneering advocate for the LGBTQ community, Ellis said in a statement, Throughout all the tweets, memos, and speculation, brave transgender Americans are still serving their country and defending the freedoms of this nation while meeting the same rigorous standards of their peers. We are proud to stand with them. Posing in support: musicians and celebrities including Jack Antonoff (Bleachers), supermodel Heidi Klum, actor-comedian Billy Eichner and others, who stood alongside transgender service members including Jennifer Peace, Logan Ireland, Sterling James Crutcher and Akira Wyatt, as well as trans veterans Laila Ireland and Brynn Tannehil. Also joining them was LGBTQ philanthropist August Getty, who in his other life is a fashion designer responsible for Miley Cyruss red carpet dress. Facebook

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MTV VMAs return to Southern California with an overwhelmingly impressive setup By Gerrick Kennedy Cardi B performing at the pre-show for the MTV VMAs. (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press) After heading to the East Coast last year, the MTV VMAs have returned to Southern California. And tonight at the Forum in Inglewood, it was clear that the network decided to go big  huge really. Upon arrival to the venue it appeared that the scale of this years show was unlike anything MTV had done in recent history. A structure that looked like a space shuttle swallowed the lot in front of the venue, and stars such as Cardi B and Big Freedia could be seen pumping through the red carpet (its a deep shade of blue this year). Inside the Forum, the stage took up the entirety of the venues ground floor. The imprint of the stage was impressive, even overwhelming in size as a maze of catwalks and secondary stages traced the floor, all of which was outlined by hundreds of glowing triangles and projection screens. It made for a futuristic playground of geometric glowing shapes that show opener Kendrick Lamar put to use immediately as he emerged from the center of the venue for the explosive DNA, strutting through half of the venue before making it to the main stage. Facebook

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Taylor Swift breaks YouTube record with Look What You Made Me Do video By Randy Lewis Taylor Swift set a YouTube record with the lyric video for her new single Look What You Made Me Do, tallying 19 million views in just the first 24 hours. Thats more than double the previous first-day record for a lyric video, which was set in February by the lyric video for the Chainsmokers Something Just Like This featuring Coldplay, which registered 9 million views upon its release. Its also the best 24-hour figure Swift has logged, besting the first-day result for her 2015 official video for Bad Blood, which attracted 17 million views, and has since totaled more than 1.1 billion views. As of Sunday morning, the tally for Look What You Made Me Do had surpassed 35 million. It sets the stage for the premiere tonight of Swifts official video for the new single, which will be introduced during the MTV Video Music Awards Ceremony, taking place at the Forum in Inglewood. The overall record for viewership in the first 24 hours for any music video belongs to Adele, who registered 27.7 million views in 2015 at the premiere of the official video for her song Hello. Facebook

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Why William Friedkin called Tobe Hoopers Texas Chain Saw Massacre an Umami Burger of a movie By Mark Olsen Director Tobe Hooper, who died in Los Angeles on Saturday at age 74, created many movies and TV shows during his long career  including stepping to helm the filming of Poltergeist when Steven Spielberg was contractually banned from directing other films during the production of ET: The Extra Terrestrial. Hoopers most admired film, of course, was 1974s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. In 2014, on the occasion of the films 40th anniversary, The Exorcist director William Friedkin interviewed Hooper before an overflow audience at Los Angeles Vista theater. During the engaging conversation, Friedkin called Hooper one of the sweetest, nicest guys Ive ever known. And then added, So I often wonder where this stuff comes from. Hooper talked about purposely pitting his actors against each other to keep the on-screen tension high, how an unlikely pair of albums  Elton Johns Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Lou Reeds Berlin  inspired him during the writing of the screenplay, and about how damn strong women are, referring to the resilent character played by Marilyn Burns. Shes just not going to die. At one point, Friedkin provocatively asked, Do you think this is a work of art? Hooper first asked, Should I be modest? before responding with a salty confirmation, Its a ... work of art. The Times Mark Olsen was there for the interview. At the end of his article, theres this affirmation of the film from Friedkin: No 3-D, no CGI, welcome to this Umami Burger of a movie. Read on to find his reasoning. Read More Facebook

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Cinefamily suspends all activities in wake of sexual misconduct allegations By Sonaiya Kelley The Cinefamily on Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times) Following the resignations Tuesday of two leadership figures at Cinefamily, the Los Angeles independent film venue has announced that it is temporarily suspending all activities to allow for the investigation and necessary restructure of management and the board. Recently, claims were made alleging improper behavior by one of more members of the organization, reads a release posted on the organizations website and social media pages. The Board of Directors of The Cinefamily has no tolerance for any form of behavior that does not conform to the high standards demanded by our members and staff and that of common human decency. The letter also says that Cinefamily is bringing on an independent third party, Giles Miller at Lynx Insights & Investigations, to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations. View Twitter post A spokesperson for the theater could not immediately be reached for comment. The announcement comes in the wake of two high profile exits: co-founder and executive creative director, Hadrian Belove, and vice president of its board of directors, Shadie Elnashai, resigned on Tuesday following allegations of sexual misconduct. The exits were announced in postings on Cinefamilys social media accounts. In light of recent events, Shadie Elnashai has resigned from Cinefamilys Board of Directors and Hadrian Belove has resigned as the Executive Creative Director of Cinefamily, read the statement. Addressing the anonymous allegations in a post to his personal Facebook account following his resignation, Belove described the emails contents as demonstrable lies and half-truths, and allegations without known victims. It is not clear whether screenings currently scheduled will still run, and there has been grumbling by monthly billed members as to whether or not automated charges will be suspended or cancelled. Facebook

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The Texas Chain Saw Massacre director Tobe Hooper dies in Los Angeles at 74 By Associated Press Tobe Hooper, the horror-movie pioneer whose low-budget sensation The Texas Chain Saw Massacre took a buzz saw to audiences with its brutally frightful vision, has died. He was 74. The Los Angeles County coroners office says Hooper died Saturday in Sherman Oaks. It was reported as a natural death. Hooper and contemporaries like George Romero crafted some of the scariest nightmares that ever haunted moviegoers. He directed 1982s Poltergeist from a script by Steven Spielberg and was behind the 1979 miniseries Salems Lot, based on the Stephen King novel. Read More Facebook

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Is Taylor Swift trying to turn off her listeners? By Mikael Wood We can skip the rundown of Taylor Swifts feud with Kanye West, right? Less than 24 hours after the worlds biggest pop star unleashed her new single on a waiting commentariat, Im already exhausted by the idea of having to read (let alone write) yet another rehash of this deeply tiresome conflict. But you know whos not over it? Taylor Swift. In Look What You Made Me Do  released online Thursday night as the lead single from a new album, Reputation, due in November  the singer sounds positively fired up as she takes whack after brutal whack at the rapper who once interrupted her at an awards show. (Swift doesnt name West, to be clear, but with her reference to a tilted stage, she doesnt need to.) I dont like your perfect crime / How you laugh when you lie, she seethes over a throbbing electronic groove, You said the gun was mine / Isnt cool  no, I dont like you. Later in the tune, which Swift created with Jack Antonoff, she pretends to answer a phone call from someone evidently looking for the old Taylor  the sucker, you presume, who mightve let bygones be bygones. But she cant come to the phone, Swift tells the caller. Why? she adds. Oh, cause shes dead. Whats surprising about Look What You Made Me Do  beyond the harsh industrial production that makes it feel like Swifts response to her enemys Yeezus  is that it suggests the singer no longer cares (or is no longer able to tell) what pop fans want. Swift rose to superstardom by anticipating listeners desires; she knew just when to pivot from acoustic guitars to sleek synthesizers, from the fairy-tale romance of early hits like Love Story to the more grown-up depiction found on her last album, 2014s smash 1989. On tour behind that record, she spent a good portion of her show every night telling the members of her audience how closely shed been paying attention to them. But dredging up Taylor v. Kanye again? I mean, I cant be the only one whos sick of this topic  something Swift wouldve known a few years ago without even having to think about it. OK, so she hardly lacks for company among A-listers eager to cook expired beef. Earlier this summer Katy Perry revived her ancient tussle with Swift  I believe it had something to do with backup dancers?  for Swish Swish. But Perrys song takes delight in its own pettiness, whereas Look What You Made Me Do just makes me think of President Trump whining endlessly about fake news. (Crediting Right Said Fred for the songs supposed debt to Im Too Sexy is funny in writing, but the inspiration adds little humor to the dour music.) Maybe Swift isnt aiming for me, though. Maybe this polarizing song is meant to galvanize her base  which, sure enough, is rhapsodizing about the track on social media  even at the expense of the wider world shes dominated for much of the last decade. If thats her play, its a wild one, especially coming after her powerful testimony during the recent trial regarding her alleged sexual assault at the hands of a Denver radio DJ. In court, Swift appeared driven to speak with a voice loud enough for others. Now, just days later, she seems uninterested in that job. Have we ever seen a pop star so happily give up a portion of her following? Thats an idea Im not tired of considering. Maybe Reputation will take it up. Facebook

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Concerts by Coldplay, other acts canceled as Hurricane Harvey nears Texas By August Brown Coldplay performs at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena in 2016. (Michael Owen Baker / For The Times) As the potentially devastating Hurricane Harvey approaches the Texas coast, major acts including Coldplay, Lady Antebellum and Mary J. Blige have canceled or rescheduled their Houston-area concerts. Coldplay on Friday postponed a show scheduled for NRG Stadium in Houston. We really wanted to play tonight, but sitting here all together watching the news about the storm, we feel that we cant ask anyone to put their safety at risk. So, sadly, we will have to postpone, the band wrote. Live Nation Houston said ticket-holders would be updated when there was further information. We urge all fans in the area to stay safe, it said. A makeup date has not yet been scheduled. The country trio Lady Antebellum canceled its Sunday show at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in the Woodlands, citing the storm. Blige postponed her Friday show at the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land. The venue announced that the concert had been rescheduled to Sept. 19. The Category 3 storm, which would be the first major hurricane to hit the United States since 2005, is expected to make landfall in coastal Texas on Saturday morning, bringing 100-mph winds and up to 35 inches of rain in some areas. Facebook

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Bachelor couple Nick Viall and Vanessa Grimaldi break off their engagement By Christie DZurilla (Leon Bennett / Getty Images) Nick Viall and Vanessa Grimaldi, who got engaged on the most recent season of The Bachelor, have  with a great amount of heartbreak  called the whole thing off. We gave this relationship our all and we are saddened that we did not get the fairytale ending we hoped for, they said Friday in a statement to E! News. The relationship lasted five months after the proposal aired on the Season 21 finale of The Bachelor in March. The two said in their statement that theyre parting with love and admiration for one another. The silver lining to what they called a difficult decision? This means Nick is potentially available for yet another TV stint in the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise. That as-yet-imaginary gig would be his fifth ride on the looking-for-love roller coaster. In Bachelor Nation, its always good to dream. Facebook

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Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher settle lawsuit over websites photos of their kids By Nardine Saad (Michael Nelson / EPA) Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis legal battle with British website MailOnline has been settled. The Two and a Half Men actor, the Bad Moms actress and the outlet have reached a satisfactory resolution of their legal action regarding the publication of photos of their children, their legal representatives said in a joint statement to The Times on Friday. The couple, who starred in That 70s Show together years before they began dating, took the websites publisher, Associated Newspapers, to Londons High Court in July 2015 over two articles featuring their daughter, who was 1 at the time. The U.K.'s MailOnline.com published images of Wyatt taken during a private family outing to the beach. A paparazzo used a long-lens camera to obtain the images, and the couple said they were unaware the photos were being taken. They claimed that the photos breached the Data Protection Act and were used for the unauthorized promotion of clothing on the website. [T]hey have reached a satisfactory resolution of their legal action, which includes an agreement to pixelate photographs of their daughter, Wyatt, their son, Dimitri, and any future children they should have together.  Joint statement from Kutcher, Kunis and the MailOnline announcing their lawsuit settlement Per the agreement announced Friday, the outlet will pixelate photographs of Kutchers and Kunis daughter, Wyatt, their son, Dimitri, and any future children they should have together. The settlement is the latest legal blow to MailOnline and its associated newspaper, the Daily Mail. (The U.S. version of the website, DailyMail.com, is run by a separate news team.) In April, the tabloids parent company settled a libel suit with First Lady Melania Trump over an article it ran in the paper and online that suggested she may have once worked as an escort. In July 2014, George Clooney lambasted the Daily Mail in a USA Today op-ed that accused it of making up stories in the wake of an article it published about his mother-in-law. He got an apology and an acknowledgement that the story was inaccurate. That same month, Angelina Jolie reportedly threatened to take legal action after it published a video that claimed to show her under the influence of heroin in the 1990s. Facebook

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Taylor Swifts Look What You Made Me Do lyrics: Let the analysis begin By Randy Lewis As if there were any doubt as to the level of interest in Taylor Swifts first new music in three years, her first single from her forthcoming album, Reputation, has been blowing up since it premiered Thursday night. The lyric video for Look What You Made Me Do had logged more than 7 million views as of 9:30 a.m. Friday. Additionally, Swift tweeted that the official video for the song will premiere Sunday during the MTV Video Music Awards ceremony. For those who want to dig in and attempt to decode what and to whom the I dont like you references might refer, here are the full lyrics to the song: Look What You Made Me Do FIRST VERSE I dont like your little games Dont like your tilted stage The role you made me play Of the fool, no, I dont like you I dont like your perfect crime How you laugh when you lie You said the gun was mine Isnt cool, no, I dont like you PRE-CHORUS But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time Ive got a list of names and yours is in red, underlined I check it once, then I check it twice, oh! CHORUS Ooh, look what you made me do Look what you made me do Look what you just made me do Look what you just made me do Ooh, look what you made me do Look What you made me do Look what you just made me do Look what you just made me do SECOND VERSE I dont like your kingdom keys They once belonged to me You ask for a place to sleep Locked me out and threw a feast (what?) The world goes on, another day, another drama, drama But not for me, not for me, all I think about is karma And then the world moves on, but one things for sure Baby, I got mine, but youll all get yours PRE CHORUS REPEATS But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time Ive got a list of names and yours is in red, underlined I check it once, then I check it twice, oh! CHORUS REPEATS Ooh, look what you made me do Look what you made me do Look what you just made me do Look what you just made me do Ooh, look what you made me do Look what you made me do Look what you just made me do Look what you just made me do THIRD VERSE I dont trust nobody and nobody trusts me Ill be the actress starring in your bad dreams I dont trust nobody and nobody trusts me Ill be the actress starring in your bad dreams I dont trust nobody and nobody trusts me Ill be the actress starring in your bad dreams I dont trust nobody and nobody trusts me Ill be the actress starring in your bad dreams (Look what you made me do) (Look what you made me do) ANSWERING MACHINE INTERLUDE Im sorry, the old Taylor cant come to the phone right now. Why? Oh cause shes dead! CHORUS REPEATS Ooh, look what you made me do Look what you made me do Look what you just made me do Look what you just made me do Ooh, look what you made me do Look what you made me do Look what you just made me do Look what you just made me do Facebook

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Patty Jenkins isnt surprised James Cameron doesnt get Wonder Woman By Tracy Brown Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins has some words about James Camerons comments on the Amazonian warrior goddess: Of course he doesnt get it. Following the Avatar directors claims that Wonder Woman is a step backwards for women, Jenkins responded in a tweet that Camerons thoughts are unsurprising because he is not a woman. In an interview with the Guardian, Cameron threw some shade on Wonder Womans success by trying to compare Diana Prince to Sarah Connor from his Terminator franchise. "[Sarah Connor] was strong, she was troubled, she was a terrible mother, and she earned the respect of the audience through pure grit, Cameron said. Nothing like the objectified beauty icon he considers Wonder Woman to be. Jenkins points out that Camerons narrow qualifications for what makes a good female hero are restrictive and not at all progressive. If women have to always be hard, tough and troubled to be strong, and we arent free to be multidimensional or celebrate an icon of women everywhere because she is attractive and loving, then we havent come very far have we, Jenkins wrote. Jenkins also insisted that there should be room for all types of female lead characters and that women themselves should be the judge of these icons of progress. There is no right and wrong kind of powerful woman, she wrote. Read Jenkins full statement below. pic.twitter.com/8zkJXHLCJW  Patty Jenkins (@PattyJenks) August 25, 2017 Facebook

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James Cameron thinks Wonder Womans success is misguided: Shes an objectified icon By Nardine Saad (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times) James Cameron isnt here for Wonder Womans blockbuster success. In fact, the moviemaker calls the much-loved superhero flick (Wonder Woman is currently at 92% on Rotten Tomatoes) a step back from the female heroes he created in the 80s and 90s. It appears that the Titanic and Terminator 2" director, whose films often put tough women at the center of the action, doesnt think that Gal Gadots character was complicated or groundbreaking enough to merit so much acclaim -- $800 million at the worldwide box office aside. All of the self-congratulatory back-patting Hollywoods been doing over Wonder Woman has been so misguided. Shes an objectified icon, and its just male Hollywood doing the same old thing! Cameron said in an interview with the Guardian. All of the self-congratulatory back-patting Hollywoods been doing over Wonder Woman has been so misguided. Shes an objectified icon, and its just male Hollywood doing the same old thing!  Filmmaker James Cameron on Wonder Woman The director, who was cast in the article as softened and evolved from his bone-crushing early movie-making days, believes that Wonder Woman was a step backwards. (Dont get him wrong, he did like Patty Jenkins summer blockbuster -- the first-ever feature-film incarnation of the DC Comics heroine and the highest-grossing live-action film directed by a woman -- just not enough to let it pass without throwing a little shade Diana Princes way.) Backwards in comparison with Camerons complex Sarah Connor character from the Terminator franchise. Sarah Connor was not a beauty icon. She was strong, she was troubled, she was a terrible mother, and she earned the respect of the audience through pure grit. And to me, [the benefit of characters like Sarah] is so obvious. I mean, half the audience is female! Cameron said. The three-time Oscar wi
Cinematic universes are all the rage these days, thanks to the billion-dollar bounties of Marvels Avengers-verse and the competing DC squad led by Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. But as Hollywoods franchise-making scheme du jour has crept into other genres, its also proven that you cant guarantee success, as evidenced by Universals recent Dark Universe-launching clunker The Mummy, the diminishing returns of Paramounts Transformers: The Last Knight and Sonys disappointing The Dark Tower.

Yet in Warner Bros. and New Lines Conjuring films and the spinoff prequel Annabelle, contemporary horror has made a potent first stab at interconnected universe-building. The first three films in the Conjuring universe created by filmmaker James Wan have racked up a cumulative $897 million worldwide to date, and the fourth entry in the series, Annabelle: Creation, opens Friday boasting both a noticeable leap forward in production value and robustly positive reviews.

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Not bad for a prequel to a spinoff about an evil doll. Chucky, who slashed his way through six Childs Play movies and has a seventh on the way, would be proud.

Set in a gothic 1950s farmhouse far removed from the 1970s-era supernatural sleuthing of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, whose case files inspired The Conjuring, Annabelle: Creation crafts a vivid tale of how Annabelle the doll came to be before she wound up in the Warrens supernatural collection.

The mystery involves a grieving doll maker, Samuel Mullins (Anthony LaPaglia), and his wife, Esther (Miranda Otto), who welcome six orphaned girls and their guardian, Sister Charlotte (Miss Balas Stephanie Sigman), to share their cavernous two-story homestead.

Unfortunately, as young polio-stricken Janice (Talitha Bateman) discovers while navigating shadowy hallways, forbidden rooms and other bumps in the night in her new digs  theyre not alone.

And, of course, there are Easter eggs planted throughout the film alluding to past and future films in the growing Conjuring universe.

A relatively budget-conscious sleeper success like The Conjuring may not have seemed a natural choice to spawn a cinematic multiverse, but Wans studio bosses are already so confident that theyve announced more standalones to come  The Nun, due in 2018 from director Corin Hardy, and The Crooked Man  not to mention a third Conjuring film.

It was while making 2013s The Conjuring that Wan  who had the successful Saw series and budding franchise-starter, Insidious, under his belt  saw the potential in expanding the world by zeroing in on the Warrens collection of spooky relics. The same year, coincidentally, Warner Bros. launched its interconnected DC Extended Universe with Batman v. Superman precursor Man of Steel.

It was something that came up pretty organically, Wan said from the set of Aquaman, the sixth installment in the DCEU and the horror veterans first venture into the world of big-budget superhero blockbusters. Immersed in the world of The Conjuring while designing the museum of haunted artifacts collected by the Warrens, he wondered: Were there more stories to be told in these objects?

The first spinoff, Annabelle, was shot on a $5-million budget in 25 days, directed by longtime Wan cinematographer John R. Leonetti from a script by Gary Dauberman. Set in the decade prior to The Conjuring, it imagined a Manson-era backstory to the real Annabelle doll that still resides under glass in the Warrens Connecticut museum with a warning: Positively do not open.

Critics werent impressed, but audiences flocked to the multiplex, and Annabelle ended up with a $256 million global take. After steering Universals high-profile Furious 7, the seventh installment in Hollywoods arguably most adaptive blockbuster franchise, Wan returned to his horror roots to direct The Conjuring 2, which grossed $320 million and stoked fan interest in the burgeoning universe.

Charging ahead on an Annabelle prequel that would explore the origin of the demonically possessed doll  this time with a bigger budget, more shooting days, and a more expansive story  producers Wan and Peter Safran hired director David F. Sandberg, the Swede whod shown a sure hand transforming his own no-budget viral short film into Lights Out, a nerve-fraying debut feature that scored more than $148 million worldwide on a limited budget for Wans Atomic Monster production shingle.

With a script by Annabelle scribe Dauberman that gave the titular doll an origin story grounded in themes of family, loss, and tragic desperation, Sandberg underwent a casting search for the ensemble of multi-generational actresses who would carry Annabelle: Creation.

We were very open  we auditioned all sorts of nationalities and we werent set on characters having to be [certain] ages, Sandberg recalled on a recent day in Franklin Village, near where he and Lights Out collaborator and wife Lotte Losten now live.

He found his lead in 15-year-old Bateman  her brother, the actor Gabriel Bateman, coincidentally starred in Lights Out  who brings preternatural depth to the object of Annabelles sinister intentions. Her 11-year-old costar Lulu Wilson had experience acting in an unexpectedly classy horror prequel thanks to Ouija: Origin of Evil, and makes the most of a meaty role as Linda, Janices BFF, who has a particularly harrowing experience with a creaky dumbwaiter. Most important, the films ensemble breathes life into the relationships and themes that help Annabelle: Creation deliver more than clever set pieces and jump scares.

Wans guiding influence in cinematic universe-building? Taking more cues from the small screen than the Marvel blueprint. I actually equate cinematic universes more to long-form TV storytelling  Ive always said that the Conjuring universe in some ways plays like a classic monster of the week episodic, like X-Files or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a serial with an overarching storyline that ties back to the main characters, he said.

Annabelle: Creation also embraces a classical filmmaking style, maximized by shooting on custom-built sets that allowed Sandberg and cinematographer Maxime Alexandre to move freely and stage sequences with invention.

It gets boring when you shoot just standard coverage, the same thing over and over, said Sandberg, who had a sprawling multistory interior built on the Warner Bros. lot. I also wanted the movie to be beautiful, because I feel that horror movies can still look beautiful  it doesnt mean theyre less scary.

To shoot the films exterior scenes, including a memorably chilling daylight sequence involving a wheelchair, a barn and demonic possession, Sandbergs crew took over the Big Sky Movie Ranch in Simi Valley  which is why sharp-eyed viewers might recognize the Mullins home from HBOs Westworld. Thats the house where [Evan Rachel Woods character] Dolores lives, Sandberg said with a smile. But it looks very different in our movie.

Annabelle: Creation was a giant leap for a relative newcomer like Sandberg, who grew up weaned on VHS horror classics like Nightmare on Elm Street, Fright Night, Evil Dead and, yes, Childs Play. But like Wan, Sandberg is the latest indie horror director to make the jump to superhero filmmaking: Earlier this year he landed at the helm of New Lines Shazam, based on the DC Comics character, which hes prepping while developing Lights Out 2.

Horror is really difficult to pull off, as evidenced by the really bad horror thats out there, he said, laughing. So if you can do that, because its both technical and tonal, then it helps taking on anything else  and usually the budgets [in horror] are a lot lower, so you have to be inventive.

Wan, whos more than halfway through filming on his Jason Momoa-led Aquaman, agrees that the tools cultivated in indie horror  learning to play your audience for scares and nervous laughs while managing typically minuscule budgets  makes fertile training ground for studio blockbuster gigs.

More power to indie horror film directors!  Annabelle: Creation producer James Wan

I think [studios] are looking beyond the fact that we might not be experienced in action and visual effects, but they can see that what we care about are characters and storytelling, and thats what it comes down to, he said. Its not a bad trend for us genre filmmakers  were no longer [looked] down at, as much as it used to be. More power to indie horror film directors!

With a foot in two cinematic universes and some of horrors most profitable franchises to his name, Wan might be one of the most qualified experts in Hollywood to expound on the secret to weaving interconnecting movie mythologies.

At the end of the day youve got to make sure you have interesting characters and an interesting story to tell. Because you might have this amazing, grand, master scheme of a plan  but if you tell a story that no one really cares about, he said with a laugh, its kind of pointless.

jen.yamato@latimes.com

@jenyamato

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Three years ago Michael Brown, 18, black and unarmed, was shot dead by a police officer in Ferguson, Mo., only weeks after Eric Garners death by chokehold in New York. While Browns body lay in the street, friends and neighbors rose up in grief and outrage, and a 21st-century civil rights movement came into urgent focus.

Filmmakers Sabaah Folayan and Damon Davis were among those on the front lines of the protests against police violence and their on-the-ground, from-the-heart documentary Whose Streets? communicates that urgency from the inside out  not as news story or social theory, but as communal experience and awakening.

Activists as well as artists, Folayan and her co-director arent interested in parsing the conflicting reports about the shooting or explaining the communitys response via capsule history lesson, a la Kathryn Bigelows Detroit. Jumping straight into the chaos and horror  I just saw someone die, an eyewitness tweets  their film insists that the only necessary context is the events themselves.

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Using cellphone videos and their own videos, Folayan and Davis reveal a neighborhood under military-style occupation. Candlelight vigils are met with tanks, rubber bullets and teargas. The National Guard is deployed.

The film might have tied things together more pointedly  activist Kayla Reed discusses the absurdity of valuing a building over a life, yet the filmmakers assume the audience knows that while Browns white killer, Darren Wilson, served no time while black protester Josh Williams was sentenced to eight years for setting a fire in a convenience store--but its heart-wrung potency is undeniable. Thats true whether the directors are staring down systemic neglect or swept up in the visionary optimism of the young grassroots leaders who emerge from Fergusons smoke and rubble, putting themselves on the line with acts of civil disobedience and countersurveillance.

The whole world may have been watching Ferguson burn, but Whose Streets? looks beyond the media narrative to offer what Davis has called black people seeing black people  validation, encouragement and love in the face of a bitter legacy of injustice.

Whose Streets?

Rating: R, for language throughout

Running time: 1 hour, 41 minutes

Playing: In select theaters

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In the 80s and 90s in L.A., if you were a teenager, World on Wheels was the hottest club in town.

The Mid-City roller rink was famous for its 7 to 7 lock-in parties, where parents could drop off kids for a 12-hour binge of roller skating and safe socializing. Top local musicians would funnel new releases to DJs there and see how their tracks worked in the crowd. And just as important, it was some upbeat neutral turf for kids near gang-scarred South L.A. at a time it was desperately needed.

Now, after a thorough renovation and an investment from one of the citys top rappers, a landmark of L.A. teen life is ready to roll again. World on Wheels officially reopened its doors July 19.

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Its bigger than skating, its about creating a culture, said Tommy Karas, the nightlife impresario overseeing the renovation. I take it seriously  youre in a position to influence thousands of kids.

Skaters groove to the music while skating at World on Wheels. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

For decades, the venue was a focal point for kids creating and discovering L.A.s blended sounds of hip-hop, funk and disco. DJs from the old-school hip-hop radio station KDAY-FM used to spin there; Snoop Dogg lovingly cited the venue in his 2011 single The Way Life Used to Be, as did Dilated Peoples in their its song World on Wheels. And L.A. Dream Team, a pioneering West Coast hip-hop duo, sang there in the 1980s.

For many L.A. musicians now coming of age, it was a formative experience in their musical and social lives.

In middle school, it was the place to be. In L.A., you have to grow up fast, and this was one place kids could go to have a party and be safe, said Nipsey Hussle, the rapper whose investment group S.C. Capitol Ventures helped finance the refurbishment.

World on Wheels return is both a nod to L.A. history and a big bet on the neighborhoods future. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Hussle, in his early 30s, grew up in the nearby Crenshaw district, and World on Wheels was a sanctuary to hear the local music that would later define his own sound.

DJ Quik, Suga Free, Snoop Dogg  these were records you could skate to, he said. People would make a record and go, Oh, thats for the rink. Youd have your club record, your radio record and your rink record.

The venue, which opened on Halloween 1981, was damaged in the L.A. riots in 1992, though it quickly reopened. When it closed again in 2013, however, its future was uncertain. At the time, its owner, AMF Bowling Centers, had filed for bankruptcy, and Young Management Co., the investment group that bought the property, hinted that it was looking for family sit-down restaurants, health clubs or movie theaters to fill the space.

Was the original World on Wheels important to your youth? Share your memories on Facebook or in the comments below 

Though the few remaining places like Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale are popular, theyre not at the center of L.A. music culture like World on Wheels was.

The building badly needed refurbishment. Local activists encouraged Councilman Herb Wessons efforts to help find a buyer who understood the rinks legacy (and perhaps develop it into a community center), none took on the risk of a full renovation until Karas.

It was a nightmare. Hundreds of people had looked at buying it and said no, Karas said. I knew it would test my patience and it did. But there was such history to it, everyone knew the place and I saw their passion.

A couple take a break and people watch from the center island at World On Wheels. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Karas nightclubs in cities like Chicago, Las Vegas and L.A. are a far cry from a plucky roller rink. His bars like Playhouse in Hollywood are known for high-end bottle service and sets from radio-star rappers.

But he said that, for him, Ive always been in nightlife, but Im not a nightlife guy. Fairs, carnivals  I never grew out of that phase. And for someone looking to renovate the space, deep contacts in L.A. hip-hop could help prove their good intentions.

It goes right to the roots. All the best DJs, break dancers, KDAY, they all came through because music was part of the culture of skating, he said.

The new venue could restore some of that old sheen. The rink feels a bit like a nightclub  low leather couches and gray wood trim; a high-end sound system flecked by neon-light fans in the roof.

But the sense of innocence is still there: much of the top level is full of classic arcade games, and theres a cafeteria serving more refined takes on classic party snacks. For older crowds, there are gospel, oldies and throwback hip-hop theme nights as well.

Tony Take, 32, of Los Angeles, who has been roller skating at the rink since he was 10 years old, laces up his Stacy Adams custom roller skates at World on Wheels. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

On a balmy recent Wednesday night, Oliver Taylor from the Crenshaw district came to skate with his 20-year-old son. Taylor frequented the venue in its first incarnation, and he was glad to have it back for a new generation.

It was a place where kids could hang out and enjoy life, Taylor said. Its an outlet to do something different, and they need it.

Across the rink, 17-year-old Ariana Wafer was all smiles after a few laps around the floor. She was in town visiting from Fresno and already pined for a spot like this back in the San Joaquin Valley.

This is pretty cool, I like the music and the vibe, she said. It really gives a culture here, we could use a place like this in Fresno.

Given L.A.s diverse young population, it may yet again return to the center of the scene. Tyler the Creators popular Flog Gnaw Carnival, which is held in the fall at Exposition Park, shows that cheeky county fair-style fun pairs well with serious music; and plenty of L.A. artists like Hussle are making funk-infused records that would sound awesome on skates (though Karas said he doesnt plan to bring back the all-night 7 to 7 parties).

(L-R) Atifa Campbell, Jen Harvey and Zee Sham pose for a photo at World On Wheels in Los Angeles. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Decades on from the strife of the 90s, World on Wheels return is both a nod to L.A. history and a big bet on the neighborhoods future. Hussle, in particular, knows what its like to grow up in a de facto segregated neighborhood, where lighthearted fun for kids was harder to find. For him, World on Wheels return is nothing less than a revolution for the area.

L.A. is historically segregated, but now were creating a new culture where were not restricting ourselves, Hussle said. We dont have a culture of being self-destructive. Now, we have power. 

Karas, gesturing over the vast expanse of darkened wood floor on the rink, wanted to make sure that todays middle schoolers felt that as well.

Theres a sense that this place belongs to them, he said. We pushed so hard for this because were doing it for the kids. Im not going to let them down.

In the 80s and 90s in L.A., if you were a teenager, World on Wheels was the hottest club in town. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

         

World on Wheels

4645 Venice Blvd., L.A.

Monday: 6:30-11:30 p.m. (All ages)

Tuesday: 4- 8 p.m. (All ages); 9 p.m.-midnight (18 and up)

Wednesday: 4-8 p.m. (All ages); 9 p.m.-midnight (21 and up)

Thursday: 4-8 p.m. (All ages); 9 p.m.-midnight (25 and up)

Friday: 4-8 p.m. (All ages); 9 p.m.-1 a.m. (18 and up)

Saturday: 4-8 p.m. (All ages) 9 p.m.-1 a.m. (18 and up)

Sunday: 4-8 p.m. (All ages); 9 p.m.-midnight (21 and up)

Admission: $7-$20

wowskatela.com

For breaking music news, follow @augustbrown on Twitter.

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UNDERRATED

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Ahmanson Theatre: A Tony Award-winning adaptation of Mark Haddons bestselling 2003 novel, this story of a boy named Christopher who investigates the death of a neighbors pet offers an immersive, empathetic venture into its main characters mind, which functions somewhere along the autism spectrum. Flashes of light, video projections and blasts of electronic noise transform an otherwise spare stage into a bustling train station or Christophers horror of being unexpectedly touched, and add a vivid yet humane warmth to his journey.

Cloakrooms Time Well: With the 90s revival already in progress, this Indiana trios new album (due Aug. 18) deserves notice for expertly finding fresh new ground between the masonry-crumbling churn of Clinton-era sludge rock and the downcast, oddly delicate melodies that recall fellow Midwesterners Hum. With a guitar churn that runs too low to be considered among shoegaze revivalists and too heavy to fit in with whatever is left of so-called indie rock these days, Cloakroom may be the perfect record for the dog days of summer, a time when it feels like nothing moves very quickly but theres no denying that colder, darker days are coming.

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OVERRATED

Arcade Fire: With a third consecutive No. 1 album, this bands a long way from the upstart days of its breathtaking 2004 debut, Funeral. The Bruce Springsteen-adjacent 2011 album The Suburbs dispensed with their underdog status for good, but its hard to escape the feeling that each of the groups records has yielded diminishing returns, from the dour Neon Bible to the overblown dance-rock of Reflektor. Their latest, Everything Now, mixes ham-fisted cultural critiques with chilly electro-disco moves that transform Arcade Fires strength  an anthemic, art-school earnestness  and flatten it into something strangely anonymous.

Every brand a streaming service: Oh how cord-cutters celebrated not so many years ago, reducing a cable bill that could reach triple digits to the cost of a few cups of coffee per month with a few streaming subscriptions. Now every network wants in on that action with monthly charges for HBO, CBS and soon Disney joining the options as the Mouse announced it will be pulling its movies from Netflix to launch a service of its own while most streaming providers angle to become TV networks. With so many monthly access fees and services to track, its almost enough to make one nostalgic for paying cable companies.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

chris.barton@latimes.com

Follow me over here @chrisbarton.

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As Jerry Seinfeld might say, what is it with all these comedy specials?

While HBO once stood as the holy grail for stand-up comedy, with Comedy Central angling to make inroads, Netflix has arguably ousted the cable channels as the go-to destination for live comedy.



For the record: An earlier version of this post referred to Netflixs debt of $20 billion. That figures includes $15.7 billion in financial obligations related to streaming content. Netflix says this does not constitute debt.

Not that HBO should be completely discounted  it did, after all, recently secure Jon Stewart as a major headliner. Netflixs approach is slightly different in that its mixing veteran comics with newcomers. And, it should be noted, those vets are earning small fortunes with these deals.

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Theyre pocketing enough that the likes of Seinfeld and Chris Rock recently ruled Forbes list of highest-paid comics, even though theyre not exactly the freshest faces in comedy anymore.

The mags estimates for several of the top comics were bolstered by streaming deals that Netflix made this year. The digital platform has signed numerous high-profile comedians in recent months: Seinfeld, Rock, Dave Chappelle, Amy Schumer, Louis C.K and others, most of whom once made their fortunes from touring.

Seinfeld, for example, reportedly received $100 million for two new specials plus episodes of his Web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Those lucrative deals are great for road-weary comics to reach a wider audience  and pretty great for the Netflix-and-chill couch potato in many of us.

A double-edged sword perhaps? With Netflix sinking loads of cash into these agreements, the company could be contributing to its own mounting $20-billion long-term debt and financial obligations . Though it notoriously doesnt disclose numbers, the streaming giant said that Chappelles shows were its most-watched specials ever.

Incidentally, Casey Bloys, HBOs president of programming, said at a recent Television Critics Assn. event that the viewing category accounts for less than 1 percent of usage on [HBO] Go and Now, according to the Hollywood Reporter. So paying those exorbitant prices for headliners isnt the premium cable channels priority, Bloys said, and HBO will wait out the comedy boom until prices drop.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

Meanwhile, Louis C.K. and Sarah Silvermans stand-up specials racked up more Primetime Emmy Award nominations this month  for variety special and writing for a variety special  with their shows adding to Netflixs impressive Emmy tally.

Thats remarkable considering that just a few years ago Louis C.K. experimented with self-distributing new projects on his website to retain complete creative control.

Specials from Jim Gaffigan and Kevin Hart are already available on Netflixs menu, which is packed with fare from newer comics. And in June Netflix debuted The Standups series featuring several fresh faces.

The service lured another comedy veteran with former Late Show host David Letterman making a deal to front a newsmagazine series. Its not quite stand-up, but its another big-name get for the Netflix.

Follow me: @NardineSaad
Start your safari with an $804 round-trip fare from LAX to Nairobi, Kenyas capital and a popular launch point for wildlife viewing. The Delta deal includes all taxes and fees. The offer, subject to availability, is for travel mid-September to mid-May. A Saturday night stay is required. Holiday blackouts and other restrictions apply.

Info: Delta, (800) 221-1212

Source: Airfarewatchdog

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Travel@latimes.com

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As California braces for the impact of relaxed marijuana laws that allow recreational use for adults, several small, financially strapped cities in southeast Los Angeles County and elsewhere are at the forefront of efforts to seize business opportunities  despite pushback from some residents.

In Los Angeles County, cities like Maywood are approving marijuana licenses in anticipation of boosting local economies, creating jobs and filling commercial lots. Huntington Park has issued three permits, and Lynwood is negotiating development agreements with 13 applicants for marijuana businesses.

Elsewhere, the desert town of Adelanto has tried to sell itself as a place for growers with a 30-acre industrial park divided into units that will be sold to marijuana cultivators for $7.5 million each. And in Northern California, Oakland has received more than 100 applications for marijuana businesses under a city program where at least half of available permits will be granted to applicants that include individuals with marijuana-related convictions.

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In contrast, under a proposed plan for Los Angeles, marijuana growers and sellers would receive a certificate of compliance instead of a business license or permit. Marijuana businesses in L.A. would remain illegal but could operate with limited immunity from criminal prosecution if they follow city and state laws.

(In a recent letter to the Los Angeles planning department, City Council President Herb Wesson proposed a new system that would grant legal licenses and permits for marijuana businesses.)

Maywood has already collected more than $90,000 in license application fees for its medical marijuana businesses, including cultivation, manufacturing and dispensary use, according to city spokesman Robert Alaniz.

A small jurisdiction like that could raise tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands of revenue each year by having marijuana dispensaries within their jurisdiction, said Patrick Murphy, research director of the Public Policy Institute of California, adding that much depends on competition with neighboring cities and the citys tax on marijuana businesses. Being first is always good because that means that theres less competition. You at least have a chance to gain a larger share.

Murphy said Maywoods actions could create a domino effect among other small cities.

Their ability to respond and move pretty quickly is much greater than, of course, a big city like Los Angeles, he said. If Im a small town about the same size and see them do it, that means more to me than knowing that San Jose has done it. Thats not reality to me.

But Maywood may also be a preview of the challenges for cities small and large of negotiating the contours of a controversial industry without full support from the community. The city has a long history of mismanagement and questionable financial dealings.

A state audit last year said Maywood could face financial collapse, with $16 million in debt that it cannot repay. The predominately working-class city south of downtown Los Angeles came close to bankruptcy in 2010 as well, at a time when it also became involved in a major municipal corruption scandal in the neighboring city of Bell.

Now, many residents and former city officials complain that theyve had little input in drafting a marijuana ordinance that has undergone several revisions and amendments. They accuse city leaders of failing to address major questions about the costs and benefits of allowing commercial marijuana activities.

Maywood recently approved two marijuana licenses in the city. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

The Righteous Glass Gallery in Maywood sells smoking equipment. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Their concerns include the proximity to schools of two businesses approved for marijuana licenses. The property of one of the businesses is owned by the head of the Planning Commission.

Residents also say that the working-class city of 30,000, which stretches just over a square mile, is too small for such enterprises. They have pushed back, collecting hundreds of signatures that sought to force two referendums.

We have fought hard, said Elizabeth Bibiano, who gathered petitions at a local school. I cant understand how this has gone on, on, on and now we have the permits.

In an Oct. 25 letter to Maywoods City Hall, Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey admonished the city for failing to provide adequate notice of an August 2016 meeting at which officials discussed repealing a ban on marijuana dispensaries and demanded that it withdraw any recommendations approved at the session. She noted that the meeting was held two weeks before its scheduled date and that notice was not posted until 3:25 p.m. the same day.

The city subsequently revoked the ordinance it passed following the Planning Commission meeting but approved virtually the same plan in December.

Controversy has also swirled around the City Councils decision in late October to terminate two planning commissioners who had opposed allowing marijuana businesses.

Former commissioners Cindy Lara and Heber Marquez said they believe their dismissals were related to their resistance.

A billboard advertising marijuana products near Maywood. Some residents in the small city are against marijuana dispensaries in the city. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

I kept on requesting by emails and by phone calls why Im not part of it, Lara said. I kind of know it has to do with the marijuana. We were the only two people who got kicked out of the planning commission.

Marquez said he had received few answers about how closely businesses would be allowed to operate near schools, parks and churches.

My whole argument was, provide this for us so we can see if its feasible and possible for Maywood to even proceed with this, he said. They never saw that as a reason to stop and actually look into it.

Mayor Ramon Medina responded that replacing commissioners was not unusual in a new city government.

The two former planning commissioners were appointed under the former mayor and council majority and the current council majority wanted to align the planning commission with the vision of the current city council majority, he wrote in an email.

The property owner of one of the approved businesses, Corona Sky Inc., is Ignacio Flores, chairman of the Maywood Planning Commission, according to the business application. Corona Sky is on Atlantic Boulevard, about three blocks from a new middle and high school opening in August, and has been approved for commercial cannabis manufacturing.

The property owner of an approved pot business, Corona Sky Inc., is Ignacio Flores, chairman of the Maywood Planning Commission, according to the business application. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

In an email, Flores wrote that anyone who knows anything about financial and building security for your family knows that real estate is a wise investment, and added that he purchased the property more than 20 years ago.

The second business, Maywood LChaim, located on Maywood Avenue across the street from a residential neighborhood and a block from Loma Vista Elementary School, was approved for licenses to cultivate, manufacture and dispense marijuana.

Maywoods marijuana businesses must receive a conditional use permit to begin operating, said City Atty. Mike Montgomery, who added that Flores will have to recuse himself when the matter goes to the Planning Commission.

Like other residents, Bibiano said shes concerned about Corona Skys proximity to Maywood Elementary School, which is two blocks away.

Its an elementary school where parents walk by with their children, she said. We already battled drug problems in schools years agoNow Im even more worried because itll be within reach.

Mary Mariscal, a former planning commissioner, knocked on doors with other community members on two occasions to gather hundreds of signatures for a referendum on the ordinance. The city told Mariscal that the first petitions were moot because it had revoked its previous ordinance. The second time, however, residents couldnt gather enough petitions by the deadline.

Im not against cannabis. Im not against marijuana. But it doesnt fit here  our city is very small, Mariscal said.

Bella Marquez, 8, plays catch across the street from Maywood LChaim, the second business that was approved for licenses to cultivate, manufacture and dispense marijuana. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Medina said a review of business license applicants was conducted by an independent consulting group before city staff made their recommendations.

Councilman Eduardo De La Riva, who has voted against the marijuana ordinance, said he received no information about companies that submitted applications other than the two that received licenses.

I didnt get to see the application for these two companies that were approved, he said. I made that clear to staff  youre asking us to make a decision with incomplete information. I dont know anything about these companies.

City officials have touted the potential benefits of the businesses for a city that has long been riddled with  and criticized for  financial mismanagement.

It means a new revenue stream to the city of Maywood and it means good paying jobs, Councilman Sergio Calderon said. If you look at the city of Maywood, you will notice that the commercial lots are not deep enough to attract national chains. Theres no way were going to get a Target, theres no way were going to get a Best Buy.

In an email, the mayor wrote that those who oppose the ordinance are not attuned or sympathetic to needs of our residents who are suffering from various afflictions, and said that the marijuana business revenue would help the city recover from a dire budget shortfall.

In November, voters approved Proposition 64, a statewide initiative legalizing recreational use of pot for adults beginning in 2018. The measure permits cities to assess local taxes on marijuana businesses, but Maywood interim City Administrator Reuben Martinez said that the city has made no revenue projections or determined how it would collect any returns. Calls to the independent consulting group were not returned.

The citys current ordinance seeks to regulate medical marijuana businesses, despite a June 28 news release touting the new ordinance and that fact the majority of Maywood voters approved Proposition 64.

With voter-approved Proposition 64, local government has a duty and obligation to regulate this new business economy, Medina said in the release. Its important that we attract the right kind of operators to ensure adherence to city codes and regulations, and to operate in a way that is responsible and respectful of the community.

Before Maywood adopted its current policy, Marc OHara, founder of the political consulting firm Precision Politics who was then a director of a marijuana trade group, met with then-Mayor Oscar Magana in 2014 to ask him to support overturning an ordinance then in effect that banned marijuana businesses.

OHara said he represented a client interested in starting a business in Maywood, and as an incentive, offered to help create a city-controlled nonprofit that would receive $150,000 a year from his client.

I told him (repealing the ordinance) needs to go before the city council, Magana said. Theres a process that needs to be followed.

OHara acknowledged that the mayor seemed uncomfortable with his offer.

After my meeting with Oscar, I met with my client and said, this is too hard, OHara said.

News that the city had approved marijuana licenses surprised some residents, including Manuel Hernandez, who runs Maywood Mini Market across the street from Maywood LChaim.

If they only come to buy the product and then leave there wont be problems, he said. If it becomes a place where theyre hanging out to get the product, like at a bar, it can become a problem.

Roberto Perez, 35, runs a shop that sells smoking equipment on Slauson Ave. He favors the marijuana ordinance, explaining that the closest dispensaries are several miles away.

That would be nice, he said. A lot of the community has been asking for a dispensary or regular usage place I havent inquired because I wasnt aware that the city allowed it.

At a July 12 city council meeting two weeks after the city announced its approval of both businesses, the city amended its latest ordinance, adding detailed guidelines for cultivation, manufacturing and commercial cannabis activity.

At that meeting, some expressed puzzlement over why guidelines were being added after the licenses had been approved.

You guys are doing things reverse, said resident Ricardo Lara.

Lara also drew attention to something that was missing from the city councils website before the meeting: a copy of the proposed amended ordinance.

Its kind of hard for the public to do the public hearing when you dont have any of this material available for us to speak on, he said.

leila.miller@latimes.com

Twitter: @leilamillersays

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Pierre Celotto and Aurene Humbert had a definite vision in mind when they booked a summer vacation that included a day in Yosemite Valley.

Urged on by breathtaking photographs and nature documentaries, the Parisians said, they looked forward to serene walks along trails where pine trees threw shadows across streams and picturesque meadows teemed with wildlife.

When they arrived at the park on Saturday, Celloto, 31, and Humbert, 29, were greeted by the reality: diesel smoke, honking horns and miles-long processions of buses and cars.

It was close to 10 a.m. when Humbert, her face long and her voice desperate, approached a ranger. Please, sir, do you know a place to park? You cant imagine how upset we are.

The ranger was sympathetic, but not much help: Keep looking; you might get lucky.

Despite promises of a far less cluttered and confused Yosemite made in a 2013 management plan  an effort to address the congestion without limiting the number of tourists  more vehicles than ever, up to 8,200 on a summer day, are clogging the valley known for its granite cliffs and waterfalls.

On especially busy weekends, visitors who must wait just to pay an entrance fee of $30 per car may find themselves diverted to alternate routes away from the valley or back out of the park.

Visitors crowd Yosemites Tunnel View overlook. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

On the day Celotto and Humbert arrived, signs at the parks main entrances warned of delays three hours or longer. Traffic in a new roundabout near Yosemite Lodge had slowed to a crawl. Nearby, dozens of cars were parked haphazardly in a quarter-acre site designated off-limits because it was being restored to meadowland.

Along a two-mile stretch of Highway 41 leading from the world-famous Tunnel View down to the valley floor, hundreds of cars were stranded in gridlock.

Very significant traffic congestion is a truly hard dilemma were faced with, said Chip Jenkins, acting superintendent of Yosemite National Park. Getting stuck in a line of cars for two to three hours after entering the gate is not the kind of quality experience we want people to have.

A troubling equation

The statistics are not comforting. In 1986, the number of people visiting Yosemite was about 3 million. It took until 2015 to reach 4 million. A year later, the number had soared past 5 million.

But with only 6,500 available parking spaces, according to officials, incidents of road rage and reported traffic accidents are up  along with miserable experiences shared on Yosemites Facebook page.

Traffic jams are choking one of our most cherished natural wonders, said John Buckley, executive director of the nonprofit Central Sierra Nevada Environmental Resource Center. Maybe its time for a federal court judge to decide whether Yosemite is violating its own management plan.

But adjusting the flow of visitors in a national park only a five-hour drive from 18 million people in Southern California seemingly defies simple solutions. And tourism in Yosemite  the heart of the Sierra Nevada economy  generates a cumulative benefit to the region of about $686 million a year, officials said, directly supporting nearly 8,000 jobs.

Buckley, like many conservationists, supports the creation of staging areas outside the valley where visitors could park and board shuttle buses.

However, Mark Thornten, a former member of the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors, dismisses that concept as impractical, even un-American.

Traveling through Yosemite is supposed to be an adventure experienced by people in their own cars and on their own schedule, he said. To be blunt: Buses are socialism and cars are free choice.

Traffic backs up along the valley floor while a bus lane remains largely open at Yosemite National Park. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) (Los Angeles Times)

Decades of seeking a solution

Yosemites traffic problems date to the late 1950s, when thousands of motorists began jamming the valley to view the fire fall  a spectacle in which a cascade of hot coals was shoved over Glacier Point to the valley floor 3,000 feet below.

The show was canceled in 1968, mainly in an attempt to ease congestion. Later, a one-way traffic pattern was established in the valley, a reservation system was adopted for campgrounds and free shuttle buses were introduced inside the park.

In 1980, the National Park Service quietly shelved a controversial proposal to remove all auto traffic from the valley in favor of a park-and-ride mass transit system.

This summer, officials launched an experimental program that makes 150 parking spaces near Yosemite Falls available by reservation during the four weekends in August  the parks busiest month. The daylong reservations can be booked online for a $1.50 service fee.

Yosemite is one of a growing number of national parks experimenting with transportation strategies to reduce crowding.

At Utahs Zion National Park, where tens of thousands of visitors once fought over 400 available parking spaces each day during the peak season, a mandatory shuttle system began operation in 2000.

Later this year, Arches National Park in Utah is expected to approve a traffic congestion plan that calls for more shuttles to curb habitat destruction caused by double- and triple-parking. In September, Southern Californias Joshua Tree National Park plans to begin a long-awaited shuttle service.

The ultimate answer to the groundswell of disappointment among visitors, said Kathleen Morse, Yosemites chief planner, is going to require a lot of hard work and public involvement.

In the meantime, with no place to park, many of the 50,000 visitors a day who roam Yosemite Valleys geological wonders on summer weekends will be forced to take snapshots and selfies through the windshields of their cars to prove they were there.

Then theres Ernest Smith, 63, who photographed the rivers of cars streaming into Yosemite Valley from a vantage point normally used to capture souvenir images of Half Dome and El Capitan.

Scrolling through the images on his digital camera, the San Diego resident offered this summation: This place is insane.

Louis.Sahagun@latimes.com

@LouisSahagun

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In the early days of atomic energy, the federal government powered up an experimental reactor in Idaho with an ambitious goal: create a wonder fuel for the nation.

The reactor was one of the nations first breeder reactors  designed to make its own new plutonium fuel while it generated electricity, solving what scientists at the time thought was a looming shortage of uranium for power plants and nuclear weapons.

It went into operation in 1964 and kept the lights burning at the sprawling national laboratory for three decades.

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But enthusiasm eventually waned for the breeder reactor program owing to safety concerns, high costs and an adequate supply of uranium.

Today, its only legacy is 26 metric tons of highly radioactive waste. What to do with that spent fuel is causing the federal government deepening political, technical, legal and financial headaches.

The reactor was shut down in 1994. Under a legal settlement with Idaho regulators the next year, the Department of Energy pledged to have the waste treated and ready to transport out of the state by 2035.

The chances of that happening now appear slim. A special treatment plant is having so many problems and delays that it could take many decades past the deadline to finish the job.

The process doesnt work, said Edwin Lyman, a physicist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, who has documented the problems in a new report. It turned out to be harder to execute and less reliable than they promised.

The delays have also fueled a massive increase in costs, which were originally estimated at about $500 million but at the current cleanup rate would hit $1 billion, Lyman said.

The waste is one of many unusual radioactive concoctions that came out of federal weapons and civilian power research programs and now require complex technologies to treat.

Many of the cleanup efforts, like the one in Idaho, are years or even decades behind schedule, reflecting practices that were far too optimistic when it came to technology, costs and management know-how.

Jim Owendoff, the acting chief of the Energy Departments environmental management program, recently ordered a 45-day review of the entire $6-billion-a-year radiation cleanup effort.

What I am looking at is how we can be more timely in our decision-making, he said in a department newsletter.

The Idaho reactor, located at the 890-square-mile Idaho National Laboratory, was designed to produce electricity while it breeds new fuel by allowing fast-moving neutrons to convert non-fissionable uranium into fissionable plutonium.

But the complexity of breeder reactors led to safety problems.

Only one breeder reactor ever went into commercial operation in the U.S.  the Enrico Fermi I near Detroit, which suffered a partial core meltdown in 1966. Construction of a breeder reactor on the Clinch River in Tennessee was stopped in 1983.

A reactor using similar technology above the San Fernando Valley experienced fuel core damage in 1959 that is believed to have released radioactive iodine into the air.

Ultimately, the nation never faced a shortage of uranium fuel, and now the Energy Department is spending billions of dollars to manage its surplus plutonium.

Unlike uranium, the wonder fuel, as the lab called it, was bonded to sodium to improve heat transfer inside the reactor.

The sodium has presented an unusual waste problem.

Sodium is a highly reactive element that can become explosive when it comes in contact with water and is potentially too unstable to put in any future underground dump  such as the one proposed at Yucca Mountain in Nevada.

To remove the bonded sodium, the government used a complex process, known as pyroprocessing, which was developed to also separate plutonium from the spent fuel. The spent fuel parts from the reactor are placed in a chemical bath and subjected to an electrical current, which draws off the sodium onto another material. The process is similar to electroplating a kitchen faucet.

Back in 2000, the project managers estimated in an environmental report that they could treat 5 metric tons annually and complete the job in six years.

But privately, the department estimated that it would take more than twice that long, according to internal documents that Lyman obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.

Even that was unrealistic, because it assumed that the treatment plant could work around the clock every day of the year, without down time for maintenance or allowance for breakdowns. Lyman found that during one year  2012  no waste at all was processed.

Since the project began 17 years ago, 15% of the waste has been processed, an average of one-fourth of a metric ton per year. Thats 20 times slower than originally expected, a pace that would stretch the work into the next century  long past the 2035 deadline.

The problem with the breeder reactor waste is just one of many environmental issues at the lab, located on a high desert plateau near Idaho Falls. The federal government gifted the Idaho lab with additional radioactive waste for decades.

After the highly contaminated Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant near Denver was shut down in 1993, the waste was shipped to Idaho. The Navy has been sending in its spent fuel from nuclear-powered ships.

The lab is dealing with tons of waste containing artificial elements, so-called transuranic waste. The Energy Department promised to move an average of 2,000 cubic meters to a special dump in New Mexico, but it has missed that goal for several years, because of an underground explosion at the dump.

The Energy Department declined to answer specific questions about the breeder waste cleanup, citing the sensitivity of nuclear technology. It blamed the slow pace of cleanup on inadequate funding but said it was still trying to meet the deadline.

When the implementation plan for the treatment of the [spent fuel] was developed in 2000, there was very limited nuclear energy research and development being performed in the United States, a department spokesperson said in a statement.

The funding for this program has been limited in favor of other research and development activities. The Department remains strongly committed to the treatment of this fuel in time to meet its commitments to the State of Idaho.

Susan Burke, who monitors the cleanup at the laboratory for the states Department of Environmental Quality, said the state will continue to demand that the waste be ready for shipment out of Idaho by 2035.

The Energy Department is doing the best it can, but our expectation is that they will have to meet the settlement agreement, she said.

Idaho watchdogs are skeptical.

There is some bad faith here on the part of the Energy Department, said Beatrice Brailsford, nuclear program director at the Snake River Alliance, a group that monitors the lab. The department is misleading the public. Not much information has been given out, but enough to be skeptical that the technology works well enough to meet the settlement.

Lab officials declined to comment.

Lyman said he was determined to explore the Idaho program in light of increasing interest in the scientific and regulatory communities in advanced nuclear reactors  including breeder reactors  and what he believed was misleading information by advocates.

He presented a technical paper about pyroprocessing at a conference held in July by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Lyman said he believes the Energy Department has little chance of success in the program.

They are just blowing smoke, he said. It is a failure and they cant admit it, because they dont have a backup plan that would satisfy the state.

ralph.vartabedian@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @rvartabedian

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UPDATES:

2:50 p.m.: Updated with additional information about pyroprocessing.

This article was originally published at 3 a.m.
An immigration appeals court this week threw out the final deportation order for Romulo Avelica-Gonzalez, who was detained in late February minutes after he dropped his daughter off at school in Lincoln Heights.

His lawyer said the case will be kicked back to the local immigration court that initially ordered that he be deported. That means Avelica-Gonzalez, 49, is still in deportation proceedings, but it could take years for a judge to enter a new decision.



For the record: An earlier version of this article said the backlog of immigration cases around the U.S. hit 115,000 in June. That is the number in California. In the U.S., more than 610,000 cases are backlogged.

An official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the agency can no longer comment on Avelica-Gonzalezs case because of his pending U visa application.

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Avelica-Gonzalez, a Mexican citizen, has lived in the United States for 25 years. ICE agents arrested him Feb. 28, minutes after he dropped off his daughter Yuleni, 12, at school. Another daughter, Fatima, now 14, sobbed as she recorded cellphone video of the encounter, which went viral.

The case drew national attention, with critics citing it as an example of President Trumps aggressive and sweeping stance on illegal immigration. Meanwhile, supporters of Trumps hard-line approach emphasize that immigrants like Avelica-Gonzalez broke the law by coming to the country illegally and further undermined any claim to live in the U.S. when they committed crimes, however minor.

Avelica-Gonzalez has a bond hearing Aug. 30, said his lead attorney, Alan Diamante. He could be released that day while his attorneys continue to fight his immigration case.

These five months have felt like five years, Avelica-Gonzalez said in an interview Friday at the Adelanto Detention Facility in San Bernardino County.

Diamante said the deportation order was vacated Monday by the Board of Immigration Appeals, the highest administrative body in the countrys immigration court system.

Fatima Avelica, 12, cries during a press conference and rally in downtown Los Angeles after she filmed her father being detained by ICE officials in late February. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

In June, lawyers settled Avelica-Gonzalezs decades-old misdemeanor convictions  for driving under the influence and for receiving stolen car tags  that prompted the deportation order leading to his arrest. He pleaded guilty to lesser vehicle code violations.

When we started with him he had two significant crimes and a removal order, Diamante said. Now all that is gone.

Certain criminal convictions can place immigrants in deportation proceedings. A state law went into effect in January that allows immigrants to have their convictions vacated if they were not adequately advised at the time of their guilty or no-contest pleas.

After being arrested in 2008 for DUI, Avelica-Gonzalez was placed in deportation proceedings. He applied for a cancellation of removal, a benefit that leads to citizenship. But an immigration judge denied it in 2013, saying he was ineligible because of his conviction for receipt of the stolen car tags.

In 2014, Avelica-Gonzalez filed paperwork for an appeal with someone he thought was an immigration attorney. The man ran off with Avelica-Gonzalezs paperwork and payment.

In late March, Avelica-Gonzalez and his wife, Norma, submitted applications for U visas, which are available to victims of crime and their immediate family members, based on a crime that Norma was the victim of in December 2016. Diamante declined to provide details about the crime out of respect for the family and any further investigation.

The number of people with pending U visa applications has skyrocketed from 21,000 in 2009 to nearly 170,000 as of March. Congress has set a cap of granting 10,000 U visas each year. Applicants on the waiting list are granted deferrals of their deportation and allowed to apply for work permits.

Diamante said he would ask an immigration judge to temporarily stop Avelica-Gonzalezs deportation proceedings while his U visa application remains pending. If the judge decides not to stop the deportation proceedings, Diamante said, the court will again take up his request for cancellation of removal. If the judge again denies the cancellation, the court could issue another deportation order.

Regardless, Diamante said, any decision could take years. The backlog of cases pending at immigration courts around the U.S. topped 610,000 in June, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University.

andrea.castillo@latimes.com

@andreamcastillo

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A high-speed Border Patrol pursuit Thursday afternoon ended when an SUV linked to a murder suspect went off Interstate 15 and into a Rancho Bernardo ravine, killing three of the four people inside.

Two agents were patrolling near Deer Springs Road when they decided to run the license plate of a black GMC Envoy about 1:05 p.m., Border Patrol Agent Tekae Michael said.

The freeway, along with Interstate 5, is considered a major corridor for drug trafficking and human smuggling, federal officials said.

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An alert revealed the vehicle was associated with an armed and dangerous man suspected of murder and human smuggling. When the agents tried to pull the vehicle over, the driver sped off.

The vehicle was traveling at high speed when it crashed through a guardrail and a chainlink fence on the right shoulder of the freeway, ending up in the ravine just south of West Bernardo Drive about 10 minutes after they ran the plate.

Three people in the SUV died and one was hospitalized with major injuries, said California Highway Patrol Officer Jake Sanchez. None was identified.

It is unclear if the wanted man was in the vehicle when it crashed and federal officials did not elaborate on his suspected offenses.

Karen Kucher, Pauline Repard and Lyndsay Winkley write for the San Diego Union-Tribune.
A 41-year-old man nicknamed Tiburon, or shark in Spanish, is accused of sexually assaulting two teenagers in Orange County last year, and prosecutors are searching for other possible victims.

Alejandro Hernandez Garcia of San Juan Capistrano was charged with seven felony counts, including forcible rape and rape by use of drug, according to the Orange County district attorneys office.

In July 2016, prosecutors said, Garcia approached a 16-year-old girl in a residential neighborhood in San Juan Capistrano, pulled her into a garage, locked the door and sexually assaulted her.

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Prosecutors said the girl knew him as Tiburon, but details about how she knew him are not clear.

About a month later, prosecutors said, he approached a 19-year-old woman who was lost in Santa Ana and gave her an alcoholic drink, which contained an illegal drug. Prosecutors said Garcia sexually assaulted the woman in the back seat of his car.

Police caught Garcia after he returned to the first victims San Juan Capistrano neighborhood in July.

When she saw him, she told some neighbors, who went after him and gave him a black eye, said Michelle Van Der Linden, a spokeswoman for the district attorneys office.

None of the neighbors was arrested, she said.

DNA evidence linked Garcia to the second case, Van Der Linden said, adding that the two victims do not know each other.

Prosecutors are asking other possible victims to come forward.

Were hoping that the name the shark will stand out to people, Van Der Linden said.

Garcia, who was arrested last week, is being held on $1-million bail and is due in court next week. If convicted, he faces 98 years to life in state prison.

Anyone with information is asked to call Eric Wiseman, a supervising investigator with the district attorneys office, at (714) 347-8794.

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Twitter: @AleneTchek

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Californias worker safety agency has fined Squaw Valley Ski Holldings LLC for an accident at the Squaw Valley resort last year in which a ski patroller working on avalanche control operations was killed.

Cal/OSHA cited two serious violations in the Jan. 24 death of 42-year-old Joe Zuiches.

Zuiches died about 8:35 a.m. at the top of the Gold Coast Ridge after exploding a hand charge containing ammonium nitrate, Squaw Valley officials said at the time of the incident.

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In its citations, the charge was described as weighing 1.8 pounds with a cap and fuse with a 90 second burn rate that exploded near Zuiches torso.

The resort had failed to implement a safety procedure associated with hang cord entanglements during hang cord blasting operations, Cal/OSHA said. The penalty for the violation was $11,250.

The second serious violation was that the snow avalanche blasting crew failed to ensure that all crew members maintained visual contact and awareness of the location of all workers during avalanche control activities, Cal/OSHA said. The penalty for that violation was $9,000.

According to the citations, Zuiches was part of a four-person team that was operating in two pairs that were leap-frogging each others avalanche blasting operations on Gold Coast Ridge.

Zuiches told his partner to go ahead and meet the other team while he performed the blast, the report stated. Zuiches colleague met up with the other members and then heard a couple of explosions. When the group radioed to Zuiches they received no answer. After another failed attempt to reach him, the employees went to his last known location and found his body, the report stated.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

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The Thai community is preparing to organize twin protests in Los Angeles and San Francisco Monday if authorities in Fresno County fail to recover the bodies of two Thai students believed to be trapped in the Kings River, Thai consulate officials say.

The bodies are believed to be in a mangled automobile that was first spotted at the bottom of a treacherous river gorge more than two weeks ago. The Fresno County Sheriffs Office has told family members and consulate officials that they are still trying to determine the safest way of recovering the bodies, but the Royal Thai Consulate-General Los Angeles wrote on Facebook that protesters are urging action now.

The students relatives gave an interview to the AP News that they were thinking of hiring a private rescuer if necessary to recover the bodies as it has been 15 days, the consulate said in its statement.

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The Kings River is cold and fast from melting snow and recent thunderstorms.

Sheriffs spokesman Tony Botti said the car is trapped in the middle of a rapid that lies between two canyon faces more than 500 feet high, with a 75-foot drop about 100 feet downriver. Any recovery attempt in such a situation is fraught with danger, he said.

Theres absolutely a risk for our personnel, and they have to be sure to cover all their bases, he said. Its about having the right weather conditions along with the proper equipmenttheres a lot of back and forth with our experts on what the best approach is.

Reaching the car in a vessel is out of the question, and theres no shoreline nearby to simply lift the vehicle up by helicopter and drop it off, Botti said.

The two likeliest scenarios would be from the air above or rappelling down the side, he said.

The priority is to recover the bodies believed to be inside, Botti said. Recovering the car is a possibility but not required, he said.

According to the sheriffs office, the cars occupants are believed to be a man and woman from Thailand who were attending the University of South Florida on an exchange program. Authorities believe they accidentally drove through a guardrail on a curve on Highway 180 on July 26 and plummeted more than 500 feet to the river below.

The vehicles airbags deployed, making it virtually impossible to see inside the vehicle from a distance.

Authorities have used a military helicopter and planned to use a drone to survey the conditions in the river and the car, officials said.

The Thai Consulate said the pair were staying at the Reedley Inn Hotel as part of a visit to Kings Canyon National Park. They were driving back into the park at the time of the accident, the Consulate said.

The Fresno Bee identified the students as Bhakapon Chairatanathongporn and Thiwadee Saengsuriyarit.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

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Wealthy landowner must open public access gate to Martins Beach, appeals court says
The campaign to maintain public access to Martins Beach has notched a victory, with a state appeals court upholding an order that required a wealthy landowner to stop blocking the only road to the sand.

The ruling, filed Wednesday, doesnt settle the tangle of litigation over public entry to the sweeping crescent south of Half Moon Bay.

But it does affirm a lower court decision that billionaire Vinod Khosla has to unlock the gate to Martins Beach Road while the legal fight continues.

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Khosla, a co-founder of the pioneering tech company Sun Microsystems, bought about 89 acres of coastal land next to the beach in 2008.

Two years later he posted do not enter signs, hired security and shut the gate to the beach road that the propertys previous owners had let ocean lovers use for almost a century.

A panel of the state 1st District Court of Appeal did not rule on whether the public has a right to Martins Beach access, saying that issue would be determined in a separate case.

But the 3-0 decision did reject the argument by Khoslas attorneys that the lower courts order had amounted to an unconstitutional taking.

In the lawsuit filed by the Surfrider Foundation, the San Mateo County Superior Court had said Khosla must apply to the California Coastal Commission for a development permit before closing the road. The court also issued an injunction requiring Khosla to maintain the same level of public access that existed when he bought the property.

The appeals panel affirmed both of those provisions.

In the present case, the claimed taking is not an interpretation of property law. It is an injunction designed to enforce the permit requirements of the Coastal Act, the appellate panel said.

There is a still a long road ahead, but we are encouraged by this decision, Jack Ainsworth, the Coastal Commissions executive director, said in a statement.

We are hopeful that the day will come when the locks are cut off the gates and public can once again walk across the sand at Martins Beach and go for a swim, he said.

Khoslas attorneys could not be reached for comment.

In a statement, Surfriders attorneys said they expected Khosla to take the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

bettina.boxall@latimes.com

Twitter: @boxall
Over and over again, those on Americas far right have learned that the 1st Amendment doesnt protect them from Silicon Valley tech companies.

For weeks, neo-Nazis, white nationalists and other far-right figures have been organizing for a Unite the Right demonstration in Charlottesville, Va., on Saturday, which is expected to be one of the largest rallies of its kind in at least a decade.

But days before the rally, the short-term lodging service Airbnb started suspending the accounts of rally attendees who had rented houses in the area. Why? The San Francisco-headquartered company requires customers to accept people regardless of their race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, among other things  a deal breaker for white nationalists, who have been banned by other popular companies for similar reasons.

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It was a blow for the organizers, who had taken over all of the large AirBnBs in a particular area, according to a user on the message board for the Daily Stormer, a popular neo-Nazi website, who had set up Nazi Uber and the Hate Van to help in moving our people around as needed.

This wasnt the first time the far-right had to find someone willing to provide services for its members. Increasingly, the groups solution is to provide its own.

Over the last two years, a crop of start-ups has begun offering social media platforms and financial services catering to right-wing Internet users.

Were getting banned from using payment-processing services, so we have no other choice, said Tim Gionet, who goes by the name Baked Alaska and who is scheduled to speak at the Charlottesville rally. If thats the gamble they want to take, I guess they can, and well make our own infrastructure.

The new companies are small, paling in audience size to their gargantuan, mainstream counterparts. But piece by piece, supporters of the far-right are assembling their own corporate tech world  a shadow Silicon Valley, one with fewer rules.

After being banned from Twitter during the 2016 presidential campaign, many members of the alt-right movement of white nationalists joined Gab, which describes itself as an ad-free social network for creators who believe in free speech, individual liberty, and the free flow of information online. On Tuesday, one of the sites most popular posts was an image that said, I  BEING WHITE.

The market is owned and controlled and operated by the oligarchy of Twitter and Facebook and Google, said Gabs founder, Andrew Torba.

The reality is hate speech is free speech, Torba added, citing U.S. Supreme Court precedent. With predominantly left-leaning companies, many of them in San Francisco, setting the boundaries on what speech isnt acceptable on for-profit platforms, thats a huge opportunity to sit here and defend the Internet that I grew up on, he said.

Right-wing activists banned from the crowdfunding site Patreon can fundraise on Hatreon, a platform created to counter the inexcusable content policing of services like Patreon.

Hatreon  pronounced HATE-ree-on  currently features fundraisers supporting Richard Spencer, one of Americas most prominent white nationalists (who has 34 patrons pledging to donate $362 to him a month), and Andrew Anglin, who, as founder and editor of the Daily Stormer, is one of Americas most prominent neo-Nazis (with 50 donors pledging $869.17 a month).

Spencer called Hatreons founder, Cody Wilson, of Austin, Texas, to praise the service, telling him he would use it even if you were the most left-wing Jewish communist, according to Wilson. (Spencer confirmed the accuracy of the remarks.)

Wilson, who is best known for his efforts to produce guns through 3-D printing, described himself as an Internet anarchist who wants to disrupt the establishments status quo. He was intrigued by far-right users on social media, who sometimes post racist, sexist and anti-Semitic comments and images but also playful memes of their de facto mascot, Pepe, a cartoon frog. Frog Twitter and the so-called alt-right  theres a lot of life there, Wilson said. Im kind of happy to help it mutate.

Another crowdfunding start-up, WeSearchr, has raised more than $150,000 for Anglins legal defense in a lawsuit filed by the Southern Poverty Law Center, the anti-extremism nonprofit, after Anglin organized a troll storm against a Jewish woman on the Daily Stormer.

WeSearchr often sponsors fundraisers for medical bills and legal defense funds for far-right figures who have gotten in fights with left-wing activists who call themselves anti-fascists. It also offers bounties  money donated by users to meet a certain objective  seeking the identities of anti-fascists involved in violent encounters.

WeSearchrs owner, Chuck C. Johnson, a right-wing journalist and provocateur who has been banned from Twitter, told The Times in an email that it was good business to allow free speech and that he believes not discriminating against users political views might give him better protection from lawsuits.

Johnson, whose operation is based in California, added that his attorney advised him that, under state law, its illegal to discriminate on the basis of politics. All are welcome to fundraise on my properties, Johnson wrote.

One of WeSearchrs other founders, Pax Dickinson, recently split from the company to start his own crowdfunding site, Counter.Fund, with an explicit dedication against Marxist political correctness and the globalist progressive Left, according to its website.

Dickinson was the chief technology officer of Business Insider until he was forced to resign in 2013 after sexist and racist tweets of his were uncovered by the news site Gawker. Dickinson since has channeled his entrepreneurial energies into creating financial infrastructure to sustain the far-right.

Counter-cultural content creators are trapped into funneling income streams through platforms owned by their ideological enemies, Dickinson wrote in a manifesto explaining the need for his new company. A non-liberal on Patreon or Kickstarter is just one hack journalists hit piece or progressive cultural campaign away from being censored from their platform and losing their income stream entirely.

Dickinson declined to be interviewed for this article.

Were getting banned from using payment-processing services, so we have no other choice. ... Well make our own infrastructure.  Tim Gionet, who goes by the name Baked Alaska

The relationship between Americas far right and liberal tech world was mutually beneficial at first.

As the alt-right movement gained momentum over the past two years, supporters found that advertising-supported platforms like Facebook and Twitter were powerful tools for trolling and self-promotion. For a fee, crowdfunding sites such as GoFundMe offered the possibility for rising stars in the movement to convert their newfound social capital into actual financial capital.

But as the far-rights influence grew, many of those companies cracked down after liberals and leftists accused them of sponsoring hate speech.

I dont want to patronize anyone that patronizes them, said Daryle Lamont Jenkins, an anti-fascist activist who has pressured companies that do business with far-right figures. They make it clear that they want to undermine society, that they want to break up society as we know it, that they want to be a boot on everyones neck. Why should we ignore that?

The shutdown of financial services has cramped Anglin, who has said the Daily Stormer might shut down if he loses his lawsuit against the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Anglin accused his adversaries of trying to silence protected speech, and they are able to shut down my access to PayPal, credit card processors, Patreon, advertisers, even webhosts, with threats to defame these companies in the media, Anglin told The Times in an email earlier this year.

As for Spencer, one of the alt-rights other most prominent figures, he still has a Twitter account, but he has been banned from the audio hosting site SoundCloud. He said three banks have terminated the accounts of his white nationalist nonprofit, the National Policy Institute, but the group still does business with online payment-processing services such as PayPal.

Every now and then, another company forces him out and leaves him with fewer options for how to advance his agenda, which includes traveling around the country to spread his beliefs.

Spencer said he recently discovered that he had been banned from Airbnb  presumably because of his viewpoints, which include calling for a separate nation for white people.

I just went to my account, and it was gone, Spencer said. He sounded puzzled, given how his past hosts had rated him positively as a customer. I had all these nice reviews.

matt.pearce@latimes.com

Twitter: @mattdpearce

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UPDATES:

Aug. 12, 4:55 p.m.: This story was updated with an additional comment from WeSearchr owner Chuck C. Johnson.

This story was orginally posted on Aug. 11 at 1:05 p.m.
Heather Wright is a New Orleans native, so she knows that flooding is a part of life in the city. New Orleans lies up to 10 feet below sea level and is mostly surrounded by water.

Ive lived in New Orleans all my life, so water is in my DNA, Wright said Friday. I survived Hurricane Katrina and lived through that, but this was the highest Ive ever seen the water get since that time.

By this she referred to flooding unleashed last Saturday after a heavy rainstorm overwhelmed the citys compromised pumping system, and with many streets still flooded, city residents are bracing as a new round of heavy rain is expected this weekend.

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Officials said this week that at least 14 of 120 drainage pumps located throughout the city were out of service during last weekends storm because of power shortages and because of a lack of basic maintenance.

Some parts of our system did not operate as they should have, which is disappointing because it contradicts information that I was given to provide to the public. Our staff was not forthright, which is unacceptable, said Cedric Grant, executive director of New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board.

Grant on Tuesday said that, contrary to an earlier statement he made after the storm, the pumping system was not operating at its maximum capacity. He also acknowledged that there is a lack of confidence from the public in the systems abilities.

Among the residents affected was Pattye Brignac, 62, who said water levels rose to 3 feet in her neighborhood. During the storm, her cat drowned and her car was damaged by water.

The water just stood there for six hours, she said Friday. Were still cleaning up our street.

Brignac didnt learn until a few days after Saturdays flood that some drainage pumps had been offline.

Im disappointed with city officials, and I believe they should be held accountable, she said. Theres no excuse for not realizing that their equipment was not working.

In anticipation of the coming storm, Birgnac said she and her neighbors had been cleaning debris from a storm drain.

Were digging out buckets of mud and other people on our block are doing the same thing, she said.

Many residents still cleaning up debris after last weeks flood were shocked a second time Thursday morning when they received an emergency text message warning them that the citys drainage pumps were threatened again after a fire at a power plant damaged power for the citys network of drainage pumps.

The controversy has caused conflicts between Mayor Mitch Landrieu and city officials. Grant announced Tuesday that he would retire in the fall.

With forecasters predicting a 60% chance of rain and thunderstorms through the weekend, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency in New Orleans, which would allow the federal government to financially assist the city to recover from disaster under certain circumstances.

Officials closed schools for the week and urged residents to move their vehicles to higher ground and to stay off roadways during rainstorms.

T.J. Pitre, 36, and his wife said they had a plan in case they needed to evacuate this weekend.

We have food and water bottles that I keep in my top shelf in my closet, he said. My wife is really good at being on top of these things. We have two cats and she has all of their documents ready to go as well.

Officials said Sewerage and Water Board electricians and mechanics were working around the clock to repair the citys drainage pumps and secure backup power.

For some residents, the citys failure in ensuring its pumping systems were working at capacity resurfaced memories of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.

This is bringing back Katrina memories, Wright said. Im remembering not to take things for granted, like getting in my car. Its affecting my quality of life.

She added, Had our pumps been working, I think we would have still had flooding, but not to the extent that we did.

On Friday, Landrieu said that a turbine damaged by the power plant fire had been repaired and would be working gradually throughout the days to come. He said the city had also ordered 26 generators as backup sources of power and that pumping stations in Algiers, New Orleans East and the Lower Ninth Ward were not affected because they have diesel generators.

But for some residents, the damage from last weeks flood has placed doubt about the citys abilities as the threat of another storm looms ahead.

This is utter disregard for people who live here, Wright said. The city needs to get it right and people need to be held accountable.

melissa.etehad@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @melissaetehad

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Squeezed out by Silicon Valley, the far right is creating its own corporate world
A judge entered a not-guilty plea Friday for the man accused in the killing of a western Missouri police officer during a traffic stop.

Ian McCarthy, 39, of Clinton appeared via video at the Henry County Courthouse to answer charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of Officer Gary Michael in Clinton. McCarthys next court appearance was scheduled for Oct. 20.

Investigators say Michael was killed when the driver of a car he stopped for a traffic violation Sunday jumped out and shot him. The suspect drove away, crashing a few blocks from the scene of the shooting then fleeing on foot. Michael was able to return fire. McCarthy was arrested walking on a road after a two-day manhunt.

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Michael, 39, was the first police officer killed in the line of duty in Clinton, a town of about 9,000 residents about 75 miles southeast of Kansas City. His visitation was scheduled in Clinton on Friday and the funeral will be Saturday.

A second man, William Noble, 35, of Clinton was charged Thursday with felony tampering with evidence after prosecutors alleged he supplied the weapon used to kill Michael.

According to a police probable cause statement, Noble began fake crying while initially telling two officers who visited his home Thursday that he bought the rifle and sold it to McCarthy. He eventually changed his story and acknowledged that McCarthy asked him to buy the rifle for him. He said he did so because McCarthy was from out of state.

McCarthy served time in prison in New Hampshire for first-degree assault and a parole violation. He also was wanted at the time of his arrest on a 2015 warrant out of Johnson County, Missouri, for unlawful possession of a firearm. As a convicted felon, McCarthy cannot legally own a firearm.

Noble told the officers he panicked when he returned home on Monday  the day after the shooting  and found the rifle leaning against an inside doorway, the statement said. He said he told his wife he needed to take out the trash and instead drove to a creek about 2 miles north of Clinton, where he threw it into the water. He took officers to the creek Thursday, where they recovered a rifle that meets the description and appears ... to be the weapon used in the murder, according to the probable cause statement.

The statement does not address how Noble knew McCarthy and Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesman Bill Lowe said Thursday that the relationship was unclear.

McCarthy didnt appear to have many friends in Clinton, according to his neighbors and landlord. They told The Kansas City Star that McCarthy generally stayed inside his home only a few blocks from where Michael was killed and seemed to spend his time playing video games and hunting and fishing. He didnt seem to have worked since arriving in Clinton about four years ago.

He lived off $2,000 a month from a trust fund set up by his deceased grandfather, according to his landlord, Ed Hannah.

Hes an odd duck, Hannah said. He was such a hermit nobody really knew anything about him.

Hannah said he set up a few job interviews for McCarthy, but that his tenant never showed up to them. After McCarthy fell behind on his rent about a year and half ago, Hannah arranged to be paid directly by the trust fund managers and never saw McCarthy again.

Next-door neighbors said they mostly saw McCarthy when he let out his dogs  Minion and Nibbler  whom he doted on. One neighbor, Whitney Julian, said McCarthy had a temper, once going berserk when heavy machinery woke him up  at about 10 a.m.
The settlement of a lawsuit against Solano County Superior Court this week is good news for Californians of limited means who get ticketed for minor traffic violations in that Northern California county. Under an agreement between public interest groups and the court, people who legitimately cannot afford to pay Californias traffic fines will be able to pay reduced amounts, pay in installments or do community service.

This is a fairer way to deal with minor traffic tickets that doesnt send drivers into the poorhouse  or to jail. The states exorbitant traffic fines are tough for anyone to pay, so laden as they are with add-on fees that inflate a $100 ticket to nearly $500 in the end. Worse, those who dont pay because they cant afford to are hit with higher fines and may have their licenses suspended, exposing them to even more fines and possibly a jail term if they keep driving.

Thats an irrationally high penalty for a minor offense, and other courts should follow Solano Countys example without having to be sued. Besides, a bill signed by Gov. Brown in June prohibits courts from suspending drivers licenses for failing to pay a fine, so alternative penalties make sense. Brown correctly noted that depriving poor people of the ability to drive legally puts them in economic peril, and makes it even more likely they cant afford to pay a fine. Licenses can still be yanked for serious traffic violations, such as driving under the influence or reckless driving, or for missing a court appearance for a traffic offense.

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Traffic tickets have been used as revenue generators for all sorts of unrelated programs, such as protecting wildlife and helping victims of violent crimes.

The court settlement and legislation are recent examples of how California has been moving toward a more just method of resolving minor traffic tickets since 2015, when a coalition of civil rights groups highlighted how the system disproportionally affects millions of Californians of limited means. Some 4 million drivers have had their licenses suspended in the past decade because they failed to pay a fine or appear in court.

Shortly after the report, the Judicial Council agreed to stop requiring people to pay fines before they could contest a ticket, and the governor offered a chance for drivers in arrears to get their licenses back by paying a reduced fine. That discount, which ended earlier this year, brought in millions of dollars from tickets that otherwise were likely to remain unpaid. By December, 192,000 people had been reunited with their drivers license. A bill now pending in the legislature  SB 185 by Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys)  would make payment alternatives similar to the ones in Solano County available statewide, such as deeply reduced fines for indigent defendants.

Although these efforts are positive, they are still piecemeal fixes to the larger problem of minor traffic infractions potentially exposing drivers to the same economic and legal penalties as serious crimes. That may soon change, however. The California Supreme Court chief justices Futures Commission has proposed to fundamentally transform the way the state deals with routine traffic tickets by treating them as civil matters rather than criminal cases. Serious traffic infractions such as driving under the influence would remain criminal violations, but everything else would be handled administratively  like parking tickets are handled.

The details are still being worked out, and some of the changes would require the Legislatures approval, but the proposal has tremendous potential. It makes sense to move to a system that decriminalizes traffic infractions, doesnt penalize poor people unfairly and better matches the punishment to the infraction.

At some point, state lawmakers also must address the affordability of fines. Traffic tickets have been used as revenue generators for all sorts of unrelated programs, such as protecting wildlife and helping victims of violent crimes. Over the years, this practice has resulted in some of the highest traffic fines in the nation. If a $100 ticket cost just $100, the state might not struggle to get people to pay fines in the first place.

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President Trump had the opportunity Thursday to clarify his startling statement earlier in the week that North Korea will face fire and fury like the world has never seen if it continues to threaten the United States. But instead of resolving the confusion over his administrations intentions toward North Korea, the president exacerbated it. Thats precisely the opposite of whats needed at this tense time.

Trumps apocalyptic language in remarks on Tuesday seemed to catch even his closest advisors by surprise, as did his suggestion that the U.S. take military action in response to mere threats by North Korea as opposed to aggressive actions. One interpretation was that, like his campaign oratory, it was meant to be taken seriously, not literally. After all, North Korea continued to make threats, including one directed at the U.S. island territory of Guam, and Trump didnt respond with a military strike.

[His] language inevitably will inspire speculation that Trump is considering a preemptive strike to eliminate North Koreas nuclear weapons.

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As the week went on, key administration officials followed Trumps statement with contradictory signals. On Wednesday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called for calm and dismissed the idea of an imminent threat from North Korea. Yet on the same day, Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis warned the North in Trump-like tones to cease any consideration of actions that would lead to the end of its regime and destruction of its people. (On Thursday, Mattis said that even though he was responsible for giving Trump military options, the administration wanted to use diplomacy.)

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Trump insisted that there are no mixed messages  and then he mixed the message some more. Far from distancing himself from his threat to visit fire and fury on North Korea, he mused that maybe the warning wasnt tough enough.

At times he seemed to suggest that North Korea would expose itself to retribution only by acts of aggression; but at other times he indicated that threats might be enough of a trigger. For example, Trump offered this warning: If North Korea does anything in terms of even thinking about attack[ing] anybody that we love or we represent or our allies or us, they can be very, very nervous  because things will happen to them like they never thought possible. That language inevitably will inspire speculation that Trump is considering a preemptive strike to eliminate North Koreas nuclear weapons.

To be fair, Trump also mentioned that he remained open to negotiations with North Korea, even as he noted that talks over many years had failed to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. His dominant theme, however, was the devastation that would be visited on North Korea for bad behavior, as he had so melodramatically threatened a few days ago. Vagueness about what constitutes such conduct, coupled with inflammatory rhetoric, runs the risk of increasing tensions and making a devastating miscalculation more likely. The administration needs to clarify its position as well its messaging, and do it now.

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Trumps apocalyptic insecurity

Who are you calling a warmonger?
Donald Trump is a narcissistic, short-tempered, uninformed, unpredictable bully. In almost every context, this combination of traits is exactly what you would not want in a president of the United States. But one exception might be in dealing with Kim Jong Un and North Korea.

As I tell students in my negotiation class, in hard-nosed, brass-knuckles bargaining, the crazy person wins because he can force a rational counterpart to make concessions in order to avoid mutual disaster. And no one does crazy like Trump.

So-called normal American administrations have been outfoxed by the Kim family for decades. The reclusive leaders of the Hermit Kingdom have known that the only thing the United States can do to prevent them from developing nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles to carry them is to start a war that would devastate the Korean peninsula. That option was, and is, so bad that the Kims have calculated that they could bluster, stall, make agreements only to break them, and generally thumb their noses at the West with no risk of serious consequences.

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Sure, the United States can organize economic sanctions, but the Kims have never cared if their people starved by the millions, just as long as there was enough money to feed the military and finance weapons programs. North Korea is certainly displeased with the latest United Nations sanctions regime, which is expected to reduce its exports by a third, but there is almost no chance this will be painful enough to convince Kim to give up his warheads. The sanctions, even if they are enforced, still permit North Korea to earn plenty of hard currency trading in what isnt forbidden by the U.N. and sending guest workers to labor abroad.

The obvious danger of Trump facing off with Kim is precisely why rational Chinese leaders might reassess their nations long-standing approach.

The only way to stop North Koreas march toward deliverable nuclear weapons, short of a bloodbath, would be for China to embargo all trade with and economic support of Pyongyang, effectively starving Kims military. But while China doesnt love the idea of a nuclear North Korea, it has always preferred that to the risk of a destabilized regime perched on its border.

North Koreas threat to take physical action and retaliate thousands of times over for the latest sanctions was bluster typical for that countrys propaganda ministry. But Trumps fire and fury rejoinder is in sharp contrast to Americas usual careful diplomatic language. Military and foreign affairs experts in the West have uniformly criticized Trump. When crazy goes toe to toe with crazy, escalation can potentially get out of hand and lead to war. North Korea has already raised the ante by specifically threatening to shoot missiles near Guam, which could trigger an American response.

But the obvious danger of Trump facing off with Kim is precisely why rational Chinese leaders might reassess their nations long-standing approach and intervene more decisively. If Beijing continues to allow Kims pariah state to develop its nuclear capabilities, two events might occur that never before seemed likely. First, the United States might preemptively attack North Koreas nuclear weapons facilities, starting a conventional or even nuclear war along the 38th parallel. Trumps generals will probably prevent this from happening, but given the presidents daily antics, who could possibly believe an attack is impossible? Second, fearing increasing unpredictability in Washington, Japan or South Korea could decide to develop its own nuclear deterrent rather than continuing to rely solely on American protection.

Either a hot war or nuclear proliferation in its backyard would be much worse for China than any risks it might run by putting an end to Kims nuclear ambitions. Its best strategy now is to finally take serious action against Pyongyang, completely shutting off of all commerce, including oil shipments, until North Korea gives up its nuclear program. In return, China can demand that the United States, along with South Korea and Japan, enter a treaty promising not to seek regime change that could threaten the existence of the Kim dynasty.

A petulant, erratic North Korea has successfully defied the West for decades. A bombastic response from an equally petulant and erratic President Trump is both scary and dangerous, but it might just succeed where prior, rational American administrations have failed.

Russell Korobkin, a professor of law at UCLA, is writing The Ultimatum Game: The Science and Strategy of Negotiation.

Russell Korobkin, a professor of law at UCLA, is writing The Ultimatum Game: The Science and Strategy of Negotiation.

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Trumps even more mixed message on North Korea

Trumps apocalyptic insecurity

Who are you calling a warmonger?
Evangelicals have never had it so good, politically speaking.

Since President Trump took office in January, the White House has become a Christian roundtable, with just about every top-tier seat filled by a faithful member of the fold or someone who is happy to further the folds agenda.

The lineup of believers who are in positions of power is truly dizzying. Betsy DeVos, who leads the Department of Education, has stated that her goal as a public servant is to advance Gods kingdom. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry employed mass prayer as a means of addressing social problems when he was governor of Texas. Ben Carson, secretary of Housing and Urban Development, believes that the theory of evolution was encouraged by the devil.

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It doesnt stop there. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions has said that people who dont believe in God cant be truthful. Scott Pruitt, the Environmental Protection Agency chief, is a devout Baptist who denies that climate change is real. Mike Pompeo, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency, is an evangelical who opposes abortion even in cases of rape. The presidents attorney, Jay Sekulow, another evangelical, has defended school prayer at the Supreme Court, and Trumps spiritual advisor, Paula White, is a Pentecostal televangelist who teaches that if people give her church thousands of dollars, God will reward them with favors. Vice President Mike Pence might be the most piously anti-gay politician in America.

Jesus loved and protected those who were targeted and deemed outcasts by societys reactionaries.

Whats really remarkable about this group, however, is not that so many ardent worshippers of Jesus are running the country, but how non-Christian this ostensibly Christian government is proving to be. The Trump administrations Bible devotees are pushing an agenda that flies in the face of their own saviors message.

Jesus taught that wealth was deeply problematic, if not inimical to spiritual health, for instance. He preached that a person cannot serve both God and money (Luke 16), that it is nearly impossible for the rich to get into heaven (Matthew 19) and that if you want to be in good graces with the Lord, you ought to support the poor (Matthew 19). Its those living in poverty, Jesus said, who are truly blessed (Luke 6).

And yet Trumps appointees are doing all they can to increase the wealth of the wealthy and cut funds and services for the poor. Some of the most supposedly Christian members of the administration have worked the hardest to take away healthcare from millions of poor Americans.

Jesus was big on mercy (Luke 6) and forgiveness (Colossians 3), and was himself tortured and murdered by a brutal regime. Trump and his administration have called for harsher penalties for nonviolent drug offenders and more draconian sentencing in general.

Consider what Jesus taught about violence and weapons: Theyre bad. He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword, he said (Matthew 26). The White House embraces Americas powerful gun lobby and does so despite terrible mass shootings that have become routine.

Jesus loved and protected those who were targeted and deemed outcasts by societys reactionaries. But its Trumps associates and other Christian politicians who show the least empathy for gay people, transgender people, Muslims and other vulnerable groups.

Oh, and how about that inn? You know, the one where poor Joseph, and pregnant, unmarried Mary couldnt get a room (Luke 2). Surely Jesus would welcome the outsiders and refugees of the world to the most wealthy of nations. Yet his most zealous followers in the White House want to keep the poor and persecuted out. No room at this inn, they say. You have to wonder: Do they make such decisions before or after Bible study?

Millions of Christians across the world take the teachings of Jesus seriously, of course. They work in soup kitchens, homeless shelters and orphanages. They help people overcome addiction. They support the most vulnerable, advocate nonviolence and compassion, fight for human rights. They care about the pain climate change will cause. Unfortunately, they are not the Christians running this country.

Many Americans shuddered when Kellyanne Conway used the phrase alternative facts to defend White House claims about the size of the crowd at Trumps inauguration. But the administrations alternative Christianity may prove just as detrimental as its loose grasp on truth. While these men and women profess love for Jesus, they create suffering and misery in his name.

Phil Zuckerman is a professor of sociology and secular studies at Pitzer College and the author of Living the Secular Life.

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To the editor: There is cause for alarm when the secretary of State slashes diplomatic positions while the administration calls for billions of dollars in increases to the Pentagon budget. (Secretary of shrunken state dept, Aug 6)

Diplomats perform the vital tasks of cementing alliances, negotiating agreements and representing the USA around the world. Their work helps to protect us from the economic, social and human costs of war as well as maintaining our countrys position as a trustworthy participant in world affairs.

The U.S. has been at war continuously for longer than most recent college graduates have been alive, and it is clear that military action alone will not bring us peace.

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Perhaps, instead of bloating the Pentagon budget while we ignore its lack of accountability, we should give our diplomatic staff the support they need to work effectively and responsibly on behalf of us all.

Betty Guthrie, Irvine

..

To the editor: As a retired foreign service officer with 31 years of experience both in Washington and abroad, I share the concerns of many about the intention of President Trump and Secretary of State Tillerson to slash the budgets of the foreign affairs agencies.

But since my retirement from active duty, I have been appalled at the staggering number of special coordinators, ambassadors at large and other non-line operators appointed over the past 20 years.

The American Foreign Service Assn. lists 50-plus special positions and offices, some of which, I admit, address critical issues such as cybercrime, Iran nuclear nonproliferation and sanctions policy.

But what is the State Department doing in such fields as criminal justice, global engagement center (whats that?), global youth issues and international religious freedom. If these issues are so important to an administration, find a home for them. Dont just tack them onto State and hope for the best.

All these special positions and the bloated number of private contractors on States payroll seem legitimate objects for the budget ax.

Timothy Deal, Newport Beach

..

To the editor: Somehow you equate having a higher number of people and departments with better performance. True, Tillerson is new to government, but do you really think someone who managed a worldwide company with 74,000 employees has no clue about efficiency vs. waste?

Do you really think a senator whose whole life has been in the government, and unless he was a governor, managed more than 50 people before heading a Cabinet secretary position?

Are you really suggesting Tillerson is not professional enough to handle the department? Let me suggest an unbiased article on Tillersons performance at Exxon Mobil and management processes. How many heads of government or key country departments has he met with, negotiated with?

It would be fairer game to point to the president for awkwardness in foreign affairs. Surely you can find named sources there.

Blair Tuckerman, Upland

..

To the editor: The irony was hard to miss. Two top-of-the-front-page articles: Chinas growing success in Africa and our shrinking State Department and USAID.

I grew up in Liberia, West Africa, in the era of JFK and the Peace Corps. Then the U.S. was revered as an economic and political role model.

I am still in contact with a friend living in a small village there and trying to start a farm and grow palm nuts and pineapples. I asked him recently if the road near his village was paved yet. (The country has one main road; it was built after World War II by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.)

He said no, but the Chinese were working on it so it would be soon.

As to his agricultural projects, the only help available is from NGOs (non-governmental agencies). Turning inward will not make us great again. It will consign us to international irrelevance.

Paul Stull, Carpinteria

..

To the editor: Is it possible that Steve Bannons openly expressed plan to deconstruct the government is actually in place and working?

Earl Cole, La Mesa, Calif.

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Last month, Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders promised in a joint statement to pass a package of bills that will help ensure Californians wont have to pay an arm and a leg to have a roof over their head.

But the measures now contemplated to alleviate the states affordability crisis will not make much of a dent in Californias housing needs, according to analyses from state officials and housing groups. Even if high-profile housing bills pass, the state would need to find at least an additional $10 billion every year for new construction just to help Californians most burdened by high rents.

The three marquee measures under consideration  Senate Bills 2, 3 and 35  aim to increase funding for low-income housing projects and ease development regulations. The measures are unlikely to help spur enough home building in general. Development would still fall short by tens of thousands of new homes needed annually just to keep pace with projected population growth.

If [lawmakers] get a package that includes SB 2, SB 3 and some version of SB 35, it is reason to celebrate, said Jim Mayer, the president and CEO of California Forward, a nonprofit that has urged the state to act more aggressively on housing. But it wont have solved the problem, and nobody in their communities is going to think its solved the problem.

About 1.7 million low-income California renters spend more than half their income on housing. Helping to finance new homes for those residents alone would cost the state at least $15 billion a year, according to an estimate from the nonpartisan Legislative Analysts Office, an amount roughly equivalent to state spending on Medi-Cal.

Senate Bill 2 would add a $75 fee on mortgage refinancings and most other real estate transactions except for home and commercial property sales and funnel the money toward low-income housing financing. Senate Bill 3 would place a $3 billion bond on the 2018 statewide ballot also to help build low-income projects.

Neither bill is a sure thing  they require two-thirds votes in both houses of the Legislature. Some influential Democrats likely needed to vote in favor of SB 2 are already balking at raising fees. And voters will ultimately decide the bonds fate.

If both measures pass and their funding is combined with private investment and federal and local dollars, they could raise about $3.9 billion a year, according to an analysis by the California Housing Partnership Corp., a nonprofit low-income housing advocate. But current federal and state funding for low-income development remains low, leaving the overall $10-billion gap in spending needs.

(Times Graphics)

A similar shortfall exists in home building. Developers need to construct 180,000 new homes annually just to accommodate Californias projected population growth, according to the state Department of Housing and Community Development.

Developers in the state have built more than 180,000 homes a year in just three years since 1989, according to permit data from the construction industry. The low amount of building has contributed to a longstanding housing shortage thats led to sky-high prices. Roughly 101,000 new homes were built last year.

The revenue generated from Senate Bill 2s real estate fee and Senate Bill 3s bond funding could help finance the development of about 14,000 homes a year, according to the California Housing Partnership Corp. estimate, leaving a gap of 65,000 houses. Even more home building would be needed to account for prior shortfalls, which would help reduce housing costs.

Moreover, the bond money authorized by Senate Bill 3 could be spent in as little as five years, and the funding and home building gaps would get larger after that.

The goal of Senate Bill 35 is to make it easier to build homes. It would require cities and counties to limit environmental, planning and other reviews on land already zoned for a developers proposed amount of housing. The effort aims to give developers more certainty that their projects will get built, saving them time, money  and increasing the housing stock. A 2014 state study of low-income housing development found projects that needed approval at multiple local boards cost at least 5% more to build.

But the bills author, Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), said hes not sure how many new homes the measure would help produce.

The state is too big and diverse to accurately predict a number, Wiener said.

Last year, Brown proposed a similar measure and a UC Berkeley estimate found it could have created up to 2,350 homes total in San Francisco, for instance.

Browns effort failed, and Wieners approach is more narrow. Browns plan would have affected every city and county in the state, but Wieners only applies to local governments that have fallen behind on state goals for home building in their communities. Wiener also would require developers who want speedier local reviews for their projects to pay construction workers higher wages and accept union-level hiring standards, which some business interests have criticized as being too costly.

Wiener said that reducing local government regulations and adding new funding for low-income developments are significant in addressing the states housing problems.

But the state, he said, ultimately will have to look at bigger-ticket items, such as making it more financially beneficial for cities to approve housing developments and giving state and regional governments a larger role in approving large, transit-friendly projects if local governments are opposed to them.

We need to be very clear that passing this package doesnt mean that the Legislature is done with housing, Wiener said. We cant check that box. Its going to take years.

Lawmakers are expected to vote on the housing bills when they return from their summer recess later this month. The deadline for passage is Sept. 15 when the legislative year ends.

liam.dillon@latimes.com

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How many false statements did Trump make in his interview with the Wall Street Journal? We count at least five

(Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press)

The Wall Street Journal didnt release the full transcript of the interview its reporters and editors had last week with President Trump, but when Politico obtained a copy and published it, the interview quickly drew attention for several false statements Trump made.

The one that immediately gained notoriety was Trumps claim that after his speech at the Boy Scout Jamboree last week, I got a call from the head of the Boy Scouts saying it was the greatest speech that was ever made to them.

On Wednesday, the Boy Scouts of America released a statement saying we are unaware of any such call. The Scouts specifically said that neither the organizations president, AT&T chairman Randall Stephenson, nor its chief executive, Mike Surbaugh, had made such a call.

In fact, Surbaugh last week issued an unprecedented apology for a presidential speech  Scouts have heard from presidents back to Franklin D. Roosevelt  saying he was sorry that some members of the scouting community had been offended by Trumps partisanship, language and tone.

In the daily White House press briefing, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that other Boy Scout leaders, whom she did not name, had complimented Trump after his speech.

That wasnt the only call to come into question recently. A few days after the Journal interview, Trump said that Mexicos president, Enrique Pena Nieto, had paid him the ultimate compliment by calling and telling him that their southern border, very few people are coming because they know theyre not going to get through our border.

The Mexican government press office issued a statement Wednesday denying that.

Pena Nieto has not had recent telephone communication with President Donald Trump, the statement said.

Sanders said that Pena Nieto did compliment Trump, but in a personal conversation, not a telephone call.

I wouldnt say it was a lie, she said of Trumps statements.

Other false statements involved broader factual matters.

Were the highest-taxed nation in the world, Trump said  a statement that he has repeatedly made and which has repeatedly been debunked. Whether measured by the top tax rate or the overall percentage of national income which is taxed, the U.S. has lower taxes than most of its chief economic competitors.

Trump may have been thinking about the U.S. corporate tax rate, which is higher than most developed countries, although not the highest. Yet few companies actually pay that top rate given various tax deductions, credits and exemptions.

Trump also said I honestly believe for six months, I have done more than just about any other president when you look at all of the bills that were passed, 42, 43.

Thats untrue. Many of Trumps predecessors had signed more legislation, and nearly all recent ones had signed more significant measures by this point in their tenures.

Jimmy Carter had signed 70 bills into law by this point, Bill Clinton 50. Franklin D. Roosevelt had 76 in just his first 100 days.

About one-third of the bills Trump has signed have been ceremonial measures, such as renaming courthouses.

Referring to his top economic advisor, Gary Cohn, Trump said Gary wrote a check for $200 million when he entered the government. He had to pay $200 million in tax.

Trump has said that before, including in a speech in June. Its false.

Cohn owned about $220 million in Goldman Sachs stock when he resigned as the banks president to become the head of Trumps National Economic Council. He sold the stock to minimize conflicts of interest, as most appointees do. But he certainly didnt have to pay $200 million in tax on that sale.

In fact, its likely Cohn hasnt paid any tax so far. He may never have to.

Federal law allows appointees to government positions to defer any tax they owe on assets that they sell to avoid conflicts. The law requires that they put the proceeds of the sale into neutral investments such as Treasury securities. If his securities go up in value, Cohn might have to pay tax on that gain. The top tax rate on capital gains is 20%.

Trump also repeated a false claim about his defeated rival from the election, Hillary Clinton.

Real crimes are what Hillary did with 33,000 emails, where she deleted them and bleached them after getting a subpoena.

Trump made that claim more than once during the campaign, and more recently on Twitter.

He is correct that Clinton deleted 33,000 emails from the private server she used for her messages while she was secretary of State. She says that all of those deleted emails were personal and that she had no obligation to keep them. No one has come up with evidence to the contrary.

The evidence from the FBIs investigation of the emails shows that in December 2014, after she turned over about 30,000 work-related emails to the State Department, Clintons aides told the company that managed the server to delete the rest of the emails. The emails were subpoenaed about three months later, on March 4.

The company didnt actually do the deletion until later in March, but theres been no evidence that Clinton knew about the delay at the time or that the company knew the messages were under subpoena.

In any case, the FBI declined to recommend prosecution, contrary to Trumps assertion that Clinton committed real crimes.

A poll released Wednesday by Quinnipiac University asked Americans if they believe Trump is honest. By 62% to 34%, a majority said no.

12:30 p.m.: This article was updated with comments by White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
A total solar eclipse will sweep across the United States on Aug. 21 from Oregon to South Carolina, causing darkness to fall along a 70-mile-wide stretch of land.

But even if you cant make it into this path of totality, where the moon will entirely obscure the face of the sun, you can still enjoy a celestial show. A partial eclipse  where the moon appears to take a bite out of the sun  will be visible in all of the lower 48 states.

Eclipses pose a bit of a dilemma for sky watchers. Aside from the few minutes of totality, when the moon completely covers the sun, you cant actually look at the sun directly without hurting your eyes.

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Dr. Christopher Quinn, president of the American Optometric Assn., explained that your eyes dont just absorb the light of the sun. Instead, they concentrate it  focusing it on the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye known as the retina.

The cells of the retina are not designed to handle the light intensity that comes from staring directly at the sun.

It basically coagulates the retina in the center part of the eye  almost cooking it, he said.

And once the damage is done, it cannot be repaired.

A pair of sunglasses, or even five, wont offer your eyes the protection they need during most stages of an eclipse.

But dont despair. If you want to see the eclipse, youve got plenty of options.

Eclipse glasses and hand-held solar viewers

Emmalyn Johnson, 3, tries on a pair of eclipse glasses at Mauney Memorial Library in Kings Mountain, N.C. (Brittany Randolph / The Star via AP)

If you want to look directly at the sun during the partial phases of an eclipse, youll need a pair of eclipse glasses or a hand-held solar viewer to do it safely. These are usually cardboard or paper glasses that are equipped with specialty solar filters that block out more than 99% percent of the suns light.

A safe solar filter will produce a view of the sun that is about as bright as the full moon surrounded by a dark sky, according to the American Astronomical Society (AAS).

Special filters and glasses that are safe for direct viewing of the sun and solar eclipses. (Laura Greene / AP)

To use eclipse glasses, experts recommend putting them over your eyes (or over your regular glasses if you have them) before looking at the sun. When you are done observing the eclipse, look away from the sun before taking the glasses off.

People in the path of totality can look at the sun without solar glasses, but only when the sun is fully obscured by the moon. When you notice that darkness has descended, it is safe to remove your solar glasses. As soon as totality is over however, the glasses need to go back on.

Buyer beware

In early August, the AAS issued a warning that some eclipse glasses and hand-held solar viewers currently on the market do not meet safety standards set by the International Organization for Standardization.

To help consumers determine which eclipse glasses and solar viewers are truly safe, the AAS put together a list of reputable vendors.

What to do if you already have a pair of eclipse glasses? If you got them from a planetarium, science museum or from an amateur astronomer, they are probably safe to use.

If you are not sure if yours are safe, you might quickly glance at the sun with the solar viewer held up to your eyes. If the sun looks uncomfortably bright, or out of focus, youll want to replace your viewer before the big day.

Using binoculars and telescopes

Viewing the solar eclipse with telescopes and binoculars is possible, if you do a little prep work first. (Ian Hitchcock / Getty Images)

If looking at the sun with the naked eye is a bad idea, looking at the unfiltered sun through binoculars or a telescope is even worse. These instruments concentrate the suns intense light, making it even more dangerous to peer at the solar face through them.

Thats no reason to give up on getting a closer view of the sun during an eclipse, however. Just make sure that any telescope or binoculars you plan to use on Aug. 21 are equipped with a solar filter that goes on the front of the instrument.

A solar filter that goes over the eyepiece is of no help to you here. It will likely get burned by the heat of the concentrated rays, followed by your eyes. (Yikes!)

The editors of Sky & Telescope magazine have put together a list of companies that make safe solar filters that can be safely used with binoculars and telescopes.

Pinhole projection

You can also observe a partial eclipse without looking at the sun at all using a process called pinhole projection.

To use this method, pass sunlight through a small opening and then project it on another surface.

This could be as easy as punching a small hole in an index card and allowing the suns light to stream through it onto another surface  like the ground, a wall or another card. If you do this during a partial eclipse, the projected image will reveal the suns crescent shape.

Easier yet, turn your back to the sun, make a grid with your fingers and then look at your shadow. The sunlight passing through the small spaces between your fingers will create a repeated pattern of crescent shapes on the ground.

Sunlight falling between overlapping leaves will project a similar dappled image of the partially eclipsed sun on the ground.

If you want to be a bit more serious about your pinhole projecting, NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory has a very simple DIY pinhole camera project that you can try. All it requires are two pieces of paper, some tinfoil and some tape.

However you choose to see the full or partial eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21, I wish you happy, and very safe, viewing!

deborah.netburn@latimes.com

Do you love science? I do! Follow me @DeborahNetburn and like Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook.

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Children who are burn survivors took a field trip to the beach last week to learn how to surf without feeling self-conscious about their scars.

The Childrens Burn Foundation took 38 participants, including one from Burbank, to Zuma Beach in Malibu, where they received one-on-one instruction from members of the Malibu Makos Surf Club.

For some participants, it was an opportunity to be free of embarrassment.

This is a time for them to be in the water with bathing suits where nobody will look at them differently. They can just be kids and play, said Sharon Townsend, executive director of the Sherman Oaks-based foundation during a phone interview last week.

Participants were provided wetsuits and surfboards by the Surf Club. Instructors taught them how to stand on a surfboard and remain balanced as well as ocean safety.

The foundation offers field trips to various places, such as Brookfield Farms in Thousand Oaks and Glowzone LA in Woodland Hills, but Surf Camp remains the most popular among attendees. This is the fourth year the surfing field trip has been offered.

The kids love it and keep requesting it each year, said Katya Kazerskaya, a camp director for the foundation.

Participants were transported to the beach in a city-donated bus and received snacks and lunches donated by the Los Angeles Kings and Jersey Mikes Subs.

Burbank resident Cyrus Hernandez, 13, attended Surf Camp for the second time. He said this time there was more time for surfing and less talking.

He learned how to stand on a surfboard, but he said his favorite part was boogie boarding and going against the waves.

When Cyrus was 6 years old, boiling water spilled onto his toes, he said. Though he feels confident despite his scars, he said he was happy to make new friends at Surf Camp.

Its become a field trip he looks forward to each year, he said.

priscella.vega@latimes.com

Twitter: @vegapriscella
Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach was named the third-best hospital in the Los Angeles area and eighth-best in California in the recent Best Hospitals rankings from U.S. News & World Report.

Hoag was the only nationally ranked hospital in Orange County in the survey. The facility also received several high performing marks in neurology, colon cancer surgery, heart failure treatment and other areas.

Three nearby hospitals  Huntington Beach Hospital, Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center and Fountain Valley Regional Hospital & Medical Center  also were noted as high performing in various specialties.

Fashion Island gets new bridal shop

Newport Beachs Fashion Island shopping center has a new bridal shop.

BHLDN  pronounced beholden  is inside the Anthropologie store. It will offer wedding gowns, reception dresses, jewelry and accessories.

Appointments are required to try on wedding dresses.

The Winery restaurant to host guest bartenders for literacy fundraiser

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Newport Beach will host a fundraiser Tuesday in which guest bartenders will battle for tips to benefit the Newport-based Literacy Project.

The event, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., will feature four guest bartenders split into two teams in a competition to see which team can get the most tips.

All cash tips will benefit The Literacy Project, which aims to help children who are struggling with reading.

The Winery is at 3131 W. Coast Hwy.

Miguels Jr. expands in Huntington Beach

Miguels Jr. is opening a new 3,000-square-foot location in Huntington Beach this month.

The Mexican food restaurant will be in the Newland shopping center at 19620 Beach Blvd. and have a drive-through and counter service. It also will feature original murals by Dave Avanzino that feature the Huntington Beach Pier and Newland House Museum.

Miguels Jr. has 15 fast-food restaurants in the Inland Empire and Orange County, according to its website.

Big Blue House sale was O.C.s third-priciest

A Corona del Mar home owned by heirs of the Irvine family recently sold for $35 million, according to the Orange County Register.

The home, known as the Big Blue House, was part of a combined $55-million sale with a nearby home on Avocado Avenue. The buyer was a private partnership.

The Big Blue Houses $35-million sale, a figure not previously known, was the third-priciest ever for a single home in Orange County. The top two were Laguna Beach homes.

Westside Costa Mesa tract to open with party

Vitae, a tract of 20 new single-family homes in Westside Costa Mesa, will have a grand-opening party from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 19, featuring live music, food and drinks.

The homes have two or three bedrooms and range from 1,620 to 1,700 square feet. Prices start in the $790,000s.

Vitae, developed by Newport Beach-based Planet Home Living and designed by KTGY Architecture + Planning of Irvine, is at 531 Bernard St.

Laguna Beach gets new, locally inspired restaurant

Oak, a new restaurant inspired by and designed to resemble its home city of Laguna Beach, opened Aug. 2.

The menu offers California comfort food, as well as tacos and seafood.

Oak, at 1100 S. Coast Hwy., is open daily for dinner at 5 p.m.

Innovation Center opens near UC Irvine

UC Irvines Applied Innovation has opened a new lab with advanced manufacturing and prototyping equipment that allows users to design and build almost anything they can imagine, according to a news release.

The Base 11 Innovation Center is near the UCI campus, at 5141 California Ave., Suite 200. It offers apprenticeships, training programs and innovation challenges.

The Base 11 Innovation Center is the focal point of the ecosystem were establishing in Orange County to prepare more high-potential, low-resource students to fill in-demand jobs and launch new business ventures in fields like engineering, aerospace and technology, Landon Taylor, chief executive of Base 11, said in a statement.
It wasnt a church in the traditional sense, but they made it one.

On Thursday morning, before the rides were turned on and the barbecue grills lit up, about 30 workers at the Orange County Fair gathered below a white tent for a Catholic Mass.

Its been tradition for a few years. Father Leandro Fossa, of the Missionaries of St. Charles Scalabrinians in Los Angeles, comes down to the OC Fair and gives a bilingual service in English and Spanish. Hes sometimes known as the carnie priest.

This week, they celebrated Mass below the employee tent of RCS, the carnival operator, off the midway. The tent is a regular break spot and dinner gathering area, but on Thursday, crews set up chairs before a small table that acted as an altar.

From there, Fossa gave a roughly 30-minute service.

Compared to the fun mayhem of a fair day, it was a spot of serenity: the sounds of babbling water fountains, recorded church music playing from a single speaker, the comfort of shade.

It was also dress casual. Employees came wearing their RCS T-shirts. Others came from Chuckwagon Concessions or Brander Enterprises. The morning was a chance for them to observe their faith on a day other than Sunday, when theyre usually working. Fossa visits the fair to offer a service at least once per season.

Dominic Palmieri, RCS food manager known as the Midway Gourmet, met Fossa in 2012 and saw how he regularly worked with migrant workers. Because many carnival employees are constantly traveling and/or on work visa programs, Palmieri thought Fossa would be a good fit for them.

His sermons ... really hit home with kindness, service, respect and devotion, Palmieri said in an email. I have seen a huge amount of appreciation from all our employees, that he takes the time to visit with them, spiritually guide them and allow them to participate in their services.

Palmieri called Fossa a champion for all of us at the fair.

At the outset of his service, Fossa, a native of Brazil whose only fair services are for O.C. and another in Houston, distributed flowers to attendees. He preached a message about avoiding the perils of selfishness and alienating ones self in an age where selfie photos are the most famous things.

Before the service, Fossa said that while his is a Catholic Mass, We try to include everybody. The whole message is God is with you. We are with you on the journey. This is a moment for you to pray and be connected with your soul and your faith.

We let them pray for the needs they have back home or the needs they have locally, Fossa added.

After the sermon and reading of Bible passages, the congregants took communion. They offered prayers and concluded the morning with a group photo.

It was a pleasure meeting you all again, Fossa told the crowd.

After the service was over, Fossa noted how, even in the white tent, everything worked out for the faithful, who had by then left went back to work.

The church goes, he said, where people need it.

Midway Moments is a recurring column chronicling the Orange County Fair.

bradley.zint@latimes.com

Twitter: @BradleyZint

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The Huntington Beach Planning Commission will hold the first public hearing Tuesday on a document that will guide local development decisions through 2040.

The commission has been reviewing the citys general plan update for months in preparation for the hearing.

The update has been in the making since the City Council voted in 2013 to hire planning consulting firm Michael Baker International to assist.

California cities are required to have general plans and update them at regular intervals. Huntington Beachs general plan hasnt been comprehensively updated since 1996, according to a city staff report.

The plan guides civic decisions regarding land use, the design and/or character of buildings and open spaces, the conservation of existing housing and the provision of new dwelling units, the provision of supporting infrastructure and public services, the protection of environmental resources, the allocation of fiscal resources and the protection of residents from natural and human-caused hazards, the report states.

The update establishes a development capacity of an additional 7,228 dwellings and more than 5.38 million square feet of non-residential space, the staff report says. The capacity is a projection of development in the city; it does not represent a goal, the report says.

The update also includes a new land use designation  research and technology  to help fuel job and economic growth, the report says.

The designation would allow for industrial and commercial uses that arent accommodated in the current commercial or industrial areas.

The commission also will consider the environmental impact report of the general plan update.

The draft looks at potential adverse effects on the environment as part of the plan implementation. It delves into air quality, biological and cultural resources and noise, among other issues.

According to a city staff report, most of the possible negative effects can be mitigated through proposed policies in the plan. But some effects are deemed significant and unavoidable, the report says.

The documents are scheduled to go before the City Council on Sept. 18.

Tuesdays commission meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 2000 Main St.

benjamin.brazil@latimes.com

Twitter:@benbrazilpilot

UPDATES:

9:45 a.m. Aug. 14: This article was updated with the time and place of the Planning Commission meeting.

This article was originally published at 2:05 p.m. Aug. 11.
Newport Beach will not apply for road-repair funds from the upcoming gas tax hike.

The City Council rejected the opportunity Tuesday to apply for proceeds from the new statewide tax on principle. Members didnt want to appear supportive of the law, which will take effect Nov. 1 and fund road, bridge and transit projects.

The council voted 5-2 against a proposal to apply for about $480,000 that would have gone toward repaving MacArthur Boulevard/University Drive.

Council members Diane Dixon and Brad Avery voted yes, although their colleagues didnt hold it against them.

I actually understand why any council member on this dais would vote yes, and I was very tempted to do so, said Mayor Kevin Muldoon. I just dont want to send a message that the way the government is running in Sacramento is acceptable. Its not acceptable.

City Manager Dave Kiff acknowledged that the new tax, which raises the base gas tax by 12 cents a gallon and increases vehicle license fees, isnt universally embraced, but said staff had nothing to lose by designating potential projects. The money would have supplemented, not supplanted, existing funds.

Councilman Will ONeill said there would have been good reasons to vote to pursue the money and didnt believe that anybody who voted yes was endorsing the tax.

But he said the state Legislature would have used submissions as public relations fuel if there is a referendum to overturn the tax.

The gas tax divided the Legislature on party lines, and Republicans remain hopeful it can be repealed, possibly with a statewide referendum.

Granny flats

More Newport homeowners can add granny flats to their lots.

The council approved a final reading of rules that bring the city in line with a new state law intended to expand affordable-by-design housing stock by making the units, also known as accessory dwelling units, easier to build.

Newport Beach has long had restrictive rules on accessory dwelling units, which are small, complete homes built on the same lots as larger single-family houses.

Almost 19,000 Newport Beach home sites would be eligible to build an accessory unit, city staff has said.

The new law allows cities continued discretion on zoning, lot and unit size, and aesthetics. Also, the state law does not restrict homeowners associations from prohibiting accessory units within their own regulations.

Sanctuary state bill

In other business, the council signed on to a letter in opposition to the sanctuary state bill in the Legislature.

Kiff penned a letter to the bills author, state Senate leader Kevin de Leon, saying that Senate Bill 54 could make it more difficult to work with federal law enforcement to apprehend criminals.

The bill, opposed by law enforcement representatives around the state, would prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies from using resources to investigate, detain, report or arrest persons for the purposes of immigration enforcement.

Newport Beach Police Chief Jon Lewis told the council that public safety is the primary concern of local law enforcement, but providing that can require partnering with federal agencies.

A-frame signs

Lido Marina Village merchants can now use A-frame signs at the newly rejuvenated shopping center.

The city generally prohibits A-frame signs, with the exception of the Corona del Mar commercial district. The rules guiding A-frame signs at Lido Marina Village, allowed for a one-year trial period, will mirror those in CdM. These include a limit of one sign per business space, up to 48 inches tall with up to 10 square feet per sign face, and only displayed just outside the business entrance during operating hours.

Arts Commission appointments

The Arts Commission has two new members.

The council appointed Barbara Glabman and Marie Little to fill the seats recently vacated by Lynn Selich and Jennifer Van Bergh. The new members terms run through 2021 and 2020, respectively.

hillary.davis@latimes.com

Twitter: @Daily_PilotHD
World War II buffs can learn more about their favorite subject on an eight-night river cruise from Berlin to Prague, Czech Republic, on the Elbe River with the National World War II Museum.

Among the lecturers aboard will be military historians and authors Antony Beevor, James Holland and Alexandra Richie. They will focus on the historic meeting of Soviet and American forces near Torgau, Germany, in 1945, which hastened the defeat of Germany.

Along the way, passengers will visit the German towns of Dresden, Wittenberg, Torgau as well as the Czech capital.

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The tour, called East Meets West: The Link-Up on the Elbe, begins May 14, aboard the newly launched Elbe Princesse.

The April 25, 1945, meeting of the Western Allies and the Soviet Union on the Elbe followed many hard-fought battles in World War II.

The Soviets came from the East after a long battle in Stalingrad, while American forces fought in Normandy, the Hurtgen Forest and the Ardennes to cross the Rhine and push west toward Berlin.

The tour is one in a series sponsored by the National WWII Museum. The New Orleans-based museum features exhibits, multimedia experiences, artifacts and first-person oral histories about the war. In addition, it has online collections and offers virtual field trips, webinars and educational travel programs.

Other upcoming tours include:

Easy Company: England to the Eagles Nest, Sept. 2

Rise and Fall of Hitlers Germany, Sept. 18

Soldiers and Spies, Oct. 12

D-Day Invasion, multiple dates

Victory in the Pacific, March 16

Heroes and Legends, From Normandy to the Scottish Highlands, July 17

Rates for the Elbe river cruise start at $4,995 per person, double occupancy, and include accommodations, meals, beverages, two receptions, fees and gratuities.

Info: National World War II Museum, (877) 813-3329, Ext. 257

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travel@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimestravel
In May 2011, Anita Narre, a woman in a remote village in central India, abandoned her husband because he didnt have a toilet in his house. Now her move has inspired a Bollywood film featuring one of Indias biggest movie stars.

Toilet: A Love Story, which stars Akshay Kumar and opened in India on Friday, tackles the problem of open defecation. More than 500 million Indians lack access to toilets, accounting for three-fifths of the worlds population who must go to the bathroom outdoors.

Hearing the damning statistics linked to open defecation was enough to trigger my urge to make a difference through film, Kumar said in an email interview to The Times.

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I just cant fathom how weve been able to launch rockets [to] Mars and the moon but still not been able to build toilets to end open defecation across the country.

The lack of basic sanitation is linked to high levels of disease and puts women and girls at greater risk. According to the United Nations Childrens Fund, 50% of rape cases in India occur when women go to relieve themselves in the open.

It is an unlikely subject for Bollywood, famous for its lavish love stories and action sequences featuring beautiful stars in exotic locales. The film portrays a village bicycle seller  played by Kumar and based on Narres real-life husband, Shivram Narre  who struggles to build a toilet in order to get his wife to come back to him.

It addresses taboos prevalent in parts of rural India, where many consider it unclean to have a toilet inside the house. The mans father, a conservative from the lofty Brahmin caste of Hindus, strongly opposes building the toilet. Other villagers mock the wife, played by Bhumi Pednekar, for demanding one, saying it goes against Indian traditions and roots.

Women are shown waking before sunrise to relieve themselves in farmlands, covering their faces in case a passerby shoots a glance. Kumars character infuses the situation with humor, at one point stealing a mobile toilet from a film set for his wife to use.

This is essentially a love story, Kumar said, but when you scratch beneath the surface, there are hard-hitting facts and issues underlined in this film.

In preparing for the film, Kumar met the Narres and other Indians who lacked toilets, an experience he described as eye-opening beyond imagination. The stars previous movies, Airlift and Rustom, were big-budget movies about the armed forces and played to Indias rising nationalism.

There is jingoism in Toilet, too, which plays into the popular Prime Minister Narendra Modis Clean India campaign, better known by its Hindi name, Swachh Bharat. In promoting the film, Kumar tweeted support for Modis initiative, prompting the Indian leader to respond that the movie was a good effort to further the message of cleanliness.

Good effort to further the message of cleanliness. 125 crore Indians have to continue working together to create a Swachh Bharat. https://t.co/C0XKPpguW7  Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2017

Critics say the Clean India campaign has failed to live up to promises. Last month, the leader of the wealthy western state of Maharashtra, run by Modis party, declared the commercial capital of Mumbai to be open defecation-free, even though many city residents know that to be untrue.

Last week, a picture of a man apparently urinating by a roadside in front of a poster for Toilet went viral.

RT if you haven't seen a bigger irony than this. pic.twitter.com/229fAKrn6V  Chowkidar Maithun  (@Being_Humor) August 8, 2017

Supriya Sonar, an activist in Mumbai with the Right to Pee campaign, a group that advocates for better sanitation, said that while she hadnt seen the movie, it was a welcome step to raise awareness of the problem in cities and rural areas alike.

Other stakeholders should also contribute, Sonar said. We need to change notions.

Whether audiences will see the film largely rests on Kumars bankability. Initial reviews of Toilet have been tepid at best, with one headline writer unable to resist declaring, Akshay Kumars Film Stinks to High Heaven.

But the actor said he had no regrets about taking on the subject in a commercial release.

Toilets are still a taboo subject in India, he said. I am not bothered about box-office collections. I dont know how many people will watch the film eventually, but even if 5% helped build toilets, I will feel my film is successful.

Parth M.N. is a special correspondent.
Residents on this tiny Western Pacific island, a United States territory that is home to strategically important American armed forces, have grown accustomed to occasional threats.

There are the super typhoons and the occasional earthquakes and tsunamis  all of which have caused real anxiety here in recent decades.

But now theres a specific and immediate concern: North Korea, which has threatened to direct an encircling strike into the waters around the island as a testing ground for its ballistic missiles.

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The threat, and the rhetorical war its spawned with President Trump in recent days, has prompted residents here to lose some of their island cool.

Do not look at the flash or fireball  it can blind you, the islands homeland security agency said in a fact sheet shared with residents Friday afternoon.

Even before the alarming message, there was growing concern across the island  home to 160,000 residents on a speck of earth about the size in area of California City (or Columbus, Ohio).

Take a Friday morning news headline: 14 MINUTES  the time a presumed missile or missiles might fly from North Korea before impact.

Why is such a small island, Guam, now under threat? asked Jenntte Jain, 22, a local who works at a beachside market. Why did Guam just pop up  like North Korea is going to be bombing? What?

Like Jain, residents at all levels of society here have expressed a mix of worry and bemusement about being caught in the middle of North Koreas threats, which come amid escalating tensions between the rogue nation and the international community.

People are worried, said R. Gary Hartz, an associate dean of technology and student services at Guam Community College. People wish that there was not this kind of threat hanging over our heads.

Hartz, a Tennessee native who moved to the island 15 years ago, said he has confidence his fellow Guamanians would help one another if the worst were to occur.

I try just to continue to live my life, he said. But Im aware of this low-level stress thats there. You know, when you lay down on your pillow at night, and clear thoughts from your mind? There are more thoughts to clear today than there were a month ago.

North Korea, considered by many security experts and American intelligence officials to be a nuclear state, has in recent months shown significant progress in its effort to build ballistic missiles capable of striking targets outside Asia, including the United States mainland.

Two recent intercontinental ballistic missile tests showed the technical ability, in theory, for missiles to reach Alaska or the West Coast of the mainland. These devices flew high trajectories and landed in the Sea of Japan.

Flatter flight paths could make them more threatening to extended targets, including, it now appears, the area around Guam.

A new round of international sanctions in response to North Koreas recent tests has provoked renewed threats on both sides. Trump declared that fire and fury would descend on North Korea if it were to continue to threaten the United States, escalating the tension.

North Korea has twice said this week that it was examining a plan to test-launch intermediate-range missiles to land near Guam, a first for the government. The North, no stranger to hyperbolic or threatening language, used a term widely interpreted as enveloping fire but encircling strike is a more accurate translation of what it actually meant  as in striking with a missile.

Sailors man their mooring lines aboard the guided-missile destroyer Sterett as the ship departs Naval Base Guam after a scheduled port visit on Wednesday, in a photo released by the Navy on Friday. (Byron C. Linder / AFP / Getty Images)

Guam, with an economy that depends on tourism, largely from Japan and South Korea, both of whom also feel threatened by North Korea, now finds itself in the middle after U.S. bombers staged military exercises from here recently.

The territorys governor, Eddie Baza Calvo, said in an interview Thursday that his administration has tried to remain cool, calm and collected. He said his citizens are used to threats from natural disasters  and can handle anything that comes their way.

Were very prepared, because of Guams nature, he said. Were the most-prepared of any community in the United States.

The state of threat  has not changed since the bellicose statements of the North Korean leader, he said.

We are going to be making additional public outreach plans to ensure that the public is fully informed about all the contingencies in regards to any event, whether its a super typhoon or military event.

That outreach included the fact sheet, released late in the day Friday, titled preparing for an imminent missile threat.

The local business community expressed confidence. Indeed, the nations airport this week has been filled with foreign tourists vacationing here.

Guam is, and will continue to be, economically sound and is a safe and protected area to visit and do business, the Guam Chamber of Commerce said in a statement. We encourage members to stay diligent and make necessary precautions as any business would to protect the health and safety of its employees and patrons.

The confidence projected by leaders could be because the threat of a direct missile strike, and the potentially serious U.S. response it could invite, remains remote.

And this isnt Guams first experience with North Korea.

In 2013, a North Korean official said that Andersen Air Force Base  a U.S. facility on the far northeastern part of the island that houses long-range bombers  was within range of its missiles.

North Korea has also mentioned Guam in its statements reacting to sanctions more than a decade ago.

But something this time feels different, some residents say. And others are even more concerned about what the threat says about Guams place in the world  and where it stands in the United States hierarchy.

The small territory, which has a gross domestic product of about $4.5 billion annually, has an elected, non-voting delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives but is not allowed to vote in presidential elections.

Yet Trumps fiery language  and the U.S.s robust military presence here since World War II  opens it to threats like those from North Korea, however remote.

If Kim Jong Un said he was going to hit Seattle or Anchorage, and the president says so, Go ahead, and see what happens, I think people there would be pretty upset, said Robert Underwood, president of the University of Guam and a former congressional delegate during the 1990s and early 2000s. When youre a territory of the U.S., it just points out what your role is.

Stiles is a special correspondent.

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By the time Marina Maslova was born in the six-room communal apartment at 65 Bolshoi Prospect, an entire generation had lived there and come of age since the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.

Maslova still lives in the room where she was born 61 years ago, and she remembers the dozens of families that have walked down its twisting, dark hallways and lived in its crowded rooms during her life.

It was here that the guests at her wedding party in the 1970s moved the furniture aside to make room to dance in the 345-square-foot room she shared with her new husband, her parents and her grandmother.

And it was here, in a small room just off the kitchen, where a 16-year-old boy hanged himself with his belt in the early 1960s after his parents, with whom he shared the cupboard-size space, disappeared. Both the parents were deaf and mute, and the teenager, distraught about their constant drinking and neglect, took his own life out of despair, Maslova said.

No one ever lived in that room after that, she said.

One hundred years after the Russian Revolution, communal apartments like Maslovas remain one of the enduring symbols of how this elegant city went from the Russian Empires grand capital to the heart of a communist revolution that would rattle Europe for the next 70 years.

With its palaces, streets of Italian-designed buildings and romantic canals, St. Petersburg was Peter the Greats showcase city, which he said would be Russias window to the West.

Marina Maslova in the room where she was born and has spent her entire life with her family in St. Petersburg. (Vasiliy Kolotilov / For The Times) (Vasiliy Kolotilov / For The Times) Left, Marina Maslova in the room where she was born and has spent her entire life with her family in St. Petersburg. Right, the view of the courtyard from the apartment where Marina Maslova and Evgeniy Korelin live with five other people in St. Petersburg. (Vasiliy Kolotilov / For The Times)

But when the Bolsheviks overthrew the czar and established what would become the Soviet Union, they faced a housing crisis. Rural residents were flocking to St. Petersburg (renamed Leningrad), Moscow and other cities in search of economic prosperity. Meanwhile, the nobility and aristocracy were forced to flee or were killed. The communist government took over their elegant homes and apartments buildings and resettled displaced families with strangers in hundreds of thousands of apartments in St. Petersburgs historical city center.

The shared apartments became known as communal apartments, or kommunalka in Russian.

In most cases, one family received one room in an apartment, which could be as small as three rooms and as large as 10. The familys room served as a bedroom, dining room and living room.

In many cases, several generations lived in one small room, such as Maslovas family did until 1988, when the woman in the room next to hers died, and the Soviet government allotted the empty room to the expanding Maslov clan.

In that sense, the Soviet Union wasnt that bad: They gave us apartments, she said.

Top, Svetlana Kosinova, who shares an apartment with Igor Zaitsev and Ksenia Belayeva, walks down the apartment's corridor toward the bathroom. Left, the entrance to the stairwell of the building where Yelena Mikhailovskaya's flat is located. Right, a window view from Ksenia Belayeva's room in St. Petersburg (Vasiliy Kolotilov / For the Times)

Today, the St. Petersburg city government estimates (link in Russian) that there are 250,000 people living in 78,500 communal apartments in the city of 4.5 million. That number is down from about 117,000 communal apartments in 2008, when the city first started a relocation program for families living in the most rundown of kommunalka.

Common space is shared and often fought over, including the use of the toilets. Each family has its own toilet paper roll and, in some apartments, its own toilet seats, which hang on walls and are taken down when needed.

Apartment 16 did not get hot water until 1986. Until then, there was no bathroom for washing up, just a kitchen sink, so residents went to the banya, the public sauna, down the street to bathe.

Shared kitchens can have as many as five stoves, and families rotate cooking and eating times to avoid conflict. Refrigerators and food supplies are kept in the familys rooms.

The hallways are perpetually dark as there are no common lights. Electrical wires tangled in bunches drape from the hallways walls as they wind their way from room to room. Each family has its own electricity meter, and a lamp over the door to their rooms. Some apartments even have wired separate switches for the light over the toilet so that one neighbor isnt having to pay for another neighbors visits.

The rooftop view of Marina Maslova and Evgeniy Korelins building. (Vasiliy Kolotilov / For The Times) (Vasiliy Kolotilov / For The Times)

When Maslovas building was built in 1899, St. Petersburg was full of similar apartment blocks in which wealthy landlords rented the various-sized apartments to temporary and sometimes long-term residents.

Maslovas grandmother received this apartment during the siege of Leningrad in World War II, when Nazi Germanys troops surrounded the city for 900 days, depriving its residence of crucial supplies. Her grandmother had been living in a wooden house, but when it was torn down to be used as firewood, she was given one of the larger rooms in the apartment for her and her daughter.

At its peak, 17 people and six families lived in Apartment 16, Maslova said. Today, there are only about six or seven people, depending on whos coming and staying. Students rent the rooms so that they can live and study in the historical center.

When relations are good among the neighbors, as they are in Apartment 16, the shared living situation is tolerable. When they are bad, life is very hard, Maslova said.

In the 1950s, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev introduced a massive urban housing project that built housing blocks across the Soviet Union. Tens of thousands of families living in communal units were moved out into their own apartments, many of them were outside the city center. In other cities, like Moscow, this largely ended the kommunalka. But in St. Petersburg, hundreds of thousands remained in the historical buildings in the heart of the city.

Its not ideal; Id like more quiet. But I get to live in the historical center and experience the city, so its worth it.  Evgeniy Korelin, artist living in a communal apartment

After the breakup of the Soviet Union, real estate companies bought up huge swaths of communal apartments in St. Petersburgs scenic center and turned them into luxury apartments or boutique hotels. Many kommunalka residents were eager to leave their shared dwellings for their own apartments, even if it meant living in large block housing outside the center.

In St. Petersburg especially, people who feel themselves like real Peterbourge feel that they can only live in the center, said Ilya Utekhin, an anthropologist who did an extensive research project on kommunalka in 2008 and who grew up in one himself. For this reason, many are willing to endure the poor conditions simply for the sake of remaining in the center.

Evgeniy Korelin, 26, is an artist who bought one of the rooms in the apartment with his brother four years ago. They remodeled the interior and created a modern loft that lets in enough light for Korelin to work in his room. At 2 million rubles, or about $33,000, it was cheaper to buy a room in a communal apartment than to buy a larger apartment outside the center.

Its not ideal; Id like more quiet, he said. But I get to live in the historical center and experience the city, so its worth it.

The staircase leading to Lena Mikhaylovskayas kommunalka on Rimskogo-Korsakova Prospect has sunk and become uneven as the old building has settled with age.

Clockwise from top left: Svetlana Kosinova, left, and Ksenia Belayeva in their apartment's corridor in St. Petersburg. A doorbell with names engraved on the plates attached to the entrance door of one of the apartments in the building. Lena Mikhaylovskaya at the kitchen in a kommunalka. The kitchen of the apartment where Marina Maslova and Evgeniy Korelin are living with five other people. (Vasiliy Kolotilov / For The Times)

Built in 1798, the three-story building in the heart of St. Petersburg is just blocks from the famed Mariinsky Theatre and was once the home of a vice governor of St. Petersburg. In the 1860s, it was converted into a seminary dorm and a fourth floor was added.

When the revolution came, the Bolsheviks turned the seminary into eight communal apartments, all of them containing at least 10 rooms. In St. Petersburg, the number of doorbells at the front entrance is a telltale sign that an apartment is a kommunalka. Mikhaylovskayas front door has five buzzers, not all of them functioning.

Mikhaylovskaya, her husband and teenage daughter share one room in the 10-room apartment. These days, its mostly students who are renting the rooms, so inside its mostly quiet, she said. The old building has thick walls that block most noise.

Apartments in this building have been hard to sell because of their size and the number of repairs needed to the old buildings crumbling infrastructure, Mikhaylovskaya said.

After years of living here as a young family, theyve finally saved enough money to buy their own place and will move out in two months.

Sharing space with other people  its just not what I want to do anymore, she said. Mikhaylovskaya grew up in a four-room kommunalka. Growing up, it was so common to live in a communal apartment that Mikhaylovskaya had trouble thinking of one of her classmates who didnt spend their childhood in one.

If you lived in the center, you probably lived in a kommunalka.  Lena Mikhaylovskaya

A stairwell inside the building where Lena Mikhaylovskayas flat is located. (Vasiliy Kolotilov / For The Times) (Vasiliy Kolotilov / For The Times)

For couples like Igor Zaitsev, 48, and Ksenia Belayeva, 40, the idea of selling their two rooms on Nevsky Prospect, St. Petersburgs main drag, presents a dilemma. The couple has shared their three-room kommunalka with Svetlana Kosinova, 32, for 10 years. They have become family, even taken vacations together, Zaitsev said, pointing to a photo hanging on the kitchen wall of the three housemates in Prague, Czech Republic.

Selling their rooms would mean giving up a life they have grown accustomed to and some people might even envy, he said.

And when you go away for a few days, theres always someone around you can ask to feed the cat, Belayeva said with a grin.

sabra.ayres@latimes.com

Twitter: @sabraayres
The European Union said Friday that it plans to hold an extraordinary meeting late next month over a growing tainted egg scandal as it revealed that products contaminated with an insecticide have now spread to 17 countries.

Millions of eggs have been destroyed or pulled from supermarket shelves since July 20, when it was made public that the pesticide Fipronil, which is dangerous to human health, was found mixed with another treatment sprayed on chickens for ticks, fleas and lice, known as Dega 16.

Almost all lab tests show that only very low levels of Fipronil  much lower than the maximum permitted  have been detected in eggs from the treated chickens, although one test in Belgium was above the European limit. Poisoning by small doses has few effects and requires little treatment. Heavy and prolonged exposure can damage the kidneys and liver or cause seizures.

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The scandal has caused major political fallout, with neighbors Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany squabbling over who is to blame, and who knew what and when. Poultry farmers have been hardest hit, and are blaming the chemical industry for compromising their business and exposing consumers to danger.

The EUs executive Commission said Friday that contaminated eggs have been found at producers in four countries: Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Eggs or egg products from those producers have reached Austria, Britain, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia and Sweden, as well as Switzerland and Hong Kong outside the EU.

The Commission announced that it is aiming to hold talks between EU ministers and food safety agencies concerned on Sept. 26.

The aim is to draw the relevant lessons and discuss the ways to continuously improve the effectiveness of the EU system to deal with food fraud, Commission spokeswoman Mina Andreeva said.

She said the EUs priority remains to manage the situation, to continue to coordinate and to reassure our citizens.

In France, Agriculture Minister Stephane Travert said that tests on imported eggs contaminated with pesticide show no risk to public health.

Travert said on RMC radio Friday that some 244,000 eggs imported from the Netherlands and Belgium and sold in France were affected.

He said test results received overnight from the French food safety agency on affected eggs and egg products showed the level of contamination does not present a risk for the consumer.

France has also confirmed one farm in the Nord-Pas de Calais region was found to have used Fipronil, and is now blocked from selling eggs.

The Agriculture Ministry says the French farm reported on July 28, as the scandal was coming to light, that Dega 16 had been used on the farm by a Belgian subcontractor, and the ministry claims no eggs concerned have been sold.

Danish food safety authorities say 20 tons of boiled and peeled eggs linked to the pesticide scandal were sold in recent months to a distributor in Denmark, which in turn sold them to canteens, cafes and catering companies in the country.

The agency said Thursday the Danish distributor, Danaeg Products, has been ordered to recall the eggs because the content is illegal but not dangerous.

German Agriculture Ministry spokeswoman Jennifer Reinhard said Friday, the facts need to be swiftly and fully investigated.

She noted that there are rapid alert systems that should be used if consumers are at risk.

There must be no compromises when it comes to food safety, Reinhard said. Information needs to be shared between (EU) member states without delay.

In Poland, Jan Bondar, a spokesman for the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate, said that an estimated 40,000 potentially contaminated eggs have been imported but were not sold to consumers. He said the eggs came from the Netherlands and were delivered by a German company. Contamination hasnt been confirmed but they came from farms where contaminated eggs were found. He said the eggs would either be destroyed or returned to the producer.
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Meanwhile, the Crime Branch has found that the letters were fabricated. It will recommend to the Director General of Police to charge a case for forgery.
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A Leek teenager has taken part in an event to mark the Centenary of Passchendaele in Belgium.

National Citizen Service (NCS) graduate Jenny McKimm, aged 17, pictured, attended the commemoration event at the invitation of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DDCMS).

It was held to mark 100 years since the First World War Battle of Passchendaele, which led to an estimated 250,000 British and Commonwealth casualties.

Jenny was part of a group of almost 100 NCS graduates who were offered the opportunity to attend the UK ceremony of remembrance in Belgium July 30 and 31.

This forms part of commemorations for the First World War centenary, which will see over 4,000 people from across the UK follow their ancestors journey to the Western Front.

Jenny said: I wanted to attend because even though Ive visited the war graves in Belgium before. I didn`t truly understand the sheer extent of the war because I only knew basic knowledge from school.

However, by going again now that Im older I have further educated myself about the effects of the war and been reminded about the sacrifice made by soldiers only slightly older than me.

My research into specific soldiers gives a far more personal perspective on the event, as Leek is centred around the Nicholson War Memorial, so the battle means a lot to us.

NCS graduates will take on important roles during the commemoration, and are looking forward to putting the life skills they learned on NCS to good use.

Their experience on the youth empowerment programme means they have already learned how to live away from home, got to know people from different walks of life, developed employment skills and made a difference by volunteering for a charity or good cause.

Michael Lynas, Cheif Exectutive Officer of NCS Trust, said the positive impact of NCS means the graduates like Jenny feel confident about representing their generation at such an important national event.

He added: The Centenary of Passchendaele events are an important commemoration of our shared history, and it is an honour for National Citizen Service graduates to attend and contribute to the proceedings.

NCS gives young people access to experiences they may not otherwise have and I know our graduates will have been moved by the events in Belgium. Some of them will have been honouring their own relatives, some will hear about the extent of the atrocities for the first time.

But they will all have paid their respects to those who gave their lives.

NCS is facing a record breaking year with more than 100,000 young people signed up for a summer of fun, adventure and social action.

There are still places available for this year for 15 to 17 year olds who would like to experience living away from home, develop skills to boost their CV, and meet new people.

To sign up, go to www.ncsyes.co.uk.
A wrong address on a package from the Dominican Republic led to the discovery of 556 grams of heroin headed for the Lehigh Valley, the state attorney general's office said.

On July 26, a DHL package from the Dominican Republic was searched at JFK International Airport by customs and border agents. The package, headed to an nonexistent address in Allentown, had eight black bags containing a total of 556 grams of heroin, prosecutors said.

The next day, Charlo Trinidad called DHL and changed the delivery address to her apartment on Cedar Street in Allentown, agents said. The 19-year-old Trinidad said she and her boyfriend, Cristian Calderon, were expecting a package at their address.

During an interview with agents from the attorney general's office, Trinidad reportedly said Calderon's brother offered the couple $1,500 to receive a package, with $500 going to the brother.

The deal was the couple would accept the package, and then call Calderon's brother once it arrived, agents said.

The sender in the Dominican Republic, unidentified in court records, told Trinidad there was heroin in the packages, agents said.

Calderon, 20, also reportedly told agents he knew there were drugs in the shipment, and he was receiving the package for his brother for $1,500.

The couple was arraigned Thursday on charges of possession with intent to deliver heroin, intent to possess a controlled substance and two counts of conspiracy. They were each sent to Lehigh County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A man accused of running down two Allentown police officers before he was shot reached a plea deal in his case this week.

Joseph Valdez, 21, was wanted in New York for an alleged parole violation and on allegations he was involved in an attempted homicide involving an ex-girlfriend.

When officers from Allentown and New York surrounded his car on Jan. 6 in the 600 block of Chew Street in Allentown, he struck two officers and left a path of damaged cars in his wake as he sped away.

On Thursday, Valdez pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated assault, as well as fleeing police, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment.

Under the plea deal, his minimum sentence was 21 months, and Judge Kelly Banach sentenced Valdez to 21 months to seven years in state prison. Valdez must still face court in New York on the parole violation, and Chief Deputy District Attorney Diane Marakovits said she wasn't sure when New York would seek to extradite Valdez.

Three Allentown officers were injured. Police Detective Joshua Baker was hit in the thumb by Valdez's car and officer Jason Ammary was struck in the leg by the vehicle. A third officer was injured in the high-speed chase with Valdez.

All three officers were treated and released the day of the incident, police previously said.

Three officers opened fire, an estimated 25 shots, and Valdez was hit in one leg, and the bullet traveled through and struck the other leg. Valdez kept driving, smashing into a handful of parked cars to escape, authorities said.

Valdez only got about three blocks away on Front Street in his badly damaged 2006 Hyundai Sonata, when police say he drove into an alley, abandoned his car and tried to hide by a nearby SUV.

District Attorney Jim Martin found that the discharge of weapons by the officers was justified.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
As definite as anyone can be without a certificate of occupancy, the principals in the two projects at the old Express-Times building on North Fourth Street in Easton are expressing confidence that deadlines will be met and the school and the police station are nearing completion.

The police station has a deadline next Wednesday for the closing on the sale, with Easton paying in the ballpark of $7.5 million for what is supposed to be a complete, if mostly empty building.

In a schedule offset by a week or two, Easton Arts Academy Elementary Charter School expects its first day of classes to be Aug. 28 next door, according to Thomas Lubben, who oversees that and other charter schools in the Lehigh Valley.

The Easton Arts Academy Elementary Charter School on Aug. 10, 2017, is nearing completion at 30 N. Fourth St. in Easton. (Tony Rhodin | For lehighvalleylive.com)

Ashley Development, the Bethlehem company directing both projects, expects to hand over the school the week of Aug. 21, Vice President of Development Pete Reinke said. It will be a long-term lease between the arts academy and the developer, Reinke added.

Next week, staff will gather at a church in Nazareth to plan the school year, Lubben said Thursday.

Furniture is moving in on North Fourth and there are 350 children signed up for grades kindergarten through fourth, with the first two grades filled up and only a few openings left in the others, Lubben said.

Allied Building Corp. employees and subcontractors "are working feverishly," Lubben said. "They're doing a great job."

Some classrooms appeared pretty much ready in the past day or two but the space inside the front door was not finished.

The city would have to sign off on the space before school could start. Lubben said he expects to get a temporary certificate of occupancy in time.

Reinke said the cooperation between Allied and the police station general contractor Longview Construction has been remarkable considering they are nearly working on top of each other, sharing parking areas and space inside the 1923 building.

"It was very delicate how it was to be done," Reinke said. The two construction companies were "remarkably cooperative."

The "collaboration" between the city and the developer has "been really good," as has the communication with Lubben "and his team," Reinke said.

During a walk-through on Monday at the police station, numerous small issues were uncovered, police Chief Carl Scalzo said. Some bigger concerns were codes issues that one city expert suggested couldn't be fixed by next week, Scalzo said.

"Based on the way these guys are working, I'm optimistic," Scalzo said.

Classes begin Aug. 28, 2017, at the Easton Arts Academy Elementary Charter School at 30 N. Fourth St. in Easton, an official says. (Tony Rhodin | For lehighvalleylive.com)

By contract, Lou Pektor's team has to complete the police station within a year.

"It's really close and it looks really good," Scalzo said. "The code things are the big things."

Easton's Chief Codes Administrator Stephen Nowroski didn't immediately return an email on Thursday asking what the issues were and if they could be completed by Wednesday.

"I'm extremely confident by this time next week enough of the punch list will be addressed to get the C.O. and close," Reinke said. "... We're going to be happy, the city's going to be happy."

Another walk-through is set for Monday and "assuming nothing unexpected is found," the turnover should happen on Wednesday, Reinke said.

It will then take until late September for the police department to move from 25 S. Third St. to its new digs.

The construction schedule was impacted by a March 13 fire on the roof of the new building that houses part of the police station, but Longview, Pektor's team and the city "really worked well together" to get things back on track, Reinke said.

There may still be "some minor things to do" after the sale, but that shouldn't stop the transaction from happening, he added.

Next up for the Pektor group is the Heritage Lanes condo project on South Third Street in the city.

"We've had really good discussions with a number of people who want to come downtown and buy," Reinke said. With so many high-end rentals opening in the past few years in the Downtown neighborhood, the developer hopes to "piggyback" on that popularity and welcome condo owners, he added.

"We're very excited for that to be a new concept for Downtown," he said.

As to when, he couldn't promise land would be broken this year -- or, since there's already a two-story structure in place, the first nail hammered -- but Reinke did say plans would be submitted before the new year.

"It's a matter of a couple of weeks or a couple of months," he said. "It won't be long."

The Easton Arts Academy Elementary Charter School has nearly full enrollment for the 2017-18 school year, an official says. (Tony Rhodin | For lehighvalleylive.com)

There are people who are new to the area who want to live in the neighborhood, Reinke said.

"There are people to buy the space," he said.

And if Pektor's efforts in the city aren't enough, there are other projects coming in eastern Northampton County, one of which will be unveiled this fall, Reinke said.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A Bucks County woman who drank the equivalent of more than eight shots of alcohol before driving the wrong way on Route 309 and killing an Allentown man in a head-on crash was convicted Wednesday night of third-degree murder.

Noelle Theresa Chew, 27. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)

A Bucks County judge ordered a presentence investigation before deciding how long Noelle Theresa Chew, of Richland Township, will spend in jail, the county district attorney's office reports. Gary B. Gilman revoked Chew's 10 percent of $500,000 bail, records show.

Chew, 27, was also convicted of homicide by vehicle while DUI, homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, DUI and DUI highest rate, records show. The jury deliberated three hours after two days of testimony, the district attorney's office said.

Chew killed 24-year-old Damian Toalombo in the Jan. 20 crash.

She drank a Long Island iced tea at T.G.I. Friday's in Quakertown then two more of the same drink and a shot of Fireball whiskey at J.T. Bankers in Sellersville before getting behind the wheel of a BMW sedan, the district attorney's office said. Each mixed drink included two and a half shots of liquor, authorities said.

Chew's boyfriend, with whom she was arguing, unsuccessfully attempted to restrain her to keep her from driving, the district attorney's office said.

Somehow she ended up driving south for several miles in the northbound lanes, the district attorney's office said.

"At least a dozen cars and two tractor-trailers traveling northbound managed to avoid hitting Chew's car before it plowed into" a Kia Septa driven by Toalombo not long after midnight in Hilltown Township, authorities said.

"He had no time to react," Deputy District Attorney Robert D. James said in his closing, according to a news release. "He was simply hit head-on and died."

Chew didn't recall how or where she got on the divided highway, authorities said.

Chew initially refused to let blood be drawn for testing, but after a warrant was obtained, her blood-alcohol concentration four hours after the crash was 0.204, the district attorney's office said. Penalties begin for drivers 21 and above at 0.08 in Pennsylvania.

A forensic toxicologist testified that her BAC would have been at least 0.24 at the time of the crash, the district attorney's office said.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Laois County councillors have backed a campaign by Irish pubs and hotels seeking a drop in tax on alcohol in the upcoming budget.

The Support your Local campaign is urging that the government cut excise tax on alcohol in Budget 2018, which is one of the highest in Europe.

Cllr Mary Sweeney submitted a motion at the July 31 council meeting calling for her colleagues to support the campaign by the drinks and hospitality industries.

I was contacted by a member of the vintners association. There is a debate in connection with the alcohol industry. It provides 2,536 jobs in Laois, and is a critical component of our offering to tourists, with tourism spend in Laois worth 34 million in 2016, Cllr Sweeney said.

She asked her colleagues to support it

The figures are self explanatory, we should support this, Cllr Sweeney said.

She was seconded by Cllr James Kelly, who grew up in his family's pub in Mountrath.

You are like myself, from a pub trade background. While we must be cogniscent of the rules of the road, the excise on beer is at 44 percent, and on wine it is 62 percent. We have the second highest excise tax on alcohol in the EU. 17.36 of the price of a bottle of whiskey is tax. It has been draconian towards the vintners, Cllr Kelly said.

He argued that the Irish reputation for friendly hospitality must be supported.

This is a tax on jobs, consumers and tourists. It is a fact that we enjoy ourselves, we put on a good show for tourists. This has been an easy target, it is important that excise is reduced, he said.

No councillors spoke against the motion.

The 'Support Your Local' campaign maintains that the industry pays Laois wages of 54 million per year, and makes agricultural purchases of 3.7 million per year in the county.
The number of abandoned cars left in estates and public roads in County Kildare has grown over the past number of years.

According to an analysis by todays Irish Times, there were just two abandoned cars reported to the council in 2014, compared to 12 in 2015 and 20 in 2016.

The paper reports that local authorities around the country are concerned about the increasing numbers of vehicles abandoned in estates and on public roads for long periods, with taxpayers money used to pay for their destruction.

Brian OGorman from Kildare County Council told the Irish Times, the issue of abandoned cars is a headache for local authorities.

People arent able to dispose of these vehicles or get value for them, he said. Its causing a big nuisance in the localities. Were working with the communities to ensure its zero tolerance in these areas.

He said Dublin spill-over towns such as Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth and Kilcock have become particular blackspots.
Fianna Fail TD for Roscommon-Galway Eugene Murphy has hit out at Fine Gael for standing over a sustained campaign of reducing Garda numbers in the county. Since Garda recruitment resumed at Templemore in 2014, the Roscommon/Longford division has received 5 roscommon new officers; however all of them have been assigned to stations in Longford, with none allocated to Roscommon.

Deputy Murphy commented, Despite the fact that Garda numbers in the Roscommon/Longford division have increased since late 2015, all of the additional Gardai have been assigned to stations in Longford. This is deeply unfair, and as a result the number of Gardai in Roscommon has fallen by 14 over the past seven years.

This is indicative of Fine Gaels attitude to rural communities  constantly chipping away at resources. There is no doubt that Roscommon has suffered as a result of the Governments refusal to allocate significant resources to the county. The strength of the force locally currently stands at 169; down from 183 in 2010.

We have reached a stage now where people, particularly older members of our communities, no longer feel safe in their homes. Many are afraid to go about their daily lives because they fear being out on their own. We need to see more Gardai on the streets and in our towns and villages. Visibility plays a huge part in deterring crime and easing the fears of local people.

I am calling on the Justice Minister and the Garda Commissioner to address this incredible imbalance within the Roscommon/Longford division and ensure that residents in Longford have a fully staffed and resourced force.
If you want to take advantage of the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors and Campaigners (ALDC) early-bird ticket rates for their Autumn Kickstart 2017 campaign training weekend (24-26 November), then you need to act fast as theyre currently available on a first come first served basis.

If youve been before youll know all about the weekends benefits. And if youve not, you should go along to get tailored, professional advice; training and bespoke mentoring for your campaign team from experienced Liberal Democrat campaigners and councillors.

Theres something on offer for everyone; whatever your role in a campaign and regardless of your experience. Youll go away having improved your campaigning skills and with a well-developed campaign plan ready for your next set of elections. If you want to win, Kickstart is the boot camp you need to win.

If youre an ALDC member, youre currently able to book to attend for 150 for a single room (usual price is 270) and 120 for a double room per person (usual price is 240).

And if youre not an ALDC member, you can book and pay the full rates of 270 for a single room and 240 for a double room per person. If you want to take advantage of a whopping 120 discount to attend, youd be silly not to join. Likewise, if you have non-ALDC members in your team whod benefit from attending, nows the time to get them to join.

The weekend takes place Friday 24 to Sunday 26 November and the price includes all of your meals and accommodation. Its held at Yarnfield Park in Staffordshire. The weekend is also a great social occasion as you can meet and learn from like-minded candidates and activists from across the country.

Book yours and your teams places.

Heres what some past attendees thought of Kickstart:

A Lib Dem boot camp thatll turn you into the campaigner youve always wanted to be!

Cllr Lisa Smart, Stockport Council

The weekend provided an opportunity for our group to get together and work out our campaign plan. With expert assistance on hand, we achieved in a weekend what would otherwise have taken months.

Christian Hogg, Peterborough

Kickstart gives you the kick up the campaigning ladder that you need!

Carole King, South West Wiltshire

* ALDC is the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors and Campaigners
A DAD and his daughters dream day out in Limerick ended in tears when their bikes were robbed  two were presents from Santa.

On Bank Holiday Monday, James Powell, Newport, brought two of his girls - Emily, aged 10, and Lucy, 9 - to UL. They did the lovely cycle into the city and locked their three bicycles on the boardwalk outside Milanos. They dined in the restaurant before going to Easons for school supplies and hot chocolates.

So far so wonderful. Unfortunately there was an empty railing where the bikes used to be [when they returned]. A man crossed the road to us from Milanos, told us that he had seen it happening, contacted gardai straight away and gave them a full description.

We went up to Henry Street Garda Station and gave a statement. We were given back one of the bikes, the chain had jammed and one of the thieves threw it down outside House Limerick. A very obliging staff member, Adam I believe, had brought it up to the garda station. When I asked if any gardai had gone out to catch these thieves I was told there was nobody available, said James.

This crime occurred in the middle of the day just around the corner from the main garda station in the region, he says.

The crime was reported as it was happening, and yet there was no garda available to stop it? From my understanding, the thieves would have cycled right past the back door of the station, and yet there was nobody free to step outside and stop them? My feeling at the time was despondency, but as time has passed it has turned to rage.

It angers me that one of the busiest garda stations in the country didnt have the resources to either prevent the crime or catch the criminals when it happened on its doorstep, was witnessed by dozens of civilians, and was reported while it was happening, said James, whose bike cost 800.

And a nice day out was destroyed.

Lucy was very upset and was crying a lot. Emily was singing so I thought she was taking it very well, but she told me later that she was singing to stop herself from crying.

The walkway where we left the bikes is a credit to the city, a beautifully constructed and presented area. I feel that it is a shame that we will not revisit this boardwalk, my children will not want to spend time in the city. That area has such great potential to draw tourists from near and far, but not when these things are allowed, said James.

A garda spokesperson said they are unable to comment on correspondence by a third party.

It appears from the complainant that this matter has been reported and is currently under investigation. Local garda management closely monitors the allocation of all resources, in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a district, divisional and regional level, to ensure optimum use is made of garda resources, and the best possible garda service is provided to the public and this situation will be kept under review, said the spokesperson.
TRIBUTES have been paid to well-known Limerick businessman, Ivan Cremins whose funeral took place in the city this Friday.

Mr Cremins, who was aged in his early 70s, died on Wednesday morning following a short illness.

The Monard native founded the landmark Ivans store on the Ennis Road  running it for more than 38 years prior to his retirement a number of years ago.

He was a popular figure within the wider business community in Limerick and the hugely successful shop attracted people from across the wider region who wanted to sample its famous cream-cakes and crumbed ham.

Speaking in his homily during the Funeral Mass at Mary Magdalene Church in Monaleen, the Bishop of KiIlala John Fleming commented that such was the popularity of the store it was often referenced during early-morning traffic reports on local and national radio.

As a business man, his name became a household name in Limerick. Ivans of Caherdavin was known far and wide and I well remember for a number of years on AA Roadwatch, on morning radio, the area around the shop was often referred to as Ivans Cross in Caherdavin, he said.

Bishop Fleming, who is a cousin of Ivan Cremins, told the congregation that the late businessman was a true Christian throughout his life.

His public profile was matched with a very private life also and he guarded his privacy in two areas in particular  his health and his social concern. Ivan didnt wear his faith or his religion on his sleeve but he was a deeply committed Christian in the truest sense of that word especially in the area of social concern, he said.

During Fridays Funeral Mass, which attracted hundreds of mourners, Ivans daughter Kate read a poem paying tribute to her late father while Bishop Fleming read a brief statement on behalf of the Cremins family thanking everyone for their thoughts and prayers in recent days and weeks.

To all those who were part of his work life over very many decades, our thanks and gratitude  especially those who worked with him at the shop and at home, added the statement.

Following the Funeral Mass, burial took place in SS Peter & Pauls Churchyard, Bruff.

Ivan Cremins is survived by his wife Maud, his daughter Kate, his son Christian, his sister Fidelma, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
Our readers have spoken, and the July cartoon caption contest winners are ...

May 2, 2021, 8 PM

The July cartoon caption contest featured the 24 stamp on the far left of the 1976 Bicentennial souvenir sheet picturing Washingtons crossing of the Delaware. The winner of the nonphilatelic part of the contest, Mildred Barylski of Warrenton. Va., was t

U.S. Stamp Notes  By John M. Hotchner

There is often a considerable difference between what the generals think and whats on the minds of the soldiers at the tip of the spear.

In the June cartoon caption contest, we heard from Gen. George Washington as he was crossing the Delaware River, as shown in the painting by Emanuel Leutze that served as the design of a Bicentennial souvenir sheet issued in 1976 (Scott 1688).

For the July cartoon contest, I asked Linns readers to put themselves in the position of the rowers doing the work to get their perspective on the operation. The stamp selected for that contest is on the far left of the sheet (Scott 1688b).

Connect with Linns Stamp News:

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Several readers chose as their theme the icy weather being endured, citing the unofficial creed of the post office as being appropriate: Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.

Michael Generali of Round Rock, Texas, summed up the reaction of the rowers to the weather with Wait until I get my hands on the guy who said that crud about neither snow nor rain  

Another set of comments on the weather answered the question, How cold is it? The best of these entries came on a postcard sent anonymously from Maine: Its so cold I can hear the chattering of Gen. Washingtons wooden teeth.

Some cartoon contestants brought the scene into the modern age with observations about Governor Chris Christie and his problems with Bridgegate, the popular name for the 2013 scandal associated with the closure of lanes to the George Washington Bridge at Fort Lee, N.J.

This group is represented by Terry Meier of Tampa, Fla.: Im glad were going by boat. I hear those Jersey bridges can be trouble.

The winner in the nonphilatelic part of our contest relied upon the fact that Gen. Washington also assumed the role of politician, running for president after the British had been chased out of the former colonies. This line is the work of Mildred Barylski of Warrenton, Va.

On the philatelic side of the contest, John Himes of Cypress, Calif., wins the prize with Lets unhinge the British, stamp them out, grill the captives, and cancel their campaign!

Both winners will receive Linns Stamp Identifier published by Amos Media Co., or a 13-week subscription to Linns (a new subscription or an extension). The book has a retail value of $12.99.

Bernice Fields of Minneapolis, Minn., who entered the contest, made note of something I had not paid attention to in the stamp design: Two of the soldiers on the stamp are black Revolutionary War fighters, one named Oliver Cromwell and the other Prince Whipple.

After enlisting in his early 20s, Cromwell served in numerous battles with Gen. Washington.

Prince Whipple was a slave to William Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Hampshire and a general during the American Revolution.

These are only two of the thousands of black soldiers who fought for independence from Great Britain. Apropos of this theme, Fields entry is: I wonder how this all men are created equal idea is going to work out?!

Here are the best of the other runners-up:

George, if you sing Row, Row, Row your boat one more time, Im gonna stick this oar   from Neil Bys of San Antonio, Texas.

Fish kabobs for dinner again, boys, by Laura and Tom Tomaszek of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

If I told you once, Ive told you a thousand times, NEVER volunteer! sent by Richard Solomon of Vail, Ariz.

I never imagined that this job would turn out to be such an oar-deal! from Steve Kotler of San Francisco, California.

Its not the ice that worries me. Its those darn floating plate numbers  you never know where theyre going to pop up! by David Schlottmann of Olympia, Wash.

I told him to buy Marthas Christmas present in New York, but nooooooo  now the only stores open are in Trenton! by Jim Brooks, assigned abroad.

This is the last time I accept an invitation to a boating party! from Steve Billings of Memphis, Tenn.

Thanks and a tip of the hat to all who entered.

The next cartoon caption contest will be announced in the Sept. 11 Linns.
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Sir Arthur Cotton, the engineer and his rice bowl Sir Arthur lambasted the Raj for its neglect of India and described himself as a man with one idea that could make a difference here: irrigation /news/talking-point/sir-arthur-cotton-the-engineer-and-his-rice-bowl-111646985672614.html 111646985672614 story

In 1877, at the height of the Great Famine that devastated the south, a distinguished Englishman, recently knighted for services rendered to the British empire, yet again took a vociferous stand against the policies of his queens government in India. For years he had railed against imperial overzeal for the railwaysa sophisticated scam that funnelled out Indian resources while delivering unconscionable profits to faraway investorsand now he was vindicated. For we have before our eyes," he noted, the sad and humiliating scene of magnificent (rail) Works that have cost poor India 160 millions, which are so utterly worthless in the respect of the first want of India, that millions are dying by the side of them." The railways certainly brought grain to starving masses, but the costs were so disproportionately high that nobody could afford to buy themofficial profiteering perverted even the delivery of famine relief.

Sir Arthur Cotton had made a career of crossing the line where India was concerned, taking stands that irritated his superiors even as they earned him much local admirationtwo districts of Andhra Pradesh hold an estimated 3,000 statues of the man. He was, of course, as much an imperialist as his peers, but it was not a desire to bring glory to Great Britain that motivated him. Instead, this 10th son of the 10th son of a regrettably named Sir Lynch Cotton had experienced a religious awakening as a young man in 1826. Thereafter, he felt his mission was to work for the glory of Godand the benefit of men", and with familiar racial condescension, he decided that the men in question were poor brown Indians. His self-righteousness, however, was wedded to sincerityhaving taken up the Indian cause, Sir Arthur never gave up, describing himself as a man with one idea" that could make a difference in India: irrigation.

Sir Arthur was a military engineer who caused his colleagues great consternation by refusing to be awed by steel and steam. He had no dispute with the railways but it made no sense to him that extortionate technology should be imposed on a landscape where the basics had been entirely neglected. But then he was also somewhat naivehe once argued against the term collector" since it suggested that revenue officials sole interest lay in extracting money, when surely they were also responsible for that other thing called development. The architects of the Raj, of course, were under no such delusionsthe collector was there precisely to collect, and Sir Arthurs lifelong mistake lay in hoping that Indias wants would also somehow feature in those exploitative calculations masquerading as government policy. Naturally, he was thwarted by administrative jealousy", and many were those who called him a wild enthusiast" with water in his head".

Still, Sir Arthur was tireless. In 1827, after inspecting the second century Kallanai dam near Tanjore, he regretted that this work, which had a population of perhaps one hundred thousand and a revenue of 40,000 dependant upon it, had not been allowed 500 to keep it in repair." He personally rode out to persuade his superiors to correct this, only to be rebuffed. Government," he was told, could not squander such sums as this upon the wild demands of an Engineer." Is it surprising," he asked in dismay, that the natives thought us savages?" Nevertheless, he kept up his interest in irrigationlearning from furloughs in Australia, as well as travels in lands as diverse as Egypt and Syriatill finally he was able to leave a real imprint along the eastern coast of India; something his daughter called The Redemption of the Godavari District" through, as his brother chuckled, The Cheap School of Engineering"also known today by that Indian word, jugaad.

Sir Arthur Cottons statue in Hyderabad.

The British, Sir Arthur thought, brought disgrace to (their own) civilized country" by their grievous neglect" of India. He decided to make amends. When the Godavari project was sanctioned in 1847, Sir Arthur asked for six engineers, eight juniors and 2,000 masons. Instead, he was allotted one young hand", two surveyors, and a few odd men. Yet he persevered. To save on masonry work," Jon Wilson writes, he copied the method of construction" used by the Cholas. Cotton created a loose pile of mud and stone on the riverbed, which he then covered in lime and plastered with concrete, instead of building up entirely with stone." The whole project was finished at a third of the cost initially estimated, till 370 miles of canals (339 of which were navigable) irrigated some 364,000 acres of land, transforming a dry expanse into the rice bowl" of Andhra Pradesh. And waterways, the Englishman demonstrated, were a doubly rewarding alternative to rail transport, simultaneously nourishing the farmlands of rural Indians.

In the end, however, Sir Arthur couldnt prevail over the railway lobby. Between 1885-87, the railways cost 2.84 million while the irrigation budget stagnated at a measly 6,130. As late as 1898, the year before his death, it was stated that rail absorbed so large a measure of Government attention, (that) irrigation canals, which are far more protective against famine...are allowed only one-thirteenth of the amount spent on railways each year." It was easier, Sir Arthur sniffed, to propose a 4 million railway project over a 40,000 irrigation scheme. He had no dearth of ideas, however, offering a pan-India river-linking project, and bombarding his bosses with notes and suggestions till they finally established, almost out of sheer exhaustion, a public works departmentthe ubiquitous PWD" of today. And after collecting his shiny knighthood, he continued to cheerfully lambast the Raj for its neglect of India, receiving a more profound honour instead from ordinary peasants, who, to this day, remember Sir Arthur less as a representative of the Raj and more as a local saviour.

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
Oskar Spate and the madness of Indian maps India's international and state boundaries undulate all over the map, so do the twists, turns and contradictions that form the corpus of ancient and modern Indian history /news/talking-point/oskar-spate-and-the-madness-of-indian-maps-111646985534158.html 111646985534158 story

In December 1955, an Australian geographer named Oskar Spate boarded a ship named the Arcadia from Australia to Colombo. From there he would take another train up to Madras (now Chennai), and thence commence his tour of India. He would witness places and do many things on this tour, but his primary motive was to prepare a revised second edition of his 1954 book India And Pakistan: A General And Regional Geography.

In Madras, he would be joined by a local professor of geography, George Kuriyan, along with some students. The group would then wind their way northwards by rail, via Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Agra, Aligarh and Konark, to Delhi, where Spate arrived just in time to witness the 1956 Republic Day celebrations and a military parade.

At Agra, Spate ran into Jawaharlal Nehru at the Indian Science Congress, which Spate attended as a representative of the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science. Many years later, in 1991, when he wrote a series of personal recollections of his life and work, On The Margins of History: From The Punjab To Fiji, Spate did not recall much about this meeting, except that Nehru had an impressive intellectual grasp", and that Spate had brought up something peculiar about the way in which Nehrus government was redrawing the map of India into states along linguistic lines.

A sketch of Oskar Spate. Illustration: Jayachandran/Mint

Why, asked Spate, had the district of Jhansi been included in Uttar Pradesh (UP) as a ridiculous vermiform protrusion" into northern Madhya Pradesh (MP), instead of being incorporated into MP? Surely the residents of Jhansi were much more at home with their neighbours in Gwalior than with the people of Uttar Pradesh? I noticed that myself, said Nehru, and it is odd. Indias prime minister asked his States Reorganization Commission to send an explanation of the Jhansi matter to his office with, presumably, a copy to Spate.

This immediately strikes the reader today like an odd question to ask. Of all the things he could have discussed with Nehru, why pick on the district of Jhansi?

Perhaps this has something to do with Spates past history with eccentric Indian cartography. Around a decade before this trip to India, the Australian had been rushed to the country once before. And that had been in July 1947. Following a peculiar set of circumstances, Spate became part of that moment in Indian cartographic history: Partition.

*****

To understand the incomprehensibly complicated nature of Indian history, one need look no further than the nature of its internal and external boundaries. As these international and state boundaries undulate all over the map, so do the twists, turns and contradictions that form the corpus of ancient and modern Indian history. Some of these undulations are (or were) so improbable as to almost seem fictional.

On Indias border with Bangladesh, till no less than two years ago, existed one of the greatest muddles on any map anywhere on the planet. The Wikipedia page for India-Bangladesh enclaves puts it very nicely: Within the main body of Bangladesh were 102 enclaves of Indian territory, which in turn contained 21 Bangladeshi counter-enclaves, one of which contained an Indian counter-counter-enclavethe worlds only third-order enclave. Within the Indian mainland were 71 Bangladeshi enclaves, containing 3 Indian counter-enclaves."

Thankfully for the residents of these enclaves, who were miserable for decades, both governments sat down and sorted the mess in 2015. A great loss, however, for map nerds.

There are similar anomalies within India. The vermiform protrusion of Jhansi has already been mentioned. But consider the mess that was the princely state of Baroda. A 1909 map of Baroda shows not so much a state as splashes of ink across the map. Some of these splashes are so small as to be almost invisible. Incorporating Baroda state into the Indian republic was thus not just a matter of unity and statesmanship but also logistical sanity.

The partition of Punjab proved the most problematic. The Congress asked for the boundaries to be drawn well west of Lahore. The Muslim League asked for the line to be drawn east of Amritsar.-

All these undulations and anomalies came to a head when the British government, in one final act of imperial largesse, decided to draw the boundary between India and Pakistan. Everyone involved, however, quickly realized that geography has no time for politics. Especially when religion is involved. And few witnesses realized this more than Spate.

During World War II, Spate had several stints in Asia. Stints that saw him injured in the defence of Burma (now Myanmar) and then, quite unexpectedly, working as a military censor in India. After the war, he found himself in London in the summer of 1947. Eventually, he secured a job as a lecturer at the London School of Economics. Just when it seemed that life was settling into a long, austere slog, an unexpected letter arrived at Spates doorstep on 30 June 1947.

The letter was from someone Spate had never even heard of: Mirza Ali, the imam of the London Ahmadiyya Mosque. Somebody in the Ahmadiyya community back in the subcontinent had come across an article Spate had written in 1943 on the geography of the regions that would later become Pakistan. The article had impressed them enough to get in touch with the author.

Could Spate, the imam pleaded, help them make the case to Sir Cyril Radcliffe and Radcliffes Boundary Commission" that Qadian fall on the Pakistani side of the border?

Qadian, located around 60km north-east of Amritsar, was the birthplace of the Ahmadiyya movement. It was where the movements founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmed, was born in 1835, and where the first set of followers had proclaimed him the promised caliph. By 1947, the then caliph of the Ahmadiyya movement had chosen to move to what would become Pakistan with his followers.

Spate, who knew nothing of the Ahmadiyyas except that they were a Muslim sect of some sort, jumped at the chance to travel to parts of India he had never seen before, all expenses paid. What he witnessed on his arrival in India was a commission mired in chaos, and faced with an assignment that seemed all but impossible. As historian Lucy P. Chester writes in her book Borders And Conflict In South Asia, Radcliffe, a widely respected lawyer in London, had expected to have at least a year or more to draw the borders. This was first reduced to six months, and then he was finally told he had no more than six weeks to finalize the highly contentious India-Pakistan borders in Punjab and Bengal.

The partition of Punjab proved the most problematic. All the three main parties involvedthe Congress, the Muslim League, and the Sikhsput forth proposals that reflected maximalist positions. Fully expecting that Radcliffe would try to arrive at a compromise, each party asked for as much as it could without appearing ludicrous.

In a nutshell, the situation was as follows. The Congress asked for the boundaries to be drawn well west of Lahore, incorporating the Sikh centre of Nankana Sahib. The Muslim League asked for the line to be drawn east of Amritsar, including Ludhiana and, most importantly, Gurdaspur. The Sikh proposals broadly fell along Congress lines. And then things got infinitely complicated as parties began to make their cases in front of the Boundary Commission, which comprised two Muslim and two non-Muslim judges all reporting to Radcliffe.

Radcliffe himself appeared to remain aloof from all these proceedings (though there has been endless speculation continuing to this day, by many historians, about Radcliffes neutrality, his true sympathies, his malleability to suggestions by Lord Mountbatten and so on).

Spate may have immediately noticed the futility of the Qadian problem. Situated as it was to the east of Amritsar, to make the town fall within Pakistan would have required Radcliffe to take a position heavily in favour of the Muslim League.

This was, ultimately, not to be. However, Spate recorded the numerous alternative ideas that kept coming up during the proceedings. For instance, there was a suggestion that Amritsar become something of an Indian enclave in Pakistan, with some sort of thin corridor connecting it to India. This would have made for some splendid cartographic weirdness but was a political impossibility. Spate also noticed at least one instance of opportunism. While going through a Muslim League proposal in which the border followed the track of the Sutlej river, he noticed a small outcrop jutting to the east off the river, into India, bounded by straight lines. On enquiring, he was told that a prominent Muslim League member had an estate that sat to the east of the river and wished to incorporate that into Pakistan.

Spate appears to have developed something of a soft corner for the Ahmadiyyas. He found Qadian and its residents quite charming, if prone to a certain fundamentalism. I felt it was a privilege," he later wrote, to be introduced to such a strange but attractive society." Ultimately, Spates efforts proved futile. The Radcliffe Award, announced not on Independence Day but two days later, meant that Qadian remained very much in India. The Ahmadiyyas would eventually move their headquarters to Rabwah in Pakistan.

The Australian geographer left Karachi in 1947, fearing for the future of both countries (but he appears to have been particularly concerned with Pakistans fortunes). His assignment may have failed but, he later recalled, he at least had a bag of basmati rice to take back to London with him. Which was nothing to scoff at in a Britain still reeling under wartime rationing.

A decade later, when he came back to India, he was puzzled by Jhansi, yes, but also the transformation he had witnessed in India. As he witnessed the Republic Day festivities in Delhi, he was struck, he later wrote, by the increase in self-reliance and realism" that seemed to permeate so many levels of Indian society. Broadly speaking, I came in a mood of qualified pessimism, I left in a mood of guarded optimism."

*****

What of Jhansi then? The States Reorganization Committee explained to Spate, according to his recollection, many years later in 1991, that Jhansi had been included in UP and not MP at the express request of the residents of the district. Used to being part of the British-administered United Provinces, the locals didnt want to risk being part of a new state that was cobbled together from local kingdoms. No thanks, they said. At least UP has a legacy of administration. We used to be a little appendage to the United Provinces, and we would like to stay a little appendage of Uttar Pradesh.

The irony of this did not escape Spate. The only reason Jhansi was part of the United Provinces was because of Rani Laxmibhai. It was her patriotism that ultimately led to its annexation into the British-controlled territories. Decades later, residents, perhaps inadvertently, had perpetuated that story through the map of Uttar Pradesh.

There is more than one way to read a map.
1947: A story of tricolour halwas and subversive mithais How sweets across the country emerged as players in the freedom movement and carried the imprint of Partition /news/talking-point/1947-a-story-of-tricolour-halwas-and-subversive-mithais-111646985170904.html 111646985170904 story

It was salt that fired the imagination of the people of India after Gandhis Dandi March but those who worked with sugar were not going to be left behind in a display of patriotic solidarity. The old halwai in Varanasi I talked to some years ago(touching 80 then) reminisced with misty eyes about the heady times when it was bliss to be young in that dawn.

The government could censor newspapers and it wasnt easy to plaster walls with posters. This is when we created sweets that served as slogans. Tirangi Barfi on display substituted for the tricolour flag beloved of the revolutionaries and followers of Gandhi. It continues to be made on Independence Day and Republic Day. That was the time when artificial colours and flavours were taboo. A layer of orange barfi sandwiched khoya/nariyal to be flanked on the other side with piste ki launj to commemorate the unfurling of the flag on the banks of the Ravi by Jawaharlal Nehru.

Other sweets were renamed to mock the unpopular British rulers. But Jawahar Laddoo was a large bonbon specked with colourful bits of dried fruits and nuts mimicking gems. Who could take offence at the creative licence taken by the halwai?"

It was not only in Benaras, as the city was then called, that sweets resonated with echoes of the freedom struggle; in towns, small and big signage ostensibly proclaiming the proprietors name subtly subverted the censorship. Subhash Mishtanna Bhandars suddenly mushroomed in the Hindi heartland and began to flaunt their house specialitySubhash Pedha or Subhash Bhog.

The police was always in pursuit of freedom fighters, especially youngsters, raiding college hostels and keeping their homes under surveillance. This was when street-side eateries and sweetshops would become ideal rendezvous for those conspiring against the British. In these hole-in-the-wall eateries, they could appear suddenly, order a mithai as a codeword, meet a comrade and disappear in a wink, mingling with the crowd.

The outbreak of war and the tumult of the Quit India movement interrupted this. Then came the trauma of Partition. Sadly, this affected the shared heritage of sweets. The Muhajir who migrated to Pakistan were parted from balai ki giloria delicate mildly sweet triangle fashioned with layers of clotted cream resembling conically wrapped betel leaf. And those who stayed behind still lament that the skilled karigar (workers) who followed their patrons (or perished in the carnage) took with them the art of making muzafar and mutanjan.

The refugees from East Pakistan, todays Bangladesh, compensated for this loss by introducing their compatriots in West Bengal to sweets like khejur gurer payesh, pati shapta and puli peetha. Those displaced by the division of Punjab cherished homemade traditional sweets like patisa and panjiri. Its a pity that as these families struck new roots and spread all over the land, the making of these sweets was handed over to the professional halwai.

Shereen Bhawan in Old Delhi is known for its extensive selection of halwas. Photo: Pradeep Gaur/Mint

We often tend to forget that Partition drove a wedge not just between Bengal and Punjab but also Sindh. The travels and travails of the Sindhi community have yet to be documented adequately but some idea of this diaspora can be gleaned from the story of Karachi Halwa.

The innocuous geographical indicator prefixed to this confection suddenly became communally charged in the aftermath of Partition. People addicted to it renamed it Bombay Halwa. This was easily done, for during the colonial period, Bombay (now Mumbai) and Karachi had flourished as twin port cities. In Delhi, however, the halwai proudly asserted the Sindhi identity. The colourful, chewy halwa prepared with wheatgerm and enriched with nuts soon gained a fan following among non-Sindhis. It has a very long shelf life and was even more seductive as a gift in colourful tins. There was a time in the 1950s when it gave Delhis traditional favourite, Sohan Halwa, a run for its money.

And as we munch on the crunchy Bombay chikki, few among the present generation are aware that it has evolved from another pre-Partition Sindhi classic, majoon.

Today, much of the exotic Habshi Halwa, khajur and other sweets prepared by Shereen Bhawan in Old Delhi find their way to the United Arab Emirates, and, sometimes, from there to the neighbour with whom we have perpetually strained relations. For, while men may redraw boundaries on the political map, it is impossible to divide the shared heritage of a sweet taste. So Hyderabad still has gifted karigar who prepare exotic confections like badam ki jaali and double ka meetha that celebrate the culinary legacy of undivided India.

Its futile, then, to classify sweets, or savouries for that matter, along religious lines.

Its time, in fact, to reclaim a resplendent shared culinary heritage.
Seven travelling Indian motifs Textile patterns and weaves love to travel. We look at seven iconic Indian motifs that have captured the sartorial imagination of the world /news/talking-point/seven-travelling-indian-motifs-111646985243947.html 111646985243947 story

Through artistry and manufacturing know-how, the subcontinent dominated the global textile trade from antiquity until the industrial revolution of the late 19th century. The aesthetic themes that originated in India have endured, shaping the design vocabularies of countries across the world, from Japanese kimonos to French Provencal and psychedelic hippy style.

As an American textile designer with a keen interest in heritage textiles, this story unfolded for me as I studied the decorative arts in India while working for the government here in the early 1980s. I continued researching museum archives such as the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum in Virginia, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Musee des Arts decoratifs in Paris. Immersing myself in these public and private textile collections, I noticed that certain motifs kept reappearing through the centuries, sometimes changing slowly over time as fashion or technology advanced. I saw how designs and colour combinations created in India had captured the imaginations of diverse foreign markets, taking root within those cultures and growing to become iconic styles there.

If we look, we find examples of Indian-origin designs that have been assimilated into local traditions and folklore around the world. Indonesian Ikat and batik owe a debt to India that is both aesthetic and technical. Japanese Sarasa fabrics are direct descendants of the Indian calico brought by Portuguese traders in the 16th century. Europe is full of examples, from the Scottish town of Paisley, made famous by copying Kashmiri shawls, to English and French chintz florals (known in France as Indiennes), and the French Provencal style imitates desi block-prints brought to France along the Silk Road by Armenian merchants.

This is a story of commercial, technical and artistic success. The mercantile and mechanical successes may have been destroyed by the industrial revolution and the British Raj, but the aesthetic impact remains to this day, and is illustrated here with seven examples of Indias enduring design legacy.

Paisley became a fashion craze when Kashmiri artisans turned the stylized pine-cone motifs from ancient Persia into fine pashmina shawls.

Paisley

Paisley became a fashion craze when Kashmiri artisans turned the stylized pine-cone motifs from ancient Persia into fine pashmina shawls. By the late 18th century, ladies in Europe had taken to these shawls and mills began to produce them using the newly invented jacquard loom that replaced the handiwork of the weaver.

A portrait of Madame Riviere that features a shawl with bhutia Paisley motifs, dated 1805-06.

Such was the volume produced in one Scottish town that we now know this design by the name of the place, Paisley.

Popular today among Ivy League WASPS, this cloth actually originated in India.

Seersucker

Popular today among Ivy League WASPS (White Anglo-Saxon Protestants), this cloth actually originated in India. The name itself is Indo-Persian, meaning milk and sugar", a reference to the textural, puckering effect of the fabrics stripes. Its first use in the US was to replace the heavy flannels in mens suitsit was more compatible with the southern heat. Thats how the classic blue and white striped American summer suit was born.

The Madras Plaid became a symbol of American privilege.

Madras Plaid

What does a rickshaw- puller in Kolkata have in common with a Wall Street banker at a cocktail party? They both might be wearing what is known as Madras Plaid. The legend of this cotton checked fabric from south India has roots in New Englands best schools. In 1718, the East India Company governor of Madras, Elihu Yale, sent a shipment of goods, including cloth, to a school at his Connecticut home as a gift. This school was later named Yale University, where, along with Harvard and other elite schools in the 1920s, the Madras Plaid became a symbol of American privilege.

Ikat is a rare way of decorating textiles by tie-dyeing patterns on to yarns before weaving.

Ikat

Ikat is a rare way of decorating textiles by tie-dyeing patterns on to yarns before weaving, resulting in distinctive flame"-like edges on the motifs of the finished cloth. Scholars believe the technique emerged thousands of years ago in several locations independently, and India was a place that mastered the art like none other. As early as the 12th century, the famous Patola" double Ikat was being produced in Patan, Gujarat, and in the 18th century the French were making a type of silk Ikat by printing the warp yarns.

Through the centuries, some designs evolved into the floral patterns we associate today with English chintz.

Chintz

Kalamkari, the painted and block-printed floral cottons of the Coromandel Coast, awed Europe when they arrived in the 17th century. The demand for them upset the balance of trade and European printers eventually replicated the design and replaced the kalam (hand-held pen) and wooden block with industrial processes. Through the centuries, some designs evolved into the floral patterns we associate today with English chintz.

Japanese batik.

Batik

Indian indigo resist-dyed cotton was famous throughout the ancient world, from Rome to China. The oldest evidence of this cloth comes from Mohenjo Daro in Sindh, where a statue from 2500-1500 BC was unearthedof a king-priest wearing a resist-dyed shawl. Textile fragments discovered in Egypt reveal a flourishing trade with Gujarat during the Mamluk Sultanate (12501517). Today commonly known by its Indonesian name, batik, the essential resist-dyeing process remained a primary form of printing until the 19th century, when it was replaced by industrial machines.

Varanasi brocade.

Silk brocade

Archaeological finds in Harappa show that silk manufacturing existed in the Indus Valley civilization as early as 2450 BC, predating silk-making in China. The legendary khinkhwab cloth, associated nowadays with Varanasi, employed a technique of silk twisted with gold or silver. It had patrons among the rich and was exported to Babylon long before the Maurya empire (322-185 BC)and contributed greatly to the idea of India as a land of opulence and riches.
The art of not forgetting A Maruti Omni ride with Pakistani artist Huma Mulji two decades ago was the start of Shilpa Gupta's engagement with art that rethinks accepted notions of borders and nation-states /news/talking-point/the-art-of-not-forgetting-111646985108784.html 111646985108784 story

Shes not certain of the colourshe suspects it was whitebut it was definitely a Maruti Omni. Shilpa Gupta is tracing her way back to 1999, eight years after Indias economy opened up, when the van had become a ubiquitous fixture on the countrys roads. She was about 23, and had just got her degree in sculpture from Mumbais Sir JJ School of Art, when she participated as one of 24 artists at the newly instituted Khoj International Artists Residency at Modinagar in Uttar Pradesh, along with Subodh Gupta, Anita Dube, Tallur L.N., and Navjot Altaf.

During one outing, Gupta found herself occupying one of the back seats. The Pakistani artist Huma Mulji sat across. They had already forged a friendship, communicating in both English and Urdu. Within this setting, Aar Paar was being born," Gupta recounts during our interview at her studio in Bandra, Mumbai.

Its a memory lush with metaphors, the peculiarly poised seating arrangement acting as a bridge, facilitating conversation between artists from either side of the border, the Omni with seven-eight artists, serving, quite literally, as a vehicle within which two citizens from two nations, once one, could talk about subversive ways of art-making that would undermine the rigidity of the illusive borders separating them.

As a Pakistani, it was more than just any other international workshop for me. I discovered a surprisingly special sense of brotherhood with artists from India," Mulji wrote in January 2000 in the publication produced by Khoj. Thanks to dial-up internet, the conversation between Gupta and Mulji continued, and the two artists conceived of Aar Paar as an exhibition of works by five artists from both countries. The title played on the Urdu words nuanced connotation of crossing over or getting across. Gupta and Mulji used one of the oldest modes of communicationthe postal serviceto invite artists from both countries to exchange work that was printed and displayed simultaneously in street shops and on public walls in Karachi and Mumbai in March 2000. Aar Paar saw two more iterations in 2002 and 2007, with the number of collaborating artists growing.

Threat (2008-09).

It was the first of several subsequent projects and exhibitions that Gupta initiated as a facilitator", another significant and memorable one being Crossovers And Rewrites at the Museum of Contemporary Art at the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, with Mamta Murthy, in 2005. This included highly evocative and political artists from India and around the world. What was your experience after assembling the exhibition?" I ask Gupta. We wept," she replies.

Gupta, now 41, has since made a career out of underscoring the existence of border as physical and notional, structural and syntactical sites to trespass, navigate and dismantle.

Jumbled words

Guptas studio, however, bears very little trace of this sustained engagement. Much of the work she has produced is either in circulation, in galleries and exhibitions, or has been acquired by collectors and museums. Some were even premised on the audience taking away individual units; such as Threat (2008-09), a wall of bricks, with each constituent composed of water-soluble soap bearing the works title. Visitors were invited to take away a soap-brick each, thus erasing the wall.

In several of her works, Gupta plays with deliberate misspellings, deriving meaning out of patterns. A flap board she made in 2007-08 included the anagram IPANKIDSIATAN, formed out of India and Pakistan. Its easy to see how her 2015 neon work, My East Is Your West, evolved from this semantic twist. It also loaned the title to a joint unofficial pavilion with Pakistani artist Rashid Rana, sponsored by the Gujral Foundation, at the 2015 edition of the Venice Biennale. The structure of the neon sign reads WMYEIAOSUTR, but the programmed lighting illuminates certain letters to reimagine the anagrammed sentence, My East is your West".

This is a clear strategy with her text-based works, bridging whole sentences within a limited spatial confine, establishing a deep intimacy between words and collapsing their structural boundaries by eliminating the distance between them. My East Is Your West is not just a clever sentence; its an aphorism that attests to how ones geopolitical position determines ones cartographic reference points, and how hegemonies get embedded because of the predominance of a singular position.

At the pavilion in Venice, Gupta also showed 998.9, in which you could see 3,394m of cloth handwoven by the people of Phulia in West Bengal. The fabrics length correlated with the more than 3,400km-long barbed-wire border between the two countries. 998.9 could be seen in continuity with an earlier work, 1:14:9 (2011-12), a hand-wound ball of threat sitting in a glass casing with an accompanying plaque that reads: 1188.5 MILES OF FENCED BORDERWEST, NORTH-WEST/DATA UPDATE: DEC 31, 2007," information she extracted from a Union home ministry report.

It was during her research for 1:14:9, (which was acquired by the Guggenheim Museum, New York) that Gupta began looking at similar statistics about the fence between India and Bangladesh, which, when completed, would be the longest of its kind. This led her to a Bangladeshi enclave that was surrounded by India on all sides.

Gupta was commissioned by curator Diana Campbell Betancourt, on behalf of the Dhaka-based Samdani Art Foundation, to create a solo project for the second edition of the Dhaka Art Summit. This resulted in her 2014, hard-hitting Untitled installation, documenting the lives of at least 51,000 people stranded within enclaves (chhitmahal).

There is no explosive in this (2007).

Non-objective practice

Art was not art then," Gupta says candidly, referring to her early 20s. The object was not as fetishized," she qualifies. I am surprised when she tells me about an early experiment with an unknown audience, when she anonymously sent out drawings to addresses on the mailing list of the Jehangir Art Gallery.

I sold my first artwork only in 2008," she confesses. That was nearly a decade after she graduated. It was from her series, There Is No Explosive In This, an installation comprising photographs taken on the streets of London, of participants who volunteered to carry a suitcase tightly covered with cloth upon which the titular text was imprinted.

I am no longer the artist," she says, acknowledging this divestiture of authorship. Her intimacy with her anonymous audience demolishes the boundaries between art as a fetishized object and the viewer as a distant being.

Whether through textual works or her installations, over the years Gupta has continued to probe the narrativity of borders by exploring the nature of cartography, on the one hand, as a state-sponsored exercise, and on the other as a subjective human experience. Her 2007-08 piece, 100 Hand-drawn Maps Of India, commissioned 100 hand-drawn maps from 100 individuals and bound them into a book whose pages fluttered and turned with the motion of a table fan. It was an extension of her reflection on the arbitrariness of the collective imagining of the nation state.

This series has continued to evolve by assuming a range of formats, from a 100-slide projection of the imprecise cartographic renderings to a carbon-paper-made drawing of 100 individual maps superimposed upon each other, resulting in an unstable image of India where the border lines seem to be shifting constantly, incapable of functioning as markers of fixity.

My East is Your West (2015).

Contraband art

Have you seen the marijuana works?" Gupta asks me towards the end of our meeting. I am intrigued. She pulls out a desktop folder of subtle drawings of official objects made using a pigment extracted from the intoxicating weed she found growing in the vicinity of various border checkpoints.

These were among a slew of newer works that were exhibited as part of Drawings In The Dark at Kiosk Gallery, Belgium, alongside Song Of The Ground, a mechanical installation of two stones from a border zone that slap against each others surface, subversively applauding their unusual fate. Its an appropriate metaphor for Guptas oeuvre, where technique and technology, spirit and essence, form and content are firmly entrenched in the poetics of transgression.

***

Courtesy: The Artist

Creating a bridge

Significant works by other Indian artists that wrestle with lines of control

Remembering Toba Tek Singh, Nalini Malani

Its poetic crux rooted in Saadat Hasan Mantos classic story about a lunatics border dilemma in the aftermath of Partition, Malanis 20- minute video loop, using four projectors dating back to 1998-99, builds a causal relationship between the underground nuclear tests conducted by India on 11 May 1998 and the conflicted history of India and Pakistan.

Courtesy: The Artist

Not all who wander are lost, Bharti Kher

For her public art commission in 2015, Kher appropriated a 1960s map from The Larousse International Political and Economic Atlas edited by Jean Chardonnet, which she enlarged and populated with large, multicoloured bindis and positioned on the facade of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston as a commentary on the histories of colonization and migration.

Courtesy: The Artist

A season outside, Amar Kanwar

Shot on 16mm colour film, Kanwars 30-minute 1997 film uses a personal narrative to reflect on military aggression, beginning with the sunset ritual of closing the gate at the Wagah-Atari border and presenting the figure of a nomad wandering through lines of separation, examining the scars of violence and dreams of hope scattered among communities and nations".

Courtesy: The Artist

Woven Chronicle, Reena Kallat

First produced in 2015 at the Vancouver Art Gallery, with a second edition made especially for an international group exhibition, Insecurities: Tracing Displacement And Shelter, at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, Kallats Woven Chronicle is a gigantic map of the world woven with electrical wires and fittings and interspersed with circuit boards and speakers. The drawing it forms along the wall traces migration patterns and reveals how human ingenuity makes the borders porous.
Actors without borders Naseeruddin Shah, Anjali Patil and Jaya Ahsan on working with neighbours and creating crossover art in the film industries of Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India /news/talking-point/actors-without-borders-111646985582923.html 111646985582923 story

In the Pakistani drama Khuda Kay Liye (2007), Naseeruddin Shah plays Maulana Wali, a respected, progressive Muslim religious scholar. In the Sinhalese film With You, Without You (2012), Anjali Patil is cast in the role of a civil war survivor, an upper-class Tamil who discovers that the man she has married was part of the Sri Lankan army that ravaged her village. In the recent Bengali film Bishorjon (2017), Bangladeshi actor Jaya Ahsan plays a young Hindu widow living on the Bangladesh side of the border who gives shelter to a Muslim stranger from West Bengal.

There is an interesting subtext in the casting of these actors: the swapping of, or commentary on, religious, national and linguistic identities. For these are actors working in films in countries with whom their countries have had, or still have, disputes over land or river water, or a history of ethnic conflict.

Working in other countries has opened up fresh perspectives for these actors. Patil, who will be seen next in Amit Masurkars Newton, releasing next month, was pleasantly surprised when she found out that Sri Lankas biggest movie stars are women. Shah talks empathetically about the pathetic" state of studios in Pakistan, and how its film industry never recovered from the blow of PartitionLahore was one of the pillars of the Hindi film industry, apart from Mumbai and Kolkata. Ahsan, who has made Kolkata her second home, offers up the possibility of a market that has films from both sides of the Bengal borderBangladeshi films dont release in theatres in India.

They all echo one sentimentthe matter-of-factness of working in another country, even one that India shares a complicated relationship withand insist that art does not recognize geographical and linguistic boundaries. For me, these films were another job I wished to do, and it was immaterial where they were being made," Shah says on email, when asked whether acting in a Pakistani film was a statement in itself. I certainly wouldnt have done one of those blood-drenched revenge dramas they make there, just as I wouldnt have done one here!"

Naseeruddin Shah in a still from the Pakistani film Zinda Bhaag.

Shahs explosive 10-minute cameo in Khuda Kay Liye, a film conceived in the aftermath of 9/11, seems designed as a response to both radical Islamists and the prejudices of the Western world. In the films decisive courtroom scene, Shahs Wali, who wears a shalwar and keeps a beard as long as the other maulvis he fundamentally disagrees with, takes on each misinterpretation" of IslamIslam vs Western clothes, Islam vs musicand slays it in evocative Urdu, as though extracting music from every syllable. At one point in this memorable monologue, he says, Varna yahi hoga ki log haraam ki kamai jeb mein daal, halal gosht ki dukaan dhoondte honge."

Shahs job in Khuda Kay Liye was to communicate the ideas of the writer and director with as much clarity as possible. The fact that I too share those beliefs probably explains the conviction I could bring to the speech," he says.

In contrast to Shahs dialogue-heavy turn, Patils role in With You, Without You is full of silences. For the few lines she has in the film, she learnt Sinhalese. Language has never been a barrier for the actor, who has done several films in languages other than her mother tongue, Marathi. She went into the film knowing little about the Sri Lankan civil war. For me, the reason to choose a film is always the basics: good script, character, sensible director, and co-actors. Like most average Indians, my knowledge about the conflict was limited to the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi," she says on the phone, on the sets of Rajinikanths next film, Kaala Karikalan.

She remembers visiting Jaffna, the Tamil part of Sri Lanka, and seeing abandoned houses with bullet marks. We form an image, an opinion, of a country and its culture. But we wont know the truth unless we go there. As an artist, it was incredibly important for me to feel and synthesize it for myself," she says. After the films premiere in Colombo, she remembers meeting a group of war survivors who stood there silently. Their silence was enough for me," she says.

Anjali Patil in a still from the Sinhalese filmWith You, Without You.

Ahsan has grown up hearing stories of Bangladeshs liberation war of 1971 as though they were fairy tales and fantasies". Her father was a muktijoddha (freedom fighter) who made a thrilling escape from the hands of the Pakistani army. His comrades and he had been lined up on a bridge over the Turag river, to be shot by the army. Luckily, his hands were tied loosely and he was a good swimmer. When the person standing next to him was targeted, he jumped into the river, narrowly escaping a bullet.

It was the start of a new life. I am the daughter of that father. There was a consciousness while growing up, and we didnt care who was Muslim or Hindu in school," says Ahsan. But that was Robi Thakurs (Rabindranath Tagores) Bangladesh. In the last five years or so, I see more burqas on the streets. In India, you cant eat beef. I think we are going backwards."

We form an image, an opinion, of a country and its culture. But we wont know the truth unless we go there. As an artist, it was incredibly important for me to feel and synthesize it for myself.- Anjali Patil

Bishorjon begins with Ahsans Padma finding Nasir Ali, a wounded stranger from the other side of the Ichamati lying unconscious on its banks. It is the morning after the immersion of Durga, that day of the year when the two Bengals meet at the river. Ali is played by Bengali actor Abir Chatterjeewhich makes director Kaushik Gangulys casting-against-religion look even more deliberate. In the scenes where Chatterjees character had to perform the dua and Ahsan the shondhya aroti, they would help each other out to get the nuances right. Actors have no religion, no country. We are free birds," Ahsan tells me at her apartment in Kolkata.

In Srijit Mukherjees Rajkahini (2015), Ahsan played a prostitute from a brothel in undivided Bengal that is threatened by the partition. A 2-minute clip from the film featuring a cleavage-bearing Ahsan went viral for all the wrong reasons. It didnt go down well back home. There were reports of a fatwa being issued. I was slut-shamed, the fact that I am a single, independent woman in showbiz made it easier for them," she says. So it isnt surprising that she mentions she is a fan of Golshifteh Farahanithe Iranian actor whose bold turns in films from around the world have ensured that she lives in exile.

Whatever the political climate between India and Pakistan, a good offer wont hold Shah back (he has acted in another Pakistani film, Zinda Bhaag, the countrys first submission for the Foreign Language Oscar in 50 years). Ive always received great regard every time Ive visited there. My series Mirza Ghalib is much loved in Pakistan," he says. I feel no apprehension at allif a worthwhile script were to come my way, Ill not hesitate to do it."
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The San Antonio breakfast taco market is getting some new competition: H-E-B.

And theyre getting weird with it.

Among the more traditional taco fare, customers who roll up to the True Texas BBQ drive-thru at the supermarket chains new store at Bulverde Road opening Friday will find breakfast tacos with brisket, avocado, pickled red onions, rajas and cotija cheese.

People play with pizza, said Randy Evans, H-E-Bs executive chef and director of restaurants. Who wouldve thought pineapple and ham could go together? But someone did it and said, Hey, that works.

Evans added, Doing tacos in San Antonio, you cant just throw something together.

The Texas-Sized Signature Breakfast Tacos are among several changes the company is experimenting with at its 118,000-square-foot Bulverde store, which will anchor a retail center being developed by local firm Fulcrum Development south of Loop 1604 on the citys Northeast Side.

The competition is intense in the $669 billion U.S. grocery industry and H-E-Bs latest moves are necessary to win over shoppers that increasingly value convenience and a more enjoyable in-store shopping experience, analysts say.

Food retailers and supermarket chains have worked to add services like curbside pickup or at-home grocery delivery to pry shoppers eyes away from Amazon as the Seattle-based e-commerce company moves from grocery delivery to operating physical grocery stores. Amazon reportedly eyed H-E-B as a potential takeover target before it entered a $13.7 billion bid to buy Austin-based organic grocery chain Whole Foods and its 465 stores in June.

Grocery store chains are also increasingly opening sit-down restaurants to get shoppers into physical stores, said Phil Lempert, a food industry analyst with SupermarketGuru.com

These retailers are searching for what their point of difference is, Lempert said. Theyre discovering that this is it.

The True Texas BBQ restaurant at the Bulverde store is the seventh in H-E-Bs brand of barbecue restaurants but the first of the companys in-store restaurants to offer drive-thru service, company spokeswoman Dya Campos said. The San Antonio company currently manages a dozen in-store restaurant brands.

Customers can order their brisket, pulled pork and coleslaw through a mobile True Texas BBQ mobile application ahead up of time and pick up their order, Campos said. But customers can also eat their meals at the stores sit-down restaurant or out on the patio, perhaps while drinking a glass of one of the eight Texas craft beer brands the restaurant will have on tap, Campos said.

H-E-B is also rapidly expanding its curbside delivery service, which allows customers to place their grocery orders online and pick them up at a later time. In April, the service was available at 22 of the companys stores.

Now, customers can use the service at 45 stores  including the Bulverde store and a new 93,000-square-foot store opening in November at the intersection of Alamo Ranch Parkway and Alamo Parkway on the citys far West Side. The company is spending at least $3.7 million expanding the service to stores throughout the state, according to estimated construction costs provided to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

H-E-B plans to offer the service at 100 stores by the end of 2017, Campos said, a result of high customer demand.

Its a very fast and convenient way to get a really large shop done, Campos said. You dont have to take the kids out of the car.

Shoppers dont even have to physically visit H-E-B stores to complete their grocery run. H-E-B is expanding its partnership with the $99 subscription delivery service Shipt in San Antonio and Austin as well as adding new delivery markets in Killeen, Temple and College Station  expanding the partnerships reach to 4.6 million Texas households.

But, H-E-B customers in areas where those services are available havent stopped shopping in the companys physical stores, Campos said.

Loving the shopping experience and the food experience has not gone away, Campos said.

Both new San Antonio stores will feature Optical by H-E-B, the supermarket chains prescription eyewear offering. The brand was previously available at two stores in Hutto and Spring.

H-E-B will also expand its portfolio of nine convenience stores with a new convenience store at the Bulverde location that will have its own food offerings, filling station and car wash. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation records show construction on the convenience store is slated to cost $3 million and end in October.

JFechter@express-news.net

Twitter: @JFreports
COLLEGE STATION  Texas beef producers could be looking at a $291 million annual boost from the newly opened Chinese beef market.

Any number times 1.4 billion is a big number, agricultural economist Derrell Peel told the more than 2,000 cattle raisers filling a cavernous auditorium at Texas A&M University earlier this week for an update on export markets. The Beef Cattle Short Course, billed as the worlds largest event of its kind, ran Monday through Wednesday.

Still, the potentials of what Peel called the law of Chinese markets is undercut by the Trump administrations withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement with 11 Pacific rim nations.

Japan announced last month that it was hiking tariffs on U.S. frozen beef from 38.5 percent to 50 percent through next March.

Had Trump not withdrawn from the TPP, tariffs on U.S. beef would have eventually been reduced to 9 percent. For now, countries like Australia that have free trade agreements with Japan have a big advantage. U.S. producers are urging the Trump administration to move quickly on a bilateral agreement.

Japan is the largest buyer of U.S. beef exports and the third largest destination for Texas beef, Richard Thorpe, president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, said in a recent statement. This is a prime example of why we need a free trade agreement, like the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), with Japan, and I hope this situation can be resolved swiftly.

China, the most populous nation in the world, accepted its first shipments of U.S. meat in June from a packing house in Nebraska. For U.S. cattle producers, the dignitary-studded June 30 event in Beijing welcoming U.S. beef was momentous.

Were just fortunate to really have our foot in the door once again, said Kelley Sullivan, co-owner of the Santa Rosa Ranch, which specializes in raising Brangus and UltraBlack and its the largest cattle producer in Texas. You can talk to anybody within the Texas Beef Council and they are receiving multiple calls a day from Chinese purveyors looking for eligible cattle.

While grass-fed cuts from Australia still dominate mainland Chinese shelves, U.S. industry leaders hope its only a matter of time before Chinese consumers take to U.S. grain fed beef. For now, inventories are limited and the product is likely causing sticker shock among average Chinese buyers. Still, its hard for Texas producers not to be bullish about the math.

China was the largest buyer of U.S. beef  snapping up some 70 percent of the U.S. beef export market  up until 2003 when a mad cow disease scare prompted Chinese leaders to close the nations borders to the product. With the countrys growing prosperity, Chinas beef imports, in the meantime, have continued to rise to $2.5 billion in 2016. Thats a 21.5 percent increase since 2011.

Texas, which is the nations largest producer of beef and counts cattle as its largest agricultural commodity, accounts for a sixth of all U.S. beef exports.

To read the full story, click here on ExpressNews.com.

LBrezosky@express-news.net
A judge in San Francisco, in the first known ruling of its kind, has halted federal prosecution of two North Coast marijuana growers because Congress has prohibited the Justice Department from interfering with states medical marijuana laws.

Anthony Pisarski and Sonny Moore pleaded guilty in 2014 to conspiring to possess and grow marijuana on a farm in Humboldt County and faced a three-year prison sentence under federal guidelines. But U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg suspended further proceedings in the case this week and said the prosecution was barred by restrictions Congress first added to the Justice Departments budget in late 2014, and has renewed ever since.

The restrictions, in an amendment sponsored by Reps. Sam Farr, D-Carmel, and Dana Rohrabacher, R-Huntington Beach (Orange County), forbid department spending that would interfere with implementation of a state medical marijuana law. Last August, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the amendment barred federal prosecution of people who are complying with their states medical marijuana law, despite a federal law that forbids use or possession of the drug.

The evidence shows that Pisarski and Moore strictly complied with all relevant conditions imposed by California law, Seeborg said in his ruling Tuesday.

The defendants, who are free on bail, will seek to withdraw their guilty pleas, said Pisarskis lawyer, Ronald Richards.

Were finally seeing the tide turning and the law changing, Richards said. I never thought Id have the right to stop a federal criminal prosecution.

He said other marijuana defendants in California have challenged their federal prosecutions since the appeals court ruling, but this is the first successful challenge.

The victory will be temporary, though, if Congress allows the budget amendment to expire. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has called for removal of the restrictions from the budget for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1, and Seeborg said prosecutors could then ask to reopen the case.

But Richards said the budget amendment cleared its first Senate subcommittee with bipartisan support, and hes confident it will be renewed.

Pisarski, now 38, and Moore, 41, were arrested in July 2012 by state officers who said they found 327 marijuana plants, along with two loaded guns and $416,000 in cash. Searches over the next year uncovered more firearms, cash and gold and silver bars on the property in a remote part of central Humboldt County.

The two men presented evidence that they grew the marijuana for nearby nonprofit collectives, which reimbursed them for their costs. Moore said he was also a caregiver for his mother, and that she had a doctors recommendation to use marijuana.

State prosecutors filed no charges. In arguing for the federal conspiracy charge, U.S. prosecutors contended the cash, gold and silver showed that Pisarski and Moore were selling pot for profit outside the bounds of the California law, and thus were not protected by the budget amendment.

But Seeborg observed that legal transactions for medical marijuana are often made in cash because banks are unwilling to help facilitate the business. And he said the presence of cash, precious metals, and weapons is equally consistent with the operation of a rural, cash-intensive enterprise.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
Coming of Age: The Sexual Awakening of Margaret Mead

By Deborah Beatriz Blum

Thomas Dunne. 322 pp. $26.99

---

As a general rule, I'm not all that interested in the sex lives of famous people - or unfamous people, for that matter. Be responsible, have fun and don't frighten the horses.

But there's a case for literary voyeurism when the famous person is famous for writing about sex. A new biography of Margaret Mead, with the provocative subtitle "The Sexual Awakening," peeks under the covers in the name of academic research: How did a young woman from Pennsylvania become one of the world's experts on sexual mores?

Before reading this book, I knew three things about Mead. She is America's best-known anthropologist. She studied the sex lives of adolescent tribal girls. And she was short.

Author Deborah Beatriz Blum, who was a graduate student when she met Mead in 1972, promises a tale of sexual discovery. The book is based on five years of Mead's life - from a 20-year-old student at Barnard in 1921 to 1926, when she was a 25-year-old researcher in American Somoa.

Now I know all about Mead's early romances, flings and ambitions. I know when she lost her virginity and when she cheated on her husband and lovers, male and female. Turns out her trip to the South Pacific, despite Blum's poetic narrative, did little to change her beliefs about sex.

Mead didn't take no for an answer, in life or in love. "I'm going to be famous some day," she explained to her father when she told him she intended to use her maiden name after her marriage in 1923. "And if I'm going to be famous, I'm going to be known by my own name."

Plenty of famous men and women achieve great things because of their single-minded focus, although Mead took it to another level. On her wedding night, she insisted that her groom sleep in a separate room. "I have a seminar paper to write," she told him.

By the end of the book, I didn't much care for Mead as a person or as a scholar. It's surprising to read such a detailed biography without finding (BEGIN ITAL)something(END ITAL) to like about the subject. I got through it without finding a single real example of unselfishness or generosity. Mead, it seems, was brilliant, charismatic, and a spoiled brat.

Blum tells her story through thousands of letters and memoirs written by Mead, first husband Luther Cressman, mentor and lover Ruth Benedict, and fellow academic and lover Edward Sapir. Luther loved Margaret. Ruth loved Margaret. Edward loved Margaret. Margaret loved Margaret.

Poor Cressman. The seminary student fell in love with Mead when she was 16 and the two, both still virgins, married six years later. He was her best friend and a lifelong afterthought, someone Mead had no guilt leaving back home while she pursued other loves.

One was Benedict, a young anthropologist in New York. Blum never explicitly addresses the issue of Mead's bi-sexuality, but makes it clear that Benedict, a loving mentor and confidante, became something much more. "Once under the sheets together they began to explore each other's bodies, Ruth stroking every part of Margaret and Margaret quivering with pleasure under the touch," writes Blum.

And then there was Edward Sapir, the brilliant protege of Franz Boas, head of Columbia's anthropology department. Benedict and Sapir were close friends - she was half in love with him herself- but Mead decided she wanted the recent widower for herself. The two embarked on a passionate, tortured affair: Sapir obsessed, Mead annoyed by his jealousy, and Benedict stuck in the middle as they both poured their hearts out to her.

But for all the sex, there's not much of the promised "awakening." Blum writes that Mead believed in polygamy, but doesn't explain how a young woman from a seemingly conventional family developed that view. A bitter Sapir called it "a mere rationalization. Having made her erotic life a mere tentacle of the ego, she could not possibly allow herself to pay the price of love."

Nor does Blum tell us much about what Mead thought of her exploits. Did the earth move? Did her affairs change her sense of her own sexuality, or of women or men? Did it inform her research in the field? We don't know.

So the sex, which is reason most people will pick up the book, is kind of a purple prose "meh." The real shocker? Mead's research in American Somoa.

Shrewd and strategic, Mead understood she needed to explore an unknown culture to make her professional mark. At Barnard she had studied tribal tattoos in Polynesia, and wanted to continue her research overseas. Boas had a different idea: he suggested she focus on adolescent girls instead; the nature/nuture debate was a hot topic in the academic world, and Boas thought his young student might bring back some interesting results from a non-Western culture. With a research grant in hand, Mead left for the South Pacific in the fall of 1925.

I naively assumed Mead spent years living among the indigenous tribes to learn their culture and mores before writing "Coming of Age in Somoa." She actually spent just nine months: The first two living on an American naval station while taking language lessons, then moving in with an American family on a nearby island.

It took three months for Mead to compile a list of 66 local girls she hoped to interview, but a hurricane badly damaged the island and prevented her from spending time with them. By January, she wrote to Boas saying her field work was "too short to justify even tentative conclusions."

Just two months before she was scheduled to return home, Mead spent a few days with two young Somoan girls who told her what she wanted to hear: That tropical adolescents were sensual and carefree, just as she had imagined. That, along with a newlywed who told her that young Somoans had sex up to 15 times a night, convinced Mead she had enough evidence for her theory.

"The neuroses accompanying sex in American civilization are practically absent, such as frigidity, impotence and pronounced perversions," Mead wrote excitedly to Boas: "I feel absolutely safe in generalizing from the material I have."

Notebooks filled, Mead set sail for home in May 1926. On the six-week voyage to France, where Mead was to reunite with her husband after nine months apart, she met and fell in love with Reo Fortune, a handsome psychology student headed to Cambridge.

Fortune refused to sleep with her during the trip, which of course made Mead desperate to have him. Shortly after landing in Marseilles, she told Cressman she was in love with another man and planned to continue the affair. She also broke the news to Benedict, who had sailed to Europe to spend two months alone with Mead.

And then the book ... stops. The epilogue explains that Mead returned to New York and divorced Cressman, married and divorced Fortune, married and divorced anthropologist Gregory Bateson, and finally settled down with yet another anthropologist, Rhoda Metraux.

But first, she decided to write her research for a general audience instead of fellow scholars. "Coming of Age in Samoa," published in 1928, was an academic miss (British anthropologist A.C. Haddon dismissed Mead as a "lady novelist."). Even allowing for the kind of pervasive sexism from older male colleagues toward a young female graduate student, Mead's methodology was a conclusion looking for facts, not the other way around.

But the book was a popular sensation for the "Flapper of the South Seas," and launched Mead's career as a public intellectual, social critic, and feminist hero until her death in 1978. Blum's book ends when Mead was just 25 years old, so we don't learn how her views on love, marriage and sex may have evolved over the years.

Which is just fine - one book on Mead is enough to last a lifetime for me.
Brave Deeds

By David Abrams

Black Cat. 256 pp. Paperback, $16

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In the deluge of Iraq War-themed books that appeared in 2012, David Abrams' "Fobbit" was known as the funny one. Drawn from his experience as an Army public affairs officer, it tells the story of the "marshmallow" soldiers confined to base, writing news releases about a war they never see.

But funny was always the wrong word for that novel. "Fobbit" is clever and absurd, but too earnest for carefree guffaws, full of biting if-you-don't-laugh-you-cry satire. In interviews, Abrams often said that he was not primarily a humorist and that "Fobbit" was an outlier.

He has proved that in his new novel, which is only rarely funny, though still plenty earnest and affecting. Set at the height of the Iraq War, "Brave Deeds" is the story of six soldiers sneaking across the suburbs of Baghdad to attend the memorial service of their beloved platoon sergeant, Rafe Morgan, who was blown to pieces by a car bomb. Assigned to quick reaction force (QRF) duty during the ceremony, they go AWOL instead and steal a Humvee to drive across town to the base where the service will be held.

The war is just happening to these young men, who serve on the lowest rung in the Army hierarchy, and, as implausible as it might be, this quest is their chance to regain some agency. "The point is - if we were to get this far in our s--t-for-brains reasoning - the point is that we want to tell the command group to take their QRF roster and shove it up their air-conditioned fobbity asses. We'll show you!"

The whole novel is written in this collective first-personal plural. The six members of the unit are all screw-ups in their own way - a porn addict, an adulterer, a semi-suicidal Piggy from "Lord of the Flies" - but together, they add up to more than the sum of their parts. "Our breath slows until we are, without realizing it, inhaling and exhaling as one twelve-legged animal," the squad says. The "we" of the squad is the union of their better selves, capable of acts of physical courage and emotional truth that none of them could achieve individually. They imagine how it will be when they finally get to the memorial service: A dramatic entrance, "standing at the back of a church, all heads swiveling." They'll "march down the aisle, smelling of dust," they say, and "there will be gasps of surprise, of admiration, of anger." The squad is a pack of Tom Sawyers, going to their own funeral, which is right, because without Sergeant Morgan, part of the "we" will forever be dead.

"Brave Deeds" takes place on a single afternoon, a five-hour sprint across enemy territory, though with regular and often momentum-sapping flashbacks to flesh out each squad member's backstory. A rule of thumb in modern moviemaking says that the first step in creating dramatic tension is to take away every character's cellphone, so they get lost and can't call for help. Abrams uses a similar convention, stripping the squad of their vehicle, medic, radio and map in the first chapter. Over the course of their journey across Baghdad, there are shootouts and pee breaks, tragedies and victories, and a lunch stop for halal chicken that made my stomach rumble in anticipation.

The soldiers are foulmouthed, sex-obsessed and fiercely loyal for reasons they can't quite articulate - in other words, packed with young American male authenticity. Abrams' prose is relaxed and conversational, with a few scattered literary nuggets that add heft, like chunks of beef in a vegetable soup; dead bodies are taking a "terrible nap," explosions are a "bomb-bloom," a fatal bullet makes "a hole no bigger than a goldfish's mouth." The mash-up works, and Abrams' voice is clear and strong.

In the climactic final scene, though, Abrams attempts to braid thematic strands of death and rebirth and religious communion, never quite attaining the emotional heights to which he aspires. But the central irony - that this funeral is more important to them than any mission their squad has undertaken - remains front and center. In the Iraq War, we veterans eventually realized that they were killing us mostly because we were killing them, and the reverse as well. It's a cycle cruelly laid bare in "Brave Deeds," where Abrams reminds us that death always begets more death.

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Castner, a former Air Force officer, is the author of three books, including "The Long Walk." His new book, "Disappointment River," will be published in the spring.
Riding with George: Sportsmanship & Chivalry in the Making of America's First President

By Philip G. Smucker

Chicago Review Press. 362 pp. $26.99

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"Riding With George" gently confronts the marble, ossified immensity of the historical George Washington and strives to reveal the human side of America's most legendary figure. Author Philip G. Smucker's affable tour of the haunts of our first president succeeds rather well at this daunting task.

Contemporary publishing smiles on such odysseys through history, evidently hoping that modern references and a first-person narrative will overcome any dread of history instilled during rote memorization for school exams. Smucker, a journalist and a (very) distant relative of the great George, deftly sprinkles modern-day encounters through an often thoughtful consideration of who Washington actually was.

By emphasizing the social and recreational pastimes at which Washington excelled - notably, dancing and horsemanship (and its relative, fox-hunting) - the book connects those activities with Washington's astonishing career. In those public displays, Washington modestly yet unmistakably showcased his mastery and sheer physical grace, which reinforced his leadership as a general and a politician.

To hone his historical insights, Smucker turned to many experts, including a genealogist in Virginia's Westmoreland County, where Washington was born, archeologists at Washington's boyhood home in Fredericksburg and scholars at Virginia's restored colonial capital at Williamsburg.

The author also visited a re-enactment of the Battle of the Monongahela, where British Gen. Edward Braddock led some 1,300 soldiers (including Washington) into a brutal slaughter inflicted largely by Indian fighters. The episode reveals not only that there actually are French and Indian War re-enactments but also that they include such a notable debacle for the white intruders.

Not every attempt to connect the past to the present works out.

The book's title promises a horseback tour of Washington-related places, but the author was rarely mounted. Twenty-first-century land development patterns in the East offered no opportunity for intense horseback travel of the sort favored by Washington, who could cover 100 miles in two days.

So when Smucker couldn't hire a horse near the site of Washington's climactic Revolutionary War victory at Yorktown, he accommodated modern realities by hopping a Segway to roam the battlefield.

Smucker brings his own insights to Washington's story, connecting Mary Washington's apparent love of horses with her famous son's equestrian excellence, while shrewdly stressing the importance to his success of Washington's aristocratic neighbors, the Fairfax family. Through their invaluable sponsorship, plus their tutelage in the fine points of deportment, Washington hauled himself out of the third rank of Virginia landowners and into continental prominence.

Smucker even offers a sympathetic explanation of the young Washington's cringe-inducing report from his first battle that he found something "charming" in the sound of bullets whistling through the air.

That remark elicited perhaps the only surviving example of King George II's wit, when he commented that Washington would "not say so if he had been used to hearing many."

Based on his own experiences covering combat zones, Smucker defends his illustrious forebear's remark, insisting that the adrenaline rush of war can produce responses like Washington's. Indeed, the comment recalls the observation of another Virginia warrior, Robert E. Lee, that "it is good that war is so horrible, or we might grow to like it."

Smucker is not a slavish apologist. He acknowledges that the young Washington could be bumptious, unwise or disrespectful, and that there was an increasing gap at the end of Washington's life between his aristocratic ways and the emerging egalitarian manners of the American republic.

Yet, unlike some who undertake literary tours through historical landmarks, Smucker maintains an affectionate attitude toward his subject, not a mocking or ironic one. That attitude is all the more remarkable for a man whose parents sometimes chastised him to "start acting a little more like George Washington." Such remarks could have soured a person on George Washington for life.

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Stewart is the author of "Madison's Gift: Five Partnerships That Built America" and "The Summer of 1787: The Men Who Invented the Constitution."
NEW YORK - Shortly after I met him, the curator of a group show opening in Manhattan sat beside me on the floor of a studio in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. I reached over and petted his fur, and he licked my hand. The curator's name was Rocky. He's a Morkshire terrier with final approval over the artworks in Dogumenta, which caters to the sensibilities of a previously underserved demographic: dogs.

"I met him on Monday, and on Tuesday I asked him to come home with me," Rocky's owner, art critic Jessica Dawson (who freelanced for The Washington Post for over a decade) says in explaining her relationship with the curator. Dawson found Rocky at a SoHo animal shelter not long after she moved to New York several years ago, and as a pair, they have navigated the city's at times overwhelming gallery scene.

Named after Documenta, a prestigious art exhibition in its 14th edition in Kassell, Germany, Dogumenta is the first U.S. exhibition made specifically for dogs. (British designer Dominic Wilcox developed an exhibition for dogs in London last year.) The concept might seem like the art world's equivalent of the talking-animal movie, but as that much-maligned subgenre (in one of its better recent examples, Kevin Spacey voiced a grumpy cat in "Nine Lives") can teach us something about being human, so the enthusiasm of a dog unfettered by current art trends can teach us to let our aesthetic hair down, so to speak.

"It's easy to become overwhelmed and jaded," Dawson says of the New York art world. But Rocky doesn't approach art with human preconceptions. "Every time he sees a Jeff Koons," Dawson notes about the pop artist who installed a 43-foot topiary puppy at Rockefeller Center in 2000, "he doesn't go [rolling eyes], 'Jeff Koons again!' like we do."

In February, Dawson delivered her thesis, "Five Things My Dog Taught Me About Art" to a Bushwick gallery audience consisting of artists, curators and critics, and put out her first call for Dogumenta.

What has Rocky taught Dawson about art? For one thing, fearlessness. "I love that he went with his gut," Dawson says.

Among the participating artists in Dogumenta is Graham Caldwell, who ran a glass studio in Hyattsville, Maryland, and moved to New York almost 10 years ago. How does it feel to be selected for a show like this?

"It's different!" Caldwell approaches the challenges of making art for dogs with an enthusiasm that comes in part from his own canine companion, Minnow.

The 10-year-old dachshund-papillon mix might be a harsher critic than Rocky. "Dogs can be brutally dismissive," Caldwell says. "Especially my dog - she makes these snippy scoffy sounds if she's not interested in a person." What about his art? For instance, what does Minnow think of "Glimpse Machine," Caldwell's 2013 installation consisting of a 10-by-20-foot cluster of rearview mirrors?

"She doesn't care," Caldwell says. "It hurts a little."

For Dogumenta, Caldwell took his art in a different direction, creating a set of child-size sofas covered entirely in grass sod. Although the concept is tailored for dogs, the perishability of the material (this is, after all, going to be only a three-day show) speaks to Caldwell's appreciation of ruined landscapes. The piece also addresses a dog's perception of a world made for humans. "They use people stuff, but in a much different way. They have a different purpose for it," Caldwell says.

They also have different perceptions. "All canines see in blue and a yellow-green," Dawson explains. "That didn't stop Rocky from loving Dan Flavin's light works. If a painting is in a spectrum that is unknowable to him, he'll be happy to discuss surface and texture."

"We're not even aware of what he's smelling or perceiving that we aren't," says Mica Scalin, who, along with Dawson, is one of the show's organizers. This is a great opportunity for artists to play with some of those different perceptions."

Does Rocky ever have a bad reaction to art? Yes, and in one case, it indicates the curator's prudish streak. "He's a little bit of a Victorian at heart," Dawson says of Rocky's reaction to a work by Camille Henrot that pictured several dogs copulating, "ahem, doggy style. And Rocky . . . can't see the dogs engaging in their natural behavior sometimes. When he doesn't like something, he's completely willing to just walk out of the door."

Some of the works in Dogumenta are meant to stimulate senses museums rarely address, such as smell.

"One artist is making work out of kibble," Scalin says. Dan Sherwood is a trained pastry chef who "uses food presentation in her work. She creates these sort of baroque feasts for wild animals. She's a big dog lover, and this will be her first feast for dogs."

Examining a mock-up of work by Merav Ezer consisting of silhouettes of various dogs, Rocky seems more interested in the people around him. In their final form, the dog-shape forms will be fitted with motion sensors that will bark when triggered.

"The nondog or dog stand-in will then try to interact with the real dog, and we'll see how much of a conversation they will actually have," Dawson says. The mock-up suggests a benign version of experiments made by psychologist Harry Harlow, who observed the anxiety of rhesus monkeys separated from their mothers and left with only a wire surrogate for comfort. Yet, much as art can be a balm in uncertain times, this show will address canine anxieties.

"One piece has a sound element that coos gentle whispering, 'Ooh, honey, it's okay!' " Dawson says.

Dogumenta is an exhibition for dogs, but it encourages a tenderness and openness sometimes lacking in modern art.

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Dogumenta, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Aug. 11-13, Brookfield Place, Waterfront Plaza, 230 Vesey St., New York.
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Hundreds of children are ready to go back to school for the 2017-2018 school year thanks to the Back to School Spectacular held at the Cleveland Civic Center on Aug. 4.

The Back to School Spectacular is a community event hosted by the City of Cleveland that provides school supplies and eases the burden for families. The supplies include pencils, pens, notebooks, glue sticks, crayons, rulers, erasers and more.

According to Tourism and Marketing Director Frieda Joyce, the event has been in existence for three years and has served anywhere from 400 to 500 students annually. Supplies are available to students in any grade level from kindergarten to high school.

"We've already had 310 kids come through," said Joyce at 5:45 p.m., more than an hour before the event ended. She projected the event to break past the 500-student mark.

Families lined up outside of the Cleveland Civic Center and made their way through the building. Inside they found various booths set up with individuals providing various school supplies.

"Local businesses participate and provide the school supplies," said Joyce.

An estimate of 35 to 45 businesses and organizations participate in the event, including Austin Memorial Library, El Burrito, Trinity Dental, H-E-B, Cleveland Rotary Club and more.

"We tell them to prepare for 500 plus kids," said Joyce.

Texas Children's Hospital, Cornerstone Church and El Burrito also donated 200 backpacks this year.

Staff members of Cleveland ISD were also present at the event to provide information for parents and students such as bus numbers for students to identify their specific bus.

Parents can still register their children to attend Cleveland ISD. The first day of school is Aug. 28. For information, call Cleveland ISD at 281-592-8717.
The owners of a Houston tortilla company plead guilty to federal charges of employing undocumented workers for nearly four years.

The owners of La Espiga De Oro (Espiga) plead guilty to misdemeanor violations associated with their continued employment of undocumented workers between October 2011 and August 2015, according to a news release from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Friday morning.

The owners also forfeited $1 million following the felony conviction of conspiracy to induce and encourage unlawful immigration through a pattern and practice of hiring and employing illegal workers, said acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez in the news release.

BACKGROUND: Owners of Heights tortilla factory charged with illegally hiring workers

The people found guilty include owners Alfredo Sosa Lira, 72, his wife Lydia Botello-Lira, 68, their daughter Lydia Lira, 25, and night manager Roberto Guerra, 45.

"Employers who knowingly hire immigrants with fraudulent or suspect documents face serious consequences under the law," Martinez said. "This company violated the law by allowing more than half of its employees to work as undocumented immigrants. The $1 million forfeiture will help pay for the investigation and assist immigration authorities in their continued pursuit of employers who engage in similar conduct. Enforcement of our immigration laws is serious business and employers must only hire those with legitimate documentation to demonstrate they are legally in the United States."

SHOCK: Immigrant advocates alarmed after raid of tortilla factory

Espiga opened in 1977 and is located on the 1200 block of 15th Street in the Heights neighborhood. The company made tortillas for distribution to restaurants and businesses throughout Texas, Louisiana and Colorado, the Department of Justice added.

The investigation into Espiga began on Aug. 4, 2015, when Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant on the business. HSI discovered 10 undocumented workers "as well as evidence demonstrating that 55 percent of their employees were not authorized by law to work at the factory," the DOJ said.

MASS ARRESTS: ICE raids net 95 immigrants in Houston region

"One long-term employee that the company knew to be employed illegally was injured on the job and received a settlement under her true name after using an alias for more than six years. The company owners and managers continued to employ this alien knowing that she was illegally in the United States," stated the DOJ.

Espiga is currently under a 12 month probation imposed by the DOJ. The company was fined more than $100,000 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) last summer for dangerous working conditions that could have led to amputations, falls, and heat exhaustion.
The blown-up photograph in Mark Green's office, still waiting to be hung, symbolizes everything the new administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development believes foreign development aid should strive for.

Taken almost a decade ago, when Green was U.S. ambassador to Tanzania, it shows a beaming woman with arms upraised. In her hand she clutches a certificate of recognition for finishing a U.S.-funded training course on how taxpayers can agitate for responsive local budgets. She had accepted it on bended knee, then leaped to her feet and screamed in joy.

"It dawned on me that she had never been empowered before," said Green, who has kept the photo ever since. "This was the first time anyone had asked for her opinion. That summarizes my philosophy on development aid. We want to help people like this great lady do for themselves. She startled me and blew me away, and I realized I had learned more from her in that moment than a lot of other things."

How much of a role the United States will maintain in programs such as the one in Tanzania is now largely in Green's hands. The former Republican congressman from Wisconsin, who most recently headed the International Republican Institute, started work Monday as USAID administrator.

Green arrives as the Trump administration proposes lopping off almost a third of the budget of the State Department and almost 40 percent from USAID, a $10 billion cut, to $15.4 billion. Though Congress will probably not go along with such deep reductions, USAID's funding level is almost certain to drop. And some in the White House question whether the agency should be merged into the State Department, even though they have different purposes.

Across the ideological spectrum, a lot of hopes are riding on Green's shoulders. Aid organizations are relieved to have someone at the table who understands the purpose of foreign aid. Budget hawks are pleased to see the aid watched over by someone who demands results and efficiency. Green, who has worked in development aid for three decades, has a reputation for both.

"I believe the purpose of foreign assistance should be ending its need to exist," he told employees on his first day. "Each of our programs should look forward to the day when we can end it. And around the world we should measure our work by how far each investment moves us closer to that day."

That is a philosophy Green says he spelled out when he met with President Donald Trump in New York before the inauguration, and since then in several meetings he has had with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

"Obviously, the fact that I'm here to me is a clear sign that the White House and the secretary are supportive of the approaches that I want to bring to assistance," he said.

His biggest challenge, though, may be in arguing for foreign aid within the administration - compared with on Capitol Hill, where support for development assistance is broad and bipartisan. He acknowledged that some cuts will be needed and that aid deemed inefficient or ineffective may not survive.

"We have to find ways to do more with less," he said. "We're living in a time of limited resources. Part of the mandate, to me, is to make sure that we're doing just that."

If resources are limited, the needs are near historic highs. Four famines are emerging in Africa and the Middle East. A record 65 million people have been uprooted by poverty, drought and war.

Under the "America first" model embraced by the White House, more than two dozen countries receiving economic and development assistance would be dropped from the budget and the rest directed not to nations most in need but those deemed most critical to U.S. national security. Development aid advocates argue that their work contributes to national security, in the form of more stable and prosperous countries years or even decades in the future - a time span that can rob development projects of urgency at the moment of budget decisions.

Green thinks technology will help. He often cites the impoverished village in Kenya where he and his wife, Sue, spent a year teaching school in 1987. Today, the villagers do their banking on smartphones, opening new economic opportunities.

He wants to work more closely with the military in crisis zones, and reach outside the government to engage with aid groups and private businesses to figure out more cost-efficient ways to deliver assistance. But ultimately, Green will have to make some difficult choices.

Though he did not name specific programs that might lose government funding, Green said he will prioritize those that help a country build its ability to cope and progress in the future.

"The assurances I got when I spoke with the secretary was that there are no preconceived notions," he said. "He's not going into this, and I'm not coming into it, with a cooked plan. We feel good about the process that's underway, laying out ideas for effectiveness, efficiencies and alignment. I think it's going to end up in a good place."
SEOUL, South Korea - The saber-rattling from both North Korea and the Trump administration has many people worried that the world is on the brink of a nuclear war.

Kim Jong Un's regime is threatening to fire a missile to land near Guam, the American territory in the Pacific Ocean that is home to two huge U.S. military bases, by the middle of this month. He seems to have the technical capacity to make good on this threat: His regime has made observable progress in its missile program, notably firing two intercontinental ballistic missiles last month theoretically capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

President Donald Trump has issued tough warnings to North Korea in response. In his latest statement, on Thursday, he warned North Korea that "things will happen to them like they never thought possible" should the isolated country attack the United States or its allies.

There have been many periods of heightened tensions between the two countries over the years, especially in April and August, when South Korea and the United States conducted joint military exercises that North Korea considered preparation for an invasion.

The Washington Post asked a range of experts in both the United States and South Korea if this time was any different. How worried should we be about conflict breaking out, accidental or otherwise?

Here are their replies.

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Duyeon Kim, visiting senior fellow at the Korean Peninsula Future Forum, specializing in nuclear nonproliferation

"There's an enormous difference between speaking North Korea's language and firing verbal bombs, and frankly, engaging in a dangerously childish shouting match. The administration seems to believe that President Trump's 'fire and fury' was designed to send 'a strong message to North Korea in the kind of language that North Korea understands.' Now, Trump's latest threat of the impossible has directly targeted Kim Jong Un. Pyongyang surely has done nothing right and threats of its war plans are more detailed than we have seen with a deadline for Guam. But words by the president of the United States matter. Irresponsibly throwing around nuclear war threats could spiral into accidental and inadvertent conflict from miscalculation and mishap. The Kim regime is not suicidal to lodge the first strike, but one never knows if it's given any reason - even a misinterpreted one - to hit the button. That accidental strike may not even be targeted at the U.S., but rather at South Korea or Japan. Only Kim Jong Un knows. The unpredictable Trump factor combined with unchecked presidential authority over his nuclear weapons makes the situation even more dangerous."

David Kang, director of the Korean Studies Institute at the University of Southern California

"This time isn't any different from the North Korean side - they haven't done that much different than in the past. Kim Jong Un may be testing more missiles, but essentially their behavior is not any different. The big thing we keep missing about North Korea is that their threats are always the second half of a sentence, and we ignore the first half. North Korea consistently says, 'If the United States attacks us first, we will fight back.' The only thing that gets reported in the U.S. media is the second clause, not the first. So their comments are clearly deterrent in nature, and the Guam 'threat' was exactly along those lines. So we always overhype the North Korean threat, because it is absolutely not a threat of preemptive or first strike. For the U.S., the current administration might be speaking perhaps a little more flamboyantly than previous administrations, for sure. But essentially what they are saying is no different than any previous administration has said: 'If the United States is attacked first, we will fight back, as well.' The message is one of deterrence, not first strike. Both sides are reiterating that they will fight back if attacked. Deterrence works, because both sides believe the other. It is widely accepted that North Korea will strike at American targets somewhere in the Pacific if we attack them first, almost nobody doubts that. For their part, the North Koreans fully expect a massive American attack at some point, they believe us. So deterrence holds, because of the costs involved. It's not pretty, but it works."

Alison Evans, deputy head of the Asia-Pacific desk at IHS Markit's Country Risk team

"In many ways the pattern of belligerent rhetoric and weapons demonstrations is similar to previous years, and - importantly - conflict is still unlikely. There are multiple actions the U.S. or North Korea could take before, for example, targeting the other with a missile: the U.S. continues to conduct sorties over the Korean peninsula with B-1B Lancer strategic bombers, and North Korea could fire Scud-type missile towards, but not at, Guam. The current situation differs from previous periods of increased tension in that both sides are making substantial and specific threats to strike the other if perceived necessary. In this kind of brinkmanship the potential for miscalculation is high, particularly relating to the assessment of what constitutes imminent hostile intent by the other side and their likely reaction to a given, potentially escalatory, action. Things that would indicated increased risk include growing U.S. military deployments to the region or a North Korean satellite launch, for example; on the other hand, indicators of reduced risk include evidence of unofficial talks or signs of smaller-scale or delayed joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises."

Catherine Dill, senior research associate at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies

"The rhetoric and actions from North Korea during this period of tension don't mark a significant departure from past periods of tension in my view. But, the turmoil present in the current U.S. administration and apparent lack of restraint in formulating a cohesive response do introduce new challenges to coming back down, even if the interests of both sides haven't changed. We should be aware of the possibility of conflict, especially the increased potential for escalation with the disjointed Trump administration, but I'm certainly not stocking up on canned goods any more than I normally do. I do, however, see a real risk for misperceptions leading to hasty actions that could hamper crisis management attempts or future diplomatic endeavors. Take Guam - if the United States perceives the North Korean statement as an explicit threat of attack rather than an opening to test the waters, that may be the difference between successfully reducing tensions and trying to intercept an [intermediate-range ballistic missile] that North Korea feels compelled to launch. The latter scenario has very real consequences that our policymakers should calmly think through."

Yoon Young-kwan, former South Korean foreign minister and professor emeritus in international relations of Seoul National University

"North Korea's threat has moved to a different level with the recent two successful ICBM tests. Now the U.S. mainland is in range of North Korean missile attacks and this makes the current situation very different from previous periods of tension. Some South Koreans and Japanese are now wondering if the U.S. is willing to risk San Francisco, Chicago or Los Angeles if North Korea conducts provocations towards its allies.

"The biggest risks in a situation like this one are misunderstanding, misperception and overreaction. It's crucial to lower the possibility of these three from occurring. The fact that both President Trump and Kim Jong Un share a leadership style that values unpredictability raises chances of misunderstanding and/or misperception. It is important that the U.S. does not push North Korea into a dead end so they feel they are left with no options. During the Cuban missile crisis, former president Kennedy made sure the U.S. didn't box in Khrushchev in order to maintain peace. It is very concerning that there are divisions inside the Trump administration in policy towards North Korea."

Ralph Cossa, president of the Pacific Forum CSIS in Honolulu

"The main difference between today and prior periods of tension is the hyperbole is flying in both directions. For years now, we have learned to not take Pyongyang seriously when it lets loose with it colorful rhetorical barrages. Why we see some advantage in emulating this is beyond me. I do take some solace in the view that barking dogs don't bite, but a little less growling would not be a bad thing.

"I think the probability of conflict actually breaking out remains low. Kim Jong Un is not suicidal. While the Post's headline today was 'Trump escalates rhetoric,' in truth he went from threatening responses if they said bad things (which they immediately did, re Guam) to if they did bad things against the U.S. or allies (or "anybody that we love"). That brings him more in line with Mattis and with longstanding U.S. policy, not to initiate hostilities but to respond with great force if attacked."

Park Hyeong-jung, senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, a government-funded think-tank focusing on reunification.

"In 1994, when the U.S. government reviewed a plan to bomb North Korea's nuclear site at Yongbyon, the situation was much more serious than now. The fact that the American government considered an evacuation of its civilians in South Korea tells a lot. Both the United States and North Korea seem to be at the stage of making threats but not real actions have been taken because taking any actions at this stage will mean a huge catastrophe.

"Though it is impossible to rule out a possibility of a conflict by misunderstandings, I think both nations know what their limits are because they have been dealing with each other since 1953, when the Korean War ended with a truce. The United States and North Korea have managed to keep peace for several decades in this region and it would have been impossible without very good calculations."
Seoul, South Korea

North Korea's vow to ignite an "enveloping fire" of test missiles near the U.S. island of Guam is the first time it has specified a target with so much detail, escalating a showdown between Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, and President Donald Trump.

For Kim, failure of the plan announced Thursday, which includes precise details like splashdown points and exact travel times for four test missiles, would be a costly blunder that could subvert his authority.

For Trump, whose warnings to North Korea  which he escalated Thursday  have echoed Kim's screeds, a successful North Korean test would be an embarrassment that could force him into difficult choices about military action.

But North Korea's prospective test also includes some maneuvering room for a possible compromise, South Korean analysts said. North Korea said the missile launches were still in the planning phase and would not be finalized until later this month, raising the possibility of delay or cancellation.

The four Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missiles to be aimed toward Guam, home to a strategic U.S. base, would fly 2,085.7 miles in 17 minutes, 45 seconds, North Korea said in announcing the plan. The missiles would splash down 18.6 to 24.8 miles from Guam's coast, the North said.

"By revealing this detailed plan, North Korea is trying to show that its Hwasong-12 missile is a reliable system and that it has capabilities of operating nuclear missiles," said Shin Beom-chul, a security expert at the government-run Korea National Diplomatic Academy in Seoul.

Even though North Korea has conducted 80 missile tests under Kim, it has never before launched a missile toward a target as far as Guam, and has never disclosed such precise flight data in advance.

When it tested an intercontinental ballistic missile July 28, the missile followed a steep trajectory so that it reached 2,300 miles into space but covered only 998 horizontal miles, falling near the northernmost Japanese island, Hokkaido.

The North also said its Hwasong-12 missiles would fly over southern Japan en route toward Guam, which would be the first time a North Korean missile flew over the country.

Analysts said the North Korean missiles, if launched as the North described, would fall outside Guam's territorial waters, which extend 13.8 miles from the coast.

When the missiles cross Japan, they would also fly far higher than 62 miles above sea level, customarily considered the upper limit of a country's territorial airspace, they said.

The missile test plans might seem like a reckless response to Trump's warning that he would unleash "fire and fury" on the North if it continued threatening the United States. But South Korean analysts said the plans reflected a calculated strategy by Kim.

At home the North Korean leader must rally his impoverished people by showing off his daring in the standoff with the United States, his country's sworn enemy for more than six decades.

On Sunday, the U.N. Security Council adopted tough sanctions drafted by the United States that could deprive the North of as much as one-third of its export revenue.

The sanctions are the toughest yet in a strategy of pressure to dissuade the country from more missile and nuclear tests.
Washington

Last year's global weather was far more extreme or record breaking than anything approaching normal, according to a new report.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday released its annual checkup of the Earth, highlighting numerous records including hottest year, highest sea level, and lowest sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctica.

The 299-page report, written by scientists around the world and published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, shows that 2016 was "very extreme and it is a cause for concern," said co-editor Jessica Blunden, a NOAA climate scientist.

Researchers called it a clear signal of human-caused climate change. A record large El Nino, the warming of the central Pacific that changes weather worldwide, was also a big factor in last year's wild weather.

"2016 will be forever etched in my brain as the year we crossed a new threshold of climate change  one that gave us a grim glimpse into our future," said Georgia Tech climate scientist Kim Cobb, who had no role in the report.

Scientists examined dozens of key climate measures and found:

At any given time, nearly one-eighth of the world's land mass was in severe drought. That's far higher than normal and "one of the worst years for drought," said report co-author Robert Dunn of the United Kingdom Met Office.

Extreme weather was everywhere. Giant downpours were up. Heat waves struck all over the globe. Extreme weather contributed to a gigantic wildfire in Canada.

Global sea level rose another quarter of an inch for the sixth straight year of record high sea levels.

There were 93 tropical cyclones across the globe, 13 percent more than normal. That included Hurricane Matthew that killed about 1,000 people in Haiti.
Sept. 1, 2017, is an important date for all of us in Texas this year.

No its not a new Texas state holiday, but it is a day long anticipated in our history as a very independent group of people who dont like the word no!

Texas has been one of the last few states to embrace a statewide ban on the practice of texting while driving. But that has all changed because on June 6 of this year, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill into law that would make it illegal for drivers to send text messages on their cellphones while driving.

The new law only addresses reading, writing or sending electronic messages via a wireless communication device. It also allows for the continued use of GPS devices. It includes a provision to preempt local texting-and-driving ordinances.

Under the new law, texting while driving within the state of Texas will be punishable by a fine of $25-$99 for first-time offenders, and $100-$200 for repeat offenders (though no points will be assigned). Violators would be subject to a first-time fine of as much as $99, but that would increase to $200 for repeat offenders.

The new law also states that if an accident caused by texting and driving results in the death or serious bodily injury of another person, they can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $4,000 and confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year.

Texas forbids drivers from using hand-held communication devices (phones) in school zones, and Texas law also states that school bus drivers (and new drivers) must refrain from texting or making telephone calls while driving  even with a hands-free device. Texas also bans newly licensed drivers under the age of 18 from using mobile phones and school bus drivers who are transporting passengers under the age of 17.

So why is another new law needed to prohibit texting?

The reason that this new texting-while-driving law in Texas was written and passed is because texting is so dangerous. It takes a drivers eyes completely off the road, even if its just for a few seconds. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that 3,477 people were killed and 391,000 suffered serious injuries in 2015.

According to the United States Department of Transportation, "text messaging while driving creates a crash risk 23 times higher than driving while not distracted."

Many of us who want to practice safe driving but love to text with one hand on the wheel and two eyes on the phone will have to come up with a plan to handle complying with this law. Here are some suggestions:

--Set your message option on your phone to the do not disturb setting. This lets others know you are busy operating your vehicle and cant respond immediately.

--Pull off the road in a safe place, stop your vehicle, put it in park and catch up with reading and writing your texts if you just cant wait

--Put the phone in a place where it is not immediately accessible to use

--Turn off your cell phone(s) and place them out of reach to avoid the urge to dial or answer; if a passenger is present, they should handle any calls or texts.

--Have a designated time during the day, perhaps hourly to text, make calls, use the internet, etc.

Keep focused on the idea that it only takes a split second for you to cause a driving fatality or be the victim of one because of driving while texting.

Good mental health involves having time outs from electronic trauma where we all suffer from feeling pressured to make the call, answer the call, send the text, respond to the text, check Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat just in case the world made us obsolete in the last 30 minutes.

Remember, as a species, we are not hard wired for wireless, we are hard wired to be in face-to-face contact in the present moment with each other. Quality relationships dont last forever and cant be preserved to the cloud.

Paul Sawayer is a Master Peace Officer with over 22 years of law enforcement experience and a Licensed Professional Counselor who serves as the Mental Health Peace Officer for Hale, Swisher, Lamb, Castro, Bailey, Parmer, Floyd, Briscoe and Motley counties. He can be reached by email at PaulS@CLPLAINS.org or by calling 806-685-1587.
Plainview Lions Club

Expect the unexpected and youll end up singing Jingle Bells in the second week of August as feline gathered for their weekly confab at the civic center. Travis Thornton and Jim Tirey got us in the spirit with jocular singing. Sarianne Beversdorf led our two pledges and Greg Brown gave the invocation. Michelle Rutherford, executive of the local Salvation Army, was in attendance to present our club with the first place award for the Christmas Cheer effort conducted each year in this city. We Serve Lions have been awarded the trophy many times in recent years for our bell ringing efforts. Ron Trusler and Donnie Ebeling received awards for securing new members to the club, bumping our membership to this years high.

Doug McDonough, program chairman for the month of August, introduced Lion Jeffrey Snyder to speak on capital improvement projects that are in the works in the city. Also speaking was Mark Kimbell, chairman of the Citizens Advisory Commission, showing film strips and giving reports on financial possibilities, and a city vote on the expenditures in the near future. Raffle snatched $110 for Texas Boys Ranch. Winners drawn were James Belk, Travis Thornton, Don Eversole and John Bertsch. At meetings end, our board of directors gave a rousing ugh-wah (thumbs up) to new member, Dr. David Richburg.

Its great to be a Lion!

We Serve  Ron White

Kiwanis International of Plainview

Fifteen people were in attendance at Thursdays regular noon meeting at Plainview Country Club. After the Pledge of Allegiance, Charles Lawson offered a prayer. Charles was accompanied by daughter Kaitlin and Jonathan Petty by daughter Karissa.

Homer Marquez brought vials, courtesy of Covenant Hospital, for the Vials of Life program. Kent and Glenda Bearden have agreed to get the vials ready for Andrea Ingram to distribute.

Meredith (Riney) Hatch is serving as Meals on Wheels driver for August.

Jonathan Petty distributed tickets for the 22nd annual Kiwanis BBQ to be held from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 1 at Estacado Junior High cafeteria. The convenient drive-through station will be offered. Tickets, available from any Kiwanis member or at Independent Insurance Agents of Plainview (716 Broadway), are $7 for a Weekends Barbecue sandwich, chips, drink and dessert. Thanks to Xcel Energy, Weekends BBQ, Frito Lay, United Amigos, Covenant Hospital, Mark Warren and Meredith Riney for donations.

Ron Appling, chairman of the Hale on Wheels bike race, told members about that upcoming event set for Sept. 16. As in the past, the club will display U.S. flags and man the finish line.  Kevin Lewis

Plainview Rotary Club

The Plainview Rotary Club met Tuesday at the Plainview Country Club.

President Kim Street called the meeting to order. Chris Hanoch led the invocation and Ross Owen led the Pledge of the Allegiance.

Guests were Melody Brown, Michelle Rutherford, Mitch Williams, Dr. Kevin Loveland and Kerry McCormack.

Anniversary members were honored: Bob Copeland, 21 years; Ted Baker, 9 years.

V.O. Ortega presented the day's speakers continuing on the United Way theme. Those speaking were Matt Kelly from Centennial Bank and Plainview Police Chief Ken Coughlin.

Matt Kelly told the group the goal is $275,000 for the year. Aug. 28 is the kickoff breakfast for the year. Chief Coughlin, campaign chairman, encouraged the group to give to help those in need.

Those agencies partnered with the United Way are Central Plains Early Childhood Intervention, Crisis Center of the Plains, Epilepsy Foundation of Texas, Hale County Literacy Council and Hale County Senior Citizens Center.

Also, Plainview Boy Scouts-South Plains Council, Plainview Education Partnership, Plainview Girl Scouts-TOP Council, Salvation Army, Wee Care Child Center and the YMCA.

Ross led the Four-Way-Test and Kim adjourned the meeting.

--Cynthia Gregory
Speaking at an event this week, British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn offered some standard condolences on the situation in Venezuela, saying he was "very sad at the lives that have been lost" amid the country's spiraling economic and political crisis. But when it came to the increasingly autocratic President Nicolas Maduro - a man recently labeled a "dictator" by the Trump administration - Corbyn opted for an equivocating cop-out that has sparked a major backlash.

"The people who have died - either those on the streets or security forces that have been attacked by people on the street - all of those lives are terrible for the loss of them," said Corbyn, adding that "there has to be a dialogue and a process that respects the independence of the judiciary and respects the human rights of all."

More than 120 Venezuelans have been killed in months of clashes between protesters and security forces. The unrest began in March after the country's supreme court, stacked with pro-Maduro judges, attempted to dissolve the opposition-dominated National Assembly. Now things have grown far worse, with the Maduro government having elected a parallel and widely criticized legislature that will draft him a new constitution.

As the dysfunction deepens, so do the woes of a hungry and impoverished citizenry. A government once hailed by many on the Western left as an exemplar of effective socialist rule - channeling the proceeds of Venezeula's vast petro-wealth to uplift the masses - has presided over an ever-growing economic catastrophe shaped by graft and crony capitalism.

Take Corbyn himself. A few years ago, he was enthusiastic about the left-wing populist government in Caracas. After President Hugo Chavez died in 2013, the then-Labour backbencher praised the late Venezuelan leader and his "Bolivarian" revolution as an "inspiration to all of us fighting back against austerity and neoliberal economics in Europe." The following year, Maduro even hailed Corbyn as "a great friend of Venezuela" in a conversation that was televised live.

This week, Corbyn could muster only a feeble defense of those views. "I gave the support of many people around the world for the principle of government that was dedicated towards reducing inequality and improving the life chances of the poorest people," he said.

Of course, it doesn't much matter what the head of Britain's opposition thinks about the political situation in faraway Venezuela. But the chaos there is a splash of cold water on the global left that once swooned over Chavez's socialist experiment. And Corbyn's hard-left views on foreign policy, which largely buck those of the Western political establishment, leave him especially vulnerable to attack from the right. His remarks this week were followed by an avalanche of criticism in Britain's conservative news media.

"We know where he stands on democracy now," crowed the Telegraph, which is closely allied to the governing Conservative Party. The repeated implication was that Corbyn, who surprised virtually everyone by leading Labour to a spectacular rebound in June's general election, seeks a Venezuelan future for Britain.

"The whole idea that Chavez and his successor could serve as a dry run for government in the U.K. is absolutely horrifying," said Vince Cable, the leader of Britain's Liberal Democrats. "The leadership of the Labour party must make it abundantly clear that they have ended their infatuation with the Venezuelan regime."

"Corbyn's refusal to denounce Maduro even now, when left-wing leaders around the world have done so, does not inspire confidence that a government led by him would be a benign experience," said the right-wing Spectator magazine.

Others on the left have abandoned Maduro - whose demagogic, polarizing populism echoes Turkey's Erdogan, or even Trump - along with "Chavismo."

"The crisis in Venezuela represents a complete rejection of the Bolivarian revolution: the gains made by the poor and working classes have all but disappeared while the capitalist elite have maintained their wealth and power," an article in The Jacobin, an increasingly influential left-wing American magazine, said this year. "Rather than resisting this worsening crisis, however, the Maduro government has instead mobilized its forces to protect itself."

Meanwhile, the backlash against Corbyn has provoked its own ripostes. Corbyn's defenders point out that British Prime Minister Theresa May's friendly relationship with Saudi Arabia has survived the kingdom's human rights abuses and draconian religious laws. Britain's Conservatives have also shielded and apologized for a host of hideous regimes, including the apartheid government in South Africa and that of former Chilean ruler Augusto Pinochet, who was arrested in 1998 in London on war crimes charges.

If this seems like too much historical "whataboutism," consider another current crisis: Writing in the left-of-center Guardian, Brazilian journalist Julia Blunck asked where the outrage was over what's taking place in her country, where a seemingly corrupt right-wing president, Michel Temer, has evaded attempts to prosecute him by getting Brazilian lawmakers to vote them down.

"Latin American suffering is being played out as a proxy for debates in the U.K.," wrote Blunck, who is critical of the severe cuts to Brazil's social safety net being pushed through by Temer. "As the right-wing media claim, Jeremy Corbyn might not care very much about the thousands going hungry by Maduro's hand . . . but it's hard to believe that the British right is sincerely committed to the region's stability and democracy. There has been very little said about Temer."

In the end, despite the furor, Corbyn may not suffer all that much. "The good news for Labour is that most of the public doesn't have a flicker, let alone a quantum, of interest in foreign affairs. They have considerably more than a quantum of interest in whether or not they are still in work, if they can keep a roof over their heads and in what state Brexit leaves the United Kingdom," wrote Stephen Bush in the left-wing New Statesman. "It is on these issues that the Conservative Party still has precious little to say. The Conservatives might be able to win an argument about Venezuela but it doesn't get them any closer to winning an election."
U.S. tensions with North Korea took another turn Friday morning when President Donald Trump opted to again highlight the threat the U.S. military could pose to Pyongyang, tweeting that "military solutions are now fully in place" and "locked and loaded" should North Korea "act unwisely." But his next act on Twitter suggests that despite the bellicose rhetoric, the Pentagon is not on the brink of war.

Trump retweeted a message from U.S. Pacific Command that said supersonic B-1B bombers on Guam were "ready to fulfill USFK's #FightTonight mission if called upon to do so."

That message, including the dramatic hashtag, may sound ominous to the uninitiated. But combined with comments Thursday from Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and decades of history between North Korea and the United States, it suggests that while the present situation between Pyongyang and Washington is quite serious, Pacific Command is more signaling its readiness to fight if need be than spoiling for a battle within days.

The Air Force has kept bombers on Guam for years, and the Pentagon and U.S. Forces Korea - the USFK referenced in Pacific Command's tweet - have long used the "fight tonight" motto in South Korea to reflect the seriousness of their mission. More than 29,000 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea, and at least 28,500 have been there each year since an armistice agreement put a halt to fighting in the Korean War in 1953.

Former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush - who included North Korea with Iran and Iraq in his "Axis of Evil" - also both used the "fight tonight" phrase while discussing North Korea.

"Our forces on duty here - American and Korean - are highly trained, closely coordinated, fit to fight tonight and every other night," Obama said during a visit to U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan in Seoul in 2014.

"Our citizens are safer because you're ready to fight tonight," Bush told troops during a visit to Osan, South Korea, in 2005. "You're serving the cause of liberty on distant frontiers, and I bring a message from home: Your commander in chief is proud of you, and so are the American people."

Trump's actions Friday morning came after Mattis again tamped down talk of war during an appearance Thursday. The Pentagon chief, asked about Trump threatening "fire and fury" against North Korea and what the death toll in a nuclear confrontation could look like, answered carefully.

"What I would say here, ladies and gentlemen -" Mattis responded, before stopping for a full five seconds to collect his thoughts. "My portfolio, my mission, my responsibilities is to have military options should they be needed."

But the Pentagon chief quickly added that the American effort against North Korea was diplomatically led by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, and gaining diplomatic traction and results.

"I want to stay right there right now," Mattis said. "The tragedy of war is well enough known. It doesn't need another characterization beyond the fact that it would be catastrophic."

Pacific Command highlighting the readiness of the B-1B bomber also could be an attempt to signal North Korea. The aircraft, officially called the "Lancer" but nicknamed the "Bone" by its crews, has long been a workhorse in America's air wars, but is not able to carry nuclear weapons. It once was, but the Air Force eliminated that option in 2011 as part of the New START treaty with Russia, which reduced the number of nuclear bombs both countries possess.

An Air Force news release included in Pacific Command's tweet notes that two bombers from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota recently arrived in Guam, but are part of a continuous mission that dates back years. The Air Force will continue to launch bomber flights, known as sorties, "to demonstrate the continued U.S. commitment to stability and security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region," according to the Air Force. The service added that doing so is "an important part of national defense during a time of high regional tension.

A variety of other forces remain within reach of the Korean Peninsula, probably including Navy submarines carrying nuclear missiles whose locations are kept secret. The top U.S. officer in Japan, Lt. Gen. Jerry Martinez, also released a statement Thursday that underscored combined U.S. and Japanese efforts to protect Japan, a potential target of North Korea's, and explained why the Pentagon must continue flying missions despite a recent MV-22 Osprey aircraft crash off the coast of Australia.

"There are clear threats to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region," Martinez said. "Our forces stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners in the Japan Self Defense Forces to defend Japan and contribute to regional security. We take that responsibility with utmost seriousness. To that end, we must maintain the highest levels of readiness to respond at a moment's notice to any regional threat, crisis, or humanitarian disaster. To do any less would be to abdicate our responsibility to the people and government of Japan."
Health insurers won a victory in 2015 when a tax that was part of the Affordable Care Act was suspended. Now as they fight to repeal or delay the tax again before it comes back into effect, the odds don't seem to be in their favor.

Insurers, businesses and conservative groups are scrambling for ways to at least delay the health-insurance tax, or HIT, following the collapse of health-care legislation in July. They seemed poised for victory just a few months ago, when the health-insurance fee, and most of the other levies enacted to help fund Obamacare, were targeted in repeal bills passed by House Republicans and considered by Senate Republicans.

The health-insurance tax, which is scheduled to go back into effect in December, is an annual fee owed by insurers such as Anthem Inc., UnitedHealth Group Inc. and Aetna Inc. that varies based on their share of net premiums written nationally -- the aggregate amount owed would total $14.3 billion in 2018. Those opposed to the tax are trying to pitch the message that repealing it could prevent higher premium costs for consumers.

The HIT took effect in 2014, but an omnibus bill passed at the end of 2015 temporarily suspended it starting last year.

With a full Obamacare repeal stalled, one option for HIT opponents is to push for including its repeal or delay in broader legislation to overhaul the U.S. tax code, according to three people familiar with the effort. An alternative would be to add the provision to a continuing resolution to fund the government, said the people, who asked not to be named because they weren't authorized to speak publicly. Both options face considerable opposition.

"There's broad agreement in Washington that we need urgent, bipartisan solutions to improve health-care affordability," said Elena Tompkins, executive director of Stop the HIT, a coalition of industry groups and small business associations that wants to repeal the tax. "It's why we need Congress to act now and provide immediate relief from the health-insurance tax."

Tompkins said Congress needs to take action as soon as possible since insurance companies lock in premiums for the individual insurance exchanges in September. She said the group is considering all legislative options.

Three dozen conservative groups and activists including Americans for Tax Reform urged House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to repeal or delay the HIT and Obamacare's medical-device tax, to avoid "higher premiums and higher costs for middle class families, seniors, and small businesses," the groups said in a letter dated Aug. 10. The health-insurance tax will increase premiums by $5,000 per family over the next decade, the letter said, citing research from the American Action Forum.

Ryan has signaled openness to eliminating another Obamacare levy -- a 3.8 percent net investment income tax on top earners -- as part of a tax overhaul but he's been firm so far on the health-insurance tax. The difference is that the investment tax affects "capital income" and might slow the economic growth that he and other Republicans have pledged to deliver, Ryan said. "Other taxes that affect health care, like the HIT tax and those taxes, those we see as part of Obamacare," he said.

Ryan's reluctance may be related to making Congress's tax-math work. The health-insurance tax is estimated to raise $145 billion over a decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office. That revenue loss would further complicate efforts to keep any tax changes from adding to the long-term federal deficit. Republican leaders need to achieve that goal in order to use a budget procedure that allows them to bypass Democratic opposition in the Senate.

"If you're going to cut the corporate tax rate, somebody's got to pay for it," said Don Williamson, the executive director of the Kogod Tax Policy Center at American University.

A spokeswoman for Ryan didn't respond to requests for comment. Lauren Aronson, a spokeswoman for the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee said in an email that Chairman Kevin Brady still "believes the best way to get the Obamacare taxes out of the economy is through health-care reform legislation."

The industry may also lobby for adding a repeal or delay of the HIT into a continuing resolution, which would fund the government after September if a formal budget hasn't been approved, as appears likely. A continuing resolution would need Democratic support, since it requires 60 votes to pass in the Senate.

Since the tax provision is estimated to lose revenue, it would have to be offset with cuts to mandatory programs like Social Security or Medicaid under budget rules, according to Bill Hoagland, senior vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center. That's unlikely to get any endorsement from Democrats, Hoagland said.

Lawmakers could also look to the reauthorization of the Children's Health Insurance Program funding bill as a possible vehicle for repealing parts of Obamacare, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, the No. 2 Republican, told Bloomberg BNA.

Congress needs to resolve other pressing issues before year's end, including raising the debt-limit. "It is going to be just fiscal mania all fall," said Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, which advocates for decreasing the deficit.

As for repealing or delaying the HIT, she said: "I can certainly see this not happening."

Even a standalone HIT repeal bill that has 155 cosponsors in the House could run into problems with timing given the packed legislative calendar, she said.

The industry trade group America's Health Insurance Plans estimates that reinstating the tax would increase premiums by as much as 3 percent. It also said that the HIT costs employees of small business $210 annually and $530 for families.

Insurance companies including Anthem, UnitedHealth and Aetna lobbied on the tax in the second quarter, according to disclosures. Aetna spent almost $1.4 million on lobbying on all issues during the quarter, filings show.

The Chamber of Commerce, which is often the highest-spending lobbying group in Washington, also urged Congress on Aug. 3 to delay the tax again as part of an effort to stabilize insurance markets.

Though the effort faces difficulties, if the industry were able to get the HIT moratorium reinstated, companies including Anthem, UnitedHealth and Cigna Corp. could see analysts' estimates of their income growth jump, said Ana Gupte, a senior analyst at Leerink Partners, who covers health-insurance companies. Additional percentage growth in the "mid-single to as much as teens" range might be plausible, she said.

Gupte said insurers are assuming the tax will return, but they'll still try to do everything they can to fight it.

"It is their top issue, and regardless of their mix of business they have something at stake here," she said.
Borders loom large in President Donald Trump's politics. On the campaign trail, every perceived slight led to a pledge to make his promised wall on America's southern border 10 feet taller. As president, he has focused intermittently on the dividing line between the United States and Mexico, suggesting that the best way to keep out the "animals" is to shore up "America's weak borders." He has even threatened to shut the government down to secure funding for his wall.

Trump is not wrong in his belief in the political power of national lines. The key to the successful management of immigration involves borders: how we imagine them, the power we give them. In order to see that power at work, though, it helps to move outside the North American context, to a place where boundaries are conceived very differently.

In Africa, where heavily securitized borders are not the norm, it is easier to see the nation-state for what it is: a political invention. African efforts to rethink colonial boundaries are suggestive of possibilities for countries the world over. We may think of our inherited borders as immutable, but they are in fact the result of messy, contested historical processes.

All too often, Africa's political conflicts are blamed on the "arbitrary" nature of its borders. Products of 19th-century European colonialism, most African national boundaries were drawn with little regard for African communities. Many scholars and policymakers have come to see them as artificial - and uniquely flawed - constructs.

Yet how different are African boundaries from those of countries like the United States? As the historian Rachel St. John notes, the seemingly random line dividing Mexico from the United States was established only in the mid-1800s and remained porous and ill-defined for much of its history. Trump has faced intense criticism for his efforts to limit migration from Mexico, which has already had devastating human consequences. But rarely do we hear the legitimacy of the U.S.-Mexico border called into question in American policy debates.

Africans, however, have long recognized the contested nature of international frontiers. After World War II, African political thinkers called for the dismantling of colonial boundaries. Decades before the European Union was implemented, leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president, advocated for a United States of Africa. Many elites argued that a united Africa would be both politically and economically more viable than a continent of independent nation-states.

Although African territorial borders proved surprisingly resilient during the era of decolonization, they remain to this day subject to much political debate. Recent efforts by the African Union to promote regional integration and create a common passport have been lauded by many as a return to the Pan-Africanist ideals of the 1960s (despite concerns that such policy moves would primarily benefit a mobile elite).

Several political theorists have also invested hope in the idea of a borderless future for the continent. Achille Mbembe argues that rather than disavow "long traditions of circulation that [have] always been the dynamic motor of change in the continent," African countries should scrap colonial boundaries and allow for freedom of movement across the continent.

Yet some of the most promising alternatives to the legal status quo are being worked out not by policymakers, state officials or political theorists, but by migrants themselves. In northeast Africa, cross-border migration has long been a feature of the daily lives of the Somali population. Not unlike the U.S.-Mexico border, the frontiers between Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and other adjoining countries cut across social, economic and political networks that long predate the advent of the modern state.

Throughout the colonial era and into today, Somali nomads, laborers, sailors, soldiers, asylum seekers and traders regularly traversed the boundaries dividing them between different European and African territories. The rallying cry of many Mexican American activists could just as easily apply to Somalis in the region: "We didn't cross the border; the border crossed us."

Such forms of mobility have often forced institutional changes or become grounds for imagining alternative political possibilities. In the years after World War II, Pan-Somali nationalists (much like Kurdish nationalists or Pan-Arab proponents) sought to remake colonial boundaries. Their goal of unifying territories across the region into a single state drew directly upon the experiences of the region's mobile inhabitants. Should a nomad who moves livestock in response to seasonal and ecological changes show deference to a line on a map? Such sentiments were captured by a popular expression in the 1960s: "Wherever the camel goes, that is Somalia."

The idea of a Greater Somali nation-state, which threatened neighboring African countries, was a product of its time. It reflected the nationalist fervor of the post-World War II era. Nevertheless, the cross-border networks that underpinned this vision remain as relevant as ever. From the late 1980s onward, hundreds of thousands of refugees have relied upon clan and religious ties to escape the violence in Somalia, gain asylum among kin in neighboring countries and circumvent overcrowded refugee camps. Inspired by the comparative success of these "informal" networks, some policymakers are now advocating for urban resettlement in lieu of refugee encampment.

At a time when the Trump administration is closing borders to immigrants from Latin America (many of whom are in fact refugees), African countries have little choice but to cede room to long-standing practices of circulation, hospitality and migration. Indeed, dozens of African countries, including those facing severe economic constraints, have managed to take in labor migrants and asylum seekers from neighboring countries.

As recent episodes of anti-immigrant violence in nations such as South Africa suggest, African countries are not immune from the same kinds of nativist anxieties that wrack the United States and much of the world. Nevertheless, some of the most dynamic and progressive (if imperfect) refugee policies are also being developed in countries like Uganda and Tanzania in response to intra-African migration flows.

The heated dispute surrounding Trump's border wall makes one thing clear: Migration will be a key factor influencing global politics in the 21st century. Yet public debates in the United States are often shaped by a willful neglect of the messy history of boundary making. As Africa's porous frontiers make evident, the very distinction between "native" and "foreigner" is a product of political battles that mask long histories of interaction and interdependence.

While the possibility of a borderless world may remain elusive, we would do well to learn from the long-term struggles of African migrants. As their histories indicate, the territorial boundaries we have become accustomed to today are neither timeless nor fixed. And however much we may shore up our borders, our fate will remain intertwined with those living on the other side, whose lives are disrupted by global forces.
TOKYO - Two art collections in Tokyo are lending many of their masterpieces for exhibitions at leading museums in Paris, a rare example of large-scale "exports." Most facilities in Japan usually borrow famous paintings from overseas for exhibitions.

Musee de l'Orangerie, a center for impressionist paintings, is now holding an exhibition featuring artworks from the collection of the Ishibashi Foundation, taking advantage of the closure of the organization's Bridgestone Museum of Art for rebuilding. Claude Monet's "Water Lilies" and other impressionist works are a major part of the 76 items on display, in addition to Western-style paintings by Japanese artists, such as Shigeru Aoki's "A Gift of the Sea" and Takeji Fujishima's "Black Fan."

"Tokyo-Paris: Masterpieces from Bridgestone Museum of Art in Tokyo, Ishibashi Foundation Collection" has attracted more than 350,000 visitors since its opening on April 5, according to the museum. It will run through Aug. 21.

Museums in Japan have lent a limited number of items from their collections to foreign counterparts, although there have been a few cases in which many works from one collection were leased to an exhibition abroad. One such example is the Idemitsu Museum of Arts in Tokyo lending about 70 items to the Pinacotheque de Paris for an exhibition on Georges Rouault from 2008 to 2009.

Museums overseas have limited information on what artworks Japanese collections have, and curators abroad often request to borrow individual items from Japan in keeping with their specific exhibition plans or research purposes.

When Japanese museums borrow artworks from overseas, in contrast, they often find themselves engaging in unfair negotiations and end up bearing the costs for restoration or display cases, according to a senior museum official.

The Bridgestone and Orangerie museums developed ties after they organized a joint exhibition with other facilities in 2012. The Paris facility later asked the Bridgestone museum to loan part of its collection for an exhibition, and the Tokyo side agreed after it was decided that the facility would be rebuilt, making it easier for the museum to lend a large volume of art to Paris.

Orangerie was deeply interested in Japan's appreciation of Western paintings by artists such as Paul Cezanne and Pablo Picasso and its collection of many impressionist and other masterpieces. The French side was also curious about how these foreign artworks influenced painting in Japan.

Although Europeans are not greatly interested in contemporary Western-style paintings drawn in Japan, Orangerie has dedicated the first room of its Ishibashi collection exhibition to such works, along with explanations on how artists in the Asian country were influenced by impressionism.

"Holding this kind of exhibition can strongly influence major museums in Europe and the United States, while also making it easier for us to loan and borrow artworks in cooperation with them in the future," said Yasuhide Shimbata, chief curator at the Bridgestone Museum of Art. "We hope to make this event a pioneering step toward building a more equal relationship [with our U.S. and European counterparts]."

Shimbata also expressed hope that other domestic facilities will follow suit.

The Ise Foundation, which has an array of Chinese ceramics collected by Hikonobu Ise, representative director for the organization, is currently loaning about 80 items to Musee Guimet in Paris for an exhibition running through Sept. 4. The featured artworks include a gourd-shaped vase with flowers and birds in overglaze enamels and gold from the Ming period.

"We loaned them for free with the hope of working as a bridge between Japan and France," Ise said. "We want to showcase Japan's sense for art."

In addition to the ceramic masterpieces, the Guimet museum is also displaying wooden containers and silk wrappers for the ceramics - items not usually highlighted at shows in Japan - as it believes they indicate "Japan's distinctive aesthetics and sensibility."

Shuji Takashina, former director general of the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo, said it is "highly significant" that Japanese collections are being showcased outside the country.

"As domestic museums have so far had few opportunities for specialized exchanges of information with their counterparts abroad, Japan's splendid collections are often greeted with surprise by overseas audiences," said Takashina, an expert on art history. "Having Japanese collections exhibited abroad can provide other countries with a good opportunity to discover the excellent efforts Japan has put into preserving cultural assets."

If Japanese museums simply continue borrowing artwork from overseas, it gives lenders the upper hand, meaning they can demand relatively high fees for loaning out their items, Takashina said.

"Creating more opportunities to borrow and lease artworks between museums at home and abroad will help both sides build more equal terms," he said.
Regarding Trump losing big, so expect fresh attacks on democracy (Insight, Aug. 6): I agree with Robert Reich about the danger of regarding a political party as a threat to the nations well-being.

However, when a partys actions are all designed to increase the likelihood of death, it is hard to avoid that conclusion. The Republicans agenda includes increasing air and water pollution, accelerating climate change, building more weapons, reducing control of guns and decreasing the availability of medical care. What do they propose that is not a threat to the nations well-being?

Henriette Parkman, Los Gatos

Liberals share blame

Robert Reich references Archon Fung, who states that settling our differences through ballots and agreed-upon processes rather than through force is what separates democracy from authoritarianism. It is interesting that the author tried to claim Trump wants his base to become increasingly angry. The author ignores the acts of liberals who violently protested President Trumps electoral win and destroyed property, with hardly a scant of outrage by Democrats.

And let us not forget the violence liberals started at Berkeley, simply because someone had a different point of view. If we really want to talk about the threat to democracy and a rejection of political outcomes they regard as illegitimate, liberals need to start taking a long, hard look in the mirror. It is not only one party that is expressing a rejection of democracy as we know it.

Thomas Loverro, San Mateo

Press protection

Regarding Number of leak probes spirals under Trump (Aug. 5): With three times as many leak investigations as existed at the end of former President Barack Obamas administration, that translates to three times as many situations qualifying for leak status. Personally, Im all in for a transparent government and am anxious to know how President Trump treats Mexicos and Australias presidents. I want to know that Trump places his standing among the American people above diplomacy with our allies.

I want everyone, especially his supporters, to see his massive ego and bullying tactics on display. I want every lie exposed. I want to know that the president of the Boy Scouts of America did not congratulate Trump on the greatest speech ever. And for this transparency to continue, the press must have the backing of the First Amendment, including the protection of their sources identities.

Michael Haworth, Vallejo

Prevent eco-attacks

I read with alarm the editorial Trumps eco-attack threatening California (Insight, Aug. 6). What you forgot to mention is that many of these eco-attacks and others like them can be negated by a bill in the California Legislature  Senate Bill 49, the Environmental, Public Health, and Workers Defense Act.

Its a fact that state agencies that protect Californias environment rely heavily on federal environmental regulations since they are stronger than existing state regulations. President Trump and Republicans in Congress are proposing to weaken or eliminate many of these federal regulations. This would handcuff Californias ability to protect its natural resources including endangered species, clean air and clean water. SB49, if enacted, would defend us from these eco-attacks by raising the level of existing state regulations to those of the federal government that were in place before former President Barack Obama left office. In other words, California could still protect its environment regardless of future changes in the federal law. SB49 is expected to pass the Legislature soon, but Gov. Jerry Brown has not yet stated his support.

Steven Singer, Santa Cruz

Farm animal survival

Regarding Reader has bone to pick with vegans (Letters, Aug. 6): The cows, chickens and pigs he references are domesticated animals. If we dont breed them, they dont exist. They would not be roaming the countryside; they would have difficulty surviving on their own. Surely, some would become pets. But one generation is all it would take to eliminate the presence of the billions of farm animals on the planet, cut off the pollution their existence causes and stop their suffering.

Kecia Talbot, San Rafael

Blight on the city

Regarding No joy springs from fountain  neglected landmark is bone-dry (Aug. 5): I read with interest Charles Desmarais article on the Vaillancourt Fountain at Justin Herman Plaza. As far as Im concerned, it is a blight on our city and should be gotten rid of, along with the monstrosity at Civic Center Plaza. Both of these resemble nothing more than a jumble of discarded junk in a pile.

Elizabeth Larson, San Francisco

if needed
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Synthetic marijuana use in Southeast Texas has escalated so rapidly in the past six years, a group of film producers, law enforcement officers and high school students teamed up to make a documentary about the deadly drug.

Nederland native Aaron Crowell, a Baytown PD narcotics detective, is executive producer for "The Last High" - a film the group intends to share with area schools next month.

"We have seen a significant uptick in use here and I know that it's an issue in Beaumont and in Jefferson and Orange counties, too," Crowell said. "I was talking with my chief about alternative and out-of-the-box ways to deal with this issue."

Synthetic cannabinoids, also known as "K2," "kush" or "fake weed," are not marijuana at all, Crowell said.

"It was developed at a university research facility for cancer patients to help with pain management or loss of appetite," Crowell said. "But it was never intended for human consumption."

It came to the United States as a recreational drug in October 2008 and has been prevalent in Southeast Texas since about 2011, Crowell said. It costs about the same as regular marijuana but is a concoction of hundreds of chemicals - a mixture so complex that it can easily be avoided on drug screenings.

"It can be made in a garage or a bathroom," Crowell said. The main ingredient, JWH (named for John William Huffman, the Clemson professor who first synthesized cannabinoids), is banned in the United States but can be ordered online from China, he said. Once mixed with unscented potpourri and commercial grade acetone, it can be smoked just like marijuana.

"And that's the biggest problem," Crowell said. "No one knows what it is and no one is talking about it."

The film was produced with young teenagers and students in mind. It's an educational tool for them, law enforcement and emergency responders so they can be made aware of the drug's deadly consequences, Crowell said.

"It's a pretty scary drug," he said. "I know there's a buzz around the opioid crisis right now, but this is the biggest danger in this area."

Beaumont Police Lt. Mike Mills said that behind meth, synthetics pose one of the greatest health risks to Southeast Texans.

"In one weekend (this year), we had over 50 overdoses from synthetics," Mills said. "Granted, not all of those resulted in deaths, but that shows you how many people are using. And everybody we talked to says how easy it is to find in Beaumont."
On Tuesday, the inmate population at the Madison County Jail reached 361, a figure that Madison County Sheriff John Lakin says is approaching crisis levels.

The jail is certified to hold only 312.

Madison County Board member Phil Chapman told the Finance Committee Wednesday that he and fellow Republican board member Mike Walters are forming a subcommittee to address the issue.

The analogy that I use, Lakin told committee members, is us being in control of a bathtub full of water with no control over any of the spigots. The bathtub is overflowing, and its gotten to a point where its becoming a dangerous situation for our staff, having that many people in custody.

The jail population ebbs and flows on a daily basis as arrestees are booked in and others are transported to the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Chapman said that in coming weeks the subcommittee will be analyzing the situation to see if we can tweak it to further reduce the number of people in the jail.

The growing opioid epidemic has figured into the bump up in numbers, Lakin and others said. But the issue is complex and many factors such as a shortage of public defenders, prosecutors and jail staff have contributed.

And there is a long-standing renovation project whose plans are still being worked out.

There are other components in this system that are having their own issues and problems and need to be looked at, Chapman said. It appears we need a total systems approach here to help solve this and other problems.

Madison County Administrator Doug Hulme referred to the problem as a top priority. We need to address the issue and make sure were not overlooking it, he told members of the Finance Committee.

Chapman echoed Lakins concern about safety issues at the jail. First of all, inmates are citizens, and they should have a safe and clean environment, Chapman said. And equally important is our staff . . . they also deserve a safe and clean environment in which to work.
The Trump administration hailed Canada and Australia as models when the president endorsed legislation to curb legal immigration by instituting a points-based system that rewards high-skilled English speakers.

But copying those countries won't work, according to a new paper from the National Immigration Forum and the National Foundation for American Policy.

There are vast differences between their immigration systems and what Trump is advocating.

"The point of the point system in those countries is to attract more immigration, not reduce it," said Stuart Anderson, executive director of the National Foundation for American Policy who authored the paper.

Australia designed its point system to supplement employer-sponsored immigrants by giving those without job offers the chance to obtain permanent residence. Immigrants get points for age, language ability and education. Canada used the point system to attract immigrants without a previous connection to the country.

Both countries also admit two to three times as many immigrants each year as the U.S., relative to the size of their populations. Even for temporary workers, Australia has admitted roughly the same number of high-skilled visa holders as the U.S. despite having only 10 percent of the U.S. population.

Trump, however, wants to cut legal immigration in half over the course of a decade by eliminating many family immigration categories as well as the current employment-based categories.

Sens. Tom Cotton, R-Ark. and David Perdue, R-Ga., have argued that their bill, the RAISE Act, would prioritize "skilled" immigrants. But the legislation would not increase the number of skilled immigrants to the U.S. Instead, it would transfer the 140,000 immigrant visas used annually by employers to people who accumulate the most points.

In Australia and Canada, employers continue to sponsor foreign workers outside of the point system. The point system is not the only way to obtain permanent residency, and both countries admit immigrants on family reunification and humanitarian grounds.

That does not mean that the point system operates without problems. In Canada, employers often criticize the point system for not meeting their needs when it comes to finding low-skilled workers such as in the meatpacking and hospitality industries.

Tightened rules in recent years have also made it more difficult for corporate executives, neurosurgeons and workers transferring within the same company to chalk up enough points to warrant "express entry" because those jobs did not require a labor market impact assessment.

But fixes can happen within months when problems arise because the Canadian government has unilateral authority to make changes to immigration policy.

It would be near impossible for the United States to implement an effective point system as envisioned by Trump given how the U.S. government is structured, with a separation of authority between the legislative and executive branches, Anderson concluded.

Members of Congress pass laws, and federal agencies implement those laws. Even then, it can take years for the federal government to issue new regulations, which can be subject to litigation.

Peter Rekai, an immigration attorney in Toronto, said Canada's point system helped usher in the "era of the designer immigrant," with the government trying to match different immigrant skills to the country's needs.

But the system has not worked as well as it should have, he said, because "it's difficult to sit down with a piece of paper and design the perfect immigrant who is going to 'hit the ground running.'"
Weighing nearly 70 tons, heavier than 10 adult African elephants, this dinosaur was the largest animal to ever walk on Earth, according to some scientists.

This plant-eating beast first made headlines in 2014, after a rancher from Patagonia in Argentina discovered a fossil bone. Last year, the American Museum of Natural History in New York added a cast of the 122-foot-long dinosaur to its exhibit. Its neck and head are so long that they extend outside the gallery.

Despite its fame, the dinosaur did not have an official scientific name - until now.

A report published Wednesday in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. calls it Patagotitan mayorum. "Patagotitan" can be interpreted as "giant from Patagonia," and "mayorum" is a tribute to the rancher family that hosted a team of paleontologists, geologists, students and volunteers as they excavated dozens of fossils from the area.

More than 150 Patagotitan fossils have been unearthed there over the past few years. Finding a significant number of fossils belonging to the same species is not rare, dinosaur specialist Jose Luis Carballido told The Washington Post in an email. But for such a big animal, it is.

"It's a real paleontological treasure," Carballido said, according to the museum's website. "There were lots of fossils in great preservation, practically intact, something that does not happen often."

These discoveries have allowed scientists to create the most complete anatomic reconstruction of any large terrestrial herbivore in the planet's history, according to the Egidio Feruglio Paleontology Museum in Trelew in Argentina's Chubut province.

Patagotitan, which lived about 100 million years ago during the late Cretaceous Period, is considered a titanosaur, a diverse lineage of plant-eating, long-necked dinosaurs with long tails that walked on four legs.

Titanosaurs varied greatly in size, with the smallest species weighing as much as an adult elephant and the largest ones weighing more than 60 tons. The discovery of Patagotitan gave scientists a clearer picture of how titanosaurs evolved in terms of their body mass. The study revealed that most of the giant titanosaurs discovered in Patagonia belonged to a single lineage, according to the museum.

"This means that the evolution of extreme gigantism within titanosaurs happened but only once, and not in multiple separate events," Diego Pol, one of the authors of the study, said in a statement. "We can see some other cases of size increase relative to the ancestral size of titanosaurs, but none of them was as dramatic as the one seen in this group and exemplified by Patagotitan."

Patagotitan's most important contribution to science, Carballido said, is the amount of information it gave to researchers.

Scientists have found fossils of other giant dinosaurs in the titanosaur lineage such as Argentinosaurus and Puertasaurus in the Argentine desert. But unlike Patagotitan, scientists had to rely on a limited number of bones to get a sense of their weight and size, Carballido said.

But with the Patagotitan, scientists were able to find its humerus (arm bone) and femur (thigh bone), which were not discovered for Argentinosaurus or Puertasaurus, Carballido said.

Some, however, are cautious about proclaiming Patagotitan the biggest of them all.

Mathew Wedel, a paleontologist at the Western University of Health Sciences in California, told Smithsonian Magazine that it's more likely that Patagotitan is not bigger but comparable in size to Argentinosaurus, the previous record holder.

"I think it would be more accurate to say that Argentinosaurus, Puertasaurus and Patagotitan are so similar in size that it is impossible for now to say which one was the largest," Wedel said.
The death of a 14-year-old teenage girl in Bedford, Texas, near Fort Worth has been ruled a homicide by county medical examiners, according to multiple reports.

Kaytlynn Cargill was found dead at an Arlington landfill in June, two days after she did not return home from walking her family's dog and was reported missing. Officials used the term "homicidal violence" to describe her death.
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A trio of city employees and their same sex spouses filed a federal suit Thursday to require the city of Houston to keep offering health insurance and other benefits for gay couples.

The legal action bats back at another ongoing suit that would ban the city from offering benefits to same-sex spouses and even required couples to pay back past benefits.

"Here we are in 2017 and we're still having this conversation," said Kenneth Upton, the Dallas-based Lambda Legal attorney representing the three married couples.

"They just want to do their jobs and get paid like everybody else."

As the target of both suits, the city is essentially a bystander caught in the middle.

"While the city of Houston has been sued, the city understands that an important part of compensation to its employees is health coverage benefits available to each of them and their families," Alan Bernstein, the mayor's spokesman, said in a statement.

Story continues below ...

"The city, as does the State of Texas, offers employees coverage for all legally married spouses without regard to sex. As Mayor Sylvester Turner said in June, 'The City of Houston will continue to be an inclusive city that respects the legal marriages of all employees. Marriage equality is the law of the land, and everyone is entitled to the full benefits of marriage, regardless of the gender of their spouse.' "

The genesis of the new suit dates back to 2013, when a Supreme Court ruling impacting same sex marriage benefits prompted the city to reevaluate its own policies. On advice of city attorneys, then-Mayor Annise Parker started offering benefits to same-sex couples married outside of Texas.

But that November, Houston residents Jack Pidgeon and Larry Hicks filed suit against the city in state court, contending same sex benefits were an illegal use of taxpayer funds. They demanded the city cut off benefits and force same sex couples to pay back taxpayers for any spousal benefits received.

A year later, a Harris County civil court temporarily blocked the city from providing same-sex benefits, a ruling that held until July 2015, when the state's 14th Court of Appeals removed the temporary injunction in light of another Supreme Court decision, Obergefell v. Hodges.

Though the landmark Obergefell case made gay marriage legal in every state, the Texas Supreme Court decided it was not explicit on whether same-sex spouses had a right to benefits.

So in June, the higher Texas court overturned on appeal a lower court's decision, bouncing the Pidgeon and Hicks' case back to a Harris County civil court.

In response, the city employees - Noel Freeman, a Public Works division manager; Houston police Sgt. Yadira Estrada; and network administrator Ronald Reeser - launched their federal lawsuit.

"It's a pretty scary thing to have your health insurance taken away, especially if you rely on it," Upton said.

"One of my clients is a police officer and if a police officer is ordinarily injured or killed in the line of duty, there are benefits to the surviving spouse - and my client wouldn't have those same benefits. And yet she serves the city and protects the citizens just like other police officers do."

Lawyers for Pidgeon and Hicks could not be reached for comment.

Rebecca Elliott contributed to this report
The Houston man ordered to pay child support for a child that is not his is starting a 165-mile walk to Austin to raise awareness for his situation.

Gabriel Cornejo, 45, was ordered by a court to pay child support more than a decade ago for a baby his ex-girlfriend claimed was his. A DNA test proved otherwise, but according to Texas law, Cornejo is still responsible for roughly $65,000 in child support.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Crystal City native Anna Maria Farias was sworn in Thursday as the assistant secretary of the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

HUD Secretary Ben Carson administered the oath and said he is thrilled to have Farias back in the agency, a news release sent Thursday by HUD states.
Back-to-school shoppers are expected to save about $87 million during this weekends sales tax holiday, according to the Texas comptrollers office.

The sales tax holiday, which has been taking place since 1999, started today and will run through Sunday.
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WASHINGTON  Texas U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the Senate's No. 2 Republican, defended Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Friday against President Donald Trump's barrage of criticism.

"Passing the President's legislative agenda requires a team effort," Cornyn said in a Tweet. "No one is more qualified than Mitch McConnell to lead the Senate in that effort."

The statement was Cornyn's first on the escalating feud between the president and Senate Republican leaders.

It came after two days of insulting messages, including Trump's statement on Thursday that McConnell should "get back to work" on repealing Obamacare and making good on other GOP campaign promises like tax reform.

Trump appears to have bristled at McConnell's complaint earlier in the week of "excessive expectations" for Senate action on a health care overhaul.

Trump told reporters that he was "very disappointed in Mitch" and suggested that if he can't make headway on the GOP agenda, he should step aside.

It appears that some of Trump's criticisms on the failed Senate vote on a "skinny repeal" of Obamacare could implicate Cornyn as well. As Majority Whip, Cornyn serves as McConnell's top lieutenant, rounding up votes.

Trump expressed particular anger that the effort failed by one vote. "For a thing like that to happen is a disgrace," Trump said. "It shouldn't have happened."

In an earlier tweet, Trump complained about the Senate filibuster rules, which he wants to see jettisoned. Of the Republican leaders, he said, "they look like fools and are just wasting time."

A chorus of analysts has said in recent days that the president's attacks on Senate leaders of his own party are extraordinary because it could weaken the working relationships needed to surmount coming legislative challenges like increasing the debt ceiling, averting a government shutdown, enacting tax reform and cobbling together an ambitious infrastructure bill.

Cornyn's statement appealing to teamwork seemed to echo that concern.
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The Lawrence, Kansas Police Department has an enviable Twitter account that other departments in the country should aspire to.

On Friday the police department's Twitter account was sharing some helpful nuggets of knowledge, especially for students in the college town looking to unwind outside of the classroom this coming semester.

PREVIOUS: Texas police hoping funny Facebook selfies lead to robbery suspect's capture

The most recent thread was regarding the perils of throwing a house party and the consequences that come when it inevitably gets out of control. You can see the full advice thread above.

Previously the account has offered up tips for not getting a car broken into.

"PSA: If your car is unlocked some jackwagon will enter it and take stuff. If you leave valuables in plain sight, kiss your window goodbye," the department wrote on August 8.

According to the Kansas City Star the man behind the account is Officer Drew Fennelly, who deserves a raise. The public affairs officer pitched the hip Twitter angle in 2015.

The account can also be street smart too.

RELATED: Fast food employee's rude treatment of Houston police officer goes viral

"Cops can't be snitches, people snitch to us. That's like calling a parent a tattletale. So if you call us "snitch", you also call us daddy," the department wrote on July 26.

Hopefully other city police Twitter accounts will follow suit and break down important matters Barney-style to their citizens too.
Mary Vera Jacobs was a people person.

My mother just loved having people come together and enjoy one another and celebrate each other, said her daughter, Thelma Duffey. She was gentle; she had a lot of grace; and she made giving look so wonderful.

Jacobs had a very active life serving the community through the multiple positions she held during her life.

She served as the president of the Lambda Rho Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha and as the president of the Womens Aglow Fellowship. She volunteered at different churches and served as the assistant to former Brownsville Bishop Humberto Medeiros. She also worked as a branch manager at Brownsville Savings and Loan Association and as an assistant to the president of Pan American University-Brownsville.

More Information Mary Vera Jacobs Born: Jan. 19, 1934, Brownsville Died: Aug. 1, 2017, San Antonio Preceded by: Parents Alberto Vera and Celia Gomez Vera, brothers Alberto and Arnoldo Vera Survivors: Her husband, retired Lt. Col. Jim Jacobs; daughter Thelma Duffey; sons Richard Hinojosa and daughter-in-law Kim, and Jon Phillip Hinojosa; sisters Yolanda Garcia and Olga Trevino; brother Hector Vera; 4 grandchildren; and a great-grandson Services: Memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday at San Antonio First Assembly of God Church, 13435 West Ave. See More Collapse

Before retiring and moving to San Antonio, Jacobs served as the chief of staff for state Rep. Rene Oliveira, D-Brownsville.

Jacobs died Aug. 1 of complications related to a heart bypass surgery. She was 83.

Duffey said Jacobs instilled in her and her brothers the importance of serving the community. She said she participated with her mother in multiple charity events.

She loved helping and she loved doing, Duffey said.

Jacobs father, Alberto Vera, gave her the nickname Massy when she was born. It came from the Spanish phrase la mas linda, or the most beautiful in English.

She had depth and substance, and she also was able to be light, Duffey said. My mother was so humble and that was part of her beauty.

She also had a sense of humor.

Duffey said she was feeling down sometime in March, and her mother came into her room with her favorite food.

My mother, of course, wanted to take care of me, Duffey said. She would come out of the door with the brightest smile, with all my favorite food  and she would say We are here, meal on wheels.

Jacobs also loved bringing people together.

Last Christmas, Jacobs hosted her family and friends in her home.

We had little babies and people her age at her house, and she just made it all beautiful and appeared so effortless, Duffey said.

Jacobs also went on mission trips to Hungary, Mexico and Bolivia.

She was brave and strong and courageous to the very last moment, Duffey said. That is something Ill never forget: her courage and her strength.
By Long Island News & PR Published: August 11 2017

Customers and contractors should call 811 to request a mark-out before starting any excavation work.

Uniondale, NY - August 11, 2017 - Every six minutes, someone in the United States damages an underground utility line because they started a digging project without calling 811 first, according to the Common Ground Alliance, the national association that promotes safe digging practices.

On the eleventh day of the eighth month of every year, PSEG Long Island joins the Common Ground Alliance and other utilities nationwide in observing National 811 Day, a day to remember the simple phone number that helps ensure a digging job is done right.

Customers and contractors should call 811 to request a mark-out before starting any excavation work. Calling 811 is not only a free, safe and smart way to avoid injuries and disruptions to vital utility services; it is also a New York State requirement.

Last year, PSEG Long Island responded to more than 160,000 electric utility mark-out requests that came through the New York 811 Call Center, said John OConnell, PSEG Long Island vice president of transmission and distribution operations. Still, even with that record number of calls, 44 percent of the damage to our electric facilities in 2016 occurred because someone did not call 811 before digging. These were all avoidable incidents that we are committed to reducing by reminding customers how important it is to call 811 before every project.

The ground beneath us is crisscrossed with vital underground utilities. PSEG Long Island has more than 5,000 circuit miles of underground electric distribution and transmission lines across Long Island and in the Rockaways. Other utilities bury communications cables and natural gas, water and sewer lines. Even areas across the service territory that are not served by a particular service may still have utility lines running below ground.

Striking an underground electric or natural gas pipe can cause serious injury, damages and service interruptions. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. Even if you are installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting a tree or laying a patio, a call to 811 should be one of your first steps. Whether you are a professional or planning to do the job yourself, a call to New York 811 must be made.

Calling New York 811 automatically connects you to the New York One-Call Center, which collects information about your digging project. The One-Call Center then provides the information to the utility companies, who will send representatives to mark the locations of underground lines in the immediate vicinity of the planned work location with flags, paint or both. Once lines have been properly marked and you receive confirmation, you may begin your project.

Here is important information to consider:

In New York, call 811 at least two business days before each job to have underground pipes, wires and equipment located. You can call as early as 10 days before you begin the project.

If you hired a contractor, confirm that a call to 811 has been made. Do not allow work to begin if the lines arent marked

Various colors are used when marking lines, learn what each color represents at www.call811.com

Property owners and excavators must maintain and respect the marks. Always hand dig within 2 feet of marked lines or the area known as the Tolerance Zone

If you accidentally damage gas piping or smell gas when excavating, please call 911 immediately from a safe area

Additional information, including a damage prevention booklet on safe excavating practices and the protection of underground facilities, can be found online at http://newyork-811.com
Local News, Business & Finance, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: August 11 2017

Zeldin: "This was a great opportunity to discuss the many ways to support business and spur economic growth, as well as the importance of maintaining local infrastructure."

Hauppauge, NY - August 11, 2017 - On August 10, 2017, New York Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-NY-01) visited bicycle product manufacturer Finish Line Technologies to learn more about the economic impact of the $88 billion U.S. bicycle industry and to discuss important federal policies that affect bike business. Throughout the month of August, PeopleForBikes is coordinating tours of bike industry companies and bicycle retailers.

Hank Krause, Founder and President of Finish Line Technologies, used the tour as an opportunity to thank U.S. Representative Zeldin for his work on the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) -- the largest source of federal funding for bicycle infrastructure. In 2015, Congress passed the FAST Act, a five-year reauthorization of the surface transportation bill, which included TAP. The FAST Act provides $835-$850 million in TAP funding in each of the next five years for a total of more than $4 billion in bike and pedestrian infrastructure investments. Congressman Zeldin was also instrumental in securing funds for the Recreational Trails Program, which develops and maintains trails for both nonmotorized and motorized recreational uses. It is another important program to helping meet the demand for recreational riding opportunities across the country.

I would like to thank Finish Line Technologies, for hosting me for a tour of their facility in Hauppauge, as well as PeopleForBikes, for coordinating this visit and all the excellent work they do for our communities, said Representative Zeldin. This was a great opportunity to discuss the many ways to support business and spur economic growth, as well as the importance of maintaining local infrastructure. There is so much that can be done to improve our bicycle industry and the infrastructure it depends on, and I am proud to do my part as a Member of Congress.

The tour also highlighted the contributions Finish Line Technologies is making to New York. Finish Line Technologies employs 40 people at their headquarters in Hauppauge, where they manufacture bike lube and other products that are sold worldwide. Finish Line Technologies is just one of the many bike businesses in New Yorks First Congressional District, which is home to three bike equipment manufacturers, 29 bike retailers, and 1,135 PeopleForBikes members.

Federal funding for bicycle infrastructure is important because it spurs economic growth, said Krause. More safe places to ride result in more demand for bikes and bike products like ours. It was an honor to host Congressman Zeldin and we thank him for his leadership on cost-effective bike infrastructure investments.

These congressional visits are part of PeopleForBikes summer campaign designed to showcase the economic impact of bike businesses. We can tell members of Congress about the power of the bike industry over and over, but nothing can compare to seeing it in-person, says Jenn Dice, PeopleForBikes vice president of government relations. When elected officials and their staffers meet employers and retailers, a personal connection is created. Our goal is to build on this and develop more champions in Congress who will support funding for TAP and RTP.

Although there is bipartisan congressional support for bike infrastructure projects, threats continue. Earlier this year, the Trump Administration proposed a budget that would eliminate the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program, which has helped communities across the nation improve infrastructure -- including bike paths and lanes. Highlighting the state and local economic contributions of the bike industry to U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives will help secure their ongoing support for this program and others.

A total of 10 visits in six states are scheduled this summer so far. PeopleForBikes plans to coordinate this program annually during the traditional August recess. To get involved and to host your member of congress or their staff email Lander Karath at lander@peopleforbikes.org
Man Seriously Injured in Deer Park Shooting, According to Suffolk Police

Local News, Crime

By Long Island News & PR Published: August 11 2017

A man sitting in a vehicle on the corner of Emerson Street and Deer Park Boulevard was shot twice, SCPD reports.

SCPD are investigating a shooting that seriously injured a man in Deer Park on Friday, August 11.

Smithtown, NY - August 11, 2017 - Suffolk County Police First Squad detectives are investigating a shooting that seriously injured a man in Suffolk County Police First Squad detectives are investigating a shooting that seriously injured a man in Deer Park , New York, on Friday, August 11, 2017 at 2:12 a.m.

A man sitting in a vehicle on the corner of Emerson Street and Deer Park Boulevard was shot twice at 2:12 a.m. The male shooter fled the scene.

The victim, a 35-year-old Deer Park man, was transported by a Deer Park Fire Department ambulance to a local hospital where he was treated for serious injuries.
US Africa Command (AFRICOM) launched two kinetic strikes against Shabaab, al Qaedas branch in Somalia and East Africa, earlier today. The US military has now targeted Shabaab in three separate operations over the past two weeks.

Todays two strikes took place near the Banadir region in southern Somalia, according to AFRICOM. Banadir is the administrative district which encompasses the capital of Mogadishu.

AFRICOM did not provide the targets of the two strikes or announce if any Shabaab leaders or fighters, or civilians, were killed or wounded in the operation. AFRICOM said it would continue to assess the results of the operation and will provide additional information as appropriate.

The last attack on Shabaab, which took place on July 30, killed Ali Muhammad Hussein, a Shabaab commander who is also known as Ali Jabal. According to AFRICOM, Ali Jabal was responsible for leading al-Shabaab forces operating in the Mogadishu and Banadir regions in planning and executing attacks against the capital of Mogadishu.

FDDs Long War Journal has recorded 37 such operations against Shabaab or the Islamic Courts since 2006. The number of US military operations in Somalia may well be higher, however, it has been difficult to track strikes against Shabaab as there are multiple actors involved in targeting the group, including Kenyan and Ethiopian sources. The US military has not released statements for every encounter. Additionally, for a long period of time, Iranian news outlets muddied the waters by attributing nearly every action against Shabaab in southern Somalia as a US drone strike. Verifiable press reporting has also been inconsistent.

Under the Trump administration, the US military has stepped up its targeting of Shabaab since the group gained ground in 2016. The US State Department attributed some of Shabaabs gains due largely to lapses in offensive counterterrorism operations during 2016.

Last year, Shabaab attacks killed hundreds of African Union forces from Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, and Ethiopia. These Shabaab assaults have forced African Union troops to withdraw from some cities and towns in southern Somalia, including one as recently as last week, when Shabaab took control of the town of Lego.

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
Lifestyle / Travel

Aug 12, 2017 | By Pameyla Cambe

As Four Seasons has demonstrated, private jet journeys are all the rage right now, especially to those for whom the mundanities of holiday planning seem like too much to conquer. Amans private jet journeys are no exception. Returning for its 4th edition this October, the luxury hotel groups 17-day tour across Pan Asia will host up to 16 guests  double the amount from last year.

Specially curated by travel experts for a holiday experience unlike any other, Amans upcoming private jet getaway will take flight from October 8 to 24, 2017. Up in the air, guests will travel upon Amans 2 cosy Gulfstream G200s, which will accommodate only four couples each. Sticking to tradition, guests will embark on a tour that spans across the lands of China, Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka, all in the comfort of a private car.

On October 8, the tour will kick off at one of Chinas most beloved tourist destinations: Hangzhou, the capital city of the Zhejiang province. Guests will travel to the centuries-old village of Amanfayun, where they will explore some of Chinas famous terraced tea plantations and bamboo forests.

For a dose of history, guests will also pay a visit to Lijiangs Old Town. The UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range and a peek into the unique lifestyle of the ancient Naxi community.

Next up on the itinerary is a stay at the luxury lodges of Amankora in Thimphu. There, guests can easily experience the best of what Bhutans capital has to offer: Buddhist monasteries, charming markets and a wealth of museums. Over at Paro, guests will embark on an exciting half-day hike to the legendary Tigers Nest temple, which clings to a cliff face, 900meters above the ground.

Guests will then whisked away to Indias Pink City, Jaipur, where they will have the unique experiences of glamping at the grand tents of Aman-i-Khas, as well as a surreal yoga session atop a stone pavilion in the ruins of Bhangarh city.

Arriving in Sri Lanka, the tours final destination, guests will get to explore yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site: Galle. The historic fort is perfect for sightseeing with its ancient colonial architecture, followed by a relaxing session at a hydrotherapy spa. The last day of the tour promises scenic nature trails, market visits and a sunrise yoga session overlooking the beaches of Amanwella resort.

Priced at $64,888 per person, Amans private jet expedition across Pan Asia is sure to create memories unlike any other, enriched with unparalleled experiences and insights into Asian history and cultures.
M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday took oath as the 13th Vice President of India. A glittering ceremony was held at Rashtrapati Bhawan this morning. The former Union Minister, whose candidature was backed by BJP-led NDA, won the election on August 5 after bagging an overwhelming two-third votes against opposition candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi. The 68-year-old BJP leader from Andhra Pradesh had received 516 votes out of the total 771 votes cast while Gandhi could only manage 244 votes. Of the total 771 votes polled, 11 were found to be invalid.

Yesterday the term of the Hamid Ansari ended. Naidu is the 13th person to hold the second highest constitutional post, according to PTI report. By virtue of being the vice president, Naidu will also preside over the Rajya Sabha as the Chairman. Following the oath taking of Naidu, persons holding the three top positions in the country the President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister  are now from the BJP.

Naidu will be the second BJP leader to become vice- president after Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (2002-2007). A two-term BJP president, Naidu was also elected to the Rajya Sabha three times from Karnataka. He represented Rajasthan in the Upper House of Parliament before he was nominated to the vice presidents post by the NDA. PTI


If you're watching this, markets are too. Photo by SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg/Getty Images.



Volatility has been largely absent in recent weeks, much to media's chagrin. On Tuesday, after President Trump vowed "fire, fury, and frankly power the likes of which this world has never seen before" in response to further North Korean provocations, the S&P 500 had its biggest drop in a month-a whopping -0.2% decline.[i] When the sabre-rattling escalated further Wednesday when Kim Jong-un threatened Guam, the S&P 500 dropped just -0.04%.[ii] Thursday's drop was larger at -1.4%, but perhaps still not the sort of freakout most assumed an apparent nuclear standoff might cause.[iii] Some argued the calm is because it's impossible to price in a potential "extinction event." Others called it a sign of complacency. But in our view, markets are doing what they always do-pricing in all publicly available information, including risks, and weighing probabilities. While stocks can behave irrationally in the very short term, presuming they're wrong about something is fraught with peril.

Reading into market movement (or lack thereof) is nothing new-we have an informal running series on the topic, marked by titles beginning with "Searching for Meaning in ..." The investing world's tendency to overthink these things seems to stem from an ingrained belief that certain developments should have predetermined market impacts. That ignores the simple truth that short-term market movement can happen for any or no reason. Is there any logical reason stocks should or shouldn't have fallen less on Thursday than they did on May 18, when the DoJ named Robert Mueller special counsel for the Russia investigation? Trying to assign inherent expected volatility to current events will do nothing but give you a headache.

None of the things investors are allegedly complacent about this week are new. From the debt ceiling to North Korean threats, all have hogged headlines for weeks, months or longer. Individual developments like the "fire and fury" remark and Guam threat might heighten attention on North Korea, but the Hermit Kingdom has been testing increasingly (allegedly) more powerful missiles most of this year. And yet US and world markets have been largely calm and up. Stocks were also up in 2013, when Kim Jong-un announced he considered the 1953 armistice null and void.

Exhibit 1: A Very Calm S&P 500



Source: FactSet, as of 8/9/2017. S&P 500 Total Return Index from 12/30/2016 - 8/8/2017. Indexed to 100 at 12/30/2016.

Exhibit 2: An Unfazed MSCI All Country World Index



Source: FactSet, as of 8/9/2017. MSCI All Country World Index with net dividends from 12/30/2016 - 8/8/2017. Indexed to 100 at 12/30/2016.

To those who might argue this is evidence of long-running complacency, consider South Korea. If anyone is aware of the risks of nuclear conflict, it is investors on North Korea's doorstep. If any companies are particularly vulnerable to Kim Jong-un's whims, it is South Korean firms headquartered in Seoul, which is under perpetual threat. But South Korean stocks are up 32% YTD.[iv]

Exhibit 3: A Surging MSCI South Korea



Source: FactSet, as of 8/9/2017. MSCI Korea Index in USD with net dividends, 12/30/2016 - 8/8/2017. Indexed to 100 at 12/30/2016.

Is this complacency, or a rational weighing of risk? Anecdotal evidence indicates South Korean investors aren't ignoring the dictator next door. Instead, they view Kim's bombast as a buying opportunity. Said one, "[South Korean] investors know from experience that geopolitical risks don't play for long." Another observed, "I usually don't think too much about North Korean risk. ... When North Korea does something provocative, it's a good time to buy new stocks at a lower price."

This strikes us as markets doing what they do best-efficiently discounting widely known information. If information is public-and especially if it's plastered on every newspaper and cable news banner-stocks rapidly price it in. Markets weigh what's probable, not what's merely possible. While hotspots like North Korea spark big fears, huge conflicts remain wildly improbable.

Moreover, markets process geopolitical drama all the time-and frequently keep rising. In this bull market, stocks have moved past numerous scares like the rise of ISIS, Israel-Iran tensions, Russian incursions into Eastern Europe, governments toppling around the Middle East, the Syrian civil war, many deadly terrorist attacks and much more. Looking back further: During the Tech boom in the mid-to-late 1990s, markets broadly rose throughout flare-ups in the Balkans, Al Qaeda attacks on US embassies in Africa, two wars between Russia and Chechnya and ongoing strife in the Congo. Or consider 2006, when North Korea test-fired seven missiles, one of which experts estimated could reach Alaska-world stocks rose 20.1% that year.[v] 1983 was also up nicely despite a major nuclear scare that autumn. This stuff isn't new-stocks have always dealt with it.

However, investors might notice a frequent disconnect between calm markets and coverage of the danger du jour-in which speculation frequently passes for concrete forecasts, and distant possibilities as if they're 50/50 shots. We aren't saying stocks always see the future perfectly. But if headlines scream markets are ignoring such-and-such obvious threat, stocks have seen those very headlines-and priced them in already.

You can apply the same logic to the rest of today's list of allegedly overlooked risks, like an ECB taper, Brexit, the debt ceiling and others. With so much media coverage, it is impossible to say investors are unaware of them or their alleged impact. But markets reflect the wisdom, opinions and predictions of all investors. That is more brainpower collectively than any supercomputer can muster. Markets are telling us, based on all available information, that these aren't the bogeymen headlines make them out to be.

Volatility, meanwhile, comes and goes without rhyme or reason. Assigning meaning is usually futile, and even if you could identify a probable cause, it doesn't mean you should act. Even larger corrections-short, sharp, sentiment-driven declines of 10 - 20%-are fleeting, and selling after volatility raises the risk you miss the bounce.

Our advice: Whether or not volatility escalates, focus on whether your long-term financial goals require owning stocks. If so-and if the present bull market has life in it yet, as we believe it does-don't heed warnings stocks are ignoring huge risks. Markets don't get everything right all the time, but they're always pricing in probabilities. Trust them on that.
Working at cross-purposes. (Photo by eelnosiva/iStock.)

Disclaimer: As always, our political commentary is intended to be nonpartisan. We favor no party nor any politician, and neither do markets. We assess developments solely for their potential market impact.

In the dog days of summer, the last thing anyone wants is more hot air, but that's exactly what politicians are giving us. Thankfully, it has a silver lining, and yes we know we're mixing metaphors: All the squabbling and posturing amounts to gridlock, which lowers legislative risk and makes stocks happy-even as people mostly hate it. The less gets done, the less markets have to worry about sweeping change creating winners and losers.

After last year's elections gave Republicans the White House and Congress, many expected an avalanche of new legislation and policies. Investors' opinions were fairly polarized. Some cheered the prospect of tax cuts, infrastructure spending and changes to the Affordable Care Act and Dodd-Frank, while others feared the same, anticipating ballooning deficits and regulatory chaos. Yet six months into the new administration, very little has happened. The Trump administration hasn't done anywhere near as much as folks hoped or feared. While some are disappointed (and some cheered), for markets, we think it's an underappreciated positive-and not because any of the GOP's proposals were inherently bad. Rather, all major change, regardless of the party drafting it, risks creating winners and losers, which raises legislative risk for markets when things happen inside the Beltway. Stocks don't enjoy it when property rights change, and regulations and taxes are key ways of changing them. Investors now have a good sense of President Trump's relative political muscle, and gridlock is blocking radical change. For stocks, this should bring relief.

ACA Unchanged

Two of the administration's flagship pledges-health care and tax reform-are withering on the vine. After numerous incarnations, the latest Affordable Care Act replacement bill has all but died, rejected by Senate Republicans. A House attempt to repeal and replace similarly failed in March. Leadership revived it in May and passed it, but by June the new bill wasn't gaining much traction in the Senate and was deemed "too harsh" by the president. So the Senate launched its own effort, which has also fallen short-despite Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's best shot, with four GOP Senators signaling opposition. It takes only three breaking ranks to kill a bill. McConnell said they would try simply repealing Obamacare with a two-year delay-time to draft a suitable replacement-but a similar House approach earlier this year already failed. And an early tally suggests Senate Republicans lack the votes needed to pass it.

An Obamacare replacement may still eventually pass but, if so, likely in much reduced form. Bipartisan support for a compromise bill is also possible-though a low likelihood-and they probably wouldn't agree on anything radical. Some see this as negative, believing the ACA is poison and has to go. Others see it as positive, fearing the disruption that could accompany repeal if it leads to a big increase in uninsured patients and upheaval for insurers. This is obviously a matter of debate, but the thing is, stocks price in all these opinions, and they've decided to rally. Health Care has outperformed bigly this year. Why is always harder to know than what, but we suspect it's because the uncertainty associated with potential change is fading. For better or worse, markets know what they're dealing with. Love or loathe the ACA, stocks have done fine since it passed in March 2010.

Tax Reform: Same Song, Different Verse

With ACA reform flailing at best, people's attentions are turning to tax reform. Presumably, it's a more popular policy with widespread appeal among the Republican base, which should make passage easier. Perhaps! However, we see a few confounding monkey wrenches. Although folks love a good tax cut, lawmakers often insist on making them "revenue neutral," lest anyone accuse them of "Voodoo Economics" if they try to argue growth will eventually pay for them. Hence, "tax cuts" become a matter of closing loopholes and axing deductions to offset rate cuts, which is no easy task. After all, politicians' primary goal is to get re-elected, and a good way to lose someone's vote is to take away their favorite handout.

Some lawmakers want to pay for corporate tax cuts with a border-adjustment tax. But big importers-such as major retailers-who might suddenly face high tax bills are opposed. Their home-state Senators aren't on board. There are also proposals to offset rate cuts by closing loopholes like corporate interest tax deductions. Armies of tax lawyers (and political donors) aren't terribly amused. A tax amnesty on repatriated corporate earnings sounds nice at first blush, potentially bringing mountains of money back here to fuel investment. But there has been talk that this would come at the expense of deferred taxation of future foreign profits-they'd be taxed immediately upon recognition, whether home or abroad. Not exactly win-win.

There are similar tradeoffs on the individual tax side. The Trump administration proposed cutting the number of tax brackets and cutting rates to some unspecified levels, but they'd also do away with most deductions (mortgage interest and retirement contributions would still get favorable treatment). On the chopping block: Deduction of state income taxes from federal returns. Good luck getting lawmakers from high-tax states to vote for that.

Pro-Market Gridlock Intact

Investors might be disappointed with a lack of tax reform, but it has always been a myth that tax cuts are uber-bullish. Returns following tax cuts vary-US fiscal policy is just one driver. Plus, the proposals as outlined would create winners and losers. Prospect theory tells us reordering winners and losers can be a headwind. Because losers feel more than twice as much pain as winners enjoy their gains, net negativity can weigh on markets as consequences unfold. If tax reform happened and made investors really happy, and they eventually had to face a reality that wasn't so good as they thought, it could set up some disappointment for markets.

Gridlock eases this risk, and investors now have a pretty good sense of it-even more than they did when Trump took office. One argument back then was that despite the Republicans' divisions and slim edge, Art of the Deal author Trump could strike bargains galore. Six months later it's clear this hasn't happened and his political capital has fallen, giving lawmakers less incentive to fall in line. The less businesses and investors have to fear property rights changing, the more willing they usually are to take risk-and risk-taking is what ultimately powers investment, economies and markets.
MARTINSVILLE  The Monogram Loves Kids Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Monogram Foods, recently awarded a total of $30,000 in grants to eight area charities.

American 102 Youth Foundation was awarded $10,000 to provide students with basic tools for success in school, including food, clothes and even scholarship money.

Grace Network of Martinsville and Henry County was awarded $5,000 to buy basic hygiene products for under-resourced and impoverished families.

Charity League of Martinsville and Henry County was awarded $5,000 to buy Christmas Cheer presents for more than 359 children.

The Community Fellowship was awarded $5,000 to buy backpacks, shoes and school supplies for more than 2,000 students with insufficient resources.

Weekend Meal Coalition for Gretna and Mt. Airy was awarded $2,000 to buy meals for students to take home over the weekend when they dont have access to meals at school.

First United Methodist Church in Martinsville was awarded $1,000 to provide meals to hungry children during school breaks over the holidays.

Community Storehouse was awarded $1,000 to provide weekend meal bags to children in need.

Blue Ridge Regional Library Foundation was awarded $1,000 to help fund a new bookmobile that would allow the library to provide books to children all over Patrick County who may not have access to transportation to get to the library.

Carrie Metzger, Charity League president, said the Charity League established a relationship with Christmas Cheer and the Salvation Army to provide Christmas gifts for children ages 11 to 17.

These are the group of children who have aged out of the aforementioned groups. Last year we provided 359 children in this age group with Christmas presents. Metzger said.

The Salvation Army and Christmas Cheer provide the Charity League with a list that has the gender, ages, needs and wants of children.

The presents are things like hygiene products, socks, underwear and other basic needs. The majority of the children are asking for what we would consider needs as their want item. Metzger said.

We are so excited to receive this grant so that we can continue to serve the children of Martinsville and Henry County, she said.

Cindy Cox, the chair of this program, has worked really hard to secure funds so that we are able to increase each year the number of children 11-17 we are able to serve, Metzger said. Families now have a means to provide a Christmas for their older children. These older children are now able to receive much-needed items in a way that wont make them feel awkward or embarrassed.

It is an honor to be the president of an organization of dedicated women who care for our community's children -- women who will see a need and work tirelessly to meet that need, Metzger added.

Tracy Hinchcliff, executive director of Grace Network, said she was very pleased to hear the grant has been awarded.

We are very grateful, she added.

The funds at Grace Network will be used to provide deodorant, soap, clothes and dish detergents, tooth brushes and tooth paste for people who qualify for crisis food assistance, Hinchcliff said. Many of the people Grace Network serves also receive help from the Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program, which does not include hygiene items, only food, she added.

Hinchcliff said during the 2016-17 fiscal year (from July to June), Grace Network assisted 1,608 families with food, providing more than $110,000 worth of food.

She said the group is unique among local food pantries, because it helps people in financial crisis, rather than on an ongoing basis. The aim is to help people get back on their feet, she said.

Meanwhile, at Community Storehouse, the $1,000 grant will be used to help fund the Foods for Kids school backpack program.

That will be enough money to sponsor five children this school year, said Travis Adkins, the groups executive director.

Community Storehouses website says: The Food for Kids: School Backpack Program makes a difference in the lives of impoverished families by providing free weekly deliveries of child-friendly, nutritious food to local schools for children referred to the program by teachers and counselors. The program provides easily prepared meals to utilize during weekends away from other resources, such as free breakfast and lunch programs. This program serves Henry County and Martinsville City public schools.

The program serves on average about 1,200 children, Adkins said. He said more sponsors are definitely needed.

Rick Ward, director of the Blue Ridge Regional Library, said its $1,000 grant will go toward replacing a bookmobile in Patrick County that is almost 20 years old.

We are very thankful for the grant. We thank Monogram Foods greatly, Ward said. We really, really appreciate and are thankful for everything we get. We thank Monogram Foods for supporting our community.

The library is trying to raise a total of $185,000 to $200,000 to replace the bookmobile. More than $1,000 has been raised so far, Ward said.

Linda Adams, director of the childrens food ministry at First United Methodist Church in Martinsville, said its $1,000 grant will help provide meals for 90 to 100 needy children from Albert Harris, Patrick Henry and Campbell Court elementary schools during school breaks over the holidays. She said she is tickled to death about the grant.

Its a sad situation when our kids dont have food, she said.

Among the items that are provided to children are pop-top canned items (such as beef stew, beans and franks, green beans and corn, and fruits); juices; cereals; cereal bars; microwavable macaroni and cheese; milk in small cartons that dont have to be refrigerated; and snacks such as fruit rollups.

Alix de Witt, communications coordinator for Monogram Foods, said the eight grant recipients are headquartered within 100 miles of the Monogram Snacks Martinsville plant at 200 Knauss Drive. A committee of Monogram Snacks Martinsville team members decided how to allocate grant funds without influence from upper management. There were 29 applications for funding in all.

The Monogram Loves Kids Foundation (MLKF) was created in 2010 as part of Monogram Foods commitment to give back to the communities in which we do business, DeWitt said. Since inception, Monogram has made almost $1 million in donations to children and family-based charities across the country. Monogram Foods, its shareholders, team members, and vendors believe in sharing their resources and reinvesting in the communities where we live and work.

Through the Monogram Loves Kids Foundation, we are passionately committed to supporting organizations that focus on vital community needs and issues centered on children and their families, she added. Local team members decide to which organizations Monogram Loves Kids gives grants. Our hope is that giving at the local level by people who live in that community will enable our grant dollars to make the greatest quality impact on bettering the lives of children and families.
I have written often in this column about the modern filibuster/cloture rule. Unlike the classic filibuster, in which a senator might take to the floor for hours to speak on an issue, the modern rule allows a senator to put a secret hold on a bill without having to go to the floor to explain his or her objections. And under the rules, the motion to proceed to debate can be filibustered, meaning the bill might not be debated on the floor at all.

President Trump made news on July 29 by taking to his Twitter feed and blasting the Senates filibuster rules. The President agrees with me and is right to be frustrated. As long as the Senate maintains the modern filibuster/cloture rule, it is sidelining Congress as one of the three branches of government and standing in the way of solving some of our countrys problems.

President Trump pointed out, Many great Republican bills will never pass, like Kate's Law and complete Healthcare. Kates Law, a bill to increase penalties on illegal immigrants who unlawfully reenter our country after being removed previously, is a great example of the harm caused by the modern filibuster/cloture rule. In 2016, 55 of the 100 senators voted to open debate on Kates Law, but the motion still failed. Not only did the bill not pass the Senate, but its merits were not even debated on the floor! In this instance, the rules allowed opponents of Kates Law to avoid explaining on the floor of the Senate why they wanted to protect illegal aliens who repeatedly violated our immigration laws.

In 2017, the House has already sent Kates Law over to the Senate, where it will likely never be debated because of the modern filibuster/cloture rule.

One doesnt have to agree with President Trump on the issues to see the problems the filibuster poses for our democratic republic. I advocated the repeal of the modern filibuster/cloture rule even when the President was one I didnt agree with, President Obama.

The electorate doesnt send senators to Washington to avoid tough votes. It does send elected representatives to Washington to solve problems in accord with the will of the majority  not a supermajority. The modern filibuster rule has already eroded public confidence in all of Congress. If a minority of 40 senators continues to obstruct solutions, confidence in our institutions will further erode.

In this Congress, the House has passed legislation that improves our economy, gets Americans back to work, and moves us toward solutions on other problems, but a minority in the Senate has continued to obstruct and delay. According to Congress.gov as of August 1, the House of Representatives has passed 292 bills so far this year. In contrast, the Senate has only passed 42 bills. In the absence of action by the Senate, the problems facing the country will only worsen.

Some have pointed out that in attempting to repeal Obamacare, the Senate was in fact operating on a 51-vote threshold instead of the 60-vote rule. But the 51-vote threshold for legislation is only available in highly particular situations under the complex process called reconciliation. Knowing that Democrats wouldnt cooperate on repealing and replacing Obamacare, in order to make health insurance more affordable, the bill had to be carefully tailored to fit the reconciliation rules and qualify for the 51-vote threshold. It is maddening for Congress only to be able to solve problems under an arcane reconciliation process.

Trying to comply with the rules on reconciliation, particularly the Senate interpretations, made it harder to reach a deal in the House and apparently made it impossible to reach a compromise in the Senate.

This year had some minor progress when the 60-vote threshold for Supreme Court nominations was abolished after a minority threatened to obstruct the eminently-qualified Neil Gorsuch. Doing away with that part of the rule was good for our country. If we want to make progress on the difficult issues facing America, the Senate must go further and scrap the modern filibuster/cloture rule entirely.

Morgan Griffith serves as the representative for Virginias 9th district in the U.S. House
TODAYS WORD is carte blanche (kart blansh). Example: It was a bad idea to give Cookie Monster carte blanche at the Keebler factory.

THURSDAYS WORD was lumbar. It means relating to the lower part of the back. Example: When the attorney asked the victim if he had been attacked in the woods, he replied, No, you idiot, I said he punched me in the lumbar region.

Bassett breakfast

The Bassett Ruritan Club on Philpott Dam Road will have their monthly breakfast this Saturday, running from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. The breakfast is all you can eat, including sausage, fried bologna, gravy, biscuits, eggs, apples, pancakes made to order, juice and coffee. The cost is $6.

PC Coalition

The monthly meeting of the Patrick County Community Coalition will be held from 12-1:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the Patrick Henry Community College Community Room. The coalition will be welcoming Liza Dobson, the Healthy Food Retail Coordinator for Virginia Tech, as its guest speaker for the meeting. Dobson works within the Food Access and Availability Initiative, designed to ensure that all Virginians have access to enough healthy food. Anyone interested in learning more about the Healthy Food Retail program or in joining the efforts of the Patrick County Community Coalition is welcome to attend the event. Bring a bagged lunch.

TODAY IS: National Son and Daughter Day

Today is a day to spend time with your children and let them know that you are glad they are part of your life. Share family stories, listen to the events of their day, and enjoy spending as much quality time with them as you can.

Family reunion

The annual reunion of the descendants of John and Priscilla Burge Tatum of Patrick County will be held Aug. 20 at Nettle Ridge United Methodist Church. Thats over at 70 Nettle Ridge Loop in Stuart. Lunch will be at 1 p.m. in the social hall, with drinks and paper products provided by the reunion committee.

TRIVIA QUESTION: What unusual source funded the creation of the first CAT scan machine?

THURSDAYS TRIVIA ANSWER: If you wanted to reconstruct the path that Meriwether Lewis and William Clark took on their 28-month journey to the Pacific Ocean, what would you look for? The answer: Traces of mercury. Explorers venturing across the untamed countryside for more than two years need to pack plenty of medicine, and if those explorers are going to be living off hardtack biscuits and wild game, one of those medicines should probably be a laxative. Lewis and Clark packed 600 of Dr. Rushs Bilious Pills, each of which contained 10 grains of calomel, a rare element also known as Mercurous chloride. The mercury in the pills would have made them very effective  in fact, the pills were popularly and horrifyingly known as thunderclappers  but we know today that they were also toxic to humans. Since mercury doesnt decompose, traces of the element can still be detected even now in the latrine pits Lewis and Clark left behind on their journey, making it possible to trace their route with a great degree of accuracy more than 200 years later.
Howlin' Wolf, Joe Cocker and James Taylor. That's just the start of Mitch Chakour's formidable discography.



The guitarist, keyboardist and vocalist will headline Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival's Nadim's Urban Roots Stage on Saturday night, capping off a full day of music at the festival's newest expansion.



Chakour recently caught up with the Republican to discuss how, roughly one year ago, his set - a family effort alongside children Alex and Alecia - began to slowly come together.



"Last year, my son, Alex, was playing with the Eric Krasno Band at the festival. Of course, my wife and I were there, and my son said he was playing at the afterparty," he said.





Never one to back down from a good jam, Chakour said Krasno asked him to play a few tunes.



"Eric asked me to sit in with him. [Festival organizer] Evan Plotkin was there. Later on, he gave me a call about putting together something for the afterparty this year," said Chakour. "My wife said to me, 'I think the kids are going to be up that weekend,' and before I knew it, my daughter really took over planning for the show."



Chakour, quick to note the musical accomplishments of his children, said concertgoers could expect, above all else, a fun time between the family-driven band.



"Alex, plays mostly with Charles Bradley and the Extraordinaires. He played bass with Sharon Jones. The whole Dap-Tone organization is great. They've got such a work ethic," he said. "Alecia is out right now with the Tedeschi-Trucks Band. She got very close with Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi and joined up with them a couple years ago."



And that's not to mention Chakour's own staggering resume.



"I've been in the area since 1973. My band, the Mission Band, played the Rusty Nail and everywhere across New England. It was a great time. You could play in the valley and never need to leave," he said. "I've worked with Bonnie Raitt, and before I moved out here I worked at Joe's Place in Boston. I was the house guitar player."



Chakour said that experience alone provided a jazz, folk and roots-infused history lesson on the history of music.



"For five nights a week, I'd be playing with Howlin' Wolf and Hubert Sumlin used to stay at my house. I started playing with James Taylor in 1977 and got a call from a guy who worked with Joe Cocker and spent the next five years with him as his pianist and music director," he said.





As for the Jazz & Roots Festival, Chakour said he's excited to be part of it - and that the music itself has been part of his entire family for as long as he can recall.



My kids have been steeped in that music for as long as they can remember. It's what I do. Alicia used to come to the studio when I was working in Connecticut with Earth, Wind and Fire's horn section. They know more about this old music than I do at this point. So, we're going to go down, have a great time, and go to the afterparty, jamming and seeing what's going to happen," said Chakour.



Mitch Chakour and family will perform at 7:15 on Saturday night at Nadim's Urban Roots Second Stage. For more information, visit https://springfieldjazzfest.com/schedule/
Editor's note: This story was first published 25 years ago as part of a series marking the 50th anniversary of World War II through the eyes of Western Massachusetts residents and veterans. Additional stories from the series will be published in the months ahead.

They were Charlie, Trow and Jinx - three hometown boys from West Springfield.

Charles J. Barcomb, George F. Trowbridge Jr. and Thomas F. Powers.

They were in their early 20s. Two were factory workers, and one was a yard clerk for the Boston & Albany Railroad.

After they heard President Franklin D. Roosevelt declare war on Japan on Dec. 8, 1941, they volunteered for the Marine Corps.

They went to boot camp together at Parris Island. And, then, the three volunteered again, this time to train as Marine Raiders, a brand-new fighting outfit fashioned after the famed British commandos.

From Quantico, Virginia, to San Diego, California, to the South Pacific, the West Side group prepared for war together.



In early August 1942, they were still together, members of the same platoon in the near 1,000-member battalion of leathernecks that is among the most famous in Marine history - the 1st Marine Raiders.



It was 75 years ago tomorrow that two of the trio, Barcomb and Trowbridge, were killed on a beach on Tulagi, one of the Solomon Islands.

It was there and on neighboring Guadalcanal that U.S. forces staged their first offensive of World War II. Though it would take Marines only three days to control Tulagi, a six-months battle for Guadalcanal would follow.

Powers was 72 years old and still the owner of the landmark cafe-restaurant on Route 20 in his hometown that bears his name when he talked to The Republican 25 years ago to mark the 50th anniversary of World War II. He remembered the loss of his friends as if it were yesterday.

"They never knew life," he said. "These kids sacrificed so much, and, in the prime of their lives, they were snuffed out."

To the day he died at the age of 83 in 2003, Powers wondered what would have become of them if they had lived.

"Trow was an exceptionally high-type guy. He would have gone a long way," Powers said. "All the time, I wonder would they have married. Would they have had families?"

In 1982, Powers and some fellow Raider veterans retraced their steps from their Quantico training ground to the Pacific islands where they put themselves in prime physical shape and practiced landings on beaches with rubber rafts.

The group had been in Fiji when they were advised their targets on Aug. 7, 1942, would be Tulagi and Guadalcanal, Powers said, recalling the excitement and anticipation that came with the news. "We'd been training for so long. Everyone was excited," he said.

Powers and Trowbridge were together in one company, while Barcomb was in another, he said.

They landed to find hundreds of Japanese who fought fiercely to maintain their stronghold on the island, Powers said. "None of them quit. None surrendered. That first night on Tulagi was one of the worst nights any of us had."

Trowbridge was hit in a firefight around 10 p.m., Powers said, remembering how he approached a doctor to find out about his friend's condition. "He told me, 'Son, he's not going to make it.'"

Later, he went looking for Barcomb, only to be told "Charlie was killed just after he hit the beach."

"The only thing I could think of was our parents. The two of them were gone just like that," Powers said with a snap of his fingers. "I didn't know what to do. What could you do? They were dead."

Powers would go on with the battalion to serve on Guadalcanal and later in New Georgia where he was shot, a battle wound for which he was awarded the Purple Heart.

Trowbridge is buried at Arlington National Cemetery while Barcomb's body was returned home to West Springfield and is buried in St. Thomas Cemetery.

When Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6714 was formed in West Side in 1947, it was named in honor of the two hometown heroes as the Barcomb-Trowbridge Post. Powers served as the post's second commander.
LONGMEADOW - Congregation B'nai Torah has named Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe, a noted scholar, author and lecturer, as its next rabbi.

The Newton resident succeeds Rabbi Max Davis as the spiritual leader of the Modern Orthodox congregation. Davis, who had served the congregation's some 185 families for seven years, left last August with his family to become leader of a congregation in Minnesota.

"B'nai Torah is a wonderful community of committed and intelligent people, who are passionate about their Judaism. I am looking forward to helping the community grow in depth and breadth," Yaffe said.

Robert Kushner, a member of the temple's board, called the Brooklyn-born Yaffe, who received his rabbinic ordination from that New York borough's Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch, in 1989, "warm and welcoming."

"Rabbi Yaffe is a renown international figure who we are honored to have come forward and express interest in the pulpit here in the Springfield-Longmeadow area," said Kushner, a member of the temple's board.

"He was received unanimously to be a part of our synagogue and broader community. We felt that his knowledge and experience would be a great addition to our synagogue. We have two campuses - one on Eunice Drive in Longmeadow and one on Sumner Avenue - and we felt he would be an overall great benefit to Pioneer Valley Jewry."

Yaffe has studied abroad where he has been a visiting scholar, including at the European Synagogue in Brussels. He did advanced post-rabbinic studies in such areas as medical ethics and Kosher supervision at the Leeds (England) Kollel, from 1990-1992, where he created a community academy for adult members interested in in-depth studies.

He was also visiting scholar for Chabad at Harvard University, where, he said, he had the opportunity "to engage with a lot of incredible young people who will have a huge positive influence in many countries in the future."

Yaffe said his particular areas of interest involve Judaic law and contemporary issues.

"The intersections of the concerns created by contemporary legal, scientific, medical, public and foreign policy issues with the ethics and values presented in three and a half millennia of Judaic law and thought," Yaffe said.

He was asked how Hasidism, a movement within Orthodox Judaism that has preserved an earlier way of life for many of its followers, a number of whom live in Brooklyn, has influenced him.

"To see the unique and irreplaceable value of each individual. To look at the potential of each person, not where they seem to be right now. To always stand together with my fellows in support, not to - God forbid - sit in judgment," Yaffe said.

"To see Judaism as joyous and pleasurable."
Christopher Condron and Jessica Metivier were to be reimbursed $50 million by the U.S. Treasury Department for the hundreds of millions they spent on green facilities over the span of four years.

The only problem, prosecutors allege, is the duo didn't plan or build anything.

According to an indictment unsealed in federal court in Boston Thursday, Condron and Metivier, an Acton couple, have been charged with defrauding the U.S. Treasury Department for more than $50 million in tax free energy grants. They also face three counts of wire fraud.

The indictment alleges that Condron and Metivier submitted false applications for grants related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The grants were made to reimburse businesses that invested in "specified energy property," such as wind farms and gasification systems.

The Acton couple submitted applications on behalf of four different Massachusetts energy companies. For each application, prosecutors allege, Condron and Metivier lied about different their plans to build, acquire or place in to service several different energy properties.

Prosecutors highlighted an $88 million gasification system and an $84 million wind farm the couple claimed to have built in order to receive reimbursement from the Treasury Department. To support their applications, the duo allegedly submitted the fraudulent documentation to a Massachusetts-based lawyer, who sent them to the Treasury Department on their behalf.

Based on these alleged costs, Condron and Metivier asked the government for $50 million to recover some of the costs. Prosecutors say the duo received $8 million in grants.

The couple was released Wednesday after appearing in Boston federal court. It is unclear when they are expected to return.
The director of a Massachusetts funeral home has surrendered his license after a family unknowingly buried a stranger and a second family held a four-hour wake with a stranger in the casket, according to a complaint known to MassLive.



A family at an open-casket wake of a loved one in early June quickly realized their late family member was not the person in the casket on display.



In realizing the error, the management of Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home in Norwood soon knew nothing could be done about it at the time.

The body that should have been at the funeral home had been buried earlier in the day. The mix up was apparently so complete the two body's were wearing one another's clothes.



It's yet unknown who made the decision to go ahead with the wake, but the event continued as scheduled for the next four hours -- only the casket was closed to avoid disturbing the mourners.



A Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure investigation into the events is ongoing at the present time.



George Kornack, longtime director and owner of the Washington Street funeral home, gave up his professional license on July 27, Chris Goetcheus, a spokesperson for the professional licensure division, confirmed to MassLive.





Kornack's son John, the co-owner and co-director of the funeral home for some time, has taken command of operations, Goetcheus said.



"The board that is considering the facts of this open investigation has the latitude to suspend a license, to revoke a license, or to institute fines -- all of these are at its disposal," Goetcheus said.



The buried body has since been exhumed and given a burial under the proper name, and a second burial ceremony was held for the late party who, instead of being buried the morning in question, ended up in the casket at another man's wake.
Four groups are looking to open new charter schools in Massachusetts and four existing charter schools are hoping to boost their enrollment. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said Thursday it received proposals for new schools in Lynn, Haverhill, New Bedford and Lawrence.

The state's existing 78 charter schools serve more than 42,000 students -- 4.5 percent of all the public school students in Massachusetts. If approved, the four proposed new schools would serve an additional 2,168 students and the charter expansions would accommodate nearly 3,200 students.

"I am pleased that groups continue to be interested in opening high-quality charter schools, because we know that there are still many more children interested in attending a charter school than there are available charter seats," Acting Commissioner Jeff Wulfson said in a statement.

The proposals are the first step in the process to opening a charter school. The department will announce by mid-September which groups, if any, will be invited to submit full proposals due by Nov. 1. Early next year, Wulfson will decide which finalists to recommend to the state board of education.

A charter school is a public school that operates independently of any school committee under a five-year charter granted by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. The school is governed by a board of trustees and has freedom in regards to its core mission, budget, and hiring and firing of staff. If the school does not produce positive results within five years, the charter is not renewed.

The proposals for new schools come after the dust has settled around a fiery charter school debate sparked by a 2016 ballot question. A proposed law to lift the state's cap on charter schools was defeated by voters after it raised questions about school choice, class and the use of public funds.

The state's existing cap on charter schools limits a district's net school spending on charter school tuition to 9 percent. That rule is different for the state's lowest performing districts, where the charter tuition cap is double: 18 percent. If more than 9 percent of net school spending goes to charter school tuition in those low performing districts, charter school officials applying to open a new school or expand an existing one must demonstrate they are "proven providers" with a track record of strong performance, especially for high-need students, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said.

Three of the four proposals for new schools would have to show they are "proven providers" because their districts have reached the cap. Those schools include Equity Lab Charter School, looking to serve 640 students in grades 5 through 12 in Lynn, and New Bedford Cheironeum, proposing to serve 1,008 students in grades 6 through 12.

Phoenix Charter School, which already operates in Chelsea and Springfield, is looking to open a third charter school in Lawrence for 250 students in grades 9 through 12. Phoenix Charter School only needed to submit a letter of intent at this stage in the process because the school's trustees already operate in the state. It will still need to demonstrate it is a "proven provider" due to the tuition cap.

Massachusetts Wildflower Montessori Charter School, which wants to serve 270 children from kindergarten to eighth grade in Haverhill, does not need to demonstrate "proven provider" status because that city is under the 9 percent cap.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education also received four requests to expand charter schools. Three are from schools in the western part of the state and one is from a Lynn charter school. If all four schools were granted expansions, they would create space for 3,196 new charter school students.

Holyoke Community Charter Public School would like to add a high school and bump enrollment from 702 seats to 1,141 seats. The school also seeks to add Chicopee, South Hadley and West Springfield to its region. The school unsuccessfully requested expansions in 2010 and 2013.

KIPP Lynn, which serves 1,586 students from kindergarten to grade 12, wants to add 1,014 seats. The school has been granted expansions in the past, though not always on the first try. It began a middle school and grew over time, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education spokeswoman Jacqueline Reis said.

The Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, which serves a bevy of Western Massachusetts cities and towns, wants to significantly bump up its enrollment by adding 452 seats to its existing 584-student limit. The Chinese Immersion school has unsuccessfully requested to expand in previous years.

Veritas Preparatory Charter School in Springfield, which serves 324 students in grades 5 through 8, wants to add 108 seats. The school submitted a larger request last year but withdrew it, Reis said.

To determine whether to grant an expansion, the commissioner and the board will consider the success of the school's academic program, organizational viability, faithfulness to the terms of its charter and the availability of existing seats under current limits. The department will consider comments from school superintendents and members of the public within each charter school's proposed district or region. Comments on new school proposals will be heard in the final application stage.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved three new charter schools in February. The state granted charters to Hampden Charter School of Science - West in Westfield to open in 2018, Map Academy Charter School in Plymouth to open in 2018 and Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School to open in the fall.

The board also granted expansions to Foxborough Regional Charter School, Boston Collegiate Charter School, Boston Preparatory Charter School and Sturgis Charter Public School in Hyannis. Additional expansions were granted to Alma del Mar Charter School in New Bedford, Community Charter School of Cambridge and a temporary increase in enrollment for UP Academy Charter School of Dorchester. In total, the expansions added about 1,000 charter slots.
Bozeman is a rapidly growing city with a high quality of life in part due to the easy access to the outdoors, burgeoning tech industry, and cultural experiences it offers.
Every metro area in the U.S. has strong industry clusters

that are readily identifiable and reflect the unique compet



itive advantages of the regionOil and Gas in Houston,

Automotive in Detroit, and Financial Services in New York

City are just a few examples. These clusters represent the

backbone of their metro economies. The importance of

clusters to regional competitiveness and economic

performance was first established in the 1990s. Since

then, research has shown that the co-location of busi



nesses in clusters increases the productivity of compa



nies and job creation, drives innovation, stimulates the

formation of new businesses, and supports the survival

and growth of small businesses.

WHAT IS A CLUSTER?

A cluster includes closely related and intercon



nected industries operating within a specific geog-

raphy. The companies operating within a cluster are

connected by a shared workforce, supply chain, cus



tomers or technologies. Every cluster includes core

businesses and industries, and the companies that

support them, which forms a mutually beneficial

business ecosystem. Clusters occur organically and

reflect the unique assets and core competencies of

a given region that create unique competitive

advantages for certain industries.

Full Report: http://icic.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/JPMC-Cluster-Report_Building-Strong-Clusters_FINAL_v2.pdf?utm_source=BioSTL+Newsletter&utm_campaign=17a0af5d7a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_08_10&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9f16d16a6c-17a0af5d7a-313248737&mc_cid=17a0af5d7a&mc_eid=57bdf9817c
Americas smaller cities are winning people back with an explosion of new residential and entertainment options. Now they need to get serious about private sector job growthand tech isnt the silver bullet.

by Aaron M. Renn

Full Story: http://www.newgeography.com/content/005710-smaller-american-cities-need-focus-private-sector-job-growth-downtown?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Newgeography+%28Newgeography.com+-+Economic%2C+demographic%2C+and+political+commentary+about+places%29
Ross Parsons is surprised more people dont go into teaching.

But it wasnt his original plan, either. Parsons first career was a river ranger for the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.

This fall, hell teach sixth-grade language arts and social studies at Ernest Hemingway STEAM School in Ketchum  the school he attended as a child.

Parsons has friends who are hardworking, intelligent and personable and get along well with children, he said, but "teaching was just never on their radar, unfortunately."

That factor may contribute to Idahos statewide teacher shortage.

By Julie Wootton

Full Story: http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/aug/06/idaho-schools-try-new-tactics-to-combat-teacher-sh/
#World University Games Chuncheong named host of 2027 World University Games The South Korean central region of Chungcheong was named the host of the 2027 Summer World University Games on Saturday, bringing the biennial event to the country for the fourth t...

#first lady First lady visits home of Cambodian child with heart disease First lady Kim Keon-hee visited the home of a Cambodian child with a heart disease Saturday and comforted the family, urging them not to give up under any circumstances, the presid...
MORGANTON -- A study is underway by RTI International of Raleigh to examine the future impacts of land use changes on the water resources of the Catawba-Wateree Basin.

Funded by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group and a grant to Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, on behalf of the Catawba-Wateree Initiative, from Duke Energys Water Resources Fund, the study will provide recommendations on best practices and conservation targets to cost-effectively protect water quantity and quality throughout the Catawba-Wateree Basin.

The Catawba-Wateree River, which flows from the mountains of North Carolina to the coastal plain of South Carolina, supplies drinking water for more than 2 million people and generates enough power for 3.7 million homes. It supports a rapidly growing economy and provides recreation opportunities and an elevated quality of life in a region of nearly 5,000 square miles.

A draft of the final report is anticipated in 2018. In the meantime, Foothills Conservancy has secured a grant from the EPAs Healthy Watershed Consortium program to hire a new staff position with the purpose of creating an action plan based upon the studys reporting and recommendations.

In 2013, Foothills Conservancy, Catawba Lands Conservancy and The Conservation Fund formed the Catawba-Wateree Initiative to take advantage of what the partners viewed as a finite window of time to protect important watershed lands and forests essential to water supply within the Catawba-Wateree Basin. The Catawba-Wateree Initiatives goal is to collaborate with diverse stakeholders in the Catawba-Wateree Basin to create a permanent means of identifying and funding conservation of watershed lands that are critical to present and future water needs.

Although we tend to think of our region as water-rich, the water here is a finite resource that needs protection to secure future supplies, said Andrew Kota, associate director of Foothills Conservancy. Protecting watershed lands and forests around streams is one of several options in a multi-barrier approach to protect the source of our regions water. We believed it was time for our conservation groups to seek a strong partnership with the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group and work together toward a healthy and reliable source of water that drives a high quality of life, underpins economic prosperity, and supports multiple uses. The RTI International study will be essential to identifying areas that are most critical for protection. We plan to take the results of the study and develop an action plan to implement its recommendations.

The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group formed during the relicensing of Duke Energys hydropower facilities on the Catawba River after modeling showed water supplies are threatened by population increases, development pressure, land use change, electricity demand, climate change, and sedimentation. The groups mission is to identify, fund, and manage projects that will help preserve, extend, and enhance the capabilities of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin to provide water resources for human needs while maintaining the ecological integrity of the waterway. It has 19 members; one member representing each of the 18 public water utilities in North and South Carolina which operate water intakes on either a reservoir in the Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project or on the main stem of the river, and one member representing Duke Energy Carolinas.

The regions land and shared water resources are integrally linkedthe use of one affects the other, said Barry Gullet, chair of the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group board of directors. The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group has made great strides to better understand the science behind this important connection. Our recently completed Water Supply Master Plan identifies actions we can take to help the river support expected economic growth through at least 2100. We are hopeful this new study will better define land and water conservation actions our members and partners can lead to keep this hard-working river strong.
Death is something that we all, sooner or later, have to face. But how do we respond to it? Why are some of us more afraid than others? And what is it, exactly, that scares us about death? We offer an overview of theories related to death anxiety, and what you can do to address it. Share on Pinterest Death is often a taboo subject, so when death anxiety comes into play, it is hard to know how to face it. To a greater or lesser extent, it is likely that we are all scared of death  whether it be the thought of our own cessation or the fear that someone we love might pass away. The thought of death is not a pleasant one, and many of us avoid such morbid musings, naturally choosing to focus on what life has to offer, as well as on our own wishes and goals, instead. Yet, as Benjamin Franklin once famously wrote, In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes, so it is no surprise that death-related worries sometimes take us by storm. Fear of death is sometimes referred to as thanatophobia, deriving from the Ancient Greek words Thanatos, the name of the god of death, and phobos, meaning fear. Notably, thanatophobia  which is called death anxiety in a clinical context  is not listed as a disorder in its own right in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Still, this rarely spoken-about anxiety has the potential to seriously affect peoples lifestyles and emotional health.

Thanatophobia: Natural or trauma-driven? Thanatophobia was first tackled by Sigmund Freud, who did not consider it to be fear of death, as such. Freud thought that we cannot truly believe in death as a real occurrence, so any death-related fears must stem from unaddressed childhood trauma. But it was the theory put forth a little later by an anthropologist called Ernst Becker that ended up informing most current understandings of death anxiety and its causes. Becker believed that death anxiety comes naturally to all people who find the thought of death and dying unacceptable. That is why, he argued, everything everyone does  the goals we set, our passions and hobbies, and the activities we engage in  is, in essence, a coping strategy, and that these are things we focus on so we that need not worry about our eventual death. Beckers work gave rise to  terror management theory  (TMT), which posits that humans must constantly deal with an internal conflict: the basic desire to live against the certainty of death. TMT emphasizes individuals self-consciousness and their drive to achieve personal goals, motivated by the awareness of mortality. Also, according to TMT, self-esteem is key for the degree to which individuals experience death anxiety. People with high self-esteem are better at managing fear of death, while people with low self-esteem are more easily intimidated by death-related situations. Some newer approaches suggest a middle way between TMT and another theory referred to as separation theory, which highlights the importance of early trauma, reinforced by an awareness of mortality later in life. Another recent approach to understanding and explaining death anxiety is that of post-traumatic growth theory (PTG). According to PTG, going through a distressing event  such as the death of a loved one or receiving a worrying health diagnosis  can actually have a positive effect, causing individuals to appreciate the small things in life a lot more, or to become more goal-oriented.

Death anxiety as a disorder Although it is likely that we will all be worried about death or a death-related situation at some time in our lives, death anxiety is only pathological when it reaches extreme levels, disrupting the normal lifestyle of an individual. One account of death anxiety  as reported by a mans worried wife  emphasizes how this kind of fear can become obsessive and get out of control. The fear is specifically of death (not pain or dying as such) and the emptiness of it (hes not religious) and the fact that he will no longer be here. [] this is an irrational, emotional fear that he has trouble controlling. Recently it has got worse  hes not sure why  but it has made him feel panicky and the thoughts have been straying into the daytime.

Who is afraid of death? Dr. Robert Kastenbaum has reviewed various psychology theories and studies related to the concept of death, outlining which populations are most likely to express a persistent fear of death. Drs. Patricia Furer and John Walker summarize the findings in an article published in the Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy. Share on Pinterest Women are more likely than men to experience death anxiety, and this tends to peak twice: once in their 20s and again in their 50s. The majority of individuals are afraid of death. Most people tend to fear death, but they usually only exhibit low to moderate levels of anxiety. Women tend to be more afraid of death than men. Additionally, a newer study has found that while death anxiety seems to surface in both women and men during their 20s, women also experience a second surge of thanatophobia when they reach their 50s. Young people are just as likely to experience death anxiety as elderly people. There appears to be some correlation between a persons educational and socioeconomic status and reduced death anxiety. No association has been found between religious engagement and reduced death anxiety. Specialists argue that more often than not, death anxiety does not come on its own, and that it is instead accompanied by another type of mental health disorder (such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder , depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder). Other studies show that people exhibiting health anxiety, or hypochondriasis, are also affected by death anxiety, as it naturally correlates with an excessive worry about health.

CBT for death anxiety At present, specialists tend to recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to people who face severe death anxiety. CBT is based on discussions and exposure, and it is often used to treat depression and many different kinds of anxiety and phobias, such as the fear of flying. Drs. Furer and Walker advise a six-step cognitive-behavioral intervention in the case of individuals dealing with death anxiety. 1. Exposure to fears Share on Pinterest Willing exposure to places and things associated with fear of death could help to counteract unhelpful mental habits. Individuals seeking to reduce their death anxiety must be convinced not only to express their fear explicitly, but also to identify what exactly it is that scares them about death, and whether there are any situations or places  such as funerals or cemeteries  that they tend to avoid so as not to trigger their fear. Drs. Furer and Walker suggest exposure (both in vivo and imaginal) to feared themes related to death, since facing elements associated with the individuals particular form of anxiety is an important part of CBT. 2. Reducing reassurance-seeking behavior This step targets the individuals tendencies to obsessively check their own body for alarming changes, to speak to mentors or respected peers seeking emotional reassurance regarding their death-related worries, and to have an abnormal reliance on idealized health and emotional aids, ranging from supplements to superstitious behavior. To prevent these unhelpful behaviors, Drs. Furer and Walker suggest postponing the target behaviors, gradually decreasing their frequency, or simply stopping the behavior altogether through response prevention homework. 3. Reviewing personal experiences It is also important to review the individuals personal experiences with death, such as having witnessed the death of a loved one or being faced with their own or someone elses life-threatening illness. Helping [them] move toward more balanced views of these issues, Drs. Furer and Walker explain, may help them cope more calmly with the prospect of death. 4. Switching focus to enjoying life Next, the individual should clearly identify their short-, medium-, and long-term goals, to be able to focus on what they want to achieve in life and how best to enjoy their experiences, rather than obsess over their fear of death. 5. Developing a healthy lifestyle The therapist must also identify and address any consistent sources of stress for the person facing death anxiety, or any other unhealthy aspects of their lifestyle that are potentially aggravating the fear. 6. Preventing anxiety relapse Finally, Drs. Furer and Walker acknowledge that, even after initial successes in diminishing death anxiety through CBT, many people experience a relapse. To prevent this from happening, they say that it is crucial to help each individual develop coping strategies for challenging situations that might re-trigger death anxiety, such as sudden illness or an emotional crisis.

Fighting death anxiety from home Recently, professionals from the funeral industry, as well as even laypeople interested in tackling death anxiety-related issues, have set up resources to help other people deal with thanatophobia. Mortician Caitlin Doughty, for instance, founded The Order of the Good Death, which is a collective of professionals from all walks of life who are dedicated to informing the public about death-related practices, and encouraging people to stare down [their] death fears. A similar initiative that has picked up steam over recent years is the Death Cafe, a project that allows people from all over the world to organize meetings wherein they explore themes of death. The Death Cafes objective is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives. In order to face death anxiety, however, one must first understand what it is, more specifically, that they fear about death. In one classical paper on thanatophobia also cited by Doughty, seven possible reasons for fear of death are indicated. Share on Pinterest Identifying your specific death-related fears could help you to tackle them pragmatically. I could no longer have any experiences. I am uncertain as to what might happen to me if there is a life after death. I am afraid of what might happen to my body after death. I could no longer care for my dependents. My death would cause grief to my relatives and friends. All my plans and projects would come to an end. The process of dying might be painful. Doughty suggests picking up to two reasons that we strongly identify with as our personal rationale for fearing death, and taking pragmatic steps to address them. If we are afraid, for instance, that someone depending on us might be left in a financial crisis after our death, then we should take steps to ensure they are provided for in that situation. In her view, being able to unpick the elements of our death anxiety and facing them separately can help us to regain our calm and be less bothered by our fears.
As researcher Albert Powers, a clinical instructor in psychiatry, explains, Hallucinations may arise from an imbalance between our expectations about the environment and the information we get from our senses. You may perceive what you expect, not what your senses are telling you.

Although the exact mechanisms behind hallucinations are not understood, there are theories that attempt to explain them. Some psychologists believe that expectation plays a large part: when a strong relationship exists between a particular sensory input and an experience, if the sensory input occurs without the experience, it can trigger a perception of the experience.

A number of psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia , involve hallucinations. Often, these hallucinations are auditory  that is, in the form of voices  and they can be incredibly disturbing for the affected individual. However, it is not only people with a psychotic illness that hear voices; in clairvoyants, for instance, they are welcomed.

A recent study investigates hallucinations using a 125-year-old experimental design. The scientists wanted to understand why many people hear voices but only some find them disturbing.

A team of scientists led by Yale University in New Haven, CT, set out to investigate this theory in more detail. They wanted to get a better understanding of auditory hallucinations and tease apart the factors that make them worrying for some and a welcome experience for others.

For instance, in earlier studies, the Yale team found that self-described voice-hearing psychics experienced similar auditory hallucinations to people with schizophrenia. The crucial difference is how these hallucinations are experienced: the psychics tended to perceive them as a positive experience.

The researchers ran the current experiment on four groups: voice-hearers (psychotic and non-psychotic) and non-voice-hearers (psychotic and non-psychotic). The non-psychotic voice-hearing group included clairaudients, which are people who claim to be able to hear voices from the spirit world.

Their findings are published this week in the journal Science .

For the study, the researchers used a procedure designed at Yale in the 1890s. Participants are presented with a visual stimulus (a checkerboard) at the same time as an auditory tone. To bring the procedure into the modern world, the participants underwent a brain scan at the same time. The tone varied in volume and sometimes it was not played at all.

The participants were asked to report when they heard the tone by pressing a button. And, by holding down the button for a longer period of time, they could signify how confident they were that they had heard the sound.

Over time, due to expectation, the individuals would report hearing a tone when they saw the checkerboard, even if the tone was not presented.

Individuals from all four groups succumbed to the hallucinations, but the effect was much more pronounced in the voice-hearing groups. Additionally, they were likely to be more confident that they had heard the tone when it was not there.

Toward the end of the trial, the researchers presented the participants with a higher percentage of no-tone trials. They found that patients with a psychotic illness, whether a voice-hearer or not, were much less likely to notice this change. Conversely, individuals without a psychotic illness were much quicker to update their expectations and beliefs about the association.
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Mark Peakman et al., Pioneering immunotherapy shows promise in type 1 diabetes, Science Translational Medicine (2017).

They observed noticeable changes in the behavior of the immune systems of type 1 diabetes patients. Professor Mark Peakman says: "When someone is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes they still typically have between 15% and 20% of their beta cells. We wanted to see if we could protect these remaining cells by retraining the immune system to stop attacking them."Dr Elizabeth Robertson, Director of Research at Diabetes UK, the charity who supported the lead author of the study, said: "Diabetes UK is committed to increasing our understanding of the immune attack in type 1 diabetes and finding ways to stop it. These new findings are an exciting step towards immunotherapies being used to prevent this serious condition from developing in those at high risk, or stop it from progressing in those already diagnosed."Injecting insulin to regulate blood glucose levels after a meal is the only treatment that is followed. But there is no cure for type 1 diabetes. Prolonged high levels of blood glucose levels and the improper management of type 1 diabetes an affect major organs in the body, including the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys.Professor Mark Peakman explains that the peptide technology used in the trial might be safe to be used as a treatment as it has a noticeable effect on the immune system. But the trial requires further investigation and the early results are promising."It was encouraging to see that people who receive the treatment needed less insulin to control their blood glucose levels, suggesting that their pancreas was working better" commented, Prof Colin Dayan from Cardiff University, the clinical Chief Investigator for the study.Karen Addington is UK Chief Executive of the type 1 diabetes charity JDRF which funded the research, said: "Exciting immunotherapy research like this increases the likelihood that one day insulin-producing cells can be protected and preserved. That would mean people at risk of Type 1 diabetes might one day need to take less insulin, and perhaps see a future where no one would ever face daily injections to stay alive."Source: Medindia
Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs G. Katrougalos and the Regional Governor of Attica Rena Dourou, as Chair of the Bid Committee, made a presentation to Greek and foreign journalists, on August 9th , of Greece's bid to host the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which is being relocated from London.

The Alternate Minister and the Regional Governor stressed that Greece has a tough battle ahead of it, as 18 other EU member states have also submitted candidacies to host the EMA, but that Greece's bid is based on a full, detailed and thoroughly documented bid file that highlights Athens' suitability and advantages in accordance with the criteria set. Greece's candidacy has many comparative advantages while also being a first-class opportunity to send a positive message of Greece's return to the core of European developments.

Mr. Katrougalos and Ms. Dourou underscored the importance and multiple tangible benefits of the EMA's relocation to Athens, not only for the promotion of an invaluable social good  the promotion of health and the safety of medicines  but also for bolstering the Greek economy and, in particular, the successful and dynamic Greek pharmaceutical industry sector.

Finally, they stressed the need for all of the country's political, social, economic and other forces to rally in support of Greece's bid to host the headquarters of the European Medicines Agency. The relevant decision will be taken at the end of November.

More information on Greece's bid is available at www.emathens.eu.
Almost every day, I hear about the threat of identity theft  a very unfortunate side effect of the digital age and free-flowing information on the world wide web.

Ive always tried my best to be careful about keeping my information secure, following tips Ive read along the way  many of those being on websites, an example of how the world wide web can be very helpful  I felt pretty secure.

Until this summer.

I was at home one evening making supper when I received a text. It was from my boss, Brian Keim, at my workplace, Laker Schools. I figured he wanted me to do something, so I read the text right away. What the text said shocked me.

He said hed received notification that I had filed for unemployment.

Is everything OK with you? his text stated.

Whoa.

I SO did NOT file for unemployment. In fact, I had just went to work earlier that day, as I work all summer, but on reduced hours.

So, who filed for unemployment disguising as me?

I texted back right away, telling him I didnt file for unemployment and that this must be a case of identity theft.

Thats why I wanted to check in with you. Something just seemed strange, Brian texted.

Yeah, youre telling me! Ive never filed for unemployment in my life.

I felt a mix of emotions  fear, anxiety, anger. What else had this person done with my identity?

I met with the districts chief financial officer, Mike Klosowski, the next day. He showed me the form he received. Yep, that was my social security number. How did this unscrupulous person get this information on me?

Mike said he had denied the request for unemployment benefits, but I figured I needed to do some damage control on my own.

I Googled, What to do if you suspect identify theft and I found some helpful articles. I started taking some action.

First, I put a fraud alert on my credit reports. I only contacted one credit reporting agency, and that agency automatically notified the other two. I checked my credit reports, and everything seemed to be OK. By putting a fraud alert on my credit reports, I put up a red flag to let lenders and creditors know they should take extra steps to verify my identity before extending credit. This stays on my credit reports for 90 days and its free.

Next, I filed an Identity Theft Affidavit with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on the FTCs website. By doing so, I received a personal recovery plan that listed steps I should take. I also filed an Identity Theft Affidavit with the Internal Revenue Service, since my social security number was compromised.

Among these steps, I also contacted the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) and found out the best way to handle the fraud report was to go to the Saginaw office and talk to a person. The woman I worked with was very nice and I was in and out of that office in 10 minutes. I completed a form and I was told the information would be sent to the fraud department for an investigation.

Unfortunately, Michigan law prohibits the UIA from telling me the results of their investigation. So Ill never know what came of this situation. My employer hasnt heard anything either.

I also visited my bank and informed them of the fraud. They said theyd do their part in keeping an eye out for suspicious activity, but they also encouraged me to keep a close eye on my accounts. I havent seen anything out of the ordinary. I also closely watch my credit card statements.

One thing I didnt do was file a police report. This step was one of the tips shared by the websites I visited, but I also heard from some people who said its a waste of time. I wouldve filed a police report if my credit card was stolen. I just didnt see the point of using up a police officers time to file a report about my social security number being fraudulently used. Police officers have enough to deal with.

So far, I havent seen any more devious activity, which is a huge relief. It still bothers me that someone deceitfully used my social security number, because I cant figure out how the person couldve nabbed it. I dont use my social security number often. The only thing I can think of is my number became compromised when I filed my taxes online. The mystery remains.

Im just very thankful that my boss made me aware of this situation right away so I could take care of it. At the time he texted me, he was on vacation, but he still took the time to contact me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

My 9-year-old son, Trenton, is bothered by the fact that well never know who pulled this stunt. Hes concerned that this person will try to do more bad things against me. I told him Im doing everything I can to handle it. He offered to find the person who did this and punch them for me, but I assured him that violence is not the answer. I just hope this dishonest person doesnt do anything else stupid with my information or anyone elses. Its amazing what people think they can get away with.
HARBOR BEACH -- Harbor Beach council members and city residents received some very unexpected news during this week's city council meeting.

As it turns out, the city received $500,000 more from the state than expected, following a presentation from auditing firm, Plante Moran.

The money is related to the way the state is dealing with the elimination of personal property taxes. These types of taxes have been lowered. The state recalculates the amount and gives a reimbursement to towns and cities in Michigan. The figures show the city was due $557,000 for the 2016-17 fiscal year.

Instead, the city has received $1,067,000.

Representing Plante Moran at the meeting was accountant Dave Helisek.

"It was a windfall," Helisek said.

He went on to say this windfall is unlikely to reoccur in the future, although it may to a lesser degree. Helisek went on to explain this fiscal year's audit was from July 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017. The nine-month audit came about when the city changed its fiscal year from July 1 to June 30. Starting on April 1, 2017, the fiscal year will be April 1 to March 31.

City treasurer Jennifer Capling warned the $500,000 addition is not really a half million dollars in the city's pocket. The city received a full year's reimbursement, but they have only paid bills for nine months. Other factors may eat into that $557,000, lowering the overall windfall.

Nonetheless, the city is financially better off than originally expected. While discussing the audit with the city, Helisek said the city's general fund balance is $2.6 million.

In unrelated business, the council closed the meeting for several minutes to hold a public hearing for public comment. The hearing was to discuss a USDA grant to help with the purchase of a new police vehicle.

Police Chief Todd Bucholtz told council the grant will be for a minimum of $15,000. It may be as high as $22,000. The exact dollar amount is not definite, although $15,000 or more will be coming to the city. After the discussion, the council returned to the regular meeting schedule.

In other business:

 The city will hire Yaroch Asphalt & Maintenance Equipment to repair culverts on Hunter Industrial Drive. DPW Superintendent Mike Jurgess solicited bids from four companies, and Yaroch was the least expensive with a price of $3,987.75.

 According to Nick Roggenbuck, Waste Water Treatment Plant supervisor, a new motor is needed at the Lincoln Park lift station. He solicited bids from three suppliers, and the best bid was from HydroDynamics. The city will purchase the motor at a price of $3,571 plus labor costs.

 Roggenbuck also solicited bids for a new autoclave. The city has agreed to purchase the autoclave at a price of $4,245.75 from Amazon. Mayor Gary Booms told council the old machine is between 25 and 30 years old. The machine will be used for sterilizing stool samples before testing.

 The Murphy Museum Law Office and the Visitor Center needs exterior painting. The city will hire a local company, Vanerian Painting, to do the job for $3,000.

The council is scheduled to meet next at 7 p.m. Aug. 21.
Ridiculous.

Unnecessary.

Absurd.

These are just a few of the words muttered around the newsroom after the local sheriffs office reported that nearly 30 kayakers had to be rescued from Lake Huron last weekend after one high-winded storm.

Kayakers didnt know their limits  and/or the limits of their kayaks. They werent vigilant regarding the weather  forecasts had been indicating the threat of storms, and Doppler radar had warned storms were forming west of the Tawas area and south, and heading toward the area.

Its so easy to monitor weather activity these days, as cell phones can obtain weather information from the National Weather Service.

Yet people continuously fail to properly review weather radar on days like last Sunday. Then theres the issue of tragedy unfolding from drowning  where time and time again, the victim isnt wearing a life jacket.

We dont believe its Upper Thumb residents who are making a habit of needing rescue from Lake Huron. As such, we have to ask ourselves: What can be done to help avoid having more kayakers in crisis?

Perhaps an organized and concerted effort needs to be made in regard to signage along the Upper Thumb.

Imagine what kind of an affect a billboard reading, Nearly 30 kayakers had to be rescued from the lake on just one day in 2017 would have on a novice heading to the shoreline with a kayak in tow.

One thing that absolutely needs to be addressed is state law. We need to have a law in place requiring all kayakers wear life jackets. And the penalties should be stiff  or at least as stiff as the penalties for not wearing a seatbelt.

Currently, Michigan law requires vessels less than 16 feet (including canoes and kayaks) be equipped with a life jacket, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Whether the life jackets are actually worn is a different thing, as boating accident statistics compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard indicate that 90 percent of the people who drown in a boating or water accident would be alive today if they had been wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident.

We are so thankful for our local sheriffs office and U.S. Coast Guard. The work they have done on Lake Huron is tireless and never-ending. But if some of the aforementioned recommendations were to have been put in place, perhaps there would have been better outcomes to some of these disastrous kayaking adventures in the Upper Thumb.

We are thankful for the benefits our local area has received from kayak activity. However, we feel something needs to be done in regard to kayaker safety.
QUANTICO, Virginia -- A former Marine drill instructor who was found guilty of accessing a recruit's Facebook page to ask his sister on a date, forcing another to do his homework, and violating various recruit training regulations will lose a rank and receive a reprimand, a military jury decided Friday.

Staff Sgt. Antonio Burke was convicted of violation of a lawful general order and of false official statement, but acquitted of cruelty and maltreatment and insubordinate conduct in a five-day general court-martial proceeding.

Burke was additionally found guilty of violating training regulations and conducting "illegal" incentive training and of failing to get proper medical attention for a recruit who passed out during training.

The jury found insufficient evidence to convict Burke of more glaring accusations, including hazing Marines with physical "incentive training" in a dusty abandoned squad bay known as "the Dungeon;" being drunk in front of recruits; and forcing recruits to slather in sunblock and roll around in a sand pit, irritating their skin.

In closing arguments, Burke's military defense attorney, Capt. Samuel Nelson, painted his client as a victim of collateral damage, arguing he was prosecuted to the fullest in the wake of another incident in the same battalion, the suicide death of recruit Raheel Siddiqui.

An investigation would later suggest that Siddiqui's abusive treatment at the hands of another drill instructor provided the impetus for his suicide.

"Where's the dead body?" Nelson asked the jury about the Burke case.

He asked that the panel assess no punishment apart from the public ordeal of being tried for his offenses.

"[Burke] got run up the flagpole as high as you can go. This is the top of the heap as far as court-martials go. This is where rapists and murderers are tried," Nelson said, referring to general court-martial at Quantico. "That is punishment enough."

Though the maximum possible sentence in the case was nine years, six months of confinement, the military prosecution asked for a sentence of two months, roughly one day for every recruit in Burke's platoon who saw him act improperly.

Capt. Jonathan Margolick, an attorney for the prosecution, pointed out that Burke had previously been investigated for three separate incidents during his tenure as a drill instructor that spoke to poor judgment in his supervision of recruits: one incident in which he forced recruits to low-crawl on pavement while in shorts and T-shirts, resulting in skin abrasions; another in which he observed recruits drinking water until they vomited, but didn't seek medical attention for them; and another in which he made recruits dry-shave, then splashed Aqua Velva in their faces.

If Burke was not held accountable in this instance, Margolick suggested, he could have gone on to do something worse in the course of recruit training.

"We do not entertain ourselves at our subordinates' expense," he said. "We are not careless with the ones in our charge."

In the case of Zachary Mosier, the recruit who passed out on Burke's watch, something far graver could have happened, Margolick said.

"Truth be told, we're lucky no one died this time," he said.

Testimony in the case revealed heightened stress at boot camp amid a flurry of investigations in the wake of Siddiqui's death. Several witnesses testified Burke had sat his recruits down and handed out Clif bars while broadly hinting that they should avoid saying anything negative to investigators about their drill instructors. He was ultimately acquitted of this charge, however, amid contradictory testimony.

Witnesses also spoke of a culture of zero tolerance under Lt. Col. Joshua Kissoon, then-commander of 3rd Recruit Training Battalion.

"Battalion commander had a reputation for being heavy handed with drill instructors even for minor violations," testified Eric Hegg, a former Marine captain who commanded 3rd Battalion's Kilo Company when Burke was on the drill field. "Drill instructors would try to police their own rather than creating paper that would follow them the rest of their career."

Kissoon would be removed from his post March 31, 2016, just weeks after Siddiqui's death. He now faces charges in connection to an unrelated case of alleged hazing and is accused of returning a drill instructor to train recruits despite an ongoing hazing investigation. The date for his court-martial has yet to be set.

Hegg, and an assortment of other Marines who had served with Burke, testified to his strong work ethic and commitment to his job and identity as a Marine, even while he was going through personal difficulties, including grieving the death of an infant son.

"The minimum was not acceptable," Hegg said of the environment in 3rd Battalion. "Staff Sgt. Burke was one who could produce above-average statistics in recruits."

Jennifer Cabrera, the woman who was called and propositioned by Burke after her brother was forced to turn over his Facebook information, also submitted a letter to the court, saying Burke's actions had lowered her opinion of the Marine Corps.

"I personally am not sure how I would feel if any other family member or children of mine would join this organization," she wrote.

In an emotional statement, Burke recounted growing up in a broken home amid poverty and drug use and finding shelter and purpose in the Marine Corps. Asked if he wanted to say anything to the recruits of his former platoon, from which Burke was removed before they graduated, he nodded.

"For the longest time, I've wanted to tell them congratulations. I know they won't forget this experience, and it will humble them as well," he said.

The most serious allegations to arise out of the investigations into hazing within 3rd Recruit Training Battalion have yet to go to trial.

Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Felix and Staff Sgt. Michael Eldridge are set to face general court-martial at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, this fall.

Eldridge and Felix are both accused of hazing a Muslim-American recruit by stuffing him into an industrial dryer and interrogating him, while Felix is also accused in connection with the case of Siddiqui, another Muslim-American recruit.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
An advocacy group has filed a Freedom of Information Act request for the Air Force's 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, to turn over documents pertaining to a faith-based "Global Leadership Summit" held at the base this week.

The Military Religious Freedom Foundation says it is requesting all documents -- including email exchanges -- regarding the summit in the matter of public interest. It claims some of those documents violated Air Force rules.

Last week, the group demanded Col. Bradley McDonald, 88th Air Base Wing commander, investigate why the wing's chaplain's office sent an email inviting all Wright-Patterson military and civilian members to attend the summit, partially sponsored by the Willow Creek Association of the Willow Creek Community Church.

Members of the church, which is located in a Chicago suburb, traveled to the Ohio base to host the summit.

The email, obtained by MRFF, states: " 'The Global Leadership Summit' is a 2-day live simulcast, faith-based event -- hosted by world class faculty drawn from corporate, academic, and religious settings. The event will be held 10-11 August, 0900-1630 and is for everyone interested in growing their leadership skills!"

Related content:

"The MRFF has received over 40 contacts-of-concern and client requests for its intervention from Wright-Patterson AFB military and civilian personnel under your command regarding a recent base-wide email invitation sent from the Wright-Patterson Chaplains Office," MRFF president and founder Mikey Weinstein said last Friday.

Marie Vanover, a spokeswoman for the base, told Military.com the event was held as planned.

"We are aware of the Freedom of Information Request," she said Thursday.

Demand for Documents

Weinstein wants the Air Force to turn over the documents related to the event in 20 days' time and is specifically asking for:

All records relating to the 88th ABW Chapel Team's invitation to the summit, emailed on July 17, 2017, from "88 ABW/HC Organizational Mailbox" to "Wright-Patterson WP_All Personnel" (WPAFB.ALL.DL@us.af.mil);

All records relating to communications between the 88th ABW Chapel Team or any individual chaplain at Wright- Patterson AFB and the "Willow Creek Association" or "Willow Creek Community Church";

All records relating to arrangements regarding funding for Wright-Patterson AFB personnel to attend the Willow Creek Association's 2017 "Global Leadership Summit";

All records relating to communications between the 88th ABW Chapel Team or any individual chaplain at Wright- Patterson AFB and any other Wright-Patterson AFB offices or personnel regarding the summit.

Vanover said she could not speak on behalf of the base's FOIA office when asked if it could produce the documents in 20 days.

The FOIA process requires the government to respond to a petitioner in 20 days' time. However, a response does not mean said documents requested will be produced in that time limit. In some cases, FOIA request documents may take years to deliver.

Other Faiths Overlooked?

While MRFF's clients in this matter span all religions -- the majority are Protestant or Roman Catholic, Weinstein said, he described Willow Creek as "a well-known fundamentalist Protestant Evangelical mega-church enterprise" focused on evangelical Christianity.

Weinstein said the invitation for the event overlooked other faiths by not specifying a targeted religious audience.

"This is clearly showing favoritism to one [faith] over another," Weinstein told Military.com on Thursday. "Holding it by itself is one issue, but how you market it, how you sent it out is completely the key issue here.

"If this was [an Islamic] group or an atheist group or a satanic group [all protected under the First Amendment] putting this on to be a 'leadership conference,' there would be blood in the streets," he said.

If the Air Force advertises a faith-based event, he said, it should be specifically "limited to those persons worshiping within the denominational constraints."

In this case, the chaplain's email invitation "creates confusion and expressly violates Air Force directives regarding the purpose of the event and disregards [Air Force] regulations addressing the appropriate targeting of 'advertising' for religious worship and education," Weinstein said.

But Vanover said the email did not violate regulations. "The email advertising this event has been consistent with the chaplain corps' mission," she said Thursday.

During Duty Hours

In addition, by requesting airmen attend the event on duty, Weinstein said it involved U.S. taxpayer dollars.

"This was being put on during duty hours," he said. "If they're being excused to do this [while on duty], you and I are presumed to be paying for it."

Weinstein quoted Air Force Instruction 52-101.4.4, which states members can make exceptions for religious worship only "when accommodation will not have an adverse impact on mission accomplishment, military readiness, unit cohesion, standards, or discipline" and pending commander approval.

The wing chaplain's request had service members leaving their posts for the summit at the base chapel's Religious Education Facility, according to the email.

Regarding leave time for the event, Vanover said, "Air Force personnel follow Air Force guidance and instructions."

She continued, "Wright-Patterson places a high value on the rights of Air Force members to observe the tenets of their respective religions or to observe no religion at all."

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
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...
In a menacing tweet early Friday, President Donald Trump said the U.S. military is "locked and loaded" in the event of war with North Korea.

"Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely," Trump said. "Hopefully Kim Jong-un will find another path!"

The use of the "locked and loaded" term for being a trigger squeeze away from firing indicated Trump is ignoring the advice of allies and, reportedly, top advisers to tone down the rhetoric in an effort to defuse the crisis on the Korean peninsula.

Related content:

On Thursday, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said war on the peninsula would be "catastrophic" but it is his duty to have U.S. forces prepared.

However, Mattis stressed that the effort led by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley "has diplomatic traction, it is gaining diplomatic results."

Before Trump's latest remarks, the Korean Central News Agency, North Korea's propaganda outlet, said Trump's bellicose statements are pushing the crisis to the "brink of nuclear war."

The most immediate concern is the North Korean threat against the U.S. territory of Guam, about 2,100 miles southeast of North Korea. Earlier this week, North Korea said a plan was being drawn up for Kim Jong-un to launch a salvo of four missiles that would splash down within 25 miles of Guam.

On the island, which is home to about 160,000 U.S. citizens, security officials issued a fact sheet that appeared to tell residents how to respond to a nuclear blast, the BBC reported.

"Do not look at the flash or fireball -- it can blind you," the fact sheet said. "Lie flat on the ground and cover your head. If the explosion is some distance away, it could take 30 seconds or more for the blast wave to hit."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
ANN ARBOR, MI - Ann Arbor officials are calling on Gov. Rick Snyder to help stop the deportation of dozens of Iraqi Christians arrested by federal immigration agents in the metro Detroit area in June.

The City Council voted 10-0 Thursday night, Aug. 10, to approve a resolution asking the governor to pardon the crimes that have made certain Iraqi Christian refugees a priority for deportation.

"It is a violation of United States and international law and treaties to send people to a country where they are likely to be violently persecuted," the resolution states.

"Ann Arbor resident Kamiran Taymour is one of those facing deportation to Iraq," the resolution continues. "He would face persecution as a Christian, as a Kurd, as an American, and because two of his sisters translated for the U.S. military."

Taymour's family, including his wife and young children, and other supporters were in attendance as the council passed the resolution, which also calls on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to use discretion to allow the Iraqi Christians to remain in the U.S. and not deport them to Iraq where they could be persecuted and killed.

Read the full resolution, which also calls on the Iraqi government to refuse to accept the Iraqi Christians back in the country.

Family members wiped away tears and some of them spoke before council, raising concerns about what could happen to Taymour if he's deported and the effect it would have on his family in Ann Arbor.

The 41-year-old father of three has been held in detainment in Youngstown, Ohio, for the past two months, facing deportation because of a 2010 marijuana conviction for which he already served probation years ago. He came to the U.S. legally as a teenage refugee in 1993 and is a graduate of Ypsilanti High School.

He and his wife, Caroline, own a home on Ann Arbor's east side, and Taymour owns his own auto body repair shop in the Ypsilanti area.

"The tearing apart of families as a result of unjust deportation is contrary to the values of our community," said Mayor Christopher Taylor. "This is an action which will not make America safe, will not protect American jobs. It will have the full effect of devastating a family and the community, and endangering the life of a man who is valued here and has done nothing to warrant that risk."

Taylor said this is a time in American history that he hopes the nation will soon reflect upon as a disgrace and feel shame and regret.

Council Members Jack Eaton and Sumi Kailasapathy sponsored Thursday night's resolution opposing the deportation of Taymour and other Iraqi Christians arrested by ICE two months ago.

ICE's regional sweep on June 11 appeared to target many Chaldean immigrants with prior felony records in Detroit's northern suburbs, including Warren and Sterling Heights. Taymour, who was raised Muslim and converted to Christianity after he was married here, was picked up at his home in Ann Arbor.

As a result of recent negotiations, Iraq has agreed to accept a number of Iraqi nationals subject to orders of removal, Detroit ICE spokesman Khaalid Walls said in June.

"As part of ICE's efforts to process the backlog of these individuals, the agency recently arrested a number of Iraqi nationals, all of whom had criminal convictions for crimes including homicide, rape, aggravated assault, kidnapping, burglary, drug trafficking, robbery, sex assault, weapons violations and other offenses," Walls said.

The American Civil Liberties Union was successful in convincing U.S. District Judge Mark Goldsmith on July 24 to extend an injunction to continue temporarily blocking deportation of the Iraqi immigrants until their case could be heard.

The ACLU argues they could face persecution, torture and death if sent back to Iraq and they deserve their day in court.

"Facing a death sentence via deportation is a disproportionate and unjust consequence for having a criminal record," the City Council also argued in the resolution it approved Thursday night.

Eaton, D-4th Ward, said Taymour has been a productive member of the community for many years and his 2010 marijuana conviction -- a felony charge of delivering/manufacturing -- shouldn't be considered an aggravated offense or cause for deportation to Iraq.

"It's so important that we speak up because we've seen that the federal courts actually do pay attention when the community stands strong with somebody who's being victimized in this fashion," he said.

"We can be pretty sure of the fate of a Muslim who has converted to Christianity upon being deported to Iraq. It's pretty much a death sentence. And that alone should cause us grave concern.

"But because his family members have also cooperated with the U.S. military in Iraq, it compounds the likelihood that he will suffer dire consequences should he end up back in Iraq."

Eaton said it's unclear when the deportations will be carried out and time is of the essence.

Many of the Iraqi Christians already have appealed to the governor seeking pardons for their crimes. The governor's office said last month the pardon requests were under review.

Anna Heaton, a spokeswoman for the governor, said on Friday the pardon applications have been referred to the Parole Board at the Department of Corrections for review.

Kailasapathy, D-1st Ward, suggested the city might have a better chance appealing to Snyder than to ICE.

"He lives in Ann Arbor, he's our governor, and he should pardon the gentleman," said Kailasapathy, a Sri Lanka native who came here as a refugee many years ago. "I make this plea to our governor, Mr. Rick Snyder, please ... I hope you will pardon all the Christians who will be killed if they are sent back."

Council Member Zachary Ackerman, D-3rd Ward, said he's tired of seeing the federal government go after parents and church members instead of gang members. He said it's disgusting, and having to speak out and fight to try to stop the deportation of productive, taxpaying members of the community is becoming exhausting.

"In this particular case, it's incredibly dangerous," Ackerman said. "While we have economic refugees coming out of Mexico, we have political and war-torn refugees coming out of the Middle East. And sending a Christian back to Iraq at this time is not too dissimilar to sending a Jew back to Germany in 1935. My family is Jewish, and the asylum that my family was given earlier than the Holocaust is something that I'm incredibly grateful for."

Speaking again against sending Christians back to Iraq, Ackerman said, "It's not different than sending an Armenian back to Turkey in 1914. It's not different than sending a Tutsi back to Rwanda in '93. Death for these people is very real and it's very imminent, and we are contributing to that out of our laziness for not reforming an immigration system that this body has no control over, but we're voting members of a society that allows it and I'm getting tired of it."

Council Member Chip Smith, D-5th Ward, said what's happening is not moral.

"Though we have no authority over these folks, we will continue to stand up for the rights of these people," he said.

"We will continue to be loud and we will continue to push on for justice and fair treatment for all of our citizens here."

Council Member Kirk Westphal, D-2nd Ward, said Taymour is not a threat to the community and pursuing his deportation traumatizes his family and the community and could cost him his life.

"This shows a severe disrespect for the taxpayers, who expect government to make us safe," he said. "This is the wrong priority."

Taymour pled guilty in 2011 to a felony charge of delivering/manufacturing marijuana and served probation.

After the conviction, his green card was confiscated and an immigration judge sentenced him to deportation.

According to his family, he spent six months in ICE detainment before being released and allowed to stay in the U.S. under ICE supervision because of unstable conditions in Iraq and the fact that Iraq wasn't issuing travel documents at the time.

Facing deportation again, he recently filed a motion to reopen his case in immigration court and ICE plans to keep him in custody pending the outcome of the case.

Ann Arbor lays out protections for undocumented immigrants in new policy

Washtenaw sends strong message to immigrants with $145K aid fund
BAY CITY, MI -- Two men are facing some hefty felonies after allegedly robbing a man of a few hundred dollars.

Andrew T. Ramos Jr., 30, and Jordan A. McCure, 28, are each charged with one count of unarmed robbery, having been arraigned the afternoon of July 28. The charge is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

About 1:10 a.m. that same morning, Bay County Sheriff's deputies responded to a robbery complaint at a home in the 200 block of State Park Drive in Bangor Township. A 22-year-old male resident told deputies he had recently cashed a check at Walmart and had planned to meet up with Ramos, a friend of us.

When he arrived home, Ramos was present, along with McCure, whom he did not know. The resident told deputies he thought it odd when McCure asked him if he had dogs. When the resident said he had four, McCure asked him to put them in the backyard. The resident obliged.

The three men then went into a basement, the resident told deputies, according to court files. Without warning, McCure punched the resident two to three times, knocking him to a couch. McCure then put him in a chokehold as Ramos rifled through his pockets and took off with cash, the man told deputies.

Ramos and McCure then ran outside and drove away in a blue 2010 Dodge Charger, the alleged victim told deputies.

The man said the pair had stolen $364 from him.

Mere minutes later, Bay City public safety officers spotted the Charger crossing Liberty Bridge and stopped it near Woodside Avenue and Sherman Street. The vehicle contained Ramos and McCure, as well as precisely $364 on the passenger side floorboard in the denominations described by the victim, court records show.

Police searched the car and also found five fake $100 bills in its center console, suspected marijuana, and a glass smoking pipe, court records show. Officers and arrested Ramos and McCure.

Interviewed by police, Ramos said they went to his friend's house to look at a PlayStation he was selling. A fight broke out between McCure and the seller, which Ramos tried to break up, he said. He denied stealing any cash and professed to have no idea how the $364 wound up in the Charger.

McCure told police he and Ramos had gone to the man's house to smoke weed. After taking a few hits off a bong in the basement, the resident began shoving him, McCure said. The two fought for a bit, then he and Ramos left, McCure said. He too denied taking any money from the man.

The defendants' arraigning judge set their bonds at $40,000 cash-surety. A bonding agency posted the amount for Ramos, but McCure remains in custody as of Aug. 9.

McCure and Ramos are to appear for a preliminary examination before District Judge Timothy J. Kelly at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17.
BAY CITY, MI -- Barely able to stand, an Auburn man with a blood alcohol level more than four times the legal limit reportedly tried driving an SUV home from a neighborhood bar.

While he did arrive at his destination, he first crashed and abandoned the vehicle, then called police to claim it had been stolen.

He ended his night in a Bay County Jail cell.

About 10:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, Bay County Sheriff's deputies responded to a crash scene near the intersection of West Midland Road and Maple Street in Auburn. They found an unoccupied silver Chevrolet Trailblazer on the south side of the road, having crashed into a light pole.

They spoke with an attendant at a nearby gas station, who told them she saw a man fleeing from the wreck, court records show.

As the deputies were running the SUV's license plate, Bay County Central Dispatch advised them Timothy M. LeBeau, 34, had just called them to report the vehicle had been stolen. Deputies went to LeBeau's home in the 4300 block of Garfield Road.

When they encountered him, he was so intoxicated that he struggled to stand, deputies wrote in their reports, which are contained in court files. LeBeau told them he had gone to the Auburn Hotel Bar & Grill, 101 W. Midland Road, for dinner and drinks and when he stepped outside for a smoke, he noticed his Trailblazer was gone. He said his girlfriend gave him a ride home, then he called 911.

A few minutes later, LeBeau changed his story to say he left the SUV at the bar and once he arrived home, bar staff called him to let him know someone had stolen his vehicle, he said.

He then changed his account a third time to say he left his SUV at the bar and rode a bicycle home. A friend then called him to inform him someone had taken the Trailblazer and crashed it, he said.

The deputies spoke with a bartender, who said she stopped serving LeBeau at 10:30 p.m. as he was intoxicated and trying to start fights with other patrons. She kicked him out and tried to find him a way home, but he refused, she said.

A short while later, she saw him driving his SUV, she said.

Deputies arrested LeBeau. On the way to the jail, he lay down in the back of the patrol vehicle, fell asleep, and began snoring.

Upon arrival at the Bay County Jail, deputies escorted LeBeau inside and administered a preliminary Breathalyzer test. The results indicated his blood alcohol level was at 0.36.

In Michigan, a person is considered intoxicated when his or her blood alcohol level hits 0.08. A person is considered super drunk when that level reaches 0.17.

LeBeau had to be taken to McLaren Bay Region hospital to be cleared before he could be kept in the jail, court records show. A blood sample was taken from him there as well.

On July 28, LeBeau was released from the jail after posting bond. He appeared in Bay County District Court on Tuesday, Aug. 8, for arraignment on single counts of third-offense operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, false report of a felony, second-offense operating while license suspended, denied, or revoked, and failure to report accident to fixtures. The first charge is a five-year felony, the second is a four-year felony, and the last two are misdemeanors.

The arraigning judge set LeBeau's bond at $25,000 cash. Should he post it, he is not to consume alcohol or drive and must submit to daily alcohol testing.

LeBeau is to appear for a preliminary examination before District Judge Mark E. Janer at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22.
HALE, MI -- Police have unearthed the body of a suspected homicide victim buried behind a house in northern Michigan.

"We recovered the victim late last night," Michigan State Police Special 1st Lt. David Kaiser confirmed the morning of Friday, Aug. 11.

Though investigators believe they know the identity of the 72-year-old male victim, they need to positively identify him via fingerprints. Once that has been done, they'll notify the victim's next of kin, Kaiser said.

Kaiser did not disclose how the man was killed, but said "he's been deceased for a while." He added they believe the victim lived at the house he was buried behind, and that he lived there alone.

Shortly before 2 a.m. on Thursday, troopers responded to a domestic violence situation at a residence in Iosco County. They arrested a woman and while transporting her to jail, she began making cryptic comments about a homicide, Kaiser said.

The woman provided troopers with the address of 5851 Snyder Trail in Hale as the scene of the killing, Kaiser said.

After lodging her in jail, troopers went to the home.

"They saw evidence of a violent crime and in the backyard they found evidence of a fresh grave," Kaiser said. The troopers summoned a cadaver dog and Crime Lab technicians to the scene.

The cadaver dog immediately hit on the supposed grave, indicating a human body was buried there, the lieutenant said.

Crime Lab personnel began digging up the alleged grave. They did so by hand, delicately sifting through the soil so as not to miss or damage potential evidence.

As the MSP crime lab digs deeper they are starting to discover evidence. It is then marked and photographed before they continue. pic.twitter.com/xGKbtuPN1F  MSP Bay Region (@mspbayregion) August 10, 2017

Police arrested a 20-year-old Pontiac man in connection with the slaying.

"There have been no additional arrests," Kaiser said. "We did interview another person of interest, but he was released for the time being."
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the amount of profit Wershe said he made from illegally dealing cocaine.

Florida taxpayers could spend more than $70,000 housing, guarding and feeding infamous Michigan prisoner Richard Wershe Jr.

Florida spends an estimated $53.49 a day, or $19,577 per year, to house inmates.

That doesn't include the cost of transporting the 1980s teen drug dealer and FBI narcotics informant from Michigan to Florida later this month. MLive is inquiring about the transport cost with Florida officials.

Wershe, who was convicted of possessing more than 650 grams of cocaine in 1988 -- he was caught with the drugs when he was 17 -- has lived in Michigan prisons for the last 29 years.

He was originally sentenced to a mandatory life sentence. Wershe estimates he made about $250,000 smuggling nearly 50 kilos of cocaine to Detroit from Florida over a two-year period.

Detroit police and prosecutors have repeatedly fought against Wershe's release after Supreme Court decisions ruled mandatory life for the prisoner convicted as a teen is unconstitutional.

Now-Mayor Mike Duggan wrote a letter to the Parole Board in 2003 recommending Wershe "remain in prison for his entire life;" and Prosecutor Kym Worthy fought multiple Wershe appeals and motions in pursuit of freedom.

Michigan spends $96 per day, or $35,149 (based on 2014 estimates), to keep Wershe in prison.

Despite spending more time in prison than many second-degree murderers for a nonviolent crime, Wershe is expected to spend more than 3 1/2 years in a Florida prison after being released from Michigan, where he had no major rule violations in three decades,

But while serving time in a Florida prison in 2002, Wershe got mixed up with illegal activity.

At his Michigan Parole Board hearing in June, Wershe says he was looking through an Autotrader magazine and noticing good deals on cars he knew could sell for a lot more in the Detroit area.

He wanted to help his sister financially. At the time, she had substance abuse problems and was caring for Wershe's daughter, so he linked her up with a small dealer in south Florida.

Wershe says his sister only "flipped" a handful of cars and made about $6,000 over a couple-year period. About a year into his relationship with the dealer, Wershe said he learned some -- but not all -- of the vehicles were stolen. However, he continued helping his sister in the arrangement.

Wershe was allowed to use untapped phones to talk with his attorney, so while making business arrangements, he'd call a secretary at the law firm and she would forward the call to any other phone number he needed to reach, Wershe said at his parole hearing.

Eventually, investigators caught on to the stolen car smuggling ring and the trail led back to Wershe in prison. Wershe says he pleaded no contest to felony charges of racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering because investigators told him if he did not they would prosecute his mother and sister. He was sentenced to five years in prison.

While judge's have the option to make sentences "concurrent," meaning they are served simultaneous to any other active sentence being served -- in Wershe's case a life sentence -- his Martin County, Florida judge instead ordered the sentence be consecutive, which means the sentence is served after any current imprisonment.

That means Wershe would still have a five-year sentence to serve after completing his life sentence.

Ralph Musilli said Wershe's sentence for his involvement in the auto-theft ring was the "most harsh sentence of everyone involved in that whole fiasco," and he "should have never been charged."

Musilli believes Michigan and Detroit officials have gone out of their way to try an keep Wershe in prison for an unusually long time in proportion to his crime.

It's payback, Musilli says, for Wershe's cooperation with the FBI in a sting that brought down nearly a dozen Detroit corrupt police involved in drug trafficking during the Mayor Coleman A. Young administration.

It's the municipal equivalent of the street code, "snitches get stitches."

Musilli plans to file a commutation request in Florida once Wershe is transferred with the hopes that he can get the sentence reduced.

Wershe is "reconciled" to the fact he may have to serve entire sentence, Musilli says

"He's ready to serve that time if he has to," the attorney said. "At least it's finite; it's not open-ended" like the life sentence he's been serving in Michigan.
DETROIT -- Prosecutors are casting doubt on the credibility of a Detroit hit man who claims he committed five killings for which two other people went to prison.

The name Vincent Smothers first rose to the public's attention when he claimed responsibility for multiple high-profile Detroit killings, including a 2007 quadruple murder on Runyon Street, to which then-14-year-old Davontae Sanford pleaded guilty.

Smothers, 36, who's serving numerous 50-to-100-year prison sentences for 14 murder convictions dating back to 2007, added to his homicidal resume in 2016 when he took credit for the Sept. 5, 2004 fatal shooting of Jamal Segars.

That murder, however -- like the Runyon Street killings -- has been solved, according to prosecutors and Detroit police.

Vincent Smothers and Thelonious Searcy, Michigan Department of Corrections photos

Thelonious Searcy, 37, was convicted of killing Segars in 2005 and is currently serving a mandatory life sentence for first-degree murder.

Police believe Searcy mistook Segars for DeAnthony Witcher, with whom Searcy had an ongoing feud. Witcher, who drove a similar silver Chevrolet Corvette at the time, testified that Searcy told him, "I got to kill you," after Witcher won $600 from Searcy in a dice game in November 2003.

Witcher said Searcy shot him twice later the same day, striking him in the lungs and heart. Although Witcher nearly died, he declined to pursue charges against Searcy or cooperate with police.

Searcy continued threatening Witcher's life, telling him that he would "get him at the club," according to police.

After his conviction for the Segars killing in 2005, Searcy filed a series of unsuccessful appeals that rose to the state Supreme Court, which refused to hear Searcy's case.

There have also been multiple motions for relief from judgement denied by Wayne County Circuit Judge Timothy Kenny, who presided over the original trial.

Searcy's chances of getting a court to take another look at his case had all but fizzled -- until Smothers came forward with his revelation in 2016.

Based on Smothers' admission, Searcy filed a new motion for relief from judgement. It included an affidavit from Smothers admitting guilt, a detailed map the crime scene, his original handwritten letter to Searcy from behind bars and a court brief written by Smothers himself.

This time, instead of denying the motion, the judge asked for a written response from the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

The 36-page response -- mostly a rehash of the witness accounts from the original trial -- was signed by Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Chambers and filed Aug. 2.

While the prosecution's response agrees that Smothers' confession "lays out very good detail," it then shifts to question the credibility of Smothers, especially in regard to his confession in the Runyon Street case.

Smothers in an affidavit said he made the confessions in both the Searcy and Sanford cases because he wanted to do the "honorable thing."

Searcy argues Smothers is credible, citing his admission and the subsequent dismissal of Sanford's conviction in the Runyon Street killings.

But prosecutors, without calling Smothers a liar, cast doubt in their response to Searcy's filing.

Chambers writes the decision not to continue pursuing charges against Sanford after the overturned conviction "had nothing to do with Smothers' admission."

Worthy said her office didn't pursue Sanford any further because questions arose regarding evidence that convicted him, a hand-drawn map of the murder scene that Detroit police said Sanford created entirely on his own.

Detectives admitted they drew parts of the map, calling its credibility into question.

The prosecution's filing adds that Smothers twice refused to make admissions under oath to the Runyon Street killings after being subpoenaed by Sanford's attorneys. He did submit a lengthy affidavit, however.

Most of the prosecutor's response to Searcy is focused on original trial testimony.

It argues that four eye witnesses identified Searcy as the shooter, including one who claimed she saw him at the scene from "five inches away."

Searcy's defense presented eight alibi witnesses -- mostly relatives and friends -- who claim he was at a family barbecue when Segars was killed.

After reviewing the motion and response, the judge may decide to hold a formal hearing and call Smothers into court. He may also dismiss the motion in a written order.

Background on the Segars killing:

It was dusk on a clear night in early September, 2004. Conner Street in east Detroit near Coleman A. Young International Airport was packed with people, many of whom were attending the Black Party, a club event that drew attendees wearing expensive clothes and driving flashy cars.

According to several witnesses who testified at trial, thick traffic slowed to near a crawl.

Police believe Searcy planned to kill a man named DeAnthony Witcher, with whom he'd had a long-standing feud stemming from an argument over money Searcy lost to Witcher while gambling.

Witcher told the jury Searcy shot him once before in 2003 and threatened to "get him at the club."

Witcher was offered immunity in another criminal case in exchange for testifying against Searcy.

But in what investigators believe was an attack intended for Witcher, Searcy mistakenly killed Jamal Segars, and wounded Brian Minner, who were in a car similar to Witcher's, prosecutors said.

Police said Searcy walked from the rear of a 2004 silver Corvette, it's convertible top rolled down, and opened fire from behind.

Witcher also drove a Corvette and was nearby when the shooting occurred, except his Corvette was a blue 1998 model.

In police investigative notes provided to MLive by Searcy, a detective wrote at the time that officers chased the shooter, but were later unable to ID Searcy in a photo lineup.

Four other witnesses, however, did ID Searcy in court.

"I told that mother f***er I would get him," Latasha Boatright, a friend of Witcher who lived near the scene, said she heard the shooter say. She later identified Searcy as the shooter in a photo lineup.

Contacted by MLive after Searcy filed a motion for relief, Boatright said it's been over a decade since she thought about that night.

Boatright remembers being a reluctant witness, but Detroit police detectives canvassed the neighborhood near the shooting and soon ended up at her doorstep on Conner Street.

"I was pregnant with my daughter when this happened ... " Boatright said. "Detectives, they literally, basically threatened and scared me into testifying against (Searcy)."

Boatright remains convinced Searcy is the killer, but also claims Detroit police pressured her at the time.

Detroit police, according to Boatright, threatening imprisonment, saying they'd arrange for Child Protective Services to take custody of her unborn baby and offering a "snitching check."

Boatright says that despite the offer, she was never paid for her testimony by Detroit police.

"I did see what I saw, but at the same time, I didn't want any part of that," Boatright said. "It wasn't even about no money for me; they forced me to do it."

The Detroit Police Department spent more than a decade, from 2003 until 2014, under federal Department of Justice oversight after an investigation revealed numerous police abuses, including a practice of detaining witnesses during investigations of serious crimes.

Boatright, however, stands by her testimony, calling Searcy a remorseless "menace to society," and she believes he should remain behind bars.

"If you kill once, you'll kill again," she said. " ... You were coldblooded killer. It's not an accident."

Boatright says she saw Searcy come up from behind the stopped Corvette that Segars was driving and open fire.

"Every bullet he had in that gun was let loose in that car," she said. "He ran passed my house. It was like we contacted eyes but we didn't contact eyes.

"People scatter everywhere. Me and my people we went into the house."

Smothers' version

Contradicting what police and prosecutors argue, Smothers says the killing was actually a botched robbery targeting a known drug dealer perpetuated by himself and an accomplice.

The alleged accomplice, however, was killed a short time later, on Sept. 21, 2004.

Smothers said he and his partner approached Segars, known on the street as "Q," and another man sitting in the silver Corvette on Conner Street.

Segars was a "certified 'Dope Boy' from the Buffalo Projects off Nevada," Smothers wrote in his signed affidavit filed in court.

"Him and his brother, 'Walla,' was getting money for real," the affidavit says. "I had been on these boys trail for six months (straight), tracking they every move.

"The only thing about these two boys was their crew, they stayed 20 deep. It was me and (my partner's) goal to catch these two boys solo I could easily get 20 or 30 thousand from either brother's pocket."

Smothers claims he fired six shots in total, including a fatal shot to Segars' head. He pulled $300 in cash from his hand before running back to Jeffrey's car and fleeing.

Smothers has sent letters to reporters, police and politicians since confessing to the killing in an effort to have Searcy freed.

Smothers also gave a recorded jailhouse interview professing details of the killing to Scott Lewis, a former investigative TV reporter in Detroit, who was hired by Searcy.

In the phone interview, Smothers said he spent time in the same prison as Searcy, whom he knew by the street name Skinny Man, and learned through other inmates Searcy was serving time for the murder he'd committed.

Smothers said his initial letter to Searcy was unprompted, that he was never paid or bribed and is willing to testify under oath in court if necessary.
FLINT, MI - The City Council's longest-serving member has scheduled a news conference and says he's leaning toward a run for mayor of Flint in the upcoming recall election.

Ninth Ward City Councilman Scott Kincaid said in a news release that he will speak to reporters at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, inside City Hall.

"I'm leaning toward running, (but) there's a lot of issues I need to look at," Kincaid said.

The councilman said his attorneys have been researching election law and the potential for his candidacy.

Kincaid, 64, has run for mayor previously, but is already slated to appear on the November ballot as a candidate for council.

In 1999, he narrowly lost his bid to unseat former mayor Woodrow Stanley by less than 1,000 votes in a bitter election battle that highlighted racial divisions in the city.

After Stanley was recalled in 2002, Kincaid appeared poised to win the election to replace his adversary, but the state called off the election because it was preparing for a financial takeover of the city in 2002.

In 2007, Kincaid collected petition signatures to challenge former mayor Don Williamson, but withdrew from that race due to an undisclosed illness, according to Flint Journal archives.

The 2017 Flint mayoral race stems from an attempted recall of Flint Mayor Karen Weaver over a deal with Rizzo Environmental Services last fall.

Kincaid filed a lawsuit against Weaver and her office in July 2016 after the mayor did not acknowledge a resolution from the council, voting down her recommendation to use Rizzo for trash collection.

Rizzo has been at the center of a federal corruption investigation, and Weaver eventually agreed to continue using Republic to collect the city's trash instead.

Unlike previous mayoral recalls, in which an initial election to recall the office was followed by another election to fill the seat if the incumbent was ousted, the process is now condensed into one vote on Nov. 7.

The change is due to a new set of recall laws, enacted by Gov. Rick Snyder in 2012.

After petition signatures were scrutinized by the Genesee County and city clerks and Weaver's attorneys, county Clerk John Gleason declared on Thursday, Aug. 3, that the recall against Weaver will appear on the November ballot.

Per the new set of rules, those looking to run in November need only $100 or a minimum of 40 Flint voter signatures to qualify. Potential candidates have until 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14, to file their bids.

Weaver may still challenge the recall in court, officials have said, but legal action will not stall any election or filing deadlines unless ordered by a judge, according to Michigan Secretary of State spokesman Fred Woodhams.

(Flint Journal reporter Ron Fonger contributed to this report.)
FLINT, MI -- Three of four parties needed to finalize a massive new regional water deal involving the city of Flint and the old Detroit water system are on board.

A divided Karegnondi Water Authority Board of Directors voted July 26 to support the plan, which would include a new 30-year contract for Flint to purchase its water from the Great Lakes Water Authority, the former Detroit water system.

Representatives of the Genesee County Drain Commissioner's Office and GLWA have also approved similar votes since Flint Mayor Karen Weaver and others announced and endorsed the water compact on April 18.

In addition to the new Flint water contract, the plan includes an arrangement in which Genesee County would serve as the emergency back-up water source for the city of Flint and communities between Flint and Lake Huron, and would give the GLWA the rights to the raw water that Flint now owns within the KWA.

The 7-3 KWA board vote authorizes county Drain Commissioner Jeff Wright, also the chief executive officer of the KWA, to execute agreements on behalf of the authority, specifically the new partnership.

But Flint Councilman Eric Mays, Kettering University Professor Laura Sullivan and Lapeer County Drain Commissioner Joseph Suma -- KWA board members -- voted no.

Suma said he backed Mays and Sullivan, who work and live in the city, and said the decision not to use KWA water means the city will have no control over increases in the price of water for decades.

A consultant hired by the state of Michigan has projected the GLWA deal would be the city's safest and least expensive alternative, but there are no price guarantees in the proposed contract.

"I felt this whole (KWA) was created to get away from Detroit water and the high rates," Suma said. "Flint is giving up what we fought for."

Mays said he's still holding out hope that the deal could be revised in a way that would let Flint keep the right to draw water it contracted for in the new KWA pipeline and would require the state to pay the annual cost of debt Flint incurred to pay for its share of the project.

"It's kind of a tough one to me ... I'm still going to holler ... that the state should be stepping up with that debt obligation as it relates to the city, and the city should maintain its rights as it relates to the KWA," Mays said in the KWA board meeting last month.

"I'm going to be pushing to the very end for that part of the agreement to be modified and changed," he said.

Mays also criticized members of the Flint City Council, who have complained that they have lacked the information needed to make a well-reasoned decision on such a critical long-term water deal.

On June 28, the state of Michigan asked a federal court judge to rule the city is endangering the public's health by failing to sign a long-term water contract with GLWA or developing a realistic alternative.

That lawsuit is pending during mediation ordered by District Judge David Lawson.

Also on June 28, the GLWA Board of Directors approved a resolution empowering agency executives to finalize and execute the contract between it and the city of Flint.

"The GLWA board felt it important to provide its authorization to move forward with this regional approach to ensuring that the citizens of Flint have access to water of unquestionable quality for the long term," spokeswoman Ananda Abukhader said in an email to MLive-The Flint Journal.

"The board looks forward to a long and healthy partnership with all parties involved," Abukhader said.

Flint has been receiving pre-treated GLWA water since October 2015, the same time the city stopped using the Flint River as its water source after 17 months.

While the city was being run by state-appointed emergency managers, Flint treated river water on its own in what was designed to be a short-term, cost-saving move from April 2014 until October 2015.

State regulators never required the city to treat the river water to make it less corrosive to lead pipes and plumbing, leading to the Flint water crisis.
FLINT, MI -- Special Flint water crisis prosecutors say they've turned over more than 1.8 million documents to attorneys for a member of Gov. Rick Snyder's cabinet -- an official charged with involuntary manslaughter and misconduct in office.

Nick Lyon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, is the highest-ranking state government employee charged with criminal wrongdoing for his role in Flint's water emergency.

Attorneys for Lyon filed a motion earlier this month asking Genesee District Judge David Goggins to compel the Michigan Attorney General's Office to release additional evidence in its case against him.

Both sides met behind closed doors with Goggins Thursday, Aug. 10, and the judge said he would consider the motions at least until another hearing next week.

But Todd Flood, special counsel for the attorney general, said in papers filed Thursday that he's given Lyon 1,882,957 pages of discovery material already, including transcripts from potential witnesses Miguel Del Toral, Corinne Miller and Shawn McElmurry.

Del Toral is the U.S. EPA official who warned the federal government about toxic lead in Flint's drinking water and has been recognized as one of the nation's leading experts on water treatment, corrosion and the Lead and Copper Rule.

Miller is a former state epidemiologist and retired director of the DHHS Bureau of Epidemiology. She worked for the department run by Lyon and prosecutors say that on Jan. 28, 2015, she provided Lyon with information illustrating a 2014 Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Genesee County -- information that was never shared with the public for nearly a full year.

McElmurry, associate professor of civil engineering at Wayne State University, has led research into whether Flint's change in water source in April 2014 caused the area's subsequent Legionnaires' disease outbreak, which killed at least a dozen people.

"Due to the voluminous amount of material that (prosecutors) must produce, the (office) has gone to great lengths to ensure that there is an organized systematic, and tracked approach to deliver this electronically stored information," Flood wrote in his response to the motion to compel discovery.

Flood told the court the documents his office has produced to date include emails and documents produced by the city of Flint, the Karengnondi Water Authority, General Motors, the office of Snyder and others.

Lyon was charged with involuntary manslaughter and misconduct on June 14 and has yet to have a preliminary examination.

In addition to the motion to compel discovery, Chip Chamberlain, an attorney for Lyon, has asked Goggins to issue subpoenas for the state Office of Inspector General, state Office of Auditor General, the MDHHS -- which his client oversees, and McLaren-Flint hospital.
CHICAGO - Chicago Police have released grisly details about the murder of a 26-year-old hair stylist from Michigan.

According to the Associated Press, Trenton James Cornell-Duranleau suffered more than 40 stab wounds to his upper body in a fatal attack that occurred last month.

Former professor Wyndham Lathem and Oxford University financial officer Andrew Warren have been accused of the murder.

Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi told The AP that Cornell-Duranleau suffered "lacerations and mutilations to his body, his upper body, but not to the point of decapitation" and described the attack as "certainly very intense."

The AP also reports the attack on Cornell-Duranleau was so brutal that the blade of the knife that investigators believe was used in the stabbing was broken. When police found him, he had already been dead for at least 12 hours, the report said.

According to his obituary, Cornell-Duranleau was raised in Corunna, a city located less than 30 miles west of Flint in Shiawassee County. He attended Creston High School in Grand Rapids and received his cosmetology license from Stanley Harris School of Cosmetology in Holland, his obit said.

Cornell-Duranleau moved to Chicago to further his career. A funeral is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12 at The Lennon Wesleyan Church, located about 15 miles west of Flint. Burial will follow at the Yerian Cemetery in Lennon.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A man wanted for multiple robberies -- gas stations, a bank, credit union, tobacco shops -- was found in a room at the Clarion Inn & Suites, police said.

Jacob Savickas, 33, was arrested without incident by an FBI violent fugitive task force at the inn, 4981 28th St. SE.

The arrest was made in the late afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 9.

Kent County Undersheriff Michelle Young said another person was with Savickas at the hotel and that person is being questioned.

Savickas is a suspect in a spree of unarmed robberies that include the J & H Mobil, 4404 Clyde Park Ave. SW, on July 26; the Admiral gas station on South Main Street in Cedar Springs, on July 27; two other stores in South Bend, Ind. on July 27; a credit union in Peru, Ind. on July 28; the Next Door Food Store, 4616 Alpine Ave. NW in Alpine Township on Aug. 1, the Independent Bank, 3090 Plainfield Ave. NE on Wednesday, Aug. 2, and possibly an attempted robbery of a McDonald's restaurant in Walker on Aug. 2.

Grand Rapids District Court records show he was arraigned Thursday, Aug. 10 for bank robbery and being a habitual offender in Grand Rapids.

A judge set a $200,000 bond.

Young said she could not release details about how police tracked Savickas to the hotel.

She said here is some indication Savickas had been using illegal drugs in the last several days.
[Photo/Xinhua]

More than 8.6 million Chinese and foreign tourists visited Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region in the first half of 2017, up 25 percent year on year, authorities said Tuesday.

Tourism revenue during the period reached 9.3 billion yuan ($1.4 billion), according to a regional tourism development commission statement.

Tourism authorities and resorts now offer special tours in the region, inviting visitors to enjoy local festivals, hiking trails and cuisine.

Ctrip.com, China's largest online travel agency, has issued list of China's top ten summer resorts, with Tibet ranked first.

Tourism experts forecast more tourists in the following months than the first half of the year as the region will celebrate a series of events such as the Shoton (Yogurt) festival and the horse race festival.
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
[August 10, 2017] China Digital TV Announces Unaudited Second Quarter 2017 Results

BEIJING, Aug. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- China Digital TV Holding Co., Ltd. (OTC: STVVY) ("China Digital TV" or the "Company"), a leading provider of cloud platforms, with gaming and other applications embedded, to PRC digital television and telecommunication network operators, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017. Mr. Jianhua Zhu, China Digital TV's chief executive officer commented, "We experienced solid progress in the second quarter of 2017 as both our registered and covered user counts maintained growth momentum, primarily driven by our ability to effectively leverage our expanded geographic footprint. We were also pleased with our business development efforts in content diversification and product innovation during the quarter. To ensure steady future growth, we will continue to strategically focus on user base expansion, further content diversification, and brand recognition in order to enhance the paid user conversion rate. Furthermore, we will continue to evaluate opportunities for innovative business expansion and potential asset acquisitions. We remain committed to driving further growth of our business and creating value for our shareholders going forward." Mr. Zhenwen Liang, China Digital TV's chief financial officer, stated, "In the second quarter of 2017, the number of covered users on our cloud platform increased to 160 million. The growth was primarily attributable to the partnership we established with Taiyuan Radio and Television, enabling our expansion into the Shanxi province. We continue to evolve our strategic focus and positioning to maximize the performance of our operations and are confident we will further solidify our position as China's leading provider of cloud platforms." Update on NYSE Continued Listing Status As previously disclosed, China Digital TV received notification on July 10, 2017 from New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") that the average trading price of its common stock had fallen below the NYSE's continued listing standard. The Company has responded to the NYSE to confirm its intent to regain compliance within the required period. The Company will actively monitor its stock price and evaluate all available options to resolve the deficiency and other listing standards that the Company may be in risk of non-compliance. Also announced previously, the Company has appealed the NYSE's commencement of its delisting proceedings, which focus on its compliance with other listing standards related to lack of operating assets. The Company remains subject to all NYSE listing standards while that appeal is pending. The NYSE is currently scheduled to hold an appeal hearing in October 2017. The NYSE notification does not affect the Company's business operations or its SEC reporting requirements. The Company's stock has been trading on the OTC market under the ticker symbol "STVVY" since the NYSE suspended trading in May 2017. Second Quarter 2017 Results[1] China Digital TV's net revenues increased by 34.5% to US$1.3 million from US$0.9 million in the prior year period. The increase in net revenues was primarily due to the increased product revenues during the quarter. Cost of revenues increased by 125.0% to US$0.7 million from US$0.3 million in the prior year period. The increase in cost of revenues was primarily due to the increase of net revenues in the second quarter of 2017. Gross profit in the second quarter of 2017 was US$0.6 million, which was slightly lower than the prior year period. Gross margin, which is equal to gross profit divided by net revenues, was 47.9% in the second quarter of 2017, as compared with 68.9% in the prior year period. The decline in gross margin was mainly due to an increased proportion of revenues from products during the quarter, which have a relative lower gross margin than services. Operating expenses in the second quarter of 2017 decreased by 13.3% to US$2.3 million from US$2.6 million in the prior year period. Research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2017 decreased by 13.3% to US$1.0 million from US$1.2 million in the prior year period. The decline was mainly due to a decrease in personnel related expenses, which was partially offset by an increase in share-based compensation.

in the second quarter of 2017 decreased by 13.3% to from in the prior year period. The decline was mainly due to a decrease in personnel related expenses, which was partially offset by an increase in share-based compensation. Selling and marketing expenses in the second quarter of 2017 was US$0.5 million , which remained stable as compared to the prior year period.

in the second quarter of 2017 was , which remained stable as compared to the prior year period. General and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2017 decreased by 17.5% to US$0.7 million from US$0.9 million in the prior year period. The decline was mainly due to a decrease in personnel related expenses, as well as decreased rental expenses. Loss from continuing operations in the second quarter of 2017 decreased by 15.5% to US$1.7 million from US$2.0 million in the prior year period. Income tax expenses in the second quarter of 2017 was US$0.05 million, as compared with an income tax benefit of US$0.03 million in the prior year period. Net loss attributable to China Digital TV Holding Co., Ltd in the second quarter of 2017 decreased to US$0.9 million from US$1.6 million in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to a combination of decreased operating expenses and increased interest income. Non-GAAP net loss[2] attributable to China Digital TV Holding Co., Ltd in the second quarter of 2017 was US$0.7 million, as compared to net income of US$2.4 million in the prior year period[3]. Balance Sheet As of June 30, 2017, China Digital TV had cash and cash equivalents and term deposits totaling US$27.6 million, as compared to US$125.5 million as of March 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to the payment of a special dividend of US$1.5 per ordinary share, representing a total cash dividend paid in June 2017 of US$100.3 million. Conference Call Information China Digital TV's management will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 10, 2017, U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 a.m. on Friday, August 11, 2017, Beijing/Hong Kong Time). Conference Call Dial-in Information:







United States Toll Free: +1-888-346-8982 International: +1-412-902-4272 Hong Kong: 800-905945 China Toll Free: 4001-201203 Conference Name: China Digital TV Holding Co. Ltd. call.

A replay of the call will be available for one week between 9:00 p.m. on August 10, 2017 and August 17, 2017, U.S. Eastern Time. Replay Dial-in Information: United States: +1-877-344-7529 International: +1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code: 10111189 Additionally, a live and archived webcast of this call will be available on the Investor Relations section of China Digital TV's corporate website at http://ir.chinadtv.cn. About China Digital TV Founded in 2004, China Digital TV is a leading provider of cloud platforms, with gaming and other applications embedded, to PRC digital television and telecommunication network operators, enabling them to bring these applications to household television sets and other mobile devices. For more information please visit the Investor Relations section of China Digital TV's website at http://ir.chinadtv.cn. Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "may," "should" and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the outlook and comments by management in this announcement about trends in the cloud computing, cable television and related industries in the PRC and China Digital TV's strategic and operational plans and future market positions. China Digital TV may also make forward-looking statements in its periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about China Digital TV's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from projections contained or implied in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: competition in the cloud computing, cable television and related industries in the PRC and the impact of such competition on prices, our ability to implement our business strategies, changes in technology, the progress of the television digitalization in the PRC, the structure of the cable television industry or television viewer preferences, changes in PRC laws, regulations or policies with respect to the cloud computing, cable television and related industries, including the extent of non-PRC companies' participation in such industries, and changes in political, economic, legal and social conditions in the PRC, including the government's policies with respect to economic growth, foreign exchange and foreign investment. Further information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties is included in our annual report on Form 20-F and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. China Digital TV does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this press release. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: China Digital TV Holding Co., Ltd.

Investor Relations

Tel: +86-10-6297-1199 x 9780

Email: [email protected] ICR, Inc.

Xueli Song

Tel: +1 (646) 328-1950

Email: [email protected] [1]Unless otherwise stated, all financial statement measures stated in this press release are based on generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). [2] Non-GAAP net loss is defined as net loss excluding share-based compensation expenses, and amortization of acquired intangible assets from business acquisitions. [3] For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the tables captioned "Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures" set forth at the end of this release. China Digital TV Holding Co., Ltd. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)









For the three months ended



June 30,

March 31,



June 30,

2017

2017



2016



















Total revenues

$ 1,270

$ 675

$ 933 Taxes and surcharges



(8)



(8)



5 Net revenues



1,262



667



938



















Cost of revenues



(657)



(202)



(292) Gross profit



605



465



646



















Operating expenses:

















Research and development expenses



(1,018)



(927)



(1,174) Selling and marketing expenses



(514)



(546)



(549) General and administrative expenses



(741)



(843)



(898) Total operating expenses



(2,273)



(2,316)



(2,621)



















Gain from disposal of assets



-



822



- Loss from continuing operations



(1,668)



(1,029)



(1,975)



















Interest income



477



641



7 Gain from disposal of an equity method investment



-



-



95 Other income, net



33



687



190 (Loss)/income before income tax expenses



(1,158)



299



(1,683) Income tax (expenses)/benefits



(53)



(143)



30 Net (loss)/income from continuing operations



(1,211)



156



(1,653) Discontinued operations

















Loss from the operations of discontinued

operations, net of income taxes



-



(389)



(106) Net loss



(1,211)



(233)



(1,759) Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

(341)



(383)



(140) Net (loss)/income attributable to China Digital TV

Holding Co., Ltd. $ (870)

$ 150

$ (1,619)

















Amounts attributable to ordinary shareholders of

China Digital TV Holding Co., Ltd:















Net (loss)/income from continuing operations

(870)



539



(1,398) Net loss from discontinued operations

-



(389)



(221) Net (loss)/income attributable to China Digital TV

Holding Co., Ltd.

$ (870)

$ 150

$ (1,619)



















Net loss

$ (1,211)

$ (233)

$ (1,759) Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of income

taxes

















Foreign currency translation adjustment



202



125



(3,085) Comprehensive loss



(1,009)



(108)



(4,844) Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to

noncontrolling interest



(298)



(398)



(230) Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to

China Digital TV Holding Co., Ltd.

$ (711)

$ 290

$ (4,614)



















Earnings/(loss) per share: Basic earnings/ (loss) per share attributable to

ordinary shareholders of China Digital TV

Holding Co., Ltd.:

















Net (loss)/income from continuing operations



(0.014)



0.009



(0.023) Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations



-



(0.006)



(0.004) Net (loss)/income

$ (0.014)

$ 0.003

$ (0.027)



















Diluted earnings/ (loss) per share attributable to

ordinary shareholders of China Digital TV

Holding Co., Ltd.:

















Net (loss)/income from continuing operations



(0.014)



0.009



(0.023) Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations



-



(0.006)



(0.004) Net (loss)/income

$ (0.014)

$ 0.003

$ (0.027)







































Weighted average shares used in calculating

earnings/(loss) per ordinary share:

















Basic



62,134,950



60,288,300



60,190,497 Diluted



62,134,950



60,689,982



60,190,497 China Digital TV Holding Co., Ltd. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands of U.S. dollars)



June 30,

December 31, ASSETS 2017 2016 Current assets:











Cash and cash equivalents $ 25,216

$ 117,292

Restricted cash

-



4,753

Term deposits

2,349



2,344

Notes receivable

31



81

Accounts receivable, net

521



500

Inventories

147



4

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

6,320



1,611 Total current assets

34,584



126,585

Property and equipment, net

495



421

Intangible assets, net

229



258

Goodwill

671



655

Deferred income tax assets

-



52 TOTAL ASSETS

35,979



127,971











LIABILITIES AND EQUITY









Current liabilities:











Accounts payable

371



445

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

2,023



2,557

Deferred revenue and deferred income - current

2,189



1,382

Income tax payable

19



-

Government subsidies - current

71



81 Total current liabilities

4,673



4,465

Deferred revenue and deferred income - non-current

182



125

Government subsidies - non-current

282



310 Total liabilities

5,137



4,900











Ordinary shares

32



30 Additional paid-in capital

29,642



45,273 Statutory reserve

88



88 (Accumulated deficit)/Retained earnings

(870)



75,104 Subscription receivable

(975)



(596) Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)

10



(289) Total China Digital TV Holding Co., Ltd. shareholders' equity

27,927



119,610 Noncontrolling interest

2,915



3,461 Total equity

30,842



123,071 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 35,979

$ 127,971 China Digital TV Holding Co., Ltd. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data )









For the six months ended



June 30,

June 30,

2017

2016













Total revenues

$ 1,945

$ 2,473 Taxes and surcharges



(16)



(8) Net revenues



1,929



2,465













Cost of revenues



(859)



(709) Gross profit



1,070



1,756













Operating expenses:











Research and development expenses



(1,945)



(2,960) Selling and marketing expenses



(1,060)



(1,290) General and administrative expenses



(1,584)



(1,934) Total operating expenses



(4,589)



(6,184)













Gain from disposal of assets



822



- Loss from continuing operations



(2,697)



(4,428)













Interest income



1,118



13 Gain from disposal of an equity method investment



-



95 Other income, net



720



154 Loss before income tax expenses



(859)



(4,166) Income tax expenses



(196)



(17) Net loss from continuing operations



(1,055)



(4,183) Discontinued operations











(Loss)/income from the operations of discontinued

operations, net of income taxes



(389)



3,534 Net loss



(1,444)



(649) Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

(724)



(189) Net loss attributable to China Digital TV Holding Co., Ltd. $ (720)

$ (460)











Amounts attributable to ordinary shareholders of China Digital TV Holding

Co., Ltd:









Net loss from continuing operations

(331)



(3,879) Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations

(389)



3,419 Net loss attributable to China Digital TV Holding

Co., Ltd.

$ (720)

$ (460)













Net loss

$ (1,444)

$ (649) Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of income

taxes











Foreign currency translation adjustment



327



(2,519) Comprehensive loss



(1,117)



(3,168) Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to

noncontrolling interest



(696)



(267) Comprehensive loss attributable to

China Digital TV Holding Co., Ltd.

$ (421)

$ (2,901)













Earnings/(loss) per share: Basic earnings/ (loss) per share attributable to

ordinary shareholders of China Digital TV

Holding Co., Ltd.:











Net loss from continuing operations



(0.005)



(0.064) Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations



(0.006)



0.057 Net loss

$ (0.011)

$ (0.007)













Diluted earnings/ (loss) per share attributable to

ordinary shareholders of China Digital TV

Holding Co., Ltd.:











Net loss from continuing operations



(0.005)



(0.064) Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations



(0.006)



0.057 Net loss

$ (0.011)

$ (0.007)



























Weighted average shares used in calculating

earnings/(loss) per ordinary share:











Basic



61,216,730



60,183,853 Diluted



61,216,730



60,183,853 Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures Non-GAAP net income attributable to China Digital TV Holding Co., Ltd. shareholders excludes share-based compensation expenses, and amortization of intangible assets acquired from business acquisitions. The Company believes that the Non-GAAP net income provides meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company's performance by excluding certain non-cash expenses that may not be indicative of its operating performance from a cash flow perspective. The Company believes that both management and investors benefit from referring to this additional information in assessing the Company's performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. However, the use of non-GAAP financial measures has material limitations as an analytical tool. One of the limitations of using non-GAAP financial measures is that they do not include all items that impact the Company's net income for the period. In addition, because non-GAAP financial measures are not measured in the same manner by all companies, they may not be comparable to other similar titled measures used by other companies. In light of the foregoing limitations, you should not consider non-GAAP financial measure in isolation from or as an alternative to the financial measure prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.



For the three months ended



June 30,

March 31,

June 30, 2017 2017 2016



(in thousands of U.S. dollars) Net (loss)/income attributable to China Digital TV

Holding Co., Ltd. shareholders - GAAP

$ (870)

$ 150

$ (1,619) Share-based compensation expenses



128



465



3,988 Amortization of intangible assets from business

acquisitions



10



10



12 Net (loss)/income attributable to China Digital TV

Holding Co., Ltd. shareholders - Non-GAAP

$ (732)

$ 625

$ 2,381 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-digital-tv-announces-unaudited-second-quarter-2017-results-300502667.html SOURCE China Digital TV Holding Co., Ltd.

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We wish to inform you that MEP Infrastructure Developers Limited ('MEP') has received the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) dated August 10, 2017 from National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) informing that MEP has been appointed as the Contractor for the Project of "Collection of user fee through User Fee Collecting Agency at Paduna Fee Plaza at Km. 311.100 for the section Km. 278.000 to Km. 348.000 (Udaipur-Kherwada) of NH No. 8 in the State of Rajasthan'.Key highlights of the Project are as under:(i)User Fee Collection rights at Paduna Fee Plaza.(ii) Terms of the Contract Agreement:a. Period of the Contract is 3 (Three) Months.b.The operations will commence on August 17,2017,after complying the statutory formalities viz.submission of performance security, signing of contract as per the LOA.(iii)MEP has to remit on a daily basis Rs. 29,70,000/- (Rupees Twenty Nine Lakhs Seventy Thousand Only) to NHAI for a period of 3(Three) Months towards user fee collection for the said Project.Source : BSE

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The CBI on Friday arrested an Assistant Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and a Delhi Police Inspector in connection with its probe into alleged bribery for seeking choice postings.

Kameshwar, Assistant Director with the IB and Banay Singh Meena of the Delhi Police were nabbed on Friday while two others were arrested on Thursday, CBI sources said.

The case was registered on August 09, 2017 against Kameshwar, Meena and two individuals Rajan Kumar and Arun Tiwari, the alleged middlemen, CBI Spokesperson R K Gaur said.

The allegations include criminal conspiracy, illegal gratification and commission of offence of abetment by the public servant, he said.

"During course of investigation, the CBI had intercepted the accused persons and recovered the alleged gratification amount of Rs 10 Lakh (approximately) from the private persons," Gaur said.

He said searches were conducted at the premises of the accused persons in Delhi.

"During the search at the premises of a private person (Rajan Kumar) in Delhi, cash of Rs 1.6 crore (approx), certain alleged rubber stamps of various ministries/departments of the Government of India and forged letter head of various senior government officers and incriminating documents were recovered," he said.
Myth 3: Everyone who has a mental illness needs medication to manage symptoms | Bulthuis says no two patients are the same. While medicines can help manage symptoms, there are some people with mental illness who do not require medication. For others, medicine is essential for recovery. (Representative image)

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Alkem Laboratories on Friday reported 70 percent fall in net profit to Rs 71.6 crore in the first quarter ended June impacted by destocking of inventory in trade channels on account of GST rollout from July 1.

The company posted net profit of Rs 238.8 crore in the corresponding period previous year. Revenues declined 12.5 percent to Rs 1295.2 crore.

Alkem domestic formulation sales declined 21.4 percent to Rs 867.5 crore. India contributes little over two-thirds of Alkem total revenues on channel destocking due to GST rollout.

According to market research firm AIOCD AWACS  the inventory days have declined from 37 days at the end of May 2017 to 13 days on June 28.

US sales that constitutes companys major portion of international business contributed 23.3 percent to total sales for Q1FY18.

In Q1FY18, the company filed 2 ANDAs with the US FDA and received 2 final approvals. As on June 30, 2017, the company has filed a total of 93 ANDAs including 1 NDA with the US FDA and has received 40 approvals including 6 tentative approvals.

The R&D investments during the quarter was 5.4 percent of total revenue from operations. Alkem said it has successfully closed the US FDA inspection at its bioequivalence facility at Taloja, Navi Mumbai without any Form 483 observations.

Q1 FY18 has been a below-par quarter, not only for the company but for the entire Indian pharmaceutical market as the stockist and other trade partners operated at a significantly lower inventory levels in the run-up to the GST roll-out on July 1, 2017, said Prabhat Agrawal, Chief Executive Officer of Alkem.

However, we expect the inventory levels to gradually normalise over the remaining part of the financial year, leading a pick-up in growth rates in the domestic business, Agrawal said.

Shares of Alkem dropped 5.04 percent and were trading at Rs 1632.80 on BSE at 2.54 pm, the benchmark Sensex declined 1.04 percent to 31,203.23 points.
We are in the last phase of the September quarter earnings season, and the results announced by the BSE 500 companies so far have shown signs of a sharp recovery, as compared to the June quarter, when the economic activity in the country was compromised due to lockdown in various regions. From the BSE 500 list, 216 companies have announced their September quarter results so far. We excluded banking and financial companies. Along with the index stocks we also analyse each sector quarterly earnings. (Data Source: ACE Equity)

Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd (DFPCL) has reported a 16 per cent decline in consolidated net profit at Rs 37.70 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 2017.

Its net profit stood at Rs 45.06 crore in the year-ago period, the Pune-based company said in a regulatory filing.

Total income grew by 19 per cent to Rs 1,283.30 crore in the quarter under review from Rs 1,078.05 crore in the year- ago period.

DFPCL's CMD Sailesh C Mehta said the performance has been encouraging with better volumes and higher capacity utilisation.

"Monsoons in most of our core markets have been good and as compared to past couple of years, there has been a healthy demand for farm inputs, especially complex fertilisers. Apropos normal rains, we are optimistic about a better performance during the upcoming rabi season too," he said.
Aadhaar is now becoming an essential part of every Indian's life. A recent news report revealed that the government is considering making Aadhaar compulsory for financial transactions like buying shares or mutual funds.



Also, the Election Commission of India is waiting for the Supreme Court's decision on an application seeking to make it compulsory for voters to link their Aadhaar numbers to their voter IDs.

Currently, Aadhaar is mandatory for the 10 things listed below. If Aadhaar is not linked to these, then it is possible for one to be denied a passport. And that's only one among the many difficulties one might face.

>Income-tax return

Every income taxpayer has to now link Aadhaar with their PAN card. If it is not done, the PAN card may become invalid. The MoF had earlier set the deadline to link PAN with Aadhaar as August 31.

However, on Friday, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told the Lok Sabha that there is no fixed deadline to link PAN and Aadhaar.

Also read: A 3-step guide on how to link Aadhaar with PAN

Also read: Unable to link your Aadhaar and PAN online? Here's what you can do

>Bank Account

Anyone wishing to open a bank account is required to provide his/her Aadhaar details. For existing bank account holders, the Aadhaar number has to be linked by December 31. To make a transaction above Rs 50,000, Aadhaar details have to be provided.

Also read: Not able to link Aadhaar to bank a/c? Banks to provide enrolment, provide facilities

>PAN Card

To apply for a PAN, Aadhaar is now a mandate. Existing PANs also have to be linked to Aadhaar.

>Phone Number

For new SIM registerees, it is compulsory to provide Aadhaar details to the subscriber chosen. The existing SIM holders will also have to link theirs to their Aadhaar.

>Employment Provident Funds (EPF) Account

The Employee Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has also made it compulsory to link PFs to Aadhaar.

>Scholarships

To apply for a scholarship, students will have to provide their Aadhaar details. However, this is necessary only for availing scholarships from government colleges.

>Passport

Aadhaar will now be used as a date of birth (DoB) proof. It is mandatory to provide Aadhaar details to apply for a passport.

>Railway ticket concessions

If there are difficulties in the journey, one has the right to quote for concessions. However, now, the Indian Railways has made it mandatory to quote Aadhaar to avail such concessions.

> Mid-day meal

All the students studying in government schools have to provide their Aadhaar details to avail mid-day meals.

>PDS benefits

Ration cards will have to be linked with Aadhaar to avail Public Distribution Benefits.

Also read: All you need to about AEPS
Gone are the days when employees had to get Form 13 signed from the ex-employer and submit to the present employer or initiate an online transfer of funds. In just about a month, workers wouldnt have to worry about the Provident Fund (PF) account transfer as it will get done automatically, reports The Times of India.

According to chief provident fund commissioner VP Joy, the main hurdle before them is premature closure of accounts which happens after employees change their jobs. Employees have to take care of a lot of paperwork before joining a new company and amid all the tension, people close their accounts and restart it later.

To avoid this, Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is taking efforts to make the whole transfer process employee-friendly. Automatic PF account transfer will let employees continue with their accounts and not open new accounts without transferring funds.

Among other things, now Aadhaar is also mandatory to enrol for EPF. As per Joy, PF account is permanent and can be used for social security. He also advised that money should only be withdrawn from the account for important purposes like housing, education, hospitalisation or marriage.

In a bid to create jobs, the government is taking a slew of measures, one of which is increasing its contribution to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). For new employees, the government under the Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY) will give additional 1 percent of their basic pay.

What is the PMRPY scheme?

Under this scheme, the government takes care of the employers component. So, the EPF contribution for the workers that come from the employer is paid by the government to encourage firms to recruit unemployed persons. The scheme also helps to bring the informal workers in the payroll. The scheme is applicable for workers with a salary of up to Rs 15,000 per month for a period of three years.

What is the breakup?

The employers share of EPF kitty can be divided into five components-

Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS)  8.33 percent

Employee Provident Fund (EPF) - 3.67 percent

Administrative charges- 0.65 percent

Employees Deposit-linked Insurance Scheme- 0.5 percent

EDLI maintenance- 0.01 percent

Under PMRPY, out of the five components government provides EPS share and this benefit is extended to all new recruits in a firm.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today welcomed increased exchanges between the legislatures of India and Seychelles.

He made the remarks while receiving a 12-member delegation of the Seychelles Parliament led by its Speaker Patrick Pillay.

Modi appreciated the role of the legislatures of the two countries in upholding strong and vibrant ties between India and Seychelles as close partners, including in the Indian Ocean, the PMO said.

He recalled his own productive visit to Seychelles in March 2015 that helped both countries further deepen cooperation, the PMO said in a statement.

The delegation shared their perspectives with prime minister on further strengthening cooperation and people-to- people exchanges between the two countries.

The Seychelles delegation also called on Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan in Parliament House.

Mahajan said India considers Seychelles not only as a maritime neighbour but also as a trusted friend and a strong strategic partner.

She said the Indian diaspora in Seychelles constitutes an important link between the two countries and that the relations between India and Seychelles are further cemented by strong people-to-people bonds and cultural exchanges. Mahajan emphasized that India is keen to expand and intensify parliamentary interactions with Seychelles. Pillay thanked Mahajan for the warm hospitality extended to his delegation, said a statement issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
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Cochin Shipyard, the largest public sector shipyard company, which will make a debut on exchanges on Friday, August 11 commands a grey premium of around 20 percent from its issue price, suggest experts.

The public issue was oversubscribed 76.19 times, with receiving bids for 258.9 crore equity shares against IPO size of 3.39 crore shares. The issue price is fixed at the higher end of price band of Rs 424-432 per share.

Also read - Cochin Shipyard debuts at Rs 461, surges 22% over issue price

Cochin Shipyard caters to clients engaged in defence sector in India and clients engaged in the commercial sector worldwide. In addition to shipbuilding and ship repair, it also offers marine engineering training.

The shipbuilding industry has been witnessing challenging times over the past few years. Despite this, Cochin Shipyard weathered the storm to deliver a strong performance in the past two years with its revenue growing by 14 percent CAGR along with significant improvement in profitability, suggest experts.

The shipyard company has proposed to utilise fresh issue proceeds for setting up of a new dry dock within the existing premises (around Rs 443 crore); setting up of an international ship repair facility at Cochin Port Trust area (around Rs 229.5 crore), and general corporate purposes.

The company has a healthy order backlog, strong execution capabilities, strong cash flows, and robust balance sheet, Hitesh Agrawal, EVP & Head  Retail Research, Religare Securities told Moneycontrol.

Thus, despite the recent weakness in the market, considering the demand witnessed for the IPO, we believe that the stock could open with a premium of 20-25 percent, he said.

Cochin Shipyard raised more than Rs 1,450 crore through its share sale offer that comprised of a fresh issue of 2.2656 crore shares and an offer for sale of 1.1328 crore shares by The President of India.

Large grey market premium depends more on companys fundamentals which were evident from the oversubscription number we saw when the IPO was opened.

IPO usually provides an opportunity to investors to pick shares at the relatively lower price considering their future growth expectation. Most analysts believe that there is still a long rally left in shipping stocks.

The shift seen in recent fundamentals of industry, we expect Cochin to join the rally so any investor should look at this IPO for a longer time horizon since we expect it to be posting decent returns in coming months, Mustafa Nadeem, CEO, Epic Research told Moneycontrol.

We expect it to be on premium with a listing gains of over 20 percent. The kind of subscription is seen and the growth prospects we look at with available sources on the public domain it looks attractive, he said.

Nadeem further added that given the recent run up as well in the sector we believe it to be as well post some gains.
Investigation agencies have identified more than 13000 shell companies post demonetization, according to two sources who to spoke to Moneycontrol on condition of anonymity. The Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Serious Fraud of Investigation Office had sent their individual lists to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) which had compiled them. The source added that this list was made before SEBIs ban this Monday halting trading in 331 shell companies.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on Monday placed trading curbs on 331 stocks of firms suspected to be shell companies. Of these, 162 are actively traded while 169 had already been suspended for various violations of the listing agreements.

Another source told Moneycontrol that this comprehensive list included the 331 companies that SEBI had banned trading in.

The basis on which the Ministry of Corporate Affairs short-listed 331 companies from the larger list is not known yet.

A source who is privy to the development told Moneycontrol: Among the 13000 companies, some of them are listed while most arent. Mainly, these companies are from West Bengal.

A senior official of Enforcement Directorate told Moneycontrol that they had shared the list of companies which had indulged in tax evasion and money laundering. The agencies have started taking action, the source added. There has been mutual sharing of information happening between the investigative agencies.

After November 8 last year when popular Rs 500 and Rs 1000 were made illegal, investigation agencies started cracking down on shell companies. The Prime Minister Office is closely looking into this clean-up drive with help from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
The S&P BSE Sensex has fallen nearly 1,000 points in just 9 trading session of August while the carnage was seen more in small and midcap space which fell 20-30 percent in a matter of days after hitting record highs last month.

History suggests that the index has given flat to negative returns in six out of last 10 years. The S&P BSE Sensex recorded a cut of nearly 9 percent in the year 2011, followed by 2015 when it slipped 6.7 percent, and in the year 2013, it dropped by 3.6 percent.

The S&P BSE Sensex closed at 32,514 on 31 July and since then it fell in one straight line to 31,531.33 on 10 August which translates into a fall of nearly 1000 points.

The S&P BSE Smallcap index was no different, it saw a decline of over 5 percent in the same period while the S&P BSE Midcap index plunged over 4 percent.

Everything was going fine until July when both benchmark indices hit their respective record highs. The S&P BSE Sensex hit a lifetime high of 32,686.48 while the Nifty50 climbed Mount 10K to hit a record high of 10,137.85.

But, things turned cautious in the month of August when the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on Monday placed trading curbs on 331 stocks of firms suspected to be shell companies.

Of these, 162 are actively traded while 169 had already been suspended for various violations of the listing agreements.

If we look at the companies listed by SEBI in the circular, most of them are small and penny stocks barring few which were actively traded on the exchanges. Following the SEBI order, dealers asked investors to cut down their leverage bets in the small and midcap space which led to further decline in the market.

Stocks which saw a decline of over 20 percent include names like Monte Carlo, VST Industries, Hester Bios, Kanoria Chemicals, Plastiblends, Deepak Nitrate, Mahindra Holiday, Triveni Turbine, Himatsingka Seide, and Siyaram Silk, Capitaline data showed.

All the above stocks recorded their all-time highs in the month of July, but since then, all of them have corrected more than 20 percent. Monte Carlo suffered a fall of 28 percent, followed by VST Industries which fell 25 percent.

In the midcap space, Biocon suffered a crack of 19 percent, followed by Godrej Industries which plunged 14 percent, and UPL fell 8 percent from its record highs.

More than SEBI circular it is the geopolitical tensions which is hurting the market most. And, the fall is seen across global markets. Investors are advised to stay with quality names because they have to bounce back with force.

The July rally seen in Nifty was to a certain extent due to short covering. The recent Geo-political tension between the USA & N.Korea and that of India & China is leading to selling pressure in the market, suggest experts.

Market lacks any positive trigger as most of them have played out, the last being the RBI rate cut. The majority of the mid & small caps earnings are below expectations, mainly due to the impact of GST implementation, Rusmik Oza, Head  Midcaps, Kotak Securities told Moneycontrol.

With more than 20 percent correction in stocks prices, margin calls get triggered leading to unwinding of position. To support loss making positions clients are forced to exit in stronger companies that lead to a cascading effect across the market, he said.

Oza further added that in any sharp fall stocks look weak on technical charts triggering stop loss levels. Hence stocks end up falling further. These times brokers turn more cautious and suggest clients prune their trading positions.

Should you buy small & midcaps on declines?

It is evident from the market behaviour that select mid cap & small caps stocks that had risen sharply are seeing a sharper correction. The first reason is valuation and the other is excess liquidity.

Generally, small companies have seen rally much in excess of large cap indices and stocks. But, a 20 percent fall from highs could make a case for investment but in only those companies which are showing signs of growth.

Every company is different. Therefore, one has to take company specific view on small and midcaps. Correction of 15-20% is a good point to start scouting for value buys, Rakesh Tarway, Head of Research, Reliance Securities told Moneycontrol.

Correction in select stocks is also a function of either poor results or the recent appreciation of the INR against the USD (i.e. export driven stocks), say experts.

Based on Bloomberg data the forward PE of the Mid Cap Index had gone to 19.8x Vs. that of 18.25x of Nifty.

Oza of Kotak Securities added that whenever the valuations of midcaps surpass that of the large cap with a wide margin the correction in them is also 2x of that of Nifty.
The S&P BSE Sensex might have fallen over 1,300 points from its record high of 32,686.48 and Nifty by nearly 400 points but the India story has not changed and investors should leave out emotions while investing, suggest Smallcap czar Porinju Veliyath in an interview with CNBC-TV18.

Porinju who is an eternal bull on Indian markets said it is a healthy correction because the market cannot go up every day and dips like these should be used to buy stocks.

The big money can be made in stocks which got impacted by demonetisation. In his interview, Porinju said that he was very bullish on markets after demonetisation. And, he knew there could be 2-3 quarters of pain for some companies.

Investors should look at those companies which might go through the pain of two-three quarters. Those companies were beaten down very badly and that is where the big money is, Porinju added.

The recent correction in Nifty of about 400 points should not worry serious investors who want to remain in the market for long term. The India story is intact and nothing has changed with respect to fundamentals, but to make money investors have to leave emotions aside.

This is not the time to be bearish on market or the whole world is peaking out. There are many things which are going right for India such as stable politics, changing the economy, domestic funds flow in markets, and consumption story still remains intact, said Porinju.

Investors have to be more rational and leave the emotions aside and unnecessary sentiments while picking stocks to become a great investor, he added.

Commenting on the recent IPO listing of Cochin Shipyard, Porinju said that it is a good company even though it is a PSU. It is a well-managed company with a dedicated workforce and there is some more money left for investors on the table.

Cochin Shipyard share price started off the first day first trade at Rs 461 on National Stock Exchange, higher by nearly 8 percent over the issue price of Rs 432.

The stock immediately gained momentum further and hit a high of Rs 528.15 in early trade, up more than 22 percent over IPO price.

Infrastructure story is good for next 10 years:

Infrastructure theme will become big in the next 10 years, Porinju recommended. However, he added that investors have to hunt for survivor companies and not just any company because it is a tough environment.

The most important factor for investors who are hunting for value in infrastructure space should look for companies with survivor balance sheet.

India has got many verticals of infra  railways, aircraft, airports, shipping etc. and 15-20 sub section in the same space.
Amid a global pattern of weakening prices for luxury residences, a declining trend engulfed Indian metros. While Delhi (0.8 percent) and Bengaluru (0.3 percent) recorded negative growth, prices for luxury homes in Mumbai saw a marginal increase of 0.8 percent between June 2016 and June 2017.

On the ranking table Mumbai stood at 24 followed by Bengaluru (29) and Delhi (31), says a report titled Knight Frank Prime Global Cities Index Q2 2017.

The index that tracks the movement in luxury residential prices across 41 cities worldwide rose by 4.4 percent in the year to June 2017. But at least 17 of these cities saw a decline in annual growth as compared to the previous quarter.

Chinese cities continued their domination in the market with Guangzhou topping the list with a staggering surge of 35.6 per cent in luxury prices.

But all three Chinese cities saw a decline in annual growth compared to the previous quarter amid the lending restrictions on home purchases.

Beijing, witnessed the steepest drop from 22.9 per cent year-on-year in March 2017 to 15 per cent annual growth in the quarter ending June.

The momentum resonated in Europe as well courtesy a combination of factors such as safe haven capital flows, Brexit and recent addition of top grade stock in these markets. Cities such as Madrid (10.7 percent), Berlin (9.7 percent), Paris (8.8 percent), and even Dublin (3.8 percent) recorded a marked increase in their annual growth rate.

The prime residential market in Indias top three cities of Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi are under tremendous pressure. The Indian metros rank quite low in order among 41 global cities," says Samantak Das, Chief Economist and National Director  Research.

"Mumbai on a year-on-year price index growth could manage just a positive number, but Bengaluru and Delhi have declined on a year-on-year basis. It is interesting to note that Bengaluru, the most resilient market has also suffered a decline."

"The pressure will continue for some more time because we believe that the catalysts for growth pertaining to prime residential market are yet to come back, he adds.
Amid job cuts in the IT industry there is still a glimmer of hope for software professionals. Amazon India is looking to recruit over 1,000 people, most of the offers being for software engineers.

The hires will look after the cloud computing division, automation, research and development (R&D) for the company's various armsAmazon.com, Amazon.in, the devices business like Kindle and Amazon Web Services (AWS), as per a report by The Times of India.

Moneycontrol had earlier reported that Amazon was going to create 5,000 new jobs in India in the current year.

The jobs are open for Amazons Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai offices. As on Friday morning, the companys job portal listed 1,215 open positions in India. The e-commerce giant has around 50,000 employees in the country and close to 3.5 lakh worldwide. Amazons strength of employees in India is second only to the US where it is headquartered.

Also Read: Amazon hires about half a dozen Snapdeal senior executives

"The numbers are mind boggling. We're looking at a fully functional tech organisation in India and are hiring varied skills across several job families. India is a big focus area for talent," the report quoted Dale Vaz, director of software development at Amazon India.

The company said that the number of people it is hiring is limited only by the talent pool in the sectors it requires. The kind of talent the company is after are research scientists, data analytics, natural language processing, artificial intelligence machine learning and Android developers. The list is not exhaustive as the company said it is going to hire as many employees as possible.

"We are always looking for Android app developers who can solve India-specific problems like the fragmentation of the Android universe with smaller capacity handsets and the poor connectivity and speed in India. We've seen the India team reinventing the Amazon app experience," Vaz added.

Also Read: Amazon says 900 jobs will be added at new Boston office

Around half the positions550 are located in Bengaluru. The IT capital of India is followed by Hyderabad with 385 vacancies and Chennai with 144 open positions. The number of vacancies at Bengaluru is not just highest in India but also higher than for any other centre of the company outside of the US.
No.1| Amazon |The biggest e-commerce company has made its name from scratch and now works on major technological advances like artificial intelligence and streaming. The company was the second company to cross a trillion dollar valuation (Reuters)

Moneycontrol News

Amazon has joined a long list of backers of Android creator Andy Rubins technology startup Essential.

The recent funding round resulted in an infusion of USD 300 million in the technology startup which involved major global tech players says a report from Bloomberg.

Apart from Amazon, China's Tencent Holdings and Apple's iPhone assembler Foxconn Technology Group also took part in the USD 300 million Series B funding round alongside Access Technology Ventures.

Other backers included Redpoint Ventures, Altimer Capital and Vy Capital. Access Technology Ventures reportedly has contributed USD 100 million to the total funding.

The funding comes at a time when Andy Rubins electronics startup is getting ready to unveil its new Essential PH-1 smartphone.

First look of Essential's PH-1 phone along with the magnetic camera attached to it (Source: Essential.com)

First look of the Essential PH-1 in its Ocean coloured variant (Source: Essential.com)

Rubin started Essential after leaving Google in 2014 and has created a buzz among the tech community around the globe after it announced its phone PH-1 which had a pocket size 4k 360-degree camera.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Andy Rubin said that his company is entering mass production of this phone, along with some pictures from the production process.



We are in full mass production, ramping up to deliver your Essential Phone. Find out where you can get yours next week! #thisisessential pic.twitter.com/CYrhTMSt1g

 Andy Rubin (@Arubin) August 9, 2017

Essentials upcoming handset is being placed as a rival to Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy range who presently dominate a large part of the smartphone market.

The PH-1 phone is going to be launched with a Qualcomm processor, a USB C port and a unique magnetic connector on the back to link it to external accessories such as the camera and a wireless charging hub.



Sharing your perspective is essential. All the parts that form the world's smallest, fits-in-your-pocket 4K 360 camera. #ThisIsEssential pic.twitter.com/9mK6AjOfag  Essential (@essential) July 5, 2017

The phone, without the magnetic attachment, will sport an 8-megapixel camera on the front and a 13-megapixel sensor at the back.

Presently, Essential is valued at USD 900 million to 1 billion.

Essential also plans to release a smart speaker later called Home that is set to compete will Amazons Echo devices as well as with Google Home and Apples upcoming HomePod.
Bull's Eye, CNBC-TV18's popular game show, where market experts come together to dish out trading strategies for you to make your week more exciting and compete with each other to see whose portfolio is the strongest.

Remember these are midcap ideas not just for the day, but stocks that look attractive in the medium-term as well.

This week, Sameet Chavan, Vijay Chopra and Sumeet Jain battle it out for top honours.

Below their top stock picks and analysis:

Sameet Chavan of Angel Broking

Buy Tata Communications with a stoploss at Rs 575 and target of Rs 632

Sell NCC with a stoploss at Rs 86.05 and target of Rs 77

Sell Castrol India with a stoploss at Rs 388 and target of Rs 356

Sell Tata Elxsi with a stoploss at Rs 1670 and target of Rs 1560

Vijay Chopra of enochventures.com

Buy Petronet LNG with a stoploss at Rs 208 and target of Rs 218

Buy Britannia Industries with a stoploss at Rs 4080 and target of Rs 4180

Buy HDIL with a stoploss at Rs 54 and target of Rs 61

Buy Max Financial Services with a stoploss at Rs 580 and target of Rs 610

Sumeet Jain of Destimoney Securities

Buy ITD Cementation with a stoploss at Rs 149 and target of Rs 166

Buy Infosys with a stoploss at Rs 969 and target of Rs 1010

Buy Wipro with a stoploss at Rs 283 and target of Rs 296

Sell Bank of India with a stoploss at Rs 152 and target of Rs 144
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Moneycontrol Research

Jindal Steel and Power, which is making an effort to turn around, is showing visible green shoots in its financials aided by the improving steel industry scenario.

During Q1FY18, the company was able to reduce its net loss to Rs 421 crore as against Rs 1240 crore loss in the corresponding quarter of last year. Importantly, its operations have turned profitable at the cash levels with the cash profit (includes depreciation) of Rs 453 crore reported in the June 2017 quarter.

Thanks to the overall improvement in the steel prices, JSPL which produces over 5 million tonnes of steel annually saw its realisation per tonne improving.

Improving volumes

Along with the higher realisations, the company also gained on account of increase in sales volume. During the quarter, on a consolidated basis, the company sold 1.15 million tonnes of steel as against 1.1 million tonnes of steel in the corresponding quarter last year. Both higher prices and volumes led to 26.4 percent year on year increase in consolidated sales to Rs 5936 crore.

Power  lights up

Amongst businesses that contributed to this growth were power that saw a 47 percent increase in units generated at 3186. It is worth noting that power business witnessed PLF of 43 percent in Q1FY18 as against 36 percent in Q1FY17 as a result of improvement in demand. Moreover, the power business helped a lot to reduce the overall losses. As a result of higher volumes in power, the business reported an EBITDA of Rs 468 crore as against Rs 182 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. Power business made a cash profit of Rs 310 crore out of the overall group cash profit of Rs 453 crore.

International business, which comprises three coal mines and one steel producing facility in Oman, reported mixed results. Barring disruptions at its Australian mining operation, the 1.7 million tonne Oman steel business produced 0.36 million tonne steel in Q1FY18 as against 0.35 million tonne steel in the corresponding quarter last year. This facility is benefiting from higher steel prices and improved demand. Oman facility maintained an EBITDA of USD 32 million.

Guiding up

While addressing the earnings conference call, Ravi Uppal, CEO and MD, Jindal Steel & Power, said, We are guiding domestic steel volumes of close to 5.4 million tonnes for the current financial year. In addition to this, we will also gradually see 2.5 million tonnes of contribution coming from the Angul plant which is currently operating at 5000 tonnes of steel per day and expected to reach around 10000 tonnes a day over the next few months.

The management is hopeful of improving its financial performance further with the Angul facility now coming on stream and resultant cash flows helping in reducing the working capital and debt, which are the root causes of stress.

The company has maintained its debt at around Rs 45500 crore despite huge working capital requirements for the power and Angul project, which were largely met through internal accruals and monetisation of assets. Angul facility will be the key to reduction in overall debt. Of the total debt, Angul facility accounted for close to Rs 24,000 crore.

Valuations

JSPL is expected to post strong earnings growth led by higher steel volumes, gains from operating efficiency and deleveraging of the balance sheet. It is estimated to report an EBITDA of close to Rs 8200 crore in FY19. Considering that at the current market price of Rs 127, the stock is reasonably valued at 7 times its enterprise value to EBITDA of FY19.
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Shares of J Kumar Infraprojects and Prakash Industries have locked at 20 percent lower circuit in the opening trade on Friday post the shares of both the companies start trading on the indices after they were declared as shell companies.

The trading in these two companies had been halted, along with 329 others, after they were identified as suspected shell companies by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Read More

The shares had moved to so-called Stage VI of graded surveillance measures - where trading is allowed only once a month - for being suspected shell companies.

J Kumar Infraprojects and Prakash Industries had moved the SAT against the SEBI directions.

The companies share has started its normal trading today post the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) on Thursday stayed restrictions imposed by the SEBI on trading of shares on the exchanges.

Out of the 331 companies on the list, more than 160 are actively traded shares on the exchanges.

J Kumar Infraprojects has registered 12.5 percent fall in its Q1 (April-June) net profit at Rs 25.8 crore against Rs 29.5 crore, in the same quarter last fiscal.

At 09:26 hrs Prakash Industries was quoting at Rs 111.20, down 20 percent with pending sell orders of 268,388 shares.

J Kumar Infraprojects was quoting at Rs 226.95, down 19.99 percent with pending sell orders of 17,032 shares.

Posted by Rakesh Patil
Moneycontrol News

The chief of al-Qaedas Kashmir unit Zakir Musa is reportedly trapped by security forces in Tral in south Kashmir's Pulwama sector. Kashmir Police, however, said there is no definitive proof of Musa being trapped among militants in Noorpora village in Tral, according to a report in News18.

The police, army and paramilitary forces are conducting searches in Noorpora after receiving inputs of militants hiding in the village.

Musa broke off from Hizbul Mujahideen soon after he was appointed Burhan Wani's successor for the group's Kashmir unit. He formed Taliban-e-Kashmir thereafter, highlighting that his cause wasn't just for Kashmir but also the Caliphate, according to the report.

Musa was named Burhani Wanis successor to lead Hizbul Mujahideen in the Valley, but soon broke off and formed Taliban-e-Kashmir, as his brand of violence was too extreme even for the Mujahideen. He had recently exited HM following a controversy over his statement that he was not confining his fight for Kashmir cause but for the Caliphate.



Pulwama, J&K: Army launches a cordon & search operation in Norpora village of Al-Qaeda's Zakir Musa in Tral; more details awaited pic.twitter.com/b8GRyH7Lb1

 ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2017

The Army has been on the hunt for Musa in the recent weeks. Two days ago, three members of the al-Qaeda faction were killed. Musa was seen in a couple of recently-released photographs with three members.

Meanwhile, there are reports of clashes between locals and the security forces as they tried to disrupt the search operation.

Musa, also known as Zakir Rashid Bhat, is a 22-year old civil engineering student and native of Norpora village which is situated close to the spot where Burhan Wani was killed.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is likely to ask for reopening of the Bofors case when the matter is in Supreme Court for hearing.

Earlier this month, an application for an early plea in the case was moved in the Supreme Court by BJP member and advocate Ajay Aggarwal, according to a report in The Economic Times.

In May 2005, the main accused in the Bofors case was discharged by the Delhi High Court. CBI was in favour of challenging the decision back then. But the then UPA government was not keen on it.

In July this year, BJP members in Lok Sabha said the case needed to be reopened and that Congress needs to support the investigation.

Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar had said that the scale of bribery in the guns case could be bigger than earlier thought.

What is Bofors case?

In April 1987, the Bofors gun case had come to light. On March 24, 1986, a multi-million dollar deal was signed between the Indian government and Swedish arms company Bofors to supply 410 155mm Howitzer field guns.

In 1987, a Swedish radio channel had revealed the scam involving top politicians in India. The radio alleged that kickbacks were paid to people.

It was alleged that the Swedish company had paid USD 640 million in kickbacks to politicians. More than 350 documents came in hand of journalist Chitra Subramaniam, revealing the payoffs to politicians.

An Italian businessman  Ottavio Quattrochhi  had allegedly played the role of middleman. Quattrochhi was said to be a close friend of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

In 1987, a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) was set up to probe the arms case. The first report was submitted in two years.

In 1990, CBI registered a case. However, the case slowed down after assassination of Rajiv Gandhi that year. VP Singh-led government then had also banned Bofors AB from entering any deal with the government.

Also, Swiss authorities froze accounts of Svenska and AE Services, who allegedly received payoffs from the deal.

In 1997, the Swiss Bank had released some 500 documents and the ban on Bofors AB was lifted.

In 1999, CBI had filed a chargesheet against Quattrochhi, Win Chandha - agent of the Bofors AB, Defence Secretary SK Bhatnagar and Bofors company. Chadha and Bhatnagar passed away in 2001.

In 2000, CBI also named Hinduja brothers in its chargesheet.

In 2002, the Delhi High Court decided to close the case. However, the Supreme Court reversed it in 2003.

In 2004, the CBI had cleared Rajiv Gandhi's involvement in the case.

In 2005, all charges against Hinduja brothers were dropped. The Delhi High Court had also reprimanded CBI for handling of the case, saying that it had cost exchequer nearly Rs 250 crore.

Following this, in 2006, the CBI had wanted to extradite Quattrochhi from Argentina. However, the government lost that case. In 2013, Quattrochhi passed away.

In the last hearing in 2016, CBI said that authorities had not allowed it to appeal against the earlier verdict.
The Supreme Court sought the response on a plea of the Maharashtra government challenging the Bombay High Court order decriminalising possession of beef in the case of animals which are slaughtered outside the state.

The state government has challenged the high court's May 6 last year verdict striking down sections 5(d) and 9(b) of the Maharashtra Animals Preservation (Amendment) Act, 1995, which criminalised and imposed punishment on persons found in possession of beef of the animals, slaughtered in or outside the state, on the ground that it infringed upon a person's "right to privacy".

The matter came up for hearing before an apex court bench comprising justices R K Agrawal and A M Sapre which issued notice on the appeal and tagged it along with several pending pleas related to the issue.

The high court had termed as "unconstitutional" the provisions which held mere possession of beef as crime, saying only "conscious possession" of the meat of the animals slaughtered in the state would be an offence.

The plea, filed through advocate Nishant R Katneshwarkar, has assailed the judgement saying the restriction imposed by the 1995 Act on possession of flesh of cow, bull or bullock could not be interpreted and concluded to be an infringement of "right to privacy".

It has said that high court "while coming to the finding that right to privacy forms part of the fundamental right to personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, ought to have appreciated that right to privacy has not yet been designated as a fundamental right".

The plea said that according to the verdict, obligation upon the state to prove "conscious possession" of beef would "constitute an unsurmountable circumstance readily available to the wrongdoer to escape sentence".

In its judgement, the high court had upheld the ban on the slaughter of bulls and bullocks imposed by the Maharashtra government but had decriminalised possession of beef in case the animals were slaughtered outside the state.

Under the state Act of 1976, there was a ban on cow slaughter and possession and consumption of the meat. However, in 2015, the ban on the slaughter of bulls and bullocks was also included in the Act by an amendment.

According to the verdict, the burden of proving innocence would not be on individuals and the onus to prove that the law was violated lay on the prosecution.

The judgement had come on a batch of petitions filed in the high court challenging the constitutional validity of the Act and in particular, the possession and consumption of beef of the animals slaughtered outside Maharashtra.
INDIA - OCTOBER 02: Dawood Ibrahim, the mafia leader in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates ( mafia don ) (Photo by Bhawan Singh/The India Today Group/Getty Images)

In an expose that ended mystery surrounding fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim's whereabouts, CNN-News18's Manoj Gupta spoke directly to the gangster.

Gupta spoke to the 61-year-old gangster who is wanted in India for organising and financing the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts that left 257 dead and 717 injured.

The full conversation took place between CNN-News18's Manoj Gupta, Dawood Ibrahim and the gangster's close aide Javed Chotani in May.

Also read: Full transcript of CNN-News18s phone call with Dawood Ibrahim

This is for the first time that the 61-year-old don spoke to any television channel.

Here are the seven takeaways from the conversation:

Dawood is alive and in command

Contrary to some reports in the media, about the gangster's death, the conversation proves that Dawood is alive.

Dawood resides in Karachi

The gangster operates out of his house: D-13, Block-4, Clifton, Karachi. In May 2016, CNN-News18 tracked down his bungalow.

His number (+923x4xx3xxx3) starts with the country code '+92' which belongs to Pakistan. Indian intelligence agencies also support the claim.

Aide does not deny his identity

At no point in the conversation does Dawood's aide Chotani deny his own identity. In fact, he promises to connect Gupta to Dawood after asking for Gupta's phone number.

It makes India's case stronger

India has accused Pakistan of sheltering Dawood and his close aides in Karachi for a long time. India wants Pakistan to take arrest Dawood and shut his businesses. Through a dossier, India has also shared contact details such as series phone numbers and addresses with the Pakistan government. The residence in Clifton, Karachi was also part of the list of address intimated to the Pakistani authorities.

Dawood is determined to prove they are not in Karachi

When Gupta said, "So, sir? You are in Karachi, Pakistan," Javed Chotani quickly replied "Who said so?" Dawood himself tried to cut the conversation by saying, "Dont waste time."

Dawood is ruffled

The gangster seems ruffled when he hears his name and that an Indian news channel had contacted him. When CNN-News18's Gupta introduces himself, Dawood says, "No, this is Chotani" and quickly passes the phone to Chotani.

Dawood is not suffering from gangrene

When asked about his health, particularly about gangrene, Dawood says that he only suffered from high blood pressure once.

The conversation itself proves Dawoods active role and rejects the theory that he is grievously ill.
India's Vice President Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari talks as he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping (not in picture) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing June 30, 2014. REUTERS/Wang Zhao/Pool (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR3WF7I

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded today the contribution of outgoing Vice President Hamid Ansari as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha, saying he could maintain a delicate balance in the Upper House because of his "intellectual capability and skills".

He suggested that Ansari, whose term ends today, should write a book on how the functioning of the Rajya Sabha could be made more effective and the institution "even more credible".

The prime minister said the various decisions that Ansari took as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha have something concrete to offer.

He brought order in the House enabling the government to complete its business and such decisions could help others to understand how to improve its functioning, Modi said at a farewell function in honour of the vice president in Parliament House complex.

Earlier, BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya had criticised the vice president for his comment that there was a sense of insecurity among Muslims and said such a "petty" remark was not expected from someone in his position.

He also wondered if Ansari was looking for "political shelter" after retirement.

"I condemn his comments. He has made political comments as he is retiring. He is still the vice president and such comments do not suit his office's dignity. It seems he is making such comments to find political shelter after retirement," he said.

In an apparent reference to Ansari, Vice President-elect M Venkaiah Naidu rejected as "political propaganda" the view that there is a sense of insecurity among minorities.

Though Naidu did not name anyone, his comments were seen as a response to Ansari's remarks in a TV interview that there was an unease and a sense of insecurity among Muslims, and that "ambience of acceptance" was now under threat.

"Some people are saying minorities are insecure. It is a political propaganda. Compared to the entire world, minorities are more safe and secure in India and they get their due," he told PTI.

At the farewell function, Modi said Ansari could maintain a delicate balance in the House because of his "intellectual capability and skills".

He said in public life several controversies were associated with public figures of which some being true and others false.

But to the best of his knowledge, Ansari faced no controversy in his long public life which was worth emulating, Modi said.

He recalled that Ansari's cousin Brig Mohammad Usman laid down his life while fighting the Pakistan Army and tribal raiders in Jammu and Kashmir in 1948.

The prime minister said farewell ceremonies were meant to help successors learn from the qualities of the person retiring.

He hoped that Naidu, who was amongs those present, would follow the precedent set by Ansari.

Replying to the felicitations, Ansari said he had been rendered speechless by the words of praise for him.

On his tenure as the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha, he said there were purposeful exchanges in the House that did not result in animosity.

"No one accused me of of leaning to one side. I am retiring highly satisfied," he said.

Ansari said as a common citizen, he would go back to the vibrant democracy and watch the institution from a "different angle".

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Deputy Speaker M Thambi Durai, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, Union ministers including Arun Jaitley and Ananth Kumar, Naidu, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and former prime minister Manmhan Singh were present on the occasion.

Several Rajya Sabha members posed for a group photograph on the last day of Ansari in office.
A number of leaders and party workers of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) are set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by the end of August, according to a report in The Economic Times.

The induction of these leaders and cadre into the BJP will happen during BJP President Amit Shah's visit to the state.

The list of leaders includes AIADMK's Nainar Nagendran, the former industries minister, who belongs to the politically powerful Thevar community.

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. He will attend party meetings in Chennai and Coimbatore.

According to key party leaders, Shah wants an overhaul of the party machinery in the state and wants the BJP to be more visible.

Meanwhile, according to media reports, the two warring factions of the AIADMK are closing in on a merger. It was also reported that leaders of factions were in contact with BJP leaders at the Centre, fuelling speculations of a unified AIADMK joining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The death of chief minister J Jayalalithaa in December 2016 left a vacuum in the state's politics. The split in the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) since then has given the BJP a window to make inroads into the southern state's political hierarchy.
ABSTRACT

Introduction: Severe malaria is one of the leading causes of death in Sub-Sa- haran African countries, and artesunate is recommended as a first-line treatment by the Word Heath Organization (WHO.). Objective: Identify the advantages of artesunate compared with quinine in the treatment of severe malaria in children. Methods and patients: This study was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study focused on children hospitalized for severe malaria in the CNHU who were treated with quinine or artesunate. Findings: The hospital-based frequency rate of severe malaria in pediatric patients was estimated to be 28.3% (n = 848). One hundred five children were treated with artesunate, and 743 were treated with quinine. The mean age of the children was 47 months old. The primary signs of severity were anemia (n = 776), neurological manifestations (n = 309) and hemolysis (n = 137). The average duration of treatment was 1.95 days for artesunate versus 2.45 days for quinine, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). The average length of stay (ALOS) in the hospital was 5 days for the artesunate group versus 5.75 days for the quinine group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Six of the children who received artesunate died, whereas 24 children who treated with quinine died. The total average cost of healthcare was 50,600 FCFA (77 euros) per child treated with artesunate versus 57,100 FCFA (87 euros) per child treated with quinine. Conclusion: The treatment of severe malaria with artesunate is superior to quinine-based treatment.

Keywords:

Severe Malaria, Quinine, Artesunate

1. Introduction

Severe malaria is a global public health issue, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa [1] . According to the WHO, the primary victims of severe malaria are children under 5 years of age [2] [3] [4] . In-hospital lethality remains high in many Sub- Saharan African countries [5] [6] [7] . To reduce that lethality, the WHO recommended in 2013 that severe malaria be treated with artesunate as first-inten- tion therapy and quinine as second-intention therapy [1] . Indeed, the results of several studies such as South East Asian Quinine Artesunate Malaria Trial (SEAQUAMAT) group showed that parenteral artesunate reduced mortality in adults patients with severe malaria by over a third compared with quinine [8] .

In 2012, the in-hospital lethality of severe malaria in the pediatric unit of CNHU-Cotonou was estimated at 13.2% [9] . The use of artesunate began in December 2013 in this unit in parallel with the use of quinine. Eight months after the introduction of artesunate, we assessed the progress made with respect to patient outcomes to identify the benefits associated with artesunate use compared with quinine.

2. Patients and Methods

The present study was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted from January 1 to July 31, 2014, that involved children aged 1 month to 15 years who were admitted to the Pediatric Unit of the Hubert K. Maga National University Teaching Hospital of Cotonou for severe malaria. Severe malaria was defined as a blood smear positive for Plasmodium falciparum in a child with one or more signs of severe malaria according to the World Health Organization [1] . Severe malaria was treated either with injectable artesunate intravenous followed by artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) (Arthemeter-Lumefantrin tablet) or injectable quinine followed by quinine tablets. Patients in the quinine arm were given infusions of 10 mg/kg every 8 hourly. Artesunate 2.4 mg/kg bodyweight was given on admission, then at 12 H, 24 H and thereafter once daily until oral medication could be taken reliably. The oral therapies were performed when the child was able to drink, and treatment lasted seven days, regardless of the molecule used.

Recruitment was comprehensive using data from hospitalization records. The data were collected with a data-processing sheet built with hospitalization file data. The distribution of the children in both groups was random because it depended on the availability of artesunate intravenous in the pharmacy of the hospital at the time of the study, quinine being always available. Moreover, it was theirs parents who had to cover all the costs of drugs and laboratory tests. Children younger than 15 years were included if they had blood-smear positive for Plasmodium falciparum, and in the admitting physicians clinical opinion, they had severe malaria, and they or their attendant relative or guardian gave fully informed written consent.

Patients were not included if there was a convincing history of full treatment with parenteral quinine or an artemisinin derivative for more than 24 hours before admission.

The study variables were age, type of severe malaria, type of malarial treatment, duration of parenteral treatment, length of hospital stay, death and average cost of treatment according to the antimalarial treatment used. The data (managed in a confidential manner) were retrieved and processed using SPSS 21 software. Pearsons Chi-square test was applied when the number was above or equal to 5, Yates Chi correction test was applied when the number was between 5 and 2.5, and Fischers exact test was applied when the number was less than 2.5.

3. Findings

During the study, 848 children with severe malaria were identified out of a total of 2425 admissions for a hospital-based frequency rate for severe malaria of 28.3%. Of the 848 children involved, 743 were treated with quinine, and 105 were administered artesunate followed by ACT. The sex ratio was 1.12. The patient distribution by age according to the treatment received is presented in Table 1.

The mean patient age was 47 months, regardless of the type of malaria treatment, and there was no statistically significant difference in the mean patient ages in the two treatment groups. The study included 622 children under five years old (73.3%).

The primary signs of severe malaria in both groups were anemia, neurological disorders and hemoglobinuria, as indicated in Figure 1. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.

The average duration of parenteral treatment was 1.95 days in the artesunate treatment group versus 2.45 days in the quinine treatment group, which repre- sented a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). The distribution of children according to the type and duration of parenteral treatment is indicated in Table 2.

Table 1. Age distribution according to treatment received.

Figure 1. Signs of severe malaria.

Table 2. Duration of parenteral treatment according to treatment type.

p < 0.001.

The average length of stay in the hospital was 5 days for the artesunate treatment group versus 5.75 days for the quinine treatment group, which represented a significant difference (p < 0.001). Table 3 indicates the distribution of children according to the treatment received and length of stay.

Table 3. Length of hospital stay according to treatment type.

p < 0.001.

Six of the 105 children who received artesunate died, whereas 24 of the 848 children who received quinine died, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.07).

The total average cost of artesunate treatment was 50,600 FCFA (77 euros) per child versus 57,100 FCFA (87 euros) for quinine treatment.

4. Discussion

Complying with the WHO recommendations, the CNHU Pediatric Unit introduced intravenous artesunate in the treatment of malaria because of its easier use and improved patient survival relative to quinine treatment [1] . This research study does confirm some of these benefits of artesunate. In this study, the hospital-based frequency of severe malaria was 28.3%, which similar to the 29.8% (n = 409) observed in Tanzania in 2012 [10] . In Togo in 2002 and Senegal in 2007, respective hospital-based frequencies of 4.37% (n = 361) and 6.4% (n = 162) were reported, respectively; these figures are much lower than those detected in this study [11] [12] . The study period for the present study included the rainy season, and malaria is holoendemic in Benin, may explain these differences. The mean age of the children involved in our cohort was 47 months old, and the majority of children were less than 5 years old (73.3%). This age group represents the group most commonly affected by severe malaria according to several research studies [6] [13] [14] . The predominance of that age group may be due to the disappearance of innate immunity provided by the presence of fetal hemoglobin, poor food diversification secondary to poverty, and the late acquisition of an immune response to malaria [15] . In Senegal, according to two studies performed in 1999 and 2007, the children aged 5 to 10 years were the most likely to be affected by severe malaria [11] [16] . The authors suggested that this pattern was characteristic of intermediary areas of malaria such as Senegal. We observed no statistically significant difference in response to artesunate or quinine with respect to age. Regardless of age, both products remained effective. Severe anemia was the most common sign of severity, consistent with reports by other studies [5] [14] [17] . This high frequency may be associated with the prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia in 30% to 60% of children under 5 years in tropical Africa [18] . Furthermore, as CNHU is the national referral hospital, certified blood is more commonly available at the hospital during periods of blood shortages relative to peripheral hospitals. Neurological manifestations were the second-most common severe malaria symptoms identified in a previous study within the same unit [19] . There was no statistically significant difference with respect to the signs of malaria severity with respect to the treatment used. However, we did observe a statistically significant difference with respect to the duration of parenteral treatment and the length of hospital stay. Artesunate seems to be associated with decreased length of parenteral treatment and decreased hospital stays in several studies [20] [21] [22] . The authors of these studies have argued that artesunate treatment is superior with respect to improvements in general patient conditions, reductions in the duration of an altered state of consciousness, frequency of seizures during treatment, length of stay and lethality. In this study, we observed no significant differences with respect to lethality rates in the two groups. In addition to the length of stay, which was reduced with artesunate treatment, the average cost of hospitalization was lower for artesunate treatment relative to quinine. This cost reduction represents an addition benefit, particularly given that a universal insurance system has not yet been instituted in Benin and given that the cost of the childrens treatment is entirely borne by their parents. The limitations of this work were the absence of matching between quinine and artesunate treatment, the duration of the study which reduced the sample size and the absence of a multicentre study

5. Conclusion

The treatment of severe childhood malaria with artesunate is superior to quinine treatments. These benefits include reductions in the parenteral treatment duration, the length of hospital stay and the average cost of treatment. In light of these benefits, the use of artesunate should be widespread but well-controlled to avoid resistance problems.

Cite this paper

Sagbo, G.G., Zohoun, L., Bognon, G., Agossou, J., Padonou, C., Tohodjede, Y., Alihonou, F. and Ayivi, B. (2017) Benefits of Artesunate versus Quinine in the Treatment of Children with Severe Malaria at the National University Teaching Hospital of Cotonou. Open Journal of Pediatrics, 7, 156-163. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojped.2017.73019

References
Moneycontrol News

A powerful form of Ransomware called the Mamba that ends up encrypting all files on the system has suddenly made a comeback, as per a report by Kaspersky Lab.

Mamba, that first appeared in September 2016 in an attack on an energy company in Brazil, uses a legitimate software called DiskEncryptor to lock all the files on the hard drive.

Similar tactics have been used in previous ransomware attacks, such as the Petya and WannaCry, which experts pointed out were designed to destroy files rather than generate ransom money.

The ransomware usually targets large organisations.

The Mamba Ransomware is not found very commonly and it has mainly targeted Brazil and Saudi Arabia. However, in November 2016, the San Francisco Municipal Transport Agency was also affected by Mamba and the operators had to allow passengers to travel on the trains for free in the end.

Mamba was the first such ransomware detected that encrypted hard drives rather than files.

Currently, there is no tool available to decrypt the data that has been locked by Mamba Ransomware as it uses extremely strong encryption algorithms.

How does an attack take place?

As per Kasperksy Labs securelist, the group gains access to an organisations network and uses the 'psexec' utility to execute the Ransomware.

Kaspersky Lab states that the attacks occur in two stages. In the first stage, DiskCryptor is stored into a folder created and installed by the malware. A system service dubbed as DefragmentService is also registered to ensure persistence. The targeted machine is then rebooted.

The second stage creates the new bootloader, and in this stage, disk partitions are encrypted through DiskCryptor. The system is then booted again.

For each machine in the victims network, the threat executor generates a password for the DiskCryptor Utility. The same password is passed via command line arguments to the Ransomware dropper.

Kaspersky Sky Lab was the one to flag the return of Mamba Ransomware.

The attackers of Mamba alter their demands depending on the number of systems infected.

The ransom asked for depends on how many endpoints and server were affected, a malware analyst at Kaspersky Lab told ZDNet.
Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma urged young Indians to imbibe the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi and free India from scourges such as terrorism, corruption and communalism.

Speaking on the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement and the formation of the Azad Hind Fauj at an exhibition that began today at the National Archives of India, he stressed the need to create a "new India".

Also read: Special session of Parliament today to mark 75th anniversary of Quit India Movement

"Just like Gandhiji and other freedom fighters called for freedom from the British, the youth should take an oath that they would free India from dirt, from poverty, corruption, terrorism, communalism and casteism and help create a new India dreamt by our freedom fighters and our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi," Sharma said.

The minister said the PM, in his Mann ki Baat address to the nation on July 30, had emphasised the need for the younger generation to know what happened on August 9, 1942.

The exhibition, Sharma said, was a step in that direction.

Based on public records, private papers, photographs, newspaper reports and literature banned by the British Government, the exhibition, which will continue till September 1, focuses on the last phase of the freedom movement.

The exhibition is divided into four sections -- The Prelude to the Quit India Movement, The Actual Movement, The Impact of the Movement and The Indian National Army and Azad Hind Fauj.

"The Quit India Movement was an important milestone in the Indian Freedom Movement which made the entire nation determined to attain freedom from British rule. Millions of Indians responded to Mahatma Gandhis clarion call and the mantra of Do or Die," Sharma said.

A film on the passing of the Quit India Resolution, the arrest of freedom fighters, the role of the INA and Subhas Chandra Bose also forms a part of the exhibition.
In a strategically key move, India has poured in more troops along the entire stretch of its border with China in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the face of heightened rhetoric by Beijing over the Dokalam standoff, senior government officials said today.

The "caution level" among the troops has also been raised, the officials told PTI.

The decision to increase the deployment along the nearly 1,400-km Sino-India border from Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh was taken after carrying out a detailed analysis of the situation and considering China's aggressive posturing against India on Dokalam, the officials said.

"The troop level along the border with China in the Sikkim and Arunachal sectors has been increased," said the officials on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the information.

The Army's Sukna-based 33 Corps as well as 3 and 4 corps based in Arunachal and Assam are tasked to protect the sensitive Sino-India border in the eastern theatre.

The officials declined to give any figure or percentage of increased deployment, saying they cannot disclose "operational details."

According to defence experts, roughly 45,000 troops including personnel having completed the weather acclimatisation process are normally kept ready along the border at any given time, but not all are necessarily deployed.

The soldiers, deployed over 9,000 feet, have to go through a 14-day-long acclimatisation process.

The officials, however, said there is no enhancement of troops at the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction in Dokalam where around 350 army personnel are holding on to their position for nearly eight weeks after stopping Chinese troops from constructing a road on June 16.

Bhutan and China have competing claims over Dokalam, and are negotiating a resolution.

China has been ramping up rhetoric against India over the last few weeks, demanding immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Dokalam. The Chinese state media, particularly, has carried a barrage of critical articles on the Dokalam stand-off slamming India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj recently said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, and favoured a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.

India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.
renault_duster_300_40168160

French car manufacturer Renault has confirmed that it will be selling two variants of its popular model Duster with a discount of around Rs 2 lakh. The decision was taken as the company has decided to stop the production of these two variants.

However, the discount is being offered only to the members of the Gang of Dusters (GOD) group, the official membership group for the car. The discount will be available for models 110 PS AWD Adventure Edition and the base 85 PS variant.

According to a report by Zee Business, Renault is offering the GOD group an exchange offer of Rs 10,000 along with a corporate discount of Rs 7,000 on both the variants. This will take the total discounts on the car to up to Rs 2.17 lakh on 110 PS AWD Adventure edition and Rs 1.77 lakh on the base 85 PS variant.

The reason for this is the company's decision to launch a new model i.e. the Renault Captur.

The Renault Duster, meanwhile, will be produced and sold in other existing variants such as the 85 PS RxE, 85 PS RxZ and 110 PS AMT RxZ.
A 42-year old Indian-origin executive pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in a scheme to commit insider trading in which he made thousands of dollars of illegal profits.

Avaneesh Krishnamoorthy worked as a vice president and risk management specialist for a Manhattan-based investment bank.

He pleaded guilty yesterday to a criminal Information charging him with engaging in the insider trading scheme.

He made over USD 78,000 by trading in the stock and options of three publicly traded companies based on material nonpublic information he misappropriated from the investment bank and its parent company, Acting US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Joon Kim said.

He pled guilty to one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of USD 5 million. He is scheduled to be sentenced in November this year.

"As he admitted in federal court, Avaneesh Krishnamoorthy abused his position as an investment bank executive to get nonpublic information about several companies and then trade on it. We remain committed to prosecuting financial professionals whose greed drives them to break the law," Kim said.

According to allegations in court documents, as a vice president and risk management specialist, Krishnamoorthy was given access to material, nonpublic information concerning mergers and acquisitions in which the investment bank was potentially going to be retained.

In November 2016, the investment bank was contacted about financing the acquisition by a private equity fund of technology company Neustar whose shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Krishnamoorthy received multiple emails regarding the investment banks potential involvement in the transaction, which also summarized the mechanics of the deal.

In violation of the company's policies and in breach of his duties to the company and its clients, Krishnamoorthy used this material nonpublic information to acquire Neustar stock and options. In the days and weeks after receiving the emails, Krishnamoorthy purchased numerous Neustar call options and hundreds of shares of Neustar stock before the public announcement of the transaction.

He did not reveal these trades or the existence of the underlying brokerage accounts to the company. The price of Neustar stock increased by approximately 20 per cent following the public announcement of the funds acquisition of Neustar in December 2016.

Krishnamoorthy also used material nonpublic information that he received from the company to make profitable trades in securities of two other companies.
Drop box worries, ballot harvesting concerns, voter intimidation fears, lengthy delays and long-awaited results: The fretting over Election Day procedures was on full display in the weeks before the mid-term election on Tuesday. Add to those unfounded worries were the...
Jarrett Coleman goes from school board to statehouse with win in 16th Senate District race
August 11, 2017

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Its that time of year again when a great many of you, including yours truly, will be traveling to attend a family members or friends wedding, and an interesting article by Rebecca Fairley Raney touched on the origination of some of the most common wedding practices still used today.

Starting with the traditional bouquet, until modern times, brides carried garlic and dill rather than roses and orchids. The practice most likely originated from the time of the Plague, when people clutched the herbs over their noses and mouths in a desperate effort to survive. The herbs were believed to have protective powers and they also signified renewal. Over time, brides added the sweet smell of flowers to the arrangement and then, thankfully, chucked the garlic and herbs.

The veil of the bride has origins suggesting that she's vulnerable to enchantment, so she must be hidden from evil spirits. The Romans veils were flame-colored to actually scare off spirits. Today, in many religions, the white or off-white veil remains a sign of humility and respect before God during a religious wedding ceremony.

Wearing and throwing the garter was devised as a way to physically protect the bride from the wedding guests. Derived from a tradition in medieval England and France, guests would go into the wedding chamber and check the bride's stockings for signs that the marriage had been consummated. Very cheeky! And, in France, at the end of the wedding ceremony, guests would rush toward the altar to snag a piece of the brides dress, which was considered a piece of good luck. Thankfully, these intrusive traditions were replaced by the simple tossing of a garter.

The earliest tradition in bridesmaid fashion involved dressing the bridesmaids exactly the same as the bride. As with many older traditions, the idea was that by setting up lookalikes, any troublesome spirits in the area could not fixate on the bride. That custom gave way in Victorian times to dressing bridesmaids in white dresses but short veils, to contrast with the bride's voluminous veiling and train system. When society's fears of evil spirits subsided and commercial dyes became more available, thats when bridesmaids appeared in a rainbow of colors.

As far as the origin of the honeymoon, in Norse tradition, the bride and groom went into hiding for 30 days and, during each of those days, a friend or family member would bring them a cup of honey wine, so that 30 days of consumption equaled a "honeymoon."

With regard to the engagement and wedding ring, some sources report that the Romans and Egyptians recorded the use of wedding rings. Other scholars claim that a pope in the 12th century decreed that weddings would be held in church and that the brides were to receive rings. He also decreed that the time between engagement and marriage should be lengthened, which boosted interest in engagement rings. No one said anything about carats way back then, but the marketing gurus of De Beers were hard at work to sell the diamond as a symbol of love, romance and importance.

In 1947, a young copyrighter, Frances Gerety, was working late one night to the point of exhaustion. Finally, in desperation, she put her head down on the table and pleaded for help. Just before she left work that night, she scribbled the words a diamond is forever on a piece of paper and the rest is history. Americas most famous advertising slogan was born and today more than 90 percent of Americans recognize it.

What about wedding receptions today costing in the tens of thousands dollars? Well, the traditional American wedding was more like a barn raising. Actually, among frontier families, the lack of access to a preacher led to the acknowledgement  and legalization  of common-law marriages. In more established communities, the bride's female family members and friends would hold special quilting circles to embroider and create her trousseau. The ceremonies, the receptions and the setting up of households were all-encompassing community events, complete with an array of beautiful, often handmade, gifts for the happy couple.

Finally, the American version of tying tin cans to the bumper of a bridal car originated in France, where communities would hold a festival for widowers or grooms from out of town. These grooms, outsiders who had effectively snatched a local girl out of the clutches of the local boys, were to pay a toll to the offended locals by offering a midnight meal, which later blossomed into an all-night party or wedding reception. Tying tin cans on a bumper, usually done by the groom's male friends, signified that those men lost their chance with the bride being whisked away  and this tradition, although a little noisy and perhaps dangerous on busy streets, still lives on today.

Peg DeMarco can be reached at pegdemarco@earthlink.net.
VALDESE  Morganton resident Barry Mahorney wants people in the community to know why the story of the Waldensians still matters today.

Mahorney will give a free presentation on the history and faith of the Waldensian people on Saturday, Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Waldensian Room at the Old Rock School in Valdese. The program will include a drawing for door prizes.

The Waldensians were a group of Protestants in northwest Italy who immigrated to the U.S. in the 19th century to escape centuries of religious persecution. A particular group of these immigrants founded the town of Valdese.

The history of the Waldensians has been carefully recorded and preserved at the Waldensian Trail of Faith in Valdese, where community members present the From This Day Forward outdoor drama annually to remind people of the struggles the Waldensians faced to live out their faith in freedom.

Mahorney, a retired pastor, heard the Waldensians story years ago while living in Alabama, and was so inspired by it, he traveled from there to Valdese to attend a performance of the drama.

Later, when he moved to Morganton, he became a tour guide at the Trail of Faith.

The more I share the story, the more I sense its not just history, its something very important for all of us, Mahorney said.

Wanting to learn more about the Waldensians, he got in touch with Kathy Demsky, a professor at the School of Architecture and Interior Design at Andrews University in Michigan, who had made a name for herself as an expert in Waldensian history, Mahorney said.

Demsky teaches a course at the school called, Special Topics in Waldensian Beliefs, according to AUs website. Each class includes a trip to Italy to give students an opportunity to explore the Waldensian Valleys and see firsthand how history unfolded for these people of faith.

Mahorney took the tour with the group in both 2016 and 2017. A large portion of his presentation will be sharing what he experienced and learned during his travels.

Telling the story, sharing it with the people here, I sensed it would be of value to actually walk the places where the Waldensians walked and see where they lived, Mahorney said. We traveled to a number of places in the valleys.

Stops on the tour included Barba College, where Waldensian pastors went to study, and an outcropping of Mt. Vandalino called Casteluzzo, where residents built a monument to Waldensian martyrs who were executed there for practicing their faith.

It was that place, where in 1655, hundreds, if not thousands, were actually thrown over the mountain to their deaths during the persecution, Mahorney said. These were a Bible-believing people who were persecuted for no reason except that they refused to give into the Church of Rome. They were a people of courage and faith, willing to lay down their lives for their faith.

Mahorney said his presentation will highlight the lessons people can take away from the story of the Waldensians. He quoted a passage from a book written by Capt. R.M. Stephens called, The Burning Bush, which states: The history of the Waldenses is nothing if it is not viewed from a spiritual standpoint. Their story is one long continued struggle for liberty of conscience.

Its not just history, Mahorney said. There are lessons for us to learn as Christians today. I believe were living in a critical time in Earths history and for the Christian church. Fewer and fewer Christians are believing in the absolute authority and validity of s cripture, and we hear from this story of people who were willing to die because they believed just that.

To learn more about the Waldensians, visit www.waldensiantrailoffaith.org.

Tammie Gercken can be reached at tgercken@morganton.com.
FINEST KIND CLINIC AND FISHMARKET.... Discussing medicine, culture, and the joys of cooking Pansit.
Editors note: A total solar eclipse will be visible across the U.S. on Monday, August 21. Shannon Schmoll, director of the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University, explains why and how it happens, and what we can learn from an eclipse.

How do we know when an eclipse is going to happen? How do we know in advance where it will be visible?

Solar eclipses happen when our view of the sun is blocked by the moon. When the moon lines up between the sun and Earth, the moon will cast a shadow onto Earth. This is what we on the ground observe as a solar eclipse.

We know when theyll happen because over centuries astronomers have measured very precisely the motions of the Earth, moon and sun, including their orbital shapes, how the orbits precess and other parameters. With those data about the moon  and similar information about the Earths orbit around the sun  we can make mathematical models of their movements in relation to each other. Using those equations, we can calculate tables of data that can predict what we will see on Earth, depending on location, during an eclipse as well as when they will happen and how long they last. (The next major solar eclipses over the U.S. will be in 2023 and 2024.)

The path of the eclipse on Aug. 21. NASA

How often do eclipses happen?

A solar eclipse happens, on average, a couple times a year. The moon passes between the Earth and sun every 29 days, a time we call the new moon  when the moon is not visible in Earths nighttime sky. However, the moons orbit and the suns path in our sky dont match up exactly, so at most of those new moon events, the moon appears above or below the sun.

The blue line shows the ecliptic, the path the sun appears to take in our sky as viewed from Earth. The white line shows the moons orbit. For eclipses to happen, both the sun and the moon need to be within the area marked with yellow brackets. John French, Abrams Planetarium, CC BY-ND

Twice a year, though, there is a period where the moon and the sun line up with Earth  astronomers call this an eclipse season. It lasts about 34 days, long enough for the moon to complete a full orbit (and then some) of the Earth. During each eclipse season, there are at least two eclipses visible from some parts of the Earth. At the full moon, there will be a lunar eclipse, when the moon passes directly behind the Earth, resulting in a darker, reddish-colored moon. And at the new moon, there will be a solar eclipse, when the sun is blocked by the moon.

Can we learn anything from eclipse events, or are they really just oddities that happen in nature?

We can definitely learn things from eclipses. The outermost layer of the sun, known as the corona, is difficult to study because its less bright than the rest of the sun  so we have trouble seeing it amid the rest of the suns brightness.

During an eclipse the suns corona becomes visible to observers on Earth. NASA

When the moon blocks the sun, we can see the corona, the famous visual of the halo of light around the dark disk of the moon. Currently astronomers study this by creating an artificial eclipse with a mask built into special instruments on telescopes called coronagraphs. This is great, but doesnt allow the best pictures. Eclipses give scientists opportunities to get more data to study the corona in depth.

We can also learn about Earth itself. In an area affected by an eclipse, the darkening of the sun leads to a sudden drop in temperature. NASA-funded studies during this eclipse will look at the effects from the eclipse on our atmosphere as well as what happens on land. Previous studies observed animal behavior during an eclipse in 2001 and noted some animals went through their night routines as the sun disappeared while others became nervous.

And we can learn about the whole universe. Less than 100 years ago, an eclipse proved a prediction Albert Einstein had made about gravity. That success helped make him a household name. In his general theory of relativity, Einstein had predicted that gravity could bend the path of light. The effect he predicted was very slight, so it would best be viewed as the light passed a very large celestial body as part of its travels across a very long distance of space.

Sir Arthur Eddington, an astronomer who helped further the study of general relativity and whose work is a major piece of our modern understanding of stars and black holes, used the darkness provided by a solar eclipse to look at the position of the stars light during the day, when it passed the sun. He then compared those positions to their known positions at night. He saw that the gravity of the sun had bent the path  exactly as, and in the precise amount that, Einstein had predicted.

How weird is it that the moon can basically exactly block out the sun?

It is very unusual that the moon and the sun just happen to be at the right distances and sizes to appear to have the same size in our sky. This allows the moon to perfectly block the suns disk, while also showing us the corona. Venus and Mercury, for instance, can also pass in front of the sun from our perspective. However, they appear as small specks moving across the sun.

Venus appears as a small dot in the upper left as it passes between the sun and Earth in 2012. NASA

What would someone standing on the moon see happen on Earth? Would Earth get dark?

If you were on the moon, you would be able to see the effects of the solar eclipse on Earth only if you were standing on the moons night side, the side facing the Earth. You would see a round shadow cast onto the Earth. This particular eclipse will first hit the Pacific Ocean, then move into Oregon, cross the U.S. to South Carolina and end in the Atlantic Ocean. This path the shadow takes is called the path of totality.
CONNELLY SPRINGS  The Burke County Sheriffs Office arrested two teens Wednesday for six felony break-ins, just one day after residents of eastern Burke County held a meeting concerning crime in the area.

Kevin Jenkins, 16, of Connelly Springs, and Cody Limbo, 16, of Hickory, were arrested Wednesday around 1 p.m. after deputies responded to a breaking and entering in progress on Rhodhiss Road, according to a BCSO press release.

A detective linked the teens to the vehicle break-ins that occurred on Knob Mountain Road between Aug. 4 and Aug. 6, the release said. The teens were taken into custody and were placed under one $50,000 bond each.

Both were charged with six counts of breaking and entering a motor vehicle, one felony count of attempted breaking or entering a building, felony larceny of a firearm and felony possession of a stolen firearm, the release said.

Their misdemeanor charges include two counts each of larceny and possession of stolen goods/property, the release said.

Sheriff Steve Whisenant is asking citizens to contact his office or the Morganton-Burke Crimetsoppers at 828-437-3333 with any information about crimes in the Rhodhiss area. All tips are anonymous, the release said.

Burke County Sheriff Steve Whisenant expresses his appreciation of witnesses immediately contacting 911 regarding suspicious activity, the release said. Such assistance provides deputies with better opportunities of apprehending and arresting suspects at the scene.

Jenkins and Limbo are scheduled to appear in court Aug. 11.
Last month, I turned 60, and just like that, I swear, something changed in me.

It was as if my guardian angel reached into my soul and flipped a switch without warning. What a character, that one  a tall and wiry number with wild hair and a smoker's hack. I'm not complaining. Let's just say I really get it when George Bailey first lays eyes on his guardian angel, Clarence, and says, "Well, you look about the kind of angel I'd get."

It's a wonderful life, indeed.

My guardian angel refuses to give me her name. I call her Dorothy.

"I've been called worse," she says.

Anyway, the day after my 60th birthday, Dorothy showed up and poked me a little too hard with her bony finger.

"Look," she said, waving off my look of concern as she coughed into a paper napkin from Shake Shack, "time is running out, and you are wasting too much of it sucking in your gut  that's not fooling anyone, by the way  instead of exercising your uppercut."

"I thought we were supposed to be the change we wanted to see."

"There's only one Gandhi."

"Jeez."

She shrugged her shoulders. "Sure, be nice. Be kind, courteous. Brake for animals and small children. All that." She yawned. "But don't be stupid. If you're waiting for people to line up so that you can share your (air quotes) (SET ITAL)accumulated wisdom(END ITAL), you're going to be one big waste of a carbon footprint. It doesn't work like that at your age."

"Some cultures value their older women."

"This isn't China," she said. "And you aren't French."

"Jeez."

"Don't get mushy, is my point. Don't preface your every opinion with an apology for having one. None of this 'Forgive me, but I think' or 'This may be a stupid idea, but.'"

She thrust her hands toward the sky. "God, I hate that. Why do women do that?"

"Well, maybe we--"

She pointed at me. "Don't. Just don't."

"Fine."

"One more thing," she said, proceeding to slap her palm three times. "Practice, practice, practice. Own your age. And have some fun with it. Throw out an opinion or two on Twitter, and tell 'em how old you are when you do it. That'll get 'em going."

"But what if they--"

(SET ITAL)Poof(END ITAL). She was gone.

"We all have guardian angels," my mother once told me. "The question is: Are we willing to listen to them?" Granted, she said this right after she caught me trying to plug my little brother's nostrils with Vaseline while he was sleeping, but I think she meant this as a general rule of thumb.

For all of the 15 years I've been a columnist, I've been on the receiving end of angry mail from that small percentage of men who think a woman has no business getting paid for her opinions. Most of the time, these little droppings have come from the far right. Since the 2016 Democratic primary, however, some on the far left have joined in. They think we disagree, which is adorable.

Last weekend, after yet another round of my progressive bona fides being challenged because I voted for Hillary Clinton, I took it to Twitter: "Save your lectures, self-anointed lefty purists. No man is going to tell me what it means to be a progressive woman in America."

All that time it took to get from the first sentence to the second sentence apparently convinced some fellow female progressives that I was talking about them. It never occurred to me that they would think this, because so few women have tried to cast me as a used-up baby boomer.

Until I took it to Twitter, I mean.

What fun.

The profanity and ageist slurs, regardless of gender, were pretty boring, but there was the occasional gem. I am especially grateful to the person who called me "centrist roadkill." It's giving "feral feminist" some serious competition for the name of my yet-to-be-formed all-girl country-western band. I've been meaning to pull that together since 1964, when Dad took a picture of my little sister and me in our cowgirl outfits.

After two days of this, I shared what I'd learned in the previous 48 hours on Twitter: "Some want boomer women to volunteer for irrelevance. So sorry. Not happening. Welcome to 2017."

See, Dorothy? I'm listening.

Connie Schultz is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and professional in residence at Kent State University's school of journalism. To find out more about Schultz (con.schultz@yahoo.com), visit www.creators.com.
Morningstar's "Perspectives" series features investment insights from third-party contributors. Here, David Osfield, co-fund manager of the EdenTree Amity International Fund, discusses how he is playing undervalued Asian markets as China re-awakens.

The outlook for the Chinese economy typically dominates the outlook for Asian equities. This is for good reason: it is the largest economy in the region  the second largest globally. Historically, the plights of the nine other economies that make up the Asian 10 have often closely mirrored that of China, save perhaps, India.

The outlook for the Chinese economy has improved noticeably over the past 18 months. Fears of a hard landing and significant devaluation have receded and there is greater investor faith that its economy has stabilised, with nominal GDP growth steadily picking up over the last year.

Leading indicators suggest the worst is indeed behind China. The Asian powerhouses GDP grew at an annual pace of 6.9% in the first quarter of 2017, a notch higher than analysts consensus expectations. Leading Indicators Improve Headline Purchasing Managers Indexes (PMIs) in China look to have bottomed out in early 2016 and, following a period of consolidation, have started to accelerate again, consistent with the rebound in other global PMI indices. The Li Keqiang index shows a similar trend, with this index recently hitting a three-year high in February 2017 of 12.8, well above the 1.16 level of September 2015, which coincided with fears of a hard landing and the resultant sharp 40% fall in the CSI 300 index. Moreover, Chinas indebtedness remains at the corporate level, excluding financial firms, with consumers soundly financed. According to BIS data, two-thirds of debt is at the company level. Moreover, given low household debt, consumers can aid a debt transition by spending rather than saving. Gross saving levels in China remain number one globally, despite falling from a peak of $51 per $100 of GDP in 2008 to $48 today. Taiwan: Engine of Innovation A key market in the Asian region benefiting from Chinas resurgence is Taiwan. Taiwan continues to be a beneficiary of multi-period thematic trends in automation, electric vehicles and broad technological innovation. It currently trades on a forecasted 2018 P/E multiple of 13.7, a 3% premium to its 10-year historic average, assuming 6% earnings growth and an attractive 4.1% dividend yield due to Taiwanese company management having a greater propensity to pay out dividends. Taiwanese corporate governance and business practice are also relatively strong. It has benefitted from long-term working relationships, as the destination of choice for many European and US companies looking for an innovative and efficient manufacturing partner. Asia continues to display enticing valuation opportunities. Disclaimer

The views contained herein are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of Morningstar. If you are interested in Morningstar featuring your content on our website, please email submissions to UKEditorial@morningstar.com
After going to bat for the industry last year, CMBA has convinced the government to allow an exemption for broker licensing.The Ontario government agreed to an amendment to its Collection and Debt Settlement Services Act that will not require brokers to take an extra, superfluous education course.The new debt settlement and consolidation legislation needed an exemption for mortgage brokers and agents, as it created unintended and cost-prohibitive restrictions for mortgage borrowers wishing to use a mortgage broker to consolidate debt. This is good news for the Ontario mortgage broker industry, Samantha Gale , executive director of CMBA, told MortgageBrokerNews.ca. The proposed changes also reign in debt settlement business which avoid licensing requirements by running the business through a lawyers license  the government is proposing to only permit exemptions for lawyers if the debt settlement or consolidation is in the ordinary course of the lawyers practice.Last year, British Columbia amended its Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act (BPCPA), which created new licensing requirements for debt consolidation services.Similar amendments were made in Ontario in 2015 to the Collection and Debt Settlement Services Act.In both cases, the amended requirements created overlaps with the respective mortgage broker courses, according to CMBA.According to Gale, realtors and lawyers had been given exemptions under the new legislation in both provinces -- and now brokers in Ontario have as well.Its really not in the consumers best interest. We believe authorization for mortgage brokers to do this kind of work under the applicable mortgage broker regulations (is sufficient), Gale said last year. We think that the appropriate solution would be for the governments in B.C. and Ontario by providing a mortgage broker exemption.
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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...

Posse saddles up to help children Russell Libby describes his golden palomino horse, Sonny, as the calmest, sweetest guy and his best friend for nearly two decades. Sonny is the reason Libby and his wife, Laura,...

Kris Kringle to support library programs The Moorpark Friends of the Library is offering the second annual Letter from Santa fundraiser. For a $25 donation to the Moorpark Friends of the Library, children will receive a...
CB&I's stock value entered a free fall Thursday morning, plummeting more than 30 percent following a particularly onerous earnings report.

After the market closed Wednesday, The Woodlands-based energy engineering and construction company said it's selling off its technology business and indefinitely suspending its investor payouts after suffering a $425 million quarterly loss on top of a 40 percent dip in revenues.

Wall Street responded Thursday with a rapid sell off that sent CB&I's stock down by more than 32 percent by mid-morning, down to about $11 a share from a previous close of $16.33.

CB&I said it hopes to sell its technology business, which includes patents and licensing agreements, for more than $2 billion by the end of the year, in an effort to wipe out most of its $1.8 billion in debt and stave off any potential bankruptcy on the horizon.

The shareholder dividend paid 7 cents per share each quarter, and its suspension is expected to save CB&I another $30 million a year.

CB&I's goal is to become a smaller, more focused engineering, construction and fabrication company geared toward the liquefied natural gas, petrochemical, refining and gas power generation sectors, new CEO Patrick Mullen said. An undetermined number of layoffs are forthcoming, he said.

Mullen, the former chief operating officer, became CEO in July after longtime chief executive Philip Asherman retired.

"We've learned from these mistakes as we move forward. I know we have a lot to prove. My words are just a start," Mullen said Wednesday. "The key here is that we have a plan."

CB&I peaked at about 56,000 workers worldwide in 2014 at the height of the oil boom after it nearly doubled in size through the $3 billion acquisition of a competitor, the Shaw Group, of Baton Rouge, La. But that move proved poorly timed as the oil bust got underway. CB&I's earnings were also dragged down by Shaw's nuclear construction business, which CB&I has since sold.

CB&I now employs about 32,000, but the number will shrink with the sale of the technology business and its plans to cut another $100 million in annual costs.

CB&I's share price has fallen from a peak of more than $87 a share in 2014.
A traffic stop in North Texas on Monday led to the discovery of 60 pounds of marijuana in a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban.

The drugs were uncovered after a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation in Conway.
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Taipei, Aug. 11 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen () said Friday that the government will use all possible means to ensure a stable electricity supply but will not consider opening the fourth nuclear power plant, which has been mothballed since 2014 amid anti-nuclear protests, according to a statement released by the Presidential Office.
CHICAGO  Marilu Arce loves her job, but for a time she considered leaving.

The traffic-plagued commute from her distant suburban home to her downtown Chicago office, nearly two hours each way, meant her daughters couldnt enroll in after-school activities because she couldnt get home in time to take them.

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.

Its 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.

Thats the type of reaction Arces 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.

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.

Flexible work policies top employee wish lists when they look for a job, and employers increasingly have been offering them.

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.

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 its 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. Were 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 someones 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.

Youre always concerned people will not work as hard if theyre 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 companys work system.

The flexibility hasnt hurt productivity, which is up 50 percent. There is something lost when colleagues dont gather at the water cooler, but its 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 dont know if I could go back, said Arce, who has been with the company for 18 years. I think that would be a dealbreaker for me.

When remote programs fail it is often a failure of management, as many managers dont know how to mentor people they cant see, said Colliers North. Doing it right 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.

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 Chicago, 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 doesnt work for every hire.

There have been a couple of misfires, Fried said, remembering one new employee had trouble focusing when she moved overseas and started worked 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.

Escofferys 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 firms associate advancement and recruiting committee. Given the nature of Escofferys job and her good track record, the firm decided it was no cost to let her globe-trot.

Escofferys 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 shes checking her phone and email during off hours as well.

With the promise of adventure, youre definitely more motivated to get the work done efficiently.
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Greenspoint Mall is under contract to be sold and redeveloped, ending its life as a retail center that has for years lost stores and customers.

A group of investors with a company called Global Plaza Union have agreed to purchase the property at the intersection of Interstate 45 and Beltway 8 and transform it into some sort of mixed-use development. The group is considering three concepts and declined to specify them before the sale is finalized.

Reggie Gray, president of the Houston Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce, facilitated the transaction. He expects it to close within the next four months, a due-diligence period that will determine the plan for the project.

HoustonChronicle.com: Greenspoint Mall's long decline offers lessons for retailers

Feng Gao, a Chinese real estate developer, is the primary investor in the development. He has developed a number of properties in Asia and established a U.S. company, WIT Union, to complete the Greenspoint project, his first in the U.S.

The investment group faces several potential roadblocks. Sears, Macy's and Dillards own their department stores at the mall independently of its operator, and they must agree to sell the spaces before the redevelopment begins.

Gray, a partner in the project, said the investors have approached each company with purchase offers. If they don't cooperate, he added, the project will fail.

"It's an all-or-nothing kind of project," he said.

SLOW TRANSFORMATION: San Jacinto Mall redevelopment proves to be a puzzle

Greenspoint Mall opened about 40 years ago as a vibrant retail center, anchored by Foley's, Montgomery Ward and other department stores of the day. At more than 1 million square feet, it was one of the largest malls in region, one that sold nearly everything.

Since then, the mall has languished in the face of fierce competition and major changes in the retail industry. Newer malls, including Willowbrook, Deerbrook and The Woodlands, siphoned off shoppers. Then, e-commerce retailers and off-price stores challenged malls across the spectrum.

The mall's operator, Triyar Cannon Group, has for years considered redeveloping or selling the property. The company put it on the market last year with little success.

THROWBACK: What did Houston's favorite malls look like when they were first built?

Greg Simpson, president of the North Houston District, formerly the Greenspoint District, said the latest interest in the mall is a welcome development for a property that continues to lose tenants and customers. Macy's closed its store there earlier this year, and Sears closed there years ago.

"The fact that someone sees the potential in that site and has the interest in redeveloping it is great news," Simpson said. "It's indicative of the positive activity that's happening across our district."
NEW YORK (AP)  CNN says it has cut ties with conservative commentator Jeffrey Lord after he tweeted a Nazi salute at a critic.

A network spokesperson confirmed Thursday that Lord was no longer with the network and said that Nazi salutes are indefensible. The statement came hours after Lord tweeted the Nazi slogan "Sieg Heil" at the head of a liberal advocacy group, Media Matters for America.
The verdict is in, and San Antonio has itself a winner in the 2017 edition of H-E-Bs Primo Picks Quest for Texas Best contest. Carino Cortez and Michael Cortez of La Familia Cortez Restaurants nabbed third place honors and a $10,000 prize for their entry, Mi Tierra Salsa Verde Salsa.

The Cortez family was among five finalists from the San Antonio area vying for cash prizes and prominently labeled shelf space in the grocers network of stores. Other contestants included a hot sauce from Chilitos Sauces, tomato sauce from Meanest Mothers Gravy, jarred broths from Fond Bone Broth and beef jerky from NatesJerky. Click through the gallery above to see all the finalists and winners.
The flavors of Southeast Asia as filtered through Houston will be on the menu when Pinch Boil House and Bia Bar opens downtown. Founders Sean Wen, Andrew Ho and Ben Annotti launched the venture as a pop-up in 2016 and plan to open their first brick-and-mortar before the end of summer.

Pinch wont be the only place in town to serve the fiery Vietnamese spin on boiled seafood popular on the Texas Gulf Coast. LA Crawfish, Cajun Crawfish and others have opened in recent years. But Wen  he and Ho are both from Houston, where the style first gained popularity  said its more than spicy shellfish that will make the new store stand out.
San Antonians now have one more reason to brag about their city.

CNN recently announced their list of the 15 most charming cities in the South and the Alamo City takes the lead. With top notch eateries, haunted hotels and a million reasons to play, San Antonio proves that life's just better in the South.
STAMFORD  Before Bill and Susie Bretschger could move into the Orient Lodge, an arts-and-crafts log cabin in Old Long Ridge Village, they had to evict the groundhogs, chipmunks, bats, hornets and bees that had taken over the 7,000-square-foot home, which was also being choked from the outside by vegetation.

The return to nature happened during a period of foreclosure that ended in 2008 after the couple rescued and restored one of Stamfords most unique historic homes. At 113 years old, the Orient Lodge is one of the regions earliest examples of an arts-and-crafts-style bungalow, according to Bill Bretschger, who oversees large-scale restoration projects for a living.

But in many ways, 247 Old Long Ridge Road, dubbed the Orient Lodge for its Asian-themed decorative flourishes, is so unusual it defies classification.

Its history dates back to 1904, when businessman Walter Terry acquired a 40-acre North Stamford plot containing a saw mill and grist mill. Terry is believed to have constructed the home from chestnut trees chopped on-site and rocks from Stony Brook, a river running through the property that was damned to feed the mills.

The Asian embellishments originated with Terry, who added details like the etched-glass scenes of the Chinese countryside featured in several windows, and a pair of elaborate, hand-carved doors leading from the great room to the dining room, which Bretschger said came from a monastery in Tibet.

Terry also incorporated swastikas in designs throughout the home, many of which have been preserved. Before World War II, the swastika was primarily associated with ancient Asian culture. Early photos of the lodge show the symbol used in the design of the front porch railing.

Bretschger can point out dozens of swastikas in the lodges signature space, the great room. With a 23-foot vaulted ceiling, the 20-by-30-foot room features a massive fireplace built with stones from the backyard brook, and a mantle with an inscription in gold lettering: Here ends the road that leads to all good comfort. Bretschger says the inscription, which he restored, is original to the home, along with another on the dining room mantle: The honor of the house is hospitality.

A country home like the Orient Lodge was used as a weekend retreat by its earliest occupants, who Bretschger said also had dwellings in New York City.

It was your medical plan, he said. If you wanted to enjoy good health at the turn of the century, you got yourself out of the city.

Terry owned the Orient Lodge for 17 years, after which he sold it to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the nephew of the famous Italian general and nationalist. The property retained its original 40 acres until 1976, when silk manufacturer Ernest Geier died and left it to his niece, who sold off all but the two acres with the lodge.

Geier lived in the Orient Lodge the longest of its inhabitants, despite a tragedy early on. A year after he moved in with his wife, she and Geiers brother drowned when their canoe capsized in the pond. A 1946 Stamford Advocate article describes Geier wading in the murky water with a fishing line to locate their bodies.

The sale by Geiers niece was the beginning of the lodges slow decline, culminating in its vacancy and foreclosure. During that time, scenes from the 2008 indie movie Gigantic, starring Paul Dano, Zooey Deschanel, Ed Asner and John Goodman, were filmed there, in the great room and also Bretschgers master bathroom.

When Bretschger surfaced as a buyer for the Orient Lodge, the house didnt have running water or electricity, and the animals had free rein. But the home had one advantage  the city had designated it a historic property, protecting it from demolition. That Bretschger specialized in restoration also didnt hurt, though the lodge still presented unique challenges.

A lot of people are intimidated trying to analyze the structural nature of early homes, he said. There are still certain parts of this structure where I wonder about the calculations that were done and how it was achieved, but its hard to fight with the fact that its survived so long.

The Bretschgers were able to move in several months after beginning their restoration of the four-bedroom, four-bathroom home, which included repairing the roof, replacing rotted wood and reglazing the windows. Theyve managed to leave many of the original features of the home intact, like a lower-level entrance that was at one time used to enter from a horse and buggy, and separate carriage house with two stalls and second story now used as an apartment.

But its not always easy to keep things the way they were. The Bretschgers cant run wiring through the massive logs, so it all has to be done through the flooring. Installing central air-conditioning is close to impossible, so they create air flow with about 30 fans. Ongoing capital projects cost as much as the home itself.

You can easily say the chain breaks down for the home in the maintenance, he said. To keep it this way is extremely expensive. If youre not prepared to spend almost what you paid for it, its not going to look the way you want it to. Most people dont realize that, they just see how wonderful it is.

Once a majority of the homes renovation was completed, Orient Lodge was nominated for and received an award from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation in 2010.

I didnt think my legacy would turn out to be a log cabin, Bretschger said. But its very unusual in its framing and the way its been done  and how each owner opted to make it look seamless.

Much of the Orient Lodges history was provided by Lynn Drobbin of Lynn Drobbin & Associates, who wrote about the home for the Connecticut Trusts preservation award. Drobbin is chairman of Stamfords Historic Preservation Advisory Commission.
Twice in the past seven years, Pasadena ISD voters have gone to the polls to approve bond measures totalling $445.6 million for campus renovations, technology, six new schools and eight "replacement campuses."

District officials promised that both bond measures wouldn't carry a property tax rate increase. Construction cost overruns meant one promised intermediate school was never built, officials said.

With more than $700 million in existing debt, trustees now are planning to ask voters to approve another $135 million in school bonds with scant information as to how the bond proceeds would be spent. And despite promises of no tax increases during the 2011 and 2014 bond elections, trustees at a meeting Wednesday approved a rollback election for Nov. 7 to authorize increasing the property tax rate by 13 cents to $1.48 per $100 of valuation, effectively a 9.6 percent tax-rate hike.

Pasadena ISD spokesman Art Del Barrio stressed that revenues from this bond would go toward operations, not debt payments.

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"That portion of the rate isn't being increased," Del Barrio said.

The district said in a statement late Wednesday that a 13-cent property tax rate would generate not only $16 million in local funds but an additional $20.7 million in matching state funds. The news release didn't explain why.

Exceeding budgets

Del Barrio said that no decisions on projects had been made but a committee in the coming weeks would consider a list of projects and district needs from those not included in the 2014 bond.

In February 2016, trustees discussed problems with higher-than-anticipated construction costs and overruns that threatened construction of an intermediate school funded as part of a $175.5 million bond. The proposed $29.5 million intermediate school was needed to ease overcrowding at Thompson, Bondy and Beverly Hills intermediate schools and was to be built in the southern part of the Riverstone Ranch subdivision.

"I know asking to postpone a project is not popular. We've promised our citizens and the community this is what we're going to do," Superintendent DeeAnn Powell told trustees in 2016. "I'm not going to say we don't do a project. I just want to have time to see how these other projects come in."

Powell told Pasadena ISD trustees that recent demographic data showed the need for the intermediate school was not as pressing as the need for another new campus funded by the 2014 bond: The Dobie Ninth Grade Center, now expected to open this year.

Original estimates for construction of the 170,000-square-foot center for ninth-graders were $27 million. But the following month, trustees approved a $35.8 million construction contract to Drymalla Construction that exceeded that budget estimate by $8.8 million, documents show.

'Soaked up' workers

Cost overruns also were associated with the L. F. Smith Elementary replacement school. Trustees approved a $19.85 million contract with Drymalla Construction that was more than $4.3 million over original budget estimates. And a $25.45 million contract with Durotech Construction for the Pomeroy Elementary replacement school was roughly $8.3 million higher than original budget estimates.

At the time, trustees were told worker shortages were driving up construction costs.

"We don't have the workers because the industry soaked them up," Kevin Fornof, associate superintendent of facilities and construction, told trustees at a Feb. 26 meeting. "During the recessions, many workers left and went into other things. They had to make a living, and they're not coming back."

Plans for construction of the proposed intermediate school remain on hold - and it's unclear if the newly proposed bond would fund its construction.

Ballot language for the recently approved $135 million bond measure says the funds will be used for "construction, acquisition and equipment of school buildings." However, the bond proposal doesn't say how many schools will be built or renovated. The proposal also says bond funds will be used to purchase land for new schools, renovate and expand existing schools and purchase equipment and school buses - again, with no specifics.

Increased property tax

Trustees also agreed this week to ask voters to increase the current property tax rate of $1.35 per $100 of assessed value. It has two parts - $1.07 for maintenance and operations and $.28 for debt payments. The district's rate has remained unchanged for over a decade and is among the lowest in the greater Houston area.

According to state law, a tax ratification election is required if the district proposes a maintenance-and-operations rate higher than $1.07. Trustees hope voters will approve a 13-cent increase to the portion needed to fund daily operations; the portion for debt payments will stay the same.

District officials say the tax-rate increase is needed to cover increasing utility costs, to maintain competitive salaries for teachers, to deal with increased student enrollment and to pay for unfunded mandates from state lawmakers. Pasadena ISD officials say they must currently comply with more than 100 mandates in nine categories, such as criminal background checks for employees and volunteers, end-of-course exams and school-breakfast and lunch programs, among others.
Albany  Most months, scientists at the states Wadsworth Center laboratories receive one or two requests to test blood or spinal fluid samples for Powassan virus.

In the last month, however, those requests are up to as many as a dozen a week.

Thats since news of three cases of the rare tick-borne virus in Saratoga County, including one implicated in the June death of 74-year-old Gansevoort resident Charles Grant Smith III. While three cases of Powassan in one county is not unheard of  it happened in Westchester County in 2007  it has put New Yorkers and their doctors on alert. This is, after all, a potentially deadly disease for which there were only 26 reported cases statewide in the previous 16 years.

Recent stories have demonstrated the disease is tough to nail down. Smiths family has expressed frustration that it took doctors weeks to determine what was causing his chest pain and fevers in May.

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And last week, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer mistakenly announced at Albany Medical Center that there were more cases of Powassan virus in the Capital Region than the three reported. The senators information turned out to be a misinterpretation of results from screening tests that determined patients could  but didnt for sure -- have Powassan virus.

Wadsworth is the only lab in the state and one of a few in the country that test for Powassan virus, according to Ron Limberger, director of the laboratories Infectious Disease Division. Scientists test for the virus on request, but also in cases where they suspect it could be a culprit.

The previous 26 cases of the virus, for instance, were determined through detective work, said Susan Wong, director of Wadsworths Diagnostic Immunology Laboratory. Doctors requested tests for the far more prevalent West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne illness. When the lab received a blood sample with a request to test for West Nile, scientists looked to see if encephalitis, or brain swelling, was one of the patients symptoms. If it was, theyd also test for Powassan, which causes encephalitis, even if the patient hadnt reported a tick bite. The thinking was that the patient had been outside (per the mosquito bite) but might not have seen the tick.

The labs scientists continue to determine which tests to run based on doctors observations as well as the specimens sent in, according to Wong and Kirsten St. George, chief of Wadsworths viral diseases laboratory.

Part of what makes Powassan tricky is timing. A person can be infected within 15 minutes after a tick attaches to the skin, allowing scant time to avoid illness by removing the tick. The virus has an incubation period, however, of seven to 30 days, St. George said, meaning that most infected people wont experience symptoms for at least a week. But by the time symptoms show up, the virus generally cant be detected anymore in a persons blood or spinal fluid, where a relatively quick and definitive test can show its present.

Instead, scientists must look not for the virus but for antibodies to Powassan in the blood. Antibodies are evidence that a persons own immune system mounted a defense against the virus, proving that it must have been there.

The most definitive check for Powassan antibodies, a plaque reduction neutralization test, is time-consuming and can only be done at Wadsworths Griffin Laboratory in Slingerlands. Because a host of other illnesses can cause encephalitis and other Powassan symptoms, it isnt efficient to do a PRNT on every blood sample from patients with those symptoms, St. George said.

So scientists conduct screening tests first. When these initial tests show a high suspicion of Powassan, the blood samples go off to Griffin.

Wong said doctors should also remember that there are lots of old causes for encephalitis that havent gone away. They include, for example, West Nile, another mosquito-borne illness called Eastern equine encephalitis and herpes.

As Wadsworth scientists check patient samples, other Health Department staff are testing more than 2,700 ticks collected from 35 sites in Saratoga County to see whether this years three confirmed Powassan cases are an indication that more area bugs carry the virus than previously thought, said Bryon Backenson, head of the Health Departments Vector Surveillance unit.

Testing ticks for the virus is a simpler process than finding disease in humans. The bugs are crushed in a machine, Backenson said, and then their genetic material is extracted for analysis.

Results from the ticks are expected later this month.
The major insurer, Anthem, announced late Friday that it would pull out of the Affordable Care Act marketplace in Virginia -- the latest company to scale back its participation from an insurance market that has been destabilized by uncertainty about the future and dark pronouncements by President Donald Trump that it is about to fail.

In a statement, the company said that the business of selling insurance to individuals "remains volatile" and cited "continual changes and uncertainty in federal operations, rules and guidance."

"This is unwelcome news for many Virginia consumers. Anthem HealthKeepers currently covers approximately 206,000 people in Virginia's individual health insurance market," Virginia insurance commissioner Jacqueline Cunningham said in a statement. The departure will leave five insurers in the state's marketplaces for next year, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

For months, President Trump has been threatening to stop paying federal subsidies called cost-sharing reductions that insurers have said are crucial to the functioning of the marketplaces. Those payments are projected to add up to $7 billion this year and $10 billion next year. Anthem specifically said the lack of clarity on federal cost-sharing reduction subsidies and the return of a tax on insurance coverage played a role in its decision.

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"As a result, the continued uncertainty makes it difficult for us to offer Individual health plans statewide in Virginia," the statement said, announcing it would leave the marketplaces, where people can buy insurance plans with the help of federal subsidies.

Anthem joins two other major insurers that have left the Virginia marketplaces for 2018: UnitedHealthcare and Aetna.

Of the 206,000 in the individual Anthem plans, approximately 160,000 are enrolled through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Anthem will sell individual plans off the exchanges in a few counties.

Insurers are nearing the date, on September 27, when they must confirm that they will sell plans next year, and more exits may occur in the coming weeks.

Anthem had already announced it would withdraw from Nevada's marketplace and scale back its participation in Georgia.

Molina Healthcare announced earlier this month that it would leave marketplaces in Utah and Wisconsin and scale back its participation in Washington. It left the door open to more exits.

"We continue to closely monitor the current political and programmatic developments pertaining to our 2018 participation in other Marketplace states, and subject to those developments, will withdraw from 2018 participation as may be necessary,"Molina said in a press release.

The fate of the marketplaces has been highly politicized, with large premium hikes and departures being touted by Republicans as evidence of the failure of the Affordable Care Act. Democrats, on the other hand, see the same facts as evidence of the uncertainty created by the White House and Congress.

"Today's announcement from Anthem is further proof that the markets are collapsing and Obamacare is broken," Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William Howell, R-Stafford, said in a statement. "Obamacare is hurting more people than it is helping. ... Now is the time for Congress to come together and figure out a solution that gives much needed relief to hardworking families. If Congress continues to kick the can down the road, it will only exacerbate the problems we currently face."
WASHINGTON - The high-profile stars of the Democratic Party's populist wing have steered the agenda their way on Capitol Hill this year, but the fight over the party's direction is far from settled.

As the party faces great expectations of big gains in the 2018 midterms, Democratic centrists are increasingly worried that the disproportionate share of attention shown to Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and the agenda pushed by his anti-establishment allies will do more harm than good.

That direction, the thinking goes, will energize liberals in places that Democrats are already winning by big margins. But it might drive away the voters needed to win inland races that will shape the House majority and determine which governors and state legislators are in charge of redrawing federal and state legislative districts early next decade.

Enter a group called New Democracy, a combination think tank and super PAC trying to reimagine the party's brand in regions where Democrats have suffered deep losses.

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Leaders of the group want to focus on rebuilding in states where, during the Obama presidency, Democrats lost nearly 1,000 legislative seats and more than a dozen governor's mansions.

"Our most important work will be done outside of Washington," Will Marshall, founder of New Democracy, said in an interview.

The effort is publicly being labeled as "supplemental" to the emerging agenda being crafted on Capitol Hill, including the highly populist "Better Deal" proposal touted by party leaders in the House and Senate last month. But the new group's leaders do not see that agenda, including a push for lower prescription-drug prices, as particularly helpful to Democrats in exurban districts or key Midwestern states where President Trump won last year.

"That is an accurate reflection of many Democrats who represent deep blue districts. But it has limited appeal beyond the coasts," Marshall said.

To be sure, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., have been trying to offer the sort of economic agenda items that can appeal to voters in Iowa as well as California, targeted at working class voters who abandoned Democrats for Trump.

But some centrists fear this populist message will get tuned out by heartland voters if it is accompanied by the party's increasing embrace of staunch liberal positions on cultural matters, from abortion rights to transgender issues.

Marshall helped launch similar efforts as Democrats lost three straight presidential elections in the 1980s, under the auspices of the Democratic Leadership Council and its offshoot, the Progressive Policy Institute.

Back then, operating under the New Democrat banner, the centrists helped create the ideas behind the 1992 presidential campaign of Bill Clinton, who became the first two-term Democrat in the White House since FDR.

New Democracy is taking shape under the failure of another Clinton - Hillary - whose loss to Trump helped solidify the already growing divide between Democrats and voters beyond large urban centers. Several dozen Democrats have signed on with New Democracy, including Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and Rep. Stephanie Murphy, Fla., a freshman rising star.

The two Democratic wings could be headed for a fierce clash over what the party needs to stand for in the wake of the stunning 2016 defeat. Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and other liberals have been making gains in getting congressional Democrats to support ideas such as a $15-an-hour minimum wage, some form of free college and demanding a full-frontal assault on big banks and big corporations.

So far, however, the college plans pushed by Sanders have not been in the "Better Deal." Senior Democratic advisers say that their effort has been to embrace economic populism without focusing on less politically popular liberal ideas.

The early portions of the "Better Deal" agenda tilt in the populist direction, with calls for stronger antitrust regulations and its tough talk on trade deals. Their belief is that white, working-class voters - millions of whom voted for Barack Obama but then switched to Trump - felt left behind in an economy with fewer manufacturing plants and those jobs went offshore or disappeared through automation.

Marshall and other Democrats fear that the populist tone is built around a negative message of casting blame and lacks the optimistic tones around which Bill Clinton and Barack Obama built their successful presidential bids.

Combine that negative tone with what critics say is a cultural elitism among urban liberals on social issues, and the centrist wing feels that voters in the heartland simply do not embrace the Democratic message anymore.

"The party's gotten a little too comfortable with its urban and coastal strongholds," Marshall said.

New Democracy's mission statement is even more blunt, warning that both parties have engaged in "a civically corrosive form of identity politics" and Democrats should "avoid vilifying people whose social views aren't as 'progressive' as we think they should be."

"For many working class and rural voters, the party's message seems freighted with elite condescension for traditional values (especially faith) and lifestyles," the group says.

The first big public event for New Democracy will come at an October summit hosted by Vilsack, who grew increasingly disenchanted last year with what he felt was the Clinton campaign's unwillingness to court rural voters.

In the 2008 elections, Obama won the Hawkeye State by nearly 10 percentage points, giving Iowa Democrats a 32-to-18 edge in the state Senate and a 56-to-44 edge in the state House. The governor, Chet Culver, was a Democrat. Four of the state's seven members of Congress were Democrats.

In 2016 Trump won Iowa by nearly 10 percentage points, Republicans now hold a comfortable nine-seat majority in the state Senate and a 19-seat majority in the state House. Trump appointed the state's popular Republican governor, Terry Brandstad, to be ambassador to China.

Iowa now sends just one Democrat to Congress.

That kind of shift happened across many states far away from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts over the past eight years.

It remains to be seen how much efforts like New Democracy really will supplement the party's efforts to reach new voters - and how much of this turns into a deep fight with the liberal wing.

New Democracy is reserving the right to wade into primaries to support moderate candidates, which could foreshadow the type of expensive primary battles Republicans have had the past eight years.

"Obama's success has masked the narrowing of the party's appeal," Marshall said, fearing that Democrats are not reaching beyond liberal elites. "Dogma seems to be in the driver's seat."
WESTPORT  A homeless man is facing burglary charges after he was caught in the middle of a car burglary spree, police said.

Westport police responded to a Woodside Avenue residence around 4:30 a.m. Friday on the report of an attempted car burglary.

At the scene, the homeowner told police that he awoke to find a black male rummaging through his car. When the homeowner confronted the suspect, the man fled on foot, running toward Kings Highway North.

After a 15-minute search, police located the suspect in the driveway of a Woodside Avenue residence. Upon seeing police, the man jumped over a fence in the back of the driveway and escaped into the backyard, police said.

A short time later, the suspect was spotted again at the southwest corner of a living complex on Kings Highway North. To escape police, the suspect allegedly hid inside of a common laundry room at the facility and locked the door.

Eventually, police gained entry to the laundry room, where the suspect  32-year-old Darius McCallop  surrendered himself.

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A subsequent search of the area where McCallop was captured revealed a backpack containing stolen materials from multiple vehicles, police said.

Westport detectives say that the investigation into the burglaries and the found property is still ongoing.

McCallop was charged with third-degree burglary, third-degree burglary from a motor vehicle, third-degree criminal mischief and interfering with an officer.

While processing McCallop, police also learned that the suspect had an extraditable violation of parole warrant of New York City stemming from a third-degree robbery charge.

McCallop was held on a $25,000 cash bond, and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 23.

ptomlinson@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2570; Twitter: @Tomlinson_PE
NAIROBI - Kenya's electoral commission announced Friday that the current president, Uhuru Kenyatta, has been re-elected, putting an official end to a fierce electoral contest that many fear could be clouded by a dispute over the results.

Opposition candidate Raila Odinga, 72, has alleged that the results of Tuesday's balloting were rigged and pledged not to accept them unless he was declared the winner. That stance has raised tensions, with Odinga's followers burning tires in recent days in some of Nairobi's slums and protesting in the western city of Kisumu.

Odinga's campaign on Friday suggested a possible way out of the dispute, with officials saying they might accept the results if they were able to inspect the electoral commission's computer servers. But for days, some of his most extreme supporters have promised to take to the streets if Kenyatta was announced the winner.

According to the official results, Kenyatta received 54.2 percent of the votes to Odinga's 44.7 percent.

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This week, Nairobi, normally a frenetic city of legendary traffic jams, was transformed into a relative ghost town, with many families leaving out of fear. On Friday morning, in anticipation of the official results being announced, Odinga's supporters staged small demonstrations in some areas, taunting the police and chanting "No Raila, no peace."

Even though Kenya has been considered a symbol of political and economic stability in East Africa in recent years, it is riven by tribal loyalties that inject immense bitterness and anger into national elections. In 2007, more than 1,000 people were killed in ethnic violence after Odinga lost that year's presidential election and alleged vote-rigging.

Even though Kenya has been considered a model of political and economic stability in East Africa in recent years, it is riven by tribal loyalties. In 2007, more than 1,000 people were killed in ethnic violence after Odinga lost that year's presidential election amid alleged vote-rigging.

Kenyatta, 55, the son of Kenya's first president, Jomo Kenyatta, is a member of the Kukuyu ethnic group, which has dominated politics since Kenya's independence from Britain in 1963. Odinga, his longtime political rival, belongs to the Luo tribe.

Kenyatta was first elected in 2013, and has tried to project the image of a reformer, even as his government has been plagued by allegations of corruption. In his campaign, he emphasized his commitment to expanding Kenya's infrastructure.

In an acceptance speech, Kenyatta addressed his opponents, saying: "We are not enemies. We are all citizens of one republic," He later added, "There is no need for violence."

In Kenyatta's second term, he will govern a nation where economists see potential for growth, but where the challenges facing public institutions -from the security forces to the health sector - are profound. Although Kenya is a vibrant democracy, with immense election turnouts, most people in the country lack faith in their own government's ability to assist them.

One of the reasons, analysts say, that Kenya's elections are so hotly contested is that the central government has been an enormously profitable political machine, awarding contracts across a large patronage network. A report from Kenya's auditor-general last year said that about $200 million meant for the National Youth Service had been paid to fraudulent companies, including some with connections to politicians. The United States earlier this year suspended $21 million in health funding due to corruption allegations.

Some of Kenyatta's critics see him as a son of privilege, who attended Kenya's top private schools before enrolling at Amherst College in Massachusetts. In 2011, Forbes named him the 26th wealthiest man in Africa, with a net worth estimated at $500 million. Kenyatta has denied that he is a rich man.

One of Kenyatta's first challenges will be reaching out to Odinga supporters.

In the days since the presidential vote, Odinga has put forth two hazy, loosely related explanations about how the vote was manipulated.

He first alleged that a hacker had gained access to the electoral commission's database and then accused the commission of concealing the actual results, which Odinga said proved he was the winner.

Odinga refused to participate in the official announcement of the result and has not yet conceded.

"We will not be party to (the announcement). Our issues have not been addressed," said Musalia Mudavadi, one of Odinga's advisers.

Election monitors, including former secretary of state John Kerry, said they saw no signs of a rigged vote and that there is enough documentation to settle any disputes over the results.

But Odinga supporters, many of them members of his Luo tribe or its allies, said they are being robbed of yet another election. The Luo are one of the major ethnic groups in Kenya, but a Luo has never been president of Kenya, and many members of the tribe attribute their socioeconomic troubles to their group's political exclusion.

"We are tired of being ruled by Kikuyus," said Wycliffe Onyalo, 25, who was demonstrating in favor of Odinga on Friday morning on the main street of Nairobi's Kibera slum, before the results were announced.

"We are willing to lose our lives," said Steve Omindo, another protester.

Kenya was caught largely unprepared for thepost-election violence that erupted in 2007. This time, security forces had fanned out en masse in volatile parts of the country. Analysts expected face-offs between protesters and police in places like Kibera, but said the violence would not likely consume entire cities and towns as it did a decade ago.

Kenyatta was charged by the International Criminal Court with instigating some of the violence that year. Those charges were later dropped for lack of evidence, and Kenyatta ran for president in 2013.

During his five years as president, Kenya's economy has enjoyed steady growth and rising foreign investment. But it has been battered by major terrorist attacks, including one on an upscale Nairobi mall that killed 48 people in 2013, and another in 2015 at a northern university, which left 148 dead. The military remains mired in a seemingly intractable war in Somalia against Islamist extremist fighters of al-Shabab.

"This issue of terrorism is new to us," Kenyatta said in 2015, during a visit from then-President Barack Obama, "and as it is new, we learn with each and every step."

His administration has also been plagued by allegations of corruption that many Kenyans see as the reason for the country's vast inequalities, with well-connected millionaires enjoying luxuries while large numbers of people struggle to afford food and housing.
BANTAM >> A local man remained in custody Friday following his arraignment on charges imposed after he allegedly attacked two women in a bookstore in Winsted this week.

Aaron Bugbee, 24, who is believed to have been most recently living in Winsted, was arrested Thursday and charged with criminal attempt to commit sexual assault, third-degree sexual assault, second-degree assault on people over 60 and breach of peace, after he allegedly attacked two women at the Winsted Community Book Store on Main Street Monday, police said.

The women, who are 67 and 69 years old, fought against the attacker and suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

During proceedings Friday at Superior Court in Bantam, Judge Paul Matasavage set Bugbees bond at $75,000, noting the nature of the charges against the suspect.

The allegations here are serious, said Matasavage.

Prosecuting attorney John Knight recommended the $75,000 bond, saying that Bugbee represented a danger to the general public based on the charges against him, and asked Matasavage to issue a protective order barring him from contact with the victims.

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After conferring with Bugbee, defense attorney Carol Goldberg said that he did not object to such an order, and Matasavage issued it.

Goldberg argued for Bugbees bond to be set at $5,000, saying that he was 24 and had strong ties to the community, including the support of his mother.

Goldberg also noted that his client could not make any bond. In spite of that request, the lower bond was denied.

Goldberg said Bugbee has significant mental health issues, which she suggested would come to light in future court proceedings. She asked that he receive medical attention and be placed on suicide watch, which Matasavage granted Friday.

Bugbees case was continued to Aug. 18 and transferred to Litchfield Superior Court.

His file was sealed to the public at the end of court proceedings Friday, according to court staff. As the court file was sealed, no specific address for Bugbee was available.
Washington

In a rebuke of President Donald Trump, Republican Sen. John McCain declared Thursday that "America is adrift in Afghanistan" as he promoted a war strategy that would expand the U.S. counterterrorism effort and provide greater support to Afghan security forces.

McCain, chair of the Armed Services Committee, said the U.S. needs to put strict conditions on continued assistance to Afghanistan, and require the Kabul government to demonstrate "measurable progress" in curbing corruption, strengthening the rule of law and improving financial transparency.

"Nearly seven months into President Trump's administration, we've had no strategy at all as conditions on the ground have steadily worsened," said McCain, a leading voice in Congress on national security matters. "The thousands of Americans putting their lives on the line in Afghanistan deserve better from their commander in chief."

McCain said, "We are losing in Afghanistan and time is of the essence if we intend to turn the tide."

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The Arizona lawmaker said he'll seek a vote on his "strategy for success" in Afghanistan when the Senate returns in September and takes up the annual defense policy bill.

His plan calls for sending in more U.S. combat forces, although he doesn't say how many. But McCain wants them to be less constrained in carrying out missions against the Taliban, al-Qaida and other extremists.

The plan, McCain said, is to "deny, disrupt, degrade, and destroy the ability of terrorist groups to conduct attacks against the United States, its allies, or its core interests."

Frustrated by his options, Trump has withheld approval of a long-delayed strategy as he searches for a plan that will end the stalemate and allow U.S. forces to pull out of America's longest war. It's been nearly 16 years since the U.S. invaded the then Taliban-ruled country in response to the al-Qaida attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The United States has about 8,400 troops in Afghanistan. Trump has so far resisted the Pentagon's recommendations to send almost 4,000 more to expand training of Afghan military forces and bolster U.S. counterterrorism operations. The deployment has been held up amid broader strategy questions, including how to engage regional powers in an effort to stabilize Afghanistan.

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.

McCain has grown increasingly impatient. During a committee hearing in June, he told Defense Secretary Jim Mattis he had been confident the administration would deliver a plan for Afghanistan within a month or two after taking office.

"So all I can tell you is that unless we get a strategy from you, you're going to get a strategy from us," McCain said at the time.

Mattis said he understood the urgency and acknowledged, "We are not winning in Afghanistan right now."

The amendment he plans to propose adding to the defense policy bill calls for a "long-term, open-ended" U.S.-Afghanistan partnership that includes an "enduring U.S. counterterrorism presence."

He also recommends expanding U.S. training assistance to the Afghan security forces so they can capably fight the Taliban and other militant groups. McCain proposes longer-term support that will allow the Afghans to develop and expand their own intelligence, logistics, special forces and airlift operations.

McCain's approach envisions better harnessing U.S. military and civil strengths in pursuit of a negotiated peace process that leads to Afghan political reconciliation and eventual diplomatic resolution to the war.

He also proposes to punish neighboring Pakistan with graduated diplomatic, military and economic costs "as long as it continues to provide support and sanctuary to terrorist and insurgent groups, including the Taliban and the Haqqani network."
President Donald Trump has vowed to revive America's dying nuclear industry. Backers of a troubled Georgia nuclear project want him to prove it.

They have asked the administration to come to the aid of a project to build two reactors to the Southern Co.'s Vogtle power plant, according to people familiar with the talks. That could include increasing or speeding up disbursements of $8.3 billion in federal loan guarantees to the companies behind the nuclear plant, the people said. They asked not to be identified discussing ongoing negotiations.

A Georgia public service regulator was in Washington to make a case for the project, the last nuclear plant under construction in the U.S., and Southern has hosted congressional staff members at the construction site. The company also wants Congress to extend tax breaks for nuclear power.

"We have asked anybody that would help us achieve the best commercial outcome possible," Southern chief executive officer Tom Fanning said in an interview Aug. 2.

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With Southern set to tell regulators in Georgia by the end of this month whether it plans to continue with construction plans for the plant, federal support could be crucial. Last week, Southern said it estimated its portion of the cost to complete the reactors was at least $11.5 billion, excluding $1.7 billion in guaranteed payments from Toshiba. Given Southern's 46 percent stake in the project, that would put the total cost of building the two reactors at $25 billion.

"This thing is in our national security interest," Fanning said. "That's why we've preserved the option to go forward. That's why government has been helpful."

After Energy Secretary Rick Perry turned down a request for $3 billion in aid for Scana Corp.'s nuclear plant in South Carolina, it's not clear how much the federal government will help. Scana abandoned its V.C. Summer nuclear projects last month after it concluded the two reactors would end up costing it more than $20 billion to build.

In general, the Trump administration has said it's studying the nuclear issue.

"A complete review of U.S. nuclear energy policy will help us find new ways to revitalize this crucial energy resource," Trump said during a visit to the Energy Department earlier this summer.

The Energy Department is close to issuing a study on how to help baseload power, which is primarily coal and nuclear power. Plants using those fuels are struggling as cheap natural gas and renewable energy has kept wholesale power prices largely flat.

The request for help could be in addition to or part of the $8.3 billion loan guarantee provided by the Energy Department under the Obama administration. As of June 30, Southern has borrowed $2.6 billion through the loan guarantee pact, but disbursements from that financing agreement were put on hold until it decides if construction will continue, according to a company filing.

Oglethorp Power Corp., which has a 30 percent stake in the Vogtle project, said in a filing Thursday that its cost estimate to complete the reactors had increased from $5 billion to as much as $7.3 billion. It has withdrawn $1.7 billion of a $3.1 billion loan guarantee from the federal government.

Both the Summer and Vogtle projects hit additional delays and cost overruns after Westinghouse Electric Co., the U.S. unit of Toshiba Corp., went bankrupt in March. Westinghouse was building both plants.

Instead of granting Scana a grant, Perry suggested the company apply for a loan guarantee, according to an Energy Department official. Kevin Marsh, Scana's CEO, told state regulators he got "no response" on the company's grant request.

"When Scana showed up on Perry's doorstep dragging the carcass of Westinghouse behind it, it's understandable the administration blanched and turned away," Peter Bradford, a former member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, said in an interview.

An spokeswoman for the department didn't respond to a request for comment. Southern continues to talk with the administration and Congress and has found support from Washington to be "critical to the project," spokesman Schuyler Baehman said in an emailed statement.

"On Vogtle and nukes in general the Trump administration is what the Texans call 'Big Hat and No Cattle,'" said James Lucier, an energy analyst and managing director at Capital Alpha Partners. "They don't have any ammo in the gun."

"You hear them talking such a good game about nuclear power and base load power, but the reality is there isn't a lot they can do," he added. Beyond re-jiggering or expanding the loan guarantee, direct aid for Southern would most likely require an act of Congress, and getting that done is uncertain. However, the House has passed an extension of the production tax credit for nuclear power; because of delays in the Vogtle project it may not be completed before those credits are set to expire.

Tim Echols, the vice chairman of the Georgia Public Service Commission, was in Washington this week to brief lawmakers about the project. If Westinghouse comes through with the payment of $3.68 billion it has promised toward the project, it should be in good shape, he predicted.

"We are not going to throw in the towel like South Carolina," he said in an interview.

---

Bloomberg's Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Billy House and Jim Polson contributed.
Washington

Donald Trump said he hasn't thought about firing Robert Mueller, the special counsel whose investigation into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election is now examining some of the U.S. president's family members as well as current and former aides.

"I haven't given it any thought," Trump told reporters Thursday when asked if he wants to fire Mueller. Pressed further, Trump said "We're working with him."

The more conciliatory tone toward Mueller comes after months in which Trump steamed about the Russia probe, even after he fired FBI chief James Comey in frustration at the investigation. In recent weeks he's criticized Attorney General Jeff Sessions as "weak" for recusing himself from involvement in the query and suggested deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe has a conflict of interest because of political donations his wife received in a failed bid for public office.

Trump has long slammed the Russia probe as a "witch hunt," "fake news" and a "total fabrication." He didn't back down from that criticism Thursday, saying, "They're investigating things that never happened."

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Yet with decades of experience in Washington, Mueller has broad bipartisan support. And with Sessions recused from the probe, any effort to oust Mueller would require the consent of deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. In Senate testimony in June, Rosenstein confirmed it would be his responsibility to fire Mueller if there was cause, adding that he wouldn't follow orders to do so without justification.

"I am not going to follow any orders unless I think those are lawful and appropriate reasons," Rosenstein said at the time, adding that the special counsel "has full independence."

Mueller has started using a federal grand jury in Washington to help collect information in his investigation, in addition to one he was already using in Alexandria, Va.
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Northside ISD will soon open the doors to its latest and largest high school.

John M. Harlan High School is touted as a cutting-edge facility for incoming students, who will be the first to grace the school's hallways on August 28. The 486,000-square-foot facility is the district's 11th comprehensive high school and its largest.

"Certainly it will be a state-of-the-art facility," Barry Perez, executive director of communications for Northside ISD told mySA.com.

READ ALSO: TEA meets parents after pulling plug on San Antonio charter school district

Perez said the campus is expected to open with an enrollment of 1,300-1,400 students, though the school will eventually serve around 3,000. The facility was built in a way that can adapt to future and growing needs.

As impressive as the new facility will be, Perez wants to make it very clear the school does not come equipped with a coffee shop, contrary to another media report.

"To clarify what that is, it's a coffee machine on a cart and it's used in the library. They sell small snacks and coffee from the machine sitting on the cart," he said, adding the library will generate a small amount of funds from the portable coffee "bistro."

RELATED: States with the best, worst school systems for 2017, according to WalletHub

Harlan takes its name from "The Great Dissenter," John Marshall Harlan, the only U.S. Supreme Court justice to vote against the outcome of Plessy vs. Ferguson, which in 1896 upheld the doctrine of "separate but equal."

The school will bare the colors Columbia blue, black and silver. Per a student vote, Harlan's mascot will be the Hawks.

On August 23, the Harlan community is invited to attend a Hawk Rally for a campus tour and pep rally. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Harlan High School auditorium.

For more information on San Antonio's newest high school visit their website.

jthorpe@express-news.net

@jerilynnthorpe
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When parents and staff drove up to Career Paths High School on Wednesday, they were greeted by a large banner emblazoned with NOW ENROLLING in red block letters.

But Texas Education Agency officials who met with them that evening stressed there was no hope for the troubled charter district that ran it and three other campuses, called the San Antonio School for Inquiry and Creativity, would serve any students for the upcoming school year.

The school is going to be closed, said Ron Rowell, director of governance at the TEA. It will not open up on Sept. 1.

At separate information sessions, state officials instead told staff and parents about their options after the closure, which was ordered in July after the TEA spent months investigating wide-ranging complaints about the districts leadership and school conditions.

Officials said they intended to recapture state funds that had been allocated to some of the districts schools that had been improperly operating.

The state appointed a three-person board of managers to handle other administrative matters related to the closure, including distributing student transcripts and employment records to former teachers and staff and handling SASICs assets, TEA officials said.

TEA documents about SASIC

The board includes Judy Castleberry, who currently serves as a state conservator for South San Antonio Independent School District.

The TEA upheld the revocation of SASICs charter at a hearing July 26. Five days earlier, its superintendent, Tonja Nelson, resigned when notified that the state planned to shut down the district, school employees said.

The upheaval started in February, when complaints that the schools had served spoiled food that sickened students led to parent meetings where numerous other allegations were leveled against Nelson.

In March, the TEA briefly closed SASIC schools before allowing them to finish the 2016-17 school year while the state investigation continued under the eye of a TEA monitor.

The investigation found SASIC had operated campuses at unapproved locations, failed to comply with criminal background check requirements for employees and failed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of students.

The probe didnt substantiate complaints of nepotism leveled against Nelson, nor allegations that the district failed to adhere to data collection standards.

According to the investigation, SASIC had operated at four unapproved sites at various times: SASIC Preparatory Academy at 2507 Fredericksburg Road, Monticello Kinder Academy at 4106 San Pedro Ave., Monticello High School at 5300 Heath Road and an office facility called the CTE Career Center at 4616 San Pedro.

The Heath Road campus previously had been called the Academy of Careers and Technologies, a school Nelson ran until its charter was revoked for failure to meet state accountability requirements.

State law requires open-enrollment charter schools to amend their charters with the approval of the state education commissioner and obtain a certificate of occupancy before starting school operations at a new location.

As the investigation got underway, Nelson told the San Antonio Express-News that SASIC operated just two schools. The district was reporting student attendance at approved locations when the students actually were at unapproved sites, TEA officials said Wednesday.

Additionally, the TEA found school leaders falsely reported that the district had complied with employee fingerprinting and background check requirements in 2015 and 2016.

Thirty of the districts 107 employees hadnt been fingerprinted as of Feb. 16, the investigation showed.

Finally, the TEA reviewed food inspection reports that indicated a kitchen was stocked with ground beef that had been thawed and refrozen, and confirmed other complaints about the sanitation and condition of equipment and food in the school kitchens, which led to the finding that the district had jeopardized student health and safety.

TEA representatives arriving at Career Paths couldnt access the building at first because the district had changed the locks.

Former staffers met with them outside in the late afternoon heat, fanning themselves with packets explaining how to request employment records, verify salaries with the Teacher Retirement System and apply for unemployment benefits with the Texas Workforce Commission.

The air-conditioned building was open in time for the parent meeting.

Rowell, the TEA governance director, told the former employees he didnt know how much money was left to cover paychecks and other expenses.

We take care of staff first, IRS second, (Teacher Retirement System) third and unemployment fourth, Rowell said. Rent and that kind of stuff, gas, electric  thats if theres money left.

Buddy Calvo, who was a coordinator at Career Paths until he was laid off in June, asked if Nelson and other SASIC administrators would be held accountable for the districts demise. Rowell said he didnt know if Nelson held a certification against which sanctions could be levied.

Attempts to reach Nelson for comment Thursday were unsuccessful.

Unhappy parents crowded into a classroom at the high school were told they did not immediately need their childrens transcripts before enrolling them at other schools.

If parents had receipts for copies of transcripts  for which SASIC had been improperly charging $5  the state would reimburse them, officials said.

This school seemed to be operating and everybody seemed to know it was operating, so thats where my confusion comes from, one parent told the officials.

The reason we didnt know about the unapproved sites is because the student data was reported through the approved sites, responded Heather Mauze, director of charter school administration for the TEA, to several gasps from parents.

Parent Edward Cadena said he was unsure where he was going to enroll his two sons, who are entering fourth and fifth grades. He said he had no complaints about the education his boys received at SASIC but understood why other parents were upset about the situation.

Were going to be alright, Cadena said. Well fall on our feet. We always do.

lcaruba@express-news.net
Evidence presented at the murder trial of Sandra Melgar on Friday helped answer how the Houston widow accused of stabbing her husband in a staged home invasion could have tied herself up in her own closet.

Sandra Melgar, 57, is accused of stabbing her husband, Jaime Melgar, on the eve of their 32nd anniversary in December 2012 in their northwest Harris County home. Police contend she tied her own ankles and hands behind her back, then somehow locked herself in a closet by wedging a chair under the outside door knob.
Padre Island reopened to driving on its North and South beaches Friday after a brief closure earlier this week due to Hurricane Franklin.

But a warning remains in place for a high risk of rip currents along the central Texas Coast, according to the National Weather Service.
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WASHINGTON  Former San Antonio mayor and Obama Cabinet secretary Julian Castro has formed a new political action committee, signaling a return to national politics and a potential 2020 White House bid.

The organization "Opportunity First," filed a report with the Federal Election Commission this week indicating that it can operate as a PAC supporting or opposing federal candidates, including presumably Castro, who has made use of the catch-phrase.

The new group, first reported by Politico, has yet to list any fundraising activity.

LATINO POWER: Vote in Texas rose 30% in last election

Castro, 42, has long been considered a rising star in the Democratic Party and was reportedly a contender for the 2016 vice presidential nomination that eventually went to Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine.

Along with his twin brother, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, Castro also had been considered a possible challenger in Texas' 2018 governor's race. With both taking a pass, it remains an open question who the Democrats might put up against Republican incumbent Greg Abbott.

His brother Joaquin Castro also had been considered a top prospect to challenge Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018, until he bowed out in favor of U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke of El Paso, who jumped into the race in March.ut the former HUD secretary has not ruled out a run for president in 2020.

But Julian Castro has not ruled out a run for president. In a June interview on KLRU-TV, Austin's PBS station, Castro told the Texas Tribune's Evan Smith that he will "look and see how things develop over the next year or so and then make a decision as to whether that's something I want to do."

IT'S THE ECONOMY: Big issue weighs on 2018, 2020 elections

Castro was elected to the San Antonio City Council in 2001. At age 26, he was the youngest councilman in the city's history. He was elected mayor in 2009, becoming the city's fifth Latino mayor and the youngest mayor of a Top 50 American city.

His signature achievement was leading a 2012 voter referendum to expand pre-kindergarten education.

Castro broke onto the national scene in 2012 with a well-received keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. Then-President Barack Obama nominated him to his Cabinet in 2014.

He has since been traveling, writing a memoir, and lending his name to several Democratic in local and congressional races.

A Castro spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Politico, citing an unnamed source, reported that Opportunity First filed paperwork both as a federal PAC and as a "527" organization to give the group flexibility to fund both federal and non-federal elections. So-called 527 groups are allowed to collect contributions in unlimited amounts.
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Border Patrol agents had a busy Monday.

Within 24 hours, agents seized marijuana, found human remains and discovered 86 undocumented immigrants crossing the border, according to a news release from the agency.

According to the Border Patrol, agents stationed in Weslaco found 86 people near a canal in Hidalgo. The group was seen walking on a trail when agents apprehended them without incident, according to the release.

RELATED: Border patrol finds $1.4 million worth of cocaine inside passenger bus toilet in South Texas

All of the immigrants were Guatemalan, according to the release. Of those 86, 50 of them were juveniles and 16 of them were unaccompanied.

In a separate incident, agents noticed an SUV speeding near Los Arrieros around 1:30 a.m. In an effort to avoid being pulled over, the driver veered off the road, struck a utility pole and fled on foot.

When agents inspected the car, they found 75 bundles of marijuana, which weighed 1,351 pounds. The seizure, estimated to be worth more than $1,000,000, was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration, according to the release.

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In the afternoon, Kingsville agents were told of human remains discovered by a ranch manager. The Kenedy County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene along with the agents to investigate. It's unclear how long the body was out there, but the person appeared to be from Honduras, according to the release.

fsabawi@mysa.com

Twitter: @FaresInSA
After skeletal remains were discovered in a South Texas septic tank earlier this summer, a man already incarcerated for another crime confessed to killing a woman and dumping her body in the tank more than a decade ago, officials with the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office said.

Authorities were called out to a home in Edcouch, east of Edinburg, on July 26 after a man said he found a bone clogging his septic tank. Authorities discovered additional bones and a forensic pathologist found they belonged to a human.
Love wins. Even for immigrants.

On Tuesday, a federal district court struck down a Louisiana state law denying marriage equality to foreign-born residents. The law had been backed by the religious right, the same crowd that earlier fought to deny marriage equality to same-sex couples.

The legislation required anyone wishing to get hitched to produce a birth certificate, as well as an unexpired passport or visa, before receiving a marriage license. People born in the United States were allowed to get a waiver from a judge if, for some reason, they didnt have a birth certificate; people born abroad were given no such option.

Ostensibly the objective was to prevent bigamy and other types of marriage fraud. And also, somehow, to thwart crafty terrorists.

One vulnerable population was especially hurt by it: refugees.

Louisiana has a large population of refugees who fled Laos and Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Despite being here legally  and in many cases, having received U.S. citizenship  these Louisianans often were never issued birth certificates.

This affected couples such as Laotian-born refugee Out Xanamane and his longtime partner, U.S.-born Marilyn Cheng. Xanamane was born at home in a village near Savannakhet, Laos, in 1975, in the year the country fell to communism. He never received a birth certificate.

The couple had undergone a Buddhist religious marriage ceremony in 1997  and subsequently had four kids  but never filed paperwork with the state. After Xanamane was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2016, he desperately needed a legally recognized marriage certificate to qualify for Chengs employer-sponsored health insurance plan.

Xanamane had multiple forms of identification, including a green card and state-issued drivers license, but the couple were turned away by multiple parish clerks because he could not produce a birth certificate.

The couple and their kids ultimately had to drive to Alabama, where they got married.

Other immigrants who were turned away by Louisiana parish clerks simply gave up. One, Viet Victor Anh Vo, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in an Indonesian refugee camp to Vietnamese parents, sued.

In addition to being heartless, the law was unconstitutional because it infringed on the fundamental right to marry.

Tuesdays ruling was based on the equal-protection and due-process clauses, which do not distinguish between people of different immigration status, the court said. In the most recent legislative session, state lawmakers had applied some fixes to the marriage law, but the new bill did not address all its constitutional problems.

Vo and his U.S.-born significant other, Heather Pham, convinced a Catholic priest to officiate at their religious marriage ceremony last year even after they found out they could not get a state-issued license. And while the court had issued a preliminary injunction against the law in March, thereby allowing the couple to obtain a legal marriage license, they decided to hold off until a ruling on the merits that vindicated all Louisianan immigrants marriage rights.

Also cheering the ruling is Out Xanamanes cousin, Phanat Xanamane, born in a Thai refugee camp to Laotian parents and now a naturalized U.S. citizen.

I feel that justice was upheld today, Phanat, who is not married, wrote me.

This is not the first time a federal court needed to step in and affirm Phanats constitutional right to wed; Phanat is gay, and almost exactly two years ago he celebrated when the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage the law of the land.

Tuesdays ruling, he said, shows you how easily you can have your rights ripped away if youre not paying attention to lawmakers.

crampell@washpost.com
Progressives generally support better labor protections, including policies meant to provide higher wages, more predictable working hours, increased bargaining power, and greater access to paid family leave, sick leave and overtime. And given the raw deal that workers get so often, these are all policies that I generally support as well.

But lately, as Democratic leadership has increasingly embraced the far-left impulses of its base, Ive become convinced that the left needs to think harder about the unintended consequences of such benevolent-seeming proposals.

Unless carefully designed, a lefty pro-labor platform might actually encourage firms to hire less labor  or at least to shift toward contract labor thats exempted from these cherished protections.

These are not mere hypotheticals. A two-tier labor market, in which some lucky workers are entitled to generous compensation and job security and the rest are hung out to dry, already plagues countries, such as France and Japan, with traditionally stronger labor protections than the United States.

But these are not outcomes that lefty politicians and policy wonks seem keen to grapple with. Its easier, or perhaps more politically convenient, to assume that pro-worker policies never hurt the workers theyre intended to help.

Take the proposal to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, a policy endorsed in the Democratic Partys new Better Deal platform.

An increase in the federal minimum wage, stuck at $7.25 for eight years, is long overdue. But more than doubling it would likely result in massive job losses and cuts in hours.

Weve already seen preliminary evidence that raising wages in Seattle to $13 has produced sharp cuts in hours, leaving low-wage workers with smaller paychecks. And thats in a high-cost city.

In West Virginia, the median hourly wage is just $14.79; in Arkansas, its $14.48; and in Mississippi, its a depressingly low $14.22. A $15 minimum wage could be binding on more than half of jobs in these states. In fact, in every state (not including D.C.), it could cover at least a quarter of positions.

Why wouldnt you want to improve the living standards of as many people as possible?

The answer: You wont actually be helping them if making their labor much more expensive, much too quickly, results in their getting fired.

Similarly, a year ago, the Obama administration issued a new overtime rule.

This rule massively expanded the universe of white-collar employees entitled to time-and-a-half pay for working beyond 40 hours per week. Before, white-collar workers earning salaries up to $23,660 were generally entitled to overtime. The new rule more than doubled the threshold, to $47,476.

The new threshold was to be implemented in one fell swoop, starting last December.

Then, a court blocked the rule in November, and several weeks ago the Trump administration began the process of revising it. During his confirmation hearings, Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta cautiously suggested that a cutoff of about $33,000 might be appropriate.

As strange as it feels to say something nice about policies being pursued by the Trump administration, this might be a better approach.

On this and other labor issues, says Michael Strain, director of economic policy studies at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, We need to be debating whether a cost-benefit test is passed, something on which reasonable people can disagree. Instead, Strain says, a lot of thoughtful, well-meaning people on the left seem to be looking for policies with all winners, no losers and no costs.

Im often drawn to studies and stories about pro-labor policies that pay for themselves. And while there often is a pro-business or macroeconomic case to be made for policies that help workers, I pledge to be more mindful about potential unintended costs as well.

Readers, I hope youll hold me to this.

crampell@washpost.com
In a phone call with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto shortly after Donald Trump took the oath of office, the U.S. president tried to get him to go along with a lie.

That lie was the often-repeated assertion that Trump would get Mexico to pay for that now infamous border wall.

That telephone conversation  and another with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull  further call into question the presidents honesty and his ability to treat friends and allies as, well, friends and allies.

In that Jan. 27 conversation with Pena Nieto  revealed through transcripts obtained by the Washington Post  Trump indicates he has known all along how problematic it would be to get Mexico to bend on the wall. But he nonetheless asks Pena Nieto to quit saying Mexico wont pay.

You cannot say that to the press, Trump said. (I)f youre 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 urged Pena Nieto, if asked about who will pay, to say, We will work it out. It will work out in the formula somehow.

Pena Nieto refused, declaring that Mexicos dignity was at stake. Though he agreed to stop talking about the wall, he said, 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.

Pena Nieto is correct that this is a matter of dignity for Mexico. And to treat such a close neighbor so shabbily does not cover this country in glory either. But there was nothing dignified in Trumps handling of this conversation, one of a series of calls the president had with foreign leaders soon after his inauguration.

I have to have Mexico pay for the wall, he said. I have been talking about it for a two-year period.

Yes, he has. And this call  and a U.S. House appropriation for the wall later  makes it clear that he was selling his supporters a bill of goods. But many bought it and Trump is still using the wall and the issue of immigration generally to stoke unfounded fears  to shore up a base.

This call, and another with Australias Turnbull, also indicate that Trump knows little of the art of statecraft. He attempts to bully both, Pena Nieto on the wall, and Turnbull on an agreement  by President Obama  to take in up to 1,250 refugees detained in Australia.

The Turnbull call also hints at the real roots of the presidents ban on refugees from six Muslim-majority countries. Trump makes clear to Turnbull his repugnance for such refugees.

I hate 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 (dairies).

And later, angrier still, Trump said the refugees could become the Boston bomber in five years.

Turnbull explained that these are economic refugees (though some have fled war and persecution) and that they are not being detained because they are criminals. Australias own treatment of these refugees  holding them in detention centers on Papua New Guineas Manus Island  has been roundly criticized.

These calls  to friends and allies  dont just call into question the presidents honesty, they reveal his nativist biases and his inability to be a statesman. The most presidential president, not counting Abraham Lincoln? Not even close.

In the meantime, his administration has still not filled key positions in the State Department and is backing legislation to cut legal immigration in half over the next 10 years.

If the calls are any indication, the United States could find itself reviled and friendless in very short order. And one person and one person alone will bear the blame.
No matter what you think about President Donald Trump, you have to agree that he was a better choice than another Clinton in the White House after what the former president did to the morals of our children in this country.

We as a country are not ready for a female president, and even if we were, Hillary would not have been the better choice.

E. J. Garcia, Converse

Trump base eroding

Re: In Trumps world, loyalty always unilateral, Rich Lowry, Other Views, Aug. 4:

This is a superior piece of written truth that has yet to hit his base of supporters. However, the spreading remorse has begun and, as with the sick patient who refuses to comply with his doctors orders, his dwindling supporters are beginning to realize that the Jeff Sessions treatment is in store for everyone who dares to disappoint or anger this megalomaniac.

Donald Trump is getting the message, and he understands that he can only make the trip to West Virginia so many times.

Ruben Zamora

Old wounds

Re: Disgracing fine city, Your Turn, Sunday:

This letter was an excellent overview of what is transpiring in our city.

San Antonio has a rich cultural heritage and should be enjoyed in its entirety. State Sen. Brandon Creighton has proposed Senate Bill 112 to protect monuments and end all this politically correct nonsense sweeping other cities like New Orleans. I urge everyone to contact your state senator and urge him or her to vote favorably for this bill.

Councilmen Robert Trevino and William Cruz Shaw have stated the bill is an attempt to undermine city governments. Our city leaders were elected to govern, but they are not listening to all their constituents. They have their own agenda, and the state is trying to protect all veterans.

Abraham Lincoln tried to bind the nations wounds. So why are our councilmen trying to reopen 19th century wounds in the 21st century?

Linda Woolums
There is a pretty easy way to understand Lt. Gov. Dan Patricks recent assertion that U.S. cities are the source of all our problems in America. Boiled down: Big cities tend to disagree bigly with his policy choices.

Look at a map of the Texas cities and counties that voted for Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in November, and you will see blue splotches in a sea of red.

These blue counties  containing the states largest cities, and also concentrated in the Rio Grande Valley and elsewhere at the border  are about 46.2 percent of Texas registered voters. Though not everyone in them voted for Clinton, this goes a long way in explaining Trumps 9 percent margin of victory. GOP presidential candidates generally trounce Democrats by comfortable double-digit margins.

And those numbers mean that blue cities and counties  and their legislative delegations  are the ones creating significant headwinds buffeting the policy choices of Patrick, Gov. Greg Abbott and GOP allies, not the least of which is usurping local control.

When you are trying to stage local coups from the Capitol in Austin, it is very important to demonize those you are trying to overthrow. And blue and Democrat are synonymous with wild-eyed socialism in much of red Texas.

So, translated, source of all our problems really means those blue-voting politicians who enact progressive ordinances favored by the blue-voting Texans who elected them. Folks who disagree with Patrick on a host of issues, including on sanctuary cities.

And, oh, by the way, Texas largest cities, like many U.S. big cities, are safely majority-minority in population, the exception being Austin, which, at 49.5 percent combined Latino, black and Asian population, just misses the 50 percent mark, according to U.S. Census figures.

Patrick, during a televised interview, said, People are happy with their governments at their state level, theyre not with the city. Which, prompts the question, why do city residents, in nonpartisan races, keep electing the politicians Patrick finds objectionable?

Also, Our cities are controlled by Democrats. And 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. (El Pasos mayor is a Republican).

These cities enact liberal policies, impose high taxes and have more street crime, says Patrick.

But fixing potholes, sidewalks and accomplishing flood control are generally not driven by ideology. Local residents are concerned about these and whether there are enough cops and firefighters to respond quickly to emergencies.

So, what liberal policies? Well, there is allowing transgender Texans to use the bathrooms of their choice. Property taxes? The highest portion on your tax bill pays for schools, and thats because the states share of funding has been shrinking. Big cities have bigger populations, so they will, of course, have more street crime.

But the biggest cities also have the highest levels of income inequality, which means concentrations of poverty and bad schools. These correlate to crime. By the way, quality education is the best cure for many city ailments, and that means adequately funded schools  a state function even in red Texas.

Cal Jillson, an oft-quoted expert in political science at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, said this of Patricks comments: Often, parsing politicians statements is not worth the effort and this, undoubtedly, is one of those times. The idea that people love their red states and hate their blue cities is nothing more than an empty slogan. Still, it is true that our cities have many problems, none of which are being addressed by Lt. Gov. Patrick and his colleagues in the current special session.

Got it? Big cities are governed by Democrats, many of them are majority-minority in population, they represent sizable portions of this states  or any states  electorate, and they enact liberal policies, i.e. they dont see eye to eye with Patrick, Abbott, et al.

Note to Patrick: City residents in this state are Texans, which means their problems are supposed to be yours, too, whether or not their elected officials are Democrats.

o.ricardo.pimentel@express-news.net
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A guilty plea has been entered by a driver accused of killing three members of family of musicians with roots in Greenwich through his negligence behind the wheel.

Nerim Sinanovic, 35, of the Bronx, was driving a BMW SUV at the time of the afternoon crash in northern Westchester in August of 2015 that took the lives of Ledell Mulvaney, 61, a music teacher in the Greenwich School District from 1989 to 2008, and her daughter, Katherine Mulvaney, 31. Donald Mulvaney, 63, the husband of Ledell, died from his injuries a month later.
1 Accusing Cuba: Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that U.S. diplomats in Havana had been the victims of health attacks that left them with hearing loss  the most definitive U.S. statement yet on a series of mysterious incidents that have puzzled longtime observers of U.S.-Cuban relations. His comments Friday came two days after the State Department issued a vaguely worded statement saying there had been incidents which have caused a variety of physical symptoms. U.S. officials later revealed that American diplomats had suffered unexplained losses of hearing, and on Thursday Canadas government said at least one Canadian diplomat in Cuba also had been treated for hearing loss. Some of the diplomats symptoms were so severe that they were forced to cancel their tours early and return to the United States.

2 Commando units: The Afghan military will begin expanding its elite commando units in the coming weeks, Afghan officials and military officers said, in a bid to capitalize on a force that has been one of the few success stories in the nearly 16-year-old war. Starting in September, a training academy south of Kabul will add an 800-man, 14-week-long commando course atop its current curriculum. Afghan officials are optimistic that in the coming years the 12,000-strong force will be able to almost double, to 22,000 troops. As the number of commandos grows, the Ministry of Interiors elite police unit and the Afghan Air Forces Special Mission Wing will also expand, to 9,000 and 1,000 troops, respectively. The Afghan militarys decision to invest in its commando forces comes with strong U.S. backing and is a key component of Afghan President Ashraf Ghanis recent military reform plan.
Trash to treasure: How can we extract valuable resources from production waste?

(Nanowerk News) For every ton of alumina, the Aluminium of Greece plant in Agios Nikolaos  near the large bauxite deposits at Boeotia and Phocis  produces a ton of bauxite residue, making around 2,000 tons of the heavy red mud every day.

Although it has long been discarded as waste, hidden in this soil lie microscopic particles of REEs.

Vicky Vassiliadou, a mining and metallurgical engineer at Aluminium of Greece said: Some might view residue as waste. But for us its a resource for the future. This bauxite residue contains iron, titanium, silicon and rare earth elements such as scandium. In the future, this will be the main means of producing all these elements.

Greek scientists have developed a technology that allows them to obtain rare earth elements (REEs) from waste ore in an economical and environmentally friendly way.

Despite their name, rare earth elements are relatively plentiful in the Earths crust. They are not particularly rare, but they are difficult to separate from eachother.

They are immensely valuable and, even in small quantities, they can drastically change the properties of materials. This makes them irreplaceable in the manufacture of wind turbines, cars, computers, smartphones and other high-tech applications.

Dr. Efthymios Balomenos, Senior Researcher at the School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens, said: This particular bauxite residue [at Aluminium of Greece] contains about 1.5 kg of rare earth per ton. This may not sound very impressive until you do the math. Add up 700,000 tons per year and were sitting on 10% of Europes annual demand of rare earths.

What is needed is a cheap and clean way to extract these coveted elements. Its one of many goals of a European research project that looks to alleviate Europes total dependence on imported rare earths. Engineers in Athens have developed a simple method to dissolve and remove rare earth elements from red mud (SCALE project).

Professor Ioannis Paspaliaris, a mining and metalurgical engineer at NTUA and EURARE project coordinator said the method he and his team are working on is as economical as it is environmental.

The major advantage of this process is that it can take out rare earth elements selectively. It doesnt dissolve the whole solid matter  just the elements that we require. That is an economical and environmental advantage, he said.

The key is using an ionic liquid rather than more traditional solvents. Iconic liquids are molten salts that can stay liquid at room temperature. PhD student at NTUA School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering Panagiotis Davris told Euronews how the process works.

We pour the bauxite residue into the reactor that contains a solution of ionic liquid. The way this leaching works is similar to making tea or coffee  you basically extract the components you need, he said.

It takes a couple of hours for the rare earth elements to completely dissolve in the ionic liquid. The mix is then filtered to remove the solid residue that can later be recycled.

Finally, some acid is added to restore the ionic liquid back to its initial state, ready to be used again. Whats left is a valuable extract of rare earth elements.

Panagiotis Davris, a researcher in REE hydrometallurgy at NTUA said: [Ionic liquids] are superior because [they] are non-flammable and non-volatile, so we can work with them at higher temperatures without any fire or health hazards.
(Natural News) Controversy has erupted across social media after Twitter suspended the account of a user named Nicole Mincey who President Trump re-tweeted on August 5, thanking her for tweeting words of adulation about his presidency. Trump supporters claim that the removal of Minceys account by Twitter is a blatant act of censorship, which would seem to follow the trend of Google, Facebook and many others that have done the same thing over the past year.

And now, YouTube has just demonetized 95% of the videos of Diamond and Silk, two African-American Trump supporters who gained fame in the 2016 election for their entertaining and energetic videos in support of Donald Trump. The message from the alt-left techno tyrants is very clear: Any who support Trump will be discriminated against, censored and silenced into oblivion.

President Trumps re-tweet of the Mincey tweet was already showing an Account suspended message just hours after it was originally published on Saturday to Minceys Twitter account, which bears the name ProTrump45 for an online Donald Trump merchandise store that supposedly operates out of New Jersey. Mincey described herself as a black, conservative woman who used to be a liberal. Her Twitter account, both supporters and critics alike seem to agree, was seized upon by the president to show that his base is comprised of people from both sexes and of many different races.

It was a simple gesture that turned into a huge ordeal after Minceys account disappeared, with one side claiming censorship and the other alleging that the account wasnt even real, and that it was operating as a bot. Even mainstream media outlets were quick to deny this bot claim, however, suggesting that a woman by the name of Nicole Mincy  without the e  is, in fact, a real person and a college student from New Jersey whose identity was stolen (or who may have been working for a pro-Trump social media outfit).

The Nicole Mincey ordeal is suspicious, especially considering that the address apparently linked to her social media accounts, which have since disappeared, originates at the mail room of Saint Peters University, a Jesuit college in Jersey City where the real Nicole Mincy attends classes. At the same time, Twitters removal of the ProTrump45 account that the president retweeted is seen by some, including Prison Planets Paul Joseph Watson, as constituting evidence of social medias bias against President Trump.

The woman who Trump quote-tweeted over the weekend has had her account suspended by Twitter, Watson tweeted on August 7. Just a coincidence, he sarcastically added, emphasizing his frustration with this embarrassment to the president.

There have been so many instances of anti-Trump censorship thats it hard to keep count

President Trumps son, Eric, says his re-tweets have also been censored, including one in which he attempted to share a screenshot of a tweet his father had posted earlier about the latest job-growth numbers. Eric Trumps re-tweet remark, Jobs Jobs Jobs!!! was reportedly grayed out, according to The Hill, with a message explaining that it was no longer available because it contained potentially sensitive content.

Trump Jr. followed up this blocked tweet with another that questioned why his first one was censored:

Why are my tweets about jobs and the economy being censored? #Interesting, he wrote.

Late last year, Facebook announced its own fight against then-candidate Donald Trump, reportedly pushing its employees to remove all pro-Trump content from the platform as if it was hate speech. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg later relented, admitting that such censorship would be inappropriate.

And yet, just a few months later, Facebook would issue a new set of guidelines about how to handle the rampant threat of fake news, i.e. any news that portrayed Hillary Clinton in a negative light, or Donald Trump in a positive light. Joining the chorus of anti-Trump posturing, Facebook would claim that the president conspired with Russia to sway the 2016 election, citing fake news content on its platform as being at least partially responsible.

Google even joined in on the fun, at one point blacklisting roughly 140,000 pages of Natural News content from its search platform. The claim once again was that Natural News was part of a conspiracy to spread fake news to the public about Donald Trump, simply because it doesnt buy into the unfounded Trump-Russia narrative.

Even a high school student from New Jersey bore the brunt of censorship when someone from his school airbrushed his yearbook photo to remove an image of a Trump campaign logo from his shirt. Grant Berardo didnt violate any of the rules at Wall Township High School concerning his appearance in the yearbook photo, and yet someone with editing authority decided to blur it out entirely.

Ever since he first announced that he would be running for president, Donald Trump has faced intense criticism, bullying and censorship  as have many of his supporters. And major online platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Google have been willing accomplices, along with the mainstream media and their many talking-heads, in keeping this persecution running full steam, with no end in sight.

Sources for this article include:

TheGatewayPundit.com

Heavy.com

TheHill.com

WSJ.com

USAToday.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Tech and media behemoth Google is continuing to flex its considerable muscle by controlling more of what you are allowed to see. And its being based entirely on political ideology.

As reported by Breitbart News, company whistleblowers are now coming out of the woodwork to spill the beans on the tech giants growing bias against conservative thought and opinion after Google fired engineer James Damore for daring to challenge the companys predominant Left-wing bias in a 10-page memo, where he defended diversity of viewpoints and offered a fact-based defense of gender gaps for certain fields.

As Breitbart noted, more Google employees are speaking out in support of Damores manifesto, but they are having to do so anonymously because diversity-seeking Google really doesnt want diversity of thought or opinion, just authoritarian compliance with Alt-Left orthodoxy:

Damores ten-page manifesto, which was met by an immediate backlash, described a climate of fear, in which employees who challenge prevailing leftist narratives at the company are faced with immediate threats to their career. Damores own experience appears to confirm this.

In response, the site is publishing exclusive interviews under the series title Rebels of Google, featuring employees of the tech giant who have reached out to confirm much of what Damore wrote.

In the first interview of the series, one employee named Hal talked about how Google mid- and upper-level managers conduct witch hunts and practice ideological intolerance against conservatives. Hal also discussed dysfunction at the companys upper management echelons. (Related: Google redefines fascism to smear conservatives.)

In a follow-up, an ex-Google engineer using the alias Emmett  who worked at the company for several years  was asked about allegations that employees within the companys Ad Sales department had a great deal of sympathy with Googles Sleeping Giants campaign, which reportedly denies ad revenue to independent and alternative media like Breitbart News and The Rebel Media.

According to one anonymous source, some Google employees in Ad Sales are openly encouraging Adwords customers to pull their ads from Breitbart and Rebel Media.

Emmett confirmed that claim.

A number of friends have privately confirmed this to me, said the whistleblower. I know there are efforts to demote anything non-PC, anti-Communist, and anti-Islamic terror from search results. To what extent that has been successful, I dont know.

That said, Emmett told Breitbart he personally saw Leftists within the company program bias into YouTubes algorithms so that anti-PC content would be pushed off the platforms related videos recommendations.

I have read internal mailing list email from SJWs [social justice warriors] absolutely incensed that thered be, say, a Sargon of Akkad video appearing as a video related to one of their favorite SJW vloggers. This is what happens when you have unbiased algorithms, which at the time, was true. I dont have to tell you that, in that e-mail, the SJW was quite literally asking that the related videos function be perverted so that such a thing would stop happening, Emmett said.

Whats more, the former engineer said, ordinary users of Google and related servers wont even notice that there is censorship taking place.

The software could just astroturf your Related Videos section, and you would be none the wiser, he said. Sure, if you know what to look for, perhaps youd notice. But the vast majority of the viewership would never know. Thats the whole point of such a disinformation program, right? If you can tell its disinformation, you would never ever believe it.

He added it was only a matter of time before the company began to bias its search results against Trump supporters, Republicans and anyone who leans to the right, politically.

I dont have to tell you that there was an internal meltdown at Google when the election was over, he said. The hysteria has only ever reached a higher level once. That was throughout this weekend, thanks to the #GoogleManifesto [Damores screed] scandal.

He noted that its even unwise to speak out against Democratic politicians at the company, let alone agree with Damore.

There are search and media alternatives to this kind of blatant censorship and ideological blackmail, including GoodGopher.com and Censored.news. Bookmark and utilize both if you want your news and information unfiltered.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

TheNationalSentinel.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) An Australian vegan cafe has opened up a new front in the social justice culture war.

The Melbourne eatery has announced that it will impose a gender pay gap surcharge of 18 percent on anyone who enters the establishment who happens to be born male. In addition, female customers will receive priority seating.

The cafe plans to donate the proceeds from the man tax to a domestic violence charity.

The owner, Alex OBrien, provided this explanation, The Sun of London reported:

I do want people to think about it, because weve had this (pay discrepancy) for decades and decades and were bringing it to the forefront of peoples minds. I like that it is making men stop and question their privilege a little bit.

She also claimed that the response to her house rules has been positive from males and females alike.

Under Australian law, as well as the laws of virtually every country in the western world, however, gender discrimination is illegal.

While some employers operate arbitrarily and unfairly when it comes to compensation, various researchers have debunked the gender pay gap when factors such as type of job, seniority, experience and hours worked per week are included in the mix.

The Obama administration pushed the equal pay narrative, at least until it was revealed that male White House staffers earned 15 percent more than their female counterparts. Hillary Clintons Senate office as well as the Clinton Foundation also had significant pay discrepancies of that nature. This, despite the fact that failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton positioned herself as a feminist and a foe of income inequality.

If the gender pay gap was a pervasive and systemic as its opponents argue, wouldnt that incentivize employers to get rid of their male employees and go with an all-female workforce?

According to the Melbourne-based Broadsheet website, the man tax is only in effect one week in each month, and is voluntary.

Question: If a man who identifies as a woman shows up at the vegan cafe, would the man tax still apply?

'Men will be charged an 18 per cent premium to reflect the gender pay gap': Cafe 'man tax' ignites social media fury https://t.co/7Ae6vdxPqP pic.twitter.com/GGghEzZpHn  CTV News (@CTVNews) August 7, 2017

In this country, Google is currently under federal investigation for alleged gender pay discrimination. Against that backdrop, news broke last night that Google canned a senior software engineer after his controversial internal memo about diversity leaked on social media.

In Googles Ideological Echo Chamber, the engineer among other things accused the company of prioritizing gender and racial diversity in its hiring practices over intellectual diversity. He also implied that Googles Leftist, politically correct culture has forced conservatives and other diversity dissenters within the company to keep quiet out of concerns for their job security.

As Natural News founder Mike Adams wrote:

Google is rapidly collapsing into a cultural cesspool of oppression, witch hunts and gang-ups that target non-conformists. (Related: Read more about Left-wing censorship at Intolerance.news.)

There is apparently no man tax in effect at Googles corporate cafeteria  yet.

Sources include:

TheSun.co.uk

Broadsheet.com.au

Inquisitr.com
(Natural News) Food fraud is a serious problem, and its estimated to cost the global food industry around $40 billion each year. Its not just a costly problem; it can also be a deadly one, as the 2008 crisis with melamine-tainted milk that killed at least six babies illustrated. Two out of five Chinese people consider food safety to be a very big problem according to a Pew Research Center study, and a similar sentiment can be noted throughout the world.

One big part of ensuring that the food regulations designed to protect people are followed is transparency, and this has been a huge stumbling block given the highly complex and international nature of the food supply chain. Information sharing plays a big role in identifying potential problems so they can be prevented and reacted to swiftly when they do occur, and this is where blockchain can prove to be quite useful.

Blockchain, the same technology that most people associate with crypto-currencies like the Bitcoin, is a shared ledger of transactions that is cryptographically secure, and its records database is built like a chain. It cannot be re-ordered or broken without affecting the entire connection, making it a great tool for dealing with food fraud.

Blockchain can curb fraud, human error

The global food industry still heavily relies on paper records. Blockchain records the identity of the person who inputs every piece of data into the chain, thereby eliminating the anonymity that has until now allowed food fraud to proliferate. The automated capturing of documentation could also reduce human errors.

According to Chain Business Insights, more than a dozen companies are currently working on implementing blockchain solutions in their food supply chains for applications like showing chain of custody and origin determination. Some analysts believe it is no longer a question of if but when firms will get on board.

Businesses increasingly launching blockchain food supply projects

Wal-Mart was one of the first companies to try the technology for this purpose. They have just finished up a trial that uses blockchain tech to keep track of pork in China; the worlds biggest retailer has more than 400 stores in the country. Blockchain has allowed them to whittle down the amount of time needed to track the porks supply chain from 26 hours to mere seconds, and the companys Vice President for Food Safety, Frank Yiannis, said that its use will soon be expanded to other products as well.

Shanghais Zhong An Information and Technology Services Co. has announced that it plans to use blockchain to track chickens on their journey from coop to processing facility to the store where it will be sold to the end consumers.

Meanwhile, Chinese internet giant Alibaba, which accounted for more than three-fourths of the online retail sales in the country in 2015, is planning a blockchain project in conjunction with food suppliers in New Zealand and Australia along with auditors from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to gain better product integrity across all of its platforms. The company believes this will help to protect food merchants reputations and give consumers the confidence to buy food online.

Experts say that food fraud is rampant in China and it involves every type of deceit imaginable, from rat meat disguised as lamb to fake shrimp that actually sizzles when you toss it in a hot pan. This is not a comforting thought when you consider how much of what is sold in American stores originates in China. Food supplies remain a giant vulnerability to every nation, and ensuring that proper cleaning, handling, temperature control and other regulations are complied with is essential for public health and safety.

Sources include:

Bloomberg.com

FreightWaves.com
(Natural News) Those on the Left constantly preach about diversity and equality and the freedom to be who and what you want to be  but they dont really mean it. What they mean is, you are free to choose to be who they want you to be, but anything outside of that is disallowed, disavowed, and attacked.

That helps explain why a one-time engineer for Google is now a former engineer for Google: He had the gall  the gall, mind you  to speak his mind and point out some truths that the snowflakes who inhabit both the rank-and-file at Google as well as its upper management didnt find particularly enlightening or enjoyable.

As reported by Breitbart News, the tech-and-media behemoth appears to have no shortage of SJWs  social justice warriors  who use their mighty keyboards to lash out at those who dare to think differently and be different than them. That includes lashing out at the engineer, James Damore, after he penned a 10-page memo calling out his companys anti-conservative bias and challenging the companys (and the Lefts) assumptions that gender gaps in certain industries and areas of expertise imply sexism. (Related: Dont be evil Google fires an employee who dared question the companys Left-wing hate.)

The memo, titled, Googles Ideological Echo Chamber, went viral after being published in its entirety by the tech web site Gizmodo. Damore began his memo very non-provocatively though it wasnt taken that way (in fact, you could say that many Google SWJs reacted just the way Damore said they shouldnt):

I value diversity and inclusion, am not denying that sexism exists, and dont endorse using stereotypes. When addressing the gap in representation in the population, we need to look at population level differences in distributions. If we cant have an honest discussion about this, then we can never truly solve the problem. Psychological safety is built on mutual respect and acceptance, but unfortunately our culture of shaming and misrepresentation is disrespectful and unaccepting of anyone outside its echo chamber. Despite what the public response seems to have been, Ive gotten many personal messages from fellow Googlers expressing their gratitude for bringing up these very important issues which they agree with but would never have the courage to say or defend because of our shaming culture and the possibility of being fired. This needs to change.

He also noted: Only facts and reason can shed light on these biases, but when it comes to diversity and inclusion, Googles left bias has created a politically correct monoculture that maintains its hold by shaming dissenters into silence.

That led to Googler freak-out, as Breitbart noted, adding that in the memo, Damore went on to argue that women are not underrepresented in certain fields because of overt discrimination, but rather because there are inherent psychological differences between the sexes that the Left both refuses to acknowledge and demands be ignored.

What likely also infuriated the SJWs and Google managers was Damores claim that hes far from the only employee at the company who believes the culture is restrictive and authoritarian in its demands for one-sided ideological compliance.

Damores upsetting memo led to a response from Danielle Brown, the companys vice president of Diversity, Integrity, and Governance, who laid out plainly Googles Left-wing bias and demand for compliance.

Many of you have read an internal document shared by someone in our engineering organization, expressing views on the natural abilities and characteristics of different genders, as well as whether one can speak freely of these things at Google, she wrote. And like many of you, I found that it advanced incorrect assumptions about gender. Im not going to link to it here as its not a viewpoint that I or this company endorses, promotes or encourages.

Her next line is even more hypocritical: Diversity and inclusion are a fundamental part of our values and the culture we continue to cultivate. We are unequivocal in our belief that diversity and inclusion are critical to our success as a company, and well continue to stand for that and be committed to it for the long haul.

Except, of course, when employees deviate from the acceptable script.

Only a Left-wing progressive thinks excluding someone for their beliefs and opinion is inclusive.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

Gizmodo.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) As the United States and North Korea engage in a war of words over the latters nuclear and missile development programs, Natural News founder and editor Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, noted in a recent podcast that there were several untruths and myths being perpetuated as related to Pyongyangs missile tests that most people are unaware of.

With news breaking now that North Korea has missiles that can strike New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago and other major U.S. cities, there are three crucial things that you need to know about North Korea and its nuclear missile capabilities that arent being really talked about in the mainstream media, he said in his Health Ranger Report broadcast Thursday.

The first issue, Adams said, is that its being widely claimed that most of the missiles fired by Pyongyangs strategic rocket forces are failing  that they are not able to function properly and are falling into the ocean.

While some missiles have failed shortly after launch  which some reports have attributed to U.S. hacking  Adams says the bulk of tests have been successful, and are splashing down in the ocean by design.

The North Koreans are launching their missiles almost straight up on purpose, and having them fall into the Sea of Japan, he said. This is not an accident. (Related: Pacifist No More: Japans Abe Stands Firm With Trump Against North Korea As Tensions Mount.)

The reason, Adams continued, is because the North is testing altitude in order to test distance, so to speak. If the trajectory of those missiles was changed, they would hit targets far away.

The altitude that has been achieved is about 1,300 kilometers so far, which is huge, he said. That means [those missiles] are high enough, given the velocity and altitude  it means that those missiles, once theyre redirected, they can hit almost, maybe, half of the cities in the United States.

All of these missiles have guidance systems, and theyre being instructed to launch vertically, he said. Pyongyang has the ability to strike U.S. cities right now.

Secondly, he says, Americans are being told that U.S. missile defenses are adequate to knock down North Korean missiles in flight. Patriot missile defenses such as those used in the first Gulf War had a very low success rate, Adams noted, and while todays systems are probably better, thats not clear since many details about missile defense testing are classified.

The U.S. has said recent tests of THAAD  Terminal High Altitude Area Defense  have been successful, and that these systems are currently being deployed in South Korea. Also, the U.S. Aegis systems aboard U.S. Navy warships are touted as highly effective in performing the missile defense role.

But these systems have yet to be tested under actual combat conditions, Adams contends, and when they are, they may fail very often as did the first Patriot missile defense batteries.

Lets say we have these highly effective missile defense batteries on the ground, he said. Can they reach an altitude of 1,300 kilometers? I dont think so. And if they hit the incoming ICBM, whats the result? They spread highly radioactive nuclear fuel all over the ground.

So while the missile defense battery may, in fact, destroy the incoming ICBM, to do so would mean cities in the area would still suffer nuclear fallout.

Now, all of a sudden, you have almost a dirty bomb effect, said Adams. That means affected cities would have to be evacuated anyway, even though they were not devastated by a nuclear blast  just a different kind of devastation.

That alone would be a devastating economic impact, Adams said. Kim Jong-un doesnt even have to detonate a nuke over an American city  he still wins.

Find out what Adams says the third myth is by clicking on the podcast below:

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

Telegraph.co.uk

WWWIII.news
A Muslim woman has won $85,000 in damages from the city of Long Beach, California, after her religious head scarf was forcibly removed by a local police officer, according to court papers obtained Thursday.

Kirsty Powell filed a federal civil rights complaint after a 2015 arrest, during which she said police officers forcibly removed her hijab in view of other male officers and dozens of jail inmates. Powell, who wears the hijab as part of her religious beliefs, was forced to spend the night without the covering while in custody. She described the experience as deeply traumatizing, according to the complaint.

The Long Beach City Council voted Tuesday to approve the settlement.

After the suit was filed, the Long Beach Police Department amended its policy to accommodate religious head coverings for persons in custody. Long Beach joins neighboring jurisdictions of Orange and San Bernardino counties, which both adopted similar policies following lawsuits.

"We commend Kirsty Powell for choosing to defend her right to religious freedom and taking action," said civil rights attorney Marwa Rifahie of the Los Angeles chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

Powell was arrested during a traffic stop in May 2015 on outstanding warrants. During the arrest, she was told by the officers that she would have to remove her hijab. Powell made several requests for a female officer to search her and was denied requests to continue wearing her hijab in custody. The officers informed her that she was "not allowed to wear her hijab" and that they were "allowed to touch a woman," the lawsuit states.

"I would never want anyone to go through what I felt from this experience," Powell said in a statement when the suit was filed last year in Los Angeles federal court. "I want my Muslim sisters to always feel comfortable and safe wearing a hijab and to stand up for what's right."


Police are searching for two suspects who allegedly attacked a man at the Ashby BART Station and may be connected to another robbery nearby.

Two men approached the victim from behind in the BART station parking lot around 9:30 p.m. Thursday, knocked him to ground, punched and kicked him and took his backpack, wallet and watch, Berkeley police said.

The victim was transported to the hospital with injuries including facial swelling, an abrasion on his head and pain in his fingers, according to police.

Police suspect that the pair is responsible for a similar robbery that occurred in the same timeframe at nearby Bancroft Way and Grant Street. That victim was treated for cuts and bruises, but there's no word yet on what was stolen.

The first suspect is described as a man in his 20s, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall and wearing black clothing.

The second suspect is also described as a man in his 20s, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall and wearing black clothing. He has shoulder length dreadlocks.

Thursday's robbery follows a string of attacks on BART riders across the Bay Area.
Florida prosecutors have dropped drug charges against a University of Nebraska safety after he successfully completed a pretrial diversion program, according to court documents.

Antonio Reed had faced misdemeanor charges of charged with possession of no more than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

Police said wide receiver Stanley Morgan Jr., who was driving a 2013 Mazda sedan, did not make an appropriate stop May 6 when pulling out of the gas station in Port Orange, which is south of Daytona Beach.

An officer smelled marijuana coming from the car during the traffic stop and noticed what appeared to be marijuana on the cars center console.

A search of the cars backseat revealed marijuana in a plastic bag in a backpack with a tag with Morgans name on it.

Police also found marijuana in a backpack on the floorboard of the front passenger seat where Reed was sitting.

Both Morgan and Reed were arrested and charged.

Volusia County prosecutors dismissed the charges against Morgan July 17.

Prosecutors there dropped the charges against Reed Aug. 1.

Reed, who was recruited to NU out of Southaven, Mississippi in 2015, is among a group of safeties looking to add depth in the Husker secondary. The one-time Memphis commitment played in 12 games in 2016, and started in the Music City Bowl against Tennessee. He made 22 tackles as a sophomore.

The Huskers are currently in fall practice in preparation of their Sept. 2 season opener against Arkansas State at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. NU will play Sept. 9 at Oregon.
California State University's 23 campuses are eliminating math and English placement exams for incoming freshman and ending mandatory remedial courses that some students complained delayed their coursework.

The changes are part of a broader plan aimed at increasing graduation rates at the nation's largest public university system.

Chancellor Timothy P. White announced the changes in an executive order issued late Wednesday to all campus presidents, saying that CSU's long-standing exams used to assess student readiness will be retired starting in fall 2018.

Instead, schools will look at students' SAT and ACT scores along with high school grades and Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate scores to determine course placement, which administrators say are a better measure of a student's abilities.

Nearly 40 percent of incoming freshman, or some 25,000 students, are typically placed in remedial courses that often don't count toward their degree, Executive Vice Chancellor Loren Blanchard said in a separate memo.

The new policy "aims to address inequities in college readiness head-on in order to close gaps in degree attainment and afford all students the opportunity to succeed," Blanchard said.

Only 20 percent of CSU students graduate within four years. The university system wants to double its four-year graduation rate by 2025.

Students who took the remedial courses spent time and money on non-credit classes, which meant it took them longer to get a degree. Some students couldn't afford the extended time in school or were so frustrated by the process they dropped out, officials say.

The process "really sunk the ships of a lot of college aspirations," said James T. Minor, CSU's senior strategist for academic success.

Under the new system, all CSU students will be able to take college level courses immediately.

"The message we want to send now is, `Congratulations, you've been admitted, we're going to do everything we can for you to be successful at CSU," Minor said.

Campuses will offer extra support for students who need it, Minor said. Students can also enter an "early start" program to earn college credit over the summer, White's memo said. That program will be beefed up starting in summer 2019.

White and other officials said the executive order was issued after extensive consultation with CSU's academic Senate and faculty and its Board of Trustees.
Defense Secretary James Mattis is in Silicon Valley Thursday, visiting the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental in Mountain View, as tensions between North Korea and the U.S. heighten.



President Donald Trump issued a new threat to North Korea on Thursday, demanding that Kim Jong Un's government "get their act together" or face extraordinary trouble. He said his previous "fire and fury" warning to Pyongyang might have been too mild.

Addressing reporters' questions in Mountain View, Mattis said that the effort to contain North Korea is "diplomatically led."

"What is our readiness and what steps are you going to take against North Korea if they take any possible action against our country or any other country?" a reporter asked.

"I understand the question, very valid, but I don't tell the enemy in advance what I'm going to do. Our readiness ... We're ready," Mattis responded.



During his first official visit to DIU-x, Mattis will meet with staff and discuss with key leaders in the technology community how the Defense Department "can leverage new commercial technologies and methodologies and further expand initiatives designed to accelerate fielding capabilities to the warfighter," Davis said.

Mattis also will tour Googles main campus in Palo Alto.

Mattis will also visit Naval Base Kitsap and the Amazon headquarters in Seattle before he returns Aug. 11, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said.

The Associated Pres contributed to this report.


An Oakland cancer nurse and her family are facing deportation after living a law-abiding, productive life in the United States for the past 23 years.

Maria Mendoza-Sanchez, a nurse at Highland Hospital in Oakland, and her husband Eusebio, who works nights so he can take care of their children by day, are facing deportation to Mexico next week.

The couple has three U.S.-citizen children and an adult Dreamer daughter who plan to attend medical school.

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and a representative of U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., visited the Mendoza-Sanchez home on Plymouth Street Thursday afternoon to meet with the family.

The Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement released a statement Thursday, saying in part the courts long ago deemed the couple was in the U.S. illegally, and their case is not exempt from the law.

"Over the last 15 years, this couples immigration case has undergone exhaustive review at multiple levels of the Department of Justices immigration court system," the ICE statement said. "The courts have consistently held that neither of these individuals has a legal basis to remain in the U.S."

Feinstein also released a statement Thursday before her meeting with the family. She said tearing the family apart doesn't make the U.S. safer, it merely creates a hardship for their three children who will be left behind.

"Maria and Eusebio Sanchez have lived in this country for more than 20 years. They are hardworking parents raising four children, three citizens and one protected by DACA," Feinstein said. "They have no criminal records. They pay taxes, own their home and contribute to this country. These are the kind of people we should welcome into the United States with open arms."

Feinstein added that the Sanchez family has tried for two decades to obtain legal status.

Mendoza-Sanchez worked as a housekeeper in a nursing home before earning her nursing degree. She now provides urgently needed care to cancer and heart patients at Highland Hospital.

The Justice Department said this week that 57,069 people have been ordered for removal from the country in the first six months of Trumps presidency. Thats up nearly 31 percent since the same period in 2016 under former President Barack Obama.



Here is the full statement from ICE:

Over the last 15 years, this couples immigration case has undergone exhaustive review at multiple levels of the Department of Justices immigration court system, which is administered by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The courts have consistently held that neither of these individuals has a legal basis to remain in the U.S.

"Since Mr. Sanchezs court-issued removal order became final in 2013, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has granted the couple two one-year stays of removal. In May of this year the agency granted them a third stay of removal, for a period of 90 days, to afford them additional time to get their personal affairs in order and make preparations for their departure.

"While ICE continues to prioritize its enforcement resources to focus on individuals who pose a threat to national security, public safety and border security, the agencys Acting Director has made it clear that ICE will not exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. All of those in violation of our nations immigration laws may be subject to arrest, detention and, if found removable by the immigration courts, as this couple was, removal from the United States.

"This administration is committed to the rule of law and to enforcing the laws established by Congress. When we fail to enforce those laws, what message are we sending to the millions of people who respect that process and are waiting outside the U.S. now for visas that will enable them to enter the country lawfully."
The owner and five associates of CoinOpStore, a Santa Clara classic arcade machine company, have been charged with making and selling counterfeit video games that include Galaga, Tank Battalion and at least five iterations of Pac-Man, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office.

Between 2014 and 2017, the company sold numerous consoles containing 60 to 3,000 counterfeit arcade games, county prosecutors said.

The owner Chun Chu Chang, 61, along with associates Kingsley Stewart Chang, 29, Bruce Michael Burton, 39, Kung Teh Chang, 59, Ryan Loesch, 45, and 67-year-old James Chian Chen have been charged with 14 counts each of felony counterfeiting. If convicted, they are expected to face prison time.

According to Deputy District Attorney Erica Engin, the proceeds from the illegal arcade machines netted more than $1.2 million in cash, a 2012 Mercedes-Benz, a 2015 BMW and five residential properties subject to forfeiture.

The defendants are scheduled to enter a plea at the Hall of Justice in San Jose on Aug. 21.
Two daredevils, who scaled San Franciscos iconic Golden Gate Bridge and filmed the April stunt in a video that went viral, have been slapped with a lawsuit.



Peter Kurer  aka Peter Teatime  and Thomas Rector, both of Wisconsin, clambered up all 500 feet of one of the Golden Gate Bridge's towers.

The duo dangled off the tower's ledge with only their fingertips latched onto the thin railing, pulled off a couple somersaults and even snapped a selfie shot while standing on top of the tower's highest point.

But their adventurous climb caught on camera wasn't designed to simply capture a picturesque view. They wanted their stomach-churning video to drive traffic to their YouTube channel.

And that's part of the reason Teatime and Rector are now in trouble, according to the Golden Gate Bridge district, which sued them.

Peter Teatime and his associate Rector senselessly put the lives of themselves and others in serious jeopardy to exploit the San Francisco Bay Areas most iconic landmark for their own publicity, expand their own Internet and social media presence, and achieve fame and, relatedly, monetary profit, Kimon Manolius, a lawyer for the bridge district, told the Marin Independent Journal.

Bridge district officials are seeking to bar the thrill-seekers from disseminating their video, which has now been licensed for commercial use, and seek unspecified damages and legal costs, according to the newspaper.

In media interviews, Kurer has not only candidly admitted to these crimes, but brags about his stunts, as well as his expertise in circumventing sensors, security cameras, and safety mechanisms, Manolius wrote, per the Marin Independent Journal.



The publication also reported that the California Highway Patrol has asked the Marin County District Attorneys Office to file misdemeanor trespassing charges against the stunt team.

After climbing the world famous landmark, Kurer said, "It was super breathtaking. One of the most incredible things I have ever seen. It's pretty miraculous up there."

Teatime, who describes himself as being a "really curious person," said he has been climbing buildings all over the globe for several years. To most, ascending the Golden Gate Bridge would seem like an illegal and daunting task. To Teatime, it was just another climb on his list.

"To us, it's not nerve-racking," he said. "You kind of just clear your mind and you're in the moment."



The death-defying adventure was not taken lightly by the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District.

"The Golden Gate Bridge isnt a playground," spokesperson Priya David Clemens said in a statement in April. "Its a vital Bay Area transportation artery and a symbol of our community. These climbers reckless actions could have caused immeasurable harm to those driving below."

Kurer isn't worried about any repercussions. He said he respects those who patrol the bridge and purposely dangled late at night to avoid a potential accident with busy traffic below during the daytime hours. He also pointed out that he and his friend did not harm anyone or damage any property.



"It's a pretty innocent thing," Kurer said.



If anything, the teen welcomes a conversation with authorities, saying that he's willing to point out flaws in the bridge's security system.

Clemens admitted that the daredevils' adventure "did not trigger any alarms, so the Golden Gate Bridge District's patrol was not aware of the activity at the time."

Climbing on the bridge is a misdemeanor under state law, according to Clemens. The last time someone conducted a similar incident was four years ago, and the individual involved lost their job and was added to the no-fly list.

Jail time and a fine would be possible if the pair was found guilty.

Days after capping the pulse-pounding stunt with a brisk shuffle back to solid ground, Kurer summed up the experience in five words.

"Craziest experience of my life," he said.

NBC Bay Area's Mark Matthews and Jean Elle contributed to this report.


Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro says he wants a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump  the same man he routinely ridicules as a crass imperial magnate.

In a lengthy address to the 545 members of a new, all-powerful constitutional assembly Thursday evening, Maduro instructed the nation's foreign minister to approach the U.S. about arranging a telephone conversation or meeting with Trump.

Maduro said he wants as strong a relationship with the U.S. as he has with Russia, saying, "Mr. Donald Trump, here is my hand."

The remarks came shortly after Maduro forcefully warned the U.S. president that Venezuela "will never give in."

The Trump administration has called Maduro a "dictator" and issued sanctions against him and more than two dozen other former and current officials.
The Boston community means the world to the staff of Jamaica Mi Hungry, which aims to make authentic Jamaican food mainstream in the Hub.

Chef Ernie Campbell has been cooking since he arrived in Boston from Jamaica in 2001 and ultimately decided that the community was missing true Jamaican food.

After several years of running a full-service catering business in the area, Campbell launched the truck in 2016.



Truck Manager Aquila, who asked us not to use her last name, said, "We're known for our jerk chicken. Our jerk is a little bit more different than the typical jerk. We make our own jerk sauce and we top it with our tropical chutney."

On their truck, you'll find multiple curries, including chicken, goat and vegetable.

Their beef patty with coco bread is aptly named the "Jamaica Mi Hungry" sandwich.

Aquila added, "I love our customers because our customers are just the best. They're really, really friendly. They're dedicated to us."

The Jamaica Mi Hungry food truck schedule is as follows:

Wednesday

Greenway at Milk Street - 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Friday

Greenway at High Street - 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Sunday

SoWa (Harrison Avenue) - 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Select Sundays)

For more on Jamaica Mi Hungry, visit their website.
Jose Palma fled from El Salvador to Lynn, Massachusetts, as a last hope. After his family was displaced from their farm by a bloody civil war, he crossed the border at age 21 and did any work he could get  as a dishwasher, a deliveryman, a factory worker  to try and rebuild his life.

In 2001, he received temporary protected status, giving him the right to stay and work in the country legally. He earned his associates degree and found a job as a paralegal. But under the Trump administration, those rights are in jeopardy.

Now, he is one of many TPS holders lobbying the Department of Homeland Security to renew his legal status  or push Congress to come up with a long-term solution for people like him.

The end of TPS would destroy the life weve been building up for the past 19 years and give us an uncertain future, he said. Fighting to maintain our legal status is fighting for the future of our families, for the future of our children.

Courtesy of Jose Palma

TPS, a temporary humanitarian designation, protects people from countries in the midst of natural disasters or civil war until they are able to return home. Honduras received TPS status in 1999, after Hurricane Mitch, while El Salvador received it in 2001 following a series of deadly earthquakes.

In total, experts say there are roughly 265,000 immigrants from these two Central American countries living in the U.S. with TPS protection, forming about 80 percent of all TPS holders.

Other countries that currently benefit from the program include Haiti and Nicaragua. Three West African nations  Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone  were protected by TPS until their status was terminated in May.

As the TPS designations for Honduras and El Salvador come up for renewal early next year, Sharon Scheidhauer, a spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Custom Services, said in a statement that DHS will review conditions in these countries and determine what decision is warranted.

But former Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly has already made several indications that the future of the program is uncertain under the Trump administration, particularly when it comes to TPS designation for Haiti.

Before becoming the White House chief of staff, Kelly announced that Haitis designation would be extended for only six months, rather than the more common 18-month extension.

He later told the Miami Herald that immigrants protected by the program need to start thinking about returning.

His comments came as the Trump administration has been trying to deliver on a campaign promise of stricter immigration enforcement. Orders of removal and voluntary departures are up 30 percent. In addition, Trump has proposed limiting legal immigration, based on a new system that would cut the number of visas issued by half and set new requirements.

President Trump is backing a controversial plan to overhaul America's immigration system. He is supporting a plan by two Republicans to change how immigrants enter the U.S. The plan would "favor applicants who speak English, financially support themselves and their families, and demonstrate skills to contribute to economy," Trump said.

For Sonia Paz, returning from Los Angeles to Honduras would mean giving up the ties shes developed to the United States since arriving in 1985, and saying goodbye to her three adult children and seven grandchildren, all of whom are U.S. citizens.

My kids dont have any family except for me, and I dont have anyone except them, she said. To have to disappear from their lives, that would be a disaster.

And it would also mean facing the threat of violence in a country thats been ravaged by gangs. Two of her brothers have been shot and killed by gang members since she came to the U.S.

Like her, many tepesianos  as theyre known in Spanish  arrived in the United States during the 1990s seeking refuge from political upheaval and the aftermath of civil war.

Its still so violent there. When people go back from the U.S., the first thing they [the gangs] do is threaten those families for money, she said. My family could get kidnapped, or I could get shot.

Eric Olson, the deputy director of the Latin American program at the Wilson Center in D.C., said that conditions in the region are so unstable that deporting current TPS recipients would be like pouring gasoline in a fire.

Youre putting people in a situation where things could only get worse, he said. These are countries that face tremendous challenges in terms of crime, in terms of violence, in terms of a lack of economic opportunity.

At a Miami summit in June, the presidents of Honduras and El Salvador urged Vice President Mike Pence to push for a TPS extension for their respective countries, arguing that tepesianos are tax-paying, law-abiding immigrants who have integrated into U.S. society.

Trump himself has brought up the gang responsible for the regions rampant violence, saying at a speech in July that MS-13  a criminal gang formed in Los Angeles with ties to El Salvador  has transformed peaceful parks and beautiful quiet neighborhoods into bloodstained killing fields.

And while Attorney General Jeff Sessions visited the region in July in an effort to coordinate enforcement with governments there, the administraton may end TPS status despite the violence.

Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., said that he fears for current TPS holders after a meeting between Kelly and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Kelly, at the time still secretary of Homeland Security, said he was not sure he would extend the program, according to a July 12 statement from Gutierrez.

I think we have to prepare for the worst and get ready to fight mass deportation, the representative said.

And thats exactly what people like Evelyn Hernandez, a TPS holder living in Los Angeles, are aiming to do.

As an organizer with the Central American Resource Center in L.A., Hernandez is working with a multi-ethnic coalition of immigrant groups to raise awareness about the role and contributions of TPS holders, she said.

We will meet with whoever we need until we find someone who wants to listen to us, who wants to speak for us, she said.

Courtesy of Evelyn Hernandez

The groups are targeting members of Congress to express support for TPS renewal or to take legislative action to reform the program independently of the Trump administration, ideally granting permanent residency.

Theyre also working at the local level. The town boards of Cambridge, and Somerville, Massachusetts, have both passed resolutions urging DHS to extend TPS protection.

Cecilia Menjivar, a sociology professor at Kansas University, said that one of the main arguments for preserving TPS is the economic and social impact that immigrants have, particularly in areas with large Central American populations.

A May 2017 survey by Menjivar of 2,000 Salvadorans and Hondurans protected under TPS found that 80.3 percent pays income taxes, with nearly 30 percent volunteering in civic organizations, committees, or community groups.

A report from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center in San Francisco said that ending TPS for Honduras and El Salvador would result in a $6.5 billion reduction to social security and Medicare contributions over the next decade, in addition to a $42 billion reduction in GDP.

In addition, Menjivar said, the termination of TPS status would force these immigrants into the shadows, making them lose their health care and ability to drive and forcing them to search for under-the-table work.

Doris Meissner, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute in D.C., said that while the U.S.s foreign policy interests in Central America may complicate the decision, Kelly and Trump have made their views clear.

The prevailing view with the administration is that the enforcement of these immigration laws had been weak and insufficient, she said. The statute does not envision anything like the kinds of duration that had unfolded in the cases of these long-held TPS.

Congress, meanwhile, will likely be debating the immigration sections in an appropriations bill before it could take legislative action to renew or reform the TPS program, Meissner said.

Still, Hernandez said thats not deterring her or other members of the campaign.

I will fight however I can for staying here, she said. Im not just going to be home crying and depressed. I have to fight to find a way to keep my documents.
Emergency crews responded to a New Hampshire hospital on Friday morning after more than a dozen staff members reported feeling dizzy, nauseous, vomiting and experiencing headaches following an unknown chemical release.

Ambulances from multiple area communities responded to Exeter Hospital around 11 a.m. after a report of some sort of "chemical release" in the emergency room.

Aerial footage from the scene showed more than a dozen people in beds set up in a cordoned-off area of the lawn across the parking lot from the hospital.



Multiple People Injured in 'Chemical Release' at Exeter Hospital in NH

Exeter Hospital spokeswoman Debra Vasapolli said staff members in the operating room began experiencing symptoms of dizziness and nausea around 8:30 a.m. As that number started to increase, the hospital closed the operating room and began transferring people out.

The emergency department above it was also evacuated after staff members began to be affected by the same symptoms. There were six patients in the emergency room at the time.

"At this time we still have not been able to identify the cause, but obviously we're working diligently to do that," Vasapolli said.



She said approximately 19 staff members were affected. Around 8:30 p.m., the hospital said all symptoms had been resolved.

According to the hospital, none of the patients suffered from any symptoms.

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Exeter fire officials said they initially received a call for 20 ambulances, but not all of them were ultimately needed.

Twelve staff members were taken to other hospitals. Most are doing well and many have already gone home.

Firefighters have so far been unable to pinpoint the source of the chemical release or identify what it was that affected the staff members. There were initial reports that carbon monoxide might have been the cause, but fire officials said test results came back negative.

"We're looking at cleaning fluids that could have been used in the hospital, obviously, the rumor got out that it's anesthesia gas, we don't know that," Exeter Assistant Fire Chief Eric Wilking said. "We don't know if there's a leak, so until the hazmat team has time to monitor with some far more sophisticated equipment than we had... we may have answers later as to what caused that."

Multiple ambulances responded to Exeter Hospital in Exeter, New Hampshire, for a "chemical release" that has injured at least 20 people.

The emergency room and operating room are closed, but the rest of the hospital is open. They were initially expected to remain closed until the cause of the incident is identified, but the hospital now says they would reopen after a thorough cleaning. While the time of reopening is yet to be determined, the hospital says it will likely reopen early Saturday.

Exeter Police are recommending that residents seek alternate emergency facilities for treatment.

Crews are going through the operating room and emergency department one more time to check for any irritants. If clear, the emergency department will reopen on Saturday morning.
An Ellington homeowner said concrete poured for her four years ago is already deteriorating, according to testing.

The case is so recent it could become one of the first where the concrete manufacturer at the center of the crumbling foundations' situation, or its insurer, could be on the hook.

Not only did cracked basement walls of Marya Mahoneys 1998 home test positive for the naturally occurring mineral pyrrhotite, which some experts believe is the cause of crumbling concrete, so did the core sample from the concrete frost wall, poured along with a slab for Mahoneys detached garage in 2013.

Most concrete does not show outward signs of cracking from pyrrhotite for well over a decade. Core samples can detect it earlier. The one from Mahoneys garage was taken from a spot where small cracks had appeared, analyzed by TEC Services of Lawrenceville, Georgia.

"They characterized the deterioration as strong to very strong, which is the same language they used to characterize the level of degradation in the main foundation," Mahoney said.

Mahoney said concrete from her basement and garage came from J.J. Mottes, the company at the center of the state's investigation into crumbling foundations. J.J. Mottes said it has been out of the concrete business since the end of 2015.

Mahoney said her homeowners insurance policy does not include replacing her basement, but the company was willing to negotiate a settlement to cover a portion of it. The repair can cost upwards of $200,000.

Mahoney adds her insurer will not pay to replace her garage since the concrete was poured in 2013. State law allows people to make a defective product claim within ten years of purchasing a product and three years after noticing a problem. Mahoney first just asked the company to make the repairs. It refused, so now she will sue the company, the concrete installer and concrete supplier.

Since concrete for Mahoney's garage was poured four years ago, whoever insured J.J. Mottes could be on the hook, according to Mahoney's attorney, Brenda Draghi.

A Mottes spokesperson said the company is not commenting since it is out of business. A representative previously told the NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters it believed the problem was caused by installers, not its product.

Draghi said its a tough realization for people to realize they cant go after J.J. Mottes, "but the difference now is, that people that have a product that was made within the last 10 years, can."

Lyle Wray with the Capitol Region Council of Governments has been assisting more than 30 Connecticut towns with crumbling concrete.

Wray believes proof concrete poured in 2013 had pyrrhotite is significant. It could greatly increase the group's estimate of well over 4000 homes with crumbling concrete.

"The issue in terms of this latest aspect is troubling for a couple reasons. I mean one is that (it is) way after the time frame we had originally thought and that concrete was still being poured," Wray said.

Wray adds newer homes with pyrrhotite may have less chance of cracking. The mineral creates cracks when exposed to oxygen and water. Many newer basements have to waterproof which is required by state code. It is not mandatory for an above ground garage like Mahoneys.

The Department of Consumer Protection said it has a small number of reports regarding foundations poured after 2000 and it hopes more affected homeowners file complaints so the state can better understand the scope of the problem. Our attorney general and Department of Insurance both declined to comment.
Sheryl Sandberg can teach a few lessons about resilience.

And thats what she did during The Global Leadership Summit, a live simulcast expected to be broadcast to an estimated 400,000 people on Thursday and Friday.

The Fremont Church of the Nazarene was one of the broadcast sites.

Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook, would learn much after the untimely death of her husband, Dave Goldberg, more than two years ago.

At that time, she and Goldberg were vacationing in Mexico, where he suddenly died of cardiac arrhythmia.

For me, the grief was completely overwhelming, she said. I thought I would never feel better.

Sandberg turned to friends and looked to God for comfort and to tradition.

She and Adam Grant, a psychologist and professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, would write the book: Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience and Finding Joy.

The book talks about three psychological traps of not getting through grief. They are:

Personalization (Its all my fault)  Sandberg blamed herself for Goldbergs death, for her not going to med school, and not knowing he had coronary artery disease.

We blame ourselves for things that arent our fault, she said. Its human to make mistakes. Its not my fault he died and I know that now. And even if it had been my fault, beating yourself up over and over again is not the way to recover.

Pervasiveness  At one point, it seemed like all areas of her life were terrible. Sandberg wondered how she could be a parent to grieving children. She figured she couldnt do her job  she couldnt get through a meeting without crying. Then Grant had her consider things that could have been worse. For instance, her husband could have had a cardiac arrhythmia while driving somewhere with the children. She would learn to find the things that are still good in her life.

Permanence  While the grief was overwhelming at first and Sandberg didnt think it would get better, she realized it would.

When Sandberg wondered if she had enough resilience, Grant told her she was asking the wrong question.

Resilience is the ability to overcome hardship and it is a muscle and you build it, she said.

Sandberg decided she was going to mark every moment of joy and find reasons to be grateful. She would learn that people can experience post-traumatic growth.

I would trade every bit of growth I have to have Dave back, but there are ways in which I have grown. I have a deeper, more appreciative, more meaningful life and gratitude has been part of this. Joy is something we have to look for.

Sandberg said shed feel guilty if she felt any joy, but knows people deserve moments of it.

She went back to work a different leader.

I dont sweat the small stuff as much. I have a calmer sense of whats important, she said.

Sandberg remembered when she returned to work how people were afraid to say anything. Now she can tell people that they may not want to talk about a trauma, but shes there to go through it with them.

She spoke of the importance of building people back up after a traumatic situation. Sandberg told how helpful it was to have Facebook co-founder and chief operating officer Mark Zuckerberg give her a basic compliment after a meeting.

Now, when people come back to work, I acknowledge what theyre going through, I ask them if they want time off, but I also say to them, We still believe in you, she said.

Sandberg would learn how important it is for friends to be there for each other. She said its better to show up and do something specific than to simply offer to do something.

You do not have to be someones best friend from the first grade to show up. We need to show up for each other, she said.

Sandberg also said Grant told her to write down three moments of joy at the end of each day.

I think sometimes were waiting to be happy because we think its the big stuff  getting to go on a special trip, getting a promotion, having a child, she said. Happiness is how we spend our days. Its the small stuff. My coffee tasted great. My daughter gave me a hug without being asked.

And by writing down those three things  and they were small  I realized I went to bed every night before this worried about what I did wrong or what I was going to do wrong the next day.

When those moments happened I would say, Thats a moment of joy. I was looking for the three things I was going to write down. I noticed it just a little bit more.

We have to give other people permission to be joyful and we have to give ourselves (permission), she added.

The Global Leadership Summit continues from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Nazarene church, 960 N. Johnson Road.
Connecticut State Police troopers are asking for the public's help, but not in the search for a suspect or a missing person. Connecticut's troopers are competing in the "Best Looking Cruiser Contest" against the nation's other state police forces.

The contest runs through Monday, Aug. 14 at 5 p.m. To vote, you need to go to the contest's Facebook page and "like" the photo of the Connecticut cruiser. Comments won't count as votes, only likes.

Some of the current top votegetters include: Alabama, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

Connecticut's cruiser currently has 2,300 likes as of Friday evening.
The City of Torrington is in better fiscal shape than other larger municipalities in Connecticut.

The city approved a balanced budget months ago and it carries a fund balance thats equal to about seven percent of city spending.

Even with that responsibility, Torrington finds itself in a difficult situation like every one of the 169 cities and towns in Connecticut as the state works without a budget for the 41st day.

"Every mayors' nightmare is unpredictability," Mayor Elinor Carbone said.

Carbone said the city is looking at all options as it deals with losing what could be as much as $30 million in state funding for everything from basic operating expenses to cash specifically set aside for education.

"These are tremendous," Carbone said of the possible cuts. "For a distressed municipality such as Torrington, with an already oppressive mill rate, we really cant afford to bear any more of the burden than we already do."

Since the state doesnt have a budget thats signed into law by the governor, Governor Dannel Malloy has been running the state by executive order, only spending what the state has where the state is legally obligated to spend money. Without a budget, basic expenses like municipal aid, which accounts for about 25 percent of all state spending, is on hold in some form or fashion.

When asked Thursday about the stalemate, and his role in the budget dysfunction, Malloy said, "This is all a balancing act and these are difficult decisions to make and I fully appreciate and thats why I dont speak with anger, I speak with a level of understanding, but ultimately we need to have a budget."

Carbone said Torrington is even looking at short-term borrowing as a way to plug the hole left by the lack of a state budget.

"We're doing everything we can but unless and until the state does something with its budget, we are at wits end, Carbone said. She finds herself in the same position as just about every other local elected official in Connecticut, saying, I am preparing for the worst and hoping for the best," Carbone said.
U.S. Border Patrol agents detained nearly 90 immigrants found walking near a canal in a South Texas city, including 50 children.

A Border Patrol statement Friday said all 86 people were apprehended in Hidalgo (hih-DAL'-goh) and are believed to be from Guatemala.

Agents based in nearby Weslaco saw a large group of people walking toward them on a trail Monday night. The statement says all of the detainees acknowledged being in the U.S. illegally.

The statement didn't say how the immigrants got to the area or why they were traveling in a large group. A Border Patrol official didn't immediately return a message Friday.

Separately, agents assigned to Rio Grande City confiscated about 1,350 pounds of marijuana after an SUV they were chasing crashed early Monday. The driver fled.
A Tarrant County district attorney said she will seek the death penalty against a man who authorities say killed two women and raped a third.

District Attorney Sharen Wilson said in a statement Thursday that 24-year-old Reginald Gerald Kimbro is charged with capital murder for the April strangulation of Molly Matheson in Fort Worth.

Kimbro also is charged in the death of 36-year-old Megan Getrum of Plano, who was killed days after Matheson.

Both women were sexually assaulted prior to their deaths.

South Texas prosecutors previously charged Kimbro with sexually assaulting an Oklahoma woman at a South Padre Island resort in 2014.

Kimbro's being held in the Tarrant County jail on a bond in excess of $2 million.

Online jail records do not indicate an attorney for him.


The father of a 7-year-old had to scramble to find his daughter after a foster care worker took her  and not another girl with a similar name  from their school in suburban Atlanta.

Sean Harris says he panicked when he went to pick up his daughter from after-school care and discovered she wasn't there. He went to her school, Rosebud Elementary, and was told she was released to a state employee on Tuesday.

That worker was supposed to retrieve a different girl. The girls have the same last name, and share all but one letter in their first names.

Instead the worker brought Harris' daughter to a division office in nearby Rockdale County.

"I was in disbelief that this could possibly happen," Harris told WSB-TV.

"There should be other measures in place such as checking the date of birth, and further investigating with administration inside the school which they didn't do they just took her and took her to their DFCS office," he told WAGA-TV.

The Division of Family and Child Services says its employee did present documents, including a birth date.

"We are concerned that, even when this procedure is followed, a school could release the wrong child to staff in our division," the agency said in a statement. "As a result, we will review our policies and procedures to determine if further safeguards are necessary to ensure school personnel are releasing the correct child to our staff."

Gwinnett County Public Schools spokeswoman Sloan Roach says the daughter was returned about 90 minutes after she was picked up, with the worker then picking up the correct child.

"This is a very serious situation and this family's concerns are understandable," Roach said.

The division and Gwinnett County schools haven't said if they have disciplined any employees because of the mix-up.

Harris said the process failed him and his daughter. He says she's scared to go back to school.

"I could tell she was terrified. She was very quiet," Harris said.
Google canceled a company town hall on diversity at the last minute Thursday afternoon out of concerns about people's safety, worrying they may be publicly outed for asking a question, according to a Google spokesperson.

The questions that were planned by "Googlers" appeared externally this afternoon and some employees are being named on "some websites," CEO Sundar Pichai said in an email sent to employees.

The tech giant planned the town hall meeting for Thursday following days of scrutiny over a controversial memo on the companys diversity initiatives written by engineer James Damore.

Pichai was expected to lead the town hall with other members of the companys leadership.

After the anti-diversity memo was made public, Pichai released a memo of his own on Tuesday addressing the importance of self-expression in the workplace while being aware of the companys code of conduct.

"To suggest a group of our colleagues have traits that make them less biologically suited to that work is offensive and not OK, Pichai said in his memo sent to Google employees.

In the controversial 3,000 word memo written by Damore, the 28-year-old engineer blamed the gender pay gap in the tech industry on biological differences between men and women. He also criticized what he called a politically correct bias in the Google culture.

"People get offended because it goes against the lefts ideology," Damore said during an interview on a conservative talk show on YouTube. And then they just think, OK, it offends people, therefore its wrong and there its an opinion."

After the canceled event, Pichai took the opportunity to make a surprise appearance at a women-in-tech awards event later Thursday. He talked directly to dozens of young female engineers from around the world and offered a short but poignant message.

"Theres a place for you in this industry. Theres a place for you at Google," he said. "Dont let anyone tell you otherwise."

The event is the culmination of a yearlong global competition for young women to use technology to address a problem. Its one of several initiatives that Google helps fund in order to diversify its workforce.

It comes as the company conducts damage control over Damore's memo and firing.

"Its definitely a defining moment for Google, for our culture," said Maggie Johnson, Google vice president of education. "Its something that were working through."


A long-running feud between two groups of adults led to the tragic death of a 12-year-old girl, fatally shot when a gunman opened fire outside her family's house, investigators said Friday.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's officials made the announcement at a news conference Friday and identified three people, including the suspected gunman, arrested in connection with Wednesday's killing of 12-year-old Makiya Walls at her family's Victorville home. In another twist to the tragic case, the victim's mother also was arrested on suspicion of making threats against the suspects.

That dispute escalated into Wednesday night's shooting, authorities say. Walls was inside the home, having just returned from walking the family dog, when she was shot and killed by a man with a shotgun who opened fire from outside the house.

Sheriff's officials identified the shooting suspect as a 26-year-old Anthony Pitts, a documented gang member. The alleged gunman and victim's mother knew each other and had been in a long-standing dispute, but details about the relationship were not immediately available.

"This argument had been going on for several months," said sheriff's Sgt. John Gaffney. "Earlier in the day, there was a confrontation between members of both families... that did lead to the shooting that night."

The dispute was described by the sheriff's department as a "feud between the two parties." Family members told NBC4 the feud involved a "love triangle," but did not go into specifics because of the investigation.

"At this point, we're not prepared to talk about who the intended target was, but I can tell you it was not Makiya," said Sheriff John McMahon.

Two women, Danielle Campbell and Reyna Mercado, also were arrested on suspicion of conspiring with Pitts in the shooting.

Makiya's mother also was arrested Thursday on suspicion of making threats against the alleged shooter. It was not immediately clear when the alleged threats occurred.

"The mother of Makiya was obviously shaken by this event, but she was involved in some activity that amounted to credible terrorist threats," McMahon said.

It was not immediately clear whether the suspects have attorneys.

"Any parent...you're devastated at what's going on and in the heat of the moment you say things that you shouldn't say," Shelitha Kimble, the cousin of Makiya's mother, told NBC4 in a phone interview.

Authorities responded to the shooting just before 8:30 p.m. at a residence on the 17000 block of Monaco Drive, according to officials. Paramedics performed CPR on Makiya before transporting her to the hospital, where she died.

"She was my strength, she was my strength," said Maesha McCullers, shedding tears Thursday as she clutched her daughter's eyeglasses and stuffed toy bunny. "My baby was my strength and she's not here anymore."

Her daughter had just returned from walking the family dog with her sister when the gunman approached the residence.

"She was a baby. You took my baby from this world before she even had a chance," McCullers said.

Walls was in the front room of the house when the gunman got out of a car, walked up to the house and fired shots, according to Jodi Miller of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Neighbors said they heard at least three gunshots.

The gunman fled the scene in a white sedan, witnesses told investigators.

"There's no reason for her to be gone," said witness Rebecca Ortiz. "I mean, who would come up and just shoot through a house with all those kids? It's just sad."

Other family members were at the residence at the time, but no other injuries were reported. A detailed description of the shooter was not immediately available.

"You will pay, guaranteed," McCullers said in a message to the attacker. "We don't know who you are yet. But please understand me when I tell you justice for my daughter will be served."

NBC4's Jonathan Lloyd and Tony Shin contributed to this report.


An Amber Alert issued early Friday for a missing 4-year-old boy from Jupiter has been canceled after the child was found safe, authorities said.

Jupiter Police said that Dominic Caprio had been found and reunited with his mother Friday afternoon, about 24 hours after he went missing.

Police said detectives worked with a private legal counsel mediator to arrange for the boy's safe return, but didn't give many other details.

"We were obviously very happy, elated, and it just goes to show you that in many cases, most cases, we can't do it alone," Jupiter Police Chief Frank Kitzerow said. "We need your help, we need the community's help and that's why the balance of this partnership is so important to us."



The child was last seen when his mother left the child with his nanny inside their home around 12:30 p.m. Thursday. When she returned an hour later, both were gone.

The nanny, 57-year-old Blanca Castro, was later arrested in Miami-Dade County by Florida Department of Law Enforcement officials but the child was not with her.

Castro was being held without bond Friday, jail records showed.

Miami-Dade Police Department

Police believed Caprio may have been in the company of Elizabeth Caprio, 60, and Luis Caprio, 64. Jupiter Police confirmed that they are the child's grandparents.

At the grandparents' neighborhood in Coconut Grove Friday, neighbors said they were shocked to learn of the Amber Alert. They said Luis and Elizabeth Caprio had been caring for the boy.

"Some body would have to explain to me how you can abduct someone you have been caring for," neighbor Fernando Munoz said. "I know that they started caring for - I want to say on a full time basis - their grandchild eight to nine months ago. For whatever reason the parent [was] unable to take care of the kid so all of a sudden they had to become full-time parents."

Law enforcement sources indicated to NBC 6 that the child had spent significant time at the grandparents' home. So what transpired Thursday with the boy's mother to make her believe the child was kidnapped is unknown.

Munoz said things appeared to be going well with the grandparents and the child.

"They even threw a birthday party for the kid, I want to say a month ago. They had a bounce house there, there were lots of people who attended and I thought they were fulfilling the role of parent very good," Munoz said.
A Florida man whose wife was shot to death more than 30 years ago was arrested in her killing Thursday after the couple's daughter claimed he confessed to the crime, authorities said.

James O'Neil, 83, is charged with manslaughter with a firearm in the July 23, 1987 killing of wife Verna O'Neil in their Lake Worth home, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office officials said Friday.

Authorities said James O'Neil reported his wife had committed suicide. He said he and his wife had struggled with a firearm and it accidentally went off, hitting her in the side of her face, authorities said.

James O'Neil told investigations she had threatened to kill herself while they were arguing about her "excessive drinking" and their burnt dinner, and she had put the gun near her head, WPTV reported.

Investigators initially ruled Verna ONeils cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head and the manner of death as undetermined, officials said.

But the couple's daughter, Sharon McGee, decided to confront her father in October of last year about her mother's death. McGee said her father said he took the gun away from his wife and said "let me show you how it is done" then shot her, authorities said.

James O'Neil apologized to his daughter for killing her and said it was an accident, but asked his daughter to keep the confession a secret, authorities said. McGee reported her father's confession to the sheriff's office in February and the case was reopened, officials said.

Detectives said James O'Neil told them he lied during his previous interviews because he didn't want to get in trouble. The medical examiner changed Verna O'Neil's manner of death to homicide.

O'Neil appeared in court Friday, where he told a judge he married his current wife in 1988. The judge set O'Neil's bond at $50,000, and he'll be on house arrest with an ankle monitor if he posts bond.
This weekend's Perseid meteor shower is expected to be the opening act to the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, but the shower should still be a good opportunity for star-gazing, even in South Florida.

Astronomers are projecting a slightly higher than normal rate of 150 meteors per hour across North America. Peak viewing will be Friday night, early Saturday, Saturday night and early Sunday.

Although the bright lights of South Florida don't make Miami or Fort Lauderdale ideal viewing spots, you don't have to go too far to get a good look at the meteors.

One of the best places will be Everglades National Park, about 45 minutes west of Miami, according to Space.coms partner site Active Junky.

"Designed to maximize natural darkness, the park is optimal for stargazing and enjoying the phenomena," the website notes. "It is open 24 hours, but make sure you are observant of indigenous creatures sharing the darkness."

The website also recommends LaBelle, which is about a two-hour drive, and Lorida, a three-hour drive.
The Fremont Police Department and Dodge County Sheriffs Office in a joint investigation with law enforcement agencies from Tulare County, California have issued warrants for suspects in a string of armed robberies throughout the two states.

The investigation includes an armed robbery at Tienda Mexicana Guerrero grocery store in Fremont and the attempted theft of an ATM in North Bend in February.

The Fremont Police Department and The Dodge County Sheriffs Office were able to obtain arrest warrants for Javier Beltran Alonzo, Homero Palomino Ontiveros, and Ulises Medina all of California, in connection to the armed robbery of Tienda Mexicana Guerrero as well as the attempted ATM theft in North Bend. The suspects also have active arrest warrants in connection to 14 armed robberies throughout Tulare County, California.

The joint investigation led to the arrest of Beltran Alonzo by Tulare County authorities in California on July 26, while Palomino Ontiveros and Medina currently remain at large and are considered armed and dangerous.

Palomino Ontiveros is wanted by FPD and DCSO on arrest warrants for the offenses of Use of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony, Robbery, Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, False Imprisonment in the First Degree, Terroristic Threats, Theft by Unlawful Taking, Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, Accessory to a Felony and Aiding Consumption of a Felony.

Medina is wanted on arrest warrants for the offenses of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, Aiding and Abetting Theft by Unlawful Taking, Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, Aiding in the Consumption of a Felony, and 3 counts Accessory to a Felony.

Both men are also wanted on numerous arrest warrants in California.

These guys are bad bad men. They were heavily armed with an assault rifle and a handgun and they are known gang members from California, FPD Chief Jeff Elliott said. People should certainly be looking for them, if they are aware of their whereabouts contact police immediately and do not try to approach them on their own.

On February 22, 2017 at approximately 9:30 p.m., Tienda Mexicana Guerrero grocery store was robbed by two heavily armed masked men with a third individual as a getaway driver. The trio got away with a large amount of cash.

These guys were pros at this, they were out of the store in less than 2 minutes, Elliott said. It appears that it was rehearsed, they got there and they then fled in one vehicle, dumped that and had another vehicle waiting. They had been around the block and knew where they were going with this and they obviously had committed numerous robberies in California as well.

After responding to the scene and beginning investigation, officers learned that the vehicle used by the suspects was a stolen vehicle from Fremont. Officers found the vehicle abandoned approximately two blocks away from the robbery scene, where the suspects fled in a different vehicle. The suspects were also involved in another vehicle theft on that same day.

With one of the stolen vehicles the entire theft was caught on camera and I think they popped the lock, popped the steering wheel, got the thing started and out of the parking lot in under 45 seconds, FPD Detective Aaron Howe said.

Throughout the investigation, Detective Matt Hultquist and Howe were able to determine that the robbery and both stolen vehicles were related. The detectives were able to obtain video surveillance which provided leads to help identify the three suspects.

Once the detectives had identified the suspects they found that all three were from California. This prompted Fremont Detectives to contact police officers in California who stated they had experienced similar robberies in Tulare County, California.

During the process of the investigation we got some leads of these guys being from California, once you find out a suspect is from another state you reach out to that state, Detective Howe said. That is when they (Tulare County authorities) started to give us information and we shared what we were looking at them for and that is when it clicked into place. While they were in Nebraska their robberies stopped and when they came back to California their robberies picked up again.

Tulare County authorities were able to link the three suspects from the Fremont robbery to a string of robberies in their jurisdiction from information provided by Fremont Police Detectives.

Fremont Police Detectives also learned that the same three suspects were involved in the theft of a vehicle and the attempted theft of cash from an ATM at the Platte Valley Bank in North Bend.

We had pretty good surveillance photos but they were all masked up and wore gloves so we had really no way to identify them, Investigator Craig Harbaugh with DCSO said. We started our investigation and really didnt have any good leads, without having any type of facial recognition we couldnt determine who they were, and 11 days later the robbery in Fremont occurred.

After connecting the Tienda Mexicana Guerrera robbery with the attempted theft of the ATM the Detectives from FPD and DCSO were able to identify the suspects through surveillance videos and photos from each crime scene.

They (FPD) got some information about our case and we were able to give them our surveillance photos and put it all together and that is when these guys reached out to Tulare, County, Harbaugh said. Luckily for us we had some pretty unique stuff, which we cant divulge, in our surveillance video that was able to tie these guys to the Fremont robbery and then back to California.

Authorities from California came to Fremont in June and worked with FPD Detectives and and DCSOs Harbaugh on the case and were able to further develop information on the three suspects.

I think they were a little skeptical at first, small town Nebraska calling California, but the more they looked into all of the cases they started to take our information seriously and came to the conclusion that these crimes were connected, Howe said. That is why they took the time and money to fly three investigators from California to Fremont and we worked with them for four days working the case to help build theirs and share information.

The information provided by Fremont Police Detectives and Investigator Harbaugh helped Tulare County authorities break the case in California which involved 14 armed robberies over a 15 month period where more than $250,000 was taken.

Following their investigative trip to Fremont in June, Tulare County authorities were able to apprehend Beltran Alonzo on July 26 by setting up surveillance and arresting him after making a traffic stop of a vehicle in which he was riding. He was taken into custody without incident and remains in custody in lieu of $3,130,000 bail.

Had it not been for these three guys there would have been no arrests in California and they would have a number of unsolved armed robberies and our robbery would not have been solved, Elliott said of Hultquist, Howe, and Harbaugh. This was extraordinary police work by these three detectives, they did a great job and cleared up a number of cases.

Anyone with information is asked to called Fremont Police Department at 402-727-2677, or Dodge County Sheriffs Office at 402-727-2702.

If you have any information regarding any crime contact Crime Stoppers at 402-727-4002 you can also text CRIMES (274637) with the keyword FPDCRIME; or submit a tip from FPDs Facebook page.
What to Know Cleveland Butler, 85, died after a stroke at a Brooklyn nursing home and his son and daughter brought him to NJ to be buried

After a brief service, they say a cemetery caretaker dropped some items into the grave and when he went to get them, they noticed the foot

James Shmergel, owner of the cemetery, said he didn't find such an incident in a graveyard to be unusual -- or newsworthy

WARNING: Some may find the photo toward the bottom of this page disturbing.



Grieving New York City siblings are demanding answers after they say the decaying foot of a corpse from an adjoining grave appeared on top of their father's blue casket as they were laying him to rest at a New Jersey cemetery last week.

Cleveland Butler, 85, died after a stroke at a Brooklyn nursing home and his son and daughter, Alonzo and Sandra, memorialized him at a Bedford-Stuyvesant service last week before heading to Mount Holiness Memorial Park in New Jersey where their mother and grandparents are buried, according to the Daily News.

[NATL-NY]40 Years After Son of Sam's Arrest, Archive Photos Show Dramatic Scenes From One of the Most Notorious Killing Sprees in American History

There was a brief service at the graveside, then Butler's casket was lowered into the ground. At a news briefing Friday, a family representatives said a cemetery worker dropped a pack of cigarettes and his phone into Butler's grave and when he used a rake to haul the items back up, the mourners were stunned: a human foot wrapped in cloth jutted out from the dirt and onto Butler's casket.

"Imagine you're at your father's funeral in the cemetery and they're lowering his body in the grave and all of a sudden one of your loved ones look down into the grave and see a leg on top of your father's casket," Sandra Butler said. "I'm so beyond overwhelmed, I'm very stressed, I'm very depressed because I've never ever been to a funeral and seen anything like this before. It's just too much."

Butler Family

Sandra Butler called for a local and federal investigation -- a sentiment echoed by her brother, Alonzo Butler. Their great-grandparents are also buried there.



"Nobody's limbs should be sticking out from any other object or thing or nature in that form," Alonzo Butler said. "We have a cemetery of veterans, I am a veteran, and we need an investigation to make sure that because this is a predominantly black cemetery, that this is not a normal thing that occurs over there, that you just throw bodies into the ground and you take the caskets."



Relatives say the workers quickly started to fill the grave in with dirt as if to cover up the gruesome find, but a cemetery caretaker told the News he didn't want to get into an argument with grieving people and just wanted to get the process over "as soon as possible."

James Shmergel, owner of the cemetery, said he didn't find such an incident in a graveyard to be unusual -- or newsworthy. A cemetery caretaker told the News the casket from which the foot was protruding was put in the ground in 1969 and had deteriorated.

Top Tri-State News Photos
What goes up must now fix whats down below.

Thats the deal skyscraper developers made with New York City to create the first expansion of the Midtown East skyline in decades.

Its not optional. Its mandatory, said Alicia Glen, deputy mayor for economic development.

Glen told the I-Team that a long-delayed rezoning of some 78 blocks near Grand Central comes with a critical catch: developers must pay for better access to the subway: wider concourses, better lighting and in some cases, brand new entrances and exits directly to the street.

Its $220 million of capital thats going into the system that doesnt come from higher fares, said Andrew Matthias, president of S.L. Green Realty. S.L. Green Realty is the developer of the first skyscraper to benefit from the new zoning: the 1,401 feet-high One Vanderbilt, across the street from Grand Central Terminal.

Matthias said the transit improvements should be especially appealing to New Yorkers.

It doesnt come from increased taxes. It comes from developers in the city," he said.

Some commuters are skeptical that wider stairwells and better concourses can do much to improve service.

Its not the entrances, said Tony Turner of Flatbush. Its the railbed itself.

But Glen says wider concourses can help people enter and exit more quickly which could mean the MTA could run more trains.

Another 15 skyscrapers are expected to grow in the Midtown East Zone over the next 20 years.

One Vanderbilt  with retail, office space and a planned observation deck -- is a $3 billion project set to open in 2020.
What to Know A man and a woman were found dead inside a newly built $1.6 million home in Holmdel Thursday, prosecutors say

Authorities are looking into their deaths as a possible murder-suicide, according to sources; the prosecutor says there's no public threat

The home is in a luxury development where homes are still being built and few of the neighboring houses are yet occupied

UPDATE: Wife Killed Husband, Then Turned Gun on Herself in New $1.6 Million Home: Prosecutors

A man and a woman were found dead inside a newly built home in a New Jersey luxury development where mansions are on the market for over $1 million, law enforcement sources say.

Sources tell News 4 police are investigating the deaths at 4 Paddington Lane in Holmdel as a possible murder-suicide. The Monmouth County prosecutor says there's no threat to the public.

A family member told police they heard a gunshot in the house Thursday morning but for some reason police weren't called for a couple of hours, according to sources.

The home is a brand-new Toll Brothers development next to the old Bell Labs complex in the middle of Holmdel. Few of the other homes appeared to be occupied.

Two neighbors who do live in the development say a family of five lived in the home where the bodies were found: a husband and wife and their three children. They say they never saw or heard any fighting or indication anything was wrong.

Multiple law enforcement agencies were on the scene investigating Thursday; officers were seen interviewing contractors and workers in the area.

The family had moved into the $1.6 million house after closing on the home on July 21, sources say.Records show the family put down roughly $1 million as a down payment, and about $1.15 million was borrowed.
Susan Franzs kennels landed on the Humane Society of the United States Horrible Hundred list for the third time this year after an inspection found a multitude of fleas and a dog with a crusted lesion on her neck and red, inflamed skin on her rear legs. Four dogs listed in her records were nowhere to be seen. One was dead, Franz said, and the others had been donated, the report said.

Franzs Belton, Texas, business was among 55 repeat offenders in the 2017 report, intended to warn the public of problem puppy mills and puppy dealers in the United States.

Earlier inspections of the kennels turned up a dehydrated puppy and piles of abnormal looking feces on the floor of one kennel that were crawling with worms, according to the Humane Society.

A woman who answered the telephone at the number listed for the kennels hung up and a message seeking comment was not returned.

Five years after the Humane Societys first report, it continues to find horrendous conditions across the country  emaciated dogs with open, festering wounds, rats feces in food, and puppies with mange. Its Horrible Hundred is not meant to be comprehensive, but to expose conditions prevalent among disreputable dog breeders and brokers.

The Humane Society publishes the list each year to draw attention to the persistence of problem, but this year the task was more difficult than in the past. In February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture removed thousands of animal welfare inspection reports from its website, citing privacy concerns and litigation.

The USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said it has reposted many of the inspection reports, except those that contain personal information that is protected by the federal Privacy Act. Only reports involving individuals or homestead businesses have not been restored, said Lyndsay Cole, a spokeswoman for the inspection service. She said the USDA did not know how many reports had been reposted versus how many had not.

They put a tiny sliver of the inspection reports up in a difficult search format, countered John Goodwin, the senior director of the societys Stop Puppy Mills campaign, who accused the USDA of protecting breeders who had abused or neglected animals.

This years report was compiled from state inspection records in those states that inspect puppy mills, USDA records preserved before the agency removed them, court records, consumer complaints, investigator visits and media reports, the Humane Society said.

It showed Missouri topping the list for the fifth year with 19 kennels followed by a three-way time among Ohio, Kansas and Pennsylvania, each with 12. Last year, Iowa had the second largest number of kennels, then Kansas, Ohio, Nebraska and Pennsylvania.

But if the USDA has made it more difficult for the public to obtain inspection reports, progress in curbing puppy mills has been made in cities and towns across the country, Goodwin said. Two hundred and fifty-one local governments have outlawed the sale of commercially raised puppies in pet stores, up from 100 at the beginning of last year.

Opponents of the legislation  who argue such laws could shut down businesses  have backed state-wide laws pre-empting such local laws. Arizona and Ohio have approved pre-emption laws, though they are under appeal, Goodwin said.

Goodwin noted that of the top 25 pet retailers, only one, Petland, still sells puppies, and it questioned the USDAs decision to remove the inspection reports and called for a balance between privacy and transparency.

As a responsible pet store chain, Petland has established buying standards that are based on inspections conducted and reported by USDA inspectors, its president, Joseph J. Watson, wrote in a letter to the USDA in February. Petland stores are required to obtain USDA inspection reports for every puppy that originated from a regulated kennel. Access to reports via the (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) website is critical in this effort.

Dog sales make up less than 2 percent of the pet industrys $70 billion yearly business, Goodwin said.

Puppy mills typically keep their dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary kennels, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. To maximize profits, female dogs are bred repeatedly with little time to recover between litters and they are killed when they can no longer reproduce, it says. Puppies often arrive at pet shops or in new homes with diseases ranging from parasites to pneumonia, it says.

Many people do not know that the mother of a puppy bought in a pet store is trapped in a cage at a puppy mill, according to Goodwin. And dogs ordered online sight unseen were also likely born in a puppy mill. He recommends adopting a pet through a shelter or a rescue organization or if bought from a breeder, insist on seeing how the mother dog lives. Reputable dealers want to screen potential buyers to make sure their puppies are going to good homes and so do not sell them in stores.

There could be up to 10,000 puppy mills in the United States, although an accurate count is difficult because breeders often operate out of view and with no oversight, the ASPCA says. Some 1.8 million puppies are born in such conditions each year, according to estimates.

Many of the puppy mills are in the Midwest, especially in rural areas where family farms have been devastated by industrial agriculture and some have turned to breeding dogs to make a living.

Missouri is centrally located and has more than 100,000 farms. In the 1980s, most of the dogs were being raised in chicken coops because the chicken business had been taken over by conglomerates, Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation. In the 1990s, the same situation occurred with hogs. The problem has been hard to tackle because many kennels are hidden away, according to the alliance.

Missouri has made progress in eliminating more than half of its puppy mills  from 2,000 kennels in 2011 to 800 now, according to the alliance. There are 50,000 fewer breeding dogs confined in puppy mills as a result.

The drop was a result of the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act, passed in 2011, which increased the standards of care and for the first time gave the states attorney general the power to prosecute kennels, according to the alliance. A special unit was established in the Attorney Generals Office, the governor appropriated an additional $1.3 million and the number of inspectors was increased from seven to 18.

The state began requiring continuous access to water and the outdoors for the dogs, hands-on veterinary exams, improved floors and space requirements that at least double the federal standard, according to the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Facilities with violations are inspected more often, and those with substantial and ongoing facilities are to be closed.

But now the alliance and other animal welfare groups are gearing up to fight any rollback of regulations. As Gov. Eric Greitens reviews all regulations with the goal of eliminating those that affect businesses negatively, they are urging the public to oppose any repeal of ones governing puppy mills.

We know the dog breeding industry is committed to repeal of regulatory protections, Kathy Warnick, the president of the Humane Society of Missouri, said in a statement on the groups website. Many caring, passionate Missourians and animal welfare organizations worked very hard for years to put into place regulations protecting the thousands of dogs in breeding facilities.

The governors office did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

The USDA enforces the federal Animal Welfare Act, passed in 1966 and most recently amended in 2008, and which sets basic standards for animals bred for sale. The Humane Society and other animal welfare groups have criticized the standards for being so minimal that licensed dealers can keep hundreds of dogs in small, stacked cages with no exercise as long as they are provided with basic provisions such as food and water. They want breeders to be required to provide more space for the dogs, regular exercise, better veterinary care and the removal of wire floors in the cages.

Last year, the USDA revoked the licenses of seven puppy mills that had appeared in past Horrible Hundred reports, but the Humane Society called such revocations rare. More than two dozen of the problem puppy mills identified in its last few reports have closed, but it charges that many puppy mills are never inspected at all and others are protected by inspectors who fail to record violations accurately.

An internal audit at the USDA in 2010 indeed found that its own enforcement process was ineffective against problem breeders and dealers. Its inspectors took little or no action against most violators, relying instead on educating them about the regulations, a strategy that seems not to have worked. The audit noted that from 2006 through 2008, when 4,250 violators were re-inspected, 2,416 had repeatedly violated the Animal Welfare Act.

In addition, the USDA inspection service leveled minimal fines even after Congress had tripled the maximum penalties allowed, and it reduced the fines awarded to encourage violators to pay rather than demand a hearing, the audit said.

And some large breeders circumvented regulations entirely by selling animals over the internet, the audit found.

After the audit, the inspection service created standard procedures for all inspectors to follow, hired a kennel specialist, and sought stiffer sanctions in cases involving problematic breeders or dealers, it said. It revised the definition of retail pet store to ensure that animals sold over the Internet and by phone- and mail-based businesses are better monitored for overall health and humane treatment, it said.
Authorities say a former director of the home shopping network QVC has been charged with defrauding the company out of more than $1 million that he used to buy lavish gifts for himself and friends.

Prosecutors on Thursday said James Falkowski, of Buffalo, New York, duped the company into paying for hundreds of thousands of dollars in clothing, spa treatments and first-class travel.

Falkowski is also accused of engaging in kickback schemes with two vendors that paid him $240,000 for arranging favorable deals with QVC. In addition, prosecutors say he used the vendors to launder money he spent on personal expenses, such as a vacation to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

No phone number was listed for 42-year-old Falkowski and attempts to reach him on social media were unsuccessful.
After a man shot at a group of people outside a Northeast Philadelphia Target Friday afternoon, injuring one and prompting a SWAT team search of the department store, the suspected gunman turned himself in to police, according to law enforcement sources.



The suspect came into Northeast Detectives late Friday night, police said. Charges against the unidentified man are pending.



Gunfire rang out around 3:30 p.m. in front of the Target at Bustleton and Bleigh avenues across from the Roosevelt Mall, police said.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross said an argument between a group of at least three men escalated into a fight. One man then pulled out a gun and fired seven shots.

"We don't know if the individual who was shot was an individual they were fighting with," Ross said.

The 29-year-old victim suffered a gunshot wound to the back, Ross said. He was rushed to Aria Torresdale Hospital in serious condition. He's expected to survive.

Ross said the victim was carrying a gun and had a permit to carry, but that he did not use it. The victim was driving by the scene when he saw a friend involved in a physical altercation, investigators said.

The store was busy with dozens of shoppers and employees milling in and out of the entrance when the gunfire started.

Felicia Faison, a Target employee, was waiting to start her shift when she watched the fight break out.



"When the shots started I got down in back of this rock pillar because bullets don't have no names on them," she said. "I was shook."

Christine Terren was shopping in the back of the store with her granddaughter and 4-year-old great grandson when she heard people shouting.

"I heard banging and I just thought maybe somebody was throwing stuff aroundbut then everybody just started running," she said.

They escaped out of an emergency exit along with other shoppers.

Police locked down the 137,000 square foot store after some witnesses reported the gunman had run inside. The SWAT team was called in to do a sweep. They did not find the gunman, but did help a few hiding shoppers escape, Ross said.

About an hour after the shooting happened, the lockdown was lifted and police escorted shoppers to their cars so they could leave.



Police initially said there were two gunmen, but that was later revised.
Aside from just being creepy and gross, rodents can actually have a serious impact, crumbling sidewalks and damaging infrastructure.

It's no secret rodents are on the rise in the D.C. metro area.

The growing population and warm winters are largely to blame for an estimated 65 percent increase. Rodent reports to 311 are approaching 3,000 so far this year, and that doesn't take into account those who just handle the problem on their own.

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"It's a high yuck factor, so they don't want to call and say I have a pest issue in my own house," said Dr. Bobby Corrigan, one of the nation's leading experts on rats.

Corrigan has a doctorate in rodentology. (Yes, that's a real thing.)

His work has even earned him a spot in the Pest Management Hall of Fame. (Also a real thing.)

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Corrigan actually seeks out the little devils to study their behavior. He consults with cities across the U.S., including Washington, D.C., to help control the rat problem.

"They're very, very destructive animals," Corrigan told the News4 I-Team. "I'm always reminded how the rats are taking apart our cities."

Corrigan said he's seen rats take down sidewalks and damage streets, retaining walls and even sewer systems.

Their burrows are only inches wide but can span the length of a sidewalk or wall, digging out the soil underneath.

"And this will cave in," Corrigan said. "It's a very expensive repair."

An expense not lost on the National Park Service, which already has about $850 million worth of projects that need funding.

"Certainly if you have rats that are making it worse, adding to that tally, that's something we're trying to avoid," said National Park Service spokesman Mike Litterst.

When someone created a Yelp review for the "Dupont Circle Rat Sanctuary" last fall and it popped up on Apple maps, the Park Service took note, spending about $30,000 to ditch the surrounding hedges, relocate trash cans and switch to scented plants with wire mesh buried under the soil.

"It's the old 'ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure,'" said Litterst.

The number of rat burrows in that park dropped by 80 percent in the first month.

There's also a new contract with the D.C. Department of Health to treat rat problems on national park land.

In fact, when the News4 I-Team spotted holes under the already-worn sidewalks at Rawlins Park, right in the shadow of the National Park Service headquarters, we waited until dusk to ID the culprits. And they weren't shy.

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D.C. crews showed up the very next day to treat the burrows -- hidden among shrubs just like the ones replaced at Dupont Circle.

"If we can up front take measures that are not that expensive and beautify the park at the same time, from a budget standpoint, that's far more preferable than having to come out and repair a sidewalk or do major construction to repair that down the road," said Litterst.

But it isn't just the parks. Bait boxes line sidewalks and alleys across the District.

"They live down in here," one worker told the I-Team, pointing to large cracks behind his workplace on G Street. "Dozens and dozens and dozens of them. They're big."

Behind tall office buildings, and even in broad daylight, the telltale signs of cracked sidewalks with holes at either end can mean real trouble.

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Workers at the D.C. Humane Rescue Alliance on New York Avenue NE were so concerned with the rat problem there, they recorded several videos and contacted the News4 I-Team to investigate after one worker was bitten by a rat.

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The videos show several rats at a time, swarming all over the shelter, in the animals cages, from floor to ceiling.

"These are large, said Corrigan while watching the videos. I call those breeding adults."

He said the group of rats is likely part of one rat family, which can have up to 15 members.

"When people see rats, the first question everyone should ask is what are these rats eating," said Corrigan, adding that rats are attracted to three things: Food, water and shelter, making animal shelters a prime target.

There's often ample food and water left out for the dogs and cats awaiting adoption.

"It's a very unique environment," said Corrigan. "Rats, mice, cockroaches will smell all that food. Once an animal shelter goes up, it's very difficult to keep the vermin out. It has to be constant vigilance."

That's something Humane Rescue Alliance spokesman David Smith knows.

"They're tenacious, and so are we," said Smith. "We plug a hole and they find a new one or they make a new one. It's a challenge."

He told the I-Team rodents have been a problem inside the old building for years and this isn't even the worst they've seen.

"We had to remove all of these ceilings so the rats couldn't get above the ceilings. They used to hear pitter-patter, pitter-patter all the time," said Smith.

Now, the non-profit has pest control coming twice a week to set traps, and workers are covering food bins and keeping the shelter as clean as possible until they eventually move to a new location along the Southeast waterfront.

"The building is kept safe for the public, safe for our employees. We're very vigilant," said Smith, adding that the employee who was bitten didn't even require an official report.

"He was nicked, but it was not major, didn't require medical attention," said Smith.

The rodentologist said rats don't carry rabies, but they can be highly destructive and especially hard to fight.

Corrigan told the I-Team he's impressed with Washington, D.C.'s efforts to combat the problem citywide. He even taught a rat academy here for pest control workers.

"They have scientific analysts right now analyzing all kinds of data, trying to figure out how are we going to model the rat populations and how do we intervene," said Corrigan.

Especially when human behavior is usually to blame.

Open trash cans and litter are a huge culprit, along with food left out for pets or stray animals, even bird feeders can attract rodents.

And he said spot treating the burrows just chases them from neighborhood to neighborhood; he says rats require a holistic approach.

"You have to look at the big picture, not run out and put some bait down a hole and call it a day," Corrigan said.

The I-Team reached out to several D.C. government offices and found while there are ongoing sidewalk and infrastructure repairs, no one tracks what caused the problem in the first place, so there's no way to tell how much the damage from rats is costing taxpayers.

Reported by Jodie Fleischer, produced by Rick Yarborough, shot by Jeff Piper and Steve Jones, and edited by Jeff Piper.


A 17-year-old girl is in critical condition after she was shot as she drove through the Brentwood neighborhood of Northeast D.C. Thursday afternoon.

The victim, who police did not name, was shot in the head, law enforcement sources told News4. The teenager was due to start college within days, D.C. police Chief Peter Newsham told News4.

"This is a young lady who was looking forward to going to school in just a couple of days. Her mom was telling me it's the only thing she could talk about was starting her college career," Newsham said. "And now they've got the whole family at the hospital, hoping for the best."

The victim's mother is a D.C. police sergeant, sources told News4. Newsham declined to confirm that information.

Phillip Carlos McDaniel, 21, of northwest Washington was arrested, and police are seeking two other people. McDaniel was charged with assault with intent to kill. The teen was not the intended target.

The 17-year-old girl was driving in broad daylight less than a mile from home, on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, Northeast, when someone opened fire, police said.

At least one person, standing at the intersection of Montana and Saratoga avenues, began shooting across the street at a group of people standing outside an apartment building on Saratoga Avenue, the police incident report said.

The teen was shot and wounded. Her car, a white sedan, crashed into a parked car. Sources told News4 the girl was driving her nephew home.

A man, who was not in the car, also was shot and wounded.

D.C. police responded about 3:30 p.m. to the scene, which is about a half-mile northeast of the District's Home Depot store. Police cars and officers flooded the block.



The teen girl and man, who was conscious, were both taken to a hospital.

On Friday afternoon, she was still "struggling for her life," the police chief said. He spoke about violent, armed young people.

"We have young men that go out there and they feel like they can resolve disputes with a firearm. What we had here is we had an innocent person that was caught up in that," Newsham said.

"This is one of the most tragic things that I have ever seen," he continued.

Detrea Roberson, a neighbor of the teen victim, said she was going places.

"She is a young lady who has a mission. She's not hanging out in the street, she's working. She's trying to make something out of herself. And now's she's laying up in a hospital fighting for her life," Roberson said.

"It's a sad thing that you can't even drive your car down the street and somebody decides they want to shoot," she continued.

Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call police. A reward of as much as $10,000 is offered.
A year after an explosion rocked her family's home, Maximina Rios still jumps at the sound of a door slamming.

She and several members of her family were together when natural gas fueled the blast and fire at the Flower Branch apartment complex in Silver Spring, Maryland, just before midnight on Aug. 10, 2016. Seven people, including two children were killed, and almost 40 other people were hurt.

Rios and her family, including her granddaughters Chelsea, 8, and Zuleyca, 6, all made it out safely. But they all still live in fear, Rios told News4 in the days before the first anniversary of the disaster.

"After that, any noise scares you. If that door over there closes too hard, the apartments tremble, so you're living in fear," she said in Spanish.

Rios, 59, and her family decided to stay in the complex where she has lived for the past nine years. They live in a unit that's much like the unit where they lived in the building that was destroyed, along with everything they owned.

NBC Washington

Now, Rios, who immigrated from Honduras and works in child care, avoids the site of their former home.

"When I walk past there, a sadness comes over me that could bring me to tears because I remember how we used to live, the things we used to do. We would sit and watch the cars go by, and now all I see is loneliness," she said.

One year after the explosion and fire at the Flower Branch apartments, News4's Aaron Gilchrist spoke with officials in Montgomery County about how they have improved how they respond to disasters.

As Rios and her family rushed outside to safety, first responders and interpreters hurried to help. The Latino advocacy organization CASA de Maryland collected donations of food and clothing. Good Samaritans donated more than $820,000 to help the affected families.

"In the middle of this tragedy, we saw the good of humanity of people from all around," said Gustavo Torres, CASA's executive director.

Montgomery County honored more than two dozen police officers whove gone above and beyond the call of duty. News4s Shomari Stone talked with one officer who helped save lives after a deadly explosion at an apartment complex in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Kay Apartment Communities, which runs the Flower Branch apartments, also assisted the families, as they noted on their website.

Rios and her family were grateful for the help in the wake of the tragedy. Now, she chooses resilience, focusing on tomorrow and the brighter days ahead.
A convicted pedophile was re-arrested in central Vermont, just hours after his formal release from prison.

Alex Rich, 29, was released from prison this week and moved to Barre.

The police chief in Barre said this week that Rich maxed out his sentence for molesting a 14-year-old girl he met at a friend's house in 2008.

That release prompted public safety alerts, including social media posts, press releases to media outlets, and the leafleting of the neighborhood where Rich moved to.

The reason for the unusual alert was because Rich refused sex offender therapy behind bars, and was considered a high risk to commit new crimes, Chief Tim Bombardier of the Barre Police Department said.

Shortly after his arrival in Barre, police put Rich back in handcuffs.

Prosecutors in Windsor County allege that in 2015, while Rich was still in prison in Springfield, he called his fiance multiple times and urged her to kiss or have sexual contact with young girls she was babysitting, so he could hear about it.

The phone calls contained graphic requests and suggestions of ways the babysitter could interact with the children in sexually assaultive ways, according to investigators.

The Windsor County States Attorney said via speaker phone at a court hearing held in Washington County that even allegedly lewd suggestions made from afar by the former inmate would be crimes, since the children were reported to have heard some of the calls.

The phone conversations from the prison were recorded, and will be more closely investigated to determine what the children might have been exposed to, States Attorney David Cahill told Judge John Pacht.

Even though Fridays hearing was held in Washington County, moving forward, the case will be addressed in Windsor County, where the alleged crimes took place.

Rich's appointed defense attorney for the initial hearing, Amanda Kitchen, entered a not guilty plea to new accusations that Rich compounded a felony and was an accessory before the fact.

Kitchen questioned why the criminal charges came two years after the alleged crimes, hinting they may have been a way to attempt to run Rich out of town.

The state had two years to bring this charge, Kitchen said. The allegations date back to July 2015. They knew exactly where he was and they have waited until he was released from Springfield jail in order to bring this charge. I think the timing is highly suspicious.

Barre's mayor thanked members of law enforcement from several agencies which he said worked cooperatively for addressing what he described as a public safety emergency.

Perhaps he doesn't like the outcome, but I am liking it, Lauzon said of the arrest of Alex Rich. This is not an individual who belongs on the streets.

Gordon Bock is the Vermont state director of CURE, Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants, which advocates for prison reform and prisoner rights.

While he noted he certainly does not excuse any form of crime, and is not familiar with the Rich case, Bock said former prisoners are often exposed to extra scrutiny that can challenge their successful reintegration into society.

People get swept up in this hysteria, Bock lamented, noting that, in general, strangers are very rarely the victims of sexual crimes.

Judge Pacht ordered Rich held on $50,000 bail.

If Rich posts it and is released, hed have to observe a 24-hour curfew and abide by several other strict conditions, including that he not have contact with children, Pacht said.

Mayor Lauzon said a public safety response plan is already in place, should Rich post bail and attempt to return to living with a personal contact in Barre.
Officials said Thursday that the 10-alarm fire that tore through an apartment complex under construction in Waltham, Massachusetts, last month was intentionally set.

A $100,000 reward is being offered by the property owner and contractor for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible.

Massive Fire Engulfs Waltham Construction Site

Four firefighters suffered minor injuries fighting the blaze that tore through the complex on Cooper Street on July 23. Nineteen area fire departments helped battle the flames.

"This was very dangerous. It was a long battle," Waltham Fire Chief Paul Ciccone said. "When someone commits a criminal act, I think it angers everybody because these are risks we shouldn't have to endure."

Anyone with information about the fire is being asked to contact the state's arson hotline at 1-800-682-9229.

"We now move from the origin and cause investigation into the criminal aspects of this investigation," State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said. "We need the public's help to solve this case."

The general contractor, Callahan Construction, was slated to finish 264 luxury apartments by the end of the year. The damage was estimated at $110 million, according to Ciccone.

In addition to the damage at the construction site, authorities said at least 30 vehicles at nearby E & T Auto Body on Elm Street were destroyed.

Nearby homes, including about 150 people at the Arthur Clark Apartments, an elderly housing complex, were evacuated due to the amount of smoke.
Authorities are searching for two people who fled from a traffic stop in Massachusetts.

Haverhill Police say they received a call around 8:20 a.m. Friday for a suspicious vehicle near Mercury Terrace that had plates matching a stolen Blue 2014 Kia SUV.

The two adult male suspects fled in separate directions when officers arrived on scene.

Haverhill Police requested assistance from the Massachusetts State Police, their K9 unit, and Airwing Unit, but the search yielded no results.

Police is currently investigating the incident and is asking anyone with information to contact them at 978-373-1212, where you can choose to leave an anonymous tip.
A woman was arrested in Manchester, New Hampshire on Thursday after attempting to prostitute herself before robbing a man in a wheelchair.

Police say the woman approached the man at Lincoln Street Plaza around 11:45 a.m. to offer him sexual favors for money. When he refused, the woman ripped the gold chain from his neck and tried to run off.

The man grabbed her arm and yelled for help before several Good Samaritans came to restrain the woman.

Police arrested Michelle Milardo, 50 of Concord, New Hampshire after she gave officers several false names.

Milardo was charged with robbery and violation of bail conditions from a May 2017 arrest. She is scheduled to appear in the 9th Circuit Court-Manchester on Friday.
A 32-year-old Westerly, Rhode Island, man has been arrested on federal child pornography charges.

Police raided the home of Jonathan Breslin on Wednesday and seized a computer, a digital media storage device and a cellphone, all of which allegedly contained child pornography images.

Breslin was detained after an initial court appearance before a federal magistrate judge.

The investigation into Breslin was sparked when police in Saskatchewan, Canada, arrested a person on an unrelated matter. A search of that person's cellphone led to the discovery of a mobile chat application used to discuss and share images and videos of child pornography. A subsequent investigation by Canadian authorities identified 78 unique users who they allege shared or communicated about child pornography, including the suspect.
Although it's been only a day since Congresswoman Niki Tsongas announced she wouldn't seek another term in the U.S. House of Representatives, there's already been plenty of speculation about who will run for the now-open 2018 race.

Political observers in Massachusetts are not surprised to see a lot of interest in the seat Tsongas has held since 2007, when she became the first woman in nearly 25 years to hold a seat in the Massachusetts delegation. And longtime Democratic activist Jesse Mermell is heartened to see that several of those testing the waters are women.

"That district has shown that they support women seeking higher office and it will be really interesting to see what they do this time around," Mermell said.

Among the Democratic names being thrown around are Daniel Koh, chief of staff for Boston's Mayor Marty Walsh, and Ellen Murphy Meehan, the former wife of University of Massachusetts president Martin Meehan, according to The Boston Globe.

Other names reported to be interested in running for the Bay State's Third Congressional District included state senators Barbara A. L'Italien, Eileen M. Donoghue and James B. Eldridge, as well as state Rep. Jennifer E. Benson.

The Globe reports other Democrats considering running for Tsongas' seat include Michael W. Gallagher, a Lowell lawyer; Stephen J. Kerrigan, the 2014 lieutenant governor candidate; and former state Sen. Barry Finegold.

Among Republicans considering running for Tsongas' seat are, according to the Globe, Rick Green, an auto parts company executive from Pepperell; Gardner Mayor Mark Hawke; and businessman Salvatore Lupoli. State Reps. Jim Lyons and Sheila Harrington could be candidates.

For her part, Tsongas has not endorsed anyone to succeed her. But in a statement released Wednesday, she expressed hope that her district would support female candidates.

"I have often said that women can't win if women don't run," she said. "I'm proud that my election marked the first time in a quarter century that Massachusetts sent a woman to Congress."

"Diversity would be fabulous," said Gail Jackson-Blount, president of the non-partisan Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus, an organization committed to increasing the number of women elected to public office. "Having another woman in that position would be fantastic, because there are so few of us."
By Reuters

MUMBAI: State Bank of India (SBI), the nation's biggest lender by assets, on Friday reported first-quarter profit that missed analysts' estimates, following a decline in net interest income and rise in bad loans.

The results are the first since SBI merged with five of its subsidiary banks and also took over a niche lender for women from April 1.

For the merged entity, net profit was 20.06 billion rupees ($312.84 million) in the three months through June, from 3.74 billion rupees a year earlier. Pre-merger, the bank's year-earlier profit was 25.21 billion rupees.

The result compared with the 30.29 billion rupee average analyst estimate, Thomson Reuters data showed.

Net interest income fell 3.5 percent to 176.06 billion rupees.

SBI, which accounts for about a fifth of India's banking sector assets, said for the merged entity, gross bad loans as a percentage of total loans was 9.97 percent at the end of June from 9.11 percent three months earlier and 7.40 percent at the end of June last year.

Indian banks have been hit by higher provisions and regulatory scrutiny as bad loans reached a record $150 billion in December. Earlier this year, the government gave the central bank greater power to push defaulting borrowers into bankruptcy proceedings.

SBI shares were down 4.8 percent at 0815 GMT in a Mumbai market that was down 1 percent.

MUMBAI: State Bank of India (SBI), the nation's biggest lender by assets, on Friday reported first-quarter profit that missed analysts' estimates, following a decline in net interest income and rise in bad loans. The results are the first since SBI merged with five of its subsidiary banks and also took over a niche lender for women from April 1. For the merged entity, net profit was 20.06 billion rupees ($312.84 million) in the three months through June, from 3.74 billion rupees a year earlier. Pre-merger, the bank's year-earlier profit was 25.21 billion rupees. The result compared with the 30.29 billion rupee average analyst estimate, Thomson Reuters data showed. Net interest income fell 3.5 percent to 176.06 billion rupees. SBI, which accounts for about a fifth of India's banking sector assets, said for the merged entity, gross bad loans as a percentage of total loans was 9.97 percent at the end of June from 9.11 percent three months earlier and 7.40 percent at the end of June last year. Indian banks have been hit by higher provisions and regulatory scrutiny as bad loans reached a record $150 billion in December. Earlier this year, the government gave the central bank greater power to push defaulting borrowers into bankruptcy proceedings. SBI shares were down 4.8 percent at 0815 GMT in a Mumbai market that was down 1 percent.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: A Mauritius-based investor, Royale Partners Investment Fund, today said it has offered to invest USD 1.67 billion (over Rs 10,700 crore) in embattled Sahara group's Aamby Valley project.

The investment offer, proposed as a debt arrangement, comes at a time when the Supreme Court has ordered auction of the Aamby Valley resort town between Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra. Sahara group pegs the market valuation of this project at over Rs 1 lakh crore.

Royale Partners Investment Fund Limited, registered in Mauritius as a global business company, is owned by Dubai-headquartered RPMG Investment which is into investment management, private equity, asset management and proprietary trading.

Replying to emailed queries about its proposed deal with Sahara group, RPMG Investment told PTI, "As deposed by Sahara before the Supreme Court of India, Royale Partners Investment Fund Ltd and its Limited Partners have agreed to invest USD 1.67 billion in the Aamby Valley Project.

It, however, declined to share further details, saying the deal terms are confidential.

"The terms and conditions have been outlined in the agreements signed with Aamby Valley India and are confidential. As the Supreme Court of India is seized of the matter, it is not appropriate for us to comment any further at this stage," the company said.

Sahara's advocate Gautam Awasthi, meanwhile, said in a statement that the group had moved an application before the Supreme Court seeking permission for entering into an agreement with Victor Koenig UK Limited, with the nominee Royale Partners Investment Fund Limited, for inviting an investment of USD 1.67 billion into its Aamby Valley project.

"With the aforesaid proposal, Sahara's had also prayed for stopping the auction process. After hearing counsels for Sebi, amicus curie and Kapil Sibal, senior advocate for Sahara, the Supreme Court has opened a window for Sahara by permitting them to enter into the negotiations and deposit the amount before this court, and that is Rs 1,500 crore to be deposited before the next date," he said.

Awasthi further said that it was said by the judge that if Rs 1,500 crore is deposited, then auction order will be withdrawn.

On Sebi lawyer stating that the regulator could not find the said Mauritius-based company 'Royal Partners Investment Fund Limited', Awasthi said, "The reason which we have found of this confusion is a typo error in the spelling of the concerned company wherein the spelling of Royale was mentioned as 'Royal' instead of 'Royale'."

The Supreme Court yesterday said the auction process will go on according to the schedule, but if Rs 1,500 crore is paid, as proposed by the group, into the Sebi-Sahara refund account by September 7, then it may pass an appropriate order.

The group had asked the court to postpone the auction, which is to start with publication of a notice on August 14, till September 16 to enable Sahara group chief Subrata Roy arrange the money.

Sahara lawyer told the court that hotels in New York have been sold and soon money would be coming into the Sahara account after which Rs 1,500 crore would be deposited into the Sebi-Sahara refund account by September 7, as had been directed by the court.

Sahara has been engaged in a long-running battle with the capital market regulator Sebi (Securities and Exchange Board of India).

The apex court had on July 25 asked the embattled Sahara chief to deposit Rs 1,500 crore in the SEBI-Sahara account by September 7 and said that it might then deliberate upon his plea seeking 18 months more time for making complete repayment.

NEW DELHI: A Mauritius-based investor, Royale Partners Investment Fund, today said it has offered to invest USD 1.67 billion (over Rs 10,700 crore) in embattled Sahara group's Aamby Valley project. The investment offer, proposed as a debt arrangement, comes at a time when the Supreme Court has ordered auction of the Aamby Valley resort town between Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra. Sahara group pegs the market valuation of this project at over Rs 1 lakh crore. Royale Partners Investment Fund Limited, registered in Mauritius as a global business company, is owned by Dubai-headquartered RPMG Investment which is into investment management, private equity, asset management and proprietary trading. Replying to emailed queries about its proposed deal with Sahara group, RPMG Investment told PTI, "As deposed by Sahara before the Supreme Court of India, Royale Partners Investment Fund Ltd and its Limited Partners have agreed to invest USD 1.67 billion in the Aamby Valley Project. It, however, declined to share further details, saying the deal terms are confidential. "The terms and conditions have been outlined in the agreements signed with Aamby Valley India and are confidential. As the Supreme Court of India is seized of the matter, it is not appropriate for us to comment any further at this stage," the company said. Sahara's advocate Gautam Awasthi, meanwhile, said in a statement that the group had moved an application before the Supreme Court seeking permission for entering into an agreement with Victor Koenig UK Limited, with the nominee Royale Partners Investment Fund Limited, for inviting an investment of USD 1.67 billion into its Aamby Valley project. "With the aforesaid proposal, Sahara's had also prayed for stopping the auction process. After hearing counsels for Sebi, amicus curie and Kapil Sibal, senior advocate for Sahara, the Supreme Court has opened a window for Sahara by permitting them to enter into the negotiations and deposit the amount before this court, and that is Rs 1,500 crore to be deposited before the next date," he said. Awasthi further said that it was said by the judge that if Rs 1,500 crore is deposited, then auction order will be withdrawn. On Sebi lawyer stating that the regulator could not find the said Mauritius-based company 'Royal Partners Investment Fund Limited', Awasthi said, "The reason which we have found of this confusion is a typo error in the spelling of the concerned company wherein the spelling of Royale was mentioned as 'Royal' instead of 'Royale'." The Supreme Court yesterday said the auction process will go on according to the schedule, but if Rs 1,500 crore is paid, as proposed by the group, into the Sebi-Sahara refund account by September 7, then it may pass an appropriate order. The group had asked the court to postpone the auction, which is to start with publication of a notice on August 14, till September 16 to enable Sahara group chief Subrata Roy arrange the money. Sahara lawyer told the court that hotels in New York have been sold and soon money would be coming into the Sahara account after which Rs 1,500 crore would be deposited into the Sebi-Sahara refund account by September 7, as had been directed by the court. Sahara has been engaged in a long-running battle with the capital market regulator Sebi (Securities and Exchange Board of India). The apex court had on July 25 asked the embattled Sahara chief to deposit Rs 1,500 crore in the SEBI-Sahara account by September 7 and said that it might then deliberate upon his plea seeking 18 months more time for making complete repayment.
By Express News Service

MUMBAI: The peril called higher provisioning and bad loans extended to HDFC Bank, which until now remained largely unscathed.On Monday, the private-sector lender reported an enviable 20.2 per cent rise in net profit at Rs 3,894 crore for the quarter ended June 2017, but disappointed investors posting its highest non-performing asset (NPA) ratio in years, courtesy farm loan waivers.

Total provisions nearly doubled to Rs 1,558 crore from Rs 866 crore a year ago, including Rs 121 crore set aside for its exposure to potentially stressful sectors even if it is standard.

HDFCs total exposure to agri loans stood at Rs 28,000 crore, in line with the 18 per cent mandatory priority-sector lending requirement, but the recent farm loan waivers and demonetisation that delayed repayments meant that gross NPA ratio rose to 1.24 per cent.

Almost 60 per cent of fresh slippages have come from the agri portfolio. A fair portion does reflect the changed customer behaviour in anticipation of the loan waivers announced. But, something like this in a year when otherwise the harvest has been good is out of our control, said Paresh Sukthankar, deputy managing director, HDFC Bank.

Considering the vulnerable telecom sector, the board decided to provide up to one per cent provisioning against the required 0.40 per cent. It made extra provisions to other sectors like iron and steel sector.

The silver lining, however, is the net interest margin that grew to 4.4 per cent led by a 20.4 per cent rise in net interest income at Rs 9,370.7 crore, along with a 20 per cent growth in advances. Other income grew 25.3 per cent to Rs 3,516.7 crore helped largely by a 30 per cent growth in fee and commissions.

Operating expenses were up 12.6 per cent, leading to further reduction in the cost-to-income ratio, which improved to 42.7 per cent.

After multiple quarters of its declining staff strength, total number of employees remained flat at over 84,000 in the reporting period and Sukthankar said the bank would continue with its efficiency efforts. Total deposits grew 17 per cent.

According to Sukthankar, fixed deposits were up due to corresponding loan demand, but working capital and refinance needs remained elusive. The banks overall capital adequacy was 15.6 per cent with core tier-I capital being at 13.6 per cent.

Meanwhile, amid consolidation, he said the bank does not chase inorganic growth; instead, it will pursue organic growth as core strategy.

MUMBAI: The peril called higher provisioning and bad loans extended to HDFC Bank, which until now remained largely unscathed.On Monday, the private-sector lender reported an enviable 20.2 per cent rise in net profit at Rs 3,894 crore for the quarter ended June 2017, but disappointed investors posting its highest non-performing asset (NPA) ratio in years, courtesy farm loan waivers. Total provisions nearly doubled to Rs 1,558 crore from Rs 866 crore a year ago, including Rs 121 crore set aside for its exposure to potentially stressful sectors even if it is standard. HDFCs total exposure to agri loans stood at Rs 28,000 crore, in line with the 18 per cent mandatory priority-sector lending requirement, but the recent farm loan waivers and demonetisation that delayed repayments meant that gross NPA ratio rose to 1.24 per cent. Almost 60 per cent of fresh slippages have come from the agri portfolio. A fair portion does reflect the changed customer behaviour in anticipation of the loan waivers announced. But, something like this in a year when otherwise the harvest has been good is out of our control, said Paresh Sukthankar, deputy managing director, HDFC Bank. Considering the vulnerable telecom sector, the board decided to provide up to one per cent provisioning against the required 0.40 per cent. It made extra provisions to other sectors like iron and steel sector. The silver lining, however, is the net interest margin that grew to 4.4 per cent led by a 20.4 per cent rise in net interest income at Rs 9,370.7 crore, along with a 20 per cent growth in advances. Other income grew 25.3 per cent to Rs 3,516.7 crore helped largely by a 30 per cent growth in fee and commissions. Operating expenses were up 12.6 per cent, leading to further reduction in the cost-to-income ratio, which improved to 42.7 per cent. After multiple quarters of its declining staff strength, total number of employees remained flat at over 84,000 in the reporting period and Sukthankar said the bank would continue with its efficiency efforts. Total deposits grew 17 per cent. According to Sukthankar, fixed deposits were up due to corresponding loan demand, but working capital and refinance needs remained elusive. The banks overall capital adequacy was 15.6 per cent with core tier-I capital being at 13.6 per cent. Meanwhile, amid consolidation, he said the bank does not chase inorganic growth; instead, it will pursue organic growth as core strategy.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Children of Class 1 of a reputed north Bengaluru school were set to have a Chinese New Year Day celebration today, wearing traditional robes and gorging on some Chinese momos and manchurian. But the event has now been called off after a few leaders from the BJP and its student affiliate ABVP saw red, in the backdrop of the frosty ties with China over Doklam. ABVP activists even threatened to shut down the school if the event was held.

Delhi Public School (DPS) North had planned the Friday activity to familiarise children with cultures of six countries, including China. It had issued a circular on August 3 to parents of children from three sections of Class 1, instructing them to bring stationery items like glitter tube, decorative stickers, red sheets and so on. Parents were also requested to dress up their children in traditional Chinese or any red-coloured attire and pack some Chinese food like noodles, fried rice, momos or manchurian in the lunch boxes.

On Thursday, some prominent BJP leaders called the school management and ordered them to cancel the event or face protests outside the school. A group of ABVP activists also met the principal. Prashant, an ABVP organising secretary, said, The school management tried to explain, but we told them if they dont withdraw, we will not allow the school to function.

The activists also told them to hold a Nation First programme at the school on Friday instead of on China. If they dont get better speakers, we will send them one. The management finally relented, he added.

On Thursday, DPS issued an official communication stating all the events organised on August 11 related to six different countries stands cancelled.

School principal Manju Balasubramanyam said, It was part of an event organised by the British Council to introduce children to global culture. Children were to celebrate the culture of six different countries, including India. We had selected different themes for different levels. For class 1, the theme chosen was new year and for sections A, B and C it was China while for sections D, E and F it was Denmark. Similarly, France, Italy and India were picked for other classes. At higher level, the theme was an introduction to the economies of the different countries. Now, the entire event has been cancelled.

We cant instil hatred in childrens minds

A Chinese New Year Day celebration at Delhi Public School (DPS) North, organised by the British Council to introduce children to global culture, was cancelled after a few leaders from the BJP and ABVP threatened to stage a protest against the school.

D Shashi Kumar, general secretary of Associated Management of Private Schools in Karnataka, said, The timing of the event may have been right but organising it wasnt wrong. We cant instil hatred in childrens minds against a neighbouring country. Today, they may be enemies, tomorrow they may become friends. The school has been conducting the event for many years as part of academic activity and there was no vested interest. Unnecessarily, this has taken a political turn and we condemn it.

While the stand of parents is not clear, one parent said, When the country is facing a threat of war from China and supporting a ban on Chinese goods, was there a need to include their new year celebration in the activity?

After ABVP activists and media gathered near the school, the Block Education Officer (BEO) visited the school and said, The school did not take permission from us to conduct the event. I will submit a report to Deputy Director about this. This statement has ruffled private schools.

Shashi Kumar said, What was the BEOs business there. Is there a rule asking schools to get permission to conduct regular events. Higher authorities must take note of such officials.

BENGALURU: Children of Class 1 of a reputed north Bengaluru school were set to have a Chinese New Year Day celebration today, wearing traditional robes and gorging on some Chinese momos and manchurian. But the event has now been called off after a few leaders from the BJP and its student affiliate ABVP saw red, in the backdrop of the frosty ties with China over Doklam. ABVP activists even threatened to shut down the school if the event was held. Delhi Public School (DPS) North had planned the Friday activity to familiarise children with cultures of six countries, including China. It had issued a circular on August 3 to parents of children from three sections of Class 1, instructing them to bring stationery items like glitter tube, decorative stickers, red sheets and so on. Parents were also requested to dress up their children in traditional Chinese or any red-coloured attire and pack some Chinese food like noodles, fried rice, momos or manchurian in the lunch boxes. On Thursday, some prominent BJP leaders called the school management and ordered them to cancel the event or face protests outside the school. A group of ABVP activists also met the principal. Prashant, an ABVP organising secretary, said, The school management tried to explain, but we told them if they dont withdraw, we will not allow the school to function. The activists also told them to hold a Nation First programme at the school on Friday instead of on China. If they dont get better speakers, we will send them one. The management finally relented, he added. On Thursday, DPS issued an official communication stating all the events organised on August 11 related to six different countries stands cancelled. School principal Manju Balasubramanyam said, It was part of an event organised by the British Council to introduce children to global culture. Children were to celebrate the culture of six different countries, including India. We had selected different themes for different levels. For class 1, the theme chosen was new year and for sections A, B and C it was China while for sections D, E and F it was Denmark. Similarly, France, Italy and India were picked for other classes. At higher level, the theme was an introduction to the economies of the different countries. Now, the entire event has been cancelled. We cant instil hatred in childrens minds A Chinese New Year Day celebration at Delhi Public School (DPS) North, organised by the British Council to introduce children to global culture, was cancelled after a few leaders from the BJP and ABVP threatened to stage a protest against the school. D Shashi Kumar, general secretary of Associated Management of Private Schools in Karnataka, said, The timing of the event may have been right but organising it wasnt wrong. We cant instil hatred in childrens minds against a neighbouring country. Today, they may be enemies, tomorrow they may become friends. The school has been conducting the event for many years as part of academic activity and there was no vested interest. Unnecessarily, this has taken a political turn and we condemn it. While the stand of parents is not clear, one parent said, When the country is facing a threat of war from China and supporting a ban on Chinese goods, was there a need to include their new year celebration in the activity? After ABVP activists and media gathered near the school, the Block Education Officer (BEO) visited the school and said, The school did not take permission from us to conduct the event. I will submit a report to Deputy Director about this. This statement has ruffled private schools. Shashi Kumar said, What was the BEOs business there. Is there a rule asking schools to get permission to conduct regular events. Higher authorities must take note of such officials.
Ajay Mosses By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: After two months of closure following a crackdown on hookah parlours, parlour owners in the city now heave a sigh of relief with the Telangana High Court passing a judgment that the police department cannot cause inconvenience to customers. In The guise of implementing the regulation, the police shall not resort to causing inconvenience or any harassment to the customers present there or to the owners of the restaurant, the court order said.

Hookah parlour owners, who have been claiming of being made soft targets by the police in their attempt to curb drug abuse among teenagers, on multiple occasions were banned from conducting their business.

This is the second time that we have got a High Court order in our favour to run businesses as usual. But the commissioner of police is holding personal grudges against us because of a contempt of court we filed on him a year ago, alleged Md Iliyaz, owner, Urban Grill Lounge.The order stated that if any of the police officials are found to act in high-handed manner, the shop owners are always at liberty to bring the same to the notice of the Director General of Police/Commissioner of Police.

Though I have resumed my business four days ago, I am afraid that the police will shut down my lounge again, said Habeeb Ahmed, owner of Chill on Hill Lounge. However, the court observed that the police was not wrong in inspecting the premises. I do not find any illegality in police officers, not below the rank of sub-inspector of police entering the premises..., so as to find out whether the owners of the restaurants have floated or violated any of the provisions of the Act and Rules, the order read. There is nothing to interfere when the High Court itself has passed the judgment but we want to make it clear that there was no force used to shut down or seal hookah parlours, said A Gangaram, inspector, Abids police station.

2 arrested, 16.36 kg ganja seized

Two persons were arrested and 16.36 kg of dry ganja was seized by state prohibition and excise departments Dhoolpet wing. Assistant excise superintendent (Enforcement) N Anji Reddy said, a home in Upper Dhoolpet was raided and they arrested Surender(36) and Anitha Bai (43).

HYDERABAD: After two months of closure following a crackdown on hookah parlours, parlour owners in the city now heave a sigh of relief with the Telangana High Court passing a judgment that the police department cannot cause inconvenience to customers. In The guise of implementing the regulation, the police shall not resort to causing inconvenience or any harassment to the customers present there or to the owners of the restaurant, the court order said. Hookah parlour owners, who have been claiming of being made soft targets by the police in their attempt to curb drug abuse among teenagers, on multiple occasions were banned from conducting their business. This is the second time that we have got a High Court order in our favour to run businesses as usual. But the commissioner of police is holding personal grudges against us because of a contempt of court we filed on him a year ago, alleged Md Iliyaz, owner, Urban Grill Lounge.The order stated that if any of the police officials are found to act in high-handed manner, the shop owners are always at liberty to bring the same to the notice of the Director General of Police/Commissioner of Police. Though I have resumed my business four days ago, I am afraid that the police will shut down my lounge again, said Habeeb Ahmed, owner of Chill on Hill Lounge. However, the court observed that the police was not wrong in inspecting the premises. I do not find any illegality in police officers, not below the rank of sub-inspector of police entering the premises..., so as to find out whether the owners of the restaurants have floated or violated any of the provisions of the Act and Rules, the order read. There is nothing to interfere when the High Court itself has passed the judgment but we want to make it clear that there was no force used to shut down or seal hookah parlours, said A Gangaram, inspector, Abids police station. 2 arrested, 16.36 kg ganja seized Two persons were arrested and 16.36 kg of dry ganja was seized by state prohibition and excise departments Dhoolpet wing. Assistant excise superintendent (Enforcement) N Anji Reddy said, a home in Upper Dhoolpet was raided and they arrested Surender(36) and Anitha Bai (43).
By Express News Service

KOCHI: This years first flight to Saudi Arabia with Haj pilgrims on board will take off from the Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery here on Sunday morning.A day before on Saturday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the states Haj pilgrimage from the airport. Local Self Government Minister K T Jaleel will flag off the first flight.The authorities have made elaborate arrangements at the airport to ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage, which is being supervised by the state Haj committee. This year, 11,828 pilgrims, including 25 children, 305 pilgrims from Lakshadweep and 32 pilgrims from Mahe, will proceed to Haj from Kochi under government supervision.



It is expected a few more pilgrims, currently in the waiting list, will get a chance to visit Mecca, Thodiyoor Muhammedkunju Moulavi, the chairman of the state Haj committee, told reporters on Thursday. Fifty-six volunteers, one for every 200 pilgrims, will accompany the latter, he said. The last flight to Saudi Arabia will leave from Kochi airport on August 26.



A sticker bearing the Indian Tricolour and the number of volunteers has been prepared for women passengers. The pilgrims luggage will also be tagged with the sticker for easy identification.

Check-in formalities and security clearance will be conducted at the Haj camp at the Kochi airport from where the airline company will take the luggage directly to the flight, said Haj camp special officer U Abdul Kareem, Haj committee assistant secretary T K Abdul Rahiman and others who accompanied Muhammedkunju Moulavi.

KOCHI: This years first flight to Saudi Arabia with Haj pilgrims on board will take off from the Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery here on Sunday morning.A day before on Saturday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the states Haj pilgrimage from the airport. Local Self Government Minister K T Jaleel will flag off the first flight.The authorities have made elaborate arrangements at the airport to ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage, which is being supervised by the state Haj committee. This year, 11,828 pilgrims, including 25 children, 305 pilgrims from Lakshadweep and 32 pilgrims from Mahe, will proceed to Haj from Kochi under government supervision. It is expected a few more pilgrims, currently in the waiting list, will get a chance to visit Mecca, Thodiyoor Muhammedkunju Moulavi, the chairman of the state Haj committee, told reporters on Thursday. Fifty-six volunteers, one for every 200 pilgrims, will accompany the latter, he said. The last flight to Saudi Arabia will leave from Kochi airport on August 26. A sticker bearing the Indian Tricolour and the number of volunteers has been prepared for women passengers. The pilgrims luggage will also be tagged with the sticker for easy identification. Check-in formalities and security clearance will be conducted at the Haj camp at the Kochi airport from where the airline company will take the luggage directly to the flight, said Haj camp special officer U Abdul Kareem, Haj committee assistant secretary T K Abdul Rahiman and others who accompanied Muhammedkunju Moulavi.
By BNS

Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor on Thursday reacted to his father Rishi Kapoor's criticism of Jagga Jasoos director Anurag Basu, saying the veteran actor is "an emotional man".

Ranbir, who co-produced Jagga Jasoos, however, stood by his team.Asked to comment on his father's comment, Ranbir said here: "Well, my father is an emotional man and whatever he said was coming from there, and I do not necessarily agree with what my father said. But from the beginning, I and Basu dada (Anurag Basu) were aware of what we are doing. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but I do not look at it as a failure. I look at it as a learning."

In an interview with a tabloid, Rishi had slammed Basu for being "irresponsible" with the film, which was in the making for over three years.Ranbir commented on it during the trailer launch of Sanjay Dutt's comeback film "Bhoomi" here on Thursday. Ranbir is playing the lead role in a biopic on Sanjay Dutt.

Producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra commenting on Jagga Jasoos, said: "I spent three hours to watch the film on a big screen and let me put it on record that some of the moments in the film are excellent. It is not a flop film. You know no one is flop-proof, we all are striving to do our best. Sometimes it falls in place, sometimes it doesn't but as long as we are striving, it is okay".

Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor on Thursday reacted to his father Rishi Kapoor's criticism of Jagga Jasoos director Anurag Basu, saying the veteran actor is "an emotional man". Ranbir, who co-produced Jagga Jasoos, however, stood by his team.Asked to comment on his father's comment, Ranbir said here: "Well, my father is an emotional man and whatever he said was coming from there, and I do not necessarily agree with what my father said. But from the beginning, I and Basu dada (Anurag Basu) were aware of what we are doing. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but I do not look at it as a failure. I look at it as a learning." In an interview with a tabloid, Rishi had slammed Basu for being "irresponsible" with the film, which was in the making for over three years.Ranbir commented on it during the trailer launch of Sanjay Dutt's comeback film "Bhoomi" here on Thursday. Ranbir is playing the lead role in a biopic on Sanjay Dutt. Producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra commenting on Jagga Jasoos, said: "I spent three hours to watch the film on a big screen and let me put it on record that some of the moments in the film are excellent. It is not a flop film. You know no one is flop-proof, we all are striving to do our best. Sometimes it falls in place, sometimes it doesn't but as long as we are striving, it is okay".
By PTI

PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today expressed grief over the death of Buxar district magistrate Mukesh Kumar Pandey, who allegedly committed suicide at Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh.

"Mukesh Kumar Pandey's death is a very heart-rending incident. He was an efficient administrator and a sensitive officer...May his soul rest in peace," the chief minister said in his condolence message.

Kumar prayed to the almighty to give strength to his family members to bear the loss of their loved one, an Information and Public Relations Department release said.

Pandey's body was found yesterday from the railway tracks about one km from Ghaziabad railway station, the police said. A purported suicide note was also recovered from the spot.

In the suicide note, Pandey, a 2012-batch IAS officer, had written that he was fed up with his life and had lost his "belief on human existence," the police said.

PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today expressed grief over the death of Buxar district magistrate Mukesh Kumar Pandey, who allegedly committed suicide at Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh. "Mukesh Kumar Pandey's death is a very heart-rending incident. He was an efficient administrator and a sensitive officer...May his soul rest in peace," the chief minister said in his condolence message. Kumar prayed to the almighty to give strength to his family members to bear the loss of their loved one, an Information and Public Relations Department release said. Pandey's body was found yesterday from the railway tracks about one km from Ghaziabad railway station, the police said. A purported suicide note was also recovered from the spot. In the suicide note, Pandey, a 2012-batch IAS officer, had written that he was fed up with his life and had lost his "belief on human existence," the police said.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: In a strategically key move, India has poured in more troops along the entire stretch of its border with China in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the face of heightened rhetoric by Beijing over the Dokalam standoff, senior government officials said today.

The "caution level" among the troops has also been raised, the officials told PTI.

The decision to increase the deployment along the nearly 1,400-km Sino-India border from Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh was taken after carrying out a detailed analysis of the situation and considering China's aggressive posturing against India on Dokalam, the officials said.

"The troop level along the border with China in the Sikkim and Arunachal sectors has been increased," said the officials on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the information.

The Army's Sukna-based 33 Corps as well as 3 and 4 corps based in Arunachal and Assam are tasked to protect the sensitive Sino-India border in the eastern theatre.

The officials declined to give any figure or percentage of increased deployment, saying they cannot disclose "operational details."

According to defence experts, roughly 45,000 troops including personnel having completed the weather acclimatisation process are normally kept ready along the border at any given time, but not all are necessarily deployed.

The soldiers, deployed over 9,000 feet, have to go through a 14-day-long acclimatisation process.

The officials, however, said there is no enhancement of troops at the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction in Dokalam where around 350 army personnel are holding on to their position for nearly eight weeks after stopping Chinese troops from constructing a road on June 16.

Bhutan and China have competing claims over Dokalam, and are negotiating a resolution.

China has been ramping up rhetoric against India over the last few weeks, demanding immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Dokalam. The Chinese state media, particularly, has carried a barrage of critical articles on the Dokalam stand-off slamming India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj recently said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, and favoured a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.

India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.

NEW DELHI: In a strategically key move, India has poured in more troops along the entire stretch of its border with China in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the face of heightened rhetoric by Beijing over the Dokalam standoff, senior government officials said today. The "caution level" among the troops has also been raised, the officials told PTI. The decision to increase the deployment along the nearly 1,400-km Sino-India border from Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh was taken after carrying out a detailed analysis of the situation and considering China's aggressive posturing against India on Dokalam, the officials said. "The troop level along the border with China in the Sikkim and Arunachal sectors has been increased," said the officials on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the information. The Army's Sukna-based 33 Corps as well as 3 and 4 corps based in Arunachal and Assam are tasked to protect the sensitive Sino-India border in the eastern theatre. The officials declined to give any figure or percentage of increased deployment, saying they cannot disclose "operational details." According to defence experts, roughly 45,000 troops including personnel having completed the weather acclimatisation process are normally kept ready along the border at any given time, but not all are necessarily deployed. The soldiers, deployed over 9,000 feet, have to go through a 14-day-long acclimatisation process. The officials, however, said there is no enhancement of troops at the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction in Dokalam where around 350 army personnel are holding on to their position for nearly eight weeks after stopping Chinese troops from constructing a road on June 16. Bhutan and China have competing claims over Dokalam, and are negotiating a resolution. China has been ramping up rhetoric against India over the last few weeks, demanding immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Dokalam. The Chinese state media, particularly, has carried a barrage of critical articles on the Dokalam stand-off slamming India. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj recently said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, and favoured a peaceful resolution of the border standoff. India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.
By IANS

PATNA: The body of a 11-year-old boy, who was abducted two days ago for ransom, was found in an orchard in Bihar's Siwan district on Friday, triggering angry protests, police said.

The body of Vishnu Raj Kumar, a Class 6 student of Don Bosco School, was found in a Sarsar village orchard. Mufassil police suspect he was killed a day after his kidnapping on Wednesday.

Kumar's father Raj Kumar Prasad, a resident of Naya Bazaar area in Bailhatta, received a ransom call from the abductors on Wednesday asking for Rs 30 lakh for the boy's safe release.

A distraught Kumar, who is a trader, says prompt police action could have saved his son.

"My son was kidnapped when he was on way to my shop located in Shaddanand Bazaar in Siwan town. We informed the police but no action was taken till Thursday.

"Police wasted hours in verifying whether it was a case of kidnapping or the boy had run away from home," he said.

After the boy's body was found, hundreds of angry people blocked roads and demanded action against the police officer in-charge.

Siwan Superintendent of Police Saurav Kumar Sah assured that the culprits would be arrested.

PATNA: The body of a 11-year-old boy, who was abducted two days ago for ransom, was found in an orchard in Bihar's Siwan district on Friday, triggering angry protests, police said. The body of Vishnu Raj Kumar, a Class 6 student of Don Bosco School, was found in a Sarsar village orchard. Mufassil police suspect he was killed a day after his kidnapping on Wednesday. Kumar's father Raj Kumar Prasad, a resident of Naya Bazaar area in Bailhatta, received a ransom call from the abductors on Wednesday asking for Rs 30 lakh for the boy's safe release. A distraught Kumar, who is a trader, says prompt police action could have saved his son. "My son was kidnapped when he was on way to my shop located in Shaddanand Bazaar in Siwan town. We informed the police but no action was taken till Thursday. "Police wasted hours in verifying whether it was a case of kidnapping or the boy had run away from home," he said. After the boy's body was found, hundreds of angry people blocked roads and demanded action against the police officer in-charge. Siwan Superintendent of Police Saurav Kumar Sah assured that the culprits would be arrested.
Anand S T Das By

Express News Service

PATNA: Branches of two banks in Bihars eastern Bhagalpur district were raided by the state police and four people were arrested on Thursday in connection with the embezzlement of Rs 350 crore of government funds by an NGO in collusion with bank and district administration officials.

According to investigations by the economic offences wing (EOW), officials of the NGO, Srijan Vikas Sahyog Samiti, connived with bank and government officials to embezzle funds released by the state government to the district administration for land acquisition. The funds were transferred to the NGOs bank account through forged signature of the district magistrate in connivance with bank officials over the past three years.

Raids were conducted by the EOW sleuths at two branches of Indian Bank and Bank of Baroda in Bhagalpur and the office of the NGO at Sabaur. Many files were seized and officials of the bank and the NGO were quizzed. Satischandra Jha, auditor of the NGO, Rakesh Jha, district administration officer and two bank officials were arrested. It was Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who first raised the issue of embezzlement of government funds while speaking at a function here on Wednesday.

PATNA: Branches of two banks in Bihars eastern Bhagalpur district were raided by the state police and four people were arrested on Thursday in connection with the embezzlement of Rs 350 crore of government funds by an NGO in collusion with bank and district administration officials. According to investigations by the economic offences wing (EOW), officials of the NGO, Srijan Vikas Sahyog Samiti, connived with bank and government officials to embezzle funds released by the state government to the district administration for land acquisition. The funds were transferred to the NGOs bank account through forged signature of the district magistrate in connivance with bank officials over the past three years. Raids were conducted by the EOW sleuths at two branches of Indian Bank and Bank of Baroda in Bhagalpur and the office of the NGO at Sabaur. Many files were seized and officials of the bank and the NGO were quizzed. Satischandra Jha, auditor of the NGO, Rakesh Jha, district administration officer and two bank officials were arrested. It was Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who first raised the issue of embezzlement of government funds while speaking at a function here on Wednesday.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Amid the Dokalam standoff, Army personnel from India and China today are understood to have held a meeting at Nathu La mountain pass in Sikkim.

The face-off between armies of the two countries at the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction in Dokalam figured in the border personnel meeting (BPM), a source said.

The BPM set up was launched by both countries to sort out local issues and ensure peace and tranquility along the sensitive border.

The two sides hold BPM in five points which include Daulat Beg Oldie in northern Ladakh, Kibithoo in Arunachal Pradesh, Chusul in Ladakh, Bum-La near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and Nathu-La in Sikkim.

India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector for nearly eight weeks after Indian troops stopped the Chinese Army from building a road in the area.

China claimed it was constructing the road within their territory and has been demanding immediate pull-out of the Indian troops from the disputed Doklam plateau. Bhutan says Doklam belongs to it but China claims it to be its territory.

China has been ramping up rhetoric against India over the last few weeks demanding immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Dokalam. The Chinese state media, particularly, have carried a barrage of critical articles on the Dokalam stand- off slamming India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had recently said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.

India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.

NEW DELHI: Amid the Dokalam standoff, Army personnel from India and China today are understood to have held a meeting at Nathu La mountain pass in Sikkim. The face-off between armies of the two countries at the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction in Dokalam figured in the border personnel meeting (BPM), a source said. The BPM set up was launched by both countries to sort out local issues and ensure peace and tranquility along the sensitive border. The two sides hold BPM in five points which include Daulat Beg Oldie in northern Ladakh, Kibithoo in Arunachal Pradesh, Chusul in Ladakh, Bum-La near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and Nathu-La in Sikkim. India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector for nearly eight weeks after Indian troops stopped the Chinese Army from building a road in the area. China claimed it was constructing the road within their territory and has been demanding immediate pull-out of the Indian troops from the disputed Doklam plateau. Bhutan says Doklam belongs to it but China claims it to be its territory. China has been ramping up rhetoric against India over the last few weeks demanding immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Dokalam. The Chinese state media, particularly, have carried a barrage of critical articles on the Dokalam stand- off slamming India. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had recently said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff. India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar appears bracing up to the possibility of expelling senior party leader Sharad Yadav who has launched mass contact programme in the state. In a meeting of the party MPs, the chief minister was asked to take disciplinary action against Yadav and other leaders who have defied the decision to join the NDA.

The chief minister had called a meeting of all the MPs of the party at Bihar Bhavan. All the MPs called upon to take action against Yadav and senior party leader Ramai Ram. Despite a consensus decision to join the NDA, Yadav and his associates have sought to embarrass the chief minister by launching public meetings in Bihar. We have asked the chief minister to expel Yadav and his associates before the national executive meeting of the party on August 19 in Patna, said a senior JD (U) leader.

The Bihar chief minister also called on the BJP president Amit Shah on Friday. The BJP termed the first meeting after the JD (U) joined the NDA as a courtesy call. However, sources said that the BJP chief discussed the possibility of a few JD (U) MPs joining the council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet is likely to see an expansion and reshuffle this month, sources added. The JD (U) on the basis of the party strength in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is likely to get two berths in the Union Cabinet.

With Yadav, who had been the JD (U) chief holding Sanjhi Viraasat, which is being talked of the coming together of the Opposition on August 17 to discuss the future course of actions to counter the BJP, Kumar is reportedly coming under pressure to take early action against the rebel leader.



NEW DELHI: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar appears bracing up to the possibility of expelling senior party leader Sharad Yadav who has launched mass contact programme in the state. In a meeting of the party MPs, the chief minister was asked to take disciplinary action against Yadav and other leaders who have defied the decision to join the NDA. The chief minister had called a meeting of all the MPs of the party at Bihar Bhavan. All the MPs called upon to take action against Yadav and senior party leader Ramai Ram. Despite a consensus decision to join the NDA, Yadav and his associates have sought to embarrass the chief minister by launching public meetings in Bihar. We have asked the chief minister to expel Yadav and his associates before the national executive meeting of the party on August 19 in Patna, said a senior JD (U) leader. The Bihar chief minister also called on the BJP president Amit Shah on Friday. The BJP termed the first meeting after the JD (U) joined the NDA as a courtesy call. However, sources said that the BJP chief discussed the possibility of a few JD (U) MPs joining the council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet is likely to see an expansion and reshuffle this month, sources added. The JD (U) on the basis of the party strength in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is likely to get two berths in the Union Cabinet. With Yadav, who had been the JD (U) chief holding Sanjhi Viraasat, which is being talked of the coming together of the Opposition on August 17 to discuss the future course of actions to counter the BJP, Kumar is reportedly coming under pressure to take early action against the rebel leader.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: AICC Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who is scheduled to inaugurate Indira Canteens in Bengaluru on August 16, will also address a public meeting at the National Grounds in Basavanagudi, traditionally seen as a BJP bastion.

He will visit Raichur on August 12 to address a public rally as the Congress gears up to start campaigning across the state. Rahuls visit to Raichur will coincide with the BJP national president Amit Shahs visit to Bengaluru. Amit Shah will stay in Bengaluru for three days, while Rahul Gandhi will fly down again to Bengaluru on August 16. Congress decision for Rahul to address a public rally in the City came in the last moment and is mainly being planned to attack Shahs rhetoric during his visit.

A senior Congress leader said that they would be looking closely at the issues raised by Shah and the response that it would evoke before deciding on what Rahuls speech would be. Rahul will target the BJP in Raichur over the NDA governments refusal to accord special status to Hyderabad-Karnataka region despite repeated pleas over the years. The special status to the region was granted under Article 371J of the Constitution when Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister.

Congress leaders plan to point out how Siddaramaiahs government has poured in huge amou nts of money over the years to improve the region. About one lakh people are expected to attend the rally.

BENGALURU: AICC Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who is scheduled to inaugurate Indira Canteens in Bengaluru on August 16, will also address a public meeting at the National Grounds in Basavanagudi, traditionally seen as a BJP bastion. He will visit Raichur on August 12 to address a public rally as the Congress gears up to start campaigning across the state. Rahuls visit to Raichur will coincide with the BJP national president Amit Shahs visit to Bengaluru. Amit Shah will stay in Bengaluru for three days, while Rahul Gandhi will fly down again to Bengaluru on August 16. Congress decision for Rahul to address a public rally in the City came in the last moment and is mainly being planned to attack Shahs rhetoric during his visit. A senior Congress leader said that they would be looking closely at the issues raised by Shah and the response that it would evoke before deciding on what Rahuls speech would be. Rahul will target the BJP in Raichur over the NDA governments refusal to accord special status to Hyderabad-Karnataka region despite repeated pleas over the years. The special status to the region was granted under Article 371J of the Constitution when Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister. Congress leaders plan to point out how Siddaramaiahs government has poured in huge amou nts of money over the years to improve the region. About one lakh people are expected to attend the rally.
George Poikayil By

Express News Service

KASARGOD: The story of Bineesh Balan portrays the hurt and humiliation faced by Dalits pursuing higher education.

For Bineesh Balan, a 25-year-old tribal student from Kasargod, it was an uphill task to fight the caste inequalities that marginalise and exclude the Dalits. The casteist bureaucracy in Kerala was determined to fail him. But he achieved his goal through sheer determination. When Binesh Balan landed in London in the last week of July to pursue his masters degree in anthropology at the University of Sussex, it was a dream come true for a tribal boy born at Kolichal, a small nondescript village in Kasargod district.

When Express contacted him over phone, Bineesh Balan was beaming with pride. In the end, everything fell in place. Its liberating to be here, he said.Bineesh, who belongs to Mavilan community, is now in London thanks to the Central governments National Overseas Scholarships for Scheduled Tribe students.Bineesh had been trying to avail of the government scholarship to pursue his higher education in London since 2014. He first got admission at the University of Sussex in November, 2014. Though he applied for financial support from the Directorate of Scheduled Tribe Development, the response was not encouraging.

I came to know about it after seeing an order by the directorate sanctioning Rs 20 lakh to the son of a KPSC member. His family was well-off, still he managed to get public money to pursue his studies in France. I knew I was more deserving and so I applied, said Bineesh, whose parents had stopped working as daily-wage labourers due to bad health. But the section officer at the Secretariat rejected Bineeshs application, saying he would not get more than Rs 5 lakh. When I mentioned the KPSC members case, the section officer said they had the influence to pull it off, he said. Not ready to give up, Bineesh met the then Minister for Scheduled Tribes Welfare P K Jayalakshmi with the help of V S Sunil Kumar, who is now a minister. She appreciated me and cleared Rs 27 lakh for my education, he said. But the officers at the Secretariat sought a cabinet clearance. As the classes were to start in September, he wrote to the university seeking more time.

On October 15, 2015, the Cabinet chaired by the then Chief Minister Oommen Chandy considered his application as a special case and cleared the ministers order to sanction Rs 27 lakh. But the higher officers knew how to stonewall even cabinet decisions and I didnt get the money, he said.More than the denial of funds, it was the sniggering and casteist remarks of the officers that hurt Bineesh. I had come up the hard way. Despite meeting all the conditions, they couldnt help smirking at me because I was an Adivasi, he said. A disgusted Bineesh lodged a complaint with the Kerala State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. But when I went to the department to find the status of my file, the top officer was derisive. He wanted to know why I approached the commission, he said.

The officer reportedly told him he knew how to reply to a notice from the commission. Later, the top officer called the section officer to his chamber and the two officers together harassed and humiliated me, said Bineesh.Not ready to give up, he went home and applied again. He got admission for the next academic year at the same university. By then the LDF had replaced the UDF in government, but the attitude of the officers had not changed. He missed out again.Then he applied for the Central governments scholarship. I attended the interview in Delhi on February 12, 2016 and the result were published in the same month. I was among the 20 persons selected, he said.

Bineesh said he would return to India only after completing his PhD at the Harvard or Oxford or any other top university in the world. I dont want their money. Ill come back and make a difference, he said.Shumin S Babu, assistant director, Education, at the Directorate of Scheduled Tribe Development, said Binesh Balan had first applied for educational aid on December 12, 2014 for a course starting in September, 2015. The government order sanctioning Rs 27 lakh came from the Secretariat on November 9, 2015. But since the course had already started, the government order had to be reworked, he said. On December 12, 2015, Bineesh submitted another letter saying he could join a new course in January, 2016 in the same university, said Babu.

So the department forwarded that letter to the secretariat on December 22, 2015. On January 5, 2016, we got a reply from the Secretariat asking for Bineshs offer letter from the university, he said.

Babu said he was not privy to the details of the file movement.While the officials were shuttling his file between the Secretariat and the directorate, Bineesh got the Central scholarship in February 2016.

KASARGOD: The story of Bineesh Balan portrays the hurt and humiliation faced by Dalits pursuing higher education. For Bineesh Balan, a 25-year-old tribal student from Kasargod, it was an uphill task to fight the caste inequalities that marginalise and exclude the Dalits. The casteist bureaucracy in Kerala was determined to fail him. But he achieved his goal through sheer determination. When Binesh Balan landed in London in the last week of July to pursue his masters degree in anthropology at the University of Sussex, it was a dream come true for a tribal boy born at Kolichal, a small nondescript village in Kasargod district. When Express contacted him over phone, Bineesh Balan was beaming with pride. In the end, everything fell in place. Its liberating to be here, he said.Bineesh, who belongs to Mavilan community, is now in London thanks to the Central governments National Overseas Scholarships for Scheduled Tribe students.Bineesh had been trying to avail of the government scholarship to pursue his higher education in London since 2014. He first got admission at the University of Sussex in November, 2014. Though he applied for financial support from the Directorate of Scheduled Tribe Development, the response was not encouraging. I came to know about it after seeing an order by the directorate sanctioning Rs 20 lakh to the son of a KPSC member. His family was well-off, still he managed to get public money to pursue his studies in France. I knew I was more deserving and so I applied, said Bineesh, whose parents had stopped working as daily-wage labourers due to bad health. But the section officer at the Secretariat rejected Bineeshs application, saying he would not get more than Rs 5 lakh. When I mentioned the KPSC members case, the section officer said they had the influence to pull it off, he said. Not ready to give up, Bineesh met the then Minister for Scheduled Tribes Welfare P K Jayalakshmi with the help of V S Sunil Kumar, who is now a minister. She appreciated me and cleared Rs 27 lakh for my education, he said. But the officers at the Secretariat sought a cabinet clearance. As the classes were to start in September, he wrote to the university seeking more time. On October 15, 2015, the Cabinet chaired by the then Chief Minister Oommen Chandy considered his application as a special case and cleared the ministers order to sanction Rs 27 lakh. But the higher officers knew how to stonewall even cabinet decisions and I didnt get the money, he said.More than the denial of funds, it was the sniggering and casteist remarks of the officers that hurt Bineesh. I had come up the hard way. Despite meeting all the conditions, they couldnt help smirking at me because I was an Adivasi, he said. A disgusted Bineesh lodged a complaint with the Kerala State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. But when I went to the department to find the status of my file, the top officer was derisive. He wanted to know why I approached the commission, he said. The officer reportedly told him he knew how to reply to a notice from the commission. Later, the top officer called the section officer to his chamber and the two officers together harassed and humiliated me, said Bineesh.Not ready to give up, he went home and applied again. He got admission for the next academic year at the same university. By then the LDF had replaced the UDF in government, but the attitude of the officers had not changed. He missed out again.Then he applied for the Central governments scholarship. I attended the interview in Delhi on February 12, 2016 and the result were published in the same month. I was among the 20 persons selected, he said. Bineesh said he would return to India only after completing his PhD at the Harvard or Oxford or any other top university in the world. I dont want their money. Ill come back and make a difference, he said.Shumin S Babu, assistant director, Education, at the Directorate of Scheduled Tribe Development, said Binesh Balan had first applied for educational aid on December 12, 2014 for a course starting in September, 2015. The government order sanctioning Rs 27 lakh came from the Secretariat on November 9, 2015. But since the course had already started, the government order had to be reworked, he said. On December 12, 2015, Bineesh submitted another letter saying he could join a new course in January, 2016 in the same university, said Babu. So the department forwarded that letter to the secretariat on December 22, 2015. On January 5, 2016, we got a reply from the Secretariat asking for Bineshs offer letter from the university, he said. Babu said he was not privy to the details of the file movement.While the officials were shuttling his file between the Secretariat and the directorate, Bineesh got the Central scholarship in February 2016.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Alleging failure on the part of the government in checking the spread of contagious diseases, the Opposition on Thursday staged a walkout from the Legislative Assembly. The government on its part claimed there were no lapses in handling the situation and that fever death were common even during the previous UDF Governments rule.Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan of the Congress gave notice for an adjournment motion on the issue. According to the former minister, there were major discrepancies in the fever death toll provided by the government and the actual numbers. He also tried to pick holes in the governments claim the rise in fever cases was due to climatic variations and the abnormal fluctuation in temperature.



Now, the government has issued an advertisement asking people to be wary of cholera. Can cholera be contained through advertisement? What is needed is stern action, Thiruvanchoor said. According to Thiruvanchoor, the number of deaths due to viral fever is over 1,000 even though the government claims it is just over 400.He also said around 50 lakh people had been affected by fever, out of which 14 lakh had sought treatment in various hospitals, including private ones. Thiruvanchoor also said the government had issued directives to the District Medical Officers not to divulge the exact death toll.



Contagious Diseases Curbed

Health Minister K K Shaylaja refuted Thiruvanchoors claims and said coordinated efforts by the Health Department were responsible for arresting the spread of contagious diseases. For the first time, private hospitals were asked to provide the number of contagious fever patients and death toll on a daily basis. She said around 420 deaths have occurred in the state due to viral fever.She cited various media reports to prove during the tenure of the previous UDF Government, two lakh fever cases were reported. This, at a time when the Health Department had reported 1,000 vacancies of doctors and other medical staff.



Pre-Monsoon cleaning Ignored

Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala accused the government of not carrying out pre-monsoon clean-up drive in a timely manner which resulted in the uncontrollable spread of contagious diseases. He alleged the government made the clean-up initiative just a three-day affair on the eve of the rainy season.

He wondered why the state Health Department had turned down the Centres offer to help contain the spread of diseases. The government should have shed its false pride and took the Centres help in battling deadly diseases. In fact, the state government should have declared a health emergency when there was a huge rise in fever cases, he said.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Alleging failure on the part of the government in checking the spread of contagious diseases, the Opposition on Thursday staged a walkout from the Legislative Assembly. The government on its part claimed there were no lapses in handling the situation and that fever death were common even during the previous UDF Governments rule.Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan of the Congress gave notice for an adjournment motion on the issue. According to the former minister, there were major discrepancies in the fever death toll provided by the government and the actual numbers. He also tried to pick holes in the governments claim the rise in fever cases was due to climatic variations and the abnormal fluctuation in temperature. Now, the government has issued an advertisement asking people to be wary of cholera. Can cholera be contained through advertisement? What is needed is stern action, Thiruvanchoor said. According to Thiruvanchoor, the number of deaths due to viral fever is over 1,000 even though the government claims it is just over 400.He also said around 50 lakh people had been affected by fever, out of which 14 lakh had sought treatment in various hospitals, including private ones. Thiruvanchoor also said the government had issued directives to the District Medical Officers not to divulge the exact death toll. Contagious Diseases Curbed Health Minister K K Shaylaja refuted Thiruvanchoors claims and said coordinated efforts by the Health Department were responsible for arresting the spread of contagious diseases. For the first time, private hospitals were asked to provide the number of contagious fever patients and death toll on a daily basis. She said around 420 deaths have occurred in the state due to viral fever.She cited various media reports to prove during the tenure of the previous UDF Government, two lakh fever cases were reported. This, at a time when the Health Department had reported 1,000 vacancies of doctors and other medical staff. Pre-Monsoon cleaning Ignored Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala accused the government of not carrying out pre-monsoon clean-up drive in a timely manner which resulted in the uncontrollable spread of contagious diseases. He alleged the government made the clean-up initiative just a three-day affair on the eve of the rainy season. He wondered why the state Health Department had turned down the Centres offer to help contain the spread of diseases. The government should have shed its false pride and took the Centres help in battling deadly diseases. In fact, the state government should have declared a health emergency when there was a huge rise in fever cases, he said.
I keep telling Kathy Howerton that shes a genius at skit-writing.

Years ago, Kathy wrote funny childrens skits for programs at Full Life Church. The skits were simple and conveyed important Biblical truths in a way children could understand.

With Kathy as the often-astonished straight man and me as the goof-ball character, we made a good team.

Were still a good team.

Recently, Kathy gave me the opportunity to play a character she called Sandy the Safari Explorer for morning skits at Royal Family Kids Camp near Fremont.

RFKC is a camp for previously abused and neglected children who find themselves in the foster care system.

Children, who come to a camp, can make good friends and memories and learn about God. Its a weeklong reprieve from their daily lives.

This years group was active and excitable and became even more engaged in the skits as the week progressed.

And the skits had a good message for kids and adults.

In the skits, Sandy is looking for something at camp, although she doesnt quite know what it is.

Sandy has climbed the tallest tree, crawled under the black banana and even tried to make a tunnel. (No, I personally didnt do those things.)

Anyway, Sandy is distraught, because she just cant find this elusive thing shes seeking. At one point, she cries because shes fallen into a ravine and that was the pits! She wants to do the right things, but just cant seem to do so.

Heres where Kathy can give her a little guidance.

Sandy will learn to trust God:

Even when life is the pits.

To help her make right choices.

Because he has a good plan for her life.

And because he can bring good out of bad.

In the end, Sandy realizes she can trust God with everything in her life. She knows God cares about her and has a good plan for her.

Like Sandy, we can discover these things, too, and Kathys skits provide good reminders for people of any age.

Turn to the Bible and youll see these reminders beautifully illustrated in a story about a man named Joseph. His account is found in the book of Genesis.

The story begins with Josephs big family. Joseph, who has many brothers, is his daddys favorite son. His dad  Jacob  even has a colorful coat made for him.

That doesnt sit well with his siblings.

To make matters worse, Joseph has dreams of his brothers sheaves of grain bowing down to his and of the sun, moon and stars bowing as well.

Now Josephs brothers really hate him.

And they plan to kill this young dreamer.

Perhaps feeling like a protective oldest brother, Reuben tries to steer his scheming siblings in a different direction. He suggests they just throw Joseph in a cistern.

Reuben then figures hell come back later and rescue his pesky younger brother.

But things dont go as planned. The brothers strip Joseph of his colorful coat and toss him in a waterless cistern.

Poor Joseph. He really is in the pits.

Then as his brothers sit down to eat, they notice a caravan of merchants headed to Egypt.

One of the brothers, Judah, gets an idea. Why kill Joseph? Why not just sell him? So the brothers pull Joseph out of the cistern and sell him.

Reuben is distressed when he learns what his brothers have done. They cover their crime by slaughtering a goat and putting its blood on Josephs coat  then let their dad think his favorite boy was killed by a wild animal.

If you know much of the rest of the story, you know Joseph was sold to a man named Potiphar, an official of the Egyptian Pharaoh.

God blesses the handsome, young Joseph and life is going reasonably well until Potiphars wife wants to have intimate relations with him. When Joseph literally flees rather than do that, Potiphars wife falsely accuses him of trying to take advantage of her.

A furious Potiphar sends Joseph to prison for a crime he never committed.

God blesses Joseph in prison and the guard puts him in charge of the other prisoners. Joseph will interpret dreams for a couple of his fellow inmates  one of whom will be released from prison and return to his job of serving the Pharaoh.

Before the inmate exits prison, Joseph asks the guy to talk to the Pharaoh for him.

The guy forgets for two years.

Finally, Joseph is called upon when the Pharaoh needs to have some dreams interpreted. So only with the help of God, Joseph lets the king of Egypt know that the country will have seven years of good crops and then seven years of famine.

So Joseph recommends that grain from the good years be stored for the bad ones. Impressed, the Pharaoh makes Joseph second in command and puts him in charge of what has to be the biggest ancient-day grain storage operation ever.

Joseph will be reunited with his now-repentant brothers, who come to Egypt seeking grain.

In the end, Joseph tells his brothers that while they acted out of evil, God meant it for good  resulting in the saving of many lives.

Its an incredible story of forgiveness. Through his life story, Joseph shows that we can trust God even when life is the pits.

Joseph teaches us the importance of making right choices. I believe Joseph would have been killed if hed actually had inappropriate relations with Potiphars wife.

At the same time, I wonder if Joseph ever doubted that God had a good plan for his life. How could he have known when those bad things happened what would occur later?

Or did he remember those long-ago dreams?

In the end, Joseph saw how God brought good out of bad. Joseph married and had two sons. He brought his dad and brothers and their families to Egypt.

And one of those brothers  Judah (the guy with the idea of selling his sibling)  would end up becoming an ancestor of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

While Im sure God would have found another way to bring his only son into the world, I think it was a good thing Judah didnt die in the famine.

God is our protector, provider and friend.

And you dont have to be a safari explorer like Sandy to see how God can work in your life.

I hope the children who watched our zany skits will come to know that God is with them  that he loves them and has a good plan for their lives even when life is the pits.

As many of us adults have learned: Theres no pit so deep that God can reach down into it and lift us out or jungle so dense that he cant find us.

Hes the almighty God who knows our life stories from their beginnings on earth to their heavenly destinations.

Someday, I hope Kathy and I can meet Joseph in heaven. Id like to think hed get a kick out of Sandy the Safari Explorer.
By Express News Service

MALKANGIRI: Over 15 quintals of ganja worth more than Rs1 crore, being smuggled in an oil tanker to neighbouring Chhattisgarh, were seized by Malkangiri Police on Thursday. Three persons have been arrested and the tanker seized.

Cops led by IIC Ranjan Kumar Sahu, on a tip off, intercepted the oil tanker and found the contraband packed in gunny bags inside it at Talasahi on Sukma road. The contraband was being smuggled from Bhejaguda under Mathili police limits to Chhattisgarh.

The three accused have been identified as Aswini Baghel of Christianpeta in Jeypore of Koraput district besides, Sana Nag and Raghu Kanker of Sargiguda in Malkangiri district. The ganja was packed in 100 small packets which were kept in gunny bags inside the oil tanker, said the IIC.

Police are interrogating the trio to get more information about possibility of a ganja smuggling racket functioning in the area. This, apparently, is the biggest haul of ganja made so far this year. This is also the first incident of ganja being smuggled in an oil tanker in the district, the IIC said.

One arrested for selling cannabis

Bhubaneswar: Commissionerate Police on Thursday arrested a man for selling cannabis in the city. The accused is Ramesh Nayak alias Rami from Infocity. Police also recovered more than 20 kg cannabis from him. Infocity police said, several police stations here, including the GRP, had registered cases against Nayak on similar charges. A case in this regard was registered under NDPS Act and Nayak was produced in a court.

MALKANGIRI: Over 15 quintals of ganja worth more than Rs1 crore, being smuggled in an oil tanker to neighbouring Chhattisgarh, were seized by Malkangiri Police on Thursday. Three persons have been arrested and the tanker seized. Cops led by IIC Ranjan Kumar Sahu, on a tip off, intercepted the oil tanker and found the contraband packed in gunny bags inside it at Talasahi on Sukma road. The contraband was being smuggled from Bhejaguda under Mathili police limits to Chhattisgarh. The three accused have been identified as Aswini Baghel of Christianpeta in Jeypore of Koraput district besides, Sana Nag and Raghu Kanker of Sargiguda in Malkangiri district. The ganja was packed in 100 small packets which were kept in gunny bags inside the oil tanker, said the IIC. Police are interrogating the trio to get more information about possibility of a ganja smuggling racket functioning in the area. This, apparently, is the biggest haul of ganja made so far this year. This is also the first incident of ganja being smuggled in an oil tanker in the district, the IIC said. One arrested for selling cannabis Bhubaneswar: Commissionerate Police on Thursday arrested a man for selling cannabis in the city. The accused is Ramesh Nayak alias Rami from Infocity. Police also recovered more than 20 kg cannabis from him. Infocity police said, several police stations here, including the GRP, had registered cases against Nayak on similar charges. A case in this regard was registered under NDPS Act and Nayak was produced in a court.
By PTI

DHAKA: A major fire broke out inside the Air India office at Bangladesh's international airport here on Friday, prompting the government to launch a probe.

Ten firefighting units took nearly two hours to douse the fire that began around noon at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the country's main aviation facility.

The airport has resumed normal flight operations.

"We have resumed normal operations of the airport at 4 PM as the fire was completely doused," Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Rezaul Karim told PTI.

Authorities ordered an inter-departmental investigation by a committee comprising fire service, civil aviation and police officials to find out the cause behind the incident.

"The three-member committee has been asked to submit its findings in the next seven working days," a civil aviation ministry spokesman said.

He said that the fire did not hamper the scheduled arrival and departure of flights.

Officials said the fire originally broke out at the Air India office on the second floor of the airport's Terminal 1 and spread in the adjacent offices including the one of Qatar Airways raising a security alarm.

"The airport's internal fire-fighting unit doused the fire within a short time but 10 fire fighting units from the neighbourhood rushed to the scene," an airport official said.

An Air India official said the fire originated from the office of the airline. Initially, electricity supply to the airport was cut off.

Employees and passengers evacuated from the various floors have reported seeing smoke inside the building.

TV footages showed that the elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion and special Armed Police Battalion laid a siege around the airport blocking its entry points as the fire fighters made hectic efforts to douse the fire evacuating passengers and non-essential staff.

The display screen of the airport's auto fire detector showed the text - "Fire on Air India floor" as soon as the fire alarm went off.







DHAKA: A major fire broke out inside the Air India office at Bangladesh's international airport here on Friday, prompting the government to launch a probe. Ten firefighting units took nearly two hours to douse the fire that began around noon at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the country's main aviation facility. The airport has resumed normal flight operations. "We have resumed normal operations of the airport at 4 PM as the fire was completely doused," Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Rezaul Karim told PTI. Authorities ordered an inter-departmental investigation by a committee comprising fire service, civil aviation and police officials to find out the cause behind the incident. "The three-member committee has been asked to submit its findings in the next seven working days," a civil aviation ministry spokesman said. He said that the fire did not hamper the scheduled arrival and departure of flights. Officials said the fire originally broke out at the Air India office on the second floor of the airport's Terminal 1 and spread in the adjacent offices including the one of Qatar Airways raising a security alarm. "The airport's internal fire-fighting unit doused the fire within a short time but 10 fire fighting units from the neighbourhood rushed to the scene," an airport official said. An Air India official said the fire originated from the office of the airline. Initially, electricity supply to the airport was cut off. Employees and passengers evacuated from the various floors have reported seeing smoke inside the building. TV footages showed that the elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion and special Armed Police Battalion laid a siege around the airport blocking its entry points as the fire fighters made hectic efforts to douse the fire evacuating passengers and non-essential staff. The display screen of the airport's auto fire detector showed the text - "Fire on Air India floor" as soon as the fire alarm went off.
By IANS

LOS ANGELES: Alt-right protesters are planning a "March On Google" next week, following the US tech giant's firing of an employee over his internal company memo discussing gender differences in the workforce, the media reported.

Far right internet activist Jack Posobiec and "a coalition of free speech activists around the US" organized the march, according to the official "MarchOnGoogle" site.

"We are going to raise awareness about Google's one-sided bias and campaign against dissenting opinions and voices," Posobiec told the media on Thursday.

The marches will take place "anywhere Google has an office" including Austin, Boston, New York City, Mountain View, and Washington D.C., reports The Hill magazine.

"Google is a monopoly, and it's abusing its power to silence dissent and manipulate election results," says the website.

"Their company YouTube is censoring and silencing dissenting voices by creating "ghettos" for videos questioning the dominant narrative. We will thus be Marching on Google!"

James Damore, a software engineer at Google, was fired this week after he circulated a controversial anti-diversity memo.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai said Damore's memo violated the company's code of conduct.

LOS ANGELES: Alt-right protesters are planning a "March On Google" next week, following the US tech giant's firing of an employee over his internal company memo discussing gender differences in the workforce, the media reported. Far right internet activist Jack Posobiec and "a coalition of free speech activists around the US" organized the march, according to the official "MarchOnGoogle" site. "We are going to raise awareness about Google's one-sided bias and campaign against dissenting opinions and voices," Posobiec told the media on Thursday. The marches will take place "anywhere Google has an office" including Austin, Boston, New York City, Mountain View, and Washington D.C., reports The Hill magazine. "Google is a monopoly, and it's abusing its power to silence dissent and manipulate election results," says the website. "Their company YouTube is censoring and silencing dissenting voices by creating "ghettos" for videos questioning the dominant narrative. We will thus be Marching on Google!" James Damore, a software engineer at Google, was fired this week after he circulated a controversial anti-diversity memo. Google CEO Sundar Pichai said Damore's memo violated the company's code of conduct.
By Associated Press

BERLIN: A court in southern Germany has convicted three Syrian men over the drowning deaths of 13 migrants off the coast of Greece in September 2015.

Prosecutors accused the men of "professional smuggling of people resulting in death."

The court in Traunstein near the Austrian border today sentenced the 27-year-old main defendant to four years in prison for organizing the boat that was to take Syrian refugees from Turkey to the island of Lesbos.

The boat struck a freighter shortly before reaching shore, killing 13 people. Two children are still missing. Judges sentenced the man who drove the boat to two years in prison.

A third man, who acted as a liaison for families, received a two-year suspended sentence. The three defendants had come to Germany as refugees themselves.



BERLIN: A court in southern Germany has convicted three Syrian men over the drowning deaths of 13 migrants off the coast of Greece in September 2015. Prosecutors accused the men of "professional smuggling of people resulting in death." The court in Traunstein near the Austrian border today sentenced the 27-year-old main defendant to four years in prison for organizing the boat that was to take Syrian refugees from Turkey to the island of Lesbos. The boat struck a freighter shortly before reaching shore, killing 13 people. Two children are still missing. Judges sentenced the man who drove the boat to two years in prison. A third man, who acted as a liaison for families, received a two-year suspended sentence. The three defendants had come to Germany as refugees themselves.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has said that he is close to taking a decision on Afghanistan, for which his administration is carrying out a review of policy, with Senator John McCain unveiling his own plan for the war-torn country.

"We are getting close. We're getting very close. It's a very big decision for me," Trump told reporters yesterday at Bedminster in New Jersey, where he is on a vacation.

"I took over a mess, and we're going to make it a lot less messy. But that has been a place -- 17 years, our longest war, I read in one of your columns. And, frankly, it's going to be a decision that's going to be made very soon," Trump said without giving a timeline for the policy review.

The State Department said the US' Afghan policy review is still under way.

"There have been a lot of conversations and negotiations with the president's national security team. Of course, that includes Secretary (of State) Tillerson as part of that," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

"We are looking at this as not just a solution to Afghanistan, but also a broader concern that incorporates India and Pakistan as well as a regional solution. We just don't have that plan," she said in response to a question.

Earlier in the day, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee John McCain said that the US is losing in Afghanistan as he unveiled his own strategy for the war-torn country.

"We must face facts, we are losing in Afghanistan and time is of the essence if we intend to turn the tide," McCain said as he announced introducing the new Afghan strategy as an amendment to the National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2018, which is slated to come up for discussion before the Senate next month.

The goal of this strategy, he noted, is to ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a sanctuary for terrorists to plot and conduct attacks against America, its allies, or their's.

"To accomplish this goal, we need an integrated civil military approach to bolster US counter-terrorism efforts, strengthen the capability and capacity of the Afghan government and security forces, and intensify diplomatic efforts to facilitate a negotiated peace process in the country in cooperation with regional partners," he said.

Calling for an enduring American troop presence in Afghanistan, McCain has proposed tough measures against Pakistan for its continued support to terrorists.

"Imposing graduated diplomatic, military, and economic costs on Pakistan as long as it continues to provide support and sanctuary to terrorist and insurgent groups, including the Taliban and the Haqqani Network," said the McCain strategy on Afghanistan.

Simultaneously, he proposed outlining the potential benefits of a long-term US-Pak strategic partnership that could result from the latter's cessation of support to all terrorist and insurgent groups and constructive role in bringing about a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Afghanistan.

He also called for an intensification of American regional diplomatic efforts working through flexible frameworks for regional dialogue together with Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, India, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and other nations to promote Afghan political reconciliation.

Calling for increasing the number of US counter-terrorism forces in Afghanistan, McCain proposes providing the US military with status-based targeting authorities against the Taliban, the Haqqani Network, al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, and other terrorist groups that threaten the United States, its allies, and core interests.

America is adrift in Afghanistan. President Obama's "don't lose" strategy has put the US on a path to achieving the opposite result, McCain said.

"Now, nearly seven months into President Trump's administration, we've had no strategy at all as conditions on the ground have steadily worsened. The thousands of Americans putting their lives on the line in Afghanistan deserve better from their commander-in-chief," he said.

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has said that he is close to taking a decision on Afghanistan, for which his administration is carrying out a review of policy, with Senator John McCain unveiling his own plan for the war-torn country. "We are getting close. We're getting very close. It's a very big decision for me," Trump told reporters yesterday at Bedminster in New Jersey, where he is on a vacation. "I took over a mess, and we're going to make it a lot less messy. But that has been a place -- 17 years, our longest war, I read in one of your columns. And, frankly, it's going to be a decision that's going to be made very soon," Trump said without giving a timeline for the policy review. The State Department said the US' Afghan policy review is still under way. "There have been a lot of conversations and negotiations with the president's national security team. Of course, that includes Secretary (of State) Tillerson as part of that," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said. "We are looking at this as not just a solution to Afghanistan, but also a broader concern that incorporates India and Pakistan as well as a regional solution. We just don't have that plan," she said in response to a question. Earlier in the day, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee John McCain said that the US is losing in Afghanistan as he unveiled his own strategy for the war-torn country. "We must face facts, we are losing in Afghanistan and time is of the essence if we intend to turn the tide," McCain said as he announced introducing the new Afghan strategy as an amendment to the National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2018, which is slated to come up for discussion before the Senate next month. The goal of this strategy, he noted, is to ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a sanctuary for terrorists to plot and conduct attacks against America, its allies, or their's. "To accomplish this goal, we need an integrated civil military approach to bolster US counter-terrorism efforts, strengthen the capability and capacity of the Afghan government and security forces, and intensify diplomatic efforts to facilitate a negotiated peace process in the country in cooperation with regional partners," he said. Calling for an enduring American troop presence in Afghanistan, McCain has proposed tough measures against Pakistan for its continued support to terrorists. "Imposing graduated diplomatic, military, and economic costs on Pakistan as long as it continues to provide support and sanctuary to terrorist and insurgent groups, including the Taliban and the Haqqani Network," said the McCain strategy on Afghanistan. Simultaneously, he proposed outlining the potential benefits of a long-term US-Pak strategic partnership that could result from the latter's cessation of support to all terrorist and insurgent groups and constructive role in bringing about a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Afghanistan. He also called for an intensification of American regional diplomatic efforts working through flexible frameworks for regional dialogue together with Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, India, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and other nations to promote Afghan political reconciliation. Calling for increasing the number of US counter-terrorism forces in Afghanistan, McCain proposes providing the US military with status-based targeting authorities against the Taliban, the Haqqani Network, al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, and other terrorist groups that threaten the United States, its allies, and core interests. America is adrift in Afghanistan. President Obama's "don't lose" strategy has put the US on a path to achieving the opposite result, McCain said. "Now, nearly seven months into President Trump's administration, we've had no strategy at all as conditions on the ground have steadily worsened. The thousands of Americans putting their lives on the line in Afghanistan deserve better from their commander-in-chief," he said.
By IANS

WASHINGTON: An Indian American businessman in New Hampshire state has been sentenced to three years of probation and fined $40,000 for filing false visa applications under the H-1B visa programme, federal officials said.

Acting US Attorney John J. Farley said earlier this week that Rohit Saksena, 42, ran a staffing company under the name of Saks IT Group LLC, which had contracted with other companies willing to hire foreign workers, New India Times community newspaper reported on Thursday.

According to court documents, Saksena filed 45 fraudulent visa applications with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) between March 2014 and December 2015, claiming that Saks IT Group was hiring foreign workers for a firm in Cupertino, California.

Saksena pleaded guilty on May 1 to making false statements to the USCIS.

The false visa applications were filed under the H-1B visa programme, which allows American businesses to temporarily employ foreign workers with specialised or technical expertise in a particular field like accounting, engineering, or computer science.

However, there was no evidence that Saks IT Group had any contract with the company in California nor was the company even hiring foreign workers. Instead, Saksena was putting these workers to work in other companies, the report said.

"It's a serious crime, because, you want to protect the integrity of these programmes. Ultimately, they depend on people being honest," Mark Zuckerman, who prosecuted the case, told New Hampshire Public Radio.

"It's a very important programme. A lot of industries, frankly, rely on it. And when it gets subverted like this, it makes it that much more difficult to administer," he added.

Although the foreign workers and the company in California were not defrauded, many of the fraudulent visa applications were denied after the incident.



WASHINGTON: An Indian American businessman in New Hampshire state has been sentenced to three years of probation and fined $40,000 for filing false visa applications under the H-1B visa programme, federal officials said. Acting US Attorney John J. Farley said earlier this week that Rohit Saksena, 42, ran a staffing company under the name of Saks IT Group LLC, which had contracted with other companies willing to hire foreign workers, New India Times community newspaper reported on Thursday. According to court documents, Saksena filed 45 fraudulent visa applications with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) between March 2014 and December 2015, claiming that Saks IT Group was hiring foreign workers for a firm in Cupertino, California. Saksena pleaded guilty on May 1 to making false statements to the USCIS. The false visa applications were filed under the H-1B visa programme, which allows American businesses to temporarily employ foreign workers with specialised or technical expertise in a particular field like accounting, engineering, or computer science. However, there was no evidence that Saks IT Group had any contract with the company in California nor was the company even hiring foreign workers. Instead, Saksena was putting these workers to work in other companies, the report said. "It's a serious crime, because, you want to protect the integrity of these programmes. Ultimately, they depend on people being honest," Mark Zuckerman, who prosecuted the case, told New Hampshire Public Radio. "It's a very important programme. A lot of industries, frankly, rely on it. And when it gets subverted like this, it makes it that much more difficult to administer," he added. Although the foreign workers and the company in California were not defrauded, many of the fraudulent visa applications were denied after the incident.
By Associated Press

DETROIT: Uber Technologies Inc. faced a fresh round of turmoil, with its global operations chief resigning and a major investor suing the ride-hailing company's former CEO.

Ryan Graves told Uber staff in an email yesterday that he will transition out of his role as senior vice president of global operations in mid-September. Graves will remain on Uber's board.

That board and its support for former CEO Travis Kalanick was the subject of a lawsuit filed Thursday in Delaware Chancery Court by Benchmark Capital Partners.

Benchmark is a major investor with 13 percent of Uber's stock. It claims Kalanick is trying to pack Uber's board with his allies and eventually return to his post as CEO. The venture capital firm says that would harm Uber's shareholders, employees, drivers and customers.

A spokesperson for Kalanick said the lawsuit is "completely without merit and riddled with lies and false allegations."

In the lawsuit, Benchmark claims Kalanick concealed material information from investors when he created three new board seats in 2016 and gave himself the right to appoint people to those seats.

Among other things, Benchmark said, Kalanick knew Uber might be accused of stealing trade secrets from Waymo, Google's self-driving car unit. Waymo sued Uber earlier this year.

The lawsuit also says Kalanick didn't discuss his failure to curb Uber's pervasive culture of discrimination and sexual harassment.

Kalanick resigned under pressure in June after a monthslong investigation into harassment and other behavior problems at the San Francisco-based company. But he quickly appointed himself to one of the three board seats. The other two remain vacant.

Benchmark says Kalanick has acquired "a disproportionate level of influence over the board, ensuring that he would continue to have an outsized role in Uber's strategic direction even if forced to resign as CEO." The firm says Kalanick has already interfered in the board's attempts to hire a new CEO.

Benchmark wants to remove the three additional seats and return the board to eight members. It's also asking the court to prevent Kalanick from participating in board meetings.

Uber said it had no comment on the lawsuit. But in a statement, Kalanick's spokesperson said the lawsuit is an attempt to deprive Kalanick of his rights as an Uber founder and shareholder.

"Travis will continue to act in the interests of Uber and all of its stakeholders and is confident that these entirely baseless claims will be rejected," the statement said.

DETROIT: Uber Technologies Inc. faced a fresh round of turmoil, with its global operations chief resigning and a major investor suing the ride-hailing company's former CEO. Ryan Graves told Uber staff in an email yesterday that he will transition out of his role as senior vice president of global operations in mid-September. Graves will remain on Uber's board. That board and its support for former CEO Travis Kalanick was the subject of a lawsuit filed Thursday in Delaware Chancery Court by Benchmark Capital Partners. Benchmark is a major investor with 13 percent of Uber's stock. It claims Kalanick is trying to pack Uber's board with his allies and eventually return to his post as CEO. The venture capital firm says that would harm Uber's shareholders, employees, drivers and customers. A spokesperson for Kalanick said the lawsuit is "completely without merit and riddled with lies and false allegations." In the lawsuit, Benchmark claims Kalanick concealed material information from investors when he created three new board seats in 2016 and gave himself the right to appoint people to those seats. Among other things, Benchmark said, Kalanick knew Uber might be accused of stealing trade secrets from Waymo, Google's self-driving car unit. Waymo sued Uber earlier this year. The lawsuit also says Kalanick didn't discuss his failure to curb Uber's pervasive culture of discrimination and sexual harassment. Kalanick resigned under pressure in June after a monthslong investigation into harassment and other behavior problems at the San Francisco-based company. But he quickly appointed himself to one of the three board seats. The other two remain vacant. Benchmark says Kalanick has acquired "a disproportionate level of influence over the board, ensuring that he would continue to have an outsized role in Uber's strategic direction even if forced to resign as CEO." The firm says Kalanick has already interfered in the board's attempts to hire a new CEO. Benchmark wants to remove the three additional seats and return the board to eight members. It's also asking the court to prevent Kalanick from participating in board meetings. Uber said it had no comment on the lawsuit. But in a statement, Kalanick's spokesperson said the lawsuit is an attempt to deprive Kalanick of his rights as an Uber founder and shareholder. "Travis will continue to act in the interests of Uber and all of its stakeholders and is confident that these entirely baseless claims will be rejected," the statement said.
By PTI

KARACHI: A senior Pakistani police official and his security guard were shot dead by motorcycle-borne gunmen in one of the most congested areas here on Friday.

Deputy Superintendent of traffic police, Hanif Ahmed and his guard constable Sultan were on way from their residence in the Azizabad area when unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on their vehicle.

"The targeted attack took place in Hussainabad locality which is very congested in the morning time and after spraying bullets the two gunmen sped away," a rescue official said.

Senior Superintendent of Police Central Muqadas Haider said both the police officials died on the spot. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh A D Khawaja told the media that they suspected the same gang of militants was behind today's attack which has been targeting traffic police and general policemen in Karachi.

This is not the first-time policemen have come under attack in Karachi. On July, gunmen killed three policemen and a 12-year old boy in the Korangi area.

While in June, four policemen were killed when gunmen opened fire on their checkpost while in May two policemen on duty were gunned down by unidentified men in the posh Bahadurabad area.

The Counter Terrorism Department of the Sindh police believes after that a relatively unknown splinter group of militants who have returned from Syria are behind the attacks.

The group calls itself Ansar-ul-Sharia Pakistan.



KARACHI: A senior Pakistani police official and his security guard were shot dead by motorcycle-borne gunmen in one of the most congested areas here on Friday. Deputy Superintendent of traffic police, Hanif Ahmed and his guard constable Sultan were on way from their residence in the Azizabad area when unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on their vehicle. "The targeted attack took place in Hussainabad locality which is very congested in the morning time and after spraying bullets the two gunmen sped away," a rescue official said. Senior Superintendent of Police Central Muqadas Haider said both the police officials died on the spot. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh A D Khawaja told the media that they suspected the same gang of militants was behind today's attack which has been targeting traffic police and general policemen in Karachi. This is not the first-time policemen have come under attack in Karachi. On July, gunmen killed three policemen and a 12-year old boy in the Korangi area. While in June, four policemen were killed when gunmen opened fire on their checkpost while in May two policemen on duty were gunned down by unidentified men in the posh Bahadurabad area. The Counter Terrorism Department of the Sindh police believes after that a relatively unknown splinter group of militants who have returned from Syria are behind the attacks. The group calls itself Ansar-ul-Sharia Pakistan.
By AFP

MANILA: A strong 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the region south of the Philippine capital today, causing buildings in Manila and nearby areas to sway, seismologists and witnesses said.



he quake struck just off the coast of Lian town at 1:28 pm (local time), at a relatively deep 173 kilometres, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology told AFP.

The US Geological Survey measured it at 6.2 magnitude.

"Due to its depth we do not expect any damage," the institute's director Renato Solidum said on government television. A rescue official at the town closest to the epicentre also reported no damage or casualties.

But buildings in Manila and other nearby areas swayed, with employees of Malacanang presidential palace and other government buildings in central Manila and the nearby town of Bacoor evacuated, witnesses said.

"City hall employees as well as those transacting business there were ordered to leave the building as a precaution," government lawyer Bugsy del Rosario told AFP from Bacoor.

ABS-CBN television also showed photos of students stood outside schools.

"It wasn't really that strong. We did not see anyone running out of buildings here," fire officer John Christopher Carandang told AFP by telephone from Lian, a town of 46,000 people about 70 kilometres south of Manila.

The Philippines lies on the so-called Ring of Fire, a vast Pacific Ocean region where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.

Last month a 6.5-magnitude quake killed two people and heavily damaged power generation plants on the central island of Leyte, leaving large areas of the central Philippines without power for weeks.

Eight people also died and more than 250 were injured following a 6.5-magnitude quake outside the southern city of Surigao in February.

The latest major quake to hit the Philippines was in 2013, when a 7.1-magnitude quake left more than 220 people dead and destroyed historic churches in the central islands.

MANILA: A strong 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the region south of the Philippine capital today, causing buildings in Manila and nearby areas to sway, seismologists and witnesses said. he quake struck just off the coast of Lian town at 1:28 pm (local time), at a relatively deep 173 kilometres, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology told AFP. The US Geological Survey measured it at 6.2 magnitude. "Due to its depth we do not expect any damage," the institute's director Renato Solidum said on government television. A rescue official at the town closest to the epicentre also reported no damage or casualties. But buildings in Manila and other nearby areas swayed, with employees of Malacanang presidential palace and other government buildings in central Manila and the nearby town of Bacoor evacuated, witnesses said. "City hall employees as well as those transacting business there were ordered to leave the building as a precaution," government lawyer Bugsy del Rosario told AFP from Bacoor. ABS-CBN television also showed photos of students stood outside schools. "It wasn't really that strong. We did not see anyone running out of buildings here," fire officer John Christopher Carandang told AFP by telephone from Lian, a town of 46,000 people about 70 kilometres south of Manila. The Philippines lies on the so-called Ring of Fire, a vast Pacific Ocean region where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. Last month a 6.5-magnitude quake killed two people and heavily damaged power generation plants on the central island of Leyte, leaving large areas of the central Philippines without power for weeks. Eight people also died and more than 250 were injured following a 6.5-magnitude quake outside the southern city of Surigao in February. The latest major quake to hit the Philippines was in 2013, when a 7.1-magnitude quake left more than 220 people dead and destroyed historic churches in the central islands.
By PTI

UNITED NATIONS: The Islamic State terror group enlists "partners of convenience" in Afghanistan and "outsources" terror attacks to Pakistan-based outfits like the Lashkar-i-Jhangvi and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, according to a UN report.

The 20th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team was submitted to the UN Security Council Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee here.

It said that in South Asia, the al-Qaeda's core continues to compete with the Islamic State, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), for dominance over terrorist groups in the region.

The report said the current leader of al-Qaeda Aiman al-Zawahiri "is still assumed" to be in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region.

"ISIL in Afghanistan tends to enlist partners of convenience and 'outsources' terrorist attacks to other groups such as Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan splinter group," the report said.

It said that the al-Qaeda core and its regional affiliates continue to actively cooperate with the Afghan Taliban in return for sanctuary and operating space.

"By embedding itself within the Taliban movement, the Al-Qaeda core also aims to maintain local bases of influence as a part of the wider Afghan insurgency and receives operational support from the Taliban for its regional affiliate, Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS)," the report said.

It cited a UN Member state, which informed the committee that AQIS comprises around 200 fighters, who operate as advisers and trainers of the Taliban in southern Afghanistan.

Individuals associated with the Al-Qaeda core are active in Paktika, Paktiya, Khost, Kunar and Nuristan provinces of Afghanistan, the report said.

It said that the ISIS core continues to fund the group in Afghanistan, noting that while sometimes the financial flows are robust, other times they run dry.

"In the assessment of one Member State, ISIL in Afghanistan would not exist without support from the ISIL core. However, the ISIL core has instructed its affiliate in Afghanistan to begin to develop its own internal funding sources," the report said.

Further, the Taliban, through the al-Qaeda core, continues to wield substantial influence over regional al-Qaeda affiliates.

"Many Al Qaeda-affiliated fighters from the Afghanistan-Pakistan border area have integrated into the Taliban, leading to a marked increase in the military capabilities of the movement," the report said, adding that currently, more than 7,000 foreign terrorist fighters are fighting in Afghanistan for the Taliban and Al-Qaeda affiliates.

However, the report notes that under the order of the al-Qaeda core, several of the group's second-tier leaders had left South Asia for Syria "in line with the continued ambition of the Al-Qaeda core to play a more direct role in that ongoing conflict and use it to further its agenda".

The report noted that in a video released in April this year, Al-Zawahiri tried to inject Al-Qaeda ideology into the ongoing fight, with the aim of expanding its support base and rebuilding its regional network in the aftermath of a potential collapse of ISIL in Iraq and Syria.

In the video, he directly addressed fighters in Syria, painting the Syrian conflict as part of the global fight against the "crusader enemy" and urging them to reject nationalist sentiment and wage a protracted guerrilla war against the Syrian government. that the 27-year-old, who lived in Bavaria and whose name was not released, smuggled mainly Syrians from the Turkish city of Izmir to Greece five separate times.

He and a 34-year-old accomplice, also from Aleppo, recruited the third man, 24, to steer the boat on one of these occasions, promising him free passage on the vessel.

In September 2015, the third man was steering an inflatable dinghy with at least 46 people on board towards the Greek island of Lesbos when it collided with a freighter and capsized.

Thirteen of the passengers died, including an unknown number of children.

The presiding judge called the tragedy "foreseeable and avoidable" as he handed down verdicts of people trafficking leading to loss of life, the court spokesman told AFP.

The court sentenced the 27-year-old to four years in prison while the 24-year-old who drove the boat received a two-and-a-half-year sentence.

The last defendant, who mainly managed the group's money, was given a two-year suspended sentence.

Prosecutors had called for jail terms of up to 12 and a half years.

Migration to Europe soared in 2015, as people desperate to flee the worsening conflict in Syria risked their lives attempting the dangerous crossing.

The International Organization of Migration registered a huge jump in the number of arrivals by sea that year, including 8,53,650 on Greek shores.

UNITED NATIONS: The Islamic State terror group enlists "partners of convenience" in Afghanistan and "outsources" terror attacks to Pakistan-based outfits like the Lashkar-i-Jhangvi and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, according to a UN report. The 20th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team was submitted to the UN Security Council Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee here. It said that in South Asia, the al-Qaeda's core continues to compete with the Islamic State, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), for dominance over terrorist groups in the region. The report said the current leader of al-Qaeda Aiman al-Zawahiri "is still assumed" to be in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region. "ISIL in Afghanistan tends to enlist partners of convenience and 'outsources' terrorist attacks to other groups such as Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan splinter group," the report said. It said that the al-Qaeda core and its regional affiliates continue to actively cooperate with the Afghan Taliban in return for sanctuary and operating space. "By embedding itself within the Taliban movement, the Al-Qaeda core also aims to maintain local bases of influence as a part of the wider Afghan insurgency and receives operational support from the Taliban for its regional affiliate, Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS)," the report said. It cited a UN Member state, which informed the committee that AQIS comprises around 200 fighters, who operate as advisers and trainers of the Taliban in southern Afghanistan. Individuals associated with the Al-Qaeda core are active in Paktika, Paktiya, Khost, Kunar and Nuristan provinces of Afghanistan, the report said. It said that the ISIS core continues to fund the group in Afghanistan, noting that while sometimes the financial flows are robust, other times they run dry. "In the assessment of one Member State, ISIL in Afghanistan would not exist without support from the ISIL core. However, the ISIL core has instructed its affiliate in Afghanistan to begin to develop its own internal funding sources," the report said. Further, the Taliban, through the al-Qaeda core, continues to wield substantial influence over regional al-Qaeda affiliates. "Many Al Qaeda-affiliated fighters from the Afghanistan-Pakistan border area have integrated into the Taliban, leading to a marked increase in the military capabilities of the movement," the report said, adding that currently, more than 7,000 foreign terrorist fighters are fighting in Afghanistan for the Taliban and Al-Qaeda affiliates. However, the report notes that under the order of the al-Qaeda core, several of the group's second-tier leaders had left South Asia for Syria "in line with the continued ambition of the Al-Qaeda core to play a more direct role in that ongoing conflict and use it to further its agenda". The report noted that in a video released in April this year, Al-Zawahiri tried to inject Al-Qaeda ideology into the ongoing fight, with the aim of expanding its support base and rebuilding its regional network in the aftermath of a potential collapse of ISIL in Iraq and Syria. In the video, he directly addressed fighters in Syria, painting the Syrian conflict as part of the global fight against the "crusader enemy" and urging them to reject nationalist sentiment and wage a protracted guerrilla war against the Syrian government. that the 27-year-old, who lived in Bavaria and whose name was not released, smuggled mainly Syrians from the Turkish city of Izmir to Greece five separate times. He and a 34-year-old accomplice, also from Aleppo, recruited the third man, 24, to steer the boat on one of these occasions, promising him free passage on the vessel. In September 2015, the third man was steering an inflatable dinghy with at least 46 people on board towards the Greek island of Lesbos when it collided with a freighter and capsized. Thirteen of the passengers died, including an unknown number of children. The presiding judge called the tragedy "foreseeable and avoidable" as he handed down verdicts of people trafficking leading to loss of life, the court spokesman told AFP. The court sentenced the 27-year-old to four years in prison while the 24-year-old who drove the boat received a two-and-a-half-year sentence. The last defendant, who mainly managed the group's money, was given a two-year suspended sentence. Prosecutors had called for jail terms of up to 12 and a half years. Migration to Europe soared in 2015, as people desperate to flee the worsening conflict in Syria risked their lives attempting the dangerous crossing. The International Organization of Migration registered a huge jump in the number of arrivals by sea that year, including 8,53,650 on Greek shores.
Acapulco announces a massive increase in the number of new cruise ship arrivals throughout 2017. The citys port is expected to welcome 32 ships this year, versus 18 for 2016, a 78 percent increase.

Currently, the following nine cruise lines operate in the city: Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas, V-Ships, Silversea, Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Global, Saga and Hapag Lloyd. Acapulco will continue to promote and supervise its ports operations to attract more ships, in collaboration with international cruise lines.

Acapulco is experiencing a major renaissance in its cruise ship arrivals for 2017, with 14 more ships arriving this year over 2016, says Ernesto Rodriguez Escalona, Secretary of Tourism of the State of Guerrero. This significant increase is a testament to our commitment to growth supported by new projects and investments from both the public and private sectors.

Earlier this year in March, a delegation headed by the Acapulco Tourism Board and integrated by the directive of the Integral Port Administration (API) of Acapulco, executives of the Acapulco Destination Marketing Office and several tour operators were present at the international convention, Seatrade Cruise Global, held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The delegation met with the major shipping companies. Similarly, a firsthand report on the operation of cruise ships at the destination is distributed monthly to the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA).

Additionally, Acapulco recently announced that it will be the port of origin for the 1,400 passenger Magellan cruise of Cruise and Maritime Voyages, starting in the winter of 2018. The roundtrip cruise will depart from Acapulco and make stops in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas, before returning to port.

Acapulco is a destination that attracts both national and international travelers year-round to enjoy the destinations beaches, nightlife, natural attractions and the local peoples warmth and hospitality. New attractions in Acapulco like XTASEA, the worlds largest over water zip-line, spanning over a mile and crossing the Bay of Puerto Marques, along with long time favorites like the La Quebrada diving cliff are major draws for cruise line passengers to Acapulco.

Cruise operations in the Port of Acapulco are assisted by the Center for Tourist Attention and Protection (CAPTA), an innovative organization recognized worldwide for tourism assistance and safety implemented for the first time in Mexico. The federal, state and municipal authorities reiterate their commitment to the successful operation of the cruise ships in Acapulco and will continue collaborating with the international cruise lines, resolving their concerns while continually attracting tourists, as well as providing the necessary conditions for their visit.
Celebrated since 1980 on September 27, this years World Tourism Day will be officially celebrated in Qatar. This years World Tourism Day will be focused on Sustainable Tourism  a Tool for Development. Celebrated in line with the 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the Day will be dedicated to exploring the contribution of tourism to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Peace and Dialogue, Energy, Accessibility, World Heritage and Water and Tourism have been some of the topics tackled on the 37 previous editions of World Tourism Day.

Last year alone, 1.235 million travelers crossed international borders in one single year. By 2030, this 1.2 billion will become 1.8 billion. The question, as we celebrate World Tourism Day 2017, is how we can enable this powerful global transformative force, these 1.8 billion opportunities, to contribute to make this world a better place and to advance sustainable development in all its three pillars. This World Tourism Day, whenever you travel, wherever you travel, remember to respect nature, respect culture and respect your host, said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai.

The official celebrations will be structured around two sessions, focused on Tourism as a driver of economic growth, and Tourism and the Planet: committed to a greener future. In addition, a high-level think tank will be conducted with the aim of opening the debate on the potential of the sector to enhance cultural preservation and mutual understanding.

On the Agenda will also be the presentation of the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy, which advances sustainable approaches. The initiative is aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030, which focuses on Economic, Social and Human Development and prioritizes tourism as a catalyst to progress towards a more diversified economy.

Together with the events conducted in Qatar, the World Tourism Day will be celebrated across the globe. UNWTO calls upon the tourism community, including travelers, private sector, governments and civil society, to join the celebrations and share them at wtd.unwto.org

The World Tourism Day 2017 Official Celebration will be held at Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel
Newport Art Museum wraps up fall with variety of programs

Though it hasnt always felt like fall these past few weeks, the museum is in high gear hosting fall events and planning for winter.
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Steve Hoffman is editor of the Piatt County Journal-Republican. He can be reached at shoffman@news-gazette.com
One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021
Tata Motors along with its sole authorized distributor for Nepal, Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd. announced the commercial launch of its new StyleBack, Tata TIGOR. At a starting price of NPR 2345000 Lakhs, for the Revotron 1.2L (petrol) variant, the TIGOR will be available across the country.Unveiling the Tata TIGOR, Mr. Johnny Oommen, Head, International Business, Tata Motors, said, With our passion to shape the mobility of tomorrow, we have constantly pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering by creating new category vehicles. With the launch of TIGOR, we expand our product portfolio, invite new customers and reinforce our spirited comeback in the passenger vehicle market.Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Mr. Saurya Rana, President, Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd. said, We are very proud to be the first International market of Tata Motors that is launching TIGOR. The Indian sales figure is eminent to justify that the TIGOR is a gem of a product from Tata Motors and we expect it to do wonders in the Nepalese market.With a renewed focus on design, Tata Motors is recapturing the consumer mind space, which is helping the Company to strengthen its brand proposition. It's lively and dynamic stance exudes the feeling of youthfulness. On the inside, the TIGOR makes INtelligent use of space and has INviting interiors and connectivity features that will make owners feel INtouch with the world inside and outside.The design is complemented by enhanced performance and driving dynamics. The TIGOR will be available in petrol variant - Revotron 1.2L with class-leading driving dynamics. The engine is available with multi-drive modes  Eco and City.Available in 4 variants XE, XT, XZ & XZ (O) TIGOR will come in six exciting colour options - Copper Dazzle, Espresso Brown, Pearlescent White, Platinum Silver, Striker Blue and Berry Red. TIGOR will come with a standard warranty of 4 years or 75,000km, whichever is earlier, with an option to further extend.Tata Motors has built a strong pipeline of new products, which come with the IMPACT design language and leading technologies to make the new product line-up an exciting proposition.
New Delhi: A Mauritius-based investor, Royale Partners Investment Fund, on Friday said it has offered to invest USD 1.67 billion (over Rs 10,700 crore) in embattled Sahara group's Aamby Valley project.



The investment offer, proposed as a debt arrangement, comes at a time when the Supreme Court has ordered auction of the Aamby Valley resort town between Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra. Sahara group pegs the market valuation of this project at over Rs 1 lakh crore.



Royale Partners Investment Fund Limited, registered in Mauritius as a global business company, is owned by Dubai-headquartered RPMG Investment which is into investment management, private equity, asset management and proprietary trading.



Replying to emailed queries about its proposed deal with Sahara group, RPMG Investment told PTI, "As deposed by Sahara before the Supreme Court of India, Royale Partners Investment Fund Ltd and its Limited Partners have agreed to invest USD 1.67 billion in the Aamby Valley Project.



It, however, declined to share further details, saying the deal terms are confidential.



"The terms and conditions have been outlined in the agreements signed with Aamby Valley India and are confidential. As the Supreme Court of India is seized of the matter, it is not appropriate for us to comment any further at this stage," the company said.



Sahara's advocate Gautam Awasthi, meanwhile, said in a statement that the group had moved an application before the Supreme Court seeking permission for entering into an agreement with Victor Koenig UK Limited, with the nominee Royale Partners Investment Fund Limited, for inviting an investment of USD 1.67 billion into its Aamby Valley project.



"With the aforesaid proposal, Sahara's had also prayed for stopping the auction process. After hearing counsels for Sebi, amicus curie and Kapil Sibal, senior advocate for Sahara, the Supreme Court has opened a window for Sahara by permitting them to enter into the negotiations and deposit the amount before this court, and that is Rs 1,500 crore to be deposited before the next date," he said.



Awasthi further said that it was said by the judge that if Rs 1,500 crore is deposited, then auction order will be withdrawn.



On Sebi lawyer stating that the regulator could not find the said Mauritius-based company 'Royal Partners Investment Fund Limited', Awasthi said, "The reason which we have found of this confusion is a typo error in the spelling of the concerned company wherein the spelling of Royale was mentioned as 'Royal' instead of 'Royale'."



The Supreme Court on Thursday said the auction process will go on according to the schedule, but if Rs 1,500 crore is paid, as proposed by the group, into the Sebi-Sahara refund account by September 7, then it may pass an appropriate order.



The group had asked the court to postpone the auction, which is to start with publication of a notice on August 14, till September 16 to enable Sahara group chief Subrata Roy arrange the money.



Sahara lawyer told the court that hotels in New York have been sold and soon money would be coming into the Sahara account after which Rs 1,500 crore would be deposited into the Sebi-Sahara refund account by September 7, as had been directed by the court.



Sahara has been engaged in a long-running battle with the capital market regulator Sebi (Securities and Exchange Board of India).



The apex court had on July 25 asked the embattled Sahara chief to deposit Rs 1,500 crore in the SEBI-Sahara account by September 7 and said that it might then deliberate upon his plea seeking 18 months more time for making complete repayment.
"Last year's record heat resulted from the combined influence of long-term global warming and a strong El Nino early in the year," said the report.

All the major greenhouse gases that drive warming, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and nitrous oxide, rose to new heights, it said

Melting glaciers and polar ice caps swelled the world's oceans, and global average sea level rose to a new record high in 2016 -- about 3.25 inches (82 millimeters) higher than the 1993 average.

Some extreme weather events increased, such as unusually high tropical cyclone activity. A total of 93 named tropical cyclones were observed worldwide in 2016, well above the 1981 -2010 average of 82 storms.

: The Earth set a series of dire records in 2016, including hottest year in modern times, highest sea level and most heat-trapping gases ever emitted, a global climate report said on Thursday.A range of key climate and weather indicators show the planet is growing increasingly warm, with record high annual temperatures sweeping Mexico and India, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down, said the annual State of the Climate Report."The major indicators of climate change continued to reflect trends consistent with a warming planet," it added, noting that several markers -- such as land and ocean temperatures, sea level and greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere -- broke records set just one year earlier.The ominous news comes two months after President Donald Trump announced the United States would withdraw from the 2015 Paris accord on global warming, a decision that sparked widespread international criticism.In the past billionaire Trump has called climate change "a hoax" invented by the Chinese, dismissing scientific evidence of human contributions to rising temperatures.But as humanity continues to rely on fossil fuels for energy unprecedented levels of greenhouse gases are polluting the atmosphere, acting like a blanket to capture heat around the Earth, the report emphasized.Atmospheric CO2 concentration reached 402.9 parts per million (ppm), surpassing 400 ppm for the first time in the modern record and in ice core records dating back as far as 800,000 years."Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing humanity and life on Earth," said the peer-reviewed publication, put together by nearly 500 scientists around the globe and released each year by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the American Meteorological Society.The entire 280-page report is available online.The report confirmed prior announcements that 2016 was the hottest year since contemporary records began, marking the third year in a row that global records were broken planet- wide. Both land and sea surface temperatures set new highs.Global sea level has risen for six straight years, with the highest rates of increase seen in the western Pacific and Indian Oceans.In the sensitive polar regions, sea ice in both the Arctic and Antarctic hit record lows. Land temperatures warmed too -- average Arctic land surface temperature was 2.0 Celsius above the 1981-2010 average.This represents a 3.5 Celsius increase since records began in 1900.Over the northern and eastern Indian peninsula, a week-long heat wave at the end of April saw temperatures exceed 44 Celsius, contributed to a water crisis for 330 million people and to 300 fatalities, the report said.
New Delhi: At least 7,620 Indians are languishing in different foreign jails for their alleged involvement in various criminal offences, the government said in Parliament on Friday.



However, the government data submitted in the House on Indian prisoners lodged in over 80 countries lack details about them in all the cases.



While Saudi Arabia has the highest numbers of Indian prisoners (2084), the United Arab Emirates has 1376 Indians in its jails.



Speaking on the issue, Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar said the offences for which Indians were jailed in Saudi Arabia include drinking alcohol, bribery, financial fraud and burglary. The government, however, has no information on the gender of those imprisoned or the city or state in India they belong to.



"Due to strong privacy laws in many countries, the local authorities do not share information on prisoners unless the person concerned consents to disclosure of such information," said Akbar, in response to a question in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.



Nepal has 859 Indians lodged in its prisons for offences like narcotics smuggling, theft and murder. Kuwait has close to 488 Indians in its jails on charges of murder and drug smuggling.



Pakistan has 467 Indians lodged in its prisons on various offences under the Pakistan Army Act, Official Secret Act, Foreigners Act, Entry Pakistan Act, among others. The minister said that 416 of these are believed to be fishermen to whom consular access has not been provided yet.



Pakistan has shared details of these prisoners. Close to 51 were civil prisoners from various parts of India, including 3 from Gujarat, 2 from Punjab, 6 from Jammu & Kashmir, 3 from Uttar Pradesh, 4 from Delhi, 5 from Bihar and 5 from West Bengal.



United Kingdom has jailed 376 Indians, whose details have not been shared.



Malaysia and United States of America have 304 and 279 Indians in their prisons, respectively. Akbar added that Qatar had 177 Indians in its prisons, Singapore had 133 and Germany jailed 114 Indians.



Countries like Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Senegal, Peru, Zambia, Libya and Kyrgyzstan have only one Indian prisoner each.



Human rights lawyers expressed grave concern over the government not even having details of all Indians in foreign prisons. Asim Sarode, advocate and human rights activist said, "This is ignorance on the part of the government... this amounts to gross violation of human rights," said Sarode.



Commenting on the government's statement on the privacy laws in other countries, Sarode said information on prisoners is exchanged at the highest possible level. "Common man cannot just get this information. It is solely the government's responsibility to make sure the citizens get due justice," the activist added.



Sarode added many of people who are languishing in foreign jails have little access to legal means to get in touch with India. "For example, all these fishermen who are arrested for 'crossing over' to the other side are actually there because of bad weather, tides, etc. Then their families go to the coastal guards to file a complaint, from where they are turned away saying that they should contact the home ministry. It's more or less shirking of responsibilities," he added.
Al-Qaedas Chief in Kashmir Zakir Musa has been reportedly trapped by security forces in south Kashmirs Tral.



A person no grata for security forces for a while, Zakir Musa was in the Hizbul Mujahideen till recently.



But Who is Zakir Rashid Bhat Musa? Here is everything you need to know about him:



- The 22-year-old was civil engineering student in a Chandigarh college before becoming a militant.



- He was named hizb commander in the valley after Burhan Wanis death in July, 2010.



- He was chosen because of his low profile and has been given code name Mehmood Ghaznavi.



- Joined militant ranks in July 2013 during visit to his village Noorpura in Pulwama.



- His elder brother is a practising doctor and sister an MSc in Botany.



- He had previously participated in civilian protests that had taken place in south Kashmir in 2010.



- In October last year, he released a video message asking migrant Kashmiri pundits to return to their homes, assuring protection to them.



- In December 2016, he through video message, warned police informers and family members of cops of retribution.



- In a video, hes seen asking Kashmiri youths to fight with guns & stones for the supremacy of Islam and not for Kashmiri nationalism.
The Supreme Court says it will start final hearing on December 5 to adjudicate the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute. No adjournment will be granted for the aforesaid purposes and parties will abide by this time-frame, says the court.

Stay tuned for live updates:

Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here.
New Delhi: The CBI has told a parliamentary panel it can reopen investigation into the Bofors arms deal case, sources told CNN-News18.



The sub-committee on Defence attached to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) had sought re-opening of the case that significantly contributed to the downfall of the Rajiv Gandhi government in the 1989 elections. The six-member sub-committee is looking into non-compliance of certain aspects of the CAG report of 1986 on the deal.



The Congress has termed the demand for re-opening the case as politically motivated.



Speculation was rife earlier that the politically sensitive case would come up for substantial hearing in the Supreme Court as a media report had suggested a financial quid pro quo for the Rs 1,437 crore Howitzer gun deal in 1986.



The deal between India and the Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors for the supply of 400 155mm Howitzer guns for Indian Army was entered on March 24, 1986. The Swedish Radio on April 16, 1987 had claimed that the company had paid bribes to top Indian politicians and defence personnel.



The CBI on January 22, 1990 had registered the FIR for the alleged offence of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery under the Indian Penal Code and other sections of Prevention of Corruption Act against Martin Ardbo, the then president of AB Bofors, alleged middleman Win Chadda and Hinduja brothers  Srichand, Gopichand and Prakashchand.



The CBI had alleged that certain public servants and private persons in India and abroad had entered into a criminal conspiracy between 1982 and 1987 in pursuance of which the offences of bribery, corruption, cheating and forgery were committed to the extent of Rs 64 crore in the contracts for the supply of Bofors guns.



The first chargesheet in the case was filed on October 22, 1999 against Chadda, Quattrocchi, then defence secretary SK Bhatnagar, Ardbo and the Bofors company. A supplementary charge sheet against Hinduja brothers was filed on October 9, 2000.



A special CBI court in Delhi On March 4, 2011, had discharged Quattrocchi from the case saying the country cannot afford to spend hard-earned money on his extradition which has already cost Rs 250 crore.



Ottavio Quattrocchi, who fled from India on July 29-30, 1993, has never appeared before any court in India to face prosecution.



He passed away on July 13, 2013. The other accused persons who have died are Bhatnagar, Chadda and Ardbo.




Ghaziabad (UP): Buxar district magistrate Mukesh Pandey, who committed suicide by jumping on the railway tracks in Ghaziabad on Thursday, had informed his friends about his intent before taking the extreme step.



His body was found near railway tracks, about 1km from the Ghaziabad railway station. Police said a suicide note was recovered from the spot. The incident was reported around 8.30 pm on Thursday.



During the investigation, it was found that the 2012 batch IAS officer came to Delhi and checked into room number 742 of Hotel Leela Palace around noon. He left the hotel around 4.30 pm and took an Ola cab for Janakpuri District Centre with an intent to commit suicide there and then proceeded to Ghaziabad.



In the meantime, he texted his family and friends about his intention to commit suicide and apologised and mentioned that his suicide note was kept in a bag in room 742 of Leela Palace.



"I am committing suicide in district centre area of Janakpuri in west Delhi...by jumping off the 10th floor of the building. I am fed up with life and my belief on human existence has gone, my suicide note is kept in a Nike bag in room 742 of a five-star (name withheld) hotel in Delhi. I am sorry, I love you all! Please forgive me," said the note, according to Senior Superintendent of Police H N Singh. Singh said it was not immediately known that at what time or how Pandey committed suicide.







According to DCP West Delhi District, Vijay Kumar, the police was informed about his intention around 6.30 pm through his friends and batchmates in Delhi.



"Through his friends and batchmates we got to know that IAS Mukesh Pandey may commit suicide at District Mall. A police team was rushed to the spot but nothing was found. The team checked the CCTV footages and it was found that he was going out of Westin Mall around 5.55 pm. Further CCTV footages showed him moving towards the metro station. Around 9 pm, we were informed that his body was found at the railways track in Ghaziabad," said DCP west.



Two hours after that, his sister-in-law who stays in Delhi went to the hotel and found the suicide note.
A local court in Delhi has restrained publication and distribution of the book Godman to Tycoon: The Untold Story of Baba Ramdev, written by journalist Priyanka Pathak-Narain, on the basis of a complaint alleging defamation filed on behalf of Ramdev.Juggernaut Books, the publisher, said the order was passed ex-parte without hearing either the publisher or the author of the book.An injunction has been granted, as prayed for, without giving a notice of the application for the reason that such notice would cause delay and such delay would result in defeating the purpose of injunction, reads the order issued on August 4 by Karkardooma District Court.While stating that it has complied with the order, the publisher said it will stand by the book and defend the case in courts to vacate the injunction.Every person is entitled to approach a court of law with a grievance that must be decided in a fair manner. In this case, the allegation of defamation must certainly be heard in the courts and we welcome the chance to defend our book. Godman to Tycoon is a work of serious journalism. It is the product of over fifty interviews, many of them taped, with key players in Baba Ramdevs life, including with Ramdev himself and close aides and family members. The book contains a detailed 25-page note on sources that lists the interviews, articles, police reports and RTI replies that are the basis of each chapter.Prior to publication the manuscript was submitted for a legal read and vetted by an expert. The authors taped interviews were also submitted to and authenticated by a forensic laboratory.The order of ex-parte interim injunction restrains Juggernaut Books, the author, and also the printer, Amazon and Flipkart.As the matter is sub-judice, we cannot comment on the merits of the case. However, we stand by our book, will defend the case and will move the court to vacate the injunction.In an interview to News18 on August 5, Priyanka Pathak-Narain said Baba Ramdevs story shows nexus between money, religion and politics in India.Clickto read the full interview.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has commenced final hearing in the long-standing Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute, a day before the 25th anniversary of the demolition of medieval-era structure.



A specially constituted bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and Abdul Nazeer will hear a total of 13 appeals filed against the 2010 judgment of the Allahabad High Court in four civil suits.



The high court had then ruled a three-way division of the disputed 2.77 acre area at Ayodhya among the parties  the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and the Lord Ram Lalla.



A sect of Muslims, under the banner of Shia Central Waqf Board of Uttar Pradesh, had earlier approached the court offering a solution that a mosque could be built in a Muslim-dominated area at a "reasonable distance" from the disputed site in Ayodhya.



However, its intervention was opposed by the All India Sunni Waqf Board which had claimed that judicial adjudication between the two sects had already been done in 1946 by declaring the mosque, which was demolished on December 6, 1992, as one which belongs to the Sunnis.



Recently a group of civil rights activists also moved the apex court seeking intervention in the Ayodhya dispute and urged it to consider the issue saying it is not just a dispute over property but has several other aspects which would have far-reaching effects on the "secular fabric of the country".



In pursuance to the apex court's earlier direction, the Yogi Adityanath government has submitted English translation of exhibits and documents likely to be relied upon, as these were in eight different languages.



A battery of high profile lawyers, including senior advocates K Parasaran and CS Vaidyanathan and advocate Saurabh Shamsheri, will appear for Lord Ram Lalla, the deity, and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta will represent the Uttar Pradesh government.



Senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Anoop George Chaudhari, Rajeev Dhavan and Sushil Jain will represent other parties including All India Sunni Waqf Board and Nirmohi Akhara.



BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, an intervenor in the matter, had attempted to raise the issue of fundamental right of religion of the Hindus under Article 25 of the Constitution.



Many of the original plantiffs and defendants in the matter, including Mohd Hashim, who was the first person to take the matter to the apex court, have died.



A three-judge bench of the Allahabad High Hourt, in a 2:1 majority ruling, had said the land be partitioned equally among three parties  the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.



Heres a look at how the case has panned out so far:



1949: Idols of Ram Lalla are placed surreptitiously under the central dome of the Babri Mosque



1950: Lawyer Gopal Visharad files first suit in Faizabad civil court for rights to offer prayers to Ram Lalla



1950: Paramhansa Ramachandra Das files a suit for continuation of prayers and keeping idols in the structure



1959: Nirmohi Akhara files third suit, seeking direction to hand over charge of the disputed site.



1961: Sunni Central Waqf Board files fourth suit



1986: District judge orders locks be removed. Site opened for Hindu worshippers



1989: Pending suits are transferred to the High Court



1991: UP government acquires land around the structure for convenience of devotees who attend Ram Lalla darshan



1992: Babri Mosque is demolished by kar sevaks



1993: Government takes over 67 acres of land around the area, seeks apex court opinion on whether a Hindu place of worship existed there before the structure was built



1994: Case goes back to Lucknow bench of HC, suits heard again from 1996



2003: The Allahabad HC orders a survey to find out whether a temple existed on the site. ASI excavations claim features of a 10th century temple



2010: HC rules that the land be divided into three parts 1/3rd going to the Hindu Mahasabha, 1/3rd to Sunni Waqf Board and 1/3rd to Nirmohi Akhara. Mahasabha and Sunni Waqf Board move SC, challenging the HC verdict



2011: Dubbing it as strange, SC stays the Allahabad HC order. None of the parties had demanded partition of the land, it says



2015: VHP announces a nationwide drive to collect stones for building Ram Temple



2016: Subramanian Swamy says he hopes the construction would begin before year-end



March 6, 2017: SC hints at reviving criminal conspiracy charges against 13 BJP and other Right-wing leaders in the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case. The conspiracy charges had been dropped by the special trial court in Lucknow on technical grounds



March 21, 2017: CJI Khehar offers to act as mediator to solve the dispute and advises Swamy that negotiation can solve this sensitive issue



April 19: SC restores conspiracy charges against BJP leaders, including LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti



May 31: Special CBI court charges the trio with criminal conspiracy



July 21: After Swamy mentions the matter again for urgent hearing before the SC, Khehar says the court will take an early decision



August 8: Shia Central Waqf Board files 30-page affidavit in court, taking back its claim on the disputed land and offering to settle for a mosque in a nearby Muslim-dominated area



August 11: SC bench headed by CJI-designate Dipak Misra begins hearing the matter




New Delhi: At the end of each Parliament session a familiar routine of measuring the productivity of the session happens.



How many bills did Parliament manage to pass as against the legislative agenda listed in the beginning of each session?



Both houses together passed 9 bills out of a total of 34 that were listed. That is a strike rate 26.4%. Since today is the last day of the monsoon session more bills may be passed by the end of the day. News18 has come up with a breakup of the 19 day session. The information has been compiled from data provided by PRS Legislative Research and other sources.



The bills passed by both the upper and lower houses include the following:



 The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2017: A law that gives the government additional powers to deal with the NPA problem in the banking sector).



 The Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Public-Private Partnership) Bill, 2017: The Bill seeks to declare the Indian Institute of Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Kurnool as an institution of national importance.



 The Footwear Design and Development Institute Bill, 2017: Seeks to establish the Footwear Design and Development Institute as an institution of national importance.



 The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017: Amends the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 by extending the deadline for teachers to acquire the prescribed minimum qualifications for appointment.



 The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Bill, 2017: Seeks to consolidate the existing laws on civil matters of admiralty jurisdiction of courts, admiralty proceedings on maritime claims, and arrest of ships.



 The Collection of Statistics (Amendment) Bill, 2017: Allows the appointment of statistics officers to collect information, and contains provisions to ensure the security of information.



 The National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research (Amendment) Bill, 2017: Seeks to establish the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Andhra Pradesh as an institute of national importance.



 The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-third Amendment) Bill, 2017: Seeks to grant the National Commission on Backward Classes (NCBC) constitutional status, at par with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.



 The National Commission for Backward Classes (Repeal) Bill, 2017: Seeks to repeal the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993.



The Lok Sabha functioned for 70% of its scheduled time while the Rajya Sabha was marginally ahead at 73%. On Question hour both houses did worse. The lower house managed to utilize just 63% of its allotted time while the upper house spent 51% only.



Disruptions claimed a lot of the time meant for legislative business. Both houses remained shut in memoriam for members who had passed away.



The LS was non functional for two days for Vinod Khanna and Sanwar Lal Jat. Both houses debated issues that made national headlines. Lynchings, foreign policy, agrarian crisis and peasant unrest, atrocities on Dalits and minorities and floods were discussed in both the houses.




New Delhi: Barely a week after demitting office, former President Pranab Mukherjee has spoken out against growing intolerance and said he failed to comprehend intolerant India.



I can understand the dissenting and argumentative India but fail to comprehend the intolerant India, said Mukherjee on Thursday evening.



He was speaking at the launch of historian and Trinamool Congress leader Sugata Boses book The Nation as Mother and Other Visions of Nationhood, which has Rabindranath Tagores Banga Mata on the cover.



The depiction of nation as a mother is an emotional and human construct rather than a religious identity, the former President said.



Mukherjee stressed on the need for healthy debates on the kind of nation we want to build.



Incidentally, he was speaking at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, which itself has seen a cultural battle of sorts over the past few years, including a debate around intellectual intolerance of Nehruvian elite.



There was a panel discussion on nationalism where Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Ashoka University vice-chancellor Pratap Bhanu Mehta and historian Seema Alvi took part.



Bose dwelt upon Tagores nationalism that believed in plurality and respect for differences in practices and cultures.



Here was a fascinating man who was patriot. He had deep love for the country. Wrote poems and songs during the Swadeshi movement and yet warned us against the dangers of narrow nationalism imitative of European aggressive nationalism, he said.



Bose said that he told Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop the engines of coercion on their tracks.



Tagore believed that we have such social restrictions, which lead us to discriminate against others even based on their food preference. He feared that these prejudices in future find expression in our political organisation and create engines of coercion that would prevent the space for rational difference that are signs of life, he added.



Tharoor joined in and said we have a ruling party that tends not to listen to leaders from other parties.



Talking about Tagore's nationalism and patriotism, Tharoor said, He found nationalism as something negative and largely reprehensible. It is like organising a band of robbers in the police department.



The panel also discussed Mahatma Gandhi and his idea of secularism and nationalism. Gandhi was not a straightforward secularist who did not believe in complete separation of religion from politics, he believed that religion is the ethical basis of religion, Bose said.
New Delhi: Senior army officials from India and China met in Nathu La on Friday amid a troop and armament build-up along the 3,488-km border between the two countries.



While no breakthrough is expected in the seven-week-long standoff at Doklam, the meeting hints at the fact that communication lines between the two armies are open at a local level.



Top sources told CNN-News18 that the entire border with China  along Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand  is being closely monitored.



The Sukhna-based 33 Corps has advanced its annual war exercise operation alert by six weeks to ensure that its troops are acclimatised in case a skirmish breaks out. The movement is a comprehensive one that includes both men and required armament.



The 4 Corps based in Tawang and 3 Corps based in Dimapur have been put on alert as well. All the three Corps together man the area from the Siliguri Corridor to the end of Arunachal Pradesh.



"So far, the only war that is being fought is through Global Times. There is so much rhetoric from the Chinese side... so it is best if we show some caution. We are, after all, nuclear nations," said a senior source in the government.



India continues to be in a 'no war, no peace mode at the Line of Actual Control  which means the caution levels are high, but not high enough to raise hackles on the other side.



The army has denied reports of any village being evacuated in the Doklam plateau. But villagers in Nathang, around 35 km from the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction, told CNN-News18 that they have been advised to move out.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to China for the BRICS Summit on September 3. Any major developments in the border situation is likely only after that. For the moment, the Indian Army is preparing for the long haul.
New Delhi: India has quickly moved in more troops all along the border with China and put the Air Force on operational alert in the North East as the standoff over Doklam worsened, sources said on Friday.



The 3,488-km long border stretching across five states  Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand  is being closely monitored as Beijing amped up its rhetoric on the contentious border point where the two armies stand face to face.



"Things are on the move," a top source in the government told CNN-News18.



This came on a day when talks between the two countries held at the Major General level at the BMP post in Nathu La remained inconclusive, as anticipated. China was adamant that India withdraw its troops from Doklam while India wanted China to clear road-building equipment from the area.



News18 had reported on Friday ahead of the meeting on the troop and armament build-up along the border.



The Sukna-based 33 Corps has advanced its annual war exercise operation alert by six weeks to ensure that its troops are acclimatised in case a skirmish breaks out.



The movement is a comprehensive one that includes both men and required armament.



The 4 Corps based in Tezpur and 3 Corps based in Dimapur have been put on alert as well. Soldiers and armaments are on the move to their operational areas. All three corps together man the area from the Siliguri Corridor to the end of Arunachal Pradesh, which is roughly 1,400 km. The troop enhancement comes amid growing sabre rattling from China.



"So far, the only war that is being fought is through Global Times. There is so much rhetoric from the Chinese side so it is best if we show some caution," said a senior source in the government.



Officials have refused to put a figure to the troop strength or types of arms that are being "trickled up" along the eastern theater.



A PTI report has quoted experts to say that roughly 45,000 troops, including personnel having completed the weather acclimatisation process, are normally kept ready along the border, but not all are necessarily deployed.



The Doklam plateau is located at a height of 11,000 feet. The ridges around it go up to a height of 14,000 feet. In case of a skirmish, India needs troops that are acclimatised to operate at these levels. The acclimatisation exercise is conducted in two stages over a period of 10 days.



India continues to be in a 'no war, no peace mode at the Line of Actual Control. This means that Indias caution levels are high, but not high enough to raise the hackles on the other side.



"India and China are nuclear nations. Eyes are being shown from their side, we need to be prepared," says a senior officer.



Officers CNN-NEWS18 spoke to refused to be quoted.



At the site of the standoff, 250 to 350 Indian troops continue to hold their position. On the other side, around 350 PLA soldiers are standing their ground.



Meanwhile, the Army has denied reports of any village being evacuated in the Doklam Plateau. But villagers in Nathang, around 35 km from the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction, said that they have been advised to move out.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to China for the BRICS Summit on September 3. Any major development in the border situation is likely only after that.



For the moment, the Indian Army is preparing for the long haul.
Kolkata: More than a day after they started a sit-in outside the vice-chancellors office, students of Jadavpur University on Friday evening said they wont relent until a new law curbing powers of students unions is struck down.



They maintained a gherao around the Vice Chancellors office, saying that while they will not prevent him from leaving, but will have to talk to them.



The protest is against certain provisions of the West Bengal Universities and Colleges (Administration and Regulation) Bill-2017 which will enable the government to have the power to prescribe rules and procedures for conducting students' body or union election.



On Thursday, a student deputation was sent to get assurances that their demands would be met at a time while an Executive Council meeting was in progress. They demanded the JU EC adopt a resolution describing the government's step as 'undemocratic' and 'unacceptable'.



Students claim the state governments decision to do away with student union elections is a way of stifling voices of dissent on campus and exclude their views on policy making. These include decisions like fee hike and cutbacks in fellowships and scholarships.



There has never been a history of violence during student union elections or corruption. Therefore, Jadavpur University does not need a student council. This council would mean zero representation of the students and their voices in policy making which will lead to corruption, nepotism and oppression on the students, Shravan Guha, a JU student, told CNN-News18.



However, JU VC Suranjan Das said, This protest is undemocratic. I dont know why they are targeting me, it is not my decision. However I will pass on their message to the State Government.



State education minister Partha Chatterjee also appealed to students to lift the gherao.
Bengaluru: At least 20 seers from various Lingayat mutts have submitted a request to the Karnataka government to give the community a separate religion status.



The request came after the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha passed a resolution last week to seek such a recommendation after consultations with peoples representatives, religious pontiffs and scholars from the community.



The consultations were held over many hours on Thursday, after which a delegation met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to press for a separate religion along the lines of Sikhism, Jainism and Christianity.



Siddaramaiah accepted the resolution but remained non-committal, merely saying that the government would take a legal opinion on the issue.



Coming in an election year, the demand for a separate religion (and thus, a minority status by extension) comes as an emotive issue that the Congress can use to its advantage. The Opposition, Bharatiya Janata Party, has always thought of the Lingayat community as its captive vote-bank and sees this as an attempt to divide this vote-bank. The BJP state president hails from this community, which has a significant population in Karnataka.



In the 12th century, Lord Basavanna founded an independent Lingayat religion, but after Independence, the Government of India failed to recognize Lingayat as a religion. Central government has already recognized Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism. In the same way, we are asking them to recognize Lingayat as a religion, said Jagadguru Mruthyunjaya Swamiji of Panchamasali Peetha, one of the influential mutts of the community.



The CM said he had received requests from three bodies  the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha, the Mathe-Mahadevi mutt and the Lingayat Mahasabha. The government will diligently examine the submission and will take an objective decision, abiding within the legal framework of the Constitution. There is no politics involved in this, he told newspersons.



One of the arguments put forth by the Lingayat seers was that prominent teachings of Lord Basavanna, the founder of this dharma, was against stratification of society into castes.



Lord Basavanna was against such divisions, Lingayat was built on the inclusion of all different castes, sub-castes, under a single entity called Lingayat. People from backward classes, Dalits and other religion came together and formed this religion, Swamiji said, adding that it was then questionable that they are now considered a sub-sect within Hinduism.



State minister Vinay Kulkarni, who participated in the day-long conclave, said that the proposal had been rejected at least three times earlier by the Centre, but the efforts will continue.
New Delhi: Kashmir Police on Friday said it had no definitive proof of whether Al-Qaedas Kashmir unit chief Zakir Musa was among the suspects trapped by security forces during a search operation in Tral in south Kashmir's Pulwama sector.



IG Kashmir Muneer Khan said forces were deployed to Noorpora village for cordon-and-search operation after they received reports of some militants hiding there. He said as Noorpora is Musas native village, rumours that Musa too was trapped spread like wildfire.



He said forces are carrying out searches in the area but there was no firing or contact with militants. There could be some other suspects but we have no definitive information about Musa. Let us wait for the searches to get over. So far no one has been found.



Earlier, there were reports that Musa had been trapped by the security forces.



Sources said a joint team of SOG of police, army and paramilitary men have surrounded a bunch of houses in Noorpora village after information pointed out that some militants were believed to be there.



Senior police officials said nothing was confirmed but they believe someone could be there.



Clashes have also erupted in the area of the operation, with youths pelting stones at army men in two places in the Tral area. Sources, however, say the inner cordon has been tightened so the suspects cannot flee.



Musa was named Burhani Wanis successor to lead Hizbul Mujahideen in the Valley, but soon broke off and formed Taliban-e-Kashmir, as his brand of violence was too extreme even for the Mujahideen. He had recently exited HM following a controversy over his statement that he was not confining his fight for Kashmir cause but for the Caliphate.



The Army has been closing in on the terrorist leader in recent days. Three members belonging to Musa-led al-Qaeda group were killed in an encounter two days ago. The three terrorists were recently seen in photographs of Zakir Musa with his group, which were released recently.
Kolkata: The family members of freedom fighter Khudiram Bose have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honour the real heroes who fought for independence and went to gallows happily, and not those who only enjoyed power in the name of freedom.



Speaking to News18 on the death anniversary of Khudiram Bose, his distant relative, Colonel (Retd) Siddharatha Bose said, It is unfortunate that young minds are only aware of a handful of freedom fighters. If you ask them about Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Baba Kala Singh, Mohan Kishore Namadas, I am sure most of them are unaware of them.



It is painful to read in school textbooks about the great Mughals. What kind of education we are giving to our students. Mughals were never great. They were invaders.... I think the government should have a rethink on its education policy to include chapters on forgotten heroes, he said.



Siddharatha Bose, who served the Indian Army for more than three decades, said, The dynasty culture even among freedom fighters should be stopped. This independence day, my earnest request to the people in power to is to help re-write the history as a mark of respect to those unsung heroes.



He revealed that Khudiram Boses iron box  with his valuables - went missing long time back from a hut in Konnagar in Hooghly district in Bengal.



The box contains personal belongings of Khudiram Bose. I would like to request if anyone has any knowledge about that box please let it be known to the concerned ministry so that it can be displayed in the museum, he added.



On the context of remuneration from the government to the family members of freedom fighters, he said, There should be a proper screening on who should get it and who should not. It may be possible that a freedom fighters relatives or distant relatives may be involved in corrupt practices. In that case they should not get the remuneration."



Khudiram Bose was just 18 years of age when he was hanged to death for attacking and killing three Britishers in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, on August 11, 1908.



Boses love for his motherland is a popular folklore in Bengal but his story remains unknown to many just like several other martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom but went unnoticed in the larger story of the freedom struggle.
New Delhi: Enjoying a high after Ahmed Patels victory in the Rajya Sabha election, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday called an opposition meet to chalk out the future course against the BJP, but received a setback before even taking the first step towards her plan.



The next big challenge for the Opposition will be to provide an alternative to the PM Narendra Modi, who has been bolstered now that Amit Shah too has made his entry into parliamentary politics. For precisely this reason, Congress, as the main opposition party, called an end of the session meeting of like-minded parties.



However, pouring cold water over the celebration-cum-strategy meet was old Congress ally from Maharashtra, NCP and its leader Sharad Pawar, who skipped the meet despite Sonia Gandhi inviting him.



Sources within NCP said they are upset at the Congress over its allegations that none of their MLAs voted for Ahmed Patel in the Rajya Sabha polls. They decided to boycott in protest.



But Congress members insist they know for a fact that none of the NCP legislators voted for Patel, despite the claim made by their official spokesperson that at least one MLA has voted in favour of Sonia Gandhis close aide.



Congress sources said they are aware that NCP does not want to antagonise the BJP as it is in power, both at the Centre as well as in Maharashtra. There are allegations against many NCP leaders, including Ajit Pawar and Praful Patel. So no one wants to take on the BJP, a senior Congress member told News18.



If the NCP does decide to move away from the Congress, it would be a boon for the BJP. Not only would it be yet another blow to Opposition unity, it could help the party in Maharashtra, where its ties with Shiv Sena are showing signs of strain.



NCPs absence notwithstanding, Sonia Gandhi, who chaired the meet, made it clear that she was looking at forming a formidable alliance. The Congress president had invited rebel JD(U) MP Ali Anwar, and he did turn up, much to the chagrin of Nitish Kumar. Anwar was the first to object to the BJP-JD(U) alliance in Bihar.



The bonhomie between Mamata Banerjee and Sonia Gandhi was evident at the meeting. Congress realises that it would need TMC, which can be a formidable ally as it still enjoys a strong presence in Bengal.



Side-by-side with the TMC were the Left parties, who seemed to be reconciling to the alignments in national politics. Sitaraman Yechury admitting that the need of the hour is to provide a correct alternative to the current regime and form an anti-BJP front.
New Delhi: Making it clear that the Ram Janmabhoomi - Babri Masjid title dispute will not be heard as a PIL, the Supreme Court on Friday fixed December 5 to begin hearing final arguments as to who owns the disputed land in Ayodhya.



"Don't turn it into an Article 32 (PIL) petition... we will go by the Civil Procedure Code and other laws necessary to decide it as title suit," said a bench led by Justice Dipak Misra.



The Court further declined a plea made by Sunni Waqf Board and legal representatives of individual claimants, including Md Hashim and M Siddiqui, to hear the case not before January.



"We can't wait till eternity for procedural formalities to get over... it has to be heard. We have to start hearing the matter," said the bench also comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and SA Nazeer.



While the lawyers for Sunni Waqf Board and others pressed for an extended date of hearing; counsel for Uttar Pradesh government, Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla said they wanted a speedy hearing of the matter in a time-bound manner.



Both the sides, however, agreed that title suits were to be heard and decided first since that would establish the confines of rights over the land.



The issue arose after BJP MP Subramanian Swamy asserted his fundamental right to worship at the disputed site in his petition.



Swamy contended his fundamental right to practise a religion was more important than anybody's property rights and therefore, his plea should be decided first.



But the Court asked him to wait till the hearing of the title suit is over. "You be here as we hear the suit. We may want your assistance too," the bench told Swamy.



Sunni Waqf Board and others on its side wanted a longer adjournment on the ground that many of the original petitioners required to be substituted by their legal heirs after the formers' death and then the notices would also have to be served on the legal representatives.



Another reason cited by their lawyers  Kapil Sibal, Anoop Choudhary, Huzefa Ahmadi and Rajeev Dhavan, was that the documents relating to the land in question were in eight different languages and hence, at least four months will be needed to translate them.



Sibal, at one point, asked the bench to seek assistance of the Central government's department of official translation for translating into English more than 15,000 documents in languages such as Hindi, Sanskrit, Persian and Punjabi. But the suggestion was turned down immediately. "We dont want to involve the Government of India into this," retorted the Court.



It said that all the parties should get such documents translated on their own if they wanted to rely on them. "Plaintiffs and defendants should translate their own documents. If any dispute arises over correctness of such translation, we may then get an expert opinion from a board of translators," said the bench.



Sibal and Choudhary requested the bench to fix a date in January but the Court was not inclined. It gave all the parties 12 weeks to translate the relevant documents, and fixed December 5 to start the final arguments.



Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Uttar Pradesh government, was requested to get oral evidence in the suit translated within 10 weeks, and supply it to all parties. Senior lawyers C S Vaidyanathan and Shyam Divan appeared for Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla respectively. They also supported an argument for fixing an early date to start hearing the matter.



The court also ordered for expeditious completion of all other procedural formalities, including substitution of legal heirs and service of notices upon them. It directed completion of this exercise in six weeks.



At present, there is a status quo by the apex court on the Allahabad High Court order of three-way division of the disputed site. By a 2:1 majority judgment, the Allahabad High Court had in 2010 ordered for the three-way division of roughly 15,000 square feet site occupied by the mosque before its demolition on December 6, 1992  one-third for the Sunni Waqf Board, one-third for the Nirmohi Akhara and one-third to the party for Ram Lalla.
New Delhi: The JD(U) on Friday suspended its Rajya Sabha member Ali Anwar Ansari from the parliamentary party for attending a meeting of opposition parties convened by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.



Party spokesperson KC Tyagi said Ansari has been suspended from the parliamentary party for attending the meeting of opposition parties despite the JD(U) severing its ties with the Congress-led UPA.



Leaders of 16 opposition parties, led by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, met here on Friday to deliberate on evolving an "alternative narrative" to counter the BJP.



Tyagi also hit out at Gandhi for trying to "encroach upon" the party by interfering in its internal matters.



Ansari had criticised JD(U) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's decision to walk out of the Grand Alliance in Bihar and form government with the BJP.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said it is a tribute to the Indian democracy that people rise from humble and rural backgrounds to the highest constitutional positions, as he joined members of Rajya sabha in welcoming M Venkaiah Naidu as the Chairman of the House.



Soon after he was administered oath as the Vice President of India, Naidu took over as the Chairman of the Upper House.



Leading the felicitations, Modi said the day holds a historic value as on this day, Khudiram Bose, a 18-year old young revolutionary of the freedom struggle, was hanged by the British.



That event "reminds us of the sacrifice of those who had fought for freedom and the responsibility that it places on all of us," he said.



Naidu, he said, is the first Vice President to be born in independent India. Besides having long experience, he is well-versed with the intricacies of parliamentary procedures and the functioning of the House, Modi said.



A son of a farmer, Naidu joined the student movement on a call given by J P Narayan and has since risen from the ranks to lead the second highest constitutional position in the country, he said, adding that issues concerning farmers and the poor have always been dear to his heart.



The rising of people of humble and poor background to the highest constitutional positions in the country is a tribute to Indian democracy and shows its maturity, he said.



"All constitutional positions today are occupied by poor or sons of farmers or commoners," he said referring to President Ram Nath Kovind also coming from a similar background.



Recalling his long association with the new Vice President, the Prime Minister said Naidu has always been sensitive to the needs of rural areas, poor and farmers and his inputs on these issues have been of immense value.



Even as a minister for urban development, he gave more inputs on rural and farmer issues, Modi said, adding that Naidu was the one who gave the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana - a scheme most sought after by the MPs for development of their constituencies.



He is also possibly the only Vice President who has spent so many years of his life amongst the people, he said.



Modi said Naidu was known for coining acronyms and since he is one who has spent so many years in the Rajya Sabha, there might be an initial discomfort, similar to the one faced by lawyers when one of them becomes a judge.



He expressed confidence that Naidu would rise to the occasion and his conduct would win him accolades from opposition benches as well.




India will launch its eighth navigation satellite this month-end as a spare or back-up for its constellation in the geo-orbit, a top space agency official said on Thursday. "We are preparing to launch the eighth Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS-1H) at the end of this month as a standby for the Navigation Indian Constellation (NavIC), which is operational for services," ISRO Satellite Centre Director M. Annadurai told IANS here. The 1.4-tonne satellite will be launched from the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) spaceport at Sriharikota off the Bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradesh, about 80 km northeast of Chennai."The satellite is ready to move from our centre to Sriharikota on August 12 on a special vehicle for integration with the rocket at the space centre," said Annadurai on the margins of a technology event. The launch authorization board will decide on the date and time after all the checks were completed during the window for the launch schedule. The space agency, however, will use a medium Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV C39) with four strap-on motors to deploy the satellite first in the geo-transfer orbit and later in the geo-stationary orbit, about 36,000 km above the earth, where the NavIC is orbiting over the last four years."The spare or standby satellite will also make up for the non-functioning of the three rubidium atomic clocks on board the first one (IRNSS-1A) and one each in the other two NavIC satellites," ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre Director K. Sivan told IANS from Thiruvananthapuram. Clarifying that the spare satellite (IRNSS-1H) would augment the NavIC's operations, Sivan said IRNSS-1A would continue to orbit and provide the services it is programmed for the intended users as part of the system. "We are not going to abandon the first one (IA) as it is working well with all its functions except the atomic clocks being normal. In the other satellites, we are using only one clock, as other two are for redundancy," said Sivan.The clocks provide precise locational data for the users. The first one was launched in July 2013 and the seventh one (IRNSS-1G) in April 2016. The multi-purpose satellite-based positioning system, akin to the American GPS, Glonass of Russia, Galileo of Europe and China's Beidou, supports vehicle tracking, fleet management, disaster management and mapping services besides terrestrial, marine and aerial navigation in the sub-continent.The space agency plans to launch an additional space navigation satellite later this year to augment the services of the Rs 1,420 crore NavIC. "The two spare navigation satellites will make up for any shortfall in the operations and service provided by NavIC to the users round-the-clock over the next 10 years," added Sivan. NavIC provides two types of services -- standard positioning service and restricted service. The former is for all users while the latter is an encrypted service for only authorised users.
Sweden is set to emerge as a potential market for the Indian IT-BPM sector, a new report said on Thursday. The report by the National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom), along with Business Sweden, a partly government-owned company, and research firm Radar Ecosystem, underlines key driving areas that make Sweden a potential IT hub that could be of special interest to Indian IT companies."India and Sweden's IT ecosystem have a mutual affinity for each other -- with both the countries at the threshold of digitisation, opening multiple opportunities for the countries to collaborate," said Nasscom President R Chandrashekhar in a statement. According to the report titled 'Sweden a key driver of Nordic ICT growth', Sweden has been identified as the country with 40 per cent of the total share of the Nordic countries' IT spend -- that is $23 billion in 2016-17.The central market trend reflected in Sweden is the drive for digitisation just like Indian markets. Sweden currently has 150 per cent smart device penetration, which is among the highest in Europe with 14.6 million devices and is witnessing the adoption of new delivery models, such as Cloud-computing and offshore delivery. Internet of Things (IoT) is also increasingly penetrating in the vehicle, health, banking and logistics space.The report predicted that the value of the consulting market is expected to grow by 3.6 per cent to a total value of $6.65 billion by 2017. Sweden has adopted a 'Digital First' strategy similar to 'Digital India' which aims to create a public e-government system that meets citizen, organisation and private sector expectations. The country is home to several notable companies like Truecaller, Candy Crush, Skype and Spotify, the report said.
Mogadishu: The US military has announced two new airstrikes against al-Shabab extremists in Somalia, and Somalia's president says the joint operation killed a high-level leader of the group.



The US statement says the airstrikes were carried out on Friday near the Banadiir region in southern Somalia.



Somalia's president in a separate statement says the al-Shabab leader had been part of a network responsible for planning and carrying out several bombings and assassinations in the capital, Mogadishu.



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.



The US earlier this month confirmed another airstrike killed al-Shabab's shadow governor for Mogadishu.


Ottawa: A Canadian diplomat in Cuba has been treated for hearing loss, an official has said, after revelations that a number of US embassy staff in Cuba suffering similar symptoms were forced to leave Havana.



US officials have told CNN that its employees may have been attacked with a sonic device, outside the range of audible sound, either inside or outside their residences in Havana.



It was not immediately clear if Cuba was to blame  or another nation, officials told the network.



"We are aware of unusual symptoms affecting Canadian and US diplomatic personnel and their families in Havana," Canadian foreign ministry spokeswoman Brianne Maxwell said on Thursday.



"The government is actively working -- including with US and Cuban authorities -- to ascertain the cause."



On Wednesday, the US State Department said the symptoms were first reported late last year.



"Some US government personnel who were working at our embassy in Havana, Cuba ... reported some incidents which have caused a variety of physical symptoms," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said.



"We don't have any definitive answers about the source or the cause," she said.



Two Cuban diplomats were expelled from Washington in May over the incident, Nauert announced.



"We had to bring some Americans home or some Americans chose to come home as a result of that. And as a result of that, we've asked two Cubans to leave the United States and they have," she told reporters.



Cuba said it had objected to the expulsion of its officials, while also urging the United States to work together to shed light on the incidents in Havana.



Relations between the United States and Cuba were restored in 2015 after a half-century break by then US president Barack Obama and his Cuban counterpart Raul Castro.



But the rapprochement was partially rolled back by Obama's successor Donald Trump, who in June announced tightened rules for Americans traveling to Cuba, banned ties with a military-run tourism firm and reaffirmed the existing US trade embargo.


Beijing: If North Korea launches an attack that threatens the United States then China should stay neutral, but if the United States attacks first and tries to overthrow North Korea's government China will stop then, a Chinese state-run newspaper said on Friday.



President Donald Trump ratcheted up his rhetoric toward North Korea and its leader on Thursday, warning Pyongyang against attacking Guam or US allies after it disclosed plans to fire missiles over Japan to land near the US Pacific territory.



China, North Korea's most important ally and trading partner, has reiterated calls for calm during the current crisis. It has expressed frustration with both Pyongyang's repeated nuclear and missile tests and with behaviour from South Korea and the United States that it sees as escalating tensions.



The widely-read state-run Global Times, published by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, wrote in an editorial that Beijing is not able to persuade either Washington or Pyongyang to back down.



"It needs to make clear its stance to all sides and make them understand that when their actions jeopardise China's interests, China will respond with a firm hand," said the paper, which does not represent government policy.



"China should also make clear that if North Korea launches missiles that threaten US soil first and the US retaliates, China will stay neutral," it added.



"If the US and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime and change the political pattern of the Korean Peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so."



China has long worried that any conflict on the Korean peninsula, or a repeat of the 1950-53 Korean war, could unleash a wave of destabilising refugees into its northeast, and could end up with a reunified county allied with the United States.



North Korea is a useful buffer state for China between it and US forces based in South Korea, and also across the sea in Japan.



The Global Times said China will "firmly resist any side which wants to change the status quo of the areas where China's interests are concerned".



"The Korean Peninsula is where the strategic interests of all sides converge, and no side should try to be the absolute dominator of the region."
Brussels: Dutch investigators arrested two suspects on Thursday in an intensified European investigation into insecticide-tainted eggs, as the scandal spread eastwards with the discovery of a tonne of contaminated yolk in Romania.



The spiralling scandal that has seen eggs taken off the shelves across Europe also reached Luxembourg, while Britain said it had imported 700,000 eggs from Dutch farms linked to fears over fipronil contamination, far more than first thought.



Fipronil is commonly used to get rid of fleas, lice and ticks from animals but is banned by the EU from use in the food industry. It can harm people's kidneys, liver and thyroid glands.



With questions growing about how the contamination happened and whether consumers have been kept in the dark, pressure has grown on the two countries at the centre of the scandal - the Netherlands and Belgium.



In joint raids with Belgium, Dutch prosecutors said they had arrested "two managers at the company that allegedly used the substance at poultry farms," with Dutch media naming the suspects' company as Chickfriend.



Farmers in the Netherlands -- one of Europe's biggest egg exporters -- and Belgium have previously identified Chickfriend as the company that they hired to treat their chickens to eradicate the parasite red lice.



The Dutch authorities said the raids also also focused on a Belgian supplier of fipronil, named in the media as Poultry-Vision, and another Dutch company that colluded with it, which was not identified.



"They are suspected of putting public health in danger by supplying and using fipronil in pens containing egg-laying chickens," prosecutors' spokeswoman Marieke van der Molen said.



Belgian investigators meanwhile identified 26 people or companies as suspects during the 11 raids by police and food safety agency officers, for offences including fraud and breaking EU food laws.



Investigators seized paperwork, cars, banking details and fixed assets in both countries. They said they had also seized 6,000 litres of "prohibited products" in Belgium.



The joint offensive came despite Belgium earlier accusing the Netherlands of knowing about the problem of fipronil in eggs since November 2016, but failing to inform them until July.



The Netherlands denied the charge.



In Romania -- the country identified in media reports as where Belgium's Poultry-Vision bought its supply of fipronil -- one tonne of egg yolk liquid contaminated with the insecticide was found.



The liquid was imported from Germany and found in a warehouse in western Romania, in the first discovery of its kind in eastern Europe, the Romanian veterinary health authority ANSVSA said, adding that none of it has been put on the market.



Meanwhile British authorities said that around 7,00,000 eggs from Dutch farms implicated in the scandal had been distributed in Britain, just days after saying the number was only 21,000.



As a result, four major British supermarket chains have withdrawn some products containing eggs, including sandwiches and salads, the Food Standards Agency said.



Luxembourg said eggs sold in branches of the discount supermarket Aldi had been withdrawn, with one batch containing so much fipronil it was unsafe to be eaten by young children.



Tests also found fipronil in eggs sold in Luxembourg supermarket chain Cactus, which had originally come from the Netherlands, while two Luxembourg suppliers of prepared meals, Caterman and Carnesa, said they had received cartons of liquid eggs from a contaminated source in Belgium.



The eggs at the centre of the scandal have mainly come from the Netherlands, followed by Belgium and Germany. Scores of farms have been shut.



Sweden, Switzerland, Britain, France and Luxembourg have also now announced that they have found contaminated eggs. The problem is believed to stem from a substance used by Dutch company Chickfriend which farmers in the Netherlands and Belgium say they hired to treat their chickens.



A lawyer for Poultry-Vision has said the firm sold it to Chickfriend but has not said where it got the substance. The French government says a Belgian company -- which it did not identify -- mixed fipronil with another, lawful, substance.
Washington: President Donald Trump has said that he is close to taking a decision on Afghanistan, for which his administration is carrying out a review of policy, with Senator John McCain unveiling his own plan for the war-torn country.



"We are getting close. We're getting very close. It's a very big decision for me," Trump told reporters on Friday at Bedminster in New Jersey, where he is on a vacation.



"I took over a mess, and we're going to make it a lot less messy. But that has been a place -- 17 years, our longest war, I read in one of your columns. And, frankly, it's going to be a decision that's going to be made very soon," Trump said without giving a timeline for the policy review.



The State Department said the US' Afghan policy review is still under way.



"There have been a lot of conversations and negotiations with the president's national security team. Of course, that includes Secretary (of State) Tillerson as part of that," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.



"We are looking at this as not just a solution to Afghanistan, but also a broader concern that incorporates India and Pakistan as well as a regional solution. We just don't have that plan," she said in response to a question. Earlier in the day, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee John McCain said that the US is losing in Afghanistan as he unveiled his own strategy for the war-torn country.



"We must face facts, we are losing in Afghanistan and time is of the essence if we intend to turn the tide," McCain said as he announced introducing the new Afghan strategy as an amendment to the National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2018, which is slated to come up for discussion before the Senate next month.



The goal of this strategy, he noted, is to ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a sanctuary for terrorists to plot and conduct attacks against America, its allies, or their's.



"To accomplish this goal, we need an integrated civil-military approach to bolster US counter-terrorism efforts, strengthen the capability and capacity of the Afghan government and security forces, and intensify diplomatic efforts to facilitate a negotiated peace process in the country in cooperation with regional partners," he said.



Calling for an enduring American troop presence in Afghanistan, McCain has proposed tough measures against Pakistan for its continued support to terrorists.



"Imposing graduated diplomatic, military, and economic costs on Pakistan as long as it continues to provide support and sanctuary to terrorist and insurgent groups, including the Taliban and the Haqqani Network," said the McCain strategy on Afghanistan.



Simultaneously, he proposed outlining the potential benefits of a long-term US-Pak strategic partnership that could result from the latter's cessation of support to all terrorist and insurgent groups and constructive role in bringing about a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Afghanistan.



He also called for intensification of American regional diplomatic efforts working through flexible frameworks for regional dialogue together with Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, India, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and other nations to promote Afghan political reconciliation.



Calling for increasing the number of US counter-terrorism forces in Afghanistan, McCain proposes providing the US military with status-based targeting authorities against the Taliban, the Haqqani Network, al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, and other terrorist groups that threaten the United States, its allies, and core interests.



America is adrift in Afghanistan. President Obama's "don't lose" strategy has put the US on a path to achieving the opposite result, McCain said.



"Now, nearly seven months into President Trump's administration, we've had no strategy at all as conditions on the ground have steadily worsened. The thousands of Americans putting their lives on the line in Afghanistan deserve better from their commander-in-chief," he said.
Yangon: Myanmar has sent hundreds of soldiers to beef up security in northwestern Rakhine state after a recent spate of killings, military sources said on Friday, fuelling fears of yet more violence and instability in the troubled region.



Muslim-majority northern Rakhine was plunged into violence last October when Rohingya Muslim insurgents killed nine police, setting off a brutal counteroffensive beset by allegations of rape, killings and torture by government troops.



Two military sources based in Rakhine told Reuters the army had sent troops to the state's north to "help tighten security" after seven Buddhists were found hacked to death in mountains near the town of Maungdaw last week.



The army dispatched about 500 soldiers to several towns near the border with Bangladesh on Thursday, including the towns of Buthidaung and Maungdaw, according to one of the military sources with direct knowledge of the matter.



"We have to increase security operations because the security situation has worsened - some Muslims and Buddhists have been killed by the insurgents," Rakhine State police chief Colonel Sein Lwin told Reuters.



The military spokesman and a spokesman for Myanmar's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, were not immediately available for comment.



Such a buildup raises fears of a fresh wave of violence after last year's operation in which security forces allegedly shot villagers at random, raped Rohingya women and burned homes.



UN EXPRESSES "MAJOR CONCERN"



"This development, which reportedly took place yesterday, is a cause for major concern," said Yanghee Lee, the U.N. special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar.



"The government must ensure that security forces exercise restraint in all circumstances and respect human rights in addressing the security situation in Rakhine State," she said in a statement issued in Geneva.



United Nations investigators who interviewed some of the nearly 75,000 people who fled to neighbouring Bangladesh last year said troops probably committed crimes against humanity.



The government rejects the allegations and has refused to cooperate with a U.N. fact-finding mission to look into abuses in Myanmar.



Despite the massive counter-offensive last year, the government has accused the militants of continuing to run training camps in the mountains and killing alleged informants in the Muslim community.



The government blamed "extremists" for the killing of the seven Buddhists who, residents of the area believe, stumbled upon a camp for Rohingya militants.



That prompted security forces to hunt for the killers in an "intensive clearance operation", a military source told Reuters last week.



This week, the army has tightened security and the police force is on high alert, Rakhine police official Sein Lwin added.



Security forces have also strengthened border guard posts in the region, said Kyaw Swar Tun, the director of the general administration department based in the state capital, Sittwe.



Regional rights body ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights voiced concern about the increased number of troops in Rakhine.



"Aung San Suu Kyi should call on all parties, including the Myanmar army, to take steps to de-escalate conflict in northern Rakhine State, rather than exacerbate it," a member of its board, Eva Kusuma Sundari, said in a statement.



About 1.1 million Rohingya live in Rakhine, but are denied citizenship and face curbs on movement and access to basic services. About 120,000 live in camps set up after deadly violence in 2012, relying on aid agencies for basic supplies.
Maiduguri: Nigeria's military raided a United Nations compound on Friday in the northeastern city at the epicentre of a conflict with Islamist insurgency Boko Haram, a UN official said.



The objective of the search could not be determined but it could damage an already tense relationship between the military, the United Nations and aid groups tackling one of the world's largest humanitarian crises sparked by the Boko Haram conflict.



"Members of the Nigerian security forces entered a United Nations base for humanitarian workers in Maiduguri... without authorisation," said Samantha Newport, a spokeswoman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.



The security forces, who arrived at about 5 am, "carried out a search of the camp and left at about 0800 hours," she said, adding that the UN has no information on the reason for the unauthorised search.



"The United Nations is extremely concerned that these actions could be detrimental to the delivery of lifesaving aid to the millions of vulnerable people in the northeast of Nigeria," Newport said.



The UN's top representative in Nigeria, the humanitarian coordinator, is communicating with the government about the incident, said Newport.



Nigeria's theatre commander for the conflict with Boko Haram, Ibrahim Attahiru, told Reuters he did not know the reason for the raid on the UN compound.



Spokesmen for Nigeria's military did not respond to calls and messages seeking comment. A spokesman for Nigeria's presidency did not respond to a request for comment.



The eight-year insurgency has driven at least 2 million people from their homes and almost 7 million need humanitarian assistance. Tens of thousands live on the brink of famine and millions more lack secure access to food.



More than $650 million has been given by the international community to the response this year, though agencies say more is needed to keep the crisis from worsening.



Throughout the conflict, the army has been accused of human rights violations including unlawful detention, sexual abuse and extrajudicial killings.



The military also plays a key role in the northeast, particularly outside Maiduguri in the state of Borno which has been the worst-hit by Boko Haram.



Aid agencies mostly rely on the army and its convoys for access to other parts of the state and in many camps for displaced people it is the military distributing food and medical supplies.



In February, an air force strike on a refugee camp killed up to 170 people, among them at least six Red Cross aid workers. The military said the attack was an accident.
Washington: US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on has warned that war with North Korea would be catastrophic and said diplomatic efforts were yielding results.



Speaking at an event in California on Thursday, Mattis said his mission and responsibility was to have military options ready should they be needed but stressed the US effort is currently focused on diplomacy.



The American effort is diplomatically led, it has diplomatic traction, it is gaining diplomatic results and I want to stay right there right now, Mattis said at an event in California.



The tragedy of war is well-enough known it doesnt need another characterization beyond the fact that it would be catastrophic, he added.



Mattis comments came shortly after President Donald Trump warned North Korea it should be very, very nervous if it thinks of attacking America, and doubled down on a vow to rain fire and fury on Pyongyang if it continued to threaten the US.



Mattis did not elaborate on the diplomatic results he referenced, but the UN Security Council at the weekend passed a new set of sanctions against Pyongyang over its weapons program, including bans on the export of coal, iron and iron ore, lead and lead ore as well as fish and seafood.



In a diplomatic win for the United States, the measures were approved unanimously  including by Russia and China, the Norths sole major ally.



The Pentagon chief on Wednesday issued a carefully worded statement telling North Korea it would be grossly outmatched in any conflict with the US, and warning Pyongyang to stop considering any action that risked the destruction of its people.
London: Opponents of Britain's departure from the European Union are floating the idea of setting up a new anti-Brexit political party.



James Chapman, a former top aide to Brexit Secretary David Davis, has become an outspoken critic of Britain's looming departure from the 28-nation bloc.



He is calling for a new centrist political party because both the governing Conservatives and main opposition Labour parties say they will go through with the decision to leave.



Chapman said Friday "there is an enormous gap in the center now of British politics" that could be filled by an anti-Brexit force. He said that two members of Prime Minister Theresa May's Cabinet have contacted him to express support.



Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has also called for pro-EU politicians from all parties to unite.



Chapman, a former journalist who was chief of staff to Davis until June, tweeted this week that "Brexit is a catastrophe" and called on "sensible" lawmakers to reverse it.



He has suggested the new party should be called the Democrats. But many politicians say Britons democratically voted to leave the bloc and it would be wrong to override the decision.



Britain is currently negotiating its divorce from the EU and is due to leave in March 2019.



Progress has been slow on settling the big early issues, including the status of EU nationals living in the UK and the size of the bill Britain must pay to settle its commitments to the bloc.



Meanwhile, UK economic growth is faltering amid uncertainty about what the country's future trading relationship with the EU will be.
Manila: A resident tries to shield himself from the heat as a fireman trains his hose on a fire that razed a shanty town, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017 in Manila, Philippines. Fire officials said the three-hour fire razed close to 300 houses and displaced about 800 families. (Image: AP)
Performers dressed as Pikachu, a character from Pokemon series game titles, march during the Pikachu Outbreak event hosted by The Pokemon Co. on August 9, 2017 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. A total of 1,500 Pikachus appear at the city's landmarks in the Minato Mirai area aiming to attract visitors and tourists to the city. The event will be held through until August 15. (Image: Getty Images)
As part of the citys Downtown 2040 Master Plan process, businesses from all over downtown Lynchburg voiced challenges, concerns and praise to planners Thursday morning.

A listening session at Riverviews Artspace drew about 25 business owners and employees who spoke about construction frustrations, teamwork and parking concerns.

The gathering was led by Aaron Arnett, with South Carolina-based Arnett Muldrow Associates, who has been using surveys and other initiatives to gain an understanding of the downtown business environment and come up with strategies to help attract new customers.

I want to give you recommendations on how to market and promote downtown, he said. Its important for me to understand the challenges businesses face and what information they need to move forward.

Arnett asked businesses how they would describe the current state of business in downtown.

John Seinar, owner of Bikes Unlimited, said downtown is thriving and has seen an increase in business.

Usually Fridays and Saturdays are our biggest nights, but Ive seen a shift in Monday through Friday, he said.

He said he is concerned about the level of communication between downtown and the city and wants to see a better relationship there.

I dont know who I could go to start a conversation with. Im excited to see the ability for change, but I want to see the city get involved, he said. I would like to see someone come into my business and say, heres a plan, heres a meeting, a marketing strategy.

Arnett agreed, saying the city should work with the local business sector to help coordinate the effort to bring people downtown.

Mary Brockman, owner of Enchanted, said a lack of parking has driven her client base away, especially with the construction that has forced the temporary closure of the two-hour parking lots on Main Street.

Its been a hardship with parking. If they cant find a spot, they finally leave and dont even bother coming into the store, she said. There is massive construction in so many different locations. There are folks who wont come downtown due to construction. Some people even think downtown is closed.

Geoff Kershner, executive director of the Academy Center of the Arts, said communication efforts have helped the center thrive.

We have had extra communication efforts letting people know the gallery is still open while construction goes on and have utilized other downtown activities such as doing things in [Riverfront Park], he said.

Todd Swindell, hotel director of the Craddock Terry Hotel, said there has been confusion due to several different downtown maps that are available.

Multiple organizations have a different map; we need one official map, he said.

Arnett informed the businesses the Downtown Lynchburg Association currently is working on a marketing plan.

We need to have consistency, he said. There needs to be someone to be that main communicator of what is offered downtown.

In a ZIP code survey conducted by Arnett and his team a few weeks ago, during the course of one week, more than 30 businesses asked patrons where they live. That effort yielded 413 different ZIP codes from 38 states and three countries.

Arnett said the results are a foundation for a future market analysis.

This shows us the types of businesses we can support and the ones we have now that we can expand, he said. Its a good snapshot of where do we go from here.

Eighty-five percent of customers came from Virginia, 48 percent were from Lynchburg and 28 percent came from outside the region, which Arnett said was a huge number.

Usually its 15 or 20 percent, he said. You guys have a healthy customer base in downtown.

It also found 13 percent of business-goers who completed the survey were college students. Arnett said while college students are living, working and shopping downtown, he wouldnt classify Lynchburg as a college town.

Gary Harvey, co-owner of Architectural Partners, said his company wants to employ more young professionals but has a hard time getting them to look at Lynchburg.

In my opinion, you have the ingredients that are desirable for the employees you want but that can be hard to tap into, Arnett said. The more times Ive been here, my eyes have been open to all the things this city offers.

The citys Downtown 2040 Master Plan process kicked off Wednesday night at the Academy Center of the Arts. Roanoke-based Hill Studio is the lead consultant in the development of the updated downtown master plan. The $243,000 contract was awarded to the firm in May.
Media misrepresented MAD says CEO

Arjoon came under fire from Education Minister Anthony Garcia who said he was disappointed by the CEOs claim that a drug trade was rampant in primary schools. Garcia said the ministry was never informed about any drug trade at any of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) centres.

However, in a release on Wednesday, MAD said Arjoon did not generalise all primary schools with reference to the term drug trade nor did he intimate about any rampant drug trade in his address.

The release said Arjoons reference to certain primary schools was in relation to information reaching MAD. Saying the CEO did not, at any time, refer to the ECCE, MAD said his reference to the far-reaching effects of drug abuse as it related to pre-school level was based on a presentation made at a parenting workshop hosted by a Government ministry and Government agency for stakeholders. During the presentation, a preschool was highlighted where an illegal substance was found in a childs lunch kit.

MAD said they conducted their drug abuse awareness programme at primary and secondary schools at the request or permission of those schools. They said at no time was any student questioned privately.

The release said any information received in relation to drug or substance abuse or drug trafficking or sale at educational institutions was relayed to the principal or head of said institution.

Mothers Against Drug Abuse does not wish to be at loggerheads with the nations educational governing body, Government ministries or any other educational institution.

The organisation desires to partner with such institutions in helping students to make wise choices based on proper information as it relates to the prevalence of substances affecting the society as a whole.
Harare businessman Wellborne Hativagones house in Highlands has been attached over a $29 000 debt.





The house, situated at stand number 473 Runiville B of Lot 400, Highlands Estate, is set to be auctioned in order to recover the money.





Hativagone (57), who was arrested last year for selling an industrial stand to two people for $80 000 each, was recently ordered by a Harare magistrate to pay back $28 379 paid to him by one of the buyers, Mr Lowen Muri- ngisi.





He then paid $5 000 through a trust account, but was ordered to pay the remainder before July 30 last year.





He failed to honour the order. Hativagone is the owner of Mariwebb (Pvt) Ltd, which is located at No. 312 Esap Way, Willowvale, and his company was also ordered to pay the complainant $14 189 on or before March 31 last year.





Part of his property, which includes refrigerators, sofas, tables, a dining room suite, generators, microwave, a borehole pump and metal cabinets have also been attached. On Tuesday, the High Court ordered the Sheriff to attach the house in order to realise the money.





I have today placed under judicial attachment the following immovable property, which owned/occupied by you namely, a certain piece of land situated in the District of Salisbury measuring 5 471 square metres called Remainder of Stand 473 Runiville B of Lot 400 Highlands Estate of Welmoed, reads part of the Notice of Attachment of Immovable Property.

Last year, Hativagone was jailed three years, of which one year was suspended for five years on condition that he did not commit the same offence within that period.

The remaining two years were wholly suspended on condition that he paid back $14 189 on or before March 31 last year.





Prosecutor Ms Dorah Moyo said sometime in February 2013, Hativagone approached the complainant, Mr Muringisi, who is self- employed, at No. 312 Esap Way, Willowvale, and informed him that he was selling stand number 544 Affirmative Road also in Willowvale.





Mr Muringisi expressed interest and the two entered into a verbal agreement for the sale of the stand for $80 000. Hativagone requested for an initial deposit of $20 000 and the complainant offered his house in Glen View as part of payment for the premises.





The two agreed that Mr Muringisi was going to surrender his house, which was valued at $42 000 and that the he would pay the balance in cash.





From September 6, 2013 to August 6, 2014, on different occasions, Mr Muringisi paid $28 379. In November, Mr Muringisi was approached by Petros Chigodora of Strathaven, Harare, who informed him that he had bought the same stand from Hativagone in 2013.

Mr Muringisi approached Hativagone and asked him of the new developments and was not given any satisfactory answer, resulting with the matter being reported to the police. herald
PLANS by opposition forces to coalesce and unseat Zanu-PF in harmonised elections next year are facing serious hurdles after the MDC-Alliance and Coalition for Democrats yesterday held separate meetings in Harare.



Peoples Democratic Party secretary-general Dr Gorden Moyo confirmed there was no coalition as yet among opposition parties.



This was despite MDC-T claims yesterday of vibrancy within the MDC Alliance. PDP is the ancestor of the concept or notion of coalitions in Zimbabwe. We started it so we have this loco parentis to the concept of coalitions, he said.



There are various efforts. CODE is one effort. MDC Alliance is yet another effort. Mass Opposition Movement is another effort. So there are various efforts that still need to be glued together failing which we will do a disservice to the people of Zimbabwe.



The MDC led by Professor Welshman Ncube yesterday issued a statement announcing their withdrawal from CODE. MDC spokesperson Mr Kurauone Chihwayi said: The MDC secretary-general, Miriam Mushayi, delivered the letter of resignation to the current CODE chairperson, Mr Tendai Biti, on the 7th of August 2017, he said.



Spokesperson for MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai also released a statement yesterday suggesting the MDC Alliance had hit the ground running after convening its first meeting of the Coalition Principal Forum.





The agreement, under Clause 5.2 provides for the establishment of this forum which must be attended by all the Alliance party presidents and by invitation anyone else the presidents so choose.





For inter-party communication and implementation of Alliance programmes, the secretaries-general of the Alliance parties attend the meetings by invitation, he said.





University of Zimbabwe lecturer and political analyst Mr Eldred Masunungure said while the opposition believe the coalition would help them, Zanu-PF would be victorious next year





We should take the reality on the ground in assessing the potential of that alliance to do what it seeks to achieve, that is, to unseat Zanu-PF.





I do not think that would be possible under the circumstances. All things being equal, Zanu-PF will come out first best whether there is an alliance or not. I think, organisationally, in terms of resources, in terms of everything that goes into the preparations, Zanu-PF is way, way ahead, he said.





Meanwhile, in a story published on August 8, 2017 titled Tsvangirai dispatched thugs to Bulawayo, it was erroneously indicated that MDC-T deputy national chairman MR Shakespear Mukoyi was part of the youths that disrupted a meeting at the party offices in Bu- lawayo.





It has since emerged that Mr Mukoyi was not among the group of people that attacked MDC-T vice president Ms Thokozani Khupe, national chairman Mr Lovemore Moyo and organising secretary Mr Abednico Bhebhe on Sunday. herald
IN a dramatic development which could have led to a seismic shift in local politics, Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week offered to resign from his government and ruling party posts, saying he could not stand the ongoing public flogging and humiliation by Zanu PFs Young Turks coalesced around First Lady Grace Mugabe, the Zimbabwe Independent has heard.





High-level sources said a concatenation of recent events led to Mnangagwas resignation, which was, however, rejected by President Robert Mugabe. Mnangagwa has worked with Mugabe for almost 50 years and is always critical to his election strategy.





The sources said Mnangagwa met Mugabe on Monday last week, where he complained about the public flagellation and embarrassment he had been subjected to and endured at Zanu PF youth and women rallies, most blatantly at the party headquarters in Harare on July 27 and July 29 in Chinhoyi.





Prior to that, he had been publicly routed in Marondera, Mutare and Masvingo, directly and indirectly. Mugabe and Grace, supported by their allies, often led the charge most of the times.





Higher Education minister Jonathan Moyo started the current ruthless campaign against Mnangagwa on June 1 at a Sapes Trust Dialogue Series public discussion in Harare, where he said Defence minister Sydney Sekeramayi  now widely seen as the chosen one  was a better candidate to succeed Mugabe than the vice-president. The following day in Marondera, Mugabe reinforced the message and has been doing so during each of the ongoing youth rallies.





Moyo launched the most ferocious attack on Mnangagwa through a video-documentary at a Zanu PF politburo meeting on July 19. Mnangagwa will respond to the video, which says he is plotting to oust Mugabe, in the next politburo meeting. Moyo is said to be planning a counter-attack on Mnangagwa after that.





Tomorrow Mugabe might stay course despite Mnangagwa and his allies protests at the next youth rally in Gwanda. Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko has also been brutal in his attacks on Mnangagwa. Another G40 ally Patrick Zhuwao has been on a warpath against the vice-president. Last year Mnangagwa was also subjected to public attacks, mainly by Manicaland provincial minister Mandi Chimene and ousted Zanu PF Womens League treasurer Sarah Mahoka.





Following recent events and political developments, Mnangagwa on Monday last week offered to resign, one source said. He sought to resign in writing from his two posts as state vice-president and Zanu PF second secretary at an impromptu meeting, where Mugabe declined the letter and resignation.





The vice-president gave mainly two reasons for seeking to quit. First, he cited public attacks and humiliation by Grace at the Zanu PF headquarters on July 27 and the same thing two days later, on July 29, in Chinhoyi.





Second, Mnangagwa said he now believes there is a plot against him by the system, given recent developments and allegedly false intelligence reports which on many issues made him think Mugabe wanted him to be his successor.





Sources said Mnangagwa took with him some newspaper articles which showed Graces public attacks on him.





The vice-president had newspaper articles which he presented to Mugabe, saying Grace has launched a character assassination campaign against him. He said he has the capacity to respond, but has been quiet because he respects the First Family.





Sources said Mugabe, who has already said publicly he wants to reconfigure the Zanu PF presidium by bringing in a woman as one of his deputies by December, listened to him, but rejected his offer to resign.





Either the current two vice-presidents will be increased to three or one of them, between Mnangagwa and Mphoko, will have to go for the deputies to remain two. If Grace was to come in, as widely thought, it would be difficult to remove Mphoko as he is representing the old Zapu in the 1987 Unity Accord arrangement with Zanu. This puts Mnangagwa in an invidious position, although the Zanu PF Midlands Godfather still has room to manoeuvre, insiders say. Mugabe rejected the resignation offer, saying Mnangagwa was jumping the gun, a source said.





Mnangagwas backers say the vice-president also urged Mugabe to resolve his differences with the military privately rather than publicly attacking them.





Mnangagwa, who until recently was seen as a shoo-in to succeed Mugabe, is locked in a bitter wrangle with the G40 faction pushing for Sekeramayi to succeed the long-time ruler. At the Zanu PF Womens League national assembly meeting a fortnight ago, Grace challenged Mugabe to anoint his successor in a move widely seen as an attempt to derail Mnangagwas bid and fast-track Sekeramayi in.





Mugabe then lambasted the military for meddling in politics, warning their moves were bordering on a coup.





Grace also addressed the Chinhoyi youth rally, where she degraded her rivals in the presence of Mugabe. There she insinuated Mnangagwa was loyal to Mugabe by day, but disloyal to him by night, before challenging him to be consistently loyal. The First Lady, who last year said vice-presidents reported to her, publicly embarrassed Mugabes spokesman, George Charamba, a Mnangagwa loyalist, accusing him of abusing the state media for factional agendas. She asked why the state-controlled media was being used to denigrate certain ministers and officials while promoting others. Since then, the state media, particularly The Herald and The Sunday Mail, have retreated in fear.





Grace also took the opportunity to defend her G40 allies, Moyo and the embattled national commissar Saviour Kasukuwere, saying the Higher Education minister was being falsely accused of corruption, while Kasukuwere was being targeted for political reasons.





Kasukuwere has been under fire after nine of the partys 10 provincial executive committees passed a vote-of-no-confidence in him. He was accused of creating parallel structures to unseat Mugabe, mismanagement, abusing party assets, funds and nepotism. Mugabe said no-one appointed by him can be removed by provinces.





Moyo has been accused of abusing the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund money for personal benefit and to advance his political objectives. But Zanu PF has come to his rescue, saying he used the public funds to support party activities.





In February last year, Mnangagwa was subjected to a stinging attack by Mahoka, who challenged him to openly declare his presidential ambitions before accusing him of behaving like a duck. Following the latest attacks, Mnangagwa met Mugabe, where he pledged his loyalty to the president before offering to quit.





The two have been together for a long time and Mnangagwa has been a pillar of strength for Mugabe, especially being his election agent, the source said.





Mnangagwa asked Mugabe last week to relieve him of his duties so that he doesnt continue to be attacked and humiliated, having faithfully worked for the president for a long time. He complained that on various occasions, very junior people are politically manipulated and used to embarrass him.





Zanu PF insiders say Mnangagwa has previously contemplated resigning after certain critical events.





In 2000, after his defeat in the parliamentary election by the original MDCs Blessing Chebundo in Kwekwe, Mnangagwa is said to have almost retired before Mugabe sent the late vice-present Simon Muzenda to tell him to stay as he was going to be made Speaker of Parliament. The same issue arose in 2005 after his second defeat by Chebundo. Mugabe rescued him and appointed him MP and Rural Housing minister.




Disgruntled war veterans have escalated their fight with the First Family  this time by poking fun at influential Grace Mugabe  whom they are portraying as a failed mother through T-shirts carrying disparaging messages.



The T-shirts are emblazoned with Graces face and have gone viral on social media.

Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) secretary-general Victor Matemadanda has been pictured wearing one such T-shirt.



Control your children first. Grace a failed mum; her sons unruly rogues failing only with two boys, cant mother 14 million, reads the message on the T-shirt that Matemadanda proudly wore.



This followed recent statements by Grace agonising over her sons  Robert Junior and Chatunga Bellarmine  wayward behaviour which saw them being ejected from a plush residence in South Africa in June.



The impressionable youths have now become the bane of jokes, with a post of Matemadandas T-shirt on Facebook amassing thousands of likes.

Matemadanda yesterday told the Daily News that he had received the controversial apparel from well-wishers he declined to reveal.



We are not afraid of being arrested. If we are arrested we will stay in prison until that time when they feel we should be freed, Matemadanda told the Daily News.



At a press conference earlier on Wednesday, Matemadanda had also laid into Grace saying she does not deserve to be called the First Lady because of her conduct.



We heard the first lady is doing this, no, this is the second first lady. Our first lady is Sally. Our first lady helped us during the war, said Matemadanda referring to the late President Robert Mugabes Ghanaian-born wife who died of renal failure in 1992.



In 1996, Mugabe married Grace Marufu, his former secretary, with whom he already had two children. Their third child was born in 1997.



What worries us is that when Sally felt sick, she didnt go outside the country but some are getting treatment outside the country, Matemadanda told a news conference on Wednesday.



Sally was a unifier not ava vekuuruka uruka ava (not this one who appears wild) dancing at rallies with (Zanu PF political commissar Saviour) Kasukuwere. Every time you will see her in Singapore, her children are misbehaving in South Africa, so do you think Charamba is more stubborn than her children?



So why did she do that to Charamba? We dont like that, said Matemadanda, referring to a rally held in Chinhoyi two weeks ago in which Grace attacked presidential spokesperson, George Charamba at the youth interface rally.



A large section of the war veterans  including Matemadanda have publicly expressed their desire to see Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa succeeding Mugabe  a move which is being fiercely opposed by the G40 faction which has the backing of Grace. daily news
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President Trump's embattled former campaign chairman has hired a new legal team as the pressure from Robert Mueller's Russia investigation increases. Jason Maloni, a spokesman for Paul Manafort, says Manafort has dropped law firm WilmerHale, which had been speaking to investigators on his behalf, and now plans to hire Miller & Chevalier, which specializes in international tax cases, to represent him in the special counsel's investigation. Reuters reports that Manafort has previously been represented by Miller & Chevalier's Richard Hibey, whose previous clients include Clair George, a former CIA deputy director convicted of lying to Congress about the Iran-Contra scandal.

Sources tell Politico that former senior Department of Justice official Kevin Downing, who specializes in complex financial investigations, will be on Manafort's new legal team. The sources say that the change suggests Manafort has realized that the Mueller investigation has turned up the heat and he needs more specialized legal help. President Trump said Thursday that an FBI search of Manafort's home last month was "pretty tough stuff," though he downplayed his relationship with Manafort, saying the political consultant only ran his campaign for "a very short period of time," the AP reports. (Investigators are believed to be seeking the cooperation of Manafort's son-in-law.)
Fans of IHOP and Applebee's, take note: It's possible your hometown location will be closing, though it's also possible one will opening there soon. Parent company DineEquity announced a plan to close as many as 160 of the restaurants and to open up to 125 new ones, reports USA Today. The problem is that the company hasn't decided specifics yet in regard to locations. A safe bet when all is said and done: It will be harder to find an Applebee's in the US but easier to find an IHOP.

The Los Angeles Times provides more details on that front: 105 to 135 Applebee's restaurants will close, and while that will be offset slightly by 20 to 30 openings, most of those openings will be outside the US. As for IHOP, 20 to 25 restaurants will close, but 80 to 95 will open, mostly in the US. DineEquity operates 1,968 Applebee's locations worldwide and 1,752 IHOP sites. (Read more IHOP stories.)
Investigators aren't sure exactly when 82-year-old Isaak Komisarchik diedbut they know he died alone, trapped in an elevator, after calling for help and getting no response. The Denver man, who had dementia, was found dead in an elevator at an apartment complex on Aug. 2 after residents reported a terrible smell, the Denver Post reports. He had been reported missing almost a month earlier. Investigators found that Komisarchik pressed the emergency button in the elevator twice within 8 minutes on the morning of July 6 but received no response despite the city's requirement for emergency notifications to be closely monitored. The elevator led to a parking garage that was closed for renovations.

"Something is not right, and police are going to make a determination on what that is," says Capt. Greg Pixley of Denver Fire, per the Denver Channel. Police say the elevator company notified the apartment complex's management after receiving the distress call, but workers failed to check the parking garage elevator after checking two other elevators in the complex. Komisarchik had last been seen wearing pajamas at a nearby nursing facility on the afternoon of July 5, and police searched a wide area, including several ponds, after his disappearance. "How he got in there and when he got in there is obviously what we're trying to figure out," police spokesman John White says. (Read more elevator stories.)
The Silicon Valley billionaire who bought and then closed public access to a popular California beach must let the surfers return, a court ruled Thursday. In a 3-0 decision, a state appeals court ruled venture capitalist Vinod Khosla must restore public access to Martins Beach near San Francisco. Martins Beach had been frequented by surfers and fishermen for almost a century before Khosla bought its surrounding 89 acres for $32.5 million in 2008, per the San Jose Mercury News. Shortly after, Khosla, who the Guardian reports does not live on the land, blocked the only road providing beach access. Thursday's decision relates to a suit filed by the Surfrider Foundation in 2013.

The foundation argued that under the 1972 California Coastal Act, Khosla needed to obtain a Coastal Commission permit before changing "the intensity of use of water, or of access," and both a lower court and the appeals court agreed. A lawyer for Surfrider says it's "probably one of the most important public right-of-access cases in the country," with huge implications. He now expects Khosla to appeal to the California Supreme Court. Khosla previously said he would sell a land easement allowing public access to the beach to the State Lands Commission. But though the 6.4-acre stretch chosen is worth about $360,000, Khosla wants $30 million. His lawyer explained the price in December, saying "Khosla is unwilling to be coerced into giving up a vested constitutional property right." A lawsuit in which Khosla accuses the commission of harassment is pending. More on that here. (Read more California stories.)
A long-distance passenger bus crashed into the wall of an expressway tunnel in China's northwest, killing at least 36 people and injuring 13 others, official media reported Friday. The front end of the red bus was left mangled after it ploughed into the wall at the entrance to the tunnel on a four-lane highway, according to photos published by state media. The crash occurred in Shaanxi province shortly before midnight Thursday as the bus, with a legal carrying capacity of 51 people, was on its way to Luoyang, a city in central China, from Chengdu, the capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan.

The Xinhua News Agency and other media outlets said the bus was the only vehicle damaged, although it wasn't clear if any other vehicles were involved in causing the crash. Minister of Public Security Guo Shengkun ordered a swift investigation into the accident, according to state broadcaster China Central Television. Highway accidents are common in China because of high speeds, aggressive driving, and a failure to leave adequate braking distance, the AP reports. The World Health Organization estimates that traffic accidents kill around 260,000 people in mainland China each yeara rate of 18.8 in every 100,000 people. (Read more China stories.)
A Chinese newspaper thought to reflect the thinking of leaders in Beijing has issued a warning to both North Korea and the United States about a preemptive strike. An editorial in the Global Times warns the North that if Pyongyang decides to launch an attack threatening US soil, China will not help when the US retaliates, reports Reuters. But the editorial also says that if the US and South Korea strike first and try to overthrow the regime of Kim Jong Un, "China will prevent them from doing so." The editorial expresses frustration with the rhetoric and actions of both. Beijing, it says, "needs to make clear its stance to all sides and make them understand that when their actions jeopardize China's interests, China will respond with a firm hand."

The newspaper is not an "official mouthpiece" of the Chinese government, but it's at least "semiofficial" and likely reflects the government's position, notes the Washington Post. China has a long-standing agreement to defend North Korea, but that 1961 pact leaves some wiggle room if Pyongyang is the instigator. The editorial reflects that, with the key line being, "China should also make clear that if North Korea launches missiles that threaten US soil first and the US retaliates, China will stay neutral." It's telling, says an expert on North Korea at China's Renmin University. "China opposes North Korea testing missiles in the waters around Guam." (President Trump, meanwhile, continued his tough talk in a Friday tweet.)
Wells Fargo's attempt to regain trust with customers may not be helped by this claim: Days after admitting it signed 570,000 customers up for auto insurance they didn't needleading to ruined credit scores and repossessionsthe bank is now accused of targeting mom-and-pop shops in a deliberate, years-long overcharging scheme related to the processing of credit-card transactions. A former employee of Wells Fargo Merchant Services, which is 40% controlled by First Data, tells CNNMoney he was instructed to "go out and club the baby seals: mom-pop-shops that had no legal support" while working for the business between 2011 and 2013. A lawsuit claims the scheme involved getting small business owners to sign a 63-page merchant agreement that used "deceptive language" to hide "massive early termination fees."

"God would have had a hard time" escaping the contract, the former employee says. One of the plaintiffs in the suit, a business owner in North Carolina, says he was charged $500 to terminate the contract after being hit with monthly fees of $20 to $35. Those fees were the result of not meeting a minimum number of credit card transactions per month, though the account holder says Wells Fargo told him there would be no such fees. The bank has denied the claims in the suit filed in US District Court. It adds its "negotiated pricing terms are fair and were administrated appropriately." Nevertheless, a "shake-up" of Wells Fargo's board is coming, with Chairman Stephen Sanger likely to step down in the coming months, reports the Wall Street Journal. (Read more Wells Fargo stories.)
President Trump issued one more provocative threat to North Korea Friday morning: "Military solutions are now fully in place,locked and loaded,should North Korea act unwisely," he tweeted. "Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!" The tweet comes after a Chinese newspaper warned both countries to avoid a pre-emptive strike on the other. It also follows Trump's meeting with national security officials on Thursday and a doubling down on his earlier "fire and fury" warning.

Friday's tweet, then, marks the president's third threat this week to strike North Korea, notes the New York Times, though the newspaper adds that no signs on the ground point to "imminent action." North Korea, however, has said it is working on a plan to land missiles near the US territory of Guam. About an hour before Trump's tweet, state media in Pyongyang complained that Trump is "driving the situation on the Korean peninsula to the brink of a nuclear war," reports the Wall Street Journal. A separate article warned that even a "single shell" dropped by the US could lead to "thermonuclear war." (Read more President Trump stories.)
The residents of Guam are trying to keep their nerves in check as tensions rise between the White House and Pyongyang. The latest fact sheet to come out of the territory's Homeland Security department may either soothe those nerves or worsen them, as it lists what one should do in case of a nuclear missile attack, the Pacific Daily News reports. "Do not look at the flash or fireballit can blind you," is one piece of advice from the fact sheet, which was pieced together with info from the national Department of Homeland Security's disaster-preparation site. Other nuggets include lying down on the ground with your head covered (or even better, seeking immediate shelter underground or in a concrete or brick building), staying indoors for at least 24 hours, and not rushing to pick up your kids at schoolthey're better off inside the building than in a car.

Despite the new guidelines release, Guam Gov. Eddie Calvo said Friday that the threat level to the territory remains the same and that the island is "safe and sound." "Everyone should continue to live their lives," he said. CNN, meanwhile, talks to the people of Guam, and they're continuing to go about their daily business, with varying levels of concern. Most recognize the seriousness of a possible nuclear strike, though they try not to let fear dominate themCNN takes note of one local coffeehouse that's even working on a mushroom cloud design in its latte foam. But one worker at the Guam Museum reveals the underlying worry. "The reality is we could be here today and gone tomorrow," she says. Check out the fact sheet of do's and don'ts, including how it's advisable to use shampoo (but not conditioner) to wash off radioactive material. (Read more North Korea stories.)
"I just thought it was a cool painting," David Van Auker tells the Arizona Republic. He has good taste. It turns out the paintingwhich he purchased at a New Mexico estate saleis a Willem de Kooning that was stolen 31 years ago from the University of Arizona Museum of Art in Tucson and could be worth an eye-popping sum. Van Auker planned to sell much of the estate's art in his Silver City antiques shop, but the 30- by 40-inch canvas he intended to put in his guest house. As it temporarily sat in his store, customers started asking him if it was a "real" de Kooning. A web search tipped him off to the unsolved 1985 heist of "Women-Ochre," part of the "Women" series de Kooning painted in the early 1950s. Another painting from the series sold for $137.5 milliona decade ago.

On the advice of the FBI, Van Auker gave the painting to a friend for safekeeping. A team from the university traveled to New Mexico to evaluate it and bring it home, reports the Arizona Daily Star; they say their preliminary authentication has established that it is indeed "Women-Ochre." It was stolen from the museum the day after Thanksgiving; just after opening, a woman (perhaps a man in disguise) chatted up a guard while a male accomplice cut the painting from its frame in a second-floor gallery. There were no fingerprints or security images for police to go on. Van Auker tells the Republic he did observe "swoops" and cracks in the canvas that may be the result of it being cut and rolled. A restoration is underway. No word yet on when it will be put on public view, nor have additional details regarding the estate that had the painting been given. (Read more art heist stories.)
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New Delhi:

Google has terminated an employee who wrote a controversial internal memo that asserted that womens under-representation in technology jobs and leadership positions was a consequence of biological factors and not ostensibly because of gender discrimination.

In an email to the New York Times, Google software engineer James Damore wrote that he had been fired because of the manifesto, which he claimed he had written with the aim of nurturing an honest discussion on the companys diversity policies.

Damore, whom the Times said had worked at Googles search group, is currently planning to sue his former employer for wrongful termination. Damore described his memo as a way of expressing rightful concerns about the terms and conditions of his employment at Google.

Previously Google CEO Sundar Pichai had said that Damores screed violated Googles code of conduct and talked about harmful stereotypes about gender in the workplace. To suggest a group of our colleagues, have traits that make them less biologically suited to that work is offensive and not OK, Pichai said in an internal email titled Our Words Matter that Recode obtained and published this week.

Damore had said that left-leaning prejudices at Google had shaped a politically correct monoculture at the company that muffled honest and open discussions about gender and race.

His memo, titled Googles Ideological Echo Chamber indicted the company of resorting to different treatment for women and people of certain races to augment their representation in technology and leadership positions.

As examples, he gave the example of hiring practices that supposedly lowered the bar for diversity candidates, unnamed special treatment for them and special programs and mentoring classes for women and members of certain races.

At Google, were regularly told that implicit (unconscious) and explicit biases are holding women back in tech and leadership, Damore said. However, Damore says it is really the biological differences between men and women that are responsible for the gender gap.

Damores 10-page memo also listed several of what he perceived as differences between the genders including personality differences and the seemingly higher drive for status that men have as compared to women. The memo also gave advice on non-discriminatory ways that Google can adopt to reduce the gender gap.

Damores manifesto spurred a lot of outrage inside the company, with many employees requesting his termination for his views. Pichai acknowledged that the memo had affected employees some of whom he said were hurt because they felt they were being judged only on gender.

The Times published another excerpt from Pichais email where he asserted our co-workers shouldnt have to worry that each time they open their mouths to speak in a meeting, they must prove that they are not like the memo states, being agreeable rather than assertive, showing a lower stress tolerance, or being neurotic.

Damores LinkedIn profile reveals that he has graduated with a Bachelors degree in molecular biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a PhD in systems biology from Harvard. He joined Google as an intern in 2013 and was employed as a software engineer at the company since December that year.

Since publishing the memo, Damore has received some support from people including Brietbart News and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange who used his Twitter account to offer the fired engineer a job. Censorship is for losers, Assange claimed. @WikiLeaks is offering a job to fired Google engineer James Damore.

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New Delhi:

A major untoward accident was averted at Delhi's Nizamuddin area earlier today. According to reports, though a car caught fire near Nizammudin area of the National capital on Friday, not a single person has been affected due to the same.

"A car caught fire in #Delhi's Nizamuddin area earlier today; no person injured," ANI tweeted a couple of minutes back.

The news agency also tweeted a couple of heart shivering visuals of the frightful incident. In the pictures, a car has been seen burning fanatically in front of several passersby in the locale.

Also Read: Mumbai: 12-year-old found 27-week pregnant, family wants abortion
New Delhi:

Another incident of horror has come under the spotlight after a Mumbai family has discovered recently their 12-year-old daughter is 27 weeks pregnant. The pregnancy was discovered only after she complained of stomach pain and her parents rush to the nearby hospital.

Though the family has already asked the Supreme Court for permission to abort, the Supreme Court judges failed to allow a termination because according to the medical report it was "neither good for the mother nor the foetus".

Talking about the same, Dr. Nikhil Datar, a gynecologist has said to Mid-day, "The family approached me on Wednesday night. After diagnosis, it was found that she was 27 weeks pregnant. In fact, even her mother didn't know about her pregnancy until a day ago."

Also Read: Martial rape not penal offence, Parliament debated it: SC

"We are waiting to procure all the legal documents before approaching the Supreme Court. The final decision will be taken by the court," Dr. Datar was quoted further while interacting with the leading daily.

In India, it is illegal to abort after 20 weeks unless there is a threat to the mother's life.
New Delhi:

The grapevines of Bollywood are always buzzing, speculating on the debuts of star kids in the industry. Theres one star kid who is all set to enter the world of acting. Aamir Khans son Junaid is following his fathers footsteps and will soon make his debut as an actor. The star kid has opted for an unconventional route and will begin his journey as an actor in a theatre play.

Yes, you read that right. Junaid will be mark his debut with the play Mother Courage and Her Children', to be directed by Quasar Thakore Padamsee. The play will be staged at NCPA in South Mumbai on August 19 and 20. It will be showcased again on September 9 and 10.

Aamir and Reena Duttas son Junaid bagged the role in the play after auditioning for the same.

Padamsee praised Junaids dedication towards the craft. He revealed that Junaid called him and showed a keen interest in being part of the play. He said that earlier he dismissed the star kid as just another boy from Mumbais HR College, but it was Junaids devotion which impressed the director.

It seems Junaid was bitten by the acting bug since a long time. He completed his graduation from HR College in South Mumbai and then moved to Los Angeles to pursue a course at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. After returning, he assisted Rajkumar Hirani in the movie PK, which had Aamir Khan playing the titular role.

The 'Dangal' actor will be next seen in the movie 'Secret Superstar', which is expected to release during Diwali this year.

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New Delhi:

Kasam actor Amit Tandon's wife Ruby Tandon, who is a well-known dermatologist has been remanded in Al Raffa Jail in Dubai. According to reports, Ruby has been accused of threatening a few government officials.A

Amit Tandon has been trying to get her out on bail. Few days back, Amit was in Dubai to get Ruby out of this mess. Reportedly, he is again planning to fly out and get her back to India.

Confirming news to English daily, Amit said, aYes, she is still there and we are trying our best to get her out soon. I will be flying to Dubai next week to once again plead for her innocence.a

Talking to spotboye.com, Amit Tandon revealed, aI am very saddened by the developments that such a hardworking and caring woman who did her best to treat the rich, poor, and disabled to the best of her abilities and genuinely make a positive change has been put through this. Some very influential people or competitors who could not stand to see her succeed, as Dr. Ruby had begun treatments on not only Bollywood but even

Hollywood celebrities, levied false accusations against her due to which the poor girl has been held in remand for almost a month.aA

Amit and Ruby have a seven year old daugher named Jiyana and Amit wants the mother daughter duo to meet soon.

He added, a I always want to believe in the due process of law, but sadly this time Ruby is at the receiving end of it. We still hold faith that the judicial authorities will realize that she is 100 per cent innocent and let her come back to her work and most importantly to her daughter who misses her every day.a

The couple filed for divorce after having compatibility issues. On the work front, Ruby has established clients in Mumbai like Mouni Roy, Sanjeeda Shaikh and Vikram Bhatt.A

YYYsYsaa A post shared by Amit Tandon (@amit_tandon0411) on Aug 20, 2015 at 3:09pm PDT

#thankyougodforeverythingyoudo#delhidiaries#swaki A post shared by Dr. Ruby Tandon +919769768652 (@drruby1) on Feb 8, 2016 at 1:20am PST
New Delhi:

Amid the Dokalam standoff, Army personnel from India and China on Friday are understood to have held a meeting at Nathu La Mountain pass in Sikkim.

The face-off between armies of the two countries at the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction in Dokalam figured in the border personnel meeting (BPM), a source said.

The BPM set up was launched by both countries to sort out local issues and ensure peace and tranquillity along the sensitive border.

The two sides hold BPM in five points which include Daulat Beg Oldie in northern Ladakh, Kibithoo in Arunachal Pradesh, Chusul in Ladakh, Bum-La near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and Nathu-La in Sikkim.

India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector for nearly eight weeks after Indian troops stopped the Chinese Army from building a road in the area.

Also Read | Doklam standoff: India pushes more troops along China border in Sikkim, Arunachal; caution level increased

China claimed it was constructing the road within their territory and has been demanding immediate pull-out of the Indian troops from the disputed Doklam plateau. Bhutan says Doklam belongs to it but China claims it to be its territory.

China has been ramping up rhetoric against India over the last few weeks demanding an immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Dokalam. The Chinese state media, particularly, have carried a barrage of critical articles on the Dokalam stand-off slamming India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had recently said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.

India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.

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New Delhi:

In the Ayodhya matter, Supreme Court on Friday granted three-month time for making translation of the historic documents. The SC fixed the matter for further hearing till December 5.

Sunni Waqf board told SC that the translation of historic documents is not complete yet.

The apex court, after an intense deliberation for more than one-and-half-hours, reached a consensus on commencement of the hearing on the cross-appeals filed against the 2010 judgement of the Allahabad High Court.

The high court had ruled a three-way division of the disputed 2.77 acre area at Ayodhya among the parties the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and the Ram Lalla.

A specially constituted bench, headed by Justice Dipak Misra, asked the contesting parties to complete the translation of the exhibits of the documents likely to be relied upon into English within 12 weeks since these were in eight different languages.

The bench, also comprising justices Ashok Bhushan and Abdul Nazeer, asked the Uttar Pradesh government to complete within 10 weeks the translation of the evidence recorded for adjudication of the title dispute in the high court into English.

The bench made it clear that the parties would have to strictly adhere to the time frame fixed by it and no adjournment shall be given in any circumstances.

Senior counsel C S Vaidyanathan, appearing for Lord Ram Lalla and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the UP government, pressed for early hearing of the matter, but senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Anoop George Chaudhari and Rajeev Dhavan, representing other parties, were not in favour of commencement of the hearing before January next year.

With PTI inputs

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New Delhi:

The Supreme Court will hear the petitions in the historical Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi land dispute case on Friday.

The apex court comprising three judge bench of Justices Dipak Misra, Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer will hear the appeals challenging the Allahabad High Court order on the disputed land.

Earlier on July 21, the matter was mentioned before Chief Justice J S Khehar by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy who sought early adjudication of the decades-old dispute.

Swamy had said the main appeals against the Allahabad High Court order are pending for the last seven years in the apex court and these required urgent hearing.

He had also said that a separate petition had earlier been filed by him seeking enforcement of his right to worship without much hassle at the site.

The BJP leader had told the court that he has been allowed by the apex court to intervene in the matter and is seeking expeditious disposal of the cases.

ALSO READ: VHP starts stockpiling stones for Ram temple in Ayodhya, says construction to start within a year

On August 8, the Shia Central Waqf Board of Uttar Pradesh on told the Supreme Court that a mosque could be built in a Muslim-dominated area at a reasonable distance from the disputed site in Ayodhya.

The Board also told the apex court in an affidavit that the Babri Masjid site was its property and only it was entitled to hold negotiations for an amicable settlement of the dispute.

The 30-page affidavit assumes significance as it has been filed within few days of the apex court agreeing to fast track the hearing on a batch of appeals challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict on the land dispute in the case.

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court had in 2010 ruled a three-way division of the disputed 2.77 acres area at the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya.

The three-judge bench of the high court, by a 2:1 majority, had said the land be partitioned equally among three partiesthe Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

ALSO READ | Babri Masjid case: CBI eyewitness deposes in court

(With PTI Inputs)

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New Delhi:

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Friday broke silence on series of Sharad Yadavs rebellion statements by saying that he is free to make his own decisions.

Party has taken a decision with everyone's consensus, he is free to make his own decisions, Bihar CM Nitish told news agency ANI.

Nitish Kumar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi a day after senior JD(U) leader Sharad Kumar hinted split in in the party saying there are two Janta Dal and he still stands with the grand alliance in Bihar.

However, Nitish dubbed his meeting with PM Modi as a formal meeting and said he discussed developmental issues of Bihar.

Also Read | Sharad echoes rebellion by saying he stands with grand alliance; JD(U) asks him to refrain from crossing limits

Discussed developmental issues, will come in the end of August to discuss about development of Bihar at length, said Bihar CM after meeting Prime Minister Modi.

Nitish also met BJP President and recently elected Rajya Sabha MP Amit Shah at his residence in Delhi.

Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar meets BJP President Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/Ol0fdmgcPv  ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2017

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New Delhi:

Father-in-law of a Bihar-cadre IAS officer Mukesh Pandey who committed suicide by jumping in front of a train in Uttar Pradeshs Ghaziabad on Thursday evening said that it is a tough time for them and whatever TV channels are showing is baseless.

Tough time for our family. There was no rift in the family. Whatever TV channels are showing is baseless, RP Singh, Father-in-law of DM Buxar said.

According to government railway police sources, the 2012 batch IAS officers body was recovered a kilometre away from Ghaziabad GRP police station area.

Tough time for our family.There was no rift in the family. Whatever TV channels are showing is baseless: RP Singh, Father-in-law of DM Buxar pic.twitter.com/qmUAjpsrwB  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 11, 2017

The police identified him as district magistrate of Bihars Buxar from the identity-cards recovered from his possession. Delhi Police in their initial investigation have learnt that the IAS officer especially visited Delhi to commit suicide.

The police was informed about his plans to commit suicide by his friends, who had received a message from Pandey stating that he was going to commit suicide.

ALSO READ | Buxar DM's suicide: Mukesh Pandey left WhatsApp messages, suicide note before ending life

In the WhatsApp message to his friends, Pandey had written, I am committing suicide in district centre area of Janakpuri West Delhi near hotel by jumping off the 10th floor of the building. The deceased IAS officer further wrote to his friends that he was fed up with life.

My belief on human existence has gone, my suicide note is kept in Nike bag in room 742 of Leela Palace Hotel in Delhi! I am sorry I love you all! plz forgive me! the WhatsApp message to his friends read.

Delhi Police on learning about the suicide plans of the Buxar DM rushed to the mention site but the IAS officer had left the location before cops could get hold of him.

Later in the day, his body was recovered from railway-tracks, a kilometre away from the Ghaziabad GRP police station. GRP officials on seeing the Buxar DMs body said, It seems he jumped in front of a train. Things will be clear after post-mortem report

(With inputs from Rizwan Arif)

ALSO READ | Delhi: Minor girl, 26-year-old man fall in love; attempt suicide after opposed by families

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New Delhi:

Before stalking Varnika Kundu on August 4 in Chandigarh, Vikas Barala had bought alcohol. This was validated with a CCTV footage which clearly shows Vikas and Ashish buying alcohol from a store in Sector 9. The CCTV footage can be used as an evidence.

The CCTV footage supports Varnikas complaint in which she said that Vikas was drunk while stalking her.

Earlier on Thursday, a Chandigarh court sent Vikas Barala and other accused to two days of police custody in connection with stalking case.

The Chandigarh police produced Vikas Barala, son of Haryana BJP president Subhash Barala, before the court with other accused, Ashish.

According to sources, accused Vikas Barala has accepted during interrogation that he was stalking Varnika Kundus car.

On Wednesday, the police decided to press attempt to kidnap charge against Vikas Barala and another person, who had allegedly stalked and tried to abduct the daughter of an IAS officer, officials had said.

Vikas Barala, son of Haryana BJP chief Subhash Barala, and the other accused were arrested by the police.

Also read | Chandigarh stalking case: Court sends Vikas Barala to two-day police custody

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New Delhi:

After meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said that Idea of India has to accommodate idea of the state.

"The basis of our agenda of alliance is that status quo of 370 has to maintained none of us can go against that. Discussions on 35A have a negative impact on Jammu and Kashmir, it should not happen," said Mufti.

Mufti said that PM gave hundred per cent assurance on the agenda of alliance.

"Spoke to PM; situation normalising but people think our identity can be in danger so message that J&K is crown of India should be reiterated," said J&K CM.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday amid reports that she was seeking help against attempts to alter Constitutional provisions that give special status to the state.

The meeting comes in the backdrop of the debate on Article 35A of the Constitution that grants special status to the state and is being challenged in the Supreme Court.

Officials in the home ministry had said yesterday that its law officers would be presenting legal aspects related to Article 35A only and would refrain from joining the case.

Mehbooba is keen to build consensus against scrapping the Constitutional provision, which empowers the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define the states permanent residents and their special rights and privileges, sources said.

Mehbooba had met opposition National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah this week to seek the support of his party on the issue.

Also read: What is Article 35A and why it is important for Jammu and Kashmir

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New Delhi:

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday rejected all reports of it ever offering a compromise to India by relocating its troops in the disputed Doklam border area.



Reacting to a report where China had allegedly offered to move its troops back 100 meters, after India sought the pullback of Chinese troops by 250 metres, the Spokesperson's Office told China Daily that the report is not true, adding that "China will not trade its territorial sovereignty under any circumstances."



"China's position on solving this incident is clear and firm. India must immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its trespassing troops and equipment back to the Indian side of the border," the Ministry said in a statement.

Also read: Has the Army ordered evacuation of village near India-Bhutan-China tri-junction?



China could never accept India's "totally unreasonable" demand, said Zhao Xiaozhuo, a researcher at the PLA Academy of Military Science told China Daily, adding that India had honored the convention until Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration refused.



Earlier this month, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that India's 'intrusion' had not only violated China's territorial sovereignty but also challenged Bhutan's sovereignty and independence.



However, the Government of Bhutan on Thursday pointedly refuted a Chinese Foreign Ministry claim that Bhutan had conveyed through diplomatic channels to China that the trilateral border stand-off area in Doklam in the Sikkim sector is not its territory.

Also read: Indian Army is in no war, no peace' mode, say sources

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Corn, wheat, oats, and soybeans collapsed on Thursday after a USDA forecast for larger-than-expected crops this year. Dry weather in the Midwest had many market watchers fearing significant crop losses, but the USDA projected bumper crops.

The USDA increased the size of the soybean crop to a record 4.381 billion bushels and forecast the corn crop size at 15.2 billion, a near record.

This news sent the grain markets in a downward spiral, with soybean and wheat prices reaching six-week lows. Meanwhile, the value of this falls corn crop collapsed to an 11-month low near $3.70 per bushel.

Many producers and investors are skeptical that the final harvests will match the USDAs current outlook, which could result in a rally in the coming months if the crops end up being smaller. For now, the price reflects a large surplus of grain and another tough year for farmers who didnt hedge during the past few months when prices were higher.

Fire and Fury unleashed on gold, stocks

A war of words between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un spooked global investors this week.

On Tuesday, President Trump warned that the United States would unleash fire and fury on North Korea if it made further threats on the United States. Kim Jong-un responded by threatening to bomb the U.S. island of Guam.

On Friday morning, President Trump doubled down, stating that the U.S. has prepared military solutions and are locked and ready. Secretary of Defense Mattis has also voiced warnings to North Korea while many other prominent U.S. politicians and world leaders have asked that both the U.S. and North Korea deescalate the rhetoric.

Fears that a nuclear war could break out sparked investors to buy gold, an asset seen as a safe haven in times of trouble, pushing that market to a two-month high at $1291 per ounce on Friday. Meanwhile, traders sold stocks, knocking the S&P 500 to a one-month low in a fierce collapse after that market made an all-time high on Tuesday morning.

Everyone will remain on edge as politicians, diplomats, and militaries posture in the coming weeks, making markets more prone to large swings.
New Delhi:

A flag meeting was held between the senior army officials of Indian and China on Friday at Nathu La mountain pass in Sikkim. According to sources, Doklam standoff was extensively discussed during the meeting but the deliberations remained inconclusive.

The Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) was attended by Major General rank officers from both sides. India kept on insisting that simultaneous withdrawal of troops by the Indian and Chinese sides could resolve the face-off, the sources said. Fridays deliberations follow a meeting between brigade commanders of the two sides on August 8.

A senior Indian official said, The meeting remained inconclusive as the Chinese side insisted on withdrawal of Indian troops from Doklam immediately. In order to ensure peace and tranquillity along the sensitive border, the BPM set up was launched by the duo.

ALSO READ | Doklam standoff: India pushes more troops along China border in Sikkim, Arunachal; caution level increased

Five points were included in the BPM - Daulat Beg Oldie in northern Ladakh, Kibithoo in Arunachal Pradesh, Chusul in Ladakh, Bum-La near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and Nathu-La in Sikkim. Its been nearly eight weeks that India and China have been locked in a fact-off in the Doklam area of Sikkim.

China claimed it was constructing the road within their territory and has been demanding immediate pull-out of the Indian troops from the disputed Doklam plateau. Bhutan says Doklam belongs to it but China claims it to be its territory.

China has been ramping up rhetoric against India over the last few weeks demanding immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Doklam. The Chinese state media, particularly, have carried a barrage of critical articles on the Doklam stand-off slamming India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had recently said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.

India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.

(With PTI inputs)

ALSO READ: Hope Doklam standoff will be resolved peacefully, says Bhutan Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji

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New Delhi:

In a strategically key move, India has poured in more troops along the entire stretch of its border with China in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the face of heightened rhetoric by Beijing over the Doklam standoff, senior government officials said on Friday.

The caution level among the troops has also been raised, the officials told PTI.

The decision to increase the deployment along the nearly 1,400-km Sino-India border from Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh was taken after carrying out a detailed analysis of the situation and considering Chinas aggressive posturing against India on Doklam, the officials said.

The troop level along the border with China in the Sikkim and Arunachal sectors has been increased, said the officials on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the information.

The Armys Sukna-based 33 Corps, as well as 3 and 4 corps based in Arunachal and Assam, is tasked to protect the sensitive Sino-India border in the eastern theatre.

Also Read | Hope Doklam standoff will be resolved peacefully, says Bhutan Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji

The officials declined to give any figure or percentage of increased deployment, saying they cannot disclose operational details.

According to defence experts, roughly 45,000 troops including personnel having completed the weather acclimatisation process are normally kept ready along the border at any given time, but not all are necessarily deployed.

The soldiers, deployed over 9,000 feet, have to go through a 14-day-long acclimatisation process.

The officials, however, said there is no enhancement of troops at the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction in Doklam where around 350 army personnel are holding on to their position for nearly eight weeks after stopping Chinese troops from constructing a road on June 16.

Bhutan and China have competing claims over Doklam and are negotiating a resolution.

Read More | Doklam standoff: Has the Army ordered evacuation of village near India-Bhutan-China tri-junction?

China has been ramping up rhetoric against India over the last few weeks, demanding an immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Doklam. The Chinese state media, particularly, has carried a barrage of critical articles on the Doklam stand-off slamming India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj recently said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, and favoured a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.

India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.

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New Delhi:

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Napalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba attended India at 70 event in Kathmandu on Friday.

At the event, Sushma said that during the 70 years of Independent India, it has never happened that transfer of power was achieved through bullet, rather it was always done through ballot.

"Democratic pattern has arrived in Nepal, we all wish for its success. We wish that Nepal should progress, and want to contribute into that. Our slogan of "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas" is for entire region," said Sushma.

Sushma arrived in Nepal on Thursday for a two- day visit. She participated in a BIMSTEC ministerial meeting at a time when India is pushing for a larger role for the regional grouping.

Sushma's visit came just ahead of Napalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deubas trip to India beginning on August 23.

Officials said Swaraj is expected to discuss bilateral relations and take stock of the latest political developments in Nepal to set the tone for Deubas visit.

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New Delhi:

Indian Air Force's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crashed near a village close to the Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday morning.

Senior superintendent of police Suleman Choudhary said the incident occurred at Ladoli village in Kathua district. We were informed about this at 3.30 am. A police team has been sent to the spot, and further information is awaited, he added.

No loss to life or property was reported. Kathua district has witnessed sporadic terrorist activities owing to its proximity to the India-Pakistan border. The district is the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir from Punjab and the strategic Jammu-Pathankot highway which passes through the district has been subject to terrorist attacks in recent times.

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New Delhi:

US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump will lead the delegation of her country to Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017, to be held in Hyderabad in November, 2017.



PM Narendra Modi confirmed the information through tweet on Thursday night.

"Look forward to Ms. Ivanka Trumps presence at #GES 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of the US delegation," he tweted.



India and US will co-host the Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Hyderabad from 28-30 November 2017. The Summit is a unique opportunity for bringing together entrepreneurs and start ups with global leaders, PM tweeted.

Read | China releases 3 activists who investigated Ivanka Trumps supplier



Later, Donald Trump also tweeted the same information, "Ivanka Trump will lead the U.S. delegation to India this fall, supporting womens entrepreneurship globally."



The event is being organised by the NITI Aayog in coordination with Ministry of External Affairs.

Read | Trump's daughter Ivanka thanks PM Modi for Global Entrepreneurship Summit invitation

Honored to lead the US delegation to #GES2017 in India & meet with Prime Minister Modi & passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe! pic.twitter.com/yVyGGWua2x  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) August 10, 2017

.@IvankaTrump will lead the U.S. delegation to India this fall, supporting womens entrepreneurship globally.#GES2017 @narendramodi  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2017

India and US will co-host the Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Hyderabad from 28-30 November 2017. @realDonaldTrump @IvankaTrump  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 10, 2017

The Summit is a unique opportunity for bringing together entrepreneurs and start ups with global leaders. #GES2017  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 10, 2017

Look forward to Ms. Ivanka Trumps presence at #GES 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of the US delegation. @realDonaldTrump @IvankaTrump  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 10, 2017

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New Delhi:

An upgraded Jaguar strike aircraft fitted with an advanced AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar has been tested for the first time in Bengaluru. Test pilots at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) tested the fighter plane on August 10, 2017.

The upgradation is expected to increase the shelf life of the fighter plane by more than a decade.

The AESA radar which is imported from Israel, has been fitted to Jaguar DARIN III planes. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is upgrading the set of Jaguars from level DARIN I to DARIN III. As a matter of fact, DARIN stands for Display Attack Ranging Inertial Navigation and adds strength to the fighter plane during combat. In addition to AESA radar, the fighter plane will be equipped with 28 other sensors.

Reports suggest that Jaguar Darin III will enhance the existing capability of Indian Air Force. It will be now equipped with several key features like higher bandwidth of operation, ability to track multiple targets, higher accuracy and resolution and interleaved modes of operation.

Three variants of the Jaguar plane will be modernized with new fire control radar, GPS based inertial navigation system, engine and flight instrument system and a radio altimeter with a range of 20,000 feet.

The striker aircraft will prove to a big muscle for IAF after the upgraded version is tested and certified to be fight-worthy.

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New Delhi:

Indian Army on Friday launched a cordon and search operation in Norpora village in Tral area of Jammu and Kashmir. Al Qaedas Zakir Musa is suspected to be trapped in the area.

Earlier on Wednesday, Army on Wednesday gunned down three terrorists in the Tral area of Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. The security forces have launched the search operation in the region at the time of filing the report.

On Monday, the Army had gunned down one terrorist in encounter in Samboora area of Pulwama district. The Pakistani terrorist was identified as Umer of Abu Ismail group.

Also read | J&K: Army guns down three terrorists in Tral area of Pulwama

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New Delhi:

The Janata Dal (United) on Friday took action against its rebel leader Ali Anwar Ansari by suspending him from parliamentary party. Anwar is close to party leader Sharad Yadav.

The party suspended Anwar for attending meeting of Opposition parties convened by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

Party spokesperson KC Tyagi said that JD(U) has taken decision against Anwar for attending Opposition meet.

Both Anwar and Sharad have been voicing their dissent against the partys decision to break grand alliance in Bihar and join hands with NDA.

Earlier on Thursday, Yadav who started his three-day Jan Samvad Yatra to meet the people of Bihar accused Nitish of breaking peoples trust by joining hands with BJP.

Sharad said that he still stands with grand alliance. Sharad said that original JD(U) is with him.

JD(U) had also warned Sharad to refrain from making comments against the party's decision. The party had asked him to stop crossing limits.

Nitish on Friday said that Sharad is free to make his own decisions.

Party has taken a decision with everyone's consensus, he is free to make his own decisions, Bihar CM Nitish told.

Also read | Grand alliance row in Bihar: CM Nitish Kumar says Sharad Yadav is free to take own decisions

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New Delhi:

Aam Aadami Party leader Ashutosh on Friday claimed to expose a major secret of Modi Government. Addressing a press conference in new Delhi, Ashutosh said that even as Modi Govt has been praising itself over the achievements of past three years, the reality of the situation will shock everyone.

Highlights from PC:

#Last time in Sanjeev Chaturvedi matter, the health department was found guilty of Rs 7000 crore scam, but there was no action take, rather the whistleblower Sanjeev Chaturvedi was transferred: Sanjay Singh

#Farmers are being pressurised to run banned medical colleges. Modi Govrnment says that it is coruption free, but its health department is riddled with corruption. Govt is trying to supress it: Sanjay Singh

#CBI has uploaded an FIR which shows that 46 colleges and one health institute were ordered shut by government due to bad infrastructure. But the owners of said establishments tried to bribe officials to remain open. The deal of worth Rs 10 crore is also mentioned: Ashutosh



#There were attempts to sabotage the investigation and bury the matter. However, a news report on the issue has failed any such attempts: Ashutosh

AAP party leaders, especially Arvind Kejriwal, have been missing from public eye for sometime. Notably since Kapil Mishra detracted from the party and levied serious corruption charges against several leaders.

Also read | Ram Jethmalani quits as Arvind Kejriwal's counsel in defamation case filed by Arun Jaitley; seeks Rs 2 crore fee

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New Delhi:

Madhya Pradesh Madarsa Board on Friday issued an advisory to Madarsas to hoist the national flag on Independence Day. The Board also ordered to take out a Tiranga rally on August 15.

"It is a routine order to celebrate I-Day and when national flag is unfurled, national anthem will also be sung," said chairman of MP Madarsa Board.

The chairman said that those people who are true believer of Islam must love their country.

Earlier in the day, UP Madarsa Shiksha Parishad had directed all Madarsas in the state to unfurl national flag and recite national anthem on August 15.

71st Independence Day is going to be celebrated across the country on August 15. The nation would be on high alert during the Independence Day celebrations.

Also read: Vinay Katiyar says madarsas refusing to hoist national flag on Independence Day should be categorised as traitors

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DES MOINES | Gov. Kim Reynolds sent a letter to President Donald Trump Thursday requesting a presidential disaster declaration for seven Iowa counties significantly damaged by severe storms and flooding last month.

Counties included in this request are: Allamakee, Bremer, Buchanan, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette and Mitchell.

The governor requested funding under the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) Public Assistance Program for storm damage that occurred in Iowa from July 19-23. The money would be used to rebuild damaged infrastructure including roads, bridges, culverts and other public facilities or to cover costs of emergency work during and debris removal after the storms.

Following a joint federal, state and local preliminary damage assessment of the seven counties, it was estimated the severe weather caused nearly $7 million in damages that could be eligible under the Public Assistance Program.

Reynolds also requested funding to conduct hazard mitigation activities for the entire state.

 Globe Gazette Des Moines Bureau
New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday pointed out that all top posts in India were currently being held by those who started with nothing and did not come from 'rich families'.



Currently India's President is Ram Nath Kovind, who started as student leader, Vice President is Venkaiah Naidu, who worked his way up the political ladder, while the prime minister himself was a tea vendor when he started off.



The statement came during his feciltation speech for the welcome of M Venkaiah Naidu as the Chairman of Rajya Sabha minutes after he took oath as Vice President of India.



PM Modi's apparent jibe at the 'rich families' ruling Congress was met with a rebuttal by Ghulam Nabi Azad, who recounted the sacrifices of 'rich' yet dedicated social servants who belonged to leading Opposition party, including Jawahar Lal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel. It does not matter if a person came from rich or poor family, but what matters is how much they sacrificed in service of the people, Azad said in Rajya Sabha.

Follow live updates on the oath taking ceremony and first day of M Venkaiah Naidu as new VP of India

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Maharajganj:

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday ordered the suspension of 11 officials and transfer of seven others for alleged dereliction of duty, a state government spokesperson said.

Those suspended include Station Officers of Purandarpur and Farenda police stations. Sub-divisional magistrate of Nautanwa has also been suspended, the spokesperson said.

The chief minister gave these orders while chairing a review meeting, when he was listening to replies given by officials on public grievances.

Issuing a stern warning to officials, Adityanath said, If anybody is showing laxity in work which are directly linked to the public, then they will face serious consequences.

On the issue of prolonged absence of doctors, Adityanath said that if the complaints against them are found to be true, then their salary of four months will be taken back.

ALSO READ: Akhilesh accuses Adityanath govt, says cops extorting money in UP

Any laxity in redressing the grievances of the public will not be tolerated. Those who have not changed their way of working and functioning in the past four months despite repeated warnings and were involved in corruption, giving patronage to criminals... action has been initiated against them, he told reporters.

Adityanath also had food (sahbhoj) with people from the Scheduled Caste community at Chainpur ward number 1.

Earlier in the day, Adityanath urged the BJP workers to take up the responsibility of disseminating the public welfare policies of the state government to the masses.

Addressing BJP workers here, he said the state government has already paid Rs 23,000 crore to sugarcane farmers and rest of the amount (Rs 2,000 crore) will be soon paid to them.

A number of schemes for the welfare of the people are being run by the Centre and state governments. And, it is the responsibility of the party workers to take these schemes to the masses, the Adityanath said.

The schemes should reach the target beneficiary and should be fully implemented. The government has already started giving the benefit of housing to the poor residing in urban areas of the state. This has started from Gorakhpur, he said.

The chief minister claimed that this is the first time that hundred per cent of farmers wheat has been purchased and payment in a weeks time has been ensured.

He also advised the party workers to initiate discussion with the people on a positive note, instead of negative note.

Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay is our ideal and a number of programmes are being organised to mark his birth centenary. The BJP is working on his ideology, Adityanath said.

The UP Chief Minister also reviewed law and order and other developmental works in Siddharthanagar district as well.

He directed the officials to listen to public grievances from 9 am to 11 am in their offices.

Adityanath issued instructions to ensure stringent action against the criminal elements and land mafia.

The Chief Minister also issued instructions to ensure termination of doctors who had been absent for a long time, an official statement released by the UP government said.

He also said that complaints of non-genuine beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana must be probed.

The quality of pot-hole free roads should also be probed, he said.

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New Delhi:

The first bilateral Cadaveric hand transplantation of the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical and Research (Jipmer) has been performed successfully on August 2, 2017. The institute had its first transplant of both the forearms and hands of a 50-year-old brain-dead donor to a 16-year-old bilateral below-elbow amputee.

Appreciating the surgery team S.C. Parija, Director, Jipmer, has said, the milestone procedure for the institution, which was granted licence for reconstructive cadaveric transplants in August 2016, was performed free of cost.

A group of surgeon led by Dr. Dinesh Kumar S, Chief Reconstructive Transplant Surgeon, Department of Plastic Surgery, has performed the 16-hour long surgery.

Rathinambal, the brain-dead donor who readily came forward to donate the organs was also hugely appreciated by the multidisciplinary team. Their noble act has saved the lives of two patients who received her kidneys, restored the vision of two patients who received her cornea, and returning functionality to one patient who received her hands, Dr. Parija said.

Also Read: Rajasthan man survives despite eating 150 needles and pins

Rathinambal, 50, a resident of R C Melakunthai colony, Vikkravandi Post, Villupuram, has received a severe head injury after he fell from a two-wheeler on August 1, 2017. She was treated in Vikkravandi GH and later referred to JIPMER when she lost consciousness. At Jipmer, her condition continued to worsen and subsequent tests confirmed that she had irreversible brain damage and the hopelessness of the situation was conveyed to her daughter Shanthi and her son-in-law T.V. Natarajan. Despite the tragedy, the family came forward to donate the organs of the patient as they felt that it would help others.

According to Jipmer, "in a first, the family agreed to donate both her hands in addition to her internal organs. As it was a medico-legal case, the police station concerned was intimated to conduct an inquest to proceed for organ donation."

Ilancheizhiyan, inspector of police, Vikkravandi police station, came to Jipmer on time and did the inquest and completed other medico-legal formalities, thus facilitating the organ donation process.

The long complicated procedure is all about detaching both the forearms and hands of the donor and reattaching them in a specific sequence to the adequately prepared amputated stump of the recipient.

Also Read: Britain man gives birth to girl child, found sperm donor via Facebook

JIPMER has prepared a strong medical team along with plastic surgeons, transplant coordinator, transplant anesthesia, orthopedic surgeons and 10 OT nurses. The rehabilitation team provided a pair of prosthesis for the living cadaver donor and will be providing vital follow-up to the hand transplant recipient.
New Delhi:

National deworming day: As a part of the national deworming initiative of the government on August 10, more than 4.31 lakh students in 1-19 age group in the district will be examined with a single dose each of Albendazole.

The tablets will be distributed through schools, anganwadis, and day-care centres.



The district-level programme will be inaugurated by district panchayat vice president Daleema Jojo. The program will be monitored by a team consisting of doctors and health workers

District health authorities said that Albendazole is an extremely safe drug with no or minimal side effects. Side effects such as nausea and vomiting might manifest in children with high worm load.

The program has been launched to prevent the risk of Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) or worm infestation. STH interfere with nutrients uptake in children. It could lead to anaemia, malnourishment, and impaired mental and physical development, according to health authorities.
New Delhi:

For 10-year-old Manasvi Karamchedu from Hyderabad, Shabas T.S was nothing less than God dressed as human who gifted her a new life.

Its was emotional union for Manasvi and her family when they met Shabas, a 23-year old engineering student who donated blood stem cells to save the girl. At a meeting organised by Datri, a non-profit Blood Stem Cell Donors Registry, Manasvi's father who could not hold back his tears, I do not have words to express my feelings. We have waited for long to meet the person whose selfless act has gifted us the life of my daughter.

Sharing similar emotions Shabas said, I was very happy to hear that I was a potential match for someone. I am thankful to my parents for their support. I can say with pride that I experienced one of the biggest joys of my life in meeting Manasvi.

Read more: Bengaluru: First doctor to conduct more than 1000 knee surgery

Manasvi was diagnosed with Thalassemia Major when she was just five-months-old. As doctors suggested a blood stem cell transplant, parents of the girl registered her name with Datri and were waiting for a matching donor.

Their prayer were answered within a year, when they found a perfect match in Shabas.

According to international registry protocol, identity of donor and receiver has to be kept anonymous for a year. And when both the parties expressed thier desire to meet each other, Datri organised the event.

Manasvi is now perfectly healthy and has been certified by doctors that she has been cured of the illness.
New Delhi:

Prophecies say the upcoming solar eclipse on August 21 is a sign of the impending doom brought by Nibiru planet in September. Tales of the doomsday and apocalypse has been around since 2003- claiming that the mysterious planet will collide with Earth. The identical thing was stated in 2012 by various theories. But is it really true? Will the world end in September 2017?

Let's analyze what happened in 2012 and what are the chances of the recent predictions of 2017 doomsday.

End of World in 2012?

Nibiru ideated by Nancy Lieder in 1955 described the Nibiru cataclysm a disastrous encounter between the Earth and a large planetary object. Nibiru is based on the myth of Babylonian and Sumerian mythology. She warned that Nibiru would collide with Earth in May 2003, but when no cataclysmic event occurred her followers chose December 2012 as the new date for a collision, neatly coinciding with the end of the Mayan calendar. However, the idea is not accepted or supported by NASA scientist Dr. John Carlson.

Dr. Carlson explained the Nibiru and other stories about wayward planets are an Internet hoax. There is no factual basis for these claims. If Nibiru or Planet X were real and headed for an encounter with the Earth in 2012, astronomers would have been tracking it for at least the past decade, and it would be visible by now to the naked eye. Obviously, it does not exist. Eris is real, but it is a dwarf planet similar to Pluto that will remain in the outer solar system; the closest it can come to Earth is about 4 billion miles.

For any claims of disaster or dramatic changes in 2012, where is the science? Where is the evidence? There is none, and for all the fictional assertions, whether they are made in books, movies, documentaries or over the Internet, we cannot change that simple fact. There is no credible evidence for any of the assertions made in support of unusual events taking place in December 2012.

Despite the predictions of doomsday theories, the world would not end on December 21, 2012. Doomsday has been predicted in the year 2003, 2007, 2012, and 2015. However, few scientists have raised questions about the existence of Nibiru and have even said the planet is not real.

Also Read: Doomsday on May 31, 2017? Viral YouTube video claims end of the world is just a week away

What about 2017 doomsday?

Earth may face doomsday as a mysterious planet named Nibiru will collide with it in September, according to conspiracy theorists, who believe the upcoming solar eclipse will mark the end of the world as it will call for the apocalypse.

North America will witness a solar eclipse on August 21 for the first time in 99 years. The solar eclipse will take place when the moon will pass in front of the Sun. The process will cast darkness across the swaths of Earths surface.

On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of North America will witness an eclipse of the sun for the first time in 99 years, where Moon will pass in front of the sun, casting darkness across swathes of the Earth's surface. Called the Great American Eclipse, this would be a once-in-a-lifetime celestial spectacle.

David Meade, the author of Planet X  The 2017 Arrival, has claimed that Nibiru, a planet also known as Planet X, will hit the Earth on September 23, 2017.

However, scientists have denied the existence of Nibiru. Still, Meade believes he is right after having stumbled upon some passages from The Bible and has justified his claims.

Earlier, Meade had said that Nibiru will mark the end of the world in October, but now he claims that doomsday will arrive in September. Reports say Meade and other conspiracy theorists are only leaning on passages from The Bible to support their theory and they do not have any strong evidence.

He pointed to warnings in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, Chapter 13, Verses 9 to 10, which reads, "See, the Day of the Lord is coming - a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger - to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it. "The Stars of Heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising Sun will be darkened and the Moon will not give its light."

According to Meade, this passage is linked to what he has dubbed the "33 Convergence", where a strand of coincidences all includes the number 33.

Also Read:Will solar eclipse bring doomsday? Planet Nibiru-Earth collision in Sept, claims conspiracy theory; NASA responds





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New Delhi:

Asus has just started distributing press invites for the launch function of its ZenFone 4 smartphone on August 17 but the companys online store has already itemized two models of the phone on its website.

Asus ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro ZD552KL and Asus ZenFone 4 Selfie ZD553KL have currently been listed on the online retail store of the Asus France site and all the specifications as well as pictures of the smartphone can now be viewed by customers.

Theres no news about when the products can start being sold, however.

While the Asus ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro price is EUR 399.99 (roughly Rs. 30,050), the ZenFone 4 Selfie will be sold at EUR 299.99 (roughly Rs. 22,550). As the names suggest, both smartphones concentrate on selfies and come with dual cameras at front.

The Asus ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro has front-facing dual camera setup with a 24-megapixel sensor and another 5-megapixel sensor. The ZenFone 4 Selfie is slightly different with a 20-megapixel sensor and another 8-megapixel sensor at the front of the handset.

At the back, both new Asus smartphones have 16-megapixel primary cameras.

Moving to the other specifications, both the dual-SIM (Nano+Micro) Asus ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro and the ZenFone 4 Selfie run Android 7.0 Nougat out-of-the-box and feature 5.5-inch displays but the former has a full-HD (1080x1920 pixels) Super AMOLED display while the latter has a lesser HD (720x1280 pixels) LCD display.

Also Read | Software engineer fired by Google over 'sexist' letter threatens to sue tech giant

The ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro possesses an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor at 2.0GHz coupled with 4GB of RAM. The regular ZenFone 4 Selfie has slightly less power and is kept running by a Snapdragon 430 SoC coupled with 4GB of RAM.

Both the new devices come with 64GB of built-in storage, which is expandable via microSD card up to 128GB) with a dedicated slot. The Asus ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro and the ZenFone 4 Selfie both have batteries with 3000mAh capacity but vary in measurements and weight very slightly. The Pro variant measures 154.02x74.83x7mm and weighs 145 grams while the regular variant measures 155.66x75.9x7.85mm and weighs slightly less at 144 grams.

The connectivity options offered by the Asus ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro and the ZenFone 4 Selfie include 4G connectivity, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and Bluetooth 4.1. Both smartphones provide a fingerprint scanner embedded in the home button at front and come with warranty of 2 years offered by the company.

As of now, there is no choice except purchasing the smartphones from the Asus Frances online store but customers can sign up to receive updates regarding their future availability.
New Delhi:

Indian External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday met Bhutanese Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji on the sidelines of BIMSTEC in Nepals Kathmandu.

The meeting of Swaraj and Damcho Dorji came at a time when India and China are locked in a standoff in Doklam- a disputed area claimed by both Bhutan and China. India, however, supports Bhutans claim as both countries share very strong diplomatic relations.

After the meeting with EAM Swaraj, Bhutan Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji hoped for peaceful resolution of the Doklam standoff between India and China.

"We hope the situation in Doklam will be resolved peacefully and amicably," Bhutan Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji told news agency ANI.

Both the leaders were in Kathmandu to attend the meeting of Foreign Ministers from the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) member countries.

However, it was not disclosed what both leaders discussed during their meeting but there are speculations that the current Doklam standoff was on the agenda.

Time with a close friend and neighbour. EAM meets with FM of Bhutan Damcho Dorji on sidelines of BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' meet pic.twitter.com/VR0OOdiDF8  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) August 11, 2017

Time with a close friend and neighbour. EAM meets with FM of Bhutan Damcho Dorji on sidelines of BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' meet, Indias External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Ravish Kumar tweeted with a picture of both leaders meeting.

Also Read | Doklam standoff: Has the Army ordered evacuation of villages near India-Bhutan-China tri-junction?

Its been close to two months India and China are locked in a standoff in Doklam plateau- a tri-junction between India, Bhutan and China. The standoff started after India on Bhutans request stopped a Chinese construction party from building a road in disputed region.

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Washington:

Relations between US and North Korea have deteriorated to the worst extent possible and on Friday US President Donald Trump issued another warning to Pyongyang.

He said that solutions against the nuclear-armed regime were "locked and loaded" for use if North Korea acted "unwisely". He retweeted a US Pacific Command tweet of pictures showing US Air Force Bomber B-1B Lancers. "Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely.

Hopefully (North Korean leader) Kim Jong Un will find another path!" Trump told his 35.5 million followers on twitter. "USAF B-1B Lancer bombers on Guam stand ready to fulfil USFK's fight tonight mission if called upon to do so," the Pacific Command said in a tweet.

On Thursday, Trump issued fresh warnings to North Korea, saying things will happen to the country like it "never thought possible" if Pyongyang thinks about attacking Americaor any of its allies. Referring to his Tuesday's statement that North Korean threat to the US will be met with "fire and fury", he said themessage wasn't tough enough and it's time to act for thepeople of America.

"It's the first time they've heard it like they heard it. Frankly, the people that were questioning that statement, wasit too tough, maybe it wasn't tough enough. "They've been doing this to our country for a long time,for many years, and it's about time that somebody stuck up forthe people of this country and for the people of other countries. So, if anything, maybe that statement wasn't toughenough," Trump told reporters at his summer vacation home at Bedminster in New Jersey on Thursday.

Amid N Korea-US war threat, Sensex dives 336 points

The president was responding to a question on Tuesday's remarks, which has attracted criticism from traditional foreign policy experts and Democratic lawmakers. "We are backed 100 percent by our military. We are backed by everybody.. we're backed by many other leaders. I noticed that many senators and others, came out very much in favour of what I said. But, if anything, that statement maynot be tough enough.

"The people of this country should be very comfortable, and I will tell you this, if North Korea does anything interms of even thinking about attack on anybody that we love or we represent or our allies or us, they can be very, very nervous," Trump said.

"They should be very nervous, because things will happento them like they never thought possible. He (Kim) has been pushing the world around for a long time. I have great respect for what China and what Russia did, and we got a 15-to-nothing vote," he added.

Trump also praised his UN Ambassador, Indian-AmericanNikki Haley on being successful in getting the Security Council sanctions on the Asian country.

READ: Trump says maybe his warning to North Korea 'wasn't tough enough'

Talking about China, Trump said the communist nation cando a lot more in helping the US handle the threat from the Kim Jong-Un regime. The US president has also said that North Korea better get its act together or they are "going to be in trouble like few nations ever have been in trouble in this world", while stressing that the US and allies are safe.

With PTI inputs

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Karachi:

Dr. Ruth Pfau, who was known as Pakistans Mother Teresa, has died on August 10 at a private hospital in Karachi. The German doctor had dedicated her life to the eradication of leprosy in the country.

She died at the age of 87 after a long battle with age-related illness.

Dr Pfau first visited Pakistan in 1960 and was so touched by the plight of leprosy victims that she decided to stay forever in the country to treat them.

She was 29 when landed in Karachi for the first time. She founded the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre in Karachi in 1962 and later set up its branches in all provinces of Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan, and treated over 50,000 families.

Due to her tireless efforts, the World Health Organisation in 1996 declared Pakistan one of the first countries in Asia to be free of leprosy.

"She was a messiah and magic healer for her patients. She played a dynamic role in removing the stigma attached to the healing of leprosy patients," said Mervyn Lobo, the CEO of Marie Adelaide centre.

Dr Pfau was granted Pakistani citizenship in 1988. She was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz - Pakistan's second highest civilian award - in 1979 and the Hilal-e-Pakistan in 1989.

She was also awarded the Staufer Medal at the German consulate Karachi in 2015.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi announced a state funeral for Dr Pfau, saying she "may have been born in Germany, but her heart was always in Pakistan".

"The entire nation is indebted to Ruth Pfau for her selfless and unmatched services for the eradication of leprosy. We are proud of her exemplary services and she will remain in our hearts as a shining symbol in times ahead," according to a statement issued by the PM office.

The funeral mass will be held on August 19 at St Patrick's Cathedral, and thereafter she will be laid to rest in the Christian Cemetery (Gora Qabristan).

President Mamnoon Hussain expressed deep regret at Pfau's death. "The Pakistani nation pays tribute to Dr Pfau's selfless efforts," the president said.

In a tweet, the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said Dr Ruth would be remembered as an "ambassador of humanity."

Dr Pfau was born in 1929 in Germany and lived through the horrors of the World War II.

She joined the Society of Daughters of the Heart of Mary and was assigned to go to India but landed in Karachi for a brief stay due to some visa problems.

Her interaction with leprosy patients in the port city motivated her to change the plan and stay rest of life in Pakistan to help the patients.

In a statement, the German embassy said that German ambassador Martin Kobler expressed his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the representative of the Maria Adelaide Leprosy Centre.

"With great concern we have got the sad massage of the death of Dr Ruth Pfau. She was a devoted Christian nun and a member of the society of Daughters of the Heart of Mary. We are losing with her an important symbol of the German Pakistan friendship. Her services will never be forgotten."

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SPENCER | Leann Jacobsen, a Spencer business owner and city councilwoman, officially announced Thursday she will challenge Rep. Steve King for Iowa's 4th congressional seat in 2018.

In a release, Jacobsen, a Democrat, said now is the time to come together and change the momentum in the district, which covers 39 counties in Northwest and North Central Iowa. Shes calling her race against King a historic fight to take back Northwest Iowa for the people.

In many rural Iowa communities, the qualities that have made living there so attractive  great schools, good jobs, bright futures  are beginning to slip away, she said. Our once-bustling main streets are quieter today, and our young people are moving on, finding better opportunities in larger cities.

But, I believe passionately that we can turn things around and that is why I am running for Iowas 4th District House seat. When we come together, and put people  and common sense  over politics, we will make great things happen throughout this region.

With Jacobsen in the race, there are now two confirmed Democratic candidates looking to challenge King, a seven-term Republican incumbent from Kiron. In July, Sioux City native J.D. Scholten announced his candidacy.

First elected in 2002, King most recently defeated Kim Weaver of Sheldon in 2016. Weaver was set to challenge King again, but she dropped out of the race earlier this year.

Jacobsen, who represents Spencer's 4th Ward is the only female member of the Spencer council. She won a special election to replace Randy Swanson who ended his term early after winning a seat on the Clay County Board of Supervisors.

In the past, Jacobsen has served on the Governors STEM committee and she spent a decade as the president of the Technology Association of Iowa, a small business incubator. Additionally, she co-owns three Spencer businesses and holds a business degree from Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Doug Rozendaal has been flying airplanes for more than four decades, but when he took off from Mason City Airport on Friday it was a first for
A Meservey man convicted of kidnapping and torturing a woman was sentenced to life in prison without parole Friday.

Charles Albright, 42, was found guilty by a jury in Franklin County District Court for two felonies, first-degree kidnapping and willful injury, in July.

The first-degree kidnapping charge carries a prison sentence for an indeterminate term, not to exceed the rest of the defendant's natural life, court documents say.

A 36-year-old woman, whom Albright knew, was held against her will in Meservey for 12 to 14 hours in October, court records state, and was punched, cut, shocked and bit repeatedly by a dog.

The woman suffered electrical burns, sinus damage and an eye injury that caused loss of vision, court records state. An X-ray found broken bones in her face.

Albright's defense attorney James Metcalf said during closing arguments that the man "knows he committed willful injury."

While Metcalf said Albright "lost it" and "went nuts," he argued the man didn't commit first-degree kidnapping.

Update: Jury finds Meservey man guilty of kidnapping, torturing woman HAMPTON | A Franklin County jury deliberated for two and a half hours Friday afternoon befor

Throughout the ordeal, Albrights dog bit the woman repeatedly, police said. The woman said during her testimony Albright did not sic the dog, a German shepherd, on her but he did not stop the dog from biting her.

During closing arguments in July, Iowa Assistant Attorney General Laura Roan described one threat the woman said Albright made on that day in early October.

He threatened to bury her in a cornfield up to her neck and let a farmer take her out in his combine, Roan said, making a chopping motion at her own neck.

Albright was fined $750 and sentenced to five years behind bars for the willful injury conviction.

Albright is facing an additional felony charge of unauthorized possession of an offensive weapon in Cerro Gordo County.

Albright is accused of having "a bomb, explosive or combination of such parts comprising an offense weapon" on Oct. 7, 2016, according to trial information.

His jury trial is set for Sept. 26.
A much-awaited steam locomotive went into service on Tobu Railway Co.'s Kinugawa Line in the city of Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Thursday.

The Taiju train, pulled by the C11 207 locomotive, travels between Shimo-imaichi Station and Kinugawa-onsen Station, with three round-trip services offered a day on the 12.4-kilometer section. A one-way trip takes 35 minutes.

It is the first time in 58 years for a steam locomotive to run in the Kinugawa area, which is a major tourist destination featuring the Kinugawa Onsen hot spring resort and scenic spots around the Kinugawa River. The first Taiju train left Shimo-imaichi around 12:20 p.m. (3:20 a.m. GMT).

At a ceremony at Shimo-imaichi, Tobu Railway President Yoshizumi Nezu said, "It's our duty to meet the expectations of railway operators that supported us for the steam locomotive revival." Among these railway firms are Hokkaido Railway Co., or JR Hokkaido, and East Japan Railway Co. <9020>, or JR East.
A Japanese research group said Thursday it has found that chimpanzees have the ability to learn the rules of the rock-paper-scissors game.

"The study shows that a chimpanzee has a cognitive capacity roughly equivalent to that of a four-year-old child," said Tetsuro Matsuzawa, a professor at Kyoto University.

The findings by the group led by Matsuzawa were published online in the primatology journal Primates.

The group edited photographs of chimpanzee hands and displayed one of three pairs--rock-scissors, scissors-paper and paper-rock--on a computer screen.
Labor authorities have officially acknowledged that a Japanese doctor killed himself due to overwork. His suicide has drawn attention to the harsh working conditions of people in the medical field.

The doctor in his 30s began working at the gynecology and obstetrics department of a hospital in Tokyo after a 2-year internship. He committed suicide in July 2015.

His family's lawyer says he worked more than 170 hours of overtime in the month before he killed himself.

The lawyer says the doctor took just 5 days off in the 6 months prior to his suicide.

Observers say it's hard to regulate overtime for medical practitioners. Doctors aren't allowed to refuse a patient's request for an examination without a good reason.
Cerro Gordo County District Court

 A Mason City woman arrested with several others on felony drug charges after a series of months-long Mason City Police investigations has pleaded guilty to possession of meth with intent to deliver. Brandi Jean Awe, 38, will face sentencing at 10 a.m. Sept. 11.

 A Mason City man was caught growing hallucinogenic mushrooms under his bed has pleaded guilty. Cole Arthur Pearce, 25, arrested with several others on felony drug charges after a series of months-long Mason City Police investigations. He pleaded guilty to felony manufacture, deliver or possess with intent to manufacture or deliver Psilocybin (mushrooms). His possession of marijuana, third or subsequent offense charge was dismissed. He will face sentencing at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 18.

 A Clear Lake man who injured a woman July 4 pleaded guilty to an amended charge of serious domestic assault, a serious misdemeanor. Daniel C. Kruger, 54, is accused of using both hands to put pressure on the woman's neck shortly after 3 p.m. July 4 in Clear Lake. He also struck her in the face, causing injury and pain to her mouth and teeth, and hit her against the wall, according to the Clear Lake Police Department criminal complaint. Kruger will face sentencing at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 11.

 A Mason City man pleaded guilty to felony eluding after a chase June 11 that reached speeds of 100 mph. Jesse L. Halfpop, 26, led officers on a chase around 8:30 p.m. from the south side of Mason City that continued to the Avenue of the Saints and ended at Cameo Avenue near Nora Springs. Halfpop lost control and went into a ditch when he tried to avoid stop sticks placed by the Nora Springs Police Department. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sept. 11.

 A jury trial date had been set for a Britt man accused of possession of one to five grams of meth with intent to deliver and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. James Dean Michelson, 24, of Britt, was stopped by police about 1 p.m. July 17 on South Federal Avenue. He was wanted for a parole violation in Hancock County, according to court documents. Police say they found a plastic baggie containing a crystal substance suspected to be meth in Michelson's front right watch pocket. His trial is set for 1:30 p.m. Sept. 12.

Kossuth County District Court

 An initial hearing is scheduled for a Titonka man charged with felony third degree kidnapping in Algona. Anthony Jay Countryman, 29, is accused of removing a person from their residence to another place without the consent to authority to do so, with the intent to secretly confine the person around 12:30 Aug. 7, according to the criminal complaint. The hearing is scheduled for Aug. 18 in Kossuth County District Court.
The parent company of Applebee's and IHOP restaurants is going through some major changes that will see as many as 160 locations close.

According to the Los Angeles Times on Thursday, DineEquity Inc. said in a quarterly earnings call that the decision to close the restaurants was made after reviewing fiscal year earnings.
BRUNSWICK, Ga. - The long August congressional recess, which Republicans hoped would begin a conversation about tax reform and must-pass budget measures, has so far seen another round of angry town halls focused on President Trump and the stalled effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Over just one day, in three small towns along Georgia's Atlantic coastline, Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter, R-Ga., spent more than four hours answering 74 questions, many of them heated. Just three focused on tax reform; nearly half of all questions focused on health care.

"We did our job in the House," Carter said at the top of a town hall at Brunswick's College of Coastal Georgia. "It got over to the Senate, and it hit a stumbling block there. Now it's in their court, and they need to get something done. Folks, we're not giving up."

Carter's town halls - he is hosting nine total, more than any member of the House - mirrored what was happening in swing and safe Republican districts across the country. The failure of the repeal bill kick-started a tax reform campaign, backed by Republican leaders and pro-business groups, who have booked millions of dollars in TV ads to promote whatever might lead to an "uncomplicated" tax code.

In the first spots, paid for by the American Action Network, a laid-off steelworker worries that without "lower taxes for working families," more jobs will be "lost to China." At rallies and forums in several states, Americans for Prosperity has pitched tax reform as a way to "unrig the economy." And in a polling memo made public this week, the AAN found 65 to 73 percent of voters responding favorably to reform if it was pitched as a way to "restore the earning power" of the middle class and "save billions of dollars per in year on tax preparation services."

But at town-hall meetings since the start of the recess, tax reform has hardly come up; health care has dominated. At a Monday town hall in Flat Rock, N.C., Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., pitched a plan to devolve ACA programs to the states, then found himself fending off constituents who backed universal Medicare.

"You can take the top one percent and tax them fully, and it still won't pay for Medicare," said Meadows.

At a town hall in Chico, Calif., in the most Democratic portion of a deep red district, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., found himself fending off furious complaints about the repeal vote, with constituents accusing him of acting to bring about their death.

"I hope you suffer the same painful fate as those millions that you have voted to remove health care from," one constituent told LaMalfa. "May you die in pain."

Carter's town halls did not reach that boiling point, but they revealed what the tone of congressional listening sessions has become - angry, wistful and loaded with progressive activists.

The 1st congressional District, stretching from Savannah to the Florida border, has been held by his party since 1993. In 2016, the Trump-Pence ticket carried the district by 15.5 points, while Democrats could not find a candidate to run against Carter.

But on Tuesday, the constituents who signed up for the meetings on Eventbrite and walked past local police officers to take their seats seemed to skew left. Two groups founded after the 2016 election, Speak Up Now and Savannah Taking Action for Resistance, had members at town halls in Darien and Brunswick.

Carter, who peppered his answers with self-deprecating jokes, sometimes called on activists who'd dogged him before. In Brunswick, he quickly pivoted from a question about "Zionist influence in our foreign policy" by promising to "put America first." After three different constituents asked him to say whether he supported the president's decision to ban transgender men and women from military service, he went from deferring "to our commander in chief" to saying what he believed.

"I don't want 'em serving in the military," Carter said, as dozens of constituents booed and more than a dozen walked out. "I'm sorry."

At each town hall, Carter provided fact sheets to advance two messages - one about how much work Congress had done in 2017, and one about how his party would not give up on repealing the ACA. A one-pager titled "Health Care Reform: Myth vs. Fact," with citations from the Department of Health and Human Services, revealed just how much the party had suffered from Democratic attacks. Instead of rebutting the line that the AHCA would cut Medicaid, it framed the ACA's Medicaid expansion as a departure from the program's mission that denied "choice" to the working poor.

"Medicaid was designed to provide a vital health care safety net for elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities," it read. "Low and middle-income adults capable of holding down a job should have health care choices."

Behind the microphone, Carter found himself making that same point repeatedly, about a slew of ideas for expanded government programs, as Democrats cheered and Republicans simmered. In Brunswick, after Carter told a college student that free tuition was a pipe dream - "we've got a $20 trillion" debt - an older man took the mic and advised the student to get a job.

It wasn't the only time Carter stood back and watched as his constituents argued among themselves. Mary Nelson, 73, used her question time at Carter's Darien town hall to insist that Republicans were all wrong about single-payer health care. She walked through an experience that her Australian relatives had gone through, and described a cheap system "with no hoops to jump through" that could be copied in America.

"They are taxed out the wazoo in Australia," interjected Adrienne Stidhams, 48, a Trump supporter.

"How much do we pay for premiums?" Nelson asked rhetorically.

Like Meadows, Carter suggested that Democrats and Republicans could work together on health-care bills while the repeal effort stalled. When multiple constituents asked if he would let the probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 election play out, Carter defended the president and suggested that special counsel Robert Mueller, "a good man," would likely "find out the facts" before long.

"I'm worried about some of the people he has around him," Carter said, apparently referring to lawyers hired for the probe who have been attacked in conservative media for donating to Democrats.

There were no questions about the debt limit, which must be raised when Congress returns to avoid default. The three questions about tax reform focused on the possibility of the "Fair Tax," a national sales tax to replace taxes on income, about whether companies keeping profits overseas could be taxed, and about tax fairness in general.

Carter jumped at the opportunity to talk about it. "What's being proposed right now is to bring our corporate tax down from 35 percent - one of the highest in the world - down to 15 percent," he said, citing a tax reform blueprint released this spring and a positive analysis from the conservative Tax Foundation. "That will create jobs."

No constituents followed up with questions. Instead, there was more skepticism about the president and his plans, countered by constituents who asked Carter to defend the president from media attacks.

"I tell ya, I don't think I've ever seen a president that's been disrespected by the media like this," said Carter. He had more to say, but drowned out by booing, he moved on.
MASON CITY | Haas Chiropractic, with support from many businesses, is sponsoring its 12th annual S.O.S. (Support Our Students) school supplies drive.

Those interested in participating are invited to drop off basic school supplies to the clinic at 1403 S. Federal Ave. or make out a check to Mason City Noon Rotary-S.O.S and send it to P.O. Box 1802, Mason City, Iowa, 50402.

Donated school supplies still arriving at Mason City MASON CITY  As Mason Citys school year starts this week, district staff are continuing to 

Intent of the program is to make sure kids have supplies they need -- and that teachers don't have to purchase them out of their own pocket.

Last year, $2,200 in supplies were purchased, bringing the total to $16,000 since the program began.
WESTPORT  Famed 19th century British author Charles Dickens is renowned for his classics, including Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities, the latter of which is set in Paris and London during the French Revolution.

The 3.93-acre estate at 315 North Ave. and 17 North Ave. is a Tale of Two Towns. The property straddles two towns. It has 1.22 acres in Westport and 2.71 acres in Weston.

No worst of times here; only the best of times. Great expectations can be met and exceeded on this resort-like compound, which boasts amid its magnificent manicured grounds a nearly 6,000-square-foot, 11-room clapboard and stone colonial contemporary house, a Gunite heated in-ground swimming pool and spa, and a 1,100-square-foot pool house/guest house designed by award-winning local architect Peter Cadoux.

The house is listed as 315 North Ave. in the Coleytown section of Westport and 17 North Ave. in lower Weston. Walk into one room and youre in Westport. Walk into another room and youre in Weston. The homeowners pay taxes to both towns and as such, according to marketing material for this house, any children who reside there can go to schools in either town. They can take advantage of amenities in both communities since, technically, they are residents of both.

More Information ABOUT THIS HOUSE STYLE: Colonial contemporary ADDRESS: 315 North Ave. PRICE: $1,799,000 ROOMS: 11 FEATURES: 3.93-acre level and sloping parcel, Gunite heated in-ground swimming pool, large pool house/guest house with a loft, spa, bluestone patio, temperature-controlled wine closet, pergola, partially fenced property, semicircular driveway, proximity to the Merritt Parkway, three fireplaces, audio system, front and rear staircases, central vacuum system, insulated windows, exterior lighting, porch, sprinkler system, skylights, ceiling fans, extra insulation, humidistat, attached three-car garage, well water, zoned heating and cooling system, cedar shingle wood roof, walk-up attic, ridge vents, partially finished basement, cedar closet, five bedrooms, four full and two half baths WESTPORT SCHOOLS: Coleytown Elementary, Coleytown Middle, Staples High WESTON SCHOOLS: Hurlbutt Elementary, Weston Middle, Weston High WESTPORT MILL RATE: 16.86 mills WESTPORT TAXES: $18,037 WESTON MILL RATE: 28.56 mills WESTON TAXES: $15,811 TOTAL TAXES: $33,848 See More Collapse

Enter the property through the semicircular driveway, both entrances of which are marked by stone pillars topped with lanterns. A wide stone and slate staircase leads to the covered and columned front entrance, where French doors flanked by sidelights open to the grand two-story foyer. It has a gracefully curved staircase, an element that serves as a unifying architectural feature throughout the house, which has arched entryways from room to room, Palladium windows and some curved walls. In the formal sunken living room its curved wall features a hand-painted mural depicting ancient ruins and statuary. Many other architectural details combine to create a unique residence, including the hardwood floor boards in the foyer arranged in a herringbone pattern and stately millwork and moldings.

The home was built in 1987 and has been meticulously maintained. Many of the rooms feature doors to the beautiful grounds, which invite indoor-outdoor living. This whole house and property invite luxurious daily living and entertaining inside and out.

The living room has a fireplace, a door to a bluestone patio and a second door to the spacious screened sun porch. The herringbone flooring is repeated in the formal dining room, which also features wainscoting on the lower walls. The two-story family room has a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and a bar area with a beverage refrigerator and glass-front cabinetry. There is an office in the main house with walls of built-in cabinetry and shelves. The pool/guest house has a second office, also with built-ins.

The newly painted chefs kitchen, which is open to a large breakfast room, features a limestone tile floor, a sizable center island, granite counters, tumbled marble backsplash, large walk-in pantry, Thermador six-burner range and Sub-Zero refrigerator. The mudroom provides access to the laundry room, three-car attached garage, a half bath and rear stairs to the basement and upper floors.

On the second floor French doors open to the private wing that contains the master suite, which features a large fireplace with a stone surround, including a keystone made of stone. There is a vaulted ceiling, ceiling fan, cove lighting, a sitting area, built-in dresser drawers, a dressing room with a long window seat, and a stunning master bath with mosaic tile detailing. It has a steam shower, jetted tub and water closet.

There are three other bedrooms on this level and a loft area over the family room with a built-in desk and shelving to serve as a study nook. On the third floor there is a sizable fifth bedroom with a full bath that could serve as an au pair suite.

The lower level has a temperature-controlled wine closet, an exercise or yoga room and a playroom.

Nestled in this serene setting is the pool/guest house, which has a two-story living room with a fireplace, a full kitchen, loft, bedroom, the office, and full bath with laundry facilities. Numerous doors lead to the grounds, including the dining patio with wisteria-draped pergola and the private oasis of the pool area, both of which are surrounded by perennial plantings, their foliage and flowers providing visual beauty and privacy.

For information or to make an appointment to see the house, contact Lori Popkin or Sandy Rappaport of Westport Residential, Popkin at 203-984-7677 or lpopkin@westportres.com and Rappaport at 203-856-9665 or sandy@westportres.com.
(under IFRS and all amounts in US dollars unless otherwise stated)

VANCOUVER, Aug. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - Alterra Power Corp. (TSX: AXY) ("Alterra" or the "Company") is pleased to report its financial and operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. For further information on these results please see Alterra's Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A").

At June 30, 2017, Alterra consolidated 100% of the results of operations from its Icelandic subsidiary HS Orka, while Alterra's interests in the Toba Montrose, Dokie 1, Shannon, Jimmie Creek, and Kokomo renewable power projects were accounted for as equity investments. In certain statements in this news release, Alterra's results are disclosed as Alterra's "net interest", by which the Company means the operating results that the Company would have reported if each of HS Orka (66.6%), Toba Montrose (40%), Dokie 1 (25.5%), Shannon (50% sponsor equity interest), Jimmie Creek (51%), and Kokomo (90% sponsor equity interest) were reported in the proportional ownership interests shown above. Management believes that net interest reporting, although a non-IFRS measure, provides the clearest view of Alterra's performance. Refer to our MD&A for further information on non-IFRS measures. The Company also has disclosed information below regarding Adjusted EBITDA, another non-IFRS measure. Please refer to the Company's definition of Adjusted EBITDA and further commentary thereto, which is incorporated in the Financial Results table below.

Highlights for the quarter and subsequent period include:

Record generation: The Company achieved its highest second quarter generation ever (8% over the comparative quarter), due primarily to increased output at Shannon and first-time second quarter output from Jimmie Creek. The Company achieved 97.2% of its budgeted generation (net interest) for the quarter, with strong hydro performance offsetting continued unusually low wind production.





The Company achieved its highest second quarter generation ever (8% over the comparative quarter), due primarily to increased output at and first-time second quarter output from Jimmie Creek. The Company achieved 97.2% of its budgeted generation (net interest) for the quarter, with strong hydro performance offsetting continued unusually low wind production. Over 20% increase in revenue and Adjusted EBITDA: Consolidated revenue increased by 24% to $17.2 million in 2017, and net interest revenue increased by 20% to $22.2 million predominantly due to a strengthening Icelandic krona in the quarter and first-time output from Jimmie Creek and Kokomo, and increased winds at Shannon . Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA increased by 26% to $13.6 million , and net interest Adjusted EBITDA increased by 31% to $11.2 million , primarily due to increased generation at Shannon and first time output from Jimmie Creek.





Consolidated revenue increased by 24% to in 2017, and net interest revenue increased by 20% to predominantly due to a strengthening Icelandic krona in the quarter and first-time output from Jimmie Creek and Kokomo, and increased winds at . Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA increased by 26% to , and net interest Adjusted EBITDA increased by 31% to , primarily due to increased generation at and first time output from Jimmie Creek. Geothermal field improvement at Reykjanes: Recent field enhancement efforts (including well venting and turbine pressure adjustments) have resulted in increased generation (plant currently running at highest output level in 14 months, 75 MW). Quarterly generation increased 5% compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 and 3% over the previous quarter. The Company expects further increases in plant output in 2018 from the drilling of planned new wells, well work-overs, and potentially from the recent deep drilling project.





Recent field enhancement efforts (including well venting and turbine pressure adjustments) have resulted in increased generation (plant currently running at highest output level in 14 months, 75 MW). Quarterly generation increased 5% compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 and 3% over the previous quarter. The Company expects further increases in plant output in 2018 from the drilling of planned new wells, well work-overs, and potentially from the recent deep drilling project. 200 MW Flat Top wind project:





New partner: On July 19 , the Company entered into a partnership agreement under which a fund managed by BlackRock Real Assets acquired a 49% sponsor equity interest in the project. Alterra will continue to own 51% of the sponsor equity and will continue to manage the project.





On , the Company entered into a partnership agreement under which a fund managed by BlackRock Real Assets acquired a 49% sponsor equity interest in the project. Alterra will continue to own 51% of the sponsor equity and will continue to manage the project.

Project financing completed: On July 19 , the Company closed a $287.2 million non-recourse credit facility for Flat Top supplied by Citi, Santander and the Royal Bank of Canada , consisting of a $216.7 million construction loan plus $70.5 million in letters of credit. The loan facility is expected to be retired by a $221.1 million tax equity investment to be supplied by subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Citi (subject to typical conditions precedent). Alterra's total equity contribution for its 51% sponsor equity stake was $43.2 million .





On , the Company closed a non-recourse credit facility for Flat Top supplied by Citi, Santander and the Royal Bank of , consisting of a construction loan plus in letters of credit. The loan facility is expected to be retired by a tax equity investment to be supplied by subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Citi (subject to typical conditions precedent). Alterra's total equity contribution for its 51% sponsor equity stake was .

Construction activities: The final phase of on-site construction activities commenced in June 2017 including excavation and concrete work for the turbine foundations, yard construction, maintenance building and substation. All transmission line equipment has been received and line work has commenced. The Company expects commercial operations to commence in the first half of 2018.





The final phase of on-site construction activities commenced in including excavation and concrete work for the turbine foundations, yard construction, maintenance building and substation. All transmission line equipment has been received and line work has commenced. The Company expects commercial operations to commence in the first half of 2018. Acquisition of Boswell Springs: In April, the Company acquired the 320 MW Boswell Springs project, a four-project portfolio of wind development projects located in Albany County, Wyoming . The Company expects the project to achieve commercial operations in 2020, selling 100% of its output under four 20-year power purchase agreements with PacifiCorp. The Company commenced construction of the project's main power transformers in 2016 in anticipation of closing the acquisition in 2017, and the project is expected to qualify for production tax credits at the full rate.





In April, the Company acquired the 320 MW Boswell Springs project, a four-project portfolio of wind development projects located in . The Company expects the project to achieve commercial operations in 2020, selling 100% of its output under four 20-year power purchase agreements with PacifiCorp. The Company commenced construction of the project's main power transformers in 2016 in anticipation of closing the acquisition in 2017, and the project is expected to qualify for production tax credits at the full rate. Spartan acquisition and financing completed:





In June, the Company acquired the Spartan solar project in conjunction with the execution of a partnership agreement with Inovateus Solar, LLC. The final net equity contribution was $3.4 million , with ownership of at least 85% of the project subject to final project economics and other factors.





, with ownership of at least 85% of the project subject to final project economics and other factors.

Subsequent to the quarter, the Company secured a non-recourse project financing for the project. The financing features a $19.8 million construction loan, which will be retired by a $10.2 million term loan and a $9.7 million tax equity investment provided by 1st Source Bank, a subsidiary of 1st Source Corporation subject to typical conditions precedent. Construction commenced in March 2017 , and the project is expected to achieve commercial operations in late 2017.





construction loan, which will be retired by a term loan and a tax equity investment provided by 1st Source Bank, a subsidiary of 1st Source Corporation subject to typical conditions precedent. Construction commenced in , and the project is expected to achieve commercial operations in late 2017. Construction begins on Bruarvirkjun project: The Company has commenced construction on the 10 MW Bruarvirkjun hydro project in southern Iceland , and is in final stage documentation with an Icelandic lender for a construction loan for the project (the loan will serve other corporate purposes as well). The project and the loan will be held in the Company's Icelandic subsidiary, HS Orka.





The Company has commenced construction on the 10 MW Bruarvirkjun hydro project in southern , and is in final stage documentation with an Icelandic lender for a construction loan for the project (the loan will serve other corporate purposes as well). The project and the loan will be held in the Company's Icelandic subsidiary, HS Orka. Advancement of other USA wind projects: The Company continued advancement of several other wind projects in its USA development portfolio (comprised both of projects that are owned and projects subject to cooperation with other developers), including transformer construction, meteorological tower procurement, resource and transmission studies, submissions into offtake requests for proposals and other activities.





The Company continued advancement of several other wind projects in its development portfolio (comprised both of projects that are owned and projects subject to cooperation with other developers), including transformer construction, meteorological tower procurement, resource and transmission studies, submissions into offtake requests for proposals and other activities. Settlement of $71 million Icelandic bond: On July 27 , the Company's subsidiary Magma Energy Sweden signed an agreement to fully settle and extinguish the $71.3 million liability associated with the Reykjanesbr bond. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the Company obtained a release of the $71.3 million liability under the bond and delivered the collateral (a 12.7% ownership stake in HS Orka).





On , the Company's subsidiary Magma Energy Sweden signed an agreement to fully settle and extinguish the liability associated with the Reykjanesbr bond. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the Company obtained a release of the liability under the bond and delivered the collateral (a 12.7% ownership stake in HS Orka). Expansion of AMP loan facility: On July 19 , the Company received funding for an expansion of its North American holding company loan (provided by affiliates of AMP Capital Investors Limited). The proceeds ( $21.1 million , gross) funded a portion of Alterra's sponsor equity contribution for Flat Top and $3.1 million for working capital purposes. The interest rate for the new tranche is LIBOR plus 5.75% and in conjunction with funding the loan expansion, the interest rate for existing two tranches of the facility was reduced from CDOR plus 6.5% to 5.75%.





On , the Company received funding for an expansion of its North American holding company loan (provided by affiliates of AMP Capital Investors Limited). The proceeds ( , gross) funded a portion of Alterra's sponsor equity contribution for Flat Top and for working capital purposes. The interest rate for the new tranche is LIBOR plus 5.75% and in conjunction with funding the loan expansion, the interest rate for existing two tranches of the facility was reduced from CDOR plus 6.5% to 5.75%. Termination of Blue Lagoon sales process: The Company ended the sales process for the 30% stake in the Blue Lagoon held by HS Orka. Although multiple offers were received in excess of 90 million, Alterra's partner, Jarvarmi slhf, whose consent was required, decided against selling the stake at this time.





The Company ended the sales process for the 30% stake in the Blue Lagoon held by HS Orka. Although multiple offers were received in excess of 90 million, Alterra's partner, Jarvarmi slhf, whose consent was required, decided against selling the stake at this time. Distributions: The Company received distributions during the quarter from equity investments of $5.0 million and another C$7.2 million subsequent to quarter-end.





The Company received distributions during the quarter from equity investments of and another subsequent to quarter-end. Shareholder dividends: On June 15 , the Company paid its regular quarterly cash dividend of C$0.0125 per common share, and subsequent to the quarter approved the next regular dividend (also C$0.0125 per common share), which will be distributed in cash on or about September 15, 2017 to common shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 31, 2017 .





On , the Company paid its regular quarterly cash dividend of per common share, and subsequent to the quarter approved the next regular dividend (also per common share), which will be distributed in cash on or about to common shareholders of record as of the close of business on . Dividend increase: The Company expects to increase its quarterly dividend in 2018 following completion of the Flat Top wind project.





Financial Results

The following table shows Alterra's net interest in select operating and financial results for the quarter, in addition to key financial information extracted from the consolidated results ($000):





















For the three

months ended June

30, 2017 HS Orka Toba

Montrose Dokie 1 Shannon Jimmie

Creek Kokomo Development

and head

office Net interest

total Consolidated

results (66.6)% (40%) (25.5%) (50%) (51%) (90%) Generation (MWh) 184,344 92,613 14,776 97,664 26,793 2,573  418,763 276,793 Total revenue(a) 11,431 6,229 958 1,853 1,516 200  22,187 17,163 Gross profit (loss) 1,808 4,648 235 (280) 824 78  7,313 2,714 Adjusted EBITDA(b) 4,711 5,202 512 1,071 1,149 154 (1,595) 11,204 13,564



For the three

months ended June

30, 2016 HS Orka Toba

Montrose Dokie 1 Shannon Development

and head

office Net interest

total Consolidated

results (66.6%) (40%) (25.5%) (50%) Generation (MWh) 184,011 110,014 16,841 76,205  387,071 276,293 Total revenue(a) 9,189 6,900 1,368 1,088  18,545 13,797 Gross profit (loss) 2,392 5,028 466 (1,111)  6,775 3,591 Adjusted EBITDA(b) 4,465 5,550 807 (67) (2,228) 8,527 10,765





(a) Revenue for Shannon above excludes power hedge accounting adjustments. (b) Here and elsewhere, adjusted EBITDA ("Adjusted EBITDA") is defined by the Company as earnings before interest, taxes, foreign exchange, depreciation and amortization, as well as adjustments for changes in the fair value of holding company bonds (Sweden) and derivatives, write-offs of development costs, other income (expense) except business interruption insurance proceeds, amortization of below market contracts, value assigned to options granted, share of results of equity investments, the Company's proportionate interest in Adjusted EBITDA of its equity investments, research and development costs for deep drilling program and non-recurring items (insurance deductibles, litigation and arbitration costs). Adjusted EBITDA has been calculated on a consistent basis with the comparative period. The Company discloses Adjusted EBITDA as it is a measure used by analysts and by management to evaluate the Company's performance. As Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure, it may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA calculated by others. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is not a substitute for net earnings. Readers should consider net earnings in evaluating the Company's performance. For a reconciliation of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to Alterra's consolidated financial statements refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Consolidated Results

Revenue was $17.2 million for the quarter, up 24% from the comparative quarter predominantly due foreign exchange, with the Icelandic Krona strengthening in the quarter, in addition to increased retail sales and an increase in aluminum prices.

The Company recorded a net loss of $2.8 million (comparative quarter $3.4 million net income), primarily due to non-cash changes including changes in the fair value of derivatives and foreign exchange movements, and increased finance costs.

Consolidated cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2017 were $2.7 million of which $0.1 million is held in the Company's Icelandic subsidiary ($31.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively at December 31, 2016). The decrease in consolidated cash is primarily a result of the significant development and construction activities undertaken by the Company during the quarter.

The Company's consolidated working capital deficit at June 30, 2017 was $133.8 million compared to a working capital deficit of $62.3 million at December 31, 2016, resulting primarily from two of the holding company bonds (Sweden) valued at $108.0 million being classified as current at June 30, 2017 (one bond valued at $60.0 million at December 31, 2016). Subsequent to the quarter, the Company received C$7.2 million in project distributions, completed an expansion to its holding company loan facility ($21.1 million, gross), and settled its $71.3 million Icelandic bond as discussed above.

Net Interest Results

Alterra's net interest revenue increased by $3.6 million to $22.2 million and net interest Adjusted EBITDA increased 31% to $11.2 million in the current quarter primarily due to first time output from the Jimmie Creek and Kokomo projects, stronger generation at Shannon, and lower general and administrative costs as a result of non-recurring legal fees associated with the HS Orka arbitration that occurred in the comparative quarter.

The net interest cash position at June 30, 2017 was $8.2 million.

Operating Results

The Company achieved fleet-wide generation of 97.2% of its budgeted generation (net interest) for the current quarter.





Q2 2017 Generation (MWh)



Total Net Interest

Facility Budget

Actual

Budget

Actual

% of Budget Reykjanes 141,960

146,819

94,545

97,781

103.4% Svartsengi 134,316

129,974

89,454

86,563

96.8% Toba Montrose 228,814

231,532

91,526

92,613

101.2% Jimmie Creek 43,273

52,535

22,069

26,793

121.4% Dokie 1 68,132

57,947

17,374

14,776

85.0% Shannon 226,698

195,328

113,349

97,664

86.2% Kokomo 2,975

2,859

2,678

2,573

96.1% TOTAL 846,168

816,994

430,995

418,763

97.2%

 Budgeted amounts include planned maintenance outages.

"We are pleased to report record second quarter revenue and generation on a net interest basis." said Lynda Freeman, CFO of Alterra Power Corp. "Now that project financing is complete at Flat Top and Spartan we look forward to completing construction of these projects and adding them to our large and diversified fleet of operating assets".

Alterra will host a conference call to discuss financial and operating results on Friday, August 11, 2017 at 11:30 am ET (8:30 am PT). North American participants dial 1-888-390-0546 and International participants dial 1-416-764-8688; the conference ID is 55372321 The call will also be broadcast live on the Internet at http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1474989&s=1&k=DEC3E2A73E31BC39B58FA92F01408656 The call will be available for replay for one week after the call by dialing 1-416-764-8677 and entering replay PIN 956675#

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information

Certain of the statements and information included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. This information may involve known and unknown risks, assumptions and uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements implied by such statements or information. Specifically, forward-looking statements within this news release relate to, among other things: successful development, financing (including construction debt, tax equity and sponsor interest sales) and construction of our pre-operational projects and properties, Alterra's successful acquisition from or partnership with the owners of projects currently owned by other developers, marketing of power and ability to secure power purchase or offtake agreements in respect of the same and the expected timing to implement such agreements; successful development, construction and financing (or achievement of conditions precedent related to equity funding thereto) of the Flat Top wind project, the Spartan solar project, the Bruarvirkjun hydro project and the Boswell Springs wind project, and the timing of each of the same, timing for commercial operations for the Flat Top, Boswell Springs, Bruarvirkjun and Spartan projects, the equity ownership expectations of the Spartan project, Alterra's continued management of the Flat Top project, potential to increase production resulting from deep drilling, programs to upgrade, return capacity and develop the Company's geothermal resources, including expectations for further field and plant output improvements and the continued success thereof, estimates of recoverable geothermal energy resources or power generation capacities, the success of Alterra's project acquisition, development and expansion programs and greenfield development efforts, whether the wind development projects actually or ultimately qualify for all, or a portion of, the production tax credits, the number of projects and generation capacity that may ultimately achieve commercial operations, Alterra's successful acquisition from or partnership with the owners of projects currently owned by other developers, the success of Alterra's project acquisition and greenfield development efforts, all statements regarding the Company's plans and expectations for the declaration of future dividends, including the timing, amount thereof and any increase following successful completion of the Flat Top project, the timing of HS Orka distributions, the reduction of HS Orka ownership interest, successful completion of the settlement agreement and release of liability under the bond, refinancing, repayment or the return of collateral of other the holding company bonds, all statements relating to the potential sale or retention of the Blue Lagoon, including the purchase price in respect thereof, if any, prospective generation, and management's assumptions related to, and all instances of, forward-looking financial information.

These statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, among others, the expected power generation from our operations, the success and timely completion of financing efforts (including satisfaction of conditions precedent to release of capital related thereto), the success and timely completion of planned development, expansion and construction programs, and modeling and budgeting based on historical trends, whether Alterra's on-site and off-site early-stage construction activities will be sufficient to qualify the wind development projects for the full value of the PTCs; rules, regulation or other guidance may be promulgated pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as the same may be amended, updated or otherwise modified from time to time) that could jeopardize or otherwise impede the effectiveness of such on-site and off-site early-stage construction activities qualifying such projects for the full value of the PTCs and securing tax equity financing on such basis, our use of proceeds from any equity financings is as currently forecasted, that third party transmission infrastructure will be operational within projected timelines, the expected timing for realizing the output capacity of the well, if any, due to the conceptual nature of the deep drilling preliminary output potential, the risk that there has been insufficient testing to define geothermal resource, assumptions concerning temperature and underground fluids, that the Company will successfully complete the settlement agreement with respect to the holding company bond, that the Company and its partners will continue to retain the Blue Lagoon, current conditions and expected future developments. Forward-looking statements and information also involve known and unknown risks that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed by such statements or information, and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. These risks include volatility of renewable energy resources, inherent risks in operating and constructing power plants and development programs related to the same, contractual risks related to credit facilities, partnership and power purchase agreements, prospective power, currency and commodity price fluctuations, the implementation of lower corporate tax rates may impede our ability to obtain sufficient amounts of tax equity investment or achieve desired economic returns, successful closing of the acquisition of certain of the wind development projects including without limitation successful completion of due diligence on such projects, negotiation of definitive purchase agreements, satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent thereto and the approval of Alterra's Board of Directors, successful development of each of the wind development projects, including the financing thereof and if applicable, completion of third party infrastructure, within a timeframe that permits Alterra to obtain the value of such PTCs with respect to each project, future issuances of equity securities, future declarations of dividends and the amounts thereof, risks related to the settlement of the holding company bond and financing or refinancing of other bonds, health, safety, social and environmental risks and risks related to reliance on third parties (including with respect to transmission). Additional risks, assumptions and influential factors are set out in the Company's management discussion analysis and Alterra's most recent annual information form, copies of which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com .

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, given the inherent uncertainties in such forward-looking statements and information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements or information, which apply only as of their dates. Other than as specifically required by law, Alterra undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information to reflect new information.

SOURCE Alterra Power Corp.

For further information: Peter Lekich, Corporate Communications, Alterra Power Corp., Phone: 604.235.6719, Email: [email protected]

Related Links

www.alterrapower.ca/


OTTAWA, Aug. 11, 2017 /CNW/ - From August 20-23, physicians from across Canada will come together to celebrate the innovation, influence and history of the Canadian Medical Association. For the CMA's 150th anniversary, General Council is being brought back to Quebec City where 164 physicians originally came together to create the country's first national medical association.



A number of issues will be discussed over the four day meeting, including, but not limited to: medical professionalism, the ongoing opioids crisis, the future of the profession and medical aid in dying. Federal Minister of Health Dr. Jane Philpott will also be in attendance and addressing her colleagues on day two. Members of the media are invited to attend the following sessions that may be of interest. Please note that these sessions may change:

Sunday, August 20

Registration starts at 8:00 a.m.

Session:Taking action on the CMA Code of Ethics for the 21st century (3:15  4:45 p.m. )

Monday, August 21

Federal Minister of Health to address General Council (10:40  11:15 a.m. )

Ahead of its time: 150th anniversary ( 6:30 p.m. )

Tuesday, August 22

President Dr. Granger Avery speaks to General Council (11:40  12:05 p.m. )

Session: Physicians facing Canada's opioid crisis (1:30  3:10 p.m. )

Installation of 150 th CMA President, Dr. Laurent Marcoux (3:30  4:05 p.m. )

Celebrating the profession: CMA Awards Gala ( 6:00 p.m. )

Wednesday, August 23

Session: Medical Assistance in Dying: where do we go from here? (8:00  8:45 a.m. )

Dr. Laurent Marcoux media availability ( 10 a.m. )

Members of the media must register and can do so onsite or online by emailing [email protected]. Live feeds will be available for television networks. Details are available upon request.

The Canadian Medical Association unites 85,000 physicians on national health and medical matters. Formed in Quebec City in 1867, the CMA's rich history of advocacy led to some of Canada's most important health policy changes. As we look to the future, the CMA will focus on advocating for a healthy population and a vibrant profession.

SOURCE Canadian Medical Association

For further information: [email protected], 613-806-1865

Related Links

http://www.cma.ca


CALGARY, Aug. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - (TSX:PMT) - Perpetual Energy Inc. ("Perpetual", the "Corporation" or the "Company") is pleased to release its second quarter 2017 financial and operating results. A complete copy of Perpetual's unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements and related Management Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 can be obtained through the Company's website at www.perpetualenergyinc.com and SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Perpetual is on track for profitable growth in 2017. Strategic focusing of the asset base and active balance sheet management positioned the Company for the renewal of capital investment through the first half of 2017 to grow operations in key plays in East Edson and Mannville. At the same time, attention on cost reductions in every component of the business is further boosting returns and translating into an increasingly solid platform for sustainable value creation.

SECOND QUARTER 2017 HIGHLIGHTS

Production and Operations

Extremely wet spring break up conditions persisted over much of the second quarter, limiting capital activity. Perpetual's exploration and development spending in the second quarter of 2017 totaled just $4.0 million , primarily for the drilling of one (1.0 net) horizontal gas well and preparatory work for frac activities for the three standing horizontal first quarter drills awaiting completion at East Edson .





, primarily for the drilling of one (1.0 net) horizontal gas well and preparatory work for frac activities for the three standing horizontal first quarter drills awaiting completion at . Average production of 9,223 boe/d was up 13% compared to the first quarter as natural declines were more than offset by increased production driven by the ramp up of capital investment. Production was down 42% from the second quarter of 2016, almost entirely related to the disposal of the vast majority of the Company's shallow gas assets on October 1, 2016 (the "Shallow Gas Disposition").





(the "Shallow Gas Disposition"). Total production and operating expenses were relatively flat at $4.6 million as compared to the first quarter of 2017, but were down 51% compared to $9.5 million recorded during the same period in 2016. This decrease reflected the impact of the Shallow Gas Disposition and continued efficiencies realized through the Company-owned and operated gas plant at East Edson , offset somewhat by higher costs incurred for extra road and lease maintenance due to wet weather conditions throughout the quarter. Production and operating expenses on a unit-of-production basis were down 15% from the comparative 2016 quarter to $5.52 /boe, (Q2 2016 - $6.53 /boe; Q1 2017 - $6.28 /boe) due to the strategic high grading of assets and are expected to continue to decrease through the remainder of 2017 as production grows through focused capital investment.





as compared to the first quarter of 2017, but were down 51% compared to recorded during the same period in 2016. This decrease reflected the impact of the Shallow Gas Disposition and continued efficiencies realized through the Company-owned and operated gas plant at , offset somewhat by higher costs incurred for extra road and lease maintenance due to wet weather conditions throughout the quarter. Production and operating expenses on a unit-of-production basis were down 15% from the comparative 2016 quarter to /boe, (Q2 2016 - /boe; Q1 2017 - /boe) due to the strategic high grading of assets and are expected to continue to decrease through the remainder of 2017 as production grows through focused capital investment. With the completion of five wells at East Edson since the end of the second quarter, current production capability has now reached the Company's forecast exit rate for year end 2017 of close to 13,000 boe/d.



Financial Highlights

Realized revenue of $19.9 million was virtually flat as compared to the second quarter of 2016, despite the 42% decrease in production, due to increased realized commodity prices. Quarter over quarter in 2017, realized revenue increased 5% driven by strong production growth, offset by weaker prices for natural gas and natural gas liquids ("NGL").





was virtually flat as compared to the second quarter of 2016, despite the 42% decrease in production, due to increased realized commodity prices. Quarter over quarter in 2017, realized revenue increased 5% driven by strong production growth, offset by weaker prices for natural gas and natural gas liquids ("NGL"). Increased AECO Monthly Index prices were reflected in Perpetual's natural gas price, including derivatives, of $3.18 /Mcf for the second quarter of 2017, up 72% from $1.85 /Mcf for the same period in 2016 (Q1 2017 - $5.04 /Mcf) and 15% higher than the second quarter AECO Monthly Index price of $2.77 /Mcf (Q2 2016  $1.25 /Mcf; Q1 2017  $2.94 /Mcf). Higher heat content gas (1.16 GJ:1 Mcf), as well as price optimization strategies applied to prompt month physical settlements, contributed to improved realized prices over the AECO Monthly Index price.





/Mcf for the second quarter of 2017, up 72% from /Mcf for the same period in 2016 (Q1 2017 - /Mcf) and 15% higher than the second quarter AECO Monthly Index price of /Mcf (Q2 2016  /Mcf; Q1 2017  /Mcf). Higher heat content gas (1.16 GJ:1 Mcf), as well as price optimization strategies applied to prompt month physical settlements, contributed to improved realized prices over the AECO Monthly Index price. Perpetual's 2017 second quarter oil price, including derivatives, of $43.91 /bbl increased 12% compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to the 20% increase in Western Canadian Select ("WCS") pricing driven by both higher benchmark West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") prices, lower WCS differentials and a weaker Canadian dollar.





/bbl increased 12% compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to the 20% increase in Western Canadian Select ("WCS") pricing driven by both higher benchmark West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") prices, lower WCS differentials and a weaker Canadian dollar. Perpetual's realized average NGL price for the second quarter of 2017 reached $44.28 /bbl, up 28% from the second quarter of 2016, reflecting an increase in all NGL component prices as excess North American inventory levels began to stabilize as well as an adjustment for prior period sales.





/bbl, up 28% from the second quarter of 2016, reflecting an increase in all NGL component prices as excess North American inventory levels began to stabilize as well as an adjustment for prior period sales. Royalty expenses for the quarter were $3.6 million , representing an increase in the effective combined average royalty rate on revenue to 18.3% (Q2 2016 - 11.3%; Q1 2017  17.1%). Average crown royalty rates increased to 3.8% in the second quarter of 2017 compared to 3.2% in the second quarter of 2016 (Q1 2017  2.6%), due to the completion of the initial reduced royalty period for several East Edson wells and disposition of lower net royalty assets sold as part of the Shallow Gas Disposition, combined with higher Alberta natural gas reference prices and higher oil prices. Freehold and overriding royalty rates increased from 8.1% in the second quarter of 2016 to 14.5% in the 2017 period (Q1 2017  14.5%), reflecting both the increase in natural gas prices and reduced total revenue following the Shallow Gas Disposition, leaving a larger percentage of total production sourced from East Edson wells in the second quarter of 2017. As the East Edson gross overriding royalty is a fixed volume of 5.6 MMcf/d plus associated liquids, royalties as a percentage of revenue are expected to decrease as production at East Edson grows in 2017 with renewed capital investment.





, representing an increase in the effective combined average royalty rate on revenue to 18.3% (Q2 2016 - 11.3%; Q1 2017  17.1%). Average crown royalty rates increased to 3.8% in the second quarter of 2017 compared to 3.2% in the second quarter of 2016 (Q1 2017  2.6%), due to the completion of the initial reduced royalty period for several wells and disposition of lower net royalty assets sold as part of the Shallow Gas Disposition, combined with higher natural gas reference prices and higher oil prices. Freehold and overriding royalty rates increased from 8.1% in the second quarter of 2016 to 14.5% in the 2017 period (Q1 2017  14.5%), reflecting both the increase in natural gas prices and reduced total revenue following the Shallow Gas Disposition, leaving a larger percentage of total production sourced from wells in the second quarter of 2017. As the gross overriding royalty is a fixed volume of 5.6 MMcf/d plus associated liquids, royalties as a percentage of revenue are expected to decrease as production at grows in 2017 with renewed capital investment. Perpetual's operating netback of $12.42 /boe in the second quarter of 2017 increased 172% from $4.56 /boe in the comparative period of 2016. This increase was due to the 71% increase in realized revenue per boe due to higher commodity prices and higher average heat content gas sales combined with the positive impact of the 15% reduction in unit production and operating expenses, offset by higher royalties. Quarter over quarter, operating netbacks were down slightly from $13.91 /boe in the first quarter of 2017.





/boe in the second quarter of 2017 increased 172% from /boe in the comparative period of 2016. This increase was due to the 71% increase in realized revenue per boe due to higher commodity prices and higher average heat content gas sales combined with the positive impact of the 15% reduction in unit production and operating expenses, offset by higher royalties. Quarter over quarter, operating netbacks were down slightly from /boe in the first quarter of 2017. Cash interest expense in the quarter decreased 57% to $1.9 million (Q2 2016  $4.5 million ; Q1 2017 - $1.9 million ), primarily driven by the reduction of $214.4 million principal amount of 8.75% senior notes that were exchanged for 4.4 million of the Company's shares of Tourmaline Oil Corp. ("TOU") during the second quarter of 2016, combined with the early cash repayment on April 17, 2017 of $27.1 million of 8.75% senior notes due to mature on March 15, 2018 (the "2018 Senior Notes"). These cash interest expense reductions were partially offset by the $0.7 million in interest charged on the 8.1% $35 million term loan that was initially drawn on March 14, 2017 (the "Term Loan").





(Q2 2016  ; Q1 2017 - ), primarily driven by the reduction of principal amount of 8.75% senior notes that were exchanged for 4.4 million of the Company's shares of Tourmaline Oil Corp. ("TOU") during the second quarter of 2016, combined with the early cash repayment on of of 8.75% senior notes due to mature on (the "2018 Senior Notes"). These cash interest expense reductions were partially offset by the in interest charged on the 8.1% term loan that was initially drawn on (the "Term Loan"). Despite the 42% drop in production, adjusted funds flow grew to $5.2 million , compared to negative $1.9 million in the second quarter of 2016 (Q1 2017 - $5.1 million ).





, compared to negative in the second quarter of 2016 (Q1 2017 - ). The Company recorded a net loss for the second quarter of 2017 of $7.2 million , compared to net income of $64.9 million in the comparative period of 2016 (Q1 2017 - $14.2 million loss). The gain in the 2016 period was primarily driven by the $81.6 million gain on the exchange of senior notes for TOU shares and a $21.4 million gain in the mark-to-market value of its TOU share investment.

2017 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

During the second quarter of 2017, significant progress was made to advance Perpetual's top four strategic priorities for 2017 which include:

Grow value of Greater Edson liquids-rich gas; Optimize value potential of Eastern Alberta assets; Advance high impact opportunities; and Optimize balance sheet for growth.

Grow value of Greater Edson liquids-rich gas

Despite higher than typical costs for road and site maintenance created by the excessive rain and wet conditions during the second quarter, Perpetual's top quartile operating cost structure at East Edson further improved to average $3.11 /boe (Q2 2016  3.29/boe; Q1 2017 3.63/boe). Road upgrades later in 2017 are budgeted to reduce future road maintenance costs and minimize access risks for NGL trucking.





further improved to average /boe (Q2 2016  3.29/boe; Q1 2017 3.63/boe). Road upgrades later in 2017 are budgeted to reduce future road maintenance costs and minimize access risks for NGL trucking. Drilling recommenced in early June, with one (1.0 net) new well drilled and rig released during the second quarter. The continuous, single rig drilling program has continued into the third quarter. Two additional wells on the current four-well pad are now rig released and drilling operations are ongoing on the fourth well post breakup.





Plans are in place to continue the consecutive drilling program through to the first quarter of 2018, with the drilling of up to nine Wilrich horizontal development wells during the second half of 2017. Several of the locations will evaluate extended reach horizontals as well as progressive drilling and frac design changes, with the goal to continue to improve on capital efficiencies in the Wilrich play.





Extremely wet conditions delayed planned completion and frac operations on three drilled first quarter wells to early July. The three wells tested inline as expected at an average level commensurate with the type curve and are now successfully tied-in and on production.





Additionally, two of the new wells drilled post spring breakup were completed in early August and each tested on initial clean up and flow back at over 15 MMcf/d plus associated liquids, significantly exceeding the type curve for the Wilrich formation.





The completion of the five wells since the end of the quarter has now established production capability in excess of the capacity of the Company-owned infrastructure of 60 to 65 MMcf/d plus associated liquids. With continuation of the drilling program, this production level is anticipated to be maintained for the remainder of 2017, subject to reductions related to several firm transportation outages anticipated in August.





The Company continues to pursue activities to be positioned to step up natural gas sales at East Edson to the higher contracted firm transportation capacity of 78 MMcf/d in April 2018 .





to the higher contracted firm transportation capacity of 78 MMcf/d in . With the building inventory of drilled wells as the one rig drilling program continues at East Edson , timing of completion activities will be managed to balance the optimization of field activities with availability of take away transportation.

Optimize value potential of Eastern Alberta assets

Capital spending in Eastern Alberta amounted to $0.5 million during the second quarter and consisted of additional completion and equipping costs on the Q1 heavy oil drilling program, two oil well reactivations and eight gas recompletions.





amounted to during the second quarter and consisted of additional completion and equipping costs on the Q1 heavy oil drilling program, two oil well reactivations and eight gas recompletions. The development well targeting banked oil from waterflood, as well as two of the three exploratory oil pool tests in Q1, have established oil production and performance monitoring is ongoing. Follow on development drilling originally budgeted for the second half of 2017 will be deferred until higher commodity prices can be realized, allowing capital spending to be strategically high-graded for East Edson growth.





growth. Crude oil production in eastern Alberta grew 20% quarter over quarter to 1,032 bbl/d, reflecting the full impact from wells drilled in the first quarter as well as positive waterflood response and diligent operations reducing operational downtime.





grew 20% quarter over quarter to 1,032 bbl/d, reflecting the full impact from wells drilled in the first quarter as well as positive waterflood response and diligent operations reducing operational downtime. Waterflood activities to arrest production declines, increase heavy oil recoveries and improve netbacks continued to be optimized during the second quarter of 2017. Positive waterflood response is being observed in several heavy oil pools where producing gas-oil ratios are declining and oil production decline rates have stabilized and in some cases production is inclining with pressure support.





Gas production in eastern Alberta was effectively flat at 6.4 MMcf/d quarter over quarter as recompletion and workover activities offset natural declines. Low variable operating costs in Mannville result in recompletions paying out within 6 months even at low commodity prices and these will continue during the second half of 2017 with up to 23 additional recompletions planned.





was effectively flat at 6.4 MMcf/d quarter over quarter as recompletion and workover activities offset natural declines. Low variable operating costs in result in recompletions paying out within 6 months even at low commodity prices and these will continue during the second half of 2017 with up to 23 additional recompletions planned. Production and operating expenses in eastern Alberta were $15.74 /boe during the second quarter (Q2 2016 - $10.44 /boe; Q1 2017 - $16.18 /boe), reflecting the increased downhole work to replace pumps and rods to restore production from several heavy oil wells that went down during the quarter. The Company continues to prioritize cost reductions on its eastern Alberta assets, including a focus on municipal property taxes which represent a significant portion of fixed operating costs as the tax base assessment is dramatically misrepresentative of the actual tangible property value.





were /boe during the second quarter (Q2 2016 - /boe; Q1 2017 - /boe), reflecting the increased downhole work to replace pumps and rods to restore production from several heavy oil wells that went down during the quarter. The Company continues to prioritize cost reductions on its eastern assets, including a focus on municipal property taxes which represent a significant portion of fixed operating costs as the tax base assessment is dramatically misrepresentative of the actual tangible property value. Perpetual spent $0.5 million on abandonment and reclamation projects during the first half of 2017, primarily in eastern Alberta . Plans are in place to execute an internally-managed asset-retirement program at Mannville in the second half of 2017 targeting well abandonments, pipeline discontinuations and abandonments, as well as reclamation work to reduce mineral and surface lease rental payments, maintenance costs and high municipal taxes associated with the linear property in the Mannville area. Anticipated expenditures over the remainder of 2017 are $1.5 million to $2.0 million .

Advance high impact opportunities

The two horizontal wells drilled during the fourth quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017 to advance the evaluation of the shallow shale gas play in the Viking and Colorado formations are on production at low rates and are being evaluated. Fracture stimulation of the Viking gas well has not been fully executed to date and additional spending has been delayed pending further learnings from performance monitoring and stronger natural gas prices.





formations are on production at low rates and are being evaluated. Fracture stimulation of the Viking gas well has not been fully executed to date and additional spending has been delayed pending further learnings from performance monitoring and stronger natural gas prices. Perpetual turned down its cyclic heat stimulation ("CHS") test at Panny during the second quarter after its fourth cycle of production. The CHS test provided high quality data and important knowledge to advance phase 1 of its low pressure electro-thermally assisted drive ("LEAD") process pilot project targeting bitumen recovery from the Bluesky formation. The CHS test yielded valuable insights regarding reservoir performance, the functionality of the electrical heating cable, preliminary solvent opportunities and other operational considerations. Interpretation of the CHS test data will be refined over the coming months and learnings will be integrated into next steps to advance the assessment of the commercial development potential of this large scope Bluesky resource.





formation. The CHS test yielded valuable insights regarding reservoir performance, the functionality of the electrical heating cable, preliminary solvent opportunities and other operational considerations. Interpretation of the CHS test data will be refined over the coming months and learnings will be integrated into next steps to advance the assessment of the commercial development potential of this large scope resource. In the Columbia area of west central Alberta , Perpetual will participate for its 40% working interest in a third-party operated horizontal well targeting the Notikewin formation. The well is expected to spud during the third quarter of 2017.

Optimize balance sheet for growth

On April 17, 2017 Perpetual exchanged $0.5 million 2018 Senior Notes for new 8.75% senior notes maturing on January 23, 2022 (the "2022 Senior Notes") and completed the early cash repayment of the remaining $27.1 million 2018 Senior Notes. In mid-July, $1.0 million face value of Senior Notes due to mature on July 23, 2019 ("2019 Senior Notes") were purchased at 96.75% of face value and also retired.





Perpetual exchanged 2018 Senior Notes for new 8.75% senior notes maturing on (the "2022 Senior Notes") and completed the early cash repayment of the remaining 2018 Senior Notes. In mid-July, face value of Senior Notes due to mature on ("2019 Senior Notes") were purchased at 96.75% of face value and also retired. On July 4, 2017 , the Company announced that it had doubled its borrowing capacity available under its reserve-based credit facility (the "Credit Facility") to $40 million and extended its repayment term to two years, at lower borrowing costs.





, the Company announced that it had doubled its borrowing capacity available under its reserve-based credit facility (the "Credit Facility") to and extended its repayment term to two years, at lower borrowing costs. On July 31, 2017 , Perpetual entered into a new $18.7 million margin loan secured by 1.67 million TOU shares that matures in July 2018 . Proceeds on the new margin loan along with borrowings under the Credit Facility were used to repay the TOU share put option margin loans that were scheduled to mature in August and November of 2017. Proceeds of $1.0 million were realized from the sale of underlying put options.





, Perpetual entered into a new margin loan secured by 1.67 million TOU shares that matures in . Proceeds on the new margin loan along with borrowings under the Credit Facility were used to repay the TOU share put option margin loans that were scheduled to mature in August and November of 2017. Proceeds of were realized from the sale of underlying put options. Total net debt at June 30, 2017 stood at $68.3 million , net of the market value of TOU shares held. Approximately $52.9 million , representing 49% of Perpetual's debt and 77% of net debt, matures in 2021 or later.





stood at , net of the market value of TOU shares held. Approximately , representing 49% of Perpetual's debt and 77% of net debt, matures in 2021 or later. Incorporating net debt at June 30, 2017 , adjusted for the financing transactions completed in July 2017 , Perpetual has access to draw approximately $24 million under the Credit Facility and Term Loan. Combined with the current market value of the Company's TOU share investment, net of the new margin loan, total current available liquidity is approximately $48 million .





, adjusted for the financing transactions completed in , Perpetual has access to draw approximately under the Credit Facility and Term Loan. Combined with the current market value of the Company's TOU share investment, net of the new margin loan, total current available liquidity is approximately . In light of the positive financing transactions, in early July, Moody's Investor Service upgraded Perpetual's corporate credit rating to Caa1 stable.





To protect a base level of adjusted funds flow, Perpetual has commodity price contracts in place for the second half of 2017 on an estimated 45% of forecast production for the remainder of the year. These include a combination of forward month physical and financial natural gas contracts at AECO hub on a net 27,500 GJ/d to December 2017 at an average price of $3.15 /GJ and 12,500 GJ/d for November 2017 through March 2018 at an average price of $2.94 /GJ. Perpetual also has oil sales arrangements on 750 bbl/d for the remainder of 2017 securing a WTI floor price of $USD50.00/bbl.





at an average price of /GJ and 12,500 GJ/d for through at an average price of /GJ. Perpetual also has oil sales arrangements on 750 bbl/d for the remainder of 2017 securing a WTI floor price of $USD50.00/bbl. The Company has diversified its natural gas price exposure from AECO by entering into arrangements to sell 25,000 MMBtu/d priced using a basket of five North American natural gas hub pricing points ( Chicago , Dawn, Empress, Malin and Mich Con) for a five year period, commencing November 1, 2017 .

OUTLOOK

Success in advancing the Company's strategic priorities has established a foundation for strong growth in production and adjusted funds flow in 2017. Financing transactions closed during 2017 have ensured sufficient liquidity to execute the planned growth-oriented capital program. The Company will continue its diligent focus on capital efficiency improvements and reductions in operating, financing and administrative costs to improve upon the sustainable cost structure driven by strategic decisions implemented over the past two years.

Based on the total capital spending plan in 2017 of $65 to $70 million, Perpetual expects to exit 2017 at a production rate of approximately 13,000 boe/d. This represents growth in exit rate based on average December production of approximately 60% compared to the prior year. Full year 2017 production is expected to average 10,000 to 11,000 boe/d (85% natural gas). Capital spending during the remainder of 2017 will be funded through adjusted funds flow generation, the final $10 million drawdown of the Term Loan and borrowings under the Credit Facility.

The forward market for oil and natural gas prices for the remainder of 2017 and 2018 has deteriorated over the past several months, eroding adjusted funds flow forecasts with these commodity price assumptions and increasing corresponding forecast debt balances. Based on current operating and financing assumptions, commodity price hedges in place and the forward market for oil and natural gas prices, Perpetual forecasts 2017 adjusted funds flow of approximately $28 to $32 million. Incorporating the current market value of 1.67 million TOU shares held, year end 2017 total net debt of approximately $90 to $100 million is forecast, with a corresponding net debt to trailing twelve months adjusted funds flow ratio of approximately 3.2 at year end 2017.

The Company will continue to monitor commodity market fundamentals closely over the coming months and adjust activities as required, balancing the positive momentum that is translating into operational excellence in executing our East Edson development program with spending within our means to maintain adequate liquidity and balance sheet strength.

About Perpetual

Perpetual is an oil and natural gas exploration, production and marketing company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. Perpetual operates a diversified asset portfolio, including liquids-rich natural gas assets in the deep basin of west central Alberta, heavy oil and shallow natural gas in eastern Alberta, with longer term opportunities through undeveloped oil sands leases in northern Alberta. Additional information on Perpetual can be accessed at www.sedar.com or from the Corporation's website at www.perpetualenergyinc.com.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

















Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (Cdn$ thousands except volume and per share amounts)

2017 2016 % Change 2017 2016 % Change Financial













Oil and natural gas revenue

19,728 16,501 20 37,886 41,195 (8) Cash flow from (used in) operating activities

4,728 (3,396) (239) 2,439 (10,166) (124) Adjusted funds flow(1)

5,243 (1,852) (383) 10,353 (1,804) (674)

Per share(1)(2)

0.09 (0.04) (325) 0.18 (0.04) (550) Net earnings (loss)

(7,219) 64,925 (111) (21,391) 97,689 (122)

Per share - basic(2)

(0.12) 1.25 (110) (0.38) 2.00 (119)

Per share - diluted(2)

(0.12) 1.23 (110) (0.38) 1.91 (120) Total assets

343,751 477,438 (28) 343,751 477,438 (28) Credit Facility outstanding

4,404  100 4,404  100 Term Loan, at principal amount

35,000  100 35,000  100 Carrying amount of TOU share margin loans

35,543 31,794 12 35,543 31,794 12 Senior notes, at principal amount

33,490 60,573 (45) 33,490 60,573 (45) Carrying value of TOU share investment

(46,489) (62,830) (26) (46,489) (62,830) (26) Adjusted working capital deficiency (surplus)

6,389 (717) (991) 6,389 (717) (991) Total net debt(1)

68,337 28,820 137 68,337 28,820 137 Net capital expenditures















Capital expenditures

4,006 1,286 212 28,596 6,100 369

Geological and geophysical expenditures

(22) 11 (300) (22) 26 (185)

Dispositions, net of acquisitions

609 (302) (302) 772 (6,768) (111)

Disposition of gas storage facility investment

 (19,750) (100)  (19,750) (100) Net capital expenditures

4,593 (18,755) (124) 29,346 (20,392) (244) Common shares outstanding (thousands)(3)













End of period

59,035 52,209 13 59,035 52,209 13 Weighted average  basic

59,045 52,140 13 56,769 48,856 16 Weighted average  diluted

59,045 52,904 12 56,769 51,169 11 Operating













Average production















Natural gas (MMcf/d)(4)

45.1 85.2 (47) 42.9 91.7 (53)

Oil and NGL (bbl/d)(4)

1,714 1,755 (2) 1,535 1,883 (18) Total (boe/d)(4)

9,223 15,959 (42) 8,686 17,169 (49) Average prices















Natural gas, before derivatives ($/Mcf)

3.09 1.37 126 3.25 1.84 77

Natural gas, including derivatives ($/Mcf)

3.18 1.85 72 4.05 2.55 59

Oil, before derivatives ($/bbl)

45.92 38.47 19 44.93 29.91 50

Oil, including derivatives ($/bbl)

43.91 39.17 12 38.24 36.42 5

NGL ($/bbl)

44.28 34.71 28 46.54 31.75 47 Drilling (wells drilled gross/net)















Gas

1/1.0 

7/7.0 1/1.0



Oil

 

4/3.3 



Observation/Service

 

 



Total

1/1.0 

11/10.3 1/1.0



Success rate (%)

100/100 

100/100 100/100



(1) These are non-GAAP measures. Please refer to "Non-GAAP Measures" below. (2) Based on weighted average basic or diluted common shares outstanding for the period. (3) Common shares are net of shares held in trust. (4) Production amounts are based on the Corporation's interest before royalty expense.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain information regarding Perpetual in this news release including management's assessment of future plans and operations may constitute forward-looking information or statements under applicable securities laws. The forward looking information includes, without limitation, statements made under the heading "Outlook"; anticipated amounts and allocation of capital spending; statements pertaining to adjusted funds flow levels, future development and capital efficiencies; statements regarding estimated production and timing thereof; forecast year end exit and average production rates; completions and development activities; infrastructure expansion and construction; prospective oil and natural gas liquids production capability; projected realized natural gas prices and adjusted funds flow; commodity prices and foreign exchange rates; and gas price management. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the forecasts and projections contained in the forward-looking information contained in this press release, which assumptions are based on management's analysis of historical trends, experience, current conditions and expected future developments pertaining to Perpetual and the industry in which it operates as well as certain assumptions regarding the matters outlined above. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks, which could cause actual results to vary and in some instances to differ materially from those anticipated by Perpetual and described in the forward-looking information contained in this press release. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of performance and is subject to a number of risks or uncertainties, including without limitation those described under "Risk Factors" in Perpetual's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2016 and those included in other reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities which may be accessed through the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com) and at Perpetual's website (www.perpetualenergyinc.com). Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Perpetual's management at the time the information is released and Perpetual disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as expressly required by applicable securities law.

The forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release and neither the Corporation nor any of it subsidiaries assumes any obligation to publicly update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, unless expressly required to do so by applicable securities laws.

Financial Outlook

Also included in this news release are estimates of Perpetual's 2017 adjusted funds flow, total net debt and net debt to trailing twelve months adjusted funds flow ratio, which are based on, among other things, the various assumptions as to production levels, capital expenditures, and other assumptions disclosed in this news release. To the extent such estimates constitute a financial outlook, they were approved by management and the Board of Directors of Perpetual on August 10, 2017 and are included to provide readers with an understanding of Perpetual's anticipated adjusted funds flow, total net debt and net debt to trailing twelve months adjusted funds flow ratio based on the capital expenditure, production and other assumptions described herein and readers are cautioned that the information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

Initial Production Rates

Any references in this news release to initial clean up and flow back rates are useful in confirming the presence of hydrocarbons, however, such rates are not determinative of the rates at which such wells will continue production and decline thereafter and are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or ultimate recovery. While encouraging, readers are cautioned not to place reliance on such rates in calculating the aggregate production for the Company. Such rates are based on field estimates and may be based on limited data available at this time.

BOE Equivalents

Perpetual's aggregate proved and probable reserves are reported in barrels of oil equivalent (boe). Boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. In accordance with NI 51-101 a boe conversion ratio for natural gas of 6 Mcf: 1 boe has been used, which is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not necessarily represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. As the value ratio between natural gas and crude oil based on the current prices of natural gas and crude oil is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes references to financial measures commonly used in the oil and gas industry of realized revenue, adjusted funds flow, operating netback and net debt, which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards ("GAAP"). Accordingly, the Company's use of these terms may not be comparable to similarly defined measures presented by other companies. Realized revenue is used by management to calculate the Corporation's net realized commodity prices taking into account monthly settlements on financial crude oil and natural gas forward sales, collars and basis differentials. Management uses the term "adjusted funds flow" for its own performance measures and to provide shareholders and potential investors with a measurement of the Company's efficiency and its ability to generate the cash necessary to fund a portion of its future growth expenditures or to repay debt. Perpetual considers operating netback an important performance measure as it demonstrates its profitability relative to current commodity prices. Operating netbacks are calculated by deducting royalties, operating costs, and transportation from realized revenue. Operating netbacks are also calculated on a per boe basis using average boe production for the period. Operating netbacks on a per boe basis can vary significantly for each of the Company's operating areas. Net debt includes adjusted working capital deficiency (surplus), the TOU share margin loans and the principal amount of the term loan and senior notes reduced for the mark-to-market value of TOU shares held. Net debt is used by management to analyze borrowing capacity. Investors are cautioned that non-GAAP measures should not be construed as alternatives to measures of financial performance determined in accordance with GAAP as an indication of the Company's performance. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures in the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the definition and description of these terms.

SOURCE Perpetual Energy Inc.

For further information: Perpetual Energy Inc., Suite 3200, 605 - 5 Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 3H5, Telephone: 403 269-4400, Fax: 403 269-4444, Email: [email protected]; Susan L. Riddell Rose, President and Chief Executive Officer; W. Mark Schweitzer, Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
MONTREAL, Aug. 10, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Media representatives are invited to take part in a conference call on Friday, August 11, at 11:30 AM with Michael Sabia, President and Chief Executive Officer of La Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, along with members of the Executive Committee. The conference call will cover La Caisse's performance as at June 30, 2017.

Please note that an embargoed press release will be sent at 11:00 AM to journalists who have pre-registered. For those choosing not to receive the embargoed press release, please note that the press release will be made public at 11:30 AM.

Conference call



Date: Friday, August 11, 2017 Time: 11:30 AM

IMPORTANT: Journalists are asked to contact Media Relations as soon as possible at 514 847-5493 or by email at [email protected] to obtain the conference call number and to be added to our mailing list to receive the embargoed press release.

SOURCE Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec

For further information: Media relations team, + 1 514 847-5493, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.cdpq.com/


The amount returned to members and the community reached $74 million, up $22 million

Q2 highlights

Surplus earnings of $581 million , up $154 million from 2016

Increase of $398 million , or 11.4%, in operating income (1)

Rigorous cost control limited expense growth to 1.3%

Outstanding residential mortgages increased by $3.0 billion since December 31, 2016

Total capital ratio of 17.5% as at June 30, 2017

Desjardins Funds now total $30 billion in assets under management and those of the market-linked guaranteed investments are at $20 billion

Transaction to sell Western Financial Group and Western Life Assurance to Trimont Financial Ltd., a subsidiary of The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, closed on July 1 , and due to be recognized in Q3 2017

A socially minded and innovative cooperative group

Some Desjardins employees offered close to 2,000 hours in support of people affected by the floods this past spring in Quebec

Ranked second in Corporate Knights' 2017 Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada ranking

Provided financial support to Alloprof through the Desjardins Foundation to help 20,000 students prepare for rewrite exams throughout the summer

Added Android Pay to its mobile payment offering

Won two OCTAS awards in recognition of Desjardins's innovative solutions, including the "My Savings Plan" tool, which encourages young people to save

The Desjardins's Economic Studies team received top honours from the international firm FocusEconomics for the accuracy of their Canadian economic and financial forecasts

Results for the second quarter

LEVIS, QC, Aug. 11, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - For the second quarter ended June 30, 2017, Desjardins Group, Canada's largest cooperative financial group, continued to report business growth and posted an 11.4% increase in operating income,(1) to $3,900 million.

This allows Desjardins Group's to post $581 million in surplus earnings before member dividends, up $154 million from the same quarter of 2016. The increase is due to the contribution of the caisse network, which continues to grow, and to good investment performance and a decrease in actuarial liabilities arising from changes made to the credit ratings of the securities matched to these liabilities in the Wealth Management and Life and Health Insurance segment. The Property and Casualty Insurance segment benefited from favourable developments in prior years' claims.

The amount returned to members and the community was $74 million (Q2 2016: $52 million), including a $40 million provision for member dividends (Q2 2016: $22 million); $23 million in sponsorships, donations and scholarships (Q2 2016: $22 million); and $11 million in Member Advantages (Q2 2016: $8 million).

"Our cooperative financial group's performance over the last quarter is a great achievement, and reflects strong business growth," said Guy Cormier, Chair of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. "When Desjardins succeeds, all its members and clients succeed as well. This allows us to play an even larger role as a socioeconomic leader and to give back even more to our members and the community."

Net interest income was $1,087 million, up slightly from the same period of 2016. Expanding financing activities in mortgages, business loans and point-of-sale financing mitigated the pressure on interest margins in a highly competitive market.

The growth in life and health insurance operations and in property and casualty insurance, combined with the impact of the reinsurance treaty signed as part of the acquisition of the Canadian operations of State Farm, led to a 19.3% increase in net premiums, to $2,076 million (Q2 2016: $1,740 million).

Other operating income(1) stood at $737 million, up $36 million from the same period of 2016. Lending fees and credit card service revenues, consisting mainly of income from the various payment solutions offered by Desjardins's Card and Payment Services, totalled $154 million (Q2 2016: $136 million) and came from business growth. Income from brokerage and investment fund services stood at $307 million (Q2 2016: $286 million). This growth was primarily due to greater assets under management arising from the sale of various financial products.

Desjardins Group's loan portfolio continued to be of high quality. The gross impaired loans ratio, expressed as a percentage of the total gross loans and acceptances portfolio, was 0.28% as at June 30, 2017, down from 2016. The provision for credit losses totalled $76 million, relatively unchanged from the same period of 2016.

Non-interest expense stood at $1,878 million (Q2 2016: $1,854 million). Rigorous cost control limited the increase to 1.3%, despite business growth, in particular in credit card and point-of-sale financing activities, as well as the impact of the reinsurance treaty signed as part of the acquisition of the Canadian operations of State Farm.

Total assets of $272.0 billion, up $13.6 billion

As at June 30, 2017, Desjardins Group had total assets of $272.0 billion, up $13.6 billion or 5.3% since December 31, 2016. This increase was largely due to growth in the securities portfolio and the net loans and acceptances portfolio.

Strong capital base

Desjardins Group maintains very good capitalization levels in compliance with Basel III rules. Its Tier 1A and total capital ratios were 17.1% and 17.5%, respectively, as at June 30, 2017, compared to 17.3% and 17.9% as at December 31, 2016.

Results for the first six months of 2017

At the end of the first six months of 2017, operating income(1) was $7,655 million (2016: $6,973 million), up 9.8%, and surplus earnings before member dividends were $964 million (2016: $809 million), an increase of 19.2%. This difference is due to the same reasons given for the second quarter results.

1 See "Basis of presentation of financial information."

Segment results for the second quarter of 2017

Personal and Business Services

For the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Personal and Business Services segment reported surplus earnings before member dividends of $272 million (Q2 2016: $251 million). This increase was mainly due to growth in credit card and point-of-sale financing activities, good performance in the caisse network, and income from mergers and acquisitions in the capital markets.

For the first six months of 2017, surplus earnings totalled $518 million (2016: $483 million).

Wealth Management and Life and Health Insurance

Net surplus earnings generated by the Wealth Management and Life and Health Insurance segment were $189 million at the end of the quarter (Q2 2016: $124 million). This 52.4% increase was largely due to good investment performance and the decrease in actuarial liabilities arising from changes made to the credit ratings of the securities matched to these liabilities.

For the first six months of 2017, surplus earnings totalled $332 million (2016: $221 million).

Property and Casualty Insurance

The Property and Casualty Insurance segment recorded net surplus earnings of $98 million in the second quarter of 2017 (Q2 2016: $49 million). This increase was essentially due to favourable development on prior years' claims, offset in part by an increase in the year-to-date claims experience in automobile insurance and property insurance compared to the second quarter of 2016.

For the first six months of 2017, surplus earnings totalled $80 million (2016: $88 million).

Key Financial Data

















FINANCIAL POSITION AND KEY RATIOS

















(in millions of dollars and as a percentage) As at June 30, 2017 As at December 31, 2016 Assets $ 271,983

$ 258,367

Residential mortgage loans $ 109,740

$ 106,695

Consumer, credit card and other personal loans $ 22,832

$ 22,150

Business and government loans (1) $ 39,298

$ 37,637

Total gross loans (1) $ 171,870

$ 166,482

Equity $ 23,843

$ 23,293

Tier 1A capital ratio 17.1 % 17.3 % Tier 1 capital ratio 17.1 % 17.3 % Total capital ratio 17.5 % 17.9 % Leverage ratio 7.9 % 8.1 % Gross impaired loans/gross loans and acceptances ratio (2) 0.28 % 0.32 %









(1) Includes acceptances.







(2) See "Basis of presentation of financial information."



















COMBINED INCOME











































For the three-month periods For the six-month periods

ended ended (in millions of dollars and as a percentage) June 30,

2017 March 31,

2017 June 30,

2016 June 30,

2017 June 30,

2016 Operating income(1) $ 3,900

$ 3,755

$ 3,502

$ 7,655

$ 6,973

Surplus earnings before member dividends $ 581

$ 383

$ 427

$ 964

$ 809

Return on equity(1) 9.9 % 6.8 % 7.8 % 8.4 % 7.4 %





















(1) See "Basis of presentation of financial information."























CONTRIBUTION TO COMBINED SURPLUS EARNINGS BY BUSINESS SEGMENT























For the three-month periods For the six-month periods

ended ended (in millions of dollars) June 30, 2017 March 31,

2017 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 Personal and Business Services $ 272 $ 246 $ 251 $ 518 $ 483 Wealth Management and Life and Health Insurance

189

143

124

332

221 Property and Casualty Insurance

98

(18)

49

80

88 Other

22

12

3

34

17

$ 581 $ 383 $ 427 $ 964 $ 809























CREDIT RATINGS OF SECURITIES ISSUED

DBRS STANDARD &

POOR'S MOODY'S FITCH Federation des caisses Desjardins du Quebec









Short-term R-1 (high) A-1 P-1 F1+

Senior medium- and long-term AA A+ Aa2 AA- Capital Desjardins inc.









Senior medium- and long-term AA (low) A A2 A+

More detailed financial information can be found in Desjardins Group's interim Management's Discussion and Analysis, which will be available on the SEDAR website under the Capital Desjardins inc. profile .

About Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group is the leading cooperative financial group in Canada and the sixth largest cooperative financial group in the world, with assets of $272 billion. It has been rated one of the Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt. To meet the diverse needs of its members and clients, Desjardins offers a full range of products and services to individuals and businesses through its extensive distribution network, online platforms and subsidiaries across Canada. Counted among the world's strongest banks according to The Banker magazine, Desjardins has some of the highest capital ratios and credit ratings in the industry.

Caution concerning forward-looking statements

Certain statements made in this press release may be forward-looking. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve assumptions, uncertainties and inherent risks, both general and specific. It is therefore possible that, due to many factors, these predictions, forecasts or other forward-looking statements as well as Desjardins Group's objectives and priorities may not materialize or may prove to be inaccurate and that actual results differ materially. Various factors that are beyond Desjardins Group's control, and therefore whose impacts on Desjardins are difficult to predict, could influence the accuracy of the forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional information on these and other factors are available under the risk management section of Desjardins Group's 2016 annual Management's Discussion and Analysis. Although Desjardins Group believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee that these expectations will prove to be correct. Desjardins Group cautions readers against placing undue reliance on these forward-looking statements when making decisions. Desjardins Group does not undertake to update any verbal or written forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of Desjardins Group, except as required under applicable securities legislation.

Basis of presentation of financial information

The financial information in this document comes primarily from the 2017 quarterly financial statements. Those statements have been prepared by Desjardins Group's management in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), and the accounting requirements of the Autorite des marches financiers (AMF) in Quebec, which do not differ from IFRS. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are in Canadian dollars ($).

To assess its performance, Desjardins Group uses IFRS measures and various non-IFRS financial measures. Non-IFRS financial measures, other than the regulatory ratios, do not have standardized definitions and are not directly comparable to similar measures used by other companies, and may not be directly comparable to any IFRS measures. Investors, among others, may find these non-IFRS measures useful in analyzing financial performance. The measures used are defined as follows:

Adjusted net surplus earnings for the Property and Casualty Insurance segment

The net surplus earnings of the Property and Casualty Insurance segment are adjusted to exclude the expenses, net of income taxes, incurred as part of the sale of Western Financial Group Inc. and Western Life Assurance Company as well as those incurred as part of the acquisition of the Canadian businesses of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (State Farm), completed on January 1, 2015. The latter expenses include the costs related to the transaction and the integration of operations as well as processing expenses.

Gross impaired loans/gross loans and acceptances ratio

The gross impaired loans/gross loans and acceptances ratio is used to measure loan portfolio quality and is equal to gross impaired loans expressed as a percentage of total gross loans and acceptances.

Return on equity

Return on equity is used to measure profitability. Expressed as a percentage, it is equal to surplus earnings before member dividends, excluding the non-controlling interests' share, divided by average equity before non-controlling interests.

Income

Operating income

The concept of operating income is used to analyze financial results. This concept allows for better structuring of financial data and makes it easier to compare operating activities from one period to the next by excluding the volatility of results specific to investments, particularly regarding the extent of life and health insurance and P&C insurance operations, for which a very large proportion of investments are recognized at fair value through profit or loss. The analysis therefore breaks down Desjardins Group's income into two parts, namely operating income and investment income, which make up total income. This measure is not directly comparable to similar measures used by other companies.

Operating income includes net interest income, generated mainly by the Personal and Business Services segment and the Other category, net premiums and other operating income such as deposit and payment service charges, lending fees and credit card service revenues, income from brokerage and investment fund services, management and custodial service fees, foreign exchange income as well as other income. These items, taken individually, correspond to those presented in the Combined Financial Statements.

Investment income

Investment income includes net income on securities at fair value through profit or loss, net income on available-for-sale securities and net other investment income. These items, taken individually, correspond to those presented in the Combined Financial Statements. The life and health insurance and P&C insurance subsidiaries' matching activities, which include changes in fair value, gains and losses on disposals and interest and dividend income on securities, are presented with investment income, given that these assets back insurance liabilities, for which the results are recognized under expenses related to claims, benefits, annuities and changes in insurance contract liabilities in the Combined Financial Statements. In addition, this investment income includes changes in the fair value of investments for the Personal and Business Services segment, recognized at fair value through profit or loss.



For the three-month periods For the six-month periods

ended ended (in millions of dollars) June 30,

2017 March 31,

2017 June 30,

2016 June 30,

2017 June 30,

2016 Presentation of income in the Combined Financial Statements



















Net interest income $ 1,087 $ 1,057 $ 1,061 $ 2,144 $ 2,115 Net premiums

2,076

1,982

1,740

4,058

3,461 Other income





















Deposit and payment service charges

122

120

119

242

237

Lending fees and credit card service revenues

154

172

136

326

285

Brokerage and investment fund services

307

278

286

585

546

Management and custodial service fees

106

101

92

207

180

Net income on securities at fair valuethrough profit or loss

476

301

878

777

1,390

Net income on available-for-sale securities

181

80

99

261

178

Net other investment income

54

54

50

108

100

Foreign exchange income

20

19

22

39

38

Other

28

26

46

54

111 Total income $ 4,611 $ 4,190 $ 4,529 $ 8,801 $ 8,641 Presentation of income in the Management's Discussion and Analysis



















Net interest income $ 1,087 $ 1,057 $ 1,061 $ 2,144 $ 2,115 Net premiums

2,076

1,982

1,740

4,058

3,461 Other operating income





















Deposit and payment service charges

122

120

119

242

237

Lending fees and credit card service revenues

154

172

136

326

285

Brokerage and investment fund services

307

278

286

585

546

Management and custodial service fees

106

101

92

207

180

Foreign exchange income

20

19

22

39

38

Other

28

26

46

54

111 Operating income

3,900

3,755

3,502

7,655

6,973 Investment income





















Net income on securities at fair value through profit or loss

476

301

878

777

1,390



Net income on available-for-sale securities

181

80

99

261

178

Net other investment income

54

54

50

108

100



711

435

1,027

1,146

1,668 Total income $ 4,611 $ 4,190 $ 4,529 $ 8,801 $ 8,641

SOURCE Desjardins Group

For further information: (media inquiries only): Andre Chapleau, Public Relations, 514-281-7229 or 1-866-866-7000, ext. 5557229, [email protected]; Real Bellemare, Executive Vice-President, Finance, Treasury and Administration, and Chief Financial Officer of Desjardins Group

Related Links

https://www.desjardins.com/


Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and Lambton Shores; Milverton, Rostock and Warburg; and the Delaware Nation of Moraviantown First Nation will benefit from much-needed energy savings

CHATHAM, ON, Aug. 11, 2017 /CNW/ - Union Gas has received approval from the Ontario Energy Board ('OEB') for its Community Expansion Program application (File# EB-2015-0179). This expansion will provide new natural gas service to the communities of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, Lambton Shores, Milverton, Rostock and Warburg. The Delaware Nation of Moraviantown First Nation has received conditional approval pending funding from the Natural Gas Grant Program. Residents who heat their home and water with natural gas can save up to $1,500 on average every year, compared to using electricity, oil or propane.

"The Community Expansion Program will bring much-needed natural gas to these areas as well as a host of other new communities and provide long-term energy savings to residents and businesses," said Mark Isherwood, vice-president, infranchise sales, marketing and customer care, Union Gas. "We're pleased that the Ontario Energy Board recognized this need and approved our proposal."

In late 2016, the OEB issued a new regulatory framework for extending natural gas service into new rural and northern communities that would otherwise be uneconomical under the previous framework. Union Gas was first to submit an application for projects to extend natural gas service to these communities under the new framework. After extensive review, a decision in favour of Union Gas' proposal as the natural gas service provider has now been granted. The approval represents the first wave of a multi-year expansion effort to provide natural gas service to more communities throughout the province.

Union Gas has been delivering clean and affordable natural gas to homes and businesses throughout Ontario safely and reliably for over 100 years, and will apply all of its expertise and experience towards these projects. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2017 and extend into 2018. Learn more about Community Expansion here.

From north to south, from large to small, Ontario's communities need affordable, reliable energy that helps them grow and supports great quality of life. Learn how natural gas is helping Walpole Island First Nation and Nipissing First Nation meet economic and environmental goals and how Union Gas is working to help connect communities to what matters.

About Union Gas

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General Electric this week said its new Boston headquarters will be complete by 2021, pushing back by two years the companys original plans, according to a report in the Boston Globe. GE last year moved its headquarters from its longtime home in Fairfield to Boston, with several hundred employees in temporary office space there while the permanent structures are readied. Two existing brick buildings that will be part of the headquarters campus will be renovated first, with employees moving in by 2019, with the new 12-story building to open two years later.
Andrew Harnik / Associated Press

A junior trader took a plea deal with the Securities and Exchange Commission, after being accused of conspiring with a Westport man to profit from insider information.

The SEC said Port Washington, N.Y. resident Jordan B. Fogel is cooperating in its case against three other defendants, who include Westport resident Theodore Huber, 55. The SEC claims the four used nonpublic information about government plans to cut Medicare reimbursement rates as the basis for stock trades to reap $3.9 million for the investment firm employing them, Deerfield based in New York City.
I decided to run for mayor four years ago because I knew Derby needed to take its future into its own hands. With our state facing severe budget issues, the need for long-term, sustainable economic planning for Derby has only grown. There is still much work to be done, but over the past four years some of the goals we set for ourselves are beginning to be realized. During my tenure as mayor:

Unemployment in Derby has dropped from 9.1 percent to 6.1 percent.

Over $5.4 million in grants has been secured for downtown development.

Derby was one of the few towns in Connecticut that did not raise taxes in 2017.

Test scores, attendance and graduation rates have improved for Derby schools.

Destination businesses have opened throughout the city.

I am running for re-election because we need to maintain this positive momentum. These successes have not happened by accident. They are the by-product of due diligence, strategic planning and collaboration.

My administration is not afraid of making decisions that are in the best interest of our citizens today and in the future, despite the fact that these decisions may initially be politically unpopular. Since day one, our actions are defined by the answer to one simple question: How can we best serve the people of Derby, their children, and generations to come? We are not about quick-fixes. Time and time again, Derby residents have had to pay the price for short-term solutions. Our sights are set on long-term prosperity.

We cannot and should not try to build a future for Derby behind closed doors. That is why we have worked tirelessly to engage the community in all of the decisions we are making regarding the growth and development of our city. We held community meetings and forums in advance of updating Derbys comprehensive land use plan to ensure it is in sync with the vision of our residents. We did the same for the improvements to the sewage treatment system and Route 34. We launched Downtown Now! to be sure our downtown redevelopment efforts were supportive of the type of development residents wanted to see. Our efforts were transparent every step of the way.

The opportunity for residents to share their suggestions and concerns is not reserved just for formal events. As mayor, I host weekly open-door sessions so citizens can ask questions and provide feedback on a regular basis. The citys website, created under my administration, also gives residents the opportunity for engagement at their convenience. They can submit comments, review meeting minutes, and monitor issues at click of a computer mouse or swipe of a finger on a mobile device. Information is readily available to any interested citizen.

I have lived in Derby my entire life and have seen it change. What has stayed consistent, however, is the resiliency and hardworking attitude of our residents.

Like a lot of Derby residents, my parents immigrated to Derby with the idea that if they made it to America, my siblings and I could have a better life. My father worked in the fabric dying room of Derbys Hull Dye, while my mother stayed at home raising the children and doing everything she could to make ends meet. They taught me the importance of perseverance and hard work and I have applied these values throughout my life.

Many of Derbys residents share these same core values. They are ingrained in me and guide how I approach my job as mayor each and every day. When re-elected, I will continue to build on the progress we have made together as we build a future we can all be proud of.

Anita Dugatto is mayor of Derby.
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HARTFORD >> U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said the execution of a search warrant on Paul Manaforts home was a stunning development and an indication of criminal wrongdoing. Manafort is the New Britain native and longtime lobbyist who was chairman for Trumps campaign until August 2016.

This kind of raid  in the early morning hours with no advanced notice  shows an astonishing and alarming distrust for the presidents former campaign chairman, Blumenthal said this week. It seems to decimate his claim that he is cooperating with law enforcement.
MYSTIC >> A necropsy was scheduled today for a sea turtle found in Branford and picked up by the Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue Clinic.

Mystic Aquarium spokeswoman Dale Wolbrink Friday said a necropsy on the turtle found this week in Branford was scheduled for 4 p.m. The animals remains were picked up by the Animal Rescue Clinic Thursday, a day after it was found by members of the Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club in Branford.

We wont necessarily always do a necropsy on an animal, Wolbrink said. It was determined that we should do that.

Kenny Rentas said he was on a boat called the Kolohe with his older brother, Hadley, about a half-mile from Outer Island when he saw the turtle floating. Rentas and his brother were pulling in lobster traps when they encountered the floating reptile.

The animal had a crack on its shell, Rentas said. He said they pulled in the turtle only after realizing it was dead.

Unfortunately, somebody had hit it with a boat, it looked like it, Rentas said. Its a shame because theyre beautiful creatures. Somebody must have hit it.

Wolbrink said Friday she didnt have details about the animals size, which will be determined following the necropsy. Wolbrink said she likely would have more information Monday.

Mystic Aquarium works with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to rescue marine animals along Connecticuts and Rhode Islands coastline, as well as Fishers Island in New York. Wolbrink said the Animal Rescue Clinic has an animal rescue hotline and can provide assistance when possible.

In June 2015, officers from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection examined a dolphin that was also brought in by Pine Orchard club members.

Reach Esteban L. Hernandez at 203-680-9901.
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NEW HAVEN >> A two-alarm fire at a commercial building housing one of the citys revered old-school delis on Ferry Street Friday resulted in no serious injuries, though it offered the Fire Department an opportunity to debut new radio systems.

Fire Chief John Alston Jr. said three firefighters were hospitalized following the fire, which was first called in Friday at 10:49 a.m. at 646 Ferry St. A second alarm was called at 11:09 a.m. at the structure, which housed the B & M Deli and Bakers Package Store. The B & M Deli is known  and has long been celebrated  for its large, high-quality sandwiches, including some of the citys best breakfast sandwiches and cheesesteaks.

Its owners could not immediately be reached for comment.

The department deemed the fire under control at 12:10 p.m. Assistant Chief of Administration Orlando Marcano said the three firefighters were hospitalized for possible dehydration, with one of the three also experiencing back pain.

Alston said one of the calls for the fire was made from inside the liquor store, while other calls were made by witnesses. Alston said the cause of the fire was being investigated and that it was too early to say whether the structure was a total loss. Both storefronts appeared heavily damaged, blackened by smoke.

Alston said the fire call was the first opportunity for the department to use the new radios. He thanked Mayor Toni Harp and the Board of Alders for allowing the city to receive federal grant money that paid for a majority of the equipment cost.

Harp attended an impromptu press conference outside the structure to highlight the new equipment. The neon-green Motorola-brand radio was modeled by Deputy Fire Marshal James Hynek and was also worn by firefighters at the scene. The fire was ongoing when the press conference started, though it would soon be declared under control by fire personnel.

The 95 new radios cost slightly more than $500,000, Harp said, with the city paying 10 percent and a federal fire service grant funding the rest. Harp said the new equipment will absolutely make it safer for our firefighters, as well as ultimately, save lives and property, in the city.

Im really excited about these new radios, Harp said. It allows all the firefighters in the building to actually be able to communicate in real-time with each other. They are state-of-art.

Hynek said radio transmission with the new radios, were very clear.

I think the city and the department did a great job in purchasing and doing their homework in making sure that these are the type of radios that will work best for us in the city, Hynek said.

Previous radio systems had feedback, which Alston said the new radios help reduce. It also allows the department to pick up additional channels, allowing the department to potentially respond to multiple incidents on a different channels instead of a single one.

This new technology actually has computer chips that work with the microphone, Alston said. You know if you get too many microphones together, you get feedback. These actually will, electronically, reduce that, allowing us clearer communications.

Alston said he would be visiting Yale New Haven Hospital after leaving the scene to see the hospitalized firefighters. The American Red Cross was also on-scene, as well members of New Haven police, who offered traffic control assistance and blocked off Ferry Street near Middletown Avenue.

A man at the scene who identified himself as the property owner declined to comment.

Register reporter Mark Zaretsky contributed to this story. Reach Esteban L. Hernandez at 203-680-9901.
NEW HAVEN >> First responders on the scene of a drug overdose in Connecticut no longer are dealing simply with a medical emergency. The site of a suspected drug overdose in the state now is a crime scene.

More than 80 people believed to have sold drugs to victims of overdoses have been arrested on federal charges since February 2016, as the result of an initiative started by the U.S. attorneys office. All of those investigations into the alleged dealers began after an overdose caused by an opioid, cocaine, benzodiazepine, or combination thereof. Not all of the overdoses were fatal.

U.S. Attorney Deirdre Dalys office has worked to convict approximately 60 individuals that were charged with federal drug crimes as a result of an overdose in the last 19 months. Each of those defendants pleaded guilty. The rest of the cases still are working their way through the process, Daly said.

When asked whether the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions since the initiative began have made a significant impact on the drug trade in the state, Daly said, Im not arrogant or naive enough to say yes.

But, we are in a new place now, Daly said, referring to the importance of continuing to try these cases. Death is different.

In 2016, more than 900 people died as a result of accidental drug intoxications, or overdoses, according to the medical examiner. Heroin was a factor in more than 500 of those deaths, and fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin, was a factor in 273, according to the data.

Updated statistics for 2017 have not been released by the state medical examiners office.

Daly often has said she does not believe her office can arrest the state out of an opioid crisis, and there has been a big push of educational outreach in schools by her office to bring the message about the dangers of prescription opioids and heroin to students and their parents.

Traditionally, her office focuses more on violent crime, but the initiative targeting dealers is one way to target those who are distributing lethal drugs on Connecticut streets, and the ripple effects are there as federal prosecutors look beyond the courtroom to bring awareness to the community, she said.

This was a very conscious decision, Daly said. If this many people are dying we need specific attention to these cases.

Working up the chain

On Jan. 3, 2016, first responders found a 20-year-old male in a friends house in Weston unresponsive as a result of an overdose of oxycodone and Xanax. While the victim remains in a vegetative state even more than one year later, the U.S. attorneys office tracked down not only the direct supplier of the oxycodone involved in the overdose, but two dealers up the supply chain.

Tahir Farid, 22, of Hamden was sentenced to six months in prison after it was found that he sold 30 oxycodone pills to the victim for $900. Farids supplier, Ryan Looney, 19, also of Hamden, was convicted of one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone and is scheduled to be sentenced in September.

Looneys supplier, Wayne Bradbury, 32, also of Hamden, pleaded guilty in July to one count of distributing oxycodone and marijuana to an individual under 21 years of age and faces up to 40 years in federal prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Spector said this Hamden case is one of the best examples of how the initiative the office has taken of targeting dealers directly related to overdoses has helped law enforcement work up the chain to prosecute more prominent dealers in the state.

Bradbury, the top dog in this case, also was convicted of money laundering charges, according to court documents.

Were doing both big and small, Daly said.

Daly said that, like in the Bradbury case, dealers often also are convicted of other charges, not just drug distribution charges.

In a case prosecuted this year, Ramon Gomez of Uncasville was convicted of sex trafficking of a minor and drug distribution charges after a 17-year-old girl died from an overdose in a motel room in Groton. Gomez faces at least 10 years in prison for the offenses.

Most defendants are charged with possession with intent to distribute or conspiracy to distribute, rather than a charge that indicates the dealer was responsible for the death of the victim in the case. Daly said because so many of the overdoses are caused by a combination of substances, its hard to show direct causation between a heroin dealer and a death.

In addition, if such charges were brought where the defendant was charged with causing the death of an individual, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison, Daly said. She said that seems too Draconian.

Spector, who has taken on a large quantity of these overdose cases, said he has been happy to see the initiative targeting dealers to victims of overdoses span outside of the federal courts and more overdose cases being taken up by state prosecutors.

Theres no reason they cant do state cases, as well, Spector said. For us, thats what our ultimate goal is. Everybody working on the same sheet of music.

Spector also said he doesnt measure the success of the initiative on the number of convictions the office is able to get.

My measure of success is to think in terms of lives saved, Spector said. If we can teach a generation not to smoke, we can teach kids not to use pills.

Ripple effects

More convictions leads to potentially more inmates in the Federal Bureau of Prisons and more people tasked with readjusting to society after a period of incarceration.

Warren Maxwell, chief U.S. probation officer in New Haven, said at the federal level there is a wealth of resources for those leaving prison on supervised release, from support court to Reentry Court. For those looking for jobs, having a probation officer is a good selling point, he said.

We do work with our people to help them navigate the conversation about their conviction, Maxwell said. Theres a lot of great reasons to hire somebody on supervision. ... They have people working with them to ensure their success.

The prison time for those convicted of the drug distribution crimes due to this initiative have varied between probationary sentences and several years behind bars  even in a case in which it came to distributing the same batch of drugs.

For example, four men were charged with distribution offenses after a batch of cocaine was sold in New Haven in June 2016 that was laced with pure fentanyl. Three fatalities resulted from the sale of that particular batch of cocaine, and more than a dozen other people overdosed and were hospitalized from it.

While Frank Pina, the supposed leader of a conspiracy, will be in prison for the next seven years and Emeth Soloman, the bottom of the distribution chain in that case, only received a sentence of probation, both men have federal convictions on their record.

A period of incarceration, no matter how long, may have damaging effects, said Maxwell, citing new research about the topic. Maxwell said some research suggests that even if someone is only incarcerated for a couple of days while they wait for a bond hearing, the person may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

So, even a short sentence of only a couple of months because of a relatively minor drug crime can take its toll, he said.

Even short-term periods of incarceration can have negative impacts, Maxwell said.
WEST HAVEN >> The Republican Town Committee has endorsed City Councilman David Riccio, as expected, to be its candidate for mayor in November.

Riccio, 59, who holds an at-large City Council seat, will run in the Nov. 7 general election against the winner of what is expected to be a Sept. 12 Democratic primary between Mayor Ed OBrien and challenger Nancy Rossi.

I want to thank everyone for their vote of confidence to lead our city into the future, Riccio said in a speech after the endorsement vote in a caucus Thursday night. I also want to thank the voters of our town who have supported me to be their councilman throughout the last four decades.

It has been my honor to serve you and to be the voice of reason, he said, according to a release. No mountain is too high to climb. No challenge should be left unquestioned.

The GOP also endorsed a partial slate of City Council candidates and candidates for Board of Education and several other citywide offices, said RTC Chairwoman Michele Gregorio.

The other endorsees for citywide offices included Gregorio for city clerk, Michael Brand for city treasurer, Clorinda Wrozsek for tax collector, Ralph Biondi and Edward Voss for Board of Assessment Appeals, incumbent Rosa Richardson for Board of Education and Richard DePalma and James Donegan for the two at-large City Council spots.

Endorsees for City Council district slots included: District 1, Brian DePiero; District 3, Victoria Clifford; District 4, Peter Davis; District 6, Larry Konareski; District 7, Peter Sotere; District 8, Sam Calabria; District 9, Kathie Hawtin; and District 10, Jason Szerszen.

Gregorio said she expects to fill two additional City Council positions, in District 2 and District 5, and two Board of Education slots by petition. She said she does not expect to see any primaries on the Republican side.

Riccio has served a total of six terms on the City Council, beginning in 1981, and has worked since 2001 as an outside contractor for Transportation General. He outlined the citys problems  and the need for change  in his speech accepting the endorsement.

We live in a city that has experienced so many woes and troubles, Riccio said. We have people living in poverty, we have people living in fear, we have people living from day to day, wondering how they are going to put their next meal on the table. Yet, for over a quarter of a century, we have had administration after administration turn their backs on the people who live here.

Only the political inner circles have reaped the benefits, while the vast majority who live here are paying the piper, Riccio said. The time has come for real change  change that represents all our citizens and not the same old politicians.

Our movement, our team as you see tonight, are people that are involved in community activities, businesses and their neighborhoods, and have stepped forward to be that change, Riccio said in his remarks. The Riccio team is a team of concerned residents who are tired of business as usual and want local government on their side, not the politicians side.

Compounding the problems of yesteryear only creates a future of doom and gloom, he said. The future of West Haven depends on responsible leadership that produces stability while still delivering services to everyone.

Riccio went on to say that there is so much promise within this entire city that has been ignored. We have two industrial corridors for nearly a half-century that have been neglected and still today are desolate and without any promise of development. The OBrien administrations answer to these corridors have been more housing, although the people of this city have expressed time and time again that they do not want any more housing.

We are a city with a growing university, a declining downtown and the largest continuous shorefront in the state of Connecticut, yet we have reaped no benefits from any promises made by the OBrien administration for development of these areas that will secure our financial future, Riccio said.

We need a leader who can think out-of-the-box and who will be aggressive to bring in businesses that not only make sense to these districts, but which will be longstanding sources of tax revenue, he said.

With regard to education, We need an administration who will work in concert with the Board of Education so that our children, parents and teachers get the best path to the future, Riccio said. Our childrens educational well-being has been put on the back burner for too long now. Under a Riccio administration, as I have proven over the last 35 years, children and their education will be a top priority.
ROCHESTER, Minn. | Approximately 150 residents from southern Minnesota and North Iowa marched Thursday in downtown Rochester to call attention to their efforts to keep a full-service, acute care hospital in Albert Lea.

Before the march began, the group gathered across from the Gonda Building and chanted phrases toward the building, denouncing Mayo Clinic Health Systems plan to transition most inpatient services to Austin, such as M-A-Y-O, give us back our hospital, Destination Medical Center is gutting rural hospitals, If you cant run it, give it back, and other statements.

The group then marched around a portion of the downtown district, chanting and holding up signs announcing their displeasure with the health systems plan.

The event comes as tensions continue to simmer between the hospital and the community after Mayo Clinic Health System announced the transition in June. While most of the Albert Lea inpatient services will move to Austin, behavioral health services will move to Albert Lea.

Emergency services, pregnancy care, outpatient surgeries, lab and radiology services will be in both locations.

The Albert Lea-Save our Hospital organization was formed following the announcement as the community attempts to keep a full-service hospital in Albert Lea.

Andrea Jensen of Albert Lea  secretary of the Save Our Hospital organization  brought a sign that included the words Mayo equals Goliath, Albert Lea equals David and We are bringing our slingshot.

And my stones are caring, compassion and truth, she said.

Jensen and her husband are small business owners, and she said the issue is important to the communitys economic well-being.

And just the fact of having nursing homes in our town not being able to get our care for our elderly, she said. Having babies  my children were born in Albert Lea, we were both born in Albert Lea  our granddaughter was born there. I would like to see my continued line born in Albert Lea and taken care of. Its very important.

Dale Haukoos of Northwood said the transition needs to be stopped.

Its going to be devastating if we cant stop this, he said.

In a statement issued following the event, Mayo Clinic said it respected and appreciated the right of community members to express their opinions.

But, we are disappointed by the fear and misinformation being spread by some members of the Save Our Hospital group, the hospital stated. Frightening patients and the community with terms like life-threatening and economically devastating is irresponsible and not grounded in fact. Albert Leas hospital is not closing. To the contrary, Mayo Clinic Health System is committed to Albert Lea and is preserving jobs and high-quality health care, and we intend to work with the community and elected officials to minimize the impact on individuals and the community.

At the march, Albert Lea resident Mike Levisen said he hopes hospital staffing levels stay the same.

If Mayo isnt going to continue with it, well, let somebody else come and in and manage it, he said. You better think about the thousands of people in the surrounding area.

According to the hospital, the question of whether Mayo would be willing to sell its Albert Lea hospital has been raised by the community  not Mayo.

We have no active discussions or plans to, the hospital stated. We want to continue the partnership with the community of Albert Lea that began more than 20 years ago. We are working hard to help people understand that we are positioning Albert Lea for the future of health care  services that are delivered in the outpatient care setting, with fewer and fewer hospitalizations. Our vision and our shared goal with the people of Albert Lea is a thriving medical center that provides the care they use most and keeps the economy strong and growing.

Organizer Angie Hanson said she thought the event went well.

I think it turned out fantastic, she said. We had a lot of energetic people. The weather cooperated, and it was a lot of fun.

Hanson, local organization chairwoman for Save Our Hospital, said she wants to keep inpatient services, the intensive care unit and the Baby Place in Albert Lea.

Im confident that it can happen, and we are going to work our hardest to try to make it happen, she said.

According to Mayo Clinic, there are challenges facing rural health care.

While our solutions to those challenges may differ, our purpose for finding those solutions is shared: doing whats best for their communities, the hospital stated. We want to help community members gain a better understanding of the core services that will remain available on both campuses and how this plan positions the Albert Lea campus for stability and growth now and in the future.

Inpatient surgeries are slated to move to Austin in January 2018, and the behavioral health center is expected to move from Austin to Albert Lea in 2019. Labor and delivery services will be the last to relocate to Austin in late 2019 or early 2020.
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Longtime Elm Shakespeare Company member Raphael Massie duly notes productions of The Bards overtly political plays that have come and gone this summer when explaining his passion for The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.

You see a lot of companies doing Julius Caesar and the Trump thing, and everything like that, said Massie, who directs Elm Shakespeares production of The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet starting Aug. 17 at Edgerton Park. For me, this play speaks at least as much, if not more, to where we are currently in the world.

In a sense, Massie suggested, polarization has half of the country enlisted in the Hatfields army while the other marches with the McCoys  or, in this instance, the Capulets and the Montagues.

Theres no middle ground; theres a chasm between two sides, said Massie, who is the first African-American to direct a summer production in Elm Shakespeares 22-year history. Its either us or them; conservative or liberal; Republican or Democrat; black or white. Were at opposite ends without a bridge between us. Thats very much the story of this play.

Elm Shakespeares Producing Director Rebecca Goodheart chose Romeo & Juliet, which runs through Sept. 3, for its Free Shakespeare in the Park production late last year.

Like many people, I was profoundly affected by the politics in our country, said Goodheart. What was particularly resonant for me is the acrimony and lack of ability for people within the community to even see each other realistically anymore. Civil discourse is no longer possible, it seems, in this country.

Goodheart added that Romeo and Juliet ultimately asks the question, What is the cost of violence when the community turns on itself?

In her search for a director, Goodheart said that she followed the competitive bid process.

I spoke with multiple directors, and it quickly came down to two, she said, referring to Massie and an established West Coast director.

I asked them three questions just to get an idea of how they would work on it, she said, just a paragraph, a couple of sentences. Raphael gave me six pages  everything he thought about Romeo and Juliet.

It was so obvious, and it was right for the company that he is a New Haven native and knows the community so well, said Goodheart of Massie, who has performed in 13 previous Elm summer productions. Hes a company member and knows the process so deeply.

Since Goodheart initially decided on Romeo and Juliet because its themes of violence and prejudice resonate palpably in New Haven and beyond, she encouraged Massie to cast the production diversely, as she put it.

Mostly, I wanted (to be sure) that whats on stage looks like all of New Haven, she said, adding that Massie cast not only several actors of color but also hired women to play some of the mens roles.

Massie said that while he believes in color-conscious casting, he cast the actors best suited for their roles, regardless of their ethnicity or gender.

That being said, I wasnt going shy away from the fact that we had a diverse cast, said Massie, who received his MFA in Staging Shakespeare from the University of Exeter in the U.K. It was more of what happens now that I do have diversity rather than Im going to cast it for diversity.

I didnt set out trying to tell a particular story about race, he added. Im still telling the story of the play. The storys already there. When you have a diversity of actors, they come to the play with different experiences than, say, an all-white cast.

Massie, who attended The Educational Center for the Arts, said that growing up in New Haven he saw actors of color in very specific settings, but not as a rule.

I remember August Wilsons plays used to always premiere at Yale Rep, he said. I remember going on class trips to see his plays: The Piano Lesson, Two Trains Running. In that sense, yes. Generally speaking though, in theater, in universal plays, not so much. Even when I was at ECA, there werent any more than three of us in any given class.
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NEW HAVEN >> Yale University Art Gallerys latest exhibit is all kinds of fragile and beyond antique  displaying glass objects from thousands of years ago. Fittingly, its behind protective glass in cases.

The compact exhibit on the fourth floor of the Chapel Street gallery is a quick stroll until you stop and think about the times, settings and hands that made and used these pieces.

Many glass objects dont last three or 30 years in the average household, so its surprising to see cups, bowls and other objects that have survived for 3,000 years (albeit glued back together in many cases).

The exhibit Drink That You May Live: Ancient Glass from the Yale University Art Gallery, curated by Sara E. Cole, opened recently at YUAG and runs through Nov. 12, showcasing 130 objects from the gallerys holdings.

Cole began to plan the exhibition for her dissertation when she was a graduate student at Yale and a museum intern.

This collection of ancient glass, said Cole, is one of the best in the country in terms of breadth of time span thats covered and also the depth of the collection. And yet it has never been the subject of a dedicated exhibition.

The title of the exhibit, Drink That You May Live, is drawn from one of the objects in the exhibit  a line also seen on other Roman drinking vessels of antiquity, said Cole, who is now with the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles and returned to Yale for a preview last week.

I really love this quote because it simultaneously shows you the sense of humor, the sort of whimsy that ancient glassmakers infused into their wares, Cole said. But it also references the functional use of the pieces in antiquity  vessels primarily used for drinking, consuming liquids, particularly wine. They could also be used to hold or transport liquids like cosmetics or perfumed oils or other materials.

The display cases basically run chronologically and show that glass objects were tiny and/or ornamental at first (around 2500 B.C. in Mesopotamia) and then grew in size with newer techniques and skills.

The techniques spread to Egypt, where glass objects were even exported; and to mainland Greece before suffering an interruption from 1200 to 800 B.C. during societal collapse in the Early Iron Age.

The eastern Mediterranean picked it back up in the eighth century B.C. and a reappearance in Mesopotamia and Egypt spread glassmaking to Hellenistic and Roman Imperial times (323 B.C. to 476 A.D.).

The single most significant revolution that occurred in glassmaking technology, said Cole, was the development of free-blown glass and this occurred in the first to second century B.C. in what is today Israel.

Eventually, the Roman Empire expanded and improved production to make it more available to all classes of people  with glassmaking centers throughout Italy and in Cologne, Germany.

Alternatives to the first labor-intensive technique helped early glass to become a more affordable alternative to metal and porcelain objects even as glassmaking became an art form with jar handles, clear and colored glass with etching, embedded fragments, religious designs, text, gilding and other flourishes.

A couple of reproduced images from the Pompeii-area era here show a banquet where glass vessels are being used alongside silver ones.

Above the display cases on the gallery walls are ancient quotes from glassmakers who wrote recipes of how to make a certain type of glass  comparing the result to some type of precious stone as a reference for appearance. Stone, minerals and gems may be the oldest art objects, but glass stands out for its delicate beauty and inventiveness of its crafty makers, the gallery shows in this exhibit.
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NEW MILFORD  At the end of the gravel driveway to Candlelight Farms Airport, Nic Marsicano anxiously awaited word on the fate of his best friend, Anthony Duke Morasco.

Marsicano had heard a small plane crashed Friday morning, and Duke likely was in it.

Hows Duke doing? he asked each passing emergency responder. Hows Duke doing?

Nobodys doing that well up there, one man answered. The rest just drove past.

Marsicano soon learned Morasco  a flight instructor and his best friend of more than 30 years  had died in a crash that seriously injured two others.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the plane, a Cessna 172, departed Danbury Municipal Airport around 8:30 a.m. and crashed about an hour later in a grassy area a quarter-mile from the New Milford runway.

New Milford Police Sgt. Lee Grabner said the flight appeared to be a training flight. He said one of the victims, though badly disoriented, was able to walk several hundred yards to a nearby home to report the crash, and was eventually taken by ambulance to Danbury Hospital.

Police found two people still trapped inside the plane. The pilot, a woman who has yet to be identified, was extricated and airlifted to Hartford Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The other person was the flight instructor, Grabner said.

Police have yet to release any of the victims identities, saying family members are still being notified. But friends of Morasco said he was the man who died.

Marsicano, who had known Morasco since the two were students at Western Connecticut State University, said he was an experienced pilot who had flown for nearly four decades and had occasionally given flight lessons.

Marsicano, who had flown with Morasco many times, said his friend was a kind man and a phenomenal pilot whose aspiration was to fly for a living.

He was one of those guys who would do anything for you, Marsicano said. I will miss him greatly every day.

When Morasco wasnt flying, he was a well-liked, hard-working maintenance worker for New Milford, said former Mayor Patricia Murphy.

He was one of those people who could fix anything, she said. Just a very bright guy.

Morasco worked for the town for two stints totaling about 15 years, Murphy added. He later worked for a rehabiliation center in town.

The planes registration number, obtained through photos of the crash scene, shows the plane is owned by Arrow Aviation, a Danbury flight-training school that owned a plane involved in a fatal crash nearly two weeks ago.

Mark Stern, of Redding, died from injuries he sustained after crashing a rented Cessna near Danbury Municipal Airport on July 30. Two passengers were injured in the crash, which is still under investigation by federal authorities.

Preliminary results of that investigation showed Sterns plane began to lose altitude shortly after takeoff and crashed in a wooded area near the runway. The accident happened just two weeks after the plane had received its annual inspection.

A woman who answered the phone at Arrow Aviation on Friday declined to comment on either crash.

Were not able to talk about it, she said.

The Cessna 172 is a single-engine four-seater and is one of the most popular aircraft in general aviation for flight instruction.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal said Friday he is concerned by the crashes.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victim's family and those injured in this tragic crash, Blumenthal said in a news release. I am alarmed by the number of small plane crashes that have claimed lives in recent months and years in Connecticut.

For more aerial photographs of the crash, check out NBC Connecticut.

Staff writers Dirk Perrefort and Mackenzie Rigg contributed to this report.
CLIVE | Sharon Beyer of Osage won the fifth of 29 top prizes of $25,000 available in the Iowa Lotterys Bonus Ball Bingo scratch game, according to a release.

The 76-year-old retiree said she bought her winning ticket Monday at Osage Payless Foods.

I checked it a couple of times, Beyer told lottery employees Monday as she claimed her prize at the lotterys regional office in Mason City.

Beyer said she waited to tell anyone that shed won because she wanted to confirm her prize. After receiving her prize check, Beyer said her children were going to be the first to find out about her good news.

Beyer said she plans to save a majority of her winnings.
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DERBY >> Residents said the area where a 21-year-old man was fatally shot Friday always has a lot of activity.

Police responded to reports of gunfire and a person shot at Anson and Fifth streets at 1:49 a.m., according to Lt. Salvatore Frosceno, Derby police public information officer.

Police found an unresponsive man on the ground with four gunshot wounds, police said. The victim was taken by ambulance to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead at 7:40 a.m., according to police.

The victim was identified as Jajuan Benavides, of Rubber Avenue, Naugatuck. He reportedly has family in Derby, Frosceno said.

The shooting was determined to be a homicide, Frosceno said.

When neighbors learned the man had died, they were visibly shaken. A 78-year-old woman who lives near the homicide scene described it as uncalled for and unnecessary.

Robert Morgan, 60, who lives at Cicia Manor, said it brought tears to his eyes when he heard the news. When I heard the shooting, all the shooting, it sounded so close, he said. He did not think anything of it, he said, because gunfire is a regular occurrence in the neighborhood.

You know, you call the police, and they say, Oh, its just fireworks. And the next day, nobodys hurt or injured, he said.

While Frosceno said the last homicide was in 2012, he confirmed the area has had its share of criminal activity and it is a highly patrolled area.

The female resident said, [T]heres always something going on up there (on Anson Street), and the police are always here. She said she does go up and down Anson Street a lot ... and nobody bothers me. So its not like Im afraid to go out on the street ... But then again, I dont go up there at 1:30 in the morning, either.

Another neighbor, 69, said when she moved in four years ago, her neighbors told her not to walk in the area after dark.

Police on scene found a handgun under a car, and investigators believe it is connected to the shooting, Frosceno said.

A Connecticut State Police Major Crimes unit is assisting Derby police with the investigation, according to Frosceno.

Witnesses have been helpful, police said. A neighbor said that there were two women with the victim and they were screaming after the shooting.

Anson Street was closed off while police investigated. The crime scene is fluid, police said, and investigators are working in more than one location.
At least 41 Nigerians were on Thursday deported from six European countries for immigration and related offences. The deportees came from Austria, Germany, Hungry, Switzerland, Norway and Denmark.



According to TheNation, a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) source said the deportees comprised 35 males and six females. The source said the 41 people were deported for overstaying in the European countries. They were picked from different cities in the six countries.
ALBERT LEA, Minn. | A Sheffield man who pleaded guilty in May in connection with a prostitution sting conducted in late December by the Albert Lea Police Department was placed on probation for two years on Thursday in Freeborn County District Court.

Randall Richard Grilz, 65, will be on supervised probation for one year and unsupervised probation for one year. He was sentenced to two days in jail and given credit for two days served. Sentencing came after he pleaded guilty to two counts of gross misdemeanor prostitution in a public place.

Grilz and Kurt Allen Roderick of Wixom, Michigan, were charged separately after Albert Lea officers set up an undercover sex trafficking operation in December at a hotel in Albert Lea.

Court documents state an online advertisement was set up with a phone number listed, which rang to a decoy phone answered by law enforcement. Grilz called the phone number listed in the ad, and he arrived at a hotel room.

Court documents state two decoys told Grilz that one of them was only 17 and her services would cost extra. He reportedly placed $300 in an envelope on a nightstand, undressed and laid down naked on a bed before he was arrested.

In a Mirandized statement following the incident, Grilz reportedly admitted he had seen the ad and made the agreement with the decoys, but he said the younger girl never told him how old she was, and he denied hearing she was 17.

Roderick is charged with one count of gross misdemeanor prostitution in a public place. A jury trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 26.




The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has lambasted the silence of some northern leaders on the hate songs against Igbos currently trending in the country.Ohanaeze also gave notice to the Federal government to deal with the situation decisively or forever be held responsible for the consequences this abdication of responsibility provoke.President General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, in a statement on Thursday said it was surprising that northern leaders were yet to openly condemn the hate songs.Nwodo said: The current Hausa hate song trending in the social media is despicable, sad and disappointing. Ohanaeze is appalled that prominent leaders in the north (with the exception of a few), have allowed this development to flourish without reproach.The Arewa youths have stoked the embers of hatred to a discomforting temperature. The toleration of their criminal conduct has potrayed the Federal government as biased and unfair.Their quit notice to fellow Nigerians to leave any part of Nigeria strikes at the fundamental rights of citizenship. It is a call for the dissolution of the country. Their call for an inventory and seizure of assets of Nigerians living in the North is conversion. It amounts to a day light robbery of lawful property.The declaration of mop up action after October 1st, 2017 to deal with those who resist their quit notice order is a declaration of war. It is surprising that on top of all these a hate song calling for more hatred, despise and abortion has been allowed to fester.Yet no one is arrested. All the orders of arrest from Kaduna state and the IGP seem to be ambivalent and unreal. The youths meet freely with Governors of Northern Nigeria and Northern leaders showing that they enjoy their support.This development signals the beginning of a national catastrophe which if not nipped in the bud will snowball into incalculable damage to our continued existence as one country.




It is 95 days today since the president, General Muhammadu Buhari, rtd, left the shores of our country for medical vacation in the UK. Adding the about 50 days he had earlier spent on the same vacation, General Buhari has spent a cumulative of about 150 days and still counting outside the shores of the country.Given that no man is beyond the fallibility occasioned by sickness, the handling of such matters especially as it concerns a public and the highest ranking official of a nation is key and paramount to how the citizens act or react to such situations.The handlers of Buhari have done great disservice to him. To say publicly and at different fora that Nigerians do not deserve to know what ails their president is not only an insult but also a futile attempt at the privatization of the president and the presidency by very few individuals who erroneously think our presidency is their private estate.To this extent, those of us involved in the #ResumeOrResign protests are not in any way against the president for taking ill but much more to drive home a lesson to todays cabal and tomorrows leaders that the presidency is a public entity and should be run not like a cult of secrecy and esoteric languages but as the peoples property. The people deserve full disclosure!Some of the aides of the president have described the president as a private citizen and that it is disrespectful to ask the president to disclose what ails him! This is not only absurd but also goes a long way to show the mindset of those in the Villa.Buharis medical bills are being picked by Nigerians. His welfare is our responsibility. When you are the one picking the medical bills of a patient, you deserve to know what ails the patient even doctors know this is the right thing to do.Anyone who wants to live as a private citizen would do well to relocate from Aso Rock to their private residences and abdicate the mandate given them freely by the people. Aso Rock and their occupants are merely tenants. The Nigerian citizens are the landlords!Apart from the above, we still wonder why the president would still be in the UK for treatment when his aides and supporters including the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, have told us severally that the president is hale and hearty.Some of them have told us that he is in good spirits and have joked cheerfully with those who have visited him.If the president is indeed hale and hearty, and is in good spirits, like his handlers would want us to believe, why is he still in the UK? Was he elected to be a foreign-based president?Our demands are simple. Since they have told us that General Buhari is hale and hearty, and in good spirits, yet, has refused to return home after 95 consecutive days abroad, this amounts to nothing but truancy, and he should either #ResumeOrResign forthwith!When you employ a man who has been away from work for 95 days and still counting on account of ill health, you are bound to sympathise with that man even if it is not convenient for you and is inimical to the general interest of your company.But when his/her close relatives come to you to tell you as his employer that the one you have continued to keep as an employee, keep paying his full entitlements and emoluments, and keep picking his medical bills despite being away for so long is actually not sick but hale and hearty and is in good spirits, how would you react? What would you do? Would you keep paying his medical bills, would you keep paying his entitlements and emoluments, would you continue to keep him as an employee, or would you rather give him a mandate to either #ResumeOrResign? These are germane questions begging for honest and sincere answers.Some have argued that Buharis absence has not stalled governance. But this is false. The truth is that governance is moving at hand-brake speed. Even when Buhari was fully fit, Nigerians, and even his staunch supporters, called him Baba Go-Slow, not to talk of now that his absence has totally blocked the road.We know that Osinbajo is an acting president only on paper. He knows he is being watched and does not have the full powers to act independently as an acting president.For example, the erudite professor of law has found it difficult if not impossible to assign portfolios to the ministers recently screened by the Senate. It is the same thing with ambassadors-designate who are yet to be deployed to their countries of assignment months after being screened by the senate. The functions these ones are supposed to be performing have, undoubtedly been left to suffer.We still do not have a secretary to the federal government months after Babachir Lawal was suspended. Even the outcome of the panel set up to investigate him cannot still be acted upon beyond the suspension handed to him months after.All these have further heightened our fears of Buharis capacity to coordinate our affairs because all these lacunae can be fixed with just telephone conversations with the acting president. We expect that even if Osinbajo is being stifled by interests, Buhari could have been giving directives on what to do on matters the cabal thinks are the exclusive preserve of the president even when we have an acting president. It is obvious that even the cabal doubts the mental capacity of the president to intervene in State matters.Nigeria is too complex even for a fully fit president to lead not to talk of an absentee and unfit one. Little wonder we now have a more ferocious resurgence of the Boko Haram onslaught that has led to the killing of innocent people including oil explorers, University staff, fishermen, and the sacking of whole villages.The general insecurity that has bedevilled our country in recent times is symptomatic of a country without a clear-cut chain of command. From incessant kidnappings, unabated ritual killings, terrorist attacks, police brutality on innocent and harmless protesters/citizens, continued job losses etc, it is obvious Nigeria is drifting southwards and only a sincere approach to the situation which includes giving full compliments of power to Osinbajo can save the country.Apart from all these, General Buhari was also elected based on one of his cardinal campaign promises that he would stop medical tourism for all government officials in order to save us scarce resources. Today, no president has squandered our scarce foreign exchange on himself as much as Buhari, the same one who promised to patronize only our local hospitals. This is deceit, and Nigerians deserve better. In advanced democracies, such betrayal arising from not keeping to ones core campaign promises is enough to get the president impeached. But here, we paper over such grave infractions and even treat those who demand that the right things be done like deviants.While we are very happy that our president is hale and hearty and in good spirits to the extent that he has been having humorous exchanges and even shared jokes with the different delegates that have visited him in far away London, his new base, we have no doubt that this is true as his aides and other government officials who have said these are men and women we should believe as speaking the truth, it is therefore not too much to ask President Buhari to either #ResumeOrResign, as running a country like Nigeria from a foreign land is not the same as sharing jokes with his retinue of visitors while the country disintegrates right before our eyes.jrndukwe@yahoo.co.uk; Twitter: Stjudendukwe
Happy New Month Nigeria! Welcome to the month of June. As the world searches for a respite from all its troubles since 2020 began, one can ...
Western Cape Police, South Africa have confirmed the death of a 26-year-old woman who went missing two weeks ago.

Her family said Aviwe Jam Jam fled Khayelitsha, Cape Town in July, to escape her abusive boyfriend, Linda Nolili. She was last seen in the Summerville area in Kuilsriver after visiting Nolili.

Jam Jams body was identified by her family on Tuesday, August 8th, after it was found dumped at the Vygieskraal Stadium, Athlone, on July 29, roughly 24km from her home. She had been brutally beaten to death.

Captain FC van Wyk, who confirmed the incident said that the post mortem still needed to be concluded.

" On Monday , the body was identified by the family as that of the missing 26-year-old Aviwe Jam Jam who was reported as missing on 2017-07--22 at Mfuleni SAPS," said Van Wyk

The boyfriend was arrested last week in connection with several other cases and is being investigated in connection with her murder, he said.

Marking Women's Day on Wednesday , Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula visited the family at their home

He spent more than an hour talking to them in private. Later, he told journalists that police had been looking for the boyfriend in connection with other cases.

"We will never be ruled by criminals and criminals will not rule anybody. We will find them and we will bring them to book. Their days are numbered.

"These people are not enemies to each other, but the devil has come to this community and done the things that they have done to the Jam Jam family ...terrorised them."

Aviwe's aunt Nondumiso Zizi said her niece had told her mother that she had left for Pretoria and that she should not look for her because she was hiding from her boyfriend.

Zizi was unable to confirm when Aviwe left Khayelitsha. She said Aviwe and her boyfriend had been together for "several years" and have a 2-year-old child.

"Aviwe was in an abusive relationship with this boyfriend. Aviwes mother tried to warn Aviwe of this, but she wouldn't listen. She loved [her] boyfriend, so there was nothing we could do about it."

"Aviwes mother suspected that Aviwe wont come [back] alive because the way the boyfriend was treating her."

She said the boyfriend had come to their home looking for Aviwe and had attacked her stepfather because he thought the family was hiding Aviwe.

Zizi said the boyfriend and a group of friends attacked the stepfather with a panga and he had to get 12 stitches

"He [the stepfather] was bleeding and the whole yard was full of blood because of them and the boyfriend climbed on top of him and said they should kill him."

The boyfriend was arrested shortly after for assaulting the stepfather, said Mbalula.

During the visit, Aviwes mother Nomthandazo Jam Jam, 56, proudly showed journalists a photo of Aviwe at her graduation.

Aviwe attained a tourism degree from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

Nomthandazo said Aviwe would be missed because she always "brought life" to her home.

Mbalula urged women to report abuse and assault to police as soon as possible.

"Women, stand your ground because if you put up with abuse, you are putting up with death," Mbalula warned.

Additional source: News24




The death has been announced of a serving Assistant Inspector General of Police in-charge of maritime, Pius Uebari Imue.Imue passed on at the age of 59, after a brief illness at St Nicholas Hospital, Lagos Island, Lagos State.The late Assistant Inspector General of Police enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on 1st January, 1984 as Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at Police Staff College Jos. He rose through the rank to the position of Assistant Inspector General of Police.He served as Commissioner of Police, Department of Logistic and Supply in Force Headquarters and Commissioner of Police Railway in Lagos before he was promoted to Assistant Inspector General of Police on 23rd September, 2016.He was previously the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Communication Force Headquarters and later Assistant Inspector General of Police Maritime, the position he held until his sudden demise after a brief illness.Confirming the incident, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris, described the demise as a sad loss to the force.He said, The Inspector General of Police and Management Team, on behalf of the entire officer and men of the Nigeria Police Force commiserate with the IMUEs Family of Norkwiri-Boue town in Khana Local Government, Rivers State, the Government and good people of Rivers State on the passage unto glory of their illustrious son, AIG Pius Uebari Imue.May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and the good Lord grant his Family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Bukola Saraki



Nigeria Newspaper had The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has given reasons after he relieved several aides of their duties on Thursday in Abuja.Nigeria Newspaper had reported earlier yesterday that the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, sacked his director of protocol, head of administration and 96 others.

The office of the Senate President, have later on Thursday, disclosed that the sacking of aides to the senator was for efficiency, adding that the exercise was to reposition the office for efficient service delivery.

According to a report by Punch newspapers, the office, which refused to confirm the total number of those affected, explained that most of the officials affected were those posted from the National Assembly Service Commission, who were deployed back to the service.

While speaking to a correspondent, source in the Senate who confirmed the number of the sacked staff to 98, said most of the affected officials were inherited by Saraki, including the Director of Protocol, Arthur Ndiwe, who had occupied the office since Senator Ken Nnamani was Senate President.

It was further gathered that those affected were issued sack letters through the Chief of Staff to President of the Senate, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, in batches.

Special Adviser to President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, while briefing journalists on the development on Thursday, said the downsizing was based on Sarakis discretion, which was in turn based on the judgment of a review committee.

He explained that the staff review was the outcome of an assessment exercise which started four months ago.

He said, It is entirely at his (Sarakis) discretion to determine who works with him, those who are helping his agenda, and those areas where gaps need to be filled. This is important for the efficiency of the office.





It is not a negative thing; it is to ensure that the office is more invigorated and better positioned. It is possible some new people may also be joining in areas lapses have been observed.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said contrary to what naysayers want people to believe, the Buhari administration is working assiduously to redeem its electoral pledges, especially in the critical areas of developing the economy as well as fighting corruption and insecurity.The Minister stated this in Abuja on Friday while signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the visiting Chinese Vice Minister of The State Council Information Office, Mr. Guo Weimin, in the area of media and cultural relations.Contrary to the lies that are being purveyed daily in the Social Media, this government has been working assiduously to redeem its electoral pledges. Our fight against insecurity is yielding very positive results.Our fight against corruption is focused and is ongoing and we are resolute and we have resolved that we are going to fight corruption until corruption goes under. We are happy that in this regards, we have a very good partner in China because we are aware and we know how China fought corruption and how China is fighting corruption.We have succeeded in nursing a very sick economy and very soon, Nigeria will get out of recession, he said.Alhaji Mohammed, who said the signing of the MOU will further deepen the already excellent relationship between the two countries, expressed optimism that some provisions of the MOU that encourage the news agencies of Nigeria and China to reflect, in their reporting, the social, economic and cultural development in both countries, will eliminate the phenomenon of fake news.This is significant because we are today in the era of fake news. Unlike China, the Social Media here is completely unrestrained. Therefore it is important that you get your news directly from the official source, he said.The Minister sought the support of China towards the training of the Ministrys Resident Information Officers on modern Governance Public Communication methods in order to build their capacity as the respective spokespersons of Ministries, Department and Agencies.Alhaji Mohammed also sought partnership with China in the areas of film production and distribution, development of community cinema houses and collaboration in the co-production of films as well as screening of Nigerian films in China and vice versa.He called for cooperation between the Nigerian Film and Video Censorship Board and the China Censorship Board to curb the importation and exportation of pirated and adulterated movies of both countries.The Chinese Vice Minister said the signing of the MOU between the two countries marked a new beginning in the relationship between the two countries, particularly in the area of media and cultural relations.He said staff training and programme exchanges will further solidify the cultural ties between both nations. Mr. Weimin said his ministry will scale up the broadcast of news about Nigeria in China and appealed to the Minister to reciprocate the gesture.The Chinese Vice Minister acceded to Alhaji Mohammeds request for the training of the Resident Information Officers and said the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria will fine-tune the capacity building engagement.Mr. Weimin was accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Zhou Pingjian, to the signing of the MOU.
The protest led by the popular musician, Mr. Charles Oputa (Charlie Boy), at the Unity Fountain in Abuja to demand President Muhammadu B...

The protest led by the popular musician, Mr. Charles Oputa (Charlie Boy), at the Unity Fountain in Abuja to demand President Muhammadu Buharis immediate return to the country or his resignation, continued on Thursday with another group of protesters in support of the President.The protesters under the aegis of #OurMumuDonDo#, as early as 9am were holding their protest when another group, Buhari Support Group under the auspices of Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiatives arrived the scene putting up their own tent at the other end of the Unity Fountain.The police and other security operatives on ground immediately took over the arena to avoid any clash and break down of law and order.While the protesters against Buhari were monitored till the end of the activities, the other group for the President was allowed to carry placards chanting the goodwill of President Buhari.The police authority also allowed them to move around town singing from the Unity Fountain through to the secretariat road.The Buhari support group, the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiatives, led by Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi while condemning the activities of the #OurMumuDonDo#, said there is no cause for alarm over the Presidents health.The group also said there was no provision in the constitution that stipulates for how long the president can stay out of office while on medical vacation.According to the group, what the President needed to do which is stipulated in the constitution was to transmit power to the Vice President through a letter to the National Assembly, which President Buhari already did before leaving for the UK.At the other end of the Unity Fountain the #resume or resign protesters called on President Muhammadu Buhari to demonstrate integrity by resigning from office, saying he is incapacitated and cannot rule the country.The civil society coalition members reminded Buhari that he asked late President Musa YarAdua to resign or be impeached when the latter was sick in 2010, stressing that he should toe the path honour by doing so.Speaking to journalists on the fourth day of their protest at the Unity fountain, Maitama, Abuja on Thursday, the convener, Deji Adeyanju said Buhari should leave office if he knew what integrity meant.He insisted the President should have done so within one month of leaving the country on medical leave.Charlie Boy urged the youths to fight for their future by joining the campaign to compel Buhari to resign, insisting that Nigerians had the right to demand the health status of the President whose medical bills, he said were being paid by the public.
Two students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have died in a midnight fire at a Lagos hotel.

Two students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have died in a midnight fire at a Lagos hotel.

Roli Odogwu, a 200-Level Mass Communication student, and Linda Elegeonye, a 300-Level Law student, died of burns, days after they were trapped in the hotel room where they were guests.





Until their death, the two students were residents of Fagunwa Hall.





It was gathered that the duo left the campus on Monday to attend an evening event off-campus. When it dawned on them that they could not return to the campus late in the night, they reportedly lodged in the hotel to pass the night.





The late Rolis friend, who did not want to be named, said she spoke to her mother to inform her of her decision to pass the night in the hotel.





It was gathered that the victims were asleep when the inferno started from a faulty air conditioner. The victims were trapped for several minutes before they were rescued from the room. They sustained first-degree burns. They were rushed to Gbagada General Hospital.





Last Saturday, Roli died at 4am and was buried at Atan Cemetery in Yaba. On Sunday, news broke that Linda, who had been in coma for six days, had also died.





A friend, who pleaded for anonymity, said she was informed about the incident by a policeman who picked up the late Rolis call on Tuesday.





She said:





The policeman told me that the owner of the phone (Roli) and her friend were involved in a fire accident and they were unconscious. I was told they had been moved to Trauma and Burns Unit of the Gbagada General Hospital. I informed other friends and we went to the hospital. When we got there, we were not allowed to see them immediately. Three hours after, we were allowed in with their parents and other family members.

Roli was conscious and responding to treatment, but Linda was still in a coma. The burns were severe and we hoped both could make it. We are deeply hurt by their death.





See photos from Roli Odogwus candle lighting funeral below.








Three suspected ritualists were yesterday smoked out of an abandoned drainage in the Ile Zik axis of Lagos-Abeokuta highway.

Three suspected ritualists were yesterday smoked out of an abandoned drainage in the Ile Zik axis of Lagos-Abeokuta highway.Human parts concealed in some sachets were reportedly found in the drainage.Many tunnels were also seen in the area adjacent to a perimeter fence of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja.It was gathered that one of the suspects was found with an iPhone.The suspect, it was learnt, confessed that he was not the only one involved in the criminal act, leading to the arrest of two other suspects.Eyewitness said a hawker who fell into the hands of the gang raised the alarm after she managed to escape.People around the area were said to have invaded the place, where shoes belonging to males and females were found.A sharp knife was found on one of the suspects said to have been posing as a mad man.Men of the Rapid Response Squad (RSS) rescued the suspects from being lynched by a mob at the scene.The suspects were whisked away from the scene in a police van.It was learnt that the suspects are being interrogated at Isokoko Police Station in the Agege.There are at least eight patrol vans of the police at the location, while a huge crowd converged on the place, making it difficult for free vehicular movement.Law enforcement agents including police, army and operatives of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Corps had hectic time controlling onlookers.Police also foiled an attempt by a mob to burn down a warehouse suspected to be the hideout of the ritualists.As of press time, the warehouse was being guarded by RRS operatives.An eyewitness told revealed that the suspects were picked up after RRS operatives removed a manhole from an underground canal where the ritualists were hiding.A police source, however said those arrested are destitute who converted the disused drainage channels into shelter.An eyewitness said: I was coming home today (yesterday) when I encountered traffic like never before on Agege motor road. I trudged along thinking it was an accident only to get to Ile Zik and find out that den was uncovered right along the road. I pass that place every day without realising demons are lurking around there.Isaac Osare said: There was a man who pretended to be a mad man but we found out that he is not mad but a kidnapper and rapist. The police were afraid to go into the tunnel because there are other culprits in it.Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni said there were no shrine and no human parts in the den.He said: Our men personally entered the place and saw some people with tools dressed in mechanic clothes. People living under bridges, tunnels, uncompleted building and trenches should be careful because you stand a chance of being tagged as ritualist and being mobbed.
No one you know says grain when they mean soybeans or John Deere when they mean tractor.

Of course, you might get away with these vague and misleading substitutes when talking to the non-farming public because most people dont know soybeans are an oilseed, not a grain, and that Deere & Co. makes a lot more than just tractors.

Intentionally doing so, however, is neither vague nor misleading. Intention makes it lying, and lie is what your U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) now recommends some of its employees to do when discussing climate change and its impact on U.S. farm and food production.

According to more than 60 pages of internal memos published Aug. 7 by the British newspaper The Guardian, USDA, the government agency most responsible for the science and safety of U.S. food served both here and abroad, would like some staff members to refer to climate change as weather extremes and climate change adaption as resilience to weather extremes.

These less-than-subtle suggestions  there were more sound harmless or even hair-splitting to a casual consumer. To scientists, however, they are loaded with ambiguity and political misdirection meant to point to something other than clear, honest facts.

Interestingly, The Guardian story appeared the same day the New York Times published a not-yet-public draft report from 13 U.S. government agencies on climate change (not weather extremes) that stated without equivocation, Evidence for a changing climate abounds, from the top of the atmosphere to the depths of the ocean.

The Times story all but put a spotlight on the USDA effort to downplay and mislead the public about climate change and its impact on American agriculture.

Perhaps acknowledging how foolish USDA looked by doing so, Tim Murtaugh, a USDA spokesman, told Politico that there has never been a directive regarding the term climate change and that it was unclear why career officials behind the memos had raised the issue to staff.

What may have been unclear to Murtaugh appears quite clear to others who had their eyes open to facts and not blinkered by petty politics.

For example, heres how Politico explained what it saw in their daily Morning Agriculture report Aug. 8, the day after the USDA story broke: President Donald Trump has long questioned the existence of climate change, once calling it a hoax perpetuated by the Chinese

The Trump White House, Politico added, also pulled the U.S. out of the Paris climate deal and changed climate-change-related webpages for EPA and other government agencies to reflect its skepticism about the science.

Those actions might not constitute a clear directive from the White House on climate change but they clearly show which way the wind blows in the Oval Office.

Theres another unmistakable link between the Trump Administrations view that climate change is a hoax and USDAs misleading terms in discussing it with the public: Sam Clovis, Trumps nominee to be USDA undersecretary of research, education and economics.

Clovis, you may recall, labels climate change junk science and not proven, according the San Jose (CA) Mercury News. He also has spent most of the Administrations first 200 days at USDA as Trumps top political operative there, reports veteran ag journalist Chuck Abbott.

Whether thats a complete coincidence or not, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue was feeling enough heat over all the steamy USDA climate news that he interrupted his all smiles-and-handshakes trip around the Midwest Aug. 7 to, once again, fully support the Clovis nomination.

And this despite the disclosure last week that Clovis had once called progressives liars and race-traders and accused labor unions of coming out of the Communist closet to support President Barack Obama.

Linking the former president to communists, labor unions, and progressives likely would earn Trump, Perdue, and Clovis a cup of coffee  if not noon dinner  at most farm town cafes.

Denying climate change, however, and whitewashing its lasting effects will earn them nothing but scorn from our grandchildren because, as farmers and ranchers well know, the climate has changed even if folks at USDA, the White House, and the local cafe lack the integrity to admit it.
The Federal Government has demanded the extradition of a United States of America (USA) based Nigerian, Jim-Daniels Nnah.

The Federal Government has demanded the extradition of a United States of America (USA) based Nigerian, Jim-Daniels Nnah.Nnah was accused of defrauding two companies of $712,000 (about N261.3 million).The extradition was contained in a letter from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), addressed to the US Department of Justice.This request is coming four years after Nnah, through his company Biowish TM Africa Limited, allegedly fleeced Environ-Aid Technologies Nigeria Limited and Alsa Logistics Limited of the sum, under the pretence of giving them sole distributorship rights of some bio-chemicals.Made pursuant to the provisions of the extradition treaty between the governments of the USA and United Kingdom (UK) of December 22, 1931, which is applicable to Nigeria, the request was signed by the AGF, Abubakar Malami (SAN).Malami said Nnah obtained the money for the purpose of supplying the complainants with products made by Biowish Technologies Inc., USA.He said the complainants alleged that the suspect refused to supply the products, thereby, has stolen or converted the money to his personal use.Malami stated that by Nnahs alleged action, the suspect deprived the complainants of their money and the goods in-spite of several efforts to recover the property or money.He said: The complainants claimed that sometime in September 2012, their companies entered in an existing joint venture agreement with Biowish Technologies Inc., 150N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2800, Chicago, Illinois 60601, USA, to supply its products in Africa.For Biowish Technologies products to be sold in Africa, Jim Daniels-Nnah incorporated Biowish TM Africa to market a variety of the products ranging from Biowosh-Aqua, Biowish Odor, Biowish Remediation, Biowish Crops (fertiliser), etc.Relying on the information provided by the suspect, the complainant entered into separate agreements with Biowish TM Africa Limited to procure Biowosh Technologies products for which the sum of $712,000 was paid into Jim Daniels-Nnahs company, Biowish TM Africa Limited and IC&T America Inc.s offshore accounts.Unknown to the complainants, Jim Daniels-Nnah had signed two separate identical contracts, making each of the companies sole distributor of the same products in Nigeria, demonstrating fraud and insincerity in handling the whole transaction.Malami stated that both companies separately terminated the agreements and demanded a refund of their money when he failed to deliver the products over a period of time.He said the suspects inability to supply the products or refund the money made them suspect fraud and individually filed complaints with the authorities in Nigeria.After a detailed investigation, the Nigerian INTERPOL NCB found out, through cash transfer documents from the complainants bank and swift transfer records, that the said sum was paid into the accounts. The NCB is unable to interrogate the suspect as he is currently in the USA.The act is against the laws of Nigeria and as such, I shall prosecute any act in violation of Nigerian laws relating to financial and other economic crimes.To do this, the Federal Government of Nigeria would require the authorities and government of the USA to take steps within the scope allowed by the US laws, to execute this request in the interest of justice, the spirit of fighting international crimes and in the ground that when a similar request is made by the USA, Nigeria will render the same assistance.This letter is requesting relevant US authorities to identify the suspect, arrest him wirh a view to extradite him to Nigeria for prosecution and for the recovery and eventual surrender of the money to the victims, Malami said.
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP-- State Police credited social media and tips from the public in identifying a Mount Holly man suspected of robbing a Wawa convenience store at gunpoint Sunday who allegedly made off with $160 in cash and a chicken Caesar salad wrap.

MIchael Siriani (State Police)

After news of the crime spread on social media, Michael Siriani, 58, planned to turn himself in two days ago, according to police. But as of Thursday, he still remained at large.

He has been charged with armed robbery and should be considered armed and dangerous, police also said, adding that members of the public should not approach him.

Anyone with information is being asked to call the State Police station at Bordentown, 609-298-1171.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
The Mitchell County Board of Supervisors are now at least informing the neighbors and giving them an opportunity to meet with the owners before the structure is built. We can express our concerns, but if the CAFO meets the state requirements and the owner chooses not to respond to the neighbors and other community members, there is nothing we can do.

The current regulations for CAFOs are not protecting a majority of Iowans. The list of impaired waterways in Iowa is growing. This year, the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is almost 9,000 square miles, the largest it has ever been. The main cause is excess nitrogen and other nutrients from agricultural run-off. Air pollution is another consequence. Neighbors are subject to noxious fumes that cause a higher incident of asthma in the children living near CAFOs and drive residents into their homes to escape the smell.

In the 2013 survey of Iowa groundwater prepared by the DNR, 66 public water systems were tested from all parts of the state. These wells tend to be deeper than private wells and 41 percet had detectable levels of multiple pesticides, 35 percent had detectable levels of pharmaceuticals, and 17 percent had detectable levels of PMMV, a virus found in human waste. The manure put on our soil cannot only pollute the surface water; it can make it into the water we drink.

I call on the Mitchell County Board of Supervisors to join the 13 other Iowa counties that have passed resolutions calling for a revision of the rules permitting CAFOs. I agree with Mark Kuhn, Floyd County Supervisor; Iowans have a right to breathe clean air, drink clean water and enjoy their quality of life.

Penney Morse, Osage
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PreveCeutical Medical Inc. (the Company or PreveCeutical) (CSE:PREV) (FSE:18H) announces encouraging results from the Research and Development (R&D) project consisting of isolating and identifying peptides and proteins from Caribbean Blue Scorpion venom.



The R&D program consists of three distinct phases. Currently underway, phase one involves one-dimensional gel electrophoresis (1DE) to first identify scorpion venom-based peptides/proteins based on their size (KDa). The results from the 1DE studies confirm the presence of peptide/protein bands at around 55KDa and 45KDa, with a highly prominent band observed at 10KDa.

Further separation of constituent peptides/proteins underlying the 10KDa band is planned next, and once separation parameters are optimized, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) will be employed whereby separation by size (KDa) and isoelectric point (pH) will follow. 2DE is a universally-accepted technique for enabling efficient separation of potentially thousands of peptides/proteins from complex samples, which can then be quantified and sequenced.

Using the peptide sequence data, PreveCeuticals scientists will use a proprietary chemistry to generate Nature Identical peptides, consisting of a library of modified peptide analogues, which will then be tested in disease models. The identified active peptides will then be progressed through the pre-clinical screening process, toward achieving the goal of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application through established pharmaceutical regulatory processes.

About PreveCeutical Medical Inc.

PreveCeutical Medical Inc. (CSE:PREV) (FSE:18H) is a health sciences company that develops innovative options for preventive and curative therapies utilizing organic and nature identical products.

The Company currently has one product available for sale, the CELLB9 Immune System Booster. CELLB9 is an oral solution containing polarized and potentiated essential minerals extracted from a novel peptide obtained from Caribbean Blue Scorpion venom. The active potentiated ingredients in the Blue Scorpion venom appear to support health at a deep cellular level, having been used for many years and in over 40 countries. The solution is colourless and odourless and can be administered orally.

For more information about PreveCeutical, please visit www.PreveCeutical.com, follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/PreveCeuticals and Facebook: www.facebook.com/PreveCeutical.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Stephen Van Deventer

Chairman & CEO

Forward Looking Statements:

This news release includes certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly, are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. Statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations and orientations regarding the future. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as pro forma, plans, expects, may, should, budget, schedules, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, believes, potential or variations of such words including negative variations thereof and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Such forward-looking statements include, among others, statements as to the proposed first phase of the Company's venom re-engineering project, business plans of the Company regarding the foregoing, the timing of future activities and the prospects of their success for the Company, and the Companys ability and success in executing its proposed business plans, including a successful IND application. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors including risks and uncertainties relating to the inability of the Company, to, among other things, complete the proposed research project as planned or the inability of the Company to obtain any required governmental approvals, permits, consents or authorizations required, including Canadian Securities Exchange acceptance of any planned future activities, or financing required to carry out its planned future activities. Other factors such as general economic, market or business conditions or changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, may also adversely affect the future results or performance of the Company, including the completion of the proposed research programs. There is no guarantee that the research programs will be successful or that their results can be commercialised by the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, unless required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the statements, beliefs, plans, expectations, and intentions contained in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that those statements, beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions will prove to be accurate. Readers should consider all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to other periodic reports provided by the Company from time-to-time. These reports and the Companys filings are available at www.sedar.com.
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Danish English

Aalborg, Denmark, 2017-08-11 10:06 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Notice is hereby given that an Extraordinary General Meeting of TK Development A/S, CVR no. 24256782, will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, 6 September 2017 at Comwell Hvide Hus, Vesterbro 2, DK-9000 Aalborg.

Agenda

1. Election of members to the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors is currently composed of four members. Peter Thorsen has been elected as chairman and Henrik Tonsgaard Heideby as deputy chairman.

The other two members are Kim Haugstrup Mikkelsen and Arne Gerlyng-Hansen.

At the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors announced its intention to propose two new board candidates no later than at the Annual General Meeting to be held in spring 2018, the aim being for one of these to be a woman.

However, as Kim Haugstrup Mikkelsen wishes to resign from the Board of Directors, it has been deemed expedient to elect the new board members as soon as possible, which is the background to and the purpose of the Extraordinary General Meeting.

Against this background, it is proposed that the Board of Directors be composed of five members for the time being. Because, as stated above, Kim Haugstrup Mikkelsen will resign from the Board of Directors, two new board members will be elected. The Board of Directors proposes the following candidates:

Anne Skovbro, Director of Philanthropy, Realdania

Michael Bruhn, CEO, PFA Ejendomme

Profiles of the proposed candidates are available on the Company's website,

www.tk-development.dk.

2. Any other business

Company matters and voting rights

The following is disclosed with reference to section 97 of the Danish Companies Act:

The Companys share capital amounts to DKK 98,153,335.00. The share capital is divided into shares in the denomination of DKK 1.00 or multiples thereof. The current denomination of the shares is DKK 1.00, and thus the number of shares totals 98,153,335.

With respect to voting rights at the General Meeting, paragraph 4.2 of the Articles of Association provides as follows:

Each share amount of DKK 1.00 shall confer one vote on the holder. The voting right may be exercised pursuant to a written and dated instrument of proxy. Such instrument of proxy may not be issued for a period of more than one year.

Pursuant to paragraph 4.3 of the Companys Articles of Association and section 84 of the Danish Companies Act, a shareholders right to attend the General Meeting and vote on his/her shares is determined on the basis of the shares held by the shareholder as of the cut-off date. The cut-off date is one week prior to the date of the General Meeting, viz. 30 August 2017. Accordingly, voting rights will be determined based on the shares held by each shareholder on the cut-off date, as appearing from the entry in the Register of Shareholders regarding the shareholders ownership. Any notifications received by the Company regarding the shareholders ownership for entry in, but not yet recorded in the Register of Shareholders, will also be taken into account for this purpose.

However, the right to attend the General Meeting and exercise the voting rights attaching to the shares held at the cut-off date is subject to the condition that shareholders have given notice at least three days in advance of their intention to attend such meeting by obtaining an admission card as set out below.

Attendance matters, proxies and voting by correspondence

A form to be used for ordering admission cards (passes) is enclosed.

Admission cards can be ordered until Friday, 1 September 2017, at 11:59 pm, from VP Investor Services A/S, Weidekampsgade 14, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, at tel. +45 4358 8893 or by e-mail to vpinvestor@vp.dk. Pre-ordered admission cards will be sent no later than two days before the General Meeting. A ballot paper is issued when admission to the General Meeting is registered.

Admission cards may be sent by e-mail. This requires that the shareholders e-mail address is already registered at the InvestorPortal. After having registered for admission, the shareholder will receive an electronic admission card  if delivery by e-mail has been chosen  that must be available for presentation on the shareholders smartphone or tablet. A shareholder who has forgotten to bring his/her admission card will be allowed to attend the General Meeting on showing proof of identity. A ballot paper will be issued when ad-mission to the General Meeting has been registered.

In addition, shareholders have the option of issuing proxies. An Authorisation Form to be used for issuing an instrument of proxy is enclosed. If a shareholder wants to issue an instrument of proxy, the filled-in and duly signed Authorisation Form must reach VP Investor Services A/S, Weidekampsgade 14, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, by 11:59 pm on Friday, 1 September 2017.

Moreover, admission cards can be ordered and instruments of proxy entitling the Board of Directors to vote at the General Meeting can be completed at the InvestorPortal on TK Developments website, www.tk-development.dk, until 11:59 pm on Friday, 1 September 2017.

Finally, shareholders unable to attend the General Meeting can vote by correspondence. A form for this purpose will be available on the Companys website, www.tk-development.dk. If a shareholder wants to vote by correspondence, the filled-in "Vote by correspondence" form must reach VP Investor Services A/S, Weidekampsgade 14, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, by 12:00 noon on Tuesday, 5 September 2017.

Additional information and documents

This convening notice, including profiles of the proposed candidates for the Board of Directors, will be made available for inspection by shareholders at the Company's office at Vestre Havnepromenade 7, DK-9000 Aalborg, from Friday, 11 August 2017, and copies can also be obtained from that date; see section 98 of the Danish Companies Act.

With reference to section 99 of the Danish Companies Act, the Company announces that the documents to be submitted at the General Meeting, including the agenda, the complete proposals  including profiles of the proposed candidates for the Board of Directors  information about the total number of shares and voting rights as of the date of the convening notice, as well as the Authorisation Form and "Vote by correspondence" form, will be available at the Companys website, www.tk-development.dk, from Friday, 11 August 2017.

Aalborg, 11 August 2017

TK Development A/S



Peter Thorsen

Chairman of the Board of Directors
A New Orleans woman who avoided a life sentence for killing her two children because she was found to be insane at the time of the crime moved
Trust went down the drain when the flood waters didn't: Opinion
Dublin, Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Defining the Future of the Stem Cell Industry - Interviews with Stem Cell Industry Executives" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering.



Stem cell research has been in process for over five decades. Stem cells have a unique ability to divide and replicate repeatedly, as well as an unspecialized nature that allows them to differentiate into a wide variety of specialized cell types. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all of the embryonic tissues. In adult organisms, stem and progenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenishing specialized cells.



Stem cells are primitive cells found in all multi-cellular organisms that are characterized by self-renewal and the capacity to differentiate into mature cell types.



Several broad categories of stem cells exist, including:

Embryonic stem cells, derived from blastocysts

Perinatal stem cells, obtained during the period immediately before and after birth

Adult stem cells, found in adult tissues

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), produced by genetically reprogramming adults cells

Cancer stem cells, which give rise to clonal populations of cells that form tumors or disperse in the body

The possibilities arising from these characteristics have resulted in great commercial interest, with potential applications ranging from the use of stem cells as research tools, to utilization in cell therapies and integration into 3D printed tissues and organs. Additionally, the ability to use stem cells to improve drug target validation and toxicology screening is of intense interest to the pharmaceutical industry.



Rapid Technological Innovation



As a result of this technological innovation, the stem cell industry is undergoing rapid change. As of July 2017, a search for stem cells yields the following results:

5,932 Clinical Trials - Search conducted via ClinicalTrials.gov, a global registry of clinical trials that contains approximately 3/4th of trials worldwide, using the terms stem cell or stem cells

45,283 Patents - Search performed using the United State Patent and Trademark Office website, USPTO.gov, using the terms stem cell or stem cells

296,399 Scientific Papers - Search performed on PubMed.gov, a global database of scientific publications maintained by the NIH, using the terms stem cell or stem cells

Google Trends identifies that stem cell terms are widely searched in countries worldwide, led by by Singapore, China, UK, USA, and Australia - Google Trends is a service of Google Inc. that identifies how frequently a particular search term is entered relative to total search volume worldwide

Undoubtedly, there is enormous interest surrounding the stem cell industry. However, this rapid technological changes leaves all industry participants wondering, what will be the future directions for the stem cell industry over the next 5, 10, or 15 years?

Key Topics Covered:



Abstract

Interview with Kaz Hirao, CEO of CDI, a FUJIFILM Company - Industrial Scale Production of iPSCs and Differentiated Cells

Interview with Dr. Yael Margolin, CEO of Gamida Cell - Solving the Unmet Need inHematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)

Interview with Dr. Frida Grynspan, VP of R&D for Stem Cell Medicine Ltd. - DevelopingGenetically Modified Muscle Progenitor Cells

Interview with Dr. Itzchak Angel, CEO of Accellta - Mass Production of Pluripotent Stem Cells 25

Interview with Eran Cohen, Intellectual Property (IP) Officer for Accellta - Small Company with the IP of a Big Company

Interview with Dr. Cynthia Bamdad, CEO of Minerva Biotechnologies - The Link Between Nave Stem Cells and Cancer

Interview with Matthew Feshbach, Founder of Okyanos Cell Therapy (Part 1) - Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapies

Interview with Matthew Feshbach, Founder of Okyanos (Part 2) - Setting the Standard in Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Applications

Interview with Dr. Bruce Werber, COO of BPSR and CEO of Anu Life Sciences - Regenerative Applications of Placental Tissue Allografts

Interview with Dr. Ornella Parolini of IPLASS - Understanding Placental Stem Cell Applications

Interview with Pamela Levin of Tisch MS Research Center of NY - Beginning a Phase II Stem Cell Trial for MS

Interview with Dr. Saud Sadiq, Director of Tisch MS Research Center of NY - Stem Cells for Reversal of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Interview with James Alexis Mendez, CFO of CryoHoldco - Cord Blood Banking within Latin America

Interview with Kenneth Harris, Chief Advisor for CuraSense - Growth Rates & Trends within the Cord Blood Industry

Interview with Joseph Krieger of Boston Biolife - Educating Physicians about Regenerative Medicine

Interview with ORIG3N's James Lovgren - Creating World's Largest Blood Cell Repository for iPSC Production

Interview with Tony Veverka, Chief Group Executive of BioEden - How Dental Stem Cells Will Impact Our Future

Interview with Joo Andrade, CEO of WideCells Group - Unlocking the Future of Cord Blood Banking

Interview with Dr. Jon Rowley, Founder & CTO of RoosterBio - Radically Changing the Use of Stem Cells

Interview with Dr. Jon Rowley, Founder & CTO of RoosterBio - Year of the Rooster

Interview with Dr. Paul Wotton, Board Member of Cynata Therapeutics and Previous CEO of Ocata Therapeutics - Mass Production of Therapeutic Grade MSCs

Interview with Kyle Cetrulo, CEO of AuxoCell Laboratories - Future of Regenerative Medicine

Interview with Dr. Denver Lough, President and CEO of PolarityTE - Creating Functionally Polarized Tissue

Interview with Yaky Yanay, President and Co-CEO of Pluristem Therapeutics - Commercializing Placental Stem Cell Therapeutics

Interview with Dr. Priya Baraniak of RoosterBio - RM Industry's First Xeno-free (XF) hMSC Cell Banks

Interview with Dr. Chris Centeno, CEO of Regenexx - Orthopedic Applications of MSCs

Interview with Dr. Chris Centeno, CEO of Regenexx - Visionary Behind Orthopedic Stem Cell Technology

Interview with Dr. Askenase of Yale University School of Medicine - MSC-Derived Exosomes for Spinal Cord Repair

Interview with Robin Smith, CEO of ORIG3N - Creating Patient-Specific iPSCs and a Living Database of Humanity

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/8kr8ts/defining_the




The federal government plans to pour $125 million into the fight against a mysterious disease that has ravaged corals in Florida and much of the Caribbean, and now poses a dire threat to the treasured reefs off the Louisiana and Texas coasts.
The study looks at two smaller-scale projects that are in some ways predecessors to the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, the $2 billion plan to slow land loss erasing Louisiana's coast. Construction on that project could begin as early as next year, while a similar one on the opposite side of the river known as the Mid-Breton Diversion could follow.
New Orleans' pump crisis: What the national media are saying (and what they aren't)
Weather Alert

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST SUNDAY... * WHAT...North winds near 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt expected. * WHERE...Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas and Lake Borgne. * WHEN...Until 6 AM CST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions. &&
Today

A mainly sunny sky. High 57F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight

Mainly clear early, then a few clouds later on. Low 47F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 66F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.
Welcome to non league daily news now - your number one spot for all things relating to the National League System. Our dedicated reporters have come straight from the sidelines to bring you news fresh from the dugout - but not before theyve stopped off at the burger van first!

We know that non league football fans are full of heart, passion, and belief. You trust the manager, you believe in the team, and, for some strange reason, you trust those rickety stands, too! Here at Non League Daily, we hope we can become your trusted non league news resource - a platform thats just as passionate about non league daily news now as you.

Come rain or shine, well be out reporting on the latest non league fixtures. Well also be scouring the news, refreshing social media, and sourcing information from team websites in the hopes of finding the latest breaking non league daily news for our readers.

As youll soon see, weve got exclusive match reports on the Vanarama National League, weve got transfer speculation thatll affect the National League South, weve found great stories thatll spice up the National League North, and weve even got news on the latest giant killers of the FA Cup.

We may not be able to agree on who is going up this year, but we can all agree that any news on the NLS worth knowing will be published here, at Non League Daily.
Welcome to nonleaguedaily.coms news provision, your go-to source for all non league updates, rumours, interviews, and much more besides.

Founded by a team with a genuine passion for the world of non league football, nonleaguedaily.com understands exactly what supporters of the so-called lower leagues are looking for. You want the high-quality reporting, in-depth analysis, and match reporting that matches that is more commonly found in the journalism for the top flights, but with the focus firmly fixed on the national leagues.

We understand that your passion, interest, and dedication is constant, and we believe you need a news service that matches that commitment with its own dedication and thoroughness  so thats what you can expect from our site.

The latest non league news, as and when it happens

Conventionally, non league news has always travelled fairly slowly, especially when compared to the instantaneous, constant breaking news cycles found in the upper leagues. Tales are told on terraces, rumours passed between pub patrons and circled between supporters at the latest game, often forced to remain somewhat local initially before word eventually spreads to other locales.

For us, this slow spread may be fairly organic in nature, but it simply isnt compatible with the modern football environment. Its also not conducive to the current fast-paced, always-available media landscape, nor the way that people tend to consume news nowadays. Thats why we have put together a non league news source that fans can turn to for the latest updates, as and when they happen, and as and when you want to read them. Non-league news now is the only acceptable speed at Betting.co.uk.

We update our non-league football news coverage constantly, bringing you all the latest developments and seeking to spread the word as quickly and accurately as possible. So if youre wondering whats happening both with your local team and with the lower leagues as a whole, you can visit us for non league news now, and be confident the stories you find are completely up to date.

News reported by passionate fans

Our efforts to bring you the very best non league football news are undeniably a professional concern, and one that we take seriously. We are  if youll excuse the uncharacteristic tooting of our own horns  good at what we do, and we know that the efforts we make in this regard are one of the reasons our site has enjoyed such success thus far.

However, everyone who writes for us also shares our readers enthusiasm for non league football. Were not just churning out content in the hopes of cashing in on a professional dream; were here because we want to be, and will always be dedicated and committed to non league football as an entity and thriving in the experience of being able to talk about our favourite subject whenever we can. We create non-league news now that is written by genuine fans and enthusiasts, for fans. We know what you want to know and what matters most to an ardent non league supporter, and we always ensure that focusing on these elements is our guiding principle as we seek to solidify our status as an online non league paper fans can always rely on.

When compiling non league news, we think with the mind of a fan first and foremost. We cover the angles and stories that we find compelling and that we know our fellow non league enthusiasts also care about. News doesnt have to be dry and formulaic, in our opinion. When its written by people who are genuinely as fascinated by the stories they are reporting on as their readership will be, we believe news can be interesting, compelling, and even have a sense of personality and humour.

News content written with passion and expertise

We believe that thanks to our dedication, insightfulness, and commitment to our subject matter of non league today, we are offering the best of both worlds to those searching for an online non league paper. We give you the professional approach we feel is appropriate for news about one of the most intriguing aspects of UK football; an aspect that we genuinely feel does not receive the interest and plaudits that it should be generating. Nevertheless, we dont let that professionalism take over everything we do: we remain committed fans, nurturing our own personal interest in non league football and ensuring every word we compose is infused with a sense of passion and dedication that enhances the posts we create.

Its therefore obvious that our non-league content today isnt ever going to be dry, basic, or put together by a tired staff writer who has never heard of any team below the Championship before they rush off to the pub for the evening. Our writers are genuine experts: were covering non league football because we want to, because we believe in it, and because its where our strengths lie. The result is informed content that capitalises on our deep knowledge of the history, as well as the present-day realities, of non league football in the UK.

Beyond news: the nonleaguedaily.com interview series

One of our goals with nonleaguedaily.com is to not just dryly report the news from an outsiders perspective, effectively regurgitating press releases that are devoid of genuinely illuminating information. We also go right to the source of the stories: the managers and club insiders who have direct experience, and often influence, on the sport and how it is managed.

We regularly conduct interviews as part of our news provision, asking the questions that are on everyones lips and providing the best possible view into the non league world. We have reporters pitchside at matches, microphone to hand and plentiful questions ready to be asked. The end result for you, the reader, is the kind of information and close-up looks into the non league world that just cant be found anywhere else.

As our commitment to providing interesting interviews amply demonstrates, we want to be involved in breaking the stories that everyone then talks about, rather than following along and focusing solely on what everyone already knows. If youre looking for leading content that you cant find anywhere else, and that goes right to the centre of the non league world, then you can turn to nonleaguedaily.com for all the benefits of a conventional non league paper, but in electronic, easily-accessed form.

A host of other content to enjoy alongside the non league today

Our focus on providing non league news will always be maintained: we consider this aspect the most important of what we do, and it will always be the recipient of our time, dedication, and interest. Well be here, a consistent and trustworthy news portal, for as long as non league football news exists.

With that said, when you have read up on the latest goings-on, were here with further content for you to enjoy. Naturally, given our partnership with leading brand Betting.co.uk, we provide guidelines for those interested in the world of sports betting. Well help you find the best UK bookmaker with our plentiful coverage of existing brands; ideal if youre looking to put your newfound knowledge, courtesy of us, about non league to use and place a few bets.

Furthermore, we also provide highlights of all the latest UK betting offers, so you can ensure youre achieving the best value with all the latest betting deals whenever youre betting on the latest non league matches. Youll find all of this coverage is as consistent and reliable as our non league news provision,

Non league features and deep dives

Returning to the world of non league football, we also provide a range of feature content that goes deeper and further into the non league world than ever before. Less instantaneously topical but still hugely relevant to the modern game, our features are the dream deep dives that we feel non league fans deserve. Were always striving to do better, offer more, and ensure that non league fans can enjoy the same wealth of content as followers of the top tiers, so you can expect top-flight content with the same commitment and dedication as found throughout the upper echelons of the sport.

So whether youre looking to find the most recent non league football news, seeking a new bookmaker for your non league bets, or hoping to delve deep into a niche non league-related topic, nonleaguedaily.com is always going to be worth a visit.

Return to nonleaguedaily.com for all your non league news needs

Weve told you what you can expect from nonleaguedaily.coms news; now we need to put our confidence where our promises are, make sure we deliver on those promises, and establish trust as an online non league paper you can trust. We look forward to welcoming you back to our news section and showcasing the best we have to offer, from exciting new non league interviews to cutting-edge news to transfer speculation. If you want to truly have your finger on the non league pulse, then nonleaguedaily.com is always going to be here for you.
What started out as leg pain turned into a fight for his young life. Sebastiano Fidone, a Council Bluffs wish kid, was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in December 2015.

He spent the three weeks leading up to Christmas in the hospital receiving chemotherapy. At the start of the New Year, he landed back in the hospital after suffering a stroke. One of the chemo drugs caused a blood clot in his brain, leaving Sebastiano unable to sit or stand unassisted.

Fast-forward nine months after his diagnosis and eight months after the stroke, and Sebastiano has come out victorious. He is back on the wrestling mat, stronger than ever. In his first season, he went 17-3 and won four out of six tournaments, often wrestling up in the kindergarten division.

A year after he received the diagnosis, Make-A-Wish Iowa celebrated his strength and sent him and his family on a trip to Disney World to meet The Avengers. They stayed at Give Kids the World, a nonprofit resort for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

We stayed at the (Give Kids the World) village, and it was decorated for Christmas, said Sebastiano. It was cold in Iowa, but we got to swim in Florida. At Disney World, I got to go on all the rides.

Melissa, his mom, describes his wish trip as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, full of unforgettable memories not only for Sebastiano, but the entire family.

Together, Make-A-Wish Iowa creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Help Make-A-Wish Iowa continue to transform lives, one wish at a time, by supporting the second Taco bout Wishes ride on Aug. 17. Register today at secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=127350
An advisory from Iowas Alcoholic Beverages Division might make you think twice before taking a sip of a Moscow mule  that Instagram-ready cocktail that has surged in popularity in recent years.

The Moscow mule has only a few ingredients: vodka, ginger beer, lime and ice. But ask a adult beverage aficionado and youll be told that perhaps the most crucial component of the drink is the copper mug in which its almost always served.

Now, public health officials are warning that those mugs could be poisoning you. And an advisory bulletin from state officials is prompting bars to change their practices.

In a July 28 advisory, the Alcoholic Beverages Division notes that, in keeping with Food and Drug Administration guidelines, copper should not come into contact with acidic foods with a pH below 6. That includes vinegar, fruit juice, wine and, yes, a traditional Moscow mule, whose pH is well below 6.0, according to the bulletin.

When copper and copper alloy surfaces contact acidic foods, copper may be leached into the food, the division notes. High concentrations of copper are poisonous and have caused foodborne illness.

Symptoms of copper poisoning include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and jaundice, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Sudden (acute) copper poisoning is rare, according to the NIH. However, serious health problems from long-term exposure to copper can occur. Severe poisoning can cause liver failure and death.

Matt Johnson, owner of Barleys on the 100 block of West Broadway, said he received the advisory about two weeks ago telling him that the use of all-copper mugs  which his bar has been using  for drinks like Moscow mules was illegal.

Johnson said that Moscow mules are one of the bars most popular drinks. So much, in fact, that they offer six different mule recipes, with more on the way, and feature ginger beer on tap produced by Court Avenue Brewing Company in Des Moines.

He said that as he understands it, this rule has been in the food code since 1976, but was never enforced up until now. He said the bar is being asked to discontinue the use of the all-copper mugs.

Johnson said that Barleys has continued to serve the recently-controversial drink in the mugs, but he has already placed an order for nickel-lined mugs that will arrive within the week. Regardless of that, Johnson said he doesnt know why this is just now becoming an issue.

I think that its kind of crazy that after this many years its an issue when it hasnt been an issue for a long time, he said. But we have to do what the code says.

He said his mule-sipping customers are equally-puzzled by the recent news.

Our customers kind of think its crazy, he said. With the 100 percent copper cups, the taste is a little different. The customers seem to prefer that over the nickel-based ones, so its not just about (the mugs) keeping the drinks cold.

Most chefs and food scientists already knew not to use copper (or copper-plated) pots and pans for acidic recipes like tomato sauce, not only for health reasons but for the ways in which reactive cookware can alter the flavor of a recipe.

The same reactions occur when copper surfaces come in contact with acidic drinks. The instinct to separate copper from acidic drinks may not be as apparent simply because copper cups havent been commonly used as a beverage vessel. Until now.

The recent popularity of Moscow Mules, an alcoholic cocktail typically served in a copper mug, has led to inquiries regarding the safe use of copper mugs and this beverage, the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division wrote. This means that copper mugs that have a copper interior may not be used with this beverage.

Andrew Mead, co-owner of The BLK Squirrel, another 100 block watering hole, said his bar switched over to the lined copper mugs last year after meeting with the health inspector.

Mead said his bar goes through a lot of Moscow mules and offers a number of different recipes, all featuring fresh-squeezed lime juice.

He said many customers have come in recently saying they have read or heard about the recent news. The bar staff lets them know that they are in compliance with the new rule.

We must follow healthy guidelines, he said. So if the health inspector says they are unhealthy and not allowed, then that is the direction we must go.

 Nonpareil Assistant Managing Editor Scott Stewart and The Washington Posts Amy B. Wang contributed to this report.
TORONTO, Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sprott Inc. (TSX:SII) (Sprott or the Company) today announced its financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2017.



Financial Overview for the three-months ended June 30, 2017:

Assets Under Management (AUM) were $9.3 billion as at June 30, 2017, compared to 9.7 billion as at March 31, 2017.

Total net revenues were $24.8 million, reflecting a decrease of $18.9 million (43%) from the three months ended June 30, 2016.

Total expenses (excluding commission expense, trailer fees and sub-advisor fees) were $26.1 million, reflecting an increase of $2.4 million (10%) from the three months ended June 30, 2016.

Net loss was $3.6 million ($0.01 per share), reflecting a decrease of $20.6 million from the three months ended June 30, 2016.

Adjusted base EBITDA was $8.8 million ($0.04 per share), reflecting an increase of $3.0 million from the three months ended June 30, 2016.

Investable capital stood at $274.8 million as at June 30, 2017, compared to $309.0 million as at December 31, 2016.

Significant events for the three-months ended June 30, 2017 and YTD:

Finalized sale of Canadian retail asset management contracts.

Named Jack Lee, Chairman of Board of Directors.

Completed marketed offering of a portion of Eric Sprott's share position and repurchased 5 million shares for cancellation.

Closed Sprott Private Resource Lending LP with US$560 million in commitments.

"During the first half of 2017, we took a significant step to refocus Sprott by entering into an agreement for the sale of our Canadian retail platform," said Peter Grosskopf, CEO of Sprott. "We are now a streamlined organization focused on delivering superior investment returns and building the leading global asset manager in our core natural resource areas. This transaction further strengthens our balance sheet and positions us to optimize shareholder returns while pursuing the addition of new strategies in synergistic areas."

"We are pleased with the early results from our merchant banking business, which has participated in approximately $700 million in equity financings this year, generating more than $5 million in net commissions," added Mr. Grosskopf. "We also closed our Private Resource Lending LP during the quarter with more than US$560 million in commitments which will become performance fee earning AUM as the capital is deployed. This business has enabled us to develop strong working relationships with many US and global institutional investors and endowments. Going forward, we intend to build on these relationships with the continued growth of this business, as well as the potential introduction of related private equity partnerships."

Assets Under Management

$ (in millions) AUM

Mar 31, 2017 Net Sales /

(Redemptions) Net Market

Value Change Transfers /

Acquisitions /

(Divestitures) AUM

June 30, 2017 Exchange Listed Products 4,758 98 (265 )  4,591 Alternative Asset Management: (1) Mutual Funds 2,411 (89 ) (116 )  2,206 Alternative Investment Funds 1,021 40 4  1,065 Managed Accounts 97 (40 ) (4 )  53 Private Resource Investments: Private Resource Lending Funds 53 20   73 Fixed-term limited partnerships 346  (22 )  324 Managed Companies 708  (4 )  704 Managed Accounts 298  (8 )  290 Total Enterprise AUM 9,692 29 (415 )  9,306

(1) On April 10, the Company announced the agreement to sell its Canadian diversified funds business to a management group for $46 million. As part of the transaction, the Company sold approximately $2.9 billion of its Alternative Asset Management AUM, of which $783 million will continue to be sub-advised by SAM.

Dividends

On August 10, 2017, a dividend of $0.03 per common share was declared for the quarter ended June 30, 2017.

Conference Call and Webcast

A conference call and webcast will be held today, August 11, 2017 at 9:00am ET to discuss the Company's financial results. To participate in the call, please dial (855) 458-4215 ten minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call and provide conference ID 65806999. A taped replay of the conference call will be available until Friday, August 18, 2017 by calling (855) 859-2056, reference number 65806999. The conference call will be webcast live at www.sprott.com and http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/jnf8qhzy

*Non-IFRS Financial Measures

This press release includes financial terms (including AUM, EBITDA, adjusted base EBITDA and net sales) that the Company utilizes to assess the financial performance of its business that are not measures recognized under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). These non-IFRS measures should not be considered alternatives to performance measures determined in accordance with IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. For additional information regarding the Company's use of non-IFRS measures, including the calculation of these measures, please refer to the Non-IFRS Financial Measures section of the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and its financial statements available on the Company's website at www.sprottinc.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release contain forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as the Forward-Looking Statements) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words expect, anticipate, continue, estimate, may, will, project, should, believe, plans, intends and similar expressions are intended to identify Forward-Looking Statements. In particular, but without limiting the forgoing, this press release contains Forward-Looking Statements pertaining to: (i) expectations regarding Sprotts agreement to sell its Canadian diversified funds business and a majority of its Canadian private client assets to a management led group; (ii) delivering superior investment returns and building the leading global asset manager in our core natural resource areas; (iii) optimization of shareholder returns while pursuing the addition of new strategies in synergistic areas; (iv) Private Resource Lending LP commitments becoming performance fee earning AUM as the capital is deployed; (v) the intention to build on relationships with many US and global institutional investors and endowments with the continued growth of the lending business, as well as the potential introduction of related private equity partnerships; and (vi) the declaration, payment and designation of dividends. Although the Company believes that the Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable, they are not guarantees of future results, performance or achievements. A number of factors or assumptions have been used to develop the Forward-Looking Statements, including: (i) the impact of increasing competition in each business in which the Company operates will not be material; (ii) quality management will be available; (iii) the effects of regulation and tax laws of governmental agencies will be consistent with the current environment; and (iv) those assumptions disclosed under the heading Significant Accounting Judgments and Estimates in the Companys MD&A for the period ended June 30, 2017. Actual results, performance or achievements could vary materially from those expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Statements should assumptions underlying the Forward-Looking Statements prove incorrect or should one or more risks or other factors materialize, including: (i) difficult market conditions; (ii) poor investment performance; (iii) performance fee fluctuations; (iv) changes in the investment management industry; (v) risks related to regulatory compliance; (vi) failure to deal appropriately with conflicts of interest; (vii) failure to continue to retain and attract quality staff; (viii) competitive pressures; (ix) corporate growth may be difficult to sustain and may place significant demands on existing administrative, operational and financial resources; (x) failure to execute the Companys succession plan; (xi) foreign exchange risk relating to the relative value of the U.S. dollar; (xii) litigation risk; (xiii) employee errors or misconduct could result in regulatory sanctions or reputational harm; (xiv) failure to implement effective information security policies, procedures and capabilities; (xv) failure to develop effective business resiliency plans; (xvi) failure to obtain or maintain sufficient insurance coverage on favourable economic terms; (xvii) historical financial information is not necessarily indicative of future performance; (xviii) the market price of common shares of the Company may fluctuate widely and rapidly; (xix) risks relating to the Company's proprietary investments; (xx) risks relating to the Company's lending business; (xxi) those risks described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Companys annual information form dated March 1, 2017; and (xxii) those risks described under the headings Managing Risk - Financial and Managing Risk - Other in the Companys MD&A for the period ended June 30, 2017. In addition, the payment of dividends is not guaranteed and the amount and timing of any dividends payable by the Company will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company and will be established on the basis of the Companys earnings, the satisfaction of solvency tests imposed by applicable corporate law for the declaration and payment of dividends, and other relevant factors. The Forward-Looking Statements speak only as of the date hereof, unless otherwise specifically noted, and the Company does not assume any obligation to publicly update any Forward-Looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by applicable Canadian securities laws.

About Sprott

Sprott is an alternative asset manager and a global leader in precious metal and real asset investments. Through its subsidiaries in Canada, the US and Asia, the Corporation is dedicated to providing investors with best-in-class investment strategies that include Exchange Listed Products, Alternative Asset Management and Private Resource Investments. The Corporation also operates Merchant Banking and Brokerage businesses in both Canada and the US. Sprott is based in Toronto with offices in New York, Carlsbad and Vancouver and its common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol (TSX:SII). For more information, please visit www.sprott.com.

Investor contact information:

Glen Williams

Director of Communications

(416) 943-4394

gwilliams@sprott.com
Iowans seem to enjoy the Great Wide Open.

At least that was the result of an extremely unscientific survey by The Nonpareil of 16 Council Bluffs residents on three new designs for the next Iowa motor vehicle license plate, that were unveiled in Des Moines on Thursday.

The public can vote on their favorite design online now through Aug. 20. The three designs they can choose from are:

 Great Wide Open which shows a light green rural landscape with a dark green top.

 City and Country Reboot which shows green grass on the bottom with a combination of urban buildings and a farm setting on the top.

 Flying Our Colors design is a red, white and blue plate with an eagle in the background.

According to those who took part in the informal survey, seven chose the Great Wide Open as their favorite.

It represents Iowa the best, said real estate agent Jason James.

Leo McIntosh, executive director of the Council Bluffs YMCA, also liked that design.

It represents the Loess Hills of Council Bluffs, he said.

That design, however, wasnt a runaway winner as five participants chose City and Country Reboot.

I like that because it shows both sides of the state, said Cati DeMasi, director of the Council Bluffs Center. It shows the agricultural and rural roots, and the cities and metropolitan areas and the future.

Rochelle Borgaila, a YMCA staffer, also chose that design.

Its more visually pleasing to me, she said. I like that it has a cityscape and a country aspect.

Four people chose Flying Our Colors.

Mike Wallner, a volunteer at The Center, liked its simple, uncluttered design.

Ive never seen any reason to clutter up a license plate, he said. The function of a plate is to identify the vehicle.

To show just one side of a state, such as a rural scene, might disturb those living in urban areas, Wallner said.

Keep it simple, keep it plain and you dont have controversy, he said.

The designs were created by Iowa Department of Transportation graphic artists with input from the Gov. Kim Reynolds office and several state agencies, according to a press release from the governors office.

The designs represent elements of what makes us Iowans, Reynolds said in the release. We are patriotic. We are forward thinking. We take pride in our states natural beauty. And, we embrace contributions from both the rural and urban areas of our state.

Iowans can cast a vote for their favorite design at the DOTs booth  its No. 762-764  in the Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds or online at tinyurl.com/pickaplate

To download images of the new license plate designs, visit iowadot.gov/mvd/newplates

When a new design is selected, it will be available at some point in 2018, replacing the blue and white design that has been in use since 1998.

 The Associated Press contributed to this report.
War with North Korea is an unacceptable outcome for the United States, the region and the world at large.

The intentional escalation of our countrys decades-running standoff with North Korea is a dangerous course of action, one that President Donald Trump doubled-down on Thursday saying his threat of fire and fury like the world has never seen may not have gone far enough.

North Korea, in turn, issued a specific threat of a missile attack off the coast of Guam that would traverse Japanese airspace and likely force a military response.

Strong, and often incoherent, rhetoric has been the norm from North Korea for many years. But its been met with a measured response by past U.S. leaders.

Were left worried the prospect of war is not a last resort for the White House but among many welcome distractions from more politically calamitous news.

That would be a mistake. We must to everything in our countrys fast, enviable power to avoid war on the Korean peninsula.

Last month, the BBC World Service reported on what war with North Korea would look like, and the take-away it found was simple: horrifying.

The North Korean army has more than a million soldiers, most of them forward deployed and capable of a near-immediate push into South Korea.

Seoul sits desperately close to the border, and the metro area is too large to effectively shelter civilians during a war. The BBC reported that hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds could be raining down on Seoul within minutes, leaving tens of thousands of people dead within the first day of armed conflict.

It would take a few days for the U.S. military to seriously respond with military action on the Korean peninsula and a couple weeks to be fully engaged in the conflict. Within the first three weeks, the BBC reported, the death toll could be in excess of two million fatalities. War would leave a Korea  unified or not  with millions of displaced refugees. That doesnt include an attack on Japan or Guam, nor the use of nuclear weapons.

On the subject of nukes, The Washington Post reported that a recent intelligence assessment found North Korea likely has the technology to produce a nuclear weapon small enough to place on the top of a missile. The North Korean regime has been testing missiles  some officials publicly worry that they are practicing for their upcoming use  raising the harrowing possibility of Kim Jong-un starting a nuclear war.

Bill Richardson, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations who has traveled to North Korea, said the current tone is more aggressive than in the past, according to reporting by The Associated Press.

We need to cool down and be rational because this is a very grave situation, he said.

Richardson is right: This is a time for levelheadedness, not for bellicose public proclamations or early-morning tweets.
11 August 2017

Sberbank Increases Its Stockholding in Talitsky Potash Project

Acron Group received a notification that Sberbank Investments has exercised its pre-emptive right to buy Vnesheconombank's stake in the Talitsky potash project in the public auction for the sale of shares in Verkhnekamsk Potash Company, thus having increased its stake in VPC to 39.9%.

Acron Group holds 60.1% in VPC.

Media contacts:

Tatiana Smirnova

Public Relations

Phone: +7 (495) 777-08-65 (ext. 5196)

Investor contacts:

Ilya Popov

Investor Relations

Phone: +7 (495) 745-77-45 (ext. 5252)

Background Information

Acron Group is a leading vertically integrated mineral fertiliser producer in Russia and globally, with chemical production facilities in Veliky Novgorod (Acron) and Smolensk (Dorogobuzh). The Group owns and operates a phosphate mine in Murmansk region (NWPC) and plans implementing a potash development project in Perm Krai (VPC). It has a wholly owned transport and logistics infrastructure and distribution networks in Russia and China.

In 2016, the Group sold 6.4 million tonnes of various products to 63 countries, with Russia, Brazil, Europe and the United States as key markets.

In 2016, the Group posted consolidated revenue under IFRS of RUB 89,359 million (USD 1,333 million) and net profit of RUB 25,525 million (USD 381 million). Acron's shares are on the Level 1 quotation list of the Moscow Exchange and its global depositary receipts are traded at the London Stock Exchange (ticker AKRN). Acron employs over 11,000 people.

For more information about Acron Group, please visit www.acron.ru/en.
TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (ProMIS or the Company), a company focused on the discovery and development of precision treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced its operational and financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.



Commenting on the update, Elliot Goldstein, M.D., ProMIS President and CEO stated, We are pleased with the substantial progress achieved at ProMIS. Our main focus now is to advance the development of our lead product candidates for Alzheimers disease, PMN310 and PMN350, with particular emphasis on the preclinical program to differentiate our leads compared to competitive antibody products in development. We remain confident that our monoclonal antibody programs focused on selectively targeting the toxic, prion-like forms of Amyloid beta may lead to best in class therapies and significant long-term value creation.

Recent Corporate Highlights

On May 24, 2017, the Company announced that it has designated PMN350 as the Companys second lead development product for Alzheimers disease (AD), following on from the prior designation of PMN310 as its first lead development product in January 2017. PMN350 is directed against a different target on toxic Amyloid beta oligomers (AO), compared to PMN310, but also displays an optimal target product profile in both in vitro and in vivo tests.





On May 24, 2017, the Company announced the identification of a novel therapeutic epitope target on misfolded forms of TDP43, implicated in the development and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The Company filed a provisional patent application for this target with the U.S. Patent Office on May 30, 2017.





Effective June 6, 2017, the Company appointed William C. Mobley, M.D., Ph.D. to the Companys scientific advisory board (SAB).





On August 9, 2017, the Company completed the first closing of its previously announced $6 million private placement of units of the Company for gross proceeds of approximately $3.72 million. The balance of the $6 million offering is expected to close on or about August 23, 2017.

Financial Results

Results of Operations  Three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016

The net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2017 was $1,903,396, compared to a net loss of $711,942 for the three months ended June 30, 2016. The increased loss in the current period reflects the costs associated with operating the Companys AD therapeutics program, supporting its patent portfolio, associated general corporate expenditures and higher stock-based compensation.

Research and development expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2017 were $1,245,398 as compared to $315,027 in the three months ended June 30, 2016. Costs are higher in the current period due to higher research program costs for the AD therapeutics program and higher stock-based compensation.

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2017 were $655,556 as compared to $392,188 in the three months ended June 30, 2016. The increased expenditures in the current period reflect higher investor relations expenses, higher salaries related to expansion of the senior management team, higher professional fees, and higher stock-based compensation.

Results of Operations  Six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016

The net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was $3,275,599, compared to a net loss of $1,382,092 for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The increased loss in the current period reflects the costs associated with operating the Companys AD therapeutics program, supporting its patent portfolio, associated general corporate expenditures and higher stock-based compensation.

Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were nominal and relate to legacy technologies. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company recognized $658 in royalty revenue related to its preclinical AD diagnostic assay as compared to $2,486 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.

Research and development expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were $1,986,068 as compared to $676,511 in the six months ended June 30, 2016. Costs are higher in the current period due to higher research program costs for the AD therapeutics program and higher stock-based compensation.

General and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were $1,285,348 as compared to $697,056 in the six months ended June 30, 2016. The increased expenditures in the current period reflect higher investor relations expenses, higher salaries related to expansion of the senior management team, higher professional fees, and higher stock-based compensation.

Outlook

The Companys priorities for the next year are to identify and develop precision medicine therapeutics for AD and ALS.

The Companys plan is to further advance its AD portfolio, including the development of its lead products, PMN310 and PMN350, with a focus on competitive differentiation. Furthermore, the Company plans to continue on-going development of effective AD diagnostics for detection of toxic prion strains targeted by ProMIS antibody therapeutic candidates in either cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or blood. Technology refinement and optimization are ongoing to create highly sensitive assays for this purpose.

The Company will continue to expand its intellectual property (IP) estate relating to novel epitope targets and antibodies targeting such epitopes on misfolded strains of Amyloid beta (A) and Tau for AD and on misfolded strains of TDP43 for ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The Companys complementary proprietary platform technologies, ProMISTM and Collective Coordinates, will be employed to identify and confirm such novel targets.

Given the Companys robust IP estate relating to misfolded SOD1 in ALS and the recently announced program to identify novel ALS therapeutic targets on toxic strains of the protein TDP43, ProMIS is seeking a collaborative development partnership in this field.

About ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc.

ProMIS Neurosciences is a Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) listed biotechnology company (trading symbol: PMN.TO), headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Company's mission is to discover and develop precision medicine therapeutics for effective treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The Companys proprietary target discovery engine is based on the use of two complementary techniques. The Company applies its thermodynamic, computational discovery platformProMIS and Collective Coordinates  to predict novel targets, known as Disease Specific Epitopes (DSEs) on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique precision medicine approach, the Company is developing novel antibody therapeutics and specific companion diagnostics for Alzheimer's disease and ALS. The Company has also developed two proprietary technologies to specifically identify very low levels of misfolded proteins in a biological sample. The Company owns a portfolio of therapeutic and diagnostic patents relating to misfolded SOD1 in ALS and currently has a preclinical monoclonal antibody therapeutic against this target.

The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release contains certain forward-looking information, including about the timing and completion of the Offering, the receipt of TSX approval and the expected use of proceeds from the Offering. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. 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.

For further information please consult the Company's website at:

www.promisneurosciences.com

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Law enforcement responded to the Sutherland Village Office Wednesday, after a former employee heard a comment made about her in a live feed of the Village Board meeting and came to the office to settle the matter herself.

The Sutherland Village Board was just wrapping up the meeting, which included topics like spraying for mosquitoes and social media policy.

But before the meeting adjourned, member Ken Main read a statement about a recent petition drive to remove Chairman John Lutz and Trustee Ray Ravenscroft from the board.

After reading and watching negative press coverage, Main said, Im extremely saddened by a current board member and his inaccurate comments to why our former clerk-treasurer and secretary resigned last December.

In December, Sutherlands former village clerk and deputy clerk resigned, stating in an email to board members that their jobs were not worth the stress because of how Lutz and Ravenscroft treated the employees.

The women stated that they had asked those members to tell them how they could perform their jobs better, but to no avail.

To paint you a more accurate picture of what happened over a two-week span in December 2016, Main said Wednesday, I believe our board should release documents from the state that caused these resignations.

Main requested that the matter be added to next months agenda. It was added, and the meeting adjourned soon thereafter.

But as members of the board lingered in the village office and other attendees stood outside, one of the former village employees arrived.

An argument between the former employee and Main ensued, and at some point, someone called law enforcement.

Although there was an argument, said Lincoln County Chief Sheriffs Deputy Roland Kramer, there was nothing criminal in nature.

Kramer said no arrests were made.

He said the ex-employee had watched the meeting on a Facebook video feed.

Muriel Clark, a private citizen who posts live feeds from board meetings on Facebook, said she was concerned that the board members staying after the meeting to chat was a violation of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act.

After the meeting was adjourned and citizens left, she said, members stayed about 30 minutes, talking privately.

The former village employee did not return a request for comment. When reached for comment, Main said that press coverage in recent months did not give the full story about why the employees resigned. He merely hopes to show the other side of the story, Main said.
GARY  Two people were killed and a third was wounded early Friday in a shooting in the 1100 block of Delaware, officials said.

Gary officers responded to the area about 4 a.m. for a report of multiple gunshot victims, police said.

Jamaris Frierson, 16, of Hobart, was pronounced dead at 5:09 a.m. at the scene in Gary from gunshot wounds, according to the Lake County coroner's office.

A second man, Nathaniel Bobo, 25, was pronounced dead at 4:49 a.m. at Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus from multiple gunshot wounds, the coroner's office said. Bobo lived at the home where the shooting occurred, a news release said.

The manner of death for both men was homicide.

A woman also was taken to a local hospital, where she was treated for her wounds, police said.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Detective Cpl. James Bond at 219-881-1210. To remain anonymous, call 866-CRIME-GP.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sustain Our Great Lakes partners this week announced $7.48 million in grant funding for 23 ecological restoration projects in the Great Lakes basin. Approximately $12.06 million in additional project support will be leveraged by grantees, for a total on-the-ground conservation impact of $19.54 million.

The grants will support projects that sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitats in the Great Lakes basin through a focus on restoring coastal wetland habitat, improving the quality and connectivity of streams and riparian habitat, and improving water quality through green stormwater infrastructure.

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public-private partnership that supports habitat restoration throughout the Great Lakes basin. Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the program receives funding and other support from ArcelorMittal and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), a federal program designed to protect, restore and enhance the Great Lakes ecosystem. The GLRI includes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Since 2006, Sustain Our Great Lakes has awarded 287 grants worth more than $67 million and leveraged an additional $77 million in matching contributions, for a total conservation investment of over $144 million.

This is great news for fish and wildlife and the people of the Great Lakes Basin, said Charles Wooley, deputy Midwest regional director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. From coastal wetland restoration at Ohios Toussaint State Wildlife Area, to fish passage restoration in Breakneck Creek in New York and rare dune protection at Flower Creek Dunes Nature Preserve in Michigan, this program brings together partners from across the basin who are truly moving the conservation needle.

Water is a critical natural resource, and at ArcelorMittal, water plays an integral role in our steel production processes and the transportation of our materials, said Bill Steers, general manager of communications and corporate responsibility for ArcelorMittals Americas region. With four of our integrated steel mills located along the Great Lakes in the U.S. and Canada, we recognize the importance of managing and minimizing our companys environmental impact through innovating new solutions, as well as forging public-private partnerships that can leverage resources and expertise. Our partnership with Sustain Our Great Lakes demonstrates our commitment to this philosophy, and we are proud to continue this collaborative effort to conserve our environment and protect vital natural resources.

The work funded in 2017 will improve passage and habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms, control invasive species, restore wetland hydrology and improve green stormwater infrastructure. Collectively, the funded projects will:

Reopen 162 miles of river for fish passage

Restore three miles of stream and riparian habitat

Remove or bypass 29 barriers to aquatic organism passage

Control invasive species on more than 1,422 acres

Add more than 46.4 million gallons of stormwater storage

The Sustain Our Great Lakes partnership shows that we are stronger and more impactful when the public and private sectors work together to meet conservation challenges, said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. Through the awards announced today, Sustain Our Great Lakes will continue to invest in critical restoration activities throughout the basin to protect and preserve this resource for both wildlife and people.

For a complete list of the grants announced today, and to learn more about the Sustain Our Great Lakes partnership, including applicant eligibility, funding priorities and submission requirements, visit www.sustainourgreatlakes.org. Follow the program on Twitter (@SOGL) to keep up with the latest Great Lakes news and program announcements.

About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores our nations wildlife and habitats. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF directs public conservation dollars to the most pressing environmental needs and matches those investments with private contributions. NFWF works with government, nonprofit and corporate partners to find solutions for the most intractable conservation challenges. Over the last three decades, NFWF has funded more than 4,500 organizations and committed more than $3.8 billion to conservation projects. Learn more at www.nfwf.org.

About ArcelorMittal

ArcelorMittal is the world's leading steel and mining company, with a presence in 60 countries and an industrial footprint in 19 countries. Guided by a philosophy to produce safe, sustainable steel, we are the leading supplier of quality steel in the major global steel markets including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with world-class research and development and outstanding distribution networks.

Through our core values of sustainability, quality and leadership, we operate responsibly with respect to the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees, contractors and the communities in which we operate. For more information about ArcelorMittal, visit: corporate.arcelormittal.com or www.usa.arcelormittal.com.

About the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) leads the nations environmental science, research, education, and assessment efforts. The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people. For more information, visit www.epa.gov.

About the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to work with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

About the U.S. Forest Service

Established in 1905, the U.S. Forest Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nations forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Public lands the Forest Service manages contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year through visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 20 percent of the nations clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year. The agency has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 80 percent of the 850 million forested acres within the U.S., of which 100 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live. For more information, visit www.fs.fed.us.

About the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOAAs mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and our other social media channels.

About the Natural Resources Conservation Service

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that provides one-on-one, personalized advice on the best solutions to meet the unique conservation and business goals of those who grow our nations food and fiber. NRCS helps landowners make investments in their operations and local communities to keep working lands working, boost rural economies, increase the competitiveness of American agriculture, and improve the health of our air, water, and soil. NRCS also generates, manages, and shares the data, research and standards that enable partners and policymakers to make decisions informed by objective, reliable science. In simpler terms, NRCSs focus is Helping People Help the Land. For more information, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov.

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CROWN POINT  Police officers from Hobart and Gary took the witness stand Thursday to provide details of murder investigations in the trial of David Johnson IV.

The 39-year-old is charged with murder in the killing of Alfred Wiley, a 46-year-old man fatally shot on April 28, 2015, while riding his bicycle in the 5900 block of East Third Avenue in Gary.

David Johnson IV is also on trial for participating in the killings of brothers Antonio Lackey, 16, and Arreon Lackey, 18.

The teens' skeletal remains were found July 17, 2015, in a remote area near 7030 Grand Blvd., in Hobart.

During the investigation into the teens deaths, Hobart Patrol Officer Chris Sipes said he was assigned to collect evidence in a mobile home in Lake Station. The search located a Rossi 38 special revolver under a sofa in the living room.

Sipes said the revolver was turned over to Hobart Detective Nicholas Wardrip and processed by the Lake County crime lab.

A .38-caliber bullet was recovered during Wileys autopsy.

The state alleges Arreon Lackey stole the .38 caliber handgun used in Wiley's killing, which caused Johnson and six other co-defendants to kidnap the brothers June 26, 2015, from a hotel in Merrillville.

Gary police officers also testified about their investigation into Wileys murder.

Gary police Officer Phillip Cook said he was dispatched on April 28, 2015, to a home in the 5900 block of East Third Avenue for reports of a shooting. Cook said he found a man, later identified as Alfred Wiley, standing with his right shoulder leaning against the steel security door with a gunshot wound on the lower right side of his face. Another male was standing inside the house.

There was blood on the concrete stoop, the officer said. He (Wiley) seemed nervous and kept saying 'Get me to the hospital.'"

After securing the scene, Cook said he was told a bicycle belonging to the person who was shot was located in the front yard a few houses away.

I did locate a faint blood trail. It looked like he went to a couple of homes. The blood trail was through the grass and one of the other porches had one drop of blood, Cook said.

Gary Cpl. Michael George also said he was dispatched to the home and saw a male leaning against the front door of the house.

George said he interviewed the man inside the house.

He said he was in the back smoking a cigarette and heard a loud knocking on the front door. He found the man. The man said Ive been shot. Call an ambulance,'" George testified.

Taken to Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus in Gary, Wiley was pronounced dead a short time later of a gunshot wound to his neck.

Witnesses said they saw two black males running and getting into a tan van. That van, belonging to Jeri Woods, was found in the parking lot of Lakeshore Dunes apartment complex by Gary police Lt. Thomas Pawlak.

Court records indicate Wardrip, who was assigned to investigate the double homicide of the Lackey brothers, learned about Wileys murder and the link to the van.

Woods, 35, of Gary, was convicted of two counts of murder in the brothers' killings in June and sentenced to 120 years in prison.

The other co-defendants charged with the Lackey murders are David Johnson III, 65; David Johnson V, 21; Aarion Greenwood, 19; Kiontay Cason, 23, and Michelle Hughes, 28.
INDIANAPOLIS  Vice President Mike Pence returned exuberantly to the Statehouse Friday for a celebration of his four-year term as Indiana's 50th governor and the unveiling of his official portrait.

The image, painted by artist Mark Dillman, of Indianapolis, shows the white-haired Pence with a partial smile. He is half-seated on the governor's office desk wearing a blue suit with an open jacket, blue shirt and striped blue tie designed by his wife, Karen.

Indiana and United States flags fill much of the space behind him, while alongside him on the desk are law books that belonged to his late father, a photograph of his family and the open Bible that always held a place of prominence while he was working.

"It's deeply humbling for me to think that this image will be added to the historic collection here at the Statehouse," Pence said. "It is my great honor to join them (all the former governors) in this Pantheon of public service in the state of Indiana."

The Republican was at times during his 19-minute speech both casually humorous and unexpectedly emotional.

Pence drew huge laughs when he insisted, "I do have more than one tie," since the tie he was wearing identically matched the tie in his portrait.

But Pence also appeared to hold back tears as he said he was departing shortly for Washington, D.C., "to continue to stand by a president who is making America great again every single day.

"As I leave, it just blesses our hearts to think that this portrait will be hanging where our hearts will always be ... where the moon shines bright upon the Wabash," Pence said.

"And until we come back home again, I pray that God will continue to bless the great state of Indiana and all who go by the name Hoosier."

The former governor did not say much about his time in office or list all that he accomplished as Indiana's chief executive.

Instead, he repeatedly expressed gratitude to the people of Indiana for giving him the honor of serving as their governor and for the opportunities he had growing up in the state.

"We were all raised to believe that anybody could be anybody in this country. That if you work hard, pray harder, you look after your family, you grab your dreams  the sky is the limit," Pence said.

"Let me say that wherever we go in our lives, in our service for the next seven-and-half years as vice president of the United States or beyond, I want the people of Indiana to know that you're always in our hearts and the depth of our gratitude is inexpressible."

Gov. Eric Holcomb introduced the man he used to serve as lieutenant governor, but reminded the audience that his relationship with Pence goes back more than two decades to their shared experiences as students at Hanover College.

He said no matter where Pence goes he remains the servant-leader he's always been  "that same Mike that I met all those years ago."

State Sens. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, and Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, were among dozens of elected officials and dignitaries in attendance, including U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind.; U.S. Reps. Luke Messer, R-Shelbyville, and Todd Rokita, R-Brownsburg; U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams, the former state health commissioner; former Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann; and former Attorney General Greg Zoeller.

Charbonneau spoke briefly with Pence following what he described as an "absolutely fantastic" speech.

He said he was impressed Pence still remembered many of the health and environmental legislation they worked on together.

Former Lake Superior Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura, who served Pence as director of the Department of Child Services and has remained in that post under Holcomb, said the "beautiful" portrait of her former boss "really captures the essence of Mike Pence."

"We miss him here in Indiana, and I hope he takes to Washington  and has taken to Washington in the short time he's been there  the valuable and heartfelt things he's done here in Indiana," Bonaventura said.

Pence's portrait will be installed Thursday in the governor's reception room alongside paintings of the seven most recent former governors.

The other gubernatorial portraits, which are maintained by the Indiana State Museum, are on display in meeting rooms and offices throughout the Statehouse.
Theres nothing quite like watching the runway disappear under your feet as youre looking through an open space in a plane built 73 years ago.

The Collings Foundations Consolidated B-24J Liberator was built in August 1944 at Consolidated Aircraft Co.s plant in Fort Worth, Texas. It is the last of its kind still airborne.

If you visited the Wings of Freedom Tour at the Porter County Regional Airport last weekend, you witnessed a variety of World War II vintage weapons of war.

This old warbird, the B-24, has a story different from the others, which is why I chose to fly in it and volunteered Times photographer John Watkins to join me.

The B-24 was a strategic bomber in both Europe and the Pacific. It was used for reconnaissance work as well as dropping bombs.

Tage Borg,* of Portage, was a mechanic on B-24s during World War II. Hes the one who told me about using the planes for recon work.

Tazeborg flew in them occasionally, he said. Because they were used for recon, the planes didnt suffer as much damage as fighter planes and bombers that were in the thick of the action.

Recon planes took a look at the landscape, spotted potential targets and assessed the damage after they were done.

Linda Sargentparks, of Dyer, is a volunteer with the Collings Foundation when the planes visit Valparaiso each year.

I flew in the B-24, but the tour includes a B-17, B-25 and others.

Sargentparks told me of the American B-25 crewman, a photographer, she met one time. That crewman stumbled upon a recently abandoned German base that had similar photos of Allied forces on the tables and walls. He grabbed as many as he could, Sargentparks said.

The U.S. government became interested in the photos and borrowed them on condition that the owner get the photos back along with the location shown in each image and translation of the German writing on them.

Aboard the last B-24 still flying, looking out the open window where the gunner defended his plane from enemy targets, its difficult not to think of those who flew on the plane during wartime.

This B-24 was used by the Royal Air Force during combat in the Pacific Theater for anti-shipping, resupply and other operations.

After the war, it sat idle until the Indian Air Force restored this and 35 other B-24s and used them until 1968. Then the aircraft was idle another 13 years until a collector bought it.

Now, fully restored, it is still used to keep memories of World War II alive, even as the last crewmen are dying off.

Flying the plane is expensive, and its in the air 300 days a year, flying between 110 cities on its tour.

But preserving the memories of World War II, including its dangers and sacrifices by those who took up arms in the name of protecting freedom, is priceless.

*This has been changed from the original, to correct the veteran's name.
A man who shot an NYPD officer in Brooklyn on Thursday afternoon is dead from an apparent suicide, officials say.



Police said the man used a "long rifle" to shoot several times through a bedroom door inside his home on Ridgewood Ave. and Essex St. around 4:30 p.m.



He struck the male officer twice in his bullet-proof vest, police said.



The officer was transported to Jamaica Hospital. He is alert and in stable condition, officials said Thursday night.

Police said the man barricaded himself in the rear bedroom of the home after he shot the officer, but ESU emergency services made their way in around 7:15 p.m.



They discovered the man dead from what appeared to be self-inflicted gunshot wounds, Police Commissioner James O'Neill said in a press conference Thursday night.



Two guns were by his side, police said.

Dozens of officers were at the scene, including some state troopers. They may have treated it as a hostage situation, sources told NY1.

The officer shot had responded to a 911 call for an emotionally disturbed person, according to officials.

Police said the caller had reported that her 29-year-old son was not violent or armed, and was in her home with her.

O'Neill said multiple officers and EMS personnel responded to the scene, and that the officer shot had gone into the back of the home after the mother said her son may flee through the back door.

O'Neill said the officer, who has been on the force for about two years, did not return fire after the man shot him.



One neighbor described the shooter as a quiet man who kept to himself. "He is not a kind of person like that," the neighbor said. "I don't know how he would do this."

EMS personnel treated the officer on-scene before they transported him to the hospital.



The police officer who was shot is in stable condition at Jamaica Hospital. A ballistic vest likely saved his life.  J. Peter Donald (@JPeterDonald) August 10, 2017

Mayor Bill de Blasio and other officials visited the officer in the hospital.

The city police department had urged people to avoid the area from Ridgewood Ave. to Fulton St.

The police department originally said the officer shot is a woman.
Government decision on special education resourcing inequitable for children with additional learning needs

11 August 2017





The Government's decision to roll out reform of special education (Learning Support) to newly formed groups of school (Communities of Learning) rather than every school is abdicating its responsibility to support every child in every school, NZEI Te Riu Roa says.

Minister of Education Nikki Kaye today announced up to 15 Ministry of Education senior staff would be employed in 30 Communities of Learning to implement access to Learning Support.

"This is the wrong approach. Every child in every school, regardless of whether it is in a Community of Learning or not, must have equitable access to learning support. To design a new special education system that discriminates against children based on whether the school they attend is in a Community of Learning or not is abhorrent," NZEI Te Riu Roa President Lynda Stuart says.

"Teachers and parents are crying out for additional resourcing for children with learning needs, and yet the Government is putting extra resources into one type of schooling model, rather than coming up with a solution that works for every child in every school."

She says the decision to roll out a Learning Support pilot in the Bay of Plenty to a further 30 Communities is premature and not evidence-based. Communities of Learning are themselves a new and unproven experiment.

"Interesting collaborative work around learning support is happening in the Bay of Plenty - and in many other areas," she says. "But to roll out a major system change on the basis of an experiment of a few months' trial and a single case study is patently irresponsible."

She said what all schools needed was recognition, resourcing and professional learning for special needs coordinators and teacher aides in every school.

She said the Ministry's own reference group of experts from the sector advised just this week against basing special education reform solely on the Communities of Learning pilot, and that national education sector leaders had expressed the same view to the Minister last week.

"The Government's obsession with the Community of Learning model means they are simply not listening to advice from the sector and are failing to meet their obligations to support every child that needs it."
WALTHAM, Mass., Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IT solutions leader Winslow Technology Group (WTG) announced that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named WTG to its 2017 Fast Growth 150 list. WTG placed 78 out of 150 with a growth rate of 74.6%. The list is CRNs annual ranking of North America-based technology integrators, solution providers and IT consultants with gross sales of at least $1 million that have experienced significant economic growth over the past two years. The 2017 list is based on gains in gross revenue between 2014 and 2016, and the companies recognized represent a total, combined revenue of more than $16,717,688,643.



Winslow Technology Group is thrilled to be recognized once again as a CRN Fast Growth 150 company, said Scott Winslow, President and Founder. WTGs significant growth is driven by our focus on providing transformational IT solutions for our clients, coupled with white glove services capabilities. With our best of breed technology partnerships and deep technical expertise, WTG offers a compelling solution portfolio from the data center to the desktop.

The companies on CRNs 2017 Fast Growth 150 list are thriving in what is now a very tumultuous, demanding IT channel climate, said Robert Faletra, CEO of The Channel Company. This remarkable group of solution providers has successfully adapted to a landmark industry shift away from the traditional VAR business model to a more services-driven approach, outpacing competitors and emerging as true channel leaders. We congratulate each of the Fast Growth 150 honorees and look forward to their continued success.

The Fast Growth 150 list is highlighted in the August issue of CRN and can be viewed online at www.crn.com/fastgrowth150.

About WTG

Winslow Technology Group, LLC (WTG) is a leading provider of IT Solutions and Consulting Services dedicated to providing better IT solutions for our customers. WTG enables our clients to innovate and transform their businesses by realizing the benefits of hyper-converged, software-defined, and hybrid cloud infrastructure frameworks. We provide expertise in the areas of server, storage, networking, security, virtualization, hyper-convergence, cloud and data protection technologies. WTG serves the IT needs of clients ranging from medium sized organizations to Fortune 50 companies that operate in a variety of industries including finance, healthcare, education, manufacturing, technology, legal, and more. We deliver proven solutions that are easy-to-use, feature rich, and affordable. Our core principles are to select the right technology partner, provide unparalleled technical expertise, deliver exceptional service, and demonstrate an unyielding commitment to customer satisfaction. WTGs industry recognition includes being named to Inc. Magazines Fastest Growing Private Companies, CRN Fast Growth, Boston Business Journals Fastest Growing Private Companies, and a four-time Dell Partner of the Year award winner. For more information, visit http://www.winslowtg.com.

About the Channel Company



The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com
A 21-year-old man from Cleveland, Ohio, suspected of the attempted murder of a 4-year-old child was arrested on Thursday morning after a manhunt was coordinated by four law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Marshals.

Leon Edwards, also known as Lee Lee, was arrested on a fugitive warrant for attempted murder. Investigators searched multiple areas throughout Tallapoosa and Clay counties before Edwards was arrested.

The agencies participating in the manhunt included the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force (TCNTF), Alexander City Police Department's Special Response Group, U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Tallapoosa County Sheriffs Department, according to a release from law enforcement personnel.

According to Sgt. Fred White of the TCNTF, Edwards fled from Cleveland to Alabama and was found at a relative's residence in the Goodwater community. Because Edwards had family in the Goodwater and Tallapoosa County areas, White said, the Cleveland Police Dept. contacted the TCNTF about the case.

Edwards was apprehended through the collective efforts of the multiple law enforcement agencies, according to White.

It was a joint effort, White added. No individual agency could have done it alone.

According to White and information from the release, Edwards arrest was one of two connected with this case. No information was released on the second arrest.

This partnership and teamwork of our Task Force agencies has once again resulted in the quick arrest of two violent fugitives, reaching far beyond our city limits to bring them to justice, Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said in the release.
Two-person teams representing Lee County businesses and organizations faced off Thursday night in the Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee.

The 14th annual spelling bee, held at the Auburn Alumni Center, is a fundraiser for the Lee County Literacy Coalition. Stacie Money, LCLC administrative director, said words chosen for the competition are common, everyday words that arent necessarily simple to spell.

Theyre not difficult words, but words that are easily or commonly misspelled, she said. So not easy, easy words, but not hard words like you would hear in the national spelling bee.

Unlike a traditional spelling bee, where each contestant is eliminated after spelling a word incorrectly, the event added a speed drill element. Teams had a minute and a half to spell as many words as they could, and judges tallied the number of words they spelled correctly.

Auburn sportscaster Rod Bramblett was the pronouncer. Judges were Opelika mayor Gary Fuller, broadcast journalist Elizabeth White and Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones, who has served as a judge each year since the fundraisers inception.

Pam-Powers Smith, vice president of programs for the East Alabama Chapter of the Public Relations Council of Alabama, served as emcee. The PRCA began the event 14 years ago to raise money for the LCLC, and this is the first year the Literacy Coalition has been the primary organizer.

A team from Auburn Bank was the first to step up to the microphone.

Spell wilderness, Bramblett told them, before rolling into words such as initials, alcohol, skeptical and allegedly.

Teams represented included Opelika and Auburn school systems, the Opelika-Auburn News, Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, the Auburn and Opelika Rotary Clubs and more.

The spelling bee usually raises between $8,000 and $10,000 annually for LCLC, Money said.

Reading Between the Wines is a close competitor for which is the biggest fundraiser for us, she said. Its our February fundraiser. We have an author come out, and its a wine and books event.

The LCLC uses money from tickets for the spelling bee to fund programs and materials for teaching people how to read and write, earn a GED or pass the military enlistment exam.
Placement in Pasco County Florida Reaches Approximately 40,000 Students Daily



New Smoothies Meet USDAs Nutritional Criteria for Reimbursable Meal in Americas Schools

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barfresh Food Group, Inc. (OTCQB:BRFH), a manufacturer of frozen, ready-to-blend beverages, today announced that it has signed a supply agreement with Pasco County School District in Florida to supply Barfresh frozen beverages at 30 of their middle and high school cafeterias, representing a student body of approximately 40,000. Pasco County is located immediately north of greater Tampa, Florida. Pursuant to the agreement, Barfresh branded beverages will be part of each schools daily breakfast program and be offered throughout the remainder of the day on an a la carte basis whether that be for lunch or during break. The Company anticipates serving more than 500,000 units in the coming 180-day 2017/2018 school year, which assumes only modest student acceptance rates.

Riccardo Delle Coste, the Company's CEO stated, "We are extremely excited about securing our first customer just weeks after launching our new product at the School Nutrition Associations Annual National Conference in July. Our agreement with Pasco County School District is just the first of many opportunities that we are currently negotiating around the Country. School administrators continue to migrate toward healthier options for their students, led in large part by the USDAs efforts to increase the availability to fruits, vegetables and whole grains while curtailing sodium on school menus. Additionally, we are looking forward to the branding opportunity this presents with a very influential consumer demographic that are notoriously difficult to reach, which we expect to assist in our broader strategies to extend the Barfresh brand.

About Barfresh Food Group

Barfresh Food Group, Inc. (OTCQB:BRFH) is a developer, manufacturer and distributor of ready-to-blend beverages, including smoothies, shakes and frappes, primarily for restaurant chains and the foodservice industry. The company's proprietary, patented system uses portion-controlled pre-packaged beverage ingredients that deliver freshly made frozen beverages that are quick, cost efficient, better for you and without waste. Barfresh has an exclusive distribution partnership with the leading food distributor in North America. For more information, please visit www.barfresh.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Except for historical information herein, matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about the Company's commercial progress and future financial performance. These forward-looking statements are identified by the use of words such as "grow", "expand", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "should", "hypothetical", "potential", "forecast" and "project", among others. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in the press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions made based on experience, expected future developments and other factors the Company believes are appropriate under the circumstances. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company and may not materialize. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance. The contents of this release should be considered in conjunction with the warnings, risk factors and cautionary statements contained in the Company's recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10K and Quarterly Report on Form 10Q. Furthermore, the Company does not intend, and is not obligated, to update publicly any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
Investors who seek to rely on government as a guarantor to shore up funds for their projects will not receive such backing, state minister for investment Evelyn Anite has said.

Government will also not give extensions to projects that have not taken off within the stipulated period agreed by Uganda Investment Authority (UIA).

Responding to investors issues during a meeting at Namanve industrial park on Wednesday, Anite stressed that all land that will not be developed in line with the UIA regulations will be withdrawn and given to other investors.

We scrapped for you the fee that was meant for accessing land at the industrial park, which was a good move welcomed by all of you. But government cannot go and stand security for you in banks. This is a policy issue, Anite said.

Namanve industrial park

Investors had raised a number of concerns that they felt needed government intervention. They complained of allocation of land to two or more different parties, inability to access land that has already been allocated and cases of land grabbing and harassment, among others.

A particular case in point was raised where investors accused a senior UPDF army officer of grabbing their land.

Madam, we do appreciate government efforts to encourage industrial development in the country. However, we want to bring to your attention that when we went to open up our boundary, we were chased and harassed by armed security guards who stopped us from accessing our land. We understand that the land has been taken over by an army general, said one official from Aqua Coolers Ltd.

Anite, however, assured the investors that no one is above the law and the issue will be investigated. There is no general who is not touchable. We shall touch them and [reclaim] the land from them. Connections cant build for us factories.it is the money, the minister said amid applause from the investors.

Jolly Kaguhangire, the executive director of the Uganda Investment Authority, said their aim is to ensure that Uganda is able to achieve the goal of industrialization and become less dependent on imports. UIA is developing three industrial and business parks in the greater Kampala metropolitan area.

They are Kampala Industrial and Business Park (KIBP) Namanve astride Wakiso and Mukono districts, Luzira Industrial and Business Park and Bweyogerere Industrial estate in Wakiso.

Reports from UIA indicate that the number of investors currently operating in these parks has gone up to 22, from 18 in 2016.

Ten investors were withdrawn from the industrial park for non-compliance to lease terms. Some of them include: MK Publishers, Oscar Industries, and Multiple Haullers and Associated Freight. Some petitioned courts of law but lost their cases to UIA. It also shows that 85 investors are currently in advanced stages of construction and are set to open this year.

jolanyo@gmail.com
A Chinese firm claiming to have been cheated out of a deal to extract gravel has petitioned Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, seeking her intervention.

China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) is battling with Welt Machinen Engineering company over the ownership of the mineral-rich Kamusalaba rock in Lorengedwat sub-county, Nakapiripirit district.

Welt Machinen belongs to Ben Koriang and Felix Oroma, sons of Peter Lokeris, the minister of state for Minerals.

At the centre of the protracted three-year standoff is the Shs 20 billion payment for construction material by the Uganda National Roads Authority (Unra), which was deposited with the court registrar before the two parties clear their legal dispute.

Speaker Rebecca Kadaga

CRBC claims the Shs 20bn was earnings from the completed Moroto-Nakapiririti road project. In a letter dated July 28 to Kadaga, CRBC says the matter was affecting their businesses in Uganda and are therefore seeking her protection.

Withholding Shs 20bn through such irregularities does not give us confidence as investors from protection from speculators who want to take advantage of genuine business, the letter reads in part.

THE START

CRBC claim they entered into an agreement with the Nakapiripiriti district local government on May 13, 2013 to operate a quarry and extract rock for road-building purposes from Kamusalaba.

CRBC was awarded and subsequently signed the contract with Unra for upgrading the 93-km MorotoNakapiripirit road.

They further claim to have invested $2 million in machinery but later, according to their letter to Kadaga, Welt Machinen Engineering claimed ownership of the land on which the quarry was based.

Subsequent legal battles with Welt Engineering have stalled progress on the rock and also sucked in President Museveni even though he has not yet responded.

On June 29, CRBC wrote to President Museveni, saying: As investors we have executed work legitimately in the national interest, we should not suffer inconvenience of having to fight with speculators who want to take advantage of the court process as they have nothing to lose.

amwesigwa@observer.ug
Security forces move past burning tyres in Kisumu

Confusion continued to reign in Kenya for a second day after polling, with the two leading presidential rivals both claiming victory ahead of the announcement of the final official results, which the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is expected to make late today.

Yesterday, IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati told the media the electoral body had ordered all its officials to submit the forms 34B by noon today for validation.

We have asked all our officers to send in the forms by 11am tomorrow. Once were done with the validation, we will immediately tell Kenyans who their next president is, he said.

However, last evening, the opposition National Super Alliance (Nasa) of Raila Odinga piled more pressure on IEBC, saying in a press conference that the electoral body must declare their presidential candidate as the winner of Tuesdays election.

Addressing the press conference flanked by Odinga, Nasa co-principal Musalia Mudavadi, a former vice president, claimed they had received information from sources within IEBC suggesting that Odinga had won the polls.

We demand that IEBC announce the presidential election results forthwith and declare Rt. Hon Raila Odinga and H.E Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka as the dully elected president and deputy president of the Republic of Kenya respectively, the statement read.

However, with results from 97.6 percent of polling stations counted, Kenyatta continues to hold a strong lead. Presidential results released by IEBC on its website show that incumbent president Uhuru Kenyatta has garnered 8,113,480 votes (54.24 per cent of the total votes cast) while Odinga, his closest challenger, has 6712934 votes (44.87 per cent).

President Kenyatta has largely stayed out of the media spotlight since casting his vote, just like his deputy William Ruto. Even the social media accounts of the two leaders have been uncharacteristically quiet since voting day.

The silence of the incumbent has left all the attention on Odinga, whose statements about the hacking of the IEBC website by elements who could have attempted to manipulate results in favour of his rivals have stocked sporadic violence in Nairobi and parts of Kisumu, the opposition leaders stronghold.

Yesterday, IEBC boss Chebukati admitted its database was a target of an unsuccessful hacking attempt, according to BBC. Chebukati said hacking was attempted but did not succeed.

Odinga and his Nasa team have maintained their claims of foul play even as several electoral observers such as the Inter-Governmental Agency on Development (IGAD) yesterday said Kenyas elections were conducted in a transparent manner.

Based on what it has been able to observe, the IGAD observation mission preliminary conclusion is that the general elections were conducted in a peaceful, orderly, and transparent manner and in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Kenya.

IGAD calls on all political parties and candidates to respect the will of the people of Kenya and to refrain from any act that might be of disruptive nature to the peace and stability of the country, said the IGAD statement.

A team headed by former US Secretary of State John Kerry also called for calm and restraint on Thursday, after protests called by the opposition turned violent on Wednesday claiming the lives of at least five people. Kerry told Al Jazeera the allegations needed to be examined but not a reason to stop the process or question the entire election.

The [counting] process is still ongoing, the counting is happening now. And as long as its done appropriately, you have an ability to have full integrity of this election. The integrity is still intact. Thabo Mbeki, the former South African president in charge of the African Union observer mission, has praised the poll so far.

It would be very regrettable if anything emerges afterwards that sought to corrupt the outcome, to spoil that outcome, he said.

Yesterday, the head of public service in Kenya, Joseph Kinyua, instructed all civil servants to resume their duties with immediate effect. Kinyua further asked all principal secretaries to submit a list with names of civil servants who will have reported to work on Friday, August 11 in various ministries and departments.

Running Kenyas poll, according to The Economist, will cost some 49bn Kenyan shillings (about $480 million), with campaign spending said to have cost just as much, making Kenyas election more expensive per person than that of the United States of America.
They say you shouldnt drink and drive, but one meat shop in Irvinestown, Northern Ireland, wants to make dont eat and drive a thing too. It has recently launched a line of sausages infused with popular alcoholic drinks, including vodka and Red bull, or dark rum and orange soda.

Maguire Meats owner Keelan Maguire says that he came up with the idea for alcohol-infused sausages while talking with his team about new products for the summer barbecue season. Alcohol just seemed like the craziest idea, so they went with that. They launched their vodka and Red Bull bangers last week, and since they were an instant hit, they just added a Captain Morgan rum and Club Orange soda sausage to their line. Theyre both selling like crazy, according to Maguire.

Photo: Maguire Meats/Facebook

We were thinking about the sausage range for the summer and this was the craziest one we could think of. the owner told Belfast Live. So we gave it a go and it worked out very well and they are very popular. We also added a spicy beef one which is doing well too. It is something different for the BBQ this summer. We have a few other ideas up our sleeve so keep an eye out.

It [the feedback] has been very good, actually, Maguire said in an interview with Meat Trades Journal. The vodka and Red Bull took off all together. Theyre flying out. The Captain Morgan ones have only started and theres been a lot of demand for them at the minute. Its looking good so far.

Photo: Maguire Meats/Facebook

Maguire Meats doesnt plan to stopping at sausages. Its also developing an Orchard Thieves Irish cider and pork burger, and they may end up mixing alcohol with some of their other meat products.

Interestingly enough, alcohol-infused sausages are starting to look like somewhat of a trend in Northern Ireland, right now. About a month ago, McCartneys Of Moira, a 140-year-old butcher shop in Craigavon, started selling gin and tonic pork sausages, and pear cider sausages. Theyre also famous for Guinness beer sausages, which they apparently recommend you not eat if you plan on driving afterwards.

Photo: McCartneys Of Moira/Facebook

No word on how these alcohol-infused sausages actually taste, but who really cares anyway, its booze.


Colonie (NY) Looks for EcoDev Boost Fri., Nov. 11, 2022 Colonie (NY) is looking for an economic development and/or marketing firm to help spur growth in the town of 90K people that is known as the Crossroads of the Capital District.
Jeffrey Lord

CNN cuts ties with conservative commentator and Donald Trump supporter Jeffrey Lord. Lord, who served as an associate political director in the Reagan Administration, was let go for using the words Sieg Heil in a tweet to Media Matters president Angelo Carusone. The riposte was in response to a tweet to Lord from Carusone complaining about the misspelling of Carusone's name in an earlier post. Lord is the third commentator to recently leave CNN. Kayleigh MeEnamy left the cable network last week to the Republican National Committee, and in June Reza Azlan was let go for referring to the President as a piece of shit.

Ana Swanson

The New York Times snagged Ana Swanson from the Washington Post, where she covers trade, the Federal Reserve and the economy. Swanson, who has spent eight years in China, was editor-in-chief of China Economic Review magazine from 2011 to 2013. She has written for Foreign Policy, Forbes, CNN and The Atlantic; is a regular contributor to American Public Medias Marketplace," and is founding VP of the International China Journalists Association (ICJA). Swanson's first day at the Times will be Sept. 11.

The National Press Club Journalism Institute and the Media Law Resource Center created a way for journalists to report and monitor roadblocks facing them in covering federal, state and local governments. The Institute has an online form that can be filled out any time a public official is muzzled, government data is denied or other types of information that belong to the public are kept from the public. The Institute intends to share the tracking data with other organizations, including the partners on its newly launched Press Freedom Tracker as well as Investigative Reporters and Editors, a nonprofit organization that focuses on the quality of investigative reporting. For those who are worried about leaving a digital fingerprint, reports can be mailed to Press Freedom Fellow, National Press Club Journalism Institute, 529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20045.
Tullamore local, Maedhbh Rowland, has been appointed by Tullamore D.E.W., the worlds second largest Irish whiskey, as the brands new Washington brand ambassador.

Maedhbh will be based in Seattle and is one of five Irish graduates recruited by Tullamore D.E.W. to become brand ambassadors for key American cities as well as a role in Dublin Airport.

The successful candidates, Sarah Leonard, Jack Coghlan Murray, Laura Butler Synnott and Meadhbh Rowland will head to Milwaukee, Austin, Chicago and Seattle later this month, while Bradley Murphy will be Tullamore D.E.W.s ambassador at the Airport. Over the next 18 months, all will be responsible for educating and advocating for Irish whiskey and Tullamore D.E.W. in particular.

Tullamore D.E.W., the worlds second largest Irish whiskey, chose Laura, Bradley, Jack, Maedhbh and Sarah for their blend of confidence, charisma and commercial focus to promote the brand to an American audience that has fallen in love with Irish whiskey. This unique opportunity for the talented Irish graduates was offered through the IBEC/Bord Bia Export Orientation Programme (EOP).

Tullamore D.E.W., which now sells over 1 million cases globally, already has 12 Ambassadors based in the US. The successful placement of these candidates brings the total number 16.
- The N52 will be closed from 7am to 8pm between the Blueball and Clonminch Road Rounabout. There will be no access except for Emergency Access.

- All people travelling to work or any other events are asked to follow diversions and to leave sufficient time to get to their destination.

- Plan your trip to event. Take note of diversions etc.

- Remember where you parked your car.

- Do not leave valuable property visible in your vehicle.

- Plan before leaving car park which lane your need to be on as contra flows will occur on leaving event and take directions of Gardai on point duty on routes.

- Exhibitors and Livestock owners are asked to attend as per instructions and have passes displayed clearly for Gardai and Stewards to see.

- Please be advised that arriving late in the day will result in delays in accessing show site as large traffic volumes of attendees leave location

To see the full traffic plan for the Tullamore Show Click Here
French English

Roissy, August 11, 2017

Availability of documents ahead of the Air France-KLM Shareholders' Meeting of September 4, 2017

Preparatory documents to the Shareholders' Meeting of September 4, 2017

Shareholders of Air France-KLM are invited to participate to the extraordinary session of Air France-KLM Combined Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting which will be held on Monday, September 4, 2017 at 9 AM at the Hotel Pullman Paris Centre Bercy - 1 rue de Libourne, 75012 Paris.

In this context, the information relating to this Shareholders' Meeting referred to in article R. 225-83 of the French Commercial Code is available on the Company's website at www.airfranceklm.com (Finance / Shareholders / Annual General Meeting) and is held available to shareholders in accordance with legal and regulatory conditions.

The notice of meeting (avis de reunion) containing the agenda, the draft resolutions submitted to shareholders by the Board of Directors and a description of the conditions for participating and voting in the Shareholders' Meeting was published in the official gazette, Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoire (BALO), on July 31, 2017. The convening notice, (avis de convocation) containing a correction to the notice of meeting, was published in the official gazette, Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoire (BALO), on August 11, 2017.
As many as 20,000 more individuals and families in Iowa would keep their health insurance next year if the federal government approves a stopgap measure being sought by the State of Iowa, according to an outside analysis of the proposal.

Without the stopgap measure, which would waive some requirements of the Affordable Care Act, high monthly premiums planned by Medica Health would cause as many as 22,000 individuals and families to drop their insurance next year, said a report by NovaRest Actuarial Accounting of Sahuarita, Arizona.

That number could reach 30,000 in 2019, the report said.

Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said Thursday that the report clearly finds that the Iowa Stopgap Measure is a better alternative for Iowa than the ACA.

He said in a press release that Iowans who buy their own insurance are at a breaking point as the ACA market is collapsing. Many Iowans are considering going uninsured. To put it simply, Iowa needs the flexibility to do what works for us so as few Iowans as possible are priced out of the individual health insurance market.

Ommen said the stopgap measure would be temporary. Medica Health, the only insurance company planning to offer ACA health plans in Iowa next year, has requested premium increases averaging 43.5 percent next year.

The stopgap measure would guarantee coverage and include the ACAs essential health benefits but limit options and redirect federal subsidy funds. Consumers could buy a standard health plan with available subsidies directly from insurance companies instead of through the ACA exchange.

The plan also would set up a reinsurance program for large health claims so that more companies would be willing to sell health plans in the state.

The latest study is part of the approval process for the proposed waiver from the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which runs the Affordable Care Act system.

Ommens office said the stopgap plan meets the federal governments economic and financial requirements and would not increase the federal budget deficit.

He said his office is putting together a final proposal and hopes to receive approval by Nov. 1, when Iowans could begin applying for health plans under the Affordable Care Act. About 72,000 people in the state buy insurance through the ACA.

To see the latest report and to submit comments by 5 p.m. Wednesday, go to iid.iowa.gov/iowa-stopgap-measure.

The Insurance Division held hearings on the proposal in Council Bluffs, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids and will hold another at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Des Moines Social Club.
Sydney, Australia, Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heron Resources Limited (ASX:HRR; TSX:HER, Heron or the Company) refers to its announcement on 30 June 2017 in relation to the A$240 million funding package required for the construction and ramp-up of its 100% Woodlawn Zinc-Copper Project, located in New South Wales, Australia. As announced on 30 June 2017, the funding package includes equity funding from each of Orion Mine Finance Fund II LP (Orion) and Castlelake L.P. (Castlelake), with the Company entering into subscription agreements with Castlelake and Orion for the issue of Heron shares to raise an aggregate of A$62 million (Placements), subject to various conditions including waivers for ASX Listing Rule 6.18 and shareholder approval (Subscription Agreements).

The Subscription Agreements contemplate the establishment of strategic relationships between Orion and the Company, and between Castlelake and the Company, with the Company granting anti-dilution rights to Orion and Castlelake to maintain their percentage holdings in the Company subject to a waiver from ASX.

The Company is pleased to announce that ASX has granted a waiver from ASX Listing Rule 6.18 to enable the Company to grant the anti-dilution rights to Orion and Castlelake.

It should be noted that the anti-dilution rights will only be granted if the Placements complete. The general meeting to seek shareholder approval for the funding package, including the Placements is to be held at 2.00pm (AEDT) on Thursday August 17, 2017.

A summary of the terms of the waivers for Orion and Castlelake are provided in Annexures 1 and 2 respectively.

About Heron Resources Limited:

Herons primary focus is the development of its 100% owned, high grade Woodlawn Zinc-Copper Project located 250km southwest of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. In addition, the Company holds a significant high quality, gold and base metal tenement holding in central and eastern New South Wales.

Annexure 1: Terms of the ASX waiver in respect of Orion

Based solely on the information provided, ASX Limited (ASX) grants Heron Resources Limited (the Company) a waiver from listing rule 6.18 to the extent necessary to permit Orion Mine Finance Fund II LP, a fund managed by Orion Mine Finance GP II L.P, and its related bodies corporate (Orion) to maintain, by way of a right to participate in any issue of securities or to subscribe for securities, its percentage interest in the issued share capital of the Company (the Anti-Dilution Right) in respect of a diluting event which occurs or is announced following completion of the proposed issue of share to Orion (Placement) so that Orion holds up to 17.39% voting power in the Company, on the following conditions

1.1 The Anti-Dilution Right lapses on the earlier of:

1.1.1 the date on which Orion ceases to hold in aggregate at least 10% voting power in the Company (other than as a result of shares (or equity securities) to which the Anti- Dilution Right applies and in respect of which Castlelake is still entitled to exercise, or has exercised, the Anti-Dilution Right);

1.1.2 the date on which Orions voting power in the Company exceeds 25%; or

1.1.3 the strategic relationship between the Company and Orion ceasing or changing in such a way that it effectively ceases.

1.2 The Anti-Dilution Right may only be transferred to an entity in the wholly owned group of Orion.

1.3 Any securities issued under the Anti-Dilution Right must be issued to Orion for cash consideration that is:

1.3.1 no more favourable than cash consideration paid by third parties (in the case of issues of securities to third parties for cash consideration); or

1.3.2 equivalent in value to non-cash consideration offered by third parties (in the case of issues of securities to third parties for non-cash consideration).

1.4 The number of securities that may be issued to Orion under the Anti-Dilution Right in the case of any diluting event must not be greater than the number required in order for Orion to maintain its percentage holding in the issued share capital of the Company immediately before that diluting event.

1.5 The Company discloses a summary of the Anti-Dilution Right to persons who may subscribe for securities under a prospectus, and undertakes to include in each annual report a summary of the Anti-Dilution Right.

1.6 The Company immediately releases the terms of the waiver to market.

Annexure 2: Terms of the ASX waiver in respect of Castlelake



Based solely on the information provided, ASX Limited (ASX) grants Heron Resources Limited (the Company) a waiver from listing rule 6.18 to the extent necessary to permit Castlelake L.P. and its related bodies corporate (Castlelake) to maintain, by way of a right to participate in any issue of securities or to subscribe for securities, its percentage interest in the issued share capital of the Company (the Anti-Dilution Right) in respect of a diluting event which occurs or is announced following completion of the proposed issue of share to Castlelake (Placement) so that Castlelake holds up to 19.89% voting power in the Company, on the following conditions

1.1 The Anti-Dilution Right lapses on the earlier of:

1.1.1. the date on which Castlelake ceases to hold in aggregate at least 10% voting power in the Company (other than as a result of shares (or equity securities) to which the Anti-Dilution Right applies and in respect of which Orion is still entitled to exercise, or has exercised, the Anti-Dilution Right);

1.1.2. the date on which Castlelakes voting power in the Company exceeds 25%; or

1.1.3. the strategic relationship between the Company and Castlelake ceasing or changing in such a way that it effectively ceases.

1.2. The Anti-Dilution Right may only be transferred to an entity in the wholly owned group of Castlelake.

1.3. Any securities issued under the Anti-Dilution Right must be issued to Castlelake for cash consideration that is:

1.3.3. no more favourable than cash consideration paid by third parties (in the case of issues of securities to third parties for cash consideration); or

1.3.4. equivalent in value to non-cash consideration offered by third parties (in the case of issues of securities to third parties for non-cash consideration).

1.4. The number of securities that may be issued to Castlelake under the Anti-Dilution Right in the case of any diluting event must not be greater than the number required in order for Castlelake to maintain its percentage holding in the issued share capital of the Company immediately before that diluting event.

1.5. The Company discloses a summary of the Anti-Dilution Right to persons who may subscribe for securities under a prospectus, and undertakes to include in each annual report a summary of the Anti-Dilution Right.

1.6. The Company immediately releases the terms of the waiver to market.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This report contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this report. This forward-looking information includes, or may be based upon, without limitation, estimates, forecasts and statements as to managements expectations with respect to, among other things, the timing and amount of funding required to execute the Companys exploration, development and business plans, capital and exploration expenditures, the effect on the Company of any changes to existing legislation or policy, government regulation of mining operations, the length of time required to obtain permits, certifications and approvals, the success of exploration, development and mining activities, the geology of the Companys properties, environmental risks, the availability of labour, the focus of the Company in the future, demand and market outlook for precious metals and the prices thereof, progress in development of mineral properties, the Companys ability to raise funding privately or on a public market in the future, the Companys future growth, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as anticipate, believe, expect, intend, may and similar expressions have been used to identify such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is given, and on information available to management at such time. Forward-looking information involves significant risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking information. These factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in currency markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, the ability of the Company to access sufficient capital on favourable terms or at all, changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations, political or economic developments in Canada, Australia or other countries in which the Company does business or may carry on business in the future, operational or technical difficulties in connection with exploration or development activities, employee relations, the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, diminishing quantities and grades of mineral reserves, contests over title to properties, especially title to undeveloped properties, the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drill results and other geological data, environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding, limitations of insurance coverage and the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, and should be considered carefully. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect the Companys actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. Prospective investors should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Although the forward-looking information contained in this report is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure prospective purchasers that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. No stock exchange, regulation services provider, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this report.
Three people were injured late Thursday when a pickup truck and a sedan collided nearly head-on in north Omaha, police said.

A speeding 2000 Chevrolet Silverado was north on 45th Street when it collided about 11:30 p.m. with a 2004 Chevrolet Impala at Spaulding Street, police said. The Impala had been driving south on Spaulding.

The driver of the Impala, Caprazaya Evans of Omaha, suffered serious chest injuries, police said. She was alone. Police had not released her age early Friday.

Jeffrey Schoville, 32, was driving the Silverado. He suffered a broken ankle. Schoville, who lives in Omaha, was ticketed on suspicion of willful reckless driving and driving during suspension, police said.

The passenger in the Silverado, Ruth Rodriguez-Schoville, 39, suffered cuts and bruises.

The injured were taken to the Nebraska Medical Center. None of the injuries was life-threatening, police said.

Schovilles speed was the primary factor in the collision, police said.
A prosecutor said Friday that Anthony Evans had shown up at the house of his ex-girlfriend and his three children several times before the night of Aug. 2, when officers found him lying in the backyard, a gunshot wound to his abdomen.

The shot was fired in self-defense, said Eric Fabian of the Douglas County Attorneys Office.

It came, Fabian said, moments after Evans attacked his girlfriend, throwing her to the ground and choking her, then hitting her with a metal pipe as she tried to flee.

Evans, 45, is charged with felony domestic violence assault and four counts of terroristic threats. A judge set bail for Evans on Friday at $125,000. Evans must pay 10 percent of that, or $12,500, to be released.

Fabian said the encounter on Aug. 2 began with Evans banging on the door of his ex-girlfriends house near 28th Avenue and Manderson Street, where she lived with other women.

He had shown up at the house several times that week to try to talk to the woman and his three children who lived there.

The ex-girlfriend hid the children in an upstairs bedroom and went to talk to Evans. Thats when he attacked her, threw her to the ground and choked her, Fabian said.

The woman was able to get away, Fabian said, but Evans came after her again, hitting her in the back and arm with a pipe and saying he was going to kill her and the other women who were there.

One of the other women had a firearm and told Evans to stop and back away, Fabian said. Evans said, Go ahead and shoot me, and continued swinging the pipe, the prosecutor said.

The woman fired the gun, hitting Evans in the lower abdomen, Fabian said.

Evans was discharged Wednesday from the Nebraska Medical Center, where he was treated for the gunshot wound. He was in a wheelchair for his Friday court appearance.

Evans ex-girlfriend suffered a broken arm and bruising.

Fabian said Evans has a felony conviction for attempted delivery of a controlled substance and has several convictions of misdemeanor assault.

Evans is set to have a preliminary hearing next month.
TORONTO, Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The following statement from WWF-Canada president and CEO David Miller is in response to this Government of Canada announcement of new measures to protect North Atlantic right whales.

WWF-Canada is pleased that the Government of Canada has taken measures to slow ships in areas where endangered North Atlantic right whales are known to frequent. Its an important step. But temporary measures such as these are not enough to reverse the decline of these whales.

We need to ensure permanent, meaningful protections for the vital habitat of North Atlantic right whales and other vulnerable marine wildlife. The government is planning to create a marine protected area (MPA) around the Laurentian Channel, where North Atlantic right whales are known to frequent. But proposed regulations will still allow oil and gas drilling and seismic blasts in 80 per cent of the MPA. These activities threaten whales and other wildlife. An oil spill would be even more devastating.

We also need to understand why ship strikes and fishing gear entanglement have contributed to the sharp spike in whales deaths this year, with at least 12 having perished from a population estimated to number only about 500. For example, lack of sufficient food or poisoning from ingesting toxic substances in the ocean risk leaving the whales diminished, disoriented and less able to avoid dangerous ships and harmful fishing gear. We need a better understanding to take more appropriate measures based on the best available science.

About World Wildlife Fund Canada

WWF-Canada creates solutions to the environmental challenges that matter most for Canadians. We work in places that are unique and ecologically important, so that nature, wildlife and people thrive together. Because we are all wildlife. For more information, visit wwf.ca.

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bff2a6f7-b4d4-40c0-a435-769550c78237
LINCOLN  The Nebraska Supreme Court has disbarred Nebraska City attorney Richard Hoch for misusing client trust funds.

Hoch, 79, the husband of former University of Nebraska Regent Nancy Hoch, had already retired from active practice when Fridays disbarment order came down, according to a receptionist at his former office. A message left for him was not returned Friday.

A year ago the courts Counsel for Discipline notified Hoch of an overdraft on a bank account used to hold funds that belong to his clients. In response, he acknowledged that he had misapplied the funds to pay for office expenses. He agreed to voluntarily surrender his law license.

The documents filed with the disbarment action did not list the amount of funds involved. But Hoch indicated to court officials that he had repaid the misappropriated funds.

Hoch obtained his license to practice law in 1964. During his career he unsuccessfully represented landowners along the Missouri River who challenged laws allowing their land to be taxed in multiple states.

He also represented his wife in a 12-year legal battle with her political rival, Robert Prokop, whom she defeated in the 1983 race for regent. The dispute involved claims of libel, slander and malice leveled by both sides stemming from their campaigns for regent.

Nancy Hoch, who served as regent until 1994, is considered an institution in Nebraska City, where she spearheaded various economic development and tourism efforts. In 1984 she came within 4 percentage points of defeating U.S. Sen. J.J. Exon, the Democratic incumbent.

Richard Hoch could seek to have his license reinstated after five years.
30 children die in Gorakhpur hospital: Sonia, Rahul express shock

India

oi-PTI

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and party vice president Rahul Gandhi on Friday expressed deep shock over the death of 30 children at a hospital in Uttar Pradesh due to lack of oxygen.

The Congress president said she was pained beyond words by the humongous tragedy and that her heart went out to the families of the innocent children who "fell prey to gross negligence and incorrigible misconduct on part of the authorities".

She urged the Uttar Pradesh government to take immediate cognisance of the crime and bring the culprits to book. She also called upon the state Congress workers to provide relief to families of the victims.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government was responsible for the tragedy. "Deeply pained. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. BJP govt is responsible and should punish the negligent, who caused this tragedy," he tweeted.

At least 30 children died in the state-run Baba Raghav Das Medical College at Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh since the past two days, district magistrate Rajeev Rautela said on Friday.

Though he gave no reason for the deaths, the Union home ministry said according to the SP of Gorakhpur, 21 children died due to shortage of supply of liquid oxygen. The incident triggered a spate of reactions from the opposition parties, with the Samajwadi Party and the Congress seeking the resignation of the state health minister.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and UP Congress President Raj Babbar is scheduled to visit Baba Raghav Das Medical College and Hospital in Gorakhpur on Saturday.

PTI
All 10 in 2005 Hyderabad bombing case acquitted

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

After spending 12 years in jail, ten terror suspects were acquitted by a Hyderabad court which heard the October 12 2005 suicide bombing case. It was a major set back for the prosecution which was pulled up by the court for not being able to prove the conspiracy charges.

On October 12 2005 a suicide bomber blew himself up in from the police task force office, Hyderabad. Nine of the accused spent 12 years in jail while the tenth has been out on bail. Two persons who were acquitted are also accused in the 2005 Jaunpur Shramajeevi Express blast case. They will now be transferred to the Jaunpur jail in Uttar Pradesh while the remaining walked free out of the Chanchalguda prison in Hyderabad.

Mohtasim Billal, a HuJI member and native of Bangladesh, walked into the police office with a backpack stuffed with explosives, including ammonium nitrate, and blew himself up.

While acquitting the accused, the court pulled up the prosecution and said that the conspiracy charges were not proved. The court said that the material seized from the accused persons did not amount to clinching evidence.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 7:14 [IST]
3 years of abrogation of Article 370: How tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has changed?

No civilian killed in law & order incident in Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370: J&K Police

OIC meddles in Indias affairs again: What really is hurting this Islamic Cooperation

Article 370 created 'separatist emotion," bid good bye to it says BJP

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Article 370 has created a separatist emotion in Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP has said. Time has come for the people of the state to say goodbye to it and also Article 35 A, the party also said.

Both these articles, instead of being beneficial to the people of the state, have done a great damage and hamper progress and development, claimed J-K BJP spokesperson Virender Gupta.

"The time has come when the people of Jammu and Kashmir should say goodbye to Article 370 and ask the Government of India to revoke Article 35 A," he said.

Article 370 grants special status to J&K while Article 35 A empowers the state legislature to define permanent citizens.

"The prevailing situation in the Valley shows that Article 370 has created a separatist psyche and acts as a breeding ground for separatist emotion", Gupta said.

The Article is responsible for keeping the settled issue of Jammu and Kashmir alive, motivated and encourages the separatists and external forces to interfere in the internal matters of India and challenge the integrity of the country, he added.

He said that Article 370 has led to increasing alienation of the people of the Valley from India and in taking them away from the national mainstream.

The Kashmiri leadership for its own vested political interests always indulged in a competitive game to exploit the people in the name of Article 370, he alleged.

The BJP spokesperson said that in spite of large scale funding from the Government of India, Jammu and Kashmir has not been able to develop its own sustainable economy and has remained underdeveloped and backward in many fields.

Industrialists and business houses from outside hesitate to open ventures in the state and as a result it is facing the crisis of unemployment and migration of skilled and talented youth to the rest of the country, he added.

"Academicians and experts from the rest of the country are discouraged because of the Article to contribute in the educational growth of the state", he claimed.

Gupta alleged that Article 370 is also responsible for widening the mistrust and alienation between the people of the Valley and those of Jammu and Ladakh regions.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 6:25 [IST]
Before Amit Shah, his reputation reaches Karnataka, spirits high in state BJP camp

India

oi-Anusha

BJP National President Amit Shah will visit Karnataka for the first time after being elected as a Rajya Sabha MP. The visit coincides with Rahul Gandhi's visit to the state but Shah's visit is bound to have more positive impact on his party that has been suffering an onslaught by the state Congress.

Amit Shah's three-day visit to Karnataka comes at a time when the state unit is on the backfoot over various issues. The Congress led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been assaulting the BJP by its assertiveness but now the BJP is hopeful that tables will turn.

"Yes, he is the national president and now an MP but for the cadre, he is most importantly a source of energy. Every person in the party is of the belief that things are going to change for the better once he comes," said a senior BJP leader. The mood is ecstatic in the BJP camp. Another leader who is busy making arrangements for Amit Shah's visit said there was no physical stress whatsoever but the excitement is leading to mental stress.

Countering Congress is secondary, rumbles within BJP is Shah's challenge

The cold war between B S Yeddyurappa and K S Eshwarappa is far from over. The lack of unity in the BJP is no secret and now the same is being used against the party. Amit Shah's first challenge is to end the rift within the party and then strategise for the assembly polls. "In the next three days, Amit Shah will speak to every section of BJP leadership in some interaction or other. He will address every issue that will be placed before him. But you should know that even before he arrives at the Bengaluru international airport, his reputation has arrived in Karnataka," laughed a BJP leader. He hinted that all issues will be resolved. The no-nonsense tough taskmaster that he is, Amit Shah, the state BJP is sure, will put an end to the war within.

BJP to get clarity on issues

Over the last few months, the BJP has been unable to decide on its stand on key issues. Be it Hindi usage in Namma Metro stations, Kannada flag issue or the Lingayat row, the BJP has not been able to assert its stand. "Depending on the discussions we will hold in the next few days, we will get clarity on all issues including the Lingayat row," said a BJP leader.

The BJP's confidence stems from a statement Amit Shah is said to have made. "When we could win Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka is no big deal," he is said to have told the cadres. For now, Amit Shah has carefully refrained from meeting any Lingayat seers. He will meet two seers while his stay in Karnataka but the move is well calculated. The Congress, however, does not believe that Shah's visit will make any difference in the state.

OneIndia News
Bihar IAS body mulls anti-stress sessions for young officers after Buxar DM's suicide

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

The Bihar unit of the Indian Administrative Service Association is mulling over the need for anti-stress sessions to prevent young officers from killing themselves following the alleged suicide by a Bihar-cadre IAS officer in Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday evening.

Mukesh Kumar Pandey, a 2012 batch IAS officer, committed suicide on railway tracks in Ghaziabad. A purported suicide note was also recovered from the spot. In the note it was written that Pandey, a 2012-batch IAS officer, was fed up with his life and lost his "belief on human existence".

"Suggestions have come from some senior officers like Ms Amita Paul (since superannuated) that we should talk to young officers under stress and ask them to share their feelings, so that they let out their pent up emotions. The idea is to identify young officers under stress and prevent them from taking such an extreme step," Hindustan Times quoted Principal secretary, forest, and secretary of the association's Bihar unit, Vivek Kumar Singh as saying.

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The IAS Officers Association have organised a condolence meeting, at the IAS Bhawan in Patna and the Bihar Bhawan in New Delhi on Friday evening.

Earlier, in his condolence message, Nitish Kumar said, "Buxar DM Mukesh Pandey's death is a heart-wrenching incident. He was a great administrator. May his soul rest in peace."

(With agency inputs)
Bihar IAS officer found dead on rail tracks in Ghaziabad, cops find suicide note

India

oi-PTI

Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh), August 11: Mukesh Pandey, Buxar district magistrate in Bihar, allegedly committed suicide on Thursday night. His body was found near the railway tracks here, police said.

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His body was found from the rail tracks about one km from the Ghaziabad railway station, they said, adding a purported suicide note was also recovered from the spot. In the note it was written that Pandey, a 2012-batch IAS officer, was fed up with his life and lost his "belief on human existence".

"I am committing suicide in district centre area of Janakpuri in west Delhi...by jumping off the 10th floor of the building. I am fed up with life and my belief on human existence has gone, my suicide note is kept in a Nike bag in room 742 of a five-star (name withheld) hotel in Delhi. I am sorry, I love you all! Please forgive me," said the note, according to Senior Superintendent of Police H N Singh. Singh said it was not immediately known that at what time or how Pandey committed suicide.

The SSP added that the post mortem would be conducted tomorrow. Officials of the Government Railway Police (GRP) who reached the spot, near Kotgaon here, said prime facie it appeared a case of suicide. Senior officials of Ghaziabad district administration also reached the spot.

Meanwhile, a senior Delhi Police official said that police received information from his friends that Pandey would commit suicide and had gone to a west Delhi mall. A police team was immediately rushed to the mall but it could not trace him.

After scanning the CCTV footage, the official said that Pandey was leaving the mall and going towards the nearby metro station. Later, Delhi Police learnt that he had committed suicide, the official said.

PTI
Tuesday is now No Meeting Day in Haryana and officers to be with people on Friday

CCTV footage nails Vikas, Ashish, duo caught purchasing alcohol before 'stalking' Varnika

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Chandigarh, August 11: The two accused--Vikas Barala, the son of Haryana Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief, Subhash Barala, and his friend Ashish Kumar--in the infamous Chandigarh stalking case are in more trouble.

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Now, a CCTV footage, dated August 4 (before the crime took place), has emerged which clearly shows that the accused men were purchasing alcohol from a store before chasing down Varnika Kundu on the intervening night of August 4 and August 5.

The footage shows Vikas and Ashish buying alcohol from a shop located in Chandigarh sector 9.

The latest evidence strengthens the 29-year-old DJ's claim that the duo were allegedly in an inebriated state while they chased her for seven-eight kilometers while she was driving back home in her car from Chandigarh to Panchkula.

The two accused were arrested for the second time on Wednesday after police filed abduction charges against Vikas and Ashish. On Thursday, a Chandigarh court sent Vikas and his friend to two-day police custody.

On the day of the crime too, Vikas and his friend were arrested on the charges of drunken driving, stalking and harassing Varnika in Chandigarh. However, within a few hours they were granted bail.

After public outcry, following Varnika and her father Virender Kundu, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, wrote in detail about the ordeal on social media, police woke up from its slumber to pursue the matter seriously.

A notice was issued to both the accused under 160 Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the case has been filed under Section 354D (stalking), 341 (wrongful restraint), 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and 185 MV Act (driving by a drunken person or by a person under the influence of drugs).

Director General of Police Chandigarh Tajender Singh Luthra said that Vikas and his friend Ashish were slapped with charges of abduction.

Luthra added that both the accused in the Chandigarh stalking case had refused to give their blood and urine sample for the investigation, spurring doubts about them being possibly drunk.

"The duty doctor did want to take the blood and urine sample, but the accused are law graduates, they knew the law very well. Therefore, they refused to give the blood and urine sample," DGP Luthra told the reporters.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 14:06 [IST]
Are you ready to ride in India's first underwater metro tunnel below Ganga river bed?

Clean up Ganga: Govt may miss 2020 deadline, says panel

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The slow pace at which the operation to clean up river Ganga has been pointed out to by a parliamentary panel. The panel says that the government may miss the 2020 deadline to clean up Ganga.

The Standing Committee on Water Resources, in its Demand for Grants (2017-18) for Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, asked the ministry to fast track the projects to ensure expeditious cleaning of the river.

The committee, in the report tabled in Parliament on Thursday, noted "with utmost concern" that so far only four sewage treatment plant (STP) projects -- two at Haridwar, one each at Varanasi and Mathura -- have been taken up.

It also noted that few more projects are expected to be taken up under hybrid annuity-based Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

In this model, a part of the capital investment is paid by the government through construction-linked milestones and the balance through an annuity over the contract duration.

"Keeping in view the slow pace of work, the committee are constrained to believe that the targeted completion of cleaning of Ganga river by December 2020 may remain unaccomplished," the panel said.

It also asked the ministry to apprise of the details of the total expenditure incurred by the National Mission for Clean Ganga so far and outcome achieved thereby.

Deploy territorial army

The panel also suggested that the government deploy Territorial Army battalions for conserving river Ganga from Uttarkhand to West Bengal.

In its report on 'Resettlement of Ex-Servicemen' the Parliamenary Standing Committee on Defence, stressed on the need to physically ensure protection of "revered" Ganga on its entire course.

"Nothing could be more efficient than the TA battalions raised for the protection of Ganga be deployed from Shivpuri in Uttarkhand to Ganga Sagar (in West Bengal)," the panel said.

OneIndia News
NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, reminds investors in TransDigm Group Incorporated (TransDigm or the Company) (NYSE:TDG) of the October 10, 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 TransDigm stock or options between May 10, 2016 and January 19, 2017 and would like to discuss your legal rights, click here : www.faruqilaw.com/TDG. 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 Northern District of Ohio on behalf of all those who purchased TransDigm securities between May 10, 2016 and January 19, 2017 (the Class Period). The case, City of Hollywood Firefighters' Pension Fund v. TransDigm Group, Inc. et al, No. 1:17-cv-01677 was filed on August 10, 2017, and has been assigned to Judge Donald C. Nugent.

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: (1) TransDigms growth and profitability were artificially inflated due to its unlawful business practices; (2) the Company used exclusive distributors to make noncompetitive government bids seem competitive; (3) the Companys subsidiaries failed to list TransDigm as a parent entity when submitting government bids; and (4) as a result, TransDigms statements regarding its business, operations, and prospects were false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

Specifically, on January 20, 2017, Citron Research, a well-known short seller, issued a research report (the Report) alleging TransDigm of being the Valeant of the aerospace industry. The Report revealed, among other things, that the Company uses multiple shell distributors that have no pricing power to avoid detection by making government bids seem competitive. Further, the Report emphasized that TransDigms growth was driven, in large part, by rampant acquisitions and extreme debt levels.

On this news, TransDigms share price fell from $251.76 per share on January 19, 2017 to a closing price of $226.90 on January 20, 2017 a $24.86 or a 9.87% drop.

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 TransDigms 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.
PM Modi's one appeal to voters in Himachal today is 'to participate'

Congress seeks Modi's intervention to reopen Deendayal Upadhyay's death case

India

oi-PTI

Mumbai, August 11: The Maharashtra Congress Committee (MPCC) sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention to reopen the probe into the death of Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, who was found dead at Mughalsarai Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh in 1968.

"Deendayal Upadhyay murder case has been a mystery for the last 49 years. At least in his birth centenary year, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reopen the probe into his murder," MPCC (Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee) spokesperson Sachin Sawant said in a statement issued here.

He said the Centre and various state governments were celebrating the birth centenary of Upadhyay who was the president of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), forerunner to the present day BJP.

"The government is renaming railway stations in his name, erecting his statues in various places, naming various schemes in his memory, among other initiatives. It is thus unfortunate that the death of such a towering personality remains a mystery," Sawant said.

Notably, Fadnavis moved a congratulatory proposal in both Houses of the state legislature, hailing the work done by Upadhyay. "Since it came to power three years back, the BJP has discussed and shown an inclination to probe the death of revolutionary leader Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

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It was expected that the government also probe the death of Upadhyay, who holds immense importance for the saffron party. "Unfortunately, neither the government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, nor the present day dispensation headed by Modi initiated any steps in this regard," Sawant said.

He said former BJS president Balraj Madhok reportedly had some crucial information about the Upadhyay case, but nothing was done, "though his (Upadhyay's) descendants and BJP leader Madhu Sharma had demanded a fresh probe".

Sawant added that there was no harm in making another attempt. Fadnavis should request the PM on behalf of the state to start a fresh probe.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 10:13 [IST]
Construction giant L&T to face probe in Rs 400 crore scam in Mumbai

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Engineering and construction giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) will face probe in Rs 400 crore scam, the Maharashtra government said on Friday. Minister of state for Home, Ranjit Patil said that an inquiry will be conducted into alleged irregularity in the construction of residential buildings by L&T in suburban Powai.

The company is accused of using up land meant for industrial purposes to build residential highrise buildings in violation of rules. The issue was raised by Shiv Sena MLA Sunil Prabhu in the Maharashtra assembly following which the government assured of a probe.

"Larsen and Toubro was given land near Paspoli in Powai area of Mumbai, where the company allegedly constructed ten 24-storey towers, resulting in misappropriation of Rs 400 crore. The company has violated the Urban Land Ceiling Act and Development Control rules," minister Patil told the house.

The company had been granted land by the government for the purpose of setting up a manufacturing unit. Land worth Rs 400 crore, was, however, in violation, used to construct residential units. An attention notice was used to raise the matter before the house.

BJP MLA Ashish Shelar alleged that the company had not taken necessary permissions from the municipal corporation to construct residential units. L&T was also accused of ignoring district collector's order to stop the construction.

With agency inputs

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 23:06 [IST]
Doklam standoff: India readies response as troops build up

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Amidst the Doklam standoff, there has been some build up from the Indian side in terms of troops and artillery. While not specifying why the build up was taking place, the source added that the mobilisation was not unusual.

Highly placed sources tell OneIndia that India is ready to respond if they find any unusual mobilisation by China. For now, things stand at a standstill from the Chinese side and they it does not appear as though they are itching for a war, the source also added.

Doklam standoff: Not 1962, capable of facing any challenge says Jaitley

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On the other hand, diplomatic channels are being explored to sort out the crisis. While on one hand, India stands ready in the event of any escalation, it also understands that the best way to sort out the crisis is through diplomatic channels.

The Army is on high alert not just at Doklam, but all other places where India shares a border with China. Some intelligence inputs have suggested that if China tries to escalate the issue it may not be at Doklam. The border at Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are particularly on high alert as China may try and escalate matters there, the IB has warned.

We are taking no chances, the Army says. The media and some diplomats in China are issuing threats on a daily basis. We cannot afford to be complicit. Officials say that the hyper activity in the Chinese media is only a way to send a message to us that we need to buckle down. We reject China's demand that India pulls out of Doklam. The only two options available are to either position the Bhutan forces there or go in for a simultaneous withdrawal, the officer also added.

OneIndia News
Man booked for tweets against Maha CM; has a history of such posts against leaders

Fadnavis orders Lokayukta probe against housing minister Mehta

India

oi-PTI

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday ordered a Lokayukta probe against Housing Minister Prakash Mehta for unauthorised transfer of extra building rights in the SRA (Slum Rehabilitation Authority) project at the MP Mills Compound in south Mumbai, originally granted to slum dwellers, to project-affected people.

The opposition has been alleging that the move was aimed at favouring a particular developer.

"After I dug deep into the MP Mills compound issue, there were many skeletons that were unearthed and I asked myself if this was another 'Adarsh' (referring to the Adarsh scam)," Fadnavis said replying to a motion moved by Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde in the Legislative Council.

He said said all permissions for construction on this particular land were given between 1999-2004. "As per the property card, that land is owned by the Defence Ministry. How could the previous government permit an additional FSI on the plot when it was known that it was defence land," he said.

Mehta had wrongly mentioned on the file of the project that he had kept the chief minister in loop about the transfer, which was denied by Fadnavis.

"I have decided to conduct a probe by the Lokayukta into the allegations made by the Opposition against the Housing minister, even though there was no decision taken in this particular case," he said.

The opposition has been raising the pitch for Mehta's resignation and had repeatedly stalled the proceedings during the monsoon session of the state legislature over the issue.

The Opposition had also accused Mehta of incorporating the names of his family members as the beneficiaries of a slum redevelopment project in suburban Ghatkopar.

Meanwhile, on allegations against Industries Minister Subhash Desai of Shiv Sena, Fadnavis said the government will request the Lokayukta to consider the case.

The opposition had alleged that Desai had illegally denotified MIDC land within two years.

"Out of 16,909 hectares of denotified land, 9,335 hectares were denotified by the previous government and only the notification has been issued by the present dispensation. This government has denotified only 7,734 hectares of land," Fadnavis said.

"We will request the Lokayukta to consider this case as well, but if this doesn't work out, then we will conduct an independent inquiry," he said.

The chief minister said mere denotification of land by any government does not mean that corruption has taken place.

"Nonetheless, we will probe if land was denotified to favour builders or for some other reason. There will be a fair and an independent report conducted. We will table the report of both the probes in the House," he said.

In his reply, Munde said, "Fadnavis is highly skilled in trying to confuse members of the Opposition and that nobody has the capability to match the CM's expertise".

Regarding the allegations of graft against IAS officer Radheshyam Mopalwar, who was recently removed as managing director of the Maharashtra government undertaking MSRDC, the CM said a joint SIT, consisting a serving IAS officer and officials of the Economic Offences Wing, will be formed and a probe will be conducted.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 23:28 [IST]
Gandhi Jayanti not a holiday in Rajasthan universities this year

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

The new calendar issued by the office of Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh does not have Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 as a holiday this year.

In the new calendar, there are holidays only for Moharram and Diwali in October.

Governor Kalyan Singh is also the chancellor of all state universities.

The Hindustan Times quoted a Rajbhawan spokesperson as saying that the holiday calendar was issued according to the gazetted holiday calendar issued by the state government.

Higher education minister Kiran Maheshwari said since all schools, colleges and universities of the state observe celebrations on October 2, it was decided to not declare Gandhi Jayanti as a holiday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had in 2014, cancelled October 2 as holiday and asked all government employees to be present in office on the day which is generally a national holiday in India.

In 2014, the year BJP government assumed power at the Centre, Modi launched 'clean India' campaign, aimed at cleaning the country. All government officials were asked to come to office and take part in cleaning the office. They were also administered oath of cleanliness.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 9:46 [IST]
Special anti-corruption courts in every district: SC to take up plea next week

SC fixes hearing on all pleas challenging Ayodhya case on December 5

India

oi-Madhuri

The Supreme Court will start hearing Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute on December 5, a day before Babri Masjid demolition's 25th anniversary.

The apex court also granted three months time for translation of the historic documents. Earlier, the Shia Central Waqf Board of Uttar Pradesh told the Supreme Court that the translation of historic documents is not complete yet. The top court was informed that there were 523 exhibits in the Allahabad High Court submission. Some of the historic documents are in Sanskrit, Parsi, Urdu, Arabic and other languages.

The petitioners also asked for four more months to translate the texts, angering the Supreme Court which asked what they were doing for seven years. The apex court, however, says it will facilitate the translation and give the petitioners "reasonable time".

The Supreme Court also rejected BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy's plea as a petitioner in the case. Swamy had requested the court for "intervening opportunity" to get heard. The court says it will give him the opportunity after all parties are heard. The High Court order had been challenged by petitioners, including BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, on the grounds that no prayer had been made to divide the land equally.

Constituted by Chief Justice J S Khehar, a three-judge bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra, Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer will hear a batch of petitions challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict in the case.

On Thursday, the Uttar Pradesh Shia Wakf Board urged the apex court to mediate in the Ayodhya issue and suggested that a Ram temple be built at the disputed site and a mosque in a nearby Muslim-dominated area. The board, which is not a party to the Ayodhya title suit had lost a case over the disputed structure in 1946. Now it is seeking to reopen the issue, by urging the court to allow it to intervene and present its case in the title suit.

"Since, the Babri Masjid was a Shia Waqf, we are alone entitled to negotiate and arrive at peaceful settlement with other stakeholders," Shia Waqf Board said in its statement.

It may be recalled that the Allahabad High Court had in 2010 directed that the site where the Mosque once stood be split between the Nirmohi Akhara, the Waqf Board and Ram Lalla, who were all claimants.

On July 21, a bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar had said that it would soon take a decision to list the matter for early hearing.

OneIndia News
How right to privacy is linked to beef debate in Maharashtra

India

oi-Anusha

In Maharashtra, the debate around beef revolves around the right to privacy and not only on religious beliefs. Privacy is not a matter connected to Aadhaar alone and sections of Maharashtra's beef ban prove that.

Section 5D of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, 1995, allows police to stop a person or enter anyone's house and carry out searches if beef is suspected to be stored. Do you think it is a violation of your privacy? The Maharashtra government does not. Those accused of possessing beef can prove their innocence under 9B of the same law. Both laws were struck down by the Bombay high court in 2016. Now, the government has sought the Supreme Court's intervention.

Sections of Maharashtra's beef ban law were held in violation of the right to privacy and hence struck down. However, the debate has continued with Supreme Court yet to decide on whether privacy is a fundamental right. When the sections were struck down, the Maharashtra government claimed that the Bombay High Court had "quashed the sections erroneously by holding privacy a fundamental right". Maharashtra government cited the ongoing debate on privacy over Aadhaar to claim that privacy had not been declared a fundamental right at the time of the Bombay High Court's judgement.

At a time when the country is debating about food, clothing being a matter of personal choice, the Maharashtra government is hoping to use the lack of 'fundamental right' status to privacy to decide what food goes on people's tables and plates.

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 11:36 [IST]
Hurriyat terror funding: ED set to choke separatists

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has stepped up the heat on the Kashmiri separatists. The agency conducted searches at several locations in Srinagar in connection with the Hurriyat terror funding case.

The ED sleuths conducted searches at many premises connected to one Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad. They said Sheikh's house in Ahmad Nagar and his firms identified as Al Khuddam Tours and Travels and M/s Ferozsons Exports Pvt Ltd in Srinagar were searched. "Agency sleuths have also recovered certain documents related to foreign firms during searches," sources said.

Ahmad is alleged to have export proceeds of over Rs 20 crores as "outstanding" for 2014-15, even as the agency claimed the exporter was "not cooperating" with it. The ED suspects the funds that are allegedly unrealised to the exporter from foreign shores are suspected to be in violation of FEMA and RBI rules. "The suspect being investigated has not been providing any documents and help that was sought from him as part of the probe. The searches had to be conducted to gather evidence," they said.

The ED is probing the case under sections of the Foreign Exchange Management Act. As the export proceeds are outside India and the exporter has not made any attempt to bring it back to the country, it is suspected this money could have been used for terror funding and in hawala transactions, wherein legal banking channels are skirted to route tainted money. The central agency had roped in the state police to conduct the searches, they said.

The ED is also investigating a money-laundering case for alleged terror financing against Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah. The ED recently arrested Srinagar-based Mohammad Aslam Wani, an alleged hawala dealer, in connection with the case against Shah, who is now in judicial custody. Earlier, on August 3, a Delhi court had allowed the ED custody of Shah after the agency alleged he was "ruining" the country by using money to fund terror.

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 6:17 [IST]
Agni 4 has a range of close to 4,000 kms

Agni 4, however, can strike targets in nearly all of China, including Beijing, provided they are launched from the northeast. All the missiles in the Agni series are capable of carrying nuclear warheads. On 19 April 2012, India made its entry into the Intercontinental ballistic Missile (ICBM) club after the successful test launch of its indigenous Agni V missile.

Time and again International defence experts, especially the Chinese, have claimed that India has been understating the range of its intercontinental ballistic missile Agni-5. India initially did not divulge the exact range that the missile can strike but later DRDO hinted that it has the capability to reach 5,000 kms.

China has accused India of understating Agni 5's actual range

Chinese experts say that the missile actually has the potential to reach targets 8,000 kilometres away and that the Indian government had deliberately downplayed the missile's capability in order to avoid causing concern to other countries. If the 8000 kms theory is true then India can strike whole of China even if the missile is launched from Southern India.

Agni-V also features Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRVs) with each missile being capable of carrying 2-10 separate nuclear warheads. Each warhead can be assigned to a different target. One of the main advantages of Agni missiles are that they all use solid fuel which greatly reduces their launch time. If the missile is fitted to a mobile launcher, it can be launched within minutes. Some of the Chinese missiles use liquid propellant, which take time to launch compared to solid fuelled missiles because of the time needed to fuel the missile.

China's Dongfeng: Lethal missiles that can reach even the United States

Dongfeng is a family of missiles developed by China consists of short, medium, intermediate-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Development of Dongfeng missiles started in the 1950s with Soviet assistance after signing of Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, Alliance and Mutual Assistance in 1950.

Dongfeng 1 and Dongfeng 2 were the first two developed in this missile family with ranges of 500 kms and 1,250 kms respectively. Both were in use in the 1960s but are not in operation anymore.

Dongfeng 3 or DF 3, considered to be a copy of soviet R-14 Chusovaya missile, had a range of 2,500 kms, but even this has been retired from the service and replaced by DF 21. Dongfeng 4 and 5 were also developed, while the former will be replaced by DF-31 and the latter has an improved version, DF-5A, that can carry nuclear warheads over 12,000 kms.

Several other missiles in the series also exist but is our concerns are DF-21, DF-26 and DF-31.

Image courtesy: http://eng.mod.gov.cn/

Dongfeng missiles at a military parade in Tiananmen Square

China has reportedly admitted that India's Agni-V is comparable to its DF-26 ICBM which is also nicknamed Guam Killer. The IRBM, with a reported range of 3,500 km, has the ability to reach a major US base in Guam in the western Pacific. DF-26, a two-stage solid fuel rocket IRBM, measures 14 meters long with a diameter of 1.4 meters and a launch weight of 20 tonnes.

It can carry a nuclear or conventional warhead that weighs 1,200-1,800 kilograms and has an estimated maximum range of more than 5,000 km.

Image courtesy: http://eng.mod.gov.cn/
Accession Day: Valley lights up on this day when J&K became part of India

J&K: 34 companies in PoK blacklisted, banned from cross LoC trade

India

pti-PTI

Srinagar, Aug 11: In a circular issued to all traders in Jammu and Kashmir, a total of 34 companies in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) have been banned from carrying out any trade activity on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, officials said.

Custodian of cross LoC trade Sagar D Doifode issued a circular to all traders in Jammu and Kashmir directing them not to enter into any export or import business with the 34 blacklisted companies, they said.

The ban has followed joint efforts by authorities of Jammu and Kashmir and PoK to weed out any illegal activity on cross LoC trade routes, the officials said.

The action comes more than two weeks after police recovered 66.5 kilogram of heroin and brown sugar from a truck coming from PoK at Salamabad trade facilitation centre on July 21.

It was only in 2008 that trade was first allowed across the LoC between Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). However, the trade was duty free as the items traded were treated as 'goods traded in' and 'goods traded out' and not as imports and exports. This because officially India considers PoK to be an integral part of India.

PTI
Toronto, ON, Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA) welcomes a decision by the federal government to review Bank Act restrictions around the use of the terms bank, banker and banking as they concern credit unions and other regulated deposit-taking institutions.

We are pleased that the federal government has recognized the need for a common-sense review of this issue, said Martha Durdin, president and CEO, CCUA. Credit unions provide banking services to millions of Canadians and need to speak to them in a way they can understand.

The federal government addresses the Bank Act restrictions in a consultation paper released earlier today as part of an ongoing review of its federal financial services framework.

Following the release of the consultation paper, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) published a notice saying it was suspending the compliance expectations set out in an interpretative advisory published June 30. OSFI will revisit this issue pending the Department of Finances review of the Bank Act restrictions.

The Canadian Credit Union Association represents 278 credit unions outside of Quebec. Credit unions have won the Ipsos Best Banking Awards for 12 years in a row.

-30-

About Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA)

Canadian Credit Union Association is the national trade association for Canadas credit unions and caisses populaires outside Quebec. These financial institutions offer a full-range of retail banking services to over 5.6 million Canadians. Collectively Canadas 278 credit unions generate over $6.5 billion in economic impact, are leaders in small business lending, and have assets of over $205.3 billion. For more information, visit www.ccua.com.

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0cb2409a-4f2b-4bee-816d-b441c05b36bd
Karnataka stops funds to RSS leader's school, 2,000 students bear the brunt

India

oi-Anusha

The Karnataka government has stopped grants to two schools belonging to prominent RSS leader Prabhakar Bhat popularly called Kalladka Bhat. Close to 2,000 students are now deprived of benefits that they had been receiving since 2007. Students and parents have accused the Congress of indulging in 'political vendetta.

Sri Rama high school in Kalladka and Sri Devi school at Punacha had been receiving grants from Kollur Mookambika temple under its adoption scheme since 2007. Now, the Congress government in Karnataka has passed an order revoking financial assistance to the schools. The unilateral decision has rendered more than 2,000 students helpless.

On Friday, students of both schools protested against the government and its decision that is depriving them of assistance that their school had been receiving for a decade now. "Why is the government destroying our lives? Is this government not cheating us? We get free food, uniform and books because of the assistance and the government wants to snatch it away from us," said one of the protesting students.

Hundreds of students and parents gathered outside the taluk office at B C Road on Friday and shouted slogans against the government. Parents categorically alleged that the schools were being targeted since they belonged to Prabhakar Bhat. "Since 2007, financial assistance from Kollur temple is being extended to the school with government's permission. What is the meaning of withdrawing it suddenly? Why target the children if they want to get back at Bhat?" asked a parent.

Under the adoption program, the schools had been receiving free lunch, uniform and text books since 2007 from the temple. The temple is administered by the endowments department. For a decade, the school had been receiving funds but all of a sudden, the Karnataka government has claimed that a private institution cannot be adopted by a temple.

"About 94 per cent of students belong to poor, backward classes, scheduled castes, tribes and minorities. 52 schools in the state are getting grants in this fashion but only these two schools have been targeted," said parents. They insisted that the crackdown was politically motivated given the rivalry between Congress leader and Karnataka Minister Ramanath Rai and RSS leader Bhat.

Protesters alleged that the state government was committing atrocities on a Kannada school and this 'inhuman initiative of the government' was a violation of Right to education. They have urged that the order cancelling assistance to the schools be withdrawn.

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 19:30 [IST]
Prashant Kishor claims Nitish Kumar in touch with BJP says don't be surprised if he joins hands with it again

Now, Nitish camp of JD (U) blames Sonia for creating rift within the party

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Patna, August 11: The Janata Dal (United) (JD (U)) which is running a coalition government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bihar is clearly in disarray.

Instead of looking inward to solve their muddle, party leaders, belonging to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar camp, have started blaming other political parties for their own problems.

Senior JD (U) leader, KC Tyagi, who belongs to the CM's camp, blamed Congress president Sonia Gandhi for creating rift within the party.

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"Sonia Gandhi ji by inviting the JD (U) to the opposition meeting today is trying to create a rift within our party," Tyagi was quoted as saying by ANI.

Leaders of 18 opposition parties led by Congress president will meet to chalk out a common strategy to corner the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government on a range of issues in the national capital on Friday.

An invite has been sent to leaders of opposition parties, including JD (U)'s Sharad Yadav by leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad on behalf of the Congress chief.

By now, it is clear that Yadav, who is openly criticising the Bihar CM for joining hands with the BJP, is not interested to be a part of the new alliance government in the state. There are also several JD (U) leaders who are against the JD (U) chief Kumar, but are yet to openly defy him.

Since the time, Bihar CM decided to switch sides and align with the BJP to form a fresh government in the state, Yadav, the former president of the JD (U), has been openly criticising the saffron party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On Thursday, Yadav told reporters that he would undertake a yatra (tour) across the state to speak to the voters. He added that he was still with the Mahagathbandan (Grand Alliance).

"We have formed the Mahagathbandan for five years. Kumar has broken the trust of 11 crore people of Bihar," said the senior leader. Reports added that the JD (U) is likely to take disciplinary action against Yadav who is openly criticising the CM, the current party chief.

He might be removed from the party too. In that scenario, Yadav will form his own party.

Joining the debate over the rift within the JD (U), the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) came out in support of Yadav. "Yadav ji is the founder of the JD (U). Kumar's coronation was done by Yadav ji, so a son can't challenge his father," said RJD leader Bhai Virendra.

On Friday, the Kumar camp of the JD (U) also said that action would be taken against another "rebel" leader Ali Anwar.

"We are aware of Anwar's stand. He is involved in anti-party activities. We will act against leaders who go against our chief's decision," said VN Singh, a leader of the JD (U).

A few days ago, Yadav told reporters that Kumar by siding with the BJP has insulted the people of Bihar as the mandate was for the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) and against the communal forces during the 2015 Bihar Assembly elections.

The Grand Alliance was formed by the JD (U) along with the RJD and the Congress ahead of the polls to fight against the might of the BJP. The Grand Alliance formula proved successful as it came to power with a huge mandate.

However, fissures within the Grand Alliance started showing after a series of corruption charges were levelled against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members.

Kumar and his supporters claimed that the CM was forced to walk out of the Grand Alliance as he can't tolerate corruption. The RJD and the Congress criticised Kumar for aligning with communal forces and breaking the alliance in the name of fighting corruption.

OneIndia News
Our kids' killers are walking free: Parents of Kumbakonam school fire victims

India

oi-Anusha

"Had my son been alive, he would have finished college and would have been working now. He would have taken care of me but because of the negligence of school authorities, he died. He burnt to death and his killers have been allowed to walk free. Where is the justice?" asked Mahesh, father of Vignesh who died in the 2004 horrific school fire tragedy in Kumbakonam.

The Madras High Court on Thursday allowed nine accused in the case to walk free. 13 years after a horrific fire accident at a school in Kumbakonam killed 94 children, the Madras High Court acquitted nine accused in the case. The order has come as a heartbreak for parents who have been fighting for justice.

"We have fought relentlessly for years so no child would suffer the fate that our children did. My son died for every child in Tamil Nadu who had to study in a school with a thatched roof. We hope that the government appeals against the conviction," Mahesh added.

Justice Sathya Narayan and Justice Velumani bench of the Madras High Court dismissed the charges against the accused without specifying the reason for acquittal. The accused were asked to pay fines and were let off. "The mothers are inconsolable. Imagine our plight, we have lost our kids and now justice evades us," Mahesh said. A protest has been called for in Kumbakonam on Friday against the order.

The tragic fire

On July 16, 2004, a fire broke out at the Sri Krishna Middle School. The school had a thatched roof and the fire spread quickly to another school. While more than 700 students were studying in all three schools run by the same management illegally, 94 kids were charred to death by the blaze.

24 people, including the school's correspondent and founder, were held responsible for the incident that snuffed the life out of 94 children. A trial court in Thanjavur had convicted 10 people and acquitted 11 people in the case. The headmaster was sentenced to life imprisonment. Now 9 more people have been allowed to walk free.

"This will only make the criminals more brazen. It will not deter any other school authorities from doing the same mistake. Is this what my son died for," asked a grief-stricken Mahesh.

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 10:00 [IST]
Potholes are killing Mumbaikars but making Vande Mataram mandatory is BMC's priority

India

oi-Anusha

"How many will you eliminate before the next monsoon?" was Bombay High Court's question to the Bruhanmumbai Municipal corporation in August this year. The court was pulling up the civic body over killer potholes in Mumbai. Real issues are staring it in the eyes but the BMC seems to have gotten its priorities all wrong.

Within a span of one month, two lives were lost to potholes in Mumbai while many incidents of injuries were reported. Despite potholes claiming lives, Mumbai's civic body is more focused on making singing of Vande Manatram mandatory in BMC-run schools. Despite opposition from the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, the Shiv Sena ruled BMC passed a resolution to make Vande Mataram mandatory for all schools under its aide on Thursday. The same resolute and conviction goes kaput when it comes to fixing real problems like potholes that are claiming the lives of Mumbaikars.

BMC passes resolution to make 'Vande Mataram' mandatory in its schools

"Will the BMC now pass a resolution to make Mumbai pothole-free?" "How about you pass a motion to develop roads that don't get potholes?". These are some reactions of Mumbaikars to BMC's decision to make Vande Mataram mandatory in all its schools.

Playing the nationalist card is easy, doing its job difficult for BMC?

The BMC would rather punish those who raise their voice against civic issues like it did in the case of R K Malishka. She was served notices by the BMC after she produced a video song mocking BMC's handling of civic issues in Mumbai. In July, a 34-year-old biker was crushed to death after she fell off her bike attempting to avoid a pothole in Mumbai. Earlier in the same month, a 17-year-old boy who was riding helmetless died after he slipped from his bike while attempting to avoid a pothole.

Maharashtra has a dubious track record of registering the highest number of deaths due to potholes. 812 people died due to potholes in Maharashtra according to government statistics. These are numbers of cases that were finally registered as pothole deaths but dozens are swept under the carpet with the government refusing to acknowledge potholes as the cause of death. In the case of the 34-year-old woman biker too, the Maharashtra government claimed that the death was not caused by a pothole.

Playing the nationalist card by making singing of Vande Mataram may have brought the BMC some brownie points from a section of the society but the same section also uses the bad roads that the BMC has to offer. Is the civic agency taking the national song route to cover up for its shortcomings on the real job front? After all, maintaining, repairing as well as ensuring quality roads are the primary job of the civic agency.

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 12:36 [IST]
Sikkim standoff: India deploys more troops along China border, caution level raised

India

oi-PTI

Amid Doklam standoff, India has poured in more troops along the entire stretch of its border with China in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the face of heightened rhetoric by Beijing over the Dokalam standoff, senior government officials said on Friday.

The "caution level" among the troops has also been raised, the officials told PTI.

The decision to increase the deployment along the nearly 1,400-km Sino-India border from Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh was taken after carrying out a detailed analysis of the situation and considering China's aggressive posturing against India on Dokalam, the officials said.

"The troop level along the border with China in the Sikkim and Arunachal sectors has been increased," said the officials on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the information. The Army's Sukna-based 33 Corps as well as 3 and 4 corps based in Arunachal and Assam are tasked to protect the sensitive Sino-India border in the eastern theatre.

The officials declined to give any figure or percentage of increased deployment, saying they cannot disclose "operational details." According to defence experts, roughly 45,000 troops including personnel having completed the weather acclimatisation process are normally kept ready along the border at any given time, but not all are necessarily deployed.

The soldiers, deployed over 9,000 feet, have to go through a 14-day-long acclimatisation process. The officials, however, said there is no enhancement of troops at the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction in Dokalam where around 350 army personnel are holding on to their position for nearly eight weeks after stopping Chinese troops from constructing a road on June 16.

Bhutan and China have competing claims over Dokalam, and are negotiating a resolution. China has been ramping up rhetoric against India over the last few weeks, demanding immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Dokalam. The Chinese state media, particularly, has carried a barrage of critical articles on the Dokalam stand-off slamming India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj recently said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, and favoured a peaceful resolution of the border standoff. India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 21:22 [IST]
3 years of abrogation of Article 370: How tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has changed?

OIC meddles in Indias affairs again: What really is hurting this Islamic Cooperation

Status quo of article 370 has to be maintained: Mehbooba after meeting Modi

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Aug 11: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday during which both leaders discussed the agenda of alliance between the BJP and PDP, especially the agreement on article 370.

After the meeting, Mehbooba told the media that the Prime Minister gave 100 percent assurance on the agenda of alliance.

"The basis of our agenda of alliance is that status quo of 370 has to maintained none of us can go against that...Discussions on 35A have a negative impact on Jammu & Kashmir, it should not happen," she added.

Article 35A of the Indian Constitution is an article that empowers the Jammu and Kashmir state's legislature to define "permanent residents" of the state and provide special rights and privileges to those permanent residents

The chief minister, who arrived in the national capital on Thursday, called on the prime minister at his Parliament office, sources said. The meeting comes in the backdrop of the debate on Article 35A of the Constitution that grants special status to the state and is being challenged in the Supreme Court.

The chief minister had met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday. Details of the meeting were not made public by either the Centre or the state government. Officials in the home ministry had said that its law officers would be presenting legal aspects related to Article 35A only and would refrain from joining the case.

Mehbooba is keen to build consensus against scrapping the Constitutional provision, which empowers the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define the state's "permanent residents" and their special rights and privileges, sources said.

Mehbooba had met opposition National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah this week to seek the support of his party on the issue. Abdullah had told her that she should meet the prime minister, all important central ministers and also the BJP leadership to convince the Sangh Parivar against striking down the constitutional provision.

The state BJP, an alliance partner in the state government, had upped the ante with its spokesperson Virendra Gupta saying on Thursday that time had come to bid a farewell to Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution as they created a "separatist psyche".

The controversy erupted in 2014 after an NGO 'We the Citizens' filed a PIL in the Supreme Court seeking that Article 35A be struck down. Article 35A was added to the Constitution by a presidential order in 1954, it said.

While the state government contested the petition, saying the president had the power to incorporate a new provision in the Constitution by way of an order, the Centre, recently, expressed its reservations.

PTI
Tale of obituaries, mortuary as RS bids adieu to Sitaram Yechury

India

oi-Sushma

By Sushma

The last day of CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury's Rajya Sabha journey was filled with jokes, tears and praises from members across the party lines for Yechury. While few members criticized his party's decision against a third Rajya Sabha term for him, others bid an emotional farewell.

The central committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), its highest decision-making body, decided against nominating party general secretary Sitaram Yechury for a third consecutive Rajya Sabha term on July 26. Hence, the Upper House on Thursday bid farewell to the Left party stalwart.

Leaders across the party lines showered praises towards Yechury and remembered his journey all along.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and Yechury were together during Common Minimum Programme of UPA-1 and 2. Remembering those days, Jairam Ramesh said, "I used to often refer to him not as Sitaram Yechury, but as Sitaram 'Obituary', because he was the one who wrote the 'obituary' for both the UPA governments in a way but, certainly, for UPA-I when the Left Front withdrew support on the 123 Agreement," said Ramesh. The entire house was in splits at this point.

Replying to Jairam, Yechury said that Ramesh had only said half part of the story and the second part of the story was that he used to call Jairam 'mortuary'.

"If his policies are followed, then, you will be in the mortuary," said Yechury. At this point, Arun Jaitley was quick to add, "Jairam also has not changed. He continues to write obituaries."

In a lighter vein, Jaitley also said that since Yechury has never had an opportunity to be in the government, he has the liberty of making several suggestions which are "idealistic but un-implementable". Jaitley said that in almost every debate in which Yechury participated, he raised the level of the debate to such an extent that others found it difficult to match that.

The Leader of Opposition, Ghulam Nabi Azad, said, "Yechury is one of those few leaders who do not belong to just a party but to the whole nation". He said his departure from the Rajya Sabha is a loss of the entire House and not just the Opposition.

Emotional moment

Amidst all the jokes and praises, there was an emotional moment in Rajya Sabha as well. Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav in a chocked voice gave farewell speech to Yechury. Yadav sits right next to Yechury in the front row in Rajya Sabha. "Yechury ji, I will always remember you", he said. Yechury in his speech did not forget to mention Yadav and added, "Wherever I sit, I will always look towards my right for you (Yadav). I am sure you will be there."

Being arch rivals in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress (TMC) and CPI(M), TMC were not behind to say a good farewell speech to Yechury. On this occasion, Derek O'Brien siad, "I have to say this. Even the best and die-hard supporters of Manchester United, when they know that there is a good striker for Tottenham Hotspur, they still acknowledge that there is a very good striker for Tottenham Hotspur," Brien said praising Yechury.

Yechury signed off with a couplet from Urdu poet Makhdoom Mohiuddin, saying the need is to take every together for building a better India.

Two other members retire

The Rajya Sabha also bid an adieu to two other members whose term came to an end with the close of the Monsoon session. These members were D Bandyopadhyay of the Trinamool Congress and Dilip Pandya of the BJP.

While nine members are retiring after this session, six of them will be back as they have been re-elected. Deputy Chairman Kurien, while thanking the retiring members for their invaluable contribution, said they should forgive and forget if he had been harsh with them.

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 14:04 [IST]
The 'humble beginnings' v/s 'rich families' in Rajya Sabha

India

oi-Sushma

By Sushma

While Rajya Sabha welcomed the new chairman Venkaiah Naidu on Friday, it also witnessed some fireworks, not literally though. Prime Minister in his welcome speech to RS Chairman, pointed out that all top posts in India were currently being held by those who started with nothing and did not come from 'rich families'. He said, "For the first time all top posts (PM, President, VP and Speaker) are held by those with humble beginnings."

Obviously, this did not go down well with the Opposition parties in the Parliament. PM Modi's apparent jibe at the 'rich families', meaning they were from Congress was met with a rebuttal by Ghulam Nabi Azad, who recounted the sacrifices of 'rich' yet dedicated social servants who belonged to leading Opposition party, including Jawahar Lal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel. He said, "It does not matter if a person came from rich or poor family, but what matters is how much they sacrificed in service of the people."

Currently, India's President is Ram Nath Kovind, who started as student leader, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, who worked his way up the political ladder was a farmers son, while the Prime Minister himself was a tea vendor when he started off. The Speaker of the 16th Lok Sabha, Sumitra Mahajan, hails from a middle-class family in Indore and she is currently the longest-serving woman member in the Parliament.

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 12:36 [IST]
To stop BJP's 2019 march, Opposition parties to meet in Delhi today

India

oi-Madhuri

Leaders of 18 opposition parties led by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi will hold a meeting at 4.30 PM on Friday in Delhi to corner the NDA government on a range of issues.

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After the repeated defeats at the hands of the BJP in a series of elections and the party's aggressive push to establish footprints in non-BJP ruled states through other means, the Opposition leaders are working around the 'unite or perish' principle.

In the last three years, the Opposition have been jumping from one issue to the other to corner PM Narendra Modi-led NDA - from intolerance to demonetisaion to student protests to attacks on Dalit to cow vigilantism to farmers' issue to Presidential election 2017 and more. But their attempts have only helped BJP gain strength from one election to other.

Besides top Congress leaders, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee is also likely to attend the meeting along with other senior leaders like Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav and Sitaram Yechury, sources said.

Apart from the Congress, Left parties, TMC, RJD, JD(U), NCP, JMM, DMK, NC, SP, BSP, RLD, JD-S, Kerala Congress, AIUDF besides some others are slated to participate in the meeting.

The 18 opposition parties had earlier decided to meet once a month to discuss various crucial issues and maintain better coordination among themselves to 'unitedly' take on the government.

OneIndia News (with inputs)
UP ATS picks up two more accused in Al-Qaeda radicalisation case

Uttar Pradesh govt directs Madarsas to hoist tricolour on Aug 15

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

The Uttar Pradesh Madarsa Shiksha Parishad on Friday directed all Madarsas in the state to unfurl national flag and recite national anthem on August 15.

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Uttar Pradesh Minority Affairs Minister Mohsin Raza welcomed the decision as 'good initiative by the government'. Calling it as a good initiative, he said: '' Government will review video recordings and encourage, felicitate participants.''

State BJP leader Vinay Katiyar went a step ahead by threatening Madarsas who defy the circular. He said: 'In madarsas, national anthem should be sung and national flag be hoisted. People who don't agree should be categorised as 'Deshdrohi'.

The Yogi Adityanath government had recently asked madrasas affiliated to the UP Madrasa Shiksha Parishad to pay tribute to freedom fighters and hold cultural programmes on August 15.

UP Madarsa Shiksha Parishad directs all Madarsas in the state to unfurl national flag and recite national anthem on August 15 pic.twitter.com/rZr44e1YXl  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 11, 2017

According to the circular:

The flag hoisting and recitation of the National Anthem will take place at 8 am.

Tribute will be paid to the martyrs of the freedom struggle.

Students have been asked to sing patrotic songs

Student to discuss the history of August 15 and the freedom fighters.

Cultural programmes based on the theme of national unity, along with sports activities.

Sweets will be distributed at the end of the session.

The parishad has also sent the text of the National Anthem in both Hindi and Urdu.

It may be recalled that, in 2016, an RSS affiliate's advice to madrasas to hoist the national flag on campuses on Republic Day had drawn criticism from prominent Islamic seminary Darul-uloom-Deoband, prompting the Muslim Rashtriya Manch to clarify it never doubted the patriotism of these institutions.

The Islamic seminary has objected to the MRM's call and asked the RSS whether it "believed" in the Constitution of India and the national flag.

Seminary's spokesperson had slammed RSS which worships the Bhagwa Ghwaj (saffron flag). He had said that the RSS should hoist tricolour at its headquarters and other offices and only then it should talk about madrasas.

(With agency inputs)
Parlier, California, Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), in Parlier, California released on Friday, August 11 a presolicitation notice in which it announced plans to seek a small business contractor to replace floor tiles.

The USDA, in this presolicitation notice, added that the contractor who receives the contract must furnish all tools, equipment, material, permits, labor, and supervision necessary to remove and replace the tiles, and that the contractor will have 30 calendar days after reviewing the Notice to Proceed to actually complete the project.

Prior to commencing work, the contractor who receives the contract must provide proof that an OSHA-certified "competent person" with 30-hour OSHA certification will maintain a presence at the work site when the general or subcontractors are present. All employees of general contractor or subcontractors on site also must have the 10-hour OSHA-certified Construction Safety course, according to the USDAs presolicitation notice.

The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this procurement is 238330, Flooring Contractors, with a size standard of $15 million. The USDA anticipates the construction project value at between $25,000 and $100,000, and outlined plans to to award a firm fixed-price contract in September 2017.

Contractors interested in this opportunity, which the USDA will make available on fbo.gov, can e-mail Jeffery Ridenour at Jeffery.Ridenour@ars.usda.gov with questions.



Businesses interested in bidding on and receiving contracts from the government must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) database and have as part of the Registration all current Representations and Certifications.



US Federal Contractor Registration, the worlds largest third-party government registration firm, and a firm that not only helps companies survive but also thrive, completes the required Registrations on behalf of its clients. It also makes available information about opportunities like this, as well as training on how to locate, research, and respond to opportunities.

We also make available for our clients and for contracting officers our proprietary Advanced Federal Procurement Data Search (AFPDS). Our Advanced Federal Procurement Data Search (AFPDS) gives you in one place instant bid notifications, bid proposal prospecting, and information about government procurement officers. We make this search tool available to clients, as part of our commitment to helping each and every USFCR client succeed and thrive as a government contractor.



For contracting officers, the AFPDS gives them in one place access to a database of available contractors and also a place to post information about opportunities. Contracting officers get free access to AFPDS. We also provide interested contracting officers a list of contractors who may be able to provide a service and/or product that they need.

For more information, to get started with a SAM registration, to learn more about how US Federal Contractor Registration can help your business succeed, to find out how we can help you complete the processes necessary to become certified as one or more types of small business(es), to determine if your business qualifies for SDVOSB certification, and/or to speak with our federal training specialists about how to craft a memorable proposal, call 877-252-2700, ext. 1.
Venkaiah Naidu will give us a tough time in Rajya Sabha, says Modi

India

oi-Madhuri

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu as the Chairman of Rajya Sabha for the first time on Friday. ''He is the first Vice President who was born in independent India. Venkaiah ji knows the working of Rajya Sabha very well, being in the house for so long, he has seen how the house work," said Modi. Adding further, Modi said, Venkaiah Naidu will give us a tough time in Rajya Sabha as he is a task master.

Hailing Naidu as a son of farmer, Modi said,''It is an honour for us to have people coming from poor and rural families sit on highest constitutional posts. He has worked for them and always talked about the development of rural India."

"Venkaiah ji is one of the few leaders presiding over this house who has a deep understanding of rural issues. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna was his gift to the nation," Modi said.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad also welcomed Naidu as new Chairman and said,"We are proud to have a Chairman from the humble beginings and a rural background and I must salute the strength of democracy and the Constitution that enabled one and all to rise through the ranks and reach here."

Speaking on this occasion, Dy Chairman PJ Kurian said, "My best wishes and greetings to him and we are ready to extend a warm welcome to him as chairman of Rajya Sabha".The deputy chairman also added that Naidu's vast experience as a parliamentarian and parliamentary affairs minister will help him take charge of the new responsibility.

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The Monsoon Session of Parliament will come to an end on Friday after 19 days of pitched battles on issues ranging from the Doklam standoff, mob lynchings, the defection drama in Gujarat to the missing Indians in war-torn Iraq. The day will also mark the change of guards in Rajya Sabha, with M Venkaiah Naidu taking over as the Chairman of the Upper House from outgoing vice-president M Hamid Ansari.

Venkaiah Naidu sworn in as Next Vice President

Vice-President elect M Venkaiah Naidu took oath as the next Vice-President of India at Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan at 10 am. The oath taking ceremony was attended by all Union ministers along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a number of dignitaries. Following the ceremony, the new vice-president will also take charge as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

OneIndia News
D-Syndicate raises its ugly head again: This time on the target are Hindu leaders

When a channel spoke with Dawood Ibrahim for the first time

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

A television channel has for the first time spoken to Dawood Ibrahim. The elusive don wanted in the Mumbai serial blasts case is presently at Karachi. The correspondent dials Dawood who then shoots back, " Aap Kaun."

News18's Manoj Gupta speaks with Dawood for the first time. The voice sample was run by various agencies who confirmed to the channel that it was Dawood's voice indeed.

"Aap Kaun? (Who are you?)" he shot back when asked whether it was Dawood on the line. When this correspondent identified himself, there was a pause. "No this is Chotani speaking." Javed Chotani is a bookie who masterminds Dawood's businesses in Dubai.

Indians know him through his involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing case where he allegedly worked as a conduit between Dawood and the players, the channel also reported.

You can check out the conversation here:

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 6:49 [IST]
What ISIS is trying to tell Bangladesh in 5.55 minutes

Obama defends his decision not to use term Islamic terrorism

Al Qaeda Kashmir chief Zakir Musa trapped by security forces in Tral

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

The Indian Army on Friday launched a cordon and search operation in Norpora village for Al-Qaeda India chief Zakir Musa in Tral.

Security forces have cordoned off the area where Zakir Musa is believed to be hiding in a house.

Massive clashes and protests have been reported in Zakir Musa's native village in Nor Pora.

People have blocked roads making it difficult for security forces to proceed with their operation.

While some media reports suggests that Musa has been trapped by the security forces, there is no official confirmation on the matter yet.

The former Hizbul Mujahideen leader was named the chief of Indian wing of Al-Qaeda in July.

Musa is alleged to have incited the youth of the Kashmir for stone pelting on security forces.

In the video posted on social media, Musa said the protesters should not pelt stones in the name of nationalism, 'but for Islam. He also warned the Jammu and Kashmir Police of alarming consequences which can take place due to an upcoming 'war' and asked them to stop supporting the armed forces.

OneIndia News
If Modi was careful, Doklam stand-off could have been avoided

To get China to budge, India brings in its best 3

China says India has started evacuating villagers near Doklam

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The People's Daily China has said that the Indian Army has ordered the evacuation of a Sikkim village near Doklam. The Indian Army has however refused to comment on the report published by China's biggest newspaper which is also the mouth piece of the Communist Party.

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The People's Daily tweeted: "Indian troops on Thu orders evacuation of Nathang village, near site of two-month standoff between #Chinese and #Indian armies."

The tweet carried a picture showing the two points where the Indian military allegedly crossed the "mutually recognized boundary".

China has taken an aggressive stand since the standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers began on June 16. It accuses New Delhi of trespass and preventing its soldiers from building a road in the disputed region of Doklam, located at a strategic tri-junction between India, China and Bhutan.

On Thursday, Bhutan too denied that it had accepted Doklam belongs to China. Sources say that the troop movement at the disputed site is a routine training exercise of troops from the Siliguri-based 33 Corps because of the border dispute. Sources said the schedule of Operation Alert, a two-week training exercise for troops to familiarise with the area, was advanced from late September to early August.

OneIndia News
Floods after heavy rain kill at least 22 people in Venezuela

Cyber attack affects 7 million mobile phones in Venezuela

International

oi-PTI

Venezuela Caracas, Aug 11: Seven million mobile phone users were left without service due to a massive cyber attack that took down government websites in Venezuela earlier this week.

A group that calls itself The Binary Guardians claimed responsibility for attacks that targeted the websites of the government, the supreme court and the National Assembly.

"These terrorist actions which affected the Movilnet's GSM platform yesterday left without communication seven of the state operator's 13 million users," Science and Technology Minister Hugbel Roa said.

Venezuela has two other private mobile phone operators: Spanish-owned Movistar and Digitel. Roa said the outage was part of a wave of attacks that began Monday when dozens of government and private company websites were hacked.

Roa said there also have been nine cuts in the country's fiber optic network, which has cut off already precarious internet service to seven states.

Roa said that the attacks were carried out with the help of foreign agents, trying once again to disrupt country's connectivity. He added that an investigation was underway.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 9:30 [IST]
Doklam standoff: We will soon call your actions 'invasion,' China tells India

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

We will soon call it invasion, the Chinese have told India amidst the Doklam standoff. So far we have been using trespass and incursion and that is China's goodwill, an analyst of the People's Liberation Army has said.

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A senior PLA analyst Senior Colonel Zhao Xiaozhou was quoted by PTI as saying: "China so far has not used the world 'invasion'. We have only used words like 'trespass' or 'incursion' and that is the goodwill of China." Director at the Centre on China-American Defence Relations of the Academy of Military Science, Xiaozhou said: "We hope for the best but we the Chinese government and the military do not have any room to make any compromise on the matter. So for the well-being of the two peoples and the amity of the two countries, India must withdraw unconditionally."

China on the other hand has increased its troops at the tri-junction. China increased its troop presence at a distance of around one kilometre from Doklam plateau, north of Doka La post. This is where the Chinese have pitched around 80 tents for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers. The number of Chinese troops in the vicinity is estimated to be less than 800. 300 soldiers are also deployed at the standoff site, facing at least 350 Indian soldiers who have pitched tents in the area.

On the other hand India has advanced its schedule for Operational Alert for units of 33 Corps looking after Sikkim's border with China. An Op Alert is a two-week long yearly training event in which all Army units move to familiarise themselves with their likely area of operation.

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 6:44 [IST]
Happy Independence Day- Balochistan: India stands with you

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Today is Independence Day in Balochistan. The Baloch people say that they got independence on August 11 1947 from the British. However in 1948 Pakistan annexed the provide.

Within 24 hours of the declaration of independence in 1947, the Khan of Kalat formed Balochistan's House of Commons and the House of Lords. On 16th December 1947 Khan of Kalat called a meeting of both houses of Balochistan to discuss the possibility of joining Pakistan.

Members of both houses rejected the idea of joining Pakistan. However Pakistan invaded Balochistan and took control and also imprisoned the Khan of Kalat and his family members within the palace.

Pakistan however disputes this claim and say that Balochistan consisted of four provinces of Makran, LasBela, Kharan and Kalat. Among them all were willing to join Pakistan except Kalat, but due to a past treaty it was incorporated into the country.

Irrespective of the claims made by Pakistan, the people of Balochistan still are insecure and upset with the regime. Human Rights Watch (HRW) says the violations have reached 'epidemic proportions' and the Pakistani government hasn't done much to stop these transgressions. Human rights violations have been in the form of torture, extra judicial killings, mysterious disappearance of those opposing the military etc.

OneIndia News
Delhi brokers tried to bribe four TRS MLAs: KCR targets BJP

Hyderabad should remember Sardar Patel the most: Kishan Reddy

RRR box office collection in Japan: SS Rajamouli's flick likely to beat '3 Idiots' record

Honoured to lead US delegation, meet Modi, Ivanka Trump tweets before India visit

International

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Washington, August 11: The first family of the United States of America looks pretty excited as Ivanka Trump, daughter of President Donald Trump, is all set to visit India in November.

Ivanka and her father tweeted to reconfirm her high-profile visit to Hyderabad, as a part of a business delegation beginning from November 28. Both India and the US will co-host the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Hyderabad from November 28. The American delegation will be lead by Ivanka.

"Honored to lead the US delegation to #GES2017 in India & meet with PM Modi & passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe," tweeted Ivanka.

Honored to lead the US delegation to #GES2017 in India & meet with PM Modi & passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe: Ivanka Trump pic.twitter.com/rlzA7t3Quv  ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2017

In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tweet on Thursday night, the US President reconfirmed his daughter's participation at the summit.

"@IvankaTrump will lead the U.S. delegation to India this fall, supporting women's entrepreneurship globally. #GES2017 @narendramodi," tweeted the President.

.@IvankaTrump will lead the U.S. delegation to India this fall, supporting womens entrepreneurship globally.#GES2017 @narendramodi  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2017

It was Modi, who on Thursday, first confirmed about the upcoming event on Twitter. He also confirmed Ivanka's participation in the event. He said the three-day event would aim to bring together entrepreneurs of the two countries.

"The Summit is a unique opportunity for bringing together entrepreneurs and start-ups with global leader," PM Modi tweeted.

"Look forward to Ms Ivanka Trump's presence at GES 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of the US delegation," he said in another tweet.

India and US will co-host the Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Hyderabad from 28-30 November 2017. @realDonaldTrump @IvankaTrump  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 10, 2017

The Summit is a unique opportunity for bringing together entrepreneurs and start ups with global leaders. #GES2017  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 10, 2017

Look forward to Ms. Ivanka Trumps presence at #GES 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of the US delegation. @realDonaldTrump @IvankaTrump  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 10, 2017

Modi, during his meeting with Trump in Washington in June, had invited Ivanka for the GES.

Ivanka had later tweeted, "Thank you, Prime Minister Modi, for inviting me to lead the US delegation to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in India this fall."

The event is being organised by the NITI Aayog in coordination with Ministry of External Affairs.

OneIndia News
Sushma Swaraj at BIMSTEC meeting: Holds bilateral talks with Bhutanese FM

International

pti-PTI

Kathmandu, Aug 11: Amid the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday met her Bhutanese counterpart Damcho Dorji and discussed bilateral issues.

Both the leaders are in Kathmandu to attend a meeting of foreign ministers from the countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), a grouping of countries in South Asia and South East Asia. Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal are members of the BIMSTEC.

"BIMSTEC is our natural partner for regional cooperation, represents common space for peace and development," said Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) Preeti Saran.

"All other member countries recognized role India has played in taking lead in rejuvenating this grouping," she added.

"Time with a close friend and neighbour. The external affairs minister meets with foreign minister of Bhutan Damcho Dorji on sidelines of BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' meet," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted and also posted a picture of the meeting.

Though there was no official word on as to what was discussed between the two leaders, the meeting comes in the backdrop of the current standoff in Doklam -- a trijunction between India, China and Bhutan.

India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector since June 16 after Indian troops stopped the Chinese People's Liberation Army from building a road in the area.

PTI
Climate conference: Rich nations must take blame and aid the poor

Train crash in Egypt kills 36, injures more than 100

International

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

At least 36 people have been killed and more then 100 injured after two trains crashed head-on in Egypt. Images from the crash site show one of the trains partly keeled over after it was derailed from the track.

The accident occurred in the coastal city of Alexandria, with one train from Port and another from Cairo colliding head-on on the tracks.

According to the sources a railroad switching error was the most likely cause of the collision.

State newspaper al-Ahram said 36 bodies had arrived at hospital morgues in Alexandria province. Public prosecutor Nabil Sadek ordered an urgent investigation, it said.

A medical official told state TV some wounded people were still stuck in the trains, reports Reuters.

Footage on state television showed dozens of people crowding around the damaged train cars, with bodies strewn on the ground.

Alexandria has become popular with tourists who flock there for its cosmopolitan vibe and sandy beaches.

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Story first published: Friday, August 11, 2017, 22:29 [IST]
Chicago, Illinois, Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Associa Chicagoland will host the homeowner's forum Ask an Industry Professional event on Wednesday, September 13, 2017, from 6-8:30PM CT to help homeowners enhance their knowledge of the budget process and specifically, understand HOA dues and fees.



The homeowners forum will be open to all board members, current volunteers and unit owners. The sessions will be held by industry professionals that specialize in helping associations build excellent and successful communities through education and awareness.



We take pride in educating our board members, volunteers and homeowners, stated Stephanie Skelley, Chicagoland president. Our communities are successful because of the residents, so we want to take every opportunity to provide them with the most up-to-date information to assist them when making decisions for the communities they serve.



The event will be held at the Wintrust Bank at 100 W North Ave. Chicago, Illinois, with a light dinner being served starting at 6PM. If you would like to participate, please register at Homeowners Forum Ask an Industry Professional.



With more than 180 branch offices across North America, Associa delivers unsurpassed management and lifestyle services to nearly five million residents worldwide. Our 10,000+ team members lead the industry with unrivaled education, expertise and trailblazing innovation. For more than 40 years, Associa has provided solutions designed to help communities achieve their vision. To learn more, visit www.associaonline.com.



Stay Connected:

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US midterm elections: Voting underway, Americans to decide who will control Congress

Russia not reliable for energy or security, US warns India

US visa processing time expected to fall by mid-2023, says official

US: Indian-origin man charged with bribery conspiracy

International

pti-PTI

New York, Aug 11: A 39-year old Indian-origin man, working as a Liquor Board Commissioner, in the United States was indicted on charges of accepting bribes while performing his official duties as a state government employee.

Anuj Sud of Maryland was indicted on charges related to the bribery conspiracy, Acting US Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen Schenning said.

Sud was a Liquor Board Commissioner and has been a licensed attorney in Maryland since 2005.

According to court documents, in September 2015, Sud solicited bribes from a lobbyist in exchange for his assistance with liquor board matters.

At a subsequent meeting, Sud and the lobbyist discussed Sud voting favourably in two upcoming hearings concerning the lobbyist's clients, in exchange for money. At each of the hearings, Sud took favourable action on behalf of the lobbyist's client.

Following each hearing, the lobbyist met with Sud and gave Sud USD 1,000 cash for his assistance. Similarly, Sud received another USD 1,000 bribe payment in exchange for taking favourable action on behalf of the lobbyist's client.

Sud was charged with two counts of bribery, for each of which he faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.

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Reston, Va., Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Constellis, a leading provider of operational support and risk management services, announced today that it has completed its acquisition of OMNIPLEX World Services Corporation (OMNIPLEX), a leading provider of protective and investigative services, from Altamont Capital Partners. The acquisition significantly enhances Constellis service offering to include sophisticated technology and consultative solutions while expanding Constellis U.S. intelligence community customer base and domestic presence.

We are pleased to complete the acquisition of OMNIPLEX, which continues our evolution as an essential service provider and further strengthens our relationship with our intelligence community customers, said Jason DeYonker, chief executive officer of Constellis. OMNIPLEX has significantly enhanced our scale and service offering for domestic security as well as expanded our service capabilities into the background investigation market. Since announcing the acquisition, we have worked with the OMNIPLEX team and its key customers to ensure a seamless transition and continued delivery of industry-leading services.

The transaction brings to Constellis a company that predominantly supports well-funded, difficult-to-penetrate federal agencies across the intelligence, law enforcement and homeland security communities that have an ongoing need for a broad range of investigative and security requirements. Going forward, Constellis will leverage both companies outstanding past performance with the industrys most revered compliance programs to pursue future government and commercial opportunities. With the acquisition of OMNIPLEX, Constellis has approximately 20,000 employees operating in the U.S. and internationally.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside the control of the Company. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely, in terms of quantum and timing, from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason except as may be required by law.

About Constellis

Constellis is the leading provider of risk management, humanitarian, social intelligence, training and operational support services to government and commercial clients throughout the world. Operating in over 45 countries, Constellis 20,000 employees bring unparalleled dedication and passion for creating a safer world by upholding the highest standards of compliance, quality and integrity. Constellis' forward-thinking solutions span a broad range of synergistic services, including background investigations, social intelligence tools, advanced training capabilities, logistics and life support, UAV systems, global tracking technology, fire protection and medical services, information security and crisis response mitigation. At Constellis, our number one mission is to secure success for our customers. For more information, visit www.constellis.com.

About Apollo

Constellis is a portfolio company of certain funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, LLC (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, Apollo), a leading global alternative investment manager with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, St. Louis, Bethesda, Toronto, London, Frankfurt, Madrid, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Delhi, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Apollo had assets under management of approximately $232 billion as of June 30, 2017 in private equity, credit and real assets funds invested across a core group of nine industries where Apollo has considerable knowledge and resources. For more information about Apollo, please visit www.agm.com.

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RESTON, Va., Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Carahsoft Technology Corp., the trusted government IT solutions provider, today announced it was named the New Business Leader 2017 Americas by CyberArk. Carahsoft was recognized during the 2017 Americas Partner Excellence Awards at the 11th annual CyberArk Impact Americas Summit, the worlds largest event for privileged account security advocates.



CyberArk honored Carahsoft for its strong sales growth in new enterprise business accounts and commitment to building vehicles for attracting new accounts. The CyberArk 2017 Americas Partner Excellence Awards celebrate top CyberArk channel, systems integrator and solution provider partners in the United States, Canada and Latin America. These partners have demonstrated strengths in cybersecurity innovation, commitment to skills development and driving customer success with market-leading security solutions to protect against advanced threats.

Carahsoft works to place the most effective cybersecurity solutions into the hands of government customers for the best value, helping safeguard critical infrastructure and data centers. Together, CyberArk and Carahsoft help agencies proactively protect against damaging cyberattacks by moving privileged account security to the core of their cybersecurity strategies.

We are proud to recognize Carahsoft as a valuable CyberArk partner and for its commitment to driving privileged account security awareness and impact among its customers, said Scott Whitehouse, CyberArk Vice President of Channels and Alliances. As a CyberArk Americas Partner Excellence Awards winner, Carahsoft is helping to set the pace in this category for cybersecurity innovation.

CyberArk Impact 2017 featured a record attendance with more than 1,000 customers and partners dedicated to privileged account security. The annual event provides opportunities for education, networking and peer-to-peer exchanges among forward-thinking security practitioners.

We are honored to be recognized as a high-performing business partner for CyberArk, said Steve Jacyna, Director at Carahsoft. Building strong partnerships with our vendors allows us to better focus on meeting the cybersecurity needs of our resellers, system integrators and public sector customers.

About Carahsoft

Carahsoft Technology Corp. is the trusted Government IT solutions provider. As a top-performing GSA Schedule and SEWP contract holder, Carahsoft serves as the master government aggregator for many of its best-of-breed technology vendors, supporting an extensive ecosystem of manufacturers, value-added resellers, system integrators, and consulting partners committed to helping government agencies select and implement the best solution at the best possible value.

The company's dedicated Solutions Divisions proactively market, sell and deliver VMware, Symantec, Veritas, Dell EMC, Adobe, F5 Networks, Google Cloud, ServiceNow, Open Source, HPE Software, SAP, Salesforce, and Innovative and Intelligence products and services, among others. Carahsoft is consistently recognized by its partners as a top revenue producer, and is listed annually among the industry's fastest growing and largest firms by CRN, Inc., Forbes, Washington Technology, The Washington Post, Washington Business Journal, and SmartCEO. Visit us at www.carahsoft.com.

About CyberArk

CyberArk is the only security company focused on eliminating the most advanced cyber threats; those that use insider privileges to attack the heart of the enterprise. Dedicated to stopping attacks before they stop business, CyberArk proactively secures against cyber threats before attacks can escalate and do irreparable damage. The company is trusted by the worlds leading companies  including more than 50 percent of the Fortune 100  to protect their highest value information assets, infrastructure and applications. A global company, CyberArk is headquartered in Petach Tikva, Israel, with U.S. headquarters located in Newton, Mass. The company also has offices throughout the Americas, EMEA, Asia Pacific and Japan. To learn more about CyberArk, visit www.cyberark.com, read the CyberArk blog, or follow on Twitter via @CyberArk, LinkedIn or Facebook.

Copyright  2017 CyberArk Software. All Rights Reserved. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
by  Graham Pierrepoint



The Simpsons turned down President Trump for a guest appearance on the series --

They often say that getting a cameo on The Simpsons means youve made it. After all, the Springfield fivesome and their equally bizarre neighbors have been part of our TV schedules and popular culture for three decades now. Guest spots on the show werent prevalent initially, but once the series started getting serious attention, a number of huge names queued up to put their names on the bill  and their voices to a yellow, cartoonified version of themselves. Among the first of these in early seasons included Michael Jackson and Dustin Hoffman, albeit under pseudonyms  and anyone following the show for the past fifteen or so years will know that an episode these days without a celebrity guest star is a very rare one indeed  whether theyre appearing as themselves, or a one-off character. With Ed Sheeran being the latest star to clinch a spot in Springfield after his stint on Game of Thrones, whos next?

We know who isnt  US President Donald Trump. While The Simpsons may have featured a caricature of the Commander in Chief in previous episodes  and while they may have outright predicted the real estate mogul becoming President in an episode as far back as 2000  it seems that any chance of The Donald visiting Springfield legitimately are certainly not on the cards right now. Speaking to a panel at San Diego Comic-Con, long-running executive producer Al Jean alluded to the President having had a request to guest on the show rejected  in response to a question regarding who, if anyone, had faced such rejection in the past. Jean responded, Lets just say hes the President of the United States.

Whether this means a meeting between Trump and the show staff never took place  or if it means that the show had rebuffed him many years prior  remains unclear. The show has since lampooned the President a number of times, and Trump has opposed such lampooning on shows such as Saturday Night Live in recent months, particularly during his election campaign  meaning he may not be so keen to lend his voice these days. Certainly, with drama surrounding the exit of Anthony Scaramucci and ongoing investigations into alleged communications with Russian officials, it seems that President Trump may have more than a little on his plate to contend with right now.

The Simpsons has been on air long enough to see six different US Presidents take office  will they stick around for a seventh  and will they be allowed a guest slot?
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NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (Booz Allen or the Company) (NYSE:BAH) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, is on behalf of a class consisting of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Booz Allens securities, seeking to recover compensable damages caused by defendants violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.



If you are a shareholder who purchased Booz Allen securities between May 19, 2016 and June 15, 2017, both dates inclusive, you have until August 18, 2017 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll free, ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

Booz Allen is an American management consulting firm. The Company purports to provide management and technology consulting, engineering, analytics, digital, mission operations, and cyber solutions to governments, corporations, and not-for-profit organizations in the United States and internationally. At all relevant times, Booz Allen has derived substantially all of its revenues from services provided to the U.S. government.

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Companys business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Booz Allen engaged in improper accounting practices in its contracts with the U.S. government; (ii) consequently, the Companys revenues derived from services provided to the U.S. government were inflated and unsustainable; (iii) discovery of the foregoing conduct would subject the Company to heightened regulatory scrutiny, potential criminal sanctions, and jeopardize its business relationship with the U.S. government; and (iv) as a result of the foregoing, Booz Allens public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On June 15, 2017, post-market, Booz Allen disclosed that on June 7, 2017, the Companys subsidiary Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. was informed that the U.S. Department of Justice is conducting a civil and criminal investigation relating to certain elements of [its] cost accounting and indirect cost charging practices with the U.S. government.

On this news, Booz Allens share price fell $7.43, or 18.89%, to close at $31.90 on June 16, 2017.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com
Eurasia Review 20 Jun 2021

By Yossi Mekelberg*



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NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Axiom Holdings, Inc. (Axiom or the Company) (OTCMKT:AIOM) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Southern District of New York, and docketed under 17-cv-04756, is on behalf of a class consisting of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Axiom securities, seeking to recover compensable damages caused by defendants violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.



If you are a shareholder who purchased Axiom securities between October 14, 2016 and June 19 2017, both dates inclusive, you have until August 21, 2017 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll free, ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

Axiom Holdings, Inc. is an independent power producer and real estate developer that develops, builds, owns & operates power generation plants and hotels. Axiom continues to leverage its global partnerships with real estate owners and hydropower developers and expand its asset portfolio through acquisition and development of identified pipeline.

On October 10, 2016, Axiom Holdings, Inc. entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the Agreement) with CJC Holdings, Ltd. (together with its subsidiaries, CJC), a Hong Kong corporation, and the two shareholders of CJC, Hu Dengyang and Yang Chuan (collectively, the CJC Shareholders). CJC, through its subsidiaries, operates and constructs hydropower electric generation stations located in China with two in operation, a third under construction and a fourth in the planning stage and slated for operation in 2019. In addition, CJC, through its subsidiaries, operates two hotels in China.

Pursuant to the Agreement, Axiom was to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of CJC from the CJC Shareholders in exchange for the issuance to the CJC Shareholders of 200,000,000 shares of the Companys common stock.

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Companys business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Axion lacked control over the merger process sufficient to ensure that the Agreement with CJC would be completed; (ii) accordingly, the Agreement with CJC was never completed; (iii) the Companys issuance of shares to the CJC Shareholders was thus improper; and (iv) as a result of the foregoing, Axioms public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On June 19, 2017, Axiom issued a press release disclosing that the Company had identified discrepancies related to prior news announcements in response to a subpoena from the Securities and Exchange Commission. The following day, Axiom issued a second press release, advising investors that it now appears the merger was never completed and advising investors that it would rescind the shares that were issued to the CJC Shareholders in connection with the merger.

On this news, Axioms share price fell $0.44, or 37.93% over two trading days, to close at $0.72 on June 20, 2017.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.
Eco Friendly Ganesha In Bangalore

www.MySamskruti.com

http://www.tmad.org/

Legend has it Goddess Parvati created Ganesha out of clay while having bath and set him to guard her door while she finishes her bath. Shiva who had gone out, returned at that time, but as Ganesha didn't know of him, stopped him from entering. An angry Shiva severed the head of Ganesha after a combat between the two. Parvati was enraged and Shiva promised Ganesha will live again. The devas who went in search of a head facing north of a dead person could manage only the head of an elephant. Shiva fixed the elephant's head on the child and brought him back to life.Let's celebrate this Ganesha Chaturthi traditional way and use Ganesha made out of Clay instead of toxic PoP .We cant stop buying Ganesha idols but we can be a little more responsible while purchasing them .Here is list of 8 places to Buy an Eco friendly Ganesha in Bangalore:1. A Hundred Hands:No 4 Ashley road, Behind Ajanta Hotel,Off Brunton Road, Behind MG Road, Bangalore 560 025Contact: Mala Dhawan: 080 25583292 / 98450 084822. Online -They are celebrating Eco- Ganesha from 2015 .You could buy their 100% Natural Eco-Ganesha from : https://www.mysamskruti.com/eco-ganesha-bangalore.htmlAnd they deliver to your doorstep .You could mail them at info@mysamskruti.com or call them at 95383991003. E-CoExistThey have a wide range of Ganesha idols and not only are they eco friendly, these have been made by a growing network of sculptors from various part of India and by mentally and physically challenged youth and adults. This project helps them all earn an income.To know more call 9049146644 or write to lolitaecoexist@gmail.com with a copy to ganeshecoexist@gmail.com.5. SeshadriNo.3, Near BMS College Of Women, West Anjaneya Temple Road, Gandhi Bazar, Bangalore, Call: 93423032476. Mother NatureShop No.12, 2nd Floor, Royal Meenakshi Mall, Hulimavu, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore, Call: (080) 25125131No.s- 40 & 41, 2nd Floor, Mantri Mall, Sampige Road, Malleswaram, Bangalore, Call: (080) 65472292No.541/543, Opp To Dell Office, Amarjyothi Layout, Intermediate Ring Road, Domlur, Bangalore, Call: (080) 653979577. To Make A Difference FoundationLike every year, TMAD is promoting Clay Ganesha Idols for Ganesha Festival in Bangalore. Here is their link :8.SujathaHal Market, HAL 2nd Stage-Indira Nagar, Bangalore, Call: 9886888117Shiva who had gone out, returned at that time, but as Ganesha didn't know of him, stopped him from entering. An angry Shiva severed the head of Ganesha after a combat between the two. Parvati was enraged and Shiva promised Ganesha will live again. The devas who went in search of a head facing north of a dead person could manage only the head of an elephant. Shiva fixed the elephant's head on the child and brought him back to life.Let's celebrate this Ganesha Chaturthi traditional way and use Ganesha made out of Clay instead of toxic PoP .We cant stop buying Ganesha idols but we can be a little more responsible while purchasing them .
Global Cloud GIS Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022

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This report studies the global Cloud GIS market, analyzes and researches the Cloud GIS development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeCarto DBESRIHexagonGIS CloudMapboxApple MapsGoogle MapsOpenStreetMapBing Maps.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, Cloud GIS can be split intoPublic Cloud GISPrivate Cloud GISHybrid Cloud GISMarket segment by Application, Cloud GIS can be split intoNatural ResourcesUtilitiesTele-communicationsGovernmentOtherTable of ContentsGlobal Cloud GIS Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Cloud GIS1.1 Cloud GIS Market Overview1.1.1 Cloud GIS Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Cloud GIS Market Size and Analysis by RegionsObtain Report Details @2 Global Cloud GIS Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Cloud GIS Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Carto DB3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Cloud GIS Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 ESRI3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Cloud GIS Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Hexagon4 Global Cloud GIS Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Cloud GIS Market Size by Type (2012-2017)4.2 Global Cloud GIS Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Potential Application of Cloud GIS in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Cloud GIS5 United States Cloud GIS Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Cloud GIS Market Size (2012-2017)5.2 United States Cloud GIS Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)List of Tables and FiguresFigure Cloud GIS Product ScopeFigure Global Cloud GIS Market Size (Million USD) (2012-2017)Table Global Cloud GIS Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure Global Cloud GIS Market Share by Regions in 2016Figure United States Cloud GIS Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure EU Cloud GIS Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure Japan Cloud GIS Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact UsBrooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:
Scott Stinard, CPA, CGMA, Appointed Assurance Director

Scott Stinard, CPA, CGMA

https://orlandoaccounting.com

Orlando, FL  August 1, 2017  Grennan Fender Hess & Poparad, an Orlando based certified public accounting firm providing tax, audit, consulting, outsourced accounting, cloud accounting and tax planning has recently named Scott Stinard, CPA, CGMA, as Assurance Director. Scott joins the firm having over 16 years of accounting and finance experience.Scott has a passion in serving middle market companies; having years of experience working with manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, services and technology entities. In his role, Scott delivers advice regarding complex accounting matters and employee benefit compliance matters, as well as ensuring engagements run smoothly and efficiently. Scott has been involved in over 200 employee benefit plan audits during his career and has a thorough understanding of industry and compliance matters relating to both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Stinard has also served on the FICPA's Employee Benefit Plan Conference Planning Committee.Scott is a Florida certified public accountant and a Florida chartered global management accountant. He earned a bachelors degree in accounting from Florida Atlantic University and is a member of both the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.Grennan Fender Hess & Poparad, LLP has been a leading Orlando CPA and business financial solutions firm for more than 40 years. The firm provides a wide array of innovative services for clients, including tax, audit, consulting, outsourced accounting, cloud accounting and tax planning to meet both individual and business needs., please visitGrennan Fender McCrady Hess & Poparad LLP1000 Legion Place, Suite 701Orlando, FL 32801
SPOKANE, Wash., Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avistas (NYSE:AVA) Power Cost Rate Adjustment (PCRA) filing was dismissed yesterday by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (Commission or UTC). The PCRA filed by Avista on May 26, 2017 proposed an annual electric revenue increase of $15 million or 2.9 percent, effective Sept. 1, 2017. This filing was separate from the electric and natural gas general rate cases also filed on May 26, 2017.

This filing was made following meetings with Commissioners, Commission Staff and other parties involved in ratemaking proceedings, and was designed to be a starting point to get cost recovery back on track for Avistas Washington electric operations. The UTCs order in December 2016 provided no revenue increase for 2017, which has resulted in the electric rate increase request of 12.5 percent in Avistas pending general rate case in Washington to be higher than it otherwise would have been. The proposed PCRA increase was designed to make incremental progress with a 2.9 percent increase to customers Sept. 1, 2017, and a second-step increase effective at the conclusion of the general rate case on or around April 26, 2018.

We are very disappointed in the Commissions decision, said Scott Morris, Avistas Chairman, President and CEO. The increased costs included in the PCRA were known changes in power costs, which have generally been less controversial in prior regulatory proceedings. The PCRA was an opportunity to begin to get retail rates back on track for customers, as well as provide some incremental improvement in earnings for the Company.

Avistas power supply costs, on a normalized basis, are much higher than those built into base retail rates, and a revenue increase is needed to recover these increased costs on a going-forward basis. These increased costs are included in Avistas pending general rate case in Washington, which is scheduled to be concluded by April 26, 2018.

About Avista Corp.

Avista Corp. is an energy company involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses. Avista Utilities is our operating division that provides electric service to 378,000 customers and natural gas to 342,000 customers. Its service territory covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.6 million. Alaska Energy and Resources Company is an Avista subsidiary that provides retail electric service in the city and borough of Juneau, Alaska, through its subsidiary Alaska Electric Light and Power Company. Avista stock is traded under the ticker symbol "AVA." For more information about Avista, please visit www.avistacorp.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the companys current expectations. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than historical facts. Such statements speak only as of the date of the news release and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the companys control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, in addition to those discussed herein, all of the factors discussed in the companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017.
Biobanking Market  Global Industry Insights, Size, Share, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 20172022

Biobanking Market

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The Global Biobanking Market Research Report provides detailed analysis of the key regional market status of the Biobanking Industry.According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Bio banking Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast period. Factors such as occurrence of chronic diseases, increase in aging population and decrease in research expenses are fueling the market growth. By sample type, human tissues segment is largest market accounting for almost 55% of the total market share during the forecast period. The unavailability of proper animal models for some neurological and psychiatric diseases is a significant factor in the growing preference for human tissue.By product type, equipment segment commanded the largest market share during the forecast period. By geography, North America and Europe commanded the largest market share attendance of large players that are domiciled out of these nations.Some of the key players in Biobanking market includeThermo Fisher Scientific, DNA Genotek, BioStorage Technologies, Askion GmBH, LVL Technologies, Cryo Bio System, BioRep SRL, Seralab, Tissue Solutions, SOL Group, Micronic, Brooks Life Science Systems, Fluidx, CryoXtract and Beckman Coulter.Sample Copy @Applications Covered: Population Biobanks Virtual Biobanks Tissue BiobanksProduct Types Covered: Consumables EquipmentSample Types Covered: Stem Cells Bio-fluids Human Tissues Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) Ribonucleic acid (RNA) Other Sample TypesRegions Covered: North Americao USo Canadao Mexico Europeo Germanyo Franceo Italyo UKo Spaino Rest of Europe Asia Pacifico Japano Chinao Indiao Australiao New Zealando Rest of Asia Pacific Rest of the Worldo Middle Easto Brazilo Argentinao South Africao EgyptWhat our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments- Market share analysis of the top industry players- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants- Market forecasts for a minimum of 6 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementsTable Of Content1 Executive Summary2 Preface2.1 Abstract2.2 Stake Holders2.3 Research Scope2.4 Research Methodology2.4.1 Data Mining2.4.2 Data Analysis2.4.3 Data Validation2.4.4 Research Approach2.5 Research Sources2.5.1 Primary Research Sources2.5.2 Secondary Research Sources2.5.3 Assumptions3 Market Trend Analysis3.1 Introduction3.2 Drivers3.3 Restraints3.4 Opportunities3.5 Threats3.6 Application Analysis3.7 Product Analysis3.8 Emerging Markets3.9 Futuristic Market Scenario4 Porters Five Force Analysis4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers4.2 Bargaining power of buyers4.3 Threat of substitutes4.4 Threat of new entrants4.5 Competitive rivalry5 Global Biobanking Market, By Application5.1 Introduction5.2 Population Biobanks5.3 Virtual Biobanks5.4 Tissue Biobanks10 Company Profiling10.1 Thermo Fisher Scientific10.2 DNA Genotek10.3 BioStorage Technologies10.4 Askion GmBH10.5 LVL Technologies10.6 Cryo Bio System10.7 BioRep SRL10.8 Seralab10.9 Tissue Solutions10.10 SOL Group10.11 Micronic10.12 Brooks Life Science Systems10.13 Fluidx10.14 CryoXtract10.15 Beckman CoulterCONTACT US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)For accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially check :For updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially check :Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Pune, India
HVAC Control Systems 2017 Global Key Players Honeywell International, Johnson Controls, ABB, Schneider Electric, United Technologies Corporation Market Analysis And Forecast To 2022

HVAC Control Systems Market

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HVAC Control Systems Market 2017Wiseguyreports.Com Adds HVAC Control Systems Market -Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities, Manufacturers, Analysis of Top Key Players and Forecast to 2022 To Its Research Database.Description:In this report, the global HVAC Control Systems market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report split global into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of HVAC Control Systems for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal HVAC Control Systems market competition by top manufacturers/players, with HVAC Control Systems sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingHoneywell InternationalJohnson ControlsABBSchneider ElectricSiemens AGUnited Technologies CorporationEmerson ElectricIngersoll Rand PLCCylonDelta ControlsKMC ControlsTraneRequest for Sample Report@On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoTemperature ControlVentilation ControlHumidity ControlIntegrated ControlOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of HVAC Control Systems for each application, includingResidential SectorCommercial SectorIndustrial SectorEnquiry before Buying @Table of Contents:Global HVAC Control Systems Sales Market Report 20171 HVAC Control Systems Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of HVAC Control Systems1.2 Classification of HVAC Control Systems by Product Category1.2.1 Global HVAC Control Systems Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global HVAC Control Systems Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Temperature Control1.2.4 Ventilation Control1.2.5 Humidity Control1.2.6 Integrated Control1.3 Global HVAC Control Systems Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global HVAC Control Systems Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Residential Sector1.3.3 Commercial Sector1.3.4 Industrial Sector1.4 Global HVAC Control Systems Market by Region1.4.1 Global HVAC Control Systems Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States HVAC Control Systems Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 China HVAC Control Systems Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Europe HVAC Control Systems Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan HVAC Control Systems Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia HVAC Control Systems Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India HVAC Control Systems Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of HVAC Control Systems (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global HVAC Control Systems Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global HVAC Control Systems Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 Global HVAC Control Systems Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global HVAC Control Systems Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global HVAC Control Systems Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global HVAC Control Systems Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Global HVAC Control Systems (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global HVAC Control Systems Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global HVAC Control Systems Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Global HVAC Control Systems (Volume and Value) by Region2.3.1 Global HVAC Control Systems Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.3.2 Global HVAC Control Systems Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4 Global HVAC Control Systems (Volume) by Application9 Global HVAC Control Systems Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data9.1 Honeywell International9.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.1.2 HVAC Control Systems Product Category, Application and Specification9.1.2.1 Product A9.1.2.2 Product B9.1.3 Honeywell International HVAC Control Systems Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.2 Johnson Controls9.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.2.2 HVAC Control Systems Product Category, Application and Specification9.2.2.1 Product A9.2.2.2 Product B9.2.3 Johnson Controls HVAC Control Systems Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.3 ABB9.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.3.2 HVAC Control Systems Product Category, Application and Specification9.3.2.1 Product A9.3.2.2 Product B9.3.3 ABB HVAC Control Systems Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.4 Schneider Electric9.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.4.2 HVAC Control Systems Product Category, Application and Specification9.4.2.1 Product A9.4.2.2 Product B9.4.3 Schneider Electric HVAC Control Systems Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.5 Siemens AG9.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.5.2 HVAC Control Systems Product Category, Application and Specification9.5.2.1 Product A9.5.2.2 Product B9.5.3 Siemens AG HVAC Control Systems Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.6 United Technologies Corporation9.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.6.2 HVAC Control Systems Product Category, Application and Specification9.6.2.1 Product A9.6.2.2 Product B9.6.3 United Technologies Corporation HVAC Control Systems Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.7 Emerson Electric9.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.7.2 HVAC Control Systems Product Category, Application and Specification9.7.2.1 Product A9.7.2.2 Product B9.7.3 Emerson Electric HVAC Control Systems Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.8 Ingersoll Rand PLC9.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.8.2 HVAC Control Systems Product Category, Application and Specification9.8.2.1 Product A9.8.2.2 Product B9.8.3 Ingersoll Rand PLC HVAC Control Systems Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.9 Cylon9.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.9.2 HVAC Control Systems Product Category, Application and Specification9.9.2.1 Product A9.9.2.2 Product B9.9.3 Cylon HVAC Control Systems Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.10 Delta Controls9.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.10.2 HVAC Control Systems Product Category, Application and Specification9.10.2.1 Product A9.10.2.2 Product B9.10.3 Delta Controls HVAC Control Systems Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.11 KMC Controls9.12 TraneContinued..Buy now @For accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially check:For updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially check:Contact US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres:: Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt Ltd: Pune  411028: Maharashtra,: Ph: +91 841 198 5042
North America High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Market : key Vendors, Trends, Analysis, Segmentation, Forecast to 2017-2022

High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Industry

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Press Release: Pune, India- August , 2017North America High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022Description:"Decorative laminates are laminated products primarily used as furniture surface materials or wall paneling. It can be manufactured as either high- or low-pressure laminate, with the two processes not much different from each other except for the pressure applied in the pressing process.High Pressure Laminate (HPL) is composed of resin-impregnated Kraft paper, decorative paper face material and a clear melamine-impregnated overlay. These sheets are bonded at pressures greater than 1000 pounds per square inch and temperatures approaching 300 F (149C).HPL is available in hundreds of solid colors, wood grains and abstracts with multiple finishes to select from as well."For Sample Report@Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the High Pressure Laminate (HPL) in North America market, especially in United States, Canada and Mexico. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, countries, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversletcher BuildingWilsonartKingboard LaminatesToppanATI LaminatesEGGERKronospanTrespa InternationalSumitomoPFLEIDERERPanolam IndustriesASDAbet LaminatiOMNOVA SolutionsSonae IndustriaArpa IndustrialeSWISS KRONOLAMITECHFORMILINEZhenghangHopewellGuangzhou G&PRoseburgMerinoAnhui XimaDura TuffGreenlamViolamAOGAOCrownGentasPOLYREYResopalNevamarMarket Segment by Countries, coveringUnited StatesCanadaMexicoMarket Segment by Type, coversHorizontalVerticalMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoCommerciallyResidencesIndustryThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the North America High Pressure Laminate (HPL) market.Chapter 1, to describe High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by countries, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the manufacturers of High Pressure Laminate (HPL), with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the North America market by countries, covering United States, Canada and Mexico, with sales, revenue and market share of High Pressure Laminate (HPL), for each country, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the segment market in United States, Canada and Mexico, by manufacturers, type and application, with sales, price, revenue and market share by manufacturers, types and applications;Chapter 10, High Pressure Laminate (HPL) market forecast, by countries, type and application, with sales, price and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 11, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process etc.Chapter 12, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 13, to describe sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc.Chapter 14 and 15, to describe High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data sourceFor any Enquiry write us @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Horizontal1.2.2 Vertical1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Commercially1.3.2 Residences1.3.3 Industry1.4 Market Analysis by Countries1.4.1 United States Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.2 Mexico Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Canada Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving Force2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 letcher Building2.1.1 Profile2.1.2 High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 letcher Building High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.1.4 Business Overview2.1.5 letcher Building News2.2 Wilsonart2.2.1 Profile2.2.2 High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Type 12.2.2.2 Type 22.2.3 Wilsonart High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.2.4 Business Overview2.2.5 Wilsonart News2.3 Kingboard Laminates2.3.1 Profile2.3.2 High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Type 12.3.2.2 Type 22.3.3 Kingboard Laminates High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.3.4 Business Overview2.3.5 Kingboard Laminates News2.4 Toppan2.4.1 Profile2.4.2 High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Type and Applications2.4.2.1 Type 12.4.2.2 Type 22.4.3 Toppan High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.4.4 Business Overview2.4.5 Toppan News2.5 ATI Laminates2.5.1 Profile2.5.2 High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Type and Applications2.5.2.1 Type 12.5.2.2 Type 22.5.3 ATI Laminates High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.5.4 Business Overview2.5.5 ATI Laminates News2.6 EGGERContinuedBuy now@Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028 Maharashtra, India
Climate Chamber Market 2017 Trends by Key Players, Manufacturing Process, Machinery, Raw Materials, Cost and Revenue, Forecast to 2022

Climate Chamber

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The Global Climate Chamber Market Research Report provides detailed analysis of the key regional market status of the Climate Chamber Industry.In this report, the global Climate Chamber market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Global Climate Chamber market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Climate Chamber sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player;the top players includingESPECWeiss TechnikThermotronCSZAngelantoniBinderClimatsMemmertHitachiRussells Technical ProductsTPSCMEKambicHastest SolutionsInfinityWuxi PartnerShanghai JiayuAPKJGuangzhou MingshengSample Copy @Geographically, this report split global into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Climate Chamber for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoConstant Climate ChamberDynamic Climate ChamberSmall Benchtop ChambersWalk-in ChambersOthersOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Climate Chamber for each application, includingIndustryElectronicBiologicalPharmaceuticals SectorIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table Of ContentGlobal Climate Chamber Sales Market Report 20171 Climate Chamber Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Climate Chamber1.2 Classification of Climate Chamber by Product Category1.2.1 Global Climate Chamber Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Climate Chamber Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Constant Climate Chamber1.2.4 Dynamic Climate Chamber1.2.5 Small Benchtop Chambers1.2.6 Walk-in Chambers1.2.8 Others1.3 Global Climate Chamber Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Climate Chamber Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Industry1.3.3 Electronic1.3.4 Biological1.3.5 Pharmaceuticals Sector1.4 Global Climate Chamber Market by Region1.4.1 Global Climate Chamber Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Climate Chamber Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 China Climate Chamber Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Europe Climate Chamber Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Climate Chamber Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Climate Chamber Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Climate Chamber Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Climate Chamber (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Climate Chamber Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Climate Chamber Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)9 Global Climate Chamber Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data9.1 ESPEC9.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.1.2 Climate Chamber Product Category, Application and Specification9.1.2.1 Product A9.1.2.2 Product B9.1.3 ESPEC Climate Chamber Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.2 Weiss Technik9.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.2.2 Climate Chamber Product Category, Application and Specification9.2.2.1 Product A9.2.2.2 Product B9.2.3 Weiss Technik Climate Chamber Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.3 Thermotron9.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.3.2 Climate Chamber Product Category, Application and Specification9.3.2.1 Product A9.3.2.2 Product B9.3.3 Thermotron Climate Chamber Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.4 CSZ9.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.4.2 Climate Chamber Product Category, Application and Specification9.4.2.1 Product A9.4.2.2 Product B9.4.3 CSZ Climate Chamber Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.5 Angelantoni9.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.5.2 Climate Chamber Product Category, Application and Specification9.5.2.1 Product A9.5.2.2 Product B9.5.3 Angelantoni Climate Chamber Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.6 Binder9.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.6.2 Climate Chamber Product Category, Application and Specification9.6.2.1 Product A9.6.2.2 Product B9.6.3 Binder Climate Chamber Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.7 Climats9.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.7.2 Climate Chamber Product Category, Application and Specification9.7.2.1 Product A9.7.2.2 Product B9.7.3 Climats Climate Chamber Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.8 Memmert9.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.8.2 Climate Chamber Product Category, Application and Specification9.8.2.1 Product A9.8.2.2 Product B9.8.3 Memmert Climate Chamber Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.9 Hitachi9.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.9.2 Climate Chamber Product Category, Application and Specification9.9.2.1 Product A9.9.2.2 Product B9.9.3 Hitachi Climate Chamber Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.10 Russells Technical Products9.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.10.2 Climate Chamber Product Category, Application and Specification9.10.2.1 Product A9.10.2.2 Product B9.10.3 Russells Technical Products Climate Chamber Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.11 TPS9.12 CME9.13 Kambic9.14 Hastest Solutions9.15 Infinity9.16 Wuxi Partner9.17 Shanghai Jiayu9.18 APKJ9.19 Guangzhou MingshengCONTACT US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)For accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially check :For updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially check :Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Pune, India
Multirotors Market - Global Industry Key Players, Development Status, Type and Application, Forecast 2017 to 2022

Multirotors Market

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WiseGuyReports added new market study, titled Global Multirotors Sales Market Report 2017 to its expanding database of research reports. The research study offers a comprehensive overview of market and growth trends of this industry in the coming years.Multirotors" statistical surveying report gives an inside and out examination of the Multirotors " market and its vital evaluation and foresight during forecast period. The report considers the current situation of the market and incorporates a conversation on showcase development drivers, patterns, and limitations in the market. It outlines the major players in the market.The aim of market research is to get equipped with the information needed to develop business strategies such as expansion & business setups, investments plan, innovation, and brand reinforcement to achieve expected growth and success. With the help of effective market research, get valuable information about your competitors, economic shifts, demographics, the current market trends and expensive features on your customers. At the global level, the report provide an outlook for import and export market trend in present and coming years. These analytics are used in the future for estimating the above standards. The market research helps to produce a wealth of information about your products and services.The report provides in depth study of Multirotors using SWOT analysis i.e. Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threat to the organization. The report identify the strength factors of the organization will help organizations to hold a major share in the market, rectify where the organization is lacking or some hole which is creating glitches for development product. Look out for more opportunity in the market, need to be up to date to avoid any threats, competitors and substitutes.Sample link @The Multirotors report represent the complete analysis for major players in the market. The analysis is done on various prime factors such as organization overview, product profile and understanding, cost layout, manufacturing the product, financial stability of the organization. The branding strategy used by major players to launch their product in market and amount spent on various medium use to promote a product in the market.Key players here:Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)Draganfly InnovationsAerovironment, Inc.CoptercamAibotixAeryon LabsDji InnovationsCyberhawk Innovations Ltd.Microdrones GmbHThe report showcase existing situation of the market which is based on historical data and predicted market growth references to value, volume, technology advancement, Macroeconomic and political factors.Report link @Table of content:Global Multirotors Sales Market Report 20171 Multirotors Market Overview2 Global Multirotors Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application3 United States Multirotors (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4 China Multirotors (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5 Europe Multirotors (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6 Japan Multirotors (Volume, Value and Sales Price)7 Southeast Asia Multirotors (Volume, Value and Sales Price)8 India Multirotors (Volume, Value and Sales Price)9 Global Multirotors Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data11 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers12 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders13 Market Effect Factors Analysis14 Global Multirotors Market Forecast (2017-2022)15 Research Findings and Conclusion16 AppendixList of Tables and Figures:Figure Product Picture of MultirotorsFigure Global Multirotors Sales Volume Comparison (K Units) by Type (2012-2022)Figure Global Multirotors Sales Volume Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2016Figure 3-rotor Multirotors Product PictureFigure 4-rotor Multirotors Product PictureFigure 6-rotor Multirotors Product PictureFigure 8-rotor Multirotors Product PictureFigure Global Multirotors Sales Comparison (K Units) by Application (2012-2022)Figure Global Sales Market Share of Multirotors by Application in 2016Figure Commercial Use ExamplesTable Key Downstream Customer in Commercial UseFigure Military Use ExamplesTable Key Downstream Customer in Military UseFigure Global Multirotors Market Size (Million USD) by Regions (2012-2022)Figure United States Multirotors Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure China Multirotors Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Europe Multirotors Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Japan Multirotors Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Southeast Asia Multirotors Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure India Multirotors Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Global Multirotors Sales Volume (K Units) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Global Multirotors Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Global Market Major Players Multirotors Sales Volume (K Units) (2012-2017)Table Global Multirotors Sales (K Units) of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)Table Global Multirotors Sales Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)For accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially check :Contact Us:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.Office No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune  411028Maharashtra, India
Automotive Gear Oil Market Forecasts 2017 FUCHS Lubricants, Sinopec Lubricant, Shell

Automotive Gear Oil

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Global Automotive Gear Oil Market ResearchA market study  Global Automotive Gear Oil Market  examines the performance of the Automotive Gear Oil market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Automotive Gear Oil market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Automotive Gear Oil market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Automotive Gear Oil Market 2017 report includes Automotive Gear Oil market Revenue, market Share, Automotive Gear Oil industry volume, market Trends, Automotive Gear Oil Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Automotive Gear Oil Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Automotive Gear Oil Market 2017:1. FUCHS Lubricants2. Sinopec Lubricant3. Shell4. ExxonMobil5. BP6. Total Lubricants7. Chevron8. JiangSu Lopal Petrochemical...Firstly, the report covers the top Automotive Gear Oil manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Automotive Gear Oil report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Automotive Gear Oil industry, Automotive Gear Oil industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Automotive Gear Oil Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Inquiry Before Purchasing Report:The Automotive Gear Oil 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 Automotive Gear Oil market revenue worldwide.Finally, Automotive Gear Oil 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
Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) Market Forecasts 2017 Xiya Chemical, Hunan Jufa

Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1)

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Global Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) Market ResearchA market study  Global Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) Market  examines the performance of the Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) Market 2017 report includes Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) market Revenue, market Share, Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) industry volume, market Trends, Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) Market 2017:1. Xiya Chemical2. Hunan JufaFirstly, the report covers the top Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) industry, Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Inquiry Before Purchasing Report:The Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) 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 Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) market revenue worldwide.Finally, Cadmium Carbonate (CAS#: 93820-02-1) 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
Energy Meter Market Share 2017 Eaton, CAREL, SMA Australia, E.ON, Iberdrola

Energy Meter

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Global Energy Meter Market ResearchA market study  Global Energy Meter Market  examines the performance of the Energy Meter market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Energy Meter market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Energy Meter market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Energy Meter Market 2017 report includes Energy Meter market Revenue, market Share, Energy Meter industry volume, market Trends, Energy Meter Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Energy Meter Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Energy Meter Market 2017:1. Eaton2. CAREL3. SMA Australia4. E.ON5. Iberdrola6. Holley Metering7. Itron8. CIRCUTOR...Firstly, the report covers the top Energy Meter manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Energy Meter report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Energy Meter industry, Energy Meter industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Energy Meter Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Complete Report:The Energy Meter 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 Energy Meter market revenue worldwide.Finally, Energy Meter 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
Ultrabooks Market Size 2017 Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Samsung

Ultrabooks

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Global Ultrabooks Market ResearchA market study  Global Ultrabooks Market  examines the performance of the Ultrabooks market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Ultrabooks market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Ultrabooks market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Ultrabooks Market 2017 report includes Ultrabooks market Revenue, market Share, Ultrabooks industry volume, market Trends, Ultrabooks Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Ultrabooks Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Ultrabooks Market 2017:1. Apple2. Dell3. HP4. Lenovo5. ASUS6. Samsung7. Acer8. Toshiba9. Fujitsu10. Sony11. LG12. Hasee13. VIZIO...Firstly, the report covers the top Ultrabooks manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Ultrabooks report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Ultrabooks industry, Ultrabooks industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Ultrabooks Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Inquiry Before Purchasing Report:The Ultrabooks 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 Ultrabooks market revenue worldwide.Finally, Ultrabooks 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
Vanadium Trichloride Market Size 2017 Omkar Specialty Chemicals, TCI America, Strem ChemIcals

Vanadium Trichloride

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Global Vanadium Trichloride Market ResearchA market study  Global Vanadium Trichloride Market  examines the performance of the Vanadium Trichloride market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Vanadium Trichloride market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Vanadium Trichloride market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Vanadium Trichloride Market 2017 report includes Vanadium Trichloride market Revenue, market Share, Vanadium Trichloride industry volume, market Trends, Vanadium Trichloride Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Vanadium Trichloride Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Vanadium Trichloride Market 2017:1. Omkar Specialty Chemicals2. TCI America3. Strem ChemIcals4. Richman Chemical5. MP BIomedIcals6. EVRAZ VanadiumFirstly, the report covers the top Vanadium Trichloride manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Vanadium Trichloride report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Vanadium Trichloride industry, Vanadium Trichloride industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Vanadium Trichloride Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Inquiry Before Purchasing Report:The Vanadium Trichloride 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 Vanadium Trichloride market revenue worldwide.Finally, Vanadium Trichloride 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
Chinas Weaponization of Trade

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NEW DELHI  China denies mixing business with politics, yet it has long used trade to punish countries that refuse to toe its line. Chinas recent heavy-handed economic sanctioning of South Korea, in response to that countrys decision to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system, was just the latest example of the Chinese authorities use of trade as a political weapon.

Chinas government has encouraged and then exploited states economic reliance on it to compel their support for its foreign-policy objectives. Its economic punishments range from restricting imports or informally boycotting goods from a targeted country to halting strategic exports (such as rare-earth minerals) and encouraging domestic protests against specific foreign businesses. Other tools include suspending tourist travel and blocking fishing access. All are used carefully to avoid disruption that could harm Chinas own business interests.

Mongolia became a classic case of such geo-economic coercion, after it hosted the Dalai Lama last November. With China accounting for 90% of Mongolian exports, the Chinese authorities set out to teach Mongolia a lesson. After imposing punitive fees on its commodity exports, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi voiced hope that Mongolia has taken this lesson to heart and that it would scrupulously abide by its promise not to invite the Tibetan spiritual leader again.

A more famous case was Chinas trade reprisals against Norway, after the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo. As a result, Norwegian salmon exports to China collapsed.

In 2010, China exploited its monopoly on the global production of vital rare-earth minerals to inflict commercial pain on Japan and the West through an unannounced export embargo. In 2012, after Chinas sovereignty dispute with Japan over the Senkaku Islands (which the Japanese first controlled in 1895) flared anew, China once again used trade as a strategic weapon, costing Japan billions of dollars.

Likewise, in April 2012, following an incident near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, China bullied the Philippines not only by dispatching surveillance vessels, but also by issuing an advisory against travel there and imposing sudden curbs on banana imports (which bankrupted many Philippine growers). With international attention focused on its trade actions, China then quietly seized the shoal.

Chinas recent trade reprisals against South Korea for deploying the THAAD system should be viewed against this background. Chinas reprisals were not launched against the US, which deployed the system to defend against North Koreas emerging missile threat and has the heft to hit back hard.

Nor was this the first time: in 2000, when South Korea increased tariffs on garlic to protect its farmers from a flood of imports, China responded by banning imports of South Korean cellphones and polyethylene. The sweeping retaliation against unrelated products was intended not only to promote domestic industries, but also to ensure that South Korea lost far more than China did.

China will not use the trade cudgel when it has more to lose, as illustrated by the current Sino-Indian troop standoff at the border where Tibet, Bhutan, and the Indian state of Sikkim meet.

Chinese leaders value the lopsided trade relationship with India  exports are more than five times higher than imports  as a strategic weapon to undercut its rivals manufacturing base while reaping handsome profits. So, instead of halting border trade, which could invite Indian economic reprisals, China has cut off Indian pilgrims historical access to sacred sites in Tibet.

Where it has trade leverage, China is not shy about exercising it. A 2010 study found that countries whose leaders met the Dalai Lama suffered a rapid decline of 8.1-16.9% in exports to China, with the result that now almost all countries, with the conspicuous exception of India and the US, shun official contact with the Tibetan leader.

The harsh reality is that China is turning into a trade tyrant that rides roughshod over international rules. Its violations include maintaining nontariff barriers to keep out foreign competition; subsidizing exports; tilting the domestic market in favor of Chinese companies; pirating intellectual property; using antitrust laws to extort concessions; and underwriting acquisitions of foreign firms to bring home their technologies.

China regards even bilateral pacts as no more than tools to enable it to achieve its objectives.

From Chinas perspective, no treaty has binding force once it has served its immediate purpose, as officials recently demonstrated by trashing the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration that paved the way for Hong Kongs handover in 1997.

Ironically, China has developed its trade muscle with help from the US, which played a key role in Chinas economic rise by shunning sanctions and integrating it into global institutions.

President Donald Trumps election was supposed to end Chinas free ride on trade. Yet, far from taking any action against a country that he has long assailed as a trade cheater, Trump is helping make China great again, including by withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and shrinking US influence in the Asia-Pacific region.

The TPP, which Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is seeking to revive, but without US participation, can help rein in Chinas unremitting mercantilist behavior by creating a market-friendly, rule-based economic community. But if the TPP is to be truly effective in offsetting the trade sword wielded by a powerful, highly centralized authoritarian regime, it needs to be expanded to include India and South Korea.

Chinas weaponization of trade has gone unchallenged so far. Only a concerted international strategy, with a revived TPP an essential component, stands a chance of compelling Chinas leaders to play by the rules.
Companion Diagnostics Market Size 2017 Roche Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories, Agilent Technologies

Companion Diagnostics

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Global Companion Diagnostics Market ResearchA market study  Global Companion Diagnostics Market  examines the performance of the Companion Diagnostics market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Companion Diagnostics market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Companion Diagnostics market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Companion Diagnostics Market 2017 report includes Companion Diagnostics market Revenue, market Share, Companion Diagnostics industry volume, market Trends, Companion Diagnostics Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Companion Diagnostics Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Companion Diagnostics Market 2017:1. Roche Diagnostics2. Abbott Laboratories3. Agilent Technologies4. QIAGEN NV5. Thermo Fisher Scientific6. Myriad Genetics7. Abbott Laboratories8. Advanced Cell Diagnostics9. Agilent Technologies10. BiomeRieux11. Biogenex Laboratories12. Danaher Corporation13. GE Healthcare14. Myriad Genetics15. Qiagen N.V16. Roche Diagnostics17. Thermo Fisher Scientific18. R-Biopharm19. Cypher Genomics20. Flagship Biosciences21. Applied Proteomics22. Ignyta23. Madison Vaccines24. Ventana Medical Systems...Firstly, the report covers the top Companion Diagnostics manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Companion Diagnostics report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Companion Diagnostics industry, Companion Diagnostics industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Companion Diagnostics Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Inquiry Before Purchasing Report:The Companion Diagnostics 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 Companion Diagnostics market revenue worldwide.Finally, Companion Diagnostics 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
Automotive Exterior LED Lighting Market Forecasts 2017 Koito, Hella, Magneti Marelli

Automotive Exterior LED Lighting

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Global Automotive Exterior LED Lighting Market ResearchA market study  Global Automotive Exterior LED Lighting Market  examines the performance of the Automotive Exterior LED Lighting market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Automotive Exterior LED Lighting market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Automotive Exterior LED Lighting market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Automotive Exterior LED Lighting Market 2017 report includes Automotive Exterior LED Lighting market Revenue, market Share, Automotive Exterior LED Lighting industry volume, market Trends, Automotive Exterior LED Lighting Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Automotive Exterior LED Lighting Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Automotive Exterior LED Lighting Market 2017:1. Koito2. Hella3. Magneti Marelli4. Stanley5. Valeo6. Ichikoh7. Zkw8. Visteon?Varroc?9. Tyc10. Depo11. Tayih-Ind12. Xingyu13. Tongming14. Tianchong...Firstly, the report covers the top Automotive Exterior LED Lighting manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Automotive Exterior LED Lighting report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Automotive Exterior LED Lighting industry, Automotive Exterior LED Lighting industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Automotive Exterior LED Lighting Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Complete Report:The Automotive Exterior LED Lighting 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 Automotive Exterior LED Lighting market revenue worldwide.Finally, Automotive Exterior LED Lighting 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
DC-DC Converters Market Forecasts 2017 General Electric, Ericsson, Texas Instruments

DC-DC Converters

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Global DC-DC Converters Market ResearchA market study  Global DC-DC Converters Market  examines the performance of the DC-DC Converters market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the DC-DC Converters market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of DC-DC Converters market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global DC-DC Converters Market 2017 report includes DC-DC Converters market Revenue, market Share, DC-DC Converters industry volume, market Trends, DC-DC Converters Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, DC-DC Converters Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global DC-DC Converters Market 2017:1. General Electric2. Ericsson3. Texas Instruments4. Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd.5. Delta Electronics Inc.6. Bel Fuse Corporation7. Vicor Corporation8. FDK Corporation9. Cosel Co10. Traco Electronic AG11. Artesyn Embedded Technologies12. Crane Aerospace and Electronics...Firstly, the report covers the top DC-DC Converters manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the DC-DC Converters report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of DC-DC Converters industry, DC-DC Converters industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. DC-DC Converters Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Complete Report:The DC-DC Converters 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 DC-DC Converters market revenue worldwide.Finally, DC-DC Converters 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
Military Shoes Market Size 2017 BATES, 5.11 TACTICAL, DANNER, CORCORANMilitary Shoes Market Size 2017 BATES, 5.11 TACTICAL, DANNER, CORCORAN

Military Shoes

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Global Military Shoes Market ResearchA market study  Global Military Shoes Market  examines the performance of the Military Shoes market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Military Shoes market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Military Shoes market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Military Shoes Market 2017 report includes Military Shoes market Revenue, market Share, Military Shoes industry volume, market Trends, Military Shoes Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Military Shoes Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Military Shoes Market 2017:1. BATES2. 5.11 TACTICAL3. DANNER4. CORCORAN5. REEBOK6. THOROGOOD7. RIDGE OUTDOORS8. UNDER ARMOUR9. TG10. ROCKY...Firstly, the report covers the top Military Shoes manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Military Shoes report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Military Shoes industry, Military Shoes industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Military Shoes Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Inquiry Before Purchasing Report:The Military Shoes 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 Military Shoes market revenue worldwide.Finally, Military Shoes 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
Ophthalmic Laser Devices Market Size 2017 Abbott Laboratories, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

Ophthalmic Laser Devices

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Global Ophthalmic Laser Devices Market ResearchA market study  Global Ophthalmic Laser Devices Market  examines the performance of the Ophthalmic Laser Devices market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Ophthalmic Laser Devices market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Ophthalmic Laser Devices market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Ophthalmic Laser Devices Market 2017 report includes Ophthalmic Laser Devices market Revenue, market Share, Ophthalmic Laser Devices industry volume, market Trends, Ophthalmic Laser Devices Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Ophthalmic Laser Devices Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Ophthalmic Laser Devices Market 2017:1. Abbott Laboratories2. Carl Zeiss Meditec AG3. Ellex Medical Lasers Limited4. Novartis AG5. Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems6. IRIDEX Corporation7. Lumenis8. NIDEK9. Quantel Group10. SCHWIND eye-tech solutions11. Topcon Corporation12. Valeant Pharmaceuticals International...Firstly, the report covers the top Ophthalmic Laser Devices manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Ophthalmic Laser Devices report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Ophthalmic Laser Devices industry, Ophthalmic Laser Devices industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Ophthalmic Laser Devices Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Inquiry Before Purchasing Report:The Ophthalmic Laser Devices 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 Ophthalmic Laser Devices market revenue worldwide.Finally, Ophthalmic Laser Devices 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
Turbine Inlet Cooling System Market Trend, Segmentation And Industry Analysis Research Report 2017

Turbine Inlet Cooling System

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The Global Turbine Inlet Cooling System Market Research Report provides detailed analysis of the key regional market status of the Turbine Inlet Cooling System Industry.According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Turbine Inlet Cooling System market is expected to grow from $3.839 billion in 2016 to reach $5.525 billion by 2022 with a CAGR of 6.2%. Some of the factors propelling the market growth are growing need of energy and power in urban countries and rising demand for turbine inlet cooling systems. On the other hand, limitations of turbine inlet cooling technologies and huge costs of the systems inhibit the market growth.Chiller Systems leads the market globally with the biggest market share and is expected to grow with a high CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to high efficiency of cooling systems in lowering the turbine inlet air temperatures. North America is expected to witness huge growth rate and the demand for turbine inlet cooling systems in this region is growing due to natural gas power production.Some of the key players in global turbine inlet cooling system market includeBaltec IES Pty. Ltd, Mee Industries Inc, Cat Pumps Inc, Siemens AG, American Moistening Company Inc, Score Energy Limited, Camfil Power Systems, Humifrio S.L, Caldwell Energy Company Inc, UTC Technologies Company , Johnson Controls, Araner, Guntner, Stellar Energy , and GE Energy.Sample Copy @Technologies Covered: Mechanical Chillers Inlet Fogging Wet Compression Otherso Absorption Coolingo LNG Vaporizationo Hybrid SystemsRegions Covered: North Americao USo Canadao Mexico Europeo Germanyo Franceo Italyo UKo Spaino Rest of Europe Asia Pacifico Japano Chinao Indiao Australiao New Zealando Rest of Asia Pacific Rest of the Worldo Middle Easto Brazilo Argentinao South Africao EgyptWhat our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments- Market share analysis of the top industry players- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants- Market forecasts for a minimum of 7 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementsTable Of Content1 Executive Summary2 Preface2.1 Abstract2.2 Stake Holders2.3 Research Scope2.4 Research Methodology2.4.1 Data Mining2.4.2 Data Analysis2.4.3 Data Validation2.4.4 Research Approach2.5 Research Sources2.5.1 Primary Research Sources2.5.2 Secondary Research Sources2.5.3 Assumptions3 Market Trend Analysis3.1 Introduction3.2 Drivers3.3 Restraints3.4 Opportunities3.5 Threats3.6 Technology Analysis3.7 Emerging Markets3.8 Futuristic Market Scenario4 Porters Five Force Analysis4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers4.2 Bargaining power of buyers4.3 Threat of substitutes4.4 Threat of new entrants4.5 Competitive rivalry5 Global Turbine Inlet Cooling System Market, By Technology5.1 Introduction5.2 Mechanical Chillers5.3 Inlet Fogging5.4 Wet Compression5.5 Others5.1.1 Absorption Cooling5.1.2 LNG Vaporization5.1.3 Hybrid Systems8 Company Profiling8.1 Baltec IES Pty. Ltd.8.2 Mee Industries Inc.8.3 Cat Pumps Inc.8.4 Siemens AG8.5 American Moistening Company Inc.8.6 Score Energy Limited8.7 Camfil Power Systems8.8 Humifrio S.L.8.9 Caldwell Energy Company Inc.8.10 UTC Technologies Company8.11 Johnson Controls8.12 Araner8.13 Guntner8.14 Stellar Energy8.15 GE EnergyCONTACT US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)For accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially check :For updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially check :Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Pune, India
Global Rabbit Feed Sales Market Report 2017

Global Rabbit Feed Sales Market Report 2017

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The Rabbit Feed Sales Market Research Report 2017 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Rabbit Feed industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Rabbit Feed 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 Rabbit Feed 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 Rabbit Feed market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Rabbit Feed 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 Rabbit Feed Market Overview2 Global Rabbit Feed Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application3 United States Rabbit Feed (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4 China Rabbit Feed (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5 Europe Rabbit Feed (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6 Japan Rabbit Feed (Volume, Value and Sales Price)7 Southeast Asia Rabbit Feed (Volume, Value and Sales Price)8 India Rabbit Feed (Volume, Value and Sales Price)9 Global Rabbit Feed Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data10 Rabbit Feed Maufacturing Cost Analysis11 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers12 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders13 Market Effect Factors Analysis14 Global Rabbit Feed Market Forecast (2017-2022)15 Research Findings and Conclusion16 AppendixRelated Reports:Global Rabbit Feed Sales Market Report 2017Europe Rabbit Feed Sales Market Report 2017China Rabbit Feed Sales Market Report 2017India Rabbit Feed Sales Market Report 2017Japan Rabbit Feed Sales Market Report 2017USA Rabbit Feed Sales Market Report 2017Korea Rabbit Feed 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
Smart Grid Security Market Analysis, Applications, Size, Share, Overview To 2022

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ReportBazzar has released its latest research-based report entitled Smart Grid Security market. The report provides a holistic approach to the market growth with a detailed and precise analysis of the overall competitive scenario of the Smart Grid Security market worldwide along with the key trends and latest technologies, playing a prominent role in the Smart Grid Security market growth over the next eight years.The energy industry involves industries that include production and sale of energy which primarily consists of fuel extraction, refining distribution and manufacturing. The energy and utility industry is going through a change with high degrees of volatility of oil prices in recent years and is expected to stay range bound in over the forecast period. The power industry maintains its stability through growth in distributions schemes, energy efficiency programs and renewable energy schemes.Request for the trending free sample of this report:Recognizing the rising prevalence of Smart Grid Security market, this research report proves to be a primary source of guidance and detailed data on the market at global scale. The report evaluates the present scenario as well as changing trends in the market to project its outlook and future prospects.The report features: Market segmentation Market growth and prospects Market Trends and Developments Market driver analysis Market restraint analysis Opportunities Porters Analysis PESTLE AnalysisThis report is a systematic research study based on the market and analyzes the competitive framework of the global Smart Grid Security industry. The report includes research methodology that involves both secondary and primary surveys. Lots of articles, journals and magazines are read before extracting data for the concerned market. In turn, these data which are sourced are further validated from primary interviews where we come in contact with regional buyers and global buyers and sellers. The base year taken for the study is 2015 while the forecast year is taken from 2017 to 2022.Various competent analytical tools have been used to offer a comprehensive assessment of the market. The report comprises of each aspect of the global market for Smart Grid Security. Here, the market is basically segmented by its product type, application and region. It starts with the basic information and then advances to the market classification and segmentation based on different criteria. It analyses the key segments and the regional subdivision of the market and helps determine the future of the market in the global arena.View complete report in detailed @Major regions, countries, and sub-segments have been analyzed for providing the better understanding of the market scope worldwide. The report studies the market by evaluating the manufacturers, manufacturing chain, contribution in the industry, regulations, prevalent policies and cost structures. The regional markets for the Smart Grid Security market are analyzed by evaluating the raw material price trend analysis, logistics, demand, and supply, production capacity, as well as the historical performance of the market in the given region.The report also provides insights on the competitive landscape of the global Smart Grid Security industry with the leading players profiled in the report. The company profiles, trends, tactics, merger & acquisitions, business strategies, financial metrics of the major participants operating in the global Smart Grid Security market have been reviewed in this study.Ask for Discount @About Us:Reportbazzar.com is your trusted source for the most inclusive and informative assortment of market research reports designed to empower you with the latest in industry information that translates to time and cost savings for your business. We not only help you give wing to your latent business ideas but also facilitate you in taking the best informed and strategic decisions that guarantee success in your most promising business endeavors. Our intelligence database comprises of vast arrays of strategically analyzed and high-level market research reports that encompass all major industries worldwide. All the specialized research reports available at Reportbazzar.com are tailor-made to suit your every business need, no matter how diverse or demanding it is.Contact for more details:Report BazzarUnited States30 Wall Street, 8th floor,New York, NY 10005.US: +1 (212) 389-6363Email: sales@reportbazzar.com
Learn details of the Dispensing Valves Market Size

Dispensing Valves Market

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The Dispensing Valves Market Research Report Forecast 2017-2022 is a valuable source of insightful data for business strategists. It provides the Dispensing Valves industry overview with growth analysis and historical & futuristic cost, revenue, demand and supply data (as applicable). The research analysts provide an elaborate description of the value chain and its distributor analysis.This report studies the dispensing valves market, dispensing valves offer an excellent way to dispense bulk or high volume materials, in a wide selection of all purpose. It is mainly used in electronics manufacturing, appliance industry and automotive electronics market.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Dispensing Valves 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.Buy the complete Dispensing Valves report with Comprehensive table of contents @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversHenkelNordsonMUSASHIGracoDELOTechcon SystemsIwashita Engineering, Inc.FisnarDymax CorporationAxxonPVAMarket 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, coversSpray ValveNeedle dispensing valveDiaphragm glue valveScrew dispensing valveOthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoElectronics ManufacturingAppliance industryAutomotive electronicsOthersInquire for discount for this report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Dispensing Valves market.Chapter 1, to describe Dispensing Valves Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Dispensing Valves, with sales, revenue, and price of Dispensing Valves, 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 Dispensing Valves, 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, Dispensing Valves market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Dispensing Valves sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourcePartial list of Tables and Figures for this report include:Figure Brazil Dispensing Valves Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Egypt Dispensing Valves Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Saudi Arabia Dispensing Valves Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure South Africa Dispensing Valves Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Nigeria Dispensing Valves Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Table Henkel Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and CompetitorsTable Henkel Dispensing Valves Type and ApplicationsTable Henkel Dispensing Valves Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)Table Nordson Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and CompetitorsTable Nordson Dispensing Valves Type and ApplicationsTable Nordson Dispensing Valves Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)Table MUSASHI Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and CompetitorsTable MUSASHI Dispensing Valves Type and ApplicationsTable MUSASHI Dispensing Valves Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)Table Graco Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and CompetitorsAbout Us:eMarketOrg.com aims to provide businesses and organizations market intelligence products and services that help in making smart, instant and crucial decisions. Our database offers access to insights from industry leaders, experts and influencers on global and regional sectors, market trends, user behaviour, for companies as well as products. With data and information from reputable and trusted private and public sources, our clients are never short of statistics and analysis that are up to date.Contact Details:Ronald Aldensales@emarketorg.cominfo@emarketorg.comeMarketOrg.com aims to provide businesses and organizations market intelligence products and services that help in making smart, instant and crucial decisions. Our database offers access to insights from industry leaders, experts and influencers on global and regional sectors, market trends, user behaviour, for companies as well as products. With data and information from reputable and trusted private and public sources, our clients are never short of statistics and analysis that are up to date.Starting with market research reports, eMarketOrg.com plans to add conferences, knowledge products, which can be periodically subscribed to, and more to its range of business offerings. Spread across the globe, our network of partners, in collaboration with our service specialists, ensure that our clients receive the right product, service and/or solution that meet their requirements in convenient timelines and within comfortable budgets that neither go underutilized nor dig a big hole into their monthly, quarterly and/or yearly spends.Get in touch with us to experience a new one-stop market intelligence and business service.F/3, 4A Bharat Pushpa Apt.,Subhash Nagar, Shukrawar Peth,Pune  411002
Global Internet of Things Industry News, Opportunities and Growth Report 2025

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Global Internet of Things Market Report 2017-2025 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.Request Sample Copy is Available atThe report firstly introduced the Internet of Things 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.Global Internet of Things Market competition by top manufacturers with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturers.Global Internet of Things Market Top Players- Apple, Inc.- Bosch Software Innovations GmbH- Cisco Systems, Inc.- General Electric- Google- IBM Corporation- Intel Corporation- Microsoft Corporation- Qualcomm Incorporated- SAP SEInquire about this Report atObjectives of Internet of Things Market Report To provide overview of the global Internet of Things market To analyze and forecast the global Internet of Things market on the basis of components, application, size and technology To provide market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Internet of Things market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA), and South America (SAM), which are later sub-segmented across respective major countries To evaluate market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend To provide exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions To profiles key Internet of Things players influencing the market along with their SWOT analysis and market strategiesComplete Report is Available atKey Insight of Internet of Things Market- Historical and Future Market- Supply and Demand- Price and Cost- Drivers and Challenges- Key Vendors- Market Strategies- Industry Value Chain- RegionsContact Us:Phone: +1-646-491-9876Email Id: sales@reportsweb.comAbout ReportsWeb:ReportsWeb is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
India Alcohol Market Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 7.4% During 2016-2026

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The number of alcohol consumers in India continues to rise on the account of rising urban population. Consuming alcoholic beverages has become a customary tradition for a majority of people residing in Indias urban cities. Changing lifestyles and increasing incomes are compelling them to consume alcohol on a frequent basis. Future Market Insights recently published its study on Indias alcohol market, which estimated that more than INR 2.5 trillion worth of alcohol was consumed in 2016. The study further projected that consumption of alcohol in India is less likely to decline in the years to come. By the end of 2026, more than 14 billion litres of alcohol will be sold across India.According to the report, revenues amassed from sales of alcohol in India will soar vigorously at 7.4% CAGR, and reach INR 5.1 trillion value by the end of 2026. In terms of volume, Indias alcohol consumption in 2016 has been estimated to have surpassed 8 billion litres and will grow at 5.5% CAGR in the due course of forecast period. An in-depth analysis on Indias alcohol distribution indicated that just above three-fourth of alcohol consumed in the country is government controlled. In 2016, alcohol distributed in India through open market sales made revenues worth over INR 400 billion. Meanwhile, about 550 million litres of alcohol was auctioned in India by the end of 2016.Indias Alcohol Market: Report HighlightsNearly two-third of Indias alcohol revenues will be accounted by sales of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL)In 2016, more than 1,800 million litres of strong beer was consumed in IndiaBy the end of 2026, white wine sales in India will have brought in an estimated INR 16.8 billion in revenuesRevenues amassed from sale of country liquor in India will have soared at 5.5% CAGRWhisky will be the most-preferred type of alcohol in India, while sales of white spirits will grow at more than 11% CAGRFill the Form for an Exclusive Sample of this Report@Key findings of the report, titled Alcohol Market: India Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026, projected that Southern and Western states of India will continue to contribute to more than 80% of alcohol revenues through 2026. Bangalores SAB Miller India Ltd. and United Spirits Ltd., and Mumbai-based Tilaknagar Industries Ltd. and Allied Blenders & Distillers Pvt. Ltd. are key players partaking in the growth of Indias alcohol market.Meanwhile, the consumption of alcohol will witness a considerable dip in Indias northern and eastern zone. Even still, a majority of alcohol manufacturers & suppliers in India are originating from New Delhi. Companies such as Carlsberg India Pvt. Ltd., SOM Distilleries & Breweries Group, Radico Khaitan Limited, Globus Spirits, and Jagatjit Industries Ltd. are based in and around the countrys capital. Shimlas Mohan Meakin Ltd. and Damans Khemani Group are also recognised as some of the leading alcohol manufacturer in India.Over 90% of Indian Alcoholics are MenAmong every ten alcohol consumers in India, nine of them will most probably be men; leaving a slight chance that the tenth one is a woman. With more than 90% stake in Indias alcohol revenues, the countrys men will be offering over INR 4.7 trillion for consuming alcohol by the end of 2026. Likewise, Indian women are also likely to increase their contribution to the Indian alcohol market. During the forecast period, revenues accounted by sales of alcohol to Indian women will have soared at the fastest pace, registering a stellar CAGR of 8.6%.Send An Enquiry@Consumption of alcohol containing molasses as key ingredients will remain higher in India. Grains will also serve to be a preferred raw ingredient used for producing alcohol in India. Although, production of alcohol through agricultural produce such as fruits & vegetable will remain negligent till the end of 2026. The report also anticipates that consumers will be more inclined towards buying Indian-made liquor  regardless of it being a foreign or Indian brand. Consumption of foreign liquor bottled in India is also likely to grow, but showcasing a marginal degree of increment.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 :
Middle East Veterinary Vaccines Market Analysis Will Expand at a CAGR of 4.7% From 2016 - 2026

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Animal breeding remains to be one of the most fundamental agricultural activity facilitating the growth of food & beverage industry in the Middle East. Milk and meat are some of the common raw materials derived from animal husbandry activities carried out in the MEA region. Future Market Insights recently published its research report on the veterinary vaccines market in the Middle East, which stated that  rising demand for food security in the Middle East, collaborative manufacturing measures witnessed among foodmakers and suppliers, and the absence of appropriate health tracking facilities for animals are factoring the growth in demand for veterinary vaccines.Future Market Insights projects that the MEA veterinary vaccines market, which is presently valued at US$ 267.3 million, will soar below average to reach US$ 422.9 million value by 2026-end and register a moderate CAGR of 4.7%. The report estimates that lack of resources for collection of samples, questionable potency of vaccines, and absence of harmonised vaccination procedures are limiting the supply and production of veterinary vaccines in the MEA region. Furthermore, ineffectiveness of veterinary vaccines in curing virulent animal diseases indicates shortcomings on epidemiological knowledge faced by MEAs virology research institutes.Highest Veterinary Vaccine Sales recorded in JordanA regional analysis of the veterinary vaccines market in the Middle East identified Jordan as the most lucrative country for sales of veterinary serums. By the end of 2026, Jordans veterinary vaccine market is expected to dominate the MEA region by reaching value of US$ 88 million. The demand for veterinary vaccines will be equally higher in Turkey, while Sudan will witness moderate growth in terms of revenues. Meanwhile, countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Egypt will witness revenue growth at more than 4% CAGR throughout the forecast period.Request Report Sample@Based in Jordan, JOVAC is being recognised as one of the leading manufacturers of veterinary vaccines in the Middle East. The veterinary vaccines market in MEA region is also witnessing fervent involvement of European companies such as Bioveta, Inc., Merial, Bayer Healthcare AG, and Ceva. Other key players in the MEA veterinary vaccines market include, Intervac Pvt. Ltd., Zoetis, Elanco, and Merck & Co, Inc.Surging Demand for Food & Mouth Disease VaccinationPrevalence of oral and digestion-related disorders among animals is shaping up the growth in demand for veterinary vaccines across the Middle East. More than 25% of veterinary vaccines revenues amassed from the MEA region during the projection period will be accounted by food and mouth diseases. New Castle disease has also been observed as prominent indicator for administering veterinary vaccines in this region. Moreover, outbreak of Avian influenza in the MEA region is anticipated to attribute more than US$ 80 million revenues by 2026-end.In the report, titled Veterinary Vaccines Market: Middle East Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026, the demand for attenuated live vaccines is predicted to remain high throughout the forecast period. Inactivated vaccines will also gain traction, while revenues garnered from sales of recombinant vaccines, DNA vaccines and toxoid vaccines will grow at a sluggish CAGR. Almost three-fourth of gross revenues amassed from sales of veterinary vaccines in the Middle East will continue to be used for treatment of livestock animals. And, these vaccines are likely to enter the market through veterinary clinics and private veterinary pharmacies. Distribution of veterinary vaccines in the Middle East will also be carried out by hospitals, revenues from which are estimated to surpass US$ 100 million by the end of 2026.Send An Enquiry@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 Higher Education Testing and Assessment Market to grow during 2017-2021 - Edutech, IOTA360, Pearson Education, Scantron

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Tests and assessments form an essential part of the learning processes as they incorporate various metrics to help teachers quantify the performance of students. Periodic assessments of students against set benchmarks provide a limited scope of improvement for the students, which is why formative assessments that provide frequent feedback are preferred. This method continually guides the students and provides immense improvement opportunities by setting short-term targets.The global education testing and assessment market to grow at a CAGR of 4.65% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global education testing and assessment market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated only from for-profit third-party players that collaborate with educational institutions to conduct tests and assessments to evaluate the students' performance accordingly. The revenue sources considered involve fees, licenses, and subscriptions.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAClick to get sample PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Education Testing and Assessment 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- Edutech- IOTA360- Pearson Education- ScantronOther prominent vendors- LearningRx- Mindlogicx Infratec- Oxford Learning Centers- Sherwood Children's Assessment Center- WheeboxMarket driver- Growing focus on CBE- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Proper utilization of assessment tools- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- Surge in assessments through social media platforms- 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:
Safety Needles Market Expected to Grow at CAGR of 6.9%Through 2017-2027

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The sole purpose of designing safety needles was to avoid needlestick injuries while collecting fluids and delivering drugs to the body. The key players of global market for safety needles are enhancing their product portfolio by focusing on production of innovative needles with safety features. These players include B. Braun Melsungen AG, Novo Nordisk A/S, Medtronic, and Becton, Dickinson and Company. Becton, Dickinson and Company holds its dominance in the overall market with around 50% share, followed by Medtronic and Novo Nordisk AS. Future Market Insights recent report profiles Smith Medical and Argon medical Inc. as emerging safety needle manufacturers, while Terumo Medical Corporation and Boston Scientific Inc. are recognised as mid-level players in the global safety needles market.Rising Focus on Use of Prefilled Syringes Fuelling the DemandAt present, value of the global safety needles market is estimated to be s worth US$ 3,752.2 Mn, and it is estimated to reach US$ 7,765.7 Mn by 2027-end, witnessing a CAGR of 6.9% during this forecast period. The growing focus on utilization of prefilled syringes for treatment of several ailments is fuelling the demand for safety needles across the globe. Factors such as changing lifestyle habits, exposure to hormones and infection by HCV are expected to result in gynaecological cancers. Rising incidence rate of gynaecological cancers, coupled with higher presence of lower-back problems in regions such as the US are driving the demand for spine needles and other types of safety needles.Request For Sample@Trends Observed in the Global Safety Needles MarketLeading companies are participating in campaigns in co-ordination with governments of several economies for raising awareness about unsafe use of reusable needles among patients. Increasing prevalence of HIV & blood-borne diseases, owing to needle injuries, has also urged the companies for development of needles with enhanced safety features.Key findings from FMIs Report IncludeHypodermic needles, as a product, will dominate the market, and is expected to account for 18.1% share during the forecast period. However, biopsy needles are expected to witness fastest revenue growth at 8.6% CAGR.Hospital pharmacies are estimated to account for more than half of safety needles being distributed globally, while private clinics are expected to garner over US$ 1,300 Mn through 2027.Drug delivery application of safety needles is expected to gain 242 BPS in its market share. In addition, sample collection is projected to create an absolute $ opportunity of around US$ 1,840 Mn in 2017 over 2016.Send An Enquiry@APEJ - Fastest-Growing Safety Needles Market in WorldAround 24% market share is estimated to be held by Western Europe by the end of 2027, while APEJ is expected to register fastest growth in the global market for safety needles. In contrast, Eastern Europe is poised to depict a sluggish growth during the forecast period, while North America is will remain the outright dominant region in the global market for safety needles.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 Synchronous Condenser Market - Size, Share, Growth and Segment Forecast 2017 To 2022

Synchronous Condenser

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This report studies the Synchronous Condenser market, In electrical engineering, a synchronous condenser (sometimes called a synchronous capacitor or synchronous compensator) is a device, identical to a synchronous motor, whose shaft is not connected to anything but spins freely.Get a Sample of Synchronous Condenser Market research report from Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Synchronous Condenser 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 applicationMajor Players Included in Synchronous Condenser Market:SiemensGEEatonABBVoithWEGAnd Many OthersScope of the Synchronous Condenser Industry on the basis of region:North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Browse full Report with table of contents and data tables For Synchronous Condenser Market Report @Market Segment by Type, covers200 M VarMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoWind PowerHydropowerOthersThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Synchronous Condenser market.Chapter 1, to describe Synchronous Condenser Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Synchronous Condenser, with sales, revenue, and price of Synchronous Condenser, 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 Synchronous Condenser, 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, Synchronous Condenser market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Synchronous Condenser sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceCheck for Discount @About Global Info Reports:GIR Market Research is a company that simplifies how analysts and decision makers get industry data for their business. Our unique colossal technology has been developed to offer refined search capabilities designed to exploit the long tail of free market research whilst eliminating irrelevant results. GIR Market Research is the collection of market intelligence products and services on the Web. We offer reports and update our collection daily to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends.Contact us:+1-888-376-9998 (US)Email- sales@globalinforeports.comWeb-Blogs-
Respiratory Devices Market to Reach US$ 34.17 Billion by 2027

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The global respiratory devices market was valued at nearly US$ 13 billion in 2016. It is projected to grow at 9.2% CAGR during the period 2017-2027 to reach US$ 34.17 billion in revenues.Demand for respiratory devices will continue to be driven by increasing ageing population and rising prevalence of COPD and obstructive sleep apnea. Increasing emphasis on healthcare spending in developing countries, especially in Asia Pacific and Latin America, will continue to positively influence the growth of the market.Adoption of non-invasive techniques in pulse oximeters and advancement in full polysomnography testing are also favourably impacting the growth of the market.Although Future Market Insights maintains a positive outlook on the global respiratory devices market, premium pricing, budgetary constraints, and increasing use of generic product types can impede the growth of the market.The key trends expected to influence the global respiratory devices market in the foreseeable future are,Portable and wearable devices are steadily gaining popularity among patients owing to ease-of-use and flexibility in carrying the devices.Growing demand for stationary oxygen concentrator with pulse flow technology and rechargeable batteries.Increasing demand for respiratory devices in Asia Pacific on account of rising prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Multinational companies are focusing on consolidating their position in developing countries to leverage upon the emerging opportunities.To Get Sample Copy of Report Please Visit@Positive Airway Pressure Devices Account for the Highest DemandAccording to Future Market Insights research, positive airway pressure devices currently account for the highest demand. This segment accounted for nearly 29% revenue share of the market in 2017; by 2027, this is projected to increase to 34.6%. In terms of revenues, positive airway pressure devices segment is projected to reach US$ 11.81 billion in revenues by 2027.Other key product types by revenue are respiratory consumables (respiratory masks, nasal cannulas, tracheostomy tubes and oxygen tubes) and pulse oximeters.Future Market Insights also offers market forecast and analysis on other key respiratory devices, including nebulisers, oxygen concentrators, polysomnography devices, mechanical ventilators, and spirometers.Hospitals Largest End-usersBy end-user, the key segments include hospitals, ambulatory surgical centres, clinics, and long-term care centres. Currently, hospitals account for the highest demand for respiratory devices, followed by ambulatory surgical centres and long-term care centres. Demand for respiratory devices from hospitals was worth US$ 5.18 billion in 2016; by 2027, this is projected to grow at 9.8% CAGR to reach US$ 14.36 billion.U.S. Continues to Account for Significant Percentage of Global SalesThe U.S. remains the largest market for respiratory devices globally. On the back of strong sales in the U.S., the North America respiratory devices market accounted for over 40% revenue share of the market in 2016. Future Market Insights projects North America to remain the largest market for respiratory devices during the period 2017-2027.Send An Enquiry@Western Europe and APEJ are the other leading markets for respiratory devices. These two markets collectively accounted for a revenue share of over 35% in 2016.Future Market Insights, in its report, has also profiled the respiratory devices market in Latin America, Eastern Europe, Japan, and MEA.In its report, companies profiled by Future Market Insights are Massimo Corporation, Teleflex Incorporated, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited, ResMed Inc, Hamilton Medical AG, Medtronic PLC, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Smiths Medical, General Electric Healthcare Limited, Dragerwerk AG & Co. and KGaA, Inogen Inc.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT: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 :
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Market- Evolving Product Type, Players HORIBA, Jenway, PerkinElmer, JASCO & Regions- World Forecast to 2021

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HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 112 pages on title 'World UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Market by Product Type, Market, Players and Regions-Forecast to 2021' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes USA, Europe, Japan, China, India, South East Asia and important players such as 2021SummaryThe UV-Vis Spectrophotometer market research report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability.Request a sample report @The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.The report includes the forecasts, Analysis and discussion of important industry trends, market size, market share estimates and profiles of the leading industry Players.Global UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Market: Application Segment AnalysisLaboratoriesFood industryLaser and optical manufacturingOther applicationsGlobal UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Market: Regional Segment AnalysisUSAEuropeJapanChinaIndiaSouth East AsiaThe Players mentioned in our reportShimadzuThermo Fisher ScientificHORIBAJenwayPerkinElmerJASCOTRINEANAngstrom AdvancedNanolytikAgilent TechnologiesWith no less than 15 top producersGet Customization in the Report, Enquire Now @Table of ContentChapter 1 About the UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Industry1.1 Industry Definition and Types1.2 Main Market Activities1.3 Similar Industries1.4 Industry at a GlanceChapter 2 World Market Competition Landscape2.1 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Markets by Regions2.1.1 USAMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.2 EuropeMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.3 ChinaMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.4 IndiaMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.5 JapanMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.6 South East AsiaMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.2 World UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Market by Types2.3 World UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Market by ApplicationsLaboratoriesFood industryLaser and optical manufacturingOther applications2.4 World UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Market Analysis2.4.1 World UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Market Revenue and Growth Rate 2011-20162.4.2 World UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Market Consumption and Growth rate 2011-20162.4.3 World UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Market Price Analysis 2011-2016Buy this report @Chapter 3 World UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Market share3.1 Major Production Market share by Players3.2 Major Revenue (M USD) Market share by Players3.3 Major Production Market share by Regions in 2016, Through 20213.4 Major Revenue (M USD) Market share By Regions in 2016, Through 2021Chapter 4 Supply Chain Analysis4.1 Industry Supply chain Analysis4.2 Raw material Market Analysis4.2.1 Raw material Prices Analysis 2012-20164.2.2 Raw material Supply Market Analysis4.2 Manufacturing Equipment Suppliers Analysis4.3 Production Process Analysis4.4 Production Cost Structure Benchmarks4.5 End users Market Analysis....ContinuedView Detailed Table of Content @HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact us :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
Coconut Milk Market Expected to Grow at CAGR of 7.3% Through 2017-2027

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Nutrition-rich foods are becoming top choice of consumers in developing markets, while developed economies are already viewing them as top-grossing products. High nutritional content of coconut milk is garnering the interests of consumers in countries such as the US and Canada. Future Market Insights recent report on the global coconut milk market reveals that North America will be a dominant consumer & producer of coconut milk in the years to come. The global market for coconut milk, which is expected to witness sales of over 430,000 MT by the end of 2017, will garner around 25% of these sales from North America.According to the report, revenues from global coconut milk sales reached US$ 780.4 Mn in 2016, and are estimated to soar towards US$ 830 Mn by the end of 2017. Key findings in the report project that the global market for coconut milk will soar at a healthy 7.3% CAGR to bring in US$ 1,687.7 Mn in revenues during the assessment period, 2017-2027. In terms of volume, the market will exhibit a 6.4% CAGR and record an estimated sales of more than 800,000 MT towards the end of 2027.Increasing demand for plant-based, organic beverages among consumers, in developed as well as developing countries, is being observed as the key attributor for growth of global coconut milk market. Besides the healthy content, consumers are also growing inclined towards new tastes, which is why savouring Asian cuisines enriched in coconut milk are gaining popularity across the globe. However, high price of procuring raw coconut meat (in some countries), and growing proliferation of organic substitutes for coconut milk, are likely to restrain the markets growth to a considerable extent.Fill the Form for an Exclusive Sample of this Report@Demand for Coconut Milk Powder Losing TractionOne of the vital findings compiled in the report indicate that in 2017, coconut milk in the form of powder is predicted to gain traction, reflecting a market share of 38%. However, towards the end of the forecast period, presence of coconut milk powder products on global market revenues is likely to incur a significant dip. Demand for coconut milk in form of fluids will grow steadily, and dominate with nearly 65% revenue share by 2027-end. Likewise, the demand for conventional coconut milk is expected to gain traction in 2017, but may witness a decline in its global revenue share by the end of forecast period. Organic coconut milk products, on the other hand, will reflect an uptick in global sales, registering a value CAGR of 8.2% through 2027.Growing consumption of coconut milk is mainly attributed by effective end-use. Household, food services and food & beverage manufacturing are observed as three profitable end-uses of coconut milk. Collectively, revenues from these three end-use applications will collectively account for more than 80% of global coconut milk revenues by the end of 2027. The report also profiles leading producers and manufacturers of coconut milk in the world as key participants in the global coconut milk market, which include Mc Cormick & co., The Whitewave foods, Goya Foods, Charoen Pokphand Foods, Theppadungporn Agricultural Industry,Ducoco Ailmentos SA, Thai Agri Foods, Celebes Coconut Corporation, Pacific Foods of Oregon, GraceKennedy Group, Thai Coconut Public Company Limited, M&S Food Industries, The Sambu Group, Fresh Fruit Ingredients Inc., Chefs Choice Food Manufacturer Company Limited.Send An Enquiry@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 Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors Market - Man Yue, Lelon, Capxon, Aihua, Jianghai

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Global Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors Market Report 2017 provides detailed analysis of Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors market, enclosing detailed study of Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors market for last few years and forecast up to year 2022. The Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors market report analyses the global Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors market from different angles to understand various factors impacting the global Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors market.The reports enlightens the user with various applications, product type, end user of Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors market. Moreover, the Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors market report helps to understand the market trends, Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors growth aspects, utilization ration, supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, raw material price trend and Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors price trend during the forecast period 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors Market 2017:Nippon Chemi-ConNichiconRubyconPanasonicSam YoungSamwhaVishayKEMETEPCOSMan YueLelonCapxonAihuaJianghaiHECAluminum Electrolytic Capacitors Market Analysis: By ApplicationConsumer Electronics IndustryIndustrial Electronics and Lighting IndustryComputer and Telecommunications Related Products IndustyrNew Energy and Automobile IndustriesInitially, the Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors 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 Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors market report shares information pertaining to the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors industry, Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors industry rules and policies, factors driving the growth of Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Enquiry Report Click Here:Global Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors 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 Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors 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
Organic Infant Formula Market- Evolving Product Type, Players Holle, Bellamy, Topfer, Supermum & Regions- United States Forecast to 2021

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HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 123 pages on title 'United States Organic Infant Formula Market by Manufacturers, States, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes California, Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois and important players such as Holle, Bellamy, Topfer, Supermum........Summary""Organic infant formula is uses the finest organic ingredients in milk, which means no chemical pesticides and no GM ingredients.Organic farming is a method of production that is concerned with respecting natural balances. It is committed to sustainable management, respecting natural balances and biodiversity, and producing high quality products in a way that is not harmful to the environment or health.""Request a sample report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Organic Infant Formula in United States market, to split the market based on manufacturers, states, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversAbbottHiPPHolleBellamyTopferSupermumThe Hain Celestial GroupNature OnePerrigoBabybioGittisHumanaBimbosanAusnutriaNutribioHealthyTimesArlaAngislandMengniuShengyuanShengmuYeeperMarket Segment by States, coveringCaliforniaTexasNew YorkFloridaIllinoisMarket Segment by Type, coversWet Process TypeDry Process TypeMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoFirst StageSecond StageThird StageBuy this report @There are 17 Chapters to deeply display the United States Organic Infant Formula market.Chapter 1, to describe Organic Infant Formula Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by States, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the manufacturers of Organic Infant Formula, with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share 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 United States market by States, covering California, New York, Texas, Illinois and Florida, with sales, price, revenue and market share of Organic Infant Formula, for each state, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, to analyze the key States by Type and Application, covering California, New York, Texas, Illinois and Florida, with sales, revenue and market share by types and applications;Chapter 12, Organic Infant Formula market forecast, by States, type and application, with sales, price, revenue and growth rate forecast, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process etc.Chapter 14, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 15, to describe sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc.Chapter 16 and 17, to describe Organic Infant Formula Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source.Get Customization in the Report, Enquire Now @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 Organic Infant Formula Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Wet Process Type1.2.2 Dry Process Type1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 First Stage1.3.2 Second Stage1.3.3 Third Stage1.4 Market Analysis by States1.4.1 California Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.2 Texas Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 New York Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Florida Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Illinois Status and Prospect (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
Global Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022: By Product, Application, Manufacturer, Sales and Segmentation

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This report studies the global Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) market, analyzes and researches the Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeIntegreon Managed Solutions, Inc.CPA Global Ltd.Thomson ReutersUnitedLexMindcrestClutch GroupCobra Legal Solutions, LLCLawScribe, Inc.QuislexVeeLPOCapitaArgopointKochhar LexServeIntelliteachAmstar Litigation SupportBodhi Global Services (P), LtdAmerican DiscoveryMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaDownload Sample Report Copy From Here:Market segment by Type, Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) can be split intoDirect ContractManaged OutsourcingRequired OutsourcingMulti-sourcingMarket segment by Application, Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) can be split intoCommercialIndividualNon-profit OrganizationsIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of ContentsGlobal Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO)1.1 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Overview1.1.1 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market by Type1.3.1 Direct Contract1.3.2 Managed Outsourcing1.3.3 Required Outsourcing1.3.4 Multi-sourcing1.4 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Commercial1.4.2 Individual1.4.3 Non-profit Organizations2 Global Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Integreon Managed Solutions, Inc.3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 CPA Global Ltd.3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Thomson Reuters3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 UnitedLex3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Mindcrest3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 Clutch Group3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Cobra Legal Solutions, LLC3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 LawScribe, Inc.3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 Quislex3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.9.5 Recent Developments3.10 VeeLPO3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.10.5 Recent Developments3.11 Capita3.12 Argopoint3.13 Kochhar LexServe3.14 Intelliteach3.15 Amstar Litigation Support3.16 Bodhi Global Services (P), Ltd3.17 American Discovery4 Global Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size by Type (2012-2017)4.2 Global Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Potential Application of Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO)5 United States Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size (2012-2017)5.2 United States Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)6 EU Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Development Status and Outlook6.1 EU Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size (2012-2017)6.2 EU Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)7 Japan Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Development Status and Outlook7.1 Japan Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size (2012-2017)7.2 Japan Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)8 China Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Development Status and Outlook8.1 China Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size (2012-2017)8.2 China Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)9 India Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Development Status and Outlook9.1 India Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size (2012-2017)9.2 India Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)10 Southeast Asia Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Development Status and Outlook10.1 Southeast Asia Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size (2012-2017)10.2 Southeast Asia Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)11 Market Forecast by Regions, Type and Application (2017-2022)11.1 Global Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size (Value) by Regions (2017-2022)11.1.1 United States Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Revenue and Growth Rate (2017-2022)11.1.2 EU Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Revenue and Growth Rate (2017-2022)11.1.3 Japan Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Revenue and Growth Rate (2017-2022)11.1.4 China Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Revenue and Growth Rate (2017-2022)11.1.5 India Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Revenue and Growth Rate (2017-2022)11.1.6 Southeast Asia Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Revenue and Growth Rate (2017-2022)11.2 Global Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size (Value) by Type (2017-2022)11.3 Global Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size by Application (2017-2022)12 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Dynamics12.1 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Opportunities12.2 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Challenge and Risk12.2.1 Competition from Opponents12.2.2 Downside Risks of Economy12.3 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Constraints and Threat12.3.1 Threat from Substitute12.3.2 Government Policy12.3.3 Technology Risks12.4 Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Driving Force12.4.1 Growing Demand from Emerging Markets12.4.2 Potential Application13 Market Effect Factors Analysis13.1 Technology Progress/Risk13.1.1 Substitutes13.1.2 Technology Progress in Related Industry13.2 Consumer Needs Trend/Customer Preference13.3 External Environmental Change13.3.1 Economic Fluctuations13.3.2 Other Risk Factors14 Research Finding/Conclusion15 AppendixMethodologyAnalyst IntroductionData SourceClick Here To Purchase This Report:Global QYResearch() is the one spot destination for all your research needs. Global QYResearch holds the repository of quality research reports from numerous publishers across the globe. Our inventory of research reports caters to various industry verticals including Healthcare, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Technology and Media, Chemicals, Materials, Energy, Heavy Industry, etc. With the complete information about the publishers and the industries they cater to for developing market research reports, we help our clients in making purchase decision by understanding their requirements and suggesting best possible collection matching their needs.Cleveland Road
Global Power Banks Market Research, Competitive Analysis and Forecast Report 2017-2025

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Global Power Banks Market Report 2017-2025 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.Request Sample Copy is Available atThe report firstly introduced the Power Banks 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.Global Power Banks Market competition by top manufacturers with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturers.Global Power Banks Market Top Players- uNu Electronics Inc.- Microsoft Corporation- Mophie Inc.- Panasonic Corporation- OnePlus- Sony Corporation- Xiaomi Technology Co. Ltd- AdCom- Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.- MiPow Limited- Xtorm BV- EassyAcc.com, Inc.- Limefuel LLC- Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.- Anker- GP Batteries International Ltd.- Apacer Technologies, Inc.Inquire about this Report atObjectives of Power Banks Market Report To provide overview of the global Power Banks market To analyze and forecast the global Power Banks market on the basis of components, application, size and technology To provide market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Power Banks market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA), and South America (SAM), which are later sub-segmented across respective major countries To evaluate market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend To provide exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions To profiles key Power Banks players influencing the market along with their SWOT analysis and market strategiesComplete Report is Available atKey Insight of Power Banks Market- Historical and Future Market- Supply and Demand- Price and Cost- Drivers and Challenges- Key Vendors- Market Strategies- Industry Value Chain- RegionsContact Us:Phone: +1-646-491-9876Email Id: sales@reportsweb.comAbout ReportsWeb:ReportsWeb is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global Automobile Engine Market - Wode Valve, Xin Yue, JinQingLong, Tyen Machinery

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Global Automobile Engine Market Report 2017 provides detailed analysis of Automobile Engine market, enclosing detailed study of Automobile Engine market for last few years and forecast up to year 2022. The Automobile Engine market report analyses the global Automobile Engine market from different angles to understand various factors impacting the global Automobile Engine market.The reports enlightens the user with various applications, product type, end user of Automobile Engine market. Moreover, the Automobile Engine market report helps to understand the market trends, Automobile Engine growth aspects, utilization ration, supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, raw material price trend and Automobile Engine price trend during the forecast period 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Automobile Engine Market 2017:Federal-Mogul (TRW)EatonMahleFuji OozxRaneNittanAsianSSVBurgFerreaSINUSDengyun Auto-partsWorldwide Auto-AccessoryShengChiYangzhou GuanghuiWode ValveXin YueAnFuJinQingLongTyen MachineryTongchengAutomobile Engine Market Analysis: By ApplicationPassenger vehiclesCommercial vehiclesInitially, the Automobile Engine 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 Automobile Engine market report shares information pertaining to the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Automobile Engine industry, Automobile Engine industry rules and policies, factors driving the growth of Automobile Engine Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Enquiry Report Click Here:Global Automobile Engine 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 Automobile Engine 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
Iron Oxide Market is Projected to be Valued at over US$ 2.8 Bn by 2025

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Future Market Insights (FMI) delivers key insights on the global iron oxide market in its latest report titled, Iron Oxide Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2015-2025. In terms of value, the global iron oxide market is projected to increase at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period, owing to various factors, regarding which FMI offers vital insights in detail in this report.Iron oxides are chemical compounds that, apart from iron ores, find wide application as pigments, catalysts, etc. Construction and paints & coatings are the major end-use industries for iron oxides.Growth in construction industry, supported by rising urbanization, is expected to be among the major drivers for global iron oxide market. Major application of iron oxides in the construction industry is to colour concrete blocks and pavement bricks. Iron oxide pigments are being widely used in paints and coatings industry for their use as primers for automobiles and steel structures.Request For Report Sample@Stringent government regulations are expected to adversely impact global iron oxide market significantly. This is especially the case in China, where, over the last two years, various small- and medium-scale companies have exited the iron oxide market due to high costs involved in ensuring regulatory compliance. The same trend is expected to continue over the near future.The iron oxide market is segmented on the basis of product type, application and region. On the basis of product type, the global iron oxide market is segmented into red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, black iron oxide, orange iron oxide, brown iron oxide, green iron oxide and other blends. On the basis of application, the global iron oxide market is segmented into construction, paints & coatings, plastics, chemicals, paper & pulp manufacturing, textile, ceramics, leather and others (fertilizers, cosmetics and rubber). Regionally, the global iron oxide market is segmented into Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa and Japan.Among product types, red iron oxide was the largest revenue contributor to the global iron oxide market in 2014. Wide application of red iron oxide across various industries is expected to support growth of the segment over the forecast period.In 2014, the construction industry segment dominated the global market, accounting for around 50% revenue share. Growth of the construction industry is in turn expected to drive growth of the iron oxide market over forecast period. In order to enhance their market share, iron oxide producers are focusing on development of new applications for iron oxides.Send an Enquiry @In 2014, Asia pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) was the largest market for iron oxide, both in terms of production and consumption. In terms of consumption, APEJ was followed by Western Europe and North America, respectively.Key players profiled in this study of the global iron oxide market include LANXESS AG, Huntsman International Inc. Cathay Industries, Alabama Pigments Company LLC, Shenghua Group Deqing Huayuan Pigment Co LTD, TODA KOGYO CORPORATION, Jiangsu Yuxing Industry and Trade Co., Ltd., Hunan Three-ring Pigments Co., Ltd., Yaroslavsky Pigment Company and Tata Pigments Company. LANXESS AG has been estimated to account for the largest share in the global iron oxide market in 2015.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:
Interventional Neurology Market to surpass US$ 2.7 Billion by 2024

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The Global Interventional Neurology Market is projected to reach USD 2,684.6 million by 2024, according to a new report by published by Coherent Market Insights. Recommendations from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to use neurointerventional devices in stroke is a major factor boosting market growth.Increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures is one of the prime factors driving adoption of neurointerventional devices worldwide. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recommends use of neurointerventional devices in treating stroke, due to which there has been an augmented demand for these devices in the recent past. In order to capitalize on this highly lucrative growth opportunity, a range of new products such as Solitaire stent retriever, EmboTrap stent retriever, and Penumbra 3D Revascularization Device have been launched in the recent past.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report :Developed economies such as the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, Japan, and Germany are witnessing rapid shift from conventional surgical methods to minimally invasive therapies. Moreover, there is a shift towards adopting detachable and bare platinum coils as against the highly priced coated coils. According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, around six million people in the U.S. i.e. one in 50 people suffer from brain aneurysm every year. High incidence rate of stroke and aneurysm is expected to continue strengthening demand for neurointerventional devices in the U.S. market.The global Interventional neurology market is witnessing strategic agreements among leading players focusing on diversifying their product portfolio and increasing their market presence.In 2016, Codman & Shurtleff, Inc. inked an exclusive distribution agreement with InNeuroCo, Inc. for its intermediate catheter and super distal access device in the U.S. and European marketsIn 2015, Medtronic PLC acquired Lazarus Effect, a California-based medical device company engaged in development of acute ischemic stroke products for around US$ 100 million. Lazarus Effect was acquired with an aim to enhance Medtronics neurovascular business and related portfolio.Advent of innovative solutions that enhance the outcomes of surgeries are fueling demand for neurointerventional devicesMedical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is investigating the safety and success rate of ADAPT - direct-aspiration first pass technique that removes the clot in a single-passFDA expanded the approval of Solitaire stent retriever device of Medtronic PLC for reduction of stroke-related disability. This device can now be used in patients with large vessel occlusion, proximal anterior circulation, and smaller core infarcts to reduce paralysis, and other stroke-related disabilities.CE approved EmboTrap stent retriever platform, the EmboTrap II Revascularization Device from Neuravi Ltd. This new device enables removal of clots of different lengths with ease.Get discount on sample copy :Key takeaways of the market include:There are a range of neurointerventional devices such as embolic coils, carotid stents, intracranial stents, neurovascular thrombectomy devices, embolic protection devices, and flow diverter devices available in the market. Embolic coils was the largest segment and accounted for 32.5% share (in terms of revenue) in 2015. This is mainly due to these being the mainstay of endovascular treatment for brain aneurysms and hemorrhage.Demand for stent retrievers is anticipated to grow at a rapid pace during the forecast period (2016  2024). This is mainly attributed to these being used as a one-step technique for device deployment and clot retrieval. The launch of this device in Japan is anticipated to also contribute towards the market growth in Asia Pacific.Introduction of new techniques such as flow disruption and ADAPT aspiration technique is expected reduce the revenue share of coiling technique segment, and is projected to account 34.3% of the total market revenue by 2024Demand for neurointerventional devices is analyzed to be high in hospitals as compared to ambulatory centers, due to growing number of surgical procedures in hospitals. The hospitals end use segment is analyzed to expand at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period.In 2015, North America dominated the global Interventional neurology market, with the contribution of the region estimated at US$ 701.9 million. Increasing incidence rate of brain aneurysm and ischemic strokes along with favorable government policies such as Medicare and Medicaid is expected to bolster sales of interventional neurology devices over the forecast period.Growing focus on introducing technological advanced devices is expected to drive market growth in the long runStryker Corporations subsidiary Concentric Medicals Trevo XP ProVue Retriever received FDA approval for its use in strokes in November 2016Penumbra 3D Revascularization Device Trial successfully met the primary trial endpoints in 2016About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com
High Voltage Measuring Equipment Market at a CAGR of 7.9% between 2016 and 2024 - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast

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"The Report High Voltage Measuring Equipment Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"High Voltage Measuring Equipment Market: OverviewHigh voltage measuring equipment are high accuracy electrical devices used in the measurement of high voltage (35kV-400kV), extra high voltage (401kV-800kV) and ultra high voltage (>800kV) alternating and direct currents.Get Sample Copy of this Report @These instruments can be primarily divided into capacitive voltage transformers, potential transformers and other equipment like high voltage capacitors, multimeters, probes, etc. They are used in several applications like power generation (substation), power transmission, industrial facilities and laboratories, etc. Both, the capacitive voltage transformers and potential transformers are types of instrument transformers. While the capacitive voltage transformer can be used for a wide range of voltages up to 1200kV, the potential transformer has a limited range of ~250kV. During the forecast period, the demand of these equipment for direct current transmission and extra high voltage (401-800kV) transmission is expected to be higher.High Voltage Measuring Equipment Market: Scope of StudyThis report analyzes and forecasts the market for high voltage measuring equipment at the global and regional level. The market has been forecast based on volume (Units) and revenue (US$ Mn) from 2016 to 2024, considering 2015 as the base year. The study includes drivers and restraints of the global high voltage measuring equipment market. It also covers impact of these drivers and restraints on demand for high voltage measuring equipment during the forecast period. The report also highlights opportunities in the high voltage measuring equipment market at the global and regional level.The report includes detailed value chain analysis, which provides a comprehensive view of the global high voltage measuring equipment market. Porters Five Forces model for the high voltage measuring equipment market has also been included to help understand the competitive landscape in the market. The study encompasses market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness.The study provides a decisive view of the global high voltage measuring equipment market by segmenting it in terms of product type (capacitive voltage transformers, potential transformers & others) and applications such as power generation (substation), power transmission, industrial & others (laboratory, testing centres, commercial purposes, etc.). These segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends. Regional segmentation includes current and forecast demand for high voltage measuring equipment in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.The report provides the actual market size of high voltage measuring equipment for 2015 and estimated market size for 2016 with forecast for the next eight years. The global market size of high voltage measuring equipment has been provided in terms of volume and revenue. Market volume has been defined in units, while market revenue is in US$ Mn. Market numbers have been estimated based on product type and key applications of high voltage measuring equipment. Market size and forecast for numerous end-users have been provided in terms of global, regional, and country level markets.In order to compile the research report, we conducted in-depth interviews and discussions with a number of key industry participants and opinion leaders. Primary research represented the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. We reviewed key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents for competitive analysis and market understanding. Secondary research includes a search of recent trade, technical writing, Internet sources, and statistical data from government websites, trade associations, and agencies. This has proven to be the most reliable, effective, and successful approach for obtaining precise market data, capturing industry participants insights, and recognizing business opportunities.Secondary research sources that are typically referred to include, but are not limited to company websites, annual reports, financial reports, broker reports, investor presentations, SEC filings, IEA, IEEE, internal and external proprietary databases, and relevant patent and regulatory databases such as ICIS, Hoovers, oneSOURCE, Factiva and Bloomberg, national government documents, statistical databases, trade journals, market reports, news articles, press releases, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market.We conduct primary interviews on an ongoing basis with industry participants and commentators to validate data and analysis. These help validate and strengthen secondary research findings. These also help develop the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.High Voltage Measuring Equipment Market: Regional OutlookDemand for the high voltage measuring equipment is anticipated to increase rapidly because of the heavy investment in transmission grids by various regions. This investment and thereby demand will be highest in Asia Pacific, followed by Middle East & Africa and Latin America. Here, the investment in transmission grids will primarily focus on providing citizens with access to electricity. On the other hand, demand will be comparatively lower in Europe and North America, where the markets are already mature and the demand is likely to come from replacement of old equipment and upgradation of the same to meet newer and stricter environmental regulations.View Sample PDF of Report @High Voltage Measuring Equipment Market: Competitive LandscapeThe report comprises profiles of major companies operating in the global high voltage measuring equipment market. The global high voltage measuring equipment market is partially consolidated. Key players include ABB, Siemens, GE Grid Solutions, Maxwell Technologies, BHEL, Crompton Greaves, and Shanghai Electric Group Company Limited. Market players have been profiled in terms of attributes such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies, and recent developments.The global high voltage measuring equipment market has been segmented as follows:High Voltage Measuring Equipment Market: Product Type AnalysisCapacitive Voltage TransformerPotential TransformerOthersHigh Voltage Measuring Equipment Market: Voltage AnalysisHigh Voltage (35-400kV)Extra High Voltage (401-800kV)Ultra High Voltage (>800kV)High Voltage Measuring Equipment Market: Current AnalysisAlternating CurrentDirect CurrentHigh Voltage Measuring Equipment Market: Application AnalysisPower Generation (substation)Power TransmissionIndustrialOthersHigh Voltage Measuring Equipment Market: Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeU.K.ItalyRussiaFranceGermanyRest Of EuropeAsia PacificChinaIndiaASEANJapanRest Of Asia PacificLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of South AmericaMiddle East & Africa (MEA)GCCSouth AfricaRest of MEABrowse more Equipment Market Research Reports @Table of ContentSection 01 PrefaceSection 02 Assumptions and Research Methodology2.1 Assumptions and Acronyms Used2.2 Research MethodologySection 03 Executive Summary3.1 Market Size, Indicative (US$ Mn)3.2 Top 3 Trends3.3 Top 2 Drivers3.4 Top Market Restraint3.5 Total Market Value in US$ MnSection 04 Market Overview4.1 Product Overview4.2 Drivers and Restraints Analysis4.3 Value Chain Analysis4.4 Porter's AnalysisSection 05 Global High Voltage Measuring Equipment Market: Price Trend Analysis (US$/Units)5.1 High Voltage Measuring Equipment Market Prices, by Product, US$/Unit, 201620245.2 Global High Voltage Measuring Equipment Market Analysis and Forecasts, 20162024About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact usMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Household Dehumidifiers Market Solutions & SWOT Analysis 2017 : Haier, Frigidaire, Midea

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Household Dehumidifiers Market Professional Survey Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.A recent report by QYResearchReports.com presents readers a concise yet all-inclusive overview of the global Household Dehumidifiers market. The report examines the current state of the various elements and dynamics of the market in great detail and elucidates every aspect of the market that is likely to have an impact on the growth trajectory of the global Household Dehumidifiers market during the reports forecast period.The report analyzes the major growth drivers, challenges, and trends impacting the market are with the help of several industry-best analytical and business intelligence tools. Past and estimated future growth statistics is included in the report to give readers a complete picture of the market.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringHaierFrigidaireMideaDanbyGreeLGGEFriedrichMitsubishi ElectricAprilaireSoleusAirKenmoreSunpentownTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report gathers the vast market research data with the help of a number of primary and secondary research techniques and has been narrowed down with the help of several analytical methods for providing readers the most crucial data pertaining to the global Household Dehumidifiers market.The report also gives thorough insights into the competitive scenario of the market by providing business profiles, marketing strategies, products and services offered, and the current state of some of markets most prominent vendors in the market. The report profiles some of the most influential companies that have had a major contribution toward the growth of the market in the past, or are expected to do so over the reports forecast period.The report, with its 360-degree span of analysis, allows business strategists, businesses, managers, and all other parties concerned about the overall development of the global Household Dehumidifiers market in formulating strategies that will prove to be most effective in the current and projected period.Table of ContentsGlobal Household Dehumidifiers Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Household Dehumidifiers1.1 Definition and Specifications of Household Dehumidifiers1.1.1 Definition of Household Dehumidifiers1.1.2 Specifications of Household Dehumidifiers1.2 Classification of Household Dehumidifiers1.2.1 Portable Dehumidifier1.2.2 Whole-home Dehumidifier1.3 Applications of Household Dehumidifiers1.3.1 Online Sales1.3.2 Offline Sales2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Household Dehumidifiers2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Household Dehumidifiers2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Household Dehumidifiers2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Household Dehumidifiers3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Household Dehumidifiers3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Household Dehumidifiers Major Manufacturers in 20163.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Household Dehumidifiers Major Manufacturers in 20163.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Household Dehumidifiers Major Manufacturers in 20163.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Household Dehumidifiers Major Manufacturers in 2016Obtain Report Details @4 Global Household Dehumidifiers Overall Market Overview4.1 2012-2017E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2012-2017E Global Household Dehumidifiers Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2016 Household Dehumidifiers Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2012-2017E Global Household Dehumidifiers Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2016 Household Dehumidifiers Sales Analysis (Company Segment)5 Household Dehumidifiers Regional Market Analysis5.1 North America Household Dehumidifiers Market Analysis5.1.1 North America Household Dehumidifiers Market Overview5.1.2 North America 2012-2017E Household Dehumidifiers Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.1.3 North America 2012-2017E Household Dehumidifiers Sales Price Analysis5.1.4 North America 2016 Household Dehumidifiers Market Share Analysis5.2 China Household Dehumidifiers Market AnalysisList of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Household DehumidifiersTable Product Specifications of Household DehumidifiersTable Classification of Household DehumidifiersFigure Global Production Market Share of Household Dehumidifiers by Type in 2016Figure Portable Dehumidifier PictureFigure Market Share of Household Dehumidifiers by RegionsFigure North America Household Dehumidifiers Market Size (Million USD) (2012-2022)Figure China Household Dehumidifiers Market Size (Million USD) (2012-2022)Figure Europe Household Dehumidifiers Market Size (Million USD) (2012-2022)Figure Southeast Asia Household Dehumidifiers Market Size (Million USD) (2012-2022)Figure Japan Household Dehumidifiers Market Size (Million USD) (2012-2022)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 - Becton, Dickinson, Agilent Technologies, PerkinElmer

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022" to its huge collection of research reports.A recent report by QYResearchReports.com presents a thorough analysis of the global Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) market with an approach that helps in elucidating the most important bits of data related to the key elements of the market. The report presents an overview of the key application areas of the global Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) market and furnishes quantitative as well as qualitative data pertaining to the segments.The key regional segments of the global Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) market are analyzed in great details and an overview of the regulatory framework of the market is also given in the report. In this section, the report examines the key rules, regulations, plans, and policies governing the overall markets development and having an implication on several decisions.This report studies the global Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) market, analyzes and researches the Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeBecton, DickinsonAgilent TechnologiesPerkinElmerDanaherBio-Rad LaboratoriesThermo Fisher ScientificRocheAbbott LaboratoriesIDEX CorporationRainDance Technologies, Inc.Fluidigm CorporationEnter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @An analysis of the major trends in the global Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) market in the past years, which have significantly contributed in shaping the current state of the market, and the important trends of the current times is also included in the report, allowing the reader to formulate winning strategies. The data has been gathered with the help of a number of primary and secondary research methodologies and narrowed-down with the help of industry-best analytical methods.Segmenting the global Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) market on several fronts, the research report examines the strengths and weaknesses of each category and sub-category in the operating environments. The report also analyzes the impact of several internal and external forces such as consumer preferences, government regulations, laws and policies, technological developments, and economic environment for each segment.The report focuses on the critical aspects of each player and furnishes details such as detailed business profile of the company, product and service portfolio, financial conditions, business strategies, and recent developments. Additionally, the report also studies the strengths and weaknesses of the companies profiled, highlighting their major competitors, and provides insight on their supplier base and consumers.Table of ContentsGlobal Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Lab-on-a-chip (LOC)1.1 Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Overview1.1.1 Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.3 Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market by Type1.3.1 In Silicon1.3.2 In Glass1.3.3 In Ceramics2 Global Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Becton, Dickinson3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2 Agilent Technologies3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3 PerkinElmer3.3.1 Company ProfileBrowse Complete Report with TOC @4 Global Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Size by Type (2012-2017)4.2 Global Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Potential Application of Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Lab-on-a-chip (LOC)5 United States Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Size (2012-2017)5.2 United States Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)List of Tables and FiguresFigure Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Product ScopeFigure Global Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Size (Million USD) (2012-2017)Table Global Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure Global Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Share by Regions in 2016Figure United States Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure EU Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure Japan Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure China Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure India Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Application Development and Integration Market Expected To Reach At A CAGR Of 5.14% During The Forecast Period 2017 - 2021

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Application Development and Integration Market Expected To Reach At A CAGR Of 5.14% During The Forecast Period 2017 - 2021" to its huge collection of research reports.Globally enterprises have been adopting application management solution and services to streamline their routine business processes. Application integration solutions is an important component which facilitates enterprises to exchange data and information through networking systems. CIOs are now spending on IT infrastructure solutions that are agile, flexible and cost-effective.Application developers are embracing next-generation technologies such as DevOps and Agile software development. The DevOps technology has gained popularity in a short span of time as it enhances the speed of the application development process. The enterprise application development process is usually dynamic in nature as compared to consumer mobile application development process because of differences in end-user requirements.Technavios analysts forecast the global application development and integration market to grow at a CAGR of 5.14% during the period 2017-2021.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global application development and integration market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the IT support services for application development and integration.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATechnavio's report, Global Application Development and Integration Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsFUJITSUIBMMicrosoftOracleRed HatTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Other prominent vendorsAccentureAtosBT Global ServicesCapgeminiCognizantDell BoomiHPEInforInfosysInterSystemsKonyMindteckMuleSoftNECSAPScribe SoftwareSercoSoftware AGTCSTIBCO SoftwareWiproXoriantMarket driverCost reduction and operational efficiencyFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeInteroperability issuesFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendIncreased adoption of cloud-based integration solutionsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?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 @
Global Water and Wastewater Management Market for the Mining Sector to grow at a CAGR of 4.83% during 2017-2021 - GE Water & Process Technologies, Lenntech, Pall, Veolia

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Mobile ticketing is an initiative to enhance the role of mobile phones in ticketing services. The use of mobile phones enables consumers to buy tickets and carry the tickets within the phones secure universal integrated circuit card. This works as an alternative to the traditional electronic card-based tickets and provides additional functionality and convenience to end-users. Mobile ticketing apps provide varied options to service providers, as ticketing agencies are able to bring value-added services such as traveler guides to the market.Water and soil pollution are critical concerns in the mining industry and can be caused by toxic heavy metals, surfactants, fine particles of minerals, oil and grease, soaps and detergents, rubber, poisonous chemicals, high acidic or alkaline chemicals, and coal particles. The industry is looking for a sustainable practice to reduce its environmental impact. Mining chemicals along with water and wastewater treatment equipment play an important role in this by treating water to remove impurities and waste.The global water and waste water management market for the mining sector to grow at a CAGR of 4.83% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global water and waste water management market for the mining sector for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources.Click to get sample PDF with TOC:The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEATechnavio's report, Global Water And Waste Water Management Market For The Mining Sector 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- The Dow Chemical Company- GE Water & Process Technologies- Lenntech- Pall- VeoliaOther prominent vendors- Amec Foster Wheeler- AQUARION- Aquatech International- BioteQ Environmental Technologies- Carmeuse- Golder Associates- IDE Technologies- Miwatek- MWH Global- newterra- Saltworks Technologies- SUEZ Water & Treatment SolutionsMarket driver- Introduction of ever-more stringent environmental law.- 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:
U.S. PET Blow Moulder Market: Projected to Exhibit High Y-0-Y Growth in Terms of Value over the Forecast Period 2016 - 2026

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "U.S. PET Blow Moulder Market: Projected to Exhibit High Y-0-Y Growth in Terms of Value over the Forecast Period 2016 - 2026" to its huge collection of research reports.Dynamic changes in the packaging industry and the increasing number of bottled consumer products are expected to drive the PET blow moulder market in the U.S.The U.S. accounted for a revenue share of a little more than 70% in the North America PET blow moulder market in 2016 and is expected to gain 110 basis points by 2026. The U.S. is likely to witness a rapid Y-o-Y growth rate of close to 4% over the period of assessment. The PET blow moulder market in the U.S. is estimated to be valued at more than US$ 25 Mn in 2017 and is likely to record a CAGR of 4.5% from 2016 to 2026 to reach a little more than US$ 40 Mn by 2026. In terms of value, the U.S market is expected to represent an incremental opportunity of more than US$ 15 Mn and grow 1.6X during the forecast period.Increasing taxation and stringent government policies for the ban of plastic bags is expected to hinder the growth of the PET blow moulder market in the U.S.Due to the rising demand for PET bottles, manufacturers are trying to get more output by investing less, which is ultimately affecting the quality of bottles. For instance, manufacturers have started using a lesser amount of raw material in the manufacturing process. However, this makes the bottles thinner, which causes the bottles to not be able to bear the force incurred during the quality checking process. Reducing the quality of bottles manufactured adversely affects the PET blow moulder market in the U.S.Along with generic bottles, the PET blow moulding industry also depends on customised bottles. In fact, customised bottle is a trend in the market, which is now flourishing with a number of brands. Most of these brands have adopted the trend of customising their own bottles. However, these customised bottles if dropped, can bend or even break due to acute stretch ratios. This factor is also likely to be a restraining factor in the growth of the PET blow moulder market in the U.S.PET moulding machines are made to manufacture a large number of bottles, i.e. a minimum of 30,000 bottles/hour. Because of the inherent quality, these machines are largely used by manufacturers who generally require large-scale output. However, if these machines are forced to be used for a smaller volume output then manufacturers would not be able to fetch the profit they expect. The small scale industries operating in rural regions cant consume such high volumes of the product thus forcing the market to produce machines that can handle smaller volumes in a single run with economic rates. Such economic machines with smaller volume are limited in the market, which is hampering the growth of the PET blow moulder market in the U.S.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Unstable macro-economic and political conditions are the major challenges faced by the PET blow moulder market in the U.S.The PET blow moulder market in the U.S is affected by economic conditions and consumer spending trends. The high energy requirements of the manufacturing process lead to high costs, which eventually lead to increasing losses for companies. Similarly, unfavourable political, labour and tax conditions also lay a challenging road for PET blow moulder manufacturers in the U.S. Increasing demand for bio-based materials for packaging has significantly reduced the demand for PET bottles, thereby resulting in a challenge for PET blow moulder manufacturers. As consumers are getting more inclined towards sustainable raw materials for their packaging solutions, there is a tough road ahead for PET blow moulder manufacturers in the U.S to increase their profitability marginsTable Of Content1. Executive Summary2. North America PET Blow Molder Market Introduction2.1.Market Taxonomy3. North America PET Blow Molder Market Overview3.1.Introduction3.2.PET Blow Molder Market Value Chain Analysis3.2 .1.List of Active Participants3.2 .1 .1.Part Suppliers3.2 .1 .2.Manufacturers4. North America PET Blow Molder Market Analysis4.1.North America PET Blow Molder Market Volume(Units) Analysis4.1 .1.Installed Base By Country4.1 .2.Replacement Rate and Lifecycle Analysis4.2.Pricing Analysis4.2 .1.Pricing Assumption4.2 .2.Price Projections By RegionBrowse 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 @
Global Laboratory Glassware Market - SCAM Lab Glass, Sichuan Shubo, Huaou Industry, North Glass

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Global Laboratory Glassware Market Report 2017 provides detailed analysis of Laboratory Glassware market, enclosing detailed study of Laboratory Glassware market for last few years and forecast up to year 2022. The Laboratory Glassware market report analyses the global Laboratory Glassware market from different angles to understand various factors impacting the global Laboratory Glassware market.The reports enlightens the user with various applications, product type, end user of Laboratory Glassware market. Moreover, the Laboratory Glassware market report helps to understand the market trends, Laboratory Glassware growth aspects, utilization ration, supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, raw material price trend and Laboratory Glassware price trend during the forecast period 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Laboratory Glassware Market 2017:Kimble ChaseDURAN GroupBellco GlassCorningQuark EnterprisesWilmad-LabGlass (SP Industries)Hamilton Laboratory GlassKavalierglassGlacier LabEagle Laboratory Glass CompanyBOROSILJencons Glass IndustriesSibata Scientific TechnologyPromaxGlassco GroupCosmo Laboratory EquipmentHarioPioneer Scientific InstrumentSCAM Lab GlassSichuan ShuboHuaou IndustryNorth GlassTianbao Glass InstrumentShanghai Heqi GlasswareJianghai Instrument FittingKahotest Citotest Labware ManufacturingHaimen Shengbang Laboratory EquipmentYadong GlasswareLaboratory Glassware Market Analysis: By ProductContainerMeasurerFilterOthersLaboratory Glassware Market Analysis: By ApplicationChemical LaboratoryBio-pharmaceutical LaboratoryFood Testing LaboratoryOthersInitially, the Laboratory Glassware 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 Laboratory Glassware market report shares information pertaining to the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Laboratory Glassware industry, Laboratory Glassware industry rules and policies, factors driving the growth of Laboratory Glassware Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Enquiry Report Click Here:Global Laboratory Glassware 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 Laboratory Glassware 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 Laboratory Water Purifier Market - Heal Force, Yamato Scientific, Chengdu Haochun, Nomura Micro Science

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Global Laboratory Water Purifier Market Report 2017 provides detailed analysis of Laboratory Water Purifier market, enclosing detailed study of Laboratory Water Purifier market for last few years and forecast up to year 2022. The Laboratory Water Purifier market report analyses the global Laboratory Water Purifier market from different angles to understand various factors impacting the global Laboratory Water Purifier market.The reports enlightens the user with various applications, product type, end user of Laboratory Water Purifier market. Moreover, the Laboratory Water Purifier market report helps to understand the market trends, Laboratory Water Purifier growth aspects, utilization ration, supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, raw material price trend and Laboratory Water Purifier price trend during the forecast period 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Laboratory Water Purifier Market 2017:Merck MilliporeELGA LabWaterThermo Fisher ScientificSartoriusAQUA SOLUTIONSEvoquaSIEMENSPallPuriteULUPUREAurora InstrumentsAquapro InternationalHeal ForceEPEDYamato ScientificChengdu HaochunNomura Micro ScienceBiosaferBiobaseResinTechMarlo IncorporatedBoecoAdronaLaboratory Water Purifier Market Analysis: By ProductPoint of Use Sys-tems Laboratory Water PurifierLarge Cen-tral Sys-tems Laboratory Water PurifierLaboratory Water Purifier Market Analysis: By ApplicationHospital LabResearch LabIndustry LabUniversity LabInitially, the Laboratory Water Purifier 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 Laboratory Water Purifier market report shares information pertaining to the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Laboratory Water Purifier industry, Laboratory Water Purifier industry rules and policies, factors driving the growth of Laboratory Water Purifier Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Enquiry Report Click Here:Global Laboratory Water Purifier 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 Laboratory Water Purifier 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 Market For Cardiac Pacemaker: North America Regional Market to Register a Declining CAGR of 1.4 Between 2016 and 2024

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Market For Cardiac Pacemaker: North America Regional Market to Register a Declining CAGR of 1.4 Between 2016 and 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.This report by Persistence Market Research (PMR) examines the global cardiac pacemaker market for the period 20162024. The primary objective of the report is to offer updates and information related to market opportunities in the Global Cardiac Pacemaker Market.The global cardiac pacemaker market report begins with an exhaustive executive summary giving the report data overview and the market taxonomy or segments covered in the report. It is followed by an overview of market dynamics of the global cardiac pacemaker market, which includes Persistence Market Research analysis of key trends, drivers, restraints and opportunities, and reimbursement scenario that is influencing the growth of the global cardiac pacemaker market. It also includes an insight into pricing of the products. Impact analysis of key growth drivers and restraints based on a weighted average model have been included in the global cardiac pacemaker market report after detailed analysis of individual regions to better equip readers with meaningful insights on ongoing developments in the market.Based on product type, the market has been segmented into implantable pacemaker and external pacemaker. Implantable pacemaker are further sub segmented into single chamber, dual chamber and biventricular pacemaker, all the three sub segment have exhibited a negative CAGR due to device malfunctioning. Further, based on end-user segmentation, hospitals segments are the most attractive segment for cardiac pacemaker market compared to ambulatory surgical centers as most of the pacemaker implants are performed in registered hospitals.The next section of the report analyses cardiac pacemaker market by region and provides market outlook for 20162024. The report also analyses the impact of drivers and restraints in each region. Key regions assessed in this report include North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), and Middle East & Africa (MEA).The above sectionsby product type, end users, and regionevaluate the present scenario and growth prospects of the global cardiac pacemaker market for 20162024. We have considered 2015 as the base year and provided data for the forecast period, i.e., 20162024.In the final section of the report on the global cardiac pacemaker market, Competitive Landscape is included to provide report audiences with a dashboard view, based on categories of providers in the cardiac pacemaker market product portfolio and key differentiators. Key categories of providers covered in the report are pacemaker devices. This section is primarily designed to provide clients with an objective and detailed comparative assessment of key providers specific to a market segment in the cardiac pacemaker market value chain and the potential players for the same. Report audiences can gain segment-specific vendor insights to identify and evaluate key competitors based on in-depth assessment of capabilities and successes in cardiac pacemaker market.Detailed profiles of the providers are also included in the scope of the report to evaluate their long- and short-term strategies, key offerings, SWOT analysis, and recent developments in the global cardiac pacemaker market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Key competitors covered in terms of manufacturers include Medtronics, St.Jude Medical Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG, Lepu Medical Technology Co ltd., MEDICOWEB, Pacetronix ltd., LivaNova Plc., and Osypka Medical GmbH.Research methodologyTo ascertain cardiac pacemaker market size, we have also considered revenue generated by device manufacturers. The forecast presented here assesses the total revenue by value across the cardiac pacemaker market. In order to offer an accurate forecast, we started by sizing up the current market, which forms the basis of how the cardiac pacemaker market is expected to develop in the future. Given the characteristics of the market, we triangulated the outcome of three different types of analysis based on supply side, downstream industry demand, and the economic envelope.In addition, it is imperative to note that in an ever-fluctuating global economy, we not only conduct forecasts in terms of CAGR, but also analyze it based on key parameters such as year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth rates to understand the predictability of the market, and to identify the right opportunities across the cardiac pacemaker market.The cardiac pacemaker market segments in terms of product type, end users, and regions are analyzed in terms of Basis Point Share (BPS) to understand individual segments relative contributions to market growth. This detailed level of information is important for identifying various key trends in the cardiac pacemaker market.To understand key growth segments in terms of growth and adoption for pacemaker implant globally, Persistence Market Research has developed the cardiac pacemaker market Attractiveness Index. The resulting index is expected to help providers identify real market opportunities.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 @
By 2025 Beverage Packaging Market to Garner US$ 257.5 Bn in Revenues

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The global beverage packaging market is expected to be worth nearly US$ 200 billion in 2017, up from US$ 186 billion in 2015. Demand will be sustained by increasing consumption of packed food and beverages and increase in the number of one-person households in key markets. Advances in packaging technology will continue to shape up the global market, with intelligent packaging expected to gain traction.Plastics to Account for Over 50% Revenue ShareBeverage packaging manufacturers will continue to rely on plastic for bulk of production, with glass, metal, and paperboard among other key raw materials. Overall, plastics will account for over 50% revenue share by raw material type, with metal a distant second at approximately 24% market share. Benefits of plastic packaging, such as low production costs, easy transportation, and lower weight will continue to make it a preferred raw material for manufacturers. PET, polystyrene, and polypropylene will remain the highest-selling plastics in the beverage packaging marketcollectively, they are expected to account for US$ 52.64 billion in revenues in 2017.Request For Report Sample@Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) Largest MarketAsia Pacific (excluding Japan) will continue to be the largest market for beverage packaging in 2017. Increasing demand for packed food products will continue to fuel market revenues in the region. The APEJ beverage packaging market is expected to surpass US$ 50 billion in revenues by 2017 and continue to be the largest market for beverage packaging globally.North America and Western Europe  the other leading markets for beverage packaging  will continue to post moderate gains. Adoption of advanced packaging technology will witness higher growth in these two regions vis-a-vis APEJ. Collectively, North America and Western Europe will account for nearly half of global beverage packaging market revenues in 2017.CSD/soda manufacturers will remain the largest application segments in the global beverage packaging market, followed by dairy and juice/soft drinks. Demand for beverage packaging from CSD/soda segment is anticipated to be worth US$ 58 billion in 2017, up from nearly US$ 55 billion in 2015. Plastics will remain the largest product type for CSD/soda, followed by cans and glass bottles.Send an Enquiry @Vendor InsightsLeading players in the global packaging market are focusing on creating functional and sustainable packaging that caters to the swiftly changing needs of consumers. Increasing investment in R&D to develop next-generation packaging solutions and strengthening of distribution networks in emerging nations remain key strategic endeavours of beverage packaging brands. The key players profiled in the report include Ampac Holdings, LLC, Amcor Limited, Alcoa Inc., Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings, Inc., Owens-Illinois, Inc., Rexam PLC, Reynolds Group Holdings Limited, SIG Combibloc, Ardagh Group S.A., Tetra Laval International S.A. and Compagnie de Saint-Gobain.Long-term Outlook: During the forecast period, 2015-2025, the global beverage packaging market is expected to grow at 3.3% CAGR through 2025, totalling US$ 257.5 billion in revenues. Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) will remain the largest market for beverage packaging throughout the forecast period 2015-2025.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 Mosquito Killer Lamps Market 2017 Company Profiles Analysis Report 2022

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Global Mosquito Killer Lamps Market 2017 report spread across 124 pages gives Market Segment Analysis by Key Manufacturers, Regions, Types and Applications. Mosquito Killer Lamps is a device that attracts and kills mosquito. And Mosquito killer lamps can be divided into electronic mosquito killer lamps, air suction mosquito killer lamp, adhesive mosquito killer lamps.Complete report is available atScope of the Report:This report focuses on the Global Mosquito Killer Lamps market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers: North America (USA, Canada and Mexico); Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy); Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia); South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.); Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa). Market Segment by Type, covers: Electronic Mosquito Killer Lamps, Air Suction Mosquito Killer Lamp, Adhesive Mosquito Killer Lamps & Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Indoor, Outdoor.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers: Woodstream Corporation, Panchao, Chuangji, INVICTUS International, Armatron International, Greenyellow, Thermacell Repellents, Remaig, TONMAS.Request for discount atThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Mosquito Killer Lamps market.Chapter 1 to describe Mosquito Killer Lamps Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force.Chapter 2 to analyze the top manufacturers of Mosquito Killer Lamps, with sales, revenue, and price of Mosquito Killer Lamps, 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 Mosquito Killer Lamps, for each region, from 2012 to 2017.Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions.Order copy of report atChapter 10 and 11 to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017.Chapter 12 Mosquito Killer Lamps market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022.Chapter 13, 14 and 15 to describe Mosquito Killer Lamps sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.ReportsnReports.com is your single source for all market research needs. Our database includes 500,000+ market research reports from over 95 leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets.Ritesh Tiwari,+ 1 888 391 5441sales@reportsandreports.com
Smart Machines Market Size to Record a CAGR of 18.8% by 2024

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Key players in the global smart machines market include Apple Inc., Google Inc., Microsoft Corporation, BAE Systems, Creative Virtual Ltd., Digital Reasoning Systems, Inc., IBM Corporation, Narrative Science Inc., Rethink Robotics, ABB Limited, Rockwell Automation, Inc., and General Electric Co. others.Persistence Market Research (PMR) delivers key insights on the global smart machines market in its upcoming report titled, Smart Machines Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast, 2016-2024. In terms of value, the global smart machines market is projected to register a healthy CAGR of 18.8% during the forecast period. This is attributed to various factors, regarding which PMR offers vital insights in detail.On the basis of a component, the global smart machines market has been segmented into hardware, software, and service. Demand for smart machines is enhanced by increasing need to process and analyze big unstructured data among different sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, and defense. On the basis of machine type, the global smart machines market has been segmented into robots, autonomous cars, drones, wearable electronics and others.Browse Complete Report @On the basis of technology, the global smart machines market has been segmented into cloud computing, big data, internet of everything (IoE), robotics, cognitive technology and effective technology. Affective technology segment is expected to expand with a substantial CAGR over the forecast period. Various enterprises working on cognitive computing are facing glitches and errors in technology. This, in turn, is encouraging adoption of affective computing. Cognitive computing technology enables emotions linking to a robot, assisting the robot in making rational decisions and performing more complex tasks.Smart machines are deployed to enhance networked resources and implement distributed intelligence in manufacturing industries. Integration of devices provides more accessibility. Smart machines can be easily connected to a broader network of connected devices, enabling users to share data on numerous devices. This ensures users to connect/access their devices from anywhere and anytime. This is expected to fuel demand for smart machines in various industries. The market in Australia is expected to witness substantial growth in adoption rates of smart machines over the next five years. Autonomous robots are expected to find applications in agriculture and commercial sectors to overcome the lack of labor in the country. Australia-based companies have also been investing significantly in advanced technologies such as IoT.A sample of this report is available upon request @Smart machines are programmed to make intelligent decisions in a time efficient manner. They are built to learn from their interactions and their precision increases over time. Hence, new developments in operational intelligence are encouraging companies to adopt systems that are smarter and efficient. Narrative Science Inc., a company that offers analytical solutions uses its virtual assistant Quill, which is programed using natural language processing to provide relevant solutions.Request to view table of content @This report covers trends driving each segment and offers analysis and insights of the potential of the smart machines market in specific regions. The markets in Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific are expected to register high growth rates between 2016 and 2024. MEA is a small but significant market for smart machines as governments in the Middle East countries are investing in this sector to digitize government services. The market in Europe is expected to gain substantial market share in terms of revenue. This is attributed to increasing demand for smart machines from the automobile and manufacturing industries in countries such as Germany and France. The APAC accounted for the highest market share in 2015 and is expected to gain 232 BPS by an end of 2024.Buy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Pillow Market Growth by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application; Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin Analysis to 2022

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ReportsMonitor.com has added Global Pillow Market Professional Survey Report 2017 to its database of market research reports.This report studies Pillow in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.Request a Free Sample Report @This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringHollanderAmerican Textile CompanyWendreMyPillowPacific CoastTempur-PedicRIBECOJohn CottonParadise PillowMagniflexComfy QuiltsPENELOPEPATEXLatexcoSAMEERA PILLOWSRomatexNishikawa SangyoView Entire Report @By types, the market can be split intoCotton PillowDown PillowMemory Foam PillowBy Application, the market can be split intoResidentialCommercialRequest a Free Sample Report @By Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaSome Points From Table Of Contents:1 Industry Overview of Pillow1.1 Definition and Specifications of Pillow1.1.1 Definition of Pillow1.1.2 Specifications of Pillow1.2 Classification of Pillow1.2.1 Cotton Pillow1.2.2 Down Pillow1.2.3 Memory Foam Pillow1.3 Applications of Pillow1.3.1 Residential1.3.2 Commercial1.3.3 Application 31.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 IndiaReports Monitor (ReportsMonitor.com) is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. Our aim is to change the dynamics of the Market Research industry by providing quality intelligence backed by data. Your requirement for market forecasting is fulfilled by our exclusive quantitative and analytics driven intelligence. We have a vast collection of reports, covering maximum industries worldwide. Our process is meticulously planned and executed in order to use maximum resources and explore the market for getting genuine insights. The prime focus is to get reliable data, Decision makers can now rely on our distinct data gathering methods to get factual market forecasting and detailed analysis.Jay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite:
Automotive Pulse Generators Market is Progressing Towards a Strong Growth by 2025

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Global Automotive Pulse Generators Market: IntroductionPulse generators are electronic circuits or electronic test equipment used to generate pulses. They are primarily used for working with digital circuits. A pulse generator is used for transmission control, wherein it detects the rotation of transmission gear and generates signals. Pulse power, pulse duration and frequency are some of the important parameters of pulse generators. They are used in varied end use industries, such as communications, aerospace, defence, and mechanical, and particularly in industrial machinery, automotive machinery, and the electronic industry, among others. There are two types of automotive pulse generators, namely giant magneto resistance (GMR) type and hall type. The operation of these sensors is similar but construction may vary, depending on the type. The main function of an automotive pulse generator is to measure the rpm and determine position of the crankshaft at engine management systems.Get access to full summary @ :The giant magneto resistance (GMR) type has high reliability and performance. This device is mainly manufactured to realize high environment resistance. In order to improve the performance, angle position, and detection accuracy, high sensitivity and high output device is used. Hall type pulse generators are known for their high performance and reliability. In this type, high reliability is achieved with less connection portion. Accurate rotation detection ability of the device helps it achieve high performance.Global Automotive Pulse Generators Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe automotive pulse generators market is greatly dependent on automobile production and sale. The demand for automobiles is increasing in developing countries, such as China, India and Brazil. This is seen as a major driver for the automotive pulse generators market in these regions. Industrialization and urbanization, coupled with rising disposable income of middle class families has propelled the growth of automobile sales in the last few years. This trend is expected to continue during the forecast period. Globally, China occupies the first spot in terms of passenger vehicle manufacturing, whereas the U.S. tops the list for commercial vehicle manufacturing. Japan and India also have a significant share in vehicle production. Rise in infrastructure investment, particularly in the construction of roads and highways is an important factor fuelling the growth of automotive sales and the automotive pulse generators market. The demand for test and measurement equipment from the automotive industry is expected to increase significantly during the forecast period. The automotive pulse generator market is greatly fragmented and dominated by small automotive parts manufacturers across regions. High competitive costs can be considered as one of the restraints of this market. Supplying high quality products at reasonable costs is an opportunity for the manufacturers and suppliers of automotive pulse generators.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global Automotive Pulse Generators Market: SegmentationSegmentation of the global automotive pulse generators market on the basis of material: Cast iron, Alloys, Others. Segmentation of the global automotive pulse generators market on the basis of vehicle type: Passenger Car, LCV, HCV.Automotive Pulse Generators Market: Region Wise OutlookAs of 2016, Asia Pacific is globally predominant in the automotive pulse generators market, owing to increasing demand, rapid urbanization, and aggressive expansion of automotive manufacturing facilities. North America and Europe are other prominent markets exhibiting healthy growth in terms of demand for automotive pulse generators. Countries, such as China, India, the U.S., and Germany are expected to retain substantial market shares in coming years. Germany is the auto hub of Europe with high automotive production and sales. German car manufacturers are known for their innovation, safety, reliability and design. The huge research and development infrastructure, along with the availability of cutting edge technology will fuel the automotive pulse generator market in the country. Middle East, Latin America and Africa are expected to expand with significant CAGRs over the forecast period.Automotive Pulse Generators Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants in the global automotive pulse generators market identified across the value chain include: Beijer Automotive, Mitsubishi Electric, Bosch, Nritsu, B&K Precision, Keithley Instruments, Keysight Technologies, National Instruments, Rohde & Schwarz, Tektronix ASCO.Buy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report @The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, application, and industry.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:
Automotive Filters Market to Reach US$ 18,383.8 Mn by 2022

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According to a report by Fact.MR, the global automotive filter market is projected to register a steady expansion at 5.2% CAGR through 2022. Fact.MRs report estimates revenues from global sales of automotive filters to increase from US$ 14,283.2 Mn in 2017 to US$ 18,383.8 Mn by 2022-end. Soaring adoption of two-wheeler vehicles, and increasing demand for passenger cars are expected to sustain growth of the global automotive filter market. In addition, rapid expansion of automotive sector, coupled with increasing disposable income of people is expected to drive demand for automobiles, which in turn will influence growth of the global market for automotive filter.8 Prospects of the Global Automotive Filter MarketEurope will remain the most lucrative region for automotive filters market. This growth is mainly driven by surging requirement for productivity & efficiency, coupled with a thrust to manufacturing activities in this region. In 2017, automotive filters sales in Europe are estimated to hold over one-fourth share of the market, in terms of revenues.For More Details - A sample of this report is available upon request@Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) is projected to register the fastest expansion, in terms of automotive filter sales, through 2022.Sales of automotive filters in Middle East & Africa (MEA) and Japan are expected to exhibit a sluggish expansion through 2022.Cabin air filter will remain sought-after among products in the global automotive filter market. Surging demand for cars with high efficiency, and soaring pollution levels around the globe, especially in urban areas are factors fuelling demand for cabin air filters. Cabin air filter sales are expected to exhibit the highest CAGR through 2022 in the market. In contrast, oil filter sales are estimated to register a sluggish expansion through 2022. In terms of revenues, intake air filters will continue to be the second largest product in the market.Based on filter media, synthetic automotive filters are expected to remain preferred in the market. Synthetic automotive filter sales are anticipated to exhibit an above-average CAGR, to exceed revenues worth US$ 10,000 Mn by 2022-end. Synthetic automotive filters are expected to account for nearly three-fourth market revenue share in 2017. Adoption of cellulose automotive filters will continue to be sluggish throughout the forecast period.Request For Discount:Demand for passenger cars around the world is witnessing a rapid expansion, which in turn has propelled demand for automotive filters. Increasing replacement rate of automotive filters on the back of necessity for passenger car maintenance is further expected to drive the market growth. Automotive filter sales in passenger cars are expected to hold the largest revenue share of the market, registering the highest CAGR through 2022. LCVs will remain the second largest vehicles for automotive filters sales in the market. Sales of automotive filters in lawn mowers and off-road vehicles are estimated to exhibit the lowest CAGR throughout the forecast period.IAM will remain the largest sales channel in the global automotive filter market, with sales poised to exhibit the highest CAGR through 2022. Automotive filter sales in IAM are anticipated to surpass US$ 10,000 Mn in revenues by 2022-end. OES will continue to be the second most lucrative sales channel for automotive filters. Automotive filter sales in OEM are estimated to register a sluggish expansion through 2022.Key players in the global automotive filters market include Roki Co., Ltd., Denso Corporation, MAHLE GmbH, ALCO Filters Ltd., Hollingsworth and Vose Company, Donaldson Company, Inc., Toyota Boshoku Corporation, K&N Engineering, Inc., Mann + Hummel GmbH, Parker Hannifin Corporation, and Cummins, Inc.Browse Full Report:ABOUT US:Fact.MR is focused on offering transformative intelligence that inspires breakthroughs and innovation. We believe that the right decisions at the opportune time are integral to achieve extraordinary success. We are here to help you with your strategic decision making.CONTACT:Suite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandPhone: +353-1-6111-593Email: sales@factmr.comWebsite:
Global Car Subwoofer Market - Sony, JVC Kenwood, Polk Audio, KICKER, Rockford Fosgate

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Global Car Subwoofer Market Report 2017 provides detailed analysis of Car Subwoofer market, enclosing detailed study of Car Subwoofer market for last few years and forecast up to year 2022. The Car Subwoofer market report analyses the global Car Subwoofer market from different angles to understand various factors impacting the global Car Subwoofer market.The reports enlightens the user with various applications, product type, end user of Car Subwoofer market. Moreover, the Car Subwoofer market report helps to understand the market trends, Car Subwoofer growth aspects, utilization ration, supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, raw material price trend and Car Subwoofer price trend during the forecast period 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Car Subwoofer Market 2017:AlpinePioneerHarmanSonyJVC KenwoodPolk AudioKICKERRockford FosgateJL AudioHiViMTX AudioDualFocalRainbowMoralPyle AudioZeProEdifierCar Subwoofer Market Analysis: By ProductPowered SubwoofersPassive SubwoofersCar Subwoofer Market Analysis: By ApplicationUnder the Rear SeatUnder the Front SeatIn the TrunkInitially, the Car Subwoofer 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 Car Subwoofer market report shares information pertaining to the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Car Subwoofer industry, Car Subwoofer industry rules and policies, factors driving the growth of Car Subwoofer Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Enquiry Report Click Here:Global Car Subwoofer 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 Car Subwoofer 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
World Refrigerated Display Cabinets Market Report 2017-2025: Research, Competitive Analysis, Key Manufacturers and Development

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According to The Insight Partners, Global Refrigerated Display Cabinets Market Analysis to 2025 is a specialized and in-depth study of the Refrigerated Display Cabinets industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global Refrigerated Display Cabinets market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The global Refrigerated Display Cabinets market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Refrigerated Display Cabinets players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.Request a Sample Report atRefrigerated Display Cabinets Market Players:- Carrier Corporation- AHT Cooling Systems- Metalfrio Solutions S.A.- Dover Corporation- Lennox International- Frigoglass S.A.I.C.- Hoshizaki International- EPTA S.p.a- Hussmann Corporation- Illinois Tool Works Inc.The report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global Refrigerated Display Cabinets market based on product and application. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Refrigerated Display Cabinets 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 Refrigerated Display Cabinets 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 Refrigerated Display Cabinets 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
Eucalyptus Oil Market to reach US$ 900 Mn by 2022

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A sluggish expansion has been estimated for the global eucalyptus oil market over the forecast period 2017 to 2022. Global sales of eucalyptus oil are estimated to account for US$ 900 Mn revenues by 2022-end.Over the past few years, eucalyptus oil is being adopted for aromatherapy applications, coupled with surging demand form food & beverage, and personal care products. Consumer preferences have been inclining towards naturally derived essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, which in turn has compelled the manufacturers to develop innovative applications in personal care products. The eucalyptus oil has been discerned to overcome side-effects pertaining to conventional medicines and drugs. Eucalyptus oils antiseptic properties have driven its adoption in pharmaceutical products as well as medicinal supplements, helping individuals with respiratory problems, and high blood pressure. The aforementioned factors will sustain the growth of the market throughout the forecast period.An incredibly large amount of eucalyptus leaves are needed for producing just a single ounce of oil. In addition, manufacturers as well as consumers are increasingly getting concerned about the resource depletion. The global eucalyptus oil market is highly concentrated, wherein new market entrants face barriers created by leading players. Eucalyptus oil production necessitates heavy investments for advanced equipment. Global leaders in the eucalyptus oil market are now emphasizing on overcoming the challenges such as certification by government, and high capital investments, which stand as prominent impeding factors for the market growth.For More Details - A sample of this report is available upon request@10 Estimations for the Global Eucalyptus Oil MarketAlthough modern trade remains the largest distribution channel for eucalyptus oil, sales of eucalyptus oil in online distribution channel is expected to register the highest CAGR through 2022.Revenues from eucalyptus oil sales will remain lower in online distribution channel, as compared to all the other segments of distribution channel in the global market for eucalyptus oil.Eucalyptus oil will continue to witness the largest demand for applications in food & beverage sector, followed by the aromatherapy, and therapeutics applications.Eucalyptus oil sales for application in fragrances will continue to register a sluggish expansion through 2022.Based on nature, natural eucalyptus oil will continue to be preferred among consumers across the globe, with sales anticipated to exhibit a moderate CAGR during the forecast period.Request For Discount:Sales of organic eucalyptus oil are expected to expand at a relatively lower CAGR than natural eucalyptus oil through 2022.Europe will continue to be the most lucrative market for eucalyptus oil, with sales expanding at a steady CAGR over the forecast period. Revenues from the market in Europe will continue to account for nearly one-half share of the market during 2017 to 2022.The eucalyptus oil market in Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Middle East & Africa (MEA), and North America are expected to witness a sluggish expansion through 2022.Eucalyptus globulus is expected to remain sought-after among products in the market, in terms of revenues.Sales of eucalyptus polybractea will exhibit the fastest growth through 2022. In contrast, sales of eucalyptus kochii is anticipated to exhibit the lowest CAGR through 2022 in the global market for eucalyptus oil.Browse Full Report:ABOUT US:Fact.MR is focused on offering transformative intelligence that inspires breakthroughs and innovation. We believe that the right decisions at the opportune time are integral to achieve extraordinary success. We are here to help you with your strategic decision making.CONTACT:Suite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandPhone: +353-1-6111-593Email: sales@factmr.comWebsite:
Clover Leaf Oil Market Forecast will Surpass US$ 528 Mn by 2022

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Low awareness regarding benefits of clover leaf oil in improving overall health of consumers is expected to restrain the global market from expanding at an impressive pace. Fact.MRs report on the global clover leaf oil market projects that by the end of 2022, a little over US$ 528 Mn revenues will be procured from sales of clover leaf oil in the world, reflecting a moderate CAGR.Key Insights from the Report include:Through 2022, the demand for clover leaf oil in its absolute form is expected to remain closely equal to the demand for concentrated form of clover leaf oil. Both forms are anticipated to procure more than one-third share on global revenues, individually. Meanwhile, blended clover leaf oil products will lose traction in terms of demand, reflecting a sluggish growth at lowest CAGR.For More Details - A sample of this report is available upon request@In 2017 and beyond, eight out of ten clover leaf oil products sold in the market will be sourced from natural clover plants. The demand for naturally sourced clover leaf oil will be high in Europe, while global demand for organically procured clover leaf oil will witness a considerable decline towards the end of the forecast period.Proactive lifestyles of consumers in European countries are pegged to influence the sales of clover leaf oil products. In Europe, the demand for clover leaf oil is expected to gain traction owing to prevalent inclination of consumers towards health-benefiting products. Consumers in this region are likely to be aware about the benefits of clover leaf oil in boosting energy, improving blood circulation and being a natural anti-inflammatory ointment. The report projects that through 2022, Europe will remain the largest market for clover leaf oil in the world.North America, on the other hand, is expected to witness lowest growth in its clover leaf oil market. The sales of clover leaf oil in the US and Canada will reflect a sluggish growth by exhibiting a 2.5% CAGR throughout the forecast period. Low on-shelf availability of clover leaf oil products and a relatively less awareness regarding benefits of clover oil are expected to contribute to the moderate growth of North Americas clover leaf oil market during the forecast period.Request For Discount:On the basis of application, therapeutic use of clover leaf oil products will witness a significant upsurge. The report also predicts that use of clover leaf oil in aromatherapy, production of fragrances, and production of food products & beverages will also witness impressive growth in the years to come.Modern trade outlets are expected to contribute to more than two-fifth of global market value throughout the forecast period. These outlets will be observed as largest distribution channel in the global clover leaf oil market, while online sales of clover leaf oil products are expected to procure more than US$ 80 Mn revenue by the end of 2022.Manufacturers of clover leaf oil products that are expected to remain active in the expansion of global clover leaf oil market through 2022 are also profiled in the report, which include companies such as Plant Therapy Essential Oils, Green Fields Oil Factory, Lionel Hitchen Essential Oils, Aromaaz International, IL Health & Beauty Natural Oils Co. Inc., Aksuvital, Shaanxi Guanjie Technology Co., Natures Natural India, Young Living Essential Oils LC, Greenleaf Extractions Pvt Ltd., Biolandes, The Lebermuth Company, doTerra, Synthite Industries Ltd., and Bio Extracts (Pvt) Ltd.Browse Full Report:ABOUT US:Fact.MR is focused on offering transformative intelligence that inspires breakthroughs and innovation. We believe that the right decisions at the opportune time are integral to achieve extraordinary success. We are here to help you with your strategic decision making.CONTACT:Suite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandPhone: +353-1-6111-593Email: sales@factmr.comWebsite:
Global Industrial Control Systems Security Software Market Research Report 2017-2025

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According to The Insight Partners, Global Industrial Control Systems Security Software Market Analysis to 2025 is a specialized and in-depth study of the Industrial Control Systems Security Software industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global Industrial Control Systems Security Software market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The global Industrial Control Systems Security Software market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Industrial Control Systems Security Software players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.Request a Sample Report atIndustrial Control Systems Security Software Market Players:- Cisco Systems Inc.- FireEye Inc.- Honeywell International Inc.- IBM- Kaspersky Lab- McAfee- PAS Inc.- Tofino Security- Symantec- Waterfall SecurityThe report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global Industrial Control Systems Security Software market based on product and application. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Industrial Control Systems Security Software 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 Industrial Control Systems Security Software 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 Industrial Control Systems Security Software 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
AdvancedTCA Systems (ATCA) Market Will Generate New Growth Opportunities by 2025

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AdvancedTCA Systems is an advanced system which provides an open, multi-vendor architecture to fulfill the requirements of the next generation of carrier grade communications equipment. AdvancedTCA Systems provides high-speed interconnectivity, improved reliability, next generation processors, manageability, and serviceability. ATCA is the first of its kind open architecture which provides a sophisticated and robust system management architecture that aids High Availability systems which continuously works in the event of individual component or sub-system failure. ATCA system also allows on-the-fly software upgrades while the system is operating. AdvancedTCA released in January 2003, and since then it has been adopted by most of the telecommunication equipment providers globally. ATCA expanded its reach to non-carrier grade environments which require high Processor and Input/Output density with high system bandwidth.Get access to full summary @ :ATCA is one of the most widely used open standard for global telecommunications infrastructure and currently being used in many critical military applications. ATCA is also used in large-scale physics experiments and rugged applications in the aerospace, defense, and military. ATCA provides the high availability essential for central office applications which require Network Equipment Building System and European Telecommunication Standard Institute compliance. Due to its versatile benefits and vast usage, AdvancedTCA Systems market is expected to witness an escalating demand among the industries.AdvancedTCA Systems: Market DynamicsAdvancedTCA Systems is the only Standardized Platform for Carrier Grade Telecom Systems. ATCA is the most flexible platform which provides many options for LTE, DPI, DSP Blades and others for the Next Generation Mobile Networks. AdvancedTCA Systems are also easy to upgrade and can reusable. Servicing of ATCA is easy, hassle free and cheap as compared to its earlier versions. During the maintenance of the system, the hardware, and software of ATCA can be upgraded which reduces the downtime of the system to zero. In the older versions, the system needs to shut down when requires any service entirely. Technological innovation and investments have bridged the gap and companies can now enjoy hassle-free mechanisms which were almost impossible fifteen years back. AdvancedTCA Systems are reliable and never fails in any situation. They are designed to overcome any incidences of failure, fire or any trouble that can disrupt the functioning of the system.However, AdvancedTCA Systems comes along with many drawbacks. AdvancedTCA system must be designed to use a large chassis in all deployments; which wastes chassis space and increases the cost of smaller deployments. If large chassis are not employed, then multiple sizes of chassis need to be utilized for the same purpose which increases the integration costs and creates interoperability issues. AdvancedTCA system also requires a significant amount of power. The cooling feature is also questionable as it quickly gets heated and doesnt cool down even if proper air conditioning is in place. Cooling is also effected in the chassis especially when boards are added and removed from the system.A sample of this report is available upon request @AdvancedTCA Systems market has an opportunity towards the advancements in the telecommunication and military applications. Analytics and big data management also started using this system for better efficiency.AdvancedTCA Systems: Market SegmentationAdvancedTCA Systems market can be segmented on the basis of number of slots, which include: One to six, Seven to fourteen, More than fourteen. AdvancedTCA Systems market can be segmented on the basis of type of mounting position, which include: Vertical, Horizontal. AdvancedTCA Systems market can be segmented on the basis of type of power, which include: AC, DC. AdvancedTCA Systems market can be segmented on the basis of type of application, which include: Telecommunication, Military, Aerospace and Defense, Analytics and Big Data, IT Industry, Others.AdvancedTCA Systems: Segment OutlookAdvancedTCA Systems market can be segmented on the basis of number of slots which include One to six, Seven to fourteen and More than fourteen. AdvancedTCA Systems market can be segmented on the basis of mounting position which include vertical and horizontal. AdvancedTCA Systems market can be segmented on the basis of type of power which includes AC and DC. AdvancedTCA Systems market can also be segmented on the basis of type of applications which includes telecommunication, military, aerospace and defense, analytics and big data, it industry and others.AdvancedTCA Systems: Regional OutlookRegional coverage for AdvancedTCA Systems market includes North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Japan. AdvancedTCA Systems market will witnesses a high demand in North America.Buy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report @AdvancedTCA Systems: Market PlayersThe market players in AdvancedTCA Systems market are Artesyn Embedded Technologies, Trans Innovation Group, Mercury Systems, Telco Systems, Pentair plc., Jumpgen Systems and many more.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
IoT in Manufacturing Market Size, Share, Trends, Analysis and Forecast Research Report 2017-2025

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According to The Insight Partners, Global IoT in Manufacturing Market Analysis to 2025 is a specialized and in-depth study of the IoT in Manufacturing industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global IoT in Manufacturing market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The global IoT in Manufacturing market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the IoT in Manufacturing players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.Request a Sample Report atIoT in Manufacturing Market Players:- Cisco Systems, Inc.- General Electric Company- IBM Corp.- Intel Corporation- KUKA Systems Group- Microsoft Corporation- SAP- Siemens AG- PTC- Zebra TechnologiesThe report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global IoT in Manufacturing market based on product and application. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall IoT in Manufacturing market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM), which is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report evaluates market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend and provides exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions.Inquire before Buying atAlso, key IoT in Manufacturing market players influencing the market are profiled in the study along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. The report also focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, products and services offered, financial information of last 3 years, key development in past five years.Reason to Buy- Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies.- The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in the IoT in Manufacturing 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
Remicade Biosimilar Market : Key Growth Factors and Industry Analysis 2016-2026

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About the drug and drug class:Biosimilar can be defined as a type of biological product that is highly similar to an already FDA approved drug, known as reference biological product. Biosimilars are drugs licensed by U.S. FDA and European Medicine Agency (EMA) and reflect no clinical and meaningful differences from the reference products in terms of safety, purity, efficacy and effectiveness. These biosimilar drugs can only be approved for the indications and conditions that have been previously approved for the reference product by big regulatory agencies.Remicade (infliximab) is a monoclonal antibody originally produced by Janssen Biotech Inc., and Merck & Co. (MSD) in partnership and licensed by the U.S. FDA in 1998. It is used in the treatment of Crohns disease in both adult and pediatric patients. Additionally it is also used for treatment of active ulcerative colitis, moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in combination with methroxate, spinal and active psoriatic arthritis, and plaque psoriasis. The U.S. FDA has approved a biosimilar drug similar to Remicade, named Inflectra, on 05 April, 2016, which is expected to erode the market share of Remicade due to lower competitive pricing. Inflectra (infliximab dyyb) is sold in the European market, after receiving an approval from the EMAs CHMP in June, 2013 under the brand name Remsima (developed by South Koreas Celltrion Healthcare and marketed by Pfizers Hospira). The drug Remsima is sold at a discount of 30% than that of original Remicade in 11 European markets including UK, France, Germany and Italy. Another Japanese company, Nippon Kayaku launched Infliximab BS in Japan on 28 November 2014  however, the Japanese license only covers Crohns disease, rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis indications. The U.S. FDA has now launched Remicades biosimilar Inflectra, which is only the second biosimilar drug to be approved by the agency.Request Report Sample@Drivers and Restraints:Drivers for the Remicade biosimilar include rising incidence of autoimmune diseases particularly rheumatoid arthritis and plaque psoriasis, early patent expiry of the branded version, discounted pricing across the European market and faster reaction times due to intravenous mode of administration. Further, entry of biosimilar version could provide financial relief on healthcare systems and improve patients accessibility to essential medication.Barriers of the Remicade biosimilar include serious side effects associated with the use of drug that could lead to hospitalization or even be fatal. These include tuberculosis, bacterial sepsis, invasive fungal infections (such as histoplasmosis) and others. As such, manufacturer of the drug has been mandated to include a Boxed Warning to alert both healthcare professionals and patients. Further, complex nature of the molecule and lack of FDA approved facilities for manufacturing the drug are factors that could restrain the growth of the drugs market in developing regions.Market Segmentation:The Remicade (infliximab) biosimilar market is segmented based on approved disease indications and regions.By Disease IndicationCrohns diseaseRheumatoid arthritisAnkylosing spondylitisPsoriatic arthritisUlcerative ColitisPlaque psoriasisBy RegionsNorth AmericaWestern EuropeEastern EuropeAsia Pacific excluding JapanJapanLatin AmericaMEAMarket Overview:Early loss of patent exclusivity is one the major factors that could fuel attractive market growth of the Remicade biosimilar over the forthcoming years. Rising prevalence of relevant autoimmune disorders coupled with discounted pricing of the Remicade biosimilar in European markets are factors expected to contribute to increased referral and consumption of the drug. Development of faster approval procedures and proper U.S. FDA approved manufacturing facilities in the regional nodal countries are factors that contribute to increased drug uptake. Further, distinct naming and transparent labeling to ensure correct prescribing and dispensing and enhanced post-marketing surveillance are factors that could contribute largely towards prescriber confidence, and enhanced market uptake of the drug over the coming years. However, safety issues concerning manufacturing facilities along with potential side effects of drug consumption could hamper for acceptance of infliximab biosimilar over the long run.Remicade Biosimilar Market: Region- wise Outlook:Depending on geographic regions, global Remicade biosimilar market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.Visit For TOC@In terms of geography, Europe dominates the Remicade biosimilar market, followed by Japan and Latin America. The prime reason for the same is the launch of the biosimilar version soon after the patent expiry of the branded version. However, systematic and faster drug review process is expected to create revenue traction in markets over North America and other regions. Stringent regulatory approval procedures and streamlined manufacturing guidelines, particularly in the Central and South American nations, could lead to development of effective regional manufacturing and distribution strategies for Remicade biosimilars. Finally, rising government support for development of biosimilar drugs and low switching tendency from physicians secure the future market growth of the biosimilar in the near term.Remicade Biosimilar Market: Key Players:Some of the key market players in Remicade (infliximab  mAb) market are Janssen Biotech Inc., Merck &Co., Pfizer Inc. (AC. Hospira), Celltrion Inc., Alvogen, Napp Pharmaceuticals, and Nippon Kayaku.About Us Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Enterprise WLAN Market Network, Key Vendors, Growth, Analysis and Forecast Report 2017-2025

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According to The Insight Partners, Global Enterprise WLAN Market Analysis to 2025 is a specialized and in-depth study of the Enterprise WLAN industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global Enterprise WLAN market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The global Enterprise WLAN market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Enterprise WLAN players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.Request a Sample Report atEnterprise WLAN Market Players:- Aruba Networks- Alcatel-Lucent- Cisco Systems, Inc.- Ericsson- Hewlett-Packard Enterprises- Motorola Solutions- Brocade Communications Systems- Zebra Technology Solutions- Netgear Solutions- Aerohive networksThe report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global Enterprise WLAN market based on product and application. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Enterprise WLAN 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 Enterprise WLAN 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 Enterprise WLAN 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
Head-Up Display Industry Trends, Analysis and Forecast for Global Regions 2017-2025

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According to The Insight Partners, Global Head-Up Display Market Analysis to 2025 is a specialized and in-depth study of the Head-Up Display industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global Head-Up Display market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The global Head-Up Display market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Head-Up Display players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.Request a Sample Report atHead-Up Display Market Players:- Denso Corporation- BMW AG- MicroVision, Inc.- Navdy, Inc- Garmin Ltd.- Embitel- Esterline Technologies Corporation- Johnson Controls Inc.- Delphi Automotive Plc- Continental AGThe report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global Head-Up Display market based on product and application. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Head-Up Display market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM), which is 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 Head-Up Display 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 Head-Up Display 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
[Update below] A Citi Bike competitor that doesn't rely on putting out docks for their bikes is coming to New York City next week, despite the fact that the Department of Transportation won't be welcoming them.

The Post reports that Spin, a California company that offers up bikes that can be picked up and left anywhere on the street, will be debuting with 300 bikes in the city on Monday, August 14th. 150 of the bright orange bikes will be distributed in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and another 150 will be placed around Rockaway.

Council Member Eric Ulrich welcomed the new bikes, telling the Post that it was a way to provide more choice and that the city didn't owe Citi Bike any protection as a "monopoly." However, the Department of Transportation told the paper that Spin hasn't been authorized to operate in the city, and that "ad hoc promotions for individual companies" isn't the way to expand bike share.

Caroline Samponaro, a spokesperson for Transportation Alternatives, said that while dockless bike share "has the potential to be part of the future" of bike share in the city, the organization would rather see Citi Bike expanded to Staten Island and the Bronx.

"Dockless bike share is not going to create the solution we're hoping for, which is a connected public transportation network via bike share," she told Gothamist.

The Spin bikes are unlocked with an app, cost $1 per half-hour and can be left anywhere, as they use self-locking technology. Per the company's website, the people behind Spin got tired of traffic and "expensive Uber rides" as well as bike share stations not being located near their favorite snacks.

And while Spin hasn't been sanctioned to operate in New York City, the company was given the go-ahead by city officials in San Francisco recently, where they put out 125 bikes recently, with a plan to grow to a fleet of 500.

Other dockless bike share companies have come under fire for terms of service that could potentially violate users' privacy, as well as rules that say riders are responsible for making sure there are no mechanical faults on the bike.

The issue of maintenance seems especially dicey, as an executive at a dock-reliant bike share system told The Guardian, "You see thousands of bikes parked everywhere around the city and many are not working because nobody takes care of them."

A person reviewing Spin in Seattle also complained the the GPS directing users to the bikes was somewhat faulty, leading him to parking lots and into alleyways.

[Update 3:33 p.m.] The Department of Transportation has sent a cease and desist letter to Spin, warning them not to begin operating in New York on Monday. The letter, from a DOT attorney, reads in part:

Please be advised that you do not have the authorization or permission, pursuant to a concession, franchise, permit, contract or otherwise, required for such operations. Additionally, the City of New York will actively enforce all laws and its police powers, including but not limited to those that protect its rights of way and ensure the safety and service provided by the Citys rights of way.

In addition to the letter, DOT commissioner Polly Trottenberg issued a statement in which she said that "this cant be the Wild West, with ad hoc installations that havent received City approval and that dont fully consider the future of bike sharing in New York."

Trottenberg did say that the DOT is "considering" the use of dockless bike share technology in future phases of the system's expansion.
Laundry Cleaning Products Market Challenges and Opportunities Report

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Increasing need to offer and maintain clean and hygienic amenities has led to an upsurge in demand for laundry cleaning products in the textile and hospitality industry. Expanding e-commerce platforms will impact growth of the global market of laundry cleaning products positively. According to a recently published report, the global market of laundry cleaning products will register a relatively slow CAGR growth over the forecast period, 20172022.Market DynamicsSurging need to maintain hygiene and cleanliness in the healthcare and residential industries has revved up demand for laundry cleaning products significantly. Laundry cleaning products represent considerable demand among textile manufacturers to preserve the quality of products, and stop deterioration of textiles. Such factors are likely to impact the global market growth of laundry cleaning products positively through 2022. Hotels will witness considerable growth in demand for laundry cleaning products in order to offer clean pillow covers, towels, bed sheets, and carpets. Increasing need to offer cleanliness and hygienic amenities in the hospitality industry is likely to impact growth of the global market of laundry cleaning products throughout 2022.Apart from textile and hospitality, the automotive industry will contribute towards the global market growth of laundry cleaning products by 2022  end. Increasing need to clean the leather automotive seats to avoid bacteria and fungi has further fueled demand for laundry cleaning products in the automotive industry. Such factors are likely to contribute towards the global market growth of laundry cleaning products throughout 2022.For More Details - A sample of this report is available upon request@Segmentation AnalysisLiquid & gels product form will outsell powder and bar product forms in the Europe market. This segment will register a relatively high CAGR growth in APEJ throughout 2022. However, Europe will remain the largest market growth for the liquid & gels product form globally. In terms of revenue, powder form among other laundry cleaning products is likely to register a relatively high growth by the end of 2022.In 2017, detergents among other laundry cleaning products will register a relatively high growth in terms of revenue. Europe will represent a major market for conditioner and detergents laundry cleaning products globally. In terms of value, detergent laundry cleaning products is expected to represent over US$ 10,000 Mn in the global market by the end of 2022.Request For Discount:Grocery stores is predicted to register a relatively high growth in terms of revenue in Europe by the end of 2022. However, other retail formats will reflect a relatively high CAGR growth in APEJ throughout 2022. E-commerce platforms among other sales channel is predicted to witness a relatively high CAGR growth in the global market throughout 2022.Regional AnalysisEurope is expected to register a relatively high growth through grocery stores in terms of sales in the global market of laundry cleaning products by 2022end. In terms of sales, Latin America will witness a relatively high CAGR growth through e-commerce platforms during the predicted period. In terms of revenue, sales of laundry cleaning products through modern trade will represent an attractive segment. However, other retail formats is expected to register a relatively high CAGR in APEJ during the projected period.Browse Full Report:ABOUT US:Fact.MR is focused on offering transformative intelligence that inspires breakthroughs and innovation. We believe that the right decisions at the opportune time are integral to achieve extraordinary success. We are here to help you with your strategic decision making.CONTACT:Suite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandPhone: +353-1-6111-593Email: sales@factmr.comWebsite:
Physician Office Diagnostic Testing Market to Develop Rapidly by 2024

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Physician office diagnostic testing is similar to the point-of- care diagnostic testing which are carried out in physicians office, hospital, home and others. Physician office diagnostic tests are basically carried out for urine analysis, urine pregnancy, blood occult, and glucose blood, pathology consultation during surgery and crystal identification by microscope. Also there are some more test such as sperm identification and analyses, bilirubin total, blood gasses, complete blood count, bone marrow smear, blood bank services, and transfusion medicine. The Physician office diagnostic testing market is driven by increasing prevalence of chronic conditions and increasing awareness of the role of physicians offices in decisions about testing. Factors such as increasing patient population base, rise in prevalence of lifestyle related disease and infectious disease are some key factors fueling the growth of the physician office diagnostic testing market.To View Complete Report @ :According to the Centers for Disease and Control of Infection, in U.S., the incidence rate of chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, arthritis and others are among the most common of all health problems. In 2012, 117 Mn people suffered from one or more chronic health conditions. Chronic diseases are responsible for 7 of 10 deaths each year. Moreover factors such as cost effective products and growing population of immune compromised individuals and others is expected to drive the physician office diagnostic testing market during the forecast period. Patient education program are conducted by government and companies for creating the awareness among the general population. However physician office diagnostic testing market has some restraints such as low adoption for these products, pricing pressure owing to reimbursement cuts may hinder the growth of the physician office diagnostic testing market.A sample of this report is available upon request @The Global Physician Office Diagnostic Testing market is segmented on the basis of product type, end user and regional presence:Segmentation based on Product Type:Glucose Monitoring KitsCardiometabolic Monitoring KitsTestingInfectious Diseases Testing KitsCoagulation Monitoring KitsPregnancy and Fertility Testing KitsTumor/Cancer MarkersUrinalysis Testing KitsCholesterol Test StripsHematology Testing KitsDrugs of Abuse Testing KitsFecal Occult Testing KitsOthersSegmentation based on End User:Diagnostic CentersHospitalsAmbulatory Care SettingsResearch LaboratoriesHome CareIncreasing sedentary lifestyle among population leading to rise in the incidence of chronic conditions is expected to boost the physician office diagnostic testing market over the forecast period. In addition rising awareness among general population and rise in disposable income is expected to boost the physician office diagnostic testing market over the forecast period. More over advantages such as faster results for the test, greater efficiency of the clinical workflow, low-priced testing, is expected to drive the physician office diagnostic testing market during the forecast periodBuy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report @Geographically the physician office diagnostic testing market is segmented into five key regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and MEA region.North America followed by Europe is dominating the physician office diagnostic testing market as high prevalence of cardiac, infectious and other diseases, and favorable reimbursement options provided by governments which has provided platform for these products. In Asia Pacific region the physician office diagnostic testing market is expected to deliver significant growth due to the high pool of geriatric population in this region and the growing government support to increase the adoption of these products is expected to further fuel market demand. Moreover the physician office diagnostic testing market is expected to become highly competitive due to the potential entrants in the market by the end of forecast period.Some of the major companies in the physician office diagnostic testing market are Siemens AG, Abbott Laboratories, Inc. Beckman Coulter, Inc., Johnson & Johnson Alere Inc., Nova Biomedical, Roche Diagnostics Limited, Becton, Dickinson and Company and others. The key strategy used by some players is increasing number of partnerships and joint ventures.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:
Lemon Oil Market Report  Actionable Insights and Recommendation

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Grown in Asia for centuries, the lemon tree has become indispensable to the entire human race. While historically grown for its aesthetic and aromatic appeal, the lemon fruit has been recognized in the modern day as so much more than that. Lemon oil, in particular, is thought to be the most effective anti-microbial agent in all the essential oils. Studies have shown that lemon oil improves neurological activity and breaks down body fat. Lemon oil is also useful as a laundry freshener, teeth whitener, face wash, household cleaner, and cellulite cream.The analysts at Fact.MR have taken an in-depth look at the global lemon oil market and made certain observations which have been given in an easy-to-understand format below Lemon oil is a popular essential oil because of its refreshing, citrusy scent that seems to boost energy levels. Lemon oil has an extremely stimulating and calming influence on the mind and researchers have shown that smelling lemon oil improves an individuals mood. Lemon oil easily blends with many essential oils such as rose oil, lavender oil, and sandalwood oil, making it very popular among herbalists who rely on aromatherapy. The aromatherapy segment is anticipated to grow to almost US$ 80 million in 2022, making it imperative for companies to target in the lemon oil market.For More Details - A sample of this report is available upon request@Lemon oil finds great application in the food & beverage segment as it has a range of benefits. Lemon oil improves dull skin, has a detoxifying nature, and rejuvenates tired or sagging skin. Lemon oil also combats stress, anxiety, nervousness, and tension. Lemon oil is rich in vitamins that directly enhance the immune system and stimulate the white blood cells, improving the bodys ability to ward off diseases. It improves blood circulation, helps fight asthma, and provides relief from chronic insomnia. All of this ensures that lemon oil is vital in the food & beverage segment which is on track to cross US$ 75 million by the end of the forecast period.Lemon oil is used extensively in face washes, soaps, and several other skin care and cosmetic products because of its astringent, anti-infection, antifungal, disinfectant, antiseptic, and detoxifying properties. The cosmetics segment is predicted to have a revenue share of 12.1% by application segment in the lemon oil market and Europe alone is poised to be worth slightly above US$ 20 million in end 2022.Request For Discount:Lemon oil has a unique aroma which makes it highly sought after in perfumes and other toiletries. Lemon oil is used in face-wash as it can improve the complexion and leave the skin feeling supple and soft. Lemon oil is nourishing and can even alleviate or ease pain-symptoms. The toiletries segment may have a small revenue share but can become lucrative if key players devise appropriate strategies as it wouldnt be wise to overlook a potential market opportunity of almost US$ 35 million in 2022.The companies that drive the lemon oil market are Lionel Hitchen Essential Oils, DoTERRA International, Aromaaz International, Aksuvital, Citrus and Allied Essences, Biolandes, Citromax Flavors, American Vegetable Oils, Fischer S/A, and Grief Inc.Browse Full Report:ABOUT US:Fact.MR is focused on offering transformative intelligence that inspires breakthroughs and innovation. We believe that the right decisions at the opportune time are integral to achieve extraordinary success. We are here to help you with your strategic decision making.CONTACT:Suite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandPhone: +353-1-6111-593Email: sales@factmr.comWebsite:
Global Electronically Scanned Arrays Sales Market Report 2017

Global Electronically Scanned Arrays Sales Market Report 2017

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The Electronically Scanned Arrays Sales Market Research Report 2017 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Electronically Scanned Arrays industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Electronically Scanned Arrays 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 Electronically Scanned Arrays 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 Electronically Scanned Arrays market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Electronically Scanned Arrays sales volume, Price (USD/Dose), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingLockheed MartinSaab ABNorthrop GrummanRaytheonThales GroupFuruno ElectricTerma A/SKelvin Hughes LimitedSelex ES S.p.AIsrael Aerospace IndustriesReutech Radar Systems......Ask a complete & professional report sample, please send message to tinaning@qyresearch.com or visit atTable of contents:1 Electronically Scanned Arrays Market Overview2 Global Electronically Scanned Arrays Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application3 United States Electronically Scanned Arrays (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4 China Electronically Scanned Arrays (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5 Europe Electronically Scanned Arrays (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6 Japan Electronically Scanned Arrays (Volume, Value and Sales Price)7 Southeast Asia Electronically Scanned Arrays (Volume, Value and Sales Price)8 India Electronically Scanned Arrays (Volume, Value and Sales Price)9 Global Electronically Scanned Arrays Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data10 Electronically Scanned Arrays Maufacturing Cost Analysis11 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers12 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders13 Market Effect Factors Analysis14 Global Electronically Scanned Arrays Market Forecast (2017-2022)15 Research Findings and Conclusion16 AppendixRelated Reports:Global Electronically Scanned Arrays Sales Market Report 2017Europe Electronically Scanned Arrays Sales Market Report 2017China Electronically Scanned Arrays Sales Market Report 2017India Electronically Scanned Arrays Sales Market Report 2017Japan Electronically Scanned Arrays Sales Market Report 2017USA Electronically Scanned Arrays Sales Market Report 2017Korea Electronically Scanned Arrays 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.Guangzhou
Dishwashing Products Market expected to grow at a CAGR of 3% during 2017 to 2022

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Dishwashing will continue to play a pivotal role in culinary businesses across the globe. However, the production of dishwashing detergents or machines is expected to witness impedance. Considering the rising raw material prices, manufacturing of dishwashing products is becoming less attractive. In addition to this, global industrial regulatory authorities are downgrading the use of dishwashing products as they are derived from toxic chemicals. While dishwashing products will serve the purpose of cleaning utensils & cutleries, consumers are expected to witness adverse impacts from exposing their vital organs such as hands and mouth to such products. Furthermore, strict rules are imposed on dumping dishwashing chemicals, which becomes a lofty barrier for manufacturers.According to the recently-published Fact.MR report, the global dishwashing products market is expected to incur a listless growth during the forecast period, 2017-2022. By the end of 2022, the global dishwashing products market will reflect less than 3% CAGR, procuring just over US$ 19.5 Bn in terms of revenues.For More Details - A sample of this report is available upon request@Key Highlights from the ReportIn 2017, nearly 40% of global dishwashing products market value will be procured from sales of hand dishwashing products. The report also anticipates that dishwashing machines will also secure a considerable share over global revenues over the forecast period.Europe will remain the largest market, and the most attractive market for dishwashing products through 2022. Rising disposable incomes of European consumers, increasing investments in Europes foodservice markets, and higher preference to technologically-advanced dishwashing continues to account for higher sales of dishwashing products in this region.Manufacturing of dishwashing products is hypercritical in nature, and involves stringent monitoring. Industrial regulations implemented in the Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region are observed favorable for large-scale manufacturing of dishwashing products. APEJ countries such as China offer ample resource availability for manufacturers, who are further motivated in setting up production units across such low-wage countries. The report expects that between 2017 and 2022, the APEJ dishwashing products market will create an absolute $ opportunity of over US$ 800 Mn.Request For Discount:Proactive consumer lifestyles in North America are also expected to impact the sales of dishwashing products in the US and Canada. Lesser time consumed for rinsing will promote the use of dishwashing products in this region. By the end of 2022, more than US$ 4 Bn worth of dishwashing products will be sold across North America.In 2017, more than one-third share of global dishwashing products revenues will be accounted by sales of these products through modern trade channels.Dishwashing liquids will be viewed as top-selling form of dishwashing products in the global market. While the overall market continues to grow at a sluggish pace, the demand for dishwashing liquids will create an incremental opportunity of nearly US$ 1 Bn by 2022 over 2017.The Clorox Company, Kao Corporation, SC Johnson & Son, Inc., Mcbride Plc., Church & Dwight Co., Inc., Unilever N.V., Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, Procter & Gamble Company, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, and Colgate-Palmolive Company are key manufacturers of dishwashing products, which are expected to remain active in the expansion of global dishwashing products market through 2022.Browse Full Report:ABOUT US:Fact.MR is focused on offering transformative intelligence that inspires breakthroughs and innovation. We believe that the right decisions at the opportune time are integral to achieve extraordinary success. We are here to help you with your strategic decision making.CONTACT:Suite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandPhone: +353-1-6111-593Email: sales@factmr.comWebsite:
Global Smart Airports In-Depth Study of Critical Market Segments, Regions & Forecasts till 2024

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Smart airports have developed as the present need for many related sectors such as tourism, hotels and airlines, since they offer exceptional applications. Looking into this great potential, a new report has been included into the vast online repository of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE), with the title Smart Airports Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016  2024. The report presents the most promising guidelines with the evaluation of the decisive elements in this research such as players, products and forecasts.Request for Sample Report:Today the world runs to a large extent due to smartphone technology and airports are all geared to start new developments in this phenomenal direction. The report begins with a neat preface, research scope as well as the research methodology used. In this section, a careful executive summary, market snapshot together with the global smart airports market overview is also presented. Readers can also analyze the forecast of the global smart airports between 2014 and 2024. Investors will be pleased to learn easy guidelines through the analysis of the key trends along with the market dynamics. Similarly, the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in this market are also analyzed for the benefit of the buyers. Through the analysis of the pricing trend together with the market in terms of the infrastructure for the forecast period from 2014 to 2024, the study enables the improvement of the work production immensely in the future.In this key research, there are useful guidelines about the market in terms of the endpoint devices, which are sensors, tags, IP phone, and video-conferencing. Whereas, considering the communication systems the market is split into wireless airports, smartphones, near field communication and social media. Furthermore, considering the passenger, cargo and baggage ground handling control the study divides and analyzes the main segments such as lot enabled beacons, robots for passenger and baggage movement, common-use self-service (CUSS) kiosks, the RFID baggage reconciliation system and the E-gates.In terms of region, the study analyzes EU7 which contains the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, and Netherlands), CIS, rest of Europe, the U.S. and Rest of North America. In the end, the intelligent research report also evaluates the successful companies in this market such as IBM, Vision-Box, Siemens AG, Honeywell International, Inc., CISCO System, Inc., Thales Group, SITA, QinetiQ Group PLC and Raytheon Company.Browse Full Report with TOC:About UsMarket 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.ContactState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY  12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comFollow Us on LinkedIn-Follow Us On Twitter-
Global Leather Suit Market by Manufacturers, Type and Application, Forecast 2017-2022

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Summary:Orbis Research New Research Report on Global Leather Suit Industry Covers Growth, Overview, Scope, Current Trends and Future ProjectionDescription:In our aim to provide our erudite clients with the best research material with absolute in-depth information of the market, our new report on Global Leather Suit Market is confident in meeting their needs and expectations. The 2017 market research report on Global Leather Suit Market is an in-depth study and analysis of the market by our industry experts with unparalleled domain knowledge. The report will shed light on many critical points and trends of the industry which are useful for our esteemed clients. The report covers a vast expanse of information including an overview, comprehensive analysis, definitions and classifications, applications, and expert opinions, among others. With the extent of information filled in the report, the presentation and style of the Global Leather Suit Market report is a noteworthy.Browse the complete report @Major Manufacturers: Rev It J & B Motorcycles Limited SpartanLeathers Gimoto Sirm International AGV Sport Alpinestars Dainese Joe Rocket Spidi Vanson Leathers BKS (Made to Measure) Ltd AlpinestarsRequest a sample of this report @The Global Leather Suit Industry report provides key information about the industry, including invaluable facts and figures, expert opinions, and the latest developments across the globe. Not only does the report cover a holistic view of the industry from a global standpoint, but it also covers individual regions and their development. The Global Leather Suit Industry report showcases the latest trends in the global and regional markets on all critical parameters which include technology, supplies, capacity, production, profit, price, and competition.The key players covered in the report provide a detailed analysis of the competition and their developments in the Global Leather Suit Industry. Accurate forecasts and expert opinion from credible sources, and the recent R&D development in the industry is also a mainstay of the Leather Suit Market report.The report also focuses on the significance of industry chain analysis and all variables, both upstream and downstream. These include equipment and raw materials, client surveys, marketing channels, and industry trends and proposals. Other significant information covering consumption, key regions and distributors, and raw material suppliers are also a covered in this report.Place a purchase order of this report @Finally, the Leather Suit Market report ends with a detailed SWOT analysis of the market, investment feasibility and returns, and development trends and forecasts. As with every report on Orbis Research, the Leather Suit Industry is the holy grail of information which serious knowledge seekers can benefit from. The report which is the result of ultimate dedication of pedigree professionals has a wealth of information which can benefit anyone, irrespective of their commercial or academic interest.Major Points from Table of Content:Chapter One: Leather Suit Market OverviewChapter Two: Global Leather Suit Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter Three: Global Leather Suit Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)Chapter Four: Global Leather Suit Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)Chapter Five: Global Leather Suit Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter Six: Global Leather Suit Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter Seven: Global Leather Suit Manufacturers Profiles/AnalysisChapter Eight: Leather Suit Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter Nine: Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter Ten: Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter Eleven: Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter Twelve: Global Leather Suit Market Forecast (2017-2022)Chapter Thirteen: Research Findings and ConclusionChapter Fourteen: AppendixContact sales@orbisresearch.com for more information.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; +912064101019For More PRs:
Protein Ingredient Market will Witness Steady Growth, 2025

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Proteins are polymers of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds. Proteins are the building blocks of body tissue, and can also serve as a fuel source. Proteins are constantly synthesized and degraded in living entities through metabolic processes for energy recovery and storage. Proteins play very important role in living organisms by participating in every process within cells. With the increased attention on health and body building the number of gyms and health clubs are increasing over a world. Protein ingredients are widely consumed in health and wellness food in the form of pre workout fuel, post workout replenishment. In addition, it is also used in food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and some cosmetic products.Protein Ingredient Market: SegmentationProtein ingredient market is segmented on the basis of source as animal protein and plant protein. Overall demand for plant protein is growing in market as its a cost effective solution and dose not causes any intolerance in kids. Animal protein is sub-segmented as dairy protein, egg protein and gelatin. Dairy protein ingredient account for largest market share in forecast period in animal protein market. Dairy proteins are categorized as whey and casein. Among these categories whey protein market is expected to grow during forecast period. Furthermore, plant protein is sub-segmented into soy protein, wheat protein and other (pea). Among these sub-segments soy protein ingredient is contributing highest market share in terms of value and pea protein ingredient share is expected to grow at a moderate rate during forecast period.Request Report Sample@Protein ingredient market is segmented on basis of application such as food and beverage, animal feed, pharmaceutical and other (cosmetics and personal care). Among these segments food and beverage is expected to grow at faster rate during forecast period. Food and beverage is sub-segmented as food, beverages and supplements. The supplement sub-segment is expected to grow at healthy CAGR during forecast period. Animal feed and cosmetics and personal care products are found to be emerging segments.Protein Ingredient Market: Region-wise OutlookProtein ingredient market is segmented on the basis of region includes North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa. The protein ingredient market is expected to witness healthy CAGR by 2025 due to the rising demand for healthy and convenience food across the globe. North America contributes higher market share and expected to exhibit healthy CAGR during forecast period.Protein Ingredient Market: DriversIncreased demands for processed food and healthy food product is driving the protein ingredient market as, protein provides all essential amino acids. Growing application of protein ingredients in nutraceuticals, food and beverage, and health supplement is expected to fuel the market growth in the coming years. With the increasing number of health conscious consumers, growing number of fitness centers and health clubs, and rising demand for health supplements, energy drinks and processed foods is expected to fuel protein ingredients market. Consumers are looking for a great product with palatable taste, with high national value, so manufacture are investing on research and development of new products. For instance in 2013 PepsiCo has launched new protein rich product especially for women.Request For TOC@Protein Ingredient Market: Key PlayersThe key international players operating in Protein Ingredient Market includes Archer Daniels Midland Company, CHS Inc., Cargill, Incorporated, Arla Foods Ingredients Group P/S., Axiom Foods Inc., Kerry Group plc., Amco Proteins, and E. I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyABOUT 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.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email:press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Intraosseous Devices Market : Industry Trends and Developments 2016 - 2026

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Establishment of vascular access is required in case of medical emergency and life-threatening traumatic injuries for the delivery of medications and for fluid replacement, including crystalloids, blood, and blood products. The potential use of this technique called as, intraosseous infusion was established in 1920s as a rapid, safe and effective method of vascular access through the bone marrow when intravenous attempt fails to establish vascular access. Historically intraosseous infusion (IO) was recommended only in childrens younger than six years whereas now use of IO techniques in patients of all ages is supported by guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Currently there are many intraosseous devices available in the market for the rapid administration of fluids and medications directly into the vascular systems. These devices are inserted directly into the medullary space of bone, and range from manually inserted spinal needles to the impact drivers and drill powered devices. The manually inserted needles have been approved in the U.S. since 1940s. In addition site of insertion also plays an important role in defining the overall approach in instraosseous infusion. Various sites available for intraosseous insertion includes sternum, distal and proximal tibia, distal femur and calcaneum. The device is quickly inserted and correct placement of the device is confirmed by the flow of intravenous fluid into the device. If at all extravasation of the fluid around the insertion site occurs, the device is removed to prevent development of compartment syndrome. However aspiration of bone marrow represent another approach to confirm the correct placement of the device. One of the fastest and most reliable means of administrating the emergency fluids in the sternum is sternal intraosseous infusion (IO) allowing easy vascular access.Request Report Sample@Intraosseous Devices Market: Drivers & RestraintsIntraosseous infusion is primarily used in pre-hospitals pediatric emergencies where intravenous delivery of fluids and medications is difficult. Increasing prevalence of various diseases forms and growing number of traumatic surgeries are expected to create demand for these devices in the forthcoming years. Additionally introduction of technologically advanced intraosseous devices in the market such as EZ-IO which allows rapid and more reliable emergency vascular access than the available manual techniques in the market. Continual training of medical and nursing staff and well defined protocols regarding proper handling of the device required for effective and safe care of patients undergoing intraosseous venous access is also leading to the rising adoption of these devices in hospitals.One of the main complication while inserting the intraosseous device is extravasation of fluids and medications into soft tissues which can lead to compartment syndrome (a condition resulting from increased pressure within a confined body space). Other side effects associated with the use of these devices includes iatrogenic fractures, growth plate injury, infection (cellulitis) and osteomyelitis.Intraosseous Devices Market: SegmentationIntraosseous Devices marketis segmented on basis of technology, route of administration, end user and geography:By TechnologyManualAutomaticImpact-DrivenPowered DrillBy Route of AdministrationSternumDistal and Proximal TibiaDistal FemurCalcaneusHead of HumerusBy End UserHospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersCardiology ClinicsIntraosseous Devices Market: OverviewWith rising number of traumatic events coupled with failure of intravenous vascular access is expected to fuel the demand for intraosseous devices in the near future. Intraosseous infusion is safe and effective technology in case of cardiopulmonary resuscitation where other route of administration fail to deliver the required effect. Other vascular access procedures such as peripheral venous access is a time consuming procedure thus making it not feasible for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The intraosseous devices market is expected to grow at a healthy pace over the forecasted period.Visit For TOC@Intraosseous Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookOn the basis of region presence, intraosseous devices market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Asia pacific excluding japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America and Europe are the biggest markets for the intraosseous device market. Owing to rapid launch of various technologically advanced intraosseous devices by big manufacturers and increasing incidences of various cardiac disorders are some of the factors expected to pull the growth of these devices in the North American market. In addition macroeconomic factors such as FDA approvals are also expected to increase the adoption rate of such devices in the developed countries. Also big players such as, Pyng Medical Corp., are entering the Asia pacific market by expanding its distribution network which is expected to create market opportunity for the intraosseous device market in Asia Pacific region.Intraosseous Devices Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in the intraosseous devices market are Pyng Medical Corp., PerSys Medical, Aero Healthcare, Vidacare Corporation, Carefusion Inc., Cook Medical Inc.About Us Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Marketing Mix Optimisation Market : Recent Industry Trends, Analysis and Forecast 2026

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Marketing mix optimisation or marketing mix modeling is a method that is used for the statistical analysis of the various advertising and marketing efforts done on a products performance in the market. The key elements of marketing mix modeling are product, promotion, distribution and the pricing, each of these elements are analyzed closely before finalizing the suitable model for marketing a particular product. The marketing mix modeling allows quantifying the sales and revenue generated by the marketing done on a particular product. It also allows planning the strategies for marketing of particular product or marketing service in an optimized manner. The shift of global markets to the emerging regions such as, China, India, Brazil and Russia and the established markets being on the threshold of saturation, manufacturers are looking forward to establish markets in the emerging regions with low investments and high return on investment. With various big organizations adapting the marketing mix modeling for optimized marketing of their products, the global market for marketing mix modeling will register a healthy growth rate by the end of forecast period.Request Report Sample@The global marketing mix modeling market is primarily driven by the demand for efficient marketing strategies by organizations including the fortune 500 companies, which will help minimizing the lump sum investments in marketing of a particular product and give high return of investment to the companies in terms of marketing costs by increasing the sales for that particular product. The implementation of marketing mix modeling helps in achieving the targeted goals of the company and benefits the organization as a whole. Somehow, there are some challenges related to the marketing mix modeling which might restrain the growth of the market. Some of the challenges includes, unstandardized measurement of the market, lack of transparency in the modeling methods among others, which makes difficult to narrow down actual predictions.The global marketing mix modeling market is segmented based on approach for marketing mix modeling and region. Based on the approach used for marketing mix modeling, the marketing mix modeling market can be segmented into OLS (Ordinary Least Square) regression approach and Constraint regression approach.Based on the geographic regions, global automotive seating systems marketing market is segmented into seven key market segments namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. The marketing mix modeling being a new concept it is being adapted globally in the established as well as the emerging markets. The global trend of big manufacturers and markets shifting the business to Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Eastern Europe markets to tap the growth opportunities in these markets are fostering the growth of marketing mix modeling market in the aforementioned regions as well as in the established markets of North American and Western Europe.Visit For TOC@Some of the major players identified in the global marketing mix modeling market includes, Wipro Limited, Polaris Research, Decision Analyst, Inc., The Nielsen Company, Analytic Partners, Inc., Ninah and ThinkVine.com among others.About Us Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Back for its second year, The Meadows Music and Arts Festival will be bringing Jay-Z, Gorillaz, Red Hot Chili Peppers and more to the parking lot outside of Citi Field on September 15th - 17th. Also returning to the asphalt: a special food section dedicated to Queens in addition to mainstays of the festival circuit like Roberta's, Arancini Bros, Luke's Lobster and Wowfulls. Meadows once again asked Queens-based blogger Joe DiStefano to curate the lineup for their "Feastival Of Queens."

"It would be easy to say these are all places that I love," DiStefano says of his selection process. "The goal was to represent The World's Borough as best we could." That means a range of different global cuisines and, for year two, finding more balance. The Feastival will offer an expanded menu of vegetarian eats this time around, along with more "snack-y" stuff that's easier to eat on-the-go.

Gothamist tagged along with DiStefano on Wednesday to tour some of the restaurants that will be participating in this year's Feast; here's what we ate and what you can expect from the festival's borough-based food lineup.



Chocolo with cheese at Arepa Lady (Clay Williams/Gothamist)

AREPA LADY "The crown jewel of Colombian street food in Queens," according to DiStefano. Maria Cano, a former lawyer and judge in her native Colombia, began her business in 1990, serving late-night club goers underneath the tracks of the 7 train near the 82nd street stop. As of 2014, she had a permanent storefront in Jackson Heights, where we met DiStefano to chow down on Chocolo (ground fresh corn griddled and stuffed with cheese) and Arepas (cornmeal cakes topped with cheese). Arepa Lady is back for her second term at the Meadows, where she'll be serving Chocolo with cheese and Arepa de Queso.

Arepa Lady is located at 77-02A Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens, (347) 730-6124; arepalady.net



Cocteles de Pulpo y Camaron at La Esquina Del Camaron Mexicano (Clay Williams/Gothamist)

LA ESQUINA DEL CAMARON MEXICANO Our next stop brought us to what looked like a bodega just a few blocks away from Arepa Lady. In the backor around the corner on 80th Streetis where you'll find Pedro Rodriguez, or one of his employees, assembling plump shrimp and chunks of octopus with salt, fresh lime juice, olive oil, clam juice and a "secret" red liquid dispensed from an unmarked jug. "The sweetness is from OJ," DiStefano admits. Rodriguez began his business outside a bodega in Elmhurst before moving to Jackson Heights. On weekends, you can still find him setting up shop on the sidewalk, topping the red cups of liquid and seafood with spoonfuls of fresh avocado. He'll be serving the Cocteles de Pulpo y Camaron.

La Esquina Del Camaron Mexicano is located at 80-02 Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens, (347) 885-2946

TORTAS NEZA Unfortunately, Galdino Molinero's sandwich shop that operates out of a window inside the Juan Bar Restaurant wasn't open when we swung by but the tortas are legendary in Corona. "I would love to have Tortas Neza prepare his gargantuan signature Mexican sandwiches at the festival but that might be a bit much to handle," DiStefano says. "So he's making some lovely carnitas tacos. Plus his truck will be there which is super fun."

Tortas Neza is located at 96-15 Roosevelt Avenue in Corona, Queens, (347) 666-1517



The Classic at JoJu (Clay Williams/Gothamist)

JOJU This is the "first really good Vietnamese sandwich in Queens" for DiStefano's money, noting that now there are many places to score banh mi in the Elmhurst neighborhood where Joju is located. The restaurant, which bills itself as a "Modern Vietnamese Sandwich Shop," started with just a few sandwiches and then began experimenting, using things like Peruvian green sauce to distinguish their sandwiches from other Vietnamese sandwich shops. Owners Julie and Scott Wong will be bringing their Vietnamese ham, headcheese and pate sandwiches to the festival.

JoJu is located at 83-25 Broadway in Elmhurst, Queens, (347) 808-0887; jojuny.com



Banana Roti from Sugar Club (Clay Williams/Gothamist)

SUGAR CLUB Sugar Club is a neighborhood mainstay, first opening in 1989 a few blocks away from JoJu in Elmhurst. It's a cafe, but it's also a grocery storestocking things like Thai snacks, condiments and ingredients like salted craband community center, where locals post ads looking for roommates or letting neighbors know about events. Owner Chirawat Withanwattana also knows what the people really want: beautiful, colorful and flavorful desserts like Banana Roti and the cafe's well-known toasts. The Roti and the Honey Toastloaded with butter and grilledwill be at the fest; see the top photo of this gallery for a stunning example.

Sugar Club is located at 8118 Broadway in Elmhurst, Queens, (718) 565-9018; home.sugarclub.nyc



Pani Poori at Kurry Qulture (Clay Williams/Gothamist)

KURRY QULTURE Chef Binder Saini grew up eating pani puri in the Punjab state in India and now he's bringing the street food to the people of Astoria (and Meadows attendees). The hollow semolina puffs are filled with a mixture of cooked potatoes and chickpeas in bite-sized portions. Each puri is served with a shot glass of either a tamarind or a chili-lime-mint liquid, which is poured into the shell. The entire thing is popped into your mouth, where the liquid bursts out while the shell remains crunchy.

Kurry Qulture is located at 36-05 30th Avenue in Astoria, Queens, (718) 674-1212; kurryqulture.com

DUMPLING GALAXY We didn't make it out to Flushing to sample dumplings, sadly, but festival attendees will be more lucky. "Helen You's Dumpling Galaxy is a classic Queens success story. I have been eating her dumplings since she had started with a humble hawker stand at Golden Shopping Mall," says DiStefano. "I'm so excited to have her dumplings representing China at the Feastival."

Dumpling Galaxy is located at 42-35 Main Street in Flushing, Queens, (718) 461-0808;

dumplinggalaxy.com
Food Safety Testing Market to exhibit a CAGR of 8.9% from 2017 to 2025- Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast

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"The Report Food Safety Testing Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"Global Food Safety Products and Food Safety Testing Market: OverviewFood safety is a highly documented effort conducted across the world in many ways. Players in the global food safety products and food safety testing market are constantly required to be on their toes regarding policy changes and implementations, strictly adhering to the regulatory framework set up by known organizations such as the Food and Drug Association.Get Sample Copy of this Report @ This research on the global food safety products and food safety testing market is specially designed to estimate and analyze its demand and performance parameters. The report provides in- depth analysis for each segment of the global food safety products and food safety testing market in terms of revenues, manufacturer details, sales, key market trends, and geography based demand charts. Company profiles included in the report provides, company and financial overview, strategies adopted by the companies and their recent developments.Global Food Safety Products and Food Safety Testing Market: Trends and Opportunities:The growing cases of foodborne diseases across the world is currently the leading factor pushing for the growth and development of the global food safety products and food safety testing market. The market also benefits massively from the growing rate of awareness among consumers regarding better hygiene standards for food purchase, storage, consumption. The developed of technologies further facilitates for a solid growth rate in the global food safety products and food safety testing market, in terms of creating tests that are easy to conduct and provide a high level of accuracy.The overall growth of the food industry and the food processing industry, attributed to the globally increasing population and the growing demand for foods, especially convenience foods. The current rate of increase in the global demand for food and beverage diagnostics suggest a consistently high rate of growth for the market segment, owing to a steady incline in global convenience and packaged food demands. However, the global food safety products and food safety testing market is currently being stifled by the greater lack of awareness of consumers and industry counterparts regarding the newer technologies diagnostics available in emerging economies, as well as their relatively disorganized regulatory frameworks regarding food safety.Global Food Safety Products and Food Safety Testing Market: Region-wise Outlook:Emerging markets are highly likely to become the key lookouts for players from the global food safety products and food safety testing market over the coming years. Nations such as such as India and China are expected to provide players, both regional as well as the globally prominent, noteworthy opportunities, supplemented by increasing government support. The food processing sectors in these regions are also being imposed with stricter hygiene standards, which when combined with the healthy growth of food trade, and the rising preference for convenience foods, has created a massive range of opportunities in the global food safety products and food safety testing market.Meanwhile, Europe has been leading the global food safety products and food safety testing market in the recent past, thanks to highly stringent regulatory policies implemented by national governments when it comes to food safety. The region is also the hub for several of the leading players in the market and their development centers, thereby allowing Europe to avail advanced technologies in the market at a faster rate. Driven by rising emphasis on the food quality, the food safety products and food safety testing market in North America has also been expanding to a great extent.Companies Mentioned in the Research Report:The leading players in the global food safety products and food safety testing market over recent times, include Biocontrol Systems Incorporated, Thermofischer Scientific, Biomerieux SA, Roka Bioscience, 3M Company, Agilent Technologies Incorporated, Bio-Rad Laboratories Incorporated, Douglas Scientific, IDDEX Laboratories INC, EL DU Pont De Nemours & Co. and Ecolab Incorporated.View Report @ Key segments of the Global Food Safety Products and Food Safety Testing Market:Food Safety Products Market, by Types:Disinfection ProductsDiagnostic ProductsDisposable GlovesSmart Labels & TagsSoftware Tracking SystemsFood Safety Testing Market, by Contaminants:PathogensPesticidesGenetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)ToxinsOthersFood Safety Testing Market, by Pathogens:ListeriaSalmonellaColiCampylobacterOthersFood Safety Testing Market, by Food Types:Processed FoodsMeat & PoultryDairy ProductsFresh & Frozen Fruits & VegetablesOthersFood Safety Testing Market, by Technology:Traditional MethodsRapid MethodsFood Safety Rapid Testing Market, by Types:Convenience-Based MethodsImmunoassay-Based MethodsPCR-Based MethodsOther Molecular-Based MethodsMajor regions analyzed under this research report are: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 yearsBrowse more Food Market Research Reports @ Key highlights of this reportOverview of key market forces propelling and restraining market growthUp-to-date analyses of market trends and technological improvementsPin-point analyses of market competition dynamics to offer you a competitive edgeAn analysis of strategies of major competitorsAn array of graphics and SWOT analysis of major industry segmentsDetailed analyses of industry trendsA well-defined technological growth map with an impact-analysisOffers a clear understanding of the competitive landscape and key product segmentsTable of Content1. Global Food Safety Testing Market - Executive Summary2. Research Methodology3. Assumptions and Acronyms Used4. Global Food Safety Testing MarketOverview4.1. Introduction4.1.1. Global Food Safety Testing MarketDefinition4.1.2. Global Food Safety Testing Market Taxonomy4.2. Global Food Safety Testing MarketSize (Value US $) and Forecast4.2.1. Global Food Safety Testing MarketY-o-Y Growth4.2.2. Global Food Safety Testing MarketAbsolute $ Opportunity4.3. Global Food Safety Testing Market Dynamics4.3.1. Drivers4.3.1.1. Supply Side4.3.1.2. Demand Side4.3.2. Restraints4.3.3. Opportunity4.3.4. Trends5. Market Analysis Scenario5.1. Upcoming Technologies in Food Safety Testing5.2. Overview on Accuracy of the PCR testing by End-use5.3. Overview on Average testing times by End-useAbout 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 industriesContact usMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Headlamp Washer Systems Market Growth Set to Surge Significantly during 2017  2025

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Headlamp Washer Systems Market  OverviewHeadlamp washer system is a safety feature in certain automobiles that ensures visibility by cleaning surface of the headlight. The system comprises a rotary pump and nozzles which spray water or a cleaning fluid on to the surface of the headlights. Although use of such headlamp washer systems is not imperative for all the varieties of lamps used in automobiles, use of these in case of certain lamps that produce light above a specific lumens range (>2000 lumens) is, however, mandatory. Use of such headlamp washer systems is relatively more common across luxury, premium and SUV segments as against that in other segments. They are incorporated in many cars as they serve the purpose of cleaning the headlights so as to maintain the visibility for the driver while driving. Besides ensuring dirt removal, these headlamp washer systems ensure prevention of impairment of optical features due to dirt which further causes glare. Stronger light, higher is the glare. And thus, it is one of the safety features installed in automobiles across the globe. Therefore, installation of headlamp washer system is made mandatory especially when certain HID lights, Xenon lamps are used. Nowadays, it is also seen that manufacturers are incorporating headlamp washers systems in mid- sized and semi-luxury cars. Global headlamp washer systems market is expected to witness a significant growth during the forecast period owing to increasing demand for high end vehicles, especially SUVs.Get access to full summary @:Headlamp Washer Systems Market  DynamicsIncreasing adoption of automotive headlamp washer systems coupled with anticipated steady growth in automotive production, especially, in developing countries is one of the major driving factor for the growth of global headlamp washer systems market during the forecast period. Moreover, demand for and production of high end luxury and premium vehicles has witnessed a steady growth especially in certain developing countries such as India. Along with this, increasing replacement rates of the headlamp washer system in the vehicle is also one of the driving factor for the expected growth of headlamp washer market over the forecast period.Especially in emerging markets, adoption of features such as headlamp washer systems is relatively low owing to significant share of no-frills vehicles in overall automotive production. Furthermore, lackluster economic growth especially in North America and Europe are expected to act as an impediment to growth of automotive production in these regions, in turn acting as hindrance to growth of headlamp washer system during the forecast period.Headlamp Washer Systems Market  SegmentationThe global headlamp washer systems market can be segmented on the basis of components, vehicle types and sales channel. On the basis of components the global headlamp washer systems market can be segmented as pumps and nozzles. On the basis of vehicle type the global headlamp washer system can be segmented as passenger cars, Light commercial vehicle (LCV) and Heavy commercial vehicle (HCV). On the basis of sales channels, global headlamp washer systems market can be segmented as OEM and aftermarket.A sample of this report is available upon request @Headlamp Washer Systems Market  Regional OutlookAsia Pacific region is expected to dominate the global market for headlamp washer system owing to the dominant presence of China which has overtaken U.S. in terms of automotive production. North America accounted for a significant share in global headlamp washer systems market owing to strong presence of automotive manufacturing in the region. Europe is also expected to witness steady growth and recovery after economic slow-down in the region. Latin America region is expected to witness average growth owing to the economic crisis in that region. Overall, the global headlamp washer systems market is expected to witness a steady growth during the forecast period.Headlamp Washer Systems  Market PlayersExamples of some of the market participants in the global Headlamp washer systems market are: Robert Bosch GmbH, Denso Corporation, Valeo SA, Continental AG, HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co., Ningbo Joyson Electronic Corp, Mergon Group, Trico Products Corporation, Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG.Buy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report @The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, and sales channels, vehicle types.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:
Industrial Operational Intelligence Solutions Market : Growth, Demand and Key Players to 2026

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Industrial operational intelligence is a business analytics and real time dynamic solution that provides greater insights and visibility for businesses. Operational intelligence is used by organisations for real time capabilities to take immediate decisions like stopping any business process or making changes in any traditional systems. Operational intelligence helps in improving and analysing business data through understanding the information related to shortfalls and finding simple ways of responding to any issues. Operational intelligence is simple and easy to be managed by skilled professionals. It helps to acquire information on financial performance of industries and enterprises, thus it has become a major trend in financial services sector. Another major trend observed in operational intelligence is adoption of mobile tools for its operations. Thus in short operational intelligence automated the process of decision making that eliminates delays in process, and improves market responses and decision making. The industrial operational intelligence solutions market is anticipated to expand at a modest CAGR in the forecast period.Request Report Sample@Global Industrial Operational Intelligence Solutions Market  Drivers and RestrainsFocus of companies to improve market responses and performance as well as the necessity to upgrade their processes are the major driving factors for the growth of global industrial operational intelligence solutions market. The ever increasing automobile and other manufacturing industries and their need to reduce the delays in decision making, automatic decision and real time access to the information are some factors that would bolster the global industrial operational intelligence solutions market.However, skilled professionals are required to operate the operational intelligence solutions and also they need to be trained for its handling and these can slowdown the growth of global industrial operational intelligence solutions market. Also the initial cost of operational intelligence solutions is very high and can act as a restraining factor for operational intelligence market.Global Industrial Operational Intelligence Solutions Market  SegmentsOn the basis of types, global industrial operational intelligence solutions market can be segmented as follows:Enterprise Manufacturing Operational IntelligenceEnterprise Operational Intelligence SoftwareIT Service IntelligenceEnterprise SecurityOn the basis of applications, global industrial operational intelligence solutions market can be segmented as follows:Supply chain and logisticsAssembly line quality assurancePreventive maintenanceExploration & production optimisationSmart meter analysisOn the basis of end-use industry, global industrial operational intelligence solutions market can be segmented as follows:AutomobilesFood & BeveragesElectronicsLogisticsOil & GasAviationGlobal Industrial Operational Intelligence Solutions Market  Region Wise OutlookThe global industrial operational intelligence solutions market can be divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa. North America is anticipated to be the leader in the global operational intelligence solutions market owing to its services and other flourishing industries particularly in the countries of US and Canada. Asia Pacific is expected to be the next major region in global operational intelligence solutions market because of the upcoming food & beverages sector, electronics and logistics industries. China and India and supposed to be the countries in this region having major applications of operational intelligence solutions. Europe also contributes significantly in the global industrial operational intelligence solutions market due to its dominance in automobiles market and leadership in meat market. Latin America and Middle East and Africa are at a nascent stage and are projected to have a modest CAGR in the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Global Industrial Operational Intelligence Solutions Market  Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global industrial operational intelligence solutions market are:APRISOIFSMapR Technologies, IncSiemens AGARC Advisory GroupAB&R (American Barcode and RFID)Flexeye LtdSplunk CorpStarview Inc.Vitria Technology IncAbout Us Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Growth of Aminopolycarboxylic Acid (APCA) Market Projected to Amplify During 2015 - 2021

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Aminopolycarboxylic acid (complexone) is a compound containing one or more nitrogen atoms connected through carbon atoms to two or more carboxyl groups. It is a chelating agent which has molecules with the ability to provide more than one bond to a metal ion, thereby augmenting the stability of the ion complex. The chelating properties of aminopolycarboxylates can be engineered by varying the groups linking the nitrogen atoms so as to increase selectivity for a particular metal ion. Chelation represents a particular way of binding ions and molecules with metal ions. It involves the formation of multiple separate coordinate bonds between a polydentate ligand and single central atom. Usually, these ligands are organic compounds and are referred as sequestering agents, chelating agents, chelators or chelants. Aminocarboxylic acid is used in numerous technical and industrial applications.Get access to full summary @:Aminopolycarboxylic acid (APCA) is one of the most widely consumed chelating agents and is used in a broad range of applications such as water treatment, pulp & paper, agriculture, and household & industrial cleaning. APCA compounds such as EDTA has been of massive worldwide use within the industrial and household applications. EDTA is one of the anthropogenic compounds with highest concentration in the inland waters of Europe. EDTA is a chelate ligand with a high affinity constant to form metal-EDTA complexes, which are extensively used to sequester metal ions. In addition, its widespread use in the medical industry is another major factor for its huge demand on a global scale. It is used in the chelation therapy for treating lead poisoning and mercury. The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) have approved the use of EDTA for curing lead poisoning.The global water treatment chemicals industry has been growing significantly due to factors such as rapid industrialization, stringent government policies and demand for clean and fresh water for various household & industrial cleaning applications. Demand for clean water by agricultural and industrial sectors is increasing rapidly. In order to meet these requirements, APCA is widely used as water softeners to treat water hardness and remove scale-forming calcium and magnesium ions. Thus, the growing demand for aminopolycarboxylic acid for water treatment applications is expected to boost the market over the next few years. In addition, the increasing demand for APCA from cleaning and detergents industries is anticipated to augment the aminopolycarboxylic acid market in the near future. However, potential health and environmental hazards associated with the use of non-biodegradable chelating agents such as EDTA, DTPA and NTA have led to several environmental concerns regarding its consumption. Due to these factors, the demand for EDTA is expected to increase noticeably over the next few years.A sample of this report is available upon request @Asia Pacific was the largest market for aminopolycarboxylic acid owing to the presence of a significant number of chelating agent manufacturers in Asia Pacific, particularly in China. Furthermore, Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth over the next few years on account of increasing usage of aminopolycarboxylic acid in the existing large-scale textile and pulp & paper industries, particularly in China and India. Asia Pacific is followed by Europe as aminopolycarboxylic acid is being increasingly used in healthcare and pharmaceutical applications in this region.Key players in the aminocarboxylic acid market are AkzoNobel N.V, BASF SE, Cargill Incorporated, Kemira Oyj, Lanxess AG, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, Tate & Lyle PLC and The Dow Chemical Company among others.Buy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report @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:
Tablet Based E-Detailing Market : Key Growth Factors and Industry Analysis 2016-2026

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The technological advancements and innovations in the pharmaceutical promotion techniques has unlocked potential for the companies that are striving to promote pharma products. E- Detailing is a process that uses electronic devices to provide sales presentations to physicians. E-Detailing is a solution for pharmaceutical sales professionals looking to interact with doctors in more efficient manner and increase the value of communication. Previously sales representatives were supposed to wait for long hours and then get a chance to brief about their product to physician. The E-Detailing enables online product presentations. Key pharmaceutical players have realized the need to allocate resources for e-detailing strategies in order to ensure that their products can create better brand value. E-detailing is beneficial to enhance the brand value, and facilitate sales. This eliminates the need of face to face meeting with physician. Global Tablet let based e-detailing market is anticipated to exhibit a significant CAGR over the forecast period.Request Report Sample@Tablet Based E-Detailing Market: Drivers and restraintsE-Detailing provides wide range of benefits to pharmaceutical companies to promote products in efficient and effective manner and this helps to bolster the global tablet based e-detailing market during the forecast period. Physicians are always fond of advanced technologies such as tablet based e-detailing that can help them to access the information any time possible, thus it is a driving factor for tablet based e-detailing market. The reduction in manual errors in detailing process, market access effectiveness, and the elimination of complex value stories based on health economics evidence to the payers from value communication apps are further expected to contribute in the growth of global tablet based e-detailing market.However, there are some disadvantages in the use of e-detailing system that includes the need to train the sales professionals to manage advanced technologies. Also Tablet let based e-detailing is costlier than conventional detailing method. These factors can slowdown the growth of tablet based e-detailing market.Tablet Based E-Detailing Market: SegmentationGlobal E-Detailing Market can be segmented as following typesBy Product:Tablet letsLaptopsiPodsBy End UserPharmaceutical IndustryBiotechnology IndustryTablet Based E-Detailing Market: OverviewThe demand of tablet based e-detailing market is increasing in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies due to its efficiency and effectiveness in promotion of pharmaceuticals brands. Through e-detailing companies can share their product updates or information to the physician. The global tablet based e-detailing market is expected to account a lucrative market as well as robust growth rates over the forecast period.Tablet Based E-Detailing Market: Region-Wise OutlookE-Detailing market is segmented into seven key regions: Those are North America, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Western Europe, and Asia pacific excluding japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America is anticipated to dominate the tablet based E-Detailing market due to the presence of pharmaceutical stalwarts in the countries like US and Canada. North America is followed by Asia Pacific in terms of market share of tablet based e-detailing market owing to the rise of pharmaceuticals industry in the countries like China and India. Europe is growing at a modest CAGR in the global tablet based e-detailing market. Latin America and Middle East and Africa are at a nascent stage in the global tablet based e-detailing market and is expected to have a significant contribution in the market in the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Tablet Based E-Detailing Market: Key playersSome of the key players areAstraZeneca, Plc.Abbott Health care, Inc.Novartis, and AG.Hoffmann La RocheMerck & Co.Johnson and JohnsonPfizer, Inc.Sanofi AventisBoston Scientific.GlaxoSmithKline, Plc.About Us Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales Market Report 2017: Hospital, Clinic, Home Care

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"The Latest Research Report Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales Market Report 2017 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales MarketIn this report, the global Portable Ultrasound Equipment market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report split global into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Portable Ultrasound Equipment for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Portable Ultrasound Equipment market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Portable Ultrasound Equipment sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingGE HealthcarePhilips HealthcareSiemens HealthcareFujifilm SonositeAbbott MedicalBMV TechnologyBoston ScientificHitachi Aloka MedicalToshiba Medical SystemsSamsung MedisonMindray MedicalShenzhen Bestman InstrumentCHISONEcareEsaoteGuangzhou Yueshen Medical EquipmentJiangsu TONGREN Medical Electronic TechnologyWuhan Tianyi ElectronicZhuhai Carelife Medical TechnologyZoncareGet Sample copy of this Report @On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume (K Units), revenue (Million USD), product price (USD/Unit), market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoCart-/Trolley-Based Ultrasound EquipmentHandheld Ultrasound EquipmentOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Portable Ultrasound Equipment for each application, includingHospitalClinicHome CareTable of ContentsGlobal Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales Market Report 20171 Portable Ultrasound Equipment Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Portable Ultrasound Equipment1.2 Classification of Portable Ultrasound Equipment by Product Category1.2.1 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Cart-/Trolley-Based Ultrasound Equipment1.2.4 Handheld Ultrasound Equipment1.3 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Hospital1.3.3 Clinic1.3.4 Home Care1.4 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Market by Region1.4.1 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Portable Ultrasound Equipment Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 China Portable Ultrasound Equipment Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Europe Portable Ultrasound Equipment Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Portable Ultrasound Equipment Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Portable Ultrasound Equipment Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Portable Ultrasound Equipment Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Portable Ultrasound Equipment (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)View Sample PDF @2 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment (Volume and Value) by Region2.3.1 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.3.2 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4 Global Portable Ultrasound Equipment (Volume) by Application3 United States Portable Ultrasound Equipment (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 United States Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 United States Portable Ultrasound Equipment Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 United States Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 United States Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by Players3.3 United States Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by Type3.4 United States Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by ApplicationSend An Enquiry Request @4 China Portable Ultrasound Equipment (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 China Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 China Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 China Portable Ultrasound Equipment Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.3 China Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)4.2 China Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by Players4.3 China Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by Type4.4 China Portable Ultrasound Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by ApplicationAbout usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA: Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Feed Probiotics Market 2015-2025 size and forecast

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Probiotics are microorganisms that possess health benefits when consumed in required quantity and also improves the immune system of the livestock. The feed probiotics market is growing owing to the increasing awareness among consumers about animal health coupled with the increasing demand for quality produce from animals. Consumption of probiotics in animal have various benefits such as it supports the digestive and immune system of the animals and also reduce the considerable dependence of animals on the antibiotics.Feed Probiotics Market SegmentationGlobal feed probiotics market is segmented on the basis of bacteria, livestock and region. Based on the bacteria present feed probiotics market is segmented into includes lactobacillus, thermophiles, streptococcus, bifidobacteria and others. Of which, lactobacillus is the largest market followed by the other segments and is expected to exhibit significant growth during the forecast period. On the basis of livestock feed probiotics market segmentation includes cattle feed, swine feed, poultry feed and pet feed. Among all the segments of the feed probiotics market pet feed segment is anticipated to exhibit the robust growth in the next four to five years due to the rising demand for meat and meat products across the globe. Based on the region global feed probiotics market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Middle East and Africa and Japan.Request Report Sample@Feed Probiotics Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global feed probiotics market is expected to witness remarkable growth during the forecast period owing to the ban on the usage of antibiotics that promotes the growth in animal. Globally, among all regions, Asia Pacific is expected to contribute the highest market share in the overall feed probiotics market followed by Europe during the forecast period due to the presence of comparatively large number of consumers in the region. Global feed probiotics market is expected to exhibit fastest growth in Asia Pacific due the rising number of upper middle class population that can afford the expenditure on feed that contain additional ingredients such as probiotics. In Asia Pacific, China and Japan are dominating countries that contributes the maximum revenue to the overall feed probiotics market due to the rising number of upper middle class population in these countries. Europe is also expected to show vigorous growth in the next four to five years due to the ban on the usage of antibiotics that promote the growth in animal, which in turn increases the demand for the feed probiotics market.Feed Probiotics Market: DriversMajor factors that fuel the growth of feed probiotics market includes increasing health awareness among consumers related to consumption of probiotics in animals, growing demand for meat and meat related products. Other factor that is expected to further promote the growth feed probiotics market is increasing concerns among livestock owners related to the animal health. Probiotic added to the animal feed does not provide the necessary nutrients to the feed which is expected to restraint the market growth of the overall feed probiotic market.Request For TOC@Feed Probiotics Market: Key PlayersMajor companies operating in feed probiotics market are Koninklijke DSM N.V., DuPont, Nebraska Cultures, Calpis Co. Ltd. Lactosan GmbH & Co. KG Provita Eurotech Limited Major companies operating in the feed probiotics market are primarily launching new products and also expanding their facilities in order to further strength their position in the global animal feed market. There is rising trend of backward integration and consolidation of poultry processors which is expected to drive the demand of feed additives such as probiotics.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.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email:press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Market Report 2017: Focuses On Top Manufacturers - Genomic Health, Abbott, OPKO, Siemens Healthcare, DiaSorin, bioMeriux, Roche

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"The Latest Research Report Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Market Research Report 2017 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Prostate Cancer Diagnostics MarketIn the last several years, global market of Prostate Cancer Diagnostics developed rapidly, with an average growth rate of 7.1%. In 2016, global revenue of Prostate Cancer Diagnostics is nearly 11 billion USD.This report studies Prostate Cancer Diagnostics in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, Asia, focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringGenomic HealthAbbottOPKOSiemens HealthcareDiaSorinbioMeriuxRocheMDx HealthBeckman CoulterMyriad GeneticsAmbry GeneticsGet Sample copy of this Report @Market Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with revenue, and market share and growth rate of Prostate Cancer Diagnostics in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), likeNorth AmericaEuropeJapanAsia (Ex. Japan)OtherSplit by Product Types, with revenue and market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoTumor Biomarker TestsImagingBiopsyOtherSplit by Ages, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Prostate Cancer Diagnostics in each ages, can be divided into< 5555-75> 75View Sample PDF @Table of Contents1 Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Market Overview11.1 Product Overview and Scope of Prostate Cancer Diagnostics11.2 Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Segment by Types21.2.1 Global Revenue Market Share of Prostate Cancer Diagnostics by Types in 201621.2.2 Tumor Biomarker Tests31.2.3 Imaging31.2.4 Biopsy31.2.5 Other41.3 Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Segment by Ages51.4 Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Market by Regions71.4.1 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)71.4.2 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)81.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)81.4.4 Asia (Ex. Japan) Status and Prospect (2012-2022)91.4.5 Other Status and Prospect (2012-2022)91.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Prostate Cancer Diagnostics (2012-2022)102 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Market Competition by Manufacturers112.1 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2016 and 2017)112.2 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Gross and Share by Manufacturers (2016 and 2017)132.3 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Average Gross Margin by Manufacturers (2016 and 2017)162.4 Manufacturers Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Headquarters and Established Date182.5 Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Market Competitive Situation and Trends202.5.1 Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Market Concentration Rate202.5.2 Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers212.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion223 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Gross, Revenue (Value) by Regions (2012-2017)233.1 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)233.2 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Gross and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)253.3 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Revenue, Gross and Gross Margin (2012-2017)273.4 North America Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Revenue, Gross and Gross Margin (2012-2017)273.5 Europe Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Revenue, Gross and Gross Margin (2012-2017)273.6 Japan Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Revenue, Gross and Gross Margin (2012-2017)283.7 Asia (Ex. Japan) Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Revenue, Gross and Gross Margin (2012-2017)283.8 Other Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Revenue, Gross and Gross Margin (2012-2017)28Send An Enquiry Request @4 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Supply, Consumption Value, Export, Import by Regions (2012-2017)294.1 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Consumption Value by Regions (2012-2017)294.2 North America Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Supply, Consumption Value, Export, Import by Regions (2012-2017)314.3 Europe Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Supply, Consumption Value, Export, Import by Regions (2012-2017)314.4 Japan Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Supply, Consumption Value, Export, Import by Regions (2012-2017)324.5 Asia (Ex. Japan) Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Supply, Consumption Value, Export, Import by Regions (2012-2017)325 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Gross, Revenue (Value), Gross Margin Trend by Types335.1 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Revenue and Market Share by Types (2012-2017)335.2 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Gross and Market Share by Types (2012-2017)355.3 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Gross Margin by Type (2012-2017)365.4 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Gross Growth by Type (2012-2017)376 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Market Analysis by Ages386.1 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Consumption Value and Market Share by Ages (2012-2017)386.2 Global Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Consumption Value Growth Rate by Ages (2012-2017)406.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities416.3.1 Potential Applications416.3.2 Emerging Markets/Countries41About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA: Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Dairy Processing Equipment Market Challenges and Opportunities Report

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Milk is an advantageous nutritious food that has a short life span and needs careful handling. It is highly perishable as it has a stupendous medium for the growth of microorganisms. Milk processing permits the preservation of milk for days, weeks as well as even months and thus helps to decrease food-borne diseases. The processing of dairy products gives a small-scale dairy makers higher cash incomes than selling raw milk and proposes better prospects to reach regional and urban markets. Besides this, milk processing can also aid in to deal with seasonal changes in supply of milk. The shift of raw milk into processed milk and yields can be advantageous for the entire society by creating off-farm jobs in collection of milk, marketing, transportation as well as processing of milk. Dairy processing arises all over the world; moreover the structure of the industry differs from country to country. It has been observed that in less developed regions, milk is highly sold to the public directly, but in most of milk manufacturing countries milk is sold on a basis of wholesale. It has also been noticed that, general trend towards huge processing plants has offered the companies with the scope of acquiring bigger, more effective and automated equipment. Specialized processes which includes ultrafiltration as well as modern drying processes, have inclined the chances for recovery of milk solids that were previously discharged. In addition to it, all processes have become more energy efficient and effective and the utilization of electronic control systems has permitted enhanced processing effectiveness and cost savings.The Global dairy processing equipment market has showcased a higher growth over the past few years and is anticipated to showcase a significant CAGR from 2015-2025. Advancement in technology as well as rising consumption of dairy products to bolster the overall global dairy processing equipment over the next 10 years till 2025.Request Report Sample@Global Dairy Processing Equipment: Market SegmentationThe Global Dairy Processing Equipment market is segmented on the basis of types of equipment which include homogenizers, separators, dryers, membrane filters, pasteurizers, churning equipment and others. As the industry has various application areas, thus the global dairy processing equipment market is also bifurcated by applications such as cream, cheese, processed milk, protein concentrates, milk powder, yogurt and others. The global dairy processing market is further segmented on the basis of unorganized and organized sector with the majority of the share captured by former in the overall dairy processing equipment market.Global Dairy Processing Equipment Market: Growth DriversChange in technology along with higher consumption of dairy products are the major growth handlers in the global dairy processing equipment market. Apart from this, rising demand for milk in cream, cheese, milk powder and yogurt are intensifying the market of global dairy processing equipment. The innovation as well as the expansion in the new dairy products with respect to end-user applications are also fostering the growth of the global dairy processing equipment market. It has been noticed that for the production of milk powders and protein concentrates, the equipment such as membrane filters and evaporators are used which is anticipated to witness significant demand in the coming 10 years from 2015-2025 in the global dairy processing equipment market.Visit For TOC@Global Dairy Processing Equipment Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the Global Dairy Processing Equipment industry can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa. It has been noticed that, presently Asia Pacific region captured the highest market share in the global dairy processing equipment market followed by Europe and North America holding second and third position respectively. The dairy processing industries in the key dairy manufacturing countries have experienced rationalization with a trend towards larger plants operated by less number of people. Thus, in the U.S., Australia, Europe and New Zealand major dairy processing plants are quite huge. China occupies the substantial share in Asia Pacific region in terms of importing dairy products and New Zealand and Australia are the major exporters of dairy products.Apart from this, it has been noticed that plants producing products with short life span such as yogurts, soft cheese and creams, tend to be placed in urban centers close to consumer markets, whereas the plants producing items with longer shelf life which includes milk powders, butter milk, and cheese are tend to be situated in rural areas proximity to milk supply.Global Dairy Processing Equipment Market: PlayersSome of the major conglomerates capturing the substantial market share in the Global Dairy Processing Equipment market includes SPX Corporation, Tetra Laval group, Alfa Laval Corporate AB, IDMC Limited, GEA group, the Krones group, A&B Process systems and Feldmeier Equipment, Inc. Some of the countries such as China in the AsiaPacific region has become the major importer of dairy products and served as a profitable market for international dairy processors to capitalize the rising consumer demand, thereby presenting a prospect for dairy processing equipment manufacturers all over the world.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 Warehousing & Storage Services Market Overview and Forecasts 2022- CEVA Logisticsm DHL, GENCO, Mitsubishi Logistics

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022" to its huge collection of research reports.This report on the global Warehousing & Storage Services market, is compiled by a group of market research analysis professionals aims to act as a credible business material for shareholders. The report represents the current market scenario and the future prospects as well. Proven research methodologies have been used in creating this report which provides both quantitative and qualitative analysis of all the factors that may have an impact on the development of the global Warehousing & Storage Services market. The potential of smaller factors of the Warehousing & Storage Services market can be gauged by examining its different segments such as end users, products, application, types, services, and others, whichever applicable. The report also examines the future prospects of Warehousing & Storage Services market in all the key regions across the world, such as Latin America, North America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Europe. The potential of the Warehousing & Storage Services market of each region is given by examining their growth prospects, related policies government, and demand percentage.This report studies the global Warehousing & Storage Services market, analyzes and researches the Warehousing & Storage Services development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeCEVA LogisticsDHLGENCOMitsubishi LogisticsKuehne + Nagel International AGUPS Supply Chain SolutionsAPL LogisticsFedExAmeriCold Logistics3G WarehouseMSCGet sample report @One of the prominent feature of the research report is the company profile chapter, where numerous leading players of the Warehousing & Storage Services market have been examined. Also, their competitive landscape along with detection of chances of new players entering the market. The report mentions some of the top companies in the Warehousing & Storage Services market and studies their tactical decisions such as collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, investments, and new product announcements. Vital information about each company such as business sales price, market share, revenue generation, and margin are mentioned in the research report.Table of ContentGlobal Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Warehousing & Storage Services1.1 Warehousing & Storage Services Market Overview1.1.1 Warehousing & Storage Services Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.3 Warehousing & Storage Services Market by Type1.3.1 Advanced Inventory-scanning Technologies1.3.2 Temperature and Humidity Control Systems2 Global Warehousing & Storage Services Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 CEVA Logistics3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2 DHL3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3 GENCO3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business OverviewObtain Report Details @4 Global Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size by Type (2012-2017)4.2 Global Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Potential Application of Warehousing & Storage Services in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Warehousing & Storage Services5 United States Warehousing & Storage Services Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size (2012-2017)5.2 United States Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)6 EU Warehousing & Storage Services Development Status and Outlook6.1 EU Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size (2012-2017)6.2 EU Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)List of Tables and FiguresFigure Warehousing & Storage Services Product ScopeFigure Global Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size (Million USD) (2012-2017)Table Global Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure Global Warehousing & Storage Services Market Share by Regions in 2016Figure United States Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure EU Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure Japan Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure China Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure India Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure Southeast Asia Warehousing & Storage Services Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Analytical Standards Market Size, Industry Compititive Analysis 2022: Agilent Technologies, Waters, Restek, Spex Certiprep

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Analytical Standards Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022" to its huge collection of research reports.This report of the international Analytical Standards market has been created by research analysts of the industry, with a primary goal to put forth the present market scenario for the global Analytical Standards. It aims to shed light on the growth prospects of the market and target a range of audience such as government agencies, manufacturers of Analytical Standards, and other consultancy services. The research report provides comprehensive analysis of the key driving factors that will have an impact on the global Analytical Standards market. It also examines the hindrances or challenges, latest trends in the Analytical Standards market which the prominent players should consider to stay on top of their game.The report of the global Analytical Standards market gives out the market size estimation in terms of its value (USD million). Both bottom-up and top-down approaches are used in the report to predict and corroborate the size of the global Analytical Standards market and of multiple other sub-segments. The research report also extensively discusses the opportunities that may open in the market for Analytical Standards by type and application of manufacturing countries, and provides forecast for the period of 2017-2022.This report studies the global Analytical Standards market, analyzes and researches the Analytical Standards development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeMerckAgilent TechnologiesWatersRestekSpex CertiprepAccustandardLGC StandardsPerkinelmerThermo Fisher ScientificGeneral ElectricMallinckrodtCayman Chemical CompanyRicca Chemical CompanyGFS ChemicalsChiron AsEnter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @Some of the major players in the global Analytical Standards market has been mentioned to target the market shareholders. The mentioned companies are profiled individually in order to present their product portfolio, recent tactical decisions, and market share. The chapter also tries to understand the potential of the entry of emerging players in the Analytical Standards market. The leading players of the market have been detected with the help of secondary research and their superiority in respective areas have been analyzed through detailed primary as well as secondary research.Table of ContentsGlobal Analytical Standards Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Analytical Standards1.1 Analytical Standards Market Overview1.1.1 Analytical Standards Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Analytical Standards Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.3 Analytical Standards Market by Type1.3.1 Organic Standards1.3.2 Inorganic Standards1.4 Analytical Standards Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Chromatography1.4.2 Spectroscopy2 Global Analytical Standards Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Analytical Standards Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Merck3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Analytical Standards Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Agilent Technologies3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and SolutionsBrowse Complete Report with TOC @4 Global Analytical Standards Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Analytical Standards Market Size by Type (2012-2017)4.2 Global Analytical Standards Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Potential Application of Analytical Standards in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Analytical Standards5 United States Analytical Standards Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Analytical Standards Market Size (2012-2017)5.2 United States Analytical Standards Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)List of Tables and FiguresFigure Analytical Standards Product ScopeFigure Global Analytical Standards Market Size (Million USD) (2012-2017)Table Global Analytical Standards Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure Global Analytical Standards Market Share by Regions in 2016Figure United States Analytical Standards Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure EU Analytical Standards Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure Japan Analytical Standards Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure China Analytical Standards Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure India Analytical Standards Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
LED Lighting Market 2015-2025 Industry Analysis, size, share and Forecast

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LED light is a light-emitting diode product which is accumulated into the utilization in lighting fixtures. It is basically a semiconductor lighting source operate in different applications such as automotive lighting, general as well as backlighting. It has been noticed that LEDs are smaller and have a lengthier operating life as well as lower cost of ownership as compared to previous technologies in the similar area. The prices of LEDs have reduced to a point where such type of lighting is becoming the economic choice in every application. The acceptance of LED lighting is escalating in almost all major end uses such as industrial buildings, residential and commercial buildings, as well as outdoor application areas. The LED lighting systems provide more energy efficiency and longer life span. The LED light provides a lifetime of nearly 50,000 hours of brightness and work effectively by using only a fraction of energy as is utilized by traditional bulbs and CFLs. The LED lights compete with old and traditional bulbs on various parameters which include longer lifetime, energy efficiency, enhanced environmental friendliness, better durability, lower heat and smaller size. The Global LED lighting market has showcased rapid growth over the past few years. The Global LED lighting market is anticipated to grow at a stupendous CAGR over the period 2015-2025 with a substantial revenue in 2025. Thus, the revolution in LED is gaining traction in terms of market dynamics.Global LED Lighting: Market SegmentationThe Global LED lighting market is segmented on the basis of organizational structure such as organized and unorganized. The Global LED lighting market is further bifurcated by application areas such as automotive, general and backlighting. The LED lighting market in automobile industry is rising as LEDs are initiating to be used in mass market automobiles. The Global LED lighting market is also divided on the basis of end-user segment such as commercial, general, residential, industrial, outdoor and architectural. The Global LED lighting market is further segmented by technology which includes ultraviolet LEDs, basic LEDs, high brightness LEDs, polymer LEDs and organic LEDs.Request Report Sample@Global LED Lighting Market: Growth DriversThe global LED lighting market is influenced by various factors such as macroeconomic conditions which is impacting the new construction and subsequently new lighting installations. Less replacement, less heat as well as the lower price are fostering the demand for LED lights across the globe and strengthening the market of global LEDs. Such factors along with inclining demand for cost efficient lighting systems from communities and buildings will intensify the market for global LED lighting from 2015-2025. Besides this, innovation and change in technology along with different product designs by LED light manufacturers are anticipated to bolster the global LED lighting market. The rising government initiatives for conservation of energy is also fostering the growth of global LED lighting market.Global LED Lighting Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the Global LED Lighting industry can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa. In 2014, Asia Pacific captured the highest share in the global LED lighting market due to significant population growth, huge private sector LED lighting projects as well as the suitable government policies. The LED lighting has become popular in Japans educational institutions, retail stores and hospitals. Followed by it, Europe stood at second position in the revenue of global LED lighting market as the demand for LED lights are gaining traction especially for architectural and commercial lighting functions. Apart from this, U.S. holds third position in the global LED lighting market.Request For TOC@Global LED Lighting Market: PlayersSome of the top vendors identified across the value chain of the global LED lighting market include Cree Corporation, International Light technologies, American Bright Optoelectronics Corporation, Philips Lumileds Lighting company, Samsung Electronics Limited and OSRAM Licht AG. It has been noticed that new companies from consumer electronics as well as from semiconductor segments are entering the LED lighting. Thus, the LEDs showcases a higher opportunity for service providers as well as the component manufacturers to enhance their activities in the areas of LED lighting.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.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email:press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Canopus outdo with another Google Digital Maps API utilization in the Mobile app solutions

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India, 29rd June 17, Canopus Infosystems come up with the applications based on GIS mapping and Google Map APIs with more transparency and certainty of the Mapping solutions. Canopus expert in developing full fledged applications for the smartphones integrated with the Google Maps and GIS mapping platforms to serve the users in the productive and profitable way to utilize the maps to meet their needs.Canopus Infosystems, an Indian company is one of the leading names in the mobile application and web development industry. They aim to create well-designed, interactive and dominant applications for businesses of any size globally. They are masters in providing data analytic consultation and give the best marketing technique to grow businesses from last more than six years.Read More:GIS Mapping and Google Maps has transformed the way to discover and enhance user mapping experience. Mapping based solution for the smartphones and the web include GIS mapping, Transport and Route planning, Telecom and Urban planning, Pre-Determined disaster management and planning, Surveying, Weather planning and forecasting and endless solutions are based on the Digital Maps. Canopus avails you with all the Google Map APIs integration to your apps in every manner to have a best out of to your solution to stand alone in the market.Canopus allows its users to experience the transparency of the maps integrated into the smartphone and web applications with the certainty and the optimize routes and also allows one to have a visual view of the data in the mapped way. Google Maps are the great cartographers to get mapping solutions as needed. The maps used are Google Maps and MapBox APIs with the OpenStreet Maps which are reliable to be integrated into the applications and Webservices as they are economical and most of them are free to use. These APIs are easily customizable according to one's need, accurate in results, various associated services for different business cases along with the Navigation and off site services.Canopus Infosystems is a specialist in providing services in the emerging technologies and focused on (Social, Mobility, Analytics, Cloud) stack. To know more about their services and extensive work they did globally visit their websiteor call +91 731-2551963, for any queries you can drop an e-mail at sales@canopusinfosystems.comAbout the Company: Canopus Infosystems Pvt. Ltd. is an ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company that specializes in providing outsourced web & mobile development and testing services to clients worldwide. Canopus Infosystems Pvt. Ltd. provides the cross-platform for mobile development, web development and also provides end to end cloud solution.Canopus Infosystems is an ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company that specializes in providing outsourced web & mobile development and testing services to clients worldwide. We are a full software services provider creating best in class web and mobile solutions for some of the most exciting startups and progressive enterprises.303-304, Airen Heights, PU 3Scheme 54, A. B. Road, Opp. OrbitMall,Indore M.P.INDIA  452010Phone: +91 731-2551963Email: sales@canopusinfosystems.com
Sulphuric Acid Market Projected to Grow Steadily During (2015-2025)

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Sulfuric acid is a diprotic acid that exhibits different variety of properties depending upon its concentration. Sulphuric acid has the biggest output of any chemical in the world. Sulphuric acid is majorly used in the manufacture of chemicals to make sulfate salts, pigments, dyes, nitric acid, sulfate salts, and others. It also serves as the electrolyte in the lead acid storage battery.Sulphuric acid is widely used in the production of phosphate fertilizers. Sulphuric acid is a complex market that involves the chemistry of product supply and demand. There is variation in pricing of Sulphuric acid between regions depending upon the regulations and concentrations. There are four stages in the manufacturing of sulphuric acid that includes extraction of sulphur, conversion of Sulphur into sulphur dioxide, then converting sulphur dioxide to sulphur trioxide, and final conversion of sulphur trioxide to sulphuric acid.Sulphuric acid is used to wash impurities out of gasoline and other refinery products in petroleum refining. Sulphuric acid is also used as catalyst and dehydrating agent in petrochemical process and organic chemical manufacturing. The global sulphuric acid market is segmented on the basis of manufacturing process, application, and region. Manufacturing process includes Lead Chamber Process, Contact Process, Wet Sulfuric Acid Process, and Others. Applications include Phosphate Fertilizers, Chemical Manufacturing, Agricultural Chemistry, Electrolyte In Lead-Acid Storage Battery, Metal Processing, and Others.Request Report Sample@Global Sulphuric Acid Market: DriversThe Global Sulphuric Acid Market is mainly driven by the growing demand for Sulphur based fertilizers. Rising demand for sulphuric acid in the oil & gas industry and waste water treatment is expected to drive the sulphuric acid market for the forecasted period.Global Sulphuric Acid: RestraintsRestraints for the global sulphuric acid market include stringent government regulations that are restricting its use, and high raw material prices. Some of the reasons that are hampering the growth of this market include effects on human health such as skin irritation, eyes irritation, skin sensitiveness and others.Global Sulphuric Acid Market: SegmentationGlobal Sulphuric Acid market is segmented by: application, manufacturing process, and by region.By Application:Phosphate FertilizersChemical ManufacturingAgricultural ChemistryElectrolyte In Lead-Acid Storage BatteryMetal ProcessingOthersBy Manufacturing Process:Lead Chamber ProcessContact ProcessWet Sulfuric Acid ProcessOthersSulphuric Acids By Region:North AmericaLatin AmericaWestern EuropeEastern EuropeJapanAsia pacific (APEJ)Middle East & Africa (MEA)Global Sulphuric Acid: Region-wise OutlookThe global Sulphuric Acid is projected to witness a moderate growth from 2015 to 2025. According to FMIs forecast, the market in Asia-Pacific is expected to show the fastest CAGR for the forecasted period due to increasing demand for consumer products from countries such as Japan, China, and India.Visit For TOC@Europe and North America are leading markets of global Sulphuric Acid. Latin America market is also expected to grow due to rapid industrialization. Due to the prevalence of base metal smelters in Japan and South Korea, these regions have significant sources of sulphuric acid traded in the market.Global Sulphuric Acid Market: Competitive LandscapeKey players in the global Sulphuric Acid market are doing product innovations, expansions and mergers and acquisitions in order to expand their geographic reach. Companies in this market are focusing on finding newer applications for Sulphuric Acids in order to increase their shares in the market.Global Sulphuric Acid Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players of the global Sulphuric Acid market are Tampa Electric, Chemtrade Refinery, The Mosaic, Lucite International, Climax Molybdenum, Valero Energy, Solvay, DuPont, Akzonobel N.V., BASF and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Organic Infant Foods Sales Market Shares and Demands 2017- Abbott Laboratories, Danone, Nestle, Holla

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Organic Infant Foods Sales Market Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.Market-relevant information has assumed great important for businesses around the world. Considering the dynamic business trends, companies around the world are keen on gaining access to valuable information, which could guide them with decision-making. The report on the global Organic Infant Foods market is intended to provide exhaustive information to the market players to help them create winning strategies for the future. While market studies are considered imperative for businesses looking to gain a competitive advantage, it is not feasible for smaller companies to shell out huge funds into conducting surveys by themselves. The report on the global Organic Infant Foods market provides a holistic overview, thus providing access to relevant market data even to smaller companies, subsequently helping them achieve cost-saving.Global Organic Infant Foods market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Organic Infant Foods sales volume, Price (USD/MT), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingAbbott LaboratoriesDanoneNestleHollaBellamyBimbosanWakodoTopferHiPPBabynatBonmilBaby GourmetAmaraFill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @The report covers various growth drivers and restraints affecting the global Organic Infant Foods market. Besides this, it also highlights opportunities that the market could witness in the coming years. Information provided in the report is derived from trusted sources and via industry-leading research methodologies. Furthermore, the report gauges the impact of various analytical tools on the global Organic Infant Foods market. This is done to provide valuable information regarding the degree of competition prevailing in the market, besides the bargaining power of supplier and buyer. The threat from new entrants and substitutes are gauged to help market players take fully informed business decisions. Besides this a detailed segmentation of the Organic Infant Foods market is provided based on various parameters. This is intended to help stakeholders identify the most promising sectors within the Organic Infant Foods market.Finally, the report sheds light on the prevailing vendor landscape in the global Organic Infant Foods market. For the purpose of the study, some of the leading players operating in the global Organic Infant Foods market are profiled as well.Table of ContentsGlobal Organic Infant Foods Sales Market Report 20171 Organic Infant Foods Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Organic Infant Foods1.2 Classification of Organic Infant Foods by Product Category1.2.1 Global Organic Infant Foods Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.4 Global Organic Infant Foods Market by Region1.4.1 Global Organic Infant Foods Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Organic Infant Foods Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 China Organic Infant Foods Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Europe Organic Infant Foods Status and Prospect (2012-2022)2 Global Organic Infant Foods Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Organic Infant Foods Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Organic Infant Foods Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Organic Infant Foods Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Organic Infant Foods (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Organic Infant Foods Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global Organic Infant Foods Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)Browse Complete Report with TOC @3 United States Organic Infant Foods (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Organic Infant Foods Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 United States Organic Infant Foods Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 United States Organic Infant Foods Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 United States Organic Infant Foods Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)4 China Organic Infant Foods (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 China Organic Infant Foods Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 China Organic Infant Foods Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 China Organic Infant Foods Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.3 China Organic Infant Foods Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)List of Tables and FiguresFigure Product Picture of Organic Infant FoodsFigure Global Organic Infant Foods Sales Volume Comparison (K MT) by Type (2012-2022)Figure Global Organic Infant Foods Market Size (Million USD) by Regions (2012-2022)Figure United States Organic Infant Foods Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure China Organic Infant Foods Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Europe Organic Infant Foods Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Japan Organic Infant Foods Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Southeast Asia Organic Infant Foods Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure India Organic Infant Foods Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Competitive Pipes Market Size to Record a CAGR of 4.5% by 2024

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Some of the leading companies partaking in the global competitive pipes market include Tenaris S.A., Vallourec S.A., Welspun Group, Georg Fischer Ltd., GERDAU S.A., JFE Holdings Corporation, ThyssenKrupp AG, Novolipetsk Steel, ArcelorMittal S.A., Tata Steel Limited, Nippon Steel & Sumitomo, Metal Corporation, Pohang Iron and Steel Company JSW Steel Ltd., Atkore International Group Inc., China Steel Corporation, Advanced Drainage System, Essar Steel, Contech Engineered Solutions LLC and Can Clay Corporation.Browse Complete Report @Global sales of competitive pipes continue to be impacted by the growth of the building & construction sector. Some of the primary use of pipes include laying down water pipelines, in the construction of wastewater drainage systems, laying gas pipelines and HVAC systems. As per Persistence Market Researchs latest report, the global market for competitive pipes stood at around US$ 88,809.4 Mn in 2016. This market is projected to register a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period (20162024), to surpass a valuation of US$ 125,968 Mn by 2024 end. China, the U.S. and India are contributing substantially to the growth of the construction industry and will collectively contribute for more than 50% share of the growth in the construction industry by the end of 2020. In 2014, the total housing count reached more than 1 Mn with Y-o-Y growth of around 3%. With the continuous growth in the building & construction sector, the demand for competitive pipes is also projected to increase over the forecast period. Also, application for competitive pipes is widespread in the oil and gas industry.A sample of this report is available upon request @Steel will remain the most preferred material for manufacturing of competitive pipe through the forecast period. Currently, steel competitive pipes account for more than 77% market value share of the market. Demand for steel competitive pipes will remain higher as compared to other materials. During the forecast period, copper competitive pipes will witness favorable traction as well. This is primarily owing to extensive application of steel and copper competitive pipes in construction, agriculture, energy, and other industrial sectorsOn the basis of end use industry, the oil & gas segment held the largest value share of the market in 2016, and the trend is expected to continue throughout the forecast period. Between 2016 and 2024, this segment is expected to witness a CAGR of 4.9%.Request to view table of content @By application, the liquid conduits segment accounted for around 47.7% of the market in terms of volume in 2016. Towards the end of the forecast period, this segment is expected to reach a market valuation in excess of US$62,129 Mn.Among regions, the competitive pipes market in Asia Pacific (APAC) is expected to remain highly lucrative over 2024. APAC accounted for more than 49% value share of the market in 2016, surpassing a valuation of US$43,782 Mn. During the forecast period, the regions market is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 5.2%.Global Market Study on Competitive Pipes is available for US$4,900About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Tea Bag Market Growth, Productions, Pricing & Shares 2017: Harney & Sons, Celestial Seasonings, Tazo, Dilmah

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Tea Bag Sales Market Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.The investigation study here talks around several of viewpoints having an abode with the overall Tea Bag publicize which expresses the present-day gen and future detections with orientation to the dynamic forces at play. The prime motivation behind the examination report is to offer the supporter with a wide system and make accessible the worthwhile substances and records. The verifiable investigating examination besides executes data on issues, for example, drivers, shackles, and projections to gage the aftereffect of the general Tea Bag advance through the cross of the said gage period in the examination report. The report comparatively passes on a brief and world class record of the predefined exhibit, which incorporates a few occasions of the certified focuses at work which are surveyed to trigger advancement in the market or may cause any negative effect.Global Tea Bag market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Tea Bag sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingTwiningsHarney & SonsCelestial SeasoningsTazoDilmahBigelowTetleyYogi TeaYorkshire TeaLiptonMighty Leaf TeaStash TeaTeavanaGet sample report @This report additionally stations into the general Tea Bag advance by demandingly assessing the deliver and industrialized chain of the relentless market. This is expected to in addition help in bestowing honest to goodness information and digits on compound fragments of the pertinent market, for example, material relating to strategies for the get together in the typical and general strata, convey and transmission structure, creation compel, mass sold, and advantages gotten for the contributed total.The report utilizes a few displayed grandstand examination and whole gadgets. They permit the examination store up pass on an uncovered basic assessment of the general Tea Bag market and help endorser and market troupes to be instructed with respect to hypothesis and business conclusions. The far reaching strategy of the examination gives a market position on an unmistakable and minute scale. It aggregates essential and optional research frameworks thus. The specialists have thought the recorded encounters and emerged it from the back and forth movement exhibit condition to outline a strategy for the general Tea Bag expose in the years ahead.Table of ContentsGlobal Tea Bag Sales Market Report 20171 Tea Bag Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Tea Bag1.2 Classification of Tea Bag by Product Category1.2.1 Global Tea Bag Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Tea Bag Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Black Tea1.3 Global Tea Bag Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Tea Bag Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Residential1.4 Global Tea Bag Market by Region2 Global Tea Bag Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Tea Bag Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Tea Bag Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Tea Bag Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Tea Bag (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Tea Bag Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global Tea Bag Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)Browse Complete Report with TOC @3 United States Tea Bag (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Tea Bag Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 United States Tea Bag Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 United States Tea Bag Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 United States Tea Bag Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 United States Tea Bag Sales Volume and Market Share by Players4 China Tea Bag (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 China Tea Bag Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 China Tea Bag Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 China Tea Bag Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.3 China Tea Bag Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)4.2 China Tea Bag Sales Volume and Market Share by PlayersList of Tables and FiguresFigure Product Picture of Tea BagFigure Global Tea Bag Sales Volume Comparison (K Units) by Type (2012-2022)Figure Global Tea Bag Sales Volume Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2016Figure Global Tea Bag Market Size (Million USD) by Regions (2012-2022)Figure United States Tea Bag Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure China Tea Bag Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Europe Tea Bag Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Japan Tea Bag Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Southeast Asia Tea Bag Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure India Tea Bag Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Business Email Market 2016-2026 Revenue, Opportunity, Segment and Key Trends

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Electronic mail solution or preferably called email solution, specializes in the day-to-day management of your email services which allows users to remain focused on more critical operations of business. Email solution providers make it simple for organizations and enterprises to communicate across as well as get tasks implemented by offering a reliable, business suited email software to meet such needs. The business email solution offers multiple layers of premium virus and spam protection and keep hosted email advertisement free. Business organizations across the globe are now steadily adopting the strategy of migrating their email to cloud to reduce costs. The enumeration of organizations migrating to cloud-based email and collaboration services has continued to build over the past few years, where previously small and medium business (SMB) were the key end-users of business email solutions, now larger organizations are aggressively moving to the cloud. The current number of email users worldwide in 2015 is recognized to be about 2.6 billion, and this figure is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR till 2026. While total worldwide email traffic estimated to about 200 billion email per day in 2015, the corporate emails represent the major share of this total value.Business Email Market: SegmentationBusiness email market is segmented on the basis of deployment model, end-user and region. According to deployment model, business email market can be segmented into on-premise and cloud-based deployment. On the basis of end-user, business email market can be segmented into small business, medium business and large enterprises. Regionally, business email market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa (MEA), Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) and Japan.Request Report Sample@Business Email Market: Regional OutlookBusiness email market is witnessing stable growth and is expected to grow steadily during the projected period. North America is the dominating region in business email market and is expected to remain dominant followed by Western Europe during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is expected to exhibit highest CAGR due to rapid progress in enterprise sector across evolving economies of countries like India, China and Philippines.Business Email Market: DriversBusiness email market is being primarily driven by organizations need for a formal communication platform. Growing influx of SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) and SMBs (Small and Medium Businesses) across the globe is driving the growth of business email market. Furthermore, increasing popularity of cloud-based business email solutions is expected to fuel the growth of business email market during the projected period. However, security concerns regarding cloud-based email solutions coupled with need for dedicated internet connection are expected to restrain the growth of business email market amidst the forecast period 2016-2026.Request For TOC@Business Email Market: Key PlayersThe key vendors in the Business email market include Google Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Yahoo Inc., Rediff.com India Ltd., Rackspace Hostings Inc., GoDaddy Inc., IBM Corporation, Intermedia.net Inc., Fastmail, Zoho Corporation and others. Major players in the business email market boost their market share by mergers & acquisitions with other players in the market. Furthermore, long-term collaboration with cloud-based storage providers is another strategy followed by major business email providers to gain competitive edge.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.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email:press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Advanced Infusion Systems Market : Segmentation, Industry trends and Development to 2026

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Infusion systems are medical instruments and associated disposables, used to deliver fluids or drugs in solution to patients circulatory system in a controlled, precise and automated manner. There are different routes to introduce a drug into the patients system, of which, highly used mode is through intravenous, although subcutaneous, arterial and epidural infusion are preferred as per the requirement. They are simple devices and gravity controllers that employ a clamping action to vary the flow of liquid under the force of gravity. This instrument was extensively used for medication purpose but, due to association of high mortality rates with it, advanced infusion systems were developed. Facilities like easy start up, visual monitoring, mobility of system, balanced and continues infusion of multiple medications at the same time, patient safety are a few factors which are boosting the growth of the potential market of advanced infusion systems over conventional ones.Request Report Sample@Advanced Infusion Systems Market: Drivers and RestraintsOverall increase in global population suffering from chronic disease, cancer, diabetes is the major factor that drives the market growth of global infusion systems market. Enormously developed technology in infusion system which eliminates user-related risks, higher bioavailability, safety, therapeutic effectiveness, increase in health care spending are also some other factors that drive the growth of the market. To operate these automated infusion systems, a highly trained intelligent system is required. If this system is not trained properly, it can lead to increased morbidity and mortality rate which can restrain the growth of this market.Advanced Infusion Systems Market: SegmentationThe global advanced infusion systemmarketis classified on the basis of product type, application type, end user and geography.Based on product type, the global advanced infusion systemMarketis segmented into the following:Elastomeric infusion systemVolumetric infusion system- Large volume and Small volume pumpPatient Controlled Analgesia pumpDisposable infusion systemSyringe infusion systemAmbulatory infusion systemImplantable infusion systemBased on application type, global advanced infusion systemMarketis segmented into the following:ChemotherapyDiabetesPain managementAsthmaClinical nutritionBased on end user, the global advanced infusion system market is segmented into the following:HospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersDiagnostic centersBedsideAdvanced Infusion Systems Market: OverviewOver the last few decades volumetric and syringe pumps, the clinical and surgical industry, infusion systems, have been widely used for intravenous therapy (IV). Industry experts estimated that 80% of the hospitalized patients receive intravenous (IV) therapy. This demand is expected to increase in the coming years. Growing incidence of chronic lifestyle disorders like cancer, diabetes and increased rate of aging population are the major factors that are expected to rise the demand for infusion pump market in forecast period. Increasing malnutrition in developing countries is expected to increase the demand for infusion pumps for critical nutrition. Hospitals are the largest end-users of infusion systems and account for over half of the market share.Advanced Infusion Systems Market: Regional OverviewRegion wise, the advanced infusion system market is segmented into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa. North Americaholds the largest market share globally. The advanced infusion system market in Asia-Pacific and Latin America is expected to grow relatively fast in coming years. Factors expected to drive this growth are increase in population and increase in incidences of cancer, diabetes and asthma.Visit For TOC@Advanced Infusion Systems Market: Key PlayersHospira, Inc., is a leading provider of infusion technologies globally. The key players in this markets are AngioDynamics, Inc., Animas Corporation, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Terumo Corporation and F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Infusion systems by Hospira, Inc. have operations in over 60 key markets across Europe, Asia and The Americas. Q Core Medical is a medical device company focused on the infusion pump market, which is expected to hold a large market share in the upcoming period.About Us Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Soy Food Products Market SWOT Analysis 2017- ADM, Cargill, DuPont

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Soy Food Products Market Professional Survey Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.The examination report here speaks about a considerable amount of viewpoints having a place with the worldwide Soy Food Products advertise which explains the present-day data and future conclusions with reference to the dynamic strengths at play. The essential point of the exploration report is to offer the reader with a thorough diagram and make accessible the sober minded certainties and records. The statistical surveying study ahead of time executes data on issues, for example, drivers, chains, and projections to gage the result of the worldwide Soy Food Products showcase through the span of the specified figure time frame in the examination report. The report likewise supplies a brief and elite record of the uncovered market, which involves a few occurrences of the significant perspectives at work which are evaluated to trigger movement in the market or may cause any unfriendly effect.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringADMCargillDuPontNorthern SoyWhole SoyThe Scoular CompanyLinyi Shansong Biological ProductsEnter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @This report additionally stations into the worldwide Soy Food Products advertise by meticulously evaluating the manufacture and industrialized chain of the agreeable market. This is expected to additionally help in communicating honest information and digits on compound variables of the important market, for example, material relating to methodologies of the legislature in the common and worldwide strata, produce and transmission structure, creation limit, mass sold, and profits got for the contributed sum.The report utilizes a few demonstrated market examination and amount apparatuses. They permit the examination group convey a nitty gritty investigation of the worldwide Soy Food Products market and help the readers and market troupes to be educated with respect to hypothesis and business choices. The thorough arrangement of the investigation gives a market stance on a naturally visible and minute scale. It collects essential and auxiliary research techniques for this reason. The specialists have pondered the verifiable insights and contrasted it with the current market circumstance to outline a way of the worldwide Soy Food Products advertise in the years ahead.Table of ContentsGlobal Soy Food Products Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Soy Food Products1.1 Definition and Specifications of Soy Food Products1.1.1 Definition of Soy Food Products1.1.2 Specifications of Soy Food Products1.2 Classification of Soy Food Products1.2.1 Protein Isolates90% Protein1.2.2 Soy Protein Concentrates70% Protein Content1.2.3 Soy Flour50% Protein Content1.3 Applications of Soy Food Products1.3.1 Bakery Products2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Soy Food Products2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Soy Food Products2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Soy Food Products2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Soy Food ProductsBrowse Complete Report with TOC @3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Soy Food Products3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Soy Food Products Major Manufacturers in 20163.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Soy Food Products Major Manufacturers in 20163.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Soy Food Products Major Manufacturers in 20163.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Soy Food Products Major Manufacturers in 20164 Global Soy Food Products Overall Market Overview4.1 2012-2017E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2012-2017E Global Soy Food Products Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2016 Soy Food Products Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2012-2017E Global Soy Food Products Sales and Growth Rate Analysis5 Soy Food Products Regional Market Analysis5.1 North America Soy Food Products Market Analysis5.1.1 North America Soy Food Products Market Overview5.1.2 North America 2012-2017E Soy Food Products Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.1.3 North America 2012-2017E Soy Food Products Sales Price Analysis5.1.4 North America 2016 Soy Food Products Market Share Analysis5.2 China Soy Food Products Market Analysis5.2.1 China Soy Food Products Market OverviewList of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Soy Food ProductsTable Product Specifications of Soy Food ProductsTable Classification of Soy Food ProductsFigure Global Production Market Share of Soy Food Products by Type in 2016Figure Protein Isolates90% Protein PictureTable Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Soy Food Products Major Manufacturers in 2016Table Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Soy Food Products Major Manufacturers in 2016Table R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Soy Food Products Major Manufacturers in 2016Table Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Soy Food Products Major Manufacturers in 2016About 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
Tequila Market Plying for Significant Growth During 2017 - 2025

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Alcoholic drinks have been associated with human being from an old time. From medieval period human has been making constant effort to make such drinks from various fruits and natural fermentation process across globes be it Greeks or the Turks all have mastered their own art of making such drinks. Tequila is also a discovery of such an effort from a much lesser known civilization from South America continent. It was initially fermented as a prized drink by an Aztec civilization in lowlands of Mexico. It is made with the sap of agave plant, which is found mostly only in dry arid lands of Mexico. The drink consist of 50%-70% of alcohol. The demand for tequila has grown amongst consumers, which will fuel the growth of tequila market and over the forecast period, tequila market will gain significant CAGR.To View Complete Report @ :Tequila Market: Drivers and RestraintsCocktail culture has gain momentum across various societies. Improvement in economic condition of individuals has been a driving force for the cocktail culture. The demand for tequila in cocktails is not confine to bars and restaurants; it has also gained spaces in parties organized at homes. It can also be observed that a market shift, especially in the younger population, from binge drinking to more sophisticated drinking such as tequila. Moreover, in 21st century with change in outlook and more broadness in human way of thinking, drinking of tequila has been irrespective of any sex. In country such as U.S., there has been increase in demand of handcrafted tequila. As per data provided by Distilled Spirits Councils Economic & Strategic Analysis Department tequila consumption volume raised from 7 million 9 liters cases in 2003 to 15 million 9 liters cases in 2015. Economic improvement of individuals, improvement in infrastructure of places across countries are also few of the possible drivers, which is contributing towards tequila market growth.A sample of this report is available upon request @Decrease in agave plant cultivation, conflicts in Mexico, rise in fuel and energy prices are few restraints which can deter the growth of tequila market globaly.Tequila Market: Market SegmentationBased on purity, Tequila market is segmented into:100% Tequila60% TequilaBased on the product type, Tequila market is segmented into:BlancoJovenMixto GoldReposadoAnejoExtra AnejoBased on distribution channel, Tequila market is segmented into:B2BB2CE-CommerceBuy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report @Global Tequila Market: Regional OutlookBased on the geographies, the global vinyl acetate market is fragmented into seven key regions -- North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific except Japan, Japan, and the Middle East & Africa. Among the aforementioned regions, North America accounts for a significant share of global Tequila market, owing to relatively high consumption of tequila among the masses. Business sectors such as restaurants, bars and pubs are growing significantly in North America, which are potential driver of tequila market. Western Europe is followed by North America region in the global tequila market, owing to the substantial growth in consumption of tequila in the region. The Asia-Pacific except Japan region accounts for significantly high volume share in the global tequila market owing to change in consumer behavior. Eastern Europe and Japan also accounts for significant value share in the tequila market over the forecast period, in past few years people in these regions are preferring tequila over other alcoholic drinks due to prevalence of perception that tequila is much more sophisticated and less of harmful compared to other drinks. In MEA due to prevalence of Islamic culture mostly, drinking of alcoholic beverages is limited, therefore the growth of tequila market is not so optimistic. In Latin America, tequila market has been quite healthy. Since, Mexico is the origin of excellent and authentic tequila, most Latin countries are more likely to have affinity for tequila compared to other nations. The market is significantly growing in Latin America.Tequila: Key PlayersThe major players identified in the global tequila market includes:Jose CuervoDon JulioCasa CorralejoTequila512AmbharDos LunasEl GradoAbout 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:
Explosive Detection Technologies Market Size to Record a CAGR of 5.2% by 2024

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The global explosive detection technologies market is segmented on the basis of Function, Technology, End User, and Region. The Manual segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.1% in terms of value and the Automated segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR of 8.0% in terms of value over the forecast period. The Bulk Detection segment is estimated to account for a market value share of 57.4% by the end of 2016; while the Trace Detection segment is anticipated to be valued at US$ 2,285.7 Mn by the end of 2016 and is expected to reach US$ 4,154.7 Mn by the end of the forecast period. The Air Transport and Critical Infrastructure segments are estimated to collectively account for over 55% revenue share by the end of 2016.The global demand for explosive detection technologies is expected to increase at a Y-o-Y growth rate of 5.4% in 2016. Global consumption of explosive detection technologies is estimated to be pegged at 41,960 units by the end of 2016 and is expected to increase at a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period (20162024). In a new report titled Explosive Detection Technologies Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast, 20162024, Persistence Market Research analyzes the global explosive detection technologies market and provides a forecast for the next eight years.Browse Complete Report @Demand for explosive detection technologies is expected to increase at a significant rate across airports in order to ensure security. Increasing regulations across the globe to enhance security, increasing passenger volumes, upcoming airport construction projects, and increasing terror threat perception are major factors expected to drive the demand for explosive detection technologies worldwide. A growing geo-political unrest in various countries across the globe is also expected to support market growth in the near future. Top market players are focusing on obtaining long-term supply agreements for explosive detection technologies for government and other applications, which in turn is expected to increase installation of new devices in various countries across the globe. Development of improvised explosive devices is a major challenge for the explosive detection technologies market. Moreover, explosive detection is a labor intensive process requiring faster screening to avoid significant delays. This factor is likely to restrain the growth of the explosive detection technologies market over the forecast period.A sample of this report is available upon request @On the basis of regions, the global explosive detection technologies market has been segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is estimated to account for over 20% share of the global explosive detection technologies market in terms of value by the end of 2016, projected to expand at a value CAGR of 9.0% over the forecast period. Markets in North America and Europe are estimated to collectively account for over 60% share in terms of value by the end of 2016. North America and Europe are expected to contribute significant revenue share to the global explosive detection technologies market throughout the forecast period.Request to view table of content @Leading players operating in the global explosive detection technologies market are  Safran SA, Smiths Group plc., L-3 Communications Holdings Inc., Kromek Group plc, OSI Systems Inc., Elbit Systems Ltd., Chemring Group PLC, Implant Sciences Inc., Guangzhou Skyscanner Electronic Equipment Co. Ltd., Security Electronic Equipment Co. Ltd., Suzhou Aoteng Electron Technology Co. Ltd., Kunshan Sanxun Electronics Technology Co. Ltd., Tongfang Weishi Technology Co. Ltd., and Shanghai WeiEn Security Equipment Co. Ltd.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Black Pepper Market 2016-2026 Analysis, Segments, Growth and Value Chain

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Black Pepper is a pungent hot-tasting powder spice prepared from dried and ground peppercorns, used to flavor food. It is also known as king of spices because it contains rich anti-oxidants and other nutrients. The high demand for pepper presents an attractive market opportunity for new vendors to enter the market. In the present market scenario, it is estimated that the new crop of black pepper accounts for nearly 30% to 35% of the market. The high demand is expected to increase the price of black pepper, thereby increasing the profit margin of the vendors in this market.Apart from this, black pepper powder is also used to make medicines. It often used to cure stomach upset, bronchitis, and cancer. It is sometimes applied directly to the skin for treating nerve pain(neuralgia) and a skin disease called scabies. Black peppers are also used typically as a counterirritant for pain.Request Report Sample@Black Pepper Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe black pepper market is directly influenced by the growing processed food industry. The rise in consumption of bakery products, confectionery products, and ready-to-eat and ried food in the developed economies is driving the market for the spice. The recent trend of using natural flavor enhancer has also catalyzed the growth of the global market. In the year 2013-15, the global pepper consumption is estimated at around 400,000 tons and has been increasing steadily. Increasing demand from Far East countries, which have started using more pepper in cooking, has been quite significant in driving the global black pepper market. Growth in the cosmetics industry is also directly influencing the pepper market. Due to the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of black pepper, it is often included in skin care products.As stated earlier, that the market is experiencing a major year on year increase in demand for black pepper. But unfortunately, this demand is not backed by adequate supply, which has proved to be a major restraint in this market. This is majorly due to the intensive crop losses in various parts of the world, especially in India & Brazil. Sudden climatic changes and untimely rainfall has significantly led to the fall in the yield of black pepper.Black PepperMarket: SegmentationThe global black pepper market can be broadly segmented on the basis of; type, end use and application. On the basis of type, the market can be further segmented into  organic and inorganic. Based on end use, the market can be segmented into bakery and confectionery products, frozen products, soups, sauces & dressing, beverages, meat & poultry products, snacks and convenience food, and others. Based of application, the black pepper market can be segmented into food & beverages, health care and personal care & cosmetics.Black PepperMarket: Region Wise OutlookGeographically, the global black peppermarket is segmented into seven regions which are ; North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), and Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Japan.Vietnam, followed by Brazil, India & Indonesia are the leading producer of black pepper in the year 2014 globally.India saw a fall in its average production in the same year. The leverage of large scale production and productivity helps Vietnam growers to offer world's lowest price tags.Request For TOC@In terms of export, Vietnam leads the market globally. U.S. market continues to be the largest importer of black pepper from Vietnam. While most markets like India, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Netherlands, Spain have seen an increase in their imports, except Germany. German market recorded a drop in imports from Vietnam. Thus, with a market share of approximately 50% per cent in the global market, Vietnam has been able dominate the market.Black PepperMarket: Key PlayersSome of the major companies operating in global black peppermarket are Baria Pepper, British Pepper and Spice, Catch, Everest Spices, McCormick, MDH, Agri food Pacific, Akar Indo, Brazil Trade Business, DM AGRO, Gupta Trading, Pacific Production, PT AF, Silk Road Spices, The Spice House, Vietnam Spice Company, Visimex, and Webb James, Olam International Limited.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email:press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Inositol Market 2016-2026 Set for Rapid Growth And Trends

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Inositol, also named cyclohexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol, is a simple polyol precursor in a second messenger system important in the brain. Inositol is found in fruits, beans, grains, and nuts and is also made by the body. Inositol is a naturally occurring nutrient found in various forms, the most common being myo-inositol.It also holds some promise as an anti-depressant and against some other conditions associated with anxiety such as panic disorders. Inositol is used to promote the growth of bacteria and yeast for use as food additives. This product is also used in the preparation of a variety of vitamin pills and nutritional amino acid infused products.Request Report Sample@Inositol Market: Drivers & RestraintsDemand for inositol has been on the rise, due to the rapid growth in the food & healthcare industry. The Inositol market is expected to grow drastically. The increase in the scope of clinical research is also driving the market.According to a survey carried out by Center for Disease Control & Prevention, 31% of men and 32% of women in this world have high cholesterol level. This has been a major factor for the rise in the demand for Inositol globally.Taking too much inositol might make bipolar disorder worse, which has proved to be its major constraint.Inositol Market: SegmentationThe inositol market is segmented on the basis of form and application. On the basis of form, the inositol market is further segmented into; powder & liquid. On the basis of application, the market is segmented into pharmaceuticals, food & beverages, chemical industry, feed additive, and others.Inositol Market: Region Wise OutlookGeographically, the inositol market is segmented into seven regions which are; North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Japan. The global production of Inositol is mainly concentrated in the China and Japan. China is the worlds largest producer of inositol in terms of capacity, accounting for over approximately 50% of the global capacity.Request For TOC@Inositol Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players across the value chain dominating this market are Zhucheng Haotian Pharm Co., Ltd. , Changzhou Zhonglian Inositol Co., Ltd., Shandong Runde Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Biological Engineering Technology Co., Ltd., Holland & Barrett, Phoenix Herb Company, Mr. Bills Pipe & Tobacco Company, Ronas chemicals ind.co.,ltd., Charles Bowman & Company, T. J. Clark & Company. These companies are developing market strategies such as mergers and acquisitions, joint venture, new product development and expansion to increase their market share in global inositol 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.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email:press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
United States Zero Liquid Discharge System (ZLD) Market Estimated to Grow at a Highest CAGR by 2022

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Market Research Hub (MRH) has recently announced the inclusion of a new market intelligence report to its comprehensive collection of research studies. The latest report is titled United States Zero Liquid Discharge System (ZLD) Market Report 2017 and documents the growth of this regional market over the recent past while providing a forecast projection for the period of 2017 to 2022. The report thus serves as an in-depth study on the current state of the U.S. zero liquid discharge industry and how it is expected to develop in the near future. The United States market has been broadly categorized into seven regions, including The Middle Atlantic, The South, The Midwest, Southwest, The West, The South and The Midwest.Request Free Sample Report:Zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) is a water treatment procedure in which all wastewater is purified and recycled; as a result, leaving zero discharge at the end of the treatment cycle. Presently, there is a growing awareness to protect the environment from the discharge of harmful waste water effluents. To ensure this, regulatory bodies governing wastewater discharge limits in various countries across the world have been setting and implementing stringent policies for industrial plants and municipal bodies to meet zero liquid discharge norms to halt the worsening of water quality in their countries. As water costs rise and regulations become increasingly strict due to concerns over surface water pollution, this approach to wastewater treatment will benefit its global market.This report starts by presenting the detailed overview of Zero Liquid Discharge System (ZLD) along with its classifications and applications. This subsequent section also describes segmentation in terms of sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share. By product type, the report covers Hybrid ZLD System and Conventional ZLD System. Apart from that, major applications where zero liquid discharge system is used, including Energy & Power, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Food & Beverages, Textiles and Others.Browse Full Report With TOC:About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Us90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Read Industry News At:
Radiance Cosmedic Centre has been rated as the top hair transplant clinic in Delhi NCR by OnlineBusinessOffice

Dr. Mayank Singh awarded as Best Hair Transplant Surgeon

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Onlinebusinessoffice is a leading U.S based web portal created to help patients connect with the right doctor so their medical problem is fully addressed and this prestigious forum has rated Radiance Cosmedic Centre as one of the best hair transplant clinics in India. The main reason for this endorsement is because many of its patients come from abroad to receive the best natural hair transplant finish from one of the most internationally recognized plastic surgeon Dr. Mayank Singh who is in the last ten years have emerged as leading specialist in the field of hair transplant.When contacted Dr. Mayank said  I am really thrilled with this recognition bestowed upon my clinic which was only established some five odd years ago and I must extend my thanks to my dedicated and hardworking team of medical support staff who are with me all the time to ensure we do the best job possible. As a medical professional, I know how important it is to be mentioned by Onlinebusinessoffice because a lot of people around the world use this portal for reference and I am proud that my clinic is the first cosmetic surgery clinic listed on this website from India.When asked about the potential of medical tourism in India and is the scope only limited to hair transplant Dr. Mayank Said actually people from around the world not only come to India to get affordable and quality hair transplant but other procedures such as knee and hip replacement surgery and also heart surgeries are very popular because we have some of the best doctors. But the rising popularity of hair transplant has made India a prime destination and I am proud our clinic is leading the fray.Here is the list for Top 10 Hair Transplant Clinic in Delhi:Radiance Cosmedic Center:1. Radiance Cosmedic Centre2. Dr. Soods Hair Clinic3. Adhi India4. Shaktis HHY5. Natural Hair Transplant Clinics6. Provelus Hair Transplant7. Dr As Clinic8. Berkowits Hair and Skin Clinic9. Aravali Clinic10. AK ClinicsSource:Radiance Cosmedic Centre for excellence in hair transplant is located in Delhi and has all the right facility and staff to take the best of care.Contact Info & DetailsSouth Delhi Address:S 329 Greater Kailash Part 2On M Block Market RoadNew Delhi  110048Mobile no.: 8527844462Phone No: 011  41612128, 011  41612129West Delhi Address:BE  106, JanakpuriNear Mira Model School,New DelhiMobile no.: 8527844462Phone No.: 011  25503429E-Mail : drmayanksingh@yahoo.in
Global Emergency Ambulance Market 2017 Comparison Analysis by Top Manufacturers : Mercedes-benz, GM, Volkswagen

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Emergency Ambulance Market Research Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.A recent report by QYResearchReports.com presents a thorough analysis of the global Emergency Ambulance market with an approach that helps in elucidating the most important bits of data related to the key elements of the market. The report presents an overview of the key application areas of the global Emergency Ambulance market and furnishes quantitative as well as qualitative data pertaining to the segments.The key regional segments of the global Emergency Ambulance market are analyzed in great details and an overview of the regulatory framework of the market is also given in the report. In this section, the report examines the key rules, regulations, plans, and policies governing the overall markets development and having an implication on several decisions.An analysis of the major trends in the global Emergency Ambulance market in the past years, which have significantly contributed in shaping the current state of the market, and the important trends of the current times is also included in the report, allowing the reader to formulate winning strategies. The data has been gathered with the help of a number of primary and secondary research methodologies and narrowed-down with the help of industry-best analytical methods.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @Global Emergency Ambulance market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingMercedes-benzFordGMVolkswagenToyotaNissanRenault S.A.F.I.A.T.ChryslerJMCBrillianceBAICNAVECODongfengSegmenting the global Emergency Ambulance market on several fronts, the research report examines the strengths and weaknesses of each category and sub-category in the operating environments. The report also analyzes the impact of several internal and external forces such as consumer preferences, government regulations, laws and policies, technological developments, and economic environment for each segment.The report focuses on the critical aspects of each player and furnishes details such as detailed business profile of the company, product and service portfolio, financial conditions, business strategies, and recent developments. Additionally, the report also studies the strengths and weaknesses of the companies profiled, highlighting their major competitors, and provides insight on their supplier base and consumers.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Emergency Ambulance Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Emergency Ambulance1.2 Emergency Ambulance Segment by Type (Product Category)1.3 Global Emergency Ambulance Segment by Application1.4 Global Emergency Ambulance Market by Region (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Emergency Ambulance (2012-2022)2 Global Emergency Ambulance Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Emergency Ambulance Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Emergency Ambulance Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Emergency Ambulance Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Emergency Ambulance Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Emergency Ambulance Market Competitive Situation and Trends7 Global Emergency Ambulance Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Mercedes-benz7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Emergency Ambulance Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Mercedes-benz Emergency Ambulance Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Ford7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Emergency Ambulance Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Ford Emergency Ambulance Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 GM7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Emergency Ambulance Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 GM Emergency Ambulance Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business OverviewList of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Emergency AmbulanceFigure Global Emergency Ambulance Production (K Units) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Types (Product Category) (2012-2022)Figure Global Emergency Ambulance Production Market Share by Types (Product Category) in 2016Figure Global Emergency Ambulance Consumption (K Units) by Applications (2012-2022)Figure Global Emergency Ambulance Consumption Market Share by Applications in 2016Figure North America Emergency Ambulance Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Europe Emergency Ambulance Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure China Emergency Ambulance Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Japan Emergency Ambulance Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)QYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States
US, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Smart Water Network Monitoring Market Size, Status & Forecast 2021

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http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/united-states-eu-japan-china-india-and-southeast-asia-smart-water-network-monitoring-market-size-status-and-forecast-2021.htm

Qyresearchreports include new market research report "United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Smart Water Network Monitoring Market Size, Status and Forecast 2021" to its huge collection of research reports.Market-relevant information has assumed great important for businesses around the world. Considering the dynamic business trends, companies around the world are keen on gaining access to valuable information, which could guide them with decision-making. The report on the United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Smart Water Network Monitoring market is intended to provide exhaustive information to the market players to help them create winning strategies for the future. While market studies are considered imperative for businesses looking to gain a competitive advantage, it is not feasible for smaller companies to shell out huge funds into conducting surveys by themselves. The report on the United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Smart Water Network Monitoring market provides a holistic overview, thus providing access to relevant market data even to smaller companies, subsequently helping them achieve cost-saving.This report studies the global Smart Water Network Monitoring market, analyzes and researches the Smart Water Network Monitoring development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeBadger MeterElster GroupItronNeptune Technology GroupSensus USAAclara TechnologiesArqivaCap GeminiCH2M HILLHomerider SystemsI2O WaterIBMMueller SystemsOracleFill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @The report covers various growth drivers and restraints affecting the United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Smart Water Network Monitoring market. Besides this, it also highlights opportunities that the market could witness in the coming years. Information provided in the report is derived from trusted sources and via industry-leading research methodologies. Furthermore, the report gauges the impact of various analytical tools on the United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Smart Water Network Monitoring market. This is done to provide valuable information regarding the degree of competition prevailing in the market, besides the bargaining power of supplier and buyer. The threat from new entrants and substitutes are gauged to help market players take fully informed business decisions. Besides this a detailed segmentation of the Smart Water Network Monitoring market is provided based on various parameters. This is intended to help stakeholders identify the most promising sectors within the Smart Water Network Monitoring market.Finally, the report sheds light on the prevailing vendor landscape in the United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Smart Water Network Monitoring market. For the purpose of the study, some of the leading players operating in the United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Smart Water Network Monitoring market are profiled as well.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Smart Water Network Monitoring1.1 Smart Water Network Monitoring Market Overview1.1.1 Smart Water Network Monitoring Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Smart Water Network Monitoring Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.3 Smart Water Network Monitoring Market by End Users/Application2 Global Smart Water Network Monitoring Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Smart Water Network Monitoring Market Size (Value) by Players (2015-2016)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Badger Meter3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Smart Water Network Monitoring Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Elster Group3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Smart Water Network Monitoring Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Itron3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Smart Water Network Monitoring Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.3.5 Recent DevelopmentsList of Tables and FiguresFigure Smart Water Network Monitoring Product ScopeFigure Global Smart Water Network Monitoring Market Size (2011-2016)Table Global Smart Water Network Monitoring Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure United States Smart Water Network Monitoring Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure EU Smart Water Network Monitoring Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure Japan Smart Water Network Monitoring Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure China Smart Water Network Monitoring Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure India Smart Water Network Monitoring Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)QYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States
Baby Food Market Outlook  Demand for Convenience Foods Fuelling Growth

https://www.researchonindia.com/baby-food-market-in-india-2021.html

www.netscribes.com

Global market intelligence firm, Netscribes, Inc. released its latest report on the Baby Food Market in India 2017 (). Increasing education about child nutrition has resulted in a rise in the demand for baby food.Netscribes latest market research report titled Baby Food Market in India 2017 identifies baby food segment to be one of the fastest growing segments in the Indian baby care market. With the increase in disposable income amongst Indians, per capita income and GDP is also on the rise, leading to growing appetite for premium products in the urban segment. Also rise in the consumption of convenience foods is a factor considered for growth. Growing working women class population is also considered as a reason for the categorys double digit growth in India.Presence of large number of organized and unorganized players in the market and price competitiveness among them is also posing as threats to the industry. Governments strict regulations on marketing and promotion of infant food and dominance of traditional concept of breast feeding are also potential threats. The global baby food market is dominated by five major players namely Mead Johnson, Nestle, Abbott, Danone and Wyeth. The major player in the Indian baby food market is Nestle India Limited, holding the largest market share followed by players like GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Danone, Bombay Oxygen Corporation, Abbott Laboratories and others.Customizations AvailableWith the given market data, Research on India offers customizations according to specific needs. Write to us at support@researchonindia.comFor more details on the content of each report and ordering information please contact:Phone: +91 22 4098 7600E-Mail: info@netscribes.comNetscribes () is a global market intelligence and content management firm with services across the research and information value chain. Venture-funded by US and Singapore private equity firms, the company provides tactical and actionable insights to its clients and enables effective decision-making and strategic implementation.For more information please write to info@netscribes.comNetscribes (India) Pvt Ltd.Office No. 504, 5th Floor, Lodha SupremusSenapati Bapat Marg, Railway Colony, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013, Maharashtra, IndiaAlina Lewismarketing@netscribes.comContact Number: +91 22 4098 7600
Artificial Disc Replacement: MediPoint South America Analysis and Market Forecasts - 2017

Market Research Hub

http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1287582

http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/medipoint-artificial-disc-replacement-south-america-analysis-and-market-forecasts-report.html

http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=enquiry&repid=1287582

Market Research Hub (MRH) has recently broadcasted a new study to its broad research portfolio, which is titled as MediPoint: Artificial Disc Replacement - South America Analysis and Market Forecasts, report focuses on the market outlook for ADR products in South America (Argentina, Brazil, and Chile). The analysis discusses the major drivers and barriers of adoption, and provides an in-depth understanding of the future outlook for this market by segment and geography.Request For Free Sample Report:Growing aging populations worldwide are driving the expansion of specific disease populations, including degenerative spinal diseases and disorders. Spinal pathology management has traditionally centered on decompression, correction of deformity, and stabilization. Spinal fusion is currently considered the gold standard in degenerative disc disease treatment, accomplishing both deformity correction and stabilization. However, sequelae associated with a successful fusion procedure have driven attention towards nonfusion technologies, including artificial disc replacement (ADR), which are expected to challenge the growth of spinal fusion during the forecast period. ADR technologies are marketed for both the cervical and lumbar spine, and share the common goal of replacing the patients disc while often differing in their designs and materials. Compared to lumbar ADR, cervical ADR receives wider popularity at present due to more widely appreciated clinical effectiveness and growing demand for two-level cervical ADR procedures.Key Questions Answered- What is the current and future ADR market outlook in the developed and emerging markets? What trends are affecting the South American market?- Which are the key, high growth markets that ADR manufacturers should expand into? Which markets are growing the fastest, and what are the top-selling products in each segment?- What are the unmet needs with the current generation of ADR products? How will emerging technologies fulfill these unmet needs?- What clinical factors and technical specifications influence a physician to use one type of device over another? What is physician perception and market outlook for ADR?- What are the challenges and complications that have hindered widespread adoption?- With developing the next-generation of devices, what aspects of the technology are device manufacturers focused on optimizing? How will new entrants impact the ADR market?Scope- Overview of recent key industry events and analysis of their market impact.- Annualized total market revenue by type of device, procedure trends, and market outlooks by segment and by country through 2023.- Key topics covered include strategic competitor assessment, market characterization, and implications of the emerging technologies in the market.- Pipeline analysis: Comprehensive data split across different stages of development, including a discussion of emerging trends and devices in development.- Analysis of the current and future market competition in the South American ADR market. Insightful review of the key industry drivers, barriers, and challenges. Each trend is independently researched to provide qualitative analysis of its implications.Browse Full Report with TOC:Reasons to buyThe report will enable you to -- Develop and design your in-licensing and out-licensing strategies through a review of marketed products and technologies.- Develop business strategies by understanding the trends shaping and driving the ADR market.- Drive revenues by understanding the key trends, innovative products and technologies, market segments, and companies likely to impact the ADR market in the future.- Formulate effective sales and marketing strategies by understanding the competitive landscape and by analyzing the performance of various competitors.- Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolios and create effective counter-strategies to gain a competitive advantage.- Track device sales in country-specific ADR markets from 2014-2023.- Organize your sales and marketing efforts by identifying the market categories and segments that present maximum opportunities for consolidations, investments and strategic partnershipsTable of Contents1 About the Authors 22 Table of Contents 32.1 List of Tables 52.2 List of Figures 53 Executive Summary 63.1 Overview 63.2 Market Dynamics 73.3 Key Players in the ADR Market 83.4 ADR Market Future Outlook 84 Introduction 94.1 Catalyst 94.2 Related Reports 94.3 Upcoming Related Reports 105 Market Outlook 115.1 Procedure Trends 115.2 Pricing Trends 115.3 Revenue Trends 125.4 Company Share Analysis 126 Market Insights 136.1 South America 136.1.1 Brazil 136.1.2 Argentina and Chile 14ContinueMake an Enquiry:About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of medical equipments 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 Us, , 90 State Street,, Albany, NY 12207, United States
Artificial Disc Replacement: MediPoint Europe Analysis and Market Forecasts  2017

Market Research Hub

http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1287583

http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/medipoint-artificial-disc-replacement-europe-analysis-and-market-forecasts-report.html

http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=enquiry&repid=1287583

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Market Research Hub (MRH) has recently broadcasted a new study to its broad research portfolio, which is titled as Artificial Disc Replacement: MediPoint Europe Analysis and Market Forecasts  2017, report focuses on the market outlook for ADR products in Europe (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and UK). The analysis discusses the major drivers and barriers of adoption, and provides an in-depth understanding of the future outlook for this market by segment and geography.Request For Free Sample Report:Growing aging populations worldwide are driving the expansion of specific disease populations, including degenerative spinal diseases and disorders. Spinal pathology management has traditionally centered on decompression, correction of deformity, and stabilization. Spinal fusion is currently considered the gold standard in degenerative disc disease treatment, accomplishing both deformity correction and stabilization. However, sequelae associated with a successful fusion procedure have driven attention towards nonfusion technologies, including artificial disc replacement (ADR), which are expected to challenge the growth of spinal fusion during the forecast period. ADR technologies are marketed for both the cervical and lumbar spine, and share the common goal of replacing the patients disc while often differing in their designs and materials. Compared to lumbar ADR, cervical ADR receives wider popularity at present due to more widely appreciated clinical effectiveness and growing demand for two-level cervical ADR procedures.Key Questions Answered- What is the current and future ADR market outlook in the developed and emerging markets? What trends are affecting the European market?- Which are the key, high growth markets that ADR manufacturers should expand into? Which markets are growing the fastest, and what are the top-selling products in each segment?- What are the unmet needs with the current generation of ADR products? How will emerging technologies fulfill these unmet needs?- What clinical factors and technical specifications influence a physician to use one type of device over another? What is physician perception and market outlook for ADR?- What are the challenges and complications that have hindered widespread adoption?- With developing the next-generation of devices, what aspects of the technology are device manufacturers focused on optimizing? How will new entrants impact the ADR market?Scope- Overview of recent key industry events and analysis of their market impact.- Annualized total market revenue by type of device, procedure trends, and market outlooks by segment and by country through 2023.- Key topics covered include strategic competitor assessment, market characterization, and implications of the emerging technologies in the market.- Pipeline analysis: Comprehensive data split across different stages of development, including a discussion of emerging trends and devices in development.- Analysis of the current and future market competition in the European ADR market. Insightful review of the key industry drivers, barriers, and challenges. Each trend is independently researched to provide qualitative analysis of its implications.Browse Full Report with TOC:Reasons to buyThe report will enable you to -- Develop and design your in-licensing and out-licensing strategies through a review of marketed products and technologies.- Develop business strategies by understanding the trends shaping and driving the ADR market.- Drive revenues by understanding the key trends, innovative products and technologies, market segments, and companies likely to impact the ADR market in the future.- Formulate effective sales and marketing strategies by understanding the competitive landscape and by analyzing the performance of various competitors.- Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolios and create effective counter-strategies to gain a competitive advantage.- Track device sales in country-specific ADR markets from 2014-2023.- Organize your sales and marketing efforts by identifying the market categories and segments that present maximum opportunities for consolidations, investments and strategic partnerships.Table of Contents1 About the Authors 22 Table of Contents 32.1 List of Tables 52.2 List of Figures 53 Executive Summary 63.1 Overview 63.2 Market Dynamics 73.3 Key Players in the ADR Market 83.4 ADR Market Future Outlook 84 Introduction 94.1 Catalyst 94.2 Related Reports 94.3 Upcoming Related Reports 105 Market Outlook 115.1 Procedure Trends 115.2 Pricing Trends 135.3 Revenue Trends 155.4 Company Share Analysis 166 Market Insights 176.1 Europe 176.1.1 Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden 176.1.2 Belgium, France, and Netherlands 176.1.3 Germany and Switzerland 186.1.4 UK and Ireland 186.1.5 Italy, Portugal, and Spain 186.1.6 Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland 196.1.7 Greece, Russia, and Turkey 197 Competitive Assessment 207.1 Overview 207.2 DePuy Synthes (Johnson & Johnson) 217.2.1 Overview 217.2.2 Portfolio Assessment 217.2.3 Competitive Positioning 227.3 Globus Medical 227.3.1 Overview 227.3.2 Portfolio Assessment 237.3.3 News and Deals Analysis 237.3.4 Competitive Positioning 237.4 Medtronic 247.4.1 Overview 24ContinueMake an Enquiry:About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of medical equipments 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:
Zero Liquid Discharge production saves money and protects the environment: H2O GmbH at EMO 2017

H2O GmbH at EMO 2017

Steinen/Hanover, Germany. Sustainability is the hot topic of our time. In a world of dwindling natural fresh water resources, taking environmental responsibility is absolutely essential. This is why H2O GmbH kis following a vision to achieve a wastewater-free future in all industries. The VACUDEST vacuum distillation system is a sustainable industrial wastewater treatment method that allows industrial production operations to protect the environment and save money. The leaders in zero liquid discharge production at H2O GmbH will be on hand at Booth B51 in Hall 7 at the EMO trade fair to explain how it works. The worlds leading trade fair for metalworking takes place in Hanover from 18th to 23rd September.Be it oily wastewater from metalworking or rinse water from surface engineering processes, H2O GmbHs patented innovations treat effluent from all kinds of processes reliably and efficiently. Unlike traditional processing methods, the quality of water treated by VACUDEST systems is so high that it can be reused in the production process. This enables zero liquid discharge production and ensures that no residual impurities are released into the environment, while simultaneously saving valuable fresh water resources.This also drastically minimises disposal costs for wastewater, since the vaporisation of industrial wastewater reduces wastewater volumes by up to 95 per cent. This way, investing in a VACUDEST system pays for itself in less than two years in the majority of cases.Are you interested? You can find more information on the sustainability, efficiency and economic viability of using VACUDEST systems at EMO Hanover or by visiting our company website.About H2O GmbH  The experts for zero liquid discharge from the H2O GmbH are worldwide technological leaders in the field of efficient and reliable vacuum distillation systems for the processing and recirculation of industrial wastewater. Thanks to a modular composed technology, each system is tailored individually according to the customers needs. 30 years of experience lead to exceptional products, which set technological standards.Since the spin-off of the Mannesmann Demag Group in 1999 the owner managed H2O could win a growing number of loyal customers who appreciate the scope of services of the H2O. The turnover increased since the foundation on an average of 15 percent up to 17,9 million Euro in the year 2015. The H2O employs today more than 100 colleagues worldwide, thereof 80 at the head office in Baden Steinen.Jill Grosjean, Public Relations ConsultantH2O GmbHWiesenstrasse 3279585 Steinen, Germany+49 7627 9239-307
Radio Frequency Components Market to Observe Strong Development by 2021

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/radio-frequency-components-market.asp

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/6700

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com

Radio frequency components are the fundamental components required by any communication device for its proper functioning. The advancements in technology and miniaturization property (capability to fit in small size) of RF components are the factors driving this market forward. In addition, with advancements in universal mobile telecommunication network (3G and 4G), the market has seen high demand for tuners and switchers for offering precise functionality to other radio frequency devices such as demodulators, power amplifiers, etc. Although, the radio frequency components market is witnessing good growth, the production of radio frequency components requires significant investment from vendors, posing a challenge to the growth of radio frequency component market.Get access to full summary @:The radio frequency components market is segmented on the basis of components, modules, applications, and geography. The radio frequency components market is segmented on the basis of its components into five major categories, namely- RF filter (RX/TX FILTERS), duplexers, power amplifiers, antenna switches, and demodulators. On the basis of applications, the radio frequency components market is segmented into four major categories, namely- cellular phones, tablets and note books, SMART TVs, and STB (Set Top Box). The global traction transformer market is further segmented on the basis of modules into six major categories, namely- TX module, RX module, antenna switch module, duplexer + PA module, multi duplexer module, and RX + duplexer module. The radio frequency components market is segmented on the basis of geography into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of World (ROW).A sample of this report is available upon request @Some of the leading players in the radio frequency components market include Triquint Semiconductors (U.S.), Murata Manufacturing (Japan), RDA Microelectronics (China), Skyworks Inc. (U.S.), RF Micro devices (U.S.), and AVAGO Technologies (U.S.). Other key players in the market include, ANADIGICS Inc., Vectron International, Tektronix, Inc., Epson Toyocom, WIN Semiconductors Corp., and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Artificial Disc Replacement: MediPoint North America Analysis and Market Forecasts  2017

Market Research Hub

http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1287581

http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/medipoint-artificial-disc-replacement-north-america-analysis-and-market-forecasts-report.html

http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=enquiry&repid=1287581

http://www.marketresearchhub.com/

Market Research Hub (MRH) has recently broadcasted a new study to its broad research portfolio, which is titled as Artificial Disc Replacement: MediPoint North America Analysis and Market Forecasts  2017, report focuses on the market outlook for ADR products in North America (Canada, Mexico, and US). The analysis discusses the major drivers and barriers of adoption, and provides an in-depth understanding of the future outlook for this market by segment and geography.Request For Free Sample Report:Growing aging populations worldwide are driving the expansion of specific disease populations, including degenerative spinal diseases and disorders. Spinal pathology management has traditionally centered on decompression, correction of deformity, and stabilization. Spinal fusion is currently considered the gold standard in degenerative disc disease treatment, accomplishing both deformity correction and stabilization. However, sequelae associated with a successful fusion procedure have driven attention towards non-fusion technologies, including artificial disc replacement (ADR), which are expected to challenge the growth of spinal fusion during the forecast period. ADR technologies are marketed for both the cervical and lumbar spine, and share the common goal of replacing the patients disc while often differing in their designs and materials. Compared to lumbar ADR, cervical ADR receives wider popularity at present due to more widely appreciated clinical effectiveness and growing demand for two-level cervical ADR procedures.Key Questions Answered- What is the current and future ADR market outlook in the developed and emerging markets? What trends are affecting the North American market?- Which are the key, high growth markets that ADR manufacturers should expand into? Which markets are growing the fastest, and what are the top-selling products in each segment?- What are the unmet needs with the current generation of ADR products? How will emerging technologies fulfill these unmet needs?- What clinical factors and technical specifications influence a physician to use one type of device over another? What is physician perception and market outlook for ADR?- What are the challenges and complications that have hindered widespread adoption?- With developing the next-generation of devices, what aspects of the technology are device manufacturers focused on optimizing? How will new entrants impact the ADR market?Scope- Overview of recent key industry events and analysis of their market impact.- Annualized total market revenue by type of device, procedure trends, and market outlooks by segment and by country through 2023.- Key topics covered include strategic competitor assessment, market characterization, and implications of the emerging technologies in the market.- Pipeline analysis: Comprehensive data split across different stages of development, including a discussion of emerging trends and devices in development.- Analysis of the current and future market competition in the North American ADR market. Insightful review of the key industry drivers, barriers, and challenges. Each trend is independently researched to provide qualitative analysis of its implications.Browse Full Report with TOC:Reasons to buyThe report will enable you to -- Develop and design your in-licensing and out-licensing strategies through a review of marketed products and technologies.- Develop business strategies by understanding the trends shaping and driving the ADR market.- Drive revenues by understanding the key trends, innovative products and technologies, market segments, and companies likely to impact the ADR market in the future.- Formulate effective sales and marketing strategies by understanding the competitive landscape and by analyzing the performance of various competitors.- Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolios and create effective counter-strategies to gain a competitive advantage.- Track device sales in country-specific ADR markets from 2014-2023.- Organize your sales and marketing efforts by identifying the market categories and segments that present maximum opportunities for consolidations, investments and strategic partnerships.Table of Contents1 About the Authors 22 Table of Contents 32.1 List of Tables 52.2 List of Figures 53 Executive Summary 63.1 Overview 63.2 Market Dynamics 73.3 Key Players in the ADR Market 83.4 ADR Market Future Outlook 84 Introduction 94.1 Catalyst 94.2 Related Reports 94.3 Upcoming Related Reports 105 Market Outlook 115.1 Procedure Trends 115.2 Pricing Trends 115.3 Revenue Trends 125.4 Company Share Analysis 126 Market Insights 136.1 North America 136.1.1 Canada 136.1.2 Mexico 136.1.3 US 137 Competitive Assessment 16ContinueMake an Enquiry:About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of medical equipments 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:
Pharmaceutical Market Forecast to 2022 with Key Companies Profile, Supply, Demand, Cost Structure, and SWOT Analysis

ReportsWeb

http://www.reportsweb.com/global-pharmaceutical-market-forecast-to-2022

http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001910242/sample

http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001910242/discount

http://www.reportsweb.com/buy&RW0001910242/buy/3480

ReportsWeb.com has announced the addition of the Global Pharmaceutical Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.The pharmaceutical industry discovers, develops, produces, and markets drugs or pharmaceutical drugs for use as medications. Pharmaceutical companies may deal in generic or brand medications.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Pharmaceutical 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.Complete report is available atMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversNovartisPfizerRocheSanofiMerck & Co.Johnson & JohnsonGlaxoSmithKlineAstraZenecaGilead SciencesTakedaAbbVieAmgenTevaLillyBristol-Myers SquibbBayerNovo NordiskAstellasBoehringer IngelheimActavisOtsukaDaiichi SankyoBiogen IdecBaxterMerck KGaAGet a SAMPLE Request atMarket 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, coversBrand MedicineGeneric MedicineMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoHospitals & ClinicsPersonalsTable of ContentChapter 1, to describe Pharmaceutical Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Pharmaceutical, with sales, revenue, and price of Pharmaceutical, 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 Pharmaceutical, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Get Discount atChapter 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, Pharmaceutical market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Pharmaceutical sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourcePurchase this 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.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global 3D Metrology System Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022

http://www.globalinforesearch.com/goods.php?id=2321

http://www.globalinforesearch.com/goods_all.php

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Full information 3D Metrology system refers to 3D Metrology Equipment, accessory, metrology solutions, software.The 3D Metrology Equipment is the dimensional analysis method used to overall measure the object and acquires all surface points of an object including the hidden points such as non-accessible undercuts. The 3D Metrology Equipment is divided into fixed coordinate measuring machines (CMM), optical digitizers and scanners (ODS), and 3D video measuring machines (VMM) by product. These products are used in the quality control process to ensure the accuracy of manufactured products. They are widely used in the industries such as automotive, aerospace, transportation, constructional, power generation, electronics, medical technology and others.(GIR-Globalinforesearch) Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the 3D Metrology System 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 coversHexagonZeissRenishawFARONikonMitutoyoKeyenceGOMPerceptronWenzelZygoMarket 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, Middle East and AfricaMarket Segment by Type, coversCoordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)Optical Digitizer and Scanner (ODS)Video Measuring Machine (VMM)Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoAutomotiveAerospaceConstructionPowerMedicalOtherThere are 13 Chapters to deeply display the global 3D Metrology System market.Chapter 1, to describe 3D Metrology System Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of 3D Metrology System, with sales, revenue, and price of 3D Metrology System, in 2015 and 2016;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2015 and 2016;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of 3D Metrology System, for each region, from 2011 to 2016;Chapter 5, 6, 7 and 8, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 9 and 10, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2011 to 2016;Chapter 11, 3D Metrology System market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2016 to 2021;Chapter 12 and 13, to describe 3D Metrology System sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, appendix and data source.MarcoSales Director (GIR-GlobalInfoResearch)E-mailmarco@globalinforesearch.comTel: HK:00852-58197708 USA:0013479661888Add: Room 1902 Two International Finance Centre 8 Finance Street, Central Hong KongWebsite:GlobalInfoResearch is a customer interest-based suppliers. Is in the best interests of our clients, they determine our every move. At the same time, we have great respect for the views of customers. With the improvement of the quality of our research, we develop custom interdisciplinary and comprehensive solution. For further development, we will do better and better.GlobalInfoResearch will with excellent professional knowledge and experience to carry out all aspects of our business. At the same time, we will fully look for information, to give a more comprehensive development.GlobalinforesearchRoom 1902 Two Interational Finance Centre 8 Finance Street,Central Hong KongUSA:0013479661888 HK:00852-58197708Email Id: marco@globalinforesearch.comWebsite:
Prepared Salads Saudi Arabia Market Analysis 2017 (By Segment, Key Players and Applications) and Forecasts To 2021

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Pune, India, 11thAugust 2017: WiseGuyReports announced addition of new report, titled Prepared Salads (Savory & Deli Foods) Market in Saudi Arabia - Outlook to 2021: Market Size, Growth and Forecast Analytics.SummaryPrepared Salads comprises of Leaf Salads (Leaf salads are salads usually served chilled or at moderate temparature containing green leaves with marinated sauces, meat cubes, bread sticks and other seasonings), Potato Salads (salads having chopped potatoes as the base. It also includes mashed potato salads with various seasonings and spices) and Other non-fruit based Salads (all vegetable salads excluding leaf and potato salads) sold in tubs or packs. Excludes fruit salads.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Prepared Salads (Savory & Deli Foods) Market in Saudi Arabia - Outlook to 2021: Market Size, Growth and Forecast Analytics is a broad level market review of Prepared Salads market of Saudi Arabia. The research handbook provides the up-to-date market size data for period 2011-2016 and illustrative forecast to 2021 covering key market aspects like Sales Value and Volume for Prepared Salads and its variants Leaf Salads, Potato Salads and Other (Non-Fruit).The research handbook also provides analytics on Sales by Brands and by Distribution Channel.Sales Values in the handbook are depicted in USD ($) and local currency of Saudi Arabia and Volumes are represented in M Kilograms.Furthermore, the research handbook details out Sales Value for top brands for the year 2013 to 2016 and overall market sales by Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets & Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Department Stores, Dollar Stores, Variety Store, Cash & Carries and Warehouse clubs, eRetailers, Food & Drinks specialists, Drug stores & Pharmacies, Health & Beauty Stores, Other general retailers and others) where ever applicable.The research handbook acts as an essential tool for companies active or planning to venture in to Saudi Arabia's Prepared Salads (Savory & Deli Foods) market. The comprehensive statistics within the research handbook provides insight into the operating environment of the market and also ensures right business decision making based on historical trends and industry model based forecasting.Scope- Overall Prepared Salads (Savory & Deli Foods) market value and volume analytics with growth analysis from 2011 to 2021.- Sales Value and Volume analytics for variants of Prepared Salads; Leaf Salads, Potato Salads and Other (Non-Fruit)- Value terms for the top brands.- Distribution channel sales analytics from 2013-2016.Reasons to buy- Get access to authoritative and granular data on the Prepared Salads (Savory & Deli Foods) market and fill in the gaps in understanding of trends and the components of change behind them.- Enhance your understanding of the market to update your strategic and tactical plans based on volume and value changes, brand dynamics and distribution trends.- Analyze the components of change in the market by looking at historic and future growth patterns.- Use the data to understand future patterns of the market trends from winners and losers to category dynamics and thereby quickly and easily identify the key areas in which you want to compete in the future.Table of Content: Key Points1 Prepared Salads Market Overview2 Saudi Arabia Prepared Salads Market Analytics, 2011-212.1 Prepared Salads Value Analytics, 2011-212.1.1 Prepared Salads Market by Value, 2011-212.1.2 Prepared Salads Market Value by Segments, 2011-212.2 Prepared Salads Volume Analytics, 2011-212.2.1 Prepared Salads Market by Volume, 2011-212.2.2 Prepared Salads Market Volume by Segments, 2011-212.3 Saudi Arabia Prepared Salads Demographic Analytics, 2012-162.3.1 Saudi Arabia Prepared Salads Demographic Analytics by Age Group, 2012-162.3.2 Saudi Arabia Prepared Salads Demographic Analytics by Education Level, 2012-162.3.3 Saudi Arabia Prepared Salads Demographic Analytics by Gender, 2012-162.3.4 Saudi Arabia Prepared Salads Demographic Analytics by Urbanization, 2012-163 Saudi Arabia Prepared Salads Market Analytics, by Segment 2011-213.1 Leaf Salads Analytics, 2011-213.1.1 Leaf Salads Market by Value, 2011-213.1.2 Leaf Salads Market by Volume, 2011-213.2 Other (Non-Fruit) Analytics, 2011-213.2.1 Other (Non-Fruit) Market by Value, 2011-213.2.2 Other (Non-Fruit) Market by Volume, 2011-213.3 Potato Salads Analytics, 2011-213.3.1 Potato Salads Market by Value, 2011-213.3.2 Potato Salads Market by Volume, 2011-214 Saudi Arabia Prepared Salads Brand Analytics by Value, 2013-164.1 Prepared Salads Brand Analytics by Value, 2013-165 Saudi Arabia Prepared Salads Brand Analytics by Volume, 2013-165.1 Prepared Salads Brand Analytics by volume, 2013-166 Saudi Arabia Prepared Salads Distribution Channel Analytics by Value, 2013-166.1 Prepared Salads Distribution Channel Analytics by value, 2013-167 AppendixContinuedACCESS REPORT @Get in touch:LinkedIn:Twitter:Facebook:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Latest products and innovative solutions on show in the Technology Workshop Theatre at UK Security Expo

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Latest products and innovative solutions on show in the Technology Workshop Theatre at UK Security ExpoUK Security Expo offers a packed programme of presentations and live demonstrations providing valuable insight into the latest technologies, training and consultancy solutions which are available to help keep businesses safe and secure.Every aspect of security will be covered including CCTV and Video Analytics, Perimeter Security and Intrusion Detection, Access Control and Biometrics, Screening and Scanning, Surveillance and Communications, Cyber Capabilities, CBRNE, and UAVs.Dedicated sessions will take place covering machine learning software, multi-layered physical perimeter security, early warning intrusion detection systems, modern HVM solutions and 3D printing. Privacy and encryption, compromised credentials, IA Inside, DMARC and cloud computing will all be covered on the Cyber Threat and Capability workshop. In Screening and Scanning, suicide terrorism, non-intrusive inspection devices and next generation automation systems are on the agenda.Peter Jones, Chief Executive, UK Security Expo comments The Technology Workshop Theatre is a major attraction at UK Security Expo. Visitors can hear the latest updates from the authorities and end-users in one of the 9 conference theatres, and then find out what's new from the solution providers and see the products in action in a live environment.Jones continues We are delighted with the range of companies who have signed up to participate in the Workshop programme. From iCetana, Frontier Pitts, Abloy, Red Sift/OnDMARC, Rapiscan and Smiths Detection, Genetec, Eagle Automation, to date there are over 30 highly innovative companies who will be providing visitors with first hand access to the latest solutions on the market.The Technology Workshop Theatre is situated in the heart of the exhibition show floor and run alongside the Tactical Live Demonstration Theatre and the new Drone Zone. Visitors to UK Security Expo can also participate in 9 conferences which cover all the most pressing issues from global counter terror, border security, protecting crowded places, cyber security and critical national infrastructure.For details of all the companies participating in the Workshop Theatre visit the website atNotes for editors:UK Security Expo is the global high-end security showcase attracting over 10,000+ international stakeholders of security to London from government, transport & borders, major events, military, law enforcement, emergency services, CNI and private sector. The high-level educational programmes feature CPD verified conferences, workshops, live demonstrations and more. Registration is open atPlease contact vnoon@nineteenevents.com for a press passTuition House 27-37 St. George's Road
Compliance management - the defining factor between success and failure

Didrik Bech, CEO at Elmatica

www.elmatica.com

Compliance management in the defence industry can be the defining factor between financial success and costly mistakes. Printed Circuit Broker Elmatica informs about the risks and implications of failing to comply with U.S. defence export and import regulations.- A company supplying an article to a supply chain of a product purchased by the U.S. Department of Defence (DOD), must be aware of the strict compliance DOD place on all export and imports. The consequences can be severe, there are no excuses and one cannot simply claim that one did not know, as it is your responsibility to know, says CEO of Elmatica, Didrik Bech.No option for shortcutsCompliance management in the defence industry can be the defining factor between financial success and costly mistakes.- When procuring components, printed circuits or materials to the Defence Industry, there are no such thing as assuming or relying on questionable interpretations of rules and regulations. No option for shortcuts whether your supplier follow the regulations or not. You must know the country of origin down to the component, the printed circuit or material level of your products, and the Bill of Materials (BOM) should encompass a country of origin for every article. Otherwise you risk not only jeopardising your customers business, exclusion from delivering to the U.S market, but substantial penalties to your own company, says Bech.The what, how, where and to whomDFARS Subpart 225.7 prohibits all procurement of PCBs from Mainland Communist China. DFARS Subpart 225.10 and 225.003 states that foreign acquisition can only be conducted from NATO countries or allies of the United States. Any exemption from this regulation requires a deviation approval according to DFARS Subpart 201.4.- Transparency, compliance methodology and clear communication with your partners, ensures that correct information regarding what, how, where and to whom articles are produced and delivered, are addressed. We want to face the challenges of Export Control, Sanctions and Regulations, by sharing our knowledge and experience so we increase cooperation on compliance, says CEO of Elmatica, Didrik Bech.Do not risk imprisonmentFAR, DFARS and ITAR specifically relates to defense programs of the U.S. Government. The consequences of not following the regulations are severe. Violations of the U.S. export control laws may lead to civil and criminal penalties of up to $1 million, or twice the value of a transaction, imprisonment, administrative penalties and suspension or debarment from U.S. government contracting.- DOD requires that a clause, mandating strict compliance with U.S. export and import control laws and regulations, is included in all DOD solicitations and contracts. Including contracts between prime contractors and subcontractors. This requirement highlights, as we have said for a long time, the importance of close communication with manufacturers and sub-suppliers down to the tiniest part of your products to ensure compliance, says Bech.Elmatica was established in 1971 and is the oldest broker of PCB in the world. Delivering to 5 continents and 39 countries with over 10 000 orders per year, to small family businesses and companies listed on the stock exchange. With over 46 years experience in the industry, Elmatica has a unique understanding of the market, demand, supply on four continents, compliance and future trends and possibilities of Printed Circuits. We are honoured for being selected to chair several new independent standards in our industry, with organizations as IPC and NEMI. Elmaticas products include consulting, procurement, manufacturing and logistics. Elmatica is all about the future of PCB.ElmaticaGrensen 12, 0159 Oslo - NorwayGuro Krossen, Communication Manager
Electron Beam (EB) Based Coating Market Expected to Expand at a Steady CAGR through 2027

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Electron beam (EB) based coating has become a widely adopted method in several manufacturing processes. This method is used to form a thin coating on various surfaces, such as plastic, polymer, wood, automotive parts, etc.  which may be organic as well as inorganic.The coating acts as a protective layer and forms a gas and moisture barrier, increases lamination bonds, offers low migration and reduces corrosion. This coating is applied on semiconductors used in electronic components, and in automotive and aerospace industries to save the surface from corrosive environment by forming a chemical and thermal barrier. It is also used in the optics industry for an anti-reflective coating to improve efficiency of the lens. In complex systems such as a telescope, anti-refractive coating eliminates stray light by reducing reflection and hence, improves the contrast of the image. In an eyeglass lens, it reduces eye strain, improves vision, and makes the wearers eyes more visible to others, which looks more attractive. Electron beam (EB) based coatings minimize stray light and reduce reflections, and hence are a preferred in a number of applications, such as binoculars, automotive, construction, and telecommunication.It is also used in printing and packaging industries in the place of conventional ink. It is used for coating in both, flexible packaging & graphic art, as well as in rigid metal packaging. Also, electron beam (EB) based coatings allow for curing through thick films, which may be either pigmented or clear.Request Report Sample@Electron Beam (EB) Based Coating Market:DynamicsThe demand for low-cost efficient coatings is driven by short lead time, high quality, reasonable prices and on-time delivery of materials. Hence, these are some of the major drivers of the global electron beam (EB) based coatingmarket over the forecast period. Additionally, low energy consumption, consistent coating quality, low volatile organic compounds, rapid during and drying, abrasion resistance, and superior hardness are some advantages and properties expected to affect the electron beam (EB) based coatingmarket positively. Moreover, increase in the automotive industry, packaging industry, and printing industry will subsequently increase the market for electron beam (EB) based coatings. Rising adoption of certain electronics and communication devices, such as tablets, smartphones, LCDs, SSDs, and LEDs, which use semiconductors with electron beam (EB) based coating,directly contribute to an increase in its demand.However, high cost of raw materials used in the manufacturing of these coatings and presence of popular substitute such as UV coatings, can act as restraint and hamper growth of the global electron beam (EB) based coatingmarket in the forecast period.Electron beam (EB) based coating isalso used in certain flexible packaging with several new applications, such as replacement of conventional lamination with EB coating, which will affect the electron beam (EB) based coatingmarket positively.Electron Beam (EB) Based Coating Market:SegmentationSegmentation of the electron beam (EB) based coating market on the basis of coating types:Anti-ReflectiveTransparent electrodesFilters CoatingOthersSegmentation of the electron beam (EB) based coating market on the basis of end use segments:Automotive industryPackaging industryPrinting industryAerospace industryElectronics & communication industryHealthcare industry/ optics industryOthersElectron Beam (EB) Based Coating Market: Regional OutlookAsia Pacific is considered to be a major market for electron beam (EB) based coatings due to the burgeoning manufacturing sector, which isexpected to project significant growth during the forecast period.High demand from end-user industries, such as semiconductor, electronics, and automotive is anticipated to fuel the electron beam (EB) based coating market growth in Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is followed by Europe and North America, owing to the booming automotive, aerospace and electronics industries in the regions.Electron Beam (EB) Based Coating Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the major market participants in the global electron beam (EB) based coating market, identified across the value chain are:3M united statesRAHN AGAllnex groupBASF SERoyal DSMHexionHuntsman International LLCPrime CoatingsAkzoNobelThe research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, application, and industry.Visit For TOC@The report covers exhaust analysis on:Market SegmentsMarket DynamicsMarket SizeSupply & DemandCurrent Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedTechnologyValue ChainRegional analysis includes:North America (U.S., Canada)Latin America (Mexico. Brazil)Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)JapanMiddle East and Africa (GCC Countries, S. Africa, Northern Africa)About Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Cruiser Bike Market Growth is Expected to Remain Constant till 2022

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ReportsWeb.com has announced the addition of the Global and United States Cruiser Bike In-Depth Research Report 2017-2022 The report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification.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 Cruiser Bike industry.Major CompaniesFirmstrong(United States)Sixthreezero(United States)Huffy(United States)Felt(United States)Avanti(New Zealand)Bobbin(United Kingdom)Pashley Britannian(United Kingdom)Electra(United States)United Cruiser(France)Critical(United States)Schwinn(United States)GIANT(China)Pacific Cycle(United States)Breezer(United States)Biria(Germany)Nirve(United States)Pashley(United Kingdom)Kestrel(United States)Trek(United States)FUJI(United States)Wilier(Italy)Orbea(Spain)FLIK(Germany)STRIDA(China)java(China)KHS(United States)DAHON(United States)FOCUS(Germany)Request a Sample atKey RegionsUnited StatesCaliforniaTexasNew YorkOthersCanadaMexicoEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceOthersChinaJapanIndiaOthersBrowse Complete Report atMain types of productsCruiser Bike Market, by Wheel Size20 Inch24 Inch26 Inch650b700cCruiser Bike Market, by PriceUnder $100$100 to $120$120 to $150$150 to $200$200 & AboveCruiser Bike Market, by WeightUnder 15 Pounds15 to 25 Pounds25 to 30 Pounds30 to 35 Pounds35 Pounds & UpCruiser Bike Market, by Valve Stem SizeUnder 53 cm54 to 55 cm56 to 58 cm59 to 61 cm62 cm & AboveCruiser Bike Market, by Frame MaterialAluminumCarbonSteelCruiser Bike Market, by Key Consumers (End User)SportsFitnessCommercialGet discount on report purchase atKey Point from Table of Contents:Chapter One Global Cruiser Bike Market OverviewChapter Two United States Cruiser Bike Market OverviewChapter Three Cruiser Bike by Regions 2012-2017Chapter Four Global Cruiser Bike by Companies 2012-2017Chapter Five United States Cruiser Bike by Companies 2012-2017Chapter Six Global Cruiser Bike by Consumer 2012-2017Chapter Seven Global Cruiser Bike by Consumer 2012-2017Chapter Eight Top Companies ProfileChapter Nine Industry Chain and Supply ChainChapter Ten Global Cruiser Bike Market Size (Sales and Revenue) Forecast (2017-2022)Chapter Eleven United States Cruiser Bike Market Size (Sales and Revenue) Forecast (2017-2022)Chapter Twelve Development Trend and Research ConclusionChapter Thirteen Methodology and Data SourcePurchase Complete Report atContact Information:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Concrete Superplasticizer Global Market by Volume, Analysis and Forecasts to 2019

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Concrete superplasticizers are admixtures formed by linear polymerization of sulfonic acids attached to polymer backbones. They play an important role in construction materials, as they enhance strength, binding properties, flowability, and workability. Concrete superplasticizers are available in two forms: powders and liquids. End-users usually prefer the liquid form, as the powdered form is difficult to add to concrete mixtures and to maintain uniformity. Concrete superplasticizers are used in ready-mix concrete, precast concrete, high-performance concrete, shotcrete, and others.Publisher's analysts forecast the global concrete superplasticizer market to grow at a CAGR of 6.26% over the period 2014-2019.For more informationBased on type, the global concrete superplasticizer market can be segmented into SNF, MLS, PC, and SMF. SNF concrete superplasticizers are water-soluble construction materials and consist of naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensates. PC concrete superplasticizers are high-range water reducers and are used as dispersants to avoid particle aggregation and improve suspension flow.Publisher's report, Global Concrete Superplasticizer Market 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers APAC, MEA, the Americas, and Europe; it also covers the global concrete superplasticizer market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report also includes a discussion on the key vendors operating in this market.Key regionsAmericasAPACEuropeMEAKey vendorsArkemaBASFKaoSikaWR GraceOther Prominent VendorsRequest Sample CopyAir Products & ChemicalsCacCemexEnaspolEuclid ChemicalFritz-PakFuclear TechnologiesHangzhou Lans Concrete AdmixtureHeidelberg CementLafargeLanya Concrete AdmixturesMapeiMuhu (China) Construction MaterialsRhein-ChemotechnikRT Vanderbilt HoldingRuetgers PolymersSakshi Chem SciencesShandong Wanshan ChemicalSure ChemicalsMarket driverAbility to reduce water to cement ratioFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeHigh cost of raw materialsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendRapid expansion by major producersFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportMake an enquiry:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global Low Calorie Sweetener Sales Market Report: Industry Insights and Market Forecast Stating Incremental CAGR Growth by 2022

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The report on Low Calorie Sweetener market is the latest addition to the huge database of Market Research Hub. This research study is segmented on the basis of applications, technology, geography, and types. The report provides a detailed Low Calorie Sweetener Industry Overview along with the analysis of industrys gross margin, cost structure, consumption value, and sale price. The leading companies of the Low Calorie Sweetener Market, manufacturers, and distributors are profiled in the report along with the latest Industry development current and future trends.Request Free Sample Report:In this report, the global Low Calorie Sweetener market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report split global into several key Regions, with sales (K MT), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Low Calorie Sweetener for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Low Calorie Sweetener market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Low Calorie Sweetener sales volume, Price (USD/MT), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingEqualNutraSweetTruviaWhole Earth SweetenerSweetLeaf TGSMadhava SweetenersADMCargillImperial SugarTate&LyleHerbovedaMorita Kagaku KogyoAch FoodArlon GroupABF IngredientsEvolvaGalamOhlyOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoAspartameLactitolMalitolMannitolSaccharinSorbitolSteviaXylitolOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Low Calorie Sweetener for each application, includingFood IndustryOral CareDiabetes Mellitus TreatmentOthersBrowse Full Report With TOC:Table of ContentsGlobal Low Calorie Sweetener Sales Market Report 20171 Low Calorie Sweetener Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Low Calorie Sweetener1.2 Classification of Low Calorie Sweetener by Product Category1.2.1 Global Low Calorie Sweetener Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Low Calorie Sweetener Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Aspartame1.2.4 Lactitol1.2.5 Malitol1.2.6 Mannitol1.2.7 Saccharin1.2.8 Sorbitol1.2.9 Stevia1.2.10 Xylitol1.3 Global Low Calorie Sweetener Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Low Calorie Sweetener Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Food Industry1.3.3 Oral Care1.3.4 Diabetes Mellitus Treatment1.3.5 Others1.4 Global Low Calorie Sweetener Market by Region1.4.1 Global Low Calorie Sweetener Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Low Calorie Sweetener Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 China Low Calorie Sweetener Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Europe Low Calorie Sweetener Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Low Calorie Sweetener Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Low Calorie Sweetener Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Low Calorie Sweetener Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Low Calorie Sweetener (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Low Calorie Sweetener Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Low Calorie Sweetener Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 Global Low Calorie Sweetener Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Low Calorie Sweetener Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Low Calorie Sweetener Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Low Calorie Sweetener Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Low Calorie Sweetener (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Low Calorie Sweetener Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global Low Calorie Sweetener Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Global Low Calorie Sweetener (Volume and Value) by Region2.3.1 Global Low Calorie Sweetener Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.3.2 Global Low Calorie Sweetener Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4 Global Low Calorie Sweetener (Volume) by Application3 United States Low Calorie Sweetener (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Low Calorie Sweetener Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 United States Low Calorie Sweetener Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 United States Low Calorie Sweetener Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 United States Low Calorie Sweetener Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 United States Low Calorie Sweetener Sales Volume and Market Share by PlayersContinued..Enquire About this Report: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:
Global Uranium Hexafluoride Market Manufacturers with Cost Strucure, Size - Arkema, Asahi Glass, Saint-Gobain, Gujarat Fluorochemicals

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The report studies Uranium Hexafluoride in Global market Professional Survey 2017 : Size, Share, Trends, Industry Growth, Opportunity, Application, Production, Segmentation, Cost Structure, Company Profile, Product Picture and Specifications during the Forecast period by 2022. Whats more, the Uranium Hexafluoride industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. The industry analysis have also been done to examine the impact of various factors and understand the overall attractiveness of the industry.Download Sample Report @The report firstly introduced the Uranium Hexafluoride basics: definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain overview; industry policies and plans; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, capacity utilization, supply, demand and industry growth rate etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.Scope of the report:Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global Uranium Hexafluoride market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the new installations.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaFior Markets report, Global Uranium Hexafluoride Market 2017-2022, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Top ManufacturersArkemaAsahi GlassSaint-GobainGujarat FluorochemicalsGet Full Report With TOC @Key questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be? What are the key market trends? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in this market space? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Uranium Hexafluoride Market Research Report Split by TypeU235U226U240Uranium Hexafluoride Market Research Report Split by ApplicationNuclear FuelOthersReasons To Buy- What was the size of the Global Uranium Hexafluoride market by value in 2016?- What will be the size of the Global Uranium Hexafluoride market in 2022?- What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the Global Uranium Hexafluoride market?- How has the market performed over the last five years?- What are the main segments that make up the global's Uranium Hexafluoride market?The report has put special emphasis on the market share and size of global industry, owing to their large scale share in the current and upcoming market of Uranium Hexafluoride. The industry analysis have also been done to examine the impact of various factors and understand the overall attractiveness of the industry.If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.ABOUT USFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerOffice - 102, Sanskriti Aspirations,Near Post 91, Baner Road,Pune, MH, India - 411045Phone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Elevators And Escalators Market

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Elevators and Escalators are the two unavoidable parts of everyday life of humans. Multifarious malls and skyscrapers make elevators and escalators the must-haves in every building. Busy time schedules and increased number of ageing population necessitate the facility of escalators and elevators in residential apartments across the globe. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the ageing population (above 65 years) held 8.5% share of the total population worldwide during the year 2015 and is projected to increase its share to 12.0% by 2030. Moreover, factors like rapid urbanization, changing demographics and increasing constructional activities around the world is expected to drive the growth of the global elevators and escalators market rapidly. Safety is considered as the prominent factor in selection of elevators and escalators service providers.Request Report Sample@Elevator systems consist of hydraulic elevators, geared elevators, non-geared elevators and machine room less elevators (MRLs). Nowadays, MRLS are preferred over conventional geared elevators as they are technologically advanced, save space and consume less energy. Based on services, new installation service dominates the global elevators and escalators market due to increasing demand from the developing countries like China. However, maintenance and repair service is projected to grow at a significant rate over the forecast period. The manufacturers are focusing on improving the efficiency of the elevators and escalators coupled with the focus on neat and clean environment.Elevators and Escalators Market: DriversOne of the major factors driving the growth of the elevators and escalators market is the increasing demand from the end use sectors like residential, commercial, hospitals, etc. Additionally, increasing focus of government towards high rise infrastructures coupled with increasing need of rapid transit are expected to fuel the growth of global elevators and escalators market. Moreover, continuous investment for the improvement of infrastructure at public places like railway station, airports, shopping malls, etc. is further expected to upsurge the demand for elevators and escalators during the forecast period. Tourism is another sector which encourages the demand for elevators and escalators in places of importance for the ease and convenience of the tourists visiting the respective countries.Elevators and Escalators Market: RestraintsA key factor affecting the growth of the elevators and escalators market negatively is its high initial cost of installation. Moreover, lack of skilled labour for the after sales maintenance is expected to hamper the growth of elevators and escalators market. Furthermore, escalation in consumption of energy and power by elevators and escalators is anticipated to retard the growth of the market during the forecast period.Elevators and Escalators Market: SegmentationThe global elevators and escalators market can be viewed as two separate niches too, namely elevators market and escalators market. Elevators, on the basis of its capacity are segmented into 450 kg  1150 kg, 1150 kg  1500 kg and 1500 kg  2000 kg. On the other hand, escalators are further segmented into moving walkway and moving stairs escalators.Global elevators and escalators market can be segmented on the basis of carriage type, application and region. On the basis of carriage type, the elevators and escalators market is segmented into passenger and freight. On the basis of application, the market is segmented into commercial, residential, hotels, transportation, parking and hospital. On the basis of regions, the global elevators and escalators market is segmented into North America, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan and Middle East & Africa (MEA).Elevators and Escalators Market: Region-wise OutlookBased on regions, Asia Pacific led by China and India, holds about 65% share in total ageing population of the world and is expected to be the most prominent revenue generation region in the global elevators and escalators market. Europe followed by North America is expected to witness positive growth during the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Elevators and Escalators Market: PlayersSome of the examples of the players identified in the global elevators and escalators market are as follows:Otis Elevator CompanyKone CorporationSchindler GroupThyssenkrupp AGFujitecHitachi, Ltd.Mitsubishi Electric CorporationToshiba Elevators and Building Systems CorporationHyundai Elevator Co., Ltd.SJEC CorporationAbout Us :Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global and United States Machine Control Systems Market Key Players with Industry analysis - Trimble Inc., Andritz Automation, RIB Software AG, Maximatecc, Prolec Ltd.

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The research report on Global Machine Control Systems Market provides the up-to-date market trends, the present market scenario, and the market forecast during 2017-2022. The complete analysis of Machine Control Systems Market on the global scale provides key details in form of graphs, statistics and tables which will help the market players in making key business decisions.The fundamental detailed related to Machine Control Systems Market like, the market overview which introduces the presence of market covering the product type, market study based on applications, region-based analysis. Furthermore, the Machine Control Systems Market opportunities, risk factors, the key driving forces behind the market growth is covered in depth in this report.Download Sample Report @Global Machine Control Systems report analyzed the market based on leading manufacturers, their profile details, Machine Control Systems product type, sales price, market trends, revenue, industry news, product release, technological developments taking place in Machine Control Systems Market is elaborated in this report.Noteworthy Highlights Of The Report:This study analyzes growth of Machine Control Systems based on historical, present and futuristic data and will provide complete knowledge about the Machine Control Systems industry to the market players. The major market segments along with the sub-segments will serve the comprehensive view of the global Machine Control Systems Market.Market Fragments:Global Machine Control Systems Market Review Based On Key Players:Leica Geosystems AGSchneider Electric SeTopcon CorporationTrimble Inc.Andritz AutomationRIB Software AGMOBA Mobile Automation AGBelden Inc.Maximatecc.ICTMCSAuto Control SystemsProlec Ltd.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:United StatesNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificSouth AmericaMiddle East and AfricaGlobal Machine Control Systems Market Review Based On Product Type:Total StationsLaser ScannersAirborne SystemsGIS CollectorsOtherGlobal Machine Control Systems Market Review Based On Product Applications:ConstructionTransportationAgricultureMiningOtherGet Complete Report With TOC @This research report is divided into subsequent fragments:Fragment 1, focuses on objective of Machine Control Systems Market covering the definition, product classification, type, product images, growth statistics and presence of Machine Control Systems Market on global scale;Fragment 2, studies the Machine Control Systems Market player, their sales volume, supply and demand analysis, profile information and their market dividend in 2016 and 2017;Fragment 3, comprehensive market scenario of the top dominant market players of Machine Control Systems Market based on their annual revenue;Fragment 4, Machine Control Systems Market segmentation based on regions and sales volume in each region and market profits from 2012 to 2017;Fragment 5,6,7,8 and 9 chief countries with their Machine Control Systems Market profits 2017;Fragment 10 and 11 studies the different product type of Machine Control Systems Market with wide range of applications covering the market development statistics from 2012 to 2017;Fragment 12 shows the upcoming market strategies from during the forecast period from 2017 to 2022 which varies based on zones, product type, and product use;RELATED REPORT:Frequently Asked Queries Related To Machine Control Systems Market Is Provided Below:Which features drive the growth of Machine Control Systems Market?What are the fundamental market trends?What will be the growth scenario and the market size of Machine Control Systems Market by 2021?What are the major hurdles to Machine Control Systems Market growth?What are opportunities and risk factors faced by the top player?The complete study of the Machine Control Systems Market will provide valuable insights to plan the business strategies accordingly.ABOUT USFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerOffice - 102, Sanskriti Aspirations,Near Post 91, Baner Road,Pune, MH, India - 411045Phone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Diabetes Drug Market Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Forecast To 2027

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Diabetes Drug Global Market - OverviewThe Global Diabetes Drug Market is growing with the rapid pace; mainly due to the growing prevalence of diabetes. According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, The global Diabetes Drug market has been booming. The market is expected to grow at a rapid pace during the forecast period (2017  2027). The global Diabetes Drug is forecasted to demonstrate a spectacular growth by 2027, surpassing its previous growth records in terms of value with a striking CAGR during the anticipated period (2017  2027).The consumption of Diabetes Drugs is increasing owing to the rising prevalence of diabetes in various age groups. Increasing aging population, technological advancements, and increasing sales of novel drugs are some of the key factors driving growth of the Diabetes Drugs market. In addition, government initiatives to control diabetes are also fuelling growth of the Diabetes Drugs market. However, low awareness among people about diabetes treatment, high manufacturing cost of drugs and insulin devices are anticipated to pose as restraining factors to the growth of the Diabetes Drugs market.Key Players for Diabetes Drug Market:Some of the key players in this market are: Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, MannKind, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca others.Request a Sample Copy @Diabetes Drug Global Market - Competitive AnalysisCharacterized by the presence of several well-established and small players, the global Market of Diabetes Drug appears to be highly competitive. Well established players incorporate acquisition, collaboration, partnership, expansion, and product launch in order to gain competitive advantage in this market and to maintain their market position. The Key players operating in the market compete based on pricing, product launch, technology launch, and reputation. Manufacturers adopt modern manufacturing process to ensure safety and convenience. Marketers employ a continuous improvement strategy to analyze and update products, implementing improvements and launching new solutions to meet the changing needs of both patients and health care professionals. Manufacturers invest heavily in to developing pipeline of innovative drugs to address unmet patient needs. Investment activities in the Diabetes Drug Market are interpreted as capacity expansion plan and intensive R&D with an aim of obtaining vast growth opportunities. Diabetes Drug Global Market is expected to witness intensified competition in the years to come due to the advent drugs product extensions, new products, and new applications of the products and services provided.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 50 market data tables and figures spread in 110 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Global Diabetes Drug Market Research Report- Forecast to 2027Diabetes Drug Global Market - Regional AnalysisGlobally North America is the largest market for Diabetes Drugs. The North American market for Diabetes Drug is expected to grow at a substantial CAGR and is expected to reach to astronomical amounts by the end of the forecasted period. Asia and Europe are equally the second-largest market for Diabetes Drug which is expected to grow at a considerable CAGR.China and India are emerging as a fastest growing market for Diabetes Drugs market due to the increasing diabetic population and increasing aging population in these regions. In addition, rising funds for diabetes control is also boosting growth of the diabetes drugs market in India. Brazil is expected to show lower growth rate due to patent expiry of various Diabetes Drugs.Access Report Details @Diabetes Drug Global Market - SegmentsThe Diabetes Drug Market can be segmented in to 4 key dynamics for the convenience of the report and enhanced understanding;Segmentation By Types : Comprises Type 1 Diabetes Drugs and Type 2 Diabetes Drugs.Segmentation By Administration: Comprises Injectable, Oral Drugs, other treatments and others.Segmentation By End Users : Comprises Diabetes mellitus patients and Diabetes insipidus patients and others and others.Segmentation By Regions : Comprises Geographical regions - North America, Europe, APAC and Rest of the World.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Lactic Starter Culture Market And Segment Forecasts To 2017  2025

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The lactic starter culture contains those microbes which are essential for the preparation of fermented milk products like curd, cheese, buttermilk and fermented beverages. Lactic starter culture are used to enhance the quality of products and introduce essential characteristics to it. Lactic starter culture facilitate by producing enzymes, and these enzymes bring about different flavor, smell, texture and sometimes also help in storage of products. Fermented products have become an important part of life as these commodities provide essential nutrition, taste. Lactic starter culture provides various health benefits such as maintaining immune health gut health and others which is expected to fuel lactic starter culture market during the forecast period.View Sample Report @Lactic Starter Culture Market: SegmentationThe lactic starter cultures are segmented as the type of product, product form and applications.By type of product, the lactic starter culture market can be segmented into a simple culture and mixed Culture. Simple culture consists of only one specific strain of lactobacillus and can induce only one particular characteristic in the product, for example, it can only limit the growth of unwanted microbe. Mixed culture contains various strains of lactobacillus and each play a different role in enhancing the product, for example, influencing the texture, flavor, and appearance of the product. By the form of product, the lactic starter culture can be segmented into liquid, frozen, and powder. By applications, the lactic starter culture market can be segmented into food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics. The food segment is further sub-segmented as dairy and alcoholic beverages.Request to View Tables of Content @Lactic Starter Culture Market: Drivers, Restraints, and TrendsThe growth of dairy and wine industry is driving the growth of lactic starter culture market. As the dairy industry and winery industry have become the important part of peoples lives, lactic starter culture market is growing at high speed and has tremendous growth in the upcoming years. Fermented beverages are becoming more and more a part of the lifestyle in the modern age. Across the globe among various fermented product variant fermented dairy products are most popular products among the consumers which is expected drive the global lactic starter culture market during the forecast period. The end products of starter cultures are promoted through various means of communication like social media, video media, articles and others. Which further generating awareness and expected to drive the lactic starter culture market in the near future. On the other side, some fermented products like alcohol are harmful to health and ban for these products is initiated by some activists and government of many countries. Also, fermented milk products like cheese top falls under the junk food item list and are avoided by health conscious people and obese people despite their appetizing nature. These factors are collectively expected to restrain the lactic starter culture market during the forecast period.Lactic Starter Culture Market: Regional OutlookThe Europe and American countries are dependent on the fermented and alcoholic beverages since an ancient age, and it has also become part of their cultures. The climate of these regions compels these people to include it in their daily life as a source of heat and energy. Thus both of these region is expected to represent major share in terms of value and volume both in the global lactic starter culture market. The Asian countries are also very much dependent on the fermentation dairy products, due to which the region is expected to represent favorable growth in the global lactic starter culture market during the forecast period.Lactic Starter Culture Market: Key PlayersSome of the famous key players in the starter culture market are mostly from the European regions; they DSM Food Specialties B.V., New England Cheesemaking Supply Company, DuPont Danisco, Chr. Hansen, Bioprox pure culture, MOFN ALCE Group and Soyuzsnab among others.Buy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Oral Mucositis Market Expanding at a Stable CAGR of 7% from 2016 to 2023

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Global Oral Mucositis Market  Overview:According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, The global market of Oral Mucositis is projected to grow at a rapid pace during the forecast period (2017  2022). The Market is forecasted to demonstrate a significant growth by 2022; with a striking 7% of CAGR during forecast period 2017-2022.The increase in number of cancer patients and the use of chemotherapy are leading the growth of the market. Contrary to its recent past where the market for Oral Mucositis witnessed a sluggish growth, the market is expected to hike up significantly owing to increasing prevalence of cancer and cancer related therapies and the launch of new and better treatment medications have been the major drivers of the growth. Global Oral Mucositis Market suffered a rough phase/ decline during the last decade until 2010 due to the patent expiry of leading drugs across all major markets. Thus, patent expiries coupled with a weak development pipeline proved to be the major factors behind the decline. Factors such as high unfulfilled need in terms of efficacious drugs and the increasing prevalence of the disease are expected to be the major drivers of the global oral mucositis therapeutics market in future. Also, the increase in cancer patients, increased rate of chemo therapy and increase in awareness among patients about oral mucositis and the uptake of recently launched products such as MuGard and the launch of EASYEF, in the year 2014-2015 will further drive the market.Request a Sample Copy @Key players of Global Oral Mucositis market: Izun Pharmaceutical Ltd (US), Shoreline Pharmaceuticals Inc. (USA), Himalaya (India), AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc. (USA), Kinnear Pharmaceuticals (US), Celleutix Corporation(USA), Soligenix Inc. (US), Oragenics (US) othersGlobally the incidence and death rate due to the oral cancer is increasing. The number of the cases are found more in the men than women. The reason for oral cancer differs for the different regions based on the risk and available and accessibility of the health care services. The 90% of the oral cancers are detected due to the high consumptions of the tobacco and the smoking habit. The 40% patients undergoing the chemotherapy show the oral mucositis.The treatment for the OM (oral mucositis) is more in America, the healthcare services and facilities are much better than the Europe. The cancer treatment were going extremely well under the Obama care facility. The US had very good response from this facility by government for the cancer treatment.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 50 market data tables and figures spread in 110 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Oral Mucositis Market Research Report- Global Forecast To 2023Table of Content1 Introduction1.1 Definition1.2 Scope Of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions & Limitations1.2.2.1 Assumptions1.2.2.2 Limitations1.3 Market Structure:2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Process:2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research:3 Market Dynamics3.1 Drivers3.2 Restraints3.3 Opportunities3.4 Macroeconomic Indicators4 Market Factor Analysis4.1 Porters Five Forces Model4.2 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers4.3 Bargaining Power Of Buyers4.4 Threat Of New Entrants4.5 Threat Of Substitutes4.6 Intensity Of Rivalry5 Global Oral Mucositis Market, By Cause5.1 Oral Mucositis Caused By Chemotherapy5.2 Oral Mucositis Caused By Radiotherapy5.3 Hemopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation5.4 Others6. Global Oral Mucositis Market, By End UsersContinue.Access Report Details @Global Oral Mucositis Market  SegmentationThe Oral Mucositis Market is segmented in to 3 key dynamics for the convenience of the report and enhanced understanding;Segmentation On The Basis of Type: Comprises chemotherapy induced-oral mucositis, radiotherapy induced-oral mucositis, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, and others.Segmentation By The End User: Comprises hospitals, clinics, research institutes and others.Segmentation By Regions : Comprises Geographical regions - North America, Europe, APAC and Rest of the World.Intended Audience Pharmaceutical Companies Biopharmaceutical Companies Medical & research institutes R & D laboratoriesKey questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate be? What are the key market trends? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in this market space? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Tasigna Market Segmentation and Analysis by Recent Trends, Development and Growth by Regions to 2022

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ReportsMonitor.com has added a new report to its database United States Tasigna Market Report 2017.This report identifies the Tasigna 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 Tasigna market.Tasigna 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, coveringNovartis PharmaMerckAstraZenecaHarbin Pharmaceutical GroupThe competitive landscape of the global market for Tasigna is determined by evaluating the various market participants, production capacity, Tasigna markets production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Tasigna market worldwide.This report segments the Tasigna market200 mg Capsule150 mg CapsuleOn the basis of application:HospitalPharmacyFor comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, the Tasigna market is analyzed across key geographies namely:The WestSouthwestThe Middle AtlanticNew EnglandThe SouthThe MidwestEach 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:United States Tasigna Market Report 20171 Tasigna Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Tasigna1.2 Classification of Tasigna by Product Category1.2.1 United States Tasigna Market Size (Sales Volume) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)7 Tasigna Manufacturing Cost Analysis7.1 Tasigna Key Raw Materials Analysis7.1.1 Key Raw Materials7.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials7.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials7.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials7.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure7.2.1 Raw Materials7.2.2 Labor Cost7.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses7.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of TasignaReports 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:
Tarragon Oil Market Report 2017  2025

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Tarragon oil is an essential oil which is extracted from the herb artemisia dracunculus. It originated in Europe and North America and then spread all over the world. The tarragon oil is used for adding flavor to the food, in deodorants, as a vermifuge, aromatherapy, as a stimulant and as a topical for relieving inflammations and also in digestive problems, rheumatic disorders. The tarragon oil market has also been growing in demand for organic tarragon oil due to fewer side effects and more benefits.Tarragon Oil Market: SegmentationThe tarragon oil market can be segmented by product type, applications, end-use and distribution channels. By product type tarragon oil market can be segmented Organic and Conventional. By applications, the tarragon oil market can be segmented into flavor, fragrance, personal care, and medicine. By end-use, the tarragon oil market can be segmented as the pharmaceutical industry, cosmetic industry and food industry. By distribution channel, the tarragon oil market can be segmented into direct sale and indirect sale. Indirect sale segment is further segmented into pharmacy and healthcare stores, wholesalers, e-commerce, and othersGet access to full summary @Tarragon Oil Market: Drivers, Restraints, and TrendsThe tarragon oil market is driven by growing demand for multi cuisine as it sees high demand in the European region, especially in France because it is a traditional herb used in the French food cuisines. The tarragon oil market is a highly consumer-oriented market because, in the Asian regions, other substitutes like basil and fennel seeds could be used instead of tarragon oil and its flavor and taste in food is a matter of choice for the consumers. The consumers in many regions are mostly unaware of tarragon oil due to its sparse suppliers in their market, which is expected to restrain tarragon oil market growth over the forecast period.Growing global trade is a key driver for the increase in demand for tarragon oil the importers and the ingredient suppliers play an important role in the supply of tarragon oil market. In the tarragon oil market, the cost of the available raw material and the yield of the end product are important factors which decide the price of tarragon oil.Request to View Tables of Content @Tarragon Oil Market: Regional OutlookThe regional market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and The Middle East and Africa. The tarragon oil market has seen stability in the Europe because of the availability of the raw materials and their inclusion of tarragon oil in traditional food. North American market is anticipated to grow at a significant rate. The market is expected to grow in North America because consumers are focusing more on natural medicines which do not cause side effects and also due to growing awareness about its benefits in flavor and fragrances. In Asia Pacific, which has a major share in the usage of essential oils is dependent on the supply-side factor and is expected to grow if products are manufactured in these regions. The tarragon oil market in the Middle East and Africa is expected to have steady growth, due to lack of awareness of the benefits of the tarragon oil among the consumers in these regions.Tarragon Oil Market: Key PlayersThe key players in Tarragon oil market are Sigma-Aldrich, Sydney Essential Oils, , Berje Inc., Falcon Worldwide Chemical Inc., Alabama Essential Oil Company, Albert Vieille SAS. Among othersBuy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
xyzReptiles to Attend the 2017 National Reptile Breeders Expo in Daytona Beach August 18-20

www.xyzReptiles.com

Online Reptile Retails fastest growing site, is ready to bring their customers a great opportunity that is only available once a year. It is once again time for reptile enthusiasts from around the country and the world to meet in Daytona Beach for the annual Reptile Breeders Expo being held this August 18  20 at the Ocean Center located at 101 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach FL.The owners of xyzReptiles have been working hard over the last 30 months to make sure the site and the operation is running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Part of this effort revolves around meeting and greeting other Reptile Breeders and Reptile Owners and there is no better place to do so than this years upcoming Daytona Reptile Show. Is a great opportunity to see some of our great snakes for sale including an array of ball Pythons for sale.We are delighted to be vending for our third straight year as xyzReptiles, said Amir Soleymani, Managing Member of the online reptile store. Amir continued to say, This year makes our companies third and my personal 26th year visiting this great show. Please make sure to stop by and say hello at our booth next weekend!The Daytona Reptile Show was originally held in Orlando Florida but has found a new home at the Ocean Center for over a decade and a half. The proximity of the show to the Boardwalk and Atlantic Ocean make it an ideal location to take the family for a combined reptication.Visit https://www.xyzreptiles.com/reptiles/animals/snakes/ for more details.xyzReptiles is an eCommerce company based in Miami, FL. The online reptile store offers quality reptiles for sale and a large selection of reptile pets and supplies at discount prices. All animals are shipped via FedEx Next Day Air and come with a Live Arrival Guarantee. The company was founded in April of 2015 and launched their websitein late July of the same year. While the founding of the company is recent the managing members have over 25 years of reptile breeding experience and husbandry.xyzReptiles305-305-599817021 South Dixie Highway, Ste APalmetto Bay, FL 33157info@xyzrpetiles.com
Latest News On Potassium Malate Solution Market Research Report 2017

Potassium Malate Solution,Chemical,science,trends,REPORTSANDMARKETS

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Potassium Malate Solution MarketGet Access To Full Summary @Potassium Malate Solution Report by Material, Application, and Geography a 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 Potassium Malate Solution basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on.Get Sample Report @Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.The report includes six parts, dealing with:1.) basic information;2.) the Asia Potassium Malate Solution Market;3.) the North American Potassium Malate Solution Market;4.) the European Potassium Malate Solution Market;5.) market entry and investment feasibility;6.) the report conclusion.Get Customization & Check Discount For Report @Table of ContentsPart I Potassium Malate Solution Industry OverviewChapter One Potassium Malate Solution Industry Overview1.1 Potassium Malate Solution Definition1.2 Potassium Malate Solution Classification Analysis1.2.1 Potassium Malate Solution Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 Potassium Malate Solution Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 Potassium Malate Solution Application Analysis1.3.1 Potassium Malate Solution Main Application Analysis1.3.2 Potassium Malate Solution Main Application Share Analysis1.4 Potassium Malate Solution Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.5 Potassium Malate Solution Industry Development Overview1.5.1 Potassium Malate Solution Product History Development Overview1.5.1 Potassium Malate Solution Product Market Development Overview1.6 Potassium Malate Solution Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.1 Potassium Malate Solution Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 Potassium Malate Solution Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 Potassium Malate Solution Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 Potassium Malate Solution Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.5 Potassium Malate Solution Global Market Development Trend AnalysisChapter Two Potassium Malate Solution 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 Potassium Malate Solution Industry (The Report Company Including the Below Listed But Not All)Chapter Three Asia Potassium Malate Solution Market Analysis3.1 Asia Potassium Malate Solution Product Development History3.2 Asia Potassium Malate Solution Competitive Landscape Analysis3.3 Asia Potassium Malate Solution Market Development TrendChapter Four 2012-2017 Asia Potassium Malate Solution Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast4.1 2012-2017 Potassium Malate Solution Capacity Production Overview4.2 2012-2017 Potassium Malate Solution Production Market Share Analysis4.3 2012-2017 Potassium Malate Solution Demand Overview4.4 2012-2017 Potassium Malate Solution Supply Demand and Shortage4.5 2012-2017 Potassium Malate Solution Import Export Consumption4.6 2012-2017 Potassium Malate Solution Cost Price Production Value Gross Margin...Continued...About usReports And Markets is part of the Algoro Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Are you mastering your market? Do you know what the market potential is for your product, who the market players are and what the growth forecast is? We offer standard global, regional or country specific market research studies for almost every market you can imagine.The marketing research reports consist of market analysis with statistical and analytical information on the markets, applications, industry analysis, market shares, technology and technology shifts, important players, and the developments in the market.Do you want to know more on a specific company? Our Company Reports collection contains thousands of profiles of major industrial companies. These reports typically contain information like a company overview, business description, company history, major products and services, key facts, SWOT analysis, key employees, subsidiaries, and company locations.On ReportsAndMarkets.com you will find all the globally available market research and company reports from well-respected market research companies, all leaders in their field. Reports And Markets is totally independent and serves its customers by providing the most reliable market research available, as we understand how important this is for you.Sanjay JainManager - Partner Relations & International Marketing info@reportsandmarkets.com Ph: +44-020-3286-9338 (UK) +1-214-377-1121 (US)Office No: 206 Empress Mill Society Shree Nagar,Nagpur - 440015MaharashtraIndia
Posaconazole Market Size, Industry Analysis & Forecast Report 2017

Reports Monitor

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https://www.reportsmonitor.com/united-states-posaconazole-market-report-2017/

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ReportsMonitor.com has added a new report to its database United States Posaconazole Market Report 2017.This report identifies the Posaconazole 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 Posaconazole market.Posaconazole 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, coveringSchering-PloughMerck Sharp DohmeThe competitive landscape of the global market for Posaconazole is determined by evaluating the various market participants, production capacity, Posaconazole markets production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Posaconazole market worldwide.This report segments the Posaconazole marketnjectionDelayed-release TabletsOral SuspensionOn the basis of application:Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida InfectionsOropharyngeal Candidiasis(OPC)Invasive Infections by Candida, Mucor, and Aspergillus SpeciesChronic and Acute Chagas DiseaseFor comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, the Posaconazole market is analyzed across key geographies namely:The WestSouthwestThe Middle AtlanticNew EnglandThe SouthThe MidwestEach 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:United States Posaconazole Market Report 20171 Posaconazole Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Posaconazole1.2 Classification of Posaconazole by Product Category1.2.1 United States Posaconazole Market Size (Sales Volume) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)7 Posaconazole Manufacturing Cost Analysis7.1 Posaconazole Key Raw Materials Analysis7.1.1 Key Raw Materials7.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials7.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials7.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials7.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure7.2.1 Raw Materials7.2.2 Labor Cost7.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses7.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of PosaconazoleReports 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:
Steering Column Control Modules Market

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http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2073

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Automobile design, operation, aesthetics and technology are continuously evolving and witnessing significant advancements. Previous designs and operations in automobiles included various switches for different purposes, which were simple in design but complex in operation. Especially, steering systems witnessed prominent advancements in past decade. Development of hybrid, electric and hydraulic steering are some of the examples. Integration of various operational switches for convenience in steering wheels and column is indeed a timely innovation, which can also be claimed as one amongst the important innovation in an automobile.It was never thought that someone could come up with an idea of Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) where one can control the switches very comfortably with ease while driving. The safety and the ease of driving an automobile has increased considerably due to the installation of steering column control modules on the steering wheel of vehicles.The module which controls the switches on or around/below the steering wheel are known as the steering column control modules. Typically, there are many electromechanical systems installed on the steering wheels nowadays in automobiles. A Steering column control module is mounted on the steering column but it is placed below the steering wheel, this steering column module is the main network for all the systems surrounding it. The operating switches known as the stalk lever switches, are positioned to the right and the left sides of the steering column control modules. The stalk lever switches and the controls which are mounted on the steering wheel and systems i.e. (sound controls buttons, cruise controls, horns, Bluetooth and hands free calling buttons and air bags) are all connected with the other system through the Steering Column Control Module. Typical assembly components of steering column control module includes circuit board, connectors and electrical wire cables for interconnection between the systems. The features and controls which are provided in the steering column control module are also dependent the type of the automobile i.e. Passenger Cars, Commercial Vehicles, Transport vehicles etc. Introduction of new technologies, comfort features and active safety systems in vehicles is expected to drive steering column control modules market in near future.Request Report Sample@Steering Column Control Modules Market dynamics:The market of steering column control module has been marked with presence of established players. A challenging task in steering column control modules market is to manufacture these modules as the interconnection between many components and the systems in the steering assembly. The automotive manufacturers are heavily dependent on the providers of the steering system owing to their technological expertise. Steering column control module market is witnessing continuous development from its providers with new ideas and innovation.Increasing safety of vehicle occupants and pedestrians is one of the prime concerns of automakers and many manufacturers are trying to develop steering column control modules so that safety and comfort features are enhanced to a much higher level. As per the current scenario, steering column control modules have become integral part of automobiles. The increasing standard of cabin comfort level has triggered utilization of requirement specific or custom made steering column control modules in great demand and this is expected to provide significant boost in the near future. The market for the steering column control modules is expected to provide significant opportunities to component providers, integrators and original equipment manufacturers across the globe.Steering Column Control Modules Market segmentation:Steering Column Control Modules can be segmented by type of sales channel, by components position and automobile type.By sales channel,Steering Column Control Modules Market can be segmented as:Original equipment manufacturerAftermarketBy Component Position type, Steering Column Control Modules Market can be segmented as:On the Steering Wheel (Sound Control, Airbags, etc.)Around/Below the Steering Wheel (Stalk levers, i.e. Wiper control, Head light control etc.)By Automobile type, Steering Column Control Modules Market can be segmented as:Passenger carsCommercial vehiclesHeavy Trucks and BussesOff-road VehiclesSteering Column Control Modules Market: Regional Outlook:Steering Column Control Modules can be divided into seven different geographical regions/divisions such as North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, Middle East and Africa. The demand for steering column control modules is significant in Asia Pacific followed by Europe and North America owing to automotive steady rates of production volumes and sales. Owing to lack of production facilities in Middle East and Africa and relatively low production of vehicles in Latin America, the market potential of steering column control module is low. The Asian giant countries like India and China which have significant sales and production of automobiles are expected to witnessmomentous growth in steering column control module market in the coming years.Visit For TOC@Steering Column Control Modules Market: Key Players:ZF TRWLeopold Kostal Gmbh & Co. KGDelphi Automotive LLPIdiditNexteer AutomotiveValeoAbout Us :Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
ISO Extortion: Threats To Silence Guberman Backfire On Accreditation Oppressors

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http://www.g-pmc.com

http://dguberman.com/IAF_tax_report.pdf

http://bit.ly/2ugQBr1

http://www.aboac.org

Milwaukee, WI (USA), August 10th, 2017 -- Daryl Guberman, the CEO of G-PMC Group, LLC, the leading independent ISO registrar accredited by the American Board of Accredited Certifications (ABAC) has a simple message to the individuals that is threatening him and his company for exposing an international accreditation scheme involving The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB), The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). "I won't be silenced," said Guberman.Yesterday, Guberman published a video () in response to those that are desperately attempting to restrain him and his company from having the moral and legal right to certify American businesses for ISO certification. In the video, Guberman said he has received harrasing phone calls and threats from anonymous individuals he believes to be profiting from the accreditation racket."There are a number of individuals profiting significantly from the accreditation scheme that do not want me to tell the truth about having a choice." Citing one of his favorite quotes Guberman said, "What the accreditation oppressors need to realize is the truth always rises to the top, just like oil."Guberman's company G-PMC, LLC () specializes in providing complete and fully accredited ISO certification services for businesses that do not want to be certified by a registar belonging to the Chinese-led International Accreditation Forum (IAF) which is under the leadership of Chinese National Xiao Jianhua, according to public records atStudies show the majority of U.S. manufacturers certified to ISO 9001:2015, AS9100, ISO 13485, ISO/TS 16949, and other standards are unfortunately not aware their registrar belongs to Chinese-led International Accreditation Forum (IAF). In contrast, the only recognized US-based accreditation body that does not belong to Chinese influenced IAF is the American Board of Accredited Certifications (ABAC), which happens to be the fastest growing accreditation body in North America.Guberman said those profiting from the accreditation scam and attempting to harm his business should realize their strong-arm tactics only motivate him and other businesses to push back and stand against the corruption."I'm bringing to light the biggest industrial scam this country has ever seen, so their threats to silence my message only motivates me further to inform and protect the American people, and the thousands of misled businesses that have been swindled by the accreditation hyperbole." He concluded, "It's appalling how this foreign influenced accreditation racket is hurting American businesses, killing American jobs, wasting tax dollars, and weakening the quality of American made products, and therefore, those behind the racket should be locked up for treason."Guberman's Youtube channel has dozens of videos in which he talks about the accreditation scheme hoodwinking U.S. businesses by registrars belonging to ANAB-IAF at atPress & Media Contact:Henry Kroger, Media RelationsAmerican Board of Accredited Certifications (ABAC)41 Madison Avenue,31st Floor, Manhattan,New York, NY 10010-2202, USA+1 212-726-2320info@aboac.org
Discover Latest Trends Impacting the Business Process Outsourcing Market

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Pune, India, 11th Aug 2017: WiseGuyReports announced addition of new report, titled Strategic Focus Report  Business Process Outsourcing.Business process outsourcing (BPO) has changed in long-term perspective to organizations trying to move ahead of competition. Recently a worldwide organization can encourage its customers, using inbound and outbound call focus administrators' administration without crossing the line from their main business. In this new era, e-mail is currently making progress as a necessary method for information dissemination and client relationship management. As a result, many organizations are outsourcing their voice and non-voice call focus targets with email support administration.Business Process Outsourcing incorporates Third Party Organizations in outsourcing of business-related processes. This administration includes assignment outsourcing, for example, specific procedures identified with administration, backup and bookkeeping, HR, received and enhanced-clients.GET SAMPLE REPORT @The report describes the growth of business process outsourcing technology, and marketers are recognized and evaluated by the best performers. This report highlights the opportunities for market outsourcing business process until 2020, highlighting market size and technology, geography, area and size, and growth. In addition, following a deeper ICT decision-making survey, the report outlines the entrepreneur's investment priorities in the outsourcing segment of the business process.Robotic process automation (RPA) is a rising type of administrative computerization innovation that depends on the thought of programming robots or fake intelligence. Companies are putting resources into new areas, ideally close shore, keeping in mind the end goal to beat hindrances, for example, working and teaming up with accomplices and groups in various time zones. Business process administration (BPM) and BPO are advancing and uniting to totally change the way undertakings are working together. Ventures are utilizing BPM to deal with the interface between lines of business and IT staff.Business process outsourcing survey the current trends, drivers, and inhibitors, in which business process affects the outsourcing market. Business Process Outsourcing report has described the technology evolution, and they are evaluated by introducing Dealers who excel in the market. This report will highlight the size and growth of the market by technology, geography, sector and size band until 2020, it also offers an opportunity view of the business process in the outsourcing market. This product covers the latest patterns of the outsourcing market in the business process and includes the seller's landscape and market size in the outsourcing domain of the trading process.The report also provides analysis of trends that will impact the business process outsourcing market, along with supply and demand market will help to grow the BPO industry is also studied in the report. Market repressive, which extends business practices broadly through outsourcing solutions. Introduction to Business Process Outsourcing market top ICT dealers, and with an outlook of Top 5 Vendors.Business Process Outsourcing market leading players covered in report are Randstad Holding, ADP, Xerox, Accenture, Capita, Fiserv, Experian, Serco group, Vanity, Convergys.ContinuedACCESS REPORT @Get in touch:LinkedIn:Twitter:Facebook:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Global Solar Encapsulation Market growing at a CAGR of 23.1% from 2016 to 2022

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The global solar encapsulation industry is expected to reach $4,231 million by 2022 from $915 million in 2015, growing at a CAGR of 23.1% from 2016 to 2022. A solar encapsulant is used to provide adhesion between the top and the rear surface of the PV solar module to protect the PV modules from elevated temperature and high PV exposure. In addition, the encapsulating materials should have efficient transmission and reflection properties coupled with excellent impact and water resistance.For More Info, Get Sample :The solar encapsulation market has witnessed major traction owing to increase in demand for PV solar modules. In addition, excellent mechanical and chemical properties such as durability and thermal resistivity have increased the demand for solar encapsulation material with application in various residential, non-residential, and utility sectors. Based on materials, the demand for ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) has increased owing to its excellent adhesive strength, elasticity, and toughness. In addition, the growth in demand for photovoltaic modules fuel the demand for EVA in cell encapsulation. Monocrystalline silicon solar modules majorly drive the solar encapsulation market owing to increase in solar rooftop installations. Moreover, R&Ds in thin film technologies such as cadmium telluride and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) are expected to boost the demand for solar encapsulations. Furthermore, construction sector has significantly increased the application of roof top and panel installation owing to its increased efficiency. Growth in demand for consumer electronics are expected to soar the demand for solar encapsulation market. however, degradation of solar modules coupled with volatile prices of raw materials are expected to hinder the market growth, but investment in R&Ds to develop efficient solar modules are anticipated to fuel the demand for encapsulation.North America and Europe have significantly driven the solar encapsulation market owing to increase in PV installations. Furthermore, emerging economies such as China, Japan, and Africa have increased the demand for solar installations and solar capacities. In addition, India is also an emerging market for solar energy market, which is expected to significantly drive the solar encapsulation market.The report on global solar encapsulation is segmented based on material, which includes ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), Non-ethylene vinyl acetate, and others (UV curable resins). The non-ethylene vinyl acetate is further bifurcated into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polyolefins, ionomers, and others. Based on solar module it includes, monocrystalline, polycrystalline, cadmium telluride, amorphous silicon cells, and others (CIGS). Based on application the market is categorized under construction, automotive, electronics, and others. Geographically, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.Enquire About Report :Top market players in solar encapsulation market include STR Holdings Inc Solutia Bridgestone Dow Corning DuPont 3M MITSUI JGP Energy Hangzhou First PV material Co. Ltd AKCOME.KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERSThis report entails the detailed quantitative analysis of the current market and estimations for the period of 20142022 to identify the prevailing market opportunities.In-depth analysis of the drivers, restraints, and opportunities that shape the market structure is provided in the report to understand the market behavior.The report includes the strategies of key leaders, partnerships, and acquisitions.Porters Five Forces analysis determines the competitive structure of the market to assist in strategy formulation.KEY MARKET SEGMENTSBy Materials Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Non-Ethylene Vinyl Acetate UV Curable ResinsAlso Request For Discount :By Solar Module Monocrystalline Silicon Cells Polycrystalline Silicon Cells Cadmium Telluride Amorphous Silicon Cells Others (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS))By Application Construction Automotive Electronics OthersBy Geography North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe UK Germany France Spain Italy Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific China Japan India Australia South Korea Rest of Asia-Pacific LAMEA Brazil Saudi Arabia South Africa Rest of LAMEA Other prominent players are Honeywell Arkema CPP Solar EVASA LG Chem Saint Gobain Solar RenewSys Sanvic ACC Silicones Baixing Group (The Companies mentioned above are not profiled but can be done on Clients request)Table Of Contents CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CHAPTER 3. MARKET OVERVIEW CHAPTER 4. GLOBAL SUGAR CONFECTIONERY MARKET, BY PRODUCT TYPE CHAPTER 5. GLOBAL SUGAR CONFECTIONERY MARKET, BY GEOGRAPHY CHAPTER 6. COMPANY PROFILESAbout UsWe have a large database of quality and precise market research reports that will be very beneficial for your organization. Reports that we sell our authentic in nature and from reputed publishers, hence it can definitely help you with your growth opportunities.Research Beam will always make sure to bring most ethical and high quality reports. We value your relationship with us and look forward for a long term relation.Contact UsGlobal Head Quarters5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United States+1 (800) 910-6452help@researchbeam.com
Security Appliances Market Growing At A CAGR of 13.0% from 2016 to 2022.

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Security appliances can be defined as a set of network management and security tools that are designed to protect the inside and outside of the network system from various cyber threats. The security appliances market includes firewall, intrusion detection and prevention (IDP), content management, unified threat management (UTM), and virtual private network (VPN). Security appliances protect the safety of assets from cyber-crime and terrorism and other network service interruptions that affect daily operations in order to effectively protect sensitive data of organizations. Network security can be accomplished through active monitoring, exposure of outages or malicious movement, and prompt response to disruptions. The global Security appliances market was valued at $47,504 million in 2015, and is projected to reach $108,948 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 13.0% from 2016 to 2022.For More Info, Get Sample :The task of information security is becoming more complex with the growth of businesses in terms of size, structure, and utilization of mobile devices, social media, cloud services, and big data. Rising number of security attacks and malicious practices by trained cybercriminal groups have been creating concerns for organizations across all industry sectors. In addition, increased complexities in network infrastructure are causing a major hindrance in data security management. As a result of these circumstances, outsourcing network security to the security appliance service providers has emerged as a lucrative option for organizations. Also, network security services can be delivered either by setting up necessary security infrastructure or by complete control of the service provider from a remote location.The rising adoption of cloud based solutions, mobility, and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) trend has enabled endpoint protection to be a crucial part of all security departments. Security threats and vulnerabilities vary from day to day and even hour to hour. In addition, maintaining security in a wireless environment is a challenge for most vendors in the ecosystem. Moreover, cyber threats affect more than just the information technology (IT) infrastructure of a company. These threats cause disruptions to the entire network that can impact principal business functions. Organizations evaluate network security in terms of direct influence to the successful execution of an organizations primary mission.The global security appliances market is segmented based on types, deployment modes, industry verticals, and geography. Based on type, the market is categorized into firewall, intrusion detection and prevention (IDP), content management, unified threat management (UTM), and virtual private network (VPN). Industry vertical segments include banking, financial services & insurance (BFSI), public sector, energy & utilities, retail, IT & telecom, manufacturing, aerospace & defense, healthcare, and others. Deployment mode segment is sub-segmented into cloud-based and on-premise deployment. Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Key market players operating in the market are Cisco Systems, Inc., Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., Symantec Corporation, Intel Corporation, Fortinet, Inc., Palo Alto Networks, Inc., Bosch Sicherheitssysteme GmbH, Honeywell International Inc., Johnson Controls International plc., and Juniper Networks, Inc.Enquire About Report :KEY BENEFITS This report provides an overview of the trends, structure, drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global security appliances market. Porters Five Forces analysis highlights the potential of buyers & suppliers, and provides insights on the competitive structure of the security appliances market to determine the investment pockets of the market. Current and future trends adopted by the key market players are highlighted to determine overall competitiveness of the market. The quantitative analysis of the security appliances market growth from 2014 to 2022 is provided to elaborate the market potential. Security Appliances Market Key Segments:By Type Firewall Unified threat management (UTM) Intrusion detection and prevention (IDP) Content management Virtual private network (VPN)By Deployment Cloud On-premiseBy Industry Vertical Aerospace and Defense Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) Public Sector Retail Healthcare IT and Telecom Energy and Utilities Manufacturing OthersAlso Request For Discount :By Geography North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe UK France Germany Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific China Japan India South Korea Rest of Asia-Pacific LAMEA Latin America Middle East AfricaRequest For Customization :Key players profiled in the report Cisco Systems, Inc. Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. Symantec Corporation Intel Corporation Fortinet, Inc. Palo Alto Networks, Inc. Bosch Sicherheitssysteme GmbH Honeywell International Inc. Johnson Controls International plc. Juniper Networks, Inc. Other Market Players Mentioned in the ReportWatchGuard Technologies, Inc., Cyberoam Technologies, Nozomi Networks, NetMotion, Inc., and others.Table Of Contents CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CHAPTER 3 MARKET OVERVIEW CHAPTER 4 SECURITY APLLIANCES MARKET BY TYPE CHAPTER 5 SECURITY APLLIANCES MARKET BY DEPLOYMENT CHAPTER 6 SECURITY APLLIANCES MARKET BY INDUSTRY VERTICAL CHAPTER 7 SECURITY APLLIANCES MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY CHAPTER 8 COMPANY PROFILESAbout UsWe have a large database of quality and precise market research reports that will be very beneficial for your organization. Reports that we sell our authentic in nature and from reputed publishers, hence it can definitely help you with your growth opportunities.Research Beam will always make sure to bring most ethical and high quality reports. We value your relationship with us and look forward for a long term relation.Contact UsGlobal Head Quarters5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United States+1 (800) 910-6452help@researchbeam.com
True Fleet in Germany swings to positive as the roller coaster ride continues

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Somehow the trend for the German True Fleet Market for July was predictable. The roller coaster ride is still in full swing. Up in January, March and May, down in February, April and June it logically follows that the Fleet Market showed a positive result in July with + 7.3%. The year-to-date growth of + 2.0% is remarkable taking into account that 2016 is a challenging benchmark as it provided a record volume. The Total Market finished up by 1.5% with a dash over 283,000 registrations helped along by the result from True Fleet and also from Private Market which grew by 1.9%. Dealerships and OEMs seemed pleased with last months figures as the tactical registration from Special Channels were down by 2.4%.Brand performanceThe first eight positions in the brand ranking remained unchanged with Volkswagen, Audi and Mercedes on the podium followed by BMW, Ford, Skoda, Opel and Renault. Thanks to a significant growth of + 46.2% Seat gained one place and Peugeot completed the Top 10. Outside the Top 10 worthy mentions must go to Citroen and Volvo both of who achieved double-digit growths of 68.5% and 32.7% respectively.Highlights from the SUV segmentAs in the first six months SUV was the strongest segment in True Fleets but within that high demand group of cars there was a lot of movement and some particularly outstanding performances we decided to mention. Another strong result kept the Mercedes GLC in the lead in front of Volkswagens Tiguan. With 10.1% the GLC reached its highest market share ever within this vehicle-segment. The same holds true for the Renault Captur (+ 79.3% and ranking 5th behind Audi Q5 and Ford Kuga) and the all-new CH-R from Toyota which can be found in 15th position missing the Top 10 by only 30 registrations. But the most successful new entry is of course the Skoda Kodiaq in 7th place.Higher Middle Class shiningBut there are more interesting car segments to analyse. Thanks to a massive volume increase of BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6 and to a lesser extent the Volvo V90 the whole segment of Higher Middle Class grew by 62.9% over July last year. The overall share of 9.2% is the highest since November 2014.Luxury Class  a new broom sweeps clean, but the old one knows the cornersWhat about the executives? The growth of the Luxury Class (+ 6.7%) was almost in line with the overall increase of the True Fleet Market. By the way, there was an interesting position change: just a few weeks before the all-new fourth generation will be presented at Frankfurt Motorshow the old Audi A8 took the luxury crown in July. This was the first time since February 2013!(458 words, 2630 characters)DATAFORCE  Focus on FleetsDataforce is the leading provider of fleet market data and automotive intelligence solutions in Europe. In addition, the company also provides detailed information on sales opportunities for the automotive industry, together with a wide portfolio of information based on primary market research and consulting services. The company is based in Frankfurt, Germany.Michael GergenDataforce Verlagsgesellschaft fur Business Informationen mbHHamburger Allee 1460486 Frankfurt am MainGermanyPhone: +49 69 95930-231Fax: +49 69 95930-333Email: michael.gergen@dataforce.de
Radar Security Market by Type, Size, Share, Growth & Forecast 2024

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Global Radar Security Market: OverviewRadar security is a branch that protects a radar system from online thefts and attacks. Radars are used to analyze and detect motion and movement of any object and element in the nearby surrounding and perimeter of the radar. They are used in critical and significant infrastructures such as seaports, airports, national borders, military installations, refineries, and others. Hence, radar security has very significant importance.Request Free Sample Report @Global Radar Security Market: Growth FactorsThe global radar security market is likely to elevate in the near future. Growing concern about the security and the safety of the critical infrastructures is the main reason that has driven the growth of the global market. Moreover, strict government norms for the usage of radar security are also boosting the growth of the global radar security market. In addition to this, the rise in the demand from the industry due to its applications in different sectors is also powering the growth of the global radar security market. Adding to the list, rise in the job opportunities is also one of the significant reasons that are boosting the global market.On the other hand, the high cost of ownership is the main reason hampering the growth of global radar security market. In addition to this, the huge cost of maintenance is also one of the significant reasons that are restraining the growth of the global market. Moving on, unawareness about the advantages of the radar security services is one of the reasons that are decreasing the growth of the global radar security market.Global Radar Security Market: SegmentationBased on types, the global radar security market is mainly classified as perimeter surveillance radars, ground surveillance radar systems, marine surveillance radar systems, air surveillance radar systems, and others.On the basis of range, the global market for radar security is segmented into the medium range which is up to 48 km, the long range which is 48 km, a short range which is up to 500 m, and others.Based on application, the global market for radar security is bifurcated into seaport and harbor, border security, critical infrastructure, and others.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Radar Security Market: Regional AnalysisGeographically, the global radar security market is divided into Asia Pacific, North America, and Rest of the World. Growing concern about the security and the safety of the critical infrastructures has elevated the global market in Canada and the U.S. Strict government norms for the usage of radar security is boosting the global market in Japan, India, China, and Korea. Europe will witness a decline in the growth of the market due to growing unawareness among the users.Global Radar Security Market: Competitive PlayersSome of the key players in the global radar security market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Thales SA, Saab AB, Raytheon Company, FLIR Systems, Inc., Elbit Systems Ltd., Blighter Surveillance Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. Other major players in the global market include DeTect Inc., Kongsberg Gruppen, Thales Raytheon Systems, SRC Inc., and Kelvin Hughes Limited.Browse detail report @Global Radar Security Market by Regional Analysis: North America (U.S.); Europe(UK, France, Germany); Asia-Pacific(China, Japan, India); Latin America(Brazil); The Middle East and AfricaOur value reports provide full, in-depth analysis of the parent market including most significant changes in market dynamics; the report also presents the detailed overview on segmentation of this market. We managed to present as many important information in essential form  thanks to our report You will learn more about former, on-going, and projected market analysis in terms of volume and value, assessment of niche industry developments and Market share analysis. We have not forgotten to present key strategies for major players, emerging segments and regional markets and last but not least, testimonials to companies in order to fortify their foothold in the market.Inquire more before buying this report @About Us: Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristically, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, a company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with Vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from Cardinal Industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact Us:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Our Blog:
Detail Report On Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Market: 2017

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Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous MarketGet Access To Full Summary @Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Report by Material, Application, and Geography a 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 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous 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.Get Sample Report @The report includes six parts, dealing with:1.) basic information;2.) the Asia Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Market;3.) the North American Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Market;4.) the European Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Market;5.) market entry and investment feasibility;6.) the report conclusion.Get Customization & Check Discount For Report @Table of ContentsPart I Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Industry OverviewChapter One Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Industry Overview1.1 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Definition1.2 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Classification Analysis1.2.1 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Application Analysis1.3.1 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Main Application Analysis1.3.2 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Main Application Share Analysis1.4 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.5 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Industry Development Overview1.5.1 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Product History Development Overview1.5.1 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Product Market Development Overview1.6 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.1 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.5 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Global Market Development Trend AnalysisChapter Two Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous 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 Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Industry (The Report Company Including the Below Listed But Not All)Chapter Three Asia Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Market Analysis3.1 Asia Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Product Development History3.2 Asia Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Competitive Landscape Analysis3.3 Asia Monocalcium Phosphateanhydrous Market Development Trend...CONTINUED...About usReports And Markets is part of the Algoro Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Are you mastering your market? Do you know what the market potential is for your product, who the market players are and what the growth forecast is? We offer standard global, regional or country specific market research studies for almost every market you can imagine.The marketing research reports consist of market analysis with statistical and analytical information on the markets, applications, industry analysis, market shares, technology and technology shifts, important players, and the developments in the market.Do you want to know more on a specific company? Our Company Reports collection contains thousands of profiles of major industrial companies. These reports typically contain information like a company overview, business description, company history, major products and services, key facts, SWOT analysis, key employees, subsidiaries, and company locations.On ReportsAndMarkets.com you will find all the globally available market research and company reports from well-respected market research companies, all leaders in their field. Reports And Markets is totally independent and serves its customers by providing the most reliable market research available, as we understand how important this is for you.Sanjay JainManager - Partner Relations & International Marketing info@reportsandmarkets.com Ph: +44-020-3286-9338 (UK) +1-214-377-1121 (US)Office No: 206 Empress Mill Society Shree Nagar, Nagpur - 440015 Maharashtra India
Get Goair Coupons From FreeKaaMaal to Save on Flight Tickets

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FreeKaaMaal a common platform connecting online retailer and the customers provides deals and daily savings for everything online. Furthermore, FreeKaaMaal is providing coupons for various e-commerce stores in India. With the use of coupons get discounts while eating, shopping, and other stuff online. The website covers all possible categories with its deals and coupons. The travel category is one of the favored with discounts on many top names in the industry. Goair coupon codes help you save on travel by providing discounts on flight tickets.Goair website provides an easy booking facility for users where they can select the dates of the journey to get the available flight available along with the price. After selecting a particular flight that suits their journey enter the promo code in the given dialog box to receive a discount. With this get your flight tickets done at a lower fare than the normal charges. Goair offers are also available for business travel and holidays to provide all round low fare flight tickets.When it comes to travel saving on flight tickets is something that can cut the expenses of a trip by a big margin. And it is very much possible with deals and discounts that are available online. Also, the consumers are well aware of these options that can help them save on their travel.How to Get Goair Coupons to Save on Flight Bookings?To get Goair coupon keep checking FreeKaaMaal, the website brings the latest updates to make your travel cheaper. With the regular addition of new offers, you are sure to get something that gives a big cut to the budget of your holiday or business trip. Latest Goair discounts are also available through the FreeKaaMaal mobile app. FreeKaaMaal is a world of discounts with the site bringing coupon codes of more than 500 e-commerce stores.FreeKaaMaal is a social shopping deals site launched in 2010 to bring the handpicked discounts and freebies for users. With a concentration on every possible product and service category, FreeKaaMaal is Indias best bargain hunting site. The full offer descriptions and discussions are included on the site to help savvy online shoppers get value for money on every purchase. There are also loads of freebies that can be availed in some simple steps to get free stuff and voucher codes. The deal hunting site has collaboration with top-notch e-commerce sites like Amazon, Flipkart, Expedia, Myntra, Jabong, Shopclues, Paytm, Tatacliq, Kraftly, Mobikwik, & more.For more information visit our website:-FreeKaaMaal is India's No.1 bargain & Deal hunting site for online Shoppers.Find online deals,latest offers,discount coupons and promo codes. It is an online community started with the aim of providing best deals to the users.Office No. 208 A The IthumIT Park A Block ,Plot 40 NoidaUttar Pradesh 201301
Egg Packaging Market predicts rise in demand by 2016-2024

Egg Packaging Market

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Eggs are fragile products that have to be handled with extreme care. In order to protect the eggs from breaking, egg packaging is done. It is an important part of delivering good quality eggs to the customers. The packaging can be done by using paperboard and plastic material. With rising demand for poultry products especially eggs, the demand in the egg packaging market has increased.Request Free Sample Report @The global egg packaging market is segmented into its material type and geography. On the basis of material type, the market is divided into paper and plastic material. Paper can be further sub-divided into paperboard, recycled paper, and molded cup and plastic can be further subdivided into polyethylene, terephthalate, and polystyrene. Based on geography, the market is diversified into North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @The packaging industry all over the world has witnessed rapid developments and owing to this fact the egg packaging market has also shown a remarkable growth. The market has grown substantially due to the ease in conveying and transportation of eggs with the help of egg packaging. Egg packaging producers have introduced several thoughts and innovations for the sheltered transportation of eggs. Also, significant changes in the lifestyle, rapid industrialization, convenience of emerging economies, and increase in per capita disposable income are factors that are fuelling the demand of the egg packaging industry. When storage of eggs has to be done in bulk, egg packaging made out of paper can be used since they are recyclable and also cost effective. This has created greater demand in the market. However, varying cost of raw materials and excessive competition among the manufacturers may hamper the growth of the egg packaging market.Browse detail report @North America holds the largest share of the egg packaging market. This growth is expected to be followed by Europe especially by countries such as Germany, the U.K., Russia, and Poland. Growth in Asia Pacific region is also anticipated to grow at an accelerated pace. This can be attributed to the increase in the spending power and disposable income of the consumers as well as the technological advancement observed in the industries in this region. The growth will be mainly concentrated in countries such as China, India, and Japan due to increasing fondness for eggs in these countries. The Latin American region is expected to exhibit an above average growth during the coming years. The Middle East and Africa region will also be providing a fair share to the market growth.Some of the major players in the egg packaging market include Huhtamaki Oyj, Brodrene Hartmann A/S, Pactiv LLC, UFP Technologies Inc., Dispak UK, Ovotherm International Handels GmbH., Sanovo Technology A/S, DFM Packaging Solutions, CKF Inc., Dolco Packaging Corp., and Ulma Packaging.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:
Amarc Services Offer Fast and Reliable Plumbing Services In Beckenham

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United Kingdom 11-08-2017. Amarc Services knows the importance of maintaining the plumbing in a home and this is why the company is offering a range of service checks this spring and summer. Many people believe that if no problems arose during the winter months, their plumbing and pipes will be in good condition. This isnt necessarily the case and it may be that there are a number of underlying issues that could cause serious problems when the weather turns cold again later on in the year.Amarc Services is a big believer in being proactive when it comes to plumbing because this helps to minimise the risk of problems arising at home. When it comes to staying safe and saving money in the long term, there is a great deal to be said for calling on the leading plumbers Beckenham has to offer. With a team of highly skilled, experienced and qualified plumbers, Amarc Services are the ideal plumbers to call on this spring and summer to ensure homes are ready for the next run of bad weather.It is also sensible to be proactive when it comes to heating systems. Some people decide to install new heating systems over the summer months while other people decide to have their heating system looked over. This means that by the time the cold weather rolls around again, homeowners or landlords can be confident that their heating is in great condition.There is a lot to be said for calling on the leading heating engineers Bromley has to offer and Amarc Services have the skills, qualifications and expertise required to keep homes in fantastic condition. Anyone looking to safeguard their property will find that this is the company to call on.There is a lot to be said for calling on professionals for assistance with respect to plumbing. Any homeowner or landlord looking for the most reliable level of support and assistance in Beckenham or Bromley, Amarc Services is the plumbing firm to call on.For more details about the most reliable plumbers in Beckenham, please visit:Amarc Services operates around the clock providing emergency and non-emergency services aimed at helping people and businesses care for their property in the most effective manner. The company provides an extensive range of services and looks to offer the best standard of plumbing and heating services in London.With so many modern heating services to choose from, Amarc Services is pleased to provide an installation and advice centre, which will help all clients find the best heating solution for their home. Anyone looking for a fully connected property will find Amarc Services is the company to trust.1 Bromley Lane, Chislehurst, BR7 6LH, United Kingdom
2017-2022 Macadamia Market Status and Forecast, by Players : Hawaiian Host, Fisher, Royal, Hamakua

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report 2017-2022 Macadamia Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications to its huge collection of research reports.A recent report by QYResearchReports.com presents a thorough analysis of the global Macadamia market with an approach that helps in elucidating the most important bits of data related to the key elements of the market. The report presents an overview of the key application areas of the global Macadamia market and furnishes quantitative as well as qualitative data pertaining to the segments.The key regional segments of the global Macadamia market are analyzed in great details and an overview of the regulatory framework of the market is also given in the report. In this section, the report examines the key rules, regulations, plans, and policies governing the overall markets development and having an implication on several decisions.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @An analysis of the major trends in the global Macadamia market in the past years, which have significantly contributed in shaping the current state of the market, and the important trends of the current times is also included in the report, allowing the reader to formulate winning strategies. The data has been gathered with the help of a number of primary and secondary research methodologies and narrowed-down with the help of industry-best analytical methods.Segmenting the global Macadamia market on several fronts, the research report examines the strengths and weaknesses of each category and sub-category in the operating environments. The report also analyzes the impact of several internal and external forces such as consumer preferences, government regulations, laws and policies, technological developments, and economic environment for each segment.The report focuses on the critical aspects of each player and furnishes details such as detailed business profile of the company, product and service portfolio, financial conditions, business strategies, and recent developments. Additionally, the report also studies the strengths and weaknesses of the companies profiled, highlighting their major competitors, and provides insight on their supplier base and consumers.Table of Contents2017-2022 Macadamia Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications1 Methodology and Data Source1.1 Methodology/Research Approach1.1.1 Research Programs/Design1.1.2 Market Size Estimation1.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation1.2 Data Source2.1.1 Secondary Sources2.1.2 Primary Sources1.3 Disclaimer2 Macadamia Market Overview2.1 Macadamia Product Overview2.2 Macadamia Market Segment by Type2.2.1 Original Flavor2.2.2 Sea Salt Flavor2.2.3 Roasted Flavor2.2.4 Others2.3 Global Macadamia Product Segment by Type2.3.1 Global Macadamia Sales (K Units) and Growth (%) by Types (2012, 2016 and 2022)2.3.2 Global Macadamia Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)2.3.3 Global Macadamia Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)2.3.4 Global Macadamia Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2012-2017)2.4 United States Macadamia Product Segment by TypeBrowse Complete Report with TOC @3 Macadamia Application/End Users3.1 Macadamia Segment by Application/End Users3.1.1 Household3.1.2 Food Services3.1.3 Food Process3.2 Global Macadamia Product Segment by Application3.2.1 Global Macadamia Sales (K Units) and CGAR (%) by Applications (2012, 2016 and 2022)3.2.2 Global Macadamia Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Applications (2012-2017)3.3 United States Macadamia Product Segment by Application3.3.1 United States Macadamia Sales (K Units) and CGAR (%) by Applications (2012, 2016 and 2022)3.3.2 United States Macadamia Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Applications (2012-2017)4 Macadamia Market Status and Outlook by Regions4.1 Global Market Status and Outlook by Regions4.1.1 Global Macadamia Market Size and CAGR by Regions (2012, 2016 and 2022)4.1.2 North America4.1.3 Asia-Pacific4.1.4 Europe4.1.5 South America4.1.6 Middle East and Africa4.1.7 United States4.2 Global Macadamia Sales and Revenue by Regions4.2.1 Global Macadamia Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Regions (2012-2017)4.2.2 Global Macadamia Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Regions (2012-2017)4.2.3 Global Macadamia Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)List of Tables and FiguresTable Research Programs/Design for This ReportFigure Bottom-up and Top-down Approaches for This ReportFigure Data TriangulationTable Key Data Information from Secondary SourcesTable Key Data Information from Primary SourcesFigure Macadamia Product PictureFigure Global Macadamia Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure United States Macadamia Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)QYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Pie Packaging Market to Record an Impressive Growth By 2024

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Pies are basically baked pastry dough products whose ingredients may differ from region to region. They are one of the favorite confectionary food items all over the world and demand for pies is steadily increasing. The shape of the pies may vary depending on the region and in order to carry them conveniently different type of pie packages are being introduced in the market. These packages can be made out of different materials such as paper or plastic and they can be customized according to the preference of the customers.Request Free Sample Report @Global Pie Packaging Market: SegmentationThe global pie packaging market is segmented into its raw materials, package type, the shape of the box, and geography. On the basis of raw material, the market is divided into paperboard, plastic, and unfinished pine. Based on package type, the market is segregated into tins, containers, pans, and boxes which are further classified into boxes with window and boxes without window. On the basis of the box shape, the market is categorized into custom and a standard box shape. The standard box shape further includes quarter pie container, half pie container, deep pie containers and others. Based on geography, the market is diversified into Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, North America, and the Middle East and Africa.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Pie Packaging Market: Growth FactorsThe introduction of various modes of home delivery service for pies has led to an increasing consumption of pie all over the world. This has also positively influenced the pie packaging market. In recent times, the market demand for pie packages has remarkably increased as the suppliers are offering the pies in to-go containers due to their convenience and aesthetic appeal. The manufacturers are increasingly focusing on innovative package designing and formulations and are introducing new and modern production methods. However, environmental concerns arising due to the packaging material utilized and reduction in net market value due to changing prices may restrain the market growth.Browse detail report @Global Pie Packaging Market: Regional AnalysisThe largest share of the pie packaging market is held by the North America and Europe together. The growth in these regions can be specifically attributed to their large consumer base. The U.S. and Canada in North America and Germany, Spain, Italy, the U.K., and France in Europe are the major market contributors. Following North America and Europe in its market growth is Asia Pacific. Evolving lifestyle and increased disposable income have increased the demand of the pie packaging market. China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and India are some of the countries showing a potential growth rate in Asia Pacific region. Latin America and the Middle East and Africa may also show a fair share of the market growth in the coming years.Inquire more before buying this report @Global Pie Packaging Market: Competitive PlayersSome of the major companies in the pie packaging market include Jessica Liu Dongguan A1 Packing & Stationery Co. Ltd., Shijiazhuang Chuangmei Paper Products Co. Ltd., Albany Packaging, PieBox Ltd., and Cassel Bear Ltd.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:
ProSe (Proximity Services) for LTE & 5G Networks Technology Advances, Emerging Evolution 2017 - 2030 - Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts

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First introduced in Release 12 of the 3GPP specifications, ProSe (Proximity Services) is a D2D (Device-to-Device) technology that allows LTE devices to detect each other and to communicate directly. It relies on multiple enhancements to existing LTE standards including new functional elements and a ""sidelink"" air interface for direct connectivity between devices.In comparison to existing D2D and proximity networking technologies, ProSe offers several distinct benefits including but not limited to better scalability, manageability, privacy, security and battery-efficiency. At present, efforts to commercialize ProSe are being spearheaded by the public safety and critical communications sector, amid the ongoing transition from legacy LMR (Land Mobile Radio) systems to LTE networks.Request To Get the Sample Copy Of This Report :Although initial investments in ProSe-enabled devices will be driven by the public safety and critical communications sector, there also exists a much larger opportunity in the commercial arena. Mobile operators can leverage ProSe to offer a range of B2B, B2B2C and B2C services that rely on proximity, including advertising, social networking, gaming, relaying traffic for wearables and V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) connectivity.By the end of 2025, SNS Research estimates that mobile operators can pocket as much $17 Billion in ProSe based annual service revenue. Up to 55% of this revenue figure will be attributable to proximity advertising.The ""ProSe (Proximity Services) for LTE & 5G Networks: 2017  2030  Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts"" report presents an in-depth assessment of the ProSe market including enabling technologies, key trends, market drivers, challenges, standardization, use cases, applications, business models, pre-commercial case studies, opportunities, future roadmap, value chain and strategic recommendations. The report also presents forecasts for ProSe-enabled device shipments and ProSe based mobile operator service revenue from 2018 till 2030. The forecasts cover multiple submarkets and 6 regions.Browse Full Report :The report comes with an associated Excel datasheet suite covering quantitative data from all numeric forecasts presented in the report.The report covers the following topics:ProSe technologyMarket drivers and barriersSidelink air interface and spectrum bandsProSe discovery and direct communication servicesProSe coverage scenarios and modes of operationProSe reference architecture, key functional elements and interfaces3GPP standardization efforts for ProSeCompeting D2D and proximity networking technologiesKey applications, business models and monetization strategiesCase studies of pre-commercial ProSe engagementsIndustry roadmap and value chainStrategic recommendations for key ecosystem players including chipset suppliers, device OEMs, infrastructure vendors, public safety agencies and mobile operatorsMarket analysis and forecasts from 2018 till 2030Forecast SegmentationMarket forecasts are provided for each of the following submarkets and their subcategories:ProSe Device Shipments & RevenueSubmarketsPublic Safety & Critical CommunicationsCommercial SectorForm Factor SegmentationSmartphonesTabletsWearablesVehicle Mount DevicesV2X DevicesOther DevicesRegional MarketsSend An Enquiry :Asia PacificEastern EuropeMiddle East & AfricaLatin & Central AmericaNorth AmericaWestern EuropeProSe Based Mobile Operator Service RevenueSubmarketsAdvertisingSocial NetworkingV2X ConnectivityPublic Safety & Critical CommunicationsOther ApplicationsThe report provides answers to the following key questions:How big is the ProSe opportunity?What trends, challenges and barriers are influencing its growth?How will the ecosystem evolve by segment and region?What will the market size be in 2020 and at what rate will it grow?How big is the ProSe service revenue opportunity for mobile operators?How will ProSe help public safety agencies in replacing legacy LMR systems with LTE and 5G networks?How will consolidation in the chipset ecosystem affect the adoption of ProSe?How can ProSe deliver localized V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) connectivity?What strategies should chipset suppliers, device OEMs and mobile operators adopt to remain competitive?The report has the following key findings:In comparison to existing D2D and proximity networking technologies, ProSe offers several distinct benefits including but not limited to better scalability, manageability, privacy, security and battery-efficiency.At present, efforts to commercialize ProSe are being spearheaded by the public safety and critical communications industry. The ongoing transition from legacy LMR systems to LTE networks is expected to trigger the very first investments in ProSe-enabled devices, as direct communication between devices is an essential requirement for users in this domain.In the commercial area, mobile operators can leverage ProSe to offer a range of B2B, B2B2C and B2C services that rely on proximity including advertising, social networking, gaming, relaying traffic for wearables and V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) connectivity.By the end of 2025, SNS Research estimates that mobile operators can pocket as much $17 Billion in ProSe based annual service revenue. Up to 55% of this revenue figure will be attributable to proximity advertising.List of Companies Mentioned3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project)AppleASTRI (Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute)Bluetooth SIG (Special Interest Group)Compass.ToDT (Deutsche Telekom)EEEricssonFacebookFirstNet (First Responder Network Authority)Home Office, UKHuaweiIEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)Intel CorporationKT CorporationM87MPSS (Ministry of Public Safety and Security, South Korea)NEC CorporationNokiaNTT DoCoMoNXP SemiconductorsOnePlusQualcommSamsung ElectronicsTanTanTelecom Italia GroupU.S. Department of CommerceU.S. NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)Wi-Fi AllianceYahooZigBee AllianceCountires CoveredAfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntigua & BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBosnia HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBritish Virgin IslandsBruneiBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaCocos IslandsColombiaComoros IslandsCongoCook IslandsCosta RicaCote d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Rep of Congo (ex-Zaire)DenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEast TimorEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEthiopiaFaroe IslandsFederated States of MicronesiaFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench Polynesia (ex-Tahiti)French West IndiesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuinea RepublicGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKirghizstanKiribatiKoreaKosovoKuwaitLaosLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacauMacedoniaMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlandsNetherlands AntillesNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorth KoreaNorthern MarianasNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestinePanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarReunionRomaniaRussiaRwandaSamoaSamoa (American)Sao Tome & PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovak RepublicSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSpainSri LankaSt Kitts & NevisSt LuciaSt Vincent & The GrenadinesSudanSurinameSwazilandSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTajikistanTaiwanTanzaniaThailandTogoTongaTrinidad & TobagoTunisiaTurkeyTurkmenistanTurks & Caicos IslandsUAEUgandaUKUkraineUruguayUS Virgin IslandsUSAUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaVietnamYemenZambiaZimbabweMRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Guatemala: Long-Awaited 4G/LTE Spectrum Allocation Will Drive Growth in Data Services Market

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"Guatemala: Long-Awaited 4G/LTE Spectrum Allocation will Drive Growth in Data Services Market," a new Country Intelligence Report by Pyramid Research, offers a precise, incisive profile of Guatemalas mobile and fixed telecommunications and pay-TV markets based on comprehensive proprietary data and insights from our research in the Guatemalan 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 To Get The Sample Copy Of This Report :Key Findings- In 2016, Guatemala will be the largest telecom services market in Central America, with estimated revenue of $2.9bn. Pyramid Research expects to see overall service revenue grow at a 0.7% CAGR from 2016 to 2021.- Mobile data represents a significant growth opportunity for operators to offset the slowing rise of net additions and pricing pressures. Additionally the upcoming spectrum auctions in 900MHz and AWS spectrum bands expected for H1 2017 will drive operators to increase investments in upgrading their 4G/LTE infrastructures.- The top three operators, Tigo, Claro and Movistar, will account for 93.0% of overall service revenue in 2016. While the incumbent Claro is the market leader in the fixed voice and Internet segments, the mobile segment is led by Tigo.- The number of 3G and 4G subscriptions will surpass 2G in 2017, driven by increasing adoption of mobile data plans and continued expansion of 3G/4G coverage.View Full Report :Synopsis"Guatemala: Long-Awaited 4G/LTE Spectrum Allocation Will Drive Growth in Data Services Market," a new Country Intelligence Report by Pyramid Research, provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Guatemala 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 Guatemala compared with other countries in the region.- Economic, demographic and political context in Guatemala.- 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 Guatemalas telecommunications and pay-TV markets.Send An Enquiry :ReasonsToBuy- This Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Guatemalas telecommunications and pay-TV markets, 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 Guatemalas 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 Guatemalas 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 Guatemala.MRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
The Czech Republic: Revenue Expected to Grow Moderately Through 2021 Supported by LTE, Fiber, Pay-TV and M2M Growth

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The telecom market in the Czech Republic is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.4% (0.8% in local currency terms) during 2016-2021, primarily driven by growth in data revenue. The growth will be attributed to rise in fixed and mobile data usage and increase in pay-TV adoption. Vendors will have significant opportunities to support operators initiatives in network expansion, modernization of network infrastructure and deployments of high-speed network technology solutions.Key Findings- The overall telecom service revenue in the Czech Republic is estimated to generate $3.4bn in 2016 and will grow at a CAGR of 3.4% during 2016-2021, to reach $4.0bn by 2021. The growth will be mainly driven by the data (fixed and mobile) and pay-TV segments.- The Czech Republic telecom market will be dominated by O2 and T-Mobile, which provide both fixed and mobile services, accounting for an estimated share of 58.0% in 2016. Operators are focusing on investing in IoT/M2M initiatives, LTE network expansion and improving broadband speeds to cement their market positions.- The adoption of 4G services will continue to grow due to operators aggressive LTE and LTE-A expansion targets and attractive LTE voice and data bundles.Request To Get The Sample Copy Of This Report :SynopsisCzech Republic: Revenue Expected to Grow Moderately Through 2021 Supported by LTE, Fiber, Pay-TV and M2M Growth', a new Country Intelligence Report by Pyramid Research, provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in the Czech Republic 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 the Czech Republic compared with other countries in the region.- Economic, demographic and political context in the Czech Republic.- 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 the Czech Republic's telecommunications and pay-TV markets.Browse Full Report :ReasonsToBuy- This Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of the Czech Republics telecommunications and pay-TV markets, 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 the Czech Republics 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 the Czech Republics 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 the Czech Republic.Send An Enquiry :MRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Chile: FTTx and 4G/LTE Network Investments Will Drive Revenue Growth Over the 2019-2021 Period

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Chile: FTTx and 4G/LTE Network Investments Will Drive Revenue Growth Over the 2019-2021 Period, a new Country Intelligence Report by Pyramid Research, offers a precise, incisive profile of Chiles mobile and fixed telecommunications and pay-TV markets based on comprehensive proprietary data and insights from our research in the Chilean 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 trendsRequest to Get The Sample Copy Of This Report :Key FindingsWith an estimated revenue of $6.4bn, or 2.6% of GDP, the telecom and pay-TV services market in Chile was the sixth largest in the region, below Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela and Colombia. We project that between 2016 and 2021, telecom service revenue will expand at a 1.8% CAGR.The contribution of data services (fixed and mobile) to total telecom revenue will expand at a 8.0% CAGR between 2016 and 2021. This increase will be driven by a growing demand for data services both through mobile and fixed technologies boosted, to a great extent, by increasing usage of OTT video platforms. Voice services revenue will continue falling over the 2016-2021 period as a result of the implementation of cuts in mobile termination rates and fixed telephony tariffs, as well as the ongoing decline in fixed (circuit-switched) and mobile voice traffic due to the popularization of OTT communication apps as alternative means of communication.Movistar is the largest revenue generator in the Chilean telecom market, a position that it will maintain through 2021 with a slight reduction in its share due to increasing competition from Entel and medium-sized players such as Claro and cable operator VTR. Entel will remain second in revenue terms, thanks to its strong position in the mobile communications market, where it is the largest revenue generator.Chile is expected to close 2016 with 27.5m mobile active subscriptions, a very modest increase from 2015 as a result the low net additions registered during the year. Entel became the market leader with 9.8m subscriptions and a 35.7% share estimated for year-end 2016. Movistar follows closely with 9.6m active subscriptions and a share of 34.9% for the same year.Chile closed 2015 with a household penetration rate of 62.2% and nearly 3m pay-TV accounts. We project a 2.1% CAGR in subscriptions from 2016 to 2021, which will push pay-TV penetration to 67.9% by year-end 2021. Growth will be mainly supported by an increase in IPTV and cable subscriptions, mostly sold as part of doubleand triple-play packages, offered by operators such as Movistar and VTR.Browse Full report :SynopsisChile: FTTx and 4G/LTE Network Investments Will Drive Revenue Growth Over the 2019-2021 Period provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Chile today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2021. It delivers deep quantitative and qualitative insight into Chiles 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:Chile 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 Chile.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 Chiles telecommunications and pay-TV marketsSend An Enquiry :Reasons To BuyThis Country Intelligence Report helps executives build proactive, profitable growth strategies by offering comprehensive, relevant analysis of Chiles 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 Chile.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 Chilean market to operators, vendors and investors.MRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Telehealth Market Revenue is expected to reach USD 12,131.0 Thousand Over 2016  2022

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Zion Market Research has published a new report titled Telehealth Market by Component Type (Hardware, Software, and Services), by Mode of Delivery Type (Web-Based, Cloud-Based and On-Premise) for Providers, Payers, Patients and Other End Users: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast, 2016-2022. According to the report, the global telehealth market accounted for USD 2,513.3 million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD 12,131.0 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of around 30.1% between 2017 and 2022.As population ages, the burden of non-communicable diseases will increase. Especially chronic diseases (cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimers disease and other mental health problems) normally require prolonged treatment. An increased focus on telehealth will decrease the dependency on hospitals and enables the patients to access proper healthcare from home and leaving sufficient beds in hospitals for more urgent patients. Telehealth acts as a bridge to improve the relationship between patient and healthcare provider and for improving patient satisfaction and behavioral changes by providing healthcare guidance and treatment into daily life. Using telehealth, patients can be seen remotely by healthcare professionals in their homes; workplace and physicians can treat patients located at a distant location from a hospital, medical facility or other places of work including their own homes or even during vacation as long as they have access to the internet.Request Free Sample Research Report @The market for telehealth is expected to be driven by significant trends in healthcare, technology advancement, expanded patient base, consumerism within the forecast period. In addition, the introduction of new and cutting-edge technology and services, such as electronic health records also supplements the growth of telehealth market in coming five years. Furthermore, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases coupled with increasing healthcare expenditures also expected to boost the telehealth market. For instance, approximately 100 million Americans with chronic disease accounted for 75% of healthcare expenditures. Furthermore imbalanced patient to clinician ratio is also expected to foster the growth in this market within the forecast period. However, limited reimbursement is expected to hamper the growth in this market.On the basis of mode of delivery type, the global telehealth market is categorized into; web-based, cloud-based and on premise. This segment is dominated by web-based mode of delivery, by accounting for the largest share in 2016 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 31.1% in coming five years. Web-based technology is creating a wide variety of information solutions that improve remote telehealth interactions. A major factor for high usage of web-based methods is due to minimal software and hardware requirements for using web-based telehealth solution. Cloud-based telehealth solutions are expected to witness the fastest growth with a double-digit CAGR in coming five years owing to increasing investment by IT firms in cloud computing.Inquire more about this report @An end-user segment of the telehealth market includes the: providers, payers, patients and other end users. In this segment, providers based healthcare solutions attributed for the largest market share in 2016 and are expected to grow at a significant rate of CAGR in coming five years owing to increasing internet use by the healthcare professionals for medical consultations.In terms of geography, North America accounted for the largest market share of telehealth market in 2016. U.S. held the largest market share in this region owing to increasing geriatric population coupled with increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and rising healthcare expenditures. For instance, in U.S., old-aged population (people 65 and over) represented 12.4% of the population in the year 2000 and expected to grow to be 19% of the population by 2030. This aging population has the increasing incidence of chronic diseases including congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which require prolonged care. In addition, approximately 100 million Americans with chronic disease account for a whopping 75% of healthcare expenditures as percenters for disease control and prevention. Thus these factors are expected to fuel the telehealth market in this region in coming five years.Europe held the second largest share of global telehealth market in 2016 owing to the high internet and mobile phone penetration. Asia-Pacific is expected as a lucrative market for telehealth solutions in coming five years, especially India, China and Japan owing to improving healthcare infrastructure and rising awareness among healthcare professional about telehealth benefits. Asia-Pacific telehealth market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 35.6% within the forecast period. Latin America and Middle East & Africa are also expected to witness a positive growth in this market within the forecast period.Browse the full report atThe report presents comprehensive competitive outlook with company profiles of the key players operating in the global market. Key participants profiled in the report include Philips Healthcare, McKesson Corporation, Medtronic plc, Medvivo Group Ltd. and Tunstall Healthcare among others.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:
Catalytic Converter Market Size will Grow at a Robust Pace through 2016 - 2024

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Global Catalytic Converter Market: OverviewA catalytic converter is an emission control device that reduces emissions caused due to combustion of fuel within automobiles. It assists in removing toxic compounds such as hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide from the exhaust system of vehicles. The converter enhances energy efficiency, safety measures, and operational efficiency of the automobiles. The catalytic converter is usually used in the exhaust systems in automobiles and is also applied to mining equipment, locomotives and motorcycles, forklifts, electrical generators, buses, and trucks. Also, it used in several wood stoves to control emissions. Catalytic converters are deployed in response to government regulation due to rising concerns about health & safety and the environment.Request Free Sample Report @Owing to characteristic features offered by the catalytic converter such as improved operational efficiency, energy efficiency, and safety measures, the demand for these converters is anticipated to increase in the market in the near future. Additionally, the rise in the vehicle production & sales globally and implementation of the stringent emission norms for vehicles by the government is anticipated to foster the demand in the global market in future. Most of the key players are adopting improved strategies such as partnerships & collaborations, R&D, product launches, business expansions, and acquisitions, which will contribute to the growth in future for the global catalytic converter market. Product launch is one of the prime strategies adopted by key market players. These strategies make market players remain competitive and expand their market reach. However, the higher cost required for R&D and increased prices for electric & hybrid vehicles may hamper the global market growth.The global catalytic converter market is segregated based on the catalyst as rhodium, platinum, and palladium. Of these, rhodium catalyst is the leading segment due to increasing adoption of the catalytic converter in the automotive sector. It is expected to remain dominating in the near future. Based on the type, the global market is fragmented as three-way oxidation-reduction catalytic converter, two-way oxidation catalytic converter, and diesel oxidation catalyst.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Geographically, the global catalytic converter market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Europe contributed for the largest market share due to growth in the automobiles sector. North America and Asia-Pacific are holding the largest market share, which is propelling the global market growth. Increasing disposal income and changing lifestyle in North America may open up new opportunities for the global catalytic converter market growth. Emerging economies such China and India are anticipated to grow in the global market due to changing consumer preferences for safer and greater operational efficiency.Market Competitive PlayersLeading market players in the global catalytic converter market include Jetex Exhausts Ltd., Tenneco Inc., Futaba Corporation, Calsonic Kansei Corporation, Eberspaecher GmbH Holding & Co., and HJS Emission Technology GmbH & Co. KG. Other influencing players include Clean Diesel Technologies Inc., Faurecia SA, Standard Motor Products Europe Ltd., Bosal Group, Magneti Marelli S.P.A, Benteler International AG, and BASF Catalysts LLC.Browse detail report @Global Catalytic Converter 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.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:
Commercial Vehicle Telematics Market Explores New Growth Opportunities By 2016  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 @Escalating 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.The 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) @The 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.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 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:
Licorice Extract Market, Global Set for Rapid Growth by 2024

Licorice Extract Market

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The extract is obtained from the licorice root which is widely used as a medicinal herb. For obtaining the extract the licorice root is boiled and then most of the water is evaporated. The licorice extract is available on the market in liquid and powder form.The global market for the licorice extract is fragmented into the application and grade. Based on the application, the global market is segregated into the pharmaceutical industry, cosmetic industry, includes food industry, feed industry, and others. The increased usage of the licorice extract in the medicinal usage has increased its demand in the pharmaceutical sector. The food industry is also contributing a good share in the market growth of the licorice extract. On the basis of grade, the market is categorized into food grade, pharmaceutical grade, and feed grade. The segment that is contributing a good share in the global licorice extract market is food grade.Request Free Sample Report @The market for the licorice extract will grow significantly in the coming years. The key factor that is contributing to the market growth is the increasing preferences of the consumers for the products that are made from natural products which are especially in the developing economies. In the production of the herbal medicines and other herbal products, there is an increased usage of the licorice extract. The licorice extract has several health benefits thus its demand is increasing across the world. The factor that hampers the growth of the licorice extract market is the lack of the availability of the raw materials which are, in turn, increasing the price of the licorice.According to the regional study, the global market for the licorice extract is diversified into North America, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. The region that is leading the licorice market is Europe. The European market leads the global market in terms of value and the rise in the consumer preference towards the consumption of the products that are made naturally are the factors that are contributing to the market growth in this region.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @In the countries of the European region, licorice extract is used for the production of the mono ammonium glycyrrhizinate, which is used in the products that are sweetened by using stevia as a masking agent. In Europe, it is Germany that has the major market for the licorice extract in terms of consumptions which is followed by the countries such as the U.K. and Italy. In the Asia Pacific region, the market for the licorice extract will grow favorably in the coming years. The emerging nation China is the major producer of the licorice.The key market players that are involved in the licorice extract market include Norevo GmbH., Ransom Naturals, Aushadhi Herba, VPL Chemicals, MAFCO Worldwide LLC, F&C Licorice, Zagros Licorice, Sepidan Osareh, and others.Global Licorice Extract Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilThe Middle East and AfricaBrowse detail report @What Reports ProvidesFull in-depth analysis of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsSegmentation details of the marketFormer, on-going, and projected market analysis in terms of volume and valueAssessment of niche industry developmentsMarket share analysisKey strategies of major playersEmerging segments and regional marketsTestimonials to companies in order to fortify their foothold in the market.About Us: Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristically, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, a company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with Vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from Cardinal Industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact Us:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Our Blog:
Variable Displacement Pumps Market : Share, Key Players and Growth Rate Report 2025

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Global Variable Displacement Pumps Market: SnapshotVariable displacement pumps is one of the two popular types of hydraulic pumps that make positive displacement; the other being fixed displacement pumps. Variable displacement pumps used in hydraulic systems employ closed center systems. These are gaining prominence over the fixed type since they can be made to vary the flow rate and the outlet pressure, which enables the user to vary the displacement, even if constant speed motors are used. As a result, they are increasingly preferred for a variety of industrial hydraulic applications having variable energy needs. This makes variable displacement pumps useful in making the efficient use of energy available in industries and in bringing down the requirement to the lowest levels. This facility managers and engineers can meet the soaring demand for energy for other processes. A key benefit of using variable displacement pumps is that they make hydraulic pumps structurally more efficient.Traditionally, in fixed displacement pumps, there are several instances during operations when the mechanical energy is being converted to heat energy, thereby causing significant losses. In variable displacement pumps when the actuators are not working, the oil present in the circuits also remain stationary, thus producing energy only when required. Even when actuators must be operated at reasonably low speeds as needed in some portions of the operating cycle, variable displacement pumps prove helpful. Since they can be used to power a variety of tools and customized for numerous applications in industries such as automotive, mining, and construction, they are more expensive to install and need more supervision than fixed displacement pump. Some of the most popular types of variable displacement pumps are rotary vane pumps and bent-axis axial piston pumps.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Variable Displacement Pumps Market: SynopsisTo control the amount of flow in fixed displacement pumps, the speed of the pump has to be altered, which is not energy-efficient and requires manual control. These two factors make fixed displacement pumps undesirable for industrial applications, wherein variable displacement pumps are preferred instead, as they allow flow management via valves that control speed of hydraulic actuators. As the requirement for energy conservation escalates across the world, engineers at various industries such as construction, mining, and automotive now are constantly looking to reduce energy consumption at the production sites. Concurrently, the demand in the global variable displacement pumps market is estimates to expand at a healthy CAGR during the forecast period of 2017 to 2025.This report on global market for variable displacement pumps is a thorough analysis of all the prominent factors that are expected to influence the demand over the course of next few years. It also highlights some of the trends and opportunities available for the players to strategically plan and gain advantage over their competitors. In the section on company profiles, several key players have been analyzed for their product portfolio, market share, and recent developments. The global variable displacement pumps market can be segmented on the basis of type into piston and vane, on the basis of application into hydraulic and IC engine, and end-use industry into construction, automotive, oil and gas, mining, agriculture, material handling, and plastic. Geographically, the report studies the opportunities available in the regions of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.Request TOC of the Report @Global Variable Displacement Market: Drivers and RestraintsProsperity of the construction industry is the primary driver for the incremented demand for variable displacement pumps, which are used to gain better control over large machine activities. Over the course of next few years, construction industry is anticipated to continue surging due to the rising population and rapid urbanization, and consequently positively influencing the variable displacement market. Similar positive impact is expected from the automotive industry too, which is at an all-time peak, with extended demand from several emerging economies such as India, China, and Brazil, and Japan.By type, piston pump earns maximum uptake owing to their advanced technical properties such as wide volume functionality and pressure efficiency range. By application, hydraulic machine have the maximum demand, and is expected to remain most profitable segment through-out the forecast period, serving the end-use industries, which is dominated by the construction sector, and followed by automotive and oil and gas.Get Discount @Global Variable Displacement Market: Regional OutlookCurrently, vastly populated Asia Pacific is the most profitable region for the players, with rapid economic growth of several countries, improving lifestyle of the urban population, and increased investment in the end-use industries such as construction, automotive, and agriculture. Developed countries such as the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and France have moderate construction going on, although the industries of automotive and oil and gas will ensure healthy demand coming from North America and Europe during the forecast period. In addition to it, the liberalization of foreign trade and investments and the change in industrial policies is resulting into rapid industrialization in China for the past three decades. As China and India reside vast population base, this factor is contributing to the increasing demand for variable displacement pumps in the Asia-Pacific region.Companies mentioned in this research reportSome of the prominent players identified by the report in the global variable displacement pumps market are: Bosch Rexroth AG (Germany), Eaton Corporation (U.S.), Parker Hannifin Corp. (U.S.), Danfoss A/S (Denmark), Hawe Hydraulics (Germany), The Oilgear Company (U.S.), Yuken Kogyo Co., Ltd (Japan), Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Japan), Atos Spa (Italy), and Casappa Spa (Italy).About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Slovakia: LTE Service Take-Up, Broadband Rollout and Multiplay Services Will Support Revenue Growth

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In 2016, telecom service revenue in Slovakia will slightly decline compared with 2015, to $1.5bn (1.4bn), equivalent to 1.8% of the countrys nominal GDP. After several years of revenue pressure, Pyramid Research expects revenue to return to growth from 2017 onward and to reach $1.8bn (1.5bn) at the end of 2020. This result is consistent with a broader trend and outlook across Europe as regulatory pressure diminishes and operators start to monetize their next-generation network investments in a healthier price-competitive environment.Get The Sample Copy Of This Report :Key FindingsPyramid Research expects service revenue to grow at a CAGR of 0.7% in local currency terms from 2015 to 2020. The major drivers of revenue growth will be further customer migration to fiber, VDSL and LTE networks, along with increasing adoption of triple-or quad-play offers launched by Slovak Telekom and Orange Slovakia. Mobile revenue will continue to prevail over fixed revenue.Slovakias telecom services market is a consolidated market having three major players in 2015. The top three operators, Slovak Telekom, Orange Slovakia and O2 Slovakia, are expected to account for 83.3% of total service revenue in 2016. The telecom market is expected to remain more competitive than the fixed market in the forthcoming years due to the activity of the new market entrant, 4ka, which will expand its market share to 5% in 2020.Owing to the expansion of LTE networks and devices, LTE subscriptions will grow exponentially to reach 3.4m by 2020 (37% of all mobile subscriptions).FTTH/B is expected to become the largest technology in terms of access lines, accounting for 54.6% of all of access lines in 2020.Over the next five years, MNOs should seize major opportunities in areas such as network expansion, the move to LTE-A, the fixed broadband segment, M2M, wearables and multiplay offers to increase customer loyalty and generate additional revenue.Browse Full Report :SynopsisSlovakia: LTE Service Take-Up, Broadband Rollout and Multiplay Services Will Support Revenue Growth provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Slovakia today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2020. It delivers deep quantitative and qualitative insight into Slovakias telecom market, analyzing key trends, evaluating near-term opportunities and assessing risk factors, based on proprietary data from Pyramid Researchs databases.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, 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 2013 to 2020.The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers over the next 18-24 months.In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice and mobile data services: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in Slovakias telecommunications markets.Send An Enquiry :Reasons To BuyGain in-depth analysis of current strategies and future trends of Slovakias telecommunications market, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format, to build proactive and profitable growth strategies.Understand the factors behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Slovakias mobile communications, fixed telephony and broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares, to align product offerings and strategies to meet customers demand.Leverage the graphical information (more than 20 charts and tables in the report based on the Pyramid Research forecast products), to gain an overview of the Slovakian telecom market.Analysis of key telecom players in the markets and major business strategies being adopted by them, to identify the opportunities to improve the market share.Explore opportunities to align your product strategies and offerings to meet the requirements and succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Slovakia.MRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
The Public Safety LTE & Mobile Broadband Market Advances, Emerging Evolution 2016 - 2030 - Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts

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Due to the bandwidth limitations of their traditional voice-centric LMR (Land Mobile Radio) networks, public safety agencies are keen to leverage commercial cellular network technology to support their growing broadband application needs. Considering its thriving ecosystem, spectrum flexibility and performance metrics, LTE has emerged as the leading candidate for public safety mobile broadband networks. In addition, with the recent approval of the MCPTT (Mission Critical Push to Talk) voice standard as part of 3GPP Release 13, LTE has also become an attractive substitute for providing LMR-like voice services.Get The Sample Copy Of This Report :The Qatar Ministry of Interior made headlines when it deployed a private 800 MHz LTE network in 2012. Since then, numerous public safety LTE networks have sprung up across the globe, including the UAE, China, Laos, Turkey and Kenya. Several early adopter LTE deployments are also operational in the United States, as part of the planned FirstNet nationwide public safety broadband network. While most initial public safety LTE investments are limited to small-scale networks, nationwide rollouts in the United States and South Korea are expected to trigger significant large-scale investments throughout the globe.The European market is largely dominated by MVNO arrangements, such as the UK Home Offices ESN (Emergency Services Network) program that will use EEs commercial LTE network to deliver prioritized mission critical voice and data services for the UKs public safety agencies. As part of the program, EE is enhancing its existing network with additional sites, satellite backhaul and a dedicated mobile core for first responders, among other investments.Driven by the thriving ecosystem, SNS Research estimates that annual investments on public safety LTE infrastructure will reach $600 Million by the end of 2016. The market, which includes base stations (eNBs), mobile core and transport networking gear, is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 33% over the next four years. By 2020, these infrastructure investments will be complemented by over 4.4 Million LTE device shipments, including smartphones, rugged handheld terminals and vehicular routers.Browse Full Report :The Public Safety LTE & Mobile Broadband Market: 2016  2030  Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts report presents an in-depth assessment of the global public safety LTE market, besides touching upon the wider LMR and mobile broadband industries. In addition to covering the business case, challenges, technology, spectrum allocation, industry roadmap, value chain, deployment case studies, vendor products, strategies, standardization initiatives and applications ecosystem for public safety LTE, the report also presents comprehensive forecasts for mobile broadband, LMR and public safety LTE subscriptions from 2016 till 2030. Also covered are public safety LTE service revenues, over both private and commercial networks. In addition, the report presents revenue forecasts for public safety LTE infrastructure, devices, integration services and management solutions.The report comes with an associated Excel datasheet suite covering quantitative data from all numeric forecasts presented in the report, as well as a list and associated details of over 90 global public safety LTE network commitments (as of Q22016).Key Findings:The report has the following key findings:SNS Research estimates that annual investments on public safety LTE infrastructure will reach $600 Million by the end of 2016. The market, which includes base stations (eNBs), mobile core and transport networking gear, is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 33% over the next four years.By 2020, these infrastructure investments will be complemented by over 4.4 Million LTE device shipments, including smartphones, rugged handheld terminals and vehicular routers.Following the Qatar Ministry of Interiors private 800 MHz LTE network deployment in 2012, multiple private LTE rollouts are underway by security forces throughout the oil rich GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region, including the Abu Dhabi and Dubai police forces.Driven by nationwide public safety LTE network rollouts in the United States and South Korea, the North America and Asia Pacific regions will account for nearly 70% of all public safety LTE investments over the next four years.Almost all major LMR industry players are leveraging partnerships with established LTE infrastructure OEMs such as Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei and Samsung, to offer end-to-end LTE solutions.Consolidation efforts are continuing to take place throughout the industry, particularly among the largest LTE infrastructure OEMs and public safety system integrators.Send An Enquiry :Topics Covered:The report covers the following topics:Business case for public safety LTE and mobile broadband services, including key benefits and challengesTechnology, economics, trends, commercial commitments and deployment case studiesList of public safety LTE engagements worldwidePublic safety LTE infrastructure, devices and applicationsIndustry roadmap, value chain and standardization initiativesSpectrum allocation, deployment models and funding strategiesProfiles and strategies of over 260 ecosystem players including public safety system integrators and LTE infrastructure/device OEMsTCO analysis of private and commercial public safety LTE deploymentsMilitary and tactical LTE deploymentsPublic safety LTE base station (eNB) form factor analysisExclusive interview transcripts from 5 key ecosystem players: Ericsson, Airbus Defence and Space, Sepura, Aricent and Parallel WirelessStrategic recommendations for vendors, system integrators, public safety agencies and mobile operatorsMarket analysis and forecasts from 2016 till 2030Forecast Segmentation:Market forecasts are provided for each of the following submarkets and their subcategories:Public Safety LTE InfrastructureSubmarketsRAN (Radio Access Network)EPC (Evolved Packet Core) and PolicyMobile Backhaul and TransportRAN Base Station (eNB) Mobility CategoriesFixed Base StationsTransportable Base StationsRAN Base Station (eNB) Cell Size CategoriesMacrocellsSmall CellsTransportable RAN Base Station (eNB) Form Factor CategoriesNIB (Network-in-a-Box)VNS (Vehicle Network System)SOW (System-on-Wheels)Airborne PlatformPublic Safety LTE Management & Integration SolutionsSubmarketsNetwork Integration & TestingDevice Management & User ServicesManaged Services, Operations & MaintenanceCybersecurityPublic Safety LTE DevicesSubmarketsPrivate LTECommercial LTEForm Factor CategoriesSmartphones & Handportable TerminalsVehicle Mount Routers & TerminalsTablets & Notebook PCsUSB Dongles & OthersPublic Safety LTE Subscriptions & Service RevenueSubmarketsPrivate LTECommercial LTEPublic Safety User Subscriptions over Private Mobile BroadbandSubmarketsPrivate LTEPrivate WiMAXPublic Safety User Subscriptions over Commercial Mobile BroadbandSubmarkets3GWiMAXLTE5G & BeyondLMR SubscriptionsSubmarketsAnalogDMRdPMR, NXDN & PDTP25TETRATetrapolOthersLMR Data SubscriptionsSubmarketsP25 - Phase 1P25 - Phase 2TETRATEDSTetrapolOthersPublic Safety LTE ApplicationsSubmarketsVideo ApplicationszGIS, AVLS and MappingMobile VPN Access & SecurityCAD (Computer Aided Dispatching)Remote Database AccessTelemetry and Remote DiagnosticsBulk Multimedia/Data TransfersPTT & Voice over LTESituational Awareness ApplicationsRegional SegmentationAsia PacificEastern EuropeLatin & Central AmericaMiddle East & AfricaNorth AmericaWestern EuropeKey Questions Answered:The report provides answers to the following key questions:How big is the public safety LTE opportunity?What trends, challenges and barriers are influencing its growth?How is the ecosystem evolving by segment and region?What will the market size be in 2020 and at what rate will it grow?Which regions and submarkets will see the highest percentage of growth?How does standardization impact the adoption of LTE for public safety applications?When will MCPTT and proximity services see large scale proliferation?What is the status of private LTE rollouts and public safety MVNO offerings across the globe?What opportunities exist for commercial mobile operators and MVNOs in the public safety LTE market?Is there a market for 400 MHz LTE networks?What are the prospects of tactical, vehicle-mounted and airborne LTE eNB platforms?How can public safety agencies leverage unused spectrum resources to fund private LTE networks?What strategies should system integrators and vendors adopt to remain competitive?List of Companies Mentioned:The following companies and organizations have been reviewed, discussed or mentioned in the report:3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project)AaeonAbu Dhabi PoliceAccelleranAceAxisACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority)AculabAdaxADCOM911 (Adams County Communication Center)ADRF (Advanced RF Technologies)AdvantechAdvantech WirelessAeroflexAffarii TechnologiesAffirmed NetworksAgile NetworksAirbus Defence and SpaceAirbus GroupAir-LynxAirspan NetworksAirvanaAirwave SolutionsAjman PoliceAlcatel-LucentAltiostar NetworksAmdocsAniteAnritsu CorporationAPCO International (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials)AppleARASKOMArcadyanArgelaAricentARItelArqivaArtemis NetworksAselsanASOCSASTRI (Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute)ASTRIDASTRO SolutionsAsus (ASUSTeK Computer)AT&TAthena Wireless CommunicationsAthonetATIS (Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions)Atlas TelecomAvanti Communications GroupAvayaAVIAviat NetworksAvtecAxell WirelessAxis CommunicationsAxis TeknologiesAxxcelera Broadband WirelessBAE SystemsBandRichBarrett CommunicationsBASE (Belgium)Baylin TechnologiesBayRICS (Bay Area Regional Interoperable Communications Systems Authority)BayWEB (Bay Area Wireless Enhanced Broadband system)BFDXBilbao MetroBird TechnologiesBittium CorporationBlack Box CorporationBlackhawk ImagingBlacknedBluebirdBoise Police DepartmentBosch Security SystemsBrazilian ArmyBridgewaterBroadcomBrocade Communications SystemsBT GroupBTI WirelessC4iCalAmp CorporationCalgary Police ServiceCamden County Public SafetyCanadian Advanced Technology AllianceCasio Computer CompanyCatalyst CommunicationsCaterpillarCaviumCCI (Communication Components Inc.)CCI (Competitive Companies, Inc.)CCI (Crown Castle International)CCSA (China Communications Standards Association)CCTI (Catalyst Communications Technologies, Inc.)CellvineCeragonChina MobileCiena CorporationCisco SystemsCITIG (Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group)City of CharlotteCity of Fort WorthCity of IrvingCity of New OrleansCity of OaklandCity of Pembroke PineCobhamCobham WirelessCodan Radio CommunicationsColorado Parks and WildlifeComba Telecom Systems HoldingsCommAgilityCommandWear SystemsCommScopeComtech Telecommunications CorporationCONET TechnologiesConnectemContelaCore Network DynamicsCoriantCorningCovia LabsCPqD (Center for Research and Development in Telecommunications, Brazil)CradlepointCSI (Cellular Specialties, Inc.)Dali WirelessDAMM Cellular SystemsDAP TechnologiesDAPage NotificationsDataNet SoftwareDatang GroupDatang MobileDellDeltaNodeDish NetworkDNK (Norwegian Directorate for Emergency Communication)Dongwon T&IDragonWaveDSC (Digital Special Communication)Dubai PoliceDurabook (Twinhead International Corporation)Dutch PoliceEA Networks (Electricity Ashburton)EADSEastcomEchoStar CorporationEden Rock CommunicationsEEEENA (European Emergency Number Association)EF JohnsonElbit SystemsElta SystemsEMC CorporationEricssonEricsson LGETELMEtherstackEthertronicsETRI (Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, South Korea)ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute)EventideEXACOMExalt CommunicationsExelisEXFOExteNet SystemsFalu MunicipalityFederated WirelessFirstNet (First Responder Network Authority)FoxcomFraunhofer FokusFrench Armed ForcesFrench MOI (Ministry of Interior)FrequentisFujitsuGaltronicsGemtek Technology CompanyGENBANDGeneral Dynamics CorporationGeneral Dynamics Mission SystemsGenesis GroupGerman Armed Forces (Bundeswehr)Getac Technology CorporationGoodman NetworksGoodmill SystemsGoogleGovernor's OIT (Office of Information Technology), State of ColoradoGrant County Sheriffs OfficeGrenTech (China GrenTech Corporation)GWT (Global Wireless Technologies)Harris CorporationHarris CountyHFRS (Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service)HitachiHome Office, UKHoneywellHong Kong Police ForceHP (Hewlett-Packard Company)HQT RadioHTCHuaweiHughes CommunicationsHughes Network SystemsHytera Communications CompanyIAI (Israel Aerospace Industries)iBwave SolutionsiCOMIDF (Israel Defense Forces)ImtradexInmarsatInnerWirelessIntel CorporationIntel SecurityInterDigitalIntersecIntrepid Networksip.accessIPWirelessITELAZPIITU (International Telecommunication Union)JDI (JING DENG INDUSTRIAL)JMA WirelessJordanian Armed ForcesJRC (Japan Radio Company)Juni GlobalJuniper NetworksJVCKENWOOD CorporationKapsch CarrierComKathrein-Werke KGKBRKelrad SoftwareKenyan Police ServiceKeysight TechnologiesKirisun CommunicationsKisan TelecomKMWKodiak NetworksKPNKT CorporationKudelski GroupKyocera CommunicationsL-3 Communication Systems-WestL-3 Communications HoldingsLaos PoliceLA-RICS (Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System)Las Vegas Metropolitan Police DepartmentLemko CorporationLenovoLeonardo-FinmeccanicaLG CNSLG ElectronicsLG GroupLGS InnovationsLigado NetworksLijiang PoliceLiveViewGPSLockheed Martin CorporationLogic InstrumentMavenir SystemsMcWaneMegaFonMentura GroupMER-CellO Wireless SolutionsMetroPCSMiami Dade Police DepartmentMiami-Dade CountyMicrolabMilestone SystemsMIMOonMinistry of Industry and Information Technology, ChinaMitel Networks CorporationMitsubishi Electric CorporationMobileDemandMobilicomMobistarMODUCOM (MODULAR COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS)Moscow PoliceMoseley AssociatesMotorola MobilityMotorola SolutionsMPS (Ministry of Public Security, China)MPSS (Ministry of Public Safety and Security, South Korea)MSB (Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency)MTI MobileMutualinkNational Rail, UKNATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)NCRIC (Northern California Regional Information Center)NEC CorporationNedaaNeptune MobileNet4MobilityNetasNetMotion WirelessNevada Department of TransportationNew Jersey ROIC (Regional Operations Intelligence Center)New Jersey State PoliceNew Jersey TransitNew Mexico DoIT (Department of Information Technology)New Postcom Equipment CompanyNew Zealand PoliceNewCore WirelessNexiusNextG NetworksNextNavNI (National Instruments) CorporationNokia CorporationNokia NetworksNorthrop Grumman CorporationnTerop CorporationNTT DoCoMoNuRAN WirelessNutaqO3b NetworksOceus NetworksOctasicOMA (Open Mobile Alliance)Oman Royal OfficeOntario Ministry of TransportationONTHEGODEVICESOpenSignalOptiwayPanasonic CorporationPanda Electronics (Nanjing Panda Electronics Company)Panorama AntennasParallel WirelessPennsylvania State PolicePeproPhiladelphia Police DepartmentPhonakPiciorgros (Funk-Electronic Piciorgros),Pikewerks CorporationPolaris NetworksPolice Federation of AustraliaPortalifyPotevio (China Potevio Company)PowerTrunkProductivity Commission, AustraliaProximusPryme Radio ProductsPSCR (Public Safety Communications Research)Public WirelessPureWave NetworksPuxing RadioPyramid CommunicationsQatar Armed ForcesQatar MOI (Ministry of Interior)Qigihar Municipal Public Security BureauQiqihar PoliceQualcommQuanta ComputerQucellQuortusRACOMRadio IPRadisys CorporationRADWINRAVEN Electronics CorporationRaytheon CompanyRCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)Reality MobileRedline CommunicationsRELM WirelessRF WindowRFS (Radio Frequency Systems)Rio de Janeiro Fire DepartmentRivada NetworksRohde & SchwarzRohillRoper IndustriesRosenbergerSafaricomSAIC (Science Applications International Corporation)Samji Electronics CompanySamsung ElectronicsSamsung GroupSANG (Saudi Arabian National Guard)Sao Paulo Military PoliceSapura Secured TechnologiesSaudi MOI (Ministry of Interior)Savox CommunicationsSelex ESSepuraSerComm CorporationSESSETARSevis SystemsSFRShanghai Police DepartmentSiemensSiemens Convergence CreatorsSierra WirelessSignalionSikluSimocoSiRRANSK TelecomSK TelesysSLA CorporationSLC (Secure Land Communications)Smith Micro SoftwareSOLiD (SOLiD Technologies)Sonic CommunicationsSonim TechnologiesSony CorporationSpace DataSpectra GroupSpiderCloud WirelessSpirent CommunicationsStar SolutionsState of LouisianaState of MinnesotaState of MississippiState of New JerseyState of New MexicoState of OklahomaState of TexasState Security Networks Group, FinlandStop NoiseSumitomo Electric IndustriesSunnada (Fujian Sunnada Communication Company)Surrey PoliceSwedish National PoliceSymantecTait CommunicationsTaquaTCCA (TETRA and Critical Communications Association)TCL CommunicationTCS (TeleCommunication Systems)TDIA (TD-Industry Alliance)TE ConnectivityTechosonic IndustriesTecoreTEKTELIC CommunicationsTelefonicaTelevateTELEXTelrad NetworksTelstraTeltronicTelumTESSCOTETRAtabThalesTI (Texas Instruments)TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association)TITAN Communication SystemsT-MobileToshiba CorporationTropicoTurk TelekomTurkish National Police ForceTwisted Pair SolutionsU.S. ArmyU.S. CBP (Customs and Border Protection)U.S. CellularU.S. Coast GuardU.S. Department of CommerceU.S. Department of DefenseU.S. Department of Homeland SecurityU.S. Department of StateU.S. FCC (Federal Communications Commission)U.S. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)U.S. NavyU.S. NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)U.S. NPSTC (National Public Safety Telecommunications Council)U.S. NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration)UAE MOI (Ministry of Interior)UbidyneUIC (International Union of Railways)UNIMO TechnologyUniversity of OttawaUppsala Ambulance ServicesUS Digital DesignsUSPTO (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office)Utility AssociatesVerizon CommunicationsViaSatViavi SolutionsVidyoVientiane Municipal GovernmentVIRVEVision TechnologiesVMwareVodafoneVodafone New ZealandWest CorporationWestell TechnologiesWestern Australia PoliceWildoxWinmateWinMate CommunicationWireless Telecom Group CompanyWNC (Wistron NeWeb Corporation)Wytec InternationalxG TechnologyXplore Technologies CorporationZ-Com (ZDC Wireless)ZetronZhengzhou MetroZhengzhou Municipal Public Security BureauZhengzhou PoliceZinwaveZTEMRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Slovakia: Investments in LTE and FTTx Will Continue as Broadband Takes Center Stage for Market Growth

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Slovakia: Investments in LTE and FTTx Will Continue as Broadband Takes Center Stage for Market Growth, a new Country Intelligence Report by Pyramid Research, offers a precise, incisive profile of Slovakias mobile and fixed telecommunications and pay-TV markets based on comprehensive proprietary data and insights from our research in the Slovakian 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, broadband, mobile and pay-TV sectors, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.Get The Sample Copy Of This Report :Key FindingsIn 2014, the Slovakian telecommunication service market generated revenue of $2.0bn, down 0.9% from 2013. Over the forecast period, we expect revenue to growth at a moderate pace, driven by data services, as operators continue to expand their 4G coverage and fiber footprints in order to meet demand for higher bandwidth.Slovakias telecom services market is dominated by three integrated players. The top two operators, Slovak Telekom and Orange Slovakia, which offer fixed voice, broadband, pay-TV and mobile services, accounted for 73.4% of the service revenue total in 2014. We expect the telecom market to become more competitive over the forecast period, with O2 Slovakia, a mobile pure play that is third-largest in the market, gaining market share at the expense of the two others.Demand for fixed broadband will drive growth in the fixed telecom market in Slovakia through 2019. Uptake will be driven by service bundling and the deployment of next-generation networks, stimulated by the Slovakian regulator, which will use public funds to encourage broadband deployments where it is commercially unattractive for operators to deploy NGN on their own initiative.Major opportunities for investors in 2015 will come from Slovak Telekom which public shares are up to sell by the Slovakian Government. Also, the fragmentation of alternative players in the fixed market indicates the potential for consolidationSynopsisThis report provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Slovakia today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2019. It delivers deep quantitative and qualitative insight into Slovakias telecom market, analyzing key trends, evaluating near-term opportunities and assessing risk factors, based on proprietary data from Pyramid Researchs databases.Browse Full 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 (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 2014 to 2019.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 Slovakias telecommunications and pay-TV markets.Send an enquiry :Reasons To BuyThis Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Slovakias telecommunications and IPTV markets, 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 Slovakias 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 Slovakias 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 Slovakia.MRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Guatemala: Introduction of LTE Services and Operator Efforts to Enhance 3G Networks to Drive Growth in Data Segment

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https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/283325/guatemala-introduction-of-lte-services-and-operator-efforts-to-enhance-3g-networks-to-drive-growth-in-data-segment-market-research-reports.pdf

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Guatemala: Introduction of LTE Services and Operator Efforts to Enhance 3G Networks to Drive Growth in Data Segment, a new Country Intelligence Report by Pyramid Research, offers a precise, incisive profile of Guatemalas mobile and fixed telecommunications and pay-TV markets based on comprehensive proprietary data and insights from our research in the Guatemalan 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, broadband, mobile and pay-TV sectors, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.Get The Sample Copy Of This Report :Key FindingsWith revenue of US$2.9bn in 2014, 4.8% of GDP, the telecom services market in Guatemala is the largest in Central America. Over the next five years, we expect overall telecom services revenue to grow at a 3.4% CAGR, reaching $3.4bn by 2019. The mobile voice and data segments alone generated 66.1% of total revenue for the segment in 2014, while the fixed broadband Internet, voice and pay-TV segments accounted for the remaining 33.9%.By year-end 2014, mobile operators Movistar and Claro reported a combined net loss of 774,809 mobile subscriptions in Guatemala. This disconnection is the result of operators internal policies to clean up their bases and improve their current ARPS levels.Pyramid Research projects Guatemala closed 2014 with an estimated 2.6m fixed access lines, with PSTN lines accounting for 72.3% of the total, a 3.5% decline from the previous year. Despite the fact that DSL will continue to be the most adopted broadband technology between 2014 and 2019, we expect cable to expand at a faster pace, as Tigo has announced plans to invest in upgrading and increasing its network capacity in Guatemala.SynopsisThis report provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Guatemala today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2019. It delivers deep quantitative and qualitative insight into Guatemalas telecom market, analyzing key trends, evaluating near-term opportunities and assessing risk factors, based on proprietary data from Pyramid Researchs databases.Browse Full Report :The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following:Regional context: telecom market size and trends in Guatemala compared with other countries in the region.Economic, demographic and political context in Guatemala.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 2014 to 2019.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 Guatemalas telecommunications and pay-TV markets.Send An Enquiry :Reasons To BuyThis Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Guatemalas telecommunications and pay-TV markets, 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 Guatemalas 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 Guatemalas 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 Guatemala.MRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Qatar: Rising Data Traffic from LTE Networks and Expanded Fiber Coverage Will Support Revenue Growth Through 2020

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https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/357210/qatar-rising-data-traffic-from-lte-networks-and-expanded-fiber-coverage-will-support-revenue-growth-through-2020-market-research-reports.pdf

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The telecom service revenue in Qatar is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.6% between 2015-20 driven by growth in the mobile data and broadband segments. One of the major factors for growth of the mobile data will be the high rates of smartphone penetration which exists in the country. The country has a smartphone penetration level of 80% of total population, which is amongst one of the highest in the world. 3G and 4G services were launched in the country in 2006 and 2013 respectively by Ooredoo Qatar. Competition in the Qatari telecom market has been steadily evolving with Vodafone gaining share since its launch in July 2009. Ooredoo is the market incumbent and leader with share of over 70% of total service revenue. Mobile data revenues are estimated to witness a strong growth during 2015-20, as the operators are focussing on LTE and LTE-A rollouts. Pyramid Research expects the overall contribution of mobile data revenue to total telecom service revenue is estimated to grow by around 11 percentage points over 2015-20 to reach 41% by 2020.Get the sample copy of this report :Key FindingsThe Qatar telecom market is estimated to generate total telecom services revenue of $2.3bn in 2015 and is estimated to be the fourth largest in the GCC region in 2015. Pyramid Research expects total market revenue in Qatar to grow at a CAGR of 3.6% to reach $2.8bn in 2020.The mobile voice segment will contribute 44.6% of total revenue in 2015. We expect to see overall service revenue grow at a CAGR of 3.6% over the 2015-2020 period. Operators continue to roll out LTE (and LTE-A) as the standard for mobile broadband providing further impetus for growth of mobile data, with a projected CAGR of 10.7% over the forecast period and revenue contribution of 41.2% by 2020.Competition in the Qatari telecom market has been steadily evolving with Vodafone gaining share since its launch in July 2009. Ooredoo is the market incumbent and leader with share of over 70% of total service revenue.Fixed voice services, with total revenue of $372m, will make up 63.0% of total fixed revenue in 2015. Circuit-switched telephony will generate $275m in revenue, while revenue from VoIP services is estimated to increase by 92.4% to reach $97m in 2015.IPTV services in Qatar will reach a household penetration rate of 35.1% and will generate $25m in service revenue in 2015. The number of IPTV households will grow 18.7% year-over-year to reach 134,000 by year-end 2015.Browse Full Report :SynopsisQatar: Rising Data Traffic from LTE Networks and Expanded Fiber Coverage Will Support Revenue Growth Through 2020 report provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in the Qatar today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2020. It delivers deep quantitative and qualitative insight into the Qatars 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:Qatar 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 Qatar.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 the Qatar telecommunications and pay-TV markets.Send An Enquiry :ReasonsToBuyGain in-depth analysis of current strategies and future trends of telecommunications market of Qatar, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format, to build proactive and profitable growth strategies.Understand the factors behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Qatars mobile communications, fixed telephony and broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares, to align product offerings and strategies to meet customers demand.Leverage the graphical information (more than 20 charts and tables in the report based on the Pyramid Research forecast products), to gain an overview of the Qatars telecom market.Contains analysis of key telecom players in the market and major business strategies being adopted by them, to identify the opportunities to improve the market share.Explore novel opportunities to align your product strategies and offerings to meet the requirements and succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Qatar.MRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Singapore: Operators Invest in LTE Improvements and Multiplay Offers as Regulator Set to Increase Competition

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https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/496794/singapore-operators-invest-in-lte-improvements-and-multiplay-offers-as-regulator-set-to-increase-competition-market-research-reports.pdf

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The Singapore telecom market is among the most saturated and mature markets in Asia-Pacific and is estimated to generate telecom service revenue of $5.5bn by 2020. Mobile data will contribute nearly 37% of the total revenue, driven by proliferation of data-intensive apps, such as OTT and video. Operator investment in advanced technologies to boost indoor and outdoor LTE coverage will also be a major catalyst for growth of mobile data services in Singapore. The renewal of LTE licenses due for 2015 and 2017 will further extend the LTE coverage and enable operators to launch innovative offers. The corporate segment will be a key focus area for all three MNOs, and operators will launch services catering to business users needs, such as content delivery, cloud, managed services, cybersecurity and mobility management. Further, converged offerings will help operators to attract more customers in the coming years. Pay-TV operators will remain focused on expanding their content libraries by collaborating with content providers. Moreover, handset vendors will benefit from Singaporean operators device-bundle strategies and will leverage increasing data usage to drive up revenue.Get The Sample Copy Of this Report :Key FindingsWith one of the most mature and saturated telecom markets, Singapores telecom revenue will reach $4.8bn, or 1.6% of nominal GDP, by year-end 2015.Pyramid Research expects telecom service revenue to reach $5.5bn in 2020 (CAGR of 2.6% over 2015-2020) driven by operator investment in LTE network enhancement and fiber rollouts.The revenue mix will continue to be dominated by mobile services, due to ongoing deployment of HetNet networks to improve mobile coverage and pervasive demand for data. Fixed and mobile data penetration will increase subsequently and will account for 54.3% of total revenue in 2020, up from 46.4% in 2015.SynopsisSingapore: Operators Invest in LTE Improvements and Multiplay Offers as Regulator Set to Increase Competition provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Singapore today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2020. It delivers deep quantitative and qualitative insight into Singapores telecom market, analyzing key trends, evaluating near-term opportunities and assessing risk factors, based on proprietary data from Pyramid Researchs databases.Browse Full Report :The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following:An in-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony and broadband services, mobile voice and data 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 Singapores telecommunications markets.ReasonsToBuyGain in-depth analysis of current strategies and future trends of Singapores telecommunications market, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format, to build proactive and profitable growth strategies.Understand the factors behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Singapores mobile communications, fixed telephony and broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares, to align product offerings and strategies to meet customers demand.Leverage the graphical information (more than 20 charts and tables in the report based on the Pyramid Research forecast products), to gain an overview of the Singapore telecom market.Analysis of key telecom players in the markets and major business strategies being adopted by them, to identify the opportunities to improve the market share.Explore novel opportunities to align your product strategies and offerings to meet the requirements and succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Singapore.Send An Enquiry :MRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Food Delivery Mobile Application Market Anticipated to Reach $16,605 Million by 2023

Food Delivery Mobile Application Market

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2212

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/food-delivery-mobile-application-market

iOS deployment platform is expected to witness highest growth rate during the forecast period owing to rise in standards of living in the developing countries, increase in expenditure on luxury smartphones, and technological advancements in the design and features of iOS. Android deployment platform contributed the largest share of revenue in the global food delivery mobile application market and is expected to witness second highest growth rate during the forecast period owing to its easy accessibility, open-source platform, and deployment in a large portion of smartphone brands.According to a new report by Allied Market Research titled Food Delivery Mobile Application Market by Deployment Platform, End-user, and Geography: Global Opportunity and Forecast, 20172023, the global food delivery mobile application market size was valued at $3,120 million in 2016, and is projected to reach $16,605 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 27.9% from 2017 to 2023.Get Sample PDF Brochure of the Report@The Android market in deployment platform segment is on high demand in food delivery mobile application market, due to rise in number of food delivery application developments on Android and increase in number of Android users among the younger generation across several regions including Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Moreover, the Android platform provides user friendly approach, technological advancements in the design, operation, and flexibility, which in turn augments the Android food delivery mobile application market growth.Asia-Pacific was the largest market in food delivery mobile application industry for 2016 owing to increase in adoption of smartphones with Internet connectivity and change in preferences by the end users for improved food delivery models. Developing countries including China and South Korea are creating potential space for market development at a great pace. For instance, in South Korea top food delivery mobile apps such as Baedal Minjok, Yogiyo, and Baedal Tong deliver millions of users every month through their mobile applications. In addition, industry participants have realized the importance of strengthening the overall food delivery mobile application to ensure competence and effectiveness of the mobile apps in several other emerging markets such as Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.The surge in ICT spending, rise in usage of personal computers, laptops, mobile phones, and other devices, increase in broadband subscriptions worldwide, and adequate infrastructure development fuels the growth in digitization. The prominent markets, such as Asia-Pacific and Europe provide growth in infrastructure development, high adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, growth in literacy rate, and high youth population, which in turn are anticipated to fuel the market growth in the coming years.Access Full Summary@Based on the geography, the food delivery mobile application market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Asia-Pacific was the highest revenue contributor in 2016, accounting for around 49.0% share of the overall food delivery mobile application market size. The market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 29.8% during the forecast period, driven by rise in adoption of advanced connected devices and surge in internet connectivity.Key findings of the study Android deployment platform accounted for the highest share of the food delivery mobile application market in 2016, growing at a CAGR of 27.5%. Asia-Pacific generated the highest revenue in 2016, valued at $1,528 million. Food delivery market place dominated the market in terms of growth during the forecast period. China was leading in terms of food delivery mobile application market in 2016. In addition, India, Canada, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and other emerging markets are projected to provide significant opportunities for major players.The report features a competitive scenario of the food delivery mobile application market and provides the comprehensive analysis of key growth strategies adopted by major players. Key players profiled in the study are Apple Inc., CA, Inc., Cognizant, Google Inc., IBM Corporation, Mendix, Microsoft Corporation, Red Hat, Inc., SAP SE, and Zoho Corporation Pvt. Ltd. All these players are involved in the competitive strategies, such as geographical expansion, mergers & acquisitions, product portfolio expansion, and partnership to augment the growth of the food delivery mobile application market.About Us:Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions. AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.Contact Us:Rahul Thakur5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesDirect: +1-503-894-6022
Construction Accounting Software Market Share 2017 Global Industry Growth, Size, Demand, Segment, Statistics & Forecast to 2022

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Construction Accounting Software Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (United States, EU, Japan, China, India, Southeast Asia and etc.), Application Development status, Price Trend, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017  2022.This report studies the global Construction Accounting Software market, analyzes and researches the Construction Accounting Software development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, like as Sapphire Systems, Foundation Software, Integrity Software, Union Square Software, Procore Technologies, Core Associates, Applied Computer Systems, Mark Systems USA, CMiC and Contractors Software Group.Request a Sample Copy of Global Construction Accounting Software Market Research Report @Market segment by Regions/Countries, Construction Accounting Software Market report covers are United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia.Market segment by Type, Construction Accounting Software can be split into: Popular Edition and Standard EditionMarket segment by Application, Construction Accounting Software can be split into: Housing Construction, Municipal Engineering and OtherRequest Discount for Global Construction Accounting Software Market Research Report @Major Points in Table of Contents:Global Construction Accounting Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022Industry Overview of Construction Accounting Software MarketGlobal Construction Accounting Software Market Competition Analysis by PlayersGlobal Construction Accounting Software Market Company (Top Players) ProfilesGlobal Construction Accounting Software Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)United States Construction Accounting Software Market Development Status and OutlookEU Construction Accounting Software Market Development Status and OutlookJapan Construction Accounting Software Market Development Status and OutlookChina Construction Accounting Software Market Development Status and OutlookIndia Construction Accounting Software Market Development Status and OutlookSoutheast Asia Construction Accounting Software Market Development Status and OutlookMarket Forecast by Regions, Type and Application (2017-2022)Construction Accounting Software Market DynamicsMarket Effect Factors AnalysisResearch Findings and ConclusionRelated Reports: -United States Oil & Gas Project Management Software Market Report 2017In this report, the United States Oil & Gas Project Management Software 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:
C4ISR Market Forecast to 2022: Global Industry Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Segmentation Report

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Market Study Report adds Global C4ISR Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 new report to its research database. The report spread across 117 pages with table and figures in it. The report provides information on Industry Trends, Demand, Top Manufacturers, Countries, Material and Application."C4ISR is a military terminology, it is by the C2 (Command, Control) evolved, usually translated as command automation system. It is abbreviated of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence Surveillance, Reconnaissance. C4ISR system to provide military information command and management system, improve command efficiency. Now C4ISR has become the nerve center of modern army. Kosovo war is the first large-scale military use of C4ISR system by US."Request a Sample Copy of Global C4ISR Market Research Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the C4ISR 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, Global C4ISR Market report covers such as Lockheed Martin Corporation, Boeing, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman Corporation, L-3 Communications Holdings, Elbit Systems, BAE Systems, Thales Group, Harris Corporation and DRS Technologies.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 C4ISR Market Segment by Type, covers as Command & Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence and Surveillance.Global C4ISR Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Land Based System, Naval Systems, Air Force System and Space SystemRequest Discount for Global C4ISR Market Research Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global C4ISR market.Chapter 1, to describe C4ISR Market Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of C4ISR, with sales, revenue, and price of C4ISR, 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 C4ISR, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to C4ISR Market analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the C4ISR Market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, C4ISR market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe C4ISR Market sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.Related Reports: -United States C4ISR Market by Manufacturers, States, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022This report focuses on the C4ISR in United States market, to split the market based on manufacturers, states, type and application.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:
Immunoassay Reagents Market , Industry Analysis,Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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An immunoassay is a biochemical test that measures the presence of concentration of macromolecules in the solution through the use of immunoglobulin or antibody. Immunoassay is available in different formats and variations in order to suite different requirements. Immunoassay usually involves multiple steps where reagents are added and washed away or separated at different steps of the assay. In some of the immunoassay methods, the reagents are mixed with the sample in order to measure the samples concentration. Immunoassay techniques are specially used to effectively analyze compounds having extremely low concentrations. Immunoassay reagents are widely employed in pharmaceuticals, clinical and environmental fields.Request For Sample Report :Aggressive and consistent investment of the key market players in research and development is one of the major drivers for the growth of the overall immunoassay reagents market. Immunoassay also finds wide range of applications in detecting infectious diseases as well as diseases such as cancer and cardiac disorder among others. In addition, the introduction of innovative software tools coupled with increased consolidation of laboratories and hospitals to reduce maintenance cost and services has further boosted the demand for different test and assays. Thus, with the increasing demand for immunoassay in turn augments the overall growth of the reagents market. Lack of awareness, access and expertise required to conduct the immunoassay is expected to hamper the growth of the overall immunoassay reagent market. The immunoassay reagents utilized for thyroid testing where it is most widely consumed globally, while reagents used for conducting immunoassay for infectious diseases were the second largest consumed.Browse Full Report With TOC :The key participants of the immunoassay reagents include Sysmex Corporation (Japan), Siemens Healthcare (Germany), Roche Diagnostics (Switzerland), Abbott Laboratories (U.S.), Ortho Clinical Diagnostics (U.S.), Danaher Corporation (U.S.), Alere, Inc. (U.S.), DiaSorin S.P.A. (Italy), and Roche Diagnostics (Switzerland) among others.Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.State Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTelephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comGoogle+:Linked in:Twitter:
Global Aviation Fuel Market 2016-2020

Ethocle Reports has published its latest Market Research Report on Global Aviation Fuel Market 2016-2020. This industry research report identifies Air BP, Shell, Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and Gazprom as the key vendors in the global aviation fuel market. Browse tables and figures for more information.Click here for more information about this ReportBased on the Aircraft Fuel industrial chain, this report mainly elaborate the definition, types, applications and major players of Aircraft Fuel market in details. Deep analysis about market status (2012-2017), enterprise competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of enterprise Products, industry development trends (2017-2022), regional industrial layout characteristics and macroeconomic policies, industrial policy has also be included. From raw materials to downstream buyers of this industry will be analyzed scientifically, the feature of product circulation and sales channel will be presented as well. In a word, this report will help you to establish a panorama of industrial development and characteristics of the Aircraft Fuel market.Click here to get a Sample ReportMajor Players in Aircraft Fuel market are:ToscoKuwait PetroleumBPTotalChevronTexacoShellExxon MobilPDVSAClick here to get Discounts on this Report {Hurry Offer valid for Limited Time}Major Regions play vital role in Aircraft Fuel market are:North AmericaEuropeChinaJapanMiddle East & AfricaIndiaSouth AmericaOthersMost important types of Aircraft Fuel products covered in this report are:AvgasJet FuelMost widely used downstream fields of Aircraft Fuel market covered in this report are:MilitaryCivilGlobal Aircraft Fuel Industry Market Research Report1 Aircraft Fuel Introduction and Market Overview1.1 Objectives of the Study1.2 Definition of Aircraft Fuel1.3 Aircraft Fuel Market Scope and Market Size Estimation1.4 Market Segmentation1.5 Market Dynamics1.6 Industry News and Policies by Regions2 Industry Chain Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Material Suppliers of Aircraft Fuel Analysis2.2 Major Players of Aircraft Fuel2.3 Aircraft Fuel Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.4 Market Channel Analysis of Aircraft Fuel2.5 Major Downstream Buyers of Aircraft Fuel Analysis3 Global Aircraft Fuel Market, by Type3.1 Analysis of Market Status and Feature by Type3.2 Global Aircraft Fuel Value ($) and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)3.3 Global Aircraft Fuel Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)3.4 Global Aircraft Fuel Value ($) and Growth Rate by Type (2012-2017)3.5 Global Aircraft Fuel Price Analysis by Type (2012-2017)4 Aircraft Fuel Market, by Application4.1 Downstream Market Overview4.2 Global Aircraft Fuel Consumption and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Downstream Buyers by Application4.4 Global Aircraft Fuel Consumption and Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)5 Global Aircraft Fuel Production, Value ($) by Region (2012-2017)5.1 Global Aircraft Fuel Value ($) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)5.2 Global Aircraft Fuel Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)5.3 Global Aircraft Fuel Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)5.4 North America Aircraft Fuel Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)5.5 Europe Aircraft Fuel Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)5.6 China Aircraft Fuel Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)5.7 Japan Aircraft Fuel Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)5.8 Middle East & Africa Aircraft Fuel Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)5.9 India Aircraft Fuel Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)5.10 South America Aircraft Fuel Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6 Global Aircraft Fuel Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2012-2017)6.1 Global Aircraft Fuel Consumption by Regions (2012-2017)6.2 North America Aircraft Fuel Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)6.3 Europe Aircraft Fuel Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)6.4 China Aircraft Fuel Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)6.5 Japan Aircraft Fuel Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)6.6 Middle East & Africa Aircraft Fuel Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)6.7 India Aircraft Fuel Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)6.8 South America Aircraft Fuel Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)7 Global Aircraft Fuel Market Status and SWOT Analysis by Regions7.1 North America Aircraft Fuel Market Status and SWOT Analysis7.2 Europe Aircraft Fuel Market Status and SWOT Analysis7.3 China Aircraft Fuel Market Status and SWOT Analysis7.4 Japan Aircraft Fuel Market Status and SWOT Analysis7.5 Middle East & Africa Aircraft Fuel Market Status and SWOT Analysis7.6 India Aircraft Fuel Market Status and SWOT Analysis7.7 South America Aircraft Fuel Market Status and SWOT Analysis8 Competitive Landscape8.1 Competitive Profile8.2 Tosco8.3 Kuwait Petroleum8.4 BP8.5 Total9 Global Aircraft Fuel Market Analysis and Forecast by Type and Application9.1 Global Aircraft Fuel Market Value ($) & Volume Forecast, by Type (2017-2022)9.2 Global Aircraft Fuel Market Value ($) & Volume Forecast, by Application (2017-2022)10 Aircraft Fuel Market Analysis and Forecast by Region10.1 North America Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast (2017-2022)10.2 Europe Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast (2017-2022)10.3 China Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast (2017-2022)10.4 Japan Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast (2017-2022)10.5 Middle East & Africa Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast (2017-2022)10.6 India Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast (2017-2022)10.7 South America Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast (2017-2022)11 New Project Feasibility Analysis11.1 Industry Barriers and New Entrants SWOT Analysis11.2 Analysis and Suggestions on New Project Investment12 Research Finding and Conclusion13 Appendix13.1 Discussion Guide13.2 Knowledge Store: Maia Subscription Portal13.3 Research Data Source13.4 Research Assumptions and Acronyms UsedEthocle reports is a part of Ethocle Research and Development Private Limited.We provide the best next gen market research reports, analysis and forecasting reports available, understanding the statistical surveying needs of the market.We at Ethocle appreciate the importance of market research data for your institution. Hence we have teamed up with the best research institutes and market specialists to bring to you the latest, most pervasive statistical research.We have at our disposal one of the most exhaustive, highly reliable database of market research reports. We undertake extreme precautions in screening the credentials of publishers and authors before taking in their submissions.We specialize in delivering latest trending research reports and are way ahead of our peers in delivering tailored reports to suit our customers needs.We believe in generating not one sized fit- reports but requirement driven customized ones that makes all our customers a regular on the website.Rex Villa, Sr. No-36, Mozeswadi, Vadgaonsheri. Pune-411014+91 20 6533 3231+1 302 261 5322info@ethoclereports.com
Mentally Ill In Jails And Prisons - Awareness Of Correctional Mental Health Tragedy Brought To Light In Virginia Sollars New Novel, 'And Some Will Triumph'

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Many people are aware of the fact that the mental health crisis, one in which the mentally ill end up incarcerated as criminals, has reached epic proportions. On the other hand, many people are not. Before real solutions can be developed, awareness of the problem must increase.The jail and prison systems are filled with mentally ill individuals who end up incarcerated, rather than being placed in mental health facilities where they belong. These types of cases have dramatically overloaded the system and have caused law enforcement to take drastic measures to overcome what can only be called a dismal failure of the current systems.News organizations, radio, television and newspapers nationwide have been running feature stories on a regular basis. Many states are introducing legislative changes that attempt to address the problem. But it's not enough.Virginia Sollars believes there is a real opportunity for print and film media to help create awareness in the mind of the public. As a psychiatric nurse working in the correctional system, Virginia journeyed inside the minds of the mentally ill. Her book, 'And Some Will Triumph, is a dramatic retelling of the heartbreaking situations she encountered every day. It is Virginia's fervent hope that her book will be made into a movie or television series. If she can accomplish that, the result could be record shattering. It would shine a bright light on the problem and would enlighten the public as to the mind-boggling problems law enforcement must deal with on a daily basis.virginia sollars cover'And Some Will Triumph' relates the journey of Elizabeth, a compassionate nurse who comes to California from New York with her teenage daughter to work at the fictional Raine Correctional Facility. Elizabeth finds herself interacting with some of societys most troubled and challenging inmates and shows how she must at times fight the system to give the best care to her patients. Elizabeth tells the stories of both the psychiatric inmates as well as the nurses who have problems in their lives as well. Since the book is based on my professional experience, it is an insiders look into the minds of psychiatric inmates revealing their secrets, regrets, frustrations and hopes and how they cope with their life in jail. But my book is more than just the story. It explains the many mental health disorders in such a way that people without a medical background can understand, points out the broken mental health system and describes the reasons why the mentally ill are incarcerated.""I believe my book has great potential for a television series or a movie," Sollars said, "My book is very informative, it is written in such a way that everyone will finally understand what is means to be burdened with a psychiatric disorder, how the thought process is so different from ours and how it sometimes leads to involvement with law enforcement. My book is so different from any undertaking that has been taken before, its potential is great and I think that people will be amazed at what I have to say. I just need the right people to believe in me to get the word out. I know my book can make a difference. "Sollars' book has received rave reviews from readers. Kirkus Reviews said the book is . a remarkable timeline of the treatment of mental illness in the past 40 years, and its a triumphant account of her boldness as a mother, nurse, and woman. At a time when mental health is in the forefront of conversations about our health care system, her story is one of hope."One reader stated, "Absolutely the best book Ive read in years, uncensored look into correctional mental health, patients, inmates and the professionals who deal with some of societys most troubled criminals, their day to day struggles all interwoven within a gripping story of murder and suspense. A must read!" Another said, "Awesome story! While the story keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next, the real plight of the mental health patients in a correctional setting is heartbreaking.Virginia Sollars is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at virginiasollars@yahoo.com. 'And Some Will Triumph' is available at online retailers. More information is available at her website.Virginia Frusteri Sollars was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and became a registered nurse in 1980, working as a psychiatric nurse for most of her career. She worked in the jail system for twenty-six years, caring for and treating the mentally ill. She continues to advocate for the mentally ill though her presentations and radio shows advising people of the plight of the mentally ill.PO Box 1613Shallotte, NC 28459
Global Crane Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% by 2023

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Global Crane Market Information Report by Crane Types (Mobile Cranes, Fixed Cranes, and Marine Cranes), By Application (Construction & Infrastructure, Mining, Oil & Gas, and others) and By Region - Global Forecast To 2023Crane is primarily used for lifting heavy loads and transporting them to other places. It is widely used in mining, shipyards and marine sector. Growing construction and infrastructure sector across the globe, is the primary driving factor of the market. Technological innovations in crane models have resulted in lighter and more energy efficient cranes. These factors have had a positive influence on the growth of the market. However, stringent norms regarding the emission is a factor that may hamper the growth of the market.The global crane market accounted for USD 32.10 billion in 2016, and it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period.Get a sample report atStudy Objectives of Global Crane market To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next five years of the various segments and sub-segments of the global crane market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyze the global crane market based on tools such as Supply Chain Analysis, and Porters Five Force Analysis To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to regions and their respective key countries To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide country level analysis of the market for segments by crane type, by application and by region To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the crane marketAsia-Pacific region dominates the global crane market, followed by Europe. Growing demand from construction and infrastructure sector is driving the demand of the market in Asia-Pacific region. Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest pace during the forecast period. Europe is another major market for cranes. Expansion and upgradation of power grids and distribution networks are driving the demand of the market in this region.Browse complete report atKey Players Cargotec Oyj (Finland) Konecranes PLC (Finland) Liebherr Group (Switzerland) The Manitowoc Company, Inc. (U.S.) Terex Corporation (U.S.) Tadano Ltd. (Japan) Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Co., Ltd. (China) Manitex International Inc. (U.S.) Sumitomo Heavy Industry Construction Cranes Co. Ltd.(Japan) Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. (China)Intended Audience Manufacturing Industries Distributer & Supplier companies consultants and Investment bankers Government as well as Independent Regulatory Authorities Research OrganizationsAdditional Information Regulatory Landscape Pricing Analysis Macroeconomic IndicatorsCompany 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 companiesGet a discount atThe report for Global Crane 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, 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.Table of Contents1 Executive Summary2 Research Methodology2.1 Scope of the Study2.1.1 Definition2.1.2 Research Objective2.1.3 Assumptions2.1.4 Limitations2.2 Research Process2.2.1 Primary Research2.2.2 Secondary Research2.3 Market size Estimation2.4 Forecast Model3 Market Dynamics3.1 Market Drivers3.2 Market Inhibitors3.3 Supply/Value Chain Analysis3.4 Porters Five Forces Analysis4 Global Cranes Market, By Crane Types4.1 Mobile Cranes4.2 Fixed Cranes4.3 Marine Cranes5 Global Cranes Market, By Application5.1 Introduction5.2 Construction & Infrastructure5.3 Mining5.4 Oil & Gas5.5 others6 Regional Market Analysis6.1 Introduction6.2 North America6.2.1 U.S.6.2.2 Canada6.3 Europe6.3.1 U.K6.3.2 France6.3.3 Germany6.3.4 Spain6.3.5 Rest of Europe6.4 Asia-Pacific6.4.1 China6.4.2 Japan6.4.3 India6.4.4 Rest of Asia-Pacific6.5 Rest of the World7 Competitive Analysis7.1 Introduction7.2 Competitive Scenario7.2.1 Market Share Analysis7.2.2 Market Development Analysis7.2.3 Product/Service Benchmarking7.3 Cargotec Oyj7.3.1 Overview7.3.2 Product/Service Offering7.3.3 Strategy7.4 Konecranes PLC7.4.1 Overview7.4.2 Product/Service Offering7.4.3 Strategy7.5 Liebherr Group7.5.1 Overview7.5.2 Product/Service Offering7.5.3 Strategy7.6 The Manitowoc Company, Inc.7.6.1 Overview7.6.2 Product/Service Offering7.6.3 Strategy7.7 Terex Corporation7.7.1 Overview7.7.2 Product/Service Offering7.7.3 Strategy7.8 Tadano Ltd.7.8.1 Overview7.8.2 Product/Service Offering7.8.3 Strategy7.9 Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group7.9.1 Overview7.9.2 Product/Service Offering7.9.3 Strategy7.10 Manitex International Inc.7.10.1 Overview7.10.2 Product/Service Offering7.10.3 Strategy7.11 Hitachi Sumitomo Heavy Industry Construction Cranes Company.7.11.1 Overview7.11.2 Product/Service Offering7.11.3 Strategy7.12 Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co., Ltd7.12.1 Overview7.12.2 Product/Service Offering7.12.3 StrategyAt Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Akash AnandP: +1 646 845 9312W:
Worldwide Seaweed Industry is Expected to Reach at a CAGR over 7.5% During the Period 2017-2023

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Global Seaweed Market Information- By Type (Brown Seaweed, Green Seaweed, Red Seaweed), By Form (Powder, Liquid, Flakes, Others), By End Use (Textile Industry, Food, Paper and Pulp, Welding Rods, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care products, Others), and By Region Forecast to 2023Seaweed are defined as macroscopic and multicellular marine algae which are used to extract many important gums and are present globally. Seaweed are mainly used in cosmetics, in paints and also for the manufacture of adhesives. Seaweed are also used dyes, gels and in textile and paper industries. Seaweed are available in various forms and their extracts are used widely across the food industries. Seaweeds are rich source of calcium, vitamin K and Iron which makes its consumption more beneficial as it provides several health benefits.Increase in demand for natural food extracts imparting health benefits is likely to drive the market for seaweed. High demand for nutritional foods and alginates in food products is influencing the growth of seaweed market as a key ingredient. Seaweed is not only used in food industries but also have a wide applications in pharmaceutical industries based on the anti-cancer property of the product. Advancement in technology in the food sector has supported in fueling up the market share by extraction and consumption of beneficial compounds of seaweed.Get a sample report atDownstream analysis-Red seaweed is evaluated to increase at higher rate based on its high vitamin and mineral concentration. Red seaweed also helps in regulating the blood sugar level of the body. Based on the form of seaweed, the share held by liquid followed by powder form is found to escalate due to convenience usage and high shelf-life. Based on the end use application of the product, food industries followed by application in personal care products is found to be dominating the segment. In addition, based on the changing life-style in various regions, the sale of the product in various developed countries is found to be rising.Competitive analysis-The major key players in Seaweed market are Cargill Foods (U.S.) L.Thomas and Co., Inc (U.S.) Ingredients Solutions, Inc. (U.S.) Snap Alginates (India) Polygal Ag (Switzerland) Arthur Branwell & Co., Ltd (U.K.) Kimica Alginates (Japan)Food manufacturers across various regions follow the strategy of improving their existing product line as well as to add more nutritional value to their products to expand their business. This is one of the major factors due to which the demands of Seaweed as a potential food additive is experiencing a surge. In the Asia-Pacific region, Japan is amongst the dominating countries holding a major share in Seaweed market and exports the product in various other countries which include U.S., China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Netherlands and others.Regional AnalysisThe Global Seaweed Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and rest of the world (ROW). Asia Pacific region holds a major market share followed by North America. The high demands for Seaweed and Seaweed as a key ingredient from the developed countries of these regions is contributing to the positive growth of Seaweed market. Rising consumption of natural and unprocessed food products is supporting the growth of the market in developed countries of North America and Europe region. Thailand, Japan, China, Australia and U.S. are the major importers of Seaweed.Browse complete report atThe Global Seaweed Market is segmented under the following regions mentioned below:North America U.S. Canada MexicoEurope Germany France Italy Spain U.K. Rest of EuropeAsia-Pacific China India Australia Japan Rest of Asia PacificRest of the world Brazil Argentina Saudi Arabia South Africa OthersThe report for Global Seaweed 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 markets segments and regions.Get a discount atTable of Content1 Executive Summary2 Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope of the study2.2.1 Research Objectives2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 Limitations2.3 Markets Structure2.4 Stakeholders3 Research methodology3.1 Research Methods3.1.1 Primary research3.1.2 Secondary research3.2 Forecast model3.3 Market Size estimation4 MARKET DYNAMICS4.1 Introduction4.1.1 Trends in Supply/Production4.1.2 Trends in Demand/Consumption4.1.3 Value chain analysis4.1.4 Porters five forces4.1.5 Supply Chain Analysis4.1.6 Macroeconomic indicators Analysis for top 5 Producing countries5 MARKET TRENDS5.1 Consumer Trends5.2 Feedstock Analysis5.3 Trends in Production and Consumption5.4 Trade (Import-export) Analysis6. GLOBAL SEAWEED MARKET-By Type6.1 Introduction6.2 Market size (sub segments)6.2.1 Brown Seaweed6.2.2 Green Seaweed6.2.3 Red Seaweed7. GLOBAL SEAWEED MARKET- By Form7.1 Introduction7.2 Market size (sub segments)7.2.1 Powder7.2.2 Liquid7.2.3 Flakes7.2.4 Others8. GLOBAL SEAWEED MARKET-By End Use8.1 Introduction8.2 Market size (sub segments)8.2.1 Textile Industry8.2.2 Food8.2.3 Paper and Pulp8.2.4 Welding Rods8.2.5 Pharmaceuticals8.2.6 Personal Care products8.2.7 Others9. MARKET -By Region9.1 Introduction9.2 North America9.2.1 U.S.9.2.2 Canada9.2.3 Mexico9.3 Latin America9.3.1 Brazil9.3.2 Argentina9.4 Europe9.4.1 Germany9.4.2 France9.4.3 Italy9.4.4 U.K.9.4.5 Spain9.4.6 Rest of Europe9.5 Asia Pacific9.5.1 China9.5.2 India9.5.3 Australia9.5.4 Rest of Asia-Pacific9.6 RoW9.6.1 Egypt9.6.2 South Africa9.6.3 Others10. Competitive landscape10.1 Introduction10.2 Product Launch/Development10.3 Partnerships and Collaborations10.4 Acquisitions10.5 Business Expansion11. COMPANY PROFILES11.1 Cargill Foods (U.S.)11.2 P.L.Thomas and Co., Inc (U.S.)11.3 Ingredients Solutions, Inc. (U.S.)11.4 Snap Alginates (India)11.5 Polygal Ag (Switzerland)11.6 Arthur Branwell & Co., Ltd (U.K.)11.7 Kimica Alginates (Japan)At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Akash AnandP: +1 646 845 9312W:
There really is a near-term solution to Climate Change, and for those who believe Climate Change is a hoax there is no point reading any further.

Advanced nuclear reactors like GE-Hitachi's PRISM Reactor could curb Climate Change within the next 30 years if the fossil fuel lobby that controls this aspect of our government (the Department of Energy, or DOE) can somehow be pushed out of the way.

As long ago as 1994, PRISM Reactors proved that they can safely convert nuclear waste (spent nuclear fuel) into vast amounts of clean, carbon-free electricity and destroy 95% of the waste while doing so. By 1994 billions of tax dollars had already been spent proving that PRISM technology works at a small (24 Megawatt) scale. Now we need to demonstrate that it works equally well at the commercial scale (625 Megawatts). Colstrip Units 1&2, soon scheduled for shut down, would be an ideal place to show that PRISM technology can live up to its promise.

Governor Bullock, Senators Tester and Daines and Congressman Gianforte could create an amazing legacy for themselves, for Colstrip, and the State of Montana if only they would work together in a bi-partisan way to successfully promote a PRISM Demonstration reactor to replace the coal-fired boilers at Colstrip 1&2. A project of this nature would also provide a solid long-term future for Colstrip by offering residents and their children good, long-term, hi-tech clean energy jobs.

If we wait for DOE to go through all its ridiculous, mind-numbing hoops and hurdles there will not be a PRISM demonstration reactor in the United States until at least 2035. However, if the Trump administration could cut the red tape and work with Montana politicians and NorthWestern Energy there could be a PRISM reactor operating at Colstrip by 2025.

Seriously, there is a near-term solution to Climate Change; it is a combination of wind, solar, and advanced reactors like PRISM. Do we have what it takes to fight fossil fuel lobby to make it happen? For the sake of our children and grandchildren, I certainly hope so.

Bob Balhiser

Helena
Global Oil Pump Market Report  Industry Share And 2022 Forecasts Analysis

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ReportsWeb.com has announced the addition of the Global Oil Pump Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.The use of the oil pump is to deliver the oil in the oil pan to the filter, and the oil through the filter can still be reliably transported to the various lubricating oil and the friction surface of the moving parts. When the engine is working, the oil pump is constantly working to ensure that the oil circulates in the oil path.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Oil Pump 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.Complete report is available atMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversSTACKPOLETRWMagnaNidecBosch RexrothTsang YowShenglong GroupSHWPierburg (KSPG)Toyo Advanced TechnologiesMahleHunan Oil PumpChang Zheng Power Machine FittingFuxin Dare Automotive PartsGet a SAMPLE Request atMarket 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, coversElectric Oil PumpMechanical Oil PumpMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoOEMAMTable of ContentChapter 1, to describe Oil Pump Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Oil Pump, with sales, revenue, and price of Oil Pump, 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 Oil Pump, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Get Discount atChapter 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, Oil Pump market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Oil Pump sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourcePurchase this 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
Temperature Sensor Market - Forecasts from 2017 to 2022

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Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence announces the publication of a new report: Temperature Sensor Market - Forecasts from 2017 to 2022The Temperature Sensor Market is driven by high demand for these sensors from food and beverage industry for quality assurance and initiatives being taken by various governments towards environmental protection. Advancement in nano and micro technology have helped in developing high performance, reliable, accurate and cost-effective temperature sensor solutions for various industrial applications. Growing demand of contactless temperature sensors for hazardous locations is also expected to boost the demand of these sensors over the forecast period.This report segments Temperature Sensor market By Type(Contact, Integrated Circuit, Thermistor, RTD, Thermocouple, Non-Contact, Infrared and Thermophile), By Connectivity(Wired, Wireless), By End-User Industry(Automotive, Oil and Gas, Food and Beverage, HVAC, Consumer Electronics, Chemical and Others), By Geography( Americas, Europe Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific).The report provides in-depth and most accurately anticipated forecasts in a quantitative manner.Some of the major Temperature Sensor vendors covered in the report are Honeywell International, ABB, Texas Instruments, Analog Devices, NXP Semiconductors, Siemens and others.Place a sample request or buy directly by clicking below:Sensor Market -market-forecasts-from-2017-to-2022For any report inquiry: info@knowledge-sourcing.comFor any sales inquiry: info@knowledge-sourcing.comThis 102 pages report contains a wide range of figures and data tables for the forecasted period based on the segmentations listed above.SegmentationTemperature Sensor Market has been segmented by type of product, industry, and geography as below:By TypeContactIntegrated CircuitThermistorRTDThermocoupleNon-ContactInfraredThermophileBy ConnectivityWiredWirelessBy End-User IndustryAutomotiveOil and GasFood and BeverageHVACConsumer ElectronicsChemicalOthersBy GeographyAmericasNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaMexicoOthersSouth AmericaBrazilArgentinaOthersEurope Middle East and AfricaEuropeUKGermanyFranceItalySpainOthersMiddle East and AfricaSaudi ArabiaUAEIsraelOthersAsia PacificJapanChinaIndiaAustraliaOthersKnowledge Sourcing Intelligence is a market research and consulting firm based out of India. Driven by industry experts, the company provides syndicated reports, custom research, and consulting services. Our proprietary data analytics model blended with quality primary and secondary research data assists in generating quality reports providing crucial insights to managers and decision makers. The services offered by us help companies to gain required a competitive edge. Our expertise across 10 industries such as ICT, Chemicals, Semiconductors, Healthcare among others caters to diverse client needs.Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence,Ascent Business CenterH-38, Sector-63, Noida, IndiaCall: +1-866-714-4587
Global Fuel Card Market Size, Growth, Detailed Analysis, Trends & Forecasts (2017-2021)

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The report entitled Global Fuel Card Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2017-2021) provides an in-depth analysis of the global fuel card market with detailed description of market size and growth. The analysis includes market size in terms of value, market share by region and, addressable market. Fuel card penetration rate by region, on the basis of types of vehicle has also been provided.The report also provides brief regional/country analysis of Europe. The analysis include market sizing in terms of value and fuel spending. Europe is expected to dominate the global fuel card market in the forecasted period also.Request To Get The Sample Copy Of This report :Furthermore, the report also assesses the key opportunities available in the market and outlines the market dynamics that are and will be accountable for growth of the industry. Growth of the global fuel card market has also been forecasted for the period 2017-2021, taking into consideration previous growth outlines, growth drivers and the existing and forthcoming trends.A brief company profiling of major players namely BP, WEX Inc., FLEETCOR and, Royal Dutch Shell has been provided in the report on the basis of aspects like business overview, financial overview and business strategies adopted by respective companies.Company CoverageBritish Petroleum (BP)WEX Inc.FLEETCORRoyal Dutch ShellRegion CoverageEuropeExecutive SummaryA card especially designed for the payment the fuel stations are known as fuel cards or fleet cards. The card is similar in appearance like a credit card, and works in a similar way.Browse Full report :A wide variety of fuel cards are available in the market and each with different features and specifications. The most common types of fuel cards are: Branded Fuel Cards, Universal Fuel Cards and, Merchant Branded Cards. On the basis of type of vehicles, fuel cards are available for light fleets and heavy fleets.The global fuel card market has increased at a significant growth rate over the past few years and projections are made that the market would rise in the next four years i.e. 2017 to 2021. The global fuel card market is expected to increase on the back of rising demand for cashless fuel transactions, consolidation of the fragmented market, availability of a large number of value added services associated with fuel cards, etc. Yet the market faces some challenges such as rising competition from new entrants, changing legal framework, volatile oil prices, rising consumer expectations, etc.Send An Enquiry :MRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Myasthenia Gravis Market Size, Technological Advancements, Rising Geriatric Population, Trends & Forecasts (2017-2021)

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The report titled Global Myasthenia Gravis Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2017-2021) provides a detailed analysis of the myasthenia gravis market with description of market size and growth. The analysis includes market size in terms of value, and market share on the basis of therapy, by cases and by severity.The report also provides a brief regional analysis of the US. The analysis includes market size in terms of number of patients on the basis of types of myasthenia gravis. Geographically, the Americas were the largest market and is expected to dominate the market in the forecasted period also. The growth in the market is estimated on the back of rising elderly population in the region.Request to get the sample copy of this report :Furthermore, the report also assesses the key opportunities available in the market and outlines the market dynamics that are and will be accountable for growth of the industry. Growth of the global myasthenia gravis market has also been forecasted for the period 2017-2021, taking into consideration previous growth outlines, growth drivers and the existing and forthcoming trends.Some of the prominent players of the market include Avadel Pharmaceuticals, Hoffmann-La Roche, Pfizer, and Argenx. A brief company profiling of these major players have also been provided in the report on the basis of aspects like business overview, financial overview and business strategies adopted by respective companies.Company CoverageAvadel PharmaceuticalsF. Hoffmann-La RochePfizerArgenxRegion CoverageThe USBrowse Full Report :Executive SummaryMyasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disease that leads to weakness in the skeletal muscles, which help in the breathing and movement of the body parts including the arms and legs. The word myasthenia gravis has Latin and Greek origin and means serious muscle weakness. Myasthenia Gravis is rare and only affects 14 to 20 people out of every 100,000. The main symptom of myasthenia gravis is weakness in the voluntary skeletal muscles, which are muscles under ones control. Weakness associated with MG typically gets worse with more activity and improves with rest.The disease is categorized into six types namely: Early-Onset MG, Late-Onset MG, Thymoma-Associated MG, MG with Anti-Musk Antibodies, Ocular MG, and MG with no detectable AChR and MuSK Antibodies. Myasthenia gravis is caused by an error in the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles. Major treatments available for MG are Symptomatic Treatment, Rapid Short-Term Immune-Modulating Treatment, Chronic Long-Term Immune-Modulating Treatment and Surgery.Send An Enquiry :The global myasthenia gravis market has increased over the past few years and projections are made that the market would rise in the forecasted period i.e. 2017 to 2021 at a significant growth rate. The global myasthenia gravis market is expected to boost by the major factors such as rising geriatric population, technological advancements, approval of monoclonal antibodies, strategies such as mergers and acquisitions etc. Yet the market growth is restrain by some challenges such as competition from off-label drugs, limited availability of FDA approved drugs, high cost of the treatment etc.MRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) System Market

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More than 570 commercial treatment sites treated over 115, 000 cases with HIFU system throughout the world with great success.High Intensity Focused Ultrasound(HIFU) is a modality of therapeutic ultrasound and is a noninvasive method to deposit acoustic energy into tissue. In HIFU therapy, ultrasound beams are focused on diseased tissue, and due to the significant energy deposition at the focus, temperature within the tissue rises to 65 to 100C, destroying the diseased tissue by coagulation necrosis. Each sonication of the beams treats a precisely defined portion of the targeted tissue.Market growth can be attributed to factors such asincreasing population base of cancer patients, technological advancements in HIFU devices, increasing number of commercial treatment centres, increasing demand for minimally invasive treatment procedures, and growing awareness regarding the benefits offered by HIFU procedures over those of conventional therapeutic.The Research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the HIFU research sites, preclinical research sites, clinical research sites, technical research sites, commercial treatment sites and treatment by indication.Additionally, the report includes insight of clinical trials of the HIFU System. Key trends in terms of collaborations, distribution agreement and partnership deals are analyzed with details.The report also includes comprehensive profiles of HIFU system manufacturers such Philips Healthcare, EDAP TMS, Sonacare Medical, Haifu Medical, Shanghai A&S Co., LTD, Mianyang Sonic Electronic Ltd., Insightec, Theraclion, Alpinion Medical Systems, FUS Instruments, Image Guided Therapy, Medsonic Ltd, Promedica Bioelectronics, Sumo Corporation Ltd and Mirabilis Medica. The thorough description of players includes parameters such as business overview, revenue, products analysis and recent development & trends of the manufacturers.Complete Report @Global High Intensity Focused Ultrasound(HIFU) System Market  15 Manufacturers covered1) EDAP TMS2) Philips Healthcare3) Sonacare Medical4) Haifu Medical5) Shanghai A&S Co., LTD6) Mianyang Sonic Electronic Ltd.7) Insightec8) Theraclion9) Alpinion Medical Systems10) FUS Instruments11) Image Guided Therapy12) Medsonic Ltd13) Promedica Bioelectronics14) Sumo Corporation Ltd15) Mirabilis MedicaDPI Research is a business solutions firm which offer bespoke market research reports, custom research solutions and consulting across multi geographies and industry verticals. We deliver wide range of cutting-edge research solutions that helps organizations in making better decisions of the business to business needs.DPI Research provides high standard of business research reports to the clients across industry verticals comprising Life Sciences, Information Technology, Telecom & Internet, Food Beverages & Agriculture, Travel & Tourism, Consumer Goods & Retail, Education and Social Sciences. We are committed to use advanced analytical tools and methodologies to help clients with crucial industry information for decision making.DPI Research approaches for the business research led by a team of dynamic industry experts. DPI Research provides a real insight for effective decisions to help business with the help of current source and accurate data available in the market. DPI Research reach across the globe with global standards from established markets in the North America and Europe to emerging markets in South America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa to provide the best business solutions.Maria RaiTel :+91 -7289949987Email: sales@dpiresearch.comWebsite:
Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2017

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ReportsWeb.com published Renewable Energy Market from its database. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market."Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2017" is among the latest region specific policy reports from Publisher, the industry analysis specialist that offers comprehensive information on major policies governing renewable energy market in the region.The report provides the current and future renewable energy targets and plans along with the present policy framework, giving a fair idea of overall growth potential of the renewable energy industry. The report also provides major technology specific policies and incentives provided in the region.The report is built using data and information sourced from industry associations, government websites and statutory bodies. The information is also sourced through other secondary research sources such as industry and trade magazines.For more information about this report:Scope- The report covers policy measures and incentives used in the Asia Pacific region to promote renewable energy.- The report details promotional measures in the Asia Pacific region both for the overall renewable energy industry and for specific renewable energy technologies that have potential in the region.Reasons to buyThe report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner. It will allow you to -- Develop business strategies with the help of specific insights about policy decisions being taken for different renewable energy sources.- Identify opportunities and challenges in exploiting various renewable technologies.- Compare the level of support provided to different renewable energy technologies in the Asia Pacific region.- Be ahead of competition by keeping yourself abreast of all the latest policy changes.Request Sample Copy atTable of Content:1.1 List of Tables 62 Executive Summary 83 Introduction 104 Renewable Energy Policy, Australia 115 Renewable Energy Policy, China 206 Renewable Energy Policy, India 407 Renewable Energy Policy, Indonesia 558 Renewable Energy Policy, Japan 619 Renewable Energy Policy, Kazakhstan 6510 Renewable Energy Policy, Malaysia 6911 Renewable Energy Policy, New Zealand 7312 Renewable Energy Policy, Pakistan 7913 Renewable Energy Policy, Philippines 8614 Renewable Energy Policy, Singapore 9015 Renewable Energy Policy, South Korea 9316 Renewable Energy Policy, Taiwan 10117 Renewable Energy Policy, Thailand 10718 Renewable Energy Policy, Vietnam 11519 Appendix 122Inquire for Report atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer Bauxite Mining and our customer support Bauxite Mining is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
UK Protection Insurance 2017-Term and Whole of Life

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ReportsWeb.com published Protection Insurance Market from its database. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market."UK Protection Insurance 2017: Term and Whole of Life", covers the market for individual regular premiums, concentrating on the main market for all types of consumers seeking their own cover. Taking protection as a whole, it focuses on the major and closely related product lines of term and whole of life insurance that broadly provide financial compensation in the risk-measured event of death or severe health issues. The report examines the size of the protection market over time, and how the distribution landscape is changing and being impacted by technology and direct propositions. It discusses the top market players and their propositions. The report forecasts how the size of the market will change over the next five years, discusses consumer engagement with protection products, and highlights how providers' propositions are likely to change in the future.For more information about this report:The UK life protection market for regular, individual premiums has entered a quiet period, with a new normal level of business of reduced contracts and premiums since 2013. With the protection market fairly stable in terms of premiums, the real story lies in changes in distribution. The non-advised channel is starting to gain momentum for term products that can be easily commoditized. Term distribution is expected to move away from independent financial advisors (IFAs) and begin to mirror the general insurance market, where policies are sold directly and through aggregators. Providers' propositions are also changing. Policies are becoming more personalized to individual risk, with insurers developing policies for specific risk groups. Providers are also trying to actively help their customers manage their health.Scope- The protection market is dominated by a few key players. Legal & General holds the largest share of the term market, whereas SunLife holds the largest proportion of the whole of life market.- Providers are trying to actively help their customers manage their health by investing in diagnostic healthcare technology, launching wellbeing apps, and providing customers with virtual GP services.- Following the Retail Distribution Review, robo-advice and technology will help bridge the advice gap for less affluent consumers.Request Sample Copy atReasons to buy- Understand how customers perceive protection products and what can be done to make them more attractive.- Remain competitive by discovering how providers are changing their propositions.- Discover how technology and robo-advice are being used to simplify the distribution of protection products.- See how the UK protection market is forecast to grow over the next five years.Companies Mentioned:Legal & GeneralSunLifeScottish FriendlyAvivaRoyal LondonZurichVitalityVirgin MoneyPost OfficeInquire for Report atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer Bauxite Mining and our customer support Bauxite Mining is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Mexico Airway Stenting Procedures Outlook to 2023

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ReportsWeb.com published Airway Stenting Procedures Market from its database. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Publisher's new report, "Mexico Airway Stenting Procedures Outlook to 2023", provides key procedures data on the Mexico Airway Stenting Procedures. The report provides procedure volumes within market segments - Malignant Airway Obstruction Stenting Procedures and Airway Stenting Procedures for Other Indications.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. Publisher uses epidemiology based models to estimate and forecast the procedure volumes. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.For more information about this report:The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs) , physicians and industry experts to validate the procedure volumes.Scope- Mexico Airway Stenting Procedures volumes by segments - Malignant Airway Obstruction Stenting Procedures and Airway Stenting Procedures for Other Indications.- Projections for each of the market segments. Data is provided from 2009 to 2016 and forecast to 2023.Request Sample Copy atReasons to buy- Develop business and investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.Table of Content:1.1 List of Tables 31.2 List of Figures 32 Introduction 42.1 What Is This Report About? 42.2 Airway Stenting Procedures, Segmentation 42.3 Definitions of Procedures Covered in the Report 53 Airway Stenting Procedures, Mexico 63.1 Airway Stenting Procedures, Mexico, 2009-2016 63.2 Airway Stenting Procedures, Mexico, 2016-2023 83.2.1 Airway Stenting Procedures for Other Indications, Mexico, 2009-2016 103.2.2 Malignant Airway Obstruction Stenting Procedures, Mexico, 2009-2016 123.2.3 Airway Stenting Procedures for Other Indications, Mexico, 2016-2023 143.2.4 Malignant Airway Obstruction Stenting Procedures, Mexico, 2016-2023 164 Appendix 184.1 Research Methodology 194.1.1 Coverage 194.1.2 Secondary Research 194.1.3 Primary Research 204.1.4 Market Modeling and Forecasting 214.1.5 Company Share Analysis 224.1.6 Distribution Share Analysis 234.1.7 Benchmarking 234.2 Publisher Consulting 234.3 Contact Us 244.4 Disclaimer 24Inquire for Report atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer Bauxite Mining and our customer support Bauxite Mining is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
SEATTLE  Amazon.com, America's fifth-largest company by market value, is still growing like an adolescent and planting flags in new markets. That is prompting some policymakers and legal experts to ask: How big is too big?

It's a key issue for an economy being rapidly reshaped by e-commerce, a sector where Amazon and the merchants operating on its platform account for up to a third of all U.S. sales, according to some estimates.

It's also critical for Seattle, a city that has hitched its wagon to the e-commerce titan, and that once saw another local champion, Microsoft, mired in a lengthy antitrust battle. That fight, over Microsoft keeping a rival internet browser off PCs running Windows, almost led to the split-up of the software giant.

E-commerce is not Amazon's only game. It also dominates cloud computing, and it may soon have a significant brick-and-mortar presence, with its pending acquisition of Whole Foods Market. The unexpected $13.7 billion deal announced in June spurred an outcry among critics of the company and some members of Congress who asked the Federal Trade Commission to take a close look at the deal.

Last month, Marc Perrone, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents grocery workers, wrote to the FTC that Amazon's proposed takeover of the organic food purveyor "is a competitive threat to our economy that will hurt workers and communities."

Legal experts say it's really hard to build an antitrust case against the Whole Foods deal, which would give Amazon just a small percentage of the U.S. grocery market.

Amazon's budding dominance in other markets, too, is likely to remain unchallenged in the long term, unless the philosophy underlying antitrust regulations changes. In fact, U.S. regulators have sided with Amazon against its rivals' anti-competitive moves  such as when they charged Apple and top New York publishers with conspiring to raise prices for e-books, a market Amazon dominates.

GIVING CUSTOMERS WHAT THEY WANT

Under the current U.S. antitrust view, how consumers are treated is the prime factor, not the company's dominance in a market. for example, by conspiring to make the products they buy artificially more expensive. Another way Amazon could run into trouble is by undermining rivals with strategies such as sustained predatory pricing or forcing suppliers to lock out competitors.

But rather than using tactics like that, some experts say, Amazon has built its empire just by giving customers what they want  products at low prices with lots of choices  which is not against the rules, no matter how big it grows.

"Antitrust law doesn't make it illegal to get market power," provided it was done properly, said A. Douglas Melamed, a professor of antitrust law at Stanford University and a former U.S. Department of Justice antitrust official. Amazon's humongous size is "politically important," but not an antitrust issue. "Not if they got there by being more innovative and more creative than the next guy," he said.

At the same time, the huge role occupied by Amazon  and other big tech firms such as Google and Facebook  is fostering a rethinking among policy wonks about how government can oversee the power of these large tech companies.

"A lot of people are waking up to the fact that Amazon has positioned itself as a central piece of infrastructure for the 21st century economy," said Lina Khan, a fellow at the New America Foundation, a Washington, D.C., think tank. She is also author of "Amazon's Antitrust Paradox," which has attracted widespread attention since it was published in January by the Yale Law Journal.

"We need to rethink how to go about preserving competition," she said in an interview.

Amazon downplays the antitrust issue. During a recent call with reporters, Amazon Chief Financial Officer Brian Olsavsky said that "the businesses we are in are all very large market segments with lots of very serious competition."

Nevertheless, the company last year hired a veteran D.C. antitrust adviser, Seth Bloom.

$80 BILLION IN SALES

Amazon's North American retail sales, which include Canada, totaled about $80 billion in 2016. That doesn't include sales by third-party merchants operating on Amazon's site, which some experts estimate to be about the same, or more.

Together, Amazon and its merchants account for about a third of all online sales. But e-commerce is a tiny part  about 8.15 percent  of the huge U.S. retail sector.

Amazon grows fast, however. In the latest quarter, the company's sales grew 25 percent, to $38 billion, and the company is on track to becoming the second-largest U.S. employer among the Fortune 500, after Wal-Mart.

It dominates some markets, such as e-books. In others, it's growing so quickly that it makes incumbents quake. For instance, analysts with Cowen estimate that Amazon might surpass Macy's as the biggest seller of clothes this year.

When a rumor arises that Amazon might dip its toe in a new market, stocks for potential rivals tremble, as happened to Zillow in June amid reports of a potential Amazon service for real-estate agents.

Even more important than its retail power, in the eyes of some policymakers, is Amazon's increasingly central role as a platform widely used by other retailers. Brands now feel compelled to hawk their wares on Amazon's site, the biggest destination for online shoppers.

Many merchants also pay to use Amazon's logistics, having their products stored and shipped by the Seattle giant. Amazon, the largest purveyor of cloud computing, even rents competitors the computing capacity they need to operate their businesses.

Khan, the New America fellow, likens Amazon to the 19th century railroad empires that farmers and manufacturers relied on to get their products to market  and whose power generated public concern that led to the creation of the first federal antitrust laws.

"Today you have to ride Amazon's rails," she said.

Current antitrust laws, which focus on protecting efficiency and consumer prices, are ill-suited to regulate that type of power. They also don't fully take into account how Amazon's bevy of mutually reinforcing businesses can undermine competition, Khan argues.

But that regulatory framework could change. In the past year, the attention the issue has been getting from the media and members of Congress on both sides of the aisle "has been mind-blowing," Khan said.

In a recent Op-Ed in The New York Times, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., pointed to more strict oversight of corporate giants as one of the main points of the Democratic Party program.

"We are going to fight to allow regulators to break up big companies if they're hurting consumers and to make it harder for companies to merge if it reduces competition," he wrote.

Experts say the Whole Foods deal is likely to sail through, despite the initial controversy.

Melamed, the Stanford professor, said that the grocery chain and Amazon today barely compete. Whole Foods, with annual sales of about $16 billion, represents a tiny sliver of the $600 billion U.S. grocery market. And Amazon's U.S. grocery and pantry sales totaled just $400 million in the first quarter of 2017, according to calculations by One Click Retail, an e-commerce consultancy.

In the longer term, too, Melamed sees a relatively clear runway for Amazon, as long as it behaves.

He acknowledged there is some restlessness among experts regarding the relative passivity of antitrust regulators in recent decades. "There's an increasing sentiment, even among the antitrust technocrats, that perhaps antitrust law has not been aggressive enough," he said. That laxity has allowed, in the eyes of critics, a series of gigantic deals across the U.S. economy that have increased market concentration.

But Melamed expects any regulatory changes that may occur to be relatively minor  perhaps closer scrutiny of upcoming deals, or looking at a longer-term horizon when projecting whether a merger might result in competitive harm.

A bigger challenge to Amazon might come from Europe.

Last June, the European Commission fined Google some $2.7 billion for allegedly giving its own price-comparison service an illegal advantage by featuring it prominently in search results. Melamed said European regulators don't like the creation of monopolies, even if they result from disruptive practices that would be considered acceptable in the U.S. "If you wind up driving your only competitor out of business, it's going to land you in trouble in Europe."

It's hard to know how this could impact Amazon. But the company has already had run-ins with European antitrust regulators. In 2015 the European Commission began investigating Amazon's e-book distribution agreements with publishers, which required the publishers to share with Amazon information about the terms they struck with Amazon's competitors, and to give it the same or better terms.

Amazon agreed not to enforce those clauses and to drop them from future contracts, a commitment the Commission made legally binding in May.

Back in the U.S., even though building a case against Amazon might be hard, it doesn't mean rivals or critics won't try.

The disruptive effect of Amazon's expansion on competitors could force some politically connected firms to ask regulators for help, said David Teece, director of the Tusher Center for the Management of Intellectual Capital at the Haas School of Business at the University of California at Berkeley. "The greater the disruption, the more likelihood the antitrust agencies are going to stick their nose in it," he said.

Communication will be key for the titan.

"Amazon's not there yet. But when it gets to be dominant, it has to be careful, make sure all its conduct is pro-competitive and the public understands it," he added.

"You can't ignore Washington, D.C. Bill Gates learned that."

-- The Seattle Times
Deputy San Francisco Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero is the top pick to lead Portland Public Schools.

Doubters told Portland's newly elected school board that finding a superintendent to lead Oregon's largest district before the start of school couldn't be done.

They were wrong.

With 19 days to go until school starts, the Portland school board announced Friday that San Francisco deputy schools chief Guadalupe Guerrero is its choice to become superintendent. He has more than 10 years of experience as a school and district administrator, in Boston and his current district.

With the blessing of sitting board members, three new board members elected in mid-May started looking for a new leader almost right away, before their terms officially began July 1.

After a summer of private in-depth interviews with board members and a community panel, the field of 40 candidates was winnowed, eventually to one.



Board members enthusiastically presented Guerrero to the public as a strong instructional leader.

Unlike the last search, the press was not allowed to attend the interviews conducted with community and staff, and board members resisted releasing a list of the people on those panels.

Portland teachers union president Suzanne Cohen, in a statement, said that process failed to give the union a "meaningful role" in the selection. Cohen said a union representative was on a panel that interviewed four finalists, but said the union's "feedback was not communicated directly to the school board, nor were we given an opportunity to influence the board's decision."

The Friday morning vote to select Guerrero was unanimous.

"As a Latina, and speaking for the Latino community of Portland, I think that this is a historic day," said co-vice chair Julie Esparza Brown. "We have not had a Latino superintendent and I'm thrilled."

Esparza Brown also praised him for being "laser-focused" on closing the achievement gap.

Matt Haney, a member of San Francisco's school board, backed up that praise.

"He's got a very strong focus on equity and social justice. He's led many of our initiatives to close our racial opportunity gap and target resources to meet the needs of our students," Haney said. "He's had a lot of success in supporting targeted strategies to raise the achievement in many of our schools."

Graduation rates, Haney noted, are the highest they've ever been.

"He does his homework," Haney said, calling him a "hard-working, committed, data-driven leader."

"He's kind of like a whiz kid. He's got all of the information at his fingertips and just works really hard to put it into practice," he said. "The guy like never sleeps. This is his life's work"

Guerrero's departure is a loss for San Francisco, but not a surprise, he said.

Guerrero, 47, has been ready to lead a large urban district for some time, Haney said. He and fellow board members knew he'd end up somewhere.

So why not San Francisco? That district picked a new superintendent in April. Guerrero wasn't tapped to lead his current district as either the interim or permanent superintendent.

Haney said the search was confidential and he couldn't comment on whether Guerrero had applied.

As happened with Portland's failed search in May, the nod from Portland Public Schools again went to a school administrator from an urban district who has never been a superintendent.

Guerrero is San Francisco Unified School District's deputy superintendent of instruction, innovation and social justice, a role he's held since 2012.

The San Francisco district's website says that means he's tasked with "developing reform strategies to close student achievement gaps and enabling central offices to better support school-site-level improvement efforts."

Guerrero, who said was not a candidate in the prior search, said he applied because he saw the Portland district as a "grand opportunity as well as quite a challenge" because the district is at such a "critical juncture."

The San Francisco district serves roughly 53,000 students. Portland serves about 49,000.

The board plans for Guerrero to start work in Portland in October.

Guerrero has been with the San Francisco district since 2010. He was an assistant superintendent there until his promotion in 2012. Before that, he worked in Boston Public Schools where he faced challenges as a principal, according to The Boston Globe.

He told The Globe the setbacks he faced as the unsuccessful principal of a troubled school led him to pursue a doctoral degree from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education.

He didn't finish the degree. The professional obligations that came when he was hired in San Francisco kept him too busy to complete his dissertation, he told The Globe. As a consequence, Harvard terminated him from the program.

That detail caused trouble when he tried to return to Boston to lead its school district.

The Boston school system erroneously put on its website he was on hiatus from the program, a mistake the school board chairman blamed on himself, not Guerrero, The Globe reported.

Ultimately, Boston chose someone else. Guerrero remained in San Francisco.

During that search, the superintendent who promoted Guerrero into his current role praised him as ready to lead the east coast district, which serves roughly 56,000 students.

"He's my right-hand man," Richard Carranza told The Globe. "I've seen him in very difficult emotional community meetings. I've seen him interact with parents traumatized over losing a child. I've seen him in every conceivable situation. He's been unflappable. He operates from the core of who he is, the son of single mother  those are life experiences you can't fake."

San Francisco teachers' union President Lita Blanc would not be interviewed for this story. Blanc wrote back to The Oregonian/OregonLive's email asking about Guerrero, "I am not in a position to comment on this."

Guerrero's wife, Carolyn Leofanti, is a second grade teacher. They have two children: a son starting college this fall and a daughter who will be a sophomore year in high school.

Although the Portland board's release of a single name may send shivers up the spines of nervous parents who felt burned by the last search's implosion earlier this year, much is changed.

For starters: The public learned Guerrero was the top choice when board members met to take a public vote Friday morning.

Last time, board members didn't vote publicly, but sent out a press release that they had settled on Atlanta Public Schools administrator Donyall Dickey. From there, the board spent money on a vetting trip they let the candidate steer. Contract negotiations and a background check dragged on for months, only to have the hire blow up.

Board members said Dickey lied about his past while Dickey claimed the district was cheap.

This go-round, the search has involved a deeper background check, though a final one is still pending. Salary negotiations happened with a narrowed pool of serious contenders to avoid a situation where a lone hopeful held too much leverage, board chair Julia Brim-Edwards said.

Brim-Edwards said the board approved a salary of $295,000. That's comparable to the pay of Beaverton schools chief Don Grotting, a seasoned superintendent who was awarded a starting salary of $291,000 when the Beaverton school board hired him last year.

The board interviewed seven semi-finalists  including some from Oregon  culled from a pool of about 40 potential superintendents it considered.

School board member Rita Moore said during the public meeting that she was skeptical the newly-elected school board could turn around a search this summer. A finalist before the start of school seemed like a pipe dream, she said.



"I was just blown away by the pool of candidates that we got and it was difficult to narrow the field as we went," Moore said. "I think all of us can't wait to start working with this guy."

The choice also means yet another powerful Portland public servant will likely be imported from the Bay Area. This week, Ted Wheeler chose Danielle Outlaw, a 19-year veteran of the Oakland Police Department, to lead the Portland Police Bureau.

Guerrero would replace Carole Smith, who left a year ago under the cloud of a lead in drinking water scandal that unearthed a trove of problems beyond dirty water. Numerous high-ranking employees have since left, and the school board will expect Guerrero to hire people who can help him remake whole departments and earn back lost trust.

And if there are any doubts Guerrero is serious: He's already filed paperwork with Oregon's Teach er Standards and Practices Commission so he can obtain the proper license.

Got a tip about Portland Public Schools? Email Bethany: bbarnes@oregonian.com
Oregon's largest school district could pick a new superintendent as soon as Friday.

The board of Portland Public Schools has narrowed its search to a small but unspecified number of finalists and will be discussing them in private meetings in the coming days.

School board chairwoman Julia Brim-Edwards told The Oregonian/OregonLive the search has been "comprehensive."

The board has circulated public notices that it will meet in executive sessions Friday, Saturday and Monday to discuss the search. Each of those private meetings will be followed by a public one, the notices say.

Brim-Edwards said the board has given itself flexibility by putting out notices of the potential public meetings in case board members come to a consensus on a candidate.

Portland Public Schools has been without a permanent superintendent since July 2016, when longtime superintendent Carole Smith resigned.

This is the second national search to replace Smith. The previous search imploded in May, after the board learned of flaws in its lone finalist.

Board members have previously said that the second search drew educators including current superintendents from medium and large districts in and out of Oregon. They have not described the qualifications of candidates who made it to the finalist stage.

Leading Portland Public Schools is no small task. Roughly 49,000 students attend the district. Numerous high-ranking employees have left. Board members will expect the superintendent to remake whole departments and rebuild community trust.

The board has approved a salary range of $245,000 to $335,000. A salary at the top end of that scale would be nearly $90,000 higher than what the previous board paid Carole Smith and higher than the top-paid Oregon superintendent, Don Grotting, who was awarded a starting salary of $291,000 when the Beaverton school board hired him last year.

Chicago-based search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates is in charge of the search.
A trio of tribal elders asked a judge in Oregon this week to settle a long-standing dispute with the federal government over sacred burial grounds they contend were destroyed nearly a decade ago to expand a highway near Mt. Hood.

The lawsuit claims the government destroyed a sacred site along a roughly 5-acre parcel on the north side of U.S. 26, about 13 miles west of Government Camp, in 2008 for a widening project. An attorney representing the tribal elders said they tried for years to work with the government to avoid a lawsuit but were unsuccessful.

Wilbur Slockish and Johnny Jackson, the Hereditary Chiefs of the Klickitat and Cascade Tribes of the Yakama Nation respectively, filed a motion for summary judgment in U.S. District Court Monday. Carol Logan, a tribal elder with the Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde, and two nonprofit groups, also are part of the lawsuit filed against the U.S. Federal Highway Administration and U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

The elders are seeking a ruling from the judge that the government violated a key section of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the same law cited by the U.S. Supreme Court to protect the owners of the conservative retailer Hobby Lobby and the Little Sisters of the Poor.

"When it's an endangered species, wetlands, or even a nearby tattoo parlor, the government finds a way to protect it," Luke Goodrich, an attorney with the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, said in a statement. "But when it's a Native American sacred site, they unleash the bulldozers and chainsaws. Becket is a nonprofit religious liberty law firm.

"After taking this land from the tribes in 1855, the government now has the gall to claim that it can destroy it because it is 'government land.' But it's not 1855 anymore," Goodrich said. Two of the plaintiffs are direct descendants of Sla-kish, the tribal chief who signed the Yakama Treaty in 1855.

A spokesperson for the Federal Highway Administration declined to comment, saying the agency does not comment on pending lawsuits.

According to court documents, the location near today's Wildwood Recreation Site was used for centuries by tribal members to practice Washat, an ancient Yakama religion.

The tribes used the specific site on the approach to Mt. Hood, named Ana Kwna Nchi chi Patat, or the Place of Big Big Trees, as a resting stop and religious campground.

Tribal members used the area to rest while en route to Celilo Falls, the lawsuit said.

For centuries, the site included an altar made of river rocks and other stone monuments nestled among old-growth trees.

"To me, this site was like a church. One that never had walls, or a roof, or a floor, but it was still just as sacred," Jackson said in a statement. "If the government can callously destroy our place of worship, it could do the same to any other group."

The elders say they were first made aware of a possible highway expansion in 1985. They say BLM officials surveyed the campground and determined the altar was a significant artifact that may be at least several hundred years old, according to the lawsuit.

But it was subsequently destroyed.

Goodrich said in an interview that the elders are not able to obtain a financial settlement under the federal religious freedom act. Rather, they are asking an apology, declaration that there was a significant wrong perpetrated on the native people and they're asking for some remediation of the site.

The group is asking for all or part of an earthen berm installed covering the campsite and burial ground to be removed, and trees and vegetation planted. The government could also install a marker acknowledging the historic nature of the site or allow tribal members to create a replica of the ancient altar on the site.

-- Andrew Theen

atheen@oregonian.com

503-294-4026

@andrewtheen

Clarification: This story has been clarified to reflect clearly that the lawsuit involved the tribal elders, not the tribes. A previous version of the story was not clear.
A group that represents farmers is calling the costs of saving imperiled salmon in the largest river system in the Pacific Northwest unsustainable and is turning to the Trump administration to sidestep endangered species laws.

The Columbia-Snake River Irrigators Association wants the government to convene a Cabinet-level committee with the power to allow exemptions to the Endangered Species Act. Known as the "God squad" because its decisions can lead to extinctions of threatened wildlife, it has only gathered three times  the last 25 years ago during a controversy over spotted owl habitat in the Northwest.

The irrigators association is frustrated with court rulings it says favor fish over people, claiming the committee could end years of legal challenges over U.S. dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers and bring stability for irrigators, power generators and other businesses that rely on the water.

Environmental groups call the request a publicity stunt and say it could hurt fishing companies and others that rely on healthy runs of federally protected salmon and steelhead.

The association sees hope in a series of pro-industry environmental decisions by President Donald Trump. His administration has rescinded an Obama-era rule that would shield many small streams and other bodies of water from pollution and development, enacted policies to increase coal mining on federal lands and proposed giving Western states greater flexibility to allow development in habitat of sage grouse, a threatened bird.

Darryll Olsen, association board representative, said the irrigators requested the committee during former President Barack Obama's tenure but got nowhere. He said the Trump administration has been encouraging during talks, leading to a formal request last month for a meeting with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.

"What we're asking for is that the secretary give direction to the (Interior) Department to work with us to review the steps for implementing the God squad," Olsen said.

Zinke can gather the committee, which he would chair and would include other natural resource agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency. It also would include representatives from Washington state, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

If five of the federal committee members agree, they could exempt U.S. agencies from Endangered Species Act requirements for one or more of the thirteen species of salmon and steelhead listed since the early 1990s.

The irrigators group, which has 120 members growing food crops in Washington state and Oregon, expects to meet with Zinke soon, Olsen said.

Interior spokeswoman Heather Swift said in an email that the agency could not comment on a committee that had not been formed and that she had no information about Zinke's meetings.

Joseph Bogaard, executive director of a coalition of conservation, commercial, sport fishing and business groups called Save Our Wild Salmon, blasted the irrigation association's request.

"It's a terrible idea that will deliver great harm to the people and businesses of the Pacific Northwest," said Bogaard, whose coalition relies on the fish to produce millions of dollars of revenue.

A federal judge ruled last year that the government had not done enough to improve salmon runs despite spending billions of dollars and urged it to consider removing four dams on the lower Snake River.

Todd True, a lawyer with the environmental law firm Earthjustice who represented some plaintiffs in that 2016 ruling, said the God squad request should go nowhere.

"There isn't any basis to convene the committee because there are reasonable alternatives to save the fish," he said, pointing to the dam removal option. "Their removal would be a big step forward."

This year, fish counts at dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers have been well below the 10-year average, which biologists blame on droughts in 2014 and 2015 and warming ocean conditions.

Various results have emerged the three times the God squad has convened. It refused to grant an exemption for a Tennessee dam in the 1970s over a fish called the snail darter. Regarding crane protection in the Midwest, a settlement was reached before the panel offered a decision.

In 1992, it voted to sidestep protections for the northern spotted owl and allow the Interior Department to sell timber on land in Oregon.

-- The Associated Press
DECATUR  Rocki Wilkerson stood in her office drawing diagrams in the air to explain Decatur's current employment problem.

As executive director of Workforce Investment Solutions, Wilkerson is helping lead Macon County's effort to get as many unemployed people in the area as possible back into jobs, including 400 positions now open at Caterpillar Inc.

Wilkerson's illustration is a big hole in between two poles: the skills major employers like CAT are looking for and the skills job seekers tend to have.

"When you think about having all those jobs and all the people that are not working, there's a big disconnect in the middle," she said.

That is the Decatur marketplace in 2017 and across the U.S. in regions with a substantial manufacturing sector. Though the area does not have as many jobs as it did before the 2008 financial collapse, certain sectors are hungry for new employees. But finding the right people, say job trainers, is an uphill climb.

"Every economic developer I talk to deals with matching the skills with what the employer needs," said Ryan McCrady, executive director of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security reported Decaturs unemployment rate for June at 5.9 percent, down from 6.6 percent this time last year. The Decatur metropolitan area had 51,500 nonfarm jobs in June, the same number as in May and June 2016.

Caterpillar clawing back

After announcing second-quarter results that blew past Wall Street expectations, Caterpillar said it was hiring again as orders continue to ramp up: I think it's certainly a great change in where we've been over the last several years, and that's bringing back the workforce, said Amy Campbell, Caterpillar's director of investor relations.

Campbell said Caterpillar's total global workforce of full-time workers actually went down: dropping by 5,200 to 94,800, compared to this time a year ago. But the number of flexible, often part-time workers shot up, increasing by 3,500 to 16,400 over the same period.

Decatur's addition of production work that was previously done in Caterpillar's Aurora plant, estimated at 500 jobs, is a big reason for the spate of hiring, but Campell said the global demand for products that company has done at its Decatur plant has "really shot up overnight."

That includes the largest off-road dump trucks in the world as part of its Resource Industries Division, which includes the Decatur plant on North 27th Street. For the large mining trucks, we now expect production to be triple what it was in 2016," she said.

The newest jobs may not all be full-time, but Caterpillar's job listings show many manufacturing jobs that are, though that can include "supplemental" or contract work that offers few benefits.

Wages on rise

Wages and salaries are not listed, but Larry Peterson, special projects consultant at Workforce Investment Solutions, said manufacturers are starting to offer higher wages for someone they feel will be able to learn and improve on the job.

"Three or four years ago you were still getting companies wanting to pay $10 or less. Now I've seen them gravitate up to 14, with the progression they can tell a person, 'If you stay with us, your advancements could be 18 to 20 with time," he said.

Workforce Investment Solutions targets two major populations through mostly federal grants:

People who live close to or below the poverty line and struggle in and out of largely minimum-wage work;

Laid off workers who usually have a more marketable skill set and tend to be older.

The latter category tends to find work faster, job trainers said.

But the trainers and consultants trying to connect those people to Decatur's major employers say as much as they are trying to tailor their services to people with high needs, many lose motivation and fall through the cracks.

One of Workforce Investment Solutions' many services is a general orientation for people who come in for a variety of reasons, usually to collect unemployment insurance through the state's Department of Employment Security, which is in the same office.

"It's just general, what we do how we do it, giving job seekers information on how to access training, and so the next steps would be fill out this application and then come back for testing," said Robyn McCoy, Workforce Investment Solutions' former executive director, who still helps Wilkerson. In that next step, "We lose about 50 percent (of the original pool)."

The problem jibes with the demographic shifts in Decatur and across the United States. After high school age, more Americans are either struggling to get by on minimum-wage work or less or going to four-year colleges. Too many of the college-bound, said Wilkerson, are not looking at what the job market is offering.

"Think about all the people who go to college and spend tons and tons of money on education, and when they get out, there's nothing," Wilkerson said.

"One of the issues we have here in the U.S.  if you choose to go into manufacturing  I don't want to say people look as you as a failure, but, 'Oh, you need to go to college to make good money,' and that's just not true," Schwalbe said. "We've got clients with a two-year certification where you'd be making over $50,000 after two years, that's without a college degree."

For those who don't go for a bachelor's degree, the idea of simply coming into a well-paying industrial job of "punching a clock  no, that's not the worker today," said Barry Schwalbe, a trainer at Richland Community College. "The high-performance worker needs to be able to problem-solve, troubleshoot."

Workers adding tools

For that reason, Workforce Investment Solutions has introduced a "boot camp" class that goes over skills such as how to interview and look for jobs. "Getting together over a six-week course, we're proving to the employer that they can stick to something," Peterson said.

Still, for those who do manage to jump through the hoops and develop all the right tools to land a job that can lead to in-demand, marketable skills, the days of staying at a single employer for an entire career, advancing in a straight line pointing upward is less common.

"It used to be you get a job at a manufacturing company, you've got a job, you build the skills, you bid on different jobs, you go up through the company and have your wages and benefits. Unless there's a closure or something, you pretty much have a job," McCoy said.

Now, especially large companies such as Caterpillar are staying more flexible while keeping a much tighter grip on their margins, adding and dropping workers as needed.

"As orders come in, manufacturers are hiring people to make the product, maybe get some supply there, and then they may have to lay off those workers," McCoy said.

The post-war explosion of middle class jobs a few generations ago may not be around anymore, but job trainers say there are still great manufacturing opportunities.

The training resources in the area, including Richland and Workforce Investment Solutions have direct contact with the area's major manufacturers. Schwalbe said he even teaches skills to workers who are already employed at Caterpillar.

"Caterpillar has been a real good partner for (Workforce Investment Solutions). ADM's been a good partner, all of the midsize manufacturers that feed into CAT," McCoy said.

"(Caterpillar) came to us and held a two-day seminar on how to apply for the CAT jobs. I think 150 people showed up," Peterson said. "The interest is there."

"You don't have to be special to do (these jobs), you just have to have the attitude," Schwalbe said.

Reporter Tony Reid contributed to this story.
Japan's Quest for a More Assertive Foreign Policy

About the lecture

During the second term of the Shinzo Abe administration, Japan has experienced a major shift in its foreign policy outlook. This is a result of changing perceptions of regional dynamics, and the willingness on the part of the administration to take proactive steps in reforming aspects of the national security infrastructure and policy. However, the unexpected victory of Donald Trump posed Japan with an existential question. Would it be possible to rely on the alliance to function under a new administration? The actions of the Japanese government were quick. It doubled-down on the alliance, sending a message to the Trump team that Japan is willing to work with the new president.

About the speaker

Professor Toshihiro Nakayama is a Professor of American Politics and Foreign Policy at the Faculty of Policy Management at Keio University. He is also an Adjunct Fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA).

Date Wednesday, 16 August 2017 Time 5:00am - 7:30am Audience All University,Public Event Category Humanities Event Type Public Lecture

Campus Dunedin Department Politics Location Archway 3 Lecture Theatre Contact Name Department of Politics Contact Phone 64 3 479 8663 Contact Email politics@otago.ac.nz Website http://www.otago.ac.nz/politics

Save this event
Friday 11 August 2017 12:00pm

Te Apiti Wind Farm

New Zealands high levels of renewable electricity may be the envy of the world but some thorny issues still need addressing.

A review compiled by researchers from the University of Otago, the University of Canterbury, the University of Oxford and the University of Auckland says New Zealand faces significant challenges when it comes to its renewable generation.

The report in the international journal Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews describes early findings from the six-year GREEN* Grid research programme funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

It describes ways to help manage the power-supply variability which will be caused by an increasing reliance on wind and solar power and by changing consumer behaviour.

Lead author Dr Janet Stephenson, Director of the Centre for Sustainability at Otago, says electricity grids around the world face similar issues, but we are further ahead than most.

New Zealand is a great testbed for combining smart-grid capability with high levels of renewables. We already have more than 80 per cent renewable generation and advanced metering in more than 62 per cent of households.

Renewables are great but only geothermal and biofuels can reliably generate power. Hydro lakes can get low, wind strengths fluctuate and solar only generates during daylight.

As we increase renewable generation to 90 per cent or more, the challenge will be how to match up variable supplies of electricity with fluctuating patterns of electricity use.

Dr Stephenson says that falling prices for solar generation, battery storage and electric vehicles also have implications for the future of the electricity grid.

As households and businesses adopt these technologies, they become part of the smart grid, drawing down and feeding in electricity at different times. In the past, consumer demand has been quite predictable, with peaks in the mornings and evenings. With consumers now also able to supply and store electricity, and also needing it to charge their cars, things are less predictable.

The programme has come up with a range of solutions to help ensure a smooth transition to a greener grid.

Incorrectly sized or located photovoltaic (PV) installations for solar power, for example, could result in too much voltage in the local power network and overload conductors. The research team therefore developed a model to assist electricity distribution companies to predict the impact of proposed PV installations in the local network, Dr Stephenson says.

The researchers also found it will be best for steady power flow if future wind farms are located in regions with differing wind regimes. Another conclusion is better use of ripple control on domestic hot-water tanks will be effective in managing demand variability.

Professor Neville Watson, of the University of Canterburys Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, says the GREEN Grid programme has made a significant impact in advancing the use of green technologies in New Zealand.

By including researchers from the physical sciences and social sciences with those from engineering, it has broadened the research to enable social aspects to be considered in the uptake of new technologies.

Dr Stephenson says the teams work with householders and the industry is not over yet.

For example, we found more than 50 per cent of New Zealanders would like to generate their own electricity.

In response we developed a solar calculator, which is now on the EECA website, so people can assess the benefits of solar power for their particular household.

*GREEN  Gathering Renewable Energy into Electrical Networks

For more information, please contact:

Dr Janet Stephenson

Centre for Sustainability

University of Otago

Email: janet.stephenson@otago.ac.nz

(Janet is in the UK at the moment but can be reached on mobile on 44 7388 133 312 between 7am and 9am NZ time or 7pm to 9pm NZ time)

Professor Neville Watson

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

University of Canterbury

Phone: 64 3 369 4542

Email: neville.watson@canterbury.ac.nz

Dr Alan Wood

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

University of Canterbury

Phone: 64 3 369 4433

Email: alan.wood@canterbury.ac.nz
An animal rights organization in Armenia has sent a letter to the mayor of Yerevan proposing that each district in the Armenian capital allocate land exclusively for dog runs/walks.

The organization, Dingo Team, is concerned about the increase of No Dogs Allowed signs appearing in various Yerevan parks.

Dingo Team also wants the municipality to put up signs instructing people to clean up after their pets.

When asked about the problem of roaming packs of stray dogs in Yerevan, Dingo Team President Ovsanna Hovsepyan blamed Unigraph X, the company the municipality has contracted to neuter stray dogs.

Hovsepyan says that her groups experience shows that one neutered dog in each Yerevan courtyard can prevent the proliferation of dog packs and aggressive mating behavior.
Nine individuals arrested in 2015 on charges of illegal arms possession and planning to overthrow the government in Armenia, today proclaimed their innocence in a Yerevan court.

It was on November 25, 2015 that Armenias National Security Service (NSS) reported that it has uncovered a criminal gang in Yerevan that was planning to overthrow the government.

On that day, law enforcement raided a house in a Yerevan house, arresting nine individuals. Police claimed to have uncovered a large cache of illegal weapons.

On December 19, 2015, Armenias National Security Service (NSS) reported that Vahan Shirkhanyan, a former deputy defense minister of Armenia, was arrested on suspicion that he aided and abetted Artour Vardanyan, arrested earlier for organizing the criminal gang.

According to the NSS, the group was planning to shoot the presidents plane down from a house owned by a group member near Zvartnots Airport.

Haroutyun Saribegyan, who according to the indictment suggested the idea of shooting down the presidents plane, not only denied the accusation, but claimed that he had never seen the other defendants before today.

I dont know any of these people. I fought in the Artsakh War with my two brothers. One was never heard of and we two were wounded. Ive never come out against my nation, Saribegyan said in court today, adding that his house was quite far from the airport.

The alleged ringleader, Artour Vardanyan, confessed that the weapons belonged to him, but denied the criminal conspiracy charge. He described the charge of planning to overthrow the government as ludicrous.

Why would I seize power if it already belongs to me, Vardanyan said, referring to Article 2 of the constitution (power belongs to the people).

Anton Totondjyan, accused of financing the group, also denied the charge.

Former Deputy Defense Minister Shirkhanyan declared that he had no connection to anyone or anything in the case.
BLOOMINGTON  Ahead of a City Council discussion on Monday, one Bloomington alderman has voiced support for Mayor Tari Renner's request for a full-time aide, while another alderman says she doesn't see the need.

Other aldermen said they were looking forward to learning more about the proposal and the rest of the council remained silent on Friday.

Renner contends he needs the aide to help him keep up with the demands that he and most "modern metro city mayors" face.

A formal discussion on the idea is slated for a special meeting of the City Council at 5 p.m. Monday at City Hall. The council will meet about an hour in closed session and then return to open session to discuss the mayor's request. The council's regular meeting will follow at 7 p.m.

The council is not expected to take any action on the proposal on Monday.

"Frankly, this is long overdue," said Renner, who is paid $12,000 annually to serve as mayor on a part-time basis. "This would be somebody who would pretty much go everywhere with the mayor, and help with constituency service, communication between the council and mayor, policy making and strategic scheduling of the mayor's time."

"We are not Mayberry anymore," said Renner, referring to the fictitious town that was the setting for two popular television shows in the 1960s and early '70s.

The job of mayor is much more substantial than it was 30 or 40 years ago, he said. "On the books, the job of mayor is listed as part-time. That's a total fiction," said Renner. "It is not a part-time job."

Renner said he "almost always" spends more than 40 hours a week on mayoral duties.

"It is quite common for communities the size of Bloomington, and even much smaller, to have dedicated staff available to assist the mayor and/or city council," said Illinois Municipal League Executive Director Brad Cole in a letter he sent Renner in July.

Renner included the letter in the council's packet of information for Monday's discussion.

"Given the mayor's unrealistic salary, unless you are retired or independently wealthy you're going to have to juggle two full-time gigs, because you're going to have to have something that pays your (personal) bills," said Renner, who is a political science professor at Illinois Wesleyan University.

The council would have to approve an ordinance to amend the fiscal 2018 budget to pay $50,000 for eight months of salary and benefits and $90,000 for a full year, according to a memo drafted by staff to the council.

"I put it in as a political appointment, which means whoever I would appoint, the next mayor could appoint their own person," said Renner.

"This person needs to be a jack of all trades. In a sense, someone who would represent the mayor at certain functions or even neighborhood organizations, who would work with the council on constituency concerns," he added. "I would call it an ombudsman function."

In May, almost immediately after he was sworn in after winning re-election to a second term, Renner said he began talking individually to some aldermen about having an aide to help him.

"Given the strong executive team in the city manager's office, I am hard-pressed to understand why we would need this additional individual," said Ward 6 Alderman Karen Schmidt.

Ward 7 Alderman Scott Black said he supports the position.

"In my time on council, we continue to hear from staff of limited resources to research proposals, review policies, make comparative analysis and shepherd projects to fruition," said Black. "I'm excited to have a dedicated resource to dig deep and ensure the council is getting the best bang for the taxpayer's buck."

Aldermen Diana Hauman of Ward 8 and Amelia Buragas of Ward 4 both said they are looking forward to discussing the proposal in more detail.

"The demands on the mayor are substantial and it does not surprise me in the least that Mayor Renner has asked for assistance so that he can provide the high level of constituent services and efficiency that our residents deserve," said Buragas.

Hauman said, that as of about 12:30 p.m. Friday, the emails she had received on the topic expressed opposition.

"I have received about a dozen emails and they've been asking me not to support this," she said.

Renner wants each council member to follow him around for a week "so that they get some idea of what it is like to be a metro mayor," said Renner. "Unless you've done it, you have no idea of what it is like."

Renner said he is not trying to change Bloomington's council-city manager form of government.

"I've heard some people misunderstand this," he said. "This is not a first step toward making Bloomington a strong mayor form of government.

"It's just the recognition that the mayor has a boatload of things going on, and if the mayor is going to be effective, somebody should be making sure that the mayor's time is used effectively and that the mayor is informed properly about things ... because you can't be everywhere."
BLOOMINGTON  Three hundred and eighty-three opportunities to reduce fossil fuel energy consumption and save money are being placed on the roof of YWCA McLean County.

Installation of 383 solar photovoltaic panels began in July and will be complete next week, said Perry Mayer, director of building operations at the YWCA, 1201 N. Hershey Road.

"We'll start receiving electricity (through the panels) immediately when the work is done," Mayer said.

"Our minimum lifetime savings for the system is $75,000," Mayer said. Because YWCA's contract with Shine Development Partners, a renewable energy company, is 25 years, that means an annual savings of $3,000 a year.

"This is the right thing to do environmentally and we can save money," said YWCA Vice President of Operations Liz German.

"They are setting an example for our community," said Michael Brown, executive director of the Normal-based Ecology Action Center, a not-for-profit agency working to preserve a healthy environment.

"It's impressive that a nonprofit organization is taking the lead," Brown said. "This is a win-win. They are reducing their carbon footprint and saving money and they have a sustainable energy source for years to come."

During a brief rooftop tour Thursday, Mayer pointed out that the panels cover two-thirds of the YWCA roof. Panels are not being placed on the remaining third because that part of the roof will need to be replaced within 25 years.

Installation is being performed by StraightUp Solar, a solar energy contractor. Wilcox Electric, an electrical contractor, is making the connection from the Ameren power grid to the solar system components, Mayer said.

The genesis for the project was an energy assessment of the YWCA by Ecology Action Center about a year ago, concluding with a recommendation of solar panels. Mayer contacted solar energy companies and concluded that, even with low-interest financing, the YWCA couldn't afford to purchase solar panels.

Several months later, a representative of StraightUp Solar contacted Mayer and proposed a power purchase agreement in which that company would install the panels and Shine would buy the panels, pay for the labor and sell the energy that the solar panels create to the YWCA at a reduced rate.

The rate would be less than the YWCA currently pays Ameren for electrical distribution and Constellation for energy, Mayer said.

"If the sun is shining, the panels will produce electricity," Mayer said. At night and during cloudy days, most of the YWCA's electricity will come from Ameren and Constellation.

When the panels produce more electricity than the YWCA needs, the extra energy will flow into the energy grid, resulting in lower Ameren and Constellation bills.

The solar panel project follows the YWCA's switch earlier this summer from fluorescent to LED lights, resulting in a projected annual savings of $15,831.76, Mayer said.

"We have to turn the lights on anyway," German said. "We might as well pay less for it so we can put that money into programs and staff."
Cheers

... to all the participants in the recent St. Jude runs and telethon, which raised more than $10 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Central Illinois is lucky to have a St. Jude Affiliate hospital in Peoria and to be (relatively) close to the main St. Jude campus in Memphis, Tenn.

Every dollar you donate helps a family whose child is fighting cancer. Families never are charged for treatment at St. Jude.

Cheers

... to Illinois State Police for switching to an electronic ticket-writing system that will provide an 8- by 11-inch piece of paper rather than a handwritten form.

The e-citation program is now active in 40 of Illinois' 102 counties. Troopers will scan a bar code on the driver's license, and the form will be filled in automatically.

The state says the process is faster and more accurate.

Back to school

... means different things to different people, but it's a shot in the arm (literally) for students who are required to have a vaccine or booster shot before returning to class.

Illinois law says all students entering K-12 schools must be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, chicken pox and hepatitis B.

Vaccines and boosters also are required at the college level and for daycare centers. Those with religious or medical exemptions must provide signed documentation from their doctor.

Check your batteries

... in your smoke alarms and carbon-monoxide detectors every month, and change the batteries every six months. New alarms and detectors should be purchased every 10 years.

Alarms and detectors should be in every home and apartment and checked regularly. Make sure your family has a planned escape route in case of fire and practice your route once a month.

Cheers

... to organizers of the upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Collection set for Sept. 9 at the Rivian Automotive parking lot.

County residents can drop off toxic, flammable, corrosive, explosive or reactive items that can't otherwise be disposed of.

The last collection, in 2015, took in a record 27,366 gallons of difficult-to-dispose-of items.

Cheers

... to the organizers, supporters and participants of the McLean County Diversity Project that this year too students to Nazi death camps in Germany, the group's first venture overseas.

The students' dedication to learning, and their supporters' dedication to funding the project, made the trip possible.

As with other groups, like For A Better Tomorrow, young people are learning valuable lessons that will help them lead us into future decades.

Sad news

... with the announced closing of the cafe adjacent to The Garlic Press in uptown Normal. GP owners have other plans for the space; we hope it includes their famous cookies and other nibbles.
Bruce Rauner and Republicans should not be blamed for the recent state income tax increase. The tax should be named for Michael Madigan, the financial fool who has taken Illinois to the edge of bankruptcy. Madigan has mortgaged the state to its limits, maxed out its credit cards and shoved other bills in desk drawers.

Rauner was elected to balance the budget. He should concentrate on further steps so that revenues equal expenditures, but not at the expense of Illinois citizens suffering from cuts. There is a lot of waste in government that has not been cut yet.

The bigger burden is the damage that all Illinois politicians have imposed upon Illinois in the past 15 years or so through fiscal mismanagement. Social service agencies that do not buy off the politicians, suffered great cuts. The short-sighted cuts cost the state through greater law enforcement, court services, healthcare services and education costs. The emotional and financial damage to recipients of services is greater.

The politicians have also reduced the standing of Illinois great universities, some drastically. Until 20 years ago, Illinois families could count on the University of Illinois, ISU and other state universities to provide an exceptional educational value for their children; that is no longer the case.

I fully support Rauners position on term limits and taking the redistricting power away from the legislature. Those two steps would help to clear out the Springfield swamp, and avoid having too much power in too few Machiavellian legislators.

Daniel G. Deneen, Bloomington
A new report says that more LGBTQ people have been killed in what advocacy groups called hate-violence-related homicides in the first eight months of 2017 than in all of 2016 in the United States.

Buzzfeed News reports that as of August 2017 there have been 33 such hate-violence-related homicides of LGBT people in the US, compared with 28 in all of 2016, according to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence. (That number does not include the 49 people killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando).

This year, about half of those killed were transgender women of color, and at least 12 were cisgender gay men. BuzzFeed notes that these numbers translate to about one LGBTQ person killed in a hate-violence-related homicide every 13 days last year, with that number jumping to one death every six days this year.

At this point it's unclear whether the murder rate for LGBTQ people actually increased or whether there has been an increase in reporting. Executive director of the NYC Anti-Violence Project Beverly Tillery says that either way the report "should be a wake-up call for us across our communities that hate violence is not going away, it's certainly not decreasing, and it's symptomatic of larger and deeper problems in our society."

Senior researcher at the Center for Homicide Research Dallas Drake also said that the report isn't definitive because hate-crime related killings often go unreported, especially "where cases are not easily identifiable as LGBT homicides."

Given the current administration's relentless undermining of rights and protections for LGBTQ Americans, this report is especially timely - and alarming.

[h/t BuzzFeed News]

Image via Getty
Earlier this year, PAPER cover star RuPaul announced a new show depicting his life, focusing on his rise from a club kid in New York City in the 1980s to the LGBTQ icon he is today. Today it was announced that Hulu has signed on to develop the project, tentatively (and appropriately) titled "Queen," for its first season of half-hour episodes.

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The series will be produced by J.J. Abrams and written by Gary Lennon, who worked extensively on Orange is the New Black. Ru previously said of the show, "This is about my New York life in the '80s. Interview magazine in those days was my Bible. I grew up in San Diego wanting to be Andy Warhol. No grim storyline about white guys sniffing white powder. It's the Yellow Brick Road. Wanting to go to six different clubs every night."

He also told Page Six that he'd like for Willow Smith to star in the project, saying, "I don't need someone bitchy. I'm not. I'm sassy. There's a kindness in me. I'm really a sweetheart." No word yet on whether that's happening. Either way, we can't wait.

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Image via BFA




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Im listening to Dr. Janiece Johnson right now, who is addressing the topic of Restoring the Tapestry of the Restoration: Early Womens Witness.

Its a good talk.

I posted a blog entry about a book that she was involved in some time back:

The Witness of Women

***

Based on comments made by a poster on Facebook earlier today, Im very worried about the conferences concluding speaker, who is listed on the program for later today.

Hes not funny, she writes. Hes nasty. He goes after doubters (at least the doubters who speak up and challenge his orthodoxy) like a barracuda. And his logic is often so convoluted as to be impossible to follow.

The man is, she continues, positively toxic, so much so that I came within a hairs breadth of leaving the church. I had questions and doubts and if FAIR was representative of what my church thought about people like me, then I knew I could not stay.

Instead, she writes, I quit reading FAIR Mormon and found my own path to understanding. Then when my sons started their faith transition, I returned to FAIR Mormon, hoping to find good resources. I was told that it it had changed from what it was. But no, there [that vicious speaker was], taking pot shots at Bill Reel and marginalizing him, the one person that was keeping my sons engaged in the church.

Ill confess that this comment took me a bit by surprise, since, despite my having followed his work fairly closely, I cant really remember his ever saying anything about Bill Reel.

She goes on: I now tell everyone who comes to me with doubts, no matter what they do, do NOT go to FAIR Mormon if you want to preserve your testimony.

I want to preserve mine, of course. So perhaps I should walk out after Gerrit Dirkmaats second-to-the-last presentation.

I was happy, though, to see a practical suggestion from this indignant reader:

Scrubbing all history of him from FAIR is where Id start.

The creep that shes talking about is, plainly, a real piece of work, a mean-spirited and heartless monster, and the sooner he becomes a historical non-person  chucked, with accompanying curses, down George Orwells memory hole  the better for the Church and for humanity as a whole.

***

In the meantime, though, FairMormon gave out a $200 scholarship to a young man for a short video feature that he had created. This is a great idea. There are a lot of young, faithful, Latter-day Saints with basic video skills and, obviously, the sensibilities of a younger audience. They should be encouraged to create lots and lots and lots of faithful videos.
Workers at Iranian Sugarcane Company Summoned to Court After Protesting Unpaid Wages

08/10/17

Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran

Fifty-three workers of Iran's Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Agro Industrial Company who have been peacefully demanding back pay and benefits since July 2017 have been summoned without charge to the courthouse in Shush, Khuzestan Province.



Workers of the Haft Tappeh sugarcane company protest for their unpaid wages.

A statement by "a group of oppressed Haft Tappeh workers" released on August 7, 2017 said the vice president of the company, Siamak Afshar, had provided a list of names to the authorities.

"The summons issued against the Haft Tappeh workers states that there has been a complaint against them from the police," said the statement. "However, we all know that the police are receiving favors from the company's vice president and he is the one who gave these workers' names to the prosecution."

The statement added that the list "included some who were not present during any of the protests or were on vacation at the time."

"The workers had to put their faith in God and unite in order to gain their legitimate rights," added the statement.

On August 6, the state-funded Iranian Labor News Agency (ILNA) reported that summons had been issued to "at least 30 workers" of the company, which claims its Iran's largest producer of sugar.

"The summoning of these workers has nothing to do with our industrial firm," claimed Afshar in the ILNA article. "It was a decision made entirely by the judicial and police authorities in Shush, possibly in connection with labor actions in recent weeks."

Thirteen Haft Tappeh workers were previously detained between July 25-26 for peacefully demanding their unpaid salaries and insurance allowances near the sugar plant.

The protest ended four days later after all the detainees were released and the company agreed to meet their demands. It is not known whether they have now been summoned to court along with the other workers.

Haft Tappeh began operations under state control in 1961. Employing more than 2,700 workers, its current annual sugar production capacity is estimated at 100,000 metric tons.

Iran is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which mandates in Articles 21 and 22 freedom of association and guarantees the right to form trade unions, and to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which guarantees in Article 8 the right of workers to form or join trade unions and protects the right of workers to strike.

The Iranian Constitution also contains provisions for such rights: Article 26 guarantees the right to form "parties, societies, political or professional associations," and Article 27 states that "Public gatherings and marches may be freely held, provided arms are not carried and that they are not detrimental to the fundamental principles of Islam."

Despite this, independent labor unions are banned in Iran, strikers are often fired and risk being detained, and labor leaders face long prison sentences on trumped up national security charges.
Health Tourism Could Fetch Iran 7 Billion Dollars A Year

08/10/17

Source: Tehran Times



TEHRAN - The Iranian minister of cooperatives, labor and social welfare has said that the country has a potential to earn $7 billion in revenues through attracting one million health tourists on a yearly basis.

Relative wallet-friendly services can be considered as the main advantage of medical tourism in Iran, Ali Rabiei said in an address to an international conference held in Hama Hotel in Tehran on Tuesday evening, to which business representatives from over 30 courtiers attended.



Rabiei also pointed to lack of integrated management and proper advertisement as factors that have hampered medical and health tourism sectors in the country despite high quality of services and low prices, IRIB reported.



Health-tourism companies from more than 30 countries including the Netherlands, Germany, France, China, Canada, Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Romania and Uzbekistan are supposed to collaborate with Iran in this regard.







Minister of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare Ali Rabiei

Earlier this month, Iran signed agreements with 13 neighboring countries with the aim of developing and reorganizing its medical tourism sector. Patients from Iraq, Azerbaijan, Armenia and the Persian Gulf littoral states constitute the largest number of travelers who visit Iran annually for medical services.



Moreover, the state-run Tourism Holding Company, affiliated with the Social Security Organization, is to unveil a comprehensive plan, which will be implemented with the participation of 22 hospitals and over 200 physicians, specialists, and surgeons.



The Ministry of Health registered some 105,000 inbound patients over the past Iranian calendar year (March 2016-March 2017), ISNA quoted a tourism official as saying back in July.



Iran has launched extensive plans to bolster its tourism sector. Under its 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, the country is expecting to increase the number of tourism arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.
Menzgold Company Limited, an investment company has denied the company takes deposits from its customers.



The Corporate Manager of the company Nana Yaw Offei explained that the company does not take deposits from customers because it is not a financial institution.



His comment comes on the heels of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) cautioning the general public not to deposit any money with the company because it has not been licensed to do so.



A Deputy Governor of the Bank Dr Johnson Asiamah appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament on Tuesday August 8, 2017 noted that Ghanaians who defy this caution do that at their own risk.



Dr Asiamah told the committee: Only last week we caused a publication in the newspapers about Menzgold to the effect that we have not licensed them to accept deposits, because, to accept deposits, you will need a license from the Bank of Ghana. We have not licensed them and hence if you go ahead to do any business with them, it is at your own risk.



He added that: So we took the first step by notifying the public. If they ask you to give them deposit dont do it.



But reacting to the BoG claims in an interview with JoyFM on Tuesday August 8, 2017, Mr Offei said: Menzgold Ghana Limited is a gold dealing firm, we buy gold and sell gold. All our operations or whatever we do in our outlet is directly linked to the sale and purchase of gold.



For that reason we have acquired the license that gives us the chance to buy gold and sell gold that is by the Minerals Commission of the Republic of Ghana.



We are not a microfinance, neither are we a financial institution and so we do not take deposits in anyway.



He added: We have referred the matter to our legal team headed by Kwame Akufo to look at the issue, we are a law abiding firm and so we are asking them to assist us to bring the issue to a close.

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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The leadership of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has admitted that most members of the party have lost the values on which the party was built.



Speaking at the launch of the partys training school called the Ghana Institute for Social Democracy in Accra on Thursday, 10 August 2017, National Chairman of the NDC, Kofi Portuphy, was hopeful that the school will help ground socialist politicians and help the party to return to winning ways in the 2020 polls.



As a social democratic party, we have had a lot of setbacks in terms of the ideas that we propagate and ideals that we signed for. I recall with some nostalgia the early days in the revolution and the schools that we created and what it helped the revolution to achieve. We will all be glad when we return to power in 2020 to see that this time, we will not have contradiction in our endeavours in the last four years, he said.



Through the school, he hopes the party will not have leaders that will ignore the struggling masses and implement the right policies for the benefit of every Ghanaian.



For his part, General Secretary of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, observed that elections have become sophisticated and the training of the mind cannot be underestimated.



The Ghanaian electorate has become more sophisticated and discerning that winning their hearts and minds goes beyond the routine political rhetoric, he said.



Mr Nketia is the Chairman of the Governing Council with Dr William Ahadzi as the Rector of the school.



There are four sub-committees on the administrative body of the school. The Logistics and Estate Committee is chaired by former Chief of Staff Julius Deborah, the Academic Committee is headed by former Minister of Local Government Kwamena Ahwoi.



The Administration sub-commitee is headed by former National Chairman aspirant of the party Alhaji Hudu Yahya with Dr Kwabena Duffour, former Finance Minister chairing the Finance sub-committee

Source: classfmonline.com









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A sign welcomes visitors at the entrance to the Chalk River Laboratories Chalk River, Ont., on Monday, July 9, 2012. A proposed nuclear waste disposal site on land around Chalk River Laboratories is too close to the Ottawa River, says Bloc Quebecois Leader Martine Ouellet.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
FILE - This is a April 30 2008 file photo of submarine owner Peter Madsenstands inside the vessel . Denmark's navy says that Madsen's privately built submarine that had been feared missing in Danish waters has been found and the crew is safe. The navy says that the 40-ton, nearly 18-meter-long (60-foot-long) submarine with at least two people on board had been "found sailing" south of Copenhagen. (Niels Hougaard /Ritzau. File via AP)
FILE - In this file photo dated May 17, 2017, file photo, Google CEO Sundar Pichai delivers the keynote address for the Google I/O conference in Mountain View, Calif. Pichai has canceled an internal town hall meant to address gender discrimination on Thursday, Aug. 10, after employee questions for management began to leak online from the companyAos internal messaging service. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)
Lorraine Gates poses for a photo with Mitsu at Dogumenta (I) NYC, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, in New York. The art show, featuring 10 sculptures and installations created specifically for dogs, will be on display at Brookfield Place in Lower Manhattan from Aug. 11 through 13. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Democrats seal control of Senate after Cortez Masto defeats Laxalt in Nevada

Democrats will retain control of the U.S. Senate after incumbent Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto in Nevada defeated Republican Adam Laxalt.
A Viroqua man on felony probation had heroin in his pickup truck when he crashed into a sport-utility vehicle on Monday, killing the driver, according to court records.

Prosecutors Wednesday charged Corey Bolstad, 34, with homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, homicide by vehicle-use of a controlled substance, possession of narcotic drugs and hit-and-run of an attended vehicle, all as a repeat offender, in La Crosse County Circuit Court.

Circuit Judge Gloria Doyle jailed Bolstad, who has drunken driving convictions in 2003 and 2013, on a $50,000 cash bond.

Bolstad was driving a Dodge Ram septic pump truck about 6:50 p.m. on Sand Lake Road near Sand Lake Elementary in Holmen when he struck the rear of a Ford Explorer, causing it to roll, according to the complaint.

The driver of the Explorer, 65-year-old Rebecca Berndt of Onalaska, died at a La Crosse hospital.

Bolstad continued driving until crashing into a nearby house.

Bolstad struck two cars before the fatal crash, and witnesses said he was driving into oncoming traffic to pass vehicles. Police found 0.5 grams of heroin and a syringe on the floor of his truck.

He denied using heroin or methamphetamine but said he used prescription medication earlier Monday. Results from a blood test are expected at a later date.
Credit Suisse bans trading of Venezuela and PDVSA bonds

Gianluca Colla/Bloomberg



Bank says it has no appetite' to help fund Maduro government. Lender also halting business with Venezuelan counterparties

By Jan-Henrik Foerster and Katia Porzecanski

ZURICH/NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 08 11 2017

Credit Suisse Group AG has banned its traders from buying or selling certain Venezuelan securities that critics of the nation's government say help fund an authoritarian regime.

The Zurich-based bank is halting trading in two bonds issued by the state and its oil company, as well as any notes from a Venezuelan entity after June 1, according to an Aug. 7 company memo, a copy of which was seen by Bloomberg. The lender is also restricting business with Venezuelan counterparties, including private individuals and companies. A Credit Suisse representative confirmed the memo's contents.

The decision comes after the U.S. began imposing sanctions on some Venezuelan officials in response to the anti-democratic turn of President Nicolas Maduro, who installed a widely criticized assembly to rewrite the country's constitution. It also marks a victory for Venezuela's opposition leaders, who had been urging Wall Street banks not to throw Maduro a financial lifeline, and spearheaded a public shaming of Goldman Sachs Asset Management after it purchased some of the securities now prohibited by Credit Suisse.

In light of the political climate and recent events in Venezuela, and actions taken by the current government, we want to ensure that Credit Suisse does not provide the means for anyone to violate the human rights of the Venezuelan people, according to the memo.

The prohibited securities are government debt due in 2036, as well as 6 percent coupon bonds issued by Petroleos de Venezuela due in 2022.

Oil Dependent

In recent months, more than 100 people have died while participating in street demonstrations against the regime.

Faced with reduced oil prices, the country -- which depends on crude sales for 95 percent of its export revenue -- has been plagued with shortages of everything from toilet paper to antibiotics and food. With the Maduro government quickly running out of money to pay for imports and interest payments on foreign debt, it has turned, in part, to asset sales to raise whatever cash it can. In response, the opposition has sought to discourage potential buyers -- part of a broader initiative, outsiders say, to deepen the government's cash crunch and expedite its collapse.

Their tactics appear to be working. Financial deals with Venezuela have been under scrutiny since the investing arm of Goldman Sachs Group Inc. bought almost $3 billion of the PDVSA 2022 bonds in May at a steep discount from the nation's central bank, prompting calls by opposition leaders for U.S. regulators to investigate the money manager for engaging in corrupt practices.

The transaction spurred protests outside Goldman Sachs's offices in Manhattan, as well as an internal review by its compliance and legal staff. Goldman Sachs has said it bought the bonds for asset-management clients through a broker, and didn't provide money directly to the government.

No Appetite'

While only a handful of brokers currently trade the securities -- with most opting to stay away -- Credit Suisse is the first bank known to formally ban them.

Venezuela's 2036 notes, which weren't part of the Goldman Sachs transaction, were also included in Credit Suisse's restrictions because they were issued late last year to two government entities and have been recently shopped around in an effort to raise cash.

Credit Suisse has no appetite for providing any funding to the Republic of Venezuela directly or through third parties when it believes there's intent to pass the funds on to the government, according to the memo.

The bank has banned any business with counterparties controlled by the Venezuelan government, as well as those in the private sector, unless they've been approved by Credit Suisse's reputational risk office or are identified as a permissible activity. That includes market-making of Venezuelan bonds and credit derivatives, as well as the use of Venezuelan assets as collateral for financial transactions with non-Venezuelan institutions.

Credit Suisse is distancing itself from the nation after having benefited from its role as financial adviser for the $2.8 billion bond swap PDVSA conducted in October. It's unlikely another business opportunity of that kind will emerge as long as the borrowing costs for the company and Venezuela remain prohibitively high.

The move by the bank shows that it is rapidly withdrawing its support and association from the Maduro regime, said Russ Dallen, a managing partner at Caracas Capital.







Story by Jan-Henrik Foerster and Katia Porzecanski; With assistance by Noris Soto, and Rita Devlin from Bloomberg .



bloomberg. com / 08 10 2017
Oil refining states senators push for not to sanction Venezuela's regime with oil shipments



Sanctions could expand the interests of Cuba, China and Russia in Venezuela's oil business.

By Timothy Gardner

WASHINGTON

Petroleumworld 08 11 2017

Four U.S. Senate Republicans from oil refining states urged the Trump administration on Thursday to not block oil shipments from Venezuela as part of U.S. sanctions against the country, saying it could raise costs for U.S. fuel consumers.

The United States sanctioned President Nicolas Maduro and other Venezuelan officials after Maduro established a constituent assembly run by his Socialist Party loyalists and cracked down on widespread opposition. It has not placed sanctions on the OPEC member's oil industry.

Senators John Cornyn of Texas, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, and Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker of Mississippi said in the letter, which was seen by Reuters, that unilaterally blocking oil exports could harm the U.S. economy and Venezuelan people.

The United States imports about 740,000 barrels per day of oil from Venezuela.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the letter, which was addressed to President Donald Trump.

"We believe it is critical to consider the role the U.S. energy industry and refining sector play in our economic and national security interest," the senators wrote. "Blockading imports could inflict great harm on this industry and burden U.S. taxpayers with the cost."

The senators said sanctions on shipments of Venezuelan oil to the United States could also increase the likelihood of a disorderly default by Venezuela, given the oil business is its main source of revenue. Creditors could then seize Venezuelan oil assets and cut off the government's remaining sources of financing.

They also noted that such sanctions could expand the interests of China and Russia in Venezuela's oil business. Both countries have invested in Venezuela for years.

Sources have said the United States could use heavy crude from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve held in caverns along the Gulf Coast, to relieve any short-term supply pressure if Venezuela's shipments were blocked. Nearly 680 million barrels of oil are in reserve.

A drilling boom in the United States has allowed the government to store more oil than it needs to meet international spare supply agreements.







Story by Timothy Gardner; Editing by Toni Reinhold from Reuters .



reuters. com / 08 10 2017
RACINE  Following a large sting of a Racine County drug ring, two suspects remained on the run after a third turned himself in Wednesday.

During a press conference Wednesday, Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said hes saving lives with the drug arrests as every week someone in Racine County dies from a drug overdose.

If youre going to sell drugs in Racine County, I can assure you, youre going to have a target and were going to hunt you down and arrest you, Schmaling said. By arresting just one individual, we may save a life tomorrow.

Leroy Ostrander turned himself in Wednesday. As of Wednesday afternoon, authorities were still looking for Shakur Miller, 23, and David Edwards, 38, of Racine County. If you have information regarding their whereabouts, please call the Racine County Sheriffs Office at 262-886-2300.

Somebody knows who these two thugs are and will turn them in, Schmaling said. We dont want your name, we just want the information.

Schmaling said the seven others arrested in the ring Monday were working together and undercover officers managed to get 30 controlled purchases of heroin from members of the group.

The Racine County Metro Drug Unit obtained 50 grams of heroin, enough for 500 doses with a street value of $8,000. They also seized drug-related items and weapons during the bust. Six children were taken into custody by Child Protective Services after the bust.

These individuals are working together with one common goal, making money from addicts, Schmaling said. They create the next round of addicts who are not informed about the real dangers of opiates.

While all the busts were made in the City of Racine, Schmaling said the problem is countywide as many of the drugs, which he said originate in Afghanistan, make it to Racine County from Chicago on Interstate 94.

We have just as many drug busts on the east end as we do on the west end of Racine County, Schmaling said. These are real lives being destroyed and real families.

The next victim

A little more than an hour after the press conference Wednesday, Racine police and fire crews responded to the call of a drug overdose with CPR in progress at a home in the 2800 block of Maryland Avenue in Racine.

Shawn Jacobson said his girlfriend overdosed July 28 and was brought around by paramedics once again.

Within five minutes she was in the house (doing drugs) and then my daughter comes running out saying she was on the floor, Jacobson said. Shes been in so many programs nothing has worked.

Jacobson blamed the drug dealers.

Its the people in her phone. Constantly in contact with these people, Jacobson said. She needs to be isolated and go through withdrawal and get off of it.

Jacobson said he hopes she can get the help she needs now.

I want to know what goes through your mind that you want to shoot up or put stuff through your nose? Jacobson said.

In 2014, the Racine County Sheriffs Office was the first agency in the state to start carrying naloxone, or Narcan, in squad cars to help counteract the effects of opiates in addicts.

Racine County Medical Examiner Michael Payne said in 30 months theyve saved 28 lives with the medication.

When deputies apply Narcan and the individual, who is dying, wakes up, theyre mad their life was saved because it takes away their high, Payne said.

New drug mix

Payne said fentanyl cases are on the rise and hes concerned the elephant tranquilizer called carfentanil found in Milwaukee will also make its way to Racine.

Its not a matter of if, but when, Payne said. Theyre mixing fentanyl with heroin and its causing deaths in Racine. On average, one death a week.

Payne said mixing fentanyl with heroin amplifies the potency of both drugs. Once injected, smoked, or snorted, the killer heroin creates a frighteningly powerful high.

If you take this once, youre done, Payne said.

Sheriff calls on judges

Schmaling also called on county judges to throw the book at drug dealers.

It comes down to Racine County Circuit Court judges making the right decision and not offering these people probation, putting them in jail where they belong and getting them off the streets. Thats the right message, Schmaling said.

Schmaling said they make arrests daily and will be looking for the next ring to disrupt.

Were caring about our community and were doing something about this, Schmaling said.

If you need help for addiction, go to Racine County Behavioral Health Services, 1717 Taylor Ave. The county also operates a 24-hour crisis line at 262-638-6741.
George Brooks Jennings with his wife, Jill, and his son, Matthew, now 9. Prosecutors say Jennings was shot and killed by his neighbor. Read more

Steve Oliver knew Clayton P. Carter III as a man with a temper.

Since Carter moved in next door to George Brooks Jennings and his wife, Jill, in their quiet Chester County neighborhood a few years ago, Oliver said, the 51-year-old Carter had tormented the family. Oliver, brother of Jill Jennings, said Carter particularly targeted his brother-in-law.

"That guy is a menace to society," Oliver said.

In all, Oliver said, Carter's long-running dispute with Jennings resulted in more than 70 calls to police in the last five years or so. West Goshen police said that estimate sounded high but they did not have the exact numbers on hand.

That feud in West Goshen took a devastating turn early Tuesday, when prosecutors say Carter shot and killed Brooks Jennings after a confrontation over a spotlight. Carter's attorney said his client was attacked and acted in self-defense.

Surrounded by family and friends at her home on the 300 block of Box Elder Drive on Wednesday afternoon, a shaken Jill Jennings  who prosecutors say watched Carter shoot her husband from an inside window  politely declined to speak to a reporter.

But standing under a tree on the front lawn, just feet from the driveway where Brooks Jennings was killed, Oliver shared the family's grief  and his own frustration.

"It could have been prevented," Oliver said. "It's obvious to me."

Oliver said he had spoken to friends in law enforcement, who told him there isn't much police can do when someone is behaving erratically or aggressively on their own property.

West Goshen police once responded to another neighbor's call about Carter's carrying a gun on his own property, Chief Joseph Gleason said, but that was something he was legally permitted to do.

"I get the law, but I also know what common sense is," Oliver said. "Enough is enough."

Gleason, meanwhile, said his department did all it could do to contain the feud.

"I think if something could have been done, we would have done it," Gleason said. In the past, "we had allegations, but we never had proof."

Since January, police had a record of seven interactions with Carter, Gleason said. Those included complaints of Carter revving his motorcycle, as well as calls that Carter made to police.

Before Jennings was killed, West Goshen police had last interacted with Carter just before 8 p.m. Monday. Police were called to the block to resolve another dispute between Jennings and Carter, according to the complaint. Gleason said it was purely a verbal altercation; a news release from the District Attorney's Office said the argument was related to "cursing and a video recording in the backyard."

A few hours later, tensions escalated. Carter returned home from an errand at about 1 a.m. when he saw Jennings outside, according to the complaint. Carter grabbed his .380-caliber Ruger semi-automatic handgun from inside his home and went back outside to move his car.

He and Jennings began arguing about a spotlight issue; Carter later told police that Jennings was shining a light on him. Carter then drove his car onto the grass so it faced Jennings with the high beams on, according to the complaint.

Carter got out of his car and the argument continued. Carter shot Jennings, who collapsed. Carter then stood over Jennings, who lay motionless on his own driveway, and shot him once more in the head, according to the complaint.

A man who answered the door Wednesday at the Carter residence declined to comment.

Carter's attorney, Terrence J. Marlowe, said his client was protecting himself when he shot Jennings.

"My client is claiming self-defense and justification," Marlowe said. "Mr. Jennings was tormenting him and attacked him with a knife."

Police did recover a knife at the scene, according to the complaint, but Carter had no wounds and did not call 911. Witnesses who heard the gunshots told authorities there seemed to be a delay between the first and second shots.

At the scene, police also recovered Carter's handgun, which he had placed on top of a nearby car, as well as two shell casings  one on Carter's property and another near Jennings' body.

Gleason said he could not discuss specifics of the case, as the investigation was ongoing.

Carter had a history of disputes with other neighbors, too, according to the complaint. Residents of several surrounding homes did not want to comment, but Oliver said Carter's rage was well-known along the street.

Carter was territorial about his property, Oliver said, and would place nails under the tires of cars that were parked near his home. West Goshen police had received reports of nails in the roadway there, but with no indication of where they came from, Gleason said.

Carter had also gotten into verbal altercations with Jill Jennings, Oliver said. At times, Carter had directed his anger toward Oliver, too.

Once, when Oliver was visiting the Jenningses, he said Carter spit on Oliver's car and then followed him halfway to his home in Exton. Another time, he said, Carter told him to put a bullet in the head of his own dog, Rocky.

Carter had been arrested twice before in Pennsylvania, according to court records. In 1998, he was arraigned in Chester County on felony counts of aggravated assaulted, trespassing, and assault, but the charges were reduced to a summary offense.

In October 2012, Carter was charged with two misdemeanor counts of simple assault in Lancaster County, where he lived at the time, but authorities ultimately decided not to prosecute.

Carter is retired, and previously owned Loretta's Mobile Home Park in Downingtown, according to Marlowe. He and his wife moved into the home on Box Elder Lane a few years ago to care for his wife's parents. Carter's mother-in-law has since died, but the father-in-law and Carter's wife still reside in the home.

Carter remained jailed without bail at the Chester County Prison on Thursday, with a preliminary hearing set for Aug. 24.

The Jenningses, for their part, continued to mourn the loss of a husband and father of a 9-year-old son.

Oliver said he was always fond of his brother-in-law, who  before proposing to Jill  asked not only for her father's permission but also for Oliver's.

"I'd never heard of someone asking the brother," Oliver said, and that gesture stuck with him.

In the neighborhood, Jennings was beloved, Oliver said. A Chester County Republican Committee member, Jennings even used to take Carter's father-in-law to local political events.

And when it came to Carter, Jennings never wanted any bad blood, Oliver said.

"He was his neighbor. Brooks always tried to work it out," Oliver said. "Brooks was the type of person who tried to fix things."

Violent crime is rare in Chester County, which averages about 10 homicides a year, according to the District Attorney's Office.

The most recent Chester County homicide investigations were the June road-rage shooting of Bianca Roberson and a killing in Coatesville last week, Assistant District Attorney Michael Noone said.
In this file photo, specialist Anthony Rinaldi is silhouetted on a screen at his post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Read more

Maybe people should pick another month to go away.

Again, it's August and markets are teetering, this time as President Trump threatens war on North Korea. No more sleepy VIX, no more tiny swings in stocks and junk bonds, and goodbye to $500 billion from global equities.

Tom di Galoma said he'd be at work this weekend except he's flying to Argentina, leaving others to staff desks if needed at Seaport Global Holdings LLC, where he's a managing director. At Advisors Asset Management Inc. in Monument, Colo., Scott Colyer said nobody's break has been canceled  yet.

Asked what the market will be looking at next week, Guy LeBas was succinct.

"Vacation," said the chief fixed-income strategist at Janney Montgomery Scott LLC in Philadelphia. "We'll probably take our cue from the geopolitical drama, which is almost impossible to trade from a practical point. But nonetheless, it will be a bigger driver at this point."

You wouldn't know it from today, but it's been just about the worst week all year. European stocks fell the most since Trump's election and U.S. junk bonds had the biggest drop since March. Turbulence surged, pushing the CBOE Volatility Index up 50 percent and above 16 for only the second time in 2017.

Playground game

"We're trying not to do any fear-trading," Colyer said. "I'm not sure people are taking these threats very seriously, because North Korea has been making them for years. We have a president who maybe likes to play the playground double-dare game, but the underlying pinnings to the market are incredibly strong."

Why is August so rough? For equities, it's the worst month for volatility, with the VIX rising an average 12 percent over its 31 days. In 2011, the S&P 500 alternated between gains and losses of at least 4 percent for four days in August, something never seen in 88 years of data. Two years ago, the S&P 500 posted its worst six-day drop since 2011.

Ernie Cecilia, the chief investment officer at Bryn Mawr Trust, says valuation in the stock market is on the minds of clients as much as war. It's a dicey time now that earnings season is over, not much fundamental news is breaking, and the Federal Reserve is unwinding. He's glued to his screens.

"This is a 24/7 business; we're all connected. Ask my wife, and she'll say, 'Oh, you're working again,'" Cecilia said. "There's always a risk of headlines coming into the weekend that won't be well received by the market, and the risk of that is growing. We're dialed in, but we're not nervous."

Bunker building

Even though this week's volatility pales in comparison to past Augusts, it's harder than ever to get a break from it these days, said Richard Sichel, senior investment adviser at Philadelphia Trust Co.

"If I could do away with anything it'd be the tweeting," Sichel said by phone. "We already have a 24-hour news cycle, and the middle of the night tweets by the president have exacerbated that. I'm sure all the proper diplomacy is taking place, but the tweeting does create higher tension."

It's also created a whiff of gallows humor.

"I'd better start building my bunker," Ian Winer, director of equities at Wedbush Securities Inc. in Los Angeles, said jokingly when asked about his weekend plans. The truth: "I'm going to relax on the beach. We're not seeing anybody de-risk their portfolios because they're worried."

Joe Sowin, head of global equity trading at Highland Capital Management LP in Dallas, said discussions of geopolitical risk have become more frequent, but the firm hasn't made any major shift in its portfolios. The uptrend in equities is still intact, and with the VIX where it is, the market looks OK to him.

"There is still no immediate sign of the U.S. planning an attack," Sowin said. "I have a trading system at home that I can log into. Will I be logging in Sunday evening? Yes. Do I expect large swings in the market Sunday night? No."

Bloomberg's Lu Wang and Dani Burger contributed to this article.
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), the largest health system in Pennsylvania, on Friday told bondholders that it reached a definitive agreement on July 28 to acquire Pinnacle Health System of Harrisburg. The deal is expected to be completed Sept. 1, pending regulatory approvals.

The systems had been working on the deal since at least March.

With the acquisition of Pinnacle  which had $1.05 billion in revenue in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016  UPMC moves into direct competition with the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which owns Lancaster General Health. Penn is the biggest health system in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

On July 3, Pinnacle bought four hospitals from Community Health Systems Inc. for $231 million in cash, according to Community Health's quarterly report to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Included in that deal were two Lancaster County facilities: Lancaster Regional Medical Center in downtown Lancaster and Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center in Lititz.

"We'll notice it at the margin, but with Lancaster, there we feel we are well-positioned," said Ralph Muller, chief executive of the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

One of the keys to UMPC's business is a large health insurance operation. Insurance accounted for $6.1 billion of UPMC's $12.8 billion in operating revenue for the year ended June 30, 2016.

Muller said the UPMC-Pinnacle deal appeared to him to be more of a health-insurance move than an effort to draw patients to Pittsburgh from Lancaster County for the complicated treatments that can only be done at high-end academic medical centers such as those in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

UPMC insurance is coming even closer to Philadelphia.

Reading Health  which has agreed to acquire five hospitals in Philadelphia and Chester and Montgomery Counties for an undisclosed price  and UPMC Health Plan have a joint venture to offer health coverage and related services to individuals as well as employers and their employees in the Reading Health System service area.

UPMC already offers Medicare Advantage plans in Southeastern Pennsylvania and has been picked to provide managed Medicaid services in the region starting next year.

Pinnacle Health landed with UPMC on the rebound, after the Federal Trade Commission blocked Pinnacle's merger with Penn State Hershey Medical Center over concern that the deal would allow prices to rise in the Harrisburg region.
Target is expanding in Philadelphia to the Art Museum district and will hold a job fair on Saturday. Read more

Target will begin hiring approximately 75 positions for its newest Philadelphia small-format store, located at 2001 Pennsylvania Ave., on Saturday in preparation for a fall debut.

The store, located in the Art Museum/Fairmount section, is expected to open on Oct. 18. This new store will be Target's fourth small-format location in the city, following the Washington Square West, Rittenhouse Square, and Roxborough openings.

"This new Target store located in a vibrant and creative community, steps away from the Barnes Foundation and Rodin Museum, will offer our guests a quick-trip to grab the necessities for every day," said Nora Kelly, store team leader, in a statement.

The company said store leaders will conduct prescheduled interviews with applicants and discuss Target's culture. Interested candidates should visit Target.com/careers to apply in advance. They can also apply in-person at Saturday's job fair.
I spent the weekend dog-sitting for a very frisky, very robust black Lab named Chance, as in there wasn't a Chance in hell he was going to obey me.

We're taking a walk, and he decides that he wants to smell the flowers on the neighbors' lawn. I say no; he gives me the same look President Trump gives his advisers, then proceeds to drag me 30 yards toward the hydrangeas. I end up with bruises on both arms, big ones that don't hurt but look fierce.

Chance and I have long since made our peace with each other, but I now appear to the outside world like an abused woman. On the subway, I catch riders glancing at my arms with surreptitious sympathy. At Wawa, the clerk gives me a knowing look, as if to say, "Dump the bastard, honey, he ain't worth it." And one of my feminist friends (I have a few, close your mouth) told me that maybe now I'll have some empathy for the women who donned pink hats to express their disgust with Trump.

I was shocked she could make that sort of comment. And then, after a brief moment's reflection, I realized that this is exactly what we can expect in the post-sexist society of knitted headwear, overwrought activists and the rush to wage an assault on the patriarchal fortress.

If I were a man and had the same misfortune to be yanked all over somebody's landscaping, no one would even suggest that my bruises had been inflicted by an abusive partner. And yet, according to statistics, it's almost as likely that a man would be attacked by a partner (male or female) as a woman. But we have come to a place in society where we reflexively view women as an endangered species.

Nowhere is that more in view than on college campuses. For the last decade or so, we have seen an increase in allegations of sexual assault made by female students against their male counterparts. Some of these claims are obviously legitimate and deserve to be treated as rape. In fact, they should be reported to the police, instead of being adjudicated by college administrators with warped priorities.

Campus dating has gone from the process of creating actual relationships to the sort of "hookup" that would have made a resident of Sodom and Gomorrah blush. Alcohol and drugs have also complicated the whole getting-to-know-you scene to the point that one inebriated half of a hookup might think he's gotten lucky, until the next morning, when he gets a call from a college administrator telling him he's been accused of assault.

Up until recently, the momentum, sympathy and benefit of the doubt have been with the accuser, who overwhelmingly tends to be female. Under Title IX, an accuser must only prove by a preponderance of the evidence that an assault has occurred. This is the classic standard used in civil  not criminal  cases and means that if someone can prove it's just "more likely than not" that a rape occurred, the accused will be found guilty.

In most of these cases, the punishment is expulsion from the Ivory Tower and a large dose of character assassination that will follow the fellow throughout his life.

To the type of person who immediately believes a woman whenever she claims to have been victimized, this makes perfect sense. To lawyers, civil libertarians and anyone who doesn't hate men, this is an outrage. Title IX does not require that an accused party be given access to the evidence against him. It does not give him the right to legal counsel. It is, for all intents and purposes, an academic Star Chamber that sacrifices due process to some squishy idea that we need to "protect our women."

This rush to throw fairness out the window picked up speed under President Barack Obama, who essentially forced colleges to adhere to these constitutionally suspect policies and use the "preponderance standard."

Fortunately, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has indicated that she wants to rescind that mandate.

And you know who'd applaud her on that? Armaan Karim Premjee, a student at the University of Southern California who was accused of raping a woman who was later proved to have initiated the sexual encounter. He'd be joined by Michael Cheng, an Amherst student who, while drunk, had oral sex performed on him by a woman who then amazingly accused him of raping her. The frat guys at the University of Virginia might be clapping, along with the Duke lacrosse players. And the guy at Columbia who was defamed by the woman with a mattress would be happy, too.

Protecting victims is important, but no more important than due process.

It's about time we took the blinders off and treated all victims equally.
In 2014 in Guam, Stu Bykofskys girlfriend, Half-Pint, looks at a newspaper in a museum display picturing her grandfather as a member of the Guam Insular Force Guard who survived World War II. Read more

My girlfriend, whom I call Half-Pint, is from Guam, 7,939 miles away from our Philadelphia home, and she is worried about her family and friends on the tiny island that has become a hot zone.

Her brother Scott, who lives there, is worried, too.

They worry because a North Korean dictator with a bad haircut has painted a bull's-eye on the distant American territory, while an American president with a bad hairdo is playing chicken on a street with no lights.

Located across the International Date Line, Guam proclaims itself to be "where America's day begins," and its people are U.S. citizens. Their island is America's westernmost arsenal and that's why Kim Jong Un fixates on it.

Military bases occupy almost one-third of the island, which is about 30 miles long and nine wide. The population is 160,000, with an additional 6,000 military personnel.

In 2014, I tagged along with Half-Pint when she visited family there.

Guam is hot. Laid-back people greet each other with a cheery "Hafa Adai" (their version of "Aloha"). Many roads don't have street signs. When I asked why, I was told, "We know what street it is."

At least they don't park in the middle of the street, a Philly custom Half-Pint had to learn. She has traded Spam for scrapple and barbecue for cheesesteaks. She's learned to bundle up for winters she curses, and has learned that dogs are kept indoors. Some are even allowed in bed! Ahem.

During that visit to Guam, I got onto Andersen Air Force Base courtesy of Scott, who as ex-military could sign me in. A decommissioned B-52 guards the front gate. The B-1 bombers were out of sight.

There are also a Coast Guard base and a Navy base, home port to several nuclear submarines, one or two of which are believed to be stationed off Korea right now. "The military doesn't tell us where they are," says Scott.

I spoke to him by phone Thursday night, which was already Friday morning where he lives, near a naval hospital.

"They tested the sirens the other night," he says. "They haven't done that in quite some time." He suspects it was a readiness drill.

When I ask if people on the island are scared, he says it depends on whom you ask, but "a lot of people have faith in the U.S. military. We have the THAAD [defensive] missile system."

It's not the first time Kim has threatened Guam. He did it in 2013 and nothing happened, "but the difference is he wasn't testing ICBMs then," Scott says.

With Kim threatening to fire four missiles near Guam, Scott says, a few residents are preparing to leave for Saipan, 120 miles away.

During World War II, thousands of occupying Japanese committed suicide in Saipan rather than surrender to American troops. Japanese also occupied Guam and were harassed by the Guam Insular Force Guard.

During our visit, I talked Half-Pint into visiting the War in the Pacific Museum. One display case held the front page of an old newspaper picturing seven members of the Guam Insular Force Guard who had survived the war.

Half-Pint gasped when she recognized one of them as her grandfather.

Because of that visit and because of Half-Pint, I connect with Guam. I go online to read the Guam newspaper, the Pacific Daily News. I worry, too, but not so much. I can't believe Kim would dare attack. It would be the end of him, in a white-hot flash.

Mental health professionals are urging islanders to find ways to stay calm, the Pacific Daily News reported Friday.

That's not so easy when you live on the bull's-eye.
The stylish new internet cafe coming to lower Bucks County this fall  boasting a brightly colored carpet with geometric design and sleek workstations with multiple outlets to plug in devices  won't be open to the general public. It's part of a radical makeover in the way kids in Bensalem High School will learn and look forward to future careers.

"Doesn't it look like Starbucks?" asked Kathy Leon, Bensalem's assistant superintendent, showing off one highlight of a $78 million renovation project that took five years to carry out. "That's what the kids are used to."

But it's the academic transformation of the 1,800-student Bensalem High that has officials even more excited than its dramatic physical overhaul. The start of classes this month will mark the launch of a career academies program that will allow high schoolers to focus on fields such as health care, science and technology, business, or arts and communications.

It's one of the first times that the career academies model  which was invented locally at Philadelphia Academies in the late 1960s and then became a nationwide movement  has been tried in the Philadelphia suburbs. But officials in the predominantly working-class community on the city's northeastern border say the model  which has been credited with improving graduation rates as well as measures of future success  is a good fit for Bensalem.

"We're looking to give them the opportunity to deal with real-world problems," said Jason Bowman, director of curriculum and instruction, citing evidence that teens in career-oriented high school academies not only show more enthusiasm for their classroom work but emerge better prepared for college or entering the workforce.

At least one area district is working to follow soon in Bensalem's footsteps. Springfield High School in Delaware County is developing five academy programs, while there is already a successful academies program at Souderton Area High School in Montgomery County.

Connie Majka, director of school operations at Philadelphia Academies Inc. and founder and vice president of the National Career Academy Coalition, predicted the trend will continue in more high schools, not just in in their traditional urban base but in suburban and rural districts.

"A lot of people equate academies with the old vocational education, but nothing could be further from the truth," Majka said. "The academy is a hybrid  it takes academics and infuses it with a career theme. You can have a law academy and have all the academic subjects but use that theme to teach throughout. So a biology class can have a forensics theme  not to turn out a bunch of lawyers but to keep them engaged in school."

That was the thinking when Charles Bowser, the late civil rights activist, launched the first Philadelphia Academy as an electrical engineering program at Edison High School in 1969, aimed at preventing dropouts. Today, Philadelphia Academies runs whole-school academies at Roxborough and Abraham Lincoln High Schools and smaller "pocket academies" within nine other city schools.

Nationally, Majka said, there are hundreds of successful academies, with a large concentration in California and perhaps the most powerful example in Nashville, where officials struggling with high absenteeism turned things around after converting all city's high schools to academies about 15 years ago.

In Springfield, Jeffrey Zweiback, the director of teaching and learning for secondary schools, said one of the drivers for its new academies is helping teens not only get to college but finish on time. Currently, only two-thirds of Springfield grads earn a college diploma in six years.

"If you have a better sense of what you want to do and where you want to goyou may eliminate both the financial burden and indecision" that causes struggle in college, he explained.

Bensalem officials began looking into launching the Academy Pathways program about five years ago, as it surveyed other districts for ideas on how to better prepare students for college or careers. With a state academic score of 68.6  70 is considered a cutoff for meeting achievement and growth standards  and nearly half of its students economically disadvantaged, the school was ready for a radical makeover.

A healthy number of Bensalem grads now go on to higher education  about 85 percent  but Bowman saidm "If you can give more relevance to education, I think students will take more of an interest in it."

The initiative coincided with a debate over the physical future of Bensalem High, with officials deciding that the extensive renovation was a better option than spending $120 million on a new school. The overhaul allowed officials to reconfigure the interior with bright central meeting areas surrounded by glass-walled classrooms, banks of computers, and special features like a dance studio and a music room with 16 electric pianos linked to Mac computers.

"We listened to a lot of the kids who came back and they said they weren't prepared for how much freedom they have in college," said Leon of the school's open feel, as she showed off the internet cafe, the sprawling new cafeteria, and the science and technology lab inside the former gym with a hydroponic growing area, robotics section, and array of 3-D printers, lasers, and other devices. After a three-year renovation, the official dedication is Sept. 17.

Students "are really excited to use the new facility and to have the academies help them in whatever career they want to go into," said Kasey MacAdams, 17, a rising senior who was at the school last week for band rehearsal. She's a violinist who wants to be a music therapist and who thinks students will benefit by having a more "individualized education" to guide them in the future.

Melissa Adams, whose son Kyle is going into 11th grade, said her son plans to study in the business academy. "It focuses them and better prepares them for college," Adams said.

All ninth graders will attend a Freshman Academy. Starting in 10th grade, students can focus on learning "strands" in the four upper-class academies  STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), Health and Human Services, Business and Entrepreneurial, and Visual, Performing and Communication Arts  or bypass the academies for a more traditional program. The strands, consisting of four courses apiece, home in on career topics like hotel and restaurant management, criminal justice, engineering, journalism, and music performance.

The ultimate goal of the learning strands is "to be able to take a world problem, like we're losing area for growing food. We still have hunger issues. What are you going to use to [solve] that?" said principal Bill Ferrera. "We're not there yet, but that's what this program allows us to do."
Khapra beetle larvae, an insect considered one of the worlds most destructive pests for grains, cereals and stored foods. Read more

Agricultural specialists with U.S. Customs and Border Protection found larvae of the Khapra beetle, one of the world's most destructive insects to grains, cereals, and stored foods, in the luggage of a woman arriving Aug. 3 at Philadelphia International Airport from Sudan, the agency said Friday.

Upon the woman's arrival, the CPB referred the woman to a secondary agricultural inspection and there specialists discovered the larvae in dried berries in her luggage.

The specimens were submitted to a U.S. Department of Agriculture entomologist who confirmed that they were Khapra beetle larvae.

"The Khapra beetle poses a serious threat to our nation's agriculture and to our economy," said Shawn Polley, CBP acting port director for the Philadelphia area. "Our best defense against destructive pests like the Khapra beetle is to prevent their entry into the United States and that is a mission that Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists take very seriously."

Khapra beetles are highly tolerant of insecticides and fumigants, and can survive long periods without food. Previous beetle infestations have resulted in massive and long-term eradication programs at great cost to taxpayers, the CBP said.
Quality solar eclipse viewing glasses block out nearly 100 percent of the suns rays, says Wills Eye Hospital attending surgeon Jack Dugan, holding a pair up to the sun outside his office in Voorhees. Read more

Sunglasses are not nearly strong enough. Filters made from food wrappers and other household materials? Also a bad idea. Even masks designed for gas welding are not going to cut it.

For the millions planning to watch the Aug. 21 solar eclipse, ophthalmologists say proper eye protection is essential. Staring at the sun  even when three-quarters of it is blocked by the moon, as it will be in much of Pennsylvania and New Jersey  can damage eyesight.

"People can basically burn their retinas," said Jack Dugan, an attending surgeon at Wills Eye Hospital.

That is true for looking at the sun under normal circumstances. But the risk goes up during an eclipse because the partially blocked sun appears less bright, leading some to think it is OK to stare at it for extended periods of time. It is not. There are no pain sensors in the retina, so the unprotected eclipse viewer may gaze at the sun for minutes without realizing it is harmful. The resulting loss of vision, which can be permanent in extreme cases, does not occur until several hours later.

COMING MONDAY: Derrick Pitts, the Franklin Institute's chief astronomer, will take your solar eclipse questions live on Philly.com's Facebook page at 3 p.m., just after the eclipse's peak in Philadelphia.

A safe approach is to wear a pair of solar viewing glasses. And even then, beware of cheap imitations. Looking through good-quality glasses will seem almost like wearing a blindfold, said Dugan, an astronomy buff who is distributing them to patients at his practice in Voorhees.

"It's black," he said, of his view through the glasses. "I can't see when I wave my hand in front of my face."

The nonprofit American Astronomical Society recommends glasses that have been proven in laboratory testing to block 99.9968 percent of the sun's visible and ultraviolet rays, a safety standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization. Brands that have been certified as meeting that standard typically say so on the label, though some counterfeit brands are labeled with similar claims. To be safe, NASA recommends looking at the society's list of reputable vendors at eclipse.aas.org (click on "Eye Safety").

It's not enough for the glasses to be extremely dark, said Rick Fienberg, the astronomical society's press officer. Proper filters have various coatings made with aluminum or other materials designed to block specific wavelengths of radiation.

Do not wait until the last minute to get glasses, as some online vendors are sold out.

Other safe viewing options include watching a live stream of the event at eclipse2017.nasa.gov, or viewing it indirectly, with a homemade "pinhole" device that projects a silhouette of the eclipse onto a piece of paper (instructions at go.nasa.gov/2qjJnnc). And at least 15 area libraries are holding eclipse-viewing events, along with the Franklin Institute and the Wagner Free Institute of Science. (See a national map at eclipse2017.nasa.gov/libraries.)

The damage that can occur from looking at the sun directly is called solar retinopathy, described in a 2004 study by one of Dugan's Wills Eye colleagues, Sunir J. Garg.

The bluish portion of the sun's spectrum is sometimes cited as the prime culprit, leading people to think that "blue-blocker" sunglasses are protective. Bad idea, as other wavelengths also are harmful, said Garg, a professor of ophthalmology at Wills.

The combination of visible and ultraviolet light, intensely focused on a small spot in the back of the eye, triggers a cascade of injury to the light-sensitive cells called rods and cones, the eye doctor said. That includes inflammation and chemical damage caused by molecules called free radicals.

It also includes the direct impact of the heat.

"The tissue gets cooked," Garg said.

We've all had the experience of looking at the sun for a split-second by accident, with no lasting effects. Does damage start to occur after looking at the sun without protection for 10 seconds? Twenty? And at what point does the damage become permanent? Some scientists have attempted to answer these question with animal studies, but the results are unclear. Best not to try it at all, Garg said.

Patients who develop solar retinopathy will perceive a spot in the middle of their field of vision. The damage may also be perceived as "waviness" or dimness, said Bisant Labib, assistant professor at Salus University's Pennsylvania College of Optometry. In cases where the damage is temporary, recovery occurs after several months.

Special cautions apply for those who want to take pictures of the celestial phenomenon, said Jerry Lodriguss, a longtime astronomy photographer and a contributing editor of Sky & Telescope magazine. The lenses on a camera, telescope, or pair of binoculars magnify the sun's rays, causing damage even faster.

Lodriguss, a former Inquirer photographer who showcases his work and offers eclipse tips at astropix.com, said taking photos of the sun requires the use of a specially designed solar filter.

Though experts are spreading the word about safety, they do not want to detract from the enjoyment of a rare phenomenon. As Dugan is doing for his patients in South Jersey, Wills Eye is giving out safety glasses at its Walnut Street location in Center City and elsewhere, while supplies last. (Check @wills_eye on Twitter for availability.)

Dugan is so excited about the event that he is traveling with family to watch it in South Carolina, from a coastal location within the 70-mile-wide path of "totality"  meaning that for nearly three minutes, the moon will block the sun entirely.

During that brief period of total blockage, it is safe to look at the eclipse without protection, he said. But on either side of totality, when any part of the sun is visible, eye protection is a must, as it will be throughout the entire event here in Philadelphia.

"It's just an amazing event," Dugan said. "You can actually see the moon taking a bite out of the sun as it goes across."
Lawyers for a man who was arrested in connection with a jogger appearing to push a woman in front of an oncoming London bus say he has "irrefutable proof" that he was in the United States at the time of the incident.

Video footage from May 5 showed a male jogger knocking the 33-year-old woman onto the road as she walked across Putney Bridge on the River Thames.

The bus is seen swerving and narrowly missing the woman.

Police said the victim suffered minor injuries and passengers on the bus came to her aid.

The jogger returned 15 minutes later as he made his way back across the bridge but did not acknowledge the victim when she attempted to speak with him, according to police.

A 41-year-old was arrested Thursday morning on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm at an address in the affluent Chelsea area, a Metropolitan Police statement said.

But lawyers for Eric Bellquist said in a statement Friday that their client has a clear alibi.

"Our client has been wrongly implicated in this matter; he categorically denies being the individual concerned and has irrefutable proof that he was in the United States at the time of the incident. Consequently we expect a swift resolution to this wholly untrue allegation," Duncan Lewis Solicitors said in a statement.

On Saturday, the Metropolitan Police said they had released a man arrested in connection with the case without charge, and that no further action would be taken against him.

Officers received "a good response" from the public after releasing the footage, police said.

"The victim was put in extreme danger when she was knocked into the road. It was only due to the superb quick reactions of the bus driver that she was not hit by the vehicle," said Sgt. Mat Knowles, the investigating officer from Putney Safer Neighbourhood Team, in an earlier statement.

This story has been updated to reflect the latest information from police about the suspect's age.

CNN's Angela Dewan contributed to this article.
Haverford Township police say the man seen in this photo is suspected of shooting and killing 29-year-old John Le. Read more

As the search continues for Derrick Rollins in a seemingly random killing in Haverford Township last month, a review of his criminal history shows a young man with multiple arrests for crimes ranging from drug dealing to armed robbery  starting when he was 17.

In addition, Rollins' arrest with a gun made him the focus of a program called GunStat, designed to take the most dangerous offenders off the streets. It aims to convict them and punish them harshly with a goal of preventing future crimes. But even with that extra attention, prosecutors' efforts to keep Rollins behind bars were undermined by courtroom missteps  including the failure of two police witnesses to appear at a trial.

"This guy should have been in jail," said Bryan Lentz, the former assistant district attorney who launched GunStat in 2012. "It doesn't take a Vegas gambler to predict that he's going to commit a violent act. You had all the data to know this is a guy to watch."

Rollins, 24, was free on probation on a drug charge on July 29 when he allegedly shot and killed John Le, 29, in what police suspect may have been a botched robbery.

Earlier that day, police say, Rollins went on a shooting spree in Overbrook Park, firing 17 shots at two people in broad daylight, but, surprisingly, harming no one. Surveillance video caught Rollins running in the area of the crime scene, and police traced his movements to the shooting in Overbrook Park about 45 minutes before Le was killed.

Now, law enforcement officials are scouring the region to arrest him. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Police Department has opened an internal review into why the two officers failed to show up to testify against Rollins, causing a gun case to collapse.

A review of court records shows how difficult it can be for law enforcement officials to successfully prosecute even repeat offenders deemed at risk of future violations. It also reveals that rulings by two Philadelphia judg es, in separate cases, set the stage for his freedom on the day police say he turned to murder.

Rollins had been arrested five times, beginning in 2010 . In September of that year, he and three other teens, including his brother Marquesse, stole a cellphone from a 15-year-old boy while riding a northbound train on the Broad Street Line. Rollins was later adjudicated delinquent on a robbery charge.

A few months later, Rollins was again charged with robbery, using a gun, court records show. The gun charges were eventually withdrawn, along with an assault charge, and he was adjudicated delinquent on robbery and conspiracy charges.

In February 2014, he pleaded guilty to dealing cocaine on a North Philadelphia street corner and was sentenced to five years' probation.

In July of that year, he was arrested for marijuana possession, a case that was later dismissed. And four days later, he was arrested on firearms charges, after police accused him of carrying a gun on an East Germantown street. While awaiting trial in that case, he spent two years in jail because he could not post his $300,000 bail.

Rollins was carrying a bag, which he dropped when he saw police, said John P. Delaney, head of the trial division for the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.

"He put the bag on the ground and ran. The bag had a gun in it," Delaney said. "Police never see him with a gun in his hand."

That made it a difficult case for prosecutors.

At an initial trial in 2015, Common Pleas Court Judge Daniel J. Anders found Rollins not guilty of carrying a gun in public, and the trial went forward on a count of gun possession. A jury deliberated for three days before telling the judge it was deadlocked, and the case ended in a mistrial.

Prosecutors continued to pursue the gun charge, and Rollins spent 16 more months in jail before his second trial was to begin. But on the appointed day, two key prosecution witnesses  both police officers  failed to appear in court to testify. One officer was sick and the other was on vacation, Delaney said.

In their absence, Common Pleas Court Judge Giovanni O. Campbell dismissed the case. And in an unusual move, he ordered prosecutors not to refile the charges without his approval. Prosecutors asked the judge to reconsider his position, and he denied their request. Through a court spokesman, Campbell said he could not discuss the case. Court records do not explain the reason for his decision.

On Thursday, Officer Troy Brown, a police spokesman, said the department was conducting an "internal review" of the officers' absence at trial.

Delaney, of the District Attorney's Office, lamented the gun case's dismissal. "The ultimate result we intended was for him to be convicted," he said. "That would have kept him off the street."

Disappointed but undaunted, prosecutors turned their attention to an earlier drug case and moved to have Rollins held in jail, saying his arrest in the now-dismissed gun case was a violation of the terms of his probation in the cocaine case.

Despite prosecutors' pleas that Rollins be kept in jail for a probation violation  and against the recommendation of his probation officer  Common Pleas Court Judge Frank Palumbo ordered his release. Through a court spokesman, Palumbo said court rules precluded him from discussing the case. Court records shed no light on his reasoning.

After his court-ordered release from jail on Nov. 29, 2016, Rollins regularly reported to his probation officer as required, a court spokesman said.

He was scheduled to meet with him again Aug. 3, but after allegedly killing Le on July 29, he vanished.
Like many, I was crestfallen when I saw my colleague Michael Klein's report Wednesday that Eulogy Belgian Tavern in Old City has closed.

Eulogy was one of the first bars a friend took me to when I moved to Philadelphia 10 years ago. And when my friend came from out of town last Friday for a concert, it was the first bar I thought to take her to after the show.

"You have to get a Dirty Hoe and the French fries," I told her. "You can't go to Eulogy without getting the fries."

A Dirty Hoe was a Eulogy house special that was equal parts Hoegaarden and Lambic and all parts delicious. The fries were perhaps the best in the city  super crispy outside but mashed potatoey inside  and they came with so many dipping sauces.

As always, the staff was wonderful and the bartender chatted us up. Nobody there gave any indication that the place would shutter the next day.

We here in the newsroom thought it only fitting that we compose a eulogy (or three) for Eulogy. Two are based on famous poems about death and the third is based on an epitaph Benjamin Franklin wrote for himself.

A eulogy for Eulogy based on the Dylan Thomas poem, "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night"

Do not go sober into that wretched night,

Belgian bars should party and rave when they shutter;

Rage, rage, against the dying of Eulogy, alright?

Though imbibers at their drunkest know sober is right,

Because their words they do find hard to utter,

They do not go sober into that wretched night.

Good diners, the last mussels they bite,

The empty shells cast aside in melted butter,

Rage, Rage against the dying of Eulogy, alright?

Wild patrons who caught a buzz and danced in the twilight,

And learned, too late, that they'd set another's heart aflutter,

Do not go sober into that wretched night.

Brave men, on the brink of hunger and fright

Seated at the coffin table stuffed with clutter

Rage, rage against the dying of Eulogy, alright?

And you, my city, there witnessing this plight,

Curse, bless, this jawn with whatever words you can mutter.

Do not go sober into that wretched night

Rage, rage against the dying of Eulogy, alright?

A eulogy for Eulogy based on Mary Elizabeth Frye's poem, "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep"

Do not stand at my empty bar and weep

I am not there. I do not have any more drinks on the cheap.

I am a thousand beers that pour

I am the nights lost to alcohol, forevermore.

I am the Dirty Hoes and perfect fries,

I am all those blind dates with weirdo guys.

When you awaken in a fog

I am the hair of the dog.

Of quiet whispers in hushed conversations

I am the sweet and tasty libations.

Do not stand at my empty bar and weep.

I am not there. And neither is the barkeep.

A eulogy for Eulogy based on an epitaph Benjamin Franklin penned for himself

The shell of Eulogy

A. Bar

A booze cathedral

Like the cover of an old beer bible,

Its contents poured out

And stripped of its coffin table and comfy seats

Lies here, food for development

But the memories shall not be wholly lost:

For it will, as we all believed, live on forever more

In our hearts & stomachs, as a more perfect bar

Loved and cut off too soon

By the city it called home.
Jeffrey Lord sits in his home office and prepares to record a CNN segment with Anderson Cooper via Skype. Read more

CNN has severed ties with pro-Trump contributor Jeffrey Lord after he used a Nazi reference in a tweet directed at the president of the liberal media watchdog group Media Matters.

"Nazi salutes are indefensible," CNN said in a statement. "Jeffrey Lord is no longer with the network."

Lord tweeted the Nazi phrase to Angelo Carusone on Thursday morning after a back-and-forth on Twitter that followed a column Lord wrote for the American Spectator that called both Carusone and his website "Media Matters Fascists." Lord was upset at the organization's campaign for Fox News to fire host Sean Hannity.

Lord shared the article on Twitter and directed it at Carusone, who responded, "Your headline has a mistake in it. Why do you expect anyone to take you seriously when you don't take yourself seriously."

Lord's response was "Sieg Heil!"

Lord, who served in the White House as an associate political director under President Ronald Reagan and now lives outside Harrisburg, spoke with CNN's Brian Stelter after his firing Thursday.

"I love CNN," said Lord, one of Trump's most vocal defenders on the network. "I feel like they are caving to bullies here."

On Twitter, Lord posted a one-word response following his ouster:

During his two-year tenure as a contributor, Lord often made controversial statements as a panelist on CNN shows. He once referred to the Ku Klux Klan as the "military arm of the Democratic Party" and described Trump as "the Martin Luther King Jr. of health care."

Lord joined CNN about two years ago, and quickly became part of a contingent of 12 contributors who would defend Trump on the network. Lord was among the names CNN chief executive Jeffrey Zucker touted to the New York Times this year, referring to the pro-Trump panelists as "characters in a drama" intended on hitting a viral nerve that could be debated and shared throughout the day.

"Everybody says, 'Oh, I can't believe you have Jeffrey Lord or Kayleigh McEnany'  but you know what?" Zucker told the Times. "They know who Jeffrey Lord and Kayleigh McEnany are."

Over the weekend, McEnany announced she had left CNN and hosted a segment called the "real news" on Trump's official Facebook account. On Monday, the Republican National Committee named McEnany the party's new spokeswoman.

In an interview this summer with my colleague Aubrey Whelan, Lord opened up about the difficulties of juggling appearances on the network while trying to take care of his 97-year-old mother in their Camp Hill home.

"I'll do it probably until I can't," Lord said. "I mean, life moves on, but I love to write, and this was why I wanted to become a writer: to do this, and do other things in the media if possible. You're on TV and then you're not. The main thing is to stay focused. And I could not possibly have predicted this in my wildest imagination."

Lord is the third CNN contributor with whom the network recently severed ties. In May, it cut ties with comedian Kathy Griffin after she shared a provocative photo of herself holding a bloody, severed head meant to resemble Trump. Griffin had co-anchored the network's New Year's Eve coverage alongside Anderson Cooper since 2007.

CNN cut ties in June with Reza Aslan and canceled his documentary series after the vocal Trump critic blasted the president for his response to a June terror attack on London Bridge that killed eight people.
Van Jones with Mary Baxter at the We Rise tour in Philadelphia on Aug. 3. Read more

Mary Baxter, a single mother, is homeless, jobless, $40,000 in debt, and a convicted criminal.

But, at age 35, she is also a burgeoning artist, accepted by the New York University Tisch Film School, the Art of Institute of Chicago, and the Moore College of Art; one of the faces of Sens. Cory Booker and Elizabeth Warren's Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act; and recipient of a $20,000 Right to Return Fellowship for her musical and film work.

Her journey has been as incredible as her turnabout.

"I've interviewed tons of homeless college students and I have yet to see this level of success despite insane hardship," said Sara Goldrick-Rab, a Temple University professor of higher education policy and sociology, and one of Baxter's mentors. "I don't usually find stories that are anywhere near like this."

"I think it all came out of trying to give a voice to what I was experiencing," said Baxter, who recalled growing up in a "tumultuous and unstable" home in North Philadelphia and being passed among relatives. "That's how I fell in love with the arts; it was my safe space, my refuge."

By Baxter's account, it was a near-death incident as she was about to enter eighth grade that gave her new life.

A once-star pupil, she had begun drawing at age 8 and writing poetry by age 10, she said, but conditions at home spurred her to act out. Then came her life-changing moment. Baxter said her mother forced her to leave the house in the middle of the night. She hooked up with friends. They got high on marijuana and stole a car. The car crashed, seriously injuring Baxter, who ended up hospitalized. For Baxter, it was a "moment of clarity."

Over the next several years, Baxter said, she was in and out of state treatment facilities.

Baxter eventually got her life on track  or so it seemed. She graduated from high school with honors and entered Pennsylvania State University as an excited African American Studies major in the fall of 2000.

But something happened. Takkeem Morgan, a friend from one of the state facilities, joined Baxter as a Penn State student the following year. But when he arrived, he found a troubled Mary Baxter. She was on academic probation, homeless, had financial aid problems, and was unemployed.

"From my perspective, Mary was falling apart. The things that she was hopeful about when she first started out  all those things had unraveled. She's very intelligent naturally, but I don't think she had that mentoring relationship.  She was literally roaming around the streets," said Morgan, also 35.

She acknowledged that she dealt drugs in the State College area for several years, was arrested twice, became pregnant, and returned to Philadelphia.

In December 2007, Baxter was rearrested in Philadelphia for two older cases of selling marijuana. She was nine months pregnant. She was sent to the Centre County Correctional Facility, and four days later went into labor with her son, Rasir, she said.

She was sentenced for up to two years on a felony drug count and a conspiracy to commit burglary count, but was released in six months and received full custody of Rasir. The two moved to Philadelphia, where Baxter served her parole and, as she says, "basically start life from scratch."

"Mary changed as a person when Rasir was born. She was not as impulsive, she was much more willing to listen," said Morgan, who is Rasir's godfather. "I think she was able to focus her energy in a way that she hadn't been able to before."

With her criminal record, Baxter struggled to find work before finally landing a job as a volunteer coordinator at Welfare for Work at Impact Services Corp.

She was laid off four years later, and that drove her back to an avocation. Donning the stage name Isis Tha Saviour, Baxter began to create music about her experiences in Philadelphia.

"Philly is my compass; all those things shaped who I am and what I do and why I do it," said Baxter, whose music focuses on social issues and personal experiences, with songs such as "Forever on My Mind," about the accidental shooting that killed her cousin in 2013, and "Make It Out," which features Rasir in the music video.

"After a while, I got bitter about the Philadelphia hip hop scene," said Baxter, who said Philly artists cared more about creating songs for the radio than addressing issues.

Frustrated that her music wasn't taken seriously, Baxter decided to enroll in Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), where she majored in art and design. She excelled, graduating with a 3.7 GPA and acceptances to Tisch, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Moore.

But then she bumped into a reality: the high costs of private colleges.

"What I didn't know was I wasn't going to be able to afford any of them, because art school is astronomically expensive," said Baxter. Aid packages fell thousands short of what she needed.

Meanwhile, the physical condition of the Germantown home where she and her son had lived for more than six years had deteriorated. Eventually a leaky ceiling and no heat forced the mother and son to become officially homeless, wandering from house to house and crashing with friends when possible.

Unsure of her next step, Baxter decided to return to CCP in the fall of 2016, this time to concentrate in human services. She volunteered at an after-school program, where a colleague suggested she apply for the Right of Return Fellowship, a brand-new program for formerly incarcerated artists. On May 30 the big news came: Among 300 applicants nationwide, she was one of seven winners. Her prize was $20,000.

"I just kept thinking, is this real? One day you're homeless  I mean, I literally had $3.56 on my account," said Baxter, whose prize money is broken up into $10,000 for personal use and $10,000 to create an art project addressing criminal-justice reform.

The Right of Return Fellowship is part of the Soze Agency's initiatives for criminal justice reform, and is being funded by Open Philanthropy.

"Mary has the most honest and incredible way of talking about her experience as a woman who was in prison while she was pregnant," said Daveen Trentman, co-founder and production director of Soze Agency.

Fellowship officials introduced her to #cut50's Dignity for Incarcerated Women campaign, which aims to raise support for a prison reform bill of the same name.

The #cut50 initiative was co-founded by CNN's Van Jones, whom Baxter had the opportunity to speak with about her experiences when he visited Philadelphia last week for his "We Rise" tour.

"The most inspiring thing about Mary is the way she is committed to trying to reach her next level of greatness despite unbearable circumstances," said Morgan. She has even made sure Rasir had a relationship with her own mother. "That's how Mary operates, she's a protector, she tries to look out for the community."

"It's just wanting more, for me and my son, for my community," said Baxter. She remains optimistic that her criminal record won't hold her back and plans to apply for a governor's pardon. "Everybody's looking for a savior, but you have to be the one you're looking for, you have to be that change you want to see."
Michael Karloutsos (left) with former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus on Inauguration Day. Read more

First, Michael Karloutsos ran a posh Philadelphia restaurant that got tangled in controversy. Then he hosted a New York City radio show. Now, he's in a top job in President Trump's State Department.

Karloutsos, a politically connected consultant and former owner of the Water Works restaurant at the foot of the Art Museum, became deputy chief of protocol in the State Department in late July. The top job in the Office of Protocol remains unfilled, leaving Karloutsos as acting chief.

In that role, the former restaurateur is responsible for planning foreign trips for the president and vice president, and setting up protocol between the United States and other governments across the globe.

Karloutsos, 46, is a registered Republican, but his political connections stretch across the aisle. He donated a nominal amount to Trump's campaign; has given to Pennsylvania senators from both parties; has hosted fund-raisers and events for Democrats at Water Works, including a primary-night party for then-presidential candidate Barack Obama; and was a major bundler for former President George W. Bush's 2004 campaign.

In Philadelphia, he is primarily known for his involvement in the troubled Water Works restaurant, which turned to private-dining and events-only in 2015. The restaurant along the Schuylkill was the site of numerous political fund-raisers, and a source of controversy when it was disclosed that taxpayers had mistakenly been paying its utilities.

He is an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church, and his connections in the Orthodox community appear to have put him on the radar for the State Department position, according to a source and to reports in Greek American news outlets.

For the last 25 years, Karloutsos has been involved in the planning and execution of trips on behalf of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, regarded as the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians.

Karloutsos' work planning and directing Bartholomew's trips garnered the attention of George Gigicos, a fellow member of the Greek Orthodox Church and self-described "advance man" who has worked for various Republican politicians over the last 17 years, including Trump.

A source confirmed news reports that Gigicos and former White House chief of staff Reince Priebus, who is also a member of the church, recommended Karloutsos for the prominent State Department job after Trump won the presidency.

"I thank God I that have good friends within the administration who saw the work that I have done and they felt I was ready to assume that job," Karloutsos told the National Herald, a weekly Greek American newspaper in the New York metropolitan area, which first reported his position.

Karloutsos and the State Department denied requests for an interview, though the department confirmed Karloutsos started July 23.

Priebus and Gigicos were out of the Trump White House before Karloutsos got a good start in his new role. Priebus was famously fired due to the influence of former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, while Gigicos left the administration to return to his consulting business.

Karloutsos donated $348 to Trump's campaign in December, after he had already won the presidency, according to Federal Election Commission records.

His Water Works restaurant, which he purchased and reopened in 2006, came under scrutiny in 2012, when a Daily News and WHYY investigation discovered that the city had been mistakenly paying the restaurant's utilities.

A follow-up investigation found that taxpayers also paid utilities for Boathouse Row Cafe, also owned by Karloutsos in a space leased in city-owned Lloyd Hall.

At the time, Karloutsos denied that his political connections were tied to taxpayers' footing the bill for the restaurant's utilities.

"There is no inside job. There is no preferential treatment," he said. "I don't think any taxpayer in Philadelphia would pay an invoice that they haven't seen."

The restaurant has hosted political fund-raisers for Democrats like former Mayor Michael Nutter and current Sen. Bob Casey, and events held by the Obama campaign and former Vice President Joe Biden.

"He may be a Republican, but he's always been about the person," said Anastasia Karloutsos, his wife. " He has friends on both side of the aisle, and knows how to get people in the middle."

Karloutsos also ran the 2002 Illinois gubernatorial campaign for former Philadelphia School District CEO Paul Vallas, who came in second in the Democratic primary to Rod Blagojevich.

In 2015, Karloutsos sold Water Works to Cescaphe Event Group's Joe Volpe and returned to his business, MAK Consulting. He also hosted a radio show on WNYE in New York City, where he opined on politics, sports, and pop culture.

Now, he is settling into his new life in Washington, which is likely to be busy, given the nearly 200 positions open in the State Department.

"My entire life, I wanted to serve our country, the United States of America," Karloutsos told the National Herald, "and to be able to do it right now under the current administration, under these circumstances in which the world finds itself, is an incredible honor, but also a great challenge."
A runnier makes his way toward dredging pipes with Keep Out painted on them in Margate. Read more

ATLANTIC CITY  Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez on Friday ordered the state Department of Environmental Protection to ask the Army Corps of Engineers to "slow down" its work in Margate while solutions are found to the chronic beach ponding that has angered and alarmed local and summer residents of the Shore town.

Meanwhile, the corps opened up a new front in Ventnor, where its work resulted in beach closures in the center of town, unsightly pipes running along the beaches, and the postponement of a Hobie Cat Regatta scheduled for Saturday on the busy Oxford Avenue beach.

But Ventnor officials, who did not fight the project as Margate's did, said they were resigned to the inconvenience.

Mendez, whose earlier order halting dune construction in Margate was overruled this week by a federal judge, urged the parties to cooperate in finding a solution and bemoaned the situation in which Margate must fight the case in state and federal court. Margate is appealing the federal court order.

"Go back and explore with the Army Corps and folks at the state about slowing down the project till there's some solution in place," Mendez told the DEP attorney, Kristina Miles, a deputy attorney general. "Then report back to the court on that."

Mendez also ordered regular meetings and urged the parties to work for short and long term solutions. He also directed the DEP to make sure the Army Corps, over which Mendez does not have jurisdiction, abides by the federal court order mandating remedial measures to the ponding issue, such as fencing, pumping, and walkways.

Margate officials are seeking to have the project stopped, or at least delayed until after Labor Day. Attorney Jordan Rand told Mendez that allowing the project to continue further into Margate while drainage solutions were being worked on was like performing "open heart surgery on Margate while it's wide awake."

He noted that the Army Corps blamed the ponding in part on the "wet slurry sand" that is pumped onto the beach during construction, and that allowing further construction would exacerbate the problem. While the lakes that formed from storm water trapped between the new dunes and the bulkhead had been pumped dry, the forecast again called for rain this weekend.

Miles told the judge the DEP had come up with a short term solution to the drainage issue that has been exacerbated by dune and beach replenishment, but she declined to share it.

Margate Mayor Michael Becker said he was not aware of what this plan consisted of. And he took issue with the declaration by the state on Thursday that Margate was relying on an antiquated drainage system. The state approved the drainage system, he said.

Mendez echoed U.S. District Judge Renee Marie Bumb in stressing the competing interest of completing the project before hurricane season. And while Margate officials continue to say any hurricane damage in their town has been from the bay, and that bulkheads and their drain by trenching system have worked for a century, Mendez noted that the town had a close call with Hurricane Sandy.

"When Sandy hit, the sea wall worked fine," Margate City Solicitor John Scott Abbott told Mendez, "and 95 percent of insurance claims were from the bay side."

Answered Mendez: "Sandy hit 80 miles up the road."

Mendez scheduled a conference next Wednesday to see if any progress had been made. The Army Corps is expected to resume work in Margate early next week. The parties are also due back in federal court Aug. 23.
One of six people charged by Pennsylvania authorities this year with sexually abusing a boy at "furry parties" has pleaded guilty in federal court to child sex trafficking.

David R. Parker, 38, of Saylorsburg, Monroe County, was charged in U.S. District Court in Scranton this month and entered a guilty plea to a single count of child sex trafficking in an agreement approved Monday by U.S. District Judge James Munley, according to court records.

Prosecutors have agreed to recommend a 30-year prison sentence, which would spare Parker the possibility of life behind bars, according to court documents.

A charging document said Parker enticed a boy under age 18 to engage in commercial sex acts between June and August 2010. An attorney listed for Parker has not responded to a request for comment.

Parker's charges in federal court came after state authorities charged him as part of a ring of child predators, some of whom dressed as animals at "furry parties," according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office.

Kenneth C. Fenske, 57, of Milford Township, Bucks County, was arrested in January and later ordered to face trial for allegedly raping the boy in 2009 at furry parties where he dressed as a red fox, prosectors said.

Charged with Fenske were Jeffrey Harvey, 40, of West Wyoming, Luzerne County; and roommates from Henrico, Va., Craig Knox, 35, and Stephen Taylor, 30.

Pennsylvania authorities subsequently charged Parker and Paige Wren Tasker, 27, of Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County;

The attorney general's office said Tasker had a brief relationship with Parker. In 2015, Tasker visited Parker in Saylorsburg. During the visit, she slept in the boy's bed and sexually assaulted him, according to the attorney general's office.

The boy now is 16 and is receiving treatment and counseling, the Attorney General's Office said.
BELLEFONTE, Pa.  Lawyers for 18 Pennsylvania State University fraternity members charged in the hazing death of a pledge sought Friday to compel testimony from an adult adviser living at the frat house, who they say condoned and tried to cover up the booze-fueled party in February that ended in tragedy.

Tim Bream, who is also a university-employed athletics trainer, has not been charged in the case of Tim Piazza's death and was not in the Centre County courtroom despite defense attempts to subpoena him as a witness.

His absence  and a debate over the relevance of his testimony  brought the fifth day of a key pretrial hearing for members of the now-shuttered Beta Theta Pi fraternity to a halt as court staff scrambled to decide how to ensure his appearance in court.

After a break, District Judge Allen Sinclair dismissed the proceedings for the day, saying he had issued an order for Bream to appear at a contempt hearing Aug. 30 to explain what defense lawyers have described as his efforts to duck their subpoena.

The decision is likely to drag what has become a marathon hearing into a third month. Sinclair said Friday that he hopes to rule in September on whether to allow the case  which has sparked debate over fraternity culture, hazing, and reckless college drinking  to proceed to trial.

Earlier Friday, prosecutors concluded their presentation as State College Police Detective David Scicchitano, the lead investigator in the case, left the witness stand after a grueling 37 hours of testimony over five court days.

Since the start of the proceedings in June, lawyers for the fraternity members have sought to minimize their clients' roles in the 19-year-old Piazza's death, with some appearing to treat what is normally a perfunctory proceeding as a test venue for arguments they hope will sway a jury should the case move forward.

Either way, Bream, 56, the head trainer for Penn State's storied football team, is certain to play a central role.

At the very least, the lawyers say, he is equally culpable for creating the alcohol-drenched environment that left Piazza so drunk that he sustained fatal injuries while stumbling and falling around the fraternity house the night of the party.

At worst, said defense lawyer Leonard G. Ambrose III in court Friday, Bream may be complicit in a cover-up.

"Tim Bream was in the house in a position to stop this," said Ambrose, who represents Joe Sala, 19, of Erie. The 18 charged students "operated under the assumption that this was condoned behavior."

Prosecutors say the fraternity brothers pressured Piazza, a sophomore engineering major from Lebanon, N.J., to become dangerously drunk during an initiation ritual Feb. 4 and then left him as he tumbled down stairs, stumbled into doors, and was beaten and taunted  events caught on harrowing security camera footage from the fraternity house that night.

Piazza died two days later of a head injury, a ruptured spleen, and a collapsed lung.

But Ambrose and other lawyers have alleged that Bream met weekly with the fraternity's executive board, was informed of upcoming parties, and had "personally approved" an alcohol-chugging obstacle course for the initiation night party.

On Friday, Ambrose also highlighted a text message exchange between two of the defendants that suggests Bream may have encouraged them to delete evidence from their phones as authorities and the media began to scrutinize Piazza's death.

"Tim was thinking of a way to carry out the cover-up and prevent people from viewing their texts," Ambrose said.

Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller has frequently expressed frustration with this line of argument. She reiterated Friday that whatever Bream's own culpability might be, it did nothing to absolve each of the charged fraternity members for their share of the blame.

"I barely know what to say to this idea that Mr. Bream is some sort of magic wand to legal behavior," she said. "Did Mr. Bream approve? Even if he did, it does not excuse the rest."

Bream's attorney, Matthew D'Annunzio, did not respond to requests for comment Friday, although Parks Miller said that she had spoken to the lawyer and that he denied allegations that his client was trying to duck defense subpoenas. Still, she said, D'Annunzio intends to fight any attempt to have Bream testify Aug. 30.

Prosecutors have said their investigation into Piazza's death continues and additional charges could be filed.

The fraternity members facing the most serious charges  involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault  are: Sala; Beta Theta Pi fraternity president Brendan Young, 21, of Malvern; pledge master Daniel Casey, 19, of Ronkonkoma, N.Y. Luke Visser, 19, of Encinitas, Calif.; Gary DiBileo, 21, of Scranton; Nick Kubera, 19, of Downingtown; Michael Bonatucci, 19, of Woodstock, Ga.; and Jonah Neuman, 19, of Nashville.

Ten others face lesser charges, including hazing, recklessly endangering another person, furnishing alcohol to minors, and tampering with evidence.
The Centrist Project, which hopes to elect enough independents in 2018 to the U.S. Senate to deny majority control by the Republican and Democratic parties, will meet this weekend at the Union League in Philadelphia to discuss those plans. Read more

It's common in politics for old ideas to be sold in new packages.

That's on the bill of fare this weekend for the Centrist Project, which will convene at the Union League of Philadelphia to discuss its "fulcrum strategy" to elect a small band of independents to the U.S. Senate next year as a way of denying majority control for the Democratic and Republican Parties.

The national group is the new package.

The old idea: With rising partisanship pulling Democrats to the left and Republicans to the right, little gets accomplished by the government, creating an opportunity for candidates who are liberal on social issues and conservative on fiscal matters.

We saw that in former Republican John Anderson's 1980 independent run for president, in the Democratic Leadership Council in the 1990s, and in the bipartisan group No Labels, formed in 2010.

Nick Troiano, executive director of the Centrist Project, said the group rose "organically" after Dartmouth College professor Charlie Wheelan published his 2013 book, The Centrist Manifesto.

Troiano, who ran unsuccessfully as an independent for the House in 2014 from the 10th District in northeastern Pennsylvania, said 2018 is rife with opportunity for a new approach, after the major parties nominated deeply unpopular presidential candidates last year.

"I think the desire for an alternative to the two political parties is greater than it ever has been before," he said.

We ran this by three political scientists, who found it very interesting and highly unlikely to succeed.

Richardson Dilworth, a Drexel University professor who heads the Center for Public Policy, said voters tend to identify with the two major political parties, which have long enjoyed strong name recognition.

"A third party just can't get that kind of traction, and it does not have the kind of institutional structure that the two parties have," Dilworth said. "There's not much evidence that a centrist movement can really generate much by way of enthusiasm from voters. And the two parties can capture centrists."

Splitting off centrists, Dilworth added, could "actually exacerbate extremism" in the existing political parties.

Ronald Rapoport, a professor at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, said a "bottom up" approach is difficult in third-party efforts because they lack a "major figure" to build around.

"I think having a centrist alternative is not a bad thing at all," he said. "But I think it's very difficult to do without a candidate, a well-known person, taking the lead."

Jeff Koch, a professor at the State University of New York at Geneseo, agreed with Dilworth and Rapoport that partisanship is on the rise, even as more voters lose trust in elected officials.

"A lot of people are reluctant to abandon their party and go for a new movement," Koch said.

That may be driven in part, Koch added, by the rise of "extreme media" pushing a "demonization of the other side" and casting political compromise as a bad idea.

BRT: Burgeoning Retirement Treasure

We knew anyone who can get on the Board of Revision of Taxes is a lucky man (there aren't any women on the seven-member board). They get at least a $70,000 salary for what is considered part-time work  hearings two days per week and maybe some "prep work" on a third day. They get health care and can vest toward a city pension if they sit around long enough.

As we reported earlier this week, they also get a six-week vacation!

It's a sweet gig, especially for retired judges.

Former Philadelphia judges Alan K. Silberstein, Eugene E.J. Maier, and Gregory E. Smith collect state pensions on top of their city checks. (You couldn't collect a city paycheck and a city pension.)

Maier, who is paid by the city $75,000 to serve as the chairman of the BRT, receives a $107,000 annual pension from the state. Smith, who joined the board last year with a $70,000 salary, gets a $138,000 state pension. Silberstein, who joined in 2007 and is paid $70,000, gets a $95,000 state pension.

Because he has been on the board more than five years, Silberstein now also qualifies for a city pension when he leaves it.

BRT vice chairman Eugene P. Davey retired in 2008 as the city's chief assessor, taking a $280,266 DROP payment, and started collecting a $64,000 city pension. When he was appointed to the tax-appeals board in 2010, his pension froze in order to collect the city salary attached to the position. Davey said he plans to retire this year from the BRT. His city pension will be recalculated to include his additional seven years of service.

DROP and the Dell

Speaking of DROP, we told you last week that a familiar face had landed a lucrative contract to run the Dell East Music Center in Fairmount Park, even if the city can't say how much that pays just yet.

Susan Slawson worked her way up during 29 years of employment with the city, from police officer to recreation commissioner, retiring last year with a final salary of $124,200.

The city in June approved a contract  maximum value: $100,000  naming Slawson as "lead consultant" at the Dell. With the venue's summer concert series more than halfway over, the city still hasn't "fully executed" the contract and can't say what Slawson will be paid.

Slawson took a DROP payment of $220,708 on her way out the door, and now collects a monthly pension of $3,993.

Staff writers Chris Brennan and Claudia Vargas contributed to this column.
The headstone of Little Plume (aka Hayes Vanderbilt Friday), at Carlisle Barracks Cemetery in Carlisle, Pa. Read more

Now there are signs in places across America that people may be ready to listen, to hear hard truths about how government- and church-run boarding schools inflicted suffering and trauma that still torment tribes today.

"We're totally at a moment," said Anna Naruta-Moya, director of the year-old Indigenous Digital Archive in New Mexico, which shares troves of boarding-school records that continue to emerge from forgotten files. "People want more information, more documents, more public reckoning."

A few states have begun to include in their teaching curricula what happened at the boarding schools where tens of thousands of Native Americans were sent. This month Dickinson College concluded a training program that armed 20 eager educators  half of them natives  with up-to-date knowledge about what has been a largely hidden history. The National Indian Education Association in Washington is creating new, easily shareable lesson plans for teachers.

Here on the grounds of what is now the Army War College, a Northern Arapaho delegation has come to repatriate the remains of three boys who died at Carlisle, buried with nearly 200 other native children lost in a painful, turn-of-the-century experiment in forced assimilation. More disinterments may follow as other tribes and families act.

Little Chief, the eldest son of Chief Sharp Nose, arrived at the school on March 11, 1881, 14 years old and accompanied by two young friends, Horse, 11, and Little Plume, 9. School policy dictated they get new English names. Little Chief became Dickens Nor. Horse was renamed Horace Washington, and Little Plume was called Hayes Vanderbilt Friday.

Within two years, all three were dead.

On Friday night, the Army announced sobering news: The remains found in the grave of Little Plume were not biologically consistent with his age. In fact, two unknown sets of remains were found in the gravesite, one from a 16- to 19-year-old male, and the other from an adolescent or adult, whose sex was not determinable.

Those remains will be reburied at the Carlisle Barracks, the Army said.

The remains found in the gravesites of Little Chief and Horse were consistent with their sex and ages, the Army said. The Army will formally transfer the remains of Little Chief and Horse to the Northern Arapaho on Monday. They're scheduled to be reburied in Wyoming on Aug. 18.

The nation's first federal off-reservation boarding school, founded by former cavalry officer Richard Henry Pratt, aimed to cleanse Indian children of their "savage nature" by eliminating their customs, languages, religions, and family ties. Beatings were common; epidemics, deadly. Compelling Indians to assimilate into white society was considered more humane  and less expensive  than killing them outright.

"We want everyone to know what happened here," said Northern Arapaho elder Crawford White Sr.

For decades, even in many Indian families, there has been silence. Grandparents who endured whippings and sexual abuse as children didn't share those horrors with their families. Now a younger generation wants answers  and the return of its people.

"It's time for him to come home with us," said 19-year-old Josiah Washington, here with his mother, Olivia, both of them related to Horse.

Carlisle exported the boarding-school model to Canada, but today it's the Canadians who have publicly addressed their nation's treatment of natives. A national Truth and Reconciliation Commission deemed the boarding schools instruments of "cultural genocide."

Christine Diindiisi McCleave, head of a national coalition that advocates for those who suffered at boarding schools, said formation of a U.S. commission remains far off for one big reason: the conflicting narratives over the creation of the United States  one widely taught, the other mostly ignored.

For Indians, the nation's founding and expansion is not a heroic tale of settlers and wagon trains. It's a murderous story of how natives were killed, their land taken, the people forced onto reservations so white authorities could more readily extract valuable minerals, fuels, and ore from the earth.

Yet the boarding-school story offers common ground for new conversations and learning.

"The thing that's resonating about this is the children," McCleave said. "People can imagine what it would be like to have your children taken away, that they would be gone for years, that some didn't come back. Or they came back, and they were different."
African American culture decades ago included an informal, spontaneous game called the Dozens, in which participants would use insults and boasts to prove their superior wit. President Trump would be good at the boasting part. But his tendency to brag when straight talk is needed makes him a dangerous commander-in-chief. Like his predecessor, he will learn the folly of drawing lines in the sand that fade.

Americans aren't so insecure that they need their president to get into a boasting match with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, a murderous despot whose depravity suggests derangement. Rather than stoop to Kim's level, Trump would better serve his country by calmly exhibiting fortitude.

North Korea's development of a missile that could reach the continental United States makes his threats of a nuclear attack more credible than those of his ancestral antecedents, who consistently used that strategy, rather than resorting to begging, to get help when their destitute nation faced food shortages.

The United Nations in January sent $8 million in aid to North Korea, where of 18 million people, 70 percent of the population is considered food insecure, nearly 30 percent of all children under age 5 are suffering from chronic malnutrition, and 4 percent of all children under 5 are acutely malnourished or "wasting." That means they are on death's door.

Who other than a madman would spend billions of dollars to build a nuclear weapon while his emaciated people die from lack of food? Kim's madness may mean he is incapable of being reasoned with. Being so close to the nuclear weapons goal his father never achieved may mean he will never retreat. But is this really the time for Trump's brinksmanship?

The president lowered the volume on his rhetoric after world leaders reacted negatively to his threat Tuesday that further provocations by North Korea "will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen." But after Pyongyang responded with a threat to strike Guam, Trump was again rattling sabers. "Things will happen to them like they never thought possible," he said Thursday.

That's not necessarily an idle boast. The U.S. is certainly capable of destroying North Korea. But that goes without saying. As another president, Teddy Roosevelt, observed 100 years ago, when you carry a big stick you don't have to boast about it. But Trump just can't help himself. It's clear that boasting is second nature to him. He's not himself if he isn't bragging.

After his first 100 days, he boasted that he had signed more bills than any president since Harry Truman. But most of what Trump signed was routine legislation, like the official naming of a federal courthouse in Tennessee. In their first 100 days, Truman ended World War II, John Kennedy established the Peace Corps, Bill Clinton signed the Family and Medical Leave Act, and Barack Obama signed the $800 billion stimulus that helped end the recession.

Psychology Today contributor Andrea F. Polard says one of the best ways to quiet a braggart is to walk away. That won't work with Trump. Pretending what the president says doesn't matter denies reality. There is a learning curve for every new president. All Americans must hope Trump one day will listen when advised to take care when he speaks.
I was really into cars when I was younger, and by extension, car magazines. I particularly loved reading concept car articles, which came with glossy sketches and hyperbolic headlines like "Is this the next Corvette?" Sadly, I also learned production cars rarely end up looking their theoretical forebearers. Form usually gives way to function.

It's not much different in the space business. When NASA's Space Launch System was unveiled in 2011, it had a pearl-white paint job resembling the Saturn V Moon rocket. The initial artist's rendering, which featured an American flag fluttering in the foreground, was almost stunning enough to make casual observers forget the rocket was born out of one of the most contentious space policy debates of all timeone that continues to rage today.

Since then, SLS has evolved, and so has its paint job. The rocket's newest look, revealed a week ago, features black-and-white checkerboard patterns that will be used by tracking cameras to precisely measure the vehicle's position during ascent. The patterns are subtle on the core stage, but quite prominent on the solid rocket boosters, streaking down the sides like victory flags at a NASCAR race.

The new design isn't a poorly executed aesthetics attempt; the checkerboards have an important role to play in post-launch engineering analysis. And as the big rocket's form slowly yields to function, the patterns also serve as a reminder to NASA and its contractors that despite recent setbacks, the Space Launch System continues inching forward from design to reality.
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An inquest heard today how a Plymouth father died in an attack at Plymouth Railway Station.

Police launched a murder investigation following the stabbing of 49-year-old Wayne Fenton, near the station entrance, on Tuesday morning.

Plymouth Coroners Court today heard how Mr Fenton died from 'multiple stab wounds'.

(Image: Penny Cross)

Jamie Skinner appeared before Plymouth Crown Court this morning charged with his murder.

Skinner is due to stand trial on either October 23 or December 4.

The inquest has now been adjourned to allow the criminal legal process to take place.

(Image: Penny Cross)

Assistant Coroner Andrew Cox said he must wait until the criminal process is complete before deciding whether to reopen the inquest.

He expressed his condolences to Mr Fenton's mother and sister, who were sitting in the court alongside an officer from British Transport Police.
Chris Drosner Chris Drosner writes the Beer Baron column for the Wisconsin State Journal. Follow Chris Drosner 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

[Editor's Note: As we march toward the 2017 Great Taste of the Midwest beer festival on Saturday at Olin Park, the Wisconsin State Journal is bringing back the Beer Baron's previous stories profiling this remarkable event. This story was first published in 2015.]

If you're at the Great Taste of the Midwest on Saturday and look carefully at the crowd all around you, you'll see them.

They're usually smiling, just like most everyone else, blending in among the beer geeks on cloud nine but for the color of their wristband and perhaps just a little too much apparel from a single brewery.

They're brewers, the people who actually develop recipes, make the beer you drink and drop the bottles in the six-pack cartons.

Their presence is one of the defining characteristics of the Midwest's premier beer festival. Even if the near constant parade of summer beer events around the region could match the Great Taste in venue (Olin Park), execution (a regimented, dedicated group of veteran volunteers) and beer (more than 1,200 beers from around 187 breweries) they'd still lack the Great Taste's appeal to brewers. Festival chairman Mark Garthwaite, who organizes the Madison Homebrewers and Tasters Guild members putting on their 29th Great Taste, is fond of saying it's not a beer festival but a brewers festival.

The Great Taste is a highlight of my year, a chance to celebrate a passion for hops, malt and yeast with thousands of like-minded beer fans from across the country. (If you don't already have a $60 ticket to the sold-out event, mark your calendar for the first Sunday in May, when they go on sale for next year.)

The 6,000 paying patrons aren't alone in their excitement. Brewers like it for many of the same reasons everyone else does  the great beer, the breezy lake and city view, the musicians scattered around the grounds, the lack of glitches. But for them, it also becomes something like an enormous happy hour after a professional conference.

"It's a fun time. It's like a work-vacation kind of thing," said Jace Marti, assistant brewmaster at August Schell Brewing and organizer of the New Ulm, Minnesota, brewery's Great Taste delegation this year. "You get to see a lot of your brewer friends while you're there."

Of course, breweries are here for business, and festivals  particularly Great Taste, with its extremely engaged audience  are invaluable marketing tools.

"Beer festivals are huge," said David Berg, August Schell brewmaster, whose first Great Taste was in the late '90s with the now-closed Water Tower brewpub in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. "You're definitely going to run into people who have probably never heard of you, even in Madison, and even for a brewery that's been around for 150 years. You can't buy that kind of publicity, to reach that many consumers who might never have heard of you."

And the learning goes both ways, Marti said: "We usually debut beers there, so you get that instant feedback."

Those benefits, though, come with some serious sweat equity. August Schell is deploying a four-person team to Madison this week, including Marti, the brewery's sales manager and its Wisconsin sales rep. Marti will pack the brewery's cargo van to the gills with kegs, cases of bottles, tents, a tap box and other items for the five-hour ride to Madison on Thursday.

The beer won't just supply the festival but also events on "Great Taste Eve," a string of open-to-the-public events at bars and restaurants across the city, mostly on Friday. On Friday night, August Schell will host a tap takeover at Buck and Badger, 115 State St., and join Minnesota Nice, a Friday night gathering with several other Minnesota breweries at the Plaza Tavern.

On Great Taste Eve, as at the festival, the brewery staff get out and mingle soon after their duties are complete. Inside the festival, Marti's team will rotate shifts, giving everyone the chance to wander around, sample beers and meet colleagues at other breweries.

The elbow-rubbing is friendly but also competitive, Marti said, as breweries showcase their best and most adventurous beers at the Great Taste.

August Schell's representation of that A-game is its Noble Star series of sour, wood-aged beers based on the Berliner weisse style. Sours represent four of the seven beers Marti's team will pour Saturday, a relatively new feather in the cap of a legacy brewer perhaps best known these days as the brewer of the awesome but macro-esque Minnesota icon Grain Belt Premium.

The Noble Star beers are the kind of attraction that can capture the attention of the "what have you done for me lately" beer geeks who dominate the Great Taste. For many of them, 10 years makes an old brewery, let alone one founded in 1860 like August Schell. Changing that notion is one aim of the brewery's mission at Great Taste.

"New and shiny is very popular," Berg said. "I think for an established brewery it's almost more important to be there."
A jury found Joshua Gaspar not guilty on charges of aggravated vehicular homicide in the death of an Ohio state trooper Thursday afternoon.

Gaspar, 37, was behind the wheel on Interstate 90 last September when Trooper Kenneth Velez was struck and killed. Trooper Kenneth Velez (Photo: Ohio State Highway Patrol)

Gaspar faced 10 charges and was found not guilty of both the homicide charges relating to Velez's death as well as driving under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash. A doctor who examined him the following day testified that Gaspar tested negative for all drugs of abuse. He had taken prescription methadone prior to the crash.

Gaspar was found guilty of four misdemeanor charges, including driving with a suspended license and tampering with records. He will remain in custody while he awaits sentencing on Sept. 8.

A portion of I-90 was recently renamed in Velez's honor, WKYC TV reports.
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As Trump attacks Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Republicans are privately admitting that the person who really deserves the blame for the health care bill failure is the President.

The Washington Post reported, Privately, senior GOP congressional aides across Capitol Hill have said its Trump and his team  not McConnell  who deserve the blame for the collapse of the GOPs health-care plan. The aides gripe that Trump seriously damaged relationships with key Republican senators over the months-long debacle. At one point this summer, Trump was flanked at a White House meeting by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who both voted against the health-care measure. At the mid-July meeting, it was Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) seated next to Trump. The president called him out with cameras rolling for wavering on the health-care bill.

Trump burned his bridges with the Senate, and now he is attacking Mitch McConnell, the man whose support he absolutely has to have if he is going to get any legislation passed. To say that this is a self-destructive strategy would be an understatement. What Trump is doing is treating US Senators like they are his employees. Trump is trying to order the Senate to do what he wants, but the Senate is part of a co-equal branch of the United States government. They dont work for Trump, and if he continues to push them, Republican Senators will make him pay for his arrogance.

The grumbles that Trump is a failed president are growing louder within Republican circles. It may be a bit longer before they come out and say it on the record, but even Republicans are admitting that Trump is a disaster as president.
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Donald Trump tried to blame Democrats for the 2016 election collusion during a press conference that definitely caught the attention of investigators.

Video:

Transcript:

Q Mr. President, are you passing notes to the special counsel, Bob Mueller? Can you talk a little bit about 

THE PRESIDENT: No, not notes. Were working with him. I mean, we have a situation which is very unusual. Everybody said theres no collusion. If you look at the counsels that come in, we have a Senate hearing, we have judiciary, we have intelligence, and we have a House hearing. And everybody walks out, even the enemies, and they said, no, there is no collusion, theres no collusion.

So theyre investigating something that never happened. There was no collusion between us and Russia. In fact, the opposite. Russia spent a lot of money on fighting me. And if you think about it, I want a strong military. You see our budget is up by  it will be hundreds of billions of dollars, our military budget. Russia doesnt like that. Hillary was going to cut the budget substantially, the military budget. Russia is  very important for Russia  oil. Oil and gas. We are now an exporter  because of an incredible six months that I have  an exporter of oil and gas. Thats bad for Russia.

I always said, I dont think Russia wants me because I want a strong military and I want low energy prices. Energy is a disaster. Low energy prices is a disaster for Russia. Additionally, it seems that Russia spent a lot of money on that false report, and that was Russian money, and I think it was Democrat money, too. You could say that was collusion. Plus, the Democrats colluded on the Ukraine. So they colluded. And then when you get down to it, why isnt the FBI looking at the DNC server? You have a server that they refuse  the Democrats refuse to give to the FBI. Now, I dont know how the FBI can investigate something if the DNC, the Democrats, refuse to give the server.

So we have an investigation of something that never took place. And all I say is, work with them  because this is an event that never took place.

Now, as far as somebody else, where did they file the right papers or did they forget to file a paper, you know, I guarantee if you went around to look at everybody that made a speech or whatever these people did, thats up to them. Did they do something wrong because they didnt file the right document or whatever? Perhaps. Youll have to look at them. But I guarantee you this: Probably a lot of people in Washington did the same thing.



Trump tried to first claim that there was no collusion with Russia, but then he shifted to blaming Democrats for any collusion that happened during the election, so just to make sure that everyone is clear on Trumps position, there was no Russia collusion, but if there was collusion during the election, it was the Democrats fault.

The President was using one of his favorite tactics. He is blaming Democrats for the very thing that he is accused of doing. Without Hillary Clinton around to blame everything on, Trumps tactics are being exposed.

The more he talks about Russia, the faster Donald Trump marches toward impeachment.
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Donald Trump thanked Vladimir Putin on Thursday for kicking 755 U.S. diplomats out of Russia, leaving foreign policy experts and the world in disbelieve.

Instead of standing up for the men and women who selflessly serve their country, the president  once again  took the side of the man who helped put him in the White House, thanking the Russian president for cutting the U.S. governments payroll.

Video:

After being asked if he has a response to Putins decision to boot the diplomats from Russia, Trump went off on a bizarre and stunning ramble:

No, I want to thank him because were trying to cut down on payroll and as far as Im concerned, Im very thankful that he let go of a large number of people because now we have a smaller payroll. Theres no real treason for them to go back, so I greatly appreciate the fact that theyve been able to cut our payroll for the United States. Well save a lot of money.

Of course, as the president was embarrassing himself and the country on the world stage, those who have some understanding of U.S. foreign policy couldnt believe their ears.

The ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Eliot Engel, blasted the president and urged him to apologize for disrespecting the men and women who sacrifice and serve our country.

No doubt, the Presidents staff will eventually try to clean up after the parade by claiming it was a joke, but theres nothing funny about this, the Democrat added in a statement.

Former U.S. diplomat Nicholas Burns also weighed in on Twitter, calling the presidents remarks shameful.

A shameful statement by Pres. Trump. He justifies mistreatment of US diplomats by Putin. If he was joking, it shows his true character https://t.co/BH9ru1m46R  Nicholas Burns (@RNicholasBurns) August 10, 2017

Trumps disturbing and ignorant remarks on Thursday demonstrate not just that the president has no appreciation for U.S. diplomats  he is proposing to cut the State Department budget by 29 percent, after all  but also that he will do or say anything to excuse Vladimir Putins behavior.

Is there anything Vladimir Putin could do that would draw a negative response from Donald Trump?
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By Doina Chiacu

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  Guam posted emergency guidelines on Friday to help residents prepare for any potential nuclear attack after a threat from North Korea to fire missiles in the vicinity of the U.S. Pacific territory.

Pyongyangs state-run KCNA news agency said on Thursday its army would complete plans in mid-August to fire four intermediate-range missiles over Japan to land near Guam as North Korea and the United States engaged in increasingly heated rhetoric this week over the Norths nuclear weapons program.

North Korea did not threaten Guam with a nuclear attack, but the crisis between Pyongyang and the United States has stirred fears that a nuclear conflict could break out in the region.

While the governor of Guam shrugged off the Norths missile warning and said there was no heightened threat, the government has issued a preparedness fact sheet.

In language that evoked the specter of nuclear conflict during the Cold War, the guidelines cover what to do before, during and after a nuclear attack.

Do not look at the flash or fireball  It can blind you, it said. Take cover behind anything that might offer protection.

Remove your clothing to keep radioactive material from spreading. Removing the outer layer of clothing can remove up to 90% of radioactive material, read the guidelines of what to do if caught outside.

They suggest having an emergency plan and supply kit and making a list of potential concrete structures near home, work and school to serve as fallout shelters.

Fallout shelters do not need to be specifically constructed for protecting against fallout, it said. They can be protected space, provided that the walls and roof are thick and dense enough (i.e. concrete) to absorb radiation given off by fallout particles.

The fact sheet advises people on how to wash: do not scrub or scratch the skin, use soap, shampoo and water but do not put not conditioner on your hair because it binds radioactive material.

It offers advice for parents who are away from their children during a strike.

Stay where you are, even if you are separated from your family, it said. Listen to the news. Do not call the school. Be patient. Wait for instructions to pick up your child.

The information on the fact sheet was gathered from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website www.ready.gov, a Guam Homeland Security spokeswoman told the Pacific Daily News.

Guam is home to about 163,000 people and a U.S. military base that includes a submarine squadron, an air base and a Coast Guard group. (For a graphic on North Korean missile trajectories, ranges click http://tmsnrt.rs/2hIzZHG)

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday warned North Korea against threatening Guam and said on Friday that the U.S. military was locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely.

Asked about Trumps tough posture, Guam Governor Eddie Calvo said he agreed with sending a clear message to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who has ramped up his countrys tests of missiles and nuclear bombs.

Though I dont want the temperature to get any higher, I think its important also that there is clarity and that if there is an attack on any American soil including Guam, that it will be met with overwhelming response, Calvo told reporters on Friday. I dont have any problem with that.

(The story was refiled to fix the graphic link in paragraph 14)

(Additional reporting by Martin Petty; Editing by Alistair Bell)
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There is no low that Republicans wont sink to defend Trump, as Rep. Ron Desantis (R-FL) tried to claim that Trump was only joking when Putin expelled US diplomatic staff from Russia.

Video:

MSNBCs Hallie Jackson asked Desantis about Trump thanking Putin, and the Congressman answered, I interpret that as being more tongue in cheek.

Jackson pushed, He didnt smile.

Desantis kept covering for Trump, Thats just kind of the nature of how hes done it. He didnt want to make it seem like something that really had affected us negatively.

Jackson asked if he had talked to the President, and the Florida congressman answered, Well, I havent talked to him since he made that comment. No.

Rep. Desantis claimed that Trump was trying to diminish what Putin did by brushing it off with sarcasm.

There is nothing that Republicans wont make an excuse for when it comes to Trump. Of course, Trump should have never been thanking Putin. He should have been outraged and defending the diplomatic personnel and interests of his country. Instead, Trump bowed to Putin, and once again, revealed himself to be Moscows lackey.

Republicans are never going to stand up to Trump. They are the biggest enablers of this president, which is why if the American people want their country back, they need to elect Democrats in 2018.
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A new PPP poll has found that by a margin of 56%-34%, respondents want Donald Trump impeached if he fires the Special Counsel investigating the Russia scandal, Robert Mueller.

PPP conducted the poll for VoteVets that revealed that firing Mueller would start the beginning of the end for Trump, On other big matters of the day, voters say that Congress would be right to consider impeachment if Trump fired investigator Robert Mueller and pardoned conspirators by a 56-34 margin, with even 27% of Republicans agreeing. Voters also oppose Trumps ban on transgender members of the military by a 69-22 margin, with a plurality of Republicans agreeing (48-39).

With grand juries being impaneled and the Russia investigation churning forward, the American people are watching Trumps actions closely. The big red line for most Americans will be crossed if the President tries to fire or remove Mueller. Republicans in Congress will find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place if Trump moves against the Special Counsel. Standing with Trump will satisfy many Republicans, but it will also give voters more than ample cause to vote them out of office.

If Congressional Republicans break with Trump, they will cross the partys base, which could also vote them out of office for an entirely different reason.

The American people will begin to demand impeachment if Trump fires Mueller and starts pardoning Russia conspirators. A big red line has been drawn, and if Trump dares to cross it, his presidency will be on the brink.
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WASHINGTON (Reuters)  The head of the U.S. Senate committee that handles Supreme Court nominees said on Friday he no longer expects an imminent court vacancy, bolstering assumptions among court-watchers since mid-year that Justice Anthony Kennedy will not retire this year.

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said expectations earlier this year of a vacancy on the nine-member bench have evaporated.

Evidently thats not going to happen, Grassley said in a telephone interview from his home state of Iowa during the Senates summer break. I dont have any expectation we will have a vacancy as I thought there would be earlier this year.

There had been speculation in the spring that Kennedy, a conservative justice who turned 81 last month and has served on the court since 1988, was considering retirement. Kennedy is the regular swing vote on the high court, sometimes siding with the four liberal justices in major rulings.

A court vacancy would give Republican President Donald Trump a chance to appoint a second conservative justice to the high court since taking office in January.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Will Dunham)
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WASHINGTON (Reuters)  President Donald Trump was being sarcastic when he thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for saving the United States money by ordering cuts in U.S. diplomatic staff in Russia, NBC News reported, citing the White House spokeswoman.

Nearly 24 hours after Trump made the remarks, the @NBCPolitics Twitter account posted that spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders says President Trump was being sarcastic when he thanked Putin for expelling diplomats from Moscow as the explanation for Trumps unusual remarks.

Breaking nearly two weeks of silence on Putins July 30 order cutting U.S. embassy and consulate staff by nearly two thirds, Trump said on Thursday:

Im very thankful that he let go of a large number of people because now we have a smaller payroll, adding theres no real reason for them to go back.

The remarks were likely to rekindle criticism of Trumps kid-glove handling of Putin and they differed from the reactions of other presidents in similar circumstances in the past.

It also clashed with a State Department official having called Moscows order a regrettable and uncalled-for act.

Putin, reacting to new sanctions imposed by the U.S. Congress and reluctantly signed into law by Trump, ordered Washington to cut 755 of its 1,200 embassy and consulate staff by September. Many of those affected likely will be local Russian staffers.

(Reporting by Tim Ahmann and Yara Bayoumy; editing by Grant McCool)
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The Russia investigation continues to inch closer to the President on a daily basis as congressional investigators want to question the secretary who handles his appointments and communications.

ABC News reported:

Congressional investigators want to question President Donald Trumps longtime personal secretary as part of their ongoing probe into a controversial meeting between Trump campaign officials and a Russian lawyer promising dirt on Hillary Clinton, ABC News has learned.

..

Since her name is in the email, people will want her to answer questions, said Rep. Peter King, R-New York, a member of the House Intelligence Committee who knows Graff. If you go into Trump Tower, youre going to mention her name.

The president, who has said he does not use email, communicated with associates for years through Graff. Everybody knows in order to get through to him they have to go through me, so they are always on their best behavior, Graff told Real Estate Weekly in 2004.

Graff is known as the gatekeeper to Trump, and her role hasnt changed much since the President took office. If Trump had any communications about Russia, Russia collusion, or with Russians, they would go through Graff.

The investigations are hitting home for Trump. If he had nothing to do with the Russia scandal, why are investigators talking to his secretary? The answer is that despite Trumps claims that the collision never happened, his secretarys name was mentioned by the person setting up the meeting between Donald Trump Jr. and the Russian representative.

While the world watches to see if the US will go to war with North Korea, the Russia investigations are moving forward. Quietly, with each passing day, Americans are getting closer to knowing the truth about the 2016 election.
Jeff Lyon loves slasher films  the good ones full of over-the-top deaths.

Not the ones with excessive gore or violence, but the kind that made audiences laugh because of how bizarre the situations were.

They made you laugh because it was so ridiculous at times, he said. Thats what I grew up with in the 80s. Watching films edited for television on Milwaukee Super 18. Now the stuff seems so real and gritty and it makes you want to take a shower after  thats not my thing.

A lifelong love of the genre is what brought out the weekend warrior in Lyon to create a feature film nearly 7 years in the making that premieres tonight at the Barrymore Theatre.

Weekend warrior work is something that someone does in their spare time.

Lyon has made three or four short films in the past and once participated in the 48 Hour Film Festival here in Madison, but it wasnt quite his style. With a bachelors degree in film from UW-Oshkosh, he was interested in making a film that suited his cinematic palate.

Main Street Meats, a film written and directed by Lyon, is an old school slasher and black comedy film a la Sweeney Todd although Lyon has admittedly never seen Sweeney Todd.

The films conceit is that a struggling, family-owned meat shop tries to find a new route to success. They stumble upon a secret that boosts business and are obligated to continue on with their new discovery, Lyon said.

While many might immediately think of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street at the premise of selling human flesh as food, that isnt the end all be all of the unsettling notion.

Soylent Green and Blood Diner, among other titles, did it too  its not a new idea, Lyon said.

He hopes, however, that his fresh take on the concept will bring people out to see his first feature length film, particularly since the films actors hailed from many places to take part in its creation.

We pulled people out of Milwaukee, Chicago, Madison and as far as Green Bay, Lyon said. ...They have day jobs as well and this is weekend warrior stuff. Its their passion and something they enjoy. They came here just to do this for the reason of liking to do it.

Like many self-funded independent films, the director must rely on the actors willingness to work without pay. The director may also have to wait many years to see their project come to fruition.

Shooting for Main Street began in 2010 and the majority of filming took place in 2011. The movie has been in post production ever since.

None of the characters like Cherry, Floyd or Sis have last names and the town itself is never named. Audiences are left to wonder.

Main Street will premiere at the Barrymore Theatre tonight. The doors open at 6 p.m., the film begins at 7 p.m. and there will be an after party with cash bar at The Harmony at 10 p.m.

Tickets are $10.

I wasnt going to do a public screening, I wanted to have a private screening, Lyon said.

But Lyon said he told someone about the idea of a private screening and got messages from someone else asking him to reconsider.

Audiences shouldnt expect a scary experience from Main Street, but rather an homage to the golden age of slasher film.

Its like Threes Company, situational comedy, meets Friday the 13th, Lyon said.

Even if some scenes throughout the film border on over dramatic, Lyon said he has actively avoided camp because thats not the style he is going for.

There is a fine line between black comedy and camp, however, they are distinctly different things, he said.

Camp is trying to be funny, but black comedy is situationally funny, he said. There is a world of difference but sometimes these things get clumped together.

Although it isnt billed as hardcore gore, there is some nudity and foul language in Main Street, so Lyon advises parental discretion while adding that the film would undoubtedly be at least rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America.

While Madison might not have as big of an indie community as larger cities like Chicago, Lyon said the scene here is still well established and welcoming for filmmakers like himself.

I think Madison is a little more vibrant than other cities of similar size, he said. You get an influx of creative people studying film and art and they stay and create in this community. Madison is great for that for sure.
The Rev. Anthony Thompson's newly created One New Humanity Charleston Foundation will launch its inaugural revival Nov. 19, a two-day event invites people to pray for unity, peace and healing in the Holy City. Read moreHusband of Emanuel AME victim to host prayer walk, revival focused on healing
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
SC Attorney General Alan Wilson is challenging the CDC's recommendations on COVID vaccinations for kids. They have no force of law, so this is no different than the left trying to enforce its woke orthodoxy. Read moreEditorial: Alan Wilson should stick to the law, stop trying to silence opinions he dislikes
The Post and Courier provides a forum for our readers to share their opinions, and to hold up a mirror to our community. Publication does not imply endorsement by the newspaper; the editorial staff attempts to select a representative sample of letters because we believe its important to let our readers see the range of opinions their neighbors submit for publication.
There is only one time you dont want to draw the get out of jail free card, and thats when Jailhouse Payback is playing. With this big house crew, staying behind bars never sounded sweeter. The band consists of Jon Sailer (acoustic guitar/vocals), James Rechs (guitar/banjo/vocals), Dan Ruggeberg (bass/acoustic guitar/vocals), Jessica Daly (violin/acoustic guitar/vocals), and Mike Mangan (drums).

Ruggeberg describes the bands Wilco-esque sound as "American Midwestern beer-drinking music." To date, the band has recorded more than 500 beer-drinking songs. Their more than seven albums include titles like "Citizens Arrest" and "The Burnout and the Righteous Policeman."

The band isnt done yet. Theyre hosting a CD release party for their self-titled album on Friday August 11 at the Jive Mill Listening Room. Despite being self-titled, the CD is the most recent in a list of more than seven albums. "We stopped counting all the albums we have recorded," says Rechs.

1. A Band is Born

In 2007 Jailhouse Payback began as a workplace friendship when Rechs and Sailer exchanged CDs. Then, Sailer proposed the two write something together. The pair wrote their first song, "Sorry in a Whisper," and enjoyed it so much they went on to write songs about murderers in movie theaters, behavioral therapy gone wrong, and shipwrecks.

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2. Contested Creativity

Sometimes, it helps to work on a deadline. The band regularly participates in the Spintunes contest, where all participating bands are issued a theme. They then have one week to write a song around that theme. Sound easy enough? Think again. One example of a theme: write a song about a contagious disease, or write a song about mold and dont use any major chords. "One time we actually won the contest," says Rechs. "It really helps to have the subject of your song decided by someone else. Having a deadline really forces you not to get stuck or to have writers block ... We have written some of our better songs for these types of challenges."

3. Crosses and Criminals: Costumes to Covet

"We played a Halloween party at Cowboy Jacks in Rochester, and someone was dressed in a Jesus costume and had a giant cross made of beer cans. It was pretty awesome," says Sailer. What social media evidence suggests, and Sailer omits, is that band members also like to dress up, having worn black-and-white-striped convict costumes to at least one gig.

4. Family Visits and a Work Release Program

"We all have kids and fairly busy day jobs as well. Getting everyones schedule to line up is nearly impossible," Rechs says. Ruggeberg works in IT at Mayo Clinic, Daly is a store manager and teaches violin at Schmitt Music, Mangan directs band at Byron Middle School, Sailer is the director of the Rochester Center for Autism, and Rechs is a mental health counselor at Associates in Psychiatry and Psychology.

5. Its Electric or Brushes with 89.3 the Current

"When we played at Minnesota Public Radio Rochester Day in 2007, we actually played on the air live with Mark Wheat on the Current," recalls Sailer. They had prepared three songs, but as they were going on, were told there was only time for one. "But after we played the first song, Mark Wheat said that was awesome, play more!" says Rechs. The band also had their song "Home Movies" and a song about the Wizard of Oz written for MPRs "Songs from Scratch" contest played on the Currents Local Show.

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What

Jailhouse Payback CD release party

When

7 p.m. Friday, August 11

Where

The Jive Mill Listening Room, 212 N Broadway Ave., Rochester

How Much

$10 general admission, $15 for a ticket along with their newest album (physical copy) and download cards good for their previous two. Tickets available at http://thejivemill.com/
No two words strike fear into the hearts of a reporter more than these: "Localize this."

It's basically saying, hey, here's some story with little or no direct connection to our community. Please find someone with some authority and have them say something profound about this national or global issue and how it pertains to our community.

In the newsroom, we all suffer the fate.

Still, some stories do require a bit of localization. And that's how I found myself Monday morning calling the leaders of Rochester's local Muslim community to ask if the incendiary device tossed in the window of a mosque in suburban Minneapolis had Muslims in Rochester taking action.

The answer was yes, sort of. Though my guess from my limited interaction with the Muslim community here is that they are always wary without trying to let fear of bigots rule their lives.

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At a previous job, I knew a young man named Mahmoud. He was born in Somalia but had lived in the U.S. basically since his infancy. He was a good, hard-working guy who loved to laugh, talked about video games (he was in his early 20s) and, occasionally, discussed his faith.

Other than his Muslim faith, there wasn't much difference between Mahmoud and the young people I know at my own church.

And that was the basic message I got as I localized the story on Monday. Paraphrasing here, Dr. Muhamad Elrashidi said most Muslims living in Rochester  in Minnesota and the United States  aren't fundamentally any different than the Lutherans, Catholics, Buddhists, or Hindus living in Rochester or wherever. They want to raise their families in safety, and with opportunity and freedom.

The conversation took me back about six months to when I spent a morning in the library at the Masjed AbuBakr Al-Seddiq on Broadway during an open house. Several leaders of the community  including several women  talked about some of the misperceptions that face Muslims in this country, how much they want to live in peace and understanding within the greater Rochester community and what brought them here in the first place.

It was fairly typical immigrant stuff. Better opportunities for their jobs. Better opportunities for their families. Some had left war-torn regions, but fleeing violence never seemed the driving motivation with the folks who spoke.

We were all encouraged to ask questions that day, and we did. Conspicuous in its absence was any question about Muslim terrorists. But whether the crowd that morning did not want to offend our hosts or just had other concerns, the subject wasn't broached.

Not that Muslim terrorists don't exist. On my third day at the Post Bulletin, I spent my morning tracking down a 2012 Mayo High School grad who was studying abroad and was several blocks from one of the explosions that rocked Brussels the morning of March 22, 2016.

Again, I was given those two words: Localize this.

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Thanks to Facebook and email, I tracked down Rick Maas in Brussels and got an account of how his morning went as bombs were going off in the city. In other words, I took an international story and brought in a local angle.

The goal, of course, is to show readers that we are connected to these larger events around the state or around the world, that we are part of the big picture.

The bombs that went off that morning in 2016 were eventually attributed to Islamic State or ISIS or whatever you call the militant group that is trying to create a worldwide caliphate from northern Iraq and Syria. They claimed responsibility.

I don't know what terrorist threw a firebomb into that mosque in Bloomington last week, but my guess is the person isn't a Muslim. Just a person with some hate for a group  without getting to know the individuals  who needs to be held responsible.

Which goes to show, the two words that strike fear into my heart aren't "Muslim terrorist."

I remain more afraid when my editor says, "Localize this."
State prosecutors were given four months on Thursday to decide whether they would re-try a man released from prison after his convictions for a 1987 rape in rural Stoughton were overturned.

Richard Beranek, 59, who now lives with his mother, brother and daughter in rural Portage County, was released from prison after serving 27 years of a 243-year sentence for the rape of a woman that occurred in the town of Pleasant Springs.

In June, Dane County Circuit Judge Daniel Moeser found that new hair and DNA evidence called into question the convictions. About two weeks later, Circuit Judge Nicholas McNamara ordered Beranek released on a signature bond while prosecutors decided whether to re-try him, and Beranek left custody for the first time in decades.

Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne said in court Thursday that a Dane County Sheriffs Office detective has been assigned to the case, replacing the now-retired detective who headed the original investigation. That detective will assess the evidence and will contact the victim, and will figure out whether the case is still viable, Ozanne said.

Prosecutors wont appeal Moesers decision. Ozanne said there was some confusion about whether the state Department of Justice was to decide whether to appeal or whether it was up to his office. In any case, he said, I dont see that we have reason to appeal, so we wont.

Ozanne appeared in court with Assistant District Attorney Erin Hanson. The original prosecutor on the case, Robert Kaiser, now a state assistant attorney general, wont be part of the team if the case is re-tried. He represented the state during Beraneks successful attempt to overturn his convictions. Last month, DOJ informed Ozanne that Kaiser would not be available to work any further on the case.

Madison lawyer Dean Strang has also joined Beraneks defense team, working with lawyers from the Innocence Project who secured Beraneks freedom.
MANTORVILLE  A Dodge Center man pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Dodge County District Court, where he's been charged with one count of malicious punishment of a child, a gross misdemeanor.

Zachary Robert Lair, 38, was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court Oct. 4.

The investigation began in May with a report from Minnesota Prairie County Alliance , a regional human services agency, about possible abuse of a minor.

The report said Lair "got upset" with the victim after he'd been drinking. She didn't get up soon enough to say goodbye to her relatives, the complaint says, but when she did stand up, Lair pushed her down.

The victim left the area, but Lair followed her and "got within inches of her face and began to yell," court documents say. The alleged victim backed away from him, tripped and fell.

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When she began to get back up, Lair pushed her back to the ground, the document says, knocking her into a snow blower.

The girl went inside a residence, and Lair again followed her. He reportedly "gave her two seconds to go back downstairs," but she refused.

Lair threw her off the bed and punched her in the head, the complaint says; when she yelled for help, Lair "picked her up, pushed her out of the bedroom and down the stairs."

It was the first time Lair had ever been physical toward her, the girl said.

An investigator made multiple attempts to contact Lair, without success.
PRESTON  A woman who was drunk, speeding and passing in a no-passing zone when she slammed into a car driven by a 16-year-old Canton girl, killing the teenager instantly, was sentenced Thursday to four years in prison.

Cindy Lee Mueske, 56, who lived in Ashland, Ill., at the time of the crash, pleaded guilty in May to one count of criminal vehicular homicide, a felony.

In exchange, five identical counts were dismissed, as were one count of second-degree manslaughter, four counts of DWI, two counts of reckless driving, and one count each of possession of open bottle, careless driving, speeding, and failure to keep right.

Fillmore County District Court Judge Matthew Opat handed down a 48-month sentence and ordered Mueske to pay restitution. An amount was not set.

The night of Jan. 28, 2016, Mueske was northbound on U.S. Highway 52 between Harmony and Preston about 8:45 p.m., "driving aggressively," according to an off-duty police officer Mueske was following. The witness said the pickup came up close behind him with its bright headlights on, then tried to pass him three times before finally going around him and a van in front of him in a no-passing zone.

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Another witness, who was southbound on U.S. 52, said a pickup "came straight across the center line; it was not drifting," forcing him to pull over to avoid a collision.

Mueske then plowed head-on into a car driven by Kaitlyn Helene Hansen, the criminal complaint says, sending both vehicles into the west ditch. Mueske was ejected from her truck and taken by medical helicopter to a Rochester hospital.

Hansen, a junior at Fillmore Central High School, was pronounced dead at the scene.

As an officer looked through Mueske's pickup for insurance information, he found several open liquor bottles; an officer at the hospital reported he could smell alcohol on Mueske.

Because of the nature of the crash, a search warrant was granted for a sample of Mueske's blood. While her medical records indicated a blood alcohol level of 0.152, with a positive test for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, the test results from the BCA  which analyzed blood taken four hours after the crash  revealed a blood alcohol range of 0.08 to 0.151.

The BCA also reported finding TCH in the blood sample.

An analysis of the pickup's airbag control module indicated its speed at 94 mph a half-second before the crash. According to a crash reconstruction report, Mueske had "clearly crossed over the solid yellow line."
Years ago, when Gene Plutowski realized his son, Nick, was going to stick with his interest in band, he decided to purchase a marimba so that the high school student could practice at home.

A quick Google search, which turned up instruments in the $25,000 range, abruptly ended that dream.

But the sticker shock sparked an idea. Though he can barely read music and his only musical background was some choir experience, Plutowski, an engineer, figured he could fashion an instrument himself.

"I'm an engineer, so we're thinking all the time," Gene said. "I thought, 'Well, I can build one.'"

Those he shared the idea with had their doubts, including Nick's music teacher. But, if anything, that motivated him.

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And as Nick, now 19, puts it: "You decided 'challenge accepted.' "

The next day he purchased plans from an Australian man who had built his own marimba. He scoured online research; but when the project started, he found himself improvising more than anything.

Loads of Honduran Rosewood, a very hard, heavy wood that's used to create the bars  or keys  on the instrument arrived at the family's home soon thereafter. The exotic, imported wood is used in high-end marimbas and creates the best sound.

Gene spent hours meticulously sanding the keys, millimeters at a time. He worked through hundreds of sanding discs and then continued by hand, whittling the keys down so that they'd have the most accurate tune possible.

He'd check the note's accuracy by tapping the key, and continue sanding as needed. Tapping, sanding, tapping, sanding  he'd hone in on the most accurate sound using a microphone and tuning program he purchased.

"Once you go past, you have to throw it away and start over," Gene said of the keys if sanded down too far. "You can't go back."

More than one key had to be discarded because of a bit too much sanding, he joked.

Plutowski fashioned resonators  the pipes that hang down below the keys  out of PVC pipe, and filled them with moveable plugs to help sustain the notes as they're played.

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He found the "nodal point," the spot in the keys where you can drill a hole and run cord through to connect it the other keys, by laying salt on the keys. He'd slowly tap the keys and the salt would migrate to one point, forming a line, showing where he could drill the hole without disrupting the key's frequency.

"Finding where you drill the holes and everything, there's a little bit of a science to it. But it's all mathematical, it makes sense when you think about it," Plutowski said. "It was a long process, but I guess the longer you take the time, you can do it more accurately."

It took two years, but the five-octave instrument sits in the Plutowski basement. Gene designed it to be adjustable  able to grow with Nick.

And for all the hours Gene spent on the instrument, after it was completed Nick was able to use it to practice on during his final two years of high school.

"It was great," he said.

Now Nick, who graduated from Lourdes High School this year, plans to join the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse marching band, but the marimba won't be making the move with him.

It's likely the creation, which stretches more than 8 feet, wouldn't fit in his dorm room.
Three children and two adults were sent to the hospital after a rear-end crash in rural Olmsted County Wednesday night.

Karl Ingulsrud, 55, of Edmore. N.D., was driving eastbound on U.S. Highway 14 when he stopped to make a left turn onto Chester Road SE at around 5 p.m., according to Minnesota State Patrol reports. In his car were Bridgett Rosecrans, 44; Montgomery Klevgard, 1; Cayden Klevgard, 4; Janee Rosecrans, 1; and Jiry Rosecrans, 12.

While Ingulsrud was waiting to make his turn, Frank Deutschman, 89, of St. Charles, rear-ended Ingulsrud. Paula Deutschman, 88, also of St. Charles, was also in the vehicle. Both were transported to Mayo Clinic HospitalSaint Marys with non-life-threatening injuries.

As of Friday morning, Frank was in fair condition and Paula's condition was not listed, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Three of the four child passengers  Cayden, Montgomery and Jiry  also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were brought to Saint Marys for treatment. Their condition was not available.

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The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, Gold Cross and Rochester Fire Department all assisted on scene.
State education officials are using an update in federal law to try to tackle one of education's thorniest problems: how to teach students with limited or no English skills.

Under a draft state plan for evaluating schools, students' progress learning English will be included alongside test scores, graduation rates and student attendance.

The change is required under the 2015 federal Every Student Succeeds Act. The Minnesota Department of Education will submit its plan for federal approval in September following a 30-day public comment period.

English learners are a growing population in Minnesota schools and make up just over 8 percent of students statewide.

But their wide array of English abilities and educational experiences pose a challenge for school districts.

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St. Paul graduate Hay Nay said he benefited from targeted classes for non-English speakers at Washington Technology Magnet School. Nay is from Myanmar, known formerly as Burma, and arrived in the U.S. in 2011 with only a fourth grade education. Because of his age, he was placed in 9th grade at Washington.

"Sometimes I just got confused about what the teacher was saying, and also it's hard for me to ask questions because I don't speak English," Nay said.

Other students have had more formal education and thrive in mixed classes. Yossimar Bautista said learning with native English speakers at Como Park High School helped him because, "we listened to very good English from other people." Bautista came to the U.S. from Mexico in 2016.

Advocates for English learners hope the new accountability will push schools to invest resources in meeting all those challenges.

St. Olaf College assistant professor Jill Watson said currently many schools "leapfrog" over English language development "just to shove [students] into content classes because they're worried about graduation rates."

But there are some potential problems. One, Watson said most schools want to do things right, but they may lack the money to invest in enough teachers.

"We need to have realistic thinking, and good wholesome American pragmatic thinking. What will it take to accomplish this task?" Watson said.

And two, schools have been here before. The shift to include English progress is the latest in a decade-and-a-half-long quest to measure schools in the right way, in hopes that will improve learning.

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Real results come from schools driven by more than simple compliance, said Academia Cesar Chavez charter school director Bondo Nyembwe.

"If we focus on quality teaching," Nyembwe added, "then we may avoid the pitfall of drilling or teaching to the test and will focus on the heart, the art of teaching and being able to see these children blossom and learn."
When I see things like the meltdown at Google or any of the various campus disgraces that can be mentioned, I like to ask: When are liberals going to defend liberalism? One liberal who is standing up for liberalism is Mark Lilla of Columbia University. As noted here back in November, Lilla wrote an op-ed for the New York Times criticizing the Democratic Partys reliance on identity politics. For this, one of his feminist colleagues at Columbia called him a white supremacist.

Next week Lillas short new book that expands his original critique will be published, The Once and Future Liberal. Unfortunately I dont have an advance copy, and will wait for it to come in the mail in a few days like everyone else. But Rod Dreher at The American Conservative has read an advance copy, and he passes along this wonderful passage from the book:

Electoral politics is a little like fishing. When you fish you get up early in the morning and go to where the fish are  not to where you might wish them to be. You then drop bait into the water (bait being defined as something they want to eat, not as healthy choices). Once the fish realize they are hooked they may resist. Let them; loosen your line. Eventually they will calm down and you can slowly reel them in, careful not to provoke them unnecessarily. The identity liberals approach to fishing is to remain on shore, yelling at the fish about the historical wrongs visited on them by the sea, and the need for aquatic life to renounce its privilege. All in the hope that the fish will collectively confess their sins and swim to shore to be netted. If that is your approach to fishing, you had better become a vegan.

Its going to be fun to watch the apoplexy of the left over Lillas book. Stay tuned: Ill have more.

Just hope no one at Google hears about this book.

Damon Linker (another liberal defector from the party line) has more here.
A man who took part in the sexual assault of an intoxicated 17-year-old girl last year at a halfway house for sex offenders, who killed herself a month after the assault, was sentenced Thursday to 20 years in prison.

Stephon K. Hiler, 23, who had been sent to the group home only a short time before the assault took place, part of a sentence of probation he received in Racine County for the sexual assault there of a 12-year-old girl, apologized for what happened to the girl, and asked for help from Dane County Circuit Judge Nicholas McNamara in getting treatment for his sex offenses.

She had no chance, McNamara said before sentencing Hiler. She had no chance whatsoever. You didnt need a gun. This is as violent a sexual assault as any we can imagine.

On June 24, 2016, Hiler received a five-year prison sentence for the Racine County sexual assault. But Circuit Judge John Jude stayed the sentence and placed Hiler on probation. By July 8, 2016, when a criminal complaint says that Hiler and three other men sexually assaulted the 17-year-old girl, Hiler was only weeks into serving his sentence.

The girl had left a group home where she was living and was with Nathan J. Thompson, 19, who took her to the halfway house in the town of Blooming Grove where Hiler was living with two other sex offenders, James Phillips, 33, and Reginald Patton, 26. By the time she arrived, she had already used marijuana and ecstasy.

Phillips has also pleaded guilty to second-degree sexual assault and is awaiting sentencing in September. Patton and Thompson are scheduled for a trial in November.

Hilers 20-year sentence would begin in 2021, after he finishes serving the sentence in the Racine County case, for which his probation was revoked.

McNamara said that taken to a strange house in a strange part of town, and taken to a basement room where there were four men, the intoxicated girl had no chance.

Ive never seen a sexual assault that involved four men simultaneously attacking a girl, McNamara said. That makes this worse.

Earlier, the girls grandfather recounted the life she lived in which she was born to young parents not ready to care for her, eventually to end up living with her father and soon-to-be stepmom, until her father died from a heroin overdose in 2014.

Her world was turned upside down, her grandfather said.

She was shuttled between family members to live, unable to find happiness. Finding herself in trouble, she was placed at a group home in Madison.

After the sex assault, Deputy District Attorney Rachel Sattler said, the girl went back to the group home, where police were not called and she was just told to rest and clean up. She ended up in custody for leaving the group home that night.

I was disgusted by the fact that she was being treated as a criminal, her stepmother said, recalling seeing the girl in court in handcuffs. That day I saw the pain in her eyes.

She seemed to make progress in counseling, her stepmother said, and she asked her family to stand by her as she dealt with the aftermath of the rape. But not long after a final counseling session where her stepmom said it seemed that progress had been made, she was found hanging by a sheet at the group home. She died a few days later.

Looking back, I should have known that she was scared to have to deal with all that was to come and having to face what happened to her, the girls stepmom said. It was too much for a 17-year-old.

Sattler said the case has been among the hardest in her career and talked at length about the effect its had on her.

It devastated me, she said of attending the girls funeral. It shook my soul.

But the girls actions before she died, Sattler said, telling authorities what happened to her, ensured that Hiler and the others would be held to account for what they did.

There are no mitigating circumstances, she said, only depravity, only trauma.

Hilers lawyer, Michael Covey, argued for a six-year prison sentence for Hiler, urging McNamara to consider the lifelong deficits Hiler has had since he was born prematurely as a result of a car crash involving his mother.

Ive never argued that a tough childhood is a get out of jail free card, Covey said. But in this case, how can we not take into account his childhood issues?

Covey also blamed the state Department of Corrections for failing to monitor the home where Hiler and the other men lived. He said Hiler was placed there with older, experienced sex offenders, and that substance abuse there was rampant.

That house was an animal house long before (Hiler) got there, Covey said. I dont think DOC had any idea what environment they were putting him into.
The estimable Ayaan Hirsi Ali thinks so. Writing in the Wall Street Journal, she reminds us:

Candidate Donald Trump vowed to take a fresh approach to Islamic extremism. He ditched the politically correct language of the Obama administration by declaring that we were mired in an ideological conflict with radical Islam, which he likened to the totalitarian ideologies America had defeated in the 20th century. Mr. Trump also promised, as part of his immigration policy, to put in place an extreme vetting system that screens for Islamic radicalism. He vowed to work with genuine Muslim reformers and concluded with the promise that one of his first acts as president would be to establish a commission on radical Islam.

But President Trump hasnt delivered:

Mr. Trump has had more than six months to make good on these pledges. He hasnt gotten very far. The administrations first movea hastily drafted executive order limiting immigration from seven Muslim-majority countriesbackfired when it was repeatedly blocked in court. Worse, subsequent moves have tended to run counter to Mr. Trumps campaign pledges. Aside from a new questionnaire for visa applicants, there has been no clarity regarding the promised extreme vetting of Muslim immigrants and visitors. The promise to work with and empower authentic Muslim reformers has gone nowhere. The status of the promised commission on radical Islam remains unclear. Perhaps most discouragingly, the administrations Middle Eastern strategy seems to involve cozying up to Saudi Arabiafor decades the principal source of funding for Islamic extremism around the world.

As to the last point, I think we should remember that the cozying up to Saudi Arabia is probably motivated by the need to form an alliance to counter Iran. Overall, however, I think Ayaans criticism of the president stands.

How to explain Trumps failure to deliver? Some blame his advisers, such as H.R. McMaster, and not without justification, I believe.

However, in my opinion Ayaan is right to place the primary blame on Trump. As she puts it, he simply seems to have lost interest.

The same statement probably explains a lot about this presidency. To be fair to Trump, though, the fact that his opponents have formed a resistance and placed him under siege for no very good reason makes it difficult for him  as it would for even a less narcissistic president  to remain focused on things like Islamic extremism. Its understandable that when hes not worrying about Robert Mueller and his dream team of partisan Democrats, his focus is on matters like North Korean and Iranian nukes.

Theres also the perceived need to put wins on the board. Defeating ISIS in its strongholds is a win, even though the process of driving it out of Mosul and Raqqa was well underway before Trump took office. Working with genuine Muslim reformers and establishing a commission on radical Islam wont register as a win on the public scorecard.

Realizing that Trump is unlikely to follow through on these promises, Ayaan urges Congress to act. She proposes that Congress convene hearings on the ideological threat of radical Islam (and suggests, naively I think, that this can be an area of bipartisan agreement). If the executive branch isnt willing  if the president has forgotten his campaign commitments  lawmakers can and should step up to the plate, she concludes.
Beryl Howell is the judge who signed off on Robert Muellers request to convene a Washington, D.C. grand jury, and who apparently will continue to umpire disputes over the grand jurys work (which, in reality, is Muellers work). As I discussed earlier today, Howell served for ten years as a staffer for Sen. Patrick Leahy, the hyper-partisan leftist.

An unnamed Washington lobbyist assured the Daily Beast that Judge Howell has been avery straight-arrow as a judge. He compared her to Robert Mueller  the quintessential alleged straight shooter, now that James Comey has been discredited.

If youre a conservative and you hear a pillar of the Washington legal community described as a straight shooter, your best response is to duck.

With this in mind, lets look at a few of the things Ive learned today about Beryl Howells actions as a federal judge. Ill exclude rumors unless and until they are corroborated.

Item: Judge Howell presided over a trial in which left-wing talk show host Ed Schultz was sued by a sound engineer for breach of an alleged partnership agreement. According to the Daily Caller, Howell showed blatant favoritism for Schultz and contempt for the plaintiffs lead lawyer.

If so, it might have been because she ruled for Schultz in the first trial only to be reversed on appeal. In any event, one trial watcher reportedly expressed concern that Howells behavior would taint the jurys ability to be fair, especially the impressionable younger jurors who may be influenced by her obvious hatred for the plaintiffs lawyer.

Plaintiff did lose the case on retrial. In the appeal of that case, plaintiff argued, among things, that Judge Howell belittled plaintiffs counsel as a Jacksonville, Florida attorney who does not understand the highly educated, experienced, professional people [of] Washington, D.C. According to the Daily Caller, Schultzs lawyers acknowledged that Howells comments were stern (very probably a euphemism) but not grounds for reversal.

If the picture the Daily Caller paints is even close to accurate, Judge Howell is not a straight shooter.

Item: According to this report from PJ Media, Judge Howell left out the words so help me God from a naturalization ceremony. These words are part of the oath prescribed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations provides for a religious exemption from saying so help me God. When a petitioner or applicant for naturalization, by reason of religious training and belief (or individual interpretation thereof), or for other reasons of good conscience, cannot utter this phrase, the words solemnly affirm shall be substituted, and the oath shall be taken in such modified form.

However, again according to PJ Media, Judge Howell did not use the words solemnly affirm either. If she was going to exclude God, she should at least have used the alternative expression of solemnity.

Item: Speaking of immigrants, according to the same PJ Media article, Judge Howell rejected a challenge to Obamas executive actions that would have provided work permits to undocumented immigrants who met certain requirements. As we all know, the Supreme Court later blocked this blatantly illegal order from taking effect.

Judge Howells ruling strongly suggests that, for her, left-wing ideology trumps law.

Item: Judge Howell sided with a liberal law professor who sued to obtain records regarding fences the federal government intends to build along portions of the Texas-Mexico border. Revealing the identities of landowners in the walls planned construction site may shed light on the impact of indigenous communities, the disparate impact on lower-income minority communities, and the practices of private contractors, she wrote (opinion here).

This ruling was clearly a victory for liberals, who have taken all kinds of actions to block implementation of the federal law requiring the building of fencing. This doesnt mean Judge Howells ruling was wrong. Although the quotation above from Judge Howell seems lame, the issue is fairly complicated, and I havent had time to do the analysis necessary to reach a conclusion. However, I think its worth bringing the case to the attention of readers who are trying to get a handle on the judge who finds herself in a position, potentially, to do great harm to the U.S. president.

Such a judge needs to be a true straight shooter, not a Washington-issue one. Judge Howell does not even come across as the latter kind. She appears to be a doctrinaire liberal, just as one would expect a former Leahy staffer to be.

I live in the Washington, D.C. area. I know plenty of people around here who arent nearly as leftist this judge appears to be, but who despise President Trump. Theres a good chance Judge Howell relishes the chance to stick it to him.
Mike Mullen is the news editor of Twin Cities alternative weekly CityPages. Last week Mullen took after Mitchell Gunters Campus Reform report on a University of Minnesota student group called Tongues Untied. Tongues Untied describes itself as a space by and for People of Color who identify as LGBTQIA and/or Same-Gender-Loving.

Mullen mocked Gunters criticism of the groups exclusivity. When it comes to argument, Mullen is a practitioner of the form known as ad hominem. Mullen disparaged Gunter as a notably white man who lives in South Carolina and as one who speaks for aggrieved alt-right white youth, whatever that means.

Sitting in for Tucker Carlson on Fox News last night, Mark Steyn invited Mullen to discuss the subject and expand on his thoughts, such as they are. Accustomed to writing for an audience of like minded readers in the Twin Cities, Mullen failed to understand that he might not be up to Steyns challenge. In the event he served as raw material for Steyns satire (video below). Mullen himself is notably white, as Mark points out, but not notably bright.

Via Fox News Insider.
Sarah Palin has sued the New York Times for defamation, on account of a Times editorial that falsely claimed there was a clear and direct causal connection between Palins PACs targeting of Gabrielle Giffords district and Jared Loughners murder of six people in Tucson. The paper now calls its smear of Palin an honest mistake.

I wrote here that Palin has a strong case, despite the extraordinary burden of proof imposed on public figures who sue for defamation. This is true, in part, because the Timess own reporting debunked the idea that Palin had anything to do with Laughlins murders (which was a crazy idea in the first place). I wrote:

Ms. Palin can make a strong argument that the Times editorialists knew that their smear was a lie, based on reporting done by the Times itself. (The editorialists defense likely will have to be that they dont read their own newspaper.)

That last observation was prophetic. The Timess lawyers have moved to dismiss Palins case on the ground that her complaint fails to state a claim. This means that even if you assume everything in the complaint is true, she still doesnt have a case. In response to that motion, the presiding judge, Jed Rakoff, has ordered an evidentiary hearing. You can read his order here. Judge Rakoff writes that whether Palin has sufficiently alleged actual malice is a close question. I disagree, I think her complaint is plainly sufficient. But Judge Rakoff continues:

[T]he Complaint alleges that the allegedly false statements of fact that are the subject of the Complaint were contradicted by information already set forth in prior news stories published by the Times. However, these prior stories arguably would only evidence actual malice if the person(s) who wrote the editorial were aware of them. This is information peculiarly within the knowledge of defendant; but on it arguably depends the reasonableness vel non of inferring actual malice.

So, as I predicted, the Times wont admit that its editors read their own paper. Judge Rakoffs order requires the Times to produce for depositions all people who were involved in writing the editorial, so that Palins lawyer can ask them under oath whether they knew about the papers reporting on Jared Laughlins crime. The interrogation will take place in front of Judge Rakoff, who may ask questions of his own.

This is a weird procedure. It effectively turns the motion into one for summary judgment, but without Palins lawyers being provided the opportunity for full discovery. Therefore, I question whether Judge Rakoffs order complies with Rule 12(d):

If, on a motion under Rule 12(b)(6) or 12(c), matters outside the pleadings are presented to and not excluded by the court, the motion must be treated as one for summary judgment under Rule 56. All parties must be given a reasonable opportunity to present all the material that is pertinent to the motion.

Be that as it may, the Times editorialists have no choice but to testify that they wrote their editorial blaming Sarah Palin for an insane persons murders without even bothering to check their own paper to see what news about the shootings had been reported. The context is macabre, but it will be highly entertaining to read the Times editorialists depositions when they are made public.

One last observation: it may be shocking that members of the Times editorial board dont read their own newspaper, but I can guarantee that very few Times reporters read the papers editorialsthe most boring, predictable, ill-informed left-wing screeds in print. If their current ploy fails, the Times may try a second line of defense: Ms. Palin shouldnt be awarded much in damages, since hardly anyone reads their lame editorials.
Kenyas opposition coalition on Friday called on the election commission to give it access to its computer servers and said it would accept the results of Tuesdays vote based on the figures recorded there.

Provisional results show President Uhuru Kenyatta with a lead of 1.4 million votes as he vies for a second and final five-year term.

Election officials say a final result is expected to be announced late on Friday afternoon.

Opposition candidate Raila Odinga, whose rejection of the 2007 presidential election result triggered widespread bloodshed, has challenged the results released so far.

The opposition statement appeared to offer a possible way out of the impasse.

If they can open those servers, and we all look at it, we are prepared to accept the results of what is contained in those servers, James Orengo, chief election agent for the National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition coalition, told reporters.

He also called for other candidates and observers to be given access to the servers.

Police beefed up security on Friday.

Kenyan-based diplomats called for patience, and said any complaints must be channeled through the courts, not street protests.

International observers on Thursday gave thumbs-up to the election, and U.S. ambassador Robert Godec issued a statement on behalf of the diplomatic community calling for the election commission to be given time to complete its work.

The dispute has raised fears among Kenyans of ethnic and political clashes of the kind seen in 2007, when 1,200 people were killed.

Kenya is the leading economy in East Africa, and any instability would likely ripple through the region.

(Reuters/NAN)

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A female academic who was confirmed Resident Electoral Commissioner-designate by the Nigerian Senate has been plunged into a state of apprehension after the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation withheld her appointment letter without explanation.

Asmau Maikudi, Katsina State nominee, was amongst eight candidates confirmed by the Senate on June 20 following their nominations by President Muhammadu Buhari.

She was the only female of the 27 nominees that Mr. Buhari forwarded to the Senate in March.

Senators initially stepped down confirmation process for all of them in a fallout sparked by a string of constitutional disputes between the executive and the legislature.

But after weeks of negotiations, the lawmakers finally agreed to screen the candidates on May 2, confirming the first batch of 15 nominees on June 1.

Of the remaining 12 candidates, Ms. Maikudi, 55, was the first on the list of eight that scaled through on June 20. Confirmation for the remaining four was deferred indefinitely for reasons ranging from legal disputes to federal character.

After weeks of delay, the eight RECs-designate were asked to come for their appointment letters at the OSGF. But despite being the first on the list, Ms. Maikudi watched as her counterparts were called in for their letters, leaving only her out.

When I asked for my letter, they told me it hadnt been signed by the SGF, Ms. Maikudi, a lecturer at Kaduna State Polytechnic told PREMIUM TIMES Thursday evening.

Her subsequent appeals for explanation fell on deaf ears, she said.

Ms. Maikudi said she suspected no specific foul, as she has worked outside politics all through her career.

I have been an academic since I graduated in 1983, she said, adding: I have never had anything to do with politics and I believe the presidents decision to nominate me had no political connection.

The OSGF declined comments to PREMIUM TIMES on the matter. Calls and texts messages to Bolaji Adebiyi, the departments spokesperson, were neither acknowledged nor responded to Thursday night.

If the bizarre impasse lingered, the academic will not take part in the swearing-in ceremony for the candidates who have so far received their appointment letter, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, a spokesperson for the Independent National Electoral Commission, told PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr. Osaze-Uzzi said the event had been planned for next week Wednesday, but emphasised that only those who bear their respective appointment letters from the OSGF will take the oath of office.

Chris Ngwodo, a public affairs analyst, said the action of the SFG could threaten the integrity of electoral process, at a time INEC should be intensifying activities ahead of 2019 elections.

This development could put the entire electoral process in jeopardy, Mr. Ngwodo said.

INEC is already behind schedule in terms of logistics, finances and other crucial plans that must be put in place going into a tedious process like what were going to have in 2019, he added, noting that INEC Chairman Mahmud Yakubu had recently decried these shortcomings.

Mr. Ngwodo said the delay would inevitably cut into the time frame required for new appointees like Ms. Maikudi to settle down in office, thereby making it difficult for her to get familiar with the peculiarities of the state she would be posted to.

This SGFs office is clearly tampering with electoral process by preventing an individual who had been duly cleared by the Senate from resuming work to put new solutions in place ahead of the elections, he added.

Mr. Ngwodo urged the Senate to intervene in the matter.

I think its time for Senate to show interest in this matter and resist this clear attempt to compromise electoral process.

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Residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, woke up to a disturbing news about soldiers invading a United Nations building.

The soldiers, according to PREMIUM TIMES checks, were there in search of arms that were allegedly smuggled into the building by UN officials.

The building invaded by the soldiers is popularly known as Red Roof. It was acquired by the UN which currently uses it as a hostel for its personnel. Red Roof was a property of a former governor of Borno State, late Mala Kachalla.

Sources familiar with the incident said the soldiers arrived the Red Roof building in dozens at about 2 a.m., when they immediately secured all routes leading to the building.

A personnel of UN who witnessed the incident said the soldiers said they acted base on an information made available to them by the SSS that they observed sinister movement going on within the expansive property that was fenced with high walls.

The source, who pleaded anonymity because he was not permitted to speak to the media, informed PREMIUM TIMES that the incident has since promoted the UN to suspend its humanitarian activities in the state.

The soldiers came at about 2 a.m. and surrounded the entire area around the UN building. And at about 3 a.m., they demanded that they wanted to go into the building to search for arms.

But the UN officials denied them access insisting that it was against their policy to allow armed soldiers invade their offices or buildings, especially at such odd hours of the night.

The soldiers, who were led by one colonel said they got information from the SSS that arms were being ferried into the buildings in large wooden containers.

We all know there was nothing like that because the containers that they were referring to were building materials which the UN is using to upgrade or build some structures sitting the acquired property. Presently the property serves as a place of accomodation for all the UN humanitarian workers in Maiduguri.

When the soldiers wanted to force their way into the property, the security men had to lock the gate.

The source the soldiers and the UN security personnel argued for hours until about 7 a.m.when they finally allowed them in.

They searched the entire building and found nothing, said the source.

The soldiers later withdrew from the area at about 7.45 a.m.

The search of the UN building happened a day after rumours went wild on social media that the Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, was being housed in the said building.

PREMIUM TIMES arrived the scene of the incident at about 7.45 a.m. only to catch the glimpse of the soldiers leaving the premises of the UN building.

A civil society leader in Borno State, Ahmed Shehu, was also at the scene of the incident at the time PREMIUM TIMES arrived the Red Roof.

He said the civil society would investigate what led to such hostile disposition of soldiers towards the UN.

We got the information late last night that this place has been surrounded by soldiers, that is why we are here, he said.

But whatever may be the soldiers reason, the invasion was not a good indicator for security. Already, people are agitated and are even bearing wrong perception about the humanitarian workers here. This could embolden the IDPs who see the humanitarian workers as their enemies.

It is even sad to hear that all UN flights coming into Maiduri have been cancelled for today; though it has not been confirmed.

He said civil society networks will meet with the UN officials and probably come up with a statement later.

Attempts to get across to the spokesperson of the military command and control centre in Borno, Onyema Okechukwu, wasnt successful as his phone was switched off.

One of the media officials of the UN in Maiduguri, Rabiu Musa, was contacted on phone to confirm the incident. But he said he could not immediately comment on the issue because he was out of town.

He promised to revert as soon as he becomes acquianted with what actually happened.

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A former Nigerian president, Olusegun Obasanjo, has explained why Nigeria has not experienced military intervention in its democratic journey since 1999.

Mr. Obasanjo gave the insight in a book titled Making Africa Work, launched recently in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The book was co-authored by the former president and three others  Greg Mills, Director of Brenthurst Foundation; Jeffrey Herbst, President of NEWSEUM and Dickie Davis, a retired major general.

Mr. Obasanjo, who first ruled Nigeria as a military head of state between 1976 and 1979, later governed the nation as a democratically elected leader between 1999 and 2007.

While giving insights into how nations of the world can put an end to military interventions, the former president explained that no matter the excuse, military interventions had major negative impact on democracy, governance and unity of Nigeria.

He, however, argued that the often prescribed solution of specifically putting a ban on coups in the constitution was not the answer.

A coup is a treason punishable by death only if it fails, and yet it puts the plotter in the State House if it succeeds. It was a destructive and destabilising practice, wasteful for the military itself, and undermining in terms of discipline, good order and military conduct, Mr. Obasanjo wrote.

A junior officer takes a gun and looks at his political boss and senior officers through its sights, bumps them off and puts himself in the State House.

He instantly becomes superior and senior to all political and military officers. Such was the situation existing in Nigeria between 1966 and 1999.

Giving specific insight into how he handled the challenge when he was in office, Mr. Obasanjo revealed how he cleverly placed senior military officers on compulsory retirement.

On assuming office as president, I decided to put an end to these incessant coups. I asked the military to submit the list of all officers who had either participated in coups in the past or benefited in the dividends of coups by being appointed to political office as governors or ministers, the former president wrote.

Not knowing what the list was meant for, the military faithfully compiled it and submitted to me as the commander-in-chief and chairman of council of each of the arms of service. Ninety-three officers in all were given six hours notice of retirement on a Friday, and ordered not to spend the Friday night in uniform or in barracks to prevent adverse reaction.

The following Monday, the service council met to ratify the retirement of all the officers. From my vantage position and background as a battle-tested and war-victorious general, I knew that an officer out of uniform and barracks is like a fish out of water, and their power and influence would be greatly diminished.

The retirement of these 93 officers all in one day was salutary. It meant that taking part in a coup ot benefitting from one could catch up with you, no matter how long it would takes, and for as long as you are alive, he explained.

Mr. Obasanjo, however, noted that the officers retirement did not stand in the way of any of them entering public life or making progress in it.

Some of them later entered politics and became elected governors; some went into parliament; others got appointed as ministers and ambassadors, he wrote.

The idea was not to punish them for life but to exclude them from positions in the military where they could be coup planners, coup plotters, coup executors or coup beneficiaries.

And once an officer has tasted the trappings of a political life, of living in a government house, with free food and so on, he would easily look for excuses to want more if he is in a position to make it happen.

Explaining why the nation hasnt experienced such incidence of coup detat, the former president said the measure was quite effective even if it wasnt perfect.

The fact that since 1999, there has not been a coup or an attempted coup in Nigeria speaks to the effectiveness of the measures taken to put an end to the destabilizing influence of coups on the political life and dispensation of Nigeria.

Before 1999, and since independence, the longest that a democratic dispensation had lasted was six years from 1960 to 1966.

It has neither been easy nor perfect, but there are improvements and evidence of learning among the political class. Any bad signs and misconduct would have to be carefully monitored, he argued.

He also urged countries with similar experiences to find an effective and relatively painless way of curbing the incidence of coups and corruption by the military.

Until 1999, Nigeria had experienced several military interventions in its politics, beginning from 1966.

Recently, there were reports of rumoured coup plots in the Nigerian army but the military authorities said such alleged plots had been nipped in the bud.

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The United Nations system in Nigeria has confirmed the Friday invasion of its premises in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, by Nigerian soldiers.

Edward Kallon, UNs Humanitarian Coordinator, said in a statement released to the media that the invasion was unauthorized.

PREMIUM TIMES had broken the story that soldiers in their large numbers invaded the UN main building in the early hours of Friday claiming to be searching for arms hidden there.

The military also confirmed the incident in a separate statement saying its action was in line with the ongoing cordon and search operation within Maiduguri metropolis. (SEE FULL STATEMENT BELOW).

The cordon and search operation was going on at a time speculations intensified in the state capital that Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, might be hiding in one of the UN buildings.

The military had in the past weeks intensified its search for the Boko Haram leader following the 40-day ultimatum given to the Theatre Commander in Borno arrest him.

As the 40-day ultimatum approaches, the soldiers are responding to all manners of intelligence, including rumours on social media.

The UNs statement signed by Samantha Newport, head of communications, UNOCHA reads in full:

Abuja, 11 August 2017  The Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Edward Kallon, has expressed grave concern over the unauthorized search of a United Nations base for humanitarian workers in Maiduguri, Borno State.

At circa 0500 hours today, members of the Nigerian security forces entered the UN base for humanitarian workers in Maiduguri without authorization. The security forces carried out a search of the tented camp and left the area at circa 0800 hours.

The United Nations does not have any information at this time regarding the reason or motivations for the unauthorized search. The Humanitarian Coordinator is working closely with the Government of Nigeria to resolve this issue.

The humanitarian crisis in Nigerias north-east is one of the most severe in the world today, said Mr Kallon. I am extremely concerned that these actions could be detrimental to the critical work that is being carried out every day to support the most vulnerable in the region and I call upon the Government of Nigeria to provide clarification.

The United Nations and more than 50 non-governmental humanitarian organisations are working in support of the Government of Nigeria to provide aid, including food, safe water and medicine, to some 6.9 million people in need in the northeast.

The militarys statement also reads:

As part of ongoing counter insurgency operations, the Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE has been conducting several clearance as well as cordon and search operations in urban and rural areas within the Theatre. The clearance operations effort has been yielding several successes.

It has forced the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) to change tactics and resort to employment of suicide bombers to target military locations and the populace. This necessitated the need to intensify Cordon and Search in Maiduguri metropolis and environment.

In the last one week cordon and search operations were conducted in Jiddari Polo, Muna Garage, Jakana amongst several other areas. On 10th August 2017, Theatre Command received information from one of its credible sources that some high value BHT suspects had infiltrated into Pompomari Bye Pass.

It therefore became expedient to take preemptive action by combing the general area through a cordon and search operations. The operation was successfully conducted as over 30 houses were searched.

One of such included a property which was said to be occupied by United Nations Staff, although the property did not carry a UN designation.

On the whole, operation in the general area was successfully concluded but no arrest was made because the suspects were not found.

The command wishes to assure the general public that these operations are being conducted to safeguard lives and properties but not targeted at any individual or group.

The general public is cautioned to avoid peddling rumours which may cause disaffection and to remain law abiding.

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The daily rally by #ResumeOrResign group convened by Charles Oputa, popularly called Charly Boy, was on Friday disrupted by members of a group sympathetic to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr. Oputas group had started its rally on Monday to protest the prolonged medical vacation of the president in London.

It said it would hold the rally until the 100th day of the presidents departure from the country. Mr. Buhari left Nigeria 95 days ago.

Less than 20 members of the group had gathered at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, for the fifth day of the rally until the venue was intruded by members of the other group rallying in support of the anti-corruption fight of the president.

Dozens of youth in the pro-Buhari group stormed the venue chanting Sai Baba Sai Baba, forcing members of the Charly Boy-led group to beat a hurried retreat from the premises.

Security operatives however intervened quickly to avert a violent clash of the two groups.

The convener of the pro-Buhari group, Goodluck Obi, was also seen yelling at the members of his group to avoid confrontation.

Mr. Obi said their gathering was to support the anti-corruption policy of President Buhari and also to disabuse the minds of Nigerians of the impressions being created by theResume or Resign group.

He said the call for the resignation of the president was unnecessary.

We want to let people know that it is not only illegal, unconstitutional and to no effect, it is also null and void. The constitution does not support it, Mr. Obi said.

Section 141 of the Nigerian Constitution, which is the most respected document of the country, supports the fact that if the president is traveling and he perceives that he would be away for long, he should transmit his powers to the vice president, which is exactly what our honorable president has done.

Prof. Osinbanjo, in his capacity as the Acting President, is doing well. We also want to use this opportunity to warn Nigerians, lest some few elements destroy the democracy we have built for so long.

Buhari is a man of honor, hes a man of valor, and hes a man of integrity. He has all it takes to be the president and we are standing by him, Mr. Obi added as he addressed journalists observing the drama.

Deji Adeyanju, one of the conveners of the #ResumeOrResign group, however countered that his group would not relent until the presidency discloses the medical status of President Buhari.

This is the right thing to do. It is important to know that today is the 95th day that our president has been away from Nigeria on medical tourism, Mr. Adeyanju said.

President is undergoing chemotherapy in the UK, like it is reported in the media.

They must come clean. We are not interested in any distraction. We are not even interested in engaging them in back and forward argument. We are interested with just the issues.

Are the reports true that the president has cancer, and that he is undergoing chemotherapy, that thats why he cannot return? Mr. Adeyanju said in a press statement he later issued.

The Presidency must give Nigerians full disclosure on the health statue of our president. The president is not above the Nigerian people.

We are not distracted by a government that says it is fighting corruption and it is hiring crowd to protest. We are not distracted.

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Three people charged last week with first-degree intentional homicide for their alleged roles in a shooting that happened last month on Madisons North Side were ordered to stand trial.

In addition, a fourth person who was arrested Tuesday night in connection with the case, Nicole M. Marco, was formally charged Thursday with being a party to first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree reckless injury, along with attempting to elude police.

Donald Davis Jr., 29; Korey Johnson, 33; and Jennifer Lovick, 34, all of Madison, who are charged in the shooting death of Ciara Philumalee, 24, were ordered to stand trial after a preliminary hearing Thursday before Dane County Circuit Judge Valerie Bailey-Rihn. Philumalee was shot outside an apartment building on Karstens Drive around 1:45 a.m. on July 28.

Madison police Detective Caleb Johnson provided the only testimony at the hearing. Earlier, Bailey-Rihn denied a motion by Korey Johnsons lawyer, David Karpe, to dismiss charges against his client, finding sufficient evidence in the criminal complaint to support the charges.

Karpe had argued that Johnson was little more than a bystander who happened to ride in a car to the scene of the homicide, but did not get out of the car or take part in the shooting. Assistant District Attorney Valerian Powell responded, however, that Johnson went along so that he could benefit from a reward of money and crack cocaine that Davis had issued for information about Philumalees whereabouts.

According to the criminal complaint, Lovick told police that Davis was looking for Philumalee because he believed she had helped arrange a robbery of Davis at some point earlier. After Lovick directed Davis to an apartment building where she had seen Philumalee, Davis shot Philumalee and another man. The man survived.

Marco, 35, of Sun Prairie, who in an amended criminal complaint issued Thursday admitted that she drove Davis, Johnson and Lovick to and from Karstens Drive that night, was jailed on $10,000 bail after appearing in court. A preliminary hearing for Marco was scheduled for Wednesday.
The British American Tobacco Nigeria has denied any wrongdoing in the National Assemblys investigation of 30 companies over alleged complicity in the loss of N30 trillion federal revenue in the import and export value chain between 2006 and 2017.

The Senate, last week, ordered the arrest of the chief executive officers of the companies for failing to honour invitations to appear before it.

The BATN was listed among the companies.

The Senate on Wednesday, however, said all the companies have appeared before it, in a closed-door session, to state their case.

Also, the House of Representatives had summoned the tobacco company to a hearing over claims of being an illegal beneficiary of the federal governments Export Expansion Grant Scheme.

But in a statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, BATN said it had done no wrong.

On the 31st of July, 2017, we received a letter inviting us to appear before the Senate Committee in relation to allegations of involvement in the N30 trillion revenue believed to have been lost within the import and export value chain, said Freddy Messanvi, Legal and External Affairs Director at British American Tobacco.

British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN), as a responsible company, has since been officially communicating with the Senate committee in order to comply with their invitation and regulations to ensure a resolution of the issue through extensive engagements, verification and reconciliation exercises.

Mr. Messanvi said the BATN had, over the years, always maintained a healthy relationship with government agencies, including the Nigerian Customs Service which commended the company in 2016 for its contributions to Nigerias treasury.

We also have a history of ensuring 100 per cent custom duty payments are disbursed on time and in full to secure an incessant flow of required materials, Mr. Messanvi said.

We also ensure we abide by Central Bank of Nigeria and Customs guidelines in relation to import and export processes as required and demanded by the law.

We appreciate the efforts of the government to block all revenue leaks and as good corporate citizens we will continue to comply with the Nigerian regulations.

We also intend to work with the government, within the confines of applicable laws, to create an environment where businesses will thrive and harness amicable working relationships through constructive discussions and engagements to ensure Nigeria remains attractive for foreign direct investments in the long run.

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The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, says the economic impact of Boko Haram activities in the North East is estimated at $9 billion (N274.5b).

Mr. Buratai, represented by Peter Dauke (major general), General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Lagos, made the assertion on Thursday at the first annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers.

The paper is entitled Counter- Insurgency and Role of the Nigerian Army in Creating Conducive Environment For Nigeria`s Economic Development.

Mr. Buratai said of the figure, Borno had the highest impact estimated at $5.9 billion (N180b).

He said loss of agricultural production in the North East caused by Boko Haram activities was $3.5 billion (N107b).

The army chief said Borno had 95 per cent of the 400,000 houses damaged by Boko Haram.

According to him, the restructuring of the armys operations in the zone in 2015 yielded fruitful results.

He said: This restructuring changed the counter insurgency strategies by adopting aggressive posture, effective command and control, efficient use of weapon and logistics with particular attention to welfare of the troops.

Mr. Buratai said the new strategy led to the recapturing of territories occupied by the insurgents, rescue of about 300,000 hostages.

He said: Furthermore, not less than 1,009 Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered voluntarily, while 1,140 others have been arrested and another 1,500 confirmed boko haram terrorists are under investigation.

He stated that with improved security, the Borno, Adamawa and Yobe governments had embarked on reconstruction of damaged schools, bridges, hospitals and other critical infrastructure aimed at recreating socio-economic activities of the areas.

Mr. Buratai said in keeping with its constitutional mandate of defending the nation, the army would ensure that the right atmosphere to promote economic development was maintained in the country.

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Some thousands of years after the Israelites walked around the impregnable Wall of Jericho seven times to cause it to crumble, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) on Thursday led members of his church in a symbolic replication of the exercise.

He said the reenactment was targeted at breaking the hold of the devil during a prayer session at the Redemption Camp in Lagos.

Members of the Mission in over 195 countries are participating in the convention through viewing centers, television, the Internet and on radio.

Findings show wall existed

Despite doubts in some quarters, findings show the wall existed and was destroyed under mysterious circumstances.

In the 1930s, an archaeological team lead by John Gars Tang excavated the walls at Jericho that were thought possibly to line up with the biblical account, and what they found was amazing. The bottom of the wall was made of stones set into the hillside.

On top of that was a mud-brick wall. When it was excavated, sections of the mud-brick wall were found collapsed on the ground outside the lower stone wall. And, on the archaeological layer immediately after the layer of the collapsed wall was found erosion that suggested that the city had been abandoned for some time before it was rebuilt.

According to experts, the two findings seem to corroborate the biblical account. The walls of Jericho were said to fall beneath themselves, which is a really weird construction, but it describes exactly what Gars tangs team found with the mud-brick wall collapsed beneath the stone wall that it had originally sat on top of.

And the evidence that the city was abandoned after the walls fell corroborates the biblical account that Joshua was said to have put a curse on the Jericho such that no one could live there for a generation after the city was conquered.

But well aware that the exercise would sound childish to church members and others, Pastor Adebayo took some time to explain it.

He started by saying, I know you trust me, but I have to assure you about what God has asked us to do. Initially, I wanted us to sing praises to the Lord and dance to end tonights service, but He told me we should do something special.

Leaving the congregation in suspense, he reminded them of a testimony in which God asked him to do something which sounded ridiculous, but because he has always obeyed Him, he did what turned out to generate many miracles here in Nigeria and overseas.

The 7 Miracle Agbada

His testimony: Many people may recall when God told me to wear seven different garments (agbada), dance for five minutes, lay the garments on the altar and ask people to come and touch them to receive their miracles.

People know I dont like wearing agbada, and nowhere is it written in the Bible that thou shall wear seven garments and shall dance for five minutes and then lay them on the altar, but He spoke to me and I heard Him. So I had to obey. I did what He asked me to do. He also gave me specific instructions to tell the people to only touch and not hold the clothes.

Do you understand? I asked members of the congregation.

Yes, They answered

A certain young man among the crowd went contrary to the instruction and held the garments. He must have thought, My problems are many, touching will not suffice.

What happened after was that the power of God grabbed him. He began to shake from that point in the morning till 5pm. It wasnt until I was summoned to pray for him that God released him.

Months later, I took the permission of God to take one of the agbada for ministration overseas. I laid it on the altar and urged people to touch it for miracles. There was a white man in the congregation who thought it was childish, but later he decided that since everybody was going to the altar he better join them. He did, touched the agbada, and according to his testimony later, the back pain he had for years disappeared.

The walk

Assured that the congregation was convinced, he asked that people did a circular walk in the limited spaces they had as he counted from one to seven. After the seventh, the churchs music instrumentalists were to blow trumpets for the church to shout Halleluyah as the Israelites did.

For most people, that was not going to be a problem so long as Pastor Adebayo, noted for signs, wonders and miracles, led them.

Promptly, the exercise begun, but at the sixth round, some people shouted Halleluyah. He let it pass for the exercise to be completed, after which he explained the premature shout of Halleluyah was from the devil inside the few people who shouted that came out.

He then asked for a repeat of the seventh round after which the trumpets blared for a thunderous shout of Halleluyah and continues praise of the Lord by a joyous congregation, which at the Redemption Camp alone, numbered thousands. The auditorium was full to capacity.

What was called a deliverance service, started as usual, with praise singing. Pastor Adeboyes ministration dwelt on destiny, which he defined as Gods plan for individuals. Citing Bible back-ups, he explained that Gods plan is a good one, and like every good builder, He builds or develops individuals according to the plan which was made even before their parents met.

Using the example of Joshua, whose assignment, according to the Bible, was to continue from where Moses stopped, take the Israelites to the Promised Land and share it among the people, but had to face the Wall of Jericho, he explained that for every major assignment in life there is a Wall of Jericho.

According to him, the Wall of Jericho in life is anything blocking ones way to their destiny. Moses has to face the Red Sea: Joshua the Wall of Jericho; David, Goliath who wanted to take his kingdom before he was formally crowned as the king of Israel.

Reminding the congregation that praise pulls down walls, he explained that God knows the end from the beginning so people shouldnt be rattled when Walls of Jericho spring up as they head for their respective destiny.



God knows about all that. He had foreseen the wall, when you will face it, and how you will overcome it. When something great has been planned by God, whatever is blocking it will be removed.

But as he has always said, he reminded the congregation that God will only play his part in ones destiny if the individual retains a healthy relationship with Him, or ran back to him when he has strayed.

Hundreds of people responded to his alter call for salvation.

The day had begun with a visit to the various department of the church by Pastor Adebayo. It was followed by two plenary sessions in the morning, a special seminar in the afternoon and a service of songs.

As at 6 pm Thursday, a total of 61 babies -35 boys and 26 girls  had been born at the churchs medical facility on the Camp.

All images were taken by Komolafe Segun, Managing Director of Skenhanced. Images

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The Bankers Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on Thursday said the Nigerian economy was steadily pulling out of recession.

The Committee gave the review at the end of its 331st meeting in Abuja.

It said indices on non-oil sector growth in the second quarter of the year showed the economy could recover earlier than expected.

The CBNs Director of Banking Supervision, Ahmed Abdullahi, told reporters that the apex bank in particular realized about $4 billion in May from the export and investors window it created in the foreign exchange market.

Mr. Abdullahi, who was accompanied to the briefing by the Managing Director of Union Bank, Emeka Emuwa, said the fund was part of efforts by the banks to join forces with other key interest groups to accelerate the countrys economic recovery.

He said the $4 billion was not only a reflection of the volume of trading through the export and investors window, but also the banks effort to rally support towards economic recovery.

It shows the banks have contributed massively to bring foreign direct investments, FDIs, into the market. We think things will be looking up. We are hopeful things are going in the right direction, Mr. Abdullahi said.

Although the numbers are not yet out from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, the fact that major non-oil sectors have witnessed positive growth make analysts believe the economy could be out of recession by the second quarter of 2017, he said.

We await the number from the NBS. But if one looks at the performance of the capital market and the stability in the foreign exchange market, one would see that a lot of progress has been made in getting the economy out of recession.

Mr. Emuwa said the committee was generally happy with the progress in the economy, saying the positive development was capable of generating a ripple effect on banking and other sectors of the economy.

To further provide access to funding of small-scale agricultural activities, he said the board of the Agriculture and Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Fund was inaugurated, along with a project review committee, to facilitate the disbursement of N26 billion equity fund for agriculture and small businesses in the country.

Those interested in accessing funds or looking for equity to support their agriculture or small and medium enterprises, SMEs, should approach their banks now and apply to enable them conduct preliminary reviews before passing such requests to the project review committee, he said.

The board consists of the Managing Directors of Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith and UBA, along with CBN Directors of Banking Supervision and Development Finance.

The project review committee comprise the Managing Directors of FCMB, Unity, and Sterling banks.

The Small and Medium Enterprises Equity Investment scheme is a voluntary initiative of the Bankers Committee as a response to the Federal Governments concerns and policy measures to promote SMEs as vehicles for rapid industrialization, sustainable economic development, poverty alleviation and employment generation.

The scheme requires all commercial banks in the country to provide ten percent of their profit after tax, PAT, for equity investment and promotion of small and medium enterprises.

The provided fund would be invested in small and medium enterprises as the banking industrys contribution to the Federal Governments efforts towards stimulating economic growth, developing local technology and generating employment.

The funding to be provided under the scheme will be in the form of equity investment in eligible enterprises.

Indications are that the fund would be used to finance eligible bankable projects to support export of all import substitution products.

Although banks are expected to give out the money to businesses as loans, they would however do so in the form of equity contributions to such companies for a maximum of 10 years.

This means that rather than charge interest on such loans, the banks would be entitled to dividends during the period of their investments.

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Kenyas opposition said on Friday it would not be a party to the election commissions imminent announcement of the result of the presidential vote because its concerns had not been addressed.

Provisional results from polling stations show President Uhuru Kenyatta with a lead of 1.4 million votes as he vies for a second and final five-year term.

Opposition candidate, Raila Odingas camp has disputed the count and said it would accept the election result only if allowed to see raw data on the commissions computer servers.

Mr. Odinga has lost the last two elections, claiming fraud in both cases.

Many Kenyans fear a repeat of the violence that followed the 2007 contested election, when about 1,200 people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced as political protests led to ethnic killings.

We raised some very serious concerns, they have not responded to them. As NASA (opposition coalition) we shall not be party to the process they are about to make, senior opposition official, Musalia Mudavadi, said.

James Orengo, Chief Election Agent, the opposition coalition, said: This has been an entire charade.

The Kenyan people have never disappointed  every time an election has been stolen, the Kenyan people have stood up to make sure changes are made to make Kenya a better place, Mr. Orengo said.

Going to court, for us, is not an alternative. We have been there before.

Earlier, Mr. Orengo had called for the candidates and observers to be given access to the election commissions servers so there could be a transparent audit of data from 41,000 polling stations across the country.

Yakub Guliye, Election Commissioner in charge of Information Technology, said the opposition had not made a formal request and it would not act on a verbal request.

Normal procedure calls for the commission to release final results after cross checking its electronic tally with paper forms.

A supporter of Kenyan opposition leader, Raila Odinga, holds a sign in Kisumu, Kenya Aug. 11.

Mr. Odingas camp has said figures released by the commission since on Tuesdays vote were fictitious and that confidential sources within the commission had provided figures showing Mr. Odinga had a large lead in the race.

The election commission rejected the claims, pointing out they contained basic mathematical errors.

Police had beefed up security across much of Kenya  particularly in opposition strongholds in the west and parts of Nairobi  in anticipation of the announcing of the election result on Friday.

At an international conference centre, ruling party supporters sang Today is our day, God is good as the president arrived to address them.

Kenya is the leading economy in East Africa and any instability would be likely to ripple through the region.

Mr. Odinga is a member of the Luo, an ethnic group from the west of the country that has long said it is excluded from power.

Mr. Kenyatta is from the Kikuyu group, which has supplied three of four presidents since Kenya gained independence from Britain in 1963.

International observers have given the thumbs-up to the vote and U.S. Ambassador Robert Godec issued a statement on behalf of the diplomatic community calling for any complaints to be channeled through the courts, not street protests.

If there are disputes or disagreements, the Kenyan constitution is very clear on how they are to be addressed. Violence must never be an option, he said on Friday.

But the opposition criticised foreign observers.

The observers largely served the interests of the government, Mr. Orengo said.

As well as a new president, Kenyans also elected new lawmakers and local representatives. Some of those races have also been disputed, leading to violence in Garissa and Tana River counties. (Reuters/NAN)

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The Presidency has assured that Muhammadu Buhari administration would not muzzle the media.

Presidential Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, gave the assurance on Thursday while speaking at the First Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, held at Renaissance Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Mr. Adesina said Mr. Buhari administration remained committed to press freedom, and therefore not interested in gagging the media.

He however said he expected the Nigerian media to be responsible and to only engage in constructive criticism of government activities.

This government is not interested in muzzling the media in anyway, Mr. Adesina said. We are committed to freedom of speech.

 Media should be positively critical, media should be responsible.

Count this government out of muzzling the media.

The presidential spokesperson told the gathering that he had been part of GOCOP from inception because members of the Guild are credible professionals that all stakeholders must identify with.

According to him,  When you see responsible organisation like GOCOP, we all must support them.

I identify with GOCOP because I know it has what it takes to do the right thing. I have been a part of GOCOP from the beginning, Mr. Adesina said.

In his welcome address, the outgoing President of GOCOP, Musikilu Mojeed, traced the history of the Guild, saying it has consistently engaged in peer-reviewing its member to ensure they stayed on the path of professionalism.

He noted that the number of online news platforms has ballooned in the last few years, stressing the need to protect the cyber space by setting stringent conditions for online publishers to join GOCOP.

Mr. Mojeed, editor-in-chief at PREMIUM TIMES, expressed the readiness of the Guild to partner with relevant government agencies to sanitize online media practice.

We are ready to name and shame any member who engages in misconduct, he told the gathering.

However, he pointedly said the Guild would not welcome any attempt by the government to muzzle or gag the online platforms in any guise.

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Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has identified three steps the Federal Government can take if Nigeria must get out of economic recession.

Mr Obi was a guest speaker at the 1st Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) held on Thursday at Renaissance Hotel, Ikeja in Lagos.

Speaking on the theme Sustaining growth through diversification of the economy, he contended that Nigerian economy is already diversified.

Buttressing this, the former Governor said the non-oil sector is contributing about 80 per cent to the nations GDP, noting that the tragedy is that the oil sector however accounts for 90 per cent of our foreign exchange earnings.

He listed three ways to put the economy back on the path of growth.

According to him, government must as a matter of urgency embark on aggressive savings, diversification of the economy towards manufacturing and lastly investment in developmental education.

Our economy is fully diversified because the non-oil sector is actually contributing about 80 per cent to our GDP today.

But the tragedy of our economy is that 90 per cent of our export revenue is derived from just one sector  oil.

Diversifying our economy through manufacturing and investment in education is what we require today to turn around our economy.

And by aggressive savings well be able to get the resources to bring about micro economic stability to the country, defend our currency and be able to attract FDI and portfolio investments and unlock the resources to invest in our deteriorated infrastructure, said Mr. Obi, who described himself as a trader and businessman.

On his part, the keynote speaker, Akinyemi Onigbinde, a professor, posited that Nigeria needed to restructure the polity before talking about diversification of the economy.

Let me say this, and it is with all sense of responsibility, that the proponents of this diversification theory, with respect to the chronically ill Nigeria economy, are not being honest.

Indeed, I dare say they are being mischievous, just as they insist on playing Nero as our Rome prepares to go up in flames. Truth is, for Nigeria, it may well be one-minute to midnight, if we continue to ignore the first principle in nation-building.

So, what is responsible for Nigerias arrested development, to put it in a counter thesis to GOCOP request: Nigeria economy cannot enjoy a sustainable growth and neither can it be diversified because there is even no basis for economic growth.

As I had earlier suggested, what economy are we to diversify? And As I had also insisted on, there can be no economy to be diversified, hence there will be no growth as to speak of sustainable growth.

But let us, however, say that Nigeria will continue to remain in a state of suspended animation, economically, so long as some sections of the Nigerian nation space feel short-changed by the Nigeria political economy, due, largely, to the operations of present structure of the Nigerian state.

Truth is, so long as the centre holds a veto power over the economic activities of Nigeria so-called federating units, so long will Nigeria manifest destiny remain dormant, Prof Onigbinde said.

Another guest speaker and Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Bayo Onanuga, charged GOCOP to come up with a code of conduct for online media practitioners.

He also charged the leadership of the Guild to pursue capacity building for its members through workshops and seminars to broaden their knowledge.

The NAN MD assured that his organisation would collaborate with GOCOP in generating contents, not only in text format but also videos and photographs.

Representatives of GOCOP key partners like Federal Road Safety Commission, Mobil, Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Plc, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission delivered goodwill messages calling for sustained relationship while the GOC 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General PJ Dauke, presented paper on counter-insurgency.

At the end of the one-day conference, the newly elected Executive Committee of GOCOP was inaugurated. The team is led by Dotun Oladipo, Publisher, The Eagle Online.

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The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Ibrahim Idris, has set up a Special Investigation Panel to investigate complaints and petitions of alleged bribery by police officers for special promotion.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Isah Misau, in an interview granted to a newspaper report published on August 10, had alleged that police officers pay bribe for special promotion.

The Force Spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, said Mr. Misau had been invited by the panel to get more details to assist it to conduct a discreet investigation into the matter.

According to Mr. Moshood, the panel among other responsibilities, is expected to investigate the allegations, other complaints, petitions and grievances from police officers within the Force and other members of the public.

Others are to determine the substance of the complaints, petitions and grievances from aggrieved police officers and members of the public on allegations of giving money for special promotion.

The panel is to also determine those involved in the matter, recommend appropriate judicial action and other punishments appropriate in line with the provisions of Public Service Rules Section 030401 (j) (k) and other statutory enabling laws/Acts.

The Panel is to submit its reports to the Inspector-General of Police within two weeks.

Mr. Moshood urged police officers and members of the public to send their complaints and petitions to the following phone numbers,WhatsApp and email: 08054904443, 08035896648, 08181895582 JOYJUDEJOSHUAH@YAHOO.COM for success of the investigation.

(NAN)

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The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, says it is expecting to receive high-profile defectors in the next three weeks.

The chairman of the partys Non-Elective National Convention, Ifeanyi Okowa, who is also the governor of Delta State, said this on Thursday while addressing journalists in Abuja.

Mr. Okowa said the party was preparing to welcome the defectors, but did not disclose their identities or the political parties they are about to desert.

The governor, who addressed the journalists after inspecting the Eagle Square venue of the partys non-elective convention holding on Saturday, said necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a successful event.

We just came to see what is on the ground. I believe that our people will be safe because we have everything under control, we are not expecting hitches at all.

We are doing very well as a party and as a committee. In this kind of planning you will have some challenges here and there, but there are solutions being proffered to every one of them and we are confident that we are on the right track and it shall be well on Saturday.

I believe that a lot of people who thought that the party was going to implode will realise that we are back and ready to offer what it takes to better the lives of Nigerians.

Many of our members that left earlier due to one form of disagreement or the other will return to their party because the National Caretaker Committee has constituted a Reconciliation Committee as well as a Contact and Mobilisation Committee to reach out to them.

From the way things are going presently in this country, I believe Nigerians will realise that PDP is the only alternative that can bring Nigeria out of her present economic challenges. We are expecting high profile defectors in the next three weeks or so.

Mr. Okowa said the party has confidence in its committees and members and is sure the PDP will make a comeback in 2019.

The All Progressive Congress, APC, however waved aside that some of its members would defect to the main opposition party.

APC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said, Three weeks is not forever; we will wait for it to come. We are confident that we will not lose any of our valuable members to the former ruling party.

He said the PDP was just making unsubstantiated claim.

In another development, the National Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Ahmed Makarfi, said a crisis relating to the South-West zone of the party had been resolved.

Yesterday, Wednesday, we had a meeting with the leaders from the zone to resolve the issues.

As a party, we will continue to work hard not to lose anybody, but we will work harder to bring in more members to the party, he said in Abuja.

Also on Thursday at the PDP national secretariat at a meeting of the committee set up by the party to screen the seven governorship aspirants for the Anambra State election, the committee expressed displeasure over acts of indiscipline by some of the aspirants.

The Chairman of the Screening Committee, who is also the former Minister of Police Affairs, Adamu Waziri, said it was unfortunate that some of the aspirants had not shown up for the screening, 90 minutes after it was scheduled to begin.

The aspirants screened on Thursday were Okechukwu Emeka, Alex Obiogbolu, Linda Ikpeazu, Oseloka Obaze, Ifeanyi Uba, Stella Oduah and Akolisa Ufodike.

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The Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed Sept. 11 to deliver judgment in the suit filed by Senator Dino Melaye (APC- Kogi), challenging his planned recall by some voters in his constituency.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba fixed the September date after listening to arguments from all parties involved in the suit.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had commenced the process to recall Mr. Melaye, but the senator went to court, seeking stoppage of the process.

One of the grounds upon which Mr. Melaye, who represents Kogi West in the Senate, challenged his recall, was that the signatures of some of the voters in the petition for his recall were fictitious.

Mr. Melaye who argued his case through his counsel, Nkem Okoro, said majority of the signatures on the petition were dead people.

He added that death certificates were attached to the processes he filed as exhibits to ascertain the veracity of his claim that some of the signatories were deceased.

He further alleged that he was denied fair hearing by both his constituents and INEC.

The petitioners ought to have informed Mr. Melaye of the facts and circumstances upon which the alleged loss of confidence was based prior to submission of the petition to INEC.

INEC upon receipt of the said petition only served Melaye a mere notice that it had received a petition for his recall. So we are challenging INECs action.

They should have shown a copy of the petition to Melaye and failure to do so amounts to denial of fair hearing and a violation of the laws of natural justice.

Mr. Okoro also said his client was challenging the validity of the said petition on the grounds that the petition was based on political animosity, malice and bad faith.

He urged the court to grant the prayers of his motion and stop INEC from going ahead with the planned recall.

Counsel to the other plaintiffs in the matter said they aligned themselves with the arguments of Mr. Okoro.

Counsel to INEC, Anthony Adeniyi, on his part, said Mr. Melaye had failed to show the court the particular signatories on the petition to which the death certificates attached as exhibit belonged.

If he attached death certificates, he should tell the court that this certificate for example, belongs to signature number 24 on the petition, but he failed to do that.

Justice Dimgba adjourned the matter until Sept. 11 for judgment.

The judge also fixed Sept.11 to deliver judgment in a suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), also seeking to stop Melayes recall.

The judge consolidated the two suits to avoid having conflicting judgments since the subject of both suits were similar.

(NAN)

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The two candidates for the states highest court who are backed by liberals on Friday showed deep divisions on whether politics has a place in judicial elections.

Madison attorney Tim Burns and Milwaukee County Judge Rebecca Dallet, during their first candidate forum in Madison hosted by the liberal-leaning American Constitution Society for Law and Policy, mostly focused on whether Burns approach of running an unabashedly liberal Supreme Court campaign was appropriate for judicial candidates.

Since he announced his intention to seek a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Burns has said repeatedly that he holds progressive values and would uphold them if he were elected to the court.

My voice may shake, but I will be an unshakable champion for progressive values on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Burns said, referring to being born with imperfect vocal cords. I am not going to apologize for my progressive views.

But Dallet pushed back on Burns approach, saying that Burns taking public positions on issues or policies  such as Gov. Scott Walkers collective bargaining measure known as Act 10  harms the integrity of the Supreme Court.

I do not think that making these open statements is progressive. I think what is truly progressive is having independent courts, she said.

On Friday, Burns also said right-wing judges had for years fundamentally reshaped the U.S. economy and contributed to the election of an unhinged billionaire, referring to President Donald Trump. Burns said if elected, he would be fair and impartial but would not ignore past decisions from conservative-leaning judges that weakened protections for the middle class.

I plan to be a fair and impartial judge but we all have to recognize something  because we dont get fair and impartial judges by continuing to believe in the fairy tale that political values dont matter to these judges, he said.

Dallet said she believes Burns is defending his approach of expressing political opinions publicly as a response to conservative-leaning judicial candidates who she said have introduced politics to judicial elections.

We need to stop politicizing our courts, she said. I think if someone takes positions on issues openly in a political matter  in a judicial matter  and then (a) case comes before that justice who has made statements about those exact issues  there, at the very least, is a sense from the litigants that ... they are not getting a fair shake, that they are getting someone who already made up their mind.

Both candidates appeared at the Democratic Party of Wisconsin convention earlier this summer and have appeared at Democratic political events.

A third candidate, Sauk County Judge Michael Screnock  who is backed by conservatives  did not attend the forum due to scheduling issues, according to ACS Madison chapter president Jeff Mandell.
The State Security Service (SSS) said it had arrested 18 suspected members of notorious kidnap gangs operating across the country.

The suspects include: Haliru Hassan, Usman Abdulkadir, Yusuf Saidu, Abubakar Shuiabu, Abubakar Suleiman, Uzairu Bawa and Sani Abubakar.

A statement by an operative of the service, Tony Opuiyo, said the suspects were arrested on July 3, at the Kakuri industrial area of Kaduna State.

Mr. Opuiyo said the suspects had been terrorising motorists and commuters within the Rijana and Katari axis of the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.

He said the service also arrested two notorious kidnap suspects, Rabiu Sani alias Dogo, and Abubakar Sani.

He said the suspects were arrested on July 4, along the Zaria-Funtua road in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The operative said Mr. Sani was a notorious kidnapper and gun-runner who had been supplying arms and ammunition to criminal elements in Kaduna, Kano, Taraba and Plateau states.

He said items recovered from them include: a blue Volkswagen Vento car with Reg. No. MGU 106 EA, one Pistol,four AK-47 Magazines and five FN rifle.

Others are : 989 rounds of Ammunition, one round of 9mm ammunition, one Beretta magazine, and N457, 140.

Similarly, Mr. Opuiyo said, the service arrested two high profile kidnappers on July 5 , at Ikara Junction, Tudun Wada Local Government Area of Kano State.

He said they were members of a kidnap gang which had been operating at the Falgore forest in Kano State.

He said 26 live cartridges and a bullet proof vest were found in their possession during their arrest.

The operative said the service also arrested five kidnap suspects responsible for kidnapping in the FCT and two others in Kogi.

On terrorism, Mr. Opuiyo said the service arrested a high profile Boko Haram cell leader alongside six of his accomplices in Sakwai, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The suspects are Usman Musa, Isa Halidu, Ibrahim Dauda, Bature Mohammed, Buhari Dauda, Inusa Usman and Adamu Ibrahim.

He said the suspects were arrested on July 1, after a tactical operation was conducted against fleeing Boko Haram fighters.

Mr. Opuiyo said items recovered from them include: Light arms, ammunition and radical literature.

He said that the service also arrested some suspected terrorists in Kano and Taraba who fled from the Sambisa forest.

Mr. Opuiyo said the service had arrested three suspects in connection with the boundary dispute in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River and Okuiboku in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.

He said the arrest was made in liaison with the Nigerian Army on Aug. 10, after a raid of the militants enclave along Ikonoto road, Ikonoto clan in Odukpani.

He said during the raid, one of the suspects was shot dead and two escaped with gunshot injuries.

Mr. Opuiyo said that one Dane gun and an American pump action gun were recovered from the hideout.

The Service wishes to acknowledge the efforts of the general public in providing critical and actionable intelligence, which have continued to enhance its operations.

It is hoped that this spirit of cooperation and support will further be sustained toward maintenance of prevailing peace, law and order in the Country, he said.

(NAN)

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Governments are constitutionally and morally bound to respect the lives of the citizens at all times, acting president, Yemi Osinbajo, has said.

Mr. Osinbajo stated this on Friday in Abuja as he inaugurated a seven-member Judicial Commission to review the compliance of the Nigerian Armed Forces with human rights obligations and rules of engagement, especially in local conflict and insurgency situations.

The commission is headed by Justice Biobele Georgewill of the Port Harcourt division of the Court of Appeal.

The acting president said the Buhari Administration was committed to addressing all cases of extra-judicial killings, sexual offences and all other forms of abuses in Nigeria.

He recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had asked the Nigerian Armed Forces in 2015 to set up an Internal Board of Inquiry and said the report of the inquiry would be passed on to the panel.

He described members of the Nigerian military as heroes who have been combating insurgency with success and who must be commended.

He however noted that the tactic of asymmetrical warfare being used by insurgents pose a challenge for the military, resulting in allegations that some soldiers have at certain times committed abuses.

Mr. Osinbajo said it was important to look into those allegations to avoid doubts being cast on the the hard-earned integrity of the Nigerian military.

He expressed belief in the quality of the panel and his full confidence that it would thoroughly investigate and report on all allegations brought to its attention.

The acting president said the armed forces should rest reassured that there is no witch-hunt against them and that it is in the interest of all that justice is done.

Responding on behalf of the panel, the chairman, Justice Georgewill, pledged that it would carry out the assignment with the fear of God and with integrity to ensure that justice will not only be done to all but would be seen by all to have been done.

He called on all persons and or institutions affected or interested in one way or the other in any of the elaborate terms of reference given to the panel to seize the opportunity to present their grievances or cases or allegations and or defences, to enable the panel carry out very thorough review and investigations, in line with its mandate. PANEL.

He assured that all the report of the panel would be based on facts based on verifiable evidence.

Members of the panel include Patrick Akem a retired major-general, Chief of Logistics, and commander of the UN forces in Somalia; Olawale Fapohunda, a former Attorney-General of Ekiti State; and Jibrin Ibrahim, a professor,civil society leader and noted academic.

The others are Ifeoma Nwakama of Human Rights Commission; Abba Ambudashi of the Office of the National Security Adviser; Hauwa Ibrahim, a professor; Fatima Alkali, who is counsel to the Panel; and Suleima Haliru, who is the Secretary.

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Incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta has won Kenyas hotly contested presidential poll, the electoral commission said.

The 55-year-old incumbent, who has been in office since 2013, won a second five-year term with 54.27 per cent of the vote, followed by 72-year-old opposition leader, Raila Odinga, with 44.74 per cent.

Electoral Commission Chairman, Wafula Chebukati, announced the result after the commission tallied the votes by the electronic voting system with the results of the paper-based forms from all of the East African nations 290 constituencies.

The additional verification process was instituted after Mr. Odinga alleged that hackers had manipulated the voting system after Tuesdays polls.

The opposition coalition said just hours before the results were declared that it was not going to be party to the announcement, because their concerns over the vote were not adequately addressed. (dpa/NAN)

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The Police in Lagos have warned residents of the state against subjecting suspected criminals to jungle justice.

Fatai Owoseni, the state police commissioner, in a statement on Friday warned that those found involved in the unlawful and barbaric act would be prosecuted.

There is no justification for jungle justice on suspected persons, Mr. Owoseni said.

It is barbaric and uncivilized. It is a manifestation of the erosion of our moral values and a disregard to sanctity of human lives. It violates the rule of law and dents the image of the State.

Above all, it is a violation of the law, and all those arrested in connection with the aforementioned cases will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

At least three acts of jungle justice were recorded across Lagos in the past one week, with angry residents threatening to attack security agents who attempted to stop them.

On Tuesday, two alleged kidnappers were set ablaze at Ajala Bus Stop, Ijaiye-Ojokoro along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, with some nearby buildings vandalized.

Two days later, armed police officers battled to stop a mob attempting to lynch an alleged kidnapper accused of disguising as a destitute at Ile-Zik, along the same expressway.

On Friday, another destitute who appeared to be mentally deranged was set ablaze by a mob on the allegation that he possessed a telephone.

It is necessary to mention that in the course of the disdainful acts, vital evidence are destroyed, said Mr. Owoseni.

In addition, in the course of discharging its constitutional responsibilities and prevent the barbaric act, Police officers were fatally wounded, while stones were hurled at them as well as Police Patrol Vans. However, a number of arrests were made in this regard.

The foregoing has made it imperative that the general public be reminded of the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended which states thus:

It shall be the duty of every citizen to respect the dignity of other citizens and the rights and legitimate interests of others and live in unity and harmony and in the spirit of common brotherhood.

No person shall be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment.'

The police chief urged members of the public to report any suspicious happening in their areas to the Police and other security agencies.

The public is assured of the renewed commitment of the Police and other security agencies to prompt response to such reports, Mr. Owoseni said.

The public is also assured of renewed synergy amongst the institutions saddled with criminal justice administration towards ensuring quick dispensation of justice.

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A lingering leadership friction in the All Progressives Grand Alliance could derail the re-election bid of Governor Willie Obiano in Anambra State, latest checks by PREMIUM TIMES have shown.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed November 18 for the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

But several months of leadership tussles which resulted in a myriad of lawsuits in several jurisdictions across the country could see the governor disqualified by INEC from participating in the election.

Earlier this week, Mr. Obiano was in Abuja to reportedly convince INEC officials to recognise his faction and allow him the chance to participate in the election proper.

But his aides said their principal was not scheming for a way out of the crisis, insisting he was only in town to pick up his primary nomination form on the platform of the party.

Although the electoral empire said no concrete resolution had been reached over the crisis as it relates to the 2017 poll in the state, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, its director of information, said officials would be persuaded only by the decision of the court of higher jurisdiction.

We will be guided by the pronouncement of the most senior court in choosing the faction to work with, Mr. Osaze-Uzzi said.

The move will be in consonance with INECs decision on Ondo State last year, when it complied with the order of the Court of Appeal and recognised the candidate of the Makarfi-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party.

About 10 separate lawsuits are simultaneously underway at different courts over the dispute, those familiar with the matter told PREMIUM TIMES.

The first order was procured by the Martin Agbaso-led faction at the Enugu Division of Enugu State High Court on May 22.

The presiding judge, A.R. Ozoemena, affirmed Mr. Agbaso as the chairman of the party in an order of mandamus and ordered Victor Oye, who leads the governors faction, to stop parading himself as chairman.

But on July 3, an Anambra State High Court in Awka gave a counter ruling by declaring Mr. Oye as the authentic chairman of the party.

Another pronouncement in favour of the governors faction came two weeks later on July 18, when another Anambra State High Court in Nnewi reaffirmed Mr. Oyes status as the real chairman of APGA.

The presiding judge, Chukwudi Okaa, said Mr. Agbaso and all those connected to him should desist from making claims to the leadership of the party.

But key amongst the orders was the affirmation of Mr. Agbasos May 22 order of mandamus by the Appeal Court in Enugu last month.

The order asked INEC, the police and other departments of government to stop dealing with Mr. Oye.

CRISIS, TRIGGERED BY DISCIPLINARY MEASURE

The protracted crisis followed the decision by the partys National Working Committee to suspend Mr. Oye, then the chairman, and some members for alleged insubordination, anti-party activities amongst other alleged infractions on the partys constitution.

The suspension, which came on October 5, 2016, also affected Abubakar Adamu, the deputy national chairman, (North) and Uche Okogbuo, the national deputy chairman (South).

Subsequently, the NWC appointed Nwabueze Okafor as the acting national chairman of the party.

But Mr. Oye and other suspended officials dismissed their suspension and continued to lay claim to the leadership of the party.

In a counter move on December 21, Mr. Oye and others met in Awka and decided to suspend Mr. Okafor and other members of his executive committee.

Expelled alongside Mr. Okafor were the National Woman Leader, Ezinne Nneamaka; National Youth Leader, Chucks Nwoga; Deputy National Financial Secretary, Okechukwu Nkoloagu; and Deputy National Secretary, Jerry Obasi, amongst others.

The counter move effectively factionalised the party, as Mr. Okafor maintained his status as the acting chairman.

FACTIONAL CHAIRMAN DIES

On January 8, Mr. Okafor, a career civil servant and former president of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, passed on in Enugu, after being briefly indisposed.

But before his death, his faction had named Mr. Agbaso as the acting deputy national chairman. He was confirmed chairman shortly after Mr. Okafors death was announced.

He continued the leadership tussle from where his late ally stopped, and currently enjoys the highest court decision in the dispute.

His faction has given its gubernatorial ticket to lawyer and busiessman, Chinedu Idigo.

But Messrs. Obiano and Oye remained resolute in their believe that they would prevail before Anambra voters troop to polling units on December 18.

The faction has fixed a convention which it hope would help legitimise it, according to party insiders.

It is also taking consolation in last months ruling of the Supreme Court which dealt an excruciating blow to factional elements in the PDP and affirmed Makarfi-led faction as the authentic leadership of the party.

Mr. Oye told reporters last month that Mr. Agbaso was being used to destabilise the party and weaken it from within by outside elements plotting to eliminate the governor from featuring on the ballot papers in order to increase their own chances.

Mr. Osaze-Uzzi said INEC would soon issue a statement to let Nigerians know where the electoral body stands on the matter.

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A company housed at the Oakland University Smartzone Business Incubator is receiving international attention for an invention which could potentially revolutionize clean energy throughout the Great Lakes region and beyond.

Wave Water Works LLC, founded by inventor and long-time engineer Phil Padula, is in the testing phases for its patented Oscillo Drive which creates clean, electrical energy from the motion of the waves. The device converts bi-directional rotating movement, or oscillation, into a single direction-rotational movement. As the wave rises and falls, gears capture the mechanical energy created, which is then transferred through a generator to create electricity.

The company is currently launching its first test-site on the water at an undisclosed location in Port Huron but has already received potential offers for partnerships from Macomb County, Israel and Lebanon. The device produces no odors, smoke, or other harmful factors to the environment, according to Chuck Keys, project director and business manager for Wave Water Works.

With some tweaking, the Oscillo Drive could also work to capture energy from places like the back of a truck or a swaying skyscraper- any kind of oscillation which produces enough mechanical energy to be converted into electricity. When asked how much power each device can create, Keys said that less than five Oscillo Drives could potentially power an entire port city.

Take Northville for example. A few of these could light up the downtown area  The applications for this drive are endless, we dont even know all of them yet, the industry will definitely decide where its going to go, Keys said. Were going to make it available and look for strategic partners who have a common interest to help develop it with us.

The company is also in talks with water filtration system manufacturers in Indiana to explore options of attaching those systems to the device, essentially creating completely hydro-powered water filters which have the potential to clean up or mitigate algae blooms. The same could potentially be done for air filtration.

The market is there for the taking. Hydro-energy is the least popular (compared to solar and wind energy), it has the least amount of competition, and yet, its completely renewable. It never ends. There is no end to ocean waves, they literally continue on forever and every time we look at them we can see there is a huge potential that is untapped, Keys said.

As a client at the Oakland University Incubator, Wave Water Works has worked with 43 students from Oakland Universitys School of Engineering and Computer Science, totalling an estimated value of $1.5 million in professional engineering services over the past two years.
LITTLE EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP  The OceanFirst Foundation awarded $40,000 in grants Thursday to eight Habitat for Humanity chapters in the state, including those in Egg Harbor Township, Cape May Court House, Vineland and West Creek.

Each chapter received $5,000.

The awards were presented at the Habitat for Humanity of Southern Ocean Countys build site in Little Egg Harbor Township.

OceanFirst Foundation is proud to support the work of our local Habitat for Humanity chapters, and weve provided more than $200,000 in grants to Habitats in our 21-year history, OceanFirst Foundation Executive Director Katherin Durante said. Helping to create and maintain safe, decent and affordable housing remains one of the foundations top priorities.

and were committed to helping families achieve the dream of home ownership. With the expansion of OceanFirst Bank, weve doubled our funding commitment to the Habitat for Humanity Grant Program in 2017, she said.
VENTNOR  Dorothy Greene has been leading aerobics classes every day each summer at the Regency Towers Condominiums for decades.

And the residents there love her.

Ive lived in this building for 15 years, and every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Im in this pool with her, said Rita Reiter.

I told Dot that if she stops doing these exercises, Im going to sell my apartment, said Barbara Goldberg.

Greene, who lives in Pennsylvania and vacations in Ventnor every summer, turns 90 on Aug. 20.

She has been teaching daily, hourlong aerobics classes in the city for 30 years, Greene said.

This is vacation for me. I dont get paid here. I get paid there, she said. I lead an aerobics class at the Abington Club in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, during the year. I work there.

Thats where she got her start. She had received a free two-week membership to the Abington Club.

I found out there was a pool. The leader of the pool suggested that I get certified, and I did. The rest is history, Greene said.

The buildings residents say they look up to her and throw her a celebration at the end of every year.

This is the best way to start the day, in the water with Dorothy, said Sigal Strauss. She is such an inspiration, and I want to be just like her when I reach 90.

Greenes favorite part of the class?

Just being with people and feeling good after Im done. Then I can sit the rest of the day, she said.
Taiwanese manufacturing company Foxconn should have a deadline to create the 13,000 jobs it has promised to bring to Wisconsin in exchange for a $3 billion incentive package funded by state taxpayers, the Senates leader said Thursday.

Lets say we go through all these hoops, and the locals do as well ... but then the jobs dont show up, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, told conservative talk radio show host Jerry Bader Thursday morning. Theres no timeline necessarily for job creation, and I think thats got a lot of people nervous.

Later Thursday, after Senate Republicans met with members of Gov. Scott Walkers administration who are negotiating with Foxconn, Fitzgerald said he was assured such deadlines could be worked into the contract being drafted. Lawmakers do not have a final say on that contract, however.

Fitzgerald also said he still hasnt sought to find out whether he has enough votes in his caucus to pass legislation authored by Walker that provides $2.9 billion in refundable tax credits to Foxconn over 15 years, exempts the company from another $150 million in sales taxes on construction materials and equipment, and waives environmental regulations.

Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said Thursday he is confident the bill will pass the Assembly  a vote he has scheduled for next week.

I am not going to do anything that is going to screw up this deal, he said on a conservative talk radio show Thursday evening.

Foxconn Technology Group wants to build a 20 million-square-foot LCD panel manufacturing campus  its first in the U.S.  in Racine or Kenosha counties and has promised to hire 13,000 workers.

An analysis released this week by the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau shows the state will not begin to recoup the money it provides Foxconn in tax credits until 2043.

While Walker has proposed tying the tax credits to job creation, the bill also provides the company with $1.4 billion in tax credits for the construction of the campus and exempts their spending from sales taxes on materials and equipment.

The bill neither specifies when the jobs must be in place nor sets a minimum number of jobs the company must create in exchange for the tax credits.

There should be some benchmarks along the way, Fitzgerald told Bader. I dont think we are concerned about the ultimate payout, or break-even point, its more what are we going to see five years or 10 years from now.

Republican lawmakers in recent weeks have been wrapped up in securing Foxconns promise to build the campus in Wisconsin but they also still have not passed a 2017-19 state budget, which was due to be in place by July 1.

Fitzgerald signaled Thursday that both tasks could be completed this month. He said he wants a public hearing on the legislation on Aug. 22 and for the Legislatures Joint Finance Committee to use the rest of that week to finish its work on the state budget.

Fitzgerald also said he wants to build in a cushion in the next state spending plan in case theres an economic slowdown that results in lower tax revenues for the state.

Were continually hearing that theres a possibility that the economy could soften, he said. We dont want to be in a position where we have to revisit the budget.

He didnt say whether Walker administration officials have warned of such a slowdown, but said he has heard those concerns from lawmakers elsewhere in the country.

Finance committee co-chairwoman Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, said the Senate can multitask and wrap up both the budget and the Foxconn bill in that time frame. She also signaled support for the Foxconn legislation, which has already received a public hearing in the Assembly and is set for a floor vote next week.

Rep. Adam Neylon, R-Pewaukee, who heads the Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy which held the hearing, said he has heard lawmakers are considering submitting to him between 50 and 60 amendments making changes to the bill but that seven are being drafted  four of which also have support from Democrats.

Changes to the bill could include the annexation of the town of Yorkville, which is in Racine County, through a referendum process, Neylon said, signaling that Foxconn could be close to choosing that area for the proposed campus. Walker has said the company was deciding between two sites  one each in Racine and Kenosha counties.

Other changes being considered could include creating a provision for job training and requiring or providing an incentive to choose Wisconsin-based companies for construction work, and allowing money from a tax incremental financing district created for Foxconn to be used to build and expand fire and police services. Changes to the bills language regarding wetlands also could be made and the bill could end up clarifying the state Department of Natural Resources oversight of the construction process, Neylon said.

Another amendment could create a new position within the state Department of Administration to work with Foxconn to secure Wisconsin vendors, Neylon said.

Neylon said more changes could be submitted before his committee votes on the bill, which they are scheduled to do on Tuesday. The full Assembly plans to vote on the bill on Aug. 17.

While Assembly Republicans have moved quickly to pass the Foxconn legislation, which was introduced Aug. 1, Fitzgerald appeared on radio shows Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning to defend against criticism that the Senate is moving too slowly. The Senate introduced its version of the bill Thursday afternoon.

Fitzgerald told Capitol reporters this week the bill needed further vetting and that Assembly Republicans have not at all involved the Senate in the process to amend the bill.

Amid pressure from some conservative talk radio show hosts not to bungle the deal with Foxconn by taking too long to pass the incentive package, Fitzgerald said its been suggested to him to support the bill and read it later.

Were not going to do that in the state Senate, he told Bader. We never have; we never will.

Vos, who represents the area Foxconn is considering, expressed dismay on a conservative talk radio show that Fitzgerald and Senate Republicans have taken this long to start considering the legislation.

He told host Mark Belling that he asked Fitzgerald repeatedly to participate in a joint committee hearing on the bill, but Fitzgerald refused, prompting Vos to go it alone.
Four men, including three from Cumberland County, admitted their roles in an interstate dog-fighting network that spanned from New Mexico to New Jersey, authorities said.

The four were arrested and charged as part of a coordinated effort across several federal judicial districts to combat organized dog fighting, said William E. Fitzpatrick, acting U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey.

The four men who appeared before U.S. District Judge Mary L. Cooper in Trenton are:

 Frank Nichols, 40, of Millville, who pleaded guilty Friday to one felony count of conspiracy to transport, deliver and receive dogs intended for use in an animal-fighting venture and one felony count of possessing a stolen firearm subsequent to a felony conviction.

 Lydell Harris, 32, of Vineland, who pleaded guilty Thursday to one felony count of conspiracy to sponsor or exhibit a dog in an animal-fighting venture and one felony count of possessing a dog intended for use in an animal-fighting venture.

 Anthony Monte Gaines, 36, of Vineland, who pleaded guilty Thursday to two felony counts of conspiracy to buy, sell, receive, transport, deliver and possess dogs intended for use in an animal-fighting venture and one felony count of possessing a dog intended for use in an animal-fighting venture.

 Pedro Cuellar, 47, of Willow Springs, Illinois, who pleaded guilty Friday to one felony count of conspiracy to transport, deliver and receive dogs intended for use in an animal-fighting venture.

A fifth defendant, Mario Atkinson, 42, of Asbury Park, Monmouth County, pleaded guilty June 15 before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson in federal court in Trenton to one count of sponsoring or exhibiting a dog in an animal-fighting venture and one count of possessing a dog intended for use in an animal-fighting venture.

From October 2015 through June 1, 2016, the defendants who pleaded guilty and their co-defendants and associates participated in dog fights, including to the death, and trafficked dogs with other dog fighters in New Jersey, Indiana, Illinois, New Mexico and elsewhere so those dogs could be used in fights, authorities said.

Each animal-fighting charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The weapons charge against Nichols carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Sentencing for Nichols and Cuellar is set for Nov. 29. Sentencing for Gaines and Harris is set for Nov. 28. Sentencing for Atkinson is set for Oct. 3.
A retired Cape May police officer and former president of the local police union pleaded guilty Thursday to embezzling about $105,000 from the union, state Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino said.

John Campbell, 48, of Cape May, pleaded guilty this week to third-degree theft by unlawful taking, a felony, before Cape May County Superior Court Judge John C. Porto. Porrino said the thefts from the New Jersey Policemens Benevolent Association Local 59 in Cape May occurred between 2012 and 2016.

Investigators found Campbell made more than $70,000 in unauthorized personal expenditures through an American Express account alone, including more than $30,000 for timeshares in Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean and more than $5,000 for clothing and jewelry, Porrino said.

In pleading guilty, he admitted that he stole tens of thousands of dollars ... while serving as the state delegate for the union, by using the unions checking account and a business American Express card to make unauthorized personal purchases, expenditures and withdrawals that were unrelated to union business, Porrino said in a statement.

Under a plea agreement, the state will recommend Campbell be sentenced to 364 days in the county jail as a condition of a term of probation, Porrino said.

Campbell must pay $105,000 in restitution to the union and faces a potential criminal fine of as much as $15,000, Porrino said.

Porto scheduled Campbells sentencing for Nov. 17, Porrino said.

As Campbell faces jail time, the question of whether Capt. Robert Sheehan will return to the position of police chief may be settled soon.

Sheehan was acting chief from March 2014 to August 2016.

During his first-year probationary period, the local PBA chapter raised issues in a letter against him and accused him of retaliating against Campbell, who was then a PBA representative patrolman, and excessive compensatory time for certain superior officers.

In March 2015, City Council voted 3-2 to demote Sheehan to captain. He remained acting police chief until the appointment of 25-year veteran Detective Sgt. Anthony Marino Jr. in August 2016.

Sheehan is currently suing the city to be reinstated as police chief.

A settlement conference was scheduled for Friday with Superior Court Judge J. Christopher Gibson and legal representatives for the city and Sheehan, the court said.

If a settlement cannot be reached, a civil jury trial is set to start at 9 a.m. Aug. 21, the court said.

When the issue of a police lieutenant getting paid compensatory time was raised in 2014, the officer in question was Lt. Clarence F. Lear III, who is now the citys mayor.

When asked Friday whether Campbell pleading guilty to a felony would help Sheehans civil case, Lear said, Im sure its to Sheehans advantage.

Sheehans demotion from acting chief to captain was a big issue at the time, prompting Councilman Jerry Inderwies to resign and at least one City Council meeting to be moved from the City Hall auditorium to Cape May Convention Hall to handle the large crowd of attendees.

If Sheehan is reinstated by court order as chief, Marino, 49, of Lower Township, has a clause in his contract that would allow him to retire with a chiefs pension or return to his position as a sergeant.
ATLANTIC CITY  A Superior Court judge Friday ordered the state Department of Environmental Protection and Margate to work together to solve drainage problems related to the ongoing dune construction project.

The order by Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez came one day after U.S. District Court Judge Rene Marie Bumb granted a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers request to resume work on the dunes.

Although he could not stop the project from proceeding, Mendez ordered the DEP to urge the Army Corps to either slow down construction to reduce health and safety issues during the height of the vacation season or move the project elsewhere. Mendez also wants the state to encourage the Army Corps to come to the table.

Jurisdictional issues have Margate fighting the project in both state and federal courts.

Mendez said he is hesitant to get into a competing situation between the courts.

Rather, consistency, follow-through and tweaking of the Army Corps plan is needed to address the severe ponding of rain and stormwater between the newly built dune and the bulkhead, he said.

City Attorney John Scott Abbott told the judge the city is unable to come up with a solution because it is not a city project.

They took (easements) from the city using eminent domain. They own the project, Abbott said.

Margate resident Vincent Castronuovo, who is coordinating an email chain to keep residents informed about the project, said he was disappointed dune building will be allowed to continue.

He has no jurisdiction over the Army Corps and he could only tell the DEP to include them in the conversation? he said of Mendez.

His wife, Joan, said expanding the dune will only compound the drainage problem.

Stop until you figure out the solution. Put your heads together and bat it around until you figure out the problem, but dont let it proceed, she said.

Meanwhile, resident Alice Kalish said she still has concerns about handicapped access to the beach, which is being reduced from 22 locations to just four.

Thats unacceptable, she said.

The Army Corps filed suit in U.S. District Court to lift the temporary restraining order Mendez put in place Aug. 3. On Thursday, Judge Renee Bumb in Camden modified the restraining order to allow the project to proceed, but with conditions, such as erecting fencing around ponding areas, pumping any standing water as soon as possible and testing the water for contaminants.

Margate attorney Jordan Rand said allowing the dune project to continue before the Army Corps knows how to fix the ponding problem is like doing open-heart surgery on Margate while the city is wide awake.

Abbott defended the citys drainage system, which he said the DEP called antiquated.

Our antiquated system works fine, and was approved by the DEP.

Mendez said Bumbs conditions were similar to what he would have expected to result from his court-ordered negotiation sessions.

Please help us, Rand pleaded. We have nowhere else to go. Its August and many more people will be here.

Rand said the project has created an unmanageable hazard.

The notion that expanding the hazard area from -mile a 1 mile hazard doesnt make sense, he said.

Although Mendez does not have jurisdiction over the federal agency, he does have jurisdiction over the DEP. He will hold a conference call hearing Wednesday to determine their progress.

Ponding developed on the beach in Margate over a 10-block area where the dune was built following a heavy rainfall July 29 and a lighter rainfall Aug. 7. The Army Corps of Engineers, which designed the dune system, has pumped 24 to 36 inches of contaminated water into the ocean, and as of Friday, the beaches were mostly dry. However, rain is forecast for the weekend, and residents are concerned the water will soon be back.
If youre a baby boomer, youre expecting Medicare to pay for that knee replacement or cataract operation youll need in 10 or 20 years. Dont count on it.

Health care reform is taking a dangerous turn. Democrats, energized by the failure to repeal Obamacare, are again pushing a government takeover of health care they call Medicare for all. Democrats took the first step last week, announcing a Senate bill to expand Medicare for people age 55 and up. Boomers, beware. These schemes will push people 65 and older to the back of the line for health care.

Its already happening in the U.K., where government-run health care is targeting boomers for deadly rationing. Faced with a budget crisis, Britains National Health Service is limiting the procedures seniors need most: hip and knee replacements, cataract operations, angioplasty and colonoscopies. Its a preview of what American boomers can expect under a Medicare-for-all system.

Once people over 65 have to compete with a younger population for health resources, they lose. Britains boomers are told they have fewer years of life ahead to benefit from costly medical procedures.

New York Democrats Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are saying Congress should consider moving the nation to single-payer health care, where the federal government pays all health bills and controls health resources. A majority of House Democrats have signed on to a Medicare-for-all bill, and Democratic National Committee Deputy Chairman Keith Ellison says single-payer is the locomotive coming down the tracks.

These politicians are not leveling with seniors about the bruising impact of single-payer health care. In Britain, local health authorities pressed to meet government spending targets are delaying and skimping on care. There, patients at high risk of colon cancer are waiting as long as 13 weeks for a colonoscopy. Heart patients who could benefit from angioplasty have to settle for watchful waiting.

Patients crippled with osteoarthritis are denied hip and knee replacements if too many people in their region have gotten them. It is unacceptable for such a large number of patients to be waiting this long in pain and discomfort, says Clare Marx, president of the Royal College of Surgeons. They might as well check into the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Newborn Charlie Gards callous treatment by Britains NHS got attention, but most of the suffering is at the other end of the age spectrum.

Likewise, seniors here will have to brace themselves for shortages if Congress expands Medicare to younger people. Its already tough for 65-and-overs to find a doctor willing to accept Medicares stingy payments. Over a fifth of doctors are turning away new Medicare patients, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey.

Expanding Medicare will suddenly invite some 10 million more patients to compete for the same doctor appointments and surgery slots  a sudden 20 percent increase in demand.

A year ago, when Hillary Clinton proposed expanding Medicare to people in their 50s, hospital organizations howled in protest, warning it would threaten seniors access to care.

Thats because Medicare pays only about 90 cents for every dollar of care, shortchanging hospitals and doctors. They take the payments and then shift the unmet costs onto patients with private insurance. But the more Medicare is expanded, the harder the cost shifting will become. And the more doors will be slammed shut in seniors faces.

Seniors bore the brunt under the Affordable Care Act. It robbed over $700 billion from Medicare over a decade to fund entitlements for younger people. Cuts to Medicare paid for half of Obamacares coverage expansion. Obamacare also set up the Independent Payment Advisory Board, an unelected panel with rationing powers alarmingly similar to Britains NHS.

Medicare is projected to run out of money for hospital bills in 2029. Congress should be shoring it up, not undermining it. Politicians need to stop reforming health care on the backs of seniors.
Continuing a parade of new student housing towers near UW-Madison, a developer is proposing a 12-story, 46-unit apartment building near the corner of North Charter and West Johnson streets.

The proposed building at 222 N. Charter St. would feature usable balconies, a common room and a roof terrace to provide social space for residents.

We think this is a fantastic location for student housing. Its right on the edge of campus, said Randy Bruce, principal at Knothe & Bruce Architects.

The building will add high-quality student housing to the southeast side of campus and ease the pressure for student residences in the Capitol and Vilas neighborhoods, Bruce said. The developer does think there is demand, he said.

The developer, Stopple Revocable Trust, is hoping to get city approvals and begin construction in the spring and open the building in summer 2019.

The structure, which would replace an older house in need of repair, would offer 100 bedrooms and be built on a relatively small, 15,000-square-foot site that would result in a height that fits well with neighboring buildings, Stopples application says. Large windows would punctuate the facade, with remaining exterior materials consisting of brick veneer and composite metal panel, it says.

The location would let students walk or bike to campus for most trips, and is near Metro Transit bus lines, according to the application.

The proposed building, however, doesnt have some of the upscale amenities, such as rooftop hot tubs or swimming pools, offered by some newer high-rises around State Street and campus that cater to a mix of students and young professionals.

Ald. Zach Wood, 8th District, who represents the area, could not be reached for comment.

The development team is scheduled to make an informational presentation before the citys Urban Design Commission at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at the City-County Building.
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Key players in the Self-Leveling Concrete Market are Ardex Group (Germany), Mapei S.p.A (Italy), LafargeHolcim (Germany), Arkema Group (France), Saint-Gobain S.A. (France), Sika AG (Switzerland), USG Corporation (US), The Quikrete Companies (US), Duraamen Engineered Products, Inc. (US), Durabond Products Limited (Canada), Fosroc (UK), MYK Shomburg (India), Harricrete Ltd. (Trinidad and Tobago), Flowcrete (UK), Koster Bauchemie AG (Germany), Sakrete (US), Laticrete International, Inc. (US), CTS Cement (US), Dayton Superior Corporation (US), W.R. Meadows, Inc. (US), TCC Materials (US), Larsen Building Products (UK), Durex Coverings, Inc. (US), Edison Coatings Inc. (US), , ACG Materials (US), etc.

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SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
CHEVY CHASE, Md., Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- If there is one point on which most Americans agree, it is that technology will play an increasingly important role in the way we live and work. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that in just three years there will be 1.4 million computer science-related jobs, and only 400,000 qualified job candidates.

In response, 4-H, America's largest youth development organization, and Google are coming together for a first-of-its-kind computer science (CS) collaboration that will teach kids both technical skills like coding, and essential skills students will need in the future like, teamwork and resilience. But the program isn't just about programming computers, it's about helping students learn skills they'll need to approach problems in a fundamentally different way across every discipline from business to engineering to the arts.

The collaboration is funded by a $1.5 million grant from Google.org to establish a CS program that will empower more than 100,000 young people across 22 states in its first year. The collaboration will include an effort to reach communities where youth traditionally have limited access to computers, internet or CS training. With Google's support, 4-H will equip community educators with new funding, curriculum, training, devices and the support of Google CS experts. As with most 4-H programs, the effort will feature teen-led, peer-to-peer mentoring.

4-H and Google publicly announced the collaboration today at a press conference at the Illinois State Fair, where they also debuted a new 4-H-themed virtual reality Expedition showcasing 4-H youth using technology to improve their communities.

"It is incredibly exciting to combine the power of 4-H with the impact of Google's philanthropy, products and people," said Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEO of National 4-H Council. "Working together, our two organizations will make a tremendous difference in the lives of young people by making computer science education accessible and engaging. No matter where kids live or what they aspire to be, these are skills that will help them succeed."

The collaboration between 4-H and Google lays the groundwork for 4-H to deliver computer science education across the organization, which reaches nearly six million kids in every county and parish in the United States. It establishes an official 4-H Computer Science Career Pathway, which helps kids progress from casual interest in CS, to dedicated studies and ultimately career experience. Utah State University Extension's 4-H program is a key partner in co-creating the 4-H CS Career Pathway and developing tools for educators to implement the program.

"We are proud to be a part of this effort to bring hands-on programming to our nation's youth," said Jacquelline Fuller, President of Google.org. "It's important for kids to develop a wide range of skills, like computer science skills, analytical thinking and creative problem solving, and our work with National 4-H Council will help ensure that kids across the country have access to a better future."

In its first year, the program is available in the following states: Alabama, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Parents and educators seeking more information on how to get involved can reach out to their local 4-H office at www.4-h.org/find.

About 4H

4H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

Learn more about 4H at www.4H.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-h and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/4h.

About Google.org

Google.org works to extend the reach of nonprofit innovators and connect them with a unique blend of support that includes funding, tools, and volunteers from around Google. These innovators are the believers-turned-doers who have made the biggest impact on the communities they represent, and whose work has the potential to produce meaningful change that can scale. To date, Google.org has given over $110M to help close learning gaps around the world. This grant builds on that legacy by providing CS to students who have traditionally lacked access.

To learn more about Google.org, please visit https://www.google.org/ .

SOURCE National 4-H Council

Related Links

http://www.4-h.org


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)  Colorado Springs Chapter will once again host the 7th Annual Cybersecurity Training & Technology Forum (CSTTF). CSTTF is set to convene from Wednesday August 30 to Thursday, August 31, 2017 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

This two-day forum will offer cybersecurity professionals the opportunity to learn about the latest cybersecurity trends, best practices, and remediation strategies from Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Presentations will focus on a wide range of topics such as Cyber Risk, Insider Threats, Incident Response, Threat Intelligence, Securing Critical Assets, Cyber Warfare, Cyber Education/Workforce Development, Cyber Healthcare, Cyber Law, , and much more.

Keynote Speakers:

Gail Coury , Chief Information Security Officer, Oracle Cloud

, Chief Information Security Officer, Oracle Cloud John Harbaugh , Chief Operating Office, root9B

, Chief Operating Office, root9B Brett Kelsey , Brett Kelsey , Vice President and Chief Technical Strategist for the Americas, McAfee

, , Vice President and Chief Technical Strategist for the Americas, McAfee Dr. Dale Meyerrose , Major General USAF retired, CEO, The MeyerRose Group

There will also be an Exhibit Hall that will showcase a wide range of cybersecurity products and services from some of today's leading cyber companies. Exhibit space is still available.

Don't miss this dynamic and engaging opportunity to be part of the cybersecurity conversation in Colorado. ** There is no fee for all ISSA-COS Members, and all those with a .mil or .gov e-mail address to attend.

For the agenda, forum updates, and to register visit the CSTTF website: http://www.fbcinc.com/csttf

Press Contact: Dennis O'Neill, CSTTF Program Manager: 310.699.1140 [email protected]

SOURCE Cybersecurity Training & Technology Forum
PERTH, Australia, Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Alloy Steel International, Inc. (OTC: AYSI) advises that its 2017 Financial year Third Quarter Report for the nine months ended June 30, 2017 is now available on www.otcmarkets.com website by searching for AYSI then choosing "Filings and Disclosure."

About Alloy Steel

Alloy Steel manufactures and distributes Arcoplate, a technically superior and market leading 'alloy overlay' wear plate, servicing the global market place from its modern manufacturing facilities in Perth, Australia. Arcoplate is used throughout the mining and materials processing industries, from opportunistic one-off specialty applications in small companies to large relationship based repeat business applications with leading international companies.

Arcoplate provides users with superior wear protection due to its premium alloy mix, its high ratio of carbide rich alloy and its unique manner of manufacture. The product's technical superiority combined with its unbeatable 'whole-of-life' cost has resulted in Arcoplate's wide acceptance in the mining and mineral processing industries to reduce wear in a host of fixed plant and mobile equipment applications.

In mining and materials processing industries, where premature equipment wear is the primary cause of downtime, to undertake repairs or refurbishment, Arcoplate can provide users with significant profit improvement. Arcoplate can substantially lower equipment downtime, resulting in higher production, whilst also lowering the overall cost of wear protection.

Furthermore, in applications where material 'hang-up' or 'carry-back' are also a significant cause of lost production, such as sticky materials that do not discharge freely from truck trays, buckets and chutes, Arcoplate's unique characteristic of polishing to a very low friction factor has the potential to virtually eliminate these problems, whilst simultaneously providing enhanced equipment wear life.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Thushara Sam Dahanayake

Company Secretary

+61-8-9248 3188

SOURCE Alloy Steel International, Inc.

Related Links

http://alloysteel.net


(under IFRS and all amounts in US dollars unless otherwise stated)

VANCOUVER, Aug. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Alterra Power Corp. (TSX: AXY) ("Alterra" or the "Company") is pleased to report its financial and operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. For further information on these results please see Alterra's Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A").

At June 30, 2017, Alterra consolidated 100% of the results of operations from its Icelandic subsidiary HS Orka, while Alterra's interests in the Toba Montrose, Dokie 1, Shannon, Jimmie Creek, and Kokomo renewable power projects were accounted for as equity investments. In certain statements in this news release, Alterra's results are disclosed as Alterra's "net interest", by which the Company means the operating results that the Company would have reported if each of HS Orka (66.6%), Toba Montrose (40%), Dokie 1 (25.5%), Shannon (50% sponsor equity interest), Jimmie Creek (51%), and Kokomo (90% sponsor equity interest) were reported in the proportional ownership interests shown above. Management believes that net interest reporting, although a non-IFRS measure, provides the clearest view of Alterra's performance. Refer to our MD&A for further information on non-IFRS measures. The Company also has disclosed information below regarding Adjusted EBITDA, another non-IFRS measure. Please refer to the Company's definition of Adjusted EBITDA and further commentary thereto, which is incorporated in the Financial Results table below.

Highlights for the quarter and subsequent period include:

Record generation: The Company achieved its highest second quarter generation ever (8% over the comparative quarter), due primarily to increased output at Shannon and first-time second quarter output from Jimmie Creek. The Company achieved 97.2% of its budgeted generation (net interest) for the quarter, with strong hydro performance offsetting continued unusually low wind production.





The Company achieved its highest second quarter generation ever (8% over the comparative quarter), due primarily to increased output at and first-time second quarter output from Jimmie Creek. The Company achieved 97.2% of its budgeted generation (net interest) for the quarter, with strong hydro performance offsetting continued unusually low wind production. Over 20% increase in revenue and Adjusted EBITDA: Consolidated revenue increased by 24% to $17.2 million in 2017, and net interest revenue increased by 20% to $22.2 million predominantly due to a strengthening Icelandic krona in the quarter and first-time output from Jimmie Creek and Kokomo, and increased winds at Shannon . Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA increased by 26% to $13.6 million , and net interest Adjusted EBITDA increased by 31% to $11.2 million , primarily due to increased generation at Shannon and first time output from Jimmie Creek.





Consolidated revenue increased by 24% to in 2017, and net interest revenue increased by 20% to predominantly due to a strengthening Icelandic krona in the quarter and first-time output from Jimmie Creek and Kokomo, and increased winds at . Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA increased by 26% to , and net interest Adjusted EBITDA increased by 31% to , primarily due to increased generation at and first time output from Jimmie Creek. Geothermal field improvement at Reykjanes: Recent field enhancement efforts (including well venting and turbine pressure adjustments) have resulted in increased generation (plant currently running at highest output level in 14 months, 75 MW). Quarterly generation increased 5% compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 and 3% over the previous quarter. The Company expects further increases in plant output in 2018 from the drilling of planned new wells, well work-overs, and potentially from the recent deep drilling project.





Recent field enhancement efforts (including well venting and turbine pressure adjustments) have resulted in increased generation (plant currently running at highest output level in 14 months, 75 MW). Quarterly generation increased 5% compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 and 3% over the previous quarter. The Company expects further increases in plant output in 2018 from the drilling of planned new wells, well work-overs, and potentially from the recent deep drilling project. 200 MW Flat Top wind project:





New partner: On July 19 , the Company entered into a partnership agreement under which a fund managed by BlackRock Real Assets acquired a 49% sponsor equity interest in the project. Alterra will continue to own 51% of the sponsor equity and will continue to manage the project.





On , the Company entered into a partnership agreement under which a fund managed by BlackRock Real Assets acquired a 49% sponsor equity interest in the project. Alterra will continue to own 51% of the sponsor equity and will continue to manage the project.

Project financing completed: On July 19 , the Company closed a $287.2 million non-recourse credit facility for Flat Top supplied by Citi, Santander and the Royal Bank of Canada , consisting of a $216.7 million construction loan plus $70.5 million in letters of credit. The loan facility is expected to be retired by a $221.1 million tax equity investment to be supplied by subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Citi (subject to typical conditions precedent). Alterra's total equity contribution for its 51% sponsor equity stake was $43.2 million .





On , the Company closed a non-recourse credit facility for Flat Top supplied by Citi, Santander and the Royal Bank of , consisting of a construction loan plus in letters of credit. The loan facility is expected to be retired by a tax equity investment to be supplied by subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Citi (subject to typical conditions precedent). Alterra's total equity contribution for its 51% sponsor equity stake was .

Construction activities: The final phase of on-site construction activities commenced in June 2017 including excavation and concrete work for the turbine foundations, yard construction, maintenance building and substation. All transmission line equipment has been received and line work has commenced. The Company expects commercial operations to commence in the first half of 2018.





The final phase of on-site construction activities commenced in including excavation and concrete work for the turbine foundations, yard construction, maintenance building and substation. All transmission line equipment has been received and line work has commenced. The Company expects commercial operations to commence in the first half of 2018. Acquisition of Boswell Springs: In April, the Company acquired the 320 MW Boswell Springs project, a four-project portfolio of wind development projects located in Albany County, Wyoming . The Company expects the project to achieve commercial operations in 2020, selling 100% of its output under four 20-year power purchase agreements with PacifiCorp. The Company commenced construction of the project's main power transformers in 2016 in anticipation of closing the acquisition in 2017, and the project is expected to qualify for production tax credits at the full rate.





In April, the Company acquired the 320 MW Boswell Springs project, a four-project portfolio of wind development projects located in . The Company expects the project to achieve commercial operations in 2020, selling 100% of its output under four 20-year power purchase agreements with PacifiCorp. The Company commenced construction of the project's main power transformers in 2016 in anticipation of closing the acquisition in 2017, and the project is expected to qualify for production tax credits at the full rate. Spartan acquisition and financing completed:





In June, the Company acquired the Spartan solar project in conjunction with the execution of a partnership agreement with Inovateus Solar, LLC. The final net equity contribution was $3.4 million , with ownership of at least 85% of the project subject to final project economics and other factors.





, with ownership of at least 85% of the project subject to final project economics and other factors.

Subsequent to the quarter, the Company secured a non-recourse project financing for the project. The financing features a $19.8 million construction loan, which will be retired by a $10.2 million term loan and a $9.7 million tax equity investment provided by 1st Source Bank, a subsidiary of 1st Source Corporation subject to typical conditions precedent. Construction commenced in March 2017 , and the project is expected to achieve commercial operations in late 2017.





construction loan, which will be retired by a term loan and a tax equity investment provided by 1st Source Bank, a subsidiary of 1st Source Corporation subject to typical conditions precedent. Construction commenced in , and the project is expected to achieve commercial operations in late 2017. Construction begins on Bruarvirkjun project: The Company has commenced construction on the 10 MW Bruarvirkjun hydro project in southern Iceland , and is in final stage documentation with an Icelandic lender for a construction loan for the project (the loan will serve other corporate purposes as well). The project and the loan will be held in the Company's Icelandic subsidiary, HS Orka.





The Company has commenced construction on the 10 MW Bruarvirkjun hydro project in southern , and is in final stage documentation with an Icelandic lender for a construction loan for the project (the loan will serve other corporate purposes as well). The project and the loan will be held in the Company's Icelandic subsidiary, HS Orka. Advancement of other USA wind projects: The Company continued advancement of several other wind projects in its USA development portfolio (comprised both of projects that are owned and projects subject to cooperation with other developers), including transformer construction, meteorological tower procurement, resource and transmission studies, submissions into offtake requests for proposals and other activities.





The Company continued advancement of several other wind projects in its development portfolio (comprised both of projects that are owned and projects subject to cooperation with other developers), including transformer construction, meteorological tower procurement, resource and transmission studies, submissions into offtake requests for proposals and other activities. Settlement of $71 million Icelandic bond: On July 27 , the Company's subsidiary Magma Energy Sweden signed an agreement to fully settle and extinguish the $71.3 million liability associated with the Reykjanesbr bond. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the Company obtained a release of the $71.3 million liability under the bond and delivered the collateral (a 12.7% ownership stake in HS Orka).





On , the Company's subsidiary Magma Energy Sweden signed an agreement to fully settle and extinguish the liability associated with the Reykjanesbr bond. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the Company obtained a release of the liability under the bond and delivered the collateral (a 12.7% ownership stake in HS Orka). Expansion of AMP loan facility: On July 19 , the Company received funding for an expansion of its North American holding company loan (provided by affiliates of AMP Capital Investors Limited). The proceeds ( $21.1 million , gross) funded a portion of Alterra's sponsor equity contribution for Flat Top and $3.1 million for working capital purposes. The interest rate for the new tranche is LIBOR plus 5.75% and in conjunction with funding the loan expansion, the interest rate for existing two tranches of the facility was reduced from CDOR plus 6.5% to 5.75%.





On , the Company received funding for an expansion of its North American holding company loan (provided by affiliates of AMP Capital Investors Limited). The proceeds ( , gross) funded a portion of Alterra's sponsor equity contribution for Flat Top and for working capital purposes. The interest rate for the new tranche is LIBOR plus 5.75% and in conjunction with funding the loan expansion, the interest rate for existing two tranches of the facility was reduced from CDOR plus 6.5% to 5.75%. Termination of Blue Lagoon sales process: The Company ended the sales process for the 30% stake in the Blue Lagoon held by HS Orka. Although multiple offers were received in excess of 90 million, Alterra's partner, Jarvarmi slhf, whose consent was required, decided against selling the stake at this time.





The Company ended the sales process for the 30% stake in the Blue Lagoon held by HS Orka. Although multiple offers were received in excess of 90 million, Alterra's partner, Jarvarmi slhf, whose consent was required, decided against selling the stake at this time. Distributions: The Company received distributions during the quarter from equity investments of $5.0 million and another C$7.2 million subsequent to quarter-end.





The Company received distributions during the quarter from equity investments of and another subsequent to quarter-end. Shareholder dividends: On June 15 , the Company paid its regular quarterly cash dividend of C$0.0125 per common share, and subsequent to the quarter approved the next regular dividend (also C$0.0125 per common share), which will be distributed in cash on or about September 15, 2017 to common shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 31, 2017 .





On , the Company paid its regular quarterly cash dividend of per common share, and subsequent to the quarter approved the next regular dividend (also per common share), which will be distributed in cash on or about to common shareholders of record as of the close of business on . Dividend increase: The Company expects to increase its quarterly dividend in 2018 following completion of the Flat Top wind project.





Financial Results

The following table shows Alterra's net interest in select operating and financial results for the quarter, in addition to key financial information extracted from the consolidated results ($000):





















For the three

months ended June

30, 2017 HS Orka Toba

Montrose Dokie 1 Shannon Jimmie

Creek Kokomo Development

and head

office Net interest

total Consolidated

results (66.6)% (40%) (25.5%) (50%) (51%) (90%) Generation (MWh) 184,344 92,613 14,776 97,664 26,793 2,573  418,763 276,793 Total revenue(a) 11,431 6,229 958 1,853 1,516 200  22,187 17,163 Gross profit (loss) 1,808 4,648 235 (280) 824 78  7,313 2,714 Adjusted EBITDA(b) 4,711 5,202 512 1,071 1,149 154 (1,595) 11,204 13,564



For the three

months ended June

30, 2016 HS Orka Toba

Montrose Dokie 1 Shannon Development

and head

office Net interest

total Consolidated

results (66.6%) (40%) (25.5%) (50%) Generation (MWh) 184,011 110,014 16,841 76,205  387,071 276,293 Total revenue(a) 9,189 6,900 1,368 1,088  18,545 13,797 Gross profit (loss) 2,392 5,028 466 (1,111)  6,775 3,591 Adjusted EBITDA(b) 4,465 5,550 807 (67) (2,228) 8,527 10,765





(a) Revenue for Shannon above excludes power hedge accounting adjustments. (b) Here and elsewhere, adjusted EBITDA ("Adjusted EBITDA") is defined by the Company as earnings before interest, taxes, foreign exchange, depreciation and amortization, as well as adjustments for changes in the fair value of holding company bonds (Sweden) and derivatives, write-offs of development costs, other income (expense) except business interruption insurance proceeds, amortization of below market contracts, value assigned to options granted, share of results of equity investments, the Company's proportionate interest in Adjusted EBITDA of its equity investments, research and development costs for deep drilling program and non-recurring items (insurance deductibles, litigation and arbitration costs). Adjusted EBITDA has been calculated on a consistent basis with the comparative period. The Company discloses Adjusted EBITDA as it is a measure used by analysts and by management to evaluate the Company's performance. As Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure, it may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA calculated by others. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is not a substitute for net earnings. Readers should consider net earnings in evaluating the Company's performance. For a reconciliation of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to Alterra's consolidated financial statements refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Consolidated Results

Revenue was $17.2 million for the quarter, up 24% from the comparative quarter predominantly due foreign exchange, with the Icelandic Krona strengthening in the quarter, in addition to increased retail sales and an increase in aluminum prices.

The Company recorded a net loss of $2.8 million (comparative quarter $3.4 million net income), primarily due to non-cash changes including changes in the fair value of derivatives and foreign exchange movements, and increased finance costs.

Consolidated cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2017 were $2.7 million of which $0.1 million is held in the Company's Icelandic subsidiary ($31.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively at December 31, 2016). The decrease in consolidated cash is primarily a result of the significant development and construction activities undertaken by the Company during the quarter.

The Company's consolidated working capital deficit at June 30, 2017 was $133.8 million compared to a working capital deficit of $62.3 million at December 31, 2016, resulting primarily from two of the holding company bonds (Sweden) valued at $108.0 million being classified as current at June 30, 2017 (one bond valued at $60.0 million at December 31, 2016). Subsequent to the quarter, the Company received C$7.2 million in project distributions, completed an expansion to its holding company loan facility ($21.1 million, gross), and settled its $71.3 million Icelandic bond as discussed above.

Net Interest Results

Alterra's net interest revenue increased by $3.6 million to $22.2 million and net interest Adjusted EBITDA increased 31% to $11.2 million in the current quarter primarily due to first time output from the Jimmie Creek and Kokomo projects, stronger generation at Shannon, and lower general and administrative costs as a result of non-recurring legal fees associated with the HS Orka arbitration that occurred in the comparative quarter.

The net interest cash position at June 30, 2017 was $8.2 million.

Operating Results

The Company achieved fleet-wide generation of 97.2% of its budgeted generation (net interest) for the current quarter.





Q2 2017 Generation (MWh)



Total Net Interest

Facility Budget

Actual

Budget

Actual

% of Budget Reykjanes 141,960

146,819

94,545

97,781

103.4% Svartsengi 134,316

129,974

89,454

86,563

96.8% Toba Montrose 228,814

231,532

91,526

92,613

101.2% Jimmie Creek 43,273

52,535

22,069

26,793

121.4% Dokie 1 68,132

57,947

17,374

14,776

85.0% Shannon 226,698

195,328

113,349

97,664

86.2% Kokomo 2,975

2,859

2,678

2,573

96.1% TOTAL 846,168

816,994

430,995

418,763

97.2%

 Budgeted amounts include planned maintenance outages.

"We are pleased to report record second quarter revenue and generation on a net interest basis." said Lynda Freeman, CFO of Alterra Power Corp. "Now that project financing is complete at Flat Top and Spartan we look forward to completing construction of these projects and adding them to our large and diversified fleet of operating assets".

Alterra will host a conference call to discuss financial and operating results on Friday, August 11, 2017 at 11:30 am ET (8:30 am PT). North American participants dial 1-888-390-0546 and International participants dial 1-416-764-8688; the conference ID is 55372321 The call will also be broadcast live on the Internet at http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1474989&s=1&k=DEC3E2A73E31BC39B58FA92F01408656 The call will be available for replay for one week after the call by dialing 1-416-764-8677 and entering replay PIN 956675#

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information

Certain of the statements and information included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. This information may involve known and unknown risks, assumptions and uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements implied by such statements or information. Specifically, forward-looking statements within this news release relate to, among other things: successful development, financing (including construction debt, tax equity and sponsor interest sales) and construction of our pre-operational projects and properties, Alterra's successful acquisition from or partnership with the owners of projects currently owned by other developers, marketing of power and ability to secure power purchase or offtake agreements in respect of the same and the expected timing to implement such agreements; successful development, construction and financing (or achievement of conditions precedent related to equity funding thereto) of the Flat Top wind project, the Spartan solar project, the Bruarvirkjun hydro project and the Boswell Springs wind project, and the timing of each of the same, timing for commercial operations for the Flat Top, Boswell Springs, Bruarvirkjun and Spartan projects, the equity ownership expectations of the Spartan project, Alterra's continued management of the Flat Top project, potential to increase production resulting from deep drilling, programs to upgrade, return capacity and develop the Company's geothermal resources, including expectations for further field and plant output improvements and the continued success thereof, estimates of recoverable geothermal energy resources or power generation capacities, the success of Alterra's project acquisition, development and expansion programs and greenfield development efforts, whether the wind development projects actually or ultimately qualify for all, or a portion of, the production tax credits, the number of projects and generation capacity that may ultimately achieve commercial operations, Alterra's successful acquisition from or partnership with the owners of projects currently owned by other developers, the success of Alterra's project acquisition and greenfield development efforts, all statements regarding the Company's plans and expectations for the declaration of future dividends, including the timing, amount thereof and any increase following successful completion of the Flat Top project, the timing of HS Orka distributions, the reduction of HS Orka ownership interest, successful completion of the settlement agreement and release of liability under the bond, refinancing, repayment or the return of collateral of other the holding company bonds, all statements relating to the potential sale or retention of the Blue Lagoon, including the purchase price in respect thereof, if any, prospective generation, and management's assumptions related to, and all instances of, forward-looking financial information.

These statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, among others, the expected power generation from our operations, the success and timely completion of financing efforts (including satisfaction of conditions precedent to release of capital related thereto), the success and timely completion of planned development, expansion and construction programs, and modeling and budgeting based on historical trends, whether Alterra's on-site and off-site early-stage construction activities will be sufficient to qualify the wind development projects for the full value of the PTCs; rules, regulation or other guidance may be promulgated pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as the same may be amended, updated or otherwise modified from time to time) that could jeopardize or otherwise impede the effectiveness of such on-site and off-site early-stage construction activities qualifying such projects for the full value of the PTCs and securing tax equity financing on such basis, our use of proceeds from any equity financings is as currently forecasted, that third party transmission infrastructure will be operational within projected timelines, the expected timing for realizing the output capacity of the well, if any, due to the conceptual nature of the deep drilling preliminary output potential, the risk that there has been insufficient testing to define geothermal resource, assumptions concerning temperature and underground fluids, that the Company will successfully complete the settlement agreement with respect to the holding company bond, that the Company and its partners will continue to retain the Blue Lagoon, current conditions and expected future developments. Forward-looking statements and information also involve known and unknown risks that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed by such statements or information, and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. These risks include volatility of renewable energy resources, inherent risks in operating and constructing power plants and development programs related to the same, contractual risks related to credit facilities, partnership and power purchase agreements, prospective power, currency and commodity price fluctuations, the implementation of lower corporate tax rates may impede our ability to obtain sufficient amounts of tax equity investment or achieve desired economic returns, successful closing of the acquisition of certain of the wind development projects including without limitation successful completion of due diligence on such projects, negotiation of definitive purchase agreements, satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent thereto and the approval of Alterra's Board of Directors, successful development of each of the wind development projects, including the financing thereof and if applicable, completion of third party infrastructure, within a timeframe that permits Alterra to obtain the value of such PTCs with respect to each project, future issuances of equity securities, future declarations of dividends and the amounts thereof, risks related to the settlement of the holding company bond and financing or refinancing of other bonds, health, safety, social and environmental risks and risks related to reliance on third parties (including with respect to transmission). Additional risks, assumptions and influential factors are set out in the Company's management discussion analysis and Alterra's most recent annual information form, copies of which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com .

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, given the inherent uncertainties in such forward-looking statements and information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements or information, which apply only as of their dates. Other than as specifically required by law, Alterra undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information to reflect new information.

SOURCE Alterra Power Corp.

Related Links

www.alterrapower.ca/


ATLANTA, Aug. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of National S'mores Day, taking place today, homeowners across North America will have the chance to win a Belgard fire pit to enhance their outdoor living spaces. Belgard, the leader in outdoor living essentials for the patio and beyond, announces its inaugural National S'mores Day giveaway, starting today and continuing through 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 31. To enter, homeowners can visit http://www.belgard.com/smores and submit their favorite s'mores recipe or story for a chance to win a Belgard Fire Pit kit.

"With summer ending and the fall season kicking off at the end of this month, now is the best time for homeowners to add an outdoor fire feature to their outdoor living space," explains Cristina Porter, senior brand marketing manager at Belgard. "Fire pits extend the outdoor living experience beyond summer, allowing for more outdoor quiet nights, chances to entertain friends and family and, of course, a place to create s'mores treats for years to come. This giveaway allows us to provide a homeowner with a centerpiece for their outdoor living area to build memories year-round."

Belgard's fire pit kits feature a clean, contemporary look, is easy to maintain and create a natural space for friends and family to congregate. The winner of the National S'mores Day giveaway will receive a fire pit to enhance their outdoor living space this Fall.

About Belgard

Belgard, part of Oldcastle Architectural, offers a complete collection of paver and wall products for outdoor living spaces, walkways, driveways, parking areas and retaining walls. Available in a range of styles, premium Belgard products have been found in America's finest homes and award-winning commercial and retail properties since 1995. For more information or a complimentary Idea Book, visit Belgard.com or call 1-877-Belgard (235-4273). Find more inspiring outdoor space ideas at Facebook.com/BelgardHardscapes.

Media Contact

Elisa Suri

Trevelino/Keller

[email protected] , 404-214-0722 x 119

SOURCE Belgard

Related Links

http://www.belgard.com


The slow, no-wake order put on Lake Monona over two weeks ago because of heavy rains will be lifted at sunrise on Saturday.

Dane County Executive Joe Parisi issued the order on July 26, but the recent dry spell has helped lake levels decline.

The order still is in effect for Squaw Bay in the southeast corner of Lake Monona.

Slow, no-wake orders remain in effect for Lake Waubesa and Crystal Lake because of high water conditions.

Slow, no-wake means boaters have to operate their craft at speeds low enough to cause no wake, without losing steerage of the craft.

The orders are instituted when water levels are high and wakes could damage shoreline property.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, a bipartisan group of 16 senators and 53 members of the House of Representatives sent open letters to U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) Chairman Rhonda Schmidtlein urging the ITC to reject a petition that would slap tariffs on imported solar panels and cells.



"Solar companies in our states believe the requested trade protection would double the price of solar panels," the Senate letter to the ITC said. "Increasing costs will stop solar growth dead in its tracks, threatening tens of thousands of American workers in the solar industry and jeopardizing billions of dollars in investment in communities across the country."

The ITC is evaluating a petition that Chinese-owned solar company, Suniva, filed with the agency in April shortly after declaring bankruptcy. It was later joined by German-owned SolarWorld, also in bankruptcy. The agency is considering whether these two companies out of more than 8,000 across the U.S. solar industry deserve tariff relief that would impact the entire market.



The letters come just days before the ITC holds its first public hearing on the petition on Aug. 15. Hundreds of solar workers from all over the country, including California, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Florida, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Virginia, will converge in Washington to explain the personal impact this case could have on their livelihoods.

The American solar industry is growing 17 times faster than the rest of the economy, and created 1 out of every 50 new jobs in the U.S. last year. Implementing trade barriers would double solar prices, grinding growth to a halt and forcing 88,000 Americans  one-third of the U.S. solar workforce today  to lose their jobs just next year.



Lawmakers who led the letter effort to the ITC include: Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Representatives Mark Sanford (R-SC), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Pat Meehan (R-PA) and Matt Cartwright (D-PA).



"This letter shows that trade tariffs are not a red or blue state issue," said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). "If these barriers are implemented, one of the fastest growing U.S. industries will be halted in its tracks, thousands of Americans will lose their jobs and billions of dollars of private investment will dry up."



"We are thankful these lawmakers, on both sides of the aisle and both sides of the Capitol, recognize the solar industry's massive impact on their states' economies, and the irreparable harm this case could bring to families and businesses across our country," Hopper said.



SEIA is leading the industry's fight in the case. The association opposes any resolution that restricts fairly-traded imports of solar equipment through new tariffs or other barriers that endanger the 260,000 American solar workers and families in every state in the Union.



About SEIA:



Celebrating its 43rd anniversary in 2017, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, which now employs more than 260,000 Americans. Through advocacy and education, SEIA is building a strong solar industry to power America. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

SOURCE Solar Energy Industries Association

Related Links

http://www.seia.org


LONDON, August 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The electric vehicle revolution is coming much faster than even some of the most bullish analysts expected. In late July, even the CEO of Royal Dutch Shell, one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world, said that he would buy an electric vehicle, acknowledging that the transition from the internal-combustion engine to the electric battery was inevitable. He also said that oil prices could remain 'lower forever', and that the oil market would see peak oil demand within the next decade and a half. Companies to watch include: Alcoa Corporation (NYSE: AA), General Motors Company (NYSE: GM), FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC), Teck Resources Limited (NYSE: TECK), Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB).

According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), (one of the leading clean energy analyst out there) the EV revolution is going to hit the car market even harder and faster than they thought as recently as last year. EVs will be cheaper than conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles by 2025-2029, and not just over the course of the vehicles lifetime (with lower fuel and maintenance costs), but on an upfront basis.

In other words, the price tag at the dealership for an EV will be lower than that of a traditional vehicle in the very near future. As a result, EVs will make up more than half of the auto market by 2040.

Needless to say, this will be massively disruptive. The big losers - Oil companies, lumbering automakers that don't make the switch, and metals that are only used in today's market. The winners - EV makers, battery makers, lithium miners, and producers of other metals that will be part of the new clean energy economy.

Here are five companies to watch that will benefit from the unfolding EV revolution:

1. Alcoa (NYSE: AA)

Alcoa brags about how it invented the aluminum industry, and indeed, its name is synonymous with aluminum. Alcoa has the largest bauxite mining portfolio in the world, the key element used to produce aluminum. It also has a large refining and smelting system.

Why should we care about aluminum? Aluminum is lightweight, and is increasingly replacing steel to improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles. That will be particularly important as EV manufacturers try to extend the range of their vehicles, hoping to squeeze out evermore miles on a single charge. Displacing steel in vehicles had led to additional demand by 1.6 million metric tons of aluminum between 2013 and 2016, or 2.7 percent of global production, according to Michael Widmer, Head of Metals Market Research at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

With the EV revolution coming quickly, the demand for aluminum will rise significantly.

2. Southern Lithium Corp. ( SNL.V)

While the other companies on this list are largely household names, Southern Lithium is a bit of a gem that few know about for now. Southern Lithium has assets on part of the biggest 'lithium volcano' in the world. In northern Argentina, this lithium volcano is home to abundant sources of lithium in salt flats, inside the so-called 'Lithium Triangle' at the crossroads of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile, where two-thirds of the global lithium supply comes from.

The thing is, investors have made a fortune betting on lithium production coming out of the north side of the volcano, where ADY Resources (part of the Enirgi Group), is sitting on probable reserves with an estimated value of $5 billion. But the south side has thus far been undeveloped, and Southern Lithium, only 11 kilometers south of ADY, is starting to drill. The geology looks similar, and Southern Lithium is hoping to prove up the reserves, at which point, the company's value could skyrocket. Keep an eye on their news releases over the coming weeks - and the following report has some very good information on the play. Southern Lithium Report

3. GM (NYSE: GM)

The obvious answer to who will win from the EV revolution would be Tesla (NYSE: TSLA), and while that is a very viable possibility, GM offers investors more security while also giving investors exposure to electric vehicles. GM recently rolled out its Bolt, a fully-electric mass market vehicle that is competing with Tesla's Model 3 at the roughly $35,000 price point. GM has initially struggled with the Bolt amid rising inventories and tepid sales, but the automaker says that the Bolt will finally be going nationwide this month.

The legacy carmaker will still have a tough time competing with the flashier Tesla, and its share price is down a bit recently, as Tesla has made news with the first deliveries of its Model 3. Still, one should not dismiss GM, which has more electric and electric-hybrid models in the works and is in it for the long haul.

4. FMC (NYSE: FMC)

Another lithium producer is FMC, which has seen strong revenue growth for its lithium business. FMC owns lithium-producing assets in Argentina, like Southern Lithium, but it also owns some lithium processing facilities, giving it the advantage of vertical integration.

FMC's lithium unit saw revenue growth of 17 percent in the second quarter, benefitting from higher prices. The company expects to take in $340 to $360 million in lithium revenues this year, up 30 percent from 2016.

The flip side is that FMC is a giant, with its hand in other non-lithium related industries such as agriculture. It offers safety, but a little less exposure to the upside of the lithium boom.

5. U.S. Cobalt

In addition to lithium, cobalt is also used in batteries, so it too is seeing soaring demand as the EV revolution starts to take off. Cobalt prices are skyrocketing, with prices up 70 percent on the year, which comes on top of the 37 percent increase in 2016, according to Bloomberg.

Cobalt allows lithium-ion batteries to extend their range, and by 2020, roughly three-quarters of all lithium-ion batteries will contain cobalt. The cobalt market is already in a supply/demand mismatch, exacerbated by a bout of hoarding in expectation of higher prices.

About 60 percent of the global cobalt supply comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a supply chain rife with reports of human rights violations. That makes it vulnerable to international pressure and regulation.

Fortunately, U.S. Cobalt is developing cobalt reserves in the Idaho Cobalt Belt, in the northwest U.S. The company sees signs that the area could have up to 10 million tons of cobalt, worth somewhere around $1 billion. To top it off, the cobalt is pure, rather than coming as a byproduct of copper and nickel production, as is often the case.

U.S. cobalt will be perfectly positioned to supply some of the raw materials for the EV revolution.



Honorable Mentions:



Teck Resources (NYSE: TECK): Zinc hasn't been Teck's best friend of late, but that looks set to change in the medium term, as supply continue to dwindle and as we hear news that the world's top producer of the metal-Glencore-isn't planning to bring shuttered mines back online. Supply will remain tight. Keep in mind this, though: Teck's Q1 earnings and revenue fell short of expectations because of weaknesses at its zinc unit, sending it shares down about 6% in late April. In particular, there's been a 23% drop in production at its Red Dog mine due to lower grades of zinc.



Albemarle Corp.(NYSE: ALB): Another Lithium giant. Owns brine deposits in the U.S. and Chile, as well as a 49 percent stake in the huge Greenbushes mine Australia. Hopes to double production by 2019 to hit 1.34 million tonnes. Albemarle is currently the only lithium producer in the United States.



By. Charles Kennedy



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This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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 FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.





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SOURCE OilPrice.com
DUBLIN, August 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Global Data Center IT Infrastructure Market 2017-2021" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering.

The global data center IT infrastructure market to decline at a CAGR of (5.16%) during the period 2017-2021



Global Data Center IT Infrastructure 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.

According to the report, one driver in the market is expansion of business operational needs. The inception of cloud-based service offerings and the growing need for generating meaningful information using big data analytics from the data generated via IoT devices has prompted many enterprises to either build data center facilities, co-locate, or use cloud-based services for business operational purposes. Vendors in the data center infrastructure market are also constantly innovating with their products to improve the business operational efficiency.

A data center is a centralized storehouse physical or virtual for remote storage and processing of data as well as information. Data centers constitute the backbone of essential business operations. The increased use of cloud-based services and big data analytics coupled with Internet of things (IoT) has propelled the construction of data centers worldwide. In terms of data center operations, the US is the largest contributor, followed by China and the UK.

One trend in the market is growing adoption of all-flash storage arrays. For the past two years, the all-flash storage array market is experiencing significant growth that is heavily contributed by hyper-scale data center facilities. According to research, the global data center all-flash storage array is projected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 20% during the forecast period.

Further, the report states that one challenge in the market is security of IT infrastructure. There is an increased awareness of operating a secure data center environment as the number of cyber-attacks disrupting business operations has increased significantly over the past decade. The increased adoption of cloud-based applications has allowed many front-end attacks through webpages and web-based applications to enter the data center level. Cyber-attacks destroy critical business data, organizations' web page, and also leads to the destruction of physical infrastructure housed within data centers.



Key Vendors

Arista Networks

Brocade Communications Systems

Cisco Systems

Dell

Hitachi

HPE

IBM

Juniper Networks

Lenovo

NetApp

Other Prominent Vendors

A10 Networks

Extreme Networks

F5 networks

Fujitsu

H3C Group

Huawei Technologies

Inspur Technologies

Intel

Micron

NEC Corporation

Nimbus Data

Nokia (Alcatel-Lucent)

Oracle

Pure Storage

Quanta Computer (QCT)

Samsung

Seagate Technology

Sugon Information Industry

Super Micro Computer

Toshiba

Western Digital

Wistron Corporation



Key Topics Covered:

Part 01: Executive summary



Part 02: Scope of the report



Part 03: Research Methodology



Part 04: Introduction



Part 05: Market landscape



Part 06: Five forces analysis



Part 07: Market segmentation by IT Infrastructure



Part 08: Market segmentation by server



Part 09: Market segmentation by storage



Part 10: Market segmentation by network



Part 11: Geographical segmentation



Part 12: Decision framework



Part 13: Drivers and challenges



Part 14: Market trends



Part 15: Vendor landscape



Part 16: Key vendor analysis





For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/75z8hw/global_data





Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


HOUSTON, Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Deep Down, Inc. (the "Company") (OTCQX: DPDW), will hold a conference call and webcast on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 to discuss the Company's second quarter 2017 financial results.

The teleconference will begin at 4:30 PM Eastern time (3:30 PM Central Time) and will be hosted by Mr. Ron Smith, President and CEO, and Mr. Gene Butler, Executive Chairman and CFO. The related press release will be issued on Monday, August 14, 2017.

To participate in the teleconference, please dial (877) 303-6187 a few minutes before the scheduled start time. International callers are invited to call (678) 894-3073. Please refer to confirmation code 53529591. A replay of the call will be available one hour after the completion of the call through August 29, 2017. To access the replay, please dial (855) 859-2056, or if you are calling internationally, dial (404) 537-3406. Please refer to confirmation code 53529591. The live webcast and archived replay also can be accessed on the Company's web site at www.deepdowninc.com.

About Deep Down, Inc.

Deep Down, Inc. is an oilfield services company serving the worldwide offshore exploration and production industry. Deep Down's proven services and technological solutions include distribution system installation support and engineering services, umbilical terminations, loose-tube steel flying leads (LSFL), installation buoyancy, ROVs and tooling, marine vessel automation, control, and ballast systems. Deep Down supports subsea engineering, installation, commissioning, and maintenance projects through specialized, highly experienced service teams and engineered technological solutions. Deep Down's primary focus is on more complex deepwater and ultra-deepwater oil production distribution system support services and technologies used between the platform and the wellhead. More information about Deep Down is available at www.deepdowninc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any forward-looking statements in the preceding paragraphs of this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties in that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. In the course of operations, we are subject to certain risk factors, competition and competitive pressures, sensitivity to general economic and industrial conditions, international political and economic risks, availability and price of raw materials and execution of business strategy. For further information, please refer to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which are available from the Company without charge.

SOURCE Deep Down, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.deepdowninc.com


SANTA CLARA, California, August 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Flash Memory Summit (Booth 113) - E8 Storage today announced the company took home the "Best of Show" award for the Most Innovative Flash Memory Enterprise Business Application: "E8-D24 NVMe Flash Array Solves Analytics Data Performance Challenges for Financial Firms." The award was presented to E8 Storage at a ceremony during the 2017 Flash Memory Summit Wednesday evening, marking the second consecutive year the company received an innovation award at the Flash Memory Summit.

"Success in the financial industry today depends on exploiting big data with real-time analytics for decision making, increasing customer satisfaction, and achieving a competitive advantage," said Jay Kramer, Chairman of the Awards Program and President of Network Storage Advisors Inc. "We are proud to recognize E8 Storage's E8-D24 NVMe storage appliance and patented software architecture for its ability to address high transaction and high computational financial application workloads with the speed to meet the time-sensitive service level agreements (SLAs) that drive the business."

E8 Storage's technology uniquely solves business challenges of financial firms that need to read and process data fast. With simple, centralized management, E8 Storage is ideally suited for mission-critical workloads like high-speed analytics without compromising between high performance, ease of use and reliability.

"Our team is extremely gratified to receive another 'Best of Show' award at the Flash Memory Summit," said Zivan Ori, CEO and Co-founder, E8 Storage. "Last year our product's innovation was recognized, and this year we are awarded for solving actual business needs like real-time analytics data performance. In just one year, we have fulfilled our promise and are delivering award-worthy results for customers."

With E8 Storage's centralized NVMe shared storage solution now in full production, the company presented examples of financial applications that provide 70-to-1 and 24-to-1 storage consolidation. In both cases, redundant database copies are eliminated and the benefits of shared storage are fully realized, resulting in dramatic reductions in TCO for our customers.

E8 Storage's E8-D24 appliance delivers 10 times the performance at half the cost of existing storage products, unlocking the economic and architectural advantages of centralized storage with the high I/O and low latency advantages of PCIe NVMe SSDs. E8 Storage's patented software architecture was designed to extract the full performance of remote NVMe drives.

The E8-D24 is available for purchase in the U.S. and EMEA; contact sales for more information at [email protected].

About E8 Storage

E8 Storage provides the industry's first-ever centralized NVMe enterprise storage solution, delivering simple, centralized storage management at the speed of local SSDs. The company's rack-scale all-flash arrays are ideally suited for the most demanding mission-critical workloads needing performance without compromise, including real-time analytics, financial and trading applications, and transactional processing. E8 Storage's next-generation high-performance flash storage delivers 10 times the performance at half the cost of existing storage products, is easily upgradeable and expandable, and enables consolidation to increase SSD utilization to over 90%. Privately held, E8 Storage is based in Santa Clara with R&D in Tel Aviv, and channel partners throughout the US and Europe. For more information, please visit http://www.e8storage.com, and follow us on Twitter @E8Storage and LinkedIn.

Press Contacts:

Maya Lustig, E8 Storage

[email protected]

+972-54-6778100



Michelle Allard McMahon/Candice Perodeau

[email protected]

+1 508-475-0025



SOURCE E8 Storage
ATLANTA, Aug. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) announced that it has acquired ID Watchdog for approximately $63 million. ID Watchdog is an award-winning identity theft protection and resolution company providing solutions to the employee benefits marketplace.

ID Watchdog will continue to be based in Denver and provide uninterrupted service to its client and consumer base. "We are excited to have ID Watchdog's industry leading products become an important part of our organization," said Dann Adams, President of Global Consumer Solutions at Equifax. "Merging our Identity solutions and industry relationships will significantly increase the access, range, and depth of our employee benefits 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.

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.

About ID Watchdog

ID Watchdog provides award-winning identity theft protection and resolution services to the employee benefits marketplace and also offers breach resolution, white label, wholesale, and embedded programs. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, ID Watchdog leverages proprietary technology that searches billions of data points to detect changes in the personal identity profiles of each subscriber and provides resolution services.

ID Watchdog holds six industry awards for its identity protection software and service. The Company has been recognized for its leadership in identity theft protection, detection, and resolution as well as for its innovative technology, premier customer service, and personalized communication.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

1550 Peachtree Street, NE

Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Marisa Salcines

Media Relations

678-795-7286

[email protected]

Jeff Dodge and Doug Brandberg

Investor Relations

404-885-8804

[email protected]

[email protected]

SOURCE Equifax Inc.

Related Links

http://www.equifax.com


LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- There are 43 countries either developing a legal medical marijuana program or transitioning towards decriminalization. With analysts estimating the legal cannabis industry to be worth $50 billion by 2026, global economies and entrepreneurs are seeking to corner a piece of the cannabis market.

Back for a fourth year, the State of Marijuana will focus on identifying key investment opportunities and navigating the complex policy framework of the global cannabis industry.

The event will be held at Cross Campus in Downtown Los Angeles, 800 Wilshire Boulevard. Over two days, August 26-27, entrepreneurs, advocates, investors and government officials will network, tackle top issues, negotiate deals, and share best practices. This high-level event will feature an unrivaled, international speaker line-up and showcase the best state-of-the-art facilities, technology, medical marijuana applications and policy initiatives.

The conference will provide an overview of pioneering, global medical cannabis applications and case studies, and insight into cutting-edge marijuana product innovations and technologies.

The current agenda covers marijuana cultivation, testing standards and analytics, policies and legislative initiatives across the globe, in addition to:

Security Management: From Physical Security to Transportation

Global Research and Development Innovations in Medical Marijuana

Protecting Intellectual Property: Patents and Trademarks

Attracting Investment to Cannabis Business

Opportunities in the Burgeoning Hemp Market

Future of Medical Marijuana: Cannabis in the Sports World

Frameworks for Marijuana Banking, Payment Processing and Cash Management

Journeys of Successful Cannabis Entrepreneurs

Tickets are on sale now.

Speakers include: Christian Groh (Privateer Holdings), James Eaves (Universite Laval), Lisa Maria Sanchez Ortega (Mexico Unido contra la Delincuencia), Sumit Mehta (Mazakali), Robert MacCoun (Stanford University), Jason Cranford (Haleigh's Hope), Allison Margolin (Margolin & Lawrence), Christopher Kilham (Medicine Hunter), Fiona Ma (District 2, California State Board of Equalization), John Vardaman (Hypur; Cole Memo; Former Department of Justice Official), David Branfman (Branfman Law Group; NORML; California Cannabis Industry Association), Mary Shapiro (National Cannabis Bar Association), and more.

To request media access and more information, please contact Angela Bermudo at [email protected].

About the State of Marijuana

Developed by Cureativ, the State of Marijuana explores the emerging technology, research and development, regulatory landscapes, and evolving trends in cannabis. It is a landmark event that gathers influential entrepreneurs, advocates, investors and government officials across multiple focused panel discussions and business workshops.

SOURCE Cureativ

Related Links

http://www.cureativ.com


NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The team at First Financial Resources (FFR) has final preparations underway for the 2017 FFR University scheduled for August 21-23, 2017 at the Pesea Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, California. For 2017, the FFR University's agenda centers around "Go-Direct, Keep Control." Simply put, FFR's business model gives FFR advisors direct access to its core insurance carriers. That way, the FFR advisor keeps control over which product and/or underwriting offer best fits a client's needs.

FFR University attendees enjoy collaboration and education oceanside at 2016 event.

The "go-direct" model hinges on FFR's philosophy, "You're only as good as your staff." So, it is no surprise that FFR has hosted this event for over 25 years. "With the FFR model, support is localized and closest to the client. A FFR advisor's staff understands what makes a client feel special and important," explains Jud Imhoff, Chief Executive Officer, FFR.

The 2017 FFR University's curriculum hits on four key professional development areas: communications, product, underwriting and technology. Lynette Ward, Senior Consultant, Leadership Choice is the keynote speaker. Her interactive presentation will help attendees learn to use communication as a business tool to increase success. FFR also taps its core carriers' experts and combines them with its own internal staff to provide attendees with insights, updates, lively discussion, success story exchanges, and practical advice to help you be "really good at what you do." Subjects covered will include: product features and niches, underwriting specialties, and using technology to gain business efficiencies. With the beautiful Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, attendees will be briefed on industry issues, grow professionally, reconnect with colleagues and network with new members. "What FFR does for a member's staff would be very time-intensive and costly for a single advisor to do alone. The FFR business model allows the advisor to maintain independence and offer the professional development of a larger company," adds Imhoff.

About First Financial Resources

First Financial Resources (FFR) is a producer group founded in 1987 and solely owned by its member advisors and based in Newport Beach, California. FFR provides its member advisors with access to insurance-based products, tools and resources for the high net worth and/or business client. FFR also focuses expertise, resources and training to elevate the professional knowledge of the advisor's staff. FFR is not affiliated with Leadership Choice (www.LeadershipChoice.com). To learn more about FFR, please visit www.ffrmembers.com.

For Press Inquiries, contact Susan Hart, (949)223-2169 or [email protected]

SOURCE First Financial Resources

Related Links

http://www.ffrmembers.com


DUBLIN, August 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "India Breakfast Cereal Market Outlook, 2022" report to their offering.

In India, cereal marketers are trying to change traditional breakfast norms by increasing the level of penetration and frequency of purchase. Players are banking heavily on urban consumption which has grown on the back of health offerings like oats and muesli.



The breakfast cereal market is growing with more than 17% CAGR from the past five years. The market is divided into two categories viz. hot cereals and ready-to-eat (RTE) cereals. Hot cereals include products like oats, oat bran, wheat bran and porridge whereas ready-to-eat (RTE) cold cereals include cornflakes, wheat flakes, choco flakes, muesli, etc. Indian consumers prefer hot breakfasts; hence hot cereal category is growing at a much faster pace than ready to eat cereals.



Manufacturers have a range of brands appealing separately to kids and adults. Kellogg's India, Bagrrys, Marico and PepsiCo are the leading players operating in this market. Owing to urbanization and increased income of people, southern and western markets are registering good amount of sales. Cornflakes, as a product type, dominate the market with highest market share whereas other cereals like oats and muesli add up for the rest.

Oats and muesli are growing much faster than cornflakes as people are getting more health conscious and venturing into even healthier foods. The primary consumers for breakfast cereals continued to be urban consumers as they prefer a fast arrangement for breakfast due to their hectic lifestyles. To some extent, the market is self-propelled, thanks to higher spending power and growing health awareness. The widespread communications on health, especially on the rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity in Indians have made them more health conscious than before. Not only are influencers such as doctors, nutritionists and the media passing on these messages, the companies assiduously themselves are playing the health card in almost all of their communications.



Key Segments:

Ready-To-Eat (RTE) Breakfast Cereals:



- Cornflakes

- Muesli

- Others



Hot Breakfast Cereals:



- Oats

- Others



Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary



2. Global Breakfast Cereal Market Outlook

2.1. Market Size By Value

2.2. Market Size By Region

2.3. Market Share



3. India Breakfast Cereal Market Outlook

3.1. Market Size By Value

3.2. Market Share



4. India Ready-To-Eat (RTE) Breakfast Cereal Market Outlook

4.1. Market Size By Value

4.1.1. Overall Market

4.1.2. Cornflakes Market

4.1.3. Muesli Market

4.2. Market Share

4.2.1. By Product Type

4.2.2. By Age (Adult-Children)



5. India Hot Breakfast Cereal Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size By Value

5.2. Oats Market Outlook



6. Product Price & Variant Analysis



7. India Economic Snapshot



8. Policy & Regulatory Landscape



9. Trade Dynamics



10. Channel Partner Analysis



11. India Breakfast Cereal Market Dynamics

11.1. Key Drivers

11.2. Key Challenges



12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Health and Convenience Going Hand-in Hand

12.2. Modern Retail Formats - A Good Marketing Platform

12.3. Growing Recognition of Oats as a Healthy Breakfast

12.4. Breakfast Cereals filling the gap created by Instant Noodles

12.5. Innovation in the form of Traditional and Fruit Flavored Products



13. Competitive Landscape



- Kellogg India Pvt. Ltd.

- PepsiCo India Holdings Pvt. Ltd.

- Bagrrys India Limited

- Marico Limited

- GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ltd.

- Nestle India Limited

- Patanjali Ayurved Limited

- Mohan Meakin Limited

- Express Foods Pvt. Ltd.

- Future Consumer Enterprise Ltd.



For more information about this report visit: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/jcp5dq/india_breakfast

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716



SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


In giving Foxconn up to $3 billion in Wisconsin taxpayer dollars, Gov. Scott Walker has chosen to commence an unwholesome and very public relationship with this multinational company.

Meanwhile, the people of Wisconsin work hard to help their kids get ahead and pay taxes in a state where our schools and roads are crumbling more and more each day. Remember this: Foxconn has only pledged to create around 3,000 jobs. Gov. Walker's bargain is clearly no deal for the people of Wisconsin.
The Chinese government has on one hand issued stern warnings while on the other hand exercised maximum restraint. It expects India to view the entire situation with a sober mind and retreat from the territory over which it does not have sovereignty in order to avoid an escalation of tensions and a repetition of the incidents of 1962.

China has adopted a policy of patience and restraint, not because it fears confrontation, but because it has realized through its reform and opening up that peaceful development is the best option for the rise of a major nation. However, the mentality of our Indian counterparts appears to be different, having failed to move out of the shadow of the Sino-India Border Conflict of 1962 when India was defeated. The defeat, in fact was also caused by India's invasion into Chinese territory.

The economy of India has gathered pace since the 1990s. As one of the largest emerging economies in the world, it has become a member of the BRICS. In recent times, the trade between China and India has surged at an unprecedented speed.

Unfortunately, in the context of this rare opportunity for peaceful development, Indian politicians have made the wrong decisions. Catering to a great power and getting together several other countries cannot contain China's growth, or even retrieve the face lost in the Sino-Indian Border Conflict of 1962. Rather, India is gambling with its future and national well-being for an extremely dangerous and worthless stake.

Indian prime minister and foreign minister have publicly supported the resolving of the border dispute through dialogue and diplomatic means. But India is merely paying lip service. It is "illogical" for a country to invade another country's territory, while still holding high the banner of peace.

China has demonstrated the utmost patience, but this patience has its limits. With the not-so-old lessons from 55 years ago, the Indian government should use its political wisdom against narrow-minded bias, and withdraw its troops from Chinese territory to solve the problem with a sincere attitude.

China Mosaic

http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm

India's cross-border transgression is wrong and dangerous

http://www.china.org.cn/video/2017-08/11/content_41391937.htm

About China.org.cn

Founded in 2000, China Internet Information Center (China.org.cn/China.com.cn) is a key state news website under the auspices of the State Council Information Office, and is managed by China International Publishing Group. We provide round-the-clock news service in ten languages. With users from more than 200 countries and regions, we have become China's leading multi-lingual news outlet introducing the country to the outside world.

We are one of the country's authoritative outlets for government press releases and are authorized to cover various major events. "Live Webcast" is our online webcasting service to present State Council Information Office press conferences in both Chinese and English languages. We are reputed for timely and accurate delivery of news and information, and wide interactions with audiences. In addition, we are authorized to publish and live broadcast major events and press conferences of ministries, local government agencies and institutions as well as enterprises.

In the era of mobile internet, we endeavor to create an array of products for mobile devices headed by the multilingual WAP platform and the mobile APP. We also use Chinese and international social media to publish information for different user groups.

In future, CIIC will continue to offer authoritative information about China, tell China's stories, voice China's opinions, and introduce a vivid, panoramic and multicultural China to the world through multi-language, multi-media and multi-platforms.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE china.org.cn
DENVER, Aug. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - (TSX: IMP) (ITMSF:BB)  Intermap Technologies Corporation ("Intermap" or the "Company") today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017.

All amounts in this news release are in United States dollars, unless otherwise noted.

For the second quarter of 2017, Intermap reported total revenue of $4.5 million, compared to $0.9 million last year. Approximately 84% of consolidated revenue came from growing markets outside the United States, compared to 57% for the same period in 2016. A large portion of the increase was generated by customers utilizing Intermap's upgraded multi-frequency radar system. The mix of value-added revenue also improved, reflecting demand for our advanced data processing, software, and analytics. On a year-over-year basis, revenue for the second quarter derived from value-added data services, and software and solutions, increased by 123%, and 24%, respectively. Net operating loss for the second quarter decreased 94% to $0.2 million from $3.5 million in 2016. Second quarter adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP and non-IFRS financial measure, was positive $0.3 million, compared with negative $3.3 million for the same period last year.

"Intermap's gradual return to profitability extends our runway as we balance growth between government and commercial, recurring and project, international and domestic revenue sources", commented Patrick Blott, Intermap's Chairman and CEO. "In particular, healthy trends in contract renewals, project extensions, new bookings, and growth market penetration demonstrate customer confidence in Intermap's unique capabilities and execution."

As a reminder, last fall the Company adopted a no further guidance disclosure policy until it is profitable and its debt burden has been reduced.

Financial Review

The Company is focused on growing revenue and profitability.

Consolidated revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 totaled $4.5 million, compared to $0.9 million for the same period in 2016, representing a 418% increase. Approximately 84% of consolidated revenue was generated outside the United States, compared to 57% for the same period in 2016.

Acquisition services revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 totaled $3.0 million, compared to $0.1 million for the same period in 2016. The increase is due to new contracts for our upgraded, high resolution, multi-frequency radar system.

Value-added data services recognized revenue for the quarters ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 totaling $1.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The increase primarily resulted from recurring service contracts that reflect growing global demand for our advanced data processing.

Software and solutions revenue for the quarters ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 increased 24%, to $0.3 million from $0.2 million.

Personnel expense for the second quarter of 2017 was $2.2 million, a 15% decrease from $2.6 million the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in headcount on a year-over-year basis, following restructuring actions designed to focus the Company's resources on its core business.

Second quarter adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP and non-IFRS financial measure, was positive $0.3 million, compared with negative $3.3 million last year. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and excludes non-recurring and non-cash payments; restructuring costs, share-based compensation expense, gain or loss on foreign currency translation, and fair value adjustments to derivative instruments. Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized performance measure under IFRS. The most directly comparable measure to adjusted EBITDA calculated in accordance with IFRS is net income (loss). See Non-IFRS Measures below for a reconciliation of the Company's net loss to adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2017 as compared to 2016.

The Company's consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis will be filed on SEDAR at: www.sedar.com. Important factors, including those discussed in the Company's regulatory filings (www.sedar.com) could cause actual results to differ from the Company's expectations and those differences may be material.

Non-IFRS Measures

Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized performance measure under IFRS and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. The term EBITDA consists of net income (loss) and excludes interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is included as a supplemental disclosure because management believes that such measurement provides a better assessment of the Company's operations on a continuing basis by eliminating certain non-cash charges and charges that are nonrecurring. The most directly comparable measure to adjusted EBITDA calculated in accordance with IFRS is net income (loss).

(UNAUDITED) Three months ended June 30, U.S. $ millions 2017

2016









Net loss $ (0.9)

$ (3.8)

Financing costs 0.6

1.0

Depreciation of property and equipment 0.1

0.2











EBITDA $ (0.2)

$ (2.6)











Change in value of derivative instruments -

(0.7)

Restructing costs 0.1

-

Share-based compensation 0.2

-

Loss (gain) on foreign currency translation 0.2

-











Adjusted EBITDA $ 0.3

$ (3.3)

About Intermap Technologies

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Intermap (www.intermap.com) is an industry leader in geospatial intelligence solutions. These geospatial solutions are used in a wide range of applications including, but not limited to, location-based information, risk assessment, geographic information systems, engineering, utilities, global positioning systems, oil and gas, renewable energy, hydrology, environmental planning, land management, wireless communications, transportation, advertising, and 3D visualization. Intermap generates revenue from three primary business activities, comprised of i) data acquisition and collection, using proprietary, multi-frequency, radar sensor technologies, ii) value-added data products and services, which leverage the Company's proprietary NEXTMap database, together with proprietary software and fusion technologies, and iii) commercial applications and solutions, including a webstore and software sales targeting selected industry verticals that rely on accurate high resolution elevation data. The Company is a world leader in data fusion, analytics, and orthorectification, and has decades of experience aggregating data derived from a number of different sensor technologies and data sources. For more information please visit www.intermap.com.

Intermap Reader Advisory

Certain information provided in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements, including the Company's profitability and revenue generating activities. The words "anticipate", "expect", "project", "estimate", "forecast" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Although Intermap believes that these statements are based on information and assumptions which are current, reasonable and complete, these statements are necessarily subject to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. You can find a discussion of such risks and uncertainties in our Annual Information Form and other securities filings. While the Company makes these forward-looking statements in good faith, should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that the Company will derive therefrom. All subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to Intermap or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements made herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities law.

SOURCE Intermap Technologies Corporation
TEMPE, Ariz., Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the Ward for Senate campaign has announced that the founder and top operative of the largest Super PAC supporting the President in 2016, Great America PAC, have joined the campaign. Eric Beach was founder and co-chair and Brent Lowder served as Executive Director of Great America PAC, which raised and spent nearly $30 million in support of President Trump's candidacy in 2016. The two respected operatives will help lead Kelli Ward's campaign to defeat Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona in 2018.

"Eric and Brent are highly accomplished political operatives with strong track records of success. They played an important role in the election of President Trump and are now committed to helping me to send Jeff Flake into retirement next year," said Ward. "We are excited to have them join the team and know they will have an immediate positive impact on our campaign."

"Kelli Ward is a strong, thoughtful leader and will be a hardworking, dedicated Senator in Washington that all Arizonans can be proud of," said Beach. "Senator Jeff Flake has continually failed Arizona and is more interested in selling his new book by attacking the President than actually serving his constituents and getting things done. Arizona deserves far better from their Senator."

CONTACT: Jennifer Lawrence

(845) 800-1552

[email protected]

SOURCE Dr. Kelli Ward for Senate

Related Links

https://kelliward.com


THUNDER BAY, Ontario, Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On Aug. 8 and 9, 2017, Marten Falls First Nation held the first of its kind Mining Symposium, in Thunder Bay, Ontario for its membership, the traditional land holders in the Ring of Fire. The Symposium provided a venue for the membership to meet the companies conducting mining and exploration activities in the traditional territory of Marten Falls. The format allowed for the presenters to personally discuss and address the issues and concerns of the traditional land holders.

The symposium was deemed a success by both Industry and Marten Falls First Nation. Marten Falls plans to make this an annual, regional event geared toward the traditional land holders and mining companies in the region. Chief Bruce Achneepineskum said, "We hope to provide this regional forum for engagement between mining companies, suppliers and First Nation members that will be used for providing project information and for partnership opportunities between companies and interested First Nations or their members."

Marten Falls First Nation acknowledges the following participants to the first, but not the last, First Nation Mining Symposium:

Aecon, ATCO, Bold Resources, Greenstone Gold, KWG Resources, Noront Resources, and Wabassi Resources.

For further information, please contact:

Chief Bruce Achneepineskum 807-633-7621

Lawrence Baxter 807-630-0769

Qasim Saddique 416-830-6544

Alanna Downey-Baxter 807-630-0769

Related Files

Media.Release.Aug 11 - 2017 - Final.pdf

SOURCE Marten Falls First Nation
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michelson 20MM Foundation is proud to support entrepreneur and founder of The Edtech Podcast, Sophie Bailey, in bringing you the latest and greatest in education technology by sponsoring upcoming episodes under the Edtech Podcast's recently launched ASU GSV Summit Series.

The Edtech Podcast, a weekly show hosted by Bailey herself, offers insights on current education technology trends, events, and innovations from the latest startups, organizations, and thought leaders. Its newest series features a wide range of inspirational guests from this year's ASU GSV Summit held in Salt Lake City including Betsy Corcoran, founder & CEO of Edsurge and Sandy Speicher, Partner at the global design and innovation firm IDEO, and Managing Director of its Education practice.

"I am delighted that Michelson 20MM chose The Edtech Podcast to help spread the word about companies challenging the status quo in Higher Education," said Sophie Bailey. "The Edtech Podcast has been lucky enough to play host to some of the world's top Universities and member groups including MIT, UCLA, JISC, and ALT but also to today's newest ventures such as Skills Fund, ClassCentral, Open Classroom, and Future Learn, that are changing the nature of HigherEd accreditation, student financing, and skills development."

With over 1,000 listeners every week across 69 countries, the show exposes global education innovation efforts through interviews, events, and live shows.

"We share the Michelson 20MM belief that the future of higher education must be flexible and open to a range of solutions including modularisation or 'unpacking degrees.' It is with the support of organizations like this that the podcast can continue to share the rich and diverse conversations happening in edtech with a growing international audience," explained Sophie Bailey.

The mission of The Edtech Podcast is to improve the dialogue between 'ed' and 'tech' for better innovation, and with over 75 episodes to date, it has amassed an impressive catalogue and list of participants.

"It's very important [to our foundation] that we continue to raise awareness of the edtech community's efforts in improving higher education," said Dr. Gary K. Michelson, founder of Michelson 20MM. "This is yet another creative medium for spreading the stories of the many entrepreneurs, organizations, and networks that are currently involved in revamping the higher education landscape."

Michelson 20MM sponsored shows will air during the months of September and October. Tune in by visiting theedtechpodcast.libsyn.com. For your convenience, The Edtech Podcast is also available on iTunes, TuneIN Radio, Stitcher, and Pocket Cast.

About The Michelson 20MM Foundation

The Michelson 20MM Foundation supports and invests in leading edge entrepreneurs, technologies, and initiatives with the potential to improve postsecondary access, affordability, and student success. Michelson 20MM was founded thanks to the generous support of renowned spinal surgeon Dr. Gary K. Michelson and his wife, Alya Michelson.

To learn more about Michelson 20MM visit www.20mm.org.

SOURCE The Michelson 20MM Foundation

Related Links

http://www.20mm.org


WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- MOAR, a grassroots movement, announces its first nationwide rally to peacefully unite in honor of America. You are invited to join with us on September 16 at the National Mall in Washington DC.

Due to increasing political and social unrest, many believe that core American values, customs and traditions are being sacrificed. Rally participants will demand protection for traditional American culture while they express their love for the United States and the America First agenda. MOAR will send a message to the world that the voices of mainstream Americans must be heard.

MOAR - How it started: The idea for MOAR was conceived by Internet personality "POA" (Tommy Hodges) during a live Facebook stream. He stated that he wanted to create a "Huge" event for supporters of President Trump and Americans to rally together in the nation's capital. During this live stream broadcast, he also mentioned that a name was needed for the rally. One of POA's followers suggested the name "MOAR - Mother of All Rallies". The name stuck and the MOAR train left the station heading for destination "September 16."

Tommy also says that "we are coming together to send a direct message to Congress, the media and the world that we stand united not divided to protect and preserve American Culture."

Event Details: Opening ceremonies will begin at 11 am EDT at the north end of the Mall, near the Washington monument. Keynote speakers include author Hamody Jasim, Marco Guiterrez, founder of Latinos for Trump, and congressional candidate for California, Omar Navarro. The band Madison Rising is the featured performer. Panel discussions on a number of hot topics are also planned and much will be happening throughout the day and evening. There will be no admission charge for any of the events. Further details will be disclosed as the target date nears.

We are uniting in honor of the United States of America; all people regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, age or political affiliation are invited. We are gathering to support our President and our country. We the People, as one Nation under God, invite you to set aside differences and rally with us.

For further information, you are invited to visit the MOAR website at www.motherofallrallies.com.

Disclaimer: This is a peaceful rally. Please do not litter, vandalize or anything else illegal or unbefitting. Act worthy of yourselves. Any violators will be asked to leave or turned over to authorities. If your intentions are other than peaceful, this is not the event for you.

Event Organizer: Tommy Hodges (727 537-0196) [email protected]

SOURCE MOAR

Related Links

http://www.motherofallrallies.com


BALTIMORE, Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Morgan State University's School of Global Journalism and Communication (SGJC) will present its 2017 Vernon Jarrett Medal for Journalistic Excellence on September 21 in a ceremony at the National Press Club, Washington, DC. The Medal honors exemplary reporting on black life in America. Its distinguished medallion and $10,000 prize will be awarded to a journalist for work published or broadcast between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017. The recipient will be recognized for outstanding print, broadcast or online reporting on an issue, or issues, of significant importance and impact on some aspect of black life in America.

Nominations should come from an individual, persons or organizations directly affected by the reporting cited for the award. The recipient and their nominator will be invited to the award ceremony at the National Press Club ceremony, Thursday, September 21, 12 to 2 pm.

To nominate a deserving journalist for consideration of the Vernon Jarrett Medal for Journalistic Excellence, persons should:

Send a letter of nomination citing the importance and impact of the journalist's work. A copy of the nominated work (print or video), including the name of the news media that published or broadcast the work and date of publication or broadcast.

"We are looking for the journalists who are in the forefront of telling stories about black life in America. We are looking for journalists who are reporting on the critical issues that are so often overlooked by mainstream media," said DeWayne Wickham, SGJC dean.

Named for the late Vernon Jarrett, a pioneering African American columnist, the award is given annually to a deserving journalist. Jarrett wrote for the Chicago Defender, the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times. In the late 1940s he partnered with composer Oscar Brow, Jr., to produce "Negro Newsfront," the first radio news broadcast in the United States created by African Americans. He also established the NAACP's Act-So program, which encourages academic excellence among black youth, and he was a founding member and former president of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Previous Medal winners are Kirsten West Savali, a writer, cultural critic and associate editor of The Root, (2016) and Dr. Stacey Patton, an assistant professor in the SGJC (2015). Prior to joining SGJC, she was a reporter for The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Nominations should be submitted by August 31, 2017 to:

Vernon Jarrett Medal for Journalistic Excellence

School of Global Journalism & Communication

Morgan State University

1700 E. Cold Spring Lane

Baltimore, MD 21251

The Vernon Jarrett Medal for Journalist Excellence is funded by a grant from the Open Society Foundation.

The School of Global Journalism & Communication, created in July 2013, is led by founding dean DeWayne Wickham, a former columnist for USA TODAY and a co-founder and former president of the National Association of Black Journalists. The school is dedicated to giving voice to people who struggle to contribute to the public discourse that shapes the nation and the world through innovative teaching, cutting-edge research and exemplary service to Maryland, the nation and the world. The school seeks to instill students with the skills, knowledge and training necessary to become effective communicators and to add to the diversity of thought in the media. For more information on Morgan State University's School of Global Journalism & Communication, visit: www.morgan.edu/school_of_global_journalism_and_communication/news.html.

Contact: Pat Wheeler

443-885-3648

[email protected]

SOURCE Morgan State Universitys School of Global Journalism and Communication

Related Links

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LONDON, Aug. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Primary Immune Deficiency (PID) - Pipeline Review, H2 2017

Summary

Global Markets Direct's latest Pharmaceutical and Healthcare disease pipeline guide Primary Immune Deficiency (PID) - Pipeline Review, H2 2017, provides an overview of the Primary Immune Deficiency (PID) (Genetic Disorders) pipeline landscape.

Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5057880/

Primary immunodeficiency is defined as weaken immune system, allowing repeated infections and other health problems to occur more easily. Signs and symptoms include blood infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections, meningitis or skin infections, digestive problems, such as cramping, loss of appetite, nausea and diarrhea.

Report Highlights

Global Markets Direct's Pharmaceutical and Healthcare latest pipeline guide Primary Immune Deficiency (PID) - Pipeline Review, H2 2017, provides comprehensive information on the therapeutics under development for Primary Immune Deficiency (PID) (Genetic Disorders), complete with analysis by stage of development, drug target, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type. The guide covers the descriptive pharmacological action of the therapeutics, its complete research and development history and latest news and press releases.

The Primary Immune Deficiency (PID) (Genetic Disorders) pipeline guide also reviews of key players involved in therapeutic development for Primary Immune Deficiency (PID) and features dormant and discontinued projects. The guide covers therapeutics under Development by Companies /Universities /Institutes, the molecules developed by Companies in Filing rejected/Withdrawn, Phase III, Phase II, Preclinical and Discovery stages are 2, 8, 1, 6 and 2 respectively. Similarly, the Universities portfolio in Phase II and Preclinical stages comprises 5 and 2 molecules, respectively.

Primary Immune Deficiency (PID) (Genetic Disorders) pipeline guide helps in identifying and tracking emerging players in the market and their portfolios, enhances decision making capabilities and helps to create effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage. The guide is built using data and information sourced from Global Markets Direct's proprietary databases, company/university websites, clinical trial registries, conferences, SEC filings, investor presentations and featured press releases from company/university sites and industry-specific third party sources. Additionally, various dynamic tracking processes ensure that the most recent developments are captured on a real time basis.

Note: Certain content / sections in the pipeline guide may be removed or altered based on the availability and relevance of data.

Scope

- The pipeline guide provides a snapshot of the global therapeutic landscape of Primary Immune Deficiency (PID) (Genetic Disorders).

- The pipeline guide reviews pipeline therapeutics for Primary Immune Deficiency (PID) (Genetic Disorders) by companies and universities/research institutes based on information derived from company and industry-specific sources.

- The pipeline guide covers pipeline products based on several stages of development ranging from pre-registration till discovery and undisclosed stages.

- The pipeline guide features descriptive drug profiles for the pipeline products which comprise, product description, descriptive licensing and collaboration details, R&D brief, MoA & other developmental activities.

- The pipeline guide reviews key companies involved in Primary Immune Deficiency (PID) (Genetic Disorders) therapeutics and enlists all their major and minor projects.

- The pipeline guide evaluates Primary Immune Deficiency (PID) (Genetic Disorders) therapeutics based on mechanism of action (MoA), drug target, route of administration (RoA) and molecule type.

- The pipeline guide encapsulates all the dormant and discontinued pipeline projects.

- The pipeline guide reviews latest news related to pipeline therapeutics for Primary Immune Deficiency (PID) (Genetic Disorders)

Reasons to buy

- Procure strategically important competitor information, analysis, and insights to formulate effective R&D strategies.

- Recognize emerging players with potentially strong product portfolio and create effective counter-strategies to gain competitive advantage.

- Find and recognize significant and varied types of therapeutics under development for Primary Immune Deficiency (PID) (Genetic Disorders).

- Classify potential new clients or partners in the target demographic.

- Develop tactical initiatives by understanding the focus areas of leading companies.

- Plan mergers and acquisitions meritoriously by identifying key players and it's most promising pipeline therapeutics.

- Formulate corrective measures for pipeline projects by understanding Primary Immune Deficiency (PID) (Genetic Disorders) pipeline depth and focus of Indication therapeutics.

- Develop and design in-licensing and out-licensing strategies by identifying prospective partners with the most attractive projects to enhance and expand business potential and scope.

Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5057880/

About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

http://www.reportbuyer.com

For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

Related Links

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WHEATON, Ill., Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- RJN Group, Inc. (RJN) announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously chosen Jeff Plymale as the organization's next President. Jeff, who currently serves as RJN's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Al Hollenbeck, the company's current President and CEO. Al will remain CEO and Chairman of the Board.

CEO Al Hollenbeck (right) shakes new President Jeff Plymale's hand (left)

After a thorough succession planning process, the board is pleased to have found the best individual to become the third President in the 42-year history of the firm. Jeff has a track record of strong leadership and innovation both inside and outside of RJN. This combined with his deep industry knowledge and institutional tenure makes Jeff uniquely qualified to lead RJN successfully into the future.

"I'm honored for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization of creative, dedicated, and talented professionals," said Plymale. "RJN provides innovative, cost-effective engineering solutions, every day, and our solutions offer a cleaner and safer community around the United States. This is a terrific opportunity that any leader would welcome."

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois and joined RJN Group, Inc. in 2000. Since then, he has undertaken various management positions within the organization, including business development, strategic planning, geographic expansion, product development, and management of multiple large-scale condition assessment programs around the country with municipalities under federal consent decrees. Prior to joining RJN, Jeff worked both in the U.S. and internationally on large scale engineering programs with some of the largest utilities in the world including Australia, Singapore, and Europe.

Al Hollenbeck, P.E., BCEE, expressed confidence in the board's choice. "Jeff is an outstanding leader and has been instrumental in our growth, innovation, and success over the years. I'm very pleased with the board's decision, and I'm confident Jeff will ensure that RJN continues to be an industry leader in solving challenging infrastructure issues."

About RJN

RJN Group, Inc., established in 1975, is a professional engineering and assessment services firm that provides innovative, affordable, and sustainable solutions to improve the performance and service life of collection and conveyance systems. RJN engineers continually pursue emerging technologies and methods to deliver results more quickly and efficiently into our client's hands, while maintaining high standards for quality. To learn more, visit www.rjn.com.

Contact: Karen Catena

Tel: (630) 682-4700

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.rjn.com

SOURCE RJN Group, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.rjn.com


THC.CSE

THCBF - OTC

TFHC.F

VANCOUVER, Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - THC BioMed Intl Ltd ("THC" or the "Company") (CSE: THC) is pleased to announce that following a commitment with Alumina Partners (Ontario) Ltd. ("Alumina") for up to $12,000,000 (twelve million dollars), the Company has issued 483,870 units to Alumina (the "Units") at a price of $0.31 per Unit for gross proceeds of $150,000 (the "Private Placement") as part of the draw down facility. Each Unit consists of one common share ("Private Placement Share") and one common share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each whole Warrant entitles Alumina to purchase one common share of the Company for a period of 36 months from closing at a price of $0.3875 per common share. Proceeds will be used for business expansion, marketing and general working capital.

This financing has been structured to best suit the fast-growing Cannabis Industry. Alumina has structured the terms so that funds may be drawn on an as needed basis, allowing THC to finance as it achieves milestones on an upward trajectory.

"While growth is necessary in a fast-moving industry like we are witnessing, quick access to capital is essential. However, we continue to remain conscious of dilution and look towards revenue generation and profitability to finance our growth only using financing as a last resort", commented John Miller, THC Biomed President and CEO. "This is the second capital commitment we have entered into giving us access to $22 million dollars."

"We were impressed by THC Biomed's decisive execution on their corporate vision, quickly closing on their Clone Shipper acquisition while simultaneously laying the groundwork in preparation for becoming the wholesaler of choice of live clones to the expected home growers' market," said Adi Nahmani, Managing Member of Alumina Partners. "If realizing the potential in this new market revolves around taking calculated risks, we're eager to see what the future holds for THC."

About THC

THC's vision is to be on the leading edge of scientific research, development of products and services related to the medical cannabis industry while creating a standard of excellence. As the industry develops, it will become more important to focus on scientific research and development of products and services related to medical cannabis. Management believes THC is well-positioned to be in the forefront of this rapidly growing industry.

Please visit our website for a more detailed description of our business and services available. www.thcbiomed.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of the contents of this release.

Forward-Looking Information:

This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of THC. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of THC. Although THC believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because THC can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and include that: (a) the investment from Alumina will be used as working capital and THC's ongoing activities; (b) THC's vision is to be on the leading edge of scientific research, development of products and services related to the medical cannabis industry while creating a standard of excellence; (c) as the medical marijuana industry develops, it will become more important to focus on scientific research and development of products and services related to medical cannabis; and (d) THC will be in the forefront of this rapidly growing industry.

THC disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE THC BioMed

Related Links

www.thcbiomed.com


WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- truth, one of the largest and most effective youth smoking prevention campaigns, and Cotopaxi, the outdoor gear company on a mission to alleviate poverty, move people to do good and inspire adventure, are joining forces to make positive changes in local communities and take a stand against tobacco. truth will join Cotopaxi for 25 of their 2017-2018 Questival adventure races, kicking off the partnership at today's event in Philadelphia. They will launch a limited-edition Luzon Daypack designed by Brooklyn-based artist Kevin Lyons.

"We're excited to partner with truth at our upcoming Questivals and unveil new, limited-edition Luzon Daypacks designed by Kevin Lyons," said Davis Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Cotopaxi. "We strongly align with the truth mission of making a positive, lasting impact on local communities."

At each Questival stop, participants embark on a 24-hour outdoor adventure race while also doing service in their local communities. As part of upcoming events, truth will arm participants with facts and empower them to make their own informed choices about tobacco use. To illustrate these facts, attendees visiting the truth zone will engage in a series of mental and physical challenges to win truth merchandise like t-shirts, pins, sunglasses and more. Additionally, participants at today's Philadelphia Questival will receive the limited-edition truth x Cotopaxi by Kevin Lyons Luzon Daypack  offering creative inspiration to be the generation that ends smoking for good. The truth x Cotopaxi by Kevin Lyons Luzon Daypack will also be available online for purchase for a limited time at Cotopaxi.com.

"While the teen smoking rate is at an historic low of six percent, tobacco rates in communities differ based on where you live, whom you love and even who you are, making change at the community level an essential part of our movement," said Eric Asche, Chief Marketing Officer of Truth Initiative, the national public health organization that directs and funds the truth campaign. "Cotopaxi's commitment to social good and improving communities makes them the perfect partner to join us in engaging young people to help us end tobacco use nationwide."

Tobacco is still the number one cause of preventable death, killing more than 540,000 people each year. In 2014, truth launched the FinishIT campaign to empower teens to make this the generation that finishes tobacco once and for all. As part of the movement, millions of young people have taken steps to make their generation the one that ends smoking for good by taking action nationally and locally through social media and on-the-ground community efforts.

"Connecting with audiences at these 25 Questival events allows us the opportunity to enlist 'Finishers' in the cities that need them the most," said Asche. "To us, 'Finishers' are the individuals making an impact on the tobacco issue within their own community. Big or small, every action taken toward ending tobacco use saves lives  from enlisting online, to wearing the truth x Cotopaxi by Kevin Lyons Luzon Daypack and sharing our facts with friends."

For more information on truth, visit thetruth.com. For more information on Cotopaxi or to find a Questival event near you, visit Cotopaxi.com.

About truth

truth is one of the most successful and one of the largest national youth tobacco prevention campaigns. The campaign exposes the tactics of the tobacco industry, the truth about addiction and the health effects and social consequences of smoking. truth gives teens facts to make their own informed choices about tobacco use and inspires them to use their social influence and creativity in the fight against tobacco. The campaign is credited with preventing hundreds of thousands of teens from starting to smoke, and is working to make this the generation that ends smoking for good. To learn more, visit thetruth.com. truth is part of Truth Initiative, a national public health organization dedicated to achieving a culture where all youth and young adults reject tobacco. To learn more about Truth Initiative's work speaking, seeking and spreading the truth about tobacco, visit truthinitiative.org

About Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi is a next-generation, gear and apparel company that creates innovative outdoor products and experiences to fund sustainable poverty alleviation, move people to do good, and inspire adventure. As a certified Benefit Corporation, Cotopaxi prioritizes the wellbeing of people in every aspect of the business, from responsible sourcing, to thoughtful manufacturing, to quality wear and giving to those in need. To learn more about Cotopaxi products and view the brand's annual Impact Report, visit Cotopaxi.com.

About Kevin Lyons

Kevin Lyons is an artist and creative director based in Brooklyn, NY. His signature Monster characters have lived on murals worldwide including walls in Paris, Tokyo, Milan, NYC, Los Angeles, Detroit, Honolulu, and now Philadelphia. He collaborated with truth in 2016 for a limited edition Vans Authentic sneaker design and a mural in Raleigh, NC. Lyons has also created products with Nike, Adidas, Converse, Huf, Stussy, Stance Socks, Uniqlo, Colette, and Girl Skateboards, among others. More info on artist's website: www.naturalborn.com.

SOURCE truth

Related Links

https://www.thetruth.com


CLEVELAND, Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- US hose and belt demand is forecast to reach $6.8 billion in 2021, according to Hoses & Belts: United States, a report recently released by Freedonia Focus Reports. Rising transportation equipment output will spur demand for products such as vehicular hoses and power transmission belts. Domestic oil and gas production is also expected to increase through 2021, which will benefit suppliers of related hoses.

US hose and belt shipments are projected to rise through 2021, driven by increases in domestic demand, as well as expanding exports to key destinations such as Mexico. Growth in shipments will also be supported by the construction and expansion of domestic manufacturing facilities. However, rising import penetration from manufacturers in countries such as China and Mexico will limit faster growth in US hose and belt shipments.

These and other key insights are featured in Hoses & Belts: United States. This report forecasts to 2021 US hose and belt demand and shipments in US dollars at the manufacturers' level. Total demand is segmented by product in terms of:

vehicular hose

industrial hose

fluid power hose

air and water hose

flat belts

nonflat belts

Hoses and belts may be constructed from rubber and plastic. Hose fittings are excluded from the scope of this report. Re-exports of hoses and belts are excluded from demand figures.

To illustrate historical trends, total demand, shipments, the various segments, and trade are provided in annual series from 2006 to 2016.

More information about the report is available at

https://www.freedoniafocusreports.com/pub/11035010.html

About Freedonia Focus Reports

Each month, The Freedonia Group  a division of MarketResearch.com  publishes over 20 new or updated Freedonia Focus Reports, providing fresh, unbiased analysis on a wide variety of markets and industries. Published in 20-30 pages, Focus Report coverage ranges from raw materials to finished manufactured goods and related services such as freight and construction. Additional Materials & Chemicals reports can be purchased at Freedonia Focus Reports or MarketResearch.com.

Analysis is intended to guide the busy reader through pertinent topics in rapid succession, including:

total historical market size and industry output

segmentation by products and markets

identification of market drivers, constraints, and key indicators

segment-by-segment outlook in five-year forecasts

a survey of the supply base

suggested resources for further study.

Press Contact:

Corinne Gangloff

+1 440.684.9600

[email protected]

SOURCE The Freedonia Group
China's rapid economic development has created exponentially growing numbers of high net-worth individuals. The gradual aging of this group of people has opened the "private doctors" market in China. The targeted demographic of people is more willing to spend on decreasing their health risks in the future. Specifically, to reduce the uncertain threats on their accumulated wealth - the inheritance issues caused by sudden diseases has become one of their most pressing needs.

Yang Kaixiang, Chief Operating Officer of VTO said: "The significant advantages of VTO's core services compared to the competitive market of "private doctors" lie in Vista's unique position and experience. Having served China's high-end community for over 20 years, Vista has absorbed the essence of high-end private doctor services from other countries. Vista has also accumulated affluent professional experience as well as gaining a profound understanding about the customers' personalized needs. The highly customized service and products have been widely recognized by Vista customers."

"VTO provides its members exclusive healthcare services, for example, exclusive medical group, exclusive family follow up, 24/7 VIP hotlines", added Yang. "In addition, standard VTO membership equips its owner global medical butler services, including top-tier doctors' appointments around the world, VVIP services through the whole process and VIP priority access to any medical channels. VTO members are also entitled to Vista's established world-wide emergency medical rescue service, namely the exclusive usage of Vista's aviation medical plane."

Besides the individual and family healthcare services for high-end VVIP customers, Vista operates the VTO member community collectively to build an ecosystem surrounding the idea of the "pan-health industry", providing a communication platform for resource exchange, such as capital investment and business cooperation for elites.

In order to ensure that VTO members enjoy the high-end health services that matches their status, the conditions for joining are comparatively stricter, including no less than RMB 50 million net assets for an individual and no less than RMB 100 million net assets for families. VTO adopts an invitation only membership management model and applications are not accepted.

About Vista

Vista is the first medical institution to enter the "high-end medical" market in China. All its general doctors have more than 10 years of general practice training, with more than 20 years of practice experience. In 2016, Vista was named "The Most Popular Medical Institution" in China for embassies. Vista has signed up with more than 70 high-end commercial health insurance companies around the world, and has mature medical reception capabilities in 139 mainstream hospitals around the world. The Vista Air Rescue Team has accumulated more than 200 hours on its service record and is currently working as a sole medical partner in cooperation with the Chinese National Health Service Commission on the "One-Belt-One-Road" emergency rescue project, which provides Vista customers more effective medical protection in the countries along the belt and road.

SOURCE Vista
Mr. Edelson commented, "We were very pleased to assist our long-time client Douglas Emmett in structuring a transaction that furthers the firm's strategy for its large portfolio of high quality multifamily apartments. The loans took advantage of Fannie Mae's DUS Green Rewards program, which involved environmental upgrades to three of the four properties in this financing. These improvements allowed the borrower to secure extremely competitive loan terms while ensuring more sustainable operations and cost savings for years to come."

The interest-only loans are backed by four Class-A apartment properties located in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, California. Through June 30, 2017, Walker & Dunlop has closed $3.8 billion in Green financing.

About Walker & Dunlop

Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD), headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is one of the largest commercial real estate services and finance companies in the United States providing financing and investment sales to owners of multifamily and commercial properties. Walker & Dunlop, which is included in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, has over 600 professionals in 28 offices across the nation with an unyielding commitment to client satisfaction.

About Douglas Emmett, Inc.

Douglas Emmett, Inc. (DEI) is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT), and one of the largest owners and operators of high-quality office and multifamily properties located in the premier coastal submarkets of Los Angeles and Honolulu. Douglas Emmett focuses on owning and acquiring a substantial share of top-tier office properties and premier multifamily communities in neighborhoods that possess significant supply constraints, high-end executive housing and key lifestyle amenities. For more information about Douglas Emmett, please visit our website at www.douglasemmett.com.

SOURCE Walker & Dunlop

Related Links

http://www.walkerdunlop.com


NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- WeissLaw LLP is investigating possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law by the Board of Directors of Supreme Industries, Inc. ("STS" or the "Company") (NYSE: STS) in connection with the proposed acquisition of the Company by Wabash National Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company's shareholders will receive $21.00 in cash for each STS share they own.

WeissLaw is investigating whether STS's Board acted to maximize shareholder value prior to entering into the agreement. Notably, STS shares traded at $22.00, or $1.00 above the offer price, as recently as April. Additionally, the Company recently announced positive financial results. In its Q2 2017 earnings call, Mark Weber, STS's President and CEO, expressed great pleasure with the Company's handling of its seasonal rental volume spike, which Mr. Weber noted "exceeded [STS's] typical pattern with sales sequentially increasing 39% over the first quarter." STS reported net sales of $95.9 million, setting a new record in quarterly sales for the Company.

Given these facts, WeissLaw is investigating whether STS's Board acted in the best interests of STS's public shareholders to maximize shareholder value prior to entering into the agreement. If you own STS shares and would like more information about your rights or our investigation, or if you have information to share with us, please contact Joshua Rubin by telephone at (888) 593-4771 or by email at [email protected].

WeissLaw LLP has litigated hundreds of stockholder class and derivative actions for violations of corporate and fiduciary duties. We have recovered over a billion dollars for defrauded clients and obtained important corporate governance relief in many of these cases. If you have information or would like legal advice concerning possible corporate wrongdoing (including insider trading, waste of corporate assets, accounting fraud, or materially misleading information), consumer fraud (including false advertising, defective products, or other deceptive business practices), or anti-trust violations, please email us at [email protected] or fill out the form on our website, http://www.weisslawllp.com/supreme-industries-inc/

SOURCE WeissLaw LLP

Related Links

http://weisslawllp.com


MADISON, Wis., Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB) is focused on adding and developing top talent in 2017 to help ensure the long term prosperity that Wisconsin dairy farm families need and deserve. The new team members join WMMB from a variety of organizations and brands and bring industry knowledge, new perspective, and energy to help drive the WMMB mission.

Chad Vincent, appointed as CEO in December, 2016 came to WMMB with an extensive background in marketing, leadership and strategy development for companies  large and small. He led Sartori Cheese to record sales, ran a frozen food division at Heinz, was the President and Chief Branding Officer for Finland-based Fiskars and served as President of Asia at Miller Brewing.

"Getting the right people in the right seats is critical to our success," said Vincent. "I want to make sure that we have the best talent, and that every individual at WMMB is passionate about being a tireless advocate and promoter for Wisconsin's dairy farmers."

New 2017 WMMB staff hires since Vincent's arrival include:

Christine Kuske Riese, Director of Channel Marketing

Kuske Riese brings strong marketing and category management experience from companies such as Fiskars, Spectrum Brands, Jimmy Dean Foods and Maybelline. In this role, she will oversee marketing efforts for several of WMMB's retail programs.

Rich Mende, Director of Channel Programs

With over 20 years of experience in retail sales management, Mende will provide leadership and supervision to WMMB's team of regional marketing managers, and oversee the development and implementation of consumer, retail cheese and dairy promotional programs.

Suzanne Fanning, Vice President of Marketing Communications

Fanning has led marketing communications for several global brands and is the immediate past president of the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA). Her role at WMMB encompasses public relations, web, digital, education, social media, branding and influencer engagement.

Ben Kroeplin, Digital Content Manager

Kroeplin joins WMMB with more than a decade of experience in marketing, communications and broadcast journalism. As digital content manager, Kroeplin will develop strategy for the organization's digital marketing campaigns.

Lizzy Schultz, Social Media Specialist

Schultz joins WMMB as social media specialist and will provide support on a wide variety of digital media projects and help maintain digital assets for WMMB's key social media channels  Wisconsin Cheese and America's Dairyland.

Lizzie Duffey, Public Relations Specialist

Duffey will provide media relations support and assist in the development and execution of consumer promotions and events. Prior to joining WMMB, Duffey was a brand spokesperson and pilot of the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.

Internal promotions include:

Jen Walsh, Vice President of Insights and Strategy

Formerly the director of market research, Walsh was promoted to Vice President of Insights and Strategy at WMMB. In this new role, Walsh will manage WMMB's research team and help lead the organization's strategy and planning process.

Rachel Kerr, Director of Events and Public Relations

As the former public relations manager, Kerr's role with WMMB has expanded to include oversight of tours, tradeshows, and consumer events and sponsorships, in addition to day-to-day management of WMMB's ongoing public relations efforts.

For more information about WMMB, visit www.wmmb.com or connect with the company on Facebook.

The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board is a nonprofit organization of dairy farmers that promotes the consumption of milk, cheese and other dairy products made in America's Dairyland.

SOURCE Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board

Related Links

http://www.wmmb.com


CASPER, Wyo., Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Visitors from across the globe expected to travel to Wyoming for the Great American Solar Eclipse on August 21 are being advised by law enforcement officials that the state's marijuana laws will be strictly enforced.

"Traffic laws will be strictly enforced and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated on Wyoming's roadways," Byron Oedekoven, executive director of the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police (WASCOP). He added that, while other nearby states including Colorado have legalized marijuana, the drug is illegal in Wyoming.

"Medical marijuana is not legal in Wyoming, and even if you have a card from another state it is still illegal to possess marijuana in Wyoming," he explained. "If you are caught with any controlled substance you will be charged with a misdemeanor or felony drug offense depending upon how much of that substance you have in your possession."

It is estimated that 250,000 visitors will travel to Wyoming to experience the eclipse, according to Oedekoven. Under the leadership of Governor Matt Mead, federal, state, and local agencies are working together to safely accommodate visitors to the state.

From Jackson to Torrington, more than a dozen cities in Wyoming are in the "path of totality," the narrow path across the earth's surface where viewers will experience the total eclipse of the sun when the moon passes in front of its surface. Because of the state's wide-open spaces, clear skies, and spectacular scenery, it is one of the top destinations in the world for people seeking the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the eclipse.

Through its Traffic Safety Project (TSP) WASCOP is working with the Wyoming Office of Highway Safety and the Governor's Commission on Impaired Driving to identify strategies to address traffic and other safety issues.

"We hope people will come to Wyoming to experience the incredible beauty and quality of life in our state," said Oedekoven. "On behalf of the women and men of WASCOP dedicated to serving and protecting residents and visitors in our state, we promise to do everything possible to ensure you will have a safe and enjoyable visit."

WASCOP has established the There is No Debate Marijuana Community Awareness campaign to help educate residents about the harms marijuana causes to people and communities in the state. For more information, visit www.ThereIsNoDebate.org

SOURCE Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police
BEIJING, Aug.11, 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 recently in other countries, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017.

Second Quarter 2017 Highlights

Contract sales increased 54.4% to US$732.4 million from US$474.4 million in the second quarter of 2016 and increased 139.8% from US$305.4 million in the first quarter of 2017.

from in the second quarter of 2016 and increased 139.8% from in the first quarter of 2017. Total revenue increased 29.6% to US$488.2 million from US$376.6 million in the second quarter of 2016 and increased 73.9% from US$280.7 million in the first quarter of 2017.

from in the second quarter of 2016 and increased 73.9% from in the first quarter of 2017. Gross profit increased 39.6% to US$107.9 million (or 22.1% of total revenue) from US$77.3 million (or 20.5% of total revenue) in the second quarter of 2016, and increased 72.4% from US$62.6 million (or 22.3% of total revenue) in the first quarter of 2017.

(or 22.1% of total revenue) from (or 20.5% of total revenue) in the second quarter of 2016, and increased 72.4% from (or 22.3% of total revenue) in the first quarter of 2017. Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A") expenses as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 9.9% from 10.9% in the second quarter of 2016 and decreased from 12.6% in the first quarter of 2017.

Net income was US$20.6 million , compared to US$27.8 million in the second quarter of 2016 and US$7.4 million in the first quarter of 2017.

, compared to in the second quarter of 2016 and in the first quarter of 2017. Diluted net earnings per American Depositary Share ("ADS") attributable to shareholders were US$0.14 , compared to US$0.39 in the second quarter of 2016 and US$0.11 in the first quarter of 2017.

, compared to in the second quarter of 2016 and in the first quarter of 2017. The Company repurchased through its share repurchase program 952,231 ADSs at a total cost of approximately US$4.7 million in the second quarter of 2017.

Mr. Yong Zhang, Xinyuan's Chairman, stated, "Our second quarter results were generally in line with our expectations under the current government's restrictive policies impacting China's overall housing market. We achieved 54.4% contract sales growth and 29.6% revenue growth compared to the same quarter last year, which was attributable to strong and solid performance of our active projects.

We were also pleased to increase our number of strategic land acquisitions. During the second quarter, we increased our presence in several existing markets where we have a sound track record, including Zhengzhou, Xi'an and Kunshan, and established our presence in a new market with national geographical significance - Zhuhai, an important location in the "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area". A total of five new projects with an aggregate GFA of 795,000 square meters were acquired in the second quarter, which we expect to support our growth in the years to come.

Furthermore, we are pleased to pay our 22nd consecutive quarterly dividend. The ongoing US$40 million share repurchase as well as the full redemption of our outstanding US$200 million senior notes in early July also demonstrate our commitment to delivering value to our shareholders," concluded Mr. Zhang.

Second Quarter 2017 Financial Results

Contract Sales

Contract sales in China totaled US$711.8 million in the second quarter compared to US$474.4 million in the second quarter of 2016 and US$240.8 million in the first quarter of 2017.

The Company's GFA sales in China were 409,700 square meters in the second quarter of 2017 compared to 344,600 square meters in the second quarter of 2016 and 140,300 square meters in the first quarter of 2017.

The ASP per square meter sold in China was RMB11,946 (US$1,739) in the second quarter of 2017 compared to RMB8,992 (US$1,377) in the second quarter of 2016 and RMB11,820 (US$1,717) in the first quarter of 2017.

Contract sales in the United States totaled US$20.6 million in the second quarter of 2017.

The Company commenced pre-sales of one new project in the second quarter of 2017, Xingyang Splendid III, which contributed 3.8% of total GFA sales.

Breakdown of GFA Sales and ASPs by Project in China

Project Q2 2016 Q1 2017 Q2 2017 Unsold GFA ASP GFA ASP GFA ASP GFA (m2 '000s) (RMB) (m2 '000s) (RMB) (m2 '000s) (RMB) (m2 '000s) Zhengzhou Xin City -0.1 13,136 0.2 52,821 0.1 4,005 5.3 Zhengzhou Thriving Family 0.1 10,446 0.3 5,913 - - 15.7 Xingyang Splendid I 2.1 5,281 6.2 6,626 0.4 7,115 28.9 Xingyang Splendid II 8.6 5,253 8.6 6,710 15.4 5,265 58.8 Kunshan Royal Palace 29.0 15,586 2.3 21,222 5.3 24,173 8.8 Suzhou Lake Royal Palace 10.6 21,575 2.8 19,906 3.8 20,094 10.5 Jinan Xinyuan Splendid 1.3 9,499 0.2 4,417 0.2 4,263 8.8 Jinan Royal Palace 32.0 6,874 22.4 9,280 13.2 10,508 164.9 Xuzhou Colorful City 2.9 9,895 1.7 15,131 2.8 13,385 47.1 Beijing Xindo Park -0.3 31,469 0.1 19,697 0.2 4,235 10.4 Chengdu Thriving Family 30.7 5,639 4.7 11,277 6.0 19,194 54.6 Changsha Xinyuan Splendid 39.2 6,355 9.7 9,050 28.2 9,521 24.6 Sanya Yazhou Bay No.1 4.2 12,438 26.3 15,432 8.1 15,888 65.6 Xi'an Metropolitan 21.7 7,133 3.1 8,889 9.5 9,553 65.3 Shanghai Royal Palace 7.0 30,594 -0.1 28,707 - - 11.4 Zhengzhou Xindo Park 10.2 6,448 13.2 6,342 22.9 6,998 37.1 Jinan Xin Central 11.9 10,793 6.8 11,777 8.3 13,928 65.0 Henan Xin Central I 29.9 8,083 0.5 11,568 3.4 16,229 53.7 Zhengzhou Fancy City I 29.0 8,970 0.8 21,739 2.6 19,015 29.2 Zhengzhou Fancy City II (South) 5.6 8,897 10.1 12,394 7.6 12,649 13.3 Tianjin Spring Royal Palace 68.5 7,429 -0.1 6,844 11.0 11,118 157.7 Kunshan Xindo Park - - 4.4 18,244 10.6 20,523 42.5 Zhengzhou International New City I - - 0.9 10,834 207.4 12,084 102.1 Henan Xin Central II - - 15.0 10,955 27.2 11,293 58.6 Xingyang Splendid III - - - - 15.5 6,981 108.1 Others 0.5 - 0.2 - - - 3.2 Total 344.6 8,992 140.3 11,820 409.7 11,946 1,251.2

Revenue

In the second quarter of 2017, the Company's total revenue increased 29.6% to US$488.2 million from US$376.6 million in the second quarter of 2016 and increased 73.9% from US$280.7 million in the first quarter of 2017.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the second quarter of 2017 was US$107.9 million, or 22.1% of revenue, compared to a gross profit of US$77.3 million, or 20.5% of revenue, in the second quarter of 2016 and a gross profit of US$62.6 million, or 22.3% of revenue, in the first quarter of 2017.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

SG&A expenses were US$48.2 million for the second quarter of 2017 compared to US$41.0 million for the second quarter of 2016 and US$35.5 million for the first quarter of 2017. As a percentage of total revenue, SG&A expenses were 9.9% compared to 10.9% in the second quarter of 2016 and 12.6% in the first quarter of 2017.

Net Income

Net income for the second quarter of 2017 was US$20.6 million compared to US$27.8 million for the second quarter of 2016 and US$7.4 million for the first quarter of 2017. Net margin was 4.2%, compared to 7.4% in the second quarter of 2016 and 2.6% in the first quarter of 2017. Diluted earnings per ADS were US$0.14, compared to US$0.39 per ADS in the second quarter of 2016 and US$0.11 per ADS in the first quarter of 2017.

The lower net income compared with the second quarter of 2016 was mainly due to (i) an increase in selling and distribution expenses related to commercial sales under a more challenging market environment, (ii) an increase in the un-capitalized portion of the Company's interest expenses due to some debt not yet allocated into real estate projects, and (iii) a one-time Land Value-Added Tax (LVAT) refund of approximately US$9 million in the prior year period related to a final settlement at one of the Company's projects.

Balance Sheet

As of June 30, 2017, the Company's cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash) increased to US$1,276.8 million from US$1,245.9 million as of March 31, 2017. Total debt outstanding was US$2,647.8 million, which reflected an increase of US$320.7 million compared to US$2,327.1 million at the end of the first quarter of 2017. The balance of the Company's real estate properties under development at the end of the second quarter of 2017 was US$2,135.2 million, compared to US$1,848.5 million at the end of the first quarter of 2017.

Real Estate Project Status in China

Below is a summary table of projects that were active and available for sale in the second quarter of 2017.

Project GFA Contract Sales Project Cost % Complete

(m2 '000s) (US$ millions)

Total Active Project Sold to date Total Active Project Sales to date % Sold



Zhengzhou Xin City 211.1 205.8 345.1 315.4 91.4% 98.2%

Zhengzhou Thriving Family 131.5 115.8 148.3 122.4 82.5% 96.7%

Xingyang Splendid I 117.4 88.5 90.7 68.8 75.9% 75.7%

Xingyang Splendid II 137.2 78.4 137.3 67.1 48.9% 58.6%

Kunshan Royal Palace 280.0 271.2 467.9 431.7 92.3% 95.2%

Suzhou Lake Royal Palace 169.6 159.1 349.3 297.7 85.2% 99.6%

Jinan Xinyuan Splendid 572.2 563.4 722.2 716.0 99.1% 99.5%

Jinan Royal Palace 449.7 284.8 638.0 301.8 47.3% 76.2%

Xuzhou Colorful City 130.2 83.1 193.1 115.7 59.9% 83.4%

Beijing Xindo Park 133.1 122.7 435.8 364.7 83.7% 99.8%

Chengdu Thriving Family 211.4 156.8 363.1 151.7 41.8% 96.5%

Changsha Xinyuan Splendid 251.6 227.0 345.0 223.2 64.7% 90.0%

Sanya Yazhou Bay No.1 117.2 51.6 288.3 109.3 37.9% 86.2%

Xi'an Metropolitan 290.7 225.4 459.5 233.9 50.9% 97.4%

Shanghai Royal Palace 57.8 46.4 273.0 170.5 62.5% 99.3%

Zhengzhou Xindo Park 144.4 107.3 192.3 113.0 58.8% 84.5%

Jinan Xin Central 194.7 129.7 347.8 191.7 55.1% 82.2%

Henan Xin Central I 262.2 208.5 351.2 254.0 72.3% 75.7%

Zhengzhou Fancy City I 166.8 137.6 229.6 180.2 78.5% 67.0%

Zhengzhou Fancy City II (South) 84.1 70.8 142.2 109.7 77.1% 63.3%

Tianjin Spring Royal Palace 278.6 120.9 484.5 141.7 29.2% 47.7%

Kunshan Xindo Park 89.0 46.5 265.5 128.7 48.5% 68.7%

Zhengzhou International New City I 360.5 258.4 648.5 444.2 68.5% 39.1%

Henan Xin Central II 109.8 51.2 178.5 83.0 46.5% 53.6%

Xingyang Splendid III 123.5 15.4 135.2 15.7 11.6% 33.7%

Others remaining GFA 3.2











Total active projects 5,077.5 3,826.3 8,231.9 5,351.8 65.0% 78.5%



As of June 30, 2017, the Company's total saleable GFA was approximately 2,947,100 square meters for active projects and under planning stage projects in China. Below is a summary of all of the Company's planning stage projects:



Unsold GFA (m2 '000s) Pre-sales Scheduled





Zhengzhou Fancy City II(North) 119.6 Q3 2017

Zhengzhou International New City II 175.7 Q3 2017

Beijing Liyuan project 102.3 To be determined

Changsha Mulian Royal Palace 93.3 Q3 2017

Zhengzhou International New City III 337.0 To be determined

Changsha Renmin East Road project 73.0 To be determined

Xian Aerospace City Project 226.0 To be determined

Zhengzhou Heizhuzhuang Project 340.0 To be determined

Kunshan Zhongyu Project 113.0 To be determined

Zhengzhou International New City IV 46.0 To be determined

Zhuhai Prince Project 70.0 To be determined

Total projects under planning 1,695.9



Total active projects 1,251.2



Total of all Xinyuan unsold projects in China 2,947.1





Real Estate Project Update in the United States

In the second quarter of 2017, our Oosten project in Brooklyn, New York recognized revenue of approximately US$21 million. As of June 30, 2017, we had sold and closed a total of 161 units out of 216 total units and revenue from this project had reached US$238 million. The construction loan for this project was fully paid off. As a testament to this project's success in the New York market, the Oosten project was recently awarded the "Best Residential Condominium Building" award by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce at the 2017 Building Brooklyn Awards, which represents the first win by a non-US-based developer in the award's history.

During the second quarter of 2017, local market demand and price trends remained stable in both Manhattan and Brooklyn. Both saw modest year-on-year unit price increases, with Brooklyn enjoying slightly higher increases.

The Company is continuing its foundation work for its second New York City project which is located in midtown Manhattan.

The Company continues to execute its planning, governmental approvals and pre-development of its ground-up development project located in Queens, New York.

Conference Call Information

The Company will hold a conference call at 8:00 am ET on August 11, 2017 to discuss 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 recently in other countries. In China, Xinyuan 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. Xinyuan 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.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements". These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements includes statements about estimated financial performance and sales performance and activity, among others, and can generally be identified by terminology such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "future", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates" and similar statements. Statements that are not historical statements are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated, including, but not limited to, our ability to continue to implement our business model successfully; our ability to secure adequate financing for our project development; our ability to successfully sell or complete our property projects under construction and planning; our ability to enter successfully into new geographic markets and new business lines and expand our operations; the marketing and sales ability of our third-party sales agents; the performance of our third-party contractors; the impact of laws, regulations and policies relating to real estate developers and the real estate industry in the countries in which we operate; our ability to obtain permits and licenses to carry on our business in compliance with applicable laws and regulations; competition from other real estate developers; the growth of the real estate industry in the markets in which we operate; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in the markets in which we operate; and other risks outlined in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or review publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statement is made.

Notes to Unaudited Financial Information

This release contains unaudited financial information which is subject to year-end audit adjustments. Adjustments to the financial statements may be identified when the audit work is completed, which could result in significant differences between our audited financial statements and this unaudited financial information.

For more information, please contact:

In China:

Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd.

Mr. Joe Xu

Investor Relations Deputy Director

Tel: +86 (10) 8588-9376

Email: [email protected]

ICR, LLC

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]

XINYUAN REAL ESTATE CO., LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (All US$ amounts and number of shares data in thousands, except per share data)





Three months ended





June 30,



March 31,



June 30,





2017



2017



2016





(unaudited)



(unaudited)



(unaudited)



























Total revenue



488,165





280,714





376,623



























Total costs of revenue



(380,242)





(218,147)





(299,317)

Gross profit



107,923





62,567





77,306



























Selling and distribution expenses



(18,219)





(10,488)





(8,801)

General and administrative expenses



(29,965)





(25,017)





(32,197)



























Operating income



59,739





27,062





36,308



























Interest income



4,375





2,599





4,223

Interest expense



(20,195)





(9,325)





(5,063)

Net realized gain on short-term investments



2,257





588





807

Unrealized gain/(loss) on short-term investments



524





1,254





(153)

Other income



-





159





4,101

Exchange (loss)/gains



(46)





(51)





182

Share of loss of equity investees



(265)





(243)





(641)



























Income from operations before income taxes



46,389





22,043





39,764



























Income taxes



(25,769)





(14,625)





(11,960)



























Net income



20,620





7,418





27,804

Net (income)/loss attributable to non-controlling interest



(11,698)





42





(1,278)

Net income attributable to Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd. shareholders



8,922





7,460





26,526



























Earnings per ADS:























Basic



0.14





0.12





0.40

Diluted



0.14





0.11





0.39

ADS used in computation:























Basic



64,324





63,995





66,005

Diluted



65,622





64,944





68,164



XINYUAN REAL ESTATE CO., LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (All US$ amounts and number of shares data in thousands, except per share data)



Six months ended





June 30,



June 30,





2017



2016





(unaudited)



(unaudited)



















Total revenue



768,879





612,007



















Total costs of revenue



(598,389)





(485,807)

Gross profit



170,490





126,200



















Selling and distribution expenses



(28,707)





(16,922)

General and administrative expenses



(54,982)





(55,605)



















Operating income



86,801





53,673



















Interest income



6,974





12,694

Interest expense



(29,520)





(10,063)

Net realized gain on short-term investments



2,845





916

Unrealized gain on short-term investments



1,778





767

Other income



159





4,108

Exchange (loss)/gains



(97)





236

Share of loss of an equity investee



(508)





(599)



















Income from operations before income taxes



68,432





61,732



















Income taxes



(40,394)





(27,033)



















Net income



28,038





34,699

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest



(11,656)





(2,054)

Net income attributable to Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd. shareholders



16,382





32,645



















Earnings per ADS:















Basic



0.26





0.49

Diluted



0.25





0.47

ADS used in computation:















Basic



64,159





67,309

Diluted



65,779





69,492



XINYUAN REAL ESTATE CO., LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (All US$ amounts and number of shares data in thousands)



June 30,



March 31,



December 31,





2017



2017



2016





(unaudited)



(unaudited)



(audited)

ASSETS























Current assets























Cash and cash equivalents



955,209





916,029





578,244

Restricted cash



321,615





329,909





328,499

Short-term investments



49,686





41,113





39,311

Accounts receivable



27,669





26,884





32,704

Other receivables



38,714





31,804





31,822

Deposits for land use rights



80,376





100,804





153,252

Other deposits and prepayments



492,429





276,914





525,263

Advances to suppliers



38,569





30,433





27,457

Real estate properties development completed



381,238





429,254





477,179

Real estate properties under development



2,135,226





1,848,471





1,719,135

Amounts due from related parties



6,155





20,284





17,732

Amounts due from employees



1,582





2,277





621

Other current assets



704





140





226



























Total current assets



4,529,172





4,054,316





3,931,445



























Real estate properties held for lease, net



191,021





163,541





159,874

Property and equipment, net



33,455





33,610





34,090

Other long-term investment



9,099





8,938





242

Investment in joint ventures



7,502





7,541





7,556

Deferred tax assets



50,190





49,701





49,690

Deposits for land use rights



29,523





28,988





28,831

Other assets



57,060





24,740





24,717



























TOTAL ASSETS



4,907,022





4,371,375





4,236,445



XINYUAN REAL ESTATE CO., LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (All US$ amounts and number of shares data in thousands)



June 30,



March 31,



December 31,





2017



2017



2016





(unaudited)



(unaudited)



(audited)

LIABILITIES AND























SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY























Current liabilities























Accounts payable and notes payable



482,009





423,413





524,663

Short-term bank loans and other debt



109,856





130,448





178,576

Customer deposits



173,326





168,829





150,545

Income tax payable



102,736





106,396





120,573

Other payables and accrued liabilities



242,940





208,466





199,661

Payroll and welfare payable



12,247





4,626





19,522

Current portion of long-term bank loans and other debt



1,074,467





574,802





704,695

Current maturities of capital lease obligations



4,314





3,945





3,923

Mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests



12,916





-





12,614

Amounts due to related parties



69,307





67,949





66,230



























Total current liabilities



2,284,118





1,688,874





1,981,002



























Non- current liabilities























Long-term bank loans



363,898





350,887





235,885

Other long term debt



1,099,563





1,270,978





974,791

Deferred tax liabilities



172,763





105,086





93,107

Unrecognized tax benefits



20,494





20,492





20,492

Capital lease obligations, net of current maturities



13,093





14,876





15,016

Due to related parties



1,543





-





-

TOTAL LIABILITIES



3,955,472





3,451,193





3,320,293



























Shareholders' equity























Common shares



16





16





16

Treasury shares



(65,590)





(60,915)





(53,734)

Additional paid-in capital



542,040





539,763





538,414

Statutory reserves



95,965





95,965





95,973

Retained earnings



356,990





354,905





354,274

Accumulated other comprehensive income



(11,227)





(30,652)





(34,683)

Total Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd. shareholders' equity



918,194





899,082





900,260

Non-controlling interest



33,356





21,100





15,892

Total equity



951,550





920,182





916,152

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY



4,907,022





4,371,375





4,236,445



SOURCE Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd.

Related Links

http://www.xyre.com


SHANGHAI, Aug. 11 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Yum China Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: YUMC) and its restaurants under the brands of KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Little Sheep as well as East Dawning, announced that they have committed RMB 4 million to support relief efforts following a 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Jiuzhaigou County in Sichuan Province on the 8th of August. The donation, to be made through the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation, will contribute to the post-disaster reconstruction and recovery program.

Beyond the financial aid, Yum China and its restaurants immediately extended additional support to those in the affected region. Following the earthquake in Jiuzhaigou County, the Company opened three KFC and two Pizza Hut restaurants in nearby Mianyang City, Sichuan Province to provide 24-hour support to media, medical and other rescue workers. Yum China's subsidiaries in Southwest China also established relief funds to provide assistance to the Company's employees and their immediate family members who were injured or suffered property damage during the earthquake.

Since entering the Chinese market in 1987, Yum China has been committed to giving back to the communities that it serves through charitable programs and disaster relief efforts. In May 2008, following the Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan Province, Yum China and its staff contributed more than RMB 21 million to disaster relief efforts. In April 2010, the Company donated RMB 2 million to the earthquake-stricken communities in Yushu, Qinghai Province. In April 2013, Yum China donated RMB 5 million towards the disaster relief program in the wake of the earthquake in Ya'an, Sichuan Province. In August 2014, the Company contributed RMB 2 million towards post-disaster reconstruction initiatives following the earthquake in Lundian, Yunnan Province.

About Yum China Holdings, Inc.

Yum China Holdings, Inc. is a licensee of Yum! Brands in mainland China. It has exclusive rights in mainland China to KFC, China's leading quick-service restaurant brand, Pizza Hut, the leading casual dining restaurant brand in China, and Taco Bell, which opened its first restaurant in China at the end of 2016. Yum China also owns the Little Sheep and East Dawning concepts outright. Yum China is well positioned for growth thanks to its strong competitive position, integration of its brands into Chinese popular culture and consumers' daily lives, expanding geographic footprint in China and existing operational expertise. It has a strong capital position, no external debt and expects to continue growing its system sales and profit by adding new restaurants and through growing same-store sales. Yum China had more than 7,600 restaurants and more than 420,000 employees in over 1,100 cities at the end of May 2017. A new generation of younger consumers who are digitally sophisticated and brand driven are fueling growth in consumption in China. The ongoing growth of the middle class and urban population in China is expected to create the world's largest market for restaurant brands, with Yum China poised to be the market leader.

Yum China Media Contacts:

Forest Liu, Director, Finance Media, at +86 21 2407 7505

SOURCE Yum China Holdings, Inc
BEIJING, Aug. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Zhaopin Limited (NYSE: ZPIN) ("Zhaopin" or the "Company"), a leading career platform1 in China focused on connecting users with relevant job opportunities throughout their career lifecycle, kicked off the nomination process for the annual "China's Best Employer Award" together with Peking University Social Survey Research Center.

Launched in 2005, "China's Best Employer Award" has become the most influential and prestigious brand nomination event for both China-based and multinational employers. The "Oscars" of the human resources industry in China, the award is both a valuable reference for job seekers, and an important way for local and international employers to measure themselves and their work environment against the best in the industry. Last year more than 9,700 candidate employers competed for the awards and over 28 million votes were casted by employees nationwide.

"Over the 13 years of hosting China's Best Employer Award, we have introduced 'employer brand' to China and identified and analyzed major trends in China's labor market," said Mr. Evan Guo, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Zhaopin. "With the emergence of new employment relationships in China, we defined the 'new employer economy' in 2015. The new employer economy has been evolving, driven by the Internet, cloud computing, Big Data and artificial intelligence. For this year's award, we will explore the new employer economy in the digital era."

China's Best Employer Award 2017 will include: China's Best Employer Nationwide TOP 100, China's Best Employer Nationwide TOP 30, China's Best Employer for University Students, China's Best Employer for Female Employees, China's Most Socially Responsible Employer, China's Most Aspiring Employers, China's Most Intellectually Spirited Employer, China's Best Employers in Cities, and China's Most Aspiring Employers in Cities.

UN Women will collaborate with Zhaopin on "China's Best Employer for Female Employees" this year. UN Women will integrate the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) into the award selection criteria.

Employers, both China-based companies and multinational companies with China operations, can apply for the award by registration through best.zhaopin.com or [email protected] until August 31, 2017. China's Best Employer Nationwide TOP 100 award will be announced in September 2017. A grand ceremony will be held in December 2017 to announce award winners.

The award selection is based on professional and fair evaluation by the jury committee and public online voting by employees and job seekers. The jury committee consists of academic professionals, employment specialists, senior media reporters and third-party consultants. The professional evaluation will focus on employer image, management, salary and benefits, growth and training, work environment and company culture. A jury team of 1,000 HR professionals will review the nominations made by the public.

About Zhaopin Limited

Zhaopin is a leading career platform in China, focusing on connecting users with relevant job opportunities throughout their career lifecycle. The Company's zhaopin.com website is the most popular career platform in China as measured by average daily unique visitors in each of the 12 months ended March 31, 2017, number of registered users as of March 31, 2017 and number of unique customer2s for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The Company's over 135.0 million registered users include diverse and educated job seekers who are at various stages of their careers and are in demand by employers as a result of the general shortage of skilled and educated workers in China. In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, approximately 36.9 million job postings3 were placed on Zhaopin's platform by 509,813 unique customers including multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises and state-owned entities. The quality and quantity of Zhaopin's users and the resumes in the Company's database attract an increasing number of customers. This in turn leads to more users turning to Zhaopin as their primary recruitment and career- related services provider, creating strong network effects and significant entry barriers for potential competitors. For more information, please visit http://www.zhaopin.com.

Safe Harbor Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements made under the "safe harbor" provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Zhaopin may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Zhaopin's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements that involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, but not limited to the following: Zhaopin's goals and strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; its ability to retain and grow its user and customer base for its online career platform; the growth of, and trends in, the markets for its services in China; the demand for and market acceptance of its brand and services; competition in its industry in China; its ability to maintain the network infrastructure necessary to operate its website and mobile applications; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the corporate structure, business and industry; and its ability to protect its users' information and adequately address privacy concerns. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date of the press release, and Zhaopin does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

1 Zhaopin's website is the most popular career platform in China as measured by average daily unique visitors in each of the 12 months ended March 31, 2017, the number of registered users as of March 31, 2017 and the number of unique customers for the three months ended March 31, 2017. 2 A "unique customer" refers to a customer that purchases the Company's online recruitment services during a specified period. Zhaopin makes adjustments for multiple purchases by the same customer to avoid double counting. Each customer is assigned a unique identification number in the Company's information management system. Affiliates and branches of a given customer may, under certain circumstances, be counted as separate unique customers. 3 Zhaopin calculates the number of job postings by counting the number of newly placed job postings during each respective period. Job postings that were placed prior to a specified period - even if available during such period - are not counted as job postings for such period. Any particular job posting placed on the Company's website may include more than one job opening or position.

For more information, please contact:

Zhaopin Limited

Ms. Daisy Wang

Investor Relations

[email protected]

ICR Beijing

Mr. Edmond Lococo

Phone: +86 10 6583-7510

[email protected]

SOURCE Zhaopin Limited
Washington, Aug 5 : A federal appeals court has overturned the first-degree murder conviction of a former Blackwater security contractor sentenced to life in prison over the killings of 14 unarmed Iraqi civilians in a Baghdad traffic circle in 2007.

Nicolas Slatten, 33, was convicted in April 2015 of first-degree murder by a federal jury in Washington DC, but now gets a retrial in the case, NBC News reported.

Three former guards with the private military company who were found guilty in the same incident -- each earning 30-year sentences earlier -- also will be resentenced by an order of the court.

Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard were convicted of voluntary manslaughter in October 2014 and sentenced the following May.

In deciding to give Slatten a retrial, the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit on Friday concluded that the "district court abused its discretion" when it denied his request to be tried separately from his former co-workers.

Slatten was the only one who faced a murder charge because prosecutors alleged that he was the first to fire shots at the Iraqi civilians, the report said.

Prosecutors also ruled that the 30-year sentences for Slough, Liberty and Heard violated "the Eighth Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment".

The four contractors were convicted of firing wildly into cars stalled in mid-afternoon traffic at Nisour Square in Baghdad on September 16, 2007, pouring machine-gun bullets and grenades into crowds, including women clutching only purses and children holding their hands in the air, the Washington Post reported.

Prosecutors said the four defendants, among 19 Blackwater guards providing security for State Department officials in Iraq, panicked and were out of control when they fired after one of them falsely claimed that their convoy, called Raven 23, was threatened by a car bomber.

The guards said that they acted in self-defence after coming under AK-47 gunfire as they cleared a path to the nearby Green Zone for another Blackwater team evacuating a US official from a car bombing.

During the 10-week trial in 2014, no witness testified that they saw the guards come under fire, nor was evidence found that AK-47 rifles carried by Iraqi insurgents were used.

The defendants had vowed to appeal what one called a "perversion of justice", saying they fired in self-defense in a war zone and a city that was then one of the world's most dangerous places.

The Nisour Square shooting forced a reconsideration of America's reliance on contractors in war zones.
Chandigarh, Aug 6 : Come September and a young man from Punjab could well be on his way to literally singing the American Dream. A song, composed, written and sung by Punjab-born Rahul Lakhanpal will feature in a Hollywood movie scheduled to be released next month.

"My song 'Chicago Land' has been selected for the Hollywood movie "The Tiger Hunter" which is scheduled to release worldwide on September 22. The song aptly represents the theme of the movie -- an Indian boy chasing the love of his life in Chicago of the 1970s. The song's genre is influenced by legendary Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame inductees and Chicago Blues artists such as Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters," Rahul told IANS.

Born in Jagraon, a small town around 40 km from Punjab's Ludhiana industrial hub, Rahul started learning music at the age of 10. He trained in Punjabi folk music, Indian classical and Sufi music.

"My parents and teachers always taught me to chase my dreams without losing my focus on studies. I pursued a Bachelor of Architecture degree from GNDU (Guru Nanak Dev University), Amritsar, and Master of Science degree in Texas. In Texas, while studying and focusing on my career, I silently nurtured my dream to sing.

"I was the lead vocalist of a band called 'Dhwani' where I met my friend, and later my musical partner, Vineet Bailur. Along with my band, I performed across many universities in the US and received numerous accolades. It was a big boost to my confidence," Rahul explained.

Rahul, who is the composer and lyricist of the "Chicago Land' along with Vineet, is also its vocalist.

Having participated in "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, 2008 USA Edition", and ending up in the Top 5 category, Rahul says that his music style is Sufi rock, Bollywood, Bollywood rock, and urban Punjabi.

"My all-time favorite artists are Nusrat Fateh Khan, Kailash Kher, Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, Mohammad Rafi, my guru Sukhdev Sahil, and poets Gulzaar and Bulleh Shah. I am deeply moved and inspired by live Sufi rock music," he added.

While studying in the field of science and architecture, Rahul's journey took a musical turn in the US with performances at various places. It was at one such performance in Los Angeles in 2012 that he met Hollywood producer Nazia "Naz" Khan, who has worked on films such as "Ocean's 13", "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", "World War Z", "The Revenant", "Moonlight", and many more.

"Nazia was promoting her Hollywood film 'The Tiger Hunter', when she introduced me to the director Lena Khan, who gave me and my mate Vineet an opportunity to showcase our talent to the world. It appeared like a dream come true, and together we composed and produced three tracks, out of which one was selected by 'The Tiger Hunter' team as the Main Credits Track," Rahul said.

For the moment, Rahul is keeping his fingers crossed -- waiting for his American Dream to become a musical reality.

(Jaideep Sarin can be contacted at jaideep.s@ians.in)
New Delhi, Aug 6 : Union Minister Prakash Javadekar has said it will be good for the BJP to have party President Amit Shah in the Rajya Sabha.

It would be "good for the party when Amit Shah wins Rajya Sabha election", he said in an interview to the Zee Group, a statement said.

He also lauded newly-elected Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, saying he will work taking everyone on board.

Javadekar noted that it is "very unfortunate" that many bills are held up in the upper house despite the mandate the Narendra Modi government has earned.

Rejecting the idea of a united opposition as "a myth", he said that the Congress is a one-family party while his Bharatiya Janata Party is a cadre-based party.

Condemning the stoning of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's car, he said that the BJP believes in defeating the Congress, but not in "stone pelting tactics".

About Karnataka Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Javadekar said the Congress has to answer the recoveries made from his properties after the Income Tax raids.
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 6 : Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday visited the family of an RSS activist murdered by suspected CPI-M workers in Kerala and called it a "barbaric" crime that would have "even embarrassed a terrorist".

"Rajesh had 89 wounds on his body. The kind of wounds inflicted would have even embarrassed a terrorist," Jaitley said after meeting the family members of E. Rajesh, 34, who was hacked to death a week ago.

"It is cruelty of a barbaric nature... Even an enemy country wouldn't do this kind of brutality but a political party did this," the Bharatiya Janata Party leader added.

"You have a series of these incidents in which a large number of political workers are being killed, party offices have been attacked, our President of the state unit got saved by a whisker.

"We will not forget this heinous act. I am here to express my solidarity on behalf of our party," he added.

Jaitley, who drove from the airport to Rajesh's home, met his wife, two children and other family members.

He then addressed a commemorative meeting where he accused the government and police of being "mute spectators" and said the killings were targeted murders and not scuffles leading to violence.

"Governments are elected to do good for the people," he said. "But in Kerala the ruling party is perpetrating violence on the people. This type of ideology won't crush our ideology."

The minister complained that had some something similar happened in a BJP-ruled state, there would have been a hue and cry.

"Every time the LDF (Left Democratic Front) is in power, incidents of violence increase... What is needed now is neutrality by police.

"We need political will and determination by the state government to discipline its own cadre rather let them loose on the political opponents," he said.

He said the BJP will support the families of workers who have been killed by Marxists.

On a day's visit to Kerala, Jaitley was received at the airport by leaders of the BJP in the state.

Also on Sunday, the CPI-M organised a sit-in protest in front of the Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor P. Sathasivam, asking Jaitley to also visit the families of its cadres allegedly killed by BJP and RSS workers.

Anavoor Nagappan, the Thiruvananthapuram District Secretary of the CPI-M, told the media that those on protest included 21 family members of their activists killed in the state from 1980.

"Jaitley should not just restrict his visit to just the RSS worker's home. All these people who are sitting here have lost their near and dear ones to BJP and RSS workers," he said.

Those who joined the protest included state CPI-M Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and LDF Convenor Vaikom Viswam.

Jaitley offered to meet families of Left activists who too have suffered violence.

"The kind of argument which is being propounded which I have read in a section of media that there are victims on all sides.

"This fake equivalence which is sought to be brought between the perpetrators of crime and victims, if the argument is eventually to rely on this fake equivalence, that attitude will not being violence to an end.

"Kerala needs peace and it deserves peace," Jaitley added.
Washington, Aug 8 : Former US President Barack Obama called for calm in Tuesday's general elections in Kenya, where there are concerns over a possible resurgence of violence stemming from political and ethnic tensions.

Obama, whose father was born in Kenya and who still has a family in the African country, issued a long statement on Monday calling on Kenyan citizens as well as its leaders to leave fear and division behind, reports Efe news.

"Reject a politics of tribe and ethnicity, and embrace the extraordinary potential of an inclusive democracy" Obama said in the statement.

"I urge Kenyan leaders to reject violence and incitement; respect the will of the people; urge security forces to act professionally and neutrally; and work together no matter the outcome."

It is feared that Tuesday's elections will have parallels with the 2007 elections, which resulted in violence that killed 1,100 people and forced 600,000 to leave their homes.

The candidates are from opposing tribes, and current President Uhuru Kenyatta has been accused of rigging the elections process by his rival Raila Odinga, who also participated in the 2007 presidential elections and refused to accept his defeat, which led to the bloody clashes between tribes.

"I urge all Kenyans to work for an election - and aftermath - that is peaceful and credible, reinforcing confidence in your new Constitution and the future of your country. Any disputes around the election should be resolved peacefully, through Kenya's institutions and the rule of law," Obama said.

"As a friend of the Kenyan people, I urge you to work for a future defined not by fear and division, but by unity and hope."

Obama commented that there has already been "too much incitement and appeals based on fear from all sides" during the current Kenyan elections campaign, and warned that "the Kenyan people as a whole will be the losers if there is a descent into violence".

The former US President recalled that Kenyans "know more than any the needless pain and agony" that triggered the crisis in 2007 and, therefore, they have "the ultimate responsibility" to prevent the similar situation from happening again.

"I hope you will choose to build on this inclusive spirit to further advance the gains that have been made, rather than putting them at risk," he added.
Paris, Aug 8 : French President Emmanuel Macron has come under fire over plans to give his wife official status as "First Lady" of the country, the media reported.

Macron, who took office in May, is facing accusations of hypocrisy after he was previously outspoken in his determination to rid the French political system of nepotism, reports CNN.

A petition with close to 200,000 signatures has been launched in protest at the decision to give Brigitte Macron an official role with access to public funds, her own staff and office.

"Brigitte Macron currently has a team of two or three aides, as well as two secretaries and two security agents. That's enough," the petition said.

"It is up to the people of France -- and no-one else -- to choose their representatives."

According to the French constitution, the president's spouse does not enjoy an official role, though they do have an office and advisers.

During his presidential campaign, Macron said any role for his wife would not be paid for out of public funds.

The controversial move comes as Macron is preparing to pass a law which would ban French parliamentarians from employing members of their own families.

If Macron's law is passed, anyone convicted of such an offence could face fines and potential time in prison, CNN reported.

Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers have voiced their anger at the apparently contradictory positions adopted by Macron.

Ugo Bernalicis, of the far-left coalition La France Insoumise, on Monday accused Macron's party of hypocrisy for speaking out against jobs for MPs' families but backing an official status for Brigitte Macron, "who was elected by no-one".

Republican National Assembly member Thierry Mariani accused the President of taking a "do as I say, not as I do" approach to politics.
Islamabad, Aug 8 : Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's wife Begum Kulsoom Nawaz and their daughter Maryam Nawaz have emerged as top contenders to contest the National Assembly seat vacated by Sharif after he was disqualified by the Supreme Court last month.

"In the internal party discussions so far, names of Begum Kulsoom and Maryam have emerged as first and second priority respectively as PML-N candidates for the seat (that) fell vacant after disqualification of the Prime Minister," a party official told the Dawn newspaper.

The party official, however, quoted Sharif as telling a party meeting that he would take a final decision after reaching Lahore.

The former Prime Minister had earlier hinted that his younger brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif should succeed him as Prime Minister after contesting from the NA-120 seat in Lahore to become a National Assembly member.

But Shahbaz Sharif's name was apparently withdrawn after some senior party members feared that in the absence of the younger Sharif from Punjab, the pace of ongoing mega projects in the province would be affected, reported the daily.

Though Begum Kalsoom had successfully led the party's movement for the release of her jailed husband after a military coup in 1999, neither she nor her daughter Maryam has ever taken part in any electoral bout at any level.

Polling for the Lahore seat will be held on September 17.
New Delhi, Aug 8 : The Uttar Pradesh Shia Waqf Board on Tuesday filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court saying a mosque can be built in a Muslim-dominated area maintaining a reasonable distance from Lord Ram's birth place in Ayodhya.

Filing an affidavit, the Shia Waqf Board said closeness of places of worship "should be avoided in as much as both denominations using loudspeakers tend to disturb religious performance of each other, often leading to conflicts and acrimony in the two factions".

"To bring a quietus to the issue, Masjid can be located in a Muslim-dominated area at a reasonable distance from the most revered place of birth of Maryada Purushottam Sri Ram," it added.

The Shia Waqf Board contended that the Sunni Waqf Board has no stake in the case since the mosque was a Shia property.

"Since Babri Masjid was a Shia Waqf, only Shia Central Waqf board, Uttar Pradesh, is entitled to negotiate and arrive at a peaceful settlement with other remaining stakeholders," the affidavit stated.

The Shia Board also suggested that a panel headed by a retired Supreme Court judge and all stakeholders should find an amicable solution to the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid dispute.

The committee should also include nominees from the Prime Minister's Office and the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's Office, and make suggestions and proposals for amicable settlement, affidavit said.

The Supreme Court has constituted a three-judge bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra to hear a batch of petitions challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict in the Ayodhya land dispute case from August 11.

The bench, whose other members are Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice Abdul Nazeer, would adjudicate the dispute over ownership of Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid land.

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court in 2010 had said the land should be partitioned equally among three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.
New Delhi, Aug 8 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the families of each of the three sanitation employees who died while cleaning a gutter here. He also promised a government job to one family member.

The three sanitation workers died on Sunday after inhaling toxic gases while cleaning a gutter in Lajpat Nagar.

The Chief Minister met the family members of the deceased and announced the compensation.

"A financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh shall be granted to the affected families. One family member of each of the victims would be given a government job," he told media.

"I have ordered a probe. Those guilty will not be spared and punished under the law."

He said that a high powered committee would examine why such incidents were happening and required action would be taken to check them.
Srinagar, Aug 8 : In an unexpected move, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday called on opposition National Conference president Farooq Abdullah to discuss the prevailing political situation in the state.

Mehbooba Mufti drove to the high-security Gupkar Road residence of Abdullah in the evening for the meeting, which was described as "cordial".

Posting a comment on the meeting, Abdullah's son and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on his widely followed Twitter handle: "Mehbooba Mufti called on JKNC President this evening to discuss the prevailing political situation in the state. It was a cordial meeting."

"With an aim to create a wider consensus amongst like minded parties in this battle to prevent Art 35A being struck down in the Supreme Court," he said in another tweet.

The debate surrounding the Constitution's Article 35A is gradually heating up in the state following a petition in the Supreme Court that has sought abrogation of the article giving powers to the J&K legislature to define permanent residents of the state and their privileges.

On Monday, the elder Abdullah had chaired a meeting of opposition leaders of the state at his residence where issues related to Article 35A were discussed and later told the media that its abrogation would cause an uprising the government might not be able to handle.
New Delhi, Aug 8 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of three sanitation employees who died while cleaning a gutter here. He also promised a government job to one family member each.

The three sanitation workers died on Sunday after inhaling toxic gases while cleaning a gutter in Lajpat Nagar.

The Chief Minister met the family members of the deceased and announced the compensation.

"A financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh will be granted to the affected families. One family member of each victim will be given a government job," he told the media.

"I have ordered a probe. The guilty will not be spared and punished under the law."

He said that a high-powered committee would examine why such incidents were happening, and accordingly, the required action would be taken.

Kejriwal also directed Delhi Jal Board CEO Keshav Chandra to "fix responsibility" of the officials and also identify the circmustances which led to this incident.

Later Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the Delhi Assembly said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government was very much serious about the sanitation workers and there were "standing instructions" that sewer drains should not be cleaned manually.

"We are investigating into that incident and anyone -- whether contractor or official -- who violated the rules will not be spared," Sisodia told the House. The monsoon session of the assembly is underway.

One person each from the families of deceased sanitation workers would be given a job in Civil Defence.

Water Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam, while summing up a small discussion on the topic, said the government was formulating new parameters (to clean sewer) to check recurrence of such incidents and fix the responsibility of officers and contractors concerned.

"We will ensure that there is no manual cleaning of sewer in the city, but if there is requirement of manual cleaning, junior engineer will be on the spot," the minister said.

Meanwhile, former Delhi Minister Sandeep Kumar demanded that the families of the deceased be given Rs 1 crore as compensation and a "permanent government job", since a job in Civil Defence was not permanent.
New Delhi, Aug 8 : Taking offence at a press statement of BJP legislator Vijender Gupta, in which he urged the LG to scrap "unconstitutional House committees", the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution to send the issue to its Privileges Committee.

Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta had on August 2 issued a press statement in which he termed certain committees of the assembly as "unconstitutional" and through a letter urged Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal to dissolve such committees.

Summing up a discussion on the issue, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that questioning the existence of the committees of the Delhi Assembly was not fair and such statements should not be tolerated.

He said that he himself was an executive (like Gupta) but had not problem with the existence of the committee, then why Gupta was so much worried about their existence and functioning.

"The Assembly Committees play a pivotal role in strengthening the democracy in Delhi and he (Vijender Gupta) does not believe in democracy. These committees target the people who indulge in wrongdoing and it seems Gupta certainly has some connections with such people," Sisodia said.

He added these Committees had tremendous power to oversee the works of the government which helped a lot in bringing transparency and improving the quality of the work.

"Assembly sits three to four times in a year to oversee the progress of the works done by the government, but these committees are the bodies which can continuously take an account of the development works and related issues," the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said.

Gupta had also accused these committees of summoning officers in order to pressurise or threaten them.

Attacking Gupta and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Sisodia alleged that Gupta came from a background (political) where "people from his party are not even ashamed of stalking a girl".

"These (BJP and RSS) are the people who are not even ashamed of killing (Mahatma) Gandhi. They were even against the Quit India Movement," Sisodia alleged.

The AAP MLAs, who participated in the discussion, sought an apology from the Leader of Opposition over the matter.

AAP MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj said according to the Constitution, the Delhi Assembly and its committees enjoyed same powers as the Lok Sabha and its committees.

"This House has all the powers to constitute committees. The Leader of Opposition should apologise for calling the assembly committees unconstitutional," Bharadwaj said.

Another AAP legislator Alka Lamba also demanded an apology from Gupta and said that his comments about the assembly committees were "unacceptable".

"These committees have started probing the matters to which the BJP leaders are probably linked, so they are raising questions. They want a backdoor compromise with the committees which is not going to happen," Lamba said.

AAP MLAs Somnath Bharti, Adarsh Shashtri, Nitin Tyagi, Rajesh Gupta, Rituraj, Madanlal and Vishesh Ravi also participated in the discussion.

Latest updates on Gandhi Jayanti 2019
Tehran, Aug 9 : If the US violates the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, it will be the "loser" as Iran will keep all options on the table, Iran's nuclear chief warned on Tuesday.

"The US will be the loser if it goes against the JCPOA," Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI), was quoted by the state-run news agency IRNA as saying.

JCPOA is short for the Iranian-US nuclear deal formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was signed last year by the two countries after years of tough negotiations on the controversial Iranian nuclear programme.

The deal was signed under the auspices of other world powers, including Britain, China, France and Russia, which are permanent members of the UN Security Council, plus Germany.

Under the deal, the US eased economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for its commitment to peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Tehran will reciprocally respond to Washington's violations of the international deal, Salehi warned in an interview with the Lebanese TV news channel Al Mayadeen.

Washington has to bear responsibility for its actions that violate the nuclear deal, because the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has verified Iran's peaceful nuclear program by releasing seven reports to confirm Tehran's commitment, Salehi added.

The US administration led by President Donald Trump recently imposed new sanctions on Iran, which were slammed by Tehran as a violation of the nuclear deal.
New Delhi, Aug 9 : Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah, arrested on charges of money laundering, sought bail here on Wednesday after he was remanded to 14 days judicial custody.

Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth Sharma remanded Shah to judicial custody after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) did not seek further custodial interrogation of the accused. Shah was taken to the court on the expiry of his six-day custody.

The court listed the matter for hearing the bail plea of Shah for August 14.

In his bail application, Shah's counsel M.S. Khan said the ED has mislead the court and concealed the fact that there was no conviction of the accused, Muhammad Aslam Wani, for the offences relating to waging of war, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and more.

Khan also stated that Shah had been under continuous house arrest since 2011 and not allowed to attend the prayers in mosque and to even visit relatives and friends even in the case of death of near and dear ones.

He said Shah was suffering from various ailments and needed proper treatment. The counsel claimed that the allegations levelled against his client were motivated.

Shah is a respectable person, a known political leader and Chairman of the Democratic Freedom Party, he said.

"The allegations levelled against him are motivated and based on falsehood and the purpose of getting the accused on remand was only to create evidence against the accused," the bail plea stated.

Shah said he will abide by any condition imposed by the court while granting him bail.

He was arrested from Srinagar on July 25 on charges of money laundering in a case dating back to 2005 where the Delhi Police Special Cell had arrested hawala dealer Wani.

Wani had reportedly confessed that he had passed on hawala money worth Rs 2.25 crore to Shah. The ED had registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against them.

The ED arrested Wani on Sunday. He was remanded to custody till August 14.

In the 2005 case lodged by the Special Cell, the court had acquitted co-accused Wani of the charges of criminal conspiracy and other offences but convicted him under the Arms Act.
Beijing, Aug 9 : China on Wednesday expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to Japan's defence white paper for 2017 which accused Beijing of trying to change the status quo in the East and South China Sea based on "its own assertions".

In the white paper of more than 560 pages, Japan devoted 34 pages to unjustified criticism of China's normal defence construction and military activities, Xinhua news agency reported.

Japan claimed in its defence white paper that "China has tried to change the status quo in the East China Sea and South China Sea based on its own assertions, and this has become a common concern of the region and the world at large."

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang accused Japan of meddling in the South China Sea issue, saying China has lodged solemn representations to the Japanese side.

Geng said that the will of the Chinese government to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests is firm.

He said conducting patrol and law-enforcement activities in waters off the Diaoyu Islands is China's inherent right and Japan is in no position to point fingers at those activities.

The Chinese side, carrying out normal sea and air activities in accordance with international law, relevant domestic laws and regulations as well as national defence needs, is beyond reproach, he said.

The construction of necessary and appropriate facilities by the Chinese side in some reefs and islands of the Nansha Islands is a legitimate right granted to sovereign states by international law, which has nothing to do with militarisation and does not pose a threat to regional security, said Geng.

With the concerted efforts of countries in the region, the situation in the South China Sea has stabilised, he said.

China and the Asean countries are focusing on strengthening cooperation to promote comprehensive and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and jointly develop regional rules.

On Sunday, China and Asean Foreign Ministers adopted a framework of the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, said Geng, noting that all parties affirmed the positive situation in the South China Sea and highly appreciated the early cooperation results, such as the China-Asean senior diplomats hotline.

Geng said he hoped that Japan would respect the efforts made by China and the Asean countries in safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea, stop intervention and play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability.

He urged the Japanese side to learn lessons from history, stick to the path of peaceful development and act prudently in military security.

"We hope that the Japanese side could do more to help enhance mutual trust with China and other neighbouring countries and to safeguard regional peace and stability," Geng said.
Srinagar, Aug 9 : Security forces on Wednesday shot dead three militants from the newly announced Jammu and Kashmir wing of Al Qaeda led by Zakir Musa.

Police said the three were killed in a gunfight between security forces and militants in Gulab Bagh village in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

They became the first militants from the Kashmir Al Qaeda group known to have been killed by security forces in the Kashmir Valley.

Police along with Rashtriya Rifles and the Central Reserve Police Force launched a cordon and search operation in Gulab Bagh area of Tral after getting specific inputs about the presence of militants.

"As the forces conducted the operation, the hidden militants fired at them. The security forces retaliated, leading to an encounter," an officer said.

The three militants who died were identified as Zahid Bhat of Nowdal Tral, Mohammad Ishaq Bhat of Batagund Tral and Mohammad Ashraf Dar of Baghi Trich, all in Pulwama district.

A police statement said two AK-47 rifles and a pistol were found at the site.

Muhammad Ishaq Bhat was reportedly involved in firing on an attack on police personnel which seriously injured Head Constable Abdul Gani Bhat. He was also accused of thrashing and torturing some Special Police Officers at gunpoint and circulated the scenes on social media.

Zahid Bhat had earlier hurled a grenade on a CRPF team. "Both Ishaq and Zahid were involved in a firing incident at Tral market, resulting in injuries to three persons. They were also involved in various grenade attacks in south Kashmir."

After the gun battle, a huge mob pelted stones at a security camp. The security forces opened fire, injuring a person who later succumbed to his injuries.

Al Qaeda had announced Zakir Musa as head of its affiliate group called 'Ansar Ghazwatul Hind' group in Kashmir.
Foggia (Italy), Aug 9 : Gunmen killed four people in an ambush in Italy's southern Puglia region on Wednesday, the latest slayings believed to have been carried out by feuding local mafia clans in the Gargano peninsula.

The victims died in a hail of bullets when the gunmen opened fire with Kalashnikov rifles on two cars on a highway near the town of San Marco in Lamis in the province of Foggia, said police.

Two victims were found dead in a car near the town's station while the lifeless body of a third person was found inside a truck in nearby countryside. The fourth victims was pulled alive from the truck but died from his injuries soon after reaching hospital, police said.

Police identified the first two victims as 50-year-old Mario Luciano Romito, a boss from the Romito clan and his brother-in-law, Matteo De Palma, who was driving the Volkswagen.

The occupants of the truck were two local farmers, Luigi and Aurelio Luciani, both in their forties. They were innocent bystanders slain by the gunmen because they witnessed Romito and De Palma's killings, investigators believe.

Prosecutors in the city of Foggia and anti-mafia investigators in Puglia's regional capital, Bari, are spearheading a probe into Wednesday's murders.

A total of 17 people have been killed so far this year in the suspected mafia killings and a further two people have disappeared and are feared dead.

Just two weeks ago, a 31-year-old man with previous criminal convictions was shot dead on July 26 at his restaurant in the coastal resort of Vieste in front of his wife and 7-month-old daughter.

Puglia's mafia, called the Sacra Colonna Unita, is Italy's fourth main organised crime syndicate, after the Calabrian mafia ('Ndrangheta), the Naples mafia (Camorra) and the Sicilian mafia (Cosa Nostra).
New Delhi : Book: Maidless in Mumbai; Author: Payal Kapadia; Publisher: Bloomsbury; Pages: 163; Price: Rs 299 There is a life with a maid and then there is another life when the maid abandons your home, turning your life upside down. Nothing, probably, can be more catastrophic than this!

Author Payal Kapadia relates an honest tale that most urban or sub-urban residents can relate to -- getting the "dream maid" who understands one's priorities, does all the household work and takes up all the responsibility of maintaining the house. Alas, finding one such can be a difficult task indeed.

Kapadia's book revolves around a career-oriented journalist who has just become a mother and is desperately looking for a maid. The protagonist dreams of a "dream maid", and for that, begins the "interview process".

As the protagonist meets several domestics, she encounters maids whose demand ranges from "three sets of nighties, two towels, two pillowcases, one blanket, shampoo, a separate conditioner, a mobile phone plan, fish twice a week, two hours of afternoon naptime and a Bengali newspaper subscription because in Kolkata, everyone reads the paper. Also, "no kich-kich" as that "makes my head turn!"

Finally, the protagonist has her days of peace because she finds that perfect maid she was looking for -- Deepu. But happiness didn't seem to last too long as Deepu abruptly leaves without any notice.

With the maid gone, the author describes her situation as "crying over a lost maid is like sobbing over a skin cell sloughed off during a facial". And then again begins the maid-hunting.

But there is another side of the coin, the grim reality about how the domestics are often exploited and discriminated by the upper classes which the book doesn't touch upon.

Consider the recent incident at an upscale housing society in Noida where a domestic was allegedly beaten up by the residents who caught her stealing money. It ended up in a stone-pelting situation between the society residents and a group of domestics.

Also, a television channel should be told that creating a mockery at the expense of someone who belongs to a less privileged class does not tickle the funny bone.

Finally, is it worth spending hours reading the book?

It is not extraordinary writing. A few pages will give readers a glimpse of what is contained in the rest of the pages. But what saves the book from being criticised is it doesn't mock or humiliate domestics but rather shows how dependent urban lives are on them.

(Somrita Ghosh can be contacted at somrita.g@ians.in)
Kathmandu, Aug 10 : Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived here on Thursday on a two-day visit to participate in the 15th BIMSTEC ministerial meeting.

The visit comes ahead of Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's proposed visit to India beginning August 23.

Besides taking part in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) meeting, Sushma Swaraj will meet Deuba, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, opposition leader K.P. Oli, Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" and Madhes-based leaders.

Officials said Sushma Swaraj will also take stock of latest political developments in Nepal.

Deuba will inaugurate the ministerial meeting on Thursday evening which will be attended by the Foreign Ministers of Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Bhutan. Deputy Foreign Ministers of Myanmar and Thailand will also be participating in the event.

The 18th Session of the BIMSTEC senior officials' meeting kicked off in the capital on Thursday morning.

India's position on BIMSTEC is crucial, said a Nepali official.

Nepal is the current chair of the regional grouping and the member states will also discuss fixing the date of the fourth BIMSTEC Summit to be held in Nepal later this year.

Among the top agenda of the BIMSTEC meeting are finalising the free trade agreement among the member states. They will negotiate market access for professionals, reducing the duty cuts on trading goods and other items, among others.
Parbhani (Maharashtra), Aug 10 : Anguished by her debt-ridden farmer-father's precarious financial condition, a minor college girl in Maharashtra hanged herself at her home here, sending shock waves across the region, police and relatives said.

The incident occurred a day after the Raksha Bandhan festival.

On Tuesday morning, family members discovered the body of Sarika Suresh Zute, 17, hanging from a rod in the ceiling of their home in Javlajhuta village, said her distraught brother Sachin Zute, 21.

The police have recovered a page-long handwritten suicide note penned by Sarika Zute explaining the reasons behind her extreme step, said Pathri police station official Mushtaque A. Ansari.

The heart-wrenching note starts by referring to her heavily debt-struck uncle Chandikadas Zute, who committed suicide on August 3 (five days earlier) by consuming poison in the fields.

"There is a lot of tension at home after (Sharda) sister's marriage... You have still not been able to repay the wedding loan and the agriculture loans. Now, you have the responsibility of my marriage... I don't want you to end your life like your brother (Chandikadas). So I am killing myself," she wrote.

"Since the past one year, after our sister Sharda's marriage, Sarika had been tormented about her own marriage, which was being planned for next year, and has taken this step," her oldest brother Sachin Zute told IANS with tears brimming in his eyes.

She was a quiet girl, engrossed in her studies and studied in Class 12 Arts stream in Shivani College, in adjoining Beed district.

According to Sachin Zute, the Maratha family's collective debt through Maharashtra Gramin Bank, a District Cooperative Bank and a Credit Society amounts to around Rs 350,000, along with interest and other charges.

"My father has been regularly repaying his loans. But this year, the situation is terrible as monsoon has failed in this region, and farmers have to resort to a second or even third round of sowing. This will pile up the debt burden further," he explained.

Besides the deceased Sarika Zute, the surviving family comprises Suresh Zute, 45, his wife Dwarka, 39, eldest son Sachin, who is studying in SYBSc in Jivandeep College, Beed, a married daughter Sharda, 20, and a school-going son Sunil, 12.

On their 11-acre farmlands near the village outskirts, the family had been cultivating cash crops like cotton and soyabean, and repaying the loan installments from the agricultural incomes, he added.

A cousin, Santosh Namdev Zute, who lodged the police complaint on Tuesday evening, said the close-knit family is devastated by two suicides in five days in their homes.

"Even our uncle Chandikadas Zute owed Rs 300,000 to a nationalized bank and a DCC besides another house-repair loan of Rs 150,000 from Mahindra Finance Co. Ltd. However, owing to failed monsoon this year, the repayments were badly hit, forcing him to end his life," Santosh Zute told IANS.

Another uncle of Sarika Zute, Laxman B. Zute is a village head in the Parthi region which has been rocked by four suicides in barely one week.

"Sadly, despite so many deaths in such a short period, not a single official from the Collectorate, Agriculture Department or the banks have bothered to visit this region and enquire about the people's plight as a drought looms large," Sachin Zute pointed out.

When contacted, the state-government panel, Vasantrao Naik Shetkari Swavalambi Mission (VNSS) Chairman Kishore Tiwari said the incidents are an indicator of the continuing distress in farmlands across Maharashtra.

"This is a very serious matter. The state government has given standing instructions that in case of such suicides, the concerned officials must visit the families and make full enquiries. If this has not been done, those officials should be suspended... It's a shame," Tiwari told IANS.

Tiwari, who plans to visit the Zute family, confirmed that monsoon has completely bypassed Parbhani this year and the situation could worsen in farmlands if priority measures are not initiated by the concerned departments.
New Delhi, Aug 10 : With the government mulling price capping on orthopaedic knee implants, a study claims that the margins from orthopaedic implants are not as high as other medical devices due to high cost involved in managing the supply chain.

The study, released on Thursday, contends that manufacturers operate at low gross margins of 30-40 per cent compared to the figure of 300-350 per cent given by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). The net margins are even lower post the additional high costs incurred in managing the supply chain, it observes.

"Orthopaedic implants operate differently from other medical devices and each surgery requires additional costs for instrumentation, inventory and equipment support, specific to that implant and investments are required for doctor training for these sophisticated implants," said the study conducted by IMS Health.

IMS Health is a leading global information and technology services company providing clients in the healthcare industry with end-to-end solutions.

Earlier this month, the government announced plans for price capping for orthopaedic knee implants in view of, what it called, "the higher margins by hospitals and distributors". Earlier, it placed similar price capping on cardiac stents.

According to NPPA, the price of the total knee system at the maximum was Rs 65,781, which eventually becomes Rs 4,13,059 when the margins of the importers and distributors are considered.

According to the study, additional cost as for equipment support for surgeon, high inventory costs, and training of the surgeon and specialised sales force are the major factors.

"Specific instruments sets are provided as case support for every surgeon. This also covers logistical costs of cleaning, storage sterilisation and transportation of instruments for covering hospitals," said the study.

The study says that the prices of orthopaedic implants, including knee and hip systems, in India are one of the lowest in the world.

Typical mark-up across the value chain is 130-140 per cent that means if the landed cost is Rs 100, then MRP is Rs 230-240. This mark-up of 130-140 per cent is split across manufacturer, distributor and hospital.

"Manufacturers and distributors have a share of 25-30 per cent each and hospitals have a share of 40-50 per cent," said the study.

The study opined that given there are multiple costs involved in managing the value chain of a medical device, these mark-ups seem reasonable. Since the orthopaedic implants manufacturers are already operating at low net margins, further price reduction would make it difficult for these companies to operate.

Commenting on the government's move, another body named Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI) said the MRP of the implant highlighted by government as 4,13,000 is used in rare cases, where the original implant has failed and a revision procedure needs to be carried out.

"These implants are expensive and have limited volumes of manufacturing globally, require a large inventory as well as advanced instrumentation," said MTaI.
New Delhi, Aug 10 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti arrived here on Thursday and is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the legal challenges to the special status accorded to the state.

A close aide said Mehbooba Mufti landed in the afternoon and has sought an appointment with Modi.

The Chief Minister's visit comes amid growing debate over Article 35A of the Constitution, which has been challenged in the Supreme Court.

The article, added to the Constitution by a Presidential Order in 1954, accords special rights and privileges to Jammu and Kashmir citizens and empower its legislature to frame any law without attracting a legal challenge.

The provision prohibits all Indians - except people from Jammu and Kashmir - from purchasing immovable property in the state, getting government jobs and availing state-sponsored scholarship schemes.

The article has been challenged by a Delhi-based NGO, 'We the Citizens', in the apex court where the Central government last month said there was need for a "larger debate" on the issue of declaring the article unconstitutional.

The NGO contended that the President could not have amended the Constitution by the 1954 order and it was supposed to be a temporary provision.
Kathmandu, Aug 10 : Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday called on Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba here, in their first meeting since the Nepali Congress leader took over in a power-sharing deal in June.

"A unique relationship of friendship & cooperation #IndiaNepal. EAM @SushmaSwaraj calls on Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba, Prime Minister of Nepal," Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Sushma Swaraj's meeting with Deuba comes ahead of the latter's visit to India from August 23, his first foreign visit since assuming office in June.

The meeting also comes ahead of the visit of Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang to Nepal from Monday - which will be watched closely by India.

Sushma Swaraj's visit comes days after Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara said his country will not take any sides in the ongoing Doklam standoff between India and China.

Mahara, who is also the Foreign Minister, said that Nepal wants India and China to use "peaceful diplomatic means" to resolve the issue.

"Nepal will not get dragged into this or that side in the border dispute," he told reporters earlier this week.

On Friday, Sushma Swaraj will participate in the 15th Ministerial Meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) here.

The visiting Indian minister is also scheduled to meet Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandrai, opposition leader K.P. Oli, Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" and Madhes-based leaders.
New Delhi, Aug 10 : The delay in enacting the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill which seeks to empower the Reserve Bank of India to direct lenders to act against big defaulters is hindering the banks' capacity to support growth, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday.

"You ask what is the urgency... it is already too late," Jaitley said replying to a debate in the Rajya Sabha on the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill which seeks to allow the Centre to authorise the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to direct banks to initiate recovery proceedings against loan defaulters.

"The delay in resolution of NPA (non-performing assets) is impacting the capacity of banks to lend to support growth and lend to small investors," the Finance Minister said.

"Besides, these NPAs have been piling up. The interest is increasing so the bad debts are increasing," he said in response to a member's query on the urgency of bringing in the legislation that will replace an ordinance that enabled RBI earlier in the matter.

"The banks will slowly start realising the money, companies will continue to function, the jobs at the company will be saved, that's why the urgency," he added.

NPAs of banks have risen to over Rs 9 lakh crore and the RBI is now being given power to refer these cases to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board.

Under the bill, the central government may authorise the RBI to issue directions to any banking company to initiate insolvency in respect of a default under the provision of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

It also has provisions empowering the RBI to issue directions to banks for resolution of stressed assets.

The sectors most responsible for the accumulated NPAs are steel, power, textiles and infrastructure.

Last month, the RBI identified 12 large loan defaulters who account for 25 per cent of the total NPAs, or bad loans, in the banking sector.

Action has already begun under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code against some of these defaulters, including Essar Steel, Bhushan Steel and Bhushan Power and Steel.

Jaitley told the Lok Sabha last month that a company defaulting on loans cannot claim the right of equality in treatment as regards repaying the loans. He said defaulting companies cannot ask why it was being targeted when some other defaulters were being let free.

The Finance Minister requested all sections of the House to support the Bill.
Washington, Aug 11 : An Indian-born federal judge in the US has ordered the State Department to search more emails which Hillary Clinton sent or received about 2012 Benghazi attack.

Federal Judge Amit Mehta, nominated by former President Barack Obama, has ruled that the State Department should search the state.gov emails as well, xinhua reported on Thursday.

The order came after conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch (JW) filed a new lawsuit for related Benghazi emails.

"BREAKING: JW wins big court ruling that may finally result in truth about Benghazi and Clinton's involvement in it," the group tweeted on Thursday.

The State Department argued that a search of the state.gov emails is unlikely to turn up anything additional, but the group argued that the State Department's search of her emails wasn't good enough, saying only external sources were searched.

"This matter is a far cry from a typical Freedom of Information Act case. Secretary Clinton used a private email server, located in her home, to transmit and receive work-related communications during her tenure as secretary of state," Mehta said.

The judge signed the order on Tuesday requiring a status report by September 22.

The 2012 Benghazi attack refers to an attack against two US government facilities in Benghazi, Libya by members of the militant group Ansar al-Sharia.

Clinton's emails were a key subject of controversy during her 2016 presidential campaign after it was revealed that she used a private email server during her stay at the State Department.
Washington, Aug 11 : If North Korea launches missiles on Guam, it would take only about 14 minutes for the rockets to reach the US territory, the island's Homeland Security spokeswoman announced.

Jenna Gaminde told a press briefing on Thursday that the residents would be immediately notified by the 15 All-Hazards Alert Warning System sirens, located in low-lying areas throughout the island, the Pacific Daily News reported.

Gaminde's remarks comes after North Korea announced earlier on Thursday that the nation has a detailed plan for a missile strike near Guam, where about 7,000 US troops are stationed, using four intermediate-range ballistic rockets.

The plan calls for sending 12 rockets over Japan to crash in the waters about 30 miles from Guam, which is 2,100 miles east of the Korean peninsula.

"Our office will be notified from the military and will utilize all forms of mass communication to get the message out to the public.

"Local media, village mayors and social media would be used to disseminate information.

"If you hear the sirens, tune into local media - radio, print, television - for further instructions," the spokeswoman added.
Brasilia, Aug 11 : An investigation into former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has been reopened by prosecutors.

The investigation was first launched in 2013, after a publicist Marcos Valerio confessed that he operated a scheme where companies could buy political favours during Lula's first-term government. Valerio was sentenced to 37 months in prison, reports Xinhua news agency.

Investigators sought to find out whether Lula, who served as President from 2003 to 2011, took part in negotiations which saw Portugal Telecom transfer $7 million to the Workers' Party (PT) when Lula was in power.

However, at the time, the federal police was not able to track the alleged transfers by Portugal Telecom and the case was closed in 2015.

ccording to local media reports on Thursday, prosecutors have discovered new evidence recently and the case is being reopened by the prosecutor-general's office.

Prosecutor Ivan Marx will lead the investigation to see if it is now possible to prove Valerio's claims.

Lula was sentenced to 9.5 years in prison by federal judge Sergio Moro, who is overseeing investigations into the massive Petrobras corruption ring.

Lula is also being investigated on five other charges.
New Delhi, Aug 11 : A visually-impaired computer programmer was barred from giving a test for a government-certified programmer when the state-run institute that was conducting it sent him back for not bringing a writer with him.

Originally from West Bengal, the 26-year-old Varun Mehato had gone to give his CCC exam conducted by National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), an entity under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Talking to IANS, Mehato said that he was wronged by the institute since, going by the experience of his friend, he was not supposed to take any writer along with him.

"A friend of mine named Sikandar was told that he cannot use the writer he had taken along with him on August 5, just three days before I was due to give my exam. He was provided a writer from the institute," Mehato said.

When IANS contacted the NIELIT, an official categorically said it does not provide writers and there must be confusion in Mehato's case.

"This is the Standard Operating Procedure. We do not give any writer to write the paper for the visually impaired. The writers have to be arranged by the candidates themslves," NIELIT Controller of Examinations Anurag Shah told IANS.

When told about what had happened on August 5, Shah cited a rule which prohibits the use of a "computer-literate" writer.

Mehato, who will now have to wait for a few months before he can reappear for the exam, said that the rule is ambiguous and difficult for visually challenged people like him to deal with.

"Who will decide whether a writer is computer literate? The NIELIT has to attest him or her as 'non-computer-literate'. But who will bear the expenses? The writer charges (the blind person) on a day basis. He cannot be made to go twice one for his attestation and then for writing the test," said the visibly annoyed Noida resident who had to reach the exam centre in west Delhi with great difficulty only to find he will not be allowed to appear.

The attestation has to be done weeks before the test, and the same writer may or may not be available on the day of the test, he said.

Mehato is a C# (C-sharp) certified computer programmer from NIIT. He was due to appear for his CCC exam. If he passed, he would be declared a government-certified programmer.

(Vishal Narayan can be contacted at vishal.n@ians.in)
Ghaziabad, Aug 11 : A 2012 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre was found dead at a railway yard in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, police said on Friday.

The body was found severed from the head at 9 p.m. on Thursday near the Kotgaon crossing and a suicide note was recovered from its pocket.

The suicide note said: "I, Mukesh Pandey, committing suicide ..."

The Government Railway Police (GRP) quoted the note saying that the deceased wanted his relatives -- Rakesh, Utkarsh and Poonam, to be informed.

Pandey also wrote that he was staying at the Lila Palace (hotel) in room Number 742.

The note also said that he had left a detailed letter in his suitcase, the police said.

The dead body has been sent for an autopsy.

"A police team will unlock the room and retrieve the detailed suicide note. Further legal action would follow. The family has been informed," said Randhir Singh Deputy Superintendent of Police, GRP, Ghaziabad.
New Delhi, Aug 11 : Read an interesting bunch of women-centric stories by Ambai; flick through a comic based on interns in a brand management company; wade through a mesmerizing tapestry of myth, history and legend to reveal the plight of farmers in the age of industry and capital and also go through a collection of real-life stories which are reflective of a life lived with grace.

IANS bookshelf has a good variety of stories to offer this weekend.

1. Book: A Night With A Black Spider; Author: Ambai; Translator: Aniruddhan Vasudevan; Publisher: Speaking Tiger; Pages: 220; Price: Rs 299 Setting the stage with the Asura Mahishan's doomed love for the beautiful Devi, Ambai deftly combines myth and tradition with contemporary situations. In the title story, the woman who is mother, daughter, solver of all problems for her family, finds that she can share her own pain and suffering only with a black spider on a wall in a deserted guest house.

In a chapter titled, "Burdensome Days", Bhramara enters a world of politics that turns her music into a commodity; while in "A Moon to Devour", it is through her lover's mother that Sagu learns that marriage is not a necessity for motherhood.

Like the strains of the veena that is played again and again in this masterful concert of stories, journeys too weave in and out. By train or bus or auto-rickshaws, each journey takes one into a different facet of human nature.

As in most of her writing, women are central to Ambai's stories, but so too is her deep understanding of, as she puts it, "the pulls and tensions" between the many different things that make up life and ultimately create a story.

2. Book: Building The Perfect Beast; Author: Neil George; Publisher: Power Publishers; Pages: 130; Price: Rs 2,500 Five interns. One tough boss. Add a bad Veep. Sprinkle some nutty colleagues and agency. One 'Hell'uva place to work and party. "Building the Perfect Beast" -- what really happens in brand management is perhaps the world's first brand management comic and captures the life of five young interns in the big bad world of consumer marketing. More than 400 breathtaking illustrations in a value student paperback version.

3. Book: Shiva's Drum; Author: Chandrasekhar Kambar; Publisher: Speaking Tiger; Pages: 269; Price: Rs 299 In Shivapura, the villagers worship their gods and nature and cultivate the crops that their forebears have been growing since time immemorial. Sweet water flows in the Chalimele river, the trees bear delicious fruit and the cattle and other animals are part of the household.

But Baramegowda, the landowner and headman, replaces traditional crops with sugarcane, a cash crop, and encourages the excessive use of chemical pesticides, amassing great wealth. He also enlists the aid of a foreign institution to build a private English-medium school and college on land where the village pond, Mallimadu, is. And life in Shivapura changes inexplicably -- its waters turn to poison and its fruits and vegetables become tasteless. Deformed births among cattle and humans are reported and farmers, unable to repay their loans, commit suicide.

When Chambasa, Baramegowda's estranged nephew and Namahshivaya, the village priest, discover that the foreign institution has been dumping chemical waste into Mallimadu, they inform Baramegowda and, faced with the destruction his greed has wrought, he appeals to them to save the village. But events take a different course after Chambasa's wife is raped by men connected to the institution and he is arrested for killing the rapists. And it will be years before Shivapura can heal itself.

The author weaves a mesmerizing tapestry of myth, history and legend to reveal the plight of farmers in the age of industry and capital.

4. Book: Three Thousand Stitches; Author: Sudha Murty; Publisher: Penguin; Pages: 179; Price: Rs 250 Often, the simplest acts of courage touch the lives of others. Sudha Murty, through the exceptional work of the Infosys Foundation as well as through her own youth, family life and travels, encounters many such stories. She tells them here in her characteristically clear-eyed, warm-hearted way.

She talks candidly about the meaningful impact of her work in the devadasi community, her trials and tribulations as the only female student in her engineering college and the unexpected and inspiring consequences of her father's kindness.

From the quiet joy of discovering the reach of Indian cinema and the origins of Indian vegetables to the shallowness of judging others based on appearances, these are everyday struggles and victories, large and small.

Unmasking both the beauty and ugliness of human nature, each of the real-life stories in this collection is reflective of a life lived with grace.
Washington, Aug 11 : An Indian American businessman in New Hampshire state has been sentenced to three years of probation and fined $40,000 for filing false visa applications under the H-1B visa programme, federal officials said.

Acting US Attorney John J. Farley said earlier this week that Rohit Saksena, 42, ran a staffing company under the name of Saks IT Group LLC, which had contracted with other companies willing to hire foreign workers, New India Times community newspaper reported on Thursday.

According to court documents, Saksena filed 45 fraudulent visa applications with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) between March 2014 and December 2015, claiming that Saks IT Group was hiring foreign workers for a firm in Cupertino, California.

Saksena pleaded guilty on May 1 to making false statements to the USCIS.

The false visa applications were filed under the H-1B visa programme, which allows American businesses to temporarily employ foreign workers with specialised or technical expertise in a particular field like accounting, engineering, or computer science.

However, there was no evidence that Saks IT Group had any contract with the company in California nor was the company even hiring foreign workers. Instead Saksena was putting these workers to work in other companies, the report said.

"It's a serious crime, because, you want to protect the integrity of these programmes. Ultimately, they depend on people being honest," Mark Zuckerman, who prosecuted the case, told New Hampshire Public Radio.

"It's a very important programme. A lot of industries, frankly, rely on it. And when it gets subverted like this, it makes it that much more difficult to administer," he added.

Although the foreign workers and the company in California were not defrauded, many of the fraudulent visa applications were denied after the incident.
Islamabad, Aug 11 : At least five persons were killed and 25 injured in an explosion in Bajaur in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan on Friday, officials said.

An explosive device ripped through a passenger bus near Babra Charmang, a tribal area close to the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Daily Pakistan reported. The injured were shifted to a hospital.
Alappuzha (Kerala), Aug 11 : Kerala is set to host the Nehru Boat Race here on Saturday with nearly 80 boats participating.

The 65th edition of the race, named after Jawaharlal Nehru, will take place in the Vembanad lake in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Of the 78 boats of various sizes and shapes slated to take part, 24 are snake boats.

The snake boat race is the main tourist attraction because of its length, from 120 to 140 feet and with about 120 oarsmen.

The history of the event dates to 1952 when Nehru visited the area and a small flotilla of decorated boats accompanied him from Kottayam to Alappuzha on the famed backwaters.

An impromptu race was conducted in his honour. Thrilled by the performance of the oarsmen, Nehru jumped into a snake boat.

On returning to Delhi, he donated a silver trophy, a replica of a snake boat placed on a wooden abacus with an inscription and his signature. This trophy is awarded to the winner of the snake boat category every year.
New Delhi, Aug 11 : The Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on Friday by new Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu.

The 243rd session of the upper House that commenced on July 17, included 19 sittings and it took more than 80 hours.

The House also sat till late for more than seven hours to make up for the time lost in disruptions (about 25 hours) and complete the legislative business.

The Rajya Sabha saw disruptions over the issues of increasing incidents of lynching and atrocities on Dalits and Muslims and violence by cow vigilantes across the country.

The plight of farmers and agrarian crisis; alleged horse trading of Congress MLAs in Gujarat; different sized currency notes of Rs 500; Income Tax raids on a Karnataka Minister and renaming of the Mughalsarai railway station, were some of the other issues that rocked the House.

During the monsoon session, the House passed nine government Bills including the Footwear Design and Development Institute Bill; the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Bill; the Collection of Statistics (Amendment) Bill; and the National Institutes of Technology and Science Education and Research (Amendment) Bill.

The other Bills passed by the upper House were the Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Public-Private Partnership) Bill; the Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Bill, the Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Amendment) Bill and the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill.

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was referred to the Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha.

The Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017 was referred to the Joint Committee of both Houses. Besides, three government Bills were withdrawn.

The issues discussed at length for over 17 hours in the Short Duration Discussions included the increase in incidents of lynching and atrocities on Muslims and Dalits across the country; farmers' distress leading to rise in suicides and India's foreign policy and engagement with strategic partners.

The issues regarding the situation arising out of recent floods in various parts of the country particularly in Assam and the situation arising out of the violation of prescribed conditions of Letter of Permit by foreign trawlers in deep sea fishing in Indian seas were also taken up in the form of Calling Attention.

Besides, 13 Private Member's Bills were introduced in the House and two Private Members' Bills, the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Amendment of the Eighth Schedule), and the Central Himalayan States Development Council Bill, 2016 were discussed at length.

During the Session, 285 starred questions and 3,040 unstarred questions were admitted and answered. Of these 46 starred questions were answered orally.

The Question Hour could not be taken up on three days due to ruckus and interruptions in the House over one or the other issue.

Also, 113 reports/statements of various Parliamentary Committees including those of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees were presented or laid on the Table of the House.

Two new members, Vinay Dinu Tendulkar and Sampatiya Uikey elected from Goa and Madhya Pradesh respectively, joined the House during the session.

Two members - BSP leader Mayawati and BJP's M. Venkaiah Naidu -- resigned from the Rajya Sabha during this monsoon session.

The House made references to the passing away of sitting members Anil Madhav Dave and Palvai Govardhan Reddy, besides 11 former members of the Rajya Sabha.

A reference was also made on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement. The leaders of various parties spoke on the occasion and a resolution was adopted unanimously by the House.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the members of the House bid farewell to outgoing Vice President M. Hamid Ansari and to nine members representing Gujarat and West Bengal, who will be retiring on August 18 on expiration of their terms.
Washington, Aug 11 : Former National Security Adviser Susan Rice has said that the US should rule out a pre-emptive strike on North Korea and termed President Donald Trump's "fire and fury" remarks as "dangerous".

"A pre-emptive war, if one were actually thinking of executing that, would be catastrophic," Rice said on CNN's "Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer" on Thursday.

She said the "hot rhetoric" coming from both Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could move the nations closer to war.

Rice, who was US Ambassador to the UN under President Barack Obama before becoming his top national security aide, said the US should instead continue to rely on deterrence.

Washington should warn Pyongyang of a swift and massive military response if North Korea moves to attack the US or its allies, as a way to dissuade North Korea from attacking, Rice said.

She said the President had articulated the logic of deterrence in his comments on Thursday.

"The core of what President Trump said today, discounting for the rhetoric, was if North Korea were to attack the US, and obviously Guam is part of the US, we would respond with the full force of our capabilities," Rice said. "That's common sense. That's deterrence. And that's the appropriate approach."

However, she said Trump's improvised threat earlier in the week, that the US would potentially respond to further North Korean threats and nuclear developments with unprecedented force, outlined a dangerous proposal.

On Thursday, Trump went further, saying his warning to unleash "fire and fury" on North may not have gone far enough.

Rice said North Korea always reacts to outside pressure "with vitriol" and warned Trump not to respond to Kim's heated rhetoric in kind.

Last week, the UN Security Council voted unanimously to increase sanctions on North Korea, and Rice said those sanctions, paired with military exercises in the region, meant it was "almost inevitable" that Kim would make threats.

"We just can't react to every statement or verbal provocation," she said.
Washington, Aug 11 : US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the country's military is "locked and loaded" to deal with North Korea, ramping up the rhetorical brinkmanship.

"Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong-un will find another path!" Trump said on Twitter.

He spoke as North Korea accused him of "driving" the Korean peninsula to the "brink of a nuclear war".

At the centre of the geopolitical storm is the tiny island of Guam, a US territory in the Pacific Ocean. It's home to a US Navy base and the Andersen Air Force Base, from which US B-1B bombers conducted sorties over the Korean peninsula earlier this week, provoking the ire of Pyongyang's leadership and an escalating war of words between the US and North Korea.

On Thursday, North Korean state media KCNA said military leaders were working on a proposal to launch four intermediate-range Hwasong-12 missiles into the sea less than 25 miles off Guam's coast.

Reacting to it Trump said that his earlier threat to unleash "fire and fury" on North Korea may not have gone far enough.

"Maybe it wasn't tough enough," Trump said on Thursday.

Trump said past administrations had not done enough to take on North Korea and that it is time a President "stuck up for the country".
Kathmandu, Aug 11 : Member states of the Bimstec regional bloc on Friday reiterated their "strong commitment" to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

"We reiterate the strong commitment of our Leaders to combat terrorism, which remains the single most significant threat to peace and stability in our region, in all its forms and manifestations, and agree to take concrete measures to step up cooperation and coordination among our law enforcement, intelligence and security organisations," a joint statement issued following the 15th Ministerial Meeting of the the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) here said.

"We also agree to expedite the ratification of the Bimsted Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organised Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking, signed in Myanmar on December 11, 2009, and also to complete the internal procedures to sign the Bimstec Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters at the earliest.

Bimstec comprises seven countries lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal -- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

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.

The bloc brings together 1.5 billion people or 21 per cent of the world's population and has a combined GDP of over $2.85 trillion.

Friday's statement further stated that member states of have commenced negotiations on Bimstec Convention Against Trafficking in Persons and have urged for early conclusion of the Convention.

It stated all sides agreed to implement the recommendations of the first annual meeting of the national security chiefs of Bimstec nations in New Delhi in March 2017 "to counter terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation; and deepen cooperation to deal with traditional and non-traditional security threats in a comprehensive manner".
Kabul, Aug 11 : At least 10 persons were killed and 20 injured when two rival groups exchanged fire near a mosque in Afghanistan's Takhar province on Friday, an official said.

The incident took place after Friday prayers when the worshippers were leaving the mosque in Chah Ab district, a witness told Xinhua news agency.

"Shortly after praying, two armed groups belonging to local warlords exchanged fire near the gate of the mosque, leaving 10 persons dead and 20 injured," the witness said.

District administrative chief Abdul Haseeb blamed the irresponsible armed groups for the carnage in the remote district near the Tajikistan border.
New Delhi, Aug 11 : A court here has extended the judicial custody of Unitech Managing Director Sanjay Chandra and his brother Ajay Chandra, who were arrested on August 9 on the charge of cheating buyers, informed sources said on Friday.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ashu Garg extended till August 25 the judicial custody of the two brothers after they were presented before him on the expiry of their two-day judicial custody granted earlier.

On August 9, Additional District and Sessions Judge Rakesh Pandit had dismissed their bail pleas and sent them to jail. The court had also directed police to present the brothers before the magistrate concerned on August 11.

"From a perusal of the record, it appears that the accused and his company were taking payments even without having requisite approvals for the purpose of construction of a residential colony...," the Sessions Judge had said.

"They have taken additional money, having reason to believe that the construction work cannot be carried out without requisite approvals," the court further observed, adding that it appears that the intention of Unitech company and its Managing Director from the very beginning was to cheat.

"In these circumstances, on merit, no grounds exists for bail. Accordingly, the bail application of accused Sanjay Chandra is dismissed," the court said in its August 9 order and ordered the arrest of Chandra and lodging in the Tihar Jail.

The court had also dismissed the bail application of Ajay Chandra.

The Chandra brothers were booked for cheating buyers as the real estate company Unitech first failed to complete Anthea Floors project in Gurugram's Sector 70 on time and then did not refund the money to home buyers.

The Delhi Police Economic Offences Wing had said that there were 90 complaints against the two brothers. They were booked on charges of criminal breach of trust, cheating, and criminal conspiracy.

The police said Unitech had collected Rs 363 crore from 557 customers for the residential project, even though no permission was taken from the competent authority.

Police also said their licence for the project was not approved by the competent authority.

The project was started in 2011, though Unitech obtained clearance in September 2013. The project was to be completed by 2014.

The accused allegedly continued booking flats without getting environmental clearance or giving the real picture to investors and thus misrepresented facts.

Sanjay Chandra was arrested in the case in March, but granted interim bail by a Delhi court on April 10.
New Delhi, Aug 11 : Parliament's nearly month-long Monsoon Session ended on Friday, with the two houses recording a dip in productivity compared with the last session.

The session began on July 17, the day voting to elect the 14th President of India was held. During the session, voting to elect the 13th Vice President was also held on August 8.

During the session, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also saw itself becoming the single largest party in the Rajya Sabha after a fresh round of elections to the upper house.

Unlike previous sessions, the upper house recorded a higher productivity compared with the lower house, where the BJP along with its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, enjoys a majority.

According to the data provided by the secretariats of the two houses, the Lok Sabha's productivity was 77.94 per cent, significantly down from 114 per cent during the Budget Session.

The Rajya Sabha's productivity was marginally higher compared with the lower house at 79.95 per cent. In the Budget Session, the upper house clocked around 93 per cent productivity.

Productivity is the ratio between the scheduled number of hours and the number of hours the house actually worked.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said that the government was happy with the session's outcome.

"It has been a successful session in terms of legislative business conducted and wide participation of all political parties in discussions on various issues of national importance," Kumar said at the press conference he addressed with Ministers of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and S.S. Ahluwalia.

Ahluwalia said the dip in productivity in percentage terms did not affect legislative business done by the two houses, as the Lok Sabha passed 14 bills and the Rajya Sabha nine bills.

"This session was short. In between, there were holidays, there was the Presidential election, obituary references, and there was also a day dedicated to discussion on the Quit India movement. There were disruptions, even though we were ready to discuss what they wanted..." the Minister said, adding that these factors led to low productivity ratio.

"There was no affect on the legislative business, as both houses passed several bills," he said.

During the Monsoon Session, the opposition protested over several issues, including the agrarian crisis, withdrawal of cooking gas subsidy, and stalking of a young woman by the son of a Haryana BJP leader.

Two major issues that saw opposition protests were mob lynchings and cow vigilantes, with members blaming the government of inaction. Gujarat Rajya Sabha elections also led to much heat as the opposition Congress alleged use of money and muscle power to influence its MLAs.

Ananth Kumar said though time was lost to disruptions, members compensated by sitting extra hours.

The Lok Sabha lost nearly 30 hours to disruptions but sat for more than 10 hours extra. The Rajya Sabha lost around 25 hours, but members sat for seven hours extra.

The bills passed during the session include The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill, The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, The Right of Children Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, and The Right of Children Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill.

Ananth Kumar called the passage of The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill "historic".

Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2017-18, including Railways, and Demands for Excess Grants for 2014-15 and related Appropriation Bills were discussed and passed by the Lok Sabha.

These Bills were sent to the Rajya Sabha on August 2, but could not be taken up for consideration but were not returned to the Lok Sabha. As per the rules, the bills will deemed to have been passed by both houses on August 15, the end of 14-day period for returning a Finance Bill to the lower house.

The session also saw External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj speak on the stand-off with China along the country's border in Sikkim, as the upper house took up a discussion on India's foreign policy.
Kathmandu, Aug 11 : The Doklam standoff between India and China was very much on the table when Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met her Bhutanese counterpart Damcho Dorji here on Friday, with the latter expressing hope that the situation is resolved peacefully.

The two ministers met on the margins of the Bimstec Ministerial Meeting here.

Their meeting focused mainly on the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in Doklam in the Sikkim sector since mid-June, that has led to sharp escalation in diplomatic tensions between Beijing and New Delhi. Doklam lies in the trijunction between India, China and Bhutan.

The face off began after Indian troops stopped People's Liberation Army soldiers from constructing a road in the area, which Beijing claims is part of its territory but Thimphu has strongly contested it.

Sushma Swaraj and Damcho Dorji stated their respective positions as well as reiterating the stances on the face off, according to diplomatic sources.

"We hope the current standoff in Doklam will be sorted out peacefully," said Dorji after the meeting, and added that "both sides should be satisfied with the outcome".

The meeting comes as the Government of Bhutan on Thursday refuted Chinese Foreign Ministry claims that Thimphu had told Beijing that the trilateral junction in Doklam is not Bhutanese territory. Top Chinese diplomat Wang Wenli had claimed that Bhutan had conveyed to Beijing through diplomatic channels that the area of the standoff is not its territory.

Indian officials in Kathmandu were unwilling to disclose much about the Sushma Swaraj-Dorji meeting.

Sudhakar Dalela, Joint Secretary (North) in the Ministry of External Affairs Ministry, said at a media briefing later that both leaders "discussed Bimstec-related matters and cooperation in the context of the Bimstec Ministerial Meeting as also a range of bilateral issues that we have between India and Bhutan".

"You are all aware that we have a very unique and special partnership with Bhutan.

"Our canvas of cooperation is very wide-ranging and both the leaders had an opportunity to discuss a range of issues," he said.

Sushma Swaraj also met Sri Lankan State Foreign Minister Vasantha Senanayake.

Earlier, in her address at the 15th Ministerial Meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) here, she said that the Bimstec regional bloc was a "natural choice" to fulfill New Delhi's key foreign policy priorities of Neighbourhood First and Act East and that the grouping is collectively working on strategies to counter the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism.

"Peace and security are essential for development to take place," she added.

Bimstec comprises seven countries lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

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.

The bloc brings together 1.5 billion people or 21 per cent of the world's population.

India is the lead country for cooperation in four priority areas: counter-terrorism and transnational crime, transport and communication, tourism and environment, and disaster management.

India's emphasis on Bimstec is also seen as a counter to China's growing engagement among its regional neighbours, as part of encirclement of India.

Sushma Swaraj said that enhanced connectivity was vital to achieving Bimstec's common goals of growth, employment and prosperity. "To achieve smoother cross-border flows of trade and people, we need to put in place the enabling soft infrastructure such as the Framework Agreement on Transit, Trans-shipment and Movement of Vehicular Traffic and the Agreement on Coastal Shipping, at the earliest."

She also spoke on promotion of intra-Bimstec tourist circuits, joint marketing strategies, and Bimstec specific tourism products, notably the Buddhist circuit, and for cooperation in disaster management.

"To build regional capacities, India is hosting the first Bimstec Disaster Management Exercise in October 2017," she said.

On the cross-border exchange of power between India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, she said: "The Bimstec MoU on Grid Interconnection, which has been finalised, would further facilitate regional energy trade."

Pointing out that Bimstec has a combined GDP of over $2.85 trillion, Sushma Swaraj called for the bloc's deeper economic integration. "Along with the work on Bimstec FTA (Free Trade Agreement), the Bimstec Trade Facilitation Agreement and the Bimstec Agreement on Mutual Assistance on Customs Matters would fasten trade, and must be concluded at the earliest."
Kathmandu, Aug 11 : Bimstec member states on Friday called for the early conclusion of a free trade area (FTA) agreement to deepen regional integration in the Bay of Bengal region.

"We emphasise the need for greater cooperation in trade and investment in order to deepen regional integration in the Bay of Bengal region," a joint statement issued after the 15th Ministerial Meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) here said.

"We recognise the paramount importance of early conclusion of Bimstec Free Trade Area and direct the Trade Negotiating Committee and Working Groups to expedite the finalisation of its constituent agreements," it stated.

In her speech at the Ministerial Meeting, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also said that there remained an "immense unfulfilled potential for deeper economic integration".

"Along with the work on Bimstec FTA, the Bimstec Trade Facilitation Agreement and the Bimstec Agreement on Mutual Assistance on Customs Matters would fasten trade, and must be concluded at the earliest.

Bimstec comprises seven countries lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

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.

The bloc brings together 1.5 billion people or 21 per cent of the world's population and has a combined GDP of over $2.85 trillion.

According to the joint statement, the member nations of the regional bloc also stressed on the need to expedite the negotiations on the Agreements on Services and Investment to augment economic cooperation in the region.

"We underscore the importance of trade facilitation in our region and urge authorities for early finalization of the Bimstec Trade Facilitation Agreement," it said.

In terms of energy cooperation, the participants expressed satisfaction that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the Establishment of the Bimstec Grid Interconnection is ready for signature and agreed to complete the internal procedures to sign the MoU at the earliest.

"We recognise the high potentials of energy sources in the region, particularly renewable and clean energy sources and agree to expedite our efforts to develop a comprehensive plan for Energy Cooperation within the region," the statement said.

"We agree to explore the possibilities of promoting energy trade in the region."

The participating nations also emphasised on the early operationalisation of the Bimstec Energy Centre in order to strengthen energy cooperation in the region in a comprehensive manner.

According to statement, the Bimstec member states have been urged to collectively implement the common projects identified for enhancing agricultural Cooperation.

"We recognise the availability of vast plant biodiversity in the region and underscore the importance of enhancing cooperation in plant germplasm exchange and recommend to explore the possibility of concluding a framework agreement on plant germplasm exchange and material transfer, taking into account the readiness and internal procedures of each member state," it said.

Recalling the directives issued at the Bimstc Leaders' Retreat in Goa last year to explore ways to deepen cooperation in areas of blue economy with the objective of holistic sustainable development of our region, the participants in the Ministerial Meeting agreed to constitute a working group to determine the modalities in this regard.

While Bangladesh will host an international conference on blue economy in October, Nepal will host an expert level meeting on mountain economy.

In terms of poverty alleviation, the member states reaffirmed their commitment to effectively implement the Bimstec Poverty Plan of Action in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
New Delhi, Aug 11 : Pre-Plan technology -- a new advancement for knee replacement surgeries -- provides a better and accurate alignment for knee implants than conventional methods, leading orthopaedic surgeons said on Friday.

According to the surgeons, including from AIIMS, correct positioning of implants in conventional procedures are more dependent on surgeons' judgment and experience that often leaves room for human error.

However, under the pre-plan technology, a doctor can decide the required size of knee implant for patients through CT scan. Among other advantages, the pre-planned technology is that it does not cause high blood loss and is minimally invasive, unlike the conventional method.

"While performing the knee replacement surgery, accurate alignment of new knee implant is very critical so that it does not wear faster or puts strain on the joint or on body. In conventional procedure, correct positioning of implants was more dependent on surgeons' judgment and experience that often leaves a room for human error," said L. Tomar, Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon at Max Hospital.

According to the experts, the technology can be a boon for elderly patients undergoing knee replacement surgeries, as the risk of late recovery and errors during the surgery runs high.

Explaining the procedure, Tomar says that the appropriate alignment is decided with the help of advanced CT scan based on which a patient specific jig (customized jig) is designed to give the most appropriate bone cuts, positioning of the implant coupled with less operative time and minimum blood loss.

Currently, only All India Institute of Medical Sciences among other government hospitals, does knee replacement surgeries through pre-planned technology, as part of an ongoing study.

"Pre-plan technology is a radical innovation and technical breakthrough in Total Knee Replacement, because it not only ensures proper prosthetic alignment but also ensures safer surgery, reduced blood loss, substantially less pain, shorter hospital stay, less trauma, minimum surgery time than traditional knee replacements," said orthopedic surgeon at AIIMS Vijay D.

Terming it less expensive as the technology is new, Vijay D. says that as alignment is pre-determined in the technology, it helps in eliminating almost 30 per cent of surgical steps and also does not need a big incision.

"This technology is better than earlier as less bone removal and less soft tissue disruption is done, thereby less work has to be done at the time of surgery," said the AIIMS surgeon, adding that recovery is also faster and painless.
Mumbai, Aug 11 : Leading drug maker Cipla Ltd on Friday reported Rs 409 crore consolidated net profit for the first quarter of 2017-18, registering 21 per cent growth from Rs 339 crore in the same period year ago.

In a regulatory filing to the BSE, the pharma major said consolidated income from operations for Q1, declined annually 3.4 per cent to Rs 3,525 crore from Rs 3,650 crore in the like period year ago.

Sequentially, it posted consolidated net loss of Rs 62 crore in the previous quarter on consolidated revenue of Rs 3,582 crore, which is 1.6 per cent lower.

"Ebitda (earnings before income tax, depreciation and amortisation) grew 5.7 per cent annually to Rs 646 crore in Q1 from Rs 611 crore year ago and 28 per cent up sequentially from Rs 506 crore in the last quarter," it said in the filing.

The company has invested Rs 212 crore on research and development and generated Rs 108 crore cash from operations during the quarter.

"In spite of the impact of GST (Goods and Services Tax) on our business, we had a healthy quarter, as evident from 18 per cent expanded Ebitda margins on operational efficiency and control on spends," said Cipla global Chief Executive Umang Vohra in a statement.

The pharma company is also strengthening its presence in chronic segments with Prominad and Vysov in the diabetology segment in the country and in Australia with flagship product FSPM, reinforcing its respiratory franchise expansion across developed markets.

"We are also on target to ramp-up our launch trajectory in the US market with four new products. We had strong growth in South Africa with 10 per cent annual growth and leadership in key therapies," said Vohra.

The company's Europe business grew 38 per cent annually, contributing a profitable trajectory.
Brussels, Aug 11 : Fifteen European Union countries plus Hong Kong and Switzerland have received eggs contaminated with the pesticide fipronil, the European Commission said on Friday.

The countries that have received the eggs are Britain, Sweden, Austria, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia and Denmark -- along with non-EU Switzerland and Hong Kong, BBC reported.

Eggs, coming mainly from the Netherlands, were found to contain fipronil, a substance used to kill lice and ticks on animals that is banned by the EU for use in the food industry. According to officials, it may have been added to disinfectant in some chicken farms.

EU Trade and Agriculture spokesman Daniel Rosario said on Friday that farms were shut down in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France after authorities confirmed that fipronil had been used.

The pesticide can damage people's kidneys, liver and thyroid glands if eaten in large quantities. However, food standards agencies played down the risks for anyone who already had the tainted eggs.

The UK food watchdog said about 700,000 eggs had been sent to the country from potentially contaminated Dutch farms, up from an earlier estimate of 21,000.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) in Britain said it was very unlikely that there was a risk to public health.

Processed foods containing eggs, including sandwiches and salads, were recalled by leading supermarkets, including Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Waitrose and Asda.

Supermarkets in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany also withdrew millions of eggs from sale.

France's Agriculture Minister StAphane Travert said about 250,000 affected eggs had been sold in the country since April, adding that all products containing eggs from contaminated farms would be taken off the shelves.

"Blaming and shaming will bring us nowhere and I want to stop this," European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis said.

On Thursday, police arrested two people in raids on companies in the Netherlands and Belgium. A criminal investigation is under way in Belgium and the Netherlands, centering on two firms -- Poultry Vision, a pest control firm from Belgium, which is alleged to have sold the treatment to a Dutch poultry farm cleaning company, Chickfriend.

More than 100 poultry farms were closed during the investigation and at least 26 suspects were identified.
New Delhi, Aug 11 : A farmers' conglomeration on Friday said it will launch another round of protests for over two months from August 31 to voice its demands for a loan waiver and remunerative price for agricultural produce.

The objective of the protest marches -- which would go on till November 10 -- was to unite farmers across the country before their main protest was organised in Delhi during the Winter Session of Parliament, leaders of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), which held farmers' protest march from Mandsaur to Delhi in July, told the media here.

"After we held a 'yatra' (march) in the wake of killing of six farmers in Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh, the government took notice of the farmers' problems. However, the farmers still are awaiting fulfilment of their demands," said Lok Sabha member and farmer leader Raju Shetty.

"Our plan is to bring the farmers from all over the country to Delhi for the big protest when Parliament's Winter Session starts," said Shetty, whose political outfit Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana is part of the AIKSCC.

AIKSCC Convener V.M. Singh said the protest marches will be held in three phases.

It will be flagged off on August 31 and pass through Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. On September 16, the second phase of protests will starts from southern parts of the country.

"There will be a farmers' rally in Champaran in Bihar on October 2. Later, the marches will be held in eastern and north-eastern states from October 10 to November 10. Consequently, farmers from all over the country will be called to Delhi for a mega protest, likely on November 20," he said.

The AIKSCC leaders said they had passed two resolutions -- one to condemn the Madhya Pradesh government for what it said was "using undemocratic ways to suppress the protest by those living in Narmada Valley" and another to support the demands of Tamil Nadu farmers.

"We condemn the undemocratic ways of the Madhya Pradesh government for lathi-charging the people living in the Narmada Valley and the arrest of social activist Medha Patkar. Also, we have decided to intensify our protest if the demands of Tamil Nadu farmers are not met," said Yogendra Yadav of Swaraj Abhiyan, which is part of the AIKSCC.

Patkar-led Narmada Bachao Andolan has been protesting against the forcible eviction of people affected by the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river and in support of the demand for their proper rehabilitation.
New Delhi, Aug 11 : To combat anti-terror activities and tackle other serious law and order situations in the national capital, Delhi Police on Friday flagged off 14 new 'Parakram' vans.

"Delhi Police has decided to induct these 'Parakram' vans in its armoury to make citizenry safe. Ten 'Parakram' vans were earlier launched as a pilot project on May 26, 2017. After its impact assessment, we have decided to add 14 more such vans to the fleet," Deputy Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma said.

"The primary aim of deploying these vans is to instil a feeling of security and safety among citizens by virtue of sheer visibility deterrence and also to respond to real life situations promptly," he said.

"New challenges on the terrorist front, for example IS (Islamic State) has surfaced to threaten the world peace. With India's emergence as a global and regional power, the threat from terrorists is real, and aimed to derail the economic progress of the country," he added.

"Delhi, being the national capital, has to remain prepared to thwart evil designs of wrong-doers," the police officer said.

'Parakram' vans would be deployed 24x7 on select vulnerable and strategic points comprising of high footfall areas and iconic buildings.

These include Vijay Chowk, Palika Bazar, Saket Select City Mall, Police Headquarters, Pacific Mall, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, Chandni Chowk, Jhandewalan and DLF Mall Vasant Kunj, Supreme Court , Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Area, L.G. House and other major places, the DCP said.

Each 'Parakram' van has been provided a phablet with internet connectivity and recording facility. It would be manned by a driver, one in-charge official and three commandos.
Chandigarh, Aug 11 : In the wake of white-fly destroying the standing cotton crop in several parts of south-west Punjab, state Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday warned of strict action against those supplying spurious pesticides to farmers.

The Chief Minister, who visited the affected areas in Mansa district of Punjab on Friday, said that if Agriculture Department officials were found guilty of any lapses, they too would be punished.

Amarinder urged farmers to use only the varieties recommended by the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) to protect their cotton crops from white-fly.

Interacting with farmers during the visit, the Chief Minister said: "Those responsible for the supply of spurious insecticides will not be spared and strict action will be taken against them."

He announced that he would convene a meeting next week to discuss ways and means of tackling the situation in the backdrop of inadequate rain, since dry and humid conditions breed white-fly.

The Chief Minister also appealed to farmers not to resort to suicide, asserting that the loan waiver announced by his government was in the process of being implemented. He also reassured farmers of uninterrupted power supply for the four months of cultivation.

"Farmers should not buy cheap and unbranded seeds coming from Gujarat," he said, expressing concern over poor germination of seeds in some areas due to poor quality seeds.

Amarinder also assured farmers that the Agriculture Department would assess the damage and a decision on compensation would be taken soon.
New Delhi, Aug 11 : Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday requested members of his own AAP as well as of opposition BJP not to play politics with the dead Speaking in the assembly, Sisodia was referring to the debate over the death of two Delhi Transport Corporation bus drivers in an accident earlier in the day. The two were killed as a tempo rammed into a DTC bus, which had broken down, in an underpass in Madhuban Chowk area in north Delhi Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta, of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), raised the issue in the House with the Speaker's permission, for expressing his condolences.

He said that Rs 1 crore should be given as compensation to families of both the drivers and one person from each family should be given a government job.

AAP MLA Sukhbir Singh Dalal retorted that one of the deceased was his relative and he was there when Gupta visited the area.

"After he (Gupta) arrived at the spot, sloganeering started," he said.

As the decision hotted up, Speaker Ram Niwas Goel told Gupta that "you said that you want to express your grief and you're doing politics in the name of it".

Sisodia and Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot promised that compensation will be given to families of the deceased and they're also working on to giving a government job to one member from each family.

"You should raise the issue inside and outside the House as it's an important issue. But it's my request to the opposition and our MLAs, please don't do sloganeering and politics when a family is waiting for the dead body,"said Sisodia. "It's wrong."
New Delhi, Aug 11 : The Supreme Court on Friday said it would start hearing appeals in Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid case from December 5 and that no adjournments will be allowed A three-member bench of Justice Dipak Misra, Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice Abdul Naseer asked contesting parties to translate into English, within 12 weeks, the exhibits of the documents on which they will likely rely upon since these were in eight different languages.

The Uttar Pradesh government was asked to translate within 10 weeks the evidence recorded for adjudication of the title dispute in the Allahabad High Court into English.

The apex court reached a consensus on commencement of the hearing on the cross-appeals filed against the 2010 high court judgment.

The bench gave time to complete translation of nearly 1 lakh pages from eight different languages to English and said the time frame fixed by it for completion of pleadings is final and no adjournment will be granted.

The court had constituted special bench to hear appeals filed against the high court judgement in the Ayodhya land dispute case.

The high court's Lucknow bench had said the disputed 2.77 acre area at Ayodhya should be partitioned equally among three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

The Uttar Pradesh government sought early hearing of the case, while counsels appearing for Sunni Waqf Board and the Nirmohi Akhara told the court they need time to prepare for the case as documents are voluminous.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy, who filed an intervention application seeking early hearing in the case, told the bench that his fundamental right to worship should be considered.

The court, however, said it will hear appeals first.

Filing an affidavit, the Shia Waqf Board on Tuesday said a mosque can be built in a Muslim-dominated area maintaining a reasonable distance from Lord Ram's birthplace in Ayodhya.

It had said closeness of places of worship "should be avoided in as much as both denominations using loudspeakers tend to disturb religious performance of each other, often leading to conflicts and acrimony in the two factions".

"To bring quietus to the issue, Masjid can be located in a Muslim-dominated area at a reasonable distance from the most revered place of birth of Maryada Purushottam Sri Ram," it added.

The Shia Waqf Board contended that the Sunni Waqf Board has no stake in the case since the mosque was Shia property.

"Since Babri Masjid was a Shia Waqf, only Shia Central Waqf Board, Uttar Pradesh, is entitled to negotiate and arrive at a peaceful settlement with other remaining stakeholders," the affidavit stated.

The would adjudicate the dispute over ownership of Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid land.
Patna, Aug 11 : RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Friday demanded a CBI probe into an over Rs 500 crore scam involving Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and an NGO, where funds were illegally transferred to private accounts between 2005 and 2010.

"PM Modi should take cognizance of the scam and order a CBI probe into it because state government agency is not reliable to investigate as Sushil Kumar Modi is involved in it," he told media here soon after he returned from Jharkhand.

Nitish Kumar should sack Sushil Kumar Modi before it becomes an embarrassment for him, Lalu Prasad advised his friend-turned-foe.

"Sushil Kumar Modi is involved in this scam as it happened when he was Deputy Chief Minister in the first NDA government led by Nitish Kumar in Bihar from 2005 to 2010," he said.

Initial investigations of a Special Investigation Team of Bihar Police's Economic Offence Unit said at least Rs 270 crore was diverted from the bank accounts of Land Acquisition Office, Rs 15 crore from District Treasury Office and Rs 10.26 crore from the Mukhyamantri Shahari Vikas Yojna.

"Now it has crossed Rs 500 crore and it may increase in coming days with the probe still on," an official of the SIT said.

So far, seven people have been arrested -- including Prem Kumar, PA of Bhagalpur District Magistrate, on Friday -- in connection with the scam in the last three days.

SIT officials said an FIR was lodged on Tuesday evening at Tilkamanjhi police station in connection with fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 10.26 crore fund of the Mukhyamantri Shahari Vikas Yojana, against board members of Srijan Sahayog Mahila Vikas Samiti, a Sabour-based NGO and officials of the Indian Bank.

Two more FIRs were lodged on Wednesday in connection with fraudulent withdrawal of funds of the land acquisition department.
New Delhi, Aug 11 : Union Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Friday said he has asked Commerce Ministry to withdraw the incentive and impose higher minimum export price (MEP) on onion export to ensure adequate availability in the domestic market, which will help keeping prices in control.

"Commerce Ministry has been requested to withdraw the incentive on export of onion for adequate availability of onion for domestic consumption (It) has been requested for imposition of MEP of USD 450/ MT on onion in order to keep the prices of onion under control," he said in a tweet.

Poduction of onion this year is about 215 lakh tonnes while it was 209 lakh tonnes last year, said Paswan, while blaming hoarders and middlemen for the hike in the price of onion.

"State governments have been requested to take stringent action against such people," he said.

According to the Consumer Affairs Ministry, onions in Delhi on Friday were sold in Delhi at Rs 36 per kg as compared to Rs 21 per kg a month ago.
Lahore, Aug 11 : Ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday told thousands of his cheering supporters that he had not filed an appeal in the apex court against his ouster, but has placed his case before the people to decide. The PML-N leader was headed to Lahore as part of his 'homecoming' trip via the ancient Grand Trunk Road.

With thousands of party supporters and admirers milling along the route, Sharif continued with his defiant procession down the GT Road, inching closer to his stronghold of Lahore in a bid to rally supporters.

"I am back in the court of the people," Sharif told a crowd of loyalists in Gujrat. "I have filed no appeal in the courts, my only appeal is in your court," he said.

"Why was I unseated? Someone tell me how I committed corruption. There is not a single stain of corruption on me," he claimed.

"They (SC Judges) removed me because I did not take my salary from my son. What kind of father takes a salary from his son?" he asked. "They took your votes, ripped them up and returned them to you."

"This is the respect given to your vote. Your vote has not been respected at all," he said, in a direct appeal to their sympathy.

Families crowded on rooftops and celebratory gunshots were fired while the crowd chanted "Look who is here, the tiger is here". The PML-N chief began his GT Road rally on Wednesday, Sharif, also nicknamed the 'Lion of Punjab', addressed the crowd from a makeshift stage behind a bulletproof glass, his voice sounding tired with the long journey, but bold as he insisted he was "innocent".

Thousands also lined the road to catch a glimpse of the former leader as his convoy rolled down the 2,000-year old trade route which leads from Chittagong in Bangladesh across India and Pakistan to the Afghan capital Kabul.

Sharif is travelling in a bomb-proof vehicle especially designed for the journey, meant as a show of strength after the Supreme CourtAs decision left his ruling party scrambling to replace him.

The convoy was surrounded by heavy security, amid fears after a truck bomb exploded in Lahore on Monday, killing one person and injuring dozens.

It was still unsure if the caravan will reach its destination on Friday night as Sharif is set to address a few public rallies, including in Gujrat and Gujranwala.

The rally is scheduled to travel through Sarai Alamgir, Kharian, Lala Musa, Gujrat, Wazirabad, Gujranwala, Kamoki, Muridke, Kala Shah Kaku, Ferozewala before it ends in Lahore.
Mumbai, Aug 11 : Pahlaj Nihalani, whose decisions as the CBFC chief repeatedly angered the film fraternity, was on Friday replaced by noted lyricist and ad guru Prasoon Joshi, drawing widespread applause from the film fraternity.

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, who has been appointed a member of the censor board, told IANS about the structural changes in the government-appointed body which oversees all movies before they are released in India.

Agnihotri said Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani was looking at the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with a fresh perspective. "With Prasoon Joshi heading it, it was tempting for me to come on board."

Joshi is known for his contribution to films like "Black", "Taare Zameen Par", "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", "Rang De Basanti", "Delhi-6" and "Neerja" and for designing successful ad campaigns. Honoured with Padma Shri, the National Award winner penned the theme song for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and other campaigns.

Nihalani, who has been a film producer and describes himself on Twitter as "true Indian", took over as CBFC chairperson in 2015 from danseuse Leela Samson, a year after Modi became the Prime Minister.

But he began running into skirmishes with film producers over cuts, beeps and disclaimers he insisted on, which the industry often found unfair.

Hollywood movie "Fifty Shades Of Grey" became the first victim to his ways of censorship. It was not allowed to release in India over its erotic content.

Nihalani soon turned his attention to the Indian industry with films like "NH10", "Dum Laga Ke Haisha", "Aligarh", "Udta Punjab", "Haraamkhor", "Lipstick Under My Burkha", "Indu Sarkar" and "Babumoshai Bandookbaaz" facing his wrath.

Even James Bond film "Spectre" couldn't escape his scissors. It was released only after its kissing scenes were cut short.

In "Udta Punjab", a movie about the drug problem in Punjab, Nihalani and his examining committee insisted on as many as 89 cuts, triggering widespread condemnation.

Joshi's appointment as the new censor chief drew appreciation.

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who led a panel that has made recommendations for a revamp of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, told IANS: "Prasoon Joshi is an excellent choice. He is a very fine poet and also headed one of the best advertising agencies. So his understanding of the medium is very good."

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, who ran into trouble with Nihalani over his political drama "Indu Sarkar", told IANS: "Prasoon is a very evolved person. He comes from the advertising background and will have a modern point of view. Choosing Prasoon is a welcome decision by the government.

"I would like to thank Smriti Iraniji and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathoreji for their decision. I am sure Prasoon will have a different outlook. He understands today's movies well."

Before cracking down on a variety of movies, Nihalani had produced a string of films including "Paap ki Duniya", "Aag ka Gola", "Shola aur Shabnam", "Aankhen" and "Talaash: The Hunt Begins".
New Delhi, Aug 11 : Newly sworn-in Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu told the opposition on Friday that he will ensure as the Rajya Sabha Chairman that they have a say when legislations are debated but the government will finally have its way as it has the mandate.

The assurance came after opposition leaders, while welcoming the new Chairman with loud thumping of desks, reminded the long-time Bharatiya Janata Party leader of the Chair's neutrality.

"If the ruling party has power, opposition must at least have its say. But at the end of the day, democracy says that opposition must have its say and the government must have its way because it is as per the mandate of the people," Naidu, 68, said in his first speech as the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

The former BJP President said he was "an all-party man" now and his role was "above politics".

"I will meet your expectations. Everyone among you will get an opportunity but everyone must follow the rules and regulations (of Parliament)," Naidu said in response to welcome speeches.

He said politicians must not look at each other as enemies but as "rivals".

"Democracy is not about numbers but to understand and appreciate each others' point of view. We must debate, discuss, decide and deliver."

Welcoming Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled how the Vice President began with a humble background as a farmer's son.

"Venkaiahji has risen from the grassroots. He will lead Indian polity to greater heights," Modi said.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, also the Leader of the House, said Naidu's close to 20 years of experience as a Rajya Sabha member would help in its effective functioning.

"Since you have been a long member, you obviously know the tradition, the culture and the functional style of this House."

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad observed that the Chair symbolized justice and neutrality.

"On the Chair that you are sitting today, it has the scales of justice carved on it, which reminds us that the Chair is impartial. While doing justice, you must neither have a religion nor any party affiliation," Azad said.

He said it has been a tradition of the Upper House that no bill was passed amid din, till the House is in order, and hoped that the traditions would be respected.

Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury too observed that as Chairman, Naidu was seated in the shades of two symbols -- the Ashok Chakra that says Satyamev Jayate (truth prevails) and the scales of justice.

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien said that since Naidu loved to talk in rhymes and has popularized acronyms, he would like to greet him in his favoured style.

O'Brien recited 10 couplets and gave an acronym of his surname: NAIDU stands for Now All India's Dearest Umpire.

Ram Gopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party also spoke about the practice of not passing any bill amid ruckus. He, however, added that those creating din must realise if they were right or not.

Naidu expressed concerns over disruptions in Parliament and reminded members that "the people of our country desire that the Parliament should be the voice of sanity echoing their concerns and finding solutions to their problems as the best way forward.

"We need to seriously introspect over this palpable discontent with the people... We need to set an example for state legislatures by making suitable amendments to the way we speak and act here."

Naidu earlier took oath as India's 13th Vice President, succeeding Hamid Ansari, who finished his decade-long two terms as Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman on Thursday.
Kathmandu, Aug 11 : Members of the Bimstec grouping have agreed to sign the Free Trade Area Agreement very soon and to set up a Power Grid Interconnection between member states, Nepal's Foreign Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara said here after the 15th Bimstec Ministerial Meeting.

Other agreements reached in the meeting were finalising the text of the technology transfer, facilitation of the motor and transit agreements among the member states.

Mahara, who is also Deputy Prime Minister in the Sher Bahadur Deuba government, said that member states also agreed to set up a Bimstec Energy Centre, Environment Centre and Cultural Centre immediately in order to expedite the objective of the regional organisation.

The meeting also agreed to constitute an Eminent Persons' Group to suggest the future roadmap of the regional grouping.

Agreeing on revitalizing the regional process, the 15th Bimstec Ministerial Meeting at the Foreign Ministers level on Friday adopted various decisions, including for strengthening ties on trade, energy and eradicating poverty.

The Bimstec process is keenly followed in the region after another regional grouping, Saarc failed to move ahead even after 30 years of its establishment due to rivalry between India and Pakistan.

Nepal as current chair of Bimstec was hosting the Ministerial Meeting for the first time. The meeting reviewed the progress of the Outcome of the BIMSTEC Leaders' Retreat held in Goa, India on October 16 last year and the status of implementation of various activities following the 17th Session of the Senior Officials Meeting held in February.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ministers adopted the Joint Statement that essentially seeks to forge stronger ties and cooperation among the Member States to revitalise the Bimstec process.

The meeting also endorsed the appointment of the next Secretary General of Bimstec, Bangladesh's Shahidul Islam, with the current incumbent Sumith Nakandala, of Sri Lanka, completing his tenure.

Bimstec is a regional organization with seven Member States, established in June 1997 with the main objective to create an enabling environment for rapid economic development, accelerate social progress in the sub-region and promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest. Bhutan became member of Bimstec in 2004.

In her speech at the Ministerial Meeting, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also said that there remained an "immense unfulfilled potential for deeper economic integration".

"Along with the work on Bimstec FTA, the Bimstec Trade Facilitation Agreement and the Bimstec Agreement on Mutual Assistance on Customs Matters would fasten trade, and must be concluded at the earliest," she said.

Bimstec, comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, brings together 1.5 billion people or 21 per cent of the world's population and has a combined GDP of over $2.85 trillion.

According to the joint statement, the member nations of the regional bloc also stressed on the need to expedite the negotiations on the Agreements on Services and Investment to augment economic cooperation in the region.

"We underscore the importance of trade facilitation in our region and urge authorities for early finalization of the Bimstec Trade Facilitation Agreement," it said.

In terms of energy cooperation, the participants expressed satisfaction that the memorandum of understanding on the Establishment of the Bimstec Grid Interconnection is ready for signature and agreed to complete the internal procedures to sign it at the earliest.
Agartala, Aug 11 : A heavy downpour since Thursday night flooded this Tripura capital and the adjoining sub-divisions, forcing hundreds of families to take shelter in 50 relief camps, officials said here on Friday.

An unprecedented nearly 200 mm rainfall was recorded by the meteorological department, which predicted heavier showers for the next 24 hours to Saturday evening.

A report of the State Emergency Response Centre of the Disaster Management wing said several major rivers, including Howrah River, which passes through the capital city, were flowing above the danger mark.

Almost all parts of the capital city and its outskirts, including major roads, remain submerged in rain water.

An official of the Disaster Management wing said that over 2,000 families had taken shelter in around 50 relief camps in different parts of Tripura, mostly in western Tripura.

On Friday evening, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar held a high-level meeting to review the flood situation.

Sarkar directed the district administrations to start control rooms in the affected districts round-the-clock to monitor and to take immediate steps to assist the people, an official at the Chief Minister's Secretariat said.

Earlier in the day, after visiting several flood-affected areas, state's Relief and Revenue Minister Badal Chowdhury said the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Tripura State Rifles teams and officials of the district administrations had been deployed to provide relief and rescue to the affected people.

Meteorological Department Director Dilip Saha said more rain was expected till Saturday.

The four-month-long (June-September) southwest monsoon is now active in the entire northeastern region.

Many parts of the state remained dark due to power cut as several transmission lines were disrupted due to the rains.
Kolkata, Aug 11 : West Bengal Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Subrata Mukherjee was on Thursday quizzed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Narada sting footage probe, an official said.

"He came to our office in the morning fan interrogation and left around lunch time," an ED official told IANS. He described Mukherjee's attitude as "cooperative".

Mukherjee, who is state Panchayat, Rural Development and Public Health Engineering Minister, was among a dozen Trinamool leaders allegedly caught on video receiving money in exchange for a promise to dole out favours to a fictitious company.

The clipping was uploaded on the Narada news portal in March last year ahead of the state assembly elections.

The investigating agency had on Wednesday interrogated Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim and also grilled state Fire and Emergency Services, Housing and Environment Minister Sovan Chatterjee on Thursday.

Besides Mukherjee, Chatterjee and Hakim, Transport Minister Suvendu Adhikari were also summoned by the investigating agency.

Trinamool MP Sultan Ahmed and Kolkata Deputy Mayor Iqbal Ahmed were also interrogated.
Lucknow, Aug 11 : At least 30 children died in the state-run Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur, the parliamentary constituency of Uttar Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in the last two days, an official said Friday. The government however said that only seven had died.

Gorakhpur DM Rajeev Rautela told local TV channels confirming the "death of 30 kids in the last two days" and seven deaths in the last 24 hours.

He said that 17 children had died in the neo-natal ward, five in the ward meant of patients suffering from acute encephalitis syndrome and eight in the general ward.

Denying that the children had died due to lack of oxygen, he confirmed that there was shortage of liquid oxygen at the medical college and that due to non-payment of Rs 70 lakhs, the vendor supplying oxygen has stopped supply. However, he said the principal had told him that for emergency use, alternative arrangements have been made.

He further said that part payment of Rs 35 lakh has been made to the vendor and that he had been requested not to disrupt the oxygen supply.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government on Friday denied media reports that more than 30 children had died at the hospital due to lack of oxygen.

A statement issued by the state Information Department late evening categorically denied reports shown by "some TV channels as misleading".

It however said that the District Magistrate was personally stationed at the medical college and keeping vigil on the situation emanating out of the death of seven patients on Friday due to "different medical reasons".

Meanwhile, state Health Minister Siddarth Nath Singh told TV channels that "a lot of people come suffering from high fever and if they don't get treatment, it may result in death".

To a query if an inquiry will be ordered, he said: "Absolutely, we will do into the depth of these deaths.. we are going to check each and everything and then come with a final answer.. those who who found guilty and if we find any error on their part, they will be made accountable.."
Cairo, Aug 11 : At least 36 people were killed and more than 123 others were injured on Friday in a crash between two trains in Egypt's Alexandria province, Egypt's Health Ministry said.

The ministry has announced state of emergency in all hospitals in Alexandria and neighbouring Beheira province, Xinhua reported.

Some 75 ambulances have been transferring the victims to hospitals, said the ministry in a statement.

It added that the number of casualties may rise due to the seriousness of many injuries.

The Alexandria-bound train coming from Cairo crashed into the rear of another train on its way from Port Said Mediterranean city to Alexandria.

The accident took place in Kourshid area, east of the coastal city of Alexandria.

Egypt's general prosecutor has ordered an urgent investigation into the accident.

Meanwhile, Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail gave orders to send giant truck-loaded cranes to help rescue teams remove the destroyed parts of the trains.

Egypt has witnessed a number of deadly train accidents in which hundreds were killed and injured.

In 2013, at least 19 were killed in a train derailment in Giza governorate, while a 2012 collision between a train and a school bus in Upper Egypt killed 51 people, mostly children.
Naples (Italy), Aug 11 : Police in northern Romania on Friday arrested Naples mafia drugs trafficker, Gaetano Manzo, who had been on the run since 2009 and acted as 'accountant' for one of the crime syndicate's prominent clans, investigators said.

Manzo, 66, was held on an international arrest warrant at his villa in the rural town of Fizesu Gherlii by Italian and Romanian officers, said police.

Manzo, who did not resist arrest, had no documents with him, police said. He was working for a gaming company in Romania.

Known as 'Nanuccio the secretary', Manzo is an alleged boss of the Naples mafia or Camorra's Sacco-Bocchetti clan, which has business interests in the northern Italian city of Milan and whose bastion is the Naples suburb of Secondigliano.

Manzo allegedly ran the Sacco-Bocchetti accounts, "recovered" debts owed to the clan and oversaw its drug trafficking activities. At the time of his arrest, he was the only clan leader still at large, according to police.

Manzo was in 2016 jailed in absentia for 16 years for drugs trafficking
New Delhi, Aug 11 : Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Friday expressed her deep shock at the tragic death of 30 ailing children at a hospital in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur due to alleged shortage of oxygen and said she was pained beyond words by the tragedy.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi also expressed his pain and blamed the state's BJP government was responsible for the tragedy.

In her statement, Sonia Gandhi said that her heart goes out to the families of the innocent children who fell prey to "gross negligence and incorrigible misconduct on the part of the authorities".

She called upon the Uttar Pradesh government to take immediate cognizance of the crime and bring to book those responsible and asked Congress workers to provide relief to the families of the victims.

Rahul Gandhi said the BJP government must punish the guilty.

"Deeply pained. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. BJP government is responsible and should punish the negligent who caused this tragedy," he said in a tweet.

At least 30 children died in the state-run Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur, the parliamentary constituency of Uttar Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in the last two days, an official said Friday. The government however said that only seven had died and a probe has been ordered.
Mumbai, Aug 11 : Pahlaj Nihalani, whose decisions as the censor board chief repeatedly angered the film fraternity, was on Friday replaced by noted lyricist and ad guru Prasoon Joshi, drawing widespread applause from the film fraternity.

One of the most controversial censor board chairpersons who skirmished with film producers over cuts, beeps and disclaimers he insisted on, Nihalani told IANS: "I had been preparing myself for my exit for months now."

He alleged that since the time he became CBFC chief in 2015 "there have been elements working against me, some of them from within the CBFC. These elements -- I'm not going to name them on-record are currently celebrating premature Diwali."

He also said he has no regrets on his ouster.

"None at all. Believe me, I was brought in as the CBFC chairperson all a sudden. I happily took up the job that the government thought me fit for. Now when the government has asked me to step down, I do so without any regret."

He refrained from commenting on Joshi being his successor.

A government statement posted late in the night said that Joshi has been appointed Chairperson of Central Board of Film Certification "in an honorary capacity from August 11, 2017 for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier".

National Award winning actress Vidya Balan has been appointed as part of the reconstituted CBFC.

Vidya said she was very happy to join the CBFC. "I hope to fulfill my responsibilities as a member to the best of my abilities. I look forward to this new and exciting phase where our cinema will be allowed to reflect the sensibilities, realities and complexities of the society we are living in today."

A PIB statement announced reconstitution of the CBFC board with "immediate effect for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier."

Vidya is joined by Gautami Tadimalla, Narendra Kohli, Naresh Chandra Lal, Neil Herbert Nongkynrih, Vivek Agnihotri, Waman Kendre, T.S. Nagabharana, Ramesh Patange, Vani Tripati Tikoo, Jeevitha Rajasekhar and Mihir Bhuta.

Agnihotri told IANS that Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani was looking at the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with a fresh perspective. "With Prasoon Joshi heading it, it was tempting for me to come on board."

Joshi is known for his contribution to films like "Black", "Taare Zameen Par", "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", "Rang De Basanti", "Delhi-6" and "Neerja" and for designing successful ad campaigns. Honoured with Padma Shri, the National Award winner penned the theme song for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and other campaigns.

Nihalani, who has been a film producer and describes himself on Twitter as "true Indian", took over as CBFC chairperson in 2015 from danseuse Leela Samson, a year after Modi became the Prime Minister.

Hollywood movie "Fifty Shades Of Grey" became the first victim to Nihalani's ways of censorship. It was not allowed to release in India over its erotic content.

Nihalani soon turned his attention to the Indian industry with films like "NH10", "Dum Laga Ke Haisha", "Aligarh", "Udta Punjab", "Haraamkhor", "Lipstick Under My Burkha", "Indu Sarkar" and "Babumoshai Bandookbaaz" facing his wrath.

Even James Bond film "Spectre" couldn't escape his scissors. It was released only after its kissing scenes were cut short.

In "Udta Punjab", a movie about the drug problem in Punjab, Nihalani and his examining committee insisted on as many as 89 cuts, triggering widespread condemnation.

Nihalani told IANS that he hoped he is "remembered as the CBFC chairperson who took a firm stand against vulgarity and pseudo-liberalism, no matter how unpopular it made me."

Without referring to Joshi, he also hoped that his successor "doesn't reverse the work that I started at the CBFC. I feel we have achieved a lot in the past three years".

Joshi's appointment as the new censor chief drew appreciation.

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who led a panel that has made recommendations for a revamp of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, told IANS: "Prasoon Joshi is an excellent choice. He is a very fine poet and also headed one of the best advertising agencies. So his understanding of the medium is very good."

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, who ran into trouble with Nihalani over his political drama "Indu Sarkar", told IANS: "Prasoon is a very evolved person. He comes from the advertising background and will have a modern point of view. Choosing Prasoon is a welcome decision by the government.

"I would like to thank Smriti Iraniji and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathoreji for their decision. I am sure Prasoon will have a different outlook. He understands today's movies well."

Before cracking down on a variety of movies, Nihalani had produced a string of films including "Paap ki Duniya", "Aag ka Gola", "Shola aur Shabnam", "Aankhen" and "Talaash: The Hunt Begins".
CMRubinWorlds new interview with OECDs Centre for Educational Research and Innovation on the changes education systems must make to accommodate the modern family.

The institution of marriage itself is changing, and Tracey Burns (Project Leader, OECDs Center for Educational Research and Innovation) believes schools need to take these changes into account. The high number of single parents, multi-racial and same-sex couples create special circumstances for children in those families and ultimately influence the classroom. Educators can help by raising awareness of achievement gaps, providing hands-on support, establishing a good relationship with the student and his/her parent(s) or helping with homework and academic difficulties.

Should schools also be responsible for discussions about non-traditional families, and what about the role of parents? Burns notes that schools are reflections of our society, and they can and should play an important role in fighting prejudice and promoting acceptance. But schools are not politically neutral and teachers need to be provided with tools to teach diverse classrooms so as to support children from all backgrounds. Burns adds that while schools should have anti-bullying and other guidelines, the role of parents is critical since teaching tolerance and acceptance starts in the home, at the earliest ages.

Tracey Burns heads the Governing Complex Education Systems project in the OECDs Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI). This project looks at the challenges that governments face in steering complex education systems and the role of knowledge in that process. She is responsible for the publication of Trends Shaping Education 2016.

Read the full article

CMRubinWorld launched in 2010 to explore what kind of education would prepare students to succeed in a rapidly changing globalized world. Its award-winning series, The Global Search for Education, is a celebrated trailblazer in the renaissance of the 21st century, and occupies a special place in the pulse of key issues facing every nation and the collective future of all children. It connects todays top thought leaders with a diverse global audience of parents, students and educators. Its highly readable platform allows for discourse concerning our highest ideals and the sustainable solutions we must engineer to achieve them. C. M. Rubin has produced over 550 interviews and articles discussing an expansive array of topics under a singular vision: when it comes to the world of children, there is always more work to be done.

For more information on CMRubinWorld

Follow @CMRubinWorld on Twitter

Contact Information:

David Wine

David(at)cmrubinworld(dot)com
Accountnet Inc., a leading consulting firm and provider of cloud-based financial management solutions, announced that it has been named to Accounting Todays VAR 100 List for 2017.

Accountnet Inc., a leading consulting firm and provider of cloud-based financial management solutions, announced that it has been named to Accounting Todays VAR 100 List for 2017. Accounting Today magazine is the leading provider of online business news for the tax and accounting community, offering breaking news, in-depth features, insightful editorial analysis, and a host of web-related resources and services. Each year, the publication releases its VAR 100 list, ranking the top 100 accounting software resellers.

Manhattans top Microsoft VAR, Accountnet is an authorized Gold Certified member for Microsoft Dynamics (highest member) and is member of the International Association of Microsoft Certified Partners (IAMCP). Along with Microsoft corporate- the new Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) accreditations are much more stringent than the previous Microsoft Gold Partner status accreditations and promise to better represent organizations that have demonstrated the highest, most consistent capability and commitment within a specific business solution area, such as the cloud. Accountnets Silver Cloud Solution Provider competency is unsurpassed. Additionally, in recognition of our industry leadership and successful engagements with customers, Accountnet was nominated and selected to be a part of Microsofts Power BI Red Carpet Program. This is an invitation-only program for Microsofts partners that play an important part in the growth of Microsoft Power BI.

Microsoft Power BI leverages the cloud, Excel, and Office 365 to allow business users to analyze and visualize data using self-service.

The Power BI Red Carpet Program gives Accountnet special support services, including access to Microsoft services and offers related to Power BI. Using these services and offers, we can serve customers of all sizes in meeting their analysis needs by helping them understand their data and visualize it beyond reports and interactive charts, thereby helping them make faster and more accurate business decisions.

In just the past six years, this Wall Street-based company established itself as the Microsoft Financial Application specialist for cloud-based financial management solutions, as well as a leading provider of Midsized to Enterprise Work Flow and Approval solutions and a turnkey Extended Relationship Analysis (ERA) processing of new clients. Especially, the analysis and tracking of Chart of Accounts (COA) with Currency Tracking (COA+C). Accountnets partnership with Microsoft, as the industry-leading best-in-class cloud accounting ERP for mid-market companies, is reviewed by organizations and firms daily and continues to follow a road map as more and more businesses move their financials to the cloud, taking advantage of powerful automation, insight, and performance.

Accountnet has also been named to the Bob Scotts Insights Top 100 VARs for 2017. The Top 100 resellers are chosen from organizations specializing in the sale and implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and accounting software. We want to congratulate this years class of Bob Scotts Top 100 VARs, said Bob Scott, executive editor of Bob Scotts Insights. This selection represents recognition of leaders in this important field.

Were very proud of our continued success and were excited to make the VAR 100 list, said John C. Peace, COO of Accountnet. I feel that our mixture of accountability and a consultative approach dedicated to customer success and satisfaction, especially with our commitment to Microsoft Technology, fosters more long-term relationships with clients.

If you are evaluating accounting software, or looking for Dynamics GP or SL support and training, contact Accountnet at 212-244-7017, visit our website: http://www.accountnet.com or follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DynamicsNewYork
IronEdge Logo Its an honor to again be recognized by the IT channel, this time for our fast growth.

IronEdge, has announced that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named IronEdge to its 2017 Fast Growth 150 list. The list is CRNs annual ranking of North America-based technology integrators, solution providers and IT consultants with gross sales of at least $1 million that have experienced significant economic growth over the past two years. The 2017 list is based on gains in gross revenue between 2014 and 2016, and the companies recognized represent a total, combined revenue of more than $16,717,688,643.

Its an honor to again be recognized by the IT channel, this time for our fast growth, said Ryan Lakin, President of IronEdge. This year, our team has committed to working hard everyday to not only grow our business, but to provide our clients with superior service. It looks like someone noticed, and were honored that they did!

The companies on CRNs 2017 Fast Growth 150 list are thriving in what is now a very tumultuous, demanding IT channel climate, said Robert Faletra, CEO of The Channel Company. This remarkable group of solution providers has successfully adapted to a landmark industry shift away from the traditional VAR business model to a more services-driven approach, outpacing competitors and emerging as true channel leaders. We congratulate each of the Fast Growth 150 honorees and look forward to their continued success.

The Fast Growth 150 list is highlighted in the August issue of CRN and can be viewed online at http://www.crn.com/fastgrowth150.

About IronEdge

IronEdge is an IT services company that gives clients an edge by managing their technology experience. For complex, multi-site clients that value IT, we provide enterprise-class Managed Services, Professional Services and Business Intelligence Services unavailable elsewhere in the marketplace. From the cloud to the core to the edge, IronEdge delivers a concierge level experience to the IT end user and powerful data driven decision-making tools to the business. http://www.ironedgegroup.com

About the Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. http://www.thechannelco.com
We believe in promoting both the highest level and quality of care with the greatest degree of compassion

Digestive Medicine Associates is proud to announce the grand opening of their newest facility in Kendall, 11880 SW 40th St, Suite 216, Miami FL 33175. Their team of board certified gastroenterology & hepatology physicians are committed to excellence in patient care, believe in promoting the highest level and quality of care with the greatest degree of compassion.

Their physicians have been providing Gastroenterology services for over 25 years in North Dade county, Coral Gables, West Broward County and now Kendall. They are Physician owned and run.

"Today many physicians especially, Gastroenterologist, have sold their offices to big corporations or hospital systems" said Dr.Maderal, who has been practicing in South Miami for over 30 years". Many of these corporations have raised prices and cut staff and overhead in an effort to increase profits. Since we are entirely physician owned and run, we have avoided these changes. We are grateful for the growing number of patients we see".

At Digestive Medicine Associates, patients can expect a very friendly team of experts who will help them with all of their questions. Their offices have state-of-the-art- equipment and a wide range of gastroenterology care including: colonoscopy, gastroscopy, hemorrhoid banding, in-office ultrasound, hepatitis B & C treatment, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, problem swallowing, acid reflux, indigestion, bloating/gas, rectal bleeding, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, Barrett's esophagus and ReShape a dual-balloon non-surgical procedure for weight loss.

Digestive Medicine Associates is accredited by AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) and AHCA (American Health Care Association). They offer office-based endoscopic procedures, including colonoscopies and gastroscopies. These office-based procedures allow patients to avoid paying for the hospitals facility fees, which are often thousands of dollars. They also offer patients a more relaxed environment for their procedures than a hospital or surgery center, where just the registration alone can be very time-consuming.

"Most outpatient surgery and endoscopy centers are hospital-owned with hospital prices" said Dr. Maderal. "Most colonoscopies and gastroscopies are not complicated and should not cost thousands of dollars. Our patients come in for their procedures and within a couple of hours they are home and back to their daily routines".

All of the patients at Digestive Medicine Associates undergo a preoperative interview to help determine their individual assessments and needs. This allows the medical team to choose the best care plan for each patient. Since each patients case is different with a variety of deductibles and co-insurance plans. The office staff makes sure to inform patients as what their plans covers and how to wisely use their plan. They also find and suggest quality outpatient x-ray facilities for patients that are dependable.

As we understand that medication cost is another huge segment of heath cost. According to Dr.Maderal, the new popular medication is not always that much better then the older generic one. "Sometimes there is no generic version and we need to explain the need for investing in the high cost medication", said Dr.Maderal. "Many times patients take medications longer than they need to, simply because no one suggested they stop it. Drug costs vary widely among pharmacies even when they are close to each other geographically. We suggest websites such as Good Rx, where you enter the drug name and your zip code and it gives you an incredible variance in drug prices and information to find the best price".

The doctors at Digestive Medicine Associates also pride themselves in keeping up with the latest medical treatments for all gastroenterology ailments.

The physicians at Digestive Medicine Associates are there to provide the community quality medical and preventive care in the field of digestive health. They are proud to serve in North Dade County, Coral Gables, West Broward County and their newest location in Kendall. They accept all major insurance plans.

Don't continue suffering from Gastroenterology and Hepatology problems. Call them today to be schedule with a gastroenterologist specialist at any of their four office locations at (305)822-4107. Visit our Webpage at http://www.digestivemed.com
Eli Goldratt has been described by Fortune Magazine as a "guru to industry" and by Business Week as a "genius" Fortune Magazine compared THE GOAL'S leading character to "Obi-Wan Kenobi instructing Luke Skywalker on the use of the force."

The North River Press Publishing Corporation has published "The Goal: A Business Graphic Novel" based on "The Goal" by Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox. The business novel that introduced Goldratts Theory of Constraints (TOC) in 1984, has been adapted by bestselling author Dwight Jon Zimmerman and award-winning illustrator Dean Motter.

Through the story of a harried plant manager who has been given 90 days to save his factory, "The Goal: A Business Graphic Novel" introduces readers to the core principals underlying the Theory of Constraints, a process of ongoing improvement that continuously identifies and leverages a systems constraints in order to achieve its goals. TOC revolutionized the factory floor in the decades following publication of Goldratts original business novel. It has since been used by government agencies and the military, and applied in many areas of business, including supply chain management, healthcare, retail, sales and marketing, and project management.

Recognition of Goldratts contributions to the fast growing Agile, Kanban, DevOps and Lean Startup movements is bringing a new tech audience to TOC. Top tech executives have also brought attention to Goldratts work. CEO Jeff Bezos made "The Goal" required reading for his top executives at Amazon, where it has been called a bible for the team behind the companys fulfillment network. Red Hat CEO Jim Whitehurst noted that the concepts Goldratt developed for manufacturing are now being applied to the development of software products and services.

Laurence Gadd, founder of North River Press, said "The Goal: A Business Graphic Novel" is appropriate whether youre a CTO, software developer or MBA student. Dwight Jon Zimmerman and Dean Motters graphic adaptation of Goldratts seminal work provides a new generation of visually-oriented readers, as well as those who grew up with comic books, with a fun, accessible introduction to TOC.

The 140-page graphic novel adaptation is available as a paperback and ebook. The classic on which it is based has been a bestseller since it was first published in 1984. "The Goal" has sold more than 7 million copies worldwide, has been translated into 32 languages, and is taught in colleges, universities, and business schools around the globe.

About the Book

Alex Rogo is a harried plant manager who has been given 90 days to save his failing factory. If he doesnt improve the plants performance, corporate headquarters will close it down and hundreds of workers will lose their jobs. It takes a chance meeting with Jonah, a former professor, to help him break out of his conventional thinking and figure out what needs to be done. As Alex identifies the plants problems and works with his team to find solutions, the reader gains an understanding of the fundamental concepts behind the Theory of Constraints.

About the Authors

Eliyahu M. Goldratt was an educator, author, physicist, philosopher and business leader. He is best known as the father of the Theory of Constraints (TOC), a process of ongoing improvement that continuously identifies and leverages a systems constraints in order to achieve its goals. An advisor to major corporations and government agencies around the world, Dr. Goldratt was heralded as a guru to industry by Fortune magazine and a genius by Business Week. In addition to "The Goal," he authored ten other books, including four business novels. He developed TOC-derived tools such as Drum-Buer-Rope, Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) and the Thinking Processes, and continued to advance the TOC body of knowledge until his death in 2011.

Dwight Jon Zimmerman is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and editor. He is the author of more than a dozen books, including the #1 New York Times bestselling, "Lincolns Last Days" and the award-winning "Uncommon Valor: The Medal of Honor and the Warriors Who Earned it in Afghanistan and Iraq." He has written more than 300 articles on military history, as well as comic book stories for Marvel Comics and other comic book publishers.

As art director and designer for CBS Records, Bryon Preiss Visual Publications and DC Comics, illustrator Dean Motter has created a plethora of award-winning book and record jackets. As a graphic novelist, he is best known for "Terminal City," "The Prisoner," "Batman: Nine Lives" and his seminal creation, "Mister X." He has illustrated nonfiction comic books for the Davis S. Wyman Institute and the Los Angeles Holocaust Museum, including "The Book Hitler Didnt Want You to Read" and "Karskis Mission: To Stop the Holocaust."

About North River Press and Goldratt Books

The North River Press Publishing Corporation, founded in 1972, is the exclusive U.S. publisher of books by Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt. The company first published "The Goal" in 1984, and subsequently released three anniversary editions of the bestseller. Its Goldratt Books division has more than two dozen Theory of Constraints-related titles in its catalogue, including eleven authored by Dr. Goldratt.

The Goal: A Business Graphic Novel

by Eliyahu M. Goldratt with Jeff Cox, adapted by Dwight Jon Zimmerman and Dean Motter

Published and distributed by The North River Press Publishing Corporation

$25.00, paperback (ISBN: 978-088427-207-6) | $19.95, eBook (ISBN: 978-088427-282-3)

140 pages, B&W interior, 7 x 10 inches

Publication date: August 8, 2017

Media contacts:

Amy Gallagher, North River Press

agallagher(at)northriverpress(dot)com | ph 413-528-0034

Eugenie Sills, TWT Media

esills(at)twtmedia(dot)com | ph 413-329-8748
Personal Injury Attorney Patrick M. Flaherty Pat Flaherty is an accomplished trial lawyer who has devoted his professional life to helping victims of negligence and wrongdoing.

Aurora Personal Injury Lawyer Patrick Flaherty has been awarded a 2016 Trial Lawyer Excellence Award by the Jury Verdict Reporter. The Annual Jury Verdict Reporter Awards for Trial Lawyer Excellence recognize case and career achievements of Illinois lawyers.

Mr. Flaherty was one of only 13 Illinois lawyers to receive a JVR Award for case achievement in 2016. The awards were presented at an invitation only ceremony at the Chicago Cultural Center in downtown Chicago. Pat Flaherty is an accomplished trial lawyer who has devoted his professional life to helping victims of negligence and wrongdoing. He has been a partner for many years at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur, P.C., a well-regarded personal injury and commercial litigation law firm in Aurora, Illinois. The JVR Award was given to Mr. Flaherty for achieving the largest paraplegia verdict or settlement in Kane County history on behalf of a woman who became paralyzed due to the delayed diagnosis of a thoracic spinal infection. He has also obtained other record setting verdicts and settlements, including the highest birth injury award in Kane County and the highest wrongful death award in Will County.

Mr. Flaherty is a graduate of Marmion Academy, DePaul University and Northern Illinois University Law School. He has served as President of the Kane County Bar Association and has been a frequent speaker and writer for legal education programs. Flaherty has been honored with the Community Service Award from the KCBA and with the Lyle Oncken Community Service Award from the Kane County 708 INC Board for outstanding advocacy on behalf of people with developmental disabilities.

About Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C.:

Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. is a personal injury law firm in Aurora, Illinois. The highly regarded lawyers at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur, P.C. continue a tradition of aggressive and creative advocacy that for years has set the standard for Illinois lawyers. They have extensive experience in all phases of personal injury, wrongful death and workers compensation cases, including transportation accidents, construction accidents product failures and medical negligence.

The firm serves people in need throughout Northern Illinois, including Aurora, Batavia, Chicago, DeKalb, Elgin, Oswego, Naperville, Rockford, Yorkville and Wheaton.

Each member of the firm is dedicated to helping people and to securing justice. Contact one of them and they will all roll up their sleeves and work for you. Call 630-907-0909 or visit http://www.kfkllaw.com.
Car Wars is excited to announce its sponsorship of DealerFire Academy. During the event, Car Wars will be sharing insight into effective digital marketing practices and call conversions.

DealerFire Academy is a one-day digital marketing event revolving around education on website building, content marketing, paid advertising, and video advertising within the automotive industry.

The event, put on by DealerSocket, will feature several workshops and is set for August 15 at The Pendry San Diego in San Diego, California.

Being the preferred call tracking and marketing analytics provider for more than 10,000 automotive dealerships in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, Car Wars workshop will help make sure your digital ads are actually working.

Car Wars own Cassie Broemmer, Executive Vice President of Business Development, is the expert in maximizing DNI (Dynamic Number Insertion) use to help with call-to-appointment conversions.

Broemmer will explain the correlation between phone calls and sales opportunities. Additionally, dealers will learn how to establish or refine their phone skills with the staple Car Wars metric: CRISP. CRISP is featured throughout Car Wars reporting. You cant open a single report in the platform without being reminded of CRISP; thats intentional. The performance metric helps those who handle the phone daily focus directly on connecting callers, requesting and setting firm appointments, and having live conversations on their outbound calls.

I am excited to help dealers perform even better by sharing with them exactly which digital ads are most effective and which arent bringing in the best opportunities, said Broemmer. Dynamic number insertion shows you not only how many calls you get, but how many calls were opportunities, and ultimately if your goal was hit: setting that firm appointment.

The event starts at 10 a.m. and lasts until 7 p.m. DealerSocket will provide food and drinks, as well as company swag.

To register for DealerFire Academy in San Diego, please visit https://dealersocket.com/sd-event.

About Car Wars

Car Wars, based in Dallas, Texas, is the premier call tracking provider for more than 10,000 automotive dealerships. Their team of 100,000 human reviewers track and record every inbound and outbound call at a dealership. The platform provides insight into how every call is handled, alerts dealers when a missed opportunity needs attention and helps stores improve phone performance.

Dealers turn to Car Wars when theyre overwhelmed by the phone. Car Wars fosters a thriving phone culture centered around accountability and converts more phone calls into appointments.
Sidharth Malik We believe Sidharth's valuable experience in building global teams, expanding markets and growing revenues make him an ideal choice to further accelerate our growth at Freshworks. - Girish Mathrubootham, Founder and CEO Freshworks.

Freshworks, the leading provider of cloud-based business software, today announced the appointment of Sidharth Malik to the newly created position of Chief Revenue Officer. In this role, Malik will focus on accelerating revenue growth and will lead all the global go-to-market teams at Freshworks.

Malik brings over 22 years of global experience in the IT industry to Freshworks, having served in sales leadership and general management roles at Microsoft, IBM, Salesforce and most recently Akamai Technologies. Malik joins Freshworks after a successful career at Akamai Technologies over the last five years, where he served as the Managing Director, overseeing all operations of the company in India. Under his leadership, Akamais India operations grew from 700 to 2000+ employees, and the India center of excellence served a variety of global customers from India.

Prior to his role at Akamai, Malik was leading the Platform Business for Microsoft in India. His previous roles included serving as the Managing Director for South Asia at Telelogic AB, Country Manager with IBM Rational India and Area Vice-President at Salesforce.com.

We are very excited to have Sidharth join Freshworks at a key inflection point in our journey, said Girish Mathrubootham, CEO and founder, Freshworks. We believe his valuable experience in building global teams, expanding markets and growing revenues make him an ideal choice to further accelerate our growth at Freshworks.

I am very honored at this unique opportunity to help drive the growth agenda at Freshworks. I have followed Girish and the story of Freshworks over the years and its inspiring to now be a part of the next phase of the journey partnering with such an incredible team, said Sidharth Malik. With its refreshing suite of business software, I believe we are well positioned to transform the way our customers engage with their customers and employees. I look forward to partnering with Girish and the entire team at Freshworks as we expand our product portfolio and partner deeper with our customers globally.

About Freshworks

Freshworks Inc. is the parent company behind the suite of products which includes Freshdesk, Freshservice, Freshsales, and Freshcaller. The companys suite of products is designed to work tightly together to increase collaboration and help teams better connect and communicate with their customers and co-workers. Founded in October 2010, Freshworks Inc. is backed by Accel, Tiger Global Management, CapitalG, and Sequoia Capital India. Freshworks has its HQ in San Bruno, California, and global offices in India, UK, Australia, and Germany. The company's cloud-based suite of SaaS products is widely used by over 100,000 customers around the world including Honda, Bridgestone, Hugo Boss, University of Pennsylvania, Toshiba and Cisco.

To learn more about Freshworks, please visit http://www.freshworks.com

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Cambridge Security Seals (CSS), a leading American manufacturer of tamper-evident and loss prevention security seals, was issued a patent (U.S. Patent No. 9,178,228) by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its innovative design of an injection mold and the mold manufacturing process. Among other advantages, the pioneering mold design enables a quick-change method for manufacturing different products by accommodating highly efficient transitions between variable dimensions, strengths, markings, and other features.

Since its founding, Cambridge Security Seals has focused on achieving its vision of a continuously improving, customer-centric American manufacturing company, explains Elisha Tropper, the companys CEO. This patent reinforces our longstanding dedication to innovation of products and processes to provide tangible benefits to our clientele and employees.

Cambridge Security Seals manufactures a wide variety of its award-winning security seals in its New York headquarters and production facility. According to Brian Lyle, the companys president, the patented process enables CSS to offer a wider variety of customizable features while reducing costs and lead times.

Founded in 2010, Cambridge Security Seals has grown into one of the leading and most inventive security seals manufacturers in the world. The company continues to invest heavily in research and development, and was ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing private companies in America.

CSSs substantial year-over-year growth is, according to Lyle, proof that our culture of innovation and commitment to American manufacturing can successfully deliver the highest quality and shortest lead times to a diverse and ever-increasing customer base.

About Cambridge Security Seals

Cambridge Security Seals, a privately-held enterprise headquartered in New York, offers an extensive line of tamper evident, tamper resistant, and high-security loss prevention seals to customers across a wide range of industries. The companys dedication to uncompromising quality, dedicated customer service, and outstanding value provides a blueprint for reliability and security. CSS services an increasingly diverse customer base spanning a variety of industries, including airlines, freight, logistics, distribution, trucking, retail, cash handling, rail transportation, government, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, medical, and agriculture.

Cambridge Security Seals commitment to technology, quality standards, environmental responsibility, and attention to detail fuels its drive to provide security-conscious customers with the products, services, and value they demand from an industry leader.

The backbone of Cambridge Security Seals is a diversified team of technical experts and business professionals, including experienced engineering, design, production, and logistics specialists. This unique blend of management and production expertise enables the company to provide an unmatched level of value. For more information about Cambridge Security Seals, please visit [http://www.cambridgeseals.com.
. To do so, first type the original number into the text box. Then click on the "Scientific Notation" option located at the top of the floating window. Finally, click on the "Standard" button found beneath the text box to display your result. This program is useful for scientists and engineers working with decimal-based numbers. It provides easy access to those who need to convert those numbers into more compact forms without having to do heavy math calculations first.

Scientific notation is a way to express very large or very small numbers. It is used in physics, chemistry and other fields where large numbers are common. Those numbers are written as a power of 10 followed by a number with an exponent. For example, 1,000,000 (one million) is written as 1  103. The exponent shows how many zeros are after the first digit. For example, 1,000,001 is written as 1  102. Scientific notation is a useful tool for making calculations easier. You can use it to write down very big or very small numbers in one step instead of writing out both the large and small numbers separately. You can also use it to express large or small numbers in terms of other units like centimeters or millimeters.

Scientific notation solver is an online tool that can be used to convert any number into scientific notation. Simply enter any number to the left of the decimal point and it will automatically convert it into a scientific notation equivalent. This web tool can be very helpful when you need to convert a large number into scientific notation. However, please note that this online tool can only convert numbers that are in scientific format. For example, it cannot convert a non-scientific number like "1,085" into a scientific notation equivalent. It is also important to keep in mind that this web tool only works when converting numbers from one particular format to another. For example, if you want to change a non-scientific number like "1,085" into standard format, then you will have to use another online tool like NumberFormatting.com.
Georgia United Credit Union team members and volunteers worked with contractors during the event to transform the courtyard from weeds to an outdoor classroom

Georgia United Credit Union hosted their 4th annual School Crashers program, which offers Georgia schools the opportunity to apply for a facility makeover. The goal of the program is to bring communities together to support local schools and their school systems. In the past, this program has resulted in higher test scores and attendance rates at schools that have been crashed.

After receiving over 330 nominations, Canby Lane Elementary School, located at 4150 Green Hawk Drive, was chosen as Georgia Uniteds 2017 main School Crashers event. Georgia United team members, Canby Lane faculty, professional contractors and the community came together on Friday, July 21, 2017 and Saturday, July 22, 2017 to crash this school built in 1960. Several significant improvement projects were completed during these two days, including the installation of a courtyard classroom, mini murals throughout the elementary, installing carpet in the media center and front office, painting bathroom walls and hallways, adding plants and foliage to the area around the flag post, creating blacktop games  like four square and many other projects.

Canby Lane Elementary is a Title 1 School and also received several SPLOST improvement projects this summer, including a new A/C unit.

Georgia United gives special thanks to DeKalb County School District for donating interior and exterior paint, Mohawk Industries for providing carpet and adhesive, Coca-Cola for providing 1,200 beverages for volunteers, Home Depot Foundation for supplying the courtyard lumber and landscaping timbers, 680 The Fan for bringing snacks for the volunteers, Chick-fil-A Foundation and Tin Lizzys for feeding our volunteers, Signs by Tomorrow for helping us promote our sponsor banner during the event via signage and our paid media partners, Star 94, Q100 and 99x.

The before and after photos are available at gucu.org/schoolcrashers and Canby Lane Elementary parents and students saw the improvements when school started in August.

About Georgia United Credit Union

Georgia United Credit Union is ranked as one of the top credit unions in Georgia in both size and safety with over $1 Billion in assets, 160,000 members and 19 branch locations. Georgia United seeks to make members lives easier by offering products, services and education to help members meet their needs and achieve their goals.

Georgia United Credit Union serves all State Agency employees, Board of Regents colleges and universities, employees of over 500 companies and 11 county school systems. Visit gucu.org to learn more or follow the credit union on Facebook at facebook.com/GeorgiaUnitedCU and Twitter at @GAUnitedCU.
Restaurant sales dropped again in July, dealing a blow to an industry that had shown modest signs of improvement in recent months. Same-store sales were down -2.8 percent, a sharp 1.8 percentage point decline from June. The drop was disappointing in light of the -1.3 percent average comp sales for the first six months of the year and -1.6 percent recorded in the last half of 2016. These insights come from TDn2K data through The Restaurant Industry Snapshot, based on weekly sales from 28,500+ restaurant units, 155+ brands and representing $68+ billion dollars in annual revenue.

Same-store traffic declined -4.7 percent in July, a 1.7 percentage point drop from June.

July proved to be a tough month for chain restaurants, commented Victor Fernandez, Executive Director of Insights and Knowledge for TDn2K. Based on recent trends, we were cautiously optimistic that the tide was turning a bit, especially since brands were comparing against weaker comps in 2016. Calculated on a two-year basis, sales in July 2017 were down -4.2 percent compared with July of 2015. Same-store traffic was -8.7 percent for that same period. These are the weakest two-year growth rates in over three years, additional evidence that the industry has not reversed the downward trend that began in early 2015.

Consumers Spending on Vacation

While the economy keeps growing at a moderate pace and job gains remain strong, the consumer seems to be on vacation  literally and figuratively, said Joel Naroff, President of Naroff Economic Advisors and TDn2K economist. One of the clearest indicators that households are spending cautiously is the softening of big-ticket purchases. In July, for the eleventh month out of the last twelve, vehicle sales were below the rate posted the year before. Home sales, while still trending up, are now expanding at a decelerating pace.

It is likely that consumption will improve, as confidence seems to have stabilized and income growth is improving. But households are currently maintaining their lifestyles by reducing their savings rate and that is likely restraining spending on discretionary goods. We may have to wait until the fall or early winter, assuming wage gains accelerate by then, to see any pick up in restaurant sales.

Average Guest Check Increases Slowing

The growth in check averages has slowed in recent months as brands fight the tide of continuing traffic declines. Check increases in 2015 and 2016 were largely an effort to maintain margins in the face of higher labor costs. The slowdown in check growth may be a combination of value platforms and increased deal activity aimed at increasing visitation frequency. It may also be recognition that top-line increases are under more scrutiny despite the potential impact to operating margins. Given that grocery prices have been dropping year over year, it is no surprise that restaurants have been compelled to review their value proposition.

Fine Dining Continued Outperforming, Quick Service Struggled During July

Fine dining and upscale casual continue to outperform other industry segments. Fine dining was the only segment up in July (0.4 percent) and upscale casual was down fractionally. The slowdown in fast casual sales noted in the past continued in July, as did softness for quick service. While much of fast casuals headwinds are a result of rapid segment growth, the steady performance decline in lower PPA segments will be important to follow. Both segments outperformed the industry in 2015 and 2016, but trail through July of this year.

The Restaurant Workforce

Restaurants are not getting much relief from a labor perspective. According to TDn2Ks People Report Workforce Index, 63 percent of companies reported an increase in difficulty recruiting qualified employees to staff their restaurants during the second quarter of 2016. Additionally, the expectations component of the index predicts continued job growth for the industry, with 47 percent of restaurant companies anticipating an increase in their number of hourly jobs. 42 percent reported an expected increase in their net number of restaurant management jobs.

Retention continues to be a major challenge for the industry. Both restaurant management and hourly employee turnover increased again during June. However, the latest indicators may be hinting that increasing turnover rates are beginning to taper off. Even if turnover rates reach a plateau at their current levels, which is likely to be the best case scenario, they will remain at record high levels and continue to be a source of headaches for restaurant operators

TDn2K (Transforming Data into Knowledge) is the parent company of People Report, Black Box Intelligence and White Box Social Intelligence. People Report provides service-sector human capital and workforce analytics for its members on a monthly basis. Black Box Intelligence provides weekly financial and market level data for the restaurant industry. White Box Social Intelligence delivers consumer insights and reveals online brand health. TDn2K membership represents 41,000 restaurant units, 2.5 million employees, and $68 billion in sales. They are also the producers of leading restaurant industry events including the Global Best Practices Conference held annually each January in Dallas, Texas.
Elk can be seen and their eerie, high-pitched seasonal calls heard during Wildlife Expeditions three-day Fall Elk Bugling, Wolves & Bears safaris beginning September 7, 2017. The three-day wildlife adventures take guests on a magnificent tour through Yellowstones backcountry.

A sound that could be described as both thrilling and bone chilling, the dramatic high-pitched bugle of a 700-pound bull elk is the lead in the wild seasonal symphony of Yellowstone National Park each fall. The best way to locate and listen to such memorable moments is on one of Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools fall elk bugling, wolves & bears safaris, beginning Sept. 7, 2017, and continuing on select dates through Oct. 7.

The three-day wildlife adventures, which begin and end in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, take guests on a magnificent tour through Yellowstones backcountry, viewing colorful autumn foliage and seeking wolves and bears on the prowl as the elk calls ring through the forest.

Expedition guests travel in comfortable customized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter safari vehicles into Yellowstones legendary Lamar and Hayden Valleys  known as Americas Serengeti for their rich wildlife offerings  with stops at iconic Old Faithful, the colorful Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs.

Wildlife Expeditions experienced guides have the inside scoop on wildlife activity in the park, leading the small-group safari into prime spotting opportunities through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The expeditions teach about the natural world and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, capturing an intimate experience of wildlife in ancient habitat while delving deeper into the context of the parks and ecosystem  making the trips perfect for families seeking an exciting and educational experience.

The Fall Elk Bugling trip is offered five times in 2017: Sept. 7 - 9, Sept. 14  16, Sept. 21  23, Sept. 28  30 and Oct. 5  7. Rate for the expedition is $1,450/person and includes two nights lodging in Cooke City, Mont., all meals, snacks and beverages, high-quality binoculars and spotting scopes, National Park Service entrance fees and more. A sample trip itinerary can be viewed here.

About Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools:

With a mission of inspiring curiosity, engagement and leadership through transformative place-based education, Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools has a well-earned reputation of leading exceptional safari tours and locating wild animals in the wilderness in and around Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Jackson Hole, Wyoming's premier and original safari provider, Wildlife Expeditions offers family-friendly educational tours year-round in a stunning natural environment. The wildlife tour company has been featured in Conde Nast Traveler, as a bucket-list destination by the Travel Channel.com and as one of 10 Amazing Adventures worldwide by USA Today. For more information or to book a Wildlife Expeditions tour, visit http://www.tetonscience.org.

Contact: Amy Stark, Word PR + Marketing, amy(at)wordprmarketing(dot)com, 307.734.5335
Drexel University TV Management Graduate Students During a 2016 Visit

Karen Curry believes to understand global TV you have to visit London. Curry, a TV Management professor at Drexel University, should know. As NBC News former Bureau Chief, she lived fifteen years in London and from there covered the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and the untimely death of Princess Diana.

Thats why Professor Curry, accompanied by nine TV students from Drexels Graduate Program in Television Management, will connect her former London colleagues and her students during a whirlwind week of visits to global media companies that affect the way news is reported and distributed around the world.

The visit is part of a ten-week online course that focuses on the role of London-based companies in the larger global media ecosystem. Once there, students will start their week with a bus tour of the world cultural capital and attend a dinner with Lynne Edwards of CBS News at The Frontline Club, which is known internationally as a gathering place for journalists and photographers. John Owen, Chairman of the Frontline Club, will also join the students.

Theres a lot to see and learn about the media industry in London, and these students will have the unique opportunity of meeting in person many of the media leaders who have been teaching them online during the summer quarter, says Curry.

Currys graduate students will take part in a street photography workshop with Sebastian Rich, internationally renowned photojournalist, giving them a birds eye view of what makes London such a cinematic city. Theyll visit NBC London, CNN, BBC and Channel 4 News, and meet popular stage and screen actress Lesley Sharp of the original Full Monty and the award-winning Scott and Bailey that ran on PBS in the US.

This August marks the 20th anniversary of Princess Dianas death and the students will have a VIP tour of Althorp, her childhood home and burial place, arranged by her brother Earl Spencer. Additionally, after touring the state rooms at Buckingham Palace, they will have tea with Robert Jobson, Royal Editor of The Evening Standard and Good Morning Americas royal expert. Jobson covered Princess Diana extensively and has covered the Royal Family for 30 years.

Experiencing the cultural richness of London is part of the experiential learning model on which the course is based, Curry adds. What would a summer visit to London be without an evening at the Proms?

Professor Karen Curry says her students will gain a lifetime of knowledge during their jam-packed six-day trip. Television Management students always take advantage of the opportunities in London, she said. Theyll carry what they learn there throughout their careers and will have these contacts for life.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Professor Curry and her students will be available for interviews during their week in London (August 14-18). Photos and videos of the visit will also be available.
Talent Board has been a key resource for our team as we shape candidate experiences for our clients

Allegis Global Solutions (AGS), a leading workforce solutions and talent acquisition partner, will sponsor the 2017 Talent Board Candidate Experience (CandE) Awards as a Silver Sponsor. AGS clients, including CA Technologies, have previously won CandE Awards. Talent Board, a non-profit organization focused on the promotion and benchmark research of a quality candidate experience, launched the awards program in 2011.

Talent Board has been a key resource for our team as we shape candidate experiences for our clients, said Craig Fisher, global marketing leader at AGS. Through Talent Board, we have gained  and shared  best practices on candidate experience. In addition to participating in the awards program, we leverage Talent Boards research reports on how best to engage candidates  making sure that we are always ahead of the curve and driving world-class practices.

The annual awards and benchmarking programs offer employers in North America (NAM), Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia-Pacific (APAC), a risk-free and confidential opportunity to learn how their organizations candidate experience practices compare to those of their peers and obtain feedback from their candidates, while gaining insight into the latest tools and strategies for optimizing the recruiting process.

In addition to sponsoring the awards program, AGS is participating in Talent Boards 2017 CandE Survey. The survey solicits feedback from recent AGS job applicants to learn about their candidate journey as an applicant, candidate and new hire.

This years ceremony will take place in Nashville on October 2, 2017. Those interested in attending can register here.

About Allegis Global Solutions

Allegis Global Solutions, an Allegis Group company, is founded on a culture that is passionate about transforming the way the world acquires talent by delivering client-focused solutions that make a difference for businesses worldwide. From refining how you manage your contingent workforce to strengthening your employer brand to recruit top talent, our integrated solutions drive the business results youre after. As an industry leader, we draw upon decades of experience to design innovative tools, products and processes. We develop competitive practices that position organizations for growth and we deliver the insight needed to succeed in todays global marketplace.
By becoming a RelativityOne Certified Partner, D4 demonstrates that they have the product knowledge and expertise to provide services and solutions that exceed customers expectations with RelativityOne

August 11th, 2017  D4 LLC, a leading international provider of managed data and discovery services, today announced that they have become a RelativityOne Certified Partner.

The RelativityOne Certified Partner program recognizes Relativity partners who have made a significant commitment to offering solutions using RelativityOne, the complete e-discovery solution in the cloud, developed by kCura.

RelativityOne provides legal teams with the flexibility to meet the diverse challenges of litigation, internal investigations, or compliance projects. RelativityOnes advanced data analytics can be brought into a workflow at any time to follow an investigative pattern of thought and uncover the true story behind the data.

D4 has been a Relativity Best in Service partner for over 8 years and this new designation affirms D4s dedication and commitment to providing industry-leading solutions to our customers,  said John Rubens, Chief Operating Officer of D4. The Relativity hybrid model enables D4 to focus more on innovating and delivering even more value to our clients, while reducing the cost on scaling and managing infrastructure.

With Relativity, legal teams can work with their data however they need  on premises, in the cloud, or both  within a consistent and unified experience.

By becoming a RelativityOne Certified Partner, D4 demonstrates that they have the product knowledge and expertise to provide services and solutions that exceed customers expectations with RelativityOne, said George Orr, vice president of customer success and support at kCura.

kCura evaluates RelativityOne Certified Partners in areas including customer service and product expertise. RelativityOne partners are best equipped to provide access and experience with the newest Relativity features, such as email thread visualization and the visualization for concept clusters.

For more information about RelativityOne, please contact D4 at 800.410.7066 or marketing@d4discovery.com

About D4

D4 is a leading provider of managed data and discovery services to law firms and corporations. D4 offers full-service capabilities with local infrastructure to support litigation, investigations, compliance and other legal matters. The companys state-of-the-art data centers and global operations are complemented by electronic discovery, computer forensics and document review offices throughout the USA, China and the UK. Depth of staff, experience and innovative technology allow the company to provide first-class performance worldwide.

D4 was one of the first providers to offer an eDiscovery Managed Services solution, and continues to lead the field in innovation. D4 became part of Special Counsel and the Adecco Group in 2016, enhancing D4s offerings with Managed Review and streamlined access to legal staffing.

About kCura

kCura are the developers of Relativity, an e-discovery platform used by more than 13,000 organizations to manage large volumes of data and quickly identify key issues during litigation, internal investigations, and compliance projects. Relativity has over 150,000 active users in 40+ countries from organizations including the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 70 Fortune 100 companies, and more than 195 of the Am Law 200. Corporations, law firms, and government agencies use Relativity on-premises, in the cloud, or as a hybrid platformwith hosted, on-demand solutions available through a global network of partners. As a platform, Relativity also allows developers to design, build, and integrate applications that extend its functionality. kCura has been named one of Chicago's Top Workplaces by the Chicago Tribune for six consecutive years and received the CityLIGHTS Lighthouse Award from the Illinois Technology Association in 2016. Please visit http://www.kcura.com for more information.
With Franks leadership, even our most sophisticated customers will find new ways to unlock the full potential of Botify

Botify, the premiere technical SEO platform for enterprise companies, named Frank Vitovitch Head of US Customer Success. In this pivotal role, Frank and his team will be responsible for helping customers extract the maximum value out of their partnership with Botify and deliver impact to their organizations.

Frank has worked in search engine optimization for 14 years. He joins Botify most recently from GroupM where he was partner and practice director of SEO. As practice director, Frank oversaw the SEO practice for the agencies within GroupM including MEC, Mindshare, Mediacom, and Maxus. He built out new offerings, implemented processes and workflows and vetted new tools and technologies. Before GroupM, Frank worked as Sr. Manager of Client Services at Brightedge where he managed a comprehensive portfolio of client accounts in multiple verticals including finance, hospitality, marketing agencies, technology, publishing, pharmaceutical brands, healthcare, and retail.

Frank has diverse SEO experience and a deep search skillset. said Botify CEO, Adrien Menard. Hes worked in both agencies and SaaS companies which has given him an impressive depth of knowledge about search tools. Having Frank on board means Botify will be able to improve overall experience for US clients and increase utilization of the platform. With Franks leadership, even our most sophisticated customers will find new ways to unlock the full potential of Botify.

Botify has offices in Paris, New York, and London, and works with more than 400 customers spanning 30 countries. Recognition of Botifys crawler includes several award wins: 2017 Software Innovation winner in the EU, 2016 Best Search Software in the US and EU and Best SEO Software Tool in the UK. Botify works with global enterprise customers across industries and partners with premier companies including Expedia, Staples, Refinery29, and iProspect. After partnering with Botify, clients quickly see organic improvements of 15% on average, with some clients driving as much as a 214% increase in less than 3 months of using the platform.

A lot of SEO tools and platforms can essentially tell you that it rained last week (i.e. what has happened on your website) but Botify empowers you with data that can tell you what days you need your umbrella this week (i.e. what are the underlying problem areas of your website that will impact performance in the future). This unique approach to SEO will help a lot of marketers reach their full potential with their site and I am thrilled to be leading the team that supports that utilization, said Frank Vitovitch, Head of US Customer Success.

Botify is backed by European VC firms Idinvest and Ventech which invested $7.2 Million in Series A funding in early 2016. Hiring top talent is the answer to the companys plans to grow sustainably at a global scale. Franks appointment is a critical move in a series of hires Botify is making to build the global team.

About Botify

Botify is the premiere technical SEO platform for enterprise companies. Built by SEOs for SEOs, this innovative, award-winning solution empowers users to improve performance with unprecedented visibility into how search engines crawl and index a site. Botify has offices in Paris, New York, and London, and works with more than 400 customers in 30 countries. Their enterprise customers span industries and include Expedia, Staples, Refinery29, and iProspect. For more information visit https://www.botify.com/.
nQueue Turbocharge Workflows

nQueue, the leading provider of document scanning and routing, print workflow and cost recovery technology, today announced its world class scanning solution InfoRoute is ready for SCOTUS E-Filing. SCOTUS announced that beginning November 13, 2017 Electronic filing of case documents will be required.

In addition to SCOTUS E-Filing, nQueue formats scans ready for E-Filing in all courts across the country from State to Federal levels, including the USPTO. InfoRoute is a fully scalable solution that leverages OnRamps to capture scans directly from a MFD, high speed scanner or desktop and then route the scans to OffRamps including leading DMS systems iManage, OpenText, NetDocuments, Worldox, ProLaw and SharePoint as well as network folders and email. InfoRoute leverages ABBYYs renowned OCR engine to produce the most accurate scan in the smallest possible file size all at speeds up to 2 pages per second.

Rick Hellers, nQueues President and CEO and a 35-year veteran in the legal industry recently concluded a European roadshow where he discussed Information Workflows. Its clear the future is in managing information workflows, says Hellers, nQueues InfoRoute technology turbocharges firms existing Workflows.

For more information, please visit http://www.nQueue.com.

About nQueue

nQueue provides software-based workflow management and profitability solutions to more than 35 percent of the largest 250 law firms in the United States, seven of the top 20 in the U.K., seven of the largest 35 in Australia, and five of the Top 10 globally. The companys Document Scanning & Routing (InfoRoute) solution enables firms to capture, format, route and control scans to reduce costs associated with document retention and retrieval and improve Information Workflows. Additionally nQueues Cost recovery solutions assist firms by enhancing the automation and processing of any operational and administrative expenses, including print, copy, scan, phone, fax, travel, court fees, research, overnight, courier costs, credit card charges and more on an extremely powerful platform. nQueues software offerings, can be embedded directly into multi-function devices or reside on tablet computers or terminals to provide clients with the knowledge required to run their businesses more profitably. nQueue is a wholly owned subsidiary of Reckon Limited and is the only truly global cost recovery company. To learn more about nQueue, please visit http://www.nQueue.com.

Media Contact

John Gilbert nQueue

Tel: +1 (480) 436-5142

Email: jgilbert(at)nqueue(dot)com
Stonecrest of Wildwood When residents choose Stonecrest of Wildwood as their home, they are choosing the premiere choice for assisted living and memory care in the west St. Louis area," said Doreen Scarfino from Stonecrest of Wildwood.

Stonecrest of Wildwood, a premier assisted living and memory care community under development embraces the best in the 21st century senior living. The new community is receiving attention from those interested to see what the spectacular community has to offer residents. To accommodate interest, the leasing office is now open for those interested in learning more. Opening in Spring of 2018, Stonecrest of Wildwood is managed by Integral Senior Living (ISL) and is the third such community in St. Louis, now joining Stonecrest of Clayton View and Stonecrest of Town & Country.

At the leasing office, visitors can review the floor plans, building renderings, design boards and actual community finishes. In addition, they may also receive information about services, features, benefits and amenities that can be answered by the Sales & Marketing team. The Stonecrest of Wildwood leasing office is located at 251 Plaza Drive, Wildwood, MO 63040. It is open 8:30 am-5:00 pm Monday  Friday. For more information, please call 636-273-3900 or visit http://www.StonecrestofWildwood.com.

At our new leasing office, we look forward to introducing our wonderful new community to those who live, work and reside in Wildwood and the surrounding area, said Doreen Scarfino, director of sales and marketing for Wildwood. When residents choose Stonecrest of Wildwood as their home, they are choosing the premiere choice for assisted living and memory care in the west St. Louis area.

Inspired by the vigorous lifestyle of the community, Stonecrest of Wildwood blends a touch of city and country living, setting a new standard of senior living. The distinctive yet comfortable community will feature a variety of amenities including an active bistro, theater, fitness center with occupational and physical therapy, computer and learning center, library, living spaces and much more. Residents will enjoy beautifully appointed suites, a calendar full of vibrant activities and outings and an award-winning dining experience, all within a dynamic community full of life. Stonecrests individually tailored programs provide the stability and safety needed for the independence their residents desire. Stonecrest strives to enhance residents experience with special attention to customizing support around their lifestyle.

When complete, Stonecrest of Wildwood will be comprised of 49 private apartments in assisted living, including studio suites, one-bedroom suites and two-bedroom suites. Stonecrest of Wildwood also will have 32 suites within a specially designed memory care neighborhood, where care and compassion come first. The community utilizes the Teepa Snow approach to memory care.

For more information visit http://www.StonecrestofWildwood.com.

About Stonecrest of Wildwood

Scheduled to open in Spring 2018, Stonecrest of Wildwood will provide the finest in senior living with assisted living and memory care options for residents. Located in Wildwood, Missouri, the expertly trained staff will provide residents with the highest standards of senior care services amidst a beautiful, vibrant community. It is operated by Integral Senior Living, which manages independent living, assisted living, and memory care properties. ISL is founded on a care philosophy that fosters dignity and respect for residents and promotes their independence and individuality. For more information, please visit http://www.StonecrestofWildwood.com or call 636-273-3900.
Founders Of Move Buddies Good service is good business

Move Buddies, a moving solutions company serving Georgia and South Carolina, announces it has received the 2017 Best of HomeAdvisor award. The company is honored with the award for excelling in customer service and value in the home improvement and maintenance industry.

The award selection process was based on positive reviews from HomeAdvisor for quality of work practices, customer service, and value. To qualify, companies must have a minimum rating of four on based on a scale of one to five, be active members in good standing, and have at least three verified reviews submitted in the last six months. To see Move Buddies award-winning ratings on HomeAdvisor, click here.

Move Buddies was founded by two friends pursuing their dream of owning a business and contributing to their community. While remaining local, the business has expanded to service Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina. The company aids in both local and long distances moves and provides its own packaging supplies, as well as additional moving services, such as storage and trash removal. Move Buddies success comes from its dedication to prioritizing the customer experience in its services. Move Buddies will continue to offer optimum service for its customers and the best value with this award from HomeAdvisor. Along with the HomeAdvisor seal of approval, Move Buddies boasts other recognitions from organizations such as Angies List and Move for Hunger.

Find additional reviews, ratings, and information here.

About Move Buddies

Move Buddies is a moving company offering services in Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina. With trained and professional movers and the latest model of trucks, Move Buddies is fully licensed, insured, and well-equipped to deliver high-quality service for moves of any size. Move Buddies assures a headache-free service to its customers to ensure an improved moving experience. Visit the company website to learn more about Move Buddies moving solution services: http://www.movebuddies.com.

For more information, contact:

Move Buddies

174 Meeting Street, #200A

Charleston, SC. 29401

(843) 800-4423
Eskaton Gnome travels with resident's grandson to Mount Everest Basecamp in Nepal.

Eskaton, a nonprofit community-based organization serving seniors throughout Northern California, will be hosting its annual Open House & Gnome Coming Party on Thursday, August 24, at 5 p.m. The free event, which takes place at Eskaton Lodge Cameron Park, 3421 Palmer Dr., Cameron Park, CA 95682.

The Eskaton Traveling Gnome Project is designed to bring together volunteers and seniors to encourage interaction and social well-being, said Carly Amatisto, Eskaton activity director. We started this project as a way to connect our residents with the community.

Amatisto partners volunteers with residents based on what geographic regions the resident is interested in visiting. Although many of our residents no longer vacation in the summer, they are still interested in learning about new places. Our volunteers bring back photos of the Gnomes visiting locations around the world, noted Amatisto.

Each senior is involved in making their own gnome and naming it. During the Gnome Coming, residents learn about where their gnomes went and each receives a photo album of the travels.

In 2014, Leroy the Gnome was deployed over Afghanistan with the Air Force Reserves on a refueling plane and participated in several missions. In 2015, Winton the Gnome traveled to Alaska, satisfying a lifelong goal of an Eskaton resident who was not able to complete all 50 states. In 2016, Suzie the Gnome traveled over 24,901 miles around the globe with her volunteer travel partner. She visited Thailand, Australia and New Zealand.

This year, it looks like Morris the Gnome will win the title of Globe Circumnavigator, added Amatisto. To date, Morris has traveled 21,137.12 miles through Kathmandu, Iceland and Ecuador, and hes not home yet.

The Open House & Gnome Coming party will also include live music at 6 p.m., community tours, complimentary hors doeuvres and refreshments and a build-your-own-gnome booth. Ten Eskaton residents and eleven volunteers will be sharing their summer travel stories.

For those interested in attending the Open House & Gnome Coming Party, please visit the Eskaton Traveling Gnome Project page on Facebook.

About Eskaton

Founded in 1968, Eskaton is now the largest nonprofit community-based organization serving seniors in the Greater Sacramento area. Our dedicated team members provide services and support for nearly 12,000 individuals annually who live in our communities or participate in our comprehensive Home Support Services. Eskaton's difference lies in our broad array of choices and affordable options to engage and support people living in their own homes, as well as those who choose to live in one of our communities. Our positive reputation extends to our signature life-enriching programs, innovative health and wellness initiatives, professional staff training and development and generous philanthropy. These, along with our nonprofit status, are Eskaton's distinguishing factors. For more information, please call (866) ESKATON, or visit http://www.eskaton.org.
Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP will be honored at The American Lawyers Global Legal Awards on Sept. 25 in New York City. The firm was recognized under the category Global Finance Deal of the Year: Insolvency and Restructuring (U.S.) for its work in representing Roust Corporation. It is one of the very few complex cross-border financial restructurings, involving U.S. Chapter 11 proceedings, affecting Polish entities.

This was a unique matter that highlights why we stand out amongst other firms. Realizing our local know-how and our breadth of resources in both countries, our client chose us as Polish counsel in a multidimensional financial matter involving U.S. restructuring law. Not many other firms can offer such expertise, said Andrzej Wysokinski, lead partner on the matter and head of the firms Warsaw Banking & Finance Practice.

Greenberg Traurig acted as Polish legal counsel to Roust Corporation and its affiliates, including Polish subsidiaries CEDC International and PWW, in a cross-border financial restructuring in connection with Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. The transaction included the refinancing of the existing notes and the issuance of new notes. Roust Corporation and its affiliates comprise one of the largest vodka and other alcoholic beverages producers and distributors.

This recognition speaks volumes regarding our team in Poland, our aptitude for cross-border deals, and the firms overall international capabilities. We are uniquely positioned to serve clients worldwide regardless of where they are physically located. This matter highlights just how successful we are in doing that, said Jarosaw Grzesiak, Managing Partner of the Warsaw Office and Lejb Fogelman, Senior Partner of the Warsaw Office, in a joint statement.

The team also included: Local Partner Aleksander Janiszewski and Associates: Paulina Kimla-Kaczorowska, Maja Gawrysiuk, and Martyna Komorniczak.

Greenberg Traurig LLP

Greenberg Traurig, LLP is an international, multi-practice law firm with approximately 2000 attorneys serving clients from 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Greenberg Traurig Grzesiak sp.k. was named the 2017 Law Firm of the Year in Poland and the 2016 Law Firm of the Year in Poland - Client Service Award by Chambers and Partners. The Warsaw office of Greenberg Traurig, LLP provides legal services to clients in Central Europe and beyond and consists of 90 lawyers. Team members are regularly recognized as leaders in numerous practice areas. Chambers Global, Chambers Europe, IFLR1000, and EMEA Legal 500 consistently rank them among the top tiers in the areas of Corporate/M&A, Capital Markets, Real Estate, Private Equity, Tax, Banking and Finance, Project Finance, Energy, Dispute Resolution, and TMT.

For additional information, please visit http://www.gtlaw.com.
"You belong here and we need you," the executive said.

His public remarks at a coding event aimed at girls, first reported by The Verge, come after a week of controversy sparked by an internal memo written by a Google employee criticising the Californian tech company's diversity policy and arguing biology may be behind the gender divide in tech.

After the memo went viral, its author James Damore was fired, and he has now now filed a labour complaint against Google.

Pichai was due to address Google employees in a company-wide meeting on Thursday  but it was cancelled after some questions were leaked in advance, along with the identity, political leanings, and sexual orientations of the questioners. "Googlers are writing in, concerned about their safety and worried they may be 'outed' publicly for asking a question in the Town Hall," the chief exec wrote in a memo explaining the cancellation.

At the coding event on Thursday, Pichai gave a strong defence of the role of women in tech. "At Google, we are very committed to building products for everyone in the world, and I think to do that well we really need to have people internally who represent the world in totality," he said. "And that's how we think about it. So it's really important that more women and girls have the opportunity to participate in technology, to learn how to code, create, and innovate."

He added: "I know the journey won't always be easy, but to the girls who dream of being an engineer or an entrepreneur, and who dream of creating amazing things: I want you to know that there's a place for you in this industry, there's a place for you at Google. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You belong here and we need you."

Damore told Bloomberg News that he felt like the company had "betrayed me in some way," and that it was trying to smear him.

Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube (which is owned by Google), has also been critical of Damore's memo, writing in a column for Fortune: "What if we replaced the word 'women' in the memo with another group? What if the memo said that biological differences amongst Black, Hispanic, or LGBTQ employees explained their underrepresentation in tech and leadership roles? Would some people still be discussing the merit of the memos arguments or would there be a universal call for swift action against its author? I dont ask this to compare one group to another, but rather to point out that the language of discrimination can take many different forms and none are acceptable or productive."
According to Myjoyonline.com, the 47-year-old broadcaster delivered a bubbly girl at an undisclosed medical facility in Accra.

Gifty has been discreet about her pregnancy but was seen heavily pregnant weeks ago to stoke media interest in the baby's arrival.

Giftys first child becomes the fourth for her husband, Oyekechire Ansah Kwaw, the Chief of Adumasa Traditional Area in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern region.

The baby girl is expected to be named 'Princess of Adumasa as earlier revealed by the couple. Her naming ceremony will take place at Adumasa in the usual traditional customs and attendance will be strictly by invitation.

READ MORE: 5 times Gifty Anti indirectly announced her pregnancy on social media

The traditional ceremony between Gifty Anti and Oyiakehyire Nana Ansah Kwao IV took place on October 15, 2015 in the Eastern Region.
Jewel, who is known for the popular national anthem for the National Democratic Congress, made the revelation in an interview with Kofi Adomah Friday, August 11.

According to the vocalist who is in his 70s, he has been on medication and gradually fighting the sickness.

However, his current physique looks disturbing as it appears he is bloating probably due to his sickness.

Last year, he told Onua FM that he has been battling so many sicknesses.

I have been battling with stroke, leg pain and I mean so many things. I just give thanks to the Almighty God for even bringing me this far.
School closes too early in this country. At 2:00 pm, parents from farms are not back and parents working at the public service are not back from work, so why cant schools close at 4:00 pm, he said at the National Education Sector Review forum held in Accra recently.

The Minister also said that an extension of closing hours will be favourable for working parents and guardians and will also improve the standard of education in the country.

But his comments have attracted a mixed reaction from parents and guardians.

Scores of teachers in the Ashanti region have, however, welcomed the idea but are demanding for extra allowances.

A statement from the Assistant Directors of Education said that teachers may require the services of others to pick up their children from private schools where they close by 2 pm and take care of them in their absence.

They believe that extending closing hours without the adequate allowances will render teachers as babysitters.
The election was largely judged as free and fair by the elections observer mission.

The opposition National Super Alliance boycotted the release of the final results saying they had concerns which the electoral commission failed to address.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Kenyatta reached out to Mr Odinga and his supporters.

He said in every competition, there will be losers and winners, saying "this country needs all of us together in other to suceed."

Meanwhile, a senior opposition official, James Orengo, has hinted of challenging the results in the court.
The Deputy Minister of Interior Henry Quartey has disclosed that the security will be recruiting into the various security agencies.

He made this known when he led a delegation of the various security agencies to visit the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.

"I have the permission from my Minister to inform this august House that plans are in place and that the Ministry is ready to recruit, that is, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Fire Service and the Prisons Service," he said.

READ ALSO: 41 police recruits sacked for forged documents
His arrest was confirmed in a statement released by the Ghana Police Service signed by its Director of Public Affairs, DSP Sheila Kessie Abayie-Buckman, on Friday, 10 August.

According to the statement, Mr. Tekpor used different names such as Dr Jeff Alvin Addow, Dr Alvin Owusu, Dr Alvin Annan, Dr Fiifi Owusu, Dr Collins Amoah and Dr Alvin Mensah, to defraud unsuspecting victims, mostly women.

READ ALSO: Fake abortion doctor arrested in Bukom for rape

The suspect who according to the police hasnormally operated within Accra, Sakumono and Tema had jumped court bail and was listed as a wanted person following the issue of a bench warrant.

The statement further stated that the suspect's "modus operandi was " posing as a medical practitioner, approaches and propose to a woman 'pursue her to keep as a 'girlfriend' with a potential of a lasting relationship. He records his sexual encounters with the women, whether known to them or not.

"In the course of the relationship, he fabricates stories for the girlfriends to lend him money with the promise to refund. When the money lent to him has become quite substantial, he begins to blackmail her victims with the recording of their sexual encounter," the statement said.

READ ALSO: Another fake doctor busted

Faith Mensah Tekpor was arrested and put before court in 2013 after he had duped several women of various sums of monies, but the conman absconded after he was granted bail
Some commercial motorbike transport operators otherwise known as okada riders stormed the Aveyime police station on Friday after two of their members passed away in an accident in their attempt to escape from the police.

The police were on the streets as part of efforts of clamping down on the activities of okada riders that flout motor and traffic regulations.

READ ALSO: Legalize Okada or we resort to armed robbery

The okada drivers in their anger besieged the police station and attempted to force their way through.

They even burnt some car tyres in front of the police station in the process.

The Director-General of Public Affairs of the police in the region, ASP David Eklu has since issued a statement saying that the issue is under investigation.
Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!
Three influential Republican senators  Rob Portman of Ohio, Orrin Hatch of Utah, and Jeff Flake of Arizona  showed support for McConnell on a day when Trump did not rule out asking him to resign in the future.

Kevin Smith, a spokesperson for Portman, told Business Insider that the senator supports McConnell as leader and said to advance the GOP agenda all members of the party should come together.

"

Other senators took to social media Thursday to provide public cover for McConnell.

Sen. John Cornyn, the majority whip and No. 2-ranking GOP senator, tweeted his support for McConnell and issued what he said was a "call for unity" in the party.

"

Sen. Orrin Hatch, who has served with McConnell since 1985, tweeted a picture of himself with McConnell.

"@SenateMajLdr
Downing was a

Manafort's ties to Russia came under scrutiny last August, when The New York Times discovered that a pro-Russian political party in Ukrainedesignated him $12.7 million in undisclosed cash payments. Manafort, a longtime Republican operative, had advised the party and its former leader Viktor Yanukovych for nearly a decade.

Manafort has been associated with at least 15 bank accounts and 10 companies in Cyprus, dating back to 2007, NBC reported in March, and the FBI has now issued grand jury subpoenas to several banks for Manafort's records, according to Bloomberg.
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"When the president of the United States makes statements that could be mistaken for Kim Jong Un's, I think that rattles our allies enormously and it risks a miscalculation on the North Korean side," Rice told CNN's Wolf Blitzer.

On Tuesday, Trump used much harsher rhetoric than past US leaders had against North Korea, declaring that the country would feel "fire and fury like the world has never seen" if it kept threatening the US. Kim promptly responded with another threat  this time against the US Pacific territory of Guam.

"We need to be very measured, very careful, very planned in our rhetoric," Rice said. "I hope that we will see more measure out of the administration and out of the president as he approaches this very real challenge.

When asked whether the US could realistically consider a preemptive attack on North Korea, Rice, who also served as the US ambassador to the United Nations, said the outcome would be "catastrophic" for the Korean Peninsula and put the US at risk of a direct confrontation with China, North Korea's closest ally.

"A preemptive attack by the United States would be a very, very poor choice, a very dangerous choice," Rice said, adding a warning for Kim's government: "The North Koreans understand that if ever they were to use their nuclear weapons against the United States or our allies, they would face annihilation."
1. Former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick is being sued by early investor Benchmark Capital over fraud allegations. Benchmark said it would never have approved three extra board seats if it was made aware of the controversy inside Uber.

2. Google cancelled a meeting for staff with CEO Sundar Pichai that was meant to address the controversial memo written by James Damore. The meeting was cancelled less than two hours before it was meant to take place  and Google blamed safety concerns.

3. Snap missed across the board for Q2 earnings and its stock sank. Stock was down 16% after the company only increased the number of daily users by 7 million.

4. Elon Musk has publicly denied a story about him firing his assistant of 10 years. Musk called the story, which was included in a biography about him, "total nonsense."

5. Uber's first employee, a close confidant of ex-CEO Travis Kalanick, is stepping down. Senior vice president of global operations Ryan Graves will step down in September.

6. Amazon reportedly wants to offer ticketing for events in the US. It recently started holding live shows for Amazon Prime members.

7. Microsoft's Surface devices are "significantly less reliable" than other laptops, says Consumer Reports. It removed its "recommended" designation for the products.

8. SoftBank is now the major power player in Indian ecommerce after a reported $2.5 billion (1.9 billion) investment in Flipkart. Flipkart is the biggest ecommerce firm in India with around 37% market share.

9. SoundCloud must sign a new investment deal today or it risks running out of funding. The company is on the verge of signing a deal for $170 million (130 million) in new funding.
In a new column out Friday titled "Sundar Pichai Should Resign as Google's C.E.O.," Brooks takes Pichai to task over his handling of Damore's firing.

"There are many actors in the whole Google/diversity drama, but I'd say the one who's behaved the worst is the C.E.O., Sundar Pichai," Brooks wrote.

Brooks accuses Pichai of joining "the mob" that came after Damore and says he failed to stand up for "the free flow of information."

"Either Pichai is unprepared to understand the research (unlikely), is not capable of handling complex data flows (a bad trait in a C.E.O.) or was simply too afraid to stand up to a mob," Brooks wrote.

Damore was fired on Monday after his memo, which claimed that biological differences made women less suited for careers in tech, was circulated widely.

"To suggest a group of our colleagues have traits that make them less biologically suited to that work is offensive and not OK," Pichai wrote in a companywide memo about Damore's firing.

But many have come to Damore's defense, particularly those who oppose what Damore called Google's "left bias." While Damore told Bloomberg TV that he didn't identify with the so-called alt-right, many of his sympathizers are right-wing or far-right audiences who say Damore's firing is a free-speech issue.

In his column, Brooks echoes the free-speech argument and says he agrees with Damore's science-based arguments about gender differences.
This time, he's done a photoshoot with a photographer famous for photographing alt-right figures, Peter Duke.

Duke has snapped would-be journalist and conspiracy theorist Mike Cernovich, ex-Breitbart journalist Milo Yiannopoulos, and activist Anthime Gionet  better known online as Baked Alaska. The New York Times dubbed Duke "the Annie Leibovitz of the Alt-right" and said he does the shoots pro bono.

According to images published on Twitter, Damore had a photoshoot on Thursday with Duke outside what looks like the merchandise store on Google's Mountain View campus. Damore is dressed in a t-shirt with an altered version of the Google logo that reads "Goolag". That logo emerged over the last few days and went viral on Reddit and Twitter for its implication that Google is an authoritarian regime that represses freedom of speech.

Damore is also pictured holding a sign saying "Fired for truth" and, in other photos, wearing a t-shirt that simply says "Truth".
Charly Boy who has been a prominent member of the #ResumeOrResign movement has clarified their stance on the protest and motivation for it.

The reported press release which was supposedly gotten by Naij is meant to let people know why they have been protesting for the past few days in Abuja.

You can read the press statement below;

"1. In the last 24 hours, reports have emanated from different sources that during the course of his 94-day medical sojourn in the United Kingdom, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) has received treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. These reports state that this treatment includes chemotherapy and go further to declare that President Buhari has become affected thereby to the point where he has severe difficulty communicating with the medical personnel treating him as well as close aides and family who are around him.

ALSO READ: Police say Charly Boy dramatised fall for camera

2. These reports are difficult to confirm or refute because of the secrecy with which President Buhari's aides have handled information related to his illness. The reports are deeply disturbing and are a source of grave concern. Even more disturbing is the fact that there are several conspiracy theories circulating as to the state of health the president and how the secrecy behind his ailment persists only to favour the cabals and influence peddlers playing chess with the lives of 200million Nigerians.

3. It is in this light that we ask the Presidency to clear the air by providing full disclosure of the details of the illness which the President suffers from and the nature of treatment he is undergoing to combat such illness.

4. Nigerians will recall that for a long time, false information has been peddled around parts of the country that President Buhari was poisoned. Therefore, It is imperative to point out that only full disclosure of the details of the Presidents ill-health will put an end to reports of this nature and prevent the sort of social upheaval the lack of information may cause.

\

ALSO READ: Police should apologise to Charly Boy

5. Finally, we have read the statement made by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Alhaji Garba Shehu, to the effect that our demands for full disclosure and resignation upon confirmation of incapacitation are an attempt to distract the government from the fight against corruption. It is shameful that this pedantic sort of reasoning is still being applied to critical issues at this point of our national history. At no point has any correlation been made between our demands on President Buhari's health status and the fight against corruption.

Therefore, and for the avoidance of doubt, we urge the government to continue the fight against corruption by arresting, prosecuting and securing the conviction of any person or group of persons who are found guilty of looting the nation's treasuries. At the same time, we urge the government to ensure it fully discloses the details of President Buharis illness.

SIGNED: Charles Oputa (Leader, #ResumeOrResign Movement) FOR Our Mumu Don Do Movement.

Deji Adeyanju (Co-Convener, #ResumeOrResign Movement For Concerned Nigerians.

Adebayo Raphael (Co-convener, #ResumeOrResign Movement) For: OurMumuDonDo Movement."
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It was gathered that human parts concealed in some sachets were found at the hideout located at Ile-Zik, around Ikeja along.

According to The Cable, three suspects have been arrested, while a sharp knife was found on one of the suspects said to have been posing as a mad man.

The suspects are said to be undergoing interrogation at Isokoko police station.

ALSO READ: This story of abduction will leave you scared

No fewer than eight police patrol vans are currently at the location, with a huge crowd flooding the place, causing major traffic.

This comes two days after a den was allegedly uncovered on the Ijaiye axis of the same expressway.

UPDATE:

The commissioner of Police in Lagos, Fatai Owoseni has refuted reports that the manhole served as a hideout for kidnappers.

Owoseni said the tunnel served as a home for destitute.
Today, Thursday, August 10, 2017, he made a tweet that went viral and has both the old and young talking. His tweet was basically on how a young person referred to him by his first name.

In Nigeria, age goes along with respect so this was sort of an issue. Twitter NG wasted no time in jumping on the issue. Here are some of the reactions below;

Even though Nigeria is one of the most multi-tribal nations in the world, there is one thing that they all have in common, respect of elders. We do not joke with this. The older a person, the more respect you accord to that person.

It's common for a young person to refer to someone older than him as uncle or aunty even though they are not related at all. Putting a prefix is a mark of respect. In some cases, pa and ma are used to address people way older than you. It is regarded as a sign of respect, a mark of recognition that the person before you is old enough to be more your parent or at the very least your uncle or aunt.

Even in some homes, kids refer to their older brother and sister as uncle or aunty. Yeah, we don't play with respect around here. It is sacred.

In the work place, respect is not forgotten at home. You kneel or bow in front of your superiors in some offices.

Western influence doesn't care about all this. Over there, age doesn't determine how much respect you get. More importantly, respect doesn't come with a prefix. No one has to address you as sir or ma before you are respected.

If you work in some certain multi-national companies in Nigeria, calling your boss or superior by his first name is no big deal. The absence of a prefix doesn't mean you don't respect your boss.

As Nigerians, we are big on titles and prefixes. The more attachments you have before your name, the higher your respect in the society. This is definitely a cultural thing. I bet in Facebook, the new intern fresh from high school calls Mark Zuckerberg by his first name. The skies won't fall. I don't think you can do that for a Dangote or Adenuga.

We are in 2017 and Nigerians should take a chill pill. Addressing someone older than you is not a sin. It doesn't mean you don't respect the person.
Other actors at the event include Segun Arinze, Victor Osuagwu, Lilian Esoro, Ejike Asiegbu, Emeka Rollas, Yemi Blaq, Thelma Ojiji, Ifenayi Dike, Sunny McDon, Yakubu Abubakar and Uche Elendu.

The event also had the President of the foundation, Engineer Noah Dallaji in attendance alongside music stars, Faze, Baba Fryo and Marvelous Benjy.

Speaking on the reasons the Nollywood stars are throwing their weight behind the foundation, Segun Arinze said: "ACTDF is purely a talent hunt initiative which seeks to expose raw talents in singing , dancing and acting.

"The event will hold in zonal regions of Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Nasarawa, Ibadan/Ekiti, Bauchi, and Kaduna before the grand finale which takes place on September 1, 2017 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

"The zonal competitions will take place on the 17th, 18th and 19th of August 2017.

"We expect at least 3 winners to emerge from the zones before slugging it out at the grand finale in Port Harcourt . "The first prize winners at the grand finale in Port Harcourt in each category of singing, dancing and acting will win respective contracts of one million Naira plus cash prizes and also join us on the trip to New York for the UN Summit while the first and second runners up will get varied contracts in their respective fields worth millions of Naira as well as cash prizes also," Segun Arinze said.

The foundation's president, Engineer Dallaji said: "This event is cued into this year's United Nation's General Assembly Summit which has tagged this year the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

"We shall hopefully be in the United States come September to depict the potentials in our youths and practically show how we could use it to drive the tourism sector in Nigeria through our various slated side events and general meetings.

"Just as we go round scouting for talents and helping them earn a living we also believe that harnessing these human resources could help improve tourism whether in sports, singing, acting, dancing or even sheer gift of craft- making.

"At the grand finale in Port Harcourt, we look forward to hosting a most successful event that will give our teeming youths a chance to celebrate life and enjoy it to the fullest.

"When we see our efforts impact positively on the needy and watch them in turn use their God- given talents to influence the larger society positively, we become satisfied as this is just the only way great nations evolve - investing in their human and material resource as depicted by the ACTDF logo: Talent Is Great Resource."
The billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, also known popularly as Evans, dominated the list on all fronts going by the fact that any story that got to do with him went viral immediately.

See the top 10 trending stories on Pulse Gist in the last six months here:

Evans who had remained elusive for over 10 years since he was declared wanted in 2013, narrated how he had been able to elude the police for so long.

Evans who was paraded at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja on Sunday, June 11, 2017, traced his journey into the crime world and how he started from his home in Anambra State during the regime of former Governor Peter Obi but had to relocate to Edo State when the heat was too much for him.

Following on the heels of the Evans story, was another also related to him in which Uchechukwu Amadi, who was the head of the detention camp of the arrested billionaire kidnap kingpin lamented how he and his wife, Ogechi, were cheated by their boss who gave them stipends despite the billions of Naira and Dollars he collected as ransom from victims.

Amadi, an indigene of Ngo Okpala in Imo State, who was in charge of one of the camps located at 21, Prophet Ashaye Close, New Igando, Lagos State, accused Evans of using him by giving them stipends while he [Evans], was busy investing in choice properties and buying big cars.

Evans was still in the news yet again, this time around expressing shock on how the police could trace and arrest him despite all the measures he had put in place to checkmate them.

The arrest of the billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudi Dumeme Onuamadike, also known as Evans, came to him as a surprise and an act of God because of all the security measures and steps he took to elude the police for over seven years.

The 36-year-old Evans confessed that he started kidnapping in 2009 after he lost N20 million to the men of the Nigeria Customs Service, and was declared wanted by the police in 2013, following some high profile kidnappings from which he got billions of Naira he collected from his victims.

He said he had some expensive security gadgets which he used to monitor the police anytime they were close to him but was surprised how they nabbed him so easily.

It was a pathetic story of jungle justice when a young lady was stripped naked and captured on video for allegedly stealing money from her boyfriend in Ondo State.

A young lady has been stripped naked and humiliated for allegedly stealing her boyfriend's money in Ondo State.

The viral video which has had many Nigerians expressing their anger at the treatment meted out to the woman who identified herself and Oyindamola Idris, went a long way to show how low some people can get.

The lady who claimed to be an indigene of Ekiti State but worked with the Ministry of Agriculture in the Ado Local Government Area of the state, was said to have visited the man she had just met a few days earlier and while with him, she stole some of his money, leading to the humiliation she got.

In the fifth position was the story of a married woman in Kenya who had her nude photos posted on the Internet by her younger lover because she dumped him for another man.

According to Kenya News, the woman is a celebrated society lady and married to a top politician in Nairobi, the capital of that country.

It was gathered that the woman and the younger lover had been having a secret relationship with the woman upgrading the status of the man with cash, clothes and other material things to go with them, including a car and a well-furnished apartment.

But things fell apart for them when the lover boy kept pestering her for money despite being on a monthly allowance, she decided to call it quits and get herself another young man.

To exact his revenge, the jilted lover went ahead to publish the nude photos of the woman, bringing her so much shame.

Billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudi Dememe Onwuamadike, aka Evans, came in yet again at number six when he broke down in police detention and said he was tired of life and wanted to die.

Evans who was not used to being confined, allegedly said he would not mind sleeping and not waking up the next day because of the embarrassment and humiliation he had been made to go through since he was arrested was too much for him.

Evans who was nabbed in his palatial mansion in the Magodo Phase II GRA in the Shangisha area of Lagos State on June 10, 2017, said he would be better off dead, especially as he was suffering from colon cancer and after he had tasted so much wealth and affluence, there was nothing left for him to live for.

The dreaded and deadly Badoo ritual cult gang that has been rampaging in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State also made the list of top 10 trending stories in the Gist category, coming in at number seven.

The story was told by a resident of the area who traced the genesis of the gang that has caused a lot of havoc, sending whole families to their untimely graves.

The gang, according to the report, not only rape their female victims but kill them in the most dreadful way by using stones and pestles to batter the victims head and going away with the brain and blood.

In some instances, they are also said to slice open pregnant women and making away with the foetus of the unborn baby.

Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, the notorious kidnap kingpin otherwise known as Evans, came back again to make our top 10 list at number eight.

This time around, his father, Chief Stephen Onwuamadike tried to justify his taking to crime, putting all the blames on his mother, saying she misled him and encouraged him to go into crime.

The father of the billionaire kidnapper pleaded with the police and Nigerians to forgive his son as he was misled into a life of crime by his mother.

The older Onwuamadike who lamented that he did not know that his son was living in ill-gotten affluence in Lagos while he wallowed in poverty in the village, said he was shocked when he saw his son being paraded on the television after his arrest.

When people say Nigerians do not 'carry last', it clearly means that as a people, our spirits can never be diminished, be it for good or bad.

These young Nigerian guys took their spirit to far away Dublin, Republic of Ireland, where they showed they would not be intimidated by their white landlord who decided to evict them by force.

The guys were caught on video battling it out with their landlord and some other white men who had come to forcefully throw them out of their apartment.

The young men who were obviously of the Yoruba stock, were not happy that their Irish landlord wanted to eject them from his house after they mistakenly set fire to the property gave him a fight he never expected.

This list would not have been completed without showing love to our darling neighbours, the Ghanaians. What would we do without our Charlies?

Coming in at number10 is the story of Kwadoo, a 45-year-old Ghanaian mortuary attendant who confessed to having had sex with all the female corpses brought to his facility to be embalmed.
He said that the patient was initially quarantined but discharge after medical examinations.

The patient was discharged after medical examination certified him free of Lassa fever infection.

It is medically proven that the case was not Lassa fever as earlier suspected, he said.

Mishelia disclosed that the state government had also steppedal up surveillance to contain spread of River Blindness in prone areas.

He noted that River Blindness and cholera diseases were more prevalent during rainy season, adding that proactive measures had been put in place to contain disease.

Assorted drugs are distributed to endemic areas.

State preparedness for endemic disease such as cholera is in place.

The commissioner added that the state government in collaboration with development partners was providing free treatment to leprosy and tuberculosis patients.
The protests are mainly made up of members of the "Our Mumu Don Do" movement led by entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, aka, Charly Boy, and the "Concerned Nigerians" group, led by former social media director of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Deji Adeyanju

Thursday's outing is the fourth straight day of the protests, and as has been practice since Monday, the protesters converged at the Unity Fountain to ask President Buhari to either return to the country, or resign from his position for the sake of the country's progress.

While speaking on Thursday, Charly Boy condemned the actions of the police who attacked protesters on Tuesday with gas canisters and water cannons to dismiss them.

A protester was injured and had to be rushed to the Federal Staff Clinic Federal Secretariat, while Charly Boy also fainted due to the attack.

Despite Tuesday's setback, the group marched again in Abuja on Wednesday with renewed strength in numbers.

Adeyanju also slammed the police and criticised those that have condemned the protests, saying that "posterity will be unkind" to them.

He said, "The decisions we take today will affect this country. Therefore, every Nigerian must rise up and ask questions. That is what we are asking the citizens of our country."

The protesters' full demands are: "that the president either personally or through his aides make the true detail of his health known to all Nigerians; that president should address all Nigerians in a language we can all understand on the true state of his health and other national issues; that he returns to the country and resume work as president of Federal Republic of Nigeria in order to lead us out economic and security quagmire we have been pushed into as a nation; if President Buhari fails, refuses and/ or neglect to do any of the above , then he should resign from office; if he fails to honourably resign, then he should be impeached from office by the national assembly."

President Buhari left the country on May 7 to resume treatment in London for an undisclosed illness, leaving Acting President Yemi Osinbajo in charge of the country's affairs.

77 days after he left the country, pictures of President Buhari finally surfaced online when he met with state governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on July 23, at the Abuja House in London.

Since then, he has met with another delegation of Nigerian governors, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

The First Lady, Aisha Buhari travelled to London to meet the president on Sunday, August 6, ahead of what is considered to be his return.
He said the country cannot afford to fail in order to fulfill the roles and responsibilities history reserved for it as the champion of the black race.

Aregbesola stated this on Thursday, August 10 while receiving representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), who paid him a courtesy visit.

The delegate led by CAN National President, Rev. Dr Samson Ayokunle, visited the Government House to pray for the repose of the soul of Aregbesola's mother, who passed away recently.

The Governor called on other religious bodies like CAN to support and pray for the country, adding that the progress of the black man in the world is largely dependent on Nigeria's success.

He said, "We need to begin to realise as a nation that we are the only black nation that can assist the black man to make a name in the world.

"Nigeria must not fail, if we must achieve this task and play this big role on behalf of all black race, we should all begin to work towards supporting Nigeria to achieve it.

"I want to call on all well meaning groups and bodies in Nigeria to believe in the Nigerian dream and work towards realising it.

"We need to believe in ourselves as a nation for others to believe in us because this is the only way the black man from any part of the world can have a face.

"We need to begin to see Nigeria as project which must not fail and must never fail. Failure of Nigeria will be a disaster for the black man anywhere in the world."

While expressing gratitude to CAN for the visit, Aregbesola said he is happy that his mother died at a good time.

"For my mother to have had the privilege of giving birth to me, I can say that she died a very good death and am grateful for that", he added.

ALSO READ: Osinbajo pays condolence visit to Governor Aregbesola

In his condolence message, CAN President, Rev. Ayokunle, said the Governor's late mother indeed spent a quality life while on earth.

Ayokunle said the quality of the life she lived is portrayed through the achievements of Aregbesola as a governor.

"We at the CAN Headquarters received the news of the death of Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola with a great shock," he said.

"We are grateful to God that she led a quality life, which is made manifest in the lives of her offspring of which you are one of them.

"It is my prayer that God strengthen you, the Aregbesola family and the entire state to overcome the loss.

"He will strengthen you so as to continue to impact on your generation positively."
This is part of the communique issued at the end of its inaugural meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

The Tripartite Commission which comprises Nigeria, Cameroon and the UNHCR is meant to ensure the voluntary and dignified return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon in line with international best practice.

The Communique was read by Hajia Sadiya Farouq, Federal Commissioner, National Commission For Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and signed by representatives of Nigeria, Cameroon government and the UNHCR.

The Commission directed the Technical Working Group to conclude concrete operational modalities and support measures, including setting timetable and procedures to ensure the safe, dignified, voluntary return and sustainable reintegration of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon.

The Commission also directed the Technical Working Group to develop a phased-approach for organised return of the refugees based on the security situation in the North-east.

It also stressed the need for various bilateral and multilateral development partners to raise the necessary funds to facilitate the repatriation and restoration programme.

Earlier, the Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau had expressed joy at the inauguration of the Commission as it will bring succour to the refugees.I am very delighted and honoured to be here today to inaugurate the meeting of Tripartite Commission for the implementation of the Tripartite Agreement for the voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees living in Cameroon.ALSO READ: FG committee to deliver 260 truck of grains to IDPs in Adamawa

It could be recalled that it was in June 2016 at this venue the agreement was drafted by Nigeria, Cameroon and the UNHCR along with other stakeholders.However, we have not been able to implement the agreement, more than 12 months after it was drafted and over four months after it was signed on March 2, 2017 in Yaounde, he said.
Ohaneze said that the calls for Igbos to leave the North is a call for the dissolution of Nigeria.

The groups leader, Chief Nnia Nwodo, who described the anti-Igbo song as a declaration of war, wondered why nobody has been arrested.

Nwodo said The current Hausa hate song trending on the social media is despicable, sad and disappointing. Ohanaeze is appalled that prominent leaders in the North, with the exception of a few, have allowed this development to flourish without reproach.

The Arewa youths have stoked the embers of hatred to a discomforting temperature. The toleration of their criminal conduct has portrayed the Federal Government as biased and unfair.

Their quit notice to fellow Nigerians to leave any part of Nigeria strikes at the fundamental rights of citizenship; it is a call for the dissolution of the country. Their call for an inventory and seizure of assets of Nigerians living in the North is conversion. It amounts to daylight robbery of lawful property.

The declaration of mop up action after October 1st, 2017 to deal with those who resist their quit notice order is a declaration of war. It is surprising that on top of all these, a hate song calling for more hatred, despise and abortion has been allowed to fester. Yet, no one is arrested.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Thursday, August 10, 2017.

According to Shehu, the protesters are "an illegal assembly stealthily organised to deliver a blow to the war against corruption."

He said, "It might be taken for granted that the beneficiaries of the old order are fighting back.

"We have been warned that corruption will fight back. In a country where just one woman, for having the opportunity to serve as minister has N47.2bn and $487.5m of public resources in cash and property traced to her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, you dont expect the beneficiaries of that order to allow the Buhari administration some peace.

"They want to distract us. But what the Acting President wants to assure patriotic citizens is that the government will not bend.

"As far as the President is concerned, he has done the needful by handing the reins of authority to the Vice President.

"Since the law of the country does not give a time limit for the President's return, it cannot be imposed by a saber-rattling group or individual."

On Thursday, the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative marched the streets of Abuja in support of President Buhari, who has been out of the country for 96 days.

The demonstrators marched from the Unity Fountain to the Presidential Villa as they sang in solidarity with the president's administration.

The group's solidarity march is a counter-protest to a wave of anti-Buhari protests that have rocked the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) since Monday, August 7.

The sit-out protest against the absentee president started with the "Our Mumu Don Do" movement led by entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, aka, Charly Boy, who marched from Unity Fountain down to the Presidential Villa on Monday.

On Tuesday, the group, alongside "Concerned Nigerians" group, led by former social media director of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Deji Adeyanju, were attacked by the police when officers fired gas canisters and water cannons to dismiss them.

A protester was injured and had to be rushed to the Federal Staff Clinic Federal Secretariat, while Charly Boy also fainted due to the attack.

Despite Tuesday's setback, the group marched again in Abuja on Wednesday and Thursday.

The protesters' full demands are: "that the president either personally or through his aides make the true detail of his health known to all Nigerians; that president should address all Nigerians in a language we can all understand on the true state of his health and other national issues; that he returns to the country and resume work as president of Federal Republic of Nigeria in order to lead us out economic and security quagmire we have been pushed into as a nation; if President Buhari fails, refuses and/ or neglect to do any of the above , then he should resign from office; if he fails to honourably resign, then he should be impeached from office by the national assembly."

President Buhari left the country on May 7 to resume treatment for an undisclosed illness in London, leaving Acting President Yemi Osinbajo in charge of the country's affairs.

77 days after he left the country, pictures of President Buhari finally surfaced online when he met with state governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on July 23, at the Abuja House in London.

Since then, he has met with another delegation of Nigerian governors, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

The First Lady, Aisha Buhari travelled to London to meet the president on Sunday, August 6, ahead of what is considered to be his return.
The "Our Mumu Don Do" movement led by entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, aka, Charly Boy, has been staging a sit-out protest at the Unity Fountain since Monday August 7.

The group, alongside the "Concerned Nigerians" group, led by former social media director of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Deji Adeyanju, has been demanding that the president should either return to the country he left over three months ago, or resign from his position.

On Thursday, August 10, pro-Buhari groups, like the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative,marched the streets of Abuja in support of the president who has been out of the country for 96 days.

On Friday, both groups met at Unity Fountain, and trouble almost broke out before it was promptly contained by the police.

The pro-Buhari demonstrators reportedly met the "Resume or Resign" campaigners at the Unity Fountain and taunted them with chants like, "Buhari kills corruption".

This is coming a day after President Buhari's Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, branded the protesters "an illegal assembly stealthily organised to deliver a blow to the war against corruption."

The "Resume or Resign" campaigners were attacked by the police on Tuesday, August 8, when officers fired gas canisters and water cannons to dismiss them.

A protester was injured and had to be rushed to the Federal Staff Clinic Federal Secretariat, while Charly Boy also fainted due to the attack.

Despite Tuesday's setback, the group marched again in Abuja on Wednesday and Thursday.

The protesters' full demands are: "that the president either personally or through his aides make the true detail of his health known to all Nigerians; that president should address all Nigerians in a language we can all understand on the true state of his health and other national issues; that he returns to the country and resume work as president of Federal Republic of Nigeria in order to lead us out economic and security quagmire we have been pushed into as a nation; if President Buhari fails, refuses and/ or neglect to do any of the above , then he should resign from office; if he fails to honourably resign, then he should be impeached from office by the national assembly."

President Buhari left the country on May 7 to resume treatment for an undisclosed illness in London, leaving Acting President Yemi Osinbajo in charge of the country's affairs.

77 days after he left the country, pictures of President Buhari finally surfaced online when he met with state governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on July 23, at the Abuja House in London.

Since then, he has met with another delegation of Nigerian governors, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

The First Lady, Aisha Buhari travelled to London to meet the president on Sunday, August 6, ahead of what is considered to be his return.
In coming out, they had the Our Mumu don do group in their crosshairs.

The group has been staging sit-ins from the Unity Fountain; while demanding that Buhari resumes work or resigns.

Buhari has been away from Nigeria on an open-ended medical vacation since May 7, 2017.

The Our Mumu don do group has eccentric entertainer Charly Boy as convener.

This other group showing support for Buhari is called the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative.

The latter group held aloft placards as they made their way to the presidential villa, with the inscriptions: "Our president is recuperating, Nigeria is moving forward. No cause for alarm", "Nigerians unite for peace", "We stand against terrorism", "If we don't kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria. - Buhari".

Unlike the Charly Boy group of demonstrators who were met with police teargas canisters and water cannons for daring to demand that their president returns to his work desk after spending close to 100 days in London, the pro-Buhari crowd was shepherded courteously into the villa by police officers on horseback.

ALSO READ: Police should apologise to Charly Boy and other protesters it attacked

It was like living the Lords triumphal entry into Jerusalem all over again.

This was an altogether different police from the one that smashed cameras and smartphones of photo-journalists just hours earlier.

The police should hide its face in shame for the double standard.

It didnt matter to the police that this pro-Buhari protesters were obstructing free flow of traffic while at it.

In contrast, the Charly Boy led anti-Buhari marchers sat huddled in a park for most of their demonstrations.

And unlike the anti-Buhari protesters, the police couldnt find hoodlums and miscreants from among the pro-Buhari trekkers.

Thereve been allegations that some of the pro-Buhari campaigners were handed as little as N2,000 to join the march to the presidential villa. It is little wonder that some of the women on the protest train held their placards upside down without even realising it. Most buried their faces as journalists encircled.

A reminder that hired protesters didnt disappear with LIVE Diezani alone.

In any case, our police force must learn to play by the rules of modern policing and remain fair to allbe they agitators, civil society or government hirelings.

Both sets of protesters were covered by the law once they had hit the streets and the police should be protecting them all--not harassing one set of supporters and kissing the other on the cheek.
He said the recovered stolen monies are nothing compared to what is still hidden in the country and in different parts of the world.

Magu made the revelation in an exclusive interview with Channels Television on Friday, August 11.

The EFCC boss, whose appointment as the substantive chairman of the Commission was rejected by the Senate twice, said he is determined to recover all stolen funds despite corruption fighting back.

He stressed that his battle with the Senate has not in any way compromised his commitment to secure Nigeria's posterity.

He said, "Personally, it is not a distraction, and I am telling you, that has served as a motivator. That heightened my determination in the fight. The corrupt people are fighting us in all angles on a 24-hour basis so our main challenge is the corruption fighting back using all sorts of instruments but we are trying our best, it has also heightened our commitment, our determination in the fight against corruption.

"We are not the only agency involved in the fight against corruption so I want to appeal to other law enforcement agencies who are also charged in fighting corruption to put more effort and support us in the fight against corruption but I am telling you what we have discovered is not unusual and its the tip of the iceberg.

"We are following all the recovered funds and we intend to recover them all and cause the perpetrators to face the full wrath of the law. Some of them are outside the country and we are following all the modalities, procedures in getting them repatriated back to the country".

ALSO READ: Court forfeits another N7.6 billion linked to Diezani

Magu's fate as the EFCC Chief lies with the Supreme Court as the Presidency took the matter to the apex court to determine if the position really requires the Senate's confirmation.
He gave the advice at the opening of a Cabinet Retreat on the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and the 2018 Budget preparation at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Osinbajo told them that the real work on Nigerias economic recovery had just begun.

We simply have to accept that there is nothing Nigerian about failure, because as we know in our personal lives, failure and success are commodities on offer to everyone all over the world.

And, every individual and every country makes a choice of which to buy and I will say on our behalf that we will choose success, he said.

The retreat featured guest speakers, including Dr Idris Jala, a former top official of the Malaysian Government, whose lecture Osinbajo described as more than motivational, which took the participants through the Malaysian experience to economic growth.

According to him, Jalas speech is one I think that challenges our whole legitimacy as persons entrusted with leadership.

I think it goes beyond motivational speech; I think it really challenges the core of our relevance as leaders.

I am challenged and I know that many of us here are, and I think that

we will do what we need to do to make sure that we see through the labs, that we have to identify specific areas where we will do these labs.

We must see to it that this works, Osinbajo affirmed.

The acting president said that the guest lecturers assertions were so right in every way, adding that the challenge was to imbibe the discipline to be reasonable in our targets and objectives.

ALSO READ:Acting President approves appointment of 21 new federal permanent secretaries

The discipline of attending the labs diligently and accepting to be locked in a room for as long as it takes to iron out what it is that needs to be done.

I like the point also that Dr Jala made that the excuse that it wont work here, the Nigerian factor, or some say exceptionalism, or the acceptance of failure before you even start is certainly not tenable anymore, he said.

He commended Jala for this exceptional moment you have taken us through.
"The Crown," which follows the life of Queen Elizabeth II from her wedding in 1947 to the present day, will return for a second season on December 8, 2017.

Expected to span 60 episodes over six seasons, the first season depicted events up to 1955, with Claire Foy as the Queen.

Based on an award-winning play "The Audience," the Netflix-original drama kicked off with an inside look at the early reign of the queen, who ascended the throne at age 25 after the death of her father, King George VI.

As the decades pass, personal intrigues, romances, and political rivalries are revealed that played a big role in events that shaped the later years of the 20th century.

Reportedly the most expensive Netflix series, with a budget of 100 million British pounds, the series stars John Lithgow as Winston Churchill, Jared Harris as King George VI, Matt Smith as Prince Phillip among others.

"The Crown" was created and written by Peter Morgan and produced by Left Bank Pictures and Sony Pictures Television for Netflix.

On Sunday, January 8, the show beat "Game of Thrones," "Stranger Things," "This is Us," "Westworld" to emerge the best series winner at 2017 Golden Globes.

Claire Foy, who plays the queen also won the Golden Globe for outstanding actress in a television drama. The actress beat Caitriona Balfe  Outlander, Keri Russell  The Americans, Winona Ryder  Stranger Things and Evan Rachel Wood  Westworld to win the award.
Addressing the aspirants at the partys National Secretariat, Chairman of the Screening Committee, Alhaji Adamu Waziri, pledged that the committee would do a thorough and fair job.

Waziri expressed confident that the party would present a candidate with capacity to win the election.

Every one of us has something to lose if we lose Anambra election, he said.

Waziri promised to update newsmen on the outcome of the exercise when concluded.

The aspirants are Dr Ifeanyi Ubah, Chairman of Capital Oil; Sen. Stella Oduah, former Minister of Aviation; Mr Oseloka Obaze, former Secretary of Anambra State; Dr Alex Obiogolu, Mr John Emeka, Akolisa Ufodike and Lynda Ikpeazu.

After taking his turn in the exercise, an aspirant, Obaze, told newsmen that he had confidence in the committee, and claimed that he was the most qualified aspirant.

There are six other aspirants but in terms of experience and capability, I think I am the best, he said.

Asked if there was any petition against him, Obaze said there was one that had to do with an interview he granted, but he has clarified the issue with the committee.

He described the recent gun attack on St. Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu, as dehumanizing, and urged security agencies to get to the root of the matter.

What they have done is to scare people from going to the church.

Let government get to the root of the matter and prosecute the people that carried out the attack, Obaze said.
Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, fixed the September date after listening to arguments from all parties involved in the suit.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had commenced the process to recall Melaye, but the senator went to court, seeking stoppage of the process.

One of the grounds upon which Melaye, who represents Kogi West in the Senate challenged his recall, was that the signatures of some of the voters in the petition for his recall were fictitious.

Melaye who argued his case through his counsel, Mr Nkem Okoro, said that majority of the signatures on the petition were dead people.

He added that death certificates were attached to the processes he filed as exhibits to ascertain the veracity of his claim that some of the signatories were deceased.

He further alleged that he was denied fair hearing by both his constituents and INEC.

Okoro said, The petitioners ought to have informed Melaye of the facts and circumstances upon which the alleged loss of confidence was based prior to submission of the petition to INEC.

INEC upon receipt of the said petition only served Melaye a mere notice that it had received a petition for his recall. So we are challenging INECs action.

They should have shown a copy of the petition to Melaye and failure to do so amounts to denial of fair hearing and a violation of the laws of natural justice.

Okoro also said his client was challenging the validity of the said petition on the grounds that the petition was based on political animosity, malice and bad faith.

He urged the court to grant the prayers of his motion and stop INEC from going ahead with the planned recall.

Counsel to the other plaintiffs in the matter said they aligned themselves with the arguments of Okoro.

Counsel to INEC, Mr Anthony Adeniyi, on his part, said that Melaye had failed to show the court the particular signatories on the petition to which the death certificates attached as exhibit belonged.

If he attached death certificates, he should tell the court that this certificate for example, belongs to signature number 24 on the petition, but he failed to do that.

Justice Dimgba adjourned the matter until Sept. 11 for judgment.

The judge also fixed Sept.11to deliver judgment in a suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), also seeking to stop Melayes recall.
Speaking just 10 days after being released, he said he had converted to Islam in the Sahara desert, and added that he was determined to be positive after his ordeal.

McGown, 42, sat next to his wife Catherine as he spoke for an hour to reporters, saying he had no idea if a ransom was paid, and telling how he was sometimes held in handcuffs and chains at night with two other hostages.

"I did my best to see the best in a bad situation," McGown said, looking in good health and smiling regularly despite recently suffering from severe fever, headaches and meningitis.

"I didn't want to come out an angry person and be a bigger burden on my family," he said.

"Sometimes you are miserable and you want to fight everyone (but) I did not want to become a mess. I want to come home a better person."

He paid tribute to his mother who died in May, saying she was "an amazing lady and I can imagine the difficulties she went through."

"I don't want to harbour resentment. I will forgive, I will move on," he said.

McGown built a simple hut of grass and sticks to survive the cold desert nights when he often had only one blanket, and said that he feared for his life three times in the first three months after he was captured in 2011 while on holiday in Mali.

McGown was kidnapped at a hotel in the historic trading city of Timbuktu in Mali's north along with Swede Johan Gustafsson and Dutchman Sjaak Rijke, both of whom were subsequently released.

Ransom denials

The South African government has insisted that no ransom was paid to secure McGown's release, which was completed on July 29, but some reports have suggested $4.2 million was handed over.

Imtiaz Sooliman, head of the Gift of the Givers charity which helped to free McGown, said the kidnappers at first demanded 10 million euros ($11.7 million) for each of the three hostages.

Sooliman said he was not involved in any ransom payment and dismissed reports of the $4.2 million payment.

Gustafsson, 42, who was released in June, said Thursday he hoped that his government was telling the truth when it said its policy was not to pay ransoms.

"Personally, I think it's wrong. It puts other people in danger... They can use that money in their war machinery," said Gustafsson, speaking to journalists. It was also his first press conference since being released.

McGown, with a long beard and hair, said he had been better treated after converting to Islam, and was given better clothing and food.

"Before the desert, I was a Christian. I entered (Islam) of my own accord," he said.

"I see many good things in Islam. It requires a very good character, a very strict character."

He added that his captors thought that US President Donald Trump would draw more Muslims to fight against the West.

McGown admitted to being "in the dark" over world events in the last six years as the hostages had only had a radio for a short time and no books in English.

McGown, Gustafsson and Rijke were abducted by Al-Qaeda's North African affiliate Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in November 2011.

Rijke was freed in April 2015 by French special forces.
Agnes Reeves Taylor, who lives in east London, faces four allegations dating back to December 1989, when forces loyal to her former husband launched their first attack on Liberian territory.

She appeared in London's Old Bailey court via video link, speaking only to confirm her name before a judge rejected her application for bail.

Two charges relate to claims that between December 23, 1989, and January 1, 1991, Taylor "intentionally inflicted severe pain or suffering on an individual in the performance or purported performance of her official duties" in the central Liberian city of Gbarnga.

Gbarnga was the base of Taylor's rebellion against president Samuel Doe, which deteriorated into one of Africa's bloodiest conflicts.

Another count relates to the same period and the same allegation, but this time in Gborplay, on the border with Ivory Coast.

The fourth count says that between the same period, Taylor "agreed with others" on a course of action that "would necessarily amount to or involve the commission of the offence of torture".

Charles Taylor, once Liberia's most feared rebel fighter who served as president from 1997 to 2003, is serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for his role in fuelling the civil conflict in neighbouring Sierra Leone.

The couple divorced in 1996.
But seismologists are now closely monitoring a more unusual earthquake threat: the San Ramon fault.

Underground near the capital Santiago and its seven million inhabitants, a thrust from San Ramon could tear open the teeming eastern side of the city.

The government insists its earthquake precautions are impeccable -- but experts are urging it to make sure no more new buildings are built over the fault.

'Major earthquake' due

Most of Chile's quakes come from the boundary of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates south of the capital, the source of the 2010 disaster.

San Ramon has not caused a major quake for thousands of years. But experts warn it may be gearing up for a new one.

They started monitoring this breach in the earth's crust in October in a program scheduled to run until 2019.

Their findings so far indicate the fault is moving and producing minor quakes of magnitude two, so small they are generally imperceptible to humans.

"Enough tectonic force has built up to generate another major earthquake" at the fault, said geologist Gabriel Vargas, director of the monitoring project.

"It could happen in the next few minutes or in the next 100 or 1,000 years."

The San Ramon fault, which is 30 kilometers (19 miles) long, could generate tremors "at least two or three times more intense than what we felt during the 2010 earthquake," he said -- even though the magnitude of the quake at its source may be less.

The magnitude of the great 2010 quake was measured as 8.8 at the epicenter, 500 kilometers south of Santiago, and 8.3 in the capital itself.

Officials estimated the cost of the damage at $30 billion. But for such a violent quake, the death toll of just over 500 people was considered relatively low.

Prepare for the worst

Chile is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries.

In the past seven years it has had three quakes of a magnitude greater than eight.

The 1960 Valdivia earthquake in Chile was the strongest quake ever recorded at 9.5 on the magnitude scale, according to the US Geological Survey.

The country has therefore developed an intensive seismic monitoring system and strict building safety norms. Citizens are accustomed to feeling their homes shake during tremors.

Mario Pardo, deputy head of Chile's National Seismology Center, said authorities must be prepared for the worst in the case of San Ramon.

Seismologists have placed 12 underground monitoring stations near the fault, and a 13th is soon to be installed.

"This helps us assess the fault to find out... how big an earthquake could occur on the fault, and whether the whole of the fault is active," said Pardo.

Based on the observations of Vargas and other international experts, the team estimates that San Ramon could generate a quake of up to magnitude 7.5. But they cannot rule out a bigger one.

Ground opens up

At the fault, one side of the breach in the earth's crust risks being forced upwards and crunching over the other, Vargas said.

That could rupture the very surface of the ground in districts on the eastern side of Santiago, home to 1.7 million people.

"We have been saying for years that nothing should be built over the San Ramon fault, because of this risk," Vargas said.

Yet construction in the city has continued to spread eastward.

While a building may be designed to withstand tremors, the opening-up of the ground itself is a different risk entirely.

Vargas urged authorities to take the fault line into account.
A first batch of 196,000 eggs, imported from Belgium, was distributed between April 16 and May 2, and was followed by a second batch of 48,000 Dutch eggs sold by the discount retailer Leader Price between July 19 and 28, Travert told RMC radio.

"The risk for human health is very low, given the levels of fipronil detected in the contaminated eggs, but also given French habits of food consumption," Travert said.

Fipronil is a chemical used to get rid of fleas, lice and ticks from farm livestock but is banned by the European Union from use in the food industry.

At least 11 countries in Europe have found eggs contaminated with fipronil since the scare emerged on August 1.

Millions of eggs and egg-based products have been destroyed or pulled from supermarket shelves.
Itsunori Onodera, Japan's new defence minister, had asked the US to temporarily stop flying the aircraft in his country following the accident, the latest deadly incident involving Ospreys.

But on Friday, Japan's defence ministry issued a statement saying that the US military "is taking reasonable measures" and "the US force's explanation that it can conduct safe flights of MV-22 Ospreys is understandable."

"It is appropriate (for Japan) to demand flights with maximum consideration to safety," it said.

The comment came a day after the US Marine Corps said in a statement it concluded "the Osprey is safe to fly" and "resumed operations" after initial investigation into Saturday's incident.

According to a US official, the Osprey crashed after clipping the back of the USS Green Bay while trying to land on the amphibious transport ship.

An Australian naval ship has found the wreckage and divers were preparing to try to locate the three missing Marines, the country's defence ministry said Monday in Canberra.

The MV-22 -- a hybrid helicopter-turboprop -- has two engines positioned on fixed wingtips that allow it to land and take off vertically. It can travel much faster than a helicopter.

The aircraft has been involved in a series of fatal incidents, mostly in the United States.

In April 2000, 19 Marines were killed in an MV-22 crash in Arizona.

Marines say the problems that plagued the aircraft while it was being developed have been fixed, and it is now actually one of the safest in the air fleet.

The Okinawa-based aircraft that crashed was in Australia as part of a joint military exercise called Talisman Sabre, which has just ended in Queensland state.

Locals on Okinawa have protested at the deployment of Ospreys to Futenma, which sits in the middle of a crowded city.
Six years since a revolution that toppled longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi, Libya has become a key departure point for migrants risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean to Europe.

Tens of thousands of migrants have resorted to paying people traffickers for the journey, often on overcrowded and unseaworthy boats.

Charities have dispatched boats to rescue migrants from drowning, while Libya and Italy -- where the vast majority land -- have worked together to stem the flow.

"We want to send out a clear message to all those who infringe Libyan sovereignty and lack respect for the coastguard and navy," Libyan navy spokesman General Ayoub Qassem told a news conference in Tripoli.

General Abdelhakim Bouhaliya, commander of the Tripoli naval base where the conference was held, said: "No foreign ship has the right to enter" the area without authorisation from the Libyan authorities.

Libya has "officially declared a search and rescue zone", said Bouhaliya, without specifying the scope of the exclusion zone.

Qassem said the measure was aimed against "NGOs which pretend to want to rescue illegal migrants and carry out humanitarian actions".

He urged humanitarian organisations to "respect our will... and obtain authorisation from the Libyan state even for rescue operations".

Italy has also said it wants to keep a tighter rein on NGOs helping the multinational search and rescue operation by making them sign up to a new code of conduct.

Italian authorities last week 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.

'Right to asylum at risk'

Its crew is suspected of taking on board migrants delivered directly to them by people traffickers, and of allowing the smugglers to make off with their dinghies to be used again.

The Libyan coastguard has accused NGOs of aiding people traffickers in their lucrative business.

Italy has sent naval vessels at the request of Libya's UN-backed Government of National Accord to assist Tripoli in intercepting migrants, on a mission disputed by rival authorities in eastern Libya.

More than 111,000 migrants have reached Europe by sea so far this year, the vast majority of them arriving in Italy, according to the latest figures from the International Organization for Migration.

Over 2,300 have died attempting the crossing.

On Tuesday, the United Nations's new envoy to Libya endorsed Italy's drive to stem the flow of migrants leaving the North African state for Europe, despite misgivings among human rights groups.

Rights campaigners fear Italy's focus on strengthening the Libyan coastguard to ensure boatloads of migrants are intercepted before reaching international waters could place thousands of people with a right to asylum at serious risk.

But Ghassam Salame, a former Lebanese culture minister appointed in June to head UN operations in Libya, described the cooperation between Tripoli and Rome as a "very constructive" way of dealing with an acute problem.

"It would be absolutely unrealistic to ignore the seriousness of the challenge of irregular migration," Salame said after meeting Italian Foreign Minister Angelo Alfano in Rome.

Apart from the Libyan navy providing technical assistance to the coastguard, Rome has also supplied Tripoli with new patrol boats and training.
"Good news from our colleagues in the peacekeeping mission in Mali.... Nine child combatants were handed over to the UN mission in Kidal this morning," the spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, told reporters.

"The mission is organizing their transportation to Gao and making arrangements for their care by child protection officials pending reunification with their family," he added, without giving the ages of the children.

Fighting between the ex-rebels of the Coordination of Movements of Azawad (CMA) and the pro-government Platform group has worsened in recent weeks in northern Mali, in repeated violation of a 2015 ceasefire.

"We were able to establish that the armed groups had minors in their ranks," Guillaume Ngefa, director of the human rights division of the UN mission to Mali, said in a statement Thursday.

"What is extremely concerning is that among the 33 people currently held prisoner by the CMA in Kidal, eight are children," he added, saying the children could be soldiers.

The conflict dates back to 2012, when key cities in northern Mali fell under the control of jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda, who exploited an ethnic Tuareg-led rebel uprising.

The armed groups accused of abuses by the UN operate in areas where Mali's army is absent or has a very limited presence.

Although the Islamists were largely ousted by a French-led military operation, attacks have continued on UN and French forces, civilians and the Malian army.
"The authorities change electoral law like a swindler. They cut off candidates they don't like from the polls... there should be a consolidated boycott of the elections," Udaltsov said at a press conference in Moscow.

Udaltsov, 40, was a leading figure during the 2011-12 protests in Russia ahead of President Vladimir Putin's election to a historic third term.

He was convicted in July 2014 of fomenting mass riots in a case decried by rights groups and, including prison time before trial, served his term in full.

He was a leader of a banned radical leftist group which has since largely faded into obscurity, and said Thursday he is still in opposition to the government due to its "neo-liberal" economic policy.

"There has been no positive change all these years," he said, noting that although he is not planning to participate in the polls he did not rule out that a "young new face from the opposition" could emerge to represent the left.

Udaltsov was incarcerated in a penal colony in central Russia's Tambov province and he went on hunger strike several times.

Putin is widely expected to run in the March presidential polls though he has made no formal announcement.

Alexei Navalny, an anti-corruption politician currently considered the strongest opposition candidate, has announced he will run, though observers doubt he would be permitted to participate.
Foreign observers praised a peaceful, credible voting process on Tuesday, but the mood quickly turned sour with Odinga rejecting results after only a few hours of counting.

Odinga first complained the electronically transmitted results were not being backed up by the required forms and then hours later he unveiled details of an alleged hacking attack to manipulate results.

NASA then doubled down with a claim the election commission (IEBC) was concealing true results contained on its server that showed Odinga to be the winner.

"We demand that the IEBC chairperson announce the presidential election results forthwith and declare Raila Amolo Odinga... as the duly elected president," said one of NASA's leaders, Musalia Mudavadi.

The charge ratcheted up tensions that have seen Kenya on a go-slow since voting day, with many businesses shut, civil servants staying at home and streets largely empty.

'People want justice'

Protests have remained isolated to Odinga's strongholds in Nairobi slums -- where police shot dead two protesters Wednesday -- and the western city of Kisumu.

But memories are still fresh of a disputed poll in 2007 that led to two months of ethno-political violence, leaving 1,100 dead and displacing 600,000.

While veteran opposition leader Odinga, 72, also claimed 2013 polls were stolen from him, he took his grievances to the courts and ended up accepting his loss.

"We do not want to see any violence in Kenya. We know the consequences of what happened in 2008 and we don't want to see a repeat of that," Odinga told CNN in an interview.

But he repeated his assertion that "I don't control anybody. People want to see justice."

Kenyatta looked set for certain victory, with 8 million votes to Odinga's 6.7 million, according to the IEBC public website whose results are being cross-checked against polling forms from constituencies.

However, NASA provided documents purportedly obtained from IEBC servers via a "confidential source" showing that Odinga had 8.04 million votes, leading Kenyatta on 7.75 million.

'We need peace'

IEBC chief Wafula Chebukati responded to the NASA claims, detailing that their "evidence" was riddled with arithmetic errors and came from a Microsoft database, while the electoral commission's system was running on Oracle.

In the Kondele neighbourhood of the western city of Kisumu -- where protests erupted on Wednesday -- hundreds of Odinga supporters took to the streets, banging drums and blowing vuvuzelas after his party declared him the winner.

"We are happy," said 35-year-old Anthony Karaba, as a police helicopter hovered overhead.

"We need peace and we need the correct results."

The IEBC insists its electronic voting system -- seen as key to avoiding fraud -- was not compromised.

Britain and the US joined foreign observer missions in urging party leaders to be patient and refrain from inflaming tensions ahead of the release of final results.

Former US secretary of state John Kerry, leading an observer team from the Carter Center, expressed confidence in the IEBC.

"We believe the IEBC put in place a detailed, transparent process of voting, counting, reporting and securing the vote, all of which lends significant credibility and accountability," Kerry told journalists.

Before the election the race between Odinga and Kenyatta was seen as too close to call.

It was billed as the final showdown between the two men whose fathers Jomo Kenyatta and Jaramogi Odinga were allies in the struggle for independence, but later became bitter rivals, setting the stage for decades of political rancour.

jpegMpeg4-1280x720Kenyatta, 55, is seeking re-election after a first term in which he and his Jubilee Party were credited with a massive infrastructure drive and overseeing steady economic growth.
But with Pyongyang regularly threatening to turn Seoul into a "sea of flames" -- and nagging questions over Washington's willingness to defend it if doing so put its own cities in danger of retaliatory attacks -- the South's media are leading calls for a change of tack.

South Korea, which fought a war with the North that ended in a stalemate in 1953, is highly technologically advanced and analysts estimate it could develop an atomic device within months of deciding to do so.

"Now is time to start reviewing nuclear armament," the Korea Herald said in an editorial Friday.

After Pyongyang conducted two successful tests of an intercontinental ballistic missile last month, putting much of the mainland United States within reach, the paper warned: "Trust in the nuclear umbrella the US provides to the South can be shaken."

It urged Washington to deploy some of its atomic weapons to South Korea if it did not want to see a nuclear-armed Seoul.

The US stationed some of its atomic weapons in the South following the 1950-53 Korean War, but withdrew them in 1991 when two Koreas jointly declared they would make the peninsula nuclear-free.

But Pyongyang carried out its first nuclear test in 2006, and formally abandoned the deal in 2009.

Tensions have soared in recent months with US President Donald Trump this week warning of "fire and fury" against Pyongyang, which threatened missile strikes near the US territory of Guam.

The North's military chief Ri Myong Su responded saying that if the US continued in its "reckless" behaviour, Pyongyang would "inflict the most miserable and merciless punishment upon all the provokers".

The latest war of words between Trump and the North -- ruled by young leader Kim Jong-Un -- unnerved many in the South, even though it has become largely used to hostile rhetoric from its neighbour.

A conflict between the North and the US could have devastating consequences for Asia's fourth-largest economy, with Seoul within range of Pyongyang's vast conventional artillery forces.

"A catastrophe is looming," the South's top-selling Chosun daily said in an editorial this week.

"All options, even those considered unthinkable so far, must be on the table."

'Balance of terror'

In all the North has staged five atomic tests -- including three under Kim -- as it seeks to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the continental US.

A survey last year -- even before tensions began to mount -- showed about 57 percent of South Koreans already supported the idea of nuclear armament, with 31 percent opposing it.

"We need to have our own military options to overwhelm the North," the Korea Economic Daily said in an editorial this week, calling for a nuclear weapon to ensure a "balance of terror" and prevent Pyongyang from attacking the South.

But a South Korean bomb would infuriate Pyongyang, which says it needs nuclear weapons to defend itself against the threat of invasion, and make bringing it to the negotiating table even harder.

Seoul's defence chief Song Young-Moo said recently the South was "fully capable" of building its own nuclear weapon but was not considering the option for now.

Atomic arms are not the only way Seoul can step up its defences.

Song is pushing for the development of nuclear-powered submarines, although doing so also requires consent from the US.

South Korean President Moon Jae-In has also urged limits on Seoul's missiles to be increased in a conversation with Trump.
Park Ki-Young stepped down as the head of a newly-created science centre, which is responsible for allocating $18 billion in government subsidies and budgets for research projects.

"I sincerely apologize for causing such disappointment and controversy," Park said in a statement.

"I hope my resignation will serve as an opportunity for the country's science sector to pull together again for development", she added.

Park, a former biology professor seen as a key figure in a scandal involving the fabrication of research by prominent stem cell scientist Hwang Woo-Suk, had been under heavy pressure to step down after hundreds of South Korean scientists protested her appointment by Moon this week.

Hwang was lauded as the "pride of Korea" after claiming to have derived stem cell lines from cloned human embryos -- a world first -- in two articles published in the journal Science in 2004 and 2005.

But his research was later found to be fraudulent and riddled with ethical lapses.

Park played a key role in supporting Hwang and his research projects with generous government subsidies when she served as a presidential aide for science and technology from 2004 to 2006.

She was also one of 15 co-authors of one of Hwang's Science papers.
Days after the UN unanimously approved the US-drafted sanctions, aimed at thwarting the North's nuclear weapons programs, Pyongyang railed against the measures as US President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong-Un traded fiery threats.

Crucial to their success is whether Beijing and Moscow enforce the sanctions -- which could cost North Korea $1 billion a year in revenues.

The sanctions impose a full ban on North Korean exports of coal, iron and iron ore, lead and lead ore as well as fish and seafood.

Despite the skepticism of experts, UN diplomats think they will be applied more strictly than in past efforts.

Their fate hinges largely on China, which accounts for 90 percent of trade with North Korea but is suspected of failing to enforce past UN measures, even after voting in their favor.

Member states are required to regularly report on the implementation of sanctions -- a duty Beijing, the North's sole major ally, has skirted in the past, according to a diplomat speaking on the condition of anonymity.

But another diplomat emphasized, "The trend is to implementation."

And Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has vowed that Beijing "will for sure implement the new resolution 100 percent, fully and strictly."

If China follows through on that promise, the North may be tempted to trade through other countries. The United States recently lectured Thailand, for example, about the need to seriously clamp down on North Korean exports.

UN sanctions regimes have sometimes come under fire for harming general populations rather than their targeted leaders. But they worked well in South Africa to build pressure against apartheid, and more recently to rein in Iran's nuclear program.

But such change takes time: in Iran's case more than a decade.

Loose enforcement?

When it comes to North Korea, "so far, the impact of these and other sanctions in order to change the DPRKs actions appears to be limited," said Alexander Gabuev, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Moscow Center.

"Moscow has an ambiguous position" on economic sanctions against North Korea, he said. Past resolutions "are strangling Russia's economic cooperation" with the North and have hurt the corporate interests of powerful Russian players, he said in a recent analysis.

A top target of the sanctions adopted August 5 is the fish and crustacean industry -- some 29 percent of North Korean exports from that sector are destined for Russia. And according to Chinese customs figures, Beijing imported $50 million in North Korean fish and shellfish in June alone.

Echoing the view of many experts, Thomas H. Lee, a law professor at Fordham University in New York, said enforcement of even preexisting sanctions has been loose.

But the latest set "will really hurt the North Korean leadership," he predicted.

And if sanctions fail to change the regime's behavior, the Security Council still has other options, such as an oil embargo or the return home of North Korean nationals working abroad.
A State Department spokeswoman would not detail the nature or number of the injuries, but she confirmed that a number of US diplomats had returned home for treatment.

Unidentified officials told CNN and other US media that the staff may have been harmed by a sonic device fired either inside or outside their Havana residences.

Some countries have developed sonic and ultrasonic weapons that can be used for crowd control or, for example, to deter seaborne pirates without resource to lethal force.

But there are no known cases of such a device being deployed by hostile intelligence services or terrorists against a diplomatic mission.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said investigations are ongoing and that Washington is not directly accusing Cuba of being behind the "incidents".

'Major concern'

But -- justifying the expulsion of two Cuban diplomats from Washington -- she insisted that Cuba, as the US mission's host nation, bears responsibility for its security.

Of the reported victims, she said: "What I can tell you is that these were US government personnel who were in Cuba, in Havana, on official duty on behalf of the US government.

"We consider these to be 'incidents', because we still are trying to determine the actual cause of their situation. They have had a variety of physical symptoms," she said.

"This is an active investigation, and that investigation is ongoing at this time," she said, adding: "It is an area that is under investigation that is a major concern of ours."

Bauert said that US personnel began experiencing ailments in late 2016, but that it was not immediately recognised that it could be anything other than an ordinary health issue.

Cuba's foreign ministry said that US officials had alerted it to "some alleged incidents affecting some officials of that diplomatic mission and their families" on February 17.

Later, after some America staff left, US officials asked two Cuban diplomats to leave Washington in response.

"US government officials have been affected in some way by these incidents -- physically affected by these incidents," she said, explaining the decision.

"It is the Cuban government's obligation under the Vienna Convention to ensure the safety and protection of our diplomats there."

Meanwhile, Canada confirmed that one of its envoys had suffered a similar incident.

"We are aware of unusual symptoms affecting Canadian and US diplomatic personnel and their families in Havana," Canadian foreign ministry spokeswoman Brianne Maxwell said.

Cuba said it had objected to the expulsion of its officials, while also urging the United States to work together to shed light on the incidents in Havana.

"Cuba took this issue with the utmost seriousness and acted expeditiously and professionally in order to clarify the facts of this situation," the foreign ministry said.

The communist state stressed the need for US authorities to share information on the probe and promised to reinforce security around the mission.

Trade embargo

Relations between the United States and Cuba were restored by then US president Barack Obama and his Cuban counterpart Raul Castro in 2015 after a half-century break.

But tensions mounted again alive after the detente was partly rolled back by Obama's successor Donald Trump, who won the votes of many Cuban Americans by promising a tough line.

In June, Trump announced tightened rules for Americans traveling to Cuba, banned ties with a military-run tourism firm and reaffirmed the existing US trade embargo.

The US embassy was closed in 1961 at the height of the Cold War when diplomatic relations broke down between Washington and Fidel Castro's young revolutionary regime.

The mission reopened as a "special interests section" rather than a full embassy under an agreement between Castro and US President Jimmy Carter.

But the US diplomats were hardly made welcome. Anti-American propaganda was displayed around the compound, which Cuba saw as a base for fomenting opposition sedition.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Time management can sometimes be difficult, but managing the global commons is a bit of a bigger challenge.

Thomas W. Hertel, Purdue University professor of agricultural economics, and his team aim to develop a multidisciplinary approach for managing the earths unowned natural resources such as the oceans, atmosphere, and space, also known as the global commons, in order to establish an applied research consortium which will analyze scenarios and explore policy alternatives. These alternatives will promote responsible public and private investment, sustainable management of critical, shared natural resources, and collective action toward meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Hertels team was awarded funding for their proposal, Managing Global Commons: Sustainable Agriculture and Use of the Worlds Land and Water Resources in the 21st Century.

The project is relevant to nine of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals: no poverty, zero hunger, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, and life on land.

The idea is that this is a transparent project in the sense that everything is on the GeoHub and others can participate Hertel said.

The Managing the Global Commons team offers an opportunity for student engagement.

We have a textbook that ties in with a class that we teach each year in the spring, Hertel said. So, most of the people on the project have taught in this class.

Research in sustainability issues has been conducted in the past, but Hertel says it lacks shared resources, a clear approach, and long-term research. This team will approach the Sustainable Development Goals by focusing on a three-step approach: establish flagship examples, produce policy briefs, and create infrastructure and open-source tools. By combining multiple disciplines across Purdue, the team aims to attract a range of board members from the public and private spheres, domestic and international.

Purdue Universitys Discovery Park has launched its Big Idea Challenge, which provides funding and resources to teams made up of Purdue students and faculty who will conduct interdisciplinary research on global challenges and life-changing innovations.

There are lots of different directions this could go; it is a big idea! he said.

Within the multidisciplinary approach, the teams strategies include meeting bi-weekly with sub-groups to tackle different obstacles such as contacting stakeholders, meeting deadlines, writing two-page proposals, or contacting different networks of interest.

Thomas Hertel and Matthew Huber from Purdue University will host a workshop on University Engagement with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on Oct. 13, part of the Potsdam Institute for Climate, Impact World 2017 Conference, held in Germany that week. This workshop is designed to maximize discussion about how universities can engage more effectively in the analysis and implementation of SDG policies through open source, community-building approaches at local, national and global levels. More information can be found at: https://www.impactsworld2017.org/program-speakers/workshops/#s7.

The Maintaining the Global Commons team includes professors from several different disciplines at Purdue.

* Thomas W. Hertel, distinguished professor of agricultural economics and executive director for the Center for Global Trade Analysis.

* Uris L.C. Baldos, research assistant professor of agricultural economics.

* Laura Bowling, professor of agronomy.

* Keith Cherkauer, associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering.

* Matthew Huber, professor of earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences.

* David Johnson, assistant professor of industrial engineering and political science.

* Carol X. Song, director of Scientific Solutions and ITaP Researching Computing.

* Dominique van der Mensbrugghe, research professor and director of the Center for Global Trade Analysis and Department of Agricultural Economics.

About Discovery Park: Discovery Park is an open laboratory for interdisciplinary collaboration at Purdue focused on the grand challenges of global health, global security and those that lie at the nexus of sustainable energy, world food supply and the environment. Large-scale interdisciplinary research is carried out in Discovery Park with an emphasis to drive innovations to the marketplace. Faculty, students and staff gain experience and access to the Universitys entrepreneurial programs.

Writer: Carolina Meraz, merazc@purdue.edu

Source: Thomas W. Hertel, 765-494-4199, hertel@purdue.edu
There is a small glimmer of hope today that our leaders still can rescue the fairer school funding formula necessary to ensure that Illinois schools remain open this year.

Besides, what choice do we have but to take Senate President John Cullerton at his word after he released a statement Wednesday promising, One way or another, we are going to get a fair funding system that improves education in all public schools in Illinois for the long term.

Right now, this is the only game in town as school districts plan for the loss of state aid payments because the bill containing the evidence-based funding formula required by the Illinois budget has not been written into law.

Its not easy to be optimistic given that the crisis was created by the Senates decision to wait two months before sending Gov. Bruce Rauner the funding formula reform bill. Now that Gov. Rauners promised amendatory veto is at last before the Senate, lawmakers have until Wednesday to act on his rewrite.

President Cullerton said he is calling senators back to Springfield at 2 p.m. Sunday with the intention of acting on school funding legislation. He didnt specify what action lawmakers would take, but there are a number of options. They include overriding the veto or accepting the governors changes. Senators also could pass a new bill that contains the new, fairer formula both sides already support, but without the Chicago school pension money slipped into SB1 by House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Or they could draft a compromise that bridges the gap between SB1 and the governors demands for change.

Its encouraging that President Cullerton remains optimistic that there is a path to a reasonable compromise on a fair school funding system that improves public education across all of Illinois.

And make no mistake, there IS room for agreement. For example, lawmakers can go back to that earlier version of SB1 with the funding formula but without the Chicago schools money the governor opposes.

Approving and signing a clean bill would ensure no interruption in the school year while allowing the two sides to give careful consideration to some of the governors other changes, including no longer allowing districts to use revenue lost to TIF districts to calculate their wealth, and making districts outside of Chicago responsible for pension payment costs for new teachers. The latter should be anathema to GOP lawmakers who have fought against a pension cost shift for districts ill-equipped to pay for it.

Critical and complex details such as these will have a lasting impact on our childrens education, and they must be addressed separately, with care, free of politics and grandstanding.

And lets not lose sight of this: There is clearly agreement here about how to fix Illinois grossly unfair school funding formula. So do it, and celebrate the historic victory.

Of course, nothing will happen without Speaker Madigans OK. It remains to be seen whether the powerful Chicago Democratic leader will put aside politics and past grievances. Early signs arent encouraging. Take, for example, the speakers decision to call the House into session to address Senate action on Wednesday, which also happens to be Governors Day at the State Fair.

Lets hope its the last political shot fired in this battle because, like Sen. Cullerton, we believe there is a clear path to a fair funding formula. Our leaders have only to take it.
The fourth-annual Back Road Music Festival, in Galva, will showcase seven hours of country music Saturday in Galva Park at SE 6th Street, starting at 4 p.m.

The fest kicks off with the female trio Runaway June, which describes its sound as rootsy, "brightly colored and mixing bluegrass tradition with dusty desert cool," according to runawayjune.com. At 5:45 p.m. is Dylan Scott, billed as an "old soul with a young spirit ... a dreamer who imagined himself following his father's path to Nashville ... a man's man with a lifelong love for hunting and country music ... and a heartthrob whose wide smile and deep-voiced Louisiana drawl have already turned many a woman's head," according to dylanscottcountry.com.

At 7:30 p.m. will be Michael Ray, who released his new single, Get To You in June, from his upcoming sophomore album. The Atlantic Records / Warner Music Nashville recording artist wrapped his successful headlining Think A Little Less tour earlier this year, and performed at June's CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville with a cameo from Randy Travis.

Mr. Ray, 29, recently notched his second No. 1 single with Think a Little Less, which boasts 780 million airplay audience impressions and over 21 million streams, according to a tour release. When his debut single Kiss You in the Morning, reached No. 1, he became the only new country male artist to have a top single in 2015, and his self-titled debut album entered the Billboard Country Album Chart Top 5, the release said.

Mr. Ray has opened for the likes of Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Jake Owen, Alabama and Sam Hunt. Billboard has written that he's got "a resonant voice and a knack for crafting vibrant, upbeat contemporary country-rock." He gained prominence in 2012 as the winner of the CW network's reality television vocal competition "The Next: Fame Is at Your Doorstep."

A review at ne-countrymusic.com said "Get to You" is "full of heartfelt and honest lyrics that convey a pretty universal message, regardless of which side of the story you may fall on, its something thats sure to connect with fans."

Saturday's Galva fest (48 miles east of Moline in Henry County) is headlined by Travis Tritt, a 54-year-old Georgia native who has seven albums (counting the Greatest Hits) certified platinum or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The highest-certified is 1991's "It's All About to Change," which sold three million copies.

Mr. Tritt has posted more than 40 times on Billboard's Hot Country Songs charts, including five number ones  "Help Me Hold On," "Anymore," "Can I Trust You with My Heart," "Foolish Pride", and "Best of Intentions." He has two Grammy Awards, both for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, and has received four awards from the Country Music Association.

General admission tickets for Back Road are $45, available at midwestix.com; Galva Pharmacy, 120 Exchange St., or Hog Country Studios, 133 E. Division St., Kewanee. Admission increases to $50 the day of the show.

For more information, visit thebackroadmusicfestival.com.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP)  Just days before the school bell's ring, the Democratic-controlled Illinois Legislature is grappling with a Republican governor over how to fix the biggest gap in the U.S. between a state's richest schools and its poorest.

School funding is in limbo after Gov. Bruce Rauner used his veto powers this month to rewrite a funding plan and, among other changes, remove hundreds of millions of dollars for Chicago Public Schools he said would be redistributed to other districts. Democrats, however, say Rauner's changes would result in hundreds of districts statewide receiving less money than they would have under the original bill. The Senate is set to gavel in on Sunday to address Rauner's veto.

Sen. Andy Manar, a Bunker Hill Democrat who sponsored the revamped funding formula, told a small rally Thursday outside a school in a low-income Springfield neighborhood that children across the state are eagerly gathering school supplies in anticipation of a return to the classroom.

"What they don't know is the injustice that's stacked against them the day they walk into kindergarten," Manar said.

Because of decades of state underfunding, Illinois schools are heavily reliant on local property taxes  overall among the highest nationally  meaning those in affluent, largely suburban, areas do well, while inner-city and small, rural districts with less taxable property trail.

The Legislature needs a three-fourths vote in both the Senate and the House to either override Rauner's changes or approve them to be able to send money to schools this year. Most schools have said they have reserves or other cash sources enough to open as scheduled, but few say they'd make it a whole school year without draconian cuts.

Amber Alexander, a Springfield mother of two school-aged children who attended Manar's rally, said kids need to be in school.

"This seems to be politics, and the people affected are the low-income and the children," Alexander said.

Manar predicted Sunday's session would produce a vote to override Rauner, but he said attempts at compromise with the first-term governor also continue. Rauner made substantial changes to the plan, which he has complained is a "bailout" for mismanaged Chicago schools.

Democratic state Sen. Scott Bennett, who represents central Illinois, said with Rauner's changes "every one of my schools is in danger of being hurt."

The Illinois State Board of Education, which is tasked with analyzing Rauner's changes and releasing numbers on how much money each district would receive, had not completed its review as of Friday.

A veto override would be a heavy lift. The legislation was approved with 35 Senate votes, one fewer than needed to overturn the governor. It got 60 votes in the House, 11 short of the three-fifths majority necessary to reverse a veto.

The House has 67 Democrats, so an override would need GOP assistance. House Republicans were excoriated in July when a handful rebuffed Rauner to support an income tax increase that ended a two-year budget stalemate. The House returns Wednesday.

The budget plan included a provision that requires money be distributed to schools only through an "evidence-based" model that funnels money to districts with greater needs  more poverty and fewer English speakers, for example. That's the model drawn up in the vetoed legislation, so without an evidence-based program in law, no state money can go out. The first disbursement was scheduled for Thursday but wasn't made.

Manar and other Democrats working to upgrade the 20-year-old formula insisted that no school district receive less under the new plan than it did this past school year. The formula would then feed money to schools based on what each district needs to provide an "adequate" education.

To advocates, the "hold harmless" provision means that Chicago can keep a grant it received for decades that represented what other districts were reimbursed for special education, transportation and more. Rauner has called that money  along with a requirement that the state pay the employer portion of Chicago teacher pensions, as it does for every other district  a "bailout."

Rauner also changed the legislation so that the "hold harmless" provision for other districts lasts for only three years. "By freezing all districts' base funding at an arbitrary moment in time, it limits the state's ability to reflect fluctuations in enrollment and better target available money to students in need," Rauner, whose office did not respond to a request for comment, wrote in his veto message.

___

The bill is SB1.
BETTENDORF  Three recipients have been named for the inaugural grants from the Mark W. Schwiebert Fund for Environmental Studies.

Established by former Rock Island Mayor Mark Schwiebert, the fund will award grants to support efforts addressing climate change. He said he hopes the first round of grants not only increase awareness about environmental challenges posed by climate change, but also provide funding for research projects aimed at facing those challenges head-on.

Climate change is one of the great threats we face as a species in this environment, said Mr. Schwiebert, who started the fund at the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend in 2015.

The inaugural recipients include $2,500 for Augustana College: Sustainable Urban Watersheds Project, $2,500 for the Bi-State Regional Commission: Alternative Fuels and Transportation Workshop and $1,700 for Eastern Iowa Community Colleges: Audit for Compliance of Environmental Protection Agency Regulations.

The grants are intended to be modest, but strategic, Mr. Schwiebert said. Im glad to be able to do it and Im hopeful it will result in outcomes.

Mr. Schwieberts passion for environmental issues began more than two decades ago. An attorney, Mr. Schwiebert has supported local and national initiatives that address climate change throughout his work.

We saw a record year for the number of major disasters involving climate events in 2016, Mr. Schwiebert said. "There were droughts and wind storms, tornadoes and earthquakes."

He said they will only continue to increase, creating terrific hardship and human suffering. More than 40 percent of the world lives in coastal areas that, by 2050, could be inundated with natural disasters.

Its something we can no longer ignore," he said. "What kind of world are we leaving our children and grandchildren?

Mr. Schwiebert said CFGRB is helping him offer opportunities for others to bring creative solutions to challenges and work together for a stronger community, now and forever.

CFGRB represents the largest single place for donors like me who wish to start a fund that will live on," he said. "They have a great track-record of philanthropic success and bringing people together."

Mr. Schwiebert also serves on the Amy Helpenstell Foundation Funds advisory committee.

Kelly Thompson, Vice President of Grantmaking and Community Initiatives praised the Mark W. Schwiebert Fund for Environmental Studies as a wonderful example of how one person can make a significant difference in the community.

Marks passion and leadership has translated into wonderful opportunities for local educators, scholars and students, she said. This fund is not only his contribution to this area of study, but to the lives of many people.

To learn more CFGRB, call Anne Calder at 563-326-2840.
The Children's Therapy Center of the Quad-Cities has soft spot in the hearts of many, including me.

It is a special place, with special people doing great things to enhance the lives of youngsters with disabilities. I most admire its stance on making sure no child is denied service because his or her family does not have the funds for needed therapy.

Earlier this year, the CTC moved from its tiny office on 15th Street in Moline to a larger and more accommodating building at 4450 48th Ave., Rock Island. It was at this time the CTC launched the public phase of a $1.2-million-dollar capital campaign to pay for their new treatment center.

Just eight months into the venture, the 68-year-old nonprofit organization is 80 percent of the way toward its goal. Now the CTC is asking the community to help guide it to the finish line.

Were so very grateful for the level of support that weve received so far and our goal is to complete the capital campaign by the end of the year,'' said CTC President and CEO Angie Peterson. "The need for our services continues to increase, and paying off the building loan allows us to direct additional funds to therapy sessions for the 450-plus children we are privileged to serve each year.

Early funding for the spacious center came from the CTC's board of directors and grants from the Regional Development Authority, the Moline Foundation, the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, the Hunt and Diane Harris Family Fund, the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust and the Geneseo Foundation. There also have been several major gifts from individual donors and the business community.

Our new facility more than triples our clinic space,'' said Dr. Chris Moen who, along with Subha Kalathur, are the co-chairs for the CTC's capital campaign.

"The facility is on one level, providing the children and families a better experience from the parking lot throughout the entire building," Dr. Moen said. "And we have plenty of room to grow, enabling us to continue our mission of providing physical, occupational, speech and feeding therapy to local children with developmental disabilities and delays.''

One mother said the CTC for years has been a successful and guiding light for her family.

Cerebral palsy was not what I wanted to hear from the doctors. I didnt even know fully what that meant,'' said Kim Kincaid, of Silvis, whose teenage daughter, Meikeila, has been under the watchful eye of CTC therapists since she was 3.

Today, Meikeila is an an active, independent and busy teenager who has surpassed every physical challenge that has come her way. Admired by all who know her for her determination, she was named the 2015 Jr. Miss Milan Indian Summer Festival. She will attend Black Hawk College and has competed  with her mother  in many 5K road races around the area.

"While she still has challenges, the foundation she was given by the Childrens Therapy Center has set her up for a lifetime of self-sufficiency and independence,'' Kim Kincaid said of her daughter.

"They took our whole family under their wing," she said. "Meikeila thrived at CTC, and the incredible staff not only taught her but our whole family how to help with problem-solving skills.''

Ms. Peterson says she hopes the goal can be met, saying she has drawn inspiration with the way the community has rallied around what CTC stands for.

"Amazing,'' she said. "What a community we serve.''

Donors can send a check to the CTC or visit https://ctcqc.givingfuel.com/capital-campaign to help it clear the final 20 percent.
Michael Barbour, PE, has joined HNTB Corp.s Southern California team as Senior Project Director and Associate Vice President, with responsibility for the California High-Speed Rail Construction Package 4 project, where he oversees project and construction management of technical and management staff.

Barbour has more than three decades of experience in rail and highway design and construction management, working with local agencies, contractors, military and consultants. He brings extensive transit design-build expertise, including the California State Route 125 Design Build Gap Connector project in San Diego and Honolulu Authority Rapid Transits elevated airport guideway and stations, among others. During his 18-year tenure with Caltrans, he served as acting deputy for design in District 7 in Los Angeles and office chief for structure design in Sacramento.

Prior to joining HNTB, Barbour successfully led projects for several of the regions transportation agencies, including the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, where he served as executive officer for the construction management program as well as highway project management. His international military experience involved working as engineering manager for the $65 million design-build reconstruction of a military base in the Middle East.

Barbour earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from California State University in Sacramento. He is registered as a professional engineer in California.

Michael is a highly respected rail and highway transportation professional with a broad range of construction management expertise on high-profile infrastructure projects, said Andres Ocon, Southern California office leader and vice president for HNTB. His design-build background, along with his professional insight and leadership, will be an asset as we continue to provide design and construction oversight for Californias high-speed rail project in the Central Valley.
FSB opens probe into theft of Chelyabinsk meteorites fragment

MOSCOW, August 11 (RAPSI)  Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) has launched a fraud case against a collector suspected of stealing a fragment of a meteorite which fell in the Chelyabinsk Region in mid-February 2013, RIA Novosti reported on Friday.

In July, employees of a state history museum filed an application with the FSB claiming that the stolen fragment weighting over 2.5 kilogram disappeared from the museums storage. It was later found in the private collection of a geologist hired by the museum in the past. Market value of one kilogram reaches 1 million dollars (about $16,600).

On February 15, 2013, at 7:23 AM Moscow time, an observatory in Yekaterinburg, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) southeast of Chelyabinsk, reported a meteor shower.

The meteor shower hit three regions of Russia and Kazakhstan. Dozens of people were hurt by broken window glass and debris. There were no fatalities, but over 1,500 people sought medical assistance and the Chelyabinsk city government pledged to pay up to 50,000 rubles ($1,650) in compensation to meteor shower victims for housing repairs.

According to the analysis of the fragments, the meteorite is a rare variation of common chondrite meteor type LL5.
State lawmakers around the country are pushing bold and ambitious education reform plans and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos appears content to let them lead the way.

Its encouraging to see so many states pass pro-student and pro-parent legislation that expands the educational opportunities available to children and their families, DeVos told RealClearEducation in a statement. Ive always said that parents and educators at the grassroots level know best what their students need.

While the secretary is a vocal proponent of school choice, she prefers that states and local officials take the initiative. Even with Republican control of the White House and Capitol Hill, DeVos has pledged not to push a federal school choice program and has indicated that any federal action would come in the form of support for choice programs that states can opt to participate in.

The secretary's philosophy runs counter to much of the modern history of American public education. Starting with President Lyndon Johnson's Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, nearly every administration has exerted some sort of federal influence over K-12 education, from President Jimmy Carter's creation of the Department of Education to President George W. Bushs No Child Left Behind to President Obamas Race to the Top.

The one glaring exception is the new federal education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a bipartisan piece of legislation signed by Obama that hands a substantial amount of authority and decision-making back to the states. DeVos embraces ESSA wholeheartedly.

During her address to the American Legislative Exchange Council last month, DeVos said she wants states to break out of a compliance mentality and instead embrace the opportunity for creativity and flexibility. Some of her critics fear this hands-off approach will whittle away federal civil rights protections and undermine long-standing federal programs, but DeVos insists that states, districts and families can best serve and protect their students and that federal intervention is only needed sparingly.

This message comes at a propitious time for the GOP, which has complete control of government in 25 states and partial control in 20 more. Republicans across the country have already seized this opportunity.

Weve seen more than 42 legislative chambers in two dozen states pass bills expanding school choice for students and their families in the first six months of this year, DeVos noted in her statement. This progress didnt come as a result of a top-down federal dictate  it came as a result of leadership on the local level and a demand from parents for more and better options.

Here is a look at several states where Republicans are implementing major choice-related policies:

Arizona

The Grand Canyon State may lead the country in transformative and controversial education reform plans in 2017. It became a political lightning rod earlier this year after its historic expansion of education savings accounts (ESAs) from 3,500 students to roughly 30,000. However, earlier this week, Save Our Schools Arizona, an organization dedicated to stopping the ESA program, succeeded in gathering the signatures of 100,000 voters opposed to the program, more than the number required by law to trigger a referendum on it. If the agency overseeing elections deems these signatures valid, then voters will decide the future of the ESA program at the polls in November.

The state's new budget also contains another ambitious education reform that may prove just as consequential: results-based funding. The $37 million program will award $400 per student to the state's highest performing schools in low-income areas (defined in the law as schools with 60 percent or more of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch) and $250 per student to the highest performing schools in the remaining areas. For the first year, schools in poor districts can qualify if at least 41 percent of its students pass the state's standardized tests for math and English. For middle- or upper-class districts, the pass rate is 65 percent. However, after year one, the state will judge performance based on its new A-F school rating system, which incorporates standardized tests, growth, college and career readiness and other metrics.

Arizona state Sen. Paul Boyer, chairman of the Arizona House Education Committee, said the initiative came as a result of high-performing schools reporting that they could serve more kids if given the resources to do so. In addition, he did not want to see Arizona attempt its own version of the Obama administration's School Improvement Grants program. The $7 billion federal initiative provided dollars to failing schools in an attempt to turn them around. However, the department's own audit found that it produced no meaningful results.

We wanted to flip that approach on its head and say, 'Why don't we actually fund what works?' Boyer explained. He also stressed that the program utilizes new money  not funds taken from other schools or programs  and that half of it is earmarked for teacher raises.

However, opponents believe the money would be better spent if it was directed toward teacher raises across the board. No organization aiming for excellence for all would give bonuses to a select few, while leaving basic bills unpaid, Dana Wolfe Naimark, president and CEO of Childrens Action Alliance, said in a statement. Yet that is exactly what the Governor is proposing for public schools. These funds would make a much bigger difference in addressing the teacher shortage crisis if they were invested in teacher raises for all district and charter schools.

Boyer pushed back on this idea. Funding success not only grows more high-quality seats for students, it promises to help keep teachers who came to education to help kids learn but leave when they're frustrated at a lower-performing school, he stated.

Colorado

In June, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a bipartisan piece of legislation that seeks to equalize traditional public school funding and public charter school funding. Currently, traditional public schools receive approximately 20 percent, or $2,000, more per student than public charters, according to one of the bill's sponsors, Republican state Sen. Owen Hill. The bill requires all school districts to develop a plan by the start of the 2019 academic year to equally distribute mill levy overrides  voter-approved tax increases  among charter schools.

Hill believes the bill is the first of its kind in the country and represents a shift from a focus on a system to funding outcomes for students.

The number of Colorado charter schools has grown 30 percent since 2013, according to the state Department of Education, but roughly $34 million in tax increases have not been shared equitably with them. Critics of the legislation insist that it will seize funding control from local districts. However, Hill says that's the wrong way to look at the issue.

We're not here to fund the system, he added. We're here to fund students' learning.

Florida

A group of approximately 200 perpetually failing schools have stymied reform efforts in Florida for years. These schools are located in high-poverty areas where, in some cases, about 80 percent of the students are not at grade level.

This has long bothered state Rep. Michael Bileca, chairman of the Florida House Education Committee. We don't accept as a norm that children in poverty are going to schools where they're not going to be proficient in math and reading, he stated.

So Bileca, along with his Republican colleagues in the Florida legislature, set out to design a new program to solve this education crisis: Schools of Hope.

The initiative puts $140 million in a fund that can be used to attract some of the nation's highest performing charter school networks to plant schools in the lowest performing areas in the state. Bileca, a key architect of the program, traveled around the country visiting schools that are excelling in high-poverty areas. As a result, he helped create a regulatory pathway that would provide the funding and circumstances necessary for a School of Hope to open in Florida. But not just any school can qualify for this designation. Bileca explained that the law sets a very high bar. For example, a charter network must demonstrate that its schools deliver graduation levels and math and reading proficiency above state averages and it must commit to the community for at least five years.

If the charter network does qualify, it can use a portion of the $140 million for facility construction  a persistent hurdle for charters. The law also creates regulatory pathways to ease the move, such as eliminating teacher certification requirements. Bileca believes that the program is the largest of its kind in existence today.

In June, Gov. Rick Scott signed the program into law as part of a larger, wide-ranging education bill. However, critics had blasted the legislation and Scott considered vetoing the bill at one point. Opponents of the program believe that Schools of Hope will bring in outsiders who don't understand the community and will ultimately pull resources away from already troubled public schools.

Christopher Beach is the editor of RealClearEducation.
Last week, West Virginia Governor and coal mogul Jim Justice announced to a Trump rally that he was becoming a Republican. This week, he started negotiating over his price: A proposal for a big federal government subsidy to try to bail out the struggling Appalachian coal industry. But is encouraging the regions communities to think that a fading industry can be rescued really the solution to Appalachias economic woes?

President Trump has promised to save the coal industry, largely by reducing regulations such as revising the EPAs Clean Coal Plan. But the Environmental Information Agency (EIA) finds that coal use will decline even without intrusive environmental policies. The biggest challenge coal faces today comes not from regulators but from cheaper alternative energy sources. In fact, the Trump administrations steps to bolster natural gassuch as promising to take advantage of an estimated $50 trillion in untapped shale, oil and natural gas reserves  would create even more competitive pressures on the coal industry.

Justice agrees that reduced regulation isnt the total answer, saying moves to roll back regulations on the Appalachian coal industry wont be enough to preserve it. The Governors panacea? A federal subsidy plan that would give eastern U.S. utilities $15 for every ton of Appalachia coal they burn. His argument for the subsidy is that hoary old chestnut national security. Justice argues that coal could help avert a potential disaster for the eastern power grid if Western coal supplies from the west were to be disrupted, say by terrorist bombs at gas junction points or bridges that connect western coal to eastern consumers. National security is becoming the last refuge of the crony capitalist, being trotted out recently by the domestic steel industry as well. But while its legitimate to worry about the reliability of U.S. infrastructure, efforts to secure it would cost money. A huge subsidy to a struggling industry would only make that less affordable. And the decline of the coal industry doesnt seem to pose much of a threat with the price of natural gas falling and wind and solar power growing.

That is the biggest problem coal faces  a wider and cheaper range of energy alternatives. Until about the year 2000, coal was maintaining its position as the preferred supplier for utilities, with a 50 percent share of the U.S. power supply. But today, coal represents less than a third of the energy mix, according to the EIA. While Appalachian coal production is up this year, another downtick could cause a spate of bankruptcies, mine closures and layoffs. And looking forward, the EIA projects that coal use in the United States will be flat or falling through 2040 as it is displaced by renewable energy sources and cheaper natural gas. This is especially bad news for coal towns, as the industry provided fewer and fewer jobs even when coal was in a stronger competitive position. From more than 140,000 employees in 1989, it dropped to only 85,000 in 1999, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as improved technology and production techniques such as surface mining, especially in the west, required far fewer employees per ton of coal produced. The Appalachian coal sector has been hit especially hard as companies must spend more money to access harder-to-reach seams of the fossil fuel while competitors in regions such as the Powder River Basin of Wyoming and Montana have much thicker coal seams that are cheaper to get to.

That is one of the biggest reasons that the Justice coal subsidy plan would probably not save the Appalachian coal industry in any event. The cost differential between Appalachian coal and western coal is too big to be bridged by even a $15-per-ton subsidy. Recent EIA coal prices put Central Appalachian coal at $52.60 per ton and Northern Appalachian coal at $45.65 per ton  4-5 times as much as the $11.55 per ton cost of coal from Wyomings Powder River Basin. Even with the proposed subsidy, eastern coal would still be about three times as costly as its western competitor.

The structural decline in the Appalachian coal sector makes it clearer than ever that if anything is going to save the Appalachian economy it is economic diversification. A dirigiste subsidy would only discourage that, by spreading false hope that a fading industry of the past could help a region build a bright economic future.
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By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 08/11/2017



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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.
Porterville, CA (93257)

Today

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 39F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 39F. Winds light and variable.
Whether going solo or enjoying it with thousands people, here 5 tips on how to celebrate the total solar eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21.
After raising $2.5 billion from SoftBank's Masayoshi Son and his Vision Fund, Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal are back in the driving seat at Flipkart, the company they founded over a decade ago.

Alnoor Peermohamed and Karan Choudhury report.

IMAGE: SoftBank will control a little over 18 per cent stake in Flipkart and will be a prominent member on the company's board. Photograph: Abhishek N Chinnappa/Reuters

Leading e-commerce company Flipkart has raised around $2.5 billion from SoftBank Vision Fund, the $100 billion tech focused venture fund floated by Masayoshi Son.

This makes the SoftBank Group a top investor not just in Flipkart, but also in the entire e-commerce universe in India.

The fundraising pegs the value of Flipkart perhaps at an estimated $11.6 billion, the same as it was in April during the previous round, a source said.

The latest announcement comes just days after SoftBank failed to merge Snapdeal, where it was the largest investor, with Flipkart.

With this, SoftBank will control a little over 18 per cent stake in Flipkart and will be a prominent member on the company's board.

Tiger Global, so far a leading investor in Flipkart, had taken control of the company by installing Kalyan Krishnamurthy as CEO.

Tiger is now seeking a partial exit from Flipkart.

So, out of the $2.5 billion being invested by the SoftBank Vision Fund, around $1 billion has been spent to buy off shares of hedge fund Tiger Global.

The remaining $1.5 billion will be invested in the company.

The SoftBank investment is expected to step up Flipkart's game against global rival Amazon in the country.

In an indication of competition heating up, Flipkart said in a statement that its cash reserves (read war chest) were now more than $4 billion, which it would use to build and launch a private label brand for consumer goods to improve profitability.

'The ball is in our court now,' Flipkart's Binny Bansal said.

'With razor-sharp execution, we must continue to transform commerce in India through technology and India-specific innovations. As the leader of Indian e-commerce,' he added, 'the onus is on us to make its benefits reach the farthest corners of India.'

A top investor in the telecom and Internet space, such competition is not new to SoftBank.

In fact, SoftBank Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son is an early backer of Alibaba, the e-commerce company that dominates China, a market that Amazon has not been able to crack.

The investment by SoftBank in Flipkart is part of the same funding round which saw the Bengaluru company raise $1.4 billion from Tencent, eBay and Microsoft four months ago.

Earlier this year, the Japanese telecom major had written off $1 billion in Snapdeal, after it failed to grow and compete with Flipkart and Amazon.

Amazon has been arming itself for a fight to the finish and been stepping up its investments in India.

Since the start of 2017, it has brought in $750 million, according to disclosures to regulators in the country.

In India, investments by Son, with SoftBank and the Vision Fund, is valued at over $6 billion, with stakes in taxi-hailing app Ola, hotel room aggregator OYO Rooms, advertisement aggregator InMobi, a joint venture with Bharti Enterprises and Foxconn for setting up solar and wind farms, besides those in Snapdeal and Paytm.

Bansals back in game with Son's help

IMAGE: Flipkart founders Binny Bansal and Sachin Bansal. Photograph: PTI Photo

After raising $2.5 billion from SoftBank's Masayoshi Son and his Vision Fund, Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal are back in the driving seat at Flipkart, the company they founded over a decade ago.

The investment will make Son, through his Vision Fund, one among the largest shareholders in Flipkart and will lower the strength of Tiger Global on its board.

Around $1.5 billion in the latest deal is being used to purchase shares from existing investors, largely from Tiger.

The move could see the role of Kalyan Krishnamurthy, a former director at Tiger and the current CEO of Flipkart, being diluted.

Krishnamurthy was brought in by Tiger's Lee Fixel to help Flipkart fight off an aggressive Amazon.

He played a role in getting long-term investors such as Tencent and Vision Fund, while giving a partial exit for Tiger in its biggest investment in India.

"Kalyan was definitely Tiger's man and the founders had been sidelined. It's not assured that SoftBank will have trust in him despite him being a good performer," said a person close to the development at Flipkart.

"The founders have and are definitely looking at making a comeback."

Ever since discussions of SoftBank picking a stake in Flipkart, through its failed merger of Snapdeal, began six months ago, the co-founders have been making their presence felt.

In the release announcing Vision Fund's investment in Flipkart, Krishnamurthy's voice was all but missing.

Sachin Bansal turned vocal on his contribution to building Flipkart's in-house brand for the masses -- Billion, which is targeted at bringing first-time customers onto its platform.

Binny's role in running the company's logistics unit, eKart, was renewed after Nitin Seth's exit.

Moreover, both founders have a strong follower base in the company who criticise Krishnamurthy for putting innovation on the back burner.

While Krishnamurthy's position at Flipkart is unsure, his role in reviving the company cannot be questioned.

Right from the 2016 festive season sale -- when he brokered a few but crucial partnerships with brands and rallied prominent sellers to offer discounts -- he ensured Flipkart not only stayed ahead of its rival Amazon, but thrived.

In the months that followed, Krishnamurthy has been instrumental in helping Flipkart shed bulk.

Taking a more sales-first approach, it can be said that he has executed his task perfectly -- getting Flipkart fit enough for long-term investors such as SoftBank to take an interest and give Tiger an exit.
Gadkari, who handles key infrastructure-related portfolios, said there is no problem with the road sector at present and money is not an issue anymore.

As banks work overtime to resolve dud loans worth over Rs 8 trillion, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday claimed proactive steps taken by the government in the road sector have helped save Rs 3 trillion of loans from slipping into bad assets.

"With the cooperation of the finance minister and the prime minister, we took 22 Cabinet decisions, and conducted meetings day and night. Because of that, today there is a situation where we've saved banks from Rs 3 trillion of NPAs," Gadkari told reporters in Mumbai.

The minister, who was in Mumbai to attend the listing ceremony of Cochin Shipyard, said infrastructure was a "challenge" when the National Democratic Alliance government came to power in May 2014, when 403 stalled road projects, with a banking system exposure of Rs 3.85 trillion, were on the verge of becoming non-performing assets.

But due to the measures taken by the present government, Gadkari claimed there is not a single stalled road project now though ventures worth over Rs 50,000 crore have been "terminated" since then.

Gadkari, who handles key infrastructure-related portfolios, said there is no problem with the road sector at present and money is not an issue anymore.

The minister, who had earlier this week blamed the bureaucracy and judicial interventions for laxity in progress on infrastructure projects, said "the system not running fast is the problem" now.

Stressing that infrastructure development is a top priority for the Modi government, Gadkari said, "Making it (the system) run is my job."

It can be noted that after identifying the problem assets, the banking system has begun a process of resolution, led by the RBI-mandated insolvency proceedings for 12 large defaulters who constitute a fourth of the system's dud assets of over Rs 8 trillion.

This list of 12 companies includes infra companies like Jaypee Infra, Lanco Infratech, Jyoti Structures and Era Infra, among others.

Other pain sectors which feature prominently are steel, power and textiles.

According to some reports, the RBI is at present working on the next list of up to 488 accounts which will be resolved with priority.

Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
Of the 11,000 kg imported between July 1 and August 9, around 90 per cent was brought in by two business groups which took advantage of the favourable reduction in tax incidence under GST, routing their imports through Korea.

Dilasha Seth and Rajesh Bhayani report.

Only two entities have together imported close to 10,000 kg of gold from India's free trade partner of South Korea since July, after implementation of the goods and services tax.

These imports in the form of coins and medallions have surprised the government which is now examining ways to impose interim restrictions.

Of the 11,000 kg imported between July 1 and August 9, around 90 per cent has been brought in by two business groups which have taken advantage of the favourable reduction in tax incidence under GST, routing their imports through Korea, say government sources.

One of the two, a leading player in the jewellery business with a bullion refinery in Uttarakhand, is learnt to have imported around 7,000 kg.

The other is a Delhi-based trader in the bullion business for over a generation, imported around 3,000 kg.

"Only two players have imported almost all the gold. The free trade pact has been misused. Some restrictions will be put in place soon. Beside, a permanent solution is also being deliberated to ensure such cases do not come up," a senior government official said.

Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia met Commerce Secretary Rita Teotia on Tuesday, August 8, to examine what could be done.

Bullion industry associations plan to formally complain to the directorate general of safeguards in the finance ministry.

In an exchange at the government level, Korea told India that Korean entities are not involved in this export of gold to India.

"It appears Indians themselves have routed gold through Korea. Investigation is still on," said another official.

Currently, gold imports attract 10 per cent basic customs duty and a three per cent Integrated GST (IGST).

However, the import from Korea is exempted from customs duty under the 2009 agreement, and the importer only has to pay three per cent IGST.

Until June, the excise duty on gold and jewellery was 12.5 per cent which acted as countervailing duty for imports under the free trade agreement.

Beginning July, the excise duty was subsumed in the GST; hence, the protection from gold import under the treaty has gone.

The rules of origin certificate under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement include a change in classification of a product, such as a change from raw material to coin or jewellery, but not a designated percentage of value addition.

Value addition norms for Thailand are 20 per cent.

In an e-mailed reply on the issue, Revenue Secretary Adhia said, "We are aware of the fact that there is a sudden surge of import of gold coins and medallions from South Korea in the month of July."

"The commerce ministry and finance ministry are jointly exploring options to curb this," Dr Adhia added.

The options available include temporary suspension of gold imports from Korea, levy of safeguard duty, mandating import of gold for export purposes and a hike in the IGST rate to 10 per cent among others.

Safeguard duty is a World Trade Organisation-compatible temporary measure brought in for a certain timeframe to avert damage to a country's domestic industry from cheap imports.

"Ideally, the GST Council should decide on raising the IGST to 10 per cent, equivalent to the basic customs duty, at least for the time being. But it might not be a politically easy call and states might not come on board," said another official.

India's comprehensive FTA with Korea came into effect in 2010.

Under the pact, India agreed to eliminate duties on 75 per cent of products imported from South Korea on a custom-value basis during the eight years from 2010.

South Korea agreed to remove duties on 93 per cent of products from India during the same period.

Rajesh Khosla, managing director, MMTC-PAMPS, the leading bullion refinery, said: "The government was aware since early June that the protection from zero-duty gold imports (from countries with which India had signed FTAs) will be ending once GST is implemented."

"Hopefully, that preoccupation will be over now and it is high time the government quickly set things right and resolved the issue," Khosla added.

Photograph: Ian Waldie/Reuters
Corporates understand that the PMO drives all key decisions in this government, report Shreya Jai and Nivedita Mookerji.

When it recently made a request to the Gujarat government to take 51 per cent equity in its beleaguered Mundra ultra mega power plant, Tata Power marked the letter to the Prime Minister's Office. A copy was sent to the secretary to the ministry of power.

The letter, which was addressed to Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Managing Director Pankaj Joshi, wanted the Gujarat government -- a procurer from the project -- to take 51 per cent equity in the plant at just Rs 1.

Adani Power did something similar, with letters sent to the PMO and departments in the Gujarat government, sources said.

While the PMO has been at the centre of all key decision-making in the current government, it is increasingly turning out to be the most important touch point for India Inc.

For instance, when Tata Sons removed Cyrus Mistry as its chairman last October, the PMO was the first government department to be informed about the development.

In fact, Ratan Tata wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, informing him about removing Mistry as chairman of Tata Sons with immediate effect. Soon after, Tata and Mistry are learnt to have met the prime minister separately.

The PMO and its key functionaries are not behind the scenes any longer, unlike in the past, a source pointed out.

Corporates have come to understand that the PMO drives all key decisions in this government and, therefore, they are keen to be in touch with this all-important office, the source said.

"Industry keeps the direct line of communication open with the PMO as an insurance against any future problems," the source added.

Whether it is the ongoing financial stress in the telecom sector or the issue of bringing more drugs under price control, industry majors are regular visitors at the PMO to meet top officials.

Even for big-ticket divestment proposals such as Air India or the merger of oil companies, the PMO's South Block office on Raisina Road is a hub of power like none other.

While administrative ministries and departments continue to hold meetings and deliberations with industry bigwigs on many burning issues, it is the PMO, and not anything else, that India Inc sees as the 'mover'.

The ground floor reception at the PMO is often crowded with the who's who of Indian industry waiting to meet a top official, perhaps for 10 minutes or even less.

Naushad Forbes, former president, Confederation of Indian Industry, said that interactions between corporate captains and the PMO had been quite close.

The PMO should be viewed as an institution and not as individuals in that office, according to Forbes.

As for the frequency of such meetings, he said, "Once every couple of weeks... I would say the PMO has played a positive role in coordinating issues."

The goods and services tax is among the latest issues bringing corporate leaders to this powerful office.

Recently, a senior industry representative posted on Facebook a picture of the prime minister discussing the GST with India Inc's captains, attracting several hundred 'likes'.

Apart from flagship schemes like Make in India, Startup India and Swachh Bharat, industry's discussions with the PMO prominently revolve around the themes of finance, banking, taxation, and power and infrastructure, another source said.

"The scale and role of the PMO now is much larger than before. The engagement level with industry is that much higher,"the source added.

Anything from the food-only foreign direct investment policy to proposed change in sourcing guidelines for tech companies such as Apple, industry is eager to hear from the PMO all the time, a top executive pointed out.

It is not surprising then that Tata Power took up the Mundra UMPP issue directly with the PMO.

'The procurers can take over 51 per cent paid-up equity shares of Coastal Gujarat Power for a nominal value of Rs 1 and grant relief to the project by purchasing power at a rate to fully address the under recovery of fuel costs at CGPL.' the letter said.

'Tata Power shall continue to operate the plant under an O&M (operation and maintenance) contract and provide all required support to the project as a 49 per cent stakeholder,' the letter added.

And while the prime minister himself is seen more often with visiting heads of businesses from other countries through government announcements and social media posts, industry confirmed that he does make time for home-grown companies too at regular intervals.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviews the status of GST in New Delhi, June 5, 2017. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
The Maharashtra CM is known to choose the right time to hit back at people he considers a threat, says N Suresh.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has sent a clear message across as to who calls the shots, says N Suresh. Photograph: PTI Photo

The Opposition in BJP-led Maharashtra has a new target.

After the resignation of the state's then revenue minister Eknath Khadse, the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party are demanding Maharashtra Housing Minister Prakash Mehta's exit.

Mehta has been accused of allowing an unauthorised transfer of extra building rights in a slum rehabilitation project in Tardeo, south Mumbai, in order to favour a particular builder.

Mehta says he has mentioned, in the concerned file, that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had been informed about the transfer, a statement the CM denied.

Congress leaders have demanded Mehta's resignation, but the CM said Mehta cannot be accused of corruption merely on the basis of a file noting.

Mehta has also been accused of favouring a builder in Ghatkopar, a north east Mumbai suburb, where Mehta's son has been given a flat.

However, the lines in these corruption charges are blurred, so Mehta could get the benefit of doubt.

His proximity to BJP boss Amit Shah is an added point in Mehta's favour.

A senior NCP leader explains the backroom equation.

"The CM's post is the most powerful one in the state. But when he has a minister who has an important portfolio, an officer on special duty and other facilities because of his proximity to the chief of the national party," the NCP leader points out, "it hurts the CM. He keeps it in his mind."

Fadnavis is known to choose the right time to hit back at people he considers a threat.

When Radheshyam Mopalwar, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation's then managing director, was being targeted, it was rumoured that photocopied pages of the file noting were mysteriously delivered to the media.

IMAGE: Prakash Mehta is considered close to BJP President Amit Shah. Kind courtesy prakash-mehta.com

The Opposition -- which is in disarray -- has been won over by the BJP and is helping the state government pass bills easily.

Congress leaders are squabbling among themselves. There is a complete lack of leadership with no one taking the initiative.

Even as Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil demands Mehta's resignation, the buzz is that he may join the BJP.

Former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan refuses to yield to Vikhe Patil and is fighting to be heard.

Mehta, meanwhile, is slowly building a case of corruption against Congress leaders.

In order to give the impression that the allegations are being taken seriously, an inquiry has been set up.

Meanwhile, Fadnavis has achieved his first goal -- he has sent a clear message across as to who calls the shots.

That, in politics, is enough.
'If Mahatma Gandhi could fight to eradicate corruption at the age of 78, why can't I try at 60?'

IMAGE: DMK Working President M K Stalin and actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan at the diamond jubilee celebration of the DMK weekly, Murasoli in Chennai, August 10, 2017.

Photograph: R Senthil Kumar/PTI Photo

Be it a controversy over the Tamil version of Bigg Boss or his iconoclastic views or his pot-shots at politics and politicians, Kamal Haasan can't stay out of the headlines these days.

On Thursday, August 10, he startled political observers when he shared the dais with Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Working President M K Stalin at an event in Chennai.

Superstar Rajinikanth chose to sit in the audience at the event, by the way.

Is Kamal Haasan finally taking the political plunge? Subhash K Jha asked him.

You are back in the news.

This is not what I want to do, or be.

I am not here to make news.

I have much larger plans which have nothing to do with me.

Are you finally taking a plunge into active politics?

Did I say that? What makes you think that?

You were at a DMK event on Thursday.

I was, and I am glad I did.

I was there not as a political animal, but in support of and admiration for the DMK newspaper Murasoli which completed 75 years.

Seventy five years in this era of instant news and overnight journalism! Wouldn't you want me to be there with you when you complete 75 years?

I doubt it.

What? That you will complete 75 years? Or that I will be on stage with you?

Both. But tell me when you made that jibe from the stage about how you would rather do things for self-respect than self-defence, were you aiming at Rajinikanth?

No.

Why would I want to take a jibe at my friend and colleague whom I've known and loved for 40 years?

Mr Jha, you want me to heckle a dear friend?

Well, it seemed like that's exactly what you were doing.

Then it seemed wrong.

I was taking an aim at all those who refuse to stand up against corruption.

When you don't take a stand against corruption you tacitly support it.

And I am not talking about only the corruption in Tamil politics I am looking at a pan-Dravidian India, free of corruption.

How can you single-handedly free Indian politics of corruption?

Let me at least try. Do you mind?

If my idol Mahatma Gandhi could fight to eradicate corruption at the age of 78, why can't I try at 60?

IMAGE: Stalin and Kamal Haasan present a memento to Rajnikanth at the event.

Photograph: R Senthil Kumar/PTI Photo

Do you see corruption as the scourge of Indian politics?

I absolutely do.

And I want to fight it until my dying breath.

The whites took their skin-deep whiteness with them but left behind the blackness of corruption.

Today, that blackness is destroying the very fabric of our democracy.

What according to you is the solution?

A performance-oriented democracy.

Make our representatives in Parliament accountable. They cannot sit in power for five years without showing results.

We should work towards a legislation to sack non-performing politicians.

This may not happen during my lifetime, but I will try for it anyway.

Are you joining the DMK?

That question again.

Mr Jha, are you looking for your headline for the day?

No, I am not joining the DMK.

But I am in support of any organisation that stands against corruption.

Like I said, I was up there to support their newspaper's platinum jubilee.

They (the DMK) had sent me a telegram to join their party 30 years ago.

Are you responding to that telegram now?

No, I would rather be like Mahatma Gandhi, sending out my own telegrams to the world.

In fact, my daughters call me Bapu.

What according to you ails Indian politics?

We are not exercising our democratic rights properly. We need to stop looking for solutions in others.

All of are politicians waiting for our political calling.

If we don't listen to those warnings within our heart we will destroy our hard-earned freedom.
'Why do we talk about tolerance? Because you feel the need to tolerate something which may not entirely be to your scheme of things.'

'But this has been my point... Tolerance is a good virtue, but it is not a sufficient virtue. You have to take the next step and go from tolerance to acceptance.'

IMAGE: Then Vice President Hamid Ansari with artistes dressed as Rama and Laxman as then prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, left, watches during the Dussehra celebrations in Delhi in 2009.

Ansari has spoken eloquently about the need for all religions to move from mere tolerance to acceptance of the other, the need to embrace the other.

Photograph: B Mathur/Reuters

Hamid Ansari, whose term as vice president of India ended on August 10, faced brickbats during his tenure that he would never have faced had his name not been Hamid Ansari.

In Part II of his conversation with Karan Thapar, Ansari takes on one of the most sensitive issues of our time.

Today, as we speak, there are many who believe we are becoming an intolerant country.

You have read about these articles in papers, you have seen these debates in television.

Do you fear that yourself?

Yes, because I interact with fellow citizens, and there are great many people from different walks of life who come and talk about it.

So, you share the concern that intolerance is growing in India?

Yes, and I spoke about it in my last speech in Bengaluru a few days back.

You did, and I want to quote you on that in a moment's time. But have you ever shared your concerns, your apprehensions with the prime minister or with the government?

Yes. Yes. But what passes between the vice president and the prime minister in the nature of things must remain in the domain of privileged conversation.

Understandably, but the important point is that as vice president you felt a need, a moral need to raise this issue with the prime minister, and you did do so.

With the ministers also and with the prime minister also.

I want to ask you about their response, were you satisfied?

Well, there is always an explanation and there is always a reason.

Now it is a matter of judgement, whether you accept the explanation, you accept the reasoning and its rationale.

Once again that's a very important answer and the wise will certainly be able to understand what you are saying.

Let me put it like this, something else has also happened.

In the last few months the Supreme Court has ruled that Jana Gana Mana must be played before every single film screening.

In more recent times the Madras high court has ruled that Vande Mataram must be sung at least once a week in Tamil Nadu schools and colleges and at least once a month in government offices and private establishments.

Once again, these two rulings have divided public opinion.

How do you view them? Do you see them as any example of judicial overreach or is it essential for us to pay this exaggerated obeisance to the national anthem and national song because our nationalism requires it?

The courts are a part of society. So, what the courts tend to say sometimes is reflective of what the prevailing atmosphere in society is. I call that a sense of insecurity.

A sense of insecurity reflected by the judges in what should be their considered opinion?

Not of the judges. No. I am talking of the public sense. This propensity to be able to assert your nationalism day in and day out is unnecessary.

I am an Indian and that is it.

And it should be taken for granted that every Indian is loyal to the country? You don't have to prove it.

Oh Absolutely. Oh Absolutely.

In which case when the judges require this through their rulings they are reflecting something that they should, hopefully, have risen above rather than become creatures of.

Well again it is accepted practice not to comment on judges, and I shall not.

I understand.

Let me then come to a speech you made in Bangalore, because I think it is one of the most important speeches made by a vice president while still in office.

I want to quote from that speech. You said the version of nationalism that places cultural commitments at its core is usually perceived as the most conservative and illiberal form of nationalism. It promotes intolerance and arrogant patriotism.

To me and to many others like me there was that distinct feeling that you were actually commenting on what's happening today.

Yes...

Am I right?

Yes. Yes.

So, you were talking with specific reference to the mood of the country in 2017?

Oh absolutely.

Can you give the audience a sense of why you felt this was an important thing to say... because vice presidents normally don't speak out in this way. Why did you deliberately choose to do so?

No, vice presidents do speak out, and I have in the last 10 years spoken out again and again on matters that I think needed to be aired in public.

So, it was not unusual, at least not for me, to speak about certain issues about which I think needed to be discussed.

There is to each individual a manner of speaking; I stuck to my manner of speaking.

And you deliberately chose a moment to point out, that this exaggerated concept of nationalism, this unnecessary requirement of having to keep proving you are patriotic and nationalist is unhealthy. It makes for intolerance and arrogance that is a point you felt a personal need to make?

Yes. And I am not the only one in the country; a great many people feel the same way.

Your speech went one step further, in that speech you also quoted Swami Vivekananda who is widely believed to be the favourite of the present government, and this was the quotation: 'We must not only tolerate other religions, but positively embrace them as truth is the basis of all religions'.

Are you beginning to feel that there are some religions that are deliberately being distanced, perhaps even discriminated against?

You see, why do we talk about tolerance? Because you feel the need to tolerate something which may not entirely be to your scheme of things.

But this has been my point and this is not the only occasion in which I have spoken about.

Tolerance is a good virtue, but it is not a sufficient virtue, and therefore you have to take the next step and go from tolerance to acceptance.

And that acceptance is not happening today..

It's not happening by and large.

I will tell you from my mind why that Swami Vivekananda quotation is so important.

It's because in recent years, and I mean in recent years, not just weeks and months, the string of comments made by BJP men, members, ministers as well as leading figures of the Sangh Parivar seem to target the Muslim community in particular.

I won't name people, but there was a minister who talked about Haramzade and Ramzade...

There was a chief minister who said Muslims are welcome in India, but they must give up eating beef.

There was the head of the RSS who said that all Indians are Hindus and immediately a senior minister added and Hindutva is the identity of India.

And there was an MP who went on to become a chief minister who said that for every Hindu girl converted to Islam, he would personally convert a hundred Muslim girls to Hinduism.

You are not just vice president, you are also a Muslim sitting and hearing this, and how did you as an individual feel on these comments were being made and made by people in power and positions of responsibility.

I will not talk about political people or political parties, but to me every time such a comment appeared or came to my knowledge, my first reaction was that

A: The person is ignorant,

B: That he is prejudiced, and

C: He does not fit into the framework that India has always prided to itself on, which is to be an accommodative society.

When these comments were made, at the time, did you as vice president take them up with the government?

No, I don't think it was necessary for me to take individual complaints with the government. There was enough being said.

This is an open society, and enough has been said in criticism of these viewpoints publicly..

In other words, there was no need for you to take it up, because if they had read in the papers, kept their ears open they knew how the country felt about such comments.

Oh I am sure they did.

What about the speech you made on Sunday, which I said is a seminal speech, on which you spoken about the nationalism being practiced as intolerance and arrogance.

Have you had any response from the government or the ministers about that speech?

I don't think it is necessary to have a response, I didn't expect any, I mean there have been public reactions to it, there have been media reactions to it, editorial comments to it, and by and large, I think, the themes I touched on have resonated with the prevailing views.

Many people say that as a result of such comments, as a result of the mood they have created, the Muslim community is apprehensive, it is feeling insecure.

Is that a correct assessment of how Indians Muslims feel or it is an exaggerated one?

Yes, it is a correct assessment, from all I hear from different quarters, the country. I heard the same thing in Bangalore I have heard from other parts of the country.

I hear more about in north India, there is a feeling of unease, a sense of insecurity is creeping in.

Are they beginning to feel they are not wanted?

I would not go that far; there is a sense of insecurity.

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Now, in 2015, when you were addressing the golden jubilee celebrations of the All India Majlis-e-Mashawarat, you said something very important, it was a message in a sense, to Indian Muslims from a fellow Muslim.

I want to quote bits of that, 'Significant sections of the Muslim society is trapped in a vicious circle, between tradition, which is sacrosanct, and modernity, which has become a tainted expression.'

I want to ask you in simple words, to explain what was the message you were giving.

The message was that you have to move with the times; you have to live with the requirements of the occasion. Do not create for one self or one's fellow beings an imaginary situation which is centuries back, when things were very different.

I mean the whole idea was, that what are the challenges today? The challenges today are challenges of development.

What are the requirements for development? You keep up with the times, educate yourself, and compete...

... don't cut yourself from contemporary India, immerse yourself more fully...

Absolutely. Absolutely.

And that is the message I have been giving wherever I have had an opportunity -- that you have to change with times.

In that same speech, you also said something else that struck me as important -- the official objective of Sab Ka Saath Sab Ka Vikaas is commendable, a pre requisite for this is affirmative action, to ensure a common starting point.

Would you be in favour of some form of reservation for Muslims?

In Indian vocabulary, social and official vocabulary, reservation has come to acquire a certain connotation, which is not necessarily positive.

Affirmative action.

Affirmative action is a much better expression; you take action wherever it is necessary for whoever it is necessary.

And that is required for Muslims today. And governments must address themselves to that.

Oh absolutely. Not just the Muslims, any segment of society.

If the requirement is to have comprehensive development. If the requirement is that everybody shall move, take one step forward and keep taking steps forward then all have to be at the same starting point.

And if you are at the same starting point and there are some who are not at the starting point you have to bring them up to the starting point.

Now an issue that has dominated the news in recent months concerning the Muslim community is this debate about triple talaq, and I want to ask you where do you, as a Muslim, stand on it?

Do you believe that this is an issue for the courts to sort out because it is a matter to do with gender rights and gender justice or is it an issue best left for the Muslim community to resolve internally themselves.

Firstly, it is a social aberration; it is not a religious requirement.

The religious requirement is crystal clear, emphatic; there are no two views about it, but patriarchy, social customs has all crept into it to create a situation which is highly undesirable.

So, should the court step in?

You don't have to, the reform has to come from within the community.

Would it be wrong for the courts to step in?

The courts can say that we don't recognise it. That's all.

I mean a marriage has to be recognised on certain occasions by the system of the State.

And if a State functionary at a particular point of time refuses to recognise a happening, which may be the product of a triple talaq, that's it.

So, the courts will simply formally decree we don't recognise triple talaq, but the reform has to happen internally from within the community?

Exactly. It has to.

You see, the people have to understand the basics of the faith.

What has happened is that the tradition has overtaken the essentials of faith.

Therefore, the modernity has to be caught up with, without letting go of tradition, but you address modernity with tradition and tradition with modernity.

You can't separate the two artificially.

You can't separate the two, and you know it is quite impossible to do that.

Again, you answered very clearly and the intelligent will immediately discern what you are saying.

Given the fact that Muslims are feeling insecure, apprehensive, uncertain; given the sort of political rhetoric that keeps resonating, are you worried that the number of Indian Muslims get attracted to ideologies like Al Qaeda or ISIS could start increasing sharply?

There are already some who have been attracted and have joined up.

Could that number grow sizeably, or is that an exaggerated fear?

No I don't think. The official figure estimates are that if there are numbers they are miniscule.

I think the Muslim in India is sui generis. Mind you, every seventh citizen of India is a Muslim just as every fifth citizen belongs to a religious minority. These are facts on the ground.

There is no evidence that any process of extremist indoctrination is underway in India, an individual can always go off the track.

Once again that is a very clear answer: Do not exaggerate the fear that is sometimes voiced in papers and television that Indian Muslims could start embracing Al Qaeda or ISIS?

Oh absolutely. You know those are products of local situations in certain contingencies that situation does not prevail here, and I hope it never does prevail.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid growing speculation over the merger of the two factions of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the state.

Palaniswami, however, told reporters in New Delhi that he only discussed with Modi the state's demand that it be exempted from the purview of the all-India medical college entrance test, NEET.

The CM, along with Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, met the PM at his office in Parliament House.

Stalled negotiations on the merger of two AIADMK factions picked up again yesterday after a meeting presided over by Palaniswami questioned the appointment of TTV Dinakaran as AIADMK's deputy general secretary.

A resolution passed in the meeting said Dinakaran's elevation to the post, hours before his aunt Sasikala Natarajan was taken to a jail in Bengaluru, was against party bylaws, a condition which former chief minister O Panneerselvam's faction of the party had pushed for a merger.

Panneerselvam, the head of the rival faction, is also in Delhi. Both he and the CM attended Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu's oath-taking ceremony.

Panneerselvam is also trying for an appointment with PM Modi, sources said. Members of his faction will also meet officials of the Election Commission.

The sources said the Panneerselvam faction will present a copy of Thursday's resolution to the EC.
A senior Indian Administrative Services officer from Bihar was found dead near the railway tracks in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, with police recovering a purported suicide note from the spot.

Mukesh Pandey, the district magistrate of Bihar's Buxar district, was found dead on Thursday night.

His body was found from the rail tracks about 1 km from the Ghaziabad railway station, police said, adding a purported suicide note was also recovered from the spot.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condoled the death of the IAS officer.

"He was a capable administrator and a sensitive officer. May god bless his soul," he said in a tweet.

In the purported note, Pandey, a 2012-batch IAS officer, said he was fed up with his life and has lost his "belief in human existence".

"I am committing suicide in district centre area of Janakpuri in west Delhi...by jumping off the 10th floor of the building. I am fed up with life and my belief in human existence has gone. My detailed suicide note is kept in a Nike bag in room 742 of a five-star (name withheld) hotel in Delhi. I am sorry, I love you all! Please forgive me," said the note, according to Senior Superintendent of Police H N Singh.

Singh said it was not immediately known at what time or how Pandey allegedly committed suicide.

The post-mortem would be conducted on Friday.

Officials of the Government Railway Police, who reached the spot, near Kotgaon, said prime facie it appeared to be a case of suicide.

A senior Delhi Police official said that police received information from his friends that Pandey would commit suicide and had gone to a west Delhi mall.

A police team was immediately rushed to the mall but it could not trace him.

After scanning the CCTV footage, it was found that he was leaving the mall and going towards the nearby metro station, the official said, adding on analysis of CCTV footage there, he could not be traced.

Later, Delhi Police learnt that he had allegedly committed suicide, the official said.
At least 30 children died in the state-run Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Gorakhpur since the past two days, district magistrate Rajeev Rautela said on Friday.

Though he gave no reason for the deaths, the Union home ministry said according to the SP of Gorakhpur, 21 children died due to shortage of supply of liquid oxygen.

As per SP Gorakhpur, 21 children died due to shortage of supply of liquid oxygen in BRDMedicalCollege, in last 36 hours. Senior officers are on the spot. Exact cause is being verified by civil administration, a home ministry spokesperson said.

The incident triggered a spate of reactions from the opposition parties, with the Samajwadi Party and the Congress seeking the resignation of the state health minister.

Rautela said 17 children died in the neo-natal ward, five in the acute encephalitis syndrome ward and eight in the general ward over the last two days.

He said seven deaths (neo-natal ward 3, AES ward 2 and general ward 2) were reported since last midnight, while the remaining 23 deaths (neo-natal 14, AES 3 and general 6) were reported since midnight of August 9-10.

To a specific question as to whether the casualties were due to shortage in supply of oxygen, Rautela, who was camping in the hospital, said he found out from the doctors that no death occurred due to lack of oxygen.

The state government, in an official release in Lucknow, also rubbished reports about non-availability of oxygen at the hospital.

Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh said, The deaths of children were very unfortunate and government will set up an inquiry committee to ascertain if any lapse have been there and if anyone is found guilty he will be made accountable.

Citing a break-up of casualties since August 7 till date, he said according to reports from the paediatric department of the college, 60 children have died due to various diseases during the period.

Singh asserted that the deaths were not because of paucity of oxygen.

The district magistrate said alternative arrangements had been made from nearby nursing homes since last night and from neighbouring Sant Kabir Nagar district to ensure availability of liquid oxygen for the hospital.

At present, there are 50 oxygen cylinders and 100 to 150 more cylinders will be reaching soon, he said.

Asked whether the vendor supplying oxygen had stopped doing so pending payment to the tune of Rs 70 lakh, the district magistrate said part payment had been made to the contractor for supply of oxygen to the hospital.

He said the reason behind the deaths is being ascertained and action will be taken against those responsible.

A magisterial enquiry has been ordered to find the exact reasons leading to the deaths so that basic facts could come out by Saturday evening.

The incident comes barely two days after the visit of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to Gorakhpur, his Lok Sabha constituency.

Ever since taking over the reins of Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath has been stressing on improving the condition of medical and education sectors.

Terming the death of children as unfortunate, UP Congress President Raj Babbar said, It shows the insensitivity of the the state government.

The state government is responsible for the deaths. How can there be shortage of oxygen? The CM himself was on visit to (adjoining) Mahrajganj yesterday. Gorakhpur is his home district and he should have visited the medical college in Gorakhpur to know about the ground reality there, he said.

Samajwadi Party spokesman Rajendra Chowhdury too termed the incident as unfortunate and demanded resignation of the health minister.

The health minister should resign on moral grounds. CM should fix accountability and also take responsibility. Gorkahpur is his home district and such incident there shows insensitivity of the government, he said.

Former chief minister and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav held the state government responsible for the tragic deaths and demanded strict action and compensation of Rs 20 lakh each for the kin of the deceased.

Image: An inquiry committee has been set up to ascertain the exact causes of the deaths. Image used for representational purposes. Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters
Leaders of 16 opposition parties, led by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, met on Friday to deliberate on evolving an alternative narrative to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party.

However, an absenteeism noted was that of Sharad Pawar from the Nationalist Congress Party.

The NCP skipped the meeting to express its displeasure over allegations by some Congress leaders that its two MLAs did not vote for Ahmed Patel in the Gujarat Rajya Sabha elections.

NCP leader Praful Patel said even when his party had issued a three-line whip to its MLAs to vote for the Congress, leaders of that party are accusing it of not supporting its candidate.

Even after we issued a whip to our MLAs, they voted for the Congress. Why should we be accused of not supporting it? That is why we decided to boycott this meeting, Patel said.

Asked whether the Sharad Pawar party will be part of the opposition unity, he said the issue will be decided when time comes.

Patel said the NCP is not part of alliance in Gujarat or elsewhere with the Congress, still we supported Congress.

He also wondered why the NCP should run after the Congress, when the party led by Sonia Gandhi is one of the various opposition parties.

Meanwhile, dissident Janata Dal-United MP Ali Anwar Ansari, who is opposed to his partys alliance with the BJP in Bihar was also present at the meet.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee attended the meeting, besides leaders of Left parties.

Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary Sitaram Yechury said that the opposition parties have to build an alternative narrative to counter Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP, whose political power has reached a historic high in the last three years after the party won a series of assembly polls.

He told reporters that this could be done through effective strategy and taking up pro-people issues such as agrarian crisis.
China has vehemently rejected all reports of it ever offering a compromise to India by relocating its troops in the disputed Doklam area.

The Chinese foreign ministry reacted to a report where China had allegedly offered to move its troops back 100 meters, after India sought the pullback of Chinese troops by 250 metres.

The spokesperson's office told China Daily that the report is not true, adding that "China will not trade its territorial sovereignty under any circumstances."

"China's position on solving this incident is clear and firm. India must immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its trespassing troops and equipment back to the Indian side of the border," the office said in a statement.

China could never accept India's "totally unreasonable" demand, said Zhao Xiaozhuo, a researcher at the PLA Academy of Military Science, adding that India had honored the convention until Prime Minister Narendra Modi administration refused.

Earlier this month, the Chinese foreign ministry said that India's 'intrusion' had not only violated China's territorial sovereignty but also challenged Bhutan's sovereignty and independence.

However, the Government of Bhutan on Thursday pointedly refuted a Chinese foreign ministry claim that Bhutan had conveyed through diplomatic channels to China that the trilateral border standoff area in Doklam in the Sikkim sector is not its territory.

"Our position on the border issue of Doklam is very clear. Please refer to our statement which has been published on the website of Bhutan's foreign ministry on June 29, 2017," official sources in the Bhutanese Government said.

India has also cited the Bhutanese foreign ministry as emphasizing that "the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between these two countries."

India has conveyed to China that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for New Delhi.

India has said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place.

Bhutan has no direct diplomatic relations with China and maintains contacts with Beijing through its diplomatic mission in New Delhi.

Bhutan and China have held 24 rounds of talks to resolve boundary dispute, while India and China have completed 19 rounds of talks.

The standoff started in June when Chinese soldiers tried to unilaterally change the status quo in the strategically important Doklam region of Bhutan by building a road.

India has made its stance clear that that it stands for peace the border question can be solved diplomatically, not by war.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given 100 per cent assurance that he would back the Peoples Democratic Party-Bharatiya Janata Party governments Agenda of Alliance, which says that the status of Article 370 cant be fiddled with, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said on Friday.

However, she refused to give a direct reply on whether the prime minister had given an assurance on safeguarding the constitutional status quo for the state.

Mehbooba met the prime minister amid reports that she was seeking help against attempts to alter constitutional provisions that give Jammu and Kashmir its special status.

The very basis of the Agenda of Alliance in the state was that no one would try and alter Article 370, Mehbooba told reporters after the meeting.

Our Agenda of Alliance was based on a foundation that the status of Article 370 cant be altered or fiddled with... so none of us (PDP-BJP) can go against that, Mehbooba said in response to repeated questions on whether she had got an assurance from Modi on supporting the state government on Articles 35A and 370.

Pressed further on the issue, she said, The prime minister has given 100 per cent assurance for the Agenda of Alliance.

She also said that Modi had given a very positive response to the issues raised in the meeting.

The Agenda of Alliance, between the PDP and the BJP, states, While recognising the different positions and appreciating the perceptions BJP and PDP have on the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, considering the political and legislative realities, the present position will be maintained on all the constitutional provisions pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir including the special status in the constitution of India.

The meeting comes in the backdrop of the debate on Article 35A of the Constitution that grants special status to the state and is being challenged in the Supreme Court.

The chief minister said the law and order situation had worsened last year. When the wounds of last year are getting healed, discussions on Article 35A leave a negative impact on the people.

After all, Jammu and Kashmir is an important part of this nation... When someone is trying to come out of troubled waters, we are pushing him back (by such debates on Article 35A).

She said she had informed the prime minister that people feel their identity is at stake and the Centre should give a message on maintaining the states special status.

After all Jammu and Kashmir, despite being a Muslim majority state, rejected the two-nation theory and joined with India so that the identity of its people was protected, she said.

I think their identity should always be protected.

The chief minister said she had told the prime minister about the difficult situation in Jammu and Kashmir and also that the situation was improving gradually.

Jammu and Kashmir has the peculiar diversity where everything is different. It is a Muslim majority state. Hindus also live, Sikhs and Buddhists also live. Seeing that, there is a special position of Jammu and Kashmir... the idea of India has to accommodate the idea of Jammu and Kashmir, she said.

Mehbooba had met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday.

The state BJP, an alliance partner in the state government, had upped the ante with its spokesperson Virendra Gupta saying on Thursday that the time had come to bid farewell to Articles 370 and 35A as they created a separatist psyche.

Article 35A, which empowers the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define the states permanent residents and their special rights and privileges, was added to the Constitution by a presidential order in 1954.

Article 370 grants special autonomous status to the state.

The controversy erupted in 2014 after an NGO We the Citizens filed a PIL in the Supreme Court seeking that Article 35A be struck down.

While the state government contested the petition, saying the president had the power to incorporate a new provision in the Constitution by way of an order, the Centre, recently, expressed its reservations.

Officials in the home ministry had said on Thursday that its law officers would be presenting legal aspects related to Article 35A only and would refrain from joining the case.
Nuclear weapons pose greatest threat to the world, United States President Donald Trump has said as he favoured a complete elimination of atomic arms by all countries possessing it including Pakistan, China and Russia.

"I would like to de-nuke the world. I know that President Obama said global warming is the biggest threat. I totally disagree. I say that it's a simple one -- Nuclear is our greatest threat worldwide. Not even a question, not even close," he told reporters on Thursday at Bedminster in New Jersey.

"So, I'd like to de-nuke the world. I would like Russia and the United States, China and Pakistan, and many other countries that have nuclear weapons, get rid of them," Trump said.

He said until his aim of a nuclear-free world is achieved, America will be the most powerful nuclear nation on the earth by far.

"The first order I gave to my generals, I want this, our nuclear arsenal, to be the biggest and the finest in the world," Trump said in response to a question.

"We spent a lot of money, a lot of time, and a lot of effort. It is in tip-top shape, and getting better and getting stronger. Until such time as this scourge disappears, we will be so much better and so much stronger than anybody else. And nobody, including North Korea, is going to be threatening us with anything," he said.

Trump said his administration will be increasing military budget by many billions of dollars because of the North Korean threat and other reasons.

Talking about the Russia sacking 755 workers of the US Embassy in Moscow, Trump thanked his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, boasting that the move would cut payrolls and save him some money.

"I want to thank him (Putin) because we're trying to cut down on payroll. And as far as I'm concerned, I'm very thankful that he let go of a large number of people because now we have a smaller payroll," he said.

"There's no real reason for them to go back. So I greatly appreciate the fact that they've been able to cut our payroll for the United States. We'll save a lot of money," Trump said.

Moscow had last month announced counter measures in response to tough new sanctions proposed by the United States, ordering Washington to reduce its diplomatic staff.
Historian Mridula Mukherjee narrates how the Quit India movement swept across the country even in the absence of its leaders, convincing the British that they could no longer continue to rule India.

Bombay, August 9, 1942

The city awoke to news of the arrests of the entire Congress leadership.

People in their hundreds of thousands rushed to Gowalia Tank (now August Kranti Maidan) where, a day earlier, Gandhiji had made his famous 'Do or Die' speech in an open session of the All India Congress Committee, and where a big public meeting was scheduled. The angry crowd clashed with the authorities.

The last big battle for India's freedom from colonial rule had begun.

It was a battle that took many forms, ranging from non-violent mass satyagrahas, mammoth public meetings, huge protest rallies in cities and towns to underground organisation of sabotage of communication and transport networks, an underground radio, illegal patrikas (newsletters) and the formation of parallel governments in Ballia, Midnapore and Satara.

Why did the Congress, and particularly Gandhiji, reach the conclusion in mid-1942 that a movement against the British had become necessary?

In 1939, when the British had declared that India was a party to the war (World War II), the Congress criticised the decision as having been taken without Indian consent. Provincial Congress ministries resigned in protest.

However, despite this, it expressed its strong sympathy with the anti-fascist aims of the Allied powers, including Britain, and had refrained from obstructing the war effort.

As late as March 1942, it was willing to negotiate with the Cripps Mission, sent by the British cabinet, to work out a settlement for Congress cooperation in the war effort in exchange for promises of constitutional advance after the end of the war.

However, the failure of the Cripps Mission convinced the Congress of Britain's lack of sincerity. If the Congress did nothing, it meant an acceptance of Britain's right to decide on India's behalf.

Further, the Japanese had advanced very rapidly since their attack on Pearl Harbour in December 1941, and had overrun the Philippines, Indo-China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Burma. It occupied Rangoon in March 1942 and the war had reached India's doorstep.

The manner of the British withdrawal from Southeast Asia in the face of the Japanese advance had created a very negative image in India.

The British had evacuated the white residents and generally left the subject people to their fate. There was a very genuine apprehension that they might repeat this in India.

The leadership of the Indian national movement were worried that the Indian people, demoralised by the news of British betrayal in Southeast Asia, might remain passive in the event of a Japanese attack.

A movement against the existing colonial power would help to create the mood for a possible struggle against a new colonial power.

Besides, high-handed government actions such as the commandeering of all the boats in Bengal and Orissa to prevent their being used by the Japanese in event of an invasion had alienated the people further.

Wartime shortages of essential goods combined with high prices added to the discontent.

Faith in British stability was at an all time low and there was a run on banks and deposits in post office accounts and hoarding of gold, silver and coins.

Thus, when the Congress met in Bombay in August 1942, there was already a mood of great agitation and expectancy.

In fact, on August 8, Gandhiji had said that he was not yet giving a call for struggle, but would give the viceroy a few weeks to respond.

The government, however, treated the August 8 resolution as a declaration of war by the Congress and decided to not give Gandhiji the time to build up the tempo of the movement.

Large-scale arrests of leaders immediately led to large-scale protests, even without the formality of an official launch of the struggle.

For the first six or seven weeks after August 9, there was a mass upsurge all over the country.

Huge crowds attacked all visible signs of British authority such as kutcheries (courts), post offices, railway stations, police stations, tehsil (sub-district) offices, etc.

Crowds of villagers were seen courting arrest at district and tehsil headquarters, and also pulling out railway tracks.

Students in schools and colleges remained on strike and paraded on the streets in increasing numbers.

Many went out to villages to organise the resistance. They also wrote and distributed thousands of illegal newssheets.

Workers in Ahmedabad, Bombay, Jamshedpur and other towns struck work, often in connivance with their mill owners.

In eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the movement attained the shape of a rebellion.

According to official figures, in the first week itself, 250 railway stations, 500 post offices and 150 police stations were attacked and damaged or destroyed.

Repression was swift and severe.

The police and the military fired on 538 occasions, and villages were machine-gunned by low-flying aircraft.

Villagers were whipped, made to pay collective fines running to Rs 90 lakhs (Rs 9 million) and taken as hostages.

Entire villages were burnt if the inhabitants ran away to evade arrest.

In the name of the war, the British had armed themselves with draconian powers and completely suspended civil liberties.

Newspapers were gagged and many suspended publication.

The severe repression only succeeded in driving the movement underground.

An all-India underground leadership emerged with Achyut Patwardhan, Aruna Asaf Ali, Ram Manohar Lohia, Sucheta Kripalani, Chhotubhai Puranik, Biju Patnaik and Jayaprakash Narayan as its members.

They provided guidance, money, material and inspiration to underground groups all over the country.

Many people supported the underground movement by providing money, shelter, information and other kinds of logistical support.

We have it on Achyut Patwardhan's testimony that one of the three members of the high-level official committee formed by the government to track down the Congress underground regularly informed him of the goings-on in that committee.

The underground movement focused on disruption of communications and transport by cutting telegraph and telephone wires and derailing goods trains and on dissemination of news.

A very brave effort in the latter direction was the setting up of the Congress Radio, which regularly broadcast from different secret locations in Bombay till November 1942. It could be heard as far away as Madras (now Chennai).

Usha Mehta was one of those who organised it and Ram Manohar Lohia regularly broadcast on it, right under the noses of the British!

A fascinating aspect of the movement was the emergence of parallel governments in some areas.

A short-lived one was set up in Ballia in eastern Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of Chittu Pande in August 1942.

In Bengal's Midnapur district, the A Jatiya Sarkar government continued from December 1942 to September 1944.

It set up arbitration courts, did cyclone relief work, distributed surplus grain to the poor and set up an armed Vidyut Vahini.

In Satara district in Maharashtra, a prati sarkar set up in early 1943 with Nana Patil at its head, continued till 1945.

It set up peoples' courts, village libraries, enforced prohibition and conducted 'Gandhi marriages' to which the scheduled castes were invited.

Government collaborators and informers were dealt with severely.

The Quit India movement ensured that the British left India after the end of the war.

The mass support that it generated in such adverse conditions -- all the top leaders in jail and no civil liberties -- convinced the British that if they had to face another such movement in normal conditions, when they could not use the war as an excuse to use draconian measures, they would be in very deep trouble.

It was better, they decided, to leave with their prestige damaged, but not shattered.

As soon as the war ended, the Simla Conference was called, and it was followed by the announcement of the Cabinet Mission in February 1946.

The time to quit India had come.

Also Read:

Professor Mridula Mukherjee's feature was first published on Rediff.com on August 9, 2002.
SZU gives VR glasses to new students

2017-08-11  Shenzhen Daily





ALONG with the official letter of admission and some peripheral Shenzhen University (SZU) products packed in a box, a pair of VR glasses made of a paper box are on their way to a new student attending the university in September. A total of 6,919 of these boxes were mailed out Thursday to new students scattered around China.

Last year, SZU started giving boxes of surprises and gifts to its freshmen. The 2016 SZU Box contained the students letter of admission as well as postcards, a campus map, luggage stickers and a T-shirt, making it a buzzword among the universitys alumnus.

This year, the box was upgraded to include a pair of self-made VR glasses. Following a few steps, students can make the VR glasses by folding a smaller paper box inside the SZU Box.

After scanning a QR code, the new students can then access an app that was developed with the name SZU Box and watch a VR video about the campus. From there, the freshmen will be able to take a virtual tour around the campus before arriving there in person.

The new app also features functions such as information about the university and navigation.

According a staffer at Shenzhen University, the idea and production of the boxes were the result of the inspiration and effort of the universitys staff and students. Tencent and Honeycomb Technology also contributed to the production of the boxes.

Last years SZU Box was themed Be Yourself and this year the box was printed with the slogan STAND BY YOU, which sends a message that the university will always support and care for its students, said the staffer.
By PTI: Eds: Updating with MHA statement, health ministers quotes, oppn reax

Gorakhpur (UP), Aug 11 (PTI) At least 30 children died in the state-run Baba Raghav Das Medical College here since the past two days, district magistrate Rajeev Rautela said today.

Though he gave no reason for the deaths, the Union home ministry said according to the SP of Gorakhpur, 21 children died due to shortage of supply of liquid oxygen.

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"As per SP Gorakhpur, 21 children died due to shortage of supply of liquid oxygen in BRD Medical College, in last 36 hours. Senior officers are on the spot. Exact cause is being verified by civil administration," a home ministry spokesperson said. The incident triggered a spate of reactions from the opposition parties, with the Samajwadi Party and the Congress seeking the resignation of the state health minister.

Rautela said 17 children died in the neo-natal ward, 5 in AES (acute encephalitis syndrome) ward and 8 in the general ward over the last two days.

He said seven deaths (neo-natal ward 3, AES ward 2 and general ward 2) were reported since last midnight, while the remaining 23 deaths (neo-natal 14, AES 3 and general 6) were reported since midnight of August 9-10.

To a specific question as to whether the casualties were due to shortage in supply of oxygen, Rautela, who was camping in the hospital, said he found out from the doctors that no death occurred due to lack of oxygen.

The state government, in an official release in Lucknow, also rubbished reports about non-availability of oxygen at the hospital.

Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh told PTI, "The deaths of children were very unfortunate and government will set up an inquiry committee to ascertain if any lapse have been there and if anyone is found guilty he will be made accountable."

Citing a break-up of casualties since August 7 till date, he said according to reports from the paediatric department of the college, 60 children have died due to various diseases during the period.

Singh asserted that the deaths were not because of paucity of oxygen.

The district magistrate said alternative arrangements had been made from nearby nursing homes since last night and from neighbouring Sant Kabir Nagar district to ensure availability of liquid oxygen for the hospital.

"At present, there are 50 oxygen cylinders and 100 to 150 more cylinders will be reaching soon," he said.

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Asked whether the vendor supplying oxygen had stopped doing so pending payment to the tune of Rs 70 lakh, the district magistrate said part payment had been made to the contractor for supply of oxygen to the hospital.

He said the reason behind the deaths is being ascertained and action will be taken against those responsible.

A magisterial enquiry has been ordered to find the exact reasons leading to the deaths so that basic facts could come out by tomorrow evening.

The incident comes barely two days after the visit of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to Gorakhpur, his Lok Sabha constituency.

Ever since taking over the reins of Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath has been stressing on improving the condition of medical and education sectors. In April, the Adityanath government had announced that it has started work on setting up six AIIMS and 25 new medical colleges in the state, one of the promises the BJP made in the run-up to the assembly polls.

Terming the death of children as unfortunate, UP Congress President Raj Babbar said, "It shows the insensitivity of the the state government." "The state government is responsible for the deaths. How can there be shortage of oxygen? The CM himself was on visit to (adjoining) Mahrajganj yesterday. Gorakhpur is his home district and he should have visited the medical college in Gorakhpur to know about the ground reality there," he said. He sought resignation of the health minister on moral grounds and compensation of Rs 20 lakh each to the kin of children who died. Babbar said that the chief minister should seek a report from all districts about the health facilities there. Samajwadi Party spokesman Rajendra Chowhdury too termed the incident as unfortunate and demanded resignation of the health minister. "The health minister should resign on moral grounds. CM should fix accountability and also take responsibility. Gorkahpur is his home district and such incident there shows insensitivity of the government," he said. Former chief minister and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav held the state government responsible for the tragic deaths and demanded strict action and compensation of Rs 20 lakh each for the kin of the deceased. Adityanath had launched a campaign to eradicate the deadly encephalitis disease that claims the lives of hundreds of children every year in Uttar Pradesh. He stressed on awareness and public participation for the success of the campaign that has been rolled out in 38 districts in the worst-affected eastern region of the state. "We eradicated diseases like polio and malaria and now encephalitis is our target," he had said launching the campaign here. Some 40,000 children have died of the disease in the past four decades in the region. "Todays campaign has been started with the aim of eradicating encephalitis of all kinds ? Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)? and making the state encephalitis-free in the coming few years," he said. PTI COR NAV ABN SMI ACB ZMN

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South Sudan: End blocking of online news sites

Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 8 August 2017 Cite as Article 19, South Sudan: End blocking of online news sites, 8 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598da60d4.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.

ARTICLE 19 is concerned by the recent decision by South Sudan's National Communication Authority to block four South Sudanese news websites and blogs: Radio Tamazuj, a Dutch-backed radio station and website, Paris-based Sudan Tribune news website, and Paanluel Wel and Nyamilepedia blogs. The decision was supposedly made because the websites were publishing "hostile messages" against the government.

"Decisions like this are further evidence of worsening press freedom in the country, despite the fact that now more than ever an independent press is essential to provide information on the ongoing the political stalemate and civil war, that has led to thousands of civilian casualties," said Henry Maina, ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa Regional Director.

"Under international law, media - including online media and bloggers - have the right to seek and impart information and ideas, and the public has a corresponding right to receive them. This is all the more important in times of conflict and political uncertainty, where individuals need to be informed in order to be able to understand and discuss the evolution of their country, including in ways that are critical of authorities" he added.

In March 2017, during South Sudan's Universal Periodic Review, ARTICLE 19 expressed to the United Nations Human Rights Council its grave concern about the severe deterioration of the situation for freedom of expression in South Sudan and echoed the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan's observations, that the country "is today one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists to work." In response, the South Sudan government committed to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and to harmonize national legislation with the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU)'s international obligations.

ARTICLE 19 is disappointed that the South Sudan government is not following up on its March 2017 commitments and has instead over the past month targeted online journalists and foreign journalists.

Attempts to block access to news websites and blogs is a serious violation of the right to freedom of expression. Freedom of expression, including online expression, is essential for the development of South Sudan to ensure the public are informed and are able to engage in political debate.

Article 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011, guarantees freedom of expression, information and the media and allows restrictions on these rights only as prescribed by law. This move by South Sudan's National Communication Authority and the South Sudan Media Authority contravenes South Sudan's commitments under their own constitution as there was no judicial or democratic process in blocking the websites or banning the foreign journalists.

Under international law, blocking is a disproportionate interference with the right to freedom of expression as it is ineffective to achieve its stated purpose. However, where governments do seek to impose blocking measures, any such measure must be provided by law. Moreover, blocking should only be permitted in respect of content which is unlawful or can otherwise be legitimately restricted under international standards on freedom of expression.

In order for blocking orders to be truly compatible with international human rights standards, the following procedural safeguards should be put in place:[1]

When a public authority or third party applies for a blocking order, ISPs or other relevant internet intermediaries must be given the opportunity to be heard in order to contest the application;

There should similarly be procedures in place allowing other interested parties, such as free expression advocates or digital rights organisations, to intervene in proceedings in which a blocking order is sought;

"Under this new directive, the National Communication Authority could implement a wider blockage of websites that are critical of the government. The use of arbitrary directives to block access to media outlets for vague and unsubstantiated reasons threatens to limit freedom of expression and public debate on important national issues," added Maina.

ARTICLE 19 urges South Sudan's National Communication Authority to retract this directive without delay and to ensure that blocking of online content is only invoked as a measure of last resort; is ordered by an independent and impartial court or adjudicatory body; and is strictly proportionate to the aim pursued. We also urge South Sudan's government to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and to harmonize national legislation with the TGNU's international obligations.

For more information and arranging media interviews, please contact Henry Maina, Director of ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa at [email protected] or call on +254 727 862230

___________________________________________________________________________

Editorial notes:

The sections of the Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011 provide as follows:

24. Freedom of Expression and Media

Every citizen shall have the right to the freedom of expression, reception and dissemination of information, publication, and access to the press without prejudice to public order, safety or morals as prescribed by law. All levels of government shall guarantee the freedom of the press and other media as shall be regulated by law in a democratic society. All media shall abide by professional ethics.





[1]Read our policy on blocking and filtering here

Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19
Title "We Just Want to be Who Were Are" - LGBT People in Tajikistan: Beaten, Raped and Exploited by Police

Publication Date 3 August 2017

Country Tajikistan

Other Languages / Attachments Russian

Cite as International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR), "We Just Want to be Who Were Are" - LGBT People in Tajikistan: Beaten, Raped and Exploited by Police , 3 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598da98e4.html [accessed 13 November 2022]
China: Tens of thousands demand President Xi frees Liu Xia

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 11 August 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, China: Tens of thousands demand President Xi frees Liu Xia, 11 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598db4a94.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.

Almost 70,000 people from across the world have urged China's President to lift all restrictions and end the harassment against poet and artist Liu Xia, one month after the death of her husband, Nobel Peace laureate, Liu Xiaobo.

Liu Xia has not been heard of since her husband's hastily arranged funeral ceremony and sea burial on 15 July. Prisoner of Conscience, Liu Xiaobo, passed away in custody two days earlier.

In an open letter to President Xi Jinping, nearly 70,000 people call on the Chinese authorities to lift all arbitrary restrictions against Liu Xia, and ensure she can travel freely.

"Liu Xia is being cruelly punished for never giving up on her wrongfully imprisoned late husband," said Lisa Tassi, East Asia Director of Campaigns at Amnesty International.

"Liu Xia's immeasurable loss is being callously compounded by the Chinese authorities' vindictive and illegal attempt to silence her. Our message to President Xi is clear: end the harassment and free Liu Xia now."

Liu Xia has been under illegal house arrest since Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010. After her husband's funeral, Liu Xia was taken to Yunnan and then sent back to Beijing, where she lives. Her whereabouts are currently unknown.

She has suffered from psychological stress, anxiety and depression as a result of her treatment at the hands of the authorities.

Since Liu Xiaobo's death, the authorities have detained or harassed activists who held memorials for him. Six activists in Guangdong have been criminally detained on suspicion of "assembling a crowd to disturb social order" after they held a seaside memorial.

"All those detained for legitimately exercising their freedom of expression must be released immediately and unconditionally," said Lisa Tassi.

"Whatever deplorable tactics the authorities may try, they will never be able to erase Liu Xiaobo's legacy. Thanks to him, millions of people in China and across the world have been inspired to stand up for freedom and justice in the face of oppression."

Liu Xiaobo, helped devise a call for political reform in China, known as Charter 08. All he did was exercise his human rights: but as a result, he was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment in 2009 for "inciting subversion of state power".

The Nobel Peace laureate died in custody of liver cancer, and the authorities refused his and his family's last wish to travel abroad to receive treatment. He was recognized by Amnesty International as a Prisoner of Conscience.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Venezuela: Wave of arrests as government turns against elected opposition

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 11 August 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Venezuela: Wave of arrests as government turns against elected opposition, 11 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598db53b4.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 arrest of four officials from the opposition in Venezuela, the removal from office of a further 11 and the issuing of arrest warrants against another five, demonstrates the Maduro administration's tightening stranglehold on any form of dissent, taking repression to a frightening new level, said Amnesty International.

"By removing opposition officials from their posts for no legitimate reason, the Maduro administration is crossing a very delicate line," said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International.

"The justice system should never be abused to silence the opposition, particularly those who have been elected to office."

"First they came for those taking to the streets, then for those who represent them in office. How much further is the Venezuelan government willing to go in order to silence those who think differently? The answer is terrifying," said Erika Guevara-Rosas.

"It seems that winning an election and being from a party opposed to the government is enough to send you to prison in Venezuela. The authorities must immediately give up trying to silence those who are simply drawing crucial attention to their country's human rights crisis."

"The suggestion that a truth commission set up by the government can impartially investigate human rights abuses the Maduro administration outright denies committing, is simply absurd."

Read more:

Venezuela: Lethal violence, a state policy to strangle dissent (News, 10 July 2017)

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2017/07/venezuela-violencia-letal-una-politica-de-estado-para-asfixiar-a-la-disidencia/

Venezuela: Authorities' militarization of crisis escalates violence and promotes fear (News, 2 June 2017)

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2017/06/venezuela-militarizacion-de-la-crisis-por-parte-de-autoridades-intensifica-violencia-y-promueve-miedo/

Venezuela: Increase in 'witch-hunt' of dissidents amidst political crisis (News/Report, 26 April 2017)

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2017/04/venezuela-aumenta-caza-de-brujas-contra-disidencia-en-medio-de-crisis-politica/

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Over 600,000 displaced Syrians return home to date in 2017  UN agency

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 11 August 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Over 600,000 displaced Syrians return home to date in 2017  UN agency, 11 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598db7f34.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.

More than 600,000 displaced Syrians returned home in the first seven months of 2017, the United Nations migration agency and partners have found.

Findings by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and partners indicate that 84 per cent of the people returning had been displaced within Syria, and the rest returned from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. Refugees returning from Turkey and Jordan reportedly returned mainly to Aleppo and Al Hasakeh Governorates.

An estimated 27 per cent of the returnees stated that they did so to protect their assets or properties and 25 per cent referred to the improved economic situation in their area of origin.

Other factors included the worsening economic situation in the place where they were seeking refuge, at 14 per cent; social or cultural issues such as tribal links, political affiliations or any obstacle preventing integration in their area of displacement, at 11 per cent; and the improvement of the security situation in their area of return, at 11 per cent.

Half of all returns in 2016 were to Aleppo Governorate. The report shows that similar trends have been observed in 2017. Consequently, an estimated 67 per cent of the returnees, or 405,420 individuals, returned to Aleppo Governorate, with 27,620 returning to Idleb Governorate, and 75,209 to Hama Governorate, 45,300 to Ar-Raqqa Governorate, 21,346 to Rural Damascus and 27,861 to other governorates.

Aleppo city received the most returnees.

Reports also find that 97 per cent returned to their own house, 1.8 per cent are living with hosts, 1.4 per cent in abandoned houses, 0.14 per cent in informal settlements and 0.03 per cent in rented accommodation.

About 83 per cent and 80 per cent of returnees said they have access to food and household items, respectively. But only 41 per cent have access to water and 39 per cent to health services  a dangerously low level  as the country's infrastructure has been extremely damaged by the conflict.

While trends of returns increase, Syria continues to witness high rates of displacement. From January to July 2017, an estimated 808,661 people were displaced, many for the second or third time, and over 6 million in total currently remain displaced within the country.

Returns have mainly been spontaneous but not necessarily voluntary, safe or sustainable. As such, they cannot, at present, be considered a durable solution.
Smugglers throw hundreds of African migrants off boats headed to Yemen  UN

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 10 August 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Smugglers throw hundreds of African migrants off boats headed to Yemen  UN, 10 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598db85d4.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.

A total of 300 migrants have reportedly been forced from boats over the past two days by smugglers off the coast of Yemen  many feared dead or missing, the United Nations migration agency has reported.

The survivors told our colleagues on the beach that the smuggler pushed them into the sea when he saw some 'authority types' near the coast, said Laurent de Boeck, the Yemen Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

They also told us that the smuggler has already returned to Somalia to continue his business and pick up more migrants to bring to Yemen on the same route. This is shocking and inhumane. The suffering of migrants on this migration route is enormous. Too many young people pay smugglers with the false hope of a better future, Mr. de Boeck added.

According to IOM, up to 180 migrants were reportedly thrown into the sea from a boat today by the smugglers. Five bodies have been recovered so far, and around 50 are reported missing.

This latest incident comes barely 24 hours after smugglers forced more than 120 Somali and Ethiopian migrants into the sea as they approached the coast of Shabwa, a Yemeni Governorate along the Arabian Sea, resulting in the drowning of around 50 migrants. The migrants had been hoping to reach countries in the Gulf via war-torn Yemen.

Shortly after yesterday's tragedy, IOM staff found the shallow graves of 29 migrants on a beach in Shabwa, during a routine patrol. The dead had been quickly buried by those who survived the smuggler's deadly actions. The approximate average age of the passengers on the boat was 16.

"The Secretary-General is heart-broken by this continuing tragedy," his Spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters at the daily briefing in New York.

"This is why he continues to stress that the international community must give priority to preventing and resolving a variety of situations which both generate mass movement and expose those already on the move to significant danger," he added, underscoring the need to increase legal pathways for regular migration and offer credible alternatives to these dangerous crossings for people in need of international protection.

Since January of this year, IOM estimates that around 55,000 migrants left the Horn of Africa to come to Yemen, most with the aim of trying to find better opportunities in the Gulf countries. More than 30,000 of those migrants are under the age of 18 from Somalia and Ethiopia, while a third are estimated to be female.

This journey is especially hazardous during the current windy season in the Indian Ocean. Smugglers are active in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, offering fake promises to vulnerable migrants. IOM and its partners operate across the region to support these migrants and provide lifesaving assistance to those who find themselves abused or stranded along the route.
Investing in women key to sustainable peace in DR Congo and Nigeria  UN deputy chief

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 10 August 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Investing in women key to sustainable peace in DR Congo and Nigeria  UN deputy chief, 10 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598db8b74.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.

Investing in women and girls must be central to global efforts towards sustainable peace and development in both Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the United Nations deputy chief said today.

Both have dismayingly low levels of women's political participation and are experiencing conflicts marked by extremely high levels of sexual- and gender-based violence, said Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed as she updated the Security Council on her recent trip to the two African countries.

The trip, from 19 to 27 July, was the first of its kind because it focused entirely on the role of women in peace, security and development, she said.

The joint AU-UN high-level mission was undertaken by four African women, namely Ms. Mohammed, the UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, and the African Union (AU) Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, Bineta Diop.

The mission's goal was to advance peace by advancing the equality, empowerment and well-being of women, which is in line with the Secretary-General's vision and the relevant Security Council resolutions.

In both countries, Ms. Mohammed noted, the mission met with Heads of State, ministers, donors, diplomats, faith leaders, parliamentarian and the respective UN mission and country teams, spending the lion's share of time with the women and girls most affected by conflicts, including through visits to camps for internally displaced persons.

The international community needs to better understand the role of women in development and peace building alongside the gender dimensions of conflict if our responses are to be effective UN deputy chief Amina Mohammed

While each country is unique, the situations share some commonalities, she said, noting that sexual violence is widespread in the DRC, and abductions, forced marriage and the use of women as suicide bombers have taken a terrible toll in northern Nigeria, where in the camps sexual exploitation, including in the form of sex for food is a new and alarming trend.

The international community needs to better understand the role of women in development and peace building alongside the gender dimensions of conflict if our responses are to be effective, she said.

Turning to country-specific matters, the UN deputy chief said that the mission was touched by the meeting with the schoolgirls, who were abducted in Nigeria's Chibok and then released, after years in captivity, by the Boko Haram group.

Their remarkable strength as survivors rather than victims is inspiring. Many are receiving education and psychosocial support to prepare them for reintegration, Ms. Mohammed said, noting that thousands of other young women who have been subjected to sexual violence and affected by conflict in other ways are still to receive adequate support.

The Mugunga camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) is located in Goma, North Kivu Province, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed's visit to the camp was part of a four-day trip focused on the fight against sexual violence and the advancement of women. UN Photo/Myriam Asman

Prior to Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed's visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), she spent several days in Nigeria. In this photo, she is pictured in Abuja with Nigerian women leaders, as well as women and girls affected by conflict in the north-eastern part of the country. On the same day, the UN deputy chief told reporters that action is needed now towards the meaningful participation of women in peace processes, as well ensuring their voices are heard in all aspects of society. UN Photo/Lulu Gao

In the DRC, the mission emphasized the need to respect and implement the 31 December agreement, which provided a clear path towards democratic elections, she noted.

At the time of her visit, Ms. Mohammed said the electoral commission had registered more than 80 per cent of voters. That number now stands at more than 90 per cent. Of those registered, 48 per cent are women, placing the country in the same bracket as more established democracies such as Solomon Islands and Paraguay.

The mission also met with women who have no choice but to cook with coal in their tents, at great risk to their health and that of their children.

While we may debate the humanitarian-development nexus philosophically here in New York, without resources flowing to both sectors simultaneously and a real investment in early recovery, we can neither sustain peace nor prevent future gender based violence, she said, encouraging donors to respond to the DRC's reintegration challenges based on need alone.
Iraq launches UN-supported action plan to save lives of mothers and newborns

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 10 August 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Iraq launches UN-supported action plan to save lives of mothers and newborns, 10 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598db95b4.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.

Decades of conflict and under-investment have placed a huge strain on Iraq's healthcare system  with pregnant women and their babies paying for it with their lives, according to three United Nations agencies.

Although progress has been made to lower maternal mortality rates, there has been slow headway in reducing the mortality rates for children under five, said the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO) and UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in a joint statement.

Newborn babies are particularly vulnerable because of poor birth practices, inadequate referral mechanisms and inefficient neonatal care, particularly in remote areas, they added.

With the support of UNICEF, the Ministry of Health launched the Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP), which was developed jointly with UNICEF, WHO and UNFPA. The ENAP is an evidence based strategy to invest in, and improve the quality of maternal and newborn care.

According to the agencies, breastfeeding, neonatal resuscitation, kangaroo mother care for preterm babies, and the prevention and treatment of infections will help prevent these infant deaths.

Providing high quality care before and after birth not only saves lives, it is also an investment to ensure Iraqi children have the best start in life and meet their full potential, said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF's Representative in Iraq.

WHO and other partners will work to support the Government of Iraq through the Ministry of Health to achieve equitable universal health coverage, including the provision of comprehensive services for every woman and newborn in Iraq in order to contribute to the substantial reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, added in Musani Altaf, WHO Representative in Iraq.

Ramanathan Balakrishnan, UNFPA's Representative in Iraq, added: Neonatal mortality contributes significantly to child mortality in Iraq. UNFPA is proud to have played a part in the formulation of the Newborn Action Plan and commits to support the Ministry of Health in its implementation.
Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde today alleged that gangster Abu Salem was using a mobile phone inside the jail premises.

By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde today alleged that gangster Abu Salem was using a mobile phone inside the jail premises. Munde also presented the cell phone allegedly confiscated from Salem.

Salem, who was extradited from Portugal, was recently convicted by a special TADA court in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts case.

Attacking the law and order situation in the state, Munde alleged that there was a complete failure of law and order in the state.

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"Normal convicts are not even allowed home cooked food. Here a gangster like Abu Salem, who is convicted in the 1993 serial bomb blasts is allowed to use mobile phones," Munde alleged, flashing the mobile handset allegedly confiscated from Salem in the Taloja jail.

Taking a note of allegations made by the Leader of Opposition, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the incident.

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Over 500,000 children in Libya need aid; UNICEF urges political solution to years-long crisis

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 10 August 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Over 500,000 children in Libya need aid; UNICEF urges political solution to years-long crisis, 10 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598db9b64.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.

Ongoing conflict and the breakdown of the economy have left more than a half million children in need of humanitarian aid in Libya, according to the United Nations children's agency.

Six years since the crisis began in Libya, over 550,000 children need assistance because of political instability, on-going conflict, displacement, and economic collapse, said Geert Cappelaere, the UN Children's Fund (UNICF) Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, in a statement following his first visit to the country.

Heavy violence in some parts of the country has forced families to flee their homes. More than 80,000 children are internally displaced and migrant children in Libya are particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, including in detention centres, he added.

Since 2011, UNICEF has been expanding its assistance to respond to children's needs on the ground.

Mr. Cappelaere pointed out that more than 1.3 million children were vaccinated against polio last year. UNICEF and partners, including national institutions, were able to maintain nearly universal immunization coverage even when violence was at its peak. UNICEF has partnered with 28 municipalities across Libya under the 'Together for Children' campaign to support children's basic rights.

At a child-friendly space where children play, learn and receive psychosocial support, boys and girls spoke of their dreams of living in peace and prosperity. We have to support each and every child in Libya  especially the most vulnerable  to reach their full potential, continued the senior UNICEF official.

In discussions with the authorities in Tripoli and Benghazi, UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to provide all the support possible to reach children in need wherever they are in the country.

Mr. Cappelaere noted that in October, UNICEF plans to: have all its international staff operating full-time from Libya; scale up further assistance to reach 1.5 million girls and boys; and help strengthen national institutions and civil society.

UNICEF reiterated that the wellbeing of girls and boys in Libya should be a priority for authorities, civil society and the international community.

In the interest of children, UNICEF is calling for an immediate political solution to the crisis and an end to the violence, concluded Mr. Cappelaere.
UN agency begins moving hunger-relief assistance to Nigeria's troubled north-east

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 10 August 2017 Cite as UN News Service, UN agency begins moving hunger-relief assistance to Nigeria's troubled north-east, 10 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598dba074.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 humanitarian agency fighting hunger has begun transporting food assistance to Nigeria's crisis-hit north-east, where people  displaced by Boko Haram violence and the fight against it  face the threat of famine.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has already begun moving the first batch of rice donated by the Government of Nigeria, which contributed 5,000 metric tons of rice and pledged a further 2,000 metric tons of millet.

This donation once again testifies to the quality of relations between WFP and Nigeria, said Ronald Sibanda, WFP's interim Country Director, in a news release, noting that the assistance will help feed nearly half a million internally displaced people in the country's conflict-ravaged north-east.

The United States will cover the associated costs of getting the donated rice to those displaced in the hardest-hit states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, as part of its $100 million contribution to WFP's Nigeria response.

Nigeria's crisis has spilled over borders, leaving millions in the broader Lake Chad Basin region uncertain of where their meal is coming from. Experts have warned that without sufficient and timely humanitarian assistance, north-east Nigeria risks tipping into famine.

Since launching operations last year, WFP has rapidly expanded its offer of food, nutrition and cash to reach more than a million people a month. Having overcome a funding challenge, it has set its target at 1.36 million people during the current pre-harvest lean season, the hungriest time of the year.
Syria: UN relief wing voices concern about civilians caught in crossfire in Raqqa city

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 9 August 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Syria: UN relief wing voices concern about civilians caught in crossfire in Raqqa city, 9 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598dbb474.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 humanitarian wing is deeply concerned about the safety and protection of the thousands of civilians inside Raqqa city, many of them women and children, who are caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict, a UN spokesperson said today.

The humanitarian community is assisting displaced people  and host communities  in at least 46 sites, camps or areas of high concentration of internally displaced people in the area, and they are reaching over 263,000 people with some form of assistance in July, Spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters at the regular Headquarters press briefing in New York.

He added that assistance includes various types of food, including daily rations of bread, medicines and medical supplies, as well as nutrition assistance.

The offensive to retake Raqqa city from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) began two months ago. Ground fighting and airstrikes in and around the city have led to mass displacement and a deterioration of the humanitarian situation inside the city.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), an estimated 10,000 to 25,000 people remain trapped in the city, although exact figures remain difficult to verify due to the situation on the ground.

Access to Raqqa is not currently possible for the UN, due to the fighting on the ground, Mr. Dujarric said, reminding all military actors of their obligations to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access, in line with international humanitarian law.
Hope amid the ruins as displaced Iraqis return to West Mosul

Publisher UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Author Amira Abd El-Khalek Publication Date 11 August 2017 Cite as UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Hope amid the ruins as displaced Iraqis return to West Mosul, 11 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598dc1534.html [accessed 13 November 2022]

Um Ahmed and 16 members of her family live crammed in their blast-damaged two-storey home in the Al-Resala neighbourhood of West Mosul. Despite the destruction, she says she feels lucky that their house is still standing when others nearby have been flattened.

Back in March, when the battle for control of Iraq's second city raged around them, 35-year-old Um Ahmed and her family spent ten terrifying days huddled in their basement shelter with 40 other people. The dark, damp room had only one tiny window for ventilation, and was rank with the smell of closely packed bodies and fear, she recalls.

During a lull in the fighting, she fled with her husband Shehab, 42, and their children to a government-run displacement camp in Jadaa, some 50 kilometers south of the city. Hours later, a rocket struck their cherished home.

The hot and dusty camp environment was particularly hard on Shehab, who suffers from a heart condition and epilepsy. On July 10, the day after the Iraqi government declared the battle for the city over, the family returned to their home to assess the damage after four months in the camp.

"We returned to Mosul because it was difficult for my husband to stay in a tent with his poor health."

"We returned to Mosul because it was difficult for my husband to stay in a tent with his poor health," Um Ahmed explains. "We were also afraid of losing our house."

On their return they were greeted with a scene of utter destruction, with the entire front of the house lying in ruins. But after clearing their way inside they found that, unlike many of their neighbours, their furniture and possessions were still there - the rubble having prevented looters from gaining entry. "Something bad turns into something good," Shehab says with a wry smile.

While happy to be home, life remains tough for the family, with each day a struggle to provide the basics for survival. Electricity is costly and usually available for just eight hours a day, drinking water is delivered by truck and stored in tanks, while water for toilets and washing is collected from a well in a large barrel which they have to roll home. Um Ahmed and her sister make dresses at home to earn enough money to scrape by.

So far some 79,000 people have returned to the ruins of West Mosul, according to government figures, equivalent to around 10 per cent of all those who fled the area. By contrast, some 90 per cent of those who fled have since returned to the east of the city, which witnessed considerably less destruction.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has been stepping up its aid efforts for Iraqi families in Mosul including those that have recently returned. The agency's field assessments show that the returning population of Mosul needs assistance of every kind, but shelter needs remain the most pressing and dire, particularly in the west.

"Returning families also face challenges in accessing basic services and utilities - accessing water, electricity or fuel in parts of Mosul can be difficult and very expensive," UNHCR spokesman Andrej Mahecic told a media briefing in Geneva on Friday (August 11).

"Returning families also face challenges in accessing basic services and utilities "

Since the end of military operations in west Mosul, UNHCR and its partners have distributed shelter kits to more than 3,241 families in the east and west of the city.

Mahecic said the package includes sealing-off kits, which allow families like Um Ahmed's to carry out basic repairs so they are able to live in partially damaged or unfinished buildings. The plan is to distribute kits to up to 36,000 families by the end of this year.

UNHCR has also been providing multipurpose cash assistance to some of the most vulnerable displaced Iraqi families. Families receive one-off cash assistance of US$400 (486,000 Iraqi Dinars) using a system of mobile money transfers. Some of the most vulnerable families will receive the same amount for up to three months, helping them to pay rent and manage basic necessities such as food and utilities.

While life is slowly returning to the ancient city, Um Ahmed and Shehab know it will take many years before things return to normal. "The future is in the hands of Allah, but we should never lose hope," he says. The strain of the past several years is written in the lines on his face. "It's not the years that have made us old, it's the things we've seen."
A.S. v Republika Slovenija

Publisher European Union: Court of Justice of the European Union Publication Date 26 July 2017 Citation / Document Symbol C490/16 Cite as A.S. v Republika Slovenija, C490/16, European Union: Court of Justice of the European Union, 26 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/cases,ECJ,598dc6ee4.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.

JUDGMENT OF THE COURT (Grand Chamber)

26 July 2017 ( )

(Reference for a preliminary ruling - Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 - Determination of the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national - Arrival of an exceptionally large number of third-country nationals wishing to obtain international protection - Organisation by the authorities of a Member State of the crossing of the border for the purpose of transit to another Member State - Entry authorised by way of derogation for humanitarian reasons - Article 13 - Irregular crossing of an external border - Period of 12 months from the crossing of the border - Article 27 - Remedy - Scope of judicial review - Article 29 - Period of six months for the purpose of effecting the transfer - Running of the periods - Use of an appeal - Suspensory effect)

In Case C490/16,

REQUEST for a preliminary ruling under Article 267 TFEU from the Vrhovno sodisce (Supreme Court, Slovenia), made by decision of 13 September 2016, received at the Court on 16 September 2016, in the proceedings

A.S.

v

Republika Slovenija,

THE COURT (Grand Chamber),

composed of K. Lenaerts, President, A. Tizzano, Vice-President, R. Silva de Lapuerta, L. Bay Larsen (Rapporteur), J.L. da Cruz Vilaca, M. Berger and A. Prechal, Presidents of Chambers, A. Rosas, A. Arabadjiev, C. Toader, M. Safjan, D. Svaby, E. Jarasiunas, C.G. Fernlund and S. Rodin, Judges,

Advocate General: E. Sharpston,

Registrar: M. Aleksejev, Administrator,

having regard to the written procedure and further to the hearing on 28 March 2017,

after considering the observations submitted on behalf of:

- A.S., by M. Nabergoj and S. Zbicajnik, svetovalca za begunce,

- the Slovenian Government, by N. Pintar Gosenca, B. Jovin Hrastnik and A. Vran, acting as Agents,

- the Greek Government, by T. Papadopoulou, acting as Agent,

- the French Government, by E. Armoet, acting as Agent,

- the Italian Government, by G. Palmieri, acting as Agent, assisted by L. Cordi, avvocato dello Stato,

- the Hungarian Government, by M.M. Tatrai and M.Z. Feher, acting as Agents,

- the Austrian Government, by G. Hesse, acting as Agent,

- the United Kingdom Government, by C. Crane, acting as Agent, assisted by C. Banner, Barrister,

- the Swiss Government, by U. Bucher, acting as Agent,

- the European Commission, by M. Condou-Durande and by M. Zebre and G. Wils, acting as Agents,

after hearing the Opinion of the Advocate General at the sitting on 8 June 2017,

gives the following

Judgment

1 This request for a preliminary ruling concerns the interpretation of Articles 13(1), 27(1) and 29(2) of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person (OJ 2013 L 180, p. 31) ('the Dublin III Regulation').

2 The request has been made in proceedings between A.S., a Syrian national, and Republika Slovenija (Republic of Slovenia) concerning the latter's decision not to examine the application for international protection brought by A.S.

Legal context

3 Recitals 4, 5 and 19 of the Dublin III Regulation are worded as follows:

' (4) The  conclusions [of the European Council, at its special meeting in Tampere on 15 and 16 October 1999,] ... also stated that [the Common European Asylum System] should include, in the short term, a clear and workable method for determining the Member State responsible for the examination of an asylum application.

(5) Such a method should be based on objective, fair criteria both for the Member States and for the persons concerned. It should, in particular, make it possible to determine rapidly the Member State responsible, so as to guarantee effective access to the procedures for granting international protection and not to compromise the objective of the rapid processing of applications for international protection.

...

(19) In order to guarantee effective protection of the rights of the persons concerned, legal safeguards and the right to an effective remedy in respect of decisions regarding transfers to the Member State responsible should be established, in accordance, in particular, with Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. In order to ensure that international law is respected, an effective remedy against such decisions should cover both the examination of the application of this Regulation and of the legal and factual situation in the Member State to which the applicant is transferred.'

4 Article 1 of the Regulation provides as follows:

'This Regulation lays down the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person ("the Member State responsible").'

5 The second subparagraph of Article 3(2) of that regulation states:

'Where it is impossible to transfer an applicant to the Member State primarily designated as responsible because there are substantial grounds for believing that there are systemic flaws in the asylum procedure and in the reception conditions for applicants in that Member State, resulting in a risk of inhuman or degrading treatment within the meaning of Article 4 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the determining Member State shall continue to examine the criteria set out in Chapter III in order to establish whether another Member State can be designated as responsible.'

6 Article 7(2) of that regulation states:

'The Member State responsible in accordance with the criteria set out in this Chapter shall be determined on the basis of the situation obtaining when the applicant first lodged his or her application for international protection with a Member State.'

7 Article 12 of the Dublin III Regulation establishes a criterion for determining the Member State responsible for the issue of residence documents or visas.

8 Article 13(1) of that regulation, headed 'Entry and/or stay', provides:

'Where it is established, on the basis of proof or circumstantial evidence as described in the two lists mentioned in Article 22(3) of this Regulation, including the data referred to in Regulation (EU) No 603/2013 [of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on the establishment of 'Eurodac' for the comparison of fingerprints for the effective application of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person and on requests for the comparison with Eurodac data by Member States' law enforcement authorities and Europol for law enforcement purposes, and amending Regulation (EU) No 1077/2011 establishing a European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (OJ 2013 L 180, p. 1)], that an applicant has irregularly crossed the border into a Member State by land, sea or air having come from a third country, the Member State thus entered shall be responsible for examining the application for international protection. That responsibility shall cease 12 months after the date on which the irregular border crossing took place.'

9 Article 21(1) of the Dublin III Regulation states:

'Where a Member State with which an application for international protection has been lodged considers that another Member State is responsible for examining the application, it may, as quickly as possible and in any event within three months of the date on which the application was lodged within the meaning of Article 20(2), request that other Member State to take charge of the applicant.

Notwithstanding the first subparagraph, in the case of a Eurodac hit with data recorded pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EU) No 603/2013, the request shall be sent within two months of receiving that hit pursuant to Article 15(2) of that Regulation.

Where the request to take charge of an applicant is not made within the periods laid down in the first and second subparagraphs, responsibility for examining the application for international protection shall lie with the Member State in which the application was lodged.'

10 Article 23(2) and (3) of the Dublin III Regulation is worded as follows:

'2. A take back request shall be made as quickly as possible and in any event within two months of receiving the Eurodac hit, pursuant to Article 9(5) of Regulation (EU) No 603/2013.

If the take back request is based on evidence other than data obtained from the Eurodac system, it shall be sent to the requested Member State within three months of the date on which the application for international protection was lodged within the meaning of Article 20(2).

3. Where the take back request is not made within the periods laid down in paragraph 2, responsibility for examining the application for international protection shall lie with the Member State in which the new application was lodged.'

11 Article 26(1) of the Dublin III Regulation provides the following:

'Where the requested Member State accepts to take charge of or to take back an applicant ..., the requesting Member State shall notify the person concerned of the decision to transfer him or her to the Member State responsible and, where applicable, of not examining his or her application for international protection. '

12 Article 27(1) and (3) of that regulation provides:

'1. The applicant ... shall have the right to an effective remedy, in the form of an appeal or a review, in fact and in law, against a transfer decision, before a court or tribunal.

...

3. For the purposes of appeals against, or reviews of, transfer decisions, Member States shall provide in their national law that:

(a) the appeal or review confers upon the person concerned the right to remain in the Member State concerned pending the outcome of the appeal or review; or

(b) the transfer is automatically suspended and such suspension lapses after a certain reasonable period of time, during which a court or a tribunal, after a close and rigorous scrutiny, shall have taken a decision whether to grant suspensive effect to an appeal or review; or

(c) the person concerned has the opportunity to request within a reasonable period of time a court or tribunal to suspend the implementation of the transfer decision pending the outcome of his or her appeal or review. Member States shall ensure that an effective remedy is in place by suspending the transfer until the decision on the first suspension request is taken. ...'

13 Article 29(1) and (2) of that regulation is worded as follows:

'1. The transfer of the applicant ... from the requesting Member State to the Member State responsible shall be carried out ... at the latest within six months of acceptance of the request by another Member State to take charge or to take back the person concerned or of the final decision on an appeal or review where there is a suspensive effect in accordance with Article 27(3).

...

2. Where the transfer does not take place within the six months' time limit, the Member State responsible shall be relieved of its obligations to take charge or to take back the person concerned and responsibility shall then be transferred to the requesting Member State. This time limit may be extended up to a maximum of one year if the transfer could not be carried out due to imprisonment of the person concerned or up to a maximum of eighteen months if the person concerned absconds.'

The dispute in the main proceedings and the questions referred for a preliminary ruling

14 A.S. left Syria for Lebanon, before travelling across Turkey, Greece, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Serbia. He crossed the border between that last State and Croatia in 2016. The Croatian authorities arranged for him to be transported to the Slovenian border.

15 A.S. entered Slovenia on 20 February 2016. The Slovenian authorities then handed him over to the Austrian authorities. The latter, however, refused him entry to Austria.

16 On 23 February 2016, A.S. lodged an application for international protection in Slovenia.

17 The Slovenian authorities asked the Croatian authorities to take charge of A.S. on the basis of Article 21 of the Dublin III Regulation. The Croatian authorities acceded to that request on 20 May 2016.

18 On 14 June 2016, the Ministrstvo za notranje zadeve (Ministry of the Interior, Slovenia) decided not to examine A.S.'s application for international protection, on the grounds that he must be transferred to Croatia, which is the Member State responsible for examining that application in accordance with the criteria set out in Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, since A.S. had irregularly crossed the Croatian border coming from a third country.

19 A.S. challenged that decision before the Upravno sodisce (Administrative Court, Slovenia). On 4 July 2016, that court dismissed that action, while at the same time suspending enforcement of the decision of the Ministry of the Interior of 14 June 2016 pending a final decision in the main proceedings. A.S. then lodged an appeal before the referring court.

20 In those circumstances, the Vrhovno sodisce (Supreme Court, Slovenia) decided to stay proceedings and to refer the following questions to the Court for a preliminary ruling:

'(1) Does judicial protection under Article 27 of [the Dublin III Regulation] concern also the interpretation of the conditions of the criterion under Article 13(1), when one Member State has decided that it will not examine the application for international protection, and another Member State has already assumed responsibility for examining the applicant's application on the same basis, and when the applicant challenges this?

(2) Is the condition of irregular crossing under Article 13(1) of [the Dublin III Regulation] to be interpreted independently and autonomously, or rather in conjunction with Article 3(2) of Directive [2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third country nationals (OJ 2008 L 348, p.98)] and Article 5 of [Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (OJ 2006 L 105, p.1), as amended by Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 (OJ 2013 L 182, p.1)], which define irregular crossing of the border, and must that interpretation be applied in relation to Article 13(1) of [the Dublin III Regulation]?

(3) In view of the answer to the second question, is the concept of irregular crossing under Article 13(1) of [the Dublin III Regulation] in the circumstances of the present case to be interpreted as meaning that there is no irregular crossing of the border where the public authorities of a Member State organise the crossing of the border with the aim of transit to another Member State ... ?

(4) In the event that the answer to the third question should be in the affirmative, is Article 13(1) of [the Dublin III Regulation] consequently to be interpreted as prohibiting sending a national of a third State back to the [Member] State where he initially entered EU territory?

(5) Is Article 27 of [the Dublin III Regulation] to be interpreted as meaning that the periods fixed by Article 13(1) and Article 29(2) [of that regulation] do not run when the applicant exercises the right to judicial protection,a fortiori when that also involves a question for a preliminary ruling, or when the national court is awaiting the answer of the Court of Justice of the European Union to such a question which has been submitted in another case? In the alternative, would time start to run in such a case, but the Member State responsible would not be entitled to refuse reception?'

Procedure before the Court

21 The referring court requested that this request for a preliminary ruling be dealt with under the urgent procedure provided for in Article 107 of the Court's Rules of Procedure.

22 On 27 September 2016, acting on a proposal from the Judge-Rapporteur and after hearing the Advocate General, the Court decided that it was unnecessary to grant that request.

23 By decision of 22 December 2016, the President of the Court ordered that the present case should be accorded priority treatment.

Consideration of the questions referred

The first question

24 By its first question, the referring court asks, in essence, whether, on a proper construction of Article 27(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, an applicant for international protection may, in an appeal against a decision to transfer him, plead incorrect application of the criterion for determining responsibility relating to the irregular crossing of a Member State's border, laid down in Article 13(1) of that regulation.

25 Article 27(1) of the Dublin III Regulation states that the applicant for international protection is to have the right to an effective remedy, in the form of an appeal or a review, in fact and in law, against a transfer decision, before a court or tribunal.

26 The scope of the remedy available to the applicant for international protection against a decision to transfer him is made clear in recital 19 of that regulation, which states that, in order to ensure compliance with international law, the effective remedy introduced by that regulation in respect of transfer decisions should cover both the examination of the application of that regulation and the examination of the legal and factual situation in the Member State to which the applicant is to be transferred (see, to that effect, judgment of 7 June 2016, Ghezelbash, C63/15, EU:C:2016:409, paragraphs 38 and 39).

27 In that regard, the Court held in paragraph 61 of the judgment of 7 June 2016, Ghezelbash (C63/15, EU:C:2016:409) that, in the context of an appeal against a transfer decision, the applicant for international protection was entitled to plead the incorrect application of one of the criteria for determining responsibility for the examination of the application for international protection laid down in Chapter III of the Dublin III Regulation.

28 In that judgment, the Court drew no distinction between the various criteria laid down in that chapter, which include the criterion concerning the irregular crossing of the border of a Member State set out in Article 13(1) of that regulation.

29 It is true that only the criterion set out in Article 12 of that regulation was directly at issue in the case giving rise to that judgment.

30 However, the reasons given by the Court in the same judgment also apply, mutatis mutandis, to the criterion set out in Article 13(1) of the same regulation.

31 Accordingly, it should be noted, in particular, that the criteria set out in Articles 12 and 13 of the Dublin III Regulation play a comparable role in the conduct of the process for determining the Member State responsible laid down by that regulation and, therefore, in the application of that regulation (see, to that effect, judgment of 7 June 2016, Ghezelbash, C63/15, EU:C:2016:409, paragraphs 41 to 44).

32 Likewise, the developments that have taken place in the system for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection made in one of the Member States and the objectives of that system, noted by the Court at paragraphs 45 to 59 of the judgment of 7 June 2016, Ghezelbash (C63/15, EU:C:2016:409), are also relevant for review of the application of Article 13 of that regulation.

33 As regards the fact, highlighted by the referring court, that in the case in the main proceedings another Member State had already accepted responsibility for the examination of the application for international protection concerned, it should be stressed that, pursuant to Article 26(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, the person concerned may be notified of the transfer decision only after the requested Member State has agreed to take charge of or to take back that person.

34 In those circumstances, that fact does not mean that judicial review of the transfer decision regarding the application of the criteria set out in Chapter III of that regulation is excluded, for otherwise Article 27(1) of that regulation would be deprived of most of its practical effect. Furthermore, it must be noted that, in the case giving rise to the judgment of 7 June 2016, Ghezelbash (C63/15, EU:C:2016:409), the requested Member State had expressly accepted that it was responsible for the examination of the application for international protection under consideration.

35 It follows from all the foregoing considerations that the answer to the first question referred is that, on a proper construction of Article 27(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, read in the light of the 19th recital of that regulation, an applicant for international protection is entitled, in an appeal against a decision to transfer him, to plead incorrect application of the criterion for determining responsibility relating to the irregular crossing of the border of a Member State, laid down in Article 13(1) of that regulation.

Concerning the second and third questions

36 By its second and third questions, which may appropriately be examined together, the referring court asks, in essence, whether, on a proper construction of Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, read, where appropriate, in conjunction with the provisions of Regulation No 562/2006, as amended by Regulation No 610/2013, and those of Directive 2008/115, a third-country national whose entry has been tolerated by the authorities of a first Member State faced with an exceptionally large number of third-country nationals wishing to transit through that Member State in order to make an application for international protection in another Member State, without fulfilling the entry conditions in principle required in that first Member State, must be regarded as having 'irregularly crossed' the border of that first Member State, within the meaning of that provision.

37 As a preliminary point, it should be noted that it is apparent from paragraphs 41 to 58 of the judgment given today, Jafari (C646/16), that admitting a third-country national into the territory of a Member State in a situation such as that at issue in the case in the main proceedings cannot be treated as a 'visa' situation, within the meaning of Article 12 of the Dublin III Regulation.

38 As regards the interpretation of Article 13(1) of that regulation, it follows, first, from paragraphs 60 to 72 of that judgment that, while the measures adopted by the EU for the control of borders and of immigration are useful background for interpreting that provision, the fact remains that the full significance of the term 'irregular crossing' of the border of a Member State, within the meaning of that regulation, cannot in principle be directly inferred from those measures.

39 Next, it is clear from paragraphs 73 to 92 of that judgment that a third-country national admitted to the territory of a first Member State, without satisfying the entry conditions in principle required in that Member State, for the purpose of transit to another Member State in order to lodge an application for international protection there, must be regarded as having 'irregularly crossed' the border of that first Member State, within the meaning of Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, whether that crossing has been tolerated or authorised in breach of the applicable rules or authorised on humanitarian grounds and by derogation from the entry conditions in principle imposed on third-country nationals.

40 Lastly, the fact that the border crossing took place in a situation notable for the arrival of an exceptionally large number of third-country nationals wishing to obtain international protection can have no effect on the interpretation or application of that provision (judgment given today, Jafari, C646/16, paragraphs 93 to 100).

41 However, it must be noted that, pursuant to Article 3(2) of the Dublin III Regulation and Article 4 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, an applicant for international protection must not be transferred to the Member State responsible if that transfer entails a real risk of the person concerned suffering inhuman or degrading treatment, within the meaning of that Article 4 (see, to that effect, judgment of 16 February 2017, C.K and Others, C578/16 PPU, EU:C:2017:127, paragraph 65). A transfer might, therefore, not be effected if, following the arrival of an exceptionally large number of third-country nationals wishing to obtain international protection, such a risk existed in the Member State responsible.

42 It follows that the answer to the second and third questions is that, on a proper construction of Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, a third-country national whose entry has been tolerated by the authorities of a first Member State faced with the arrival of an exceptionally large number of third-country nationals wishing to transit through that Member State in order to lodge an application for international protection in another Member State, without satisfying the entry conditions in principle required in that first Member State, must be regarded as having 'irregularly crossed' the border of that first Member State, within the meaning of that provision.

The fourth question

43 In view of the answer to the second and third questions, there is no need to answer the fourth question.

The fifth question

44 By its fifth question, the referring court asks, in essence, whether, on proper construction of Article 13(1) and Article 29(2) of the Dublin III Regulation, the periods laid down in those provisions continue to run after an appeal has been lodged against the transfer decision concerned, including when the court hearing that appeal has decided to seek a preliminary ruling from the Court.

45 Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, which appears in Chapter III of that regulation, concerning the criteria for determining the Member State responsible, states, in its second sentence, that the responsibility of a Member State based on the criterion of irregular crossing of the border of a Member State is to cease 12 months after the date of that crossing.

46 Article 29(2) of that regulation, which appears in section VI of Chapter VI the same regulation, concerning transfers, provides that if the transfer from the requesting Member State to the Member State responsible does not take place within the six months' time limit, the Member State responsible is to be relieved of its obligation to take charge of or to take back the person concerned and responsibility is then to be transferred to the requesting Member State.

47 It is apparent from those two provisions that the periods which they lay down are both intended to limit in time the responsibility of a Member State under the Dublin III Regulation.

48 Nonetheless, it follows both from the wording of those provisions and from their place in that regulation that they apply during two different stages of the procedure established by that regulation.

49 Accordingly, the time limit referred to in Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation constitutes a condition for the application of the criterion laid down by that provision and it must be ensured that it is observed in the procedure for determining the Member State responsible, after which a transfer decision may, if appropriate, be taken.

50 On the other hand, Article 29(2) of that regulation relates to the enforcement of the transfer decision and may be applied only once the principle of transfer has been established, that is to say, at the earliest when the requested Member State has accepted the request to take charge or take back.

51 The respective rules for those two periods must, therefore, be explained, taking into account their specific objectives within the procedure established by that regulation.

52 As regards, in the first place, the time limit laid down by Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, it must be noted that Article 7(2) of that regulation states that the Member State responsible is to be determined in accordance with the criteria set out in Chapter III of that regulation on the basis of the situation obtaining when the applicant first lodged his or her application for international protection with a Member State.

53 Therefore, the last sentence of Article 13(1) of that regulation must be interpreted as meaning that the Member State whose external border has been irregularly crossed by a third-country national can no longer be held responsible, on the basis of that provision, if the period of 12 months following the irregular crossing of that border has already expired on the date when the applicant first lodged his or her application for international protection with a Member State.

54 In those circumstances, the lodging of an appeal against a transfer decision, which necessarily postdates the notification of that decision and therefore the lodging of an application for international protection, cannot, by its very nature, have any effect on the running of the period laid down in Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation.

55 In a situation such as that at issue in the main proceedings, in which an application for international protection was lodged less than 12 months after the irregular crossing of the border of a Member State, the rule set out in the last sentence of Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation does not prevent the application of that criterion for determining responsibility.

56 As regards, in the second place, the time limit laid down in Article 29(2) of the Dublin III Regulation, it follows, on the one hand, from the relationship between the various paragraphs of that article and, on the other, from the lack of any clarification in that provision as to the time from which that period starts to run, that that provision specifies only the consequences of the expiry of the period for effecting the transfer, laid down in Article 29(1) of that regulation (see, by analogy, judgment of 29 January 2009, Petrosian, C19/08, EU:C:2009:41, paragraph 50).

57 Article 29(1) of the Dublin III Regulation allows for the consequences of the possible lodging of an appeal by providing that the period of six months for effecting the transfer runs from the final decision on an appeal or review when suspensory effect is granted in accordance with Article 27(3) of that regulation.

58 Consequently, the lodging of an appeal which, like that at issue in the case in the main proceedings, has been granted suspensory effect, implies that the period for effecting the transfer will not, in principle, expire until six months after the intervention of a final decision on that appeal.

59 In view of the foregoing, the answer to the fifth question is that, on a proper construction of Article 13(1), second sentence, of the Dublin III Regulation, read together with Article 7(2) of that regulation, the lodging of an appeal against a transfer decision has no effect on the running of the period laid down in Article 13(1).

60 On a proper construction of Article 29(1) and (2) of that regulation, the lodging of such an appeal means that the period laid down by those provisions does not start to run until the final decision on that appeal, including when the court hearing the appeal has decided to request a preliminary ruling from the Court of Justice, as long as that appeal has suspensory effect in accordance with Article 27(3) of that regulation.

Costs

61 Since these proceedings are, for the parties to the main proceedings, a step in the action pending before the national court, the decision on costs is a matter for that court. Costs incurred in submitting observations to the Court, other than the costs of those parties, are not recoverable.

On those grounds, the Court (Grand Chamber) hereby rules:

1. On a proper construction of Article 27(1) of Regulation No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person, read in the light of recital 19 of that regulation, an applicant for international protection is entitled, in an appeal against a decision to transfer him, to plead incorrect application of the criterion for determining responsibility relating to the irregular crossing of the border of a Member State, laid down in Article 13(1) of that regulation.

2. On a proper construction of Article 13(1) of Regulation No 604/2013, a third-country national whose entry has been tolerated by the authorities of a first Member State faced with the arrival of an exceptionally large number of third-country nationals wishing to transit through that Member State in order to lodge an application for international protection in another Member State, without satisfying the entry conditions in principle required in that first Member State, must be regarded as having 'irregularly crossed' the border of that first Member State, within the meaning of that provision.

3. On a proper construction of Article 13(1), second sentence, of Regulation No 604/2013, read together with Article 7(2) of that regulation, the lodging of an appeal against a transfer decision has no effect on the running of the period laid down in Article 13(1).

On a proper construction of Article 29(1) and (2) of that regulation, the lodging of such an appeal means that the period laid down by those provisions does not start to run until the final decision on that appeal, including when the court hearing the appeal has decided to request a preliminary ruling from the Court of Justice, as long as that appeal had suspensory effect in accordance with Article 27(3) of that regulation.

[Signatures]

Language of the case: Slovenian.

Copyright notice: Cour de justice des Communautes europeennes L-2925 Luxembourg. Telephone switchboard: (352) 4303.1; fax: (352) 4303.2600
Khadija Jafari and Zainab Jafari (Austria)

Publisher European Union: Court of Justice of the European Union Publication Date 26 July 2017 Citation / Document Symbol C646/16 Cite as Khadija Jafari and Zainab Jafari (Austria), C646/16, European Union: Court of Justice of the European Union, 26 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/cases,ECJ,598dc9d14.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.

JUDGMENT OF THE COURT (Grand Chamber)

26 July 2017 ( )

(Reference for a preliminary ruling - Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 - Determination of the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national - Arrival of an unusually large number of third-country nationals seeking international protection - Organisation of border crossing by the authorities of one Member State for the purpose of transit to another Member State - Entry authorised by way of derogation on humanitarian grounds - Article 2(m) -Definition of a 'visa' - Article 12 - Issuing of a visa - Article 13 - Irregular crossing of an external border)

In Case C646/16,

REQUEST for a preliminary ruling under Article 267 TFEU from the Verwaltungsgerichtshof (Administrative Court, Austria), made by decision of 14 December 2016, received at the Court on 15 December 2016, in the proceedings brought by

Khadija Jafari,

Zainab Jafari

intervening parties:

Bundesamt fur Fremdenwesen und Asyl,

THE COURT (Grand Chamber),

composed of K. Lenaerts, President, A. Tizzano, Vice-President, R. Silva de Lapuerta, L. Bay Larsen (Rapporteur), J.L. da Cruz Vilaca, M. Berger and A. Prechal, Presidents of Chambers, A. Rosas, A. Arabadjiev, C. Toader, M. Safjan, D. Svaby, E. Jarasiunas, C.G. Fernlund and S. Rodin, Judges,

Advocate General: E. Sharpston,

Registrar: M. Aleksejev, Administrator,

having regard to the written procedure and further to the hearing on 28 March 2017,

after considering the observations submitted on behalf of:

- Ms Khadija Jafari and Ms Zainab Jafari, by R. Fruhwirth, Rechtsanwalt,

- the Austrian Government, by G. Hesse, acting as Agent,

- the Greek Government, by T. Papadopoulou, acting as Agent,

- the French Government, by D. Colas, E. Armoet and E. de Moustier, acting as Agents,

- the Italian Government, by G. Palmieri, acting as Agent, and by L. Cordi and L. D'Ascia, avvocati dello Stato,

- the Hungarian Government, by M. Tatrai and M.Z. Feher, acting as Agents,

- the United Kingdom Government, by C. Crane, acting as Agent, and by C. Banner, Barrister,

- the Swiss Government, by E. Bichet, acting as Agent,

- the European Commission, by M. Condou-Durande, G. Wils and M. Zebre, acting as Agents,

after hearing the Opinion of the Advocate General at the sitting on 8 June 2017,

gives the following

Judgment

1 This request for a preliminary ruling concerns the interpretation of Articles 2, 12 and 13 of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person (OJ 2013 L 180, p. 31) ('the Dublin III Regulation') and of Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (OJ 2006 L 105, p. 1), as amended by Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 (OJ 2013 L 182, p. 1) ('the Schengen Borders Code').

2 The reference has been made in the course of the examination of appeals brought by Ms Khadija Jafari and Ms Zainab Jafari ('the Jafari sisters'), Afghan nationals, against the decisions taken by the Bundesamt fur Fremdenwesen und Asyl (Federal Office for immigration and asylum, Austria) ('the Office') dismissing their applications for international protection as inadmissible, ordering their removal and finding that returning them to Croatia would be lawful.

Legal context

The Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement

3 Article 18(1) of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 between the Governments of the States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of checks at their common borders, signed in Schengen (Luxembourg) on 19 June 1990 (OJ 2000 L 239, p. 19), as amended by Regulation No 610/2013 ('the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement'), provides:

'Visas for stays exceeding 90 days (long-stay visas) shall be national visas issued by one of the Member States in accordance with its national law or Union law. Such visas shall be issued in the uniform format for visas as set out in (Council Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 [of 29 May 1995 laying down a uniform format for visas (OJ 1995 L 164, p. 1)] with the heading specifying the type of visa with the letter "D". ...'

Directive 2001/55/EC

4 Article 18 of Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001 on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons and on measures promoting a balance of efforts between Member States in receiving such persons and bearing the consequences thereof (OJ 2001 L 212, p. 12) provides:

'The criteria and mechanisms for deciding which Member State is responsible for considering an asylum application shall apply. In particular, the Member State responsible for examining an asylum application submitted by a person enjoying temporary protection pursuant to this Directive, shall be the Member State which has accepted his transfer onto its territory.'

The Schengen Borders Code

5 The Schengen Borders Code was repealed and replaced by Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (OJ 2016 L 77, p. 1). The Schengen Borders Code was therefore applicable at the time of the facts in the main proceedings.

6 Recitals 6, 27 and 28 of the Schengen Borders Code were worded as follows:

'(6) Border control is in the interest not only of the Member State at whose external borders it is carried out but of all Member States which have abolished internal border control. Border control should help to combat illegal immigration and trafficking in human beings and to prevent any threat to the Member States' internal security, public policy, public health and international relations.



(27) This Regulation constitutes a development of provisions of the Schengen acquis in which the United Kingdom does not take part ... The United Kingdom is therefore not taking part in its adoption and is not bound by it or subject to its application.

(28) This Regulation constitutes a development of provisions of the Schengen acquis in which Ireland does not take part ... Ireland is therefore not taking part in its adoption and is not bound by it or subject to its application.'

7 Article 4 of the Schengen Borders Code, headed 'Crossing of external borders', provided:

'1. External borders may be crossed only at border crossing points and during the fixed opening hours. The opening hours shall be clearly indicated at border crossing points which are not open 24 hours a day.



3. Without prejudice  to their international protection obligations, Member States shall introduce penalties, in accordance with their national law, for the unauthorised crossing of external borders at places other than border crossing points or at times other than the fixed opening hours '

8 Under the heading, 'Entry conditions for third-country nationals', Article 5 of the Schengen Borders Code stated as follows:

'1. For intended stays on the territory of the Member States of a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period, which entails considering the 180-day period preceding each day of stay, the entry conditions for third-country nationals shall be the following:

(a) they are in possession of a valid travel document entitling the holder to cross the border 



(b) they are in possession of a valid visa, if required , except where they hold a valid residence permit or a valid long-stay visa;

(c) they justify the purpose and conditions of the intended stay, and they have sufficient means of subsistence, both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to their country of origin or transit to a third country into which they are certain to be admitted, or are in a position to acquire such means lawfully;

(d) they are not persons for whom an alert has been issued in the [Schengen Information System (SIS)] for the purposes of refusing entry;

(e) they are not considered to be a threat to public policy, internal security, public health or the international relations of any of the Member States, in particular where no alert has been issued in Member States' national databases for the purposes of refusing entry on the same grounds.



4. By way of derogation from paragraph 1:

(a) third-country nationals who do not fulfil all the conditions laid down in paragraph 1 but who hold a residence permit or a long-stay visa shall be authorised to enter the territory of the other Member States for transit purposes so that they may reach the territory of the Member State which issued the residence permit or the long-stay visa, unless their names are on the national list of alerts of the Member State whose external borders they are seeking to cross and the alert is accompanied by instructions to refuse entry or transit;

(b) third-country nationals who fulfil the conditions laid down in paragraph 1, except for that laid down in point (b), and who present themselves at the border may be authorised to enter the territory of the Member States, if a visa is issued at the border 



(c) third-country nationals who do not fulfil one or more of the conditions laid down in paragraph 1 may be authorised by a Member State to enter its territory on humanitarian grounds, on grounds of national interest or because of international obligations. Where the third-country national concerned is the subject of an alert as referred to in paragraph 1(d), the Member State authorising him or her to enter its territory shall inform the other Member States accordingly.'

9 Article 10(1) of the Schengen Borders Code specified that the travel documents of third-country nationals are to be systematically stamped on entry and exit.

10 Article 12(1) of the Schengen Borders Code provided:

' A person who has crossed a border illegally and who has no right to stay on the territory of the Member State concerned shall be apprehended and made subject to procedures respecting Directive 2008/115/EC [of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals (OJ 2008 L 348, p. 98)].'

Directive 2008/115

11 Article 2(2) of Directive 2008/115 ('the Return Directive') states:

'Member States may decide not to apply this Directive to third-country nationals who:

(a) are subject to a refusal of entry in accordance with Article 13 of the Schengen Borders Code, or who are apprehended or intercepted by the competent authorities in connection with the irregular crossing by land, sea or air of the external border of a Member State and who have not subsequently obtained an authorisation or a right to stay in that Member State;

...'

12 Article 3 of the Return Directive, headed 'Definitions', is worded as follows:

'For the purpose of this Directive the following definitions shall apply:



(2) "illegal stay" means the presence on the territory of a Member State of a third-country national who does not fulfil, or no longer fulfils the conditions of entry as set out in Article 5 of the Schengen Borders Code or other conditions for entry, stay or residence in that Member State;

'

Regulation (EC) No 810/2009

13 Recitals 36 and 37 of Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code) (OJ 2009 L 243, p. 1), as amended by Regulation No 610/2013 ('the Visa Code'), are worded as follows:

'(36) This Regulation constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which the United Kingdom does not take part  The United Kingdom is therefore not taking part in its adoption and is not bound by it or subject to its application.

(37) This Regulation constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which Ireland does not take part  Ireland is therefore not taking part in the adoption of the Regulation and is not bound by it or subject to its application.'

14 Article 1(1) of the Visa Code provides:

'This Regulation establishes the procedures and conditions for issuing visas for transit through or intended stays on the territory of the Member States not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period.'

15 Article 25(1) of the Visa Code states as follows:

'A visa with limited territorial validity shall be issued exceptionally, in the following cases:

(a) when the Member State concerned considers it necessary on humanitarian grounds, for reasons of national interest or because of international obligations:

(i) to derogate from the principle that the entry conditions laid down in Article 5(1)(a), (c), (d) and (e) of the Schengen Borders Code must be fulfilled;

...'

16 Articles 27 to 29 of the Visa Code set out the rules on filling in the visa sticker, invalidation of a completed visa sticker and affixing a visa sticker.

17 Article 35 of the Visa Code, headed 'Visas applied for at the external border', states, in paragraph 4:

'Where the conditions laid down in Article 5(1)(a), (c), (d) and (e) of the Schengen Borders Code are not fulfilled, the authorities responsible for issuing the visa at the border may issue a visa with limited territorial validity, in accordance with Article 25(1)(a) of this Regulation, for the territory of the issuing Member State only.'

The Dublin III Regulation

18 Recitals 25 and 41 of the Dublin III Regulation are worded as follows:

'(25) The progressive creation of an area without internal frontiers in which free movement of persons is guaranteed in accordance with the TFEU and the establishment of Union policies regarding the conditions of entry and stay of third-country nationals, including common efforts towards the management of external borders, makes it necessary to strike a balance between responsibility criteria in a spirit of solidarity.



(41) In accordance with Article 3 and Article 4a(1) of Protocol No 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, annexed to the TEU and to the TFEU, those Member States have notified their wish to take part in the adoption and application of this Regulation.'

19 Article 1 of the Dublin III Regulation provides:

'This Regulation lays down the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person ("the Member State responsible").'

20 Article 2 of the Dublin III Regulation states as follows:

'For the purposes of this Regulation:



(m) "visa" means the authorisation or decision of a Member State required for transit or entry for an intended stay in that Member State or in several Member States. The nature of the visa shall be determined in accordance with the following definitions:

- "long-stay visa" means an authorisation or decision issued by one of the Member States in accordance with its national law or Union law required for entry for an intended stay in that Member State of more than three months,

- "short-stay visa" means an authorisation or decision of a Member State with a view to transit through or an intended stay on the territory of one or more or all the Member States of a duration of no more than three months in any six-month period beginning on the date of first entry on the territory of the Member States,

- "airport transit visa" means a visa valid for transit through the international transit areas of one or more airports of the Member States;

'

21 Article 3(1) and (2) of the Dublin III Regulation provides:

'1. Member States shall examine any application for international protection by a third-country national or a stateless person who applies on the territory of any one of them, including at the border or in the transit zones. The application shall be examined by a single Member State, which shall be the one which the criteria set out in Chapter III indicate is responsible.

2. Where no Member State responsible can be designated on the basis of the criteria listed in this Regulation, the first Member State in which the application for international protection was lodged shall be responsible for examining it.

Where it is impossible to transfer an applicant to the Member State primarily designated as responsible because there are substantial grounds for believing that there are systemic flaws in the asylum procedure and in the reception conditions for applicants in that Member State, resulting in a risk of inhuman or degrading treatment within the meaning of Article 4 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the determining Member State shall continue to examine the criteria set out in Chapter III in order to establish whether another Member State can be designated as responsible.

'

22 Article 7(1) of the Dublin III Regulation is worded as follows:

'The criteria for determining the Member State responsible shall be applied in the order in which they are set out in this Chapter.'

23 Article 12 of the Dublin III Regulation, entitled 'Issue of residence documents or visas', states in paragraphs 2 to 5:

'2. Where the applicant is in possession of a valid visa, the Member State which issued the visa shall be responsible for examining the application for international protection, unless the visa was issued on behalf of another Member State under a representation arrangement as provided for in Article 8 of [the Visa Code]. In such a case, the represented Member State shall be responsible for examining the application for international protection.

3. Where the applicant is in possession of more than one valid residence document or visa issued by different Member States, the responsibility for examining the application for international protection shall be assumed by the Member States in the following order:



(b) the Member State which issued the visa having the latest expiry date where the various visas are of the same type;

(c) where visas are of different kinds, the Member State which issued the visa having the longest period of validity or, where the periods of validity are identical, the Member State which issued the visa having the latest expiry date.

4. Where the applicant is in possession only of ... one or more visas which have expired less than six months previously and which enabled him or her actually to enter the territory of a Member State, paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 shall apply for such time as the applicant has not left the territories of the Member States.

Where the applicant is in possession of ... one or more visas which have expired more than six months previously and enabled him or her actually to enter the territory of a Member State and where he has not left the territories of the Member States, the Member State in which the application for international protection is lodged shall be responsible.

5. The fact that the residence document or visa was issued on the basis of a false or assumed identity or on submission of forged, counterfeit or invalid documents shall not prevent responsibility being allocated to the Member State which issued it. However, the Member State issuing the residence document or visa shall not be responsible if it can establish that a fraud was committed after the document or visa had been issued.'

24 Under the heading 'Entry and/or stay', Article 13 of the Dublin III Regulation provides in paragraph 1 thereof:

'Where it is established, on the basis of proof or circumstantial evidence as described in the two lists mentioned in Article 22(3) of this Regulation, including the data referred to in Regulation (EU) No 603/2013 [of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on the establishment of "Eurodac" for the comparison of fingerprints for the effective application of Regulation No 604/2013 and on requests for the comparison with Eurodac data by Member States' law enforcement authorities and Europol for law enforcement purposes, and amending Regulation (EU) No 1077/2011 establishing a European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (OJ 2013 L 180, p. 1)], that an applicant has irregularly crossed the border into a Member State by land, sea or air having come from a third country, the Member State thus entered shall be responsible for examining the application for international protection. That responsibility shall cease 12 months after the date on which the irregular border crossing took place.'

25 Article 14(1) of the Dublin III Regulation provides:

'If a third-country national or a stateless person enters into the territory of a Member State in which the need for him or her to have a visa is waived, that Member State shall be responsible for examining his or her application for international protection.'

26 Article 17(1) of the Dublin III Regulation states:

'By way of derogation from Article 3(1), each Member State may decide to examine an application for international protection lodged with it by a third-country national or a stateless person, even if such examination is not its responsibility under the criteria laid down in this Regulation.

The Member State which decides to examine an application for international protection pursuant to this paragraph shall become the Member State responsible and shall assume the obligations associated with that responsibility. 

'

27 Article 33 of the Dublin III Regulation establishes a mechanism for early warning, preparedness and crisis management in respect of situations in which the application of that regulation may be jeopardised due either to a substantiated risk of particular pressure being placed on a Member State's asylum system and/or to problems in the functioning of the asylum system of a Member State.

28 Article 34 of the Dublin III Regulation provides for information exchange mechanisms between the Member States.

The dispute in the main proceedings and the questions referred for a preliminary ruling

29 The Jafari sisters left Afghanistan in December 2015 with their children and then travelled through Iran, Turkey, Greece, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia. They crossed the border between Serbia and Croatia in 2016. The Croatian authorities organised transport for them by bus to the Slovenian border.

30 The Jafari sisters and their children then entered Slovenia. On 15 February 2016, the Slovenian authorities issued them with police documents stating that their travel destination was, for one of them, Germany and, for the other, Austria. On the same day, having entered Austria, the Jafari sisters lodged applications, on their own behalf and on behalf of their children, for international protection in that Member State.

31 The Office then sent the Slovenian authorities a request for information, pursuant to Article 34 of the Dublin III Regulation, referring to the police documents issued to the Jafari sisters. In reply to that request, the Slovenian authorities stated that the third-country nationals in question had not been registered in Slovenia for any purpose relevant to the application of that regulation and that they had transited through Slovenia from Croatia.

32 On 16 April 2016, the Office requested the Croatian authorities to take charge of the Jafari sisters and their children pursuant to Article 21 of the Dublin III Regulation. The Croatian authorities did not respond to that request. By letter of 18 June 2016, the Office indicated to those authorities that, pursuant to Article 22(7) of that regulation, the responsibility for examining the applications for international protection lodged by the Jafari sisters and their children now lay with the Republic of Croatia.

33 On 5 September 2016, the Office rejected that the applications for international protection lodged by the Jafari sisters as inadmissible, ordered the sisters' removal, as well as that of their children, and found that their return to Croatia would be lawful. Those decisions were based on the fact that the third-country nationals in question had entered Greece and Croatia irregularly and that their transfer to Greece was precluded by systemic flaws in the asylum procedure in that Member State.

34 The Jafari sisters contested those decisions before the Bundesverwaltungsgericht (Federal Administrative Court, Austria). On 10 October 2016, that court dismissed their applications on the ground, in particular, that, without a visa, their entry into Croatia must be considered irregular in the light of the conditions laid down in the Schengen Borders Code and that no valid argument could be based on the fact they were admitted into Croatia in breach of those conditions.

35 The Jafari sisters brought appeals against that judgment before the referring court on the ground, inter alia, that they had been admitted into Croatia, Slovenia and Austria in accordance with Article 5(4)(c) of the Schengen Borders Code.

36 In those circumstances, the Verwaltungsgerichtshof (Upper Administrative Court, Austria) decided to stay the proceedings and to refer the following questions to the Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling:

'(1) Is it necessary, for the purpose of understanding Article 2(m) and Articles 12 and 13 of [the Dublin III] Regulation, for other acts, linked to that regulation, to be taken into account, or are those provisions to be interpreted independently of such acts?

(2) In the event that the provisions of the Dublin III Regulation are to be interpreted independently of other acts:

(a) In the circumstances of the cases in the main proceedings, which are characterised by the fact that they fall within a period in which the national authorities of the States principally involved were faced with an unusually large number of people demanding transit through their territory, is the entry into the territory of a Member State, where such entry is de facto tolerated by that Member State and was intended to be solely for the purpose of transit through that Member State and the lodging of an application for international protection in another Member State, to be regarded as a "visa" within the meaning of Article 2(m) and Article 12 of the Dublin III Regulation?

If question 2(a) is answered in the affirmative:

(b) Must it be assumed, in the light of the fact that entry is de facto tolerated for the purpose of transit, that the "visa" ceased to be valid upon departure from the Member State concerned?

(c) Must it be assumed, in the light of the fact that entry is de facto tolerated for the purpose of transit, that the "visa" continues to be valid if departure from the Member State concerned has not yet taken place, or does the "visa" cease to be valid, notwithstanding non-departure, at the point at which an applicant finally abandons his plan to travel to another Member State?

(d) Does the applicant's abandonment of his plan to travel to the Member State which he originally envisaged as being his destination mean that a fraud can be said to have been committed after the "visa" had been issued, within the meaning of Article 12(5) of the Dublin III Regulation, so that the Member State issuing the "visa" is not to be responsible?

If question 2(a) is answered in the negative:

(e) Is the expression used in Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, "has irregularly crossed the border into a Member State by land, sea or air having come from a third country", to be interpreted as meaning that, in the special circumstances of the cases in the main proceedings referred to, an irregular crossing of the external border is to be regarded as not having taken place?

(3) In the event that the provisions of the Dublin III Regulation are to be interpreted taking other acts into account:

(a) In assessing whether, for the purposes of Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, there has been an "irregular crossing" of the border, must regard be had in particular to the question whether the entry conditions under the Schengen Borders Code - notably under Article 5 of [that act], which is particularly relevant to the cases in the main proceedings, given the timing of the entry - have been fulfilled?

If question 3(a) is answered in the negative:

(b) Of which provisions of EU law is particular account to be taken when assessing whether there has been an "irregular crossing" of the border for the purposes of Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation?

If question 3(a) is answered in the affirmative:

(c) In the circumstances of the cases in the main proceedings, which are characterised by the fact that they fall within a period in which the national authorities of the States principally involved were faced with an unusually large number of people demanding transit through their territory, is the entry into the territory of a Member State, where such entry is, without any assessment of the circumstances of individual cases, de facto tolerated by that Member State and was intended to be solely for the purpose of transit through that Member State and the lodging of an application for international protection in another Member State, to be regarded as authorisation to enter within the meaning of Article 5(4)(c) of the Schengen Borders Code?

If questions 3(a) and (c) are answered in the affirmative:

(d) Does authorisation to enter pursuant to Article 5(4)(c) of the Schengen Borders Code mean that an authorisation comparable to a visa within the meaning of Article 5(1)(b) of the Schengen Borders Code, and thus a "visa" under Article 2(m) of the Dublin III Regulation, must be deemed to exist, so that, when applying the provisions for establishing the Member State responsible under the Dublin III Regulation, regard must be had also to Article 12 of that regulation?

If questions 3(a), (c) and (d) are answered in the affirmative:

(e) Must it be assumed, in the light of the fact that entry is de facto tolerated for the purpose of transit, that the "visa" ceased to be valid upon departure from the Member State concerned?

(f) Must it be assumed, in the light of the fact that entry is de facto tolerated for the purpose of transit, that the "visa" continues to be valid if departure from the Member State concerned has not yet taken place, or does the "visa" cease to be valid, notwithstanding non-departure, at the point at which an applicant finally abandons his plan to travel to another Member State?

(g) Does the applicant's abandonment of his plan to travel to the Member State which he originally envisaged as being his destination mean that a fraud can be said to have been committed after the "visa" had been issued, within the meaning of Article 12(5) of the Dublin III Regulation, so that the Member State issuing the "visa" is not to be responsible?

If questions 3(a) and (c) are answered in the affirmative, but question 3(d) is answered in the negative:

(h) Is the expression used in Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, "has irregularly crossed the border into a Member State by land, sea or air having come from a third country", to be interpreted as meaning that, in the special circumstances of the cases in the main proceedings referred to, a border crossing which is to be categorised as authorised entry for the purposes of Article 5(4)(c) of the Schengen Borders Code is not to be regarded as an irregular crossing of the external border?'

Procedure before the Court

37 In its order for reference, the referring court requested that the case be determined under the expedited procedure provided for in Article 105 of the Court's Rules of Procedure.

38 By order of the President of the Court of 15 February 2017, Jafari (C646/16, not published, EU:C:2017:138), the President of the Court granted that request.

Consideration of the questions referred

39 As a preliminary matter, it should be noted that, in so far as Article 2(m) and Articles 12 and 13 of the Dublin III Regulation concern aspects of border control and immigration policies which are governed by separate EU acts, it is appropriate, for the purpose of answering the first question, to assess the relevancy of those acts separately as regards, on the one hand, the interpretation of Article 2(m) and Article 12 of the Dublin III Regulation and, on the other hand, the interpretation of Article 13 of that regulation.

Questions 1, 2(a) and 3(d)

40 By questions 1, 2(a) and 3(d), which it is appropriate to consider together, the referring court asks, in essence, whether Article 12 of the Dublin III Regulation, read in conjunction with Article 2(m) thereof and, if relevant, with the provisions of the Visa Code, must be interpreted as meaning that the fact that the authorities of one Member State, faced with the arrival of an unusually large number of third-country nationals seeking transit through that Member State in order to lodge an application for international protection in another Member State, tolerate the entry into its territory of such nationals who do not fulfil the entry conditions generally imposed in the first Member State, is tantamount to the issuing of a 'visa' within the meaning of Article 12 of the Dublin III Regulation.

41 It follows, in particular, from Article 3(1) and Article 7(1) of the Dublin III Regulation that the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection is, in principle, the Member State indicated by the criteria set out in Chapter III of the regulation (see, to that effect, judgment of 7 June 2016, Ghezelbash, C63/15, EU:C:2016:409, paragraph 42).

42 Article 12 of the Dublin III Regulation, which is in Chapter III thereof, provides that, where an applicant for international protection is in possession of a valid visa or a visa which has expired, the Member State which issued the visa is, subject to certain conditions, to be responsible for examining the application for international protection.

43 Article 2(m) of the Dublin III Regulation provides a general definition of the term 'visa' and stipulates that the nature of the visa is to be determined in accordance with more specific definitions relating to long-stay visas, short-stay visas and airport transit visas, respectively.

44 It follows from that provision that the concept of a 'visa', within the meaning of the Dublin III Regulation, covers not only short-stay visas and airport transit visas, the procedures and issuing conditions for which are harmonised by the Visa Code, but also long-stay visas, which do not fall within the scope of that code and may, given the current absence of general measures adopted by the EU legislature on the basis of Article 79(2)(a) TFEU, be issued in accordance with national legislation (see, to that effect, judgment of 7 March 2017, X and X, C638/16 PPU, EU:C:2017:173, paragraphs 41 and 44).

45 In addition, as stated in recitals 36 and 37 of the Visa Code and recital 41 of the Dublin III Regulation, certain Member States which are not bound by that code are nevertheless bound by the regulation. It follows that short-stay or transit visas issued by those Member States without adhering to the rules laid down by that code must nevertheless be regarded as 'visas', within the meaning of Article 2(m) and Article 12 of the Dublin III Regulation.

46 Furthermore, it should be noted that the EU legislature has provided a definition of the term 'visa' in Article 2(m) of the Dublin III Regulation, without referring to the Visa Code or any other EU act specifically governing visas, even though it directly referred to various EU acts in the definitions provided in Article 2(a), (b), (d), (e) and (f) of the Dublin III Regulation.

47 In those circumstances, although the EU acts adopted in the field of visas form part of context to be taken into account in interpreting Article 2(m) and Article 12 of the Dublin III Regulation, the fact remains that the concept of a 'visa', within the meaning of that regulation, cannot be inferred directly from those acts and must be construed on the basis of the specific definition found in Article 2(m) and the general scheme of the regulation.

48 In that regard, that definition stipulates that a visa is the 'authorisation or decision of a Member State' which is 'required for transit or entry' into the territory of that Member State or several Member States. It therefore follows from the actual wording which the EU legislature adopted that, first, the term 'visa' refers to an act formally adopted by a national authority, not to mere tolerance, and, second, a visa is not to be confused with admission to the territory of a Member State, since a visa is required precisely for the purposes of enabling such admission.

49 That conclusion is corroborated by the distinction drawn in Article 2(m) of the Dublin III Regulation between the various categories of visa. Those categories, generally identified by indications on the visa sticker, may be distinguished from one another as the visas falling within those categories are required for the purposes of authorising entry into the territory of a Member State in connection with various types of stay or transit.

50 The context of which Article 12 of the Dublin III Regulation forms part confirms that analysis. Thus, the issuing of a visa - the subject matter of that article along with the issuing of a residence document - is distinguished from actual entry and stay, which form the subject matter of Article 13 of that regulation. In addition, the criterion referred to in Article 14 of the Dublin III Regulation, namely entry without a visa, is indicative of the fact that the EU legislature distinguished entry from the visa itself.

51 That distinction is, moreover, consistent with the overall structure of EU legislation in the fields in question. Whereas provision was made for the rules governing admission into the territory of the Member States, at the time of the facts in the main proceedings, in the Schengen Borders Code, the conditions for issuing visas are set out in separate acts, such as, with respect to short-stay visas, the Visa Code.

52 Furthermore, within the framework established by that legislation, the Member States taking part in its adoption are required to issue visas in a uniform format, in the form of a sticker, both as regards short-stay visas, in accordance with Articles 27 to 29 of the Visa Code, and long-stay visas, in accordance with Article 18(1) of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement. The issuing of a visa for the purposes of that legislation therefore takes a form different from that for the grant of leave to enter, which, in accordance with Article 10(1) of the Schengen Borders Code, takes the form of a stamp on a travel document.

53 In the light of all the foregoing, it must be held that admission to the territory of a Member State, which may merely be tolerated by the authorities of Member State concerned, does not constitute a 'visa' within the meaning of Article 12 of the Dublin III Regulation, read in conjunction with Article 2(m) thereof.

54 The fact that admission to the territory of the Member State concerned occurs in a situation characterised by the arrival of an unusually large number of third-country nationals seeking international protection does not alter that conclusion.

55 First, there is nothing in the Dublin III Regulation to suggest that the term 'visa' should be interpreted differently in such a situation.

56 Second, it should be noted that, while the EU legislature envisaged that measures relating to admission to the territory of a Member State and the issuing of visas may be based on humanitarian grounds, it maintained, in that context, a clear distinction between the two types of measure.

57 Thus, it made a clear distinction between the power to authorise entry into the territory of a Member State on humanitarian grounds, laid down in Article 5(4)(c) of the Schengen Borders Code, and the power to issue, on the same grounds, a visa with limited territorial validity, laid down in Article 25(1)(a) of the Visa Code. While Article 35(4) of the Visa Code does indeed, subject to certain conditions, allow such a visa to be issued at the border, entry into the territory must therefore, in certain cases, be authorised on the basis of Article 5(4)(b) of the Schengen Borders Code, not on the basis of Article 5(4)(c) of that code. In the present case, it is common ground that Article 5(4)(b) of the Schengen Borders Code does not apply.

58 It follows from all the foregoing considerations that the answer to Questions 1, 2(a) and 3(d) is that Article 12 of the Dublin III Regulation, read in conjunction with Article 2(m) of that regulation, must be interpreted as meaning that the fact that the authorities of one Member State, faced with the arrival of an unusually large number of third-country nationals seeking transit through that Member State in order to lodge an application for international protection in another Member State, tolerate the entry into its territory of such nationals who do not fulfil the entry conditions generally imposed in the first Member State, is not tantamount to the issuing of a 'visa' within the meaning of Article 12 of the Dublin III Regulation.

Questions 1, 2(e) and 3(a) to (c) and (h)

59 By questions 1, 2(e) and 3(a) to (c) and (h), which it is appropriate to consider together, the referring court asks, in essence, whether Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, read, if relevant, in conjunction with the provisions of the Schengen Borders Code and the Return Directive, must be interpreted as meaning that a third-country national whose entry was tolerated by the authorities of one Member State faced with the arrival of an unusually large number of third-country nationals seeking transit through that Member State in order to lodge an application for international protection in another Member State, without fulfilling the entry conditions generally imposed in the first Member State, must be regarded as having 'irregularly crossed' the border of the first Member State within the meaning of that provision.

60 Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, which is in Chapter III thereof, headed 'Criteria for determining the Member State responsible', provides, inter alia, that, where an applicant for international protection has irregularly crossed the border into a Member State having come from a third country, the Member State thus entered is to be responsible for examining the application for international protection.

61 The concept of an 'irregular crossing' of the border into a Member State is not defined in the Dublin III Regulation.

62 Nor does such a definition appear in other EU acts in force at the time of the facts in the main proceedings relating to border or immigration control.

63 As regards, in particular, the acts mentioned by the referring court, it should be noted, in the first place, that the Return Directive provides, in Article 3(2) thereof, a definition only of the concept of 'illegal stay', which is not to be confused with that of 'illegal entry' (see, to that effect, judgment of 7 June 2016, Affum, C47/15, EU:C:2016:408, paragraph 60).

64 Similarly, the concept of an 'irregular crossing' of the border of a Member State cannot be construed in the same way as that of an 'illegal stay'.

65 Furthermore, although Article 2(2) of the Return Directive mentions third-country nationals apprehended or intercepted in connection with the 'irregular crossing' of the external border of a Member State, the directive does not provide any indication as to the exact meaning of that concept.

66 In the second place, as the Advocate General noted in point 127 of her Opinion, the Schengen Borders Code does not provide a definition of an 'irregular crossing' of the border of a Member State either.

67 Although the Schengen Borders Code does indeed provide, in Article 4(3) thereof, for the introduction of penalties for the unauthorised crossing of external borders at places other than border crossing points or at times other than the fixed opening hours, that provision addresses a very specific situation which cannot encompass all cases of irregular border crossings.

68 Similarly, while the second sentence of Article 12(1) of the Schengen Borders Code lays down a rule applicable to 'a person who has crossed a border illegally', the code does not provide any clarification as to the definition of an 'irregular crossing' and does not clarify, in particular, whether there is an illegal border crossing where there is infringement of the rules governing external border crossing laid down in Article 4 the Schengen Borders Code, those imposing entry conditions set out in Article 5 thereof, or those relating to external border control which form the subject matter of Chapter II of Title II of the code.

69 In addition, the concept of an 'irregular crossing' of a border is used, in Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, in connection with the specific purpose of that regulation, namely to determine the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection. There is no connection between that purpose and the second sentence of Article 12(1) of the Schengen Borders Code, since that sentence explains the relationship between border surveillance and the implementation of the return procedures provided for in the Return Directive.

70 Furthermore, it should be noted that, as stated in recitals 27 and 28 of the Schengen Borders Code and recital 41 of the Dublin III Regulation, certain Member States which were not bound by that code are, on the other hand, bound by the regulation. It follows that crossing the borders of those Member States must, as the case may be, be regarded as 'regular' or 'irregular' for the purpose of Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, even though admission to the territory of those Member States is not governed by the rules on border crossing and entry laid down in the Schengen Borders Code.

71 Lastly, it should be noted that the EU legislature chose not to mention, in Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, the Return Directive or the Schengen Borders Code, whilst expressly referring to Regulation No 603/2013.

72 In those circumstances, although the EU acts adopted in the fields of border control and immigration form part of the context to be taken into account in interpreting Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, the fact remains that the scope of the concept of an 'irregular crossing' of the border into a Member State within the meaning of that regulation cannot, in principle, be inferred directly from those acts.

73 Consequently, since the Dublin III Regulation does not define that concept, its meaning and scope must, as the Court has consistently held, be determined by considering its usual meaning, while also taking into account the context in which it occurs and the purposes of the rules of which it is part (see, to that effect, judgment of 30 January 2014, Diakite, C285/12, EU:C:2014:39, paragraph 27 and the case-law cited).

74 In the light of the usual meaning of the concept of an 'irregular crossing' of a border, it must be concluded that the crossing of a border without fulfilling the conditions imposed by the legislation applicable in the Member State in question must necessarily be considered 'irregular', within the meaning of Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation.

75 It follows that, where the border crossed is that of a Member State bound by the Schengen Borders Code, whether the crossing is irregular must be determined by taking into account, inter alia, the rules laid down by that code.

76 That is so in the case in the main proceedings since, apart from the first sentence of Article 1, Article 5(4)(a), Title III and the provisions of Title II of the Schengen Borders Code, and its annexes which refer to the Schengen Information System, the provisions of that code apply to the Republic of Croatia, by virtue of Article 4(1) and (2) of the Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Republic of Croatia and the adjustments to the Treaty on European Union, the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (OJ 2012 L 112, p. 21), read in conjunction with paragraph 8 of Annex II thereof.

77 However, the finding in paragraph 74 above is not sufficient for the purpose of providing an exhaustive definition of the concept of an 'irregular crossing' within the meaning of Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation.

78 Regard must therefore be had to the fact that the rules on external border crossing may grant the competent national authorities the power to derogate, on humanitarian grounds, from the entry conditions generally imposed on third-country nationals in order to ensure that their future stay in the Member States is lawful.

79 A power of that nature is provided for, inter alia, in Article 5(4)(c) of the Schengen Borders Code, which allows the Member States taking part in that code to authorise, by way of derogation, third-country nationals who do not fulfil one or more of the entry conditions generally imposed on those nationals to enter their territory on humanitarian grounds, on grounds of national interest or because of international obligations.

80 That said, it should be noted, first of all, that Article 5(4)(c) of the Schengen Borders Code stipulates, unlike Article 5(4)(b) of that code, that such authorisation is valid only in respect of the territory of the Member State concerned, not the territory 'of the Member States' as a whole. Consequently, the former provision cannot have the effect of regularising the crossing of a border by a third-country national, admitted by the authorities of a Member State for the sole purpose of enabling the transit of that national to another Member State in order to lodge an application for international protection there.

81 Next, and in any event, in the light of the answer to Questions 1, 2(a) and 3(d), the exercise of a power such as that provided for in Article 5(4)(c) of the Schengen Borders Code cannot be construed as the issuing of a visa within the meaning of Article 12 of the Dublin III Regulation.

82 Similarly, since the exercise of such a power has no bearing on the fact that the third-country national concerned may need to have a visa, an entry authorised in that context cannot be regarded as an entry into the territory of a Member State in which the need for the person concerned to have a visa is waived, for the purposes of Article 14 of the Dublin III Regulation.

83 Consequently, if it were accepted that the entry of a third-country national authorised by a Member State on humanitarian grounds by way of derogation from the entry conditions generally imposed on third-country nationals is not an irregular crossing of the border into that Member State within the meaning of Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, that would imply that that Member State, by exercising such a power, is not responsible for examining the application for international protection lodged by that national in another Member State.

84 However, such a conclusion would be inconsistent with the general scheme and objectives of the Dublin III Regulation.

85 Recital 25 of the Dublin III Regulation thus refers, inter alia, to the direct link between the responsibility criteria established in a spirit of solidarity and common efforts towards the management of external borders, which are undertaken, as stated in recital 6 of the Schengen Borders Code, in the interest not only of the Member State at whose external borders the border control is carried out but also of all Member States which have abolished internal border control.

86 In that context, it is apparent from the relationship between Articles 12 and 14 of the Dublin III Regulation that those articles cover, in principle, all the situations entailing lawful entry into the territory of the Member States, since, in the normal course of events, the lawful entry of a third-country national into that territory is based either on a visa or residence permit, or on waiver of the need to obtain a visa.

87 The application of the various criteria laid down in those articles, and in Article 13 of the Dublin III Regulation, should, as a general rule, enable the responsibility for examining an application for international protection that may be lodged by a third-country national to be allocated to the Member State which that national first entered or stayed in upon entering in the territory of the Member States.

88 In that regard, it is to be noted that that idea is expressly set out in the explanatory memorandum to Commission Proposal (COM(2008) 820 final) of 3 December 2008, which led to the adoption of the Dublin III Regulation and which reproduces, in that regard, what had previously been stated in the explanatory memorandum to Commission Proposal (COM(2001) 447 final), which led to the adoption of Council Regulation (EC) No 343/2003 of 18 February 2003 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an asylum application lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national (OJ 2003 L 50, p. 1). The latter explanatory memorandum also specified that the criteria established by Regulation No 343/2003, which included the irregular crossing of the border of a Member State, were based, inter alia, on the idea that each Member State is answerable to all the other Member States for its actions concerning the entry and residence of third-country nationals and must bear the consequences thereof in a spirit of solidarity and fair cooperation.

89 In the light of the foregoing, the criteria laid down in Articles 12 to 14 of the Dublin III Regulation cannot, without calling into question the overall scheme of that regulation, be interpreted to the effect that a Member State is absolved of its responsibility where it has decided to authorise, on humanitarian grounds, the entry into its territory of a third-country national who does not have a visa and is not entitled to waiver of a visa.

90 Furthermore, the fact that, as in the present case, the third-country national in question entered the territory of the Member States under the watch of the competent authorities without in any way evading border control is not decisive for the application of Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation.

91 The purpose of the responsibility criteria set out in Articles 12 to 14 of the Dublin III Regulation is not to penalise unlawful conduct on the part of the third-country national in question but to determine the Member State responsible by taking into account the role played by that Member State when that national entered the territory of the Member States.

92 It follows that a third-country national admitted into the territory of one Member State, without fulfilling the entry conditions generally imposed in that Member State, for the purpose of transit to another Member State in order to lodge an application for international protection there, must be regarded as having 'irregularly crossed' the border of that first Member State within the meaning of Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, irrespective of whether that crossing was tolerated or authorised in breach of the applicable rules or whether it was authorised on humanitarian grounds by way of derogation from the entry conditions generally imposed on third-country nationals.

93 The fact that the border crossing occurred in a situation characterised by the arrival of an unusually large number of third-country nationals seeking international protection cannot affect the interpretation or application of Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation.

94 It should be noted, in the first place, that the EU legislature has taken account of the risk that such a situation may occur and therefore provided the Member States with means intended to be capable of responding to that situation appropriately, without, however, providing for the application, in that case, of a specific body of rules for determining the Member State responsible.

95 Thus, Article 33 of the Dublin III Regulation establishes a mechanism for early warning, preparedness and crisis management designed to implement preventive action plans in order, inter alia, to prevent the application of that regulation being jeopardised due to a substantiated risk of particular pressure being placed on a Member State's asylum system.

96 In parallel, Article 3(1) of the Dublin III Regulation provides for the application of the procedure established by that regulation to any application for international protection by a third-country national or a stateless person on the territory of any one of the Member States, without precluding applications which are lodged in a situation characterised by the arrival of an unusually large number of third-country nationals seeking international protection.

97 In the second place, that type of situation is specifically governed by Directive 2001/55, Article 18 of which states that, in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons, the criteria and mechanisms for deciding which Member State is responsible are to apply.

98 In the third place, Article 78(3) TFEU empowers the Council of the European Union, on a proposal from the European Commission and after consulting the European Parliament, to adopt provisional measures for the benefit of one or more Member State confronted by an emergency situation characterised by a sudden inflow of third-country nationals.

99 Accordingly, the Council has previously adopted, on the basis of Article 78(3) TFEU, Council Decisions (EU) 2015/1523 of 14 September 2015 establishing provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and of Greece (OJ 2015 L 239, p. 146) and (EU) 2015/1601 of 22 September 2015 establishing provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and Greece (OJ 2015 L 248, p. 80).

100 In the fourth place, irrespective of whether such measures are adopted, the taking charge in a Member State of an unusually large number of third-country nationals seeking international protection may also be facilitated by the exercise by other Member States - unilaterally or bilaterally with the Member State concerned in a spirit of solidarity, which, in accordance with Article 80 TFEU, underlies the Dublin III Regulation - of the power provided for in Article 17(1) of that regulation, to decide to examine applications for international protection lodged with them, even if such examination is not their responsibility under the criteria laid down in that regulation.

101 In any event, it should be noted that, under the second subparagraph of Article 3(2) of the Dublin III Regulation and Article 4 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, an applicant for international protection must not be transferred to the Member State responsible where that transfer entails a genuine risk that the person concerned may suffer inhuman or degrading treatment within the meaning of Article 4 of the Charter (see, to that effect, judgment of 16 February 2017, C. K. and Others, C578/16 PPU, EU:C:2017:127, paragraph 65). Such an applicant cannot therefore be transferred if, following the arrival of an unusually large number of third-country nationals seeking international protection, such a risk existed in the Member State responsible.

102 It follows from all the foregoing considerations that the answer to Questions 1, 2(e) and 3(a) to (c) and (h) is that Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation must be interpreted as meaning that a third-country national whose entry was tolerated by the authorities of one Member State faced with the arrival of an unusually large number of third-country nationals seeking transit through that Member State in order to lodge an application for international protection in another Member State, without fulfilling the entry conditions generally imposed in the first Member State, must be regarded as having 'irregularly crossed' the border of the first Member State within the meaning of that provision.

Questions 2(b) to (d) and 3(e) to (g)

103 In the light of the answer to the other questions, it is not necessary to answer Questions 2(b) to (d) or 3(e) to (g).

Costs

104 Since these proceedings are, for the parties to the main proceedings, a step in the action pending before the national court, the decision on costs is a matter for that court. Costs incurred in submitting observations to the Court, other than the costs of those parties, are not recoverable.

On those grounds, the Court (Grand Chamber) hereby rules:

1. Article 12 of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person, read in conjunction with Article 2(m) of that regulation, must be interpreted as meaning that the fact that the authorities of one Member State, faced with the arrival of an unusually large number of third-country nationals seeking transit through that Member State in order to lodge an application for international protection in another Member State, tolerate the entry into its territory of such nationals who do not fulfil the entry conditions generally imposed in the first Member State, is not tantamount to the issuing of a 'visa' within the meaning of Article 12 of Regulation No 604/2013.

2. Article 13(1) of Regulation No 604/2013 must be interpreted as meaning that a third-country national whose entry was tolerated by the authorities of one Member State faced with the arrival of an unusually large number of third-country nationals seeking transit through that Member State in order to lodge an application for international protection in another Member State, without fulfilling the entry conditions generally imposed in the first Member State, must be regarded as having 'irregularly crossed' the border of the first Member State within the meaning of that provision.

[Signatures]

Language of the case: German.

Copyright notice: Cour de justice des Communautes europeennes L-2925 Luxembourg. Telephone switchboard: (352) 4303.1; fax: (352) 4303.2600
Daher Muse Ahmed v Bundesrepublik Deutschland

Publisher European Union: Court of Justice of the European Union Publication Date 5 April 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Case C-36/17 Cite as Daher Muse Ahmed v Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Case C-36/17, European Union: Court of Justice of the European Union, 5 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/cases,ECJ,598dcc834.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.

ORDER OF THE COURT (Third Chamber)

5 April 2017 ( )

(Request for a preliminary ruling - Article 99 of the Rules of Procedure of the Court of Justice - Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 - Determination of the Member State responsible for examining an application for asylum lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national - Application for international protection made by a third-country national benefiting from the status conferred by subsidiary protection - Applicability of the take-back procedure)

In Case C36/17,

REQUEST for a preliminary ruling under Article 267 TFEU from the Verwaltungsgericht Minden (Administrative Court, Minden, Germany), made by decision of 19 January 2017, received at the Court on 25 January 2017, in the proceedings

Daher Muse Ahmed

v

Bundesrepublik Deutschland,

THE COURT (Third Chamber),

composed of L. Bay Larsen (Rapporteur), President of the Chamber, M. Vilaras, J. Malenovsky, M. Safjan and D. Svaby, Judges,

Advocate General: E. Sharpston,

Registrar: A. Calot Escobar,

having decided, after hearing the Advocate General, to give a decision by reasoned order, pursuant to Article 99 of the Rules of Procedure of the Court of Justice,

makes the following

Order

1 This request for a preliminary ruling concerns the interpretation of Article 17(1) and Articles 20 to 33 of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person (OJ 2013 L 180, p. 31).

2 The request has been made in proceedings between Mr Daher Muse Ahmed and the Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Federal Republic of Germany), represented by the Bundesamt fur Migration und Fluchtlinge (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, Germany, 'the Office') concerning the latter's decision to reject his application for asylum, declaring that there were no grounds preventing his deportation to Italy, informing him that he could be deported to that Member State if he did not leave Germany, and imposing a ban on his entry and residence of 30 months from the date of deportation.

Legal context

Regulation No 604/2013

3 Recitals 4 and 5 of Regulation No 604/2013 state:

'(4) The Tampere conclusions  stated that [the Common European Asylum System] should include, in the short term, a clear and workable method for determining the Member State responsible for the examination of an asylum application.

(5) Such a method should be based on objective, fair criteria both for the Member States and for the persons concerned. It should, in particular, make it possible to determine rapidly the Member State responsible, so as to guarantee effective access to the procedures for granting international protection and not to compromise the objective of the rapid processing of applications for international protection.'

4 Article 1 of Regulation No 604/2013 provides:

'This Regulation lays down the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person '

5 Article 2(b) and (c) of that regulation are worded as follows:

'For the purposes of this Regulation:



(b) "application for international protection" means an application for international protection as defined in Article 2(h) of Directive 2011/95/EU [of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection, for a uniform status for refugees or for persons eligible for subsidiary protection, and for the content of the protection granted (OJ 2011 L 337, p. 9)];

(c) "applicant" means a third-country national or a stateless person who has made an application for international protection in respect of which a final decision has not yet been taken.'

6 Article 18(1) of that regulation provides:

'The Member State responsible under this Regulation shall be obliged to:



(b) take back, under the conditions laid down in Articles 23, 24, 25 and 29, an applicant whose application is under examination and who made an application in another Member State or who is on the territory of another Member State without a residence document;

(c) take back, under the conditions laid down in Articles 23, 24, 25 and 29, a third-country national or a stateless person who has withdrawn the application under examination and made an application in another Member State or who is on the territory of another Member State without a residence document;

(d) take back, under the conditions laid down in Articles 23, 24, 25 and 29, a third-country national or a stateless person whose application has been rejected and who made an application in another Member State or who is on the territory of another Member State without a residence document.'

7 Article 20(1) of Regulation No 604/2013 provides:

'The process of determining the Member State responsible under this Regulation shall start as soon as an application for asylum is first lodged with a Member State.'

8 Article 23(1) to (3) of that regulation provides:

'1. Where a Member State with which a person as referred to in Article 18(1)(b), (c) or (d) has lodged a new application for international protection considers that another Member State is responsible in accordance with Article 20(5) and Article 18(1)(b), (c) or (d), it may request that other Member State to take back that person.

2. A take back request shall be made as quickly as possible and in any event within two months of receiving the Eurodac hit 

If the take back request is based on evidence other than data obtained from the Eurodac system, it shall be sent to the requested Member State within three months of the date on which the application for international protection was lodged within the meaning of Article 20(2).

3. Where the take back request is not made within the periods laid down in paragraph 2, responsibility for examining the application for international protection shall lie with the Member State in which the new application was lodged.'

9 Article 24(1), (2) and (4) of that regulation provides:

'1. Where a Member State on whose territory a person as referred to in Article 18(1)(b), (c) or (d) is staying without a residence document and with which no new application for international protection has been lodged considers that another Member State is responsible in accordance with Article 20(5) and Article 18(1)(b), (c) or (d), it may request that other Member State to take back that person.

2. By way of derogation from Article 6(2) of Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals [OJ 2008 L 348, p. 98], where a Member State on whose territory a person is staying without a residence document decides to search the Eurodac system  the request to take back a person as referred to in Article 18(1)(b) or (c) of this Regulation, or a person as referred to in its Article 18(1)(d) whose application for international protection has not been rejected by a final decision, shall be made as quickly as possible and in any event within two months of receipt of the Eurodac hit 



4. Where a person as referred to in Article 18(1)(d) of this Regulation whose application for international protection has been rejected by a final decision in one Member State is on the territory of another Member State without a residence document, the latter Member State may either request the former Member State to take back the person concerned or carry out a return procedure in accordance with Directive 2008/115/EC.

'

10 Article 26(1) of that regulation states as follows:

'Where the requested Member State accepts  to take back an applicant or other person as referred to in Article 18(1)(c) or (d), the requesting Member State shall notify the person concerned of the decision to transfer him or her to the Member State responsible and, where applicable, of not examining his or her application for international protection. '

Directive 2013/32/EU

11 Article 10(2) of Directive 2013/32/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on common procedures for granting and withdrawing international protection (OJ 2013 L 180, p. 60), provides:

'When examining applications for international protection, the determining authority shall first determine whether the applicants qualify as refugees and, if not, determine whether the applicants are eligible for subsidiary protection.'

12 Article 33 of that directive, entitled 'Inadmissible applications', is worded as follows:

'1. In addition to cases in which an application is not examined in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, Member States are not required to examine whether the applicant qualifies for international protection in accordance with Directive 2011/95/EU where an application is considered inadmissible pursuant to this Article.

2. Member States may consider an application for international protection as inadmissible only if:

(a) another Member State has granted international protection;

'

The dispute in the main proceedings and the questions referred for a preliminary ruling

13 On 7 December 2015, Mr Ahmed applied for asylum in Germany. He then lodged an application for international protection with the Office on 30 June 2016.

14 As a search on the 'Eurodac' system showed that Mr Ahmed had already applied for international protection in Italy on 17 October 2013, the Office requested the Italian authorities, on 25 August 2016, to take him back on the basis of Regulation No 604/2013.

15 By letter of 9 September 2016, the Italian authorities refused that request for a take-back on the grounds that Mr Ahmed benefits from subsidiary protection in Italy, so that his transfer there should take place in accordance with the readmission agreements in force.

16 By decision of 25 November 2016, the Office rejected Mr Ahmed's application for asylum on the ground that it was inadmissible, found there were no grounds preventing his deportation to Italy, informed him that he could be deported to that Member State if he did not leave Germany, and imposed a ban on his entry and residence for 30 months from the date of deportation.

17 Mr Ahmed challenged that decision before the referring court.

18 That court has doubts as to whether the provisions of Regulation No 604/2013 relating to the take-back procedure for a third-country national benefiting from subsidiary protection in another Member State are applicable.

19 However, if they are in fact applicable to a situation such as that at issue in the main proceedings, that court asks whether, in such a situation, an asylum seeker may rely on the expiry of the time limits for submitting a request for a take-back laid down in Article 23(2) of Regulation No 604/2013. It also asks about the detailed rules for calculating those time limits and the possible effects of delays to the making of a request for a take-back on the determination of the Member State responsible for the examination of the asylum application.

20 In those circumstances, the Verwaltungsgericht Minden (Administrative Court, Minden, Germany) decided to stay the proceedings and to refer the following questions to the Court for a preliminary ruling:

'(1) Are Articles 20 to 33 of Regulation No 604/2013 applicable to asylum applicants to whom subsidiary protection has already been granted in a Member State?

If the answer to Question 1 is in the affirmative,

(2) May an asylum applicant claim a transfer of responsibility to the requesting Member State by reason of the expiry of the period for making the take back request (Article 23(3) of Regulation No 604/2013)?

(3) If Question 2 is to be answered in the affirmative: may an asylum applicant claim a transfer of responsibility even if the requested Member State is still willing to take charge of him?

(4) If Question 3 is to be answered in the negative: can it be inferred from the express consent or the deemed consent (Article 25(2) of Regulation No 604/2013) of the requested Member State that the requested Member State is still willing to take charge of the asylum applicant?

(5) Can the two-month period provided for in the second subparagraph of Article 23(2) of Regulation No 604/2013 end after the expiry of the three-month period provided for in the first subparagraph of Article 23(2), second subparagraph, of Regulation No 604/2013 if the requesting Member State allows more than one month to pass after the beginning of the three-month period before it makes a request to the Eurodac database?

(6) Is an application for international protection deemed to have been lodged for the purposes of Article 20(2) of Regulation No 604/2013 when a certificate of registration as an asylum seeker is first issued, only when that certificate or the essential information contained therein is received by the Federal Office or only when a formal asylum application is recorded? In particular:

(a) Is the certificate of registration as an asylum seeker a form or a report within the meaning of Article 20(2) of Regulation No 604/2013?

(b) Is the competent authority within the meaning of Article 20(2) of Regulation No 604/2013 the authority responsible for receiving the form or for preparing the report or the authority responsible for the decision on the asylum application?

(c) Has a report prepared by the authorities reached the competent authority even if that authority was informed of the main content of the form or the report, or must the original or a copy of the report be communicated to it for that purpose?

(7) Can delays between the first request for asylum or the first issue of a certificate of registration as an asylum seeker and the submission of a take-back request lead to a transfer of responsibility to the requesting Member State by analogous application of the third subparagraph of Article 23(3) of Regulation No 604/2013 or require the requesting Member State to exercise its right to assume responsibility pursuant to the first subparagraph of Article 17(1) of Regulation No 604/2013?

(8) If Question 7 is to be answered in the affirmative in respect of either alternative: from what time can there be considered to be an unreasonable delay in submitting a take-back request?

(9) Does a take-back request in which the requesting Member State indicates only the date of entry into the requesting Member State and the date of submission of the formal asylum application, but not also the date of the first request for asylum or the date of first issue of a certificate of registration as an asylum seeker, comply with the time limit provided for in the first and second subparagraphs of Article 23(2) of Regulation No 604/2013, or is such a request "ineffective"?'

Consideration of the questions referred

21 Pursuant to Article 99 of its Rules of Procedure, where the answer to the question referred for a preliminary ruling admits of no reasonable doubt, the Court may at any time, on a proposal from the Judge-Rapporteur and after hearing the Advocate General, decide to rule by reasoned order.

22 That provision must be applied in the present case.

23 Given that the case is to be dealt with by the present order, adopted pursuant to Article 99 of the Rules of Procedure, there is no need to give a ruling on the request for an expedited procedure.

The first question

24 By its first question, the referring court asks essentially whether the provisions and principles of Regulation No 604/2013 governing, directly or indirectly, the time limits for making a request for a take-back are applicable in a situation, such as that at issue in the main proceedings, in which a third-country national has lodged an application for international protection in one Member State after being granted the benefit of subsidiary protection by another Member State.

25 In that connection, it must be stated that those rules, which are intended to govern the conduct of the take-back procedure laid down by that regulation by ensuring that a take-back request is made within a reasonable time, are not, by nature, applicable to situations in which such a procedure may, in principle, be properly brought in accordance with that regulation.

26 The scope of application of the take-back procedure is defined in Articles 23 and 24 of Regulation No 604/2013. While Article 24 of that regulation concerns cases in which no new application for international protection has been lodged in the requesting Member State, Article 23 thereof governs situations, such as that at issue in the main proceedings, in which such a request has been lodged in that Member State.

27 It follows from Article 23(1) of that regulation that, in such situations, the take-back procedure may cover only the transfer of a person referred to in Article 18(1)(b), (c) or (d) thereof.

28 Those three provisions refer, respectively, to an applicant whose application is being examined, a third-country national or stateless person who has withdrawn his request which was being examined, and a third-country national or stateless person whose application has been rejected.

29 Since the fact that a third-country national benefits from the status conferred by subsidiary protection granted by a Member State other than that which is determining the Member State responsible cannot be construed as meaning that an application lodged by that third-country national is being examined or has been withdrawn in another Member State, it must be determined whether such a person may be regarded as a third-country national whose application has been rejected.

30 In that connection, it must be observed that Article 18(1)(d) of Regulation No 604/2013 does not indicate whether the unsuccessful 'application' referred to is an application for international protection or asylum strictu sensu.

31 If that provision were to be interpreted as referring to the rejection of an asylum application, it could be applied to a third-country national benefiting from the status granted by subsidiary protection since, pursuant to Article 10(2) of Directive 2013/32, that status may be granted only after determining that the applicant does not satisfy the conditions for granting refugee status.

32 However, that interpretation of Article 18(1)(d) of Regulation No 604/2013 cannot be accepted.

33 That interpretation would amount to an acknowledgment that the EU legislature used the term 'application' in several different ways in that provision, since the reference in that provision, to the fact that the person concerned 'made an application in another Member State' necessarily refers, in the light of Article 1 and Article 20(1) thereof, to the lodging of an application for international protection.

34 Furthermore, it is apparent from the Court's settled case-law that, in interpreting a provision of EU law, it is necessary to consider not only its wording but also the context in which it occurs and the objectives pursued by the rules of which it is part (judgment of 19 December 2013, Koushkaki, C84/12, EU:C:2013:862, paragraph 34).

35 In that connection, it must be observed that Article 2(c) of Regulation No 604/2013 defines the term 'applicant' as referring to a third-country national or stateless person 'who has made an application for international protection in respect of which a final decision has not yet been taken'.

36 Similarly, although that regulation does not directly define the term 'applicant', Article 2(b) thereof defines the concept of 'application for international protection'. The provisions of that regulation also use, in a general manner, the terms 'application' and 'application for international protection' interchangeably, without making any reference to an application for asylum, unlike Council Regulation (EC) No 343/2003 of 18 February 2003 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an asylum application lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national (OJ 2003 L 50, p. 1).

37 Furthermore, with a view to identifying the regime applicable to a person covered by Article 18(1)(d) of Regulation No 604/2013 where he has not lodged a new application for international protection, Article 24(2) and (4) thereof make express reference to whether or not the decision rejecting the 'application for international protection' lodged by that person is final.

38 Moreover, Article 33 of Directive 2013/32 clearly distinguishes the cases in which an application for international protection is not examined in accordance with Regulation No 604/2013 from those in which such an application may be rejected as inadmissible because 'another Member State has granted international protection'.

39 The EU legislator therefore considered that the rejection of an application for international protection lodged by a third-country national, such as that at issue in the main proceedings, had to be made by a decision of inadmissibility under that directive, pursuant to Article 33 thereof, rather than by means of a decision to transfer and not to examine the application, pursuant to Article 26 of Regulation No 604/2013, which gives rise to certain consequences, in particular as regards the legal remedies available against the decision rejecting the application.

40 That finding is not such as to hinder the attainment of the objectives mentioned in recital 5 of that regulation which are, first, to guarantee effective access to the procedures for granting international protection and, second, not to compromise the objective of the rapid processing of applications for international protection, since a third-country national such as the person concerned in the main proceedings already benefits from international protection.

41 Therefore, it follows from Article 23(1) of Regulation No 604/2013, read together with Article 18(1)(d) thereof, that a Member State cannot reasonably request another Member State to take back a third-country national, such as the person concerned in the main proceedings under the procedures defined by that regulation, who has lodged an application for international protection in the first Member State after being granted the benefit of subsidiary protection by the second Member State.

42 Therefore, the answer to the first question is that the provisions and principles of Regulation No 604/2013 governing, directly or indirectly, the time limits for lodging an application for the purposes of a take-back are not applicable in a situation, such as that at issue in the main proceedings, in which a third-country national has lodged an application for international protection in one Member State after being granted the benefit of subsidiary protection by another Member State.

The second and third questions

43 In view of the answer given to the first question, there is no need to answer the second and third questions.

Costs

44 Since these proceedings are, for the parties to the main proceedings, a step in the action pending before the national court, the decision on costs is a matter for that court.

On those grounds, the Court (Third Chamber) hereby rules:

The provisions and principles of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person which govern, directly or indirectly, the time limits for lodging an application for a take-back are not applicable in a situation, such as that at issue in the main proceedings, in which a third-country national has lodged an application for international protection in one Member State after being granted the benefit of subsidiary protection by another Member State.

[Signatures]

Language of the case: German.

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Tsegezab Mengesteab v Bundesrepublik Deutschland

Publisher European Union: Court of Justice of the European Union Publication Date 26 July 2017 Citation / Document Symbol C670/16 Cite as Tsegezab Mengesteab v Bundesrepublik Deutschland, C670/16, European Union: Court of Justice of the European Union, 26 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/cases,ECJ,598dd0804.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.

JUDGMENT OF THE COURT (Grand Chamber)

26 July 2017 ( )

(Reference for a preliminary ruling - Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 - Determination of the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection made in one of the Member States by a third-country national - Article 20 - Start of the determination process - Lodging an application for international protection - Report prepared by the authorities that reached the competent authorities - Article 21(1) - Time limits for making a take charge request - Transfer of responsibility to another Member State - Article 27 - Remedy - Scope of judicial review)

In Case C670/16,

REQUEST for a preliminary ruling under Article 267 TFEU from the Verwaltungsgericht Minden (Administrative Court, Minden, Germany), made by decision of 22 December 2016, received at the Court on 29 December 2016, in the proceedings

Tsegezab Mengesteab

v

Bundesrepublik Deutschland,

THE COURT (Grand Chamber),

composed of K. Lenaerts, President, A. Tizzano, Vice-President, R. Silva de Lapuerta, M. Ilesic and L. Bay Larsen (Rapporteur), Presidents of Chambers, E. Levits, J.-C. Bonichot, A. Arabadjiev, C. Toader, M. Safjan, C.G. Fernlund, C. Vajda, S. Rodin, F. Biltgen and K. Jurimae, Judges,

Advocate General: E. Sharpston,

Registrar: C. Stromholm, Administrator,

having regard to the written procedure and further to the hearing on 25 April 2017,

after considering the observations submitted on behalf of:

- Mr Mengesteab, by D. Ottembrino, Rechtsanwaltin,

- the German Government, by T. Henze and R. Kanitz, acting as Agents,

- the Hungarian Government, by M.Z. Feher and M.M. Tatrai, acting as Agents,

- the United Kingdom Government, by C. Crane, acting as Agent, and by D. Blundell, Barrister,

- the European Commission, by M. Condou-Durande and G. Wils, acting as Agents,

after hearing the Opinion of the Advocate General at the sitting on 20 June 2017,

gives the following

Judgment

1 This request for a preliminary ruling concerns the interpretation of Article 17(1), Article 20(2), Article 21(1) and Article 22(7) of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person (OJ 2013 L 180, p. 31, 'the Dublin III Regulation').

2 The request has been made in proceedings between Mr Tsegezab Mengesteab, an Eritrean national, and the Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Federal Republic of Germany), represented by the Bundesamt fur Migration und Fluchtlinge (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, Germany), ('the Office'), concerning the latter's decision to reject the application for asylum which Mr Mengesteab had made, in which it declared that there were no grounds preventing his deportation, ordered his transfer to Italy and imposed a prohibition on his entry and residence of 6 months from the date of his removal.

Legal context

European Union law

Regulation (EC) No 343/2003

3 Council Regulation (EC) No 343/2003 of 18 February 2003 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an asylum application lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national (OJ 2003 L 50, p. 1) was repealed and replaced by the Dublin III Regulation.

4 Article 4(2) of Regulation No 343/2003 provided:

'An application for asylum shall be deemed to have been lodged once a form submitted by the applicant for asylum or a report prepared by the authorities has reached the competent authorities of the Member State concerned. Where an application is not made in writing, the time elapsing between the statement of intention and the preparation of a report should be as short as possible.'

Regulation (EC) No 1560/2003

5 Paragraph 7 of Part I of List A in Annex II to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1560/2003 of 2 September 2003 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 343/2003 (OJ 2003 L 222, p. 3), as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 118/2014 of 30 January 2014 (OJ 2014 L 39, p. 1), refers, amongst the evidence of illegal entry at an external frontier, to a 'positive match by Eurodac from a comparison of the fingerprints of the applicant with fingerprints taken pursuant to Article 14 of [Regulation (EU) No 603/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on the establishment of Eurodac for the comparison of fingerprints for the effective application of Regulation No 604/2013 and on requests for the comparison with Eurodac data by Member States' law enforcement authorities and Europol for law enforcement purposes, and amending Regulation (EU) No 1077/2011 establishing a European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (OJ 2013 L 180, p. 1)].'

Directive 2013/33/EU

6 Article 6(1) to (4) of Directive 2013/32/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on common procedures for granting and withdrawing international protection (OJ 2013 L 180, p. 60, 'the Procedures Directive'), provides:

'1. When a person makes an application for international protection to an authority competent under national law for registering such applications, the registration shall take place no later than three working days after the application is made.

If the application for international protection is made to other authorities which are likely to receive such applications, but not competent for the registration under national law, Member States shall ensure that the registration shall take place no later than six working days after the application is made.



2. Member States shall ensure that a person who has made an application for international protection has an effective opportunity to lodge it as soon as possible. 

3. Without prejudice to paragraph 2, Member States may require that applications for international protection be lodged in person and/or at a designated place.

4. Notwithstanding paragraph 3, an application for international protection shall be deemed to have been lodged once a form submitted by the applicant or, where provided for in national law, an official report, has reached the competent authorities of the Member State concerned.'

7 Article 31(3) of that directive provides:

'Member States shall ensure that the examination procedure is concluded within six months of the lodging of the application.

Where an application is subject to the procedure laid down in [the Dublin III Regulation], the time limit of six months shall start to run from the moment the Member State responsible for its examination is determined in accordance with that Regulation, the applicant is on the territory of that Member State and has been taken in charge by the competent authority.

'

Directive 2013/33/EU

8 Article 6(1) of Directive 2013/33/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 laying down standards for the reception of applicants for international protection (OJ 2013 L 180, p. 96), states:

'Member States shall ensure that, within three days of the lodging of an application for international protection, the applicant is provided with a document issued in his or her own name certifying his or her status as an applicant or testifying that he or she is allowed to stay on the territory of the Member State while his or her application is pending or being examined.

'

9 Article 14(2) of that directive provides:

'Access to the education system shall not be postponed for more than three months from the date on which the application for international protection was lodged by or on behalf of the minor.

'

10 Article 17(1) of that directive is worded as follows:

'Member States shall ensure that material reception conditions are available to applicants when they make their application for international protection.'

Eurodac Regulation

11 Article 9(1) of Regulation No 603/2013 ('the Eurodac Regulation') provides:

'Each Member State shall promptly take the fingerprints of all fingers of every applicant for international protection of at least 14 years of age and shall, as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours after the lodging of his or her application for international protection, as defined by Article 20(2) of [the Dublin III Regulation], transmit them together with the data referred to in Article 11(b) to (g) of this Regulation to the Central System.

'

12 Article 14(1) of the Eurodac Regulation provides:

'Each Member State shall promptly take the fingerprints of all fingers of every third-country national or stateless person of at least 14 years of age who is apprehended by the competent control authorities in connection with the irregular crossing by land, sea or air of the border of that Member State having come from a third country and who is not turned back or who remains physically on the territory of the Member States and who is not kept in custody, confinement or detention during the entirety of the period between apprehension and removal on the basis of the decision to turn him or her back.'

Dublin III Regulation

13 Recitals 4, 5, 9 and 19 of the Dublin III Regulation state:

'(4) The Tampere conclusions [of the European Council, at its special meeting on 15 and 16 October 1999], ... also stated that [the Common European Asylum System] should include, in the short term, a clear and workable method for determining the Member State responsible for the examination of an asylum application.

(5) Such a method should be based on objective, fair criteria both for the Member States and for the persons concerned. It should, in particular, make it possible to determine rapidly the Member State responsible, so as to guarantee effective access to the procedures granting international protection and not to compromise the objective of the rapid processing of applications for international protection.



(9) In the light of the results of the evaluations undertaken of the implementation of the first-phase instruments, it is appropriate, at this stage, to confirm the principles underlying Regulation [No 343/2003], while making the necessary improvements, in the light of experience, to the effectiveness of the Dublin system and the protection granted to applicants under that system. 



(19) In order to guarantee effective protection of the rights of the persons concerned, legal safeguards and the right to an effective remedy in respect of decisions regarding transfers to the Member State responsible should be established, in accordance, in particular, with Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. In order to ensure that international law is respected, an effective remedy against such decisions should cover both the examination of the application of this Regulation and of the legal and factual situation in the Member State to which the applicant is transferred.'

14 The first subparagraph of Article 3(2) of that regulation provides:

'Where no Member State responsible for examining the application for asylum can be designated on the basis of the criteria listed in this Regulation, the first Member State with which the application for asylum was lodged shall be responsible for examining it.'

15 Article 4(1) of that regulation provides:

'As soon as an application for international protection is lodged within the meaning of Article 20(2) in a Member State, its competent authorities shall inform the applicant of the application of this Regulation, and in particular of:



(b) the criteria for determining the Member State responsible, the hierarchy of such criteria in the different steps of the procedure and their duration, including the fact that an application for international protection lodged in one Member State can result in that Member State becoming responsible under this Regulation even if such responsibility is not based on those criteria;

(c) the personal interview pursuant to Article 5 and the possibility of submitting information regarding the presence of family members, relatives or any other family relations in the Member States, including the means by which the applicant can submit such information;

'

16 The first subparagraph of Article 6(4) of that regulation provides:

'For the purpose of applying Article 8, the Member State where the unaccompanied minor lodged an application for international protection shall, as soon as possible, take appropriate action to identify the family members, siblings or relatives of the unaccompanied minor on the territory of Member States, whilst protecting the best interests of the child.'

17 Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation reads as follows:

'Where it is established, on the basis of proof or circumstantial evidence as described in the two lists mentioned in Article 22(3), including the data referred to in [the Eurodac] Regulation, that an asylum seeker has irregularly crossed the border into a Member State by land, sea or air having come from a third country, the Member State thus entered shall be responsible for examining the application for asylum. This responsibility shall cease 12 months after the date on which the irregular border crossing took place.'

18 Article 17(1) of that regulation provides:

'By way of derogation from Article 3(1), each Member State may decide to examine an application for international protection lodged with it by a third-country national or a stateless person, even if such examination is not its responsibility under the criteria laid down in this Regulation.

'

19 Article 18(1) of that regulation states:

'The Member State responsible under this Regulation shall be obliged to:

(a) take charge, under the conditions laid down in Articles 21, 22 and 29 of an applicant who has lodged an application in a different Member State;

(b) take back, under the conditions laid down in Articles 23, 24, 25 and 29, an applicant whose application is under examination and who made an application in another Member State or who is on the territory of another Member State without a residence document;

(c) take back, under the conditions laid down in Articles 23, 24, 25 and 29, a third-country national or a stateless person who has withdrawn the application under examination and made an application in another Member State or who is on the territory of another Member State without a residence document;

(d) take back, under the conditions laid down in Articles 23, 24, 25 and 29, a third-country national or a stateless person whose application has been rejected and who made an application in another Member State or who is on the territory of another Member State without a residence document.'

20 Article 20(1), (2) and (5) of that regulation provide:

'1. The process of determining the Member State responsible under this Regulation shall start as soon as an application for asylum is first lodged with a Member State.

2. An application for asylum shall be deemed to have been lodged once a form submitted by the applicant for asylum or a report prepared by the authorities has reached the competent authorities of the Member State concerned. Where an application is not made in writing, the time elapsing between the statement of intention and the preparation of a report should be as short as possible.



5. An applicant who is present in another Member State without a residence document or who there lodges an application for international protection after withdrawing his or her first application made in a different Member State during the process of determining the Member State responsible shall be taken back, under the conditions laid down in Articles 23, 24, 25 and 29, by the Member State with which that application for international protection was first lodged, with a view to completing the process of determining the Member State responsible.

'

21 Article 21(1) of the Dublin III Regulation provides:

'Where a Member State with which an application for international protection has been lodged considers that another Member State is responsible for examining the application, it may, as quickly as possible and in any event within three months of the date on which the application was lodged within the meaning of Article 20(2), request that other Member State to take charge of the applicant.

Notwithstanding the first subparagraph, in the case of a Eurodac hit with data recorded pursuant to Article 14 of [the Eurodac Regulation], the request shall be sent within two months of receiving that hit pursuant to Article 15(2) of that Regulation.

Where the request to take charge of an applicant is not made within the periods laid down in the first and second subparagraphs, responsibility for examining the application for international protection shall lie with the Member State in which the application was lodged.'

22 Article 22 of the Dublin III Regulation provides:

'1. The requested Member State shall make the necessary checks, and shall give a decision on the request to take charge of an applicant within two months of receipt of the request.



3. The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, establish, and review periodically, two lists, indicating the relevant elements of proof and circumstantial evidence in accordance with the criteria set out in points (a) and (b) of this paragraph. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 44(2).

(a) Proof

(i) this refers to formal proof which determines responsibility pursuant to this Regulation, as long as it is not refuted by proof to the contrary;



6. Where the requesting Member State has pleaded urgency , the requested Member State shall make every effort to comply with the time limit requested. In exceptional cases, where it can be demonstrated that the examination of a request for taking charge of an applicant is particularly complex, the requested Member State may give its reply after the time limit requested, but in any event within one month. 

7. Failure to act within the two-month period mentioned in paragraph 1 and the one-month period mentioned in paragraph 6 shall be tantamount to accepting the request, and entail the obligation to take charge of the person, including the provisions for proper arrangements for arrival.'

23 Article 27(1) of that regulation provides:

'The applicant ... shall have the right to an effective remedy, in the form of an appeal or a review, in fact and in law, against a transfer decision, before a court or tribunal.'

24 Article 28(3) of that regulation states:

'Detention shall be for as short a period as possible and shall be for no longer than the time reasonably necessary to fulfil the required administrative procedures with due diligence until the transfer under this Regulation is carried out.

Where a person is detained pursuant to this Article, the period for submitting a take charge or take back request shall not exceed one month from the lodging of the application. 



When the requesting Member State fails to comply with the deadlines for submitting a take charge or take back request , the person shall no longer be detained. ...'

German law

25 Paragraph 5(1) of the Asylgesetz (Law on asylum, AsylG) in the version published on 2 September 2008 (BGBl. 2008 I, p. 1798, 'the AsylG'), provides:

'The [Office] shall decide on asylum applications. In accordance with this Law, [the Office] shall also be responsible for measures and decisions taken under the law relating to foreign nationals.'

26 Paragraph 14(1) of the AsylG provides:

'The asylum application shall be lodged at the local branch of [the Office] which is assigned to the reception centre responsible for admitting the foreign national.'

27 Paragraph 23 of the AsylG states:

'(1) A foreign national who has been admitted to the reception centre shall be required to appear in person immediately or on a date specified by the reception centre at the local branch of [the Office] for the purpose of submitting the asylum application.

(2)  The reception centre shall immediately notify the local branch of [the Office] assigned to it that the foreign national has been admitted to the reception centre '

28 Paragraph 63a(1) of the AsylG states:

'A foreign national who is requesting asylum but has not yet submitted an asylum application shall immediately be issued a certificate of registration as an asylum seeker. This shall contain personal information, a photograph of the foreign national and the name of the reception centre to which the foreign national must proceed immediately for the purposes of submitting the asylum application.'

The dispute in the main proceedings and the questions referred for a preliminary ruling

29 Mr Mengesteab requested asylum in Munich (Germany) with the Regierung von Oberbayern (Government of Upper Bavaria, Germany) on 14 September 2015. On the same day, an initial certificate of registration as an asylum seeker was issued by that authority. A second certificate of registration was issued to him on 8 October 2015 by the Zentrale Auslanderbehorde Bielefeld (Central Immigration Authority, Bielefeld, Germany).

30 Although the time at which information relating to the applicant was transmitted to the Office by one of those authorities was not established in the proceedings before the referring court, the latter was however able to establish that Mr Mengesteab had sent the Office his certificate of registration as an asylum seeker on several occasions and that the Office had received, on or before 14 January 2016, the original of that certificate, a copy of it or the main information which it contained.

31 On 22 July 2016, Mr Mengesteab was heardby the Office and was able to lodge an official application for asylum.

32 As a search in the Eurodac system revealed that the applicant's fingerprints had been taken in Italy, the Office requested, on 19 August 2016, that the Italian authorities take charge of Mr Mengesteab on the basis of Article 21 of the Dublin III Regulation.

33 The Italian authorities have not replied to that request to take charge of him.

34 By a decision of 10 November 2016 the Office rejected the application for asylum which Mr Mengesteab had lodged, found that there were no grounds for prohibiting his removal, ordered his transfer to Italy and imposed a prohibition on his entry and residence for a period of six months from the date of removal.

35 Mr Mengesteab challenged that decision of the Office before the Verwaltungsgericht Minden (Administrative Court, Minden, Germany) and also applied for it to be suspended. That court granted the application for suspension on 22 December 2016.

36 In support of his action, the applicant in the main proceedings claims that responsibility for examining his application for international protection has been transferred to the Federal Republic of Germany pursuant to Article 21(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, as the take charge request had been made only after the expiry of the three-month period provided for in the first subparagraph of Article 21(1).

37 The referring court states that German law distinguishes the first request for asylum, which is generally made at an authority other than the Office, from lodging a formal application for asylum at the Office. A third-country national requesting asylum is referred to a reception centre where he receives a certificate of registration as an asylum seeker. That centre must then inform the Office without delay of the fact that the person concerned has requested asylum. However, the authorities responsible for that information have often failed to fulfill that obligation, particularly in the second half of 2015, due to the unusual increase in the number of asylum seekers who entered Germany during that period. In that context, many asylum seekers have had to wait several months to lodge their formal applications for asylum, without being able to expedite that procedure.

38 In those circumstances, the Verwaltungsgericht Minden (Administrative Court, Minden) decided to stay the proceedings and refer the following questions to the Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling:

'(1) May an asylum applicant claim a transfer of responsibility to the requesting Member State by reason of the expiry of the period for making the take charge request (third subparagraph of Article 21(1) of [the Dublin III Regulation])?

(2) If Question 1 is to be answered in the affirmative: may an asylum applicant claim a transfer of responsibility even if the requested Member State is still willing to take charge of him?

(3) If Question 2 is to be answered in the negative: can it be inferred from the express consent or the deemed consent (Article 22(7) of [the Dublin III Regulation]) of the requested Member State that the requested Member State is still willing to take charge of the asylum applicant?

(4) Can the two-month period provided for in the second subparagraph of Article 21(1) of [the Dublin III Regulation] end after the expiry of the three-month period provided for in the first subparagraph of Article 21(1) of [the Dublin III Regulation] if the requesting Member State allows more than one month to pass after the beginning of the three-month period before it makes a request to the Eurodac database?

(5) Is an application for international protection deemed to have been lodged for the purposes of Article 20(2) of [the Dublin III Regulation] when a certificate of registration as an asylum seeker is first issued or only when a formal asylum application is recorded?

(a) Is the certificate of registration as an asylum seeker a form or a report within the meaning of Article 20(2) of [the Dublin III Regulation]?

(b) Is the competent authority within the meaning of Article 20(2) of [the Dublin III Regulation] the authority responsible for receiving the form or for preparing the report or the authority responsible for the decision on the asylum application?

(c) Has a report prepared by the authorities reached the competent authority even if that authority was informed of the main content of the form or the report, or must the original or a copy of the report be communicated to it for that purpose?

(6) Can delays between the first request for asylum or the first issue of a certificate of registration as an asylum seeker and the submission of a take charge request lead to a transfer of responsibility to the requesting Member State by analogous application of the third subparagraph of Article 21(1) of [the Dublin III Regulation] or require the requesting Member State to exercise its right to assume responsibility pursuant to the first subparagraph of Article 17(1) of [the Dublin III Regulation]?

(7) If Question 6 is to be answered in the affirmative in respect of either alternative: from what time can there be considered to be an unreasonable delay in submitting a take charge request?

(8) Does a take charge request in which the requesting Member State indicates only the date of entry into the requesting Member State and the date of submission of the formal asylum application, but not also the date of the first request for asylum or the date of first issue of a certificate of registration as an asylum seeker, comply with the time limit provided for in the first subparagraph of Article 21(1) of [the Dublin III Regulation], or is such a request "ineffective?"'

Procedure before the Court

39 The referring court requested the application of the expedited procedure provided for in Article 105 of the Rules of Procedure of the Court of Justice.

40 By order of 15 February 2011, Mengesteab (C670/16, not published, EU:C:2017:120), the President of the Court granted that request.

Consideration of the questions referred

The first and second questions

41 By its first and second questions, which it is appropriate to examine together, the referring court asks, in essence, whether Article 27(1) of the Dublin III Regulation must be interpreted as meaning that an applicant for international protection may rely, in the context of an action brought against a decision to transfer him, on the expiry of a period laid down in Article 21(1) of that regulation, even if the requested Member State is willing to take charge of that applicant.

42 Article 27(1) of the Dublin III Regulation states that the applicant for international protection is to have the right to an effective remedy, in the form of an appeal or a review, in fact and in law, against a transfer decision, before a court or tribunal.

43 The scope of the remedy available to an applicant for international protection against a transfer decision is made clear in recital 19 of that regulation, which states that, in order to ensure compliance with international law, the effective remedy introduced by that regulation in respect of transfer decisions should cover (i) the examination of the application of that regulation and (ii) the examination of the legal and factual situation in the Member State to which the asylum seeker is to be transferred (see, to that effect, judgment of 7 June 2016, Ghezelbash, C63/15, EU:C:2016:409, paragraphs 38 and 39).

44 That information is supported by the general thrust of the developments that have taken place in the system for determining the Member State responsible for examining an asylum application made in one of the Member States ('the Dublin system') as a result of the adoption of the Dublin III Regulation and by the objectives of the regulation (see, to that effect, judgment of 7 June 2016, Ghezelbash, C63/15, EU:C:2016:409, paragraph 45).

45 As regards that development, it should be borne in mind that the EU legislature did not confine itself, in that regulation, to introducing organisational rules governing relations between Member States for the purpose of determining the Member State responsible, but decided to involve asylum seekers in that process by obliging Member States to inform them of the criteria for determining responsibility and to provide them with an opportunity to submit information relevant to the correct interpretation of those criteria, and by conferring on asylum seekers the right to an effective remedy in respect of any transfer decision that may be taken at the conclusion of that process (see, to that effect, judgment of 7 June 2016, Ghezelbash, C63/15, EU:C:2016:409, paragraphs 47 to 51).

46 As regards the objectives of that regulation, it should be stated, inter alia, that, according to its recital 9, that regulation, while confirming the principles underlying Regulation No 343/2003, is intended to make the necessary improvements, in the light of experience, not only to the effectiveness of the Dublin system but also to the protection afforded applicants under that system, to be achieved, inter alia, by the effective and complete judicial protection enjoyed by asylum seekers (see, to that effect, judgment of 7 June 2016, Ghezelbash, C63/15, EU:C:2016:409, paragraph 52).

47 A restrictive interpretation of the scope of the remedy provided for in Article 27(1) of the Dublin III Regulation might thwart the attainment of that objective (see, to that effect, judgment of 7 June 2016, Ghezelbash, C63/15, EU:C:2016:409, paragraph 53).

48 It follows from the foregoing that that provision must be interpreted as ensuring that the applicant for international protection has effective judicial protection by, inter alia, guaranteeing him the opportunity of bringing an action against a transfer decision made in respect of him, which may concern the examination of the application of that regulation, including respect of the procedural guarantees laid down in that regulation (see, to that effect, judgment of 7 June 2016, Karim, C155/15, EU:C:2016:410, paragraph 22).

49 In that regard, although the application of the Dublin III Regulation is based essentially on the conduct of a process for determining the Member State responsible as designated by the criteria listed in Chapter III of that regulation (judgments of 7 June 2016, Ghezelbash, C63/15, EU:C:2016:409, paragraph 41, and of 7 June 2016, Karim, C155/15, EU:C:2016:410, paragraph 23), it must be stated that that process is an aspect of the take charge and take back procedures which must necessarily be carried out in accordance with the rules laid down, inter alia, in Chapter VI of that regulation.

50 As the Advocate General stated in point 72 of her Opinion, those procedures must, in particular, be carried out in compliance with a series of specified time limits.

51 Accordingly, Article 21(1) of the Dublin III Regulation provides that the take charge request must be made as quickly as possible and in any event within three months of the date on which the application for international protection was lodged. Notwithstanding that first deadline, in the case of a Eurodac hit with data registered under Article 14 of the Eurodac Regulation, that request must be made within two months of receipt of that hit.

52 In that regard, it should be noted that the EU legislature defined the effects of the expiry of those periods by specifying, in the third subparagraph of Article 21(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, that where that request is not made within those periods, responsibility for examining the application for international protection is to lie with the Member State in which the application was lodged.

53 It follows that, while the provisions of Article 21(1) of that regulation are intended to provide a framework for the take charge procedure, they also contribute, in the same way as the criteria set out in Chapter III of that regulation, to determining the responsible Member State, within the meaning of that regulation. Therefore, a decision to transfer to a Member State other than the one with which the application for international protection was lodged cannot validly be adopted once the periods laid down in those provisions have expired.

54 Those provisions thus make a decisive contribution to achieving the objective of rapidly processing applications for international protection, referred to in recital 5 of the Dublin III Regulation, by ensuring, in the event of a delay in the conduct of the take charge procedure, that the examination of the application for international protection is carried out in the Member State in which the application was lodged, so as not to further delay that examination by the adoption and implementation of a transfer decision.

55 In those circumstances, in order to satisfy itself that the contested transfer decision was adopted following a proper application of the take charge procedure laid down in that regulation, the court dealing with an action challenging a transfer decision must be able to examine the claims made by an asylum applicant who invokes an infringement of the provisions set out in Article 21(1) of that regulation (see, by analogy, judgment of 7 June 2016, Karim, C155/15, EU:C:2016:410, paragraph 26).

56 That conclusion cannot be called into question by the argument, relied on by the United Kingdom Government and by the Commission, that the procedural nature of that rule means that it cannot be relied on in the context of the remedy laid down in Article 27(1) of that regulation.

57 In addition to what has already been stated in paragraph 53 of the present judgment, it must be stated that Article 27 of the Dublin III Regulation makes no distinction between the rules which can be relied on in the context of the remedy for which it provides, and that recital 19 of that regulation refers, in general terms, to review the application of that regulation.

58 Moreover, the restriction of the scope of the judicial protection afforded by the Dublin III Regulation relied on in this respect would not be consistent with the objective, set out in recital 9 of that regulation, of strengthening the protection for applicants for international protection, since that strengthened protection is manifested principally by the grant, in essence, of procedural safeguards for those applicants (see, to that effect, judgment of 7 June 2016, Ghezelbash, C63/15, EU:C:2016:409, paragraphs 47 to 51).

59 The fact, mentioned by the referring court in its second question, that the requested Member State would be willing to take charge of the person concerned despite the expiry of the periods laid down in Article 21(1) of that regulation, cannot be decisive.

60 Indeed, as the remedy provided for in Article 27(1) of the Dublin III Regulation can be applied, as a matter of principle, only in a situation where the requested Member State has accepted, either explicitly, in accordance with Article 22(1) of that regulation, or implicitly, under Article 22(7) thereof, that fact cannot, in general, lead to a limitation of the scope of judicial review provided for in Article 27(1) (see, to that effect, judgment delivered today, A.S., C490/16, paragraphs 33 and 34).

61 Moreover, as regards more specifically Article 21(1) of that regulation, it is necessary to point out that its third subparagraph provides, in the case of the expiry of the periods laid down in the two preceding subparagraphs, for a full transfer of responsibility to the Member State in which the application for international protection was lodged, without making that transfer subject to any reaction by the requested Member State.

62 In the light of all the foregoing considerations, the answer to the first and second questions is that Article 27(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, read in the light of recital 19 thereof, must be interpreted as meaning that an applicant for international protection may rely, in the context of an action brought against a decision to transfer him, on the expiry of a period laid down in Article 21(1) of that regulation, even if the requested Member State is willing to take charge of that applicant.

The fourth question

63 By its fourth question, the referring court asks, in essence, whether Article 21(1) of the Dublin III Regulation must be interpreted as meaning that a take charge request may validly be made more than three months after the application for international protection has been lodged, if that request is made within two months of receipt of a Eurodac hit within the meaning of that article.

64 It must be borne in mind that, under the first subparagraph of Article 21(1) of the Dublin III Regulation, the take charge request must be made as quickly as possible and in any event within three months of the date on which the application for international protection was lodged.

65 The second subparagraph of Article 21(1) of the Dublin III Regulation provides that, notwithstanding the first subparagraph of Article 21(1) of that regulation, in the case of a Eurodac hit with data recorded pursuant to Article 14 of the Eurodac Regulation, that request must be made within two months of receiving that hit.

66 The third subparagraph of Article 21(1) of the Dublin III Regulation states that, 'where the request to take charge of an applicant is not made within the periods laid down in the first and second subparagraphs, responsibility for examining the application for international protection shall lie with the Member State in which the application was lodged.'

67 It is clear, therefore, from the very wording of the latter provision that the request must absolutely be made within the periods laid down in Article 21(1) of that regulation, which means that a take charge request cannot, in any event, be made more than three months after an application for international protection is lodged, and the receipt of Eurodac hit does not permit that period to be exceeded.

68 That finding is borne out by the context of Article 21(1) of that regulation and by the objectives of that regulation, which must be taken into account in order to interpret that provision.

69 The specific period laid down in the second subparagraph of Article 21(1) of the Dublin III Regulation is applicable only in the event of receipt of a Eurodac hit with data recorded pursuant to Article 14 of the Eurodac Regulation, namely with fingerprint data recorded in connection with the illegal entry at an external frontier.

70 It is apparent from point 7 of Part I of List A in Annex II to Regulation No 1560/2003 that such a hit constitutes evidence of illegal entry at an external frontier within the meaning of the criterion laid down in Article 13(1) of the Dublin III Regulation. Accordingly, pursuant to Article 22(3)(a)(i) of that regulation, that hit constitutes formal proof which determines responsibility under that criterion, as long as it is not refuted by proof to the contrary.

71 Accordingly, the receipt of the Eurodac hit referred to in the second subparagraph of Article 21(1) of that regulation is such as to simplify the process of determining the responsible Member State in comparison with cases in which such a result is not received.

72 That situation is therefore such as to justify the application, where it arises, of a period shorter than the three-month period referred to in the first subparagraph of Article 21(1) of that regulation and not that of a supplementary period, which is added to that period.

73 Moreover, the interpretation of Article 21(1) of the Dublin III Regulation adopted in paragraph 67 of the present judgment is consistent with the objective of the rapid processing of asylum applications referred to in recital 5 of that regulation, in so far as it guarantees that a take charge request cannot validly be made more than three months after the application for international protection has been lodged.

74 Consequently, the answer to the fourth question is that Article 21(1) of the Dublin III Regulation must be interpreted as meaning that a take charge request cannot validly be made more than three months after the application for international protection has been lodged, even if that request is made within two months of receipt of a Eurodac hit within the meaning of that article.

The fifth question

75 It should be noted at the outset that, according to the order for reference, the original of the certificate of registration as an asylum seeker, a copy of it or the main information contained therein reached the Office, which is the authority responsible for implementing, in Germany, the obligations arising from the Dublin III Regulation, more than three months before the take charge request was made, whereas the lodging, by the third-country national concerned, of a formal asylum application occurred less than three months before that request was made.

76 In those circumstances, it must be considered that, by its fifth question, the referring court asks, in essence, whether Article 20(2) of that regulation must be interpreted as meaning that an application for international protection is deemed to have been lodged if a written document, prepared by a public authority and certifying that a third-country national has requested international protection, has reached the authority responsible for implementing the obligations arising from that regulation, and as the case may be, if only the main information contained in such a document, but not that document or a copy thereof, has reached that authority, or, on the contrary, if such an application is deemed to have been lodged only when a formal asylum application is lodged.

77 Article 20(2) of the Dublin III Regulation provides that an application for international protection is to be deemed to have been lodged once a form submitted by the applicant or a report prepared by the authorities has reached the competent authorities of the Member State concerned.

78 Since a written document, prepared by the authorities, cannot be regarded as a form submitted by the applicant, it is therefore necessary, in order to answer the fifth question, to determine whether a document such as that at issue in the case in the main proceedings may constitute a 'report prepared by the authorities' within the meaning of that article.

79 In that regard, it should be noted that, although the wording used by the EU legislature clearly refers to a written document, prepared by the authorities, it does not provide any details as to the procedure which should be followed to draw up that document or as to the information that it should include.

80 Admittedly, the use of the word 'proces-verbal' or an equivalent term in the German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch or Romanian versions might suggest that that document must necessarily have a particular form.

81 However, the word used in the other language versions, such as the Danish, English, Croatian, Lithuanian or Swedish versions, to designate the document prepared by the authorities, referred to in Article 20(2) of the Dublin III Regulation, does not contain a clear indication as to the form which that document should take.

82 According to settled case-law, provisions of EU law must be interpreted and applied uniformly in the light of the versions existing in all the languages of the European Union (see, to that effect, judgment of 8 December 2005, Jyske Finans, C280/04, EU:C:2005:753, paragraph 31).

83 Moreover, in order to interpret the first sentence of Article 20(2) of that regulation, it is also necessary to take account of its context and of the objectives of that regulation.

84 In that regard, it should, in the first place, be pointed out that the second sentence of Article 20(2) states that, where an application is not made in writing, the time elapsing between the statement of intention and the preparation of a report should be as short as possible, which suggests (i) that the preparation of that report is in essence a formality intended to record the intention of a third-country national to request international protection and (ii) that the creation of that document must not be deferred.

85 In the second place, it is clear from Article 20(1) of that regulation that the process of determining the Member State responsible is to start as soon as an application for asylum is first lodged with a Member State.

86 The mechanisms set up by the Dublin III Regulation to collect the necessary information in the context of that process are therefore intended to be applied after an application for international protection has been lodged.

87 Article 4(1) of that regulation indeed expressly provides that it is after such an application has been lodged that the applicant must be informed, in particular, of the criteria for determining the Member State responsible, the organisation of a personal interview and the possibility of submitting information to the competent authorities. Similarly, it follows from Article 6(4) of that regulation that appropriate action to identify the family members, siblings or relatives of the unaccompanied minor on the territory of the Member States - with a view inter alia to applying the criteria to determine the Member State responsible if the applicant for international protection is an unaccompanied minor, set out in Article 8 of that regulation - must be taken after an application for international protection is lodged.

88 It follows that, in order to be able effectively to start the process of determining the responsible Member State, the competent authority needs to be informed, with certainty, of the fact that a third-country national has requested international protection, and it is not necessary for the written document prepared for that purpose to have a precisely defined form or for it to include additional information relevant to the application of the criteria laid down by the Dublin III Regulation or, a fortiori, to the examination of the application for international protection. Nor is it necessary, at that stage of the procedure, for a personal interview already to have been organised.

89 The examination of the preparatory material for Regulation No 343/2003, of which Article 4(2) was re-enacted, without material amendment, in Article 20(2) of the Dublin III Regulation, supports that assessment.

90 It is clear from the explanatory memorandum of the Commission proposal [COM(2001) 447 final] which led to the adoption of Regulation No 343/2003, first, that an asylum application must be considered to have actually been lodged as soon as the asylum seeker's intention has been confirmed with a competent authority and, second, that Article 4(2) of that regulation is the repetition of Article 2 of Decision No 1/97 of 9 September 1997 of the Committee set up by Article 18 of the Dublin Convention of 15 June 1990, concerning provisions for the implementation of the Convention (OJ 1997 L 281, p. 1). Article 2(1) stated that an application for asylum is regarded as having been lodged 'from the moment the authorities of the Member State concerned have something in writing to that effect: either a form submitted by the applicant or an official statement drawn up by the authorities'.

91 In the third place, the effectiveness of certain important guarantees granted to applicants for international protection would be restricted if the receipt of a written document, such as that at issue in the case in the main proceedings, was not sufficient to demonstrate that an application for international protection had been lodged.

92 To adopt such an interpretation would accordingly not only delay the implementation of measures intended to bring together an isolated minor and members of his family, but also extend the detention period of an applicant for international protection, in so far as the maximum detention period pending the submission of a take charge request is calculated, in accordance with Article 28(3) of the Dublin III Regulation, from the lodging of an application for international protection.

93 In the fourth place, the Dublin III Regulation assigns a specific role to the first Member State in which an application for international protection is lodged. Thus, in accordance with Article 20(5) of that regulation, that Member State is, in principle, obliged to take back an applicant who is present in another Member State as long as the process of determining the Member State responsible has not been completed. Moreover, it follows from Article 3(2) of that regulation that where no Member State responsible can be designated on the basis of the criteria listed in that regulation, the first Member State in which the application for international protection was lodged shall be responsible for examining it.

94 In order, in particular, to ensure the effective application of those provisions, Article 9(1) of the Eurodac Regulation provides that the fingerprints of every asylum seeker must, in principle, be transmitted to the Eurodac system no later than 72 hours after the lodging of the application for international protection, as defined by Article 20(2) of the Dublin III Regulation.

95 In those circumstances, to consider that a document such as that at issue in the case in the main proceedings does not constitute a 'report', within the meaning of that provision, would, in practice, allow third-country nationals to leave the Member State in which they have requested international protection and to re-request that protection in another Member State, but they could not be transferred, for that reason, to the first Member State and it would not be possible to trace their initial request by using the Eurodac system. Such a situation could seriously affect the functioning of the Dublin system by calling into question the special status which the Dublin III Regulation grants to the first Member State in which an application for international protection is lodged.

96 In the fifth place, to consider that a document such as that at issue in the main proceedings constitutes a 'report', within the meaning of Article 20(2) of the Dublin III Regulation, is consistent with the objective of rapidly processing applications for international protection, referred to in recital 5 of that regulation, since such an interpretation ensures that the process of determining the Member State responsible begins as soon as possible, without having to be delayed as a result of accomplishing a formality which is not necessary for carrying out that process. In contrast, that objective would be weakened if the starting date for that process depended solely on a choice made by the competent authority, such as the grant of an appointment for a personal interview.

97 In the light of all those factors, a written document such as that at issue in the case in the main proceedings, prepared by a public authority and certifying that a third-country national has requested international protection, must be considered to be a 'report' within the meaning of Article 20(2) of that regulation.

98 In the light of the role of that provision in the system established by that regulation and its purpose, as emerge from the foregoing considerations, the transmission of the main information contained in such a document to the competent authority must be considered to be a transmission to that authority of the original or a copy of that document. Such transmission is therefore sufficient to establish that an application for international protection is deemed to have been lodged.

99 The argument relied on by the German Government and United Kingdom Government and by the Commission, that account must be taken primarily of the distinction between 'making' and 'lodging' an application for international protection arising from Article 6 of the 'Procedures' Directive, cannot call those conclusions into question.

100 The Court notes, without needing to specify, in the present case, the scope of that distinction, first of all, that the examination of the terms used, in that respect, in the various measures falling within the Common European Asylum System does not appear to be conclusive. Indeed, Article 18(1) of the Dublin III Regulation refers, in several language versions, in an undifferentiated way, to lodging and making an application for international protection, whereas in other language versions, it refers exclusively either to lodging or making such an application. Similarly, Directive 2013/33 uses those terms in a variable manner in the various language versions of Article 6(1), Article 14(2) and Article 17(1).

101 Next, although Article 6(4) of the Procedures Directive and Article 20(2) of the Dublin III Regulation show considerable similarities, the fact remains that those provisions differ, in particular in that the first of them envisages the taking into account of a document prepared by the authorities only if it is provided for by national law. Furthermore, Article 6(4) of the Procedures Directive is an exception to the rule laid down in Article 6(3) of that directive, since that rule has no equivalent in the Dublin III Regulation.

102 Finally, Article 6(4) of the Procedures Directive and Article 20(2) of the Dublin III Regulation are part of two different procedures, which have their own requirements and are subject, in particular, in terms of time limits, to distinct schemes, as provided for in Article 31(3) of the Procedures Directive.

103 In the light of all of the foregoing considerations, the answer to the fifth question is that Article 20(2) of the Dublin III Regulation must be interpreted as meaning that an application for international protection is deemed to have been lodged if a written document, prepared by a public authority and certifying that a third-country national has requested international protection, has reached the authority responsible for implementing the obligations arising from that regulation, and as the case may be, if only the main information contained in such a document, but not that document or a copy thereof, has reached that authority.

The third and sixth to eighth pleas in law

104 Regard being had to the answers given to the other questions, there is no need to reply to the third and sixth to eighth questions.

Costs

105 Since these proceedings are, for the parties to the main proceedings, a step in the action pending before the national court, the decision on costs is a matter for that court. Costs incurred in submitting observations to the Court, other than the costs of those parties, are not recoverable.

On those grounds, the Court (Grand Chamber) hereby rules:

1. Article 27(1) of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person, read in the light of recital 19 thereof, must be interpreted as meaning that an applicant for international protection may rely, in the context of an action brought against a decision to transfer him, on the expiry of a period laid down in Article 21(1) of that regulation, even if the requested Member State is willing to take charge of that applicant.

2. Article 21(1) of Regulation No 604/2013 must be interpreted as meaning that a take charge request cannot validly be made more than three months after the application for international protection has been lodged, even if that request is made within two months of receipt of a Eurodac hit within the meaning of that article.

3. Article 20(2) of Regulation No 604/2013 must be interpreted as meaning that an application for international protection is deemed to have been lodged if a written document, prepared by a public authority and certifying that a third-country national has requested international protection, has reached the authority responsible for implementing the obligations arising from that regulation, and as the case may be, if only the main information contained in such a document, but not that document or a copy thereof, has reached that authority.





[Signatures]

Language of the case: German.

Copyright notice: Cour de justice des Communautes europeennes L-2925 Luxembourg. Telephone switchboard: (352) 4303.1; fax: (352) 4303.2600
By PTI: Mumbai, Aug 10 (PTI) Director Shree Narayan Singh says after Akshay Kumar signed on for his directorial "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha", he along with the films writers, made a little changes in the script.

Singh, however, insists they have stayed true to the plot and have only done minimal changes just to add Akshays style to the film.

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"The kind of subject we were making if we would have made it on small level may be we would not be able to reach the wider audience. So we needed a known face for the film.

"We had not written the film keeping anyone in mind. But after Akshay came on board we tweaked the film a bit, just five-ten per cent. We changed things according to his aura and personality. But at the same time we did not add things to commercialise the film," Singh told PTI.

Singh says the makers approached quite a few top actors for the social-drama but it did not work out.

"Akshay came to know through a common person about this script and he heard it and said he wants to do it. After he came on board the film became bigger," he told PTI.

Singh has earlier worked with Akshay on "Special 26" and "Baby", where he was an associate director.

"There was a comfort zone with Akshay. He was very co- operative and he did his best. I never felt he was a star. He used to give suggestions and ideas."

"Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" follows a man whose wife leaves him after discovering that there is no toilet in his house. He then sets out on a mission to win her back by building a toilet.

"We have done a lot of research and have made sure that we dont hurt the sentiments of people. We are talking about the mindset, culture and thought process of certain section of people in the film. So, we had to be careful while saying this, we couldnt say this in a straightforward manner.

"Even if there is five percent change in the society we would be happy. The campaign of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has helped us spread the message to wider audience through cinema. When you make a film on this subject you dont know how many people will see it but now that we have Swachh Bharat Abhiyan already in place people know about it."

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The film, also starring Bhumi Pednekar, is set to release tomorrow. PTI KKP JUR SSN SSN

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Patel not only described the agenda of the meeting to the West Bengal CM, but also stressed upon the important role Mamata needs to play.

By Anindya Banerjee: With Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar joining hands with the BJP, and Tamil Nadu's ruling party, AIADMK, inching closer to the Modi government, a rattled opposition has now called a meeting in the Parliament at 4 PM, tomorrow. The agenda is simple; unite the already scattered opposition and give a face to it.

Fresh from his victory in Gujrat by retaining his Rajya Sabha seat in a nail biting competition, party veteran and Sonia's trusted lieutenant Ahmed Patel, is back in the thick of things. The first political assignment is to have a one-on-one meet with all opposition party representatives before tomorrow.

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But, away from the meetings which took place in the parliament, the focus has been the meeting between Patel and Banerjee who is in town for the oath-taking ceremony of the vice-president elect, Venkaiah Naidu. Keeping the cameras at bay, Patel was driven in a little after 8 PM and had a meeting with the West Bengal CM for 20 minutes.

Sources privy to the meeting tell India Today, Patel not only described the agenda of the meeting to the West Bengal CM, but also stressed upon the important role Mamata needs to play tomorrow. This can be a sign of the bigger national role Mamata may have after oppositions only big face Nitish Kumar left the bandwagon. That leaves them with Sonia Gandhi, who lately keeps unwell and Rahul Gandhi whom the likes of Mamata or Naveen Patnaik will never accept as a face to lead. And a Mayawati who is still struggling to set her house in Uttar Pradesh in order. This leaves only Mamata.

Ahmed Patel's party may call it a 'regular visit', but what transpired in that 20 minutes will be clear only after Mamata takes up the united opposition issue in tomorrows meeting. And that probably will decide whether Mamata Banerjee is the new Nitish Kumar.

Also Read:

In Gujarat cliffhanger, Ahmed Patel retains Rajya Sabha seat, says have defeated BJP money power

5 reasons why Ahmed Patel won Gujarat Rajya Sabha polls but Congress lost on many fronts

11 days, 2 resorts: Ahmed Patel's big Rajya Sabha victory may have cost the Congress several lakhs

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A Cambodian court on Thursday sentenced social and political commentator Kim Sok to 18 months in prison on charges of defamation and incitement to cause social disorder while ordering him to pay hefty fines both to Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen and to the countrys government, sources said.

Kim Sok refused to stand as the verdict was read and denounced the court, prompting the trial judge to order guards to force him to his feet.

In addition to serving his prison term, Kim Sok must pay 800 million riels (U.S. $200,000) to Hun Sen and 8 million riels (U.S. $2,000) to the state, sums that his brother said his family will be unable to pay.

After hearing the news of Kim Soks conviction, my mother was shocked, Kim Soks brother Kim Seng told RFAs Khmer Service on Thursday.

She said she has nothing she can use to help pay her sons fines, since she only possesses a small parcel of rice paddy land. And Kim Sok himself has no assets that he can use to pay the compensation. He has only two iPhones and an iPad, he said.

Cambodian society at present is not ruled by law, but by the wishes of Hun Sen, Kim Seng said, adding, My brothers reaction during his trial shows that he is not afraid of the pressures being used against him. I really admire his bravery!

Prosecuting attorney Ky Tech meanwhile applauded the courts verdict, calling it fair in view of Kim Soks open defiance of the court and his sentence.

Kim Soks lawyer Choung Choungy could not immediately be reached for comment.

Accusations of involvement

Kim Sok was jailed on Feb. 17 after Hun Sen accused him of implying that his ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) had orchestrated the July 2016 murder of popular political pundit Kem Ley, though Kim Sok said that he had only been repeating what many Cambodians believe.

Kem Ley was shot dead in broad daylight on July 10, 2016, when he stopped in a convenience store beside a gas station in Phnom Penh.

Though authorities charged a former soldier with the murder, many in Cambodia dont believe the governments story that Kem Ley was killed by the man over a debt.

Just days before he was gunned down, Kem Ley had discussed on an RFA Khmer Service call-in show a report by London-based Global Witness detailing the extent of the wealth of the family of Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for 31 years.

Rights groups accuse Cambodias judiciary of lacking independence and say the government seeks to limit freedom of expression by using the courts to level defamation charges at reporters and critics of the ruling party.

Reported by Samnang Rann and Vuthy Huot for RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Sovannarith Keo. Written in English by Richard Finney.
A Chinese mobile phone user uses the messaging app Weixin, or WeChat, in Ji'nan city, eastern China's Shandong province, May 15, 2017.

Chinas powerful Cyberspace Administration said on Friday it has ordered investigations into several hugely popular social media platforms for hosting content that harmed national security.

The internet regulator said it had directed its Beijing and Guangdong branches to launch probes into content hosted by Tencents WeChat smartphone-based chat app, Sinas Twitter-like Weibo service and Baidus Tieba forum platform.

Acting on tip-offs from internet users, initial investigations by the Beijing and Guangdong branches of the Cyberspace Administration found that [these] platforms are all hosting violent and terrorist content, fake news and rumors and pornography disseminated by users, the agency said in a statement on its official website.

[Such] content harms national and public security, as well as social stability, it said. All three platforms are in breach of the Cybersecurity Law and other relevant laws, and have failed to carry out their duty to erase such content forbidden by law, it said.

In June, the administration shuttered around 60 social media accounts on major platforms amid a crackdown on celebrity news and gossip as it began implementing the countrys Cybersecurity Law, which came into effect on June 1.

Companies have been told to collect and record data on any site or account that breaks the cybersecurity laws and report it to authorities.

Baidu told Reuters it felt deep regret over the content and will actively cooperate with government departments to rectify the issue and increase the intensity of auditing.

WeChat and Weibo have about 940 million and 350 million monthly active users, respectively, it said, but neither company responded to requests for comment, the agency said.

A source who formerly worked at Baidu said the company had previously come under pressure for allowing sexual services to be advertised via its maps feature.

Online free speech activist Wu Bin said the ruling Chinese Communist Party now appears to be operating a zero tolerance policy when it comes to content it doesnt like.

The level of censorship and suppression of content on Sina Weibo, Baidus Tieba and WeChat have reached crazy proportions, Wu said.

Things were already bad enough, but thats not enough for the Cyberspace Administration, and they want to step it up even more, he said.

They have an unlimited appetite [for control] and zero tolerance, he said. This regime is ruling us ... like the emperors back in feudal times.

Focal point for dissent

Hebei-based journalist Zhu Xinxin said the authorities still fear social media could function as a focal point for dissent over party rule.

These three platforms have a large number of users, and they are afraid that they could offer a meeting point for [activists and disgruntled members of the public], he said. Tieba mixes everything up and brings people together from different social classes, men, women, old and young.

They are all thrown together regardless of their profession, he said.

Guangdong-based author Ye Du said the government is particularly keen to ensure that no shred of criticism or dissent is visible online ahead of the crucial 19th Party Congress, expected in November.

The government wants to eradicate any trace of any ideological content that challenges the current regime, Ye said. There were already a number of important provisions in the Cybersecurity Law controlling the content that online news providers were allow to offer, and forcing them to engage in continuous self-censorship.

Now, content providers will be forced to turn up the heat on their users, he said.

Reported by Yang Fan and 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.
North Korean authorities issued a warning this week to its civilian population to stand by for an emergency amid growing nuclear tensions with the United States, sources in the hermit kingdom said.

The Aug. 7 warning was delivered by email to high-ranking officials in the provinces and the Civil Defense Department two days after the adoption of new U.N. sanctions aimed at pressuring the Kim Jong Un regime to end its illicit weapons programs, sources said.

In an unusual move, a statement threatening possible military action against the U.S. was then carried on Aug. 8 in North Koreas Rodong Sinmum newspaper and was delivered that same day by military helicopters to Chagang province, a source in the province bordering China told RFAs Korean Service.

These helicopters are never mobilized to distribute the Rodong Sinmum [Workers Newspaper] unless it carries Kim Jong Uns new years address, RFAs source said, adding that even then a full day is usually required for distribution.

In Chagang, military vehicles picked up the newspapers in bulk from Samjiyon airport, south of Mt. Paekdu, and quickly delivered them to factories and firms across the province, the source said.

The speed of distribution suggests advance planning in anticipation of the U.N. vote on sanctions three days before, and followed the government order to high-ranking officials on Aug. 7 to prepare for an emergency, a source in neighboring Yangang province told RFA.

The North Korean government gave orders on the 7ththe day before the governments announcement was disclosed in publicto high-ranking officials in each city and province to stand by for an emergency, the source said, also speaking on condition he not be named.

The Central Committee [of the ruling Workers Party] constantly says that they will keep to their plan to develop missiles and nuclear weapons, and this is escalating a fear of war, RFAs source in Chagang said.

If nuclear war breaks out with the U.S., no one will survive in this land, the source said.

'Not ready for war'

Wealthy people and people who live in the cities are more worried than others about Kim Jong Uns nuclear provocations, the source said.

Frankly, we are not ready for a war, since we have concerns over supplies of food and munitions.

I dont know what makes Kim Jong Un so confident, he said.

North Korea warned on Thursday that its military will complete plans in mid-August to fire four intermediate-range missiles over Japan to land near Guam, angering U.S. President Donald Trump.

The U.S. military is "locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely," Trump warned Pyongyang in return. "Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!"

Guam, a Pacific island that is a U.S. territory, posted emergency guidelines on Friday to help residents prepare for a potential nuclear attack from North Korea, Reuters news agency reported.

The Pentagon meanwhile said the U.S. and South Korea will proceed with a joint military exercise in 10 days.

Reported by Sunghui Moon for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejun Jin. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Journalists Aye Nai (3rd from L) and Pyae Phone Aung (R) stand chained together outside the courthouse in the town of Thibaw in Myanmar's northeastern Shan State, Aug. 11, 2017.

A court in the town of Thibaw in Myanmars northeastern Shan state on Friday rejected the second bail request of three journalists charged with violating a statute of the colonial-era Unlawful Associations Act, lawyers for the defendants 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  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.

The trio has been charged under Article 17(1) of the Unlawful Associations Act for being involved with an illegal organization. They face up to three years in prison if convicted.

Shwe Moe Nyunt, one of the defendants lawyers, said the court had planned to hear from two witnesses from the plaintiffs side on Friday, but only one showed up because the other is involved in a military operation.

We can do nothing because they said he is on duty, but he should have shown up because the hearing had already been scheduled [before the military operation began], she said.

Shwe Moe Nyunt also said the witness who testified said that he had only signed a document indicating that he had kept 19 pieces of evidence from the reporters, including cameras and videos, but he did not see them himself.

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.

'They are not guilty'

The major point is that the reporters are not guilty, said Maung Maung Win, another attorney representing the journalists.

They have been charged under Article 17(1) of the Unlawful Associations Act for being involved with an unlawful organization, so we have asked them [the military] to show us the presidents order that recognizes the TNLA as an unlawful organization, he said.

Its not fair for us to attend the hearings in court when they cant show us the main evidence that TNLA is an unlawful organization, he said. We will continue appearing in court in accordance with current law.

On Wednesday, Yu Lwin Aung, a member of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, met with the journalists to interview them separately about the case, and concluded that they had not broken the law based on their accounts.

Detained DVB reporter Aye Nai said Yu Lwin Aung asked the three if they believed their rights had been violated.

Yu Lwin Aung also told them that reporters can record videos even while fighting is going on between the government army and rebel groups, Aye Nai said.

The journalists were first denied bail on Aug. 4. Their next hearing will be on Aug. 18.

Reported by Kan Thar for RFA Myanmars Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Myanmars defense minister and national security adviser said on Thursday that government troops have been deployed in western Myanmars violence-ridden Rakhine state to provide additional security for ethnic Rakhine people following a spate of deadly attacks.

The regions Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and Rathedaung townships have been in a state of upheaval since security forces unleashed a crackdown following deadly attacks on three border guard stations on Oct. 9, which were blamed on a group of Rohingya Muslim militants.

Though the crackdown ended in February, security forces continue to patrol the tri-township area where disappearances, murders, attacks on patrolmen, and periodic killings by troops continue to occur.

In recent weeks, villagers and patrolmen have discovered camps thought to be used by Muslim terrorists along the Mayu mountain range in the Maungdaw-Buthidaung area.

The murders of farmers from the Myo minority, a sub-ethnic group of the states ethnic Rakhine people, who were reportedly killed by Muslim militants in Maungdaws Kinegyi village in late July, prompted many ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and Myo to flee their homes.

Soldiers from the 33rd Light Infantry Division were dispatched by air to Rakhines capital Sittwe on Thursday, the online journal The Irrawaddy reported.

We deployed more troops in Rakhine, Defense Minister Lieutenant General Sein Win said, though he did not specify the number of soldiers assigned to the area.

We are doing this so that ethnic people can live in peace and security, he told reporters at the Forum on Myanmars Democratic Transition at the international convention center in Naypyidaw.

Dangerous region



National Security Adviser Thaung Tun said the government army must increase its presence in the volatile northern part of Rakhine state because the region is becoming more dangerous.

It is stepping up to its responsibility to investigate militant camps in the Mayu mountain range and to protect civilians in Maungdaw township, he said.

On Wednesday, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmars military commander-in-chief, met with Rakhine lawmakers from the states dominant Arakan National Party in Naypyidaw to discuss the security crisis, heightened by the murders of the farmers.

Local groups are planning to hold demonstrations across Rakhine state on Sunday, calling for the government to crack down on Rohingya militants, the online news service Democratic Voice of Burma reported on Thursday.

Myanmar considers the Rohingya illegal immigrants from neighboring Bangladesh and has denied them citizenship and access to basic services, even though many have lived in the country for generations

About 120,000 other Rohingya live in internally displaced persons camps in Rakhine where they were placed following deadly communal violence with Rakhine Buddhists in 2012.

An estimated 90,000 Rohingya fled the area during the crackdown, some of whom have accused security forces of committing atrocities against them.

Reported by Win Ko Ko Latt and Waiyan Moe Myint for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Vietnam will try prominent blogger and former political prisoner Nguyen Van Oai on Aug. 21, a family member said Friday, seven months after his arrest on charges of resisting police officers and leaving his home while on probation.



Oai, 36, was taken into custody by plainclothes officers in central Vietnams Nghe An province on Jan. 19 for resisting persons on duty after authorities accused him of violating the terms of a house arrest order he received in 2015 for having ties to the outlawed Viet Tan pro-democracy organization.



A relative of Oais, who spoke to RFAs Vietnamese Service on condition of anonymity, said authorities had recently provided the family with a court date, but little else.



We havent got any announcement from the court yet, so we dont know anything in detail, said the relative.



We only know that the trial will be on Aug. 21, and nothing more.



Oai was among a group of 14 Catholic and Protestant youths arrested in August 2011 as part of a crackdown on activists with ties to religious organizations, anti-China protests, environmental advocacy, and citizen journalism, and had been held at a detention center in Hanoi.



He was sentenced to four years in prison and three years of probation for attempting to overthrow the government or joining organizations with the intent to do so under Article 79 of Vietnam's Penal Code, and returned to his home in August 2015 on completing the jail term.



Oai has maintained his innocence, saying he only spoke out to demand rights for the people of Vietnam, according to the countrys constitution and laws.



His relative said Friday that the family is angered over his recent arrest and believes the charges against him are without merit.



Our family cant accept the accusations, because he didnt do anything that would constitute a violation of house arrest, he said.



Furthermore, the police came to his house without uniforms, pretending to be thugs. Oai didnt welcome them and challenged them, but that is reasonable because they were wearing street clothes  so he cant be charged for resisting persons on duty.



The relative said that the arrest did not follow procedure, noting that the officers never presented a warrant when they entered Oais home.



All they did was beat him up and then took him awaythats why we are so upset.



In March, Oais wife Linh Chau told RFA that she was two months pregnant and dealing with health issues when he was arrested that had led her to be hospitalized several times since then.



While Chau said life had become significantly tougher for their family since Oais arrest, she welcomed support from people she said believe in his work.



Crackdown on dissent



At the end of last month, authorities in Vietnam arrested four members of a prodemocracy group on charges of attempting to topple the countrys one-party state, drawing condemnation from their organization and international rights campaigners who demanded their unconditional release.



The four menall members of the online group Brotherhood for Democracywere charged under Article 79 and could face the death penalty if convicted.



Their arrests followed the conviction for conducting propaganda against the state under Article 88 in July of prominent activist Tran Thi Nga, 40, and in June of 38-year-old blogger Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, also known as Mother Mushroom (Me Nam), under the same charges.



The women were sentenced to nine and 10 years in prison, respectively.



Rights groups, the United Nations Human Rights Commission, and several governments have demanded their release, saying the two were convicted on vaguely worded charges.



Communist Vietnam, where all media are state-controlled, does not tolerate dissent, and rights groups identify Article 79 and Article 88 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 Joshua Lipes.
The Congress president has now called a meeting of Opposition parties to chalk out a strategy for the next three months on how to corner the government on various issues.

Ahmed Patel's win also comes as a boost for the Congress old-guard which showed that it can still win an election, and must not be taken lightly.

By Kritika Banerjee: When Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar decided to walk out of the mahagatbandhan in Bihar, he blamed Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for not doing enough to save the alliance.

In the weeks following the Bihar episode, Congress president Sonia Gandhi seems to be back in action, taking a relatively more aggressive approach to target the Narendra Modi government in the Centre.

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At a special Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Tuesday, Sonia Gandhi said that "self-appointed vigilantes are a threat to liberty and an enemy of pluralism and diversity". Training guns on the BJP government, the Congress president said, "Far from curbing their onslaught, the government of the day encourages and empowers them to flout law and unleash oppression".

The CWC meeting was held to mark the 75th anniversary of the Quit India movement and was attended by former prime minister Manmohan Singh among other senior Congress leaders. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi was, however, absent at the meeting.

The next day, Sonia Gandhi, while speaking in Parliament on the anniversary of the Quit India movement, warned against the "forces of darkness" that are trying to destroy the roots of democracy.

Without naming Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Sonia Gandhi said, "We must not forget that certain forces opposed the concept of Quit India movement. These facts should also be told," the Congress president said in Lok Sabha.

Sonia Gandhi's fierce attack on the BJP in Parliament took many by surprise with some political analysts even suggesting that while Narendra Modi invoked Mahatma Gandhi and did not name any political party, the Congress president chose to attack the RSS over Quit India movement.

The Congress president has now called a meeting of Opposition parties today to chalk out a strategy for the next three months on how to corner the government on issues like demonetisation, GST rollout, unemployment and political vendetta. Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav has also been invited to the meet.

OLD GUARD GETS A BOOST

The rise of a belligerent Sonia Gandhi also coincides with her political secretary and trusted advisor Ahmed Patel making it to Rajya Sabha for a fifth term.

After a nail-biting contest with former Congress leader Balwantsinh Rajput, Ahmed Patel's win from Gujarat is likely to be a big morale-booster for the party workers.

In a fight that was billed as a mini trailer to the Assembly election scheduled in Gujarat end of this year, the Congress managed to save itself from an embarrassment.

"This win has filled new energy in Congress. I am sure we will win Gujarat also. BJP made it a prestige issue, it is their loss," said Ahmed Patel.

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Ahmed Patel's win also comes as a boost for the Congress old-guard which showed that it can still win an election, and must not be taken lightly.

FINGER-POINTING AT RAHUL

After the Nitish Kumar walkout and the poor show in Assembly elections in March, Ahmed Patel's win in the much-hyped Rajya Sabha election is a shot in the arm for the Congress.

In the Bihar episode, Rahul Gandhi was believed to be the point-person for Nitish Kumar but the latter accused the Congress vice-president of failing to save the alliance. To this, Rahul Gandhi's response was: "We knew that this was being planned for the last three-four months. A person can go to any limits for his own benefit".

The Assembly election results in Uttar Pradesh showed that people were clearly not in favour of the Rahul Gandhi-Akhilesh Yadav alliance, prompting Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh to say that "alliance with the Congress" was responsible for the party's sad state of affairs.

In Goa and Manipur, where the Congress had the numbers, the BJP was quick in stitching alliances and staking claim to form the government.

At a time when too many fingers seem to be pointing at Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi may again be the Congress' best bet to revive the party.

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Also read: Ahmed Patel's victory: A breath of fresh air for Congress

Also read: Meet Ahmed Patel, self-made politician who is Sonia Gandhi's closest aide

Also read: 5 reasons why Ahmed Patel may have won Rajya Sabha polls but Congress lost

Also watch: Was confident right from the beginning we would never lose Rajya Sabha election: Ahmed Patel

--- ENDS ---
India's telecom regulator TRAI has accused the iPhone maker of engaging in "data colonisation" and being "anti-consumer" by not allowing customers to pass on details of pesky callers and unwanted messages to authorities and their mobile operators.

Tech giant Apple seems headed for tough times in Asia. First it was the Chinese government that forced the iconic US-based mobile handset maker to remove software programs that enable its users to view an uncensored internet. Now India's telecom regulator TRAI has accused the iPhone maker of engaging in "data colonisation" and being "anti-consumer" by not allowing customers to pass on details of pesky callers and unwanted messages to authorities and their mobile operators. The brand also found unwanted mention in a Supreme Court observation last month in a hearing before a nine-judge bench discussing the scope of right to privacy. "If 99 per cent of citizens are unconcerned about sharing personal data with private players like Apple, how is it different if the state has the same information?" Justice D.Y. Chandrachud asked the petitioners who challenged Aadhaar saying it was a violation of citizens' right to privacy.

TRAI had in June 2016 launched the Do Not Disturb (DND) application to monitor and take action against pesky callers and unsolicited SMSes. Once downloaded, this app scrutinises SMS and call records, allowing the user to directly report such calls and messages to TRAI. Apple, however, has not allowed this application on its iOS platform, though TRAI has been in touch with the company about this for over a year.

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"So basically you (Apple) are violating the right of the user to willingly share his/ her own data with the regulator or with any third party of his/ her choice. This is data colonisation," TRAI chairman R.S. Sharma said in a newspaper interview. Worse for Apple, rival Google's Android platform supports TRAI's DND app. The same Google that in 2010 pulled its search engine out of mainland China to protest government censorship.

--- ENDS ---
Richmond fire officials are investigating the cause of a Friday morning fire at the Westhampton Clubhouse at the Country Club of Virginia that took crews about 50 minutes to mark under control.

One minor injury to a firefighter was reported. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

City firefighters were called at 10:44 a.m. for a report of a structure fire at CCV, said Brian Turnage, interim deputy operations chief.

When the first units arrived four minutes later, they found flames coming from a portion of the roof of the Westhampton Clubhouse, he said.

While they started working on extinguishing that fire, additional units came in, went inside and found the fire was inside as well, Turnage said. So we started operating on extinguishing that.

A second alarm was sounded at 11:13 a.m., primarily to get additional personnel on the scene to relieve crews because of the heat, and do a lot of what we call overhaul work  having to cut and make holes trying to find fire, Turnage said.

The blaze was marked under control at 11:34 a.m., the deputy chief said.

One firefighter was treated at the scene for a minor injury and then returned to duty. No civilians were injured, Turnage said.
A Henrico School Board member charged with DUI last Saturday took a preliminary breath test that indicated he had a blood alcohol level that exceeded the legal limit for driving, according to the criminal complaint in the case.

Roscoe Dennis Cooper III, the School Boards vice chairman, blew a 0.10 percent in that preliminary breath test, according to the criminal complaint by the state trooper who stopped him. The legal limit for driving in Virginia is 0.08 percent.

Cooper, 43, was stopped on westbound Interstate 64 just past the Gaskins Road exit around 1 a.m. last Saturday.

Cooper didnt comment on the allegations after being approached by a reporter Monday following his arraignment.

His attorney, Chris Bain, said Friday that the defense is still reviewing all the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident, adding his client had never been in a situation like this before.

His performance on the field sobriety test could have been affected by anxiety or being nervous about the situation, Bain said.

Cooper, who represents the Fairfield District, is also the pastor at Rising Mount Zion Baptist Church in Henrico.

Hes embarrassed by this because this is something he would not normally be engaged in, Bain said of the DUI allegations facing his client.

The complaint says Coopers vehicle was stopped after he was seen driving in two lanes. The trooper said Cooper smelled of alcoholic beverage. The School Board member was fumbling around, appeared nervous, and couldnt find his license or wallet during the traffic stop, the complaint says.

Cooper told the trooper he had two drinks, and he showed impairment during a field sobriety test, the complaint says.

A field sobriety test includes a motorist undertaking certain tasks such as walking or standing on one leg, said Virginia State Police Sgt. Stephan Vick.

A preliminary breath test is typically done in a troopers car and is conducted with a hand-held device, but the results are not admissible in court, Vick said.

After being arrested for DUI and taken to Henrico County Jail, the report says he was given another breathalyzer test, the complaint said.

He barely blew on the tube three times, resulting in a deficient sample, the complaint says.

As a result, the School Board member also was charged with refusing to take a breath test.

Powhatan County Commonwealths Attorney Richard Dickie Cox has been appointed to prosecute Cooper. In a release, Henrico Commonwealths Attorney Shannon L. Taylor said a Henrico Circuit Court judge appointed Cox after she requested the assignment of a special prosecutor to handle the case.

Taylor didnt specify her reason but such appointments are usually granted when a real or perceived conflict of interest exists. Both Taylor and Cooper are elected public officials serving the same locality.
One person was killed and three others were injured in a two-vehicle crash in Chesterfield County.

Chesterfield police said the crash happened about 9 p.m. Thursday in the 17300 block of Branders Bridge Road. The driver of a 1993 Honda Civic was heading north and crossed into the southbound lane, where he struck a 2006 Nissan Altima, police said.

The driver of the Civic, Jeffery Anthony Jr. of the 3800 block of Tarris Lane in Chesterfield, was taken to Southside Regional Medical Center, where he died of his injuries, police said.

Police said two passengers in the Civic were taken to VCU Medical Center, one with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Altima was taken to VCU Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash remained under investigation Friday.
When Mayor Levar Stoney proffered a mend it, dont end it approach to our Confederate monument question, he clearly intended to straddle the fence on a contentious issue.

Well, the fence is on fire.

Wednesday nights standing-room-only hearing by the Monument Avenue Commission suggests that adding context to the monuments, rather than removing them, will not tamp down emotions.

The mayors moderate approach  in contrast to more aggressive removal efforts in Charlottesville, New Orleans and elsewhere  left a trail of jeers on both sides of the issue and collapsed the middle ground he sought.

Theyve taken off the table the obvious option of taking the statues down, said activist Phil Wilayto of the Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality. This commission is illegitimate. It cannot be the body that decides what happens to the statues.

On the other side of the issue, one pro-monuments speaker said tourists do not want to see a politically correct Monument Avenue. And another assured the audience that any context at the statues would be nasty, racist and vile.

Or as Jim Leach of Williamsburg said: I think its a mistake to do anything to these monuments. I believe its a sacrilege.

I believe desecration of these monuments will increase racial strife, not lessen it, he said. I would request that the blue-ribbon commission not be run as an African-American 101 class.

Call it a sign of the times, but dialogue nowadays is overrated; our capacity to change hearts and minds, critically challenged. Folks come to any debate armed with a bad attitude and their own set of facts, such as the speaker who said slavery existed 89 years in the U.S. (Well, yes, if one ignores the additional century and a half of African subjugation before the Declaration of Independence.)

As a result, you get the sort of tone deafness that led one speaker to fondly refer to Gen. Robert E. Lee as Marse Robert.

The evening was long on polemical speeches and short on constructive suggestions, unless you like the idea of a separate monuments row for black heroes on the Boulevard. The irony of segregating statues seemed lost Wednesday.

After a while, it became difficult to see the event leading anywhere useful, as Paul Benson noted before leaving the event. Its not a conversation anymore. Its a theater of the absurd.

The mayor was absent from Wednesdays hearing, attending a leadership fellowship program in Salt Lake City. There were moments Wednesday night when I wished for even more distance from the proceedings. I suspected that co-chair Gregg Kimball, the nights designated referee, was making a mental note to contact his travel agent.

But afterward, Kimball, the director of education and outreach at the Library of Virginia, was keeping hope alive.

Democracy is messy, he said. I could not see doing this process without public hearings.

But public sentiment has always tended to trail movements of social change. Activist Bree Newsome, in the aftermath of the murder of nine black churchgoers by a Confederate sympathizer in Charleston, did not wait for a referendum before climbing a flagpole on the grounds of the South Carolina state capitol and removing the Confederate battle flag.

Soon, it was permanently removed.

Wednesday night at the Virginia Historical Society, we were also confronted with questions of proximity and who gets a say. As attendee Thomas Raper observed, a number of the speakers lived outside the Richmond metro area. They literally took the place of locals that could have spoken, he said. (Others were turned away at the door of the overflow gathering.)

The lottery system that governed speakers was also hit-and-miss, with some people allowed to voice an opinion without a number and others talking beyond the allotted time.

There were moments of simplicity, clarity and humanity.

I stand here on the backs of my ancestors who helped build Virginia. But I dont see that reflected on Monument Avenue, said Thelma Brown of Richmond. Virginia has a debt to pay, and were waiting.

But if Monument Avenue lacks diversity  Arthur Ashe notwithstanding  so did an audience that was no more than 10 percent African-American.

Perhaps we were put off by the narrow scope of the mayors charge. This is not an inclusive nor comprehensive discussion due to (Stoneys) limitation, Raper surmised.

Maybe. I say theres no excuse for black folks not to engage this issue unless theyre fine with the status quo.

Amid the revisionist history, the groans, the boos and the flame-throwing, it was left to former Richmond City Councilman Chuck Richardson to be the voice of reason.

We see different things, and it hurts us, he said. We need to forgive you, and you need to ask forgiveness.

That moment ended moments later when a speaker complained that we need to stop bowing down in the face of political correctness.

So much for the premature kudos of Richmond being a shining example of how to handle this matter with civility. Some issues dont lend themselves to compromise or appeasement.

Perhaps it was delusional to think there was an acrimony-free path toward reconciliation. Consensus on how to address Richmonds Confederate monuments has the look of a lost cause.
The three-judge bench was headed by Justice Dipak Misra, the senior most judge in the Supreme Court who is set to take charge as India's 45th Chief Justice on August 28.

By India Today Web Desk: After a gap of seven years, the Supreme Court today commenced hearing of the vexed Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. The court today ruled that final arguments will begin on December 5 and that no adjournments will be allowed.

Today, first all the records were translated into English for the court. The three-judge bench was headed by Justice Dipak Misra, the senior most judge in the Supreme Court who is set to take charge as India's 45th Chief Justice on August 28. The sole Muslim judge of the SC Justice S Abdul Nazeer was also part of the bench.

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The apex court, after an intense deliberation for more than one-and-half-hours, reached a consensus on commencement of the hearing on the cross-appeals filed against the 2010 judgement of the Allahabad High Court.

The high court had ruled a three-way division of the disputed 2.77 acre area at Ayodhya among the parties - the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and the Ram Lalla.

A specially constituted bench, headed by Justice Dipak Misra, asked the contesting parties to complete the translation of the exhibits of the documents likely to be relied upon into English within 12 weeks since these were in eight different languages.

The bench, also comprising justices Ashok Bhushan and Abdul Nazeer, asked the Uttar Pradesh government to complete within 10 weeks the translation of the evidence recorded for adjudication of the title dispute in the high court into English.

The bench made it clear that the parties would have to strictly adhere to the time frame fixed by it and no adjournment shall be given in any circumstances.

Senior counsel C S Vaidyanathan, appearing for Lord Ram Lalla and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the UP government, pressed for early hearing of the matter, but senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Anoop George Chaudhari and Rajeev Dhavan, representing other parties, were not in favour of commencement of the hearing before January next year.

With PTI inputs

Also Read:

Babri Twist: Shia Waqf Board says Ram temple can be built at disputed site

Subramanian Swamy: Ram temple at Ayodhya will be constructed by next year

Ayodhya dispute: Supreme Court refuses urgent hearing, questions Subramanian Swamy's role

WATCH: Ayodhya dispute: Five creative solutions to the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid standoff

--- ENDS ---
In September 2010, a three judge Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad HC had given a unanimous decision that Lord Ram was born under the central dome of the makeshift temple and Hindus have right to worship there.

By Harish V Nair: After a gap of seven years, the Supreme Court will on Friday commence hearing of the vexed Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. The verdict is not expected anytime soon as the litigation has records dating back to the 16th Century and written in several languages, including Arabic and Persian.

First, they all have to be translated into English for the court. The three-judge bench will be headed by Justice Dipak Misra, the senior most judge in the Supreme Court who is set to take charge as India's 45th Chief Justice on August 28. The sole Muslim judge of the SC Justice S Abdul Nazeer is also part of the bench.

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In September 2010, a three judge Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad HC had given a unanimous decision that Lord Ram was born under the central dome of the makeshift temple and Hindus have right to worship there. On an appeal by Muslim bodies, SC had stayed implementation of the HC decision soon after.

The case has remained in limbo ever since. The High Court had also directed that the controversial land of 2.77 acres at Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid be divided equally among Ram Lalla, Sunni Waqf Board and Nirmohi Akhara, the parties to the suit.

Also Read:

Babri Twist: Shia Waqf Board says Ram temple can be built at disputed site

Subramanian Swamy: Ram temple at Ayodhya will be constructed by next year

Ayodhya dispute: Supreme Court refuses urgent hearing, questions Subramanian Swamy's role

Supreme Court suggests out-of-court settlement of Ayodhya dispute, calls Ram Mandir matter of sentiment

WATCH: Ayodhya dispute: Five creative solutions to the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid standoff

--- ENDS ---
David Paylor, director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, listened Thursday afternoon to residents of a small community in Giles County who are destined to live in a high consequence area if the Mountain Valley Pipeline project moves forward.

Later, on Thursday evening, Paylor heard from residents of Roanoke County and Franklin County who, like their counterparts in and around the village of Newport, fear the pipeline could divert or taint the pristine waters that sustain them.

The first meeting was at the Newport Community Center. Much of the village would be within the 1,115 foot potential impact radius if the pipeline ruptured.

The second was at Cave Spring High School in Roanoke County. About 137 people attended the Newport meeting. About 140 showed up at the high school. A total of 36 people spoke to Paylor and his DEQ colleague Fred Cunningham at the two meetings.

The settings were different. But the concerns Paylor heard centered on a common question: How is DEQ going to protect water quality and wells and springs from a 42-inch diameter, buried natural gas pipeline whose deep trench will pass through areas rife with sinkholes and caves, travel up and down steep slopes, encounter shallow bedrock that requires blasting and burrow through highly-erodible soils and areas prone to landslides?

A companion question was this: If the worst happens and a well goes dry or suddenly reveals contaminants, or if sediment chokes a stream, or if groundwater that moves miles underground at a fast clip, often in a direction not yet identified, is polluted, what happens then?

Apologies will not be sweet solace, said Lynn Williams, whose property in Newport is on the pipeline route.

Paylor responded with a consistent message. It hinged on the phrase reasonable assurance. He said DEQ will not recommend to the State Water Control Board that the Mountain Valley Pipeline receive the water quality certification it seeks if the companys plans for the pipeline fail to provide a reasonable assurance that water quality will be protected.

One of Paylors answers to the companion question about a worst-case scenario was not well received in Newport, where he told Jerolyn Deplazes that if she lost access to her water an alternative source would have to be provided.

Mary Beth Coffey of Bent Mountain told Paylor shed recently learned about water buffaloes, a type of water storage tank. She made it clear nothing could replace the clean, clear water that currently serves her home.

We are in line for our water to be destroyed, she said.

Several people, including Richard Caywood, assistant county administrator for Roanoke County, and Roberta Bondurant, a resident of Bent Mountain active in pipeline opposition, advocated that DEQ require Mountain Valley to post a substantial bond that could fund attempts to restore water to residents who might lose it because of the pipeline.

Paylor said DEQ will research the bond question.

DEQ had held a public hearing Tuesday in Radford and another Wednesday in Chatham. DEQ sought comment then about draft conditions the agency might recommend attaching if the State Water Control Board grants Mountain Valley Pipeline the Clean Water Act 401 water quality certification the company needs to proceed in Virginia.

DEQ agreed to participate in the two meetings Thursday after complaints from Del. Greg Habeeb, R-Salem, and Del. Joseph Yost, R-Pearisburg, and others that the two public hearings were both insufficient and inconveniently located for many people along the pipeline route.

In June, Habeeb and Yost had written Paylor after DEQ clarified that the agency would rely on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting process to scrutinize pipeline crossings of streams and wetlands. The delegates observed that constituents were shocked about this deferral, having been led to believe in April that DEQ would evaluate these crossings.

Paylor defended DEQs approach, noting that the agency was going far beyond what has been done in the past and what is legally required.

DEQ said its proposed draft conditions for certification address, among other things: engineering practices for steep slopes and landslide prone areas; environmental monitoring and inspections; plans and procedures for working in karst landscapes of sinkholes and caves; spill prevention; water quality monitoring; protection of streamside vegetation; and protection of public water supplies.

The agencys brochure about the water certification public hearings reported that DEQs preliminary decision is to recommend issuance of Section 401 certification with conditions. On Thursday, Paylor clarified that no decision has been made about a recommendation. He repeatedly said that public comments received this week will inform DEQs recommendations.

He said DEQs environmental review of the Mountain Valley Pipeline has to be guided by science and law. He provoked a rare laugh Thursday in Roanoke County by acknowledging, wryly, that no matter what DEQ decides, it will be sued.

The same brochure noted that the public hearings this week were not intended to record comments about DEQs work to control erosion and sediment from the project. On Thursday, several people, including environmental activists Rupert Cutler of Roanoke and Diana Christopulos of Salem, asked about erosion and sediment controls and stormwater management. Paylor said Mountain Valleys construction plans will be posted online and that DEQ will accept erosion and sediment-related comments through Oct. 13.

Karen Scott of Bent Mountain, a soil scientist whose property is on a pipeline route, told Paylor that three springs and a perennial stream on her land have not been identified by the pipeline company. She described Bent Mountain as a soggy plateau where tributaries supply water to Bottom Creek, a high quality stream. She said the pipeline will sit in water on the plateau and is destined to leak.

Last year, the Virginia Department of Health called for a survey examining areas within 1,000 feet of the pipeline to identify people and properties that use local and regional groundwater and surface water for recreation or human consumption. Dwayne Roadcap, a division director, observed in December that protecting water quality for these property owners is a paramount concern.

Paylor said Thursday that DEQ will consult with the Department of Health about this recommendation.

Before the Newport meeting, more than 55 people gathered outside the community center with placards expressing support for natural gas and opposition to coal.

The deadline for public comments about the draft conditions for the 401 water quality certification is August 22.

More information about the DEQs review of the Mountain Valley Pipeline and separate-but-similar Atlantic Coast Pipeline  along with instructions for filing written comments about the water certification conditions  can be found at http://www.deq.virginia.gov/ Programs/Water/Protection RequirementsforPipelines.aspx
Smoldering wood sparked a fire that caused $5,000 in damage at a large commercial building on Airport Road Thursday night, according to Roanoke County Fire and Rescue.

Crews arrived at the building in the 5600 block of Airport Road at about 7 p.m. and found a haze of smoke and smelled smoke coming from the building. Eventually, they discovered an active fire in the wall. They cut holes in the roof to ventilate the smoke. The fire was under control within an hour.

The Roanoke County Fire Marshals office determined that the fire was accidental and was caused by ongoing construction in a vault, according to a news release. Building maintenance had been using electrical grinders to cut welds on the panels, which left wood inside the vault wall smoldering.

Community Outreach Coordinator Brian Clingenpeel said the building is being used as office space for Intercept Youth Services, which offers treatment programs for adolescents. The building has no residential quarters.

No one was injured in the fire, and little structural damage was done to the building, he said.
By Shivani Chhabra: With the majestic fireball setting in the west, another happening week is bidding us adieu. From attending promotional events to book-launch ceremonies, our tinsel-town celebs were on a roll this week. While most of them were fiery and hot, the others chose to keep it dull and sombre. The week might have gone by, but these noticeable looks have stayed with us. Here's a list of the best and worst looks we saw this week:

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BEST DRESSED WOMAN: HUMA QURESHI

Huma Qureshi stunned us in a vibrant ensemble that she wore for a promotional event of her upcoming film, Partition: 1947. The gorgeous actress wore a black top teamed with a pair of black-white palazzos and threw a majestic, ochre-yellow throw over it. We absolutely loved the chunky, gold-black choker she accessorised her phenomenal outfit with.

Photo: Yogen Shah

Also Read: These outfits are proof that Jacqueline is hotter than anyone you'll ever meet

BEST DRESSED MAN: SIDHARTH MALHOTRA

Sidharth Malhotra has been promoting his upcoming film, A Gentleman, in full force, and is looking like one while at it. The actor looked dapper in a cream-hued jacket thrown over a basic, white tee teamed with black bottoms, and a spiffy pair of tan-coloured plimsolls. We've got to admit that he looked superb in this well-matched look.

Photo: Yogen Shah Photo: Yogen Shah

WORST DRESSED WOMAN: SHRUTI HAASAN

Shruti Hassan left us disappointed yet again in an unflattering, white maxi-dress with a dud, floral-print all over it. While the dress was loose and extremely shabby-looking, the baggy denim jacket that she had thrown over, further ruined the look. It was one of the worst looks the actress has tried to pull off, to say the least.

Photo: Yogen Shah

Also Read: We could hang Neha Dhupia in the middle of a ceiling, because she looks like a chandelier

WORST DRESSED MAN: ARJUN KAPOOR

Arjun Kapoor was constantly giving us massive fashion-hits during the promotions of his recently released film, Mubarakan.However, it was this one look that just didn't go down too well with us. Clad in an overly long, olive tee with laces dangling from the hemline, and a pair of unmatched, black, slide-ons, Arjun failed to impress us. While the look wasn't that sorry, it wasn't his best either.

Photo: Yogen Shah

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Bhabha Atomic Research Centre | Established in 1954

Cherished past

India's premier research and development facility in nuclear sciences and engineering, scientists of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) gave the country a strategic edge by developing the nuclear bomb. They have developed variants of nuclear fuels to meet the needs of the country's nuclear power plants as well as strategic requirements for its nuclear arsenal. BARC was instituted as the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET), with Homi Jehangir Bhabha, who conceived India's nuclear programme, as its first director. The primary task was to consolidate all research and development efforts for nuclear reactors and technology under the Atomic Energy Commission. AEET was renamed BARC in 1967. The first nuclear test reactors at BARC and the first power reactors at the Tarapur atomic power station were imported from the United States.

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BARC has five test reactors. The facilities include research reactors for research and radioisotope production, plants for generating uranium metal and nuclear fuels, fuel reprocessing, waste immobilisation and seismic stations. Of all the research reactors at the centre, Dhruva represents the most significant engineering achievement. The high neutron flux reactor was designed, built and commissioned entirely by Indian engineers. It uses natural uranium as fuel, and heavy water as moderator and coolant. Dhruva is useful in investigations related to power reactor technology and production of radioisotopes required for special applications. The 100 MW reactor, though commissioned in 1985, initially experienced problems that delayed plutonium production for several years.

DID YOU KNOW?

BARC is working on the use of nuclear power to increase the lifespan of ISRO's lunar and other inter-planetary missions.

The plutonium nuclear fuel used in India's nuclear tests in 1974 and 1998 came from BARC's reactors. The effort gave Indian scientists the technological knowhow and confidence to not only develop nuclear fuel for future reactors but also the capacity to refine it into weapons-grade fuel for developing nuclear weapons. BARC has also designed and built India's first pressurised water reactor, which was commissioned at Kalpakkam near Chennai, as well as the power unit and propulsion reactor for INS Arihant, the first indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine commissioned in 2016.

Future perfect

With expertise in advanced reactor technologies, BARC is focused on developing newer technologies for generating nuclear power. At present, about 5,780 MW, or 3.5 per cent of the country's power generation, is by nuclear energy. Substantial research has been done on technologies for using thorium in the nuclear fuel cycle and developing an Advanced Heavy Water Reactor, a technology demonstrator reactor of 300 MW to be located at Tarapur, as well as for use of thorium-based fuel on a large scale for generating commercial nuclear power, which is part of India's three-stage nuclear power programme.

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Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has expanded its base to 15 manufacturing unites across India and over 70 per cent of power generated in India comes from BHEL-supplied equipment. It is the largest public sector undertaking in terms of employment and revenue generation.

BHEL | Established in 1956

The journey so far

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) was conceived in the late 1950s to become the face of India's industrial development. Its first factory manufacturing power plant equipment came up in 1956 in Bhopal but it started making profits only in 1971-72. Since then it has expanded its base to 15 manufacturing units across India. It manufactures over 180 products for sectors ranging from power to telecommunications. Over 70 per cent of power generated in India comes from BHEL-supplied equipment. Three out of four Indian homes are lit up with power generated by BHEL equipment. It is the largest public sector undertaking in terms of employment and revenue generation.

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Of the 35,000 MW per annum capacity India has for power plant equipment manufacturing, BHEL alone constitutes 20,000 MW. With 150 project sites across India and abroad, it is the largest operating PSU. One of the largest engineering and manufacturing companies in India, BHEL has lifted India's standing in sectors as diverse as transportation, energy, oil, gas, water and defence. It has also made India self-sufficient in engineering and is the country's largest profitable PSU.

Today, BHEL products are exported to 82 countries across six continents. It has cumulative overseas installed capacity of nearly 10,000 MW. This year, BHEL bagged its largest ever export order, valued at $1.5 billion (Rs 10,000 crore), to set up a 1,320 MW (2 x 660 MW) Maitree Super Thermal Power Project in Bangladesh. This is BHEL's largest power project order in the international market.

The road ahead

BHEL is banking heavily on developing a 1,000 MW ultra-super critical unit in partneship with NPCIL and ISRO. This will reduce the consumption of coal and improve equipment efficiency. Along with this, it is expanding the businesses in capital goods manufacturing for railways, defence, solar PV and other industrial products.

DID YOU KNOW?: BHEL is setting up incubation centres to promote startups. It is also building an ecosystem of domestic service providers, which sits well with the 'Make In India' programme.

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By PTI: (EDS: Updating with Bhutanese foreign ministers quotes)

Kathmandu, Aug 11 (PTI) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met her Bhutanese counterpart Damcho Dorji, who hoped that the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Dokalam area of the Sikkim sector is resolved "peacefully and amicably".

The comments by Dorji came after his meeting with Swaraj on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC foreign ministers meeting here.

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"We hope the situation in Dokalam will be resolved peacefully and amicably," Dorji told reporters.

This was the first official reaction from Bhutan after Beijings claim that the Himalayan nation had acknowledged that Dokalam belonged to China. However, China had not offered any evidence to support its claim.

Both Swaraj and Dorji are here to attend a meeting of foreign ministers from the countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), a grouping of countries in South Asia and South East Asia.

However, there was no official word from the Indian side on what was discussed during the meeting.

"Time with a close friend and neighbour. The external affairs minister meets with foreign minister of Bhutan Damcho Dorji on sidelines of BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers meet," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted and also posted a picture of the meeting.

The two leaders mainly discussed BIMSTEC cooperation and a range of issues in bilateral relations, Sudhakar Dalale, Joint Secretary North, said of the Swaraj-Dorji meeting.

The meeting between the two leaders comes against the backdrop of the current standoff in Dokalam -- a trijunction between India, China and Bhutan.

India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Dokalam area of the Sikkim sector since June 16 after Indian troops stopped the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army from building a road in the area.

Swaraj also met Sri Lankas minister of state for foreign affairs Vasantha Senanayake.

During the meeting they discussed bilateral issues, mutual cooperation and matters relating to strengthening cultural linkages, Dalale said

BIMSTEC has very important role for India and greater energy needs to be injected into the BIMSTEC movement, he said.

"The BIMSTEC has made an important journey in the past two decades and we need to explore untapped resources through the regional grouping for our benefit," he said.

Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal are members of the BIMSTEC. PTI RB PYK SBP ASK ASK

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Hitarth Dholakia, son of a Gujarati diamond merchant's family that owns a Rs 6000 crore company based in Surat, was sent to Hyderabad to learn the struggles of life the hard way and live like an aam aadmi.

By Ashish Pandey: Meet 23-year-old Hitarth Dholakia, son of a Gujarati diamond merchant and a member of a family that owns a Rs 6000 crore company based in Surat. Although this company has a presence in 71 countries, Hitarth was asked by his family to learn to fend for himself and face the struggles of life like an aam aadmi (common man) would.

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Hitarth is the son of Surat-based billionaire diamond merchant Savji Dholakia, who has made headlines for having gifted his employees cars and flats as Diwali bonus in the past.

Hitarth came to Hyderabad a month ago with only Rs 500 in his pocket and no roof to seek shelter under or contact to approach to help him get a job.

After completing his Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA) from a reputed university in New York, Hitarth had returned home in Mumbai in mid-June.

His plans of having a quality time with his family suffered a setback as Hitarth was left dumbstruck on being told by his kin that he should learn to eke out a living for himself instead of eating off his family's money.

HITARTH WAS UNPREPARED FOR THIS CHALLENGE

It was a real challenge for 23-year-old Hitarth as he was never used to managing all his affairs on his own. Earlier while he lived in the United States during his graduation for almost three years, he never faced any money crunch or want of facilities.

When Hitesh was received at the airport by his family, little did he know about what was coming. It was at the airport itself that he got to know that he would have to go to Hyderabad to earn his daily bread for the next one month.

"I was not aware about where this city is, which part of the country it falls, what is the language and culture there. I was afraid but confident. With only 500 rupees in my pocket and no mobile phone or anything else, I reached Hyderabad and started my new life."

As part of the challenge to be self-sufficient, Hitesh had to earn for two square meals a day in Hyderabad for the next 30 days. He had to look for new work each week to meet his fooding, lodging and other daily needs. Being in a new city, he could not use his family name or anything related to his original identity, including his educational qualifications, to find himself a job.

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"I am a US-educated youth with a private pilot license and a certificate holder of GIA Diamond Grading, but nothing was helpful for me in Hyderabad. Soon afterwards, I started looking for jobs as I hardly had any money. Fortunately, I found a lodge in Secunderbad for Rs 100. I was sharing the room with 17 people there. Now my next task was to find a job for myself. After struggling for 3 days, I got a job at a multi-national food joint, which paid me a salary of Rs 4,000. As a part of the challenge, I worked there for 5 days and quit the job."

WAS LUCKY TO FIND JOB IN MANUFACTURING UNIT: HITARTH

Hitarth says he was "lucky enough" to have found a marketing job in a white board manufacturing unit. He again worked for 5 days and earned Rs 1500. He changed 4 jobs in 4 weeks and earned Rs 5000 by the month-end.

Speaking to India Today, Hitarth's younger sister Krupali said, "I was shocked when we came to Hyderabad and visited the places where my brother lived and worked. It was a really tough job and a hard-to-believe situation for us, but I am proud of him and my family which is keeping this tradition alive to keep us grounded and to respect humans as well as the importance of money."

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The Dholakia family has been following this tradition for years of sending their kids into an exile-of-sorts from a life of luxury. Pintu Tulsi Bhai Dholakia, 31, was the first in the family who experienced the "real life" (full of rigours). Now Pintu is the CEO, of Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd. Similarly last year, the family sent its 21-year-old MBA son to Kochi to enable him to learn about the struggles of life.

Surat-based billionaire diamond merchant Savji Dholakia and his 32-member family-run business group is known for its employee family atmosphere. Last year in Diwali, the company had gifted 400 flats and 1,260 cars to about 1,716 best-performing employees as bonus. In 2015, the company had gifted 491 cars and 200 flats to its employees. Similarly in 2014, the company gifted 491 cars, funds for 207 flats and jewellery to its 1,200 employees.

ALSO READ |

Be my boss: Surat trader Savjibhai Dholakia to again gift his employees car and house as Diwali bonus

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Gujarat: Rs 19.67 lakh cash seized from businessman's house in Vadodara

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Festival committee members, (from left to right), Cllr Gill Shaw, Cllr Peter Blanksby and Cllr Wendy Fowkes with Daisy Garforth, dad, Lee and mum, Hollie. 171296-4

A TWO-day music festival will raise money to treat two young girls with cerebral palsy from the same village.

The charity event on Wales Recreation Ground will help fund treatments for seven-year-old Daisy Garforth and Taylor Dobbs (3).

A variety of music acts will be performing in the marquee between 6pm and 11.30pm on Friday and from noon until midnight on the Saturday.

Cash raised will help fund therapy for both Kiveton Park girls, whose brain conditions were caused by complications at birth.

Daisy was born with cord presentation and was starved of oxygen for about 20 minutes, resulting in brain damage which caused her athetoid dystonic cerebral palsy.

Mum Hollie (32) said: It means her muscles can be very, very floppy or very, very tight and it affects all four limbs.

Several of Daisys treatments are unavailable on the NHS, including the three times a week she has hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Leeds.

Since Daisys been going for oxygen therapy in the last 18 months, she hasnt suffered a cold, chest infection or anything like that, said Hollie.

The youngster also attends Londons specialist Bobath Centre for a fortnight each year for intensive physio, speech and language and occupational therapy. The placement is funded but not the familys travel or accommodation.

And neuro training, which maps which parts of the brain are over and under used, is another treatment the family is considering.

Daisy has learned to walk using a frame and attended mainstream school at Kiveton Park Infants.

Dad Lee (41) said: The head said when we first went there that if they had to knock walls down to accommodate Daisy, then they would.

He also said they wanted it to be a classroom of children, not a classroom of children and Daisy. She has come on so much at that school, with a fantastic group of children around her.

Taylors mum Suzie Oates is looking to the US for treatment for her daughters quadroplegic cerebral palsy.

She said: Taylor is a happy three-year-old with a beautiful soul and deserves every opportunity to thrive.

She requires specialist care, help and support, including adaptations and specialist equipment to support her everyday living.

Like any mother, Id like to give her every chance to exceed expectations and meet milestones many parents take for granted.

Unfortunately, a lot of these treatments are not available in the UK and the costs are high.
Bobby Brown with his fundraising friends. 171382-2

KIND-HEARTED youngsters rallied round to help their leukaemia-fighting pal after thieves stole his quad bike.

Eight-year-old Bobby Brown was left devastated when his quad bike was stolen from his familys home in Brinsworth last Tuesday.

But devoted friends helped lift his spirits when they raised 310 towards a replacement by washing cars on their estate.

Mum Samantha Preece (27) said: The response we had since we put an appeal on Facebook has been amazing.

We have got such a long list of people we would like to thank and we thought his friends deserved a special mention.

Samantha said the quad was taken overnight from an outhouse at their Letard Drive home on Tuesday.

The thing that bothers me the most is that somebody has been in and took it while we were in bed, especially with Bobby not being very well, she said.

My partner Ashley works away a lot so Im often on my own and its a bit unnerving knowing somebody has been in.

People have offered to replace the quad but its the sentimental value as well because he had all his stickers on it.

Brinsworth Manor Junior School pupil Bobby was diagnosed with leukaemia in February.

He is now in the maintenance stage of his treatment but will continue to have chemotherapy for three years.

Samantha, who is 30 weeks pregnant, said: Obviously, it would be nice to get it back but and wed ask anyone with any information to get in touch with the police. But we want to say how wonderful it is what the kids have done.

Weve had so many people offer to help as well so we want to thank everybody.

A police spokeswoman said the quad bike was stolen between 11pm on Tuesday, August 1 and 7am on Wednesday, August 2.

She urged anyone with any information to call police on 101, quoting incident number 171 of August 2.
By Vidya : The Bombay High Court ordered Maharashtra government to pay Rs 6 lakh compensation to Ludhiana resident Jawaharlal Sharma who was arrested in a false case of murder in Mumbai in March 1996. The court noted that Sharma himself had made the effort of finding the man named Guddu who was alive, but Mumbai Police had claimed him to be dead and for whose murder he was arrested in 1996. The amount has to be paid by Maharashtra government by 4th Oct.

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Bombay High Court was shocked by the "inaction, lethargy and callousness" shown by police officers, who were told not just by Guddu's family, but also by local police station officers of Bareilly from where Guddu hailed that he was alive.

High Court in its order noted that, "The police machinery and the investigating officers under the Code of Criminal Procedure enjoy wide powers for the purposes of investigation. However, with wide powers, comes higher responsibility and the police officers investigating into a crime are expected to act in impartial, fair and efficient manner."

In 1996 Sharma was requested by his landlord to help him search his daughter in-law who had been abducted by a man named Guddu. The search brought them to Mumbai where they spoke to many people and had given them their address to inform if they get to know anything about Guddu. Around that time an unrecognizable body had been found in Jogeshwari area of Mumbai and the locals told the police that body belonged to a man named Guddu who had recently married a woman and was working at a jari shop until a few days ago.

Police had recorded the statement of the jari shop owner who gave details of Guddu as well as told them that a man named Jawaharlal Sharma from Ludhiana had come looking for Guddu. Police went and arrested him and he was put in custody for months.

A warrant had been issued by the local court in Ludhiana for Guddu in the case filed by Sharma's landlord for their daughter in-law's abduction. Guddu had dropped the girl back at her residence and had been on the run since then. However, in spite of everyone telling the Mumbai Police officers that Guddu was alive, they chose to go ahead and file a chargesheet against Sharma because of which the local courts rejected Sharma's bail and kept him in jail.

Finally after getting bail, and by the tremendous efforts taken by Sharma, Guddu was brought before the trial court in Mumbai after which Sharma was discharged from the case after a decade long struggle. His advocate Ajit Pitale submitted before the High Court that "this is a fit case in which compensation can be awarded to the petitioner in view of the fact that he had undergone tremendous mental agony and physical inconvenience in order to prove his innocence. All the while, the police officers were aware that Guddu was alive."

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The court in its order stated that, "In this case, we find that the fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of Constitution of India was seriously infringed because of callous attitude and inaction on the part of investigating agency."

Maharashtra government told the court that the investigating officers Police Inspector Sharma and Police Sub-Inspector VN Bansode have expired while inspector RR Yadav has retired. Thus, the court was of the opinion that there was no point in taking action against the erring officers. However, the court gave liberty to Maharashtra government to "if it so desires, to recover the said amount of compensation from the investigating officers who are available or from the estate of such investigating officers who have expired, in accordance with law."

Sharma's wife Namrata on hearing about the court order said that Rs 6 lakh was nothing compared to the years of trouble the family went through for over a decade.

"We suffered losses and are in debt of over Rs 40 lakh. But, our main grievance is that court did not take any action against Yadav. He was the main officer who ruined our life to get a medal from his bosses probably. We will petition the court again."

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ALSO READ:

Court acquits man in false rape case lodged by step-daughter

Man, his brother acquitted in dowry harassment case

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Mirny: ALROSA and EMERCOM are providing support to relatives of missing miners

11 august 2017 News

The search and rescue operation to save the eight missing miners is continuing in Mirny. The management of ALROSA and that of the Emergencies Ministry (EMERCOM) hold daily meetings with the relatives of the missing miners.

Andrey Kuznetsov, Deputy Chief of the Mir Mine for General and Social Issues says: "We meet with them after each of their phone calls, at their request and if it is necessary to resolve the issues that arise among them to understand the current situation. We try to organize meetings both with technical management, and with the top persons. Igor Sobolev, the companys CEO constantly meets with them and maintains permanent contacts, explaining what is going on and what are the conditions every day. You should understand that every day the underground conditions change. The technical staff also tries to bring information, because among the relatives there are people with mining education. We provide drawings, documentation, so that we could tell, discuss, understand together what is actually happening. There are, of course, difficult moments. There are elderly people among the relatives and there are young pregnant women - these are our residents of Mirny. With them, at their request and depending on their emotional condition, we communicate more often by phone, but they also come here at will, as soon as some question arises."

Today, Alexey Maryin, the brother of the missing miner from Belgorod, who earlier in a media interview expressed distrust regarding the course of the rescue operation and the sufficiency of the measures taken, will join the group of rescuers and volunteers as an observer. He will be able to descend into the mine and personally see in what conditions rescuers work and what the possibilities of doing work in the current situation are.

Psychologists work with relatives at the hotel. Meetings with relatives are held on a daily basis, the companys representatives call them several times a day. Every day, upon completion of their meetings the operational headquarters provide all information - including technical details, schemes and routes - to the missing miners relatives. The top managers of ALROSA, the management of the Mirny Mining Division, the management of the mine, the heads of mining sections, the trade union, and, of course, the representatives of the Emergencies Ministry, including the deputy minister, also take part in the meetings.

Andrey Kuznetsov noted that the company understands very well the worries and emotions of the miners' relatives. "We affirm with full responsibility that despite any difficulties the search and rescue operation will continue - we are doing everything possible and impossible," he stressed.

Meanwhile, the company managed to free the quarry pit from water and protect the rescuers and miners conducting search underground. The fate of the eight miners who remain in the mine workings since the flooding of the Mir mine last Friday is still unknown.

As previously reported, the company's specialists implemented a plan to close the washout in the quarry pit by dropping off large-size blocks from helicopters. The water accumulated in the quarry was unloaded due to this operation. The danger of uncontrolled discharge of water into the underground mine is prevented and this has made it possible to expand the rescue operations, which are carried out around the clock in three shifts. 320 specialists are involved in the liquidation of the accident consequences - this is a joint grouping of EMERCOM and ALROSA.




ALROSA sells rough and polished diamonds worth USD 293.5 million in July

11 august 2017 News

ALROSA Group, the world leader in diamond production, announces diamond sales results for July and seven months of 2017.

In July 2017, ALROSA Group sold USD 293.5 million worth of rough and polished diamonds. Rough diamond sales by value amounted to USD 286.1 million, polished diamond sales  USD 7.4 million.

In JanuaryJuly 2017, ALROSAs rough and polished diamond sales amounted to USD 2.79 billion. Rough diamonds were sold for USD 2.728 billion, polished diamonds  for USD 62.3 million.

In July, there was a seasonal drop in demand on the market in the run up to August holidays. A good demand for rough diamonds with an upward trend in prices was demonstrated in the first half of the year. The Company cut down the stock accumulated by the start of the year, ALROSA Vice President Yury Okoemov commented on the sales in the first seven months of this year.
Diamcor Mining, which is currently developing its Krone-Endora at Venetia project in South Africa, said it sold 32 627.97 ct of rough diamonds in the financial year ended March 31 for $5.93-million or $136.89 per carat.

The company earned $4.47-million in revenue, a year earlier from the sale of 24 068.01 carats at an average price of $139.74/ct.

The average price per carat was in line with company expectations, given that the material being processed as part of the ongoing development exercises was largely limited to lower-grade material in the 1 mm to 15 mm size fractions, it said.

Diamcor said it was focused on the advancement of its diamond project during the period under review.

However, delays in the delivery and installation of certain portions of the expansion efforts strained the company's efforts to advance the project as desired.

Current efforts at the project are now focused on increasing processing tonnages of material in all size fractions through these new facilities, and to achieve sustained run-times and increased tonnage levels over a period sufficient to allow the company to arrive at initial production decisions for the project as soon as practicable, said Diamcor.

It said that its operating expenses leaped to $4.79-million during the period under review due to increased operating levels associated with the continued advancement of the project.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




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".

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
(Agencia CMA Latam) - The market forecast for the Brazilian government's primary deficit in 2017 increased to R$ 154.841 billion, according to a monthly survey by the Ministry of Finance. In July's survey, market players estimated a R$ 145.268 billion deficit by year-end.

The deficit projected in August is around R$ 15 billion above the government's target of a R$ 139 billion primary deficit and corroborates the view on a possible revision of the current objective by the Brazilian government.

For 2018, the primary deficit estimate rose to R$ 130.5 billion, from R$ 129 billion in the previous forecast, which was in line with the government's target.

In recent weeks, the market has been speculating that the government will miss the fiscal target this year and in 2018.

Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles said that the tax revenue has performed worse than expected this year and that the government should take whatever measures are necessary to re-balance the country's accounts.

by Agencia CMA Latam

For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
German real estate firm Deutsche Wohnen AG (DWHHF.PK) Friday reported that its first-half funds from operations, operating result after current interest and taxes or FFO I increased 11% to 220.8 million euros from 198.7 million euros in the previous year. FFO I per share rose just under 7% to 0.63 euro.

EPRA NAV increased 6% to 31.42 euros per share.

In the first half, consolidated Group profit was 672.0 million euros, higher than 647.2 million euros last year.

Contracted rental income grew to 366.5 million euros from prior year's 347.8 million euros. This led to an increase in the operating result, i.e., net operating income, to 283.7 million euros from previous year's 272.9 million euros.

The adjusted EBITDA excluding earnings from Disposals rose to 290.7 million euros from 266.5 million euros last year, at a largely stable cost ratio of around 11% compared to the end of 2016.

Looking ahead, for fiscal 2017, Deutsche Wohnen raised its forecast for the expected like-for-like rental growth to over 4% from 3.5% across its entire letting portfolio, while furthermore adhering to its projection of an increase in its FFO I to approximately 425 million euros in the base case scenario, i.e. without any further acquisitions and opportunistic disposals.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Venture capital firm Benchmark Capital, one of Uber's largest shareholders, filed a lawsuit against Travis Kalanick, co-founder and ousted CEO of the ride-hailing company over allegations of fraud, reports said.

The suit, filed in the Delaware Chancery Court, accuses Kalanick of fraud, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty. Benchmark is aiming for a preliminary injuction to remove Kalanick from Uber's board of directors.

Both Kalanick and Benchmark hold seats at the Board of the privately held company that is valued at nearly $70 billion.

In the suit, Benchmark claims that Kalanick has not honored the terms of his resignation and has been trying to change the board for his own advantage.

According to the suit, Kalanick's "overarching objective is to pack Uber's board with loyal allies in an effort to insulate his prior conduct from scrutiny and clear the path for his eventual return as CEO  all to the detriment of Uber's stockholders, employees, driver-partners, and customers."

Kalanick's position on Uber's board is thus improper and inequitable, and should be invalidated, the firm said.

The complaint reportedly is based on a 2016 decision that expanded the size of Uber's board to 11 from eight, and Kalanick was given the right to choose those seats. When he lost his CEO seat, Kalanick eventually gave one of those to himself, while the other two are yet to be filled.

Following pressure from investors, Kalanick in June stepped down as CEO from the company he built over the last eight years. The company is still searching for a potential replacement for the top job.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Kalanick reportedly said, "The lawsuit is completely without merit and riddled with lies and false allegations... Benchmark's lawsuit is a transparent attempt to deprive Travis Kalanick of his rights as a founder and shareholder and to silence his voice regarding the management of the company he helped create. Travis will continue to act in the interests of Uber and all of its stakeholders and is confident that these entirely baseless claims will be rejected."

The spokesman said Benchmark was acting in its own best interests instead of those of Uber, its employees and its other shareholders.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
President Donald Trump continued to ramp up his rhetoric against North Korea on Friday, warning the regime of Kim Jong Un in a post on Twitter that the U.S. military is "locked and loaded."

"Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!" Trump tweeted.

Trump also retweeted a post from U.S. Pacific Command noting, "#USAF B-1B Lancer #bombers on Guam stand ready to fulfill USFK's #FightTonight mission if called upon to do so."

A statement from the Pacific Air Forces said two U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers joined their counterparts from the Republic of Korea and Japanese air forces in sequenced bilateral missions on Monday.

The bombers flew from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, for a 10-hour mission, flying in the vicinity of Kyushu, Japan, the East China Sea, and the Korean peninsula.

In an apparent response to Trump's tweets, a statement issued by North Korea's official KCNA news agency claimed the president is "driving the situation on the Korean peninsula to the brink of a nuclear war."

North Korea noted the U.S. considered using the atomic bomb during the Korean War, calling America the "mastermind of nuclear threat, the heinous nuclear war fanatic."

The latest tweets from Trump reflect the latest in a series of remarks the president has made threatening North Korea.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump warned that further threats from North Korea would be met with "fire and fury like the world has never seen."

After the North Korean military called the remarks a "load of nonsense," Trump suggested Thursday that his comments may not have been tough enough.

"I think that's the first time they heard it like they heard it," Trump said. "Frankly, the people who were questioning that statement 'was it too tough,' maybe it wasn't tough enough."

He added, "They've been doing this to our country for a long time, for many years, and it's about time that somebody stuck up for the people of this country and for the people of other countries."

Asked by a reporter what would be tougher than threatening "fire and fury," Trump would only say, "We'll see."

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
President Donald Trump reportedly plans to interrupt his stay at Trump Tower next week with a brief return to Washington, D.C. on Monday.

Citing a presidential schedule presented to local New York City law enforcement, Politico said Trump is now scheduled to fly to Washington early Monday before returning to Manhattan later in the day.

Politico said Trump had previously been scheduled to spend Sunday through Wednesday holding "internal meetings" at Trump Tower.

The updated schedule shows Trump returning to New York and remaining at Trump Tower for two nights before heading to Bedminster, New Jersey, on Wednesday to finish his "working vacation," Politico said.

Politico said it was not immediately clear why the president was returning to Washington in the middle of his planned seventeen-day summer break.

Trump's "working vacation" comes as the White House is undergoing major renovations, with West Wing staffers who stayed behind working out of the Old Executive Office Building.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Streaming music app SoundCloud Friday announced that it received new funding.

The company in a blog post said that it raiced funds from media-focused investment bank Raine Group of New York and Singapore's sovereign wealth fund Temasek.

The tech company not reveal financial details of the funding.

"'m happy to announce that together with investors The Raine Group and Temasek we've just wrapped up the largest financing round in the history of SoundCloud. This financing means SoundCloud remains strong & independent. As I said, SoundCloud is here to stay," Alexander Ljung wrote on the blog.

The company also said it has appointed Kerry Trainor as CEO and Mike Weissman COO.

"After a decade of balancing the roles of Founder, CEO and Chairman I'm excited to hand the CEO reins over to Kerry to allow me to fully focus on the role of the Chairman and the long-term. This, I know, sets us up as an even greater team for the decade(s) to come," Ljung said.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
By PTI: (Eds: Recasting overnight story)

Ghaziabad(UP), Aug 11 (PTI) A senior IAS officer from Bihar was found dead near the railway tracks here, with police recovering a suicide note from the spot.

Mukesh Pandey, the district magistrate of Bihars Buxar district, was found dead late yesterday.

His body was found from the rail tracks about one km from the Ghaziabad railway station, police said, adding a suicide note was also recovered from the spot.

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condoled the death of the IAS officer.

"He was a capable administrator and a sensitive officer. May god bless his soul," he said in a tweet.

In the note, Pandey, a 2012-batch IAS officer, said he was fed up with his life and has lost his "belief in human existence".

"I am committing suicide in district centre area of Janakpuri in west Delhi...by jumping off the 10th floor of the building. I am fed up with life and my belief in human existence has gone. My detailed suicide note is kept in a Nike bag in room 742 of a five-star (name withheld) hotel in Delhi. I am sorry, I love you all! Please forgive me," said the note, according to Senior Superintendent of Police H N Singh.

Singh said it was not immediately known at what time or how Pandey committed suicide.

The post-mortem would be conducted today.

Officials of the Government Railway Police (GRP), who reached the spot, near Kotgaon here, said prime facie it appeared to be a case of suicide.

A senior Delhi Police official said that police received information from his friends that Pandey would commit suicide and had gone to a west Delhi mall.

A police team was immediately rushed to the mall but it could not trace him.

After scanning the CCTV footage, it was found that he was leaving the mall and going towards the nearby metro station, the official said, adding on analysis of CCTV footage there, he could not be traced.

Later, Delhi Police learnt that he had committed suicide, the official said. PTI CORR SLB KIS SMJ DV

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: recovered

Ghaziabad (UP), Aug 11 (PTI) Senior IAS officer and District Magistrate of Bihars Buxar district Mukesh Pandey was found dead near railway tracks here, police said.

Pandeys body was found on the tracks about one km from the Ghaziabad railway station late last night and a suicide note was also recovered from the spot, they said.

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condoled the death of the officer. "He was a capable administrator and a sensitive officer. May god bless his soul," he said in a tweet.

In the purported note, Pandey, a 2012-batch IAS officer, said he was fed up with his life and has lost his "faith in human existence".

"I am committing suicide in district centre area of Janakpuri in west Delhi...by jumping off the 10th floor of the building. I am fed up with life and my faith in human existence has gone. My detailed suicide note is kept in a Nike bag in room 742 of a five-star (name withheld) hotel in Delhi. I am sorry, I love you all! Please forgive me," said the note, according to Senior Superintendent of Police H N Singh.

Officials of the Government Railway Police (GRP), who reached the spot, near Kotgaon here, said prime facie it was a case of suicide.

The body was found around 8.40 pm near Katgaon yesterday. The body was identified with the help of ID cards recovered from his pocket.

Police said Pandeys post-mortem was conducted today by a team of three doctors in Ghaziabad and it was videographed.

The body will be transported to Guwahati where his family lives and the last rites will be conducted there, they said.

Before taking the extreme step, Pandey had sent messages to his family members that he was planning to commit suicide at Janakpuri District Centre.

A senior Delhi Police official said that police received information from his friends that Pandey would commit suicide and had gone to the Janakpuri District Centre yesterday.

A police team was immediately rushed to the mall but it could not trace him.

The police received information around 6.30 pm and started analysing the CCTV footage but it was seen that he had left the mall around 6 pm.

The police carried out searches in nearby malls, hotels and even shut down some shops and the entrance to the top floors to scan the corridors but he could not be traced.

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Later, the Delhi Police learnt that he had allegedly committed suicide, the official said.

Around 8.10 pm, the Sarojini Nagar police station in south district was informed by Pandeys sister-in-law that he was missing.

She told the police that he had checked into a five-star hotel in the morning yesterday, but after he remained incommunicado, she informed the police.

The Delhi Police said they are awaiting a report from their counterpart in Ghaziabad before taking future course of action. PTI SLB COR TIR TIR

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Beti Bachao

It might have been just another story of a young Indian woman subjected to violence and terror by young men for the crime of being out at night. It might have been just another story of the thuggish son of a powerful politician proving to be untouchable regardless of his crimes because of his connections. Instead, thanks to the victim's own connections and privilege, an ordeal is being transformed into an occasion for national soul searching. Varnika Kundu and her father, Virender, an IAS officer, put their account out on social media, forcing politicians on the back foot. And women around the country posted selfies of themselves on a night out with the hashtag 'Ain't No Cinderella'. Beti bachao, these women appear to be saying, is patronising. They're capable of saving themselves.

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No Meat, We're Indian

Pity the Indian carnivore. Confronted by a vegetarian menu at a dinner held by Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan in honour of departing vice president Hamid Ansari, Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien took to Twitter instead of a fork. "Veg only! Will go home and have fish curry," he wrote, managing to sound at once forlorn and defiant. Other MPs complained that the invitation was in Hindi only. Last month, Air India announced that it would be serving vegetarian meals only to economy class passengers on domestic flights. Is it paranoid to think the ruling party is sending a message?

'Chubby' Wife, Happy Life?

Uxorious Robin Tripp decided Instagram was the best venue to declare his love for his wife's "thick thighs" and "cute little side roll". Initially, the post was celebrated for its 'body positive' message. But then people pointed out that the message was both saccharine and self-congratulatory. And that objectifying was objectifying, even if you thought you were doing women a favour by celebrating a body type that wouldn't be "featured on the cover of Cosmopolitan". A "nice guy misogynist" is how one columnist described Tripp. Ouch.

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Many in the Congress had already braced themselves for the latest demoralising reverse, with the loss of Ahmed Patel's Rajya Sabha seat. But the Election Commission was a white knight, riding to the Congress's rescue.

It was a victory snatched from the jaws of defeat. Many in the Congress had already braced themselves for the latest demoralising reverse, with the loss of Ahmed Patel's Rajya Sabha seat. But the Election Commission was a white knight, riding to the Congress's rescue literally at the midnight hour, as August 8 became August 9 and the most senior leaders of both the BJP and Congress worked their phones and bit nails.

The EC rejected as invalid two votes by Congress rebels, leaving Patel needing 44 instead of 45 votes to win a fifth term in the upper house. He got 44, precisely what he needed. No wonder Congress president Sonia Gandhi said, "Thank god for the Election Commission." In June last year, the party had been on the other side, berating the EC for declaring 12 of its votes invalid in the Rajya Sabha election in Haryana.

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Patel is Gandhi's political secretary, a staunch loyalist and arguably the most influential of the party's so-called old guard. But if Patel had powerful friends, he had also made powerful, unforgiving enemies. Chief among them is BJP president Amit Shah. He had spent three months in jail in 2010 on charges related to the alleged killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh in police custody five years earlier. Shah's political career was damaged, albeit temporarily, and he held Patel responsible for what he believed to be a UPA-led witch hunt against him and Narendra Modi, then Gujarat chief minister.

Shah, elected on August 8 to a first Rajya Sabha term from Gujarat, made it his mission to unseat Patel, hastening the latter's political demise and furthering the prospect of a 'Congress-mukt Bharat'. Shah's thirst for revenge, thirst to humiliate Patel, turned a humdrum political event into an epic contest. And so instead of reflecting on a bruising campaign, including unseemly inter-party squabbling, the Congress is celebrating as if reborn. Patel, observers say, was as visibly moved by the result as anyone had ever seen him. Gujarat is his home state and defending his seat had become about prestige, about his continued political relevance, never mind that the Congress itself has been a non-factor in Gujarat since Modi became chief minister in 2001.

Defeat, Patel knew, would also embolden those within the Congress eager to see his hold on the reins of party power loosened. Some had interpreted Rajya Sabha member and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's comment about Congressmen still behaving like sultans though their sultanate had gone as a dig at Patel. Ramesh is a close confidant of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, conspicuously missing from Patel's campaign. Rahul has also been unwelcoming to Patel proteges such as Himanta Biswa Sarma, who switched to the BJP last year.

"Rahul believes in one kind of politics and Patel practises another," a young Congress Lok Sabha MP explains. He asked to be quoted anonymously, adding there was "no personal enmity between the two, just a difference of approach". This has meant the Congress has been divided and frequently indecisive, unsure of itself in the wake of electoral debacles and the desertion of several stalwarts. Sarma's defection, for instance, cost it the Assam assembly poll last year. Any chance of success in the Gujarat elections in December, though, appears to have departed along with veteran leader Shankersinh Vaghela who quit the party in July.

This shambles has been presided over by an absentee high command. "There is no consensus between Rahul and Sonia on how to handle disgruntled leaders," says a Congress general secretary. "She is still receptive to Patel's counsel but neither mother nor son want to appear at odds." For now, though, Patel can breathe a sigh of relief. He has his Rajya Sabha seat back. Now he has to find a way to work with Rahul Gandhi so that the Congress can capitalise on some unanticipated momentum.

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(With Uday Mahurkar)

Jairam Ramesh, Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka and senior Congress leader, has diagnosed his party's problems as an inability to redefine itself in the face of the challenge to its existence posed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah. "They think differently, they act differently," Ramesh said and demanded more flexibility from the Congress. But is that possible if the party won't look beyond one family for its leaders? That is a question Ramesh, like the Congress generally, chooses not to address.

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By SA Commercial Prop News

Jay Padayatchi: Director of property asset managers Meago.



Its only three months into 2012 but it seems this is going to be another busy year for the listed property sector on the corporate action front.

Around R16bn (Stanlib figures) in new equity was added to the sector in 2011 through no fewer than six new listings and a number of capital raisings by existing counters to bring previously unlisted properties to the market.

The latter included mega deals like Growthpoint Properties R5bn investment in the V&A Waterfront and Hyprop Investments R9bn acquisition of Attfunds shopping centre portfolio. By year- end, the sectors market cap had ballooned to R145bn.

Deal making has continued , with acquisitions worth more than R4,5bn expected to be finalised in the first half of 2012. While most of the action is coming from the newer, smaller listings that are keen to grow their portfolios, it is established player Vukile Property Fund that is responsible for one of the biggest deals concluded so far this year  a portfolio of 20 properties acquired for R1,5bn from Sanlam Life Insurance.

Among the newer stocks, Vividend Income Fund is buying 10 retail and commercial properties for R790m from unlisted empowerment vehicle Vusani Property Investments, while Investec Property Fund has pending acquisitions valued at R330,9m.

Rebosis Property Fund is adding six commercial buildings valued at R734m to its portfolio. The acquisition comprises mostly government- tenanted offices in Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Johannesburg and Mafikeng.

In a deal worth R530m, retail-focused Synergy Income Fund, which was co- founded by the Spar group and made its JSE debut in December, is buying two shopping centres from unlisted Old Mutual Ideas Fund  Gugulethu Square in the Western Cape and Setsing Crescent in the Free State.

Dipula Income Fund is bulking up its portfolio of rural and township shopping centres with three retail properties worth R247,8m, while Vunani Property Investment Fund is adding the Foretrust building in Cape Town, bought from Redefine Properties for R249,5m, to its office- focused portfolio.

Last month Redefine announced it was buying the 50% of Southcoast Mall it didn t already own for R108,5m from Hyprop. Last week Arrowhead Properties, the high-yielding play that was unbundled from Redefine, announced a deal in which it would acquire a portfolio of eight office properties from Growthpoint for R167,6m.

Increased deal flow is generally good news for investors as it improves size, liquidity and choice. However, it raises questions about whether the sector may be chasing growth for the wrong reasons: property stocks with external management companies in particular have in the past been accused of doing deals primarily to increase fees.

Moreover, is there enough demand for listed property scrip to support debt and capital raisings to finance these deals?

Jay Padayatchi, director of property asset managers Meago, says given that listed property is trading at a lower forward yield than that of physical property  around 8% for the sector versus 8,5%-10% for unlisted retail, commercial and industrial buildings  it makes sense for property stocks to bulk up portfolios while acquisitions are yield-accretive. In other words, now, while physical property prices are relatively attractive, is a good time for listed funds to buy buildings.

At the same time, there has been a healthy flow of pension fund and retail money into listed property over the past year, which is underpinning demand and share prices, making it easier for listed property companies to raise the equity to finance these deals, says Padayatchi.

Padayatchi expects increased corporate action in the next six months, and at least three new listings. Theres also scope for mergers and take overs. Redefines 31,2% stake in Hyprop could be for sale and Hyprop may offload its 39% holding in Sycom Property Fund.

Padayatchi says some of the higher- rated, low-yielding stocks are starting to look at the smaller, newer listings that are trading at markedly higher yields.

 Take overs or mergers may receive substantial shareholder support, given the frustratingly low levels of liquidity among many of the new listings.
The importance of great customer service was the focus of a training organised by the Samoa Chamber of Commerce last week.

The five-day course on Customer Service for Frontline Staff was delivered with help from the Samoa In-country Training Programme of the Oloamanu Centre for Professional Development and Continuing Education, N.U.S.

The training was delivered by Kim Chateris-Wright and co-trainer Ina Vaafusuaga.

There were 23 participants from various businesses who took part and many gave positive feedback.

This training was very helpful for my line of work, said Alaimalo Vasa, from Apia Broadcasting.

I learnt a lot on how to deal with customers and build my confidence. I enjoyed the training and am grateful for the opportunity.

Samoa In-Country Training Program Manager, Sooialo Sydney Faasau, congratulated the participants on completing the course.

The Samoa Chamber of Commerce would like to acknowledge our development partners, NZ MFAT and AUS DFAT, through the Samoa Education Sector Plan budget support to the N.U.S, as well as the S.I.C.T.P. Manager, Sooalo Sydney Faasau, and his team for making this training possible.
CM Fadnavis has ordered that all charges of scam against Maharashtra Housing Minister Prakash Mehta, Industries Minister Subhash Desai and top bureaucrat Radhesham Mopalwar be probed.

By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: After allegations of scam against Maharashtra Housing Minister Prakash Mehta, Industries Minister Subhash Desai and top bureaucrat Radhesham Mopalwar, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered that all the charges be investigated.

Speaking on the last day of the Monsoon Session in the Maharashtra Assembly, Fadnavis informed the House that allegations against Prakash Mehta in the NP Mills Compounds in Tardeo area would be probed by the Lokayukta.

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This inquiry will be separate from the ACB (Anti-Corruption Bureau) inquiry that is already going on.

WHAT THE CHIEF MINISTER SAID AND THE OPPOSITION's RESPONSE "The file in case of Housing Minister Prakash Mehta did not move forward. Even the LoI (letter of intent) wasn't issued. Whether the remark on the file was right or wrong will come out in the probe", Fadnavis said. Fadnavis also announced an SIT probe into the charges against bureaucrat Radhesham Mopalwar, who was accused of demanding bribe. Opposition members had produced audio tapes in the House during the ongoing session that recorded voices of Mopalwar and a mediator. The chief minister informed that the SIT would comprise senior bureaucrats and EOW (Economic Offences Wing) officials. Fadnavis also ordered an independent inquiry into allegations against Industries Minister Subhash Desai for denotifying MIDC land in Igatpuri in Nashik district. Opposition members strongly objected to an independent inquiry and demanded a probe through Lokayukta for Desai as well. "We will request the Lokayukta to probe allegations against Industries Minister Subhash Desai. If he agrees, we will order a probe by Lokayukta. But if he doesn't, we will hold an independent probe", Fadnavis replied. Opposition also demanded resignations of tainted ministers to ensure a free and fair inquiry, but Fadnavis said there was no need for the same. Meanwhile, former Minister Eknath Khadse objected to and questioned the chief minister's stand, saying that if the government is okay with denotifying 31000 hectares of MIDC land, what was the problem with the land he bought. "Will the chief minister give me justice", Khadse asked. The chief minister said that he would check the facts raised by Khadse and decide judiciously. Opposition walked out of the Assembly, miffed over CM Fadnavis' rejection of their demand for resignation until the probe was over.

ALSO READ |

Graft case: Congress workers protest outside Housing Minister Prakash Mehta's residence, demand resignation

SRA scam: Maharashtra housing minister in dock as CM Devendra Fadnavis orders probe

ALSO WATCH VIDEO | Will resign if CM asks me to, says Maharashtra Minister Prakash Mehta over corruption charges

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In the Solomon Islands, Pacific meteorological services are concerned about the declining number of students showing interest in science subjects.

The Climate Prediction Services Coordinator for the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (S.P.R.E.P.), Sunny Seuseu, says with the rise in technology in the discipline, the need for more qualified meteorologists grows.

But students are not interested in studying science, he noted.

There are many elements to the problem. One of them is that a lot of the students going into tertiary education dont want to take the hard courses. Im talking about physics and mathematics, he said.

Its an ongoing struggle to promote taking up this profession and area of study.

There is a need to improve meteorological services in the Pacific. To cater to aviation, marine, and to the public. To do that, we need better infrastructure and there must be a balance in manpower and technology in challenging the issue.

Asked whether it would cost millions, he said: Its millions that will save lives.

He says the government emphasis tends to be lenient on health and education.

Our governments are usually pushing to health and education, always leaning towards having more educators, he added.

With the heavy promotion on putting teachers in classrooms and doctors into hospitals, he believes this leaves science education in a rift.

For us, were left to promote meteorology to at least have two students on scholarship to study overseas, he said.

In order to do that, we need better funding; we need funding and opportunities.

S.P.R.E.P is hosting a media training for more than 30 journalists from the Pacific ahead of the 4th Pacific Meteorological Council on August 14 - 18.
Fathers Day tomorrow will be an extra special occasion for the six lucky winners of the Ah Liki Wholesale and Devondale Milk promotion.

With their Family Day Out passes, Kathy Nunu, Mafutaga Leiofi, Misiuaita Uaita, Alex Faasavalu, Caroline Apelu Tipoloa and Aleki Fata are in for a great weekend.

One of the lucky winners is Kathy Nunu who received a one-night getaway at Taumeasina Island Resort worth $800.

Another is a father of three from Salelologa, Savaii. Misiuaita Uaitas sister, Faaonea Uaita, picked up his prize.

When he received the call he was very excited because his youngest daughter is a Devondale lover, Ms. Uaita said.

My brothers youngest daughter takes Devondale and there is a shop next to our home at Salelologa where he always buys a whole box of Devondale.

However, when the promotion came out, instead of buying a box, he would buy two cartons and would write his name on the receipt and put it in the box.

Other winners shared similar stories of excitement and being grateful for the blessings.

Supervisor of Ah Liki Wholesale, Momoe Fotuaava, said the promotion is their way of giving back to their customers. It is also part of their contribution to the development of grassroots rugby in Samoa as they are sponsoring the Rugby Academy Samoa.

A press release from the company noted that Devondale Milk has nurtured families in Samoa for over 20 years by providing excellent source of protein and calcium for the growth and wellbeing of our family.

This is why we have put together this promotion so that six lucky winners can celebrate Fathers Day in style with Family Day Out passes.

Devondales Export Marketing Director, Craig Weinert, said they will continue to provide great tasting, high quality dairy products for each family.

Devondale will continue to reward our loyal customers with promotion such as Family Day out because we priorities our customers, he said.

It is the brand that we grew up on and most definitely its the brand we trust.
With 173 million daily users, Snap, the parent company of photo and video-sharing smartphone app Snapchat, would seem to have solidified its place as a social-media powerhouse.

Yet the newly public company is getting a big thumbs down from investors spooked by the slow growth of its advertising business.

Thursday, Snap reported second-quarter results that missed analysts profit and revenue forecasts, sending its shares 14 percent lower in late afternoon, after-market trading. On $182 million in revenue, the company lost $443 million, or 16 cents per share when excluding certain expenses.

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Snap chief Evan Spiegel tried to temper concerns with a handful of statistics highlighting that Snapchat users were creating more than ever before  20 snaps, or photos and videos, per day, for instance. Users were also staying glued to the app for longer periods, with the under-25 crowd hanging out 40 minutes per day, on average.

More than 25 percent of smartphone users in the U.S., U.K. and France were using Snapchat every day, Spiegel said.

Unfortunately for Snap, the company is measured by a different barometer. The firm is held to a Silicon Valley-sized standard where celebration is only warranted if growth in users and revenue is fantastic.

They only didnt meet expectations by a little bit, said Brian Blau, a social media analyst with Gartner. But the expectation is that these types of companies grow.

Snap added 7 million daily users since its last report. But, just last week, Facebook-owned Instagram touted 250 million daily users of its stories feature, a replica of Snapchats stories that launched one year ago. The apples-to-apples comparison has company-watchers worried that Snapchat is flat-lining while Instagram is skyrocketing.

I think its been quite unfortunate for Snap that Facebook has been so aggressive in how they have gone after Snap features, Blau said.

To change perception, Snap needs to follow Facebooks playbook and become known for more than just one thing, building multiple apps that are top destinations for consumers, Blau said.

Snap should copy a few of the things that Facebook has done (with its ad products).

For its part, Snap executives pointed to the recent addition of a self-service advertising platform as a means to boosting revenue in the near-term. More than half of ad impressions were delivered through the new system in the second quarter, Spiegel told analysts on a Thursday afternoon conference call.

Executives also said that Snaps content, which ranges from user-created videos to movie-studio-quality fare and made-for-Snapchat shows, was consistently reaching TV-sized audiences or bigger. Snapchats goofy dancing hot dog lens, which overlays a funky frankfurter onto a persons selfies or surroundings, has been viewed 1.5 billion times in snaps, Spiegel said.

If the hot dogs popularity is little consolation to worried shareholders, theres also this: Spiegel and his co-founder, Bobby Murphy, promised Thursday not to sell any of their shares this year.

Business

jennifer.vangrove@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1840 Twitter: @jbruin
SeaWorld plans to start construction any day now on the San Diego parks tallest roller coaster, following approval Wednesday by the California Coastal Commission.

The vote was the final hurdle facing the marine park before it could commence work on Electric Eel, which SeaWorld hopes will broaden its demographic reach and woo thrill-seeking amusement park fans.

Construction fences on the 1.2-acre site, situated west of the Journey to Atlantis ride, will go up immediately, with construction expected to start soon after, said SeaWorld San Diego spokesman David Koontz. The construction period will last nine months, but for now the park is targeting next summer for the opening.

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The coaster design calls for a combination of loops, twists and a nearly 150-foot-high ascent followed by an inverted roll designed to give riders an upside-down view of Mission Bay. It is being developed as the second phase of Seaworlds new Ocean Explorer attraction, which has as its centerpiece a three-minute submarine ride that gives riders the sense of being deep-sea explorers.

Although the city of San Diego maintains a 30-foot height limit in the coastal zone, SeaWorlds approved master plan allows for an exception of up to 160 feet on four designated sites. The coaster location is one of those sites.

In its staff report, the Coastal Commission said that although the coaster itself will be visible from multiple vantage points around Mission Bay Park, it will not block any ocean views, nor will it markedly change the character of the area.

An open-air design and color scheme that mimics the sky should help make the coaster feel less obtrusive, coastal planners said. They added that the structure will not be illuminated above 60 feet.

We remain committed to long-term investment in the park and will continue to strive to provide new reasons to visit SeaWorld by giving our guests experiences that matter, said SeaWorld San Diego President Marilyn Hannes. We know our guests are going to love Electric Eel.

Electric Eel marks SeaWorlds third coaster. The other two are Manta and Journey to Atlantis.

Business

lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-2251

Twitter: @loriweisberg
For Juan Soberanes, getting a free car was a shock.

Hes worked hard, though, so much so that he was chosen as Vista High Schools Student of the Year this past spring. And the 18-year-old recent graduate speaks three languages, has a three-page list of accomplishments that puts adults to shame, and has a decent shot at an appointment to a prestigious military service academy.

But the young man struggling to overcome poverty and adversity didnt know that one of his adult mentors was so impressed with him that hed quietly nominated the teen to receive the car.

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So it blindsided Soberanes when he was handed  in front of a crowd of people last Sunday at the Vista Rod Run on Aug. 6  the keys to the fully restored 2002 Nissan Altima.

It really hit me, he said this week. After all this work I have been putting in, I am being recognized for it.

Every summer for the past three years, Vista mechanic T.J. Crossman obtains and fixes up a used car, with the sole purpose of giving it away to someone who could really use it. He bought the Altima and replacement parts, and did the repairs at his own cost. He also recruited others to donate help  including the detailing  and hes still hoping someone will help cover a year of car insurance for Soberanes.

The giveaway is part of a small but nationwide program dubbed Wheels to Prosper, " where auto repair shops fix up and donate car to deserving folks in need. TJ Crossmans Auto Repair in Vista is the only shop in San Diego County signed on to the program.

There are lessons that we all could learn from him. There are adults that arent even as hardworking as he is.  T.J. Crossman, Vista mechanic and business owner, speaking about Juan Soberanes

The idea is to provide a hand-up, not a hand-out, Crossman said. This year, roughly 80 people nominated themselves or others for the blue four-door sedan. The judges Crossman recruited to select the winner recommended Soberanes for the honor. Crossman took one look and quickly agreed.

Hes an amazing young man and he deserves the world, in my opinion, Crossman said. There are lessons that we all could learn from him. There are adults that arent even as hardworking as he is.

Among Soberanes notables are his 4.5 GPA and ability to speak English, Spanish and German  the latter a language he selected solely because it intrigued him.

Soberanes was a member of his high schools track and cross-country teams, took part in school advisory committees and interned for U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa.

He was also a member of the Air Force ROTC  rose to the level of cadet colonel  and aside from that served as a platoon sergeant for the North San Diego Young Marines.

Hector Marquez, executive officer for the Marines youth group, was the one who nominated Soberanes for the car. He says Soberanes is extraordinarily special. He stands out from the crowd.

This kid, its so hard to pay him compliments because he is so humble, Marquez said. He thinks that way because he knows he is not done. He is still climbing.

He wasnt always so driven. The epiphany came in ninth grade, when a then-overweight Soberanes was lazing on the couch playing video games one day and a family member asked: What are you going to do with your life?

I wanted something better. I wanted a change. I wanted to be the change.  Juan Soberanes, Vista High Student of the Year 2016-2017

He suddenly saw the struggles around him, in his neighborhood, even in his family.

Soberanes got moving. He joined his school ROTC program. He took tough classes, started doing volunteer work, joined committees. He set goals.

I wanted something better, he said. I wanted a change. I wanted to be the change.

For him to come out fine without gangs or bad grades would have been fine, Marquez, the executive officer, said. But this guy is way beyond that.

Four years later and 40 pounds thinner, he is still goal-driven. His goals are listed on a hand-drawn pyramid on a large poster board in his bedroom.

The next goal on his list: an appointment to the Air Force Academy. This year he came close  so close that academy officials selected him for a special scholarship to help pay for prep-school training designed to improve his chances of getting into the academy next year.

Scholarship in hand, Soberanes will head to the San Bernardino Mountain community of Crestline at the end of this month to attend Northwest Preparatory School.

I dont want to be average at whatever I do, Soberanes said. I want to be the best at it. I dont feel comfortable about being normal. It motivates me to do more and be the best.

And now hes got a reliable car to help him get where hes going.

teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com

(760) 529-4945

Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT
Encinitas City Halls lower parking lot will gain a rapid-charging station for electric cars, bikes and scooters under a lease agreement the City Council tentatively backed Wednesday night.

People who live in Encinitas could use this innovative service station for free, while out-of-towners would pay about $3 for each 20-minute battery charge.

I think it will be very well used, Mayor Catherine Blakespear said, as the council discussed proposal.

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However, she said, she did have some reservations about the proposed lease agreement with the charging station provider, Corridor Power Inc. The company, which operates charging stations on private property from Santa Barbara to San Diego, is offering to pay the city $57,432 for the use of the lower parking lot on Vulcan Avenue over a 3-year, trial period.

Among other things, the proposed lease for the use of the citys parking lot doesnt spell out how the free charging for Encinitas residents will work, nor does it mention what will happen to the parking lot spaces during large downtown special events, Blakespear said.

Ultimately, the council unanimously agreed to tentatively support the lease agreement, but with the addition of some conditions that will be hammered out by a new council subcommittee consisting of Blakespear and Councilwoman Tasha Boerner Horvath.

Angus Clark, Corridor Powers chief executive officer, told the council Wednesday night that he would be willing to turn over many of the lots parking spaces to the public during special events, but would like to keep one spot open for vehicle charging. An Encinitas resident, Clark said he knows firsthand about the popularity of the various downtown festivals and parades.

Plans call for Corridor Power to take control of most of the lower lots 25 spaces on a day-to-day basis. Ten spots will become charging locations for electric vehicles, while a drivers lounge building will eliminate seven other spots.

Billed as a place where drivers can relax while their vehicle batteries recharge, the future lounge will offer restrooms, snacks for sale and free Internet service. On Wednesday night, council members said they also will require that the lounge offer information about Encinitas attractions and services, perhaps even videos about upcoming events.

Clark said the company will have an employee onsite at all times to manage the charging equipment, but the lounge wont be open 24 hours a day. Its proposed to operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Though Corridor Power operates charging stations on private property, company officials have said the Encinitas project will be first of its type. At a city Planning Commission meeting earlier this year, Clark described the charging facility as the latest evolution of the filling station, saying its amazing how service stations have changed in the decades since automobiles were invented.

The new facility will help the city reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and might encourage people to participate in electric vehicle-sharing programs, he said at the time. On Wednesday night, he said his equipment could even charge an electric bus, so the city could consider offering an electric-powered shuttle downtown.

City Councilman Joe Mosca said the new station also would have the added benefit of helping reduce range anxiety  the fear that electric vehicle owners have about whether they can get back home before the charges on their vehicles batteries run out.

pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com
A medical leave the Oceanside City Council approved for Mayor Jim Wood in May expired this week, though his aide said Thursday he still intends to return to City Hall.

He continues to show improvements daily, his aide, Debbie Mikulay, said in an email. However, because of his physical conditions regarding walking and speech he was unable to attend his weeks council meeting.

Wood, 69, suffered a stroke May 16 during a routine angiogram, said Mikulay, who also speaks for Woods family. He was hospitalized and making good progress until he contracted sepsis, which complicated his recovery.

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He was released from the hospital June 24 to continue his convalescence at home.

Although he is diligent in his rehabilitation exercises, his progress has been slower than anticipated, Mikulay said Thursday. Balance is an issue when walking and his speech is still affected. He will soon be participating in outpatient rehab and is still committed to returning to his position as mayor as soon as he is able.

Councilman Chuck Lowery has served as the acting mayor in Woods absence. The stroke is Woods fourth since 2011.

The end of Woods excused absence began a new 60-day period that started Thursday, said City Clerk Zack Beck. State law says that if Wood is unable to participate in a council meeting by early October, including a regular meeting scheduled Oct. 4, the office will be declared vacant.

That would trigger another 60-day period in which the council can appoint someone to the open seat, Beck said. If the council fails to appoint someone in 60 days, or cant agree on someone and declares an impasse before then, the vacancy would go to Oceanside voters in the next regular election, which would be the June 2018 primary.

Woods absence leaves only four members on the council, which raises the possibility of a tie vote on matters before the council. A tie is the same as a no vote. So far that has not proved to be an issue, and the council has conducted its business as usual.

However, it could affect the vote in some controversial subjects headed the councils way. One such subject is a proposal to regulate marijuana cultivation and sales, where previous discussions have shown the council members have differing opinions.

Other council members said this week they have had no recent contact with Wood and that they have no first-hand knowledge of his condition.

Lowery also has been filling Woods seat at the San Diego Association of Governments meetings and some other official city functions.

Im hoping he recovers soon, Lowery said Thursday in a text message.

Wood was elected to the City Council in 2002 after serving 31 years in the Oceanside Police Department. He was elected mayor in 2004.

His office will continue to be staffed during his absence.

philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @phildiehl
Plagued during the past decade by cost overruns, design flaws, maintenance glitches and leadership snafus, the Navys littoral combat ship program has now been stabilized and 2017 proved a pretty productive year for the LCS community, Vice Adm. Tom Rowden said Thursday.

The Naval Surface Forces commanders remarks followed an overhaul he instituted in late 2016 designed to change who staffs the warships, how theyre maintained, where theyll deploy and how they might wage war against 21st century enemies.

Itll no longer be a question of when well see the littoral combat ship but, I think, more importantly, where  where well go operate, said Rowden, the architect of the Navys distributive warfare concept of battling rising naval powers on the high seas.

Over the past year, the LCS program stationed the trimaran-hulled warships Montgomery and Gabrielle Giffords in San Diego and sailed their sister Independence-class Coronado to Singapore, where it operates as a forward-deployed vessel, its crews rotating out of California.

The Coronado is first LCS warship to fly the MQ-8B Fire Scout helicopter drone and also the first to fire the over-the-horizon ship-blasting Harpoon missile.

The Navy will commission the littoral combat ship Omaha in San Diego by early 2018 and plans to add four similar vessels annually throughout the decade. As they arrive in the fleet, theyll be placed into three divisions, each with four ships, based in both San Diego and Mayport, Florida.

A desk overseeing day-to-day maintenance of the vessels and training for the crews has been established and a sprawling instruction facility was opened in San Diego in September, Rowden said.

Originally conceived as a futuristic fleet of cheap and nimble warships capable of fighting in the shallow waters of the Pacific Ocean, by late 2016 the LCS accounted for $12.4 billion in wasted spending, according to U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee.

While the LCS program foundered, other older Navy programs prospered, such as the Aegis modernization initiative for the stalwart Arleigh Burke-class of guided-missile destroyers.

The maddening thing about LCS is that its a good idea that hasnt panned out, said John Holmes, a professor of strategy at the U.S. Naval War College in Rhode Island. We must, must get back to an experimental culture whereby we build a little, test a little, learn a lot, as (Rear Adm. Wayne E.) Meyer, the father of Aegis, liked to say. You dont just dream up a good idea, say Eureka! and put it into mass production before you have any working copies  its madness, like Toyota ordering a concept car into mass production before taking it for a test drive.

You build a few prototypes, test them out, toss out what doesnt work, keep what does, and incorporate those insights into a working design. Then you put it into production.

With that in mind, Rowden participated in the Navys recent push to buy a new guided-missile frigate that will perform many of the same jobs as the LCS while boasting a bigger offensive punch and the ability to withstand enemy attacks, a top concern for critics like McCain.

Rowden has designated one of the new LCS squadrons to serve primarily as minesweepers, replacing aging Avenger-class vessels, a change Holmes likes, but the professor would go farther and scrap the anti-submarine warfare module being developed for the LCS.

Holmes urged the Navy to beef up the surface warfare package on its San Diego-based trimarans with as much anti-ship weaponry as their hulls can carry, turning them into nodes in a networked chain of dispersed vessels that can destroy with missiles what aircraft, drones and other ships detect.

That fits into Rowdens distributive lethality concept because it forces potential enemies like China or Russia to confront dozens of deadly foes across vast spaces and not a massed fleet thats easier to detect and destroy with increasingly lethal and long-distance missiles.

Spearheaded by the Florida-based littoral combat ships Detroit and Milwaukee, the surface warfare module will employ the Longbow Hellfire Missile, a staple of the U.S. Army, especially against fast attack boats and aircraft that could swarm an American flotilla in strategic choke points in waters such as the Persian Gulf.

The LCS anti-submarine package should be done by 2019, the same year the minesweeping module should add aerial and ocean drone systems to find and kill the explosive devices, according to a prepared statement by Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, D.C.

The Knifefish unmanned undersea vehicle for sniffing out mines buried or tethered to the seafloor is slated to reach the LCS fleet in 2020, too.

But one of the best missions for the LCS will be as a floating ambassador, Rowden said, flying the American flag overseas while forging relationships with potential partners in the Pacific. That frees up other warships like the Aegis destroyers for sea patrols and training.

One of the sweet spots I see for the littoral combat ship is the opportunity to go and fill a gap in order to operate with these potential partner, ally and friend navies and enhance their capabilities and enhance their understanding of how we might be able to operate together in the future, Rowden said.
After a slew of aviation accidents over the past month, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert B. Neller on Friday ordered all squadrons to ground flights for 24-hour safety training.

Neller directed the Marine units to conduct an operational reset over the next two weeks, although the timing for the pause will be determined by local commanders based on their operational commitments, according to a statement released by the corps.

The commandant wants Marines to focus on the fundamentals of safe flight operations, with pilots and crews discussing historical case studies culled from completed investigations in order to bring awareness and best practices to the fleet.

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His order followsa series of major accidents that are under investigation.

Three Marines died on Aug. 5 when an MV-22B Osprey assigned to the Dragons of the Japan-based Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 crashed in Australias Shoalwater Bay during a routine training exercise.

On July 10, a Hercules KC-130T aircraft crewed by the Yankees of the New York-based Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 45 crashed into a bean field in rural Mississippi. Fifteen Marines and a sailor died.

The next day at Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina, lightning struck three mechanics, killing one, while they worked on an MV-22B Osprey. They were assigned to the Raging Bulls of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261.

Called safety stand-downs throughout the fleet, operational pauses are not uncommon.

On June 23, Maj. Gen. Mark Wise, commander of the San Diego-based 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, ordered of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 at the Yuma air station in Arizona to pause flights for a day while engineers fixed glitches in a computer system tied to the jets maintenance.

Wise greenlighted the Wake Island Avengers to resume normal flight operations the following day.

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cprine@sduniontribune.com
Bhutanese Foreign Minister in a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Kathmandu today said that they hope the Doklam standoff is resolved peacefully and amicably.

By Geeta Mohan: Amid the border tension in Doka La (Doklam), Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met her Bhutanese counterpart Damcho Dorji in Kathmandu on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Ministerial meeting.

Both sides discussed the border standoff at the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction. Speaking to the press after the meeting, the Bhutanese foreign minister said, "We hope the situation in Doklam will be resolved peacefully and amicably".

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This was the first meeting between the two ministers since the Doklam crisis broke out.

This meeting also comes at a time when China has been upping the ante with its media blitzkrieg of opinion pieces and articles in the Chinese mouthpieces as well as regular statements from the Chinese foreign ministry 'warning' India of dire consequences if it does not withdraw troops from Doklam.

This is also the first time that there has been an official reaction from the Bhutanese side since the press release that the Bhutan's foreign ministry put out on June 29 which read, "Bhutan has conveyed to the Chinese side, both on the ground and through the diplomatic channel, that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the agreements and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between our two countries. Bhutan hopes that the status quo in the Doklam area will be maintained as before 16 June 2017."

The crisis began in mid-June when Indian forces prevented Chinese troops from building a road in Doka La (Doklam), an area which is disputed between Bhutan and China.

--- ENDS ---
Support from all sectors of society will be crucial to the success of Mexicos transition to an open adversarial criminal justice system, a scholar and former Mexican ambassador to the United States said Friday in San Diego.

The strength of the change.is everyones task, said Miguel Basanez, among the honorees at the University of San Diego event celebrating the 15th anniversary of the schools Justice in Mexico initiative.

The one-day conference, entitled Justice in Mexico: An Agenda for the Years Ahead, looks at issues such as corruption, legal education reform, and the state of justice in Mexico.

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The gathering is taking place more a year after states across Mexico were required to move from a system of largely closed written judicial proceedings to U.S.-style open trials. The aim is to fight the impunity that was rampant in the old system, and ensure the rights of the accused, by introducing more openness to the process.

Nobody hates transparency more than those who benefit from being hidden, said Basanez, a professor at Tufts Universitys Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy who served for a year as his countrys ambassador to Washington, D.C.

While all Latin American countries have been transitioning to these oral trials, some have had more success than others, said Basanez. At one extreme is Chile, where the changes were widely embraced by the population, even as political leaders changed.

Colombia has been less successful, he said in an interview. Mexicos transition, which was launched in 2008 under former President Felipe Calderon, has advanced more than Colombia, but not as well as Chile, Basanez said.

The purpose of the Justice in Mexico program is to promote human rights, strengthen the rule of law in Mexico, and improve international dialogue between the United States and Mexico.

Among its accomplishments has been the training for more than 1,000 law professors and attorneys from across Mexico in the implementation of oral, adversarial trials. The effort has been funded by the U.S. State Department under the U.S.-Mexico Merida Initiative.

sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com

@sandradibble
In closing arguments Thursday, attorneys for a former tugboat captain who pleaded guilty to murdering eight people at a Seal Beach salon in 2011 slammed prosecutors for what they called incredible deception  saying there is not enough evidence to move forward with a penalty phase to decide whether Scott Dekraai goes to death row.

The prosecution has sought to use evidence from a veteran jailhouse informant against Dekraai, hoping to boost the chances that the killer will be sentenced to death.

But Scott Sanders, Dekraais defense attorney, blasted the use of the snitch and what he described as a systematic network controlled by the Orange County Sheriffs Department designed to thwart his clients case.

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The department is holding back evidence that could be helpful to his client, Sanders said. This is a rogue department. They decided they didnt have to follow the rules. This concealment could go on forever because when people dont want to tell the truth, we really have no sense of whats left.

The so-called snitch scandal has rocked the Orange County district attorneys office and the Sheriffs Department  and delayed Dekraais sentencing for the mass murder.

Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals has criticized sheriffs officials, who have vowed to search diligently for jailhouse records he has demanded.

Sheriffs officials have repeatedly told the judge there were no more records to be found  only for other material to be subsequently discovered.

How does this happen? Goethals asked Sheriff Sandra Hutchens last month. They were dead wrong.

They possibly did not look hard enough, replied Hutchens, who also acknowledged that informants had been placed near targeted inmates in the Orange County jail for years with the aim of eliciting incriminating statements.

Dekraai pleaded guilty to murdering his ex-wife and seven other victims in the salon shooting.

But the informant scandal has delayed proceedings to determine whether he will face the death penalty. Dekraais attorney has argued that the death penalty should be tossed out because authorities cannot be trusted to turn over relevant evidence.

Removal of the death penalty is a reasonable response to outrageous conduct, Sanders said as he began a final defense argument in the penalty phase.

But Michael T. Murphy, the deputy attorney general whos trying the case, countered. This is not about what did the Sheriffs Department do right or wrong, he said, adding that the primary evidence should focus on what did this man do and what does he deserve?

The defenses belief that there are records showing good behavior on the part of the client is preposterous, Murphy said.

On Thursday afternoon, Goethals said he expects to rule on the death penalty issue by the end of next week.

Sanders argued that jailhouse informants and their handlers have violated the rights of inmates for years by coaxing information from defendants who are represented by lawyers. An appellate court upheld Goethals decision to remove the district attorneys office from Dekraais case, adding that sheriffs deputies were clearly moving informants around the jail to place them near specific inmates.

Defense attorneys in other cases have since argued that prosecutors failed to disclose information about the use of informants during discovery, which would violate their clients rights.

Last year, the fallout led Goethals to order a retrial for an Anaheim man who was convicted of aiding in the 1998 murder of a pregnant woman.

An informants testimony was used against the man at a 2006 trial, but a defense attorney argued prosecutors had failed to disclose information about the witness history as an informant.

In Dekraais case, the informant was a former shot-caller in the Mexican Mafia who had become a prolific source in hopes of gaining a reduced sentence.

In June, the countys grand jury dismissed the entire scandal as a myth, releasing the findings of a months-long investigation that was hailed as vindication by prosecutors and dismissed as a whitewash by defense attorneys.

In a 28-page report, the grand jury said critics and media outlets had blown the scandal out of proportion after it became central to the case of Dekraai.

But the report is unlikely to be the final word, as the U.S. Justice Department and the California attorney generals office are investigating the matter.

anh.do@latimes.com

Twitter: @newsterrier

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UPDATES:

5:25 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details from the court hearing.

This article was originally published at 3:10 p.m.
A search is underway for an Irish hiker who disappeared in April as he trekked through a stretch of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail.

David OSullivan, 25, had left his home in Ireland on March 20 with the goal of hiking the famed trail in five months, according to a missing persons Facebook page created for him. He planned to hike alone from Southern California to Canada.

But concerns over OSullivans whereabouts arose when he never met up with a friend in Santa Barbara in May. His family later reported him missing to authorities.

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According to the Riverside County Sheriffs Department, OSullivan was last seen sometime in April in the Whitewater Preserve, a 2,851-acre area surrounded by San Gorgonio Wilderness.

The Sheriffs Department, which since has taken over the investigation, said bloodhounds, off-road vehicles, helicopters and volunteers will search the preserve for any sign of OSullivan.

OSullivans brother, Niall OSullivan, told the Irish Times that his brother was a novice hiker and had been using Wi-Fi signals that he tapped into along the trail to communicate with family.

The family received several reports of people seeing David OSullivan, but none of the sightings were him, his brother told the newspaper.

OSullivan is 5 foot 10, weighs about 155 pounds and has dark hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information on OSullivans whereabouts is urged to call the Sheriffs Departments Hemet Station at (951) 791-3400.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA

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The city of Long Beach has agreed to pay $85,000 to settle a federal lawsuit filed by a Muslim woman whose hijab was pulled off by a male officer while she was in police custody.

The settlement, approved Tuesday, concludes the legal battle undertaken by Kirsty Powell, an African American Muslim. Her lawsuit, filed in 2016, prompted the Long Beach Police Department to reverse its policy barring inmates from wearing religious head coverings.

There really is no justification for taking off a persons religious headgear, said Powells attorney, Marwa Rifahie, who also works for the Greater Los Angeles Area Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

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The case started in May 2015 when Powell and her husband were stopped by two officers because he was driving a lowrider vehicle on Long Beach Boulevard, Rifahie said.

She provided them with her identification information. When officers ran her name through their database, they discovered she had three misdemeanor warrants for petty theft, vehicle theft and resisting arrest, police said.

Powell was not aware that a warrant had been issued for a 2002 petty theft offense, her attorney said. The other warrants were issued after Powells sister had falsely used her name, according to the federal lawsuit.

As officers prepared to arrest Powell, her husband requested that a female officer be called to the scene since physical contact must be done by a woman, the lawsuit contends.

The officers refused and handcuffed Powell, according to the suit. She was then told she would have to remove her hijab.

Powell told the officers that she wears a hijab in accordance with her religious practice and that it is her legal right to wear it, the lawsuit said.

She was driven to the Long Beach police station, where she was booked and stripped of her hijab in front of other male officers and inmates, according to the lawsuit.

Powell was detained for 24 hours without her hijab. Once she was allowed to leave, she was given a property bag containing it.

She was held in the jail overnight, forced to sit in a cell feeling distraught, vulnerable and naked without her headscarf to everyone that passed, the lawsuit said. She cried throughout the ordeal and experienced humiliation when both her religious beliefs and personal integrity were violated. She felt that the male officers and male inmates had seen parts of her body that they should not have seen, according to her religious beliefs.

Shortly after her release, Powell reached out to CAIR, the Muslim civil rights organization, to go over her options.

In April 2016, she filed the lawsuit, alleging that her 1st Amendment rights had been violated. The lawsuit also contended that the city had violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, a federal law protecting the religious rights of inmates.

In the months after the suit was filed, the Police Department overhauled its policy to allow inmates to wear their religious head coverings after they have been searched.

After a thorough assessment of our policy, which included reviewing the procedures used by other law enforcement agencies in the region, it was determined an amendment to our policy was necessary, the department said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. The Long Beach Police Department respects the religious rights and beliefs of all people, and continues to review policy, as law enforcement is an ever-evolving profession.

Female officers are now required to remove a female inmates headscarf, when necessary for officer safety, outside the presence of male officers and inmates, said Monte Machit, Long Beach assistant city attorney.

The headscarf is then returned to the inmate.

In our view, the removal of the hijab by a male officer, in the presence of other males, while consistent with the then-existing Long Beach Police Department policy, may have violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, Machit said. The 9th Circuit [Court] has not specifically weighed in on whether removing the hijab actually violated [the law], but we believed that the existing policy was not consistent with the Act.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA

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UPDATES:

Aug. 11, 12:20 p.m.: This article was updated with a statement from the Long Beach Police Department.

This article was originally published on Aug. 10 at 7:50 p.m.
A former Northern California mayor pleaded no contest to providing alcohol to a minor, settling charges that once included allegations that he secretly recorded portions of a teen camp counselor strip poker game.

Defense attorney Mark Reichel said former Stockton mayor Anthony Silva entered the plea Friday in Amador County Superior Court. He was ordered to perform 40 hours of community service.

Silva faced four misdemeanor charges from the 2015 incident at the weeklong camp he ran for underprivileged children.

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He has said he accidentally recorded the strip poker game after walking into the middle of it and that all participants were at least 18 years old.

Silva still is charged in neighboring San Joaquin County with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars intended for a youth club.

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The library is filled with famous last words, but for my money the best parting line was William Saroyans, phoned in to the Associated Press days before he died from cancer in 1981.

Everybody has got to die, the great Fresno writer said, but I have always believed an exception would be made in my case. What now?

A little over a year since the End of Life Option Act went into effect, California is a little closer, but not nearly close enough, to answering Saroyans terminal question: What now?

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Seven years ago, Dr. Atul Gawande, the surgeon author of the best-selling Being Mortal, fired this warning shot in The New Yorker:

The soaring cost of health care is the greatest threat to the countrys long-term solvency, and the terminally ill account for a lot of it. Twenty-five percent of all Medicare spending is for the five percent of patients who are in their final year of life, and most of that money goes for care in their last couple of months which is of little apparent benefit.  Our medical system is excellent at trying to stave off death with eight-thousand-dollar-a-month chemotherapy, three-thousand-dollar-a-day intensive care, five-thousand-dollar-an-hour surgery. But, ultimately, death comes, and no one is good at knowing when to stop.

In a culture at war with death, calling off the fight is reflexively viewed as defeat. You (or your loved ones) must never say die. Until, of course, you die.

My sister died of pancreatic cancer 10 years ago. For several years, she did everything her oncologist told her to do. Surgeries, constant chemo, the works.

Ultimately, however, when she was no longer recognizable to herself or her friends, she said, I want off the merry-go-round. She checked into a hospice where it took a week or so for her to die.

But heres what still enrages me. Her oncologist turned her back on my sister, never once visiting the traitor who left the fight club.

My sister died in relative obscurity. Two individuals with brain cancer, however, have been thrust into the symbolic spotlight.

Brittany Maynard, an accomplished, adventurous Californian, died nearly three years ago in Oregon after taking drugs prescribed by a doctor. Californias new assisted-death law largely owes its passage to the 29-year-olds desire to submit to the inevitable while she was still her own unique self.

And now we know that Arizonas Sen. John McCain also has brain cancer.

Not surprisingly, expressions of grief for the Vietnam POW rely on martial metaphors.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, McCains close friend, said, This disease has never had a more worthy opponent.

Arthur Caplan, an authority on medical ethics, reacted in a recent Forbes op-ed:

Talk of fighting, Caplan said, has the unfortunate consequence of implying that those who die from cancer did not fight hard enough.  Despite all the rhetoric and hype about fighting, death is not an option, it is a reality for us all. There will come a time when John McCain may say enough to his doctors. That decision takes the kind of guts, grit and heroism that he is rightly known for.

Just as Maynard became a winning poster child for assisted death, McCain, a self-styled straight talker, appears destined to make his last public act, whatever it is, an important one.

America is looking for the modern equivalent of the medieval ars moriendi, the art of dying well.

Clearly, assisted death is not for everyone.

In a recent article in The New York Times, Dr. Jessica Nutik Zitter, an influential critical care and palliative medicine doctor in Oakland, noted that assisted dying is relatively rare even where its legal.

In Oregon, for example, just four-tenths of 1 percent of everyone who died last year took prescribed drugs to end their lives.

Medical aid in dying is now the law in my home state, the Californian writes, and I am glad for that. But our work is just beginning. We must continue to shape our policies and protocols to account for the nuanced social, legal and ethical questions that will continue to arise. We must identify the clinicians who are best qualified and most willing to do this work .

I called Faye Girsh, a Harvard-educated psychologist and founder of the local Hemlock Society, and asked for her assessment of the End of Life Option Act.

Girsh called the law a quantum leap forward, but lamented that it has not caught on with the medical profession.

Like abortion, another freighted medical choice, assisted death is widely viewed as a violation of medical ethics. Of 21 local hospices polled by the Hemlock Society, Girsh told me, only one expressed official support for assisted death. Many hospitals, doctors and insurers are resistant. (Medicare, for example, doesnt cover the procedure  and the cost of a Seconal cocktail, the lethal drug of choice, is dramatically inflated, upward of $3,500, Girsh tells me.)

Overlooked by the law, of course, are the thousands and thousands of barely living bodies warehoused in intensive care units, many afflicted with dementia and unable to express or even know their own desires.

Whatever directives they may have harbored  mine is simple: please, let me go now!  go unheeded as the misery persists  and the bills mount.

logan.jenkins@sduniontribune.com
From the third-story art studio where he has painted for 20 years, George Mullen has had an unobstructed view of the growing homeless population in downtown San Diego.

As the years went on, its gotten dramatically worse downtown, the native San Diegan said from Studio Revolution in the historic Brokers Building. One day I was driving downtown, and I thought, This is absolutely crazy. What is the city leadership doing here?

Mulllen, who is in the investment business besides being an artist, said he reached a breaking point late last year when he passed the sprawling homeless encampment around 17th Street and Imperial Avenue.

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In February, he and Brian Caster, CEO of A1 Self Storage, wrote an opinion piece for The San Diego Union-Tribune that proposed using large industrial tents to temporarily house the homeless near Brown Field in Otay Mesa. Originally proposed as Camp Hope, the idea now is called Sunbreak Ranch.

The proposal gained some traction, and supporters of the idea include Jeromes Furniture Chairman Jerry Navarra, Metropolitan Airpark CEO Charles Black, the East Village Residents Group, Jacobs Center for Innovation chairmen Norm Hapke Jr. and Val Jacobs Hapke, Serving Hands International and former San Diego City Attorney Casey Gwinn.

But the proposal also has created some confusion, as a similar but significantly different idea has been suggested by San Diego Padres Managing Partner Peter Seidler and Paradigm Investment Group partner and chain restaurant operator Dan Shea.

Proponents of both have similar motivations and arguments. Permanent housing for all is needed, they agree, but that solution is years away, and there is a crisis that should be addressed today to help the 9,100 local homeless people, including 5,600 who were unsheltered in last Januarys point-in-time count.

The disagreement comes in where the tents should be situated and how they should be funded. Seidler and Shea argue the tents should be in different locations, helping the homeless where they already are and near services. They also believe the tents can be funded through philanthropists, and they already have commitments from supporters to fund two tents, which hold 250 people each.

Mullen, who sees funding as the responsibility of the city and county, argues that placing tents in different places will be a hard sell politically.

In theory it makes a lot of sense, he said about the multi-site approach. Why dont we share the load in all the districts? But whats going to happen is the council person is going to get annihilated in the next elections. I have a hard time seeing it get done.

Neither proposal has gone before the City Council or been discussed at city or county committee, but Seidler and Shea do seem to be outpacing Mullen and Caster in promoting the idea.

Mullen has been relatively quiet in publicly discussing Sunbreak Ranch since his op-ed piece and he has not met with city or county officials. Seidler said he has met with many officials, attends regular symposiums on homelessness at the University of San Diego, and presented the plan at a conference with Shea last month at USD.

Still, Mullen is confident there will be public support for Sunbreak Ranch, and said he believes people also would support a small tax increase to fund it  despite the need for a two-thirds majority needed for approval, if it goes on the ballot.

There needs to be the will, and in the public there is a will to do something like this, he said, adding that he is disappointed that elected officials have not come forward to endorse it.

Mullen envisions Sunbreak Ranch as a place that is remote enough that it wont intrude on businesses and residents, but still close to services. The city-owned property near Brown Field fits the bill. Its 13 miles from the 17th Street encampment and Father Joes Villages.

Mullen said Sunbreak Ranch would not be a place to warehouse homeless people, but rather would provide a place where they can meet with professional service providers who can help them with long-term recovery. Having government and nonprofit agencies provide services is also part of the Seidler-Shea tent plan.

Why wouldnt we try to really help our homeless brothers and sisters, get them out of this horrible downtown on-the-street situation or in the canyons, and get them in a clean, safe environment to help turn their lives around? he said. Somewhere you can go take a deep breath and not have a drug dealer or gang member or cars speeding by like you see on 17th Street.

While Mullen said he believes Sunbreak Ranch is the best approach to get homeless people off the street in the near future, hes open to other locations and ideas. He also isnt opposed to Seidlers and Sheas proposal, and only hopes some action is taken soon to help the thousands of people on the street.

We have different ideas, and thats all good, he said. Whatever works is perfect, if it works.

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gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

760-529-4939
When Bruce Ferguson abruptly stepped down as principal of Green Elementary School last May, he told families in an email he was leaving to address some personal issues.

Fergusons departure came amid allegations that he failed to report the molestation of a first-grader by three students two years after he was accused of dismissing claims of the molestation of a kindergartner by students.

After taking leave from May 20 through June, Ferguson reported to the San Diego Unified School District for a new job in August as Principal on Special Assignment in the Office of Language Acquisition  with his principals salary of $127,670.

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News of Fergusons employment came as a shock to the mother of the first-grade girl who accused the principal of failing to report her daughters alleged abuse in a bathroom stall to Child Protective Services, as required by law.

That they gave him a job at the school district, that taxpayers are still paying him after what my daughter has gone through  that is a slap in the face. It speaks volumes to me, said Latoya, whose last name has been withheld to protect the identity of her daughter.

San Diego Unified officials declined to discuss why Ferguson was assigned to the district job.

Donis Coronel, president of the San Diego Administrators Association, a union representing principals and vice principals in the district, offered some insight into the personnel decision.

If (Ferguson) didnt get a March 15 notice (a pink slip or layoff warning), ed code says he must stay in his job or get one with the same title, pay and work calendar for the next year, she said. There may be perceptions about these (reassignments) but they are always not true.

Ferguson is not the first principal to get unexpectedly reassigned to the district office with full salary.

Since taking office as superintendent in 2013, Cindy Marten has put 11 principals on special assignment. Some of the job transfers fill longtime district positions. In other cases, principals were abruptly put in new positions created just for them.

In July 2013, La Jolla High School Principal Dana Shelburne was unexpectedly reassigned to the new job of campus construction liaison by Marten.

That decision followed an audit of the ASB funds intended for extracurricular student activities that showed a clerk took $25,000 and covered up her actions. The report also found more than $200,000 in spending was not properly documented so auditors could not determine the reasonableness of the expenditures.

Shelburne continues to hold his central office job, which he has said was unrelated to La Jolla Highs audit. His salary for 2014 was listed at $132,440 by Transparent California.

Last May, Mitzi Lizarraga was removed from her job as principal at the School of Creative and Performing Arts weeks before graduation, and assigned to oversee an arts grant.

That reassignment is now under scrutiny amid allegations that trustee Marne Foster forced the principal out of her job as retaliation for a negative college assessment and discipline issues targeting her son. District officials have maintained they had been wooing Lizarraga for the arts job, in part, because of leadership concerns at the performing arts magnet school.

Lizarraga has since left the district for a job in Los Angeles. She has hired an attorney to handle her complaints against San Diego Unified.

Coronel of the Administrators Association said principals deserve due process, which she stressed does not always fall in their favor.

The superintendent has demoted principals, she said.

Since taking office, Marten has appointed 87 principals to replace administrators who left for a variety of reasons: 27 retired, 16 were transferred to lateral positions at their request, 15 were promoted to new jobs, 13 resigned, nine were reassigned, five were demoted, and two took leaves of absence, according to district records.

Parent activist Sally Smith, who is a non-practicing attorney, said San Diego Unified should exercise its rights to fire principals for cause.

They are protecting jobs far more than children, and thats very apparent, Smith said. San Diego Unified is redirecting resources to keep these principals in jobs instead of just firing them when its warranted, and in some case it is warranted.

The families in both Green Elementary School cases have taken legal action against the district. Parents of the kindergartner were paid a $105,000 settlement, the other family filed a $10,000 claim in May and followed up with a lawsuit last month.

Ferguson was subject of a district-commissioned independent investigation into the allegations that he failed to address reports of alleged student-on-student sexual assaults on campus.

Last week, the investigator filed a lawsuit in Superior Court against the district and top administrators claiming wrongful termination, alleging he was fired for refusing to edit out key examples from his findings.

According to the lawsuit, the investigation uncovered additional instances in which Ferguson ignored or failed to respond to complaints of sexual harassment at the school.

San Diego Unified officials said the district disputes the allegations and will be vigorously defending the case.
San Diego County released a draft climate plan on Thursday, pledging to dramatically reduce greenhouse-gas emission by limiting backcountry sprawl and using at least 90 percent renewable energy by 2030.

The proposed blueprint for fighting global warming comes five years after the San Diego chapter of the Sierra Club first sued the county over an earlier version of the plan. Lawyers for the environment group argued in court that the countys original vision lacked specificity on how it would realize deep cuts in climate-warming emissions.

County officials said Thursday that they have dramatically overhauled their Climate Action Plan in response to a 2015 court order in the Sierra Clubs favor.

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Its a new document, said Rami Talleh, deputy director of planning and development services for the County of San Diego. We started from scratch. We reached out to the public and came up with a different approach.

The local chapter of the Sierra Club decline to comment for this story. An attorney for the group said they were still reviewing the draft document.

Nicole Capretz, executive director of the San Diego-based Climate Action Campaign, praised the countys new draft but had several reservations. Specifically, she questioned a proposal to allow developers to pay into a carbon-offset fund run by the county that would help new projects meet requirements under the climate plan.

The road map for achieving the targets, which are on point, is a huge improvement, and agreeing to get to 90 percent green energy is a step in the right direction, she said. My criticism is that theyre barely touching land use and transportation and instead allowing developers to pay their way out of greenhouse-gas emissions.

Transportation is the countys largest source of greenhouse gases, making up roughly 45 percent of the unincorporated territorys carbon footprint. Its followed by energy use, which accounts for 24 percent of emissions. Solid waste, natural gas and agriculture make up the remaining 25 percent.

The county has proposed cuts that local officials said closely mirror that the state targets of reducing emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and 40 percent below that by 2030. The county uses a 2014 benchmark, calling for a 2 percent drop by 2020 and 40 percent by 2030.

This is a blueprint that has clear targets with reduction measure that demonstrate how well meet the state targets, said Talleh with the county. Were confident in our document.

About 50 percent of the countys greenhouse-gases reductions through 2030 will come from state legislative actions, such as fuel and building energy efficiency standards, as well as incentive programs for the adoption of electric vehicles.

The most aggressive local strategy to cut emissions calls for using 90 percent renewable energy by 2030. Greening up the countys electrical grid, as well as increasing energy efficiency in buildings, would account for 32 percent of overall emissions reductions.

The city of San Diego made headlines in 2015 when it became the largest city in the country to pledge to use 100 percent renewable energy by 2035. More than 30 cities have made similar pledges, with dozens more in the process. Burlington, Vt., and Aspen, Colo., already buy exclusively green energy on behalf of their residents.

For the county to get there, the report calls for exploring several options, including a partnership with San Diego Gas & Electric or a government-run energy program called community choice aggregation.

The county recently rejected a proposal to study the potential financial benefits of community choice, which gives elected officials the power to buy and sell electricity to ratepayers in their jurisdiction. Under the program, a traditional utility still maintains the poles and wires that deliver energy.

Several cities in the region are currently considering the program, including Solana Beach, the city of San Diego, Carlsbad, Del Mar and Encinitas.

The county proposal also calls for slashing climate pollution from cars and trucks, which would account for 13 percent of emissions cuts. The document calls for, among other things, limiting backcountry sprawl, reducing parking in new commercial developments, encouraging the adoption of cleaner vehicles and stripping new bike lanes.

The countys draft plan will circulate for comment during the next 45 days. A final document is expected to be before the Board of Supervisors early next year.

Twitter: @jemersmith

Phone: (619) 293-2234

Email: joshua.smith@sduniontribune.com
Federal water-quality officials on Thursday released a list of actions taken in recent years to stop wastewater from flowing from Mexico into the San Diego region, a little more than a week after the city of Imperial Beach threatened a lawsuit.

South Bay communities have expressed frustration for months with sewage spills in Tijuana that have routinely fouled beaches north of the border, as well as the U.S. section of the International Boundary and Water Commission tasked with preventing such pollution.

We want people to know that we have been actively working with Mexico to address the sanitation issues thats affecting San Diego, said Lori Kuczmanski, spokeswoman with the IBWC. We have done substantial work over the years and we continue to do substantial work to address the issues.

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Last week, Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina said his city was preparing to sue the agency for failing to properly address the situation. U.S. Border Patrol agents who work in the impacted area have also came out in support of the citys actions.

Among IBWCs list of accomplishments are ongoing efforts to secure millions of dollars for the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plan that serves Tijuana, improvements to the binational sewage spill notification protocols and a recently drafted plan to map key sites prone to spills.

Long-held frustrations by residents of Imperial Beach came to a head in February, after millions of gallons of sewage poured into the Tijuana River south of the border and fouled beaches as far north as Coronado.

Twitter: @jemersmith

Phone: (619) 293-2234

Email: joshua.smith@sduniontribune.com
The officials are believed to have met 30 km from the Doklam region.

By India Today Web Desk: In the first signs of thaw between India and China over the two-month-long standoff over Doklam region, senior Army officers of both sides are holding a meeting at Nathu La in Sikkim.

The officials are believed to have met 30 km from the Doklam region.

An earlier meeting at a subordinate level of officers could not achieve any breakthrough.

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Indian and Chinese forces remain deployed at the Doklam plateau. There is no official confirmation of Nathu La border defence management meet.

China has been repeatedly provoking India over the standoff, warning of military action if New Delhi does not withdraw its troops unilaterally and even threatening to enter Kashmir and Uttarakhand.

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Bhutan asks India to resolve Doklam border standoff amicably with China

--- ENDS ---
Haftay Berhe, 34, was a geologist and air scientist for six years in Ethiopia before immigrating to the U.S. in 2015. Now he is a taxi driver.

This is my only choice here, he said. For survival, why not? Not as a profession, but just for survival. Im trying to live with the current situation.

A quarter of the highly skilled immigrants in California are either unemployed or significantly underemployed, according to a study released in December from the Migration Policy Institute. Thats almost a half million people.

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President Donald Trump recently announced his support for a bill that would change the U.S. immigration system to prioritize highly skilled immigrants from the current system that prioritizes family unification. If the U.S. moves toward a skill-based immigration system, the country may need to invest more resources in helping immigrants find work at their skill levels for such a change to be effective, some say.

For foreign-educated immigrants with bachelors degrees, 38 percent are underutilized in the California job market, according to the MPI study. Nineteen percent of those with masters degrees are working below their skill levels as are twelve percent of those who hold doctorates or professional degrees.

Such brain waste, according to the study, means that California misses out on $694.8 million annually in state and local taxes that these immigrants would have paid if they had been employed and compensated at their skill levels.

Nikki Cicerani, CEO of Upwardly Global, a national nonprofit that helps highly-skilled immigrants find jobs at their skill level, said that immigrants hoping to do the same kind of work they did in their home countries face a variety of obstacles when they reach the U.S.

Some employers, Cicerani said, discredit immigrant applicants because they dont know how much to trust foreign credentials. Immigrants applying for jobs, she added, are often used to different social norms in terms of what to put on a resume, what is expected at an interview and how much to self-promote when networking.

Some occupations, like civil engineers and doctors, have licensing requirements that immigrants have to go through before they can return to their former professions.

Why wouldnt we as a country want all of the people who we have allowed to come here to achieve their full potential? Cicerani said. In many cases, these folks have the kind of skills that are most in demand in our economy that were having a hard time filling.

Moving those immigrants into needed high-skill positions frees up jobs in lower-skill tiers of the market, Cicerani said, making those jobs available to American workers who are job-hunting.

For the immigrants themselves, Cicerani said, finding work in their chosen fields can help them feel more at home in the U.S.

Professional identity is a big piece of our total identity, Cicerani said. It makes them feel whole. It makes them feel like the country theyre in respects and values them.

She said Canada, which has a skill-based immigration system, offers more robust support for highly skilled immigrants to find work that uses their abilities.

Berhe didnt think he would struggle so much to find work that matched his skills, he said.

He has a bachelors degree, but that wasnt enough to find a job in his field. He worked for almost two years at a convenience store before becoming a taxi driver about a month ago.

He dreamed of being a scientist since he was a child, he said, and he misses his work.

With my profession, you get mental satisfaction, and youre ensured to a life, he said. [As a taxi driver] youre not ensured to a life.

Despite the challenges, he said he still feels welcome in the U.S. and is happy to be here. His first priority is to take care of his wife and their child.

Hes not the only highly educated immigrant in San Diegos taxi industry.

On a given day, former doctors, pilots, engineers, teachers or architects sit at the taxi hub near the airport for hours, waiting for their turns to drive over to a terminal and pick up passengers.

Emad Maroun was a business owner in Jerusalem before he came with his family to San Diego in 2004. He and his son, who has a business degree, are both taxi drivers here.

Maroun doesnt like being a taxi driver, he said, but its the only way hes been able to support his family.

He thinks the sacrifice is worth it to live in the U.S.

I like freedom, Maroun said. Back home is nice, but there is no freedom for us, especially now.

Yoseph Habte, 36, was a social sciences teacher in Ethiopia before he came to the U.S. in 2011. He specialized in geography, history and civics.

I feel bad because I was going to school for three years to be a teacher. Here, Im just driving, Habte said. Anyone can drive, but not anyone can teach.

When he arrived, he tried applying for teaching jobs, and when no one would hire him, he tried going back to school. Driving a taxi to pay the bills while going to school was too difficult, he said.

Being a teacher, theyre a respected job and have guaranteed income, he said. Over here, driving a car, everyone disgraces you. They think youre homeless, that you dont need dignity or respect.

He doesnt want to spend the rest of his life driving a taxi, he said, and still dreams of going to school to study computer science or information technology.

Izrail Slavin, a Russian immigrant who used to be a general manager in restaurants, said hes made peace with his current occupation as a taxi driver.

He joked with other Russian taxi drivers about their former lives as they stood under a pair of umbrellas to protect them from the sun while they waited at the hub.

We survive. The kids graduate. Everything is OK, Slavin said.

Immigration Videos On Now New developments in family separation case 9:53 On Now A San Diego woman volunteered as a medic in Texas helping migrant families 2:35 On Now Immigration policy protests in Carlsbad nearly cancelled after permit issue 1:38 On Now When children are separated from their parents at the border, here is where they go next On Now Prospects of a deal for 'Dreamers' may hinge on separating Trump from hard-liners on his staff On Now What is DACA? On Now Border wall prototype contractors selected On Now Video: Ukrainian boxer wins asylum in U.S. On Now 30 apprehended after Border Patrol agents discover tunnel On Now Video: Kurdish diaspora prepare to vote on independence

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A federal lawsuit has been filed against the city and county of San Diego saying their law enforcement agencies wrongly arrested and detained protesters at a rally last year for presidential candidate Donald Trump, violating their 1st Amendment rights.

The complaint in the U.S. District Court in San Diego against police Chief Shelley Zimmerman, Sheriff Bill Gore, and the city and county governments and law enforcement officers working contends they suppressed the freedom of speech of Plaintiffs and other members of the public who had committed no crime when they protested outside of a May 27, 2016, rally at the downtown convention center.

Ten people are named as plaintiffs and they are represented by attorney Bryan Pease, who was among the protesters arrested.

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Unless they are actually posing some kind of threat or unlawful or violent activity, you cant arrest people just for being there, said Pease, currently a candidate for San Diego City Council.

The Sheriffs Department referred questions to the county which, in turn, declined to comment on the litigation. The San Diego City Attorneys Office said it was conferring with clients and did not comment.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages. It also asks the court to require the city and the county to destroy records of the plaintiffs arrest, and to tell the plaintiffs what, if any, entities and agencies that information about their arrest was shared with, and to collect and then destroy all records that were shared.

Pease, who is not a plaintiff, said the lawsuit was filed more than a year after the arrests because of time-consuming legal processes and for a statute of limitations to pass so that the government could not charge his clients with a crime to retaliate for their lawsuit.

Trumps rally drew thousands of supporters and protesters to downtown, as well as hundreds of police officers who were prepared to control a riot. While there were small fights and vulgar exchanges between the candidates allies and detractors, there was no widespread violence.

At one point, officers drove the crowds from the area. Police declared an unlawful assembly at about 4:40 p.m., and told people in both English and Spanish that they needed to leave the area.

Police officers can declare an unlawful assembly in some circumstances, but protesters still have rights, Pease said.

That doesnt mean that any time two individuals do something wrong that you can suspend 1st Amendment rights for an indefinite period in an indefinite area, he said.

As police tried to control the crowd, some protesters, including Pease and the plaintiffs, headed down Harbor Drive toward Barrio Logan. Pease said he used a megaphone to tell officers that they were violating their 1st Amendment rights before he was tackled.

Police had a very heavy-handed response that was overwhelming and out of proportion to any threat, he said.

Zimmerman had said that officers effectively responded to the crowds.

We came in very quickly and decisively, Zimmerman said the day of the rally. The last thing we want is a mob mentality.

Police arrested 35 people that day, and 18 people received medical attention. Law enforcement set up free speech zones outside of the convention center, and had crowd control measures and barriers in place that helped keep the rallys attendees from crossing paths with protesters.

About 10,000 people attended Trumps speech, his first stop in the San Diego area during his campaign. By the time he arrived he was already the presumptive Republican nominee for president. He, as well as his running mate, Mike Pence, made later appearances in the county for fundraisers, but those whistlestops drew just a handful of supporters and protesters outside the events.

Twitter: @jptstewart

joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1841
Small wooden crosses dotted the lawn outside the Coronado library, reminders of the hundreds of people who have died jumping off the iconic bridge that connects the city to San Diego. The people who put the crosses there were making a point: Enough is enough.

Its a message that seems to be getting through.

Inside the library, Caltrans, which owns and maintains the bridge, was holding an open house to show the public examples of suicide-prevention barriers in other places: Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Auckland, New Zealand. Community members walked around, asked questions, and filled out forms to give their feedback on what theyd seen and heard.

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I really hope they will put something up there, said Chuck Leek, whose 23-year-old son, Chris, killed himself off the bridge last year. They have to make it so it isnt so easy for people to go over the side.

The Thursday night gathering in Coronado, and another the night before in Barrio Logan, are part of a feasibility study Caltrans is doing. It will investigate best practices at other bridges, and determine what options might work here.

The study is expected to be completed next spring. If a barrier is deemed feasible, the project would then face environmental and funding hurdles before any construction could begin.

Opened in 1969, the San Diego-Coronado Bridge arches 2.1 miles across the bay, is used by 90,000 cars daily, and has become one of the regions most iconic structures. It is also the deadliest.

The first suicide there was in the early 1970s. Its unclear how many have died since, because various agencies that respond to the deaths sometimes have conflicting statistics. The Bridge Collaborative for Suicide Prevention, a grassroots group formed in Coronado in late 2014, puts the total at about 400.

Some community members have been trying for decades to get a barrier erected. In the mid-1980s, after the 100th suicide was reported, a coalition of churches in Coronado hosted meetings but got nowhere with government officials.

Caltrans balked at the costs and decided instead to install signs urging people to call a crisis line for counseling. Coronados then-mayor, Pat Callahan, said, Barriers would destroy the beauty of the bridge.

Callahan also said that people intent on committing suicide will do it elsewhere if they dont do it there, a common objection to barriers, but one that has been disputed in various studies.

For example, a University of Melbourne report in 2013 evaluated the effectiveness of barriers on bridges in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Washington, D.C., Maine, Switzerland, and Canada. It found an 86 percent reduction in suicides at the various sites, and a 28 percent decrease in jumping fatalities overall in the surrounding cities.

The current campaign for a barrier has been spearheaded by the Bridge Collaborative, which has adopted a motto of Not One More Life. The effort appears to be gaining traction.

Coronados current mayor, Richard Bailey, supports it, not just because of its potential to save lives but because it could halt the bridge closures that occur whenever emergency crews respond to a potential suicide.

Last year, the bridge had to be shut down 35 times, Bailey said. That inconveniences thousands of motorists and can have ripple effects through workplaces, retail establishments and families.

It is time for a solution, Bailey said.

He thinks its taken this long to get to a feasibility study in part because suicide is still a very taboo subject. People arent comfortable talking about it, and the result is the public isnt really aware of whats been happening.

Laurie Berman, Caltrans district director for San Diego and Imperial counties, said she thinks it hasnt been a priority in part because suicide-prevention isnt your typical transportation project.

Lately, though, Caltrans staff has been seeing the impacts (suicides and suicide attempts) have on daily operations and they decided it makes sense to take a closer look and at least see whats feasible, Berman said.

During Thursdays open house at the Coronado library, dozens of people looked at poster boards containing photos and information about barriers in other cities. Caltrans representatives stood nearby and answered questions.

One of the displays was of the inward-tilting, unclimbable fencing installed for $3.2 million on the Cold Spring Canyon Bridge in Santa Barbara County in 2012. That 1,200-foot-long steel arch bridge built over a gorge on Highway 154 had been the site of more than 50 suicides. It no longer attracts jumpers.

Another display highlighted nets being installed on the 1.7 mile Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, where more than 1,600 people have committed suicide since 1937. The nets will be 20 feet below the roadway and extend out over the water 20 feet. Completion of the $200 million project is expected in 2021.

Also featured was the Grafton Bridge in Auckland. Built in 1910, it became a site for suicides and steel barriers went up in 1937. They were removed in 1996, and jumpers soon returned. In 2002, inward-curving, see-through acrylic walls were installed, and the suicides have stopped. That project spans 320 feet and cost $675,000.

The least-popular display appeared to be one called Non-physical alternatives. It had photos of emergency phones and of signs with anti-suicide messages.

You can fold that up and throw it away, one woman told the Caltrans representative. Weve had signs on the bridge here for years and they dont work.

Several of the people there said they know someone who has jumped from the Coronado bridge, which is about 200 feet tall at its highest point. Susan Portillos son, Adam, 19, killed himself in 2011.

I think a barrier would have stopped him, she said. He was on his way to work and for some reason that was the day.

She said she talked to the lady who was in the car behind her sons. He just stopped, got out and jumped, Portillo said. Its too easy.

Wayne Strickland, president of the Bridge Collaborative, said the community is thankful to Caltrans for doing the feasibility study.

We applaud the efforts of our local and state officials, he said, but we will keep pressing until the bridge is no longer a suicide magnet.

john.wilkens@sduniontribune.com
An apparent case of road rage prompted a federal agent to point a gun at a woman as she was driving on north Interstate 15 with her 2-year-old son in the back seat Sunday afternoon, the woman said.

California Highway Patrol officers investigating the incident identified the man involved as a plainclothes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.

The federal agency said in a Thursday statement that they are cooperating fully with the investigation.

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ICE holds its personnel to the highest professional standards and has zero tolerance for employees who violate the publics trust, spokeswoman Lauren Mack said.

Felicia Ocampo, 31, said she was on her way home from a camping trip when she noticed a silver Ford Focus coming up fast behind her near Mira Mesa Boulevard.

The driver started tailgating her, she said, so she sped up to get away from him. Before long, the two motorists were weaving in and out of traffic. At one point, he boxed her in between two vehicles. Later, she tapped her brakes when he started tailgating her again.

Both cars were going fast, she said.

I didnt know why this guy was messing with me, she said. I was going to do anything to get away from him. He was driving erratically. It was like he was trying to harm my car or run me off the road.

She eventually decided to move over to the slow lane, in the hopes he would pass her by. Instead, he pulled alongside her. She said she rolled down her window, flipped him off and angrily asked what he was doing.

He responded by brandishing a handgun.

He pointed the gun at me and said, Pull the (expletive) over or Im going to shoot you, the Escondido woman said.

She immediately thought of her son who was sleeping in the back seat. When she looked again at the man, she said he was putting on a black Kevlar vest.

She said there was nothing about the Ford Focus that suggested he was a member of law enforcement, but the vest gave her pause and she decided to pull over near Ted Williams Parkway  about 5 miles from where the incident started.

He quickly pulled up behind her, and when he appeared in her window, she said she let him have it.

I start to yell, What are you doing? Youre scaring me! she said. My anxiety was really going off. Then he said If you dont shut your mouth, Im going to put my gun in it and shut if for you.

She said he admonished her for speeding and told her that she was lucky he didnt detain her.

She became quiet and the man asked her for her drivers license and proof of insurance. He then walked back to his car. At no point did he identify himself or say what agency he was with, she said.

Ocampo, still unclear what was going on, said she called her mom. She explained what had happened and then said she was going to put the call on speakerphone in case something happened.

When the man returned, his demeanor had changed. He told her it was her lucky day, she said, and that the emergency lights in his car werent working and he didnt have a citation book in his car. Then he smiled and apologized.

She said she apologized too and quickly drove off as he walked back to his car. She realized later that he never returned her drivers license. Her mom called 911 soon after  about 3:30 p.m.

Ive been a mess for days, she said Thursday. What he did  its not right. He should havent pulled a gun on me. I didnt do anything to deserve that.

CHP Officer Jake Sanchez said its too early to say whether charges would be filed. No one has been arrested.

There are occasions in which federal agents may make traffic stops on a highway, Sanchez said. An agent might choose to pull someone over if a driver is endangering other motorists, for example.

But immigration Attorney Matt Holt said California law limits the ability of federal agents in the state to arrest people for violations of California and local laws. And they do not have the capability to write traffic tickets.

He also said case law has established that immigration agents need to have a reasonable suspicion that a violation of an immigration law occurred in order to pull someone over.

The stop appears to be a Fourth Amendment violation which protects us from these types of investigatory stops, Holt said.

The federal agency refused to answer questions about when agents are able to make traffic stops.

As a matter of policy, we dont provide additional information that could potentially impede or impugn an ongoing investigation, Mack said.

Twitter: @LAWinkley

(619) 293-1546

lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com
A day after an SUV crashed during a high-speed chase with Border Patrol on Interstate 15, authorities were continuing to try to learn more about the four people inside  including three who were killed.

Their names were not released, but the California Highway Patrol said one of those who died was a 28-year-old San Diego man. The other two were described as a man and a woman who possibly were in their 20s.

The Medical Examiners Office said the three cases have been sealed.

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A 22-year-old man from San Juan Bautista, Mexico, was hospitalized with serious injuries.

The pursuit started about 1 p.m. when a Border Patrol agent tried to pull over a black GMC Envoy on southbound I-15 near Deer Springs Road in North County. The agent had run the license plate, a routine practice, and found that the vehicle was linked to a murder and smuggling suspect.

The Envoy driver did not stop, but tore down the freeway at high speeds, the CHP said. South of West Bernardo Road in Rancho Bernardo, the SUV swerved off the freeway, crashed through a guardrail and landed upside down about 150 feet down a ravine.

CHP Officer Jake Sanchez said all four people were thrown from the Envoy on impact. Two died near the wreckage and one died later at a hospital.

Authorities have not said whether the murder and smuggling suspect was among those in the Envoy.

Border Patrol Supervisory Agent Mark Endicott said agents patrol North County regularly for smugglers. Authorities said I-15 is often used as a corridor for smuggling people and drugs into the United States.

On Friday Endicott had no new information as investigations into the pursuit and crash continued.
Human remains found on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Thursday may be those of a Scripps Ranch man who vanished nearly two months ago, San Diego police said.

Clothing discovered near the corpse matches the clothes Tai Heng Sun was wearing when he went missing on June 15, police Lt. Mike Holden said.

Forensic tests ultimately will determine if the remains are those of 85-year-old Sun, whose disappearance led to exhaustive searches in the days that followed.

Sun, who suffered from Alzheimers, apparently went on a walk about 5 a.m. the day he vanished. Surveillance cameras recorded him walking east on Stonebridge Parkway into the parking lot of Mission Trails Park, about a mile east of his home, police said. His family reported him missing that night when they returned home and discovered he was not there.

Relatives told police Sun had been depressed and taking anti-depressants. They said he spoke very little English, did not drive and didnt have access to public transportation.

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In the wake of his disappearance, police, volunteers and specially trained search dogs looked for him for three days. Roughly 450 volunteers kept searching for him for roughly two weeks, bringing in 15 drones to scour the West Sycamore area of Mission Trails Regional Park, said Bob Ilko of the Scripps Ranch Civic Association, which coordinated the efforts.

On Thursday, Naval Criminal Investigative Services personnel called police about 2:30 p.m. to report that the remains had been found on the eastern edge of the Marine Corps base.

Ilko said the discovery was bitter sweet.

Were relieved its possibly (Sun) found but sad that we couldnt find him alive, he said. Everyone wanted to find him alive.

He said he spoke to Suns family late Thursday afternoon and that they are awaiting the test results before they feel a sense of closure.

Our hearts are breaking for the family, he said. Its just terribly sad.

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Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
Two teenagers were stabbed during a fight near Mira Mesa High School Thursday night, San Diego police said.

The teens, ages 17 and 19, were pulled over near the intersection of Ivory Coast and San Ramon drives when residents in a nearby house went outside and got into an argument with them, police said.

The altercation escalated into a fight in the street, and the two companions were stabbed several times in the back.

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They drove off and flagged down officers not far away, on Flanders Drive near Westonhill Drive, about 7:40 p.m. Paramedics took the teens to a hospital. Their wounds were not life-threatening, police said.

Detectives with the gang-unit were called in to invetigate the stabbing.

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Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
The El Cajon councilman being sued for fraud and defamation involving a beauty pageant that he runs is counter-suing his accusers, saying he has been victimized by their unfounded charges.

The attorney for Bessmon Ben Kalasho, who was elected to the El Cajon City Council in November, said the plaintiffs provided no direct evidence that Kalasho was behind photographs online that had the face of former Miss Middle East Zhala Tawfiq pasted onto a naked woman.

Perhaps, however, the individual who posted the supposed falsified nude pictures of (Tawfiq) was someone of her own culture, who took exception with her holding the Kurdish flag upside down at the pageant, which is a well-known disrespect to ones country, the cross-complaint states.

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Jimmie Parker, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of Tawfiq and other plaintiffs, rejected the assertions in the cross-complaint and said it was improper.

The cross-complaint filed by Mr. Kalasho is completely unfounded and is a continuation of his harassment of my clients, Parker said. This countersuit is worthy of sanctions and we will seek them accordingly.

Tawfiq was stripped of her title midway through her year-long reign as Miss Middle East, due to a dispute with Kalasho, who runs the pageant. She claimed the beauty contest and crown were a farce.

Kalasho claimed Tawfiq breached her contract. He has also denied all of the other allegations in the lawsuit, including the claim that he promised pageant contestant Paris Kargar that she would win the crown if she agreed to spend the night in his hotel room.

Surprisingly, after what Plaintiff Kargar allegedly experienced, including a supposed offer of sexual intercourse for the crown, she later attended a function hosted by both defendant Bessmon Kalasho and defendant Jessica Kalasho, the claim states, referring to his wife.

Kargar also accused Kalasho of improperly commenting on her appearance during a pageant rehearsal.

His counter-complaint says, Plaintiff Kargar stated that she was shocked, appalled and humiliated when Defendant Bessmon Kalasho stated during a particular pageant rehearsal, Your boobs are moving too much. Do it again. Plaintiff Kargar took this comment completely out of context and severely overreacted.

Kalasho was merely telling Plaintiff Kargar the correct and classy way to walk down the runway, his countersuit says.

Bessmon and Jessica Kalasho and two organizations the councilman founded were sued in May for allegedly creating fake social-media accounts to criticize Tawfiq. The complaint was later amended to include Kargars allegations and claims that Kalasho used fake social-media accounts to criticize his adversaries.

One of the other defendants is San Diego attorney Lina Charry, who claimed she was targeted by Kalasho in an online poll after she prevailed in an unrelated lawsuit.

The fraud and defamation case against Kalasho alleged that fake profiles posted unflattering reviews of Charrys legal work on the Facebook page of a Kalasho-founded nonprofit now called the Middle Eastern Chamber of Commerce.

In his cross-complaint, Kalasho said it is Charry who has an obsessive fixation on Kalasho, in part because she was not permitted to participate in the Miss Middle East contest for several years.

Her reputation preceded herself, the cross-complaint states. Thats why. We wanted nothing to do with Lina Charry.

Another plaintiff in the original complaint is the 3 Brothers Taco Shop, a business that alleges it was the subject of numerous negative social-media posts after one of the restaurant owners declined to allow Kalashos council campaign to post a political sign inside the business.

The restaurant was criticized in an online poll as serving the worst Mexican food in El Cajon. Several of the commenters also posted messages saying they were sickened after eating at the taqueria.

In his cross-complaint, Kalasho said other companies avoiding getting involved in the El Cajon City Council election and they were not targeted.

It is hard to imagine that only one El Cajon business denied the posting of campaign signs on behalf of defendant Bessom Kalasho, it states. So, where are the other fabricated polls targeting other El Cajon businesses that denied the posting of campaign signs on behalf of defendant Bessmon Kalasho?

The 21-page cross-complaint was filed in San Diego Superior Court on Friday. In addition to attorney fees and court costs, it seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages.

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jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald
By Mail Today Bureau: The Delhi Technical University (DTU) has been forced to change its girls' hostel timings and bring it at par with boys. The administration was recently forced to change the timings from 9 pm to 11 pm after the girl students approached the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) complaining that the timings were discriminatory.

A students' campaign called Pinjra Tod, which has members from all colleges and universities in the city, also campaigned for it. Earlier, only boys were allowed to stay out till 11 pm. Recently, some other colleges of Delhi University (DU) such as Hindu, Daulat Ram, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Shivaji and Deshbandhu colleges have also been made to confront similar issues.

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DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal wrote to minister for human resource development (HRD) Prakash Javedekar to ensure equitable hostel fee and construction of girl hostels in these colleges "to enable girl students to pursue higher education without fear for security." DCW chairperson Swati Jaihind said, "It is not fair to put the onus of security on girls and discriminate against them. If there are safety concerns, the university management, women commission and police should work together instead of discriminating against girls."

She also wrote to the police outlining the security concerns raised by the university management. She urged the police to make the environment around the campus safe so that girls feel free to roam around at any time of the day. A student of DTU, who did not wish to be quoted, said, "Earlier, the closing time for the girls' hostel was 9 pm and the reason cited for this was that it was for the safety of girls themselves. On the other hand, the timings for the boys' hostel was 11 pm." "However, in response to the DCW's notice, the university has said that from the new semester i.e. 2017-18, the hostel timings are revised and made similar to that of the boys' hostel," she added. Police pickets in the area, especially around dark lanes, is another demand of the students.

Recently, protests were held at Hindu College to bring the fee structure of the girls' hostel at par with boys'. Reportedly, women students pay Rs 90,000 annually, while male students pay around `50,000. They also alleged that while information regarding the men's hostel (break-up of fees, prospectus, notice for admission, etc.) is clearly available on the college website, the same is not true for the women's hostel. Anju Srivastava, principal of Hindu College, said "The boys' hostel gets funds from UGC, but the girls' hostel does not. The hostel requires funds to be run."

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Delhi: 20-year-old maid repeatedly raped, tortured by businessman for 3 months

Bizarre: College students nabbed after they shatter 100 cars to make birthday memorable

--- ENDS ---
Metropolitan Transit System officials are investigating a complaint filed this past week by a rider who claims she was singled out and harassed by a San Diego Trolley officer because she is homeless.

Katarina Boudreau and her boyfriend, Gary Arnold, said they were riding the Green Line through Mission Valley when inspectors boarded the train and began requesting tickets, states the complaint.

Both Boudreau and Arnold displayed their tickets, but one of the officers insisted that they get their dirty stuff off the seat, the complaint alleges.

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Boudreau said she disputed that their bags were dirty, but began moving them anyway because she and her boyfriend were about to exit the trolley. Instead, the officer began poking her in the chest and telling her she was being detained and she was getting a ticket, she said.

The ticket was written under an MTS code that covers a wide range of passenger conduct, including a ban on passengers placing any article on a seat which would leave grease, oil, paint, dirt or any other substance on such seat.

At one point, the officer handcuffed Arnold, the complaint says.

If it were somebody else with a shopping bag or a briefcase, dressed up or whatever, he wouldnt have targeted us, said Boudreau, who listed her address on the complaint as the Neil Good Day Center in downtown San Diego. Thats what makes me the most mad, because its not right.

Spokesman Rob Schupp issued a statement saying the trolley systems security officers enforce all MTS policies and ordinances.

MTS is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its service, the statement said. As with all complaints filed against MTS, we will investigate the incident thoroughly and communicate the results of the investigation to the person filing the complaint.

Boudreau said in an interview that someone from the trolley called her Wednesday morning to discuss her complaint.

The person told her an initial review of security footage did not confirm that the officer had poked her in the chest, she said. But the same investigator said Boudreau could not see the videotape herself, unless she hires a lawyer, she said.

Boudreau was ordered to appear Oct. 3 in a Kearny Mesa courtroom to answer the charge.

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jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald
I have called San Diego home for the last 19 years of my life. I dont recall much of living in Mexico, my country of birth, because I came to the United States with my family when I was 4 years old.

Instead of memories from Mexico, my childhood consists of visits to Old Town, Balboa Park, Mission Beach and my first time at SeaWorld. These are the experiences of an American child. These are my experiences and yet I am not American. I was not like the rest of my classmates. I was different because of a document that I did not have.

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The Real Problem with DACA

Mexicos badly needed justice reforms are in peril

In 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program changed that. It allowed me to feel accepted by the culture that I knew as my own. However, when I stop to think about who I am and where home is, I dont have a clear answer. I grew up in a country that sees me as foreign and yet I am foreign in my country of birth. So where do I go when home tells me to leave?

In the last couple of weeks, the risk of losing DACA has become a pressing reality. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has warned the Trump administration that if DACA is not terminated by Sept. 5, he will sue to block the program before a federal judge who in the past has ruled against the expansion of DACA and the Deferred Action for Parents of American Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (DAPA) program. The course of my life can completely change with this court action. As a result, I am constantly anxious. I dont know if this morning will be the morning that an announcement is made to end the program. This could mean the end of my stability and peace of my mind.

Living in a border city only intensifies my anxiety. The probabilities of encountering a border agent are higher in border cities like San Diego. Before the protection from deportation that DACA offers, stepping outside of my house for any reason led to anxiety and fear. DACA gives us the protection we need in order to get closer to our dreams.

Without it, we will go back to fearing living our everyday lives. The executive orders released earlier this year will only increase the amount of border agents in my community. This means there is a higher possibility of being forced to leave my career, friends and most importantly  my family. Without DACA, I am vulnerable once again.

Since benefiting from DACA, I have dedicated my career to helping immigrant families through Alliance San Diego, a community empowerment organization. One of the most rewarding experiences Ive had has been to help other Dreamers apply for DACA. My job has allowed me to see other Dreamers grow and take advantage of opportunities that they otherwise may not have had.

This is my story but in the San Diego region we have more than 40,000 stories. There are 40,000 lives in this county that will change forever if this program ends. There are nurses, teachers, entrepreneurs and even aerospace engineers who are now leading better lives in San Diego because of DACA. Without it, our talents will go unnoticed and our dreams could fall apart. DACA has given us our limited version of the American dream.

While the future of DACA remains in the air, the 40,000 San Diegans who are currently benefiting from the program will have to continue to live with uncertainty and fear. We will continue to live without knowing whether or not we will be able to achieve our dreams in this country.

DACA needs to be protected because the country I call home would not turn its back on giving opportunity. This country takes pride in giving equal opportunity and DACA has allowed undocumented youth the opportunity to achieve success. Without this program, we are back to being vulnerable. Without the protection of DACA, our dreams face the reality of coming to a halt.

There are 800,000 of us in the country currently contributing, growing and flourishing in our communities. I was one of the lucky ones given the opportunity to get closer to my dreams; it would be a shame if the country we love turned its back on us now.

Guillen is the immigration integration manager at Alliance San Diego.

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San Diegos homeless crisis is growing worse by the day. Yet as more are living on the streets and fewer in shelters than ever before, some, including Michael McConnell who recently took to the Union-Tribunes opinion pages (Why the Housing First approach is a practical solution for homelessness, Aug. 4) argue that the best approach to solving homelessness is to outlaw any program that doesnt fit his particular recipe for success.

As someone who has served the homeless for more than 25 years, solving homelessness for thousands using a very different approach, it is hard for me to not take his criticism personally. Its even harder not to call it out for it narrow-mindedness.

Homelessness is a complex problem with causes spanning the criminal justice system, mental health, substance abuse, family support, human connection, and other social and economic forces. Other innovative and replicable program models that work shouldnt be kept out of the picture.

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In his commentary, McConnell makes many mischaracterizations, claiming that progress in solving homelessness is jeopardized by ill-informed politicians and agencies. But what he gets wrong most of all is that no one is calling for an end to Housing First. Instead, what some are asking for is a simple request to include other high-performing results-driven approaches in our homelessness policy.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, deserves praise for courageously taking the lead to request Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson look at how Housing First impacts vulnerable populations  families and children  and how other approaches can work in tandem to overcome poverty and homelessness. He should be commended for taking action to prevent homeless programs across the state from being forced to shutter their doors, thanks to the new misguided guidelines.

At Solutions for Change, our programs our based on a 25-year personal empowerment and accountability model that puts the hard-to-serve homeless to work and is funded almost entirely by the private sector and social enterprise. Our approach adopts a completely unique model focused on a permanent solution to homelessness, not just a band aid of temporary housing.

Over 18 years, weve successfully led more than 850 families and 2,200 children out of homelessness and back on their feet. Yet, thanks to the misguided requirement that any homelessness program follow Housing First to be eligible for federal funding, weve been forced to walk away from as much as $600,000 in grants and our 40-bed family center now sits empty because Housing First rules require that we abandon our drug free housing and scrap our workforce training in favor of no-strings-attached optional programs.

When McConnell and other Housing First allies assert that their model works, theyre not talking about solving homelessness and its root causes. His goal is to getting people into permanent taxpayer-supported housing. They then offer Family Option Study as proof that families benefit from Housing First, but fail to mention how the very study also demonstrates that families in these programs experienced only temporary success because issues like employment, mental health and substance abuse were poorly addressed for the long haul.

Our approach uses work, education and employment to transform those experiencing homelessness. The families we help like this approach  they want to be supported, empowered and treated as valuable and capable. Central to this effort is a healthy and drug-free living community focused on keeping kids safe. Good programs like ours with a track record of success shouldnt be shut out of the system.

This issue is about more than housing: Its about saving the lives of kids and ending poverty and dependency. We know that the large majority experiencing homelessness can develop job skills, obtain work and pay for their own housing. We must do better than coldly pushing families and children into homelessness and insisting on only utilizing one way of solving homelessness.

The number of chronic homeless in the top four cities (New York, Los Angeles, Seattle and San Diego) has spiked with no signs of abating. McConnell and the Housing First advocates say that providing housing, supporting sobriety, training for employment and engaging the root causes of homelessness is outdated, ineffective and wasteful. Whats ineffective is choosing to punish homelessness programs based on their approach, rather than on their results.

Homelessness reaches far beyond any single cause and our homeless policy should be big enough to support more than any single solution.

Megison is president and CEO of Solutions for Change.
While levels of violence in Mexico have risen to their highest point in recent memory, Mexicos leaders are starting to sabotage the countrys newly revamped criminal justice system.

Crime and violence have been rampant since Mexicos political opening in 2000, when Vicente Fox became the countrys first president from outside the long-ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).

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The Real Problem with DACA

Soon after, in an effort to bolster the rule of law in the emerging democracy, legal experts and civic activists called for a major criminal justice reform to do away with Mexicos long-standing semi-inquisitorial model of criminal procedure.

That system gave criminal defendants very limited access to an effective legal defense, which in turn allowed police and prosecutors to conduct sloppy investigations and frequently violate suspects rights.

In 2008, Mexicos Congress approved a series of reforms that introduced new oral, adversarial court proceedings and stronger legal protections for criminal defendants, and added a much-needed dose of accountability in a country where impunity often reigns.

Implementing this new system was one of the few shining accomplishments of outgoing Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, who brought the PRI back into power. While other reforms on education, energy and telecommunications proved somewhat half-hearted, the Pena Nieto administration showed genuine resolve to launch Mexicos new criminal justice system by its constitutionally imposed deadline on June 16, 2016.

However, just over one year after this new system went into effect, the Mexican government has largely abandoned its support for the reform.

The Interior Ministry dismantled its Technical Secretariat for Judicial Reform Implementation, which previously provided funding and technical support to federal and state agencies in their transition to the new system.

The PRI congressional representatives who first introduced the reforms have begun to call for revisions that would cripple the new system. And, now, Mexicos mostly PRI governors are lobbying to go back to the old, inquisitorial model.

This shift raises serious concerns for the future of Mexicos justice system. Opponents of the new system have long expressed concern that more rights for criminal defendants will lead to more acquittals and greater impunity.

However, the protection of these rights is specifically intended to force police and prosecutors to improve the quality of criminal investigations and prosecutions to ensure that justice is served. A strong legal defense for the accused helps limit the punitive discretion of both.

If Mexico goes back to its traditional system, the result wont be more justice or less impunity. Indeed, under the old system, victims rarely found satisfaction, since the vast majority of crime went uninvestigated and as many as 90 percent of homicides went unpunished.

Moreover, under the old system, police and prosecutors frequently violated the rights of criminal defendants: demanding bribes, forcing confessions and manufacturing evidence.

That is why most Mexican judges strongly supported the transition to the oral adversarial system. As the new system went into effect, in a series of studies by our organization a large majority of judges indicated that the justice system needed to be reformed, mainly due to lengthy trial delays and other persistent problems like corruption.

Meanwhile, their support for the new system grew from 76 percent in 2010 to 93 percent in 2016, and indicated that it would help to reduce corruption thanks to the greater transparency and accountability mechanisms of the new system.

Whether the new criminal justice system will reduce crime is an open question. Crime and violence are caused by underlying social and economic conditions, which cannot be resolved solely through the criminal justice system.

Still, if properly implemented, the new system will gradually raise the bar for Mexican police, criminal investigators and prosecutors to do their jobs more effectively. In the long run, if they succeed, more criminals will wind up in jailor, preferably, be deterred from committing crimes in the first place  while more innocent people will walk free.

The success of the new criminal justice system hinges on continued support to help judges, prosecutors, police, public defenders and the general public manage the transition.

In this, there is a role for U.S. and international organizations that support legal skills training and public education. There is a role for universities and civic organizations (e.g., bar associations) that promote professional development among lawyers and justice sector personnel.

But most of all there is a role for Pena Nieto (and his would-be successors) to embrace and support the reforms that Mexicos judges want: one that prioritizes transparency, efficiency, and fairness over opacity, ineptitude and abuse of power.

Shirk is director and Ferreira is program coordinator of the University of San Diegos Justice in Mexico Project.
In June 2012, after admitting that he did not have the authority to do it, President Barack Obama signed an executive order of dubious constitutional and legal validity granting temporary legal status to unauthorized immigrants who were brought to the United States by their parents when they were children.

Amnesty by whatever name is still an amnesty; known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, over 750,000 otherwise unauthorized immigrants have been granted amnesty, which, among other things, includes work permits for a renewable two-year period.

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Dreamer: Where do we go when home tells us to leave?

Mexicos badly needed justice reforms are in peril

During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump pledged to return the rule of law to the nations immigration policy by vigorously enforcing the laws passed by Congress over many decades. While his pledge to build a wall received the most attention, his promise to fix our immigration system included many other essential components. Among them, he promised to push for universal use of a free, online system called E-Verify designed to keep unauthorized immigrants from getting jobs in the U.S., or stated another way, to prevent American employers from hiring unauthorized immigrants, which has been the principal goal of immigration restrictionists since the 1880s. He also pledged to re-energize interior enforcement, which had been abandoned by the Obama administration, and to locate, arrest and deport every person illegally present, as federal law requires.

Also included was his pledge to end DACA, which he correctly described as a massive expansion of the authority of the president to act without congressional approval using executive orders. It is the responsibility of Congress, not the president, to establish who can, and who cannot, enter this country. The fact that Congress refused to provide relief for those brought here by their parents illegally did not justify the president acting unilaterally to change the immigration laws. Congressional inaction does not confer extraordinary dictatorial powers on a president to act on his own; otherwise, anytime any president was unable to convince Congress to enact any presidential initiative, he could do whatever he wanted, which is not what our founding fathers had in mind when they adopted our Constitution of limited government and separation of powers. Why create a legislative body if the president can ignore it and dictate whatever he wants?

But the real problem with DACA, as with any form of amnesty, is the message it sends to the billions of poor and suffering people from around the world who would give anything to come here. That message says  if you can get here by hook or by crook  sooner or later we will give you legal status, let you stay, so you can then sponsor all your relatives to join you. Amnesties guarantee new, future illegal immigration. There is no disputing that the massive amnesty provided by the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA)  2.7 million people were granted legal status  contributed to the greatest wave of illegal immigration in the nations history. Since 2012, when the president invented DACA, we have seen unprecedented waves of illegal alien youth  unaccompanied minors  flood the border and receive temporary legal status.

More broadly, any benefit in any form provided to unauthorized immigrants encourages more illegal immigration. The greatest benefit is a job, the primary reason most people immigrate legally or illegally. That benefit could be easily and immediately removed by making E-Verify mandatory, and permitting DHS/ICE to vigorously investigate employers who knowingly hire unauthorized immigrants. But the Chamber of Commerce and other employer lobbyists have successfully persuaded Congress to keep the pipeline open, by blocking a nationwide roll-out of E-Verify.

But there are many other benefits that likewise serve to encourage illegal immigration. Any form of taxpayer support, including especially free public education (certainly the most expensive item provided by taxpayers), medical care, public housing, in-state tuition and many more all provide incentives for people to come illegally.

Add to that list drivers licenses for unauthorized immigrants to make it easier for them to hide in plain sight, and the support provided by various state and local sanctuary jurisdictions that actively seek to defy federal law to shield unauthorized immigrants from arrest by federal authorities. And, the latest harebrained idea of letting unauthorized immigrants join the military; is this another job Americans wont do? How many young men from around the world will see that as a quick way to earn U.S. citizenship?

The aim of the law is to encourage adherence to, and discourage violations of, the law. DACA and every other benefit in any form that makes it easier for an unauthorized immigrants to avoid the consequences of their illegal conduct is wrong, and will only perpetuate illegal immigration.

Editors note: The authors references to illegal aliens were changed. It is Union-Tribune style to describe immigrants who do not have permission to be in the U.S. as unauthorized immigrants.

Nunez is chairman of the conservative Center for Immigration Studies and former U.S. attorney in San Diego.

Letters and commentary policy

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Regarding Donald Trumps recent belligerent fire and fury pronouncement: An inexperienced, first-time elected official should not be permitted to bring a nuclear holocaust upon us.

R. Lowell Smith

Mission Heights

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If the occupant of the White House were at all competent, he would fly to Pyongyang and talk with the North Koreans. Talks in the 1990s froze its missile and nuclear program and were successful until George W. Bush branded it an evil empire in the early 2000s and ended talks. The North has offered to freeze its weapons program if the U.S. stops conducting war games off its coast. Hardly an extreme demand.

If we reciprocated and withdrew our troops, China would be much more willing to pressure the North to disarm. Currently, China has every incentive to ensure that North Korea keeps a nuclear deterrent because without a deterrent, there is the very real specter of American troops being stationed just a few hundred miles from Beijing.

Michael Cipriano

Encinitas

I sincerely believe our country is at a very important crossroads. We all need to contact our trusted, elected representatives and express our concerns regarding the escalating nature of tensions between North Korea and the U.S.

Many of us lived through the Cuban Missile Crisis and none of us, still, do not know how close we all came to nuclear war. While North Korea may only have a very small nuclear arsenal, any nuclear arsenal is of major concern. Our current president is espousing a very aggressive stance. Our diplomatic corps and that of all other concerned nations must be asked to play an integral role in reducing these tensions.

John H. Borja

San Diego

The U.S. has stealth technology. We can put satellites is geosynchronous orbits. We have the technology for laser weapons to shoot down aircraft.

So why not a stealth, laser-armed satellite to shoot down any missiles in the clear skies of space over North Korea? Or would that violate some treaty?

Ron Carrico

Mission Hills

The Trump administration seems incompetent in knowing how to handle the unstable rogue dictator Kim Jong Un of North Korea.

Un is threatening to send ICBMs to the U.S. territory of Guam. Nearly 175,000 people live on Guam. Trumps threat to annihilate North Korea is exactly the wrong approach. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson should exclusively establish a dialogue with supreme leader Un.

Tillerson wrongly dismisses Uns saber-rattling as nothing to lose sleep over.

Un is a sick, evil despot who has executed 350 of his own people including his own half brother.in February

Every weapon invented by man has been used by man to kill man. Sadly, nukes are no exception.

Peter Quercia

Ramona

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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.

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The ability to help many women and girls is what attracted Nancy Eastman to becoming a Soroptimist, she says.

Eastman, the 2017-18 Soroptimist International of North San Diego president, said she learned about the organization doing so many good things from her best friend in another Soroptimist chapter in San Diego that met far from her Rancho Penasquitos home.

So three years ago Eastman, a retired executive at a software development firm, decided to join the group that meets in Rancho Bernardo and for most of its history was known as Soroptimist International of Rancho Bernardo. However, a couple years ago the members decided to change their chapters name to better reflect the fact that they hail from many local communities between the Inland Corridor and coast, not just Rancho Bernardo.

While women and girls are the focus, Eastman said the organization actually helps a range of people through six or seven smaller projects in addition to the larger ones it supports.

She said the club assists teens leaving the foster system by providing educational scholarships, it helps teens struggling in school, supports efforts to combat human trafficking, assists women rebuilding their lives as they escape domestic violence and provides Lifeline pendants to elderly women who live alone so they can call for help after a fall, for example.

The breath of support (we provide) is very rewarding, she said. It is not tremendously (hard) to impact somebodys (life).

Eastman said one of the clubs main programs is its Live Your Dream award, which helps single moms return to school so they can learn a trade or earn their college degree. Hearing the stories of the recipients  what they have gone through and how the scholarship money helped them turn their lives around  Eastman said is rewarding.

It is a rewarding thing to see them come out on the other end, she said.

Likewise, the clubs combined efforts with the Poway Soroptimists to provide 18 months of transitional housing to women and their children who are feeling an abusive domestic situation is also a favorite.

We give them the tools to move forward with the rest of their lives, Eastman said.

The recipients can also move forward in the organizations program and be eligible for additional funding. For example, she said 2017 winner Cynthia Monroe received $1,500 from the North San Diego chapter then $5,000 from the local district. That made her eligible to compete for a $10,000 award from the Soroptimist Federation.

The Dream It, Be It program is another she mentioned. It helps high school girls facing obstacles gain career guidance through a seven-week course. Eastman said the Soroptimists  current or retired career women  have partnered with Rancho Bernardo High School where they talk with girls about what they are interested in pursuing as adults.

A lot of them are struggling in school and do not have support at home, she said. (We help them) get more control over things in their lives.

She said the Soroptimists have started a mentorship program, where they have the girls share what they dream of becoming and then show them how they can get to where they want to go in the future, plus how to overcome setbacks and failures.

The focus is how to make their dreams come true, she said.

All Soroptimists in the county are working together to fight human trafficking and raise awareness of the problem by providing posters for trolley stations and public bathroom doors, for example. The message to victims: it is not OK for them to be in that situation. The project is known as STAT  Soroptimists Together Against Trafficking.

Supporting these programs requires fundraising, which Eastman said mostly occurs during one big event  the annual High Tea organized by the North San Diego and Poway chapters.

That really takes a lot of our energy and efforts, but is an opportunity to work together and see the direct impact (on others), Eastman said.

As for her goals as president, Eastman said one of the challenges is to keep everything fresh. The women are working as volunteers and we recognize everyone is there for a purpose. So how do we get the most out of everybody by igniting their passion (to combine) their energy and resources. ... We are maximizing the positive impact.

The Soroptimists of North San Diego meet for lunch twice a month from August to June at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Rancho Bernardo. At noon on the second Wednesday they have a business meeting and on the third Wednesday a speaker. The latter is when prospective members typically visit. The club goes dark in December and July.

The club has almost 25 members whom Eastman referred to as strong and mighty and said while philanthropy is their focus there is a social aspect to the organization too.

It is such a wonderful group of women, without exception.

The clubs annual dues are $115, plus the cost of two lunches per month. It also has a Distinguished Supporter program for those unable to participate fully, but interested in its programs. For details, go to soroptimistnsd.org or email soroptimistnsd@gmail.com.

email: rbnews@pomeradonews.com
Established in 1986, the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV) mandate was simple provide quality education to those who lived in rural areas and otherwise had no access to it. In the past three decades, JNVs have emerged as flagbearers of quality in an otherwise depressing rural education landscape.

JAWAHAR NAVODAYA VIDYALAYAS | ESTABLISHED IN 1986

It takes a village

With good private schools largely concentrated in urban areas, the National Policy on Education, 1986, envisaged a system of residential schools in rural areas. The Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV) mandate was simple: provide quality education to those who lived in rural areas and otherwise had no access to it. The schools were to be residential so that all aspects of the child's life could be catered to, which in many cases was not possible at home for students from poor backgrounds.

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In the past three decades, JNVs have emerged as flagbearers of quality in an otherwise depressing rural education landscape. There are a total of 598 JNVs in the country today, 62 more are in the pipeline (as per policy, there has to be at least one JNV in each district in the country). The schools acknowledge an important aspect of India-that of diversity-and have a good programme for ensuring integration. This involves an inter-regional exchange of students between Hindi-speaking and non- Hindi-speaking districts for one year in Class IX. Another objective: getting students from the villages to compete in the civil services exam. A sign of the JNVs' success: Dhar collector Shriman Shukla (IAS), income tax deputy commissioner Sunil Sharma (IRS) and Ajay Dwivedi (IAS) all are alumni of JNVs in Madhya Pradesh.

A new chapter

JNVs are considering online lessons on financial literacy for students with the help of the National Stock Exchange. The hope is that it will encourage the idea of entrepreneurship at a later date.

DID YOU KNOW?: The Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) also plays Cupid through its matrimonial service for staff who can post their details on the NVS website. The idea is for staff to find spouses amongst themselves. The couple can then be posted together.

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: (Eds: Updating with fresh inputs)

By Youssra El-Sharkawy

Cairo, Aug 11 (PTI) At least 41 people were killed and nearly 180 others injured today after two trains collided near Egypts coastal city of Alexandria, officials said.

The collision occurred when a train from the Egyptian capital Cairo collided with another train coming from Port Said in Khorshid area, Health ministry officials said.

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The transport ministry said that the train coming from Cairo to Alexandria crashed into the back of the train coming from Port Said to Alexandria, which was stationary at Khorsid station when the collision occurred which left at least 41 dead and 179 injured, ahramonline reported quoting a Health ministry statement.

The driver of the Cairo-Alexandria train has surrendered himself to police and has been transferred to El-Raml police station in Alexandria for investigation, it said.

Egypts prosecutor-general Nabil Sadiq has ordered an urgent investigation into the collision to find out the reason behind the crash.

President El-Sisi has expressed his condolences to the victims and ordered government bodies to follow up on developments from the deadly collision and identify the cause of the accident.

"The rescue team is currently searching for survivals while ambulances are transferring the injured to nearby hospitals," said Magdy Hegazi, undersecretary at the Health ministry.

Earlier, Health Minister advisor Sherif Wadie said that the number of casualties could increase.

The ministry said 75 ambulances had been deployed at the crash scene to treat casualties and that all the hospitals in Alexandria had been placed on high alert.

The cause of the crash is not yet known.

The Health ministry is yet to announce the final toll.

Train accidents are common in Egypt. In 2016, a train derailed in south of Cairo, killing five people, and injuring 27 people in the al-Ayat area.

Another train derailment in Badr Rashin in Giza killed at least 19 people in 2013.

In 2012, a collision between a train and school bus on a rail crossing in the town of Manaflut in Upper Egypt killed 51 people, mostly children.

At least 360 people were killed in 2002 in Egypts worst train disaster when a major fire engulfed seven carriages of an overcrowded passenger train. PTI YES KJ MRJ MRJ

--- ENDS ---
Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/10/2017 -- Life Insurance is an important part of an individual's safety net, in particular, if the person has dependents. Recently, a report on Life insurance in Bahrain has been prepared by the analysts, which states that Bahraini insurance companies can do more to develop their life insurance business. In addition, the introduction of mandatory health insurance in Bahrain would help develop the life insurance market. Market Research Hub (MRH) has recently included a report titled "Life Insurance in Bahrain, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020" to its wide portfolio of research studies, which encompasses historical values for the Bahraini life insurance segment for the 20112015 review period, and projected figures for the 20152020 forecast period.



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The study provides detailed market analysis, information and major insights into the Bahraini life insurance. This subsequent section covers market overview, growth prospects by category, an overview of Bahraini economy and demographics and comparative analysis of Bahraini life insurance segment with its regional counterpart. The insurance industry has shown steady results in the year 2015. In 2015, the Bahraini insurance industry comprised 25 domestic and 11 foreign insurers, which carry out insurance, reinsurance, takaful and retakaful business. The gross contributions of Takaful Firms operating in Bahrain have risen significantly over the course of the last ten years.



Moreover, the report also analyzes distribution channels operating in the segment, gives a comprehensive overview of the Bahraini economy and demographics, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country. Key performance indicators such as written premium, loss ratio, incurred loss, commissions and expenses, total investment income and retentions; and total assets during the review period of 2011 to 2015 and future forecast till 2020.



The research further analyzes that as a regional financial hub, Bahrain has also become a very fertile ground for the growth of the insurance industry. As per the key findings, Zurich remains totally committed to Bahrain's insurance market through its existing two licenses. In April 2015, Zurich International Life reduced its number of licenses from three to two in order to simplify its legal structure and provide more resources to loyal customers. The study further also highlights that, in March 2017, State Bank of India (SBI) Life announced plans to enter the Bahraini insurance industry by 2018. It is currently waiting for approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB).



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Moving further, the report offers detailed competitive landscape section. This section comprises profiles of top life insurance companies operating in Bahrain and outlines the key regulations affecting them. Top players are LIC (International) Company, American Life Insurance Company, Al Hilal Life Insurance Company, Zurich International Life Ltd., and Bahrain National Life Assurance Company.



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Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/11/2017 -- Buruli ulcer, brought about by Mycobacterium ulcerans is a perpetual crippling sickness that influences primarily the skin and bone sometimes. The organism has a place with the group of microscopic organisms that causes tuberculosis and infection. The correct method of transmission is hazy. The fundamental weight of malady falls on kids living in sub-Saharan Africa, however sound individuals of any age, races, and financial classes are vulnerable. Despite the fact that it has been accounted for in more than 33 nations around the globe, the best weight of infection is in the tropical areas of West and Central Africa, Australia, and Japan.



It basically influences kids matured 5-15 years. Notwithstanding, in some exceptionally endemic regions in Ghana, the commonness of Buruli ulcer has been assessed to be as high as 150.8/100,000 people, and in southern Benin, a current review has revealed location rates of 21.5/100,000 every year, higher than for either tuberculosis or leprosy. Disease regularly prompts ulcers on the arms or legs, which can likewise devastate skin or soft tissue. At the point when not appropriately treated, the ailment can bring about irreversible disfigurement or long haul practical inability. The disease is likewise endemic in a few different nations outside Africa, including country territories of Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, French Guiana, and Mexico. In Australia, Buruli ulcer treatment stays uncommon, however there have been increments in both occurrence and the quantity of endemic territories over the most recent 15 years.



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Growing incidence of Buruli ulcers is expected to increase demand for antibiotics and surgeries.. As per WHO (World Health Organization) major have likewise been accounted for from South East Asia , Australia, South America and Central regions in Africa. In the course of the most recent 2 decades the rate of Buruli ulcer has expanded, in spite of critical underreporting of cases. In 1999 there were 6000 new cases in Ghana; in 2004 (Australia), there were 25 new cases, 47 more in 2005 and 72 in 2006. Ordinarily, 05 cases for every year happen in the Daintree area (Australia) in any case, in 20112012, there was a noteworthy flare-up, with no less than 75 cases recognized. In Victoria (Australia), 157 cases happened in 20112012. The development is basically determined by expanded prevalence.



New companies in the antibiotics industry have indicated expanded competence and safety profiles along with lessening the chances of ulcers. The ulcer showcase likewise has majorly two different procedures of treatment, which are via antibiotics and surgery. Late information recommend that combinations of anti-mycobacterial antibiotics that incorporate rifampicin and either streptomycin or amikacin can execute M. ulcerans in human injuries. Temporary rules now suggest the utilization of chose hostile to mycobacterial drugs, generally consolidated with surgery, for the treatment of Buruli ulcer. Effective treatment will abbreviate the course of the sickness and limit distortion. Skilled surgery, expert nursing care, and therapeutic physiotherapy are regularly required to accomplish great results.



Yet, the remedial action of such events still rests an undiscovered area of research and development for pharmaceutical & healthcare organizations to carry innovative medications and advanced treatment into the Buruli ulcer treatment market. However nonappearance of conclusive treatment, reactions, restricted adequacy of the medications and high cost of surgery accessible in the market and reliance in manifestation based treatment in a few cases is required to hamper treatment growth & development of the overall Buruli ulcer treatment market over the forecast period.



Around 70% of those suffered with Buruli ulcer are kids under 15 years of age. In Ghana the normal cost to treat Buruli ulcer is over US$ 780 for each individual. The acknowledged current treatment for Buruli ulcer is typically surgery. Inconveniences incorporate contracture distortions, removal of appendages, and inclusion of the eye, breast and genitalia. In a few areas 2025% of those with recuperated injuries are left with inabilities that have a long-term social and financial effect. The current financial and social weight forced by Buruli ulcer is colossal. The global market for Buruli ulcer treatment is expected to witness firm growth owing to increasing incidence rate of the ulcers coupled with new treatment (branded and generic) approach.



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Globally the Buruli ulcer treatment market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and Middle East and Africa (MEA). North America and Western Europe are expected to be the leading markets in the global Buruli ulcer treatment market. Rising treatment options among the young age population, prescription rates and the maturing worldwide population are additionally considered vital drivers for this market.



Public awareness via hospitals, drug manufacturers, medical campaigns and simply available diagnostic tests are relied upon to lift interest for Buruli ulcer treatment items in these areas. Japan and APEJ are relied upon to take after next as far as interest for the treatment of Buruli ulcer treatment advertise. Eastern Europe, Latin America and MEA markets are likewise anticipated that would witness normal development over the forecast period. Nonattendance of populace based reviews in creating nations is a noteworthy test in appraisal of ulcer related contaminations in these nations.



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Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/10/2017 -- The Lacquered Panels Market 2017 examines the performance of the Lacquered Panels market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Lacquered Panels market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Lacquered Panels market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.



The Global Lacquered Panels Market 2017 report includes Lacquered Panels industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Lacquered Panels Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Lacquered Panels Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.



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Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Lacquered Panels Market 2017:



1 Duratex

2 Kronospan

3 Arauco

4 Georgia-Pacific

5 Masisa

6 Norbord

7 Louisiana-Pacific

8 Weyerhaeuser



At the beginning, the report covers the top Lacquered Panels manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.



Further, the Lacquered Panels report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Lacquered Panels industry, Lacquered Panels industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Lacquered Panels Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.



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The Lacquered Panels 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 Lacquered Panels market revenue worldwide.



Finally, Lacquered Panels market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.



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Market.Biz is designed to provide the best and most penetrating research required to all commercial, industrial and profit-making ventures in any sector of online business. We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businesses. read more- https://market.biz/about/



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Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/11/2017 -- Market Synopsis of HVAC Insulation Market



HVAC Insulation is a technology which is designed to provide thermal comfort and acceptable air quality. Cost saving, maintained temperature, longer operational life and extended warranties are some factors which are helping the market to grow. High efficiency systems use less fuel as compared to older models and better conservation of natural resources which is referred as major driving factor for the HVAC Insulation Market. Moreover, it helps in controlling the heat that is dissipated through conduction, convection, and radiation and provide thermal properties such as protection against sound, fire, and physical impact. However high cost of materials as well as high payback period acts as a barrier for the HVAC Insulated Market.



The Global HVAC Insulation Market size was valued at around USD 3 Billion in 2015 and is expected to cross USD 6 Billion at CAGR of approximately 8% by 2022.



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Key Players:



The key players of Global HVAC Insulation Market Report include Johns Manville, Saint Gobain S.A, PPG Industries Inc., Owen Corning Corporation, Rockwool International, Armacell, L'ISOLANTE K-FLEX S.p.A., GlassRock, Knauf Insulation, Fletcher Insulation Pty Ltd., Kingspan Group Plc, and Kuwait Insulating Material Manufacturing Co.



Study Objectives of HVAC Insulation 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 HVAC Insulation Market .



- To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth.



- To analyze the Global HVAC Insulation 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, component, 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 HVAC Insulation Market.



Regional Analysis of Global HVAC Insulation Market:



Asia Pacific is expected to hold the largest market size due to continuous growth in residential and commercial building construction activities. Moreover countries such as China and India, have seen increased HVAC Insulation demand. Increasing awareness related to energy efficiency products to reduce energy cost is the primary factor which is driving the demand in the APAC region. Whereas North America is second-largest consumer of HVAC Insulations. The market in this region is mainly driven by stringent government regulations to encourage the energy efficiency. The Middle East & Africa is the fastest-growing region due to the upcoming building infrastructure projects.



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The report for Global HVAC Insulation 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.



Key Points from Table of Content:



7 Competitive Analysis

7.1 Market Share Analysis

7.2 Company Profiles

7.2.1 Johns Manville

7.2.2 Saint Gobain S.A

7.2.3 Ppg Industries Inc.

7.2.4 Owen Corning Corporation

7.2.5 Rockwool International

7.2.6 Armacell

7.2.7 L'isolante K-Flex S.P.A

7.2.8 Glassrock

7.2.9 Knauf Insulation

7.2.10 Fletcher Insulation Pty Ltd

7.2.11 Others



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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.
"One danger with proxy voting is the impossibility of regulating bribery, intimidation and inducement in the campaign", writes former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi about the challenges to free and fair elections if overseas Indian vote.

India has nearly 10 million citizens living overseas mostly for reasons of employment and education. Almost 6 million of them are over 18 years, the voting age. Many of them had been clamouring for voting rights, and the present government approved changes in electoral laws on August 2 that will make it possible.

In 2010, then prime minister Manmohan Singh, conceding the demand, announced at the 8th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas that they would be able to vote from the following year. This right, however, was restricted by two conditions- registering only at the permanent address of the passport holder and being physically present to vote.

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After three years, as of January 1, 2014, only 11,846 overseas Indians had enrolled, the overwhelming proportion of this coming from Kerala, 11,488 compared with only 398 from the rest of India. That raises a question: was the demand for NRI voting exaggerated? Or was something else a deterrent? Probably the requirement of physical presence in the home constituency.

Hearing a public interest litigation in 2013, the Supreme Court asked the Election Commission to set up a committee to examine the possibility. The committee looked at systems for distance voting worldwide and shortlisted four, voting in embassies, online voting, e-postal ballot and proxy voting. It discussed the issue with political parties. While the BJP supported the proposal, almost all other parties opposed it, mainly citing as reasons that the secrecy of voting may be compromised and lack of trust in proxies, both impinging on the conduct of free and fair elections.

The committee made two recommendations: e-postal ballot, where blank postal ballot paper is transferred electronically to NRI and returned by post, and voting through proxy appointed by the overseas elector.

Importantly, the committee suggested "validation of the process and pilot implementation in one or two constituencies in elections to the legislative assemblies, scaling up to more assembly elections and finally parliamentary Elections if found feasible, practicable and meeting the objectives of free and fair elections".

Here it is important to remember the inviolability of free and fair elections, as repeatedly asserted by the SC. To quote just a few: "Democracy cannot survive without free and fair elections" (Union vs ADR 2003); "It needs little argument to hold that the heart of the parliamentary system is free and fair election" (Mohinder Singh Gill vs CEC, 1977); and "Free and fair election is the basic structure of the Constitution" (PUCL vs Union, 2013).

The challenges to free and fair elections would be: the impossibility of regulating bribery, intimidation and inducement in the campaign. The EC, which is very rigorous in enforcing legal provisions and the model code of conduct in India, will have no control over campaign malpractices abroad. How can we have two laws and standards, one for voters at home and another for those living abroad? Can there be blatant discrimination between migrants within the country and those living abroad? While the right to equality and freedom against discrimination are fundamental rights, the right to vote is not; it's just a statutory right. Repeated judgments of the apex court have refused to recognise it as a fundamental right.

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Now that the government has opted for proxy voting, we have to convince the nation that it will not lead to buying and selling of votes, which is so rampant. If at all, it should be restricted only to blood relatives. In fact, the debate goes beyond proxies to the wider issue of overseas voting in general. The arguments for and against are equally strong. The implementation of universal suffrage certainly supports the case. However, issues of residency (the right of the citizens living outside the country to influence the composition of representative organs of state, whose decisions are binding only on the citizens living within the state territory), transparency of the election process abroad and tricky dispute resolution of external voting.

It is important to give EC the freedom to try out its new formulation of e-postal ballot and proxy voting on a pilot basis, as done for every landmark reform, including the introduction of EVMs. The Indian electoral system is too sacrosanct to be tinkered with lightly.

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(The writer is former Chief Election Commissioner and author of An Undocumented Wonder: The Making of the Great Indian Election)

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FABINDIA | Established in 1960

The beginnings

In 1958, American John Bissell travelled to India to advise the All India Handicrafts Board and Cottage Industries on creating a market for handloom fabrics. He never left. Two years later, he set up Fabindia (implying the fabric of India), an India-inspired brand that drew on the strengths of rural weavers to bring an ethical, ethnic experience to consumers looking to wear homegrown fabrics and weaves.

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The company set up its first retail store in Delhi in 1976, at the time only selling textile-based apparel. Before long, the company had added a non-textile range (in 2000), organic foods in 2004, personal care products in 2006 and ethnic jewellery in 2008. Adding heft to its organic food range, Fabindia in 2013 bought a 40 per cent stake in Lucknow-based Organic India, a retailer of organic foods and supplements. Since then, Fabindia has increased its shareholding in Organic India to 53 per cent.

The company is now run by his son William Bissell, 51, who has been involved in the business since 1988. In the early days, he set up the Bhadrajun Artisans Trust (BAT), an artisans' cooperative that worked with weavers in Rajasthan and which today supplies to the parent company. The company today works with over 55,000 artisans across the country to create world-class products and also create an artisan-shareholder system that empowers craftsmen by giving them equity through stake. Under William, Fabindia flourished into the brand it is today. He regrouped the company's resources and changed focus, choosing to look homeward, at India, rather than the export market. In 2015-2016 alone, Fabindia had sales of over Rs 1,000 crore. Under his leadership, Fabindia grew from a company with just two retail stores in Delhi to one with 226 stores in 87 Indian cities and 10 abroad-in Rome, Dubai, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, Nepal and Dallas in the US.

A thread to the future

The company's tagline 'Celebrate India' is central to the core of Fabindia; over the past five-and-a-half decades, it has spearheaded craft as a contemporary sensibility, making it relevant to the way people use a very traditional idiom in their everyday lives. According to Viney Singh, director & CEO, Fabindia, "The challenge lies in remaining exciting in terms of design and products for our customers. At Fabindia, we have kept traditional skills and crafts relevant and contemporary for over 55 years." Future plans for Fabindia include leveraging the Organic India section. Quality control of existing products is also a big challenge and one that the company hopes to focus on in order to minimise colour bleeds and shrinkage. In order to offer its customers something beyond the ordinary store experience, early this year, Fabindia launched its first concept store or experience centre in Vasant Kunj, Delhi. The 10,000 square feet unit is the first of 60 stores expected to be opened over the next few years.

DID YOU KNOW?: Its sustainable business model has become a case study for excellence in top B-schools, including Harvard and the IIMs

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By PTI: (Eds: Updating with fresh inputs)

By Anisur Rahman

Dhaka, Aug 11 (PTI) A major fire today broke out inside the Air India office at Bangladeshs international airport here, prompting the government to launch a probe.

Ten firefighting units took nearly two hours to douse the fire that began around noon at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the countrys main aviation facility.

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The airport has resumed normal flight operations.

"We have resumed normal operations of the airport at 4 PM as the fire was completely doused," Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Rezaul Karim told PTI.

Authorities ordered an inter-departmental investigation by a committee comprising fire service, civil aviation and police officials to find out the cause behind the incident.

"The three-member committee has been asked to submit its findings in the next seven working days," a civil aviation ministry spokesman said.

He said that the fire did not hamper the scheduled arrival and departure of flights.

Officials said the fire originally broke out at the Air India office on the second floor of the airports Terminal 1 and spread in the adjacent offices including the one of Qatar Airways raising a security alarm.

"The airports internal fire-fighting unit doused the fire within a short time but 10 fire fighting units from the neighbourhood rushed to the scene," an airport official said.

An Air India official said the fire originated from the office of the airline.

Initially, electricity supply to the airport was cut off.

Employees and passengers evacuated from the various floors have reported seeing smoke inside the building.

TV footages showed that the elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion and special Armed Police Battalion laid a siege around the airport blocking its entry points as the fire fighters made hectic efforts to douse the fire evacuating passengers and non-essential staff.

The display screen of the airports auto fire detector showed the text - "Fire on Air India floor" as soon as the fire alarm went off. PTI AR UZM NSA CPS

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By PTI: Boston, Aug 11 (PTI) Scientists have edited the pig genome to deactivate a virus that spreads to other cells, an advance that may pave the way for animal-to-human organ transplants.

The shortage of human organs and tissues for transplantation represents one of the most significant unmet medical needs. Pig organs are particularly compatible for transplantation in humans.

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The pig genome, however, includes porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs), which can be passed on to other cells when cultured together.

Gene editing techniques could prove useful for removing virus genes from the pig genome, paving the way for pig-to- human transplants, yet efforts have so far only been successfully demonstrated in cell lines, not live animals.

Researchers including those from Zhejiang University in China and Harvard Medical School in the US demonstrated the feat in live animals.

The team first confirmed that PERVs in pig cells can be transmitted to human cells when cultured together.

Exposing human cells infected with PERV to uninfected humans cells also resulted in transmission, highlighting the need to deactivate PERVs in pigs if transplantation is to one day occur.

The researchers mapped and characterised the PERVs present in the genome of pig fibroblast cells, identifying 25 in total. They used the gene editing tool CRISPR to deactivate all 25 genomic sites.

Despite the presence of highly modified cells in the population, none of the cloned cells could be grown with greater than 90% PERV editing efficiency.

By adding a concoction of additional factors related to DNA repair, however, the team was able to grow viable cells with 100 per cent of PERVs deactivated.

When they implanted the embryos into sows, they found that the resulting piglets exhibited no signs of PERVs, with some piglets surviving up to four months after birth. PTI MHN SAR MHN

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Through this partnership, both companies are set to increase their operational and service activities, and expand their presence in Latin America, they said in a statement. Dutch Royal IHC acquired a 50% share of GranEnergia  a subsidiary of GranInvestimentos that is active in the oil and gas market. The new partnership will be named GranIHC Services.

It will provide integrated services to customers in the oil and gas industry in the fields of offshore maintenance and repair, logistical services and infrastructure facilities. The new organisation combines the strong operational platform of GranEnergia in Brazil with IHCs know-how in designing, building and servicing equipment and vessels for the offshore, dredging and mining markets.

Together, the companies will contribute to all stages of the value chain: designing, building, commissioning, installation, maintenance and decommissioning of equipment and vessels.

In the coming years, shareholders will therefore further invest in the expansion of GranIHC Services business lines. We trust that as a single supplier, we will deliver unique services to the entire oil and gas market, said Rodrigo Dantas, the new companys ceo.
The writ dated 7 August was filed in the High Court of Malaya, in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, claiming MYR70.4m ($16.4m) against Nam Cheong Dockyard (NCD) under credit facilities granted by the bank, and against NCL as guarantor.

The company and NCD are currently reviewing the Writ of Summons and seeking legal advice on this matter, Nam Cheong said.

On 21 June OCBC Bank claimed $10.4m against Nam Cheong in the High Court of Labuan.

Nam Cheong said it continued restructuring discussions with its creditors and major lenders, including AmBank.
From Congress' Rajasthan party president Sachin Pilot bringing the party within fighting distance of the ruling BJP to Kerala CM Pinarayi receiving support from unexpected quarters in the RSS leader Rajesh murder case, here's this week's glasshouse.

Auto Pilot

Elsewhere in the country, the Congress may be a study in gloom. But in Rajasthan, state party president Sachin Pilot is bringing the party within fighting distance of the ruling BJP. Pilot managed to get Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi to tour flood-hit areas of the state, wrote to the prime minister to release aid, highlighted farmers' suicides and managed to get some MLAs who had pledged support to BJP presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind to vote for Congress candidate Meira Kumar. Rahul seems to think the young PCC chief is doing a good job. Perhaps why Pilot's chief rival, Ashok Gehlot, has been asked to focus on Gujarat.

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Elated evader

One politician delighted at Congress leader Ahmed Patel's Rajya Sabha victory is Karnataka's energy minister D.K. Shivakumar. His herding of 43 Gujarat Congress MLAs at a resort in Bengaluru, away from the BJP, paid off in the August 9 vote Patel narrowly won. The minister still has to explain to the income tax department the over Rs 100 crore allegedly in unaccounted for properties. Shivakumar called the department's August 2 raids the BJP's vendetta and has promised a response after getting the probe reports.

Help is at hand

Facing the heat from the BJP and RSS for the brutal murder of RSS leader Rajesh in Thiruvanthapuram, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has received support from unexpected quarters. Senior Congressman and leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala denounced the RSS's attempts to malign the state and offered Vijayan his support at the August 6 meeting of the All Party Leaders Peace Conference in the state capital. Vijayan clearly needs all the help he can get.

Come again?

He has caused quite a flutter in the four-month-old Amarinder Singh government. V.P. Singh Badnore, who completes a year as Punjab's governor on August 22, has asked the state information and PR department to list "major achievements" in this while. A communication from the Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh says he needs the details for a coffee table book. But given that Badnore's tenure straddles both the SAD-BJP and the incumbent Congress regimes, officials wonder whose 'achievements' to list.

How smart is that?

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi may not have much to say to party leaders, but it doesn't excuse his being glued to his smartphone while on a recent tour to flood-hit Assam. He was on his phone throughout the 40-minute drive from Silchar airport to the funeral of former Union minister Santosh Mohan Deb and even ignored supporters lined along the road. Assam Congress chief and Rajya Sabha MP Ripun Bora and CLP head Debabrata Saikia got the same treatment when they accompanied Rahul on his return.

Many Stalkers, Few Convicts

In the early hours of August 5, in Chandigarh, two drunk young men tailed a woman with the apparent intent to kidnap and rape. The woman, Varnika Kundu, evaded her stalkers and called the police. One of the accused, 23-year-old Vikas, is the son of Haryana BJP president Subhash Barala. Fortunately for Kundu, she is the daughter of an IAS officer. Media attention might mitigate political pressure in this case, but by and large victims have little recourse-as national figures recently released by the Ministry of Home Affairs prove.

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Sources in Enforcement Directorate said that the ED raids in Mumbai earlier this week could have some links with Congress and Gujarat Rajya Sabha elections.

By Virendrasingh Ghunawat: Earlier this week, Congress leader Ahmed Patel won his Rajya Sabha seat from Gujarat along with BJP's Amit Shah and Smriti Irani. Surprisingly, the next day, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) began a search operation at residences and offices of three hawala operators and one jeweler in Mumbai, linked with stud farm owner Hasan Ali Khan.

If sources are to be believed both the events have a common link i.e. Congress party. Sources within the ED have confirmed to Indiatoday.in that the raids were conducted to find out the money trail and its source, which had been parked with Hasan Ali Khan, during 2007.

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FROM INDIA TODAY MAGAZINE: King Con - Hassan Ali Khan

"The names on which searches were conducted on Thursday are big. They are businessmen by nature, but also allegedly involved into hawala operation. They were supporting Hasan Ali Khan in covering up unaccounted money of a senior politician or the entire political party," the source within ED told Indiatoday.in.

In March 2017, Indiatoday.in was first to report that the ED had registered its second ECIR against Hasan Ali, few officials and politicians under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

During the searches conducted last year on Hasan Ali at multiple locations across India, the agency seized fresh evidences that revealed linkages of few Income Tax officials and heavy-weight politicians who were closely associated with Hasan Ali.

A senior ED official told Indiatoday.in, "The agency has examined all the documents, interception, and reports etc., gathered by Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in 2007. At present, we have lot of material against Hasan Ali."

ED RAIDS

Surendra Kumar Choraria, Rajendra Kumar Choraria, Balchand Choraria and Mohd Hassan were were raided on Thursday by ED at four locations in Mumbai.

According to information available on the website of Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Surendra Choraria is a director of L P Choraria Traders Pvt Ltd, located at Kalbadevi, Mumbai. His residence and office were raided by ED.

Surprisingly, Panama data available in the public domain, shows that Surendra Choraria is a shareholder of Numax Management Ltd located at London, but registered at British Virgin Islands (BVI).

If the information is correct then Choraria has Panama connection with Hasan Ali.

For a reason, off late, the investigators had come across cases of tax evasion against two companies i.e. Payson Company Ltd and Autumn Holdings Ltd, set up by Hasan Ali and his associate Kashinath Tapuria in British Virgin Islands.

Sources told Indiatoday.in that Balchand and Surendra Choraria are big time hawala operators. These names were closely associated with Hasan Ali since beginning.

This year, seeking more details on the financial transactions of the companies linked to Hasan Ali, the ED has sent the Letter Rogatory (LRs) to Singapore, UAE, UK and few other countries.

Hasan Ali has already spent four years and eight months at Arthur Road Jail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for alleged possession of $8 billion stashed away in Swiss bank accounts.

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ALSO READ:

Hasan Ali PMLA case: ED conducts searches in Mumbai

Who is Hasan Ali Khan?

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Apparently, the finance department of the San Francisco Housing Authority cant balance its own checkbook.

That was the big reveal of a city controllers report released Thursday that identified a number of problems that led to major errors in account balances and prevented city officials from getting a clear picture of the agencys funding needs.

The controllers City Services Auditor Division began its assessment in June 2015 and ended it last September, using bank statements, emails, ledger data and interviews with top Housing Authority finance personnel to evaluate how the department was managing its money.

The reports conclusions were grim.

It showed the department had filled its monthly bank reconciliations with numerous inaccuracies  when it had done them at all.

The report went on to note that some Housing Authority accountants and analysts were prone to make basic errors, such as throwing out supporting documents and entering data in spreadsheets without explanation.

Some employees were frequently absent from work, the report said, suggesting a lack of commitment to (the Housing Authority) and to the work for which they are responsible. Key management positions were left vacant.

On top of all that, the department staff seemed to have little interest in separating and documenting money from different sources. Before October 2015, the department lumped the agencys restricted public housing and Section 8 funds into one general fund bank account. And finance staff routinely overlooked the Housing Authoritys capital budget in the annual budget proposals they submitted to the city.

The controller recommended top-to-bottom reforms, saying the department should raise salaries for its highly specialized positions, start using the same finance software as the rest of the city, and get in the habit of cross-referencing its accounting records with its bank statements.

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.

But its up to the Housing Authority to make those changes.

 Rachel Swan

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan
A new federal report could again challenge the Trump administrations dismissive stance on global warming, finding that last year the planet was hotter than any time in well over a century and witnessed perhaps the most significant climate disruption in modern history.

The annual State of the Climate report, published Thursday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, confirmed that 2016 not only set a new mark for heat but broke records for sea-level rise, the amount of ocean ice and snow cover that were lost, and the level of heat-trapping pollutants in the air.

While the study, recognized as the U.S. governments most comprehensive look at climate, identified varying levels of turbulence across the globe, few spots were immune to the impacts of climate change  and some faced dire threats.

In the United States, 15 weather or climate-related disasters, including drought, wildfire, four inland floods and eight severe storms, caused 138 deaths and $46 billion in damages, the second-biggest bill since record-keeping began in 1980, according to the report.

California shared in the havoc. The state experienced its hottest summer on record last year, the report noted, and saw one of its most severe droughts give way to one of its wettest winters. The report also listed the state as among the nations hardest hit by fire.

Going forward, the reports authors issued a broader warning that increasing temperatures in California and elsewhere would mean less snowfall and tighter water supplies as well as flooding in coastal areas amid rising oceans.

When you set record after record after record, its very extreme and its cause for concern, said Jessica Blunden, a NOAA climatologist and lead editor of the new report.

Though climate change has rarely been documented in such detail, the report stopped short of linking the problem to what scientists agree is the leading cause  human activity, such as burning coal and gasoline. The agency said the aim of the report was purely diagnostic.

Earlier this week, however, a draft copy of the National Climate Assessment produced by 13 federal agencies made an unequivocal connection between weather extremes and human-produced greenhouse gases.

President Trump has not only denied the link, calling climate change a hoax, but reversed course on U.S. policy on greenhouse-gas emissions. This month, he formally notified the United Nations that the U.S. will withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, reneging on the nations commitment to reducing heat-trapping pollutants.

Reality does not seem to play a very significant role in the way this administration is responding to the threat of climate change, said Peter Gleick, chief scientist and co-founder of the Pacific Institute, an Oakland think tank that studies water issues, who did not contribute to the report. I dont know what else the scientific community can say or what the planet can say that will finally get the federal government to act. As a climate scientist, its frustrating.

Last year was the third consecutive year of record-breaking heat in 137 years of tracking temperatures , according to the new 299-page report, which was written by 450 scientists in more than 60 nations.

The rising mercury, the report said, stems from last years El Nino weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean as well as the planets long-term warming trend. Globally, temperatures were up almost a full degree over the average measured from 1981 to 2010.

The spike was greatest in the Arctic, where temperatures were 3.6 degrees above the 1981-2010 average and 6.3 degrees higher than they were in 1900.

Meanwhile, the worlds alpine glaciers retreated for the 37th straight year, according to the report, while springtime snow cover dipped to new lows in many parts of the world.

Globally, sea level hit a record high last year, marking the sixth consecutive annual increase. The oceans have risen an average of 0.13 of an inche per year over the past two decades, the report stated.

Greenhouse-gas concentrations also were up. Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, all drivers of atmospheric warming, recorded new highs last year, with carbon dioxide surpassing a milestone 400 parts per million for the first time in recent history. The last time carbon dioxide levels were as great was probably more than 800,000 years ago, long before modern humans roamed Earth.

While the findings in Thursdays report were limited to 2016, NOAA scientists said theres been little, if any, letup in climate trends this year.

Global temperature appears to be running behind 2016, comparable to 2015, said Deke Arndt, one of the reports co-authors. But 2017 has not shown any dramatic reversal of course.

Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander
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A state appeals court ruled Thursday that a billionaire landowner had no right to block public access to a San Mateo County beach without first obtaining a permit, rejecting arguments that a forced opening would be tantamount to stealing his property.

The 50-page decision by the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco affirmed a 2014 ruling by a San Mateo judge who ordered Vinod Khosla to give the public access to picturesque Martins Beach, near Half Moon Bay, which Khosla owns.

It was the latest slap-down of Khosla in a long, increasingly heated legal dispute with the Surfrider Foundation, which sued the co-founder of Sun Microsystems after he shut the access gate leading to nearly 90 acres of his coastal property in 2010. The nonprofit group founded by surfers charged that the closure amounted to development, requiring a permit from the California Coastal Commission. A judge agreed, prompting Khoslas appeal.

The courts said exactly what the Legislature said: The public has the right to access the coast, said Joseph Cotchett, the lead attorney for Surfrider, in a hastily arranged news conference in his Burlingame office. Its their ocean. Its their coast. It is not some private billionaires.

The battle, however, appears to be far from over. Neither Khosla nor his attorneys could be reached for comment, but they told the court that any interference by the state of his fundamental right to exclude the public from private property would be a type of confiscation  a taking, in legal terms  that requires compensation under U.S. Supreme Court property-rights rulings.

The expectation now is that the case will be appealed to the states high court.

Hes attacking the California Coastal Act, is what hes doing, Cotchett said of the law established by the state Legislature in 1976 to protect public access to the shoreline. Everyone knows this is not the end of the line. ... This is the little guy versus the big guy.

The seashore tussle began when Khosla bought Martins Beach and the surrounding land from its longtime owners for $32.5 million in 2008. He shut the public access gate in September 2010, citing the cost of maintenance and liability insurance. The previous owners had admitted the public for at least 70 years.

The case has been a roller-coaster ride of accusations and rulings ever since.

A group called Friends of Martins Beach sued in San Mateo County Superior Court, and Judge Gerald Buchwald ruled in Khoslas favor in 2013, saying the beach was subject to the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War and required the United States to recognize Mexican land grants. Buchwald said, in essence, that the beach had been in private hands long before laws were passed to require public access to the coast.

Buchwalds decision was appealed. That same year, the nonprofit Surfrider Foundation also sued, arguing that the sandy shoreline had been open to all comers since at least 1918 and belonged to the public.

Then, in September 2014, Superior Court Judge Barbara Mallach ruled that Khoslas failure to obtain a coastal development permit before blocking access to the beach was illegal  and ordered the gate reopened.

The unanimous decision by the three-judge panel Thursday concludes that the gate closure amounted to development of the property.

One of the basic goals of the state for the coastal zone is to maximize public access to and along the coast and maximize public recreational opportunities in the coastal zone, the judges stated in their opinion. Maximizing access is the goal.

Khosla has kept the gate mostly closed, despite the judges injunction, and has said he would provide beach access across a portion of his land if the state paid him $30 million. The gate remained closed Thursday, forcing visitors to walk around the barrier and along the road for a half mile to get to the beach, which was deserted except for giant swarms of pelicans and seagulls.

They are making a mountain out of a molehill, said Greta Waterman, who has rented one of the cabins on the beach for four years. If they open it they have to have facilities, put up a friggin porta-potty, hire a lifeguard so nobody gets drowned  and, she added, don't knock on my door to go to the bathroom.

Legal experts say Khosla may be able to get a stay of the order if he appeals to the state Supreme Court, but Cotchett vowed to seek the help of the San Mateo County sheriff if he doesnt open the gate by Friday.

Well give him his day to think about it and cry, he said.

Peter Fimrite and Steve Rubenstein are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: PFimrite@sfchronicle.com, SRubenstein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @pfimrite, @steverubeSF
Three Uber investors said a lawsuit against co-founder Travis Kalanick was designed to hold the company hostage and asked Benchmark, the venture capital firm that brought the suit, to step down from the board.

The investors sent a letter Friday addressed to Benchmark, saying they opposed the suit, according to a copy reviewed by Bloomberg. The investors are Sherpa Capitals Shervin Pishevar, Yucaipa Companies Ron Burkle and Mavericks Adam Leber. They dont hold seats on the board or a majority of the companys stock, but the letter said theyre seeking other shareholders to add their signatures.

Battles among Uber stakeholders have spilled into public view, and the conflicts risk paralyzing the San Francisco ride-hailing company at a crucial time. Uber is looking to quickly fill its vacant CEO position, while trying to boost morale, battle a trade secrets lawsuit from Alphabet and defend against well-funded rivals.

At least two people in consideration for the CEO job, including General Electric Chairman Jeffrey Immelt, called Uber directors, expressing dismay after this weeks suit, people familiar with the discussions said.

On Thursday, Benchmark sued Kalanick in Delaware Chancery Court, alleging that he withheld material information before asking the board to vote on adding three additional board seats last year. Kalanick now occupies one of those seats, but Benchmark is seeking to eliminate all three, according to the complaint. A spokesman for Kalanick has said the suit is completely without merit and riddled with lies and false allegations.

The firms didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. The board was convening Friday to discuss the lawsuit, said people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because the meeting is private.

Naturally, we share your concerns about the problems that the company has confronted in recent months, the investors wrote in the letter. But we are greatly concerned about the tactics employed by Benchmark to address them, which strike us as ethically dubious and, critically, value-destructive.

Benchmark deployed a similar move in June to unseat Kalanick as CEO. Bill Gurley, a partner at the firm, brought in four other major investors, who altogether hold as much as 40 percent of shareholder votes, to endorse a letter asking for Kalanick to step down. Kalanick complied, though he kept a seat on the board. After his ouster, he was looking to stay involved with the company and eventually seek a new role inside.

Olivia Zaleski is a Bloomberg writer. Email: ozaleski@bloomberg.net
Associated Press

A Milpitas family and three people who worked with them at a Santa Clara manufacturer of arcade games were charged with forging Pac-Man machines, officials said Thursday.

A woman, her son and her ex-husband, who together owned and operated the company called CoinOpStore, are accused of forging for a profit machines that played classics such as Galaga, Tank Battalion and five different versions of Pac-Man.
Today much of what was once familiar is changing, impacted by technology: Brick-and-mortar retail stores are struggling in the shadows of eBay and Amazon, and businesses such as Blue Apron, which delivers prepared ingredients to your home, are affecting how we cook at home.

And restaurants? The conventions are changing rapidly there too, the result of technology, economics and simple fashion. Online rating websites such as Yelp have made everyone an instant critic; reservations apps such as OpenTable and Resy allow diners to shop around for a table tonight or next month. Labor costs are making full-service restaurants a burden for owners, and more top chefs are going the more economical fast-casual route where diners order at the counter and the food is brought to the table  upending the idea that a good meal out entails a waiter and three courses.

Its tempting to think that the restaurant of the future will become something different entirely.

But I would argue that, in fact, these changes do not touch what is fundamental about dining out  and that the future restaurant may be different in style but very much the same in purpose. Dining together creates an atmosphere that nudges us to let down our guard, and dining out in public at restaurants keeps us social in a way no app can. People may find each other on Tinder, or Slack each other at work. But ultimately, when they must come face-to-face, its often in a restaurant. I dont think that will change.

Restaurants (or cafes or diners or any place where people sit across from each other with food) are where couples have first dates, orchestrate proposals and mark special occasions. They are also places where people find themselves on equal footing. There is something so basic about gathering people around a dining table with food and drink  and the atmosphere is often more productive than hiring a highly paid facilitator to bring parties together.

Bucks in Woodside is purportedly where Elon Musk secured funding for PayPal, where Netscape was hatched and where Steve Jurvetston and Sabeer Bhatia developed the idea for Hotmail. Would any of these encounters have flourished in a more formal, rigid office setting?

Each generation certainly adds its stamp to the dining scene. Today we share our dining table with our smartphones  sometimes more than with friends. Evan Rich of Rich Table earlier this year opened RT Rotisserie, a fast-casual, counter-service restaurant only a block from his full-service restaurant. At first he tried to apply the same standards to both restaurants  checking in with people at tables and trying to engage them  only to find out that at the Rotisserie customers more or less wanted to be left alone with their phones or friends.

Its taken a bit to get used to it, says Rich. At Rich Table our job is to give an experience, educate people, tell a story and make them feel at home. We initially did the same at Rotisserie. To be honest, most people have no interest in that part of the experience.

Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle

But this realization doesnt discourage him. The customers just arent looking for the same experience, with the attendant attention, that more conventional restaurants provide. In fact, Millennials now spend more money dining out than Baby Boomers. A Food Institute study last year showed that diners ages 19 to 36 spent 44 percent of their food dollar on eating out, more than a 10 percent increase from 2010. In 2014, those ages 52 to 71 spent 40 percent dining out.

I used to look at the profusion of quick-service restaurants as primarily about economics. With rising labor costs, this style of service saves money and allows owners to offer better pricing. Yet I now realize its also cultural: Our attention span is growing shorter, and dining at these restaurants is less of a time commitment.

At the same time, many of these new spots have a communal table. Communal tables have been around for a while; when Lulu opened in 1993 it was one of the first, if not the first, trendy restaurants to offer one. It was always empty, even when the rest of the warehouse-size restaurant was packed; today virtually every new restaurant offers some form of communal seating, and these are often full. Even the most ardent social media consumers want to put down the phones at some point, and a communal table gives physical shape to our social network. Maybe, almost 25 years after Lulu opened, we need that communal table more than ever.

Then theres the recent phenomenon: the merging of the bar and restaurant. Main courses are decreasing on menus; long cocktail lists and the small plates to accompany them are increasing. This is all about sharing drinks, sharing plates: a very different and highly social kind of snacking together.

Future of Food Tracing the next generation of farms, restaurants and kitchens in the Bay Area and beyond

Food trucks are the ultimate example of a communal experience transformed by technology. At the insanely popular Off the Grid at Fort Mason, 30 trucks and tent vendors and two bars serve 6,000 to 8,000 people on Friday nights. Friends and family arrive together, perhaps prompted by tweets or Instagram posts from the mobile chefs, separate to line up at the truck of their choice for myriad cuisines including Korean, Indian, Greek and Japanese, and then come back together to sit at communal tables or to find chairs to pull into a circle.

Gathering around food, formally or informally, remains a primary force in nurturing our humanity. Maybe, in fact, were finding that sharing food in public  that is, at a restaurant  is becoming even more important as the rest of our lives see change.

Finally, restaurants can offer us something so necessary in an increasingly strained world: a neutral place where the enjoyment of food can bridge any divide.

In 1987, Willie Brown and Bill Lockyer gathered representatives from warring parties  insurance companies, doctors, manufacturers and trial lawyers  in a private room at Frank Fats in Sacramento. As they were sharing potstickers, brandy fried chicken and New York steak in onion and oyster sauce, they agreed to a plan that created major changes to California's civil liability laws.

No matter what technological innovations or economic pressures the future brings, the central role of the restaurant will remain: to bring us together.

Michael Bauer is The San Francisco Chronicle restaurant critic and editor at large. Find his blog at www.sfgate.com/insidescoop and his reviews on www.sfchronicle.com. Email: mbauer@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @michaelbauer1 Instagram: @michaelbauer1
Hand-wringing over high prices is an increasingly common pasttime for folks living in the Bay Area these days.

News last week about Tokyo restaurant Wagyumafia coming to San Francisco with its $180 Wagyu beef sandwich in tow was fodder for intense comment sections.

Today, Inside Scoop spoke with Wagyumafia co-founder Hisato Hamada about the new project, and why his sandwiches cost so much. And just to get this out of the way, the sandwich will be arriving in San Francisco next year, and there will be a lot more Wagyu, too.

Hamada is opening a Wagyu butcher shop and sandwich spot with Omakase Restaurant Group founder Kash Feng as part of a trio of projects debuting next year at One Henry Adams in the Design District. Word is it will be the first butcher shop to open in the U.S. that is dedicated to selling retail Kobe and Wagyu beef. Details are still in flux when it comes to the space, but the Omakase team said chefs from Japan will occasionally host pop-up events during evening services.

WAGYUMAFIA

The sandwiches are priced between $8 ... and $180. The price, Hamada said, will depend on the quality and cut of the beef. In terms of ingredients, the sandwiches will be simple; the $180 version is made with a Wagyu cutlet that is breaded, lightly fried and then placed on two slices of toasted white bread, and smeared with a Japanese soy sauce and vinegar spread.

This is a new chapter for me. Its almost like self-expression, Feng said when asked about partnering with Wagyumafia. I have learned the ingredient is number one. Everything (Wagyumafia) cooks, everything they do, the ingredient is number one, Feng said.

The butcher shop will import whole cows, according to Hamada, to give people flexibility in pricing.

So why exactly is a high-end Wagyu sandwich so expensive? Japan only exports a limited number of Kobe beef cows each month. And based on the size of those cows and the serving size of the most expensive sandwich (whose meat comes from a tenderloin cut), only six sandwiches can be made per cow.

To Hamada, this type of beef is an adventure. And San Francisco is filled with professional eaters as he calls them  people regularly in search of new food experiences, regardless of price. Its an environment Hamada thought was perfect for his first foray into the American food landscape.

I just found San Francisco has more cultural depth/ It has more variety. When it comes to Los Angeles, there its a little more of a singular direction there, also a little plastic. New York is a bit far, he said. People on the West Coast are way ahead in terms of understanding Japanese culture.

Plus, the exclusivity (which Bay Area diners seem to love) of high-end beef is a boon, he said.

Theres also some mysticism surrounding the history of the cutlet sandwich in Japan, which can be around $5 most of the time. Ask Hamada and hell describe how the katsu sando has seedy roots in the backrooms of the Japanese after-hours clubs of yesteryear. Upper echelon patrons at these places would hang out all night and get served Wagyu versions of the fried sandwiches. Pork, on the other hand, was used by the less affluent. Essentially, Wagyu cutlet sandwiches were reserved for the whos who.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

I thought it was cool to bring that hidden item out of the darkness of midnight and into the daytime so we can shock the people, Hamada said with a laugh.

Setting the stage for Wagyumafias debut is a dinner at Omakase on Aug. 30 based around the worlds most coveted Kobe beef. Par for the course, the cost is $595 per person. Maybe thats a deal since one of the finishing courses is the renowned $180 Kobe beef sandwich?

Let the hand-wringing begin.

Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JustMrPhillips
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How do you get underrepresented minorities and women into tech companies?

Who knows? But we know for sure the solution doesnt include leaving it up to tech companies that have shown they cant crack the code to engineer diversity.

Technology companies need to be introduced to diverse people, and thats the mission of Tech Jobs Tour, a private organization that tours the U.S. helping to connect diverse people  women, people of color, LGBTQ, veterans and people with disabilities  with the tech industry.

It brings representatives from the dominant tech companies and potential employees together at one spot to meet and talk.

According to Tech Jobs Tour, there are currently more than 500,000 jobs open at tech companies in the U.S. And by 2020, the number is expected to grow to more than 1 million. The tours goal is to get people into 100,000 jobs in year one.

Tech Jobs Tour launched at the South by Southwest film, media and music conference in March, and began its 50-city tour in April. The San Francisco stop was on Wednesday at the Grand Theater on Mission Street. The Oakland event is Dec. 6.

It was a tech event unlike any that Ive experienced. The event was open to anyone, and the line on Mission Street looked like what youd see at a music club before the doors open.

Ive never seen so many black and brown people at a tech event that wasnt hosted by black and brown people.

Heres the trouble facing tech companies: Not only do they need to recruit minorities and women, they also have to create a culture where new employees feel welcomed and eager to stay with the company. Make no mistake, these companies have executives, apparently some of the most brilliant minds in the world, who have the power, influence and access to build sustainable diversity pipelines.

So why hasnt it happened?

Relationships are so important to get that job, said Leanne Pittsford, the founder and CEO of Tech Jobs Tour. For people that didnt go to Stanford or MIT, how do they get access?

During the speed mentoring sessions at the event, where for seven minutes at a time people chatted with mentors sitting face-to-face, attendees were able to speak with representatives from Facebook, Google, Square, Github, LinkedIn and Lyft, among other companies.

I was invited to the event by Angie Coleman, who handles community outreach for the tour. Coleman, an Oakland resident, knows about feeling out of place at a tech company. When she left Dropbox in 2015, she caused a stir in the tech industry when she revealed how she felt ostracized by the companys culture.

How could I feel included on a team when my entire team had entirely different lifestyles than me and never wanted to know about mine? Coleman told me earlier this week when we met at Tertulia Coffee in downtown Oakland.

Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

Leaving Dropbox changed the course of her career. Instead of pursuing an engineering role, Coleman became an activist for diversity in tech.

It was a natural transition, because she speaks her mind and shes willing to take the hits that others might want to avoid because they fear theyll become techs version of Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49er who apparently cant get a job because he protested the deaths of black people killed by police.

Diversity reports released by major tech companies show that blacks, Latinos and Native Americans account for only a small fraction of the companies employees  and that leadership positions are predominantly held by white men. So theres no need to be curious about how hegemonic internal office culture is created  and why its difficult to introduce and integrate different lifestyles and backgrounds.

At tech conferences Ive been to in Las Vegas, San Jose and San Francisco, attendees move from booth to booth being pitched products while stuffing their bags with business cards and flyers theyll never look at again. I can only recall one meaningful conversation from my two years of conference hopping.

At Tech Jobs Tour, I had four in the first 30 minutes when I sat in a session of speed mentoring.

The event was an opportunity to discuss our careers and things impacting our lives, like the uphill battle minorities and women face to break into the tech industry.

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Mayara Brandao Dusheyko, a native of Brazil who recently earned a computer science degree from San Francisco State University, was looking for connections and tips on what she needs to do to make her resume more appealing.

You turn your resume in and you never hear back, Dusheyko, 30, said. Id like some feedback, at least.

Lucas Vasquez, an Android engineer, wanted a job. While he thought Tech Jobs Tour was a cool event, he didnt feel he got any closer to landing a job offer.

The fact that so many kinds of people were able to attend was awesome, Vasquez, 22, said.

Yes, there are a lot of people like Vasquez and Dusheyko who want to get hired. How did Tech Jobs Tour put together a room of so many diverse people?

You just invite them, said Coleman, smiling mischievously.

Guys, it really is that easy.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Otis R. Taylor Jr. appears Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Email: otaylor@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @otisrtaylorjr
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If you are a researcher, a classic film aficionado, a journalist or an Internet civil libertarian, you have probably benefitted from the work of the Internet Archive, based in San Francisco. With the digital equivalent of 10 billion books stored  in duplicate  and cataloged, the nonprofit, 21-year-old library is accessed by several million people daily from around the world.

The archives legendary Wayback Machine allows anyone, for free, to call up any of 302 billion Web pages that have been saved over time  pages that might have been modified, routinely or nefariously, and would otherwise exist nowhere else. (The archive has lately been in the news as the site that posted in January a draft report on global warming that the New York Times reported on last week as a supposed scoop.)

For all its usefulness, however, the Internet Archive mostly stores materials created by others, and it is a virtual place one must intentionally visit. Thats why I was intrigued to learn that the archive has instituted an artists-in-residence program, where original, contemporary works are being created out of heaps of history.

Some of those products are currently being presented by the gallery Ever Gold Projects in a show with the uninspired title, The Internet Archives 2017 Artist in Residence Exhibition. It runs through Aug. 26.

The compact exhibition is best thought of as a kind of interim research report, rather than as a polished final unveiling. Just the thing for an August presentation, a time when most private galleries, if they dont close entirely, introduce emerging artists or try out new ideas.

Three Bay Area artists were selected for this first year of the program. They spent time at the archive headquarters in a desanctified church in San Franciscos Richmond District, and also accessed archive resources from their studios.

Video, a medium akin to sketching for many digitally savvy artists, abounds in the exhibition. All but one work are presented on wall-hung monitors with earphones  never the best viewer experience, but these are blessedly short.

The exception is a theater-style projection of HFWM: The Exploration (all new works in the show are dated 2017) by Laura Hyunjhee Kim. The work is based on audiovisual ephemera published in the years 1987 to 1991, a handout tells us  around the time of the artists birth, in other words. Kims conjured Hyper Future Wave Machine owes much to videos by early 80s bands like the B-52s and Devo  and, perhaps through them, to decades-earlier films by Bruce Conner. But theres a pleasant New Wave feeling to it that feels right as a retelling of the myth of a cyberparadise.

Courtesy Ever Gold Projects

Jeremiah Jenkins uses video to document both the sources and the final disposition of a series of clay tablets he created. They are rough-hewn reproductions of Web pages  earthenware devolutions of glassy, glowing, virtual images. Each  the original and the reproduction  has its own kind of fragility, its own claim to permanence.

Jenkins boxed sets of his plates into crates he buried at sites throughout California. If undisturbed, they will likely outlast their models by millennia  though it is likely that anyone who could make sense of the information impressed upon them would have other, more complete original sources available to them.

Of the three artists, Jenny Odell made the most of her residency. She is clearly taken with the surreal sensibility illustrators and advertisers brought to early conceptions of computer technology  indeed, she calls her series of 32 appropriated pictures from the 1970s and 80s Neo-Surreal.

She went the next step, though, by searching out the people who concocted such imagery. Her brief email interviews with Robert Tinney, who painted more than 100 oddball cover images for the magazine Byte, and Shelly Lake, an early computer animation specialist, are compiled and presented as limited-edition books. They are models of simplicity, brevity and substance.

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.

Odell revives Lakes three-minute animation, a six-year effort called Polly Gone (1988), which lampoons the future by drawing upon early concepts of the idea of modern.

Odells own tribute to Polly Gone is her Polly Returns (see the box for an Internet link, available for a limited time exclusively to Chronicle readers). Polly Returns is a send-up of listicle journalism, from Two Ways to Boost Social Security Benefits to 16 Ways to Manage Your Anger  though you might never need the latter if you would only employ the Five Ways to Smell Like the Beach.

Charles Desmarais is The San Francisco Chronicles art critic. Email: cdesmarais@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Artguy1

The Internet Archives 2017 Artist in Residence Exhibition: Noon-5 p.m., Wednesdays-Saturdays. Through Aug. 26. Free. Ever Gold Projects, 1275 Minnesota St. (Suite 104), S.F. (415) 254-1573. http://evergoldprojects.com

To see an original work of video art by Jenny Odell, Polly Returns (2017), available exclusively through The Chronicle for a limited time: https://vimeo.com/229033673/dcd03391a0
Maruti Suzuki was not known so since the beginning; it was only after Emergency that the brand was revived as Maruti Suzuki.

Maruti | Established in 1981

Starting the engine

It was India first people's car at a time when only two brands ruled the roads, the Ambassador and the Premier Padmini. The top passenger carmaker in India, with a 50.5 per cent market share, it adapted quickly to changing consumer preferences and expanded its portfolio from small cars to all segments in the passenger vehicle market. An early flag-bearer of the Make in India campaign, it exported 1.5 million vehicles to over 100 countries.

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The premium hatchback, Baleno, became its first car to be manufactured in India and exported to Japan. It employs 25,000 employees and is building a sustainable profit model by reducing imports and aggressively pursuing localisation.

It all began in a makeshift workshop in Delhi's Gulabi Bagh. The year was 1966 and then prime minister Indira Gandhi's son Sanjay Gandhi had ambitions of building India's first small car. He started a car-building exercise with a few friends, with parts sourced from shops near the Jama Masjid and a motorcycle engine. The government even issued a letter of intent in September 1970, allowing Sanjay to produce up to 50,000 cars a year. But Emergency derailed the project. A year after Sanjay Gandhi's death in June 1980, Indira Gandhi revived Maruti, with Suzuki as the technology provider from Japan. Maruti is the first company that combined sleek design with technology for a superior driving experience. It played a key role in opening up the Indian auto sector to foreign players. For many, Maruti was their first car. The company has launched 36 new or refreshed models and invested Rs 2,000 crore on an R&D centre. It is also skilling the youth by collaborating with the Industrial Training Institutes.

DID YOU KNOW?

Maruti workers take 2,545 steps to complete every car, down from 3,077 till March 2014 thanks to the introduction of various fatiguereduction initiatives.

All geared up

Maruti plans to invest over a billion dollars to revamp its range and launch 15 new vehicles in the next 3-5 years. It aims to hit 2 million in annual sales by the end of the decade, from the present 1.28 million.

--- ENDS ---
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From slouching toward San Jose to planning a second Transbay Tube, BART executives believe theyre hurtling toward a bigger, brighter future. But the view from the commuter rails seats, or more likely its cramped standing room, is not so sparkly.

Particularly in its urban core, BARTs stations can seem hopelessly plagued by filth, disorder and dysfunction. A recent surge in crime has compounded that sense. And the infrastructure is so frequently overwhelmed as to bring the idea of extending it into serious question.

BART managements defensive response to such problems hasnt helped. The agency has characterized perpetually broken escalators as standard, dismissed astronomical overtime bills for ineffectual services, and obfuscated a growing public safety problem. But Nicholas Josefowitz, a member of the systems board of directors representing San Francisco, told The Chronicles editorial board Thursday that BART is determined to deal with such basic quality of experience problems even as it extends into new territory.

Crime, cleanliness, fare evasion  I think a lot of people feel theyre really kind of existential issues for BART, Josefowitz said. Its gotten a lot worse at BART, its gotten a lot worse around BART over the past few years, and we just cant let it continue like that.

Under scrutiny after a mob of youths attacked riders in Oakland, a crime kept under wraps for days, BART recently disclosed that robberies had jumped 45 percent, to 71, in the first quarter. While BART officials have emphasized that the number remains small given 433,000 average weekday trips, Josefowitz said surging crime causes delays and may be contributing to a ridership slump.

BARTs new police chief, Carlos Rojas, is working to increase officer visibility and focus on problem stations, Josefowitz said. The director also expects a fare evasion crackdown and more homeless outreach to improve security. Collaboration with police departments in the cities BART traverses would also help.

Meanwhile, the agency is providing more restrooms and re-evaluating janitorial services in an effort to clean up stations, Josefowitz said. And new cars premiering next year, along with power and train control upgrades, should ease crowding.

The directors acknowledgment of BARTs shortcomings and promises to address them are refreshing. Riders deserve to hear the same from system executives led by General Manager Grace Crunican  who was expected to join Thursdays meeting but didnt  and, more important, to see results.

This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters.
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The atomic scare hit the Bay Area so hard and fast in 1950 and 1951, even the upscale shopping district of Union Square felt the impact.

When an outlaws severed head went on tour in SF

FOR YOUR FAMILYS PROTECTION, a sign stated, on top of a toolshed-sized concrete and steel bomb shelter across the street from the St. Francis Hotel. ATOMIC BOMB SHELTER.

As San Francisco leaders plan for a horrific possibility of a North Korea nuclear strike in 2017, they can do so knowing the city has been through this before. Fear of the spread of communism and the Korean War caused a wave of civil defense preparation in the Bay Area that would be hard to match.

San Franciscos efforts were led by Mayor Elmer E. Robinson, who built upon the citys civil defense plans from World War II. He made the citys readiness for an atomic bomb attack a priority, spouting dire warnings and criticizing other government officials for not preparing enough.

Mobilization started after Robinson invited other city leaders to a June 14, 1950, conference on civil defense, a weekend-long affair two weeks before the war officially started. The gathering included far-out theories  including the possibility of the Russians using a bomb to cause a 100-foot tidal wave, that would cover the state in radioactive mist.

The Mayors of target cities of the Pacific Coast sat down here yesterday to talk about what might be done in the event of an atomic attack, J. Campbell Bruce reported on the front page of The Chronicle. And from the talk of experts, if you are attacked with atomic weapons theres nothing much you can do, for the simple reason most people wont be around to do anything.

At the same conference, a federal official criticized the citys experts for fear-mongering. But Robinson pushed forward, calling for thousands of volunteer civil defense workers, running constant city-wide tests and eventually expanding his own executive powers.

San Franciscos air raid warning system flunked its first test yesterday, The Chronicle reported in 1950. So badly that Mayor Elmer E. Robinson announced he will invoke his emergency powers Tuesday to speed installation of bigger, better sirens.

While California Gov. Earl Warren outlined a civil defense plan with a target completion date of 1953, Robinson demanded immediate results, leaning heavily on his civilian defense director, retired admiral A.G. Cook.

When San Franciscans ignored a Dec. 30, 1950 whistle siren warning from the top of the Ferry Building  financial district workers thought it was a New Years celebration and threw confetti out their windows  Robinson dug up the citys gas-powered sirens from World War II and installed them atop Bernal Heights and the St. Francis Hotel.

Bob Campbell / The Chronicle

Union Square became the citys first official public shelter in case of enemy attack, and The Chronicle took photos of Robinson and Cook installing Air Raid Shelter signs. Smiling passersbys assembled under the parking garage during one of the regular 11 a.m. Friday drills.

San Francisco schools practiced duck and cover drills throughout 1951, instructing students to open the windows a crack so the blast force caused by the atomic bomb impact wouldnt drop broken glass on any children.

Robinson ordered a city survey of the effects of an atomic bomb hitting downtown San Francisco. The fire department reported they would work toward the center of the blast from all sides, extinguishing any fires as they went.

It wasnt long before fear led to new marketing opportunities. In March 1951, construction firm Barrett & Hilp put their bulky shelter on display in the middle of Union Square, offering free tours. Bomb shelters showed up at the Home Show at the Oakland Expo that summer, and in dozens of real estate listings.

Architectually designed for todays modern living, read one 1951 listing for a $26,000 house in the Westlake district just south of the city. 3 bedrooms, 2  baths, social and bar, bomb shelter, other extras 

Civil defense-related conspiracy theories appeared in The Chronicle letters page. In a late 1951 letter to the editor, Myrtle Raff of San Mateo predicted the siren tests themselves could mask an enemy assault.

With the widely publicized time and date for the practice of air alerts, just when would the enemy planes plan their attacks on us? Raff wrote. You guessed it  on a Friday at 11 a.m. The American people believe it pays to advertise.

More than 65 years later the weekly sirens continue on Tuesdays at noon, followed by instructions. (This is a test ) Theyre solar powered now, run by the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management.

The warning system hasnt been used for an actual civil defense-related emergency in all that time. But that fact never makes the threats seem any less real.

Peter Hartlaub is The San Francisco Chronicles pop culture critic. Email: PHartlaub@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @PeterHartlaub
Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Wine is as central to the Outside Lands experience as it is to life in the Bay Area, and this year, the festivals Wine Lands features 120 wines  all from California wineries.

Theres truly something for everybody at the three-day outdoor event: from micro-sized producers like Alysian and Floodgate, to mega-sized brands like the Prisoner and Ravenswood. Theres hipster wine (Idlewild, Leo Steen, Ryme) and housewife wine (Menage a Trois). Theres generous Russian River Pinot (Davis Bynum) and lean Mendocino County Pinot (Anthill Farms). Theres also brawny Zinfandel (Turley), funky red blends (Pax), even sake in a can (Bushido).
After a yearlong international search, Stanford University has hired a new director for its popular Cantor Arts Center.

Susan Dackerman, a German Renaissance scholar, will be named Friday as the John and Jill Freidenrich Director of the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts, as the university museum is formally known.

Dackerman, 53, comes from the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles, where she has worked for two years, following 10 years as curator of prints at the Harvard Art Museums.

This is her first museum directorship, and she has tasked herself with doing the heretofore undoable  getting Silicon Valley behind visual arts in general and the Cantor in specific.

I want to figure out ways to connect the museum to the technology community both on campus and in the area, Dackerman said Thursday by phone, while at Harvard to research a book. It seems like a prime environment to see how to make technology work for the arts and humanities.

She replaces Connie Wolf, a Stanford graduate and San Francisco museum veteran who seemed to be perfect for the job when she was hired in 2012. But Wolf left abruptly after less than five years. Prior to that, Tom Seligman had served a tenure of 20 years as director.

Dackerman grew up in Valley Stream on New Yorks Long Island and earned a bachelors degree in art history at Vassar College, class of 1986, and a doctorate in the history of art at Bryn Mawr College in 1995.

While studying at Bryn Mawr she secured an internship at Harvard Art Museums, which convinced me I wanted to have a museum career rather than an academic career, she said. I liked the idea of being able to make a public version as well as a scholarly version of art history.

Dackerman starts Sept. 18 and plans to commute by bicycle to work from faculty housing at Stanford West on Sand Hill Road, near Stanford Shopping Center. She plans to commute by plane to Los Angeles on weekends.

Her partner, Helen Molesworth, is chief curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, and they plan to maintain their home in the mid-Wilshire neighborhood there.

The Cantor is free and is one of the most widely visited university museums in the country, with 250,000 visitors a year.

Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Instagram: @sfchronicle_art
Two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of shooting a third teen in the mouth and leg in during a drug deal gone bad early Thursday in Redwood City, officials said.

The shooting occurred about 1:45 a.m. on the 3500 block of Hoover Street, according to the Redwood City Police Department.
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He could have been surfing in Cabo. Instead, Tyler Crouch, then a 21-year-old UC Berkeley mechanical-engineering student, spent spring break of 2013 building a digitized stethoscope and thinking, This better be worth it.

Since then, he and two classmates formed Eko Devices, raising nearly $5 million and selling 6,000 digital stethoscopes, used in 700 hospitals. The Berkeley companys wireless stethoscopes can transfer a patients heart rate and other vital signs directly to Ekos secure portal, where it can, among other things, be shared with doctors for a second opinion.

Now they have built something with a potentially larger market: It is the Duo, a digital stethoscope for home use, which could change how heart patients are monitored, the entrepreneurs say. It is scheduled to become available by prescription in the fall.

The product, which fits in your hand, combines electrocardiogram readings and heart sounds into a device that allows patients to monitor their health at home and send data to their physicians.

The partners behind Eko Devices are all young. Connor Landgraf, 26, is a bioengineer and former president of Berkeleys student body. Jason Bellet, 24, a business school graduate, ran for president the following year, and lost. None has a medical background.

But from the start, physicians have guided them. The Eko team relies on cardiologists at the Mayo Clinic, Stanford Universitys School of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and UCSFs School of Medicine.

The Duo gives at-home heart patients a cardiology-level exam said Dr. Ami Bhatt, director of outpatient cardiology at Massachusetts General and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard University.

Bhatt, a scientific adviser to Eko who will be compensated with a small stock option for her work, said that tracking patients, wherever they live, will allow cardiologists to intervene before a crisis.

Other doctors say that it is too soon to tell how helpful telemedicine devices  which include home monitoring devices for diabetes, asthma and sleep disorders  will be, given the many obstacles. For one, patients cannot always be relied on to use them consistently or correctly.

Medicine is experiencing a potentially tectonic shift, said Dr. Jeffrey Olgin, professor and chief of cardiology at UCSFs School of Medicine, who conducts research into mobile and digital health. There is a huge amount of venture investment in these kinds of things. People are betting this is going to happen  but it hasnt happened yet.

Telemedicine is a $9.2 billion business, said Bruce Carlson, publisher of Kalorama Information, a health care market-research firm in New York. The field is growing at 8 percent annually, nearly three times as fast as other medical devices.

The Duo enters a competitive field. The more established Kardia Mobile, which is the size of a stick of gum and attaches to the back of a smartphone, takes an EKG reading in 30 seconds. It sells on Amazon for $99. This spring, AliveCor, the maker of the device, received over $30 million in funding, including an undisclosed amount from the Mayo Clinic, which is collaborating with the company on development of its devices.

The competition does not deter Ekos founders.

Bellet said the Duo could become Shazam for the heartbeat, referring to the hugely popular song-identification app. If you can walk into a Walmart and find out what someone is playing on the radio, why cant a doctor identify unusual heart sounds? Bellet said.

Fun fact, he added: The founders of Shazam are early investors.

If Ekos devices reach even 10 percent of its target market, Bellet said, It turns it into a $1.2 billion company. But there are plenty of ifs.

The $350 Duo (which does not include a $45 monthly charge) is not for Fitbit aficionados. It is a prescription-only device for heart patients.

From Ekos airy Berkeley offices, Landgraf demonstrated the Duo. lll just slip it under my shirt, he said, scooping up the one-button device, which resembles a cell phone for preschoolers. He held it to his chest for 15 seconds as he watched the Duos iPhone app display a graph of his heart sounds and electrocardiogram, which tests the hearts electrical activity.

I can also analyze it, he said, clicking to another screen. This is one of the features were working on. That next step, an algorithm, will send data to the cloud, where it will be analyzed for heart abnormalities.

The Eko team has discovered that medicine is not like other industries. Its a five- to 10-year cycle to get a product to market, because its so highly regulated and a slow-moving industry, Bellet said.

The Duo and other telemedicine devices address a common medical problem. There is a black space, said Dr. Robert Pearl, a lecturer on health care policy at Stanfords medical and business schools and, until recently, the CEO of Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, which represents 10,000 physicians.

Many small companies are developing devices for home monitoring, he said, but doctors do not want continuous information. They only want to know when theres a problem, Pearl said.

Physicians tend to want more time talking to patients and less time scanning screens  and some of them are tech averse. Some doctors are still faxing prescriptions, Bellet said.

Telemedicine data must seamlessly reach patients records, which is something he and his partners are working on, he said. And insurance companies must agree to reimbursement, another work in progress.

Olgin, the UC San Francisco cardiologist, said he believed very strongly that its not enough to do consumer-grade evaluations of telemedicine devices.

They should be held up to the same level as drugs, because there are always unintended consequences, he said.

The market potential for products that address heart failure is great. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 610,000 people die of heart failure in the United States every year, making it the leading cause of death. Half of heart-failure patients who leave a hospital return within six months. They keep tabs on themselves by weighing themselves daily, looking for sudden weight gain that can mean water retention  a sign the heart is not functioning properly.

The Duo received clearance in May from the Food and Drug Administration, and the new device will ship in the fall. Over the next two years, the company will participate in two studies at UCSF.

If you compare Eko to Uber, it looks like were moving at a snails pace, Bellet said. But if you look at health care as a whole, were actually making quite a splash.

Charvi Shetty, a Berkeley classmate and friend of Landgrafs, has followed a similar path as the Eko Devices team. For her senior design project in bioengineering, she built a device for asthma patients. Five years later, she is chief executive of Knox Medical Diagnostics, a San Francisco startup that has developed a device for children with asthma to monitor their health at home, sending results to a smartphone app.

She said her device, called the Aeris, replaces the commonly used peak flow meter, which she said, doesnt show whats fully going on in childrens lungs. Her product is undergoing testing at the UCSF School of Medicine, where the pediatric pulmonology department is helping with development and funding.

Shettys device is a portable spirometer that measures airway obstructions and the severity of inflammation in a childs lungs and, she said, alerts a parent before a child has an asthma attack.

More than 8 percent of children in the United States have asthma, according to the CDC. While they are a fourth of all asthma patients in the nation, a study conducted in 2010 found that children make up nearly a third of asthma patients who are hospitalized annually.

After testing her device with asthmatic children, Shetty added a video game to the app, to encourage young patients to use the device effectively while keeping them engaged. Some 6-year-olds are able to understand better whats going on with the app than the adults, she said.

In November, the Aeris will become available for research purposes, she said, for $99 plus a $10 monthly subscription for the mobile application. She expects to seek clearance from the Food and Drug Administration later this year.

Carol Pogash is a New York Times writer.
The Narendra Modi government intends to mark 70 years of Indian independence by showcasing 70 government schemes. While NDA pet projects such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Make in India have made the cut, schemes launched by Manmohan Sigh-led UPA government might be omitted.

The Narendra Modi government intends to mark 70 years of Indian independence by showcasing 70 government schemes. Most of the 70 policies selected were effected in the years the BJP was in power. Among the major government programmes omitted, say sources, are the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and Aadhaar, both of which were launched by the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government.

Modi had criticised both schemes when he was Gujarat chief minister, but has persisted with them since becoming prime minister in 2014. Predictably, NDA pet projects such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Make in India, Startup India, Skill India and the Jan Dhan Yojana, among others, make the cut. Newspaper reports suggest even 'Bharatmala', a yet to be launched project that aims to connect remote coastal and border areas, pilgrimage sites and district headquarters through 51,000 kilometres of roads and national highways.

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Opposition politicians accuse the BJP of trying to erase the contributions of other parties. "The government," says Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala, "wants to rewrite the country's history, as if there was no India before Modi came to power." On June 15, Congress Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor tweeted that 23 'new' government programmes were reheated UPA ones. Factchecker.in, a web site devoted to, well, checking facts, analysed Tharoor's claim and concluded 19 of the 23 programmes were UPA ones under new names. These include some of the most highly touted of Modi's schemes.

But Subhash Sharma, director of Chandigarh-based think tank Centre for Economic Policy Research, says accusations of repackaging are unfair. "Modi has given these policies new life. Before Jan Dhan Yojana, how many bank accounts had been opened for the poor? Now there are 3 million." Jayant Sinha, MoS for civil aviation, says the government has "no time for sterile debates over which programme was designed by which government. What matters is delivering tangible results."

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A 21-year-old man was arrested in connection with the shooting death of a 58-year-old man at a San Jose liquor store during an apparent robbery gone bad earlier this week, police said Friday.

Investigators said they had been seeking the suspect, Muniunmee Hendrix of San Jose, since the shooting that was reported just before 11 p.m. on Monday at the Jims Liquor on the 2800 block of Quimby Road.
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This article originally appeared on Oregonian/OregonLive

Are you still trying to figure out your eclipse plans? Will you be ovulating on Aug. 21? Do you like cats?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, then you might want to answer a Craigslist ad, posted Wednesday in the "Activity Partners" section from the San Francisco Bay Area.

"Wanted woman who wants to conceive child during totality eclipse in OR," reads the questionably-punctuated title of the post.

"I am 40 years of age, caucasian male from Europe. My heritage is strong and pure," it begins. "My looks, instincts, knowledge and strength is 100% pure and 100% lethal."

The man says he's looking for "a worthy female with strong genes, beauty and smarts."

"When totality occurs," writes the poster, "we will have simultaneous orgasms and we will conceive a child that will be on the next level of human evolution."

He is very specific about how the act will happen, even if the exact location is TBD.

"We will make love together, with me and my penis directed towards the sun," he writes. "Everything will be aligned in the local universe. Both of our cosmic orgasmic energy will be aligned with the planets."

While it is unclear if the poster is earnestly looking for a woman to carry a child that is half made from his genetic material, it is clear his understanding of how conception works is a little off.

"In a brief moment of ecstasy," he writes, "we will understand everything, and together, create a new universe. Full of love..."

Fertilization of an egg happens sometime after copulation, at the earliest several hours after sex and sometimes up to five days later. Even a man with 100 percent lethal strength and a woman ovulating at the moment of sex won't become pregnant right away.

And universes, even ones full of love, are not created by sexual intercourse.

The man has a couple other specifics.

"You must like cats," he writes. "Drugs are OK. Nitrous Oxide while we climax and experience totality and conception, is OK with me."

Unfortunately, the post is currently lacking a contact email or number. If you are interested in conceiving a child with the poster from California, point seven clear crystals towards the sun at noon during a waning moon, smudge the area and light a beeswax candle shaped like a raccoon, then scream a primal scream. He will probably find you that way, as long as you can host.

Update, 12:16 p.m.: This post has now been removed from Craigslist.

This article originally appeared on Oregonian/OregonLive.com
It's the timescale that throws us off.

We know the Cascade Range is littered with volcanoes. In fact, there are 13 major volcanoes stretching 800 miles from Northern California to the Canadian border. Between and around these landmark volcanoes are some 2,900 known volcanic features, from small cinder cones to shield volcanoes (a low-profile lid formed over low-viscosity or highly fluid lava), according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

We know these volcanoes are not extinct.

In fact, the USGS reports nearly all of the landmark volcanoes have erupted many times in the past 4,000 years. The recent average for the 500,000-year-old volcano range is two eruptions every 100 years. Most recent were the Mount St. Helens catastrophic collapse/eruption in 1980 and lava eruption/dome building in 2004.

Volcano congress The world's top volcanologists will be in Portland the week of Aug. 14 at the 2017 Scientific Assembly of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI). The assembly happens every four years. This is the first time that the U.S. volcanological community has hosted the meeting since 1989. The meeting covers all aspects of volcanoes and their eruptive behavior. See More Collapse

We know, too, that volcanoes are dangerous.

Not only did Mount St. Helens kill dozens of people and destroy timber and infrastructure, but geological research has uncovered that these volcanoes have episodically caused floods and slides, and produced eruptions that would be devastating to large swaths of current lives and livelihoods.

"We know their frequency of eruptions. We know what they produce. We know the areas that are dangerous. We just don't know exactly when they are going to erupt again," said Ian Lange, a retired geology professor living in Montana and author of the new book "Volcanoes: What's Hot & What's Not."

"... but just because we're here, doesn't mean it's not going to happen," Lange added.

Humans forget

And, because volcanoes have very long lives, many of us tend to forget the three points above ... while looking right at that beautiful, peaceful, snow-covered, conical-shaped mountain soaring above the horizon.*

"Consider that a typical Cascade volcano  Hood, Rainier, Three Sisters, Crater Lake, Mount Shasta  those systems are an entity. They are a thing for about a half-million years," explained USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory volcanologist John Ewert. "So, they have very, very long lifespans. We humans have a very short lifespan and not a very long written history or even oral history. So it is hard for us to know or appreciate just how active some of these systems are just because they do have long lifespans."

A volcano that has been quiet for the time span of a civilization can come to life, explode and go quiet again in what  for it  would be a cluster of recent eruptions.

"On the timescale of when volcanoes come and go, we're still in the middle of what's going on" among the Cascade volcanoes, said Steve Malone, a long-time leader of research on the Cascade volcanoes, former director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network and now a research professor emeritus at the University of Washington.

"They ain't done yet," Malone said. "Almost all of the volcanoes will erupt sometime in the near future. But in the scale of a couple of hundred years, a couple of generations can go by without people seeing an eruption."

Even the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption is sliding out of current memory and into a history to be forever experienced only through photos, film and words. Add to that the fact that the population boom in the Northwest means many newbies "don't even know the Cascade Range is composed of active volcanoes," said Ewert.

Science remembers

So, we continue to grow our population and infrastructure around and into the volcanoes' space, happily forgetting that the ground beneath much of the region around them came off of or out of the volcano ... through an act of some considerable natural destruction.

Scientists here and around the world, however, are searching for clues to the nature of eruptions and how to predict them. In 2005, a team led by Ewert established a system for deciding which of the United States' 169 young volcanoes are the most dangerous and most in need of monitoring. In the "Framework for a National Volcano Early Warning System," Ewert's team identified 57 priority volcanoes in the U.S.

Among the 18 "very high threat volcanoes," 11 are along the Cascade Range in three states (Alaska and Hawaii have the others):

California: Lassen Volcanic Center, Long Valley Caldera, Mount Shasta

Oregon: Crater Lake, Mount Hood, Newberry, South Sister of The Three Sisters

Washington: Baker, Glacier Peak, Rainier, St. Helens

USGS

The USGS team determined that these and the merely "high threat" volcanoes warranted a significant effort to get monitoring stations on and around the mountains. "Monitoring should provide the ability to track detailed changes in real-time and to develop, test, and apply models of ongoing and expected activity," the team wrote.

Ewert said the team used 25 factors to determine a volcano's danger status.

Like ... what has the volcano done in the past? What's its modus operandi? When does it tend to erupt? What kind of phenomenon does it produce? Lahars (mud slurries of ice, rocks and other debris)? Pyroclastic flows (hot gas, rock and other stuff out of the volcano)? Is it a highly explosive volcano? How active is the volcano right now? Are there seismic swarms? Is it emitting hot volcanic gases? Is the edifice changing its shape (deformation)?

In addition to the geophysics of a volcano, the team examined how many people live or work near it, in addition to what type of infrastructure has been built up around it ... power generation, port facilities, etc. Also, what is the aviation exposure? How many flights a day pass through the volcanic airspace?

"If it is an explosive volcano," Ewert said, "we asked how close is it to an airport and what is the daily passenger load of the airport? Recall in 2010, the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland shut down European airspace for over a week. That ran up about a $10 billion impact cost. Given the fact that an explosive eruption can put an ash cloud up to cruise altitude in five minutes or less, that volcanic airspace is an important thing to take into consideration."

For instance, he said, volcanoes in Alaska are mostly very remote but hundreds of wide-body jets fly over them on the way to Europe.

"We're flying a small-sized city, some 30,000 people every day, over volcanoes in Alaska," he said.

Rainier the deadliest

When it comes to which one is the most dangerous, Ewert and Malone agreed, it's hard to beat Mount Rainier for sheer threat to human life and activity.

Lange said Rainier was clearly dangerous, but he was voting for Mount Shasta in California because when it erupts it tends to do so very explosively. "To me, the time bomb is Shasta," he said, adding it too has plenty of towns and people surrounding it.

Well ...

"If you look at the potential for bad things to happen when a given volcano wakes up, we'd say Rainier," Ewert said of his research team. "The reasons are, because it is an explosive volcano. It's covered with about a cubic mile of snow and ice. And it produces lahars, a number of which in the past have run as far as Puget Sound."

He said that roughly 100,000 people live on "young lahar deposits" and about $10 billion of built environment has been establish in known hazard zones.

USGS

"Even a small eruption on Rainier could have very serious consequences," Malone said. "A big eruption, of course, would have far-flung consequences, but the way Rainier is situated, its size and the amount of ice and snow up there, even a small one could produce a pretty significant lahar that would put a significant number of people in hazard's way."

If only we could read the tell-tale signs of an impending eruption far enough in advance to clear the masses out of harm's way!

Ewert and Malone said that effort is ongoing, but it is slow going. Efforts are hindered by the lack of funding and boots on the ground, Ewert said.

"We established a framework and have a strategic roadmap and are able to nibble away at those priorities as funding becomes available and that's what we've been doing," Ewert said. "At the current rate of making progress, it's slow. It's taking a significant amount of time to get things up to a level that we'd be more comfortable with."

It will take decades. But, Malone added, monitoring of Mount Rainier is "near its ideal state." Maintaining the instruments and repairing the ones damaged over winter is the continuing battle on Rainier, he said.

"Knowing where the hazards exist, having monitoring in place and being able to judge the potential for eruptive activity with actual scientific data," Ewert said, "does save lives. We see this over and over again across the world."



* Note: Because Cascade volcanoes are young and active, most of them are still well-formed. Mount St. Helens is misshapen because of volcanism, of course. Millions of years have not eroded it or the others down to diminished mounds, which would be a sign of extinction, explained volcanologist Ian Lange.

Jake Ellison can be reached at jakeellisonjournalism@gmail.com. Follow Jake on Twitter at twitter.com/Jake_News. Also, swing by and *LIKE* his page on Facebook. If Google Plus is your thing, check out our science coverage here.
1 New Orleans flooding: As New Orleans water-pumping system continues to malfunction, the mayor is urging residents in some of the citys already-soaked neighborhoods to move their vehicles to higher ground because more rain is in the forecast. Mayor Mitch Landrieus office said Thursday the city has lost service to one of its power turbines, which powers most of the pumping stations that service the East Bank of New Orleans. New Orleans municipal pumping system is supposed to move water out of the low-lying city. The National Weather Service said showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast every day from Thursday through Sunday.

2 Imperiled salmon: A group that represents farmers says saving imperiled salmon in the largest river system in the Pacific Northwest is too costly and is turning to the Trump administration. The Columbia-Snake River Irrigators Association in Kennewick, Wash. wants the government to convene a Cabinet-level committee with the power to allow exemptions to the Endangered Species Act. The group says the panel could end years of legal challenges over federal dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers and bring stability for businesses that rely on the water. The group made a similar request during the Obama administration but got nowhere. It sees hope in a series of pro-industry environmental decisions by President Trump. Environmental groups say such a change could hurt fishing companies and others that rely on healthy runs of federally protected salmon and steelhead.
The Doklam stand-off isn't just about China changing the status quo by building a road into the strategically significant plateau at the India-China-Bhutan trijunction. Beijing is perhaps attempting to change another kind of status quo in India's relations with Bhutan.

The Doklam stand-off isn't just about China changing the status quo by building a road into the strategically significant plateau at the India-China-Bhutan trijunction. It is also about Beijing attempting to change another perhaps more important kind of status quo: in India's relations with Bhutan. In Beijing, there is a growing clamour to scale up its engagement with Bhutan, with which China does not have diplomatic relations. This has become all the more apparent in the weeks since the June 16 stand-off.

When some of China's top strategic experts gathered in Beijing on July 25 for a Doklam brainstorming session at the Charhar Institute, a think-tank in west Beijing, the consensus among two dozen experts, including former diplomats who had served in India and long-time "India hands", was the need for a new Bhutan approach, possibly following the playbook in Nepal and Sri Lanka, where Beijing has persistently sought to erode India's influence.

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This has even been hinted at by a Chinese foreign ministry statement on August 2, which pointed out that "since the 1980s, China and Bhutan, as two independent sovereign states, have been engaged in negotiations and consultations to resolve their boundary issue", the key word being "sovereign", as the widespread view in Beijing is that India's "intervention" in Doklam had come without an invitation from Thimphu.

The statement added that the China-Bhutan boundary issue "has nothing to do with India" and that "as a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf". "China," it added in a thinly veiled dig at India, "has all along respected Bhutan's sovereignty and independence." High-level exchanges between the two countries, despite no formal ties, are on the rise. In June 2012, then prime minister Wen Jiabao told the former Bhutan premier Jigmi Thinley when they met in Brazil that China was "ready to forge formal diplomatic relations on the basis of the five principles of peaceful coexistence".

This statement was repeated with even greater emphasis last year, when foreign minister Wang Yi told his visiting counterpart Damcho Dorji at the 24th round of border talks in Beijing that "an early establishment of diplomatic relations not only conforms to the common interests of the two countries, but is beneficial to safeguarding regional stability and development".

Qiu Yonghui of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences argued at the Doklam brainstorming that it was inevitable that India would lose influence in Bhutan. "Yes, in recent decades, Bhutan has been under the care of India, especially energy and economy," she said. "Nepal also was, in the past. But now, Nepal has already gradually moved away from India's control. After Bhutan joined the United Nations in 1971, it has even publicly opposed India a few times. The clear trend is Bhutan will become more and more independent." Given the opacity of Chinese intentions, it will be impossible to tell with certainty if the road through Doklam was aimed precisely at this objective. The widespread view in Beijing is that India has stymied the 24 rounds of border talks, where China had in 1996 offered a deal giving up 495 sq. km in the middle sector and a part of the 269 sq. km disputed in the western sector in exchange for prized access to around 100 sq. km in Doklam near the trijunction, which would bring China closer to India's vulnerable 'chicken's neck' or Siliguri corridor.

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At the Beijing gathering, former diplomat Mao Siwei suggested Bhutan had initially accepted the offer, but "because of a variety of reasons, and perhaps because of the Indian security problem, they finally didn't agree". Beijing believes that may not forever be the case.

What Are Indians Afraid of?

The belligerent back and forth between India and China over a road the Chinese intend to build in the disputed Doklam plateau shows no sign yet of abatement, as Chinese officials reiterate that the movement of Indian troops is akin to an invasion of territory. Unsurprisingly, new data from the Washington-based Pew Research Center, released on August 1, shows that Indians view the growing Chinese power and influence as a major threat. However, most Indians, like their counterparts in the 38 countries surveyed, name ISIS as the "greatest threat to national security". In March, the Union ministry for home affairs said 75 Indians were being investigated for alleged links with ISIS.

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Also Watch:

India Today reaches trijunction of Doklam standoff

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SAN DIEGO  Federal fisheries managers rejected a petition to list Pacific bluefin tuna as endangered this week, concluding that the species is stable, despite its historic low numbers.

The National Marine Fisheries Service announced the decision Monday, stating that a team of fisheries and conservation biologists found bluefin at low risk of extinction.

It cited a 2016 international stock assessment that estimated the total population of Pacific bluefin at more than 1.6 million, including more than 140,000 fish capable of spawning.

The Scientific Review Team found that the population is large enough to avoid the risks associated with a small population, such as a year with low survival, and that Pacific bluefin has recovered from similarly low levels in the past, the service stated.

The decision by the fisheries service, a branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, drew sharp rebuke from marine conservation experts, who said the species needs immediate protection.

Todays decision by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration not to consider listing Pacific bluefin tuna under the Endangered Species Act does not change the dire status of Pacific bluefin tuna, whose population has declined to just 2.6 percent of unfished levels, Margaret Spring, chief conservation officer for the Monterey Bay Aquarium wrote in a statement Monday. Nor does this decision obviate the need for swift and meaningful international action to recover the population to a healthy level.

Bluefin can grow up to nearly 10 feet and 1,000 pounds, and migrate some 7,000 miles across the open ocean. All Pacific bluefin spawn in the western Pacific Ocean off Japan, but some migrate to the West Coast of the United States.

Theyre prized for their rich flavor, and considered one of the most challenging tuna to catch. Considered a delicacy among sushi chefs, they command high prices on Japanese markets.

That popularity has decimated the fishery, leaving Pacific bluefin at less than 3 percent of their historic numbers, according to recent stock assessments. Many of the fish are caught before reaching spawning age, and few young bluefin survive, creating a downward spiral for the population.

Fisheries managers have already reined in catch of the sport fish. Federal rules reduced commercial catch of bluefin by 40 percent, and restricted the bag limit for West Coast sport fishermen from 10 to two bluefin per day.

Although the species faces threats including overfishing, prey depletion, marine pollution and climate change, the federal fisheries team concluded that existing protections should allow the population to stabilize or increase.

Deborah Sullivan Brennan is a San Diego Union-Tribune writer.
The Army's Sukna-based 33 Corps as well as 3 and 4 corps based in Arunachal and Assam are tasked to protect the sensitive Sino-India border in the eastern theatre.

By Press Trust of India: In a strategically key move, India has poured in more troops along the entire stretch of its border with China in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the face of heightened rhetoric by Beijing over the Doklam standoff, senior government officials said today.

The "caution level" among the troops has also been raised, the officials said. The decision to increase the deployment along the nearly 1,400-km Sino-India border from Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh was taken after carrying out a detailed analysis of the situation and considering Chinas aggressive posturing against India on Doklam, the officials said.

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"The troop level along the border with China in the Sikkim and Arunachal sectors has been increased," said the officials on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the information.

The Army's Sukna-based 33 Corps as well as 3 and 4 corps based in Arunachal and Assam are tasked to protect the sensitive Sino-India border in the eastern theatre.

The officials declined to give any figure or percentage of increased deployment, saying they cannot disclose "operational details."

According to defence experts, roughly 45,000 troops including personnel having completed the weather acclimatisation process are normally kept ready along the border at any given time, but not all are necessarily deployed.

The soldiers, deployed over 9,000 feet, have to go through a 14-day-long acclimatisation process.

The officials, however, said there is no enhancement of troops at the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction in Doklam where around 350 army personnel are holding on to their position for nearly eight weeks after stopping Chinese troops from constructing a road on June 16.

Bhutan and China have competing claims over Doklam, and are negotiating a resolution.

China has been ramping up rhetoric against India over the last few weeks, demanding immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Doklam. The Chinese state media, particularly, has carried a barrage of critical articles on the Doklam stand-off slamming India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj recently said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, and favoured a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.

India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.

ALSO READ |

Bhutan asks India to resolve Doklam border standoff amicably with China

Doklam: China speaks in two tongues, ups war cry in media but agrees to retreat 100 m on ground

Doklam standoff: As India-China war of words continues, a look at how global media is reporting it

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China's 'salami slicing': Why Doklam must unite world leaders against Beijing

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In face of Doklam standoff, India deploys more troops along China border

Doklam standoff: Will conflict with India be disastrous for China?

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Looking for a job? Bay Area schools need you. Many districts in the Bay Area are looking to fill jobs before schools starts this month, and in the gallery above you'll find specifics on openings.*

California public schools have struggled for the past four years with a teacher shortage that began to surface in districts during the recession.

Across the state, 75 percent of districts reported a shortage of teachers in the 2016-2017 school year, including 80 percent of urban districts and 69 percent of schools in the suburbs. That's according to the poll conducted by the California School Boards Association and the Learning Policy Institute, an education research nonprofit, SFGATE reported previously.

"For many years there were cuts in California funding and people were laying off teachers in large quantities," says Linda Darling-Hammond, president of the Palo Altobased Learning Policy Institute, an education research nonprofit. "And then the economy improved, Prop. 30 passed and districts are getting more money for hiring again."

Now Playing: Dozens of upset parents, teachers and students are protesting proposed budget cuts to Oakland Unified School District. Video: Brandpoint

Darling-Hammond says some districts, especially the wealthier ones, don't have shortages while others, such as districts serving low-income families, are hit hard.

She adds the need is most dire for teachers who specialize in math, science, bilingual education, foreign languages, and special education.

"Special Education is like a five-alarm fire," she says.

In the Bay Area, Darling-Hammond says the severity of the shortage in the 20172018 school year will be determined as districts continue to fill jobs. When her group assessed districts in the Bay Area last year, she says Oakland, East Palo Alto, Ravenswood and Alum Rock had the most extreme situations.

She says San Francisco has struggled but had success with a residency program offering new teachers special benefits like reduced university tuition and a year of training with more seasoned teachers.

Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) has also improved its hiring tools to find more qualified teachers and fill openings. John Sasaki, a spokesperson for OUSD, says the tools include a recruiting program that sends some staff to South America to find Spanish-speaking teachers, a new applicant-tracking system, and a new Skype-like digital interviewing system.

"Right now, we have fewer than 50 teacher openings," says Sasaki. "That's lower than usual and a sign of our trend of improvement."

Karen Monroe, the superintendent of schools for Alameda County, says among her districts including OUSD, she's noticing that the new younger teachers aren't staying in their jobs as long and that's impacting the number of openings.

"This is conjecture on my part for a myriad of reasons," Monroe says. "Some of this has to do with cost of living in the Bay Area. People move out because it's too expensive. The other is that this generation, either by their own decision-making process or the circumstances they find themselves, don't stay in jobs as long. They're not being incentivized to stay in jobs long. The retirement packages aren't as lucrative as they once were."

She adds: "Districts are going to have to be very good at continually attracting and retaining the teachers they have."

*Take note: The number of open positions at school districts is continuously fluctuating.
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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

A San Francisco man was arrested last week for allegedly uploading and trading graphic child pornography through the Internet, police said today.

Anton Orobchenko, 32, was arrested on Aug. 3 following the execution of a search warrant at his home in the 1300 block of Turk Street in the city's Western Addition neighborhood.

SF ROBBERY: 60-year-old victim tied up and robbed in his SF home

The search turned up media devices belonging to Orobchenko that contained thousands of child pornography videos and images. Some of the images involved sadomasochism, according to police.

Orobchenko has been charged with felony possession of child pornography and two counts of felony distribution of child pornography, according to court records.

He remains in jail with bail set at $270,000, according to jail records.

SEX SCANDAL: New charge filed against ex-deputy in Oakland sex with minor case

A Facebook page that appears to belong to Orobchenko describes his job as being a traffic coordinator at San Francisco International Airport.

Police are asking anyone who feels they may have been victimized by Orobchenko or had any suspicious contact with him to contact the San Francisco Police Department's Special Victims Unit at (415) 558-5500.
By PTI: (Eds: Updating with fresh quotes)

By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Aug 11 (PTI) US President Donald Trumps daughter and adviser Ivanka Trump will lead an American delegation at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit to be held in India in November.

"Ivanka Trump will lead the US delegation to India this fall, supporting womens entrepreneurship globally," Trump said in a tweet yesterday, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement on the micro-blogging site.

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India and the US will co-host the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Hyderabad from November 28 to 30, Modi said.

"Look forward to Ms Ivanka Trumps presence at Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of US delegation," he wrote in the tweet.

"Honoured to lead the US delegation to GES2017 in India and meet with Prime Minister Modi and passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe!" Ivanka said in a tweet.

She also posted a picture of her shaking hand with the prime minister.

A decision in this connection was taken when Modi and Trump held their first meeting at the White House in June.

Ivanka, 35, is also the advisor to the US president.

In her tenure, she has emerged as a strong advocate of women and child issues.

The focus of the 2017 GES will be on women, the US Embassy in New Delhi said in a statement today.

"The theme of the Summit, to be jointly hosted by India and the US, will be Women First, Prosperity for All, highlighting the critical role women play in fostering global growth and prosperity," it said.

The GES is the preeminent annual gathering of emerging entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders from around the world.

"Through networking, mentoring and workshops, the GES empowers entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas, build partnerships, secure funding, and create innovative goods and services that will transform societies," the statement said.

MaryKay Carlson, ChargA dAffaires at the US Embassy here, said the Global Entrepreneurship Summit is the latest example of how the two countries are working together to advance the promise of an increasingly digital world and the remarkable entrepreneurial skills of our people to promote prosperity.

These are goals President Trump and Prime Minister Modi set for our two nations after their meeting in June in Washington, she said.

"The Indian government and Prime Minister Modi are great partners, whose robust startup ecosystem, top notch talent, and supportive government policies have made it one of the worlds leading startup capitals," the statement quoted Carlson as saying.

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Quoting NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, the statement said, "We need to harness technology to solve some of the most pressing problems in healthcare delivery, energy, safe drinking water and agriculture, among others for the benefit of communities at large." PTI LKJ PR ASV CPS

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Students have undertaken a sit-down demonstration right outside the VC's office opposing the state government's decision to do away with elected students body on the campus.

By Indrajit Kundu: Kolkata's Jadavpur University has once again been rocked by students agitation with Vice Chancellor Suranjan Das being holed up in his office since Thursday afternoon.

Students have undertaken a sit-down demonstration right outside the VC's office opposing the state government's decision to do away with elected students body on the campus.

In a bid to de-politicise education campuses in the state, the Mamata Banerjee administration has decided to set up apolitical students' union in all state-run institutes.

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A notification to this effect was issued earlier in June. The state government wants to replace the existing system of elected students' union with that of a nominated students' council.

According to the new rule, students will no longer be able to use banners of any political party during such campus elections.

However, students allege that the step is a direct infringement on the varsity's autonomy and has termed it as an "attack on campus democracy".

Students demand that the university Executive Council (EC), the highest decision making body of the institute oppose the government's directive.

They fear, if the new system is put in place, the ruling establishment will use it as a proxy using a nominated students' council.

Members of students union from all the three main faculties - Science, Arts and Engineering departments have begun camping outside the university's administrative building Aurobindo Bhavan raising slogans against the state government.

The agitation began when the university Executive Council met on Thursday. Students entered the meeting, handing over a memorandum to the VC and demanded that the EC reject the government's directive and support the cause of the students.

Also Read:

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Basirhat violence: How Mamata Banerjee lost the plot in her second term

West Bengal: Basirhat simmers as Mamata Banerjee, BJP continue blame game

ALSO WATCH | Basirhat violence: BJP demands Mamata Banerjee's resignation

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Posting a message on social media site Twitter, Rashid says JNU administration has returned her M Phil dissertation to the Centre because she did not mention the Aadhar number.

By Pooja Shali, Roshani Thokne: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) was hit with another fresh controversy after student activist Shehla Rashid posted that her dissertation which was returned to the Centre. Her message on social media site Twitter, read, "JNU administration has returned my M Phil dissertation to the Centre because I did not mention my Aadhar number. I don't have one."

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Speaking to India Today over phone, Shehla Rashid said, "I received a call from my Centre that the dissertation has been returned because I had left a blank space for Aadhar number in my evaluation form. I do not own an Aadhar card and I do not feel it should be mandatory to have one, either. This is an attempt to harass the students."

Rashid is the first case to have been reported since her post but it appears there could be more cases considering some students have accepted against the Aadhar card being made mandatory in certain areas. It is likely if this is the reason, as Rashid claims, the number of returned dissertations could increase. India Today reached out to the university authorities seeking clarification on Rashid's claims and have sent messages to the vice chancellor and the proctor concerned. A response is still awaited.

The students and administration have been at loggerheads over several issues in last two years and likely this could be a fresh bone of contention between the two.

Kamal Mitra Chenoy, professor with the university and also a recipient of successful PhD dissertation said, "There is no question of necessary provision of Aadhar number to be attached to completion of a dissertation. Aadhar requirement is primarily for people like during bank transactions and not for academic purposes. The court has already made details clear."

Sources in the university say, in case a dissertation is returned, there are two documents that are required. A letter is supposed to be attached by the (internal/external) examiner providing reasons and also a forwarding letter by the evaluation department. The dissertations are primarily between the student, his/her supervisor and department head (chairperson). An examiner is sent by evaluation department. For M Phil dissertation there can be a straight yes or no as response while for PhD they can seek further changes in the final dissertation.

The legality on Aadhar is still pending with the Supreme court as hearings are on in the matter related to breach of privacy for linking the PAN and Aadhar details.

University also said that they had issued a circular on April 20 saying that inscription of unique ID/Aadhar and photograph needs to be done for marksheets and degree certificates. UGC had issued a circular on this in March.

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However, Shehla also mentioned that as her dissertation is on hate speech narrative building up in the country, she may have been targeted.

Also Read:

AMU Students Union invites JNU's Shehla Rashid for leadership talk, then files FIR against her

Ramjas College incident: Police examining students, teachers

Also Watch:

India Today Conclave 2017: Women's safety is in their freedom, says former JNUSU Vice-President Shehla Rashid

An earlier version of the story carried a photograph shot by Mukul Dube, without credit. The photo was removed immediately after it was brought to our notice. We regret the mistake and have taken action against the staffer who erred. - Editor

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BIRTH OF THE IDEA

What Cambridge and Oxford are to the UK, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is to India. Its liberal ethos, egalitarian learning environs and freedom to openly debate have placed it in a class of its own. The bill for the establishment of JNU was placed in the Rajya Sabha on September 1, 1965, by the then education minister MC Chagla. In the discussion that followed, Bhushan Gupta, MP, said that this should not be just another university; new faculties should be created, including one for scientific socialism. Another thing the university could ensure was accessibility to students from weaker sections of society. The JNU Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on November 16, 1966, and the JNU Act came into force on April 22, 1969. Established as a tribute to the first prime minister of India, the university was formally inaugurated by then president VV Giri on Nehru's birthday on November 14, 1969, also the birth centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi. G Parthasarathy was its first vice-chancellor, Moonis Raza its founder-chairman and rector. The institution has worked towards fostering the composite culture of the country through departments for the study of languages, arts and Indian culture. Essentially a research-oriented university, it makes special provision for integrating courses in humanities, social science as well as science and technology. It also promotes interdisciplinary studies.

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WHY WE NEED JNU

Freedom of speech and expression are at the heart of Indian democracy. JNU has a number of students' groups, some even affiliated to mainstream political parties, and all of them swear by this right. Hence the recent confrontations on the campus. The common minimum draw is the freedom to voice ideas. The faculty plays a seminal role in this process.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

From the student-administration fracas over the commemoration of Afzal Guru's hanging to the disappearance of its student Najeeb Ahmad and now its vice-chancellor Jagdesh Kumar's suggestion that a battle tank be placed in the campus to honour its students in the armed forces, JNU has become a rallying point for liberals as much as it is a red rag for the right wing. The road ahead for JNU lies in leveraging its traditional strengths that lie in the quality of its faculty, students and infrastructure. As V-C Kumar says, what is needed most is to take the knowledge the university imparts to society to help it face challenges. There is a definite push to tap hitherto untouched areas. An important component is to teach students how to develop entrepreneurial skills. Another aspect is the push to bridge the gap between social studies and the sciences: having been renowned for social science studies, the varsity is instituting engineering and management courses which will compulsorily require studies in social sciences. Newer areas such as nanoscience and molecular medicine are also being offered.

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By PTI: Kolkata, Aug 11 (PTI) Jadavpur University students continued their sit-in to protest against the provisions of a bill which has been passed in the assembly continued for the second day today, with Vice-Chancellor Prof Suranjan Das expressing helplessness over the situation.

The provision in the West Bengal Universities and Colleges (Administration and Regulation) Bill-2017, against which the students are protesting, will enable the state government to prescribe rules and procedures for conducting students body or union election. It was passed in the assembly in February this year.

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The agitating students were demanding that the JU Executive Council (EC) adopt a resolution describing the government step as "undemocratic" and "unacceptable".

"We will not withdraw our agitation till the EC meeting passes such a resolution," Arts Faculty Students Union (AFSU) spokesperson Somasree told PTI.

AFSU and Faculty of Engineering and Technology Students Union (FETSU) are holding the sit-in.

The VC said that he, the EC members, the Deans, Pro-VC and Registrar have agreed to communicate students demands to the government in a letter where words like "widest manner" and "possible consensus" and "unacceptable" would be included.

"I am feeling upset. This is the most the EC can do within the parameters of law to communicate the student unions reservation about the council model mooted in the bill," Das told reporters at the Aurobindo Hall of JU where he was stuck with EC members because of the of the agitation.

The students should understand that grievances should be aired in proper forum, he said adding that students in London had protested over fee hike three years ago but they agitated in a public square and not in Cambridge.

Das said he wants the students to sit for dialogue with the government.

Asked what will they do if the students did not lift the sit-in, Das said, "We will not move out. They said unless we endorse their demands fully, we will have to leave by trampling their posters and bodies. Tell me is that possible!"

To another question he said, education minister Partha Chatterjee and Governor K N Tripathi have called him up and inquired about the situation.

A FETSU member said, "the EC told us no more change in draft resolution can be effected and we will chalk out next course of action tomorrow. But the sit-in will continue."

AFSU leader Somasree said, "We hope the EC will not just forward a letter but endorse the stand of the students against the undemocratic step to supersede democratically elected students union by an appointed apolitical student council." PTI SUS NN

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THE KHADI STORY

Launching it as a weapon of political protest to promote swadeshi, Mahatma Gandhi embedded khadi firmly in the national psyche. He set up the first khadi production centre at Kathiawad, Gujarat, in 1921. A quarter of a century later, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission as we know it today came into being a year after the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act was passed in 1956. A statutory body under the micro, small and medium enterprises ministry, it seeks to "plan, promote, facilitate, organise and assist in the establishment and development of khadi and village industries in the rural areas in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development wherever necessary". Being labour-intensive, the growth of khadi and village industries is significant in a labour surplus country like India. "Production of Khadi recorded Rs 1065.6 crore in 2015-16 and khadi activity provided employment to 11.07 lakh persons," says Vinai Kumar Saxena, chairman, KVIC.

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MILLING AHEAD

KVIC has been in recent years pushing khadi in the branded space. In May this year, it partnered with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd to launch a new line of khadi products under the Peter England brand. The same month, Raymond announced the launch of its khadi label, Khadi by Raymond. The company will be sourcing around 400,000 metres of khadi from khadi institutions. It has also signed an MoU with NIFT for better design development and training at different khadi institutions.

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The Madras High Court has suspended the conviction of seven accused in the 2004 Kumbakonam fire tragedy case. The court also modified sentences awarded to two others.

By India Today Web Desk: The Madras High Court today suspended the conviction and sentence of seven persons in the 2004 Kumbakonam fire tragedy that killed 94 school children. The Madras High Court modified the sentences awarded to two others.

The division bench of the Madras High Court, comprising Justices M Sathyanarayanan and V M Velumani also abated the sentence and conviction in the case of the wife of the school founder, who had passed away.

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The high court reserved its orders on appeals by the accused, as well as that by the state against the acquittals, passed by a lower court in Madurai.

A total of 21 accused had been charged under various sections of IPC in the incident.

Ninety four children and a teacher were charred to death and 16 others seriously injured when a devastating fire swept through the Sri Krishna School and Saraswathi Nursery School complex in Kumbakonam on July 16, 2004.

13 YEARS OF TRIAL

Ten years after the fire tragedy, the trial court on July 30, 2014 acquitted 11 of 21 accused. The court convicted the other 10 including Pulavar Palanisamy, founder of Sri Krishna Matriculation School. They were sentenced to life imprisonment. The wife of Pulavar Palanisamy, wife Saraswathi was sentenced to five years.

As Sarawathi passed away during the period of appeal, the bench abated the charges against her.

WHAT HAPPENED NOW

The Madras High Court Bench, which passed orders on the appeals, set aside the conviction and sentence pronounced by the lower court in the cases of school principal Santhana Lakshmi, Gajalakshmi, noon meal organiser, engineer Jayachandran, District Educational Officer R Balaji, Personal Assistant Sivaprakasam supervisor Dhandavan and one Durairaj, an assistant.

It modified the life sentence awarded to Palanisamy to one of the period already undergone during investigation, trial and post conviction and modified the fine amount to Rs to Rs 1,16,500.

The Bench, which dismissed the appeal by Vasanthi, the cook, who was awarded five years imprisonment by the trial court, modified the sentence to one of the period already undergone. It directed that the bail bonds executed by the accused shall stand terminated.

(With PTI inputs)

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The controversy over making the singing of Vande Mataram compulsory in BMC-run schools led to ruckus on the last day of the session in Maharashtra Assembly on Friday.

By Mayuresh Ganapatye, Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: The controversy over making the singing of Vande Mataram compulsory in BMC-run schools led to ruckus on the last day of the session in Maharashtra Assembly on Friday.

There was uproar in the Maharashtra Assembly over the motion passed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Thursday to make singing the song mandatory in schools run by the BMC.

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BJP MLA from south Mumbai Raj Purohit wrote a letter to Maharashtra Education Minister Vinod Tawade asking him to make singing of 'Vande Mataram' compulsory in colleges and universities. The letter read, "As BMC has passed this resolution of making Vande Mataram compulsory in all BMC schools, we request you to help inculcate the feeling of patriotism in students. Please make it compulsory in all colleges, schools and universities in the state."

India Today caught up with BJP corporator from Goregaon Sandeep Patel to ask why he wanted the song to be made mandatory.

"It's a national song and the Madras High Court has given its verdict to make it compulsory in Tamil Nadu. This song was written before independence so what is wrong in singing it. I request other corporators not to politicise the issue", said Patel.

BJP CORPORATOR FUMBLES WHILE SINGING VANDE MATARAM

But when our India Today reporter asked him to sing the Vande Mataram, he fumbled and could sing only one stanza of it. In his defence, he said, "I can sing the complete song, but not now."

BMC-run schools in Mumbai are in an abysmal condition. While most of them are being renovated, the building of one of the schools we visited in Vadala's Kane Nagar area was dilapidated.

Meanwhile, the issue of Vande Mataram in BMC schools has not gone down well with Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. Party spokesperson Sandeep Deshpande took on the BJP in a series of tweets. Sandeep said, "BMC-run schools are in a bad shape. They lack basic facilities and there are potholes on roads. Instead of looking into these issues, why do they want to focus on Vande Mataram?"

BMC has got more budget than any small state of India. But it's sad to see that instead of heeding concerns of the common man over pressing issues, people's representatives continue to squabble over 'Vande Mataram' song.

ALSO READ |

BMC House passes motion to make singing Vande Mataram mandatory in civic body-run schools

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Bombay High Court slams BMC for not repairing killer potholes in city

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The Maharashtra government has offered land in Dharavi and not in Bandra-Kurla Complex or BKC (as asked by the Centre) for the 508-km-long Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.

By Kiran Tare: The Maharashtra government has offered land in Dharavi and not in Bandra-Kurla Complex or BKC (as asked by the Centre) for the 508-km-long Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, a dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Transport Minister Diwakar Raote informed the legislative council on Friday that the state government had informed the Centre that it needed 0.9 hectares of plot of land at the BKC for its International Finance Service Center (IFSC). He said the Centre could consider the land available in Dharavi for the project.

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Raote added that as far as the second bullet train route between Mumbai and Kolkata was concerned, the state had recommended to the Centre to consider the route to pass through Nashik, Aurangabad, Amravati and Nagpur. A Spanish company has been asked to prepare the feasibility report for the project.

Replying to a debate started by Sanjay Dutt of the Congress, Raote stated that the first phase of the project would be completed by 2023. The total cost of the project is Rs 98,000 crore. He said that 80 per cent of the project cost was in a loan form from Japan. The rest of the 20 per cent cost was to be shared equally among the Centre, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

BACKWARD DISTRICTS LIKE PALGHAR TO FALL ON BULLET TRAIN ROUTE

Raote went on to say, "The loan is for 50 years. For the first 10 years, there shall be no repayment of the loan. The state shall have to bear the Rs 125 crore share for the project. There will be four stations of the route in Maharashtra. A part of the route passes through backward districts like Palghar, where industrial development is needed. A port is under development close to the route."

The Transport Minister said that the parking for the bullet train project would be underground as would be the Mumbai-Thane segment of the route. "The project would require less land to be acquired in the state. Since it is a government project, only government land will be needed for acquisition purpose. The ground-breaking ceremony of the project is to be held in September next month", Raote said.

Dutt had argued that the project cost would shoot up to Rs 1,40,000 crore due to the delay. He added that the purpose of the Centre's insisting on the BKC plot of land was to affect the state's IFSC project.

ALSO READ |

Bullet train launch on fast track, PM Modi to lay foundation stone next month

Modi's high-speed Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project may take elevated route

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U.S.-North Korean relations are at their lowest point in more than 60 years. The North Korean regime has never been more isolated or desperate. Rhetoric on both sides continues to escalate. The specter of nuclear war is real and the time for American leadership to avert this global crisis is now.

The way forward is through China. North Korea's continued viability is completely dependent on its neighbor. China provides most of its energy, financial backing and trade activities. China can steer North Korean leader Kim Jong Un toward de-escalation, but the United States must first make it in China's best interest to do so.

The Trump administration's actions on North Korea to date appear reckless and weak. Threatening the North Korean regime with nuclear annihilation has already backfired. When President Donald Trump stated further threats would result in unmatched "fire and fury," this was immediately met with more threats from the Kim regime. The world is watching as these two leaders lose control of the situation. In the process, the United States is losing credibility.

With unanimous United Nations Security Council support, China is now key to a peaceful and satisfactory resolution when North Korean nuclear designs are reversed. However, if President Trump continues to threaten China, circumstances will only worsen and time is short to defuse the situation. China is under no obligation to be helpful to us, but if we offer incentives, I believe they can be persuaded to act accordingly.

Toward that end, we should offer to help China in areas where they are presently frustrated  specifically the South China Sea. Chinese President Xi Jinping's "One Belt, One Road" strategy, among other goals, seeks to expand fishing and natural gas exploration to support economic development. Those priorities were stymied by the recent Hague international tribunal decision that sided with the Philippines and limits Chinese claims in the South China Sea.

The Philippines is an ally and this is a delicate issue, both sides make fair points. The way forward is to offer to broker these negotiations in exchange for China's immediate intervention in North Korea. There are several reasons why China might be open to this offer.

First, China does not want to see a nuclear war; second, the consequences of a failed North Korean state would put significant strain on China; and third, help from the United States on a critically important issue to them would strengthen their case and world standing. In return, we would expect China to secure a commitment from North Korea to de-nuclearize their military and stop threatening their neighbors. In exchange, North Korea would receive assurances of productive regional talks toward an improving economy and the possibility of new international trade agreements and support.

Approaching the crisis in this manner, with iron-clad verification measures, provides the opportunity for major wins for the United States, China, North Korea and the region.

Importantly, in this crisis, there is opportunity for a course correction in U.S. grand strategy and U.S.-Asian relations. In Congress, I opposed the poorly negotiated Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. I firmly believe TPP was not only bad proposed policy, it also represented poor strategy. TPP was an attempt to diplomatically outflank China by reaching an agreement with many other nations in the hope that China would then move to our bargaining positions. In that process, our negotiators gave away way too much and offered the American people a bad trade deal.

Meanwhile, China continued to gain stature throughout Asia and beyond. The Trump administration was right to reject TPP, but let's remember the key lesson: Rather than attempt to outflank the Chinese, we should sit down together to negotiate an all-encompassing bilateral agreement. This agreement should address all facets of security including North Korea, the South China Sea, anti-terrorism efforts, as well as trade, intellectual property, currency manipulation and the environment. As two of the world's leading powers who benefit from the current international power arrangement, it is in our mutual interests to do so.

Central here: the Trump administration must change its grand strategy. "America First," although appealing in some respects (Americans are tired of endless war and want their interests put first), ultimately is perceived as American weakness abroad due to its inherent isolationism. Indeed, the current crisis with North Korea has been exacerbated by Trump's incoherent strategy of oscillating widely between isolationism (during the campaign Trump suggested that Japan and South Korea should pursue nuclear weapons to deter the Kim regime) and doomsday-like rhetoric threatening nuclear Armageddon.

What we need instead is a steady strategic approach of "Peace Through Strength" built upon tenets of realism and resolved American leadership. This entails a strong military and thriving U.S. economy to strengthen the hands of diplomats pursuing opportunities for collective defense that enhances deterrence, stabilizes regions and advances U.S. interests. As witnessed twice during the 20th century, "America First" isolationism doesn't work. It failed to prevent the rise of totalitarian regimes that threatened American liberty nor did it preclude U.S. involvement in the ensuing World Wars, which was its stated aim. We need strong leadership that protects Americans with formidable defenses and possesses the wisdom to avoid unnecessary military conflicts while persuading nations toward negotiated settlement of differences.

Let's peacefully resolve this crisis with strong American leadership and then change course strategically to make life better for all Americans, including working-class families like the one I grew up in here in upstate New York. By doing so, the world will also be a safer and better place.

Chris Gibson is the former U.S. Representative for the 19th District. Prior to Congress, Gibson spent 29 years in the military and served four combat tours in Iraq. He is the Stanley Kaplan Distinguished Visiting Professor of American Foreign Policy at Williams College and the author of the forthcoming book, "Rally Point: Five Tasks to Unite the Country and Revitalize the American Dream," which will be published by Twelve Books in October.
Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said Thursday that the United States military is prepared to respond to an attack from North Korea should they be needed.

I dont tell the enemy in advance what we are going to do, he said, adding that in the event of an attack, we are ready.

The secretary spoke to reporters at the Pentagons Defense Innovation Unit Experimental, also known as DIUx, in Mountain View. His visit came as President Trump doubled down on his promise that North Korea would be met with fire and fury in response to a nuclear attack.

Mattis did not comment directly on the presidents remarks this week. But when asked how he would assess the danger from North Korea, the secretary called it a threat to world peace and global order and said the human toll from such an attack would be catastrophic.

The best way to show how (the threat) is widely gauged is to look at last weekend when the U.N. Security Council voted unanimously to characterize this as a North Korean threat to the worlds community, he said. How often do you see France, China, Russia and the U.S.  voting unanimously on any issue?

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told The Chronicle in an interview that he was confident that there are experts giving Trump advice on the volatile North Korea situation, even if the president has been bellicose in his attacks on the rogue nation.

Its very important that we treat this in a very grown-up way, said Schwarzenegger, a Republican who has traded barbs with Trump on several issues. We want to make sure that we dont just retaliate. We have to make people aware that we are ready to fight anyone, anywhere  but we are not going to be the ones who are going to start the fight.

Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com, jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @trishathadani, @joegarofoli
NAIROBI  A day before Kenya is due to announce the official outcome of its recent presidential election, the countrys longtime opposition leader on Thursday reasserted his conviction that the results have been rigged.

NASA, the party led by Raila Odinga, declared that he had won Tuesdays vote by a wide margin, even though provisional results indicate that the incumbent, President Uhuru Kenyatta, won by a margin of nearly 10 percent. That message laid the groundwork for a potentially explosive reaction when the official results are announced Friday.

In a nation with a recent history of solid economic growth and relative political stability, Kenyas elections nearly always expose the tense, fractured tribal politics that lie just under the surface here. In 2007, a disputed election led to about 1,400 deaths, and charges were brought at the International Criminal Court  including against Kenyatta and his running mate, William Ruto  that were dropped for lack of evidence.

This time, much will hinge on the direction Odinga, 72, gives his followers, who have already taken to the streets in periodic bursts, confronting police who have responded with tear gas and, less frequently, live ammunition. International election monitors, including former U.S. secretary of state John Kerry, have encouraged Odinga and Kenyatta to advocate a peaceful response by their parties and supporters.

But at a news conference Thursday, Odingas team described what it said was a vast coverup by the countrys Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, citing as its source an anonymous whistleblower inside the commission. According to Musalia Mudavadi, one of Odingas advisers, the authentic and legitimate results were manipulated or hidden by the body.

The commissions unofficial results showed Kenyatta, 55, leading with 54.3 percent of the votes, ahead of Odingas 45 percent. By Odingas count, those figures would be roughly reversed.

Given Kenyas wide political divisions, analysts worry that another disputed election will only increase tensions between ethnic groups and further diminish faith in the central government.

If you have a leader that commands only half the country, you will have many disgruntled people and low confidence in public institutions, said Murithi Mutiga, a researcher with the International Crisis Group.

On Wednesday, Odinga made a different set of allegations against the electoral commission, claiming that its system had been hacked and results were manipulated using stolen log-in credentials. On Thursday, the chairman of the commission, Wafula Chebukati, acknowledged that there had been a hacking attempt but said it did not succeed.

Kevin Sieff and Rael Ombuor are Washington Post writers.
WASHINGTON  U.S. tensions with North Korea took another turn Friday morning when President Trump opted to again highlight the threat the U.S. military could pose to Pyongyang, tweeting that military solutions are now fully in place and locked and loaded should North Korea act unwisely. But his next act on Twitter suggests that despite the bellicose rhetoric, the Pentagon is not on the brink of war.

Trump retweeted a message from U.S. Pacific Command that said supersonic B-1B bombers on Guam were ready to fulfill USFKs #FightTonight mission if called upon to do so.

That message, including the dramatic hashtag, may sound ominous to the uninitiated. But combined with comments Thursday from Defense Secretary James Mattis and decades of history between North Korea and the United States, it suggests that while the present situation between Pyongyang and Washington is quite serious, Pacific Command is more signaling its readiness to fight if need be than spoiling for a battle within days.

The Air Force has kept bombers on Guam for years, and the Pentagon and U.S. Forces Korea  the USFK referenced in Pacific Commands tweet  have long used the fight tonight motto in South Korea to reflect the seriousness of their mission. More than 29,000 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea, and at least 28,500 have been there each year since an armistice agreement put a halt to fighting in the Korean War in 1953.

Former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush  who included North Korea with Iran and Iraq in his Axis of Evil  also both used the fight tonight phrase while discussing North Korea.

Trumps actions Friday morning came after Mattis again tamped down talk of war during an appearance Thursday.

What I would say here, ladies and gentlemen  Mattis responded, before stopping for a full five seconds to collect his thoughts. My portfolio, my mission, my responsibilities is to have military options should they be needed.

But the Pentagon chief quickly added that the American effort against North Korea was diplomatically led by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, and gaining diplomatic traction and results.

I want to stay right there right now, Mattis said. The tragedy of war is well enough known. It doesnt need another characterization beyond the fact that it would be catastrophic.

Dan Lamothe is a Washington Post writer.
RAMALLAH, West Bank  Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has clamped down on social media and news websites  the main outlets for debate and dissent in the West Bank  with a vaguely worded decree that critics say allows his government to jail anyone on charges of harming national unity or the social fabric.

Rights activists say the edict, issued without prior public debate last month, is perhaps the most significant step yet by Abbas government to restrict freedom of expression in the autonomous Palestinian enclaves of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

A Palestinian prosecutor denied the decree is being used to stifle dissent and insisted that a new law on electronic crimes was needed to close legal loopholes that in the past allowed offenders, such as hackers, to go unpunished.

However, the government has blocked 30 websites in the past month, according to the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms, or Mada.

Most of the sites were affiliated with Abbass two main rivals  a former aide-turned-foe, Mohammed Dahlan, and the Islamic militant group Hamas, Mada said. A few of the blocked sites had supported the extremist Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

Five journalists working for news outlets linked to Hamas were detained this week and charged with violating the new law, according to the lawyer of one of those arrested and an official in the association of Palestinian journalists.

Separately, four other journalists were called for questioning about social media posts critical of government policy.

Ammar Dweik, head of the government-appointed Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights, said the new law is one of the worst since the Palestinian autonomy government was established in 1994.

Its a big setback to the freedoms in the West Bank, he said, citing the vague definition of the purported crimes, the wide authority given to the security forces, the large-scale blocking of news websites and the harsh punishments.

Rights groups have repeatedly accused Abbas and his predecessor, Yasser Arafat, of restricting freedoms and engaging in human rights violations, such as arbitrary arrests of political opponents, mistreatment in detention and cracking down on peaceful protests.

Mohammed Daraghmeh is an Associated Press writer.
JALALABAD, Afghanistan  Afghan officials said Friday that U.S. warplanes had killed 16 civilians as they tried to flee an area in eastern Afghanistan controlled by Islamic State militants.

Hajji Saz Wali, governor of Haska Meena district in the southern part of Nangarhar province, said the victims included women and children; eight were from one family, and four others from a second family.

The victims died Thursday afternoon when the vehicles they were traveling in were hit by U.S. air strikes believed to be targeting Islamic State militants in the area, Wali said. It is not known how many were wounded, he added.

A spokesman for the U.S. military said that the Pentagon was aware of the reports but would not comment immediately.

Haska Meena district, also known as Dih Bala district, is in a rugged area close to the border with Pakistan. The neighboring Achin district was long a stronghold of the Islamic State and was where the United States dropped the so-called mother of all bombs this year, the largest conventional bomb ever deployed, on a tunnel and bunker complex where insurgents had taken refuge.

That led Islamic State fighters to seek new refuge, including in the Tora Bora cave and tunnel complex in Nangarhar, which Osama bin Laden once used as a hideout. The Islamic State fighters are believed to be relatively few, and in the Nangarhar area they fight against both the Afghan government and the more numerous Taliban insurgents.

The U.S. military has deployed Special Forces and air strikes against Islamic State militants in Afghanistan and says it has killed dozens of the groups leaders and hundreds of fighters this year.

Khalid Alokozay and Rod Nordland are New York Times writers.
Back-to-work educational company sues state pension fund

State law says educators who've been retired less than a year can't collect pension benefits if they return to work. What's more, they can't collect them even after that year passes ... unless they quit working. A company called Cooperative Educational Services is suing the state's educational retirement fund because it says the retired teachers it hires and then contracts out to schools don't technically work for the school. The state has cried foul on such plans before, arguing they unfairly deplete pension funds and reduce future gains.

South Capitol creeper?

Police took another report early Thursday morning of a man fondling himself while peering through the window of a home on Don Gaspar in the South Capitol neighborhood. A woman driving by noticed him, but police weren't able to find him. They haven't said if they think this or other similar crimes are connected to a series of frightening encounters last summer.



Clawback

The state now has control of the nonprofit trust company Desert State Life Management, but regulators face the more daunting task of trying to recover hundreds of thousands of dollars, maybe millions, in misappropriated money for clients. These aren't wealthy investors, they're mentally and physically vulnerable people whose assets are held in trust. Investigators think the company's CEO, Paul Donisthorpe, mishandled $4 million.



Espanola police arrest Rio Arriba deputy for DWI

Tuesday night, police say Rio Arriba County Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Aquino was arrested for aggravated DWI after they caught up with him in the Lowe's parking lot. Witnesses said he'd thrown a miniature bottle of booze at them and officers later found a beer can in his personal car. He refused a breathalyzer test. Due to the charge, Aquino can't have a gun, so after the sheriff's department finishes its internal investigation, he could only serve desk duty if he's allowed to go back to work.

SFPD flips the script on training

Wanting to make sure that the city doesn't spend $60,000 training a police officer candidate who decides the job isn't for her or him, Santa Fe police are letting prospects ride along with field officers for a week or two before hitting the law enforcement academy. The city has had a pair of cadets leave soon after going through training.



Records complaint tossed out

A state District Court judge has dismissed former New Mexico Secretary of State Mary Herrera's complaint against the attorney general. Herrera argued the AG was playing games when he claimed not to have received a records request because of a mistaken email address. Herrera was seeking public information on two employees she fired in 2010.

Secretly delicious

The last day of August doesn't have to be a mournful waking followed by a day of knowing once Labor Day has passed, so has summer. No, no, no, my friends. SFR has planned the perfect start to your holiday weekend with another secret supper. This one is in a fantastic spot, comes with wine and great food, and the chance to meet other adventurous souls. Sign up through the link.



Thanks for reading! The Word has a different version of a secret supper. Mostly it involves a taco truck, fast-food queso and, later, full-bellied shame.



Subscribe to the Morning Word at sfreporter.com/santafe/signup.

Santa Fe Reporter
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A higher volume of wool was sold at auction in New Zealand this week after organisers skipped a week and held a double auction across both islands.

Some 80 percent of the 15,054 wool bales offered at auctions in Napier in the North Island and Christchurch in the South Island were sold yesterday, AgriHQ said. That's ahead of the 72 percent clearance rate for the 2016/17 season which ended June 30, and the average 77 percent rate for the first six weeks of the current season.

"After a week break in wool sales, the market came back with some force with both reasonable volumes and a wider range of styles on offer," said AgriHQ analyst Sam Laurenson. "Of the bales on offer the split was fairly equal between the North Island and South Island with a 52 percent share and 48 percent share respectively.

"It is difficult to tell whether this upward trend is likely to continue in the near term as stock piles are slowly released into the market."

New Zealand is coming out of its worst wool season since the global financial crisis as China, the largest buyer of the fibre, switched its preference to fine wool and away from strong wool that makes up the majority of the country's clip. Industry estimates suggest between 150,000 and 200,000 bales may have been stockpiled by farmers, brokers, merchants and exporters, as sellers rejected weak prices below the cost of production.

At the latest auctions, North Island prices were up for all types available at the last North Island sale on July 20 and the better quality cuts improved by more than worse quality cuts, Laurenson said. South Island prices were not as positive with all comparable styles down on the South Island sale two weeks ago.

Overall, the coarse crossbred wool indicator fell 7 cents to $2.73 a kilogram from the previous auction two weeks ago, and was up 4 cents from three weeks ago, AgriHQ said.

(BusinessDesk)

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(Correction to title)

First NZ Capital is to formalise its channel for private investors to support mid to large-sized New Zealand companies seeking capital without listing on a public sharemarket.

The new initiative will be called Principal Investments and is the first major initiative by the firm under the leadership of James Lee, who took over as chief executive from Scott St John on April 1.

"The scope of the strategy is wide-ranging, but will be focused on providing the equity and junior debt required to execute transactions and grow businesses, including financing acquisitions, providing growth capital, taking pre-IPO stakes and succession planning. Investments will be funded using a mix of capital from the FNZC balance sheet and its existing network of private investors," Lee said in a statement.

He told BusinessDesk there was no pre-determined fund available, with the firm able to access both its own balance sheet and its network of private investors to respond to specific opportunities.

Heading the operation will be Michael Walmsley, who was most recently associate director and second-in-command at the Macquarie Capital Principal Transactions Group in London.

Asked whether this was evidence of waning interest in capital-raising using public markets, Lee said: "We would say the opposite."

"Public markets are working very well for companies looking to raise $100 million-plus. But $20 million, $30 million is more complicated. Some companies have experienced difficulty in raising capital. In some cases, this has led to pursuing the listed market too early. Private equity is increasing in size, which is fantastic, but some companies don't fit private equity requirements.

(BusinessDesk)

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EVO - Embark Education announces Special Dividend

BLT - Strategy reset and revenue growth

Mainfreight Half Year Financial Results 30 September 2022


By PTI: New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) Mahindra and Mahindra group today said it will exit from its China joint venture for tractor business, Mahindra Yueda Yancheng Tractor Company, by selling entire stake for RMB 82 million (nearly Rs 80 crore).

The Indian conglomerate has plans to independently operate in China.

Mahindra and Mahindra holds 51 per cent stake in the Chinese JV through its wholly owned subsidiary Mahindra Overseas Investment Company (Mauritius) Limited.

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"Mahindra Overseas Investment Company (Mauritius) Limited (MOICML)... has agreed to sell its entire shareholding of 51 per cent in Mahindra Yueda Yancheng Tractor Company Ltd (MYYTCL), China. Upon receipt of requisite regulatory approvals and completion of other formalities, MYYTCL will cease to be a subsidiary of MOICML...," Mahindra and Mahindra said in a regulatory filing.

The company is selling entire stake to Jiangsu Yueda Investment company (2 per cent stake), Jiangsu Yueda Group (39 per cent) and Yan Bingde (10 per cent) for an aggregate amount of 82 million RMB or about Rs 80 crore.

The equity transfer for the deal has been executed today and the deal is expected to be closed by end of this month.

"This development would also mark the beginning of a new journey for Mahindra in China, as the company reviews its plans to explore the wider opportunities which would be available to Mahindra with its recent global initiatives in the farm machinery space," Mahindra and Mahindra said in a statement.

Mahindra said that through recent acquisitions it has expanded farm machinery product portfolio beyond tractors to rice transplanters, harvesters etc.

"The company will evaluate the market opportunity for introducing these products into China and explore opportunities to create a global supply chain," it said.

Turnover of MYYTCL for the year ended December 2016 stood at 339.89 million RMB and its net worth was 88 million RMB.

Shares of Mahindra and Mahindra closed at Rs 1,346.35 a unit, down by 3.1 per cent compared to previous close. PTI PRS RKL MKJ

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given "100 per cent assurance" to the PDP-BJP governments Agenda of Alliance which says there will be "no fiddling" with Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said today.

Mehbooba met the prime minister amid reports that she was seeking help against attempts to alter constitutional provisions that give special status to the state.

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Emerging from the 15-minute meeting, Mehbooba said the basis of the Agenda of Alliance between the PDP and the BJP is that there should be no "fiddling" with the status quo on Article 370.

"That is the basis of the agenda and no one can go against it. The response of the prime minister is positive. The prime minister gave 100 per cent assurance to the Agenda of Alliance," she told reporters.

The meeting comes in the backdrop of the debate on Article 35A of the Constitution that grants special status to the state and is being challenged in the Supreme Court.

The chief minister said she had told the prime minister about the difficult situation in Jammu and Kashmir and also that the situation was improving gradually.

"People of Jammu and Kashmir feel that their identity will be in danger. A message should go that there is no such thing," she said.

The chief minister said Jammu and Kashmir had been facing difficult circumstances. At the time of accession, Jammu and Kashmir, being a Muslim majority state, took a different decision to join "our country, India".

"Jammu and Kashmir has the peculiar diversity where everything is different. It is a Muslim majority state. Hindus also live, Sikhs and Buddhists also live. Seeing that, there is a special position of Jammu and Kashmir. It was a question that the idea of India has to accommodate with the idea of Jammu and Kashmir," she said.

Last year, the chief minister said, the situation turned bad again and now wounds were getting healed. "The discussions on Article 35A, in these circumstances, will adversely affect the process."

The chief minister said such discussions (on Article 35A) should not happen. At the end of the day, Jammu and Kashmir is an important part of the country.

According to her, Jammu and Kashmir was the crown of the country. It was a Muslim majority state which had rejected the two nation theory and joined this country with the view that aspirations, identity would always remain alive.

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"And that identity should always remain alive," she said.

The state BJP, an alliance partner in the state government, had upped the ante with its spokesperson Virendra Gupta saying yesterday that time had come to bid farewell to Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution as they created a "separatist psyche".

The controversy erupted in 2014 after an NGO We the Citizens filed a PIL in the Supreme Court seeking that Article 35A be struck down.

Article 35A, which empowers the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define the states "permanent residents" and their special rights and privileges, was added to the Constitution by a presidential order in 1954.

Article 370 grants special autonomous status to the state.

While the state government contested the petition, saying the president had the power to incorporate a new provision in the Constitution by way of an order, the Centre, recently, expressed its reservations.

Officials in the home ministry had said yesterday that its law officers would be presenting legal aspects related to Article 35A only and would refrain from joining the case. PTI ACB SKL MIN

--- ENDS ---

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According to the Bazarpeth Police the incident happened on Thursday evening in the Beturkar Pada area of Kalyan.

By Divyesh Singh: A day after a video of a traffic cop being assaulted by a biker in Vasai went viral, another traffic cop was assaulted in central suburbs of Mumbai. This incident was also captured on video.

According to the Bazarpeth Police the incident happened on Thursday evening in the Beturkar Pada area of Kalyan.

Police officials said that there were a lot of autorickshaws parked in the no parking area near Mohinder Kabal Singh English School. Traffic police constable Namdev Hingmire and warden Akshay Ugale attached with the Kalyan Traffic Division asked the auto drivers to remove the autos that were parked in between the roads.

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But, one of the drivers wasn't present in his auto so they took the back seat of the auto with them so that when the driver comes he pays the fine for parking in no parking zone.

"When the driver came, he initially refused to pay the penalty and take the challan. He started arguing with the traffic constable Hingmire and also threw currency notes (Rs 200) on constable's face. He didn't stop at this, and even tore the receipt of the challan and threw it on the face of the constable," said K C Pasalkar, senior police inspector of Bazarpeth Police Station.

Later on he started abusing the constable and held his collar when Himgire warned him.

This further led to a violent altercation and the auto driver slapped Himgire. Himgire reportedly pushed him away when he further tried to assault him.

The constables approached the Bazarpeth Police and registered an FIR against the auto driver and one of his friends, who was also abusing the traffic constable. The auto driver has been identified as Rahul Karande and the other driver as Bala Thakur. The cops have booked them for 353(Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 34 (common intention) and 323 (Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt).

"We have arrested Rahul Karande and are searching for Bala Thakur both are auto drivers," said another police officer.

Cops said Karande had parked his auto in no parking and had gone for shopping.

ALSO READ:

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--- ENDS ---
By PTI: New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said it is a tribute to the Indian democracy that people rise from humble and rural backgrounds to the highest constitutional positions, as he joined members of Rajya sabha in welcoming M Venkaiah Naidu as the Chairman of the House.

Soon after he was administered oath as the 15th Vice President of India, Naidu took over as the Chairman of the Upper House.

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Leading the felicitations, Modi said the day holds a historic value as on this day, Khudiram Bose, a 18-year old young revolutionary of the freedom struggle, was hanged by the British.

That event "reminds us of the sacrifice of those who had fought for freedom and the responsibility that it places on all of us," he said.

Naidu, he said, is the first Vice President to be born in independent India. Besides having long experience, he is well-versed with the intricacies of parliamentary procedures and the functioning of the House, Modi said.

A son of a farmer, Naidu joined the student movement on a call given by J P Narayan and has since risen from the ranks to lead the second highest constitutional position in the country, he said, adding that issues concerning farmers and the poor have always been dear to his heart.

The rising of people of humble and poor background to the highest constitutional positions in the country is a tribute to Indian democracy and shows its maturity, he said.

"All constitutional positions today are occupied by poor or sons of farmers or commoners," he said referring to President Ram Nath Kovind also coming from a similar background.

Recalling his long association with the new Vice President, the Prime Minister said Naidu has always been sensitive to the needs of rural areas, poor and farmers and his inputs on these issues have been of immense value.

Even as a minister for urban development, he gave more inputs on rural and farmer issues, Modi said, adding that Naidu was the one who gave the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana - a scheme most sought after by the MPs for development of their constituencies.

He is also possibly the only Vice President who has spent so many years of his life amongst the people, he said.

Modi said Naidu was known for coining acronyms and since he is one who has spent so many years in the Rajya Sabha, there might be an initial discomfort, similar to the one faced by lawyers when one of them becomes a judge.

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He expressed confidence that Naidu would rise to the occasion and his conduct would win him accolades from opposition benches as well. PTI ANZ ARC

--- ENDS ---
FIRST OF ALL, LITTLE STEVEN IS GOING TO ROCK THE ST. GEORGE

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The living rock 'n' roll legend's North American tour stops here at 8 p.m. Sept. 27 in the historic venue at 35 Hyatt St. Tickets are $39-$186 at Ticketmaster.com.

And we think The Boss should show some support for his favorite "employee."

For the clueless: In addition to his ongoing role as a touring and recording member of The E Street Band, Little Steven Van Zandt has expanded his artistic parameters to include work as an actor on HBO's The Sopranos and Netflix's Lilyhammer, as well as host, historian, and rock advocate on Sirius XM's "Little Steven's Underground Garage" (not to mention creator of Sirius XM's long-running "Outlaw Country" format).

Van Zandt also expanded his musical boundaries to include composing the score for all three seasons of Lilyhammer and additional work as producer and songwriter, lending his distinctive craft to records from an array of international garage rockers.

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HEY, BRUCE SHOWED UP FOR STEVIE AT THE COUNT BASIE ...

Come on! The guy is KNOWN for doing this sorta thing to support his peeps. And the timing would be perfect in St. George: The "Soulfire Tour 2017" celebrates the release of SOULFIRE.

Little Steven's first solo album in almost two decades finds the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer revisiting songs that span the length of his career as artist, performer, producer, arranger, and songwriter, focusing directly on the influential soul horns-meet-rock n roll guitars approach he first pioneered on Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes classic first three albums.

The record includes some new originals, as well as covers of James Brown and Etta James  with several old tunes Van Zandt wrote for Southside Johnny, including "Love On the Wrong Side of Town," co-written with Springsteen.

COLLECTOR ALERT: SOULFIRE is available as CD, digital download, and 180-gram black vinyl, the latter presented as a double LP housed in a gatefold sleeve with the music on Sides 1-3 and a unique etching of Little Steven on Side 4.

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IT'S A CHANCE TO JOIN HIS 'DISCIPLES'

Little Steven and The Disciples of Soul made their long-awaited live return last October at Londons BluesFest 2016. Van Zandt will return to Europe this fall for an additional leg of the Soulfire Tour 2017, with multiple stops slated for England, Scotland, Germany, The Netherlands, and Spain.

But St. George gets him first.

And you know The Boss has been reading the reviews. SOULFIRE has quickly drawn rapturous applause from fans and critics alike:

Rolling Stone declared, "Rock's ultimate sideman reclaims the Jersey Shore sound he helped invent." "Cynicism, irony and cultivated hip detachment have taken their toll on rock 'n' roll."

USA Today raved: "With SOULFIRE, Van Zandt aims to blow all that out and lead listeners back to its more passionate essence."

"It's hard to imagine a more joyous and revelatory contemporary blue-eyed soul recording," enthused American Songwriter.

"The appropriately titled SOULFIRE is a tough, tight and clearly inspired project as well as a most welcome return from the musical shadows for Steven Van Zandt." SOULFIRE "hearkens back to Van Zandt's classic first solo album of gritty, greasy, horn-accented '60s-style rock and soul," noted Billboard,

Paste proclaimed, "Rockier than Motown or the Sound of Philadelphia, this a joyous invitation to live and love."

Don't Edit

Bruce Springsteen will make his Broadway debut this fall with Springsteen on Broadway, a solo show at the Walter Kerr... Posted by Bruce Springsteen on Wednesday, August 9, 2017

YOU CAN GET TO BROADWAY BY PASSING THROUGH S.I.

What better way to warmup for his run at the Walter Kerr Theatre than with a hot guest slot at the St. George?

Springsteen will play five nights a week for an eight-week limited engagement. Performances begin Oct. 3 and run through Nov. 26. Opening night for Springsteen on Broadway is set for Oct. 12.

Tickets will go on sale through Ticketmaster's Verified Fan program. Registration runs through Aug. 27 at BruceSpringsteen.net. Qualifying fans will be notified Aug. 29 with details on how to purchase tickets Aug. 30.

I wanted to do some shows that were as personal and as intimate as possible. I chose Broadway for this project because it has the beautiful old theaters which seemed like the right setting for what I have in mind. In fact, with one or two exceptions, the 960 seats of the Walter Kerr Theatre is probably the smallest venue Ive played in the last 40 years, Springsteen said in his press announcement. My show is just me, the guitar, the piano and the words and music. Some of the show is spoken, some of it is sung. It loosely follows the arc of my life and my work. All of it together is in pursuit of my constant goal to provide an entertaining evening and to communicate something of value.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

THE MANAGER WHO DISCOVERED HIM LIVES ON TODT HILL

In fact, former producer/manager Mike Appel has lived on Staten Island for around 40 years  and is reportedly still close friends with his former Boss.

An excerpt from "Born to Run," Bruce Springsteen's memoir: "The bottom line was I liked Mike and I knew he understood what I wanted to do musically. We weren't aiming for a few successful records and some modest hits. We were aiming for impact, for influence, for the top rung of what recording artists are capable of achieving. We both knew rock music was a culture shaper, I wanted to collide with the times and create a voice that had musical, social and cultural impact. Mike understood that this was my goal. In the end, I would have signed Mike's jockey shorts, if he'd presented them to me, to get my foot in the door."

For the record: Appel is the man who got a still-relatively-unknown Springsteen on the cover of TIME and Newsweek in the same week back in 1975. Check out the covers below:

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Rob Bailey | bailey@siadvance.com

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THIS IS A CHANCE FOR HIM TO THANK HIS 'MANAGERIAL GENIUS'

... to an iconic, star-making producer.

From page 170 of Springteen's "Born to Run" memoir: "The next thing Mike finagled-and I couldn't believe it- was an audition with John Hammond. John Hammond! The legendary producer who signed Dylan, Aretha, Billie Holiday  a giant in the recording business. The motor mouth of Mike Appel was a fierce and surgical instrument when put to proper use. Mike could've talked Jesus down from the cross, Santa Claus out of Christmas and Pam Anderson out of breast augmentation. He talked us off the street and into the inner sanctum of John Hammond's office. My man was a managerial genius."

Don't Edit

Rob Bailey | bailey@siadvance.com

OH, HE'S NOT MAD ABOUT THAT TELL-ALL BOOK

Sure, the "explosive unauthorized biography," originally published in 1992, was only available in Europe for many years, but that's all water under the bridge now.

Based on exclusive interviews and previously unreleased material, including depositions from the lawsuit that prevented Springsteen from recording for over a year, "Down Thunder Road" traces Springsteen's rise to fame and reveals the man behind the myth. The title is now available in a full-ebook edition (via Appel's website) with photos, legal documents and memorabilia in high resolution.

Hold up! Before you start accusing him of exploiting his old friend, check out this excerpt from Springteen's "Born to Run." It sums up his feelings about Appel: "We had been someplace special together, someplace unique, a place where we had to depend upon each other and nothing else, where things that meant something were at stake. I could never hate Mike; I can only love him."

He knew everything about the great groups, the fabulous hit records, every important nuance of the great singers' voices, the greatest riffs, the heart and soul that were in our favorite music. When we talked, he could finish my sentences. He was a fan with all the beauty and import that word carries for me. Mike was funny, cynical, dreamy and profane, and when you were with him, you were always laughing."

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Renovation update: Much progress since yesterday! Most of the new mezzanine seat standards have been installed and the... Posted by St. George Theatre on Wednesday, August 9, 2017

... AND BESIDES, BRUCE NEEDS TO HELP CHRISTEN THE BOROUGH'S PREMIER LIVE CONCERT VENUE

After all, Little Steven's show is a prime opportunity to show off the St. George Theatre's extensive, $5.2 million renovation project. Read all about the venue's new mezzanine seating and exterior signage HERE.

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Rob Bailey | bailey@siadvance.com

THE BOTTOM LINE FOR A TRUE FAN

Yeah, I just wanna hear him do "Love On the Wrong Side of Town," the track he co-wrote for the Asbury Jukes with The Boss back in the day.

Van Zandt revisited this moment of rock history in an interview with Entertainment Weekly: "Bruce had that riff, and that's basically how I collaborate. Somebody will have a riff or a line or a melody or a chorus or a title, and then I just finish the song. Looking back, I wish me and Bruce had done more together, honestly. It was just a song here, a song there, whatever we needed at the time. Of course, Bruce was busy doing his own thing, and at the time you don't think, 'Wow, we really should work together more often.'"

See you at the show, folks. Fingers crossed.
THE BATTLE PLAN

In 1941, Lord Linlithgow, then Viceroy of India, received 1,00,000 pounds in gift from the Sudanese government for the sacrifices of Indian troops in the liberation of Sudan in the second world war. As the war ended, on May 2, 1945, a committee headed by then Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Claude Auchinleck was set up to examine the feasibility of forming an institution for training officers of the armed forces jointly. A report it sumbitted in December 1946 recommended a Joint Services Military Academy. Post-Independence, the Chiefs of Staff Committee immediately began to implement the recommendations, initiating action to commission a permanent defence academy and searching for a suitable site. Following partition, 30,000 pounds from Sudan's monetary gift went to Pakistan. The Indian Army decided to use these funds to partly cover the cost of the construction of the National Defence Academy. Jawaharlal Nehru laid its foundation on October 6, 1949 and it was formally commissioned on December 7, 1954. The first batch of 190 cadets started training on January 11, 1949. Currently, NDA trains over 300 cadets every year. The academy recently procured some 300 tablets for cadets doing a BTech and for naval cadets in the fifth and sixth terms.

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CENTRE PAR EXCELLENCE

The first tri-service academy in the world, NDA, Khadakvasla, is where cadets of the army, navy and air force train together before they go on to pre-commissioning training in their respective service academies. NDA has produced 27 service Chiefs of Staff till date.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Recent data from an analytic company shows that Staten Island home values have increased dramatically over a 35-year period while income rates have not seen the same hike.

Between 1980 and 2015 home values increased 612.32 percent, which is well above the national increase of 277.59 percent, according to vHomeInsurance.com, which has analyzed long-term housing prices and household income at the county level across the United States.

"Such data is interesting because income levels [on Staten Island] have only increased by 245 percent, as compared to the national increase of 219 percent and state increase of 256 percent," said Kevin Pryor, data analyst for vHome, which is is owned by GridLex, a data analytic company focused on insurance, healthcare and other industries.

"Such a high level of home value change compared to a low level of income change is interesting for Richmond County, especially when compared to New York state where Richmond home values seem to have increased a lot while income has not," he added.

This implies that the average person is spending more of their income on housing compared to 1980, said Pryor.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Sandy Krueger, CEO of the Staten Island Board of Realtors, said the increase in home values "wasn't all that surprising."

"I never looked at it quite this way, but when you see these numbers and growth over more than 20 years, they [the numbers] look bigger than you think about them normally," he said.

"We've always said Staten Island was the most affordable place in the city, which drives people here, but then that drives prices up," he said.

HOME EQUITY NOT FACTORED IN



Some real estate professionals say the "numbers are skewed" when you look at the area and the extended time period being analyzed.

"Staten Island from 1980 to now is a totally different place," said Frank J. Rizzo, president and broker of Cornerstone Realty in Annadale.

"I think their numbers are a little skewed in terms of the data because when you say the prices haven't increased with the income gains, you're not really taking the amount of the equity that is built up in some of these homes into consideration," he added.

He noted the numbers also don't reflect the significant population growth the borough has experienced over the last 40 years.

"When you're looking at Staten Island, which was the fastest-growing county in all of New York state from 1980 to 2000, of course you're going to see an accelerated price appreciation," said Rizzo.

FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Dozens of animals in the care of Staten Island's volunteer animal rescue groups are waiting for their forever families to find them. Click through the photos to see the dogs, cats, puppies and kittens up for adoption at events this weekend.

Share Your Love to Clear the Shelters Event

Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue will be at PETCO, 2795 Richmond Road, Saturday, Aug. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with adoptable cats and kittens.

This is part of NBC, New York's special event that day to promote pet adoption and working towards the goal to become a no-kill nation.

The approved adoption will have a reduced fee of $50, along with a regular screening for adoptions.

For more information visit www.statenislandhoperescue.org

The Animal Care Centers of NYC- "Max with Cats" event.

Adopt a sensational cat (6 months and older) between Aug. 4 and Aug. 13, and all adoption fees will be waived!

Also mark your calendars for Aug. 12 when singing sensation 'MAX' will stop by the Manhattan ACC, 326 East 110th St. to play some of his tunes, including his new hit "Lights Down Low!"

Max and his wife adopted their dog from an ACC Mobile Adoption event in 2016 and now tours the country promoting the hard work of open-admissions shelters like ACC.

The Staten Island Care Center is located at 3139 Veterans Road West. The hours are Monday through Friday, noon to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.nycacc.org for other locations and important information regarding Animal Care Centers of NYC. (Check out the event flyer included in the gallery above.)

Fun facts about cats and dogs

* Dogs only sweat from the bottoms of their feet, the only way they can discharge heat is by panting.

* Dogs have about 100 different facial expressions, most of them made with the ears.

* Dogs have about 10 vocal sounds.

* Dogs do not have an appendix.

* There are more than 350 different breeds of dogs worldwide.

* Dalmatians are born spotless: at first pure white, their spots develop as they age.

* Contrary to popular belief, dogs aren't color blind; they can see shades of blue, yellow, green and gray. The color red registers on a grayscale in a dog's vision.

* Most domestic dogs are capable of reaching speeds up to about nineteen miles per hour when running at full speed.

* Using their swiveling ears like radar dishes, experiments have shown that dogs can locate the source of a sound in 6/100ths of a second.

* Domesticated for more than 10,000 years, the dog was one of the first animals domesticated by humans.

* Cats do not have sweat glands.

* A cat can jump as much as seven times its height.

* Cats have five toes on each front paw, but only four toes on each back paw.

* Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds, while dogs only have about ten.

* A pack of kittens is called a kindle, while a pack of adult cats is called a clowder.

* An adult cat can run about 12 miles per hour, and can sprint at nearly thirty miles per hour.

* A cat's tongue is scratchy because it's lined with papillae--tiny elevated backwards hooks that help to hold prey in place.

* The nose pad of each cat has ridges in a unique pattern not unlike a person's fingerprints.

* Cats' bodies are extremely flexible; the cat skeleton contains more than 230 bones (a human has about 206), and the pelvis and shoulders loosely attach to the spine. This adds to their flexibility and allows them to fit through very small spaces.

* Cats have better memories than dogs. Tests conducted by the University of Michigan concluded that while a dog's memory lasts no more than 5 minutes, a cat's can last as long as 16 hours--exceeding even that of monkeys and orangutans.

(SOURCE: petinsurance.com)
Among the top headlines were the resignation of Rep. Susan Molinari from Congress, the election of then-City Councilman Vito Fossella to fill her seat, the exporting of trash from the Bronx to Virginia and the reduction in express bus fare.

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Susan Molinari resigns from Congress

In a political stunner, Republican Rep. Susan Molinari resigned from Congress on Aug. 1, 1997, to take a job with CBS as a co-anchor of a Saturday morning news and entertainment show. She read the weather during her debut in September 1997. Molinari was a city councilwoman and four-term congresswoman who soared nationally in 1996 when she gave the keynote address at the Republican National Convention. She later became a lobbyist and a member of Rudolph Giuliani's law firm. She is now the vice president of public policy and government relations at Google. Vito Fossella, the South Shore city councilman at the time, was elected to fill her seat.

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Ferry fare abolished

On July 4, 1997, the city Department of Transportation stopped collecting the 50-cent passenger fare on the Staten Island Ferry. It marked the first time in nearly 92 years of city-operated ferry service that no fare was collected. The $3 fare for cars was still collected. The bill was a major component of the "One City, One Fare" program, ensuring for the first time that people who lived and worked in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx would pay one fare to travel to and from Manhattan. As part of the program, bus and subway riders were able to make free transfers and the Staten Island Railway became free between Tompkinsillve and Tottenvile. "We're one city and should all pay the same amount to travel throughout the five boroughs," said then-Mayor Rudolph Giuliani when he signed the ferry bill.

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Abner Louima assaulted by NYPD cops

On Aug. 9, 1997, Haitian immigrant Abner Louima was sodomized with a broomstick in Brookyln's 70th Precinct stationhouse in what was considered the worst case of police abuse in the city at the time. Former Eltingville resident Justin Volpe was sentenced to 30 years in prison after he admitted carrying out the attack. After three trials and an overturned conviction, Charles Schwarz, a Westerleigh resident, was convicted of one count of perjury in 2002 -- lying when he said he didn't walk Louima out of the stationhouse bathroom. The jury deadlocked on the more serious charges of civil rights violations. The prosecutors immediately announced a fourth trial, but in a last-minute deal on Sept. 22, 2003, Schwarz agreed to serve five years in prison on the perjury charge to avoid another trial. He didn't have to admit guilt and prosecutors agreed to drop the remaining charges. He was released from prison in 2007. Louima received an $8.5 million settlement in his civil suit against the city and the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association.

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Landslide mayoral victory for Rudy Giuliani

Rudy Giuliani's hold on New Yorkers -- and especially Staten Islanders -- proved strong with his landslide re-election victory over Democratic challenger Ruth Messinger, 58 to 41 percent in November 1997. On Staten island, he pulled down 81 percent of the vote -- some 81,809 votes, according to the Staten Island Advance's official count. Messinger garnered 14,051 or 14 percent of the vote and Sal Albanese, who was running on the Independent Party line, got 5 percent of the tally with 5,104 votes. ``Four years ago this was a city defined by fear and doubt,'' he told a cheering crowd of supporters during his victory speech. "We turned this city around. Boy, did we turn this city around. I dedicate my second administration to reaching out to all New Yorkers so that they have that same spirit of success. No New Yorkers should be left out.''

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Sales tax eliminated on clothing purchases less than $100

New York shoppers got some good news when Gov. George E. Pataki announced a plan to eliminate sales tax on clothing purchases under $100 by Dec. 1, 1999. However, that was delayed until March of 1999 so the state could bring in $100 million in tax revenue from the Christmas shopping season, officials said at the time. Leading up the elimination, sales-free tax weeks boosted sales at stores -- some by more than 100 percent.

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Fresh Kills says goodbye to Bronx trash

On July 7, 1997, a private waste company began shipping Bronx residential garbage to a Virginia landfill and a Connecticut incinerator. The export was the city's first major step in weaning itself off of what was Staten Island's nemesis -- the Fresh Kills landfill. Rather than going to Sanitation's Bronx marine transfer station and placed on barges headed to Staten Island, the trash was picked up by Sanitation collection trucks and brought to Waste Management, Inc., a transfer station in Hunts Point. Fresh Kills closed completely on March 22, 2001. In this Advance file photo, former Borough President Guy V. Molinari and former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani ceremoniously dump Bronx trash.

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Express bus fare reduced

The MTA adopted a plan proposed by Gov. George E. Patraki to cut the express bus fare from $4 to $3 and also offer monthly, weekly and daily transit passes for riders.

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Vito Fossella elected to fill Susan Molinari's Congressional seat

After Republican Rep. Susan Molinari stunned the political world by announcing her departure from Congress to take on a role as a CBS anchor, her seat was up for grabs in a special election. Then, South Shore City Councilman Vito Fossella was tapped by the GOP to run. He defeated Democratic Assemblyman Eric Vitaliano by 62 percent of the vote.

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Staten Island Savings Bank goes public

On Dec. 22, 1997, the top officer of Staten Island Savings Bank rang the starting bell of the New York Stock Exchange and brought immediate good news to shareholders -- a quick 67 percent profit that hovered around the $20 mark throughout the day and closed at $19 for a 58.8 percent overall gain. Those who had been depositors of the bank as of March 31, 1996, and had at least $50 on deposit had the first crack at buying the common stock of the holding company

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Library branches temporary close after mold spores found

Mold spores in the air inside the Tottenville branch of the New York Public Library closed it in September 1997. The Health Department inspected the library after a staff member complained of respiratory problems and others noted a "funny smell. The agency concluded that the spores were likely the result of constant flooding in the basement. A temporary location with trailers was located around the block. In October, both the Stapleton and West New Brighton libraries were closed for abatement. The Stapleton library reopened in February 1998 and the West New Brighton library followed in March. The Tottenville branch opened in July 1998 after being closed for nearly a year.
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In her keynote address the External Affairs Minister said, "BIMSTEC is a natural choice to fulfil our key foreign policy priorities of 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East'."

By Geeta Mohan: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during the inaugural session of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation Ministerial Meeting (BIMSTEC) emphasised the importance of this meeting and how it would help further India's 'neighbourhood first' policy moving away from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

SAARC was considered the first and the 'natural' choice for India to enhance the cooperation in the region. In her keynote address the External Affairs Minister said, "BIMSTEC is a natural choice to fulfil our key foreign policy priorities of 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East'."

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The problem in moving forward with SAARC has been Pakistan's reluctance in rooting out terrorists that work against Indian and regional interests. India is now looking at BIMSTEC not only as a regional grouping to boost economic cooperation and connectivity but also to work in matters of peace and security.

Sushma Swaraj also spoke of the need to tackle 'traditional' and 'non-traditional' security challenges that threaten the region. She said, "We worked out collective strategies to counter the scourge of terrorism, violent extremism and trans-national crimes, as also to strengthen our maritime and cyber security cooperation. Specific follow-up measures in these areas are now under progress."

The BIMSTEC forum also focussed on enhancing connectivity, employment generation, development, enabling soft infrastructure such as Framework Agreement on Transit, Trans-shipment and movement of Vehicular Traffic and the Agreement on Coastal Shipping, at the earliest.

She also focussed on cross border exchange of power and renewable energy saying, "Let us build a strong renewable energy partnership to tackle climate change together, for a greener world tomorrow."

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj is in Kathmandu, Nepal for the BIMSTEC ministerial meeting at a time when India is pushing for a larger role in the regional grouping.

Also Read

Border standoff with China: Sushma Swaraj calls all-party meeting tomorrow Sushma Swaraj asks Geeta not to leave premises without informing anyone

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By PTI: By Shirish B Pradhan

Kathmandu, Aug 11 (PTI) Nepal has benefited tremendously from its "historic" ties with India and it seeks to further strengthen its bilateral relations with New Delhi, the Himalayan nations Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said today.

Deuba was speaking at a function held here to mark Indias 70 years of independence and highlight its major achievements over the past seven decades.

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The function hosted by Indias ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri was also attended by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other dignitaries.

"Nepal has benefited tremendously from its historic ties with India," he said, adding that his government seeks to further strengthen the India-Nepal relations.

"I look forward for meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi during my forthcoming visit to India," he said. Speaking on the occasion, Swaraj highlighted the strides made by India over the past 70 years of its Independence.

"India is not only the largest democracy in the world, but also a successful democracy," she said.

"In the past seven decades, there was not a single occasion when power was transferred through bullet instead of ballot paper," Swaraj said.

Highlighting the closest ties that bind India and Nepal, she underlined that India attached highest priority to its relationship with Nepal.

Deuba, who was the chief guest at the function held in Indian embassy in Kathmandu, complimented India for its achievements in various fields over the past 70 years.

CPN-Maoist Centre chairman Prachanda, Home Minister Janardan Sharma, Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala were among other over 250 dignitaries who attended the occasion.

During her two-day visit to the country, Swaraj participated in BIMSTEC-Foreign Ministers Meeting held in Kathmandu. Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal are members of the BIMSTEC.

She also called President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Deuba and met other senior political leaders of Nepal. PTI SBP MRJ

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By Mail Today Bureau: The sale and use of non-biodegradable plastic bags, which are less than 50 microns, would now attract a hefty fine of Rs 5,000. The National Green Tribunal on Thursday imposed this interim ban. Slamming the AAP government for its lackadaisical approach in implementing its own 2012 ban, the green panel directed Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and other authorities to seize the entire stock of such plastic within one week from Thursday.

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The NGT clarified that this is an interim direction which may be changed after hearing all the parties concerned. "We must express dissatisfaction over the way the Delhi government has implemented the direction of the tribunal in preventing and controlling pollution resulting from the indiscriminate use of plastic waste more particularly the carry bags of thickness 50 microns which are used in the market. "There shall be complete prohibition on use of non-compostable plastic bags which are less than 50 microns in entire Delhi for any purpose whatsoever. The city government and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee shall ensure that sale, use and storage of such plastic in not allowed at shops or otherwise," a bench, headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar, said.

"The tribunal noted that plastic degrades environment and causes serious damage to the health of human beings and animals. The sewer lines get choked due to indiscriminate dumping of plastic which also blocks free flow of water resulting in flooding of streets in the rainy season," the tribunal said.

Even the animals are subjected to the diseases and even death as a result of plastic getting mixed with wet waste which they eat. "Public authorities have failed to take appropriate steps in this regard and fulfill their statutory obligations," the bench, also comprising Justice R S Rathore and expert member B S Sajwan, said. The tribunal also directed the city government and the DPCC to file an affidavit by a senior most officer and inform it how directions with regard to waste management in the city were being implemented particularly with respect to plastics. Dunu Roy, an environment activist associated with Delhi based Hazards Centre, said there was nothing new in the order and the plastic manufactures will have no problem with the prohibition as ultimately the consumer will suffer by shelling money for bags. "There is nothing new in the NGT order. The tribunal's direction is only progression of an old issue as the authorities have failed to ensure prohibition.

Banning plastic of less than 50 microns would serve no problem. Plastic of all kinds should be banned. The NGT is only looking at the consumption level and the aim should be to stop at the production level.

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The manufactures will produce thicker material and ultimately the consumer will have to shell out the cost." "Cotton bags should be promoted by the authorities. Unfortunately, the alternatives are not being looked at," Roy said. Industry body All India Plastics Manufacturers Association welcomed the verdict and said it supports the NGT order in entirety.

"We welcome the NGT order banning plastic bags of less than 50 microns. The order is in line with the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016. The direction should be strictly implemented by the authorities. Thicker plastic means it can be used again and again. This would also benefit rag pickers economically," the association said.

Also Read:

NDMCs cash-for-trash fails as contractors unable to empty containers

New Delhi: Unarmed cops foil ATM robbery attempt

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Nitish Kumar has made it clear that he would not make any move to pacify a sulking Sharad Yadav. The Bihar CM, infact, is contemplating action against the senior JDU leader.

By India Today Web Desk: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was in New Delhi today to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah. Moments later after his meeting, Nitish made it clear that he would not make any move to pacify sulking senior Janata Dal United (JDU) leader Sharad Yadav.

Sharad Yadav is miffed with Nitish after he walked out of the Mahagathbandhan or grand alliance in Bihar and joined hands with the BJP last month.

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Yadav has gone public with his discontentment over Nitish's sudden decision to switch sides. But Nitish appears to be in no mood to placate the senior party leader.

In fact, after returning to Patna from New Delhi in the evening, Nitish called a meeting of his party MPs where he is believed to have discussed possible action against Sharad Yadav.

Sources said there was a consensus in the closed-door meeting over taking action against Sharad Yadav. He is likely to be removed as JDU's leader in Rajya Sabha.

A final decision in this regard is likely to be taken tomorrow (August 12).

JDU SUSPENDS MP ALI ANWAR

Meanwhile, the JDU has suspended MP Ali Anwar for participating in a meeting called by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi today.

Reacting to the party's decision, Ali Anwar said he is not perturbed by the suspension and would continue to fight for the right cause.

"Janta humare saath hai. Aaj jo desh ki neetiyan hain, usse koi toh todega, kisi Ali Anwar ko toh samne aana hi hoga. (People of the country are with us. The policies of the present government is ruining country and some Ali Anwar will have to raise his voice)," Ali Anwar said.

SONIA GANDHI'S COUNTER-BJP MEET

Leaders of 16 opposition parties today decided to evolve a joint strategy to build an 'alternative narrative' in the country to counter the BJP.

But cracks in the Opposition were visible as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a key ally of the Congress during the ten years of UPA rule, skipped the meeting convened and chaired by Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Opposition leaders authorised Gandhi to form a sub-group that would coordinate with other parties on public issues to be taken up before the start of Parliament's winter session.

The meeting in the capital was also attended by dissident JDU MP Ali Anwar Ansari, who is opposed to his party's alliance with the BJP in Bihar.

(With PTI inputs)

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ALSO READ:

Sharad Yadav hits out at Nitish Kumar, says he stands with Mahagathbandhan

Sharad Yadav's divorce with Nitish Kumar imminent. Marriage with Lalu Prasad on the cards?

Sharad Yadav's revolt against Nitish Kumar: How Janata Parivar unites to split

Sharad Yadav backs Gujarat MLA who voted for Ahmed Patel, deepening JDU rift

WATCH: It is unfortunate: JDU leader Sharad Yadav breaks silence over new Bihar coalition government

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San Mateo, CA (94402)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 41F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 41F. Winds light and variable.
The life of Hollywood siren Hedy Lamarr is a patchwork of tropes familiar to anybody who has seen a movie or read a book  the starlet swept off her feet by a rich and powerful man to find herself trapped in a gilded loveless cage, the young girl who dreams of fame and runs off to Hollywood, the smart woman underestimated and overlooked because of her sex and beauty.

But her story is also fascinatingly unexpected, played against a backdrop of some of the 20th century's epic moments, peppered with its well-known figures, and impacting on all of our lives to this day.

Hedy Lamarr was more than just a pretty face. Credit:AP

Sounds like hyperbole? Well, if you're reading these words on a device or tablet, Hedy Lamarr had a small role to play in that.

The woman who would become Hedy Lamarr was born Hedwig Keisler in Austria in 1914 and in the swish apartment of her banking family, enjoyed a childhood swaddled from the privations many in the post-war years faced.
"While some artists took a soft approach to the theme, others presented work that was shocking, articulate and hard to ignore. These works encourage us to consider our treatment of animals." The exhibition of work continues until Saturday, September 2 2017. Swinging 60s The Reel McCoy Film Group is screening 1966's Blow-Up featuring David Hemmings and a very 60s soundtrack. A successful fashion photographer (Hemmings) in swinging 60s London seems to have it all but he feels lonely and dissatisfied with his life. As he travels about, compulsively taking photographs, he begins to suspect that he may have taken pictures of a murder. Has he, or is it just his creative imagination working overtime? This engrossing, very watchable film was a major critical success for director Antonioni. At CMAG on August 13, 1pm.

Sisterly love Light and Heat is an exploration of the relationship between ceramics and photography and a collaboration between two sisters: Jane Kelly, a Sydney-based professional photographer, and Josephine Townsend, a Canberra-based ceramicist. The sisters chose a botanical theme with images of flowers, trees and ferns as the start point for developing the exhibition. Kelly's images are presented in high quality prints and are reinterpreted on Townsend's pots. Strong composition, styling and subtle lighting are the hallmark of Kelly's images, whilst Townsend's are essentially tactile, with surfaces, colours and curves that invite the touch. One of the major challenges of collating the exhibition was the tyranny of distance, with the sisters having to make decisions on the basis of phone camera images and text messages.

At Watson Arts Centre from August 17-September 10. Also showing at the same is Janet Fieldhouse's self-titled exhibition. Fieldhouse is the Canberra Potters current artist-in-residence. Her work reflects her Torres Strait Islander heritage: "the material culture, rituals of social and religious life, and artefacts which are created to fulfil the functional and spiritual needs of the peoples of the Torres Strait." Byrd, Adverbs of pandemic proportions, 2017. Unreliable Narrator Byrd, one of Canberra's pre-eminent mural and graffiti artists, is exhibiting at the Nancy Sever Gallery.

Unreliable Narrator features some of his recent works which have grown out of a longstanding relationship with Australia's natural environment: its fragility, management and the traces of human passage through it. His early ephemeral installations involved weaving architectural spaces from sticks or placements of recycled office furniture in the bush. Through graffiti and mural painting he has now turned his gaze towards urban space. His work pursues a "reclaim and re-use" agenda, made evident in the ornamental resurfacing of walls and storied objects through the use of an accumulated library of marks, patterns and icons. byrd's work may be found in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra Museum and Gallery, Craft ACT and various private collections both locally and abroad. Unreliable Narrator runs until September 3, 2017. Road trip to Collector

Around Here is a reflection on the community of Collector, with photographer Ann Hegyi documenting some of its people and way of life as part of an ongoing series. Settled in the 1820s there are six generations of farming families still living in the district. At the Helen Stephens Gallery in Collector from Sunday August 13, the exhibition also includes paintings by Helen Stephens. Perfect imperfections Christine Appleby is the winner of the Belconnen Community Gallery Emerging Artist Support Scheme prize and her exhibition Beauty in Imperfection features her textiles and ceramics that form the basis of her work. In textiles she works primarily with four-shaft looms to explore the possibilities of what weave can accomplish and investigates the use of non-traditional materials. In ceramics her practice focuses on the exploration of form through wheel work and hand manipulation.

Informed by an analysis of colour, shape, pattern and texture found in natural settings, her inspiration comes from many sources, such as a walk on the beach or through the bush. At the Belconnen Community Gallery from August 14-September 1. Jennifer Manning, Braidwood Landscape 1, acrylic and ink on board, 70 x 60 cm, detail Last chance Last week to see Jenny Manning's exhibition Layered Landscapes. A photograph was inadvertently mis-captioned a few weeks ago. Sweeps of landscape surrounding Canberra and Braidwood have inspired Manning, this is an intriguing departure from previous exhibitions where her drawings and paintings delved into the fine detail of twisted ropes, woven vessels, tendrils, fungi and veins.
Radford College has taken action against what it described as a defamatory Instagram account by questioning students for information on the page.

The Belconnen school last week launched an investigation into the now-closed account Radbellion, which described the school as "a brick prison" and singled out individual staff members.

Radford College principal Fiona Godfrey.

Principal Fiona Godfrey told The Canberra Times she received support from members of the school community for her efforts in shutting down the page.

"Radford is a caring community where we promote mutually respectful relationships, whether on campus or online," she said.
St Edmund's College principal Daniel Lawler has resigned, months after his leadership style was publicly questioned and as data shows a significant decline in enrolments.

Mr Lawler will leave St Edmund's at the end of this year and move to South Australia to be with his family.

St Edmund's College principal Daniel Lawler.

Parents were told he would continue in education and with his association with the Edmund Rice Foundation.

Mr Lawler wrote to parents on Friday: "I make this decision with mixed feelings, and will miss the most rewarding aspect of being principal of the college, the boys and their great spirit and enthusiasm.
Illustration: Simon Bosch. Chief executive Ian Narev faces questions over how sustainable his position was leading the bank, even as he delivered a bumper $9.9 billion profit, after the latest scandal to occur under his leadership. CBA's board, led by chairwoman Catherine Livingstone, responded to fierce public scrutiny by axing millions of dollars in executive bonuses and setting up a high-level committee to respond to the allegations amid continuing pressure for further action to hold responsible staff to account. But will this be enough to stem the pressure from investors, regulators and politicians on the bank and its bosses? By the end of the week, CBA had found itself under fire from some of the most powerful economic figures in the country, with Treasurer Scott Morrison slamming its "epic fail" and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission investigating whether the bank board and staff met their duties under corporate law.

Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe joined the critics, attacking the sector's focus on "short-term" profit at the expense of customers, and managing risks. "The desire for short-term profit has meant not enough attention is being paid to risk management, trust has been strained, banks know that," he said, speaking about the industry more broadly. Reserve Bank of Australia governor Philip Lowe lashed the banks. Credit:Paul Jeffers The allegations also raise wider questions about the risks created by the digital finance revolution. In an age when technology is only going to make banking more automated, and CBA is regarded as the most technologically adept bank, what lessons do the scandal hold for other banks? Reputations hit

Trust is perhaps the most important commodity banks possess. For that reason, some believe the most damaging aspect of the AUSTRAC case may not be any fine  though some analysts predict this could run into the billions of dollars  but the hit to CBA's reputation. Narev and Livingstone acknowledge this hit has already occurred to some extent. In fact Livingstone said "risk and reputation matters" lay behind the board's move to cut bonuses. Yet some broking analysts warn there could be more to come. CBA's share price has already slumped more than 4 per cent since the allegations, but the prospect of a looming court battle with AUSTRAC and any blowback from politicians and other regulators may inflict a further cost on the 800,000 shareholders of CBA.

UBS analyst Jonathan Mott this week told clients the allegations would be an "ongoing drag on its reputation", detracting from a profit result that beat expectations and was "clean with few issues of concern". CLSA's Brian Johnson told clients the brand of the country's largest retail bank would be "tarnished" and put the latest allegations in the context that it was also found to have last year wrongly knocked back some life insurance claims. Johnson said the CommInsure scandal "magnified a degree of distrust between all of the Australian banks, their retail customers, but just as importantly politicians". "CBA seem to make more missteps than peers which must inevitably impact customer perceptions of the CBA brand," he said. ASIC chairman Greg Medcraft also said directors needed to be aware of potential damage to reputations when he revealed on Friday the regulator was investigating whether CBA and its directors might have breached the Corporations Act.

ASIC chairman Greg Medcraft slammed banks over cultural failures. Credit:Christopher Pearce The other reputation being affected is that of Narev  a point he acknowledged this week, as he also signalled he would not be resigning. Narev conceded the bank had made "mistakes", that the allegations "reflect on me as chief executive", and that the buck stopped with him. "I am here because I am accountable for representing the bank and I am accountable for everything that happens in the institution under my watch," Narev said on the ABC's 7.30. Whether this performance will be enough to take some of the fierce heat off CBA  and indeed for how long Narev will remain chief  remains to be seen.

Bank watchers in the financial markets generally praise his discipline in staying "on message" and the fact that he fronted up to face the media. They stress the matter is yet to be decided by the court, while CBA investors also backed the board's decision to cut bonuses as a first step. A corporate governance expert said the bonus cut was unprecedented in the banking sector, though it is likely the bank's annual report, to be published on Monday, will still show top executives still received multimillion-dollar pay packets. "I'm not a believer that if something bad happens, you just have to get rid of people," said Angus Gluskie, managing director of $650 million White Funds Management, a CBA investor. "There's a little tarnishing of reputations there and that's going to be in investors' memories going forward, but I don't think people will look at this and say they've got some massive problem across the organisation," Gluskie said. But others who are further removed from the banks were more critical of the bank  and Narev's performance.

While Narev did admit there had been mistakes made, he did not apologise and did not directly answer if anyone had lost their job as a direct result of the allegations, instead saying there were "changes of leadership in key roles". Adam Kilgour, managing director of public affairs firm Diplomacy, says Narev's response this week appeared overly defensive, when he should have been trying to show contrition and demonstrate he is changing the bank's culture. "I did not hear one apology, I didn't hear any contrition," says Kilgour, who advises boards on managing their reputations. "It's not just the money laundering allegations, it's two or three years of cock-ups." With banks already on the nose among the public, politicians and regulators did not ease up on CBA either. Labor was openly questioning Narev's position. Shadow financial services minister Katy Gallagher said: "I think there are questions about whether the Commonwealth Bank is being well led."

Treasurer Scott Morrison on Thursday also stuck the boot into CBA repeatedly, after the board's promises to cut bonuses and hold those responsible to account. While noting the case was before the courts, the Treasurer also could not resist taking a swipe at the bank's "epic fail", suggesting the matter raised "very troubling" issues of culture and governance. Morrison made a point of this week saying the government was "prepared to consider all options" in relation to CBA, and in a separate radio interview on Thursday, Morrison said he was not about to give banks any "leave passes". ASIC's Medcraft, meanwhile, said he was "quite disappointed" that he had only found out about the AUSTRAC action when it went to court. While he praised the jobs Livingstone and Narev had done, he also said it was disappointing he was not told about the matter at a meeting two days before the action was lodged. That meeting was one ASIC had arranged to discuss "real risks" on the horizon for the country's biggest financial institutions.

"It's just very disappointing and I think, as I've said, I think it's a problem of culture in the organisation," Medcraft said on Friday. He did not make any comment about whether he would have expected AUSTRAC to give him warning of the action. Systems spotlight Aside from the damage to CBA's standing, the allegations highlight an inherent tension in banking: all the emphasis on making life easier for customers, including through digital technology, can create new risks if not properly managed. One of the key areas where CBA this week said it had spent an extra $85 million in the past two years is its "know your customer" systems.

This is essentially the obligation on banks to know who they are doing business with. An industry source points out, however, that there are commercial pressures to remove the "friction" from banking  by asking fewer questions of people, it is faster to sign them up to a new product. Taking the extra time to ask more questions, however, will tell a bank more about its customers. The allegations are also putting the spotlight on parts of the bank that normally get little public attention but are crucial: their internal compliance systems, and the lines of accountability in these enormous bureaucracies CBA has more than 50,000 staff and Narev also highlighted the sheer complexity of the company's structure and the potential for lines of accountability to be blurred in such a large bureaucracy. When asked which part of the bank was ultimately responsible for the IDMs, Narev nominated four different areas that could be involved. "Clearly, part of what we look at if events like this occur is, are the accountabilities clear enough?" he said.

Other banks have been keen to distance themselves from the CBA, with ANZ Bank this week saying AUSTRAC had reviewed its IDMs and this year found no evidence of non-compliance. Even so, the scandal highlights key industry-wide challenges. Managing director of anti-money laundering firm Kyckr, David Cassidy, points out AUSTRAC had given Australian banks a "very poor report card" on AML compliance in recent years, urging them to invest more in knowing about who they were dealing with as customers. He says that under the law, banks must hold "accurate and current" information about their customers  a threshold that's not always being met. "The big problem is that many financial institutions are not focused enough on assessing who these customers are that they provide accounts to," Cassidy says.

Anthony Quinn, who previously ran anti-money laundering compliance at Macquarie's retail bank, says it is a reminder for all banks of the importance of proper risk assessments and regular independent reviews to spot "compliance gaps". "The action taken against CBA should put all financial institutions on notice that AUSTRAC expect full compliance with the AML/CTF Act and highlights the importance of getting the basics right," says Quinn, who is now chief executive of Arctic Intelligence, which helps banks meet financial crime compliance obligations. UBS' Mott points out anti-money laundering is just one example of "operational risk" in a bank, which refers to risks from losses outside of unpaid loans, such as cyber attacks or mistreating of customers. These risks are rising, he says, partly because of the digital revolution. While the boom in digital banking has saved lenders money and makes banking far more convenient, these changes also raise the risks to banks from things such as cyber hacking, coding errors or system outages.
The pressure on the nation's embattled banks has intensified again in the wake of unusually pointed criticism from the Reserve Bank and a fresh blast out of the corporate watchdog over a poor culture in the sector.

Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe on Friday slammed the banks for a short-term profit mindset and cultural flaws.

The intervention from Dr Lowe came as the corporate regulator said it was investigating the country's biggest lender, Commonwealth Bank, over whether the bank and its board breached the Corporations Act in their handling of bombshell allegations the bank breached anti-money laundering laws.

At the same time as Dr Lowe was speaking, the chairman of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Greg Medcraft, told another hearing he was "a little stunned" he had not been told by the bank about the Austrac investigation over alleged breaches of anti-money laundering rules.
Four Queensland coal mines could be closed after allegedly failing to meet dust monitoring obligations designed to protect workers' health.

Glencore's Oaky North and Oaky No. 1 and Anglo's Moranbah North and Grosvenor have allegedly failed to meet their dust monitoring obligations during the second quarter of this year.

Four Queensland mines have failed to comply with statutory dust monitoring obligations. Credit:Robert Rough

It comes after the "re-emergence" of black lung in Queensland, which prompted a wide ranging inquiry into dust diseases, and 23 confirmed cases.

Queensland Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said he was advised the levels of non-compliance varied.
The Opposition led by Congress will be meeting in Parliament to chart out a new roadmap for the next three months on 'how to corner the NDA government'.

Focus will be on state specific issues to corner BJP and the united front of parties will also brainstorm a 'protest' plan.

By Supriya Bhardwaj: Post Nitish Kumar's exit, the Opposition will be giving another shot to the idea of Grand Alliance in the meet scheduled for later in the day today.

The Opposition led by Congress will be meeting in Parliament to chart out a new roadmap for the next three months on 'how to corner the NDA government'.

The meeting has been called by Congress President Sonia Gandhi and many senior leaders from the Opposition camp are expected to attend it.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW According to reports, 15-17 party leaders, members are expected to attend the meet. Interestingly, despite Nitish Kumar entering into alliance with BJP, JDU senior leader Sharad Yadav has also been extended an invitation for the meet. The Opposition parties will decide a Common Minimum Agenda wherein it will decide what all issues will be raised in the coming three months. There are five issues currently that have been zeroed in for discussion that include demonetisation, GST, farmers' plight, rising unemployment and political witch hunt of Opposition party leaders. Focus will be on state specific issues to corner BJP and the united front of parties will also brainstorm a 'protest' plan. Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee will be attending the meet as well. The West Bengal Chief Minister arrived in Delhi on Thursday and had a meeting with Congress President Sonia Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel. Earlier in the day, Patel had met other Opposition party leaders as well. The West Bengal Chief Minister arrived in Delhi on Thursday and had a meeting with Congress President Sonia Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel. Earlier in the day, Patel had met other Opposition party leaders as well.

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Four Queensland mines accused of breaching dust-monitoring rules designed to protect workers from the deadly black lung disease have been warned they could face prosecution.

Glencore's Oaky North and Oaky No. 1 and AngloAmerican's Moranbah North and Grosvenor have allegedly failed to meet their dust monitoring obligations during the second quarter of this year.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the four mines accused of breaching dust levels will face the full force of the law. Credit:AAP Image/Samantha Manchee

Inspectors have issued directives to the four mines to address deficiencies in their safety and health management systems.

Tougher dust-monitoring rules for mines have been introduced following the "re-emergence" of black lung, with 23 cases diagnosed so far.
Wage-setting methods (share of employees) Credit:ABS, RBA Every year the commission reviews, and usually increases, the "national minimum wage", which is the lowest amount any adult employee may be paid. In this year's review, the national minimum was increased by 3.3 per cent to $18.29 an hour. What's less well understood is that, at the same time it adjusts the national minimum wage  the minimum minimum, so to speak  the commission also adjusts all the various minimums for workers in different classifications set out in each of the many industrial awards. Average hourly earnings (wage-setting method, non-managerial employees) Credit:ABS, RBA Since 2011, the commission has increased the full set of award minimum wages by the same percentage as its increase in the national minimum wage.

According to the ABS's latest figures, for May last year, about 23 per cent of our 10.1 million employees were totally reliant on the relevant minimum wage set out in their award. Illustration: LeLievre. The slowly increasing proportion of part-time jobs could explain much of the increase in the award-only share. Next on the list of wage-setting methods is the 36 per cent of employees whose wages are set by "collective agreements". Most of these agreements are "enterprise bargaining agreements" negotiated with employers by a union representing the workers at the enterprise.

Enterprise agreements  which should be registered with the commission  build on the provisions of the employees' award, usually involving wage rates and conditions (such as paid leave) that are more generous than provided for in the award. That leaves 41 per cent of employees  the largest share  having their wages set by "individual arrangements". But this is a rag-bag group. It may include some people still on formal "individual contracts" left over from the Work Choices era, and it certainly includes managers and employees in highly paid professions whose wages and conditions have always been set by direct negotiation with the boss. But there's another, big and interesting group: all those ordinary workers whose "individual arrangement" is that they get the award wage plus $X a week, or plus Y per cent. This means a lot more workers' pay is protected by the award system than a quick look at the figures would suggest. Similarly, the commission's annual increase in award wage rates has a bigger effect on overall wage growth than you'd think.

Changing workforce So how have the proportions of employees in the three wage-setting categories been changing? Over the 14 years to the start of 2016, the share of employees covered by collective agreements has fallen by 1.8 percentage points to 36 per cent, while the share of individual agreements has fallen by 0.4 points to 41 per cent, meaning the share of award-only employees has increased by 2.2 points to 23 per cent. But before you take this as proof that a campaign against collective bargaining has forced more workers back to mere reliance on their award, remember there are other possible explanations. Changes in the composition of the workforce, for instance. Since most part-time employees are award-only, the slowly increasing proportion of part-time jobs could explain much of the increase in the award-only share.

And remember this: some industries are growing faster than others, but different industries have different degrees of reliance on particular wage-setting methods. For instance, collective bargaining is most common in public administration (covering 78 per cent of employees), education and training (63 per cent), utilities (60 per cent), and health care (55 per cent). That is, industries dominated by the public sector. Individual arrangements are most common in professional and technical services (80 per cent), wholesale trade (70 per cent), rental and real estate services (63 per cent), construction (58 per cent) and  get this  manufacturing (55 per cent). That leaves the award-only method most common in hospitality (43 per cent), admin services (42 per cent) and retailing (34 per cent). It's true that hourly rates of pay are highest for employees with collective bargaining ($39.60), with individual arrangements next on $38.50, and award-only last on $29.60.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has made clear that he would invoke the relevant clauses of the ANZUS Treaty should North Korea launch an attack on American forces. These are clauses to "consult" not automatically commit force, but that would be the logic of it. It is distinctly possible that miscalculation by North Korea in the current crisis could trigger those commitments though the event is still not likely.

President Trump's "fire and fury" statements earlier this week drew him into the rhetorical contest the Kim Jong Un regime finds empowering.

Kim Jong-un is waging carefully calibrated brinkmanship but what is Trump's game plan? Credit:AP

The default position in Australian domestic national security debate in these circumstances is hand wringing over whether or not our alliance obligations impair our right of sovereign decision. They don't, of course. The Prime Minister's response to a hypothetical but possible situation make that clear. It would be his decision to invoke ANZUS not an automatic commitment. The situation with the Korean Peninsula has some special wrinkles however.

We have a commitment there which is as close to automatic as we can get. It does not arise from the ANZUS alliance but from the United Nations. We are still technically at war on the Peninsula but we are signatories to an Armistice, agreed with the UN. That concluded hostilities in 1953 on the condition that should it break with an unprovoked attack by the North on the South, we would respond. That would invariably involve an attack on American forces stationed in South Korea which of course would also trigger an ANZUS consultation and the PM is clear on what would follow.
Blanche Blackwell, who has died aged 104, was the mother of the record mogul Chris Blackwell, the mistress of novelist Ian Fleming and one of the last survivors from the age when some 20 families ran Jamaica. Her family, the Lindos, were Sephardic Jews from Portugal who had arrived in Jamaica in 1743 to make their money from sugar, rum, coconuts and cattle. Their finances were said to have been weakened by a large loan to Napoleon, which was never repaid. Blanche first met Ian Fleming at a Kingston dinner party in 1956. At first they did not get on: he thought her "a stupid bitch", albeit an attractive one; she found him insufferably rude. "Don't tell me you're a lesbian," he demanded. Later he was said to have used her as the model for the glamorously bisexual martial-arts expert Pussy Galore in Goldfinger (less gallantly he named the decrepit guano tanker in Dr No the Blanche). Gradually they got to know each other, however, and Fleming, enchanted by Blanche's mischievous wit and vivacity, started inviting her to his house, where she enjoyed snorkelling.

Haruo Nakajima, the Japanese actor who first portrayed Godzilla, the roaring, fire-spraying, Tokyo-demolishing, irradiated sea monster that launched a global franchise, died August 7. He was 88. The cause was pneumonia, his daughter Sonoe Nakajima said. No other details were immediately available. Nakajima began his acting career after World War II as a stuntman in samurai movies, winning a small role as a bandit in director Akira Kurosawa's 1954 drama, Seven Samurai. But he would forever be associated with Godzilla, made that same year, in which a menacing, dinosaur-like creature lumbers through the Japanese capital, razing infrastructure and terrorising the population. He reprised the role in a dozen sequels as Godzilla went on to battle giant moths, armadillos and other foes, epitomising campy filmmaking at its best  or worst.

In Passing Credit:Fairfax

Helen Alexander, who has died aged 60, was the first and so far only female president of the Confederation of British Industry, and a champion of the cause of women in the boardroom. Alexander made her own senior business career as chief executive from 1997 to 2008 of The Economist, presiding over sustained rises in circulation and profits and driving the magazine's digital developments. Her reputation there was of a calm, thoughtful and kindly boss with "a leadership style that lacked fireworks and did not seek fame"  but who nevertheless ran "a tight ship with stretching targets", as one colleague put it. If the print media industry was relatively open to the rise of female talent, many other sectors were slower to begin dismantling the "glass ceiling". But in her portfolio of non-executive appointments, Alexander's quietly determined style enabled her also to make a mark in male-dominated boardrooms such as those of the gas supplier Centrica and the aero-engine maker Rolls-Royce. At both, she undertook the challenging task of chairing the remuneration committees that set senior executives' pay.
Just how long might equal marriage be delayed? How high might be the social costs? How many people might be driven to suicide by the months, years, of divisive debate? We struggle to explain the impasse to interested outsiders  people who have thought of us as an accepting, friendly place. The land of the fair-go. "It's nothing to do with the Australian people," we might explain to an interested outsider. Being this far back in the field is unusual for Australia  a country which has so often been an early adopter. "Most of us are in favour of the change. Some of us are passionate about equal marriage, while others just want the parliament to accept the change and then move on to other things. Many, for instance, believe their politicians could give the price of electricity a tiny bit of attention....."

The interested outsider might then scratch his or her head. "So if nearly everyone is favour ... " We would then start babbling about how we have this Prime Minister  "he's actually very gay-friendly himself"  before explaining that he doesn't have a grip on the numbers in his own party. Again, the interested outsider might interpose a question: "So the rest of his party, I imagine, must be really anti-gay, fundamentally opposed to equal marriage." We'd pause before answering that one. "Well, not really. In fact, it's called the 'Liberal Party' because it usually backs the individual. But gay marriage has become a talisman, a sort of litmus test, for the Prime Minister. It's the way he proves his loyalty to the party-room. You know, that he's willing to bend to their will."

More head scratching. "Couldn't they choose some other policy area as a way he could prove his loyalty? Less dangerous for individual Australians? Couldn't he prostrate himself over something else?" At that point we'd either walk off or start explaining about Tony Abbott and the "long shadow"  to quote Mark Kenny  that has fallen over Turnbull's prime ministership, a shadow so dark it's become unclear whose prime ministership this is. How to explain all of this to the outsider? OK, perhaps this is overblown, but it's one way of painting the picture. It's like the proxy war that's currently being fought between America and Russia in Syria. Oh, and also throw in Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. None of those countries care much about Syria, but they want to show off their muscle and their influence, and so they have all chosen Syria as the battlefield in which their contest is held. It's not so great for the people who live there.

In what is, of course, a less bloody and physical battle, marriage equality has become the battlefield for the proxy war between Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott. Here's the similarity: it's not so great for the people who live there. If the Prime Minister had a firmer grip on his own party, equal marriage would already be through the parliament. Some of us could already be celebrating the change by attending the marriages of our friends. I don't mean to stereotype, but I reckon my gay and lesbian friends would put on a good bash. It might even help the economy. In fact , here in "the laboratory of the world", perhaps we could conduct an experiment about the exact lift to GDP that might occur after equal marriage has been legislated.
Labor senator Penny Wong delivered an emotional speech on same-sex marriage in the Senate. Credit:Andrew Meares And given the postal ballot will be voluntary, the views of some social groups (like those more likely to use postal services) will feature more heavily than others. Arguably, such an unweighted data set falls short of the rigorous standards of statistical information. More broadly, if opinions about marriage law are considered statistical information, it is hard to think of what sorts of information do not fall into that category. Is it the case that any collection of data is a statistical exercise? If so, the ABSs powers are very broad. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says it is important the "no" vote does not prevail in the same-sex marriage debate. Credit:Lukas Coch The second legal question concerns the governments authority to spend money on an ABS-run postal vote. Finance Minister Mathias Cormann acted quickly to source the $122 million required from a little-used advance appropriated by Parliament in this years budget.

However, the ministers advance fund is reserved for urgent and unforeseen expenditure. It is doubtful that spending on a postal plebiscite falls into either of these categories. By way of comparison, in 2016 the government gave the AEC $101 million in advance funds to help it implement major changes to Senate voting in time for the July federal election. There is no similar urgency in a vote on same-sex marriage. And, if anything, the need to spend money on same-sex marriage poll was entirely predictable. The governments budget papers anticipated spending $170 million for this purpose. Legal questions aside, the ABS is poorly equipped to run a plebiscite on same-sex marriage. It has significant expertise in collecting factual information on the economy, housing, crime and many other matters that is of immense value to governments and researchers. But it has never run a poll of this kind.

The closest precedent occurred more than 40 years ago. In 1974, the ABS conducted a telephone survey of 60,000 Australians asking for their preferences on the national anthem. But that is altogether different from the massive logistical exercise of administering a postal ballot for 15 million voters on a contentious social issue. The stakes are higher and the risk of mistakes is greater. And there will be little tolerance for error. For the ABS, even the basic task of sending out ballot papers will not be straightforward. Unlike the AEC, it does not have direct access to the electoral roll. The Commonwealth Electoral Act sets down rules about who can access the electoral roll and for what purpose. Under regulations, the AEC may provide the ABS with information on the roll for the purpose of collecting, compiling, analysing and disseminating statistics and related information. It would therefore be open to the AEC to refuse the ABS access to the roll, including on the basis that a poll on marriage is not about collecting statistics. Assuming that the ABS gains access to the roll, it is unclear whether it will be able to send ballot papers to all registered voters. The position of silent electors is particularly uncertain.

The addresses of silent electors are not displayed on the roll: to do so would put their safety, or the safety of their family, at risk. Also, the AEC is not permitted to provide information about silent electors to agencies such as the ABS. As a result, silent electors may wonder if they will be able to participate in the poll. The addresses of eligible overseas voters also do not appear on the roll. However, Cormann has said they will receive ballot papers provided they have registered as an overseas voter and provided their overseas address. More generally, the ABS lacks the AECs institutional capacity when it comes to conducting nationwide votes. These are highly complex exercises, which involve distributing, collecting and transporting ballot papers, and then counting them quickly and securely. Cormann has said AEC officers will be seconded to the ABS to assist the process. ABS involvement in the plebiscite raises particular problems, but the shortcomings of a voluntary postal vote go well beyond who is administering it.

Even if turnout is high, we cannot be confident that the result is representative of community opinion. For example: Young people move address more frequently than the rest of the population and are less likely to receive the ballot papers.

Homeless electors and grey nomads may also find it hard to participate.

Communities with limited access to reliable postal services (including Indigenous people living in more remote parts of Australia) may be disadvantaged. Also worrying is that the postal vote will take place without the usual protections of election law. Campaigners will be able to circulate unauthorised material  including posters and pamphlets with harmful messages about same-sex couples and their families  without fear of legal consequences. And if the result is close there will be no clear process for resolving claims about the formality of votes and other contentious administration issues. The voluntary postal vote on same-sex marriage should be abandoned. Not only does it rest on shaky legal foundations, it risks damaging the standing of two of our most trusted national institutions.
One person who was not surprised by Tony Abbott's hoarse declaration of a general culture war at the doors of Parliament House on Wednesday morning was the American activist Evan Wolfson.

You'll remember that Abbott, perhaps suffering from a winter bug, fronted the cameras and announced the same-sex marriage plebiscite was about far more than simply blocking one group of Australians from marrying.

"I say to you if you don't like same-sex marriage, vote no," said Abbott. "If you're worried about religious freedom and freedom of speech, vote no, and if you don't like political correctness, vote no because voting no will help to stop political correctness in its tracks."

Later that day the director of the Australian Christian Lobby, Lyle Shelton, wrote that "the marriage plebiscite is a referendum on freedom of speech and 'safe schools'". He has lamented the "stolen generation" that are the children of Australian gays.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has declared Australia would invoke the ANZUS security treaty for only the second time in its history in response to any attack by North Korea against the United States.

Mr Turnbull also pushed back against calls - including from former prime ministers Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd - for Australia to develop a missile defence shield to protect the mainland from the threat of North Korea's nuclear weapons and long-range missile program.

The Prime Minister's commitment to assist the US caps off days of escalating tensions, with US President Donald Trump threatening to unleash "fire and fury" on the rogue state and the North Korean regime warning it would attack the US Pacific territory of Guam.

"The United States has no stronger ally than Australia. We have an ANZUS agreement and if there is an attack on Australia or the United States ... each of us will come to the other's aid," Mr Turnbull told Melbourne radio station 3AW on Friday.
A PAC-3 Patriot missile unit deployed in the compound of the Defense Ministry in Tokyo, after North Korea announced a detailed plan to launch a volley of ballistic missiles over Japan and towards the US Pacific territory of Guam. Credit:Shizuo Kambayashi Japan might not like the evolving international order, with China the pre-eminent nation in the Asia-Pacific region, but it may have to accept it. But over a week in Tokyo and Okinawa, as Fairfax Media was granted rare and wide-ranging access to leading figures in the departments of Foreign Affairs and Defence and the national security establishment, as well as to a range of academics and think tanks, a uniformly pessimistic view of North Korea activities emerged, as did grave concerns about China's geo-strategic intentions. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump spoke at the start of the month and agreed to take further action against North Korea following its latest missile launch. Credit:Shizuo Kambayashi, Evan Vucci Japan's political and military elite are grappling with how to calibrate their response to the existential threat posed by North Korea, just a short 1200 kilometres away across the Sea of Japan.

Much of the discussion was not for attribution so as to allow these policy makers within government ministries to speak freely or, as one official put it, to "give you more than the party line". Kim Jong Un displays some "narcissistic personality traits'', according to a South Korean expert. Credit:AP Yoichi Kato, a senior fellow at Tokyo think tank the Asia Pacific Initiative and also an adjunct fellow at Washington's Centre for Strategic and International Studies, is deeply enmeshed in both the Japanese and US national security establishments and a regular participant in so-called track 1.5 dialogues  but as he is not a government official, he can also say bluntly that at which officials only hint. Japan, he says, faces two inconvenient truths. A public TV screen broadcasts news of North Korea's test-firing of its second intercontinental ballistic missile, in Tokyo, Japan. North Korea was the main concern cited in the 'white paper' approved by Japan's cabinet this week. Credit:Eugene Hoshiko

"The first is thatballistic missile defence is not good enough, you cannot intercept and shoot down all the missiles North Korea may shoot. That's beyond BMD capability. The second is that US extended deterrence may break. We may come under nuclear attack from North Korea," he tells Fairfax Media. "So because of those intricacies, which really jeopardise Japanese security, the argument in Japan right now is [whether] to have our own deterrence capabilities, or even our own offensive capabilities. We perhaps need to redefine the Japan-US relationship, which has traditionally been Japan being the shield and the US the spear." The launch of a Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile at an undisclosed location in North Korea on July 28. Credit:AP His hawkish views on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (whatever agreement he makes, he cheats), Trump (you can't trust him) and China (it wants North Korea and the South China Sea as strategic buffers) are blunt outliers in so far as how they are expressed, but not in so far as how they assess the current security environment for Japan. He sums up the situation like this: "Japan's ultimate concern on Trump is that our national security interests will be traded away for US economic interests."

Therefore, he says, Japan has three options: building up its internal power; strengthening its network of alliances with countries like Australia, India and ASEAN nations such as Vietnam; or hugging China closer, as the Philippines appears to be doing. Noriyuki Shikata, a senior diplomat in Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is one of the few government officials who agreed to speak on the record to Fairfax Media during a week of policy discussions. He is far more careful in how he describes the geo-strategic challenges confronting Japan. Shikata returns again and again to two ideas: the need for a "free and open Indo-Pacific; and the importance of a rules-based international order respected by all players, including China and North Korea. "We want to gain partners across the region, including the US, Australia, New Zealand, India and ASEAN countries. As far as the security landscape, we are extremely concerned about North Korean missile development.We think that it is extremely important to be united among like-minded countries to prevent North Korea pursuing its nuclear missile program," he says. Asked what specifically Japan wants from Australia, Shikata demurs, and says only that his government was "very much encouraged by the message from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in the context of the Shangri-La dialogue [and that] Foreign Minister Bishop has sent a strong message from Australia" on the need to respect the rules-based order.

In that Shangri-La dialogue speech, in June, Turnbull said the Asia-Pacific region had to "find new sources of leadership to help the United States shape our common good"  a message that was well received in Japan because of a perception that smaller nations in the region, confronted by the growth in the military strength of China and at the same time increasingly dependent on China for trade, appear reluctant to stand up to China over its militarisation of the South China Sea or its support for North Korea. A case in point: an ASEAN meeting this week could only agree to a "negotiating framework for a code of conduct" in the South China Sea, despite Vietnam leading the charge for a stronger stand against Chinese expansionism. Shikata says Japan has switched its diplomatic focus from cultivating individual countries in the region to a more regional strategy  the free and open Indo-Pacific  and that it wants to have "even closer discussions and dialogue with our allies and security partners". Could that Indo-Pacific strategy be interpreted as a bulwark against China's "One Belt, One Road" policy, and its Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank? Shikata again demurs, and switches to highlighting the importance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Japan remains hopeful that a TPP11 (minus the US) will be signed off on, and that at some point in the future  presumably post-Trump  the US will sign up too. Broadly speaking, Japanese security officials divide the world into "revisionist" states such as China and Russia  those that want to upend the current international order  and supporters of the status quo, such as Japan, the United States and Australia.

What they worry about, primarily, is North Korea's missiles and nuclear ambition; China's expansion into the South and East China seas; and Russia's desire to re-draw the map of Europe. As one official puts it, Japan had hoped that "as they [China] became rich, so they would become good" but that hasn't happened. Now, a sharply realpolitik consensus view is emerging. "We welcome China's rise, but if they try to take our territory, we will defend it," one official says. Yuichi Hosoya, a politics professor at Keio University and some-time informal adviser and dinner companion to Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe, says  like Kato  there is grave concern in Japan that Trump could agree to negotiate with North Korea over its nuclear program and, in so doing, agree to a "de-coupling" of the decades-old US-Japan defence alliance. Trump's rhetoric on trade has spooked Japanese policy makers.

"One of the biggest nightmares is that the Unites States' current government will link trade issues with security issues, because of the large trade surplus with Japan. President Trump will possibly say that without reducing unbalanced trade the United States cannot defend Japan," Hosoya says. The solution? "In January, in Canberra, I said that Japanese, Australia and Indian co-operation will become more important to maintain the rules-based international order in the Asia-Pacific  because the United States might lose interest in playing its previous role, in maintaining the international order," Professor Hosoya says. "So Japan, Australia, India must play a role in filling the vacuum created by the dysfunction of the White House." While North Korea represents a clear and present danger for the Asia-Pacific region and for the rules-based international order, it is the rise of China  and the ascent of Trump to the presidency  that is the causing the most concern in Japan.

North Korea is just the most obvious manifestation of a changing international order. But fairly or unfairly (no doubt China would say unfairly) Japan views China's rise as the greater medium-term challenge. As Kato says, there is a near-consensus view on North Korea that the "best we can hope for" is to involve them in negotiations, buy time, and slow down development of nuclear weapons. Can the issue be solved? "That's the question no one can answer," he says, with a rueful grin.
Ben Affleck and his girlfriend, Saturday Night Live producer Lindsay Shookus, have caught the attention of paparazzi over the past few weeks, but what really stands out is the seemingly constant presence of iced coffee. The drink figures into most shots of the couple, as The Cut recently pointed out, with a substantial number of images keeping with a tradition of photographing celebrities acting "just like us," a phrase that hopefully doesn't extend to Affleck's very wet T-shirt.

"I've seen a couple of them where he's double-fisting," said Steven Rea, author of Hollywood Cafe: Coffee With the Stars.

Ben Affleck and his girlfriend, Saturday Night Live producer Lindsay Shookus are constantly holding iced coffee. Credit:Josiah Kamau

Fetching a simple cup often acts as a mysteriously humanising force for celebrities - "a common denominator," as Rea put it - because it's affordable and often part of a daily ritual. Sure, Taylor Swift reportedly bought a Rhode Island mansion for $17.75 million (A$22.57 million), but she grabs the same iced coffee we do. It wasn't always this way, though. Coffee used to do the opposite, acting as visual evidence that celebrities were way cooler than the rest of us.

Coffee has "always been a part of the fabric of the Hollywood scene" because of early-morning call times, according to Rea. His 192-page book, published in 2015, is filled with vintage photographs that feature actors drinking coffee on and off set. There are shots of Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart making it at home with fancy gadgets, and others of Grace Kelly and Steve McQueen at the craft services table on movie sets.
I&B Minister Smriti Irani has responded to the petition to ban Pehredaar Piya by writing to BCCC (Broadcasting Content Complaints Council).

By India Today Web Desk: There is a possibility that Pehredaar Piya Ki might be taken off air, as I&B Minister Smriti Irani has taken a prompt action against the show after coming across an online petition to ban the show, filed on change.org.

Sony TV's recently-launched daily soap shows a 9-year-old boy falling for an 18-year-old girl, proposing her for marriage, and subsequently getting married to her; followed up by suhaag raat and honeymoon sequences.

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According to Spotboye, Irani has written to Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) and has asked them to take immediate action against the show, on priority basis.

The petition to ban Pehredaar Piya Ki, addressed to Smriti Irani, was filed on change.org by Mansi Jain and it has 103,106 supporters so far and counting.

"A 10-year-old impressionable little kid ("piyaa") caressing and stalking a lady who's more than double his age and filling sindoor in her "maang" is being telecasted at prime time, family time. Imagine the kind of influence it will steadily and perpetually infuse in the viewers' mindset. We want a ban on the serial. We do not want our kids to be influenced by such TV serials," read the petition.

The show stars Tejasswi Prakash (Diya) and Afaan Khan (Ratan), Suyyash Rai (Abhay), Parmeet Sethi (Harshwardhan Maan Singh) and Kishori Shahane (Padma Singh) among others.

Also read: 5 things Pehredaar Piya Ki producer said that are more ridiculous than his show

Also read: Pehredaar Piya Ki actress Tejasswi Prakash says her show is quite similar to Game of Thrones

Also read: Suhaag raat to popcorn grihapravesh: 4 ridiculous things that happened on Pehredaar Piya Ki

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Long before debates on marriage equality dragged on, Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, in 1984 truly was the beating heart of gay and lesbian Sydney, its bars and clubs filled with social refugees cast out from the mainstream looking for a safe haven just to be themselves .

Just six years after heavy-handed police officers were arresting the gay rights protesters who marched in what became the precursor to the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which our city so cherishes today, 1984 was also the year the late Neville Wran decriminalised homosexuality in NSW.

This year will be the last for the Bobby Goldsmith Bake Off fundraiser.

But a dark cloud had also cast a gloomy shadow over the once feted Golden Mile, especially when a handsome and popular young gay man named Bobby Goldsmith succumbed to a terrible new disease called AIDS. He was just 38.

Mass hysteria and ignorance had turned sick young men like Goldsmith into pariahs.
Jasmine Yarbrough didn't make the guest list for Today news reader Sylvia Jeffreys' wedding earlier this year to Peter Stefanovic, despite her relationship with Jeffrey's colleague Karl Stefanovic.

But it seems the pair have now put the past behind them and were all smiles for the cameras as they wrapped an arm around each other at the highly anticipated David Jones Spring Summer 2017 fashion show on Wednesday evening.

Yarbrough certainly has plenty to smile about now that her shoe line with Tamie Ingham, Mara and Mine, has been picked up by the department store.

Little was known about the former model, 33, before she met father-of-three Stefanovic, 43, and it seems she wants to keep it that way. Despite having a business to promote, she rushed off the David Jones black carpet rubbing a watery, red eye while declining an interview request by Fairfax Media.
A primary school student with autism was restrained by teachers and locked in a time-out room for more than an hour, during which time the student wrapped an electrical cord around their neck, a NSW Ombudsman's report reveals.

A teacher standing outside the room ignored the student during the isolation, despite instructions that the student was not to be restrained and was to be checked on after three minutes if placed in time-out.

A new Ombudsman's report finds that the use of isolation, physical restraints and suspension or expulsion for students with behavioural problems is prevalent in NSW schools. Credit:Tamara Voninski TVZ

Another primary student with a disability was locked in a time-out room for three hours, contrary to Department of Education guidelines and without any risk assessment, incident recording or reviews.

These are two of many incidents referenced in a damning Ombudsman's report on behaviour management practices used by public, Catholic and private schools across the state. Many of the students affected have disabilities or have faced trauma and significant disadvantage.
A British tourist who allegedly groomed a 13-year-old Sydney girl to have sex in his campervan has been caught in an undercover sting.

John Alexander Kenyon, 34, who was travelling Australia's east coast in a campervan, was arrested in Westmead on Friday after arriving from Cairns.

Police allege that last week he began talking online to a person who he thought was a 13-year-old girl living in Sydney.

He engaged in "sexually-explicit conversations with the child," police said in a statement. "The man told the child he was driving down the coast from Cairns and made arrangements to meet when he arrived in Sydney."
Sydney renters could occupy their homes for decades or might even pass them down to their children under a proposal to increase the supply of affordable and stable housing for people locked out of Sydney's surging property market the NSW government announced it was developing on Friday.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the government was "very keen" to look at creating a "build to rent" sector of property development in NSW to make housing more stable and affordable for the one-third of Sydney-siders who rent.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet says consultants are needed for their expertise. Credit:Geoff Jones

The build-to-rent sector has big investors build apartments to lease on a long-term basis, sometimes indefinitely. Investors receive steady returns; renters get steady living arrangements in turn, advocates say.

In a speech to the NSW Property Council Mr Perrottet said the government had already begun exploring options for incentivising investors to build for steady rental returns in favour of windfall profits, which some analysts say have held back the model especially in Sydney's growing market.
The residents of the controversial tent city in Martin Place prepared to leave the site on Friday morning, following months of negotiations between the state government and the City of Sydney council.

After more than six months camped outside the Reserve Bank building at the eastern end of Martin Place, the homeless community started moving on about 9am, after a change in legislation that would have resulted in them being forced out.

The man dubbed the "Mayor of Martin Place", Lanz Priestly, said some camp dwellers were moving to "friend's places" or "friend's backyards".

"There are some of the people who are from here who don't have anywhere to go," he said.
A man is due to face a Sydney court charged over the sexual assault of a three-year-old girl.

It's alleged the man assaulted the toddler at a guest house in Wheatley road, Perisher Valley, on July 15. The man was a stranger to the child and her family.

The 50-year-old was arrested at a home in Roseville, on Sydney's upper north shore, on Friday following investigations.

He has been charged with sexual intercourse with a child under 10 and indecent assault of a person under 16 years of age.

He was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court on Saturday.
The Ibrahim famiy home in Merrylands. Credit:Brendan Esposito Fadi was shot five times in his black Lamborghini outside his Castle Cove home in 2009 and had worked as a loan shark ever since. And the youngest, John's favourite brother Michael, served six years in jail for stabbing a man to death in a dispute that originated over one group of men giving a rude gesture to the other. Daniel Ibrahim with his father John. John instead chose to build an empire on Sydney's "Golden Mile", owning or operating 40 nightclubs in a 16-year reign as the so-called "King of the Cross". He was once described as the "new lifeblood" of the area's drug trade but has strenuously denied the claim.

"The difference between all four Ibrahim boys is a puzzle to me," he mused in his book. "Someone should do a study on us like a National Geographic nature versus nurture show. How can four boys grow up in the same house, eat the same food, live on top of each other and turn out so different?" Dawn raids At dawn on Tuesday, the Ibrahim family home was one of 30 raided across Sydney as more than 500 police carried out one of the largest organised crime stings ever conducted in Australia. John's Dover Heights home was turned upside down and eighteen arrests were made across Australia, the UAE and the Netherlands. Fadi, Michael Ibrahim and three major players in Sydney's underworld were picked up in late night raids in one of Dubai's luxury high-rise complexes.

Police search John Ibrahim's clifftop home in Dover Heights. Credit:Janie Barrett John's son Daniel was charged with allegedly handing over a suitcase of $2.2 million. His model girlfriend and Kings Cross club owner Sarah Budge was charged over a loaded firearm. John, who calls himself "Mr Legit", has denied any involvement and has not been charged. The allegations centre around Michael who, out of prison for less than two years, allegedly started two-timing between rival Sydney drug syndicates, facilitating importations of 1.9 tonnes of MDMA, ice and cocaine using a business partner known as MW1. According to a police statement of facts tendered in court, MW1, now a key police witness, imported drugs using what he called "the door", a scheme that was able to get goods into Australia without them being screened at ports.

Michael, 39, and MW1 allegedly took a 20 per cent cut from both syndicates, which they split 50/50. The first syndicate reads like a who's who of Sydney's underworld. Ahmad "Rock" Ahmad of the notorious Ahmad crime family; Mustapha "Fairy" Dib, a "Telopea Street boy" who ran amok in the '90s and was acquitted of murder last year' and convicted drug smuggler and gambling addict Hassan "Faks" Fakhreddine. The trio allegedly imported from Hakan "Little Huks" Arif, the right-hand-man to drug smuggler Hakan "Huks" Ayik, who skipped Australia in 2010 while on bail for heroin supply and has settled in Dubai. Police allege Arif sourced drugs from the Netherlands through associate Nejmi Saki, 41, a Dutch-Turkish national living in Dubai and boss of a major European criminal syndicate.

Ahmad "Rock" Ahmad of the notorious Ahmad crime family. Credit:Nick Moir The second syndicate was helmed by the Ahmad family's bitter and bloodied rivals, the Elmirs, namely Steven Elmir, who fled to Dubai last year after a shoot-out that killed his brother-in-law. In November last year, Michael Ibrahim and Double Bay real estate agent Ryan Watsford, a close friend of John Ibrahim, started discussions with the first syndicate about utilising the "door" to import drugs into Australia. They planned an importation of pseudoephedrine from Lebanon but, after growing impatient at delays, shifted to importing 800 kilograms of MDMA from the Netherlands through Saki. Thousands of messages were exchanged via BlackBerrys, the device of choice for organised criminals for its unbreakable military-grade encryption and closed-loop network. Michael messaged under the usernames "Rakontur.88", "Entertainer88" and "H0llyw00d". Ahmad was "Narcosaint", Fakhreddine was "Blacknight", Watsford was "Barbiedoll", Arif was "Mr Billionaire" and "Babyface".

In a move that may not have been known by the first syndicate, Michael was also meeting with Elmir, or "Mr Worldwide", over a plan for the second syndicate to use "the door" to import 500 kilograms of MDMA and 20 kilograms of cocaine to the same Sydney market. May was a busy month for Michael. He flew to Dubai and met with Elmir and MW1 to discuss the 500-kilogram importation. A week later, back at nephew Daniel's house, he allegedly met with the first syndicate to hand over $1.12 million for MW1's share of a quarter of the 800-kilogram shipment. It's also alleged Michael used his cousin, Nomads bikie boss Sleiman Tajjour, to supply more MDMA to MW1. Tajjour's name has not been far from the headlines since he and Michael served time for the manslaughter of Fat Pizza comedian George Nassaur's brother Robin in 2006. Yet his alleged involvement appears to be confined to supplying samples of MDMA at his cousin's instruction. Leading criminal lawyer, Omar Juweinat, who represents Tajjour, said the case was built on "a series of assumptions, and unsafe ones". He said those assumptions will come at a high cost to his client and the other men, who are likely to spend more than two years on remand in maximum security prisons "waiting to learn their fate". Likewise, Bellevue Hill businessman Jaron Chester, also arrested in this week's raids, appears to have been used to conduct Michael's dirty work. He allegedly laundered money for the men and, when he skimmed $30,000 off a $200,000 transaction to pay rent to his parents, was punished by having his head shaved and eyebrows plucked by Michael, who circulated a photo of it to his friends.

Investigation widens However illegal drugs were seemingly not enough for Michael Ibrahim, police allege. Along with Watsford, he was simultaneously facilitating the importation of illegal cigarettes from Dubai, again using MW1's "door". His cousin, cafe owner Fares Derbas, allegedly distributed the packets around Sydney in a truck. For one shipment of 900,000 packets from Dubai, Ibrahim paid $1.8 million ($2 per packet) and on sold them for $7.2 million ($8 per packet). It seemed the allure of easy money was worth more than freedom for Michael and his associates. But it would ultimately be the flashy real estate agent, Watsford, who brought the two syndicates and the Ibrahim family undone.

It was Watsford who first introduced MW1 to the group and it was Watsford who police were first watching in March 2016. After seeing the cast of characters around him committing criminal activities, police dramatically widened their investigation. Between June and August, Watsford was observed having several meetings with MW1 to seek advice on international money laundering methodologies and services provided by the man. In a bizarre first transaction, he used MW1 to exchange 3,000,000 Russian roubles that he had unlawfully obtained into $56,000. It was a "great start to a fruitful relationship together," Watsford said. At their next meeting at the Sheraton Hotel, MW1 let him in on a cigarette racket, to which Watsford said "I've got boys that will buy some of that."
Fadi Ibrahim allegedly drew down $1 million on his eastern suburbs home loan to help younger brother Michael pay for part of an 800-kilogram shipment of methamphetamine, it can be revealed.

The cash allegedly wove its way through Sydney's underworld, being laundered through Commonwealth Bank branches, handed over in a bag inside the Dover Heights home of John Ibrahim's son Daniel and allegedly "washed" by a wannabe entrepreneur who was brutally punished by Michael when he skimmed $30,000 to pay rent.

The details about Fadi's involvements, outlined for the first time in a police statement of facts tendered in court, come as Fairfax Media reveals the photo that Michael circulated of the punishment meted out to alleged minion Jaron Chester.

Michael, 39, allegedly shaved Mr Chester's head, plucked out his eyebrows and circulated photos to his associates, calling Mr Chester "fat dog Oompa". Fadi added that he was one of the "rats" feeding off the Ibrahim family's scraps.
A 32 year-old man accused of violently raping a 20-year-old Brisbane woman at South Brisbane more than six years ago has been refused bail by the Supreme Court.

Two men are accused of raping the woman in an alley, after she left the former Uber nightclub in West End on April 15, 2011.

Footage taken from security cameras in this South Brisbane location in 2011 captured the images of suspects. Credit:Tony Moore

A northern New South Wales man and a 24-year-old Auchenflower man were arrested and charged with three counts of rape on December 28, 2016.

The Supreme Court on Friday heard police would allege DNA evidence and witnesses would identify the 32-year-old as having been at the scene of the rape.
It is expected that Rahul Gandhi will react on recent Gujarat Rajya Sabha election where party candidate Ahmed Patel snatched a surprising victory from BJP.

By Ashish Pandey: It will be a clash of titans on Saturday as Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah visiting Karnataka the same day, however, in different districts i.e. Raichur and Bengaluru.

BJP national president Amit Shah will spend three days (August 12-14) in poll-bound state while the Congress vice president will spend a day and address the Samanatha Samavesha.

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The rally which is organised by Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee is scheduled on the campus of the University of Agricultural Sciences on the outskirts of Raichur city.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Congress leader M. Mallikarjun Kharge are among those who will attend the public rally.

After the recent attack on Congress VP's convoy, a detail security arrangement has been made in Raichur with 1000 of police personnel from neighbouring Kalaburagi, Bidar, Yadgir, Vijayapura, Ballari, Davangere and Bagalkot district have been deployed for security during the rally.

It is expected that Rahul Gandhi will react on recent Gujarat Rajya Sabha election where party candidate Ahmed Patel snatched a surprising victory from BJP and also react on the horse trading by the ruling party.

The state is expected to go for poll in 2018, and both Bhartiya Janata Party and Congress are trying to win the election at any cost. While BJP president Amit Shah has announced party's 'mission south' and Karnataka as its first goal, the Congress-led Siddaramaiah government is trying hard to hold the lone Congress bastion in the Southern part of the country.

In 2014 parliamentary election, BJP won 17 of 27 Lok Sabha seats in 2014 while in last assembly election the Congress demolished Opposition by winning 122 seats out of 224.

BJP had won only 40 seats. In 2008, under the leadership of powerful Lingayat community leader BS Yeddyurappa had formed the first BJP govt in south India by winning 110 seats.

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The first Jake Yuan heard of it was when his father phoned him up in floods of tears on Wednesday night.

The news was almost too much to bear  Jake's mother Ma Li Dai and 14-year-old sister Xinyu had been killed in a car crash.

"My dad called me and said what happened and he just cried. It just suddenly happens," Jake said.

Jake's father, a welder, had been working night shift when he found out about the accident and had rushed to the scene.
The Perth Children's Hospital will not open this year after an independent report revealed brass fittings were the "culprit" behind ongoing problems with lead contamination issues on Friday afternoon.

Health Minister Roger Cook said a month-long review by Western Australia's Chief Health Officer revealed the cause of the contamination, and found the source of the lead was due to the "dezincification of brass fittings".

The Perth Children's Hospital has been plagued with issues since its construction began. Credit:Radio 6PR

As a result, Mr Cook confirmed the Perth Children's Hospital would not open "on time".

"It is with great disappointment, given the work that now needs to be undertaken, the hospital will not open this year, however, we are on a clear path forward to rectify this issue," he said.
Monica Thompson had given birth to her first child, a baby boy, and was almost ready to take him home from the hospital.

It was nearly midnight one Sunday in the summer of 2012 when Thompson, who had undergone a caesarean section a few days earlier, was given a cocktail of narcotic painkillers and sleep aids.

Jacob Thompson was four days old when he died. Credit:Thompson family/Diego Conde

A nurse took the newborn to his mother for breastfeeding and put the child next to her in her hospital bed at Adventist Medical Centre in Portland, Oregon.

An hour later, Thompson, "still drowsy and groggy," realised that her son, Jacob, was not moving.
Thousands of cases of "acute watery diarrhoea", or AWD, have also been reported in Ethiopia. Officials there insist on describing the outbreak as one of AWD, not cholera, although it has similar symptoms. Communities in northern Kenya have also been hit by cholera. The scale of the emergency is daunting, says Australian Red Cross aid worker Amanda McClelland. Credit:Australian Red Cross Australian community health specialist Amanda McClelland, who recently helped lead the Red Cross response to the cholera crisis in the Horn of Africa, said the scale of the emergency was daunting. "We are dealing with an outbreak across a huge region in which many areas are very inaccessible," she said. "It's just so spread out." Cholera is usually spread in water: a girl drinks water from a well on the outskirts of Sanaa, in Yemen. Credit:AP

Because families share sources of food and water it is common for cholera to spread quickly to multiple family members, with heartbreaking consequences. McClelland described the case of a mother struck down by cholera who was recently rushed unconscious to a clinic in the breakaway territory of Somaliland. The Red Cross Red Crescent cholera treatment centre in Somaliland. Credit:Emil Helotie/Finnish Red Cross "She was so dehydrated her heart was struggling to keep enough blood circulating," McClelland said. The critically ill woman arrived with her five-year-old son, who also had cholera, and three other children  a two-year-old plus four-month-old twins who were malnourished and dehydrated.

"The woman's husband had left the family behind to find work because of the drought. "The mother didn't have money to buy clean water so they were drinking from a local source. She had become ill, and with no one else at home to care for her, all the children deteriorated very quickly. The neighbours found the mother collapsed  they were only alerted by the non-stop crying of the two-year-old. They all survived but only just." One more hour without care would have meant the the mother and the five-year-old would have died, McClelland said. Cholera is a bacterial disease causing acute diarrhoea that can kill within hours if left untreated. It is usually spread in water so thrives in unsanitary conditions. Aid workers are grappling with competing priorities because cholera outbreaks in the Horn of Africa have hit at the same time as major hunger emergencies. Early this year the UN warned that Somalia, Yemen and South Sudan were each on the brink of famine.

In Yemen and South Sudan civil war has exacerbated the food and health emergencies while Somalia has been grappling with persistent drought. Millions across the region now face the "triple threat" of conflict, starvation and disease. Aid workers warn that malnutrition and cholera are feeding off each other. "Weakened and hungry people are more likely to contract cholera and cholera is more likely to flourish in places where malnutrition exists," the UN's Humanitarian Co-ordinator in Yemen, Jamie McGoldrick, said in recent statement.

The humanitarian response to the huge eruption of cholera is being hampered by a lack of funds. Aid workers have been forced to divert money and staff away from efforts to improve food security in order to deal with cholera outbreaks. "In many ways this is a silent disaster and we don't get a lot of donor support," McClelland said. "Our resources are very stretched." In April the Australian government announced $10 million in humanitarian assistance for Yemen to provide "food, healthcare, water and sanitation to protect the lives of vulnerable people, including women and children affected by the crisis". But an analysis by aid agency Oxfam shows Australia is still almost $18 million short of contributing its fair share to the humanitarian effort in Yemen. Oxfam's "fair share" calculation estimates how much wealthy donor nation countries, such as Australia, should contribute to UN emergency appeals based on their relative gross national income. Oxfam Australia's chief executive Dr Helen Szoke said the figures on the cholera crisis were staggering. "The demand for assistance is enormous; this growing and spreading cholera outbreak needs the attention of the world," she said.
The arrests were filmed but police said they would not publish the footage but hand it to Australian authorities instead, who now have carriage of the investigation. The men have been in custody in sweltering 43-degree temperatures since their alleged plot to ship $810 million worth of cocaine and ice to Australia via The Netherlands was foiled. Major General Al Marri said: "All suspects will be handed over to the AFP so to face judicial processes in Australia, as per the UN convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotics." When asked if extradition to Australia was a condition of the deal struck between the AFP and Dubai police he said "yes." "This is an Australian case," he added when asked if the UAE wanted to prosecute the men themselves, noting that the nearly $1 billion dollars worth of narcotics were destined for Sydney. Serious drug offences can carry the death penalty in the UAE although justice via the firing squad is rare.

The revelation suggests the AFP were conscious of the need to avoid a repeat of the Bali Nine case, where AFP tipped off their Indonesian counterparts about a drug mule ring, only for the Australians to be caught in Indonesia and tried under local law. Ringleaders Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran were executed in April 2015, ten years after their arrest in Bali. The Dubai Five will certainly face Australian law and not UAE law, meaning they will escape the threat of the death penalty. It is not known how soon the men will be extradited to Australia to face a string of criminal charges but under Australia and the UAE's extradition treaty it can be no more than 60 days. "Our responsibility was just to get them to the court here and then handed to the Australian authorities," Major General Al Marri said.

It is not clear if they will face courts in Dubai before being extradited. Up to 70 anti-narcotics officers in Dubai have worked on the case since it began at the end of 2016. The AFP says their investigation, along with the NSW police, began in mid-2016. Michael and Fadi Ibrahim (pictured left and right with brother John) were arrested in Dubai. Credit:Facebook Michael Ibrahim has served six years jail time for manslaughter in Australia but was never flagged as a criminal risk upon entering Dubai, where police will allege he coordinated an elaborate tobacco and drug smuggling syndicate. But Major General Al Marri said this was not unusual for crimes which did not breach international laws or show up on Interpol. "As any law enforcement in any city, like New York, Paris, London, we do track different people but as in Australia you have different names, they don't have a criminal record in your country, so you have nothing against them, unless there is a request from your colleagues, or different law enforcement."

But that request came by the end of 2016 when the AFP tipped off their Emirates colleagues about the alleged smuggling ring. AFP will allege the syndicate worked closely to arrange, purchase and facilitate the importation of the drugs and tobacco from the UAE across a number of cargo container shipments between November 2016 and August 2017. Surveillance A Sydney court has heard how the alleged illegal importation of cigarettes were distributed into the city, under the surveillance of a police witness. Major General Al Marri said the five men had been under extensive surveillance during the course of the operation in Dubai but would not reveal whether that extended beyond electronic to human surveillance. "I don't think that would help the people to know about that," he said, but added: "It is an effort."

But Fairfax Media was given behind-the-scenes access to the Dubai police's normally restricted command hub which revealed the extensive high-quality CCTV footage police have acess to across the city. Central command control inside Dubai police headquarters. Credit:Latika Bourke Officers operating from their hub near Dubai international airport can tap into hundreds of privately owned and police installed cameras across the city at any time and every police vehicle is equipped with 12 cameras that provide 360-degree footage beamed live to the control hub on a police-owned data network. It means every police vehicle dispatched to a call out or arrest is filming events as they unfold. Body cameras are also being rolled out across the force. Not easy

Major General Al Marri said the level of cooperation should not be taken for granted saying it is not easy to conduct such an operation across multiple continents. "It's been amazing, for the first time to have such cooperation between three continents, Europe, the Gulf and Australia but this is not easy," he said. "It was very good communication and this operation should prove that," he said. He said at the height of the operation: "We had at least three meetings a week prior to the zero hour." Not the first time While this is the most dramatic and high-profile level of cooperation between Australia and the UAE, Major General Al Marri said it was not the first time the two countries had worked together to bring down drug smugglers.
Bangkok: The Myanmar government has air-dropped hundreds of troops into the country's strife-torn western Rakhine state in preparation to crush accused Muslim rebels and insurgents, according to several reliable sources.

The United Nations has warned aid workers in the area of rising hostility and imminent protests from Buddhist residents, amid accusations that humanitarian agencies are supporting Rohingya Muslim militants.

The Myanmar national flag flies in front of a statue of General Aung San during a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of his assassination in June. Credit:AP

The deployment of fresh troops to Rakhine will dramatically escalate tensions in the state that is home to more than one million Rohingya, whom the UN describes as among the world's most persecuted people.

The office of the UN's resident coordinator in Myanmar has confirmed as true a text message sent this week to 300 staff of UN agencies and non-governmental organisations working in Rakhine, warning of the "increased likelihood of civil unrest".
Beijing: China's military has warned freedom of navigation patrols by the United States in the South China Sea will cause it to boost Chinese defence capacity in the disputed waters.

China issued the rebuke on Friday after the USS John S McCain a day earlier conducted the US Navy's third freedom of navigation patrol since the Trump administration took office.

Mabini (Johnson) Reef part of the disputed islands China has built up in the South China Sea. Credit:New York Times

The Chinese military "immediately sent out warships" with two missile frigates identifying the US naval destroyer and warning it away from Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, which China calls the Nansha Islands, according to China's foreign ministry.

China's Defence Ministry said it expressed its strong opposition to the United States for the "show of force".
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By India Today Web Desk: Unargubaly, superstar Rajinikanth's 2.0 is the most anticipated Indian film ever. The film was supposed to hit the screens on Diwali this year, but was pushed due to pending VFX work. As per recent development, 2.0, which is currently in its post-production stage, has been sold for a record price in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Raju Mahalingam, creative head of Lyca Productions took to Twitter to share the news. The Global Cinemas has bought the distributions rights of 2.0 in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

2.0 - SOLD OUT for a Whopping Price !! AP and Telangana !!! Lyca Productions & Global Cinema partnership is a "History in the Making"!!! pic.twitter.com/mzxts7NiVj- Raju Mahalingam (@rajumahalingam) August 10, 2017

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Earlier to this, 2.0's satellite rights was bagged by Zee Network for a whopping price of Rs 110 crore. Made on a budget of Rs 400 crore, the theatre owners and distributors are expecting high returns, as it stars two pan-Indian stars --Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar.

As part of promotions, a 100-foot hot-air balloon adorned with life-sized images of Rajinikanth and actor Akshay Kumar will travel around the world. The balloon will fly to many cities and countries like London, Dubai and Australia among others as part of the promotional drive. In June, the balloon was snapped at Hollywood signage in Los Angeles.

Directed by Shankar, 2.0 is likely to release in over 7000 screens worldwide. Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman is on board for the film, which also stars Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Pandey and Adil Hussain in pivotal roles.

ALSO READ: Rajini, Kamal Haasan likely to attend Vijay's Mersal audio launch

ALSO READ: Rajini's 2.0 beats SS Rajamouli's Baahubali 2, to release across 7000 screens in India

ALSO READ: Has Rajini-Akshay Kumar's 2.0 made Rs 200 crore even before its release?

ALSO WATCH: All about Rajini-Akshay's 2.0 on In Da Club

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Social media is flooded with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan fans hitting out at each other over remarks made by the latter in Murasoli event on Thursday.

Social media is flooded with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan fans hitting out at each other over remarks made by the latter in Murasoli event on Thursday.

Fans of Tamil superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan are slamming each other on social media following remarks made by the latter on Thursday on the occasion of DMK mouthpiece Murasoli's 75th anniversary.

While the duo has come together even on earlier occasions, the setting and political atmosphere this time was quite different. At a time when speculations are doing the rounds of Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan possibly foraying into politics, the two stars did not share the stage at the DMK's mega event. When Kamal Haasan was speaking on the stage, Rajinikanth remained seated among the audience in the front row. According to sources, DMK had made many attempts to get Rajinikanth to speak at the event but he refused to do so, fearing that his opinions could be given a political colour.

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Sources have told India Today that Rajinikanth might launch his own party, which could possibly align with the BJP.

FELT I WAS BEING EXPLOITED BY POLITICAL PARTIES: RAJINIKANTH

However, Rajinikanth had only recently pointed out while interacting with his fans that he felt he was being exploited by political parties. He indirectly suggested that he had supported the DMK alliance in 1996 that swept the assembly elections then.

On Murasoli event, despite being requested multiple times, Rajinikanth decided to remain seated in the front row and went to the stage only to receive the memento.

Meanwhile, in the last couple of months, Kamal Haasan had been making various statements against the ruling AIADMK government. Recently, MK Stalin lauded him for exposing the corruption in the Tamil Nadu government. While Haasan has been speaking about a revolution, he is yet to make his political intentions clear.

When Haasan got on to the stage, he said, "I was told that Rajinikanth would come to the function but not speak. I was also a bit hesitant. Later, I understood the importance of the event and decided to speak. Self-respect is more important than self-defence."

The minute Haasan finished saying this, a social media war broke out between his and Rajinikanth's fans. Prior to this, fans of these actors had clashed many years ago. But these fans later calmed down after an open declaration of deep friendship between the two.

On Thursday night, Rajinikanth fans pulled out an old picture of the superstar, applauding a brave statement by another star Ajith Kumar at the felicitation event of then chief minister M. Karunanidhi in 2010. Ajith had said that actors should not be forced to participate in political or social events. Rajinikanth fans shared the picture, showing him giving a standing ovation to Ajith as Kamal Haasan sat in the front row with folded hands. A Thalaiva fan asked, "What happened to Kamal Haasan's self-respect then."

HOW RAJINIKANTH AND KAMAL HAASAN FIRST CAME INTO LIMELIGHT

Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan came into limelight through the efforts of their Guru K. Balachander. Rajinikanth's first movie was "Aboorva Raagangal" which had Kamal Haasan as the lead. The duo has acted in many movies together, of which Moondru Mudichu and Pathinaru Vayathinile are the most famous in which Rajinikanth acted as a villain while Kamal Haasan played the hero. As the two actors carved a niche of their own over the years, the two decided not to act together.

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Political analyst G C Segar says, "They will never attack each other. When Kamal was felicitated for completing fifty years, he said that he and Rajinikanth shared a deep friendship, which is a rarity in cinema. Although both actors have stayed away from attacking each other, fans could have perhaps read too much into the sequence of events regarding the two of late or further developments could unfold in the days to come.

Actor and political analyst Kasthuri Shankar says, "Kamal Haasan is too esoteric for me to comment. The only thing that can be said without doubt is he is making us all wonder what is going on."

ALSO READ |

Tamil superstars Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan trade barbs on mega DMK event

With Rajinikanth, Stalin at DMK event, Kamal Haasan says Tamil Nadu entering new era

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Another BJP leader meets Rajinikanth. 'Not political', another denial from party

WATCH VIDEO | Kamal Haasan courts controversy with comment on Rajinikanth at mega DMK event

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Tavi, who now works in a garment factory in Mumbai, said Modi was like a brother to her and the other women trapped in sex work, and that it was his duty to protect them.

The letter was given to Modi on Monday to mark the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates the bond between a brother and sister.

By Reuters: A 29-year-old Indian woman who was sold into sexual slavery as a teenager has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to rescue hundreds of thousands of other girls who are trapped in brothels and raped daily.

In a two-page letter written in Hindi, the woman - who identifies herself as Tavi - described how she was duped and trafficked to a brothel in Mumbai when she was 17, and sold for sex for six years before police rescued her.

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The letter has made headlines in India, a country with the world's highest number of enslaved people but which has only recently stepped up efforts to tackle modern slavery.

"I got help and I was rescued. There were many girls like me there. I didn't see any of them escape or leave. I have written the letter for girls like them," Tavi told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in an interview on Thursday.

"These girls are unemployed - they have no work, no money. People lure them to Mumbai, promising them work. The PM should also ensure there are job opportunities for girls so that they don't fall in this trap."

Almost 46 million people are enslaved worldwide - trafficked into brothels, forced into manual labour, victims of debt bondage or born into servitude, says the 2016 Global Slavery Index.

Forty percent, or more than 18 million, are in India. Many come from poor rural regions and are lured with the promise of good jobs or marriage but end up sold into domestic work, or toiling in brick kilns, textile units or prostitution.

RAKSHA BANDHAN PLEA FOR MODI

The number of women sold into sexual slavery is unclear, but studies estimate there could be up to 20 million Indians - almost half below the age of 18 - working in the sex trade alone.

In her letter to Modi, Tavi described how she was lured from her home in the eastern city of Kolkata in 2005 by her then boyfriend, who promised to marry her once they eloped to Mumbai. Instead, he sold her for 60,000 rupees ($935) to a brothel.

For six years, she was moved to various brothels in the area. She was finally rescued during a police raid in 2011.

The letter was given to Modi on Monday to mark the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates the bond between a brother and sister.

Tavi, who now works in a garment factory in Mumbai, said Modi was like a brother to her and the other women and girls trapped in sex work, and that it was his duty to protect them.

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"I was a victim of human trafficking and my life was hell. I was beaten and abused and treated worse than an animal. I used to think that I would die in the brothel," she wrote.

"Even now there are many women trapped in brothels. You are a brother to all these women. I request you to protect them."

A government official who delivered the letter to Modi said he had promised to reply.

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Everything you need to know about No. 20 Notre Dame's game vs. Navy Saturday in Baltimore
The Rajya Sabha members today welcomed Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu as the Chairman of the House.

By Press Trust of India: Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu was today accorded a warm welcome as the new Chairman of the Rajya Sabha by the members, many of whom urged him to continue with the practice of not allowing any Bill to be passed in the din.

There were also requests from the smaller parties that justice should be done with them in terms of giving them appropriate time to speak in the Upper House of Parliament.

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Felicitating Naidu, Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said that after attaining the position of the Rajya Sabha Chairman, he has become "independent and not a party person."

For Naidu, his religion or party should now remain only in his mind and not in his conduct, the senior Congress leader said.

He reminded him of the "scale of balance" carved in the seat of the Rajya Sabha Chairman, that calls for the post to do justice to all. Also, the practice has been to accommodate and allow everyone to speak, Azad said.

"There is a tradition of this House that no bill is passed in din. That practice should be continued," he said.

Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) also talked about the practice of not passing any bill in the din.

He, however, added that the responsibility for smooth conduct of the House is not just of the Chair but also of those creating such ruckus as they should realise on what issues they should create pandemonium and on what not.

He hoped the smallest parties will be allowed a say.

Trinamool Congress leader Derek OBrien expressed confidence that Naidu "will not commit a sin to pass any bill in the din."

He hoped that Naidu would maintain his "sense of humour and yet remain firm... May the Chair always listen to voice of opposition."

OBrien also urged Naidu to continue his practice of using acronyms. The TMC leader made an acronym of Naidu as Now All Indias Dearest Umpire.

A Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK) said the Chairman can connect with every region of the country and every member of the House effectively. He expressed confidence that each member would get an opportunity in the House to speak.

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, in his last remarks as member of the House as he is retiring, expected Naidus innings in the Upper House to be "very illustrious".

He was confident that Naidu will uphold the Constitution and do justice while presiding over the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha.

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Yechury said Naidu, whom he has known for last 40 years, is now holding an important position and is custodian of our constitution.

"If Parliament does not function and discharge its responsibilities, the peoples sovereignity dissolves. This is not permissible," he said, and hoped that Naidu would run the House with justice and dignity.

S C Mishra of BSP said he has been a great admirer of Naidu and hoped that all members would get an opportunity to speak in the House.

He charged that his party leader Mayawati was not allowed to speak in the House on July 18 and hoped that such a thing would not happen again.

He said people have remarked to him that the Opposition has to be vigilant because now a strict principal has come.

But it is the treasury benches who have to be more cautious, he said and went on to recall Prime Minister Narendra Modis reference to the initial discomfort caused among lawyers when one among them becomes the judge.

He said when a public prosecutor becomes the judge, he takes on the government in his judgements.

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D Raja (CPI) hoped that Naidu will underline the importance of multi-party democracy.

"You must give space to all dissenting voices.. Divergent views must be appreciated and you can be assured of our cooperation, but Constitutional values and constituional morality must be upheld," he said.

Praful Patel (NCP) said that Naidu occupying the second highest Constitutional post reflects the strength of Indian democracy and is a great example for the coming generations.

The NCP leader said the quality of debate in the House has deteriorated. He also spoke about very less time given to the smaller parties.

Balwinder Singh Bhundar (SAD) said the dream of having a farmers son as vice president and a dalits son as President has turned true after a long time.

He lamented that members did not get time to speak in the House and Naidu should do something to enable every member can express himself at length.

He also said that smaller parties should get more time to speak in the House.

At this Naidu said he did not believe that any party can be small, but members can be so.

Keshav Rao (TRS) lauded Naidu for his oratary skills to bring more humour and wit in the House which had turned dry for many years now.

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"I hope that you would use this kind of wit because this House has sometimes been too dry and it looked like we are fighting each other," he said.

He expressed confidence that Naidu would not only do justice in the House but also do a lot for the country as Vice President.

Bashistha Narain Singh of JD (U) congratulated Naidu from his belalf as well as people of Bihar and wished him best wishes and success.

Dilip Tirkey (BJD) offered full support from his party in smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha.

The BJD leader said that he was speaking for the first time in presence of the Prime Minister and was a bit scared.

P M Ramesh of TDP thanked the Prime Minister and BJP for making Naidu, who hails from his state Andhra Pradesh, the countrys Vice President.

Tiruchi Siva (DMK) said Naidu has not risen to this position by taking an elevator but by climbing the steps of a ladder. He said it was a matter of pride that a member of the House was elevated to the Chairmans post for the first time.

Siva hoped Naidus outlook towards the members of the House would be unbiased and both the opposition and treasury benches would be equal for him.

Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena) said Naidu has been a revolutionary who took part in the "second freedom struggle", inferring to the Emergency period.

He said Naidu had gone to jail during the Emergency when he joined the movement by Jayprakash Narayan and knows what struggle means.

He said Naidu, who joined politics as a student leader and then went up to head the BJPs students wing, has today come a full circle when he has come to "head a class with the members like me as students."

"But I want to assure you that these students are good and will not trouble you and will not let your blood pressure increase," he said.

Vijaisai Reddy (YSR-C) said he was known as the "Assembly Tiger" in Andhra Pradesh and hoped as Vice President, he would lead the country with pride.

Ramdass Athawale (RPI-A) lent some homour to the House by saying that it is very difficult to run the House and it is very difficult to unite the BJP and the Congress.

"But, do allow me to speak, otherwise it will be very difficult to run this House. You have got this opportunity to keep us quiet, but we have not come here to sit quietly, but raise issues," he said.

ALSO READ |

Venkaiah Naidu: As Ushapati turns Uparashtrapati, a look at meat lover in vegetarian party

Venkaiah Naidu as vice-president: For the first time, BJP occupies top 4 constitutional posts

Sharad Yadav's revolt against Nitish Kumar: How Janata Parivar unites to split

ALSO WATCH | Venkaiah Naidu sworn in as the 13th Vice-President

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By PTI: New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) Domestic steel major SAIL today saw its standalone net loss widen to Rs 801.38 crore for the June quarter due to higher coal prices and expenses.

The steelmaker had clocked a net loss after tax of Rs 535.52 crore in the corresponding quarter of 2016-17, the company said in a BSE filing.

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"In the Q1 FY2017-18, the company bore an impact of 115 per cent higher price on account of imported coal and 25 per cent higher price on account of indigenous coal over the corresponding period last year, pushing down the overall profitability margin despite a 14 per cent higher Net Sales Realisations (NSR) over same quarter last year," the company said in a statement.

It also said that during the quarter, due to Cyclone Debbie the supplies of coking coal from Australia were adversely impacted, resulting in lower production volumes of saleable steel.

Total standalone income of the Maharatna firm rose by 25.39 per cent to Rs 13,072.77 crore in April-June this fiscal from Rs 10,424.95 crore during the same quarter in 2016-17. Its total expenses rose by 27.03 per cent to Rs 14,349.89 crore in the quarter under review as against 11,296.16 crore in the year-ago period.

With focus on ramping up of new mills and enriched product mix from the new facilities, SAIL said it continued to remain EBITDA positive at Rs 23 crore.

SAIL Chairman P K Singh said, "We are maintaining positive EBITDA inspite of the challenging situation in the steel sector and that shows the collective resolve of the company."

"With the imported coal availability stabilising and focus on ramping up the new units, the situation will improve in coming quarters. We have drastically reduced production from inefficient units and are optimising the coal blend in operations to reduce costs. These steps will surely translate into improved financials going forward," he added.

The company said during the quarter, total sales volume at 3.028 Million Tonnes (MT) recorded a 9 per cent growth over the corresponding period last fiscal.

The companys sales of finished steel were also higher by 4.12 lakh tonnes during Q1 FY18 as compared to Q1 FY17, recording a 19 per cent growth.

It said on improving market sentiments, it is rapidly ramping up its new mills towards the rated capacities and focussing on marketing initiatives so as to increase its market share for Companys new and enriched product basket including universal structural, rails, wire rods, plates etc.

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The company is making effort for cost optimisation, it said adding, manpower optimisation initiatives are being implemented in right earnest for effective utilisation of human resources.

The company also said it is focussing on Internal Communication strategy under which large group interactions in the presence of top management are being organised.

Shares of the company closed at Rs 56.55 apiece on the BSE, down 3.99 per cent over the previous close. PTI ABI NAM MKJ

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A map of the proposed layout for a limestone quarry in the Earle community outside of Andrews. The 1,000-acre site is bound on the south (left side of image) by Seaboard road and on the north by U.S. Highway 521.
James Sanderson, president of the local chapter of the United Steelworkers, speaks during a press conference Aug. 9 on the proposed sale of the Georgetown steel mill.
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Boumerdas (Algeria), August 10, 2017 (SPS) - The Prime Minister, Member of the National Secretariat of the Frente POLISARIO, Abdelkader Taleb Omar, said today at the opening of the 8th edition of the Summer University for SADR cadres said That "Algeria's hosting of this event reflects the solid relationship and solidarity between the peoples and cadres of both countries at all levels," stating that such solidarity "is based on respect for the sovereignty of peoples and their right to defend their freedom and dignity.These principles are the basis for the construction of a Maghreb that unites the peoples and protects their sovereignty in this world characterized by regional blocks. The head of the Saharawi government thanked the Algerian Committee for Solidarity with the Saharawi People and the Algerian people under the leadership of the great militant, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. "It is an opportunity to extend our gratitude to the Wilaya of Boumerdas for the generosity and fidelity of the National Petroleum Institue for their hospitality," said Abdelkader Taleb Omar. The Prime Minister also thanked the academics and lecturers who "will undoubtedly contribute to the formation of the Sahrawi State cadres, through a variety of topics that cover the Saharawi cause, from the political, diplomatic, peaceful resistance, battle for Natural resources, to the global situation and Security in the region, "said the head of government. Finally, Abdelkader Taleb Omar, has reminded the recently deceased, former Algerian Prime Minister Rida Malek and the Algerian Presidential Adviser, Kamal Razak Bara, who participated in the previous editions of the Summer University of SADR cadres . SPS 125/090/TRA
Boumerdes (Algeria), August 11, 2017 (SPS) - Several Algerian political parties and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Algeria expressed their support and solidarity with the Saharawi cause, at the opening ceremony of the Summer University of the SADR Executives, which started Thursday in the Algerian town of Boumerdes.

In this context, the Venezuelan ambassador to Algeria affirmed the solidarity of his country with the just struggle of the Saharawi people and added that "Venezuela will continue to support all peoples fighting for their freedom and self-determination, as is the case of the Saharawi people".

The spokesman of the Algerian political party, the National Democratic Assembly, expressed the commitment to the Saharawi cause. "We share the position of the Algerian state that is inspired by the principles of the Revolution of the First of November," said Shihab Sedik.

For his part, President of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Saleh Mohamed, praised the struggle being waged by the Saharawi people, who "are leading the way in continuous victories, thanks to their forms of peaceful struggle, such as the Intifada in the Occupied Zones of Western Sahara (SPS)

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Bir-Lehlu, August 11, 2017 (SPS) - President of the Republic, Secretary General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, sent a congratulatory letter to the President of Chad, Idriss Deby Into, on the occasion of the anniversary of the independence of Chad.

The President of the Republic, on behalf of the Saharawi people, the SADR government and on his own behalf, congratulated his counterpart and the brotherly people of the Republic of Chad, which is celebrating the anniversary of its independence."

"I take this opportunity to express my satisfaction for the excellent relations of cooperation and solidarity between the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and the Republic of Chad, which is contributing with a decisive role to strengthening peace, security and stability in our continent, Africa ", added the President of the Republic. (SPS)

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The OPS camp is clear on wanting Sasikala and Dinakaran out of the party.

VK Sasikala is currently lodged in Bengaluru jail after being convicted in disproportionate assets case. (File Photo)

By Shalini Lobo: Five leaders from former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Paneerselvam's AIADMK Puratchi Thalaivi Amma today went to the Election Commission in seeking VK Sasikala's position in the party to be declared null and void.

K Pandiarajan, Manoj Pandian, KP Munnuswamy, Senmalai and Natham Vishwanathan have submitted an affidavit before the Election Commission in this regard.

"We filed an affidavit declaring Sasikala and Dinakaran's position in the party as null and void. The EPS camp passed a resolution on Thursday (August10) saying that TTV's position as Deputy General Secretary is null and void. We have submitted that same resolution along with other documents", said Manoj Pandian of the AIADMK Puratchi Thalaivi Amma.

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The EPS faction had termed Sasikala's position as the General Secretary as an 'interim' arrangement. This same document has been taken by the OPS faction to the Election Commission stating that earlier the EPS camp filed affidavits in support of Sasikala and Dinakaran and now they are passing a resolution in the state which is exactly the opposite of what they were doing.

The OPS camp is clear on wanting Sasikala and Dinakaran out of the party. But when asked if they were open to merger, all the leaders evaded India Today's questions.

Also Read:

Prison officials confirm VK Sasikala given special treatment, probe ordered

AIADMK war: EPS, OPS to meet PM Modi after they decide to dump Sasikala, Dinakaran

Also Watch:

Benefit or Backfire: 4 scenarios of Supreme Court's Sasikala Verdict

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Jena Willingham, a mom from Alabama, has gone viral after sharing a post to Facebook that perfectly captures the first-day-of school for both students and parents.

The image shows Willingham floating comfortably in the pool with a drink in hand while her three kids stand behind her  packed and ready for school  looking less than enthused for their first day.
STAMFORD  A city police officer who was shot in the leg when he dropped his gun earlier this year is seeking more than $6 million in a lawsuit against the weapon manufacturer.

Officer Vincent Sheperis has filed a civil suit in federal court charging that the gun manufacturer, Sig Sauer, sold its P320 pistol with a design defect, falsely represented the weapon would not fire unless the trigger was pulled and caused him emotional distress.

Sheperis, a 10-year Stamford veteran and member of the departments Special Response Team, was in the SWAT teams parking bay below the courthouse garage when the incident occurred on Jan. 5.

The suit claims Sheperis accidently dropped the gun while it was in a holster. Without the trigger pulled, the gun discharged a round striking Sheperis below his left knee, according to the lawsuit.

A representative from Sig Sauer did not immediately return a call Friday seeking comment.

Sheperis underwent surgery at Stamford Hospital, but the lawsuit says the full extent of the physical damage to his knee and leg is not yet known. Sheperis has needed physical therapy and additional surgery to repair the damage caused by the bullet, the suit said.

Days after Sheperis filed his suit this month, Sig Sauer offered P320 owners an upgrade to address the drop safety and other issues with the pistols.

Sheperis attorney, Jeff Bagnell, called the timing of the offer obvious. Bagnell said it was clear Sig Sauer knew the gun was defective.

Bagnell said Sheperis has returned to limited duty, but will likely need more surgeries.

This could have taken officer Sheperis life and shot an innocent bystander, said Bagnell, who listed in the lawsuit other instances of the gun discharging when dropped.
By PTI: (Eds: Updating with fresh details)

Mumbai, Aug 11 (PTI) The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) today lifted Sebis trading restrictions on shares of six suspected shell companies, including Parsvnath Developers, and asked the regulator to hear them and also probe them.

The other five companies which got relief today are Kavit Industries, Pincon Spirit, Signet Industries, SQS India BFSI and KKalpana Industries.

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Capital market regulator Sebi had on August 7 had asked stock exchanges to restrict trading in shares of 331 suspected shell companies, some of which have several well- known domestic and foreign investors.

The move came after the watchdog received a list of such firms from the corporate affairs ministry and many of them are under the scanner of the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and the Income Tax Department.

Of the 331 such entities, the six companies have moved the SAT against the Sebi direction and got reprieve today.

Yesterday two others, too, got the curbs lifted by SAT.

At the hearing today, the companies submitted their respective financials along with other filings before the tribunal to establish that they are not shell companies but are in full compliance with all regulations.

Following this, SAT lifted the trading restrictions imposed on these companies and the counters of these firms are likely to resume normal trading from Monday.

At the same time, SAT said Sebi and stock exchanges can hear these companies and begin probe into their business operations.

Yesterday, SAT had stayed trading restrictions imposed on J Kumar Infraprojects and Prakash Industries, observing that Sebi issued the list without investigating the credentials or fundamentals of these firms.

Of the 331 entities on the list, over 160 are actively traded on the exchanges. PTI SSM BEN KRK RSY BAS

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By PTI: (EDs: Updating with more numbers and management quotes)

Mumbai, Aug 11 (PTI) The nations largest lender State Bank of India today reported a near threefold jump in consolidated net profit at Rs 3,032 crore for April-June despite a massive spike in bad loans and deterioration in all other key metrics.

The bank said the numbers are not comparable as it is the first quarterly earnings after the bank merged its five associate banks - State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Travancore - and the Bharatiya Mahila Bank with itself from April 1, 2017.

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On a standalone basis, net grew a full 436 per cent to Rs 2,006 crore helped by lower provisioning for bad loans. The bank had reported a net standalone profit of Rs 374 crore a year ago while consolidated profit was Rs 1,046 crore.

Despite a massive spike in NPAs, total provisions fell 26.3 per cent to Rs 9,869 crore from Rs 13,388 crore a year but loan loss provision rose to Rs 12,125 crore, up 7.62 per cent from Rs 11,266 crore while standard asset provisioning was down Rs 2,039 crore.

Gross NPA rose to 9.97 per cent from 7.40 per cent and net NPA jumped to 5.97 per cent from 4.36 per cent. NPA in the retail sector grew 1.56 per cent to Rs 7,632 crore, while in the agri book, it grew 9.51 per cent to Rs 17,988 crore.

Explaining the numbers, CFO Anshula Kant said the bank has been making "some proactive provisioning for stressed standard accounts and as those accounts became NPAs, it used that provisions for loan loss provisions.

"So to that extent we got some upside in terms of containing loan loss provisions and standard asset provisions have come down. We also got a mark-to-market gain on investment depreciation of Rs 755 crore. These are the things that have helped us to improve our net profit," she said.

Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya chipped in saying the provisions are less because some of the fresh slippages came in from the retail book and also because of the higher provisions the associate banks made in the run-up to the merger.

"When we got the merger notification on May 17, we started aligning the corporate books of the associates. So what we have done over three years in the associate banks corporate books, we had to do it in one year. This resulted in associates making huge provisions hitting their numbers, thereby also impacting the numbers of the merged entity. "In the June quarter, the corporate book has already more or less been taken care of. The slippages that has come because of retail piece, we havent seen that kind of requirement for doing that amount of provisioning in this quarter. So thats why the consolidated numbers look better," Bhattacharya told reporters in a concall.

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Net interest margin declined to 2.50 per cent from 3.04 per cent. But the chairman talked up the numbers saying "we believe going forward the NIM will definitely be able to show some kind of a increase".

Analysts at HDFC Securities termed the numbers as "disappointing" as despite the massive clean-up last year, the bank has red inks all across with elevated slippages. The only comfort from the numbers is the 25 per cent drop in the watchlist to Rs 24,444 crore as this is the "lowest amongst peers", it said.

While the bad loan ratios jumped so did the recoveries which rose to Rs 4,646 crore while the bank upgraded Rs 2,034 crore of loans.

The bank saw Rs 26,249 crore of loans turning NPAs in the quarter. Total slippages from corporate sector stood at Rs 8,363 crore and the chairman said 95 per cent or Rs 7,976 crore of this came in from the Rs 24,444-crore watch list.

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The slippage ratio stood at 5.38 per cent in the quarter and the management expects this to improve to 3.3 per cent for the full year.

On April 1, post-merger watch list was Rs 32,427 crore which now came down to Rs 24,444 crore. The bank sold Rs 20 crore of NPAs to asset reconstruction companies.

The bank has moved 12 stressed accounts to NCLT, including six from the RBI list. Total outstandings in the 12 accounts is Rs 50,247 crore and the bank currently holds a provision of Rs 19,943 crore on these accounts. The bank will have to make an incremental provision of Rs 8,571 crore on these accounts in the current fiscal. But for RBI guidelines the ageing related provision on these accounts would have been at Rs 5,034 crore for FY18.

Deposits rose 13.28 per cent to Rs 26.04 trillion and gross advances rose 1.46 per cent to Rs 18,86,666 crore.

SBI expects 6-8 per cent credit growth in FY18, likely to be driven by retail,SMEs, agri and select corporate sectors.

The bank raised Rs 15,000 crore through a QIP in the quarter and Bhattacharya said she may not ask capital from the government in this fiscal.

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The banks scrip plunged 5.36 per cent to Rs 280.65 on the BSE which shed over 1 per cent. PTI HV BEN NP MR

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By PTI: By Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Aug 11 (PTI) Nawaz Sharif today termed his disqualification from premiership as a "joke" and asked people to stand by him to make sure that their vote is respected.

A five-member Supreme Court bench last month disqualified Sharif for dishonesty and ruled that corruption cases be filed against him and his children over the Panama Papers scandal, forcing the prime minister to quit for the record third time.

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Addressing a huge gathering in Gujarat on the third day of his journey from Islamabad to Lahore via the Grand Trunk (GT) Road to display his political might, Sharif said even the judges who disqualified him failed to point out a single example of corruption against him.

"I cannot accept this joke. Can you accept this joke that you elect someone, then he is disgraced and ousted," he said.

"May I ask why I was ousted? Did I commit any kind of corruption? I am innocent and did not commit any financial wrong. That has been said by the judges who disqualified me. Then why I have been ousted," the 67-year-old veteran politician said.

He said that the peoples vote has been trampled upon as millions of people elected a leader and a couple of people or five judges disgraced and sent him home.

Sharif, who could not complete his term for a third time, also asked the gathering, "Should I sit back and accept the verdict or fight the injustice?"

The people responded in unison with a big No, prompting Sharif to ask them to stand by him.

"If you do not want me to sit back then you would have to stand by me. Then stand by me to change the fate of this nation. Promise me that you would do what I tell you," he said.

Sharif said the time had come to change the country.

"We would have to make sure that your vote is respected. It is a question of respect for vote of 20 crore people. I would not allow anyone to trample your right to elect leaders of choice," Sharif said.

He also announced that he would announce his future plan of action and asked his supporters to wait for it.

Sharif stepped down after being disqualified by the Supreme Court on July 28 and after staying in Murree and Islamabad, embarked on road journey to his home in Lahore in the company of thousands of his supporters.

He was greeted by supporters lining up on the both sides of road as he came out of the Punjab House in Islamabad on Wednesday, making it impossible for his motorcade to move. He covered about 30 km in 12 hours to reach Rawalpindi where he addressed a big rally.

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Yesterday, he resumed his travel from Rawalpindi and reached Jhelum in the evening and addressed an even bigger rally there.

Later, he rested at a scenic hotel on the banks of the River Jhelum.

He left Jhelum at around 12 PM and stopped in Gujarat for Friday prayers and addressed his supporters.

He has left for Gujranwala and will cross small towns of Wairabad, Gakhar Mandi etc. He is expected to halt briefly at some places to address his supporters.

According to the scheduled of Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N), Sharif is expected to spend the night in Gujranwala. He would leave for Lahore in the morning and is expected to reach there at 4 PM tomorrow. PTI SH ASK ASK

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By PTI: By Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Aug 11 (PTI) Nawaz Sharif today termed his disqualification from premiership as a "joke" and exuded confidence that he will be elected as Prime Minister of Pakistan for the fourth time.

A five-member Supreme Court bench last month disqualified Sharif for dishonesty and ruled that corruption cases be filed against him and his children over the Panama Papers scandal, forcing the prime minister to quit for the record third time.

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Addressing a huge gathering in Gujarat on the third day of his journey from Islamabad to Lahore via the Grand Trunk (GT) Road to display his political might, Sharif said even the judges who disqualified him failed to point out a single example of corruption against him.

"Should this even be called a disqualification? I will be made prime minister by the masses again tomorrow," he told a cheering crowd.

"They have only removed me on paper but they have not removed me from your hearts. Is this removing me at all?" Sharif asked.

He asked people to stand by him to make sure that their vote is respected.

"I cannot accept this joke. Can you accept this joke that you elect someone, then he is disgraced and ousted," he said.

"May I ask why I was ousted? Did I commit any kind of corruption? I am innocent and did not commit any financial wrong. That has been said by the judges who disqualified me. Then why I have been ousted," the 67-year-old veteran politician said.

Sharif said the peoples vote had been trampled upon as millions of people elected a leader and a couple of people or five judges disgraced and sent him home.

He said it was for the people of Gujranwala to "think that removal was just".

Sharif, who could not complete his term for a third time, also asked the gathering, "Should I sit back and accept the verdict or fight the injustice?"

The people responded in unison with a big No, prompting Sharif to ask them to stand by him.

"If you do not want me to sit back then you would have to stand by me. Then stand by me to change the fate of this nation. Promise me that you would do what I tell you," he said.

Sharif said the time had come to change the country.

"We would have to make sure that your vote is respected. It is a question of respect for vote of 20 crore people. I would not allow anyone to trample your right to elect leaders of choice," Sharif said.

advertisement

He also announced that he would announce his future plan of action and asked his supporters to wait for it.

Sharif stepped down after being disqualified by the Supreme Court on July 28 and after staying in Murree and Islamabad, embarked on road journey to his home in Lahore in the company of thousands of his supporters.

He was greeted by supporters lining up on the both sides of road as he came out of the Punjab House in Islamabad on Wednesday, making it impossible for his motorcade to move. He covered about 30 km in 12 hours to reach Rawalpindi where he addressed a big rally.

Yesterday, he resumed his travel from Rawalpindi and reached Jhelum in the evening and addressed an even bigger rally there.

Later, he rested at a scenic hotel on the banks of the River Jhelum.

He left Jhelum at around 12 PM and stopped in Gujarat for Friday prayers and addressed his supporters.

He has left for Gujranwala and will cross small towns of Wairabad, Gakhar Mandi etc. He is expected to halt briefly at some places to address his supporters.

advertisement

According to the scheduled of Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N), Sharif is expected to spend the night in Gujranwala. He would leave for Lahore in the morning and is expected to reach there at 4 PM tomorrow. PTI SH ASK MRJ

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SCOTTSBLUFF  Teachers, students and Allo Communications representatives gathered Thursday morning at Scottsbluff High School for the annual All Staff Meeting. Allo presented a donation check of $50,150 to the school and also provided breakfast for the school staff.

Chelsey Sinner, residential customer service representative for Allo spoke about ALLOs program called Allo for Education.

This is to start off the Allo for Education, which starts in July, Sinner said.

She mentioned that when a new customer joins Allo a $50 donation is made to any school they choose.

This check right here, this is $50,150, that check is what we made last year, Sinner said. That was going to all the schools in the community.

Allo is in its fourth year of the ALLO for Education program and has donated to schools in its market area. However, this is the first time Allo has donated to the Scottsbluff school system.

School Board President Ruth Kozal is happy the whole staff was able to gather for a meal before the start of the school year, thanks to Allo.

Allo is providing breakfast for everyone today, Kozal said. We really appreciate it.

Allo will continue to donate to schools with each new member sign up this year. In a press release, Allo said donated amounts for its 2017 campaign to date are already at $20,000 with the program continuing through Sept. 30.

For more information on ALLO Communications, visit www.allofiber.com.
SCOTTSBLUFF  A heated exchange over unfunded state mandates and local control of property tax levies ensued Thursday between board members of the North Platte Natural Resources District and State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard.

At the heart of the conflict is two bills.

The first bill, LB 962, was passed by the Nebraska Legislature in 2004, and created a major overhaul to the states water law. It also created an unfunded mandate.

Under the law, a river basins surface water and groundwater are both taken into account when deciding whether the water supply can sustain further development for irrigation and other high-volume water uses. If a basin is found to be fully appropriated (at the maximum level of sustainable development) by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDNR), drilling new wells or putting new acres into irrigation may be restricted. If a district is over-developed, the NRDs then have to pay to retire enough irrigated acreage to get it back under the fully appropriated cap. It wasnt until the legislature passed LB 1226 in 2006 that the solution to the funding problem was found. LB 1226 gave NRDs the authority to levy an additional 3 cents on top of the 5.5 cents currently allowed in order to comply with the mandate. The tax levy provisions are set to expire in 2018.

The second bill, LB 98, was introduced during the 2017 session by Sen. Curt Friesen of Henderson and Sen. Dan Hughes of Venango. It would have reset the sunset on the levy authority for another decade. Erdman, who campaigned on a platform of lowering property taxes, joined in filibustering LB 98. With the mandates from LB 962 still in place, the North Platte NRD Board asked Erdman to attend the Thursday meeting and explain his position.

The taxing system in Nebraska is broken, Erdman said. I see this additional 3 cents as a property tax increase, and thats why I took the position that the 3 cents needed to sunset.

Erdman said that in 2006, the state didnt have the Water Sustainability Fund to help offer matching funds for programs that NRDs administer, such as paying to retire irrigated acreage.

The Nebraska Treasury Department told Erdman that the fund currently contains $29.4 million, however the Nebraska DNR says that number is about $15 million.

You still have the $10, if you need to go up to $10, for the occupation tax, Erdman said. People who do not irrigate, and do not live on farms  they ranch or whatever  they pay that 5.5 cents too.

Erdman said hed asked the bills sponsors if there were any projects that would be put in jeopardy if the 3 cent levy were to go away, and didnt get a definitive answer. While Erdman said he appreciated the work that NRDs do, he also noted that in 1990, Nebraska was 10th in the nation for property tax. In 2017, Nebraska was fifth.

Were going in the wrong way, Erdman said. Everybody has to tighten their belt and step up.

North Platte NRD General Manger John Berge said that the difference between 2006 and today is that the NRD is about to embark on the second increment of integrated management and basin-wide plans, the costs and outcomes of which remain uncertain.

Just because the levy sunsets, doesnt mean the mandates do, Berge said. I think that the position taken by those of you that killed LB 98 was relatively short-sighted in that.

Berge said that theres no guarantee, given the dire fiscal straights the state has found itself in recently, that the Water Sustainability Fund will remain protected from sweeps to shore up budget deficits elsewhere, and that in years where Panhandle commodity producers struggle to remain competitive with their more water-rich eastern neighbors, the $10 per acre occupation tax would not be politically viable.

Im not certain that a shifting of the tax burden from all property taxpayers to only irrigators in a district like ours is the right thing to do in the current ag economy, Berge said.

Berge said that the only time the local NRD had used the 3 cent levy, was this past fiscal year, and even then it was only .8 of one cent.

Im not suggesting that were ever going to use it, Berge said. But I am suggesting that if our next obligation in the next increment is 30,000 acre-feet  or 50,000 acre-feet, as some have estimated  were going to need some funds in order to beat that obligation.

Its not a matter of us wanting to buy out acres. Its not a matter of us wanting to reduce consumptive use at all. But were mandated by state law to do certain things, and we have a locally elected board that is designed to make local decisions. Taking away this levy authority sort of knee-caps them in their ability to do that.

Its a tool taken away from us, Kent Andreas, North Platte NRD chairman, said. Were a local board. Were producers here, everyone of these guys around this table. Were where the rubber meets the road.

We try to be as (frugal) as we can, and I just fear it can handicap us.

Andreas asked if there was anything the NRD could do to convince Erdman to support the bill. Erdman said he wasnt quite there yet, and that one of the issues was that Hughes and Friesen wouldnt budge on the length of the bills sunset. But the end conflict still centered on the mandates of LB 962. While Gov. Pete Ricketts has ordered a freeze and review of burdensome regulations, the mandate remains on the books  now without a key funding mechanism to implement it.

The mandates do not sunset, and if we take away the revenue opportunities to meet those obligations, we darn well better be talking about taking away the obligations, Berge said. Because LB 962 and the designation of over-appropriated for a couple 100,000 acres in this district has driven our budget since 2004.

The legislature this past year, it seems like you want to become the school board, the NRD board, the county commission  for everybody else in the state  trying to reduce property taxes, Berge said. The only people that can reduce property taxes are locally elected boards. As a former county commissioner, you know that. This is not a state thing, this is a local thing.

Erdman protested.

Thats not true, John, Erdman said. Because when we collect taxes for the county, 60 percent of all the money collected in Morrill County goes for doing things for the state we dont get reimbursed for.

Berge rebutted.

I could make the same claim about the LB 962 requirements that were doing right now, Berge said. Im not talking about that Steve. Youre talking about the expense side, Im talking about the revenue side.

You guys took away a revenue source that we were using to meet a mandate. If you want to do away with the mandate, I dont think there is a person around this table that would object to that. But youre not talking about doing away with the mandate, youre talking about doing away with the revenue. And thats because everywhere you go, just like everywhere these people go  just like their own conversations around the kitchen table are about property taxes  Well, thats fine. But that doesnt take away the mandate. That doesnt take away the requirements we have.

Berge said he appreciated Erdman for taking the beating and that he would hopefully continue to work with him to find a way to support the bill if Friesen or Hughes are to reintroduce it.
The closure of Scotts Bluff Countys juvenile detention wing at its jail has left a void, not only for the county but others in the Panhandle. Some are looking for solutions to a situation that state probation officials called critical during a meeting of stakeholders Tuesday.

The meeting, organized by District 12 Chief Probation Officer Darren Duncan, brought forth a series of issues that law enforcement and juvenile justice officials have been experiencing since the county opted to close the detention center in June 2016. Several times, it was stated that no one faulted the county for closing the center  county commissioner Ken Meyer was in attendance and restated that the commissioners were dealing with overcrowding issues regarding the adult portion of the facility and reduced juvenile inmates. However, the closure of the center has resulted in problems experienced by those administering justice, juveniles and their families since.

Stakeholders from law enforcement to local school officials filled the county commissioners room, where the meeting was held.

When kids are coming in and out of homes, in and out of schools, it impacts all of us, Duncan said, saying he sought to hear about the barriers that are being experienced and a direction for the region to find a solution.

With the closure of the detention center, juveniles, mostly teenagers, being placed in juvenile detention are being transported to facilities at least 400 miles away, according to information presented at the meeting. A facility in Madison County is often utilized, but Sarpy County and Douglas County facilities are also often used.

These are our youth, Duncan said. Currently, we are increasing risk for our youth.

Since June 2016, when Scotts Bluff County closed its juvenile detention center, 34 juveniles have been detained on 41 occasions.

 Separation of family and other services

Juveniles transported to facilities in eastern Nebraska are separated from family members who would come to see them, consult with them about their cases and even from services, such as counseling, officials said.

Duncan and other officials said that there is also concern about the separation of juveniles from their support networks because of the type of youth at the eastern Nebraska centers.

Those are different kind of kids (in juvenile detention centers). A different level of youth. If it was your kid, with a truly violent offender, that is the level of crisis that we all talk about here...

What if this were your kid? I hope this makes the point to you, Duncan said. All of the sudden, that rises the level of urgency.

In todays justice system, a focus is placed on finding alternatives for juveniles instead of placing them in juvenile detention because of studies showing negative long-term effects on the mental and physical well-being of children placed in detention centers.

For those juveniles placed in detention in eastern Nebraska centers, the seriousness of the crimes committed by other juveniles may be more severe, placing children at higher risk of engaging in more serious offenses and higher rates of recidivism, according to studies.

Duncan said that the total number of youth going into detention centers is pretty stagnant in the Panhandle, but the level of risk is on a steady incline if alternatives are not found.

 Transportation

Transportation of juveniles is one of the key issues for law enforcement. When a juvenile is arrested or ordered to serve detention, law enforcement are tasked with transporting the juveniles to facilities in eastern Nebraska.

Because agencies like the Scotts Bluff County Sheriffs Department are not staffed to transport juveniles across the state, deputies are being taken off patrol to transport juveniles across the state. Every law enforcement agency in the Panhandle is dealing with the same problem  what to do when arresting a juvenile for a crime or ordered into detention.

We are fighting this battle almost every day, Sheriff Mark Overman said. We are (transporting) with a deputy or a police officer. That means that we have taken someone off the street. That means the other guys on the street are less safe. The community is less safe.

In one instance, Mitchell Police Chief Mike Cotant said, an officer at his three-person agency had to drive a juvenile to Omaha and come back immediately to return to the community because the department was short-staffed.

The cost of transporting juveniles is significant, according to information presented in Tuesdays meeting. Scottsbluff Police Capt. Tony Straub cited information from the department that it cost the department $1,502 for each trip when the department was responsible for transporting two juveniles since the closure of the detention center.

Overman said the county can contract with a transport service, when it is available, at a cost of $650 per juvenile per trip. When juveniles have to be transported multiple times to appear in court, the cost can be significant. The cost of housing a juvenile in a facility is also significant. One estimate during the meeting placed the cost at $200 to $260 per day, depending on the facility.

During transportation, juveniles are in full restraints  arm and leg irons and a belly chain. Often, on hard seats designed to withstand lots of use and be easily cleaned after a transport, but not designed for comfort. Straub said officials at his department have questioned whether juveniles should be transported such distances in restraints and in less than ideal conditions.

Mandee Walter, of Optional Family Preservation and a parent who has adopted and fostered children, said that such conditions could trigger post traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues for children.

I would be advocating for my child that is not right and is a system flaw that needs to be fixed, Walters said of children being in restraints for long periods of time.

 Education

In some instances, education of a juvenile is halted when they are placed in detention.

Eldon Hubbard, Gering High School principal, and other education officials said working with the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center allowed for making sure students in short-term or long-term detention had options to continue receiving credits toward graduation. Hubbard said he is aware of students who have been detained who are falling behind, losing at least a semester of credit and wont be able to graduate on time.

The problems increase for children who are enrolled in special education programs and subjected to regular planning meetings. The school districts also continue to be responsible for state testing of the students.

 Justice

Three main factors are considered by judges before placing a child into detention: Are they a danger to themselves? A danger to others? Are they a flight risk?

However, Judge James Worden said he is often having to consider the lack of a facility in the Panhandle when considering these cases  something he says he shouldnt have to do. He said he has been trying to address each case as he would if there were a juvenile detention center in the immediate area, but said it is now a factor.

I have to consider, do I want to put this kid in chains, in a van or the back of a patrol car and send them 400 miles across the state? That should not be a part of the equation, he said.

That is a huge issue for me. I have tried to do the best I can to treat kids as if we have a detention center here, to not treat them differently, but that is virtually impossible to do.

As for transporting juveniles back for hearings, Worden acknowledged that There are options for telecommunication of hearings. However, Worden said he is reluctant to use those methods in cases involving juveniles and assuring that they have fair representation. He said it is his opinion that children have the right to be in a hearing, with a parent and attorney alongside them.

Yes, you can set up a television screen, he said. But what if a child wants to lean over and whisper a question to his attorney, he cant do that. If a parent wants to whisper something to their kid, they cant do that.

Technology can also be fickle, he said, giving out at times and creating problems that he is unable to resolve without the help of a tech person. With differences in time between eastern and western Nebraska, that can be difficult during a hearing.

My first and foremost consideration is what is in the best interest of the child, he said.

Some inferred that the reluctance of judges to send children to detention or officers to make arrest is creating issues. In some instances, one Alliance official claimed, juveniles are aware of the reluctance to arrest or detain juveniles, even for serious crimes, and perceive little consequence for their behavior.

What is the solution?

Duncan and others also advised that if a solution is not found, the future of juveniles in the system isnt good.

You are currently adding onto the detention center, Duncan said. We will need another one or two of those if we dont continue to grow and enhance our services to our youth today.

It was agreed that a facility for short-term housing of youth, until they can be transported, is an immediate need. However, a longer term solution was also expressed as being needed. Most suggestions were that the facility needed to be regional, but lots of questions still exist about where the center would be housed, how it would be funded and even the requirements of jail standards for such a facility. The Madison County facility is a regional facility and it was suggested it could be a model for consideration.

One person said many are stuck on who will pay for such a facility.

We have to get past that and say we are willing to invest in our kids.

Travis Rodak, Morrill County Attorney, said he is unconvinced that an option doesnt exist. He said he thought Scotts Bluff County could re-open its former facility.

We cant retrofit a building and build a new facility, he said, saying there is already an option.

However, Scotts Bluff County Detention Center director Joseph Gaul said the county is currently planning to remodel its former juvenile facility to the adult facility within the next nine months.

Other facilities were tossed around as potential places for a facility, but none were definite.

Some, such as Sen. Steve Erdman, suggested that the solution for funding such a center needs to be resolved on a state level. Erdman noted that the state has not been reimbursing counties for housing state prisoners and the loss of funds continues to affect counties.

Officials agreed lots of work is being done in the Panhandle regarding alternatives to youth detention, and it continues to grow as the Panhandle Partnership for Health and Human Services (commonly referred to as Panhandle Partnership) heads collaborations on the issue. However, the burden of not having a solution to short-term and long-term juvenile detention remained a problem remained without a concrete answer Tuesday.

A basic consensus was reached that a task force needs to be appointed, but who will lead the task force efforts and who would serve on it was not clear. Officials, such as Meyers, indicated a willingness to serve, but specifics were not outlined. State probation officials attending the meeting also expressed a willingness to assist.
District 47 State Senator Steve Erdman has been recognized by the Nebraska Chapter of Americans for Progress for his work to promote pro-growth, free market policies.

Matt Litt, AFP-Nebraska state director, presented Erdman with the Champion of Prosperity Award Wednesday.

In his first session, Sen. Erdman has proven himself a stalwart of economic freedom and a rightful recipient of this award, Litt said. Our group exists to recruit, educate and mobilize citizens to support the policies and goals of a free society at the local, state and national level. We advocate for a society that actively promotes free speech and free markets.

Of the 22 state senators that AFP scored, Erdman scored 95 percent.

I listen to people whenever I get back home and a lot of them watch the legislative session, Erdman said. Its important for me to hold up the standards the people elected me to do and not waver in my commitment to them.

One of primary functions of AFP chapters across the country is to monitor state legislatures for potential bills that would have an adverse impact of families already struggling to make ends meet.

Two of those bills were rejected during Nebraskas 2017 session. One would have implemented an internet sales tax, which was ruled unconstitutional. The other would have extended a levy that was set to expire, effectively raising the states property tax.

Budget shortfalls continue to challenge legislators to initiate policies that will help the economy. Last session, senators had to cover a shortfall of just over a billion dollars.

Its my intention to keep fighting for property tax reform, cutting spending and for less government in our lives, Erdman said. When I checked last week, state revenue is down another $7 million from what they projected for July. The states economy isnt going in the right direction.

Erdman is currently working on developing a petition initiative that calls for property taxes to be lowered by30-35 percent. If a sufficient number of signatures are secured, the issue would be on the 2018 ballot for the public to consider.

Our state economy is like it is because our taxation is too high, Erdman said. Our taxing system as a whole is broken and we need to cut spending. Unfortunately, a lot of senators think government is the answer to all our problems.

Erdman said that in 1990, when the Legislature implemented the formula for funding public education, 20 percent of income taxes collected in each district would go to the schools. But the first receipt numbers were so large, the state decided to cut that support back to two percent.

The Legislatures goal was to have one third of property tax pay for schools, one third sales tax and one third income tax, Erdman said. The two percent from income tax was about one third back them, but today our schools are funded by 48 percent property tax, 19 percent sales tax and 33 percent income tax.

Erdman continued that if the state had adhered to its original agreement to use 20 percent of local income taxes to pay for schools, no one would be talking about property tax relief today.

When youre acknowledged for what you do, its much appreciated, Erdman said. I walk into the Legislature in the morning and think what were doing is pretty significant. Im honored to share what people have told their concerns are.
CHADRON  The public is invited to learn about bats during a program at Chadron State Park. Participants will meet at the lagoon shelter Friday, Aug. 11, at 8 p.m.

Specialists from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln will present the program about the often-misunderstood flying mammals. UNL researchers are in the region this week collecting data, and will be capturing bats during Fridays program if weather permits.
SCOTTSBLUFF  Regional West is pleased to welcome three new providers to its medical staff.

Dr. Sean Walker, a physician at Regional West Medical Center in association with Radiology Imaging of Nebraska, specializes in interventional radiology. Interventional radiology involves the diagnosis and treatment of patients using minimally invasive X-ray guided techniques that are often safer, more cost effective, and require a shorter recovery time than conventional surgery. Walker earned a medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine. He completed residency training at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, and completed a vascular and interventional radiology fellowship at the University of New Mexico Hospital, Albuquerque.

Dr. Michael Yung, a Scottsbluff native, is a radiologist in Regional West Medical Centers Imaging Services Department, in association with Radiology Imaging of Nebraska. At Regional West Imaging Services, patients receive the diagnostic testing they need close to home, combining the highest level of technology; skilled, compassionate staff; and the expertise of highly trained radiologists with the convenience of local care. Yung earned a medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha. He completed residency training and a fellowship in musculoskeletal imaging at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha.

Meghan Blaylock, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, sees patients at Regional West Medical Center as part of the Regional West Physicians Clinic-Hospitalist Service. Regional Wests primary care providers and specialists have the option of partnering with hospitalists, who specialize in the care of hospitalized patients, to manage their adult patients medical care during a hospital stay. Blaylock earned a Master of Science degree in nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Scottsbluff and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
By PTI: Mumbai, Aug 11 (PTI) There was a shortage of 65,026 modern weapons in the Maharashtra police department, which constituted 45 per cent of the total requirement, a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has said.

The CAG report on General and Social sector for the year ended March 2016 was tabled in both the Houses of the Maharashtra Legislature today.

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The report also stated that the supply of 1,834 weapons worth Rs 9.60 crore, which constituted 41 per cent of the total ordered quantity, was pending from the Ordnance Factory Board for a period ranging from six months to four-and-a-half years.

"Vital police equipment worth Rs 28.76 crore, such as bullet-proof jackets, night vision binoculars, bomb disposal suits, portable X-ray machines, etc planned for procurement under the Annual Action Plans of 2011-16, had not been procured as of September 2016," the report stated.

It added that functioning of forensic science laboratories was affected by the shortage of technical staff, leading to 34,171 samples (18 per cent) pending investigation as on January 1, 2017.

"Monitoring of the scheme was lax and majority of the police stations were not recording the response time to assess the operational efficiency of the police," the report stated.

Notwithstanding Maharashtra governments policy of mandatory annual firing practice for all police personnel across ranks, the CAG report said there was a shortfall of 60 to 71 per cent in the armed firing practice between 2011 and 2016 in nine test-checked districts.

The report also revealed that while the Superintendent of Police (Pune) attributed the shortfall to non-availability of ammunition, the Commissioner of Police (Mumbai) attributed the shortfall to non-availability of firing range.

The CAG said that during 2011-16, the Home department received Rs 42.91 crore under for procurement of equipment to tackle any law and order situation arising from terror/naxal attacks, communal flare up and agitations. Out of the total amount, merely Rs 4.96 crore were spent as of September 2016.

"The implementation of a central scheme for modernisation of police force in Maharashtra was far from satisfactory as during the last five years, the state government could spend only 38 per cent of the total funds released under the scheme," the CAG stated. PTI MM NP

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LINCOLN  Hearings over the proposed route of the Keystone XL pipeline ended Thursday morning with its developer, TransCanada, saying the $8 billion project is in Nebraskas best interests and opponents saying its only about profits for a foreign corporation.

Jane Kleeb, the founder of anti-pipeline group Bold Nebraska, fought back tears as she told reporters that opponents will go all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court to block allowing a foreign corporation the use of eminent domain against farmers and ranchers for the pipeline route.

We are a family. We are not going to let a foreign corporation who only cares about the bottom line break this family apart, Kleeb said. We are not going to let an inch of foreign steel touch Nebraska soil.

About 40 landowners standing behind her broke into cheers at that statement, just outside the hearing room in the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel.

Matthew John, a spokesman for TransCanada, said he felt that the company had made the case that the Keystone XL is in Nebraskas public interest, because of the local taxes that would be paid, the construction jobs the pipeline would create, and the stable supply of oil it would provide.

Were hopeful for a positive outcome at the end of the day, John said. This is the most-studied cross-border pipeline in history.

The 36-inch Keystone XL was first proposed in 2009, and is designed to carry 830,000 barrels of crude oil a day from Alberta to oil refineries on the U.S. Gulf Coast set up to refine the heavy, tar sand crude.

But delays ensued after questions rose about the pipelines original route through the environmentally sensitive Sand Hills, and then the Obama administration put a halt to the project, saying it would contribute to climate change.

That changed after President Donald Trump took office, though now, there are questions about whether TransCanada can get enough oil producers to sign 20-year contracts to make the project feasible.

Retired Judge Karen Flowers ordered the 13 attorneys who represented TransCanada, local landowners, Indian tribes, environmental groups and unions to submit their final arguments in writing by Sept. 15.

She imposed a 50-page limit to the length of those arguments  the same limit imposed by the Nebraska Supreme Court  and quipped that the lawyers might want to get used to that.

That was an obvious reference to the promised appeals of the decision by the Nebraska Public Service Commission. The five commissioners have until Nov. 23 decide whether the 275-mile pipeline route across Nebraska is in the public interest.

Besides the four days of legal testimony submitted this week, the commission must review thousands of pages of written testimony about construction and mitigation of the pipeline.

Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club and Bold Nebraska, submitted comments from more than 450,000 people on Thursday morning to the commissioners office in Lincoln.
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.
The measles outbreaks in Romania in 2016 is not circumstantial, but a direct consequence of the "major" malfunctions in public policy regarding vaccination, Minister of Health Florian Bodog stated on Friday in a press release sent to Agerpres.

"For years now Romania has been below the safety threshold of vaccination coverage. That is, the risk of a measles outbreak was imminent. Which is what actually happened. The outbreak of the measles epidemic in 2016 is not conjectural, it is a direct consequence of major malfunctions in the public policy on vaccination," the Minister of Health stated.

According to him, the Vaccination Law corrects the irregularities that led to the outbreak of the epidemic, providing the best conditions for protecting children's health. "For Romania, the stake of the vaccination bill is huge. Ensuring a healthy future for four million children lies in our hands. The Romanian Parliament, the highest institution of democracy, will decide on the final content of this law. However, beyond the debates in Parliament, it is important that all the public opinion be informed and understand the true meaning of the law and the profound changes it brings. (...) We have a moral duty towards our children, to prevent harm before it happens. As we also have a moral duty to the community in which we live to prevent harm before it happens to other children or parents," Bodog said, quoted in the press release.

He added that any bill is amendable and that is why it is open to any public debates as long as they are carried out with honesty, good sense and decency. "But this project is the day-to-day work of specialists in the field of vaccination and who have faced all the flaws of the current framework. That is why the law has been carefully and correctly thought through by those who best understand how to regulate the vaccination policy," the Minister of Health also said.

The bill on the organisation and funding of public vaccination in Romania was adopted by the Government on Wednesday. The bill was submitted to Parliament for debate and adoption. The normative act would come into force on January 1, 2018.
Rompetrol Rafinare,a KMG International group member company, registered a gross consolidated turnover worth USD 1.7 billion in the first half of 2017, a level comparable to that from the same period in 2016. EBITDA operational profit amounted to USD 57.5 million, down by 36% compared to the same period in 2016, in the context of a 17% drop in refining margins in H1 2017 compared to H1 2016. The financial results were also influenced by the scheduled stop of production units in May 2017.

The evolution of the net consolidated result registered in the first half of 2017, of minus 7 million dollars, was also influenced by the drop of refining margins, the steepest of which by 52% being registered in the second quarter of 2017.

According to the individual financial reports expressed in RON, RompetrolRafinare registered RON 171 million net profit, up by 20% over the same period last year, when the individual net profit amounted to RON 143 million. A positive influence over the net result registered in the first half of this year was the difference in foreign exchange rate. Moreover, the turnover according to the companys individual financial reports rose by 14% in the first half of 2017, to RON 4.7 billion, from RON 4.1 billion in the first half of 2016.

Rompetrol Rafinare has carried out investments worth USD 27.5 million in the first half of 2017, both in development projects for certain production units at the Petromidia refinery, and for maintenance works at industrial installations for refining activities, storage and logistics.

Rompetrol Rafinare exported a total quantity of products of over 1.1 million tons in the first half of 2017, a similar level compared to the same period of 2016. The company is the largest exporter of oil products in Romania and the third largest exporter in the country.

Through its operations, RompetrolRafinarecontinued to be an important contributor to the Romaniasstate budget, paying over USD 266 million in the second quarter of 2016 and over USD 520 million in the first half of 2017. KMG International has paid since 2007, over USD 13 billion to Romanias state budget.

The majority shareholder of RompetrolRafinareis KMG International group, the Romanian state holding 44.6959% of the shares. RompetrolRafinaresshares automatically reflect upon the companies that the society directly or indirectly controls.RompetrolRafinareoperates the Petromidia refinery, the Vega refinery, and the petrochemical unit, Rompetrol Downstream operates the Groups petrol stations network, and Rom Oil the storage capacities network.

Accounting for over 40% of Romanias refining capacity and over 30% of the regional fuel consumption, Petromidiais the most modern refinery in the country, while total investments carried out by KMG International and KazMunayGasfor this platform amount to over USD 1.4 billion.

Refining segment

Financial Q2 2017 Q2 2016 % H1 2017 H1 2016 %

Gross turnover USD 715,911,958 815,890,922 -3% 1,413,931,408 1,392,259,088 2%

EBITDA USD 15,207,318 37,357,661 -59% 42,246,205 58,042,466 -27%

Net result USD (15,841,722) 19,903,637 N/A (17,210,246) 9,492,502 N/A

Operational

Processed feedstock at the Petromidia refinery kt 1,222 1,495 -18% 2,422 2,792 -13%

Processed feedstock at the Vega refinery Kt 91 105 -13% 152 172 -11%

Domestic fuel sales kt 486 530 -8% 950 906 5%

Fuel exports kt 461 585 -21% 859 1,143 -25%

Note: The refining sector includes the results of RompetrolRafinare SA which operates the Petromidiaand Vega refineries.

On the refining segment, the company has carried out a gross turnover worth USD 1.4 billion in the first half of 2017, up by 2% over the same period of 2016. EBITDA amounted to USD 42 million in the first half of 2017. Financial indicators such as net result and EBITDA, which registered a downward trend in the first half of 2017, were influenced by the volatility of international oil products prices.

In the first half of 2017, the total quantity of processed feedstock at the Petromidia refinery amounted to 2.4 million tons tone, down by 13% compared to the same period last year, when 2.7 million tons were processed, the refinery carrying out the works provisioned in the scheduled stop from May 2017. The refinerys capacity utilization rate in H1, 2017, was 70%.

As for the Vega refinery, the total quantity of processed feedstock amounted to 152.017 thousand tons in the first half, while its refining capacity utilization rate was 92%in the same period.

In May 2017, the production activities of the two refineries  PetromidiaNavodariand Vega Ploiestiwere stopped for carrying out the scheduled technological worksestablished since November last year.

The works were coordinated by Rominserv, the general contractor of KMG International Group, and targeted the optimization and improvement of production flows in line with the new processing capacity of the Petromidia refinery, as well as carrying out certain preventive maintenance works for increasing the safety level of operating the installations and the level of environmental protection.

The two production units of RompetrolRafinareensured the supply of oil products to its clients in this period from stockpiles created previous to the refineries stop.

Petrochemical segment

Financial Trim II 2017 Trim II 2016 % Sem I 2017 Sem I 2016 %

Gross turnover USD 39.373.835 40.638.281 -3% 79.984.194 91.069.411 -12%

EBITDA USD (3.044.293) 3.829.066 N/A (3.489.295) 7.045.456 N/A

Net result USD (1.921.766) (2.190.631) -12% (5.502.836) 992.488 N/A

Operational

Processed propylene kt 26 32 -18% 60 65 -8%

Processed ethylene

kt 16 15 9% 28 31 -12%

Total sales Kt 38 43 -10% 83 98 -15%

Note: The petrochemical segment entails the petrochemical activity ofRompetrolRafinareas well as the activity of Rompetrol Petrochemicals SRL

Starting with 1January 2014, the petrochemical activity has been taken over byRompetrolRafinare SA., being completely integrated on the propylene, utilities and logistics flow.

Through the petrochemical segment, the company is the onlypropylene producer in Romania, succeeding constantly toincrease its market sharealso for thesecondary product categories.

In the first semester of 2017, the company has produced64,690 thousand tons ofpoliymers, 14% less compared to the similar periodof last year, when 75,538 thousand tons were produced, the difference resulting as a consequence ofthe necessary stops made for the maintenance works related to production installations.

The dynamic development strategy ensuresa competitive position for the company on the internal and regional market, in the Black Sea and Mediterranean area, in Central and Eastern Europe.

Distribution segment

Financial Trim II 2017 Trim II 2016 % Sem I 2017 Sem I 2016 %

Gross turnover USD 551.419.259 606.170.506 -9% 1.052.015.776 1.033.754.848 2%

EBITDA USD 11.309.598 14.610.986 -23% 19.174.620 26.521.498 -28%

Net result USD 12.536.755 6.356.360 97% 15.648.251 15.532.992 1%

Operational

Fuel quantities - retail kt 173 158 10% 319 294 9%

Fuel quantities- en-gros kt 282 330 -15% 539 556 -3%

Sold GPL quantities Kt 81 78 4% 171 145 18%

Nota: The distribution segmentincludes results of subsidiaries Rom Oil, Rompetrol Downstream, Rompetrol Quality Control, Rompetrol Logistics and Rompetrol Gas

The consolidated gross turnoverfor the distribution segment for the first semester of2017 was over1billion USD, by 2% higher compared to last years similar period, while the net result has been preserved to alevel similarto that of the first semester in 2016.

Fuel sales for theretail segment grewby 9% in the first semester of 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, while the total GPL quantity sold grew by 18% in the first semester of 2017, compared to the same period of 2016.

In the second trimester of 2017,compared to the similar period of 2016,Platts quotations (FOB Med Italy-mean), expressed in the reference currency, USD, were, on average, 7% higher for benzine and 10% higherfor diesel. The 4% depreciation of the national currency as compared with the USD has determined that the effective decrease, in the national currency, of the two quotations should be at around 11% for benzine and 15% for diesel.

Starting with January 1st 2017, VAT dropped by one percentage point, from 20% to 19%, while fuel excises dropped by 70 eurocents/1000 liters, drops fully integratedin the prices paidby clients at the pump.

At the end of June 2017, the distribution segment of Rompetrol Downstream entailed 789 sales locations, including its network of petrol stations, partner stations, mobile stations: express, CUVE and RBI.

The retail activities of KMG International are conducted in over1.000 distribution locations for fuels owned and operated in countries like Romania, Georgia, Bulgaria, Moldova.
The Mumbai sessions court on Friday convicted 26 Somalian pirates to seven years in prison in connection with a 2011 merchant ship attack case.

By Vidya : The Mumbai sessions court on Friday convicted 26 Somalian pirates to seven years in prison in connection with a 2011 merchant ship attack case.

Initially, there were 28 accused in the case. However, during the trial that lasted six long years, one of the accused died in a Mumbai jail. Another accused named Atoor Bashir Barare, who was lodged at the Talika jail with others, was rushed to the hospital after he complained of dizziness. Special Public Prosecutor Ranjeet Sangale told the court that he was being given oxygen and was responding well to treatment.

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Appearing for the pirates, advocate Vishwajeet Singh told the court that the jail authorities should be directed to send the accused who were not feeling well to the hospital immediately. "They keep waiting until the patients' condition gets serious. That's how we have lost two people in the case. Many of the accused are suffering from diabetes and tuberculosis."

ALL THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW There were, overall, 120 accused arrested between January and March 2011 for attacking merchant vessels, and hijacking and looting them. This is the third case in which the court pronounced its ruling. The court has already convicted more than 30 pirates in two different judgments. In this particular case on February 5, 2011, Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samar was patrolling around Lakshwadeep when it got information about a merchant ship Chois of Greek nationality being attacked by pirates. The naval ship diverted towards the location where the attack was underway and reached there on February 6. The Coast Guard ship saw that the piracy vessel had no lights and they were not moving anywhere. Over the radio, they asked the pirate mother vessel to surrender. Apart from Samar, there was another Indian naval ship 'Tir' in the area and a dinner aircraft was also called in to help. The aircraft located that there was another vessel Prantalaya - 11 from Thailand had been hijacked by the pirates. The pirates also fired at the Indian ship following which the Coast Guard ship had to open retaliatory fire. After sustained fireworks from both sides that included rockets being launched by Indian ships, the pirates finally started throwing their weapons into the sea and showed white flags to surrender. The convicts have already served six years of their sentence during the trial and if they do not pay the fine imposed in the sentence, they will have to serve a few more months in jail apart from their seven-month sentence. Soon after the judgment, the convicts were handcuffed outside the courtroom while they waited to be sent back to jail. After the conviction and sentencing, Sangale said, "India is leading from the front and by example in the fight against ocean piracy. It has demonstrated its commitment to the international community in ensuring safe and secure piracy-free oceans in the Indian subcontinent, which is essential for maritime trade. This was the third consecutive conviction of Somali pirates this month, taking the total count of such convictions to 59." The court has directed the jail authorities to produce Barare in the court on Monday if he has recovered so that the judgment can be pronounced in his case as well.

ALSO READ |

Mumbai court sentences 16 Somalian pirates to 7 years in jail

15 Somali pirates arrested in 2011 get seven years in jail

10 pirates holding Indian hostages captured by Somali security forces in stand-off

ALSO WATCH VIDEO | Indian cargo ship Al Kausher hijacked by Somali pirates on way to Yemen's Al Mukala port

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Sharad Pawar's NCP opted out of the big Opposition meeting called by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Delhi.

JDU KC Tyagi accused Sonia Gandhi of trying to break his party. (Photo/ANI)

By India Today Web Desk: Congress President Sonia Gandhi today called a meeting of all member parties of the UPA - the Opposition front headed by her party - in New Delhi today. The meet was called to showcase UPA's strength after Ahmed Patel's dramatic win in Gujarat Rajya Sabha elections.

However, a no-show by Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in the meeting laid bare the massive rift in the UPA. Sharad Pawar had earlier confirmed that party representative would be attending the meet but no one from his party turned up for the meet.

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The NCP is said to be miffed by the Congress after the later accused Pawar of betraying it in the just concluded Gujarat Rajya Sabha elections.

"If Congress is publicly attacking NCP despite party's support in Gujarat Rajya Sabha polls why should we come for the meeting," senior NCP leader Praful Patel told India Today.

The UPA, which originally constituted 18 parties, seems to have lost yet another partner after Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United dumped the grand alliance or Mahagathbandhan in Bihar last month to join hands with the BJP again.

JDU ACCUSES SONIA GANDHI OF BREAKING PARTY

Janata Dal United leader KC Tyagi lashed out at Sonia Gandhi, saying the Congress President was trying to break the party after senior leader Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwer were invited for today's meeting.

Tyagi said the party is contemplating action against Ali Anwer who attended the Congress' meet.

"This is wrong on part of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. She is trying to break the JDU," Tyagi, who is considered close to Nitish Kumar, said.

Sharad Yadav has already gone public with his view criticising Nitish Kumar's move to join hands with the BJP again.

Nitish Kumar on the other hand has made it clear that he would make no effort to pacify sulking Sharad Yadav.

"He is free to go where he wants," said the Bihar CM, who was in Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah.

ALSO READ:

After Jairam Ramesh, Mani Shankar Aiyar worried about Congress future, says party needs new ideas

Ahmed Patel's victory: A breath of fresh air for Congress

Sharad Yadav's divorce with Nitish Kumar imminent. Marriage with Lalu Prasad on the cards?

Sharad Yadav hits out at Nitish Kumar, says he stands with Mahagathbandhan

WATCH: It is unfortunate: JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav breaks silence over new Bihar coalition government

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The pleasant chit-chat my husband made with our childrens teachers at conference drove me nuts.

We had anywhere from seven to 10 minutes to find out how well our children were learning, what they were expected to know in each subject and what we needed to do to help them master these skills. We couldnt spare time on a funny anecdote about homework. Thats at least 45 seconds wasted.

Just let me do the talking, I said, as we waited for the bell to ring, signalling our turn with the teacher. He would agree, and then inevitably ask some random question that would derail the conversation.

I mean, he is a very good conversationalist.

But parent-teacher conferences are one shot parents have to ask face-to-face questions of the most important person in your childs school experience. Its not the time for chit-chat. The end-of-year annual state test reports that many districts send over the summer can be vague and hard to decipher, so those conference minutes are precious.

It turns out that many of us arent asking the right question during that time. Bibb Hubbard, founder and president of Learning Heroes, a nonprofit based in Alexandria, Va., works to inform and equip parents so they can help their children succeed in school.

A national poll of parents with children aged kindergarten to eighth grade commissioned by the organization found a startling discrepancy between how well parents think their child is doing in school versus how children are actually performing.

Nine out of 10 parents surveyed believe their child is performing at or above grade level in math and reading. In fact, 66 percent of parents say their child is doing above average academically. Statistically, thats impossible. National data of test scores show that barely a third of fourth and eighth graders are performing at grade level.

Parents do not have an accurate picture of their childs progress, Hubbard said. The reasons are complicated. The vast majority of parents (86 percent) said they relied on report cards to gauge how well their child is learning. But a report card may not show how well a child is mastering the skills deemed necessary by state requirements.

A parent attending a conference might understandably ask, How is my child doing in school? Thats a typical question. They may hear a response of how well the child behaves or gets along with classmates but not get information on specific areas in which the child needs extra help.

Hubbard says the way schools communicate with parents is mostly through indecipherable jargon. Most parents dont understand educational jargon. For example, standardized test reports often use the word proficient to describe a students progress. But that word can mean five different things to five different people, she said.

A key question for parents to ask their childs teacher is: Is my child performing at grade level in math and reading? Parents should try to bring copies of last years end-of-year state assessment to find out what the results really mean for their childs learning in the year ahead.

This can lead to a tough conversation for teachers to have with parents. Teachers have to be able to say, Your child is not mastering concepts as quickly as we would like, and we are going to take these measures to help.

Some parents may not want to hear their child isnt progressing as well as they ought to be. Teachers may be reluctant to bridge the gap between perception and reality.

Hubbard said their research found that parents reported greater anxiety about raising their children from last years poll to this one. But, they werent as concerned about their kids academic progress (most assume their child is doing fine), they were most worried about bullying, peer pressure, their childs social and emotional health and even paying for college.

The rise in anxiety for Hispanic families was especially pronounced from the previous year. The survey did not ask why, although that may be probed next year in more detail, Hubbard said.

Were in a very different environment  culturally, politically, socially  than we were last year, she said.

For the past couple of years, Ive attended the parent-teacher conferences by myself, taken copious notes and debriefed my husband on the highlights at home.

Its an efficient system, but Hubbard pointed out that its always possible to ask for a follow-up meeting or conversation if you run out time at the conference. It can be helpful for a teacher to hear a little about how your child learns best and what they love to do, she said.

That sounds like useful small talk.
ST. LOUIS  Opponents of the publicly funded $64 million renovation to Scottrade Center filed suit Friday to keep the city from paying for the project, alleging the plan is unconstitutional in Missouri.

And on the same day, a spokesman for St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green said she had no intention of signing the financial agreement that would fund the citys commitment to the arena.

The Comptroller has not approved the transaction to issue bonds for the renovation of Scottrade Center, as it would incur debt to the citys general fund for nonessential services and negatively impact the citys credit, Green spokesman Tyson Pruitt said.

In a statement, Kiel Center Partners, the Blues ownership group, called the lawsuit frivolous and said Green has a legal obligation to sign the finance agreement.

Pruitt said the comptroller was asking other city officials to find a new way to fund the project. Her refusal to approve the bond transaction raises legal questions about the comptrollers ability to impede proposals passed by the Board of Aldermen.

Green has apparently refused to sign the documents since February when the financial agreement was approved by the Board of Aldermen and the Board of Estimate and Apportionment. Now, her argument could be bolstered by the fact that litigation is pending to stop the agreement.

The city of St. Louis, the St. Louis Blues, and the leaseholders Kiel Center Partners are among the defendants named in the lawsuit filed Friday. It was filed on behalf of Alderman Cara Spencer, former state Rep. Jeanette Oxford and former city counselor James Wilson.

The lawsuit alleges the ordinance is unenforceable under Article VI of the Missouri Constitution, in that it permanently grants substantial public money to a for-profit corporation for the purpose of assisting that corporation to make further profits for itself. The city owns Scottrade Center through a public-private partnership signed in 1992, which the lawsuit alleges the ordinance also violates.

In a prepared statement, Deputy City Counselor Michael Garvin said the city would not comment on the litigation, but noted the ordinance and financing agreement were approved properly by the city.

We will vigorously defend the City, its ordinances and agreements, Garvin wrote.

Mayors spokesman Koran Addo did not comment in response to questions on the comptrollers statement.

Kiel Center Partners specifically attacked Spencers intentions for filing suit.

This lawsuit, spearheaded by one member of the Board of Aldermen in a clear attempt to counter the consensus of her fellow elected officials, is frivolous, disappointing and embarrassing to our city, read the statement, issued under Scottrade Center letterhead. It also has the potential to be extremely costly, not only to taxpayers, but to the regional and national reputation of St. Louis.

In response, Spencer said, Were exploring the legality of the ordinance. I would think the Blues would want to welcome that.

Under the 1992 agreement, the plaintiffs argue the citys ownership of the building is limited to what is called a bare legal title where the Blues have exclusive control over the property for 50 years. Aldermen who supported public financing for the renovations argued earlier this year the city is obligated to pay because the city owns the building, but opponents say the lease essentially grants the building to the Blues through 2042.

The original ordinance passed by the Board of Aldermen in 1992 also notes the city was entering the agreement because it did not have the funds to pay to renovate the former Kiel Auditorium.

The Board of Aldermen approved the new renovations funding in a contentious meeting in February by a 15-12 vote. Coupled with interest on the bonds, the city is expected to pay $105 million on the project over 30 years.

Erich Vieth, attorney for two of the plaintiffs, said the original lease also stipulates that if the city were to pay for renovations, the owners would be obliged to pay it back in the form of increased rent. The Blues owners currently pay $1 a year in rent.

Work already has begun on the three-year renovation project, but how its currently being financed isnt clear.

The suit was filed in the 22nd Circuit Court in St. Louis. It has been assigned to Judge Robert Dierker Jr.
JEFFERSON CITY  Gov. Eric Greitens on Friday ordered flags at Missouri state buildings to be flown at half-staff Saturday to honor Officer Gary L. Michael, the Clinton police officer killed on Sunday.

Michael, 37, died after being shot Sunday night during a traffic stop in Clinton, about 75 miles southeast of Kansas City.

A two-day manhunt for the killer ended with the arrest of Ian McCarthy, 39, of Clinton, near the Bucksaw Marina, just east of Clinton.

Greitens issued a statement on Tuesday supporting police.

"Cops know their duty," Greitens said. "They are trained. They are brave. But lets not pretend they, and their families, arent human. They feel anger and fear about what just happened. All of us should understand how hard it is to be a law enforcement officer today. All of us should think about how hard the last few days have been on our finest."

The governor's statement also mentioned an incident in Joplin on Monday where two people were arrested, accused of throwing explosives at police during a police pursuit.

All flags at state government buildings are to be flown at half-staff Saturday, the day of Michael's funeral. In Henry County, where the shooting took place, flags are to be flown at half-staff until Aug. 19.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
ST. LOUIS  The St. Louis police union believes the city comptrollers office was misled when it issued a scathing audit of the departments overtime spending and is asking the office to re-examine the issue and issue a new report.

In a July 27 memo obtained by the Post-Dispatch, the executive board of the St. Louis Police Officers Association accused Mayor Lyda Krewsons administration of using the critical report to malign the rank and file, in an attempt to distract the public from the issue of overworked and underpaid officers.

The audit concluded that inadequate oversight and verbal agreements within the department made it impossible for auditors to determine whether officers actually worked 342,414 hours of paid overtime. Between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2016, overtime police pay ran roughly $5 million over budget, the audit says.

The union memo called the departments procedures to approve and track overtime stringent and meticulous.

Union leaders pledged to meet with City Comptroller Darlene Green and give her information that was overlooked or not made available to her office during the audit, and requested that she conduct a new audit to reflect the police departments strict controls regulating overtime.

The citys personnel department requested the audit, and Greens office completed the report in May. Krewson took office April 18.

A spokesman for Greens office issued a statement noting that the comptrollers office met with police department leaders during an exit conference April 4, and their responses are included in the final report.

But they didnt meet with police union representatives, said Jeff Roorda, business manager for the St. Louis Police Officers Association  something the state auditors office has pledged to do when it completes an audit Krewsons office requested when she took office.

The comptrollers statement also noted the most appropriate way to submit additional facts would be to supply them to her departments internal audit team.

This request comes weeks after the issuance of the final report, according to the statement. I welcome the submission of additional information through this channel and the team will be happy to review submitted items for relevance and consideration.

Krewsons spokesman, Koran Addo, rejected allegations that the mayor intentionally misled auditors or used the report to malign the rank and file. The audit took place during the previous administration and union leaders have not voiced their concerns about the audit to the mayors office, Addo said.

This was done by the comptrollers office and it was sitting on a website for a month before a reporter found it. That doesnt sound like the mayors office is trying to malign our citys officers, he said. Those in the comptrollers office are smart people. They can decipher the information.

This is another unnecessary fight being played out in the media. And this is the first weve heard of it. From a reporter.

Addo also argued that Krewson is supporting a tax increase to boost officers salaries because she understands the need for more officers and competitive pay to keep them.

Roorda argues Krewsons actions suggest she doesnt support a tax increase that will guarantee the money will be used for salary increases. Roorda said the mayor opposed an amendment that would have guaranteed money for police raises and refuses to meet with the union to draft language that would lock in the raises.

Uncertainty over whether city police will be given raises is leading more officers to consider other options, Roorda said, citing a recent membership survey conducted by the union that found that about 63 percent of officers have either applied or plan to apply to other police departments. About a quarter of the unions 1,100 members completed the survey.

The mayor is engaged in a public information campaign to discredit the Police Department and the officers we represent, Roorda said. And of course she doesnt know our position on these issues because she hasnt met with us.

Among areas of dispute in the audit:

The police union argues that the audit did not mention that the department was about 100 officers short, which left about $11 million which had been budgeted for police salaries and benefits unspent and available to pay officers overtime  money the previous administration directed the department to spend on overtime.

 Auditors said inadequate oversight and verbal agreements within the department made it impossible for auditors to determine whether officers actually worked the 342,414 hours of paid overtime claimed during the audited period.

Full-time officers work roughly 2,080 hours in a year. The audit revealed one officer earned $77,004 for 1,821 hours in overtime, on top of those regular hours. Another worked 1,757 overtime hours and made an additional $75,692. A third took home $62,854 for 1,159 hours of overtime.

In the memo to its members, union leaders said the departments software program logs an hour of overtime as 1 hours worked, even though officers only actually work for one hour.

The criticism in the audit about the high number of hours banked ... greatly overstates the actual number of hours that were worked, according to the memo.

 Auditors also found 30 lieutenants, who are exempt from overtime by law, earned $183,389 for more than 5,000 overtime hours.

The department and union have disputed that criticism by saying that lieutenants are allowed to receive overtime pay from grants.

 Auditors determined that 10 officers were found to have worked overtime without authorization.

Roorda said auditors did not identify the officers in question, so union leaders couldnt ask them outright for an explanation, and he said officers are allowed to work overtime without pre-authorization.

If youre out on the street for 20 minutes before your shift ends and you are given a radio assignment, you have to take it, he said.

 The report also found an additional 106 officers worked 848 overtime hours while on vacation.

Roorda said officers frequently get called in to work while theyre on vacation to attend court hearings or respond to emergency situations that call for additional manpower  something that makes them unique from other city employees that the comptrollers office and personnel division are used to.
ST. LOUIS  Imagine if the college application process were not about test scores and grade-point averages.

Well, the industry isnt quite there yet.

An app that several Missouri colleges have adopted is pushing the envelope though, introducing some nontraditional means for students to express themselves to traditional institutions.

The app is called ZeeMee, and its infiltrating the local college market. Theres some personalization flavor to a persons ZeeMee page that feels like a mixture of Instagram and LinkedIn.

One student user, who identifies herself as a recent graduate of Francis Howell Central High School, uses her profile to highlight her creative side. Shes a Thespian, a pianist, a chorus member and an actress. Topping off her profile though, is a video.

Thats one of the main draws to ZeeMee. Students such as this Francis Howell Central alumnae can post videos highlighting what they want the colleges they apply to to know about them. For this particular student, its her creativity. She sings an original song about herself in her video.

Others analyze writing, some use slam poetry and many more use it to tell their own stories.

Adam Metcalf, one of the co-founders of the app, said he and his college roommates started ZeeMee because colleges rely too much on test scores and transcripts. The co-founders believe what makes a student is more than that, and started ZeeMee as a way to offer a more holistic view of the applicant, offered by students themselves.

Ten billion videos will be viewed on Snapchat today, Metcalf said. He points to that type of social media use by so-called Generation Z as an example of their expectations and thoughts toward technology.

To these incoming students, the college application process looks antiquated, he said.

Right now, ZeeMee is free to students. They create an account and build their profile.

ZeeMee partners with about 200 institutions, up from six when the app launched in 2015. The size of the partner colleges varies from such smaller schools as Fontbonne University to large research schools such as Washington University. St. Louis University is another local partner.

Those are all private schools, but Truman State University is the first public school in Missouri to give ZeeMee a try.

We care about more than test scores and grade point averages, said Amanda Shreves, an admission counselor at Truman State. We look at grade trajectory, involvement, leadership and work obligations. So we wanted to bring as much of that to light as possible.

About 1 percent of applicants for fall 2017 submitted links to their ZeeMee profiles, she said. Its a small number, but a start.

It helps counselors connect with students in ways that might not seem immediately obvious.

Shreves uses a particular example of a student who is homeschooled. He used his video to show his learning environment  his couch  and share a bit about his personality.

Often students will think their resume has to be super professional and only show national awards and Girls State and the Missouri Scholars Academy, she said. While we certainly appreciate that, a student whos really proud of their portfolio of art, or a person whose side hustle is playing with a string quartet is also really exciting to us.

Metcalf calls Missouri a solid market with a significant amount of buy-in for what the app offers.

When students finish their profile, they submit the hyperlink to the partner school theyre applying to through whats otherwise a typical application process.

Its free for colleges to partner with ZeeMee, too, for the most part. The cost comes in when schools opt to participate in a premium service called ZeeMee Community. Metcalf describes that as a way to connect applicants to colleges and admitted students to each other. Schools can send push notifications to their applicants with reminders, among other things.

Metcalf said his team works with high school counselors to make the creation of a ZeeMee profile part of the curriculum. An app update will allow students the chance to respond via video prompts such as What does perseverance mean to you?

This helps you learn more about the students grit, he said. That is a much greater indicator of success.  Maybe they dont have great test scores, but they have gratitude, grit, theyre intellectually curious and have a growth mindset.

Those, according to Metcalf, are better indicators to colleges that the applicant is more likely to be successful and graduate.
By PTI: New Delhi, Aug 10 (PTI) Suspected Al-Qaeda terrorist Zeeshan Ali, deported to India from Saudi Arabia last evening, was today sent to police custody for two weeks in a case of alleged conspiracy, making provocative speeches to recruit Indian youths and establishing a base for the terror outfit.

Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth Singh remanded the accused in custody for a fortnight after the special cell of Delhi police said he was required for interrogation.

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Alis name, along with that of 11 others, was disclosed by Syed Anzar Shah and four others -- Mohd Asif, Zafar Masood, Mohd Abdul Rehman and Abdul Sami -- arrested in the case earlier.

The probe agency sought his 20-day custody saying he was required to be taken to various places as part of the probe.

The plea was, however, opposed by advocate M S Khan, appearing for the accused.

The Delhi Polices Special Cell had yesterday arrested Ali whom they were searching for over a year, ever since three alleged AQIS (Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent) operatives were arrested in 2015. PTI UK AG RT

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More than a dozen St. Louis area school districts are choosing not to hold class on the day of the solar eclipse because of safety concerns.

A number of logistical issues could arise from holding school on Aug. 21: Traffic could complicate transporting students to and from school, security for those students could be a concern and it could be difficult to ensure that hundreds of students follow proper eye safety procedures outdoors.

"Due to the unknowns pertaining to this once in a lifetime event, it is impossible for us to predict what may happen," the Washington School District said in a statement on its website explaining why it's cancelling class.

It's also likely that not all students will show up to school. Some families may want to watch the event with their children.

Local emergency service and transportation officials have been advising their schools to close and err on the side of caution.

"It is impossible for them to know how quickly they will be able to respond to any request for aid should an emergency occur," the Union School District said in a statement on its website.

Many of these districts, including Union and Washington, plan to send or have sent students home with eclipse glasses and eclipse teaching materials in advance of Aug. 21. Many schools will give in-class lessons on the eclipse in the days leading up to it.

Other school districts, including most in St. Louis, St. Louis County and St. Charles County, have acquired eclipse glasses for all students and are planning eclipse viewings and lessons for Aug. 21.

At least the following Missouri school districts will not be in session on Aug. 21:

 Crystal City

 De Soto

 Dunklin

 Festus

 Fox

 Gasconade County

 Hillsboro

 Lonedell

 Meramec Valley

 Northwest

 St. Clair

 Union

 Windsor

The following Metro East schools will be closed:

 Edwardsville

 Granite City
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A 60-year-old has been remanded in custody after being charged with the murder of a Stoke-on-Trent man.

Martin McDermott was arrested at the scene after 44-year-old Leslie Salmon was found fatally injured at a hostel.

Mr Salmon  who has been described by friends as 'sound'  died in hospital later that day.

McDermott was charged with Mr Salmon's murder and is now due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing later this year.

He had earlier appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court where he spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

An inquest has already been opening into the death of Mr Salmon, who was from Stoke-on-Trent but had more recently lived in Derby.

Mr Salmon was found by officers at a property in Bass Street, Derby, last Sunday (August 6). He lost his fight for life at Royal Derby Hospital.

The inquest, which was formally opened by deputy coroner Louise Pinder at Derby and Derbyshire Coroner's Court, heard from DC Manjit Johal from Derbyshire Police.

He said: "Derbyshire Police were called to Burdett Lodge Probation Hostel in Bass Street in the early hours of Sunday afternoon.

"Mr Salmon was taken to Royal Derby Hospital where he passed away that afternoon and a male was arrested at the scene."

The inquest heard that the cause of death of Mr Salmon, who lived in Bass Street and had never worked, was at this stage 'undetermined'.

Friends of Mr Salmon paid tribute to him. They described him as 'sound', 'a lovely man', 'friendly' and a 'good mate'. They also described his death as 'absolutely terrible'.

There was a heavy police presence in Bath Street on Sunday with uniformed, detectives and forensic officers. Officers cordoned off part of a hostel called Burdett Lodge Probation Hostel, which is run by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

An MoJ spokesman said: "A police investigation is underway and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."

McDermott will appear at Nottingham Crown Court on October 16 for a pre-trial hearing. A provisional trial date has been listed for February 12.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Derbyshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 415 of August 6.
By PTI: (EDS: Updating with fresh inputs)

Kathmandu, Aug 11 (PTI) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met her Bhutanese counterpart Damcho Dorji here and is understood to have discussed bilateral issues, amidst the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Dokalam area of the Sikkim sector.

Both the leaders are here to attend a meeting of foreign ministers from the countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), a grouping of countries in South Asia and South East Asia.

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Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal are members of the BIMSTEC.

"Time with a close friend and neighbour. The external affairs minister meets with foreign minister of Bhutan Damcho Dorji on sidelines of BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers meet," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted and also posted a picture of the meeting.

The two leaders mainly discussed BIMSTEC cooperation and a range of issues in bilateral relations, Sudhakar Dalale, Joint Secretary North, said at a briefing here.

The meeting between the two leaders comes against the backdrop of the current standoff in Dokalam -- a trijunction between India, China and Bhutan.

India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector since June 16 after Indian troops stopped the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army from building a road in the area.

Swaraj also met Sri Lankas minister of state for foreign affairs Vasantha Senanayake.

During the meeting they discussed bilateral issues, mutual cooperation and matters relating to strengthening cultural linkages, Dalale said

BIMSTEC has very important role for India and greater energy needs to be injected into the BIMSTEC movement, he said.

"The BIMSTEC has made an important journey in the past two decades and we need to explore untapped resources through the regional grouping for our benefit," he said. PTI PYK SBP ASK ASK

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FOUNDING FATHER

The chairman of Tata Sons from 1938 to 1991, J.R.D. Tata took a fateful decision in 1968. His brother-in-law, aide and confidant Colonel Leslie Sawhney had suggested addressing the group's needs for data processing via a single business unit-and just like that, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) was founded.

THE TECH JOURNEY

This took place at a time when computers were looked upon with some suspicion because of their potential to replace human labour. TCS's early contracts included punch-card services to sister company TISCO, an inter-branch reconciliation system for the Central Bank of India, and providing bureau services to Unit Trust of India. In September 1969, Faqir Chand Kohli, a director at Tata Electric Companies, joined TCS as a general manager. Later, he progressed onward to become its CEO. Much of the transformation in TCS took place under Kohli, who still has an office in the Air India building at Nariman Point, one of TCS' first offices. Kohli, now 93, is often referred to as the father of the Indian IT industry. Another vastly influential individual was S. Ramadorai, who retired from the posts of managing director and chief executive officer in 2009.

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N. Chandrasekaran, who succeeded Ramadorai, saw TCS generating revenues of $16.5 billion in 2015-16 under his leadership. In his book The TCS Story and Beyond, Ramadorai recalls that the company's partnership with Burroughs, one the big three mainframe computer makers, was crucial to train its engineers in fundamental concepts relating to micro-programming and software architecture. The first real 'outsourcing' contract TCS got from Burroughs was to upgrade a hospital accounting system for about $24,000. In 1975, TCS delivered an electronic depository and trading system called SECOM for the Swiss company SIS SegaInterSettle. It also developed System X for the Canadian Depository System and automated the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. It associated with a Swiss partner, TKS Teknosoft, which it later acquired. In 1980, TCS established India's first dedicated software research and development centre, the Tata Research Development and Design Centre (TRDDC), in Pune. In 1981, it established India's first client-dedicated offshore development centre, set up for clients Tandem. In 1993, TCS also partnered with Canada-based software factory Integrity Software Corp, which it later acquired. On 25 August 2004, TCS became a publicly listed company.

SOUND HEAD OVER ITS SHOULDERS

The current MD and CEO Rajesh Gopinathan joined TCS from Tata Internet Services in 2001. He was first made vice president and chief financial officer, before being chosen to head the company after Chandrasekaran became the chairman of Tata Sons.

DID YOU KNOW?

TCS has 289 offices across 46 countries. It also has 147 delivery centres in 21 countries

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Nawaz Sharif, who was ousted by Supreme Court (SC) under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution in Panama Leaks case, has resumed his homecoming rally towards Lahore on third day today (Friday) after a stopover in Jhelum.

Sources told that Sharifs cavalcade will reach Gujranwala today, where it would likely to have an overnight stay and will then leave for Lahore on Saturday morning.

Thousands of PML-N supporters thronged the GT Road to express solidarity and love for their ousted leader whereas camps have also been formed all along the way to welcome him.

The workers have displayed banners, flexes, party flags and posters on the route while more than 6,000 security personnel have been deployed to avoid any untoward incident. All the areas around the route will be sealed as the cavalcade approaches.

Nawaz Sharifs Jhelum address

Addressing the rally after reaching Jhelum, Nawaz Sharif said that he had promised to do whatever it took to take Pakistan towards prosperity and things have improved a lot during the last four years.

"The parties that were going into a different direction in Balochistan, were brought into the mainstream. We made a coalition government there. We saved Karachi from the menace that it was under in 2013. Today, motorways are being made throughout the country and the economic resurgence is underway", he continued.

He said that he was ousted by 5 judges in just 1 minute. "Isnt it a disgrace to the people of Pakistan that 5 honourable judges ousted the PM who you had voted to power? The people should ask them why they ousted Nawaz Sharif when he had done no corruption", he said.

"I want to ask why they ousted me. Someone tell me why I was ousted. There were no charges of corruption or kickbacks on me. Did they oust me because Pakistan was progressing and the poor were getting employment", he said.

He said that the nation will avenge everything that had been done with him. If you hold these people accountable for their deeds now then Pakistan will surely survive, he added.

Panamagate verdict

On April 20, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa had announced Panama Leaks case decision comprising of 540 pages, saying that the court issued a split ruling calling for a JIT. Two of the five judges went further, branding Sharif "dishonest" and saying he should be disqualified, but they were outnumbered.

The court formed a six-member inquiry team that included Federal Investigation Agencys (FIA) Additional Director General Wajid Zia, Military Intelligences Brig Kamran Khurshid, National Accountability Bureaus (NAB) Director Irfan Naeem Mangi, State Bank of Pakistans Amer Aziz, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistans (SECP) Executive Director Bilal Rasool and Inter-Services Intelligences Brig Muhammad Nauman Saeed.

The JIT members during the seven-week period interrogated eight members of Sharif family including Nawaz Sharif, his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, sons Hassan and Hussain Nawaz, daughter Maryam Nawaz, son-in-law Captain Safdar, cousin Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and brother-in-law Ishaq Dar and submitted its report on July 10.

On July 29, the five-judge larger bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and comprising Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, Justice Gulzar Ahmed, Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed and Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan after a week-long hearings unanimously disqualified Nawaz Sharif.

"It is hereby declared that having failed to disclose his un-withdrawn receivables constituting assets from Capital FZE Jebel Ali, UAE in his nomination papers filed for the General Elections held in 2013 in terms of Section 12(2)(f) of the Representation of the People Act, 1976 (ROPA), and having furnished a false declaration under solemn affirmation respondent No. 1 Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is not honest in terms of Section 99(f) of ROPA and Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 and therefore he is disqualified to be a Member of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament)."

The fresh PM for Pakistan

On August 2, President Mamnoon Hussain had administered oath to Shahid Khaqan Abbasi after he was elected as the leader of the House in National Assembly (NA) for 45 days by securing 221 votes.

On August 4, a 43-member new cabinet that included 27 federal and 16 state ministers took oath in a ceremony at Prime Minister House.

"Panama Papers" Fallout

Panama Papers had published a leak of documents belonging to Mossack Fonseca, a law firm in April 2016 creating uproar in Pakistan among other countries. The leak was studied by International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and stated names of incumbent as well as former leaders of the world who owned shell companies.

Opposition parties in Pakistan saw offshore companies as proof of money laundering done by Sharif family. Questions over the source of money used to purchase flats in Londons posh Mayfair locality by Sharif family were raised.

The top court took up the case in October last year on petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Awami Muslim League and Jamaat-e-Islami.
Russia does not accept a North Korea that possesses nuclear weapons, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. Lavrov added that there was an overwhelming amount of belligerent rhetoric on North Koreas nuclear and rocket programs from Washington and Pyongyang, and that Russia hopes that ultimately common sense will prevail.

Russia together with China developed a very smart plan which proposes double freezing: Kim Jong-un should freeze nuclear tests and stop launching any types of ballistic missiles, while US and South Korea should freeze large-scale drills which are used as a pretext for the Norths tests, Lavrov said.

Lavrov noted that North Korea had once signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) but then withdrew from it. Now [North Korea] claims that it has legal rights to make nuclear weapons and has already [done so], he said. But you know our position: we dont accept the fact that North Korea could possess nuclear weapons.

Both Russia and China have a range of proposals aimed at preventing what could become one of the deepest conflicts and a crisis with a big number of casualties.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the UN special rapporteur for human rights in North Korea expressed concern over foreign detainees in the country. "I am concerned by reports that detainees are not receiving due legal process and are being held in inhumane conditions," Tomas Ojea Quintana said in a statement.

According to the Russian foreign minister, there is the strong risk that Washington and Pyongyang could engage in military conflict. There are direct threats of deploying [military] power, he stated.

"The side that is stronger and cleverer" should take the first step to defuse tensions, he said speaking live on state television.

A similar position was voiced earlier on Friday by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who said Berlin would support any non-military solutions regarding North Korea but deemed an escalation of rhetoric the wrong answer.

I don't see a military solution to this conflict, Merkel told reporters in Berlin. I see the need for enduring work at the UN Security Council ... as well as tight cooperation between the countries involved, especially the US and China.
Taj Hotels, established in 1903, is focusing on the digital integration of its operations since that's where guests begin to experience the essence of 'Tajness'.

THE DREAM

The founder of the Tata Group, JN Tata, had a vision for his country. He knew that if India was to be acknowledged globally, it had to have a sound economy and strong industry. The hotel he set up -- the Taj Mahal Palace in Colaba, Bombay, in 1903 --soon became the standard by which all other hotels were judged. Within four years, it was counted among the top hotels in the world by the New York Times. In the years since, the Taj Group's portfolio has grown by leaps and bounds. Today, the group has 98 hotels across 61 locations.

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THE EARLY YEARS

JN Tata's first hotel played a significant role during the Independence movement. In 1916, the Indian Army requisitioned the hotel, turning it into a military hospital for 500 soldiers and 100 officers. Though this idea proved impractical and was abandoned, the hotel continued to provide subsidised lodging for army officers. Many national figures of the time -- including Sarojini Naidu and Muhammad Ali Jinnah --also chose to stay here.

THE ROAD AHEAD

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), also known as the Taj Group, has unified its properties under a single brand - Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris. Rakesh Sarna joined IHCL as MD and CEO in September 2014. He was instrumental in coining the philosophy of 'Tajness', which defines the essence of the brand. Currently, IHCL is focusing on the 'digital integration' of its operations, like most hoteliers worldwide. This is because most hotel guests begin their experience of the Taj at the company's digital touch points - its website and its new mobile app.

SLICES OF HISTORY

In 1916, at a meeting between the Congress and Muslim League at the Taj, the two agreed to work toward a common goal: the self-governance of India

For about 30 years, a suite of rooms at the Taj was kept permanently reserved for Sarojini Naidu

Lord Mountbatten announced India's Independence from the steps of the Taj

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Titan began its business activities with the aim of thoroughly shaking up the Indian watch market. This was done by leveraging its futuristic quartz technology to produce cutting edge timepieces, complemented by international styling.

TITAN | established IN 1984

On the hour

Titan Company Limited, a joint venture between the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) and the Tata Group, commenced operations in 1984 under the name Titan Watches Limited. Titan is the world's fifth largest integrated own brand manufacturer of watches. A major brand player, Titan stakes claim to over 50 per cent of the organised watch market in India, with over 150 million pieces sold to date across 32 countries.

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Precision engineering

Titan commenced production at the end of 1986, and its watches hit the market in March 1987. The analog electronic quartz range of its products met with instant acclaim, bringing much joy to a watch-starved consumer market. Having received such an overwhelming response, the company then decided to grow its list of manufactured products, expanding its activities to include bracelets, cases, electronic circuitry and step motors.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, the company has manufacturing and assembly operations at multiple locations across the country, including Hosur, Dehradun, Roorkee, Pantnagar and Chikkaballapur. It also has an electronic components manufacturing plant in Goa. Since its inception, Titan has continually leveraged its manufacturing skills and technical competencies, even branching out into the precision engineering sector. The company currently employs over 7,000 people across its divisions, has two exclusive design studios for its watch and jewellery lines and boasts 12 manufacturing units, not to mention millions of customers across the world. With over 1,200 exclusive retail stores, Titan is also the largest jewellery retailer in India with over 160 Tanishq boutique locations, two Zoya stores and over 30 Gold Plus stores.

Eye on the future

Titan began its business activities with the aim of thoroughly shaking up the Indian watch market. This was done by leveraging its futuristic quartz technology to produce cutting edge timepieces, complemented by international styling. It has also proved successful in related fields such as jewellery, note the success of 'Tanishq', its fast growing jewellery brand. More recently, the company has also chosen to make a foray into the eyewear category via its Titan Eyeplus stores, which number 300 at present. Other consumer product segments that Titan has engaged with include the 'smart wearables' segment (smartwatches, heartbeat sensors and the like) and the perfume segment with SKINN. Titan has also increased its portfolio with Taneira, the latest range of luxury sarees.

DID YOU KNOW?: Titan Juxt is the first smartwatch completely made in India; the company also caters to the needs of industry verticals like aerospace, hydraulics and medical instruments

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By India Today Web Desk: Akshay Kumar's much-anticipated film Toilet Ek Prem Katha hit the screens today (August 11). But before anyone, it was his wife Twinkle Khanna who got the chance to watch the film. And Mrs Funnybones loved it.

As soon as Twinkle Khanna came out of the theatre, she took to Twitter to laud the actor and the film. She wrote, "Saw #ToiletEkPremKatha and loved it! Very proud of Mr K-It's a highly entertaining and equally important movie! #MustWatch"

Saw #ToiletEkPremKatha and loved it! Very proud of Mr K-It's a highly entertaining and equally important movie! #MustWatch pic.twitter.com/X8PW3BUuHf- Twinkle Khanna (@mrsfunnybones) August 10, 2017

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From its first look poster to quirky star cast, Toilet Ek Prem Katha has been in news for long. Inspired from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, Toilet Ek Prem Katha brings to notice a problem that is still prevalent in major parts of the country.

The film brings Akshay and Bhumi Pednekar together on the big screen for the first time. While this is Bhumi's second film post Dun Laga Ke Haisha, Akshay is happy pushing the envelope with each of his upcoming films.

OPINION | Toilet Ek Prem Katha and the charm of being Akshay Kumar in 2017

ALSO READ | Toilet Ek Prem Katha box-office prediction: Akshay Kumar's film all set to be a blockbuster

ALSO WATCH: I hope India becomes open defecation-free in two years, says Akshay Kumar

--- ENDS ---
By Suhani Singh: Is Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar's film worth the price of your ticket? Here is our Toilet Ek Prem Katha movie review.

Toilet Ek Prem Katha Cast: Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar, Anupam Kher

Toilet Ek Prem Katha Director: Shree Narayan Singh

Toilet Ek Prem Katha Rating: (2/5)

Love is a release in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, but it comes at the price of a...commode. The romantic drama sees Akshay Kumar be the crusading husband who takes it upon himself to ensure that his wife (Bhumi Pednekar) doesn't have to head to the fields to relieve herself. Parted over the lack of a toilet in both the house and the village, Keshav and Jaya do their utmost to guarantee their love is not a waste. But superstitions, social stigma and orthodox villagers are obstacles who ensure a toilet remains a pipe dream. Will their love hold steady or will it be flushed away?

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The latter would mean the failure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, who is lauded here not just for his sanitation drive but also for demonetisation. If the first half is a romance with a little bit of stalking, some clandestinely taken photographs, repartee and finally the realisation of love, the second is government propaganda at its loudest with Kumar in full lecture mode. So much so, that we see a promising career for Keshav in politics. Writers Siddharth and Garima suggest that scams may happen but the public has to hold itself accountable too. The moral: to change the system, the change needs to start at home. Trouble is that this message is preached in a long-winded manner with a government bias clear cut.

Jaya is shown to be a bright, feisty and progressive young woman but it appears less so especially when after some hesitation she falls for a 36-year-old "bhaisahab" Keshav (Kumar). Keshav is a cycle store owner who is wedded to a buffalo because of his poor stars and whose conservative Pandit father insists that he marry a woman with two thumbs for a blissful marital life. Instead Keshav fools his father to marry Jaya the class topper. Jaya's high education is held against her but she will speak her mind. She wants a toilet because she has always had access to one. It's a different matter that you'd think an educated woman like her would have done some research on her to-be husband. After many attempts to make her marriage work which include using the train toilet, she finally leaves Keshav to return home to her parents. But Jaya's defiance comes with a limitation. She is a loving wife who is sacrificing her love for a larger good cause.

Toilet: Ek Prem Katha's finest moments come when Kumar is the concerned husband stuck sympathising with his wife and not offending his father (Sudhir Pandey) who is vehemently opposed to building a toilet in house. Struggling to appease a lover and a parent, Kumar does well in demonstrating Keshav's helplessness. Divyendu Sharma does a decent job as the younger brother supportive of Keshav's cause. Anupam Kher's role here can be best described as a member of the Sunny Leone fan club who bids his time ogling at her song videos.

Singh, who has edited Neeraj Pandey thrillers such as Baby and Special 26, is guilty of being partial to his directorial debut for Toilet could easily have made its point sharper in a shorter span. Instead he continues with the unending social commentary, allowing his now activist hero to fight for his wife's right.

There is no denying that Toilet: Ek Prem Katha is a film with a pertinent message which seeks to challenge our outdated beliefs and asks us to be more practical. It is also a contemporarily relevant of our times as it highlights how sloganeering and protesting especially in front of the media pays dividends, and the darker picture of the nation such as when a journalist is beaten for reporting the truth even if it's for a cause.

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MOVIE REVIEW: TOILET EK PREM KATHA

OPINION: Toilet Ek Prem Katha and the charm of being Akshay Kumar in 2017

ALSO READ: Khans, step aside. 2017 is Akshay Kumar 2.0's year

ALSO WATCH: I hope India becomes open defecation-free in two years, says Akshay Kumar

--- ENDS ---
Canvas Tauranga Careers Showcase - ASB Arena 2017 from Sun Live on Vimeo.

The Canvas Careers Showcase, which has been helping students and job seekers find their passion, is on for the last day today at the ASB Baypark Arena.

The showcase gives students and job seekers the chance to speak face-to-face with real people from businesses and tertiary institutions across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.

Event Manager Sally Cooke says this years showcase is highly visual and interactive.

These days its about engaging with the students and getting them inspired and energised -and its all about finding their passion.

The exhibitors are the same, they are very passionate, because they want to engage with these students and to help them shape their blank canvas of a career.

Sally says the event brings people from all over because there is no other careers showcase quite like this one.

Its seen as quite a unique careers showcase because weve got that industry profile as well, not just the tertiary and training providers -weve got industry sector and business showcasing.

The students can not only see some amazing careers in action, but an also walk across the arena to the training providers that will help them get there.

As future jobs are changing and different skills are required, Sally says the event each is always slightly different.

A lot of the showcase is about letting the students understand that its about having transferable skills and keeping their options open, like this year when they first come in theres an opportunity for them to identify whether they know what they want to do, theyre not sure or they have no idea.

So its a really nice way to inspire them and engage them and let them see that even if they dont know exactly what they want to do yet, this is a good way to see the options that they can get.

On Friday thousands of students as well as members of the public attended the event.

A key feature of this years event is the I Can Be Inspiration Stage. Through bi-hourly talks, speakers will give their first-hand accounts of what skills are required for a career in their field in addition to sharing tips on getting your foot in the door.

One such speaker is Page Macrae Engineering representative, Logan Taylor, who will discuss his mechanical engineering apprenticeship. "Over time Page Macrae Engineering have produced some of the highest achievers in the trade, says apprentice training coordinator Grant Holland. At Canvas were excited to show you what we do, how we do it and let you get hands-on with some displays and challenges.

Bay of Plenty Films general manager, Anton Steel, will also speak on the Inspiration Stage to share his story of establishing BOP Film and his vision to turn the region into a film makers haven. He will give tips on what it takes to get involved in Taurangas growing film production industry.

Creating pathways for Bay of Plenty youth into this lucrative industry is a large part of our vision, says Anton. This is a boom time worldwide in terms of digital content creation, and the youth of today are more digitally connected than anyone, so we want to see the Bay become one of the world leaders in this space.

To further engage with students, visitors to Canvas Careers Showcase are invited to download the event app, which allows them to connect with exhibitors, navigate the event with ease and access a schedule of what is on when. Anyone who downloads the app goes in the draw to win a Samsung Galaxy tablet.

Some of the exhibitors at the event are: Affco, BCITO-Building, Face and Beauty Academy, NZ Defence Recruiting, NZ Institute of Sport, NZ Kiwifruit Growers, NZ School of Radio, NZ School of Tourism, SonaSafe, Staples Rodway, The Edge, Tauranga Electoral Office.

The event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Tauranga and Priority One. Visit www.canvascareers.co.nz for more information.

General Manager at House of Science Carl Acton and Rose Bruning age 13.

Cameron Baker and Katy McGinity at the NZ Kiwifruit Growers stand.

Alfred Shum and Lakhvir Singh having their hair cut by Katrina Pyle and Nate Hohaia from Hair to Train (Havana Barbers), and Keisha McDonald on far right.

Rex Fairweather and Melissa Kellett from the University of Waikato Coastal Marine Field Station.
Opinion on a replacement for the school decile system has been divided, with the primary teachers union calling it merely shifting the deckchairs on the Titanic unless schools get more funding.

The government has announced the decile system is to be replaced with a risk index. Rather than allocating funding to schools on the basis of neighbourhood characteristics, funding will now be targeted at children most at risk of not achieving due to disadvantage. The risk index will also be applied to early childhood education.

Education minister Nikki Kaye says schools have been stigmatised and wrongly judged by their decile number for too long.

Children and young people deserve to take pride in their school and we need to better target funding to where the need is greatest to support all children to achieve.

The minister has assured schools that no one will see a reduction in funding as a result of the change, which is expected to take effect from 2019 or 2020.

But the primary teachers union, NZEI, says the announcement is short on detail.

"Unless schools and early childhood services get a major and immediate funding jolt, any new way to divvy up funding will be a bit like rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic," president Lynda Stuart says.

"Well be glad to see the end of the stigmatising aspects of the decile funding scheme, but the main issue facing schools and early childhood services is a dire lack of funding.

"Though the minister has promised no school or service will be worse off under the new scheme, we dont know what that means in practice.

"Its time for the government to stop scrimping on childrens education and provide whats needed for every child to have the best education in the world.

The proposed new system has been welcomed by New Zealand Kindergartens and the New Zealand School Trustees Association.

"Shifting away from the current decile and equity funding system is a welcome move," says NZK chief executive Clare Wells.

"Funding through a new system has the potential to better support each child who needs it by reducing disparities and improving learning outcomes.

NZSTA president Lorraine Kerr says the move to target equity funding to students instead of schools is really exciting stuff.

"Parents and communities will need to start looking at the actual educational progress students are making when they try to assess school quality, instead of the hoary old decile labels, which have been really misleading.

"It is going to take everyone a while to really get their heads around it, because the real significance of this change is that were recognising that funding belongs with the students, and that schools are kaitiaki  caretakers of that funding," she says. "Its not ours as of right, its ours to use in the service of our students.

"Real change is hard work, and we all have some hard work ahead of us to ensure that the new system does not replicate the problems of labelling and superficial reporting that has dogged the decile system.
Two Britons are facing huge fines after threatening the safety of aeroplanes coming into land at Malaga airport by shining high-powered laser pens into the eyes of the pilots.

The alarm was raised late on Tuesday night when several pilots of passenger aircraft that were coming into land from over the sea at around 11pm reported being distracted by the illegal pointing of lasers into their aircraft.

Air traffic controllers, seeing the risk of a plane being brought down, immediately called police and sent out a message over their Twitter account in an attempt to find the culprit. One pilot, who knew the area, said that they appeared to be coming from the direction of hotels in nearby Torremolinos.

The lasers soon stopped, supposedly as the security services had been called out on the ground to search the area before a potentially catastrophic fatal accident.

Lucky coincidence

By a fortunate coincidence an off-duty police officer staying at the Hotel Don Pablo in Torremolinos saw green laser rays coming from a balcony in the building and took a photograph.

Police image of the seized lasers. / SUR

Hearing news of the alert the next morning, he told colleagues, who used the photograph to work out what floor the dangerous light was coming from.

Two British holidaymakers, a man aged 41 and his 15-year-old son were found with two green laser pens in their room.

The suspects now face a fine of between 30,000 and 600,000 euros for contravening national security laws. Police on Thursday released images of the seized pens.

High-power laser pens are banned from public sale, although they can be found on the internet.

The risk arises as the light can rebound into an aircraft cabin at critical moments of a flight, such as take off and landing, as happened on Tuesday night. People do it as a game but they dont think of the damage they could cause, said a pilots representative. The lasers can also cause eye damage.

Pilots have said that these type of incidents with lasers are more common over the summer, particularly during open-air fiestas and concerts.
The National Police, Guardia Civil and police from Estonia, working together on an operation called Fulcrum-Carinatus, have broken up the biggest Russian drug-trafficking organisation in Estonia, called Kemerovo. A police raid carried out simultaneously in both countries has resulted in the leader of the organisation being arrested in Mijas, and three other members have been detained in Tallinn (Estonia).

The Estonian authorities have been investigating this criminal group for more than two years. The operation took on another dimension after the revenge killing of the top name in the Russian criminal world in Estonia in September 2016. Before his death, according to a statement issued by the National Police in Spain, he had exercised total power and it was he who received money from the criminal organisations based in Estonia, as their contribution to the so-called obshack, or common account.

He had been involved in all aspects of crime (weapons trafficking, drugs, extorsion, prostitution, people trafficking) and acted as a judge whenever disputes arose between other leaders. His absolute power had been recognised since the 1990s, and he presided over the so-called shodkas, meetings which were attended by the 15 most influential criminals. Such was his power that these meetings were known in the underworld as the round table.

At one of these meetings he withdrew his support for another member of the group who until then had been controlling the amphetamine market in Estonia, but had lost merchandise worth one million euros. Because of this, the boss is said to have ordered that he was to be killed. This led to a battle between the different organisations over who would take the place of the dead man and there were several killings and shootings between the clans, all of whom wanted more control over criminal activities and specialities.

This latest police operation targeted the leader of the Kemerovo organisation in Spain, who was involved in all types of crime although he mainly concentrated on drug trafficking.

As the police explained, there were two reasons this man was in Spain. On one hand he wanted to set up an operational base for these criminal activities, and on the other he needed to launder money.

Security is also believed to have been a factor in his decision to move to Spain, because he feared that he would become the victim of one of the aforementioned balance of accounts killings.

One of the hired assassins involved in these shootings, who belonged to a rival organisation to Kemerovo, had been detained in June in Reus (Tarragona), shortly after arriving in Spain. A short while previously, in Estonia, he had shot one of the members of Kemerovo after barging into a meeting which was taking place at a hotel in Tallinn. The police are not ruling out the possibility that his presence in Spain was related to the ongoing war between clans.

As soon as the head of the criminal organisation had settled in Mijas, Spanish and Estonian police set up a joint operation to find out what illegal activities he was involved in. He had put strong security measures in place, and from his base here he issued instructions to his most trusted assistant about controlling the drugs market in Estonia.

Once there was sufficient indication of criminal activity, the simultaneous operation was carried out in Tallinn and Mijas. When officers searched the property in Mijas after his arrest, they found documentation and computer material which is now being analysed, an axe and a large knife which he had hidden under his pillow.

At the same time in Tallinn, the other leaders of the organisation were arrested, including the deputy leader of the group, a martial arts expert who recruited the so-called soldiers of Kemerovo in the gymnasium he managed. They then took orders directly from him.

Ten of these soldiers have been detained in the past year by the Estonian security forces. Their homes were also searched, and computer material and documents seized.
Sara Ali Khan was present at the screening of Toilet Ek Prem Katha.

By India Today Web Desk: Her dad has worked with Akshay Kumar in many films back in the 90s. Since Saif Ali Khan is busy vacationing in Switzerland with Kareena Kapoor Khan and son Taimur Ali Khan Pataudi, his daughter decided to fill in for him at the screening of Toilet Ek Prem Katha.

The star kid, who is all set to make her Bollywood debut soon with Abhishek Kapoor's Kedarnath, made her way to the screening of Akshay's much-awaited film.

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Saif and Amrita Singh's daughter made a pretty picture in ripped jeans and black shirt.

In fact, she was the only star kid who was invited to the screening of the film.

Directed by Shree Narayan Singh, Toilet Ek Prem Katha has Akshay and Bhumi Pednekar playing the lead roles. Inspired from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, Toilet Ek Prem Katha brings to notice a problem that is still prevalent in major parts of the country. The film is set to hit the screens on August 11.

(Photos: Yogen Shah)

ALSO READ: Twinkle Khanna has this to say about hubby Akshay Kumar's film

OPINION | Toilet Ek Prem Katha and the charm of being Akshay Kumar in 2017

ALSO WATCH: I hope India becomes open defecation-free in two years, says Akshay Kumar

--- ENDS ---
The town of Ronda has been in mourning this week after the horrific minibus crash in India that killed four travelling companions from a humanitarian group from the Malaga municipality and a local driver.

Six of the remaining nine from the group of 13, all injured, were well enough to be flown back to Spain and arrived at Malaga airport on Tuesday, while, at time of going to press, two are still in hospital and one waiting to return.

Two of the survivors, showing the scars of the accident, spoke to waiting journalists. Weve been through a tragedy, said one, while a fellow group member added that we are in a bad way psychologically and physically.

The scenes at Malaga airport on Tuesday were a far cry from the excitement and expectation the group had had on setting out from there a week earlier.

Hit by an oncoming truck

The group, mostly from Ronda, had set out to visit humanitarian projects in southern India linked to the Fundacion Vicente Ferrer, aSpanish charity. The trip turned to tragedy, however, when several days into the journey, a minibus in which the group was travelling was hit head on by a truck on the wrong side of the road.

According to accounts from members of the group, after arriving on 1 August, they had spent five days finding out about the charitys work in the Indian state of Andra Praesh, north of Chennai, before starting out on a private trip last Saturday to an orphanage at Puducherry, crossing the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, that is not part of the charitys work.

It was about 200 kilometres into the journey to the orphanage when the minibus was hit at about 10am by the lorry. The bus was virtually destroyed by the impact and the lorry driver fled the scene and is wanted on suspicion of dangerous driving.

Organised by a yoga centre

The group trip to India was organised by a popular yoga centre in Ronda. The owner of the Centro Baba, Vicente Perez, who was one of the four fatalities on Saturday, was also the local Ronda coordinator for the Fundacion Vicente Ferrers work and had arranged the trip. Perezs wife was one of the more seriously injured in the crash.

A message on the Centro Baba Facebook page from last Friday including photographs of the trip, which was taken down after the accident said: India, a country where humanity overwhelms. We are visiting the impressive work carried out by the Fundacion Vicente Ferrer.

Many of those taking part were well-known for their charity and volunteer work in Ronda.

Speaking from her hospital bed in Bangalore after the accident, Ronda businesswoman Concha Marquez explained what she remembered of what had happened. Ididnt see much, Ilost consciousness and Iended up among the wreckage. They had to take me out, she said.

We had set out at about four in the morning, we stopped for breakfast, bananas and coffee. We were having an incredible few days.

She went on to say that they had been taking donations of materials to the orphanage in a city to the south, believed to include fleeces and glasses.

Of those killed, three were from Ronda and one was from Granada province but worked in Malaga. They were named as Vicente Perez, Josefa Moran, Nieves Lopez and Francisco Pedrosa. The Indian driver of their minibus was also killed.

Mayor of Ronda, Teresa Valdenebro, declared three days of official mourning after the accident, with official meetings cancelled and flags flying at half mast. Iwant to pass on my condolences to the families, she said. Local residents lit candles and left flowers at the door of Centro Baba, which remained open to support those family members affected. Messages of sympathy were also received from the King and Queen and the prime minister.

Charity in shock

The head of the Fundacion Vicente Ferrer charity, Jordi Folgado, visibly affected by the accident, commented from Spain: It is as if a part of our energy has been taken away.

The Vicente Ferrer organisation aims to take people out of poverty in southern India through sustainable development. Most donations come from sponsoring a child and some 150,000 children are sponsored this way, sources say.

The bodies of the deceased were expected to arrive back in Spain on Thursday evening before being taken to Ronda.
Starlite, the annual international music festival that has been running in Marbella for six summers, is threatening to pull out of the resort next year.

The move comes amid increasing tension between event organisers and Marbella council over closing times after concerts and uncertainty over operating licences.

The latest dispute, that was aired in public last week, centres on disagreement over whether Starlite should be legally defined as a festival, and so entitled to special privileges in how long it can stay open each night, or a normal nightspot which has to adhere to stricter rules.

The 45-night event, which was originally branded as Starlite Marbella but is now advertised as Starlite Festival as relations with the town hall have soured, started on the Costa del Sol in 2012. This year it has featured many major international names in concert, including Elton John, Luis Fonsi, Art Garfunkel and Andrea Bocelli.

It's all about the Lounge

The current dispute isnt about the concert stage, which is located in an old hillside quarry in the Nagueles area of the resort, but the bar and after-show area known as the Starlite Lounge just alongside.

Organisers say that as the event is a festival, the Starlite Lounge should be allowed blanket permission to close anytime up to 6am. Marbella council says no, that the law says 2am on weekdays, 3am at weekends, with only ad hoc permission to open later until 6am. Failure to give permission every day means the events cannot be planned properly and risks their viability and jobs, says Starlite. It claims it is being unfairly treated by the mayor.

The organisers frustration reached boiling point early on Thursday last week when two Local Police officers turned up at 2am after a Gypsy Kings concert to check the venue was closing. Both sides confirmed afterwards that all was in order on the visit.

However Starlite issued a statement in which organisers said they were considering other resorts in Spain to move to and starting legal action for what they call obstructive and illegal behaviour. They say jobs are being put at risk.

Marbella's Puerto Deportivo nightspots get over 100 fines for disobeying closing times Starlite is not alone in feeling frustration at Marbella council. Owners of bars and restaurants in Marbellas central Puerto Deportivo marina have made an official complaint against legal restrictions imposed on them for over a year and have warned that the peak tourist month of August will be wasted. Spokesperson Pilar Orsas said that businesses suffer a systematic police presence so that they stop trading completely at 2am, as the local regulations state. The owners feel that in an area like Marbella you cant close its recreational centre so soon and remove customers. They are demanding a meeting with town hall leaders, claiming that they have legal evidence that they should be allowed to open longer. They add that some 100 fines have been given out to bars, restaurants and clubs in the area. Marbellas mayor,Jose Bernal has said that he has met numerous times with the owners and that police are told to be flexible, adding however that the law has to be respected above all else.

The mayor of Marbella, Jose Bernal, has denied any sort of persecution, saying that Starlite has had the utmost support. He says that he cant give permission for it to close whenever it likes as the law doesnt allow him to.

Some have suggested, however that the councils actions are politically motivated.

Other nightspot organisers have been complaining about Starlites perceived late opening for a while. Last year a lawyer and founder of the left-wing Podemos party locally made an official complaint.

Marbellas mayor relies on the support of Podemoss two councillors to keep him in power. Podemos had complained to the mayor on Thursday that the Starlite Festival was allegedly not honouring its opening timetable. Hours later the police attended the venue.

Former PP mayor of Marbella, Angeles Munoz, who first authorised the event in 2012, has hit out at the current PSOE mayor and blamed instability in the minority local administration led by Jose Bernal. She said that the council was acting on the whim of councillors, in this case Podemos, saying the dispute is bad for the towns image.

Worker's anger

Employees at Starlite demonstrated against the town hall last week. Its not fair the constant harassment and damage thats being done, said Elena Suarez, one employee. A spokesperson for Starlite added:Starlite gives work to over 800 people in the area, many of those being local suppliers.

The mayor said he was bemused by the fuss, explaining the problem is with the after-concert club- lounge that can only open until 2am on weekdays, 3am at weekends and until 6am when the council gives special permission.

He said that, despite the event organisers saying it is a festival, deserving longer-term late opening permits, his hands were tied by Andalusian law and said the rules had to apply to everyone.

He also explained that if the event moved elsewhere in Andalucia, they are going to have the exact same timetables [for the lounge] and the same conditions.

Speaking out on the issue, the Junta de Andalucia has said it is working on legislation to clarify these type of events.

The head of the Junta in Malaga, Jose Luis Espejo said in the face of the latest controversy that the proposed new law, expected to come into force next summer, will be more flexible in solving problems faced by events like Starlite.

We want Starlite to stay in Marbella, as in our view we have to support these types of economic and leisure activities that favour this region. he said.

Last weeks events are just the latest in a series of tense exchanges with local authorities. This year Starlite only received its overall operating licence a few days before the first concert started.

The licence was delayed as the old quarry site is a protected natural area and permission from the Junta de Andalucia to rent it out for concerts had expired. A renewal was delayed as the Junta said that Starlite had installed a permanent wall on the site, which it wasnt allowed to do. Once the wall was removed, permission was granted just in time but only for one year and at an increased cost.

Starlite has said it is impossible to plan an event with major international artists in advance if it does not have longer-term operating licences in place.
Spain has partially closed its land border with Morocco in an unprecedented move to combat an increasing surge of illegal migrants storming the frontier and overwhelming the border guards on duty.

Early last Monday morning, 186 immigrants caught the eight officials on duty by surprise when they raced across the border post that joins Morocco to Ceuta, a Spanish city on the North African coast on the other side of the Strait of Gibraltar. A further large group made the same trip the next night.

The Interior Ministry, working with the Moroccan government, believes that there are between 1,500 and 3,000 sub-Saharan Africans camped out in the hills near Ceuta and Tangier, waiting to enter the Spanish city and who have been encouraged by others recent success.

Until the middle of next week, the El Tarajal II border post will be shut. This is a new crossing set up for the 4,000-5,000 human carriers of smaller, tolerated contraband that cross between Spain and Morocco every day. In the summer the carriers numbers drop.

This shutdown will allow police and border guards to concentrate their efforts on the old El Tarajal I post and the protective fencing that rings the city.
This week saw Mariano Rajoy issue his latest warning to the increasingly aggressive separatists in Catalonia. On Wednesday, he asked the regional government  headed by the fervent secessionist Carles Puigdemont  to act with common sense and to isolate the extremists and radicals who are influencing the [independence movement].

The Spanish prime ministers most recent request for moderation among separatists in the north-easterly region of Spain comes amidst heightened concern that secession would damage the Spanish and Catalonian economies. Yet it is unlikely that Puigdemont will pay any heed to either Rajoy or a worried business community: indeed, he seems determined to win independence from Madrid at almost any cost, both economically and politically speaking.

This is odd, given that his support in Catalonia seems to be waning. According to the latest poll by INE, Spains national statistics institute, general support within the region for independence is at 35%, down from a peak of 49% in 2013, when Spain was at the height of its financial crisis. In fact, ever since then, as Spains GDP started to expand and unemployment started to fall, support for independence has been decreasing in Catalonia. This suggests that moderate supporters of secession dont want to risk derailing Spains return to macroeconomic health.

The Catalonian presidents bullish tactics in pushing the independence movement forward suggest he is not bothered by this poll, nor with one conducted by Deloitte a couple of weeks ago for the Spanish daily El Pais. This survey revealed that 75% of Spanish business executives think that the Spanish economy will be damaged if Catalonia splits from Spain. That figure rose to 100% among executives working in tourism, an industry that is crucial to Puigedemonts region: last year, Catalonia received 17.4 million visitors, making it the principal destination in Spain for foreign tourists.

Of course, the issue of whether Catalonia should be allowed to split from Spain involves much more than economic considerations. For many Spaniards outside of Catalonia, the issue provokes viscerally negative reactions. A usually-serene Andalusian friend of mine erupted when I asked her about Catalonian secession recently: What they are doing is crazy, selfish and disrespectful. They are showing no concern for Spain, she said. Such an attitude is common among Spaniards outside of Catalonia.

Yet Puigdemont ploughs on regardless, and has vowed to hold a controversial independence referendum on 1 October. The Catalonian president says it is wrong to assume the returning strength of the Spanish economy will deter die-hard separatists such as himself. Of course, much legal uncertainty surrounds the questions of whether the vote will go ahead and, even if it does, whether it will have any validity (Rajoy says it wont); but as it approaches, its orchestrator appears to worryingly out of touch with reality.
By Press Trust of India: US President Donald Trump has issued fresh warnings to North Korea, saying things will happen to the country like it "never thought possible" if Pyongyang thinks about attacking America or any of its allies. Referring to his Tuesday's statement that North Korean threat to the US will be met with "fire and fury", he said the message wasn't tough enough and it's time to act for the people of America. "It's the first time they've heard it like they heard it. Frankly, the people that were questioning that statement, was it too tough, maybe it wasn't tough enough," Trump told reporters at his summer vacation home at Bedminster in New Jersey yesterday.

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"They've been doing this to our country for a long time, for many years, and it's about time that somebody stuck up for the people of this country and for the people of other countries. So, if anything, maybe that statement wasn't tough enough," he added.

The president was responding to a question on Tuesday's remarks, which has attracted criticism from traditional foreign policy experts and Democratic lawmakers. "We are backed 100 percent by our military. We are backed by everybody.. we're backed by many other leaders. I noticed that many senators and others, today came out very much in favour of what I said. But, if anything, that statement may not be tough enough," Trump said.

"The people of this country should be very comfortable, and I will tell you this, if North Korea does anything in terms of even thinking about attack on anybody that we love or we represent or our allies or us, they can be very, very nervous," Trump said.

"They should be very nervous, because things will happen to them like they never thought possible. He (Kim Jong-Un) has been pushing the world around for a long time. I have great respect for what China and what Russia did, and we got a 15-to-nothing vote," he added. However, the president did not divulge any details as to how the US is planning to tackle the North Korean threat. "We don't talk about that. I never do. I'm not like the other administration that would say.

We're going into Mosul in four months, I don't talk about it. We'll see what happens. "But I can tell you that what they (North Korea) have been doing and what they've been getting away with is a tragedy. It can't be allowed," he said. Trump also praised his United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley on being successful in getting the Security Council sanctions on the Asian country. "Nikki Haley did a great job. We all did a great job. But I have great respect for what they did. I have great respect for the 15-to-nothing. But, probably, it will not be as effective as a lot of people think it can be, unfortunately," he said.

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Talking about China, Trump said the communist nation can do a lot more in helping the US handle the threat from the Kim Jong-Un regime. "We have trade with China. We lose hundreds of billions of dollars a year on trade with China. They know how I feel. It's not going to continue like that. But, if China helps us, I feel a lot differently toward trade, a lot differently towards trade," he said. In yet another warning to North Korea, the US president said the country better get its act together or they are "going to be in trouble like few nations ever have been in trouble in this world", while stressing that the US and allies are safe.

Also Read:

Donald Trump says North Korea will be met with fire and fury if it threatens US

Donald Trump: My support base is far bigger and stronger than ever

Donald Trump wants Pakistan to end selective support to terrorists: NSA HR McMaster

ALSO WATCH

Trump fires White House communications director 10 days after hiring him

--- ENDS ---
Young professionals interested in visiting India or the southern Caribbean with someone else covering the expenses may want to consider a special program of Rotary District 7570.

The Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural, vocational and educational exchange opportunity for young business and professional men and women. The program provides travel grants for teams of participants to exchange visits between paired areas in different countries. For four weeks, team members study the host countrys institutions and ways of life, observe their own vocations as practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships and exchange ideas. Team members may come from corporations, small businesses, community organizations, medical and educational facilities, government offices and nonprofit agencies.

Individuals who participate in this rewarding, once-in-a-lifetime experience typically return home with a broadened cultural perspective and new understanding of a nations history, language, commerce and government. GSE offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, work on team building and increase self-confidence. The program is designed to have an invaluable impact on the career of a young professional in the increasingly global workplace by creating networking opportunities and lifelong friendships.

GSE enhances the international perspective of the next generation of young leaders who can take a company into the future. GSE participants return with new communication and facilitation skills that promote tolerance and collaboration with professional people of other cultures. GSE fosters a creative approach to problem solving by expanding the employees skill set, exposure to alternate methodologies and preparation for addressing community needs. In addition, GSE provides a public relations opportunity to promote awareness of a business or organization, as local and international media may feature interviews, photos and articles about the exchange.

Rotary District 7570 covers the area between Winchester in the north to Greenville, Tenn., in the south. District 7570 will be exchanging teams with Rotary District 3060 in India and Rotary District 7030 in the southern Caribbean. Candidates for the GSE program must live or work in District 7570. The team to India will be traveling Nov. 25 through Dec. 24, and the team to the Caribbean will be traveling April 3-30.

Applications must be made through local Rotary clubs. Candidates are selected by a qualified committee of Rotarian leaders. Additional information about Rotary club locations, GSE application materials and program guidelines can be found at www.rotary7570.org, look under Resources, Committee and Seminar Downloads and then scroll down to Group Study / Cultural Exchange Committee.

The deadline for applying is Aug. 20. To obtain an application or get more information contact Rotary District 7570 GSE chair Woody Sadler at lorwood@embarqmail.com or 540-463-6379, or contact Russ Hauver at russ7066hauver@gmail.com or by phone at 276-783-3245.
Jada Ratliff, 38, of Vansant, Va., was sentenced in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon to 28 months in prison and ordered to pay $2,669 in restitution.

Ratliff previously pled guilty to one count of theft of mail and one count of aggravated identity theft According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, Ratliff used a screwdriver to open Post Office Boxes at a number of locations and steal the contents of those boxes. Some of the items Ratliff stole were bankcards issued in the names of others, which she then used, without authorization or approval. The investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
By Rajat Rai: A village in Uttar Pradesh has stolen the march over others when it comes to producing soldiers for the Indian Army. Locals say nearly 30 per cent of the youth from Atus - or more than 800 - is serving in the force. The village, situated about 15 kilometres from Agra city, has a population of around 6,000. "We also have over 200 retired army men here. The 'offensive' started in 2000 when a soldier of our village, Dashrath Singh, was murdered by the Pakistan army.

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They took away his head and exploded a bomb on his body. Since then, our youths have developed a habit of joining the army and fighting the Pakistanis," Harvir Singh, a retired soldier, told Mail Today.

The village also has its own set of laws. And the punishments are unique too. "Alcohol is banned in our village just to prevent youngsters from becoming physically and mentally weak. Anybody found drunk is penalised `500 and anyone who gives information to the panchayat about an intoxicated person is rewarded with that amount. Not only this: the drunk person is publicly slapped in front of the panchayat to give a strong message to the youths," Singh said. Nearly 60 km from Atus is Fatehabad village, which is also setting an example for others to emulate.

Local resident Amit Aryan joined the Army about five years ago and is now helping others following in his footsteps. He is currently posted as a Nayak at an Army training school. "When I used to come to my village, I would realise that our youngsters have the caliber to serve the country. During my services at the training school, I learnt the skills needed to join the Army. Then I decided to run a training programme for the youths of my village," Amit told MAIL TODAY. "Now, I sometimes take leave from my school and provide training to the youngsters from my village and neighbouring areas. I noticed that due to inadequate training and financial problems in the family, the youths were not able to make it to the Army. Seeing this, I decided to serve my country for a noble cause." The regional degree college at the village turns into a military ground every morning.

"Now, after passing class 10, every boy here starts dreaming of joining the Army," said Hardayal, a native of Fatehabad.

Also Read:

Doklam standoff: Meeting between Indian Army and PLA ends without resolution

China's 'salami slicing': Why Doklam must unite world leaders against Beijing

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ALSO WATCH | Doklam standoff: Will conflict with India be disastrous for China?

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Washington, Aug 11 (PTI) The US today said it wants India and China to have a dialogue over the Doklam standoff in the Sikkim section.

India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Doklam area for the last 50 days after Indian troops stopped the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army from building a road in the area.

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"Its a situation that we have certainly followed closely," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters at her news conference.

"As you know, we have relationships with both governments. We continue to encourage both parties to sit down and have conversations about that. And I?ll just leave it at that," Nauert said. PTI LKJ NSA

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KNOT partnership reports record revenues

KNOT Offshore Partners generated its highest quarterly total revenues in the second quarter of this year of $54.4 mill, compared with $45 mill in 1Q17.

Operating income of $26.1 mill ($17.5 mill in 1Q17) and net income of $16.9 mill ($11.4 mill in 1Q17) were also the highest recorded, as was adjusted EBITDA of $43.5 mill and the distributable cash flow of $23.4 mill ($15.6 mill in 1Q17). Total revenues were $54.4 mill were positively affected by (i) earnings from the timecharters for the Tordis Knutsen and the Vigdis Knutsen being included in the results of operations from 1st March, 2017 and 1st June, 2017, respectively, (ii) a full quarter of earnings from the Windsor Knutsen, which incurred 54.1 days of off-hire during the first quarter in connection with its scheduled drydocking and (iii) a full quarter of earnings from the Raquel Knutsen, which incurred a 14-day deductible for offhire in the first quarter. Net income for 2Q17 increased by $5.3 mill from the $11.6 mill reported in 2Q16. The operating income for 2Q17 increased by $5.9 mill, compared to 2Q16, mainly due to increased earnings from the Raquel Knutsen, Tordis Knutsen and Vigdis Knutsen, which were included in the Partnerships results of operations from 1st December, 2016, 1st March, 2017 and 1st June, 2017, respectively. All 13 of the Partnerships vessels operated well throughout 2Q17 with 100% utilisation of the fleet, which reflecting 45 days of offhire for the Raquel Knutsen, which was reimbursed by loss of hire insurance. On 14th July, 2017, Shell exercised its option to extend the timecharter of the Windsor Knutsen by another year to October, 2018. Following the exercise of this option, Shell has five remaining one-year options to further extend the timecharter. On 26th May, 2017, the Partnerships subsidiary, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 14 AS, which owns the Hilda Knutsen, entered into an agreement for a new $100 mill senior secured term loan facility with Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance (Hong Kong) Limited. This replaced the existing $75.6 mill loan facility secured by the vessel, which was due to be paid in full in August, 2018. On 9th August, 2017, the Partnership entered into an agreement with NTT Finance Corp for an unsecured revolving credit facility of $25 mill. This facility will mature in August, 2019, bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.8% and have a commitment fee of 0.5% on the undrawn portion of the facility. Closing of the facility is expected to occur by the end of this month. On the same day, the Partnerships wholly owned subsidiary, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire KNOT 26, the company that owns the shuttle tanker, Lena Knutsen, from Knutsen NYK. The acquisition is expected to close by 30th September, 2017, subject to customary closing conditions. The purchase price was $142 mill, less around $133.8 mill of outstanding debt on the vessel, plus about $24.1 mill for a receivable owed by Knutsen NYK to KNOT 26 and around $1 mill for certain capitalised fees related to the Lena Knutsens financing. On the closing of the acquisition, KNOT 26 will repay around $41.9 mill of the debt, leaving a total of about $91.9 mill of debt outstanding under the secured credit facility related to the vessel. Lena Knutsen was delivered in June, 2017 and is due to operate in Brazil under a five-year time charter with a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, which is expected to commence next month. The charterer has options to extend the charter for two five-year periods. The Partnership said that it expected its 3Q17 earnings to be higher than recorded in 2Q17, due to a full quarter of earnings from the Vigdis Knutsen, as the vessel was included in the Partnerships results of operations from 1st June, 2017. These increased earnings will be slightly offset by around seven days of unplanned offhire for repair of damage sustained by the Tordis Knutsen. As of 30th June, 2017, the 13 vessels had an average remaining fixed contract duration of 4.6 years. In addition, the charterers of the Partnerships timecharter vessels have options to extend their charters by an additional 4.1 years on average. In another move, on 5th July, 2017, Knutsen NYK acquired the 2013-built DP2 Suezmax shuttle tanker Brazil Voyager from Chevron. The vessel, which is in Brazil, is not currently under contract. She has been renamed Brasil Knutsen and Knutsen NYK is seeking a long-term timecharter for the vessel. As of 30th June, 2017, the Partnership had $69.5 mill in available liquidity, which consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $64.5 mill and $5 mill of capacity under its $35 mill revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility is available until 10th June, 2019. The Partnerships total interest-bearing debt outstanding, as at the end of the quarter was $912 mill ($905.9 mill net of debt issuance cost).




Lower earnings hit International Seaways

Mainly driven by lower TCE revenues, US-based tanker owner, International Seaways (INSW), suffered a net loss of $11.6 mill in the second quarter of 2017, compared to net income of $30.5 mill posted in the same period a year earlier.

In 2Q17, TCE revenues declined to $69.3 mill from $101 mill recorded in 2Q16. TCE revenues for the crude tankers segment were $45.7 mill for the quarter, against $66.5 mill in 2Q16. This decrease resulted primarily from significantly lower average rates in the VLCC, Aframax and Panamax sectors and fewer revenue days in the Panamax sector, resulting from an increase in drydocking days. TCE revenues for the product carriers segment were $23.5 mill for the quarter, compared to $34.4 mill in 2Q16. This fall was again primarily due to a decline in average daily rates earned by the MR, LR1 and LR2 fleets, the company said. Adjusted EBITDA was $31.8 mill for 2Q17, compared to $62.3 mill in the same period of 2016, also affected by lower daily rates. During the second quarter, we executed on our fleet growth and renewal strategy, enhanced our financial flexibility and strengthened the companys position to optimise revenue through the current tanker cycle, Lois Zabrocky, INSWs president and CEO, said. In 2Q17, INSW acquired two 2017-built Suezmax newbuildings, Seaways Hatteras and Seaways Montauk. Built at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, the ships were delivered to the company last month. The company also signed an agreement to sell a 2001-built MR, which is expected to be finalised in the third quarter of this year. We also completed a $550 mill refinancing in the quarter, which was recently upsized to $600 mill. In addition to extending the companys debt maturities, this successful refinancing enhances our ability to take advantage of compelling opportunities for shareholders, Zabrocky added. In addition, the company, formerly OSGs international interest, increased its contracted cash flows in 2Q17 by signing two five-year contracts for its FSO joint ventures, which are expected to generate in excess of $180 mill of EBITDA for the company over the contract period. We are driven by a disciplined and balanced capital allocation strategy and enter the second half of 2017 with significant liquidity to continue to opportunistically grow and modernise our fleet. We also continue to maintain sizeable contracted cash flows, as well as upside to a market recovery in both the crude and product tanker sectors. We remain positive on crude tanker fundamentals in 2018 and continue to be encouraged by near-term prospects for a strengthening product tanker market, Zabrocky concluded.




During India Today's show Newsroom with Rahul Kanwal, UP's MoS Minority Welfare, Baldev Singh Aulakh, was left red faced after he failed to sing even a line of Vande Mataram.

By India Today Web Desk: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently made singing of the national song - Vande Mataram - compulsory in all civic schools in Mumbai.

Supporting the move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) went a step ahead suggesting singing of Vande Mataram be made mandatory in schools across Maharashtra.

Both parties appeared to have been inspired by a recent Madras High Court order that made Vande Mataram mandatory in schools and offices.

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In Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Adityanath government issued a circular directing all madarsas (Islamic schools) to hold celebrations on Independence Day and videograph the event. Singing Vande Mataram is a must according to the circular.

The BJP wants to impose Vande Mataram to inculcate national pride, however, it should first tutor party leaders to learn the song.

WHEN UP MINISTER FAILED TO SING VANDE MATARAM

During India Today's show Newsroom with Rahul Kanwal, UP's MoS Minority Welfare, Baldev Singh Aulakh, was left red faced after he failed to sing even a line of Vande Mataram.

When asked to sing, Aulakh changed the topic by saying that the whole of India should know the song. Despite several requests, the UP minister kept on making one excuse after another to avoid singing the national song.

At one point he even appeared asking for a paper with wordings on the song live on TV.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

UP MADARSAS TOLD TO CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY, VIDEOGRAPH EVENT

The Uttar Pradesh government earlier today directed all madarsas (Islamic schools) to hold celebrations on Independence Day and videograph the event, according to minority welfare minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary.

Chaudhary's junior minister Baldev Aulakh even warned of action against madrassas which do not follow the order.

"We have asked for videography of all programmes. We can check at random as to which madarsa has celebrated it or not," Aulakh said.

"If any madarsa does not celebrate it, action will be taken against it," he said, without elaborating.

ALSO READ:

UP's Yogi Adityanath wants madrasas in state to record August 15 celebrations on camera

Yogi Adityanath on Vande Mataram: Need to find out ways to deal with 'prejudiced mind'

Make singing of Vande Mataram must in all schools: BJP MLA

--- ENDS ---
Graduate Union presidential candidate Xin Bruno Jin is currently being investigated for breaking election rules, amidst allegations of email-hacking and unauthorised use of University mailing lists.

Since Monday, students across the University have received unsolicited emails urging them to vote for Xin. Many of these emails have come from the Hermes accounts of individual students apparently campaigning for Xin.

One such email, sent from the account of MPhil student Yiwei Lin at 10.13PM on Monday, encouraged fellow Judge Business School students to vote for my buddy Xin Jin. The subject line of Lins email reads Please! Urgent Assistence Needed!, and praises Xin for having organized a number of good campaigns for the sake of graduate community (sic), before asking the reader to please kindly vote for management grad to lead 9000 Cambridge graduates (sic).

At 11AM today, further emails were sent from Lins account claiming that that someone has taken my password and sent the spam emails for voting. Lin writes, I apologise for any inconvenience and I was also very angry with the person sent the email under my name. I even did not know about the candidate. On the Facebook event page for Xins candidacy, Yiwei Lin is currently listed as going.

Writing to TCS, Matthew Grosvenor, MCR President of Clare Hall, has described the techniques of Xins campaign as terrifying: Either Brunos campaigners are hacking accounts to send spam advertising to garner votes, or they are simply sending spam and claiming it was hacked in order to get around election rules outlawing spamming of mailing lists, which is also outrageous.

This is not the only report TCS has received of misuse of Hermes by Xins campaign. This afternoon, an emergency meeting of the CUSU/GU Elections Committee (EC) was called, in which Xins campaign was discussed. TCS understands that every graduate engineering student at the University has received an email encouraging them to vote for Xix, despite the fact that use of University mailing lists is specifically prohibited under the CUSU and GU electoral regulations.

When questioned following the EC meeting, a spokesperson for CUSU was unable to confirm or deny whether Xin will be asked to withdraw his candidacy.

Update:

The following update has just been published on the CUSU Elections website:

Xin Jin came in to meet Elections Committee for a Disciplinary Meeting regarding the remaining GU logo on much of his publicity after Elections Committee received complaints about this. He has promised to remove the remaining publicity and inform Elections Committee as he does so.

Elections Committee want to reiterate that it is inappropriate for MCR or JCR presidents to send college emails endorsing or criticising one candidate over others.

Elections Committee have ruled that any individuals that are collecting email addresses must be registered as campaigners.

Elections Committee have ruled that when collecting contact information for the purpose of campaigning, candidates/campaigners must ensure that the people whose details are collected are aware of the purpose for which their information will be used and consent to its use as such.

Elections Committee have ruled that campaigners must be registered before they commence campaigning.

Elections Committee have ruled that Xin Jin has breached the election rules as a result of his failure to register individuals who have been doing campaigning work as campaigners.

Elections Committee have ruled that Xin Jin has breached the election rules for allowing over 1000 unsolicited messages to be sent to individuals by email.

Elections Committee have ruled that, as a result of three significant breaches of the election rules, Xin Jin has been disqualified from the elections.

More news and reaction to follow

Tristram Fane Saunders

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Sending potentially unhackable messages using satellites, Chinese scientists are believed to lead the way in creating a hack-proof quantum communication network in the world.

Using the first global quantum satellite dubbed Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS), China transmitted secret messages from space to Earth at a distance longer than previously observed.

Chinas Quantum Satellite Feat

The achievement was detailed in the journal Nature last Thursday, Aug.10, Xinhua reported.

The satellite, nicknamed Micius to honor a 5th century B.C. scientist and philosopher credited for being the first to conduct optimal experiments, was blasted into orbit Aug. 16 last year at a 500-kilometer (310.7-mile) altitude.

It sent quantum keys to ground stations in China, with communication distance lying between the satellite and the ground sites varying for up to 1,200 km (745.6 miles). The quantum key transmission rate, too, was touted as a maximum of 20 orders of magnitude operating more efficiently than expected when harnessing an optical fiber of such length.

Satellite-based quantum key distribution can be linked to metropolitan quantum networks where fibers are sufficient and convenient to connect numerous users within a city over 100 km, explained QUESS lead scientist Pan Jianwei, citing the idea of a space-ground integrated quantum network and the realization of quantum cryptography that could be useful at a global level.

This space-ground link for quantum transmission, he added, leads to the establishment of global-scale quantum networks.

What The Technologys About

Traditional mathematics is employed in typical encryption, and the rise of quantum computing challenges that, CNBC explained. Quantum computing uses faster, much more powerful computers hoped to break current encryption levels.

Quantum key distribution (QKD), the technology in this recent feat, uses photons for transferring data. According to the researchers, it allows two distant users, who do not initially share a long secret key, to create a common and random string of secret bits known as a secret key.

With the one-time pad encryption, the key is deemed secure for encrypting and decrypting a message, which can then be passed on over a standard communication route.

Carrying the data via the photon is instrumental in rendering the encryption unbreakable, as a photon cannot be exactly copied. Any attempts of measuring it will disturb it, where an interceptor will leave a certain trace that can be easily detected, the scientists noted.

This is considered huge for cybersecurity, where businesses can become safer, and governments could also have a harder time hacking into the communication.

In June, a team of scientists from Shanghai successfully beat the record for quantum entanglement, beaming the entangled photons from 300 miles above Earth to separate places that were 750 miles apart.

The feat was also viewed as another breakthrough in quantum communications, tackling the urgent matter of cyberattacks.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Venkaiah Naidu has become the first Vice-President of India who was born after Independence. A look at Venkaiah Naidu's political journey.

By Prabhash K Dutta: Speaking at an India Today event in May this year, M Venkaiah Naidu, then the Union Minister, had rebuffed the reports that he was going to be nominated as the BJP's Vice-Presidential candidate. He had then said, "I am happy to be Ushapati" referring to his wife.

Today, Venkaiah Naidu took oath as the 13th Vice-President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He has become the first Vice-President of India who was born after Independence. As the Vice-President, Venkaiah Naidu will also be the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

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It has been an eventful journey for the BJP's acronym man. Venkaiah Naidu began his political career in Andhra Pradesh as student leader of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad - associated with the Jana Sangh - in 1970s.

VENKAIAH NAIDU'S FOOD DILEMMA

In informal talks in the political circles, Venkaiah Naidu has been referred to as the meat lover in a vegetarian party. Venkaiah Naidu's love for food had almost forced him to snap ties with the Jana Sangh in the early days itself.

When the Bharatiya Jana Sangh was still growing and spreading its branches in various states of the country, its leaders had to counter several kinds of ridicules and jokes. One of them in Andhra Pradesh was defacing of its names by activists of the rival parties.

At walls displaying Jana Sangh's name, rival activists would write 'Bho' making it 'Bhojana' Sangh. This was because of Jana Sangh's overemphasis on vegetarian food and also because of north Indian dominance in the party. Being a food lover, Venkaiah Naidu found it hard to follow the simple food habits of his party colleagues.

As he weighed his options between food and party, suggestions came to him to leave the party. He seemed convinced but decided to meet people higher up in the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS). The RSS leaders told him a different story. Venkaiah Naidu was told that vegetarianism in the RSS was primarily due to utilitarian approach as it was cheaper as it prevented them from cooking two dishes for meetings.

Venkaiah Naidu stayed on with the Jana Sangh and later the BJP when it was founded in 1980.

VENKAIAH NAIDU IN BJP

Venkaiah Naidu was one of the leaders who shot into prominence during JP movement. Naidu was imprisoned during the Emergency years. After Emergency, Venkaiah Naidu was elected as Janata Party MLA in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly.

Venkaiah Naidu migrated to the BJP in 1980. Naidu headed the party 22 years later. Venkaiah Naidu became the youngest national president of the BJP at 52 in 2002. In several interviews, Venkaiah Naidu has termed his elevation as the party president as mark of strong internal democracy in his party.

Venkaiah Naidu had two terms as the MLA from Udaygiri constituency in Nellore till 1983. Naidu has been a four-time Rajya Sabha member. Naidu served as the Rural Development Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

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Before being elected as the Vice-President, Venkaiah Naidu held the positions of the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, the Information and Broadcasting Minister and Urban Development Minister in the Narendra Modi government.

THE ACRONYM MAN

Venkaiah Naidu is known for witty responses and framing acronyms. In recent times, Naidu emerged as among the most vocal supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his own style, Venkaiah Naidu gave an acronym for MODI as Making of Developed India. Paying tribute to former President APJ Abdul Kalam, Naidu dropped an acronym for his name as Anything is Possible with Just Attitude and Karma.

After having been elected as the Vice-President of India, Venkaiah Naidu gave a new defining of India with yet another acronym. Venkaiah Naidu tweeted, "India stands for: Integrated National Development Impacting All Indians, equally well. This is the mission for India."

ALSO READ |

Venkaiah Naidu sworn-in as 13th Vice President of India

ALSO WATCH | Venkaiah Naidu sworn in as the 13th Vice-President

--- ENDS ---
Venkaiah Naidu sworn-in as the13th Vice President of India at a ceremony at Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

By India Today Web Desk: Former Union Minister and veteran BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu today took oath as the 13th Vice President of India. Naidu won the vice presidential election last week after defeating Gopalkrishna Gandhi who was fielded by the Opposition.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhawan. Naidu paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat. He later honoured Jan Sangh leader Deendayal Upadhyaya, Dr BR Ambedkar and Sardar Vallabhai.

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On Thursday, Naidu said that Indian ethos is of mutual respect for each other. He added that people tried to use minority issues for political purposes. Naidu's statements were in wake of outgoing Vice President Hamid Ansari's statement over unease among Muslims in the country.

The oath of office was administered to Naidu by President Ram Nath Kovind. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, MPs from all political parties, former president Pranab Mukherjee and former prime minister Manmohan Singh.

Naidu is holding the second highest constitutional post in the country. He will also preside over as the chairman of Rajya Sabha.

Naidu who was the minister of information and broadcasting was initially reluctant to be NDA's presidential nominee. However, he later agreed after being persuaded by the party. He is the second BJP leader to assume the post of Vice President after Bhairon Shekhawat (2002-2007).

VENKAIAH'S JOURNEY

Famous for his rhymes and one-liners, Venkaiah Naidu was born on July 1, 1949 in Chavatapalem under Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. He got married to M Usha on April 14, 1970. He has a son and a daughter.

Venkaiah Naidu has done BA, BL and was educated at VR High School, Nellore; VR College, Nellore; and Law College, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam.Venkaiah Naidu was imprisoned under Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency between 1975 and 1977. He was the Janata Party Youth Wing president of Andhra Pradesh between 1977 and 1980. He was first elected as MLA in Andhra Pradesh Assembly in 1978.

Venkaiah Naidu was the national vice president of BJP's youth wing from 1980 to 1983. He was the leader of BJP's legislature party in Andhra Pradesh Assembly from 1980 to 1985. He held the post of the state president of BJP's Andhra Pradesh unit from 1988 to 1993.

Between 1993 and 2000, Venkaiah Naidu was BJP's national general secretary. He rose to become the BJP's president in July 2002. He held the post till December 2002.

Venkaiah Naidu has held the post of BJP's national president on two occasions. The second time it was between January 2004 and October 2004.

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Between April 2005 and January 2006, he was BJP's senior vice president.

From January 2006 onwards, he is a member of BJP's Parliamentary Board and Central Election Committee. He was BJP's national spokesperson between 1996 and 2000.

HERE ARE THE LATEST UPDATES:

Veteran BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu takes oath as the 13th Vice President.

President Ram Nath Kovind arrives for oath taking ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Durbar Hall.

Dr.Manmohan Singh arrives for oath ceremony of M Venkaiah Naidu #VicePresident pic.twitter.com/gPWdEjwDlQ- ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2017 Oath taking ceremony to begin shortly.

Delhi: #VicePresident designate M Venkaiah Naidu pays tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Patel Chowk pic.twitter.com/iOMdq50glh- ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2017 Vice President designate M Venkaiah Naidu pays tribute to Deen Dayal Upadhaya at DDU Park

Delhi: #VicePresident designate M Venkaiah Naidu visits Raj Ghat pic.twitter.com/LC5Lu25NZb- ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2017 Naidu Met Pranab Mukherjee at his residence today. "I Thank him for his warm best wishes for the future," he said.

Venkaiah Naidu with Pranab Mukherjee.

Also Read:

Hamid Ansari vs Venkaiah Naidu on insecurity among Muslims remark; V-P elect calls it political propaganda

How PM Modi gave a left-handed compliment to outgoing Vice-President Hamid Ansari

Hamid Ansari signs off as Vice-President

--- ENDS ---

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By India Today Web Desk: Shortly after taking oath as India's 13th Vice-President, M Venkaiah Naidu took over the chairmanship of the Rajya Sabha, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the BJP leader and lauded his long political career.

"Venkaiah ji is the first Vice-President to be born after independence. He is also the only Vice-President so far to have a long political career, which he spent in the same premises. Venkaiah ji knows the working of Rajya Sabha very well, being in the house for so long," Modi said.

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Calling him the son of a farmer from Andhra Pradesh, Modi said, "A farmer understands the needs and problems of the farm very well."

The PM also claimed it is also "for the first time" that all the top posts in the country are being held by those "with humble beginnings".

Earlier today, Naidu took oath as India's new Vice-President at a glittering swearing-in ceremony that was held in the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi.

Nominated by the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Naidu won the vice-presidential poll on August 5 against the Opposition's Gopalkrishna Gandhi.

Also Read:

Venkaiah Naidu sworn-in as 13th Vice President of India

Hamid Ansari vs Venkaiah Naidu on insecurity among Muslims remark; V-P elect calls it political propaganda

How PM Modi gave a left-handed compliment to outgoing Vice-President Hamid Ansari

--- ENDS ---
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
Sitting in a large white room just off Carnaby Street, I am listening to 15 writers interact with some of the most accomplished professionals of the British Television industry. It is an experience that fills me with hope for the continued role of the UK industry in the global phenomenon of the Golden age of Drama.

Those 15 participants are certainly aspiring writers but not in the sense that they are eager to break into the UK television industry. They have already done that and their writing credits include, for example, Shameless, Mr Selfridge, Secret Diary of a Callgirl, No Offence, The Coroner, My Mad Fat Diary, Father Brown and Murdered by my Boyfriend. Titles that would grace any TV channel schedule, whatever the platform.

However like all good writers they aspire to be the best they can be. The best to create and deliver high quality drama, with the ability to surprise, and deserving of the investment necessary to satisfy an ever more demanding audience. Fortunately, the UK TV Drama industry recognises the importance of talent development and so Creative Skillset and MediaXchange have come together, with the support of High End TV Levy funds, to create something new, something aimed at building significant players in the TV drama marketplace. Thus, until 2018, 15 already proven writers have signed up to the inaugural Advanced Writing for TV Drama programme.

Sally Haynes, MD of Mainstreet Pictures commented in her session, Pitching Yourself as a Writer, that Americans in the television industry constantly try to educate themselves  this is the ethos that our participants have brought to Advanced Writing for TV Drama. These are writers whose voice will echo through the industry in the years ahead and the task of MediaXchange and Creative Skillset, in this programme, is to amplify the process.

The British industry has a tradition of generosity in supporting the development of fellow professionals, and this was no different. Over the week the group was joined by high profile writers, producers and broadcasters such as Paul Abbott, No Offence; Jed Mercurio, Line of Duty; Bryan Elsley, Clique; Peter Bowker, The A-Word; Julie Gearey, Cuffs; Danny Brocklehurst, In the Dark; Sally Abbott, The Coroner; Polly Hill, ITV Drama; Lizzie Gray, SKY Drama; Tony Jordan, Red Planet Pictures; Tom Winchester, DNA Films; Jane Featherstone, Sister Pictures; Roanna Benn, Drama Republic; Tony Wood, Buccaneer Media and Tatjana Andersson of Palladium Fiction.

Module 1 was a challenging and hard working week reflecting the programmes 8 months ahead. There are 2 more modules to come [in October and January] with ongoing work in between. Factoring in the specific strength and weaknesses of each participant this modules focus was to prepare the groundwork of the wider programme providing skills and knowledge required which will serve as the foundation for the programmes further objectives.

The module 1 syllabus include:

An Overview of the UK Industry (Broadcaster and Prodco Landscape)

What Commissioners are looking for in writers and Projects

The Fundamentals of Strong Script Writing

Pitching Yourself and Your Project

Writing a Strong Treatment

Requirements of a Head writer in a Team

How to Work as a Diligent and Effective Staff Writer

Business Principals of TV Writing

The programmes philosophy is rooted in application of skills, and as such participants have been teamed up with a script editor who will work with each individual to apply what they learn to the development of their own project. It is our ambition that, on completion of the programme, each participant will have a treatment and 2nd draft of a pilot script to pitch, with the connections made during the programme providing a useful head start. In module 1 script editors laid out a development programme and schedule specific to each writer, to be worked on through the summer until the start of the Module 2 this Autumn.

However the week was not all study. This is after all, and as we are always told, a people business. So we strive to help participants make as many connections as possible within the industry. Module 1 concluded with a networking event on the Friday evening attended by production company Development executives and HETV Council and Creative Skillset members. It was an enjoyable and, I am sure, productive end to an inspiring week.

Our participants have a busy summer ahead of them and I look forward to reconvening, in that white room off Carnaby Street, in October to listen to more stimulating ideas and passionate conversations and to watch this generation of TV writers continue their progress onto the international stage.

The participants were:

Karen Brown, award winning writer for stage, radio and TV

Melissa Bubnic, London based Australian TV scriptwriter

Ishy Din, from Middlesborough with credits in TV and for the Stage

Jimmy Dowdall, from Chester who works closely with TV legend Paul Abbott

Brendan Foley, former journalist from County Antrim, now an award winning author and scriptwriter

Alastair Galbraith, former actor and director turned scriptwriter, originally from Scotland and now based in Ipswich

Vivienne Harvey, also from Scotland, writes for both TV and radio

Kit Lambert, from Cardiff, with a host of TV and theatre writing credits

Jane Marlow, former writer for Broadcast Magazine, who has been writing for continuous drama and other formats for several years

Regina Moriarty, a former photographer and probation service tutor turned RTS Award winning scriptwriter

Ben Morris, who has a raft of script executive credits to his name

Laura Neal, a 2012 Broadcast Magazine Hot Shot with a strong list of theatre and TV writing credits

Carol Russell, with a portfolio that includes radio, TV and films

Tracy Spottiswoode, Cardiff based award winning writer, director and animator

Sumerah Srivastav, a law graduate with a background in film production and commercial radio

Katrina Wood is the CEO of MediaXchange. Advanced Writing for TV Drama is a MediaXchange Creative Vision programme, supported by the High End TV Levy managed by Creative Skillset.



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An aspiring music producer from Walker was killed Thursday night in a shooting during a suspected robbery that also left his cousin wounded at a Baton Rouge apartment complex.

Baton Rouge police said 22-year-old Austin Rashaad Norwood was killed around 7 p.m. while sitting in a car in the parking lot of the Ardenwood Village apartments in the 1900 block of North Ardenwood Drive.

Sgt. L'Jean McKneely, a police spokesman, said investigators believe the cousins went to the apartment complex to sell a cellphone after they had posted it for sale online.

McKneely said this isn't the first time that an online posting to sell something led to a robbery, but it's the first time that it led to a fatal shooting in Baton Rouge.

"We have advised people to go to a safe location if they're anticipating buying or selling certain items that they either posted on Craigslist or posted on some type of online site," McKneely said. "We have encouraged people to come here to police headquarters or law enforcement areas  We have surveillance cameras out here."

McKneely said investigators are hoping that the communication between the cousins and the robbers before the incident will help investigators determine the identity of the robbers.

At least 11 bullet holes could be seen in the drivers side door of the car. Norwood was sitting behind the wheel when the shooting started. Another man, who Norwoods mother, Shana Allen, identified as Norwoods cousin, was also shot in the incident, but is expected to recover.

Through tears, Allen described her son as "sweet, caring, humble, talented and quiet. Oh, there are so many things I could tell you about my baby.

She said Norwood, who has an older brother and younger sister, was an honor roll student and didnt have a criminal record.

Allen said she didnt know what led to the shootings, but that her son hadn't previously spent time at those apartments. She said she believes her son was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I would ask the people to not assume what you do not know until you know the story. Im like every other mother now who has lost their child," Allen said. "I know mine walked in a whole different light and that lifestyle wasnt his. That scene wasnt his.".

Allen's mother called her Thursday night to tell her about the shooting.

"That's all I remember and trying to get to him as fast as I could, but when I got there, my baby was already gone," Allen said.

Police said Friday that they do not have a motive in the killing.

Allen said she she hopes police catch the shooter.

"If they dont, (I hope) that he doesnt have a day of rest. A day of rest. Period," she said. "No live should have gone like that.
With an eye toward one of his winning issues in the last campaign, President Donald Trump is now seeking to reopen the national debate over immigration.

The proposal to restrict and reshape legal immigration is based on some shaky assumptions, such as the idea that low-wage green-card holders are flooding in to take jobs from Americans.

We question whether that is the economic reality. A campaign can get away with broad statements that depart from the facts. A functioning government must be reality-based.

Particularly for port cities like New Orleans, immigration has always been part of the growth formula that has increased wealth for the nation, for many decades.

In New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette, which host major universities, international students have helped communities grow. Many students from abroad marry and resettle in Louisiana or elsewhere in this country, enriching our society.

It may sound fine to allow only "meritorious" immigrants like college graduates, but the process of exclusion cannot neatly be performed on a national scale. Who gets in? Who decides? Further, Louisiana is heavily dependent on agriculture and fisheries on seasonal and typically migrant labor.

We don't doubt that there have been abuses in any nationwide government activity like immigration management, but the fact is that immigration is good for the nation, and particularly for Louisiana.

Most economists say the benefits of immigration outweigh the costs  a point made in a letter to congressional leaders in April that was signed by 1,470 economists, six of them Nobel laureates.

Researchers have also found that in many states, the benefits of consumer spending by immigrants and taxes paid outweigh any government costs. Louisiana is, after all, the state with the highest average sales taxes in the nation; by and large, the state makes money on milking the pocketbooks of lower-wage earners, at a far higher percentage than the wealthier among us.

Recent statistics show that the Baton Rouge metropolitan area actually lost about 2,000 people during the first years of this decade, but that loss was more than offset by international migration, according to The Brookings Institution think-tank.

William H. Frey of Brookings is perhaps America's leading demographer. He should be consulted by the president: "It has often been the case that immigrant flows are 'bimodal' with respect to their educational attainment," Frey recently wrote. "That is, compared to the resident population, new immigrants are more likely to be overrepresented at both the upper tiers and lower tiers of educational attainment."

The president ran into a bit of trouble when he found out that health care policy was a more complex problem than he originally thought. He might find the same with immigration. We don't want to dismiss any constructive discussion, but basing policy on facts instead of suppositions is critical to the immigration debate.
Sewerage and Water Board Director Cedric Grant gives a presentation at a emergency board meeting at the S&WB office after a turbine was damaged in a fire at the main S&WB building that could affect emergency water pumps in the event of flooding rain in New Orleans, La. Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017.
One Shell Square, the tallest building in Louisiana, will be renamed to Hancock Whitney Center next year with the relocation of the bank from its longtime headquarters at 228 St. Charles Ave.
On the night of Aug. 5, as residents of Mid-City, Lakeview and other neighborhoods grappled with the unexpected flooding of their homes and ca
Two Canberra filmmakers, Vanessa Gazy and Clare Young, will be working with the producer of Offspring, Imogen Banks, to develop new television projects with a view to getting them into production.

Screen Australia has been working to address the gender imbalance in the film and television industries through its Gender Matters: Brilliant Careers and Brilliant Stories funding streams.

ACT filmmakers Clare Young and Vanessa Gazy chosen from more than 930 applications from around Australia to develop TV projects in the initiative Endemol Shine Australia Smart for a Girl. Credit:Rohan Thomson

One initiative, Endemol Shine Australia's Smart For a Girl - ROAR, asked applicants for a TV series idea with a strong female lead written by women. Five projects were chosen for development from more than 935 submissions received from around Australia and two of those five were from the ACT.

Screen Canberra chief executive officer Monica Penders said of Gazy and Young "Canberra is punching way above its weight. They did it, they're very talented."
Ultra conservative Christians Fred Nile and Lyle Shelton will speak against the Safe Schools program in Canberra on Saturday despite the initiative not yet launching in ACT schools.

The joint Christian Democratic Party, Australian Christian Lobby, Australian Family Association, Rise Up Australia and Australian Marriage Alliance rally will feature seven speakers including parents from ACT public schools.

Rev. David Kim with one of the ACT Christian Democratic Party's anti safe schools campaign signs after it had been vandalised at his home. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong

Christian Democratic Party ACT leader David Kim organised the protest just months after his anti-Safe Schools campaign posters were torn up and left in the letterbox of his Kambah home.

The original Safe Schools program was designed as a support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex students and staff in response to high rates of bullying and abuse.
CFMEU ACT secretary Dean Hall is suing Mr Hanson for allegedly defamatory comments he made during an interview on talkback radio last year.

Win lose, or draw, the case is expected to cost the ACT taxpayer hundreds-of-thousands of dollars as the government agreed to pick up the tab for Canberra Liberals MLA Jeremy Hanson.

A defamation case between a Canberra union boss and politician is set for a courtroom showdown after mediation talks broke down.

It is understood Mr Hanson has been indemnified by the ACT taxpayer  meaning it will foot the legal bill  although the government has declined to confirm the arrangement.

A spokesperson for ACT Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said: "Commenting on whether a member is, or is not, receiving assistance towards legal representation or advice discloses personal information and could potentially affect court proceedings. For that reason the Attorney cannot provide any information on this matter."

The matter was ordered to mediation but the talks recently broke down, paving the way for a courtroom battle next month.

In March last year, Mr Hanson appeared on 2CC to discuss an agreement between UnionsACT and the ACT Government that gave unions a role in procurement decisions.

Mr Hanson labelled it "secret deal" and argued that it gave unions an effective veto power over government purchase.
Contrast this to Human Services Minister Alan Tudge who was only too happy to comment that: "We'll find you, we'll track you down and you will have to repay those debts and you may end up in prison." Except Tudge wasn't commenting on CommBank's dodgy practices, that's what Tudge said about hunting down potential cases of Centrelink fraud during the disastrous robo-debt scandal. When CommBank breaks anti-terror laws and money-laundering laws 53,000 times, it's no big deal. But report your income to Centrelink incorrectly  the Minister will hunt you down. The lack of outrage over CommBank's behaviour shows voters the government's values doesn't match its rhetoric. Free speech

Public servants in Canberra were shocked to learn of new social media guidelines this week. The new guidelines issued warn that even private emails, the kind you send to a friend, could breach the rules, that sharing content implied endorsement and that even "if you're sharing something because you disagree with it and want to draw it someone else's attention, make sure that you make that clear at the time in a way that doesn't breach the Code itself. It may not be enough to select the 'angry face' icon, especially if you're one of thousands that have done so." Tony Abbott is worried about your freedom of speech. In fact he is outraged by political correctness. Abbott has even equated a vote against marriage equality as a vote for free speech and against political correctness. Though as far as I'm aware Australian Marriage Equality just wants equal marriage and has yet to call for Tony Abbott's mandatory use of rainbow emoticons on Facebook. But Abbott's fine with dictating what public servants can say in private emails and which emoticons they can use on social media. The vocal campaign by Abbott and the IPA to remove the words "offend" and "insult" from section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act Attorney-General George Brandis was because people have 'a right to be bigots'. So bigotry is a right, but a Facebook like is forbidden. Got it?

The problem isn't caring about the right of bigots to free speech. But if you don't care about the free speech of public servants or young Muslim women like Yassmin Abdel-Magied and you don't care about how the free speech of the "no" campaign against marriage equality will actually impact on gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer people across Australia, or their families and loved ones -- well, then the public is entitled to conclude you don't actually care about free speech, you care about bigots. Lobster with a mobster Malcolm Turnbull attacked Bill Shorten when revealing new laws that would make secret payments between employers and unions a criminal offence. "Bill Shorten has been defending, tooth and nail, corruption and secrecy, defending big unions and union officials doing dodgy deals with employersIf you take benefits from an employer of that kind ... undisclosed in the course of ... enterprise agreement negotiations, that is made unlawful." If the Prime Minister is so outraged by dodgy deals between union officials and employers, can you imagine his reaction if the head of a union had a lobster dinner with a (alleged) mob boss to solicit donations? Or if Bill Shorten had? This week Four Corners and Fairfax Media revealed that Victorian Liberal Opposition Leader Matthew Guy had lobster and several bottles of Grange with the alleged head of the Melbourne mafia. Bet he now wishes he ordered the steak.

Separately, Liberal party fundraiser Barrie McMillan, who has since resigned, was recorded discussing how to facilitate donations from the alleged mobster so as to avoid the minimum disclosure threshold. There is no allegation that Matthew Guy was aware of this plan to solicit and obscure these donations, but there was no press conference repudiating Barrie McMillan's conduct. Nor did the Prime Minister call a press conference when Fairfax revealed 7-Eleven was systematically underpaying wages and doctoring payroll records. Where I come from we call that stealing, but we've seen no equivalent campaign or high-profile changes to laws to help workers who are getting ripped off multinational companies and franchises like 7-Eleven. That lack of outrage tells voters Turnbull care more about attacking unions than preventing workers from being ripped off by the dodgy deals of their employers. Punters vote for political parties based on their values. The Turnbull government has been host to politicians who have been more outraged about halal certified vegemite funding terrorism, than about 53,000 unreported breaches of anti-terror and money laundering laws by CommBank; politicians who think our democracy is under threat due to political correctness, yet stay silent when the government wants to stop people being able to like a Facebook post criticising the government; politicians who care more about bashing unions than assisting workers being screwed by their employers. We can learn just as much about the values of our government from its silence as we can from its selective outrage.
Many of our readers are nostalgic for the days when the Saturday newspaper used to land on front step with a great heavy thump, hundreds and hundreds of pages of compelling news and great reading by wonderful writers, bookended by page upon page of classified advertisements, the legendary "rivers of gold" that paid the bills for great journalism, our stock in trade. We're nostalgic for those days too. Why should we pretend otherwise? The papers we bring you today are altogether more modest in size because our world has changed. The rivers of gold stopped flowing, but we work harder than ever to bring you compelling news, great writing and important journalism to keep you up to date with your city, your country and your world. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Fairfax Media CEO Greg Hywood during a summit with media executives at Parliament House in May. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen While "fake news" stalks the land making a mockery of all that we hold dear about truth, accuracy, reliability and integrity, our readers and subscribers know the value of a strong and independent media whose loyalty above all is to the facts. Our readers want us to continue to invest heavily in quality journalism, to do the heavy lifting of news gathering and to continue to call power to account. Fairfax's quality journalism is now published on multiple platforms in exciting new forms which are rapidly evolving. We are reaching more readers than ever, but to do it, we have had to adapt, quickly and comprehensively.

It's time for the rules to be adapted too. That's why we ask the senate to be realistic in its consideration of the media reform bill shortly up for debate. We call on senators to pass the bill in its entirety. We believe a healthy future for strong, independent journalism in this country depends on it. It is welcome news indeed that the Greens have returned to the negotiating table with the federal government over the bill. We think placing further limitations on the public broadcasters, the ABC and SBS, as One Nation seeks to do, would be wrong. One Nation, along with Labor and the Greens, has been concerned that the proposed scrapping of the 30 year old two out of three rule, which prevents a media company from owning a TV station, radio station and newspaper in the same market, will lead to further loss of diversity in the Australian media. Yet if media companies such as Fairfax Media which publishes the Sydney Morning Herald continue to be hand-cuffed by outdated rules in their fight for survival, the end result will be further diminution and less diversity, not more. The shift of audience and advertising to multinational giants such as Facebook, Google and Apple threatens the viability not only of print but of free-to-air and subscription television and radio. Scrapping the two out of three rule will remove a disincentive to investment in Australian media companies and allow them to compete on a more level playing field with global challengers. It is likely to spark a round of consolidation in local media as companies seek scale which will allow them to monetise content more effectively across a range of platforms. That will enable more investment in quality journalism. Cory Bernardi, Derryn Hinch and David Llyonhjelm have already indicated their support for the package. We agree with the Greens that media diversity is important, with Nick Xenophon and his team that strong local content too is vital to the health of Australian identity and democracy, and that public broadcasters have a vital role on both those scores. We welcome competition and to that end agree a model for non-profit journalism in Australia is well worth exploring, provided the playing field remains level for all players.
The brinkmanship between US President Donald Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, both volatile and erratic leaders, over North Korea's nuclear weapons program is rightly causing profound concern around the world. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says Australia, under the ANZUS treaty, would come to the military aid of the US.

The risks are evident and chilling. Military conflict, which could well spread to allies of both nations, would have catastrophic consequences. It is prudent to assume that Mr Kim, in defiance of international law, has achieved the goal he inherited six years ago, when he succeeded his father, of building intercontinental ballistic missiles armed with nuclear warheads.

Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump have raised global tensions. Credit:AP

In response to this, Mr Trump said further provocations from Pyongyang "will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen". His language is believed not to have been reviewed by his national security and political advisers. Mr Kim immediately called Mr Trump's bluff, threatening to fire missiles to land in the waters around the Pacific island of Guam, a US territory and host to a pivotal American military base. Mr Trump retaliated by musing he had not been sufficiently tough and that "things will happen to them like they never thought possible".

But, amid the uncertainty and rising tension, there are grounds for tentative optimism. China, which has a long border with North Korea and uses the rogue nation as a buffer against having a united, US-backed Korea as a neighbour, has always been the key to controlling Mr Kim, and is the real target of Mr Trump's bellicosity.
Kim seems delighted. His psychotic regime is based on the idea of being on the brink of war with America and he badly needs a US president willing to play along. So he is now promising to fire missiles towards (but landing short of) the US island of Guam, daring the Donald to retaliate. To those who have long suspected that Trump's short temper and strange machismo could lead America into war, the nightmare seems to be starting.

Since Kim Jong-un succeeded his father six years ago, he has made striking progress with a weapons programme that's designed to provoke America. Last year alone, he managed 24 missile tests and two nuclear tests - as if to provoke Barack Obama into a response. It failed. Last month, Kim tested a missile that he says was capable of reaching the American mainland. Earlier this week, he promised to fit it with a nuclear warhead. Then he finally got the reaction he wanted, as Donald Trump promised to unleash "fire" and "fury like the world has never seen".

The failure of this policy was evident when the latest inter-continental missile was tested, of a size and power that might reach Los Angeles. Kim might not have the technology to fit the missile with a nuclear tip capable of withstanding the journey, but that's the obvious next step. So is it really so unreasonable for the Trump administration to conclude that there's not much point in returning to the old cycle of talks, treaties and treachery?

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after a security briefing at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Credit:AP

Crucially, this is about more than America. If its cities are at risk from a North Korean nuclear strike, a future president might conclude South Korea is simply not worth going to war to defend. If America chooses isolation - hardly an impossibility - then the US nuclear umbrella might no longer cover its allies in Asia. In which case, other nations there might well feel the need to acquire nuclear weapons - leading to a situation where peace in the region could depend on the sanity of whoever rules in Pyongyang.

It's a scenario so terrifying that it even scares the Chinese - and this is where those around Trump sense there is a breakthrough. They suspect that, for the first time, Beijing may genuinely see the North Korean regime as more of a liability than an asset. For some time now, China has pretended to be shocked at its neighbour's behaviour, while being secretly pleased that there is someone to destabilise America and stop the creation of a united Korea. So Beijing doesn't mind North Korea being a giant prison camp run by the mafia, as long as it is stable.

A war would be unthinkable for China, and might see millions of refugees coming over its 850-mile border with North Korea. If the regime collapses, it might unite the whole peninsula. But this has never really been in prospect because Beijing has been confident that the US would not do anything too rash. With Donald Trump in the White House, this is a dangerous assumption to make.
The Turnbull government was scrambling on Friday afternoon to determine whether a loophole in its same-sex marriage survey would disenfranchise about 113,000 "silent electors".

They were also forced to work out whether 16- and 17-year-olds could accidentally be included in the survey, but ruled this out late on Friday.

The unprecedented $122 million optional poll, now the subject of a High Court challenge to proceed over the coming four weeks, has caused a number of headaches for the government and its agencies.

It relies on the Australian Electoral Commission sharing the electoral roll with the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which is legal. However, the law expressly forbids the divulgence of the addresses of silent electors.
According to Wilkinson, the mystery woman was after her job, though her ambitions failed. Bullying is something the broadcaster, 57, has known since her days as a student at Campbelltown High. Several years ago Wilkinson told her friend Mia Freedman's Mamamia website: "My dad always taught me that if somebody new arrives, you always go and look after them, and make sure they're OK. I did with this girl, but suddenly, after about a month, she just turned on me. Her boyfriend decided he liked me, although I had no idea who he was. Bullies rarely have a very good reason for doing what they do. They pick on others to feel better about themselves." By year 10, several of her girlfriends had left school, so without a good support base, she was left further exposed to the bullying. The dynamics of the schoolyard changed. "There were a couple of occasions where I was the girl in the centre, with every other kid in the playground calling out, 'Fight, fight, fight!'" On one occasion, she went to a Sherbet concert and a girl punched her "fair and square with a right hook".

"I didn't know how to stand up for myself," Wilkinson said. Clearly she does now. 'Teflon John' keeps his celebrity clutch close Life inside the private court of John Ibrahim has long fascinated columns like PS. Indeed "Teflon John" is not one to shy away from phoning up gossip columnists, as he has with PS over the years, to express his view on stories or the characters that feature on these pages.

Most recently he requested a moratorium on coverage of his good friend Kyle Sandilands' girlfriend Imogen Anthony who had featured prominently in this year's coverage of Australian Fashion Week thanks to her expletive and phallus-riddled front-row wardrobe and diva antics. Tales to tell: John Ibrahim's new book has lots of juicy yarns about his celebrity friends. Credit:Louie Douvis Of course Ibrahim, who has been in the news all week thanks to the police raids and arrests of some of his nearest and dearest across Sydney and Dubai, has long associated himself with a collection of celebrities of sorts. He partied with Paris Hilton when she came to town. And with the young actor Firass Dirani after he portrayed Ibrahim in the Underbelly series. He was a confidante of the late Charlotte Dawson and helped pay her bills when times were tough. He provided a shoulder for Lara Bingle to cry on when her love life turned sour and he provided a roof over the head of former Irish boy bander Brian McFadden when he broke up with Delta Goodrem. Ibrahim writes in his new memoir about McFadden: "What starts as a couple of weeks turns into several months, and while I like his company and find him funny, I find it hard to deal with his chain-smoking  he smokes constantly and I hate smoking."

Former boy band member Brian McFadden bunked at John Ibrahim's house for a while. Credit:Angela Wylie "He's initially charming but every time I sit down he wants to talk about how he used to be in a boy band ... I want him out. One Sunday morning I'm out having breakfast and I see the Sunday papers' headlines. The police have leaked a story that there's a contract out on my life. This is 2011, when the bikies and crims are melting down. "When I get home, I walk in and there's no Brian: the drawers in his room are all open and empty, there's a cigarette still smoking in the ashtray, and sitting beside the ashtray is the newspaper, still on the page. I see a text from Brian saying his agent is concerned for his safety and has moved him to a hotel. Bullshit." As for sweet Imogen, Ibrahim offers his own account of the day Sandilands, his next door neighbour, first hooked up with his squeeze. Sydney's favourite shock jock Kyle Sandilands and his long-term girlfriend Imogen Anthony. Credit:Imogen Anthony/Instagram

"I'm standing on the balcony ... admiring the view and sipping my morning coffee... I can hear Kyle's garage door rolling up. I'm watching him reverse his big-arse Bentley out, when all of a sudden Imogen in ugg boots and a singlet jumps on the bonnet like a cat and screams out, 'Where do you think you are going, you fat c---?' And then I see him drive back into his garage with her still on the bonnet." "After spitting out my coffee and nearly falling off the balcony from pissing myself laughing, I grab my phone and call him. When he answers, I can barely speak from laughing so hard. 'Don't tell me you just saw all that. You did, didn't you?' he says, and then whispers, 'She weighs forty-five kilograms but I'm f---ing petrified of her.'" He's not alone. The new-look DJs: too much Ruckus? The contrast between the old David Jones and the new South African-owned one could not have been more clear than when guests filed passed the baby grand piano tinkling away on the ground floor of the flagship Elizabeth Street store en route to Wednesday night's opulent fashion extravaganza.

Michael Hope has been playing the David Jones ivories for more than 30 years, and he was in prime position by the lifts on Wednesday night. However, up on level seven, it was thumping dance beats courtesy of celebrity US DJ Ruckus, the model nephew of rocker Lenny Kravitz and fiance of Australian supermodel Shanina Shaik, that set the tone for an evening of champagne, models, fashion and dancing (including a Magic Mike moment when the male models stripped to their swimwear) that left a few seasoned socialites in a state of bewilderment. Cutest couple ... Shanina Shaik and DJ Ruckus walk the runway during the David Jones Spring Summer 2017 Collections Launch. Credit:Mark Metcalfe The evening also heralded the last fashion show to be held in the ballroom, which was brought back to life under David Jones' previous management and for the past decade has relived the department store's glory days when the room was the social epicentre of Sydney, hosting everyone from Queen Elizabeth II in 1954 to the first Christian Dior fashion show outside of Paris in 1948. From January workers will start the immense job of overhauling the Elizabeth Street store, with the ballroom becoming a new giant luxury women's footwear department with a new Neil Perry restaurant occupying the mezzanine. A few floors down excitement is being met with anxiety among some of the more long-term staff at the store, some of whom fear they will not fit the edgy, new "look" that David Jones is aiming for.

Australia's oldest HIV charity bake off prepares for last hurrah Long before debates on marriage equality dragged on, Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, in 1984 truly was the beating heart of gay and lesbian Sydney, its bars and clubs filled with social refugees cast out from the mainstream looking for a safe haven just to be themselves . Just six years after heavy-handed police officers were arresting the gay rights protesters who marched in what became the precursor to the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which our city so cherishes today, 1984 was also the year the late Neville Wran decriminalised homosexuality in NSW. But a dark cloud had also cast a gloomy shadow over the once feted Golden Mile, especially when a handsome and popular young gay man named Bobby Goldsmith succumbed to a terrible new disease called AIDS. He was just 38. Aunty Mavis at the bake off, which is always a day of high camp cooking, drag queens and disco. Credit:nicole.elphick@gmail.com

Mass hysteria and ignorance had turned sick young men like Goldsmith into pariahs. "It was just so sudden ... people were getting sick and dying very quickly around us. Bob went downhill fast. In three months he went blind, he couldn't walk and people were afraid to come near us because they were frightened of the disease. Then he was gone," recalls Ken Bryan, Goldsmith's partner. It was Bryan and his friends who banded together to try to do something practical for Goldsmith. "He was bedridden and we wanted to get him a TV so he could at least hear something. We did a fundraiser at the Midnight Shift and hundreds of people turned up. It was overwhelming ... that's when we decided to form the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation and provide practical help for people, to help pay the rent and buy groceries. We paid for one young guy to go home to New Zealand to die with his family." This year will be the last for the Bobby Goldsmith Bake Off fundraiser.

As Goldsmith's friend Allan Goodchild, a former navy man who became a bartender at the Oxford Hotel, the stigma of AIDS was frightening: "Undertakers would demand double bagging of bodies. Food trays would be left at the door of hospital wards. The front page of newspapers had headlines saying the disease was being spread by mosquitos... it was a very bad time." Before he became unwell, Goldsmith, a public servant who loved opera, was something of a local hero on Oxford Street. A natural athlete, he represented Australia at the Gay Games in San Francisco in 1982 and came back with a staggering 17 of the 21 medals awarded to Australia. Bobby Goldsmith represented Australia at the Gay Games in San Francisco in 1982 and came back with 17 of the 21 medals awarded to Australia. Today, the foundation that bears his name is Australia's oldest HIV charity. In the months after he died the Boys Own Bake Off fundraiser was started, and for more than 30 years it has been a day of high camp cooking, drag queens and disco, where contestants enter a variety of creations from muscled torsos fashioned out of marzipan to dumbbell cup cakes.

However, on Sunday, September 10, the last Bobby Goldsmith Bake Off will take place from 3pm upstairs at The Beresford Hotel in Surry Hills, bringing to an end one of the great social traditions of Sydney. Times have changed and today the foundation is more focused on people living with HIV thanks to advances in drugs. The annual bake off has run for more than 30 years and is one of the great social traditions of Sydney. Credit:akhopkar@fairfaxmedia.com.au Bryan added: "I don't know what Bobby would make of Oxford Street today ... we lament the loss of the old gay bars and the wonderful community that existed there ... but I know he would be very proud of all the people that have been helped in his name." Long may it continue.

Packers set to party The Packers are go. This time to Aspen, where matriarch Ros, Gretel and Francesca Packer will join James for what is promising to be a lavish 40th birthday for his ex-wife Erica, the mother of their three children. Also due in Aspen are Sarah and Lachlan Murdoch, who jetted out of Sydney on Friday after an extended stay in their former home town. Aspen birthday bash: Sarah Murdoch, James Packer and his then wife Erica Packer in the Crown Marquee at Victoria Derby Day in 2012. Credit:Jesse Marlow Meanwhile a footnote to last week's PS item about The Daily Telegraph's editor Chris Dore and the Packer family tinnie the Arctic P. While Dore is yet to return PS's calls on the matter, he has let it be known, and in no uncertain terms, that he has "never" been aboard the Arctic P superyacht and he has "never" been to Bora Bora, despite endless chatter around his offices in Holt Street to the contrary.

He might want to tell some of his own colleagues that too. Racing royals head north PS can confirm that Crown Princess Mary will now be joining her husband, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, on Hamilton Island in just over a week for the annual Audi Hamilton Island Race Week. Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark have been included in this year's Vanity Fair Best Dressed list. Credit:Cliff Owen As this column revealed recently, Prince Fred has chartered Wild Oats 66 for the races, and no doubt his sailing enthusiast wife will fill the role of First Mate suitably. No word on whether the four royal rugrats will make the trip, with school commitments taking precedence.
Illegal conduct by the Australian Federal Police and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission led to the temporary collapse of a major bribery prosecution.

A Victorian Supreme Court judge last year ordered a permanent stay on the case after finding that "reckless", "unacceptable" and "unlawful" conduct by investigators had severely damaged the prospects of a fair trial for several former executives.

Court of Appeal ruling has saved the police from disaster by ordering major case to proceed. Credit:Australian Federal Police.

However, a recent ruling from the Victorian Court of Appeal has saved the AFP and ACIC from disaster by overturning the permanent stay on proceedings and ordering the case to proceed to trial.

A series of court-imposed suppression orders prevent Fairfax Media from identifying the particular case and those charged with bribery offences.
Last week, Brisbane had a chilly top of 22.5 degrees. Heading into this weekend, we were expected to hit a maximum of 28, and temperatures were forecast to rise even further next week.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecast Brisbane to hit a top of 30 degrees next Wednesday, People's Day at the Ekka, which would be the first time we had hit the big 3-0 in eight years and be more than eight degrees above the August average.

Brisbane was expected to experience maximum temperatures of more than eight degrees above the August average on People's Day at the Ekka. Credit:Bradley Kanaris

BoM meteorologist David Cook said the cause of the unusually warm weather was a "strong, persistent high-pressure system" which was expected to remain over the south-east until late next week.

"There's not really any strong troughs or fronts coming from the south and that's what you need to clear out the heat and get the cool air in," Mr Cook said.
Malone replaced the board and removed $20 million in debt by converting some of it into equity. These steps gave him room to shake up the business. "We are growing fairly aggressively and I can't see it stopping": AMA Group chief executive Ray Malone. "Four years later we had zero liability and life is good," Malone says. "The company was worth $2.41 million, it's now at $530 million." AMA Group is now Australia's biggest crash repair company. It provides services to the wholesale vehicle aftercare and accessories market including crash repair businesses, auto-electrical businesses and bullbar manufacturers. Ray Malone is a finalist in this year's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year awards.

The business turned over $264 million in 2015/2016 and has approximately 85 sites across Australia. It has thrived as a consolidator in Australia's fragmented $7 billion crash repair industry.AMA's larger scale has brought better clout in buying parts for vehicle repairs, while the transparency of an ASX listing means big insurance companies are more comfortable with dealing with a large group with solid corporate governance. Orphaned at 11 I was going to retire at 50, I didn't. I'm in it up to my eyeballs and I love it. Ray Malone Turning around an ASX-listed company is not the first challenge Malone has faced in his life.

He was orphaned at the age of 11 and moved to the country to live with an aunt and uncle, moving back to Melbourne two years later. He attended school until year 9, and then did a spray painting apprenticeship. "I don't know if it does help you or it hinders you," Malone says of his background. "The bottom line is I don't want to be a loser so I'll do what I need to do to be a collective winner in things. It's not about me its about bringing everyone along." Fairweather friends Malone says running a listed company brings with it responsibility. "The market, the stock exchange are fairweather friends once you are making money for them they like you," he says. "I think the biggest accolade someone can do is to back you. If they invest in you, whilst they want a return, they are trusting you and you can't let down their trust."

Malone admits his path hasn't been that of the typical ASX chief executive. "It's been a crazy ride and I've had a lot of fun," Malone says. "I was going to retire at 50, I didn't. I'm in it up to my eyeballs and I love it." Growing a 'gorilla' Malone continues to grow AMA Group through acquisitions and has a vision to build a $1 billion business. "I feel like we're just getting started," he says. "Now it's a question of more of the same. Of course we will never stop. We will just keep rolling up. I have $250 million of deals on my table at the moment that I'm working on."

Malone estimates AMA Group has around 1800 employees but says it's hard to keep track. "We've been growing so fast. We are growing fairly aggressively and I can't see it stopping. Its actually getting easier for us. It's just now a matter of more. It's inevitable. We think we will become a gorilla." Malone sees no signs of demand for AMA Group's services lessening. "They are always going to have smashes," Malone says. "All this stuff about electric cars and blah blah, but in Australia with the tyranny of distance and the funds we have to put into infrastructure, it's never going to be an issue. People are buying more cars not less." Entrepreneur of the Year finalist
A man who allegedly stabbed a business owner in a terrifying daylight robbery on a shopping strip in Melbourne's inner suburbs has been charged.

The woman ran screaming from her North Carlton Newsagency, chasing a man carrying her cash register about 3pm on Wednesday.

The crime scene. Credit:Channel Seven

A quick-thinking chef from neighbouring cafe Babajan intervened to stop the man fleeing in a taxi on Pigdon Street.

But the man got away as cafe customers, including a student nurse, helped the injured newsagent.
A Victorian man has died after he was pinned against a fence by a bull, on a farm in the state's north on Friday afternoon.

Police said they were preparing a report for the coroner following an "animal incident", at a private property in Bamawm, south of Echuca, just before 4pm.

"A man aged in his 50s died at the scene and WorkSafe is investigating," a police spokesman said.

It is understood the man was crushed against a fence by a bull.
Taking more than a year of parental leave could no longer mean having to restart the long service leave clock, under changes proposed by the Victorian Government.

Under current rules, if an employee takes more than 12 months of paid or unpaid parental leave, they lose continuity of service.

This means that the long service they had accrued is erased.

While there are some exceptions, this rule  which disproportionately affects women in the workforce  applies in most Victorian cases.
It's a fair way from the sea, but hundreds of seagulls have descended on Dandenong, as if in a scene from Hitchcock's horror film The Birds.

The marine birds have been found nesting on roofs in the outer south-eastern Melbourne suburb, potentially causing thousands of dollars damage to businesses.

Seagulls are flying into - and nesting in - Dandenong. Credit:Matthew Lynn

Greater Dandenong City Council mayor Jim Memeti said he had been living in the area for 40 years but had never seen it like this before.

"We have got hundreds and hundreds of seagulls," he said.
The duelling threats issued by US President Donald Trump and the North Korean military have prompted questions about US procedures to launch a pre-emptive nuclear attack. The answer is stark. If the President wants to strike, his senior military advisers have few options but to carry it out or to resign.

The arrangement has existed for decades, but is salient after Trump warned on Tuesday that future threats by North Korea would be "met with fire and fury and, frankly, power, the likes of which this world has never seen before".

Pyongyang responded by saying it was considering a pre-emptive missile strike against Guam, and Trump doubled down on his remarks on Thursday by refusing to take a US pre-emptive strike off the table and suggesting his previous comments might not have been tough enough.

"I don't talk about it," Trump said of a potential pre-emptive strike. "We'll see what happens."
Nairobi, Kenya: Tensions over Kenya's presidential election built on Thursday after the opposition leader accused election officials of falsifying the results and handing victory to President Uhuru Kenyatta, the incumbent.

Raila Odinga, leader of the National Super Alliance, an opposition umbrella group, appeared unwilling to accept defeat, saying his party had received information from "confidential sources" within the electoral commission with data showing Odinga had won by about 300,000 votes.

A riot policeman walks past burning barricades erected by protesters throwing rocks, during clashes in the Kawangware slum of Nairobi, Kenya. Credit:AP

Preliminary results that were live-streamed on television shortly after polling stations closed Tuesday showed that Kenyatta, 55, was re-elected with 54.28 per cent of the vote, easily surpassing the 50 per cent threshold needed to avoid a runoff. Odinga, 72, received 44.83 per cent of the vote. Under Kenyan law, the results are supposed to be certified by Monday.

On Thursday, Odinga said that he had won about 8.04 million votes and that Kenyatta had gotten 7.75 million.
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...
Power generation is the largest demand driver of coal use in Northeast Asia and many parts of the world. Japan is not alone in coal energy use and it is quite likely the regional coal industry will continue to persist for years to come even if Japan has mothballed much of its domestic coal industry. This article will briefly discuss some developments in the Northeast Asian coal industry that may have a regional impact on Japan, including Mongolia emerging as a source of coal.





Mongolia is bordered by Russia and China, and both these neighbours currently exert an economic influence on Mongolia as a supply source. China is also fast emerging as a major consumer of coal in the region. As it is located in a land-locked region, consequently, the major Mongolian export items to Japan consist mostly of minerals and textiles.1 Significantly, 43 percent of Chinas coal resources are now drawn from Mongolia, an estimated total of 18,473.2 million tons of coal, and there are more than 5,000 companies from China with a total investment of USD 2.5 billion managing the energy trade, in addition to PetroChinas USD 1.4 billion.2





Chinas own growing need for coal will continue to drive its demand for domestic coal resources and even increase its imports. 70 percent of Chinas energy demand is met by its own coal resources, approximately 114 billion tons in terms of overall size, and growing imports.3 To facilitate this growing demand for coal, Dalian for example has become a growing center of coal trading in China. Due to its own increasing demand, China is the worlds largest producer of coal as well, including the prolific mines that are found in the Northern as well as Northwestern regions of China.





Russia is another source of coal energy commodities, and the Putin administration has stopped operations at non-productive coal mines to make its energy supply more effective and to create industry models that can rival the most efficient coal industries globally.4 The coal mines closer to Japan are those found in West Siberia. According to statistics dated around 2014, Russia exported 110 million tons to Japan, the two fast-emerging economies of India and China, as well as the European Union (EU), while in the same period of time, Japan took in 121 million tons of coal from Indonesia, Australia, Russia, the US, and Canada.5





Interestingly, North Korea has quite larges reserves approximated at 12 GT as well as potentially undiscovered coal mines.6 Its problems in coal extraction are man-made. Years of isolation, sanctions, and juche (self-reliance) have not brought about rapid economic development or cutting-edge industrialization. Its low-cost labor potentially makes North Korean coal cheap but there can be political repercussions for taking Pyongyangs resources. When the North Koreans tested a missile in early 2017, China turned back North Korean ships carrying coal for export.





Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are two by-products of coal use. They can cause respiratory problems and damage the eco-system.



The Great East Japan Earthquake 2011 has accelerated Japanese demand for coal since nuclear plants had to be shut down nation-wide. Since 2011, only one nuclear power plant located in Kagoshima, southern Japan has been turned back on. The current pro-nuclear government at the point of this writing is keen to turn on the others after safety inspection checks have been carried out. Japanese Clean Coal Technology (CCT) has been cited by the Turnbull government of Australia as a model for replacing their old coal power plants with cleaner versions.7 The Isogo (in southern Tokyo) electricity generation plant is seen globally as the cleanest coal power plant using the criteria of emissions intensity.8 Japan has 90 coal power plants in operation in 2017, has intentions to add more plants and this represents an opportunity for Australia since the Japanese purchase more than 40 percent of Australia thermal coal exports.9





The problems with tapping into Northeast Asian coal mines are typically political ones with geopolitical tensions in the region, including economic sanctions, maritime disputes, and issues of historical memories. There are other common problems in using coal as well. For example, acid rain results from coal use in the region. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are two by-products of coal use. They can cause respiratory problems and damage the eco-system. Use of low-quality coal can worsen air pollution in the region. Densely-populated cities found in the Northeast Asian region intensify the problem further as energy use is concentrated in those areas. Heavy industries in areas like Shenyang or other regions producing cement and steel also add on to pollution generated by coal use. Driving urbanization are massive movements of people from the agricultural areas in the countryside to urban cities. This movement of people takes place on a massive scale in the context of China.





Future solutions to these challenges include the use of CCT or the use of scrubbers to remove pollutants, but they add to the cost of using coal energy for power generation. Coal itself can also be cleaned and the process lowers its sulphur and sodium content. Like its presence in seawater, sodium causes corrosion while sulphur contributes to acid rain formation. Another solution is to conserve energy or use energy efficiently to reduce wastage. These measures will lead to lower consumption of energy and reduce pollution as well. Substitution is another measure.





Coal can be substituted with much cleaner fossil fuels like natural gas or renewable energy resources like hydropower, wind, solar, and geothermal energy. According to a media report by a writer with the Australian Associated Press, renewable energy makes up 25 percent of Japanese power generation.10 Japan has also contributed to a cleaner regional environment by providing training on environmental monitoring to shore up more reliable data, technological sharing, and the promotion of transboundary cooperation. Networks of experts have also been formed amongst Northeast Asian states to look into this issue.





Notes





1. Enkhbold, V. (n.d.). Mongolias coking coal export potentials in Northeast Asia. The Association of Korean Economic Studies. Retrieved from http://www.akes.or.kr/eng/papers(2014)/120.full.pdf, p. 3.





2. Campi, A. (2013). The new great game in Northeast Asia: Potential impact of energy mineral development in Mongolia on China, Russia, Japan, and Korea. Asia-Pacific Policy Papers Series, Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies. Retrieved from http://www.reischauercenter.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/RC-Monograph-2013-Campi_The-New-Great-Game-in-Northeast-Asia.pdf, pp. 3 and 4.





3. Ibid, p. 12.





4. Ibid, p. 9.





5. Enkhbold, p. 8.





6. Streets, D. G. (1991). Northeast Asia coal trading center set up in Dalian. Glocom. Retrieved from http://www.glocom.ac.jp/column/1991/07/energy_and_acid_rain_projectio.html





7. Curtis, K. (2 Feb 2017). Look at Japan for clean coal power. News Limited. Retrieved from http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/look-at-japan-for-clean-coal-power/news-story/784d9cb50af857bfa8cbc9f5bc90acc8





8. Mealey, R. (1 June 2017). Japan spruiks 'highly efficient' coal-fired power plants as stop-gap measure to Australia's energy crisis. ABC News. Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-01/japan-spruiks-coal-fired-power-plants-to-australia/8577464





9. Curtis (2 Feb 2017).





10. Ibid.
Magnetic to distribute Puni to the UK

Italian whisky producer, Puni, has made its official UK debut with the announcement of a sales and marketing agreement with Magnetic Brands.

Puni is Magnetics first client and it will be handling its Nova and Alba three year old whiskies. (Read also about this whisky's launch: First Italian single malt whisky plus its World's Best Whisky Design award in 2016).

Named after the local river, the distillery lies just outside the medieval town of Glurns in the Vinschgau valley  a German-speaking area of the Italian Alps. It was set-up in 2010 by Albrecht and Daniela Ebensperger with their two sons. The first whisky was released in 2015. Housed in a 13 metre high cube-shaped building, the distillery has two traditional copper pot stills imported from Rothes in Scotland. As well as pure Alpine water, barley and wheat, Puni also uses locally-grown rye  including a centuries old variant.

There are significant seasonal temperature variations in the Vinschgau valley, meaning that Punis whiskies mature quickly. Long-term maturation then takes place in barrels located directly beneath the cube in a converted WWII military bunker  complete with four metre wide walls, which ensure a consistent temperature and high humidity levels.

Dave Steward of Magnetic says: Punis a fantastic best-kept secret in the whisky world. Few have heard about the area, let alone the whisky  but both are a delight. The familys been determined to get everything just right - as shown by importing genuine Scottish stills and bringing over whisky experts to install them. This attention to detail, the areas climate and unique ingredients mean these are truly special whiskies.

Puni Nova is 43% ABV and available for 70cl at an RRP of 56.00. Puni Alba is 43% and a 70cl bottle has an RRP of 69.00.

11 August 2017 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor
Blinn College has been recognized as one of the top transfer colleges in the state, according to student resource website successfulstudent.org.

The college ranked number three on the eight-institution list behind Tarrant County College and the first-place Austin Community College.

The list noted Blinn as "Good for transferring to Texas A&M" and specifically highlighted the Transfer Enrollment at A&M, TEAM, program, which allows students to earn credits at both institutions simultaneously.

If participating students are able to complete 45 credits at Blinn and 15 credits at A&M, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, in a two-year time period they will receive automatic admission to the university should they not be approved for transfer before then.

TEAM students get the best of both worlds, said Crystal Lee, vice chancellor of instruction at Blinn. Not only do they enjoy the smaller classroom environment and lower cost Blinn offers, but they also get the full university experience with access to Texas A&M sporting events and student activities.

Blinn officials said the college also has agreements with 39 other universities around the state.

For more information on the TEAM program, visit blinnteam.tamu.edu.
The College Station City Council got its first look Thursday at the proposed $365.5 million budget for fiscal year 2018, which includes a proposed 2.5-cent tax rate increase.

Thursday's workshop discussion comes ahead of three more workshops scheduled for next week, when the council will dive fully into the budget process for next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. Key decision points and factors influencing the budget include the potential tax rate increase and hikes to water and sanitation rates, debt service for the construction of a new police station and service level increases in various departments to address growth.

The proposed tax increase comes after a 2-cent increase that was approved for fiscal year 2017. If approved, the tax rate -- needed to pay for the new police station -- would be raised from 47.25 cents to 49.75 cents per $100 in valuation. The effective tax rate, the rate needed for the city to bring in the same amount of revenue on the same properties as last year, is 44.43 cents.

The proposed budget includes about $244.6 million for operations and maintenance and about $121 million for capital projects.

Some of the key service level adjustments in response to population growth are in the public safety departments: police and fire together make up about half of general fund expenditures. For the police department, two detectives, a special investigator, two police assistants and two dispatchers are proposed to be added, as well as four school resource officer positions that will be redirected to police patrol. The proposed fire department budget includes one additional safety/EMS captain, one accreditation manager and a fire inspector, as well as six positions that previously had been funded primarily through a federal grant. Funds also are included in the budget to study the need and potential location for a seventh fire department and to replace equipment.

Other new positions are budgeted in several other departments. Funds are also being requested for a traffic calming initiative to evaluate ways to address cut-through traffic in residential neighborhoods, improvements to park facilities and enhancements to street repair and maintenance operations.

Additionally, $16 million is budgeted for street and transportation projects, $3.8 million for parks and recreation projects and $3.9 million for public facility and technology projects. Capital improvements proposed to be paid for through enterprise funds include $19.5 million for electric utility, $58 million for wastewater and $9.8 million for water projects.
Applause and cheers filled the Bethancourt Ballroom at Texas A&M University's Memorial Student Center on Thursday afternoon as family members alternated between clapping, crying and snapping photos of loved ones beginning their academic careers at a graduation ceremony of sorts for the Engineering Summer Bridge Program.

The program -- split into two sections, one sponsored by AT&T and the other by the Zachry Corporation -- is designed to help support the transition of first-generation engineering students from high school to college. The incoming freshmen take an engineer fundamentals math class, learn about tutoring and other support resources offered by the university and live on campus for six weeks, giving them a chance to make friends, get oriented with the campus and have a real college experience before other freshmen get settled.

Participating students are the first in their families to go to college, and the programs are designed to ease them into life on campus -- a transition particularly fraught with challenges since they don't have immediate family members to speak with about the challenges of navigating college life.

"You're the most important students on campus," Chancellor John Sharp told the crowd, because the decision to attend college would "change the fortune of your family forever."

Sharp praised the students' decision not only to attend Texas A&M, but to study engineering, a financially lucrative and socially and economically important career path.

"Go look outside. Everything out there was either built by God or an engineer," Sharp said.

Corey Anthony, another guest speaker and the senior vice president of human resources and the chief diversity officer at AT&T Services, echoed Sharp's comments, praising students for being the first to attend college.

"You change the cycle for your family," he said.

Anthony warned the students not to think of their degrees as an end game to educating themselves.

"It isn't just four years, six years. You will always be in a continual learning mode," he said of the "global competition" for jobs.

More than 100 students "graduated" from the Engineering Summer Bridge Program on Thursday. Each student received a diploma and had the opportunity to take a photo with Sharp and Anthony.

Melody Hernandez, from Laredo, said the six-week course was "amazing."

"Although we're new, everyone was here to take care of us," she said.

Hernandez said her family was very proud of her enrollment at A&M and that she took a lot of pride in being the first in her family to attend college.

"I'm proud to be a person that's breaking a cycle and creating something new for future generations," she said.

Zachary Reece, a junior engineering student who served as a student mentor to the Bridge students -- he described his role as "like an older brother that gets paid" -- said he lived with the students and tutored them during the six-week program. He expects to keep in touch with them and continue to tutor the students once they move back on campus.

During the class, Reece made a new friend with the same given name, though spelled differently -- Zackary Arbegast, who said the program was "very intense" because "they constantly had us doing something," but added that he was glad he participated.

Standing outside the Memorial Student Center after the closing ceremony, Arbegast realized he'd forgotten something.

"Do you want to go back inside with me to get my diploma?" he asked Reece.

Zach and Zack trudged back up the stairs into the MSC, a new friendship formed before Arbegast's first year of school had even started.
What one local store manager calls "Christmas" starts today.

Tax-Free Weekend starts Friday and ends Sunday, bringing with it a new inroad to the lucrative back-to-school time of year for retailers in the area.

"Many businesses can see it as a different way to attract customers when they may have been seeing back to school promotions for two to three weeks and you can't just expect to promote the same sale or deal and expect to keep their attention," said Kelli Hollinger, director for Texas A&M's Center for Retailing Studies.

Diane Schulien, who heads human resources for Target stores in the area, said the couple of months leading up to the start of school are always a busy time of year, but sales particularly spike on Tax-Free Weekend.

"Back to school and back to college are both very good for Target," she said, adding that this year parents and college students seem to have started shopping early for back to school.

She said the store gets school supply lists ahead of time to make sure that shelves are stocked with items that their market wants, but when it comes to Tax-Free Weekend, her store hired extra staff to help out customers that weekend.

Calling the weekend "like Christmas for us," a manager at one of Bryan's Walmart stores said her store also brought in extra hands to help out and has been preparing staff for the weekend for about a month. She said the store historically has made anywhere from 20 to 50 percent more than it makes on an average day each year at back-to-school time.

Hollinger says the appeal of the weekend has gained traction in the past 10 years.

"People don't like to pay taxes," she said. "For many folks, 10 percent off -- which is more than sales tax -- would not attract them into the door. But Tax-Free Weekend seems to have a cachet."

But just because more sales are being made doesn't always mean customers are getting the best deals, Hollinger warns.

"The deal shopper should still be ready to invest in comparative shopping to get the best price for their preschooler and elementary school needs," Hollinger said. "Some better deals may be available a week after school starts, or even a week before the Tax-Free Weekend.

What school supplies you can buy tax free this weekend (if its priced less than $100):

Binders

Book bags

Calculators

Cellophane tape

Blackboard chalk

Compasses

Composition books

Crayons

Erasers

Folders; expandable, pocket, plastic, and manila

Glue, paste and paste sticks

Highlighters

Index cards

Index card boxes

Legal pads

Lunch boxes

Markers (including dry erase markers)

Notebooks

Paper; loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board, and construction paper

Pencil boxes and other school supply boxes

Pencil sharpeners

Pencils

Pens

Protractors

Rulers

Scissors

Writing tablets

What clothing you can buy tax free this weekend (if its priced less than $100):

Adult diapers

Household aprons

Athletic socks

Baby bibs

Baby clothes

Baby diapers, including cloth or disposable diapers

Baseball caps

Baseball jerseys

Belts with attached buckles

Blouses

Most boots, including cowboy boots and hiking boots

Bow ties and other neckties

Bowling shirts

Bras

Camp clothes

Chef uniforms

Children's novelty costumes

Clerical vestments

Coats and wraps

Coveralls

Dresses

Certain earmuffs

Employee uniforms

Fishing caps

Football jerseys

Certain gloves, not including athletic gloves

Most golf clothing

Graduation caps and gowns

Gym suits and uniforms

Hats, including baseball, fishing, golf, and knitted caps

Hooded sweatshirts

Hosiery

Hunting vests

Jackets

Jeans

Jogging apparel

Leg warmers

Leotards and tights

Costume masks

Neckwear and ties

Nightgowns and nightshirts

Painter pant

Pajamas and sleepwear

Pants

Panty hose and tights

Raincoats and ponchos

Religious clothing

Robes

Safety shoes

Scarves

Scout uniforms

Shawls and wraps

Shirts, including hooded shirts

Most shoes, not including most athletic shoes

Shorts

Skirts

Slippers

Slips

Socks, including soccer socks

Suits, slacks, and jackets

Suspenders

Sweat suits

Swimsuits

Most tennis accessories

Trousers

Underclothes

Uniforms and work clothing

Veils

Certain vests, including hunting and non-floating fishing vests

Workout clothes
Various members of the leadership of the regime have also spoken out against France for hosting the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) annual event. France hosts Irans enemies, whereas it established economic relations with Iran after the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), said Foad Yazidi at a meeting entitled The Islamic Human Rights Conference.

He also noted, We had a lot of sanctions before the Iran Nuclear Deal. However, the question is that who is left out sanctions after this deal? According to this law, even the President could be sanctioned. The U.S. has enlisted us as the enemy country. Consequently, it doesnt make much of a difference to give or not to give concessions as long as we are on this list.

The focus of the regime has been to discredit the movement by discrediting the MEK, which is seen as the backbone of the protests and domestic uprisings within Iran. Members of the regime argue that the state needs to confront the MEK, versus brushing them under the rug. Many argue that the regimes unwillingness to talk about the massacre has given the MEK a foothold with the youth and others, because of the questions they are able to raise.

We should have given people as much information about the MEK that there was no ambiguity about the executions in 1988, said Mohammad Sadeq Koushki, an international affairs expert in Iran.

The regime seems unable to stop or derail the popular position of the MEK with the younger generation in Iran, despite all the efforts through the state-run media, lobbyists in the international community, and outright suppression of the group. Throughout these efforts, the MEK/PMOI have continued to focus on the rights of the Iranian people and advocate for human rights and the freedom to express a political opinion that is not in agreement with the regime.

Even within the regime, there is talk about how films about the MEK must reflect the views of the regime. If they are historically accurate, then the filmmaker must be a supporter of the MEK. One filmmaker was quoted as saying, Many people, even at the government level, go along with these deceptive slogans.

The MEK/PMOI has been a voice of political opposition, questioning the actions of the Iranian regime. Working with their network within the country, they have exposed the actions of the regime to the international community, making it clear that the regime cant be trusted.

In addition to the MEK/PMOI, other voices in opposition to the regime have built a coalition, known as the NCRI. This group has become the democratic alternative to the fundamentalism of the regime. Their 10-Point Plan is the basis for building a free, non-nuclear, and democratic country in place of the fundamentalism and exporting of terrorism that is the regimes bread and butter.
March 21, 1975 - August 8, 2017

James Paul West passed away too soon on August 8, 2017, at the age of 42.

James was born March 21, 1975, to Paul and Kathy West in Midland, Texas. As a kid, he loved to hunt and fish. Before college, he spent time in the U.S. Army, then attended Texas A & M as a member of the Corps of Cadets. As a freshman, he was voted the high honor of Cadet of the Year by his peers. James found his true calling in the restaurant industry, where he worked for fifteen years. He loved it for the service it gave to others. He recently transitioned into working for the Federal Government as an employee of the US Department of Agriculture.

James met his wife Lizzie in January 2004, when they worked together at Ninfa's. They married on August 18, 2007. They loved spending time together watching movies and trying new restaurants.

James always had a positive outlook on life and had a servant's heart. He loved to cook for people and try new recipes with his wife. Saved at a young age, James was an active Christian and a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. He was an usher and could always be counted on to help out with events and services.

James leaves behind his wife, Lizzie Marie, of College Station; daughter, Chloe Elizabeth, of Austin; his parents, Paul and Kathy of Nocona, TX; his brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Jeni; his niece, Ashley, and nephew, Jason of Nashville, TN; and his brother and spouse, Gary and Eric of New York City. He will be greatly missed by his loving family. His family would like to invite you to help them remember his life by attending his Life Celebration Service at 11 AM on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2201 Earl Rudder Freeway, College Station, TX 77845.

His family requests donations be made to Aldersgate UMC for Celebrate Recovery in lieu of flowers.

Please share any memories or tributes to James at www.hillierfuneralhome.com
This summer at Brazos Valley TROUPE was all about the Circle of Life as we worked hard to present our biggest and most ambitious production ever, Disneys The Lion King jr.

Never in my decade at Brazos Valley TROUPE have I been involved in a show such as this. While it held its fair share of bumps along the way, each one was handled with grace and ingenuity that was

tenfold of anything Ive seen us do previously.

The Lion King Experience. Thats what Brazos Valley TROUPEs latest summer camp was called, both at TROUPE and on the material that Musical Theatre International

provided.

As someone who has been involved in both previous productions, Stanley Wayne Mathis had come down from New York to direct [editors note: Youre a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Little Shop of Horrors], I had gone into Disneys The Lion King jr. figuring we were going to be held to a certain high standard. When Stanley does a show, he wants it to be the best it can be  and having been in the original The Lion King on Broadway, he came in with many ideas on how to get there.

I got into rehearsal on Day 2, and everyone already was familiar with the music. Later in the week, we had a lock-in, which typically consists of video games and pizza. This particular lock-in instead had a 4 a.m. Lion King rehearsal and pizza. We watched every movie in the franchise and almost completely had choreographed two numbers before wed even had auditions. At that point, I didnt think I had to worry about anyones level of commitment but my own.

The second week, Stanley came in from New York, and that was huge. Those of us whod worked with him before welcomed him as a friend. He worked his way around the room and introduced himself to every single person, child or adult, 5 or 45. Eyes were wide from little starlets, and many who normally were so talkative and energetic suddenly seemed to shy in his presence. Hed been hyped to be a bit of a legend and, to be fair, he is here at TROUPE  not necessarily for his work, but because he is one of the most genuine people on the face of the earth. Kids have referred to M.A. Sterling, our managing/artistic director, as a father figure, and I feel Stanley is our grandfather figure. For as long as Ive known him, the man always has had a story and advice to share.

Within the hour of

Stanley arriving at Brazos Valley TROUPEs studio theater, we were off and ready to begin rehearsals. That first week, we read through the show, we showed him the dances wed already worked on and filled in holes, because some people whod learned the dances became principles. We finished the first act. We also lost extra dancers and had trouble finding a choreographer, which became a challenge as things went on.

While actors worked on stage, our theater was transformed. Carpet had been covered up in something akin to cling wrap, and our props team started working day and night  quite literally  to make gazelles, wildebeest and everything the show needed.

What was normally our green room was a sweatshop for our costume designer and company to work, just as tirelessly.

Yet after all the endless working, it felt tech week came in the blink of an eye. Costumes werent totally ready, props and sets werent completely painted or couldnt withstand little hands. Things that were once so sharp started to go slack. We had moved into a bigger venue at Rudder High School and we had more hiccups with that than we imagined we would.

Opening night, tensions were high. Many people were worried something was going to go wrong. We had just started rehearsing in our costumes, and many of those were difficult to adjust to, many of us were still adjusting to the much bigger space, and the endless work was starting to weigh on some of us. For me, I had just gotten my giraffe head for practice the night before, and that was uncomfortable and took some serious effort to put on straight.

Stanley kept reminding us not to get lazy, to project our voices, to watch out for each other, especially our little ones. It just suddenly felt so much bigger the closer the clock came to 7 p.m.

The curtain rose. The house had so many people, more than Id ever seen at a TROUPE show. Our Rafiki came out on stage and sang her first notes: Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba. Sithi uhm ingonyama.

We kept going with the show. Our music suddenly cut out. We kept going. When our music came back on about 30 seconds later, we were right in time. For me, this was when I knew wed be okay.

It was a lot of hard work, more than I personally ever have put into a show. Stanley pushed us to do things I, as a performer, as a person, did not think I was capable of. There was so much stress involved, inside and outside of this camp, simply because I was worried I wasnt going to live up to the work ethic around me and be able to handle all the other hardships Id been going through.

At the time, I was in the process of trying to find enough loans to cover my continuing education.

Every day I walked into rehearsal stressed out,

on the verge of tears.

Every day, I walked out of

rehearsal with a new inside joke and a little more compassion thrown my way from someone Id known for most of my life or someone Id just met through this camp.

M.A. and Stanley led that charge. They didnt want divas or deadbeats to take the joy out of the show for anyone and of all the things we worked on, I think that was what I tried to hone in on.

That despite hiccups and all the things that were

going wrong, so much was also going right. We had so many people working and working to make our production what it was.

The stress was a part of the experience. The hard work was a part of the

experience.

The show, from high to low, was the experience.

Mikayla Moats and her entire family have been involved in Brazos Valley TROUPE for the past decade. She was a giraffe in TROUPEs recent production of Disneys The Lion King jr.
Should Abbott and the Texas Senate follow 'first, do no harm'?

Physicians take an oath to "first, do no harm." Should we ask the same of the Texas Senate and Gov. Greg Abbott?

After years of proudly using taxpayer dollars to sue the federal government over what he considered unfunded mandates and restricting the rights of states, Abbott's priorities for the special legislative session mainly impose unfunded mandates and restrict the rights of local governments and Texans.

Sadly, the Texas Senate seems to be eagerly following the governor's agenda, acting with a speed and determination that would be wonderful -- if only it focused on the real challenges facing Texas. Funding public education adequately instead of hyperventilating about mythical fears of bathroom access would be a good start.

In opposing the "bathroom bill," Speaker of the House Joe Straus stated he did not want the suicide of a single Texan on his hands. No wonder the speaker has proven a responsible and thoughtful leader, one supported by the Republican-majority Texas House of Representatives.

On the bright side, Gov. Abbott recently added school financing to the special session. In the past decade, the state has reduced its share of funding K-12 education from 45 percent to 37 percent, according to Texas Monthly. One consequence is that local governments have to raise property taxes to make up for that missing state funding. If the Legislature really wants to reduce property taxes, it could return its support of public education to earlier levels.

The full funding -- finally -- of the Texas Railroad Commission shows what good government investment can do. Wells will be inspected more often, old paper reports digitized, and in other ways the commission will be able to operate as if it is in the 21st century.

Perhaps the regular legislative session of 2019 will propose a similar modernization of the state's archaic tax system.

JONATHAN COOPERSMITH

College Station

Politicians need to listen to what their constituents say

As I was reading the letter from Albert Gonter (Eagle, Aug. 8), my cell phone was dinging, then my home phone began to ring. This is a normal occurrence between 5 and 9 p.m.

I knew who was calling and emailing my wife and me. It's always the same: someone needing money to solve a local, state, or national dilemma. I am frustrated with this.

I, like Gonter, am confused. These phone calls, emails, and letters are from individuals who ran for an office or position, who we pay very well, and who swore to represent people like us. They campaigned, made promises, and swore to protect our rights. They acted like they could solve all our problems.

They never once mentioned that after their election, they would need hundreds of thousands, even millions, of dollars to get their campaign promises accomplished. The lobbyists are alive and well.

We, as concerned people, need to do everything we can to rein in these career politicians. Make them keep their promises. Show them we aren't going to keep putting up with the fighting between parties.

They need to listen to our concerns, they need to focus on fixing the real problems our nation is facing. They need to realize the problems we face, and the concerns we really have, are not which bathroom we use.

R.J. ENGLERT Jr.

College Station

Right on target with Donald Trump photo and unrelated headline

I want to commend The Eagle for the photo of President Donald Trump over the caption "Seriously Flawed" in the Aug. 3 edition. This is a refreshing example of honesty and integrity in the press.

No fake news there! Well done, Eagle.

JOHN RAUSER

College Station
The Islamic Republic did reform its laws on such executions in 2013, to allow for judges to eschew the death penalty in cases where it is believed the young offender was mentally incompetent or insufficiently mature to understand the crime being committed. But in practice these reforms have had almost no effect on the practice of minor execution, which is believed to still be carried out in only a half dozen other countries. The change of laws has led to some minor offenders having their cases reviewed by the Iranian judiciary, but death penalties in these cases have almost always been upheld, with judges and other Iranian officials dismissing subsequent criticism as attempts at cultural imposition upon the laws of the Islamic theocracy.

Naturally, the Tajiki execution has been regarded as a further affirmation of the Iranian regimes dismissive attitude. The International Business Times report on the matter noted that international human rights groups had described it as flagrant violation of international laws. The same report indicated that Tajikis execution is the fourth known incidence of a minor offender being put to death in Iran this year alone. The Amnesty International call to action reported that 88 other such offenders remain on death row following Tajikis hanging.

The continued execution of minor offenders is part of a much broader Iranian human rights crisis related to the death penalty. The Islamic Republic has long maintained the highest per-capita rate of executions in the world. In the first six months of 2017, at least 239 inmates were put to death across the country, with many of those executions taken place en masse. Then, in July at least 102 additional death sentences were implemented. This puts the country well on its way toward maintaining its world-leading record, although it falls well short of the nearly 1,000 executions that were carried out in 2015.

Annually, the vast majority of Irans executions are reportedly carried out against non-violent drug offenders. The International Business Times report on Tajikis execution as accompanied by an earlier video report focusing on the connections between these killings and European funding for anti-drug operations being carried out in the Islamic Republic. The United Kingdom-based NGO Reprieve has determined that these connections are direct and causal, and it has urged European powers to put some restrictions on the financing of anti-drug campaigns, in order to decrease the likelihood of their leading to executions that do not rise to international standards for the most serious crimes, for which the death penalty would arguably be justified.

The controversy over these anti-drug campaigns can now be regarded as an outgrowth of the larger controversy over Western capital that is reaching or may reach the Islamic Republic in the wake of the Iran nuclear agreement, or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Critics of that deal have noted that in this case also there is a lack of restrictions on how such capital can be spent, leading to the possibility of it contributing to human rights violations including unjustified executions. Furthermore, various human rights organizations have accused Western powers of focusing their attention narrowly on the JCPOA, to the exclusion of important human rights issues.

The simple fact of Irans excessive usage of the death penalty is made worse by the ways in which prisoners are treated and their executions carried out. On Tuesday, the Iran Human Rights website issued two relevant reports. One pointed out that an alleged drug trafficker by the name of Nader Farrokhnejad had been transferred to solitary confinement on Saturday in preparation for the implementation of his death sentence. But this was not the first time he had undergone this process, and his previous solitary confinement ended after his execution was delayed. This practice is commonplace on death row in Iranian prisons, as is the arbitrary implementation of capital sentences, meaning that inmates may live in a constant state of psychological torture, not knowing when their lives might end.

The other Iran Human Rights report identified a 30-year-old alleged rapist who had been executed in Farrokhshahr. As is the case with various death sentences, based on various types of charges, the individual was reportedly executed in public, before a large crowd of people. Previous reports have noted that children have been spotted in attendance at some such public hangings, which are often conducted atop cranes and thus visible across great distances.

Even non-capital cases in Iran are infamous for arbitrary punishment, often aimed at making an example of the accused. This is especially true of political prisoners, dozens of which have been confirmed as being held in Iranian jails at present. As well as reaching a 25-year high in number of executions during the first term of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, the country has also undertaken an accelerated crackdown on human rights activists, ethnic minorities, labor unionists, and others. These crackdowns have provided the international community with numerous case studies in familiar human rights violations such as arbitrary sentencing and the denial of medical treatment.

Both of these trends were showcased by one recent article from the Center for Human Rights in Iran, regarding the labor activist Reza Shahabi. After receiving a six year sentence for propaganda and assembly against national security as a result of his peaceful organizing, Shahabi secure the rare concession of medical leave from his prison sentence, in the midst of serious health problems. Although his legal term in prison has since expired, he was recently ordered back to prison because a prosecutor decided that three months of his leave had been unapproved. Although Shahabi willingly returned to prison rather than risk his bail guarantor having property confiscated by the state, there is little guarantee that he will be released at the end of the three months, since other political prisoners have been known to come under new charges or to simply not be released at the conclusion of their sentence, because hardline authorities determined that their punishment had not been adequate.

The Tajiki execution has certainly focused renewed attention upon one human rights issue in the Islamic Republic. But there are a range of closely related issues that have arguably been put on the back burner by the international community while leading powers remain focused on other issues, including prospects for economic reengagement.
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WESTPORT  The race for first selectman grew more crowded this week, with 10-year Representative Town Meeting member John Suggs announcing his candidacy as an independent running on a platform of non-partisanship.

I have been doing a lot of listening, the 56-year-old said. He recounted conversations with residents as he gathered signatures to run. Westporters are tired of the partisan, toxic mess. I was hearing people say they cant even watch the news anymore, theyre so tired of the partisanship.

Suggs enters the race alongside Democrat Melissa Kane and Republican Jim Marpe, the current first selectman, who each garnered their respective parties endorsements late last month.

While he recognizes hes an underdog  running without a political party or running mate, the latter due to town charter rules  Suggs believes his message of solving problems as Westporters, rather than members of a particular party, will resonate.

In office, Suggs would look to end what he characterizes as unnecessary spending on consultants surveys and instead draw on community expertise, ensure the William F. Cribari Memorial Bridge is preserved and not replaced and preside over a nonpartisan Board of Selectmen that would inevitably be comprised of an independent, a Republican and a Democrat should he claim victory in November.

A former member of the Democratic Town Committee, Suggs resigned in March after a petition called on RTM members not to be affiliated with the Democratic or Republican town committees, a call to remove partisanship from the town body. The then-moderator determined the petition was outside the RTMs purview and it wasnt considered. Suggs, however, emailed his resignation from the DTC on March 17.

In preparation for his selectman run, Suggs recently changed his voter registration to unaffiliated.

The candidates

Suggs moved to Westport with his wife in the spring of 2003, shortly after his twins  now set to begin at Staples High School this fall  were born. The family lives on Center Street.

A former Jesuit who wears a silver ring bearing a Jesuit insignia with pride, the California native went on to found the Los Angeles Homeless Coalition and was then recruited to help create the City of Los Angeles ethics commission; he worked as lead investigator for political corruption and campaign money laundering.

Suggs now works as a forensic genetic genealogist. He founded his Stamford-based firm Family Orchard in 2014, where he specializes in finding adoptees birth families and reconnecting them.

Despite differing policies, Suggs expressed his respect for his fellow candidates, a sentiment they echoed. Kane said she welcomes Suggs point of view and the chance to have different points of view represented in the race.

Im thrilled to welcome him to the race, Kane said. Im happy to have a good exchange of all of the ideas and issues looking forward  to speaking with him on his take on all of the issues. I think democracy really works best when we have a hardy discussion of issues.

Kane is also chairwoman on the DTC, although she has pledged to step down if elected first selectman, and responded to former member Suggs argument of nonpartisanship. Kane said, despite her party affiliation, she is still running to represent everyone.

I know that Im running to serve all of Westport, and I dont feel I need to leave my party, the Democratic Party, to make it clear that I have the whole towns best interest at heart  that Im running to represent the whole town, she said.

Marpe said he offered his congratulations to Suggs following his announcement.

His candidacy will add another dimension to the election process, Marpe said. Hes been an active and passionate member of the RTM, and I look forward to the election dialogue thats sure to include a focus on historic preservation.

Nonpartisanship

Among his reasons for running, Suggs listed the states fiscal troubles and belief they will mean a challenging few years of budgeting for Westport, as well as how he has seen partisanship across the country seeping down into Westport.

Im concerned about all the finger-pointing. I know that the solution is to be able to have a nonpartisan office, he said. I want to be a nonpartisan first selectman and to be able to lead everyone in town to be able to find very simple solutions.

Suggs said he has seen finger-pointing at the local level by Republicans blaming Democrats for the fiscal state of Connecticut and by Democrats blaming Republicans for concerns with President Donald Trump and his administration. He claims that his independent status frees him up to work across the aisle, free of loyalties to a party.

He seeks, too, to empower local volunteers and residents to get involved in solving the towns problems, in particular as a way to stop unnecessary spending on outside consultants when the town has plenty of in-house expertise.

I will listen to them. Im not going to come in with a preset agenda for a particular party or a particular contingency and ram policies through whether or not the community wants it, Suggs said. Im going to start the other way around.

The Cribari Bridge

A member of the Westport Preservation Alliance, Suggs has been in favor of preserving the Cribari Bridge, which the state Department of Transportation has been evaluating for replacement or repair. On his newly-launched campaign site, suggs.org, he is shown standing on the historic Saugatuck swing bridge that has been a hallmark of his advocacy over the past two years.

He wants to be the one representing Westport as the issue continues over the next four years and said he is in favor of protecting the bridge at all costs.

Suggs has been a vocal advocate of a no vote on next weeks South Western Region Metropolitan Planning Organization decision on whether to put $40 million in funding for the project on a state improvement plan list for the next four years of DOT projects. He said he has worked on preserving the bridge for the past two years, adding that Marpe committed to vote for removing the funding several times before changing his mind.

In the fall of 2015, he wasnt supporting protecting the bridge. In February of 2017, he agreed and then changed his mind to protect the bridge by taking out the funding. In June of 2017, he agreed and then changed his mind again, Suggs said. Thats three times he has changed his mind about whether or not to protect our bridge. Three strikes and youre out.

Suggs added that he believes the way hes rallied the town to support preserving the bridge has forced (his opponents) at the 11th hour to take a position.

I am on a position before it is popular, he added.

Marpe announced he will vote against the funding in July; Kane posted on Facebook at the time, voicing her support for the no vote but urging further action.

When asked this week, Marpe reiterated his plan for the Aug. 17 vote.

I will be asking my colleagues to vote against the funding. That is my plan, Marpe said.

With regard to the Cribari Bridge, I think everyone recognizes its contribution to the character of the Saugatuck neighborhood and Im anxious to preserve it in a way that contributes to that character and also contributes to traffic safety throughout Saugatuck, as well as along Greens Farms Road, Marpe added.

LWeiss@hearstmediact.com; @LauraEWeiss16
WORMS  Zion Lutheran Church in Worms has partnered with a Nebraska artist to redo the mural in town to reflect the 500th anniversary of Martin Luthers Reformation, only this time, the art will be done as a mosaic.

About 15 years ago Rachel Ziegler created a mural that represented not only parts of Worms, Neb., but also images from Worms, Germany, its namesake. At that time, Zieglers father was the pastor at Zion Lutheran.

Fifteen years later, it was mutually agreed upon by members of Zion that the mural needed an upgrade, said Pastor Craig Niemeier.

We at Zion formed a Reformation 500 committee a number of months ago where we brainstormed a number of ways to emphasize the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Niemeier said, One of many ideas was to ask about the possibility of updating the mural on the building across the road.

From there the church checked with the owner of the building on which the mural was painted, Dick Spiehs, who gave it the thumbs up.

The church decided to reach out to Ziegler to see if she would again like to do the artwork.

With Spiehs approval, the project became official.

It was a no-brainer to work with an artist of Rachels caliber on such a project, said Niemeier.

Ziegler was in Texas when she got the call and was thrilled to be chosen to do something so special.

It was something I had always wanted to do, come back and redo the mural. It has peeled over the years, and something needed done, she said.

Ziegler then thought of creating a mosaic made of glass and ceramic tiles that would last a long time and hold up to Nebraska weather.

She said her art techniques have also changed, so that brought the idea of using tiles.

Ziegler said she chose tiles because she admired the Byzantine mosaics of the Middle Ages. She also imagined that maintaining the mural would be easier once the project is done.

If a tile comes off, or breaks, someone living in Worms could easily replace it, whereas paint is a different medium to deal with, not as durable as tiles are.

The design will have an angel with arms wide open, with a Luther rose above the angel and the old skyline of Worms, Germany, and the Rhine River surrounding it. The design also encompasses elements of corn and agriculture, representing Nebraskas heritage.

The angel is more of a classic icon that I used in the mural, she said.

From there, Ziegler, who was living in Texas and Nebraska, had to figure out the logistics of how she was going to construct the artwork and where she was going to stay while working on it.

She worked for a couple months in Omaha to cut tiles and start the design process while consulting with artists and teachers at Concordia University in Seward.

I did my undergraduate at Concordia, so it was a logical place to help get the project started, Ziegler said.

She then started cutting pieces of the tiles and placing them on a fiber glass mesh in order to transport them to Worms.

While working in Worms, Ziegler is staying in Palmer with Tim and Rosie Morthole, who are housing the artist and her dog.

She started the project in July and just a couple weeks ago got the angel portion of the mosaic on the wall of the Worms building.

Zieglers parents have a home in Omaha and she has been traveling back and forth for the past several weeks working on the project, which is still in its early stages.

This project will take a while to get done. I would like to have the angel, town, river and Luthers rose done by winter, and then come next spring when I can continue to work on the project, she said.

As with any art, the interpretation is key to understanding the artwork.

Niemeier said he looks forward to the projects completion and thinks those traveling through Worms will enjoy it as much as those who live there.

In my mind, this project is about offering to those who travel through our town a witness to our faith that is both beautiful and true. The bright colors and shining mosaic will be strikingly beautiful, especially facing eastward in the direction of the morning rising sun, he said. The cross of Jesus at the heart of the picture is forever true. A lot has changed at Worms and in the world around, but this much has not: The hope we hold in our heart is the word we want to share with the world around us.

Although Ziegler came up with the design, she hopes the community will also take ownership of the project and jump in to help construct it.

I want to encourage anyone in the community who wants to be a part of this project to help place tile, grout or paint to make it a community project, she said.

Donations to the project can be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Worms.
Such certification is required every 90 days, and the president was reportedly quite begrudging in signing off on the continued enforcement of the agreement first in April and then again last month. His decision to do so reportedly came only after lengthy discussions with his Secretary of State and the rest of his foreign policy team, most of which is extremely skeptical of the deal and yet unwilling to unilaterally cancel it out of fear that the consequences could outweigh the benefits, especially where American relations with European allies are concerned.

Nevertheless, since last months certification, Trump has indicated that he is likely to declare Iran to be out of compliance the next time he is required to report to Congress. He has also affirmed that he would have personally preferred to make such a declaration at the first opportunity. The Islamic Republic has indeed been guilty of slight violations of the JCPOA, but these have been effectively written off by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the nuclear watchdog that Haley will be visiting later in August.

The known violations are minor and include briefly surpassing the defined limits for nuclear-related materials like heavy water. But Trumps longstanding opposition to continued enforcement of the deal seems to focus on peripheral issues such as repeated Iranian ballistic missile tests, which he believes to violate the spirit of the agreement. Although not actually part of the JCPOA, there is a UN Security Council resolution that oversees that agreement and calls upon the Islamic Republic to avoid work on weapons designed to be capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

The recently-tested ballistic missiles do indeed have this capability, but Iran has categorically rejected that provision of the resolution, asserting that its language does not make compliance obligatory and does not refer to weapons that are intended for non-nuclear purposes. Meanwhile, Tehran has repeatedly parroted American accusations regarding violation of the spirit of the agreement, asserting that the US has made Irans economic recovery too difficult by continuing to enforce non-nuclear sanctions while also imposing more of the same.

Last week, President Trump signed into law a wide-ranging sanctions bill that targets the Iranian ballistic missile program and expands all human rights sanctions to include the entirety of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Despite Tehrans vigorous protests, many American and European commentators have expressed support for the continuation of this project, which began with ballistic missile sanctions imposed on presidential authority alone. These supporters including people who share Secretary of State Rex Tillersons declared position opposing the presidents plan to simply blow up the nuclear deal.

On Tuesday, the Washington Post published an editorial making precisely this case and describing the expansion of non-nuclear sanctions as a waive and slap strategy. That term had been coined by researchers with the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies who believe that the US government can put effective pressure on the Islamic Republic over illicit activities that are not limited to nuclear weapons ambitions. The editorial noted that these other issues, including apparently rising levels of Iranian meddling in the broader Middle East, are of greater near-term concern to leading figures in the Trump administration, including Tillerson, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, and National Security Director H.R. McMaster.

Sanctions on human rights violations and ballistic missile tests could help to keep the immediate focus of American policy upon these other issues, while also earning international sympathy for a strategy that confronts Iran in a comprehensive fashion. Advocates of this strategy generally believe that targeting the JCPOA directly and immediately would drive European allies further away, as they try to salvage the economic benefits of the nuclear agreement. This could in turn have the effect of distracting attention from other issues and driving the Europeans away from interventions in those areas.

However, a contrasting editorial appeared in The Hill and pointedly argued in favor of Trumps preference for simply getting rid of the JCPOA. It argued that the security guarantees stemming from the nuclear deal are the essential reason why Tehrans regional interventions have accelerated in recent months. As many have argued since before the nuclear negotiations were concluded in 2015, the effects of long-term economic sanctions and a credible threat of military force were the very things that brought the Iranian regime to the negotiating table in the first place. When these things were apparently removed after the implementation of the JCPOA, Tehran arguably viewed it as license to ramp up illicit activities, as long as they did not directly and blatantly violate the agreement.

Of course, the lack of outright violation does not dispel the often-cited threat of secret activities aimed at shortening Irans breakout time for a nuclear weapon following the cancellation or expiration of the nuclear deal. This danger has been eagerly highlighted by the Trump administration as it presses for more comprehensive assessments of Iranian compliance, including assessments based on access to Iranian military sites, which remained off-limits at the unyielding insistence of Iranian negotiators.

Tehran remains strongly defiant on this issue, and on Monday the Associated Press quoted Iranian officials as saying that access to military sites is a ridiculous dream that will not come true. Meanwhile, other officials have exacerbated Western concerns by repeating boastful rhetoric about Irans potential nuclear capabilities. For instance, Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, has met Western criticisms and sanctions measures by asserting that Iran is prepared to restart full-scale uranium enrichment at an even higher level than before. If this were to happen, it would be virtually impossible for Tehran to explain such accelerated capabilities other than by admitting that the country had been continuing illicit research and development while the JCPOA was still in effect.

This Iranian rhetoric is likely to be among the issues that are raised by Haley when she visits the IAEA this month. It remains to be seen precisely what demands the US will make in the interest of securing greater assurances of compliance. For that matter, it remains to be seen whether Haley will primarily serve the State Departments ambition for strengthening enforcement of the existing deal, or the presidents project of justifying its cancellation from the American side.
The girlfriend of Justin Foster, the man killed in Monday mornings hit and run, is happier now that a Grand Island woman has taken responsibility for the tragedy.

I feel better. I feel that maybe there can be some justice now, Amanda Cordis said Thursday afternoon, after Robin Nehls turned herself in to Grand Island police.

Cordis added that she feels very sorry for Nehls family.

The 48-year-old Grand Island woman could spend some time behind bars. And so it wasnt just Justin taken away from us. Because this woman didnt stop and try to help him, her family is also losing her. And theyre innocent in all this, too.

Nehls voluntarily came forward about her involvement in this accident, says a news release from the Grand Island Police Department. She was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an injury accident resulting in a death, which is a felony.

Cordis lives in Neligh, where Foster also spent most of the last two years.

They had been dating for almost two years, she said.

They are the parents of a girl named Brooklyn, who will turn 1 on Aug. 26.

Foster, 28, grew up in Glendale, Ariz., and Phoenix, Ariz.

His mother, Bobbi Nunn, recently moved to Chicago from Arizona. After her sons death, she traveled this week to Neligh and Grand Island.

A ceremony will be held Saturday at Hall County Park for Foster. The candlelight event will begin at 3 p.m. Cordis expects at least 100 people will attend.

A funeral will be held in Arizona at a later date. He will be cremated.

Cordis, 30, learned about her boyfriends death at about 9:30 a.m. Monday, when a police officer showed up at her mothers house in Neligh to convey the bad news.

Foster had been in Grand Island since the Friday before Mothers Day. He went through detox and rehab at CHI Health St. Francis. He spent time at the Friendship House, she said.

Cordis was asked what happened Sunday night.

I feel that he was seeking help, and that he tried to go and get help from several places.

He was under the influence, she said. Im not sure if he walked out in front of somebody or what happened, but he ended up getting run over by a car and killed and left to die, Cordis said in a Wednesday interview.

In a Facebook post, Nunn wrote, Justin was given meth that was laced with ecstasy and it had a bad effect on him.

He also had opiates in his system, Cordis said.

She believed the drug was given to Foster by an acquaintance of his.

Cordis says her boyfriend was outgoing and a very social butterfly. He always smiled and always made others smile. He was goofy and so spontaneous and loving and (ready to) do anything for anybody.
The Central District Health Department will have Choose Healthy Here Health Fairs today at two locations.

The first one will be at Azteca Market, 103 W. Third St. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The second one will be at Lobo Market, 224 E. Fourth St. from 3 to 5 p.m.

The health fairs will include health information, Zumba provided by the Zumba Girls, free food samples, free blood pressure screenings and free chair massages.

These health fair events are part of a healthy food retail program known as Choose Healthy Here (CHH). The program improves healthy food access in Nebraska through community partnerships and retailer support. Several health departments across the state, including the Central District Health Department (CDHD), are working with retailers to implement this program.

CDHD is partnering with UNL Extension in Hall County and the Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) to support store improvements and increased access to healthy foods at Azteca Market and Lobo Market in Grand Island.
Grand Island Public School officials unveiled the districts new strategic plan Thursday to groups throughout the community.

A group of GIPS officials visited The Independent Thursday to talk about the plan and distributed a brochure produced to tell people about it.

The officials talked about the benefits of the plan, which was approved in June. That plan, which runs 36 pages, was finished within a year.

School Board President Bonnie Hinkle said the strategic plan is a reflection of all of the districts key stakeholders. In putting together the plan, officials had contact with more than 6,500 stakeholders, she said.

Just because the district has had contact with those stakeholders doesnt mean they get to go away now, said Josh McDowell, the districts chief academic officer. The district will continue to rely on that input, he said.

The district felt it had to change, not for the school board, but for the children, Hinkle said.

Hinkle described the document as a bold plan that will produce immeasurable benefits for students and fundamental changes.

We want to make decisions that will propel the district forward, Hinkle said.

The four major parts of the plan are to:

 Empower educators to be instructional leaders.

 Personalize learning pathways for students.

 Design decisions by using data.

 Partner with the community.

Hinkle said she attended an OpenSky Policy Institute talk by Timothy Bartik, who talks about the best economic returns for each dollar invested. Strong returns, Bartik said, result from investments made in preschool, summer school, career academies, tutoring and training.

Those investments will help the community, Hinkle said.

Hinkle quoted George Crane, who said, There is no future in any job. The future lies in the man who holds the job.

She said 65 percent of the kids entering kindergarten in 2011 will work in jobs that didnt exist when they started.

One of pillars of the strategic plan is to personalize learning pathways for students.

Superintendent Tawana Grover believes in personalized learning. Tapping into the interests and passions of kids benefits the students and may help lift them out of poverty, she said.

McDowell said the change in the elementary schedule being made by the district this year has truly liberated us.

This year, 25 minutes has been added to the school day four days a week for elementary students. Last year, the elementary school day ran from 8 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. This year, elementary students will go from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday dismissal continues at 2 p.m.

The change will provide teachers with more planning time. The move was made as the result of feedback from teachers and the community, McDowell said in an interview.

The change will also help with personalized learning. Students will learn how to set goals and navigate daily issues they experience, he said. The changes will allow the district to address the whole educational perspective of a child, and what they need to be successful.

At every elementary school, students will have experience in guidance, media technology, physical education and music. And that is now equal, across the district.

One thing the district is not doing, McDowell said, is urging young students to choose a career path.

However, preparatory academies will be part of the program at Grand Island Senior High, he said, with students being able to choose a pathway their sophomore year.

Among other things, the district is teaching financial literacy in middle school. A new class will teach seventh- and eighth-graders about entrepreneurship and real world problem-solving, McDowell said.

The district, Grover said, is aware of whats going on globally, but also mindful of how it can help the state and city.

Among other things, Grover said the district must invest in early childhood education.

McDowell said personalized learning should ignite each individual student.

Chief Leadership and Development Officer Toni Palmer said the district wants teachers to be facilitators of learning. In that way, students will learn how to make discoveries themselves.

Associate Superintendent Robin Dexter talked about the need to assist the whole child. She talked about the workforce development program and other efforts.

Among young people, mental health needs are exploding. We have preschoolers with anxiety and stress disorders, she said. She talked about a program called Turtle Pond that helps with those problems.

The districts obesity rate is 25 percent, she said. We need to teach kids how to make healthier choices, she said.

Students also have to be persuaded to have breakfast and lunch at school, she said.

Chief Innovation and Engagement Officer Jennifer Worthington said the district hopes to work with parents to make sure children are ready for school. She said the schools cant provide early childhood education for every youngster in the community.
The Nebraska State Fair announced the winners of the State Fair Cares program to help non-profits achieve their goals in fundraising and awareness. First place was awarded to the Salvation Army of Omaha and second place went to the Central Nebraska Humane Society of Grand Island.

Shaun Schleif, director of marketing and sponsorships, said, We started the State Fair Cares program a number of years ago as a way of saying thank you for the tremendous support the State Fair receives from Nebraskans. Those bonafide not-for-profit agencies applying for the award must remain consistent with the State Fairs mission statement providing for agriculture, education or families.

First place goes to the Omaha Chapter of the Salvation Army to educate Nebraskans about their SAFE-T program (The Salvation Armys Fight to End Trafficking), which includes helping survivors of sex and labor trafficking in a way that is empowering and meaningful to them through case management, case coordination and collaboration with local partners.

Second place goes to the Central Nebraska Humane Society to raise funds for the purchase of a LaserCyte DX (blood analysis) that will provide medical information upon an animals entry into the Humane Society and provide better information for adoptive parents. Theyll also educate fairgoers about the proper care for animals of all types.

Central Nebraska Humane Society will have access to fairgoers on the first weekend, while the Omaha Chapter of the Salvation Army will greet fairgoers over the Labor Day weekend. State Fair Cares participants will be located on the fairgrounds across from the Welcome Center.

The Nebraska State Fair runs from Aug. 25 through Sept. 4 in Grand Island.
It's not over. Thousands of uncounted ballots remain in Bucks, Montco

Bucks County officials do not anticipate all ballots cast Tuesday will be counted - or not - until next week. Leaving House key races in limbo
The EU is supposed to value and respect the human rights of all. So why did several of its officials attend the inauguration of a president who has a horrific human rights record? During his first term, Rouhani oversaw thousands of executions and numerous crackdowns on the people. Only last week, Amnesty International released a report detailing the gravity of the situation in the country. It mentioned how the people are imprisoned and tortured for standing up for their rights.

To see EU officials attend the inauguration of such a president must be very hurtful to the Iranian people. They are effectively ignoring the pain and suffering that goes on inside Iran and are confirming that it is less of a concern than diplomatic and political relations.

The election process was also a complete farce in Iran and nobody can use the argument that Rouhani is a moderate. Rouhani, along with several others, was shortlisted because of his allegiance to the Supreme Leader Khamenei. Rouhani cannot change anything about the Iranian regime because he is quite simply a tool used by the Supreme Leader, the ultimate ruler of the country.

Political prisoners are treated with such cruelty and viciousness, and people bravely risk their lives every day just to speak out against the regime. Mistreatment of the people is nothing new in the country. For decades, political opponents of the regime have been arrested and hurt or killed. In 1988, more than 30,000 political prisoners were executed in what has become known as the 1988 massacre. The Supreme Leader at that time issued a fatwa calling for all these executions.

Corruption is rife in the regime at all levels. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force is led by the notorious criminal Qassem Suleimani. Even officials who were part of the 1988 massacre hold positions of power. How can anyone say that there is a chance of moderation in the leadership of Iran?

The people of Iran want freedom. Freedom in all aspects of life is what the people have been dreaming of for a long time. And their struggle may be set to end soon. At the oppositions Free Iran rally in Paris last month, many former officials and prominent political figures from around the world declared their support for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). They said that the Resistance has come so far in the past few years, and the toppling of the regime is inevitable and will happen soon.

So instead of supporting the corrupt, criminal, cruel and callous Iranian regime, maybe EU officials could show their support for the people that are suffering. The EU and the rest of the West should be conditioning their relations with Iran on a complete halt of executions, among other urgent issues.
Among the Living and the Dead: A Tale of Exile and Homecoming on the War Roads of Europe

By Inara Verzemnieks

Norton. 288 pp. $26.95

---

For many Americans, some wars - though long ago and far away - endure, affecting their daily lives. Inara Verzemnieks's searing memoir, "Among the Living and the Dead," shows how.

Verzemnieks grew up in Tacoma, Wash., where she was raised by her grandmother, Livija, a World War II refugee. Five years after Livija died, Verzemnieks visited the village in the Latvian countryside where her grandmother was born. All through Verzemnieks's childhood, Livija's stories had framed a lost, prewar, rural Latvian world. On her trip to Livija's home, Verzemnieks set out to experience, as Rebecca West put it, "what history meant in flesh and blood."

So she delves into the past of one of those small countries that has for centuries been invaded and traded by larger powers. Latvians have fled the armies of Vikings, a Swedish king, kaisers, czars and czarinas, the general secretary of the Communist Party's Central Committee, and the Fuhrer. In 1944, as tanks chewed up the streets, bombs fell every night and families disappeared into the forest, Livija fled with her 2-year-old daughter and her infant son, someday to become Verzemnieks's father.

Inara Verzemnieks inherited exile, she says, as surely as she inherited nearsightedness. Her father fought in Vietnam and wasn't right afterward. Her mother was physically abusive. At age 2, Verzemnieks went to live with her paternal grandparents, who were doing their best to re-create Latvia in Tacoma.

They took her to church with elderly, war-scarred Latvians to sing old Latvian hymns the congregants had handwritten and photocopied. When one of them died, the others gathered by the coffin to scatter soil someone had smuggled out of communist Latvia. The youngest congregant by 60 years, Verzemnieks felt a clear responsibility. "It was like a silent command running behind everything we did," she writes: "watch, listen, remember."

Verzemnieks attended a summer camp where the cabins were replicas of the old wooden houses of the Latvian countryside. The counselors organized forest walks where the campers would enact fairy tales and pagan myths, encountering costumed devils and witches they'd dispatch by reciting the proper poem. In Nikes and bug spray, they sang "a sad, slow folk song begging the wind to carry us back to the shores in Latvia."

And every day, Livija told stories.

A young child raised by an elderly person can become steeped in the places, people and customs of a time before her own. In Verzemnieks's case, the phenomenon was amplified by her grandmother's evocative narration of life on the lost Latvian farm, "like someone who believed that the structure of it could be protected, even saved, through her telling." As a child, Verzemnieks learned every piece of that bucolic landscape: "the anthills and badger burrows," the mosquitoes and horseflies that "blackened the summer air," the "stump that turned wet with hens' blood after the thwack of the axe upon their necks," and the wood-burning stove "so hot it would cause the flesh of a curious child's hand to slide off like the skin of a snake." So a child growing up in Washington state grows up, at the same time, on a farm in Latvia, haunted by events that took place half a century prior.

Of course one exile's memory of a place is different from present-day reality or even the memories of those who stayed put. When Verzemnieks actually goes to the farm, her grandmother's sister tells her: "Your grandmother's stories aren't my stories." Verzemnieks is afraid that there might be no way to make "the pieces of the past fit together in any kind of way to return it to something whole."

And that is the essential project of this book: a restoration effort. As Verzemnieks attempts to live among family and come as close as possible to her grandmother's experience, life is affirmed by her intimate, physical interaction with plants, animals, people, place. "And with each new day, a little more of what had seemed lost finds its way back to me," she writes.

Much that was lost cannot come back. Tens of thousands died in the war, many of them Jewish. "Volunteers" killed the Jews of Verzemnieks's ancestral village and dumped them in a mass grave. After the war, thousands disappeared forever into Soviet prison camps. Verzemnieks wonders if her grandfather's postwar drift inside himself is driven by his own sense of culpability for atrocity.

The book often has a dreamy quality of reverie or incantation, as Verzemnieks - who teaches creative nonfiction at the University of Iowa - reconstructs, imagines and inhabits other people's memories and accounts of war and flight. It requires a kind of attention that can be difficult to sustain, despite the beauty on almost every page.

But this book is important. We are now experiencing another global refugee crisis. "Among the Living and the Dead" shows the consequences of being forced from home - how that loss is passed through the generations, as children and grandchildren struggle to build their lives. Perhaps today's Verzemniekses will spend enough time on WhatsApp with their cousins back home that the stories of a distant place will not develop the same mysterious, magnetic pull - perhaps not. One way or another, the stories will be transmitted.

At its most basic, war breaks connections. This exquisitely written book shows how recovery can come generations later through rebuilding connections - to people, the natural world, the past.

---

Shulman is a journalist and author of the book "Eat the City."
The dawn of hip-hop can be traced to a fateful Bronx back-to-school party in August 1973, so to celebrate the symbolic 44th birthday Friday, Google has teamed with two superstars to provide an epic global interactive jam.

Team Google Doodle includes lifelong fans of hip-hop spanning from California to Indiana to Louisiana, and its artists and engineers reached east to the legendary graphic artist and designer Cey Adams and the pioneering artist/host Fab 5 Freddy to create the tech titan's dopest and most dazzling work of interactive art yet.

To land the graffiti-art aspect of Friday's Doodle, the team traveled to the New York studio of Adams, the brilliant Def Jam creative director responsible for the looks of decades of iconic album covers, logos and ad campaigns.

Adams emerged from New York's graffiti movement alongside Basquiat and Haring, and so lived firsthand how such visual art intertwined with the rise of rap.

"First and foremost, the [visual] art component predates the other art forms," Adams says. "Certainly music has been around, but when it comes to graffiti - that's been around since the late '60s. It was a thing unto itself, that had its own movement.

"So by the time the late '70s came around, and all the elements become a collective," Adams continues, "graffiti art took a back seat to rap music. Music has always been universal, whereas art has an elitist edge to it because it's shown in museums and galleries - it's not as attainable. Music lives in the air, music is everywhere - it doesn't cost you anything.

"That said, hip-hop is a visual movement, (and) graffiti will remain a necessary element of creative expression within the culture."

Google wanted to create a Doodle that also tapped hip-hop's musical roots, so they traveled, too, to 1520 Sedgwick Ave. in the Bronx, where the Jamaican-born teenager DJ Kool Herc first played the instrumental "breaks" of songs at that famed back-to-school jam.

The Bay Area-based team also tapped the talents of Lyor Cohen, the global head of music for Google-owned YouTube and the former Def Jam president. Cohen says on Google's blog that hip-hop "shows that people in any situation have the ability to create something powerful and meaningful. The progression of this culture and sound - from Kool Herc spinning James Brown breaks at a block party to Jay-Z, Kanye West and Drake being some of the biggest forces in music 44 years later - is something that few people at that first party could have anticipated."

Team Google Doodle leader Ryan Germick grew up watching Fab 5 Freddy as host of "Yo! MTV Raps," and his creative crew was able to get the Brooklyn-born legend to narrate home-page viewers through a quick hip-hop history, toward a tutorial of pulling tunes from the digital crate (from old-school George Clinton and Betty Wright to brand-new Prince Paul beats) and working the crossfader on the decks.

Happy 44th, hip-hop - let the jam long play. "And it don't stop!"
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Linkedin EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 08:01 1920 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac39128 4 Editorial #Editorial,forest-fires,#forest,#ForestFire,forest,peatland,#Peatland,President-Jokowi,#Jokowi,environment,#environment Free

For the umpteenth time fires have burned our forests and peatland, posing threats not only to people in the vicinity but also to our relationships with our neighbors because of the cross-border haze caused by the manmade disasters.

Unsurprisingly, President Joko Jokowi Widodo on Wednesday renewed his call for an end to the fires. He said he had ordered Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto to gather regional heads, military and police commanders from across the country to devise a comprehensive and concerted plan to fight the fires.

Just three months after his inauguration as President in October 2014, Jokowi, in a show of impatience with the way the country had addressed the disasters, visited a hot spot in Riau. Less than a year later he returned to forest fire-prone Sumatra in the aftermath of a peatland fire in South Sumatra. His message after the two field trips was identical: law enforcement against perpetrators was the key to preventing the environmental calamity.

Jokowis predecessors shared his grave concern about the countrys failure and took actions to keep the fires from recurring.

We have to admit, however, that even after so many years our approach to combating forest and peatland fires has barely changed.

The Presidents order for strict law enforcement against forest burners has fallen on deaf ears as evident from the frequent halting of police investigations into forest fires implicating corporations and individuals, usually citing a lack of evidence. In a few cases courts have found corporations guilty and sentenced them to hefty fines only for a higher court to overturn the conviction.

The inability of the police and prosecutors to convince courts of the criminal offenses in forest-fire cases on the one hand, and the judges decisions to ignore incriminating evidence on the other, may not necessarily indicate bribery, but more their lack of knowledge and understanding about the 2009 Environment Law, which criminalizes people who harm the environment.

As if to add insult to injury, the provisions in the Environment Law that stipulate criminalization of corporations responsible for forest fires are now being challenged at the Constitutional Court. Petitioners of the judicial review insist the law is unfair as it exempts local people from responsibility for forest fires out of respect for local tradition.

There should be no way for forest burners to escape justice because of the life-threatening impact of fires, not to mention the material losses from disrupted business and social activities that result from the disasters. Considering the wide-ranging consequences of forest and peatland fires, we have a solid reason to declare it an extraordinary crime akin to corruption or an act of terrorism.

Such a serious crime requires extraordinary treatment. It may not need to be translated into the formation of a taskforce, but we could learn from the spirit of the graft busters and counterterrorism forces.
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Linkedin Indra Budiari (The Jakarta Post) Bangkok  Fri, August 11, 2017 09:02 1920 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac3b326 4 Lifestyle watches,Watch-Collection,luxury,luxury-products,IWC-Schaffhausen Free

Not long ago, people would agree that high-end watches were made exclusively for men.

A wide range of Hollywood movies, from the James Bond series and Jeremy Renners The Bourne Legacy to the classic sci-fi Apollo 13, advertise mens watches.



But now, things have started to change with various brands beginning to pay attention to the female segment.



Swiss luxury watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen recently held their first ever exhibition in Southeast Asia of their iconic Da Vinci line in Bangkok, Thailand, displaying their new collection that was inspired by Renaissance era mathematician and artist Leonardo Da Vinci. With most of the 14 watches aimed at women, it is an update of an existing collection that traces back to 1969.



It did not take long for international brand ambassador and former Victorias Secret supermodel Karolina Kurkova to fall in love with the new collection and its fashionable diamond straps and bracelets. She singled out the IWCs Portofino as her longtime favorite.



Working in the fashion industry, I like wearing watches that go with the look, the IWC brand ambassador said.



But most of the time I go for a bigger watch to get more of a day look and a smaller one for an evening look.



During the recent showcase at Siam Paragon shopping mall, two womens watches from the new Da Vinci collection were featured  the Da Vinci Automatic 36 and the Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36, both of which are 36 mm in diameter.



The classic Da Vinci model, which was introduced in 1969, was hexagonal gold with a solid strap, while a later version, launched in 1985, had a perpetual calendar appear in its round, gold case.



Now, recognizing Leonardo Da Vincis contributions to arts and sciences, each of the new models is engraved with flower of life on the back of its case, reflecting the historical figures studies on mathematical properties and patterns.



At the event, there were also several historical pieces from IWC archives, including a Savonnette Ladys pocket watch from 1914. Made just after the World War I, the pocket watch reflected both the simplicity and luxury of the era. Additionally, the event showcased the 1976 Ladys wristwatch with its 36 diamonds and elegant white-gold case.

IWC brand ambassador Karolina Kurkova. (IWC Schaffhausen/File)

Another luxurious watch displayed at the event was the Da Vinci Lady Chronograph from 1995. With an iconic shape, it has remained in the catalogue for more than 20 years and has been continuously updated with new details.



Kurkova, who has been an ambassador for the brand for the last five years, said she stayed for a long time with IWC because both of them had the same passion for quality and storytelling. She further said that she was a passionate storyteller to her son and that the brand was telling a story through their watches.



When you see the watches, there is always a story behind it. Its almost like you are walking to a movie set, she said.



With the blue Da Vinci Automatic 36 strapped on her left hand, Kurkova said that it was her recent favorite because she was very much into the blues.

I put time and attention into which watch I pick. The color has to go with what Im wearing. Men would say, But any watch is going to be fine! But Im a girl, so they have to come together, she said.



Growing up struggling with her unconventional appearance, Karolina said an important thing that helped her career was her belief in inner beauty. She said that, as time went by, her look had given her a strong character and helped others in the industry to embrace their uniqueness.



I have also been involved in charity programs and found that working with them had given me inspiration and perspective, she said.
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Linkedin Dylan Amirio (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 09:39 1920 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac3c04d 4 People band,#band,music,Phoenix Free

French new wave band Phoenix is a band that has stayed consistent in bringing charm and cheer to a musical landscape that has since been ravaged by social justice problems and a pessimistic overall mindset.

The 20-year-old French band, Phoenix, is coming fresh off of releasing their latest album Ti Amo, which is a cavalcade of candied summery sounds, amorous lyrics and sunny atmosphere.



Inspiration for the album came from summers on the Italian coast and a desire to create a positive world view amidst the tensions in France over the past few years.



Musically, the band sees the album as a simple and pure one, distant from the complexities of their last album, Bankrupt!, released in 2013. What makes Phoenix stand out from their French peers is the way that they manage to maintain their optimism above all.



Phoenixs albums have not lost any of its charm. On each, listeners can hear a band that is content in their camaraderie as friends and artists, evolving together and delivering an inclusive experience with their listeners.



Since 2009s Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, the epic album that really elevated the bands name to a loftier place, Phoenix seems to deliver their albums as events that the world should take part in, alongside the band.



Bankrupt! was rolled out in a broad and encompassing fashion, with things such as Spotify commentary tracks and much-hyped previews of their songs. Bankrupt! took them around the world in its corresponding tour, including a 2014 gig in Jakarta, where they had also played back in 2009.



Phoenix guitarist Christian Mazzalai has fond moments of the bands visits to Jakarta.



The 2014 concert was especially memorable for being set outside in the middle of incredibly heavy rains. Despite being forced to rush through their set and their equipment getting wetter by the second, Mazzalai said it was still one of their best shows ever.

Thomas Mars (AFP/Patricia De Melo Moreira)

We played in a crazy rainy condition, the likes of which we never get in Europe, Mazzalai said in a recent phone interview ahead of their third Indonesian performance on Aug. 12 at the upcoming We The Fest musical festival.



The show was almost cancelled because of that, but we saw that people were staying anyway, so we played on and it ended up being so crazy. Of course, we had to come back! he said.



The guitarist, who has been with the band since 1997 along with its three other members  vocalist Thomas Mars, bassist Deck DArcy and guitarist Laurent Brancowitz  said the determination and passion of the Indonesian crowd was what made the country worth returning to.



On a personal level, Mazzalai and his brother are particularly enamored by the structure of Indonesian music, saying that the Javanese musical scale was very unique and poetic in form. Some of Javanese musics uniqueness and rhythms have found a subtle way into Phoenixs music.



Its a very poetic musical landscape you have. The way [the Indonesian scale] plays two notes is different from the way [the French] play two notes. When you subtract all the complexities, there is only simple poetry, but with lots of power. When there is less to work with, there is more space for something beautiful, he said.



In the past few years, France has been ravaged by terrorist incidents, which have forced the country to declare numerous states of emergency and have caused the loss of many innocent lives.



To cope with the atrocities, Phoenix chose instead to isolate themselves in the recording studio in order to create music that could serve as an antithesis to the fear gripping their home country.





The result was Ti Amo, which is also as much an expression of their desire to create a lost or forgotten European paradise to defuse some of the tension.



Music-wise, we wanted to get as far as possible from our last album. We didnt really have a plan on where to start, but we wanted it to be a surprise. So with Ti Amo, we kind of did it to make music to heal the tension, Mazzalai explained.



He also said this way of thinking was an inherently French one, and one that has driven Phoenix to always push themselves differently with every release.



I think its a French thing to look very far from where you are. French artists like [the late] Serge Gainsbourg, he wrote his happiest songs when he was saddest, and vice versa. Maybe thats our goal: to create an entirely different world every time.

***

Phoenix will play on the second day of We The Fest on Aug. 12. The music festival, held by Ismaya Live, will run Aug. 11-13 at the JIExpo Kemayoran in Central Jakarta. Other acts include The Kooks, Charli XCX and Big Sean.
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Linkedin Ni Nyoman Wira (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 17:21 1919 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac53cc7 1 Art & Culture the-world-of-ghibli-jakarta,studio-ghibli,exhibition,jakarta,protests Free

The World of Ghibli Jakarta exhibition team in Jakarta has released a statement regarding the delay of its installation process on the opening day on Thursday via social media channels.

[] we regret this incident and we apologize for the inconvenience and loss suffered by ticket owners. Due to technical problems beyond our control, some exhibits are not yet 100 percent finished, said the official statement, adding that they also apologize for the delay in delivering the information that has caused confusion among the ticket owners.

Selamat pagi.. berikut informasi dan klarifikasi mengenai The World of Ghibli Jakarta Exhibition. pic.twitter.com/RC93c1JVVN  TheWorldofGhibli JKT (@ghibliJKT) August 11, 2017

They also said the exhibition would be completed in mid-August, but continue to open on Aug. 11 starting from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Aug. 12 until Sep. 17 starting from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Among the attractions featured at the exhibition are the first 8.5 meters Howls Moving Castle installation, Totoro and Nekobus, Laputa robot, Laputas Flapter, Porco Rossos beach and aircraft, Ponyos wall and Baby Ohmu from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. Limited merchandises are also available.

Read also: The World of Ghibli exhibition to be held in Jakarta in August

'How's Moving Castle' installation. (twitter.com/ghibliJKT/File)

Those who have attended the exhibition are said to receive a Special Pass ticket that allow them to choose whether they want to visit it on a weekday or weekend.

The Special Pass ticket can be obtained at the exhibition venue at the Pacific Place 3rd floor, while e-ticket owners can contact the exhibitions customer service via WhatsApp number +62813 19292977.

One of the complaints about 'The World of Ghibli Jakarta' exhibition. (twitter.com/icblues/File)

One netizen, amarillyceae, wrote, 'It's useless for me to reschedule because it won't be possible to return to Jakarta anytime soon. [I live] in Sulawesi [and it's] not in the city, from the nearest airport it takes 3 hours using land transportation [and] the airplane from Makassar only flies once a day.' (instagram.com/theworldofghiblijkt//File)

One Instagram user encourages the committee of The World of Ghibli Jakarta to keep up their spirit: 'I understand that creating this large-scale event is not easy at all, especially with those big props and set. Hopefully there will be a solution for those who have not yet seen the full exhibition. Hopefully this can be a lesson for the event organizer and the team in the future!'. (instagram.com/theworldofghiblijkt//File)

On the opening day on Thursday, The World of Ghibli Jakarta exhibition had raised many complaints from netizens, especially those who lived outside Jakarta, due to unfinished installations.

However, at the same day, the president director of Studio Ghibli from Japan who was set to guide the exhibitions very first visitors, Koji Hoshino, told tempo.co that this was the largest exhibition they had ever held outside Japan, therefore they wanted it to be done well. (kes)
The government of Iran is corrupt beyond belief. There are militias in the countrys security system and the foreign influence is huge.

The money belonging to the people of Iran is plundered on financing terrorism and Iran supports and heavily funds the Lebanese Hezbollah.

In Iraq, Irans involvement is heading in a familiar way in what seems like a repeat of history. It is creating another Shiite militia and is backing it in any way possible so that it carries out all the activities Iran wants to keep its hands clean of. This includes the persecution of ethnic minorities and sectarian cleansing as well as killing and corruption.

As some governments are powerless faced with the Iranian threat, others are standing up to the regime and are calling on the international community to assist. Peaceful Arabs across the region are making their voices heard and are holding demonstrations to fight against Irans sectarianism. The people of Iraq are particularly wary of Irans presence and are making it known that they want Irans hegemony and corruption to stop. Put simply, they are urging Iran to leave Iraq and to stop meddling in internal affairs that it should not be part of. They want their refugees to come home and they want the militias disarmed.

Arab Shiite cleric, Moqtada Al-Sadr, has a huge following and he publicly called for Iran to leave. He was in fact the first one to demand that it leaves. He wants the arms to be collected and the militias to be dismantled and an end to the conflict.

He and his likes need to be supported and backed up by the international community. Just like the people of Iran need to be supported. They too are victims of the Iranian regime.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 13:39 1919 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac49043 1 Business salt-import,Australia,arrival Free

Twenty-five thousand tons of the total 75,000 tons of salt to be imported from Australia has started arriving on Thursday at Ciwandan Port in Banten.

The government has decided to split the entry of the imported salt among the three ports of Ciwandan, Tanjung Perak in Surabaya and Belawan in Medan, the head of the Trade Ministry's Directorate General for Overseas Trade, Oke Nurwan, said on Thursday.

Meanwhile, state-owned salt company PT Garam president director Dolly Parlagutan confirmed that additional shipments of imported salt from Australia would arrive at Tanjung Perak port on Friday.

The MV Golden Kiku vessel will arrive at Tanjung Perak port at 6.00 p.m. on Friday, carrying 27,500 tons of salt, said Dolly.

The final vessel, the MV Uni Challenge, was scheduled to arrive at Belawan port on August 21, transporting 22,500 tons of salt.

Oke said the salt import would not impact local production, as the decision to import salt had been thoroughly studied.

The Imports will not disturb domestic salt production and the [salt] demand will be met. This has been arranged since the beginning. That is why we imported [only] 75,000 tons, while demand stands at 100,000 tons, he said, as quoted by kompas.com.

PT Garam, which the government has appointed as the exclusive importer of the salt, will distribute the imported salt to factories for processing into edible salt.

Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita had said earlier that the 75,000 tons of imported Australian salt would fulfil domestic demand until local salt farmers were able to produce a harvest. (mrc/bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 19:04 1919 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac5731e 1 City luxury-car,tax Free

Some 1,700 luxury cars in Jakarta are not taxed, a city official has claimed.

Jakarta Tax Agency head Edi Sumantri said that the potential income from luxury car tax could be substantial as a single such car has a tax value of between Rp 100 million (US$ 7,486) and Rp 500 million. However, many owners have not paid their taxes.

There are about 1,700 luxury car owners that have not paid their taxes yet. The average tax they have to pay is more than Rp 100 million, Edi said, adding that there were currently about 4,000 luxury cars registered in the capital.

Edi said that officials would go to the tax evaders home addresses to collect the taxes, in a bid to achieve this years target of tax revenue from vehicles of Rp 12.9 trillion. Currently the administration has only been able to collect 60 percent of the target.

The city administration would cooperate with the Jakarta Police traffic unit to collect the taxes, he added.

We will visit the tax evaders homes, accompanied by personnel from the Jakarta Police traffic unit, Edi told journalists at City Hall on Friday, as quoted by kompas.com.

Edi explained that car owners had an obligation to pay taxes for their vehicles every year.

Separately, City Secretary Saefullah said he hoped that the move would increase the citys revenue in 2017.

I hope this move can boost our regional income, Saefullah said. (vny)
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Linkedin Andi Hajramurni (The Jakarta Post) Makassar, South Sulawesi  Fri, August 11, 2017 14:44 1919 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac4b38e 1 National pilgrimage,haj,haj-pilgrimage,haj-pilgrim-departure,haj-pilgrims,Makassar,South-Sulawesi,East-Kalimantan Free

The plan of 40 people from South Sulawesi and East Kalimantan to depart for the haj was impeded after immigration authorities found they did not have the correct documentation.

Immigration personnel stopped the would-be pilgrims as they were waiting for a flight from Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, Makassar, on Monday evening.

Our personnel at the airport were suspicious of them. Moreover, when we questioned them, they gave different answers. Some of them said they wanted to visit a sacred place in Mecca, while others claimed they would go on the haj with a premium haj service. I directly ordered my staff members to question them further, immigration office acting head Andi Pallawarukka said on Thursday.

After checking their documents, such as tickets and visas, it turned out that the 40 people had not gone through the proper procedures to go on the haj. They planned to travel using an umrah [minor haj] visa instead of haj visas. The Saudi Arabian government does not allow umrah pilgrims to visit Mecca because its haj season, said Pallawarukka.

He further said the would-be pilgrims planned to depart from Sultan Hasanuddin to Singapore via Silk Air before flying to Bangladesh, Riyadh and then Mecca.

For their trip, the would-be pilgrims used travel agent Maidah Wisata and paid between Rp 130 million (US$9,730.54) and Rp 150 million per person. Authorities have asked the travel agent to return the fees to the would-be pilgrims. (ebf)
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Linkedin Newsdesk (JP) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 23:21 1919 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac5d34d 2 Business bri,stock-market,village Free

State-owned lender Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with two self-regulatory organizations (SROs), the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) and the Indonesian Central Securities Depository (KSEI), on participating in the market literacy program.

Called the Desa Nabung Saham (Stock Saving Village) program, the partnership aims to increase literacy and inclusion of capital markets to increase the number of active investors and develop savings accounts and customer fund accounts (RDN) through Bank BRI's banking system.

"We believe this program can help investors and increase public literacy on the stock market, especially in rural areas," BRI president director Suprajarto said in Jakarta on Friday.

By the end of the second quarter of this year, BRI had more than 54 million micro savings accounts, with total deposits of more than Rp 217 trillion. It has 467 branch offices, 609 sub-branch offices, 989 cash offices, 5,380 BRI units and 2,553 unique micro banking services called Teras BRI across the country.

BRI also plans to increase its number of agents to 200,000 this year from the current 103,000 agents. "Our bank agents will be encouraged to participate in educating the villagers about the stock market," Suprajarto said. (dis/ags)
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Linkedin Ivany Atina Arbi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 14:35 1919 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac4b26f 1 City Monas,Dancing-Fountain,opening-ceremony Free

It is confirmed! The dancing water fountain at the National Monument (Monas) will enliven the city once again on Saturday night after ceasing operations around a decade ago.

Monas management head Sabdo Kurnianto told The Jakarta Post on Friday that Jakarta Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat would attend the inauguration at 7 p.m. at the Monas compound in Gambir, Central Jakarta.

Yes, it is true [that the dancing fountain will be inaugurated on Saturday night], Sabdo said. The renovation of the fountain, which was once so popular that it inspired a song composition by dangdut musician Rhoma Irama, was initiated by former governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama.

Ahok disbursed around Rp 200 million (US$15,000) of his own money to repair the broken water fountain. The total funds needed for the repair work was around Rp 400 million (US$29944). Other concerned individuals, including Djarot himself, also set aside their money for the fountains renovation.

Well-known Indonesian composer Addie MS also contributed to the project to enliven Monas by composing songs to accompany the dancing waters.

By repairing the dancing fountain, Sabdo was optimistic that the number of visitors to Monas would double or even triple. The average number of visitors currently stands at around 3,000 to 4,000 daily, on weekdays. During weekends, the figure can reach up to 12,000 people.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 12:42 1920 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac465af 1 City umrah-business,travel-agency,Scam Free

The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) has urged the authorities to open a crisis center to assist the 25,000 people who have allegedly fallen victim to a scam carried out by travel agent First Travel after reportedly paying millions of rupiah to go on umrah (minor haj).

"The Financial Services Authority [OJK] and the Religious Affairs Ministry have to try their best to ensure that these customers are helped," YLKI executive chairman Tulus Abadi wrote in a press release on Friday.

Tulus said the consumer foundation had received 22,000 complaints as of Friday related to the handling of umrah travel, with 18,000 of the complaints filed by First Travel customers.

Founded in 2009 by husband and wife Andika Surachman and Anniesa Desvitasari Hasibuan, the company initially offered regular domestic and international travel packages. It expanded to offer umrah packages after acquiring a permit from the Religious Affairs Ministry in 2011.

The couple was arrested on Wednesday by the National Police's Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) following complaints from customers that their trips had been delayed.

"We appreciate the efforts of the law enforcement institutions in relation to this case, although it's actually too late, because there are so many victims already," Tulus said.

The YLKI has also urged the police to investigate two other umrah travel agencies, Kafilah Rindu Ka'bah and Hannien Tour and Travel, for allegedly inflicting financial losses on their customers. (hol)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 17:03 1919 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac5226c 1 Business Gaikindo,GIIAS,jusuf-kalla,electric-car,incentives Free

Vice President Jusuf Kalla has stressed that the government would fully support any companies interested in developing electric cars, by offering incentives in the form of import duty cuts for spare parts required for manufacturing.

The development of environmentally friendly electric cars was a challenge that required serious effort by all parties, said Kalla at the opening an automotive conference as part of the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2017 in Serpong, South Tangerang, Banten.

The Vice President also stressed that the government would prepare the infrastructure, particularly an adequate electricity supply, to assure that car owners would not encounter difficulties charging the batteries of their vehicles.

"Dont worry about electricity because the government has the 35,000 Mega Watt (MW) program," said Kalla referring to the ongoing electricity infrastructure development project in which the government aims to develop power plants with a combined capacity of 35,000 MW across the country by 2019.

Previously, Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto said Indonesia aimed to produce 2 million cars by 2025, 20 percent of which would be electric vehicles. (rdi/bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 08:21 1920 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac3a43e 1 Business poverty,inequality,gini-ratio,bambang-brodjonegoro Free

The government is accelerating efforts to bring down Indonesias Gini ratio to 0.370 by 2019, from the current ratio of 0.393.

The Gini ration is a measure of wealth inequality, in which zero represents complete equality and one represents complete inequality.

We hope the figure will decrease once again; if not to 0.36, then to 0.37, National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) head Bambang Brodjonegoro said in Jakarta on Thursday as reported by tempo.co.

The figure is more optimistic than the governments target, which was set at 0.380.

He said the government was working to reduce inequality both between the poor and wealthy, as well as between regions.

Meanwhile, the government is also targeting to bring down Indonesias poverty rate to between 7 and 8 percent from 11.22 percent in 2015.

The country has already launched social safety net programs, such cash and rice assistance for low income families to improve their welfare.

We hope that the effort to reduce inequality will be carried out more sustainably, Bambang said, adding that one of the programs was to encourage the unemployed to open their own businesses. (bbn).
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 15:06 1919 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac4cbf3 1 City traffic-congestion,bus,company Free

The Jakarta administration has called on businesses to help ease the chaotic traffic in the capital by providing shuttle buses for employees, an official has said.

Jakarta City Secretary Saefullah said the move was expected to reduce the growing number of private vehicles traveling in the sprawling capital and which appeared to show no sign of abating.

"It would be helpful if every organization and company had the idea to provide shuttle buses for their staff, because many people could be transported in one vehicle," he said at City Hall in Central Jakarta on Friday, as quoted by kompas.com.

He added that the city administration had already taken the first step by rolling out a fleet of 21 buses to transport its civil servants to their offices.

Saefullah stressed that the step was necessary, as he observed that many private cars carried only one or two people, exacerbating traffic conditions by adding to the volume of cars on the city's roads. (fac)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 11:22 1920 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac4338f 1 Business bantaeng,South-Sulawesi,power-deal Free

Local energy firm PT Energi Nusantara Merah Putih (ENMP) has signed a preliminary agreement with eight companies to supply electricity for a power plant to be constructed in Bantaeng Industrial Park (KIB), South Sulawesi.

ENMP plans to build a combined-cycle power plant (PLTGU) with a capacity of 600 megawatt (MW) and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal.

With buyers in hand, we are ready to begin construction. If everything goes well, we will start the work in the first quarter of 2018, said ENMP president director Westana H. Wiraatmadja, adding that the project was to be completed within three years.

ENMP also seeks to buy domestic gas supply. We will need about 130 mmscfd up to 150 mmscfd to generate that 600 MW, he said.

Both projects are estimated to cost US$980 million.

Bantaeng Regent Nurdin Abdullah, who was present at the signing ceremony, said the projects would boost development in KIB Bantaeng.

Companies in KIB are still relying on wind-powered plants in Jeneponto. But they can only provide about 450 MW of electricity. The 3,000-hectare park will need at least 2,400 MW to operate properly.

The companies that signed the deal with ENMP were PT Huadi Nickel Alloy, PT Titan Mineral Utama, PT Bantaeng Central Asia Steel, PT Sinar Deli Bantaeng, PT Intim Perkasa Energi, PT Multi Kilang Pratama, PT Sergion Techno and Inensunan Mills Indonesia. (dea)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 13:17 1919 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac480eb 1 Business Sri-Mulyani-Indrawati,ignasius-jonan,Freeport-Indonesia,meeting Free

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan met on Thursday to discuss ongoing negotiations between the government and Freeport Indonesia, however no further information about the meeting was disclosed.

The government and Freeport have been discussing a number of issues related to the conversion of Freeports contract of work to a special mining license.

The Finance Ministrys fiscal policy head, Suahasil Nazara, refused to provide information after exiting the meeting.

While rushing to his car, the energy ministry's mineral and coal director general, Bambang Gatot Ariyono said, Nothing new came up during the meeting.

Earlier in the day, Suahasil said four issues were to be discussed with Freeport; operational continuity, smelter development, state revenue and divestment. The issues have been discussed for months between representatives of the government and the copper and gold miner in Papau.

During his visit to the United States in late July, Jonan said Freeport McMoRan CEO Richard Adkerson had requested a meeting with Sri Mulyani to discuss investment certainty in the country. (dea/mrc/bbn)
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Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 14:23 1919 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac4ab37 1 National disabled,disabled-people,disabled-persons,PP-Sapujagad,disability,Yogyakarta Free

Ninety-five disability rights groups across Indonesia have rejected the governments plan to issue only one government regulation (PP) to enforce Law No.8/2016 on people with disabilities.

The proposed regulation was later dubbed the "One Size Fits All PP" (PP Sapujagad) by the organizations, which are questioning the government's commitment to protecting the rights of people with disabilities.

The negative impact of this plan for disabled people is that it will make it difficult to fulfil their rights as Indonesian citizens, Presti Murni Setiati from the Inclusive Public Center and Disability Advocacy Movement (Sigab) said in a press conference in Yogyakarta on Thursday.

Other rights groups that rejected the so-called PP Sapujagad were Brailleiant Indonesia, Bunga Bali Foundation, the Sidorejo Disabilities Forum, the Yakkum Rehabilitation Center and the Situbondo Association for Deaf Persons.

After the issuance of the 2016 law on people with disabilities, the government was given two years to draw up a regulation to provide the legal basis for its implementation. Disability rights activists said the law mandated the issuance of 15 PPs related to education services, legal assistance, employment opportunities and other rights for people with disabilities.

The government later reduced the number of regulations to seven, before it decided there would be only one PP issued by the Social Affairs Ministry, said Presti.

She was worried that other government institutions might be reluctant to implement a regulation that would be drawn up solely by the Social Affairs Ministry. For example, the rights of disabled persons for adequate access to education might remain unfulfilled, as this was the responsibility of the Culture and Education Ministry. (ebf)

Independent voice: A man expresses his opposition to the governments plan to issue only one government regulation to implement Law No. 8/2016 on People with Disabilities on a large banner at an Aug.10 advocacy event in Yogyakarta. (JP/Bambang Muryanto)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 18:37 1919 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac56794 1 City terrorism,arrest,Banten Free

The National Polices Densus 88 counterterrorism squad arrested a suspected terrorist identified as SP at the Graha Raya Bintaro housing complex in Serpong Utara, South Tangerang, Banten, on Friday morning, just as he was set to take his child to school.

National Police spokesperson Sr. Com. Martinus Sitompul said SP was allegedly involved in dispatching Indonesian citizens to join the Islamic State (IS) militant group in the Philippines and Syria.

SP raised funds for the departure of a number of people travelling to the Philippines and Syria, Martinus said as quoted by kompas.com, adding that SP would be further interrogated at the National Polices Mobile Brigade (Brimob) headquarters in Kelapa Dua, Depok, West Java.

Personnel from Densus 88 also brought along SPs wife and child to Brimob headquarters for questioning.

Some Densus 88 personnel searched his house and seized evidence such as SPs cell phone and documents. (vny)

Topics : terrorism arrest Banten
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 10:23 1920 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac3fc83 1 Business Tata-industry,sales,Indonesia-International-Auto-Show-2017 Free

Indian automaker Tata Motors subsidiary PT Tata Motors Distribusi Indonesia (TMDI) has doubled its sales target for the March 2017 to April 2018 fiscal year.

TMDI president director Biswadev Sengupta said on Thursday his company was set to sell between 1,500 and 2,000 vehicles, an increase from 900 vehicles in the previous fiscal year.

"The market is picking up. We want to sell between 1,500 and 2,000 vehicles. That's what were targeting," he said during the launch of its new dump truck at Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2017 in South Tangerang, Banten.

Read also: Tata, Pindad team up to produce combat vehicles

Sengupta, however, said sales volume was currently not the main focus of his company as it was still working to build the brand in Indonesia.

He further said his company planned to establish 10 more dealers as an addition to the existing 20 dealers and 26 outlets in Java, Bali, Sumatra and Sulawesi.

The company has prepared Rp 2 billion (US$149,947) to Rp 3 billion to open the new dealers. Speaking about the domination of Japanese automakers in the Indonesian market, he said his company was not trying to take over the market controlled by the Japanese players. "We are here to learn from them and see what we can do to expand the market," he said. (rdi/bbn)
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Linkedin Ananda Sukarlan (The Jakarta Post) Northern Teritory, Australia  Fri, August 11 2017

When we enjoy a song or a piece of music, what exactly do we like about it? We generally associate music with melodies or tunes, but could we enjoy music without a tune? To put it another way, could music be any good without a nice tune? Fans of Michael Jackson, Queen, Balinese gamelan, Stravinsky, even Beethoven (such as in his Waldstein Sonata or many parts of his very popular Moonlight Sonata) and Aboriginal songlines would answer yes.



Wait. No melodies? Many of you would then certainly ask, What is music?



Music is not only about nice tunes or lyrics. As any music student learns, music exists thanks to four basic elements: melody, harmony, rhythm and the (combination of) musical instrument(s) that produce(s) it. It could exist with less, such as the exciting drumming music of many parts in Africa.



Recently, I spent a few days with the Yolngu people in the Northern Territory of Australia, learning their music. Felix Preval, the director of the Darwin International Festival who plans to include the music in their next festival, was a great help in communicating with the Yolngu people during the trip.



Originally, this began as musical research, commissioned by the Australian Embassy in Jakarta for my orchestral work The Voyage to Marege, but I learned so much about other aspects of life that have enriched me.



Voyage will be performed on Aug. 31 with myself conducting a full symphony orchestra, with a didgeridoo player as one of the soloists. A didgeridoo is a large wind instrument of the Australian Aborigines, which produces sounds, not melodies.



This concert is meant as a gift from Australia to the people of Indonesia who are celebrating Independence Day this month, and Voyage should serve as a reminder that the good relationship between the two countries has been ongoing since the 18th century.



Marege was the name of the area around Arnhem Land where sailors from Makassar landed from the late 18th to the early 20th century. They sailed to collect teripang (sea cucumbers) and bartered for them with spices and other plant products from Sulawesi.



The first European to meet the Macassan sailors in Australia was the navigator Matthew Flinders, when he encountered the sailors of six boats from Makassar in 1803. From them he found out that they had been travelling to the southern continent for the last two decades. Because of the sailors journeys south, a cultural exchange happened naturally and some words from the Makassar language were even absorbed into Aboriginal languages, such as rupiya for money, balanda for foreigners, mutiyara for pearls and of course teripang. Some Islamic philosophies were also introduced, which take on special importance in one of the last sections of my orchestral work.



Many Macassan sailors settled in the area around Arnhem Land, leading to mixed descendants as well.



The music of the people in that region could not be disconnected from their beliefs, way of life and thinking. The way Aboriginal people pass on their history, way of life and beliefs is through songlines. Songlines connect the metaphysical world of the Aboriginal peoples dreamtime (legends of the creation of the natural world around them such as the moon and the ocean) with their real world. Songlines also record the significant experiences of their lives. In the latter case, we could even compare it to our modern selfies every time we meet new people or visit new places.





Traditionally, songlines were about the creation of humankind and the natural world told through song, dance and ceremony. Some of this was, and still is, sacred and therefore they asked me not to make a recording when they sang them to me. At the same time, some parts of this cultural practice are used for communication and, therefore, are known to the wider public and can be found on YouTube and other social media platforms.



That is why when Aboriginal people started to engage in the contemporary art movement they were able to find ways to illustrate their history from of the songlines and put those stories into their paintings. The resulting art has deep spiritual and artistic content, which engages people even when they dont understand the details of the story behind it.



We can also find similarities between Yolngu songlines and their visual arts. There are certain symbols repeated across their paintings that create a kind of network. This is a symbolic representation of the songline, similar to when musical phrases repeat themselves, even with different words.



One of the most important non-artistic things I learned about was conflict resolution. In the old Yolngu culture, makarrata was a peace-making ceremony to heal divisions of the past between disputing clans. A senior mediator would be called on to oversee the process, which typically involved inflicting pain on the person who had committed the wrong.



Traditionally, a spear to the thigh was an acceptable form of discipline. Once blood had been shed and the cleansing ritual had taken place, clan groups would consider the dispute resolved. Clan groups thereafter had an optimistic future, no grudges were held, and life would continue on for all.



After listening to and talking with didgeridoo player and songline singer Djakapurra Munyarryun, I saw that I was writing a completely different kind of music from that written by Australian composers Peter Sculthorpe or Betty Beath whose works I will perform alongside my own Voyage at its world premiere in Jakarta. They wrote for a didgeridoo player that is treated as a soloist within an orchestra while my Voyage is basically a commentary of the songlines they play.



Apart from that, Djakapurra has never performed with classical musicians and cannot read notes. In any case, Voyage has the form of ballet music with an exact musical character in each of its sections to depict certain stories and visual ideas to be choreographed.



I expect it to be an Indonesian contribution to ballet music, like Stravinskys Le Sacre du Printemps or Tchaikovskys Swan Lake. But there is one main difference: Voyage does not contain a heavy dose of nice tunes (in fact, Le Sacre does not either).



And I wouldnt have been able to create such a work if I hadnt met the Yolngu people.

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Linkedin News Desk (Rasmei Kampuchea Daily/ANN) Phnom Penh  Fri, August 11, 2017 18:26 1919 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac55b2e 2 SE Asia #cambodia,#Laos,#TerritorialDispute,#HunSen Free

Addressing at the official nomination ceremony of the President of the Royal Academy of Cambodia held at the Peace Palace, Prime Minister Hun Sen said Lao forces have to withdraw from Cambodias land.

Cambodias sides called Laos counterparts at different level several times to respond this territory dispute, but Lao seemed ignoring this, therefore Hun Sen put the ultimatum.

According to Hun Sen, a group of Lao forces mobilized to Cambodias territory by boats in April to prevent the Cambodia to build the road along the border in O Alay and O Ta Ngav in Stung Treng, northeastern province border to Attapeu - a province of Lao. After this Lao forces are mobilizing, they havent normalized those areas until today.

If necessary, I will flight to talk this with my Lao counterpart, but Laos have to withdraw from Cambodias territory, Cambodia doesnt want war, but Cambodia has to protect our territory," he stated.

In the context of this issue, Hun Sen used to written a letter to his Laos counterpart since Aug. 2, 2017.

Cambodia and Lao have shared common border some 540 kilometers.

Last information received from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hun Sen will lead a high level delegation to Vientiane on Saturday.

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This article appeared on the Rasmei Kampuchea Daily newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
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Linkedin Pathricia Ann V. Roxas (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) Manila  Fri, August 11, 2017 10:29 1920 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac40a34 2 SE Asia #ASEAN,#USAID-PRIORITAS,#women Free

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is set to provide a four-year, US$8 million worth of Womens Livelihood Bond (WLB) for around 385,000 women in Southeast Asia.

The bond would give access to credit, market linkages, and affordable goods and services for low-income women particularly in Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines, the USAID said in a statement on Thursday.

USAID is pleased to support the Womens Livelihood Bond with this loan guarantee, said Todd Sorenson, deputy mission director at USAIDs Regional Development Mission for Asia in Bangkok.

The bond will benefit women living in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) states, particularly Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines, he added.

The bond, structured by the Singapore-based Impact Investment Exchange (IIX), is expected to be listed on the Singapore Exchange this month. This would be the first social sustainability bond, with a dual focus on social and financial returns, to be listed on a major stock exchange.

USAID is also providing a 50 percent guarantee of the loan portfolios principal to mitigate risk, attract investors and support development.

The WLB, USAID said, would provide capital to a group of microfinance institutions and social enterprises that would help women with low-income build or enhance their own businesses.

Aside from this, long-term benefits from the bond could also include increased participation in the workforce, higher standards of living, and more education and health opportunities for women and children, according to USAID.

This brings us one step closer to a day when our financial markets consider social and environmental impact on an equal footing with financial returns, said IIX founder Durreen Shahnaz, noting that the WLB was supported by public, private and philanthropic institutions, including DBS Bank Ltd., ANZ Banking Group, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Clinton Global Initiative and Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Sixty percent of the capital for this bond was provided by Asian investors, mostly private banking clients, and IIX is planning to develop additional social sustainability bonds in the future, said USAID.

Since 1999, USAID, through the Development Credit Authority, had reportedly arranged more than $350 million in credit through 63 guarantees in 13 Asian nations. USAID said its loan guarantee for the WLB is part of its commitment to the development of the Aseanregion.

The U.S. government partners with Asean to support economic integration, expand maritime cooperation, cultivate emerging leaders, promote opportunity for women, and address transnational challenges, the organization added.

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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 Frankie Taggart (Agence France-Presse) Santa Fe, United States  Fri, August 11, 2017 19:09 1919 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac582c7 2 Destinations Disney,Game-of-Thrones,#GameofThrones,The-House-of-Eternal-Return Free

Part surreal Disney, part psychedelic penny arcade, The House of Eternal Return is what Salvador Dali might have built had he been tasked with designing a television game show.

It looks like an ordinary Victorian house, but delve into its dark recesses and visitors find themselves transported into a fantastical labyrinthine world that has redefined what it means to experience art.

The 20,000 square foot (1,850 square meter) attraction on the outskirts of Santa Fe was funded by "Game of Thrones" creator George R.R. Martin as part of a multi-million-dollar drive to revive that part of New Mexico.

"The best description we give it is it's an immersive storytelling experience. It's maximally interactive, immersive art," said Vince Kadlubek, the 35-year-old co-founder and CEO of Meow Wolf, the art collective behind the project.

Santa Fe, a melting pot of Hispanic and Pueblo culture celebrated as a mecca for cutting-edge artists and a one-time stop-off on the hippy trail, has been graying of late.

The median age is estimated at 42.5 -- almost three years higher than in 2000 and five years higher than the national average.

A 50-year-old resident tells AFP she is sick of always being the youngest in the room at parties.

Community activists have identified systematic, prolonged neglect of pressing needs like affordable housing, non-tourism job growth, green energy and nightlife as a driver of the youth exodus.

"I've experienced this loss of young people and with that loss there was a weakening economy," Kadlubek, who grew up in Santa Fe, tells AFP.

"The tourism market was starting to drop off as well because the new tourists -- the 40-year-olds, the Gen X tourist -- was not wanting to come to Santa Fe."

Read also: Disney teases Star Wars hotel in park investment flurry

Surreal fantasia

Part Disney, part Burning Man, with elements of Dr Who's TARDIS, a kids' assault course and the set of a weird game show thrown in, the Meow Wolf attraction is bringing in hundreds of thousands of visitors to Santa Fe. (AFP/Mark Ralston)

Kadlubek says the House of Eternal Return had a "right time, right place" feel about it, with Martin increasingly involved in improving the city as HBO's "Game of Thrones" exploded.

Visitors enter what appears to be a two-story quarantined house -- supposedly in Mendocino, California -- but quickly become aware that all is not as it seems.

The experience is anchored to a mystery concerning the Steligs, the family that lived there and disappeared following an anomaly which has unmoored the house from time and space.

Visitors are let loose to figure out what happened by uncovering clues in the family's letters, shopping lists and journals, and by opening files on a computer in the study and reading post-it notes in the kitchen.

But open the refrigerator and suddenly you're in a glowing corridor leading to a futuristic, intergalactic travel agency with sliding spaceship doors.

Crawl through the fireplace and you enter a magical cave system, with a glowing, 12-foot mammoth skeleton that can be played like a marimba.

Dive into the tumble drier and you enter a surreal fantasia of more than 70 connected chambers containing all sorts of abstract, spooky psychedelia influenced by Japanese pop culture, the "Calvin and Hobbes" cartoons and even Walt Disney himself.

There is a huge furry creature that winks, an enchanted neon forest, robots, lasers, treehouses, a geodesic dome covered in eyeballs, a desert mobile home and a rabbit with glowing eyes.

"It's a puzzle, it's just fun. Kids like it, adults like it. It's a very unique experience," Minnesota resident Gail Machov told AFP at the attraction, summing up its universal appeal.

Read also: Disney, Nokia bring 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' to virtual reality

'To out-Disney Disney'

Visitors enter what appears to be a two-story quarantined house -- supposedly in Mendocino, California -- but quickly become aware that all is not as it seems. (AFP/Mark Ralston)

Martin, 68, has been in love with Santa Fe since visiting as a tourist and adopting it as his home in 1979.

Concerned over its increasingly aging demographic, he bought the Jean Cocteau Cinema, a 128-seat, single-screen movie house emblematic of the city's untapped potential that had been vacant for seven years in 2013.

Martin turned it into a youth hang-out, showing the latest releases but also inviting "Game of Thrones" cast members to attend star-studded season premieres with real wolves in tow.

Capitalizing on the bounce his "A Song of Fire and Ice" source novels were getting from "Game of Thrones," Martin also converted a vacant high school into artist studios.

In 2014 Kadlubek emailed Martin, who had briefly been his boss at the Jean Cocteau, to pitch "an interactive, multimedia art experience" after discovering an abandoned bowling alley in the industrial end of town.

Intrigued, Martin shelled out $3 million to buy and renovate the building, working out a 10-year lease which effectively made him landlord.

Meow Wolf spent 18 months on the refit, aiming to attract 100,000 visitors in a year but achieving that in the first two months after the March 2016 opening.

"The goal for the first year was maybe 100,000 people but 400,000 came. It was just a wild success, people love it," said John Feins, Meow Wolf's director of marketing.

The company is now looking to replicate its success in Denver, Las Vegas, Houston and Austin.

"We want to create the coolest experiences that exist in the entire world, that's our goal. We want to out-Disney Disney, we want to out-Universal Universal," says Kadlubek.

"We want to be the most incredible experience in the world."
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Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 16:06 1919 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac513e5 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,surakarta,MICE,tourism Free

The Association of Asian Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Institutions (AACC) recently conducted an international symposium on Aug. 9-10 in Surakarta.

Joined by 120 constitutional judges from 15 Asian countries, the event's opening ceremony was attended by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

Supported by the Tourism Ministry, the symposium is said to help promote MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourism in Surakarta.

Read also: Jokowi gives his keris to museum

All secretary generals, constitutional judges from across Asia and President Jokowi gathered in Solo for a MICE event. After the meeting, they are likely to take a tour and it's a great opportunity to introduce Joglosemar [Yogyakarta, Solo and Semarang] tourism, said the ministry's Archipelago Tourism Marketing Development deputy Esthy Reko Astuti.

While in Surakarta, participants can opt to explore plenty of things, from arts and culture to shopping and culinary. The Central Java city is home of Kasunanan and Mangkunegaran royal palaces, as well as Kauman batik kampong, Laweyan Taman Balekambang, Radya Pustaka Museum and Wayang Orang Sriwedari.

For an authentic shopping experience, visitors can visit Pasar Klewer, Pasar Windujenar, Pasar Gedhe, Ngarsopuro Night Market and Gladag Langen Bogan Solo.

Surakarta also has an array of delicious traditional dishes, such as serabi (rice flour pancake with coconut milk) Notosuman, nasi liwet (savory steamed rice with spicy fried condiment), cabuk rambak, timlo (clear soup filled with various garnishes) Solo, es gempol pleret, tengkleng (mutton soup) and sate buntel. (kes)
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Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 15:05 1919 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac4c1bf 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Sydney,culinary-tour,culinary,festival Free

From Aug. 4 to 12, Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney, Australia, is hosting a culinary festival titled A Taste of Indonesia.

Were bringing two chefs from Shangri-La Jakarta who are experts in cooking Indonesian food, said the ministry's deputy minister for Overseas Promotion I Gde Pitana.

Among the dishes being presented are soto ayam (chicken aromatic soup), daging konro Makassar (Makassar-style rib soup), rendang (beef simmered in coconut and spices), bebek betutu (Balinese slow-cooked duck), ayam bakar jawa (Javanese-style grilled chicken), telor balado (egg with balado sambal) and udang goreng sambal balado (fried prawn with balado sambal).

Read also: Five interesting facts about tumpeng

The festival also invites travel agents to sell tour packages to destinations such as Jakarta and Bali and features an orchestra performance of gamelan Bali.

We are targeting for more than 1,000 people to take part in the festival, Pitana said, adding that the target is quite realistic considering Indonesian food is quite popular among Australians, especially those who live in Sydney.

Just look at the NZAC Parade area; there are 10 restaurants located side-by-side that serve Indonesian food such as Fajar Restaurant, , Ayam Goreng, Penang Bistro, Indo Rasa, Sedap Rasa, Ubud Fine Dining, Pempek Palembang Clovelly and nasi padang. These restaurants are always filled with people; so many Sydney residents enjoy the variety of Indonesian cuisine, especially students and workers from Indonesia who live there, added Pitana.

According to Tourism Minister Arief Yahya, culinary is a great tool to promote Wonderful Indonesia tourism brand to the world.

Indonesian food itself has been recognized in the international market, including news website CNN that listed sate (skewer), nasi goreng (fried rice) and rendang in its list of the Worlds 50 Best Foods (http://www.cnn.com/travel/art icle/world-best-foods-readers- choice/index.html). (kes)
[August 10, 2017] Bentley Announces Finalists in 2017 Be Inspired Awards Program Recognizing BIM Advancements in Infrastructure Design, Construction, and Operations

Bentley Systems, Incorporated, a leading global provider of comprehensive software solutions for advancing infrastructure, today announced the finalists in the 2017 Be Inspired Awards program. The annual awards honor the extraordinary work of Bentley users advancing infrastructure design, construction, and operations throughout the world. Ten independent jury panels comprising distinguished industry experts selected the 51 finalists from more than 400 nominations submitted by organizations in more than 50 countries. The finalists will present their innovative projects to their peers, the jurors, industry thought leaders, and more than 120 members of the media as part of related infrastructure forums at The Year in Infrastructure 2017 Conference, October 10-12 in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. This gathering of leading professionals in the world of infrastructure design, construction, and operations will feature: thought-provoking keynotes by Bentley senior executives and prominent industry thought leaders

live technology presentations from Bentley's alliance partners - Microsoft, Siemens, Bureau Veritas (News - Alert), and Topcon

opportunities for attendees to meet and have one-on-one discussions with awards finalists

informative industry forums and panel discussions featuring speakers from Microsoft (News - Alert), Siemens, Bureau Veritas, Australia Road Research Board, Applied Research & Associates, Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, and more

Be Inspired Awards finalists' presentations on October 10 and 11

Awards finalists' presentations on October 10 and 11 evening ceremony and gala featuring announcement of the Be Inspired Awards winners on October 12 The Year in Infrastructure 2017 Conference is an ideal opportunity for management-level executives in engineering firms, architecture firms, construction companies, and government or owner-operator organizations responsible for the design, delivery, and/or operations of infrastructure to share best practices and meet infrastructure professionals from around the world. All those who submitted a nomination in the Be Inspired Awards program are also invited to attend. Bentley Systems Chief Communications Officer Chris Barron said, "The Year in Infrastructure Conference is a one-of-a-kind networking and learning experience for infrastructure leaders from around the world. This year we have an unprecedented number of participants for the Be Inspired program, and are pleased to congratulate and acknowledge all of the participants for their excellent work and inspiring projects. Conference attendees will have the chance to meet the awards finalists, and see them present their projects, which represent this year's most outstanding BIM advancements in global infrastructure." This year's conference will be held for the first time in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, one of the most iconic buildings in Asia. The structural design of Marina Bay Sands was done by Arup and was Bentley's 2010 Be Inspired Award winner for Innovation in Structural Engineering. Mike Lee, vice president of sales, Marina Bay Sands, said, "Marina Bay Sands is honored to be the chosen venue for Bentley Systems' first-to-Singapore conference. Our relationship with Bentley dates back to our construction days, as our iconic building was structurally engineered using Bentley Systems software. We look forward to welcoming Bentley and its delegates to our integrated resort to experience its multitude of business, leisure, and dining offerings under one roof." The Be Inspired Awards finalists for 2017 are as follows: BIM Advancements in Bridges AECOM - Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge - (New Haven, Connecticut, United States)

Arcadis-WSP/PB Joint Venture- Citylink Tulla Widening- (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)

Long Jian Road & Bridge Co., Ltd. - Heihe - Blagoveshchensk Heilongjiang River (Amur River) Road Bridge Project- (Heihe City, Heilongjiang Province, China) BIM Advancements in Buildings and Campuses Morphosis - The Bloomberg (News - Alert) Center - (New York, New York, United States)

Shalom Baranes Associates - Cannon House Office Building Renewal - (Washington, District of Columbia, United States)

WSP - 1 Blackfriars, London - (London, England, United Kingdom) BIM Advancements in Construction China Construction Sixth Engineering Division, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin Tianhe-Cloud Building Engineering Technology Co., Ltd. - Sanya New Airport Reclamation Project - (Sanya, Hainan, China)

JMC2 - Heaven Sent - (Simi Valley, California, United States)

Leighton Asia - Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge - (Hong Kong) BIM Advancements in Environmental Engineering NJS Engineers India Pvt. Ltd. - JICA Assisted Ganga Action Plan-II - (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India)

Raymond Vogel Landschaften AG - New Landscape for New Hydropower Plant in Hagneck - (Hagneck, Canton Bern, Switzerland)

Stream Environment Sdn. Bhd. - Automated Waste Collection System for Changi Airport Terminal 4 - (Singapore) BIM Advancements in Manufacturing CPC Corporation, Taiwan - Talin No.12 Topping Unit Project- (Kaohsiung, Taiwan)

PJSC Giprotyumenneftegaz - Central Production Facility, Novoportovskoye Field - (Tyumen Region, Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, Russia)

Satria Technologies Sdn. Bhd. - Sustainable Solutions (News - Alert) for Control and Protection Systems - (Klang, Selangor, Malaysia) BIM Advancements in Mining and Offshore Engineering AMEC Foster Wheeler - Gruyere Project - (South Dorothy Hills, Western Australia, Australia)

Offshore Oil Engineering Co., Ltd. - PL19-3 Oil Field Jacket Design and Development of 'Fixed Offshore Structure Design Tool' Software - (Tianjin, China)

Volgogradnefteproekt, LLC - Design of Electro-Technical Solutions and Systems for Control of the Conductor Supported Platform of Filanovsky Field- (Caspian Sea, Astrakhan Region, Russia) BIM Advancements in Municipal Operations AAM Group - Creating Singapore's National 3D Map Using Mobile Mapping - (Singapore)

Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited, PowerChina - Application of BIM Strategy for Shenzhen Qianhai Municipal Infrastructure - (Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China)

Tianjin Municipal Engineering Design & Research Institute - Construction and Design General Contracting of Retrofit Project at Haiyu East Line Municipal Road - (Sanya, Hainan Province, China) BIM Advancements in Power Generation China Water Resource Pearl River Planning Surveying & Desining Co., Ltd - Wugachong Reservoir Project - (Pu'an County, Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China)

COBA - Engineering and Environmental Consultants - Kholombidzo Hydro Power Electric Plant - (District of Blantyre, Malawi)

PowerChina ZhongNan Engineering Corporation Limited - Digital Delivery of Qiongzhong Pumped Storage Power Station - (Qiongzhong County, Hainan Province, China)



BIM Advancements in Project Delivery A Natural Gas Company - Implementation of a Comprehensive Technical Records & Information Management Program Powered by ProjectWise - (Canada)

Ghafari Associates, LLC - General Motors Productivity Improvement Program - (Various Locations, Michigan, United States)

Mott MacDonald and the Costain, VINCI Construction Grands Projets, Bachy Soletanche Joint Venture - East Section of the Thames Tideway Tunnel - (London, England, United Kingdom) BIM Advancements in Rail and Transit

China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co. Ltd.; Yungui Railway Yunnan Co. Ltd. - Application of BIM Strategy for Dali to Ruili Railway Project - (Baoshan, Yunnan Province, China)

Jacobs/Zephyr UAS - Mapping 42 Miles of California High Speed Rail Corridor Utilizing UAVs - (Burbank to Los Angeles to Anaheim, California, United States)

MRT Corporation Sdn. Bhd. - Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT) SSP Line - (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) BIM Advancements in Reality Modeling CEDD-AECOM-The Earth Solutions - Development of Anderson Road Quarry Site - (Hong Kong)

The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Architectural Engineering - Virtual Penn State Campus - (University Park, Pennsylvania, United States)

The Sanborn Map Company, Inc. - Sanborn3D HD Maps for Autonomous Driving: Santa Clara - (Santa Clara County, California, United States) BIM Advancements in Roads AECOM (Poland) - Road Design and Inter-disciplinary Coordination of the E10 Avvakko-Lappeasuando Project - (Gallivare kommun, Norrbottens lan, Sweden)

CCCC First Highway Consultants Co., Ltd. - Application of BIM Strategy on the Transformation of Meiguan Expressway to Urban Road Design Project - (Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China)

CH2M Fairhurst JV - A9 Dualling - Glen Garry to Dalraddy - (Dalwhinnie, Highlands, United Kingdom) BIM Advancements in Road and Rail Asset Performance New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) - NJDOT / Public Private Partnership of a Bentley-Hosted SUPERLOAD System for Oversize / Overweight Vehicle Permitting and Routing - (Trenton, New Jersey, United States)

Oregon Department of Transportation - TransInfo - A Connected Data Environment for Transportation - (Salem, Oregon, United States)

Highways England - Network Occupancy Management System (NOMS) - (Strategic Road Network, England, United Kingdom) BIM Advancements in Utilities and Industrial Asset Performance AES Indianapolis Power and Light - T&D Implementation of Asset Risk at Indianapolis Power & Light - (Indianapolis, Indiana, United States)

BP - Khazzan Central Information Store (CIS) - (Khazzan Field, Block 61, Ad Dhahirah Governorate, Oman)

North Caspian Operating Company N.V. - Kashagan Oilfield Corrosion and Inspection Management Project in the North Caspian Sea and Bolashak Operating Production Facility - (Atyrau Region, North Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan) BIM Advancements in Utilities Transmission and Distribution Hubei Electric Power Survey and Design Institute - Macheng Caijiazhai Wind Farm Project - (Macheng, Hubei Province, China)

Pestech International Berhad - Automation and Integration of Substation Design Work for 230kV Project - (Kratie and Kampong Cham, Cambodia)

Pacific Gas & Electric Company - Reality Modeling in Bentley Substation - (San Francisco, California, United States) BIM Advancements in Water and Wastewater Plants Beijing Institute of Water - Tongzhou Water Works of Beijing South-to-North Water Diversion Project - (Beijing, China)

Shanghai New Jinshan Investment Holding Group Co., Ltd. - Xinjiang Water Purification No.2 Plant and Supporting Pipe Network - (Jinshan District, Shanghai, China)

MWH Ltd. (operating in CiM6 alliance) - Netheridge STW - (Gloucester, England, United Kingdom) BIM Advancements in Water Networks Manila Water Company, Inc. - Manila Water Natural Calamity Risk Resiliency and Mitigation Masterplan - (National Capital Region, Rizal Province, Philippines)

Enorsul - Sanitation Services - Optimization of Water Distribution System and Reduction of Losses - (Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil)

AEGEA - AEGEA Prolagos Sewerage Master Plan 2041 - (Regiao dos Lagos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) About The Be Inspired Awards Program and The Year in Infrastructure 2017 Conference Since 2004, the Be Inspired Awards program has showcased excellence and innovation in the design, construction, and operations of infrastructure projects around the world. The Be Inspired Awards program is unique - the only competition of its kind that is global in scope and comprehensive in categories covered, encompassing all types of infrastructure projects. In the awards program, which is open to all users of Bentley software, independent panels of industry experts select finalists for each category. For additional information, visit www.bentley.com/BeInspired. Bentley's Year in Infrastructure 2017 Conference is a global gathering of leading executives in the world of infrastructure design, construction, and operations. The conference features a series of presentations and interactive workshops exploring the intersection of technology and business drivers, and how they are shaping the future of infrastructure project delivery and asset performance. Bentley's Year in Infrastructure 2017 Conference will include: The Buildings and Campuses Forum

The Digital Cities Forum

The Industrial Forum

The Rail and Transit Forum

The Roads and Bridges Forum

The Utilities and Water Forum

The Be Inspired Awards Ceremony

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) The CIO Summit (by invitation only) The Year in Infrastructure 2017 Conference Sponsors Platinum : Microsoft

: Microsoft Gold: ARC Advisory Group, BNP Media, Engineering News-Record, Informed Infrastructure, New Civil Engineer, PennEnergy, Reliabilityweb.com, SPAR 3D, Water & Wastewater International For more details and a complete list of sponsors, including Silver level, click here. The Year in Infrastructure 2017 Conference Alliance Partners Bureau Veritas

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Zpryme Media Day On October 9, more than 120 journalists from leading media outlets around the globe will gather at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore for Bentley's annual Media Day briefing. These journalists will also participate in The Year in Infrastructure 2017 Conference. For additional information about The Year in Infrastructure 2017 Conference or to register, click here. Follow us on Twitter @bentleysystems and follow the news leading up to this event using these hashtags: #YII2017 and #GoingDigital. Like Bentley Systems on Facebook (News - Alert): http://facebook.com/bentleysystems, and follow us on LinkedIn. Related images: Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre The 2017 Be Inspired Awards finalists will present their projects at Bentley's The Year in Infrastructure 2017 Conference, October 10-12 in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. The Year in Infrastructure 2017 Conference Attendees of the conference can meet the awards finalists, and see them present their outstanding infrastructure projects. About Bentley Systems Bentley Systems is a global leader in providing engineers, architects, geospatial professionals, constructors, and owner-operators with comprehensive software solutions for advancing the design, construction, and operations of infrastructure. Bentley users leverage information mobility across disciplines and throughout the infrastructure lifecycle to deliver better-performing projects and assets. Bentley solutions encompass MicroStation applications for information modeling, ProjectWise collaboration services to deliver integrated projects, and AssetWise operations services to achieve intelligent infrastructure - complemented by worldwide professional services and comprehensive managed services. Founded in 1984, Bentley has more than 3,000 colleagues in over 50 countries, more than $600 million in annual revenues, and since 2011 has invested more than $1 billion in research, development, and acquisitions. Additional information about Bentley is available at www.bentley.com. For Bentley news as it happens, subscribe to an RSS feed of Bentley press releases and news alerts. Visit The Year in Infrastructure Conference website for highlights of Bentley's premier thought-leadership event. To view a searchable collection of innovative infrastructure projects from the annual Be Inspired Awards, access Bentley's Infrastructure Yearbooks. To access a professional networking site that enables members of the infrastructure community to connect, communicate, and learn from each other, visit Bentley Communities. To download the Bentley Infrastructure 500 Top Owners ranking, a unique global compendium of the top public- and private-sector owners of infrastructure based on the value of their cumulative infrastructure investments, visit BI 500. Bentley, the "B" Bentley logo, Be, MicroStation, and ProjectWise are either registered or unregistered trademarks or service marks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or one of its direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries. All other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170810006112/en/

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Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta  Fri, August 11, 2017 14:08 1919 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ac49805 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Tourism-Ministry,Wonderful-Indonesia,brands Free

Around 100 companies and 28 brand owners participated in the Co-Branding Wonderful Indonesia event held by the Tourism Ministry on Thursday at Sapta Pesona Building in Central Jakarta.

During the event, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya gave a presentation on the rise of Wonderful Indonesia tourism brand in the international market.

We were far behind Malaysia Truly Asia and Amazing Thailand back then, even Indonesians didnt know about Wonderful Indonesia, Arief said. "However, since 2015 our rating has been increasing and were now at the 47th spot, defeating Thailand and Malaysia that take the 83rd and 96th spots, respectively."

Read also: Tourism ministry to hold 10 surfing competitions in 2018

Arief also said that in 2016 the Indonesian tourism won 46 events in 22 countries and it has so far won 11 events in six countries this year.

In 2016, Indonesia's tourism was among the top 20 countries with the fastest growth in the world. Its 22.4 percentage was way above Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore that recorded less than five percent. Indonesias only rival in the Southeast Asia region was Vietnam with 24 percent.

Among the events main activity was the signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) by 28 local brands to carry out a co-branding partnership with the ministry.

Read also: WhatsApp registration system now available in 26 immigration offices

This co-branding is targeting 100 brands by the end of 2017, consisting of premium products that have high-buying power and use local ingredients, Arief said. We realize that the ministry has limited promotional budget, which is why we need co-branding, collaboration and synergy with all elements in the spirit of Indonesia Incorporated."

The ministry's Archipelago Marketing Development deputy Esthy Reko Astuti said the co-branding deal would be conducted once every three months and the 28 brands have ticked all three main requirements: premium product, Indonesian product and has national and international distribution channels. (kes)
After his surprising announcement earlier this week, Daniel Squadron is spending his last day in office representing the 26th Senate District in Albany. There will be plenty of time in the weeks ahead to discuss the flawed process to replace him and to speculate about who will likely succeed Squadron at the state capitol. Today, though, we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge his service to this community.

No matter what you thought of him, it was impossible to deny that Squadron worked incredibly hard for the neighborhoods he served in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. In almost a decade in office, he was the driving influence behind many Lower East Side initiatives.

A few examples:

The partial funding of Pier 42, which will one day become an expansive recreational area.

Enactment of legislation to regulate intercity buses in Chinatown (yes, it remains a highly controversial topic to this day; in spite of many efforts by the senator to fully implement the law, the issue is far from resolved).

A sustained campaign to improve MTA service and facilities, including small-scale improvements in the East Broadway subway station.

After announcing his resignation on Wednesday, Squadron spent most of the day on the phone, talking with constituents and supporters about his decision to walk away from the dysfunction and political corruption that plagues state politics. In an interview with The Lo-Down, he said, It was an emotional decision because I have had the privilege of being part of all sorts of communities (throughout the 26th Senatorial District).

Squadron noted that he first ran for office in 2008 promising, active representation in the district. The senator, whos going on to help elect Democrats at the national level, said, I truly believe that allowing your constituents to drive what you do in office and to really listen to their concerns is critical in making people believe in government again.

Looking back on his time in office, Squadron said hes especially proud of his work during Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Irene, both during those natural disasters but also afterward when the conversation shifted to protecting low-lying communities from future storms. As for Pier 42, he said, Were not there yet (the project requires about $70 million in additional funding), but were getting there, and its really important that advocacy for Pier 42 continues.

In the short term, many of Squadrons legislative projects will fall to Yuh-Line Niou, who was elected last year to replace Sheldon Silver in the state Assembly. In a statement released this week, Niou said shes up to the challenge. At the same time, she said, Squadron will be missed: I want to thank Sen. Daniel Squadron for his service as a progressive champion in Albany, as well as in lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. I could not have asked for a better partner in the legislature.

In spite of his resignation, Squadrons office will remain open and his staff will continue dealing with constituent issues. Click here for contact information.
City Council member Margaret Chin defends her first two terms in office during an endorsement meeting with Sing Tao Daily, the Chinese-language newspaper. [Voices of NY]

The view from Brooklyn: Fears that State Sen. Daniel Squadrons replacement will be chosen by party bosses, not the people. [Brooklyn Eagle]

The healthcare workers union, Local 1199 SEIU, has not yet funneled campaign cash to Mayor de Blasios re-election fund, in spite of strongly backing him in the past. Documents recently obtained show that 1199 played a major role in the citys decision to lift deed restrictions at Rivington House. While the union was elated at the time, one observer says the Rivington House debacle has likely become a sore point for the union. [NY1]

Remembering Arlene Gottfried, whose arresting images of ordinary people in New Yorks humbler neighborhoods earned her belated recognition as one of the finest street photographers of her generation. [New York Times]

Looking back: I. Goldberg California Brandy  the East Broadway connection. [The Forward]

Tonight in Chinatown: The citys Shared Streets program comes to Mott Street. [Facebook]
(lead article, Socialist Workers Party statement)

Workers face health care crisis under capitalist rule

Workers need health care, not health insurance!

Staff Sgt. John Wilkes/180th Fighter Wing Ohio National Guard

Thousands of working people  and their pets  turned out to stand in long lines at the weeklong military-run free medical fair in Hayesville, North Carolina. Its the only thing they can afford. But there are only 18 such fairs across the country this year. And theres no time for individualized treatment. If your tooth hurts, they pull it.

Working people need  and deserve  a health care system that provides free, quality, preventative health care, from cradle to grave, as a social right.

Obamacare and the different failed Republican insurance schemes, as well as calls for a so-called single payer government-regulated insurance plan, are all designed to be cash cows for the owners of the parasitic insurance industry. And health insurance is just one division of the massive for-profit health industry rooted in the giant drug, hospital and related corporations. Workers who do have some insurance increasingly face soaring premiums and deductibles, and growing donut holes, for the privilege of getting less and less care. Especially in rural areas, hospital bosses are deciding they cant make sufficient profits and are closing maternity wards, operating rooms or shutting down entirely.

Individual union-won, company-based insurance plans are under increasing attack by bosses trying to solve their worldwide capitalist economic crisis on our backs. Medicare and Medicaid, conquests of past workers struggles, are in the gunsights of government cost cutters. Millions simply dont have any coverage.

We cant look to the Washington swamp to solve this burning social question for us. The capitalist politicians of all stripes wont and cant do it. Its up to us.

We need to strengthen and transform our unions so they can fight to unite working people in the struggle for free, nationwide health care. We must fight to expropriate hospitals when bosses threaten to shut them down, to be run by health care workers themselves.

Expropriate the drug, hospital and medical equipment corporations and place them under the control of those who work there! Industries vital to workers needs cant be the business of private capital.

These steps would sound the death knell of the insurance racket, whose only role is to generate profit, providing no care for anyone at all.

This fight is possible as part of building a movement of millions to carry out a social revolution to replace the political power of the ruling rich with workers power, to build a society based on human solidarity.

This perspective is not impossible or utopian.

In revolutionary Cuba there is no health insurance. The Cuban people use the fruits of their labor to guarantee health care for everyone. In 1959 Cuban workers and farmers overthrew the U.S.-backed dictatorship there and took political power. They carried out a socialist revolution, and created a world-renowned, preventative health care system that is available as a social right. This is an example we can emulate.





Related articles:

Workers discuss way out of capitalist health care disaster







Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home




(front page)

Workers discuss way out of capitalist health care disaster

HAYESVILLE, N.C.  Even if you have health insurance, its still overwhelming, when you have to pay $2,000 or $3,000 out of your pocket anyway, Joyce Bryson told Lisa Potash and other members of the Socialist Workers Party outside the high school here Aug. 4, where a free medical clinic was underway. Potash is the SWP candidate for mayor of Atlanta.

The clinic was sponsored by the Clay County Health Department under the aegis of the Defense Departments Innovative Readiness Training program, with most of the medical personnel provided by the military.

Similar clinics around the country are one of the ways some working people get medical care. This fair ran for one week, free to all. First come, First served, Prepare for potentially lengthy wait times, said a county health department flyer.

Medical, vision and dental help were offered, and veterinary care for peoples cats and dogs.

Bryson, who works part time as a nurses aide, was waiting for her husband Jimmy, a retired construction worker. He was getting some teeth pulled and hopefully some glasses. When youre not old enough for Medicare, the elderly are left out. If something major happened to us, they would just let us die, Bryson said. She was especially interested in the Militants coverage of the Nevada ranchers fight against Washingtons attacks on their right to graze cattle on federal land, and got a copy of the paper.

Workers need health care, not insurance companies, Potash said. Theyre parasites who do nothing but rake in billions for their owners. Health care should be free and available for all. Workers need to fight to expropriate the hospital corporations and drug companies and run them to benefit the entire working class. In Cuba, where workers and farmers made a revolution, the social surplus is used in part to make health care available to all Cubans, from the cradle to the grave. That shows what workers in power can do.

Potash and several campaign supporters came here after learning that the medical clinic would be held Aug. 2-10. A similar clinic in 2014 drew 8,000 people and 2,600 pets. But such military medical fairs every three years wont meet workers health care needs.

Potash and other SWP members discussed this and other political questions with workers, active and retired, coming in and out of the clinic, and knocking on doors in area neighborhoods for three days. Dental care and glasses were in high demand. Some were looking for help with alcohol and drug addiction.

The SWP campaigners went door to door in nearby Murphy. Almost everyone we spoke with who voted in the last election said they had supported Trump. Most welcomed the chance to talk with the SWP about the partys proposals on how to unify the working class and begin building a fighting movement of millions that can organize and educate toward workers taking power out of the hands of the capitalist rulers.

Some hoped that Trump would be able to make some positive changes, but everyone was concerned that not much would improve on health care.

We work but cant get health coverage

Insurance is way too high for anybody to afford, Marie Mcrae, a disabled longtime garment worker, told Potash and SWP supporter Linda Joyce at the medical fair. We work, but cant get health coverage. Affording medicine is even worse!

Many liberals are furious about Trump, and theyre working overtime to try and get him indicted or impeached. They really fear you and me, the working class, saying were all stupid, racist and prejudiced against immigrants, said Potash. But working people are less racist than ever. The civil rights struggle had a big impact on workers of all backgrounds and were more united than ever before.

Mcrae agreed. Where I worked there were a lot of Hispanic people and some became my friends. They are just here trying to survive, she said, picking up a subscription to the Militant.

Guy Roberts, 33, who needed glasses, works at a mental health group home and came to the clinic with a co-worker and several family members.

After discussing what the SWP had to say, Roberts decided to get a copy of The Clintons Anti-Working-Class Record, a book by SWP National Secretary Jack Barnes, and share a subscription to the Militant with his fiances parents who were there. He was especially interested in Potashs description of Cubas role in combating the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, an act of internationalist solidarity made possible by the socialist revolution there.

Cole Goffeg, 31, a self-employed landscaper, said he and his mother came to the clinic for dental work. When your teeth go bad, theres no money to replace them, he said. I didnt really like either candidate in the last election, but voted for Trump because he wasnt scared to go against the politicians in Washington. I didnt like him as a person, though. People who voted for him wanted a change.

Millions of workers voted for Trump because he said he would drain the swamp in Washington, Potash said. Many of them had voted for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, looking for change.

Goffeg got a subscription to the Militant and The Clintons Anti-Working-Class Record.

The Democrats and Republicans are all in a mess, Angela Smith, 43, told Potash when she knocked on her door Aug. 3. We agreed on some things and disagreed on others, but she was intrigued with SWP members knocking on doors to discuss the need for workers to fight to take political power.

She decided to get a Militant subscription and The Clintons Anti-Working-Class Record. She pointed to the partys work taking their ideas and proposals to workers doorsteps, saying, Sometimes the biggest changes start out small.
(front page)

SWP takes support for miners strike to workers

KELLOGG, IdahoMembers of the Socialist Workers Party campaigned door to door to introduce the party to workers in the Silver Valley region of Idaho Aug. 3-4. We came to attend an Aug. 2 rally in Coeur dAlene by silver miners, members of United Steelworkers Local 5114 who are on strike at the Hecla-owned Lucky Friday Mine in Mullan. We campaigned among workers here and in Osburn, and visited with some of the workers who had signed up forsubscriptions and bought books on the SWP program during previous visits.

During part of the trip we were joined by Pat Scott, a Walmart worker from Federal Way, Washington, who learned about the silver miners strike from the party. She talked up the need to back them with her co-workers and they sent a poem of solidarity to the strikers. Union President Phil Epler told Scott, Your poem is still on our wall at the union hall and its not coming down!

In response to the deepening crisis of the capitalist system today, SWP members are centering the partys work on talking to workers on their doorsteps  from apartment buildings in New York to homes in Idahos Silver Valley. Their goal is to expand the partys reach, introduce workers to Are They Rich Because Theyre Smart? and The Clintons Anti-Working-Class Record, both by SWP National Secretary Jack Barnes, and Is Socialist Revolution in the US Possible? by SWP leader Mary-Alice Waters, and to boost circulation of the Militant.

Joe Barnes, who had just got off work driving a garbage truck throughout the Silver Valley region, invited us onto his porch for discussion. Mary Martin, the SWP candidate for mayor in Seattle, explained her party supports the silver miners strike and that she had attended their rally in Coeur dAlene two days earlier. She said the party had come to help win support for the miners and to campaign for her party, a working-class party.

I see those signs supporting the miners in yards everywhere while Im working. Their point on not giving up union control of safety is absolutely right, Barnes said. I feel like everything is pointed against us. I work overtime and holidays and yet every month I scramble to pay for my sons health insurance premium, not to mention my used car payments and everything else.

We need health care, not insurance, Martin said. We need to fight to expropriate the giant pharmaceutical monopolies and the hospital corporations and run them under workers control. That way we can eliminate the insurance profiteers from health care. They dont do anything except tell us what care we cant get and charge us for it.

Like you Im not for the Democrats or Republicans, Barnes said. The problem is we dont have any say in what happens to us. They make all the decisions, based on the corporate interests that pay them off.

Press to unify working class

The propertied ruling families fear us today because they know that the crisis of their capitalist system means we have no choice but to fight for our lives and our futures, like the silver miners are doing, Martin said.

As we fight to defend ourselves we need to press to unify the working class. The attacks of the bosses and their government wont end until our class takes political power out of their hands, which will take a revolution, like the Cuban people did in 1959, she said. The SWP focuses on meeting workers on their doorsteps, at strike picket lines and other protests, to meet working people like you who are looking for a way to fight back effectively. Barnes decided to get an introductory subscription to the Militant to follow the partys activities.

Martin visited with Dixie Lepo, a retired construction worker here who in April had signed up for a Militant subscription and bought Are They Rich Because Theyre Smart? Come in and get out of the heat, she said, as temperatures soared above 95 degrees.

Im so glad that your paper says what theyre doing to Trump is a witch hunt, because it is, Lepo said. I love it when he talks about fake news, because thats what all the other newspapers and TV news is.

The target of the witch hunt is the working class, Martin said. The rulers and their media spokespeople know that no matter what happens to Trump, he got in because working people are angry and looking for change. They say were too stupid to make those kinds of decisions. Its fine for us to vote for whoever we want, as long as they get to choose who the candidates are. We make bad choices, they say, and need to be managed by the smart people, like is explained in the book Are They Rich Because Theyre Smart? you bought.

Youre right, Lepo said. And its not like I go along with Trump on everything. But on the immigration problem, he is trying to make it better, letting people come here who have high skills instead of no skills.

We say we need to demand amnesty for all undocumented workers. We say if you are here you should be able to stay and not live in the shadows, Martin replied. All workers should be organized in unions and we should fight as equals for our common interests.

Well I can see that point also, Lepo said. Without farmworkers we wouldnt have the food we need. I tried picking fruit one time and it was real hard work. Ive met some farmworkers and theyre real good people. Lepo decided to renew her Militant subscription and to get a copy of The Clintons Anti-Working-Class Record.

Fruit and Martin also met Denise Angle, the mother of a striking silver miner, on her doorstep in Osburn. My son has been at the mine for nine years, Angle said. I want them to settle the strike but it has got to be fair. I want my son to see this paper.

She got a copy and asked that we send her a copy with the article on the rally, while she makes up her mind about getting a subscription. We said wed get back in touch with her and her son.

Martin and Fruit knocked on the door of a man named Paul, who said, Im a retired city employee and a conservative Republican so probably we dont have much in common.

Martin explained her party is knocking on doors to discuss the crisis facing the working class and to defend the silver miners. Neither the Democrats nor Republicans have any solutions for the catastrophe facing our class  from lack of jobs and health care to 25 years of young workers being killed and maimed in Washingtons imperialist wars to the exploding disaster of opioid addiction today. We explain that the witch hunt against Trump is directed at the working class. Martin showed him the front-page articles in the latest Militant and The Clintons Anti-Working-Class Record. This book is the best book that explains last years election results, she said.

I never thought I would get anything from a socialist, he said, thumbing through the book, but I think I would like to read this. He got it, along with the copy of the Militant.

We are not all the same in this country. There are two classes, striking miner and Militant subscriber Lewis Elam told us when we visited, saying this was the main point he got out of reading the two books by Jack Barnes he had bought. We are the working class. The problem is we are not organized and working together.

Youre exactly right, Martin said. Our most pressing need is to unify the working class to fight in our interests. What you and the miners are doing here gives an example to workers everywhere on how to stick together and fight for safety, for your union, for the future. But it will take a socialist revolution to remove the capitalists from control over our lives and our jobs once and for all.

Im going to Cuba in October where workers made and have defended their revolution for almost 60 years. Their unions do control the conditions of work and the wealth they produce goes back into society, Martin said. Elam got the current copy of the Militant, saying he wanted to resubscribe when his finances improved. But he wanted this issue, to check out the coverage about the Cuban Revolution.

At the end of this three-day visit to Idaho, including door-to-door campaigning and joining in the USW rally and on their picket lines, SWP members had signed up 10 subscribers to the Militant, and sold three copies of The Clintons Anti-Working-Class Record and one of Are They Rich Because Theyre Smart?

And we met and deepened relationships with strikers and others following politics in the area that we intend to build on.





Related articles:

Striking Idaho silver miners gain backing from unions in Northwest







Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home




(front page)

Striking Idaho silver miners gain backing from unions in Northwest

Militant/Mary Martin

COEUR DALENE, Idaho  Chanting Hecla, Hecla, you cant hide, we can see your greedy side, and One day longer, one day stronger! up to 150 silver miners, their families and supporters rallied in front of Hecla corporate headquarters here Aug. 2.

Members of United Steelworkers Local 5114 have been on strike at the Lucky Friday Mine in Mullan since March 13. Their contract had expired in May 2016. The company announced it was going to impose its last and final offer. After workers rejected this concession-filled deal, the union went on strike.

Changes demanded by the mine bosses include a dangerous loss of union control on the organization of jobs and crews by a seniority-based bid system; loss of production bonuses key to their yearly income; recall rights from layoffs and mine closures slashed from three years to three months; and the right of the company to raise premiums and deductibles for health insurance at any time.

Participating in the rally were unionists and others from Idaho, Arizona, Utah, Washington state, California and British Columbia. Unions represented included the USW, Teamsters, United Food and Commercial Workers, Iron Workers and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.

Twenty longshore workers had caravaned from western Washington to the rally. Longshore workers came from union locals in Tacoma, Seattle and Aberdeen, as well as our pensioners organization, Joe Lefebvre, vice president of ILWU Local 23 in Tacoma, told SWP member Edwin Fruit. One of the oaths that we take is to protect all workers everywhere. Sticking together is the only way we can win. Lefebvre delivered a check to the strikers for $5,000 from his local, and the pensioners from the Tacoma local brought $600.

Six people came from USW Local 480 in Trail, British Columbia, which represents workers at the Teck smelter that refines the ore from Lucky Friday. We support the brothers of Local 5114. We want to show Hecla that we as working people wont be bullied, Armindo deMedeiros, president of the local, told the Militant.

We have to support the Hecla miners. Our own contract is up this month and the company wants to go after our medical care to add more to their profits, said Greg McFarland, a USW mechanic at the Clearwater Paper Company in Lewiston.

Phil Epler, president of USW 5114, told the Militant that no union member had crossed the picket line. Todays turnout is important, he said. If you have enough solidarity, it doesnt matter what the company tries to do.

The company took aim at the miners and union control of safety in a July 29 full-page ad in the Shoshone News-Press. A copy was mailed to every miners household.

The strike seems to be about a few senior employees retaining their power over the rest of the workforce, Hecla bosses wrote. Lucky Friday needs to evolve like all the other mines in the country have done to the new system we have proposed.

The union-controlled job bid system protects miners lives by ensuring that experienced miners teach the new hires the ropes, Epler said. Otherwise the boss can put a new hire in a position where he can endanger himself and others.

In the last century there have been hundreds of deaths in the mines of the Silver Valley. The Hecla Mining Company bears responsibility for dozens of these, he said. We owe it to all those who lost their lives to fight for this.

The companys letter was aimed at the wives, families and small businesses in the communities in the Silver Valley, Bruce Baraby, a miner at Hecla for 40 years, told the Militant at a picket line outside Mullan City Hall where company and union negotiators were set to meet. They said their contract offer was great, that it was just the senior miners who were holding out against the settlement, which they claim the younger members want. Its not true. The company is trying to split the families, but its not working.

The support we have gotten is unbelievable, said Dave Roose, the unit chairman and chair of the negotiating committee. When this is over we look forward to supporting in any way we can other unions that may go through labor fights.

Messages and donations can be sent to: USW Local 5114, P.O. Box 427, Mullan, Idaho 83846. More information can be found on the locals Facebook page.





Related articles:

SWP takes support for miners strike to workers







Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home




(feature article)

Marxist books presented in Sulaimani, Kurdistan

SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region, Iraq  If you read these two books, youll have a better understanding of the deepening crisis in capitalist politics in the U.S. today Im sure youre hearing about, said Steve Clark, editorial director of Pathfinder Press, at a meeting at the Endese bookstore here July 20. Youll find out why the wealthy rulers were taken by surprise by the outcome of the presidential election last November.

Clark was holding up The Clintons Anti-Working-Class Record: Why Washington Fears Working People and Are They Rich Because Theyre Smart? Class, Privilege, and Learning Under Capitalism  two new books by Jack Barnes, national secretary of the Socialist Workers Party in the United States. At the invitation of Endese owner and manager Hazhar Majeed, who chaired the program, Clark was speaking at a book-signing event to introduce some 100 of Pathfinders Marxist titles the store in downtown Sulaimani has recently begun selling. The books are displayed on a large bookshelf in the store.

Noting that this year is the 100th anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution, Clark said that Pathfinder traces its origins to that victory in October 1917. More specifically, he said, it began with the founding two years later of the Communist Party in the U.S., part of a world organization of parties  the Communist International  that were forged by revolutionary-minded workers seeking to emulate what workers and farmers had done in the former Russian empire.

There are no recipes, no templates, to bring about revolutionary change. But its necessary to understand experiences and lessons from other struggles the world over. Thats why Pathfinder publishes writings and speeches by communist and other revolutionary leaders in their own words, Clark said. He pointed to books by Karl Marx, Frederick Engels, Vladimir Lenin, and Leon Trotsky; by Barnes, Mary-Alice Waters, James P. Cannon, Farrell Dobbs, Evelyn Reed, and other communist leaders in the U.S., current and past; by Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Malcolm X, West African revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara, and others.

Over the coming year, Clark said, Endese will also be translating 10 titles produced by Pathfinder into Kurdish and publishing them.

Both of the new books Im focusing on, Clark said, help explain the subtitle of The Clintons Anti-Working-Class Record  that is, why the U.S. capitalist rulers fear working people. Under mounting blows to the living standards, job conditions, and human dignity of tens of millions, more and more workers are open to discussing radical changes, including explanations by communist workers of the roots of todays world capitalist crisis  and revolutionary solutions to it. Down the road, the rulers know, working-class discontent will lead to rising battles in the factories and on the streets.

That fear explains the contempt in the liberal media and among upper middle class and professional layers in the U.S. toward working people, millions of whom voted for Donald Trump in 2016, hoping hed act on his pledge to drain the swamp of capitalist politicians and government bureaucrats. These workers want a change from past administrations, Democratic and Republican, under whom workers conditions have grown increasingly intolerable.

The working class, Clark said, is the real target of todays crusade by big sections of the U.S. rulers to invalidate the 2016 election and indict, convict, or impeach President Trump or those close to him. This includes looking to the political police, the FBI, to criminalize what are really political disputes.

The closing chapter of Are They Rich Because Theyre Smart?  Capitalism, the Working Class, and the Transformation of Learning  presents a course toward overcoming whats faced by workers and the oppressed today. It explains the communist approach to education  to learning as a lifetime activity, Clark said. To get there, Barnes explains, requires preparing working people for the battle to throw off the self-image the rulers teach us, and to recognize that we are capable of taking power and organizing society.

During the discussion, a young woman asked, Are you saying, in face of governments that have enormous wealth and big armies, that education is the solution to the problems we face? How can that be?

Thats not what Im saying, Clark responded. There can only be education worthy of working, creating humanity when working people have made a revolution and taken power out of the hands of the capitalist rulers.

Thats what workers and farmers did in Cuba nearly 60 years ago, he said, and thats how education began being transformed there, too. After taking political power, the July 26 Movement began in 1961 by mobilizing hundreds of thousands of young volunteers to take off the better part of a year to go out to the countryside to teach farmers and rural laborers, the majority women, how to read and write, Clark said.

After the discussion, participants crowded around a table where Pathfinder books were on sale. Top sellers were Are They Rich Because Theyre Smart? Che Guevara Talks to Young People and The Clintons Anti-Working-Class Record.





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Eyeglasses and cellphone donations to be taken

CHARLESTON -- Old State Road Christian Church, 13982 Old State Rd., is hosting a collection of used eyeglasses, hearing aids and cellphones 8 a.m.-4 p.m., now through Aug. 25.

All collections will be donated to the Lions Club and the Coalition for People in Need. There will be drop off boxes at the church. For more details, call or go online at 217-345-3003 or www.facebook.com/Old-State-Road-Christian-Church-Disciples-of-Christ-174243369292910/.

St. Anthony Parish Picnic to be held

EFFINGHAM -- A local tradition for over 50 years, St. Anthony parish holds an annual picnic the second full weekend in August beginning on Saturday evening and continuing Sunday at noon after morning Mass, lasting into the evening.

The picnic is one of the parish's key fundraisers to support the operating budget of the schools. As an annual event for more than 50 years, the picnic features a traditional, family atmosphere and is an annual opportunity for St. Anthony alumni to return home and visit with family and friends.

Picnic highlights include games for all ages, live music, food and beverage tents, bingo, raffles, dinner, Bulldog Challenge 5K Run/Walk, wiffle ball tournament, and raffle grand prize -- choice of a new car or $17,500 cash. Plus over 50 additional prizes will be given away.

St. Anthony High School is located at 304 E. Roadway Ave., Effingham. For more information visit www.stanthony.com/church/giving/fundraising/parish-picnic or call 217-347-7129.

The Farm Hands to perform in Charleston and Shelbyville

CHARLESTON -- The multi-award-winning Farm Hands bluegrass gospel quartet from Nashville, Tenn., will be in concert at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2206 Fourth St., and 6 p.m. Sunday at Shelby Christian Church, 200 N. Hickory in Shelbyville. Both events are free; a free-will offering will be taken.

Come early to Wesley United on Saturday for a picnic on the lawn with games, refreshments and fun. Please be sure to bring a lawn chair.

For more about the Farm Hands, visit http://www.farmhandsquartet.com.

Contact Rosalie Addison at Wesley United at raddison@charlestonwesley.org or at 217-345-3917 or visit www.charlestonwesley.org.

Contact Shelby Christian Church at 217-774-2716.

Holy Hands Puppets to perform at Friendship Baptist

CHARLESTON -- The Holy Hands Puppets will perform their show "Faith and Fun Circus" at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service at Friendship Baptist Church, 18709 East Harrison St.

Holy Hands Puppets, under the the directions of Carol and Linda Smith, have been carrying the gospel through the many characters they use to illustrate the "Love" of our Lord and Savior for the past 15 years. Their shows have been seen at many churches here locally but they have expanded their performances well beyond the local area.

The congregation of Friendship Baptist invite any and all who can come and be with us for their display of witnessing about our Lord what He has done for His children. The church invites children to attend and enjoy the laughter and fun they can have in learning about Jesus Christ.

For information, or to make arrangements for a ride to the service, call Pastor Tom Skinner at 217-549-0406.

The Gray Havens to perform

DECATUR -- The Gray Havens will be in concert on Sunday at 7 p.m. at First Church of the Nazarene, 1177 W. Hickory Point Rd. Tickets are $8 online and $10 at the door. Tickets are available at the church or online. For more details please call or go online.

For more information, contact 217-875-0616 or office@d1naz.com.

Gungor and LaPeer to perform

DECATUR -- Gungor and LaPeer will be in concert on Monday at 6:30 p.m. at First Christian Church, 3350 N. MacArthur Rd. Tickets are $16 and VIP tickets are $25. Tickets maybe purchased at the church. For more details or tickets please call or go online.

For more information, contact 217-875-3350 or ckirkman@firstdecatur.org.

Macedonia Baptist Church to hold revival

CASEY -- Macedonia Baptist Church is holding a revival from Aug. 14-18 starting at 7 p.m. with Evangelist John McDonald and music from David Hensiek and Charlotte Norris.

To reach the church go north one mile from Interstate 70 on Route 49, then turn west on E1300 Road, turn left at the T-Road, and go to the first drive on the right. The Church is in the woods.

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, 11021 East County Road 800 North, Charleston, with Dr. Daniel Haifley.

For more information, visit www.colescouncilonaging.org or call 217-639-5150.

Memory Loss, Dementia and Diagnosis discussion to be held

CHARLESTON -- Shannon Nosbisch of Effingham Area Alzheimers Awareness will be discussing the difference between normal aging and memory loss due to Alzheimers disease or other types of dementia at 2 p.m Aug. 20 at Charleston Bible Church, 2605 University Drive.

She will also discuss how to get a diagnosis, what to expect at your visit, why it is important to get a diagnosis and what to do after a diagnosis.
The Dance Attic at Rehearsal Studios is filled with ladies in fishnet stockings, with black sexy tops and luxurious red lips. Even a couple of guys have come to join the Chicago workshop. In front stands a tall, blonde girl.

OMG So Stagey is a dance workshop that specializes in musical dance for everyone.

AJ O'niell

is the front man

and has been working in the industry for over 15 years. As Chicago is coming back to the Westend, OMG So Stagey is doing a workshop on the exact choreography from All that Jazz, t

he sassy Fosse number that is essential to the musical.

The class is a mix of dancers preparing for auditions, actors, and people that just want

to enjoy three lovely sweaty hours of dancing and being fabulous.

AJ O'niell

originally trained to be a psychologist, but after a bike accident left him unable to read without getting migraines, he left college and went to Dublin to start his dance career.

After three years at Laine Theatre Arts, he went straight to the Westend where he became

part of Chicago, dancing swing and covering two lead roles. His other shows include The Last 5 Years, Songs for a New World, Pirates of Penzance and A Man of No Importance.

Previously, AJ has done a Legally Blonde Workshop as part of OMG So Stagey.

I started doing the workshops for OMG So Stagey because I loved Legally Blonde and wanted an excuse to stage some of it. I have been teaching musical theatre workshops for fifteen years but never did it under one banner. I realized recently that I kept going to other countries to teach them, but had never made an effort to do them at home in London, and I was so excited to share them with my friends and other enthusiasts.

The Chicago workshop had everyone laughing, sweating, and feeling sexy. The steps were not easy, but with some sass, fun, and good teaching, everyone caught up.

Next Tuesday, OMG So Stagey are offering another Fosse master class, based on Chicago, at Pineapple dance studios.
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Efficiency, compassion, timeliness, and integrity: These are all words that nobody in their right mind would ever associate with todays airline industry.

And yet, just recently, a House panel voted to put the major commercial airlines in charge of air traffic control nationwide.

Heres how this brilliant idea works: All air traffic control, both in terms of safety and the collection of fees, would be handed over to a private corporation that the major airlines largely control. This basically places the very sky, itself, under the authority of the same geniuses who brought us such innovations as non-internet booking fees and dragging customers off of overbooked flights.

Only an abject fool would entrust the people responsible for one of Americas most failed industries with such unchecked power.

History has shown time and again that privatization simply does not work.

A perfect example of this is our private health care system. By leaps and bounds, its the most economically inefficient in the industrialized world.

The notion that private corporations always do things better is an all-too-common myth.

Another problem is that the same airlines that brag about inventing new fees to compensate for a fundamentally broken business model would essentially have the power to collect from anyone who wants to fly, including licensed pilots in their own private planes, which groups like the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association strongly oppose.

If you were to charter a private flight out of Willow Run Airport, for example, either you or the pilot would still be on the hook for whatever fees the airlines demand.

Unsurprisingly, the major airlines are willing to pay large sums of money to persuade members of Congress to let them have their way yet again.

Thats why its important for voters to examine their representatives campaign contributions and make sure theyre held accountable.

Thankfully, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell has accepted less money from the airline PACs than most of her colleagues. But it is still incumbent upon us to make sure she understands how important it is not to sell the American peoples skies for another palmful of magic beans and empty promises.

If youre still not convinced, imagine what the world might look like with the airlines in charge of everything.

Lets say youre hungry, so you make a reservation at your favorite restaurant and get seated at a table. As youre looking over the menu, trying to decide whether to order the chicken or the fish, the waiter arrives and says youve been bumped because they overbooked.

There are no refunds, but they can get you on the next open table tomorrow at 4:05 a.m. if you dont mind sitting next to the service entrance.

Dont eat out much?

OK. Lets see how your trip to the supermarket goes instead.

Following a three-hour wait in the checkout line, you finally get to the front. After you pay the cashier, the bagging clerk informs you that your bags were mistakenly sent to Alakanuk, Alaska. Dont worry, though; you should have your groceries back in about six to eight weeks.

To be fair, there are some things that the airline industry might do well. They would be uniquely qualified to oversee our nations prisons, for example.

After all, if anyone knows how to herd people like cattle into a small, overcrowded space and make them wait an excruciatingly long period of time, its the airlines.

On the other hand, even prisoners are allowed to use the bathroom. I could go on, but I believe Ive made my point.

Regardless of your ideological views on government and privatization, handing control of our skies over to the big airlines is about as bone-headed a move as Congress could make.

That is why I urge you to call Congresswoman Dingell at 202-225-4071 and tell her not to outsource our safety to the airline industry.

Kris Craig is a software engineer from Seattle. Reach him at: Kris.Craig@gmail.com.
Nebraska will receive nearly $160,000 as part of a multi-state settlement with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company over a data breach that occurred nearly five years ago.

The data breach, which occurred in October 2012, exposed personal and financial information of approximately 1.27 million Nationwide customers and potential customers.

The breach allegedly occurred due to the company's failure to apply a critical computer security patch.

As part of the settlement, Nationwide is required to take a number of steps to both generally update its security practices and to ensure the timely application of patches and other updates to its security software.

In addition to those steps, Nationwide agreed to make a payment of $5.5 million to 32 states and the District of Columbia, of which Nebraska will receive $159,749.86.
The state has fined an Omaha psychiatrist who had worked at CenterPointe in Lincoln $10,000 and suspended his license for 30 days over an inappropriate relationship with a patient.

Dr. Leandro Anit Jr. agreed to the settlement and waived his right to a disciplinary hearing, according to documents on file with the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health.

His suspension began a week ago.

Wednesday, CenterPointe President and CEO Topher Hansen called it little more than a slap on the wrist for what he saw as a serious breach of trust and intentional deceit to cover it up by Anit.

"These are major violations in my mind," he said.

Anit, who is board-certified in general psychiatry and also can prescribe pain medications, had worked at CenterPointe, either full-time or on contract, from November 2014 to March 2017.

It was methadone prescriptions, which pharmacists had started refusing to fill believing Anit was dosing too high, that led to the investigation that uncovered the patient was living with him.

According to the petition for disciplinary action dated June 23, Anit began treating the woman in Lincoln in December 2015. By September 2016, she had moved in to his home in Omaha, Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Mindy Lester wrote. Anit's records indicated she had transitioned from in-office, face-to-face meetings to video conferencing.

Lester said when Anit was interviewed by a investigator with the Department of Health and Human Services in January, he admitted they had an intimate relationship and that it was "definitely wrong" and "not professional."

She said Anit also was continuing to prescribe the woman fentanyl, methadone and Adderall on a regular basis and having it sent to his Omaha address.

Hansen said once CenterPointe found out, it terminated the relationship with Anit immediately.

"I'm a big believer of operating at the highest ethic to take care of the people we're serving because they're so vulnerable in every aspect," he said.

CenterPointe provides treatment for people suffering from mental and substance-use disorders.

In the petition for disciplinary action, Anit was accused of dishonorable conduct; immoral conduct; sexual abuse, misconduct or exploitation; and unprofessional conduct.

Last month, he admitted the allegations as part of the settlement that included the $10,000 fine and 30-day license suspension. He is also required to complete an ethics and boundaries program and another on prescribing controlled drugs.

On July 25, the settlement was approved by Dr. Thomas Williams, the state's chief medical officer, after having been approved by the Board of Medicine and Surgery and the Attorney General's office.

Hansen questioned if the fine and short suspension were enough to keep this from happening again.

"They're the ones guarding the hen house," he said of the state licensing board, "and they're not doing a very good job of it."

A spokeswoman for HHS declined to respond to the criticism, as did a spokeswoman for the Attorney General's office. And Kathie Osterman of HHS said she could not provide information about how the board members voted on the proposed settlement because that happened in a closed session.

Dr. Carl V. Smith, the chair of the Board of Medicine and Surgery, also declined to respond to criticism that the discipline wasn't enough.

"Any deliberations that occur in closed session are confidential, and I am unable to discuss them," he said Thursday by email.
Most costume dramas are prim-and-proper affairs, delivering chaste tales of unrequited love in a bygone era.

Not Lady Macbeth, a lusty, violence-tinged picture about a young wife in England in the 1860s that turns costume drama convention on its head as it introduces a luminous new star.

She would be Florence Pugh, who is now 21 but was still a teenager when she played Katherine, an 18-year-old who was sold to Boris (Christopher Fairbank), an aged wealthy estate owner, to be the bride of his son Alexander (Paul Hilton) and deliver a male heir.

Alexander, however, shows little interest in Katherine, who is kept locked up in the house to prevent any disruption to a possible pregnancy, cared for by timid housemaid Anna (Naomi Ackie).

Bridling under the restrictions, Katherine sees her chance to escape when both Alexander and Boris leave the estate. She not only heads out to the seaside, she runs across groomsman Sebastian (Cosmo Jarvis), bedding him almost immediately and scheming about making him the head of the estate.

Busted by the gruff, brutal Boris on his return, Katherine finds a solution to her dilemma, starting a spiral that takes her from innocent victim to a disturbed and disturbing young woman, who, thanks to an ambiguous ending, may or may not get away with her evil doings.

Based on the Russian novel Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, director William Oldroyds film looks like a classic costume drama with superb cinematography by Ari Wegner beautifully capturing the estate home, the stables and the heather.

But that sense is dramatically contrasted by the wildness of the unconventional Katherine, who Pugh plays very much like a child who is going to do what she wants, cowering only to avoid direct confrontation with Boris and Alexander. When they leave, she is well and truly unleashed.

Pugh is a marvel in the role, intense and emotional, strong and unsettling, delivering a performance that like Carey Mulligan in An Education should jump start a career that will take her into big, mainstream film.

Jarvis is notable as well, largely because his performance as Sebastian mirrors the reaction that viewers will have to Katherine, initially sympathetic and irresistible, then increasingly disturbing to the point where shes scary.

That transition and the dark story line that Im not going to reveal make Lady Macbeth the anti-costume drama costume drama. Pughs performance is why the film will be remembered.
On Nov. 8, 1939, Georg Elser, a small town carpenter, planted a bomb inside the Burgerbraukeller in Munich, carefully placing the explosive behind the lectern where Adolf Hitler was to speak later that day.

Fleeing to the Swiss border, Elser was arrested for possession of suspicious objects at about the same time the bomb exploded. Hitler, however, had left the building earlier than planned, escaping assassination for the first time.

The gap of time between the Fuhrers departure and the explosion  13 Minutes. It serves as the title for director Oliver Hirschbiegels biopic about Elser, a film that recounts the little known (at least in the U.S.) story of the assassination attempt while filling in what happened to Elser before and after the bombing.

After the explosion, Elser (Christian Friedel) is handed over to the head of Nazi Germany's criminal police, Arthur Nebe (Burghart Klaussner) and the head of the Gestapo Heinrich Muller (Johann von Bulow).

Before the bombing, the carpenter in fact is seen as a musician who returned to his hometown, carried on an affair with a married woman (Katharina Schuttler) and watched the Nazis pull Konigsbronn municipality under their dictatorship, gradually restricting freedom, especially for Elser and his traditional, very conservative religious family.

While not a member of the Communist Party or its affiliates, Elser tried to resist with a group of friends, including Josef (David Zimmerschied), an effort doomed to failure that triggered his plan to build the bomb that would kill Hitler and end World War II just months after it began.

Opening with the planting of the bomb and Elsers arrest, Hirschbiegel tells the story alternating flashbacks to Konigsbronn with Elser as prisoner  an approach that, at least to some measure, cuts the grimness of the story.

Elser is tortured at the hands of the sadistic Muller, who is determined to get him to confess to the conspiracy that Hitler is sure was behind the bombing  and there are a couple scenes early on that are difficult to watch. Mercifully, they arent repeated often. But we watch as Elser is broken, confesses and recounts the story the Nazis dont want to believe.

Then the picture cuts back to the small town, and tells what is basically a love story that starts when Elser spots the married Elsa at a dance while her husband drinks himself into a stupor.

Told with a you-are-there realism, in location, costume and behavior, 13 Minutes is, unavoidably a dark tale of resistance and sacrifice. It works effectively in large part because of a fine performance by Friedel, who communicates as much through his eyes, expressions and body language as in words. And, as is shown at the end of the film, he looks very much like the real Elser.

The supporting performances are also strong with Klaussner standing out as a cop who is more intent on doing his criminal investigation duty than carrying on the conspiracy myth that is coming from Hitler, making him a very atypical film Nazi. And von Bulow is as cold, cruel and committed as would be expected from the head of the Gestapo.

Historically, the events of 13 Minutes are minor footnote. But as a feature film documentation, its a notable addition to the World War II catalog, a depiction of little known resistance and of how the Nazis imposed their dictatorship on Germany.
The following is a rundown of family activities for the week of Aug. 11-17.

Friday

Lancaster County Super Fair -- Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-midnight, Lancaster Event Center, 84th Street and Havelock Avenue. For schedule of events visit superfair.org.

IndiExplore -- 10-11 a.m., Indigo Bridge Books, 701 P St. Free.

Free movie night -- "Pete's Dragon," 8-11 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church parking lot, 724 S. 12th St. Free hot dog meal and crafts at 8 p.m.; movie at 9 p.m. (popcorn available). Bring lawn chair or blanket for seating.

Saturday



Bilingual English-Spanish story time -- 10-11 a.m., Indigo Bridge Books, 701 P St.

Second Saturday Science Lab -- "Solar Eclipse," 10 a.m.-noon, University of Nebraska State Museum, Morrill Hall, 645 N. 14th St. Regular museum admission.

"Goodnight Lab: A Scientific Parody" storytime -- 11 a.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5150 O St. and SouthPointe Pavilions locations.

Lincoln Family Fest -- 4:30-9 p.m., Kleinschmidt Farm, 11401 Van Dorn St. Mass with Bishop Conley, 5 p.m.; food trucks and family games and activities, 6-8 p.m.; music by 7enventh Time Down, 7 p.m. Free events, open to public.

Pop with a Cop -- 5 p.m., The Gathering Place, 1448 E St. Free.

Sunday

Kids Dream Summer Film Series -- "Smurfs: The Lost Village" (PG), 10 a.m. Sunday-Monday, Wednesday, Lincoln Grand Cinema, 1101 P St. and Edgewood Cinema, 5220 S. 56th St. $3/admission.

Back to School Free haircuts -- and backpack event, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (last cut at 5 p.m.), Oasis Barbershop & Salon, 2709 O St. For ages 5-15.

Community event -- celebration of Union Bank & Trust's 100th anniversary, 5-10 p.m., Union Plaza, 21st Street between P and Q streets. Inflatables, face painting, music making, henna tattoos, balloon art, chalk art, obstacle course, music with the 402 Band and Atlantic Express, free food and fireworks show closes event at 9:30 p.m. Free, family friendly event.

Tuesday

Chalk the Walks -- 10 a.m., Walt Branch Library, Anderson Branch; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Eiseley Branch; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Bennett Martin Public Library; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Gere Branch. Write happy messages, chalk provided. Free.

Wednesday

Library storytimes -- Toddler: 10:30 a.m., Walt; 10:35 a.m. Eiseley and Gere. Preschool: 10:30 a.m., Eiseley. Baby: 10 a.m., Gere.

Wild Wednesday -- 5-8 p.m., Lincoln Children's Zoo.

Thursday

Library storytimes -- Toddler: 10 a.m., Gere; 10:35 a.m., Eiseley and Gere. Preschool: 10:30 a.m., Eiseley, Bethany, Gere. Baby: 10:30 a.m., Walt; 6:30 a.m., Gere.

Shows and exhibits



"The Fortunate Son" -- western musical comedy, 2, 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Haymarket Theatre, 803 Q St. Presented by Haymarket Theatre summer camp students. 402-477-2600.

Planetarium astronomy shows -- "Earth, Moon & Sun, Hold on Tight!" Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. "Eclipses and Phases of the Moon," Tuesday-Saturday, noon; Sunday, 3 p.m. Shows run through Aug. 27. University of Nebraska Museum of Natural History, Mueller Planetarium, Morrill Hall, south of 14th and Vine streets. 402-472-2641.

Hyde Observatory shows -- sundown to 11 p.m. Saturdays, Hyde Observatory, Holmes Lake. Free. Reservations available for Monday-Thursday nights. 402-441-7094.

Coming up

Planetarium astronomy additional shows -- "Earth, Moon & Sun," 1 p.m.; "Eclipses & Phases of the Moon, 2 p.m. Aug. 19, University of Nebraska State Museum, Morrill Hall, Mueller Planetarium, south of 14th and Vine streets. There will be no showing of "Big Red Sky" that day. Regular admission.

Free Family Fun Day -- "Solar Eclipses," 2-4 p.m. Aug. 19, Nebraska History Museum, 131 Centennial Mall North. Solar eclipse experiment, make solar eclipse model, learn how to protect your eyes during the eclipse. Free.

"Gem Over the Prairie" eclipse viewing event -- gates open at 8 a.m. Aug. 21, Stuhr Museum, Grand Island. Speakers, costumed interepreters discussion national phenomenon of 18902, musician Paul Siebert, food trucks and countdown to eclipse. Free admission, parking. 308-385-5316.

Little Eclipse on the Prairie -- noon-2 p.m. Aug. 21, Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, 11700 SW 100th St., Denton. Bring blanket and picnic and come early. Free, no registration required.

Come to the Fair -- 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 26, Arbor Lodge, Nebraska City. Get a glimpse of Morton family's involvement in organization of Nebraska Territorial and State Fair, view original fair documents, certificates and awards, outdoor games and refreshment stand.

Grandparents Day Brunch -- 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 10, Lincoln Children's Museum. Activities, crafts, photos and catered brunch. Members: $15/couple (grandparent/grandchild), $5/extra guest, adult or child; non-members: $20/couple, $5/extra guest. Register at lincolnchildrensmuseum.org.

Register/tickets

Sunset & S'mores -- 8-10 p.m. Saturdays, Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure, Nebraska City. Guided Sunset Discovery Ride, twilight bonfire and make your own s'mores. Reservations required by 5 p.m. on day of event. 402-873-8717.

"Tractors, Trucks, Trains & Planes" -- 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 19, Lincoln Airport via NW 48th St. (3400 W. Mathis St.). Climb on and inside display of 30+ vehicles, drivers, pilots and others on site for information. Hot dog lunch available for purchase. For all ages. $5/members, $7.50/non-members. Tickets at lincolnchildrensmuseum.org.

Red Panda Run -- 1-mile family fun run Aug. 26, Lincoln Children's Zoo. Heat 1 at 8 a.m. and Heat 2 at 8:15 a.m. for all ages. Heat 3, 8:30 a.m.; Heat 4, 8:45 a.m. and Heat 5 at 9 a.m. for ages 5 and younger. After Heat 5 the zoo is open to all runners. $29/members, $35/non-members. lincolnzoo.org.

"Annie" registration -- Nebraska Youth Theatre, Sept. 9-Oct. 14, Haymarket Theatre, 803 Q St. $275/person. Register at haymarkettheatre.org.
Jefferson cruises to 11AAA state title over Harrisburg in 2nd year

Head coach Vince Benedetto asks his team the same question after every game: "Can we play better?" But Saturday, "it doesn't matter because we're champions."
Florida prosecutors have dropped drug charges against a Husker safety after he successfully completed a pretrial diversion program, according to court documents.

Antonio Reed had faced misdemeanor charges of possession of no more than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

Police said Stanley Morgan Jr., a Husker receiver who was driving a 2013 Mazda sedan, did not make an appropriate stop May 6 when pulling out of a gas station in Port Orange, which is south of Daytona Beach.

An officer smelled marijuana coming from the car during the traffic stop and noticed what appeared to be marijuana on the car's center console.

A search of the car's back seat revealed marijuana in a plastic bag in a backpack with a tag with Morgan's name on it.

Police also found marijuana in a backpack on the floorboard of the front passenger seat where Reed was sitting.

Both Morgan and Reed were arrested and charged.

Volusia County prosecutors dismissed the charges against Morgan on July 17.

Prosecutors there dropped the charges against Reed on Aug. 1.

Reed is among a group of safeties looking to add depth in the Husker secondary. He played in 12 games in 2016, and started in the Music City Bowl. He made 22 tackles as a sophomore.
Nebraska's funeral picketing law, which creates a city-block buffer, survived a challenge by a Kansas church known for anti-gay protests outside soldiers' funerals.

The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals concluded the state had shown a "significant government interest in protecting the peace and privacy of funeral attendees for a short time and in a limited space  so that vulnerable friends and family can mourn and honor their deceased loved one in a respectful environment of peace and privacy free from unwanted public exploitation."

Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson quickly applauded the decision, which was released Friday.

"This law strikes the appropriate balance between First Amendment free-speech rights and the rights of grieving families to bury their loved ones in peace," he said in a press release.

In the opinion, Circuit Judge Bobby Shepherd of El Dorado, Arkansas, wrote that Shirley Phelps-Roper's case was another in a series of cases about the precise location of the line between that state interest and picketers' First Amendment freedom to express themselves.

The Westboro Baptist Church member had asked the court to strike down the state's law as unconstitutional, contending it had targeted the church and its message while police turn a blind eye to Patriot Guard Riders and others who get between picketers and funeral-goers.

Members of the Topeka, Kansas, church routinely protest outside funerals for servicemen and women who die in combat, which they see as "patriotic pep rallies" with signs that convey messages that God is punishing America for allowing homosexuality.

The group has picketed 46 funerals in Nebraska, but Phelps-Roper's lawsuit  against Nebraska's governor, attorney general and Omaha's police chief  centered on one in particular: the funeral of 26-year-old Caleb Nelson, a highly decorated Navy SEAL from Omaha who died in Afghanistan in October 2011.

Shepherd described the scene. A street corner in the soldier's hometown more than 500 feet from the funeral. A picketer in a T-shirt that says "God Hates Fags" holding four signs with similar messages and shouting messages at passing cars.

None of which are restricted by Nebraska's funeral picketing law (NFPL), he said.

"Thus, the NFPL's time, place, and manner restrictions are narrowly tailored and do not restrict substantially more speech than necessary to achieve the state's significant interests," Shepherd wrote.

He said church members also are free to go door-to-door, send literature through the mail, use social media or spread their message by other means.

Phelps-Roper had alleged police unlawfully applied the law to picketers, while ignoring Patriot Guard Riders allowed within the 500-foot zone. But Shepherd said the Patriot Guard only went to funerals when invited by the family to be there and weren't engaging in protest activities within the meaning of the statute.

Phelps-Roper argued it unfairly allowed others to block her church's message.

The court disagreed.

"The decedent's family and other private parties are under no obligation to listen to WBC's message and can take whatever lawful means they wish to avoid hearing or seeing Phelps-Roper. The First Amendment guarantees free speech, not forced listeners," Shepherd wrote.

He said law enforcement's job is complicated by the fact the crowd has the same First Amendment rights as the protesters, which law enforcement also has a duty to protect.

Friday's decision affirms Chief U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp's decision last year upholding the constitutionality of the law after a trial in Omaha.
Sweden is set to emerge as a potential market for the Indian IT-BPM sector, a new report said on Thursday.

The report by the National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom), along with Business Sweden, a partly government-owned company, and research firm Radar Ecosystem, underlines key driving areas that make Sweden a potential IT hub that could be of special interest to Indian IT companies.

"India and Sweden's IT ecosystem have a mutual affinity for each other  with both the countries at the threshold of digitisation, opening multiple opportunities for the countries to collaborate," said Nasscom President R Chandrashekhar in a statement.

According to the report titled 'Sweden a key driver of Nordic ICT growth', Sweden has been identified as the country with 40 per cent of the total share of the Nordic countries' IT spend  that is $23 billion in 2016-17.

The central market trend reflected in Sweden is the drive for digitisation just like Indian markets.

Sweden currently has 150 per cent smart device penetration, which is among the highest in Europe with 14.6 million devices and is witnessing the adoption of new delivery models, such as Cloud-computing and offshore delivery.

Internet of Things (IoT) is also increasingly penetrating in the vehicle, health, banking and logistics space.

The report predicted that the value of the consulting market is expected to grow by 3.6 per cent to a total value of $6.65 billion by 2017.

Sweden has adopted a 'Digital First' strategy similar to 'Digital India' which aims to create a public e-government system that meets citizen, organisation and private sector expectations.

The country is home to several notable companies like Truecaller, Candy Crush, Skype and Spotify, the report said.
Statistical data of the period from 1 January to 31 July released by Delhi Police shows that 1985 cases of assault on women, 394 cases of insult to the modesty of women, 2200 cases of kidnapping and about 206 cases of abduction of women have been reported.

The data shows there has been a slight decline in cases when compared with the data till 31 July 2016, but cases of kidnapping have increased. The cases registered relating to assault, insult to modesty of women have shown that the accused are generally known to the victim. There are fewer cases of strangers getting involved in assault. While investigating we have observed a trend that relatives, friends, boyfriends, classmates and neighbours are mostly found involved in the cases of assault and insult to the modesty of women, said a senior police officer.

Despite bodies like the anti-stalking cell and anti-obscene calls cell, womens help desk, directions issued to all BPOs, corporate and media houses for taking certain steps to provide safety to women, direction to PCR vans to help stranded women, etc., cases against women are still reported daily and the victims are from all walks of society.

Several booklets have been distributed to police officers to educate them so that they can take immediate action.

Official data released by the Delhi Police in April indicates that molestation complaints are reported every two hours and rape cases every four hours. The data also reveals that on an average every 9 minutes calls are made by women to the helpline numbers. Girls are becoming victims of theft every six minutes and snatching is reported on an average of every 30 minutes.

Since 2012, a huge increase has been observed in crime against women. Police is taking all possible steps and conducting various programmes, schemes, issued notices to all sectors to cope with crime against women. But we have to also look at the reasons why these crimes are committed so often these days. These days, boys are being exposed to sex and drugs at an early age which affects their behaviour and thought process. Media and people have to realise that police can only act when an incident is brought to their notice. What can police do if a relative or friend of a girl assaults her or misbehaves with her in a room. However, police acts and takes strict action under the law when the incidents are reported to them, said a police officer.
A 19-year-old inmate at the Saunders County Jail died Friday after attempting suicide in his cell earlier this week, according to a sheriff's office press release.

A correctional officer found the inmate unresponsive with self-inflicted injuries in his cell at about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, the release said.

Staff and first responders provided first aid before the inmate was transported to the Saunders Medical Center.

The inmate was later taken to Bryan West Campus in Lincoln, where he died from his injuries Thursday.

The Saunders County Sheriff's Office and the Nebraska State Patrol are investigating the death.

It is the second death involving a Saunders County Jail inmate this summer.

Robert S. Imus, 45, died at a hospital last month after declining medical treatment during his confinement.
For a sustainable world, we need dissident scientists who have the courage to question and accept their mistakes, said Professor Shiv Vishwanathan, Vice Dean (Institution Building), Centre for the Study of Science, Society and Sustainability, O.P. Jindal Global University, who presided over the function.

The contest was held in the capital on Thursday on the occasion of the 13th Dr AK Saha Memorial Young Scientists Experimental Project. The annual project was organised to inculcate a spirit of enquiry and objectivity amongst budding scientists. This year the theme of the contest was IdeateInnovateCreatefor a better future.

The theme IdeateInnovateCreatefor a better future is central to the idea of the longevity of our planet and the future of Science belongs to the youth, school Principal Dr Jyoti Bose said in her address.
After having witnessed incidents of violence that rocked the north campus of Delhi University recently, Ramjas College is reportedly mulling special gates, similar to automated fare collection (AFC) gates at metro stations, that will allow only authorised persons entry into the college. Every student will be provided with an I-card with an electronic chip embedded in it to enure only bona fide students enter through the main gate.

Principal of Ramjas College PC Tulsian said the gate would open only after reading an I-card installed with an electronic chip and would automatically close once the user had passed through. He said this was to restrict the entry of outsiders and ensure safety and security inside the campus. Tulsian said the college was in contact with vendors who could install such a system and was working on how to proceed with the plan. We may be facing several hurdles like what if someone else makes entry using a different persons card. Hence we are also thinking of linking the whole system to a biometric system to ensure more accuracy, he said.

Unscrupulous elements forcefully entering college premises to create disturbance is not uncommon in Delhi University. Granting entry only to authorised persons, it is felt, would keep a check on eve-teasing and stalking on the campus.

A DU teacher said such a system should be applied for teachers also though it may be face strong resistance from some quarters.

Many students welcomed the move saying that it would set an example for other colleges.
After a delay of seven years, the Supreme Court will on Friday start hearing a batch of petitions against the Allahabad High Court's order on Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute.

As per reports, the verdict is not expected anytime soon as the records to be presented in the case date back to the 16th Century and have to be translated from Arabic and Persian.

A three-judge bench, headed by Justice Dipak Misra, who is set to take over as India's 45th Chief Justice on August 28 will hear the matter.

In September 2010, the Allahabad HC had given the verdict that Lord Ram was born under the central dome of the makeshift temple and Hindus have right to worship there.

The court further said that the controversial 2.77 acres of land in Ayodhya be divided equally among Ram Lalla, Sunni Waqf Board and Nirmohi Akhara.

On an appeal by Muslim bodies, SC had stayed implementation of the HC decision soon after.

In March this year, the SC had suggested that the matter be resolved outside of court as the case was sensitive. It had also said it would appoint a mediator if out-of-court negotiations fail.

On Thursday, the Uttar Pradesh Shia Wakf Board urged the apex court to mediate in the Ayodhya issue and suggested that a Ram temple be built at the disputed site and a mosque in a nearby Muslim-dominated area.

The board, which is not a party to the Ayodhya title suit had lost a case over the disputed structure in 1946. Now it is seeking to reopen the issue, by urging the court to allow it to intervene and present its case in the title suit.
Breaking its prolonged silence over the India-China border row, Bhutan on Thursday refuted Chinas claim that it had conveyed to Beijing through diplomatic channels that the trilateral stand-off area at Doklam was not Bhutanese territory.

Our position on the border issue of Doklam is very clear. Please refer to our statement which has been published on the website of Bhutans Foreign Ministry on June 29, 2017, unidentified official sources in the Bhutanese government were quoted as saying by the news agency ANI.

Sources were responding to a claim made a few days back by a top Chinese diplomat that Bhutan had conveyed to Beijing through diplomatic channels that the area of the stand-off was not its territory.

firm rebuttal of Chinas claim by Bhutan is seen as a development that will strengthen New Delhis stand that the stand-off must be resolved through diplomatic means.

Except for a statement it made in late June on the situation at Doklam, Thimphu had so far preferred not to air its view on the border row. Its prolonged silence was being questioned or misinterpreted by sections of the media in both India and China.

Bhutan has conveyed to the Chinese side, both on the ground and through diplomatic channels, that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the agreements and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between our two countries. Bhutan hopes that the status quo in the Doklam area will be maintained as before 16 June 2017, the Bhutanese Foreign Ministry had said in its 29 June press release.

Official sources in New Delhi, meanwhile, maintained that India has been continuously in touch with Bhutan over the Doklam stand-off and briefed it on a regular basis about the situation in the area.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is in Kathmandu to attend the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Foreign Ministers meeting, is likely to meet her Bhutanese counterpart Damcho Dorji on the margins of the meet on Friday to discuss various issues. The Doklam situation is bound to come up during the talks. This would be the first high-level meeting between India and Bhutan since the tensions broke out at the trijunction.

pointed out that under a 2012 understanding between India and China on border issues, changing the status quo at trijunctions requires consent of third parties involved. In the case of Doklam, the third country is Bhutan, which has already lodged a protest with Beijing over the road construction activity. For New Delhi, the dispute in on the Bhutanese territory and Indian troops went in as per an understanding with the Himalayan nation, to prevent the Chinese troops from constructing the road.

Bhutan does not have diplomatic relations with China but the two countries have conducted regular talks on border and security issues since 1980 with a view to reducing tensions.
At its first meeting after the recent Rajya Sabha elections, the BJP Parliamentary Party on Thursday greeted the newly elected members and congratulated party president Amit Shah upon completion of three years at the helm of partys affairs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the meeting, also congratulated Shah on becoming a Member of the Rajya Sabha. Shah is likely to be sworn in on Friday, the last day of the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.

Briefing news persons about the meeting, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said, Prime Minister Modi congratulated the party chief Amit Shah for completing three years as BJP president and becoming Rajya Sabha MP for the first time (in his political career).The Prime Minister wants the party to work harder to achieve new goals and work towards Indias development.

Shah, a five-time MLA in the Gujarat Assembly, on Wednesday resigned from the post. He gave his resignation letter to Assembly Speaker Ramanlal Vora.

He also delivered an hour-long farewell address to the assembly on the last day of its monsoon session.

At the Parliamentary party meeting, Modi informed the party MPs of a plan to hold a nationwide programme highlighting the development of the country.

At the state level, local legislators will take part in the 15-day long programme that is scheduled to begin on 15 August, Independence Day.

We will start a new development programme soon. We have informed both Houses of the Parliament about the programme. A website has been launched about the event. We have achieved a lot, Kumar claimed.
President Donald Trump's daughter and White House adviser Ivanka Trump will lead the US delegation to India for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) slated for November, the media reported.

The move was announced on Thursday by the President, reports The Hill magazine.

"(Ivanka Trump) will lead the U.S. delegation to India this fall, supporting women's entrepreneurship globally," he tweeted.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Ivanka Trump during his trip to the US in June.

Donald Trump said his daughter would use the conference, which will take place from November 28 to 30 in Hyderabad, as a way to promote women's entrepreneurship around the world.

Modi also confirmed Ivanka Trump's impending visit on his own Twitter account, saying that he was looking forward to her trip to India.

"(I) Look forward to Ivanka Trump's presence at #GES 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of the US delegation," Modi tweeted on Thursday night.

The three-day summit, which in the past has been hosted by the US State Department, aims to connect American entrepreneurs and investors to their international counterparts, according to the State Department's website.

Trump's daughter has previously faced criticism for acting as a surrogate for her father in international affairs, The Hill magazine reported.

In July, she was heavily criticised after she briefly sat in for her father at the G-20 summit in Hamburg, Germany.
The opulent Durbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhavan was on Friday packed with top leaders cutting across party lines and dignitaries as M Venkaiah Naidu took oath as Indias 13th Vice-President.

The high marbled dome of the grand banquet hall reverberated with the sound of the National Anthem, which officially commenced the function as President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others stood in attention.

President Kovind administered the oath of office and secrecy to Naidu who was dressed in his trademark crisp, white shirt and a lungi (wrap-around) with a matching angavastram or thundu a traditional stole draped over the shoulders by men.

Following the ceremonial reception, Naidu shook hands with President Kovind and walked out of the hall with PM Modi. He will now take over as the speaker of the Rajya Sabha in Parliament.

The former Union Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader began the day by offering floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

He then paid tributes to the statues of Jan Sangh leader Deendayal Upadhyaya at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg, Sardar Vallabhai Patel at Patel Chowk and Dr BR Ambedkar inside the Parliament premises.

Naidu will be the second Vice-President from RSS background, after Bhairon Singh Shekhawat who served as the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha from 2002-2007.

Naidu won 516 out of the 790 seats that comprise both the houses of Parliament and defeated former West Bengal Governor and Mahatma Gandhi's grandson Gopalkrishna Gandhi the opposition candidate by 272 votes.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear on Monday a plea of the Centre challenging the Tamil Nadu government's decision to release the convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

The Centre had filed the plea in 2014.

A bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi considered the submission of Prabu Ramasubramaniam, the counsel for convict A G Perarivalan, that the case be heard as the convicts are in jail for the last two decades.

The lawyer said the matter had been listed quite a few times in the past, but it got deleted from the list.

Besides Perarivalan, six other personsMurugan, Shantan, Robert Pais, Nalini, Jayakumar and Ravichandranwere convicted in the case.

The apex court had in 2014 stayed the Tamil Nadu government's decision to release the convicts and had set up a five-judge Constitution Bench to deal with the issue relating to the power of states and the Centre to grant the benefit of remission and pardon to convicts.

The apex court had held that the state government cannot unilaterally determine remission of sentences in cases where the probe had been conducted by central government agencies.

The Constitution Bench, however, had said the issue  whether convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case can be granted remission or not  would be handled by a three-judge bench.

"The bench has been set up, but no hearing has taken place so far," the lawyer said.

Out of the seven convicts, Nalini was awarded death sentence, which was later commuted to life imprisonment by the state government.

Three others, including her husband Murugan (Sriharan), were sentenced to death and the rest were given life term by the Supreme Court for their role in Gandhi's assassination on May 21, 1991 at Sriperumbudur.

The apex court had later commuted the death sentence of the other three on the grounds of inordinate delay in disposal of their mercy petitions.
Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has called an all-party meet on Friday and has also extended an invite to Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav to chalk out a strategy against the Modi government.

The meeting of 18 opposition parties, chaired by Sonia Gandhi, will take place at 4.30 pm on the last day of Parliament's monsoon session.

The all-party meet is likely to discuss the opposition rally called by RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in Patna on 27 August to target the newly-formed BJP-JD(U) alliance in Bihar.

Sharad Yadav who has had a fall out with party chief Nitish Kumar for joining hands with the BJP in Bihar is organising a conclave in New Delhi on 17 August, which will be attended by opposition leaders.

Currently on a three-day visit to Bihar, Sharad Yadav on Thursday slammed Nitish for quitting the Grand Alliance of the RJD and Congress in Bihar and forming a new government with the BJP.

While ambiguity remains over Sharad Yadavs future in the JD(U), a day after he declared that he was still with the Grand Alliance, senior party leader KC Tyagi accused Sonia Gandhi of deepening the rift between the two leaders.
Strip away the praise, admiring accolades and goody-goody stuff that is customary on a formal stage ~ there was distinct needle to the farewell flourish of Mohd. Hamid Ansari as he exited the office of the Vice-President.

And it hurt enough for his successor to join issue on the apprehensions of the minority communities. With the

Prime Minister opting for a stoic silence on the thorny issue, M Venkaiah Naidus jumping into the fray has some worrisome suggestions ~ that the BJPs tallest leader from the South still deems himself a saffron-loyalist despite having severed formal links with the party.

That does not augur too well for his handling of the Rajya Sabha. After all, if well begun is halfdone the opposite also holds true. Add to that Narendra Modis alerting BJP members of the Upper House that their days of truancy are over now that party president Amit Shah has been admitted to the red-carpeted chamber (an adverse reflection on Arun Jaitley, Ananth Kumar and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi?) and a message can easily be discerned.

The hour of robust tactics has dawned on the forum once projected as a venue for cool reflection, in some contrast to the heat in the other House.

Clearly the climate-change has been triggered by the way the numbers crunch. There would be some validity to the criticism that members of minority communities who attain positions of authority are reluctant to talk community

when they have the full weight of their office behind them, and open up only when in the departures lounges.

Yet in his last few speeches, and an interview to the TV channel over which he presided, the former Vice-President touched on many of the issues that had earlier been highlighted by Pranab Mukherjee.

Going even farther on the intolerance front and reducing it to the level of political and parliamentary reality when asserting that democracy can become a tyranny if Opposition parties are not allowed to criticise government policies.

An echo of Mukherjees frequent hailing of Amartya Sens admiration of the Argumentative Indian.

The tendency of the ruling party to reject any contrary viewpoint was quickly articulated by Venkaiah Naidu who, without naming names, declared that, some people are saying minorities are insecure.

It is political propaganda. Compared to the entire world minorities are more safe and secure in India and they get their due.

And in an apparent reference to his predecessor, they got in prominent positions, including Constitutional responsibilities because there is no discrimination, and also on account of merit.

He laid emphasis on appeasement for none, justice for all. Problem is that there is much subjectivity to both appeasement and justice.
The Lincoln City Council may be in violation of state law by mandating an engineering decision that conflicts with the recommendation of the city traffic engineering manager, according to a professional group.

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Nebraska (ACEC/Nebraska) believes the resolution passed by the council Monday, requiring a school zone to reduce traffic speeds at 84th Street and Leighton Avenue, conflicts with a professional engineer's responsibility, under the Nebraska Engineers and Architects Regulation Act.

Under state law, professional engineers are legally accountable for their decisions, according to a news release from the group.

The group also recommends that Mayor Chris Beutler veto the councils decision and opposes the suggestion the city find another professional engineer to sign off on establishing the school zone.

The council voted 4-3 to establish a school speed zone at 84th and Leighton, after the city's traffic engineering manager said the zone would not reduce safety at the intersection and he would not be able to sign off on establishing the school zone.

The news release also points to a memo from City Attorney Jeff Kirkpatrick apparently raising questions related to legal liability.

Council members and Kirkpatrick talked about that memo at the council's public meeting Monday, but the council has not agreed to release the memo to the public.

The city attorney testified "regarding the unknown legal risk" of installing a school-related speed zone without the support of the public works engineering staff, the ACEC/Nebraska news release said.

The city can refuse to install a traffic signal or speed zone recommended by traffic engineers without potential liability issues, according to council discussion of the memo Monday.

But there is no case law regarding what the citys legal liability might be if the council goes in the other direction, installing traffic signals or school zones against the advice of the engineer, according to the council discussion.

The law department found a number of cases where the city engineer said there should be a traffic signal, and the city didn't follow that advice. The courts have said there was no liability. This was discretionary, Kirkpatrick told the council Monday.

But staff didn't find case law for putting in traffic-control devices that are not recommended by the engineer, he said.

So then, if this passes, "we are in uncharted territory in terms of case law," Councilman Roy Christensen said during the meeting.

Several council members used that memo as they provided rationale for their decision to oppose the school speed zone.

Public Works and law (Department of Law) have advised us that we must follow the standard engineering guidelines," said Jane Raybould, one of three council members who opposed creating the school zone.

The Journal Star has asked for a copy of the memo but had not received it by Friday afternoon.

The city attorney's office considers the memo as attorneys advice to a client and a majority of the seven-member council must agree to release it to media or the public.

Kirkpatrick said Friday he had not gotten permission from at least four of the seven council members to provide the memo.

Kirkpatrick said he has asked council members to think carefully about releasing the memo, which could provide advice to someone who wanted to file a lawsuit on the issue.
The Earth set a series of dire records in 2016, including hottest year in modern times, highest sea level and most heat-trapping gases ever emitted, a global climate report said on Thursday.

A range of key climate and weather indicators show the planet is growing increasingly warm, with record high annual temperatures sweeping Mexico and India, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down, said the annual State of the Climate Report.

"Last year's record heat resulted from the combined influence of long-term global warming and a strong El Nino early in the year," said the report.

"The major indicators of climate change continued to reflect trends consistent with a warming planet," it added, noting that several markers  such as land and ocean temperatures, sea level and greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere  broke records set just one year earlier.

The ominous news comes two months after President Donald Trump announced the United States would withdraw from the 2015 Paris accord on global warming, a decision that sparked widespread international criticism.

In the past billionaire Trump has called climate change "a hoax" invented by the Chinese, dismissing scientific evidence of human contributions to rising temperatures.

But as humanity continues to rely on fossil fuels for energy unprecedented levels of greenhouse gases are polluting the atmosphere, acting like a blanket to capture heat around the Earth, the report emphasized.

All the major greenhouse gases that drive warming, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and nitrous oxide, rose to new heights, it said.

Atmospheric CO2 concentration reached 402.9 parts per million (ppm), surpassing 400 ppm for the first time in the modern record and in ice core records dating back as far as 800,000 years.

"Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing humanity and life on Earth," said the peer-reviewed publication, put together by nearly 500 scientists around the globe and released each year by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the American Meteorological Society.

The entire 280-page report is available online.

The report confirmed prior announcements that 2016 was the hottest year since contemporary records began, marking the third year in a row that global records were broken planet- wide. Both land and sea surface temperatures set new highs.

Melting glaciers and polar ice caps swelled the world's oceans, and global average sea level rose to a new record high in 2016  about 3.25 inches (82 millimeters) higher than the 1993 average.

Global sea level has risen for six straight years, with the highest rates of increase seen in the western Pacific and Indian Oceans.

In the sensitive polar regions, sea ice in both the Arctic and Antarctic hit record lows.

Land temperatures warmed too  average Arctic land surface temperature was 2.0 Celsius above the 1981-2010 average.

This represents a 3.5 Celsius increase since records began in 1900.

Some extreme weather events increased, such as unusually high tropical cyclone activity. A total of 93 named tropical cyclones were observed worldwide in 2016, well above the 1981 -2010 average of 82 storms.

Over the northern and eastern Indian peninsula, a week- long heat wave at the end of April saw temperatures exceed 44 Celsius, contributed to a water crisis for 330 million people and to 300 fatalities, the report said. (AFP)
The two big stars of the Tamil movie world, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, on Thursday attended the 75th anniversary celebrations of DMK mouthpiece, Tamil daily Murasoli.

Haasan, who has of late been critical of the AIADMK government, was seated on the dais next to DMK Working President M.K. Stalin.

Rajinikanth, who may enter politics, was seated along with other dignitaries.

The DMK party also released a souvenir commemorating Murasoli's milestone.

The function was attended by editors of various dailies and magazines and cine stars.
Australia is ready to support the US if North Korea decides to attack Washington in the wake of escalating tensions, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced on Friday.

"If there's an attack on the US, the ANZUS (Australia, New Zealand, US Security) Treaty would be invoked and Australia would come to the aid of the US, as America would come to our aid if we were attacked." Turnbull said.

Turnbull added that in the event of an attack, "how that manifests itself obviously will depend on the circumstances and the consultations with our allies", reports Efe news.

The Prime Minister has already discussed the issue in a telephone conversation with US Vice President Mike Pence, whom he assured that Australia's commitment to support the US is "rock-solid".

In 1951, Australia, New Zealand and the US signed the ANZUS Security Treaty Alliance, which was last invoked by the Australian government following the September 2001 terror attacks in the US.

On Tuesday, North Korea announced that it was preparing to fire four mid-range missiles in mid-August towards waters near Guam, an American territory located in the Western Pacific where strategic US Navy and Air Force bases are stationed.

Trump previously responded to the threat saying that the US is ready to respond to North Korean attacks on Guam "with fire and fury like the world has never seen", and also announced an increase in the spending on anti-missile systems amid escalating tensions with Pyongyang.

According to the US intelligence service, North Korea could already have a nuclear warhead small enough to mount on an intercontinental missile.

Turnbull's confirmation came just a day after Foreign Minister Julie Bishop refused to speculate as to whether Australia would invoke ANZUS in the event of conflict, reports Xinhua news agency.

She told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that Australia was "not a party, in the legal sense, to the (current) Korean War armistice", and was at the time hesitant to declare its support for the US.

"As far as the ANZUS security alliance is concerned, that is an obligation to consult," Bishop said on Thursday morning

Meanwhile, Australia's opposition Labor party has declared that it would work with the government in a bipartisan approach to the escalating tensions between Pyongyang and Washington.

"Australians should be reassured that on this matter  the politics of Labor and Liberal are working absolutely together," Labor leader Bill Shorten told the media here on Friday.
The last days of the Newfie Pride

There were many nights he didnt sleep. The numbers and scenarios turned over and over in his mind, making rest impossible. Id get up two, three oclock in the morning, night after night, come out to the kitchen table and work the numbers every ...
The industrial fans whirred, supplying cool air into one of the pavilions at the Lancaster Event Center, as Barb Palas carefully braided the manes of miniature horses outside a stall.

"We always keep the fans running," Palas said. "Even when it's cool like this ... the horses are more comfortable."

Keeping the horses cool during the Lancaster County Super Fair has not been a challenge this year for Barb and her husband, Greg, who brought four horses from Iowa for the fair's competition.

Unseasonably cool temperatures the past two weeks have meant relief from the typically scorching dog days of summer.

"Which is good for both the horses and us," Barb said. "They have more energy, we have more energy."

An influx of cool, Canadian air settling over the Great Plains has driven temperatures well below normal, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Van DeWald.

During the past two weeks, temperatures have averaged 81 degrees, compared with the usual 89 degrees for early August.

The current cool stretch is the sixth-coldest period for August since records have been kept  1887 to be exact.

"I don't think anyone is complaining," DeWald said. "It's just downright pleasant outside."

The weather pattern should continue for at least the next week, according to forecasts from the Weather Service.

Temperatures are expected to be in the lower 80s, with a slight chance of precipitation the next seven days as well, DeWald said.

By the end of August, temperatures are expected to return to normal.

The cooler weather has meant fewer swimmers at Lincoln pools, hot spots that typically flourish in early August.

Attendance at public pools from July 30 to Aug. 9 dropped 17 percent from the same period last year, according to data from the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department.

In 2016, approximately 14,000 swimmers frequented public pools during that 10-day period. This year, only 11,000 showed up.

Samantha Lonergan, head lifeguard at Woods Pool, has seen fewer swimmers during the pool's last week of the year.

"It always depends on how hot it is," Lonergan said. "But it's kind of nice, because we don't have to have so many lifeguards on watch."

Woods Pool usually averages about 200 people a day throughout the summer, Lonergan said. But during the cool stretch, the pool has seen an average of 50 or so swimmers a day.

Eight of the nine city's pools close Sunday, since kids head back to school Monday.

Star City Shores will remain open until Aug. 20.

The cool period comes on the heels of a record-setting hot stretch in mid-July, when temperatures and heat indexes soared above 100 degrees.

Lincoln saw an excessive heat warning for the first time since 2015 during that span.

"I think people would rather have this than the 100-degree weather we were seeing," DeWald said. "This is how it should be."






Job Title: Environmental Specialist

Organisation: Uganda

Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL)

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

Reports to: Project Manager

About US:

Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) is responsible

for bulk purchase of electricity from the generating companies and selling the

electricity in bulk to the distribution companies throughout Uganda. UETCL is

also responsible for all exports and imports of electricity to Uganda. UETCL

envisions: To become a leading strategic business partner in the transmission

and Single Buyer Business and to support sustainable energy development in

Uganda.

Job Summary: The Environmental

Specialist will ensure proper planning of environmental and mainstreaming and

implementation of project environmental aspects. He/she shall also ensure that

the required Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) management plans are

developed and implemented in timely manner during the course of the project.



Responsibilities: Key Duties andResponsibilities:

Develop

Terms of Reference (TORs) for Environmental Assessments, including

but not limited to Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs),

Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Environmental Audits,

etc.

Supervise

and undertake technical review of Environmental and Social Impact

Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental Audits and development of Environmental

and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) by Consultants, and Contractors, and

follow-up on acquisition of any relevant Statutory Approvals.

Offer

technical guidance on implementation of project mitigation

measures, undertake environmental monitoring and supervision of project

works, including development of monitoring checklists, compilation of

periodic (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual) progress reports, to ensure

compliance with relevant environmental requirements.

Review

the Planning and procurement procedures to ensure that; (i) the

Environmental requirements are properly reflected and costed in contract

documents, (ii) environmental safeguards milestones are included in the

contractors certificates for payment, and (iii) conditions of approval

on the NEMA certificate and other statutory approvals are well considered,

implemented and accordingly advise Management.

Carry

out regular environmental safeguards capacity development of Consultants,

and Contractors during project implementation, including conduct of

project awareness, communication and sensitization activities.



closely with the Task Team, participate in the set up and

operationalization of project Grievance Redress Mechanism. Workclosely with the Task Team, participate in the set up andoperationalization of project Grievance Redress Mechanism.

Serve

as a link between UETCL, Consultants, Contractors, Communities and

respective local governments on environmental matters.

Review

and provide advice on contractors TORs, proposals and plans for temporary

works, camps site, equipment storage yards, quarries, marram borrow

pits, temporary access roads etc.

Initiate,

implement and monitor ecosystem (forests, wetlands) restoration activities

as may be triggered by the electricity transmission project, including

development of biological offsets where necessary.

Work

closely with relevant authorities, government agencies and ministries to

ensure adequate implementation of all requirements in line with donor and

Ugandan environmental safeguard policies and laws.

Where

necessary, ensure that relevant Permits are obtained prior to

project implementation, including but not limited to Wetlands Use Permit,

Forest Permits, Registration of Work-Place (for Camps), Heavy Equipment

Certification, Waste Handling Permits, etc.

Formulating

training plans and providing training aid on environment issues

during implementation of the project and associated works to the PMU,

Contractors and other relevant project stakeholders;

Communicating

changes in the proposed activities through the revision program;

Coordinating

the implementation of the SEAP process between the Contractors and

the relevant agencies.

In

charge of coordinating and participating in community engagement and

feedback activities aimed at disseminating and sharing lessons learned

from the implementation of the project.

Perform any other duties as may be assigned

from time to time.











Experience: Qualifications, Skills andExperience:

The ideal applicant for the UETCL

Environmental Specialist job placement should hold a University Degree in Environmental

and Natural Resources Sciences or a related field from a recognized University.

Possession

of a Masters Degree in Environmental and Natural Resources

Sciences or a related field from a recognized University will be added

advantage.

Postgraduate

qualifications and experience in Environmental Impact

Assessment/Environmental Audit (EIA/EA) and monitoring are added

advantage.

Professional

registration with NEMA as Environmental Practitioner or an equivalent body

will be an added advantage.

At

least three years of hands-on experience with the World Bank safeguard

policies and should have applied the policies in similar projects

recently

Must

have significant practical experience with the World Bank safeguard

policies and/or IFC Performance Standards evidenced from similar work

carried out in the past.

Comprehensive

knowledge of Ugandas Environmental Requirements (Policies, Laws,

Regulations and Guidelines).

Must

have in-depth knowledge of Industrial & SHE regulations.

Computer

literacy in Ms Projects or similar project scheduling and monitoring tool.

Possess

a valid National Driving Permit.

Must

have Analytical skills, Interpersonal skills, Supervisory skills, Report

writing skills.

Ability to withstand stressful work situations and have willingness to

work long hours outside the normal hours.

A

person of high integrity, must be highly motivated, innovative and a

committed team player.



to travel extensively and be away from duty station for extended periods. Willingnessto travel extensively and be away from duty station for extended periods.









How to Apply:

All candidates are strongly encouraged to send their applications

enclosing photocopies of academic qualification certificates and testimonials

along with their curriculum vitae indicating contact postal address, daytime

contact telephone, fax or e-mail and giving three (3) referees to:

The Manager,

Human Resource and Administration

Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited

P.O. Box 7625

Kampala. Uganda

th August

2017 Deadline: 18August2017
Job Title: Driver

Organisation: United Nations

High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Position No.: 10026735

Vacancy Notice No.: 024/2017



Duty Station: Kampala,

Uganda

Reports to:

Administrative/Finance Associate

Position Grade: GL5

About UNHCR:

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was

established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly.

UNHCRs mandate under the Statute of the Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Refugees is to lead and co-ordinate action for international

protection to refugees; seek permanent solutions for the problems of refugees

and safeguard refugee rights and well-being. UNHCR has an additional mandate

concerning issues of statelessness, as it is given a designated role under

Article 11 of the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.

Job Summary: The Driver is

primarily responsible for up keep and maintenance of the assigned UNHCR

vehicle(s) as per technical guidance and specifications established by the

organisation. He/She will be required to follow strict instructions and

security guidance provided by the supervisor. While the basic function of a

driver is to drive the official vehicles of UNHCR, he/she may be called upon to

perform minor maintenance and repair of UNHCR vehicles. The incumbent has

regular contacts with staff within UNHCR office and with service providers

outside UNHCR involving a limited exchange of information.



Responsibilities: Key Duties andResponsibilities:

The incumbent will drive UNHCR vehicles

for the transport of authorized passengers and delivery and collection of

mail, documents, UNHCR pouch and other items.

The jobholder will also meet official

personnel at the airport and facilitate immigration and customs

formalities as required.

Carry out the day-to-day maintenance of

the assigned vehicles; check oil, water, battery, brakes, tires, etc. and

ensure that the assigned UNHCR vehicles are road worthy and maintained up

to the established security standards.

Perform minor repairs and arrange for

other repairs and ensure that the vehicle is kept clean.

The Driver will ensure that the steps

required by rules and regulations are taken in case of involvement in

accident.

Log official trips, daily mileage, gas

consumption, oil changes, greasing, etc.

Perform other related duties as required.









Key Performance Indicators:

Assigned UNHCR vehicles are properly

maintained and equipped as per technical guidance and specifications

established by the Organisation.

Local traffic rules and regulations are

strictly observed. -Instructions and security guidance provided by the

supervisor and security focal point are strictly followed by the Driver

and the passengers during the journey



Experience: Qualifications, Skills andExperience:

The ideal candidate for the United Nations

UNHCR Driver job opportunity should have completed Primary Education or

equivalent technical or commercial school.

At least two years of previous job

experience relevant to the function.

Possess a valid Driving licence, knowledge

of driving rules and regulations and skills in minor vehicle repair.

Good mechanical skills.

Ability to work in remote areas.

How to Apply:

All interested Ugandan nationals who wish to join the United Nations

High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the aforementioned capacity are

encouraged to click on the link below and follow the application instructions

after reviewing the job details.

th August

2017 Deadline: 17August2017
Organisation: United Nations

High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Position No.: 10026380

Vacancy Notice No.: 032/2017



Duty Station: Uganda

Position Grade: GL6

About UNHCR:

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was

established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. UNHCRs

mandate under the Statute of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner

for Refugees is to lead and co-ordinate action for international protection to

refugees; seek permanent solutions for the problems of refugees and safeguard

refugee rights and well-being. UNHCR has an additional mandate concerning

issues of statelessness, as it is given a designated role under Article 11 of

the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.

Job Summary: The Protection

Associate (Community-Based) is a member of the Protection Unit in a Country

Operation and may report to the Protection Officer, Protection Officer

(Community-Based), or another more senior staff member in the Protection Unit.

The incumbent will work in close coordination with other UNHCR staff,

government, NGO partners and other stakeholders, the Protection Associate

(Community-Based) works directly with communities of concern to identify the

risks they face and to leverage their capacities to protect themselves, their

families and communities. The incumbent may have direct supervisory

responsibility for part of the protection and/or support staff and supports the

application of community-based protection standards, operational procedures and

practices in community-based protection delivery at the field level. To fulfil

this role the Protection Associate (Community-Based) is required to spend a

substantial percentage of her/his time working outside the office, building and

maintaining networks within communities of persons of concern. The development

and maintenance of constructive relationships with persons of concern that

measurably impact and enhance protection planning, programming and results

forms the core of the work of the Protection Associate (Community-Based). The

incumbent also supports the designing of a community-based protection strategy

by ensuring that it is based on consultation with persons of concern.



Responsibilities: Key Duties andResponsibilities:

Support functional units, the

Multi-Functional Team (MFT) and senior management to integrate

participatory and community-based approaches in the overall protection

delivery strategy and operational procedures.

Build relationships with persons of

concern and network of partners stay abreast of political, social,

economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection

environment and provide advice to the protection team.

Understand the perspectives, capacities,

needs and resources of the persons of concern and advice the protection

team accordingly, highlighting the specific protection needs of women and

men, children, youth and older persons, persons with disabilities,

marginalized groups.

Work in liaison with host communities to

identify opportunities for national civil society involvement in improving

the protection of persons of concern.

Work closely with implementing and

operational partners as well as with displaced and local communities to

develop community-owned activities to address, where applicable, the

social, educational, psycho-social, cultural, health, organisational and

livelihood concerns as well as child protection and prevention and

response to SGBV.

Assist in the analysis that identifies the

capacities of communities of concern and risks they face.

Support participatory assessments by

multifunctional teams and ongoing consultation with persons of concern.

Render support in planning and monitoring

of programmes and budgets, with an AGD perspective.

Build office capacity for community-based

protection through training and establishing systems for community mobilization

and participation of persons of concern.

Support communities in establishing

representation and coordination structures.

Ensure community understanding of UNHCRs

commitment to deliver on accountability and quality assurance in its

response.

Act as interpreter in exchange of routine

information, contribute to related liaison activities and respond directly

to routine queries.

Perform any other relevant duties as

required.









Key Performance Indicators:

Effective support and advice is provided

to promote AGD sensitive analysis of community risks and capacities as the

essential basis for all of UNHCR work.

AGD sensitive analysis of community risks

and capacities provides the essential basis for all of UNHCR work.

The participation of persons of concern is

assured through continuous assessment and evaluation using participatory,

rights and community based approaches, which inform protection and

assistance programming and ensure that UNHCR meets its commitments to

accountability to persons of concern.

National protection capacities are

improved through direct engagement, research and advocacy with all

relevant external interlocutors.



Experience: Qualifications, Skills andExperience:

The ideal candidate for the United Nations

UNHCR Protection Associate (Community-Based) career placement should have

competed Secondary education; Training/certificate in International

Development, Cultural Studies, Human Rights, International Social Work,

Social Science, Political Science, Anthropology, International Law or other

clearly related disciplines is required.

At least six years of previous relevant

job experience.

Good computer skills with proficiency in

MS Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access

Fluency in English and working knowledge

of another relevant UN language or knowledge of the local languages.









How to Apply:

All interested Ugandan nationals who wish to join the United Nations

High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the aforementioned capacity are

encouraged to click on the link below and follow the application instructions

after reviewing the job details.

Deadline: 18th December 2017

For

more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com

or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
Patnaik's close aides say that to understand him, one has to understand his empathy

By Pratul Sharma/Photos Sanjay Ahlawat
In a shocking incident, around 30 children died in BRD hospital, Gorakhpur, in the past 48 hours due to encephalitis. The oxygen supply to hospital was allegedly cut off because of non-payment of over Rs 60 lakh to the supplying firm. However, the Uttar Pradesh government confirmed that the deaths were due to medical reasons and not non-availability of oxygen.

The incident becomes more grave because Gorakhpur was the parliamentary constituency of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and he had recently visited there.

Because of non-supply of oxygen, this grave incident has taken place.

The deaths have been confirmed by the district magistrate of Gorkhpur, Rajeev Rautela. These deaths have taken place in the past 48 hours.

Meanwhile the Health Minister of Uttar Pradesh Siddarth Nath Singh dismissed the allegations that the deaths took place as the supply of oxygen was disrupted and added that a correct picture will emerge after the inquiry.

The government ordered a high-level magisterial inquiry into the tragic deaths of the children. These 30 children died in the past 48 hours.

Interestingly, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had launched a campaign to eradicate the deadly encephalitis disease in 38 districts of the state affected by this deadly disease in May this year.

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) has been a grave problem for eastern UP districts. In the past 40 years, it has consumed the lives of 40,000 children.

Meanwhile, former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav held the present government responsible for the incident and has demanded Rs 20 lakh as compensation for each victim.

The director general of medical education, Dr K.K. Gupta turned down allegations of these deaths because of non-supply of oxygen.
A day after outgoing Vice President Hamid Ansari said Muslims were feeling insecure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he (Ansari) will be free to pursue his "core thinking" once he demits office.

In his remarks in the Rajya Sabha, where Ansari was given a farewell on his last day in office, Modi hailed his role in the past 10 years and said Ansari had tried his best to live up to it.

The prime minister referred to the 100 years of public life of Ansari's forefathers and said they were aligned with the Congress and Khilafat Movement.

Modi recalled Ansari's diplomatic career during which he spent many years in West Asia and his role on retirement as the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University and as the Chairman of Minorities Commission.

"Many years of your life were spent in that circle. You stayed in that atmosphere, with that thinking and debating with those people. After retirement your engagement mostly remained the same... But in the last 10 years, you had a different responsibility. Every moment was spent in the ambit of Constitution and running it (Rajya Sabha). You tried your best to run it. Maybe there was some uneasiness within you. But from now onwards, you will not face that difficulty. You will also feel free and work, think and speak according to your core thinking."

Ansari told the Rajya Sabha TV that there was a feeling of unease and a sense of insecurity creeping in among the Muslims in the country against the current backdrop of intolerance and vigilante violence.

He suggested that Ansari, whose term ends today, should write a book on how the functioning of the Rajya Sabha could be made more effective and the institution "even more credible".

The prime minister said the various decisions that Ansari took as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha have something concrete to offer.

He brought order in the house enabling the government to complete its business and such decisions could help others to understand how to improve its functioning, Modi said at a farewell function in honour of the vice president in Parliament house complex.

Earlier, BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya had criticised the vice president for his comment that there was a sense of insecurity among Muslims and said such a "petty" remark was not expected from someone in his position.

He also wondered if Ansari was looking for "political shelter" after retirement.

"I condemn his comments. He has made political comments as he is retiring. He is still the vice president and such comments do not suit his office's dignity. It seems he is making such comments to find political shelter after retirement," he said.

In an apparent reference to Ansari, Vice President-elect M. Venkaiah Naidu rejected as "political propaganda" the view that there is a sense of insecurity among minorities.

Though Naidu did not name anyone, his comments were seen as a response to Ansari's remarks that there was an unease and a sense of insecurity among Muslims, and that "ambience of acceptance" was now under threat.
China has vehemently rejected all reports of it ever offering a compromise to India by relocating its troops in the disputed Doklam border area.

The Chinese foreign ministry reacted to a report where China had allegedly offered to move its troops back 100 meters, after India sought the pullback of Chinese troops by 250 metres.

The spokesperson's office told China Daily that the report is not true, adding that "China will not trade its territorial sovereignty under any circumstances".

"China's position on solving this incident is clear and firm. India must immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its trespassing troops and equipment back to the Indian side of the border," the office said in a statement.

China could never accept India's "totally unreasonable" demand, said Zhao Xiaozhuo, a researcher at the PLA Academy of Military Science told China Daily, adding that India had honored the convention until Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration refused.

Earlier this month, the Chinese foreign ministry said India's 'intrusion' had not only violated China's territorial sovereignty but also challenged Bhutan's sovereignty and independence.

However, the Government of Bhutan on Thursday pointedly refuted a Chinese foreign ministry claim that Bhutan had conveyed through diplomatic channels to China that the trilateral border stand-off area in Doklam in the Sikkim sector is not its territory.

Official sources in the Bhutanese Government told ANI over phone, "Our position on the border issue of Doklam is very clear. Please refer to our statement which has been published on the web site of Bhutan's foreign ministry on June 29, 2017."

India has also cited the Bhutanese foreign ministry as emphasizing that "the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between these two countries." India has conveyed to China that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for New Delhi.

India has said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place. Bhutan has no direct diplomatic relations with China and maintains contacts with Beijing through its diplomatic mission in New Delhi.

Bhutan and China have held 24 rounds of talks to resolve boundary dispute, while India and China have completed 19 rounds of talks.

The standoff started in June when Chinese soldiers tried to unilaterally change the status quo in the strategically important Doklam region of Bhutan by building a road in the area.

India has made its stance clear that that it stands for peace the border question can be solved diplomatically, not by war.
In a significant move, the defence ministry has sought setting up of a non-lapsable capital fund so that the unspent money does not go back at the end of any fiscal.

The details of the demand by the defence ministry to roll out the capital fund account have been mentioned in a latest report by the parliamentary standing committee on defence which was tabled in Lok Sabha today.

The report said the defence ministry has sent a proposal to the finance ministry on February 9 seeking in-principle approval for creation of the non-lapsable capital fund account to remove uncertainty in availability of funds for military modernisation.

As per existing norms, money given to any ministry or department under budgetary allocation has to be spent within the fiscal and the unspent amount goes back to the finance ministry at the end of the financial year.

According to the report of the committee, the finance ministry showed reluctance to the proposal by the defence ministry saying funds requirement for military modernisation can be addressed through normal budgetary mechanism.

"There is no specific advantage for creating a reserve/corpus fund for this objective. The ministry would consider recommendations made in this regard with an open mind with a view to evolving an effective and efficient arrangement," the finance ministry said, responding to a query on the issue by the panel.

The parliamentary standing committee on defence has been pushing for setting up of the non-lapsable fund since 2003.

"The committee are of the opinion that creation of a non-lapsable defence capital fund account is an imperative need for enhancement and heightened operational prepardness of our defence forces," the panel headed by B.C. Khanduri said.

It said the finance ministry should not have any rigid view on the demand by the defence ministry.

"Moreover, creation of such a fund would also ensure that procurement of equipment, arms and ammunition for our defence forces which are in the pipeline and in the stage of fructification is not delayed because of lack of money due to technicalities of rules and regulations," the panel said.

The committee also cited example of non-lapsable central pool of resources fund for the north eastern region which is being used to implement various major infrastructure projects in the region.

The defence ministry was not very keen to go for the non-lapsable fund when suggestions were made in this regard by the parliamentary standing committee in the last few years.

But now the ministry has come out strongly for it.
India enhances troop level along the entire stretch of its border with China in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, government officials told PTI on Friday. The move comes right after China's belligerent posturing and threats of hostility escalating into a full-blown conflict.

However, the recent Chinese buildup in the Doklam sector in the tri-junction of India-Bhutan and China could be a red herring. The dragon could strike at more unsuspecting locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) where it has a greater advantage, top security experts warn. Most vulnerable among them could be the Ladakh sector and what the Army calls the Rest of Arunachal Pradesh (RALP), east of Tawang.

Here, the Chinese infrastructure is unmatched as it has roads coming right up to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at several points. On the other hand, on the Indian side, the roads are as far as 100 kilometres from the forward posts. It could take days of trekking for Indian soldiers to reach their posts, which are located at an altitude of nearly 17,000 feet, similar to the Kameng sector.

China has not ruled out "military action" as a possibility to end the standoff at Doklam. With that in mind, senior security officials said that Indian troops were vigilant across all sectors and not just Doklam. In Doklam, Indian troops have the geographical advantage, something which Beijing is aware of.

"There is a possibility that China could open a new front to strike if it wants to. When it does that, it will choose the most vulnerable stretch. The RALP or Ladakh sector could be an option for them and we need to be prepared," former Northern Army Commander Lt Gen D.S. Hooda told THE WEEK.

He said that he has never heard of such strong official statements from the Chinese side in several years and this cannot be ignored. "It is one thing for the Chinese media to write about war and so on. But for the official spokesperson and senior officials in Beijing to talk about it so often is something I have not heard in the past. By doing so, Beijing is also pushing itself into a corner. One wrong step here or there could create a war-like situation," he said.

Security officials in New Delhi are well aware of the threat that looms large across the entire LAC, but they are ruling out a force buildup as of now.

"We don't think there is a need to deploy more manpower and increase our strength. We are already there in good numbers. Of course, we can bump up our surveillance capabilities to keep a closer watch," an official said.

The ongoing standoff in Doklam has once again triggered a debate on whether India is doing enough to augment infrastructure along the eastern frontier.

Some feel that over the last few years, there has been a tremendous push to border infrastructure and construction of roads, but they admit that much more needs to be done. A case in point is the RALP, where there is thin presence of forces further east of Tawang.

The escalation has become a matter of concern for New Delhi, which is digging in its heels in Doklam and refusing to pull back troops as demanded by China.

On Tuesday, China said that the situation at Doklam plateau had reached a "dangerous dimension". It felt a mutual pull out of troops from the area, as proposed by India, was not an option. Instead, it warned of military action.

"If India continues to go down the wrong path, we have the right to use any action under the international law to protect the lives of our troops. New Delhi should stop sending signals that everything is under control," Wang Wenli, a Chinese diplomat in the department of boundary and oceanic affairs reportedly told a visiting Indian media delegation this week.
The IS Kerala module wasn't just busy spreading its ideology, but wanted carry out a spectacular terror strike in south India. A module by the name of "Ansar ul-Khalifa KL" was formed in August 2016 with the intention of carrying out strikes on specific targets to further the activities of the proscribed terrorist organisation in the country.

The NIA on Friday filed a supplementary chargesheet against IS terror accused Moinudheen Para Kadavath, hailing from Kasargod in Kerala, accused of hatching a terror conspiracy and providing funds to prepare for such a strike.

"Moinuddin was part of the module that had planned terror attacks on High Court judges, senior police officers and prominent politicians belonging to Kozhikode in Kerala to create communal disharmony and wage war against India," said NIA officials.

On October 1, 2016, a case was registered suo motu at NIA police station in Kochi against eight accused hailing from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, besides other unknown persons.

On October 2, five accused persons namely Manseed Mehmood, Swalih Mohammed, Rashid Ali, Safvan P. and Jasim N. K. were arrested in this case from Kannur in Kerala while they were conducting a secret meeting of the IS module as part of preparations to wage war against the country.

Later, Ramshad N.K., another member of the terrorist gang, was arrested. A chargesheet was filed in this case on March 29 this year.

Moinudheen Para Kadavath was arrested in the case on February 15 and documents and materials seized from him in the presence of witnesses unravel the makings of this terror plot.

The NIA says that during custodial interrogation, it was established that Moinudheen had provided funds to Swalih Mohammed for activities of IS/ Daesh terrorist gang, through Western Union money transfer during September 2016.

The arrested persons have revealed that one Abu Ayisha alias Shajeer Mangalassery was the leader of this IS terror module and it was on his instructions that the group had made the preparations to target prominent places and individuals in southern India.

The module had also planned and conducted preparations for attacking foreigners, especially Jews visiting Vattakanal near Kodiakanal. They had also planned to attack rationalists and members of other Islamic denominations like Ahmadiya sect and Jamaat-e-Islami, says the chargesheet .

Investigations revealed that accused persons including Moinudheen conspired and propagated IS ideology "directly and also through their social media accounts in Facebook and Telegram".

The accused persons had created various Telegram groups namely The Gate, Bab Al Noor, Kudumbam, Playground and Ansar. "Incriminating communication among the accused was retrieved forensically from the digital devices seized from the accused persons, especially the tablet PC seized from Ramshad," says the chargesheet.

The NIA says the chargesheeted accused Shajeer Mangalassery had performed hijra (migration) to Afghanistan from the UAE in June 2016 to join and support the IS.

Moinudheen was radicalised by Shajeer whom he had taken along on hijra, from the UAE to Mashhad in Iran for crossing over to IS. It is during his stay in UAE that he provided funds to Swalih to carry out terror acts in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Moinudheen was deported from the UAE to New Delhi and arrested by the NIA in this case in February this year.
The opposition unity was dealt a blow on Friday as the Nationalist Congress Party stayed away from a meeting of the parties called by Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

In all, 18 parties were invited for the meeting, and 16 attended it, the absentees being the NCP and Kerala Congress-Mani.

Asked about the NCP not attending the meeting, leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said there was no need to read too much into it. He began by saying Kerala Congress-Mani could not attend as it was holding a party convention, and went on to explain NCP's absence by pointing out that the party's chief Sharad Pawar has not been keeping well, and that he has not been able to attend Parliament as well for the past few days.

In so far as the NCP is concerned, you may be knowing that Sharad Pawarji is unwell for the last four or five days, which is why he was not able to attend Rajya Sabha also. Had he been in Delhi, and not unwell, he would have attended (the meeting), Azad told reporters after the meeting.

Asked if the NCP is distancing itself from the opposition bloc, he said, Today morning also I spoke with Sharadji... When I have spoken personally to Sharadji, why should I believe sources.

NCP's absence raises questions about its continuation in the opposition group as well as strengthens the speculation that the party may be cosying up to the BJP. According to Congress sources, the two NCP MLAs in Gujarat did not vote for Sonia Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel in the Rajya Sabha elections. In what was a cliff hanger of an election, Pawar had assured the Congress of the support of at least one of his MLAs. Patel, who got 43 Congress votes, is learnt to have bailed out by the vote cast in his favour by the lone JD(U) MLA in the assembly.

The opposition group is already weakened by the shock exit of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Meanwhile, it was decided in Friday's meeting that a group would be formed to coordinate opposition's efforts to take on the Modi government in the intervening period before the Winter Session begins. Sonia has been authorised to form this group.

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said the opposition parties need to create an alternative narrative in which people's issues are central.

RJD's Jaiprakash Yadav said his party chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has invited all opposition parties for the rally to be held in Patna on August 27.

Among the leaders who attended the meeting were former prime minister Manmohan Singh, senior Congress leader A.K. Antony, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, BSP's Satish Mishra and CPI national secretary D. Raja.
If youve ever wanted to experience the wonders of Indonesia, now is the time to get a taste with Multicultural Taurangas first Living in Harmony event for 2017 on Tuesday, August 15.

Multicultural Tauranga has been running Living in Harmony evenings for more than 10 years.

This months feature country is Indonesia and Lisda has organised a wonderful evening to both introduce locals to the colourful culture, and help local Indonesians experience a taste of home and celebrate their Independence Day.

Lisda will talk about her country and her culture, as well as presenting a taste of Indonesian cuisine. This is a great opportunity for locals to mix and mingle with Taurangas diverse cultural community.

The idea behind the evening is that people from different countries have a chance to meet each other and get to know each others culture, and food is always a great way to break down any barriers.

This month Living in Harmony will take place on Tuesday, August 15 at 7pm at the Village Hall, Historic Village, 17th Avenue, Tauranga.

For more information contact Lisda 021 222 3883.
The iconic building at 1409 O St. in downtown Lincoln is now a bar, but it has a much more interesting history, with its original owners name more associated today with penguins and giraffes.

Morris W. Folsom moved from New York to Nebraska in 1882 and then to Lincoln in 1889, where he became a clerk/car for the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, boarding at 1810 E St.

Two years later he established himself in room 30 of the Newman Building at 1025 O St. as a real estate agent, but also offered business loans and fire insurance. The business officially was organized the following May as Bankers Building & Loan with assets of $20,000 and an optimistic authorized capital stock of $700,000.

Perhaps bringing an infusion of capital, John Gibson, who owned a bank in Creston, Iowa, was elected president of the corporation, while prominent politician and Des Moines, Iowa, attorney J.A.T. Hull was listed as vice president. Morris brother, Ernest, meantime joined him in Lincoln, with both living at 2122 Washington.

As a precursor to future businesses, the two established a parallel company, M.W. Folsom & Brother general insurance agency, and officed together with Bankers Building & Loan at 1130 O St. An advertisement in 1900 showed the banking side of the business had membership in good standing from 8,000 to 9,000 in their three-story brick building.

Ernests son, Arnott Ricketts Folsom, was born Dec. 12, 1901, and named for his maternal grandfather, Lincoln attorney Arnott Cheney Ricketts.

The Folsom brothers hired Lincoln architects Fiske & Dieman in 1904 to design a building for them on property purchased at 1409 O St., then the site of Harris Meat Market. The building was completed in 1905. In April 1913, the firm incorporated and officially was granted the first building and loan charter in the city of Lincoln."

The open first floor portico at the front was enclosed by 1918 to increase the ground floor area. In 1923, the firm, now named Nebraska Central Building and Loan, reported assets of $6 million while advertising being not the largest but the first and strongest in the city.

In the 1970s the firm became known as Nebraska Central Savings & Loan with the Folsom Brothers Co. still a separate institution in the same building. When the banking side merged with the Nebraska State Savings & Loan of Fremont the resultant firm was named Nebraska Savings & Loan. By 1984 the address of 1409 O St. was listed as Nebraska Savings & Loan office space but without occupants and a short time later the entire building was noted as empty.

Through the intervening years the still easily recognizable stone-columned building became a succession of bars/pubs including Alsultan Lounge, Dillingers, Mickeys Irish Pub and the Fat Toad.

Arnott Folsoms career remained with the Folsom Bros. Co., rising to its presidency by 1950. The real estate and insurance firm always listed its address as 1407 O St., the same building as the savings and loan which showed 1409 O St.

In 1959 Arnott Folsom established the Lincoln Childrens Zoo Foundation with a personal donation of $5,000. In 1960, the city of Lincoln loaned the zoo concept 4.5 acres of land containing the city park departments superintendents house, city nursery and the W.P.A. zoo building on 27th Street.

Funds were raised, many though the efforts of Arnott Folsom, and on July 18, 1964, the city employees annual picnic was held at the uncompleted zoo site. Although noted as being unfinished, it was promised that the zoo would open if the preview proved successful. The zoo officially opened July 21, 1965, with admission 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for children because Folsom said good zoos are the zoos that charge.

The name was changed to Folsoms Childrens Zoo in 1979 to honor its founder, but in 2006, having doubled in size, the name changed back to the Lincoln Childrens Zoo.

Arnott Folsom died in 1970 having served in numerous civic positions and donated the Eternal Quiet pool sculpture in the open central courtyard of the Bennett Martin Public Library. The Tamarin Ridge developments park was named Arnott Folsom Park in his honor in 2007 and, when it is completed in 2019, his once namesake Lincoln Childrens Zoo will encompass nearly 20 acres including the W.P.A. Ager Building ultimately to be dedicated completely to monkeys.
GRAND ISLAND  Police say they've arrested a woman who came forward to say she was driving the vehicle that hit and killed a man in a hit-and-run accident.

Justin Foster, 28, died soon after he was struck early Monday morning. Police said 48-year-old Robin Nehls of Grand Island was arrested Thursday.

She's facing a felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in death. Hall County Jail records say she remained in custody Friday.
Art lover: German businessman Lars Windhorst and his girlfriend Christine Barner

The seizing of Lars Windhorst's private jet, art collection and wine cellar over a 60million dispute with Romanello Financial Corp is humiliating for the flamboyant German financier, but he retains one shining jewel in his social armoury.

Windhorst, 40, remains listed as a founding patron of Kensington's modish Serpentine Sackler Gallery, whose annual summer party is a magnet for London's beau monde.

Fellow patrons, Carphone Warehouse founder David Ross and Next boss Simon Wolfson, must be delighted.

Bank of England governor Mark Carney attended last weekend's Wilderness Festival in Oxfordshire, where he was seen in cargo shorts and sneakers.

Carney's laid back, man-o'-the-people skills sadly pale in comparison to his political rival, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose decision to wear traditional highland garb at a recent event in Ontario went down a storm here in bohemian circles.

An excitable headline from Gay Times screams: 'Justin Trudeau wore a kilt and we're basically pregnant'.

Rascally Greek shipping heir Taki Theodoracopulos informs Spectator readers of a recent holiday in Greece, where he and fellow guests competed to think up their 'dream' cruise companions.

His own selection: Sir Philip and Lady Green, US hedge fund ogre Steve Cohen and Bernie Ecclestone's erratic son-in-law James Stunt. Says Taki proudly: 'My choice won hands down'.

Goldman Sachs have seized a 30million yacht in Palm Beach belonging to Texan oil man William Kallop, who used it to secure a multi-million dollar loan he allegedly stopped paying last November.

Such arrangements are common in investment banking. Goldman previously lent to swashbuckling energy tycoon Aubrey McClendon against his extensive wine cellar.

Following McClendon's death in a car crash last year, the bank easily made its money back when his precious clarets were auctioned for 6.5million.

'Has Brexit affected the dating scene?' asks the cerebral Financial Times, as more people using dating apps reportedly want to know a match's political leanings. I fear the dog days of August are upon us.
Post master: Royal Mail boss Moya Greene is one of only seven female FTSE 100 bosses

Good things come in small packages they say.

Take Royal Mail boss Moya Greene, that compact bundle of energy responsible for dragging our dwindling postal service into the 21st century.

With her blonde bob and mumsy pearls, she might look like a loveable TV agony aunt, but she's one of the City's most effective operators, a ruthlessly efficient machine bent on grinding out results.

'The best hire I ever made,' is how former Royal Mail chairman Donald Brydon describes the feisty Canadian.

She is one of only seven female FTSE 100 bosses and the first female chief in Royal Mail's 500-year history, though it's another milestone that earns Greene a place in the annals.

Four years ago she succeeded where those other big beasts Lords Mandelson and Heseltine failed, by delivering Royal Mail into the private sector.

In an era where more of us now prefer to correspond via email than 'snail mail' and other low-cost parcel delivery services available to customers, for her to have put a previously unsellable firm in a position to float on the stock market in just three years was quite a feat.

But then ask around, and the word 'tenacious' is often used when describing the redoubtable Greene. She owes her steel to a robust upbringing in Newfoundland, where she was born the second of four children to a DIY shop-owning father and special education teacher mother, who raised her offspring under the dictum: 'Never let anything go to your head.'

After studying law, Greene joined the Canadian Civil Service before rising to deputy minister of Transport Canada, where she oversaw the privatisation of CN Rail and deregulation of the country's airlines.

In 1996, she entered the private sector, joining brokerage firm TD Securities, moving on to be appointed vice-president of engineering firm Bombardier in 2003.

In 2005, having established herself as one of Canada's most powerful female executives, she was named chief of Canada Post.

Her five-year tenure was marked by particularly sour relations with Canada's postal union, after cutting costs by reducing absenteeism and increasing automation. The brothers soon came to refer to her as 'Darth Vader'.

But after trebling profits to 183million, there was no denying her results.

When Adam Crozier announced he was departing Royal Mail in 2010, and with a coalition government desperate to get it off the public books, Greene's name was top of the list to take over.

After suffering 49million annual losses prior to privatisation, profits at Royal Mail this year stand at 335million.

Royal female: Greene chats to the Duchess of Cambridge as part of an initiative for mental health charities in April this year

But Greene's journey hasn't all been plain sailing.

More than 3,000 jobs have been shed on her watch, leading to inevitable clashes with the unions.

Customers grumble over the 65p cost of a postage stamp, which has increased over 30 per cent in her seven years as boss.

And the stock market float was pretty shambolic, with complaints the initial share price of 330p was too low (shares are currently trading just shy of 400p), though that was hardly Greene's fault.

There have also been the inevitable rows over pay. Before Royal Mail was privatised, her basic 500,000 a year salary made her the highest paid civil servant in the country.

A political storm also forced her to hand back a 250,000 moving allowance which she used to buy her three-bedroom flat in Fulham.

To be fair, her current 1.5million package now makes her one of the lowest-paid bosses on the FTSE 100.

Married to husband Roger, with a grown-up daughter from a previous marriage, Greene now claims to be converted to the British way of life.

She hops around town on red buses and enjoys bracing weekend walks in the countryside.

She reads poetry, particularly Robert Frost and Ted Hughes, which during her busy schedule she finds easier to digest than novels.

Last month, she was appointed to the board of Easyjet, tasked with helping find a replacement for Dame Carolyn McCall, who is departing for ITV.

As a former transport minister with experience in dealing with unruly unions, some think EasyJet chairman John Barton's ideal candidate could now be staring him in the face across the boardroom table.

Don't be surprised if another big job is currently in the post.
Who is it? Israel-based MTI Wireless Edge makes antennae which are used for both military and commercial purposes.

While its commercial antennae are used for more basic services like wi-fi and broadband, its military products are used for tactical and specialised communications in the air, on the ground and at sea.

Whats the latest? This week has been a busy one for the firm. On Wednesday it rose after announcing that it had won a 770,000 contract to provide antennae to a military client over the next 25 months.

On Tuesday it announced that year-on-year revenues increased 13 per cent over the first half of the year to around 9.9million, while profits nearly tripled to 770,000.

The growth has been driven by its expansion into China and the strong performance of its broadband access division.

The firm also said it has a large pipeline of future opportunities, providing potential long-term growth.

Who backs it? The firm is more than 50 per cent-owned by its Tel Aviv-listed parent, MTI Computers & Software Services, which has been a major Israeli defence contractor since the 1980s.

The chief executive, Dov Feiner, also owns a 5.3 per cent stake. Before joining the company Feiner spent 12 years in the research and development division of the Israeli Defence Force.

Why should you invest? The firm has been growing relatively strongly for several years now, and is up 64.3 per cent so far this year alone.

With the company currently trading on a 15x price-to-earnings ratio, well below the 32.7x average for its peer group, its promise of more revenue opportunities in the future could make it a good value grab.

...And why you shouldn't: Defence and military involvement is a shaky, controversial subject that many investors will want to distance themselves from.

Some investors may also be uncomfortable with the firms large overseas focus, with very little of its operations actually taking place in the UK.
Mining tycoon Ivan Glasenberg is eyeing his next fortune  from the electric car boom.

His Anglo-Swiss firm Glencore is one of the globe's leading producers of cobalt, copper and nickel, all vital for electric car batteries.

Amid Volvo's move to switch to electric-only car production and governments' focus on cutting carbon emissions, experts predict production of the vehicles could soar 12,000 per cent in 15 years.

Chief executive Glasenberg said yesterday: 'Just looking at those figures, they are phenomenal.'

Amid Volvo's move to switch to electric-only car production and governments' focus on cutting carbon emissions, experts predict production could soar 12,000% in 15 years

He said the requirement for copper would mean demand for another 2m tonnes of the metal a year, adding said: 'This is a phenomenon that definitely will have a major effect on nickel, cobalt and copper prices and the amount of production that the world is going to need.

'So we believe with that scenario we are well positioned for the future  we are very diversified by country. We are not reliant on one particular country.'

His comments came as Glencore said half-year profits rose 68 per cent to 5.1billion, helped by recovering commodities prices.

Debt fell by 1.2billion since the end of last year, to 10.6billion and, as announced in December, it is paying a dividend this year of 800million.

It marks a major turnaround for the company that was heavily shorted in 2015 amid a slowdown in demand from China, forcing Glasenberg, 60, to buy 160million worth of shares as part of a 1.6billion share issue.

He and other directors are now reaping the rewards of their faith in the company, whose share price has rocketed more than 350 per cent since lows of 73p in 2016 to around 331p yesterday.

But analysts at Jefferies said they were 'slightly disappointed' the company did not announce an anticipated extra return to shareholders yesterday.

Glencore is particularly well-placed to cash in on the boom in electric cars because of its cobalt mines in the politically unstable Democratic Republic of Congo.

Glasenberg, said it was well protected even if instability prevented them from producing copper from the mines, because that would push the price up globally, benefiting their other sales.
Britain's trade deficit climbed to 8.9bn in the second quarter

DEFICIT RISES Britains trade deficit climbed to 8.9billion in the second quarter of 2017, up 100million from the previous three months. The nation exported 200million more goods but imported an extra 300million.

TELECOMS FINE The Information Commissioners Office has fined TalkTalk 100,000 after the telecoms giant put personal data from 21,000 customers at risk.

A probe found data protection laws were broken after rogue staff from IT firm Wipro, working with TalkTalk, accessed data via an online company portal.

PROFIT UP Business bank Aldermore made a 78million profit in the first half of the year, up 32 per cent from the same period in 2017. Loans to customers climbed 8.4 per cent to 8.1billion.

EXPANSION SUCCEEDS Ramping up its store expansion boosted Card Factory, as sales rose 6.7 per cent in the six months to the end of July, while sales across stores open for more than a year surged 3.1 per cent.

NEW CHAIRMAN Energy firm Premier Oil has appointed a non-executive chairman, Roy Franklin, to replace Mike Welton, who leaves after eight years in September.

OFCOM BACKING A review of BTs cables and network arm, Openreach, has found the embattled firm has improved its services in the past year. Telecoms watchdog Ofcom has tracked Openreachs delivery of fibre broadband to businesses and said it passed five of six measures.

BANKING BOSS Former Citi banker Barry Rodrigues has been appointed boss of Barclaycards international arm.

NEWSROOM CONTRACT Software firm Scisys has won a 2.3milion contract to update a major German broadcasters newsroom systems.

SATELLITE SHIFT David Williams has stepped down as chief of satellite firm Avanti Communications.

VEGAS VETO The finance boss of gambling firm GAN, Desmond Glass, has left after refusing to move to Las Vegas.

SINGAPORE DEAL AIM-listed firm StatPro Group has secured a contract to move computer systems at Singapores central bank over to the cloud.

PRETTY PICTURE British video and photography equipment maker Vitec Group has posted a profits boost of 46 per cent, to 16.4million, for the six months to June 30.
Job fears: Asda bosses are reviewing 18 large UK stores

Hundreds of Asda staff could lose their jobs as the US-owned chain battles slumping sales and changing shopping habits.

Bosses are reviewing 18 large UK stores  where 10 per cent of the 3,257 roles could go.

Britain's third-largest retailer, taken over by US multinational Walmart in 2009, saw its profits plunge by 19.9 per cent last year to 657.2million amid revenues falling by 3.2 per cent to 21.7billion.

The low-cost supermarket has been facing a price war from rivals Aldi and Lidl and many analysts believe it has sacrificed shopping experience.

Customers at the 18 stores are also making smaller, more frequent trips for which they are more likely to use self-service tills, requiring fewer staff.

Asda is also understood to be reviewing staffing at a further 59 stores where it wants to move workers between departments.
Amazon paid just 15million of tax on booming sales of almost 20billion across Europe, new figures show.

Just two days after the Mail exposed how Amazon was due to receive a 1.3million tax rebate on its 7.3billion of retail sales in the UK, accounts filed in Luxembourg lay bare the full scale of the internet firm's tax bill.

Campaigners said the figures raised 'massive questions' about the firm's accounting practices, with MPs calling for the Government to rethink the way it taxes foreign technology companies.

Busy: Amazon paid just 15million of tax on booming sales of almost 20billion across Europe

On Thursday, the Mail told how Amazon UK Services arm  its warehouse and logistics operation that employs two-thirds of its 24,000 staff  more than halved its corporation tax for 2016.

However, these accounts did not include the sales Amazon made in the UK. According to accounts filed in the US these were 7.3billion. The full details of its European sales are wrapped up in a company based in Luxembourg.

These accounts now show that of 19.5billion of sales across Europe  of which 7.3billion was in the UK  Amazon paid a total tax bill of 15million.

This is not thought to include the figures already filed in the UK services arm.

The company insists profits have fallen due to the investment it has made across Europe. However, the opaque reporting structure further calls into question Amazon's tax affairs.

Paul Monaghan, director of the Fair Tax Mark campaign, said: 'It is an incredibly low rate of tax that Amazon is paying. That raises massive questions of concern. Until we get full country-by-country reporting we cannot find out what is really going on.'

Labour's Peter Dowd, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: 'It is deeply worrying that the Government has not taken the action needed to stop companies transferring their UK profits into low tax jurisdictions, or managing their tax bill down in other ways.

There is no suggestion that Amazon has acted outside the law, but the ability for some large global companies to undercut other UK businesses by lowering their tax liabilities is a stark illustration of the Conservatives' failure to ensure the tax system keeps pace with the way some companies operate.'

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable has also accused Amazon of taking ministers 'for a ride'.

Amazon has declared its UK sales to the taxman through a company based here since May 2015, thereby avoiding a diverted profits tax.

However its overarching European arm, Luxembourg-based Amazon Europe, reports overall sales on the continent.

For the year ending December 31, it reported a profit of 54million and a tax bill of just 15million. Its separate UK services division declared a turnover of 1.4billion.

Amazon said yesterday: 'Amazon pays all the taxes that are required in every country where we operate.

'We've invested over 20billion (18.2billion) in Europe since 2010, and expect to hire 15,000 new employees this year, bringing our total permanent European workforce to over 65,000 people.'
James Hawken: 'How are you legally allowed to take a management fee AND a huge exit fee having not earned a penny for me in years'

A saver has not seen a penny of growth on his 15,333 pension pot for 11 years, while shelling out 2 per cent in annual fees.

James Hawken, 48, condemned Phoenix Life for levying hefty charges on a pension with zero growth for years - and demanding a quarter of the fund if he moves it before he is 55.

He is among hundreds of thousands of savers left out of pocket after taking out 'with profits' products, which were touted as 'smoothing' returns during the ups and downs of financial markets.

Many have failed to deliver, while Equitable Life customers suffered big losses when it failed to make promised payouts.

Yet in a twist, a separate with profits pension Mr Hawken paid similar sums into in the mid-1990s has grown to nearly 41,000 now, and has no exit penalty.

Mr Hawken, a business owner from Northampton, has accused Phoenix Life of neglecting his pension investment while imposing unfairly high management and exit charges.

He also feels he was passed from pillar to post when he tried to complain to the firm, the Financial Ombudsman and City watchdogs.

'I don't understand how they can sit on my money, it doesn't earn a penny, there's no bonus, and they take a management fee for that and want a quarter of the fund if I move it. How is it moral?

'How are you legally allowed to take a management fee AND a huge exit fee having not earned a penny for me in years.

WHAT DOES 'WITH PROFITS' MEAN? With profits products come with a promise to 'smooth' payouts - some profits are put aside in good years to maintain payouts in bad years. With profits pensions peaked in popularity in the 1990s. They are now out of favour due to dwindling payouts, low annuity rates, and a lack of transparency about how charges are set, money is invested and bonus decisions reached.

'We must find out who wrote these rules that have allowed me to have no chance of any income improvement for my pension but allowed the people who work for this company to continue to charge me regardless.'

Phoenix Life says Mr Hawken's fund has high guarantees, and in the early 2000s was at a high risk that falls in its value meant it could not meet all of these guarantees.

Therefore, assets were moved from higher risk asset classes like shares and into lower risk one such as government and corporate bonds, and all policyholders were sent letters about this at the time. The company also defends its fees and exit penalty in a statement below.

Veteran financial adviser Brian Dennehy, managing director of FundExpert.co.uk, says some with profits pensions like Mr Hawken's took a big hit to investment performance in the early 2000s.

He questions whether regulators were to blame, claiming they panicked after the Equitable Life scandal and ordered some firms to sell stocks at the bottom of the market in 2003.

Dennehy says in similar cases in this period he recommended clients took control - transferred out of with profits, took the hit that involved, and worked to make up the lost ground with better investment choices.

'Nonetheless, neither Mr Hawken nor his adviser can be blamed for the appalling investment performance  this is clearly the major issue which needs addressing.'

WHAT SHOULD WITH PROFITS PENSION HOLDERS DO NOW? Brian Dennehy, managing director of FundExpert.co.uk, criticises the behaviour of regulators over this issue. He believes Mr Hawken and anyone else affected should pressure their MPs to get a Treasury Select Committee inquiry to look at what happened to their savings. Dennehy explains what happened to with profits investments after the Equitable Life debacle in more detail below.

Mr Dennehy says the management fee and the exit penalty would have been written into the terms and conditions of the pension policy, and short of legal action there was nothing Mr Hawken could do to challenge them now.

However, he says it seemed 'convenient' that the management charge had been subtracted over many years while the value of the fund remained static. And he suggests Phoenix could have reduced its fee for investment management, given the strategy apparently hadn't changed since 2003.

Upset with the lack of performance and fees attached to his pension with Phoenix Life - which had acquired it from original holder National Provident - Mr Hawken complained to the Financial Ombudsman earlier this year.

An FO investigator emailed in June to say she was not taking any action, because it was up to the Financial Conduct Authority to regulate Phoenix and its with profits funds.

Meanwhile, she noted the exit penalty was included in his Phoenix Life policy documents. The Financial Ombudsman declined to comment to This is Money about Mr Hawken's case.

Mr Hawken then turned to the FCA, and though he has not yet received a formal response, he says a staff member told him it would not respond to an individual complaint.

Frozen fund: Saver James Hawken wants to know why his with profits pension policy hasn't budged in value for 11 years

An FCA spokesman said: 'Whilst we cannot comment on individual cases, we expect firms to consider their obligations towards treating customers fairly. The FCA has detailed rules and guidance specifically for firms carrying out with-profits business. These include regulations about treating with-profits policyholders fairly.

'In line with our 2017/18 Business Plan, earlier this year the FCA commenced a review of companies with with-profits business. Whilst this work will not look at historic practices, one of our priorities is firms treatment of existing customers.'

Were regulators to blame for with profits losses, asks finance expert?

Brian Dennehy of FundExpert.co.uk, gives his take on what happened to Mr Hawken's pension fund and others like it in the early 2000s.

With profits was a fair low risk investment choice in 1997. In addition, National Provident was a reputable provider and its with profits fund had a decent allocation to the stock market, implying reasonable growth prospects for a younger person, he writes.

Brian Dennehy: 'Neither Mr Hawken nor his adviser can be blamed for the appalling investment performance  this is clearly the major issue'

It is not so clear that the specific product was a good one. This was a policy with charges based on the regular premiums continuing with little or no interruption until the retirement date.

Did Mr Hawken's circumstances in 1997 strongly suggest he could maintain contributions for the whole of his working life? And did he understand the high charges which would place a heavy burden on the policy if he was unable to continue paying the premiums?

However, the huge difference in performance between Mr Hawken's National Provident and GE policies suggests something else was having the biggest impact.

In December 1999 the stock market bubble began to burst. In the next three years the UK stock market fell 50 per cent, the low being March 2003.

To add to these woes, in December 2000 Equitable Life effectively went bust and closed to new business. This is where it gets interesting.

In its response to Mr Hawken's case, Phoenix Life (now the owner of National Provident) says that his with profits fund has 'high guarantees payable to some of the policies paid within it' and in the early 2000s the fund was at high risk that falls in its value could not meet the latter guarantees, so it sold all of the stock market holdings.

'Policyholders were sent a letter in 2003 informing them of this change to the fund's investments,' it says.

WHAT HAPPENED TO EQUITABLE LIFE? The with profits product provider developed a black hole in its finances which meant it couldn't afford the guaranteed pension payouts promised in its policies. Savers endured big losses, and accused City regulators of failing to spot Equitable Life was in trouble in time to protect them. A lengthy battle to win compensation from the Government eventually succeeded, although awards were not high enough to make up policyholders' losses. Read more here.

The story in the latter paragraph is one that continues to be spun by life companies and regulators, including the ombudsman.

National Provident sold its stock market investments near as damn it at the worst possible prices. Why?

It is not clear to me that what we saw in 2002-2003 was the independent action of National Provident. Our very strong sense at that time was that it was the regulators who were panicking, and a number of with profits companies were effectively told they had to sell their stock market holdings.

National Provident had been around since 1835, and had experienced many ups and downs. The whole point of the with profits funds was to smooth returns for investors, so they didnt need to worry during market downturns.

What was different about the downturn from December 1999? The big change was the role of the regulators.

It was clear to me in 2002-2003 that at least one major life company was forced by the regulators to sell their stock market investments.

I believe there is the very real possibility that, but for action by the regulators, National Provident would have been able to retain a stock market exposure which would have resulted in a very different outcome for Mr Hawken and other policyholders.

For perspective, the two charts below show the progress of the stock market and various bond alternatives from 1997 when the policy was taken out and from 1900. They put the panic (by some) in 2002-2003 in perspective.

From 1997: How has stock market performance stacked up against that of government bonds, known as gilts, and corporate bonds? (Source: FundExpert.co.uk)

From 1900: How has stock market performance stacked up against that of government bonds, known as gilts, and cash, referred to here as bills? (Source: FundExpert.co.uk and Credit Suisse Yearbook)

However, even if all of the latter could be proven with a high degree of certainty, let alone on the balance of probabilities, I know of no recourse against the Financial Services Authority, the then regulators and predecessors of the current Financial Conduct Authority.

That said, we are now far enough away from the events in question, with most key individuals having retired, that everyone could benefit from a thorough and honest investigation into what happened in 2002-2003.

Have you got a duff with profits policy? Are you holding a shrinking with profits policy, or one that hasn't budged in value for years? Finance expert Brian Dennehy reckons those affected should pressure MPs to get a Treasury Select Committee inquiry set up to look into what happened to their savings. Tell us your story, by emailing editor@thisismoney.co.uk inbox and putting 'With Profits' in the subject line.

Did the FSA panic? Were its actions reasonable or reckless? Have lessons been learned? These are serious questions which have never been asked and answered.

One possibility is for Mr Hawken to write to his MP, and request that the matter is taken up by the Treasury Select Committee, which could ask individuals to appear before them who were at the centre of events in 2002-2003.

Many are still suffering because of the actions of the few back then  but there has never been an airing of what really went on, and whether the actions of the regulator were fair or reckless, and were the main problem rather than part of the solution.

What does Phoenix Life say?

A Phoenix Life spokesperson made the following statement about James Hawken's with profits pension.

Mr James Hawken has a National Provident With-Profits Personal Pension policy, which he took out in April 1997.

The value of with-profits policies increases by the payment of bonuses. These can be payable annually and when the policy reaches its selected retirement date (as annual and final bonuses).

Deal or no deal? Deciding when to take 'with profits' benefits can be like playing the popular game show, writes retirement expert Alan Higham. Read his take on how to decide when to cash out of a with profits policy?

Once awarded, these bonuses cannot be taken away and ensure a guaranteed sum is payable at the customers selected retirement date. Therefore the current stated value of the fund of 15,333.96 is guaranteed if the policy is taken at Mr Hawkens selected retirement date.

Mr Hawken's policy is held in a fund that has high guarantees payable to some of the policies held within it. In the early 2000s the fund was at a high risk that falls in its value would leave the fund in a position where it could not meet all of these guarantees.

The fund therefore moved its assets out of higher risk asset classes such as equities and into lower risk asset classes such as bonds, issued by the UK government, and corporate bonds.

Higher risk assets such as equities are expected to provide higher returns over the longer term but their values are expected to fluctuate more significantly over the shorter term with a greater risk of there being sudden falls in their values.

This change in investment strategy protected the fund from further falls in equity values but also limited the funds potential for investment returns. All policyholders were sent a letter in 2003 informing them of this change to the funds investments.

The annual management charge covers the expenses of administering the policy and managing the underling investments. The annual management charges have been the same each year since the policys commencement.

An MVR [Market Value Reduction] is payable to ensure policyholders leaving the fund take a fair proportion and do not disadvantage those that remain.

Unfortunately, the annual bonuses that were added at the start of the policy were unsustainable, given the investments returns that were earned by the fund in the following years.

This means that the value of the units in Mr Hawken's fund are lower than the guaranteed value at his retirement date and therefore an MVR applies if he chooses to take the benefits before his original selected retirement date.

Please note that MVRs only apply on transfer or retirement before the selected retirement date stated in the terms of the policy. If Mr Hawken holds the policy until his selected retirement date, the MVR will not be applied.

As a more general note, with-profits can contain very valuable guarantees such as life cover and guaranteed annuity rates which make them attractive to hold on to but are also opaque and may not work as an effective investment if not held to the original selected retirement date or the customer stops the regular payments in the early years.
Corrections Director Scott Frakes has beefed up measures to make the states prisons safer for staff and inmates.

Frakes said in a news release Friday the prisons have increased searches, removed items that could be used to assault staff or destroy property, added staff equipment and increased the amount and frequency of programming for inmates.

The Department of Correctional Services is a component of Nebraskas law enforcement team that protects public safety. Even if corrections officers are less visible, they deserve the same support as police officers, firefighters and the military, he said.

Courage, loyalty, dedication and a call to service are the qualities you find in people who do dangerous and difficult work, Frakes said.

A segment of offenders, however small, will continue to present challenges, Frakes said.

Last year, about 224 staff assaults by inmates were recorded at the prisons, with 13 resulting in serious injuries.

More than 3,400 of the inmates in Nebraska prisons have a documented history of violence, Frakes said.

Within the past 27 months, five inmates have been killed, reportedly by other inmates, at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution.

A recent assault at the Tecumseh prison occurred in restrictive housing, the most secure area of the facility. An inmate was in restraints with two staff members present and he still managed to hurt people, Frakes said.

Inmates, such as the one in this case, who have the intent to hurt others, will always be working to find a way to do so, Frakes said. We are dealing with an inmate population that is comfortable using violence to get to what they want."

To address the challenges, the department is always looking to improve training and security while holding inmates accountable for their actions, he said.

The prisons have taken these actions:

* Increased searches of housing units, cells, common areas, kitchen workers and industries workers to prevent drug-induced violence and access to weapons.

* Removed padlocks from inmate property, potentially flammable items from inmate canteens, and batteries from restrictive housing.

* Equipped staff with radios with ear buds, body cameras in certain areas, and increased the potency of pepper spray staff members carry for self-protection and that they use to end an assault or other dangerous behavior.

* Increased the amount and frequency of programming for inmates, to produce changes in criminal thinking and behavior. Clinical treatment, such as the Violence Reduction Program, Moral Reconation Therapy and Thinking for a Change target violence and criminal thinking.

* Increased efforts with a centralized intelligence team to identify the most violent and disruptive inmates, as well as the people that direct others to commit violence.

* Developed a close management unit at Tecumseh and the penitentiary to better manage the high-risk population. These units provide a secure transition for inmates engaging in or orchestrating violence.

* Posted notices throughout prison housing units that it is a felony to assault a staff member. The agency investigates all staff assaults and refers them to a local county attorney for prosecution, Frakes said. Violent behavior can also lead to a loss of good time. Inmates committing violent acts are moved from general population to restrictive housing.

Our team members show up every day to keep dangerous people out of our communities and to ensure inmates completing their sentences are prepared to re-enter society, Frakes said. Empowering our team with the resources they need to do their job and providing for their safety on the job is my top priority.
Sir,



The post colonial education system of Swaziland does not serve its entire purpose of bestowing advantages to its graduates beyond its boundaries. Most commonly, Form V graduates of the basic education of the kingdom who did not attain acceptable results in tertiary institutions are wondering helplessly in Swazi communities, because there arent technical institutions to accommodate them for further education.

They resort to unacceptable community conduct of burglary, premature marriages, stock and animal thefts, violence of all margins and latitude, as well as all kinds of community destabilisations. This significant weakness can be solved in numerous ways to accommodate all basic education graduates of diverse social backgrounds, intelligence and educational inclination.



In the late 90s and early 2000, there was research aimed at uncovering measures to incorporate vocational education in schools to benefit learners. This was a positive input to exonerate the system and bring remission from guilt of complacency and rigidity. The education system isnt dynamic and flexible. A proper dynamic basic education system incorporates not only tertiary education credentials but it also imparts life skills, 21st century skills, vocational development, and welcomes everyone regardless of age, paternal status and beliefs.



It may resonate or reverberate in peoples inner quotient to mention dynamism in education. It is a blatant truth that times have changed and so are the educational demands and technology encroachment in education. In as far as our education system stretches in incorporating change, its not satisfactory. In many countries, learning has gone digital and incorporates 21st century skills. This stagnancy in education is attributed to the underperformance of the department, lack of skilled labour, lack objective leadership, lack of radical alliances with other countries and continuous monitoring.



In the country we have inspectors, one inspector per region per subject to perform such tedious and action oriented tasks and, as a result, their affectivity is compromised. In fact, they visit rural schools once in three to five years. Even if they wanted to bring meaningful and radical change in the department for the benefit of children, it is impossible to be effective.



The question of benefiting the children in the long-term continues to riddle with no genuine answer. The future of a Swazi child relies on a hugely beneficial curriculum, and a well marshaled education system. A challenge to the Ministry of Education to outperform themselves in that regard is right before themselves. There are specialists at the University of Swaziland who can assist in that regard. The ecstasy of success is unmatched by any means but the joy and pride of every parent resides on the success of the children they gave birth to.



C Gama






LOBAMBA  His Majesty King Mswati III has appointed Director of Public Prosecutions Nkosinathi Maseko as permanent Judge of the High Court of Swaziland.



His appointment was announced yesterday by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Edgar Hillary, during a press conference held at the Parliament conference room.

Section 153 of the Constitution of Swaziland gives the King powers to appoint judges, upon recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Maseko becomes the second DPP to be elevated to this position after Judge Mumcy Dlamini.



He possesses a BA Law and LLB, and served as an attorney in various law firms in the country, such as Douglas Lukhele Attorneys and Bheki G. Simelane and Associates and established his own law firm, NkosiNathi Maseko Attorneys, before joining government as a prosecutor.



While serving as DPP, he prosecuted a number of landmark cases, some of which are still pending before the High Court. One of the notable cases he prosecuted was that of Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko and The Nation Magazine Editor Bheki Makhubu. Maseko also handled the CTA fraud case which involves suspended Industrial Court President Sifiso Nsibandze and others. This matter is still pending in court.



His position will be taken over by Principal Crown Counsel Phila Sandile Dlamini, albeit on an acting basis. Dlaminis appointment was also announced yesterday by the minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Dlamini (54) is one of the long- serving prosecutors in the country after having joined the Civil Service in 1988. He holds a BA Law and LLB from the University of Swaziland.



After having joined government, he worked in various positions which include among others; court interpreter, Crown prosecutor, senior Crown Counsel, Registrar of the Industrial Court and Senior Crown Counsel (in charge of the Manzini Region).

He was also once attached to the National Prosecution Authority of South Africa- Asset Forfeiture. Dlamini also attended a legal indaba in East London.

Dlamini was a principal Crown counsel in charge of mutual legal assistance and extradition.



During his tenure as principal Crown counsel, he also attended a number of courses which include among others, judicial training on drugs related case work in eastern and southern Africa, prosecutors and investigators trainer workshop in Johannesburg, National Anti- Corruption Summit, represented Swaziland in SADC meeting of ministers of Justice and attorney generals, investigation and prosecution of corruption cases in Mauritius.
A U.S. Senate subcommittee recently took the right action on science budgets by voting to boost federal research funding in key programs that help maintain the nations economic growth.

But President Trumps proposed fiscal year 2018 budget contains deeps cuts to scientific research, and it will take more than just that one Senate vote to establish a better path.

The House must do its part. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry is a member of the House Energy and Water Development appropriations subcommittee, a subcommittee that has shown a willingness to support the federal research investment. Rep. Fortenberry must now work with his colleagues in the House to vote for robust, sustained budgets for federal science agencies.

A lot is at stake. The presidents spending plan calls for huge funding decreases to the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Institutes of Health. These federal agencies support cutting-edge research to address the nations most-pressing challenges, including our national security, education and health care.

Since the end of World War II, economists have determined that more than half of the nations economic growth can be traced to scientific discoveries and spin-off innovations, according to a 2014 report by the American Academy of the Arts & Sciences: Restoring the Foundation: The Vital Role of Preserving the American Dream. Those innovations have touched every part of our state economy  from advances in agriculture that have dramatically increased our crop yields, to breakthroughs in construction, manufacturing, and energy.

My own physics research, funded by the NSF and conducted at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has supported more than 90 UNL students during the last quarter of a century as they prepare for productive careers in an increasingly technology-driven society. Many of them work right here in the state of Nebraska.

Research that my students do has led to better ways to measure temperature and stabilize lasers. It has also provided deeper insight into the photochemistry of the upper atmosphere  here and on Jupiter.

During the past 25 years, NSF-funded research helped make us a world leader in innovation, by supporting research in the U.S. that led to 74 Nobel Prizes in physics, chemistry, medicine and economics. Theres a benefit to having those breakthroughs happen here at home: A 1 percentage point increase in public research and development investment as a share of GDP corresponds to a 10 percent increase in economic growth, according to a 2012 report by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.

Yet President Trump wants to cut the NSFs budget by 11 percent. If he is serious about making America great again, slashing the funding most responsible for maintaining our leadership in scientific exploration is a particularly poor way to start. Rep. Fortenberry and members of the House must reject the presidents proposed cuts to science.

Robust, reliable scientific funding is crucial for keeping the United States a global leader. But the United States has not kept pace with its counterparts in other parts of the world, including in Europe and Asia, where countries are ramping up their research and development programs.

Its clear to me, and history has proved, that investing in scientific research is a win-win for everyone. I urge Rep. Fortenberry and the House to make the necessary investment to keep our nation on a path that will lead to more innovation, boost economic growth and create jobs for all Americans.
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By Mark Hallum

Airbnb may require more complete information from guests if a bill introduced by state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) is passed.

The legislation would require people sharing their homes to maintain records of personal information on guests for a certain period of time and require legal identification upon check-in at the listing. Avella has been an outspoken opponent of Airbnb after constituents have expressed dismay at the rapid spread of rentals in northeast Queens, which at times violate zoning laws and safety regulations.

Airbnbs unwelcome proliferation in neighborhoods in my district, mostly by absentee commercial operators, has created a public nuisance and public safety risks that are simply unacceptable, said Avella. If Airbnb wants to act like a hotel, then it must be subject to the same basic transparency and disclosure requirements that all legal lodging establishments in the city of New York are responsible for.

The bill would force Airbnb renter to adhere to the same requirements for hotels and motels, while requiring background checks on guests and providing information to law enforcement if needed.

A home in Little Neck was the site of a July new conference hosted by Avella at which the Senator called attention to a listing that had series of fire safety violations and a vacate order from the city Department of Buildings.

The owner of the Little Neck home has since been banned by the website, but Avella has long taken to the streets in his district to fight listings which boast the ability to accommodate well beyond the capacity allowed by zoning laws.

A Broadway-Flushing home in July 2016 riled neighbors when the listing advertised the ability to accommodate dozens of people at a time for private parties. Residents claimed the street was overburdened with parked vehicles and strangers who came and went in violation of the one-family home zoning in the district.

Airbnb spokesman Christopher Nulty fired back at Avella with the assertion that he should support another bill introduced by state Assembleman Joseph Lentol (D-Brooklyn) who claimed would seek a middle ground between people renting short-term space and the law.

This is one of the millions of Airbnb listings in 65,000 cities around the world that offer travelers the chance to stay in homes and communities they might have missed if they stayed in a traditional hotel, Nulty said. It is unfortunate that a lawmaker who has taken tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from the hotel industry would introduce legislation that would punish hardworking New Yorkers. If Sen. Avella is serious about this issue, he should join Assemblyman Lentol in fighting for common sense legislation that allows New Yorkers to share their homes while protecting public safety and affordable housing.

Lentols bill would require people renting an entire dwelling for less than a month at a time, currently illegal according to city law, to prove they are full-time residents at the location they are listing before sharing their home for profit.

Donald Trumps boyhood home went up on Airbnb in June for $750 per night and the listing boasts accommodations for over 17 people at a time. The listing says guests can enjoy the company of a cardboard cutout of the president while watching Fox News in the living room.
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By Mark Hallum

A hero has emerged from the rubble of a tragic July 16 accident that killed a 16-year-old boy and injured several others on the Grand Central Parkway.

City Department of Correction Officer Keith Phillip was on his way to work on Rikers Island that Sunday morning when the southeast Queens resident came across the wreck near 188th Street. He quickly took action, utilizing his skills as a former emergency worker to help the survivors.

I was going to work for my 8 oclock tour, Phillip said. Right as I got onto the highway, I saw a massive pile-up. As Im driving, I automatically pulled over without even hesitating and ran across the highway. I saw a lady in her Mercedes Benz flipped over on the drivers side and she was banging on the rearview glass.

Phillip said he dashed back across the highway, using hand gestures to control oncoming traffic, so that he could retrieve a tire iron and other supplies to free the 38-year-old woman through the sunroof of her car.

According to police, her Mercedes had flipped while swerving to avoid the vehicle allegedly responsible for the wreck, operated by a New Jersey man who slammed into a guardrail with a car-full of people returning from a wedding.

Andrew Shakespeare, 33, of Roselle, N.J. was the operator of a 2014 BMW X5 SUV, which police said was traveling westbound at approximately 76 miles per hour in a 50-mph zone, when the collision occurred around 6 a.m. The wreck killed Akeam Grant, 16, who was ejected from the vehicle, as well as a front seat passenger, 34-year-old Layon Cambell. The two people who died were from Brooklyn.

Shakespeare was charged with two counts of second-degree manslaughter, assault, reckless endangerment and reckless driving, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown. He faces 15 years in prison if convicted.

After assisting the woman in the Mercedes, Phillip said he moved on to the next vehicle operated by Shakespeare.

I immediately went over to the next car that was flipped over, upside down. It was in pretty bad shape. They had one dead body on the side, and it was about four feet away from me, and they had three guys trapped inside the vehicle, Phillip said, taking a deep breath. I wasnt even thinking about anything but trying to help the guys.

One other vehicle stopped to assist and they began pulling people from the vehicle. One of the men had a compound fracture on his ankle, Phillip said, and another lacked sensation in his back.

Phillip went back to attend to the badly shaken woman recovered from the Mercedes. She had wanted to get her phone from her vehicle to call her husband. Phillip insisted that she use his phone to avoid further danger.

A wedding celebration ended in a horrific tragedy when one of the guests  the defendant  allegedly got behind the wheel of his vehicle, drove recklessly and at a high rate of speed on one of Queens Countys major highways before losing control and crashing into several vehicles and through a guardrail, resulting in the death of two of his five passengers  a 34-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy, who was ejected from the vehicle  and causing serious injury to three others, DA Brown said.

Phillip continued on to work in his usual fashion after aiding the accident victims, arriving at Rikers 15 minutes early, while many of his colleagues were delayed by the accident.

The correction officer said his eight years working in the emergency room of a Brooklyn hospital helped prepare him to be fast on his feet and take the initiative at the scene.
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By Gina Martinez

Former Flushing Councilwoman Judith Harrison died at age 97 last week after battling an undisclosed illness.

The controversial Democrat, who represented Flushings 19th District (now District 20) from 1986 to 2001, died Aug. 3.

Born Julia Hirsch on June 10, 1920, in Rochester, N.Y., she moved to Flushing in 1954 after marrying Joseph Harrison. Before entering politics she was a civic activist, working on union movements and parent-teacher associations. In 1968, she participated in Eugene McCarthys presidential campaign. After earning her bachelor of arts degree in political science from Queens College in 1972, Harrison joined the Democratic Club of Flushing, Whitestone and College Point, and was elected district leader for the New York State 26th Assembly District.

After an unsuccessful run in 1978, Harrison was elected to the Assembly to fill the vacancy caused by the election of the late Leonard P. Stavisky to the state Senate in 1983. Two years later, she was elected to the City Council.

Harrison had a successful run as a councilwoman. One of her biggest achievements came during her tenure as chairwoman of the Committee on Aging, where she led a campaign to assist seniors with the Senior Citizens Homeowners Exemption and Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption programs. Her committee also investigated elder abuse, elderly drug abuse, and the states Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program.

Harrison caused controversy in 1996 when she was quoted in a New York Times article expressing anti-Asian sentiments. In the interview, she said recent Asian immigrants were different from immigrants from Eastern Europe. They were more like colonizers than immigrants, she said of Asians. The money came first. The paupers followed, smuggled in and bilked by their own kind.

Harrisons Council career ended in 2001 when she was forced to give up her seat because of term limits. She was succeeded by John Liu.

Councilman Peter Koo (D-Flushing) offered his condolences to Harrisons friends and family.

Former Councilwoman Julia Harrison served Flushing during a transitional period in our communitys history, he said. I know she fought hard against her illness for a long time, which is a testament to her tremendous strength.

Harrison is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Aug. 18 at the Quinn-Forgetty Funeral Home on Northern Boulevard.
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By Bill Parry

The skirl of bagpipes was heard last Friday in Far Rockaway as Briar Place was co-named Detective Randolph Holder Way to honor the slain NYPD officer whose family home stands across the street.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, Police Commissioner James ONeill and elected officials joined 250 police officers, firefighters and residents to honor the 33-year-old who moved to Far Rockaway from Guyana in the early 2000s, officials said.

My son was a good disciplined guy, officer and a gentleman. He died doing what he did best, Randolph Holder Sr. said. Today is a bittersweet day. It started with a very sad day a year and nine months ago, but today is a very special day.

Holder Sr.s son was shot and killed in the line of duty on Oct. 25, 2015, during a foot pursuit along the FDR Drive promenade in East Harlem. Tyrone Howard, 32, a drug dealer known on the street as Peanut, was convicted of murdering Holder in April and is serving a life sentence in prison.

I was driving, shedding tears, Randolph Sr. said. I was driving and thinking about my son that I do not have here anymore. But one thing I do know is if he were here, he would be glad that this was happening to him. He, too, was a police officer in his native Guyana, as was his father.

The mayor called the fallen officer, who was promoted to detective posthumously, a great man who lived the American dream.

He came here to the Rockaways from Guyana to carry out a family legacy thats extraordinary, de Blasio said. We can remember his works and his imprint he left on so many. That is why we name things for good people.

Holder joined the NYPD in 2010 and worked with the departments Housing Bureau in PSA 5 in East Harlem.

While we know dedicating a street in his honor is worthy, we also recognize that it will never replace his humble demeanor,  his laughter and his love of calypso music, City Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton) said.

ONeill, who began his law enforcement career in 1983, said he has seen too many of these street co-naming ceremonies during his 34 years.

We put up signs to remember the heroes of the NYPD. As we move through the years, maybe some young man or young girl will look up at that sign and a person will tell them what a person Randolph Holder was, what a great job he did and why he became a police officer, and why people become police officers.
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
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ALBANY  Top state officials on Friday condemned a Facebook comment from wealthy hedge fund manager and major political donor Daniel Loeb in which he said the state Senate Democratic minority leader, who is African-American, has done "more damage to people of color than anyone who has ever donned a hood."

Loeb's comment, an apparent reference to the Ku Klux Klan, accompanied a link to a New York Times story about a remark that Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins made during a meeting with Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other Democrats last month. At that meeting, Stewart-Cousins, who represents portions of Westchester County, offered a retort to the governor's suggestion that her members didn't understand suburban concerns.

"You look at me, Mr. Governor, but you don't see me," the Times reported her as saying. "You see my black skin and a woman, but you don't realize I am a suburban legislator."

Those comments came in the context of Cuomo suggesting that Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein, D-Bronx, had a better understanding of the suburbs. The eight-member IDC splintered off from the main Democratic body in 2011 and are currently partnered with the chamber's Republicans.

Loeb wrote in the since-deleted Facebook post: "Thank God for Jeff Klein and those who stand for educational choice and support charter funding that leads to economic mobility and opportunity for poor knack (sic) kids. Meanwhile hypocrites like Stewart-Cousins who pay fealty to powerful union thugs and bosses do more damage to people of color than anyone who has ever donned a hood."

Loeb is a backer of charter schools and is chairman of the board for Success Academies, a New York City charter school network.

After the Times published its story Thursday night, Loeb pulled down the post and apologized.

"I regret the language I used in expressing my passion for educational choice," Loeb told the newspaper in a statement. "I apologize to Senator Stewart-Cousins and anyone I offended."

Senate Democratic Conference spokesman Mike Murphy rebuked the comment in a statement late Thursday night.

"In 2017 it is outrageous and offensive that this type of language is used by someone with such wide political influence," he said. "There is no place in our discourse, political or otherwise, for these dangerous words. Daniel Loeb should be utterly ashamed of his disgusting statements. This whole episode speaks volumes about the state of our politics right here in New York."

Klein said in a brief statement Friday that "the statements are wrong and have to be repudiated."

"I disassociate myself from such statements," he said.

Cuomo spokesman Richard Azzopardi told the Times that the Cuomo administration has "no connection with these comments whatsoever, and in our opinion they are entirely inappropriate and have no place in the public discourse."

Senate Republican spokesman Scott Reif said Loeb was right to apologize.

"These comments crossed the line and were clearly inappropriate," he said.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who is African-American, tweeted that Stewart-Cousins "is an extraordinary leader who I enjoy working with for the benefit of all New Yorkers."

"Daniel Loeb's comments were offensive and wrong on every level," he tweeted. "This is backward thinking which has no place in today's world."

Loeb is no stranger in the world of state politics: State Board of Elections filings show he has donate to Cuomo, Senate Republican candidates, the Senate GOP's campaign committee, Klein, the IDC and some Assembly Democrats.

mhamilton@timesunion.com  518-454-5449  @matt_hamilton10
SARATOGA SPRINGS - Every summer, the city is abuzz with horse racing fever. Spectators glory in the glamour, the million dollar purses and the sleek and well-groomed animals that capture the prize.

But there is so much more to the sport than just the finish-line glory. And fans who attend the Equestricon, the first and only fan festival to celebrate the sport of horse racing, will gain a deeper understanding of the Sport of Kings. And, according to Soledad O'Brien, a well-known television journalist and avid rider, it's not all sublime.

Giving a keynote address on Monday, the second day of the three-day festival at the Saratoga Springs City Center, O'Brien will talk about what the industry calls "aftercare" or a thoroughbred's life after its usefulness on the track is spent.

"It's not something that people in racing like to talk about," said O'Brien who owns two retired race horses. "But if the horses aren't rescued after they're off the track, they are slaughtered."

More Information Equestricon What: Horse racing convention featuring exhibits, demonstrations, and panel discussions covering a broad array of horse racing-related topics. When: General session - Monday-Tuesday, 14 to 15; add-on experiences begin Sunday, Aug. 13 Where: Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs Information and tickets: http://equestricon.com/visit-landing See More Collapse

Industry professionals, all of whom will be interacting with fans at Equestricon, including owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, veterinarian and racing journalists would take issue with this. Slaughter of horses is illegal in the U.S. But it is not in Canada. The website of Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue, where O'Brien adopted her thoroughbreds, Joey and Dezi, indicates it has "rescued more than 100 horses directly from auction houses .... where they are destined for slaughter." The website goes onto say that the farm, in Pawling, Dutchess County, adopts horses that are "still in their prime and are ready for new careers or to be companion animals."

And that is what O'Brien is really passionate about  seeing the transformation of retired racers. In her case, thoroughbreds 9-year-old Joey and 11-year-old Dezi were retrained as jumpers for her teen daughters who regularly ride.

"Adopting Joey and Dezi I had to forget all of my stereotypes about thoroughbreds," O'Brien said. "I was so surprised. They are not hot horses or uncontrollable. They are lovely to ride. Joey is the sweetest horse ever. So chill. He runs right up to you when he see you and wants belly rubs."

She said her keynote will focus on how to adopt rescued thoroughbreds. First, she said you need to find an accredited farm like Akindale or Rerun. She said the farm will match you with a horse that suits both horse and rider personalities.

"They won't give you any horse," she said. "You ride them around and see how you fit. There is really no downside to adopting a thoroughbred."

No downside, that is, if you don't factor in cost. Horses, to feed and house, are expensive. She said when she got Joey, he had problems with his ligaments and it took a long time and many veterinarian visits before he healed. But the joy of seeing the horses back up and running is invaluable.

"It just feels good," O'Brien said.



She said that some rescued thoroughbreds have quirks, like only wanting to run in one direction around a ring. But, she said, a "mature-minded" thoroughbred quickly learns new ways of moving. The horses have also taught her daughters an important lesson in responsibility.

"They learn to care for the horses by doing everything for them," she said. "They don't like mucking out the stalls, but they are close to their horses."

Horses also teach cooperation and collaboration, because she said, "you can't force a 1,000-pound animal to do something it doesn't want to do. My daughters learn patience."

She hopes that her talk will encourage others to adopt a thoroughbred in what she hopes will be "a smart and useful conversation."

"Horse rescue is exactly what is not talked about," she said. "Let's discuss it and talk about the real challenges and the real solutions. You don't need to be a professional. You just have to love horses. It's a really wonderful thing."
Saratoga Springs

The venerable downtown offices of The Saratogian newspaper closed forever Thursday, clearing the way for a Malta-based investor to redevelop a choice piece of real estate just a stone's throw from the bustling Broadway shopping scene.

After more than 80 years of calling the red brick building at 20 Lake Ave. its home, the daily paper is moving out of downtown Friday and into smaller offices in a professional building on Wells Street.

The paper's eventual departure had been assured since 2012, when its owners, New York City-based Digital First Media (DFM), sold the one-acre property to Frank Parillo, a developer from Malta who is part of the group that has developed the high-end 38 High Rock condominium project downtown.

As part of the $2.65 million sale by DFM, Parillo guaranteed the paper could stay as a tenant in the building for at least three years  which would have been a June 2015 deadline.

Parillo, who owns the property under affiliate Saratoga Prime Properties, has not announced his plans for the property, which occupies a city block bounded by Lake Avenue, Maple Avenue, Caroline Street and Pavilion Place.

A call to Parillo's office for comment was not returned. The property is currently assessed by the city at a full market value of $2.1 million, more than a half-million dollars less than the purchase price.

The departure of The Saratogian from downtown comes as DFM, which also owns the Troy Record, has slashed staff at both newspapers and sold their headquarters.

Since 2012, the hedge fund group Alden Global Capital has been the primary owner of DFM. During that time, staff at DFM newspapers has been cut by more than 50 percent, more than double the industry average, according to a study by The News Guild, a national union representing newspaper workers.

A real estate firm set up by former DFM executives has been brokering those sales. That firm is called Twenty Lake Holdings LLC  which also happens to be the address of the now-former Saratogian building.

In April 2013, DFM sold the Record building on Broadway for $2.65 million, according to Rensselaer County real estate records..

According to the News Guild report, since 2013 Twenty Lake has sold more than 125 DFM newspaper-related properties in 23 states, worth a total of $230.2 million.
The parent company of Applebee's and IHOP restaurants is going through some major changes that will see as many as 160 locations close.

USA Today reported that the company declined to release when and where closures would occur  including any Capital Region locations.
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Concord, Mass.

Henry David Thoreau went to the woods because, as he famously put it, "I wished to live deliberately."

Two centuries after the "Walden" author's birth, people are still deliberately following in Thoreau's footsteps to discover Walden Pond, the little lake he immortalized.

Whether you're visiting Boston or the Berkshires, the pond and the town of Concord are worth a side trip. Here's why:

More Information If you go Walden Pond: Located in Concord, Mass.; http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-north/walden-pond-state-reservation.html or (978) 369-3254. Open daily year-round; hours vary by season. Getting there: Walden Pond State Reservation is most easily accessible by car. Parking is $15 for out-of-state license plates, $8 for Massachusetts plates. From Boston, you can ride the MBTA commuter rail (Fitchburg line) to the Concord stop; then take a taxi or Uber to the pond. Admission to the reservation and visitor center is free. Tips: Dogs, fires and camping aren't allowed. Only boats with electric motors are permitted on the pond. See More Collapse

Walden Pond

A retreating glacier formed it 10,000 or so years ago, but it was Thoreau  born in Concord 200 years ago this summer on July 12, 1817  who really put Walden Pond on the map. He spent two years and two months in solitude and reflection on its shores, writing "Walden" (the book's full title is "Walden; or, Life in the Woods"), about grasping at the meaning of life by living simply and coexisting with the natural environment.

Today, Walden Pond is a popular fishing hole stocked with trout and frequented by walkers, boaters, swimmers, sunbathers and birdwatchers. You can wander the shaded dirt path hugging the oblong pond; at 1.7 miles, it's perfect for walkers and runners of all abilities, and its serenity provides a spectacular backdrop for foliage in autumn.

A can't-miss attraction on Walden Pond State Reservation is the reconstruction of the tiny wooden cabin where Thoreau lived and worked. There's also a gleaming new solar-powered visitor center that opened last October, featuring interactive exhibits about the man considered a founder of the modern environmental movement. The pond and center draw about a half-million visitors from each year.

Thoreau at Walden

Thoreau made a big splash at Walden Pond.

Working at a simple green desk in the cabin he built himself, the former schoolteacher completed "Walden" in 1854. One hundred and 63 years later, it's a classic known for lines such as, "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation," and, "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."

But Thoreau was many things  philosopher, naturalist, transcendentalist, abolitionist  and he wrote other acclaimed works, including "Civil Disobedience," an 1849 essay in which he agitated against slavery and government overreach.

Concord and environs

About 20 miles northwest of Boston, Concord is famous for Revolutionary War landmarks enshrined in Minute Man National Historical Park, a leafy spot to picnic and learn more about the first battles that led to American independence from England.

Thoreau isn't the only renowned writer who created here: Ralph Waldo Emerson sketched out his celebrated essay "Nature" in town, and it's the hometown of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin.

The Concord Museum houses some truly iconic Americana, including the lantern that hung in a church steeple Paul Revere's fateful 1775 ride warning that the British were coming.
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Two people face charges of criminally negligent homicide for leaving an intoxicated man to freeze to death along a North Country road, State Police said.

Jason Guay, 42, of Mooers was found dead March 5 on Route 11, troopers said. The temperature dropped to minus 5 degrees overnight, investigators said.
Forty homes in the Capital Region are expected to be saved from foreclosure with a new $7.6 million Community Restoration Fund launched by the state to purchase mortgages in foreclosure.

The state has taken on the mortgages of 398 homes homeowners modify loans to make it financially feasible for families to stay while also connecting owners to nonprofits that can give one-on-one guidance.

Other areas across the state also will benefit from the endeavor, like the Mid-Hudson region where the state has taken on 78 homes and the North Country where seven homes mortgages have been purchased.

"Every New Yorker deserves a safe place to call home," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a news release Thursday. "This program gives New Yorkers at risk of losing the American Dream the opportunity to get back on track and to make necessary repairs - helping to preserve their homes and their neighborhoods."

More Information By the numbers Home mortgages taken over in the Capital Region, based on county: Albany: 11 Rensselaer: 1 Saratoga: 3 Schenectady: 19 Warren: 2 Washington: 4 Home mortgages taken over by region: Capital Region: 40 Central New York: 11 Finger Lakes: 13 Long Island: 203 Mid-Hudson: 78 Mohawk Valley: 6 North Country: 3 Southern Tier: 7 Western New York: 37 See More Collapse

The bulk of the loans taken over in the Capital Region were in Schenectady, with 19, and Albany, with 11. The rest were scattered among Rensselaer, Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties.

When mortgages cant be changed to make it more affordable for the homeowner to stay, or if the owner doesnt want the home, state Homes and Community Renewal and nonprofit partners can offer resources to the owner to start fresh while ensuring the property isnt abandoned and is quickly repaired and resold.

The funding for the program came from settlement funds paid to the state by Morgan Stanley for its role in the mortgage crisis. The program was initially announced during this years State of the State address and targets areas north of New York City that have been hardest hit by vacant and abandoned buildings.

Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said some of the families are struggling to pay their mortgages made at the height of the financial crisis.

"Now that New York has stepped in, we can offer them relief and the ability to stay in their homes for the long term, she said. In other cases, we will work with our community-based partners to get vacant or distressed properties renovated and put back into productive use."
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ALBANY  Gov. Andrew Cuomo banned hydrofracking in 2014, but that hasnt brought an end to controversies over the natural-gas drilling technique.

On Thursday, anti-fracking and other protestors called on Cuomo to block a pipeline connection that would supply gas to an under-construction power plant in Orange County.

A halt to the Millennium pipeline feeding the CPV power plant could send a message that not only does New York ban extraction, but the state is also clamping down on the use of natural gas from beyond its borders in favor of renewables such as wind or solar.

If the plant opens, though, demonstrators say it could set a precedent for even more gas generators.

Its important that we shut it down, said movie actor James Cromwell, who lives near the CPV site and earlier in the summer was arrested during a sit-in in front of the plant and sentenced to seven days in jail.

Cromwell joined other climate and environmental advocates, including author Bill McKibben and former U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, in Thursdays demonstration at the Capitol in Albany.

In addition to their argument that fossil fuel plants like CPV contribute to global warming, the demonstrators, who numbered between 250 and 300, offered a uniquely New York twist to their argument  the CPV plant was an element in the federal governments corruption case against former Cuomo aide Joe Percoco.

Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York allege that Percoco took bribes from CPV officials for help in seeking a price guarantee for the 680 megawatts of power the plant is expected to generate.

That price guarantee was never granted.

Nonetheless, demonstrators pointed to the CPV-Percoco connection, bringing a load of mock Percoco Ziti boxes to the governors office at the Capitol.

The criminal complaint against Percoco notes that the suspects used ziti as a code word for bribes.

The charges against Percoco and others prompted the Cuomo administration last year to cut off communications with CPV. That policy remains in place, the governors spokesman, Richard Azzopardi, said.

CPV spokesman Mike McKeon said the plant already has the permits needed to start operating in 2018.

But the pipeline, operated by the Millennium Pipeline Co., is needed to bring gas to the plant, which is what demonstrators were focused on Thursday.

Without gas, CPV could generate power with fuel oil, said McKeon.

For the plant to use natural gas, Millennium needs to complete a 7.8 mile lateral, or spur, from its main line in the area to the plant.

A water permit application is before the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The permit is needed to build through or under streams in the area.

DEC has said it will decide on the application by the end of August.

If DEC were to take no action, the decision would then be left to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, said Pramilla Malick, who heads a local group opposed to the project.

While the federal regulators generally favor such plants, they are also backlogged with applications.
400 houses inundated in Tilathi

Around 400 homes got flooded and a man went missing when the rain-swollen Khado river breached its embankment in Rajbiraj, Saptari, on Thursday.
U.S.-North Korean relations are at their lowest point in more than 60 years. The North Korean regime has never been more isolated or desperate. Rhetoric on both sides continues to escalate. The specter of nuclear war is real and the time for American leadership to avert this global crisis is now.

The way forward is through China. North Korea's continued viability is completely dependent on its neighbor. China provides most of its energy, financial backing and trade activities. China can steer North Korean leader Kim Jong Un toward de-escalation, but the United States must first make it in China's best interest to do so.

The Trump administration's actions on North Korea to date appear reckless and weak. Threatening the North Korean regime with nuclear annihilation has already backfired. When President Donald Trump stated further threats would result in unmatched "fire and fury," this was immediately met with more threats from the Kim regime. The world is watching as these two leaders lose control of the situation. In the process, the United States is losing credibility.

With unanimous United Nations Security Council support, China is now key to a peaceful and satisfactory resolution when North Korean nuclear designs are reversed. However, if President Trump continues to threaten China, circumstances will only worsen and time is short to defuse the situation. China is under no obligation to be helpful to us, but if we offer incentives, I believe they can be persuaded to act accordingly.

Toward that end, we should offer to help China in areas where they are presently frustrated  specifically the South China Sea. Chinese President Xi Jinping's "One Belt, One Road" strategy, among other goals, seeks to expand fishing and natural gas exploration to support economic development. Those priorities were stymied by the recent Hague international tribunal decision that sided with the Philippines and limits Chinese claims in the South China Sea.

The Philippines is an ally and this is a delicate issue, both sides make fair points. The way forward is to offer to broker these negotiations in exchange for China's immediate intervention in North Korea. There are several reasons why China might be open to this offer.

First, China does not want to see a nuclear war; second, the consequences of a failed North Korean state would put significant strain on China; and third, help from the United States on a critically important issue to them would strengthen their case and world standing. In return, we would expect China to secure a commitment from North Korea to de-nuclearize their military and stop threatening their neighbors. In exchange, North Korea would receive assurances of productive regional talks toward an improving economy and the possibility of new international trade agreements and support.

Approaching the crisis in this manner, with iron-clad verification measures, provides the opportunity for major wins for the United States, China, North Korea and the region.

Importantly, in this crisis, there is opportunity for a course correction in U.S. grand strategy and U.S.-Asian relations. In Congress, I opposed the poorly negotiated Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. I firmly believe TPP was not only bad proposed policy, it also represented poor strategy. TPP was an attempt to diplomatically outflank China by reaching an agreement with many other nations in the hope that China would then move to our bargaining positions. In that process, our negotiators gave away way too much and offered the American people a bad trade deal.

Meanwhile, China continued to gain stature throughout Asia and beyond. The Trump administration was right to reject TPP, but let's remember the key lesson: Rather than attempt to outflank the Chinese, we should sit down together to negotiate an all-encompassing bilateral agreement. This agreement should address all facets of security including North Korea, the South China Sea, anti-terrorism efforts, as well as trade, intellectual property, currency manipulation and the environment. As two of the world's leading powers who benefit from the current international power arrangement, it is in our mutual interests to do so.

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Central here: the Trump administration must change its grand strategy. "America First," although appealing in some respects (Americans are tired of endless war and want their interests put first), ultimately is perceived as American weakness abroad due to its inherent isolationism. Indeed, the current crisis with North Korea has been exacerbated by Trump's incoherent strategy of oscillating widely between isolationism (during the campaign Trump suggested that Japan and South Korea should pursue nuclear weapons to deter the Kim regime) and doomsday-like rhetoric threatening nuclear Armageddon.

What we need instead is a steady strategic approach of "Peace Through Strength" built upon tenets of realism and resolved American leadership. This entails a strong military and thriving U.S. economy to strengthen the hands of diplomats pursuing opportunities for collective defense that enhances deterrence, stabilizes regions and advances U.S. interests. As witnessed twice during the 20th century, "America First" isolationism doesn't work. It failed to prevent the rise of totalitarian regimes that threatened American liberty nor did it preclude U.S. involvement in the ensuing World Wars, which was its stated aim. We need strong leadership that protects Americans with formidable defenses and possesses the wisdom to avoid unnecessary military conflicts while persuading nations toward negotiated settlement of differences.

Let's peacefully resolve this crisis with strong American leadership and then change course strategically to make life better for all Americans, including working-class families like the one I grew up in here in upstate New York. By doing so, the world will also be a safer and better place.

Chris Gibson is the former U.S. Representative for the 19th District. Prior to Congress, Gibson spent 29 years in the military and served four combat tours in Iraq. He is the Stanley Kaplan Distinguished Visiting Professor of American Foreign Policy at Williams College and the author of the forthcoming book, "Rally Point: Five Tasks to Unite the Country and Revitalize the American Dream," which will be published by Twelve Books in October.
The next Nenagh Walkers Sunday walk is August 13 when they travel to Moylussa in County Clare in a change from the original timetable.

Moylussa is 532m in heights and is part of the Slieve Bernagh range. The contact is Mary, 087-2265926.

All Sunday walks depart from Kenyon Street Car park at 11am, unless otherwise stated.

Other walks to look forward to over the next month or so are Latteragh and our autumn outing to West Cork on September 8.

On Friday, September 8, Aidan, 087-9836750, will take the members for a hike along the top of Healy's Pass to Knockowen. This walk is for experienced walkers only.

All other walks for the rest of the weekend are low level leisurely walks suitable for all walkers.

On September 9, there will be a visit to Bere Island guided by Aidan.

On September 10, the group will take the cable car to Dursey Island and for those able to stay on until Monday, they will be guided by Willie to O'Sullivan Beara's homestead ruins of Dunboy Castle around Boulin Bay.

Sunday's and Monday's outings will be guided by Willie, 087-6633577.

The club's Tuesday evening hikes continue on August 15 with Tountinna, meeting at Spar Shop, Portroe at 7.15pm. Walks approx 1.5 hours. Contact Paddy, 086-8562444, or Mary, 087-9735164. There are only a few more of these Tuesday evening hill walks remaining so come along before the dark nights set in.

Mystery Hikes continue Thursday mornings meeting at Tesco Nenagh at 10.30am.. Contact Willie 087-6633577 for more information.

The club will host a meeting this Thursday, August 10, in the Hi B at 8pm.
[August 10, 2017] Georgia Cyber Academy Kicks Off 2017-2018 School Year

Students and teachers at Georgia Cyber Academy (GCA), an accredited, full-time online public charter school program, head back to the virtual classroom on Aug. 14th. A statewide school available to students in grades K-12, GCA offers students a rigorous and engaging curriculum. GCA offers a unique opportunity for students to find an academic setting that is right for them, no matter their needs. "Students enroll at GCA for a variety of reasons," says middle school assistant principal Michelle Blackwell. "Thanks to the flexibility of online learning, we can support their unique needs." Georgia state-licensed teachers facilitate online classes for students from across the state, and are also able to provide one-on-one support to students and their families through email, phone and face-to-face gatherings. Regular school outings to museums, parks, and other educational sites foster connections within the GCA community. "I enjoy working at an online school," says academic advisor Wendy Oleksinski. "Not only does GCA offer the innovative use of technology, it also offers a rigorous curriculum and additional layers of family support when needed." Students across all grade levels take the core subjects of language arts, math, science, and history, as well as additional offerings in appropriate grade levels, such as music, art, world languages and physical education. Highschool students have access to a robust catalogue of core and elective courses, and can further set themselves apart by earning both high school and college credits through dual enrollment at a network of over 70 colleges statewide.



To learn more about enrollment, visit http://gca.k12.com/how-enroll.html and connect with school leaders at an upcoming in-person or online information session at http://gca.k12.com/events-calendar.html. About Georgia Cyber Academy

Georgia Cyber Academy (GCA) is an accredited full-time online public charter school program that serves students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. As part of the Georgia public school system, GCA is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the curriculum and tools provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's leading provider of K-12 proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information about GCA, visit http://gca.k12.com. About K12, Inc. K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN) is driving innovation and advancing the quality of education by delivering state-of-the-art, digital learning platforms and technology to students and school districts across the globe. K12's curriculum services over 2,000 schools and school districts and has delivered more than four million courses over the past decade. K12 is a company consisting of thousands of online school educators providing instruction, academic services, and learning solutions to public schools and districts, traditional classrooms, blended school programs, and directly to families. The K12 program is offered in more than seventy K12 partner public schools across the country, and through private schools serving students in all 50 states and more than 100 countries. More information can be found at K12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170810006145/en/

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BLUE APRON INVESTIGATION INITIATED by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Investigates Blue Apron Holdings, Inc. for Possible Securities Fraud - (APRN)

Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into Blue Apron Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: APRN).

On August 10, 2017, Blue Apron released its first post-IPO earnings report revealing a loss of 47 cents a share, or $31.6 million, during the second quarter, a notably higher loss than analysts' expectations. The Company also reported a rise in costs of 86% or $65.7 million. This follows the recent sudden resignation of the Company's co-founder and Chief Operating Officer as well as reports of staffing cuts.

On this news, the price of Blue Apron's shares plummeted, down significantly since its late-June IPO.

KSF's investigation is focusing on whether Blue Apron and/or its officers and directors violated state or federal securities laws.

If you are a Blue Apron shreholder and have suffered losses, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ([email protected]), or visit http://ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-aprn-investigation/ to learn more.







About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include the former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is a law firm focused on securities, antitrust and consumer class actions, along with merger & acquisition and breach of fiduciary litigation against publicly traded companies on behalf of shareholders. The firm has offices in New York, California and Louisiana.

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170810006287/en/
[August 10, 2017] The University of Liverpool Celebrates Graduation of Nearly 1,100 Online Students Worldwide

LIVERPOOL, England, Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Graduates from the University of Liverpool's online master's and doctoral degrees, and postgraduate certificate programmes gathered to celebrate their achievements during ceremonies and events in Liverpool between 17 and 21 July 2017. More than 540 graduates from a graduating class of nearly 1,100 students, representing 117 countries, attended the celebrations. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/69935/university_of_liverpool_online_programmes_logo.jpg "It is a privilege to recognise the achievements of our online graduates who, along with their families, have travelled to Liverpool to graduate alongside our campus graduates," said the University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Janet Beer. "With their new knowledge and skills, we are confident this new class of graduates will have a positive impact in their workplaces, the organisations they serve and communities around the world." In addition to attending the campus ceremonies, the graduates, their families and friends, as well as faculty members, were welcomed at the Online Graduates' Recognition Cereony and Reception at St George's Hall, Liverpool on 20 July. The event also honoured approximately 20 graduates from several online programmes who received Student of the Year Awards, given for outstanding performance throughout the programme, and Dissertation of the Year Awards. It also provided an opportunity for all online graduates to meet and network for the first time with their peers from around the world.



"The opportunity to dialogue with fellow students from all over the world and to learn from their experiences was wonderful. I gained a much better global perspective and learned a great deal during my programme," said Dr Anne Pousette, a Master of Public Health (MPH) graduate and Dissertation of the Year Award winner from Canada. Designed for working professionals, the University of Liverpool's fully online learning model enables students to earn an advanced academic degree without interrupting their career  from wherever they are based in the world. Students enjoy an engaging, global and highly collaborative learning experience that provides them with the knowledge and skills to achieve immediate professional impact.

Graduation ceremonies are held twice a year at the University of Liverpool and graduates from the online programmes have the option to receive their degree certificate in person. For more information about the University of Liverpool's online programmes, visit www.online.liverpool.ac.uk. About the University of Liverpool Online Programmes

The University of Liverpool ranks in the top 1% of universities worldwide as listed in the International Handbook of Universities, published by the International Association of Universities (2014), and is a member of the UK's Russell Group of research-led universities. Students from more than 160 countries are studying for postgraduate certificates, master's and doctoral degrees online with the University of Liverpool. These programmes are provided in partnership with online learning expert, Laureate Online Education. For more information about Laureate, visit www.laureate.net. SOURCE University of Liverpool online programmes

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Bimstec members agree to deepen cooperation

The 18th session of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) senior officials meeting held in Kathmandu on Thursday underlined the need for early finalisation of the Bimstec Free Trade Area Agreement, signing of a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of grid connection, and conclusion of memorandum of association on the establishment of a technology transfer facility.
[August 11, 2017] Sodexo Partners IDFC Bank and RuPay to Launch Premium Pass, an Ideal Employee Gifting and Rewards Solution

MUMBAI, August 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sodexo, the leader in employee motivation and benefit services in India, announced the launch of Sodexo Premium Pass, a digital employee gifting solution, in partnership with IDFC bank and National Payments Corporation of India's (NPCI) RuPay. The launch is a significant step in Sodexo's digital journey in India. The gifting solution has two variants - the 'Premium Pass - Celebrations' for gifting during festivals and special occasions, and 'Premium Pass - Rewards' for ongoing employee and channel reward, and recognition programs. (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/544232/Sodexo_Premium_Pass.jpg )

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/544231/IDFC_RuPay_Sodexo_Logo.jpg )

The cards will be accepted at over two million retail outlets and across all major online portals on the RuPay network. Sodexo's three million daily consumers across 11,000+ clients will now get access to this new offering. Stephane Michelin, CEO, Sodexo BRS India said, "Sodexo is committed to address the needs of its clients, which makes the company introduce new and innovative solutions to better address the increased sophistication of the Indian HR and incentive practices. Premium Pass is a 'personalized' gifting solution and also gives the employees of our clients, access to exciting value deals and discounts from leading brands, exclusive for Sodexo cardholders. This increases the purchasing power of their employees far beyond the actual value of the gift. We are delighted to partner with IDFC Bank and RuPay to present this unique offering to our clients and look forward to creating an unparalleled experience for our consumers through new age technologies in the benefits and rewards space."



Avtar Monga, Executive Director, IDFC Bank, said, "The launch marks IDFC Bank's foray into the prepaid card space, with solutions that are convenient, secure and transformational. Gift cards work as digital incentives for corporates and merchants, and are an alternative to traditional gifting. When these cards are made reloadable, and coupled with savings and credit-building capabilities, they serve as a bridge to the financial mainstream. Our partnership with Sodexo will take customer experience in the digital prepaid segment to the next level. It will alsoenable the bank to address a diverse set of customers, who could potentially upgrade to a longer-term financial services relationship."



Mr. Dilip Asbe, Chief Operating Officer, National Payments Corporation of India said, "We welcome the valued customers of Sodexo and IDFC Bank to RuPay's robust acceptance network. We believe market potential for prepaid cards are huge and this strategic partnership is aligned to tap the niche segment." Both variants of the Sodexo Premium Pass are personalized and secure PIN-based cards. They can also be linked to the mobile app for easy transactions on the go. The consumers will be eligible for tax savings on up to Rs. 5,000 per year on these cards. Sodexo's clients will have the benefit of ordering and loading these cards from a simple, user-friendly interface that they already use for the meal benefit solution. This offering is poised to usher in a new era in festival gifting, rewards & recognition in India.

About Sodexo Benefits & Rewards Services India The Sodexo group works towards improving the quality of daily life for clients, consumers and merchants across the world. Sodexo BRS, India's No.1 Employee Motivation & Benefits Services provider is a partner to over 11,000 HR Leaders since 20 years. Our Employee Benefit Solutions are customized to meet specific needs of organizations and help them develop their best motivated workforce. Sodexo BRS offers a range of employee benefit solutions, which include Meal Pass, Cafeteria Pass and Premium Pass. Sodexo reaches out to over 3 million beneficiaries across 1,500+ cities servicing through over 45,000 touch points. To know more, please visit: www.sodexobenefits.in or Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. About NPCI National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) was set up in 2009 as the central infrastructure for various retail payment systems in India and was envisaged by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as the payment utility for all banks in the country. From a single service of switching of interbank ATM transactions through National Financial Service, the range of services has grown to Cheque Truncation System, National Automated Clearing House (NACH), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS), USSD based *99#, RuPay card, Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), BHIM Aadhaar, National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) and Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS). To know more, please visit: Facebook: NPCI and RuPay or Twitter: NPCI and RuPay.



About IDFC Bank IDFC Bank (BSE: 539437, NSE: IDFCBANK) is a subsidiary of IDFC Ltd (BSE: 532659, NSE: IDFC). Headquartered in Mumbai, IDFC Bank is a universal bank, offering financial solutions through its nationwide branches, internet and mobile. Envisioned as a new age bank, IDFC Bank seeks to set a new standard in customer experience, using technology and a service-oriented approach, to make banking simple and accessible, anytime and from anywhere. In keeping with IDFC's legacy of building the nation, IDFC Bank will focus on serving the rural underserved communities and the self-employed, while continuing to support the country's infrastructure sector. IDFC Bank provides customized financial solutions to corporates, individuals, small and microenterprises, entrepreneurs, financial institutions and the government. With best-in-class corporate governance, rigorous risk management, experienced management and a diversified team, IDFC Bank is uniquely positioned to meet the aspirations of its customers and stakeholders. http://www.idfcbank.com or Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Sharon Batliwalla

Marketing Manager

[email protected]

+91-9819773064

Sodexo SVC India Private Limited





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[August 11, 2017] PharmaLytica 2017: A Gateway to the Pharma Analytical, Laboratory, Pharma Machinery and Packaging Industry

HYDERABAD, India, August 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- - Over 100 new exhibitors participated at the PharmaLytica event; Over 150 exhibitors participated in the 4th edition of PharmaLytica - Leading industry leaders discussed the latest industry trends and innovations taking place in the Pharma Industry

UBM India, organisers of CPhI and P-MEC India, the leading global pharma trade show and conference, today hosted the 4th Edition of PharmaLytica 2017 (11th - 12th August). The two day event was inaugurated today by Chief Guest Shri. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary to Government of Telangana, Industries & Commerce (I&C) Department & Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (ITE&C) Department, in the presence of Guests of Honour, Dr. Rao Vadlamudi, President, Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA); Shri. Madan Mohan Reddy, Chairman, Pharmexcil and Director, Aurobindo Pharma; Dr. Ravi Uday Bhaskar, Director General, Pharmexcil; Mr. Avinash Talwar, Director & Head - Global Sourcing, Dr Reddy's Laboratories; Mr. AVPS Chakravarthi, Director, Ecobliss; Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India and Mr Rahul Deshpande, Group Director, UBM India, at the HITEX Exhibition Center. (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/544247/4th_edition_PharmaLytica.jpg )

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/542604/PharmaLytica_2017_Logo.jpg )

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/469712/UBM_India_Logo.jpg )

PharmaLytica 2017 is considered to be an ideal platform for pharma professionals from the Analytical & Bio Tech, Lab equipments & Lab Chemicals, Pharma Machinery and Packaging sub-sectors, to keep abreast with innovations in the growing businesses of India's pharma industry. Over 100 exhibiting companies have participated for the first time at the show, reiterating its acknowledged pole position in the South. The 4th edition of the expo has witnessed participation from over 150 exhibitors from across the country including notable industry players such as Standard Group of Companies, Sanitt Equipment & Machines, Gandhi Automations, Mack Pharmatech, S.K. Pharma Machinery, Sterimax Engineering, Utopia Optovision, Rahul Enterprises, Chemipack India, Shree Naina Glass, Komal Industries, Allpharm Technologies, Subodh Engineering, Kirloskar Pneumatic, Integrated Cleanroom Technology, Accura Pharmaquip Inos Technologies among others. On the day one of the PharmaLytica, a series of insightful sessions were organized to discuss the growth phase of the Indian pharma industry, the challenges it faces and how it can again truly distinguish itself in the global pharma industry in the years to come. Having made a mark in the bulk drug sector, Indian pharma companies have also started focusing on R&D, drug inventions and investing in new age technology and machinery for an all round, faster and efficient growth. In view of the increasing scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administrators, Mr. Tadashi Koshida, Overseas Sales & Technical Suppot, Asia Pacific, Fuji Electric, spoke about the key challenges faced by the pharma companies from food drug administrators authorities (FDA), importance of Data Integrity and the Do's and Dont's from the regulators perspective. Elaborating on the transformational change witnessed among the Indian pharma companies, Mr. G. Sunder, GM-DQA at NATCO Research Centre, spoke about the importance of the data analytics and QC laboratory regulaory inspections compliance. Other sessions included - Pharma Preservation in a Cold Storage by Mr. Gunna Kiran, CEO - Gubba Cold Storage; Camera Inspection System by Mr. Kartik Khanna, Director, Shree Naina Glass; Validation - A bare necessity for Pharma Industry by Dr. Subbarao V. Kattamuri, Director- Head of Operations, India, Aztec Consulting; Innovation in Packaging by Mr. Vishesh Gupta, Director, P.R. Packaging Ltd. and FDA Approved Simulation for Pharma Industry by Mr. Srikanth Kankekar, Country Manager, Customer Solutions, CADEFM Engineering Services India Pvt. Ltd.



Speaking at the inauguration of the 4th edition of PharmaLytica, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India said, "Analytical, Biotechnology, Lab equipments, Pharma Machinery and Pharma Packaging in India is set for huge augmentation owing to quality, research, regulatory and environmental compliances. Therefore, the need of the hour for Indian industry players is to achieve maximum efficiency from the potential of today's landscape with better product and service offerings. To further market these offerings to a wider audience and in-turn stimulate trade amongst this niche Pharma sector, UBM India brings the 4th edition of PharmaLytica which will not only enable the exhibitors and visitors to network and connect but will also help the pharma community to pick up the latest industry trends and inventions pertaining to these sectors with its power-packed conferences." Industry speak:

Shri. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary to Government of Telangana, Industries & Commerce (I&C) Department & Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (ITE&C) Department, said, "I would like to congratulate UBM India's PharmaLytica for 4 successful years of being. It makes perfect sense to hold PharmaLytica in Hyderabad, as it is the pharma hub of India, and it gets to reiterate this claim with the setting up of the largest pharma city in the world, with over 15,000 acres space dedicated to all aspects of the industry. It is through huge forums as PharmaLytica where visitors and exhibitors can analyse how their work gets complemented by the building of a dedicated Pharma City. I am sure buyers and sellers will find PharmaLytica extremely insightful and fruitful, and I wish it all the best. Mr. Madan Mohan Reddy, Chairman Pharmexcil and Director, Aurobindo Pharma, said, "We are at a crucial juncture where the pharma industry has to keep on upgrading its way of thinking, and innovating. There is no scope of sustainability otherwise. It has to understand the latest developments, analyse them and integrate them in the larger scheme of things. It is in such an environment that a platform like PharmaLytica helps to propel the industry forward. I must congratulate UBM for the professional way it has been conducting the pharma expos worldwide and moving things in the right direction. I am delighted that one of the ways which a key body like Pharmexcil gets to proactively support the cause of the industry is through forums such as PharmaLytica." Dr. Rao Vadlamuri, President, Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), said, "I would like to convey my sense of gratitude to platforms such as PharmaLytica. It is absolutely essential that trade shows meet technocrats and service providers meet manufacturers to get the complete picture and rise up to the challenges the pharma sector is giving rise to. UBM India is doing a wonderful job in the sector, and as President of IPA, I would say that while choosing Hyderabad as the venue is really justified, it would be great to approach other hubs in India that are rising as well. They too need all the exposure and support that a platform of this stature affords." Mr. Gopal Malawade, Branch Head- Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. said, "We are delighted to be a part of PharmaLytica 2017. It's indeed a great platform for us to connect with our existing and potential customers from the pharma industry. Kirloskar Pneumatic is one of the leading suppliers of the refrigeration systems that are used for HVAC and various cooling applications. This year, we are showcasing our New Generation Series Vapour Absorption Chiller, which has already earned a leading position in the industry by offering considerable cost savings in CAPEX & OPEX for our clients." The event also featured an Innovation Gallery with eight participating companies showcasing their innovation and latest technology. The companies that represented under the Innovation Gallery are Biopharmax India Pvt. Ltd., Galaxy Sivtek Pvt. Ltd., Gandhi Automations Pvt. Ltd., Scientific Research Instruments Company Private Limited, S. K. Pharma Machinery Pvt. Ltd., Landsky Engineers Pvt. Ltd. and Orbit Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad. PharmaLytica 2017 is being held at a time of vital transformation for the pharma sector. Currently, the National Pharma Policy is being drafted by the Government to ensure, much like its far-sighted 'Pharma Vision 2020' campaign that India emerges as a true global leader in drug manufacturing. Issues of affordability and availability of medicines through the Drug Price Control Order & the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority are being aggressively addressed, along with a reduction of approval time for new facilities, to boost investments. PharmaLytica 2017 will help the pharmaceutical community network, engage in significant levels of market intelligence and voice the combined opinion on these trending subjects. The expo is well supported by associations that include Pharmexcil, The Association of Contract Research Organisations (ACRO), Confederation of Indian Pharmaceutical Industry (CiPi) and Bulk Drug Manufacturers Association (India) BDMA. About UBM India: UBM India is India's leading exhibition organizer that provides the industry with platforms that bring together buyers and sellers from around the world, through a portfolio of exhibitions, content-led conferences and seminars. UBM India hosts over 25 large scale exhibitions and 40 conferences across the country every year; thereby enabling trade across multiple industry verticals. A UBM Asia Company, UBM India has offices across Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai. UBM Asia is owned by UBM plc which is listed on the London Stock Exchange. UBM Asia is the leading exhibition organizer in Asia and the biggest commercial organizer in mainland China, India and Malaysia. For further details, please visit ubmindia.in. About UBM plc: UBM plc is the largest pure-play B2B Events organiser in the world. In an increasingly digital world, the value of connecting on a meaningful, human level has never been more important. At UBM, our deep knowledge and passion for the industry sectors we serve allow us to create valuable experiences where people can succeed. At our events people build relationships, close deals and grow their businesses. Our 3,750+ people, based in more than 20 countries, serve more than 50 different sectors - from fashion to pharmaceutical ingredients. These global networks, skilled, passionate people and market-leading events provide exciting opportunities for business people to achieve their ambitions.



For any media queries please Contact:

UBM India Pvt. Ltd.

Roshni Mitra

[email protected]



Mili Lalwani

[email protected]

Tel: +91-22-61727000





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[August 11, 2017] Ryan Principal Jeff Nolan Appointed by Governor Ducey to the Arizona State Board of Equalization

DALLAS, Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ryan, a leading global tax services firm, announced today that Jeff Nolan, a Principal in the Commercial Property Tax practice, has been appointed to serve on the Arizona State Board of Equalization (SBOE) by Arizona Governor, Douglas A. Ducey. The appointed members of the SBOE are tasked with hearing and deciding property tax appeal cases for both centrally valued and locally assessed properties. Members are highly qualified and experienced in property valuation, property tax appeals, appraisal, or condemnation.



Ryan's Property Tax practice is the largest in North America, with nearly 700 professionals in 39 locations across the United States and Canada. Mr. Nolan is located in the Scottsdale, Arizona office and has more than 30 years of experience specializing in property tax consulting services for commercial property owners and managers, including tax appeals and exemptions. "Jeff Nolan's wealth of experience will provide valuable insight to the board on assessing and valuing Arizona properties," said G. Brint Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Ryan. "We are proud that Jeff has been asked to play such an imprtant role for setting fair valuations that safeguard property owners and taxpayers across the state of Arizona."



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.

PRESS INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Aubele

SVP, Chief Marketing Officer

Ryan

972.934.0022

[email protected] View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ryan-principal-jeff-nolan-appointed-by-governor-ducey-to-the-arizona-state-board-of-equalization-300503297.html SOURCE Ryan

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[August 11, 2017] Freedom Mobile Employees Reject Company Offer, Seek Renewed Bargaining

WINDSOR, ON, Aug. 11, 2017 /CNW/ - Seeking more respect and fairness from a successfully rebranded and growing telecom business, Freedom Mobile's call centre employees in Windsor have voted to reject a substandard contract offer from the company. "These employees make a huge contribution to Freedom Mobile's success and this vote should kick-start renewed talks toward a fair collective agreement," said Ken Neumann, National Director of the United Steelworkers (USW), which represents the 185 customer care employees at Freedom Mobile's Windsor call centre. "It is completely reasonable for these employees to expect that their hard work and years of service should count for more," Neumann said. The Windsor call centre employees joined the USW in January and began negotiations for their first collective agreement in March. Last week, Freedom Mobile tabled what it called a "final offer" and the union's bargaining committee agreed to put it to a vote by employees, with a unanimous recommendation by the committee for rejection.



The company's contract offer was reviewed by employees Thursday during four meetings held throughout the day at a Windsor hotel. Employees held a secret-ballot vote and the offer was rejected.

"This was not the right way for Freedom Mobile and its parent company Shaw Communications to display how much they value their employees," said Lee Riggs, President of the Telecommunications Workers Union, USW National Local 1944, which represents more than 11,000 telecommunications sector workers across Canada. "Freedom and Shaw have the means to do better by their employees. Now they have a new opportunity to do that," Riggs said. "We are ready to return to the bargaining table right away to negotiate a fair deal that is good for employees and for the company," said a joint statement from Jasen Gannon, Tanya Travis Dunn and Christian Poisson, Freedom call centre employees and members of the union's elected bargaining committee. "Our members work hard every day in an environment that can often be stressful. In recognition of our contributions to the company's success, we are asking for fairness, respect and reasonable improvements to our working standards," the employees stated. "After counting the votes last night, I contacted Freedom's lead negotiator to tell him that we are ready and willing to meet anytime, anywhere, to resume negotiations to achieve a fair collective agreement," said Bryan Adamczyk, USW Staff Representative. "We expect that Freedom will do the right thing and agree to resume good-faith negotiations with its employees," Adamczyk said. SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

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SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Announces an Investigation Involving Possible Securities Fraud Violations by Certain Officers and Directors of TransDigm Group Incorporated

Levi & Korsinsky announces it has commenced an investigation of TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:TDG) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.

On March 21, 2017, California Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA (News - Alert)) wrote a letter to the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, calling for an investigation into whether the Company has potentially engaged in "waste, fraud and abuse in the defense and industrial base." Then on June 12, 2017, TransDigm stock fell after reports that Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Defense urging an investigation of TransDigm after "monitoring reports that suggest TransDigmhas used a variety of tactics to avoid sharing cost information with the government for parts or which it is the sole source supplier." To obtain additional information, go to:







http://www.zlkdocs.com/TDG-Info-Request-Form-5502

or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972.

Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, California, Connecticut and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise in prosecuting securities litigation involving financial fraud, representing investors throughout the nation in securities and shareholder lawsuits. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170811005423/en/
[August 11, 2017] SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Goldberg Law PC Announces an Investigation of Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited

Goldberg Law PC, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited ("Dr. Reddy's" or the "Company") (NYSE: RDY). If you purchased or otherwise acquired Dr. Reddy's 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 Dr. Reddy's and certain of its officers and/or directors violated federal securities laws. On November 6, 2015, the Company announced that it received a warning letter issued by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration concerning inadequate quality control standards at three of the Company's manufacturing plants in India. On this news, shares of Dr. Reddy's fell in value. On August 10, 2017, the Company disclosed that the Regulatory of Germany (Regierung von Oberbayern) did not renew the good manufacturing practices compliance certificate of a formulations manufacturing unit of its German subsidiary Betapharm Arzneimittel, located in Hyderabad, India, following a recent inspection of the plant. Following this news, shares of Dr. Reddy's dropped in value. 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/20170811005439/en/

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[August 11, 2017] Shore Power Project completed - Cruise ships can now be powered by electricity at the Port of Montreal

MONTREAL, Aug. 11, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) is pleased to announce that its shore power project has been completed and that vessels docking at the Port of Montreal's new cruise terminal can now be powered by electricity. This two-pronged project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2,800 tonnes per year. Shore power is a very effective way to reduce air emissions from marine diesel engines. It leads to better ambient air quality by enabling ships to turn off their engines and connect to the power grid for the power they need while they are docked. A two-pronged project This is the first green initiative of its kind in Quebec. The project was rolled out in two phases. The first was shore power for wintering vessels and the second, for cruise ships. In 2016, the MPA developed four power supply stations at berths 25, 27, 29 and M2 for vessels that winter at the Port. As part of the rehabilitation of Alexandra Pier and the cruise terminal, the MPA had the necessary equipment installed to provide shore power for cruise ships, working with its technical partners. To provide a sufficiently powerful power supply for cruise ships, Hydro-Quebec installed a new 25 kV line to supply the new substation installed at the cruise terminal in 2016. For its part, Schneider Electric designed and built the equipment needed to install the electrical substation. Carried out in 2016 and 2017, these works led on July 29 to the successfully completed, first ever connection to Holland America Line's cruise ship, the MS Veendam. A winning partnership for greener port operations The total project cost was $11 million. The government of Canada is contributing up to $5 million under its Shore Power Technology for Ports Program. The government of Quebec contributed $3 million under its program to imprve marine, air and rail transportation efficiency to reduce GHG emissions (PETMAF en matiere de reduction des emissions de GES). The MPA, for its part, contributed $3 million to the project.



"The Government of Canada is committed to maintaining a safe, efficient and green transportation system. By taking action to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution, we are improving the lives of Canadians while investing in the future of cleaner transportation. New and emerging technologies are laying the groundwork for Canada's present and future economic growth", said the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport. "This investment, which will make it possible to consolidate the Port of Montreal's position in the international cruise network, demonstrates the Government of Quebec's commitment to contribute to Quebec's economic development, in keeping with the principles of sustainable mobility. In addition to optimizing the energy efficiency of a marine transportation sector, the investment is major backing for implementing a project that benefits the environment. Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under our assistance program are remarkable, both in terms of the resulting GHG reductions and the introduction of new technologies related to marine transportation," said Laurent Lessard, Quebec Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification.

"Working in concert with our various partners and improving air and water quality are among the MPA's main guidelines for sustainable development. Now completed, this shore power project will result in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, offsetting virtually all the GHG emissions for which the MPA is responsible," said Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the MPA. "I warmly thank the governments of Canada and Quebec for their generous contribution to the project that enables the Port of Montreal to keep providing efficient, modern and improved infrastructures to its clients and to remain a leader in environmental protection." "We would like to congratulate the Montreal Port Authority on their initiative to offer cruise ships the opportunity to use shore power when the ship is docked. This is another fine example of the extraordinary potential of our clean renewable energy during the energy transition to transportation electrification," said David Murray, President of Hydro-Quebec Distribution. "The Montreal Port Authority has demonstrated environmental leadership through the implementation of shore power at the new Cruise Terminal in Old Montreal. Schneider Electric Canada and the Montreal Port Authority can be proud of this innovative and sustainable solution that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves the quality of life for port communities and the world at large", said Juan Macias, President of Schneider Electric Canada. About the Port of Montreal Operated by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of Montreal is the second largest port in Canada and a diversified transshipment centre that handles all types of goods: containerized and non-containerized cargo, liquid bulk and dry bulk. It is a leading container port served by the largest container shipping lines in the world. The Port of Montreal has its own rail network directly dockside. It is connected to the two national rail networks and a highway system. The Port operates a passenger terminal. All other terminals are run by private stevedoring firms. Port activity supports 16,000 jobs and generates $2.1 billion in economic benefits annually. SOURCE Administration Portuaire de Montreal

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We're launching a full month of surprises to say thank you to our most loyal subscribers!
Cross-border power line added to PMs wish list

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba will request India to expedite construction of the 400 kV Butwal-Gorakhpur cross-border transmission line during his upcoming visit to New Delhi. The power line project has lain in limbo since the southern neighbour began having second thoughts about its commercial viability.
IS IT WISE FOR LEGISLATOR CRYSTAL WILLIAMS TO TAKE ON JACKSON COUNTY EXEC FRANK WHITE???













Election season in Jackson County is coming up sooner than most people think and politicos at the Courthouse are desperate to distance themselves from the human rights crisis at the jail that's far worse than most political drama.In a recent podcast interview, Crystal Williams was more than willing to admit that she was pretty much powerless as a legislator and the jail hot mess was solely the fault of Exec Frank White. She talked about his power over the budget but failed to mention that legislators can always vote to amend or propose legislation of their own . . . So far the Legislature hasn't done much but complain.But more important than legislative moves is a question of optics:The attacks from Legislator Dan Tarwater seem more calculated as he has one last chance to run for the big chair . . . But Crystal Williams ranting is a different story. While Exec White's popularity has taken a hit, he'll always be more beloved that this high ranking Hillary Clinton campaigner even if the jail goes up in flames . . . Which seems more likely with every passing day.Check more links on the topic:You decide . . .
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The man convicted in a April 2016 deadly shooting in a Price Chopper parking lot has been sentenced to 24 years in prison. Fazon K. Swinton was convicted of murdering 39-year-old Jacob Brantner. Swinton was sentenced to 20 years for 2nd degree murder, and 4 years for armed criminal action.
Drawing lines

Kalapani is often lost in the chorus of centuries-old Nepal-India relations or in the din of Indian meddling
From Variety:





The incident, which several fans captured on their phones and posted on social media, shows Spears asking the crowd, Are you guys having fun? Upon quickly noticing the commotion going on behind her, she asked, visibly shaken, Is something okay? Whats going on?





Security guards blocked Spears and escorted her off stage, while her dancers and more security guards subdued the intruder. Fans chanted ahole as the man was ushered out of the venue.

Billboard: According to the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, officers arrested 37 year-old Jesse Webb for trespassing during Spears' concert. "Webb was asked to leave the concert by security prior to him jumping on stage and dancing," read a statement from the department.

Busy day on the blog and behind the scenes, and so we conclude today's posting with a consideration of old school pop princess hotness and a hometown fanboy gone too far . . .And then . . .Actually, he DID NOT have a gun.And so, today we learn that the road to fame (or an embarrassing brush with it) is fraught with peril and there's nothing to do but laugh after getting smacked down by cheap showbiz choreography.Hopefully, more for the morning update . . .
- On Sunday there was a tense scene at 34th and Prospect as neighborhood denizens didn't think police should've killed a gunman who dropped his weapon then picked it back up and targeted cops before they were forced to fire on him.





- This week, a car chase that involved Kansas City & Independence, MO authorities ended with a vehicle crashing into a mobile home as the victim of a police shooting stole a cop car before his demise that shocked nearby onlookers.





- At the end of July on the 4300 block of Chestnut Avenue police were called to the scene of a domestic violence incident where a man with a gun yelled shoot me multiple times and KCPD fired and killed him in the midst of 20-minutes worth of negotiations as nearby residents witnessed the horrific scene.

AS ACTIVISTS VOICE GRASSROOTS FRUSTRATION WITH INCREASING POLICE OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTINGS . . . INSIDERS FEAR KANSAS CITY AND SURROUNDING MUNICIPALITIES STAND AT THE PRECIPICE OF "ANOTHER FERGUSON" ANTI-POLICE REVOLT!!!

A trio of controversial and deadly officer-involved shootings have evoked the ire or Kansas City activists who have long criticized local law enforcement.Over the past couple of weeks, here's a quick roundup of the most controversial cases . . .Accordingly . . .While these shootings might seem justified to some to others they are a rationale for growing anti-police sentiment among a increasingly large number of residents. Moreover, local activists are gearing up to make the recent spate of police officer-involved killings a rallying cry for local law enforcement reform.And so . . .Nowadays, in this social media connected era, it's important to see understand the narratives and perceptions that define our reality . . .. . . Which is the point of this story.You decide . . .
The remit of the Ephorate of Cycladic Antiquities may be the group of islands in the Aegean Sea, but its administrative offices are located in one of the most charming parts of old Athens, Kathimerini reports and adds in the following article that the entrance faces the Ancient Agora in Plaka and that Ephorate director Dimitris Athanasoulis has a view of the Acropolis from his office:

One of the Ephorates greatest ongoing projects at the moment is the restoration of the Episkopi, a 3rd century Roman burial memorial on Sikinos. It was turned into a church in the 7th century. At the same time, the Ephorate has overhauls of more recent structures to worry about.

The Cyclades is one of the most interesting archaeological regions in the world, but the fact that it comprises islands presents its own complexities, says Athanasoulis. All 27 of its inhabited islands are individual regional units, each with smaller districts therein. Beyond those you have the even smaller islets that have ancient artifacts but are uninhabited. Between the inhabited and uninhabited islands with artifacts, you can understand why the Cyclades have the largest network of archaeological museums and collections in Greece. A number of the buildings used for these are in dire need of modernization as many were built in the 1960s, he says. Then there are a few islands, such as Kythnos, which dont have a museum, he continues.

The largest such renovation project is currently under way in the Kastro district of Naxos town. Besides the fact that the archaeological museum draws far more visitors than it was originally designed for, the collection has grown too, Athanasoulis explains. The exciting plans foresee the creation of a museum village: Three medieval buildings are undergoing renovation and will house artifacts spanning the prehistoric to the Byzantine period. The current archaeological museum building will feature ancient and Classical era items. The Glezos Tower will showcase medieval and Byzantine artifacts and the Prompona mansion will be transformed into a museum of Cycladic culture.

The Ephorates head also draws attention to the in situ character of the island museums. In Athens, for example, we see figurines which have been taken out of the environment where they were discovered. On Naxos, though, the exhibits are part of an excavation trying to produce a more complete picture of the way people in the Aegean region lived during various parts of history.

Delos island is a priority for the Ephorate because the city and sanctuary had been neglected for years. The museum is also in need of a radical facelift. Athanasoulis says that funding from the National Strategic Reference Framework (ESPA) is insufficient to covers the costs. Consequently, the Ephorate has reached out to municipal authorities on the neighboring island of Myconos, enabling them to get started on some reconstruction work. Another problem is staffing as the state is not willing to provide contracts including the winter months. Efforts are being made to find private sponsors, following the example of the Paul and Alexandra Canellopoulos Foundation, which funded the restoration of the Stoa of Philip V. There are also collaborations with the French School and the Special Superintendency for the Archaeological Heritage of Naples and Pompeii.

Santorini, stresses Athanasoulis, is the prime destination for archaeological tourism in the Cyclades. Its Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri draws more than half a million visitors per year. Delos, on the other hand, attracts 120,000 visitors. Santorini has received financial backing from Russian billionaire Eugene Kaspersky, who donated funds for the upkeep and care of frescoes at Akrotiri. It also appears he wants to see finds from Akrotiri exhibited at museums around the world.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Vijinn License: CC-BY-SA

Source: ekathimerini.com
One of the auditors said he had received a threatening phone call from the suspect

ATHENS  With Greece trying to get restaurants on tourist islands to pay taxes, a restaurateur who refused to let tax inspectors closed her business and was charged with trying to intimidate them was given only a one-year suspended sentence by a Greek court.

According to the case file, auditors of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR) had arrived at the restaurant in order to seal it and suspend its activities for 48 hours over its owners failure to comply with tax regulations, Kathimerini reported.

They said they were verbally assaulted by the owner, who was not named, and that she tore up the order sealing shut her restaurant, defying them and tax authorities, one of a number of such incidents in which the inspectors are berated or face attempted bodily harm.

One of the auditors said he had received a threatening phone call from the suspect. The local union of tax officials issued a statement condemning the incident and demanding protection of its members from incidents.

The court also ordered the suspension of the restaurants operation for 12 days instead of the original two. Brief shutdowns for refusing to obey tax laws means restaurants which are caught will pay relatively small penalties, making it more attractive to keep breaking the law as they dont face permanent closure.

In July, a businessman who owns several bars and restaurants on the island of Patmos reportedly beat up a tax inspector trying to audit the business. Island restaurants have a notorious reputation for not giving receipts, jacking up bills and being tax cheats.

Its common on Greek islands for tax officials to be threatened, even if police are nearby. In 2012, a team of tax inspectors and investigators from the Greek financial crimes squad SDOE were assailed by 200 people at a religious festival on Crete.

According to reports, local residents took offense that the tax inspectors chose that day to conduct raids on businesses for tax code violations with a large group at a taverna instigating the assault, heckling the officers and threatening them with violence if they didnt leave the village.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Europa credito urgente License: CC-BY-SA

Source: thenationalherald.com
Ending bad blood

Criminalising the practice of Chhaupadi is a milestone in Nepali womens fight against patriarchy
Expedite rescue works in flood-affected areas of Saptari: Home Minister

Home Minister Janardan Sharma on Friday directed the concerned authorities to expedite rescue works after the Khado River changed its natural path and entered into human settlements at Deuribharuwa in Rajbiraj Municipality-15, Saptari.
New Delhi, August 11

Industrial output entered the negative territory in June contracting by 0.1% mainly due to decline in manufacturing and capital goods sectors.

Besides, segments like mining, power generation, infrastructure/construction goods and consumer durables recorded poor performance.

Factory output, measured in terms of Index of Industrial Production, grew 8% in June 2016, according to the data released by the Central Statistics Office today.

On a quarterly basis, factory output growth during April-June slowed down to 2% from 7.1% in the corresponding period last year.

This is the first time in the current fiscal, the industrial output has shown a decline. The IIP grew by 3.4% in April and 2.8% in May as per the revised estimates released today.

Manufacturing sector, which constitutes over 77% of the index, showed a decline of 0.4% in June as compared to a growth of 7.5% in the same month last year.  PTI
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 10

A local court today remanded Haryana BJP chief Subhash Baralas son Vikas Barala and the latters friend Ashish Kumar in two-day police custody in the stalking and attempt-to-abduction case. The victim, Varnika Kundu, is the daughter of an IAS officer.

Pleading for two-day remand, the public prosecutor told the court that the police needed to reconstruct the crime scene and find the motive behind stalking and attempt to abduct the 29-year-old disc jockey. The police also wanted to unearth how the accused came to know the victim, what was their intention behind committing the crime and whether they had any criminal background.

Opposing the remand, defence counsel Surya Prakash contended that the accused were not following the girl. No more interrogation is required as the accused were there with the police for the past four days whenever they asked them to join investigation. It is a media trial and the case has been hyped. The police are acting under pressure. No weapon has to be recovered from them.

Civil Judge Barjinder Pal Singh, meanwhile, asked them to wait. He went inside his room twice. Thereafter, after studying the case reports, he granted two-day remand to the police.

The accused were re-arrested and charged with attempt to abduction on Wednesday after the local police were criticised for applying only bailable Sections in the FIR. The duo was booked under Sections 354-D (stalking) and 341 (wrongful restraint) of the IPC and 185 (driving by a drunken person or by a person under the influence of drugs) of the Motor Vehicles Act on August 5 and was granted bail. After much hue and dry, the police yesterday re-arrested and added Sections 365 (kidnapping or abduction with intent to confine a person) and Section 511 (attempt to commit an offence punishable with life imprisonment) of the IPC.

Meanwhile, reacting to the development, victims father Virender Kundu said, The law is taking its course. the matter is sub judice.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 10

The two accused were made to sleep in the lock-up of the Sector 26 police station on Wednesday night.

Vikas and his friend Ashish Kumar were taken for a medical examination from the police station after their arrest in the evening. Sources said on their return, the accused were interrogated and then made to sleep in the lock-up. They were provided with two blankets at night. Security was stepped up outside the police station.

The accused were brought out of the police station in the afternoon today and taken to the court. Sources said the police station staff were instructed not to click the pictures of the accused.
Amit Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 10

Vikas Barala (23), son of Haryana BJP chief Subhash Barala, and his friend Ashish Kumar (27), who were arrested for a bid to abduct 29-year-old Varnika Kundu, denied the charges during interrogation. However, they admitted that it was their SUV after the police confronted them with CCTV footage.

The two were arrested on the night intervening August 4 and 5 after they allegedly chased and tried to block the victims car with their SUV while she was heading home. Despite the victims statement to the police that an abduction attempt was made, the two were subsequently released on bail as they were charged under a bailable offence. Later, the abduction bid charge was added to the case following which they were arrested.

Sources said during interrogation, the police confronted the two by showing them the CCTV footage gathered from various places, including a liquor shop from where they purchased a bottle of beer. The sources said the accused admitted that the vehicle in the CCTV footage was theirs. However, they denied the allegations.

The footage of the liquor shop shows one of the accused walking out with a beer bottle around 11.20 pm on August 4. The police also have footage of the Sector 7 market where the accused parked their vehicle and had beer. It was from the Sector 7 market that the accused started stalking the victim till the Housing Board light point.

Cops reconstruct crime route along with Vikas

Sources said on Thursday night, a team of the UT police reconstructed the route on which the stalking incident took place. Vikas Barala was accompanying the police. The sources said the police and the accused stopped at the Sector 7 market. Barala was made to show the place where they had parked the SUV to drink beer. The accused was then taken on the route on which the victim was stalked.

Earlier, the police had reconstructed the route along with the complainant.

Sidelights
Gas stations launch protest programme

Gasoline stations have launched a protest by stopping to receive deliveries of fuel over a dispute with Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) regarding compensation for shrinkage loss.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 10

Hiding their face, the two accused entered the courtroom amid tight security arrangements.

Haryana BJP chief Subhash Baralas son Vikas Barala kept his face covered with a handkerchief even inside the courtroom.

The only time he removed his handkerchief was when the Judge asked him about his name and address. His friend Ashish Kumar, too, kept his face covered with his hands inside the courtroom.

While being escorted out of the courtroom, the two did not interact with the media. The youths appeared tense and nervous in the courtroom.

The District Courts in Sector 43, Chandigarh, were abuzz with activity since morning. Electronic media vans were seen stationed outside the court complex since 8.30 am.

Around 2.20 pm, the police brought the two accused to the court complex. In an attempt to give mediapersons the slip, the police took the entrance gate where hardly any journalist was present. The mediapersons kept waiting for the accused at the other gate where there was a huge security cordon.

The security scenario can be gauged from the fact that three DSPs  Deepak Yadav, Kewal Krishan and Satish Kumar  and four inspectors, besides other policemen were present when the accused were produced before the court.

The courtroom was jampacked with advocates, mediapersons and others.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 10

The stalking case has reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court with an advocate filing a petition in public interest for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the controversy.

In his petition, human rights activist and lawyer Ranjan Lakhanpal has asserted that political interference in the matter was writ large. In the given circumstances, justice could not be done. There is a crisis of faith in the system, Lakhanpal said.

He said the investigation into the case was improper, evident from the manner in which the whole probe was carried out, the way the accused were treated and the manner in which the offences were diluted and added later on.

Lakhanpal claimed that there were 25 CCTV cameras on the route where the victim was stopped. Strangely, all CCTV cameras installed by the police were not in a working condition. This speaks volume of the inefficiency of the police, the human rights activist said.

The public interest litigation (PIL) is expected to come up for hearing on August 16.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 11

An NRI, who had arrived in India last month, reportedly committed suicide by hanging himself in a forest area near the Air Force quarters in Sector 31.

According to the police, the victim has been identified as 48-year-old Paramjit Singh. The victim had arrived from Germany in July.

He was seen hanging from a tree by a chowkidar in the area. The police were informed, who rushed to the spot. Blood was oozing out from the neck of the victim.

Sources said the victim had a house in Sector 44. His friends and relatives reached the spot after getting information about the incident.

The body has been kept at the mortuary. Inquest proceedings have been initiated.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 11

Three snatching incidents were reported from the city in less than nine hours. The snatchers in all incidents were pedestrians, who targeted the victims in different parts of the city.

The first incident was reported around 5 am from Hallo Majra. The victim, Roshan Lal, reported that four unidentified miscreants thrashed him and fled away after snatching his mobile phone and a purse containing Rs 1,200.

The second incident was reported around 6.30 am. Complainant Vimal Jain, a resident of Sector 10, reported that two pedestrians snatched a gold chain from his relative, a woman, and fled from the spot. The police were informed. Later in the evening, the snatchers, Sunny (19) and a juvenile, were arrested.

The third incident was reported from a forest area near Raipur Khurd around 1.30 pm. Unidentified youths snatched mobile phones and cash from two persons.

Sources said one of the victims, Anil, a resident of Raipur Khurd, told the police that the miscreants snatched mobile phones and Rs 200 from him and his friend.

Woman caught stealing purses at Sadar Bazaar

High drama was witnessed when a woman was nabbed by people at Sadar Bazaar, Sector 19, while allegedly stealing purses of several women. Sources said the accused woman stole the purses by cutting their straps with a blade. The incident came to light when someone noticed it and raised the alarm. The accused woman was taken to the police station. Inspector Dalip Rattan, SHO, Sector 19, said they were verifying the matter.
S Nihal Singh

With the election of Mr Venkaiah Naidu as Vice-President, an era of uncertainty has descended upon Rajya Sabha TV. It has been the only officially-funded institutional television channel that attempted to give fair play to the Opposition point of view. The reason was simple. It was under the supervision of the Chairman of the Upper House.

During his 10-year tenure Vice-President Hamid Ansari had steered the RSTV. Although he was the Congress partys choice, the channel tolerated Opposition views, although the edict was to use moderate language. The channel also regularly carried vigorous debates on sensitive topics such as press freedom, most notably in such features as The Big Picture compered by a robust anchor.

The fear is that despite his disavowal of party loyalty, Mr Naidu, nurtured as he has been in the Sangh Parivar, will follow the Modi Government's directives and become a paler version of Lok Sabha TV and Doordarshan and its affiliates converting news bulletins into little more than official hand-outs.

The first test for Mr Naidu will be the appointment of the channel's new CEO and chief editor to replace the energetic Gurdeep Singh Sappal. Indeed, the channel had been experimenting with several innovative programmes off the beaten track. RSS functionary Ram Madhav criticised the RSTV coverage of the international yoga day. A number of guest TV anchors have been taken off the channels roster.

It must be said for the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Sangh Parivar that as against the histrionic abilities of the Prime Minister, propaganda is presented in such a bald fashion that it stands out like a sore thumb. This is as true of the BJPs official organ, The Organiser, as it is in the manner news is presented by officially-sponsored television channels.

Indeed, the Sangh Parivars ability to master vote-winning techniques is in sharp contrast to its inability to present a convincing case in print. The bane of TV discussions on Indian channels is that they often descend into shouting matches although many skilful anchors try to diffuse the heat and lower the decibel level.

In Mr Ansari's era during the decade of Congress-led rule at the Centre, participants were asked to moderate their criticism of the ruling party, but criticism was permitted. We shall soon find out about the landscape in the Naidu era, but the scenario adopted by the Lok Sabha TV under a Speaker chosen by the BJP is hardly encouraging.

An elementary lesson the BJP has to learn is that in television the remote is in the hands of the viewer and can be switched off if he or she feels bored or taken for a ride. The BJP Government has had the wisdom to sell its Swachh Bharat and other civic programmes by roping in actors of the calibre of Amitabh Bachchan, but is unwilling to apply the same logic to how it presents propaganda in news bulletins, as was the case with the previous Congress regimes.

There are contradictions in every administration but the BJP has taken them to absurd levels. Mr Modi is a great advocate of cashless payments and computer technology. Yet the propensity of the Sangh Parivar to mix myths with its quest for a technological future is mind-boggling.

If Mr Naidu proves true to form and follows the lead of the Lok Sabha Speaker, he would see the popularity ratings of the Rajya Sabha TV sink. Building a brand name takes time and labour, but it can be destroyed in no time. Those who tuned in to Rajya Sabha TV in preference to private channels would switch back to the latter if they found RSTV in its new avatar were indistinguishable from Doordarshan.

The itch to control news and news flow is an old affliction with governments, but over the decades, if not centuries, older democracies have learned that people are wise enough to distinguish between truth and propaganda, and the latter, often presented without frills, repels, rather than attracts. And yet we have reams of reports dutifully read by news readers giving the government's version of events without adequate coverage accorded to the Opposition.

It remains to be seen whether we shall look back to the Ansari era with nostalgia in the hutments that house RSTV in New Delhi. Although we shall not have to wait long to find out, many in the channel feel that their fate is sealed. Mercifully, there are enough private channels that can absorb them, but the promise of what could have been will haunt them.

Private channels, for their part, must brush up their act. Any attempt to speak correct English would be welcome. Some anchors have the irritating habit of repeating what their correspondents have just reported. And isn't it time for private channels to appoint teachers schooling staff to pronounce ordinary words such as development and industry correctly? If anchors cannot speak correct English, how can you expect correspondents to speak English as she is spoke. In the end, it is not a question of spending money but one of attitude. The objective is to be satisfied with the second best, as Ratan Tata was never tired of telling fellow Indians.

Meanwhile, the fate of Rajya Sabha TV hangs in the balance. There is little reason for optimism because, as we have seen during the last three years, the BJP government does not believe in magnanimity or gestures. It refused to give the Congress party the official status of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha on technical grounds. Indeed, it is so obsessed with capturing power in all parts of the country that all other priorities are cast aside.

It is true that the Congress is witnessing its sunset days. But perhaps because of Jawaharlal Nehrus leadership it was seldom mean-minded. Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee is one Opposition leader who could have continued Nehrus legacy. But that was not to be.
Salil Desai

There is much jubilation among BJP supporters and the general middle-class populace that Nitish Kumar parted company with corrupt, secular parties of the Mahagathbandhan after the ED raids on Laloo Yadav's family and was reunited with the nationalist, cleaner-than-thou Modis  Narendra and Sushil.

Similarly, TV anchors couldn't hide their glee that an all-out assault was launched on the Congress party in Gujarat, first by ferreting away some MLAs and then unleashing IT raids on a prominent Karnataka minister who was in charge of chaperoning Gujarat MLAs in a resort near Bangalore. That this was being done in a bid to stymie Congress leader Ahmed Patel's re-election to the Rajya Sabha and demoralise the party before the state elections later this year was quite obvious, notwithstanding the plausible deniability put forth by BJP.

Earlier, the BJP systematically used raids and other mechanisms to decimate and discredit Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by arresting several AAP MLAs. It also tried to pitch AIADMK factions against each other in Tamil Nadu, by conducting a few well-timed raids against a key bureaucrat and Sasikalas nephew Dinakaran. ED and IT raids has also been the weapon of choice against P. Chidambaram's son as well as against NDTV promoter Prannoy Roy.

Mayawatis brother and Mamata Banerjee's nephew as well as some senior leaders of the TMC have also been regularly facing IT and CBI heat in various scams that the BJP has chosen to play up.

The general mood in the media and even among ordinary people seems to be that no doubt the BJP is resorting to dirty tricks and misusing state power but that's alright since it is against discredited secular opposition politicians and media-persons, who deserve no sympathy whatsoever because they are corrupt to the core.

And therein lies the danger. All authoritarian regimes that come to power through the democratic route strengthen themselves by targeting opposition parties and other opponents, with escalating ruthlessness, painting them all as enemies, who need to be eliminated for their sins. This ensures the support of people, who feel evil is being removed. But once firmly established, every authoritarian regime is almost impossible to dislodge for decades. Not for nothing is there that saying 'Absolute power corrupts absolutely'!

Countries and people which allow themselves to be bewitched by one regime always pay hugely in the long run. That's because by tacitly justifying the regime's misuse of institutional powers simply because the action is against purportedly 'bad guys', we encourage more, particularly indiscriminate, abuse, till it completely compromises our ability to distinguish between wrong and right and weakens the moral, ethical and political capability of the people to enforce accountability.

It is often argued that Indians can humble any regime which tries to become authoritarian, through the power of their vote. The example of late PM Indira Gandhi is often cited. But the question is what if she had not lifted Emergency and announced elections?

Similarly, there is much media commentary that for 70 years, power has peacefully changed hands in every state in India and that there are multiple constitutional safeguards. But each of the safeguards has flailed in recent times in preventing the regime in power from having its way. For instance, nobody could stop the government from implementing demonetisation, although the President or the apex court could have stayed this disruptive exercise.

Similarly, nothing could prevent the BJP from unseating the Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments in 2016, even though the SC remedied the situation later. The verdicts of Manipur and Goa elections were also effectively subverted with the help of the Governor to ensure that the party with highest number of seats wasnt invited to form the government. Ditto the Nitish Kumar resignation and re-installation drama that played out in Bihar within just a few hours, again with assistance from a sympathetic governor. So what constitutional safeguards and mechanisms are we talking about that can't be rendered inoperative?

The free media, especially most TV news channels, are quite openly compromised and the pro-BJP fawning and anti-opposition tilt is so unmistakable so as to be nauseating. That some of the best known TV anchors can night after night peddle political propaganda of the government and ruling party and relentlessly tarnish the opposition, is a clear indication of how easily this pillar of democracy is close to being undermined and co-opted.

So to expect the resistance to come from voters alone in booting out any authoritarian government is just kidding ourselves. Just imagine the following scenarios. Post 2019, what if the ruling regime is in power in all but a handful of states and also at the Centre? What stops it from amending the Constitution to dissolve the safeguards or from delegitimising other political parties using technicalities, ensuring few political challengers remain? What stops them from manipulating elections and suspending many democratic liberties? The answer is literally nothing, except the conscience of its leaders. Perhaps it was Indira Gandhi's conscience  or the latent realisation that she was after all a great democrat's daughter  that made her lift Emergency. Or perhaps she was overconfident about her popularity.

Either way, it proved to be a miscalculation and she lost the elections thereafter. This is a lesson the leaders of the present dispensation wouldn't have failed to notice and are, therefore, unlikely to have any such prick of conscience should they decide to become more authoritarian. That is reason enough why we should not be cheering an opposition-mukt Bharat. The opposition may have its share of scoundrels, but the current dispensation is not full of saints either. Even if we detest them, opposition political parties, however flawed, are the only bulwark against the spectre of authoritarian rule.

Salil Desai is a Pune-based author and film-maker.
Towards the end of his term as President, Pranab Mukherjee had on many occasions spoken about erosion of India's core values and the growing divisiveness and intolerance in the country without a word of disapproval or rebuttal from the Prime Minister or anyone high in government hierarchy. Even the saffron brigade on social media spared him. An outgoing Head of State is entitled to some leeway and civility. However, basic courtesies were missing when the time came to say farewell to M. Hamid Ansari. The former Vice-Presidents parting remark that there is unease among minorities and the ambience of acceptance is now under threat has evoked a kind of reaction inappropriate on such occasions and unworthy of persons making them.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha at the farewell function organised for Dr Ansari on his last day in office, Prime Minister Modi did not try to address Ansaris concerns or allay fears of Muslims arising from incidents of communal violence and vigilantism. Instead, he seemed to question Ansaris secularism. The PM recalled Hamid Ansaris days as a diplomat in Muslim countries and as Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University and said that now being free from the constraints of a constitutional office, he could pursue his core beliefs. The Prime Ministers insinuation of Ansari being less than secular was not lost upon the BJPs belligerent crowd on social media.

Of all those who made uncharitable remarks about Ansari, the most surprising came from the incoming Vice-President. Venkaiah Naidu may have just disowned his political loyalty to the BJP, he could not resist a chance to speak out his mind as a former Sangh Parivar loyalist. It is another matter that what he said, given the office he was going to hold, was not in keeping with his changed stature. Some people are saying minorities are insecure. It is a political propaganda, he said. The tone and tenor of his comment is in sharp contrast to the scholarly take Dr Ansari has on issues. No two incumbents occupying the same office could be so different. Not just the political landscape of the country, the quality of politics itself has changed in the Modi era.
Girl stabbed to death after rape

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, August 11

A Rohtak girl was killed at a village in Sonepat district on the night of Raksha Bandhan. Her brother is suspected to be the conspirator in the crime, though the investigators are examining all angles.

The 19-year-old Dalit girl of Samar Gopalpur village in Rohtak district had alleged in the FIR that she was raped by Anil, a neighbour, on the intervening night of August 5 and 6. An FIR was registered at the Sadar police station in Rohtak on August 6. In her complaint, the girl alleged the youth had threatened her with dire consequences. Her family, however, suspected her version of rape claim.

The next day, the girl was taken to the house of her elder sister at Khubru village in Sonepat district, reportedly on the pretext of Raksha Bandhan. She was stabbed to death on the intervening night of August 7 and 8.

Monikas brother Monu and her brother-in-laws minor nephew were allegedly involved in the crime. A case was registered at the Ganaur police station in Sonepat district on the basis of a complaint lodged by Rajesh, husband of Monikas elder sister.

As per the police, the case circumstances indicate the possibility of honour killing, though all angles are being examined.
Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, August 11

All 160 fuel stations in the district observed a strike today to protest the rising number of incidents of crime at petrol pumps.

The All Haryana Petroleum Dealers Association (AHPDA) had given the call for the strike, demanding the arrest of accused in several incidents of loot at petrol pumps. They decided to protest against police functioning after robbers took away Rs 2.65 lakh from the petrol pump in Chaudhariwas village on Wednesday.

The police reportedly remained clueless in the case even though CCTV camera footage was available to assist them in the investigation.

Six incidents of loot and firing at petrol pumps had taken place in the district in one year. The police had failed to crack any incident so far and none of the accused could be arrested.

AHPDA president Rajkumar Salemgarh said they kept petrol pumps closed to register their protest and show their solidarity. Eight incidents of crime had occurred at petrol pumps since 2014, of which six occurred since August 2016. Not a single case has been solved, he added.

We have asked the police to nab the accused in the Chaudhariwas petrol pump loot by August 13, after which we will resort to another 24-hour strike. We may later decide to go on an indefinite strike, he said.

SSP Manisha Chaudhary said three incidents (two of loot and an extortion bid) had taken place at petrol pumps in the district this year.

We have arrested one accused in this connection so far while efforts are being made to crack other cases as well, the SSP said.

Hisar incidents
Mukesh Tandon

Tribune News Service

Panipat, August 11

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Haryana roadways employee unions today announced to defer their August 13 protest in front of the residence of Transport Minister Krishan Panwar.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the minister with roadways union leaders at the Public Works Department rest house here. The JAC members, namely Dalbir Kirmara, Azad Malik, Hari Narayan Sharma, Sarbat Singh Punia, Azad Gill, Balraj Deswal, Jagmohan Antil, Mahabir Singh and Anoop Sehrawat, attended the meeting.

Dalbir Kirmara, president, All Haryana Roadways Union, said talks were held in a positive manner and the minister assured them of fulfilling their demands soon. Our all unions are opposing the transport policy of 2016 -17 under which 923 buses are plying on 273 routes. We are demanding scrapping of the policy, he added.

The minister assured us that no bus will ply on the main highways, long routes and between districts from September. Besides, he also assured us of releasing the salary of 412 employees soon, he said.

Meanwhile, Panwar said the government had drafted a new transport policy. They got around 1,034 suggestions for and objections to the draft policy.

On the direction of the Punjab and Haryana High court, we have given time for more suggestions and objections to the draft policy up to August 25. The new transport policy would be finalised next month, he said.

The government had issued a notification to relieve all Regional Transport Authorities in the state and had given their charge to Additional Deputy Commissioners, said Panwar.
Going nowhere

Trade unions have made no significant contribution to the countrys development
Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, August 11

Senor RSS functionary Indresh Kumar said that the Indian government should consider exploiting the sentiments of rebellious population in neighbouring Pakistan and China.

Kumar, who was here to attend a function at Technology Education and Research Integrated Institutions today, said a considerable population in Pakistan and China were unhappy with their political systems and wanted a change. India may play safe in extending support to such sections to settle issues with both the countries, said Indresh, a member of the national executive of the RSS.

He said China was trying to threaten Indias sovereignty but India is ready to give a befitting reply. India is a votary of peaceful co-existence with its neighbouring countries. It is our message to both nations to mend their ways and stop interfering in Indias affairs, he said.

Tthe RSS functionary urged people to boycott Chinese products and emphasised that the focus should be on swadeshi products.

The Government of India will deal with China in its own way, but society must boycott Chinese goods. We should completely stop buying Chinese goods for festive and religious goods and follow with other boycotts to break the financial backbone of China, he said.

Indresh said the RSS affiliated Muslim Rashtriya Manch would stage a protest against Pakistan in over 100 places on August 14.
Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 11

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today said that the vandalism and hooliganism being indulged in by the BJP wont be tolerated as they are trying to make a mountain out of molehill just to make headlines.

I have the utmost respect for the Gaddi community and my remarks have been twisted by some people and the the BJP is now politicising the issue, he said while addressing a gathering at Ghandir in Jhanduta Assembly segment in Bilaspur district today. He added that there is always a peaceful way to protest and not by taking law in their hands and create furor like the BJP did.

Virbhadra said an additional amount of Rs 16 crore has been sanctioned for completion of Bagchaal bridge and work has been allotted to Gammon India Private Ltd. They have been directed to complete the left out work within the next two years. The bridge will benefit more than 20,000 population of 17 panchayats located on left bank of Govind Sagar and 25,000 population of 19 panchayats on the right bank of the river connecting Naina Devi ji and Jhandhuta, he said.

He added that the construction of the bridge would shorten the distance on opposite ends of the river by around 70 kms from Bilaspur and Swarghat. This was my dream project which is now going to be fulfilled soon, he said.

He said that Gammon India stopped decking work on the ground as strata around the pier was not the same as envisaged during designing the foundation. However, revised proposal for foundation of bridge pier was submitted and now work has been resumed.

The CM announced the upgrade of Primary Health Centre with 30 bed facility at Barthi. He said a police station would be set up at Jhandhuta soon. Addressing public meetings at Kalol and Dari-Bari, the Chief Minister listed his governments achievements in the last four-and-a-half years. Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Rs 3.3-crore parking complex at Shri Naina Devi, Rs 3 crore Bhallu-Balyor bridge over Seer khud and laid the foundation stone of sub-tehsil office building at Kalol.

Chairman 20 Point Point Programme Implementation Committee Ram Lal Thakur, MLA Bilaspur Bambar Thakur, Former MLAs - Biru Ram Kishore, Babu Ram Gautam and Tilak Raj were also present on the occasion.
Kuldeep Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 11

As residents in the city are reeling under acute shortage of water for the past three days, BJP councillors, including Mayor and the Deputy Mayor, have come under fire from the Opposition the Congress and the CPM, who said the BJPs claims regular water supply was hollow as they had left the residents to fend for themselves.

Though the Greater Shimla Water Supply and Sewerage Circle (GSWSS) that functions under the Shimla Municipal corporation (SMC) today lifted about 36.20 MLD of water from the Giri, Koti-Barandi and Guma schemes, many wards in the merged areas of New Shimla, Pateog, Kangnadhar, Vikasnagar, Panthaghati, Kachhi Ghati, Tutu, Malyana, Bhatta Kufar continued to face water shortage for the past four days.

The water supply to the city dipped to 27.26 MLD on August 9 and just 17 MLD of water was available at the consumers as 10 MLD to 12 MLD water was leaked from the pipelines in the city. The city needs about 45 MLD daily.

To add to the woes, the pumping of water was stopped due to high silt content in the Giri, Guma and Koti-Barandi schemes, revealed MC engineers. We are supplying water in tankers to the water-deficient areas, they added.

In Kangnadhar, some residents were seen collecting rain water from drains for use in toilets as the area was not getting water for the past four days. Even house owners who have rented the premises were having tough time meeting their demands, they rued.

It is a pity that 16 BJP councillors led by Shimla Mayor Kusum Sadret chose to visit New Delhi to mark their presence with the Prime Minister amid water crisis, said former Mayor Sanjay Chauhan. They should have stabilised the situation in the city, he charged.

Students and staff at HP University and hostels are getting water after three days, said Summer Hill Councillor Shelly Sharma.
Dinesh Manhotra

Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 11

To counter Chief Minister Mehbooba Muftis much-publicised mission on Article 35A to Delhi, Dalit groups, refugee organisations and women activists have decided to jointly knock the door of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring to his notice the discrimination being meted out to them due to the constitutional provision.

For decades, we have been separately struggling to get justice but now it has been decided to jointly take up the fight against discrimination, said Labha Ram Gandhi, chairman of the West Pakistani Refugees Action Committee. He said the committee was in touch with other groups affected by Article 35A so as to jointly approach the Centre to the expose the farcical campaign being launched by supporters of the Article. Today we approached the Prime Ministers Office to seek an appointment with the Prime Minister. Once we get it, we will go to Delhi with other groups, he said.

We are not as powerful as Kashmiri leaders but we too know the way to highlight our genuine plight before the Central government, Eklavya, a young Valmiki student of Jammu University, said. He regretted that voices of the marginalised victims of Article 35A were being not heard by those who were at the helm of the affairs. How long can they gag the voice of people like us, he asked, adding that this time they had decided to take their battle of liberation to the logical conclusion.

Like West Pakistani refugees, a section of the Valmikis of J&K are the worst-hit by the provision.

It is all due to Article 35A that our community is facing slavery in the modern world, said Billo, another Valmiki youth, adding that despite living in J&K since 1957, Valmikis were deprived of citizenship rights due to Article 35A.

These Article 35A-affected persons warned the BJP leadership against succumbing to pressure tactics of those who were supporting the provision. We are hopeful that the Prime Minister and Central leadership will resolve our humanitarian issues once for all so that we can live a dignified life, Gandhi said.
Ravi S Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 11

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given 100 per cent assurance that he would back the PDP-BJP governments Agenda of Alliance, which says that the status of Article 370 cant be fiddled with. She, however, evaded a direct reply on whether the PM had given an assurance on safeguarding the constitutional status quo for the state.

Editorial: Opening a new can of worms

A worried Mehbooba had yesterday met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in view of the flared-up sentiments in the Valley over a pending PIL in the Supreme Court seeking that Article 35A be struck down. The provision grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir. It vests the Assembly with special powers to define permanent residents and determine their rights and privileges. While the state government contested the petition, the Centre recently expressed its reservations.

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Home Ministry officials yesterday said its law officers would be presenting legal aspects related to Article 35A only and would refrain from joining the case, even as state BJPs Virendra Gupta demanded that Articles 370 and 35A, that created a separatist psyche, be abrogated.

Talking to mediapersons, Mehbooba said she had told the PM that status quo on Article 370 and special status to J&K formed the core of the agreement between the PDP and the BJP. She pointed out that although a Muslim-majority state, J&K had preferred to stay with India.

Unfortunately, when its returning to normalcy, controversial issues are being raked, which could push it back into turmoil, she warned.
Shyam Sood

Rajouri, August 11

After heavy mortar shelling by the Pakistan army in October, November, April, May, June and July, many VVIPs, including the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Health Minister and the Divisional Commissioner, visited families of those killed and met affected people and migrants at Nowshera.

Among issues raised by the district administration for the welfare of affected people/migrants, a demand for ambulances at health centres situated near the LoC was also raised by the Health Department.

However, even after over four months, no ambulance has been provided to these health centres by the state government as well as by the Directorate of Health Services.

A few ambulances were managed by the district administration from Assistant District Medical Officer (ADMO) and were deputed at Laroka and Sarya-Makri during heavy shelling to shift the injured, said a health officer.

Affected people in Nowshera subdivision have been raising three major demands  construction of concrete bunkers, telecommunication facilities and doctors/ambulances at health centres near the LoC.

Community Health Centres at Sunderbani, Nowshera, Manjakot and the District Hospital at Rajouri are the most important and nearest hospitals to meet any emergency near the LoC.

Chief Medical officer (CMO) Dr Suresh Gupta said 10 ambulances were required immediately for Rajouri district, including three each for Nowshera and Sunderbani health blocks, and two for Manjakot health block. He said the requirement had already been put forth before the Directorate of Health Services.

Besides urgent requirement of ambulances, the problem of acute shortage of doctors in the area was also raised before the higher authorities, including the Health Minister, but no action has been taken to date, said a senior Health officer.

He added the Community Health Centres at Nowshera, Sunderbani and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) at Laroka (Nowshera), Nadyala, Chettiyar (Manjakot) were the nearest health centres to meet any LoC evantuality.

At the CHC, Sunderbani, out of the 30 sanctioned posts of consultants/doctors, 19 are vacant and at the Nowshera CHC, out of the 18 sanctioned posts, 12 are vacant.
Azhar Qadri

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, August 11

National Conference working president Omar Abdullah on Friday dismissed Chief Minister Mehbooba Muftis claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given an assurance over securing Article 35A, which guarantees the state special status.

Omar in a series of tweets described Mehboobas claim as immaterial and said we no longer believe what the Chief Minister says. Excuse us if we no longer believe what Mehbooba Mufti says after she comes out from these meetings, Omar said while commenting on the meeting between Mehbooba and the Prime Minister where she had sought help against the attempts made to alter the constitutional provisions that give special status to the state.

Mehbooba had subsequently said that she had been assured by the Prime Minister that Article 370, which ensures special status to the state and is guaranteed by Article 35A, would be respected. A New Delhi-based NGO We the Citizens filed a petition seeking repeal of Article 35A before the Supreme Court in 2014. The state government had earlier this year filed its response and sought dismissal of the petition. The Central government, however, did not file any affidavit opposing the writ petition.

The Article 35A - incorporated in the Indian Constitution in 1954 - grants special privileges and rights to the permanent residents of J&K and debars non-residents from buying land or property, getting government jobs, or voting in Assembly elections in the state. Mehbooba is attempting to mediate between New Delhi, where she is camping since yesterday, and the political parties in Kashmir which have upped the ante against any attempt to abrogate the article.

If ever assurance that Mehbooba Mufti claimed to have received had been fulfilled, J&K would have been largely trouble-free today, Omar said.
Amir Karim Tantray

Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 11

The Digital India slogan holds no meaning for aspiring candidates who want to take admission in Government Degree College (GDC), Jindrah, as the regular breakdown in internet services has become a major hindrance in online admissions.

The college management is clueless as the service provider, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), is not paying heed to their repeated complaints.

A college official said, Nobody has come to our rescue. Be it the BSNL or higher Education Department authorities. The college is facing difficulties for many months and at this point, when everything has to be online, Jindrah College is still living in dark ages, said.

Some lecturers are helping aspiring candidates in the admission process by using mobile Internet but there is no help from the authorities, the official said.

Tehsil status was announced for Jindrah village, 54 km from Jammu, in 2014. The GDC, Jindrah, which was established in 2011, caters to 99 per cent of the rural population. However, even after six years, the college doesnt have its own building and is working in three rooms of a higher secondary school.

Digital India is meaningless for this area as round-the-clock Internet service hasnt been established so far. We are yet to shift to our own building, which shows how concerned the higher authorities are towards making the Jindrah College a success, the official added.

The college administration, too, hasnt conveyed the same to the higher education authorities, which shows their concern towards the services being provided in the college.

Yes, there is a problem of Internet as the BSNL is not paying heed to the requests from college. I was not aware about this issue earlier. We will look into it seriously as everything these days has been made online, be it admissions or examinations, said Satinder Singh, Nodal Principal of degree colleges.
Arteev Sharma

Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 11

Caught in political controversies, the ruling PDP-BJP coalition has pushed aside the much-awaited elections to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and panchayats. This has resulted in the loss of funds amounting to several crores due to the non-existence of these institutions.

There was a proposal to hold the panchayat elections earlier this year but these were postponed due to varied reasons. First, there were elections to two Lok Sabha seats, Srinagar and Anantnag; then, due to large-scale violence during byelections in Srinagar on April 9, the Election Commission of India had deferred the byelections to Anantnag to May 25 but it later cancelled it due to more violence and protests.

Since then, the ruling government has preferred not to discuss these elections.

The last ULB elections were held in 2005 and fresh elections have been pending since 2010, after the five-year term of municipal bodies ended. The five-year term of panchayats had expired in June 2016. The panchayat elections were due in April-May last year but these got delayed due to the delay in the government formation in the state following the death of former Chief Minister and Mehboobas father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on January 7, 2016. The last panchayat elections were held in April-May 2011 during the NC-Congress regime after a gap of 37 years.

Official sources said the state lost funds to the tune of several crores of rupees which were to be given to the municipal bodies only because of the delay in holding elections to these institutions.

The ULBs were to be provided Rs 350 crore during 2016-2017 but these funds were not provided to the state in the absence of elected municipalities. The state is set to lose over Rs 250 crore in current financial year if the elections are not held in this year, said a source.

Similarly, the delay in panchayat elections will also lead to the loss of funds, which were given by the Centre to rural bodies for creating infrastructure in villages, the source said.

Narinder Singh Jamwal, former Mayor of the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), alleged, This government does not have any vision document for the development of the state. Like Hurriyat, the BJP has also set a calendar to rake up non-issues to divert the attention of people from real issues.

Shafiq Mir, chairman of All Jammu Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC), says, The PDP has been toeing the policy to appease separatists while the BJP is moving towards nationalism. There is no focus on development.

He added, We have decided to hold a statewide convention of panchayat leaders in Srinagar on August 24 to chalk out the future strategy.

Raman Sharma, a Jammu-based activist, said The BJP at the Centre had been advocating decentralisation of powers and empowerment of panchayats but it forgot to hold panchayat elections. Similarly, there is no existence of urban local bodies. The focus of the government is on political issues rather than development.

Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, who also holds the charge of Urban Development Department, and Abdul Haq Khan, Minister for Rural Development Department, did not respond to phone calls for comment.
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 10

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), Ludhiana chapter, organised an interactive session on the Goods and Services Tax.

The purpose of the session was to address and clarify several queries related to the newly-implemented GST.

Senior officials from Customs and Director General of Foreign Trade were key panelists and addressed the various issues raised by the participants.

Rahul Ahuja, Convener, FIEO Punjab State Committee, shared his views about the favorable outcomes of the GST. The GST is a uniform and comprehensive tax which integrates all states and will push the economic growth of country. The GST has replaced the complex multiple indirect tax structure, he said.

Vinod Hari, Branch Head, Export Credit Guarantee Corporation, deliberated on the role of the ECGC in strengthening exports, right from the beginning to the completion of the process by covering all export-related risks through various schemes.

Manmohan Dhiman, Chartered Accountant, explained several aspects of the GST.

The GST ensures uniformity in tax rates and structures, thus making India one unified common market. The phase out of Central and State Taxes has reduced the cost of goods and services which has encouraged local and foreign investment in India. Integration of multiple taxes into the GST has significantly reduced the cost of compliance and transaction cost, he said.

Sukhdeep Singh, Assistant Commissioner, Custom Commissionerate, addressed various queries of exporters and presented a positive picture of the GST.

Rajiv Kumar Soni, Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade, talked about various aspects of the GST, including the benefits that accrue to them because of automatic and quick refund of all taxes paid on inputs. He told the exporters about various export promotion schemes, filling of the GST returns and claiming refund.
Govt docs to boycott outpatient services

As the indefinite fast of Dr Govinda KC entered the 18th day on Thursday with no clear breakthrough in addressing his demands, government doctors have decided to boycott all hospital services except emergency care across the country.
Johnson Thomas

This brutal spy thriller has the comic book character Atomic Blonde a.k.a British Spy, Agent Lorraine Broughton (Charlize Theron) sent to Berlin a few days before the Wall is set to come down, to retrieve a priceless dossier. She is supposed to partner with maverick MI6 agent David Percival (James McAvoy) but upon her arrival everything looks pretty much dicey, leading to double and triple crosses that come unstuck only in the final climactic reel.

Theron lends insight and sleek power to her role as the indefatigable spy who outsmarts and outfights all her opponents to get to the coveted prize. Lorraine comes across as truly mysterious, highlighted by silver grey camera filters and blue lighting while guzzling her favourite drink, vodka on the rocks, in truly abandoned abundance. Theron is the heart of the film.

Her commanding presence lights up the narrative lending depth and dimension to a film that has little to say but much to show. Theron, in fact, makes it so believable that even the narrative convolutions highlighting smart mechanics dont seem obvious or ingratiating.

Music sourced from 80s and 90s lend teeth to the turbulence within. The highlight action sequence of the movie involves Lorraine tracking a group of killers into a movie theater showing Andrei Tarkovsky's 1979 science fiction drama, Stalker, then sneaks into the area behind the screen and is ultimately kicked right through it.

That oblique reference to The Zone that spies like Lorraine and Percival inhabit where everything goes and everything can kill you is emblematic of Tarkovskys creation. The action is terrifyingly brutal and Theron is supremely with it. Her glare alone could turn you to ice and her action chops are meant to kill.

Based on Anthony Johnstons graphic novel, this film winds itself around like a le Carre, Len Deighton novel and theres enough style and stuffing to make it a tasty looking treat. James McAvoy lends able support to Theron and together they make this a spectacle worth getting hung over about!
Lucknow, August 11

Thirty patients, including 17 newborns, have died at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Gorakhpur in the past 36 hours allegedly due to the drying up of oxygen.

Gorakhpur District Magistrate Rajeev Rautela has ordered a magisterial inquiry which will within 24 hours ascertain if oxygen supply had been disrupted and if the deaths were directly related to it.

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He said the hospital management and doctors were categorically denying that the lack of oxygen was the cause of death. He did admit that there had been some problem with the piped supply but doctors assured him that there was a stock of 50 cylinders and another 100 were on their way.

It now appears that the deaths had been successfully covered up by the nexus of senior officials and doctors and hospital management during Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths two-day visit to his constituency, which concluded on Thursday.

While admitting 30 deaths, the DM refused to accept short supply of oxygen as the cause of the 17 deaths in the neonatal department or the 13 Japanese Encephalitis (JE) deaths in the ICU.

Sources, however, point out that the private company supplying liquid oxygen to the Nehru Hospital attached to the BRD Medical College had warned of snapping off supplies due to arrears piling up to the tune of Rs 60 lakh, while the agreement was for arrears only up to Rs 10 lakh.

A liquid oxygen plant had been installed at the college two years ago. Through this plant, oxygen was being supplied to the special JE wards, ICUs and around 300 beds.

After the warning of the suppliers, the hospital management had arranged for oxygen cylinders, which were clearly inadequate.

Around 7 am on Friday, oxygen reportedly ran out, after which the deaths started occurring. Ironically, Minister for Medical Education Ashutosh Tandon was not aware of the deaths. TNS
Kathmandu, August 11

Amid the ongoing standoff between Indian and Chinese troops on the Doklam plateau, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met with "close friend and neighbour" Bhutan's Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji here on Friday.

"Time with a close friend and neighbour. EAM meets with FM of Bhutan Damcho Dorji on sidelines of Bimstec Foreign Ministers' meet," Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar along with a picture of the two leaders.

Indian and Chinese troops are in a tense standoff situation since mid-June at Doklam in the Sikkim sector after a construction party of China's People's Liberation Army entered the Doklam region ostensibly to build a road there.

While India and Bhutan have said that China's act violated the status quo in the India-Bhutan-China trijunction, Beijing has claimed that the area is a part of Chinese territory and called for the withdrawal of Indian troops. New Delhi is, however, firm on pullout of troops of both sides.

Earlier on Friday, addressing the 15th Ministerial Meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec), Sushma Swaraj said that the member states of the regional bloc have "adopted a holistic approach to tackle traditional and non-traditional security challenges".

Later, Sushma Swaraj met Sri Lankan State Foreign Minister Vasantha Senanayake.

"Meeting another key partner, this time to the South; EAM meets Vasantha Senanayake State Minister of Foreign Affairs on sidelines of #Bimstec," Raveesh Kumar said in another tweet.

Sri Lanka is one of the major recipients of development credit given by India with a total commitment of $2.6 billion, including $436 million as grants.

India and Sri Lanka are also diplomatically engaged over the issue of Tamil fishermen in Sri Lankan waters and Sushma Swaraj had taken this up with then Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake during his visit to New Delhi in June.

Friday's meeting came on the heels of Karunanayake's resignation on Thursday over corruption charges in a bond scam.

IANS
Kathmandu, August 11

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met her Bhutanese counterpart Damcho Dorji, who hoped that the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector is resolved peacefully and amicably.

The comments by Dorji came after his meeting with Swaraj on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC foreign ministers meeting here.

We hope the situation in Doklam will be resolved peacefully and amicably, Dorji told reporters.

This was the first official reaction from Bhutan after Beijings claim that the Himalayan nation had acknowledged that Doklam belonged to China. However, China had not offered any evidence to support its claim.

Both Swaraj and Dorji are here to attend a meeting of foreign ministers from the countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), a grouping of countries in South Asia and South East Asia. However, there was no official word from the Indian side on what was discussed during the meeting.

Time with a close friend. The external affairs minister meets with foreign minister of Bhutan Damcho Dorji on sidelines of BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers meet, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said.  PTI
Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 11

In a setback, talks between two high-ranking military officers of India and China today remained inconclusive at the Doklam Plateau where a military standoff has ensued between the two nuclear-armed neighbours since June 16.

A Major General rank officer led the Indian team and was matched by an equal rank officer from the People Liberation Army of China. From here on, the level of the meeting could be escalated to the level of Lieutenant Generals. Even as the talks are on, the Army has issued an operational alert along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC). This alert entails high-altitude acclimatisation, adding force at vulnerable points, repair of roads and readiness of all military platforms. The talks termed as flag meeting in military parlance were today held at Nathu La, the designated border meeting point in the Himalayas in Eastern Sikkim.

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The two sides stuck to their stand. India asked China to end its road construction activity and China asked India to withdraw from what it calls its territory. India fears that Beijing is aiming to make a road to cross east of the torsa nullah and reach the Jampheri ridge from where it gets a clear view of the Siliguri corridor, the narrow sliver of land which links North-East with mainland India.

After todays meeting, both sides have agreed to report back the position to their respective headquarters and get back with an answer.

More force at vulnerable points
Dhaka, August 11

A fire broke out on Friday inside the Air India office at Bangladeshs international airport here, officials said.

Ten firefighting units were working to douse the fire that started around noon at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

An Air India official told PTI that the fire originated from the office of the airline.

However, he did not specify the cause of the fire.

The airports third-storey houses the offices of Air India and Saudi Airlines, a duty officer of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) was quoted by the bdnews24.

Electricity supply to the airport has been cut off.

Employees and passengers being evacuated from the various floors have reported seeing smoke inside the building.

Departures have been suspended as people arriving for their flights were being barred from entering the airport, a security official said.

The fire at Bangladeshs main airport may hamper flights for Hajj pilgrims. PTI
Sandeep Dikshit

Zhanjiang City (Guangdong), August 11

While the confrontation with the Chinese army has entered into the second month, leading to hot words in Beijing, its navy says it has no axe to grind with India because the Indian Ocean is a vast region.

At the sprawling base of the South China Sea Fleet in this hot and humid south China port city, its officers said they anticipated more cooperation with the Indian Navy in cleansing the oceans of drug running, piracy and arms trafficking.

Addressing a concern in India over China rapidly inducting aircraft carriers in its armada, Chinese naval officers sought to be conciliatory.

The number of aircraft carriers is not critical. Our role in Chinas National Defence Policy is defensive. We will never intrude into other countries, nor will we endure obstruction by other countries, said Capt He Luyang.

All our major weapon systems are not toys, interjected his colleague. This is the first time Indian journalists were given monitored access to the sword arm of the Chinese navy.

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It is South China Fleets ships and submarines that cause consternation in India when they make restocking pauses at Colombo and Karachi on way to anti-piracy duties in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.

But Capt Hu feels the Indian media overreacts to the docking of Chinese submarines in nearby countries. Their movement does not compare to manoeuvres of the US navy destroyers near the tightly contested islands of South China Sea.

Capt Hu drew attention to a vital difference. Chinese ships transit through international navigation areas, not in the waters of your country. But US battleships come inside the 12 nautical mile (nm) boundary of islands claimed by China.

It will be different if our ships do that. It is all right for the US navy to go through SCS but we won't tolerate their crossing of the red line of 12 nm, he emphasised.

Equipped with bombers, submarines  both nuclear and conventional  besides UAVs, destroyers and reconnaissance planes, the Indian Navy is keenly tracking this fleets expanding footprint in the Indian Ocean.
Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 11

Battling acutely low numbers of surgeons and specialists, the Government has readied a plan to boost primary health sector at village level to screen and contain major diseases at grassroots level.

Latest data shows India has only 5.3 surgeons against every one lakh people, a scarily low number when contrasted with the WHO mandated requirement of 40 surgeons for the same number. The corresponding numbers in other countries are 56 per lakh in Brazil and Japan and 62 in the UK. While surgeons are acutely low in numbers, specialist doctors are also way less than required. A recent CAG report on National Rural Health Mission pegged the shortage of specialists at 80 per cent.

The Government is now ready to strengthen 1.5 lakh village sub-centres to ensure the disease burden is reduced by catching patients early and improving prevention. The move comes after the WHOs call to firm up primary healthcare as key to universal health coverage, which UN member nations have committed to achieving.

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Theres also evidence of countries with strong primary health settings reporting high-life expectancy by way of early disease detection. If you detect hypertension at age 33, you can push its debilitating effects to age 58 instead of age 47 when the heart attacks will usually happen in case patients are missed. Eighty per cent budgets of sensible nations go to primary healthcare, says Dr Vinod Paul of NITI Aayog and Professor at AIIMS. Indias sub-centre boosting plan includes early screening and management of complicated conditions like high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, cancer and mental health at sub-centre level by converting these into wellness centres. A plan for such conversion is ready with the National Health Policy 2017 committing 65 per cent of health budget for the currently nascent primary healthcare.

Global evidence of such investment is strong. Life expectancy in India with a weak primary health sector is 67 years as compared to nations that are boosting primary health such as China (75), Mexico (71), Thailand (75) and Brazil (74).

In the UK, 65 per cent of all physicians work in primary health centres. India village health restructuring plan envisages one midlevel health provider in each wellness centre, which will serve 5,000 people.

Thats not to say gains have not been made. In the mid 1940s when the British ruled India, our life expectancy was 27 years as against the UKs 62 years. We are only now at 67 years having taken long to catch up.
Kota, August 11

A 48-year-old property dealer was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Kota railway station in Bhimganj Mandi area here, police said on Friday.

The incident took place on Thursday evening when Durgesh Malviya was sitting along with his friends near Kota railway station, said Ramkhiladi Meena, Circle In charge (CI) at Bhimganj Mandi police station.

Some unidentified men shot Malviya from behind, Meena said, adding that he collapsed on the spot while profusely bleeding from his head.

He was rushed to Maharao Bheem Singh (MBS) hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.

Police have lodged a case of murder under Section 302 of the IPC against the unidentified assailants, the CI said, adding that the motive behind the murder is not yet clear.

However, he said, since the deceased was associated with property business, some property-related dispute was likely to be the reason behind the incident.

Investigation in the case is underway with efforts on to nab the accused, he said.

The body was handed over to the family after post-mortem in the noon, the officer said. PTI
Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 11

That the BJP is seething over former Vice-President Hamid Ansaris controversial remarks on insecurity among minorities and democracy turning into tyranny, if theres no criticism was evident today during the welcome of his successor M Venkaiah Naidu as the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

At least twice today, the name of former President Pranab Mukherjee was mentioned fondly by the BJP side, including the new Vice-President  an attempt perhaps to contrast Mukherjee, also a Congress nominee, who unlike Ansari flew into the sunset without making controversial observations about the present day dispensation.

The ruling party also hinted at different sets of rules being followed in the Rajya Sabha before 2014 (while the Congress-led UPA was in power) and after 2014 (during the tenure of the BJP-led NDA), but without naming Ansari.

Ansari, who yesterday quoted Dr S Radhakrishnan to say A democracy could degenerate into a tyranny, if free and frank criticism of government policies is not allowed, had a day before expressed concerns about unease among minorities of the country, a reference to the alleged mob violence in the name of cow vigilantism.

Without naming him, Leader of the House Arun Jaitley today said: Dr Radhakrishnan was quoted that Parliament cannot be the tyranny of the government... it also cannot be the tyranny of the Well. The reference to the Well was to Congress-led Oppositions attempt to stall the House.

So, a balance needed to be struck between issues of public importance and government policies, he added. On not allowing passing of Bills amid din, Jaitley said, The principle has been most strictly adhered to post-2014. Prior to 2014 there was no such principle.

Jaitley elaborates...
Govt sends letter to Dr KC proposing him to end hunger strike

The government has sent a letter to Dr Govinda KC, who has been staging hunger strike for the past 19 days, proposing him to end his hunger strike.
New Delhi, August 11

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid growing speculation over the merger of the two factions of the AIADMK in the state.

Palaniswami, however, told reporters here that he only discussed with Modi the states demand that it be exempted from the purview of the all-India medical college entrance test, NEET.

The CM, along with Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, met the PM at his office in Parliament House.

Stalled negotiations on the merger of two AIADMK factions picked up again on Thursday after a meeting presided over by Palaniswami questioned the appointment of TTV Dhinakaran as AIADMKs deputy general secretary.

A resolution passed in the meeting said Dhinakarans elevation to the post, hours before his aunt Sasikala Natarajan was taken to a jail in Bengaluru, was against party bylaws, a condition which former chief minister O Panneerselvams faction of the party had pushed for a merger.

Panneerselvam, the head of the rival faction, is also in Delhi. Both he and the CM attended Vice President M Venkaiah Naidus oath-taking ceremony on Friday morning.

Panneerselvam is also trying for an appointment with PM Modi, sources here said. Members of his faction will also meet officials of the Election Commission.

Sources said the Panneerselvam faction would present a copy of Thursdays resolution to the EC. PTI
Vishav Bharti

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 11

The first chronicler of the Partition of 1947, who started building an archive in 1954, says not one of the key figures he interviewed during the process was ready to take responsibility for the monumental human tragedy that unfolded 70 years ago.

Now 93, Prof Kirpal Singh says he aims to fix the responsibility for the tragedy in his final work.

His journey in Partitions historiography started in 1953 as a young lecturer at Khalsa College, Amritsar. Bhai Veer Singh called him, he recalls, and said that what happened in 1947 was unique. It has never happened before, it will never happen again. I want to work on Partition but I am too old to do that. You write Partitions history  Bhai Veer Singhs words still resonate for Prof Kirpal Singh, himself a victim of the tragedy.

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His assistant started visiting the refugee camps to document the stories of victims and Prof Singh himself started doing the rounds of offices in Shimla and Delhi to fish out records. This continued for two years.

The turning point came in 1962, when then Chief Minister Partap Singh Kairon offered to send him to the United Kingdom to collect papers related to Punjab.

Over six months, Prof Kirpal Singh got a chance to interview the leading figures connected with Partition  from Punjab Boundary Commission chairman Cyril John Radcliffe to Governor of West Punjab Sir Francis Mudie, to Prime Minister Clement Attlee to Mountbattens Chief of Staff Hastings Ismay.

Prof Singh met almost each architect of Partition while compiling his seminal work Select Documents on Partition of Punjab. After each interview, he said, he would jot down the excerpts in longhand. These documents are now part of the Punjabi University library in Patiala.

Prof Singh says Sir Francis Mudie, the Governor of West Punjab during Partition, was open to answer every question and allowed him to see his correspondence with Mountbatten, especially a letter written on July 25, 1962, in which the last Viceroy claimed that the number of deaths was exaggerated to defame him.

On the migration of people of Punjab, Mudie told him how Akali leader Giani Kartar Singh met him at Lyallpur and said that they (Sikhs) had decided to leave Pakistan.

In one interview, the then Chief Justice of India, Patrick Spens, accepted that Partition was a job done in a hurry by a man (Radcliffe) who didnt know the language of the people. Neither did he have any knowledge of geography, nor did he have any clue about the people. Nowhere in the entire British Empire the boundaries were drawn like that, Spens told him.

More than six decades after meeting them, Prof Singh still regrets that none of the men behind the Partition tragedy were ready to take responsibility and conveniently put the blame on others.

There was a design behind the idea of Partition. You wont find that in documents, but I found about it during the interviews, he says. Now I have analysed all those interviews and am going to put together the entire analysis in a book, he adds. Titled Who is Responsible for Punjab Tragedy, it would answer many unanswered questions of Partition, he says, adding that he has not spared anybody.

Amid the despair of Partition, he says the stories of hope are yet to be told. People saved girls, collected dowry, also married them off. They sheltered them for years and later united them with families. Both sides saw such stories. The second part Silver Lines in Dark Clouds comprises those stories.
Varinder Singh

Tribune News Service

Mansa, August 11

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today inspected whitefly-infested cotton crop in Mansa district.

The CM and PPCC chief Sunil Jakhar interacted with farmers and took stock of the situation in the worst-affected areas  Khiala, Jhunir and Mansa. He advised farmers to buy only certified seed varieties and PAU-recommended pesticides.

Some farmers bought cheap, unbranded cotton seeds from Gujarat. They suffered crop losses, he said.

I have asked the Agriculture Department to keep tabs on the supply of seeds from neighbouring states as these could be spurious, said Capt Amarinder, promising a crackdown on the suppliers of spurious pesticides and seeds.

The CM said he had convened a meeting of agriculture experts and officials in Chandigarh on Wednesday to work out a strategy to curb the pest attack.

Talking to The Tribune at Khiala and Jhunir, he said, We are pinning our hopes on rain. The weatherman has predicted showers within a week. If it rains, the pest larvae will get washed away. I have directed the Agriculture Department to depute officials at the village level so that they could guide farmers on the spray of pesticides.

Those who accompanied the CM included his Chief Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar, media adviser Raveen Thukral and senior officials of the Agriculture Department and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana.

Capt Amarinder made an unscheduled stop at Nangal Khurd village, where he was told by PAU officials that the whitefly infestation was less severe compared to last year.

Less than 1 per cent of the total crop sown has got infested in Mansa. It is 1.3 per cent in Bathinda and 2 per cent in Muktsar, the CM said, adding that Fazilka, Moga and Faridkot districts had reported negligible impact so far.

Suresh Kumar said there had been a 55 per cent increase in the area under cotton cultivation in the state, up from 2.5 lakh hectares last year to 3.82 lakh this time.

Pins hope on Centre over farm debt

Jhunir (Mansa): Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh said he was hopeful that the NDA government would find a solution to the states farm debt. My interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was very positive. They have promised to extend all possible help and Im sure they will keep their word, the CM said. We are not seeking a debt waiver right now. We want that the Centre should enhance the states borrowing limit from 3 per cent to 5.5 per cent, which comes out to be around Rs 10,000 crore. The farm loan is Rs 9,500 crore. So, the sum would be adequate to take the farmers out of the debt trap, Capt Amarinder said. TNS
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 11

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Vice Chancellor Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon today urged the media to follow the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on reporting suicides.

He said the norms specified that the suicide method or spot should not be mentioned, while photos of the deceased or of the victims note should be avoided. As per the guidelines, the news reports/headlines should not glorify, sensationalise or normalise suicide.

Dr Dhillon said the media could play a proactive role in helping prevent suicide by highlighting mental health services and helplines, besides conveying the message that depression was curable.

The university will launch an awareness drive regarding World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on September 10, in response to a call by the WHO and the International Association for Suicide Prevention.

Dr Gurinder Kaur Sangha, Dean, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, PAU, said the departments of journalism and sociology were working together to prepare a blueprint to sensitise people, particularly farmers, on building resilience.

The universitys Department of Agricultural Journalism, Languages and Culture has been identified as a lead centre for a suicide prevention project under the aegis of the National Agricultural Science Fund of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.

The project, Addressing farmers suicide through capacity building of farming families, aims at involving peer support volunteers, who will be trained to provide psychological first aid to distressed farmers in their villages. The project is being undertaken in Punjab, Maharashtra and Telangana.

Dr Sarabjeet Singh, principal investigator of the project, stated that along with economic and agricultural factors, the psychological aspects of suicide should also be addressed. There is no system in place to help farmers in maintaining emotional equilibrium in the face of successive crop failures and rising debts. Even a little psychological first aid can benefit them, he added.

Farmer ends life

Bathinda: Debt-ridden farmer Jasbir Singh (27), who had attempted suicide at Gurthari village in the district on Tuesday, died at a private hospital on Thursday night.

Jasbir was reportedly under a debt of about Rs10 lakh. The Rama police have initiated proceedings under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code.  TNS
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 10

The Punjab Polices State Special Operations Cell arrested three alleged Khalistani militants from Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) last night.

A police spokesperson said the militants were part of a terror module run by Canada-based Gurjeet Cheema, who had supplied them arms and other logistic support.

Those arrested have been identified as Balkar Singh, Balwinder Singh and Satinder Singh Rawat. They were residing in villages of Gwalior.

The spokesperson said the arrests were made with the help of the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad in follow-up operations after the arrest of Maan Singh of Gurdaspur and Sher Singh of Jalandhar on May 21 by the Punjab Police. A large consignment of arms and ammunition, sent by the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), had been recovered from them.

The police said the Gwalior module was working on the directions of Lakhbir Singh Rode, Pakistan-based chief of the ISYF.

The police said Cheema, who belongs to Jogi Cheema village in Gurdaspur, was now based in Brampton, Ontario (Canada). His module was allegedly supplying weapons to terror suspects in Punjab.

Three pistols, supplied by the arrested trio, were earlier recovered from Maan Singh, Gurpreet Singh alias Peet and Simarjit Singh alias Nikka.

Meanwhile, Balkar, Balwinder and Satinder were produced before the Duty Magistrate at Ajnala in Amritsar district today. They were remand in police custody till August 16.
Amritsar, August 11

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) would not only be imposed on the purchase gurdwaras make, but also on religious symbols.

It has been learnt that 18 per cent GST has been imposed on kara (iron bracelet), 12 per cent on kirpan (sword), 5 per cent on gatra (kirpan strap) and 2 per cent on kangha (wooden comb)  the articles of faith worn by baptised Sikhs.

The Damdami Taksal has sought exemption on the religious symbols. Its head Harnam Singh Khalsa has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this connection.

The Sikh kakars (religious articles) had never been taxed for the past 20 years. I have brought to PMs notice that not all, but baptised Sikhs, wear these articles. If the government can exempt plastic and glass bangles, what is the logic of imposing GST on kara? Even gold bangles have been taxed at 3 per cent, but kara, which is an iron bracelet, has been burdened with 18 per cent tax, Khalsa said.  TNS
Beijing: A bus rammed into a tunnel on an expressway in Chinas northwestern Shaanxi province, killing at least 36 persons and injuring 13 others. The accident occurred when a mini bus carrying 49 persons hit a wall of the Qinling tunnel on the Xian-Hanzhong Expressway, Shaanxi public security department was quoted as saying by Xinhua. PTI

29 killed as trains collide in Egypt

Cairo: At least 29 persons were killed and 88 others injured on Friday in Egypt after two trains collided near the coastal city of Alexandria. The incident took place after a train coming from Cairo collided with the train coming from Port Said in Khorshid area. The rescue team is searching for survivours while ambulances are transferring the injured to hospitals. PTI

2 killed, 26 hurt in Pak IED blast

Peshawar: An IED blast on Friday struck restive tribal region of northwest Pakistan, killing two persons and injuring 26 others. The blast occurred in Nawagai tehsil of Chaharmang area and targeted labourers. Authorities said a vehicle carrying labourers was hit by a roadside IED, killing two labourers and injuring 26 others. PTI

Google cancels town hall on gender dispute

Palo Alto: Google CEO Sundar Pichai has cancelled an internal town hall to address gender discrimination after employee questions began to leak online. The flareup that has consumed Google began after engineer James Damore circulated a memo that claimed biological gender differences helped explain why women are underrepresented at the company. Google fired Damore on Monday. AP

Australia cafe adopts man tax

Melbourne: A local cafe went viral on social media this week after introducing an 18 per cent man tax to raise awareness of Australias gender pay gap. The gender surcharge at the Handsome Her cafe is optional and the proceeds are donated to a womens charity. The pay gap in the country has ranged between 15 and 19 per cent for the last two decades. Reuters

Firm offers financial risk of MH370 search

Canberra: US seabed exploration company Ocean Infinity has offered to take the financial risk of a renewed search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. Malaysia, Australia and China suspended a nearly three-year search in Indian Ocean in January after scouring 46,000 square miles and failing to find any trace of the airliner. AP
Brussles, August 11

The EU today called an emergency meeting to stop blaming and shaming over the insecticide-tainted eggs scandal as it emerged for the first time that the crisis had spread to Asia.

Hong Kong, Switzerland and 15 European Union countries have all received eggs contaminated with the chemical fipronil, which can harm human health, the European Commission said.

With concern going global, the commission said it had now called a meeting of ministers and food safety chiefs from affected EU countries, setting a provisional date of September 26.

Blaming and shaming will bring us nowhere and I want to stop this, Vytenis Andriukaitis, the European Commissioner for health and food safety, told AFP as he announced the meeting.

Andriukaitis urged the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany-the countries at the epicentre of the crisis-to stop trading accusations about who is responsible for the scare.

Dutch Health Minister Edith Schippers, speaking publicly about the matter for the first time, admitted late Thursday that errors had been made in the governments handling of the crisis.

Millions of eggs and egg-based products have been pulled from European supermarkets since August 1 and there are growing questions about who knew what, and when.

European Commission spokeswoman Mina Andreeva said that this is not, lets be clear, a crisis meeting and it is being held next month to get distance to the events.

Brussels said the 15 EU countries affected were Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Sweden, Britain, Austria, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Denmark, along with non-EU Switzerland.

But it also announced that Hong Kong had received some tainted eggs, with the southern Chinese city becoming the first place in Asia known to be affected.

Hong Kong reported finding eggs from The Netherlands contaminated with fipronil, the commission said, without giving further details. The EU is seeking to quickly end the egg feud and maintain unity after a string of crises including Brexit, a migration influx and debt in the eurozone.  AFP

250,000 contaminated eggs sold in France since April

Nearly 250,000 insecticide contaminated eggs have been sold in France since April, but the risk for consumers is very low, French Agriculture Minister Stephane Travert said

A first batch of 196,000 eggs, imported from Belgium, was distributed between April 16 and May 2, and was followed by a second batch of 48,000 Dutch eggs sold by the discount retailer Leader Price between July 19 and 28, Travert said

Millions of eggs have been pulled from European supermarket shelves, though some national regulators have voiced concern that many contaminated eggs have entered the food chain, mainly through processed products such as biscuits, cakes and salads

The risk for human health is very low, given the levels of fipronil detected in the contaminated eggs, but also given French habits of food consumption, Travert said

The scare in Europe

Fifteen EU countries as well as Hong Kong and Switzerland have received eggs contaminated with the insecticide fipronil, the European Commission says

Fipronil is commonly used to get rid of fleas, lice and ticks from animals but is banned by the European Union from use in the food industry

The EU insists there is no threat to human health, but the WHO says that when eaten in large quantities it can harm peoples kidneys, liver and thyroid glands

The police arrested two persons in raids on companies in the Netherlands and Belgium. A criminal probe is under way

What is being done about it?
Washington, August 11

US President Donald Trump today said a military option against North Korea was locked and loaded, his latest salvo in an escalating war of words with Pyongyangs nuclear-armed regime.

Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path! Trump tweeted.

The US Presidents Twitter missive ratcheted up his already bellicose rhetoric with Kim over North Koreas weapons program, as Beijing appealed to the two leaders to dampen their fiery exchange. A day prior Trump had hardened his warning that Pyongyang would face fire and fury if it kept threatening the United States, saying maybe his tough talk wasnt tough enough.

Trump also warned North Korea it should be very, very nervous of the consequences if it even thinks of attacking US soil, after Pyongyang said it was readying plans to launch missiles towards the Pacific territory of Guam.

Beijing today pleaded with the US and North Korea for restraint, urging the two parties to be cautious with their words and actions.  AFP
Lahore, August 11

Pakistans ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs wife Kulsoom Nawaz was today fielded by the ruling PML-N party as a candidate from the seat vacated by her husband who was disqualified by the Supreme Court last month.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party members Asif Kirmani and Captain Safdar filed the nomination papers of Kulsoom, who is in her late 60s, for the upcoming by-poll for the NA-120 seat at the Election Commission of Pakistans (ECP) Lahore office, Dawn News reported.

NA-120 will prove to be Waterloo for (Pakistan Tehreek- i-Insaf chief) Imran Khan and other opponents of Nawaz Sharif, Kirmani was quoted as saying by the report.

The National Assembly seat fell vacant after 67-year-old Sharif was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panamagate case on July 28.

The former prime minister had earlier announced his younger brother Shahbaz Sharifs name as the party candidate.

His name was later withdrawn as party members deemed his presence in Punjab too important.

Nawaz Sharif has made a smart move. By fielding his wife in the by-poll he has planned to move to the prime minister house again and this time in the capacity of first gentleman next month, a senior PML-N leader who is close to the Sharif family said.

He said after winning the election on September 17 Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will leave the top post for Begum Kulsoom.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insafs candidate Dr Yasmin Rashid also submitted her nomination papers in the morning.

When asked about Kulsooms candidacy, Rashid said that the difference between them is that she is a hardworking middle-class woman who will represent the ordinary people of the country, whereas Kulsoom comes from what her daughter, Maryam Nawaz, has called the ruling family.

Rashid further said that the PML-N was being forced to contest the by-election due to Nawazs ouster, adding that they should do so on a level playing field without using government machinery.  PTI

AT THE HELM

Kulsoom Nawaz, who has never run for office, will be canvassing for votes in Nawaz Sharif's political, where her husband has never lost. In 2000, when army chief General Pervez Musharraf removed Sharif in a military coup, she led protests in Lahore. In one of the protests, she locked herself in a car for several hours, refusing to let police arrest her.
Lets focus on concrete outcome: PM to Swaraj

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said Nepal and India should focus on result-oriented approach and work together for concrete outcome of various past understandings and pacts, including implementation of various India-funded projects in Nepal.
Jalalabad, August 11

Several civilians have been killed in an US airstrike in eastern Afghanistan, local officials said today, the latest setback in efforts to bring peace to the war-torn country.

Saaz Wali Shinwari, the district governor of Haska Mina in Nangarhar province, said the raid was carried out by US troops although there was no official confirmation from NATO. On Thursday afternoon, the American forces bombarded a civilian private vehicle... when they were travelling inside the district, he told AFP.

Unfortunately, in the airstrike we have casualties. Eleven people were killed and one wounded. All the victims, which included women and children, were civilians and they were from one family. The victims were beyond recognition, and they were placed inside the sacks and were buried late last night, he added.

Of the roughly 13,000 foreign forces in Afghanistan only the United States carries out airstrikes.

They have been regularly targeting Islamic State insurgents who control several districts in restive Nangarhar.

Dawlat Waziri, a spokesman for Afghanistans defence ministry, said the strike was carried out by foreign forces in coordination with Afghan officials. In the strike, five insurgents were killed and two others were wounded.

We do not have any news about civilian casualties. But, we have appointed a delegation to investigate if civilians are killed, he told AFP. NATO said they were unable to provide any information when contacted by AFP.

Last month a US airstrike killed 16 policemen in Helmand province. It came after a US airstrike in Sangin killed at least 18 civilians, mostly women and children, in February. Civilian deaths are at an all-time high in Afghanistan.  AFP
Nepal Business Excellence Awards to be given in Nov

Business consulting firm Frost & Sullivan and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) on Thursday announced that the first edition of the Nepal Business Excellence Awards (NBEA) would be held on November 14 in Kathmandu.
Veteran police officers are looking for volunteers who are willing to submit to a three-month, weekly citizens police academy.

Tulsa Police Departments Citizen Police Academy is set to start in September and is free of charge for qualifying area residents.

Its an opportunity for citizens to interact with police officers in an educational environment, to foster the understanding and mutual respect that is necessary to build a safer community for all, Tulsa Police Officer Adam Ashley said.

The citizens academy is scheduled to run every Tuesday from Sept. 12 to Dec. 12. The weekly class will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. and cover several topics, including firearms training, pursuit driving, and criminal and narcotic investigations, Ashley said.

Those interested in participating will be required to submit to a criminal background check, Ashley said. Capt. Jim Hunter said residents can voice their interest by contacting him, Officer Eric Sokoloski or Capt. Richard Lawson.

Lawson can be reached by phone at 918-591-4504. Hunter and Sokoloski can be reached via email at jhunter@cityoftulsa.org or ehsokoloski@cityoftulsa.org. Hunter said they will send applications through email or the U.S. Postal Service to those who express interest.
Editor's note: This story has been updated since its original publication.

Remington Tower suffered multiple of millions of dollars in damage after a direct hit from the recent EF2 tornado, and engineers will determine whether the building is in danger of collapse, an insurance adjuster said Thursday.

Bill Sharpe, regional manager of Jansen Adjusters International, said that in his opinion the high-rise will have to come almost all the way down to the red iron and be rebuilt up from there. The insurance firm was hired on a consultant basis by the towers owners.

The expert evaluation on the safety of the buildings bones could take several weeks, Sharpe said. The engineers are expected to arrive in Tulsa next week and will provide a report to the city after their review.

We know the building twisted; we know the building is designed to twist, but did it twist more than it was designed for? Sharpe said. Thats the biggest question.

Sharpe spoke Thursday afternoon to dozens of business owners who are tenants to try and answer questions and alleviate concerns that have festered since the tornado struck the 20-story tower early Sunday.

Tenants in part are unhappy they havent been allowed inside even for a few minutes to try and retrieve items critical to their businesses. Sharpe told tenants that anyone from floors 5 and 6 and up should expect a total loss and understand youre blessed if you were to get in there and find anything salvageable.

Afterward, Sharpe described the buildings interior to reporters as like a set of a Steven Spielberg film.

Basically what happened is the wind in the tornado  the pressure  came down the elevator shaft and blew everything out, Sharpe said. It literally pushed everything out this way.

Intense rains with the storm soaked the building, and now Sharpe said his greatest concern is potential for mold because of humidity in the powerless building. A national mitigation firm has come in to do what it can to help keep water and moisture out of the building, he said.

Several rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for eastern Oklahoma during the next few days. Tulsa may see 6 or 7 inches of rainfall from Thursday through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Were going to do the best we can, Sharpe told the tenants.

No entry

Sharpe made it clear to tenants that entry into the tower is strictly limited for safety concerns.

The city of Tulsa says no one for any reason other than professionals with liability insurance will enter the building for any purpose other than to assess the damage until engineers have cleared the building structurally sound, he said.

Sharpe said if a businesss insurance carrier needs into a space to view the damage then well afford that opportunity. He said he would pass out business cards and schedule times to get a carrier inside.

Brooke Riley, principal of OneWorld Benefits Group, wants to enter the tower to go up to her suite on the 15th floor to grab her computer in hope it is salvageable. She said it is crucial to the insurance agencys operations, and the company typically does 90 percent of its business the last couple months of the year.

Its difficult. Youre used to having your computer and your space that you walk into every day and spend 10 hours in, Riley said. To have that ripped out and told you dont know when youre going to be able to get back into it is frustrating.

Riley said she is looking for a new space for the business, given she suspects it could be six months to a year before repairs are done if Remington Tower isnt completely taken down.

All we wanted was one minute; we just want to grab one thing to keep our business running and minimize insurance claims for the loss, and they wont give us that, Riley said.

Sharpe also addressed security concerns, saying the Tulsa Police Department is providing 24/7 security and trespassers will go to jail.

He said one situation Tuesday with a looter was alleviated. He also noted that a KJRH Channel 2 news team entered the tower without the owner's permission on Wednesday for a news story.

Another common concern among tenants was whether they would have to pay rent for spaces they arent allowed to enter.

Tenants were advised to seek legal counsel to interpret their leases. Sharpe said some leases say the tenant doesnt have to pay if the space cant be occupied, while other leases require payment regardless of occupancy.

Temporary spaces

The Remington Tower tenants meeting took place at the future home of Sunshine Center Pediatric Therapy, formerly the Wright Career College building.

Jessica Dyer, co-owner of Sunshine, also owns Emerge Marketing & PR. She has created a website  backtobusinesstulsa.com  in which displaced businesses can seek resources or others can sign up to help those businesses.

Dyer said many of the towers tenants are seeking temporary spaces in which to operate. She is offering free space in the upstairs of the 38,000-square-foot building that will be renovated to house Sunshine Center Pediatric Therapy.

Dyer said a few have taken her up on the offer so far. She estimates she has space to accommodate more than 100 people. She said she is hoping to find good furniture to help those who occupy the space.

Cox will provide internet access, and she is working to establish a printing and mailing center for businesses that need help, too.

ThriveFast, a displaced technology company moving in, will help with the tech.

She noted that McGraw Realtors is another business offering to help displaced businesses find temporary space.
A $225 million cigarette fee is actually a tax, and it was created unconstitutionally, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

Thats a victory for honesty in legislation, but a huge fiscal hit to the state.

The high court ruled that the legislation creating the so-called fee was primarily meant to raise revenue (obviously true) and had all the essential hallmarks of a tax, meaning it falls under the requirements concerning revenue-raising measures within Article V, section 33 of the Oklahoma Constitution.

That section requires the revenue-raising measures originate in the House of Representatives, not be passed in the final days of the legislative session and either be approved by a vote of the people or a three-quarters majority of both houses of the Legislature.

Without dispute, the legislation failed all of those tests, and it is unconstitutional.

The result is a huge hole in the side of the state budget. In its effort to disguise the tax as something else, the Legislature had earmarked its revenue for a handful of state agencies with connections to tobacco issues, including the Department of Human Services, the Health Department and the Department of Mental and Substance Abuse Services. So, the budget hole is particularly gaping for those agencies.

We call on Gov. Mary Fallin to call a special session of the Legislature quickly to deal with the problem. The simplest solution would be a reconsideration of the cigarette tax as a tax and within the boundaries of Article V section 33.

Other rational tax measures, including increases to the states gross production tax and reconsideration of the income tax cuts of recent years also ought to be on the table, but probably wont be.

The cigarette tax created needed money and did so in a socially effective way  a substantial tax increase on cigarettes will save lives by encouraging some smokers to quit and preventing young people from starting. Lets do it again, and get it right this time.
Its entirely possible that the Trump presidency is beyond repair. President Donald Trump has accomplished none of his major priorities (except for putting Neil Gorsuch on the Supreme Court) and has proved himself to be an unreliable and inept partner for the Republicans on Capitol Hill. He surely isnt going to be able to accomplish more in his second six months than he was in his first, when he was supposedly at the peak of his popularity and power.

Moreover, special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, along with his ace team of 16 lawyers, at least one grand jury and a somewhat serious Senate Intelligence Committee, are pursuing not just the Trump campaigns possible cooperation with Russia but also possible obstruction of justice. So, yes, even if Trump does everything right from here on out, his presidency may never recover, even if he manages to stay in office until January 2021.

That said, Trumps most immediate problem  and the countrys  is establishing himself as a sober, competent and calm commander in chief. So far this week he has shown himself to be irrational, excitable, ill-prepared and thoroughly unfit to lead the country in a tense standoff against North Korea. His rhetoric has been so intemperate that were now back to fretting about his possession of the nuclear codes. The Washington Post reports:

As with most things Trump, the furor over the fire and fury has divided the nation in two  those who believe the president is a loose cannon, impulsively blurting whatever flits through his mind, and those who believe his inflammatory talk is a wily combination of politically savvy instincts and a gut-driven populism that simply aims to please.

When President Trump went off script Tuesday to deliver a startling threat to North Korea  They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen  it was as if the nation relived the most lurid themes of the 2016 campaign in one chilling moment. . . . At the core of the anxiety over Trumps remarks is the worry that the president made his threat without consideration of what might follow.

Trumps presidency will court disaster  a shooting war  so long as his chief of staff, John Kelly, and senior staff treat his unhinged, unthinking outbursts as acceptable:

Presidents dont usually improvise comments on global crises. What would be normal in the Bush or Obama or Clinton administrations would be for the combination of strategic communications people and policy people  including the national security adviser  to develop, in consultation with the State Department and the Defense Department, a messaging strategy with top lines that they felt the president needed to emphasize, said a senior diplomat who served in all three administrations.

Trumps broadside against Pyongyang was so out of sync with his advisers that they rushed forward to explain the president was speaking extemporaneously. Thats the cleanup message, mind you. In other words: Dont listen to him, and its not our fault. But it is their fault and their problem.

Kelly and other senior advisers cannot tiptoe around the president nor enable his erratic behavior. If his national security team cannot control him, perhaps his family or the vice president will have better luck. Trump needs to understand he has called into question his mental fitness and ability to uphold his oath. If this does not abate, his own utterances will fuel talk of impeachment and/or invocation of the 25th Amendment.

In the meantime, the question hangs over our military: How do they manage their obligations to the country with respect to civilian control of the military in the event that he orders them to pursue ill-conceived and possibly cataclysmic military action?

This calamitous week should dispel the fantasy that Kelly can save the president from himself. If he cannot control Trumps outbursts and keep him off Twitter, Kelly will fail in arguably the most important assignment of his career. And the countrys security and democratic institutions will be stressed like never before.

Jennifer Rubin writes the Right Turn blog for The Washington Post
Parliamentary taskforce ignores Dr KCs calls

Ignoring the calls from Dr Govinda KC, who has risked his life stretching his hunger strike to 18 long days, a parliamentary taskforce on Thursday finalised the Health Profession Education (HPE) Bill with amendments.
Communications Minister Mitch Fifield has written to ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie following an Australian Story episode profiling Sam Dastyari.

He has also raised questions over the airtime given to the Labor senator in a recent Media Watch episode as chair of a committee examining the future of public interest journalism.

Australian Story on July 31 profiled Dastyari to confront the political donations scandal that cost him his seat on the Opposition frontbench, interviewing Dastyari, his family and politicians on all sides.

But there were concerns around the timing.

With respect to Australian Story, questions have been raised about the timing of the episode given the recent release of Senator Dastyaris book, Fifield wrote to Guthrie.

I ask that you provide an explanation of the editorial decisions associated with the airing of the episode and whether, and how, the ABC factored in the recent release of a book by Senator Dastyari.

I also draw your attention to the Media Watch episode State of Play: news media versus the digital giants that aired on Monday 10 July.

I would appreciate an explanation of the rationale for dedicating an episode of Media Watch to explore Senator Dastyaris opinions on a specific issue.

Last week an ABC spokeswoman defended the Australian Story episode, saying While giving viewers the essential background on these issues, Australian Story took the story further, getting Mr Dastyari to respond to lingering and serious questions about his conduct as a Senator.

An ABC spokesman said Ms Guthrie would respond in due course, having only just received the letter.

Source: Fairfax, The Australian
Renowned screenwriter Andrew Knight will receive the 2017 Australian Writers Guilds Lifetime Achievement Award, for more than 30 years of screen work.

Knights achievements are many, including Hacksaw Ridge, Rake, Jack Irish, Seachange and Fast Forward, with AFI / AACTA, Logie and AWG wins along the way.

AWG president Jan Sardi said. Not only is Andrew prolific, award-winning and one of the most successful screenwriters this country has ever produced, he is also in possession of a uniquely Australian voice and outlook. You only need to have seen an episode of Rake or SeaChange to see that Andrew is very much the voice of Australia on our screens.

As a writer you constantly feel like a canary in a mineshaft; unnoticed, ignored and unloved  so it is a great surprise to realise none of this is true, said Knight.

Knight will be presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by Foxtels Group Director of Corporate Affairs Bruce Meagher at the 50th Annual AWGIE Awards to be held in Sydney on Friday 25th August.

Starting out writing for classic Australian comedy series such as The D Generation, Fast Forward and Full Frontal, Knight has since gone on to pen some of Australias best-loved shows, including the award-winning series Rake, Jack Irish and SeaChange, as well as After the Deluge, Tripping Over, The Broken Shore, The Kettering Incident, Kangaroo Palace, CrashBurn and Bligh.

For the silver screen, he co-wrote the multi award-winning USAustralian war epic Hacksaw Ridge, historical drama The Water Diviner, and recent Sydney Film Festival favourite, the romantic comedy Alis Wedding.

Knights work has received numerous accolades, including AFI, Logie and AWGIE Awards. In 2015 he was presented the AACTA Longford Lyell Award in recognition of his contribution to the Australian screen industry. In 2017 he was nominated for a British Academy Film Award for Hacksaw Ridge, which went on to be nominated for Best Picture at the 2017 Academy Awards.

Bruce Meagher, Foxtels Group Director of Corporate Affairs, said, Andrew has been a true artistic beacon who has inspired a generation of Australian creative talent over the past three decades.

Foxtel believes in the importance of telling uniquely Australian stories and Andrews commitment to creating those stories is what has made Australian TV and cinema among the best in the world.

Awarded since 2015, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognises writers who have made a significant contribution to the Australian screen industry. The Award celebrates the achievements of Australias most revered and admired writers, those who have achieved critical and commercial success throughout their career and made significant contributions to our national film and television culture.

The Award is decided by a unanimous vote of the 13 members of the Australian Writers Guild National Executive Committee who are all professional writers.
Mondays Australian Story profiles supermodel Robyn Lawley and an update on her agent Chelsea Bonner, both of whom are out to prove that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

The fashion high end did not take us seriously at all. They just thought, no were not going to use curvy girls. Robyn Lawley, model

Advertisers, retailers and designers have been reinforcing this idea of beauty. Its not working. Diversity is beautiful. Chelsea Bonner, model agent.

Chelsea had a vision and Robyn came along and that was the vision being able to take off. Jennifer Lawley, Robyn Lawleys sister.

Supermodel Robyn Lawley and her agent Chelsea Bonner live on opposite sides of the world but theyre united in their mission: to change the way women are represented in the fashion industry.

As teenagers, both were rejected by mainstream model agencies for being too curvy.

Robyn Lawley, whos six-foot-one and a size 14, had almost given up on her dreams of modelling when she crossed paths with agent Chelsea Bonner, whod been looking for the one to break through the fashion medias skinny obsession.

Nearly a decade later, the two have blazed a trail for curvier models through the international halls of high fashion, with Lawley becoming the first plus-size model to feature on the covers of Italian Vogue, and French Elle, and land a contract with a top-end label Ralph Lauren.

This update of our popular profile on Chelsea Bonner charts Robyn Lawleys success in New York where she has become a high-profile advocate for promoting realistic images of women, including her own stretchmarks.

I got called a pig and hefty. Thats fine because I love my body. Robyn Lawley to talk show host Ellen DeGeneres

In parallel stories, both women share the adolescent battles with body image that shaped them.

Theyve both got this drive to succeed and theyve both got a chip on their shoulder. They both want to do this because theyve both had so much rejection. Jennifer Lawley, Robyns sister

Now based in New York, Robyn Lawley is shifting her focus to behind the camera to show that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

8pm Monday on ABC.
A blogger who named two women referred to in Amber Harrisons Human Rights Commission complaint as allegedly having affairs with Seven West CEO Tim Worner, has been sentenced to 4 months jail for contempt.

Shane Dowling, whose website cannot be named for legal reasons, published two profile names earlier this year. Both were named in court documents during the height of the legal battle between Worner and executive assistant Amber Harrison, but remain suppressed as Jane Doe 1 & Jane Doe 2. Both strenuously denied the allegations, launching a subsequent defamation case.

On March 15th Dowling was found guilty of contempt of court, but flouted orders to remove the names, publishing fresh stories as recently as July 15. Yesterday Justice Ian Harrison directed him to stop publishing on social media during court sentencing.

Justice Ian Harrison said Dowling had deliberately set out to disobey the courts orders who appeared to see himself as a fierce proponent of free speech and was ferociously committed to the righteousness of his views. Justice Harrison said Dowlings enthusiasm for the cause as he perceives it borders on obsession.

Dowling maintained hed done nothing more than any journalist does every day around the country in naming people referred to in tendered legal documents.

This matter is a huge free speech, political communication and public interest matter, he wrote. If Australian courts are going to jail or penalise journalists for doing nothing more than reporting the news then Australia is no better than China or Russia.

But Justice Harrison said he had done more than journalists do by disobeying court orders to remove the offending articles.

Source: Fairfax, The Guardian
The Australian and Childrens Screen Content Review taskforce has released a consultation paper.

The Review is being jointly conducted by the Department of Communications and the Arts, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, and Screen Australia.

The Review aims to make sure that Government policy supports the creation, exhibition and export of Australian screen stories now and into the future.

The Government currently supports Australian screen content through a range of existing regulatory measures and incentives, which are laid out in the Australian and Childrens Screen Content review consultation paper released today.

The review comes as the landscape for consuming content changes rapidly with the advancement of technology, and the consultation paper provides insight and data into Australian consumers viewing habits across broadcast television, online and in cinemas.

The paper sets out the reviews objectives in detail. Broadly, the objectives are:

Securing quality content that promotes Australian identity and culture,

Securing quality Australian content for children,

Driving more sustainable Australian content industries.

The paper also presents eight questions that the sector is invited to respond to for the review. These questions are:

Are the policy objectives and design principles articulated in the discussion paper appropriate?

What Australian content types or formats is the market likely to deliver and/or fail to deliver in the absence of Government support?

What types of Australian screen content should be supported by Australian Government incentives and/or regulation?

The current system of support for screen content involves quotas, minimum expenditure requirements, tax incentives and funding. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the current system? What reforms would you suggest?

What types and level of Australian Government support or regulation is appropriate for the different types of content and why?

What factors constrain or encourage access by Australians and international audiences to Australian content? What evidence supports your answer?

What would the Government need to consider in transitioning to new policy settings?

Is there anything else that you would like the Government to consider that has not been addressed in your responses already?

The consultation period is 10 August to 21 September.

Find the consultation paper, plus how to submit your response, here
A boy walks past war damaged houses in the Al-Resala neighbourhood of west Mosul, Iraq.  UNHCR/Cengiz Yar

MOSUL, Iraq  Um Ahmed and 16 members of her family live crammed in their blast-damaged two-storey home in the Al-Resala neighbourhood of West Mosul. Despite the destruction, she says she feels lucky that their house is still standing when others nearby have been flattened.

Back in March, when the battle for control of Iraqs second city raged around them, 35-year-old Um Ahmed and her family spent ten terrifying days huddled in their basement shelter with 40 other people. The dark, damp room had only one tiny window for ventilation, and was rank with the smell of closely packed bodies and fear, she recalls.

During a lull in the fighting, she fled with her husband Shehab, 42, and their children to a government-run displacement camp in Jadaa, some 50 kilometers south of the city. Hours later, a rocket struck their cherished home.

The hot and dusty camp environment was particularly hard on Shehab, who suffers from a heart condition and epilepsy. On July 10, the day after the Iraqi government declared the battle for the city over, the family returned to their home to assess the damage after four months in the camp.

We returned to Mosul because it was difficult for my husband to stay in a tent with his poor health.

We returned to Mosul because it was difficult for my husband to stay in a tent with his poor health, Um Ahmed explains. We were also afraid of losing our house.

On their return they were greeted with a scene of utter destruction, with the entire front of the house lying in ruins. But after clearing their way inside they found that, unlike many of their neighbours, their furniture and possessions were still there  the rubble having prevented looters from gaining entry. Something bad turns into something good, Shehab says with a wry smile.

While happy to be home, life remains tough for the family, with each day a struggle to provide the basics for survival. Electricity is costly and usually available for just eight hours a day, drinking water is delivered by truck and stored in tanks, while water for toilets and washing is collected from a well in a large barrel which they have to roll home. Um Ahmed and her sister make dresses at home to earn enough money to scrape by.

So far some 79,000 people have returned to the ruins of West Mosul, according to government figures, equivalent to around 10 per cent of all those who fled the area. By contrast, some 90 per cent of those who fled have since returned to the east of the city, which witnessed considerably less destruction.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has been stepping up its aid efforts for Iraqi families in Mosul including those that have recently returned. The agencys field assessments show that the returning population of Mosul needs assistance of every kind, but shelter needs remain the most pressing and dire, particularly in the west.

Returning families also face challenges in accessing basic services and utilities  accessing water, electricity or fuel in parts of Mosul can be difficult and very expensive, UNHCR spokesman Andrej Mahecic told a media briefing in Geneva on Friday (August 11).

Returning families also face challenges in accessing basic services and utilities."

Since the end of military operations in west Mosul, UNHCR and its partners have distributed shelter kits to more than 3,241 families in the east and west of the city.

Mahecic said the package includes sealing-off kits, which allow families like Um Ahmeds to carry out basic repairs so they are able to live in partially damaged or unfinished buildings. The plan is to distribute kits to up to 36,000 families by the end of this year.

UNHCR has also been providing multipurpose cash assistance to some of the most vulnerable displaced Iraqi families. Families receive one-off cash assistance of US$400 (486,000 Iraqi Dinars) using a system of mobile money transfers. Some of the most vulnerable families will receive the same amount for up to three months, helping them to pay rent and manage basic necessities such as food and utilities.

While life is slowly returning to the ancient city, Um Ahmed and Shehab know it will take many years before things return to normal. The future is in the hands of Allah, but we should never lose hope, he says. The strain of the past several years is written in the lines on his face. Its not the years that have made us old, its the things weve seen.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is saddened by the two tragic incidents reported off the coast of Yemens Shabwah Governorate this week, in which scores of refugees and migrants are feared to have drowned.

The first incident was reported on 9 August and the second a day later. Details are still unconfirmed but survivors quoted by a UN partner agency, speak of people being forced off boats and into the sea with nearly 70 in total presumed dead as a result of the two incidents.

UNHCR has warned repeatedly of the risks involved in dangerous boat crossings to Yemen. Prolonged conflict and insecurity have facilitated the proliferation of smuggling and trafficking by criminal networks targeting and exploiting people fleeing persecution or poverty.

The incidents this week are illustrative of the increasing brutality being seen on these crossings. Last year at least 79 persons were recorded to have lost their lives at sea or went missing on their way to Yemen over the course of several incidents. However, this weeks events demonstrate the increasing callousness and blatant disregard for human life shown by smugglers and traffickers.

Despite Yemens ongoing conflict, it remains a destination for many refugees fleeing the Horn of Africa and for thousands of migrants seeking to transit through the country in search of livelihoods. In all, more than 117,000 people arrived in Yemen in 2016. Many were lured by smugglers into taking the perilous boat journey. More than 30,000 people have made their way to Yemen through the Gulf of Aden or across the Red Sea in the first half of 2017.

With Yemens prolonged conflict, deteriorating conditions, buckling state institutions and challenges to the preservation of rule of law and governance, those most vulnerable including new arrivals face grave dangers and risks.

In response to the danger and exploitation faced by those attempting to cross to Yemen, UNHCR earlier this year launched a regional awareness campaign titled Dangerous Crossings to spread awareness in countries of origin about the dangers of crossing the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea from Africa to war-stricken Yemen and highlighting the horrendous conditions and rising risks in Yemen.

Media contacts:

Shabia Mantoo; [email protected] +967 71 222 5121

Andrej Mahecic; [email protected] + 41796429709
PMs India visit: Follow-up on deals high on agenda

Implementation of past pacts and several pending bilateral issues is expected to figure prominently during Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deubas upcoming visit to India along with discussions on strengthening bilateral ties, according to officials.
Retiree Raisa, 79, crosses a checkpoint in the village of Marinka in eastern Ukraine. Raisa's journey to collect her social benefit payments and access medical care for her disabled son involves several buses and waiting in line to cross the de facto border.  UNHCR/Tania Bulakh

As the conflict enters its fourth year, nearly 1.6 million internally displaced Ukrainians struggle to find safety, adequate housing and access to employment.

Sporadic exchanges of fire in areas near the line of contact continue to damage civilian infrastructure, leading to new humanitarian needs and creating risks of displacement. Safety and security remain major concerns for nearly 800,000 people living near the Line of Contact in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in the countrys East.

In June this year, the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) of Ukraine recorded more than 1.1 million crossings of the dividing line in eastern Ukraine. UNHCR is concerned about difficulties regarding freedom of movement of civilians, particularly while crossing the conflict line. There are frequently long queues and subsequent delays at checkpoints. Those waiting to cross have limited access to basic services, such as drinking water, latrines, weather shelters and medical care.

This creates additional hardships for those with limited mobility and specific needs, especially older people and mothers with children making the journey. Earlier this year, UNHCR provided technical assistance to improve conditions at all crossing points to reduce delays.

Since the beginning of 2016, nearly 586,000 retired and elderly people residing in the conflict zone lost access to their pensions as a result of verification procedures introduced by the Government of Ukraine. This has affected the most vulnerable groups, as many of them depend on pensions and social payments as their sole source of income.

Those living in non-government controlled areas are required to register as internally displaced persons with the Ukrainian authorities in order to have access to their rightful pensions and social payments.

UNHCR and its partners advocate for ensuring that displaced people have full access to government services and payments, including de-linking pensions and social benefits from the place of residence.

Displacement has affected vulnerable groups particularly harshly, including more than 50,000 people with disabilities who have been forced to flee their homes. Besides access to services, they often face additional difficulties and discrimination based on their disability, ethnic or religious background.

At least 40 communities residing near the dividing line have limited access to medical services. Some 150 healthcare facilities have been damaged since the start of the conflict, and medical personnel have also left the area.

Children in affected zones have limited access to education due to the security situation and damaged school buildings. At least 700 schools have been damaged since the start of the conflict, including 55 schools directly impacted since the beginning of the year. In 2017, 89 schools have been repaired with UNHCRs assistance.

The level of destruction of civilian houses is significantly higher than expected, with approximately 40 to 60 houses in certain communities close to the front line being damaged every week. More than 10,000 damaged houses need to be rehabilitated. In 2017, UNHCR and shelter partners helped to repair more than 1,000 civilian shelters, however it is only a fraction of needs as continued shelling and hazardous security conditions hamper access to many newly damaged areas.

Earlier this year UNHCR conducted 123 focus group discussions with the conflict-affected population, including women, orphaned children, persons with disabilities and serious medical conditions, and LGBTI in 10 regions of Ukraine. The report summarizing this participatory assessment provides first-hand accounts and testimonies of displaced families.

Among problems with security, access to basic services, housing, employment and livelihoods, residents of frontline communities speak of civilian houses being used for military purposes. The stationing of combatants and weapons in residential areas places civilian populations at risk during fighting.

UNHCR continues to call on all parties involved in the conflict to ensure protection of civilians and civilian settlements from the consequences of fighting, shelling and to restrict the use of civilian homes for military purposes.

Participatory assessment report

For more information on this topic, please contact:
Political parties demand release of Nepali man from Indian custody

Political parties here have issued a joint appeal for the release of Nepali youth arrested by the Indian police who reached India for his mother's medical treatment.
Release Chudamani Sharma on general date: SC

The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday ordered the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) to release suspended Director General of Inland Revenue Department (IRD) Chudamani Sharma on general date.
Wyoming Business Tips for Aug. 20-26

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 Susan Jerke, WSBDC regional director

I have been using the same business logo for the past 20 years. Is it time to refresh my image? Jamie, Cheyenne

You have built a solid brand the past 20 years, and your logo is likely the face of your company. A customer may not be likely to purchase your product based solely on your logo design, but it does identify you and helps to stand out from your competition.

There are reasons for keeping a logo. Perhaps your company is timeless, and change could be seen as a negative move. But there are also times when it is a good idea to change things up a bit. Even big companies refresh their look by making subtle changes, usually following the latest trends in design, color and font.

It refreshes their brand identities and could be an indication that the companies are releasing new products or services, or are making positive changes within their organizations, or have new leadership.

There are other things to consider when deciding to change your logo. Is your current logo too complex? Is it easy to reduce or enlarge -- think tiny image on a pen -- or a huge design on a billboard?

Graphic design definitely follows trends, just like the fashion world. What is hot in 2017? Clean, minimalistic and geometric designs are popular, as well as simplified colors, retro designs and hand-drawn images. Hand-drawn logos as fresh, comforting, human and grounded -- theyre definitely a trend that our computer-driven world is craving.

So, how do you go about changing or refreshing your logo?

There are many local and online designers who will give you feedback and help you create a new design. Check the respective websites to explore their style of work, design process and pricing structure.

The Wyoming SBDC can help assess the effectiveness of your current logo or help solidify individual sketches and ideas so they can be taken to a designer, printer or sign company for finalization.

Have fun with your new, updated image!

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.
Increasing number of local units: SC vacates its earlier interim order

The Supreme Court on Thursday vacated its May 26 interim order against the Cabinets May 22 decision to add 22 local units in 12 Tarai districts, paving the way for the government to increase the number of local units.
SSFN Chair Yadav stresses provincial polls before parliamentary

Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal (SSFN) Upendra Yadav has said that it would be appropriate to hold provincial elections after the completion of local level polls.
Venezuela has two other private mobile phone operators - Spanish-owned Movistar and Digitel. (AFP/LUIS ROBAYO)

Venezuela has two other private mobile phone operators - Spanish-owned Movistar and Digitel. (AFP/LUIS ROBAYO)

A group that calls itself The Binary Guardians claimed responsibility for attacks that targeted the websites of the government, the supreme court and the National Assembly.

"These terrorist actions which affected the Movilnet's GSM platform on Wednesday left without communication seven of the state operator's 13 million users," Science and Technology Minister Hugbel Roa said.

Venezuela has two other private mobile phone operators: Spanish-owned Movistar and Digitel.

Roa said the outage was part of a wave of attacks that began on Monday when dozens of government and private company websites were hacked.

Roa said there also have been nine cuts in the country's fiber optic network, which has cut off already precarious internet service to seven states.

"The attacks were carried out with the help of foreign agents, trying once again to disrupt our country's connectivity," Roa said, adding that an investigation was underway.
Fintech: the new source of M&A

KPMGs quarterly report showed that in the first quarter of 2017, total global investment in fintech was $3.2 billion, with 260 deals. The Asia-Pacific alone saw 33 deals with the total value of $492 million.

Vietnam is not an exception to this trend. According to the estimations of Topica Founder Institute, in 2016, total investment in Vietnamese fintech startups was $129 million, accounting for 63 per cent of all startup contract value. New companies such as Payoo, VNPT E-pay, M_Service (Momo), and F88 are leading in terms of deal value.

This wave of fintech startup investment could be the new source of impressive M&A activities in the future.

According to Christian Konig, fintech expert and founder of Fintech Meetup Vietnam and Fintechnews.sg, the Vietnamese fintech market has a very positive outlook.

He predicted that big investors, such as Alipay, Apple pay or Samsung pay, will join the market through multiple channels.

There will be a variety of products, such as insurtech for insurance and wealthtech for investment consultation, among others. Startups in this field will gradually become more professional and may diversify services and products to best serve customers by cooperating with financial institutions, such as banks or insurance companies.

Deal value and foreign interest

As of early 2017, 70 per cent of fintech contracts came in early stage funding (seed round and Series A), with the total value of $29.1 million. For instance, F88, a Hanoi-based pawn shop chain, attracted $10 million investment from Mekong Capital.

F88 received $10 million investment from Mekong Capital

As for Series B funding, accounting for 8 per cent of deals, M_Service JSC, operator of mobile payment app Momo honoured by Vietnam M&A Forum 2016, attracted $28 million from Standard Charter Private Equity and Goldman Sachs.

Foreign investors interest in Vietnamese fintech startups is predictable since fintech has always been considered a field with high growth potential, with venture capital funds increasing investment in markets with young populations using traditional financing services.

Recently, two South Korean funds, Korea Investment Partners (KIP) and Mirae Asset Venture Investment, invested a total of $10 million in the Vietnamese app Appota. This initial agreement will drive the next development phase of Appota with a focus on fintech.

In November 2016, Champion Crest, the investment fund of Credit China Fintech Holding (Hong Kong), acquired 51 per cent of Amigo Technologies JSC with $12.73 million. Amigo Technologies is one of the five largest providers of IT services and solutions for personalised financial services in Vietnam in terms of market share.

According to Phang Yew Kiat, vice chairman and CEO of Credit China Fintech, this deal is part of the companys foreign expansion strategy. The acquisition of Amigo Technologies marked an important milestone in Credit China Fintechs international strategy and is the first step in the companys expansion outside China, Kiat said.

Therefore, it is safe to say that Vietnamese startups with financial products are receiving special attention from foreign investors.
H&M's flagship store will open in Ho Chi Minh City

This is the most favourable time for us to join the Vietnamese market, H&Ms 68th market with great potential in the retail sector. With various diversified fashion products, we hope to meet our customers expectations and inspire them to explore and create their own style, Fredrik Famm, H&M Southeast Asia country manager, said.

Vietnam is one of H&Ms five newest markets in 2017. Also, this year marks H&Ms 70th year of continuously providing trendy and fashionable clothing at a reasonable price for customers across the globe.

H&Ms flagship store in Ho Chi Minh City will present abundant fashionable clothes and accessories for fashionaholics.

The store in Vietnam will follow all common standards of H&Ms flagship stores. Its inside furniture will create a bright space with clothes and accessories placed orderly at the middle. This aims to bring about convenience for customers while shopping. Modernity and luxury are combined in a harmonious and interesting setup through the mixed-material furniture. All of these features promise to bring customers an inspiring journey in the fashion world of H&M.

This outlet will sell the newest designs of fashionable H&M women, men, and children clothes, which are traditionally the best selling items in any H&M outlet, at a reasonable price.

Especially, H&Ms Autumn-Winter collection, which was published in July, will be available in the Vietnamese branch right from the opening day. Afterwards, it is expected that H&Ms other global collections will be introduced in Vietnam, such as The Weeknd Collection, ERDEM x H&M, as well as the Holiday collection, which is scheduled to be released at the end of 2017.

On the opening day on September 9, the H&M outlet will open from 11.00 AM to 10.00 PM. There will be countdown activity and performances by various DJs, and notably, some limited H&M handbags and many other gifts will be given to the first 1,000 customers.

After the opening day, the H&M store will be open every day from 9.30 AM to 10.00 PM.

Two days before the opening day, on September 7, there will be an event for H&Ms VIPs, providing them with a unique shopping experience and interesting performances by famous Vietnamese DJs.

In 2017, H&M set a 10-15 per cent target for sales growth, with continued high profitability. It also scheduled opening about 430 new stores and expanding to Kazakhstan, Colombia, Iceland, Georgia, and Vietnam.

In the first half of 2017, H&Ms sales increased to nearly SEK 114 billion ($14 billion), an equivalent of 9 per cent growth compared to the same period last year. Its profit after financial items increased by 6 per cent to nearly SEK11 billion ($1.4 billion). H&Ms after-tax profit in this period amounted to SEK8.4 billion ($1 billion), corresponding to SEK5.05 ($0.6) per share.

From H&Ms first half performance, it is forecasted that the corporations target for the whole 2017 is well within reach, as the year-end is usually the peak shopping season.
South Korean guitarist Sungha Jung will perform in Ha Noi and HCM City on August 26 & 27. - Photo musicweekly.asia

The concerts will take place at the Viet Nam Youth Theatre and the HCM City Conservatory of Music.

A Korean prodigy who started playing the guitar at the age of five, Jung is now very well-known, especially on YouTube with over 991 million views and over three million subscribers until the end of April 2015.

He has won 15 YouTube awards, including six No 1 awards. He has also composed and arranged many songs in diverse styles and has released eight albums, including his latest Mixtape in May.

The guitarist started playing the instrument when he was a child while watching his father playing. After being taught the basics by his father, Jung further developed his skills by trying to play whatever he heard or by studying online videos.

He first discovered his interest in fingerstyle guitar when he heard famous Japanese guitarist Kotaro Oshio using this special technique, where the strings are plucked with the fingertips, fingernails or picks attached to the fingers.

Jungs cover of The Pirates of the Caribbean theme song, which has had over 49 million views on YouTube, made him an Internet sensation when he was just 12 years old.

This is Jungs third consecutive year of touring the country.

Tickets prices of his concerts are from VN600,000 (US$26) to 1,600,000. The highest price includes a photo session with the guitarist and one autographed latest CD. There will also be a signing session after the concerts for those who buy CD. For more information on tickets, please visit www.ticketbox.vn and www.tickit.vn.
The Anti-Dumping Commission of Australia (ADC) chose not to apply anti-dumping duties on wind towers imported from Viet Nam. - VNA/VNS Photo Trong Dat

This was stated by the Viet Nam Competition Authority under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

In a report issued early this week, the ADC said it has not made a preliminary affirmative determination (PAD) against the wind towers exported to Australia from Viet Nam. There are not sufficient grounds to establish that the goods are dumped or to establish a causal link between dumped goods and material injury for the Australian industry, it stated.

However, it will consider making a PAD at least once prior to or in the publication of the statement of essential facts, which is due to be published on September 26.

The ADC is currently examining information provided by two Australian firms that imported goods from Viet Nam during the investigation period and the only co-operating exporter -- CS Wind Viet Nam -- from Viet Nam. The commission plans to conduct on-the-spot examination of the exporter in Viet Nam on August 16-18.

A report on the ADCs recommendations will be submitted to the Parliamentary Secretary no later than November 10, 2017 (the duration can be extended). The secretary will make a decision within 30 days of receiving the report.

Wind towers imported from Viet Nam currently have import duty of 5 per cent in Australia. The investigation was initiated in June this year following an application lodged by Australian manufacturers Keppel Prince Engineering Pty Ltd and Ottoway Fabrication Pty Ltd. Prior to this, in 2014, Australia also conducted a dumping investigation on wind towers imported from China and the South Korea, with dumping duties on Chinese exporters at 15-15.6 per cent and on RoK exporters at 17.2-18.8 per cent.
Vote of confidence

The Election Commission should be strengthened to make it a bulwark of democracy
Picture 2 Cover of Negotiating Enslavement: Perspectives on Slavery in the Danish West Indies edited by Arnold Highfield and George F. Tyson, 
The Ministry for Heritage has announced that three new interpretation panels have been placed within our Old Town in order to provide information on our Medieval History, namely our Islamic and Spanish Periods.
On the surface, Atomic Blonde is about a British spy in Berlin navigating the choppy political waters of the Cold War. But that plot is secondary to the high-energy fighting in the movie, which is one of the most visually innovative shoot-and-beat-em-ups in recent years.

The linchpin of the film is a seven-minute fight in a stairwell, where the protagonist (Charlize Theron) has to battle her way through a series of bad guys  all in long, brutal sustained takes. In this episode of Behind the Movies, director David Leitch walks us through what it took to pull off such a complex and difficult set piece.
Its like The Trip, except this time theyre in Spain. Photo: Revolution Films

Spoilers for the ending of The Trip to Spain below.

The audience that arrived at the Tribeca Film Festival for the debut screening of The Trip to Spain were expecting a charming, insightful, celebrity-impression-laden filmic journey through one of Europes great nations, and for the majority of the feature, thats just what they got. Then came the final 60 seconds. The third installment in the Trip franchise concludes with a solo spinoff wander for Steve Coogan after co-star Rob Brydon heads back home to Britain, and it doesnt go as planned.

Coogan ventures across the Mediterranean to North Africa, erstwhile land of the medieval Moors, a population whose praises Coogan sings earlier in the film. He goes on this final jaunt seeking fulfillment and, more important, adventure  hes spent much of the flick talking about the pursuit of greatness, particularly the Spain-based greatness experienced by George Orwell and Miguel de Cervantes. However, the African trip goes awry: He gets stuck on a rural road without cell service or gas and, as he gazes in horror, he sees an oncoming truck filled with balaclava-wearing men yelling Allahu akbar. We end with a freeze-frame of his face, terror dawning upon it.

During the post-picture Q&A, director Michael Winterbottom fielded a question from a viewer who found that last moment a little offensive and stereotypical. In so many words, Winterbottom politely suggested that the questioner was missing the point:

Its a tricky ending, I think. They talk quite a lot about Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, so it is like a version of that. And one of the aspects of that is Don Quixote is this idealist who sees things wrongly. He confuses everything. He sees thing in a wrong way. And theres a comic gap between how he thinks of the world and how it hits. So theres a running thing that Steve imagines hes gonna write this cultural book about Spain. He wants to have a life of action. He admires George Orwell because he went off fighting and he thinks he would fight. He admires Cervantes because he went off fighting, was kidnapped, and so on. So he talks about how he imagines himself. And Robs thing is much more conventional about how he sees it. Steve is banging on about enlightened Islam and wanting to be a man of action and Robs a bit more conventional; just sees them as the bad guys and the good guys. So at the end, all those liberal ideas, all this belief that he wants to be a man of action and really experience life  and suddenly hes in the desert in a Muslim country and he sees four guys arriving and suddenly, hes panicking, thinking, Shit, Im actually gonna have an experience.

However, no one found Coogans insanely good and insanely mocking Mick Jagger impression offensive, presumably because no members of the Jagger family were present.
Photo: IFC

The Trip to Spain is the third and most enjoyable of the comedies featuring Steve Coogan (as Steve Coogan) and Rob Brydon (as Rob Brydon) as they motor from restaurant to restaurant downing fancy food and indulging in competitive bouts of celebrity impersonation while their saddish lives are laid bare.

It goes down easier than the last installment, The Trip to Italy, in which the ruins of past civilizations threw the mens fear of aging into stark relief. Coogan, Brydon, and director Michael Winterbottom have retreated a bit from the slough of despond, which is now only faintly visible beyond the plains of La Mancha and hilltops of Malaga. But visible it is. Theyve settled into a winning formula: Modern gastro-tourism is subtly juxtaposed against a history of economic deprivation and war. The life of Coogan  unattached and sexually free but shackled by a sense of impermanence  is broadly juxtaposed against the life of Brydon  attached but buoyed by family and a sense of continuity. Coogan struggles in vain to reach the next level of fame while Brydon, less glamorous, goes along to get along and seems ever more secure.

In the field of celebrity impersonations, the pair is more evenly  and splendidly  matched. It was their Dueling Michael Caines that launched the 2010 film The Trip (edited down from a TV mini-series) into public consciousness, and the bit remains jaw-dropping. As each man becomes progressively more nasal, phlegmy, and emphatic, Caine emerges in a more penetrating light  less flattering, but thats the peril of having predictable mannerisms with impersonators like Coogan and Brydon in attendance.

The recurring celeb in The Trip to Spain is Roger Moore, who I hope lived long enough to enjoy the meal Coogan and Brydon make of him. A great impressionist teaches us about an actors (or anyones) persona  how the pitch of a voice or an intake of breath can be used to signal the inner being. The Moore we meet via Coogan and Brydon is a more actorish creature than his nonchalant presence onscreen suggests, the voice more self-consciously toasty, the English diction more pompous  yet still somehow playful. And by citing him, they can also sight the Moors, a marauding presence in Spain. The pair does even better with the Welsh. When you listen to their renderings of Anthony Hopkinss Picasso, you realize the limits of the actors voice: Hes a great ham but no chameleon. The Spanish must have giggled madly. Then watch Coogan deconstruct Sir Ian McKellan, the actors high-flown musicality throwing the line up to the gods and crashing down to earth with his flat Northern vowels.

The banter feels like free association, but its fairly pointed. Marlon Brandos Torquemada in the risible Christopher Columbus: The Discovery allows the stars to invoke the Spanish Inquisition that terrorized the world not far from where theyre enjoying mussels with a carrot-juice reduction. They laud David Bowie for ending his career with Lazarus, then demonstrate the difference in pitch between Bowie young and Bowie thrillingly but poignantly  old. Michael Caine makes another appearance, via an unexpected source. Apparently, Mick Jagger, greeting Brydon, once attempted to impersonate the actor, and so we are treated to the sad spectacle of Brydon doing Jagger doing Caine. A mention that Jagger had a child at 72 raises once again the question of our protagonists age, along with their insistence that theyre not so much old as fully ripe. We are in our prime, says Coogan, like Miss Jean Brodie. I should play Miss Jean Brodie  theres a lot of gender-swapping going on. Amusing, but also a bit tone-deaf: Coogan is inadvertently revealing his age.

Other signs of age: Coogan drinks no alcohol and is no longer a sexual adventurer, being in love with the woman he was dating (but not faithful to) during his first trip with Brydon. She is married now, he admits, but like an anchovy she just wriggled into my net again. The net has a hole, though  the woman is elusive. So is Coogans agent, who decamped without telling him, leaving the actor in the hands of a callow assistant. Although Coogan continually brings up his Oscar-nominated script for Philomena, he is dismayed by how little currency it carries. Hearing that a script of his is being rewritten by someone up-and-coming, he cries, Ive come! He also laments the focus on such actors as Tim Huddleston, which I love because thats what I always used to call Tom Hiddleston and still occasionally do. As ever, Coogan is taken down multiple pegs while Brydon  who strayed in a guilty stab at a second adolescence in The Trip to Italy  finds fortune drifting his way. He is adept with the casual putdown, countering Coogans assertion he, Coogan, could play El Cid with, You could be a chap called Sid.

The supposed reason for these trips is for Coogan and Brydon to write about food, but theres little talk of it here, and Winterbottom makes only one or two forays into the kitchen. Spanish servers put down plates, say, En-yoy-ee, and depart so that the pair can continue their impersonations. Coogan eagerly awaits the arrival of his 20-year-old son, but his hopes for stability seem increasingly pitched on sand.

The Trip to Spain plays like its no big deal  a throwaway  but its consistently funny, its bitterness nudging the sweetness into complexity, its sweetness tempering the soupcon of despair. If that also sounds like a food review, well, someone has to write one.
HOUSTON  Former Gov. Mark White was remembered Wednesday as a dedicated and caring Texas leader by someone who later held the same elected position  George W. Bush.

Bush, the nation's 43rd president, spoke at White's funeral at Second Baptist Church in Houston. White, who battled kidney cancer, died Saturday at age 77.

White, his casket draped in a Texas flag, was a lawyer and Democrat who served one term as Texas governor, from 1983 until early 1987.

White was a "good and decent man" and a natural as Texas governor who strived for improvements in education, according to Bush.

"Mark envisioned a Texas where all children were educated," said Bush, a Republican who governed Texas from 1995 until 2000 when he won the presidency.

Two other prominent Texas Republicans, Gov. Greg Abbott and ex-Gov. Rick Perry, now U.S. Energy Secretary, were among the hundreds of mourners.

Luci Baines Johnson, a daughter of former President Lyndon B. Johnson, praised White's efforts to improve Texas even after he left the governor's mansion. "He may have retired from public office, but he never retired from public service," she said.

White was to lie in state Thursday afternoon at the Capitol Rotunda in Austin, followed by a private family service at the Texas State Cemetery.



This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of Abbott
Texas State Technical College will have a registration rally event from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at TSTCs Student Services Center, 3801 Campus Drive.

Potential students should bring a copy of their drivers license, their high school transcript or GED, any college transcripts, proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination, housing application and Texas Success Initiative scores.

For more information, visit www.tstc.edu/rally or call 799-3611.

Trivia night

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Waco will host a trivia night Friday at the church, 4209 N. 27th St., starting at 7 p.m. Admission is $10.

Proceeds go toward renovating the church building.

Community renewal

A community renewal celebration will be held Saturday at the Victory in Praise Life Center, 1501 Maple St., in partnership with the city of Waco.

The event starts at 10 a.m. and features free clothing, school supplies while they last, childrens games and prizes.

For more information, call 300-3245.

Rules for Blogging

Creative Minds, an all-genre writers group, will meet at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Conference Room at the West Waco Library, 5301 Bosque Blvd.

Romantic suspense author Debra Jupe will present Rules for Blogging.

Class of 64

The Waco High School class of 1964 will have its 53rd class reunion from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Richfield Christian Church, 4201 Cobbs Drive. Lunch will be provided.

The class will meet for dinner at 6 p.m. at Casa de Castillo, with guests responsible for their own food purchase.

For more information, call Shirley McDonald Fuller at 666-3304.

Alliance for Safe Children

The Alliance for Safe Children will host a Family Night on the Brazos and the Outdoor Screening of Zootopia from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday.

The event offers a chance to catch up on child safety practices, gain family resources and get to know local nonprofits face to face. Admission is free.

For more information call 732-0482.
The family of a Waco man who was shot and killed by Waco police last week as they tried to serve a narcotics search warrant called Thursday for Waco police to step down from investigating the matter and to turn it over to an independent agency.

The family of Kerry Demars Bradley also claim that police fired 37 shots, striking Bradley 22 times, before SWAT officer William Graeber, an eight-year police veteran, was struck by Bradleys GMC Yukon and pinned under the vehicle.

Bradleys wife, mother and aunt were joined by about 30 supporters and members of the Next Generation Action Network and Americas Choice for the Discerning Citizen groups at a press conference Thursday morning at the Yes Lord Destiny Center, 1512 N. 15th St.

Grand Prairie resident Dominique R. Alexander, founder and president of NGAN, said he and other groups are calling for justice in the shooting death of Bradley, who police officials say was a heroin dealer.

Kim T. Cole, an attorney for NGAN, also promised a lawsuit on behalf of the family would be forthcoming.

Alexander said his group of supporters have a video recording of the Aug. 1 incident that shows officers firing into Bradleys SUV before the officer was injured. Waco police have said they stopped the 37-year-old Bradley before he reached his home, where they intended to execute a search warrant for drugs.

Police have said Bradley intentionally ran over Graeber in an attempt to avoid going to jail. Graeber suffered three broken ribs, a broken pelvis, a broken collarbone, a collapsed lung, a concussion and burns to his arm after he was run over and pinned beneath the SUV. His condition continues to improve, police officials said.

Alexander and others in the group Thursday claimed Bradley had one hand on the steering wheel and one hand on the gear shift when police opened fire. He said after Bradley was hit, he lost control of the SUV, and the officer was run over.

We know all of the facts surrounding the death of Kerry Bradley. We know the narrative that the Waco Police Department has put out regarding the death of Kerry Bradley. We know there are a bunch of excuses toward this matter, and this organization will work along with other social groups who do not feel the death of Kerry Bradley was justice.

We feel this was an egregious act by the Waco Police Department. They murdered Kerry Bradley. A man in America shot 22 times will never be justice. It can never be justified.

Despite Alexanders claims that witnesses are in possession of a video of the incident, he and Cole said they would not release the video until they can ensure the safety of witnesses and conduct their own investigation.

Alexander claims Waco police have intimidated witnesses and threatened to confiscate their cellphones. They declined to give specific examples of their witness intimidation claims.

Waco police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton said Thursday that the Texas Rangers and the Special Crimes Unit of the Waco Police Department are conducting a joint investigation of the incident. Their findings will be turned over to the McLennan County District Attorneys Office for presentation to a grand jury.

It is a co-investigation, Swanton said. But we dont tell (Rangers) what to do and how to do their jobs. They work independently but are working together with us on this investigation. But they are an outside agency, and if they see wrongdoing, we have the utmost confidence that they would say that. You would be hard-pressed to find anybody that does not trust the Texas Rangers.

There was a building full on Thursday. Alexander said he thinks Waco police and the Texas Rangers are too closely aligned for it to be considered an independent investigation.

Swanton said Waco police and the Texas Rangers encourage anyone with video or who witnessed the incident to come forward.

None have done this, so far, Swanton said.

Three officers who fired shots that day remain on administrative light duty, Swanton said, adding that is routine procedure pending the investigations.

Alexander, who has conducted press conferences in other cities where police have killed black suspects, said he is disappointed that Waco Police Chief Ryan Holt has not returned his phone call. He said his group wants to meet with Holt to get answers and to try to unify the community.

Holt said in a statement Thursday that any death, regardless of the circumstances, is a tragedy.

As I have said before, I ask that the thoughts and prayers of the community be with the Bradley family as they grieve their loss and with Officer Graeber and his family as they move through a lengthy recovery.

We will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation being conducted by the Texas Rangers and the Special Crimes Unit. It would be inappropriate and premature for me to comment on the status of the investigation before it is presented to the District Attorneys Office, Holt wrote. The Waco Police Department will continue to work closely with local community leaders to make Waco a safe place for all its residents.

The group at the press conference, including Bradleys wife, Brittany Bradley, said they are angry at police and the media, who they say portrayed Kerry Bradley as a criminal and drug dealer because of his criminal past. Brittany Bradley also lamented the fact that a fund has been established to help defray Graebers medical expenses while nothing has been done to help pay for her husbands funeral.

Kerry Bradley was called every name but a child of God, Alexander said. He was a man who was loved by his family, his friends, his community. Kerry Bradleys past was behind him. He had a past. Everybody has a past.

But those three seconds that the Waco Police Department shot all 30-something rounds, it was not about Kerry Bradleys past. It was about the Waco PD wanting to murder a black man and the value of a black man in America. We say enough is enough and we want justice.

Before they spoke, supporters posted signs that said, We Want Justice, All Lives Matter, RIP Kerry Bradley, and Black Lives Matter.

Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future, Cole said. Kerry Bradley was not a saint in his past, but the media keeps focusing on his past as if it makes him less valuable as a human being. Kerry Bradley was a human being and, as such, he is entitled to due process. You are not supposed to act as judge, jury and executioner.

Swanton declined to discuss evidence in the case, including how many shots were fired at the scene. He also declined to discuss reports that police found more than a dozen capsules of heroin in Bradleys vehicle. Family members said Thursday that no drugs were found in the SUV and that police never executed the search warrant at Bradleys home.

Family members say they know how many times Bradley was shot because a funeral home employee viewed the body.

Ernest Walker of Americas Choice for the Discerning Citizen wore a T-shirt under his coat that said, There is no such thing as a lesser person. He said it is important for the Waco Police Department to back out of the investigation and turn it over to an independent agency. He suggested the U.S. Department of Justice.

According to the search warrant affidavit, officers suspected Bradley of selling heroin out of two cars and a home in the 3200 block of North 24th Street and had been investigating him for at least two months.

Court records indicate a police informant bought heroin from Bradley at least six times before police obtained the warrants.

Services for Bradley will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Carver Park Baptist Church.
Class acts

The Kiwanis Club of Waco Seniors presented three $1,000 scholarships to area graduates and honored local sophomores.

The $1,000 scholarships went to Kearstyn Woodard, Laci Faith Keel and Jessica Rodriguez.

Woodard graduated from West High School. She was active in the rebuilding of West after the explosion and took part in the Parkers Park project.

She will attend McLennan Community College in the fall and eventually transfer to Texas A&M. She received the Dr. Michael White Scholarship.

Keel graduated from Gholson High School. She has conducted school supply drives, made care packages for the homeless, made birthday cakes for children at the Waco Center for Youth, and gathered pet food donations for the Humane Society.

She will attend Blinn College and hopes to become an AgriLife extension agent. She received the Zack McClintock Memorial Scholarship.

Rodriguez graduated from La Vega High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society and for the past two years has been a part of the dual credit program at McLennan Community College.

She plans to become an international business consultant and eventually pursue a law degree. She is attending MCC and will apply to the University of Texas at Austin in 2018. She received the Lucille Cagel Scholarship.

Carter Boehm completed his sophomore year at Vanguard College Preparatory School and was nominated for the Walter Hurst Sophomore of the Year Scholarship presented by the Texas-Oklahoma Kiwanis Foundation.

He will represent Division 23 for one of the 20 $600 scholarships awarded.

Carter earned the rank of Eagle Scout at age 15, building a platform and ramp for the Cameron Park Zoo to use when performing medical procedures on Komodo dragons.

The scholarship committee for the first time chose two students to receive honorable mention for the Sophomore of the Year nomination. The club presented each with $50.

Kaitlyn Timmons is at a student at Aquilla High and Raelynn Faulkner is at China Spring High.
When officials say Brian Robinson walked his cousin, Aaron Crane, to a local motel door late last month after making arrangements with an undercover detective posing as a prostitute, both Waco residents became two of the 71 men arrested in the McLennan County Sheriffs Offices largest undercover online prostitution sting so far.

The interesting thing Ive found throughout all of our stings is you never know who youre going to come into contact with when we open the door, Detective Joseph Scaramucci said. We routinely come across armed suspects, but I am very proud to be a part of an organization that is taking this seriously.

Robinson, 33, and Crane, 31, were arrested during the 14th National John Suppression Initiative. Robinson, who fled from officers and was subdued with a stun gun, was arrested on charges of evading and possession of a .38-caliber handgun. Crane was arrested on a Class B misdemeanor charge of prostitution.

The effort marks McLennan Countys sixth undercover prostitution operation in the past three years. The department finished this National John Suppression Initiative with the fifth most arrests among the 37 agencies that participated. Nationwide, 1,020 sex buyers were arrested.

We are trying to eliminate the demand with these stings, McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara said. It is kind of like the drug business, because as long as you have people on drugs, wanting it and paying for it, we are going to have drug dealers. We are trying to diminish this demand, but whether or not we will stop it, that may be impossible. If we can diminish the demand, it will cut down on human tracking.

The operation

Detectives worked from June 28 to July 31 by placing online advertisements to target sex trafficking. Several sheriffs office divisions cooperated to investigate, arrest and transport suspects to jail, McNamara said.

We get people from Dallas, Fort Worth, Cranfills Gap, Houston, we get people just stopping through town and we had one man come in from Tennessee, he said. We get them from all over, but the effort our detectives are putting forth to catch these people is outstanding.

Scaramucci, who spearheaded the local operation, said men arrested ranged in age from 18 to 63 and came from varied backgrounds. Detective Rebecca Eubank joined the human trafficking unit this year as its first female officer.

I was the violence-against-women detective in Bellmead, so part of this still falls along the same line, but this goes hand-in-hand with sexual assaults, Eubank said. From a womans point, or from anyones point of view, this is definitely sad that this is still going on.

National statistics

According to the Cook County, Illinois, Sheriffs Office, the Phoenix Police Department made the most arrests in the national effort, with 454. The Harris County Sheriffs Office followed with 170 arrests. The Cook County, Illinois, Sheriffs Office made 137 arrests, and the Houston Police Department made 88 arrests. McLennan County had the fifth most, with 71 arrests.

The national initiative netted 15 sex-trafficking arrests and resulted in 75 adult victims and six juvenile victims being recovered. Agencies also issued more than $1.5 million in fines.

More than 7,630 sex buyers have been arrested in the national suppression initiative since it started in 2011.

Notable local arrests

Matthew Glasson, 40, of Lorena, was arrested in late June when officials say he arrived at a local motel to meet an undercover detective posing as a prostitute. Officers arrested Glasson, who they said also had a fake ID badge of an FBI agent and a firearm, on charges of false identification of a peace officer and prostitution.

Marcus Stafford, 34, of Hallsburg, was arrested July 11 on charges of prostitution and aggravated assault on a peace officer. McNamara said Stafford put his car in reverse and accelerated around a motel at a high rate of speed and rammed into two deputies vehicles multiple times.

Deputies were able to take Stafford into custody, and no injures were reported. McNamara said the collisions caused serious damage to both vehicles.
President Donald Trump has thrown his support to the Cotton-Perdue bill to restrict legal immigration of low-skilled workers into the United States by as much as 50 percent on the grounds it would raise the wages of American working families. However, thats not what the economic evidence is showing.

The only academically solid study of the impact of reducing legal immigration on the wages of unskilled farm workers was published by the National Bureau of Economic Research in February. It found no effect on wages despite half a million Mexican seasonal farm workers leaving the United States after the Bracero program was terminated in 1964.

One possible explanation is that demand for Mexican labor refused to decline despite the designs of U.S. policymakers. Closing the door to legal migrant workers simply created a new incentive for foreign workers to cross the border  and that incentive was stronger than being on the wrong side of U.S. law.

Demand for temporary work visas also seems to increase during immigration crackdowns. Indeed, Trumps push may be responsible for the reported surge of temporary visas into this country, including at his properties. This is no masterstroke of policy reform; its more like moving numbers from one column to another.

The Bracero experience several decades ago should serve as a warning to both the president and Congress. Not only will American working families not benefit from the legal cutbacks but illegal migrants and temporary workers can surge to replace the legal ones that are kept out.

U.S. history has told the same economic story over and over. When gin mills were banned during prohibition, speakeasies sprang up. They didnt disappear till after prohibition was ended. Criminalizing drugs in this country has sparked massive illegal drug imports from abroad by those willing to take the legal risk. Markets work to thwart the politicians but often at a cost to law and order.

Of course, if illegal workers dont fill the void as expected, Cotton-Perdue could end up hurting working families in a different way. Without enough labor to pull in harvests, U.S. agricultural output would shrink, forcing consumers to import the goods at higher prices. And those prices can rise higher still if Trump turns his protectionist threats into reality. It could create a perfect economic storm, triggered by totally independent Trump policies.

The slashing of low-skilled legal migrants also makes it harder for the Cotton-Perdue bill to accomplish its main goal: attracting high-skilled workers.

The two types of labor  high-skilled and low-skilled  are complementary, not competitive. High-skilled and high value-added workers are not only swayed by compensation; they also want to work and raise their families in service-rich areas. That means services ranging from house cleaning and childcare to restaurants and hospitals  all industries that depend on low-skilled laborers. Amid so many calls to stop people from coming to the United States, it may be easy to forget that really talented workers have other options. Europe and Asia would love to become destinations for the worlds best and brightest, and high-tech companies such as Amazon and Google are hedging their bets by opening facilities there.

Silicon Valley, one of the most expensive places on planet Earth, is facing that very problem right now. Service industries of all sorts cant find workers and the shortages are growing as illegal migrants self-deport amid the uncertainty created by Trumps immigration policies. Add to this cutbacks in legal immigration if Cotton-Perdue passes, and what youve got is a real crisis that unquestionably will put a severe dent in the economic centers ability to attract top high-tech talent. Already, higher-skilled better-paying jobs remain stagnant in the area.

President Trump often says that his policies will put America first. He also says hes not against globalization, just bad deals. The best way for him to put America first in the global economy would be to boost quality of life by alleviating shortages of low- and unskilled labor. The country would be more competitive internationally as a result and more prosperous at home. Curtailing low-skilled immigration would have the opposite effect.
In light of the growing divide between Americans over border walls, racial profiling and curtailing even legal immigration, one can only marvel at transcripts of President Trumps frantic telephone call with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto  a conversation in which Trump whined, pleaded with and begged Pena Nieto not to tell the press that Mexico wouldnt pay for any border wall, no matter how often and how loudly Trump promised just that while campaigning for president. So much for the idea the president of the United States can treat the president of Mexico like a subservient peon.

Meanwhile, credit U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Texas Republican, for showing spine in telling the president that more than one way exists to ensure border security, at least in Texas. Possibly drawing on his years in South Texas, Cornyn is doing what a lot more lawmakers in the Texas congressional delegation should be doing but arent: reminding everyone that Texas is geologically, ecologically and culturally diverse in ways unimaginable to those who dont know our state well. And that means physical walls might be appropriate in some locations, high-tech virtual walls involving surveillance equipment and boots on the ground might be more appropriate in others.

And in certain areas, such as the rugged Big Bend region of West Texas, no walls are necessary. Placing one would be an irresponsible waste of taxpayer money. Not only are the regions mountains, canyons and wildlife likely to deter those seeking to cross into Texas via that route, the presence of federal and state officials already there, plus tourists, add further natural impediments. And Sen. Cornyn is right to discourage the stupid idea of building a physical wall through 2,088-acre Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge which, to quote the McAllen Monitor, will cut through property and, for the most part, destroy the refuge. With that as a prime example, Cornyn says its imperative federal officials confer with local leaders to discuss what appropriate solutions might look like. One size does not fit all  not in Texas.

Cornyn is correct that President Trump deserves some deference on the issue of immigration, given that it appears to be one strong reason he won election. That said, the president and congressional leaders must seek bipartisan solutions to avoid the train wreck we witnessed over health-care reform. Immigration is especially fraught with racial tensions that can turn ugly fast. For instance, before Congress withholds federal funding from cities that supposedly offer sanctuary to illegal immigrants, lawmakers need to better define what qualifies as a sanctuary city. And with the Trump administration pushing a plan to cut legal immigration into the United States by half, now is the time for our own congressman, Bill Flores, to make very reasonable demands to streamline and expedite the process by which people become U.S. citizens. He has stressed this often enough to constituents in Waco. Meanwhile, a question of simple logic in cutting legal immigration by half: Doesnt this just naturally increase the impulse to immigrate illegally?
ASHLAND  Humanities Nebraska inspires and enriches personal and public life by delivering opportunities to engage thoughtfully with history and culture.

These opportunities include grants for humanities-related projects accessible to the public throughout the state. Speakers Bureau programs to schools and community groups Prime Time Family Reading Time, Chautauqua, touring exhibits from the Smithsonisn, and many others. Humanities Nebraska is a non-profit, state-based affiliate of the national Endowment for the Humanities.

Humanities Nebraska recently awarded grants to organizations based in the following communities. Strategic Air and Space in Ashland was rewarded $5,500 for the case and signage of a new exhibit on Astronaut Clayton Anderson.
The worlds last known complete Lockheed P-38G Lightning is currently under refurbishment at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. This aircraft served as 42-13400 in the U.S. Army Air Forces, and flew with the 54th Fighter Squadron from this very same airfield during WWII.

In early January, 1945 2nd Lt. Robert Nesmith was flying the fighter on a training mission over the Aleutian island chain. While he was flying home low over the Temnac Valley on the island of Attu, the left propellor began vibrating unnaturally. I was getting  not serious  but a little fluctuation, Nesmith said of the incident. I had really pushed things down and it was real low. He was down so low, in fact, that both propellers touched the icy ground. The aircraft skipped back up about a hundred feet before coming back down. The fighter skidded through the snow and ice before finally coming to rest. Nesmith was shaken, but unhurt, and was eventually rescued. A salvage team did come to inspect the downed aircraft, but given the remote location, they could do little more than salvage some of the undamaged components and abandon the airframe in place. And there the aircraft sat for the next five decades

Back in the mid 1990s, there was an effort at Elmendorf AFB to find a P-38 to display in their air park. Given the aircrafts rarity, and the relatively small budget available, they really only had two options available find a wreck, or build a replica. Luckily, there were a few known wrecks in the Alaskan wilderness, but by the 1990s, it was much harder to get permission to recover them. As the U.S.Air Force article states

The plane crashed in the Aleutian Islands which are property of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, so the Air Force had to work with the agency to recover the plane.

The process of getting permission to have the last P-38G Lightning on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson was almost as difficult as restoring the one-of-a-kind aircrafts outside appearance.

Capt. Steve Morrisette, a 54th Fighter Squadron pilot in 1998, contacted Don Delk and Ed Lamm, 3rd Wing civilian employees with a combined experience of 70 years, to head the team that actually went to the island and brought the plane back.

Lamm  considered the expert on structural repair  was responsible for restoring all the base static displays. Delk had the expertise of management and recovery of aircraft, and resources as the maintenance squadron officer. He had previously been part of recovery projects for crashed F-15 Eagles and the E-3 Sentry that crashed on Elmendorf in September 1995.

(The P-38) was in sad shape, Delk said. Even though it had been beaten up pretty severely by the salvage crew and chopped up with crash axes to remove components and such, it had a good bit of corrosion, but not as much corrosion as we would expect being this close to the ocean. So for the number of years it laid out there, we thought it was in pretty fair shape.

They worked in The P-38 Shop in Hangar Four in 1998. McCloud died that year, leaving many concerned that the project would die with him. Brig. Gen. Scott Gration, the 3rd Wing commander at the time, picked up the direction and supported the work.

I estimate between the trip to Attu and the whole works, the recovery and restoration, we probably spent on the order of a couple hundred thousand dollars, the restoration expert explained. That is cheap, dirt cheap for this type of restoration; downtown probably would have taken me at least $500,000 and two or three years.

The aircraft has occupied pride of place on a special pedestal at Elmendors air park since May, 2000. Of course, being outdoors is not an ideal situation, but the aircraft is well maintained. She came inside recently for a bit of TLC, which also included a trip through the paint booth to get a fresh coat of paint. We thought our readers would find these images interesting. Long may she continue to serve as a reminder for the sacrifice of so many in the Forgotten War of the Aleutian Island Chain the only US home territory actually captured and occupied by the Japanese during WWII.

During the repaint, someone visited Elmendorf specifically to see the P-38, as their father had flown it during the war. One of the base personnel stated recently that, The family member was visiting Alaska and wanted to visit the Heritage Park because the family members father flew the aircraft that was on display. They had a brother who had their fathers flight log and traced it back to [Elmendorf], and the tail number happened to match.

Regardless of the unfinished aircraft, the ASM granted the familys request to see the aircraft and pay tribute to their dad. Steinecke and Torres-Zaya said its also important for them to finish this project because they are putting a stamp on the only G model in existence; the Elmendorf plane is one of fewer than 30 P-38s remaining in the world. It is also one of only nine aircraft listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It gives us the chance to be part of the bigger picture that everybody sees and not just the maintenance, said Steinecke. Its not only us; it was a big team effort to get to this point close to the finish line.

Steinecke and Torres-Zayas shared the same sentiments that when it comes to this aircraft, there is no room for error and that perfection is the key.
Eric Bellquist, a partner at Hutton Collins & Co., denied that he was the jogger who pushed a woman into the path of a bus earlier this year after he was arrested by London police investigating the assault.

The 41-year-old was arrested on Thursday by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm during the May 5 incident on Putney Bridge over the Thames River. The private-equity specialist was out of the country when the assault occurred, his lawyer said.

Pictures of a jogger crossing the south London Bridge during rush hour and pushing a 33-year-old woman into the road were widely shared by British media in a bid to track down the culprit. Police said the man was arrested at a property in the Chelsea area, taken to a south London station and later released.

The woman tried to speak to the man when he ran across the other side of the bridge 15 minutes later but he failed to acknowledge her, police said. Police released video of the incident, and said they got a good response from requests for information about the jogger.
Bangkok: Students at Philippine schools, colleges and universities will be drug tested under President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly drugs crackdown in a move critics say could threaten their safety and right to education.

A new presidential order will allow police, who have been accused of committing rampant summary executions of drugs suspects, to extend their operations to school grounds and campuses.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has previously told police to shoot suspects. Credit:AP

Thousands of Filipinos have been targeted for assassination after their names appeared on neighbourhood "drugs watch lists" since the government campaign began last year.

The Philippine Commission of Higher Education is the latest education body to approve local government officials, police and other law enforcement personnel carrying out "any drug-related operations" on school premises with approval of school administrators.
A round-up of stories on Northwest wine from August 1to 72017. Read previous round-ups here Wine Enthusiast writes about, with mentions of several Northwest producers. They also write aboutFood and Wine writes aboutWinston-Salem Journal writes about recently tasted wines, with a callout to theGreat Northwest Wine writes about. They also write aboutand thatWoodinville Wine Country writes thatWrite for Wine writes aboutTable Talk Northwest writes aboutWashington Wine Blog writes about. Owen also writes about, andLines on Wines talks withWine and Beer of Washington writes about theThe Seattle Times writes thatOregon Wine Press writes about. They also write about aSeattle Magazine writes thatThe Tri-City Herald writes aboutKNDU writes aboutThe Kitsap Sun writes thatPortland Business Journal talks toKPTV writes thatPuget Sound Business Journal writes that. They also write that aand thatPortland Mercury writes thatThe Walla Walla Union Bulletin writes about. They also(highly recommended).KOBI5 writes aboutCapital Press writes thatThats all folks!
From 1 to 10 August 2017 Bangladesh hosted a Practical Training on Air Cargo Control in the framework of the UNODC-WCO Container Control Programme (CCP) at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The training was conducted by WCO training experts and was intended to support the future Air Cargo Control Unit (ACCU) at Dhaka Airport.

This training built up on the Theoretical Training which had been delivered and sought to deepen the knowledge of officials on modern risk-profiling techniques, security of the airside environment and other relevant aspects for Air Cargo Control as well as trade facilitation considerations.

Both the Bangladesh participants and the training experts were satisfied with the outcomes of the training and motivated to continue with the staged training concept applied by the CCP.

Currently, Airport Control Units established in the framework of the CCP are operational in 4 countries; funding for 11 countries in total has been granted by the donors of this joint UNODC-WCO programme.

The implementation of the Container Control Programme in Bangladesh in funded by the Government of Japan.
Alec Baldwin sues to 'clear his name' in movie set death
By West Kentucky Star Staff Aug. 11, 2017 | 08:05 AM | PADUCAH, KY

A local church has recently been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Westminster Presbyterian Church in Paducah, a late Gothic Revival building constructed in the early 1950's while the city filled with new employees at the Gaseous Diffusion Plant, was approved for nomination during a May 17 meeting of the Kentucky Historic Preservation Review Board. The board is charged with evaluating National Register nominations from Kentucky prior to their submission to the park service.

The church was established in the late 1890's. The congregation moved to the building on the corner of 28th and Broadway in 1952. The church closed in May of last year due to dwindling numbers and joined with First Presbyterian Church. Baptist Health Paducah has purchased the building and property.

The Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office (KHC) administers the National Register program in Kentucky and provides administrative support to the review board.

The National Register is the nation's official list of historic and archaeological resources deemed worthy of preservation. Kentucky has the fourth-highest number of listings among states, with more than 3,400. Listing can be applied to buildings, objects, structures, districts and archaeological sites, and proposed sites must be significant in architecture, engineering, American history or culture.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Aug. 10, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Aug. 10, 2017 | 02:02 PM | PADUCAH, KY

The Paducah Power System Board of Directors has chosen David Carroll as the utilitys new general manager.



On Thursday, the PPS board approved a three-year contract for Carroll, who has been serving as the acting general manager since the resignation of Gary Zheng in May.



Carrolls appointment is immediate.



Carroll has worked as the director of finance at PPS for nineteen years, overseeing Accounting, Customer Service and Consumer Billing, and serving as the utilitys power supply and sales analyst during the past three years. Carroll was instrumental in developing and implementing strategies that have lowered PPSs Power Cost Adjustment. He also negotiated a ten-year capacity contract with Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency.



We had five excellent finalists, said PPS Board Chair Hardy Roberts. But the optimal choice was the person who best knows this company and the unique challenges we face. Dave has been key to our financial recovery during the past three years and to the development of relationships we believe could help to resolve our power generation issues.



Carroll said, I was born and raised here. This is my hometown, and I want to follow through on the strategies we developed while Gary was here, achieve permanent rate relief and make this utility the best it can be for my community.



Prior to coming to Paducah Power, Carroll was the chief financial officer for Bechtel Jacobs Companys Paducah site and an accounting manager and finance officer for Lockheed Martin Energy Systems.




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By Adam Morton

Aug. 10, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY

By Adam Morton Aug. 10, 2017 | 02:09 PM | PADUCAH, KY

Senator Rand Paul was in Paducah Thursday to discuss healthcare reform with area business owners.



During his talk Paul gave his plan to reform the Affordable Care Act. Paul's idea is what he calls Association Health Plans (AHPs). According to to a press release from the Senator's office an AHP gives small businesses the opportunity to work together in a group across state lines through their membership in a trade or professional association to purchase health coverage for their employees and their families. Paul says AHPs increase the bargaining power, leverage discounts, and provide administrative efficiency to small businesses, while freeing them from state benefit mandates.



Paul said one of the hardest hit industries when it comes to health insurance is fast food. "What if they got their insurance through one association of 15 million people?" Paul said. Paul said the plan gives the association the ability to set the terms with the insurance companies.



Paul's goal is to stop the individual market. "What happened in the individual market is the younger healthier people said it cost too much and didn't buy it. The sicker older people did get it and so you got adverse selection," Paul said.



Paul explained this by saying the, "Insurance pool was top heavy with sick people." He said this caused premiums to increase significantly, "My plan has always been to let people get out of the individual market and join an association," Paul said Paul gave a few examples of the types of associations people could join under his plan. "It could be the National Restaurant Association, National Retail Association, or could be a variety of things," Paul said.



Thursday's event was held at Midwest Aviation in Paducah and was not open to the public. A few representatives from area businesses were invited to attend along with the press.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Aug. 11, 2017 | 09:13 AM | MARSHALL COUNTY, KY

Two Marshall County men were arrested Thursday on drug trafficking charges.

According to the Marshall County Sheriff's Office, detectives obtained a search warrant for a home in the 4000 block of Lakeview Church Road. During a search of the home, detectives seized over 70 bags of synthetic marijuana, digital scales, packaging materials, more than $9000 in cash and some prescription pills.

Detectives arrested Billy Doane for trafficking in synthetic drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia. Thomas Hines was arrested and charged with conspiracy to trafficking in synthetic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of synthetic drugs.

Doane and Hines were taken to the Marshall County Jail. Police said the drugs found at the home have a street value of more than $3,500. They say additional charges and arrests are possible.
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By The Associated Press

Aug. 09, 2017 | WASHINGTON, DC

By The Associated Press Aug. 09, 2017 | 11:57 AM | WASHINGTON, DC

A spokesman for President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, says that FBI agents served a search warrant at one of his homes.



Spokesman Jason Maloni says that Manafort cooperated with the agents as he has "consistently" done.



Manafort has been a subject of a longstanding FBI investigation into his dealings in Ukraine and work for the country's former president, Viktor Yanukovych. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is also investigating Manafort as part of his probe into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election and any possible collusion with Trump associates.



Manafort has denied any wrongdoing. He has also cooperated with congressional committees investigating the election interference. Manafort has turned over documents to the intelligence and judiciary committees in the Senate. Manafort led the Trump campaign for several months.
By The Associated Press

By The Associated Press Aug. 11, 2017 | 10:00 AM | LOUISVILLE, KY

The University of Louisville Foundation has fired a contract financial consultant after he was arrested for theft and shoplifting.

The foundation says in a statement that Robert Mims had worked for the foundation for two weeks.

The Courier-Journal reports that Mims' LinkedIn account says he has been "senior executive consultant" at the foundation since last November.

The statement says Mims had no access to financial accounts or confidential information, that his "alleged lapses in judgment were unrelated to his work for the foundation."

Court records say Mims, 51, was charged Wednesday in Simpsonville with theft or shoplifting over $10,000 and under $1 million.

Mims' firing comes after the foundation's longtime chief financial officer, Jason Tomlinson, and its assistant secretary, Kathleen Smith, were fired in June.

___

Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com
SHERIFF ANNOUNCES HABITUAL FELON, DRUG ARRESTS

ON ANDY DARITY DRIVE IN FLETCHER

Late on August 10, 2017, members of the Henderson County Sheriffs Office Direct Enforcement Team, along with assistance of patrol deputies, conducted a warrant service at the residence of Bruce Wayne Glover located at 33 Andy Darity Drive in Fletcher. As Mr. Glover was being served with a habitual felon indictment, drug paraphernalia was located in plain view.

 Bruce Wayne Glover, age 50, was charged with felony maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substance, felony possession of heroin and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Glover is being held in the Henderson County Jail under a $10,000.00 secured bond.

 Crystal Sue Daniels, age 43 of 259 Laurelwood Lane in Mills River, was charged with was charged with felony maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substance, felony possession of heroin and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Daniels is being held in the Henderson County Jail under a $20,000.00 secured bond.

 Mary Glover Thrift, age 36 of 105 Plantation Drive in Hendersonville, felony possession of heroin and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. She was also arrested on failure to appear and probation violations.

Thrift is being held in the Henderson County Jail under a $27,500.00 secured bond.
Welcome to The Independent Herald E-Edition! Check back each week on Tuesday to see our[Read More]
Agoston Haraszthy (hare-ass-tee) is the father of Wisconsins wine industry, planting grapes on what is now Wollersheim Winery near Sauk City in 1842. He followed the gold rush to California in 1849 and fathered the first commercial winery near Sonoma.

Haraszthy died in Nicaragua in 1869  some say he was eaten by an alligator  but his wine legacy is carried on today by sixth-generation Val Haraszthy.

This Lodi red is a blend of zinfandel, shiraz, petite sirah and a few other varieties for a nicely layered wine with lots of fruit. Its a tamed bear that will please your taste buds.

Sherry: Fruity and medium-bodied with accents of black cherry, mulberry and blackcurrant with a touch of clove. (3.5 stars out of 5)

Chris: A candy bouquet with nearly semi-sweet flavors of black cherry, currants and a chocolate finish. (3.5 stars out of 5)

Available from $10 to $13.

Coming next week: Cosentino The Dark
Whitewater State Park will host the following events Wednesday, Aug. 16 through Sunday, Aug. 20. All events will begin at the nature center, unless otherwise noted.

Wednesday, Aug. 16

HOP Into the Park, 10 a.m. to noon. Laurie Svien will share his research on the historic soil erosion in the Whitewater Valley using high-resolution global imaging systems. Following Sviens presentation, Wabasha, Minn. writer, Peg Bauernfeind, will present about her new book, Return to Backwater Canyon, featuring true stories and legends of the Whitewater Valley area. The HOP programs are offered once a month to provide opportunities for older adults to participate in social time and learn about nature.

Thursday, Aug. 17

Nature time at the beach, 1 to 2 p.m. Kids and their families should meet at the park on Thursday and Friday to enjoy nature time at the beach.

Friday, Aug. 18

Nature time at the beach, 1 to 2 p.m. Kids and their families should meet at the park on Thursday and Friday to enjoy nature time at the beach.

Presentation: The flood creature of the Whitewater River Valley, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about a strange creature that has witnessed many floods in the Whitewater River Valley since the first humans arrived. The flood creature has many fascinating stories to share about how humans have altered the Whitewater River and how the river has reaped its revenge.

Saturday, Aug. 19

Family birding walk, 9 to 10 a.m. Join a naturalist on a short walk to listen and look for birds in the wild. All ages will enjoy this family-friendly walk, with a bird scavenger hunt activity available for the kids.

Intro to geocaching, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Attendees will discover how to use a GPS unit for geocaching, and those with GPS units should bring them. The park has some available for use.

A New Deal, 3 to 4 p.m. Attendees will learn about the jobs available at Roosevelt Park. This event is sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Conservation, the National Park Service and the Works Progress Administration. Attendees should meet at the nature store.

Campfire astronomy, 8:30 to 10 p.m. Attendees will learn about the amazing show going on nightly throughout the summer and what celestial wonders can be discovered with the naked eye. Participants should bring transportation, as the group will travel to another area of the park after a short presentation at the visitor center.

Sunday, Aug. 20

Intro to trout fishing, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Attendees should meet at the South Picnic Area for some fishing fun. Equipment will be provided at this activity designed to introduce trout fishing to inexperienced anglers, but participants should bring their own bait. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing licenses and trout stamps are not required. This program will be offered every Sunday through Sept. 3.
Love wins. Even for immigrants.

On Tuesday, a federal district court struck down a Louisiana state law denying marriage equality to foreign-born residents. The law had been backed by the religious right, the same crowd that had earlier fought to deny marriage equality to same-sex couples.

The legislation, which I first wrote about last October, required anyone wishing to get hitched to produce a birth certificate as well as an unexpired passport or visa before receiving a marriage license. People born in the United States were allowed to get a waiver from a judge if for some reason they didnt have a birth certificate; people born abroad were given no such option.

Ostensibly the objective was to prevent bigamy and other types of marriage fraud. And also, somehow, to thwart crafty terrorists.

We dont want terrorists obtaining green cards and citizenship through marriage and I believe my constituents would agree with me, the legislations sponsor, Republican state Rep. Valarie Hodges, told a local radio station when the law went into effect in January 2016.

Whatever the laws purported justification, one vulnerable population was especially hurt by it: refugees.

Louisiana has a large population of refugees who fled Laos and Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Despite being here legally  and in many cases, having ultimately received U.S. citizenship  these Louisianans often were never issued birth certificates.

This affected couples such as Laotian-born refugee Out Xanamane and his longtime partner, U.S.-born Marilyn Cheng. Xanamane had been born at home in a village near Savannakhet, Laos, in 1975, in the year the country fell to communism. He never received a birth certificate.

The couple had undergone a Buddhist religious marriage ceremony in 1997  and subsequently had four kids  but never filed paperwork with the state. After Xanamane was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2016, he desperately needed a legally recognized marriage certificate to qualify for Chengs employer-sponsored health insurance plan.

Xanamane had multiple forms of identification, including a green card and state-issued drivers license, but the couple was turned away by multiple parish clerks because he could not produce a birth certificate.

They told me I have to go back to Laos and get my birth certificate, Xanamane told me last fall. But there isnt any birth certificate there, either.

The family contacted lawyers, judges and public officials, and everyone told them there was no wiggle room in the law. The couple and their kids ultimately drove to Alabama and got married there instead.

Other immigrants who were turned away by Louisiana parish clerks simply gave up. One, Viet Victor Anh Vo, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in an Indonesian refugee camp to Vietnamese parents, sued.

In addition to being heartless, the law was also unconstitutional because it infringed on the fundamental right to marry.

The court recognized that Louisiana had a two-tiered system, between those born outside of the country and those born inside the country, said Alvaro Huerta, a National Immigration Law Center staff attorney who represents Vo.

Tuesdays ruling was based on the equal-protection and due-process clauses, which do not distinguish between people of different immigration status, the court said. In the most recent legislative session, state lawmakers had applied some fixes to the marriage law, but the new bill did not address all its constitutional problems.

Vo and his U.S.-born significant other, Heather Pham, convinced a Catholic priest to officiate at their religious marriage ceremony last year even after they found out they could not get a state-issued license. (The planned wedding was two weeks away at the time, and they didnt want to cancel on their guests and vendors.) And while the court had issued a preliminary injunction against the law in March, thereby allowing the couple to obtain a legal marriage license, they decided to hold off until a ruling on the merits that vindicated all Louisianan immigrants marriage rights.

The happy couple expects to re-apply for a state-issued marriage license soon.

Also cheering the ruling is Out Xanamanes cousin, Phanat Xanamane, born in a Thai refugee camp to Laotian parents and now a naturalized U.S. citizen.

I feel that justice was upheld today, Phanat, who is not married, wrote me.

This is actually not the first time a federal court needed to step in and affirm Phanats constitutional right to wed; Phanat is gay, and almost exactly two years ago he celebrated when the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage the law of the land.

Tuesdays ruling, he said, shows you how easily you can have your rights ripped away if youre not paying attention to lawmakers.
Two previous attempts didnt get off the ground, but the Baraboo-Dells Regional Airports owners hope their latest effort to get zoning control over neighboring properties takes off.

Representatives from Baraboo and Lake Delton, the two municipalities that own the airport, agreed Wednesday to develop an ordinance that would restrict land use and development nearby.

Cheryl Giese, Baraboos finance director and the airports manager, said an attempt to control zoning within a 3-mile radius crashed a decade ago. Neighboring property owners and some of the airports former owners  the town of Delton and city of Wisconsin Dells then held interests in the facility  expressed concern over the proposed restrictions. Five years ago, a push to control zoning within a 1-mile radius of the airport was grounded when some affected parties  particularly the Ho-Chunk Nation, which operates a hotel and casino nearby  voiced objections.

MSA Professional Services prepared maps and other materials for the airports owners during previous attempts to adopt zoning controls. But because the Ho-Chunk Nation is a client, MSA has cited a conflict of interest and bailed on the project. The firm has agreed to turn over to the airport owners the materials it produced previously, Giese said.

Baraboo Mayor Mike Palm and Lake Delton village Trustee Jeff Morris said those materials should be reviewed and a zoning ordinance drafted, possibly with help from another consulting firm. The City Council and Village Board would have to ratify such an ordinance.

I think the more we know about it internally, the better, Morris said.

Another Lake Delton trustee, Tom Diehl, said a zoning ordinance is needed. Not just because the owners dont want to see skyscrapers go up across the road, but because the Federal Aviation Administration may require zoning controls.

I believe if you dont have it in place, they will deny expansion of the existing airport, Diehl said.

Operating agreement

The airports owners plan to repair and expand the main runway next year, a project that created months of turbulence. Delton and Wisconsin Dells gave up their ownership shares last year over the projects cost. Now the two remaining owners are working on a new agreement governing airport operations.

An Airport Commission once oversaw the facility, but was disbanded. Diehl said the body was dysfunctional and prone to meddling in day-to-day operations. The facility since has been run by a committee, with each municipality contributing one representative.

Now that there are two owners who see eye-to-eye on the airports future, Baraboo and Lake Delton are considering re-establishing an Airport Commission. The commission structure would give the owners more zoning authority under state law.

Morris and Palm voted Wednesday to recommend drafting a new intergovernmental agreement. The deal would be forwarded to the City Council and Village Board. The airports owners hope to reach an agreement before the 2018 budget is approved, possibly by October.

The commission would be comprised of either four members, or two members and two alternates. Two would come from each community. Duties would include hiring an airport manager, setting the facilitys annual budget and establishing a long-term plan for capital improvements.

Giese plans to retire in February, vacating the airport manager post. The airports owners discussed naming an interim manager and hiring Giese to help in retirement. Candidates for the interim manager include Baraboo City Administrator Ed Geick, who served in a similar capacity in a previous job; and Bill Murphy, who operates the airport.
Along a desolate country road in northeastern Wisconsin, Manuel Estrada speeds toward work in his rumbling silver Ford SUV. He's running late for his predawn shift. And he's worried.

His boss is counting on him; she's been down a worker for a month. More than 400 Holstein cows stand blinking, waiting to be milked. His family needs the paycheck from his $11.50-per-hour job.

And Estrada, 30, hopes the police aren't waiting for him too.

It's a risk he runs regularly during his 15-minute commute from his home in Manitowoc to the 150-year-old family dairy farm where he's worked for two years.

Estrada, who has been in the country illegally for 13 years, is an unlicensed driver. This route passes through one of the top dairy-producing counties in the nation. If he's picked up by police, he could have an even bigger worry than a traffic ticket due to ramped up immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump.

"What I am afraid of is the separation of family and being separated from my kids," he said in Spanish.

Estrada's boss, Abby Driscoll, voted for Trump. She has tried to reassure anxious employees after the election, telling them to just stay out of trouble.

"I was expecting some things to happen when I voted for Trump," she said. "As far as all of his immigration policies, I guess I wasn't expecting it to go as far as it did already."

These are strange times in America's Dairyland. Wisconsin voters gave Trump the electoral bump he needed to claim the White House in the 2016 election, the first time since 1984 that a Republican presidential candidate won the state.

Voters in Manitowoc County, where Estrada lives, overwhelmingly favored Trump. But police there say they focus on responding to local crime, not enforcing federal immigration law.

As one of the Wisconsin's largest industries, dairy production is heavily dependent on immigrant workers. Farmers say few if any U.S. citizens apply for these jobs. Driscoll and some other farmers say the Trump immigration crackdown is making it harder to find workers.

State Rep. Bob Gannon, R-Slinger, is not sympathetic.

"If it takes illegal immigrants to make their business model operate, I think their model is broken," he said. "I'm in agreement with President Trump that if you break the law in the United States, you should expect to get a one-way ticket out of here."

Gannon is a co-sponsor of a controversial Assembly bill aimed at preventing sanctuary jurisdictions of all types.

The bill and its companion measure in the Senate would ban local governments from prohibiting police from asking about a person's immigration status. The proposal also would require law enforcement to honor all "lawful" requests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain people suspected of being in the country illegally. Communities that violate the law would be assessed a fine of up to $5,000 a day.

Officials in Milwaukee County are on opposite sides of the issue. Milwaukee County's firebrand sheriff, David Clarke, rails against sanctuary cities and locks up immigrants whenever asked, ignoring a county policy that restricts the practice. Other county officials have drawn federal scrutiny for their stance on protecting immigrants here illegally.

Sanctuary? What sanctuary?

Under U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the Justice Department in May asserted for the first time what the government considers a sanctuary. Citing a section of U.S. immigration law, Sessions said that state and local authorities who don't share information with federal agents are sanctuary scofflaws.

Milwaukee County is one of nearly a dozen jurisdictions that received a notice from the Justice Department threatening to withhold more than $340 million in federal grant funding if officials failed to prove that local authorities share information with immigration agents.

Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting collected details on the sanctuary policies in all 10 jurisdictions. Policies include whether police can ask people about their immigration status or whether the jail agrees to honor requests from ICE to hold people who would otherwise be released.

Milwaukee County made the list because five years ago its Board of Supervisors passed a measure that honors those ICE detainers only for serious offenders. While many county jails contract with ICE for reimbursement, Milwaukee so far has not.

Peggy Romo West, the supervisor who pushed the resolution and the county board's first Latina, said she did not want the county burdened with jailing petty criminals.

"Just on the financial angle it makes sense," she said. "They weren't paying us per day what it was that we were spending. And so why should the citizens of Milwaukee County eat that cost?"

For Sheriff Clarke, an ardent Trump supporter, any hint of resistance or indifference to federal immigration matters is unconscionable  and grounds for punishment.

"I don't know how any law enforcement official or public official  a mayor or a governor  can sit back with a straight face and say our communities are stronger because of illegal immigration," Clarke told Fox News' Sean Hannity earlier this year.

His office rejects the county's stance on detainer requests. He keeps inmates behind bars whenever ICE agents ask, at an annual cost to the county of nearly $1 million to detain roughly 3,000 immigrants. Clarke declined multiple interview requests.

Milwaukee County stands to lose $7.5 million a year in federal funding. The county has said it is in compliance with the new DOJ directive.

Status questions limited in Milwaukee

Yet in the county seat, Milwaukee police are instructed not to "routinely" ask residents about immigration status if it would impede interviewing witnesses, filing of an incident report, conducting a criminal investigation or receiving a citizen complaint.

Mayor Tom Barrett declined to say whether Milwaukee is or isn't a sanctuary, adding to the lack of clarity on where the city stands on the issue.

"If what they are trying to do is take our limited resources and move them from local law enforcement to federal law enforcement, I do have a problem with that," Barrett said.

Elsewhere, policies vary widely, but five of the 10 jurisdictions rank high in terms of their status as sanctuaries based on policies that shield people from immigration enforcement. Milwaukee is characterized as medium.

Chicago and Cook County, Illinois, for instance, prohibit on-duty officers from sharing information with ICE about a person's immigration status. On Monday, Chicago sued the Justice Department over its move to make sanctuary cities ineligible for its grants.

On the flip side, officials in Las Vegas and Miami have told the Trump administration that they have changed their policies this year to begin honoring ICE detainers. Officials in both places say the Justice Department recently told them they are in compliance with federal law.

The rest of the jurisdictions on the list have policies against honoring ICE detainers. All but one  Cook County  makes an exception if a person has been accused or convicted of a serious crime.

At one point, longtime conservative radio talk show host Charlie Sykes might have sided with Clarke. But late in his 25-year radio career, it became clear to Sykes, a fierce Trump critic, how entwined the state's dairy industry was with illegal immigration.

"This is not an economy that is being damaged by illegal immigrants," he said. "We're really being kept afloat by it."

Rise in hostility

As a 17-year-old, Estrada crossed into the United States from Mexico and ended up in Manitowoc "on a whim."

Farm work came natural to him  he grew up on ranches  and he was hired quickly. And then he met his wife, Jennifer, and her four children from a previous marriage.

A fluent Spanish speaker born and raised in Wisconsin, Jennifer saw her family split apart when her then-husband was deported to Mexico. She moved the family south of the border, but soon returned to Manitowoc with just her four children in tow. She and Estrada now have a 3-year-old son together.

"If we don't want to end up paying $10 for a gallon of milk we need to start protecting our workforce and our community," she said. "These are people in our community that are living in fear."

At a June rally on a rainy morning at the state Capitol in Madison, the Estradas spoke before a crowd gathered to protest the proposed anti-sanctuary law supported by Gannon.

"They call this the dairy state, but it's thanks to the strength of the immigrants," he told the crowd.

The couple has applied with the Department of Homeland Security to adjust Manuel's immigration status. They feel confident that the government will grant them what they want.

But if ICE agents do come looking for her husband or other dairy workers, Jennifer Estrada has a plan: a team of two dozen people who have agreed to shelter people at risk of deportation.

On a dairy farm he co-owns in Sheboygan County, Daniel Guerrero takes a different tact. The dozen workers all live on the grounds to avoid contact with police. When they need to go to the grocery store or the dentist, Guerrero drives them.

Originally from Mexico, Guerrero came to this farm almost 20 years ago. The farm has prospered, growing from 300 cows to a herd of 2,000. In that time, he said, only one American job seeker has applied.

"He lasted for two hours," Guerrero said. "It's too hard for him."

Driscoll said she wishes it wasn't this way. She'd like to hire legal workers and U.S. citizens.

"We definitely realize that, you know, we are maybe turning a blind eye to it that some of these workers are in this country illegally," she said.

Estrada doesn't really blame Driscoll for voting for Trump. But he did warn her after the election that she could be milking the cows by herself.

Alexandra Hall of Wisconsin Public Radio and the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism contributed to this story, which has been edited from the original version written for Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting. It was distributed by the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, which collaborates with Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin Public Television, other news media and the UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication. All works created, published, posted or disseminated by the Center do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of UW-Madison or any of its affiliates.

Andrew Becker can be reached at abecker@revealnews.org, Patrick Michels can be reached at pmichels@revealnews.org and Alexandra Hall can be reached at alexhall@wisconsinwatch.org.
The two candidates for the states highest court who are backed by liberals on Friday showed deep divisions on whether politics has a place in judicial elections.

Madison attorney Tim Burns and Milwaukee County Judge Rebecca Dallet, during their first candidate forum in Madison hosted by the liberal-leaning American Constitution Society for Law and Policy, mostly focused on whether Burns approach of running an unabashedly liberal Supreme Court campaign was appropriate for judicial candidates.

Since he announced his intention to seek a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Burns has said repeatedly that he holds progressive values and would uphold them if he were elected to the court.

My voice may shake, but I will be an unshakable champion for progressive values on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Burns said, referring to being born with imperfect vocal cords. I am not going to apologize for my progressive views.

But Dallet pushed back on Burns approach, saying that Burns taking public positions on issues or policies  such as Gov. Scott Walkers collective bargaining measure known as Act 10  harms the integrity of the Supreme Court.

I do not think that making these open statements is progressive. I think what is truly progressive is having independent courts, she said.

On Friday, Burns also said right-wing judges had for years fundamentally reshaped the U.S. economy and contributed to the election of an unhinged billionaire, referring to President Donald Trump. Burns said if elected, he would be fair and impartial but would not ignore past decisions from conservative-leaning judges that weakened protections for the middle class.

I plan to be a fair and impartial judge but we all have to recognize something  because we dont get fair and impartial judges by continuing to believe in the fairy tale that political values dont matter to these judges, he said.

Dallet said she believes Burns is defending his approach of expressing political opinions publicly as a response to conservative-leaning judicial candidates who she said have introduced politics to judicial elections.

We need to stop politicizing our courts, she said. I think if someone takes positions on issues openly in a political matter  in a judicial matter  and then (a) case comes before that justice who has made statements about those exact issues  there, at the very least, is a sense from the litigants that ... they are not getting a fair shake, that they are getting someone who already made up their mind.

Both candidates appeared at the Democratic Party of Wisconsin convention earlier this summer and have appeared at Democratic political events.

A third candidate, Sauk County Judge Michael Screnock  who is backed by conservatives  did not attend the forum due to scheduling issues, according to ACS Madison chapter president Jeff Mandell.

The three candidates will face off in a primary election Feb. 20, with the top two advancing to the April 3 general election to replace Justice Michael Gableman, who is not seeking re-election.
1. Yes. Taxpayers are funding its operation; they should have a voice in the naming process.

2. Yes. The city should operate with a spirit of inclusivity. Residents will be responsive.

3. No. Public input can be problematic; rejection of suggestions can be divisive for residents.

4. No. Residents elect council members to make decisions on their behalf. No input is needed.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say whether public input would be more of a benefit or a hindrance.

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New insights into the survival techniques of a prehistoric beast

Imagine a rhinoceros-like beast with a sprawling, lizard-like gait and you will picture quite a good portrait of what Moschops looked like.

They are certainly among the most fascinating monsters of the South African prehistoric bestiary.

The Moschops fossil we examined belongs to an animal family called Dinocephalia. The name translates as terrible head or more accurately terribly large head, a name thats richly deserved. They lived in the Middle Permian  around 260-270 million years ago. Their fossils have been found mostly in South Africa and in Russia.

The South African Karoo around Beaufort West is literally stuffed with large remains of dinocephalians fossils. Some of them are the remnants of thickened cranial skulls, others pebbles of bones eroded by torrential rains. Before becoming fossils, these bones were part of the impressively thick and horned skull of these massive creatures.

The Moschops fossil we examined was discovered in South Africa in 1911. It would have been safe to assume that nothing new and groundbreaking could be discovered about a fossil found more than a century ago. But thats not true. The recent development of CT and Synchrotron scanning has opened an entire new way of studying fossils, particularly what used to be soft tissue, like their brain. The new techniques allowed us to discover previously overlooked features which have simply been out of reach, invisible from the outside.

Our new study of a complete skull of Moschops has revealed that this thickened and dense braincase was housing a remarkably small and overprotected brain.

The skull of Moschops and that of a mammal (platypus) with the same proportions to emphasize the difference in brain size. Author supplied

A very small brain

With a body weight reaching up to one or two tons and a brain the size of a chicken egg, Moschopss brain was probably one of the smallest among its contemporaneous species. However, small brain size is not an issue when you are the largest animal of your time. Unlike mammals and humans, the ability of the Moschops to survive and reproduce was not a matter of how smart it was, but how strong it was, particularly when it came to fierce head-to-head combat.

Their anatomy shows that male Moschops were ramming into each other like giant, overweight goats using their skulls as a weapon.

The very fact that Moschops was practising headbutting testifies to a certain level of social organisation, which is often associated with hierarchical ranking in modern species. So, despite its small brain, the Moschops wasnt stupid.

Every single behaviour is controlled by the brain, which is a delicate, yet critical soft tissue organ. Incredibly violent behaviour would thus put the brain and nerves into great danger of being injured.

Our discovery shows how, generations after generations, only the animals with the best protected nervous system survived by developing a natural helmet, enabling the dinocephalians to dominate over terrestrial ecosystems for about 10 millions of years as the largest herbivores and the top predators of the middle Permian.

The brain of Moschops inside the transparent skull and in its inferred natural position. Author supplied

Moschopss natural head shield

We discovered that the whole central nervous system was mostly surrounded by an armour of bones, including the brain itself, the inner ear and the nerve responsible for the sensitivity of the face.

This natural helmet could reach up to 15 centimetres of massive bone, the equivalent of a tank armour. Our hypothesis is that the helmet was protecting the brain and sense organs against the brutal shocks of direct head-to-head combat between males to find mates and to defend territory.

Moschops is not the only animal to display such an immense thickening of the cranial roof. The pachycephalosaurid dinosaurs (which means thick-headed lizard) are also famous for being powerful head butting fighters. This behaviour often led to bad bone injuries still visible on fossils today.

In support of the helmet hypothesis, we also found that the position of the inner ear inside the braincase of Moschops indicates that the head wasnt held horizontally as in most animals, but nearly vertically. This places the shielded skull and horns forward, an ideal posture for head butting fights.

A century long conundrum

Synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging uses a nearly kilometre long particle accelerator to see through matter  just like a medical scanner but bigger and way more powerful.

Using these new techniques on the Moschops fossils were able to shed new light on the biology of these emblematic creatures. The techniques have already been used to unravel ancient envenoming capabilities and the origin of hair and whiskers in the remote ancestry of mammals.

There is no doubt that the near future will hold its promises of great breakthrough about long gone prehistoric monsters and our distant ancestors.

Julien Benoit, Postdoc in Vertebrate Palaeontology, University of the Witwatersrand. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
Warhol in Africa: contradictions, complications and conflicts

On the evening of 26 July, over 5,000 people streamed into Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg to attend the opening of its latest exhibition, Warhol Unscreened.

Andy Warhol, an American artist known for his images of pop culture, celebrities and everyday objects, is arguably the person who invented fame and celebrity in the art world.

At the very least, Warhol is credited with coining the term 15 minutes of fame after his statement that appeared in a programme for an exhibition in 1968.:

In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.

Warhols own world-fame has lasted decidedly longer. Almost 50 years later, he is still popular enough to pull unprecedented crowds to a museum on the southern tip of a continent that he never visited.

The Wits Art Museum show, which spans two floors, features many of Warhols iconic screen prints including a Marilyn and set of Campbells Soup Cans. And despite having seen these images in a hundred books, on t-shirts and mugs and countless TV and computer screens, its hard to not feel bewitched by the actual objects.

For one, they are much larger than expected and the surface quality of the print is so much more impressive in real life. Perhaps this reference is a ghost of some high school art history text book past, but Walter Benjamins The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction comes to mind. Published in 1936, German philosopher, Benjamin, differentiated between the original and the copy. He argued that the actual artwork has an aura that is complicated once a work is mass-distributed via reproduction.

For Benjamin, the aura is diminished by the copy, though he does not posit this as a negative effect. Rather, the death of the aura allows the viewer a different kind of subjectivity: one which is open to the politicisation of art.

The fragile surface of the American dream

Of course, in the context of mid-20th century America, Warhols works were political. They commented on capitalism and mass consumption. They commented on advertising and the fragile surface of the American dream advertised on larger-than-life billboards.

The process of screen printing is rooted in the very practice and effect of reproduction. What is fascinating, however, is that the blur between the original and the copy doesnt seem to be at the forefront of the minds of visitors to the WAM exhibition.

Most of the works shown are one of an edition of 250 odd prints. In other words, these are diluted originals. Theyre limited editions yes, but not in any way unique except for the small number marking the edition.

Nonetheless, the cult of genius that Warhol embodies, and which is clearly still inscribed onto the surface of these famous works, inspired thousands of selfies at the opening. Interestingly, the act of reproducing the images again  even viewing them through an additional screen in the form of cell phone cameras  seemed to be the mode through which the audience engaged. Warhol clearly had a prophetic grip on what the future indeed does look like.

Why is Warhol popular in Africa?

If we are to consider Benjamins prophecies too, its intriguing that the political context of post-apartheid South Africa manifests in small ways in the exhibition. Wits Art Museum has been under pressure in the last few years, caught in the crossfire of debates around what constitutes African art, who has the power to decide and how narratives are constructed, mediated and authored.

The curators set up several feedback installations at the Warhol exhibition. WAM

Increasingly, the museum is being challenged to show more African artists, contemporary and historical, rather than international blockbusters. The curators understandable self-consciousness of these issues comes through in several feedback installations, which ask the audience to consider the appropriateness of the Warhol exhibit in an African art museum. One of the panels asks:

Why do you think WAM should be showing the work of Andy Warhol?

And this is the question, right? Why is Warhol still so popular (in Africa) after the post-colonial turn? How do we reconcile the massive popularity of an exhibition of artworks by a dead white man, when Wits University, where the museum is located, is caught in the (sometimes violent) conflict of decoloniality?

Furthermore, as the #FeesMustFall and #RhodesMustFall student protest movements continue to unfold, how does the blatantly western capitalist flavour of these works go unnoticed as young people Instagram their participation in this spectacle? How is the late-capitalist neoliberal agenda screened or unscreened?

Un-ironically, the exhibition is sponsored by and comes from the collection of the Bank of America. But since Wits Art Museum couldnt afford the copyright fees, the invitation and marketing of the show features imitation screen prints by local South African artists.

This exhibition embodies so many of the contradictions, complications and conflicts in both art and society in contemporary South Africa. What interrogation or translation of the exhibition can we look forward to as exams loom closer and universities brace for a possible third wave of protests? I look forward to reading the responses accumulated on the feedback panels in two months time.

Warhol Unscreened: Artworks from the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Collection runs until 8 October 2017

Stacey Vorster, Lecturer in History of Art, University of the Witwatersrand.This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
Virginia congressional staffers visit VIMS

Use summer recess to learn about Chesapeake Bay and coastal issues

As the U.S. House and Senate break for their traditional summer recess, a group of congressional staffers used the opportunity for a visit to William & Mary's Virginia Institute of Marine Science to learn how its faculty, staff, and students are working to address the issues facing the Chesapeake Bay and the coastal ocean.

Making the trip Aug. 3 were Donald Pollard from the Office of Senator Tim Kaine; Kate Schisler from the Office of Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA); Ryan McManus (Congresswoman Barbara Comstock, R-VA); Evan Chapman, LAllegro Smith and Taylor Williamson (Congressman Bobby Scott, D-VA); Laura Lyon (Congressman Scott Taylor, R-VA); and Kathleen Gayle and Austin Walton (Congressman Rob Wittman, R-VA). Arranging the visit was Colin Smolinsky, assistant director of government relations at William & Mary.

The staffers  legislative assistants and aides with portfolios focused on the environment, natural resources, and higher education  are responsible for helping their elected official stay informed concerning these issues and how they affect Virginia and the nation.

The group began their visit with an overview of VIMS and its mission from Dr. Mark Luckenbach, Associate Dean of Research and Advisory Services; and Jennifer Latour, Chief Financial & Administrative Officer. The discussion touched on the significant role federal funding plays in VIMS work and how the fiscal landscape may evolve as the legislative cycle moves forward this fall. The staffers also received an update on W&Ms AidData program from Siddhartha Sid Ghose, a data specialist in AidDatas Policy Analysis Unit.

The congressional staffers continued their visit with a boat trip to the Goodwin Islands  one of four York River reserve sites owned and managed by the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve program at VIMS  where William Reay, CBNERR director, gave them a first-hand look at the islands pristine environment and vital role in research and education.

After returning to Gloucester Point, the staffers enjoyed a visit to the VIMS Oyster Hatchery. There, Jessica Moss Small, research coordinator for the Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center, described VIMS groundbreaking role in jumpstarting the Commonwealths rapidly growing oyster aquaculture industry.

A working lunch with Troy Hartley, Virginia Sea Grant director, was followed by discussion of VIMS role in the recently established Commonwealth Center for Recurrent Flooding Resiliency, a collaborative clearinghouse designed to help Virginia and Virginians plan for and manage the states growing flood risk. A focus of the discussion was VIMS role in creating and maintaining its Tidewatch Network, an online tool to help citizens and businesses measure, visualize, and predict the magnitude and impacts of coastal flooding at locations within Chesapeake Bay and along Virginia's seaside Eastern Shore.

The staffers then braved the mid-day heat with a walking tour of the VIMS campus that included stops for background and updates on three representative research programs: NEAMAP, the Northeastern Monitoring and Assessment Program for coastal fisheries; the Seagrass Monitoring and Restoration program; and a laboratory study of the most effective vaccination schemes for rainbow trout in aquaculture settings.

Smolinsky says the staffers remarked on the diversity of work taking place at VIMS, and the appreciation they gained concerning the challenges the commonwealth faces from sea-level rise and climate change.

He adds that the staffers were steadfast in their appreciation for the role of science in policymaking. Said one staffer, The ability to rely on VIMS and those at the Institute for background helps policymakers more effectively do their jobs.

Laura Lyon, a legislative aide in the office of Congressman Scott Taylor, says, "It was great being able to see all the different areas of research VIMS offers and hear of how it applies and is relevant to everyday people and businesses. Their work directly and indirectly supports jobs and the economy by providing key research that allows certain industries to flourish and maintain longevity."




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Ghanaian reactor at full power after fuel conversion

11 August 2017

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Ghana's research reactor has achieved full power operation following its conversion to run on low-enriched uranium (LEU) instead of highly-enriched uranium (HEU). It is the first of five such Chinese-supplied reactors outside of China to be converted.

China's ambassador to Ghana was among those who witnessed GHARR-1 attaining full capacity using LEU fuel (Image: CIAE)

The China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) announced today that the Ghana Research Reactor, known as GHARR-1, achieved full power with LEU in its core at 12.27pm yesterday.

GHARR-1 is a low-power research reactor with maximum thermal power level of 30kW. It is a commercial type of the Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR) designed, manufactured and constructed by the China Institute of Atomic Energy. Originally fuelled with 90.2% HEU, the reactor is designed for use in universities, hospitals and research institutes, mainly for neutron activation analysis, production of short-lived radioisotopes, education and manpower development. The GHARR-1 reactor - located at the National Nuclear Research Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) - started operations in December 1994.

In 2006, efforts were initiated to convert Chinese-designed MNSRs from HEU to LEU fuel. The GHARR-1 is the first of five such MNSR reactors outside of China eligible for conversion and fuel return to China. Under a project involving China and Ghana, as well as the USA and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the HEU core was removed from the reactor in August 2016 and a new LEU core installed. This operation was completed last month.

The CIAE said the project to convert the Ghanaian MNSR to LEU has created "strong technical support and valuable experience" for converting other MNSRs abroad.

The US Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration is cooperating with Nigeria, China and the IAEA to convert Nigeria's MNSR in 2018.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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Czech, UK engineering firms join for decommissioning

11 August 2017

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Vitkovice Heavy Machinery (VHM) and TSP Engineering have signed an agreement to cooperate in the decommissioning of British nuclear power plants and the supply of components for nuclear-powered submarines. Czech engineering company VHM said yesterday the contract is worth about CZK3.5 billion ($158 million) over the next five years.

The agreement was signed in Prague this week by Jiri Broz, VHN sales director, and British Trade Secretary Greg Hands, VHM said.

The first phase of the deal will involve the supply of containers for the transport of contaminated material from decommissioned nuclear power units in the UK. VHM already supplies containers for the transport of waste from the Magnox sites in the UK.

Martin Bednarz, VHN general manager, said the agreement was a "strategic opportunity" for the Czech firm. "We offer a closed-loop production line from steelworks, through to hi-tech components, to the final product, such as a container," he added.

VHM is part of Czech heavy engineering company Vitkovice Machinery Group, which incorporates about 30 companies. The Ostrava-headquartered group says it has a "modern, extensive and unique production base and know-how based on research and development". The Vitkovice brand is 189 years old. Vitkovice has been operating in nuclear power since the second half of the 1960s.

Workington, England-based TSP Engineering has been supplying the nuclear and defence industries since 1950. It was bought by British Steel last year and newly registered as British Steel Limited, but trading as TSP Engineering. The company says its Workington site is one of the largest engineering facilities in the UK, comprising 19,200 square metres of workshop capacity.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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Tender opens soon for Dounreay reactor demolition

11 August 2017

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Companies are being invited to bid for a contract to demolish the Dounreay Materials Test Reactor (DMTR) in Scotland. A contract notice will appear in the Official Journal of the European Union for the project estimated to be worth around 7 million ($9 million) over three years. A contractor is expected to be appointed in the first half of 2018.

The Dounreay Materials Test Reactor (Image: DSRL)

DMTR, which became Scotland's first operational reactor in 1958, tested the effects of irradiation on metals and was the only reactor on the site to use heavy water instead of liquid metal as a coolant. First criticality was achieved in a test rig known as ZETR (zero energy test reactor) located alongside DMTR on 13 August 1957.

Bill Lambie, project manager at Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL), said today: "This month we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first criticality in Scotland, which took place in a temporary test rig. This was an historic moment because it put Dounreay on the map as the UK's centre of fast reactor research, and encouraged the local population to acquire scientific skills and abilities that have been associated with the area ever since."

DSRL is now poised to demolish its successor and the oldest reactor on the site. Lambie said: "The removal of DMTR from the skyline will be a significant step for Dounreay, and will be a real and visible sign of the decommissioning progress being made."

DSRL is the site licence company responsible for the clean-up and demolition of Britain's former centre of fast reactor research and development. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Cavendish Dounreay Partnership Ltd, a consortium of Cavendish Nuclear, CH2M and AECOM. It is funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to deliver the site closure program.

Fuel was removed from DMTR soon after it shut down in 1969 and many of the surrounding facilities, including cooling towers, emergency control room and pipework have since been cleared out and demolished. The control room desk and panels were transferred to Caithness Horizons museum, in Thurso, in 2015, where they remain on display and the final support building is on track to be knocked down by the end of the year, DSRL said.

DMTR was built with steelwork weighing almost 600 tonnes and stands on foundations more than 25 metres in diameter.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

Related topics
Flags, Symbols & Currency of Thailand

The National Flag of Thailand was officially adopted on September 28, 1917. In the local Thai language, the flag is known as Thong Trairong, which translates to the Tricolor flag. The National Flag of Thailand features five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white, and red. The red color symbolizes the nation and the blood of life. The white color represents the religion of Buddhism and the purity of the Buddhist faith. The blue color stands for the monarchy. The flag has a width-to-length ratio of 2:3. History of the Flag of Thailand The national flag of Thailand has undergone various changes throughout the years. When the country was known as Siam, between 1656 and 1790, the flag was plain red. No symbol was present. However, the look was not distinct enough to be used in international relations and therefore a symbol was to soon follow suit. Between 1790 and1820, a white Chakra was placed at the center of the flag. A chakra is an Indian symbol and the word in Hindu Sanskrit means circle. In the esoteric religions of India, a chakra is a psychic energy center. Between 1820 and 1855, a white elephant was placed at the center of the Chakra. The elephant has been viewed as the national animal of Thailand. From 1855 to 1893, the chakra was removed leaving the white elephant solely placed at the center of the flag and strategically facing the hoist. From 1893 to 1898, the elephant received a royal makeover with adornments placed on its head and back. Between 1898 and 1917, the flag saw the addition of two new colors, white and blue, and the removal of the elephant from the flag. The blue was meant to honor the Allied Countries during WWI. Interestingly, the color blue was also adopted as the national color of Thailand, and the three flag colors stand for Nation-Religion-Monarchy. The flag was decreed by King Rama VI as the official flag for Thailand in 1917.

Historical flags of Thailand Flag of Siam White elephant on maroon field Flag of Siam

Symbols of Thailand

The National Coat of Arms/Emblem of Thailand The National Coat of Arms/Emblem of Thailand is a Garuda from Buddhist and Hindu mythology. It is also called Phra Khrut Pha. In 1911, Rama VI officially adopted it as the national emblem. In Thailand, the mythological creature Garuda had been a royalty symbol for centuries. It symbolizes divine power and the kings authority. National Motto Chat, Satsana, Phra Maha Kasat (Nation, Religion, King)

National Anthem Anthem Title: Phleng Chat Thai ("Thai National Anthem")

Music Composer: Phra Chenduriyang (Peter Veit)

Lyricist: Luang Saranupraphan

Date of Adoption: December 10,1939. Phleng Chat Thai ("Thai National Anthem") is the national anthem of Thailand. The music of the anthem have been composed by Phra Chenduriyang (Peter Veit). The lyrics of the anthem have been authored by Luang Saranupraphan. The anthem was officially adopted on December 10, 1939.  (Thai)                  Thai National Anthem Thailand unites the flesh and blood of Thais. The land of Thailand belongs to the Thais. Long has been our independence, Because Thais have been united forever. The Thais are peaceful and loving, but are not cowards in war. Our sovereignty will never be threatened, We will sacrifice every drop of our blood for our nation. We are ready to die for freedom, security, and prosperity!

The Currency of Thailand is the Thai baht

The current official currency of Thailand is the Thai baht (, THB). It has been the national currency of the Kingdom of Thailand since 1897. Bhat is a decimal currency with a sub-unit satang. One Bhat is equal to 100 satang and 25 satang make up a "salung". Coins Thai coins in public circulation are of six denominations: 25-satang, 50-satang, 1, 2, 5, and 10. Similar to the banknotes, Thai coins with fewer values are smaller in size compared to the more valued ones. All coins, like banknotes, bear a portrait of King Rama IX (Bhumibol Adulyadej) on the front. The reverse sides of the coins feature different temples in Thailand. Banknotes Currently circulating banknotes are of the series 15 and 16. These are in the denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000. The banknotes are designed to draw attention to the contributions of the Chakri Dynasty Kings towards the development of the country. Each denomination note has a different dominant color. The 20 banknotes color is green. The 50 banknote is predominantly blue. 100-baht banknotes are red. Banknotes of 500 denomination are purple and 1,000 banknotes are in a brown-gray colored pattern. The size of the banknotes increases with their face value. The 20 note is the smallest and 1,000 is the largest. The banknotes have a portrait of King Rama IX (Bhumibol Adulyadej) in the front. King Rama IX lived from December 5, 1927, to October 13, 2016. At the time of his death, he was the world's longest-serving head of state. In the 15th series banknotes, the portrait is in the uniform of the Supreme Commander. However, in the 16th series, the portrait is in the Royal House of Chakri gown. The reverse side of the banknotes depicts images of other kings of the Chakri Dynasty.

Thai baht Banknote Thai 1000 baht Banknote Thai baht Coin Thai 10 baht Coin
The Republic of Malta is a southern European country that occupies an area of 122 square miles and has a population of about 450,000. The population is mainly composed of the Maltese ethnic group. The people of Malta speak various languages, whose history dates back centuries to interactions with different colonial powers. Maltese and English are the official languages of the country. Foreign languages spoken in the country include Italian, French, and Maltese Sign Language. The use of Maltese, English, and Italian are the most widespread. The preferences for the use of these languages vary depending on context. For example, Maltese is least used in websites, while English is mainly used in most print media and the internet.

Official Languages of Malta

Maltese

Maltese is one of the official languages and is also the national language in the country. Maltese is a Semitic language of the Afro-Asiatic family. The first speakers of the language occupied Malta in the 11th century, and the language developed through the influence of Siculo Arabic, Sicilian, Italian, and French, and currently has many loanwords from these languages. While English has had little influence on the language, Maltese is increasingly borrowing from English. The language uses the Latin alphabet in writing. In Malta, the language is spoken by more than 95% of the population and has about 520,000 native speakers. Besides its use for official purposes, Maltese is also used in mass media, especially in broadcasting and print media. However, the use of Maltese on the internet is limited.

English

English is a co-official language and is spoken by close to 90% of the population. The use of English in Malta grew from the influence of British colonialism. Maltese and English are both used in official government business and education. The language is obligatory in most learning institutions and is the exclusive mode of instruction in secondary and tertiary studies. In official situations, Standard English is used. However, most of the spoken English in informal situations has a heavy influence of Italian. About 61% of the population prefers using English in reading and writing.

Foreign Languages Spoken in Malta

French and Italian

French is one of the foreign languages spoken in Malta, and is spoken by about 17% of the population. French settlers introduced the language in the late 18th century when they occupied Malta. French served as the official language from 1798 until 1800. Italian is also a former official language of Malta, and is currently spoken by about 66% of the population. Italian is also more commonly used than English in radio broadcasting.

Other Foreign Languages

French and Italian are the most common foreign languages in Malta. Other foreign languages include German, Arabic, Spanish, and Russian, which are also provided as options in the school curriculum at different levels.

Sign Language of Malta

The Maltese Sign Language is a relatively young language in Malta, as it was developed in the 1980s. The language is used in deaf education and communication with the Maltese deaf community. The language has a community users of about 200 people. The language is believed to have developed from influences of the British Sign Language, although these influences are limited.
Uganda is a multilingual country in East Africa. There are forty living native languages in Uganda, which can be grouped into three main language families: Bantu, Central Sudanic, and Nilotic. Two additional languages spoken in the country come from the Kuliak language family. English was adopted during the country's colonial, and it remains an official language. Swahili, which has regional significance, is also an official and has also been adopted by the nation.

Official Languages of Uganda

English

English is spoken mostly by literate Ugandans, and was introduced in the colony through education, missionary work, and government. Upon gaining independence, Uganda retained English in its official status, as it was deeply entrenched in the education system, government, and media. The country's ethnolinguistic diversity further made it hard to settle on one official language. The English dialect spoken in Uganda is sometimes called Uglish or Ugandan English, and a rich local flavor characterizes the language. The language is strongly influenced by native languages and speakers in Uganda always alter non-native words so that they sound more euphonic. Today, English in Uganda is prominently spoken in the spheres of government, education, and politics.

Swahili

There was a need to give a native language official status, and Swahili and Luganda were identified as potential candidates. The Swahili language is foreign, so it was deemed to be neutral, and in 2005 it was proposed to be Uganda's second official language. The spread of Swahili within the country was facilitated by the country's participation in the East African Community, which involves its Swahili-speaking neighbors of Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda's language policy directs its use in schools, although most institutions do not meet this requirement.

Native Languages Spoken in Uganda

Luganda

The Luganda language has more than 4 million speakers in Uganda, in addition to non-native speakers. The language falls in the greater Niger-Congo language family. It is primarily spoken in the Buganda region, which sits in Central Uganda, and includes the capital of Kampala. After independence, Luganda was the most extensively used language, but other ethnic groups were opposed to it being given official status, while the Baganda were concerned that other people's grammar errors, coupled with mispronunciations, would ruin their language. Luganda was used as the official language of instruction in Eastern Uganda's primary schools until the 1960s. Currently, Luganda is the country's most spoken local language, and as a second language, it is second to English, and it precedes Swahili.

Other Native Languages of Uganda

Uganda is home to numerous other Bantu communities apart from the Baganda. Bantu languages in the country include: Nyoro, used by the Banyoro; Tooro, used by the Tooro people; Runyankole, used by the Nkore community; Rukiga, heard among the Kiga people; and Lunyole, used by the Banyole people. Several Western Nilotic Luo languages are used in the eastern part of Uganda, such as Lango, Alur, Kuman, Acholi, and Adhola. The Eastern Nilotic languages include Teso, Karamojong, and Bari. The Eastern Sudanic languages used in Uganda are Soo, Pokot, Kuliak languages, and Elgon. The languages Ndo, Lugbara, Ma'di, and Aringa are Central Sudanic languages.

Ugandan Sign Language

In 1995, Uganda became the world's second nation to include sign language in its constitution. The Ugandan Sign Language is used by Ugandan deaf communities, although its knowledge is mostly limited to urban localities. The language was influenced by Kenyan Sign Language, as well as American and British Sign Languages.
(Scroll down for video) A young man lost his life after pushing his cousin out of the path of a homophobic gunman.

22-year-old Juan Cruz of Florida, went to a restaurant with his cousin Pedro and friends on Sunday, to celebrate the start of his new job as a panther.

When the group left the Las Flores restaurant in Lake Worth, one of the men in the group went over to another group and exchanged numbers with a gay man.

48-year-old Nelson Hernandez Mena, who was part of the second group, started hurling gay slurs at them.

Cruz, who always protected his gay cousin and encouraged him not to be ashamed of who he is, defended the gay people in the group.

This angered Hernandez Mena, who admitted to drinking 15 to 20 beers before the incident.

Pedro told police that Hernandez-Mena, who is originally from Honduras, said: If you were in my country, I would have killed all of you. he then pulled out a gun and fired a few shots.

Cruz pushed Pedro out of the line of fire and he was shot. He died in Pedros arms a few seconds later. Another man was shot in the ankle and was taken to a hospital.

Police did not disclose when Hernandez-Mena entered the United States, or if he lived in the country legally.

He has been charged with first-degree murder.
114 Sheep & Lambs Stolen From Hope

This article is old - Published: Friday, Aug 11th, 2017

The Rural Crime Team from North Wales Police are appealing for information after a shocking large scale theft of 114 Poll Dorset sheep and lambs.

The theft occurred last weekend from a field in Hope.

The Rural Crime Team state that the entire stock was taken from the field which had been securely locked.

They point out that the thieves would have needed to collect, transport, store, then dispose of the sheep.

Police added: If you have any information please contact North Wales Police Rural Crime Team by dialing 101  Please quote OWL Cymru Sheep Theft.
Action Taken To Combat 60% Rise In Women Sentenced To Custody In North Wales

This article is old - Published: Friday, Aug 11th, 2017

An action plan has been launched to attempt to reverse the rise in short jail sentences handed down to women in North Wales.

The worrying trend, which saw an 88 per cent increase from 40 in 2010 to 75 in 2015, was highlighted at a special summit hosted by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones.

As a result Mr Jones, the Prison Reform Trust and around 20 other agencies, have proposed a series of urgent recommendations after hearing that that proportionately more jail sentences of six months or less were handed out to women in North Wales than almost anywhere else in the UK.

All of the reports recommendations have now been accepted by the North Wales Criminal Justice Board and have been included in their delivery plan for the next year.

One of the main priorities is that there should be more out-of-court solutions like cautions, community sentences and referrals for specialist support from organisations like the North Wales Womens Centre in Rhyl.

According to PCC Arfon Jones, there was often a link between womens offending and the fact that they had been victims of domestic violence or trafficking which could lead to a series of other issues like mental health problems, drug-taking or prostitution.

Mr Jones said: The paucity of mental health services, long waiting times and prohibitive need thresholds are a real challenge with implications for police time.

Many women who come into contact with criminal justice system have mental health needs and learning disabilities, and psychiatric services are currently the biggest referrer to North Wales Womens Centre in Rhyl.

There is good evidence to show that womens centres are more effective than prison in reducing womens offending.

Recent experience from Manchester and the North Wales Womens Centre demonstrates that these services can help turn around the lives of women and enhance existing public service provision.

Such services are cost effective and can leverage in additional funding but in order to do so they require long-term stable funding from key statutory partners.

Everybody was agreed about the need to make the needs of children a real priority because women are more often than not the primary carer.

The urgency of the situation has been underlined by new figures from the Ministry of Justice.

They show the total number of women sentenced to custody in North Wales has continued to rise and has now reached 116  the highest it has been since at least 2011 and a rise of almost 60 per cent over five years.

Mr Jones also paid tribute to the tireless campaigning on the issue by Howard Thomas, the former chief probation officer of North Wales.

He added: Howard Thomas deserves a huge amount of credit for all the hard work and lobbying he has done to shine a light on this important issue.

For his part, Mr Thomas welcomed the action plan as a major step forward.

He pointed to the fact that national statistics showed one third of women prisoners lost their homes, and often their possessions, while serving their sentence and that 38 per cent of them did not have accommodation organised when they were released.

Mr Thomas said: Being sent to prison, even if its only for a short period of time, has a major impact on the lives of the women affected and also on their families.

It also makes their rehabilitation, which is of paramount importance, more difficult as evidenced by the 61 per cent reconviction rate for those serving short sentences.

A former governor of Styal Prison commented he had never come across such a concentration of damaged, fragile and complex needs individuals. He rightly called for the immediate end to short sentences and suggested that half the women in his former prison should never have been sent there.

Senior programme officer Dr Thomas Guiney said: Many women serve extremely short custodial sentences. The average stay at HMP Styal is seven to eight weeks and this provides little opportunity for effective rehabilitation and resettlement planning.

Many of those attending highlighted the role of women as primary carers. There is a clear and well evidenced link between a mothers imprisonment and adverse childhood experiences. there is scope for greater use of out of court disposals at the point of arrest and prosecution. 
Counterfeit Currency Warning

This article is old - Published: Friday, Aug 11th, 2017

North Wales Police are advising shopkeepers to be aware of counterfeit currency being tendered.

Although there have been no reports of dodgy cash in Wrexham, the warning has been made across North Wales following incidents up the coast in the Prestatyn and Rhyl areas.

The incidents have been reported over the past week where counterfeit Royal Bank of Scotland 20 notes have been offered.

Crime officer David Williams said: Although counterfeit currency is rare, we are asking businesses to be particularly mindful when such notes are tendered and to raise awareness of these incidents with their respective staff.

As counterfeit notes pose no monetary value, by raising vigilance this will assist in ensuring businesses are not at a financial loss.

Such notes can be part of organised criminal activity and each note will be treated as evidence towards the bigger picture.

Top pic: Real notes.
Canadas armed forces announced Wednesday that soldiers are constructing a camp near the Canada-US border in Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, Quebec to house asylum seekers.

Tents to house up to 500 people are being erected in Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, close to a border crossing where up to 300 refugee claimantsmost of them Haitiansare arriving daily. Although the majority of troops engaged in putting up the shelters will return to their barracks afterward, a CBC report has suggested that an unknown number will remain on-site to help with security.

The influx has been triggered by US President Donald Trumps vicious clampdown on immigrants. In May, he vowed not to renew beyond January 2018 the Temporary Protection Status (TPS) accorded to Haitians following the devastating 2010 earthquake.

Despite the desperate plight faced by the approximately 60,000 Haitians staying in the US on TPS, including the imminent threat of being rounded up in Trumps Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids and unceremoniously deported to conditions of poverty and misery in Haiti, Canadas government has responded with callous indifference. Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen blandly declared August 4, We discourage people from conducting irregular crossings of our borders. Its not safe, its not something that we want people to do. We want people to claim asylum in the first country that theyre in, which in this case is the US.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau struck a similar tone, stating that the refugees should apply for asylum in the proper way and that Canada has to defend the integrity of its immigration system.

Such statements are deeply cynical. The hundreds of Haitians and other refugees crossing the border daily are being forced to cross irregularly because the Trudeau government continues to enforce the Canada-US Safe Third Country agreement, according to which refugees who make an asylum application at a regular border crossing are automatically turned back to the United States. They can only make a claim in Canada if they cross the land border independently, often at considerable risk. The refusal to abandon the agreement is bound up with the Trudeau governments determination to deepen Ottawas strategic partnership with the Trump administration on the basis of stepped up military collaboration and enhanced North American economic protectionism, via a modernized North America Free Trade Agreement.

For Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, the main concern is getting the asylum applications processed as fast as possible so as to limit the provincial governments financial liability. We give them social assistance, help to find housing. We give them healthcare, even education for the children, he complained. All that is expensive, and we dont want the delay to be unduly prolonged. Were talking about many millions of dollars.

The right-wing Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQCoalition for Quebecs Future), meanwhile, is agitating for the refugee claimants to be summarily expelled. The Liberals, said CAQ leader Francois Legault, are sending a very bad signal to illegal migrants by opening arms to them, as if Quebec can welcome all the misery of the world.

Although Canadas government was made aware in briefings as early as March of a potential influx of refugees, it has failed to provide adequate resources, forcing many of those crossing the border having to wait days in makeshift, ramshackle facilities to be processed.

Evidence suggests that the Trudeau Liberal government is already moving towards reaching some kind of an agreement with Haitis right-wing government to deport the asylum seekers after their applications have been summarily rejected. Two Haitian government ministers visited Montreal Wednesday and met with the citys mayor, Denis Coderre.

A former federal Liberal Immigration minister, Coderre played a major role in the negotiations that led to the reactionary Safe Third Country agreement. Moreover, as Canadas Representative to La Francophonie and special adviser to Prime Minster Paul Martin on Haiti in 2003-4, Coderre played a major role in fronting and organizing Canadas participation in the US-led 2004 regime-change invasion and occupation of Haiti.

Jean Sebastien Boudreault, head of the Quebec Association of Immigration Lawyers, warned against the Haitian ministers having any contact with the asylum seekers. We need to make sure, first and foremost, that we are protecting the people we are supposed to be protecting, he told CBC, which are the people who are seeking a refugee status.

In contrast to the indifference and outright hostility from the authorities, the Haitian refugees have been met with an overwhelmingly positive welcome by residents of Montreal. On Sunday, hundreds of people gathered at the Olympic Stadium, where many of the refugees are being housed, to welcome the new arrivals, carrying signs that read Refugees welcome and Haitians welcome.

Many of the Haitians now fleeing Trumps reactionary anti-immigrant policies were forced out of the impoverished Caribbean nation following the 2010 earthquake, which killed over 200,000 people and displaced half a million more. But Haitis endemic poverty and related social problems go back much further than that and are bound up with the ruthless exploitation of the country by American and Canadian imperialism.

American Marines first occupied Haiti in 1915, remaining for 20 years and leaving behind a trained Haitian army that for decades formed the backbone of pro-US dictatorial regimes.

In 2004, 500 Canadian troops intervened alongside US military forces to oust the elected president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, working in tandem with a bloody uprising based on elements drawn from the disbanded Haitian army and death squads active under the Duvalier military dictatorship and successor military regimes.

Canadas determination to support the coup was bound up with its imperialist interests in the Caribbean, which has long been a major destination of Canadian foreign investment. Canadas major banks have been active in the region since the early 20th century.

Following the 2010 earthquake, Canada deployed 2,000 troops and two battleships to the impoverished country in what was one of the largest overseas deployments by the Canadian Armed Forces since World War II. The Conservative government of Stephen Harper ensured that Canada obtained a leading role in the so-called rebuilding of Haiti, which amounted to developing plans to establish the country as a cheap-labour haven and a source of super-profits for big business.

The lack of concern within Canadian ruling circles for the fate of ordinary Haitians is further illustrated by the callous treatment of Haitians who found refuge in Canada following the 2010 earthquake. Little more than four years after the disaster and under conditions where the country remains an effective ruin, Ottawa canceled its own temporary residency program, forcing Haitians to leave voluntarily or be expelled.

The Trudeau governments treatment of those fleeing the Trump administrations anti-immigrant witch hunt underscores the bogus character of its much-publicized refugee-friendly stance. In 2015, shortly after coming to power, Trudeau made a great show of welcoming the first group of Syrian refugees flown into Canada as part of a resettlement program. In reality, Canada was extremely restrictive in the number of Syrians it accepted as refugees, allowing just 40,000 to enter the country. Many were only allowed in thanks to private sponsorships by churches, mosques and community groups.

Conditions for refugees in Canada are abysmal. Many are forced to rely on food banks and other charities to make ends meet. In addition, successive Canadian governments, including the Trudeau Liberals, have illegally locked up immigrants and refugees indefinitely if they are deemed to be a flight risk, a danger to the public, or if their identities cannot be confirmed. Reports have denounced the practice, which has led to children being confined to conditions comparable to medium-security prisons. (See: Report documents Canadian governments abuse of immigrant and refugee children)

Trudeau has used his pose as a pro-refugee leader concerned about humanitarian problems as political cover for vastly expanding Canadas military deployments around the world, from the sending of additional Special Forces to the Mideast war in Iraq, to leading one of NATOs battalions on Russias borders in Eastern Europe, and bolstering Canadas naval presence in the Asia-Pacific to help the US threaten China. In June, the Liberals unveiled a 70 percent hike in military spending and declared that hard power, i.e. war, must be a central part of Canadas foreign policy.
The military stand-off that is emerging between Washington and the North Korean regime in Pyongyang threatens the entire world, including Europe, with nuclear war. European Union (EU) officials and European media are warning of the risk of war and ever more openly criticizing the Trump administrations threats to incinerate North Korea with nuclear bombs.

The European press noted that Trump threatened to unleash fire and fury like the world has never seen against North Korea the day before the 72nd anniversary of the US atom bombing of Nagasaki. It is also widely reporting Pyongyangs reckless threats to bomb the US Pacific island of Guam and the dispatches of its Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). These include the KCNA report of North Korean General Kim Rak Gyoms dismissal of talks with Trump: Sound dialogue is not possible with such a guy bereft of reason, and only absolute force can work on him.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel indicated that Berlin is deeply concerned by the policies of both the North Korean regime and Germanys ostensible ally in Washington. Our main concern, now that this struggle is escalating, Gabriel said, is that both sides are ramping it up, and this can in fact end in military conflict.

Frances Catholic daily La Croix pointed to the effects of even a limited war in Northeast Asia: Even if the North Korean regime collapsed after a military conflict, the human and political cost for countries in the region would be considerable. The economic consequences of such a war would also be considerable, especially given the regions role as a motor of the world economy; China, Japan, and South Korea are the worlds second, third and eleventh largest economies, respectively.

Le Figaro cited retired General Jean-Bernard Pinatel, who indicated that a US attack would likely end in a nuclear holocaust. Speaking of Trump, Pinatel said: What can he do? A pre-emptive strike? North Korea today has 10 to 20 nuclear weapons that are miniaturized enough to reach South Korea, Japan, or even Guam. There is the anti-missile shield, but if he asks his military staff what guarantees he has, his generals will reply that zero risk in military matters does not exist. Can he risk North Korean retaliatory strikes that claim a million lives in Seoul or Tokyo?

Le Figaro reported that Pinatel believes Trumps nuclear war threats are to a large extent addressed to the American people, to make them forget his difficulties in domestic politics.

The inescapable conclusion that emerges from the remarks of European bourgeois politicians and media is that world capitalism is passing through a political collapse on a scale comparable to the world wars of the last century. Pre-emptive wars and their use to divert the attention of angry and impoverished populations from social issuespolicies employed by US imperialism for decades with the tacit acceptance of its European imperialist allieshave criminalized the NATO countries domestic regimes. They now threaten humanity with disaster.

The central feature of the remarks by European politicians and generals is that they downplay the threat posed to humanity in general, and the European population in particular, by the Korean crisis. Speculating about the disastrous initial effects of one or another US or North Korean missile strike, they do not address what the outcome of such a war would be.

However, anyone suggesting that a war would only have economic effects on Europe, or that conflict would stop once North Korea had been reduced to ashestogether with much of South Korea, Japan, and potentially the United Statesis placing heavy bets against history. It is clear that what is emerging is a conflict with the potential to escalate rapidly into a world war.

China already intervened in the Korean War of 1950-1953 to prevent the US army from destroying North Korea, and to maintain a buffer between itself and US troops in South Korea. North Koreas other great-power neighbor, Russiaalready on high alert after the NATO-backed overthrow of a pro-Russian regime in Ukraine in 2014, and amid NATO war games across Eastern Europewould doubtless also prepare for war in the event of a US strike on North Korea.

US war threats are aimed not in the final analysis at North Korea, moreover, but at more powerful states that Washington sees as rivals. Above all, US imperialisms Asia policy is driven by increasing tensions with its nominal NATO allies in Europe. As the unipolar moment of US global military hegemony that followed the Soviet bureaucracys dissolution of the USSR rapidly fades, and class conflict rises in the NATO countries, inter-imperialist tensions between Europe and America are surging.

This is particularly the case in Asia. Britain and the EU powers joined Chinas Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in 2015 over US objections. EU officials hailed their strategic relations with China after Washington obtained a ruling against China last year, over the South China Sea dispute at a UN court in The Hague. And Berlin and Paris attacked Trump after his election last year when he indicated he could move away from the One China policy, with French officials warning that US policy meant Chinas unity is being put into question.

As Germany announces the re-militarization of its foreign policy and countries across the EU prepare vast social cuts to spend billions of euros more on their military machines, the EU countries are also seeking to expand their commercial penetration of Asia. The Trump administrations threats in recent weeks to place massive trade sanctions on Russia and China are to a large extent a trade war measure aimed at its imperialist rivals in Europe. The US foreign policy establishment itself now remarks on the US-EU tensions in Asia.

After the election of French President Emmanuel Macron in May signaled a period of close strategic ties between Berlin and Paris, The National Interest pointed to the potential dangers to US interests in Asia posed by a Franco-German axis. It wrote, This will signal a significant diminution in American prestige and influence abroad. Imagine, for example, that Merkel decided to defy Trumps push for sanctions and isolating Iran by establishing trade ties with North Korea, including selling it weapons.

Workers and youth opposed to war in Europe and internationally cannot oppose the threat of escalation against North Korea by endorsing the foreign policy of the EU powers against that of Washington. It is ever clearer that EU policy is to wait for a better moment to assert, commercially and militarily, imperialist interests not fundamentally different from those of Washington.

For now, Berlin and its allies have not carried out sufficient attacks on workers living standards to build a military machine capable of rivaling the Pentagon. After Britains exit from the EU, moreover, London is hostile to the Berlin-Paris axis and is aligning itself with aggressive US military measures against North Korea and China. Under these conditions, the EU powers are pressing for China to broker a settlement with Washington at Pyongyangs expense.

German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen stressed that China is the only country with influence over North Korea, while La Croix wrote, The only diplomatic card is China, Pyongyangs ally. Donald Trump blows hot and cold on Beijing, not without success, since Beijing voted with the rest of the UN Security Council, at the end of last week, to impose new sanctions on North Korea.

German Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Schafer said, These sanctions must above all be firmly imposed. Thus we can increase the pressure for Pyongyang to join talks. Therefore we see US Secretary of State Rex Tillersons offer of talks as the right way forward, to set talks with North Korea into motion immediately once the [North Korean] regime stops its illegal missile tests.
The fifth Grenfell Tower fire community public meeting was held Wednesday evening at Notting Hill Methodist Church.

It was convened by the Grenfell Response Unit, set up by Theresa Mays Conservative government to supposedly keep survivors and local residents informed of the measures being taken by the Metropolitan Police and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council (RBKC) in the aftermath of the inferno.

SEP member speaks at council meeting

Instead, the meeting confirmed that, eight weeks after the fire, few of the promised measures have materialised and that survivors and local residents continue to be treated with contempt. One after another, those in attendance spoke of the lack of help given to those with health problems and the failure to provide decent housing.

One survivor described the appalling impact of having seen dead bodies, people jumping for their lives and children screaming.

A local resident close to the tower explained, Im traumatised, my kids are traumatised. The Red Cross is a disgrace. Ive emailed for help twice and got my MP [member of parliament] too, but still there is no response.

Another said, I live 40 yards from the tower and have been suffering chest problems from the air pollution since. Knowing that there was asbestos and cyanide, why was no one evacuated?

A survivor said, Before this fire, I was working, supporting myself, looking after my sick uncle who has mental health problems and physical health problems, as well as working But since the fire I havent been eating properly, I havent been sleeping properly. I have mental health problems now.

Another member of the audience related how so many people had been complaining to local general practitioners about breathing problems that it had become known as the Grenfell cough.

A woman stood up to apologise for not coming to previous meetings, explaining that she had been burying my two dead lost relatives.

I was lucky to get my relatives back. But there are many who havent got them back. The police one-to-one [sessions] are just not working, she concluded.

Another resident asked, regarding the assistance being offered, Is Reiki an adequate substitute for having decent housing for children living in hotel rooms? Why is it taking so long to rehouse them? Forget about Reiki! Forget about yoga! Why arent the council providing housing and decent, adequate services?

You talk about a tragedy. It is an avoidable disaster. You have blood on your hands. Youre an absolute disgrace, she told the panel.

Judy Bolton, a local resident who lost her uncle, told RBKC leader Elizabeth Campbell, You should be so ashamed of yourself. You have no understanding or respect for these people in this tower and this community.

Let me explain why: You say its a tragedy, its a disaster. This is an atrocity and its an atrocity that all of these people here today have said Were not getting help... our children are in one bedroom. This is two months on.

My daughter goes to school and she comes home and says Mum, there are empty desks in my classroom. Were living with this every day. If youre coming to this meeting, come prepared, come with a strategy, come with answers. Do not fob us off.

Another speaker described the support provided for young people by the Grenfell Assistance Centre at the local Curve building as disgraceful. The Centre, according to the gov.uk website, is supposed be providing housing needs, emergency funds, health, social care services, experienced volunteers from the Red Cross and other organisations, food and above all, a kind and sympathetic team of people ready to provide advice on anything.

The speaker described how young people are broken, grieving, hurt and want answers.

Campbells condescending and supercilious response to questions about the failure to provide homesWere starting viewings again next week Its a slower process than you would have wished for Were getting there We have a timeline We have a strategywere shouted down.

Survivors of the fire replied, This is a humanitarian crisis and you dont have any plan; Youre not helping anyone and blame the survivors for not accepting the first thing they are given; Its two months and you cant give a simple answer. You cant even be prepared for this meeting; You keep coming back saying I do not know, I cannot give any guarantees.

This reporter addressed the meeting. Introducing myself as a member of the Socialist Equality Party, I noted, Just like Theresa Mays Public Inquiry these meetings are a cynical damage limit exercise. They are a fraud

Those who have attended in good faith have time and again heard representatives of the police insist that nothing can be revealed about the investigation and refuse to explain why no one has yet been questioned under caution, let alone arrested.

To add insult to injury the Mets Gold Command are joined by representatives of the very organisation they should be investigating!

I urged those in the meeting, All the excuses being handed down as to why the guilty have not been arrested, we should reject them. Anyone who reads the national newspapers and watches the news knows that there is a cast-iron case for the prosecution. Indeed, if this level of evidence existed for the likes of us accused of the pettiest crime, we would already be sitting in jail

The central lesson of events since the Grenfell fire is that nothing genuine and lasting can be accomplished through the good graces of the Conservative government, the council, the Met or the Labour Party opposition. Labour councils are carrying out social cleansing just the same as this one is.

To applause I concluded, Everything depends on the survivors, local residents and the entire working class taking an independent stand.
An investigative report appearing in a Miami newspaper, the New Times, provides details about the Miami-Dade Police Departments expanded use of military-grade equipment vehicles on an everyday basis. The MDPD announced Monday that they will begin randomly sending out their rapid deployment force to various county buildings, as well as public transit stops.

In Mondays press release, MDPD stated, In keeping with our ongoing homeland security initiatives, the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) today begins its Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) as an enhanced security presence to deter threats to critical infrastructure sites and soft target locations throughout Miami-Dade County, such as government buildings and the Metrorail system.

The release specifies that the RDF will be deployed to deal with terrorism and counter-terrorism response operations, Weapons of Mass Destruction and Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosives response operations, natural and man-made disasters, post-blast Explosive Ordnance Disposal support, civil disturbances, protests, riots, and humanitarian aid.

The MDPD has provided videos of their training exercises on their Twitter account, which can be viewed here and here.

The press release continues: Members of the community should not be alarmed and/or assume that any credible threat to Miami-Dade has been received. These random deployments will be ongoing and complement our efforts to thwart those that wish to do us harm by showcasing our readiness and ability to respond and protect our county.

In a tweet that same day, Miami Herald reporter Doug Hanks provided photographs of a military-style truck that was parked outside the county hall during a special county commission meeting on Venezuela. There were no protests or apparent threats of any kind surrounding the meeting.

The New Times investigation emphasizes that police officers have had to repeatedly warn residents not to be alarmed and frequently explain that there is no heightened state of emergency. Considering this New Times journalist Jerry Iannelli noted, If local police need to repeatedly tell people not to be scared by what theyre doing, their actions deserve public scrutiny.

The investigative report also shows that the acquisition of increasing numbers of military-grade equipment and vehicles have come in a dubious manner. The county commission is supposed to monitor these purchases by the MDPD, but has up until this point in time made no checks or limitations.

Earlier this summer, for instance, MDPD applied for Department of Justice funding in order to acquire spy planes to record movements on the ground but did so without consulting the commission. They then had County Mayor Carlos Gimenez sign off on the plan and asked the commission to retroactively approve the purchase. The purchase was only canceled when the New Times exposed the plan to both the public and to members of local civil-rights organizations.

In addition to spy planes, MDPD has made several other requests over the last 12 months, including for upgrades to tactical gear, rifles, and ammunition. Iannelli comments that Local street cops cant wear that stuff on regular patrols, but now [with the RDF] MDPD has devised a fun new way to make sure all that equipment gets used.

The New Times emphasizes that all of these events are happening as Miami is seeing historically low levels of crime. Florida Department of Law Enforcement data shows that crime levels in Miami are at their lowest since the 1960s, which was before the cocaine-boom era of the 1970s.

Despite this, MDPD has the nations eighth-largest police force and continues to collect larger and larger stores of weaponry and equipment without opposition from elected leaders. Iannelli stated, It sucks up tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer money in order to buy gunshot-detectors that probably dont work and untold caches of rifles, money that could easily be spent to help subsidize affordable housing in the city or help needy parents feed their children.

Out of all the threats addressed in the MDPD press release, the only one that appears to be a major concern in recent years are protests.

The New Times reported an incident during the 2016 election where a group of elderly residents peacefully protesting inside county hall drew the attention of the police department, who sent an officer to patrol the crowd armed with a semi-automatic weapon. Protestors reported then that they felt like cops were treating them like enemy combatants in a war zone.

Where the New Times investigation falls short is in fingering the forces that benefit from this increased use of military equipment and scare tactics on the civilian populationthe members of the city elites whose interests are represented by the county commission itself.

The showcasing of the vehicle outside the county commission meeting this past Monday as well as the effort to retroactively approve the purchase of spy planes and intimidation of protestors inside the county hall last year should ring alarm bells. The scaffolding of a police state is on full display. When the MDPD speaks of an enhanced security presence it is aimed ultimately at suppressing any sign of opposition or dissent from working class residents.
The world is poised on the brink of a war on the Korean Peninsula that could rapidly escalate into a global nuclear conflict.

US President Donald Trump has doubled down on his inflammatory threat to engulf North Korea in fire and fury like the world has never seen. Yesterday he commented that his words were maybe not tough enough and warned that the US response to any attack will be an event the likes of which no one has seen. He added that the US nuclear arsenal was in tip top shape.

Asked whether he would carry out a pre-emptive strike against North Korea, Trump said he would not talk about military options, but did not rule it out. That a strike is under active consideration in American ruling circles was underscored by an article in the New York Times entitled If US attacks North Korea first, is that self-defence? The commentary treated a unilateral, aggressive attack on North Korea as a legitimate option, debating whether it would meet the legal standard for a pre-emptive strike.

A chilling article in the Washington Post went further to examine how Washington could launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike attack on North Korea. It concluded that Trump could order a nuclear first strike without securing the agreement of his advisers, and that neither the military nor Congress could overrule his order.

Whether Trump is seeking to goad the highly unstable Pyongyang regime into a desperate act to which the US would respond with overwhelming force, or creating the conditions to launch pre-emptive strikes on North Korea, the US is preparing a monstrous crime like the world has never seen.

Even if the war were confined to the Korean Peninsula and restricted to conventional weapons, the death and destruction would run into the millions, as it did during the Korean War of 195053. Defence Secretary Gen. James Mattis threatened this week that if North Korea failed to bow to Washingtons dictates, Washington would bring about the end of the regime and the destruction of its people, i.e., the annihilation of a country of 25 million people. If other nuclear powers such as China and Russia were drawn in, the global consequences would be incalculable.

Who is responsible for this crisis? The US media uniformly blames it on North Korean aggression. This is a lie, in keeping with the role of the American media as a conduit for state propaganda.

The current crisis is the outcome of a policy of naked aggression pursued by US imperialism for the past quarter-century in the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and the Balkans. In the wake of the 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union, which had acted as an impediment to Washingtons global ambitions, the Pentagon drafted defence guidelines stating that the fundamental US strategy must focus on precluding the emergence of any potential future global competitor.

The doctrine of pre-emptive war now being invoked by Trump and his advisers to justify an attack, even a nuclear strike, on North Korea was first enunciated by President George W. Bush as the pretext for the invasion and occupation of Iraq. President Barack Obama expanded the Bush doctrine to declare any threat to American values and interests sufficient cause for the US to militarily attack another country. This new doctrine is a gross violation of international law. Waging a war of aggression was the chief crime for which the Nazi leaders were charged and convicted at the Nuremberg trials after World War II.

Taking its cue from the Trump administration, there is now a blitz in the American and international media to demonise North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as a madman and to grossly inflate the weapons of mass destruction threat posed by his regime. This follows a well-worn modus operandi that was used to try to stampede public opinion behind the US-led wars against Serbia, Iraq, Libya and Syria.

Behind this barrage of propaganda, what is the fundamental character of this looming war? It is a conflict between the worlds most heavily armed imperialist power and an oppressed and impoverished country, whose social and political character is the product of relentless colonialist and imperialist oppression throughout the twentieth century.

After more than forty years of brutal colonial rule by Japan, the US installed a military dictatorship in Seoul and waged a near-genocidal war in the early 1950s to preserve the artificial division of the Korean Peninsula into North and South. Since the end of the war, North Korea has been subjected to a US-led economic blockade, accompanied by repeated provocations and military threats.

The chief target of the Trump administrations threats of war is not North Korea, but China, which the US regards as the principal obstacle to its regional and global dominance. The US military build-up throughout the Asia Pacific did not begin with the fascistic billionaire Trump, but is a continuation of the pivot to Asia developed by the Obama administration. In handing this geo-strategic initiative over to Trump, Obama identified North Korea as the chief military challenge facing the new administration and advised that the North Korean threat be used as the pretext for ratcheting up the US confrontation with China.

The fact that Trumps bellicose statements come in the immediate wake of a unanimous vote in the UN Security Council for harsh new sanctions against Pyongyang demonstrates that Washington interpreted Chinas vote in support of the sanctions resolution as a sign of weakness and a green light to immediately escalate the confrontation. The threat of fire and fury against North Korea is an implicit warning to China, Russia and any other power that poses a challenge to US hegemony.

Any US attack on North Korea could rapidly escalate into a war with China, as already occurred in 1950. US control of the strategically-placed Korean Peninsula could become the springboard for provocations and interventions into northern China, as it was for Japanese imperialism in the 1930s. China, which fought 67 years ago to prevent a US takeover of North Korea and still maintains a mutual defense treaty with Pyongyang, is very conscious of the danger and has been militarily reinforcing its northern border.

Only the independent revolutionary mobilisation of the working class internationally can disarm the war-mongers and halt the imperialist drive to a new world war.
The Catalan independence referendum, planned for October 1 is setting the stage for a bitter clash between Madrid and Barcelona.

The Catalan secessioniststhe Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC), Catalan European Democratic Party (PDeCAT) and the pseudo-left Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP)are continuing to push forward with the referendum. The Popular Party government, Socialist Party (PSOE) and Citizens party are vehemently opposed, with Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy swearing that all means will be used to prevent it taking place.

A confrontation is likely to take place later this month as the Catalan parliament starts the formal drafting of the referendum law and the law of disconnectionthe legal foundation for the transition from the Spanish legal system to a new Catalan republic should the Yes vote win. This would come into effect, regardless of the level of participation, and ignoring the fact that most of those opposed to independence will not vote because as they regard the referendum as illegitimate.

The PP government, which has appealed to the Constitutional Court and been supported by its rulings, has already put in place a repressive framework targeting the secessionists. It has pursued prosecutions, disqualifications from public office, threats to civil servants who facilitate the referendum (such as setting up voting booths in public schools), encouraged interrogations by the Guardia Civil without judicial authorization and spied both legally and illegally on secessionist figures. The PP has also threatened to withhold central government funding if the regional government uses it to prepare for the referendum.

These measures are backed by most of the Madrid-based media, with scant regard to their anti-democratic, repressive nature. Official chauvinism has reached levels not seen since the Franco dictatorship.

For their part, the Catalan secessionists have passed an anti-democratic reform to the regional parliaments statutes that will allow laws to be approved after a single reading, allowing the independence legislation to be fast-tracked with little or no debate.

The Catalan government has also replaced the chief of the 17,000-strong regional Mossos dEsquadra police force, Albert Batlle. He had been under increasing pressure from the CUP to resign after he had said that he would obey Spanish law and courts. His replacement, Pere Soler, a staunch nationalist, has a track record of derogatory remarks about Spain, declaring last year, I hope we secede now, because I feel sorry for all you Spaniards.

The Madrid-based media has reacted by defining the whole process as a coup against the government and called for article 155 of the constitution to be invoked. El Pais declared it would be the only ordinary wayshort of declaring a state of exceptionthat the central government could legally take over the Mossos dEsquadra law enforcement agency if the latter decides to cooperate with the Catalan executives secessionist plans.

Batlles downfall came days after three members of Catalonias regional government stepped down and a few weeks after regional Premier Carles Puigdemont dismissed a senior member of his government for expressing doubts about the referendum.

It is in this context that the major European dailies are raising the alarm.

David Gardner for the Financial Times, in his article, Rajoy is cutting it fine with his Catalonian intervention, describes the prime ministers last-minute offer of greater fiscal autonomy for Catalonia of merely sounding statesmanlike, waiting almost until the eve of a constitutional train-crash that could wreck Spain.

He accuses Rajoy and the PP of bearing a heavy responsibility for the crisis, which they are then irresponsibly exploiting because they find it electorally rewarding in the rest of Spain to incite antagonism against the Basque Country and Catalonia, where its centralising instincts severely limit its support.

The FT concludes with a warning against the Constitutional Court sitting next month and honing its legal weapons against the Catalan plebiscite. Instead, The test [] will be if Madrid drops the alibi that Spain is trapped in a legal labyrinth, in which the constitution is a tablet of stone, and judges are shielded against a political problem elected politicians have a duty to resolve.

The German Suddeutsche Zeitung in Spain is threatening the Catalans, instead of transforming them goes further, openly sympathising with the secessionists. It describes them as a very pro-European coalition of Liberals, Conservatives and Social Democrats working in the tradition of the Spanish Republic, which was smashed by General Franco, who had the support of the Nazi regime in the Civil War. The PP is described as having emerged from the Francoites.

The paper states that European Union (EU) diplomats are surprised that the central government makes no attempt at all to woo the Catalans, especially under conditions where most Catalans agree with holding a referendum but do not support secession. It concludes by warning that the problem is not to be solved with prohibitions. The more Rajoy and his fellow campaigners attack Barcelona... the louder the demands for a referendum.

An editorial in the French Le Figaro , Spanish Divorce, follows suit, criticizing Madrid for rolling out the heavy weapons and a whole range of other measures in a legal arsenal to prevent the referendum. It blames the government for its hard attitude and its failure to generate any initiative to calm the fever.

In their criticism of the Spanish government, the editors of the FT, Suddeutsche Zeitung and Le Figaro are following in the footsteps of The New York Times, which last month criticised the PPs intransigence and the way it had galvanised Catalan separatists.

The concerns on both sides of the Atlantic express the fears of sections of the ruling elite that a confrontation between Barcelona and Madrid, with its threats of suspending Catalan autonomy and military figures talking of sending in the army, might spark a crisis that will engulf Spain.

Such a scenario could rapidly spiral out of control, dragging down the fourth largest economy of the Eurozone and a key EU and NATO member. All this would occur post-Brexit, dragging the EU into a yet deeper quagmire.

It would risk inflaming already rising tensions between the major European powers, the US and Russia against a background of growing social tensions in Spain and across the continent provoked by one wave of austerity after another.

In Barcelona, July has seen a record number of strikes affecting transport. Industrial action has been taken by taxi drivers and workers in the metro, Bicing (the citys bicycle sharing system), Renfe (the state-owned company which operates freight and passenger trains), Barcelona Airport security and Deliveroo (the British online food delivery company).

These struggles have been spurred by wage cuts, growing job insecurityclass issues recognised by workers throughout Spain, Europe and the world. It a reminder that the growth of separatism is a retrograde development that cuts across the critical struggle to unite the working class in opposition to the social counterrevolution being carried out by both Spain and Catalonia under the auspices of the EU.
As part of an escalating political crisis, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbulls government has ordered an unprecedented, anti-democratic and probably illegal postal ballot on same-sex marriage. The measure has been taken in a desperate bid to stave off splits in the Liberal-National Coalition on the issue.

Turnbull and his ministers announced the ballot on Wednesday, immediately after the Senate rejected, for the second time, the governments bill for a national plebiscite on same-sex marriage. Unable to command a parliamentary majority for its plebiscite bill, the Liberal-National Coalition government is trying to achieve the same ends by under-handed means.

Growing calls are being made to boycott the ballot, while yesterday two High Court challenges were launched to halt it, via urgent interlocutory injunctions, potentially for months, until its legality can be tested.

The non-binding postal vote, now officially being called a survey, is a fraud on every levelpolitically, legally and organisationally. Like the abandoned plebiscite, it has nothing to do with the long-overdue recognition of the basic legal and democratic right of all couples to marry, regardless of gender. On the contrary, it amounts to another blatant effort to stymie the accelerating popular demand for marriage equality.

Even if a majority votes "yes" for the designated questionShould the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?the government has refused to be bound by the result. If, however, a majority votes no, the government has already ruled out permitting any marriage equality bill to be put before the parliament for a vote.

Not only is the postal ballot being launched to delay a parliamentary vote on the issue; it is designed to pander to the most right-wing, socially conservative elements in the Coalition and let loose the homophobic and religious fundamentalist social base on which they rest.

Already, the airwaves are being polluted by bigoted taunts against same-sex couples, accusing them of abuse and neglect of their children. One pamphlet asserts that their children are more likely to use drugs, be unemployed and suffer depression.

Turnbull has given the green light for this campaign, declaring: Were not going to shut down democracy and debate because people here or there say outrageous things or defamatory things.

The prime minister is insisting, for the sake of his progressive electoral pitch to mainly upper-middle class layers, that he will vote yes. But he says he will not actively campaign for a "yes" vote. By contrast, Tony Abbott, the man Turnbull ousted as prime minister in 2015, has thrown himself into the fray, absurdly alleging that marriage equality is a threat to religious freedom and free speech.

Turnbull and key ministers from the socially conservative camp that devised the postal plan, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, are anxious to conduct the ballot within weeks, in order to avert divisions that could bring down Turnbull's increasingly fragile government. It holds just a one-seat majority in the House of Representatives and only 29 of the 76 Senate seats.

Their proposed survey, to be conducted between September 12 and November 15, would be unreliable, unrepresentative and open to manipulation and abuse. It would be far less accurate than the numerous surveys, some government-funded, conducted in recent times, all showing 6070 percent support for marriage equality.

The ballot would particularly disenfranchise young peoplemany of whom are unfamiliar with the postal system, or are not on the electoral rollsas well as indigenous and other people living in remote locations, or those living or travelling overseas, or who have moved house since the last election.

Supposedly, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), acting on the governments instructions, would post voting papers to all citizens on the electoral roll, requiring them to mail them back. Not only would ballots inevitably go astray; there would be no means to guarantee that the votes were cast by those to whom the letters were sent.

If ballots included personal identifiers, in order to prevent manipulation, the ABS would then be able to match respondents' opinions on same-sex marriage with other personal information, violating the concept of a secret vote.

There is no precedent for such an operation. The government claims that it has validity because in 1974, the Whitlam government instructed the ABS to conduct a phone survey of 60,000 randomly selected people about a new national anthem. But Turnbull's postal ballot bears no relation to that phone survey, politically or logistically.

Moreover, the bill proposed this week by five Liberal Party backbenchers, in the event that the process produces a "yes" vote, would allow ministers of religion, military chaplains and independent religious celebrants to refuse to marry couples on grounds of sex, sexuality and family status. Other entities could legally refuse to provide facilities, goods or services.

Labor and the Greens, despite criticising the flaws in the postal vote, are imploring voters not to boycott it, thus giving it political legitimacy. They are pleading for young people to put themselves on the electoral rolls to participate, ostensibly as a means of ensuring a yes majority, in order to channel popular outrage over the ballot back into the parliamentary framework.

Speaking with feigned passion in parliament yesterday, Labor leader Bill Shorten said he would hold Turnbull responsible for every hurtful bit of filth this debate will unleash. Yet, he urged people: Get your name on the electoral roll today, make your voice heard.

Likewise, Greens leader Senator Richard Di Natale declared: We are hoping that the shonky postal plebiscite is knocked off by the upcoming court challenges, but youll want to be on the roll in case it isnt.

This is sheer hypocrisy. The last Labor governmentin which Shorten was a senior minister and with which the Greens formed a de facto coalitioneffectively blocked same-sex marriage bills from 2007 to 2013. Like Turnbull, Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard appeased the religious right wing in Labors own parliamentary ranks, in order to cling to office as her government imposed its rightwing agenda of austerity and war.

Legal experts have indicated that the High Court challenges could well succeed. One application lists seven grounds of objection. They include the lack of any legislation to authorise the $122 million ballot, violation of the legislation covering the ABS, which confines it to collecting statistics, not opinions, and the use of ministerial directions and regulations to by-pass parliament.

Regardless of the law suits, working people and youth should take no part in this sham. Its primary political purpose is to hold together a government and an entire parliamentary set-up that is preparing to join a US-led war against North Korea and China, and deepen the assault on the working class. Millions of people are already experiencing the destruction of full-time jobs, falling real wages, soaring prices for housing, utilities and other essentials, and deteriorating schools, healthcare and other social services.

The fight for basic democratic rights, such as marriage equality, can only be taken forward through the independent political mobilisation of the working class on the basis of a socialist perspective, against the ruling elite and its political servants, who are increasingly tearing up basic legal and democratic rights across the board in preparation for suppressing widespread social unrest.
(WTXL) - Dollar General is looking to put a store in a vacant historic building in downtown Bainbridge, Ga.

Teramore Development has proposed the plan to the Historic Preservation Commission

The company proposed relocating it's store on West Street to the Old Bainbridge Hardware Store on Broad Street.

City leaders are hoping to get input on the potential new store later this month.

The public hearing is scheduled for August 22 at 6 p.m.

In Tift County, commissioners are considering a request to rezone nearly two acres of land at the intersection of Highway 319 and Mount Olive Church Road.

That's where developers want to build a 7,500 square-foot Dollar General.

Some residents say they're concerned any commercial business in that spot will bring more traffic to what they say is already a dangerous intersection.

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.
(WTXL) - Mixed messages from the Trump administration on next steps.

As North Korea claims it could have a plan to strike the U.S. territory of Guam for leader Kim Jong Un's approval within days.

President trump is meeting with top national security advisers today as North Korea steps up threats.

State media there says a plan to fire four missiles near the U.S. island territory of Guam home to two U.S. military bases could be ready for review by leader Kim Jong Un, in days.

As of this morning, U.S. defense officials said there were no indications of any imminent launch activity by North Korea.

The president's own party is split on his approach Republican Congressman Lee Zeldin of New York, saying he's not comfortable with it.

On twitter, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, saying the attacks on trump are ridiculous.

Adding, critics act as if North Korea would act different if he used nicer words.
GADSDEN COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Co-workers are remembering one of their own Thursday night.

Gadsden County deputy Maximilian Sander died Saturday after a motorcycle crash in late May.

A viewing for the deputy starts less than an hour at Bevis Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m.

Those who knew Sander say that he had an infectious personality, loved to smile and would do anything to make others smile.

A memorial is set up in his honor outside the courthouse in Quincy where he worked

When it came to his job, fellow deputies describe him as a very hard worker who inspired others to do the same, and who was always ready for the next job.

"Whenever I'm looking for someone to take care of an assignment, he was always out front,' said Corporal Lindsey Anderson, Sander's immediate supervisor. "He was always right there willing and ready to do whatever it takes to get the job done."

His funeral mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church at noon on Friday on Micousoukee Road.

The mass will be followed by military honors at the Tallahassee National Cemetery.

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.
BRICS nations unite against protectionism Trade ministers from BRICS countries agreed to work together to oppose protectionism and increase mutual investment Wednesday.

Foreign firms ride China's "new economy" As China's "new economy" goes from strength to strength, more and more foreign firms are jumping in for a slice of the pie.
Gary Barnett, a ditch rider for the Sunnyside Valley Irrigation District, makes a stops an early 1900s home built on the Yakima River at the Sunnyside Dam in Wapato, Wash.  where Barnett resides  during his shift Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. (SHAWN GUST/Yakima Herald-Republic)
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Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin officially succeeded Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel as commander of the Israeli Air Force (IAF) in a ceremony held on Thursday evening at Camp Rabin.

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The ceremony was attended and conducted by Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot and other members of the IDF General Staff.

Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin (L) with former IAF chief Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

Norkin, who previously served as head of the Planning Directorate, replaced Eshel, who had served as head of the IAF for the past five years and will be discharged from the IDF after more than 40 years of service.

During Eshel's tenure, two major operations were conducted in the Gaza StripOperation Pillar of Defense and Operation Protective Edgealong with hundreds of sorties and covert operations beyond Israel's borders, including strikes against Hamas and Hezbollah.

In his comments, Norkin said, "I am aware of the scope of the challenge and I am excited by the situation. The Air Force of the coming years will add many capabilities and expand its responsibilities. The Air Force of the coming years will be a force that cooperates more with ground forcesboth in building force and using force. The IAF is a force of quality and dedicated people who are proud of their contribution to the security of Israel."

Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot congratulating Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

Minister of Defense Lieberman praised Eshel for his service, saying, "Amir, thank you for 40 years of significant contributions to the security of the State of Israel. Your term as IAF commander was extremely significant and fruitful during a complicated period."

Lieberman also addressed Norkin, saying, "You take up your position and immediately have many challenges to deal with. You will have to expand the already long reach of the service."

Eshel summarized his tenure, saying, "In our hands we have unprecedented and far-reaching capabilities and are the basis for the changing security strategy of the State of Israel. Our achievements are due to my predecessors who succeeded in building the strength and personnel of the IAF. It is a professional, dedicated and modest group, like no other. Amikam, we know each other very well. I trust you and I know you'll succeed. Of that, I have no doubt."
ANKARA -- Turkish police on Friday detained 42 people over suspected militant links in operations across two separate provinces, security sources and media said.

Police detained 22 suspected Islamic State militants in operations across the eastern province of Elazig, security sources said.

Separately, police detained another 20 people in the southern province of Adana over alleged links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), the state-run Anadolu news agency said. It said authorities were still seeking 10 suspects.
The State Attorney's Office filed two indictments against two brothers from Umm al-Fahm for supporting ISIS and hiding weapons in the attic of their home.

According to the indictments, one of the brothers intended to travel to Syria and was in contact with an ISIS recruiter in Syria. The other brother was charged with possession of weapons and swearing allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

The two were arrested by the Shin Bet and Israel Police in July.
Two Israeli-Arab brothers from Umm al-Fahm have been arrested and indicted for supporting ISIS, according to the Shin Bet, which cleared the information for publication Friday morning.

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The two brothersMahmoud Jabarin, 25, and Naim Jabarin, 20were arrested in July in a joint operation involving the Shin Bet and police.

Naim (L) and Mahmoud (R) Jabarin after being detained by security forces (Photo: Shin Bet)

During the course of a search at the brothers' residence, a Carlo submachine gun was also discovered hidden in the attic.

Authorities had received information that the elder Jabarin brother, Mahmoud, had intended to travel to Syria to join the organization. To that end, Jabarin was in contact with an ISIS recruiter in Syria who was also a former resident of Umm al-Fahm.

In addition to discovering numerous photographs, videos and other ISIS propaganda, the younger brother, Naim, is also alleged to have pledged loyalty to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

The State Attorney's Office filed an indictment with the Haifa District Court against the two brothers on Friday morning for contact with a foreign agent and illegal possession of a firearm.

Weapon seized by security forces during a raid on the brothers' home (Photo: Shin Bet)

The Shin Bet issued a statement on the arrests and indictments, saying, "The Shin Bet views Israelis who support the Islamic State organization as a serious security threat, especially those who are in contact with organization operatives and desire to fight in its ranks.

"As such, the Shin Bet will continue to monitor suspects and take the necessary enforcement measures to prevent the dissemination of ISIS ideology in Israel and prevent Israelis from fighting with the organization."

ISIS is currently in widespread retreat and has been suffering a string of defeats on the battlefield. This reality stands in stark contrast to the image the organization is attempting to portray in an effort to recruit more potential combatants to its ranks.
KARACHI -- Gunmen riding on a motorcycle opened fire on a vehicle carrying a senior police officer in southern Pakistan on Friday, killing him and his guard before fleeing, while just hours later in the northwest of the country a powerful bomb ripped through a remote tribal region, killing three people and wounding another 25.

Zulfiqar Larik, deputy inspector general of police, said no one claimed the drive-by shooting that took place in Karachi, the capital of southern Sindh province, but suspicion fell on local militants who often claim responsibility for attacks on security forces in Karachi and elsewhere in the country.
Iranian media is reporting that ISIS has executed Muhsin Hajaji, a member of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, in the al-Tanf area, near the Syria-Iraq border.

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While the hard-line Sunni terror organization has yet to publish the execution on the web, images of Hajaji being held by ISIS forces have circulated throughout social media in recent days.

Images released by ISIS showing Hajaji in their custody

ISIS terror attack in Iran

X

Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force, has promised revenge for Hajaji's death.

"Iran's brave sons will take revenge for this barbaric act," said Soleimani, who promised to "uproot the filthy tree of Wahhabism and terror from the Islamic world. These crimes only increase our determination to cleanse Islamic lands of their filthy presence."

Soleimani linked the execution to the recent defeats suffered by ISIS and organizations which Soleimani accused of "collaborating with Western forces against (Islamic) fighters on all fronts."

ISIS propaganda circulated on social media depicting captured Revolutionary Guards member being handed over to Imam Hussein, who has been beheaded

Qasem Soleimani

This is not the first affront against Iran committed by ISIS. Tensions reached their peak two months ago when ISIS launched a twin terror attack at the Iranian parliament in Tehran, killing 13 people.

ISIS has vowed to attack Iran again and this week published a video called "Burning the Zoroastrians."
Minister of Diaspora Affairs Naftali Bennett is promoting a government decision to bring the parents and families of lone soldiers serving in the IDF to Israel to visit their children during their service.

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More than 2,900 lone soldiers whose parents live abroad are currently serving in the IDF. While there are organizations that facilitate parental visits to Israel, not all parents of serving lone soldiers can afford such an expense.

Lone Soldiers (Photo: Gil Nachushtan)

As such, the Ministry of Diaspora Affairsin conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense will formulate and implement a unique program for organized visits.

The program is expected to operate in a manner similar to the Taglit-Birthright Israel project and will include flights to and from Israel, accommodations and sightseeing throughout Israel. Lone soldiers will join their families for a significant part of their trip.

"The parents and families of lone soldiers are providing the nation what they value the most and throughout their service, they do not see their child and are not in any official contact with the State of Israel," said Bennett.

"We must work to strengthen their contact with their families as part of a commitment on behalf of the government of Israel, which has a commitment to Jews around the world."
A political crisis in Gaza is depriving two million people of electricity, vital medical care and clean water in sweltering summer temperatures, the United Nations human rights office said on Friday. It appealed to Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas to resolve their conflicts.

"We are deeply concerned about the steady deterioration in the humanitarian conditions and the protection of human rights in Gaza," U.N. human rights spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a news briefing in Geneva. "Israel, the State of Palestine and the authorities in Gaza are not meeting their obligations to promote and protect the rights of the residents of Gaza," she said.

Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007 after Hamas forces seized control of the territory following a brief civil war with security forces loyal to Mahmoud Abbas, the Western-backed Palestinian president based in the West Bank. Egypt, at odds with Hamas, also maintains a blockade. Hoping to pressure Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza, Abbas, who leads the rival Fatah faction that holds sway in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, has cut payments to Israel for the electricity it supplies to Gaza.
More than 600,000 Syrians returned to their homes in the first seven months of this year, nearly as many as in all of 2016, but they are still outnumbered by those freshly displaced, the UN migration agency said on Friday.

Many went back to their areas of origin to check on property or because they had been in places where the economic and other conditions were deteriorating, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said. "The returns are not confirmed as voluntary, safe or sustainable," IOM spokeswoman Olivia Headon told a briefing.

About 67 percent of the returns this year have been to Aleppo province - where the rebel-held eastern part of the city was retaken by the Syrian government in DecemberIOM said. Most of the 602,759 Syrians who returned to their homes between January and July had been uprooted within their war-torn homeland, with the other 16 percent returning from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq, Headon said.
Fighters from Saraya Ahl al-Sham, a Syrian rebel group, will start on Saturday to pull out of an enclave in Lebanon on the border with Syria along with some civilians, the head of Lebanon's General Security, said on Friday.

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Syrian rebels in the town of Idlib (Photo: Reuters)

About 300 fighters, along with their families and some other civilians who wish to return to Syria, will be escorted to the border by security forces, General Abbas Ibrahim told Reuters by phone.

Ibrahim said that a group of civilians who wished to go to the government-held Assal al-Ward district near the border would go there. The fighters, along with their family members, would go to a location that had been agreed upon, he said.

Ibrahim did not name the place. But a military media unit run by Hezbollahwhich is closely allied to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad - reported that the fighters and their families would go to the rebel-held town of al-Ruhaiba in the Eastern Qalamoun district.

The group's departure follows that of the Nusra Front, which quit its enclave on the border early this month for rebel-held Idlib, in northwest Syria, after its defeat in a Hezbollah offensive.

During that evacuation and others of rebel groups inside Syria to insurgent-held areas, the Syrian government has allowed them to travel under protection in buses and carry small arms. This time, civilians will be allowed to travel in their own cars, Ibrahim said.

Syrian rebel (Photo: AFP)

Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shi'ite group that has been a close ally of Assad during Syria's six-year civil war, fighting mostly Sunni rebels seeking to oust him.

The pull-out by Saraya Ahl al-Sham will leave an Islamic State pocket in the same area as the only remaining militant stronghold on the border. A Lebanese army offensive against Islamic State is expected to start soon.

The movement of rebel and militant factions across Syria's border with Lebanon represented the biggest military spillover of its civil war into its tiny neighbour.

Syrian rebels in Idlib (Photo: Reuters)

The factions took positions in the hills that straddle the border around the northeastern Lebanese town of Arsal, home to tens of thousands of Syrian refugees. More than 1 million Syrians have sought shelter in Lebanon during the war.

Last week, Hezbollah's leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, said that while the Lebanese army would lead the offensive against Islamic State inside Lebanon, his group and the Syrian army would simultaneously attack it on the Syrian side of the border.

A Lebanese military source later said that this would not entail any direct military coordination between the Lebanese and Syrian armies.
The late Maj. Dudi Zohar intended to accompany his son Tomer on his first day in the first grade on September 1. But Maj. Zohar was killed in an Apache helicopter crash on Monday night, and what was supposed to be a joyous event for the entire family would be painted with the seal of disaster.

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Tomer is the youngest of Zohar's four children. He was named after his best friend, Maj. Tomer Gutterman, who served with him in the same squadron and died in a helicopter crash in southern Israel in 2003. Maj. Gutterman is the uncle of Lieutenant A., who was with Maj. Zohar in the Apache helicopter on Monday and was seriously injured in the crash. A. has been hospitalized in Soroka Medical Center for the past two days.

Maj. Zohar

Hundreds of people streamed into the Zohar family home in the Ramat Begin neighborhood of Haifa, trying in vain to find words of comfort in the face of the terrible loss. Zohar's family includes his wife, Galit, their four children aged six to fourteen, his parents Aliza and Jackie, and his brother and sister.

Dudi's brother Shaul stated that the family is now dealing with a tangle of emotions, comprised of shock, longing and anger. "We know the people in the Air Force," he said. "We have no doubt they will do the best job in investigating the circumstances of the accident, and we expect that the investigation will be as open as possible, not a closed internal investigation. Don't tell us, 'It's okay, trust us.'

"There is definitely anger now, because we do not know what happened. Slowly the facts will become clearer and the anger will find the right direction to which it should be directed," he added.

IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkott referred to Zohar's death during a ceremony on Thursday celebrating the appointment of Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin to Israeli Air Force commander. "This week, we unfortunately lost Maj. Zohar, may he rest in peace, in an accident," he said. "Commanders are also tested in times like this. I think the Air Force is at its best in the way it embraces the families, and in a way it knows how to properly look at the facts."
Yisrael Kristal, a Holocaust survivor of the Nazi Auschwitz death camp, who was recognized as the oldest man, passed away on Friday. Kristal, a resident of Haifa, was due to celebrate his 114th birthday next month. A date for the funeral has yet to be set, but it will probably take place on Saturday night.

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His daughter, Shula Kupershtuch, said her father died in the afternoon falling ill and being hospitalized. "I got a great father, who gave me a lot of confidence and strength," she said Saturday. "Despite all that he went through, and his losing his whole family in the Holocaust, he had a lot of optimism. He always saw only light and good in everything.

Yisrael Kristal (Photo: George Ginsberg)

"I remember how when my husband passed away, he told me to 'take comfort in having a burial plot.' There were many people in Auschwitz who perished and burned, who they were not buried. But he was buried here, in the earth of the Holy Land."

Kupershtuch added that her father did not take his living in Israel for granted, in light of all the victims and family members who remained behind who did not survive as he did. "He did not take the Holy Land for granted, as we do."

Photo: EPA

In 2014, Kristal was recognized as the oldest survivor still alive, and about a year and a half ago Guinness World Records recognized him as the oldest man in the world. During the First World War he was 13 years old, and because of the war he missed his Bar Mitzvah celebrations. He finally went through his Bar Mitzvah 100 years later, when he had an Aliyah, in September 2016. His daughter Shula said at the time that "it always bothered him that they did not celebrate him a Bar Mitzvah.

After Kristal's death, the oldest man in the world is Francisco Nuniz Oliveira, age 112. The oldest woman is Violet Brown, 117, from Jamaica.

Photo: George Ginsberg

A man rising from the ashes

Born in 1903, Kristal's life story spanned all all of the 20th century. After his father died at the age of 16, he studied the secrets of making sweets and opened a factory in Lodz, and married Feiga. At the time of World War II he was married and the father of two children who perished in the Holocaust.

"During the years they lived in the Lodz ghetto," recalled his daughter. "His two sons died from diseases when they were 8 and 10. What protected Yisrael and his wife was his talent for making sweets. It was what saved (theired) life, because the sweets made my father were considered essential in the ghetto and therefore was not sent to the camps, but only towards the end (of WWII). The Germans had birthdays, so the sweets and chocolates were essential for their festivities."

Kristal during his Bar Mitzvah

Kristal and his first wife remained in the ghetto, and in May 1944 were sent to Auschwitz in a transfer that was among the latter. They stayed in Auschwitz for ten months, were sent to labor camps and then marched toward their expected deaths. Yisrael weighed only 37 kilograms. His wife, Feiga, did not survive.

After the war, Kristal returned to Lodz and reestablished a candy factory. He met Batsheva, who also lost her family in the Holocaust, and they married and immigrated to Israel in 1950. The couple had three children, but one of them died in infancy. They raised two daughters to adulthood.

Upon his death, Yisrael had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He brought his secrets of sweets-making with him to Israel, establishing a candy factory in Haifa.
US President Donald Trump is sending his son-in-law Jared Kushner and negotiator Jason Greenblatt to the Middle East soon to meet with regional leaders and discuss a "path to substantive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks," a White House official said on Friday.

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Deputy national security adviser Dina Powell will also be on the trip, which will include meetings with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Authority, the official said.

Trump (Photo: AFP)

"While the regional talks will play an important role, the president reaffirms that peace between Israelis and Palestinians can only be negotiated directly between the two parties and that the United States will continue working closely with the parties to make progress towards that goal," the official said.

The statement additionally said Trump "believes that the restoration of calm and the stabilized situation in Jerusalem after the recent crisis on the Temple Mount-Haram al Sharif has created an opportunity to continue discussions and the pursuit of peace that began early in his administration."

The three emissaries are to meet leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Authority "about how best to support the peace effort."

Nabil Abu Rdeneh, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, welcomed the impending visit.

"We are committed to peace based on the two state solution." he said. "We informed the American Administration that we are ready for peace on this basis. And we are waiting now for the American delegation to work together toward peace."

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday that his country would also be committed to Israel as part of the negotiations with the Palestinians, adding that "in any case of discussing the future of Jerusalem, Russia will take into account Israel's interests."

Kusher had visited Israel back in June, hurrying to pay his condolences to the family of Hadas Malka, who was murdered in a Jerusalem terrorirst attack, before meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas regarding reigniting the peace talks with Israel.

Kushner (L) and Trump (Photo: MCT)

Despite his visit, while speaking to congressional interns earlier this month, Kushner expressed doubt the American administration could find a "unique" solution that would lead to peace between Israel and the Palestinians, according to an audio recording leaked to WIRED magazine.

After being asked how he plans to negotiate peace between Israel and the Palestinians and how he plans to succeed where others have failed, Kushner wondered aloud, "What do we offer that's unique? I dont know.

"I'm sure everyone that's tried this has been unique in some ways, but again we're trying to follow very logically. We're thinking about what the right end state is. And were trying to work with the parties very quietly to see if there's a solution."
US President Donald Trump on Friday again delivered a bold warning to North Korea, tweeting that the US military is "locked and loaded" if the isolated rogue nation acts "unwisely," escalating an exchange of threats between the nuclear-armed nations.

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American and South Korean officials said they would move forward with large-scale military exercises later this month that North Korea claims are a rehearsal for war. Pyongyang has laid out plans to strike near the US territory of Guam.

Kim Jong Un, nuclear missile test and Trump (Photos: Reuters)

Trump tweeted Friday: "Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!"

He later retweeted a posting from US Pacific Command that showed B-1B Lancer bomber planes on Guam that "stand ready to fulfill USFK's #FightTonight mission if called upon to do so." ''Fight tonight" has long been the motto of US forces in South Korea to show they are always ready for combat on the Korean Peninsula.





Trump (Photo: AFP)

Trump's provocative public declarations, a break from the careful language of his predecessors, have only grown louder as the week as gone on. They included the president musing that his initial warning of delivering "fire and fury" to North Koreawhich appeared to evoke a nuclear explosionwas too timid. The days of war rhetoric have alarmed international leaders.

"I don't see a military solution and I don't think it's called for," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel. She declined to say whether Germany would stand with the US in case of a military conflict with North Korea and called on the UN Security Council to continue to address the issue.

"I think escalating the rhetoric is the wrong answer," Merkel added.

Merkel (L) and Lavrov (Photos: AFP, Reuters)

Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, estimated the risk of a military conflict between the US and North Korea as "very high," and said Moscow was deeply concerned.

"When you get close to the point of a fight, the one who is stronger and wiser should be the first to step back from the brink," Lavrov said Friday.

Trump's bluster, however, stands in stark contrast to an ongoing back channel for negotiations between the United States and North Korea, which came to light Friday. It had been known the two sides had discussions to secure the June release of an American university student. But it wasn't known until now that the contacts have continued, or that they have broached matters other than US detainees.

People familiar with the contacts say the interactions have done nothing thus far to quell tensions over North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile advances, which are now fueling fears of military confrontation. But they say the behind-the-scenes discussions could still be a foundation for more serious negotiation.

Photo: AP

Despite tensions and talk of war, life on the streets of the North Korean capital remains calm. There are no air raid drills or cars in camouflage netting as was the case during previous crises.

North Koreans have lived for decades with the state media message that war is imminent, the US is to blame and their country is ready to defend itself. State-run media ensure that the population gets the North Korean side of the story, but don't convey any sense of international concern about the situation.

Two days after North Korea laid out its plans to strike near Guam with unsettling specificity, there was no observable march toward combat. US officials said there was no major movement of US military assets to the region, nor were there signs Pyongyang was actively preparing for war.





US B-1B jets (Photo: Getty Images)

As it is, the US has a robust military presence in the region, including six B-1 bombers in Guam and Air Force fighter jet units in South Korea, plus other assets across the Pacific Ocean and in the skies above. US military options range from nothing to a full-on conventional assault by air, sea and ground forces. Any order by the president could be executed quickly.

The US-South Korea exercises are an annual event, but they come as Pyongyang says it is readying a plan to fire off four Hwasong-12 missiles toward the tiny island, which is US territory and a major military hub. The plan would be sent to Kim for approval just before or as the US-South Korea drills begin.

Called Ulchi-Freedom Guardian, the exercises are expected to run Aug. 21-31 and involve tens of thousands of American and South Korean troops on the ground and in the sea and air. Washington and Seoul say the exercises are defensive in nature and crucial to maintaining a deterrent against North Korean aggression.

The exercises were scheduled well before tensions began to rise over Trump's increasingly fiery rhetoric and North Korea's announcement of the missile plan, which if carried out would be its most provocative launch yet. Along with a bigger set of maneuvers held every spring, the exercises are routinely met by strong condemnation and threats of countermeasures from North Korea.

The heightened military activity on the peninsula this time is a concern because it could increase the possibility of a mishap or an overreaction of some sort by either side that could spin into a more serious escalation. North Korea has been increasingly sensitive to the exercises lately because they reportedly include training for "decapitation strikes" to kill Kim Jong Un and his top lieutenants.

The possibility of escalation is made even more acute by the lack of any means of official communication across the Demilitarized Zone, though there has been no easing of the barrage of inflammatory comments in the US and the North since new sanctions against North Korea were announced last week.
US President Donald Trump says German Chancellor Angela Merkel does not speak for the US on North Korea.

Merkel has said of Trump's provocative warnings to the communist nation that "escalating the rhetoric is the wrong answer."

Trump on Friday replied: "Let her speak for Germany," adding, "She's certainly not referring to the United States." The US president's warnings that Pyongyang will "regret" any threats or action against the US are a break with the diplomatic language of his predecessors. But Trump said Friday that millions of Americans support their president "sticking up" for the US and its allies.
Beyond the bluster, the Trump administration has been quietly engaged in back channel diplomacy with North Korea for several months, addressing Americans imprisoned in the communist country and deteriorating relations between the long-time foes, The Associated Press has learned.

It had been known the two sides had discussions to secure the June release of an American university student. But it wasn't known until now that the contacts have continued, or that they have broached matters other than US detainees.

People familiar with the contacts say the interactions have done nothing thus far to quell tensions over North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile advances, which are now fueling fears of military confrontation. But they say the behind-the-scenes discussions could still be a foundation for more serious negotiation, including on North Korea's nuclear weapons, should President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un put aside the bellicose rhetoric of recent days and endorse a dialogue.

Trump refused to discuss the diplomatic contacts. "We don't want to talk about progress, we don't want to talk about back channels," Trump told reporters Friday. The diplomatic contacts are occurring regularly between Joseph Yun, the US envoy for North Korea policy, and Pak Song Il, a senior North Korean diplomat at the country's UN mission, according to US officials and others briefed on the process. They weren't authorized to discuss the confidential exchanges and spoke on condition of anonymity.
This has been a long time in the making, but in our continuing pursuit to bring only the best of firearms, 2nd Amendment and defence related news to our readers, we are very excited to announce the next step in our evolution as a company.

As of 2020, Minuteman Review is now the proud owner and operator of Your Defence News, a website with a long history of breaking huge news stories and investigative journalism.

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Yuma, Arizona - On Sunday, July 16, 2017 it was reported that 69 year old Scott Holt had sexual conduct with a male juvenile within the City Limits of Yuma. An investigation was started and text messages and emails were located corroborating the allegations.

On Thursday, August 10, 2017 Scott Holt was arrested and interviewed. During the interview, Holt admitted to the sexual conduct. Holt will be booked on one count of sexual conduct with a minor, three counts of furnishing harmful items to minors and four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call Detective Almodova at (928) 373-4781, the Yuma Police Department at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.
Yuma News

Somerton, Arizona - On Wednesday, Detectives from the Yuma Police Department were scheduled to serve a search warrant on a residence in the 100 Block of W. Canal Street in Somerton, Arizona. The warrant was in reference to a fraud-schemes case and the Detectives had probable cause to arrest 37 year old Alfredo Ibarra if located at the residence.

Prior to YPD Detectives arriving at the location, Border Patrol agents had an incident with Alfredo Ibarra which led them to the 100 Block of W. Canal Street, where Ibarra fled into the residence. YPD was contacted and informed of the incident and our Special Enforcement Team was activated at 12:08 p.m. for a barricaded subject.

A perimeter was set up around the residence and announcements were made for the occupants to come out. At 2:18 p.m. two male subjects exited the back side of the residence and were detained. Border Patrol took custody of the two detained subjects. It was confirmed at that time that Alfredo Ibarra was still inside the residence.

Announcements continued and gas was deployed into the residence. At 6:11 p.m. officers made entry into the residence and Alfredo Ibarra was taken into custody without further incident and will be booked into the Yuma County Detention Center.

Yuma Sector Border Patrol Agents and Somerton Police Department assisted with this incident.
Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - On Monday, September 11, Arizona Western College and U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground will partner on a public safety event. Ms. Kristina Anderson, professional speaker, director of Koshka Foundation for Safe Schools, and survivor of the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting will offer a 90-minute public presentation and take questions from the audience.

The 3:00 p.m. event will be held in the Schoening Conference Center on the Yuma campus of AWC, in the College Community Center (3C).

The goal of the event is to educate and build awareness of school and workplace safety locally and regionally for interested members of the public.

Attendees are asked to pre-register for this free event online here - https://awc_kristinaanderson_guestspeaker.eventbrite.com
Khartoum: Sudan has received an invitation to US-Egyptian military training exercises in October, a first for the country in nearly three decades, its Defence Ministry said.

The head of the Sudanese army, General Emad al-Din Adawi, announced the invitation for the joint Bright Star exercises in Egypt, the largest of their kind in the region, after meeting this week with a US State Department official, it said.

The meeting "opened the door to more dialogue" that could restore U.S.-Sudanese military relations "to their right path", the army chief said.

In July, the United States postponed for three months a decision on whether to permanently lift sanctions on Sudan over its human rights record and other issues.

Former US President Barack Obama temporarily lifted 20-year-old sanctions for six months in January, suspending a trade embargo, unfreezing assets and removing financial sanctions.

But it said Sudan had to make progress on issues, including internal conflicts before it would lift them permanently.

Sanctions relief would not change Sudan`s designation by the United States as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Sudan`s economy has deteriorated since the south seceded in 2011, taking with it three-quarters of the country`s oil output, its main source of foreign currency and government income.
Nangarhar: Several civilians have been killed in an US airstrike in eastern Afghanistan, local officials said Friday, the latest setback in efforts to bring peace to the war-torn country.

Saaz Wali Shinwari, the district governor of Haska Mina in Nangarhar province, said the raid was carried out by US troops although there was no official confirmation from NATO.

"On Thursday afternoon, the American forces bombarded a civilian private vehicle... when they were travelling inside the district," he told AFP.

"Unfortunately, in the airstrike we have casualties. Eleven people were killed and one wounded. All the victims, which included women and children, were civilians and they were from one family.

"The victims were beyond recognition, and they were placed inside the sacks and were buried late last night," he added.

Of the roughly 13,000 foreign forces in Afghanistan only the United States carries out airstrikes.

They have been regularly targeting Islamic State insurgents who control several districts in restive Nangarhar.

Dawlat Waziri, a spokesman for Afghanistan`s defence ministry, said the strike was carried out by foreign forces in coordination with Afghan officials.

"In the strike, five insurgents were killed and two others were wounded.

"We do not have any news about civilian casualties. But, we have appointed a delegation to investigate if civilians are killed," he told AFP.

NATO said they were unable to provide any information when contacted by AFP.

Attaullah Khogyani, a spokesman for the Nangarhar provincial governor, said an unknown number of civilians had died but was unable to say who carried out the strike.

"I can confirm an airstrike in Haska Mina district of Nangarhar province and it led to civilian casualties. For the time being, we do not have a precise figure about the casualties," he told AFP.

Last month a US airstrike killed 16 policemen in Helmand province. It came after a US airstrike in Sangin killed at least 18 civilians, mostly women and children, in February.

Civilian deaths are at an all-time high in Afghanistan. In the first half of the year, 1,662 civilians were killed and more than 3,500 injured, according to the United Nations.
Washington: A joint US-South Korean military exercise will start on Aug 21 as planned, the Pentagon said on Friday as the United States and c traded threats of war.

The annual joint military exercise, called Ulchi-Freedom Guardian, is expected to go ahead as originally scheduled and will start on Aug 21, said Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Logan, a Pentagon spokesman.
Patna: A Bihar legislator on Friday demanded a CBI probe into the alleged suicide of Buxar District Magistrate Mukesh Pandey, whose body was found near the rail tracks in Uttar Pradesh.



"I strongly suspect that Mukesh Pandey had not committed suicide but was murdered. It is a stage-managed conspiracy," Sanjay Kumar Tiwari, Congress legislator from Buxar, told IANS here.



"This is the second case of mysterious death of an IAS officer in Uttar Pradesh. Three months ago, another IAS officer was found dead there," he said.



According to police, the body, with the head severed, was found at 9 pm on Thursday near Kotgaon crossing in Ghaziabad and a suicide note was recovered.



The note said that he was fed up of his life and had lost "belief in human existence".



"I am committing suicide in District Centre area of Janakpuri in west Delhi... by jumping off the 10th floor of the building. I am fed up with life and my belief on human existence has gone, my suicide note is kept in a Nike bag in room 742 of a five-star (name withheld) hotel in Delhi. I am sorry, I love you all! Please forgive me," said the note, according to Senior Superintendent of Police HN Singh.



Singh said it was not immediately known at what time or how Pandey committed suicide.



Pandey, an IAS officer of the 2012 batch, took charge as District Magistrate of Buxar on August 3, 2017. He was earlier posted as Deputy District Collector at Katihar. His first posting was as Sub-Divisional Officer, Balia, in Bihar`s Begusarai district.



Hailing from a village in Saran district, Pandey had not yet shifted to his official residence in Buxar and was staying at the district circuit house.



After his matriculation and higher secondary education in Assam, Pandey graduated in English from Guwahati`s prestigious Cotton College. He secured 14th rank in the 2012 Union Public Service Commission Examination.



He had married the daughter of an influential Patna businessman two years ago and is survived by his wife and two-month-old daughter.
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday met Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah at latter's residence.

This is Nitish's first meeting with the BJP president after he moved out of the 'Mahagathbandhan' to join hands with NDA.

However, the inside details of the meeting between the two senior leaders remains unknown.

Earlier in the day, the Bihar Chief Minister met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Just after his meet with the Prime Minister, Nitish asserted that senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, who has expressed himself against the alliance between JD(U) and NDA, is free to choose his path.

"The party has taken a decision with everyone's consensus. He (Sharad Yadav) is free to make his own decisions," Nitish Kumar told reporters outside Parliament.

His remarks came a day after former party president Sharad Yadav declared he was still with the Grand Alliance of the RJD and Congress.

"I still stand with Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) that was given a mandate by 11 crore people in Bihar in the 2015 assembly polls to rule for five years," Yadav had told the media after landing at the Patna airport from Delhi.
New Delhi: With "Partition: 1947", Huma Qureshi is joining the growing list of Indian actors making their presence felt in international projects.

The actor, however, says she did not go in search of an international film and took up the Gurinder Chadha-directed film because it came her way.

"I didn't go looking for an international project or a Hollywood film. Gurinder Chadha was making a film about the Partition. She wanted an Indian actor. Her casting director sent me the script and asked me to read it and also send an audition tape," Huma says.

The actor, who made her debut with "Gangs of Wasseypur" in 2012, says till "Dedh Ishqiya", which released in 2014, she had to audition for all her movies.

But unlike other actors, Huma does not have any qualms about auditioning for roles.

"A lot of actors have issues taping themselves as they feel their work should speak for itself. But till 'Dedh Ishqiya', I can proudly say that I was screen tested for all the movies. Nothing has been given to me on platter."

Praising the leading lady of her film, Gurinder says she was impressed with Huma's audition tape as the actor successfully imbibed the nuances of her character, Aalia, who is a Muslim girl working as a translator at the Viceroy's House.

"Huma had send her audition tape and it was was very good. She caught the nuances of the character. Also her face is perfect for a period film like this," the director says.

Besides Huma, "Partition: 1947" also stars Hugh Bonneville, Gillian Anderson, Manish Dayal and Neeraj Kabi. It is also one of last films of Indian actor Om Puri, who died in January this year.

Reminiscing the times she spent with Puri, who played her father in the film, Huma says she had started calling him "abba" in real life as well.

"I have several beautiful scenes with him. He was the only actor from India who has done great work in the West. I am lucky that I got to watch him perform and learn from him. I used to call him 'Abba'."

Gurinder says she will organise a special screening of the film in Mumbai and New York as a tribute to Puri.

"I miss him a lot. I am very sad that he is not here today. He was very happy to be a part of the film. As a tribute to him, we are organising two screenings of the film - one in Mumbai and the other in New York - in association with his foundation."

"Partition: 1947", which released in the UK in March, received mixed response upon its release. It was panned by Pakistani author Fatima Bhutto, who called it a "servile pantomime of partition".

Gurinder feels Bhutto misrepresented her film.

"I understand Fatima Bhutto's anger. She misrepresented the film. Many people saw the film after her review and didn't agree with her. Even several British-Pakistanis were upset with her."

"Partition: 1947", which is the dubbed Hindi version of "Viceroy's House", is set to release in India on August 18 and the director says she also wants the film to be screened in Pakistan.

"Our co-producers are in talks with their regular distributors in Pakistan and Bangladesh. So far, they have secured a release in Bangladesh and going through the censorship in Pakistan."
Hyderabad: Former Chief Financial Officer of Infosys, T V Mohandas Pai, has pitched for the return of company's co-founder N R Narayana Murthy as Chairman Emeritus, saying the move would improve its brand and assure investors about adherence to high corporate governance standards.

He also pushed for nominating two new board members representing the founders, who still hold 13 per cent stake and classified as promoters, at the Bengaluru-headquartered IT major to give "continuity" to the company.

Pai bracketed Murthy, along with J R D Tata and Dhirubhai Ambani, as the three biggest business icons India has ever produced.

"My personal view is Narayana Murthy should come back as Chairman Emeritus," he told PTI in an interview, noting that the role is not a legal position nor has it something to do with strategy-related matters.

"As Chairman Emeritus, people can look up to him to give his views...These are (views on) governance, nothing to do with management, strategy and all that. May be Murthy should come back as Chairman Emeritus, where he has no operational responsibility," Pai said.

He sought to draw a parallel with Ratan Tata, who is Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Sons, which is the promoter of the major operating Tata companies and holds significant shareholding in them.

"Ratan Tata felt something was going wrong, he gave his views. So, for great companies which have great founders, Chairman Emeritus position is there where you can express your views," Pai said.

Describing Murthy as a business icon, Pai said he is more than eminently suited to hold that position.

"Murthy is one of the greatest business icons in the world. J R D Tata, Dhirubhai Ambani and Narayana Murthy are the three biggest business icons India has ever produced. They are all business icons in different phases of India's growth," he said.

Murthy is passionate about governance standards because the company had set them for India and emerging markets, Pai said.

"It (Murthy raising issues of corporate governance) is not about power and business, it's about governance standards," he said.

"Having Murthy as Chairman Emeritus for the company will improve the Infosys brand, and assure all investors that Infosys will never slip from high corporate governance standards it had set," he said.

Pai also said it is "obvious" that the high standards set by the founders in many areas vis-a-vis corporate governance have not been followed by the company and as the founders still hold 13 per cent, it might be good to have at least two or three board members who represent the founders to "give continuity" to the company.

"It does not have to be Narayana Murthy because he has made it clear he does not want to come back. He is not fighting to come back. What Narayana Murthy wants is better governance standards, adherence to very high standards and those standards have slipped as has been disclosed in the Panaya issue (acquisition of Panaya by Infosys)," he said.

"We hope that this matter (issues raised by Murthy) can be amicably resolved, with at least two nominees representing the founders. It's okay (to have at least two new board members representing the founders) because these (the founders) are still classified as promoters by SEBI," he said.

Noting that Murthy and the founders are the biggest shareholders of Infosys, he said they have every right to write to the company on certain corporate governance standards that the company is supposed to follow.

"They are exercising their legal right to write. And if the board does not consider them, rubbishes them, and does not answer the questions they have raised, they have every right to raise it in public," he said.

"The problem has arisen because the board has not answered the questions Murthy had raised about governance," he added.
New Delhi: With the Indian IT and business process management (IT-BPM) sector feeling the pinch of global slowdown, the Economic Survey on Friday hit out at "misconstruing mobility of skilled people as an immigration issue", saying it has become a deterrent to growth of global business.

The mid-year Survey termed market access, competition from new entrants, job losses and lack of skilled talent and infrastructure as major challenges for the country's IT-BPM sector.

However, India's IT-BPM exports are expected to reach USD 117 billion, with a growth of 7.6 percent, while the government's rapid adoption of technologies as a platform to delivery of government-to-government and government-to-citizen services is "a tremendous push factor for the domestic IT-BPM market".

On hurdles before the sector, the Survey said: "The IT- BPM industry is also feeling the pinch of the global slowdown and global political uncertainties as clients go slow on their decision-making and investment processes."

Referring to market access, it said: "Misconstruing mobility of skilled people as an immigration issue is a deterrent to the growth of this global business resulting in many barriers to free movement of skill and data in the major markets."

Citing the example of the US, it said the "Buy American, Hire American" Presidential executive order called for the collection of data, increased oversight and enforcement actions, and the development of administration plans to reform and curtail the high skill visa programmes.

Among others, it said US Citizenship and Immigration Services introduced a policy memo on H-1B usage, wherein 'computer programmers' do not automatically qualify as specialty occupations.

The Survey further said the EU has also introduced Data Protection and Privacy Rules that effectively prevent Indian companies from providing services from India while the US has been given safe harbour status.

On competition from new entrants, it said the Indian service companies which gained scale over the last decade as disrupters, creating the modern offshoring industry, were now being challenged by a slew of specialised and niche start-ups bred in the new environment.

"The niche players are creating highly specialised solutions that address very specific use cases or problems for their clients," it added.

On the challenges of job losses, the Survey noted that the growth in digital technologies like cloud-based services is happening at a much faster pace and companies have to learn new technologies and reskill.

Citing the World Bank (2016) report, it said automation threatened 69 per cent of jobs in India while it threatened 77 per cent in China and 85 per cent in Ethiopia.

Labour Bureau of India data indicate that changes in employment in the IT-BPO sector during April to December 2016 was only 0.22 lakh. Thus, there is a gentle deceleration in net hiring growth rate, it added.

There were, the Survey said, also some domestic challenges like shortage of skilled digital talent, underdeveloped infrastructure in tier 2 and 3 cities and some restrictive regulations for product startups.
New Delhi: Gautam Singhania, chairperson and Managing Director of Raymond Ltd, has made a veiled attack on his father Vijaypat Singhania amidst widespread media news that veteran industrialist is now leading a hand-to-mouth life.

The senior Singhania, who now resides in rented row house in south Mumbai's upscale Grand Paradi society, had blamed his son Gautam for his deplorable financial condition, media reports said a couple of days ago.

In an interview to the ETNow, Gautam Singhania said that unbending people or people who are not going to change are going to fall by the wayside, apparently hinting at his father's accusations.

Even a coconut tree swings to change. If you are rigid like a tree, you fall and break, the Raymond current boss told ET in a curt reference.

Vijaypat Singhania has moved the Bombay High Court alleging that his son is refusing to fully honour an arbitration award over a property dispute among the family members.

However, the Bombay HC has suggested that Vijaypat Singhania and his son should try and resolve their property dispute amicably.

Raymond Ltd has not yet given him possession of a duplex in the multi-storey JK House building in south Mumbai as per the award, Vijaypat Singhania's petition said.

As per a 2007 family agreement, Vijaypat Singhania, his son Gautam, and the widow and two sons of Vijaypat's brother Ajaypat Singhania were to get a duplex each in JK House, a family property.

The court, while adjourning the hearing to August 22, said Raymond shall not create any third party rights (sell or lease out) in the two floors of JK House which are subject matter of dispute until further orders.
New Delhi: A Mauritius-based investor, Royale Partners Investment Fund, on Friday said it has offered to invest USD 1.67 billion (over Rs 10,700 crore) in embattled Sahara group's Aamby Valley project.

The investment offer, proposed as a debt arrangement, comes at a time when the Supreme Court has ordered auction of the Aamby Valley resort town between Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra. Sahara group pegs the market valuation of this project at over Rs 1 lakh crore.

Royale Partners Investment Fund Limited, registered in Mauritius as a global business company, is owned by Dubai- headquartered RPMG Investment which is into investment management, private equity, asset management and proprietary trading.

Replying to emailed queries about its proposed deal with Sahara group, RPMG Investment told PTI, "As deposed by Sahara before the Supreme Court of India, Royale Partners Investment Fund Ltd and its Limited Partners have agreed to invest USD 1.67 billion in the Aamby Valley Project.

It, however, declined to share further details, saying the deal terms are confidential.

"The terms and conditions have been outlined in the agreements signed with Aamby Valley India and are confidential. As the Supreme Court of India is seized of the matter, it is not appropriate for us to comment any further at this stage," the company said.

Sahara's advocate Gautam Awasthi, meanwhile, said in a statement that the group had moved an application before the Supreme Court seeking permission for entering into an agreement with Victor Koenig UK Limited, with the nominee Royale Partners Investment Fund Limited, for inviting an investment of USD 1.67 billion into its Aamby Valley project.

"With the aforesaid proposal, Sahara's had also prayed for stopping the auction process. After hearing counsels for Sebi, amicus curie and Kapil Sibal, senior advocate for Sahara, the Supreme Court has opened a window for Sahara by permitting them to enter into the negotiations and deposit the amount before this court, and that is Rs 1,500 crore to be deposited before the next date," he said.

Awasthi further said that it was said by the judge that if Rs 1,500 crore is deposited, then auction order will be withdrawn.

On Sebi lawyer stating that the regulator could not find the said Mauritius-based company 'Royal Partners Investment Fund Limited', Awasthi said, "The reason which we have found of this confusion is a typo error in the spelling of the concerned company wherein the spelling of Royale was mentioned as 'Royal' instead of 'Royale'."

The Supreme Court yesterday said the auction process will go on according to the schedule, but if Rs 1,500 crore is paid, as proposed by the group, into the Sebi-Sahara refund account by September 7, then it may pass an appropriate order.

The group had asked the court to postpone the auction, which is to start with publication of a notice on August 14, till September 16 to enable Sahara group chief Subrata Roy arrange the money.

Sahara lawyer told the court that hotels in New York have been sold and soon money would be coming into the Sahara account after which Rs 1,500 crore would be deposited into the Sebi-Sahara refund account by September 7, as had been directed by the court.

Sahara has been engaged in a long-running battle with the capital market regulator Sebi (Securities and Exchange Board of India).

The apex court had on July 25 asked the embattled Sahara chief to deposit Rs 1,500 crore in the SEBI-Sahara account by September 7 and said that it might then deliberate upon his plea seeking 18 months more time for making complete repayment.
Bengaluru: Samsung India (Consumer Electronics) Director Rishi Suri on Friday said the company is targeting to be Number One player in washing machine category in 2017-18.

Suri was speaking to reporters after introducing the company's revolutionary FlexWash, a washer-dryer combination that effectively integrates two washers and a dryer into one high performance appliance.

It will be available from August 15 priced at Rs 1,45,000 in Samsung Brand Shops and all major retailers, he said.

"With the launch of FlexWash, we aim at making laundry even more flexible and convenient. Every feature in our latest innovation was designed with the consumer in mind," Suri said.

"We have witnessed a paradigm shift in the consumer behavior and innovative technologies like active DualWash and AddWash have received great response from users enabling us to consolidate our leadership in the segment," he added.

The latest offering is a perfect blend of state-of-art- technology, utility and aesthetics, he said.

An all-in-one solution for busy people striving to wash clothes in minimal time, the washing machine is available in 23 kg capacity to handle an optimal load, Suri said.

The multi-purpose solution uses three core Samsung laundry technologies - EcoBubbleTM, Bubble Soak, and Vibration Reduction Technology (VRT PlusTM), he said.

The units are IoT-enabled and integrated with Smart Control, allowing users to operate and monitor the machine anytime, anywhere via their smartphones, letting them start and stop every cycle from the palm of their hand, he said.

The striking combination of ergonomics and convenience promises Indian consumers the added advantage of saving time.

IoT devices are the future and Samsung, as a harbinger of innovation in technology, is ready to adopt this across its product portfolio, Suri said.
Mumbai: The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) on Friday lifted Sebi's trading restrictions on shares of six suspected shell companies, including Parsvnath Developers, and asked the regulator to hear them and also probe them.

The other five companies which got relief today are Kavit Industries, Pincon Spirit, Signet Industries, SQS India BFSI and KKalpana Industries.

Capital market regulator Sebi had on August 7 had asked stock exchanges to restrict trading in shares of 331 suspected shell companies, some of which have several well- known domestic and foreign investors.

The move came after the watchdog received a list of such firms from the corporate affairs ministry and many of them are under the scanner of the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and the Income Tax Department.

Of the 331 such entities, the six companies have moved the SAT against the Sebi direction and got reprieve today.

Yesterday two others, too, got the curbs lifted by SAT.

At the hearing today, the companies submitted their respective financials along with other filings before the tribunal to establish that they are not shell companies but are in full compliance with all regulations.

Following this, SAT lifted the trading restrictions imposed on these companies and the counters of these firms are likely to resume normal trading from Monday.

At the same time, SAT said Sebi and stock exchanges can hear these companies and begin probe into their business operations.

Yesterday, SAT had stayed trading restrictions imposed on J Kumar Infraprojects and Prakash Industries, observing that Sebi issued the list without investigating the credentials or fundamentals of these firms.

Of the 331 entities on the list, over 160 are actively traded on the exchanges.
New Delhi: India, the world`s biggest buyer of vegetable oils, has raised import taxes on crude and refined edible oils to protect local oilseed farmers from cheaper imports from top suppliers Malaysia and Indonesia.

The increases were shown in an order uploaded on a government website late on Friday.

New Delhi doubled the import tax on crude palm oils to 15 percent and raised the import tax on refined palm oils to 25 percent, increasing the differential in duty by 10 percentage points to encourage local processing.

The government also raised the import tax on crude soyoil to 17.5 percent from 12.5 percent previously.

"The decision will help both farmers and the local crushing industry which had to bear the brunt of higher oilseed stocks, lower domestic prices and surging supplies from major producers," said Sandeep Bajoria, chief executive of the Sunvin group, a leading vegetable oil importer. "We welcome the move."

Reuters reported on Tuesday that the government was considering raising import taxes on vegetable oils, the country`s third biggest imported commodity after crude and gold.

New Delhi spends about $10 billion a year to import palm oil from Malaysia and Indonesia and relatively smaller quantities of soyoil from Brazil and Argentina.

Large inventories and lower prices have fomented a wave of protests by farmers in the big agrarian states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, ruled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s Bharatiya Janata Party.

Nearly two-thirds of India`s 1.3 billion people depend on agriculture to scrape a living.
New Delhi: For the first time ever, Jennifer Lawrence got candid about her relationship with director Darren Aronofsky and confessed she's 'never confused with him.'

The 26-year-old Academy Award-winning actress, who has been dating the acclaimed director for a year, met him on the set of upcoming horror film ' Mother!'

Lawrence said she and Aronofsky "had energy" on the film's set, but only got together after filming wrapped.

"I had energy for him. I don't know how he felt about me," she joked in the interview with Vogue for its much anticipated 125th anniversary edition (September issue).

"For the past year, I've been dealing with him as just a human," she continued. "I've been in relationships before where I am just confused. And I'm never confused with him."

Aronofsky was previously engaged to Rachel Weisz, with whom he has a son, and dated film producer Brandi-Ann Milbradt. Lawrence describes him as an "amazing father."

The ' Passengers' star appears in four different cover shots for the magazine. One is of an oil painting of her, done by artist John Currin.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court today will hear the appeal filed by the Maharashtra Government against the Bombay High Court`s decision to strike down the ban on possession of beef by citizens in the state.

Earlier in January, the Bombay High Court upheld the beef ban imposed by the state government after the enactment of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, which bans slaughter of bulls, bullocks.

However, the court said that the possession of the meat cannot be considered as a crime, while striking down the relevant sections of the act.

Slaughtering of cows and sale of cow meat in Maharashtra has been banned and made illegal since 1976, but as per the new law the ban has extended to calves, bulls and bullocks.

On May 25, the Centre, through an order, imposed a ban on the sale of cattle, including cows, for slaughter and restricted cattle trade solely to farm owners.

Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Harsh Vardhan had ordered that the ministry has notified the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 to ensure that the sale of cattle is not meant for slaughter purposes.

Regulating animal trade is a state business, but animal welfare is a central subject, thereby providing the window for the ministry to notify the rule.In lieu of this, there was widespread opposition of the order, with many states openly denying accepting the notification.
New Delhi: Decades old Bofors arms scandal may come to haunt the Congress party again if the CBI gets a go-ahead from the Narendra Modi government to re-open investigation into the case.

According to media reports, the CBI has told a parliamentary panel that it can reopen investigation into the Bofors arms deal case.

The CBI has made this submission before a six-member sub-committee on Defence attached to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The sub-committee is looking into non-compliance of certain aspects of the CAG report of 1986 on the deal.

The Bofors arms deal scandal had led to the downfall of the then Rajiv Gandhi government in 1989.

The Congress has, meanwhile, termed the demand for re-opening the case as ''politically motivated''.

The Law Ministry has to clear the decision.

According to NDTV, a group of MPs on defence had last month said that the CBI must challenge in the Supreme Court the Delhi High Court's 2005 order cancelling the arms case.

The case is a "clear example of systemic failure and reflection of criminality", members of the panel said, and urged the CBI to seek permission from the government to reopen the case by filing a plea in Supreme Court.

The CBI has indicated that it can support a petition pending in the Supreme Court, which challenges the decision to cancel the case.

CBI chief Alok Verma was asked why the investigating agency did not go to the Supreme Court earlier. The MPs were reportedly told that the CBI's request for a go-ahead was denied by the Congress-led UPA, which was in power.

The panel of six MPs is examining what it says is the "oldest" report pending before it - an auditor's report on the 1986 Bofors howitzer gun deal.

The Bofors case scandal swirled around allegations that Swedish defence manufacturer Bofors paid huge kickbacks to Rajiv Gandhi and others for the sale of its artillery gun to India. The allegations first emerged on Swedish Radio on April 16, 1987.

The Delhi High Court later ruled that there was no evidence that Rajiv Gandhi had accepted bribes.
New Delhi: The Centre is considering a proposal to give admission to girl students in Sainik Schools and the National Defence Academy (NDA), Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said on Friday.

"There is a suggestion from the (Parliamentary) Standing Committee, there have been PILs and many members have also suggested... Sainik Schools prepare students for NDA, and the NDA is not taking girl cadets," Bhamre said while replying to a query during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha.

"This is a matter under consideration whether to give admission to girls in Sainik Schools as well as the NDA," he said.

The Minister said there are at present 26 Sainik Schools, and 21 more are at different stages of approval.

Of these 21, Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) have been signed for nine schools, three have been given in-principle approval, and nine are in "process of examination".

He added that there are 64 more proposals that have been submitted to the Ministry for opening Sainik Schools, and they are under consideration.

The Sainik Schools are established and managed by the Sainik Schools Society under the Defence Ministry.

The Sainik Schools were conceived in 1961 by then Defence Minister V.K. Krishna Menon to rectify the regional and class imbalance amongst the officer cadre of the forces, and to prepare students for entry into the NDA and the Indian Naval Academy.
New Delhi: Though India and China continue to militarily reinforce their positions in the wake of an ongoing stand-off over Doklam region, Indian Army has denied ordering the evacuation of some villages near the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction.

The Times of India quoted government sources as saying that there has been "some build-up" in terms of movement of additional troops and tanks as well as artillery and air defence units in the Tibet Military District by the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

However, the sources also claimed that there is "no major mobilization" towards the Line of Actual Control as yet.

Meanwhile, China has also vehemently rejected reports of it offering a compromise to India by relocating its troops in the disputed Doklam border area.

Reacting to a report that China had allegedly offered to move its troops back 100 meters after India sought the withdrawal of its troops by 250 metres, its Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said, ''Beijing will not trade its territorial sovereignty under any circumstances."

"China's position on solving this incident is clear and firm. India must immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its trespassing troops and equipment back to the Indian side of the border," the office said in a statement.

China could never accept India's "totally unreasonable" demand, said Zhao Xiaozhuo, a researcher at the PLA Academy of Military Science, adding that India had honoured the convention until Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration refused.

Earlier this month, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that India's 'intrusion' had not only violated China's territorial sovereignty but also challenged Bhutan's sovereignty and independence.

However, the Government of Bhutan on August 10 pointedly refuted a Chinese Foreign Ministry claim that Bhutan had conveyed through diplomatic channels to China that the trilateral border stand-off area in Doklam in the Sikkim sector is not its territory.

Official sources in the Bhutanese Government said, "Our position on the border issue of Doklam is very clear. Please refer to our statement which has been published on the web site of Bhutan's Foreign Ministry on June 29, 2017."

India has also cited the Bhutanese Foreign Ministry as emphasizing that "the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between these two countries."

India has conveyed to China that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for New Delhi.

India has said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place. Bhutan has no direct diplomatic relations with China and maintains contacts with Beijing through its diplomatic mission in New Delhi.

Bhutan and China have held 24 rounds of talks to resolve boundary dispute, while India and China have completed 19 rounds of talks.

The stand-off started in June when Chinese soldiers tried to unilaterally change the status quo in the strategically important Doklam region of Bhutan by building a road in the area.

India has made its stance clear that that it stands for peace and the border question can be solved diplomatically, not by war.

With ANI inputs
New Delhi: Ivanka Trump, US President Donald Trump's daughter, said that she's honored to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

Ivanka, who is also an advisor to President Trump, will lead the US delegation to Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017 in India.

Taking to Twitter, Ivanka tweeted:

Honored to lead the US delegation to #GES2017 in India & meet with PM Modi & passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe: Ivanka Trump pic.twitter.com/rlzA7t3Quv  ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2017

Confirming the development, Trump tweeted to PM Modi:

.@IvankaTrump will lead the U.S. delegation to India this fall, supporting womens entrepreneurship globally.#GES2017 @narendramodi  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2017

In response, PM Modi also tweeted, Look forward to Ms. Ivanka Trumps presence at #GES 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of the US delegation. @realDonaldTrump @IvankaTrump

India and United States will co-host the Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Hyderabad from November 28-30.

The US State Department said, "We have a very good relationship with him(PM Modi) and we enjoyed having him here in the United States about a month or so ago," reports ANI.

PM Modi had invited Ivanka for the GES Summit during his meeting in Washington in June.

Ivanka Trump had later tweeted, "Thank you, Prime Minister Modi, for inviting me to lead the US delegation to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in India this fall."

NITI Aayog to lead Global Entrepreneurship Summit, 2017, hosted by India in partnership w/ the US, at Hyd from Nov 28th-30th! #GES2017 https://t.co/RyR32UAKDN  NITI Aayog (@NITIAayog) August 10, 2017

The event is being organised by the NITI Aayog in coordination with Ministry of External Affairs.

Ivanka is married Jared Kushner and has three kids.
New Delhi: In a significant development, India on Friday enhanced the troop level along the entire stretch of its border with China in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, government officials told PTI.

The officials further added that that 'caution level' has also been raised among the troops in the eastern sector.

The decision to increase the deployment along the nearly 1,400-km Sino-India border from Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh was taken after carrying out a detailed analysis of the situation and considering China's aggressive posturing against India on Dokalam, the officials said.

"The troop level along the border with China in the Sikkim and Arunachal sectors has been increased," said the officials on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the information.

The Army's Sukna-based 33 Corps as well as 3 and 4 corps based in Arunachal and Assam are tasked to protect the sensitive Sino-India border in the eastern theatre.

The officials declined to give any figure or percentage of increased deployment, saying they cannot disclose "operational details."

According to defence experts, roughly 45,000 troops including personnel having completed the weather acclimatisation process are normally kept ready along the border at any given time, but not all are necessarily deployed.

The soldiers, deployed over 9,000 feet, have to go through a 14-day-long acclimatisation process.

The officials, however, said there is no enhancement of troops at the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction in Dokalam where around 350 army personnel are holding on to their position for nearly eight weeks after stopping Chinese troops from constructing a road on June 16.

Bhutan and China have competing claims over Dokalam, and are negotiating a resolution.

China has been ramping up rhetoric against India over the last few weeks, demanding immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Dokalam. The Chinese state media, particularly, has carried a barrage of critical articles on the Dokalam stand-off slamming India.

Earlier today, Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley assured the Lok Sabha that Indian armed forces are prepared to face any eventuality, in the wake of Doklam standoff.

In response to a question on reports of troop movements in Tibet by China amid the on-going Doklam standoff and a senior Army officer's statement that Pakistan's defence industry was better than India's, Jaitley said the armed forces have adequate defence equipment to tackle any exigency.

"Our defence forces are ready to take on any eventuality," he said without making any specific reference to Doklam.

Replying to a question on a CAG report which had recently flagged that the Indian Army was facing a critical shortage of ammunition that can last just 10 days of war, the Defence Minister said significant progress has been made on this front thereafter, but did not elaborate, adding that "Nobody should have a doubt on that."

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj recently said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, and favoured a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.

India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.
New Delhi: India is in talks with Bangladesh and Myanmar about its plan to deport around 40,000 Rohingya Muslims it says are living in the country illegally, a government spokesman said on Friday, with state governments told to form task forces for the purpose.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya have fled persecution in Buddhist-majority Myanmar to neighbouring Bangladesh since the early 1990s, with some of them then crossing over a porous border into India.

New Delhi says only around 14,000 of the Rohingya living in India are registered with the UN refugee agency, making the rest illegal and liable to be sent back. India is not a signatory to UN conventions on refugees and no national law covers it.

"These things are being discussed at diplomatic level with both Bangladesh and Myanmar," Interior Ministry spokesman KS Dhatwalia said.

"More clarity will emerge at an appropriate time."

Junior Interior Minister Kiren Rijiju told parliament on Wednesday the federal government had directed state governments to "constitute task forces at district levels to identify and deport the illegally staying foreign nationals".

Rijiju was in Myanmar recently to attend an event, although it was not clear if he discussed the Rohingya issue.

Officials in Myanmar could not be contacted immediately for comment.

Amnesty International has said deporting and abandoning the Rohingya would be "unconscionable". (http://reut.rs/2wzseax)

The Indian office of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said it was "trying to find the facts" about New Delhi`s plans to deport them.

Rohingya are generally reviled in India, where its 1.3 billion people are fighting for resources and job opportunities. Nationalist, anti-Islamic sentiments have also fuelled hatred towards them.

More than 75,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since Oct. 9 after an insurgent group called Harakah al-Yaqin attacked Myanmar border police posts, prompting a huge security crackdown in which troops have been accused of murder and rape of Rohingya civilians.

A senior government official in Bangladesh, which has complained of being burdened by the heavy flow of refugees, said New Delhi was helping it solve the crisis.

The Rohingya in India live mainly in Jammu, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi in the north, Hyderabad in the south, and Rajasthan in the west.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jammu, the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir, India`s only Muslim-majority state, drew widespread condemnation in April when it threatened to launch an "identify and kill movement" if the government did not deport Rohingya settlers there.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday will hear the Ayodhya land dispute matter at 2:00 PM. Constituted by Chief Justice J S Khehar, a three-judge bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra, Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer will hear a batch of petitions challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict in the case.

On August 8, the Shia Central Waqf Board of Uttar Pradesh told the Supreme Court that a mosque could be built in a Muslim- dominated area at a reasonable distance from the disputed site in Ayodhya. The Board also told the apex court in an affidavit that the Babri Masjid site was its property and only it was entitled to hold negotiations for an amicable settlement of the dispute.

"Since, the Babri Masjid was a Shia Waqf, we are alone entitled to negotiate and arrive at peaceful settlement with other stakeholders," Shia Waqf Board said in its statement.

After the Allahabad HC divided the land equally between 'Ram Lalla', the Nirmohi Akhara and the Sunni Wakf Board, the issue has been pending in the top court since 2010.

How the dispute unfolded?

The mosque was demolished by Hindu Karsevaks on December 6, 1992 in Ayodhya. The country witnessed massive riots, in which over 2000 people were killed.

The Hindus claim that it is the birthplace of Lord Rama where a mosque was built in 1528-29 CE (935 AH) by Mir Baqi. Since the mosque was built on orders of the Mughal emperor Babur, it was named Babri Masjid.

Before it was demolished in 1992, the Nirmohi Akhara had forcefully occupied the Babri Masjid in 1853 saying it was Ram Janmabhoomi (Birth place of Lord Rama).

(With inputs from agencies)
New Delhi: With Sonia Gandhi inviting Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav in the Opposition meeting on Friday, the party has come down heavily on the Congress President saying she is trying to create a rift within the Nitish Kumar-led party.

Speaking to ANI here, JD (U) general secretary K C Tyagi said, "Calling our party members in meeting of Opposition leaders reveals Sonia Gandhi`s wrong intentions. We already have broken our ties with UPA and Mahagathbandhan.

By calling us she wants to create a rift between party members."Gandhi has called a meeting of Opposition leaders today morning in New Delhi to chalk out a strategy against the Narendra Modi-led government.

Earlier, controversy broke out after Sharad Yadav on Thursday declared in Patna that he was still with the Grand Alliance of the RJD and Congress.

This came after Nitish severed ties last month with the Grand Alliance of Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress, to form a government in Bihar with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
New Delhi: The United States on Friday hinted that it may take strict action against Pakistan and terror.

President Donald Trump and his administration, on Thursday, told reporters the White House is close to taking a decision on Afghanistan and the plan includes India and Pakistan.

"We are getting close. We're getting very close. It's a very big decision for me," Trump said at Bedminster in New Jersey, where he is on a vacation.

Referring to India and Pakistan, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said, "We are looking at this as not just a solution to Afghanistan, but also a broader concern that incorporates India and Pakistan as well as a regional solution. We just don't have that plan."

The White House is currently carrying out a review of Afghanistan policy, with Senator John McCain unveiling his own plan for the war-torn country.

"I took over a mess, and we're going to make it a lot less messy. But that has been a place -- 17 years, our longest war, I read in one of your columns. And, frankly, it's going to be a decision that's going to be made very soon," Trump said without giving a timeline for the policy review.

Secretary (of State) Tillerson is also a part of the US' Afghan review policy.

The policy attempts to ensure that Afghanistan doesn't becomes a sanctuary for terrorists to plot and conduct attacks against America.

Over the past few months, several lawmakers have publicly spoken on the need to crack the whip on Islamabad, a supposed safe havens for terror outfits, something New Delhi .

Last month, US defence secretary James Mattis said the ongoing review of the US's Afghanistan strategy is "hard" because it has to be "wrapped into a regional context" that involves Pakistan.

When he was specifically asked whether it is " the diplomatic angle...the Pakistan angle " that was complicating matters, he acknowledged it is.

With PTI Inputs
New Delhi: The hackers behind HBO`s recent data breach have leaked an email in which the U.S. cable channel offered them $250,000 as a "bounty payment," Hollywood trade paper Variety reported on Thursday.

The message from HBO, the Time Warner Inc cable unit that broadcasts "Game of Thrones," offers the money as part of a program in which "white-hat professionals" are rewarded for identifying cyber security flaws, the Variety report said.

The email was worded in a way that would allow HBO to stall for time while it assessed the situation, Variety reported, citing a source close to HBO`s investigation.

HBO also requested the hackers to extend a ransom payment deadline by one week, Variety said.

The Guardian and other publications reported earlier this week that hackers had posted some stolen HBO files online, demanding a Bitcoin ransom to prevent additional releases.

HBO did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The hack has come at a sensitive time for HBO, whose parent Time Warner is awaiting regulatory approval to sell itself to AT&T Inc in an $85.4 billion deal announced in October.
New Delhi: Online search giant Google is celebrating the history of hip hop with special interactive doodle.

The interactive Doodle commemorates the 44th anniversary of the party where Clive Campbell better known by his stage name DJ Kool Herc originated hip hop music in New York City.

Todays Google Doodle celebrates the 44th anniversary of that party, which is widely credited as the birth of the Hip Hop movement, a Google Blog post said.

Cey Adams, visual artist and founding creative director of Def Jam records, has designed the Doodle logo image

The interactive doodle allows you to click the play button on the "O" in the graphic. When you click it, you are taken to a "record crate" where you can choose samples of classic songs.

So what are you waiting for? Try your hands on the interactive doodle, mix up your own cool music and become DJ for a day.
New Delhi: Al-Qaeda Kashmir chief Zakir Musa is reportedly remained trapped in a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district after the security forces on Friday cordoned off the area to flush out the terrorist.

According to ANI, a search operation is currently underway in Norpora village in Tral.

Musa is believed to have gone into hiding after the security forces closed in on him, the News18.com reported.

Meanwhile, clashes have reportedly erupted between the locals and the security forces as some tried tried to disrupt the search operation.

The report said people have taken to the streets and staged protests in the area of the operation.

Musa,22, is reportedly a native of Norpora village. The village is close to the spot where Hizbul chief Burhani Wani was killed by the Army last year.

He was named Wanis successor to lead the Hizbul group in the Valley, but he broke off and formed Taliban-e-Kashmir, the report said.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday gave his "100 per cent" assurance that the coalition agenda will stay in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said, hinting at the continuation of the state`s special status.



Mehbooba Mutfi, who arrived here on Thursday, met Modi in the backdrop of a raging debate over the continuity of articles 370 and 35(A) of the Constitution that give Jammu and Kashmir, India`s only Muslim-majority state, its special status.



"The basis of agenda of our alliance is that the status quo on Article 370 is to be maintained and none of us will go against it. The response of the Prime Minister is positive. The Prime Minister gave 100 per cent assurance to the agenda of alliance," she told reporters after her 15-minute meeting with Modi.



Mehbooba Mufti said any attempt to fiddle with Article 35(A) - which empowers state legislators to define permanent residents and extend voting, jobs and inheritance rights to them - will have a negative impact in the state that has a "peculiar diversity where everything is different".



"It should not happen. People of Jammu and Kashmir feel that their identity will be in danger. A message should go that there is no such thing," she said.



Mehbooba Mufti, who met Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday, said Jammu and Kashmir was indeed a "Muslim majority state" but one also needed to note that "Hindus also live there, Sikhs and Buddhists also live there.



"Jammu and Kashmir rejected the two nation theory (in 1947) and joined this country with a view that its aspirations, identity would always remain alive. And that identity should always remain alive," said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader who heads a coalition government with the Bharatiya Janata Party.



The Chief Minister said any attempt to change or abrogate Article 35(A) was akin to questioning "the idea of India that has to accommodate with the idea of Jammu and Kashmir".



Article 35(A), added to the Constitution by a Presidential Order in 1954, accords special rights and privileges to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and empowers its legislature to frame any law without attracting a legal challenge.



The provision prohibits all Indians - except people from Jammu and Kashmir - from purchasing immovable property in the state, getting government jobs and availing state-sponsored scholarships.



The article has been challenged by a Delhi-based NGO, We the Citizens, in the Supreme Court, where the central government said last month that there was need for a "larger debate" on the issue of declaring the article unconstitutional.



The NGO contended that the 1954 order was supposed to be a temporary provision.



Mehbooba Mufti warned that any tinkering with Article 35 (A) would worsen the situation in the state when it was normalizing.



"People think that our identity can be in danger. So the message that Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of India should be reiterated."



Ironically, while the PDP is a strong votary of continuing with the special status, its ruling partner the BJP contested elections on the plank that it would revoke the constitutional position for Jammu and Kashmir`s complete integration with the rest of India.



State BJP spokesperson Virendra Gupta on Thursday said the time had come to bid a farewell to articles 370 and 35(A) as they created a "separatist psyche".
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government would formulate a common stand on granting menstrual leave to its women employees after considering various aspects of the issue, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told the state assembly on Friday.

Replying to a calling attention by K S Sabarinathan (Congress) seeking grant of period leave, Vijayan said there was a section of people in the society who still consider women as "impure" during the time of period.

"Women are suffering various physical difficulties during the time of menstruation. Now, debates on period leave are coming up. Serious debates should happen on the matter considering menstruation as a biological process," he said.

The chief minister also said while the issue of granting period leave was discussed, it should not become an exclusion of women during the menstrual time.

"We have to take a common opinion and stand on the matter of granting period leave to women employees after considering all aspects," he said.

Raising the matter, Sabarinathan said several foreign countries were already granting period leave to women employees and the state government should also consider the matter positively.

"We used to discuss about the security and harassment of women in work place. We have to give due consideration to their menstrual and reproductive health care also," he said.

Sabarinathan said countries like Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia and some provinces of China were already giving period leave to women employees.

The debate over this should be seen as a positive one to evolve an effective women workforce rather than an anti-woman move, the legislator added.
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Madrasa Board on Friday issued an advisory to all Madrasas in the state to unfurl the national flag and recite national anthem on Independence Day.

The Madrasa Board on Friday directed the youth to follow the order, record the video, click pictures of the event and send it to the chairman of the board.

The board has also asked the students to take out a 'Tiranga rally' on the I-Day.

#MadhyaPradesh Madarsa Board issued an advisory to Madarsas to unfurl the national flag & to take out a 'Tiranga rally' on Independence-Day pic.twitter.com/Tkk3usB2aR  ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2017

At present, there are 256 madrasas in the state.

Adding to the order, the chairman of the MP Madrasa Board, Syed Imad Uddin, told ANI that it's a routine order to celebrate the Independence Day.

"It is a routine order to celebrate the I-Day and when the national flag is unfurled, the national anthem will also be sung," he said.

The development comes after the Uttar Pradesh MSP issued a circular in this regard and asked all madrasas affiliated to it to comply with its orders. The circular stated that along with photographs, videos of the programmes must be shot as well.

The move holds significance since this is probably the first time that the madrasas have been asked to hold cultural programmes on Independence Day.

The Yogi Adityanath government had recently asked madrasas affiliated to the UP Madarsa Shiksha Parishad to pay tribute to freedom fighters and hold cultural programmes on August 15.

While in the past, madrasas were directed to hoist the National Flag and recite the National Anthem.
Mumbai: A special MCOCA court here on Friday granted bail to gutka manufacturers Rasiklal Dhariwal and Jagdish Mohanlal Joshi in a case, in which the two have been accused of helping the Dawood Ibrahim gang to set up a gutka plant in Karachi, Pakistan.

Special Judge S M Bhosale granted bail to the two.

Dhariwal and Joshi were named by an arrested aide of Anees Ibrahim, the brother of fugitive gangster Dawood, during his confession to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The CBI had, in 2016, filed a supplementary charge sheet against Dhariwal and Joshi.

Earlier, on August 26, 2016, the court had granted interim bail to the duo.

The first charge sheet in the case was filed in 2005 against Anees's aide Jamiruddin Ansari, who stated in his confession that he had seen Joshi with Anees in Dubai in 2000.

According to the prosecution, Ansari had also told the investigators that Joshi was seeking Anees's help to recover some dues from Dhariwal, who too went to Dubai after being summoned by the gangster.

Subsequently, they went to Karachi, where Dawood acted as a mediator and settled the issue, he told the investigators.

According to Ansari, Joshi and Dhariwal later helped Anees set up a gutka plant in Karachi.
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced a Lokayukta probe against Housing Minister Prakash Mehta, who has been accused by the Opposition of impropriety in a slum-redevelopment project in the city.

Mehta has been under fire ever since he allegedly allowed "unauthorised" transfer of extra building rights in the SRA (Slum Rehabilitation Authority) project at the MP Mills Compound in south Mumbai, originally granted to slum dwellers, to project-affected people.

The opposition has been alleging that the move was aimed at favouring a particular developer.

"After I dug deep into the MP Mills compound issue, there were many skeletons that were unearthed and I asked myself if this was another 'Adarsh' (referring to the Adarsh scam)," Fadnavis said replying to a motion moved by Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde in the Legislative Council.

He said said all permissions for construction on this particular land were given between 1999-2004. "As per the property card, that land is owned by the Defence Ministry. How could the previous government permit an additional FSI on the plot when it was known that it was defence land," he said.

Mehta had wrongly mentioned on the file of the project that he had kept the chief minister in loop about the transfer, which was denied by Fadnavis.

"I have decided to conduct a probe by the Lokayukta into the allegations made by the Opposition against the Housing minister, even though there was no decision taken in this particular case," he said.

The opposition has been raising the pitch for Mehta's resignation and had repeatedly stalled the proceedings during the monsoon session of the state legislature over the issue.

The Opposition had also accused Mehta of incorporating the names of his family members as the beneficiaries of a slum redevelopment project in suburban Ghatkopar.

Meanwhile, on allegations against Industries Minister Subhash Desai of Shiv Sena, Fadnavis said the government will request the Lokayukta to consider the case.

The opposition had alleged that Desai had illegally denotified MIDC land within two years.

"Out of 16,909 hectares of denotified land, 9,335 hectares were denotified by the previous government and only the notification has been issued by the present dispensation. This government has denotified only 7,734 hectares of land," Fadnavis said.

"We will request the Lokayukta to consider this case as well, but if this doesn't work out, then we will conduct an independent inquiry," he said.

The chief minister said mere denotification of land by any government does not mean that corruption has taken place.

"Nonetheless, we will probe if land was denotified to favour builders or for some other reason. There will be a fair and an independent report conducted. We will table the report of both the probes in the House," he said.

In his reply, Munde said, "Fadnavis is highly skilled in trying to confuse members of the Opposition and that nobody has the capability to match the CM's expertise".

Regarding the allegations of graft against IAS officer Radheshyam Mopalwar, who was recently removed as managing director of the Maharashtra government undertaking MSRDC, the CM said a joint SIT, consisting a serving IAS officer and officials of the Economic Offences Wing, will be formed and a probe will be conducted.
Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh BJP unit has severed relations with its North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) partner, the Peoples Party of Arunachal (PPA).

The announcement to this effect was made by state BJP president Tapir Gao during the state executive meeting of the party here yesterday.

NEDA Convener Himanta Biswa Sarma passed on the decision of the BJP central leaders to break alliance with PPA to Gao, who made the announcement yesterday, a party release informed here today.

"The BJP will treat PPA at par with the Congress as an opponent political party," the release added.

The BJP has 47 MLAs in the Arunachal Pradesh assembly with effective strength of 59 with two independents supporting the party.

The PPA has nine MLAs and the Congress has one legislator.

The NEDA was formed on May 24, 2016 by BJP along with regional political parties like Naga People's Front, Sikkim Democratic Front, People's Party of Arunachal, Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front in Northeast India.

The NEDA was formed to protect the interest of the people of the region and also for uniting non-Congress parties in the North-east.
Washington DC: Oscar winning actress Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reportedly stalled their legal separation from each other after their shock split in September 2016.

According to a report by 'US Weekly', a source claims that the stars, who split last September, have not done anything to move forward following the proceedings to end their marriage.

An insider told the magazine: "The divorce is off. They haven't done anything to move it forward in several months and no one thinks they are ever going to."

The tabloid mentioned that Jolie would consider taking Brad back, 'if he showed he was committed to raising a family' and according to the source, Brad 'got sober to try and win her back'.

The publication further stated that Jolie's reason for the stalled was Brad coming clean about alcohol and 'commitment to self-improvement' in an interview with GQ earlier in May.

Brad confessed on GQ about his alcohol addiction saying, "I was boozing too much. It's just become a problem.

"I can't remember a day since I got out of college when I wasn't boozing, or had a spliff, or something.

I'm really, really happy to be done with all of that. I mean I stopped everything except boozing when I started my family. But even this last year, you know - things I wasn't dealing with. I was boozing too much."

The insider also claimed that the former couple is getting along for the sake of their children.

Brad and Angeline met on the set of Mr. And Mrs. Smith in 2004 and married in an intimate ceremony on August 23, 2014 in Correns, France. They are parents to six kids, Maddox, 15; Pax, 13; Shiloh, 11; Zahara, 12; and twins Vivienne and Knox, 9.

They were together for 12 years before announcing their split in September last year.
Mumbai: Preity Zinta instantly reminds you of the next-door bubbly girl who is all smiles all the time. The dimpled diva, who has ruled a million hearts with her cuteness, had done a sensuous photo-shoot in the beginning of her career and boy, she looked completely different!

PZ, who is married Gene Goodenough, took to Instagram to share a throwback picture to show a different side to her personality.

She wrote, One of my first magazine cover shoot by @sunangel75 ! Love that she did not want bubbly PZ in the photo ! Thank you babe for seeing me with different eyes #photoshoot #Tina #strikeapose (sic).

One of my first magazine cover shoot by @sunangel75 ! Love that she did not want bubbly PZ in the photo ! Thank you babe for seeing me with different eyes #photoshoot #Tina #strikeapose A post shared by Preity Zinta (@realpz) on Aug 9, 2017 at 9:42am PDT

Zinta has been off the limelight for quite some time now but her cuteness and dimples still make a million hearts skip a beat.
New Delhi: One of the popular telly actor Amit Tandon, who first rose to fame with Indian Idol is back in news but this time it's not a very pleasant one. The TV actor's wife Ruby Tandon, who is a dermatologist by profession has been reportedly arrested and is currently in a Dubai Jail.

Sometime back Amit and wife Ruby were in news over their decision to separate and now this yet another shocking report has left the fans saddened. IndianExpress.com quoted Amit as saying, Yes, she is still there and we are trying our best to get her out soon. I will be flying to Dubai next week to once again plead for her innocence.

The report mentions that Ruby was held in remand at Al Raffa jail after someone from Dubai Health Authorities complained against her. Further, the report claims that her bail has also been rejected once.

Amit further told IndianExpree.com, We are really saddened by this as we believe that Ruby has been framed. She has been doing a wonderful job and someone levied false accusation on her which caused the trouble. We believe in the judicial authorities and are hopeful that she will be back home soon.

Amit and Ruby have a daughter together.
New Delhi: If you plan to change your job next month, you will not have to worry on the Provident Fund aspect.

From September, the Provident Fund of your current organisation will be automatically transferred to the next office that you join, as per a report in the Times of India.

TOI quoting chief provident fund commissioner V P Joy said, Now we have made Aadhaar compulsory for enrolment. We don't want accounts to be closed. The PF account is the permanent account. The worker can retain the same account for social security".

The PF commissioner, is pushing a host of initiatives in the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to make it more worker-friendly. However, one of the main challenges that the Retirement fund body faced was premature closure of accounts whenever there was a change of job.

"We are trying to ensure transfer of money if one changes jobs, without any application, in three days. In future, if one has an Aadhaar ID and has verified the ID, then the account will be transferred without any application if the worker goes anywhere in the country. This system will be in place very soon," Joy told the TOI.

EPFO has made it mandatory for all subscribers as well as pensioners to submit their Aadhaar number. This will help linking EPF account, pension account, bank account and Aadhaar number which would eventually facilitate providing a host of online facilities to subscribers like online withdrawal and fixation of pension.
New Delhi: After the insurmountable success of 'Baahubali 1 and 2', Rana Daggubati aka Bhallaladeva has become the most sought-after actors in Indian cinema. So, it's quite natural that his next release will be high on the buzz word.

'Nene Raju Nene Mantri' opened in theatres on August 11, 2017, and it features Rana in the lead role. Besides, there's Kajal Aggarwal and Catherine Tresa in pivotal parts.

The Telugu political drama has been helmed by Teja and has garnered a positive review from the critics. Here's what some of the publications have to say about 'Nene Raju Nene Mantri':

The film is so dense and layered that it leaves you with a heavy hangover in the end. At its core, its a biopic of a man whose rise to power turns him into an enemy for a number of people and soon, Jogendras journey feels like playing a serious game of chess, where every move he makes turns into a power tussle. Its the cinematic equivalent of Newtons Third Law of Physics where every action is met with an equal and opposite reaction. Its the rise and fall and rise of a man, whos blinded by the goal he wants to achieve. Firstpost

The whole political angle of the story, with numerous characters coming together to plot his ruin, seems like a pesky annoyance in an otherwise beautiful movie. The first half has everything right, until Jogendra does something so out of character that everything begins to fall apart from there. What begins as a stylish film, especially catering to Ranas fans, gets a little tiring in the second half. Times Of India.com

Kajal Aggarwal has delivered a convincing performance in the given role. While Catherine Tresa as Devika Rani, an owner of a news channel, is not explored to her full potential. Her role is meant to add scandal to this political drama. But, again Tejas reservations has kept him from taking that character to a logical end. It was very evident that Ranas character was not an ideal hero, who could never make a mistake. The audience knew that Jogendra was morally corrupt and he was ready to do wrong things to get what he wants. So, we expect him to up the ante in being the bad guy and surprise us by doing some shocking things. But, director Teja, for some reasons, has not gone all the way in exploring the possibilities of things a character like Jogendra, who is drunk on power, greed and arrogance, could do. Indian Express

In a power-packed performance, Rana makes Nene Raju Nene Mantri a memorable film that you would like to revisit. It also marks the strong comeback of Teja after a bevy of duds, and he captures the turmoil of the Indian political system at the grassroot level in the most commercial but entertaining fashion. While the story can be predictable and follows a regular template, the scenes and dialogues make it work. Ranas powerful screen presence takes everything up a notch and its a treat to watch him turn from good to grey. Hindustan Times

Ranas character  Jogendra! As Rana said in one of his earlier interviews The story is about the rise, fall, redemption of Jogendra. We are taken through the chronicles of Jogendra as he rises from an aspiring politician to a scheming money lender to a powerful, greedy MLA. As a character, he goes through many graphs from being an innocent, scared commoner, to a rising, confident politician to a ruthless, greedy MLA who stops at nothing. Apart from his politician act, we also get to see Jogendra the husband who is incomplete without Radha, his wife. As he puts it, where there is Radha, there is Jogendra. He is loving, caring, respectful of her. Her presence in his life is what matters most to him. In that sense, you get to see two sides to Jogendra that in turn is layered and complicated. He cuts a fine figure in his suits that are tailor made for his towering figure. Ranas presence on screen cannot be ignored. Bollywood Life.com
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswamy on Friday described VK Sasikala's nephew TTV Dinakaran as '420'.

Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK on Thursday sacked its deputy general secretary Dinakaran, nephew of the jailed general secretary VK Sasikala, in a move aimed at placating the rival faction ahead of a possible merger between the two groups.

Prospects of a merger of the two factions of the AIADMK brightened with the Chief Minister K Palaniswami-led Amma camp moving against the appointment of Sasikala's nephew as deputy general secretary.

When asked to comment on DMK's announcemnet that it would move a motion of no confidence against the government, "if required", the Chief Minister expressed confidence in sailing through the floor test.
New York: Do you know that despite the end-to-end encryption provided by popular messasing platforms like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Viber, your sensitive information is vulnerable to hacking?

A new research has highlighted the importance of what is called an `authentication ceremony` to help mitigate the risk.

Researchers from Brigham Young University (BYU) at Utah in the US found that most users of popular messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Viber are leaving themselves exposed to fraud or hacking because they are unaware of important security options like an `authentication ceremony`.

The `authentication ceremony` is a security practice to ensure the members involved in a communication are authentic. It is done by identifying the message recipient before sending out any sensitive or confidential information.

But because most users are unaware of the `ceremony` and its importance, "it is possible that a malicious third party or man-in-the-middle attacker can eavesdrop on their conversations", said Elham Vaziripour, Computer Science student at BYU who led the study.

The researchers conducted a two-phase experiment in which they prompted participants to share a credit card number with another participant. Participants were warned about potential threats and encouraged to make sure their messages were confidential.

Only 14 percent of users in the first phase managed to successfully authenticate their recipient. Others opted for ad-hoc security measures like asking their partners for details about a shared experience.

In the second phase, after researchers emphasised the importance of `authentication ceremonies`, 79 per cent of users were able to successfully authenticate the other party.

However, the participants averaged 11 minutes to authenticate their partners.

"Once we told people about the authentication ceremonies, most people could do it. But it was not simple, people were frustrated and it took them too long," noted Daniel Zappala, Professor, Computer Science, BYU.

Most people don`t invest the time and effort to understand and use these security measures because they don`t experience significant security problems. But there`s always a risk in online communications.

The researchers are now working to develop a mechanism that makes the `authentication ceremony` quick and automatic.

"If we can perform the authentication ceremony behind the scenes for users automatically or effortlessly, we can address these problems without necessitating user education," said Vaziripour.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday granted three months time to authorities to complete translation of historic documents related to the several decades old Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute.

The apex court passed the order after the Sunni Waqf Board informed it that the translation of historic documents related to the dispute is not complete yet.

The order came shortly after the apex court resumed hearing in the Ayodhya land dispute case.

The highest court also posted the matter for further hearing till December 5.

Constituted by Chief Justice J S Khehar, a three-judge bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra, Ashok Bhushan and SA Nazeer are hearing a batch of petitions challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict in the case.

On August 8, the Shia Central Waqf Board of Uttar Pradesh had told the Supreme Court that a mosque could be built in a Muslim-dominated area at a reasonable distance from the disputed site in Ayodhya.

The Board also told the apex court in an affidavit that the Babri Masjid site was its property and only it was entitled to hold negotiations for an amicable settlement of the dispute.

"Since, the Babri Masjid was a Shia Waqf, we are alone entitled to negotiate and arrive at peaceful settlement with other stakeholders," Shia Waqf Board said in its statement.

After the Allahabad HC divided the land equally between 'Ram Lalla', the Nirmohi Akhara and the Sunni Wakf Board, the issue has been pending in the top court since 2010.

Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute

The mosque was demolished by Hindu Karsevaks on December 6, 1992 in Ayodhya. The country witnessed massive riots, in which over 2000 people were killed.

The Hindus claim that it is the birthplace of Lord Rama where a mosque was built in 1528-29 CE (935 AH) by Mir Baqi. Since the mosque was built on orders of the Mughal emperor Babur, it was named Babri Masjid.

Before it was demolished in 1992, the Nirmohi Akhara had forcefully occupied the Babri Masjid in 1853 saying it was Ram Janmabhoomi (Birth place of Lord Rama).
Khar: A roadside bomb killed at least three people and wounded 26 others in a Pakistani tribal district near the Afghan border Friday, officials said.

The explosion struck a truck carrying civilians, most of them labourers, in a far-flung frontier village in Bajaur tribal district, one of Pakistan`s seven semi-autonomous tribal regions.

"At least three people have been killed and 26 wounded, the roadside bomb exploded when the truck passed by," Mustafa Khan, a local government official told AFP.

Anwarul Haq, a senior local government official, confirmed the casualties, telling AFP that the injured have been taken to local hospitals.

No militant group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but Taliban militants have carried out several bomb attacks against security forces and pro-government tribal elders in the area in the past.

Violence in Pakistan has declined in recent years following a series of military offensives against insurgents along the northwestern border.

But the remnants of militant groups are still able to carry out periodic bloody attacks, particularly in the northwest.
Beijing/Bedminster: China should remain neutral if North Korea launches an attack that threatens the United States, a Chinese state-run newspaper said on Friday, sounding a warning for Pyongyang over its plans to fire missiles near the US Pacific territory of Guam.

The comments from the influential Global Times came after US President Donald Trump stepped up his rhetoric against North Korea again on Thursday, saying his earlier threat to unleash "fire and fury" on Pyongyang if it launched an attack may not have been tough enough.

Asian equity markets sank again on Friday and European stocks looked set for their worst week this year because of the tensions.

"This situation is beginning to develop into this generation`s Cuban Missile crisis moment," ING`s chief Asia economist Robert Carnell said in a research note. "While the US president insists on ramping up the war of words, there is a decreasing chance of any diplomatic solution."

China, North Korea`s most important ally and trading partner, has reiterated calls for calm during the current crisis. Beijing has expressed frustration with both Pyongyang`s repeated nuclear and missile tests and with behaviour from South Korea and the United States, such as military drills, that it sees as escalating tensions.

"China should also make clear that if North Korea launches missiles that threaten US soil first and the U.S. retaliates, China will stay neutral," the Global Times, which is widely read but does not represent government policy, said in an editorial.

"If the US and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime and change the political pattern of the Korean Peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so," it said.

China`s Foreign Ministry reiterated a call for all parties to speak and act cautiously and do more to ease the situation, rather than going down the "old path" of exchanges of shows of force and continually rising tension.

North Korea`s state-run KCNA news agency said on Thursday its army would complete plans in mid-August to fire four intermediate-range missiles over Japan to land near Guam.

Trump said North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un was not going to get away with his "horrific" comments and disrespecting America.

"Let`s see what he does with Guam. He does something in Guam, it will be an event the likes of which nobody`s seen before, what will happen in North Korea," Trump told reporters in New Jersey, without offering specifics.

Shortly after Trump spoke, US Defense Secretary James Mattis told reporters the United States still preferred a diplomatic approach to the North Korean threat and that a war would be "catastrophic".

Asked if the United States was ready if North Korea made a hostile act, he said: "We are ready."
BEDMINSTER, NJ: President Donald Trump warned North Korea again on Thursday not to strike Guam or U.S. allies, saying his earlier threat to unleash "fire and fury" on Pyongyang if it launched an attack may not have been tough enough.

After North Korea disclosed plans to fire missiles over Japan to land near the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, Trump said the move would prompt "an event the likes of which nobody`s seen before."

He took specific aim at North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying he had "disrespected our country greatly. He has said things that are horrific. And with me, he`s not getting away with it," Trump told reporters in New Jersey.

"It`s not a dare. It`s a statement," Trump said. "He`s not going to go around threatening Guam. And he`s not going to threaten the United States. And he`s not going to threaten Japan. And he`s not going to threaten South Korea."

North Korea`s army will complete the plans in mid-August to fire four intermediate-range missiles over Japan to land near Guam, when they will be ready for Kim`s order, state-run KCNA news agency said. The plans called for the missiles to land in the sea 30-40 km (18-25 miles) from Guam.

"Let`s see what he does with Guam. He does something in Guam, it will be an event the likes of which nobody`s seen before, what will happen in North Korea," Trump said, without offering specifics.

Shortly after Trump spoke, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis told reporters in Mountain View, California, the United States still preferred a diplomatic approach to the North Korean threat and a war would be "catastrophic."

Asked if the United States was ready if North Korea took a hostile act, he said: "We are ready."

Tension in the region has risen since the reclusive communist country, which staged two nuclear bomb tests last year, launched two intercontinental ballistic missile tests in July in defiance of world powers. Trump has said he will not allow Pyongyang to develop a nuclear weapon capable of hitting the United States.

Far from toning down his words after saying on Tuesday that any threats by Pyongyang would be "met with fire and fury like the world has never seen," Trump said those remarks may have not gone far enough. "Maybe it wasn`t tough enough," Trump said.

Trump`s Tuesday comments unnerved allies in the region and drew criticism from some politicians and foreign policy experts at home as needlessly pugnacious at a time when more measured language would be appropriate.

On Thursday in Bedminster, New Jersey, where he is on a working vacation, Trump also declared the U.S. nuclear arsenal "in tip-top shape, and getting better, and getting stronger."

Asked if he would consider a pre-emptive strike against North Korea to deny it the ability to launch a nuclear attack against the United States, Trump said, "We`ll see what happens."

The United States and South Korea remain technically still at war with North Korea after the 1950-53 Korean conflict ended with a truce, not a peace treaty.

Trump also said new sanctions on North Korea approved by the U.N. Security Council on Aug. 5 that could slash by a third the country`s $3 billion annual export revenue probably would not be as effective as hoped.

He pressed China, North Korea`s most important ally and trading partner, to do more.

`CHINA CAN DO A LOT MORE`

"I think China can do a lot more, yes. ... And I think China will do a lot more," Trump said.

Trump has threatened to impose punitive trade restrictions on China for its alleged trade abuses, and has delayed actions to impose broad restrictions on steel imports. He also has shelved plans to investigate misappropriation of U.S. intellectual property by China after Beijing signed on to deeper U.N. sanctions against North Korea.

Trump said the United States loses a lot of money on trade with China. "It`s not going to continue like that. But if China helps us, I feel a lot differently toward trade," Trump added.

The tensions between North Korea and the United States spurred a broad market sell-off in U.S. stocks. The benchmark S&P 500 stock index <.SPX> closed with a 1.4 percent loss, marking the biggest one-day drop since May and registering just the third day all year that it closed with a loss of more than 1 percent.

Wall Street`s fear index hit its highest level since Trump was elected, as investors snatched up insurance to protect against future stock market losses.

Former defence officials and experts say any new military conflict with North Korea would likely escalate quickly to the use of nuclear weapons, bringing catastrophic casualties not seen since World War Two and an untold economic impact worldwide.

They warned the escalating war of words could risk a miscalculation that could result in conflict far beyond the scale of the 1950-53 Korean War, which claimed the lives of millions of Koreans, tens of thousands of Chinese and Americans and thousands from U.S. allies like Britain.

Trump said the United States would "always consider negotiations" with Pyongyang, but faulted three of his predecessors, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, on their approach to North Korea.

Guam, a tropical island more than 3,000 km (2,000 miles) to the southeast of North Korea, is home to about 163,000 people. It has a strategically located U.S. air base, a Navy installation that includes a submarine squadron, a Coast Guard group and roughly 6,000 U.S. military service members.

"Sound dialogue is not possible with such a guy bereft of reason and only absolute force can work on him," KCNA said, calling Trump`s "fire and fury" comment "a load of nonsense."
Dhaka: A fire on Friday broke out inside the Air India office at Bangladesh's international airport here, officials said.

Ten firefighting units were working to douse the fire that started around noon at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

An Air India official told PTI the fire originated from the office of the airline.

However, he did not specify the cause of the fire.

The airport's third storey houses the offices of Air India and Saudi Airlines, a duty officer of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) was quoted by the bdnews24.

Electricity supply to the airport has been cut off.

Employees and passengers being evacuated from the various floors have reported seeing smoke inside the building.

Departures have been suspended as people arriving for their flights were being barred from entering the airport, a security official said.

The fire at Bangladesh's main airport may hamper flights for Hajj pilgrims.
Yangon: Myanmar has sent hundreds of soldiers to beef up security in northwestern Rakhine state after a recent spate of killings, military sources said on Friday, fuelling fears of yet more violence and instability in the troubled region.

Muslim-majority northern Rakhine was plunged into violence last October when Rohingya Muslim insurgents killed nine police, setting off a brutal counteroffensive beset by allegations of rape, killings and torture by government troops.

Two military sources based in Rakhine told Reuters the army had sent troops to the state`s north to "help tighten security" after seven Buddhists were found hacked to death in mountains near the town of Maungdaw last week.

The army dispatched about 500 soldiers to several towns near the border with Bangladesh on Thursday, including the towns of Buthidaung and Maungdaw, according to one of the military sources with direct knowledge of the matter.

"We have to increase security operations because the security situation has worsened  some Muslims and Buddhists have been killed by the insurgents," Rakhine State police chief Colonel Sein Lwin told Reuters.

The military spokesman and a spokesman for Myanmar`s de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, were not immediately available for comment.

Such a buildup raises fears of a fresh wave of violence after last year`s operation in which security forces allegedly shot villagers at random, raped Rohingya women and burned homes.

United Nations investigators who interviewed some of the nearly 75,000 people who fled to neighbouring Bangladesh said troops probably committed crimes against humanity.

The government rejects the allegations and has refused to cooperate with a UN fact-finding mission to look into abuses in Myanmar.

Despite the massive counter-offensive last year, the government has accused the militants of continuing to run training camps in the mountains and killing alleged informants in the Muslim community.

The government blamed "extremists" for the killing of the seven Buddhists who, residents of the area believe, stumbled upon a camp for Rohingya militants.

That prompted security forces to hunt for the killers in an "intensive clearance operation", a military source told Reuters last week.

This week, the army has tightened security and the police force is on high alert, Rakhine police official Sein Lwin added.

Security forces have also strengthened border guard posts in the region, said Kyaw Swar Tun, the director of the general administration department based in the state capital, Sittwe.

Regional rights body ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights voiced concern about the increased number of troops in Rakhine.

"Aung San Suu Kyi should call on all parties, including the Myanmar army, to take steps to de-escalate conflict in northern Rakhine State, rather than exacerbate it," a member of its board, Eva Kusuma Sundari, said in a statement.

About 1.1 million Rohingya live in Rakhine, but are denied citizenship and face curbs on movement and access to basic services. About 120,000 live in camps set up after deadly violence in 2012, relying on aid agencies for basic supplies.

The UN has warned aid workers against rising hostility and imminent protests by Buddhists in Rakhine, some of whom say humanitarian agencies give support to Rohingya militants.
Bedminster , Aug 11 (AFP) President Donald Trump has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for ordering the US embassy in Moscow to slash its staff -- boasting that this would cut payroll costs.

Last month, the Kremlin demanded that Washington reduce its diplomatic footprint in Russia by 755 employees -- both US diplomats and local staff -- and close two compounds.

This was seen as marking a historic new low in post-Cold war Russia-US relations but Trump, who has long argued the case for closer ties, said after a meeting with top aides in New Jersey he saw a silver lining in the crisis.

"I want to thank him because we're trying to cut down our payroll and, as far as I'm concerned, I'm very thankful that he let go of a large number of people because now we have a smaller payroll," Trump declared yesterday.

"There's no real reason for them to go back. I greatly appreciate the fact that we've been able to cut our payroll of the United States. We're going to save a lot of money."

The United States and Russia are at loggerheads over Moscow's armed intervention in Ukraine and Washington's imposition of economic sanctions on Kremlin allies.

Ties were further clouded by Russia's interference in last year's US presidential election, which US intelligence agencies say was designed to help Trump get elected.

Trump's supporters have dismissed this idea but a US special prosecutor is investigating allegations that members of his campaign colluded with Russian sources.

Last month, US lawmakers passed a law toughening sanctions imposed on Russia for corruption, rights abuses, subversion of Western politics and backing Ukrainian separatists.

Trump opposed the bill, which further blocks him from removing sanctions without consulting Congress, but begrudgingly signed it into law.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has embarked on a wholesale review of State Department operations aimed at cutting costs and refocusing on new objectives.

While in Manila earlier this week, Tillerson had said his department would respond to the Kremlin's order to cut their Moscow staff before a September 1 deadline. (AFP)
Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday the risks of a military conflict over North Korea`s nuclear programme are very high, and Moscow is deeply worried by the mutual threats being traded by Washington and Pyongyang.

"Unfortunately, the rhetoric in Washington and Pyongyang is now starting to go over the top," Lavrov said. "We still hope and believe that common sense will prevail."

Asked at a forum for Russian students about the risks of the stand-off escalating into armed conflict, he said: "The risks are very high, especially taking into account the rhetoric."

"Direct threats of using force are heard... The talk (in Washington) is that there must be a preventive strike made on North Korea, while Pyongyang is threatening to carry out a missile strike on the US base in Guam. These (threats) continue non-stop, and they worry us a lot."

"I won`t get into guessing what happens `if`. We will do whatever we can to prevent this `if`."

"My personal opinion is that when you get close to the point of a fight breaking out, the side that is stronger and cleverer should take the first step away from the threshold of danger," said Lavrov, in remarks broadcast on state television.

He encouraged Pyongyang and Washington to sign up to a joint Russian-Chinese plan, under which North Korea would freeze its missile tests and the United States and South Korea would impose a moratorium on large-scale military exercises.

"If this double freezing finally takes place, then we can sit down and start from the very beginning - to sign a paper which will stress respect for the sovereignty of all those parties involved, including North Korea," Lavrov said.
of the brand new Iranian Islamic Republic]

A lot of the so-called "liberals" & "progressives" in the United States have long championed the causes of tyrants abroad, whether Stalin or Castro or --more recently-- the Muslim Brotherhood and so on and so forth. This has often been done by presenting the tyrants or would be tyrants as representing the democratic will of the people or as being liberal, progressive and tolerant themselves. A classic case of how this was done appeared not long after Khomeini's regime took power in Iran. The new regime was extolled for its civil libertarian commitment.We now know that Khomeini and his successors were and are anything but devoted to liberal values, to civil liberties, democracy, etc. However, Kai Bird, a very prominent "leftist" and "progressive" in the 1960s and 1970s fought valiantly to present this false image of Khomeini & Co. to the American public. When you read Mr Bird, think of the academic and media advocates of the Iran regime or the Muslim Brotherhood or Hamas or Fatah/PLO, and so on, today.Bird wrote the following in an article that was featured on the front page of the "Liberal" weeklymagazine [31 March 1979]:. . . there is every reason to believe that the still unpublished Constitution [will include all the elements of a liberal democratic system. Minister of Information Nasser Menachi, a close confidant of Bazargan and a man with impeccable civil libertarian credentials, toldthat "the new Constitution --which has been drafted by five foreign-trained jurists-- contains the strongest possible civil libertarian guarantees. . . . and Khomeini himself has approved the document with but the most minor changes, a fact which should be read as an extremely good sign." The Ayatollah will reportedly have no formal office in the proposed Islamic Republic. Elections are scheduled to be held within several months after the adoption of the Constitution.- - - - - - - - - - - -Isn't this all just too noble, too precious, too lofty to be believable? It hardly corresponds to how the Ayatollah Khomeini and his successors have actually ruled Iran.Does everyone see the pattern in this excerpt here? Consider the style here against the background of the tens of thousands --or hundreds of thousands or millions-- of victims of the Iranian regime over the years? Look at the grand phrases in this not very long paragraph:How many readers of Emet m'Tsiyon would want to depend upontheof the Iranian regime? Now just how is it that Kai Bird and his editors atcould not foresee what the Khomeini regime would produce, a regime that tramples civil liberties and pays lip service to them at best? A regime that is a caricature of democracy where the leading ayatollah, called the Supreme Guide, has the final say on everything, whatever the parliament may think?Why couldn't Bird and hisfriends understand that the books that Khomeini had written, books in which he expressed a desire for a political regime based on Islam, Shiite Islam, explained what he would do if and when he took power? That that was the kind of regime he would erect and that civil liberties would bow before the needs of the regime of ayatollahs implementing Islam as they saw it and interpreted it? Did they ask what would happen to ethnic and religious minorities in Iran, such as Jews, Bahais, or Sunni Muslims, for that matter? Did Bird & Co. ask how women would fare under the ayatollahs who would apply strict Shiite Muslim rules to them? Did they ask whether Khomeini's ostensible loyalty to or tolerance for democracy and civil liberties, and the comforting, liberal-sounding slogans that he and his associates threw out from time to time might not have been mere dissembling for the purpose of gaining and consolidating power?Were Bird and his friends naive, ignorant, simpleminded or simply deceitful? We may ask the same question today about Washington policy specialists and American academics who promote the cause of the Muslim Brotherhood or Hizbullah or Hamas or Fatah or the so-called "palestine liberation organization."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Now that we know what "liberal" establishment journalism and its predictions are worth in the United States -- and elsewhere, let's talk a little about Kai ird . He was known as being hostile to Israel back in the 1960s, when that was less fashionable than today. He had been in Israel during his rather privileged childhood when his father, an American diplomat, and his family lived in the Jordanian-occupied sector of Jerusalem from which all Jews were driven out, starting in December 1947. Young Master Bird crossed the Armistice Line, the Green Line, every day that he went to school. This was the Anglican school on Street of the Prophets [ ] in "west Jerusalem" under Israeli control. The school is still there although in the past 20 or 25 years it has raised its stone outer wall by three or four feet. Little Master Bird crossed on every school day the Mandelbaum Gate , actually a border crossing built partly over the home of a family named Mandelboym [the proper Yiddish pronunciation]. The house had been destroyed in the fighting in 1948. The colony of Westerners living in Jordanian-occupied Jerusalem was notorious in those days for being fanatically anti-Israel and anti-Jewish. Bird and his family lived in the Sheikh Jarrah quarter near the Orient House, the American Colony Hotel, and the old Jewish neighborhoods of Shimon haTsadiq, Nahalat Shimon, and Siebenbergen Houses from which the Jewish residents had been driven out in December 1947 and January 1948.From the Mandelboym Gate crossing Bird and his schoolmates from the Jordanian sector traveled down Tribes of Israel Street [Shivtey Yisra'el  ], formerly St George Street under the British, which name Jordan kept for the street on its side of the armistice line. The pupils traveled for about one-half kilometer down to Street of the Prophets, turning right into and traveling on it for about a kilometer or more. They were escorted, to my knowledge, by armed Israeli troops. But they were also protected by the power and prestige of the empires and governments that they and their families represented.As to Kai Bird's honesty, I have read several reviews of his autobiography for this blog post, and I don't find any reference to his activity with the American "New Left" in the 1960s, 1970s and afterwards. I have to conclude that he left that information out of his book. He apparently decided that references to his "New Left" activism would not be useful or beneficial to him or his political purposes.

Labels: Iran, Khomeini, liberalism
YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. Firefighters continue extinguishing the major forest fires near Artavan village of Vayots Dzor province, the emergency situations ministry told Armenpress.

On August 10, at 18:50, the Crisis management national center was reported that grass area is burining in Artavan village.

An emergency unit was dispatched to the scene.

At 22:30, it was reported that 30 hectares of grass area and 4.5 hectares of forest area are on fire.

5 more firefighting crews left for the scene.

The defense ministrys air force helicopter and police forces are involved in firefighting works.

As of 06:25, 230 hectares of grass and forest area were on fire.

A number of officials from various ministries, police, commanders of rescue-firefighter brigades, representative of the governorate and the village head are on the scene.

On August 11, as of 09:30, the firefighting works continue.
















YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. US President Donald Trump thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for the decision to cut the number of US diplomats in Russia, BBC reports.

By this we will save a lot of money, Trump told reporters in New Jersey. I want to thank him because we're trying to cut down our payroll and as far as I'm concerned I'm very thankful that he let go of a large number of people, he said.

In late July Putin made a decision to cut the number of representatives of the US embassy in Russia by 755, in retaliation for new US sanctions against Moscow.

Trumps statement contradicts to the stance of the US Department of State which described the move as regrettable and uncalled for act.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. At least 36 people were killed and 13 others were injured as a result of bus crash in China in the evening of August 10, ABC News reports.

A long-distance passenger bus crashed into the wall of an expressway tunnel in China's northwest.

Various media outlets said the bus was the only vehicle damaged, although it wasn't clear if any other vehicles were involved in causing the crash. Two children were among those killed, and all the injured had been taken to a hospital, according to reports.

Investigation is underway.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. Armenian drug producers carry out works in different countries aimed at expanding the export geography of Armenian drugs, and there is already a certain progress on this path, Albert Sahakyan  deputy director of Drug and Medicine Technology Expertise Center at the healthcare ministry, told Armenpress.

Over 10% of drugs registered in Armenia are of Armenian production which ensures nearly 7% of the countrys drug demand. About 90% of drugs necessary for the people and medical facilities is being imported to Armenia. According to the sequence of import volumes, as of 2016, the major importers are Switzerland, Hungary, Germany, France, Slovenia, Russia, Austria, Georgia, the UK, the US, Albert Sahakyan said, adding that the import of drugs is subjected to strict regulation.

He said the drugs produced in Armenia are mainly exported to Iraq, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Russia, Latvia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Ukraine, Yemen and Vietnam. The main exporting companies are Arpimed, Likvor, Pharmatech and the Yerevan chemical-pharmaceutical firm.

According to our data, the Armenian drug producers carry out works in different countries aimed at expanding the export geography of Armenian drugs, and there is already a certain progress on this path. For instance, Likvor CJSC has started to export drugs to Iran and Vietnam after receiving GMP certificate, he said.

Vachagan Ghazaryan  director general of Arpimed, said the geography of exporting countries expands year by year. Since 2014 drugs are exported to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and starting from this year also to Yemen. We take various measures to expand the export, observe the markets of different countries, and try to present our market maximally at best during exhibitions, Ghazaryan said.

According to Albert Sahakyan, the main problems in pharmaceutical industry are financial investments, as well as the lack of qualified specialists. The export opportunities and attraction of new markets depend on these factors. However, a number of works were made in the legislative field in recent years aimed at regulating the drug circulation, one of which is the adoption of the new law on Drugs. Currently, the healthcare ministry is engaged in developing 60 legal acts stemming from the law, majority of which are at the governments adoption, as well as discussion stage. The circulation regulation is a dynamic process and is always on the study and settlement process.

Anna Grigoryan
YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. On August 10 Armenias Ambassador to Costa Rica Ara Ayvazyan (residence in Mexico) presented his credentials to President Luis Guillermo Solis, press service of the Armenian foreign ministry told Armenpress.

During the private talk President Luis Guillermo Solis highly appreciated the history of the Armenian people and their significant contribution in world civilization, by attaching great importance to the development of inter-state ties with Armenia.

The Armenian Ambassador in his turn said Armenia is interested in establishing mutually beneficial partnership with Costa Rica.

During the meeting the sides exchanged views on a number of current regional and international affairs and their solutions. At the request of President Solis, Ambassador Ayvazyan presented the peaceful settlement process of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, as well as the ongoing efforts of Armenia and the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries aimed at creating respective conditions for moving forward the negotiation process and the existing obstacles in that process. In this context, the President of Costa Rica assured that his country supports the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries efforts to settle the conflict exclusively through peaceful means.

At the end of the talk President Solis asked to convey his warm wishes to President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and the Armenian people.

During his visit to Costa Rica, the Armenian Ambassador met with a number of officials, members of the parliamentary friendship group with Armenia, as well as with Armenian community representatives.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. Construction has been and remains one of the most important and crucial sectors of the countrys economy.

August 11 is celebrated in Armenia as Constructors Day, reports Armenpress.

For that purpose an event has been organized in Yerevan which was also attended by Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan.

Every year celebrating this day, we affirm that construction has been and will remain one of the most important and crucile sectors of our economy. It is a well-known fact that if construction is being carried out in a country, the other fields are also being boosted. Construction has a multiplier effect for the economy of any country, the PM said. He said it is welcoming that the Armenian constructors develop the professional experience and traditions of great Armenian masters by building beautiful and firm buildings with the use of latest and advanced technologies. Regardless of the statistics which says that at the moment we are in difficult stage in terms of construction development, one thing is obvious: the Armenian constructor has always constructed and will construct. We need to fix that today we make efforts in the government to implement urban development investment programs. Numerous programs in the capital and in provinces are already launched. In this sense our statistics is quite interesting and gives hope. We are confident that we are ready to create additional favorable conditions for the constructor, economic development and investments, Karen Karapetyan said.

Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan also congratulated on the Constructors day, stating that the sector sharply develops worldwide over the recent years. We also should try to develop the field through new technologies, skilled specialists and organizations. The Yerevan authorities are cooperating with the Union of Constructors of Armenia, and we are convinced that together we can reach our dreamed city, the Yerevan Mayor said.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan awarded several officials with the Memorial Medal of the PM for their significant contribution in the urban development field.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. Vice-Speaker of Armenias Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov on August 11 hosted member of the Parliament of Portugal Rubina Berardo, press service of the parliament told Armenpress.

The meeting was also attended by head of Armenia-Portugal parliamentary friendship group Gagik Melikyan.

Vice-Speaker Sharmazanov expressed hope Portugal-Armenia friendship group will be formed in the Portugeuse Parliament soon. He attached importance to deepening the ties with Portugal in terms of developing Armenia-EU ties and establishing political dialogue between the two countries.

Sharmazanov at the meeting also touched upon the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, as one of the key issues of Armenian political agenda, stating that Azerbaijan presents it as a territorial issue between the two countries, however, in reality, it is a classical example of peoples self-determination.

The Vice-Speaker called on the European partners not to become the victim of Azerbaijani fake propaganda and present the reality to the world.

The people of Artsakh, like every people in the world, have a right to live freely and independently. We will spare no efforts to reach the international recognition of Artsakhs independence, and the international recognition of the Artsakh independence is just a matter of time, Sharmazanov said.

As for the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, Sharmazanov said numerous countries of the world have recognized it and condemned the extermination of millions of Christians, however, Turkey still continues the cultural genocide started in the beginning of the past century: the recent incidents are linked with Varagavank.

In her turn Rubina Berardo thanked for the reception and said the two peoples can find cooperation ways and develop ties in human rights, economic, cultural and other spheres.

At the end of the meeting Rubina Berardo, by attaching importance to the development of inter-parliamentary ties, said after the visit to Armenia the next step can be the formation of friendship group with Armenia in Portugals Parliament.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. Sepuh Aslangil, member of the Initiative group responsible for the elections of the Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul, made clarifications over the elections, Agos reports.

According to him, the number of candidates for the Armenian Patriarch cannot exceed 5.

If the number of candidates for the Patriarch is more than 5, the religious council of the patriarchate should hold a special session and reduce the number to 5, he said.

Sepuh Aslangil also stated that locum tenens Archbishop Bekchyan will sent a letter to the potential candidates, after which the candidates will inform about their nomination to the Initiative group.
YEREVAN, 11 AUGUST, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 11 August, USD exchange rate is down by 0.23 drams to 478.52 drams. EUR exchange rate is up by 2.07 drams to 562.64 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate is down by 0.05 drams to 7.95 drams. GBP exchange rate is down by 1.64 drams to 620.21 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price is up by 195.98 drams to 19760.2 drams. Silver price is up by 7.41 drams to 262.77 drams. Platinum price is up by 38.92 drams to 15107.85 drams.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. A criminal case has been initiated at the General Investigation Department of the Special Investigation Service of the Republic of Armenia for subjecting an Armenian citizen to labour exploitation in Georgia's Azerbaijani populated Soghanlugh village.

As "Armenpress" was informed from the press service of the Investigative Committee of Armenia, as a result of media monitoring a number of publications have been recorded on the labour exploitation of an Armenian citizen in the Azerbaijani populated village in Georgia.

According to those publications, on July 28, 2017 a representative of the Armenian MFA announced at a press conference that the Armenian man was kept like a slave for years in an Azerbaijani populated village in Georgia and was subjected to labour exploitation during those years. Fortunatelly, it has been possible to take him back to Armenia. To check the mentioned information the Deputy Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Armenia, Head of the Special Investigation Service Vahagn Harutyunyan tasked to prepare materials. As a result, it was found out that in 2003 the Armenian citizen left for Georgia hoping to find a job, where he asked the driver of a random car to help him in finding a job. The mentioned person took him to the Azerbaijani populated village in Georgia, where the members of an Azerbaijani family, taking advantage of his vulnarable situation conditioned by being unfamiliar to the area, kept in in in something like slavery till May 7, 2017 making him to work without any remuneration in their land and the lands of their neighbors, while he lived in the mansard of the house sleeping on cardboard boxes.

A criminal case was initiated at the General Investigation Department of the Special Investigation Service of Armenia on August 10.

Preliminary investigation is underway.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that legendary entertainer Charles Aznavour will be honored with the 2,618th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. PDT. The star will be dedicated in the category of Live Performance at 6225 Hollywood Boulevard next to the historic Pantages Theatre, "Armenpress" was informed from "Hollywoodchamber".

Charles Aznavour is a popular entertainer known around the world and loved by millions of fans across generations, stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies. We are thrilled, as we know the people of his homeland France are to see his star dedicated on our historic Walk of Fame.

With millions of fans worldwide, international superstar and singing sensation Charles Aznavour has attracted legions of international and multicultural fans for more than eighty four years. His popularity transcends many generations. It is no coincidence that a 1998 CNN/Time Online poll named Charles Aznavour the Entertainer of the 20th Century, ahead of such renowned performers as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and Frank Sinatra.

As an international recording artist and singing sensation, Charles Aznavour has sold more than 180 million records.

With his career spanning more than 70 years, Aznavour has recorded 1,400 songs (1,300 of which he personally wrote) and has produced over 390 albums, all in multiple languages: French, English, Armenian, Spanish, Russian, German, and Italian. Many of his records have gone Platinum and Gold.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. North Ossetian leader Vyacheslav Bitarov and the Russian Minister of Transport Maksim Sokolov have discusses the necessity of expanding the road in the section of the checkpoint of Upper Lars, Armenpress reports SPUTNIK agency informs.

Starting from the end of July the number of those wanting to cross the Russian-Georgian border has sharply increased, as a result traffic jams stretches in kilometers making to wait them over 12 hours.

Vyacheslav Bitarov noted that despite they do their best the situation requires decisive measures by the federal authorities.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. Rospotrebnadzor has received over 500 complains from Russians spending their holiday in Turkish resorts about aggravation of health. The complains came through the hot line established by Rospotrebnadzor following the reports on outbreak of Coxsackievirus.

Most often children under 14 are infected, the service said. Ealier numerous media outlets had written that the number of Coxsackievirus-infected tourists rises in Turkey. Dozens of tourists had to prematurely interrupt their stay.

Ministry of Health of Turkey has refused the allegations, calling them speculations. Rospotrebnadzor submitted an official inquiry to Ankara on August 7 on the epidemiological situation in the resorts, but has received no reply so far.

Rospotrebnadzor together with Rostourism assessed the conditions in Antalya unsafe for Russian tourists.
Bedwas-based Peters Food Service has recalled selected branded and own-label products as they may contain glass fragments.

Asda, Lidl and Peters own pasties and slices have been pulled from stores, with anyone who has purchased the products advised to return them to their point of sale.

Mike Grimwood, managing director of Peters, said the safety of its consumers was its priority.

We immediately informed the Food Standards Agency and are working with them and our customers to remove this small batch from point of sale, where applicable, as a precaution, said Grimwood.

"We have taken every step possible to address this matter and we can confirm that no other products produced by Peters are affected. Peters is regularly audited and tested to safeguard the quality of the products baked at the Bedwas factory.

The affected products are:
Contact: Attila Nemecz

Attila Nemecz Attila.Nemecz@beaufortccc.edu

WASHINGTON, N.C. In its 50 years, the campus of Beaufort County Community College has never experienced a total solar eclipse. On August 21, the college will treat students, employees and the public to a viewing party to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.While the path of complete totality will travel further west, residents of Beaufort County should still be able to see quite an astronomical treat. The college will have four telescopes on hand, eclipse viewing glasses and employees available to explain the phenomenon. Men of Success, BCCC's minority male mentoring group, will be cooking up hot dogs. Other snacks and drinks will be available to students through the Student Government Association. The college will also beam video from a telescope into a classroom to accommodate more people.The festivities will begin at 1:30 p.m. behind Building 1, though the near-total-eclipse will not be visible until 2:45 p.m. The faculty from the science department will guide people using the telescopes and answer their questions about eclipses. Anyone who has purchased eclipse-viewing glasses is encouraged to bring them along. Looking directly at the eclipse without protective equipment can be dangerous.Solar eclipses occur when the moon lines up in between the sun and the earth. The variation in the moon's orbit means that while the moon passes between the earth and the sun every 29.5 days, it does not always align to create an eclipse. The small size of the moon in comparison to the sun also restricts the size of the umbra- the shadow of the moon- to just a small area. The umbra does not always occur on land or near populated areas, and totality- when the moon blocks the sun completely- lasts only for minutes. In this case, the path of totality will travel through only seven of North Carolina's westernmost counties.Not only will the eclipse create unusual light and shadow effects, it is the best time to view the corona and the chromosphere-the atmosphere of the sun. While totality is brief, a partial eclipse will be visible before and after that brief window of time.said Dr. Jay Sullivan, vice president of research and institutional effectiveness. Sullivan also taught astronomy at BCCC.Beaufort County Community College strives to be a resource not just for the students attending classes, but to the community at large where it hopes to spark curiosity, deepen scientific conversation and foster the next generation of innovators and explorers.Members of the public who plan to attend with organized groups of more than ten should contact Theresa Edwards, student activities coordinator, at 252-940-6217.
GOP superintendent says duties divided among DPI, State Board of Education lead to inefficiencies harming parents, students, and teachers



N.C. Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson, pictured here in his office, says a single point of accountability is needed to provide the public with more responsive education policies. (CJ photo by Don Carrington)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson's first few months in office have been anything but boring.Johnson, a Republican and former member of the Winston Salem/Forsyth County school board, in November ousted incumbent Democratic Superintendent June Atkinson.In December, the General Assembly passed a law that stripped some responsibilities from the N.C. State Board of Education, giving them to Johnson. The state board immediately sued, putting the new superintendent in the center of controversy before he moved into his office at the Department of Public Instruction.The new law was unconstitutional, board Chairman Bill Cobey told Carolina Journal in January.In April, Johnson filed an affidavit in the lawsuit . He said the board was severely limiting his authority. The board ignored and denied multiple requests to make staffing changes, he said.A three-judge Superior Court panel ruled in July for Johnson . The state board appealed the decision earlier this month.On Aug. 8, Johnson sat down with CJ Associate Editor Kari Travis to discuss the lawsuit, his role at DPI, his relationship with the General Assembly, and more.The second part of this interview, covering the importance of work force development, technology, and school choice, will appear online at a later date.This interview was edited for clarity and space.Let's talk about the lawsuit with the State Board of Education. Last month, the court ruled in your favor. The board is appealing that decision. How does that tension affect your ability to work with the board?It was my hope that the state board would not appeal this ruling. It was pretty clear cut. It was handled by a panel of bipartisan judges. They [unanimously ruled] summary judgment that the General Assembly and I are on the up-and-up in allowing one single point of accountability to manage this department.The system that has been created by the state board over at least the past decade has completely emphasized non-accountability. People send their kid to school, and they want to know who is making the decisions. When they have a concern with that, or a concern with a certain form of testing, do [they] call the school board of their local district? Do they call their local superintendent? Do they call their General Assembly member? Do they call the state superintendent, or do they call the state board of education?When you get to the state level, we've had a situation here for far too long where [the board has been] head of the agency. It's a board of 13 people working to make decisions that should [be quick and] responsive to the field. They're not. When you have 13 people that have to meet and have to vote on making decisions, it slows things down. It becomes just a bureaucratic process.This department should be able to respond to the field quickly and efficiently, and the better way to do that is to have a single point of accountability.If managed properly, [the department] can help find innovation going on in those local districts, and [it can scale] them across other districts. ... [We should be a] center point for all that knowledge, and when other school districts are looking for good programs to implement, [they should be able to] call the department and say, "Can you tell us how we can implement this type of program?" Under an accountable leader, this department can get there.A: You know, I did an affid avit for the trial that we posted on the website ... back in April. Nothing has changed since I've submitted that affidavit. So ... I think that affidavit speaks for itself.A: I will tell you this. I am ready to lead this department. I am hopeful that Chairman Cobey and the state board will drop this wasteful lawsuit. That money should be going into classrooms - not the pockets of their lawyers.A: When I campaigned for this office, I told people that one thing I really wanted ... was to be someone who walked across the [Halifax] Mall and met with members of the General Assembly. If you're here in Raleigh, you know that the General Assembly building and the Department of Education building is only separated by [one lawn], but for years it felt like it was miles and miles apart.That is no longer the case. We are in the General Assembly. When they were in session we were meeting with them often. We were advising them 0n policy decisions. We were pushing our legislative agenda. And we actually worked with them to [accomplish a lot], ranging from business modernization, to a council approving pre-K [programs], to more [career and technology education] options and opportunities. That list goes on. My relationship with the General Assembly is good. We have been thought partners on how to transform education, on how to make our education system better for teachers, and on how to drive results for students.A: The very first month I was in office we had a meeting with the North Carolina Association of Educators, and I told them that if they ever have any concerns, they should reach out to me.The relationship with superintendents has also been good. We have a quarterly meeting for superintendents, and it's a place for them to get into a room with me. They share about great things they're working on, and [they express] their concerns. We also have an open communication policy with superintendents. I get text messages. I get emails from superintendents with concerns. We've also gotten multiple requests to come visit and see the great things they are doing. So we try to get to them as often as possible.A: Most of the concerns I get from the superintendents actually have to do with what this department does. One example of the biggest concern I [hear] across the spectrum of educators - from teachers, to superintendents - is actually about teacher licensing.The licensing department in this agency needs a little bit of help. There are people in the licensing department that are working hard, but they're stuck in the machine, and the machine was never fine-tuned to process licenses correctly. I get complaints from teachers that it's taking up to seven months for them to get their teaching license. That is actually something that will block a good teacher from moving ... to North Carolina to teach.[We're] actually conducting a [third-party] audit of the licensing department. ... We know that it needs to be revamped badly, so that is the first thing we looked at doing when we came [into the agency]. I'm very excited because, by working with the General Assembly, I have [also received] money for the department to have a top to bottom operational review. That's very exciting.A: I'll take a step back, and I'll look at this from a 30,000 foot level - above my situation. We have an education governance problem in North Carolina. That has made itself apparent in that it seems like once a decade people are suing each other over who should have the authority to be the point of accountability for our public schools. The people of North Carolina voted [last year], and they were loud and clear that more of the same [leadership] is not what they want for the education system.I would hope that the state board appreciated that, but they didn't. And that's why we're now in the situation that we're in. But we probably need to be having a discussion, as a state, about where we go from here to make sure this doesn't happen again.I don't have the answer for that yet. I'm talking with the General Assembly about that. But it probably means some kind of constitutional amendment to make this a more defined role for each of us. And I think there's a lot of benefit to that, because a lot of the problems we have seen at this department, and a lot of the problems we have seen in education, actually stem from the fact that we have an education governance model that's not working as efficiently as it could be. We owe our students and teachers more than we have right now.
Redistricting committee adopts nine criteria for new districts over objections of Democrats

Equal population

Contiguity

County groupings and traversals

Compactness

Fewer split precincts

Municipal boundaries

Incumbency protection

Election data

No consideration of racial data



Rep. David Lewis, R-Harnett, pictured at an April committee meeting, dealt with a barrage of questions and comments from Democrats during Thursday's redistricting committee meeting. (CJ photo by Dan Way)

Lawmakers won't consider race when they redraw legislative maps to meet a Sept. 1 federal court deadline.Republicans on the House and Senate redistricting committee made that clear as they swatted down repeated objections from Democrats in a Thursday committee meeting. The decision not to use race was one of nine criteria the committee adopted to guide mapmakers who will draw new district lines for the 2018 election and remedy 28 racially gerrymandered districts.All but two of the criteria were approved on party-line votes as committee members clashed repeatedly on interpretations of what was required to satisfy an order from a federal three-judge panel in North Carolina v. Covington.The three-judge panel ruled Republicans relied too heavily on race in creating nine Senate and 19 House districts after the 2010 Census. The General Assembly has until the end of the month to provide the court with new maps.The majority Republicans easily pushed through all nine criteria on roll call votes. They handily defeated a series of amendments and additional criteria proposed by Democratic members.N.C. Republican Party Chairman Robin Hayes said in a statement released after the meeting.He called the Democrats hypocrites for opposing colorblind districts and insisting on including race-based criteria in the new maps.The criteria adopted involve:Committee members voted unanimously to adopt two criteria. One requires using 2010 federal Census data in configuring districts that cannot deviate by 5 percent from equal population standards. The other groups whole counties and seeks to prevent having districts spill into more than one county as much as practicable.The biggest flashpoint occurred during the vote on not identifying the race of voters or individuals in creating new districts.Rep. Mickey Michaux, D-Durham, told Rep. David Lewis, R-Harnett, the committee's senior House chairman.asked Sen. Paul Lowe, D-Forsyth.But Lewis countered that Republicans compiled a voluminous record of compliance with the Voting Rights Act in drawing electoral maps in 2011, and the three-judge panel didn't approve those districts.With the court concluding race was used as a predominant factor, although not with ill intent or in a discriminatory manner, Lewis said, racial considerations won't be used this time.At one point, expressing exasperation, Lewis said Michaux was making statements, and he would not respond to them.During the nearly three-hour meeting, some debate centered on complicated technological matters, such as what software tools to use and the sorts of calculations and maps that could be made using them.Some arguments got granular, with disagreements over correct use of terms such as shall, should, and may.Other areas of disagreement were more of a physical nature, with Sens. Ben Clark, D-Hoke, and Erica Smith-Ingram, D-Northampton, unsuccessfully advocating for guarantees that districts include geographical as well as county compactness.Smith-Ingram said some multicounty districts such as Pasquotank and Hyde are split by rivers or coastal bodies of water that have no transportation connections, requiring nearly three-hour drive times to get from one point to another.In opposing Clark's amendment, Rep. Bill Brawley, R-Mecklenburg, said roads snake in and out of different counties in many inland rural districts whose population centers are not directly connected within a county. Rural counties often have more land mass and sparser population bases, making it necessary to connect them to meet equal population standards for districts.
There's been a lot written about this year's state budget, and there will be more. That's what happens when you're dealing with a 438-page bill allocating $24 billion. A lot of money, a lot of competing interests, a lot of detail.I looked at local government allocations in the budget previously, and it comes to tens of millions of dollars. In June, I questioned many of those grants, writing ...But until recently, there was one point I missed. The budget allocates $5.775 million for downtown revitalization projects in the form of 72 distinct grants to rural North Carolina communities. Most of these go to cities or towns; three go to counties; and two, mysteriously, go to unincorporated communities. I'll leave aside the question about who even administers a grant to an unincorporated community, since there is no mayor or city council.My bigger question is this: Should we really be spending nearly six million dollars on this?When I saw this in the budget, I assumed there was some sort of application process. I figured these cities had gone to the Rural Economic Development Division of the Department of Commerce with proposals for park benches or building refurbishment or water fountains or something. But then I read a piece in the News & Observer and realized it was even worse than I thought.The communities hadn't asked for the money. Some didn't even know it was coming. And they didn't all have lists of projects for which they'd asked for state help. It was more like,But don't worry, came the response from the legislature. Nelson Dollar, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee said,Don't get me wrong. The budget passed in June isn't all bad. There are a number of areas in for which legislators should be applauded. But this one doesn't pass the smell test. How can it be right to hand out grants arbitrarily to communities with the expectation they'll find good projects to which they can direct the funds? It might be a nice thing to do for friends and family if you unexpectedly inherited a large sum of money, but that's not what's going on here.The legislature doesn't spend its own money. It spends our money. It all comes from taxes paid by workers, employers, business owners, homeowners, renters, and consumers. It's all of us. And when they take that money, they have a responsibility to spend it well, not just hand it out for fun to a few lucky communities.So if we had an extra $6 million sitting around, maybe we should have given it back to the taxpayers, the people from whom it was taken in the first place. I don't doubt worthy projects exist in all of these 72 communities. I'm willing to assume that every last dime will be spent on good projects that will improve the quality of life for people living in those places. But even so, that money with which the legislature decided to be so generous didn't belong to the government. It was mine and yours and every other North Carolinian's. And I want it back.
Company will invest more than $16 million to support new production lines

Contact: Ford Porter

Ford Porter govpress@nc.gov

RALEIGH: Revlon, the global cosmetics and beauty care products company will expand operations at its existing facility near Oxford, creating 55 full-time jobs over three years, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $16.1 million to add production capacity for its Elizabeth Arden line of products.Governor Cooper said.Revlon Consumer Products Corporation offers a diversified portfolio of consumer brands in the areas of cosmetics, skin care, hair color and beauty care. The company employs more than 1,300 people in North Carolina. The expansion of the Granville County facility will add fragrance filling and assembly lines to its operation and will include the installation of new equipment.said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. "It's wonderful to see how Revlon's positive experiences in Granville County have led to this new expansion."The North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. (EDPNC) were instrumental in supporting the company's expansion decision.said Alan Blake, Revlon Chief Supply Chain Officer. He added,Salaries for the new jobs will vary by position but will average $37,679, in line with Granville County's average wage.A performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Revlon's expansion in Granville County. The One N.C. Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.said N.C. Senator Floyd McKissick, Jr.said N.C. Representative Larry Yarborough.said N.C. Representative Terry Garrison.In addition to North Carolina Commerce and the Economic Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Granville County, Granville County Public Schools, and the Granville County Economic Development Commission.Revlon has developed a long-standing reputation as a color authority and beauty trendsetter in the world of color cosmetics and hair care. Since its breakthrough launch of the first opaque nail enamel in 1932, Revlon has provided consumers with high quality product innovation, performance and sophisticated glamour. In 2016, Revlon acquired the iconic Elizabeth Arden Company and its portfolio of brands, including its leading designer, heritage and celebrity fragrances. Today, Revlon's diversified portfolio of brands is sold in approximately 150 countries around the world in most retail distribution channels, including mass, salon and prestige and online direct to consumer. Revlon is among the leading global beauty companies, with some of the world's most iconic and desired brands and product offerings in color cosmetics, skin care, hair care, hair color and fragrances under brands such as Revlon, Elizabeth Arden, Revlon ColorSilk, Revlon Professional, American Crew, Almay, Cutex, Elizabeth Taylor, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Juicy Couture, Sean Mendes, Curve and John Varvatos. Please visit http://www.revlon.com for the latest news and information about Revlon and its brands.
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.
Czech Police has asked Czech Parliament to allow the prosecution of a possible future Czech Prime Minister

11. 8. 2017

cas cteni 2 minuty





The Czech Police have asked the Chamber of Deputies to lift the parliamentary immunity from oligarch Andrej Babis, the leader of the highly popular, illiberal political party ANO, and the immunity of the ANO deputy group head Jaroslav Faltynek, so that they could be prosecuted.

The two men are to be prosecuted for the alleged misuse of an EU subsidy totalling 50 million Czech crowns (USD 2,24 million) which was invested into Babis's Capi hnizdo (Stork's Nest) private residence in Central Bohemia. The EU subsidy was intended for a small firm. Babis's large business conglomerate was ineligible. The issue is also being investigated by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).













Babis's ANO political party is poised to win the general election which is due to take place on 20 and 21st October 2017.





In response to the request of the Czech Police to lift Babis's immunity and to allow his prosecution, Babis has complained that "this is a part of a long-term effort to turn me into a criminal. The timing is clear: this is an attempt to influence the outcome of the general election. This is the last despairing attempt of the current, corrupt system and of the traditional politicians to liquidate me."





"Undoubtedly there are problems with Babis's Capi hnizdo," writes Britske listy commentator Karel Dolejsi. "50 million Czech crowns from the fund whose purpose is to subsidise small and middle-sized businesses should not have ended up financing the oligarch's private residence. But this problem has been well-known at least since January 2016 and Babis remained in the posts of Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Secretary for many months after the scandal was published. It is strange that the Czech Police has suddenly decided to prosecute Babis only a few weeks before the general election. I do not support conspiration theories, but in this particular case the timing does not seem to be coincidental."





Commentators point out that the decision to lift Babis's immunity will greatly encourage his supporters and probably increase Babis's popularity considerably. Boris Cvek writes in Britske listy that the traditional Czech political parties should be analysing why Babis is popular with the voters and why the traditional political parties have lost their influence, rather than trying to criminalise him, which is a strategy that will backfire.





As is mentioned above, Babis is being investigated by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). When the European investiation draws to its conclusion, it is highly likely that Babis will look for support from Russia in order to defend himself from possible European prosecution, says Karel Dolejsi.









HERE Sources in Czech HERE

























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Looks like Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook have been working with the government of China to discreetly roll out a photo sharing service that's basically 'Moments' lite. Just one thing. It carries absolutely zero Facebook branding. And another. It appears designed not to piss China's internet censors off.

The app is called 'Colorful Balloons,' and it seems to be a kind of trial balloon for the Silicon Valley giant. If you can't beat 'em, collaborate with 'em.

From the New York Times:

Facebook approved the May debut of a photo-sharing app, called Colorful Balloons, in China, according to a person with knowledge of the company's plans, who declined to be named because the information is politically sensitive. The app, which has not previously been reported, shares the look, function and feel of Facebook's Moments app. It was released through a separate local company and without any hint that the social network is affiliated with it. The stealthy and anonymous release of an app by a major foreign technology company in China is unprecedented. It shows the desperation  and frustration  of global tech companies as they try to break into the world's largest online market. It also underscores the lengths they are willing to go, and their increasing acceptance of the idea that standards for operating in China are different from elsewhere.

The pains Facebook took to anonymize are really amazing:

The app was released in China by a company called Youge Internet Technology, according to a post in Apple's app store. It is registered to an address in eastern Beijing, yet the room number listed in company registration documents could not be found amid a series of shabby, small offices on the building's fourth floor. According to the documents, Youge's executive director is a woman named Zhang Jingmei. She appeared in a photo of a recent meeting between Facebook and the Shanghai government, sitting next to Wang-Li Moser, a Facebook executive whose responsibilities include building up the company's relationship with the Chinese government. Ms. Zhang's presence at such a high-level meeting indicated she is likely a Facebook adviser or employee.

Facebook won't comment on who Ms. Zhang is, or her relationship to the company. "Ms. Zhang did not respond to phone calls requesting comment."



[PHOTO: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (facing) speaks to Chinese President Xi Jinping (centre) as China's internet tsar Lu Wei looks on. Photo: Reuters]
Dan Das Mann's fork lift gone crazy will be celebrating the coming eclipse at The Oregon Eclipse Festival!

There has been no shortage of eclipse coverage on Boing Boing, over the last few days. When Dan called asking if I wanted to join his Funn Machine team at the festival in Oregon, how could I say no?

Dan has spent the last few decades making things that delight festival attendees. From gigantic structures at Burning Man to a disco-ball and laser laden backpack, Dan's creations are always a blast. He's even helped us out at few Boing Boing events!

Can't imagine a better way to see the sun blotted from the sky!
People

Lev Gonick to Serve as ASU CIO

Arizona State University has named Lev Gonick as the institution's next chief information officer. The longtime education technology leader will replace current CIO Gordon Wishon, who is set to retire at the end of this year.

As head of ASU's University Technology Office (UTO), Gonick will be responsible for technology services and support for more than 72,000 on-campus students, 28,000 online students and 15,000 faculty and staff, according to a university statement. UTO is also the home of ASU's "smart campus" initiative, which is "leveraging Internet of Things technology, big data and analytics to provide students with a 21st-century higher education experience." Gonick, who will also hold the title of professor of practice, will report to Mark Searle, ASU's executive vice president and university provost, and Morgan Olsen, executive vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer.

"Under Gordon's exceptional leadership for the past seven years, ASU's technology office has met the challenges of a growing, globally connected university," said Searle in a statement. "Lev's vision, transformational leadership style and track record of innovation will support the university in further realizing the potential of technology to empower the ASU community."

Gonick currently serves as chief executive officer of DigitalC, a nonprofit focused on technology for community impact. He is the co-founder of OneCommunity, an organization formed to drive next-generation broadband in Northeast Ohio. A higher education technology veteran, he was CIO for Case Western Reserve University from 2001 to 2013.

"We are delighted to welcome Lev to ASU," said Olsen. "Throughout his professional career he has demonstrated a commitment to innovation, creativity and collaboration that aligns with the university's efforts to redefine the landscape of public higher education."

"I have long been inspired by vision and mission of ASU," said Gonick. "I have the greatest respect for the senior administration and the many faculty and staff I have met on campus. I am genuinely thrilled to join ASU and help chart the ways in which the professional technology community can contribute to the advancement of this innovative university."
THURSDAY, Aug. 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- People with failing kidneys are at increased risk of developing a life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm, a new report suggests.

Chronic kidney disease can as much as double a patient's risk of atrial fibrillation, a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to stroke or heart failure, said lead researcher Dr. Nisha Bansal. She is an associate professor of nephrology at the University of Washington's Kidney Research Institute, in Seattle.

The risk of atrial fibrillation increases as kidney function declines, Bansal said.

"We saw the worse your kidney function, the greater your risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Even mild changes in kidney function were strongly linked to atrial fibrillation," Bansal noted.

The study included data gathered from three separate research projects focused on heart health in the United States. The three projects created a combined pool of almost 17,000 patients with follow-up periods averaging between 8.5 years and 12.5 years. None of the participants had atrial fibrillation when first recruited.

Each project checked participants' kidney function when they first joined the study, using one or two different lab tests. One was a blood test that evaluated how well the kidneys were removing toxins from the bloodstream. The other was a urine test that assessed whether the kidneys were properly filtering out a specific protein.

People with worse kidney function at the start of the study were more likely to have atrial fibrillation by the end, the researchers found. Those who did worse on the blood test were twice as likely to develop an abnormal heart rhythm, while those who did worse on the urine test were 76 percent more likely.

While the association doesn't prove a cause-and-effect relationship, the link remained even after the researchers took into account other risk factors for atrial fibrillation, such as diabetes, tobacco use and a history of heart problems.

"We found that kidney function was independent of all other risk factors," Bansal said.

Research has not yet been conducted to explain the association between kidney function and atrial fibrillation, Bansal noted, but there are a number of possible explanations.

A poorly functioning kidney can alter blood levels of a number of nutrients needed to maintain proper heart function, such as potassium, vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus, Bansal said.

The kidneys also are responsible for maintaining a steady volume of blood in your body, removing excess fluid by way of urination.

"If your kidney function is impaired, your blood volume increases," Bansal said. "That increased stress on your heart causes it to stretch and can also trigger this abnormal heart rhythm."

Dr. Kevin Chan, a nephrologist with Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, noted that it's also possible toxins that haven't been filtered from the blood -- thanks to a bad kidney -- might have some as-yet-unknown effect on heart function.

Based on this report, doctors treating patients with kidney disease should keep an eye out for potential heart problems, said Chan, who was not involved with the new study.

"Physicians should be cognizant of this relationship so they are attuned to recognizing atrial fibrillation when they see their chronic kidney disease patients," Chan said.

Doctors can reduce a person's risk of stroke from atrial fibrillation by putting them on blood thinners, he added. Atrial fibrillation patients also can be fitted with a pacemaker, or undergo a procedure to restore proper heart rhythm.

People with kidney disease could help themselves by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, Bansal suggested, for example, eating right, exercising and quitting smoking.

"A heart-healthy lifestyle does improve your risk of all kinds of cardiovascular disease, as well as kidney disease, so I would recommend that," Bansal advised.

The report was published online Aug. 10 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

More information

For more on atrial fibrillation, visit the American Heart Association.
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- A small clinical trial showed an immune system therapy was safe for people with type 1 diabetes, British researchers report.

The immunotherapy also showed signs of helping to keep insulin production steady in people newly diagnosed with the disease, the study authors said. However, because this was a placebo-controlled safety trial, there weren't enough people included to know for sure how well the treatment works.

The therapy is similar to an allergy shot in the way it works, the researchers explained.

"Type 1 diabetes comes about when the immune system inadvertently and irreparably damages beta cells that make insulin," said one of the study's authors, Dr. Mark Peakman. He's a professor of clinical immunology at King's College London in England.

Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps usher the sugar from foods into the body's cells to be used as energy. If the immune system continues to attack the beta cells, which are found in the pancreas, a person with type 1 diabetes will no longer make enough insulin to meet the body's needs. It's at this point that they must take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to replace the lost insulin.

Peakman and his colleagues are trying to stop the attacks on the beta cells.

"We have learned that immune attacks like this can be suppressed by immune cells called T-regs (regulatory T cells)," Peakman said.

When people develop type 1 diabetes, it's likely that they don't have enough of the right type of T-regs or those T-regs aren't working very well. So, the investigators developed a type of treatment called peptide immunotherapy using disease-related autoantigens.

Autoantigens are the substances that cause an autoimmune attack, but it's not clear which ones are responsible for a person's diabetes, according to Simi Ahmed, a senior scientist at JDRF (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) in New York City.

Ahmed said the immunotherapy re-educates the immune system, and teaches the cells that they shouldn't attack the beta cells.

Peakman pointed out that the researchers "used peptide immunotherapy as a way to try and induce more of these cells and/or make them work better. Our results show encouraging signs that this can be achieved. Next steps will be bigger trials to test whether the therapy can halt beta cell damage."

And, he added, "Scientists think this works by enhancing natural immune networks that control inflammation."

The study included 27 people with type 1 diabetes who had been diagnosed with the disease within 100 days. The study volunteers were randomly selected to be in one of three groups: a placebo group; a group given immunotherapy once every four weeks; and a group that received the immunotherapy injection once every two weeks.

The study team measured levels of a substance called C-peptide, which is created when insulin is produced. Stable or increasing levels of C-peptide indicate that insulin is being made. Declining levels indicate that less insulin is being made.

The volunteers given immunotherapy once every four weeks saw no decline in C-peptide, the findings showed. The group given the treatment once every two weeks saw a decrease in C-peptide at the 12-month mark. Those given a placebo had decreased C-peptide levels at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.

Peakman said there weren't enough people in the study to know why there were slight differences in the treatment groups. That's for a larger study to figure out, he suggested.

But the researchers found that the treatment was quite safe, and there were no side effects "of note," Peakman added.

The study also looked at insulin use. Over 12 months, insulin use went up by 50 percent in the placebo group. But there was no increase in the treated groups.

And even though all the study volunteers still needed insulin, both diabetes experts said that the need for less insulin would likely improve quality of life and lessen complications.

It's not yet clear from this trial how often the treatment would need to be given to keep the immune attack at bay.

It's also not clear if it could benefit people who've had type 1 diabetes for a while. Peakman said it probably wouldn't help them because most of their beta cells would be gone. But Ahmed noted that if someone had detectable C-peptide levels, it's possible that this treatment or future ones that may contain more than one autoantigen might have an effect.

In December 2016, a study published in Diabetologia found that about one-third of people with type 1 diabetes for at least 10 years still had detectable C-peptide levels. And two-thirds of them showed signs of an ongoing immune system attack.

Findings from the new study were published Aug. 9 in Science Translational Medicine.

More information

Learn more about type 1 diabetes from the American Diabetes Association.
Lauren Alaina teamed up once again with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and Oregon based Youth Music Project for a special performance at the Oregon Jamboree. Alaina and special guests performed her hit single Georgia Peaches to a capacity crowd at the Spirit Mountain Stage.

Lauren previously worked with the Youth Music Project when she made a special trip to the Pacific Northwest to celebrate the opening of Oregons first Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. For more details, click here. Subsequent to her visit, Crack Barrel made a charitable donation to fund over 40 scholarships enabling children to attend Youth Music Projects Summer Camp.

In preparation for their performance with Lauren Alaina, the students from Youth Music Project practiced the single throughout the months leading up to the music festival. Even more, Lauren was very much hands on throughout the process and connected with the students via Skype to provide support during their preparation.

Through our partnership with YMP and Lauren Alaina, Cracker Barrel is proud to support music education in our new home of Portland, said Bill Morrison, General Manager, Tualatin Cracker Barrel. We believe that music enhances the guest experience at Cracker Barrel and its something we want to bring to the community as well.

Oregons first Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is located 7415 SW Nyberg Street, Tualatin, OR. Two more Oregon locations will be opening over the next year, further continuing its relationship with Youth Music Project.
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The Honorable Ron Dermer

Ambassador of Israel to the United States

3514 International Drive NW

Washington, DC 20008

Via Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

August 11, 2017

Your Excellency,

We at the Committee to Protect Journalistsan independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for press freedom worldwidewrite to express our deep concern about Communication Minister Ayoub Karas recent announcement that the Israeli government seeks to amend the law in order to shutter Qatari broadcaster Al-Jazeeras bureau in Israel, revoke its license, and strip its journalists of their accreditation.

We would welcome the opportunity to elaborate in person on the concerns we raised in the New York Times yesterday. That a country that describes itself as the only democracy in the Middle East is citing Egypts military dictatorship and Saudi Arabias absolute monarchy as precedents in muzzling a media outlet is troubling, especially coupled with the governments recent actions against journalists.

We encourage Israel to take a few steps to ensure that journalists and media outlets can operate freely in the country. First, the Israeli government should drop efforts to shutter Al-Jazeera, and should not change the law to target a broadcaster whose coverage it does not like. Second, Israeli soldiers and police should take all steps necessary to ensure that journalists can work safely and are not targeted by security forces during protests or other forms of unrest. Third, Israeli security forces should stop raiding and harassing media outlets on the unproven suspicion of incitement. And Israel should immediately free the journalists it jails without charge under the broadly abused terms of administrative detention.

We look forward to the chance to meet with you in person to discuss our concerns, and to hear what steps the Israeli government will to take to ensure that the press can operate freely in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Sincerely,

Sherif Mansour

Program Coordinator, Middle East and North Africa Program

Committee to Protect Journalists

[email protected]
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Unidentified gunman shot a local radio host in the Argentine province of Misiones, on July 26, 2017, according to press reports and Argentine journalists.

Two men on a motorcycle approached Jesus Baez do Nacimento, who owns and operates the radio station FM Carretera 101, and his wife outside their home in the town of San Antonio, near the border with Brazil and a common route for smugglers, according to reports.

One of the men got off the motorcycle and approached Baez, asking for him by his nickname, El Negro, then shot him multiple times, according to reports. Three bullets hit Baez in the abdomen, a fourth fractured his left arm, and a fifth bullet hit a nearby vehicle. The attackers then fled on their motorcycle, the reports said.

Baez was taken to a hospital in the town of Eldorado, near the western border of Misiones, where he was in stable condition.

Andres DAlessandro, the executive director of the Association of Argentine Press Companies (ADEPA), a professional association, told CPJ that Baez had repeatedly denounced drug trafficking and other illicit activities in the region, as well as alleged corruption among police and local government officials. In a statement, he called the attack one of the most serious attacks against freedom of expression and a journalists life in the last 15 years.

Claudio Altamirano, who also works at FM Carretera 101, told Radio Libertad that Baez had received threats for nearly 20 years as a result of his reporting and had previously been attacked seven times. In 2015, unidentified assailants threw a firebomb at his house, according to reports.

A spokesperson for Misiones police told reporters that authorities believed the attackers were two Brazilians who crossed back over the border shortly after the shooting.

On August 2, Baez, along with representatives from ADEPA, press freedom organization FOPEA and other local journalists met with Misiones Interior Minister Marcelo Perez about the case, according to reports. DAlessandro told CPJ the attendees expressed their concerns about threats against journalists in Argentinas border regions and requested that federal, rather than provincial, police conduct a full investigation into the attack.
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New York, August 11, 2017Turkish authorities should immediately free nine journalists police arrested yesterday on terrorism charges, and should release the dozens of journalists it has for months jailed on bogus similar charges, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Police detained the nine after the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutors Office issued warrants for the arrest of 35 journalists and media workers on suspicion they are followers of exiled preacher Fethullah Gulen.

Prosecutors allege the journalists and media workers use the mobile phone app Bylock, which Turkish courts consider evidence of membership in the Gulenist movement, or FETO, as the government calls it, according to the state Anadolu news agency. The government accuses Gulen of maintaining a terrorist organization and parallel state structure within Turkey that it blames for orchestrating the July 2016 failed military coup.

The government of Turkey must stop its annihilation of all remaining opposition voices in the country, CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova said. We call for the immediate release of all nine journalists detained yesterday, the scrapping of all 35 arrest warrants against media representatives; and the ceasing of the disturbing practice of citing the usage of encrypted messaging applications as evidence for alleged terrorism.

The journalists police arrested yesterday include: Muhsin Pilgir, a former reporter for the shuttered outlets Zaman and the Cihan News Agency; Omer Faruk Aydemir, news editor for the right-wing Ihlas News Agency (IHA); Sait Gurkan Tuzlu, an academic at Marmara Universitys journalism school; Cuneyt Seza Ozkan, former news editor at Samanyolu TV, which the government ordered closed last year; Yusuf Duran; Ahmet Feyzullah Ozyurt; Ahmet Sagrl, who was until he was fired last week a columnist for the pro-government daily newspaper Turkiye; Mutlu Ozay, a former reporter for Zaman; and Burak Ekici, the online editor for the leftist daily newspaper Birgun, according to the news website Bianet.

The journalists are charged with membership of the Fethullah Gulen communitys media network, Bianet reported.

When CPJ last conducted its annual census of journalists jailed around the world, Turkey jailed more journalists than any other country in the 25 years that CPJ has kept detailed records.
In 2015, Iran was executing more than one person a day.

In 2015, Iran was executing more than one person a day.





Despite a decrease in the number of executions, Iran continues to be the nation with one of the highest rates of executions in the world, mostly for drug-related crimes. According to Amnesty International, Iran executed a reported 567 people in 2016. In 2015, the number was 977 . Still, at 567 people, Iran was executing more than one person a day. This issue has been openly discussed in one of the unlikeliest places: Irans judiciary.





Hojat al-Islam Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, the spokesman for Iran's judiciary, in a Aug. 9 speech addressed Irans high execution rate with respect to drug-related crimes. Do we want to solve all of our problems with punishments and increasing punishments? he asked. Some say, you have increased the punishment but there is still crime. On the issue of illegal drugs, we have laws from many years ago and many times [the punishment] has been increased and now they want to decrease it.





Mohseni Ejei, a hard-liner who has held important positions in the Islamic Republic, including that of prosecutor general, intelligence minister and prosecutor for the Special Court for Clergy, also criticized Western organizations regarding their condemnations of Irans high execution rate. Even if the executions for drug-related charges is lowered, Westerners will not say that we did right, he said.





While Mohseni Ejei criticized those who want to eliminate the death penalty, he said he did not want his criticism of these people to be viewed as his supporting capital punishment. I do not want to support the death penalty, he said. He indicated that it might be a good idea to not resort to the death penalty so much in drug cases.





He asked for research studies to determine "what our goal is with the executions, and urged that alternative punishments be put in place if the death penalty is abolished  punishments that do not have the negative effects of the death penalty.





This is not the first time that Mohseni Ejei has addressed the high execution rates in Iran. He has a history of making mildly critical remarks without ever completely backing away from the death penalty. In May 2014, in his position as prosecutor general, he suggested only punishing the heads of drug-smuggling networks. Last month, he said that the death penalty should be one of a choice of punishments , and that treatment and prevention should be part of the mix. He said that if there were no death penalty at all, the situation with Irans drug use and smuggling would be worse.





Irans parliament approved a proposal in July that would amend the countrys anti-drug laws with respect to small-time drug use. The Guardian Council would need to approve any bill passed by parliament. Regardless, Irans judiciary chief, Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani, has remained steadfast in his support of the countrys use of executions. In September 2016, Larijani unequivocally denied that Iran would eliminate the death penalty for drug smugglers.









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A meeting of Eulen Security workers from El Prat, in Barcelona. MASSIMILIANO MINOCRI

More information Situation calm as Barcelona airport workers begin indefinite strike

The partial strikes by security staff at Barcelonas El Prat airport this week that have led to long delays for passengers are now threatening to spread to other airports throughout Spain.

Criticizing what they call increasingly precarious pay and conditions at the network of airports run by Spanish airport authority AENA, Spains main labor unions say the situation is now a powder keg. The UGT labor union on Thursday called for partial strikes by security staff from August 20 at the northwestern regional airports of A Coruna and Santiago de Compestela, in Galicia.

Labor unions blame AENA for subcontracting out security at its airports to the lowest bidder

Meanwhile, the Spanish government said on Thursday that it would take all necessary measures to guarantee security and public order at El Prat to mitigate the impact of the continued strike action there. Public Works Minister Inigo de la Serna announced on Friday that the government would be sending the Civil Guard to El Prat airport in order to man the security scanners.

Passengers on Friday morning were forced to wait in line for up to an hour at the Barcelona airport due to the stoppages by security staff.

Earlier this summer, a number of last-minute agreements managed to avoid stoppages at Madrids Barajas and Ibiza airports. But industrial action at El Prat over the last week now looks set to spread to other airports.

Labor unions blame AENA for subcontracting out security at its airports to the lowest bidder. The security staff at El Prat who have staged partial stoppages this week, along with a de facto go slow, are employed by Eulen, which won the contract to handle security controls at El Prat last year.

The reality is that situation is a powder keg that could easily spread. Workers are sick and tired of putting up with a sector that is increasingly precarious, said Diego Barragan of the Workers Commissions union (CCOO).

Public Works minister Inigo de la Serna during a press conference on Thursday afternoon. KIKO HUESCA (EFE)

On Thursday, security staff at Barcelonas El Prat airport rejected a solution to their dispute over pay and conditions proposed by the regional government of Catalonia.

Employees of Eulen voted on a deal that was accepted both by Eulen and AENA, the Spanish airports authority.

The offer included a significant increase in personnel, including adding a fifth guard in every security line. It also raised the salary increase to an average of 11%, which comes to a raise of up to 200 per month. So far, the company had only offered 150, with the workers committee asking for 350.

Negotiations will now continue: there will be partial stoppages over the weekend, and from Monday, unless a solution is found, an indefinite strike will be called.

The dispute could spread to other areas that are subcontracted out, such as cleaning services

Eulen-employed security staff voted for a 250 salary rise and for 15 salary payments over the course of the year. Union representatives blame AENA for awarding the contract to manage security controls at El Prat to Eulen last year, which had formerly been run by security firm Prosegur. New staff start on a monthly wage of 800, while workers with the highest seniority earn 1,100. The regional governments deal would have seen workers earn up to 200 extra a month, in 12 payments a year.

Security staff at A Coruna who are employed by Eulen are demanding a pay increase and an end to extending the afternoon shift. In Santiago, where staff are employed by Prosegur, the call is for a minimum six-hour payment for staff working shorter shifts.

At Madrids Adolfo Suarez-Barajas Airport, some members of the security staff have set up their own association, and have said they will call stoppages. The dispute could spread to other areas that are subcontracted out, such as cleaning services.

AENA itself also faces the possibility of strike action, with labor unions threatening 24-hour stoppages at airports throughout the country from September 15 if management does not start talks on improving pay and conditions before August 16.

English version by Nick Lyne.
CUP regional deputy Anna Gabriel announces her party's campaign for the independence referendum on October 1. MIRIAM LAZARO

Catalonias far-left pro-independence movement launched its election campaign on Thursday ahead of the planned October 1 referendum on the northeastern region seceding from Spain with the slogan: Sweep them away, disobedience and self-determination, Catalan nations.

At an open-air event held in front of Barcelonas Chamber of Commerce, Anna Gabriel and Mireia Vehi  both deputies in the Catalan regional parliament for the Candidatura dUnitat Popular (CUP), a small anti-capitalist party that supports leaving the euro zone and holds the key to power in the region  defended the need to disobey the Spanish state.

We want to bring down the structures of power that stimulate inequality and privilege CUP manifesto

Holding the referendum, driving the constituent process and the construction of a new republic is only possible through the exercise of disobedience against unjust laws, said Gabriel.

CUPs campaign includes Arran, a radical student group that has been involved in a number of attacks against tourist infrastructure in Barcelona and the Balearic Islands in recent months.

We want to bring down the structures of power that stimulate inequality and privilege, reads the campaign manifesto. Lets sweep away capitalism, the patriarchy, corruption and the monarchy. Lets decide our own future, lets disobey unjust laws to build a free, independent and socialist republic, it concludes.

CUP's poster, left, and Lenin, right.

The campaign is supported by a poster that shows a map of Catalonia, Valencia and the Balearics. A woman is sweeping away around a dozen figures who supposedly represent economic and political power, among them Spains King Felipe, his sister Princess Cristina, former Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, and Artur Mas, the former head of the regional government of Catalonia, and who has driven the independence process over the last decade.

Similarities between the poster and one dating from the Russian Revolution showing Lenin were immediately pointed out on social networks.

English version by Nick Lyne.
Aziza has spent the last 36 hours sleeping rough and hasnt eaten or drunk anything. One of the 3,000 or so Moroccan porters  mostly women  who make around 5 euros a day transporting huge bundles of duty free goods from Spain into Morocco, she is trapped in the Spanish exclave city of Ceuta, in North Africa.

Porters wait at El Tarajal after the crossing was closed to goods. J. Sanchez

The sudden closure of the Spanish side of the El Tarajal border on Wednesday in response to a major security breach that saw some 187 undocumented migrants rush through early on Monday morning caught her in Spanish territory with no money and no means to return home.

She says she has tried three times to cross the frontier with her lot of winter nightdresses she bought in Ceuta strapped under her clothing. The Civil Guard send me back when they see what I am carrying, but I have to try. I cannot go home without money, she explains.

Were poor, and well have to stay here, with no food and nowhere to sleep until they let us pass

Aziza, a Moroccan porter

Around 300 or so other women in her situation are currently trapped in a business area next to the border where they buy goods to take into Morocco. They have nowhere to go, and can only wait until August 16 at the earliest, when the Spanish authorities say they should have finished strengthening security at the border to prevent any further mass breaches like the one seen on Monday.

A few streets away from Aziza, Fatika sits on the ground, surrounded by bras she hopes to take into Morocco. She is desperate, and angry: They have no right to do this. If we are already here, why not let us take our bundles? My two children are at home. I have to feed them and I need the 12 I make from doing this.

Trade in the business zone  which sells everything from foodstuffs and clothing, to household products  has ground to a halt. The Spanish side of the El Tarajal crossing, which is normally gridlocked with the 12,000 or so vehicles that pass through each day loaded with goods, is virtually free of traffic.

The inadequate security at El Tarajal was highlighted by Mondays mass breach, and the Spanish authorities, working in conjunction with their Moroccan counterparts, say the only way they can improve security along the fence is by deploying officers normally assigned to the goods crossing.

The pressure here is increasing all the time

Juan Carlos Linares, with the Ceuta Spanish police

Spanish government sources estimate there are around 1,500 mainly African men and women hiding in the forested hillsides around Ceuta, waiting for their opportunity to enter Spanish territory. Other sources put the figure as high as 3,000.

This is not the first time El Tarajal has been closed to goods. In May, the stampedes that followed the opening of a second crossing obliged the authorities to impose order. But this is the first time the border has been closed in response to the mounting numbers of mainly African migrants desperate to make their way into Spanish territory.

The pressure here is increasing all the time, says Juan Carlos Linares, with the Ceuta Spanish police. We calculate that we are lacking around 20% of our workforce, which hasnt been replaced for two weeks, when the pressure on the border was not so great as now, he adds.

Jesus Gonzalez Miaja, with the Ceuta police union, describes the border crossing as old and obsolete.

The Civil Guard send me back when they see what I am carrying, but I have to try. I cannot go home without money Aziza, a Moroccan porter

He says the migrants who stormed through the crossing on Monday morning were able to break a metal gate which is rotten and has had to be welded.

He notes that Moroccan personnel were unable to warn their Spanish counterparts of the migrants, not just because they were running, but because the crossing point is narrow and makes it difficult to deploy security forces. Officers at the checkpoint say the authorities have been promising year after year to improve the facilities there.

So far this week, there have been four attempts by large groups of migrants to breach the frontier.

Meanwhile, Fatika and Aziza will have to wait, sleeping rough on the beach at El Tarajal.

Were poor, and well have to stay here, with no food and nowhere to sleep until they let us pass. Well have to put up with it, says Aziza, close to tears. She staggers to her feet, straps her packets of nightdresses on and makes another bid to cross into Morocco. Lets see if Im lucky this time.

English version by Nick Lyne.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 11

Trend:

Solemn closing ceremony of the Sea Cup-2017 international competition, organized in Baku as part of the 3rd International Army Games, was held in the Training and Educational Center of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan on August 11.

Ceremony was attended by teams of the participating countries, representatives of the public, servicemen and representatives of foreign countries accredited in Azerbaijan.

At the beginning of the ceremony video clip dedicated to Azerbaijan and the Sea Cup-2017 international competition was demonstrated.

The national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played and the national flag of the country was raised.

Followed by flag bearers coming onto the square, Azerbaijani fanfares announced the beginning of the closing ceremony.

The judges panel and teams were cordially invited to the ceremony.

The cup of the international competition and flags of the participating countries were placed on the site.

After that, the winners of the Sea Cup-2017 international competition were announced and were invited to the honorable pedestal.

Azerbaijans Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant General Karim Valiyev and Russias Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant General Alexander Fomin presented awards to the teams.

National anthems of Azerbaijan and Russia were played in honor of the teams of Azerbaijan and Russia, which took the first place in the competition.

Delivering his speech at the ceremony, Karim Valiyev greeted the event participants and conveyed to them congratulations of the Azerbaijans Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov.

Noting the high level of the Sea Cup-2017 international competition, Valiyev emphasized that the event has served as the rapprochement between the military sailors of the Caspian countries, the amplification of mutual trust and cooperation, and the creation of a brotherly and friendly atmosphere between the military servicemen.

Wishing all the participants success, the deputy defense minister announced the Sea Cup-2017 international competition as closed.

Then, with the participation of a representative from each team, flags of the 3rd International Army Games and the Sea Cup-2017 competition were lowered.

After the closing ceremony, the final press conference, with participation of heads of delegations of the participating countries, members of the Judicial Commission, as well as local and foreign journalists, was held.

During the press conference, the participants were fully informed about the conditions created for the high-level competition, technical support team, work of the judges panel and team results for the stages and episodes of the competition. Then all questions of journalists were answered.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 11

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Azerbaijani Expressbank (EB) OJSCs long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'B' with a stable outlook.

The affirmation of EBs ratings reflects only limited changes to its credit profile over the last 12 months, according to a Fitch report.

The ratings reflect EBs solid capital buffer, still reasonable, albeit moderately deteriorating, asset quality, limited exposure to foreign currency lending and ample liquidity, said the report. The stable outlook reflects Fitchs expectation that, despite the potential for some further asset quality deterioration, this should be covered by pre-impairment profits and additionally mitigated by the banks solid capital buffer.

EBs corporate loan book (55 percent of gross loans at the end of the first quarter of 2017) is reportedly performing with zero NPLs (non-performing loans), Fitch noted.

It almost entirely consists of exposures to the banks main corporate shareholder and its subsidiaries (79 percent), including a large construction company, said the report. In addition, EB issued a 30 million manats uncovered guarantee in favor of these related companies.

Total related-party exposure decreased to 139 million manats at the end of the first quarter of 2017 from 192 million manats at the end of 2015, and may decrease further due to the gradual phasing-in (by mid-2018) of the regulatory deduction of related-party exposures from Tier 1 capital for capital adequacy purposes, said the report. These borrowers reportedly target repaying foreign currency loans first, thus also reducing EBs foreign currency risks.

Retail NPLs decreased significantly to 6 percent of total retail loans at the end of the first quarter of 2017 from a high 20 percent at the end of the first half of 2016, due to large write-offs, the report said. However, NPL generation increased in the first quarter of 2017 to 17 percent from 11 percent in 2016.

EB is funded by customer deposits (87 percent of total liabilities at the end of the first quarter of 2017), according to the report.

Positive rating action for EB would be contingent on substantial franchise development through growth of third-party business, a reduction in volumes of operations with affiliated parties and a moderation of asset quality risks, Fitch said.

The banks long-term IDR was affirmed at 'B', outlook stable, short-term IDR was affirmed at 'B', Viability Rating was affirmed at 'b', Support Rating was affirmed at '5' and Support Rating Floor was affirmed at 'No Floor', the report said.

Expressbank was founded in 1989. Besides Baku, the banks branches also operate in Sumgait, Ganja, Mingachevir, Barda, Gusar, Khachmaz and Shirvan. Expressbank has installed about 90 ATMs across the country, 7,500 POS-terminals and nearly 400 ExpressPay payment terminals.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 11

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

In January-July 2017, investment company Unicapital led the ranking of brokers in the Azerbaijani market of public and corporate securities, said the Baku Stock Exchange.

The investment company provided brokerage services worth 2.64 billion manats during the reporting period.

PASHA Capital took second place with the rendered services worth nearly 1.49 billion manats.

PASHA Capital is followed by InvestAZ, which rendered services worth 1.29 billion manats in January-July 2017.

Below is the ranking of brokers in Azerbaijans securities market in terms of services rendered in January-July 2017:

Brokers name Value of brokerage services (AZN) Brokers current place in terms of services volume Unicapital 2,641,768,651.69 1 PASHA Capital 1,488,117,319.43 2 InvestAZ 1,289,838,797.62 3 AzFinance 1,083,250,901.79 4 PSG-Capital 137,502,128.58 5 Capital Management 53,258,857.95 6

(1.7007 AZN = 1 USD on Aug. 11)
Within the frames of its comprehensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, Nar presented valuable prizes to the students, who have demonstrated the highest results during the examinations for entrance to higher education institutions, by scoring 700 points.

At the awarding ceremony, jointly organized with modern.az and held on 10th of August, with participation of public and media representatives, 15 top successful young applicants of the year, representing various regions of Azerbaijan, were presented the latest model smartphones, along with free balance for internet and calls from Nar.

The guests of the ceremony acquired a chance to get acquainted and personally congratulate the enrollees. The head of public relations department of Nar Aziz Akhundov congratulated the young enrollees and wished them success in their future careers: We are very happy to congratulate our young enrollees with this great success. It was achieved by strong determination and great diligence of these newly enrolled students. We are confident that this accomplishment will serve as a motivation for other young people and allow them to gain even greater achievements in the future added Aziz Akhundov.

Education is one of the most important directions of the Nars CSR strategy. Fostering the aptitude of knowledge among young generation and motivating them for education is one of the main objectives, pursued by the mobile operator. One of such motivational programs is being implemented within the frames of cooperation agreement signed with the Azerbaijan Technical University. Thus, the mobile operator created a Nar GSM lab at the university, by supplying it with the most advanced GSM equipment.

Moreover, the best students of the radio technology and communications faculty were provided with special gifts. Attaching special importance to the development of education and enlightenment, with this initiative Nar continues to motivate students to be even more successful in their studies.

Azerfon company started its operations on March 21, 2007, under the Nar Mobile brand name, and within a short period of time became one of the leading companies of the telecommunications and mobile communication industry of Azerbaijan. The Nar brand name was later selected as the symbol that resembles the cohesion of the rich cultural and historical heritage of Azerbaijan with the modern life. Nar was the first company in the country to introduce 3G technology and has provided the customers with a wide 4G network coverage. With more than 2,3 million customers and large network of over 6000 base stations, covering 99% of the countrys territory, Nar provides its subscribers with the highest quality services.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 11

By Kamila Aliyeva  Trend:

Prime Minister of Belarus Andrei Kobyakov will pay a working visit to Kazakhstan August 12-14, BelTA reported.

Statement was made by the Spokesman for the Belarusian Prime Minister Vladislav Sychevich.

Meeting between Kobyakov and his Kazakh counterpart Bakytzhan Sagintayev is expected to take place Aug. 13, during which the issues of bilateral cooperation within integration associations will be discussed.

Both officials will participate in the opening of "Made in Belarus" stand at the Astana Expo 2017 and Belarus-Kazakhstan business forum.

Kobyakov is set to attend the official opening ceremony of the National Day of Belarus at the Astana Expo 2017 World Fair.

Belarusian Prime Minister will also take part in the meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council scheduled for Aug. 14.

Eurasian Economic Union is an international organization for regional economic integration. Its members are Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 11

By Azer Ahmadbayli  Trend:

Enormous quantities of natural gas are concentrated in one limited (Caspian) region. The nations that own it  Russia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan  each has its market to sell the gas, but all of them would willingly diversify their gas export in order not to depend on one customer.

On August 1, Iran inaugurated a 170-km Damghan-Sari pipeline with 40 million mcm/d of carrying capacity, a source in Irans Oil Ministry told Trend. The project is worth about $250 million. The pipeline will enable to transport gas to six north-eastern regions: Semnan, Golestan, Mazandaran, North Khorasan, Khorasan Razavi, and South Khorasan. Irans gas production capacity in northeast regions stands at about 14 bcm/y, about 12 bcm/y less than the demand.

Irans oil minister and top gas industry officials took part in the event, the source said, adding that the pipeline will lessen dependence on Turkmen gas import in northeast regions.

Iran imported about 5.86 bcm of gas from Turkmenistan during 2016, about 53 percent less than the previous year, according to an official document prepared by Iran's Oil Ministry. In early 2017, gas export was completely stopped due to a $1.8 billion debt dispute between the states.

Tehran, at least verbally, was making contradictory statements during the last several years about importing Turkmen gas  from calls to completely abandon the deliveries to assurance that Iran will definitely continue buying it. But whatever Iranian officials say, in the long term Turkmen gas will remain a direct rival for that of Iran in south-eastern (IP pipeline vs. TAPI) and European (Iran is firmly against construction of Trans-Caspian pipeline) directions. After all the South Pars phases are put into operation, Iran will have volumes sufficient for feeding north-eastern provinces, as well as for exporting its own gas to Pakistan and/or Europe in case of need.

Now what do we have on hand for Turkmen gas export? In early 2016, Russia canceled gas import agreement with Ashgabat and is no more the buyer of Turkmen gas. Iran, as it was mentioned above, may say one day that it does not need Turkmen gas anymore.

By having built three branches of the Central Asia-China gas pipeline and building now the Line D of it, China requires more gas from Turkmenistan. In 2016, according to BP Statistical Review of World Energy, China imported 29.4 bcm of Turkmen gas. So, for the time being, Turkmenistan is left alone with the Red Dragon, which became a single customer of Turkmen gas.

It is wrong to believe that Ashgabat does not realize the potential consequences of having a single gas buyer. No doubt, Ashgabat would be happy to have alternative routes, but how to get hold of them?

Turkmenistan still has an option to diversify its gas export, particularly to the West. To achieve this goal, Ashgabat has to change its persisting, since the time it gained independence, concept of selling gas on border. The second critical thing to change to improve the current situation is to allow the Majors get stakes in projects of development of giant onshore gas fields, such as Galkynysh. By the by, Chinas CNPC is the sole foreign company to have a PSA type contract with Ashgabat for the development of an onshore gas field (2007, Bagtyyarlyk contract area).

Authorization for PSA type contracts would radically arouse the Majors interest in commercialization of gas export, including field development and construction of export pipelines. International financial institutions will also contribute. New contracts, if signed, should take account of Turkmenistans national interests.

The EU can also play a certain role in development of closer relations with Turkmenistan. This can be done through the support to Turkmenistans international initiatives made as far back as in 2008, concerning implementation of international legal instrument under the auspices of UN on provision of energy resources to the world markets.

The European support should be not in the form of verbal solidarity with the Ashgabats suggestion or another routine UN resolution, but in the form of practical steps resulting in a system of guarantees allowing Turkmenistan and other smaller countries pursue more independent energy policy.

If such mechanism runs, Turkmenistan can address the needs of western oil companies giving them a foot in the door to Turkmen giant gas reserves, and for the foreseeable future Turkmen gas may appear in European gas network.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Aug. 11

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

The Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan (FRDU) will open a credit line for commercial banks of the country in the total amount of $50 million to co-finance import contracts concluded as part of investment projects on building modern hotels, recreation areas, recreational complexes and other tourist infrastructure facilities, implemented by business entities in the tourism industry.

This is stipulated by the recently adopted decree of Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev On Measures to Expand the Sources of Financing Investment Projects for the Creation of Modern Tourism and Recreational Complexes in the Tashkent Region.

The FRDU was instructed to ensure, within a month, the opening of targeted credit lines to authorized commercial banks of the country in order to allocate loans to business entities of the tourism industry.

The document envisages that the loans will be issued for a period of up to 10 years, including a grace period of up to three years, at a six-month LIBOR [The London Interbank Offered Rate] rate plus two percent per year and a refinancing bank margin of 0.5 percent per year.

The share of co-financing by the FRDU-allocated targeted credit lines is up to 50 percent of the project cost and no more than $10 million per investment project.

The loan is granted solely on the basis of decisions made by the authorized commercial banks on the economic and financial feasibility of implementing an investment project among those included in the development program of the Tashkent regions tourism industry.

The Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan was created in 2006 to finance and co-finance projects included in the state investment program.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Aug. 11

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Under a decision of the Uzbek president, Abdusaid Kuchimov has been appointed as new director general of Uzbekistan National News Agency (UzA), the agency told Trend.

Kuchimov headed the countrys National Television and Radio Company in 1997-2005. He has also served as editor-in-chief of the Khabar newspaper of Uzbekistans Ministry for Development of Information Technologies and Communications since 2006.

Meanwhile, Mamatkul Khazratkulov, who has headed the UzA agency since 2001, has become the head of the media sector in the Uzbek presidents office.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Aug. 11

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

The International Conference on Security and Sustainable Development in Central Asia under the aegis of UN will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in November 2017, said Petko Draganov, head of UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), Aug. 11.

Draganov has arrived in Tashkent to participate in the conference, titled Central Asia  the main priority of the foreign policy of Uzbekistan.

UNRCCA is determined to continue cooperation with the government of Uzbekistan in this area, noted Draganov.

Agenda of the forum, titled Central Asia: One Past and a Common Future, Cooperation for Sustainable Development and Mutual Prosperity, will include topical issues of strengthening peace and stability in Central Asia, development of regional cooperation, as well as the contribution of international structures, primarily UN, to the implementation of sustainable development projects.

It is important to remember that Central Asia is not only a geographical and geopolitical, but also a single cultural and civilized space. Nations living in the region are bound by common spiritual values, similarity of national traditions and customs, and common historical past, said Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov addressing the conferences opening ceremony.

As a result of the conference, it is planned to adopt a joint communique calling on the UN General Assembly to adopt a resolution on ensuring peace, security and sustainable development in Central Asia.

The conference is expected to be attended by foreign ministers, heads of leading international and regional organizations.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 11

By Kamila Aliyeva Trend:

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree "On establishment of small industrial zones in the Tashkent region," according to the information published on the official website of the head of state.

It is aimed at full usage of the rich natural, economic, mineral resources, scientific-technical and industrial potential of the region.

The document also supports and encourages the development of new competitive industrial and small private enterprises, the amplification of industrial cooperation, creation of new jobs and augmentation of incomes.

Small industrial zones (SIZ) will be created on the basis of production areas and land plots, according to the decree.

Immovable state property located on the SIZ territory, will be given to businesses on the terms of the long-term lease for a period of 10 years, with the subsequent extension of the rights for ownership.

All of the mentioned above will be subjected to the implementation of business plans, creation and preservation of jobs, timely allocation of all relevant taxes and other mandatory payments.

Zero rated rent is set for the use of immovable state property located on the SIZ territory.

The Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan will allocate funds for the purchase of imported equipment and components for the SIZ development.

Loan payments will be made in national currency at the exchange rate of Uzbek Central Bank on the maturity date, in accordance with repayment schedules.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 11

By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:

An official with Iranian Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association has expressed the readiness of the manufacturers to cooperate with Azerbaijani counterparts.

Secretary of the Iranian Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association Mohammad Reza Najafi-Manesh in an interview with Trend touched upon existing cooperation between Iranian leading carmaker, Iran Khodro, and Azerbaijans AzEuroCar LLC, and said his countrys auto parts makers are capable of working in collaboration with the Azerbaijani industrialists.

He added that Iranian and European firms have already formed more than 50 joint ventures for producing car parts in the Islamic Republic.

According to the official, there are about 1,200 auto parts suppliers in Iran.

Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Javad Jahangirzadeh had earlier told Trend that the Iranian and Azerbaijani carmakers are expected to launch their joint venture in early September and the first products of the plant in Azerbaijans Neftchala Industrial Quarter is expected to hit the market in autumn.

In 2016, Azerbaijans AzEuroCar LLC and Iran Khodro signed an agreement to create a joint car plant in the Neftchala Industrial Quarter. The plant with a capacity of about 10,000 cars per year will produce four Iranian car brands  Dena, Runna, Soren and Samand. The project is worth $15 million.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 11

By Emil Ilgar  Trend:

Some editors of Irans Ammariyon news and analytical portal have been charged with cooperation with Israel's Mossad spy agency and arrested, member of the Parliament Mahmoud Sadeghi tweeted Aug. 11.

Ammariyon website belongs to hardliners and is set as one of the harshest critics of Iranian President Hassan Rouhanis administration.

Mahmoud Sadeghi said that during his meeting with Iranian officials, related to the investigation of Telegram admins, he was informed by them that, some editors of the Ammariyon website have been arrested and charged with cooperation with Mossad.

Names of the arrested editors have not been released.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 11

By Emil Ilgar  Trend:

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will advocate for the proposed Cabinet to the Parliament on August 15.

Presidents Parliamentary Deputy Hossein-Ali Amiri told IRNA that the list of proposed ministers has been submitted to the Parliament on Aug. 8 and Rouhani will attend the parliamentary session to advocate for the nominees.

Rouhani has presented to the Parliament a list of 17 nominees for the ministerial positions of his new Cabinet for the second term of his presidency.

New list differs from the previously proposed Cabinet and more than half of ministers have been changed.

List of ministers:

Bijan Namdar Zanganeh  Oil minister

Mohammad Javad Zarif  Foreign minister

Masoud Karbasian  Finance minister (new)

Mahmoud Alawi  Intelligence minister

Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi  minister of Information and Communications Technology (new)

Mohammad Bathaei  minister of Education (new)

Hassan Hashemi  minister of Healthcare and Medical Education (new)

Ali Rabeei  minister of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare

Mahmoud Hojjati  minister of agriculture

Alireza Avaei  minister of Justice (new)

Amir Hatami  minister of Defence (new)

Abbas Akhoundi  minister of Roads and Urban development

Mohammad Shariatmadari  minister of Industries and Business (new)

Abbas Salehi  minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance (new)

Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli  minister of Interior

Habibollah Bitaraf  minister of Energy (new)

Masoud Soltanifar  minister of Youth Affairs and Sports

The name of a nominee for minister of Science, Research and Technology position is not included in the list and will be announced later.
Tehran, Iran, Aug 11

By Mehdi Sepahvand  Trend:

Any party to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that violates it will have to pay a heavily cost, has warned Abbas Araqchi, Irans Deputy Foreign Minister.

Speaking to the congregation of Japans Sasakawa Peace Foundation academicians, Iranian diplomat said that the United States sanctions imposed on Iran on the pretext of missile tests are unacceptable, IRNA news agency reported, Aug 11.

Irans missile program is merely defensive and deterrent, he said, stressing that Iran is one of the safest and most stable countries in the Middle East which finds strength only in its own people.

Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council  United States, Britain, France, Russia and China  plus Germany have reached JCPOA on July 14, 2015 and began implementing it in January 2016.

The UN Security Council later unanimously endorsed a resolution that effectively turned JCPOA into international law.

In accordance with the agreement, limitations were put on Irans nuclear activities in exchange for, among other things, the removal of all nuclear-related bans against the Islamic Republic.

Nonetheless, the United States Senate and Treasury Department have imposed new sanctions against the Islamic Republic, as well as several Iranian companies and individuals in recent months over its national missile program, which is not considered by Iran to be a breach of JCPOA.

Araqchis comments, which described US recent behavior as acts of terror and adventurism in the region, came as the Iranian Parliament is set to vote on a motion which incorporates a host of retaliatory measures against the United States.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 11

By Kamila Aliyeva  Trend:

The meetings between US and Russian top-officials will positively impact the situation in the Middle East region, Shady Alkhaer, expert in Middle Eastern studies at King's College London, told Trend.

Expert noted that the United States approach to Russia can be described as two-dimensional.

On the one hand, there is the Republican-dominated congress that is trying to impose further sanctions on Russia and pull Trump administration away from establishing contacts with Russian officials, Alkhaer said.

The other side of the coin is comprised of Trump and his administration trying to engage Russia positively, which actually resulted in several successful ceasefires in Syria, according to the expert.

I think regular Lavrov-Tillerson meetings will have a positive impact on the US engagement in Syria and Middle East. At the same time, they will help in furthering cooperation and joint work against IS, he added.

Nevertheless, this depends on the extent to which the Congress can disrupt Trump-Russia contacts, Alkhaer noted.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson held a meeting in Manila on Aug. 6. It was the first meeting between the officials since US imposed a new set of sanctions against Russia, Aug. 2. Both sides vowed for continuation of dialogue for improving ties between the countries.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 11

By Kamila Aliyeva Trend:

The US sanctions against Russia are quite 'soft' and, therefore, position of Congress cannot be viewed as something incompatible with Trumps intention to improve Moscow-Washington ties, Andrea Falconi, security and political analyst, told Trend.

United States is still the only superpower in a full scale, that is economically, militarily and politically, while Russia is a regional superpower, he noted.

Although due to Russias geographical extension, being regional means being present in almost all the world (Caucasus, East and Central Asia, Middle East, Europe, Arctic region, etc.), says the expert.

Therefore, it is normal that US has to talk with Russia on numerous issues. Their relations imply talking on world economy, security, oil and gas market, etc., he said with regards to recent Tillerson-Lavrov meeting.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson held a meeting in Manila Aug. 6. It was the first meeting between the officials since US imposed a new set of sanctions against Russia Aug. 2. Both sides vowed for continuation of dialogue in order to improve ties between the two countries.

Falconi further noted that the economic sanctions, mainly supported by the Congress, are there just for the Ukraine issue.

Thus, the sanction regime will continue, confined in the form of soft sanctions, as it is impossible to enlarge them. The Congress position is not something incompatible with Trump's improving ties with Russia, he said.

Moreover, US president has to do so in the fields of military cooperation, especially in East Asia, as they have opposite interests in Middle East, on radical terrorism, and, last but not least, within the OPEC, where there are problems related to the detriment of relations between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, according to the expert.
At least 10 people were killed and 20 others were injured in a gunmen attack on worshipers at a madrassah (educational institution) in Afghanistan's northeastern province of Takhar, Sputnik reported. citing local media.

The attack took place inside the madrassah in the province's Chah Aab district just after completion of Friday prayers, the Tolo news broadcaster reported.

According to the media outlet, a member of the Takhar Provincial Council said, on the condition of anonymity, that at least 29 people were killed in the attack, which contradicts the information provided by Takhar governors spokesman Sunatullah Temor who said that the assault had claimed the lives of three people.

The Chah Aab district has recently experienced a confrontation between two local commanders, the broadcaster noted.

Afghanistan has long been suffering from significant political, social and security instability, aggravated by the activity of the Taliban and the Daesh terrorist groups. The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces supported by the US-led coalition have been conducting joint operations to combat terrorism across the country.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 11

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Turkey hopes that it will be possible to avoid a military confrontation between the US and North Korea, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, the countrys media reported Aug. 11.

Any military clash is fraught with bloody consequences, said the president of Turkey.

He warned that unpredictable consequences may arise in case of a military confrontation between the US and North Korea.

On Aug. 10, North Korea officials said in a statement released by the countrys state-run KCNA news agency that the US will suffer a shameful defeat and final doom if it persists in extreme military adventure, sanctions and pressure.

Earlier, on Aug. 9, North Korea said it is "carefully examining" plans for a missile strike on the US Pacific territory of Guam, just hours after US President Donald Trump said that any threat to the US would be met with "fire and fury".

In another statement citing a military spokesman, North Korea also accused the US of devising a "preventive war" and said any plans to execute this would be met with an "all-out war wiping out all the strongholds of enemies, including the US mainland."

The UN Security Council unanimously imposed new sanctions on North Korea on Aug. 5 over its continued missile tests.
By Myat Thura, KYODO NEWS - Aug 11, 2017 - 20:03 | World, All

The Myanmar government on Friday organized a forum on transition to democracy, with its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, calling for "practical" ways to steer the country along the challenging path towards becoming a democratic nation after suffering decades of military rule.

Speaking at the opening session of a forum on Myanmar's democratic transition held in the capital Napyitaw, Suu Kyi highlighted the importance of achieving peace and public participation in the country's transition, saying only a democratically elected government could move the country towards a democratic goal.

The three-day forum, organized by the Ministry of Information with support from international and local partners, brings together more than 30 speakers from Myanmar and abroad, and is attended by about 200 people including activists, businesspeople, civil society leaders, lawmakers, Cabinet ministers and government officials, and diplomats.

The forum, covering topics such as the transition from military to civilian rule, from a centralized to market economy, and from war to peace, is the first of its kind to be held since Suu Kyi's administration assumed authority in April last year, after her party's landslide victory in the 2015 general election.

Suu Kyi, who is now leading Myanmar's first genuine civilian government, said in her speech that achieving peace is "the most important" task for her government in managing through the democratic transition.

She said she "disagrees" with those who say economic development should be prioritized over peace to bring prosperity to the people, although development is necessary for lasting peace.

"Without peace there will be no sustainable development and the same is true that without the development, peace would not be lasting. We shall work to achieve both at the same time," she said.

Myanmar has been marred by insurgencies involving ethnic minorities living in its north, east and southern frontier areas bordering China and Thailand.

A year after Suu Kyi's government came to power, the business community has started expressing frustration over the relatively slow economic development.

The new government has been criticized for placing priority on ending the decades-long conflict over managing the economy with clear policies creating conducive environments for foreign investments.

Suu Kyi in her speech said the transition to democracy is always a simple but challenging process and there are many lessons for Myanmar to be learned from the experience of other countries that went through similar reforms.

"I'd like to urge all joining this forum to explore the best ways and means to get through this very simple but highly challenging path of transition to democracy for our country," she added.
KYODO NEWS - Aug 11, 2017 - 21:51 | All

The Defense Ministry said Friday it will allow the U.S. military to fly Ospreys in Japan, accepting U.S. assurances that the tilt-rotor aircraft is safe despite a fatal crash off the coast of Australia last week.

Four Ospreys flew on Friday afternoon to Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan from the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, possibly to transport U.S. military personnel taking part in a Japan-U.S. drill in Hokkaido, according to a Japanese government source.

The ministry decision was announced a day after the U.S. Marine Corps said in a statement that it had determined that Ospreys are "safe to fly," and the aircraft resumed operations after a 48-hour pause.

An MV-22 Osprey crashed off the eastern coast of Australia on Saturday, killing three U.S. Marines. That plane was based at Futenma in Okinawa, which hosts the bulk of U.S. military facilities in Japan.

The crash rekindled concern in Japan about the safety of Ospreys as Tokyo and Washington step up efforts to conduct training involving the aircraft outside Okinawa.

Last December an MV-22 Osprey crash-landed in waters off the main island of Okinawa -- the first major accident involving the aircraft in Japan.

The joint military drill in Hokkaido, which began Thursday and continues through Aug. 28, was supposed to involve six MV-22 Ospreys from Futenma. Ospreys have not taken part in the training so far amid heightened local concerns, but the two countries are still looking to have the aircraft join the drill.

"It is extremely regrettable that the aircraft flew (to Misawa Base) even though we have repeatedly demanded that the aircraft should remain grounded," Aomori Gov. Shingo Mimura said.

The Defense Ministry plans to explain to Hokkaido and other local municipalities hosting U.S. military bases its decision to allow the aircraft to resume flying.
KYODO NEWS - Aug 11, 2017 - 19:07 | World, All

A South Korean court on Friday ordered Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. to pay four Korean victims of wartime forced labor a total of 470 million won (about $411,000) in compensation.

The Gwangju District Court ordered the firm to pay 150 million won to Oh Cheol Seok, a younger brother of late victim Oh Kil Ae; 120 million won to 87-year-old victim Kim Jae Rim; and 100 million won each to victims Yang Young Soo, 86, and Shim Sun Ae, 87, according to Yonhap News Agency.

"Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' forcible mobilization of the plaintiffs into producing war materials constitutes inhumane illegal activities that are an active involvement in the unlawful colonial occupation and war of aggression," the court said, according to Yonhap.

Friday's ruling followed a similar ruling that the Gwangju District Court delivered in favor of forced labor victims in damages suits against Mitsubishi Heavy earlier this week.

On Tuesday, the same court directed the firm to pay 85-year-old Kim Yong Ok and a family member of the late Choi Jong Rye a total of around 123.20 million won.

A string of district court rulings have found in favor of those forced to work for Japanese firms following a landmark May 2012 decision by the Supreme Court.

Reversing previous court decisions, the top court ruled that the right of former forced workers and their families to seek withheld wages and compensation was not invalidated by a 1965 Japan-South Korea agreement that Tokyo claims settled all postwar compensation claims, prompting plaintiffs to seek damages in South Korea.

Japan maintains that all individual compensation claims were settled with that treaty, under which South Korea and Japan normalized their relations. Mitsubishi Heavy has argued in the past in court in South Korea that the plaintiffs' claim should be rejected on this basis.
Two August Meetings to Address Hawaii's Vulnerability to Sea-Level Rise

The meeting seek residents' input as state officials develop a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report for the 2018 Hawaii State Legislature. It will be the first state-wide assessment of the impacts of sea-level rise on Hawaii's coastal areas.

Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources will be holding its fourth and fifth public information meetings on sea level rise vulnerability and adaptation this month. They will take place Aug. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Aupuni Center Conference Room, located at 101 Pauahi Street in Hilo, Hawaii, and Aug. 22 in Kona.

They are part of a series of informational meetings being held statewide to gather comments and input about key issues and concerns regarding preparedness and adaptation. The first meeting was held on Oahu in June 2016, the second one in January 2017 on Kauai, and the third one in March 2017 on Maui. The agency wants the public to understand how climate change could affect Hawaiians' way of life; rising sea levels are expected to increase the occurrence and severity of coastal erosion and flooding and to threaten coastal communities and natural resources concentrated along low-lying shores.

"We are in the process of developing a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report that is to be submitted in anticipation of the 2018 Hawaii State Legislature, and we are interested in soliciting input from our island communities to help us complete the report," said DLNR Chair Suzanne Case.

"This SLR Report is the first state-wide assessment of the impacts of sea-level rise on our coastal areas. Using the best available scientific knowledge and local experience, it will help us prepare for future sea level rise and present recommendations to reduce our exposure to SLR hazards, such as erosion and extreme flooding," added Sam Lemmo, co-chair of the Interagency Climate Adaptation Committee.

For more information, contact the Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands at 808-587-0377 or visit http://climateadaptation.hawaii.gov/.
When 23-year-old Jing Lu first moved to New York from Shanghai last year, she had to remind herself to carry a credit card, since she could no longer pay using her smartphone like she did in China.

Lu is one of the 450 million users of Alipay, an online payment service owned by Alibaba (BABA). The Chinese e-commerce giant announced a partnership with Marriott (MAR) on Monday, and selected Marriott hotels around the world will accept Alipay as a payment method.

We want to make this a seamless, easy experiencea big part of that is allowing the Chinese consumer to pay the way they want to pay, Marriott Global Chief Commercial Officer Stephanie Linnartz told Yahoo Finance.

A growing number of Chinese consumers are foregoing cash and credit cards to pay for all sorts of goods like groceries, restaurants, subway cards and electricity bills. Last year, a survey of 1,000 Chinese urban consumers conducted by FT Confidential Research showed that 79.5% respondents use Alipay most frequently, while only 45.5% choose credit cards and 79% use cash.

The reason is simple  who needs an extra card if a single click on your phone can do it all?

Pay with a click online or offline

Chinese consumers pay merchants by scanning QR codes. Anthony Kwan | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Alipay was first launched as an online payment platform in 2014. Like Paypal, it mainly served transactions on Alibabas flagship marketplace, Taobao. As everything goes mobile, people use Alipay app to send money to friends, in a way similar to how people use Venmo in the US.

Later, Alipay expanded to the physical world as it partnered with local stores. Users can make payments by scanning merchants QR codes in the app, and the transaction is done within seconds. (Venmo, on the other hand, can only be used to pay for apps and with select online merchants.)

This month, Alipay also launched Cashless Week, a series of promotions to encourage a cashless society. More than 10 million merchants are reported to have joined the promotion. Alipay also aims to have 1 million partner merchants outside China by 2019.

Story continues

Now the largest online payment gateway in China with over 450 million users, Alipay can also be used like a credit card. It issues credit scores based on purchase records, which may be more than the Chinese central bank collects. The app can grant credits of up to 50,000 RMB ($7,400) as well as serve as an investment account; in fact, Alipay has become the worlds largest money market fund.

In short, Alipay functions like PayPal, Venmo and credit cards combined. And it offers a ton of promotions for consumers  since WeChat, Chinas dominant messaging app, rolled out its own mobile payment service, the two burned millions on coupons and discounts to capture the market share. Consumers once enjoyed 10% off in Walmart (WMT) when they used Alipay, and 7-Eleven gave 10 RMB off to all WeChat users.

Chinas heading to a cashless and cardless society

Chinese Customers wait in line to check out by Alipay to enjoy 50% off up to 50 yuan ($7.74) at a supermarket on December 12, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer

In a nation where cash historically dominates, it appears that Chinese consumers, especially those living in first-tier cities, are moving from cash to digital wallets on their smartphones, largely bypassing payment cards, DBS Banks Sachin Mittal and E&Ys James Lloyd wrote in a report.

Massive smartphone users and low penetration of credit cards make China a preferable environment for mobile payments. China has never become a credit card society like the US. According to Peoples Bank of China, the country had only 0.29 cards per capita by 2015, down from 0.34 a year ago, which is only one-tenth of the number in the US.

Mobile payment apps also help reduce the use of cash. The percentage of cash transactions in Chinas retail consumption dropped from 61% in 2010 to an estimated 37% in 2016, according to financial research firm Kapronasia. In the US, the number of cash transactions dropped to 32% in 2015.

But just like how US banks go after Venmo, Alipay and WeChat Pay also face competition from traditional banks. Rather than absorbing the transaction costs, Alipay started charging 0.1% fees last year for transferring over RMB 20,000 (US$3,000) to bank accounts since last October.

For her part, Jing Lu still misses the convenience of paying everything by phone. She uses a US bank app to send money to friends, and Venmo doesnt seem quite as useful to her as Alipay. I cant use it when I shop in stores anyway, she says.

Krystal Hu covers e-commerce for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter

Read more:

Alibaba wants to be more than the Amazon of China  Yahoo Finance

Think youre buying on Amazon? Its actually from Alibaba

How Amazon is eclipsing Walmarts best efforts to dominate e-commerce
On Thursday, August 10th, NVIDIA (NVDA) will release its second quarter earnings results after the bell. The company is a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), and have a Value, Growth, and Momentum score of F.

Dave will look at NVIDIAs past earnings, take a look at what is currently going on with the company, and give us his thoughts on their upcoming earnings announcement.

Furthermore, Dave will uncover some potential options trades for investors looking to make a play on NVIDIA ahead of earnings.

NVIDIA in Focus

NVIDIA Corporation designs, develops and markets a top-to-bottom family of award-winning 3D graphics processors, graphics processing units and related software that set the standard for performance, quality and features for every type of desktop personal computer user, from professional workstations to low-cost computers. NVIDIA Corporation's 3D graphics processors are used in a wide variety of applications, including games, the Internet and industrial design.

NVIDIA is expected to report earnings at $0.69 per share according to the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Last quarter they beat earnings expectations by 24.24%. They reported earnings at $0.82per share, beating their estimate by $0.16. They have an average earnings surprise of 27.01%.

NVIDIA Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

NVIDIA Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | NVIDIA Corporation Quote

Bottom Line

How should investors play NVIDIA ahead of their earnings report? For insights on the best options trades, then tune in at 1:00pm today to see Davids thoughts.

More Stock News: Tech Opportunity Worth $386 Billion in 2017

From driverless cars to artificial intelligence, we've seen an unsurpassed growth of high-tech products in recent months. Yesterday's science-fiction is becoming today's reality. Despite all the innovation, there is a single component no tech company can survive without. Demand for this critical device will reach $387 billion this year alone, and it's likely to grow even faster in the future.

Zacks has released a brand-new Special Report to help you take advantage of this exciting investment opportunity. Most importantly, it reveals 4 stocks with massive profit potential. See these stocks now>>



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What Were Following

Mixed Messages: North Korea said it was considering using intermediate-range missiles near the U.S. territory of Guam last night, shortly after President Trump promised to respond to threats from the country with fire and fury. It turns out those remarks were improvised, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson denied there was any imminent threat of a North Korean conflict. But even offhand comments from the president can be dangerous when it comes to a volatile regime like Kim Jong Uns. And one thing is certain, writes Eliot Cohen: The U.S. is not prepared to go to war with North Korea.

Political Pressure: Federal agents raided the home of Paul Manafort, Trumps former campaign chair, last month as part of Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference with the U.S. presidential election. The raid suggests Manafort may now be closer to facing criminal charges. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is under attack by Trump and his allies after clashing with the president over his failed plan for health-care reform.

Recommended: How the U.S. Lost Its Mind

Feed the Economy: Food-service jobs, especially those in sit-down restaurants, are booming across the U.S., marking a shift in American workers primary functions over the past few decadesthough the trend may not be a sustainable one. And a D.C. chef shares how he got started in the restaurant business with the help of a mentor before striking out on his own.

Rosa Inocencio Smith

Snapshot

Jackie Lay created this animation for an interview with the comedian W. Kamau Bell, who shares how he came to realize fitting in is overrated. Watch it here.

Evening Read

Sophie Gilbert on how online porn affects consumers:

Given how much debate there is over the current glut of porn, theres surprisingly little research about what its doing to us. Some psychologists and activists state that its grooming young men to interpret violence as normal sexual behavior, and just last year, Republicans added an amendment to their 2016 policy platform defining porn as a public-health crisis. But other mental-health experts liken fear of pornography to a moral panic, arguing that all parents need to do is educate kids that porn is fiction: as alien to real sex as the Olympics are to flip cup. Amid the confusion, writers like [Jon] Ronson and [Tom] Perrotta are picking up the slack, pondering how an abundance of graphic, hardcore sex to view might be changing the world. Their methods are very different, but their deductions align.

Story continues

Keep reading here, as Sophie takes stock of what two new worksa podcast and a novelreveal about the cultural power of porn.

Recommended: Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?

What Do You Know  About Science, Technology, and Health?

Last Thursday, we kicked off our coverage of the total solar eclipse that will cross the United States on August 21. The eclipse is likely to be the largest-ever mass migration to see a natural eventcertainly larger than the crowd who traveled for the 1878 total solar eclipse, an event that helped cement the United States as a scientific power. Readers who have seen more recent eclipses advise first-timers to pack plenty of water and sunscreen. In her classic 1982 essay Total Eclipse, Annie Dillard offers not advice, but poetry: The eyes dried, the arteries drained, the lungs hushed. There was no world. And astronomers who cant observe the world through vision will experience the eclipse through infrared light or sound waves.

Can you remember the other key facts from this weeks science, tech, and health coverage? Test your knowledge below:

1. Of all the sauropods, or long-necked dinosaurs, ____________ were the largest in size.

Scroll down for the answer, or find it here.

2. The chemical propranolol is the active ingredient in drugs called ____________, which are used to treat heart disease and performance anxiety.

Scroll down for the answer, or find it here.

3. The popular ice-cream flavor ____________ was developed as a culinary metaphor for people dealing with the 1929 stock-market crash.

Scroll down for the answer, or find it here.

Recommended: How to Deal With North Korea

Rachel Gutman

Help Us Find the Longest-Running Atlantic Subscription

For our 160th-anniversary issue, were searching for the person whos been subscribing to The Atlantic for the greatest number of years. If you think thats you or someone you know, please fill out this form to tell us how long youve been subscribing, and a little bit about your Atlantic story.

Look Back

On this day in 1945, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Nagasaki. In our August 1980 issue, Futaba Kitayama gave an eyewitness account of the bombing that took place three days earlier at Hiroshima:

Was it the flash that came first, or the sound of the explosion, tearing up my insides? I dont remember. I was thrown to the ground, pinned to the earth, and immediately the world began to collapse around me, on my head, my shoulders. I couldn't see anything. It was completely dark. I thought my last hour had come. I thought of my three children, who had been evacuated to the country to be safe from the raids. I couldn't move; debris kept falling, beams and tiles piled up on top of me. ... A frantic panic gripped me, I wanted to run, but where? Around me was just debris, wooden framing, beams and roofing tiles; there wasn't a single landmark left.

Read more here.

Reader Response

After Jon Emont wrote about the challenges of starting a new religion, we asked readers to share what new religious movements theyve participated in. Jay M. Lee describes his faith:

Thelema is succinctly expressed through the two sentences, Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law, and, Love is the law, love under will. The autonomian aspect attracts me most. Individuals create their own morality, and accept the consequences of their actions. With this accountability, strong communities can form in which the individual search for enlightenment, or self-realization, is balanced with the needs of society as a whole. [Unlike in more established religions,] there is no intercessory between the individual and the divine source of the universe. We can help each other in our paths, but the ultimate responsibility for accomplishing the Great Work is ones own.

Have you been part of a new religious movement? Tell us about your experience here.

Verbs

Fraud perpetrated, lost poems discovered, moon rocks melted, indignation cooled.

Time of Your Life

Happy birthday to Donna (a year younger than the Golden Gate Bridge); to Stellas son Joseph (the same age as the euro); to Richard (a year younger than Monopoly); to Steves son (twice the age of the International Space Station); to Berthanias sister Madeline (who was 18 when the last U.S. ground troops left South Vietnam); and from John to Juniper, who at 6 years old is too young for the life timeline, but just the right age to give good life advice.

Do you or a loved one have a birthday coming up? Sign up for a birthday shout-out here, and click here to explore the Timeline feature for yourself.

Meet The Atlantic Dailys team here. To contact us, email hello@theatlantic.com. Did you get this newsletter from a friend? Sign yourself up here.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Ex-Google engineer James Damore says problems with the companys culture prompted him to write the memo on gender differences that ignited a social media firestorm and led to his dismissal.

Damore, who went from employee to outcast upon the memos circulation, said in his first public comments that he penned the document out of a love for Alphabet Inc.s Google. Damore was a software engineer at the search giants Mountain View headquarters until Monday afternoon, when he said he was fired for perpetuating gender stereotypes. His missive  published internally to Google employees late last week  argued that conservative viewpoints are suppressed at the company and biological differences explain in part why more men work in software engineering than women.

A lot of this came from me seeing some of the problems with our culture at Google, where a lot of people who werent in this group-think just felt totally isolated and alienated, he told YouTube chat-show host Stefan Molyneux in an interview posted online. There were many people that came to me and said, yeah Im thinking of leaving Google because this is getting so bad.

I really thought this was a problem Google had to fix, he added.

Damore Went From Intern to Pariah in Google Tenure Ended by Memo

Damore had stayed largely silent since the weekend, only confirming to a few news outlets including Bloomberg why he believed he was fired and that he was currently exploring legal remedies. In the video, the software engineer revealed he created the document  started on a 12-hour flight during a work trip to China  after attending a secretive diversity training session that rubbed him the wrong way.

There was a lot of just shaming: no, you cant say that. Thats sexist. Theres just so much hypocrisy in a lot of the things that they were saying, he said on the video. I decided to create the document to clarify my thoughts.

Many in Silicon Valley denounced Damores arguments, including Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai, who said Monday in a memo to employees that the engineers manifesto violated Googles Code of Conduct and that suggesting a group of our colleagues have traits that make them less biologically suited to that work is offensive and not OK.

Story continues

But others  mainly right-wing groups  agreed with his description of a politically correct monoculture and in particular, saw Googles decision to fire him for voicing an unpopular opinion as proving exactly his point. Julian Assange tweeted that WikiLeaks would hire Damore, adding Censorship is for losers. Gab.ai, a far-right social network, also offered Damore a job, calling his writing a beautiful work of art. Other supporters raised more than $5,000 on a crowdfunding campaign to help Damore fight his firing.

Damores publicly available biographical details, mostly from his LinkedIn profile, are not all true: He says that he has a Ph.D. from Harvard University in Systems Biology, which his supporters frequently noted as a credential for him to talk about the biological differences between men and women. A Harvard spokeswoman said Damore only completed a masters in systems biology, a field that uses quantitative methods to study biological systems such as cells and organisms. A spokesman for the University of Illinois confirmed he has a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular and cellular biology from 2010. An online resume says he was a competitive chess player and held research positions at Harvard, Princeton University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

An online CV and Facebook profile suggest Damore hails from suburban Chicago. His Facebook page only has a few snippets: an album of charcoal sketches, including portraits of actors Will Smith and Keira Knightley, and posts such as one from 2013 saying how excited he was to be starting a job at Google in Mountain View soon.

Damore, who landed his job at Google by doing well in a coding competition, didnt go into his future plans apart from acknowledging a number of job offers. He did admit the scale of the social media backlash had taken him by surprise, conceding it was a blind spot of his and that he was still struggling to understand the severity of the public reaction.

It still hasnt truly hit me, the enormity of it all, he said.

He reflected on how Silicon Valley culture discourages the airing of right-leaning sentiments.

Definitely those who arent on the left feel like they need to stay in the closet and not really reveal themselves, Damore said in his interview. Those people actually mask and say things they dont believe.
Amid an exchange of threats between North Korea and President Donald Trump, the former's military leadership said it believes the U.S. is devising a plan to overthrow North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and warned Trump that if it's a war he wants, then it's a war he'll get.

The general staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) denounced the recent U.S.-backed U.N. economic sanctions over the country's expanding nuclear and ballistic weapons program. In a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency, an armed forces spokesperson accused the U.S. of being "engrossed in war hysteria without discretion" and Trump specifically of talking up a potential military conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations.

Evoking Mount Paektu, an active volcano considered to be the spiritual home of the Koreas, the official vowed any U.S. military action would be met with overwhelming force.

Related: A North Korea attack would take out Los Angeles, Chicago or New York and be the deadliest in U.S. history

"Under the prevailing grave situation, the General Staff of the KPA clarifies at home and abroad its resolute stand as follows to mercilessly smash all sorts of military provocation being planned by the U.S. imperialist warmongers, with the inexhaustible military might of the powerful revolutionary Paektusan [Mount Paektu] army which has so far been built," the statement read.

"War is by no means a game," it later added.

GettyImages-828182454

KIM WON-JIN/AFP/Getty Images

North Korea has repeatedly claimed to have exposed what it calls U.S. and South Korean "beheading" operations aimed at overthrowing Kim and his government. The military said Wednesday it would pursue a "Korean-style pre-emptive retaliatory operation of justice" to swiftly neutralize any conspirators at the slightest sign of the "thrice-cursed operation."

Story continues

It further warned it would counter any U.S. "preventative war" intended to defang North Koreas firepower by launching "a just all-out war of wiping out all the strongholds of the enemies including the U.S. mainland."

After successfully testing two intercontinental ballistic missiles last month, the U.S. is in range of North Korea's weapons for the first time ever. The tests followed an unprecedented surge in ballistic missile tests and reports suggesting North Korea was considering a sixth nuclear weapons test earlier this year, two developments that have been met with increased U.S. military activity in the Asia-Pacific. The U.S. considers the reclusive, militarized state to be a threat to global security, but North Korea argues it has the right to develop nuclear and ballistic weapons as a means of deterring a U.S. invasion.

Trump and his administration have emphasized that military action against North Korea is on the table. The president said Tuesday that any more North Korean threats to the U.S. would "be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen," in a statement that resembled President Harry Truman's 1945 announcement of the atomic bombing of the Japanese city of Hiroshima, which ended World War II. North Korea is believed to possess nuclear weapons with about the same destructive force as the "Little Boy" bomb dropped on Hiroshima, which killed more than 75,000 people in a city of about 350,000.

North Korea's military responded Wednesday by cautioning that a pre-emptive strike, such as the one ordered by Trump against the Syrian military in April, "was no longer a monopoly of the U.S." It also dismissed the possibility that the U.S. would be able to successfully pursue a policy of regime change against Kim, as it did in Iraq, Libya and other nations across the world. If the U.S. did, North Korea's armed forces claimed, "the tragic end of the American empire will be hastened."

GettyImages-827994030

JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images

The rhetorical escalation of the nuclear standoff between North Korea and the U.S. has raised major concerns for other countries as well. U.S. allies Japan and South Korea have largely taken the U.S.'s side and have conducted joint military drills, drawing further outrage from North Korea. China has traditionally been North Korea's greatest ally, but it too has expressed opposition to its neighbor's nuclear and ballistic weapons program. Both China and Russia have called for dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea, as well as for both sides to cool down their heated attacks on one another.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau managed to get one of his citizens released from captivity in North Korea, Alaska Governor Bill Walker said he was concerned about being in the trajectory of North Korean missiles, nuclear experts began chugging wine over the crisis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson assured a worried public that everything was fine.

Related Articles
Tensions between the U.S. and North Korea have escalated, causing a spike in market volatility and a drop in stock prices. Its tempting to conclude that markets would deteriorate much more should the saber-rattling evolve into a war.

But history shows stock market performance is worse as people anticipate conflict than during the conflict itself.Our key takeaway would be that the impact on stocks is far greater in the lead-up to conflict (S&P 500 [average drawdown of] 10%) than it is when the bombs begin to fall, RBCs Matthew Barasch observed in a recent note.The Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, which Barasch sees as the closest parallel to the current situation, is one example. The S&P was down 9% leading up to the crisis when the Soviet Union attempted to deploy ballistic missiles in Cuba. Meanwhile, the S&P was down only 2% during the 13-day period when both the U.S. and Russia refused to back down, a period which is commonly viewed as the closest the world has come to global nuclear war, according to RBC.

RBC Chart 2

The chart above from RBC shows the significant downside reaction in market ahead of seven historical events, including the Cuban Missile Crisis. The S&P was down 10% on average leading up to events, with downside for the first Gulf War reaching 18%.But once the actual events occured, market reaction was more muted across these events, as shown below, with the S&P up an average of 2%.

RBC Chart 8.11

In fact, the actual beginning of conflict has often marked the beginning of the end in terms of poor market performance, he wrote.

To be sure, the seven events that RBC identifies may not be comparable to a potential nuclear conflict, which has escalated in recent days.

On Friday, President Trump reiterated his prior comments that he would not rule out a preemptive strike against North Korea.

sinclair tweet trump

Barasch explained looking at the market reaction is instructive when thinking about the market reaction to current conflict.

Donald Trump could 'blunder' into Third World War with North Korea threats, warns former US intelligence chief

Donald Trump could blunder into Third World War with North Korea threats, warns former US intelligence chief

Story continues

In some instances, once the conflict was resolved a prolonged bull market ensued. These examples, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and both Gulf Wars, represented key buying opportunities. For now, despite the escalating threats and rhetoric, the market is still less than 2% off its all-time highs.

Nicole Sinclair is markets correspondent at Yahoo Finance

Please also see:

How Marriott plans to beat Airbnb in winning over Chinese travelers

Fast food chains are coping with their labor cost problem

Short-sellers have lost $7.1 billion betting against this years hottest tech stocks

America doesnt need to be the world leader to prosper
donald trump

President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Pyongyang on Tuesday, saying that "North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States" or "they will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen."

It took just over two hours for North Korea to respond with exactly what Trump warned against, a threat against a US territory.

A statement from North Korea then threatened to strike Guam, a US territory in the Pacific home to large naval and Air Force bases if the US offered any provocation. The statement specifically singled out the US's fleet of strategic bombers in Guam, which had overflown the Korean peninsula the day before.

While no military exchange followed the verbal flurry, Yun Sun, a senior associate at the Stimson center, said that damage may have been done to the US's credibility, diplomatic, and moral high ground.

"There is a striking and interesting similarity between Trumps 'fire and fury' comment and North Koreas popular threat to turn Seoul into 'a sea of fire and a pile of ashes'," Sun told Business Insider.

Sun said that since North Korea traffics in over-the-top threats regularly, it may recognize Trump's threat as a bluff, "but it raises a dangerous scenario where Kim Jong Un continues to defy US threats."

B 52 over Guam

Essentially, Trump has backed himself into a corner with his threat against Kim. If he ignores North Korea's response, then the US loses credibility. If he follows through with the "fire and fury," then the US enters into a gruesome and potentially nuclear war that threatens millions of civilian lives.

Story continues

"If Trump chooses to react to it verbally, it downgrades US to the same level as North Korea. If Trump chooses to react to it with actions, it sends everyone onto a war path," said Sun.

Frank Aum, a former senior adviser on North Korea for the Department of Defense, agreed with Sun's assessment.

"Trump's language is irresponsible and escalatory. It sets a redline and expectation that gives Trump little room to wiggle out without looking foolish," Aum told Business Insider.

However, Aum suggested an ulterior motive for Trump's brash statement: Putting China on notice.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping

Trump "is threatening a war to get China to clamp down harder on North Korea's behavior. It's a risky maneuver," said Aum, who concluded that increasing threats or military pressure on North Korea had no real effect.

Whatever the intention, Trump's fiery threats fly in the face of traditional diplomacy, though diplomacy has also been ineffective in dealing with North Korea for decades.

But most countries agree, "the best approach to deal with North Koreas inflammatory rhetoric is to ignore it and focus on the real actions" to pressure North Korea, said Sun. "A spat is not going to solve the problem."

NOW WATCH: A controversial Israeli attraction in the West Bank has tourists engage in a 'counterterrorism boot camp'





More From Business Insider


US navy uss ronald reagan rimpac 2010 carrier strike group

As tensions reach a fever pitch between the US and North Korea, with Pyongyang announcing its intentions to fire missiles towards the US territory of Guam, the US Navy has continued to patrol and span the entire Pacific ocean with power and reach unparalleled on earth.

Near Japan, within a short steam of Guam and the Korean Peninsula, sits the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier strike and the guided-missile destroyers and cruisers in its strike group.

The Reagan's strike group is the only forward-based aircraft carrier in the US's arsenal and trains specifically for Asia-Pacific-specific missions. One of the destroyers in the group recently conducted freedom of navigation operation against excessive Chinese maritime claims in the South China Sea.

f 35b uss america

Further south, in the Singapore Strait, the USS America, one of a new class of small deck aircraft carriers packed with V-22 Ospreys, and Harrier jump jets, and Marines ready with landing crafts to take any beach, is making its way to the Middle East, according to the US Naval Institute.

Near Eastern Australia, the the Naval Institute notes that the USS Bonhomme Richard amphibious readiness group (like a carrier strike group but for the smaller carriers) has the same aircraft setup but increased well decks and landing craft to launch Marines to take any beach in the world.

Each of these carrier groups sails with guided-missile destroyers that pack some of the world's best missile defenses. In the event that North Korea follows through with a plan to fire missiles near Guam, any one of these groups of ships has a good shot at knocking these missiles down.

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)

Story continues

But even with its scattered assets across the Pacific, the US is not on war footing towards North Korea. This simply represents a day in the life of the US Navy's massive fleet.

Should President Donald Trump give the word, dozens more ships, hundreds more aircraft, and innumerable guided missiles and deck guns could crowd the Korean Peninsula flanked by the US's powerful Asian allies.

For more information on the US Navy's fleet and current operations, visit the US Naval Institute's Fleet and Marine Tracker.

NOW WATCH: The US Air Force can create ice storms and sandstorms inside this 'torture chamber' for aircraft





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The Foreign Press Centers (FPC) issue its own press credential that is recognized by various organizations in the area and allows access to FPC facilities and services in Washington, DC and New York, NY. The FPC credential is typically valid for three years and renewable at the end of that period for members of the media on continuing assignment in the United States.

Credentialing
At least three people have been killed by a powerful explosion that ripped through a small town in Pakistan's Bajaur tribal region on the border with Afghanistan, authorities say.

At least 25 people were also injured in the August 11 blast in Char Mang district of the Bajour tribal region, said Aslam Khan, a government official in the area.

The region's administration said in a statement that the explosion was caused by a roadside bomb. So far no one has claimed responsibility for the explosion but initial reports were that it was remotely detonated.

Bajaur is one of the seven tribal agencies which make up Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) along its volatile border with Afghanistan.

The region has long been a stronghold for Taliban militants and other extremist groups.

Based on reporting by AP and dawn.com


Quote:

Three required essays for 2017 :



Essay 1  Professional Aspirations (500 words):

What are your short and long-term career goals?

How will the MBA help you achieve them?

This is an awesome, straightforward question. Why do you even want an MBA? Thats what they need to know. (Our Career Goals App Accelerator is perfectly suited to helping you identify the framework for this!)





Essay 2  Program Selection (1 or optionally 2 essays, 250 words each):

Primary Program: Please indicate the primary MBA program for which you would like to be considered, as indicated in the Primary Program Selection section of the application. Explain why the program you have selected is the best program for you. (250 words)

Optional : Please indicate any alternative program(s) for which you would also like to be considered, as indicated in the Alternative Program Selection section of the application and why you would also like to be considered for this/these program(s). (250 words)



Where are all the Stern folks? Stern released new set of essays this year and they look very creative. How are you guys planning to approach the essays?Posting the essay topics here!_________________
A beautiful 26-year-old mother of one has been found dead by the Western Cape police in South Africa, after being declared missing for two weeks.

The deceased Aviwe Jam Jam was said to have been murdered by her boyfriend in July, after she left her home. She was said to be running away from her lover, Linda Nolili, but reports have it that she was last seen at his place in Summerville.

According to News24, Jam Jams body was found at the Vygieskraal stadium, Athlone on Saturday, July 29, and her parents identified her body on Tuesday, August 8. She was brutally beaten to death.

The deceased Aviwe Jam Jam. Source: News24

READ ALSO: 'Mentally challenged' woman with phones, ATM card arrested at kidnappers' den (photo)

However, her boyfriend has been arrested. He was arrested few days after he went to Jam Jams home to beat up and stab her stepfather. Her aunt Nondumiso Zizi confirmed the report saying:

Aviwe was in an abusive relationship with this boyfriend. Aviwes mother tried to warn Aviwe of this, but she wouldnt listen. She loved [her] boyfriend, so there was nothing we could do about it. Aviwes mother suspected that Aviwe wont come [back] alive because the way the boyfriend was treating her. He [the stepfather] was bleeding and the whole yard was full of blood because of them and the boyfriend climbed on top of him and said they should kill him.

Late Jam Jam with her boyfriend. Source: Yabaleft

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On Wednesday, August 9, the minister of police Fikile Mbalula disclosed that the young man is under investigation and has been linked with other cases. She also urged women not to keep quiet when being abused but report to the authorities so that these criminals can be arrested.

Jam Jam with her boyfriend and baby

However, the deceased attained a tourism degree from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Her 56-year-old mother Nomthandazo said that Aviwe would be missed because she always brought life to her home.

Late Jam Jam had a 2-year-old daughter for her boyfriend.

Watch Legit.ng video talking about domestic violence below:

Source: Legit.ng
One product to protect all your devices, without slowing them down.

Tightening its control over popular social platforms and services ahead of its Communist Party Congress in fall, China is investigating Weibo, WeChat and Baidus Tieba for terror-related content, but also for explicit material, rumors and propaganda.

The countrys Cyberspace Administration is looking at alleged violations of cyber security laws involving three of the most popular social networks. Weibo, WeChat and Tieba are alternatives to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, which are blocked in China.

Between the three of them, hundreds of millions of users are actively following each other, carrying out conversations, sharing video and audio files etc. Now, Chinese authorities want an even tighter grip on the content distributed through the three networks, citing security as the key reason.

For its part, Baidu said it regretted the situation but that it would co-operate with government departments [and] increase the intensity of auditing, Reuters reports (via the BBC). Statements from the other two services could not be obtained at press time.

Censorship concerns began mounting in July as Chinese regulators were seeking tighter control on Internet traffic.

For the past few weeks, China has been actively surveilling messaging services, most notably disrupting end-to-end (E2E) encrypted apps like WhatsApp and Signal, preventing users from sending photos, videos and voice recordings, and limiting the services to text-only messages it could not decrypt.

Users of social platforms and messaging apps in China are well aware that their government is covertly eavesdropping on their discussions, while authorities maintain it is for the good of the people.

Neighboring sharer of communist ideology, Russia has threatened E2E-encrypted messaging service Telegram with closure, should it not comply with the Kremlins demands to supply information of potential risk to national security.
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
A scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology says people will not be able to live in parts of South Asia by the year 2100 if little is done to stop climate change.

Elfatih Eltahir studies the worlds climate. He was among the writers of a recently published report in the journal Science Advances.

He said, the heat wave intensity will reach magnitudes that have not been observed before.

Eltahirs study takes humidity into consideration, along with heat.

The researchers believe the combination of the heat and humidity will make areas in South Asia difficult to live in.

The researchers used a measurement called wet bulb temperature. It is based on air temperature and the amount of water in the air.

A very high wet bulb temperature prevents humans from being able to cool themselves by sweating.

The researchers say that if the wet bulb temperature reaches 35 degrees Celsius, it would feel like an air temperature of 72 degrees Celsius. That would make it difficult for humans to cool down, even in the shade.

Parts of the world where there is poverty, large populations, and heat and humidity would be in danger. That includes places in South Asia, such as: the Ganges River valley, northeastern India, and Bangladesh. Other areas that might be affected are the eastern coast of India, the Chota Nagpur Plateau, northern Sri Lanka, and the Indus valley of Pakistan.

The researchers said people in those areas would be in danger within about 50 years if unlimited heat-trapping gasses continue to be put into the atmosphere.

Alexis Berg is a hydro-climatologist at Princeton University. He was not involved in the study. He said that the temperatures in South Asia would not remain high permanently. But even a short heat wave could be deadly.

The researchers also noted the possibility that heat trapping gasses will not be reduced at all but continue to be released into the atmosphere.

Scientists call this worst-case scenario RCP 8.5. The studys writers said that if RCP 8.5 takes place, about 30 percent of the worlds population would regularly be exposed to dangerous temperatures.

Matthew Huber is a climate scientist at Purdue University in the state of Indiana. He was not involved with the study. However, he called RCP 8.5 a death sentence for a large fraction of the world.

But he also said that kind of climate change can be avoided.

The choice is very much ours, he said. It does not require impossible effort to avoid RCP 8.5.

Huber said the study was more complete than earlier reports about heat.

Berg, the Princeton scientist, said there is still time to prevent the worst case scenario. He also said, however, that without change, the heat will continue to get more dangerous.

Im Dan Friedell.

Ben Thompson wrote this story for VOANews.com. Dan Friedell adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.

Do you think we will be able to slow down global warming? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

magnitude  n. the size, extent, or importance of something

humidity  n. the amount of moisture in the air

sweat  v. to produce a clear liquid from your skin when you are hot or nervous

shade  n. an area of slight darkness that is produced when something blocks the light of the sun

worst-case scenario  n. the worst description of what could possible happen

fraction  n. a part or amount of something
What does an American look like?

Nearly 1,300 Americans, mostly college students, were asked that question for a recent study in Psychological Science.

They were shown pictures of people and asked by University of Washington researchers who looked American to them.

The most surprising answer was how people saw Asian-Americans.

Over-weight Asian-Americans were more likely to be seen as Americans than normal weight Asian-Americans, the researchers said.

Researchers who worked on the study believe this all fits into common stereotypes. A stereotype is a belief, often untrue, that many have about a group of people.

And one common stereotype is that Asians are thin and most Americans are heavy, the researchers said.

Sapna Cheryan is a co-author of the study. She also teaches psychology at the University of Washington.

She said the findings show an unusual benefit for overweight Asian-Americans.

She noted that overweight people often face discrimination. But Cheryan said that being overweight makes Asian-Americans seen more American. That makes them less likely to face discrimination directed at those believed to be foreign, she said.

Cheryan said her interest in ethnic and racial stereotypes goes back to her youth in Urbana, Illinois. She is Indian-American and remembers people would praise her mother because she spoke English so well.

It was as if they did not expect a woman who appeared to come from a foreign country to speak English, she said.

Cheryan also remembers worrying when friends would come over to her house. She was embarrassed that her family served Indian food. The food seemed different compared to American favorites such as pizza and Doritos.

The research on how people see Asian-Americans is a follow-up of her 2011 research. It found Asian-Americans were three times as likely to order American food after being asked if they spoke English than if they had not been asked that question.

The suggestion is that maybe people avoid foods that are stereotypical of their ethnic group so that they would fit in better, Cheryan said.

This is not always a good thing for Asian-Americans. She notes that traditional American food often contains more calories and fat than many Asian dishes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 34.5 percent of white Americans are considered obese, or very overweight. For Asian-Americans, the percentage is 11.7 percent.

For African-Americans, the percentage of obesity is 48 percent and for Latino Americans, the percentage is 42.5 percent.

The new University of Washington study showed people photos of people from different racial and ethnic groups to see if weight influenced their opinions.

Among the questions asked: How likely is this person to have been born outside the U.S? Another, How likely is it that this persons native language is English?"

Weight did make a difference in how people decided whether Asian-Americans were Americans.

Those questioned by the University of Washington researchers also looked at pictures of Latinos, whites and African-Americans.

The researchers found that weight did not influence whether they saw whites, African-Americans and Latinos as being Americans.

This supported their opinion that people believed to be from foreign countries where people are believed to be mostly thin are considered more likely to be American if they are overweight.

The researchers noted that many Americans believe Latinos are overweight. As a result, overweight Latinos are not seen as more likely to be Americans -- as was the case with Asian-Americans.

I'm Jill Robbins.

And I'm Bruce Alpert.

Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

psychological - adj. of or relating to the study of the mind

response - n. something that is said or written as a reply to something

co-author - n. one of the writers of a study or report

embarrass - v. to make (someone) feel confused and foolish in front of other people

weird - adj. strange

pizza - n. a food made from flat, usually round bread, that is often topped with tomato sauce and cheese and often with meat or vegetables

Doritos - n. a brand of chips made of corn

influence - v. the power to change or affect someone or something
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Wednesday said Qatar-registered aircrafts can only use international airspace managed by United Arab Emirates (UAE), as opposed to comments by Montreal-based International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that some existing air route availability has been assured, and some new temporary or contingency routes have also been developed, including through Bahrain and UAE airspace.

The GCAA said Qatar-registered aircrafts are still banned from UAEs own airspace, reports say.

ICAOs spokesman had told the media on Tuesday that the UN agency has been working with various Middle Eastern states to ensure equitable access to airspace for Qatar-registered aircraft following the sanctions announced on June 5.

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, plus Egypt severed ties with Qatar and cut off air, sea and ground links with Doha. The four allies also banned all Qatar-registered aircrafts, including the countrys national carrier Qatar Airways, from flying over their airspaces.

The ban significantly deteriorated the carriers operations as it was forced to use longer and more expensive routes. Travelers have also suffered from the decision.

Qatar Airways had welcomed the ICAO decision, made after Doha called the agency to intervene in the haggle between the tiny Emirate and its neighbors.

The airlines chief executive Akbar al-Baker reportedly said that his company was looking at the flexibility and benefit of one very short route.
A scandal involving eggs contaminated with insecticide spread to 15 EU countries, Switzerland and as far away as Hong Kong on Friday as the European Commission called for a special meeting on the growing crisis.

Ministers and food safety chiefs from around the European Union are set to meet on September 26 in a bid to get countries to stop "blaming and shaming" each other over the scare involving the chemical fipronil.

Millions of eggs have been pulled from supermarket shelves across Europe and dozens of poultry farms closed since the discovery of fipronil, which can harm human health, was made public on August 1.

The issue has sparked a row between Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, the three countries at the epicentre of the crisis, about how long they knew about the problem.

"Blaming and shaming will bring us nowhere and I want to stop this," Vytenis Andriukaitis, the European Commissioner for health and food safety, told AFP as he announced the meeting.

"We need to work together to draw the necessary lessons and move forward instead."

European Commission spokeswoman Mina Andreeva said that "this is not, let's be clear, a crisis meeting" and it is being held next month to get "distance to the events".

Fipronil is commonly used to get rid of fleas, lice and ticks from animals but is banned by the European Union from use in the food industry.

The EU insists there is no threat to human health, but the World Health Organization (WHO) says that when eaten in large quantities it can harm people's kidneys, liver and thyroid glands.

Dutch admit 'errors'

Brussels said the 15 affected EU countries were Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Sweden, Britain, Austria, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Denmark, along with non-EU Switzerland.

But in a sign the crisis is going global, Brussels also announced that Hong Kong had received some tainted eggs from the Netherlands, with the southern Chinese city becoming the first place in Asia known to be affected.

Hong Kong health minister Sophia Chan said Saturday authorities were "strengthening" inspections of eggs from Europe.

As well as dealing with the immediate food safety issue, the EU is also seeking to calm tempers over the egg row after a series of divisive crises in the bloc in recent years, from Brexit to migration.

Belgium earlier this week accused the Netherlands of knowing about the fipronil eggs since November 2016 and failing to notify other countries.

On Thursday Dutch Health Minister Edith Schippers admitted the government had made "errors" but denied a cover-up.

"We were well aware of a report of the presence of fipronil in the pens of egg-laying hens in November 2016, but there was no indication at the time that fipronil itself was found in the eggs," said Schippers.

A Dutch whistleblower separately said he had told the authorities that Chickfriend, the Dutch company at the centre of the scandal, was illegally using fipronil in the treatment of lice in chicken pens in The Netherlands.

"I am the anonymous whistleblower," Nick Hermens told the NPO public broadcaster.

A Belgian company, Poultry Vision, has said it provided Chickfriend with the chemical.

Dutch and Belgian investigators carried out coordinated raids on several premises on Thursday, arresting two people at Chickfriend.

However, Belgium itself has been forced to admit that it knew about fipronil in eggs back in June but kept it secret for nearly two months because of a criminal investigation.

Fresh discoveries

Fresh discoveries of contaminated eggs have continued daily.

Denmark said on Friday it had found two tonnes of fipronil-tainted scrambled eggs, bringing the total of contaminated eggs to 22 tonnes, mainly from Belgium.

Poland said it had discovered about 40,000 eggs imported from Germany.

French Agriculture Minister Stephane Travert said that since April the country had sold nearly 250,000 contaminated eggs, imported from Belgium and the Netherlands, but the risk for consumers was "very low" given French eating habits.

The food scare is one of the biggest to hit Europe since the 2013 horsemeat scandal when equine meat was falsely labelled and mis-sold.

Previous food scandals include contamination of chickens and eggs by dioxin in 1999, which began in Belgium, and mad-cow diseasecattle feed contaminated by the ground-up carcasses of animals infected with a deadly brain disorderwhich ran from roughly 1986-1998 and started in Britain.

 2017 AFP
(HealthDay)For individuals with coexisting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular disease, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) does not alter renal function, according to a study published online July 25 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Kelly A. Loffler, Ph.D., from Flinders University in Daw Park, Australia, and colleagues examined the effects of CPAP on renal function in individuals with coexisting OSA and cardiovascular disease in a substudy of the international Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Endpoints trial. Renal function and adverse events were compared between 102 CPAP treated and 98 usual-care treated patients.

The researchers found that after a median period of 4.4 years, the median change in estimated glomerular filtration rate did not differ significantly between the CPAP and usual-care groups. No between-group differences were seen in the end-of-study urinary albumin:creatinine ratio or the occurrence of serious renal or urinary adverse events. The findings were not influenced by the level of CPAP adherence.

"CPAP treatment of OSA in patients with cardiovascular disease does not alter renal function, nor the occurrence of renal adverse events," the authors write.

Respironics Sleep and Philips Respironics provided funding for the trial.

Copyright  2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
(HealthDay)Reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and elevated urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) are associated with increased risk of incident atrial fibrillation (AF), according to research published online Aug. 10 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

Nisha Bansal, M.D., from the University of Washington in Seattle, and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of three prospective cohorts (16,769 participants) to examine the correlation of eGFR and UACR with the risk of incident AF.

The researchers found that across categories of decreasing eGFR, there was a step-wise increase in the adjusted risk of incident AF, with hazard ratios of 1.00, 1.09 (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 0.97 to 1.24), 1.17 (95 percent CI, 1.00 to 1.38), 1.59 (95 percent CI, 1.28 to 1.98), and 2.03 (95 percent CI, 1.40 to 2.96), for eGFR >90 (reference), 60 to 89, 45 to 59, 30 to 44, and <30 ml/min/1.73 m, respectively. Across categories of increasing UACR there was a step-wise increase in the adjusted risk of incident AF, with hazard ratios of 1.00, 1.04 (95 percent CI, 0.83 to 1.30), 1.47 (95 percent CI, 1.20 to 1.79), and 1.76 (95 percent CI, 1.18 to 2.62), respectively, for UACR <15 (reference), 15 to 29, 30 to 299, and 300 mg/g, respectively.

"These data highlight the need for further studies to examine the mechanistic link between kidney disease and AF," the authors write.

Copyright  2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
The question came as a shock to Dorothy Reeves: Would she be willing to donate her husband's brain for research?

She knew dementia would steadily take Levi Reeves' memories of their 57-year marriage, his remaining lucidity and, eventually, his life. But to let scientists take his brain after he died? That seemed too much to ask.

"I didn't want to deal with the idea of his death," said Reeves, 79. "I certainly didn't want to deal with brain donation."

As an African-American and a former schoolteacher, Reeves is keenly aware of the history of racism in health care, including callous and sometimes deadly experimentation. Reeves said she never personally has had a bad experience with doctors or the medical system. But she's old enough to remember the infamous Tuskegee Institute syphilis study, during which hundreds of mostly illiterate black sharecroppers were assured they were being treated for "bad blood" even as doctors withheld effective treatment over decades.

Top researchers say such wariness, while understandable, is thwarting efforts to understand and treat Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in black patients today. African-Americans suffer from these cognitive impairments at two to three times the rate of non-Hispanic whites, yet they are less likely to take part in research.

That has created a vexing challenge for scientists, who are trying to persuade more blacks to participate in studies - both while they are alive and after they die. A critical part of their efforts is asking for brain donations.

"There is a lot of terrible history that we have to acknowledge and move past," said Lisa L. Barnes, a neuropsychologist at the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center in Chicago. "A lot of minority communities still feel that research involves being a guinea pig. Nobody wants to be used. Nobody wants to be a guinea pig."

Shirley Fitch, who lives south of Chicago, said no thank you to Rush researchers on behalf of her husband, Clarence. The former university professor died last summer at age 86, seven years after being diagnosed with dementia.

"I'm hesitant because of distrust," said Fitch. "Once my brain is donated for one purpose, who is to say it won't be used for another purpose? It is out of your control."

Although Shirley Fitch is participating in non-Alzheimer's research at Rush, she said the historical abuses of black people have been "awful and hard to get over."

Even today, blacks tend to get worse treatment from hospitals, she said. "It all gets stirred in the pot as to feelings about bias."

The precise explanations for the disparities among blacks and whites are unknown. Until recently, most of our understanding of the pathology of dementia was largely based on studies of white patients.

"We have a real knowledge gap in accurately knowing if dementia is different in minorities as compared to whites," said John Olichney, a neurologist and clinical director of the Alzheimer's Disease Center at the University of California, Davis.

Scientists say blacks' disproportionate rates of dementia may be related in part to the prevalence of disorders that raise the risk of vascular disease: diabetes and hypertension, for instance. Socioeconomic factors such as higher rates of poverty and lower levels of education also seem to play a significant role, according to research led by the University of California-San Francisco.

Despite advances in imaging technology that allows researchers to peer into the brains of live patients, studying the organ after death is crucial to a deeper understanding of the causes and progression of disease and to developing drug treatments, Olichney said.

The challenge is getting enough brains from different populations to study. It's not just a matter of assuring potential donors that Tuskegee and other ethical debacles are in the past. To gain trust, Alzheimer's research facilities such as UC Davis and Rush University are also trying to diversify their staffs, collaborate with community leaders and study religious and cultural beliefs on brain donation.

For example, some African-Americans don't want their brain separated from their body when they are buried, said Stephanie Monroe, director of African Americans Against Alzheimer's, which is engaged in various efforts to educate people about the disease and its effects.

"Many people believe in ashes to ashes and dust to dust," she said.

Alzheimer's researchers at UC Davis recognized about 15 years ago that they needed a more representative slice of the population, especially in diverse Northern California. At the time, centers around the country were mostly studying well-educated, white people who volunteered, Olichney said.

So they started reaching out to both the African-American and Latino communities. "That was a real change in our mindset," he said.

Today, nearly 400 patients, including about 70 African-Americans, are enrolled in its longitudinal study of the progression of dementia, and they come in yearly for memory evaluations and other tests. Of the study participants, about 270 have agreed to donate their brains after death, more than 40 of them African-American.

At the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, doctors started following a cohort of African-Americans in 2004 and, some seven years later, began to seek brain donation for the study. Close to 500 African-Americans have signed up to donate after death, and 72 brains already have been donated, Barnes said.

Though she is pleased with the high rate of commitment, she noted that more works needs to be done. In another study, about 3,100 white participants agreed to brain donation, with 1,400 already donated. Recruiting African-Americans "takes a lot of effort and a lot of work," she said. "Every year, we bring it up again and revisit it with those who are reluctant. But if someone is really firm, we don't push the subject."

Research on the donated brains has led to intriguing findings. One Rush study, published in 2015, found that blacks with Alzheimer's disease were more likely than whites to have other disorders, such as Lewy body dementia. Twice as many blacks with Alzheimer's as whites with the disease also had Lewy body dementia, in which protein deposits build up in nerve cells, according to the study. Blacks with dementia also had more severe disease of the arteries, the study found.

The number of blacks studied was relatively small - 41 compared with 81 whites - yet its findings were potentially important. That's because the presence of other diseases in the brain means blacks may not respond as white patients do to drugs aimed specifically at Alzheimer's.

Even for experienced research institutions, getting people to participate in donation remains complicated - in part, because families don't necessarily agree about it among themselves.

Andrea Gourdine remembers clearly when her mother, Gladys Brown, started behaving oddly. Once, the elder woman forgot a stove burner was on and a dish exploded. Then she stopped bathing regularly. "And she was normally fastidious," Gourdine said. "Something was really, really wrong."

Brown enrolled in the research at UC Davis, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2005 and soon after agreed to donate her brain. It won't help me, Brown told researchers, but it could help others. She died in 2012, at 87.

Gourdine also signed up for the UC Davis study and has consented to donate her brain. She does not have Alzheimer's, but researchers are seeking brains of those without dementia for comparison.

She is aware of the history of medical abuse of African-Americans but says she doesn't see any point in focusing on the past.

Gourdine's sister, India Collins, disagrees with her sister and objected to her mother's donation.

"I have problems with scientific research and I get very upset with scientific data and outcomes in general," said Collins. She questions how helpful it is to African-Americans. "Why would you want to participate in their research if it does not benefit you?"

Gwen Gates, a recruiter and research coordinator at the UC Davis center, goes to churches, health fairs and other events to build trust and develop deeper relationships among the university and minority communities. Patients and families want to know what scientists do with the brains. They worry about how relatives will react. They fear donation will interfere with funeral arrangements or their plans for an open casket.

She assures them it won't. She explains that brain donations will help future generations, perhaps even in their own family.

Occasionally, families readily agree. Some adamantly refuse. For others, the decision is a process.

Dorothy Reeves declined brain donation initially but agreed to sign up herself and Levi, 81, for observational studies. Then she saw what the disease could do. Her husband, who has Lewy body dementia, went under a table one day to get a magazine and couldn't find his way out. He forgot her name and those of his children.

She thought about all the other people like Levi.

"It affects people in ways you can't imagine - regardless of your race," she said. "It's almost unbearable."

Soon the researchers had their answer. Yes, she would agree to donation - for both of them.

2017 Kaiser Health News

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A chicken farm employee pets a hen in Gaesti, southern Romania, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. The European Union said Friday that it plans to hold an extraordinary meeting late next month over a growing tainted egg scandal as it revealed that products contaminated with an insecticide have now spread to 17 countries. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Experts say the risk of getting sick from eating an egg tainted with insecticide is low. But that hasn't stopped stores in Germany and the Netherlands from stripping them from supermarket shelves, or prevented other European food safety agencies from issuing warnings.

The story about the illegal use of the insecticide Fipronil in spray to rid hens of ticks, fleas and lice has gained traction across Europe. Fears about the safety of an everyday food staple along with some less-than-optimal public information have combined to cast a shadow of suspicion over the humble egg.

Amsterdam shopper Karla Spreekmeester said Friday that she only buys eggs from stores selling organic food products.

"I take it seriously," she said of the Dutch warning. "I'm not scared that I'll collapse if I eat the wrong egg, but if you can prevent something ..."

Fipronil is commonly used by veterinarians to treat fleas and ticks in pets, but is banned by the European Union for treating animals like chickens that are part of the human food chain.

The EU said contaminated eggs have been found at producers in Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands. It's believed the Fipronil got into the food chain when it was illegally added to a product used to spray poultry.

The impact for egg producers has been staggering.

A woman touches fresh eggs at a chicken farm in Gaesti, southern Romania, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. The European Union said Friday that it plans to hold an extraordinary meeting late next month over a growing tainted egg scandal as it revealed that products contaminated with an insecticide have now spread to 17 countries.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Since July 20, Dutch farmers have destroyed millions of unsellable eggs and culled about 1 million hens, said Hennie de Haan of the Dutch union of poultry farmers.

But nobody has been reported to have fallen ill as a result of eating the tainted eggs.

"People are very susceptible to negative information," said Jan-Willem van Prooijen, a social psychologist at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. "People are very attuned to perceive and respond emotionally to negative information such as potential health hazards or other threatening stimuli."

In recent days, Dutch authorities blocked sales from about 180 infected farms treated by a company suspected of illicitly using Fipronil.

Almost all lab tests show that only very low levels of Fipronilseven to 10 times lower than the maximum permittedhave been detected in eggs from the treated chickens, although one test in Belgium was above the European limit. Poisoning by small doses has few effects and requires little treatment. Heavy and prolonged exposure can damage the kidneys and liver or cause seizures.

In this photo taken Monday, Aug. 7, 2017 an egg is being extracted with a pipette in a laboratory of the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office in Krefeld, Germany. Dutch investigators detained two men Thursday who are suspected of being involved in the illegal use of pesticide at poultry farms that sparked a massive food safety scare in several European countries. (Marcel Kusch/dpa via AP)

Dutch authorities warned that eggs from only one farm should not be eaten and said children should not eat eggs from dozens of other farms.

That sent consumers to their refrigerators to check the small codes printed in red ink on the shells of eggs to see if they are from one of the affected farms. Stores have pulled eggs from contaminated farms off their shelves.

The European Union said Friday that tainted eggs have been found so far in 15 EU countries, plus Switzerland and Hong Kong.

In Germany, some supermarkets stopped selling all Dutch eggs regardless of whether they came from infected farms. British authorities issued a warning about a small number of ready-made salads, sandwiches and spreads containing contaminated eggs.

The precautions came despite food safety experts being nearly unanimous in their opinion that the health risk from eating Fipronil-tainted eggs is very low.

A man reads a quality report paper attached to a transport of eggs at a processing plant in Gaesti, southern Romania, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. The European Union said Friday that it plans to hold an extraordinary meeting late next month over a growing tainted egg scandal as it revealed that products contaminated with an insecticide have now spread to 17 countries. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

"Even when taken deliberately at 10,000 times the maximum amount likely to be consumed from contaminated eggs, the individuals survived with no long-term harm," Alan Boobis, professor of biochemical pharmacology, Imperial College London, said in a statement.

"Based on the extent of contamination found and the number of such eggs that have reached the U.K. market, there is no reason for consumers to be concerned," he added.

So why are consumers concerned?

"Bad is stronger than good," said Van Prooijen, citing a time-honored maxim among psychologists. "And that means human beings pay more attention to negative things than positive things, because negative things can harm you."

Some farmers say the Netherlands' food safety watchdog last week fanned such fears.

In this photo taken Monday, Aug. 7, 2017 Eggs are kept fresh in an egg-box in a laboratory of the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office in Krefeld, Germany. Dutch investigators detained two men Thursday who are suspected of being involved in the illegal use of pesticide at poultry farms that sparked a massive food safety scare in several European countries. (Marcel Kusch/dpa via AP)

The acting inspector-general of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Freek van Zoeren, said on a Dutch TV news show that, "if somebody says 'I can live without eggs until Sunday,' I'd advise that."

Dutch Health Minister Edith Schippers acknowledged on another show Thursday night that the statement was ill-judged.

Van Zoeren "made comments that, indeed, did not increase the clarity," Schippers said.

Anja Visscher, whose 110,000 white hens lay about 100,000 eggs each day, quickly took to Facebook and the internet to reassure customers after Van Zoeren's comment.

"There are companies whose eggs are OK, so eat an egg," was the message she and other farmers spread. "You want the market to remain OK."

An egg lies on the ground at a chicken farm in Gaesti, southern Romania, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. The European Union said Friday that it plans to hold an extraordinary meeting late next month over a growing tainted egg scandal as it revealed that products contaminated with an insecticide have now spread to 17 countries. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

On Thursday, authorities arrested two men in the Netherlands who were directors of the company involved in spraying poultry barns, saying they endangered public health. Their identities have not been released while a criminal investigation continues.

Farmers have said they were unaware the spray contained Fipronil and see themselves as unwitting victims. In the Netherlands, they also blame the food safety watchdog for not acting fast enough after receiving an anonymous tip about possible Fipronil use in November 2016.

Some industry groups say the scandal should be a wake-up call.

"Citizens want something cleaner, better, and we have been working on that," said Philippe Duvivier, president of FUGEA, a Belgian farmers' group working for sustainable agriculture. "We have to call the whole sector into question now. Perhaps it's time to go to a whole other kind of agriculture."

An employee walks in an enclosure at a chicken farm in Gaesti, southern Romania, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. The European Union said Friday that it plans to hold an extraordinary meeting late next month over a growing tainted egg scandal as it revealed that products contaminated with an insecticide have now spread to 17 countries. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Food safety expert Aurora Alexandru checks her phone at a chicken farm in Gaesti, southern Romania, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. The European Union said Friday that it plans to hold an extraordinary meeting late next month over a growing tainted egg scandal as it revealed that products contaminated with an insecticide have now spread to 17 countries. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

A chicken sits in an enclosure at a chicken farm in Gaesti, southern Romania, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. The European Union said Friday that it plans to hold an extraordinary meeting late next month over a growing tainted egg scandal as it revealed that products contaminated with an insecticide have now spread to 17 countries.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Eggs are stored at a processing plant in Gaesti, southern Romania, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. The European Union said Friday that it plans to hold an extraordinary meeting late next month over a growing tainted egg scandal as it revealed that products contaminated with an insecticide have now spread to 17 countries. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Europe and now Asia face a growing scandal over the contamination of millions of eggs with the insecticide fipronil, which can be potentially harmful to humans.

Here is what we know about a scare that has triggered criminal probes and led to eggs pulled from supermarkets in 15 EU countries, Switzerland and Hong Kong.

What is fipronil?

Fipronil is widely used to rid household pets like dogs and cats of fleas and is effective at treating poultry for the parasite red lice.

But it is banned by the European Union for treating animals destined for human consumption, including chickens.

The World Health Organization says fipronil is "moderately hazardous" in large quantities, with dangerous effects on people's kidneys, liver and thyroid glands.

What is the risk?

Authorities in the affected countries say there is no risk to public health.

EU rules say eggs with a level of fipronil above 0.005 mg per kg must be withdrawn from sale even though there is no significant health risk.

Fipronil levels above 0.72 mg per kg are a possible "acute" health risk and should not be eaten.

When did it start?

The problem is believed to stem from a substance used by Dutch company Chickfriend, which farmers in the Netherlands and Belgium say they hired to treat their chickens.

A lawyer for a Belgian company, Poultry-Vision, says the firm sold it to Chickfriend but has not said where it got the substance.

Belgium has accused the Netherlands of having detected contaminated eggs as far back as November 2016 but keeping it quiet. The Netherlands says it was tipped off about the use of Fipronil in pens but did not know it was in eggs.

Belgium meanwhile has admitted that it knew about fipronil in eggs in early June but kept it secret because of a fraud investigation.

Belgium became the first country to officially notify the EU's food safety alert system on July 20, followed by the Netherlands and Germany.

The news did not go public until August 1.

What countries are affected?

Fifteen EU countries have received tainted eggs: Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Sweden, Britain, Austria, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Denmark. Non-EU Switzerland and Hong Kong have too.

The eggs were imported from four countriesBelgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France. Farms in those countries where the banned substance was allegedly used to treat poultry have been shut down.

What is the official response?

The EU has called a meeting of ministers and food safety chiefs from affected EU countries on September 26 and called for an end to "blaming and shaming".

Investigators in the Netherlands and Belgium staged raids on Thursday, arresting two people at Chickfriend. Belgium says the head of Poultry-Vision was held for questioning in July, then released under strict conditions.

The EU says any countries found not to have notified Brussels immediately about the detection of fipronil could face legal action.

 2017 AFP
In May, Telecommunications Minister Siyabonga Cwele told Parliament his department is on track to ensure that all South Africans are online by 2020.

Cwele said they need to connect 22 million people to meet the SA Connect and National Development Plan target of universal access to the Internet by the end of the decade.

The ANC government maintains this enormous target because we know very well that the majority of the unconnected are those marginalised by the apartheid system, said Cwele.

The truth is that the only way in which the government will reach its ambitious Internet for all target is to partner with Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom.

These networks have already achieved 99% 3G coverage, and 4G/LTE coverage has grown to 75%.

This means that nearly every household in South Africa could access an Internet service.

According to ICASA, the main reasons citizens do not access the Internet are a lacks skills or confidence (38%), a lack of relevant content or the need for use (35%), and the high cost (21%).

The high cost is not only related to the price of data, but also the price of equipment.

Most of these failings can be laid at the feet of the government. High unemployment, the poor education system, and an unstable currency all contribute to poor Internet use in SA.

Certain connectivity problems can be solved through a constructive relationship with the mobile operators, but, alas, the government has other ideas.

Policy disaster

Cwele is still punting his departments ill-conceived Wireless Open Access Network (WOAN)  a concept which has not been proven anywhere in the world.

He is also maintaining the ICT Policy White Papers proposal that all high-demand spectrum should be used for this network.

The White Paper has even threatened that mobile operators may have to return their current spectrum.

So instead of working with the operators and providing them with the tools to provide fast and affordable broadband access, it is working against them.

The government has already blown billions in taxpayers money on failed Internet-for-all projects, and has been a hindrance rather than an enabler to better broadband access.

It is hard to forget the governments attempts to block the SEACOM and EASSy cables from landing in South Africa, and prevent companies from building broadband networks for a decade.

The WOAN is another example of how the ANC government is trying to run telecommunications, where it has failed spectacularly in the past.

It is time for the ANC government to realise that its only hope to connect all South Africans is through a partnership with the major operators.

Give these partners what they are asking for to do their job, and then step back and let them get on with it.

This is an opinion piece.
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

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Turkologist: Turkey does not support agenda of achieving peace with Armenians

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Armenia FM meets with France minister of foreign trade

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The air cargo business is booming, thanks to improved global trade, and the impending expansion of Amazon.com Inc.'s (AMZN) - Get Free Report Prime Air cargo carrier seems likely to fuel further growth.

In the first half of 2017, global air freight volume grew 10.4%, the strongest first-half performance since the industry's 2010 rebound from the global financial crisis and nearly triple the growth rate over the past five years, according to the International Air Transport Association.

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IATA said air freight demand grew 11% in June, while capacity grew 5.2%, leading to higher yields for freight carriers. It also forecast 8% current quarter growth.

In the second quarter, American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL) - Get Free Report , Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) - Get Free Report and United Continental Holdings Inc. (UAL) - Get Free Report all reported double-digit cargo revenue growth, with United citing 22% growth to revenue of $254 million, compared with 13% at American and 11% at Delta.

United benefits from being the leading U.S.-Asia carrier, from increased widebody service at its domestic hubs, and from building partnerships with freight forwarders despite the slow growth in recent years, said spokesman Charles Hobart.

"Now that business has picked up, and we are gaining an impressive share of the market," Hobart said. "Decision-makers at these large forwarding companies know and trust {us}."

Meanwhile, shares in Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings (AAWW) - Get Free Report are up 20% year to date, partially because subsidiary Atlas Air is scooping up Prime Air business. By the end of 2018, Atlas Air expects to have 20 Boeing 767-300Fs flying for Amazon, up from six today.

Prime Air has said it will operate a cargo hub at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport, where it is spending $1.5 billion on new facilities. But entry into the airline business, even through the use of contractors, means that largely non-union Amazon confronts a heavily unionized workforce.

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Hello Teamsters Union.

Atlas and its Teamster-represented pilots are in talks over a contract that became amendable in September 2016. Robert Kirchner, an Atlas pilot and chairman of Teamster Local 1224, said the current contract is inadequate and leads to constant workforce churn, especially given a global pilot shortage. "Our pilots are leaving in droves," he said.

Kirchner said an Atlas Boeing 767 captain earns about $185,000 annually, about two-thirds of the FedEx rate and 60% of the Delta rate. Additionally, he said, the union would like to cut back on pilot trips that sometimes last as long as 20 days. The carrier has sought to push the pilot group into arbitration, bypassing first-step negotiations, Kirchner said.

In a statement posted on its website, Atlas said it employed more than 1,700 pilots at the end of 2016, up from about 1,100 at the end of 2014. "We offer competitive compensation," Atlas said.

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Allegations of pilot shortages "have been part of an overall campaign from the pilots and their union to put public pressure on the company with respect to its next labor contract," the company said.

"As a cargo-focused airline that provides outsourcing services, our business model, daily operations and compensation structure differ" from FedEx and Delta, an Atlas spokesman said.

The business model includes long trips, the spokesman said, but 85% of Atlas pilot trips are two weeks or less in duration, while about 5% are trips of 17 days. Longer trips generally coincide with more consecutive days off.

"We have mutually agreed with the pilots' union on a process to proceed with negotiations for an updated labor contract and those negotiations have commenced," Atlas said.

On the Atlas earnings call last week, contract negotiations were not discussed, but Atlas CEO Bill Flynn challenged IATA's contention that even though global air freight shipments are high, cyclical growth period may have peaked.

"The global inventory-to-sales ratio has stopped falling," IATA said in a prepared statement, released just before the Atlas call. "This indicates that the period when companies look to restock inventories quickly, which often gives air cargo a boost, may be nearing an end."

Responding to an analyst question, Flynn said, "I disagree with what IATA put out today and they basically said the same thing in the prior month's report. Frankly, I {haven't} seen an optimistic or positive IATA report on airfreight in a long time."

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Flynn said IATA numbers don't capture overnight cargo, missing, "a big chunk of what's being moved, {of} what e-commerce drives in terms of those movements.

IATA compiles statistics from carriers that provide scheduled air service, but some express freight is left out either because it is carried by non-scheduled charter carriers or because it is carried by non-IATA carriers.

Among the growth areas in cargo are shipping pharmaceuticals and other perishable goods.

For instance, at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, planning is underway for a cold storage facility, said airport director Brent Cagle. Cagle said the facility could be shared with Norfolk Southern which operates an intermodal facility, transferring goods between rail and truck, on airport property. "We're excited about the possibility of a multi-use cold chamber," Cagle said.

United's Hobart said, "Shipping pharmaceuticals and other commodities requiring temperature-controlled transport is the fastest-growing segment of the air cargo industry." He said United has 68 certified "TempControl" handling locations worldwide, and it outpaces industry growth in temperature-controlled shipments.

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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.
California Refinery Regs Require Safety Culture Assessments

The regulations include requirements to adopt inherently safer designs and systems to the greatest extent feasible and also require periodic workplace safety culture assessments to evaluate whether management is appropriately emphasizing safety over production pressures.

New regulations that aim to improve workers' safety and environmental protection at the 15 oil refineries operating in California have been given final approval and will take effect Oct. 1, 2017, Cal/OSHA announced. The regulations implement key recommendations of the Governor's Interagency Working Group on Refinery Safety, which was created after the Aug. 6, 2012, Chevron refinery fire. Developed by the Department of Industrial Relations, the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, and the California Environmental Protection Agency, the regulations make California refineries safer for both workers and surrounding communities, according to the agencies.

"California now leads the nation in protecting the safety and health of refinery workers and people in nearby communities," said David M. Lanier, secretary of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency.

The regulations overhaul Cal/OSHA worker safety regulations as they apply to refineries and the California Accidental Release Prevention program that is designed to prevent the accidental release of hazardous substances that could harm public health and the environment. "These new regulations increase overall preparedness, provide greater accountability, and implement a nation-leading approach to public safety and emergency prevention at refineries," explained Governor's Office of Emergency Services Director Mark Ghilarducci.

"The goal of these regulations is to hold refineries accountable for the safety of workers and communities," added Matthew Rodriquez, California's secretary for Environmental Protection. "Thanks to input from refinery workers, industry leaders, and environmental and community organizations, we can better anticipate problems and prevent accidents that might pose serious risks to the public and environment."

Key features of the regulations include:

Increased employer accountability for the mechanical integrity of refinery equipment

Requirements to adopt inherently safer designs and systems to the greatest extent feasible

Increased employee involvement in all aspects of the safety and prevention program

Periodic workplace safety culture assessments to evaluate whether management is appropriately emphasizing safety over production pressures

Authority for refinery personnel to shut down a unit, if necessary, in the event of an unsafe condition or emergency

Provisions for anonymous reporting of safety hazards

Requirements for investigations to determine root causes of any incident that occurs and develop interim and permanent corrective measures in response

Annual public reporting of refinery safety metrics under the Accidental Release Prevention program

Cal/OSHA reports many of the state's refineries have adopted some of these practices and have seen significant improvement in safety performance as a result.
Bay Views newest brewery, 1840 Brewing Company, opens to the public this weekend at 342 E. Ward St. in Bay View. And the beer promises to be like none other in the city.

1840 Brewing Company is owned by brewmaster Kyle Vetter, former oak manager for Aspen Brewing Company in Colorado and co-owner of The Crafter Space, and his wife Stephanie.

Vetter, a Mequon native, began home-brewing while attending college in Durango, Colorado, and working at Ska Brewing, a job which provided his introduction to the brewing industry.

"At the time the beer scene in Colorado was already great," he says. "And Durango had more breweries per capita than any other city in the state. There were a ton of different beers on the shelf and different breweries to try. I loved the scene. Loved all the flavors. Thankfully my first batch turned out pretty good. And like most people whose first batch turns out, I thought: Im going to start a brewery someday."

Now, 15 years later, Vetter is bringing that dream to fruition.

An urban farmhouse brewery

The brewery, which Vetter describes as an "urban farmhouse brewery," relies on Old World techniques  including blending and barrel aging  to create a variety of unique beers with varying flavor profiles.

"We look back in time to when beer was being brewed on the farm," says Vetter. "It was about what was available, and it was very different from place to place and season to season. We really wanted the flexibility to play around and create beers that were different from anything currently on the market."

Vetter says he gained expertise in the aging process during his time at Aspen Brewing. During his four years with the brewery, he saw their production grow from 1,000 to roughly 6,000 barrels per year. He also helped them to develop a barrel aging program. During that time, he says he learned a great deal about both French and Belgian styles, as well as the aging process itself.

Interestingly, no beer is actually brewed at 1840. Instead, Vetter takes advantage of a gypsy brewing approach, paying area brewers to create wort (unfermented beer) using his recipes. The wort is then transported back to 1840 Brewing, where it is aged and blended.

Vetter says that so far hes worked with a number of breweries, including Third Space, Explorium and Company Brewing. He also has a collaboration in the works with Like Minds Brewing.

"In some cases, Im also going to be taking some of the wort from one of the brewerys own beers and aging it," he says. "And that will be exciting  both to experiment with their beers to see what kinds of flavor profiles we get, as well as giving them an outlet for producing a wild or sour beer."

Vetter notes that flexibility is part of the process when dealing with blending and aging brews. Take for example 1840 Brewings Little Daisies, a saison brewed at Third Space Brewing Company.

"I fermented a portion of it in wine barrels," says Vetter. "But, I also fermented a portion in stainless steel, with the goal of barrel aging it later. Interestingly, I liked it so much the way it was that I ended up buying the equipment to force carbonate and bottle it. Its that creative process and sense of experimentation that really makes this exciting and interesting."

The 1840 experience

The taproom model for 1840 Brewing is also unique. Currently, the taproom  which accommodates roughly 80, with seating for about 30  will be open to the public just one day per month, on the second Saturday of the month, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. During that time, beer will be available by the glass or bottle, with a limited number of bottles available to be purchased and taken home.

However, a VIP membership program will provide multiple perks as well as additional access to the brewery on a monthly basis.

Heres how the membership program works, in a nutshell. Individuals can purchase a membership, which costs $175 per year or $200 for an individual member who wishes to bring one guest to the brewery during monthly taproom hours.

VIP members choose the day of the month on which theyd like their special members-only brewery access (either the second Friday of the month from 5 to 8 p.m. or the second Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.). From there, members are entitled to $1 off glasses of beer consumed at the brewery. They also receive first dibs on every beer produced, as well as higher allotments on bottled beer that can be purchased each month.

"Currently, were using the membership program to reinvest each month in the brewery," says Vetter. "That allows us to build up our beer cellar so we can be open more often. In a year, were hoping to be able to be open once a week."

Members who sign up before 2 p.m. on Aug. 11 will get a 13-month membership (a one year membership, plus access during the month of August). Anyone who signs up after the 11th of August, but before Sept. 8, will get a 12-month membership. No memberships will be sold after Sept. 8.

August beers

Three bottled beers will be available to visitors to the tap room this weekend. Each beer will be available by the glass in the tap room. Limited quantities will also be available (1-2 bottles per person, more for members) for purchase to take home. Those beers include:

Little Daisies Saison : a mixed culture brew aged in red and white wine barrels, this beer has plenty of tropical fruit flavor, along with some classic brett funk.

: a mixed culture brew aged in red and white wine barrels, this beer has plenty of tropical fruit flavor, along with some classic brett funk. Ole Margarita Gose : a kettle soured wheat ale fermented 100 percent with brettanomyces in tequila barrels and refermented in stainless steel on fresh squeezed lime juice. A touch of sea salt is added upon bottling, making a lime and tequila-forward brew that like a cocktail with a beer finish.

: a kettle soured wheat ale fermented 100 percent with brettanomyces in tequila barrels and refermented in stainless steel on fresh squeezed lime juice. A touch of sea salt is added upon bottling, making a lime and tequila-forward brew that like a cocktail with a beer finish. Biere de Garde Bruin: a brown ale fermented with both brewers yeast and brettanomyces and aged in bourbon barrels.

Moving forward, Vetter says hes particularly excited to release of a number of sour beers, one of which could be out as soon as this fall, and another that is still a year out.

"I have beers that no one will see for another 12 months," he says. "And thats exciting for me. Knowing its progressing, and moving on its way, is really fantastic."

The Vetters are also excited about the community enabled by the brewery and its membership.

"When we moved to Milwaukee, the thought of breaking into a new community, making new friends and really helping to contribute to the beer community in Milwaukee was an exciting prospect," Stephanie comments.

And Kyle finishes her thought. "Beer is community," he remarks. "And this model means we really have created our own little community. We really hope people will visit, meet other people and really bond while theyre here. Thats what its all about."

1840 Brewing Company will be open to the public Saturday, Aug. 12 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. VIP members also have access to the taproom on Friday, Aug. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. OR Sunday, Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

More information about the brewery, as well as memberships, can be found online at 1840brewing.com.
The latest

The demise of "all you can drink nights"

In Milwaukee, few bars have "all you can drink" nights anymore. Adam "Hawk" Griffin, owner of Fire on Water, offered it at his bar every Thursday night for years, but got rid of it in 2016.
Downtown Milwaukee is adding another coffee house to its lineup as Starbucks will open a new store inside the new Northwestern Mutual Commons building at 720 E. Wisconsin Ave.

The company has job postings for the location here. There's also a small sign with the company's logo at Cass and Wisconsin.

The location will have public access off Mason Street as well as an entrance just above the elevated, landscaped area off Wisconsin Avenue.

The store will be the seventh located in Downtown Milwaukee.
Starting this fall, OnMilwaukee will bring a new approach to its theater coverage, looking at the world on stage from some fresh, new and exciting angles and perspectives. In the meantime, while we're on the topic of different approaches to theater, coming soon to the Brew City, Gibraltar Jazz Club  located at 538 W. National Ave. in Walker's Point  is bringing together a whole handful of beloved Broadway shows for a night worth belting to the rafters about.

On Saturday, Aug. 26, the jazz club will play host to The 5 Musicals Masquerade, a night dedicated to celebrating five iconic productions  "Rent," "Grease," "Les Miserables," "Hamilton" and, the event's namesake, "The Phantom of the Opera"  playing each of the classic shows in their entirety throughout the evening.

"Many of us have theater backgrounds and can appreciate these songs, so much so that some of them have been a part of the soundtrack of some our best memories," notes Gibraltar's Facebook invite.

It wouldn't be a proper theater evening, however, without costumes and getting into character, so Gibraltar encourages guests to "get dressed up and be mysterious" (it IS a masquerade, after all) with heels, ties and capes. The Gibraltar Gallery side of the space will also be open to the public during The 5 Musicals Masquerade for lounging and most likely a good amount of singing along to some of the biggest hits from the Broadway stage.

The evening starts at 9 p.m. and runs until 1 a.m.  including a champagne toast at midnight complete with Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Are the Champions," which aren't from any musicals in particular but are just great sing-a-long songs, so they get a pass.

So don't throw away your shot to sing, dance or just plain savor the supreme sounds of the stage  just in time for the start of the local theater season!
Made in Milwaukee is new series about the businesses that sell to the world but call Milwaukee home. Presented by House of Harley-Davidson, Milwaukee's locally owned Harley dealer, we're shining a spotlight on these iconic companies  their histories and their futures.

Year founded: 2015

Number of employees: 300

Location: 12500 W. Carmen Ave.

If youve purchased the bulk blocks of chocolate confectionery coating at area grocery stores during the holidays, youve experienced at least one of the products produced at Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate, one of the industry leaders in industrial cocoa and chocolate production.

And its very likely that product was made right here in Milwaukee, along with countless other chocolate and confectionery products  including chocolate coatings, chocolate chips, ice cream coatings, and inclusions  used by a variety of brands.

"If you remember the line of advertising from the '80s boasting Intel inside," notes Wyatt Elder Jr., research and development director for Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate North America "That describes, to great extent, what we produce. The name Cargill may not be familiar, but our products are found inside (or outside) many products on the market todayin grocery stores, bakeries and restaurants."

Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate is just one of many businesses within Cargill Inc., a global brand based in Minneapolis, that was founded in 1865 when William Wallace (W. W.) Cargill became the proprietor of a grain warehouse in Conover, Iowa. Today, Cargill supplies food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services, employing 150,000 employees in 70 countries.

For the past 50 years, Cargills chocolate enterprise has built its business manufacturing cocoa and chocolate products for chocolate, confectionery and food manufacturers across the globe  producing cocoa powder, cocoa butter and cocoa liquor, as well as chocolate, coatings and fillings for industrial applications.

In addition to its Milwaukee plant  which effectively functions as North Americas operational headquarters  Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate maintains three plants in Pennsylvania and two in Ontario, Canada. Those plants produce products under brands including Ambrosia, Gerkens Cocoa Powder, Merckens, Peters Chocolate and Wilbur. International plants include locations in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Ivory Coast, France, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, the Netherlands and the U.K.

The Milwaukee plant is a relatively new part of Cargill's chocolate business. In fact, it was established in 2015 when Cargill acquired the Archer Daniels Midland Co. global chocolate operations -- including the Ambrosia Chocolate Co. chocolate plant on Carmen Avenue -- for $440 million.

It wasnt the first time the Milwaukee-based chocolate company changed hands. Founded in 1894 by Otto Schoenleber, Ambrosia was purchased in 1964 by W.R. Grace, and for years Ambrosia operated on a downtown site that is now a parking lot just northwest of the Bradley Center. In fact, its likely many long-time Milwaukeeans remember a time when the smell of sweet Ambrosia chocolate wafted across downtown during regular production hours. In 1997, ADM purchased the company, moving chocolate production to Carmen Avenue in 1992.

Among Cargills North American plants, the Milwaukee location is the workhouse, producing millions of pounds of chocolate per month, from tankers of liquid chocolate to 10-ounce bags of chocolate chips. The Milwaukee plant is not only a manufacturing plant. Its also the North American operational headquarters, home to Cargill Cocoa & Chocolates supply chain and planning team, research and development team, transportation and logistics, customer service and as some regional sales personnel.

"We are the one plant in North America that can produce everything," notes Stacy Robinson, facility manager at the Milwaukee plant. "And we are a workhorse, based on both the sheer volume we produce and the diversity of products we can create."

The Milwaukee plant employs 300 workers in a variety of roles in the cocoa refinery, molding and packaging floor, along with the onsite analytical and microbiological testing labs and product development lab. There is also an onsite team that deals strictly with food safety, quality and regulations.

From bean to bar

Each product begins with raw cocoa beans, which are harvested, fermented and dried in their country of origin before being shipped to Milwaukee. Most hail from Africa  namely the Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Ghana  countries in the very narrow region around the equator where cocoa beans can be grown. In fact, 70 percent of the worlds cocoa is derived from those countries alone.

Once at the plant, beans are sorted, shells are removed and beans are subjected to a winnowing machine which cracks them into small pieces. Nibs are removed, roasted and blended before being ground into a paste.

Heat generated by the milling process melts the cocoa butter in the paste, producing chocolate liquor. The bitter liquor is then mixed with a variety of ingredients, including sugar, vanilla and milk. From there, the chocolate is further refined, in some case reaching a size of 20 microns or smaller (point of reference: powdered sugar measures in at 100 microns). From that point, the mixture undergoes a process called conching, during which it is churned at high temperatures for an extended period of time to further develop the flavor profiles desired by customers.

From there, chocolate is stored in large tanks. It might be shipped to customers as liquid chocolate or pumped into tempering units, which connect to molding machines that produce blocks, chips, chunks, rods and flakes.

Like coffee, beans from different places exhibit distinctive characteristics. And these characteristics are harnessed to create a variety of flavor profiles.

"We roast single origin beans," says Robinson, "And then we blend the resulting liquor downstream to make a variety of products. We have hundreds of chocolate recipes, and our products are sold primarily to food-producing businesses as well as major grocery retailers where bags of chocolate chips and other retail products are available."

Innovation

Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate also aspires to create innovative products that sync with consumer buying trends.

"Our customers and end consumers are following the larger food trends that you see in the marketplace," says Elder. "People want their foods to deliver benefits beyond great taste such as organic and GMO-free."

Among trends Elder says are impacting the chocolate business are the desire for protein or fiber enrichment, chocolate made without dairy (or with alternative dairy products) as well as creating products with a reduced sugar content. The latter, he says, is driven not only by consumer demand, but also by strict labeling requirements which require companies to disclose any and all added sugars.

"We sell a product based on its sensory characteristics," he explains. "And maintaining that character in a product thats also improving the nutrition can be a challenge. It's easier to add things like fiber than it is to pull out the sugar, which has a profound impact on flavor."

Theres also demand for premium products, with provenance and origin both playing a key role.

"People want their food to have a story," Elder says. "And so we aspire to meet their desire for that, as well as their desire for sustainability, organic products without gmos, and those made with non-artificial ingredients."

Sustainability

"We do the right thing because it is the right thing," Elder says as he explains the Cargill Cocoa Promise, a commitment to sustainability launched in 2012 which aims to accelerate progress towards a transparent global cocoa supply chain, which supports farmers and their communities while creating more sustainable chocolate products.

"One of the opportunities that the scale of Cargill brings is being able to manage the complicated supply chain, tracing it from the origins of the beans to the products that enter consumers hands," Elder goes on. "We work with 400,000 farmers, and the relationships we have with those farmers and the other parts of the front end of the supply chain are critical for us as a North American company. Its also the right thing for us to do, ethically."

As a result, Cargill has committed to working with a variety of organizations -- from governments to farming cooperatives -- as well as directly with farmers to enhance their livelihoods and create self-sufficient communities.

Elder says that some of the questions they tackle through the Cargill Cocoa Promise include: How do we keep farmers growing cocoa trees versus alternate crops? How do we help them to reduce pesticides? How can we help them move toward organic when there is a consumer push for organic products?

"It's about more than helping farmers to grow more cocoa pods," he says. "It's about increasing their incomes, providing farmer education and sustaining their livelihoods, improving their quality of life. And that includes initiatives that empower women, educate children and decrease child labor. It's also about tackling emerging issues like deforestation."

The scope of the Cargill Promise focus on attainable, measurable goals. In fact, according to Elder, Cargill has a goal of doubling the number of cocoa beans sourced from sustainable farms to 80% by the year 2022.

"If we can help to make these communities more viable, its not only good for them, it supports our business downstream," he says.

Giving back locally

And despite Cargills global footprint, the company is remarkably tuned in to its local communities.

"The dedication to the community and giving back is really deeply embedded in the organization," says Elder, who recently moved to the Milwaukee plant from Amsterdam.

Robinson says one of the reasons shes been with the company for nearly 20 years is based in part on Cargills commitment to supporting local causes, which plays out through employee-driven councils that provide support for local charitable and civic organizations and programs such as food relief agencies, school and youth programs, and local environmental projects.

"Our site here is part of the Cargill Cares program," she says. "Through it, employees volunteer at local organizations, including Feeding America and Hunger Task Force. And company funds are actually allocated to be donated to employee-chosen organizations. Its been one of the coolest things about joining the Cargill team."
Amazon.com, America's fifth-largest company by market value, is still growing like an adolescent and planting flags in new markets. That is prompting some policymakers and legal experts to ask: How big is too big?

It's a key issue for an economy being rapidly reshaped by e-commerce, a sector where Amazon and the merchants operating on its platform account for up to a third of all U.S. sales, according to some estimates.

It's also critical for Seattle, a city that has hitched its wagon to the e-commerce titan, and that once saw another local champion, Microsoft, mired in a lengthy antitrust battle. That fight, over Microsoft keeping a rival internet browser off PCs running Windows, almost led to the split-up of the software giant.

E-commerce is not Amazon's only game. It also dominates cloud computing, and it may soon have a significant brick-and-mortar presence, with its pending acquisition of Whole Foods Market. The unexpected $13.7 billion deal announced in June spurred an outcry among critics of the company and some members of Congress who asked the Federal Trade Commission to take a close look at the deal.

Last month, Marc Perrone, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents grocery workers, wrote to the FTC that Amazon's proposed takeover of the organic food purveyor "is a competitive threat to our economy that will hurt workers and communities."

Legal experts say it's really hard to build an antitrust case against the Whole Foods deal, which would give Amazon just a small percentage of the U.S. grocery market.

Amazon's budding dominance in other markets, too, is likely to remain unchallenged in the long term, unless the philosophy underlying antitrust regulations changes. In fact, U.S. regulators have sided with Amazon against its rivals' anti-competitive moves - such as when they charged Apple and top New York publishers with conspiring to raise prices for e-books, a market Amazon dominates.

Under the current U.S. antitrust view, how consumers are treated is the prime factor, not the company's dominance in a market. To take antitrust action against Amazon, regulators would have to prove that the company somehow harms shoppers - for example, by conspiring to make the products they buy artificially more expensive. Another way Amazon could run into trouble is by undermining rivals with strategies such as sustained predatory pricing or forcing suppliers to lock out competitors.

But rather than using tactics like that, some experts say, Amazon has built its empire just by giving customers what they want - products at low prices with lots of choices - which is not against the rules, no matter how big it grows.

"Antitrust law doesn't make it illegal to get market power," provided it was done properly, said A. Douglas Melamed, a professor of antitrust law at Stanford University and a former U.S. Department of Justice antitrust official. Amazon's humongous size is "politically important," but not an antitrust issue. "Not if they got there by being more innovative and more creative than the next guy," he said.

At the same time, the huge role occupied by Amazon - and other big tech firms such as Google and Facebook - is fostering a rethinking among policy wonks about how government can oversee the power of these large tech companies.

"A lot of people are waking up to the fact that Amazon has positioned itself as a central piece of infrastructure for the 21st century economy," said Lina Khan, a fellow at the New America Foundation, a Washington, D.C., think tank. She is also author of "Amazon's Antitrust Paradox," which has attracted widespread attention since it was published in January by the Yale Law Journal.

"We need to rethink how to go about preserving competition," she said in an interview.

Amazon downplays the antitrust issue. During a recent call with reporters, Amazon Chief Financial Officer Brian Olsavsky said that "the businesses we are in are all very large market segments with lots of very serious competition."

Nevertheless, the company last year hired a veteran D.C. antitrust adviser, Seth Bloom.

-

Amazon's North American retail sales, which include Canada, totaled about $80 billion in 2016. That doesn't include sales by third-party merchants operating on Amazon's site, which some experts estimate to be about the same, or more.

Together, Amazon and its merchants account for about a third of all online sales. But e-commerce is a tiny part - about 8.15 percent - of the huge U.S. retail sector.

Amazon grows fast, however. In the latest quarter, the company's sales grew 25 percent, to $38 billion, and the company is on track to becoming the second-largest U.S. employer among the Fortune 500, after Wal-Mart.

It dominates some markets, such as e-books. In others, it's growing so quickly that it makes incumbents quake. For instance, analysts with Cowen estimate that Amazon might surpass Macy's as the biggest seller of clothes this year.

When a rumor arises that Amazon might dip its toe in a new market, stocks for potential rivals tremble, as happened to Zillow in June amid reports of a potential Amazon service for real-estate agents.

Even more important than its retail power, in the eyes of some policymakers, is Amazon's increasingly central role as a platform widely used by other retailers. Brands now feel compelled to hawk their wares on Amazon's site, the biggest destination for online shoppers.

Many merchants also pay to use Amazon's logistics, having their products stored and shipped by the Seattle giant. Amazon, the largest purveyor of cloud computing, even rents competitors the computing capacity they need to operate their businesses.

Khan, the New America fellow, likens Amazon to the 19th century railroad empires that farmers and manufacturers relied on to get their products to market - and whose power generated public concern that led to the creation of the first federal antitrust laws.

"Today you have to ride Amazon's rails," she said.

Current antitrust laws, which focus on protecting efficiency and consumer prices, are ill-suited to regulate that type of power. They also don't fully take into account how Amazon's bevy of mutually reinforcing businesses can undermine competition, Khan argues.

But that regulatory framework could change. In the past year, the attention the issue has been getting from the media and members of Congress on both sides of the aisle "has been mind-blowing," Khan said.

In a recent Op-Ed in The New York Times, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., pointed to more strict oversight of corporate giants as one of the main points of the Democratic Party program.

"We are going to fight to allow regulators to break up big companies if they're hurting consumers and to make it harder for companies to merge if it reduces competition," he wrote.

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Experts say the Whole Foods deal is likely to sail through, despite the initial controversy.

Melamed, the Stanford professor, said that the grocery chain and Amazon today barely compete. Whole Foods, with annual sales of about $16 billion, represents a tiny sliver of the $600 billion U.S. grocery market. And Amazon's U.S. grocery and pantry sales totaled just $400 million in the first quarter of 2017, according to calculations by One Click Retail, an e-commerce consultancy.

In the longer term, too, Melamed sees a relatively clear runway for Amazon, as long as it behaves.

He acknowledged there is some restlessness among experts regarding the relative passivity of antitrust regulators in recent decades. "There's an increasing sentiment, even among the antitrust technocrats, that perhaps antitrust law has not been aggressive enough," he said. That laxity has allowed, in the eyes of critics, a series of gigantic deals across the U.S. economy that have increased market concentration.

But Melamed expects any regulatory changes that may occur to be relatively minor - perhaps closer scrutiny of upcoming deals, or looking at a longer-term horizon when projecting whether a merger might result in competitive harm.

A bigger challenge to Amazon might come from Europe.

Last June, the European Commission fined Google some $2.7 billion for allegedly giving its own price-comparison service an illegal advantage by featuring it prominently in search results. Melamed said European regulators don't like the creation of monopolies, even if they result from disruptive practices that would be considered acceptable in the U.S. "If you wind up driving your only competitor out of business, it's going to land you in trouble in Europe."

It's hard to know how this could impact Amazon. But the company has already had run-ins with European antitrust regulators. In 2015 the European Commission began investigating Amazon's e-book distribution agreements with publishers, which required the publishers to share with Amazon information about the terms they struck with Amazon's competitors, and to give it the same or better terms.

Amazon agreed not to enforce those clauses and to drop them from future contracts, a commitment the Commission made legally binding in May.

Back in the U.S., even though building a case against Amazon might be hard, it doesn't mean rivals or critics won't try.

The disruptive effect of Amazon's expansion on competitors could force some politically connected firms to ask regulators for help, said David Teece, director of the Tusher Center for the Management of Intellectual Capital at the Haas School of Business at the University of California at Berkeley. "The greater the disruption, the more likelihood the antitrust agencies are going to stick their nose in it," he said.

Communication will be key for the titan.

"Amazon's not there yet. But when it gets to be dominant, it has to be careful, make sure all its conduct is pro-competitive and the public understands it," he added.

"You can't ignore Washington, D.C. Bill Gates learned that."

2017 The Seattle Times

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
An endangered North Atlantic right whale entangled in heavy plastic fishing link off Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Canadian officials on Friday ordered boats including cargo and cruise ships to reduce their speed in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence in a bid to protect endangered whales.

The speed limit was capped at 10 knots (11.5 miles, 18.5 kilometers) per hourabout half the average current speedsin areas where whales have been reported.

The move follows two months that saw an average of one North Atlantic right whale per week found dead in the shipping channel, which connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.

A decomposed whale carcass was also recovered off the coast of the US state of Massachusetts this week, bringing the whale death toll in the northeastern coastal region that includes the US and Canada to twelve.

Preliminary examinations of the carcasses found evidence that the endangered marine mammals died of blunt trauma, likely from collisions with vessels. Some showed signs of having been tangled up in fishing nets.

A necropsy report will be released next month, said Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

Federal officials hope limiting boat speeds will allow whales time to get out of the way of vessels and, if they fail to, limit injuries.

"We are taking the situation of endangered species very seriously," Transport Minister Marc Garneau told journalists.

"We know that an unprecedented number of right whales are currently in Canadian waters and that makes them vulnerable to navigation. They may have been hit by ship," he said.

"We are taking steps to reduce the risks of other deaths in that area. We want these whales to be able to coexist with ships."

The North Atlantic right whale, which is much larger than a humpback or a gray whale, is one of the most endangered whale species. Only about 500 of them left in the world's oceans.

There are an estimated 80-100 whales in Canadian waters now.

The temporary speed limit will remain in effect in the western part of the Gulf from Quebec's north shore to just north of Prince Edward Island, until the whales migrate out of the region, said official.

Speeders will face fines of up to Can$25,000 (US$19,700).

In July, authorities also banned fishing in several parts of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to protect the whales.

 2017 AFP
The queen of the sea, a monster mollusk that inspired its own republic in Florida but now is as likely to be found in a frying pan or a gift shop as the ocean floor, is in trouble.

A marine preserve in the Bahamas famed for its abundance of queen conchs and intended to help keep the country's population thriving is missing something: young conchs. Researchers studying the no-take park off Exuma, one of hundreds throughout the Caribbean, found that over the last two decades, the number of young has sharply declined as adult conchs steadily matured and died off. The population hasn't crashed yet like it has in the Florida Keys, but in the last five years, the number of adult conchs in one of the Bahamas' healthiest populations dropped by 71 percent.

For the slow-moving slugs that gather by the hundreds to mate, scientists fear a new, unexpected threat may now doom the park's population: old age.

The discovery also raises questions about the effectiveness of marine preserves, long viewed as a solution to reviving over-fished stocks. If one of the Caribbean's oldest and best marine preserves isn't working to replenish one of its biggest exports - now regulated as tightly as lobster - what does that mean for other preserves and how they're managed?

"We can see (the preserve) works for grouper and sharks," said Andrew Kough, lead author of a study published earlier this month and a larval expert at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium. "But for a lot of the animals you don't consider as much, for example conch that are tied to a complex life cycle of larval dispersal, it's not working."

To find out why, Kough and a team of researchers set sail this month from Miami aboard a Shedd research boat - imagine the Belafonte minus the mini sub in "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou." For 12 days, they'll dive the deep channels surrounding the park in search of young conchs to count and measure. They'll also take DNA samples to determine where the conchs are coming from. If they can trace the path of the young conchs, the hope is they can find a better way to protect them and manage the fishery.

"The babies are either not coming in in high enough numbers to replenish the adults or there's something else going on in the park that's an unintended consequence," Kough said. "There's so many sharks and rays inside the park they could just be chowing down on baby conchs."

In the Florida Keys, the ghost of the conch looms large: in oversized highway replicas, T-shirts and horns. When he took the throne as king of the Conch Republic, treasure hunter Mel Fisher carried a scepter crowned with a queen conch. But in the Caribbean, conch remains a vital part of the economy, and the reason its governments are so concerned.

Conchs used to be prevalent in Florida, too. But decades of overfishing nearly wiped them out. In the mid-1980s the U.S. banned their harvest to save what was left. Yet more than three decades later, they still have not recovered in Florida waters, an inauspicious sign for the Caribbean.

Across the Caribbean, conchs are as good as currency. Almost anyone who can swim can grab one from the ocean floor and sell it or serve it. Cracked conch or conch salad appears on almost every menu. Their pink-lipped shells line porches and walkways. Countless docks are littered with piles of discarded shells. They are used for everything from jewelry to bait. Whole industries, from fishermen to exporters, depend on a healthy population.

But regulating them has been uneven. While some islands impose seasons and limits on takes - in the Turks and Caicos conch season starts in October and there are set limits on numbers and size - other have not. Populations have plummeted in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Honduras, prompting the U.S. to ban their imports.

The Bahamas has taken an aggressive approach. In 2013, the government launched a "Conchservation" campaign to save what it considers a national treasure that once gathered in vast herds along miles of flats and seagrass meadows.

In recent years, Kough said those herds have thinned considerably, driving populations down. In the Berry Islands, he said, previous surveys found the sea bottom littered with conchs, which can live up to 40 years and not only hold an important place in the food chain but graze on algae that can kill seagrass. The last time his team visited, Kough said, they found hardly any big adults.

"The fishermen are going further to get the animals," he said. "We found a lot of sub adults and juveniles as well, but it's the adults that are in decline and that just screams fishing."

Scientists believe a healthy population needs between 50 and 100 adults conchs for every 2.5 acres to sustain itself. The patchier the clusters, the harder it is for populations to find each other and connect.

Working with the Bahamian government, Kough hopes to better understand how the conchs are circulating - or more precisely the baby conchs. About five days after female conchs release their eggs in long sandy strands, larvae emerge and get caught up in currents. Because the larval stage can last up to a month, the babies can float more than 100 miles. Kough suspects the young conchs from the preserve are winding up in unprotected areas hammered by harvesting.

Although the Bahamas restricts fishing, Kough said tighter measures may be needed. Regulations currently allow the take of any conch with a flared lip, the smooth curve on its rosy shell, which for years has been considered the indication of a mature conch. Scientists now believe the thickness of the shell is a better measure of maturity, triggering a local move to change rules to require shells be at least as thick as a Bahamian penny.

"You don't want to pull up juveniles. You want animals to reproduce," Kough said.

Kough is hoping the team can find some answers by studying currents to map the ocean highways traveled by conch larvae.

"It's a lot more complex because the animals are spending so much time out in the open ocean and outside the boundaries because they're dispersing as larvae," he said. "You can't create a huge ocean open park. Well you could, but how would you enforce that?"

The international community has vowed to protect 30 percent of the world's coastlines by 2030 to keep fisheries sustainable. But, Kough said, the Bahamas is in the difficult position of having within its borders vast flats and shallows not considered shoreline that should be protected but could exhaust limited resources.

"They recognize there's a problem. That's the really important thing," he said. "So they want to take steps to fix it before it turns into something like Florida, where the population just crashed and still hasn't recovered."

2017 Miami Herald

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Evidence of illegal logging in Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park. Credit: ANU

Researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) have warned of the economic consequences for Cambodia if nothing is done to halt illegal deforestation of one of the nation's most important forests - the Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park.

For the first time, researchers have calculated the financial contribution the forest makes to Cambodia's economy - an estimated US$129.84 million per annum.

Lead researcher Abu Kibria said the 55,000 hectare forest on the Cambodian border of Laos and Vietnam, has been disappearing due to illegal logging driven by demand primarily from China and Vietnam.

"If this is allowed to continue there will be significant long-term economic consequences for Cambodia," said Mr Kibria, a PhD scholar in the ANU School of Archaeology and Anthropology.

The research, done in partnership with Conservation International, found the forest was providing three main streams of financial value - the prevention of soil erosion (US$22 million a year), water storage and distribution (US$32 million a year), and air purification (US$56 million a year).

"The forest is like a sponge. After rainfall, the tree canopy slows down the flow of water, which increases the water storage in the soil," he said.

"If there is no forest, the drop in the land's water holding capacity will lead to soil erosion and damage the natural irrigation system. This will then have an impact on agriculture and industry."

Researcher Dr Alison Behie said in addition to the financial value of Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park, it was also incredibly important for its biodiversity.

"The park is home to around 250 species of mammals, reptiles and birds, many of which are endangered," she said.

"It is home to what is thought to be the world's largest group of the endangered northern buff-cheeked gibbons, likely four times larger than the next biggest group."

Dr Behie said that while the forest was upgraded from a Conservation Area to a National Park last year, the area could still be at risk as there is often the issue of a lack of funding to enforce the protection of these important areas.

"Despite best efforts, sometimes there just isn't enough funding for rangers, patrols and other protective measures," she said.

The study has been published in the Journal of Ecosystem Services.
The Ava wristband is worn at night and records the necessary data mainly in the second half of the night. In the morning, the user synchronizes the data with a smartphone app  and receives the calculation of her fertile days. Credit: Ava AG

Since January 2017 a sensor wristband that, according to the manufacturer, is capable of detecting a woman's fertile days in her cycle with 89 percent certainty has been on the market. Empa helped developing the sensor technology.

When is the right moment to get pregnant? A tricky question for couples who wish to have children. For many, using the temperature or rhythm method to pinpoint the fertile days is too inaccurate; other methods require lab tests and are thus inconvenient.

The medtech start-up Ava is now looking to answer this question with a state-of-the-art sensor wristband, which is worn at night and registers nine physiological parameters in the woman's calm sleep cycles: resting heart rate, skin temperature, heart rate variability, sleep, breathing rate, movement patterns, circulation, bio-impedance and heat loss from the skin. In the morning, the data is synchronized with a smartphone app, which calculates the increase in the sexual hormones estradiol and progesterone.

The Ava wristband is able to display 5.3 fertile days per month with an accuracy of 89 percent, as the manufacturer writes in a press release citing a study conducted at the University Hospital in Zurich. The device has been on the market in the US since the fall of 2016 and in Switzerland since January 2017.

It all began in the fall of 2014 with an Empa research project funded by the Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI). As Empa researcher Simon Annaheim from the Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles recalls: "The aim was to determine a woman's hormonal status as accurately as possible using non-invasive methods." Annaheim began with conventional smartwatches and monitoring shirts, which were fitted with various sensors to gage body temperature, heart rate, acceleration, movement and body position, for example. The next step for the Empa team was to develop prototypes of the Ava wristbands and test them on volunteers.

Difficult measurements

It soon became clear just how difficult it is to measure the temperature with a wristband worn at night. The readings need to be accurate to within a tenth of the degree to provide reliable information about the hormonal cycle. However, the behavior of the test subjects caused far greater deviations. Alcohol consumption, a sunbath in the afternoon or a jog in the evening, for instance, triggered a much more significant increase in body temperature. The position of the hand with the wristband  under or on top of the blankets  also influenced the readings.

The solution: the researchers used two temperature sensors, one for the wristband's surroundings and one for the skin. Moreover, the measurements were postponed from the early sleep phases to the middle of the night as this is when all the bodily functions are more balanced and the readings become more stable. "The most important thing, though: we have to correlate the skin temperature with the series of other physiological parameters," says Annaheim. "Only then can we draw accurate conclusions about the cycle." The software that compares the readings was developed at the Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique (CSEM) in Neuchatel.

Empa's research activities soon bore fruit: the project was completed in December 2015 and by the summer of 2016 the wristband had reached the market in the US. According to a press release over 50 pregnancies have already been confirmed among wearers of the wristband.

"Empa was one of Ava's first research partners and instrumental in the development of the basic concept. We're delighted to underscore this with joint publications," says Peter Stein, VP R&D at Ava.
A group of galamseyers, illegal gold panners, working in the Kibi area of Ghana, long known for its bountiful gold reserves.

Ghana has long been known for its bountiful gold reserves and was called "the Gold Coast" during its colonial era.

But illegal mining in Africa's second largest producer is taking a heavy human as well as environmental and economic toll with more than $2 billion lost to the practice last year alone.

Campaigners have been lobbying against illegal miningknown locally as "galamsey"since February when local media revealed the dramatic impact that the practice, which often uses mercury, was having on Ghana's soil and water supply.

While illicit prospecting has long been an issue for Ghana, the new government elected in December has now made combatting it a priority.

It issued a temporary ban on all small-scale mining and is forming a plan due to be released in September to end the phenomenon permanently.

Security forces recently clashed with illegal miners in the Ashanti region, leaving one miner dead.

The incident in the town of Obuasi was a result of "Operation Vanguard", which has seen 400 members of the security forces deployed to take on the illegal miners.

Abraham Otabil, a spokesman for the natural resources ministry, told AFP that while illegal mining was damaging rivers and farm land, it was also having a serious economic impact.

The ministry believes that more than $2.2 billion (1.87 billion euros) was lost to illegal mining in uncollected taxes in 2016.

'We can't go and steal'

Around half of all small-scale mining operations are illegal, the government estimates, suggesting that the cost of the problem could be larger still.

Since 2006 gold has been Ghana's main source of foreign currency.

And while illegal mining has decreased since the government crackdown, rogue operators continue to defy the authorities.

As well as the environmental and economic costs, illegal mining has also caused much human suffering.

In the first week of July, 22 miners became trapped deep underground in an illegal mine.

Rescuers tried unsuccessfully to reach them for five days but were forced to concede defeat, declaring the men dead and sealing the pit.

One of the victims, 30-year-old Kojo Kandanoba, had been mining illegally for six years and used the meagre income to help provide for his family, his cousin Andrew Anchaba told AFP.

"He made some amount of profit from his work, that is what he used in catering for his parents and some other family members," Anchaba said.

An illegal miner himself, Anchaba said that many like him fear that the government crackdown will hurt them financially.

"We were aware of the ban on illegal mining but that was the only job available here and you know we cannot go and steal," he said.

"The government has promised us jobs but we are not seeing anything so we also continue to mine."

Maame Esi Eshun, a research analyst at the African Centre for Economic Transformation, said that small-scale mining is largely driven by poverty.

Her study on the practice in Ghana, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone found that mining was more appealing than agricultural work for many rural poor because it was seen as offering quick returns.

It also helped miners raise funds to buy farm equipment, she found.

'Not against the Chinese'

An estimated one million people are involved in illegal mining in Ghana and each typically earn between $100 and $300 per month, she said.

Those who opted to farm could be expected to earn just $70 a month.

Otabil, the ministry official, said the government would try to support miners to shift away from their illicit incomes.

"Within the next five years, we should be able to help many more people acquire work and jobs on their own, set up their own businesses and forget this illegal mining business," he said.

But illegal mining does not just attract Ghanaians: some 50,000 foreigners are thought to be involved, according to an Oxford Business Group report published in 2015.

At least 200 Chinese nationals have been arrested in connection with illegal mining so far this year, Otabil said.

A media backlash against China over its citizens' involvement in galamsey prompted a rare rebuke from Beijing's ambassador who in April called on Ghana's government to "guide the media to give an objective coverage on the illegal mining issue".

President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo recently defended the crackdown, saying that it was in the national interest.

"We are not against the Chinese or any other citizens but what we are all seeking is to protect the integrity of our environment to secure a better future for unborn generations," he told local media.

 2017 AFP
Sambor Prei Kuk, which means 'the temple in the richness of the forest', boasts nearly 300 brick temples and heaps of ruins across a 25 square kilometre (nine square mile) compound

It has survived centuries of monsoon rains, a US bombing campaign and rampant looting.

Now the ancient temple city of Sambor Prei Kuk in Cambodia is finally ready for a renaissanceand is teasing tourists to its forest-cocooned ruins.

Cloistered by trees and linked by winding dirt trails, the site has played second fiddle to its much bigger cousin to the westAngkor WatCambodia's top tourist destination.

But in July it gained a listing by the UNESCO World Heritage, promising a tourist bonanza that could breathe new life into a once-thriving 6th and 7th century metropolis.

"We have already seen more and more local and foreign tourists flocking to visit our site," said Hang Than, an official who manages the compound, as he strolled towards one of several temples spectacularly wrapped in tree roots.

For now the tourist infrastructure is basic.

The ancient city in central Kampong Thom province lies down a pot-holed road where a few food hawkers cluster beneath umbrellas in the dusty parking lot.

Several tour guides lounge around a small booth servicing a growing fleet of tour buses that arrive, for now, mainly on weekends.

"We are very happy and we were so surprised that this site has been listed," said 45-year-old Mao Sambath, who has been making the hour-long motorcycle ride to sell a spread of tropical fruits to backpackers and Chinese tour groups.

"Today we have even more vendors than yesterday."

The temples of Sambor Prei Kuk were rediscovered by French scholars in the 1880s and it took decades to pare back tree roots and lumps of earth that had consumed the monuments over the centuries

Trees and looters

Sambor Prei Kuk, which means "the temple in the richness of the forest", boasts nearly 300 brick temples and heaps of ruins across a 25 square kilometre (nine square mile) compound.

The city, some 200 kilometres (120 miles) north of Phnom Penh, was once the seat of the Chenla kingdom that flourished in the 6th and 7th centuries before the height of the Khmer Empire that raised the mega-city of Angkor.

The temples were rediscovered by French scholars in the 1880s when Cambodia was part of France's Indochina empire.

It took decades to pare back tree roots and lumps of earth that had consumed the monuments over the centuries.

"At first they only found 16 temples, but then they started to clean the sites," explained Hang Than, an archaeologist by training.

But the excavation halted as Cambodia fell into war, with a hailstorm of US bombs hitting the area during the Vietnam War in the 1970s, leaving behind hundreds of craters.

Destruction continued under Cambodia's ruthless Khmer Rouge regime, whose soldiers still held the area into the 1980s as looters ransacked heirlooms from the site.

After the violence subsided in the late 1990s, restoration efforts were rebooted.

With help of Japanese partners, conservationists spent decades hacking back trees and stabilising the structures.

The painstaking work was rewarded with the UNESCO listing, which carries fresh funds to preserve the temples and manage the impact of tourism.

"It was very different when I first started to work in this area," said Lay Alex, a baby-faced 24-year-old who began leading tours a decade ago.

"I don't think seven guides is going to be enough anymore," he said with a smile.

 2017 AFP
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The world's smallest space probe, conceived at Menlo Park's visionary Breakthrough Starshot, has phoned home.

The flying computer chip dubbed "Sprite," the size of a Saltine cracker, is healthy, happy and sending us signals from Earth's orbit, 400 miles from home.

It's still a long way from where its progeny may someday travel: our neighboring star system Alpha Centauri, 24 trillion miles away. The dream is for Sprite-like spacecraft to take close-up images and collect data - maybe even detect gases produced by alien life.

The little Sprite could someday help answer the big questions of life in the Universe: Are we alone? Are there habitable worlds out there? If so, can we reach them?

That's an ambition that will tax the brainpower and bank accounts of its Silicon Valley benefactors, led and funded for the first five years with $100 million donated by internet entrepreneur Yuri Milner. Breakthrough Starshot's board consists of Milner, cosmologist Stephen Hawking of the University of Cambridge and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

"But it's very good first step. It's proof of concept," said Breakthrough Starshot director Pete Worden, former director of NASA Ames Research Center, from his office on the valley's storied Sand Hill Road. "It's very exciting."

Scientists now know that planets are as common as a cheap hotel. The Kepler Space Telescope has identified 2,337, with about 50 in the "goldilocks zone" - not too hot or cold, too big or too small. They're Earth's size and shape and orbit around the warm glow of stars like our own sun, perhaps hosting life.

But here's the problem: It's impossible for humans to travel fast enough, far enough, to reach these distant destinations.

To get there, it would require a spacecraft that moves at a fraction of the speed of light. One huge vessel would take tens of thousands of years to reach Alpha Centauri. But a fleet of tiny Sprite-like probes - if light and small enough - could perhaps succeed.

The project's strategy was reportedly mapped out at a January 2016 gathering at Milner's hilltop mansion joined by Worden, UC Santa Barbara physicist Philip Lubin, Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb and others.

Their mission was energized merely months later, by this startling August 2016 discovery: Earth has a neighbor. The exoplanet Proxima b was discovered at our cosmic doorstep, orbiting Proxima Centauri, the nearest star to our sun. Better yet, the planet is within the so-called "habitable zone," like Earth.

"Finding this planet, Proxima b, was a game-changer," wrote Milner, who studied physics in Moscow and was named after Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.

It might take a fleet of probes about 20 years to get to Proxima b, then another four years for the data and photos to be beamed back to Earth.

Last April, the team assembled some of the world's experts at Stanford University to discuss the prospects and challenges of travel to Proxima b.

Sprite is the brainchild of Zac Manchester, whose Kickstarter "KickSat" campaign at Cornell University raised the first funds to develop the concept. This month, he joins the faculty of Stanford's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. His arrival at Stanford is expected to accelerate the chip satellite effort.

Sprite weighs just four grams, lighter than a quarter. It has its own solar panel, communication capabilities and sensors.

Such tiny spacecraft are possible thanks to rapid advances made in the semiconductor industry, according to Manchester. Most of the features of a traditional spacecraft can be integrated onto a chip-scale device. Sprite is built using the same devices and processes used in the consumer electronics industry.

Spacecraft have been ever-shrinking in size. In the past decade, hundreds of 10-centimeter-sized CubeSats have been launched in space. Manchester's first Sprite effort, with shoebox-sized spacecraft, launched in 2014 but fell out of orbit and burned up.

Sprite has siblings - several Sprites were launched on June 23 - but they've gone incommunicado. They don't fly on their own; they're piggybacking on two satellites.

The one researchers hear is broadcasting a standard radio signal, charging its batteries with sunlight. News came of its signal late last month, via a Cornell ground station. (Amateurs can also listen in; Manchester's KickSat offered a design and instructions for a low-cost and portable Sprite receiving station. Consisting of a hand-held antenna, low-noise amplifier, low-cost USB radio receiver dongle, it can be built for about $200, plus a PC to run the software.)

Eventually, Sprite must be even smaller and lighter. It will weigh less than one gram, and be fitted with a sail. Carrying its own fuel would add too much weight.

In principle, its sails would be pushed through space by a laser - or an array of lasers - which could create a "wind" of photons, acting like a giant fan. The laser would deliver 100-billion watts of energy, vastly more powerful than the typical 1 milliwatt laser pointer. Directed from Earth, the laser would aim to propel the spacecraft to speeds at 20 percent of the speed of light. That's more than 100 million miles an hour.

There's yet another hurdle: Communication. Worden said the team will work towards building an on-board small optical laser that could turn around, point towards Earth, and communicate via laser, not radio, signals.

"The key thing is the communications, over hundreds of thousands of miles," he said. "That is the challenge."

In September, Breakthrough Starshot will start seeking proposals for a laser device. By next year, it will organize a team to research and design better communication systems.

Then these tiny spacecraft wouldn't send mere "I am here" signals, like Sprite is saying today.

Instead, they could say: "Wow - check out the neighborhood!"

2017 The Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.)

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
From its new vantage point on the International Space Station's Japanese Experiment Module - Exposed Facility, the Cosmic Ray Energetics and Mass (ISS-CREAM) mission, shown in the inset illustration, will study cosmic rays to determine their sources and acceleration mechanisms. Credit: NASA

A new experiment set for an Aug. 14 launch to the International Space Station will provide an unprecedented look at a rain of particles from deep space, called cosmic rays, that constantly showers our planet. The Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass mission destined for the International Space Station (ISS-CREAM) is designed to measure the highest-energy particles of any detector yet flown in space.

CREAM was originally developed as a part of NASA's Balloon Program, during which it returned measurements from around 120,000 feet in seven flights between 2004 and 2016.

"The CREAM balloon experiment achieved a total sky exposure of 191 days, a record for any balloon-borne astronomical experiment," said Eun-Suk Seo, a professor of physics at the University of Maryland in College Park and the experiment's principal investigator. "Operating on the space station will increase our exposure by over 10 times, taking us well beyond the traditional energy limits of direct measurements."

Sporting new instruments, as well as refurbished versions of detectors originally used on balloon flights over Antarctica, the refrigerator-sized, 1.4-ton (1,300 kilogram) ISS-CREAM experiment will be delivered to the space station as part of the 12th SpaceX commercial resupply service mission. Once there, ISS-CREAM will be moved to the Exposed Facility platform extending from Kibo, the Japanese Experiment Module.

From this orbital perch, ISS-CREAM is expected to study the "cosmic rain" for three yearstime needed to provide unparalleled direct measurements of rare high-energy cosmic rays.

Meet Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass for the International Space Station (ISS-CREAM), an experiment designed to provide an unprecedented look at cosmic ray particles approaching energies of 1,000 trillion electron volts (1 PeV). ISS-CREAM detects these particles when they slam into the matter making up its instruments. They can distinguish electrons, protons and atomic nuclei as massive as iron as they crash through the detector stack. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

At energies above about 1 billion electron volts, most cosmic rays come to us from beyond our solar system. Various lines of evidence, including observations from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, support the idea that shock waves from the expanding debris of stars that exploded as supernovas accelerate cosmic rays up to energies of 1,000 trillion electron volts (PeV). That's 10 million times the energy of medical proton beams used to treat cancer. ISS-CREAM data will allow scientists to examine how sources other than supernova remnants contribute to the population of cosmic rays.

Protons are the most common cosmic ray particles, but electrons, helium nuclei and the nuclei of heavier elements make up a small percentage. All are direct samples of matter from interstellar space. But because the particles are electrically charged, they interact with galactic magnetic fields, causing them to wander in their journey to Earth. This scrambles their paths and makes it impossible to trace cosmic ray particles back to their sources.

"An additional challenge is that the flux of particles striking any detector decreases steadily with higher energies," said ISS-CREAM co-investigator Jason Link, a researcher at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. "So to better explore higher energies, we either need a much bigger detector or much more observing time. Operating on the space station provides us with this extra time."

Large ground-based systems study cosmic rays at energies greater than 1 PeV by making Earth's atmosphere the detector. When a cosmic ray strikes the nucleus of a gas molecule in the atmosphere, both explode in a shower of subatomic shrapnel that triggers a wider cascade of particle collisions. Some of these secondary particles reach detectors on the ground, providing information scientists can use to infer the properties of the original cosmic ray.

Technicians lower ISS-CREAM into a chamber that simulates the space environment during system-level testing at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in summer 2015. Credit: University of Maryland Cosmic Ray Physics Laboratory

These secondaries also produce an interfering background that limited the effectiveness of CREAM's balloon operations. Removing that background is another advantage of relocating to orbit.

With decreasing numbers of particles at increasing energies, the cosmic ray spectrum vaguely resembles the profile of a human leg. At PeV energies, this decline abruptly steepens, forming a detail scientists call the "knee." ISS-CREAM is the first space mission capable of measuring the low flux of cosmic rays at energies approaching the knee.

"The origin of the knee and other features remain longstanding mysteries," Seo said. "Many scenarios have been proposed to explain them, but we don't know which is correct."

Astronomers don't think supernova remnants are capable of powering cosmic rays beyond the PeV range, so the knee may be shaped in part by the drop-off of their cosmic rays in this region.

Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

"High-energy cosmic rays carry a great deal of information about our interstellar neighborhood and our galaxy, but we haven't been able to read these messages very clearly," said co-investigator John Mitchell at Goddard. "ISS-CREAM represents one significant step in this direction."

ISS-CREAM detects cosmic ray particles when they slam into the matter making up its instruments. First, a silicon charge detector measures the electrical charge of incoming particles, then layers of carbon provide targets that encourage impacts, producing cascades of particles that stream into electrical and optical detectors below while a calorimeter determines their energy. Two scintillator-based detector systems provide the ability to discern between singly charged electrons and protons. All told, ISS-CREAM can distinguish electrons, protons and atomic nuclei as massive as iron as they crash through the instruments.

ISS-CREAM will join two other cosmic ray experiments already working on the space station. The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02), led by an international collaboration sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, is mapping cosmic rays up to a trillion electron volts, and the Japan-led Calorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET), also located on the Kibo Exposed Facility, is dedicated to studying cosmic ray electrons.

Overall management of ISS-CREAM and integration for its space station application was provided by NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia's Eastern Shore. ISS-CREAM was developed as part of an international collaboration led by the University of Maryland at College Park, which includes teams from NASA Goddard, Penn State University in University Park, Pennsylvania, and Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, as well as collaborating institutions in the Republic of Korea, Mexico and France.
People watch a partial eclipse in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on March 20, 2015. Credit: Robin Cordiner

The total solar eclipse crossing America on Aug. 21 will be the first eclipse to march from sea to shining sea in nearly 100 years. This astronomical event is a unique opportunity for scientists studying in the shadow of the Moon, but it's also a perfect opportunity to capture unforgettable images. Whether you're an amateur photographer or a selfie master, try out these tips for photographing the eclipse.

#1Safety First

To take images as the sun is being eclipsed, you'll need to use a special solar filter to protect your camera, just as you'll need a pair of eclipse glasses to protect your own eyes. However, at totality, when the Moon completely blocks the sun, make sure to remove the filter so you can see the sun's outer atmospherethe corona.

Having a few other pieces of equipment can also come in handy during the eclipse. Using a tripod can help you stabilize the camera and avoid taking blurry images during the low lighting. Additionally, using a delayed shutter release timer will allow you to snap shots without jiggling the camera.

#2Any Camera Is a Good Camera

Taking a stunning photo has more to do with the photographer than the camera. Whether you have a high-end DLSR, or a camera phone, you can take great photos during the eclipse; after all, the best piece of equipment you can have is a good eye and a vision for the image you want to create. If you don't have a telephoto zoom lens, focus on taking landscape shots, which capture the changing environment.

During the eclipse, youll be able to see and photograph the structures in the Suns corona. Credit: Miloslav Druckmuller, Martin Dietzel, Shadia Habbal, Vojtech Rusin

#3Look Up, Down, All Around

While the sun is the most commanding element of an eclipse, remember to look around you. As the Moon slips in front of the sun, the landscape will be bathed in long shadows, creating eerie lighting across the landscape. Light filtering through the overlapping leaves of trees, creating natural pinholes, which will also create mini eclipse replicas on the ground. Everywhere you can point your camera can yield exceptional imagery, so be sure to compose some wide-angle photos that can capture your eclipse experience.

NASA photographer Bill Ingalls recommends focusing on the human experience of watching the eclipse. "The real pictures are going to be of the people around you pointing, gawking and watching it," Ingalls noted. "Those are going to be some great moments to capture to show the emotion of the whole thing."

#4Practice

Be sure you know the capabilities of your camera before Eclipse Day. Most cameras, and even many camera phones, have adjustable exposures, which can help you darken or lighten your image during the tricky eclipse lighting. Make sure you know how to manually focus the camera for crisp shots.

For DSLR cameras, the best way to determine the correct exposure is to test settings on the uneclipsed sun beforehand. Using a fixed aperture of f/8 to f/16, try shutter speeds between 1/1000 to 1/4 second to find the optimal setting, which you can then use to take images during the partial stages of the eclipse. During totality, the corona has a wide range of brightness so it's best to use a fixed aperture and a range of exposures from approximately 1/1000 to 1 second.

#5Share!

Share your eclipse experience with friends and family afterwards. Use the hashtag #Eclipse2017 and tag @NASAGoddard to connect your photos on social media to those taken around the country and share them with NASA. Upload your eclipse images to NASA's Eclipse Flickr Gallery and relive the eclipse through other peoples' images. Images will be selected from the gallery and shared on Twitter and Instagram.

While you're out perfecting your perfect eclipse shot, don't forget to stop and look at the eclipse with your own eyes. Just remember to wear your eclipse safety glasses for all stages of the eclipse before and after totality!

Provided by NASA
Members of NJIT's ham radio club preparing for the eclipse. From left to right - Nathaniel Frissell, Peter Teklinski, director of Core Systems and Telecommunications for NJIT and club adviser, Spencer Gunning (standing) Joshua Vega (sitting) and Joshua Katz (standing). Credit: New Jersey Institute of Technology

When a solar eclipse plunges the country into darkness Aug. 21, Nathaniel Frissell will be stationed directly along the shadow's path, leading one of the largest ionospheric experiments in the history of space science from the back porch of a cabin in Gilbertsville, Kentucky.

With a 102 ft. wire antenna, he will contact a network of ham radio operators he's assembled around the world to test the strength and reach of their high frequency signals as one measure of the eclipse's impact on Earth's atmosphere. More than a week in advance, nearly 200 operators - from New Jersey, to Tennessee, to Wyoming in the U.S. and at far-flung locales such as Chile, Greece and India - are already signed on to be "citizen-scientists" that day by recording their contacts with one another. Their number grows daily.

"Among other phenomena, we're hoping to use our radio transmissions to identify how much of the ionosphere is impacted by the eclipse and how long the effects last," explains Frissell, an assistant research professor of physics at NJIT's Center for Solar Terrestrial Research and a sophisticated practitioner of ham radio who is intent on elevating the technology's role in space science research. He will share data and analysis from the day at the American Geophysical Union annual meeting in December.

Frissell has been preparing for this rare event for more than two years. While a Ph.D. student at Virginia Tech, he founded the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI), an organization that connects professional researchers such as space physicists and astronomers with the amateur radio community. By merging their data, the different groups will be able to construct a comprehensive picture of atmospheric effects caused by space weather events ranging from the solar eclipse later this month to more common phenomena, such as solar flares. In 2014, he first demonstrated the use of ham radio data by showing the effects of an X-class solar flare on high frequency communications.

On NJIT's campus, members of Frissell's team of undergraduate ham radio operators, including Spencer Gunning, Joshua Vega and Joshua Katz, have been constructing a website and developing data analysis tools that will allow them to gather and interpret the observations generated during the eclipse. Hundreds of hams around the world are planning on participating in this event, and they will be generating a large and diverse set of measurements.

Katz, along with Shaheda Shaik, a physics major and student researcher at NJIT's Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research, will give a talk on the eclipse at the United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) observatory at Jenny Jump State Forest Saturday, Aug. 19. Katz will return to the observatory Aug. 21 with other members of the NJIT K2MFF Amateur Radio Club to participate in the HamSCI Eclipse Ham Radio experiments. They plan on operating outside so they can view the eclipse while using their radios.

"We'll be participating in an international data-collection effort, learning more about the space weather effects of the eclipse, exposing the general public to amateur radio and watching a beautiful once-in-a-lifetime solar event all on the same day," Katz says. "That's more excitement than programmers and data analysts like me are usually allowed to have in a single sitting!"

New Jersey will experience a partial eclipse - about 75 percent shadow cover that day - beginning shortly after 1 p.m. Visitors can participate that day in UACNJ's Eclipse Observation event. (See http://www.uacnj.org for details.)

Frissell calls the eclipse "a spectacular event that has gripped the public's imagination."

"What's exciting from a researcher's perspective is that people have access to tools such as digital radios and computers that are connected in ways they weren't in the past, allowing us to make observations and then collect and share them," he notes. "For us, this is an unusual opportunity to learn things we don't know about the ionosphere, the electrified region of Earth's upper atmosphere formed when ultraviolet light from the Sun dislodges electrons from neutral particles such as oxygen, nitrogen and helium. This is one of the very few times we're able to conduct a controlled experiment around a space weather event. Normally, we have no advanced knowledge over when, where and how they happen."

Ham radio operators are acutely interested in the ionosphere, in part because it allows them to communicate with each other across thousands of miles and despite the Earth's curvature, which disrupts normal line-of-sight communications. Their high-frequency radio waves bounce off the upper atmosphere and are refracted back down on the other side of the globe. The composition of the ionosphere at different levels affects their ability to transmit.

"A station in Texas may not normally be able to talk to one in North Dakota on a particular frequency at a certain time of day. However, the eclipse will change the ionospheric state and possibly create communication paths that do not normally exist. We will be looking for those changes, among other impacts," he notes. "If you suddenly alter the ionosphere as happens during an eclipse, by reducing the number of ions or changing the temperature, for example, does it create waves or instabilities? How far can these effects be detected?"

A major source of HamSCI data comes from the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN). The Reverse Beacon Network is an automated radio (1.8 - 144 MHz) receiving network created and maintained voluntarily by ham radio operators. The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is working with HamSCI to organize and promote a Solar Eclipse QSO Party (hamsci.org/seqp), a contest-like operating event designed to get hams on the air during the eclipse.
Credit: University of Arizona

Research has shown that politicians' gender shapes public expectations of their expertise.

Female politicians, for example, often are expected to possess communal personality traits, such as caring and compassionand, in turn, they are perceived as being knowledgeable about social topics, such as health, education and children's issues. Men, on the other hand, are expected to be powerful, assertive and analytical, and so they often are perceived as being well-versed on financial and security issues.

University of Arizona sociology doctoral student Morgan Johnstonbaugh wondered if what politicians talk about on Twittera platform elected officials increasingly are using to connect with their constituentswould support these gender stereotypes.

Her findings: What U.S. lawmakers tweet has more to do with whether they have an R or D after their name (for Republican or Democrat) than an M or F (for male or female).

The study's results, which Johnstonbaugh will present this weekend at the American Sociological Association's annual meeting in Montreal, came as somewhat of a surprise to her, given existing literature on gendered issue expertise. However, the news is encouraging, Johnstonbaugh said.

"It's a positive thing that we don't see people aligning to these exact expectations. Women and men are engaging all of these topicsthey're not being limited by gender stereotypes," she said.

Johnstonbaugh analyzed 3,894 tweets by U.S. representatives, collected over a four-month period in 2015 using ForSight, Crimson Hexagon's social media analytics tool. She looked specifically at tweets on two issues that were generating much discussion on Twitter during that period. One of those issuesan investigation and proposed defunding of Planned Parenthoodwas a more stereotypically female issue. The otherthe debate surrounding the Iran deal concerning national and international securitywas more stereotypically male.

She also analyzed gender-stereotyped subtopics of each issue. For example, she considered which tweets about Planned Parenthood focused on women's health (a stereotypically female issue) versus taxes (a stereotypically male issue).

Contrary to what Johnstonbaugh expected, she found that women did not tweet significantly more about Planned Parenthood and female-stereotyped subtopics, and men did not tweet significantly more about the Iran deal and male-stereotyped subtopics.

Instead, political party had greater bearing on what was tweeted. Republicans, in general, tweeted more than Democrats on both topics, Johnstonbaugh said. That could be because the two issues explored in the study were ones in which Republicans were on the offense; Republicans led the push to defund Planned Parenthood, and they broadly spoke out against the Iran deal, which lifted international oil and financial sanctions on Iran.

The fact that Republicans out-tweeted Democrats also could point to a cultural difference in how members of the country's two major political parties like to communicate, Johnstonbaugh said.

"In other analyses, I have seen Republicans utilizing Twitter a lot more and mentioning each other and building these really dense networks, whereas Democrats don't seem to do that as much," Johnstonbaugh said. "It's something that warrants further exploration, especially now, since our president likes to use Twitter so much."

With regard to gender in American politics, it's important to recognize that women continue to be highly underrepresented in Congress, and gender stereotypes and discrimination persist, Johnstonbaugh said. At the time of her study, men outnumbered women 4 to 1 in the House of Representatives and 5 to 1 in the Senate.

A platform such as Twitter, Johnstonbaugh suggests, could be a valuable tool for underrepresented groups in politics, such as women, to communicate directly with the public about substantive issues.

"Research shows that women politicians get less media coverage, and they also receive different coverage. So when male politicians will be asked about the issues and important political topics, women will often receive coverage relating to their clothes or their family," Johnstonbaugh said. "Going to Twitter and tweeting about an important issue bypasses media that might want to talk to you about your hair rather than your position on a bill."
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

(Phys.org)For the first time, physicists have demonstrated that clients who possess only classical computersand no quantum devicescan outsource computing tasks to quantum servers that perform blind quantum computing. "Blind" means the quantum servers do not have full information about the tasks they are computing, which ensures that the clients' computing tasks are kept secure. Until now, all blind quantum computing demonstrations have required that clients have their own quantum devices in order to delegate tasks for blind quantum computing.

The team of physicists, led by Jian-Wei Pan and Chao-Yang Lu at the University of Science and Technology of China, have published a paper on the demonstration of blind quantum computing for classical clients in a recent issue of Physical Review Letters.

"We have demonstrated for the first time that a fully classical client can delegate a quantum computation to untrusted quantum servers while maintaining full privacy," Lu told Phys.org.

The idea behind blind quantum computing is that, while there are certain computing tasks that quantum computers can perform exponentially better than classical computers, quantum computing still involves expensive, complex hardware that will make it inaccessible for most clients. So instead of everyone owning their own quantum computing devices, blind quantum computing makes it possible for clients to outsource their computing tasks to quantum servers that do the job for them. Ensuring that the quantum computing is performed blindly is important, since many of the potential applications of quantum computing will likely require a high degree of security.

Although several blind quantum computing protocols have been performed in the past few years, they have all required that the clients have the ability to perform certain quantum tasks, such as prepare or measure qubit states. Eliminating this requirement will provide greater access to blind quantum computing, since most clients only have classical computing systems.

In the new study, the physicists experimentally demonstrated that a classical client can outsource a simple problem (factoring the number 15) to two quantum servers that do not fully know what problem they are solving. This is because each server completes part of the task, and it is physically impossible for the servers to communicate with each other. To ensure that the quantum servers are performing their tasks honestly, the client can give them "dummy tasks" that are indistinguishable from the real task to test their honesty and correctness.

The researchers expect that the new method can be scaled up for realizing secure, outsourced quantum computing, which could one day be implemented on quantum cloud servers and make the power of quantum computing widely available.

"Blind quantum computing protocol is an important privacy-preserving technique for future secure quantum cloud computing and secure quantum networks," Lu said. "Applying our implemented blind quantum computing protocol, classical clients could delegate computation tasks to servers 'in the cloud' blindly and correctly without directly owning quantum devices. It saves resources and makes scalable quantum computing possible."

In the future, the physicists want to make blind quantum computing even easier for clients by further reducing the requirements.

"We plan to study more robust blind quantum computing protocols with fewer required resources and fewer constraints theoretically and experimentally," Lu said. "We will also explore blind quantum computing for more application scenarios, such as multi-user blind quantum computing, publicly verifiable quantum computing, and secure multi-party quantum computing."

More information: He-Liang Huang et al. "Experimental Blind Quantum Computing for a Classical Client." Physical Review Letters. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.119.050503 , Also at arXiv:1707.00400 [quant-ph] Journal information: Physical Review Letters

 2017 Phys.org
Research at the University of Calgary involved three studies of full-time employees in North America. Credit: iStock photo

Have you ever been out at a restaurant and witnessed a fellow customer being rude to their server? How did it make you feel? Did you react?

According to newly published research from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary, when customers witness fellow customers mistreat serversincluding behaviours such as sarcasm and looking at smart phones during transactionsit elicits empathy for servers and anger towards the rude customers. These emotional reactions cause witnesses to leave higher tips, leave more positive customer service evaluations and behave friendlier towards victimized than non-victimized servers. The study also shows that the more aggressive the mistreatment, the higher the tips and the more positive the evaluations.

"The most significant finding is that people are willing to financially compensate for the poor behaviour of fellow customerspeople who are virtual strangers," says lead researcher Sandy Hershcovis, PhD, from the Haskayne School of Business. "Moreover, customers were friendlier, saying please and thank you more often during the transaction to try to offset the bad behaviour of the previous customer.

"Servers have to live by the mantra 'the customer is always right,' which is really hard when they are faced with rude and demanding customers. The knowledge that maybe there is a hidden benefitthat other customers see this rude behaviour and financially compensatemay be a silver lining."

The results of the study, "When Fellow Customers Behave Badly: Witness Reactions to Employee Mistreatment by Customers," have been published in the Journal of Applied Psychology. The researchers conducted three studies of full-time employees in North America, one of which was a field experiment that looked at real customer reactions to fellow customer mistreatment.

Hershcovis is an associate professor in organizational behaviour and human resources. Her research focuses on understanding the social context of workplace mistreatment such as workplace bullying, incivility, and abusive supervision.

"We hired an actor to pretend to be a rude customer, a server to pretend to be the victim and then we observed how real customers behaved," she says. "While only 11 per cent tried to intervene, 73 per cent of customers said something supportive to the server after the rude customer left the restaurant."

This research is the first to examine how customers react when other customers are rude to servers. It also suggests that servers unfortunately have to put up with the mistreatment in order to gain the benefits.

"One of the findings of our study is that when servers were rude back to the rude customer, the witnessing customers no longer left higher tips or evaluated the server more positively. When servers take matters into their own hands, customers no longer feel empathetic towards servers and no longer feel the need to compensate for the rude behaviour of fellow customers," adds Hershcovis.

More information: Hershcovis, M. S., & Bhatnagar, N. (2017). When Fellow Customers Behave Badly: Witness Reactions to Employee Mistreatment by Customers. Journal of Applied Psychology. Advance online publication. dx.doi.org/10.1037/apl0000249 Journal information: Journal of Applied Psychology
The surprising election of Donald Trump prompted a widespread desire to understand the factors at play in his unexpected victory, with various analyses attributing his win to strong support among economically deprived voters.

However, a recent analysis suggests that five social-psychological factors helped power the reality-star candidate to victory: authoritarianism, social dominance orientation, prejudice, relative deprivation, and intergroup contact.

In a commentary published in the Journal of Social and Political Psychology, research professor Thomas Pettigrew of the University of California, Santa Cruz, writes that these five social-psychological phenomena combined with political factors to produce the unprecedented outcome.

Authoritarianism and social dominance orientation

Authoritarianism as a syndrome is characterized by deference to authority, aggression toward outgroups, a rigidly hierarchical view of the world, and resistance to new experiences, according to Pettigrew, an expert on racism and intergroup relations whose scholarship has led the field of social psychology for more than five decades.

"Authoritarianism is typically triggered by threat and fear, and authoritarians tend to view the world as a very dangerous and threatening place," writes Pettigrew, adding that it typically begins early in life as an aspect of personality and leads to some form of right-wing political ideology.

Social dominance orientation is marked by a preference for social hierarchy and domination over lower-status groups. People who exhibit this preference tend to be driven, disagreeable, and relatively uncaring seekers of power. They describe themselves as motivated by self-interest and self-indulgence.

While polling of voters by political parties and news organizations focuses on which candidates are in the lead, surveys by social scientists dive deeper in an effort to identify the factors that prompt voters to support one candidate over another. Pettigrew's analysis is based on the review of numerous such surveys, including one conducted eight months before the election by Matthew MacWilliams, who predicted that election surveys were underestimating Trump's support, and one by Stanley Feldman, professor of political science at Stony Brook University, who found a positive correlation between authoritarianism and support for Trump among Republicans.

In the United States and throughout the world, authoritarianism is more common among the political right than the left. Republicans in the U.S. began averaging higher on authoritarianism than Democrats before Trump's candidacy, but "it remained for Trump to break the unwritten rules of American politics and appeal directly and openly to authoritarians and those who score high on social dominance orientation," writes Pettigrew.

Trump uses terms such as "losers" and "complete disasters," which are classic authoritarian statements, says Pettigrew, citing recent studies that reveal that Trump supporters tend to score especially high on measures of authoritarianism and social dominance orientation. The power of these two factors to predict far-right voting behavior has also been documented in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom, notes Pettigrew.

Prejudice

Trump supporters are also characterized by prejudiceracial prejudice as well as prejudice against immigrants and outgroups in general. Trump's blatant use of prejudice against "dangerous" Muslims and Mexican "rapists" is a departure from the Republican Party's previous more subtle appeals to bigotryand his dedicated followers loved it, says Pettigrew.

"Breaking with so-called 'political correctness,' (Trump) blared openly what they had been saying privately," he writes.

Intergroup contact

Pettigrew cites growing evidence that Trump's white supporters have far less contact with minorities than other Americans, and he notes research that found that Trump's regional support increased with greater distance from the Mexican border.

"Throughout the world, intergroup contact has been shown typically to diminish prejudice by reducing intergroup fear and inducing empathy," writes Pettigrew.

Relative deprivation

Pettigrew challenges the widely reported idea that Trump voters were economically deprived, unemployed, angry working-class voters, citing evidence that the median annual income of Trump supporters was nearly $82,000.

Rather than a lack of social mobility, Trump voters suffer from "relative deprivation," which Pettigrew explains is the result of disappointing comparisonswhether those impressions are based in fact or not.

"Trump adherents feel deprived relative to what they expected to possess at this point in their lives and relative to what they erroneously perceive other 'less deserving' groups have acquired," writes Pettigrew.

Relative deprivation among Trump supporters is fed by financial stresses, including the rapidly rising cost of housing, prescription drugs, and college tuition; diminished savings that may not allow the ideal retirement; and anxiety that their children may not achieve more than they have.

"Trump voters are typically not personally economically destitute, but they often feel deprived relative to their hopes and expectations," explains Pettigrew.

Trump exploited that sense of relative deprivation brilliantly, using language that appealed to his target audience and unifying his supporters against the common "enemies": the media, immigrants, and the so-called "elite." Pettigrew notes that Trump's slogan "Make America great again" harkens back to an era when the country was led by white men, when immigration was restricted, racial segregation was in place, and the government's affirmative action programssuch as the G.I. Bill and federal housing loanslargely benefited white men.

Capitalizing on real and imagined threats

These five phenomena make people feel vulnerable to real and perceived threats, but Trump is far from the first authoritarian leader to attract followers by exploiting the perception of threatsand offering simple solutions.

Pettigrew notes similarities between the Trump insurgency and previous movements, including the Tea Party movement, the Wallace movement in the 1960s, and the Know Nothing movement in the 1850s. Pettigrew also noted parallels with contemporary far-right movements in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands that are fueled by white male nationalists and populists who are less educated than the general population.

Genuine threats, including terrorism, conflict, and the recent Great Recession, combine with imagined threatsTrump's false claims of massive voter fraud, out-of-control crime, and unvetted immigrationto foster unease among those who have seen great change in their communities.

Pettigrew cites the Brexit vote to highlight the "delicate balance between threat and contactthe dual effects of diversity." The greatest support for Brexit was concentrated in areas where immigrant populations had grown by more than 200 percent between 2000 and 2015; a stunning 94 percent of voters in those regions opted to leave the European Union. Residents of London and other big cities had become comfortable with immigrants over time, whereas residents of small towns that had experienced a sudden influx of immigrants perceived the demographic shift as a threat and lacked sufficient intergroup contact to allay their fears. A similar phenomenon emerged in the Trump election in small Midwestern towns.

Social psychology and politics

Pettigrew emphasizes that it was the interplay of social-psychological phenomena and politics that generated the unexpected election outcome. Neither element can be overlooked in the quest to understand Trump's ascent to the presidency.

"Politics and social-psychological factors aren't in conflict; they work at different levels," explains Pettigrew. The biggest political factors are structural: party loyalty and the structure of the American political system. "Some voters will automatically vote Republican out of party loyaltyeven if they voted against Trump in the primary," he adds.

For those who wonder how the country could elect its first African American president in 2008 followed by Trump, Pettigrew points out that about 58 percent of whites voted against Barack Obama in 2008and 59 percent of whites voted for Trump in 2016.

About one-fifth of American voters are dedicated to the authoritarian outlook marked by prejudice and relative deprivation, "and Trump plays them like a harp," says Pettigrew. "They're not going to change much."

Pettigrew says the political landscape is in the hands of young voters. "All of these social-psychological factors are phenomena of later middle age and older people, and we're dying off," the 86-year-old says with a wink. "The new generation that's coming on, even in the South, really is different."

Moreover, Trump may shape the lifelong voting habits of today's young people, adds Pettigrew, citing research that shows many voters' political allegiances are forged as they come of age. "Young people who came of age under Roosevelt were lifelong Democrats, while Reagan had an enormous effect on young Republican voters," says Pettigrew. "I'm hoping the cohort coming on now won't forget Trump until their dying day."

More information: Pettigrew, T. Social Psychological Perspectives on Trump Supporters. Journal of Social and Political Psychology, 5, mar. 2017. jspp.psychopen.eu/article/view/750
Technicians lower ISS-CREAM into a chamber that simulates the space environment during system-level testing at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in summer 2015. Credit: University of Maryland Cosmic Ray Physics Laboratory

On August 14, 2017, a groundbreaking University of Maryland-designed cosmic ray detector will travel to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the SpaceX-12 Commercial Resupply Service mission. The instrument, named ISS Cosmic Ray Energetics and Mass (ISS-CREAM), is roughly the size of a refrigerator and will remain installed on the ISS's Japanese Experiment Module for at least three years. The massive amounts of data ISS-CREAM will collect could reveal new details about the origin and diversity of cosmic rays.

Cosmic rays are not rays at all, but highly energetic particles that zoom through space at nearly the speed of light. The particles range in size, from subatomic protons to the atomic nuclei of elements such as carbon and boron. Scientists suspect that the particles are bits of subatomic shrapnel produced by supernovae, but could also be signatures of other cataclysmic phenomena.

Regardless of their origin, "cosmic rays are direct samples of matter from outside our solar systempossibly from the most distant reaches of the universe," said Eun-Suk Seo, a professor of physics at UMD and lead investigator for ISS-CREAM. Seo leads UMD's Cosmic Ray Physics Group and has a joint appointment in the UMD Institute for Physical Science and Technology.

ISS-CREAM builds on more than a decade of work by Seo's research group, which includes seven Long-Duration Balloon (LDB) missions in Antarctica dedicated to studying the nature of cosmic rays. Each of these LDB missions was facilitated by NASA with additional support from the National Science Foundation.

The ISS-CREAM payload was delivered to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in August 2015. The experiment is shown wrapped in plastic layers used to protect its sensitive electronics during shipment. Credit: University of Maryland Cosmic Ray Physics Laboratory

The first, known as Cosmic Ray Energetics and Mass I (CREAM I), launched in December 2004. CREAM I carried instruments to measure the energy, charge, mass and direction of incoming cosmic ray particles. The following five missions, also named CREAM and numbered II-VI, carried the same basic suite of instruments. The seventh and most recent mission took on a different name: Boron and Carbon Cosmic rays in the Upper Stratosphere (BACCUS). The flight set a record for the earliest seasonal launch in the history of NASA's LDB program on November 28, 2016, and concluded 30 days later.

ISS-CREAM will carry a suite of instruments very similar to its balloon-borne cousins. But unlike the balloon experiments, ISS-CREAM's detectors will have direct, unimpeded access to incoming cosmic rayswith no atmospheric interference. Back on Earth, Seo's team will monitor operations around the clock, taking shifts to ensure the instruments are properly calibrated and collecting the maximum amount of data.

When a cosmic ray particle reaches Earth's atmosphere, it soon collides with another particlemost likely an atom of nitrogen or oxygen. This sets off a cascade of secondary particles that carry less energy than the original particle. The atmosphere serves as a protective filter, slowing down dangerous cosmic rays before they have a chance to damage life and property here on Earth's surface.

This also means that Earth-bound cosmic ray detectors can only see secondary particles. By orbiting above the atmosphere, ISS-CREAM addresses this challenge and offers several other benefits compared with balloon experiments.

Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass for the International Space Station (ISS-CREAM) is an experiment designed to provide an unprecedented look at cosmic ray particles approaching energies of 1,000 trillion electron volts (1 PeV). ISS-CREAM detects these particles when they slam into the matter making up its instruments. They can distinguish electrons, protons and atomic nuclei as massive as iron as they crash through the detector stack. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

"To see primary particles we have to fly an instrument in space. This removes atmospheric background," Seo explained. "Prior experiments were also limited to lower energies because of the payload size and flight duration. ISS-CREAM will extend our measurements to the highest energies possible and will allow us to increase our exposure by an order of magnitude."

ISS-CREAM also has to withstand harsh conditions far beyond those experienced during a balloon mission.

"ISS-CREAM has to survive a violent rocket launch. A balloon launch is very gentle by comparison," Seo said. "ISS-CREAM also has to continue working without repairs for years, while a balloon instrument only needs to last a month or two. And any space-based experiment has to be shielded from radiation, which makes everything more expensive and the design processes more exacting."

Cosmic ray particles could help solve one of today's most elusive scientific puzzles: determining the nature of dark matter. According to Seo, theory suggests that dark matter particles might collide and annihilate one another, resulting in energetic particles of conventional matter that we recognize as cosmic rays. If this theory is correct, studying cosmic rays could result in promising leads in the search for dark matter.

"The mysterious nature of cosmic rays serves as a reminder of just how little we know about our universe. The discovery of cosmic rays gave birth to the field of particle physics in the early 20th century. But no human-made particle accelerator can reach the energy levels we see in cosmic rays," Seo added. "Our team has been anxiously awaiting this launch for years. This is a very exciting time for us as well as others in the field of high-energy particle astrophysics."
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Everest Re Group, Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States, Bermuda, and internationally. The company operates through Reinsurance Operations and Insurance Operations segments. The Reinsurance Operations segment writes property and casualty reinsurance; and specialty lines of business through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies in the United States, Bermuda, Ireland, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The Insurance Operations segment writes property and casualty insurance directly, as well as through brokers, surplus lines brokers, and general agents in Bermuda, Canada, Europe, South America, Canada, Chile, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands. The company also provides treaty and facultative reinsurance products; admitted and non-admitted insurance products; and property and casualty reinsurance and insurance coverages, including marine, aviation, surety, errors and omissions liability, directors' and officers' liability, medical malpractice, mortgage reinsurance, other specialty lines, accident and health, and workers' compensation products. In addition, it offers commercial property and casualty insurance products through wholesale and retail brokers, surplus lines brokers, and program administrators. Everest Re Group, Ltd. was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.
Meritor, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, sells, services, and supports integrated systems, modules, and components in North America, South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through two segments, Commercial Truck, and Aftermarket and Industrial. The company offers axles, including front steer and rear drive axles for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles; heavy-duty trailer axles; suspension modules and brake products comprising drum and disc brakes; universal joints and driveline components; trailer air suspension systems and products; transfer cases and drivelines; and advanced suspension modules for use in light-, medium- and heavy-duty military tactical wheeled vehicles. It also provides air brakes, such as cam drum, wedge drum, and air disc brakes, as well as wheel-end components, including hubs, drums, and rotors to medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicle manufacturers; and electric drive systems comprising electric motors and inverters, power electronics, battery pack, electrified accessories, and related software and controls for terminal tractors and medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses. In addition, the company sells other complementary products, including third-party and private label items, which include brake shoes and friction materials; automatic slack adjusters; yokes and shafts; wheel-end hubs and drums; ABS and stability control systems; shock absorbers and air springs; and air brakes. Meritor, Inc. sells its products under the Meritor, Euclid, Trucktechnic, US Gear, AxleTech, and Mach brands primarily to original equipment manufacturers, their parts marketing operations, and their dealers, as well as other independent distributors and service garages in the aftermarket industry. The company was formerly known as ArvinMeritor, Inc. and changed its name to Meritor, Inc. in March 2011. Meritor, Inc. was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Troy, Michigan.
The following companies are subsidiares of Abbott Laboratories: 3A Nutrition (Vietnam) Company Limited, ABON Biopharm (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AGA Medical Belgium, AGA Medical Corporation, AGA Medical Holdings Inc., ALR Holdings, AML Medical LLC, APK Advanced Medical Technologies LLC, ATS Bermuda Holdings Limited, ATS Laboratories Inc., Abbott, Abbott (Jiaxing) Nutrition Co. 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Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Australia Pty Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Hong Kong Limited, Inverness Medical Innovations SK LLC, Inverness Medical Investments LLC, Inverness Medical LLC, Inverness Medical Shimla Private Limited, Inversiones K2 SpA, Inversiones Komodo S.R.L., Ionian Technologies LLC, Irvine Biomedical Inc., Kalila Medical, Kangshenyunga S.A., Knoll UK Investments Unlimited, LLC VeroInPharm, Laboratoires Fournier S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano Lafrancol S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano del Ecuador S.A., Laboratorio Internacional Argentino S.A., Laboratorio Synthesis S.A.S., Laboratorios Lafi Limitada, Laboratorios Naturmedik S.A.S., Laboratorios Pauly Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Laboratorios Recalcine S.A., Laboratorios Transpharm S.A., Laboratory Specialists of America Inc., Lafrancol Dominicana S.A.S., Lafrancol Guatemala S.A. Sociedad Anonima, Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S, Lafrancol Peru S.R.L, Lake Forest Investments LLC, Lightlab Imaging Inc., Limited Liability Company Abbott Laboratories, Limited Liability Company Abbott Ukraine, Limited Liability Company VEROPHARM, Lung Fung Hong (China) Limited, Mansbridge Pharmaceuticals Limited, MediGuide LLC, MediGuide Ltd., Medscreen Holdings Limited, Metropolitana Farmaceutica S.A., Midwest Properties LLC, Murex Argentina S.A., Murex Biotech Limited, Murex Biotech South Africa, Murex Diagnostics Inc., Murex Diagnostics International Inc., Natural Supplement Association LLC, Negocios Denia Sociedad Anonima, Neosalud S.A.C., Nether Pharma N.P. C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. Abbott Products Indonesia, Pacesetter Inc., Pantech (RF) (PTY) LTD, Pembrooke Occupational Health Inc., Penagos S.A., Pharma International Sociedad Anonima, Pharmaceutical Technologies (Pharmatech) S.A., Pharmatech Boliviana S.A., Polygon Labs S.A., Quality Assured Services Inc., RF Medical Holdings LLC, RTL Holdings Inc., Ramses Business Corp., Recben Xenerics Farmaceutica Limitada, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Inc., Rich Horizons International Limited, SC VEROPHARM, SJ Medical Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., SJM International Inc., SJM Thunder Holding Company, SPDH Inc., Saboya Enterprises Corporation, Salviac Limited, Scanax AS, Sealing Solutions Inc., Selfcare Technology Inc., Shandong Abbott Dairy Product Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Medical Devices Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Si Fa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sinensix & Co., Spinal Modulation LLC, St. Jude Medical, St. Jude Medical AB, St. Jude Medical ATG Inc., St. Jude Medical Argentina S.A., St. Jude Medical Asia Pacific Holdings GK, St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Brasil Ltda., St. Jude Medical Business Services Inc., St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Colombia Ltda., St. Jude Medical Coordination Center, St. Jude Medical Costa Rica Limitada, St. Jude Medical Europe Inc., St. Jude Medical Export Ges.m.b.H., St. Jude Medical GVA Sarl, St. Jude Medical Holdings B.V., St. Jude Medical India Private Limited, St. Jude Medical International Holding, St. Jude Medical LLC, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings II, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings NT, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings TC S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Mexico Business Services S. de R.L. de C.V., St. Jude Medical Middle East DMCC, St. Jude Medical Operations (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC, St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc., St. Jude Medical Systems AB, St. Jude Medical Turkey Medikal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Standard Diagnostics Inc., Standing Stone LLC, Swan-Myers Incorporated, TC1 LLC, Tendyne Holdings Inc., Tendyne Medical Inc., Thoratec Delaware LLC, Thoratec Europe Limited, Thoratec LLC, Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, Tobal Products Incorporated, Topera GmbH in Liquidation, Topera Inc., Tremora S.A., Tuenir S.A., TwistDx, UAB Abbott Laboratories, UAB Abbott Medical Lithuania, Union-Madison Realty Company Inc., Unipath Limited (dba Alere International/aka Cranfield), Unipath Management Limited, Unipath Pension Trustee Limited, Veropharm, Veropharm Limited Liability Partnership, Vida Cell Inversiones S.A., Vida Cell S.A., Vivalsol, W&R Pharma Handels GmbH, Western Pharmaceuticals S.A., X Technologies Inc., Yissum Holding Limited, ZonePerfect Nutrition Company, eScreen Canada ULC, eScreen Inc.,      ( ), and Abbott Laboratories Baltics.

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By Lisa Barrington BEIRUT (Reuters) - Hezbollah and its allies are pressing the Lebanese state to normalise relations with President Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria, testing Lebanon's policy of "dissociation" from the Syrian conflict and igniting a political row. Calls for closer ties with the Syrian government, including on refugee returns and military operations on the Lebanon-Syria border, come as Assad regains control of more territory from insurgents and seeks to recover his international standing. The Lebanese policy of "dissociation", agreed in 2012, has aimed to keep the deeply divided state out of regional conflicts such as Syria even as Iran-backed Hezbollah became heavily involved there, sending fighters to help Assad, who is also allied to Iran. The policy has helped rival groups to coexist in governments bringing together Hezbollah, classified as a terrorist group by the United States, with politicians allied to Iran's foe Saudi Arabia, underpinning a degree of political entente amid the regional turmoil. While Lebanon never severed diplomatic or trade ties with Syria, the government has avoided dealing with the Syrian government in an official capacity and the collapse of the policy would be a boost a political boost to Assad. It would also underline Iran's ascendancy in Lebanon, where the role of Saudi Arabia has diminished in recent years when it has focused on confronting Tehran in the Gulf instead. Assad's powerful Lebanese Shi'ite allies want the government to cooperate with Syria on issues such as the fight against jihadists at their shared border and securing the return of the 1.5 million Syrians currently taking refuge in Lebanon. "Everybody recognises (the dissociation policy) as a farce to some extent, but at least it contained the conflict and prevented Lebanon from being dragged even further into what is going on in Syria," said Maha Yahya, director of the Carnegie Middle East Centre in Beirut. "(A normalisation of relations) would be viewed as a victory, if using sectarian terms, of Shi'ites versus the Sunnis and will just inflame tensions even more." ROAD TO DAMASCUS Lebanon's relationship with Syria has for decades set rival Lebanese against each other. Syria dominated its smaller neighbour from the end of its 1975-90 civil war until 2005. A row erupted this week because of plans by government ministers from Hezbollah and the Shi'ite Amal party to visit Damascus next week. Although the government has refused to sanction the visit as official business - citing the dissociation policy - Industry Minister Hussein Hajj Hassan, a Hezbollah member, has insisted they will be in Damascus as government representatives. "We will meet Syrian ministers in our ministerial capacity, we will hold talks over some economic issues in our ministerial capacity, and we will return in our ministerial capacity to follow up on these matters," Hassan told al-Manar TV. Samir Geagea, a leading Lebanese Christian politician and longstanding opponent of Hezbollah and Syrian influence in Lebanon, has said the visit to Syria will "shake Lebanon's political stability and put Lebanon in the Iranian camp". A senior Lebanese official allied to Damascus described the row as "part of the political struggle in the region". The influence of Iran's allies in Lebanon was shown last year by the selection of a longtime ally of Hezbollah, Christian politician Michel Aoun, as head of state in a political deal that also installed Saudi-allied Sunni Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri. SYRIAN RETURNS Hezbollah has recently stepped up calls for the Lebanese government to engage directly with Damascus over the return of Syrian refugees, who now account for one in four of the people in Lebanon and are overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim. The issue is of enormous political sensitivity in Lebanon, although all politicians agree they must return to Syria due to strains on Lebanon's resources and risks to its sectarian balance. Hariri has said Lebanon will only coordinate refugee returns with the United Nations, which says there can be no forced return of people who fled the conflict, many of whom fear returning to a Syria governed by Assad. But one branch of the Lebanese state, the powerful internal security agency General Security, recently held talks with the Syrian authorities to secure the return of several thousand Syrians into Syria following a military campaign by Hezbollah in the northeast border region. General Security says the refugee returns have been voluntary. The United Nations has had no role in the talks. An expected Lebanese army assault on Islamic State militants at the border with Syria has been another focal point for the debate over cooperation with Damascus. The army, a recipient of U.S. aid, has said it will lead the battle alone in Lebanese territory, and does not need to coordinate with other parties. Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has said his group and the Syrian army will mount a simultaneous assault against IS from the Syrian side of the frontier, however. "Practically speaking, the dissociation policy is finished," said Nabil Boumonsef, a columnist with the Lebanese newspaper An-Nahar. But he warned of the political ramifications in Lebanon, saying "political score settling" by one party against another would create "a big problem" in the country. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington; Additional reporting by Laila Bassam; Editing by Tom Perry and Sonya Hepinstall)
Cambodia's prime minister on Friday issued a six-day ultimatum to Laos to pull back troops who have allegedly trespassed into a border area or face a military response. Around 30 Laos soldiers have been stationed in Cambodia's northern Stung Treng province since April despite repeated requests by Phnom Penh for them to leave, according to strongman premier Hun Sen. "I appeal to Laos Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith to withdraw troops from Cambodian territory without any conditions," Hun Sen said during a ceremony in Phnom Penh. Military commanders have been ordered to deploy troops along with multiple rocket launchers to the border area, he said, giving Laos the "ultimatum" of pulling out by August 17. "We are friends, but a friend cannot step on (our) head," said the mercurial leader, who often leans on ultra-nationalist rhetoric to drum up support, especially ahead of election season. "We are not waging war, but we just want our land back," he said, adding that he was running out of patience with "the invasion" by Laos troops. According to Hun Sen the Laos soldiers crossed into Cambodia to halt the construction of a road. Later on Friday Cambodia's foreign ministry announced that Hun Sen would fly to the Laos capital Vientiane on Saturday to meet with his counterpart to hash out a solution. Cambodia and Laos share a 540-kilometre (335-mile) land border but large tracts have not been officially demarcated, leading to territorial squabbles. The border is hard to police, with increasing amounts of drugs -- mainly methamphetamine and heroin -- being moved from Laos into Cambodia. For years Cambodia was locked in a bitter territorial dispute with Thailand over the ancient Preah Vihear temple near their shared border, with 28 people killed in the worst clashes in 2011. In 2013 the UN's top court ruled that the area belonged to Cambodia and ordered Thai troops to leave.
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's armed forces said on Thursday they had received no offer from China to buy advanced rocket launchers and a radar system to be based at the southern tip of the Southeast Asian country, rebutting media reports. The denial followed reports that a Chinese delegation visiting Malaysia this week had proposed basing the military equipment in Johor, a Malaysian state bordering Singapore. Quoting an unidentified source, the Malaysian Insight news portal said the delegation made the offer on Wednesday, following the launch of a $13-billion rail project being built by China. A Malaysia military spokesman said no such proposal had been received, however. "As far as the armed forces are concerned, there has been no such proposal," a spokesman for the Malaysian Armed Forces told Reuters by telephone. According to the report, up to 12 units of the AR3 multiple-launch artillery rocket system (MLRS) were on offer in a purchase programme with a loan period of 50 years. The size of the loan or the cost of the ordnance was not disclosed. The type of radar system was also not disclosed. Singapore's Straits Times also reported the offer, quoting a senior Malaysian government source on Thursday as saying it was "lightly touched on" during talks between Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and Chinese State Councillor Wang Yong at the ground-breaking ceremony for the rail project. The Straits Times said a firm decision on the proposal would only be made during a visit planned by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Malaysia later this year. "This is the first time I'm hearing it," Mohammad Irwan Serigar Abdullah, Malaysia's treasury secretary-general, said, when asked by Reuters about the Chinese proposal. China's Foreign Ministry referred questions to the Defence Ministry. The Defence Ministry declined comment, saying weapons exports were not part of its remit. The AR3 artillery rocket system was built by China specifically for export. It first came into use in 2011 and is regarded as one of the most powerful MLRS units available. Malaysia signed a deal to buy four littoral mission ships from China last year. (Reporting by Praveen Menon in KUALA LUMPUR and Ben Blanchard in BEIJING; Additional reporting by Sam Holmes in SINGAPORE; Editing by Paul Tait and Clarence Fernandez)
By Dustin Volz MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis kicked off his first official visit to the U.S. technology industry on Thursday with a tour of Amazon's headquarters in Seattle, the first stop on a two-day outreach campaign intended to highlight the Pentagon's commitment to tech innovation. Mattis was scheduled to visit Mountain View, California, later in the day to tour the Pentagon's Defense Innovation Experimental Unit, or DIUx, a Silicon Valley outpost set up in 2015 by his predecessor, Ash Carter. He was also expected to visit Alphabet's Google headquarters in Palo Alto on Friday. "A pleasure to host #SecDef James Mattis at Amazon HQ in Seattle today," Amazon Chief Executive Jeff Bezos wrote on Twitter. The visit comes as the Trump administration has sparred with the technology industry on a host of issues, including immigration, privacy and net neutrality. (Reporting by Dustin Volz; Editing by Leslie Adler)
By Dustin Volz MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Thursday an Obama-era experimental defense outpost in Silicon Valley would grow in importance under the Trump administration and that the nation's technology entrepreneurs were vital to national defense. Mattis paid his first official visit to the Pentagon's Defense Innovation Experimental Unit, or DIUx, in Mountain View, California, as part of a two-day outreach tour to the U.S. technology industry intended to highlight the Pentagon's commitment to technology innovation. There is no doubt in my mind that DIUx will not only continue to exist, it will actually grow in its influence and its impact on the Department of Defense, Mattis told reporters during brief remarks at the DIUx facility. DIUx was set up two years ago by Mattis' predecessor, Ash Carter. It serves as a Pentagon hub for attracting private-sector innovation to solve complex and technical military challenges. But DIUx has faced criticism from some Republican lawmakers who have questioned its value and organization. The program underwent an overhaul in May 2016, less than a year after launching. Since June of last year DIUx has awarded $100 million in contracts for 45 pilot projects in areas including artificial intelligence, autonomous machines and space. The unit currently has 48 staff and is expected to grow to about 75 by the end of 2018, said Sean Singleton, DIUxs director of engagement. Mattis said DIUx would help the U.S. military become "more lethal and more capable of defending our experiment that is called the United States of America. The unit's leadership was reporting directly to his senior staff, Mattis said, adding that he expected DIUx would help the military incorporate advances in artificial intelligence taking place in Silicon Valley. The defense secretary's visit came as the Trump administration has sparred with the technology industry on a host of issues, including immigration, climate change and privacy. Earlier on Thursday Mattis visited Amazon's headquarters in Seattle. He was expected to visit Alphabet's Google headquarters in Palo Alto, California, on Friday. "A pleasure to host #SecDef James Mattis at Amazon HQ in Seattle today," Amazon Chief Executive Jeff Bezos wrote on Twitter in a post that included a photo of him and Mattis smiling at one another. (Reporting by Dustin Volz; Editing by Leslie Adler)
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday it is a pity that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump was casting doubt on the 2015 deal to curtail Iran's nuclear weapons program. "Unfortunately now our American partners call this ...(treaty) into question," Lavrov told a meeting with students broadcast live by state television. "In the Trump administration they continue calling these agreements wrong and erroneous, and it's a pity that such a successful treaty is now somewhat being cast into doubt." Trump said on Thursday said he did not believe that Iran was living up to the spirit of the deal. (Reporting by Dmitry Solovyov; Editing by Christian Lowe)
Rwanda's electoral commission on Wednesday confirmed President Paul Kagame's overwhelming victory in last week's presidential election, even improving his score slightly to 98.79 percent. 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. Preliminary results showed he had won 98.63 percent of votes, handing him a third term in office. The final results showed opposition leader Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party scored 0.48 percent and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana 0.73 percent. Both candidates conceded defeat this week after preliminary results were released. However, Habineza stated that "some local authorities were not cooperative and there were hindrances to our election observers and party agents." After the election, the United States said it was "disturbed by irregularities" observed during voting as well as a lack of transparency in determining the eligibility of prospective candidates. "We hope the new electoral law to be debated in the next session of Parliament will clarify that process well before the 2018 parliamentary elections," read a State Department statement. Similarly, the European Union acknowledged urged "further efforts to increase the inclusiveness and transparency of the (election) process, in particular as regards the registration of the candidates." 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 first appointed president by lawmakers in 2000. He was made eligible to run for a third term following a referendum in 2015 that voted to remove term limits from the constitution and could potentially allow Kagame to seek election another two times and rule until 2034. Kagame is credited with a remarkable turnaround in the shattered nation, which boasts annual economic growth of about seven percent. However rights groups accuse Kagame of ruling through fear, relying on systematic repression of the opposition, free speech and the media.
MILAN (Reuters) - Legal experts commissioned by Telecom Italia to give an opinion on Vivendi's growing influence over the company have said the French group does not breach Italian rules aimed at protecting strategic companies, a document reviewed by Reuters shows. Telecom Italia (TIM) has sent the opinion to the Italian government, which is looking into whether Vivendi failed to meet an obligation to notify it of its effective control of a firm considered a strategic national asset. Vivendi's influence in Italy came under increased scrutiny late last year as it built up a stake of 29 percent in the country's biggest private broadcaster, Mediaset . It had already tightened its grip on TIM, where it has held a stake of around 24 percent since March 2016. Rome's investigation aims at establishing whether Vivendi - which on July 27 acknowledged "direction and coordination activity" at TIM - actually controls the telecoms group and if Rome can exercise special powers over it. Such powers could range from a fine to imposing conditions or vetoing decisions taken at TIM that Rome may consider a threat to national interests. In the opinion drawn up at TIM's behest, two prominent Italian legal experts said Vivendi's role at TIM only related to management of the company and did not imply any change of ownership or control over TIM or its assets. "The actions taken... do not constitute events requiring any need of notification and are not susceptible to triggering the use of any veto power," the document, dated Aug. 6, said. The Italian inquiry into the role of Vivendi in TIM comes at a time of increased tension with France after Paris temporarily nationalized STX France shipyards, cancelling a deal in which Italy's state-owned Fincantieri and another Italian investor would have taken a majority stake in STX. But in an interview with la Repubblica newspaper on Friday Italian Industry Minister Carlo Calenda said the idea of resorting to special powers to protect TIM had nothing to do with the shipyard dispute. Calenda said he would be proposing new rules, but with no retroactive effect, to force companies buying over 5 or 10 percent of an Italian company to state their intentions. Vivendi, led by billionaire Vincent Bollore, said on Monday it had no "de facto control" over TIM under Italian law, responding to a request by Italy's market regulator. It has appointed two-thirds of TIM's board and played a role in the departure last month of Chief Executive Flavio Cattaneo, whose powers were taken over on an interim basis by TIM's executive chairman Arnaud de Puyfontaine, who is also Vivendi's CEO. Amos Genish, Vivendi's chief convergence officer, was also recently appointed general manager for operations at TIM. (Reporting by Giselda Vagnoni and Stephen Jewkes,; editing by Alexander Smith)
Its easy to think of our lives as being separated into compartments. We might act like totally different people depending on whether we are at work, with our families, or with our friends.

Different scenarios do call for different behavior. But it is a mistake to think that how we act in one setting has no impact on who we are in another.

We can easily bring our work stress home. And if we go through a deeply painful or meaningful personal situation, that experience can dramatically impact other areas, including our professional lives.

This is exactly what happened to Michael Nova, whose music career led to the founding of multiple businesses including his primary business today, Nova Custom Label Printing. There are several lessons any entrepreneur  and really any person  can learn from his triumph over adversity.

I wondered how a musician ended up focusing on a printing business. That wasnt his original plan. Life kept throwing him curve balls, so through pivoting that is where he ended up.

Dont Let Your Preconceptions Limit You

We all know what its like to dread work, not because someone is oppressing us, but because our jobs are boring and uninspiring. Most can likely relate to continuing in this situation because we need somewhere to live and food to eat.

This was where Nova found himself at one point in his life. After finishing school, he worked in a series of jobs that he hated. He says, I was just so unhappy working for someone else, having someone looking over my shoulder and telling me what to do.

Many employees today are afraid to even take time off from work. They could benefit from changing their preconceptions.

Part of the reason why he felt that way was that creativity is a major part of his identity. He notes, I always have to create in order to feel alive. This is why he ended up pursuing being a musician and starting his own companies.

Many people, upon finding themselves in a job they abhor, wouldnt do anything to change their circumstances. Some of us are so tightly locked into our beliefs that we never even attempt to better our lives.

Embrace the Scary

Beyond actually looking for a better job, the risks of starting your own company are great. It is much less scary to stay in a job where you are comfortable and which pays the rent. Its so important to prepare ahead of time. So Michael got practical advice about selling products and services before leaving the stability of his current job.

Despite the risks involved, Nova says that he was simply unwilling to continue being as unhappy as he was. So he left his dead-end job and started his first company. The freedom he experienced from working for himself was unbelievable.

Nova says that tasting the liberty of being his own boss enabled him to persist through the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship. He also believed in his company and had a clear vision for it. That strong belief and perseverance carried me through the difficult times. You have to believe in your vision. I never gave up.

The time we spend at work makes up the majority of the time we have every day, and therefore the largest chunk of time out of our entire lives. Life is too short to waste doing work you despise.

Lesson 1: Dont let your beliefs prevent you from improving your circumstances and pursuing your dream of starting your own business.

Persevere, No Matter How Discouraging Life Becomes

Nova spent much of his early life feeling alienated. This led him to work on X: THC, an innovative music and film multimedia project with a mission, exploring the depth of the human condition. While starting his own business was a major challenge, the real trial of his life came when it almost failed because he was focused more on X: THC than his company.

The despair he felt on realizing that he was nearly bankrupt and unable to fulfill his mission nearly drove him to give up on life. But instead, he focused on getting his business back on its feet and finding a way to complete the multimedia project. But then he was hit with several severe health problems at once.

It would not have been surprising if those setbacks had driven Nova back into deep depression. Instead, he learned from his previous setback. He shifted to a healthier lifestyle, implementing both traditional and alternative treatments for his medical conditions. As a result, to the surprise of his doctors, he was able to become fully healthy again, released his X: THC project to rave reviews and grew his business substantially.

See Also: 5 Steps to More Professional Personal Branding

Painful Personal Lessons

Whenever we go through times of grief or pain, our priorities come into sharp focus. The little frustrations dont matter as much, and we become more thankful for what we have. Nova says his main takeaway from that difficult season was not to take anything for granted.

What those difficult times taught me is that we have to appreciate every little thing that we have. We have to appreciate the sunshine, the birds, the people that love us, that we can breathe, eat, drink, feel, hear, touch, speak, and see.

Regarding his business, the experience changed Novas perception of success: I dont see things the same way that I used to, in terms of black and white, winning and losing, succeeding and failing. Now he views his efforts the way that Thomas Edison viewed his when the inventor said, I have not failed. Ive just found 10,000 ways that wont work.

Lesson 2: Dont let your business failures or personal trials cause you to give up.

As Markets Change, Keep Pivoting

Novas original primary business was NovaDisc.net manufacturing CDs and DVDs. In 2010, TechCrunch wrote, Apple Killed the CD. With the advent of downloadable music, business declined. Instead of giving up, Nova simply grew his other businesses larger.

Because he manufactured CDs and DVDs, he had already started the custom label printing business. Musicians were his primary audience, so he also has a custom t-shirt business at Nova Custom Shirt Printing.

If he had only had the one business, his income would have declined along with CDs and DVDs. Instead, he simply focused more efforts on the companion businesses to grow their incomes to replace what declined.

Lesson 3: Stay connected to what you love while making a living, too.

Find a Mission

While its easy to focus on our wants and needs, many of us have a desire to live for a greater purpose than basic survival or our own interests. Many businesses see value in this perspective as well. In Novas case, his bent toward imagination and innovation drove him to write music and start his own businesses.

His personal experiences of isolation and pain gave him a desire to encourage people suffering the same heartache. He says, I have a mission in life to make this world a better place in whatever way I can. He believes there was a reason he went through everything he did, and that reason was so he could support others.

I believe it happened so that my story can help others see that the impossible can be achieved. All businesses should serve their customers in some way. Your mission doesnt have to be a grand and lofty venture. It could be as simple as creating labels for companies or making healthy and delicious meals for your customers.

Whatever you do, understand your purpose and how you are bettering other peoples lives.

Lesson 4: Know the mission that your business serves.

Fall Down Seven Times; Rise Up Eight

Novas passion led to seeking out and enabling other inspirational people to share how they overcame adversity. Based on the Japanese proverb: Fall down seven times; rise up eight, he created RiseUpEight.org to publish their podcast interviews.

He profiles people like Nick Vujicic, the most inspirational man I have ever come across:



There is a common reoccurring theme: Sometimes, the horrible and wonderful are one and the same, because what we perceive to be a curse initially, turns out to actually be a blessing. Because of his background, many of those interviewed are in the music industry.

Dont Be Fooled By What Seems Impossible

What is the main lesson that entrepreneurs should take from Michael Novas story? It is simple: never give up.

Yes, its a cliche, he says, but I have achieved what I was told was impossible. To be an entrepreneur means taking risks, which in turn means failing sometimes. Look at any long list of successful people. You will find that all of them have failed at some point.

Building Resilience is Key

Instead of giving up when we face trials, we need to undergo a paradigm shift that says what seems unattainable is actually achievable. We need to work on building resilience as we persist through the inevitable difficulties that will come along and focus our efforts toward bettering the lives of those around us.

Doing so will, without question, be hard. But it will be far more worthwhile than mindlessly going through our lives without any real purpose.
Only four daggers this old were found in Slovakia until now.

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David, freshly graduated from Hlohovec, saw an unusual metal object sticking out of the ground during a grill party near the Vah river. He contacted preservationists in Trnava and they recognized the dagger on a stick from the older Bronze Age, almost 4,000-year-old.

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Its a bronze blade that was a symbol of power or requirement to some status. Not everyone could afford it, said archaeologist Matus Sladok as quoted by the TASR newswire.

Until now, only four such daggers were known of in Slovakia, and none in the Trnava region but from the Ipel river and village of Santovka near Levice.

Daggers on a stick are connected with the Unetice culture, based in the centre of Europe. The dagger from Hlohovec is large, 24.5 centimetres long and weighing 320 grams. Engraved branches are in the upper part of the blade and three openings are on the bottom part, by which the blade could be attached to a stick. It is of high quality and after thousands of years is still in good condition.

The place of where it was found could tell about the ritual use of the dagger, according to Sladok. He does not exclude that in case of need it could serve as a weapon.

The riverbank of Vah is probably not the original place where it was put into the water, it probably moved with time, Sladok stated for TASR. The archaeologists searched in the locality where the blade was found but found only artefacts of modern times.

Sladok appreciated the behaviour of the young man from Hlohovec. A finders fee belongs to him in value of 100 percent of the found object; the value will be stated by an expert.

Its the second case of paying the finders fee according to the new law in the region. Last year a married couple found a pot with silver coins on their property. They gave it to preservationists and their reward may be several dozen thousand euros, explained Sladok for TASR.

However, it is not possible to pay a fee in all cases, for example, when a skeleton is discovered that is impossible to express its value in numbers, he added. The most important thing is to leave the object where it was found; that way it is possible to search in the area and could increase the value of the object.

Read also:

Read also: Archaeologists uncover remains of infirmary in Trnava Read more

The dagger will probably end up in a museum. The Museum of National History in Hlohovec as well as the Archaeological Museum of the Slovak National Museum are both interested. The Monuments Board of the Slovak Republic will decide who gets it.
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Only nine people in the Czech Republic would qualify for the position.

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The Czech Embassy in Bratislava will establish the somewhat unusual post of a firefighter attache, the Czech daily Lidove Noviny reported.

"It's a reciprocal step, as Slovakia plans to open the same post in Prague," said Nicole Zaoralova, spokesperson for the Czech Fire Rescue Corps, as quoted by the TASR newswire.

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We're mainly concerned about more quality communication and organisation of joint operations, while in the long term this concerns joint training and education, Zaoralova added for TASR.

Read also:

Read also: Slovak diplomat to become EU ambassador to Moldova Read more

The firefighter attache will receive a range of prerogatives, including impunity and the right to refund VAT for purchased goods.

Lidove Noviny reports that the post has been prepared for a retired firefighter with the rank of general, while there are only nine such persons in the Czech Republic.

The Czech Embassy in Bratislava has a reputation of being a reward office for veteran functionaries, according to the daily. For example, former First Lady Livia Klausova has been the ambassador since 2013, while former Czech police chief Petr Lessy has also been given a job there.

The Czech daily comments that the issue may involve political deals, as it would hardly be necessary to set up a special privileged post in order to coordinate the activities of firefighters.
Slovakia should be part of defence initiative of Europe, PM Fico says.

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The army will have at its disposal 58 mortars, 22 tanks, 60 armoured carriers and 12 warplanes. At the end of next year, the army will have 17,501 soldiers, which is 130 more than it has today. This has emerged from a proposal that is currently going through an interdepartmental remarking procedure.

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The number of soldiers is being increased as part of the reorganisation of the 21st mixed mechanised battalion Trebisov that will create a tank battalion. The 22nd mechanised battalion Michalovce will also be reorganised to create an engineer platoon, and the supplying basement in Martin will be reorganised with the creation of guard units for ammunition stores.

The technology field will increase its number of automotive cannon howitzer from 16 to 24. The amount of infantry combat vehicles will increase from 159 to 169 pieces.

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A proposal creates conditions and requirements during a state peace for both the fulfillment of tasks connected with ensuring defence and security of Slovakia and fulfillment of the obligation accompanying membership in the EU, NATO and other international contracts.

According to PM Robert Fico, Slovakia should be part of the defence initiative of Europe, and the Defence Ministry should find European solutions when making decisions about buying new army technology.

The first field where we would be expected to behave in a European way is in the field of the army, said Fico as quoted by the TASR newswire.
Rapid Life insurer provided money for protection from sanctions.

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An executive of the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS), the Slovak central bank, who is identified only as Ivan B., age 52, has been charged with taking a bribe from the insurance company Rapid Life to protect the firm from the strictest sanctions, Police Corps President Tibor Gaspar and National Crime Agency (NAKA) director Peter Hrasko announced at a joint press conference on August 10.

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While in the post of the general director of the supervision of the market with securities at NBS, Ivan B. allegedly asked for and received a bribe of 1,000 twice in 2015. He also allegedly accepted a bribe of 2,000 in 2016, supposedly asking for an additional 10,000, the SITA newsire reported.

These [bribes] were to be given to him with respect to his future decision as part of the NBS supervision process, and he was thus expected to ensure that the strictest sanctions were not imposed, Gaspar said.

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The case was brought to the police by Pavol F. and Peter T., representatives of the insurance company who delivered money to him.

Now, Ivan. B could face five to twelve years in prison, Gaspar said, adding that the bank executive is being prosecuted at large.

Martina Vrablik Solcanyiova, the spokesperson of NBS, said that Ivan. B. informed NBS that NAKA had investigated him. He asked for suspension of his function and a holiday, and NBS complied with his request.
Thomson Reuters Corporation provides business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments. The Corporates segment provides a suite of content-enabled technology solutions for legal, tax, regulatory, compliance, and IT professionals. The Tax & Accounting Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on tax offerings and automating tax workflows to tax, accounting, and audit professionals in accounting firms. The Reuters News segment provides business, financial, and international news to media organizations, professional, and news consumers through news agency and industry events. The Global Print segment offers legal and tax information primarily in print format to legal and tax professionals, governments, law schools, and corporations. The company was formerly known as The Thomson Corporation and changed its name to Thomson Reuters Corporation in April 2008. The company was founded in 1851 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Thomson Reuters Corporation operates a subsidiary of The Woodbridge Company Limited.
Cardinal Health, Inc. operates as an integrated healthcare services and products company in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It provides customized solutions for hospitals, healthcare systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, physician offices, and patients in the home. The company operates in two segments, Pharmaceutical and Medical. The Pharmaceutical segment distributes branded and generic pharmaceutical, specialty pharmaceutical, and over-the-counter healthcare and consumer products. The segment also provides services to pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers for specialty pharmaceutical products; operates nuclear pharmacies and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities; repackages generic pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter healthcare products; and offers medication therapy management and patient outcomes services to hospitals, other healthcare providers, and payers, as well as provides pharmacy management services to hospitals. The Medical segment manufactures, sources, and distributes Cardinal Health branded medical, surgical, and laboratory products and devices that include exam and surgical gloves; needles, syringe, and sharps disposals; compressions; incontinences; nutritional delivery products; wound care products; single-use surgical drapes, gowns, and apparels; fluid suction and collection systems; urology products; operating room supply products; and electrode product lines. The segment also distributes a range of national brand products, including medical, surgical, and laboratory products; provides supply chain services and solutions to hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, and other healthcare providers; and assembles and sells sterile, and non-sterile procedure kits. The company was incorporated in 1979 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio.
United Rentals, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as an equipment rental company. It operates in two segments, General Rentals and Specialty. The General Rentals segment rents general construction and industrial equipment includes backhoes, skid-steer loaders, forklifts, earthmoving equipment, and material handling equipment; aerial work platforms, such as boom and scissor lifts; and general tools and light equipment comprising pressure washers, water pumps, and power tools for construction and industrial companies, manufacturers, utilities, municipalities, homeowners, and government entities. The specialty segment rents specialty construction products, including trench safety equipment consists of trench shields, aluminum hydraulic shoring systems, slide rails, crossing plates, construction lasers, and line testing equipment for underground work; power and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment, such as portable diesel generators, electrical distribution equipment, and temperature control equipment; fluid solutions equipment for fluid containment, transfer, and treatment; and mobile storage equipment and modular office space. This segment serves construction companies involved in infrastructure projects, and municipalities and industrial companies. It also sells aerial lifts, reach forklifts, telehandlers, compressors, and generators; construction consumables, tools, small equipment, and safety supplies; and parts for equipment that is owned by its customers, as well as provides repair and maintenance services. The company sells used equipment through its sales force, brokers, website, directly to manufacturers, and at auctions. The company operates a network of 1,360 rental locations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. United Rentals, Inc. was incorporated in 1997 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.
Cloud Computing

Texas District to Deploy Complete ERP Solution

Magnolia Independent School District (ISD) in Magnolia, TX has selected an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that centralizes finance, human resources and student information.

The district selected TEAMS ERP from Prologic Technology Systems, a provider of intelligent education software solutions based in Austin.

"TEAMS is an all-in-one school management system that will give us efficiencies in all areas of operations, from automating complex human resources processes, to building district budgets and managing student information, said Magnolia ISD Superintendent Todd Stephens, in a prepared statement from Prologic. We are excited to partner with TEAMS as they offered us the best complete solution that meets the goals of our district.

The system gives administrators a single, complete database that is updated in real-time. HR staff at schools, for example, can use TEAMS to track all incoming, outgoing and current staffing changes for reporting. Administrators have reported cost savings through TEAMS, with less paperwork, workflow processes and personnel needed after implementation. With the mobile app, parents and teachers can stay connected on school matters (such as attendance, grades, etc.).

Image: Prologic Technology Systems.

In addition, the web-based solution includes single sign-on capability and custom reporting.

We wanted a system that was fully automated and intuitive that allows us to quickly export data for state and local reporting purposes," said Erich Morris, assistant superintendent of operation at Magnolia ISD, in the statement.

To learn more about the platform, visit the TEAMS site.
Truist Financial Corp. operates as a financial holding company, which engages in the provision of banking services to individuals, businesses and municipalities. The firm offers a variety of loans and lease financing to individuals and entities, including insurance premium financing, permanent commercial real estate financing arrangements, loan servicing for third-party investors, direct consumer finance loans to individuals, credit card lending, automobile financing and equipment financing. It also markets a range of other services, including deposits, life insurance, property and casualty insurance, health Truist Financial Corp. operates as a financial holding company. It engages in the provision of banking services to individuals, businesses and municipalities. The company operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking and Wealth; Corporate and Commercial Banking; and Insurance Holdings. The firm offers a variety of loans and lease financing to individuals and entities, including insurance premium financing, permanent commercial real estate financing arrangements, loan servicing for third-party investors, direct consumer finance loans to individuals, credit card lending, automobile financing and equipment financing. It also markets a range of other services, including deposits, life insurance, property and casualty insurance, health insurance and commercial general liability insurance on an agency basis and through a wholesale insurance brokerage operation, merchant services, trust and retirement services, comprehensive wealth advisory services, asset management and capital markets services. The company was founded on December 6, 2019 and is headquartered in Charlotte, NC. insurance and commercial general liability insurance on an agency basis and through a wholesale insurance brokerage operation, merchant services, trust and retirement services, comprehensive wealth advisory services, asset management and capital markets services. The company was founded on December 6, 2019 and is headquartered in Charlotte, NC.
The Chemours Company provides performance chemicals in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. It operates through four segments: Titanium Technologies, Thermal & Specialized Solutions, Advanced Performance Materials, and Chemical Solutions. The Titanium Technologies segment provides TiO2 pigment under the Ti-Pure and BaiMax brands for delivering whiteness, brightness, opacity, and protection in various of applications, such as architectural and industrial coatings, flexible and rigid plastic packaging, polyvinylchloride, laminate papers used for furniture and building materials, coated paper, and coated paperboard used for packaging. The Thermal & Specialized Solutions segment offers of refrigerants, thermal management solutions, propellants, foam blowing agents, and specialty solvents. The Advanced Performance Materials segment products portfolio includes various industrial resins, specialty products, membranes, and coatings for consumer electronics, semiconductors, digital communications, transportation, energy, oil and gas, and medical, and others applications. The Chemical Solutions segment comprises a portfolio of industrial chemicals used as raw materials and catalysts for gold production, clean and disinfect, oil and gas, water treatment, electronics, and automotive applications. The company sells its products through direct and indirect channels, as well as through a network of resellers and distributors. The Chemours Company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware.
The following companies are subsidiares of Roper Technologies: AC Analytical Controls B.V., AC Analytical Controls Holding B.V., AC Analytical Controls Services B.V., Abel Pump, Acton Research, Acumen PM LLC, Aderant Canada Company, Aderant Company, Aderant Holdings Inc., Aderant International Holdings LLC, Aderant Legal (UK) Limited, Aderant Legal Holdings (AUS) Pty Ltd, Aderant Legal Holdings (NZ) ULC, Aderant Legal Holdings Inc., Aderant North America Inc., Aderant Parent Holdings Inc., Advanced Sensors Limited, Advanced Sensors Ltd., AiCambridge Ltd., Alpha Holdings of Delaware I LLC, Alpha Holdings of Delaware II LLC, Alpha Technologies B.V., Alpha Technologies GmbH, Alpha Technologies Japan LLC, Alpha Technologies Services LLC, Alpha Technologies U.K., Alpha Technologies s.r.o., Alpha Trust Corporation, Alpha UK Holdings LLC, American LegalNet Inc, Amot Controls Corporation, Amot Controls GmbH, Amot/Metrix Investment Company Inc., Amphire Solutions Inc., Amtech Systems (Hong Kong) Limited, Amtech Systems LLC, Amtech World Corporation, Antek Instruments, Archisnapper BV, Ascension Technology Corporation, Assureweb Limited, Atlantic Health Partners Inc., Atlas Database Software Corp., Avitru, Bellefield Systems, BillBlast, C/S Solutions Inc., CBORD Holdings Corp., CBORD Holdings Corporation, CIVCO Holdings Inc., CIVCO Medical Solutions B.V., Centurion Research Solutions LLC, Chalwyn Limited, Civco Holding Inc., Civco Medical Instruments Co. Inc., Clackamas Pump LLC, CliniSys Group, CliniSys Group Limited, Clinisys Scotland Limited, Clinisys Solutions Limited, Cointec Ingenieros y Consultores S.L., Commerce Pump LLC, Compressor Controls (Beijing) Corporation Ltd., Compressor Controls Corporation B.V., Compressor Controls Corporation Middle East, Compressor Controls Corporation S.r.l., Compressor Controls LLC, Compressor Controls Mauritius Ltd., Compressor Controls Pty Ltd., Compressor Controls Saudi Arabia LLC, ComputerEase Software, ConceptShare, ConstructConnect, ConstructConnect Canada Inc., ConstructConnect Inc., Cornell Pump Company, DAT Solutions LLC, DATSolutions Private Limited, DCMH Group Holdings Inc., DCMH Group Holdings LLC, DCMH Holdings Inc., DI Acquisition Subsidiary Inc., DI Dutch Holdings LLC, DI Hong Kong Limited, Data Innovations, Data Innovations Canada Ltd., Data Innovations Cooperatief U.A., Data Innovations Europe S.A., Data Innovations LLC, Data Innovations Latin America Ltda, Dawning Technologies LLC, Deltek, Deltek Ajera Inc., Deltek Asia Pacific (HK) Limited, Deltek Australia Pty Ltd., Deltek Danmark A/S, Deltek France SAS, Deltek GB Limited, Deltek GmbH, Deltek Inc., Deltek Nederland B.V., Deltek Netherlands B.V., Deltek Norge AS, Deltek Sverige AB, Deltek Systems (Canada) Inc., Deltek Systems (Colorado) Inc., Deltek Systems (Philippines) Ltd., Deltek TNSCore Holdings LLC, Deltek WST LLC, Dominion I Inc., Duncan Technologies, Dynamco Inc., Dynamic Instruments Inc., Dynisco Enterprises GmbH, Dynisco Enterprises LLC, Dynisco Europe GmbH, Dynisco Holding GmbH, Dynisco Instruments LLC, Dynisco Instruments S.a.r.l., Dynisco LLC, Dynisco Parent Inc., Dynisco S.r.l., Dynisco Viatran LLC, Dynisco Viatran (M) Sdn Bhd, Dynisco-Viatran Instrument Sdn Bhd, EPSI, FMS Purchasing & Services Inc., FSI Holdings Inc., FTI Flow Technology Inc., Flow Technology, Fluid Metering, Fluid Metering Inc., Foodlink Holdings Inc., Foodlink Holdings Inc., Foodlink IT India Private Limited, Foundry, Foundry Visionmongers (Ireland) Limited, Freight Market Intelligence Consortium, Gatan, GeneInsight Inc., Getloaded Corporation, HRsmart Canada Inc., HRsmart France SAS, HRsmart Germany GmbH, HRsmart Inc., HRsmart International, HRsmart International Holdings LLC, HRsmart Mexico, HRsmart SA (Pty) Ltd., HRsmart Talent Management Solutions Europe Limited, HRsmart Ventures LLC, Handshake Software Inc., Handshake Software Inc., Hansco Automatisering B.V., Hansen Technologies, Hansen Technologies Corporation, Harbour Holding Corp., Hardy Process Solutions, Horizon Lab Systems LLC, Horizon Software International LLC, IDS, INPUT Inc., IPA Acquisition Subsidiary Inc., ISL Finance SAS, ISL Holding SAS, ISL Scientifique de Laboratorie - ISL S.A.S., Impact Financial Systems, Industrial Products Investment Company, Innovative Product Achievements LLC, Innovative Product Achievements LLC, Inovonics Corporation, Instill Corporation, IntelliTrans Limited, Intellitrans LLC, Intellitrans Sweden AB, JLT Mobile Computers Inc., Job Access LTDA, Laser App Inc., Link Logistics Holding LLC, Loadlink Technologies Corporation, Logitech, Logitech Limited, Lumenera Corporation, MASD, MED Professional Services LLC, MEDTEC Inc., MEDTEC LLC, MHA Long Term Care Network Inc., MHA Long Term Care Services Inc., MIPS Austria GesmbH, MIPS Deutschland GmbH, MIPS France Sarl, MIPS Nederland B.V., MIPS Schweiz AG, MIPS Software Iberica SL, MPR Readers Inc., Managed Health Care Associates Inc., Media Cybernetics L.P., Medical Information Professional Systems NV, Medina Acquisition LLC, Metrix Instrument Co. L.P., NDI Europe GmbH, NDI Holding Corp., Navigator Group Purchasing Inc., Neptune Technology Group (Canada) Co., Neptune Technology Group Holdings Inc., Neptune Technology Group Inc., Neptune Technology Group Mexico S.de R.L. de C.V., Neptune Technology Group Services Inc., Nippon Roper K.K., Northern Digital Inc., Omega Legal Systems Inc., On Center Software LLC, Onvia Inc., PAC (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PAC Denmark ApS, PAC GmbH, PAC Instruments (Thailand) Company Limited, PAC Instruments Asia PTE. Ltd., PB Bidco Limited, PB Holdco Limited, PB Midco Limited, PB Topco Limited, PGP UK Limited, PMC/Beta, Petroleum Analyzer, Petroleum Analyzer Company L.P., Petrotech, Phase Analyzer Company Ltd., Photometrics, PowerPlan, PowerPlan Canada ULC, PowerPlan Holdings Inc., PowerPlan Inc., PowerPlan Intermediate Holdings Inc., PowerPlan Operations ANZ Pty Ltd, PowerPlan Operations Ltd., Princeton Instruments, Project Aloha Merger Sub Inc., Project Diamond Intermediate Holdings Corporation, Project Torque Intermediate Holdings Inc., Project Viking Holdings Inc., Project Viking Intermediate LLC, QSC 1208 Limited, QSC 1209 Limited, Quantitative Imaging Corporation, RF IDeas, RF IDeas Inc., RI Marketing India Private Limited, RIL Holding Limited, RMT Inc., RT Merger Sub Inc., Rebate Tracking Group LLC, Redlake Imaging Corporation, Resonant Software Inc., Roda Deaco Valve Inc., Roper Acquisitions Holdings Inc., Roper Brasil Comercio E Promocao De Productos E Servicos LTDA, Roper Canada Holdings LP, Roper Canada UK Limited, Roper Denmark UK Limited, Roper EUR Pte. Ltd., Roper Engineering s.r.o., Roper Europe GmbH, Roper GM Denmark Holdings ApS, Roper Germany GmbH, Roper Germany GmbH & Co. KG, Roper Holdings Limited, Roper IH LLC, Roper Industrial Products Investment Company, Roper Industries Denmark ApS, Roper Industries Deutschland GmbH, Roper Industries Inc., Roper Industries Limited, Roper Industries Manufacturing (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Roper Industries Mauritius Ltd., Roper Industries UK Limited, Roper International Holding Inc., Roper International Holding Limited, Roper International Holding SCS, Roper LLC, Roper Luxembourg Finance S.a.r.l., Roper Luxembourg Holdings S.a.r.l., Roper Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Roper Middle East Ltd. FZCO, Roper NL1 UK Limited, Roper NL2 UK Limited, Roper Operations Company I LLC, Roper Operations Company II LLC, Roper Pte. Ltd., Roper Pump Company, Roper Scientific B.V., Roper Scientific SAS, Roper Scot LP, Roper Singapore Holding LLC, Roper Southeast Asia LLC, Roper Swiss Finance GmbH, Roper T1 LLC, Roper T1000 Corp., Roper T2 LLC, Roper Tech. Middle East Ltd. FZCO, Roper Technologies (Ireland) Limited, Roper Technologies (Scot) LP, Roper UK Investments Limited, Roper UK Ltd., Roper-Mex L.P., Ropintassco Holdings L.P., SHP Group Holdings Inc., SIRA LLC, Shanghai Roper Industries Trading Co. Ltd., Sinmed Holding International B.V., Societe de Distribution de Logiciels Medicaux, SoftWriters Inc., Softwriters Holdings, Softwriters Holdings Inc., Sohnar Pty Ltd, Star Purchasing Services LLC, Strata Acquisition Subsidiary Inc., Strata Decision Technologies LLC, Strata Decision Technology LLC, Strata Parallel II Inc., Strategic Healthcare Programs Blocker 2 Inc., Strategic Healthcare Programs Blocker LLC, Strategic Healthcare Programs Holdings LLC, Strategic Healthcare Programs Holdings LLC, Strategic Healthcare Programs L.L.C., Struers, Struers (Shanghai) International Trading Ltd., Struers A/S, Struers GmbH, Struers Inc., Struers K.K., Struers Limited, Struers SAS, Sunquest Europe Limited, Sunquest Holdings Inc., Sunquest Information Systems (Europe) Limited, Sunquest Information Systems (India) Private Limited, Sunquest Information Systems (International) Limited, Sunquest Information Systems Inc., Sunquest Information Systems Pty Ltd, TLP Holdings LLC, Team TSI Corporation, Technolog Group Limited, Technolog Holdings Limited, Technolog Holdings Ltd., Technolog Limited, Technolog SARL, The CBORD Group Inc., The Foundry Topco No.2 Limited, The Foundry USCo Inc., The Foundry Visionmongers Ltd., The Tidewater Healthcare Shared Services Group Inc., The Washington Management Group Inc., Torque Acquisition Holdco Inc., Transcore Atlantic Inc., Transcore CNUS Inc., Transcore Holdings Inc., Transcore ITS LLC, Transcore LP, Transcore Nova Scotia Corporation, Transcore Partners LLC, Trinity Integrated Systems Limited, Trinity Integrated Systems Ltd., UHF Purchasing Services LLC, Union Square Software (International) Limited, Union Square Software Inc., Union Square Software Limited, Union Square Software Pty, United Controls Group Inc., Uson L.P., Uson Limited, Utilitec Limited, Utilitec Services Limited, Utility Data Services Limited, Verathon Canada Holdings Inc., Verathon Holdings (Delaware) Inc., Verathon Inc., Verathon Inc., Verathon Medical (Australia) Pty Limited, Verathon Medical (Canada) ULC, Verathon Medical (Europe) B.V., Verathon Medical (France) SARL, Verathon Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Verathon Medical (Japan) K.K., Verathon Medical (UK) Ltd., Vertafore, Vertafore Canada Inc., Vertafore Inc., Vertafore India Private Limited, Viastar Services LP, Viatran Corporation, WELIS, Walter Herzog GmbH, WorkBook APAC Ltd., Workbook Software A/S, Zetec (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zetec Canada Ltd., Zetec France, Zetec Inc., Zetec Korea Inc., Zetec Services Inc., iPipeline, iPipeline (TCP) Limited, iPipeline Canada Inc, iPipeline Co. Ltd., iPipeline Holdings Inc, iPipeline Inc, iPipeline Limited, iSqFt Holdings Inc., iSqFt Parent Corporation, iSqFt Sub Inc., iTradeNetwork Inc., and mySBX Corporation.

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Ecolab Inc. provides water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Global Industrial, Global Institutional & Specialty, and Global Healthcare & Life Sciences segments. The Global Industrial segment offers water treatment and process applications, and cleaning and sanitizing solutions to manufacturing, food and beverage processing, transportation, chemical, metals and mining, power generation, pulp and paper, commercial laundry, petroleum, refining, and petrochemical industries. The Global Institutional & Specialty segment provides specialized cleaning and sanitizing products to the foodservice, hospitality, lodging, government and education, and retail industries. Its Global Healthcare & Life Sciences segment offers specialized cleaning and sanitizing products to the healthcare, personal care, and pharmaceutical industries, such as infection prevention and surgical solutions, and end-to-end cleaning and contamination control solutions under the Ecolab, Microtek, and Anios brand names. The company's Other segment offers pest elimination services to detect, eliminate, and prevent pests, such as rodents and insects in restaurants, food and beverage processors, educational and healthcare facilities, hotels, quick service restaurant and grocery operations, and other institutional and commercial customers. This segment also provides colloidal silica for binding and polishing applications in semiconductor, catalyst, and aerospace component manufacturing, as well as chemical industries; and products and services that manage wash process through custom designed programs, premium products, dispensing equipment, water and energy management, and reduction, as well as real time data management. It sells its products through field sales and corporate account personnel, distributors, and dealers. The company was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Xylem Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and servicing of engineered products and solutions for the water and wastewater applications in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Water Infrastructure, Applied Water, and Measurement & Control Solutions. The Water Infrastructure segment offers various products, including water, storm water, and wastewater pumps; controls and systems; filtration, disinfection, and biological treatment equipment; and mobile dewatering equipment under the Flygt, Godwin, Wedeco, Sanitaire, Leopold, Wedeco, and Xylem Vue brand names for the transportation and treatment of water. The Applied Water segment provides pumps, valves, heat exchangers, controls, and dispensing equipment systems under the Goulds Water Technology, Bell & Gossett, A-C Fire Pump, Standard Xchange, Lowara, Jabsco, Xylem Vue and Flojet brand names for residential and commercial building services, and industrial water applications. The Measurement & Control Solutions segment provides smart meters, networked communication devices, and measurement and control technologies, as well as critical infrastructure technologies. It also offers software and services, including cloud-based analytics, remote monitoring and data management, leak detection, condition assessment, asset management, and pressure monitoring solutions, as well as testing equipment and managed services. This segment sells its products under the Pure, Sensus, Smith Blair, WTW, Xylem Vue, and YSI brand names. The company markets and sells its products through a network of direct sales force, resellers, distributors, and value-added solution providers. Xylem Inc. was formerly known as ITT WCO, Inc. and changed its name to Xylem Inc. in May 2011. The company. was incorporated in 2011 and is headquartered in Rye Brook, New York.
By Rania El Gamal, Katie Paul and Alex Lawler DUBAI/RIYADH/LONDON (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia favours New York for the main foreign listing of state oil giant Aramco, even though some financial and legal advisers have recommended London as a less problematic and risky option, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. A final decision on where to stage what could be the world's largest initial public offering will be taken by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman - or MbS as he is known - who oversees the kingdom's economic and energy policies, the sources said. Their comments point to internal disagreements between what some advisers are recommending and what the crown prince wants. Prince Mohammad may choose to list Aramco on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for "political considerations", given the longstanding relationship between Riyadh and Washington, the sources said. However, they added that financial and commercial factors would also play a role in the choice. Aramco said in a statement that no decision has been taken yet on the listing venue, beyond the Saudi exchange Tadawul. "All options continue to be held under consideration. There is no timetable requirement for an immediate definitive decision," Aramco said in response to a Reuters request for comment. Selling around five percent of Aramco by next year is a centrepiece of Vision 2030, an ambitious reform plan to diversify the Saudi economy beyond oil which is championed by Prince Mohammad. Several advisers have recommended London for the main listing outside Saudi Arabia, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters last month, partly due to concerns that a U.S. flotation would require greater disclosure of sensitive information on Aramco. One senior industry source, however, said New York is likely to be the favoured option for the Saudi government and Prince Mohammad. "That is broadly correct," the source said, adding: "All awaits on the final shareholder decision." Apart from New York and London, Hong Kong is also a contender, sources say. The flotation is expected to raise tens of billions of dollars which would be invested to help develop other Saudi industries. The New York and London stock exchanges declined to comment. Exchanges are vying to win part of the flotation as it will bring a major boost to their trading volumes, and will be likely to help them win listings from other Gulf states which are looking to part-privatise their commodity assets. But the Aramco plan has created some public misgivings that Riyadh is relinquishing its crown jewels to foreigners cheaply at a time of low oil prices. Some Aramco employees secretly wish the whole idea would be shelved, sources say. Apart from choosing an exchange, no decision has been made either on exactly which assets will be floated, or what Aramco's internal organisational structure would look like after listing, the sources say. One of the main issues being discussed internally is the valuation. Prince Mohammed has said the IPO will value Aramco at a minimum of $2 trillion, although some analysts' estimates are between $1 trillion (772.02 billion pounds) and $1.5 trillion (1.16 trillion pounds). Though listing on the New York market would mean access to more liquidity, this would bring greater scrutiny to Aramco's estimates of proven energy reserves and future oil prices, as well as its demand forecasts, all of which play a major role in the company's valuation, another industry source said. For the valuation, much depends on the outlook for oil prices, which are currently only half what they were three years ago. "That's why Saudi Arabia needs a higher oil price for the IPO now, to get a better value for Aramco," the source said. The back-and-forth internal talks between the crown prince, Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih, Aramco management and the many financial and legal advisers on some of these main decisions have raised speculation that the listing, which is expected to be in the second half of 2018, could be pushed further out. "They are still studying. When all is settled, they will present all options to MbS," said one industry source. JASTA RISK Aramco's lawyers caution about litigation risks associated with the U.S. Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), two sources said. That law, passed last September, allowed lawsuits to proceed against the Saudi government claiming it had helped to plan the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States and should pay damages to victims. Riyadh denies the allegations. Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan, a lawyer by training, is most attuned to the legal risk of the four senior government officials advising the crown prince on the listing decision, the source said. Falih, who is also Aramco's chairman, Economy and Planning Minister Adel Fakieh and Public Investment Fund Managing Director Yasir al-Rumayyan are the other members of the crown prince's advisory committee, the source said, without elaborating on their views. The Finance Ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the views of Jadaan. Saudi industry sources dismissed JASTA as a reason for not listing in New York, noting that Saudi Arabia is believed to have hundreds of billions of dollars of investments in the United States already, including Aramco assets. They say the difficulty is related more to the disclosure process and complex regulations in New York. These may legally interfere with the sovereignty of the Saudi government, which would remain the major shareholder of Aramco after the flotation. While the London Stock Exchange has made winning the Aramco listing a priority, the NYSE has not offered any regulatory changes, a source familiar with talks between NYSE and Aramco told Reuters last month. Britain's Financial Conduct Authority has proposed creating a new "premium" listing category for companies controlled by sovereign states which would exempt them from certain regulatory requirements. The new rules are due to be published towards the end of this year. (The story repeats to add Exclusive tag.) (Additional reporting by Tom Arnold in Dubai; Dasha Afanasieva in London, John McCrank in New York, Editing by David Stamp)
By Krishna N. Das NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India is in talks with Bangladesh and Myanmar about its plan to deport around 40,000 Rohingya Muslims it says are living in the country illegally, a government spokesman said on Friday, with state governments told to form task forces for the purpose. Tens of thousands of Rohingya have fled persecution in Buddhist-majority Myanmar to neighbouring Bangladesh since the early 1990s, with some of them then crossing over a porous border into Hindu-majority India. New Delhi says only around 14,000 of the Rohingya living in India are registered with the UN refugee agency, making the rest illegal and liable to be sent back. India is not a signatory to UN conventions on refugees and no national law covers it. "These things are being discussed at diplomatic level with both Bangladesh and Myanmar," Interior Ministry spokesman K.S. Dhatwalia said. "More clarity will emerge at an appropriate time." Junior Interior Minister Kiren Rijiju told parliament on Wednesday the federal government had directed state governments to "constitute task forces at district levels to identify and deport the illegally staying foreign nationals". Rijiju was in Myanmar recently to attend an event, although it was not clear if he discussed the Rohingya issue. Officials in Myanmar could not be contacted immediately for comment. Amnesty International has said deporting and abandoning the Rohingya would be "unconscionable". (http://reut.rs/2wzseax) The Indian office of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said it was "trying to find the facts" about New Delhi's plans to deport them. Rohingya are generally reviled in India, where its 1.3 billion people are fighting for resources and job opportunities. Nationalist, anti-Islamic sentiments have also fuelled hatred towards them. More than 75,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since Oct. 9 after an insurgent group called Harakah al-Yaqin attacked Myanmar border police posts, prompting a huge security crackdown in which troops have been accused of murder and rape of Rohingya civilians. (http://reut.rs/2uue0ub) A senior government official in Bangladesh, which has complained of being burdened by the heavy flow of refugees, said New Delhi was helping it solve the crisis. The Rohingya in India live mainly in Jammu, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi in the north, Hyderabad in the south, and Rajasthan in the west. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jammu, the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir, India's only Muslim-majority state, drew widespread condemnation in April when it threatened to launch an "identify and kill movement" if the government did not deport Rohingya settlers there. (Reporting by Krishna N. Das; Editing by Paul Tait)
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In 2014, Nadia Murad was captured, alongside many other Yazidi women, by the so-called Islamic State (IS) group in the Iraqi town of Sinjar. She was held hostage, enslaved, tortured and raped, before escaping to Mosul and making her way to Germany. After sharing the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize with Congolese gynaecologist Denis Mukwege, she is now a leading global advocate for survivors of genocide and sexual violence. Nadia Murad spoke to FRANCE 24 from the Paris Peace Forum. Murad said that more needs to be done to prevent sexual violence in conflict."Progress has been made on recognising survivors' right to reparations (...) but I think it's time to put political weight and resources behind the words," Murad told FRANCE 24's Catherine Norris Trent."Not much has been done to prevent what happened to the Yazidi women and girls," Murad said. More than eight years later, "we still have 2,800 women and children who are missing in ISIS [another name for the IS group] captivity in Syria, Turkey and some parts of Iraq. No effort has been made by the international community or our own government or any international organisations to look for the missing Yazidi women and children and bring them back"."Sexual violence does not go away when war is over (...) Ukraine is sadly another example of a failure to follow through on commitments to preventing sexual violence in war," Murad continued."Women's rights were never a priority for the international community to prevent the use of sexual violence," Murad said.Read more on FRANCE 24 EnglishRead also:Amnesty International demands urgent help for survivors of sexual violence in TigrayAllegations of mass rape by Russian troops in UkraineIraqs Yazidi community: Nadia Murads ongoing fight for justice
By Anna Mehler Paperny SAINT-BERNARD-DE-LACOLLE, Quebec (Reuters) - Dozens of army tents dotted the Canadian border on Thursday to house hundreds of asylum seekers, many from Haiti, streaming into the country from upstate New York to file refugee claims. More than 200 people a day are illegally walking across the border into Quebec to seek asylum, government officials said. Over 4,300 asylum seekers have crossed illegally into Canada in the first half of this year, with some citing U.S. President Donald Trumps tougher stance on immigration. Canada's military has set up heated tents to house up to 500 asylum seekers as they undergo security screenings near the border. Officers from the Canada Border Services Agency and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have also been redeployed to the area to provide additional assistance as authorities grapple with the influx. The claimants, once they have crossed the border illegally, are brought by buses to the makeshift camp where their belongings are kept in shipping containers. About 25 asylum seekers, predominantly men, occupied some of the tents on the temporary encampment on Thursday afternoon. They lay on cots, charged their phones and sat at wooden picnic benches in a light drizzle. Most of the recent arrivals have been Haitians, officials say, who fear they will be deported from the U.S. as their "temporary protected status," which granted more than 50,000 Haitians residency in the U.S. after the 2010 earthquake, is set to expire in January. Spurred by false accounts of guaranteed residency in Canada, they made for the border. Wilfrid Guillaume, 36, left Haiti three months ago and applied for asylum in the United States. Guillaume, who occupied one of the tents, said he abandoned his claim because he felt his chances were poor. He walked to Canada, he said, "where we'll be welcomed." Canada ended its own ban on deportations to Haiti last year and has deported 100 Haitians in 2016 and 318 since March alone, according to government data. Last year, 50.5 percent of Haitian refugee claimants were successful, compared to about 62 percent of all claimants, according to government data. Once processed, asylum seekers are put on buses to Montreal, the largest city in Canada's mainly French-speaking Quebec province, which has opened its Olympic Stadium, a former hospital, a school, and other places to house people. Asylum seekers are crossing the border illegally because a loophole in a U.S. pact allows them to file claims and stay in Canada while they await the outcome. If they present themselves at formal border crossings, they will be turned back under the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement. The Canadian government has said it will not suspend the pact, which critics say is responsible for the chaos at the border. All illegal crossers are held for questioning by the RCMP and CBSA, and the military tents at Lacolle are set up for them to live in during these two rounds of questioning. Once they leave the makeshift tent city, asylum seekers face a long wait and an uncertain future. Delays for the refugee hearings are the longest they have been in years. Meanwhile, refugees who have spent time in the U.S. before filing claims in Canada will find themselves at a disadvantage in making their case, according to a Reuters review of Canadian federal court rulings on asylum seekers and interviews with refugee lawyers. (Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny; Editing by Chris Reese)
DAKAR (Reuters) - The leader of Senegal's main opposition group said on Wednesday it would not participate in any future elections because the parliamentary polls that delivered a large majority to the ruling coalition were a "masquerade". President Macky Sall's coalition took 125 seats in the 165-seat National Assembly after winning nearly half the vote, according to the results announced last on Friday. The coalition of 91-year-old former president Abdoulaye Wade, whom Sall defeated in a 2012 presidential election, won 19 seats. Another led by Dakar mayor Khalifa Sall, who has been detained in a corruption probe for the past six months that his supporters say is politically motivated, won seven seats. "The coordination of opposition parties Wattu Senegal ... will no longer participate in any election of any kind organised by the government of Macky Sall," Wade said in a statement on TV. "It will oppose by all means any attempt by Macky Sall to organise a similar masquerade at a national level." The peaceful and well organised 2012 poll reinforced Senegal's reputation as one of West Africa's most stable democracies. But in last month's legislative poll many hundreds of Senegalese voters were prevented from casting their ballots because of delays in issuing biometric voting cards, prompting the opposition to cry foul. Opposition leaders have criticised Sall for trying to stamp out opposition. Demonstrations in Dakar are often blocked by tear gas-wielding police. The next presidential election is in 2019. (Reporting by Diadie Ba; Writing by Tim Cocks, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
NAIROBI (Reuters) - South Sudan has released at least 30 political prisoners since President Salva Kiir declared an amnesty in May to facilitate national dialogue and douse a four-year civil war, a senior security official said. Jalban Obaj, director of legal affairs at the Internal Security Bureau told SSBC state television late on Thursday that the prisoners had been set free at different times since the declaration of the amnesty. Nearly all the ex-detainees, including Justin Wanawila Bilal, a religious cleric, had been accused of supporting opposition leader and former vice president Riek Machar. "The release of the political detainees came as a gesture of good will," Ateny Wek Ateny, Kiir's spokesman, told Reuters on Friday. He said the freeing of the detainees without any precondition also demonstrated that Kiir was determined to resolve the country's conflict. South Sudan was plunged into war in 2013 after a political disagreement between Kiir and Machar strained relations between the two. Kiir then sacked Machar as his deputy, triggering fighting between forces loyal to both men. Kiir hails from the Dinka while Machar is a Nuer and the rivalry between the two tribes has meant much of the fighting and violence has unfolded along ethnic divisions. South Sudan Human Rights Observatory (SSHRO), a local non-governmental organisation, said in a statement the release of only 30 prisoners was "cosmetic because thousands of South Sudanese... are still unlawfully detained". The SSHRO also accused the government of continuing a campaign of "hunting, harassing and kidnapping political opponents" - a charge Kiir's administration denies. An estimated quarter of South Sudan's 12 million people have been uprooted by the conflict, with neighbouring Uganda hosting a million of those displaced. Machar is being held as a "guest" in South Africa to prevent him stirring up trouble, diplomats and political sources told Reuters last December. Last month an international mediator said Machar had declined to renounce violence or declare a unilateral ceasefire and instead demanded new peace talks outside South Sudan. (Writing by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Gareth Jones)
The most realistic U.S option at this point in dealing with North Korea is some form of containment coupled with diplomacy to halt more nuclear and missile tests says a Virginia Tech expert in nuclear politics and foreign policy.

The biggest thing is to avoid overreaction. People tend to react to every development as if it is totally new, unprecedented, and requires an immediate response. History unfolds more slowly. Overreactions that don't think things through can lead to disaster, says Paul Avey, who teaches courses in national security, strategy, and world politics at Virginia Tech.

The United States and its regional allies - here Japan and South Korea are critical - can make it absolutely clear to the North Korean regime that any use of nuclear weapons or major conventional action will result in regime change, said Avey. That is, if Kim uses military force the end result will be his death.

Avey believes that threat needs to be coupled with a promise  that if North Korea complies, then the United States will not attack and will be willing to negotiate some sanctions release, so long as Kim refrains from any additional testing.

Before coming to Virginia Tech, Avey was a pre-doctoral fellow with the Managing the Atom project and International Security Program at Harvards Belfer Center for International Studies, a Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow at MIT. ( Paul Aveys Bio )

Quoting

The long-term goal should be to convince North Korea to abandon its program. In the near term I don't think that is realistic and the United States can instead focus on deterring North Korea and working to stabilize the situation.

Keep an eye on what other countries are saying and doing. Are Russia and China following through on new sanctions? Is America working effectively with its allies in the region or is the crisis driving them further apart?

Schedule an interview

To secure a print or broadcast interview with Paul Avey, contact Bill Foy in the Virginia Tech Media Relations office: fwill55@vt.edu; by phone at 540-231-8719 or 540-998-0288.

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DXC Technology Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides information technology services and solutions primarily in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It operates in two segments, Global Business Services (GBS) and Global Infrastructure Services (GIS). The GBS segment offers a portfolio of analytics services and extensive partner ecosystem that help its customers to gain rapid insights, automate operations, and accelerate their digital transformation journeys; and software engineering, consulting, and data analytics solutions that enable businesses to run and manage their mission-critical functions, transform their operations, and develop new ways of doing business. It also uses various technologies and methods to accelerate the creation, modernization, delivery, and maintenance of secure applications allowing customers to innovate faster while reducing risk, time to market, and total cost of ownership. In addition, this segment offers business process services, which include integration and optimization of front and back office processes, and agile process automation. The GIS segment adapts legacy apps to cloud, migrate the right workloads, and securely manage their multi-cloud environments; and offers security solutions help predict attacks, proactively respond to threats, and ensure compliance, as well as to protect data, applications, and infrastructure. It also provides IT outsourcing services to help customers securely and cost-effectively run mission-critical systems and IT infrastructure. In addition, this segment offers workplace services to fit its customer's employee, business, and IT needs from intelligent collaboration; and modern device management, digital support services, and mobility services. DXC Technology Company is headquartered in Ashburn, Virginia.
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. owns and operates utilities, transport, midstream, and data businesses in North and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company's Utilities segment operates approximately 61,000 kilometers (km) of operational electricity transmission and distribution lines; 5,300 km of electricity transmission lines; 4,200 km of natural gas pipelines; 7.3 million electricity and natural gas connections; and 360,000 long-term contracted sub-metering services. This segment also offers heating and cooling solutions; gas distribution; water heaters; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioner rental, as well as other home services. Its Transport segment offers transportation, storage, and handling services for merchandise goods, commodities, and passengers through a network of approximately 22,000 km of track; 5,500 km of track network; 4,800 km of rail; 3,800 km of motorways; and 13 port terminals. The company's Midstream segment offers natural gas transmission, gathering and processing, and storage services through approximately 15,000 km of natural gas transmission pipelines; 600 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage; 17 natural gas processing plants; and 3,900 km of gas gathering pipelines, as well as one petrochemical processing complex. Its Data segment operates approximately 148,000 operational telecom towers; 8,000 multi-purpose towers and active rooftop sites; 10,000 km of fiber backbone; 1,600 cell sites and approximately 12,000 km of fiber optic cable; and 2,100 active telecom towers and 70 distributed antenna systems, as well as 50 data centers and 200 megawatts of critical load capacity. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. is a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management Inc.
Summit Midstream Partners, LP focuses on owning, developing, and operating midstream energy infrastructure assets primarily shale formations in the continental United States. The company provides natural gas gathering, compression, treating, and processing services, as well as crude oil and produced water gathering services. Its unconventional resource basins include the Utica and Point Pleasant shale formations in southeastern Ohio; the Williston Basin that consists of the Bakken and Three Forks shale formations in northwestern North Dakota; the Denver-Julesburg Basin, which include the Niobrara and Codell shale formations in Colorado; the Permian Basin that comprise the Bone Spring and Wolfcamp shale formations in New Mexico; the Piceance Basin, which include the Mesaverde formation, and the Mancos and Niobrara shale formations in western Colorado; the Barnett Shale formation in north-central Texas; and the Marcellus Shale formation in northern West Virginia. The company also owns an ownership interest in Ohio Gathering, which owns and operates natural gas gathering and condensate stabilization facility in the Utica Shale in southeastern Ohio. It serves natural gas and crude oil producers. Summit Midstream GP, LLC operates as a general partner of the company. The company was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Dril-Quip, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services engineered drilling and production equipment for use in deepwater, harsh environment, and severe service applications worldwide. The company's principal products include subsea and surface wellheads, subsea and surface production trees, mudline hanger systems, specialty connectors and associated pipes, drilling and production riser systems, liner hangers, wellhead connectors, diverters, and safety valves, as well as downhole tools. It also provides technical advisory services, and rework and reconditioning services, as well as rental and purchase of running tools for use in the installation and retrieval of its products; and downhole tools comprise of liner hangers, production packers, safety valves, and specialty downhole tools that are used to hang-off and seal casing into a previously installed casing string in the well bore. The company's products are used to explore for oil and gas from offshore drilling rigs, such as floating rigs and jack-up rigs; and for drilling and production of oil and gas wells on offshore platforms, tension leg platforms, and Spars, as well as moored vessels, such as floating production, storage, and offloading monohull moored vessels. It sells its products directly through its sales personnel, independent sales agents, and representatives to integrated, independent, and foreign national oil and gas companies, as well as drilling contractors, and engineering and construction companies. The company was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Neenah, Inc., a specialty materials company, engages in the performance-based technical products, and fine paper and packaging products businesses in North America, Germany, Spain, and rest of Europe. Its Technical Products segment offers filtration media for transportation, water, and other end use applications; saturated and unsaturated crepe, and flat paper tapes; and coated lightweight abrasive papers for automotive, construction, metal, and woodworking industries. It also provides digital transfer media; label and tag products for digital printing; latex saturated and coated, premask, medical packaging, digital transfer, publishing, security, clean room, passports, and release papers; furniture backers; and release liners. The company's Fine Paper and Packaging segment offers writing, text, cover, and specialty papers; and envelopes used in commercial printing services, corporate identity packages, and advertising collaterals. It also provides packaging products for retail, cosmetics, spirits, and electronics end-use markets; bright papers for direct mails, advertising inserts, scrapbooks, and marketing collaterals; cardstock, stationary paper, journals, and planners; and translucent and art papers; and papers for optical scanning and other specialized applications. The company markets its products under the JET-PRO SofStretch, KIMDURA, PREVAIL, NEENAH, GESSNER, CLASSIC, CLASSIC CREST, ENVIRONMENT, ROYAL SUNDANCE, TOUCHE, ASTROBRIGHTS, SOUTHWORTH, ESTATE LABEL, IMAGEMAX, SKIVERTEX, PELLAQ, CORVON, SENZO, and KIVAR brand names through authorized paper distributors, converters, retailers, and specialty businesses, as well as direct to end users. The company was formerly known as Neenah Paper, Inc. and changed its name to Neenah, Inc. in January 2018. Neenah, Inc. was incorporated in 2004 and is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic medicines, specialty medicines, and biopharmaceutical products in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company offers sterile products, hormones, high-potency drugs, and cytotoxic substances in various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, injectables, inhalants, liquids, transdermal patches, ointments, and creams. It also develops, manufactures, and sells active pharmaceutical ingredients. In addition, it focuses on the central nervous system, pain, respiratory, and oncology areas. Its products in the central nervous system include Copaxone for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; AJOVY for the preventive treatment of migraine; and AUSTEDO for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington disease. The company's products in the respiratory market comprise ProAir, QVAR, ProAir Digihaler, AirDuo Digihaler, and ArmonAir Digihaler, BRALTUS, CINQAIR/CINQAERO, DuoResp Spiromax, and AirDuo RespiClick/ArmonAir RespiClick for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its products in the oncology market include Bendeka, Treanda, Granix, Trisenox, Lonquex, and Tevagrastim/Ratiograstim. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has a collaboration MedinCell for the development and commercialization of multiple long-acting injectable products, a risperidone suspension for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. The company was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
A biennial competency review for the man accused in a 2005 murder spree has been pushed back by several months after attorneys requested time to prepare for an out-of-the-ordinary full review.

John Hyde, 60, was committed to a mental institution for 179 years after he was found not competent to stand trial. He is accused of shooting a state worker, two young employees of a motorcycle shop and two police officers in a one-day rampage in August 2005. The day before the shooting, he had unsuccessfully sought medical help for his schizophrenia.

Hyde is entitled to a competency review every two years, and if at any of those reviews he is found competent, his 2005 case could be taken to trial. In years past, attorneys have simply agreed that Hyde remained dangerous and incompetent to proceed and a full-blown hearing was unnecessary. Attorneys came to that decision, according to court documents, based on two-year reports generated by a doctor at the Behavioral Health Institute.

The request for a full-blown hearing in Hydes case could be a sign that his competency status has changed, though attorneys would not confirm the findings of the latest report. Competency, in criminal law, means generally that a defendant understands the legal proceedings and can aid in his or her defense.

Defense attorney Stephen Taylor said he could not discuss the report, though he said if BHI submitted a report and their finding is that the defendant is competent, then, yes, you would need to have a full-blown hearing.

And alternatively, if the findings were the same as they were in prior years, there would be really no reason to have a full-blown hearing, Taylor said, speaking generally about competency hearings.

The case will return to Judge Benjamin Chavezs courtroom in two to three months for a status conference, to make sure both sides are still on track for a full review. That review is set to take place in four or five months.

The District Attorneys Office refused to comment on the hearing or the report.

Hyde saw his mental health decline rapidly in the months before the shooting, after a doctor switched his medication. Attempts by Hyde and his family to find solutions for his escalating behavior were fruitless.

The two officers were shot after they arrived at Hydes home for a mental health pickup.
Police released the name of a woman killed Tuesday morning in a SE Albuquerque shooting, according to an Albuquerque Police Department spokesman.

Officer Simon Drobik said police are investigating the murder of 27-year-old Erica Espinosa on the 6400 block of Cochiti SE.

Detectives are also seeking information about two vehicles seen in the area at the time of the shooting, he said.

Drobik described the vehicles as a dark colored sedan, unknown make and model, and a white, or light, colored carpossibly a Chrysler.

Police were called to Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital around 4 a.m. on Tuesday for a woman who had been shot, Espinosa died at the hospital.

Through further investigation, police found a scene, with numerous casings from different firearms, on the 6400 block of Cochiti Road SE.

Tips: Police ask anyone with information about the case to call (505) 242-COPS or contact Crime Stoppers at 843-STOP.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

Albuquerques Police Oversight Board voted unanimously to recommend that a former police spokesman be suspended 80 hours for lying to the Journal about the departments handling of a tip that a man tried to kiss Victoria Martens months before the 10-year-old was raped and killed.

The board also voted that a department spokeswoman receive a letter of reprimand for her role in the spread of misinformation. And it said it will recommend that Albuquerque Police Department develop a policy for handling referrals from the Children, Youth and Families Department.

In January 2017, officer Fred Duran told a Journal reporter that APD detectives had investigated and interviewed Victoria and her mother after getting a tip from CYFD that an adult man had tried to kiss Victoria.

The department had gotten the tip but never investigated.

Paul Scotchdapole, an investigator with the Civilian Police Oversight Agency, said that in November and December, Duran was in meetings along with the Chief Gorden Eden, where he learned that APD didnt investigate the CYFD referral.

Duran had insisted to the Journal that detectives did do those interviews. He also told other lies to the Journal, Skotchdapole said, about police procedures and laws when pressed by the Journal about why, if detectives had investigated, they didnt make any reports.

These lies about APD following up on a referral were printed, making the citizens believe that APD had in fact followed up on a referral and everything had been done by both agencies properly, and nothing could be further from the truth, Skotchdapole said.

The boards recommendation will now go to Eden, who will have final say on how to discipline his employees. If he disagrees with the board, hell have to explain why in writing.

Victoria was raped and killed in August 2016 in her familys West Side apartment. Her mother and two others have been charged in connection with the crime.

Before her death, CYFD had received tips of suspected abuse or neglect against Victoria and her brother, and the department notified APD of those tips.

Duran told the Journal that police couldnt take action against a man who had tried to kiss Victoria because it wasnt a crime, and that the person would have actually had to kiss her for it to be a crime. He also said police didnt have probable cause or a warrant to continue their investigation into the matter after their initial interview with the Martens family.

Scotchdapole said attempting to kiss a child would have been an assault, a petty misdemeanor. He also said Duran lied to the Journal about probable cause requirements police have to follow when doing investigations.

APD should have absolutely investigated this referral, he said. There was a reported crime committed. And it should have been investigated.

Joanne Fine, chairwoman of the POB, asked Skotchdapole if Eden colluded in the spreading of the false information, and Skotchdapole said he couldnt answer because he didnt interview Eden. The investigation was launched after a private citizen filed a complaint against Duran and Celina Espinoza, a spokeswoman, after reading Journal reports about the CYFD referrals.

After printing misinformation in Journal, the paper wrote an accurate story in March after continuing to press the police for details about the investigation.

The board voted to give Espinoza a letter of reprimand. She was not involved in meetings at which Duran was told that police didnt investigate the CYFD referral. But she didnt tell the Journal that the January 2017 story was inaccurate after it was published.

The CPOA found Duran violated a police policy concerning conduct of an officer.

This investigation was not about what APD chose to do or didnt do relative to Victoria Martens, Fine said. This was about lying.
SANTA FE  A Rio Arriba County deputy, who previously had been jailed while with the sheriffs office, was arrested for drunken driving Tuesday night after someone called police and said he threw a miniature liquor bottle at them in the Espanola Lowes parking lot.

Deputy Joseph Aquino, 42, was arrested and charged with aggravated DWI and driving with an open alcohol container after he refused to undergo field sobriety tests from the Espanola Police Department. Sheriffs office Capt. Randy Sanches said Aquino was placed on paid leave indefinitely while the department conducts an internal investigation.

Aquino is not allowed to possess a gun as part of his court-ordered conditions of release, so Sanches said hell be on desk assignment as long as the order is in place.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Espanola Magistrate Court, an EPD officer arrived at the Lowes parking lot around 10:50 p.m. Tuesday and could immediately smell alcohol coming from Aquinos car. Aquino, who said he had not been drinking, told the officer that he got a text that his son would be jumped at 11 p.m. and he was at Lowes to see what happened.

Aquino eventually admitted that he was under the influence of alcohol and was driving while refusing to take sobriety tests. An officer later found an open beer container in his car  apparently his personal vehicle  and placed him under arrest, according to the complaint. A dispatcher told the officer that a caller said Aquino drove up to them while drunk, started harassing them and threw an empty miniature bottle at them.

Aquino was released from jail Wednesday after paying 10 percent of a $5,000 bond, court records indicate. He is not allowed to possess firearms or dangerous weapons, may not return to the scene of the incident and may not drink alcohol. The judge wrote by hand on the order setting conditions of release that Aquino is not a flight risk, But has a history with the courts. Bond is a must.

In September 2014, Aquino was charged with domestic violence and battery on a household member after being with the sheriffs office for about a year. A sheriffs office spokesman said at the time that it was for an incident with a woman who was believed to be his wife or domestic partner. He had his gun and badge confiscated, and was placed on administrative duty for an internal investigation after that incident.

Aquino was charged with battery on a household member in 2009, but the count was later dropped by prosecutors. He pleaded guilty to a 2000 aggravated DUI in Santa Fe Magistrate Court, according to online records. Two bench warrants were issued in that case in 2001 because Aquino twice failed to register for DWI school.

A man who answered a phone listed for Aquino in court documents hung up on a reporter Thursday afternoon.
Two local entrepreneurs with ties to San Francisco  one a Santa Fe native  would like to bring some of Silicon Valley thinking and some of its talent to Santa Fe in an effort to transform the citys economy.

Mark Johnson, who heads up Descartes Labs, and Adam Shaening-Pokrasso, who moved the headquarters of his digital media company, 12FPS, to his hometown four years ago, shared their vision for a holistic entrepreneurship ecosystem with the citys Economic Development Committee on Wednesday.

Among their ideas are creating bigger and better co-working spaces to help foster startup businesses, establishing an Entrepreneur In Residence program and recruiting talent from the Silicon Valley by using the appeal of Santa Fe  its arts scene, history, culture, outdoor recreational opportunities, mountains and skies  as selling points.

If you decide to support something like this, Johnson said, speaking specifically about a co-working space, do it right.

Doing it right requires limited involvement by the city, they said.

Their research found no successful co-working space run by a municipality, but that its important there is a relationship between whomever runs the facility and the municipality, including some financial support. It also means having the infrastructure to support it, including broadband to support high-speed internet, housing, retail businesses, restaurants  and, importantly, a coffee shop.

Thats one place where chance collisions between people can take place, new relationships can be built and ideas can be exchanged, they maintain.

They also made it clear they have no interest in running a co-working facility themselves; they have their own businesses to worry about. But if a new space was created, they recommend it be staffed by an executive director to oversee operations and plan programming, a community organizer to coordinate events and connect with groups, and an office manager to sweat all the details and handle business functions.

Johnson and Shaening-Pokrasso were awarded $10,000 in city funds to conduct the study after responding to a request for proposals.

In a letter to applicants, Mayor Javier Gonzales said the city was looking for programs or projects that would be transformational to Santa Fes economy. He said the aim was to amplify, leverage and complement the citys existing assets while not duplicating other efforts and to develop a workforce with the skills to support a high-wage, high-impact economy.

Our goal is to make sure that Santa Fes economy attracts and retains talent and dynamically grows businesses, he wrote.

What Johnson and Shaening-Pokrasso came up with is Project Agora, agora being a Greek word for an open space that serves as a gathering place or commercial market. Some of the worlds most influential ideas, including the concept of democracy, were birthed at the Athenian agora, according to an article titled How the Greek Agora Changed the World published online by Live Science.

Percolating ideas

Co-working spaces arent a new idea and there are already some places, like CoLab at Second Street Studios and the Santa Fe Business Incubator, that are already here. Johnson and Shaening-Pokrasso envision something bigger, with more surrounding amenities.

Matt Brown, the citys new economic development director, said in an interview after the meeting that he knew of multiple parties interested in creating a new co-working space in Santa Fe, fielding one inquiry the day before.

Still, despite the contents of their report, Shaening-Pokrasso and Johnson said they werent convinced co-working space is something Santa Fe needs right now.

Weve done the research, but weve just scratched the surface, Shaening-Pokrasso said. Co-working is something that achieves a goal, but were still figuring it out.

I dont know if co-working is what Santa Fe needs right now, but its going to happen, he continued. How it happens and how we do it as a community and support it with infrastructure around it, with all the elements of an ecosystem  in place has to be decided.

Those elements include high-speed Wi-Fi, a variety of work spaces within the co-working space, including desks and couches, conference rooms, copy machines, mail and shipping services, event space and 24-hour access. Whatever the location, they say it must be in a developing area of density within walking distance of restaurants, retailers and, ideally, close to affordable housing, they wrote.

Their report contemplates a location for a co-working space. It says the Railyard District is a potentially great location. However, the Railyard suffers from a lack of cohesiveness in terms of its services. Theres no quality coffee shop or quick lunch places, their report states. The vacant spaces in the Railyard District also dont scream vibrancy, they say.

Downtown is geared too much toward tourists, they say, and the Siler Street area around Meow Wolf is in the early stages of development and lacks existing amenities within easy walking distance.

Regarding coffee shops, at Wednesdays meeting they extolled the virtues of Iconik Coffee Roasters on Lena Street, which Shaening-Pokrasso said at times looks as much like a co-working space as a coffee shop.

We take meetings at Iconik, he said. Thats where collisions take place.

While they make no recommendations regarding location, they say a site needs to be a place that has the necessary amenities and fosters collaboration.

Shaening-Pokrasso described such a place as being a mecca for creativity and innovation, and pointed to the American Tobacco Campus, a redevelopment of a former tobacco manufacturing district in Durham, N.C., as a good example.

Thats where we as a city ought to be looking, he said.

At the same meeting, committee chairman and City Councilor Mike Harris gave an update on the Santa Fe University of Arts and Design, which recently announced it plans to close the school, located on city-owned property, after the upcoming school year. Harris suggested that locating such a campus there, to include housing and other amenities, was one of several options that could be considered.

Gaining an edge

Creating a suitable co-working space around an entrepreneurial ecosystem was just part of Johnson and Shaening-Pokrassos report. Bringing in outside talent  both permanent and temporary  is another.

They suggest creating an Entrepreneur In Residence program to provide mentorship and guidance to young business people.

The EIR will be expected to mentor local startups and produce content for Project Agora, while still leaving him/her time to work on their own startup, they wrote in their report. The hope and intent is to expose the EIR to Santa Fe, and consider locating a business here. Short of that, their experience here could make them vocal fans of the glory of New Mexico.

Thats what happened with Johnson, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., who studied philosophy at Stanford.

He made a name for himself in the Silicon Valley as CEO of Zite, a personalized news app later sold to CNN. Prior to that, he was product manager at companies like Bing, Powerset and SideStep.

Backed with $8 million in venture capital investment, Johnson in 2014 co-founded Descartes Labs, a company that uses artificial intelligence and satellite images taken over a period of time to identify and analyze changes on the Earths surface, and located an office in Los Alamos. It was easier to move the company there rather than move the families of the recruited workforce, some of which was made up of expatriates of Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Johnson says when he first came to New Mexico, he expected to stay six months. But he fell in love with the place. Now, the company is headquartered here, and two-thirds of the companys 40 employees work out of an office now located in Santa Fe. The rest work in offices in San Francisco and New York City.

Johnson says he has been successful recruiting employees to Santa Fe, attracting people who dont care for the hustle and bustle of the big city and the high cost of living, and enjoy nature and the slower pace of life that can be found in northern New Mexico.

Not everybody wants to live in San Francisco or New York, he said in an interview. Lifestyle is also important to them, and they like hiking, and they like kayaking. Whats cool about Descartes Labs is we can find people who would have moved to San Francisco or New York City, because thats where the jobs are, but thats not where their heart is. Their heart brings them here.

Shaening-Pokrasso grew up in Santa Fe and successfully applied his digital media skills in the San Francisco scene  working with such tech companies as Adobe, AOL and Google  before deciding to come back, he says, to get closer to nature and more deeply involved with the community where he was raised. His company, 12FPS, now serves the growing film and digital media industry in the state.

The normal place for an artificial intelligence company and a media agency would be in San Francisco, they write in their report. We were both drawn to Santa Fe, N.M., to grow our companies in a different kind of ecosystem. Here we have a close community, deep history, the mountains, the sky and the escape from the hectic city life. Ultimately, this can and should be Santa Fes competitive edge.

They reason in their report that it will take time to develop a skilled workforce in Santa Fe and its not something the city has much control over. But a temporary solution is to work to attract skilled workers to Santa Fe.

To do that, they urge the city to continue efforts to grow Santa Fe young by making the city appealing to a younger demographic. That means initiatives to stimulate nightlife and create more affordable housing options are important.

Maximizing value

The Agora Project presentation was generally well received by the Economic Development committee, though one concern was that the city might be putting the cart before the horse by pursuing the plan without the infrastructure in place.

Chairman Harris, though, was impressed enough to say that the report shouldnt be left on the shelf, and asked Economic Development Director Brown to follow up.

In an interview after the meeting, Brown said the report would be shared with interested parties seeking to start up a co-working space in Santa Fe.

It will also be blended into the citys overall economic development strategy.

As we build out a comprehensive economic development strategy, the information will be integrated into that strategy so we can keep the initiative moving down the track, he said. In a simple way, its really project management. You have a list of objectives, and you move down that list and execute each one, then you move on to the next one.

Asked what he liked about the report, Brown said he appreciated the systemic view the duo took.

A co-working space cant work in isolation. It thrives because its part of an ecosystem. Its about people using the space to build a vibrant set of relationships, he said.

He also saw value in the EIR program, saying the wisdom that comes from expertise and experience is invaluable.

The authors of the report say that their hope is for Project Agora to broker conversations between different groups in town.

When a new initiative is started, we hope that theyll start off by talking to the leadership of Project Agora and that the conversation will be collaborative, with the intention of finding the best way for that individual or group to be present in the community, they wrote. We believe that Project Agora is a logical central point to maximize the value of local initiatives.

Mark Johnson, left, and Adam Shaening-Pokrasso, listen to feedback from the citys Economic Development Committee about their ideas to develop a holistic entrepreneurship ecosystem in Santa Fe.

Eddie Moore/Journal

Chris Bingley, from Los Angeles, works on his computer while hanging out at Iconik Coffee Roasters coffee house on Lena Street in Santa Fe. A recent study says coffee shops like Iconik are important for creating chance collisions among entrepreneurs.

From left, Connor Birch, Noah Pfaff and Lauren Roberts of Santa Fe, and Nick Berlin eat and talk at the Iconik Coffee Roasters coffee house in Santa Fe on Thursday. A recent study says coffee shops like Iconik are important for creating chance collisions among entrepreneurs.
As our children enjoy the last days of summer vacation, a trial that could change the future of public education in New Mexico has wrapped up. A group of families and school districts have sued the state for failing to provide a constitutionally sufficient education for our kids, and a ruling is expected this fall. Unfortunately, media coverage of the trial, including a recent Journal editorial, has largely focused on school funding to the exclusion of the children.

Each day, experts in the trial have been testifying that our education system is failing our students and is in dire need of change. Our state currently ranks dead last, 50th, on the Chance for Success ranking in the 2017 Quality Counts Report, which compiles factors including academic outcomes, parent employment rates, and poverty rates. Two-thirds of our states students are not reading at grade level, three-quarters cannot do math at grade level, and the few who actually graduate high school and make it to college need remediation.

It doesnt have to be this way. Our New Mexican children are just as intelligent, just as capable, and possess just as much potential as children across this country, but theyre swimming upstream against very real challenges, including an education system starved of resources.

Witness after witness testified that our students need evidence-based educational programs to succeed, including pre-K, extended learning opportunities, and reading interventionists. All of our students need access to these services. Currently, the state only provides them to a small fraction of our students. I would ask how much lower do you want our students to fall before taking action to provide them the basic supports they need to have any chance at success?

Yes, these programs and supports cost money, and, contrary to the Journals editorial, the money does not have to come from other state programs. As Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, testified, the past two governors chose to give hundreds of millions of dollars in tax cuts to corporations and the wealthiest New Mexicans. Some examples include a 2003 personal income tax reduction for New Mexicos highest earners that totals over $300 million per year; a Martinez corporate income tax reduction worth $12 million to $14 million a year if frozen at current levels; and a health care industry tax reduction worth $80 million per year. Our current budget woes are not solely due to lower gas and oil revenues, as the Journal asserts; they are self-imposed as state leaders chose other interests over the needs of students.

This current state of schools is unacceptable  for our kids, for our communities, and for New Mexicos future success. While state officials and the Public Education Department continue to pass blame to teachers, individual school districts or students themselves, the final responsibility lies with them.

Its time to stop the hand-wringing and false narrative that theres just not enough money. Its time to focus on the solutions that will turn our schools around. Many programs have proven to help kids learn and thrive. For example, economically disadvantaged children who participate in pre-K experience improved school attendance and academic success, are more likely to graduate from high school, and are less likely to engage in criminal activity. But in New Mexico, 13,000 4-year-olds in need of pre-K didnt get it in 2016.

There is also a serious shortage of supports that mitigate the impact of poverty on learning. Students provided with wrap-around services such as social workers and counselors, tutors and on-campus health care services are more likely to stay in school and experience improved attendance and academic achievement.

In a state where the majority of students are Latino and Native American, dual-language programs have proven to help close the achievement gap. But only 115 out of 900 public schools offer them.

These programs and supports do have a cost to them, but we cannot continue to try to nickel-and-dime our way out of 50th. There is no greater investment that we can make for the future health and vitality of our state than in the education of our children. As officials wrangle over money, our childrens lives are hanging in the balance.
Because of the privilege that state Sen. William Sharer, R-Farmington, enjoys, he may not realize the truth that many people in New Mexico live in fear and are threatened daily. In this country, none of us are free until all of us are free. True freedom cannot exist until everyone can participate in society with full realization of their rights, dignity and self-determination. Commonly, people with varying political ideologies to call for freedom for all Americans without considering what freedom really means nor what it will take for us to get there.

Accepting or tolerating another person is not the same thing as caring about their wellbeing, celebrating their differences or working to liberate them from discrimination and oppression. The latter requires a level of critical thinking that comes from a place of self-awareness, selflessness, vulnerability and justice. Our communities should create equitable access to opportunity for everybody, regardless of who they are or who they love.

Revisionist history and colonial thinking perpetuate the intolerance Sharer seeks to address in his July 31 guest column, Dont confuse tolerance with acceptance. The freedoms we consider fundamental to this nation were only made possible through the systematic enslavement, genocide, and cultural erasure of black, brown and indigenous people. This history continues today with the systematic marginalization and discrimination of people of color, the poor, those with disabilities, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ community members.

Im not sure how a gay hate crime can be spectacular, as the senator claims, but I will remind readers of the tragic terror attack that happened last year at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, where 49 people were killed and 53 others were injured. Its no coincidence that a majority of those people were queer, trans, black or brown.

As executive director of Equality New Mexico, I witness, I am told about, and I have experienced the violence and discrimination that our community members endure every day. These incidents demonstrate that we are, in fact, not a tolerant society. We live in fear and anxiety that our identities will attract others to harass us. Students avoid class for fear of being bullied. Transgender people are regularly denied access to health care. Muslims are harassed for their religious beliefs. The president actively undermines the rights of transgender military members, while at least 16 transgender people  mostly trans women of color  have been killed in the United States in 2017.

Violence is intolerance in action, which is perpetuated by ignorance of our history and the human experience of others. To advocate that we only tolerate difference causes our society to ignore the needs and threats to the existence of others. Tolerance is the bare minimum of how we should work to create a fair, equitable and just society. Rhetoric that says otherwise is unproductive and dangerous because it perpetuates the circle of violence.

Sharer says, we must never accept the intolerance of those who want to use laws to destroy our political positions or our faith, and I largely agree. To clarify, we must never allow anybody to diminish or infringe our rights and liberties. We must stop those who seek to leverage the government, the law, or their faith to discriminate against our political positions, religion, race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, family status, ability, age or ancestry.

In New Mexico we have such legal protections, but for us to have a truly tolerant, accepting and liberated society, we have to strengthen those protections. We must acknowledge that people live at the intersection of multiple identities  that, for example, someone can identify as LGBTQ+, be active in their church, be a person of color, and still live under threat of harassment all at the same time. We must challenge ourselves to think deeper about our collective history. We must continue to interrupt bias and behavior that harms communities, of which Sharers commentary is no exception.
In biblical times, a sanctuary city was a place where someone who had committed unintentional manslaughter could find refuge from the avenger of blood. If the offender left the sanctuary city, he could be set upon by a relative of the dead person and killed. No sanctuary was available to anyone who committed murder with malice aforethought.

Modern sanctuary cities are less reflective of their ancient namesakes and more like the hideouts established by train robbers and cattle rustlers during the days of the Wild West, as the current sanctuary city movement shields men and women who have broken federal law to reach the United States.

Threats by the Trump administration to hold back federal money from cities that harbor illegal immigrants show some promise. In July, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced new immigration compliance requirements for federal grant programs, including mandates that state and local entities must allow federal immigration access to detention facilities and provide 48 hours notice before authorities release an illegal immigrant wanted by federal authorities. If states comply, they get the grants. If they do not, they get nothing.

Miami-Dade County in Florida and Clark County in Nevada have changed their minds about harboring lawbreakers. The Department of Justice has sent letters to both counties certifying that they are now in compliance with the law and are now cleared for federal grants.

Other sanctuary cities are not so cooperative. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice for threatening to withhold federal funds earmarked for local law enforcement. Given the shooting gallery Chicago has become, its difficult to see how more money will improve safety, especially on the citys South Side, where an average weekend of violence often produces more casualties than in Afghanistan.

In Washington, where todays principled stand can quickly be forgotten, Democrats have changed their view about an immigration plan they consistently supported for a decade. Democrats in Congress previously favored a policy that would have established a points system for selecting legal immigrants. Now that President Trump favors such a system, based on merit, Democrats suddenly oppose it. For such a U-turn the word hypocrisy was invented, but the left doesnt care. They are about votes and winning elections, not actually fixing an immigration system everyone agrees is broken and needs repair.

Under regulations concerning cities of refuge established in the Book of Numbers (35:25) and the code of the Levitical priesthood, once an individual had claimed asylum, he had to be taken from the city to stand trial. If he was found innocent, he was returned under guard to the city in which he had claimed asylum. When the High Priest died, the person could return to his property.

That is a far cry from what modern mayors and governors want for their illegal immigrants. For them there is to be no arrest, no charge and no trial. Some Maryland jurisdictions are talking about adding more localities to those that already allow undocumented immigrants to vote in local elections. It wont be long before there are demands that they be allowed to vote in federal elections, which appears to be the objective of many Democrats who want and need the votes. Theyd likely get them too, once undocumented immigrants become dependent on government programs.

Name a federal law you could get away with breaking. Could you find sanctuary away from the governments long arm?

The lawsuit by Chicagos mayor will likely reach the Supreme Court. That is what makes the elevation of Neil Gorsuch to that high bench so critical.

Email: tcaeditors@tribpub.com. Copyright, Tribune Content Agency LLC.
DENVER  A judge on Friday threw out a former radio hosts case against Taylor Swift in a trial that delved into their dueling lawsuits over whether he groped her during a backstage meet-and-greet and whether she and her team ruined his career.

U.S. District Judge William Martinez determined that the pop star could not be held liable because David Mueller failed to prove that she personally set out to have him fired after the 2013 photo op in Denver. His identical allegations against Swifts mother and her radio liaison will go to jurors for a verdict.

Mueller denies groping Swift and sued the singer, her mother, Andrea Swift, and their radio handler, Frank Bell, seeking up to $3 million as compensation for his ruined career.

The singer-songwriter said in her countersuit that she wanted a symbolic $1 and the chance to stand up for other women. The jury will still consider her claim.

Swift teared up as the judge read his decision and said there was no evidence of her actions being insincere. Afterward, her team smiled and embraced. Muellers side didnt speak.

I couldnt be more proud to represent somebody like Taylor Swift whos willing to step up in a situation like this, attorney Douglas Baldridge said outside court.

The judges decision came after days of testimony from the singer and others and just before jurors were set to hear closing arguments.

Swift spent an hour on the witness stand Thursday defiantly recounting what she called a despicable and horrifying and shocking encounter before a concert.

He stayed attached to my bare ass-cheek as I lurched away from him, Swift testified.

It was a definite grab. A very long grab, she added in her testimony.

Swifts testy exchange with Muellers attorney occasionally elicited chuckles  even from the six-woman, two-man jury. She got a laugh when she said her security guard saw Mueller lift my skirt but someone would have had to have been underneath her to see the actual groping  and we didnt have anyone positioned there.

Swift testified that after the photo was taken, she tried to get as far away Mueller as she could. She said she told him and his girlfriend, who was also in the photo, thank you for coming in a monotone voice before they left.

She also said she was stunned and did not say anything to Mueller or halt the event after he left because she did not want to disappoint several dozen people waiting in line for photos with her.

In the image, shown to jurors during opening statements but not publicly released, Muellers hand is behind Swift, just below her waist. Muellers then-girlfriend, Shannon Melcher, is on the other side of Swift. All three are smiling.

Melcher testified Friday that she saw nothing happen during the brief encounter and that she and Mueller were rudely confronted and escorted out of the arena that evening. Melcher said Mueller was devastated by the accusation.

She said she and Mueller started out as co-workers at country station KYGO-FM and became romantically involved in February 2013, a few months before the concert. They drifted apart late in 2013, but Melcher says they remained friends.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  Officials say three flight attendants became ill on a plane headed to Barbados, causing it to return to a Florida airport.

The Sun Sentinel reports the Jet Blue plane returned to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Thursday afternoon. Officials say the plane was evacuated and paramedics were called.

Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesman Mike Jachles says the flight attendants were complaining of headaches and one of them used on-flight oxygen. The attendants were evaluated and declined medical treatment. There were no complaints from the nearly 100 passengers on board.

Officials say a hazmat team took readings on the plane and didnt detect anything.

Jet Blue said in a statement that a new crew was being assigned to the flight to continue to Barbados Thursday evening.

The incident is under investigation.

___

Information from: Sun Sentinel , http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
FORT WORTH, Texas  A 24-year-old Fort Worth man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the 2015 fatal beating of his girlfriends toddler son.

Christian Tyrrell was convicted Thursday in Fort Worth of capital murder in the death of 2-year-old Adrian Langlais. Prosecutors say Tyrrell smashed the childs head against a wall.

Officials say the boy was admitted to a hospital on his second birthday, March 18, 2015, and died the next day. His 21-year-old mother  Jessica Langlais  was indicted on a capital murder charge in May and remains jailed.

Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty for Tyrrell, who testified Langlais caused her sons injuries.

Tarrant County District Attorney Sharen Wilson said in a statement Thursday that Tyrrell was not fit to be a member of society.
HIDALGO, Texas  U.S. Border Patrol agents detained nearly 90 immigrants found walking near a canal in a South Texas city, including 50 children.

A Border Patrol statement Friday said all 86 people were apprehended in Hidalgo (hih-DAL-goh) and are believed to be from Guatemala.

Agents based in nearby Weslaco saw a large group of people walking toward them on a trail Monday night. The statement says all of the detainees acknowledged being in the U.S. illegally.

The statement didnt say how the immigrants got to the area or why they were traveling in a large group. A Border Patrol official didnt immediately return a message Friday.

Separately, agents assigned to Rio Grande City confiscated about 1,350 pounds of marijuana after an SUV they were chasing crashed early Monday. The driver fled.
AdAsia 2017, the largest advertising and marketing conference in the Asia-Pacific region, is being held in Bali, Indonesia from November 8-10. Over these three days, industry experts will delve into pressing subjects like technological breakthroughs, the importance of creative enterprising, digital implementation and effective marketing  all with a distinct emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region under the events overarching theme, Globalizasian - Advancing New Possibilities. Beyond industry-focused content, AdAsia 2017 will also celebrate Indonesias cultural diversity, and examine its immense contributions to the global economy.

By hosting ad agencies, brands, and media alike, the AdAsia Bali event acts as a unique touch point for industry players, and has line up high calibre speakers, including Charles Adler, Co-founder of Kickstarter; Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of iflix Malaysia; Martin Lindstrom, author of the best-selling book Buyology; David Coulthard, F1 grand prix winner; Piotr Jakubowski, CMO of GO-JEK Indonesia; and Shelina Janmohamed, Vice President of Ogilvy Noor. To close the conference, Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General and Nobel Peace Prize recipient will give an address on how businesses can help to lead positive change.

Maya Watono, Head of International Affairs of the Advertising Agencies Association of Indonesia (P3I), said of the upcoming event, Through AdAsia, we can promote Indonesia to the international world, including the brilliant progress of our advertising industry.

Harris Thajeb, Chairman of P3I, added here, Together, we can learn more about Asias latest innovations and future directions. We hope to gain support from everyone involved.

AdAsia is organised by AFAA (Asian Federation of Advertising Association) on a bi-annual basis, and 2017 marks the 30th iteration of the event. Previously held in Hanoi in 2013 and Taipei in 2015, the forum makes a return to Indonesia in 2017, marking the first time since 1995 the country has played host. Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC) is set to serve as the venue.

India had hosted the AdAsia conference in 2003 and 2011. The organisers are expecting over 100 delegates from India this year. AdAsia 2019 will take place in Pakistan.
In a recent announcement, WATConsult bagged the digital marketing mandate for Racold, India's Largest Water Heating Solutions Provider. WATConsult (part of Dentsu Aegis Network) is known for offering 360 degrees solutions and experience in digital space. WAT Consult will manage creative, internet and social platforms including website, search optimization, social content and email and mobile solutions for building the brand digitally stronger. The account will be serviced from agency's Mumbai office.

Racold believes digital is not only the new way of doing things but it is becoming a preferred way of doing things, may it be buying grocery or buying forex for international vacation. As Indias leading water heating solutions providers we want to leave no stone unturned to take our digital journey to the next level. Mandate was won post a rigorous multi-agency pitch and basis the rankings WAT is appointed.

Mr. Anil Bhamre, General Manager, Marketing, Ariston Thermo India Private Limited said, We are happy to announce that we have selected WATConsult as our digital agency to carry forward Racold brand digital mandate forward from August 2017 onwards. Wat Consult won this mandate post stringent agency selection process followed by Ariston globally. We are certain with their rich experience in digital space and a legacy of winning so many awards in past so many years they will take this new journey of RACOLD in digital space to the next level. We plan to focus on engagement levels of our audiences i.e. consumers, influencers, channel partners in digital space. We have had a great 1st half with our TVC video views touching 10 mn views online and now we would like to enhance the consumer experience and brand engagement to a next level. Our focus remains on key markets and product categories we operate in today along with social media platforms, website experience and searches on web pages. 

While Mr. Rajiv Dingra, Founder and CEO, WATConsult added,We are excited to add a reputed brand like Racold to our portfolio. Our team has planned innovative campaigns on digital to build upon its brand promise and deliver on key brand goals."

WATConsult, which recently completed 10 years, is Indias leading and most awarded digital and social media agency founded by Rajiv Dingra in the year 2007. A part of Dentsu Aegis Network, it has received more than 100 awards and recognitions in the field of digital media marketing. It has won 7 Agency of the Year awards over last 4 years which include The Most Progressive Digital Agency Award at CMO ASIA Singapore, The Social Media Agency of the Year 2014 at Socialathon Delhi, Boutique Media Agency of the Year at Media Ace Awards, Mumbai, The Campaign Agency of the year India (Bronze) at the Campaign Asia Awards, Digital Agency of the year at DOD awards 2016, the most recent Digital Agency of the Year at Delhi Ad club awards 2017 and Marketing Agency of the Year at MCube 2017.
The Advertising Club, today, announced that the Honble Minister for Textiles and Information & Broadcasting, Smt. Smriti Irani will be the Chief Guest of Honor at the inaugural version of Marquees 2017.

The 63 years old The Advertising Club is the premier institution in the field of Advertising, Marketing and Media and is host to some of the industrys biggest events like the EFFIES, EMVIES and ABBYs. The inagural edition of the Marquees, will be the Ad Clubs most prestigious award that honours brands & its custodians, who have excelled in todays rapid evolving marketing landscape.

Judged by a panel of eminent people from the industry  consisting of Jury Chair, Sanjiv Mehta,CEO and Managing Director, Hindustan Unilever Limited and other jury members which included - Harsh Goenka, Chairman - RPG Enterprises, Naveen Chopra  Ex-COO, Vodafone & Senior Advisor - TPG Capital, Ronnie Screwvala, Co-Founder  UpGrad, Dilip Cherian, Founding Partner - Perfect Relations, Agnello Dias, Chairman & Founder - Taproot India & CVL Srinivas, CEO South Asia  GroupM.

The Marquees endeavours to evaluate and recognize success of brands by judging them basis the media mix strategy and other important factors like the pricing, distribution and the brand  consumer connect, underlining the impact of brand management on business.

Marquees 2017 will be held at a grand ceremony on 11th August at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai to be attended by CEOs CMOs, Agency heads and the stalwarts from the Advertising, Marketing & Media Industry.
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.
Amazon has discounted a rather interesting product in its Gold Box today. And thats an international travel adapter kit. This is very useful for those that do a lot of traveling, whether thats to Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia or even Australia. You need to make sure you have the right adapters so you can charge things like your laptop or your smartphone. And this kit is just $18.99 which is an absolute steal. But of course its only good today.

Retailers are still continuing with their back to school sales, and there are some pretty great sales going on today. Including the Fitbit Flex 2 for just $59.95. Thats a great price for a great wearable. The Flex 2 is typically $99.95, but lately it has been going for $59.95 surprisingly. Theres also a great deal on the Xbox One S which comes with a few games and an extra controller. This would make a great addition to any dorm room for the upcoming school year. Finally, there are some great smartphones and headphones on sale, some of which expire today.

As always, all of the expiration dates listed below are set to expire at midnight PDT, unless otherwise noted, so keep that in mind.
Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai made an appearance at a coding event for young women held in the companys Mountain View, California campus on Thursday, stating that theres a place for them in the tech industry and Google in particular, adding that they shouldnt let anyone tell them otherwise. Mr. Pichais comments came shortly after a memo criticizing Googles diversity practices that was authored by one of the firms software engineers went viral within the tech giant before making its way to the Internet, sparking outrage in the Silicon Valley. The controversy prompted Googles top executive to cancel his summer vacation and return to the firms headquarters to criticize the contents of the document penned by one James Damore who was laid off on Monday.

During his Thursday appearance, Mr. Pichai said that as Google continues to build products for an international audience, it must strive for its workforce to be an accurate representation of that audience, having people of all genders, ethnicities, backgrounds, and religions. A similar sentiment was recently expressed by Googles recently appointed Vice President of Diversity Danielle Brown who said that Alphabets subsidiary seeks to nurture an open working environment where employees dont feel threatened or afraid of sharing their beliefs so long as such views are in line with the companys Code of Conduct. That provision was used as the basis for firing Mr. Damore who later revealed hes considering suing his former employer, though its currently unclear how likely is he to go through with that decision.

Mr. Pichais latest comments on the matter indicate that Google is adamant to maintain its firm position on the subject, which some supporters of the polarizing memo and Mr. Damore himself claim is too left-oriented, a notion that the company promptly dismissed. The ordeal is unlikely to help Googles chances at winning its ongoing legal battle with the United States Department of Labor which recently accused the company of systematically underpaying women. Being a federal contractor, Google is subject to periodical government reviews of its business practices, though its currently unclear whether the latest controversy has a realistic chance of affecting its status with the administration.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A has just surfaced, not only did the phones design appeared, but also its partial spec sheet and the phones pricing. Now, this is not the first time that weve seen some leaked info regarding this phone, the devices retail box popped up last month, and the Redmi Note 5As sibling, the Redmi Note 5, also surfaced a couple of times. Both of these devices are expected to arrive in the near future, and while we wait, lets see what can we expect to get in the Redmi Note 5As case.

If you take a look at the provided image, you will be able to see the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A from basically every angle. This phone is made out of metal, it seems, and interestingly enough, this image suggests that the device will ship with a microUSB 2.0 port, which is not that likely, chances are that well get a Type-C port that Xiaomi has been using for a while now. A 3.5mm headphone jack will be placed on the top of the device, and so will a noise canceling microphone, and an IR blaster. All of the devices physical keys will be included on the right, while a SIM card tray will be available on the left side of this phone. The Redmi Note 5A, if this image is to be believed, will include three capacitive buttons below the display, overview (multitasking), home and back keys, respectively. The companys branding will be placed on the back of the Redmi Note 5A, and this phone actually resembles a number of previous Redmi-branded handsets.

Now, if the source is to be believed, the Redmi Note 5A will sport a 5.5-inch 720p (1280 x 720) display, along with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of native storage. Qualcomms Snapdragon 425 64-bit quad-core SoC will fuel this smartphone, and a 3,080mAh battery will also be a part of this package. A 13-megapixel snapper will be placed on the back of the Redmi Note 5A, and a 5-megapixel shooter will be included on the devices front side. Android 7.1 Nougat will come out of the box here, with MIUI 8 or MIUI 9 on top of it. The Redmi Note 5A will measure 153 x 76.2 x 7.59mm, while it will weigh 150 grams. If the source is to be believed, this smartphone will cost 999 Yuan ($150) in China.

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The Chinese telecommunications regulator TENAA has certified what is likely the international model of the Moto Z2 Force. When compared to the US model that has recently launched, the unit tested by the agency has larger RAM and storage capacity. To be more specific, the handset with the model number XT1789-05 has 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal flash storage. Connectivity-wise, the smartphone supports both TD-LTE and FDD-LTE networks. The former protocol is more commonly used by the Chinese wireless carriers, which may explain why more TD-LTE bands are supported by the unit. While it may connect to FDD-LTE systems, limited band support also makes the device incompatible with most carriers in the United States and in other countries. The smartphone can also connect to 2G GSM, 3G WCDMA, and CDMA networks.

Aside from the differences in RAM, internal flash storage, and network capabilities, the internal hardware of the both the US and international versions of Moto Z2 Force are mostly the same. The smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 835 chipset, the current flagship offering of the semiconductor company Qualcomm. The chipset is comprised of eight 64-bit CPUs clocked at 2.35GHz and the Adreno 540 GPU. In front, users will be greeted by a 5.5-inch P-OLED shatterproof display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440. Two 12-megapixel shooters are located at the back of the handset while an 8-megapixel front-facing camera is located above the display. Below the screen is the fingerprint scanner which may also function as the home button. To keep the devices lights on, a 2565mAh battery is included.

Software-wise, Android 7.1.1 Nougat is preinstalled on the Moto Z2 Force. The manufacturer continues to retain the look and functionality of stock Android and simply adds useful software modifications in the form of Moto-branded apps. Lenovo has also designed its flagship product to remain compatible with the Moto Mods that the company and its partners released over the previous year. Moto Mods are peripherals that attach to the back of the smartphone which adds functionality to the device once it is properly connected. Given that the device has been certified by TENAA, it is likely that Lenovo will launch its premium offering in the country soon.
Snapchat maker Snap Inc. on Thursday posted its consolidated financial results for the second quarter of the year, revealing that it missed street estimates from analysts in terms of revenue and user growth, one of its most important metrics. The companys operating revenue over the three-month period ending June 30 amounted to $182 million, a 153 percent year-on-year increase, yet some consolidated estimates had this figure at $186 million. Likewise, the Venice, Los Angeles-based social media giant said its average daily active users grew by 21 percentage points compared to Q2 2016 as Snapchat currently has approximately 173 million users on a daily basis, but Factsets poll projected two million more.

Snaps latest report built on the initial disappointment that the company generated after posting its first financials as a public company earlier this year and caused its shares to plunge down to $12.20 as of this writing, less than half of their IPO price from early March. While the figures Snap reported arent a sure indication that the firm is losing momentum, especially considering the constant growth its still reporting across most relevant metrics, the fact that the company signaled its looking to focus on managing costs only half a year after being publicly listed concerned some investors who believe that such a move is premature and Snap should continue aggressively pursuing expansion, i.e. user acquisition. Co-founders Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy pledged that they wont sell any stock in the social media giant before 2018 in an effort to not further devalue Snaps market cap, adding that they remain confident in their startups prospects. Mr. Spiegel noted how Snap is still among the top six most used platforms in the world outside of China, noting how all of the more successful ecosystems are owned by two companies  Facebook and Google  that are significantly larger and more diversified and hence cannot be directly compared to Snap.

The main concern for many investors is that while Snap is gradually improving its performance, it isnt doing so in a manner thats swift enough to compensate for the fact that the Facebook-owned Instagram is successfully copying its major features and increasing the gap in user numbers between the two. While Snap remains seemingly unconcerned by its major competitor, it remains to be seen whether it backs up its confidence with stronger numbers in the following quarters.
Tesla representatives have reportedly been in talks with relevant authorities in California and Nevada about the possibility of testing self-driving trucks. A spokesperson for the California Department of Motor Vehicles stated that the department met up with Tesla on Wednesday, and that the agency is working closely with the California Highway Patrol to regulate the testing of autonomous vehicles above 10,000 pounds. Current laws prevent autonomous tests over this weight limit, which prevents tests of self-driving semi trucks and other roadway freight vehicles. A spokesman for Nevadas Department of Motor Vehicles confirmed that Teslas people did talk with the department, but Tesla did not register an autonomous testing license or even fill out an application at that time.

Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk hinted at this development back in April, though he was not specific as to where testing may end up taking place. Musk took to his Twitter account, commending the companys autonomous truck team on their excellent work. Musk had also previously stated that the plan was to officially unveil the companys autonomous truck in September, and that presumably still stands. Since the company is apparently only in preliminary talks with the two states authorities on testing self-driving trucks, it is quite possible that the first test of the companys autonomous truck will be its public unveiling.

Tesla has been working on full automation for vehicles for some time, but the company has yet to mention publicly whether the trucks that it is talking about outing in the near future will be fully autonomous, or if they will take after the companys existing lineup of consumer vehicles and boast only conditional self-driving capabilities. Dubbed Autopilot, the existing Tesla system is capable of a number of driving tasks, and can automate long-haul highway driving due to its fairly monotonous nature. As has been proven by a fatal accident, however, this system is not perfect, and when it asks the driver to regain control of the vehicle, not doing so could have dire consequences. Presumably, Teslas trucks will follow along largely the same lines, allowing long-haul truckers to take a break along stretches of their route that would usually keep them awake close to or even beyond lawful sleep time quotas, but not able to guarantee full autonomy at all times, or handle complicated and delicate in-city driving.
SUV

We first heard about the flagshipin 2014, when General Motors head honcho Mary Barra confirmed that the successor of the Antara will be manufactured at the Opel plant in Russelsheim. Last time we heard about the yet-unnamed model, all was well over at Opel, which is slowly but steadily being absorbed into Groupe PSA following. As a brief refresher, the French automaker paid 2.2 billion to get its hands on the Generals European brands.The takeover has yet to be finalized, but all is going according to plan between Opel and PSA. The two parties agreed that the German automakers production facilities will carry producing Opel, Vauxhall, Buick, and Holden vehicles beyond 2019. But the future of the flagship SUV is uncertain, with Auto Express expecting PSA to freeze all GM-related projects beyond 2019.Citing insider information, Auto Express keeps our hopes up by adding: It [the SUV project] may be revived, however, as a project that sits on a PSA chassis, such as the EMP2. That makes sense considering that the platforms modularity, but realistically, there are still a lot of ifs and buts to be addressed.The British publication claims Opel and Vauxhall have started a 100-day process to come up with a business plan for themselves under Groupe PSA, three and a bit months that might or might not see the seven-seat sport utility vehicle make it past the drawing board.On the subject of PSAs influence on Opel and Vauxhall, bear in mind that both the Crossland X and Grandland X use French bits and bobs. Other than the badges, one of the few details that connect the two crossovers to General Motors is the OnStar services suite.
App developers in China have filed a complaint against Apple with Chinese regulators, claiming antitrust violations against the tech giant's alleged unexplained removal of apps from the App Store and a refusal to communicate regarding issues with developers in Chinese, per the WSJ.

Apple's response: The company told WSJ that most Chinese submissions to the App Store get approved within 48 hours, reiterating that all of its guidelines apply equally across the world.

The company told WSJ that most Chinese submissions to the App Store get approved within 48 hours, reiterating that all of its guidelines apply equally across the world. Why it matters: The complaint comes at a fraught time for Apple in China, as it attempts to both maintain its foothold in its massive market and comply with the Chinese government's online scrutiny and censorship  highlighted by its recent removal of VPN apps from the App Store used to bypass the nation's Great Firewall.
A group of Uber investors has asked that venture capital firm Benchmark step down from the company's board of directors, Axios has learned. It also wants Benchmark to divest enough shares so as to no longer have board appointment rights, claiming to have enough investor interest to handle more than a $6 billion sale. The move comes one day after Benchmark sued former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick for fraud, in an attempt to have him removed from the board.

Benchmark has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Details: The shareholder group communicated its request via a petition-style email sent earlier this morning to other Uber investors and its board of directors, which has a meeting scheduled for today. Its basic argument is that Benchmark's action only complicates the company's already-troubled search for a new CEO, and effectively violates Benchmark's fiduciary duty to the company.

The shareholder group communicated its request via a petition-style email sent earlier this morning to other Uber investors and its board of directors, which has a meeting scheduled for today. Its basic argument is that Benchmark's action only complicates the company's already-troubled search for a new CEO, and effectively violates Benchmark's fiduciary duty to the company. Who signed the request? Shervin Pishevar (Sherpa Capital, although signed as an individual), Ron Burkle (Yucaipa Cos) and Adam Leber (Maverick).

Shervin Pishevar (Sherpa Capital, although signed as an individual), Ron Burkle (Yucaipa Cos) and Adam Leber (Maverick). Why it matters: It was shocking enough for a major venture capital firm to sue the CEO of a highly-valuable portfolio company. For other VC firms to then make this sort of counter-move against a peer is similarly unprecedented. It's a brave new world in Silicon Valley.

Below is full text of the email, which was obtained by Axios:

As a group of shareholders of Uber Technologies, Inc. (the "Company") we were surprised and distressed to learn through the media of the lawsuit brought by your firm against the Company, and its founder and former Chief Executive Officer Travis Kalanick.

Naturally, we share your concerns about the problems that the Company has confronted in recent months, but we are greatly concerned about the tactics employed by Benchmark to address them, which strike us as ethically dubious and, critically, value-destructive rather than value enhancing.

Specifically, we do not feel it was either prudent or necessary from the standpoint of shareholder value, to hold the company hostage to a public relations disaster by demanding Mr. Kalanick's resignation, along with other concessions, on a few hours' notice and within weeks of a personal tragedy, under threat of public scandal. Even less so your escalation of this fratricidal course  notwithstanding Mr. Kalanick's resignation  through your recent lawsuit, which we fear will cost the company public goodwill, interfere with fundraising and impede the critical search for a new, world-class Chief Executive Officer. Benchmark has used false allegations from lawsuits like Waymo as a matter of fact and this and many actions has crossed the fiduciary line.

Benchmark's investment of $27M is worth $8.4 billion today and you are suing the founder, the company and the employees who worked so hard to create such unprecedented value. We ask you to please consider the lives of these employees and allow them to continue to grow this company in peace and make it thrive. These actions do the opposite.

Accordingly, we would request that Benchmark help the Company realize its full potential by allowing the necessary work to be done in the Board Room rather than the Courtroom. To this end, at this point, in light of your suit against the Company, we believe it would be best, and hereby request, that Benchmark remove its representative from the Company's Board and move promptly to divest itself of enough shares in the Company so as to cease to have Board appointment rights. We have investors ready to acquire these shares as soon as we receive communication from Benchmark that they are willing to withdraw their lawsuit and sell a minimum of 75% of their holdings.

We are also asking for a symbolic Board of Directors vote on this matter at today's Board meeting to show how the Board of Directors stands on this lawsuit brought against the company, its founder and the 15,000 employees of Uber who have all worked so hard in concert to create the fastest growing company in history.

Many other shareholders share our views and will be adding their names in the days ahead. Any shareholders who want to join this letter and petition may email one of our signatories of this letter so that we can submit a final list of shareholders who support this request. Emails can be addressed to Shervin Pishevar at [email protected]

Sincerely,

Shervin Pishevar

Personal Investor, Advisor and Former Uber Board Observer (2011-2015) Coordinator, Uber Shareholder Alliance

Ron Burkle

Chairman

Yucaipa Companies

Adam Leber

Partner, Maverick
Facebook has signed off on a new photo-sharing app in China through a local company, the New York Times reports  absent any public ties to the tech giant. The Times published screen shots of the app, called Colorful Balloons, that looks similar to Facebook's Moments app.

Why it matters: Tech companies want in on the Chinese market, but that comes with rules  including an infamous censorship regime. Facebook has been trying to penetrate the country, with Zuckerberg learning Mandarin and making entreaties to officials. But its relationship with China remains complicated: China announced that Facebook-owned WhatsApp would be blocked in the country a few weeks ago. Facebook was banned in China in 2009.

Our thought bubble: The big question for companies here is whether they're willing to adhere to local regulations around the world even when they conflict with American norms.

What Facebook says: "We have long said that we are interested in China, and are spending time understanding and learning more about the country in different ways," said a Facebook spokesperson. "Our focus right now is on helping Chinese businesses and developers expand to new markets outside China by using our ad platform."
11 August 2017 10:44 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The Armenian armed forces constantly attack Azerbaijani civilians, including children, women and elders. They want to exert psychological pressure on servicemen and civilians on the frontline, said military expert Rashad Suleymanov.

Suleymanov made the remark while commenting on the Armenian armed forces` recent shelling of Azerbaijani peaceful citizens in Tovuz, which saw 12-yer-old local resident Ramin Yusifov get severe wounds.

Suleymanov noted that nearly 10 Azerbaijani children have been wounded as a result of Armenias aggression in the past seven years. Moreover, in Aghdam, Fuzuli and Tovuz regions, children were killed by Armenian snipers, Suleymanov noted.

In July 2017, a two-year old Zehra was killed by Armenian armed forces together with her grandmother. In March 2011, nine-year-old Fariz Badalov was shot in the head by an Armenian sniper while playing in the courtyard in Aghdam region. In July of the same year, 13-year-old Azerbaijani girl Aygun Shahmaliyeva fell victim to Armenias inhumane and immoral policy in the Alibayli village. She tragically died as a result of the explosion of a toy with an explosive device, which the Armenian side deliberately dropped into the river flowing to the village.

Overall, 193 Azerbaijani children were killed during the Nagorno-Karabakh war, while the number of injured children is hundreds. 61 children went missing, 27 are still in Armenian captivity.

The expert added that the Azerbaijani army has never attacked or opened fire on peaceful citizens. Two years ago the Armenians who lived in Talish and Madagiz villages of the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh admitted in their talks with foreign media that if the Azerbaijani servicemen wanted, they could shoot them. But they dont. The Armenians themselves acknowledge humanity of the Azerbaijani troops, Suleymanov stressed.

Azerbaijani MP Aydin Huseynov, commenting on the firing of Azerbaijani civilians, said that is a consequence of impunity of Armenia.

He told Trend that Armenias firing of the civilian population of Azerbaijan has become a common phenomenon.

The Garalar village of Tovuz region and civilians living in other territories bordering with Armenia or on the frontline are systematically subject to attacks by the aggressor country, Huseynov said. The main reason for these provocations by Armenia is the lack of punishment at the international level, the MP said.

Huseynov added that the criminal regime in Armenia has built its entire policy on enmity against the Azerbaijani people and on the occupation of Azerbaijani lands.

As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.

Azerbaijani MP Sahib Aliyev, in turn, noted that the military junta in Armenia is distinguished by its cruel attitude against children.

It is surprising and regrettable why the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs are not only tolerant towards the child murderers, but also patronize them?! Why doesn't the world community want to give a real assessment to the child murderers, the aggressive regime and the military junta?! Aliyev said.

Azerbaijans villages in many frontline regions, mainly in Fuzuli, Agdam, Jabrayil, Tartar and others, frequently face shelling and provocations by the Armenian militaries. By committing such provocations, the Armenian side deliberately seeks to cause damage to Azerbaijani people living near the frontline and tries to make their life difficult and risky.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
11 August 2017 13:17 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Sabir Yusifov, the father of a 13-year-old Azerbaijani teenager who was injured by the Armenian militaries, has urged international organizations not to remain indifferent to the Armenians crimes.

The Armenian armed forces broke the ceasefire and targeted the Garalar village of Azerbaijans Tovuz region on August 7. The intense shelling resulted in wounding of teenager Ramil Yusibov. The boy was in the yard of his house when an Armenian shell fell there. Receiving multiple shrapnel wounds, Ramil was urgently operated in the region hospital.

How long will international organizations turn a blind eye to this injustice? Sabir Yusifov told Azertac on August 10.

Our village is on the border with Armenias Berd region. As a result of the Armenians another provocation my son Ramin was shot in his leg, said the father. Im grateful to our doctors who treated my son.

He reminded that one month ago, on July 4, the Armenian troops intentionally shelled Alkhanli village of Azerbaijan, killing Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 51, and her two-year-old granddaughter Zahra Guliyeva, and injuring Sarvinaz Guliyeva. This time my son was their target, added Yusifov.

Doctors in Tovuz extracted many bullet fragments from the boy`s leg after he was wounded by the Armenian troops. His health state is normal now.

Yusifov noted that the Armenian army deliberately targets civilians and children: Their aim is to make us flee our ancestral lands. But they wont be able to reach their cowardly aims because the Azerbaijani army protects us. They are afraid of facing the Azerbaijani army and therefore shell villages. But each time they do this, our army gives adequate response, he said.

Armenia still remains unpunished for shelling of Azerbaijani citizens as no international organization has taken a serious action against the aggressor country. The indifference of the international community to these provocations is one of the main reasons why the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is still unresolved.

Azerbaijan and Armenia for over two decades have been locked in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which emerged over Armenian territorial claims. Since the 1990s war, Armenian armed forces have occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions. The UN Security Council adopted four resolutions on Armenian withdrawal, but they have not been enforced to this day.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
11 August 2017 14:46 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The Armenian armed forces continue to commit arsons in the occupied regions of Azerbaijan. They set fire to grass in Azerbaijans occupied region of Khojavand in Nagorno-Karabakh on August 11.

The fire can be seen from the frontline settlements in Agdam and Aghjabadi regions, APA reports..Due to the wind, the flame is expanding to a larger area.

The Armenians frequently commit arsons in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, particularly in summer, which also spread to the frontline settlements.

Such attacks are an evident that Armenians seek to cause harm to Azerbaijan and its citizens by making life near the border difficult and risky for them.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia still controls fifth part of Azerbaijan's territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
11 August 2017 15:02 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Iran is ready to cooperate with Azerbaijan in manufacture of joint cars. An official from the Iranian Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association has expressed the readiness of the manufacturers to cooperate with Azerbaijani counterparts.

Secretary of the Iranian Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, Mohammad Reza Najafi-Manesh in an interview with Trend touched upon existing cooperation between Iranian leading carmaker, Iran Khodro, and Azerbaijans AzEuroCar LLC, and said his countrys auto parts makers are capable of working in collaboration with the Azerbaijani industrialists.

He added that Iranian and European firms have already formed more than 50 joint ventures for producing car parts in the Islamic Republic.

There are about 1,200 auto parts suppliers in Iran, according to the official.

Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Javad Jahangirzadeh earlier told Trend that the Iranian and Azerbaijani carmakers are expected to launch their joint venture in early September and the first products of the plant is expected to hit the market in autumn.

In 2016, Azerbaijans AzEuroCar LLC and Iran Khodro signed an agreement to create a joint car plant in Azerbaijans Neftchala Industrial District.

The two sides also signed six documents covering licensing, distribution, installation of equipment, engineering and technical support, and other issues necessary for car production.



The plant with a capacity of about 10,000 cars per year will produce four Iranian car brands  Dena, Runna, Soren and Samand. The project is worth $15 million. Some 25 percent of the amount will be invested by the Iranian side.

A total of 20 percent of cars, complying with the Euro-5 standard, will be exported abroad.

Azerbaijan and Iran have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.



Currently, some 450 companies with Iranian capital operate in the country.

The trade turnover between the countries hit some $15.77 million in January 2017, while the index of last January stands at $9.56 million. In 2016, Azerbaijans trade turnover with Iran amounted to $210.76 million, which is 70 percent more than in 2015.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
11 August 2017 12:45 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Although the arts of carpet weaving that once boomed in Azerbaijan faced difficult times, now Azerkhalcha is breathing new life into nations craft traditions.

The state-run Azerkhalcha Company, established under the presidential decree in May 2016, plans to revive Azerbaijans weaving traditions and re-introduce the Azerbaijani carpets to the world.

The first branch of Azerkhalcha was opened in the front zone - Horadiz settlement of the Fizuli region. The Horadiz branch has so far manufactured about 100 carpets of various sizes.

Azerkhalcha President, Professor Vidadi Muradov told Trend that these carpets were exhibited at the international trade shows.

The national carpets won the sympathy of visitors and carpet experts at the traditional exhibition and sale held in Hanover in January 2017. Many countries including European and the U.S., take a great interest in Azerbaijani carpets, he said.

We are constantly participating in international events, exhibitions, symposia, and conferences, and every time we are convinced that interest in Azerbaijani carpets has not diminished, but on the contrary, increased. The Azerbaijani carpet is always in trend. Every foreign visit, every new exhibition strengthens the attention to our work. Along with European countries and the U.S., the countries that are engaged in carpet making also show interest to our carpets, he said.

By the end of this year, the company will launch nine branches in Shamkir, Gazakh, Agstafa, Tovuz, Agdam, Guba, Khachmaz, Ismayilli and Gabala.

Overall, it is planned to set up 30 branches of the company, thereby providing about 5,000 people with permanent jobs. With the growing number of branches, the number of woven carpets will increase. Thus, we will be able to ensure the mass export of the Azerbaijani carpets to the world markets, he said.

Bright, colored and unique Azerbaijani carpets are well-known all over the world for their quality and high artistic value. Wool of lamb or sheep is the major raw materials which make up the famous Azerbaijani carpets.

The country has seven carpet producing regions including Baku, Shirvan, Guba, Tabriz, Karabakh, Ganja and Gazakh and each of them had its own technology, typical patterns and colors.

Calculations show that the carpet weaving will become one of the most profitable spheres of the non-oil sector in the near future, according to Muradov.

Muradov stressed that all the Azerkhalcha carpets are hand woven. "The peculiarity of the carpets is that, starting from wool, color, pattern, artistic composition to the smallest details - this is real Azerbaijani products. And the aim of Azerkhalcha is to supply Azerbaijani products, which demonstrate the historical past, ethnography and culture of Azerbaijan, to the world markets, "he concluded.

Carpets occupy a preeminent place among all the examples of Azerbaijani craftsmanship. In 2010, the Azerbaijani carpet was proclaimed a Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage by UNESCO.

Ancient Azerbaijani carpets are stored at the White House, the U.S. State Department, and many other museums across the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the Museum of Art in Philadelphia, as well as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and Hermitage in St. Petersburg.

Azerbaijans Carpet Museum established in Baku in 1967, being the first carpet museum in the world is the very place that can familiarize all the interested with the unique examples of the national carpets.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
11 August 2017 15:25 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Time has come for the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to take steps to strengthen the trust, said Richard Hoagland, Report informs.

The U.S. co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, talking to the Voice of America, expressed hope that certain steps will be taken in this direction in near future.

Hoagland noted that the basis for the settlement of the conflict is the search for compromises, which would demilitarize the situation and bring peace, welfare and security to the people of the region.

The U.S. keeps on working with Russia over this issue, despite the worsening of the relations between the two countries, he said. Nothing has changed in our work with each other, the relations between the co-chairs have not altered. Politicians may collide with each other, but we intend to continue the work.

Azerbaijan and Armenia fought a lengthy war that ended with signing of a fragile ceasefire in 1994. Since the war, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.

While the OSCE Minsk Group acted as the only mediator in resolution of the conflict, the occupation of the territory of the sovereign state with its internationally recognized boundaries has been left out of due attention of the international community for years.

Armenia ignores four UN Security Council resolutions on immediate withdrawal from the occupied territory of Azerbaijan, thus keeping tension high in the region.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
11 August 2017 00:04 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Certain weather conditions, from extreme heat to extreme cold, from rain to thunderstorms, can prompt severe health problems.

Environmental allergens and pollutants such as smoke, as well as a change in weather conditions affect both weather-sensitive and non-sensitive people, including those, who suffer from allergic rhinitis.

The teacher at the Azerbaijan Medical University, cardiologist Afiyeddin Isgandarov, told Trend that changing weather conditions can lead to more allergic problems.

"Moreover, the windy weather and cold air masses negatively affect people with stenocardia. So, people with such kind of problems should follow the weather forecast and refrain from hard work", he said.

Isgandarov noted that changes in atmospheric pressure also affect the human body and eventually causes arterial blood pressure change, which creates discomfort:

At a time of high atmospheric pressure, meteorologically sensitive people should not go out. In case of any problem, they should always contact their doctors, he said.

Because the dosage of the medicine must be adjusted, he said.

Humidity, temperature changes, and other weather conditions can also can also irritate the airways. For most people, this is not a problem. The nose controls humidity without difficulty. But for people with allergies and asthma, who may breathe air through the mouth more often, irritants, pollutants, and pollen are more of a factor.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
11 August 2017 14:25 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

World oil prices declined on August 11, as investors continue to win back data on the growth of production in the OPEC countries.

Brent crude, the global benchmark, is at $51.62 a barrel, down 0.54 percent from its last close. That was the lowest since August 1. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude is down 0.66 percent, at $48.27 per barrel, reaching the lowest since July 26, Reuters reported.

The OPEC report, published on August 10 reads that the countries of the organization increased oil production by 172,600 barrels per day in July, as compared to June - up to 32.869 million barrels per day. The dynamics is explained by the growth of oil production in Libya, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. Reduction of production was recorded in Iraq, Angola and Venezuela.

Libya and Nigeria at the same time are exempted from obligations, as the oil industry of these countries has suffered greatly from the activities of armed groups.

"Supply-side issues also weighed on prices, with data showing Libyan production in July hit its highest level for the year," ANZ bank said in a note.

Traders also expect data by the American industrial service company Baker Hughes, a GE Company (BHGE) on number of drilling rigs in the U.S. for the week.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stepped up his rhetoric against North Korea again on August 10, saying his earlier threat to unleash "fire and fury" on Pyongyang if it launched an attack may not have been tough enough.

North Korea has said it is considering a missile strike on the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam. The American Andersen airbase and the naval base of Apra Harbor are located on the island of Guam.

"I think the issue that is affecting the market is the general risk sentiment of saber-rattling between Washington and Pyongyang," said Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at CMC Markets.

On November 30, 2016 OPEC members agreed to remove 1.2m barrels a day from global oil production.

Non-OPEC countries such as Russia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Sudan, and South Sudan decided to cut output by 600,000 barrels per day, beginning from January 1, 2017.

OPEC and non-members decided to extend cuts in oil output on May 25, by nine months to March 2018.

Next meeting of the OPEC Technical Committee will be held on August 21 in Vienna.

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11 August 2017 10:54 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Thirty members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorist organization were detained as part of counter-terrorism operations in Turkeys Adana province, the Adana Police Department said Aug. 11.

All the detainees are Turkish citizens, according to the message.

Operations against the PKK will continue, reads the police departments message.

Earlier, Turkish 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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11 August 2017 12:01 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Some editors of Irans Ammariyon news and analytical portal have been arrested, charged with cooperation with Israel's Mossad spy agency, a member of Parliament Mahmoud Sadeghi tweeted on August 11.

The Ammariyon website belongs to hardliners and is one of the hardest criticizing news portal against Iranian President Hassan Rouhanis administration.

Mahmoud Sadeghi said that during the investigation into the problems of Telegram admins with Iranian officials, he was informed that some editors of the Ammariyon website have been arrested, charged with cooperation with Mossad.

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11 August 2017 16:51 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Irans newly inaugurated President Hassan Rouhani with a recent decree reinstated Ali Akbar Salehi as vice president and head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).

The decree highlights Salehis role in concluding the nuclear deal between Iran and the West in 2015.

Indeed, Salehi was one of the main figures in the historic agreement aimed to settle the long-standing dispute over Iran's nuclear program. The agreement, aka the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), should ultimately remove from Iran the economic and financial sanctions imposed earlier by the UN Security Council, U.S. and the European Union.

Over several years, Ali Akbar Salehi was the man who could negotiate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and find acceptable compromises for the continuation of negotiations. In 2013, Salehi and IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano reached a historic agreement on inspection of the Arak reactor by IAEA experts.

At the same time, Iran also committed itself to provide information on all research reactors, 16 projects for the construction of new nuclear power plants, plants that enrich uranium and new uranium enrichment technologies used by Iran.

These steps taken by Salehis team have positively influenced the prospects for Irans nuclear deal with the West.

The fact that Salehi remains the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran can serve as a proof of Irans intention to continue fulfilling the terms of the nuclear deal with the West and to further work with the IAEA.

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11 August 2017 17:49 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree "On establishment of small industrial zones in the Tashkent region,".

The document is aimed at full usage of the rich natural, economic, mineral resources, scientific-technical and industrial potential of the region.

The document also supports and encourages the development of new competitive industrial and small private enterprises, the amplification of industrial cooperation, creation of new jobs and augmentation of incomes.

Small industrial zones (SIZ) will be created on the basis of production areas and land plots, according to the decree.

Immovable state property located on the SIZ territory, will be given to businesses on the terms of the long-term lease for a period of 10 years, with the subsequent extension of the rights for ownership.

All of the mentioned above will be subjected to the implementation of business plans, creation and preservation of jobs, timely allocation of all relevant taxes and other mandatory payments.

Zero rated rent is set for the use of immovable state property located on the SIZ territory.

The Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan will allocate funds for the purchase of imported equipment and components for the SIZ development.

Loan payments will be made in national currency at the exchange rate of Uzbek Central Bank on the maturity date, in accordance with repayment schedules.

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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
Indian Army

The Indian Army is the land based branch and the largest in all the Indian Armed Forces. The Supreme Commander of the Indian Army is the President of India.

National unity and security are the most important aspect of focus for the army, along with defending the country from external and internal threats. Maintaining peace at the borders o f the nation is another important responsibility that the Army takes up.

The troops are organized into 40 divisions in 14 corps. There are six operational commands and one training command that works in the army.

Indian Army Recruitment Rally 2017: Check Now!" title=" Indian Army Recruitment Rally 2017: Check Now!" /> Indian Army Recruitment Rally 2017: Check Now!

Infantry

The Infantry comes under the Combat Arms section of the Indian Army. The British system of having the infantry was followed by the army, and the infantry was maintained who provide the battalions and well trained soldiers to field formations.

The battalions of the same regiment can be seen spread across several brigades, divisions, corps, commands and even theaters. The Indian Army Infantry are recruited based on a selection criteria which can be region,community etc.

Artillery

The Artillery regiment is the second largest in the Indian Army and form almost the one sixth of the Army's total strength. The Artillery regiment was initially raised as Royal Indian Artillery of the British Indian Army in 1935.

Today the regiment is tasked with giving the Army's towed and self-propelled filed artillery, which includes guns, howitzers, heavy mortars, rockets and missiles.

Indian Navy

The naval branch of the Indian Armed Forces is the Indian Navy. There are a total of 58, 350 personnel and 7000 from the Indian Naval Air Arms.

The Navy is one of the largest Indian naval forces in the world and the fleet consists of 2 aircraft carriers, 1 amphibious transport dock, 9 Landing ship tanks, 10 destroyers, 14 frigates, 1 nuclear-powered attack submarine, 14 conventionally-powered attack submarines, 24 corvettes, 6 mine countermeasure vessels, 25 patrol vessels, 4 fleet tankers and various auxiliary vessels.

Also Read:

What is Marine Engineering? Scope And Career Oppurtunities

Naval Air Arm

The Indian Naval Air Arm is a branch of the Indian Navy. It provides an aircraft strike based strike capability and maritime reconnaissance. It is directed by Flag Officer Naval Aviation.

INS Garuda was the first naval air station which was launched in 1953. The FONA controls the training and maintenance of the naval aviation, The main aim is to protect India's growing trade with the other southeast Asian countries and to defend against the increasing prowess of the Chinese naval force. The Naval Indian Arm looks forward to inaugurate aircrafts like HAL Tejas and 17 Hawk trainer in the future.

Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces. The force is ranked as fourth when compared to the other air forces of the world. The main aim of the Indian Air Force is to make sure that the Indian airspace is safe. They are also responsible for the conduction of aerial warfare during armed conflict.

The air force, still follows the organizational structure that was left by the Royal Air Force, which was established by the British.There is the post of officer and airmen for the civilians to apply and be part of the Indian Air force.

The IAF is training presently to operate the newly developed DRDO AEW&CS flying on the Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft and IAF also operates Prithvi II short range ballistic missile.

Also Read: Indian Air Force Recruitment Begins: Apply Now!



Air Men

The airmen are personnel of the Indian Air force who take care of the air and the ground operations. They look into the working of the Air Defence systems, Fitting of the missiles and all the activities involved in the air base. They mainly provide technical help by maintaining repairing and preparing the different parts of the aircraft and other equipment that are involved.

Qualified Airmen also take part in flying as Flight Engineers, Signallers and Gunners. Many are given the honorary commission in their last year for their service, as honorary Flying Officer or Flight Lieutenant before they retire.

Assam Rifles

The Assam Rifles are the oldest paramilitary forces in India. Their origins can be traced back to the establishment of Cachar Levy, a paramilitary force formed under the British in 1835. They have helped the country in numerous ways, starting from World War I and World War II where they served in Europe and Burma respectively.

They have 46 battalions and a total of 66, 411 personnel. Under the control of Ministry of Home Affairs, this force provides internal security under the direction of the Army. They come to help the civilians in times of emergency and provide communications, medical facilities and education in rural areas. They have been guarding the Indo-Myanmar Barrier since 2002.
The Supreme Court has announced that there will be a common question paper for National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) examinations in all languages. The apex court questioned the setting of different question papers for students who appear for NEET in regional languages by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

The board had an issue, concerning the regional papers of the NEET 2017 examinations. Many applicants for the test approached the courts after they found that the level of difficulty is much higher in the NEET tests that were given out in regional languages, as compared to the tests offered in Hindi and English languages.

Keeping such complaints in mind, the apex court of India asked CBSE on Thursday as to why are there no identical question papers of the NEET in all the languages. The court also questioned the board to elaborate on the technique for one question paper in all languages for the admission to MBBS and BDS courses in the coming year.

The bench consisting of three judges, headed by Justice Deepak Misra noted that there should a common question paper for the examinations held for the admissions to medical and dental courses.

NEET 2017 was held on May 10, 2017 in ten languages Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Tamil and Telugu. Many students from the state of Gujarat and West Bengal complained that the regional papers were difficult as compared to English. On the hand candidates from Tamil Nadu said that the Tamil paper was easier.

Urdu to be Included in NEET from 2018
Photo: File photo

An Ontario police force is looking for those responsible for allegedly burning a baby raccoon.

Barrie, Ont., police say a severely injured raccoon was found in a park on Sunday afternoon and it is believed a flammable liquid was used as an ignition source.

The raccoon was brought to Procyon Wildlife Centre in Beeton, Ont., after a woman found the animal.

The centre says the raccoon is being treated by a veterinarian for burns to its face, arms, belly and one side of its body.

Procyon says a veterinarian has given the raccoon ointment for the burns, antibiotics and pain medication.

Vancouver based animal-rights organization Fur-Bearers has offered a $1,000 reward for information about who may be responsible for what police have called a senseless and inhumane act of animal cruelty.
Dangote Cement to operate gas power plant in Tanzania by September

ICR Newsroom By 11 August 2017

Dangote Cement plans is to set up a gas-powered plant in Tanzania by September to reduce its operational costs and its reliance on diesel.



Dangote annunced that it has invested US$90m in the construction of the coal/gas-fired power station to be fed with natural gas at a negotiated rate by the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation.

Dangote stated that the Mtwara plant increased volumes by more than 64 per cent to nearly 0.388Mt in its 1H17 results, pushing the six months sales to more than 400,000t.



"The factory is still reliant on diesel generators, which results in net income losses that weigh on our operations outside of Nigeria," the firm said.



"However, we expect to have gas turbines installed by September, which will immediately bring the plant into profitability."





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Adelaide Brighton fights residential encroachment

11 August 2017

Adelaide Brigton has voiced concerns that it could be forced to leave the Port of Adelaide if residential encroachment in the area is not abated.

The Australian cement producer informed the State Government the potential prospect at a state Environment, Resources and Development Committee (ERDC) meeting last week. The ERDC had recommended reducing a separation boundary to a residential development from 800m to 400m from the companys southern stockpiles of cement  meaning new homes could be built closer to the cement producers operations. It says 400m would have "minimal impact on resident and long-term accommodation".



But Ms Lloyd told the meeting the 400m limit might eliminate the risk from dust particles, but noise pollution would remain an issue. "As a result we believe the changes to the development plan policy that may allow an encroachment of sensitive land uses into this zone may have ... a very real impact on the operations of the Birkenhead plant in this state in terms of employment and wider economic benefit," she said.



When asked by the committees presiding member, Labour MP Tom Kenyon, if the plant could be relocated to make way for nearby housing developments and how much such a move would cost?



The cement works operations manager, Felicity Lloyd, replied: "From a cost perspective it is highly unlikely in my view that it would be replaced (in South Australia)."



Greens MP Mark Parnell then suggested the company would choose to relocate in China and Ms Lloyd nodded in agreement.



Adelaide Brighton Cement, which has been in the port for more than 100 years, contributes AUD400m (US$314m) to the states economy and employs 400 staff at its facility in Adelaide.



Adelaide Brighton has now made a recommendation to Planning Minister John Rau that the amendment be altered to only allow accommodation at a distance of 800m.





Published under
Lafarge Africa and COREN develop Nigeria's first concrete manual

ICR Newsroom By 11 August 2017

Lafarge Africa Plc is set to partner Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in the research and development of Nigerias first concrete mix design manual.

The concrete mix design manual provides step-by-step guidance on the selection and proportioning of concrete ingredients such as cement, sand and aggregates, and then the mixing and placing of concrete. The manual came after exhaustive research and testing with concrete materials in different parts of the country.



Lafarge Africas Director of Marketing, Vipul Agrawal, commended COREN for ensuring that the country owns a credible concrete mix design manual which will be used for concrete buildings and infrastructure projects in the country.



President of COREN, Kashim Ali, welcomed the concrete manual, which he noted is built on based on local environmental conditions, raw materials. He added that the manual would be constantly upgraded in line with improvements in building technology.





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Harvard University is renowned for its centuries-old traditions. But Americas oldest university may break with one of those traditions if it decides to follow the recommendations of a faculty committee. According to Quartz, the committee advised the university to forbid students entering in the class of 2022 and beyond from joining fraternities, sororities, and similar organizations. They would also be prohibited from joining the universitys male-only final clubs.

The committee argues that exclusive student groups engender elitism, sexism, alcohol abuse, and other problems. Professors and students at the university have criticized final clubs, in particular. They contend that the student groups foster what Quartz characterizes as an environment of intolerance. Additionally, single-gender fraternities and sororities have found themselves embroiled in trouble at a national level. In the most extreme cases, the organizations have landed in the spotlight for cases involving student deaths.

Its currently unclear whether Harvard will decide to follow the committees suggestions. Quartz notes that the decision requires the university to weigh preserving history against the problems social groups cause.

Unfortunately, Harvard isnt the only school to face fraternity- and sorority-based tribulations. Read on the find out more about this national issue.

18 Penn State students charged in the death of a sophomore

One of the latest high-profile cases surrounding a fraternity unfolded at Pennsylvania State University. The New York Times reported in May 2017 that 18 students at Penn State had been charged in the death of a 19-year-old sophomore. The student, Timothy Piazza, became drunk and fell repeatedly during a fraternity pledge event. According to the Times, authorities reported that fraternity members left Piazza overnight, unconscious and injured, without seeking medical help.

Eight of the students received involuntary manslaughter charges in Piazzas death. Ten other students faced lesser charges, including hazing and furnishing alcohol to minors. The fraternity itself  the Penn State chapter of Beta Theta Pi  also faced charges. Additionally, the Times reported that prosecutors accused fraternity brothers of tampering with evidence to thwart an investigation. As CNN reports, a State College police detective testified that he believes some footage from the fraternity houses video cameras was deleted.

A grand jury indictment blames fraternity members  and the entire Greek community

The Times noted that a 70-page grand jury indictment in the Penn State case was based on footage from the fraternity houses surveillance cameras. The indictment also drew on text messages sent among fraternity members. According to the publication, the evidence revealed, in gruesome detail, a night of drunken partying that led to Mr. Piazzas death. The party involved a pledge initiation ritual with a gauntlet of drinking stations.

The Times reported that in his final hours, an obviously drunk Piazza fell down the fraternity houses basement stairs. However, the fraternity members didnt call an ambulance until 10:48 a.m. the following morning, nearly 12 hours after Piazzas ordeal began.

The grand jury also commented on the fraternity culture at Penn State. In fact, the indictment pinned direct fault on the entire Penn State Greek community. The jury wrote that the community nurtured an environment so permissive of excessive drinking and hazing that it emboldened its members to repeatedly act with reckless disregard to human life.

Defense lawyers highlight questions in the Piazza case

Philly.com reports that defense lawyers have highlighted key questions in the Penn State case. One of those is whether anyone forced Piazza to consume a lethal amount of alcohol.

Piazza died of a head injury, a ruptured spleen, and a collapsed lung two days after the fraternity event. According to Philly.com, prosecutors argue that fraternity members let the sophomore become dangerously drunk and then left him to die despite knowing he needed medical attention.

Piazzas Feb. 4 death catalyzed changes at the university. The Times reported that Penn State University President Eric Barron barred the fraternity from the university and imposed new regulations on Greek life. Those restrictions included a prohibition on liquor, kegs, and all-day parties. Also, NPR reports that Barron encouraged other schools to crack down on hazing, and he urged state lawmakers to strengthen penalties.

The debate on fraternity culture continues

The Piazza case has ignited what Philly.com characterizes as a new level of debate surrounding fraternity culture, hazing, and reckless college drinking. Penn Live reported that universities in Pennsylvania alone have seen 14 deaths where hazing was alleged. Across the nation, a student has died in a hazing incident on a school campus every year since 1969, according to Penn Live.

Because no law enforcement agency tracks hazing deaths, investigative journalist Hank Nuwer has worked to compile a thorough database of such deaths. However, Nuwer tells Penn Live that his database likely underreports hazing-related deaths. Nonetheless, Nuwer thinks Piazzas death represents the 218th case, and there have been more since. One of the most recent cases involves a student at SUNY Binghamton, Conor Donnelly, who died in a fall after consuming copious amounts of alcohol.

Nuwer characterizes hazing at fraternities across the United States as an intractable problem, according to an interview with Penn Live. He reports that hazing is difficult to combat because many people still dont see the harm in it and when something bad happens  alumni, college leaders, and Greek leaders often seek to portray it as a freak accident.

Prosecutors become more aggressive in charging fraternity members in hazing cases

The New York Times reported that the Penn State case comes as prosecutors across the country become more aggressive in filing criminal charges against fraternity members for hazing. The publication reported that a 2015 case against fraternity members at Northern Illinois University  then called the largest hazing prosecution in the nation  saw 22 fraternity members convicted in connection with the death of freshman David Bogenberger.

However, the case involved misdemeanor charges only. In the Piazza case, the fraternity members charged with involuntary manslaughter also faced felony charges of aggravated assault. Those charges can result in prison terms. According to CNN, Beta Theta Pi International Fraternity has characterized the allegations as incredibly disheartening.

Universities debate whether to keep or expel fraternities

Inside Higher Ed reports the Harvard proposal goes further than most university policies on Greek organizations and other social clubs. Hazing  which the University of Michigan defines as any action or situation which recklessly, intentionally, or unintentionally endangers the mental, physical, or academic health or safety of a student  is just one of the problems. Universities across the nation have seen these organizations produce issues related to drinking, gender-based discrimination, and the sexist treatment of women.

In an effort to combat these issues, Princeton University has already enacted a policy that prohibits freshmen from joining a fraternity or sorority. However, as Business Insider noted, Princetons fraternities have been at least in part replaced by eating clubs. And these groups are not dissimilar from the system they replaced. An investigation by The Atlantic found that nationwide, the contemporary fraternity world is beset by a series of deep problems. Nonetheless, The Atlantic conceded that fraternities are private societies, old and powerful, as deeply woven into the history of American higher education as nonreligious study.

And not everyone agrees that expelling fraternities  and, perhaps more controversially on Harvards campus, final clubs  from American college campuses will solve the problem. One Harvard alumnus, writing for Vanity Fair, tied the faculty committees recommendations against fraternities to a long-running campaign to disband the universitys all-male final clubs. The op-ed piece posited of the committee recommendation, The university seems to be trying to force a moral stance that would be more genuine if Harvard students came to it on their own.

Read More: The Most Beautiful College Campuses You Can Visit in the U.S.
Analysing Russia's 'anti-missionary' laws one year on: Christians dominate more than 180 prosecutions

Christians make up the vast majority of more than 180 cases brought under Russia's 'anti-missionary' laws since they came into force a year ago.

Prosecutions gathered pace in the first 12 months since being implemented on July 20, 2016, with activities ranging from prayer meetings in homes, posting worship times on a religious website and praying in the presence of other citizens being interpreted as 'missionary activity'.

Figures released by Forum18, a religious freedom organisation in Norway, detail all 181 religious groups and individuals punished by the restrictions and reveal evangelical Protestants make up the majority of those punished, followed by Jehovah Witnesses.

The regulations, officially listed as Administrative Code Article 5.26, Parts 3, 4 and 5, came into force on July 20 and prohibit 'missionary activity' by Russians and foreigners. However the broad definition under Russia's religion law has caused confusion as to what constitutes a 'missionary activity' and in what circumstances believers can share their faith with others.

With fines available of up to 50,000 roubles (around six weeks average wages) for individuals and up to one million roubles for organisations, foreigners can also face deportation and the confiscation of any materials, as in the case of Donald Ossawaarde.

The US Baptist minister was found guilty of 'conducting illegal missionary activities' by holding weekly Bible studies in his home in Russia.

He has taken his case to the European Court of Human Rights, represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom International (ADF), a religious freedom charity.

Ossewaarde is one more than 30 Baptist individuals and groups to be prosecuted under the law as well as more than 35 evangelicals. Others connected to Pentecostal, New Apostolic and Presbyterian churches mean Christians are the largest group targeted by the laws.

But as well as mainstream Christians, more than 40 Jehovah Witness-linked prosecutions were among the 181, perhaps unsurprisingly because of the highly proselytising nature of their faith.

On top of that there were four Mormon-related cases, nine Muslims and more than 10 Hindu-linked prosecutions.

Ossewaarde is among the most high profile cases but as well as headline prosecutions such as his, the new law also requires religious people to acquire official permits through a registered religious group. It also banned prayer meetings from taking place anywhere except buildings that are deemed officially religious, effectively ruling out house group style gatherings.

Earlier this year Russia was for the first time officially included among the worst countries in the world for religious freedom because of its ongoing crackdown against religious minorities, foreign missionaries and evangelists.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which monitors religious freedom violators for the State Department, listed Russia among six new top-tier 'countries of particular concern' in its latest annual report, released in April.

However Russian Vladimir Putin, while overseeing the crackdown on other religious groups, has also drawn the official Russian Orthodox Church into closer ties with the state.

The new closeness between the Church and the Kremlin comes some 26 years after the end of the Soviet-era repression of the Russian Orthodox Church, which has around 165 million members worldwide.

President Putin and Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, share similar authoritarian positions on human rights as well as issues relating to foreign policy, family values and more.
Eritrean priest responsible for saving thousands in Mediterranean accused of aiding illegal immigration

An Eritrean priest responsible for saving thousands of lives aboard migrant ships in the Mediterranean is being investigated by an Italian public prosecutor for aiding illegal immigration.

Father Mussie Zerai, nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015, is accused of illegally sending information about boats and landings to NGO rescue ships.

The investigation by a prosecutor in the Sicilian town of Trapani is linked to another charge against the German NGO Jugend Rettet, which is also accused of aiding illegal immigration because it rescues drowning migrants trying to reach Europe.

Zerai's own NGO and blog called Habeshia serves as a lifeline for asylum seekers who can access advice and also relay their coordinates at sea which he then sends to the Italian or Maltese rescue centres.

In a statement on Tuesday he confirmed he had passed on details of desperate migrants ships to NGOs and rescue authorities but said his 'interventions are aimed at saving human lives'.

He said: 'I can assert myself that I have nothing to hide and that I have always acted in the light and in full legality.

'Apart from the Trapani initiative, which I have already informed my lawyer so that I can see and possibly contradict it, I have not been called to any other venue to justify or in any way respond to my work in favour of refugees and migrants.'

In his statement is also responds to allegations from the Eritrean government, of which he is a severe critic.

'They comment on themselves: they are accusations of a dictatorial regime that has enslaved my country and does not tolerate any kind of opposition, pursuing even the minimal dissent with violence, imprisonment, abuses, slander. A regime  have denounced two reports of the UN after years of investigation in 2015 and 2016  which has ruled terror, forcing thousands of young people every year to abandon their home to seek shelter across the border.'

The UNHCR estimates around 5,000 Eritreans have entered Europe illegally by crossing the Mediterranean in 2017 alone with a total of 'sea arrivals' landing in Italy and Greece this year topping 117,000.

Zerai previously rose to prominence when he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize two years ago.

His work began in 2003 when he gave his number to a journalist who needed help translating Eritreans stories from a detention centre in Libya.

The number spread and was scrawled on the wall of a Libyan prison with Zerai becoming a crisis support line as he was called by migrants from inside trucks in the Sahara desert and from boats taking on water in the sea.

Zerai met Pope Francis at a conference on human trafficking in 2015. 'He told me  have courage father, keep going,"'he told the Daily Telegraph.
Hungary offers Iranian Christian convert sanctuary after Sweden threatens deportation

An Iranian Christian convert, due to be deported from Sweden back to Iran, is being offered asylum in Hungary.

Aideen Strandsson's appeal was rejected by Sweden, where she has been living after converting from Islam to Christianity, despite her facing prison, rape or even death if she was returned, according to CBN.

The Hungarian government has closed its borders to refugees and migrants fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and north Africa and has refused to accept its quota of people under the European Union's forced relocation scheme.

Saying it wants to 'preserve the Christian values' of the nation, Hungary has turned its back on Muslim refugees in particular.

But a government statement on Wednesday says Hungary was 'ready to recognise the girl from Iran as a refugee who the Swedish authorities intend to send back to the Islamic Republic'.

Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjen said Strandsson can expect a 'favourable ruling as Hungary does not send anyone back to a country where his or her life or physical well-being may be in danger'.

He said: 'Taking in persecuted Christians is our moral and constitutional duty all at once.'

Justifying his country's approach to refugees he added: 'Right from the beginning, we have differentiated between economic migrants and genuine asylum-seekers. We protect Hungary from the invasion of migrants, but we provide help for genuine refugees, those whose lives are in direct danger on account of their religion, nationality or political affiliation.'

Strandsson came to Sweden in 2014 on a work visa and adopted a Swedish surname after starring in films and a TV series in Iran, according to CBN, who first broke the story.

She left Islam after watching a video of Muslims stoning a woman to death and decided then she didn't want to be a Muslim any longer, CBN reported.

Then she had a dream.

'I had a dream about Jesus, and I remember he was sitting near me and he took my hand,' she said.

After converting she was publicly baptised in Sweden and has faced multiple threats from Muslims since.
I converted from Christianity to Islam in captivity, says released al-Qaeda hostage

A British-South African captive who was held hostage by the terrorist group al-Qaeda for nearly six years, said he entered captivity as a Christian but in time converted to Islam  for which he received better treatment. A fellow hostage said they also used 'conversion' to try and survive.

Stephen McGown, 42 was speaking to press in Johannesburg yesterday, just 10 days after being released, according to The Telegraph.

Held in Mali, West Africa for nearly six years by al-Qaeda, McGowan said he converted to Islam to help him survive.

'Before the desert, I was a Christian. They did not force me. I entered (Islam) of my own accord,' said a long-haired and bearded McGown. He said that after converting religion he received better food and better treatment.

The ex-captive added: 'I see many good things in Islam. It requires a very good character, a very strict character.'

McGown was travelling in Mali's Timbuktu in 2011 when he was kidnapped, alongside Swedish captive Johan Gustafsson and Dutch prisoner Sjaak Rijke. All three men, who described gruelling ordeals in the Sahara Desert, have now been released. Gastafsson also 'converted' to Islam  purely to try and survive.

He told The Local: 'I told them I wanted to convert to Islam. That was the only thing I could think of that would buy me some time, even though I did not have much hope that it would work.

'I didn't know anything about Islam, so I'm not sure how believable it was. But I think they saw it as their duty to accept it, even though I have a hard time believing that they actually believed me.'

The South African government has insisted that now ransom was exchanged for their release, but somereports suggest as much as $4.2 million (3.2 million) was given to liberate the prisoners.

McGown described being 'in the dark' to wider world events while imprisoned, with minimal communication and no English books around him.

'I did my best to see the best in a bad situation,' McGown said. 'I didn't want to come out an angry person and be a bigger burden on my family.

'Sometimes you are miserable and you want to fight everyone (but) I did not want to become a mess. I want to come home a better person.'
Putin would have preferred Hillary to be President, Trump tells Pat Robertson

In an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), Donald Trump has claimed that the Russian President Vladimir Putin would have preferred Hillary Clinton to have won the US presidency.

Speaking to the veteran and highly conservative Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson, thePpresident, who is battling allegations that Putin helped him win the race to the White House last year, said 'Why would he [Putin] want me?' because Trump is 'a strong military person'.

In a clear attempt to divert attention from revelations over US intelligence saying the Russian leader directed a covert effort to help defeat her, Trump told Robertson: 'We are the most powerful country in the world and we are getting more and more powerful because I'm a big military person. As an example, if Hillary had won, our military would be decimated. That's why I say, why would he want me? Because from day one I wanted a strong military, he doesn't want to see that.'

Trump continued: 'He wants what's good for Russia and I want what's good for the United States. And I think in a case like Syria where we can get together, do a ceasefire, and there are many other cases where getting along can be a very positive thing, but always Putin is going to want Russia and Trump is going to want the United States and that's the way it is...There are many things that I do that are the exact opposite of what he [Putin] would want.'

However, Trump added that he got along 'very, very well' with Putin, whom he met in Hamburg last week.

The CBN interview will air later today on 'The 700 Club' show for the network. In it, Trump is asked also about North Korea, terrorism and the Middle East.

In another segment released ahead of the airing, Trump was asked what would happen if Congress was unable to pass a bill to overhaul the healthcare system.

'I will be very angry about it and a lot of people will be very upset,' Trump said. 'But I'm sitting waiting for that bill to come to my desk. I hope that they do it. They've been promising it for years.'

Trump said that now is the time for repeal, since the Republicans control the White House and Congress. 'Now we have a president that's waiting to sign it,' Trump told Robertson. 'I have pen in hand so now it means something. You know, those other times, those many, many times, that they passed it, it didn't mean anything.'

In a separate interview with Reuters, Trump denied that he knew that his son, Donald Trump Jr., was meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalia Veselnitskaya, in June during the preseidential campaign. 'No. That I didn't know,' he said. 'Until a couple of days ago, when I heard about this. No I didn't know about that.'

Trump Jr, in an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, said: 'In retrospect, I probably would have done things a little differently.'
Rumours of Glory: 14 of the best Bruce Cockburn songs about faith, life and God

Bruce Cockburn released his first album in 1970. He's now 72 and his latest, Bone On Bone, will be coming out next month. With a career spanning five decades, there is a wealth of wonderful music and lyrics to draw from in his back catalogue.

His transition from acoustic troubadour to Christian mystic was followed by a spell where his music concentrated mainly on political and environmental activism.

Throughout his long career of recording and touring, chronicled in his 2014 memoir, Rumours Of Glory, Cockburn has consistently touched on spiritual themes.

His writing is influenced heavily by the Christian tradition. He recently said that he remains on a spiritual journey: 'I don't know the answer. I'm still working on it, and that is perhaps why people are willing to listen to the stuff I put into songs.'

Here, we look at some of Cockburn's most enduring spiritual songs...

1. 'He Came From The Mountain' from Sunwheel Dance (1971)

In His world we wait

In His hands our fate

Keep on climbing

We shall see his gate

In good time

2. 'Christmas Song' from Salt, Sun and Time (1974)

Like the snow on the stark spruce limb

Coated with ice, then stripped by wind

We melt away and return again

Stronger for the tempering flame

Stronger for the Saviour's name

3. 'Lament For The Last Days' from Joy Will Find A Way (1975)

Oh, Satan take thy cup away

For I'll not drink your wine today

I'll reach for the chalice of light

That stands on Jesus' table

4. 'A Life Story' from Joy Will Find A Way (1975)

Sky-wild

Far cry

Wings-slash-free

Christ is born for you and me

Wind rush

Reed bend

Storm tossed sea

Christ is nailed upon a tree

Mists part

Sunrise

Shining key

Christ is risen to lead us free

5. 'Lord Of The Starfields' from In The Falling Dark (1976)

O love that fires the sun

Keep me burning.

Lord of the starfields

Sower of life,

Heaven and earth are

Full of your light

6. 'Festival of Friends' from In The Falling Dark (1976)

Like an imitation of a good thing past

These days of darkness surely will not last

Jesus was here and He's coming again

To lead us to his festival of friends

7. 'Wondering Where The Lions Are' from Dancing In The Dragons' Jaws (1979)

One of these days we're going to sail away,

going to sail into eternity

some kind of ecstasy got a hold on me

8. 'No Footprints' from Dancing In The Dragons' Jaws (1979)

Love the Lord

And in Him love me too

And in Him go your way

And I'll be right there with you

9. 'What About The Bond?' from Humans (1980)

What about the the bond?

What about the mystical unity?

What about the bond

Sealed in the loving presence of the Father?

10. 'Dweller By A Dark Stream' from Mummy Dust (1981)

I was a dweller by a dark stream

A crying heart hooked on a dark dream

In my convict soul I saw your love gleam

And you showed me what you've done

Jesus, thank-you joyous Son

11. 'Shipwrecked At The Stable Door' from Big Circumstance (1988)

Blessed are the poor in spirit

Blessed are the meek

For theirs shall be the kingdom

That the power mongers seek

Blessed are the dead for love

And those who cry for peace

And those who love the gift of earth

May their gene pool increase

12. 'Cry Of A Tiny Babe' from Nothing But A Burning Light (1991)

Like a stone on the surface of a still river

Driving the ripples on forever

Redemption rips through the surface of time

In the cry of a tiny babe

13. 'Celestial Horses' from You've Never Seen Everything (2003)

The world's in the wake of those whispering horses

But there's always a pillar of cloud on the valley's rim

There's darkness in the canyon

But the Light comes pounding through

For me and for you

14. 'Forty Years In The Wilderness' from Bone On Bone (2017)

Forty Years In The Wilderness getting to know the beasts, projected and reflected on the greatest and the least...

Forty Years In The Wilderness dancing with the flies, dazzled by the visions rolling out before my eyes
The 'other Francis': The radical Christian legacy of St Clare of Assisi

Many know of and adore the figure of St Francis of Assisi, the medieval preacher venerated across the world. But how many know of his protegee  a woman who so dedicated her life to the saint's ideals that she became known as 'another Francis'?

Clare of Assisi was a radical, pioneering and devoted nun committed to a life of poverty and prayer, who continues to inspire today.

Her life began with a rebellion. Born in 1194, at age 12 Clare's wealthy family were pressuring her to marry. But Clare ran way, and inspired by a sermon she had heard from Francis of Assisi, sought the religious life in a convent. She cut off her hair and exchanged her elegant gown for a humble robe.

Even when her father sent armed men to bring Clare (and her sister) home, she refused to comply. She declared that she would have no husband other than Jesus Christ.

Francis himself would provide refuge for Clare  he put her in charge of a group of Benedictine nuns, and so began the Order of the Poor Ladies, later to be known as the Order of Saint Clare.

The order attracted many women, even though the convent existence was not easy. It was an austere, impoverished, often silent life of hard labour and prayer apart from the world. Such was her commitment to poverty in pursuit of Christ, Clare insisted  against opposition  that her order would never own any possessions. Clare is believed to have the first woman to write monastic guidelines for an order.

She remained devoted to Francis and looked after him in his old age until he died. She was so close to Francis in her life and worksthat she would be often known as alter Franciscus, or 'another Francis'.

At least one dramatic miracle is claimed during her lifetime. In 1224, a group of armed soldiers came to attack the town of Assisi. Clare approached the men with only the Blessed Sacrament in her hands. She prayed for her sisters, and a sudden terror overcame the soldiers and sent them fleeing, causing harm to no one.

After suffering illness for many years, Clare died on August 11, 1253 at age 59. She went on to be canonized as a Saint in the Catholic Church, and is remembered for her radical commitment to poverty.

She once said: 'They say that we are too poor, but can a heart which possesses the infinite God be truly called poor?'
Why an obscure Eritrean priest might beat Pope Francis and Angela Merkel to the Nobel Peace Prize

German chancellor Angela Merkel is hot favourite to win the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday  but an Eritrean Roman Catholic priest is in the running as well.

Father Mussie Zerai has been nominated for helping to save the lives of thousands of migrants crossing the Mediterranean.

His ministry began in 2003, when he gave his telephone number to a journalist who needed help translating the stories of Eritreans in detention camps in Libya. The number spread by word of mouth and was scrawled on the wall of a Libyan prison.

Zerai became the hub of a crisis support line as he was called by migrants from inside trucks in the Sahara desert and from boats taking on water in the sea. He sends their GPS coordinates to Italy's coastguard and EU naval authorities so they can be rescued.

Overwhelmed by the volume of calls, he founded the mostly volunteer 'Watch the Med' call centre, now staffed by several dozen multilingual volunteers.

Zerai met Pope Francis  also up for the prize  at a conference on human trafficking. "He told me  have courage father, keep going," he told the Daily Telegraph.

He is critical of Angela Merkel and other EU politicians, who he believes have failed those seeking refuge.

"Angela Merkel says: '800,000 are welcome.' It gives politicians a nice image. But more concretely, how are these people arriving at your border? What violence have they suffered? Why not create an air bridge from Greece or a humanitarian corridor from Turkey or Lebanon?"

He continued: "In the last 15 years more than 25,000 people have died in the Mediterranean. And what is Europe doing now? Erecting walls and barbed wire.

"All legal channels must be used to combat trafficking, otherwise Mare Nostrum will become one big cemetery."

Zerai's efforts have not been universally welcomed, particularly from within Eritrea, of whose repressive regime he is a stern critic. In a reflection of the wider tensions within the effort to deal with the migrant crisis, he has also been accused of complicity in helping the migrants. However, he is adamant that the real crime is not to rescue someone who is pleading for help when their life is at risk.
Barnardos chief executive Javed Khan refused to call for the resignation of South Yorkshire Police Commissioner and former head of Rotherham Council Children's Services Shaun Wright in a Sky News interview last week, despite being asked ten times by interviewer Eamonn Holmes whether Wright should go.

Khan used the five-minute interview to say Barnardos was horrified and shocked by the report that exposed years of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham, and that it was unacceptable that various agencies may have known what was happening but failed to take action.

However, he stopped short of joining the chorus of voices demanding Wrights resignation. When asked by Holmes whether the police commissioner should step down from his current post as a result of his role in the scandal, Khan said he expected Wright would be doing some deep thinking but that it was not for him to say whether he should keep his job or not.

Holmes accused Khan of sitting on the fence and asked him whether he too was failing the 1,400 victims by not taking a stand.

Khan responded that the important thing was to look to the future and to learn the lessons of the past. What we are interested in is how we help these children rebuild their lives, he said.

Last week Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg added his voice to the calls for Wright to go, but he is continuing to resist the pressure.

On Friday Barnardo's issued a statement comdemning the failures that allowed the crimes in Rotherham to continue and warning that the atrocities that have been rooted out so far are merely the tip of the iceberg.

"Child sexual exploitation is not an issue isolated to any one area, culture or community. We have specialist child sexual exploitation services in 35 locations across the UK and every service we have opened has quickly become oversubscribed," it said.

The charity called for "strong and fearless leadership" to tackle the problem.
As Venezuela tilts toward dictatorship, the conditions on the ground for journalists are deteriorating. Facing international sanctions and continued unrest in the streets, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has tightened his grip on power while forces loyal to his party attempt to curtail the independent press. Yesterday, CJR published a pair of stories that depict the issues facing reporters both local and international.

The New York Timess Nick Casey has been barred from Venezuela since last fall. He spoke with CJRs Meg Dalton about the Maduro governments crackdown on journalists, and how he has continued to report from neighboring Colombia. Casey describes official attempts to discredit reporters work, and how those efforts have intensified as the countrys economic problems have devolved into a humanitarian crisis. Still, Casey tells CJR, Its far worse for Venezuelan journalists.

One of those local journalists is Elyangelica Gonzalez, whose 20-year career as a radio reporter in Venezuela came to an end this spring after she was beaten while covering a street protest and then harassed in the days that followed. Diego Senior and Jonathan Schienberg profile her experiences, and the difficult decision she made in leaving her native country. Whats different now is that all these control methods have been radicalized, regularly changing facts in their favor, and converting victims into aggressors, Gonzalez says.

Maduros crackdown on the free press adds Venezuela to an ignoble list of countries where journalists face government-sanctioned obstacles to their work. Though the situations in places like Turkey, China, and Syria are unique to each nation, the result is similar. With a newly empowered constituent assembly loyal to Maduro, objective journalism in Venezuela will likely continue its decline.

Below, more on the depressing state of press freedoms in a country already over the brink.

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Pete Vernon is a former CJR staff writer. Follow him on Twitter @ByPeteVernon.
President Donald Trumps comments about North Korea on Tuesday caught a lot of people off guard, leading to widespread discussion of what could happen if the United States suddenly decided to initiate a nuclear war.

For perspective on how reporters covered similar events in the past, what mistakes they can avoid in the future, and a bit of sober context on the current capability of nuclear arms, CJR spoke with two journalists with experience covering the Cold War and a historian specializing in weapons of mass destruction.

The interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

David Martin, National Security Correspondent, CBS News and author, Wilderness of Mirrors: Intrigue, Deception, and the Secrets that Destroyed Two of the Cold Wars Most Important Agents

Its a tempting comparison with the Cuban Missile Crisis, but at the time the Soviet Union had demonstrated the ability to test missiles and warheads that could destroy cities in the United States. North Korea has not yet demonstrated that capability. So theyre at different points in their development. The Soviet Union was trying to take a shortcut by placing these missiles in Cuba. Another difference that was noticeable to me was the Pentagons initial recommendation to President [John F.] Kennedy by the Joint Chiefs of Staff was to conduct a pre-emptive strike. President Kennedy was the one who said not so fast. [The US government] gave time for a diplomatic solution [13 days in October] and made a major concession to Cuba by agreeing to withdraw their missiles from Turkey.

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RELATED: How North Korea news played on front pages around the world

Im not aware of anyone in the Pentagon, military or civilian, who has recommended pre-emptive action against North Koreas nuclear weapons program. Theyve looked at it in great detail and decided it would be hard and certainly ignite a war on the Korean peninsula that would lead to massive casualties. The United States would win, but a lot of civilians in South Korea would probably be exposed to North Korean artillery fire. This has been going on since the Clinton administration. People have been looking at this and [there is] just a long history of both sides working on this. In one sense, the US administration has to make a decision.

There was an unquestioned war hysteria at the time [of the Cuban Missile Crisis]. Government officials were telling their wives I dont know if Ill see you again. They were going to surplus stores and buying equipment. And those were the ones who knew what was going on. There was really a sense that this was going to be the culminating confrontation between the US and the Soviet Union.

Now, when were reporting this story [about President Trump and North Korea], you need to be careful not to feed a hysteria that war is nigh. But when you have a president and secretary of defense saying these things, its pretty easy to put together a story thats apocalyptic. So you have to also pay attention to people like [Secretary of State] Rex Tillerson saying nothings changed in the last 24 hours, sleep well at night.

Back in 1962, Kennedy had been elected in part because of this false perception that there was a missile gap between the US and the Soviet Union. Soon after he was elected this was exposed as fictitious. But I think there was a perception back then that the Soviet Union was the nuclear equal to the US, and that wasnt at all the case. The US had a major advantage in nuclear weapons at the time. Today, theres no doubt who has the military advantage.

The North Koreans are always threatening to set New York on fire with a hydrogen bomb. But until recently that could all be dismissed as bluster because they didnt have the capability. Now you have to take their rhetoric more seriously.

You need to pay attention to where this stuff is coming from and whos saying [it] and the whole statement, not just the most sensational part of it. You have to look at what Kim Jong Un is really trying to do. I dont know anybody that thinks hes really waiting for the day to say, Okay, todays the day we launch a missile against the United States. I think he wants his nuclear weapons program [to serve as] an insurance policy. But having that insurance policy does not mean hes going to use a nuclear weapon against the United States. I dont think hes suicidal, which is what he would have to be to launch an attack. You got to keep what his real goal is in focus. And then you have to define what is the real goal of the US. And thats a mystery.

At the end of the day, these are just estimates. We have learned the hard way that estimates can be wrong. Dont be so quick to jump on the bandwagon. We need to be cautious and skeptical of intelligence reports. Theyre not smoking guns.

Nicholas Daniloff, former Moscow correspondent for United Press International, author of Of Spies and Spokesmen: My Life as a Cold War Correspondent and professor emeritus at Northeastern Universitys School of Journalism

The president is impulsively stating things, which really escalates the situation beyond what it should be.

The two functions of covering the facts and interpreting the facts, those two have to be clearly separated. What were seeing in the digital age is the blurring of the lines between those two. I dont think theres anything reporters can really do because the structure of media distribution has changed pretty seriously since the days of legacy journalism.

Now you have a fragmentation of news sources and some of those are totally irresponsible. Its very difficult for a consumer of news to understand what he or she is getting. Theres no one single or even several sources where you can go to and feel like youre getting accurate information. In my view the closest you can get to that is a combination of CNN, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. But is the ordinary citizen able to consume those three every day or several times an hour?

I think CNN stokes hysteria even though they try to present different points of view. Its really the fault of the 24-hour news cycle. At CNN, they get on a subject and they turn it over and over and never seem to be able to get off it. This performance really feeds the hysteria.

There is a need for self-restraint [but] generally, journalists in previous historical periods have not been too concerned about self-restraint or even the consequences of what they say. The question of double or triple-checking is always important. In the United States, the First Amendment allows you to say anything you want at any time. I would urge reporters to think a little bit about what theyre going to put across with the notion that sometimes self-restraint is necessary.

Robert Neer, attorney and author of Napalm: An American Biography

One thing thats helpful to be aware of is there is more than one kind of nuclear weapon. The bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima was a fission bomb, the kind that was used to compress uranium and produces a fission reaction. Its big, but its not impossibly large. But in World War II, the United States wiped out a very large section of central Tokyo in one night using thousands of napalm bombs. They killed more people on that night and damaged the city more extensively than the Hiroshima bomb. With many conventional weapons you can accomplish similar destruction to the Hiroshima bomb.

Subsequently, scientists developed a new kind of nuclear technology, the fusion reaction, which are normally called hydrogen bombs. Those are many orders of magnitude bigger than the Hiroshima bomb. No one has ever used those in warfare.

I think the main discussion people have been having has really been about nuclear weapons. Thats really what is freaking people out. Its possible to put other kinds of explosive devices on [intercontinental ballistic missiles] if thats what the North Koreans have and to use them to deliver other weapons such as conventional explosives or napalm. But because [the missiles] are so expensive and those types are weapons have less of an impact [than nuclear weapons], its not really cost-effective based on the destruction wrought.

So often journalists just write about nuclear weapons as if they were [all] the same thing. It would be like writing about guns and not distinguishing between a submachine gun and a Howitzer, like a cannon. Or talking about ships and not making a distinction between a frigate or an aircraft carrier.



Consult encyclopedias like the Oxford Encyclopedia of American Military and Diplomatic History. Look at who gains from wars. More people lose in general and especially over time, but at the beginning its always interesting to look at who might gain.

RELATED: After North Korea threats, Twitter turns to dark humor

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Karen K. Ho is a freelance business, culture and media reporter, based in New York. She is also a former Delacorte Fellow at CJR. Follow her on Twitter @karenkho.
Two newly public tech companies reported earnings on Thursday, and both were ugly for their investors.



Meal-kit preparer Blue Apron missed earnings expectations by a wide margin in its first earnings report since going public in late June. It reported a 47 cent per share loss instead of the expected 30 cent loss, blaming high customer acquisition costs and staffing a new distribution plant in New Jersey.

The stock dropped 17 percent and is now trading at about half its IPO price.

In its second earnings report as a public company, Snap disappointed Wall Street with its user growth numbers for the second consecutive time and fell short on earnings.

The stock dropped about 17 percent after hours. It's now off about 33 percent from its IPO price.

Blue Apron and Snap have a lot in common. They're consumer focused. They have devoted followers. They're losing money hand over fist.

And both were targeted directly and aggressively by two of tech's biggest companies.

Between the time Blue Apron filed for its intial public offering, on June 1, and when it went public, on June 28, Amazon announced that it was buying Whole Foods. The speculation that Amazon would use the purchase to improve its home delivery service sent demand for Blue Apron's IPO down, and the company slashed its IPO range from $15-$17 down to $10-$11.
Could you run your own investment fund  in college? Ben Sender, a senior at Princeton University and founder of student-run investment fund Effective Altruism Investments (EAI), does just that. EAI currently manages $100,000 and pursues "good returns for good causes," Sender says. The exclusive, inter-campus organization accepts just seven percent of the students from Princeton, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and Williams College who apply to join. That's about the same as Princeton's undergraduate acceptance rate. Most of the students joining EAI are studying economics, computer science, financial engineering and math, although majors do vary. What brings them together is their interest in EAI's mission. Most of them are not invested in the fund; they're choosing to focus on managing other people's money. "EAI is the result of intersecting passions for morality and investing, manifesting itself in a threefold mission to beat the market on a risk-adjusted basis, donate 20 percent of profits to the most worthy causes, and educate members and the community on investing and philanthropy," Sender tells CNBC Make It. Sender, a 21-year-old from South Orange, New Jersey, grew up loving the investing world. As a high school student, he wrote for Seeking Alpha and created investing apps, including automatic stock valuation and analysis apps that garnered a total of 35,000 downloads.

At Princeton, Sender majors in economics, though he finds most of his investing education comes from outside of school. "To be honest, school has not helped to advance my interest in investing or economics, and I believe the academic approach to business is naive in many areas," Sender says. It was a philosophy course that led Sender to launch Effective Altruism in 2015, which is based on the theory that one must "use evidence and careful analysis" in order to do the most good. He identified a need for a better student-run fund than ones that just go "through the motions as opposed to create genuine investment value," according to Sender. He gathered peers to start EAI and raised an initial $60,000. The fund has since grown 67 percent through profits and new investments.

EAI's investment strategy must accommodate the need for a consistent cash flow to allocate for donations which presents a unique challenge, though the fund's small size makes it nimble, which also creates an advantage. "We aim for overlooked assets that we can know better than the majority of market players or small illiquid assets that institutions cannot enter," says Sender. To that end, the students invest money in a shifting balance of stocks, ETFs, options and peer-to-peer lending. Because of the fund's size, the students have to make unconventional choices to stay in the green, which has helped them so far make a profit every quarter. One of EAI's best moves was shorting Snap before its precipitous fall starting in May, which created a 107 percent gain for the investment fund. Instead of keeping all of the profits, EAI allocates one-fifth of its gains towards charitable causes through GiveWell.com, like the Against Malaria Foundation and Give Directly.

William Chang, courtesy of the subject.

We "have a fundamental belief in social consciousness, no matter what industry you go to," says William Chang, an EAI manager and Harvard student. EAI's philanthropic mission falls directly in line with UBS' research on millennials. According to a June report, the "demand for using private wealth for public good" is rising, particularly among people around Sender's age. "Altruism is quite similar to investing, as both require a truth-seeking, honest process to find the best use for money," says Sender. "The world of philanthropy needs a radical overhaul, combining business efficiency with ethical objectives." In order to catalyze that kind of an overhaul, the members of EAI look beyond their investments to see how they can support charitable efforts around the world. Last year, EAI held an event called "Ideas Worth Funding," a charity pitch competition sponsored by Credit Suisse, and they awarded $2,500 to the Cotacachi Honey Fund, an organization run by four young men from Chicago that brings beehives and education to small farms in Ecuador so they can support themselves.

The world of philanthropy needs a radical overhaul, combining business efficiency with ethical objectives. Ben Sender founder of Effective Altruism Investments
If the world's largest economy wishes to avoid full-blown conflict with North Korea, President Donald Trump may need to adopt the measured style of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson instead of engaging in a war of words with the rogue nation.

Two days after Trump's "fire and fury" ultimatum to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which shook the international community and increased fears of military confrontation, the president has once again dialed up the pressure.

The fire and fury statement "wasn't tough enough," Trump said on Thursday, adding that "if he [Kim] does something in Guam, it will be an event the likes of which nobody's seen before, what will happen in North Korea."

In an attempt to soothe concerns of armed altercations, the president's team has insisted war remains the least desirable option.

Tillerson highlighted diplomacy on Wednesday, telling reporters that "nothing I have seen and nothing I know of would indicate that the situation has dramatically changed in the last 24 hours. Defense Secretary James Mattis also sought to clarify Washington's strategy, saying late on Thursday that the U.S. preferred a diplomatic approach to the current predicament.

"Tillerson has the right line, he's trying to dial down the pressure to make it clear that the U.S. doesn't want regime change in North Korea," said Daryl Kimball, executive director at U.S.-based Arms Control Association. "Donald Trump needs to follow the lead of his secretary of state."
Defense Secretary James Mattis said Thursday the military is "ready" to counter the threat from North Korea.

"My responsibility is to have military options if needed," Mattis told reporters in Mountain View, California, where he was visiting a new Defense Department arm designed to speed the integration of new technologies into the U.S. military. "We are ready."

The visit came amid rising tensions over a series of North Korean missile tests that prompted President Donald Trump to threaten the Asian nation with "fire and fury."

When asked what options the U.S. has ready, Mattis declined to answer, saying instead, "I'm not going to tell the enemy what we're going to do."

Mattis said the U.S. effort to counter the nuclear missile ambitions of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is being "diplomatically led."

Mattis praised the efforts of Ambassador Nikki Haley that resulted in a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning North Korea's actions.

The unanimous vote "didn't just happen by accident," Mattis said. The U.S. is "dealing with the threat with an effective diplomatic effort," he said.
Girl Scouts of the USA CEO Sylvia Acevedo first became a Girl Scout at 7 years old. Although today she boasts previous careers at NASA, IBM, Apple, Autodesk and Dell, Acevedo tells CNBC Make It that she feared her family couldn't afford for her to be a part of the program as a child. "When I got into Girl Scouts I really loved it. We were planning all the activities we were going to do," Acevedo says, recalling her disappointment. Growing up, her Mexican-American family lived paycheck to paycheck at their home on a dirt street in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Her troop leader told her all would be okay because they were going to sell cookies, an entrepreneurial training program that today earns the Girl Scouts $800 million each year. "I thought, 'Sell cookies?'" Acevedo says, highlighting her shock at the time. "If you are a kid who's living in poverty and living paycheck to paycheck, you don't know how to create opportunities," she adds. But, to this day, she uses the lessons learned from selling Girl Scout cookies as a child. Here are three things she took away from the experience:

How to create opportunities

From the moment Acevedo expressed confusion about selling cookies, her troop leader laid down the basics on how to set goals, create a budget and put a plan together to succeed. This advice would pop up again for Acevedo when working at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab after graduating college. Her mentor told her, "When you decide and you make a commitment that you're going to achieve something, it's really within your goal. It's up to you to make that happen." <sylvia nasa tweet> Acevedo says this stuck with her, reminding her of her younger Girl Scouts days when she learned: "You set your goals, you set your determination, you got your drive and you just go and make it happen." "It resonated with me because of what my troop leader had taught me: You can create your own opportunities, you can set your goals, you can break down what you need to accomplish ... and then just achieve them," Acevedo says.

How to not take "no" for an answer

When selling cookies, Acevedo and other Girl Scouts were and still are  taught to "never walk away from a sale until you've heard no three times." "When you're first selling and you're selling to family and friends, everyone says yes," Acevedo says. "I still hadn't met my goals so I realized I was going to have to talk to people I didn't know and introduce myself and introduce them to Girl Scouts." <door to door cookies tweet> When Acevedo told her high school guidance counselor she wanted to go to college for engineering, she wasn't taken seriously. "Girls like you don't go to college," Acevedo recalls her counselor saying, laughing and adding, "girls aren't engineers." But selling cookies taught her "to be persistent," she says. "It certainly gave me motivation." At a tech company earlier in her career, Acevedo recalls asking her managers to allow her to work in Latin America. There, she could use her Spanish fluency to help grow the company's business. Instead, she was told, "you can't do that, it's too dangerous." To prove herself, Acevedo booked her own flight, visited the company's Latin American regional offices and won her international colleagues over. "They all loved me," Acevedo says. "I did that on my own dime but I wasn't going to take no because I knew I had the skill set." She later led Latin American regional offices for AutoDesk and Dell.

Be confident in your competence to handle money
Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies are required to pay subsidies to low-income consumers. These payments help these consumers offset the cost of premiums and co-payments.

"While we are pleased that some steps have been taken to address the long term challenges all health plans serving the Individual market are facing, the Individual market remains volatile," Anthem said in a statement. "A stable insurance market is dependent on products that create value for consumers through the broad spreading of risk and a known set of conditions upon which rates can be developed."

The insurer said planning and pricing have become increasingly difficult because of a shrinking market, as well as changes and uncertainty from the federal government. That includes President Donald Trump 's indecision on whether to continue paying cost-sharing subsidies.

Anthem announced Friday it will pull out of Virginia's "volatile" individual Obamacare market next year.

In the past, insurance companies were reimbursed by the government for these payments, but their fate is uncertain. So far the Trump administration has continued to make these payments, but it can decide against that.

House Republicans last year successfully challenged the legality of the CSR reimbursements in federal court. The Obama administration appealed that decision and continued to make the payments while that case was being decided. However, under the Trump administration, the government could drop the appeal and halt the reimbursements.

Insurance companies are also wondering whether or not they will have to pay a tax. Its status is unclear as the president continues to press Congress to repeal and replace the ACA.

Amid this uncertainty, Anthem said Friday it will only offer off-exchange plans in two counties and one city in Virginia next year. The insurer's decision will not affect people with employer-based insurance, those who purchased insurance before March of 2010 or those enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare plans.

The company sells Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in 14 states, according to Reuters.

Virginia is the latest state where Anthem has decided to stop participating in Obamacare markets. Earlier this summer, the insurer announced it will exit Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio next year. It cited "volatile" markets and "uncertainty" for each decision.

Last month, Anthem warned it may leave more marketplaces. It has until Sept. 27 to decide if it will exit more.
The hedge fund manager Daniel S. Loeb, a prominent supporter of charter schools and a major financial backer of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and congressional Republicans, accused the African-American woman who leads the Democrats in the New York State Senate of having done "more damage to people of color than anyone who has ever donned a hood."

Mr. Loeb made the reference, apparently to the Ku Klux Klan, in a posting on Facebook in response to an article in The New York Times this week in which the Democratic leader, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, confronted Mr. Cuomo about prejudging her based upon race and gender.

In a private meeting last month, The Times reported, Ms. Stewart-Cousins said to Mr. Cuomo during a debate over who best understands suburban voters: "You look at me, Mr. Governor, but you don't see me. You see my black skin and a woman, but you don't realize I am a suburban legislator."

More from The New York Times:

Tensions Flare as Cuomo Confronts Democratic Rift

Investing Short-Term When Stocks Are High? Imagine a Painful Drop

Wall Street's 'Fear Gauge' Skyrockets as Tensions Rise With North Korea

Mr. Loeb weighed in on behalf of Senator Jeffrey D. Klein of the Bronx, the leader of a group of Democrats that has split from Ms. Stewart-Cousins.

"Thank God for Jeff Klein and those who stand for educational choice and support Charter funding that leads to economic mobility and opportunity for poor knack kids," Mr. Loeb wrote, with "knack" apparently a typographical error for "black." "Meanwhile hypocrites like Stewart-Cousins who pay fealty to powerful union thugs and bosses do more damage to people of color than anyone who has ever donned a hood."

After The Times reported on his Facebook remarks, Mr. Loeb deleted them late Thursday night.

"I regret the language I used in expressing my passion for educational choice," he said in a statement. "I apologize to Senator Stewart-Cousins and anyone I offended. I have taken down the post from Facebook."

Mr. Klein leads a group of eight Democrats who in 2011 broke away from the main Democratic conference, led by Ms. Stewart-Cousins. Mr. Klein's group, the Independent Democratic Conference, has in the past sided with the Republicans in the Senate to keep Ms. Stewart-Cousins out of the powerful post of majority leader.

Mr. Loeb has been a prominent player in New York politics, as the chairman of the Success Academy charter school network and as a major political donor. In 2015, protesters objecting to Mr. Cuomo's ties to wealthy donors marched outside a fund-raiser that Mr. Loeb hosted for Mr. Cuomo at his home in the Hamptons.

Mr. Loeb and his wife have donated more than $170,000 to Mr. Cuomo in recent years, state records show. He has also supported Republicans, with contributions including $500,000 to a super PAC that supported Jeb Bush in 2015, $150,000 to the Republican National Committee that year and $700,000 to a super PAC supporting House Republicans in 2016.

Richard Azzopardi, a spokesman for Mr. Cuomo, said, "We have no connection with these comments whatsoever, and in our opinion they are entirely inappropriate and have no place in the public discourse."
Defense Secretary James Mattis says he sees a growing role for the technology industry in defending the United States.

The comments suggest a potential untapped market for and , whose hometowns Mattis visited this week on a West Coast swing, and other large companies like , and .

Like the leaders of these tech companies, Mattis is focused on acquiring more expertise in artificial intelligence.

The difference is his goal: getting it into the U.S. military faster, to make it a "more lethal and more effective" fighting force.

"Many of the advances [in AI] are out here in private companies," Mattis told reporters after touring the Mountain View, California, location of the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental.

What Mattis referred to as "the DIUX" is a new arm of the Defense Department designed to speed the adoption of new technologies into the military.

Already the unit, whose advisors include Alphabet Chairman Eric Schmidt, has reportedly had its software deployed in the Middle East for use in on-the-fly targeting of weapons systems, according to a report.

"We'll get better at integrating AI advances out here into the U.S. military," thanks to the unit. Mattis said DIUX will "grow in influence and impact" on the Pentagon.

Schmidt and Raj Shah, the DIUX chief since May 2016, visited Al Udeid, a U.S. military base in Qatar, where the unit's software was installed.

The DIUX unit located near Google will have a staff of 75 by next summer, up from the current 48, according to a presentation given in advance of Mattis' question and answer session.

During his meeting with reporters, Mattis also said to respond to the threat from North Korea.
Participants in the Medicare for All Rally in Los Angeles California on February 4, 2017. Ronen Tivony | NurPhoto | Getty Images

Now that the Affordable Care Act seems likely to survive the Republican effort to repeal and replace it (for now), many liberals are mobilizing around the idea of a "single-payer" insurance system, built off Medicare, the federal program that now covers the aged and disabled. Among the liberal luminaries who have signed on or expressed support are US Sens. Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Kamala Harris. I have a better idea: Medicaid for more! Contrary to the rhetoric on Capitol Hill, Medicaid, not Medicare  or, for that matter, the ACA exchanges  offers the most plausible path to an American version of affordable universal coverage. Medicaid has grown incrementally and continuously since the late 1980s, under both conservative Republican and liberal Democratic administrations. That pattern continues today, and more than a dozen Republican governors have been fighting to protect Medicaid expansions created by the ACA. More from Vox:

We have a political problem no one wants to talk about: very old politicians

There's no evidence that immigrants hurt any American workers

Medicaid saved the Affordable Care Act. Liberals should take notice. Looking ahead, there are opportunities for bipartisan efforts to expand Medicaid's role as the nation's medical safety net. We should encourage the 19 states that have so far rejected the ACA Medicaid expansion to embrace it. We should use Medicaid as the public insurance safety net in markets lacking adequate private competition. We should encourage states to allow residents to buy into Medicaid. Finally, we should push a future administration to nationalize such a buy-in program. Some states have begun to recognize the wisdom of the Medicaid buy-in approach. Nevada came close to adopting such a strategy: In June, Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval waited till the last minute before vetoing a bill that would have let Nevadans buy into Medicaid  but even as he did so, he said it was an idea worth considering. Now Massachusetts is exploring the option. So is Minnesota. More states should join them, as the idea is both good policy and good politics.

Medicaid has a long history of serving an expanding population

Let's start with some Medicaid and Medicare basics. Both programs were enacted back in 1965 as part of Lyndon Johnson's suite of Great Society initiatives. But the programs worked very differently. Medicare was a national program with uniform rules governing eligibility, benefits, and reimbursement policy. It provided health insurance to (nearly) all of the elderly and disabled, regardless of income, and it contained a uniform, though limited, set of covered services. Medicaid, in contrast, was a collection of 50 state-administered programs that primarily served welfare beneficiaries, with significant variation in eligibility criteria, covered benefits, and provider reimbursement rules. The federal government funded between 50 and nearly 80 percent of the cost: the poorer the state, the higher the federal contribution. Throughout the 1970s, Medicaid enrollment nationally fluctuated between 18 and 20 million, or around half of the nation's poor. That number started to decline during the early 1980s, due to Reagan-era cuts in social welfare programs, so much so that soon fewer than 40 percent of those in poverty were enrolled. Medicaid policy and politics changed dramatically and unexpectedly in the late 1980s, however. First, several Southern governors sought and received federal permission to expand coverage for pregnant women and young children, as part of an effort to reduce high rates of infant mortality. Congressional liberals then took advantage of the newly won Democratic majority as of 1986, and used the budget reconciliation process to convert those state options into federal mandates, requiring states to expand eligibility (to pregnant women and children), covered services (to children), and reimbursement (to community health centers and other safety net institutions). Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush went along, partly because the targeted beneficiaries were sympathetic, partly because of unexpected interest group support for the expansions, and partly to avoid a showdown with Congress. Medicaid enrollment grew rapidly, from roughly 20 million nationally in 1988 to nearly 41 million by 1994. In a few short years, Medicaid moved well beyond its welfare roots and began covering many working poor families. Since the late 1980s, Medicaid has continued to expand, evolving from a poor program for poor people into the nation's largest health insurance program, with more than 70 million enrollees. It now covers one in every five Americans (and one in every three children). It provides decent and low-cost insurance to seniors in nursing homes, to people with disabilities still living in their communities, and to poor and working-class families. It enjoys relatively strong interest group support from hospitals, insurers, employers, and state officials. It is an increasingly popular program among its beneficiaries: Almost 90 percent are satisfied with their coverage. States still split the program's cost with the federal government. And the shared Medicaid funding model encourages states to provide more generous eligibility coverage: The formula encourages expansion during good economic times (since the feds pay most of the bill) but also discourages contraction during bad economic times (since every state dollar saved means even more federal dollars lost). There still is variation in the covered benefits, but all states provide a relatively generous benefit package, with few copays and no deductibles. And as the past few months have demonstrated, Medicaid has both bipartisan support and surprising political resiliency. From a program the New York Times didn't mention when it was passed, Medicaid has grown into one so large and successful that Republicans didn't dare cut it back.

Much criticism of Medicaid has been unfair

So why aren't more policymakers proposing "Medicaid for more?" For one thing, conservatives have long been (unfairly) skeptical of Medicaid. Some suggest, for example, that Medicaid beneficiaries are no better off than the uninsured, citing a study of Oregon beneficiaries whose blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes blood sugar levels did not improve despite (just) two years of coverage. That same study, however, demonstrated that beneficiaries had better access to needed care, a reduced risk of depression, and improved self-reported health. Other studies provide evidence that Medicaid increases the odds of early disease detection and decreases the odds of "avoidable" hospitalizations and mortality. Surveys also suggest that Medicaid beneficiaries are just as likely to have a go-to source of primary care as those with private insurance, and are even more likely than their privately insured counterparts to rate their care as excellent or good. Conservatives also argue that Medicaid is an out-of-control entitlement and that program funding should be capped. It is true that anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can enroll (just as with Medicare and Social Security), and that there currently is no cap on overall program spending. But there are two problems with the conservative argument about cost. First, on a per-patient basis, Medicaid is a low-cost program, providing coverage to millions of the nation's oldest, sickest, and most vulnerable populations for roughly 25 percent less than employer-sponsored private insurance. Why? Because Medicaid reimburses providers (particularly office-based physicians) far less than private insurers (and less than Medicare as well). While some provider complaints about inadequate reimbursement are legitimate, we should be at least as concerned with the high price paid by private insurers as with the low price paid by Medicaid. Second, converting Medicaid to a block grant  a popular Republican plan for reining in the program  would reduce overall spending primarily by cutting eligibility and benefits, not by doing anything about the cost of the care and procedures provided. The argument that Medicaid is a "big government" program  a bureaucratic monolith  is another myth. More than 60 percent of its beneficiaries are enrolled in private managed care plans, with the government paying the plans for each beneficiary they sign up. There also is significant variation in the type of health plan that states contract with, the formulas by which health plans are paid, and the regulatory oversight of plan performance. That's just the sort of federalist public-private experimentation Republicans usually embrace.

States are experimenting with Medicaid in interesting ways

Medicaid is also adapting to today's pressing health care challenges. States are experimenting with novel approaches to managing the care of particularly hard-to-serve populations, such as the homeless, substance abusers, or emergency room "frequent fliers." Ohio provides recovery housing for opioid users, and North Carolina has prodded community pharmacists to identify and consult with individuals who visit the pharmacy more than 35 times annually. Of course, it is the hefty dose of state variation that leads to a core liberal complaint about the program  and to liberals' preference for Medicare more generally. It is true that interstate variation has a downside. Why should a family in New York be Medicaid-eligible while a similarly situated family in Mississippi is not? Wouldn't it be better to have national rules? Yes and no! There should indeed be some basic national eligibility minimums  and there are. Federal law does require all states to cover kids (who are in the country legally) in families with income at or below the federal poverty level. Moreover, the ACA mandated coverage of low-income adults, and raised the threshold to 138 percent of the poverty level. The Supreme Court subsequently downgraded the mandate into an option, which 31 states plus the District of Columbia have adopted. The other 19 states should adopt the expansion, and if they don't, a future Democratic administration should try again to impose national eligibility minimums. (The Supreme Court decision did leave open this possibility.) But there does need to continue to be room for state-based flexibility and innovation, which is already built into Medicaid.

Medicaid could bolster the ACA exchanges

Another option for expanding health care access is to build on the ACA exchanges, but this path has several disadvantages. Created for consumers who did not qualify for Medicaid and who did not have access to affordable employer-based insurance, these exchanges have had at best mixed success. This is not surprising: Creating a new publicly subsidized market just for the uninsured, the self-employed, and the small business community is inherently problematic. Now the markets are under additional stress from a Trump administration that rattles insurers by threatening to eliminate cost-sharing subsidies, scale back outreach efforts, and end enforcement of the (relatively weak) individual mandate. There are ways to stabilize the exchanges  including more generous subsidies for enrollees and a federal commitment to the cost-sharing subsidies and other programs designed to minimize insurer risk. But Medicaid can also play an important role in stabilizing the exchanges. Medicaid managed care could serve as a public insurance safety net in markets lacking adequate private competition. Such a policy might require Medicaid plans to participate in the exchange whenever there would otherwise be fewer than two participating plans.

Medicare for all?

What about Medicare (and the single-payer argument)? Bernie Sanders and the liberal wing of the Democratic Party sense an opening for Medicare-for-all  or at least for lowering the Medicare eligibility age to 55, allowing those between 55 and 65 to buy into existing Medicare, or creating a so-called "public option" (a new, publicly administered plan that would build off and resemble Medicare). Why not coalesce around this increasingly popular approach? For starters, Medicaid has more generous coverage than Medicare. Most Medicare beneficiaries find themselves having to purchase supplemental private coverage to compensate for the program's high cost-sharing burdens (deductibles, copays, and premiums). This is why proposals to build off Medicare generally assume significant additions to the program's benefits, additions that would require federal legislation. At the same time, Medicaid costs less than its public sector peer, mainly because it pays lower rates to providers, both because of its welfare-based roots and because organized medicine (namely the American Medical Association) has more influence in the Medicare rate-setting process. There also already is a Medicaid buy-in model: More than 40 states successfully allow the disabled to buy into the program.

The pragmatic political argument for Medicaid

Perhaps the best case for building off Medicaid (as opposed to Medicare) is that that path has a better chance of succeeding politically. This argument is admittedly counterintuitive. After all, providers do complain about low reimbursements, and the stigma of the program's roots as a welfare program  and its role as a conservative boogeyman  persist. Politicians on both sides of the aisle express more rhetorical support for Medicare. The key to making a pragmatic political case for Medicaid starts by recognizing that neitherMedicare nor Medicaid is going to replace the nation's system of employer-sponsored coverage. There is insufficient political appetite for such a sweeping overhaul, whichever federal program is involved. Nor is there cross-national evidence that eliminating private insurance altogether is a worthy goal: Other nations with universal insurance almost always rely on a mix of public and private coverage. The question then is: Which program is a better fit for an incremental expansion strategy? The clear answer is Medicaid. For more than 30 years, Medicaid has incrementally increased its eligibility criteria while Medicare covers the same group of the elderly and the disabled that it did decades ago. Medicaid also has the political advantage of dividing its cost among federal, state, and local governments, whereas Medicare is funded entirely by the federal government (and beneficiaries). Perhaps most crucially, individual states are already free to adopt a Medicaid buy-in approach, so long as they get federal permission to do so. And several state legislatures are considering exploring the Medicaid buy-in strategy. There is no need to wait for a Democratic takeover of the presidency and Congress  both of which are necessary ingredients of a federal Medicare expansion. In June, the Nevada legislature passed legislation introduced by Assembly member Mike Sprinkle that would have allowed state residents to use ACA tax credits (or other funds) to buy into Medicaid. As mentioned, Gov. Sandoval did ultimately veto the bill, citing the current uncertainty in the ACA insurance markets, but also noted that his veto "does not end the conversation about potential coverage gaps or possible solutions, including Medicaid-like solutions." Let's continue that conversation and see how state-level experimentation plays out. Let's have the states grapple with the inevitable implementation issues, such as setting premiums, developing an outreach strategy for hard-to-reach populations, and ensuring adequate provider participation.

The way forward
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has called on President Donald Trump to engage in a "personal conversation" just days after being hit with new sanctions by the U.S.

The U.S. Treasury Department brandished the socialist leader a "dictator" last week and issued a string of new sanctions against him and a number of Venezuelan officials after the government staged what many observers said was a fraudulent vote to create an all-powerful legislative body.

However, Maduro, himself a tough critic of Trump, reached out to Trump Thursday during his first address to the new constituent assembly, and asked to meet with the president next month, when they are both due to attend that UN General Assembly in New York.

"If he (Trump) is so interested in Venezuela, here I am," he said in his three-hour address to the 545 member assembly.

"Mr Donald Trump, here is my hand."

The legislative body was voted into power in an election at the end of July and allows the government to rewrite legislation, though critics argue the result was illegitimate and an attempt by Maduro to cling onto power.

The vote has also prompted a number of corporations to take action against the country. On Thursday, Credit Suisse barred transactions involving certain Venezuelan bonds and business with Venezuela's government and related agencies has to undergo reputation risk reviews. This comes after Goldman Sachs faced scrutiny for buying $2.8 billion in bonds issues by state oil company PDVSA.

"In light of the political climate and recent events in Venezuela ... we want to ensure that Credit Suisse does not provide the means for anyone to violate the human rights of the Venezuelan people," Reuters said, citing a Credit Suisse memo.

The U.S., which relies on Venezuela for oil imports, is yet to place sanctions on the oil industry. Venezuela has the world's largest oil reserves but its economy has been badly hurt by a fall in oil prices over recent years.

Maduro, during the same speech Thursday, also hit out at "imperialists", who he accused of undermining his leadership, saying "we will never cede to foreign powers."

He added that Venezuela would challenge the sanctions in a U.S. court.

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If you receive notice that you're being re-enrolled in your 401(k) plan, rest assured it's probably a good thing. A growing number of companies is using a so-called re-enrollment feature, which basically involves telling participants that their retirement savings are being moved into a default investment option unless they choose other funds in the plan's lineup, or reaffirm a previous choice. related investing news These mutual funds are planning to hit investors with capital gains distributions. How to decide the right move for you Recent survey data from investment consultancy Callan Associates of San Francisco show that 22.4 percent of 401(k) plans have now gone through the process, compared with 8 percent in 2012. The reasons for doing it vary. Yet the end result is typically the same: Workers' assets end up in a better-allocated investment portfolio.

Jamie Grill | Getty Images

"I'm supportive of this," said certified financial planner Hans "John" Scheil, CEO and owner of Cardinal Retirement Planning in Cary, North Carolina. "The reality is that most people don't have their 401(k)s properly allocated. And most don't ever reassess where they stand." Most companies (62.1 percent) in the Callan study have done a re-enrollment when the fund lineup changes. Some companies (27.6 percent) also might use the process to address user errors every few years or so. That is, the advisor to the fund might discover that participants' portfolios are full of poor investment choices. In that case, the process will result in those workers having a better-allocated default option or, at the very least, prod them to evaluate their previous choices. In simple terms, the way your portfolio is allocated should be a reflection of your risk tolerance (how well you stomach market volatility) and your risk horizon (how long until you plan to use the money). Although a retirement saver initially might consider those factors and arrive at, say, a mix of 90 percent stocks and 10 percent bonds and cash, over time that allocation can get out of whack if one category begins taking over more of your portfolio than intended. Even within those two broad asset classes, as not all investments necessarily move in lockstep, your portfolio's makeup can eventually no longer resemble your original strategy. In addition, as time passes, an allocation that worked when you were in your 30s might no longer be appropriate as you near retirement.

watch now

In many 401(k) plans, target-date funds are now the default option. This means that when employees enroll or re-enroll in the plan and don't actively pick investments, their money will end up in those funds. Sometimes considered a set-it-and-forget-it investment, target-date funds automatically shift their assets to more conservative investments as you approach the planned year of retirement. In other words, your allocation is determined for you. "I'm not a huge fan of target-date funds because they treat everyone the same," said CFP Mike Keeler, CEO of Peak Financial Solutions in Las Vegas. "But it's better than nothing, and it's a simple way to get employees invested." The Callan study shows that 88.2 percent of plans use a target-date fund as their default investment. Part of the reason is that federal law offers some relief  a "safe harbor"  when plan sponsors use them as the default option. While not absolving companies of their obligation to work in the best interest of participants as overseers of their accounts, it does offer some legal protection.
When 24-year-old Google software engineer Amelia Brunner read the now viral anti-diversity memo by James Damore, she was "painfully unsurprised." Titled "Google's Ideological Echo Chamber," the document asserts that there are "differences in distributions of traits between men and women," which "may in part explain why we don't have 50 percent representation of women in tech and leadership." Many people in the industry "don't themselves see the ways that unconscious bias affects minorities in the workplace," Brunner, who has been at the company for two years, tells CNBC Make It. "They don't think it happens and then they interpret the concerns raised by affected parties as manipulative cries for attention." On her team at Google, Brunner says that none of her direct bosses are women and there has been little said among her coworkers concerning the memo. The reason: They aren't phased by it, she says. "It sucks because I hate to say that it's standard," she says, "but it is standard." Although Brunner admits that she was not shocked by the contents of the memo, one thing did catch her by surprise: the public outcry. "Despite the fact that women in tech speak out loudly and often on these topics," says Brunner, "people both in and outside of the industry still don't listen, or still write these concerns off as attention-seeking or melodramatic." "I hope it provides a concrete example of the type of attitudes that women in tech have to interact with on a daily basis to legitimize what we have been saying for years," she says.

Getty Images | Justin Sullivan

Brunner explains that male engineers often ignore the female engineers' competency and assume they were "diversity hires," or employed to boost the percentage of women at the company. Google responded to the memo, which was first circulated internally, shortly after it was published. Once the document became public, the company fired the engineer who wrote it and sent a company-wide email, which CEO Sundar Pichai posted on Google's blog. In the post, Pichai writes: "To suggest a group of our colleagues have traits that make them less biologically suited to that work is offensive and not OK." The company was scheduled to hold an all-hands meeting for employees on Thursday to discuss the memo. It was canceled, however, over concerns for employees' safety after some were threatened online. Brunner applauds Google's efforts to create a diverse workplace and says that Google has held town halls in the past to discuss these issues. However, she notes there's a stark difference between diversity and inclusion.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai Getty Images

"You can have diversity in terms of numbers," says Brunner, "but that's different from inclusion and how well you're incorporating minorities into the company." "A company that's really inclusive and that really values diversity will not block minorities from moving up," she says. In her time in the tech industry, she says one thing has been obvious: the lack of women in leadership roles. Tech companies have been slow to hire women and minorities for senior-level positions. In fact, women hold just 14.1 percent of executive positions at Silicon Valley companies, according to a report from the law firm Fenwick & West. Google's most recent annual diversity report illustrates that about a third of the staff is Asian and only 2 percent are African-American. Women comprise 31 percent of total employees and hold just 20 percent of tech positions and 25 percent of leadership roles. Despite these glaring figures, Brunner says many companies simply don't care. "Even when statistics are released that definitively show that there is a diversity issue, especially in leadership roles, they blame anything and everything but themselves or the culture that they foster," she says. "So when I read this memo, I thought, 'typical.'" The lack of female leaders in the tech industry pushed her to become involved with mentorship programs for younger women entering tech. "I want to give to others what I feel that I never had," says Brunner. "I look back and think about how much drastically easier navigating the industry would have been if I had."

Moderator Laura Sydell, from NPR; Sara Clemens, COO at Pandora; Emily White, former COO at Snapchat; and Minnie Ingersoll, co-founder of Shift, speak on a panel for women in tech in San Francisco on Tuesday night. Lauren Thomas | CNBC

At Columbia, where she majored in computer science, Brunner noticed that women stopped pursuing courses in the field as the classes became more advanced. She served as a teaching assistant for two higher-level courses so that her peers would see a woman in a leadership role. The software engineer fell in love with the tech world after taking a Java class on a whim. Within a few weeks of taking the class, "it just clicked" for her. "I had never engaged with a subject that made so much intuitive sense to me," says Brunner. "It was compelling, fun, exciting, and I couldn't get enough of it." She snagged a coveted internship at Time Warner and then at Apple while still in undergrad, before eventually scoring her job at Google.

We need to reflect and critically look at our beliefs in facing these micro-aggressions. Amelia Brunner Google software engineer
Google CEO Sundar Pichai takes the stage during the presentation of new Google hardware in San Francisco, California, U.S. October 4, 2016.

The Google engineer fired for writing a controversial memo about diversity has gone beyond referring to the company as an "echo chamber" that won't stand for dissent and now says it's "almost like a cult."

In an opinion piece for the Wall Street Journal, James Damore gave his explanation for why he was fired, taking a shot at the company's culture and its famous motto.

"For many, including myself," he wrote, "working at Google is a major part of their identity, almost like a cult with its own leaders and saints, all believed to righteously uphold the sacred motto of 'Don't be evil.'"

Damore was fired at the start of this week after 3 1/2 years as an engineer for a post he wrote, laying out his view that men are biologically more well-suited than women for many tech jobs.

He's not apologizing.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday the risks of a military conflict over North Korea's nuclear program are very high, and Moscow is deeply worried by the mutual threats being traded by Washington and Pyongyang.

"Unfortunately, the rhetoric in Washington and Pyongyang is now starting to go over the top," Lavrov said. "We still hope and believe that common sense will prevail."

Asked at a forum for Russian students about the risks of the stand-off escalating into armed conflict, he said: "The risks are very high, especially taking into account the rhetoric."

"Direct threats of using force are heard... The talk (in Washington) is that there must be a preventive strike made on North Korea, while Pyongyang is threatening to carry out a missile strike on the U.S. base in Guam. These (threats) continue non-stop, and they worry us a lot."

"I won't get into guessing what happens 'if'. We will do whatever we can to prevent this 'if'."

"My personal opinion is that when you get close to the point of a fight breaking out, the side that is stronger and cleverer should take the first step away from the threshold of danger," said Lavrov, in remarks broadcast on state television.

He encouraged Pyongyang and Washington to sign up to a joint Russian-Chinese plan, under which North Korea would freeze its missile tests and the United States and South Korea would impose a moratorium on large-scale military exercises.

"If this double freezing finally takes place, then we can sit down and start from the very beginning - to sign a paper which will stress respect for the sovereignty of all those parties involved, including North Korea," Lavrov said.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a new threat to North Korea on Friday, saying American weapons were "locked and loaded" as Pyongyang accused him of driving the Korean Peninsula to the brink of nuclear war.

A pity US casts doubt on Iran nuclear deal

Separately, Lavrov also said it is a pity that the Trump administration was casting doubt on the 2015 deal to curtail Iran's nuclear weapons program.

"Unfortunately now our American partners call this ...(treaty) into question," Lavrov told a meeting with students broadcast live by state television.

"In the Trump administration they continue calling these agreements wrong and erroneous, and it's a pity that such a successful treaty is now somewhat being cast into doubt," he said.

Trump said on Thursday said he did not believe that Iran was living up to the spirit of the deal.

 CNBC contributed to this report.
Jobs being threatened, or at least dramatically altered, by automation is a hot topic  and airline pilots are no exception to the trend.

One vision of the future role of pilots, put forward on CNBC's Squawk Box Thursday by UBS analyst Jarrod Castle, was that: "We'll go from two pilots down to one with a ground control handler" who could be monitoring up to 10-20 planes.

"Who better to actually operate the controls but an ex-pilot?" said Castle, one of the analysts behind a recent report by the bank on pilotless planes. He also suggested that today's pilots could also ultimately move into aerospace or avionics instead.

Castle pointed out that the number of pilots in the cockpit of a plane used to be three in the 1980s, though this number has since reduced to two.

"70 percent of accidents are due to human error, not machine error," he added. Castle also said that pilots only actively fly planes for five to 10 percent of the time, and are "monitoring the systems" otherwise.

Castle did preface his assertions by saying that, "At the moment, there's a very big demand for pilots actually given the global fleet delivery schedules." He added that in the coming two decades, the airline industry would likely demand up to half a million pilots. "There will always be a role for those kinds of individuals," he said.

The U.K.'s Civil Aviation Authority confirmed to CNBC via telephone that there were no planned changes regarding the number of pilots required for passenger planes.
Top Republican senators rallied behind Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell following a series of jabs he took from President Donald Trump.

Trump has slammed the Kentucky Republican multiple times this week for what Trump calls his failure to follow through on the GOP agenda. On Thursday, he told reporters "you can ask me" if McConnell should step down from leadership if he does not pass bills to repeal and replace Obamacare, reform the tax system, and overhaul U.S. infrastructure.

Several of McConnell's GOP colleagues threw their support behind him following Trump's attacks.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Tex., the second-ranking Senate Republican, on Friday said "no one is more qualified" to head the Senate in the "team effort" to pass Trump's agenda.

Passing POTUS's legislative agenda requires a team effort. No one is more qualified than Mitch McConnell to lead Senate in that effort.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, the longest-serving Republican currently in the Senate, on Thursday said he "fully" supports McConnell. Hatch called the Kentucky Republican "the best leader we've had in my time in the Senate."

Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Bob Corker, R-Tenn., Thom Tillis, R-N.C., Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and Dean Heller, R-Nev., among others, also shared messages supporting McConnell.

The comments show GOP senators have little appetite, at this point, to push McConnell out of his role.

Trump's jabs likely will not help relations between the president and Republican senators when lawmakers return from recess. The Senate GOP has increasingly shrugged off suggestions from Trump as he faces low approval ratings and struggles to enact his agenda. For example, the president has urged senators to keep trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act, but that has fallen on mostly deaf ears.

Trump started throwing verbal taunts at McConnell after the senator said Trump had "excessive expectations" about how quickly legislation can pass. McConnell on Tuesday partly blamed deadlines set by Trump and others for the perception that Republicans have failed to follow through on their campaign promises.
The size of the bomb North Korea appears to have developed is thought to be roughly the size of the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which would make it somewhere around 15 or 20 kilotons, Redlener said.

"The fact sheet looks pretty good. I think we need more of that sort of thing in the U.S. generally," said Irwin Redlener, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University's Earth Institute and a professor at the university's Mailman School of Public Health.

While the idea of a nuclear attack is unthinkably frightening, the Guamanian government's preparations highlight the fact it is possible to survive some of them, if people take the right steps.

It recommends doing things such as making lists of nearby concrete buildings that could serve as shelters, taking cover if outside during an attack, and removing clothing that might have radiation on it.

The government of the U.S. territory issued a two-page fact sheet on Friday , after North Korea vowed to launch an "enveloping strike" in the waters around the Pacific island.

In contrast, it would be nearly impossible to survive the detonation of the massive multi-megaton bombs developed during the Cold War, he said.

"This is very, very different from the Cold War scenario, which was hundreds of thousands of times more powerful and frightening," he said. "It is an immeasurable fraction of what we faced during the Cuban Missile Crisis."

To give an idea of the damage a 10-kiloton bomb could cause, consider that if it were detonated in downtown New York, it would kill roughly 75,000 people immediately, with hundreds of thousands more injured by either the blast or the resulting radiation.

Anyone within a half-mile of the explosion would have only a 10 percent chance of survival  bodies very close to the explosion would be vaporized, Redlener said. Nuclear detonation can generate temperatures in tens of millions of degrees.

People outside of that but within a 2-mile radius would have a 50 percent chance of being killed instantly, and people up to 8 miles away would stand a 10 to 20 percent chance of being killed instantly.

Of course, Redlener told CNBC, these estimates can vary depending on factors such as the number of buildings in the area, whether the bomb detonates in the air or on the ground, and the weather.

"There would be an unprecedented amount of death and destruction, there is no question of that," he said. "The deaths of 75,000 people is unthinkable, but in this case there are things we can do to minimize harm."

The best thing to do if caught in a nuclear attack is to stay inside, preferably in a building made of brick or concrete.

If you are outside, and you survive the initial blast, you have 10 to 20 minutes to get to a shelter as far away from the blast as possible. That's roughly the amount of time it takes for the radioactive material from the mushroom cloud to begin falling back to the ground and spreading. It should be a place you can stay in for a 24- to 48-hour period until authorities can give instructions.

The mere contemplation of a nuclear attack is horrifying, but it may be a good time to have a needed conversation many public officials are normally reluctant to have, out of concern over stoking public fears.

"In some ways this is an opportunity to talk to people around the country about what they should do in the unlikely event that something did happen," he said.
Credit Suisse shared with its clients the firm's best online travel and e-commerce stock picks. "Following 2Q17 results, we are updating our top picks," wrote Credit Suisse analyst Paul Bieber. Second-quarter earnings flooded Wall Street over the past few weeks, prompting analysts to adjust stock price targets and company ratings. Bieber included several major travel websites and e-commerce giants in his Thursday report to clients. Each pick includes his 12-month price target and a list of risks to the stock. Here are three companies that made Credit Suisse's recommended list and their price targets. 1) Expedia ( EXPE ) Bieber set a 12-month price target of $175 on the online travel company, representing 22 percent upside from Thursday's close. "2Q results validated the room night growth acceleration thesis, and we anticipate the Street to now focus on the potential for a guidance increase in 3Q and the HomeAway EBITDA opportunity in 2018." But Bieber also noted some risks to his price target. "Risks to out Outperform rating and $175 price target include: 1) increased competition  particularly from Priceline, TripAdvisor, Google, Airbnb, and hotel chains; 2) Online marketing deleverage due to higher customer acquisition costs; 3) Increased pressure on take rates." 2) eBay ( EBAY ) The Credit Suisse analyst has a 12-month price target of $44 on the giant e-commerce company, representing 26 percent upside from Thursday's close. "eBay expects 2017 to be slightly above the high end of the guidance range assuming current FX rates. We continue to believe 2H acceleration driven by structured data initiatives and marketing should drive multiple expansions." But eBay isn't without its own risks, including: "eCommerce share losses to Amazon and other vertical sites such as Wayfair; Turnaround fatigue; Google algorithm changes; and Emergence of new classified and eCommerce platforms." 3) InterActive Corporation ( IAC ) Bieber's 122-month price target on InterActive is $129, representing 28 percent upside from Thursday's close. IAC is an internet and media company and the parent of 16 key brands, including Ask.com, Dotdash, HomeAdvisor, Vimeo, and Match, the online dating giant that owns dating app Tinder. "2Q results were strong across the portfolio with Match delivering better than expected Tinder paid member counts, HomeAdvisor demonstrating domestic revenue growth acceleration, Applications reporting EBITDA upside and Publishing exhibiting revenue growth in its Premium Brand business." But like the others, Bieber also noted some risks to his price target and Outperform rating including, "Match investment concerns including potential Tinder cannibalization of Match subscribers, potential for new apps to emerge resulting in lower Tinder engagement, Tinder dependence on Facebook for key functionality and declining consolidated average revenue per user."

Visitors browse at the display of Expedia during the International Tourism Trade Fair in Berlin. Fabrizio Bensch | Retuers
The relationship between the U.S. and North Korea has deteriorated significantly over the last few days. North Korea's missile threat has grown significantly in 2017 with 18 missiles fired since February. The last one was on July 4 - an intercontinental ballistic missile, which the country claims can reach "anywhere in the world". Global investors have dumped stocks and searched for safety as a result of the darkening ties. CNBC takes a look at the sequencing of the most recent events.

Saturday - August 5

South Korean protesters attend an anti-North Korea rally Chung Sung-Jun | Getty Images

United Nations approves further sanctions on North Korea for its missile program with China's support. Speaking at the meeting, Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, said: "We should not fool ourselves into thinking we have solved the problemNot even close. The North Korean threat has not left us. It is rapidly growing more dangerous."

Sunday - August 6

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reacts with scientists and technicians of the DPRK Academy of Defence Science after the test-launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-14 in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang July, 5, 2017. KCNA | Reuters

North Korea's foreign ministry rejected the decision of the United Nations, taken on Saturday, to impose further sanctions on Pyongyang. The Asian country added that it would continue developing its nuclear weapon program without a delay. "It is a fatal miscalculation if the countries (in the United Nations) would even think that they can delay or hold in check the eye-opening development of the (North's) nuclear forces even for a moment," a spokesman for North Korea said, Reuters reported.

Tuesday - August 8

A B-1B Lancer takes off from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam Joshua Strang | USAF | Getty Images

President Donald Trump vowed to unleash "fire and fury" against North Korea if the latter continued threatening the United States. "They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen," Trump said.

Wednesday - August 9

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects the intermediate-range ballistic missile Pukguksong-2's launch test in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency, May 22, 2017. KCNA | Reuters

North Korea warned on Wednesday that it was considering a strike that would create "an enveloping fire" around Guam, where the U.S. has a military base. It added that President Trump's remarks were a "load of nonsense" However, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said shortly after that he doesn't believe there is "any imminent threat" from North Korea, including on Guam.

Thursday - August 10

President Donald Trump speaks about North Korea during an opioid-related briefing at Trump's golf estate in Bedminster, New Jersey, U.S., August 8, 2017. Jonathan Ernst | Reuters
"While we continue to hear a populist message from the White House and the majority party in Congress, federal officials are taking away programs designed to help ordinary Americans without workplace sponsored retirement plans."

Given the legislative gridlock in Washington, that's not surprising. What is shocking, however, is that GOP politicians are now making it more difficult for working Americans to put money in their retirement piggybanks.

While we continue to hear a populist message from the White House and the majority party in Congress, federal officials are taking away programs designed to help ordinary Americans without workplace sponsored retirement plans, thanks to effective lobbying from the financial services industry.

The first case in point is from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The agency announced on July 28th that it would "begin to wind down" myRA, a program launched in late 2015 to encourage savings among the millions of middle-and low-income Americans without a retirement plan at work.

Importantly, myRA was developed in consultation with the financial services industry to avoid competing with their existing products. The financial services industry cannot profitably service small deposits of millions of new, moderate-income savers because administration costs would exceed investment returns. But once a myRA account reaches $15,000, the owner would be required to roll the money into an alternate private account. It was set up as a win-win for Americans and the financial services industry.

But Treasury has decided that the myRA program will be phased out because the agency doesn't view it as cost effective given that demand has been "extremely low" and because "ample private sector solutions exist" that offer "no account maintenance fees, no minimum balance, and safe investment opportunities."

There's just one problem. These are alternative facts from Treasury.

Already, a program in its infancy has a substantial number of accounts and savings socked away  30,000 accounts and $35 million saved according to Treasury officials. Moreover, there are no other comparable savings products available to low-and middle-income Americans. MyRA is the only retirement product available for "small savers" without fees or minimum balance requirements, and that does not penalize savers for withdrawing funds early.

The second case is action taken in May by Congress and signed by President Trump that repealed guidance from the Department of Labor (DOL) for states working to help private sector workers to save if their employer does not offer a retirement plan.

In the absence of federal action, states recently have enacted legislation to help Americans prepare for retirement. These new retirement programs are modeled along the lines of the successful college savings 529 plans, which have helped over 12 million American families save over $258 billion for higher education expenses. Like the 529 plans, states would provide oversight for these retirement accounts, and financial services firms would manage the money.

The DOL guidance offered states a roadmap to help navigate the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The Republican-controlled Congress repealed the rule with a simple majority vote under the Congressional Review Act, a tactic rarely used in the past that was deployed 14 times this year to roll back Obama Administration rules.

Seven states  California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Vermont and Oregon  have legislative approval to offer employees these new retirement accounts that are less costly, not burdensome for employers, and provide automatic payroll deductions. Automatic savings is a feature that substantially increases the likelihood that workers will save. Additionally, 24 states and cities have introduced similar legislation. Importantly, the plans target small businesses, which typically struggle to provide retirement benefits to their employees.

Some states have indicated they will proceed, but others are unsure. Oregon's plan is up and running, while California and Illinois are charging forward despite the fog created by the DOL guidance repeal. It remains to be seen if the guidance rollback will curb progress in other states.

It is alarming that Congress would squash state efforts to help working Americans. What's more, these state programs have strong bipartisan support. According to our research, 72 percent of Republicans and 83 percent of Democrats support the state retirement plans. It's widely known that the opposition comes from the financial services industry that would rather keep the higher fees should these individual savers accumulate enough money to meet account minimums.

So there you have it. Treasury pulled myRA off the table and Congress put up a roadblock for states. At a time when we need new ways expand retirement plans for middle and low income Americans struggling to save, leaders in Washington are stripping options away and taking steps that could turn the American Dream of retirement into a nightmare.

Commentary by Diane Oakley, the executive director of the National Institute on Retirement Security. Previously, she worked on Capitol Hill on retirement and tax policy issues and at the financial services firm TIAA.

For the latest commentary on markets in the U.S. and around the world, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.


You are not funny. I don't mean "you" in the generic sense, but literally you personally, because you're a businessperson. I, however, am funny. In fact, I'm so funny, I get paid for it. Not as well as you do for your businessing, but really well considering what I do is way less boring. I literally don't know how to use Excel, or even if people still use Excel, or if I'm misspelling Excel. Statistically  which is the only way you people understand anything  it is highly probable that you used to have a sense of humor. Or even that you have a pretty good one when you're not doing businessy things. Recent Gallup data reveals that people laugh significantly more on weekends than on weekdays. Further, this data suggests that as people get older, they stop smiling and laughing as frequently. This and other emerging research collected by Stanford Graduate School of Business professor Jennifer Aaker and lecturer Naomi Bagdonas, who co-teach a course on the subject, suggests that people fall off a "humor cliff"  both in laugh frequency and self-perceptions of funniness  around the time they enter the workforce. More from Stanford Graduate School of Business:

Sheryl Sandberg: Develop your voice, not your brand

Sean Hinton: Consider the nonlinear career path

Act like the leader you want to be This is a trend that Aaker and Bagdonas would like to see reversed, since humor is an effective and underleveraged tool for power, offering a competitive advantage against peers, higher retention rates of employees, innovative solutions and teams that are more resilient to stress.

As a businessperson who doesn't have much time for reading because you have to go back to your businessing, you are probably wondering: Are there any contrived metaphors I can remember as a takeaway for how I can utilize humor in the workplace? Why, yes, there are: bridges and ladders. Bridges are tools to build bonds, increase trust, and strengthen cultures. That is not what bridges in real life do, so a better metaphor might be "magnets" or "food," but we figured you businesspeople mostly skim and don't think too deeply about words. The reason humor works as a bridge (just go with it) is that laughter sparks the release of oxytocin, a hormone that facilitates social bonding, increases trust, and quickens self-disclosure. This is key in a workplace since all the other ways to release oxytocin are no longer permitted by Human Resources. In a 2015 study, psychologists Alan Gray, Brian Parkinson and Robin Dunbar had participants watch either a funny or neutral video clip before engaging in a self-disclosure exercise with a stranger: People who watched the funny clip revealed 30 percent more personal information relative to those who watched the neutral clip. When it comes to non-strangers, shared moments of laughter help facilitate closeness down the line. A 2007 study by social psychologist Doris Bazzini and her colleagues found that couples who recalled moments when they laughed together were more satisfied in their relationships than those who recalled positive memories that weren't funny. But how can you, a businessperson who non-ironically uses terms such as "leverage best practices" and "exploit core competencies," move the needle on your humor skill set? First, get good at self-deprecating, which is the opposite of everything you've ever done. Self-deprecation humanizes leaders, creates connections with employees and makes people think the self-deprecator is even more powerful than she is: After all, if she can afford to mock herself, she must be confident in her abilities. It also signals to employees that they are allowed to be funny. Self-deprecation, however, can hurt your credibility if you're in a position of lower status in the organization.

Leslie Knope of NBC's 'Parks and Recreation' is, by most standards, a great boss. NBCUniversal Media

If you are in a position of higher status or early in your relationship, it's best to avoid jokes that are aggressive (roasts, teasing, mocking); it is worth noting that Don Rickles never held an office job. Instead, use humor to highlight shared viewpoints or common enemies. And don't ever punch down by making an employee the butt of your joke. Instead, punch yourself. During a visit to Aaker and Bagdonas's class, Hiroki Asai, former head of marketing communications at Apple, told the story of how he challenged himself to make all 1,000 employees laugh during every all-hands meeting. Once, he purposely showed up late to a meeting and then had a colleague play footage of him asking the beloved cleaning woman for advice on how to run the company. At the end of the video, she slapped him in the face and told him to get a grip; she became the hero of the group and Asai's foil in many videos to come. So how can you keep a pulse on what's funny? "The best meritocratic part of comedy is that people either laugh or they don't," said Seth Meyers, host of Late Night with Seth Meyers and former head writer at Saturday Night Live, when speaking with the class. While this is the case in the comedy world, it isn't always the case in business; especially as you get more senior in an organization, lower status employees may laugh out of social deference, rather than genuine appreciation for your sense of humor. That's why Meyers advised the students to "get good at knowing the difference between your real laugh and polite laugh. Once you recognize it in yourself, you can identify it in other people." If you're not funny  which, to be clear, you are not  have no fear. All you need to do is figure out who in your organization is funny and encourage them. Call them "humor ambassadors," in order to ruin the experience for everyone. Empower them to take on rogue humor missions and help you create more bonded and resilient teams in the process. Ladders are not the opposite of bridges, or one of the first things you think of when you think of bridges, but, again, go with it. Unlike bridges, ladders are ways to use humor to increase your status, or decrease someone else's. Studies conducted in 2016 by Brad Bitterly, Alison Wood Brooks, and Maurice Schweitzer showed that if you are able to land a joke in a professional setting, your colleagues are more likely to view you as competent and attribute higher status to you.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, center, talks with Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg, right, as Lu Wei, left, China's Internet czar, looks on during a gathering of CEOs and other executives at Microsoft's main campus in Redmond, Wash.

Facebook and many of its apps have been blocked in China for years. To change that, Mark Zuckerberg has made a big point of meeting with Chinese politicians, reading stodgy Communist Party propaganda, studying Mandarin and  perhaps more daunting  speaking it in public.

Now the social network is trying a different way into China: by authorizing the release of a new app there that does not carry the Facebook name.

Facebook approved the May debut of a photo-sharing app, called Colorful Balloons, in China, according to a person with knowledge of the company's plans, who declined to be named because the information is politically sensitive. The app, which has not previously been reported, shares the look, function and feel of Facebook's Moments app. It was released through a separate local company and without any hint that the social network is affiliated with it.

Read more from The New York Times:

China Disrupts WhatsApp Service in Online Clampdown

Chinese Tech Firms Forced to Choose Market: Home or Everywhere Else

Facebook Said to Create Censorship Tool to Get Back Into China

The stealthy and anonymous release of an app by a major foreign technology company in China is unprecedented. It shows the desperation  and frustration  of global tech companies as they try to break into the world's largest online market. It also underscores the lengths they are willing to go, and their increasing acceptance of the idea that standards for operating in China are different from elsewhere.

China's internet censorship has left big players like Facebook and Google on the sidelines of a major boom there. The country boasts an audience of more than 700 million internet users who buy $750 billion of stuff online a year, but they are served by local tech companies that have developed their own way of doing business that can seem exotic to Silicon Valley.

Facebook hopes it can learn and potentially assimilate those ways. Yet the social network was banned in China in 2009, followed by its photo-sharing app Instagram in 2014, and its messaging app WhatsApp was partially blocked last month. While the company has more than two billion users around the world, Mr. Zuckerberg, Facebook's founder and chief executive, has often asked where its next billion users will come from.

Now Colorful Balloons gives the Silicon Valley company a way to see how Chinese users digitally share information with their friends or interact with their favorite social media platforms.

"We have long said that we are interested in China, and are spending time understanding and learning more about the country in different ways," Facebook said in a statement.
"I'm not out here to necessarily beat up Amazon as much as deal with this whole area of monopolies and megalomaniacs," Patterson said in a "Squawk Box" interview. "This is a strange era  [of] techy billionaires who are kind of running the world now."

Prolific best-selling author James Patterson told CNBC on Friday that his new work of fiction about an out-of-control big e-commerce retailer is not really about Amazon or its billionaire founder Jeff Bezos .

In describing his new book "The Store" as scary and "very Stepford Wives" in an over-the-top way, Patterson was not entirely uncomfortable with comparisons to the power of real-life online giants. "Amazon certainly fits," he argued.

The author of more than 150 books with sales of more than 350 million copies, Patterson also expressed his displeasure with Amazon's dominance in publishing.

"They take over books which I don't like that much. They take over supermarkets. The next is going to be the news. They got The Washington Post. The next thing it will be the Amazon 'Squawk Box,'" he offered, speaking in hyperbole.

Patterson did acknowledge that Bezos himself, not Amazon the company, owns The Washington Post. But he argued, "Jeff Bezos is Amazon," so they should not be viewed as separate.

Even as he criticized Amazon, Patterson was realistic about his dependence on the e-commerce giant. He said "The Store" comes out this coming Monday, but readers can preorder it now. "On Amazon, sure," and other online and physical book stores, he added.

Amazon was not immediately available to respond to CNBC's request for comment on Patterson's views.
Jay Leno takes extreme pride in meeting American servicemen and women. Since his early Tonight Show days, Jay has teamed up with organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project to give back to those who've sacrificed so much for their country -- and he continues to do so to this day.

"Each and every handshake puts a smile on my face," he says.

So when Jay first heard of Army veteran Craig Andrade's story, he wanted to do something special to thank him for his service and sacrifice -- both professional and personal. Andrade, who was on tour in Iraq in February 2005, lost both his legs when his foot patrol was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). The explosion cost him a friend and left him as a double amputee.

For a time after returning home, Andrade battled depression and shunned efforts at rehabilitation. But he credits his wife for pushing him out of his slump. "Thankfully, my wife was strong for both of us and she pushed me to do what I had to do. She's the best thing to ever happen," he says.

To surprise Andrade, Jay met him and his family at Bob Hope airport in Los Angeles under the ruse of touring Jay's garage. But Andrade's real surprise was waiting inside: a customized, wheelchair-accessible 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan donated by Jay, Chrysler and Wounded Warrior Project.

Outfitted by BraunAbility, a company that specializes in handicap-accessible vehicles, the Pacifica boasts special customizations to make it handicap-friendly, including a large interior space, as well as a side ramp and removable front seats.

The gift, understandably, moved Andrade's wife to tears as she explained how she previously had to borrow a friend's car just to transport the whole family.

Jay, seizing on the emotional moment, once again underscored the importance of Andrade's service and sacrifice to his family. "You know your dad is a real American hero," he says while handing over the keys. "This is for him.  We can't thank you enough."
One of the projects, 99DOTS, has looked at low-cost ways to ensure tuberculosis patients regularly take their medication

From hacking agriculture to developing inexpensive tools for tuberculosis patients, Microsoft researchers in India are trying to solve myriad social problems in the subcontinent. India is a research and development hot-bed for large tech companies like Microsoft for several reasons: It has an increasingly middle-class young population and it has significant challenges present in society that can be solved using advanced technology.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella delivers his keynotes at the companys flagship technology and business conference -- Future Decoded 2017 in Mumbai, India. Satish Bate | Hindustan Times | Getty Images

U.S. market research firm Forrester said in a report earlier this year that India's rising levels of education, abundance of technical talent, open and growing economy and rising mobile penetration will also contribute to digital proliferation. The firm predicted that, by 2020, India will have about 690 million internet users. That implies that there's going to always be a market for new tech products or services that address specific issues in society. So, for companies like Microsoft, there is a big potential customer base. In fact, the number of research and development centers being set up by large multinational companies in India is rising, according to a report widely cited by Indian media.

Microsoft takes on social issues

Microsoft Research India investigates machine learning, natural language processing, algorithms, cryptography and data sciences for the tech giant. It also explores creating technology for emerging markets. The organization works extensively with the Indian and international scientific community, academia and other Microsoft Research Labs in places like the U.K., China and the U.S. "One of the things that we're trying to do in an organization like Microsoft Research is to predict and invent the future," Sriram Rajamani, managing director of Microsoft Research India, told CNBC. Rajamani oversees a team of about 55 full-time staff, 30 research fellows who are usually fresh graduates and approximately 100 interns throughout the year. Current projects from the research lab include Melange, which is trying to study multilingual speech that can help to humanize virtual assistants in the future, and make them more accessible to the developing world. Another project  Harnessing AutoMobiles for Safety (HAMS)  uses sensors like a smartphone's front-camera, a phone's GPS and a vehicle's on-board diagnostics scanner to detect and alert if a driver is distracted or sleepy while driving.

The interesting thing to understand is that research is a social process. Most of the research teams (at Microsoft Research India), they have decided to form together on their own. Because I don't tell them to do this together, but they cannot do it alone. Sriram Rajamani managing director, Microsoft Research India

Most of the projects are rolled out in small pilots, sometimes in cooperation with state governments in India. The successful ones then go on to scale up. Sometimes they are also brought to other markets. One of the more prominent programs is 99DOTS, a four-year-old project that makes special envelopes for health-care providers to use for tuberculosis medication. After the patient takes the daily dose of medicine, a unique, toll-free phone number is revealed. With each daily call, the patient's doctors can monitor if they missed a dose in real-time and send reminders and other incentives. Bill Thies and Andrew Cross, who were the two main researchers working on 99DOTS, have formed a separate company called Everwell Health Solutions. There's now a licensing agreement with Microsoft Research and the company is employing people to scale 99DOTS throughout the country, according to Rajamani. He added that, if it works, there are plans to bring the concept abroad. Microsoft also rolled out a skills development initiative in India called Project Sangam. It is a cloud-based platform that integrates with LinkedIn, where users complete online courses for new skills and are then matched with relevant job vacancies. Part of the idea behind Project Sangam came from the Massively Empowered Classrooms project that was experimenting with how technology can improve the quality of higher education in India, according to Rajamani. Another Microsoft team in India, he explained, was also thinking about how to skill and train blue collar labor in the country, and so Project Sangam was created.

Localizing

Having research and development centers in India also allows companies to localize their existing products to fit the target demographic. For tech companies, those are people who are newly acquainted with technology and are connecting to the internet for the first time. Analysts have argued that localization of products and services in emerging markets like India is key to success for multinationals. Ashutosh Sharma, a research director and vice president at Forrester, told CNBC that, when it comes to the Indian market, there are some similarities to the West on the surface: an English-speaking, younger demographic with growing disposable income. But beyond that, it's a lot more complicated. "When you scratch the surface, there's a lot of issues with respect to the digital population in India," he said. "First of all, the awareness level beyond using their mobile phones for (social media) is non-existent." Sharma also pointed out that language is an issue in a country with more than a dozen main languages and hundreds of dialects. In fact, beyond the major cities, few people interact in English. Moreover, the disposable income in India's smaller cities and rural areas is low. "So people are very careful about the way they spend money. There's not that much money to go around with respect to the income level," said Sharma. But the Indian government has expressed well-documented interest in promoting digital literacy and technological advancements throughout the country. On a national level, that includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Digital India" campaign to improve online infrastructure and services, the rolling out of a national identification system, and the newly passed goods and services legislation that requires businesses to file their tax returns online.
The road to Meagan Walsh's dream house wound through the room she grew up in. Like many millennials, Walsh graduated from college without a job and burdened by student debt. But the 25-year-old's fortunes took a positive turn when she moved back in with her parents in Bethlehem, Pa., and found work. "Originally, it was their idea, and I kind of rolled with it," she says, later admitting she "didn't have another option." Walsh parlayed her two-year stay with her parents into a home of her own. With no rent to pay and minimal expenses like car insurance and cell phone bills, she began saving most of the money she made, initially at her first gig at a social media startup and then at her current job as a leasing agent for a property management company. More from USA Today:

Four potential Dow killers to watch in August

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"I was banking 75% to 80% of my paycheck," she says, even after paying $250 each month for student loans amassed at the University of Delaware. She was able to save a 20% down payment of $28,000 to buy a four-bedroom, cape cod-style home in July 2016 for $140,000. "It's cute," says Walsh, who also had enough cash to restore the hardwood floors and "splurge" on a quartz kitchen countertop. Walsh's personal finance success story shows that while returning home to mom and dad might not be "Plan A" for most young Americans  and can sometimes be perceived negatively and as a short-term setback  it can also be an effective way for cash-strapped Millennials to boost savings quickly. Not to mention a viable way to speed up the process of buying a house, building equity in that home and living independently. It's also part of a larger trend of Millennials finally starting to get active in the real estate market. After the 2008 financial crisis, many Millennials returned home to live with their parents or shared expenses with roommates. Now, Millennials 36 and younger represent the nation's largest share of home buyers at 34%, according to the National Association of Realtors. Saving a 20% down payment is "a major hurdle for young adults trying to buy their first home," according to a Bank of America Merrill Lynch report. It is even more challenging for Millennials given their high student debt loads. Outstanding student debt has reached $1.3 trillion, according to the New York Federal Reserve.

More than four out of 10 (43%) millennials who have completed college said student debt caused them to "delay buying a home," a TD Ameritrade survey found. And 27% of Millennials between 20-26 said education loans delayed them from "moving out of (their) parents' home." Walsh's boomerang living arrangement after college is not uncommon. Nearly four of 10 (37%) Millennials moved back in with their parents after graduation, according to the TD Ameritrade survey. A boomerang kid is a young adult that goes back to live with a parent after a period of independence. "Does it make financial sense? Absolutely," says Tony Ogorek, chief investment officer at Ogorek Wealth Management in Williamsville, N.Y. "It is very challenging for people starting out. Any strategy they can employ to reduce debt and allow them to save is great." But there's a caveat, he says. In today's "gig" economy, where many people work on short-term contracts and their lifestyles become more "nomadic," it can be risky to invest in a home unless you plan on living there for many years. In Walsh's case, she says buying her own home was a better investment than paying rent, especially since she found renting where she lives more expensive than buying. Tim Manni, 34, a mortgage expert at NerdWallet, took advantage of moving in with his in-laws in the spring of 2015 after his wife sold her condo in Montclair, N.J., where they were living. Manni stayed about six months as the newly married couple shopped for and bought a new three-bedroom home in West Caldwell, N.J., and then did renovations before moving in. During that time the couple was able to save the $1,200 they had been paying each month on the condo's mortgage. "It really worked out for us," says Manni, adding that his gracious in-laws let them stay free of charge, while he and his wife reciprocated by chipping in for groceries and picking up the bill for the occasional dinner out. Returning home is a viable money-saving strategy, assuming there's ample space in the home you're returning to and there's a specified savings goal, Manni says. "It can be a motivator," he says. "No one wants to live at home forever or come back home after being out on your own. But if there is a goal in mind, such as a home you are aiming to buy, it is a whole different ballgame."
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Global markets have finally begun to catch up with the worry that North Korea has aroused in people around the world, but two targets of communist dictatorship remain relatively unfazed.

South Korea, the country closest to Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal, and Guam, the U.S. island that dictator Kim Jong Un enjoys threatening directly, are both monitoring developments closely. But neither is is panicked by the rhetoric out of North Korea.

Guam: 'We feel very confident'

Guam governor Eddie Baza Calvo told CNBC that he's not unnerved, given North Korea's history of menaces. "There is a lot of concern and some worry, but there's no panic," he said on Wednesday. "This is the third or fourth statement made, since 2013, by [North Korean leader] Kim Jong Un in regards to a direct threat on Guam." The North Korean military this week said it's planning a missile strike near the Pacific territory, and even provided a mid-August timeline for completing the plans. Guam, which is located about 2,100 miles southeast of North Korea, is home to 163,000 people, a U.S. Navy submarine squadron, a Coast Guard group and an air base.

Shuttle buses in the city of Tamuning on the island of Guam on August 10, 2017. ROBERT TENORIO / AFP / Getty Images

"Without getting into details, we feel very confident," said Calvo. "We do believe there is a defense umbrella that can protect this island  the American community as well as others."

He pointed to Guam's defense systems as well as THAAD, the U.S. missile defense system being installed in South Korea, as examples. Given Guam's wartime experience  the island was occupied by Japan during World War II  and strategic location in maritime and travel routes, the territory has long braced itself for hostilities, Calvo said. Calvo suggested a North Korean attack on Guam was unlikely, given the U.S. retaliation that would follow. Pyongyang understands the gravity of an attack on American soil and knows such a move would be met with overwhelming force, he explained. "I don't think that would suit the interest of Kim Jong Un, who would like to see the continuation of his regime and his nation," he said.

South Korea: 'Always lived with news like this'

Asia's fourth-largest economy is routinely targeted by North Korean tirades  mockup videos of North Korean missiles blowing up South Korea are commonplace online. But South Korea has long employed a "business as usual" approach to such warnings, given Pyongyang's lack of follow-up.

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The oil market is re-balancing as demand continues to grow but more time is needed before these shifting fundamentals are felt by markets, the latest report from the International Energy Agency said Friday.

Global oil demand is expected to reach 1.5 million barrels per day this year, the agency said, revising up its July forecast from 1.4 million. This momentum is then expected to continue into 2018, when demand is seen growing by a further 1.4 million.

This should go some way in absorbing excess supply, which OPEC oil producers have been at pains to curtail under an agreement signed in January. However, continued output expansion by Libya and Nigeria, the two OPEC members exempt from the efforts, as well as from U.S. drillers, means that the re-balancing will not play out for some time, the IEA suggested.

"Although stocks are beginning to fall, they're falling from a very great height," Neil Atkinson, head of the Oil Industry and Markets Division at the IEA, told CNBC Friday. The report noted that if OECD stocks continued to fall at rates seen in the second quarter of the year, it would still take until the early part of 2018 to return to the five-year average.

This means that more time is needed for the effects to be felt in oil prices.
Corporate leaders are openly questioning what, if anything, the Trump administration will be able to do for business, given a lack of major action on his promises of corporate tax reform, new health-care policies and a tax on goods coming across the border.

CNBC analyzed the latest round of earnings calls and found that while many CEOs remain optimistic of a pro-business administration, a growing number are unsure of Washington's direction six months after the inauguration.

Companies are putting off share buybacks, delaying capital investments and waiting to spend on business development. And the hesitation is across industries, in companies both big and small.

Pfizer CEO Ian Read said the company needs corporate tax reform settled before it can move forward with any business development opportunities.

"Right now I believe we need to see tax reform or the absence of tax reform to understand what the market values are," he told analysts in an early August earnings call. "Any focus on BD, to my point of view, is somewhat delayed by a resolution of that."

Advertising giant Interpublic blamed D.C.'s dysfunction in late July after earnings missed EPS and revenue expectations. Revenue fell $32 million in the second quarter, compared with the same period in 2016.

"Our results in the quarter reflect the fact that macro uncertainty and political gridlock are affecting spending, particularly in the U.S. with clients demonstrating caution in terms of releasing budgets," CEO Michael Roth said.

Shares in the company fell 12 percent the following day, erasing a year of gains.

Luxury apparel maker Ralph Lauren reported better-than-expected earnings in August, with net income of $59.5 million for the quarter, compared with a loss of $22.3 million the prior year. But executives said the company would not buy back stock with tax policy so up in the air.

"We are not planning share repurchases for fiscal 2018," CFO Jane Nielsen said. "We make this determination based on the cash needs of our businesses, sector dynamics and with consideration for the uncertain environment around U.S. tax reform."
Oil producers are losing their resolve to cap output just as their supply cuts are beginning to achieve their goal of rebalancing an oversupplied market, the world's leading energy watchdog said Friday.

The warning came after the 14-member OPEC reported its combined oil production rose for a fourth-straight month in July, despite its pledge to remove 1.2 million barrels a day from the market. The jump was largely due to rising output from two members exempt from the accord, but many participating countries are still pumping above the levels they agreed to last winter.

"There would be more confidence that re-balancing is here to stay if some producers party to the output agreements were not, just as they are gaining the upper hand, showing signs of weakening their resolve," the Paris-based International Energy Agency said in its monthly report.

OPEC's compliance to the deal slipped to a new low of 75 percent in July, the IEA estimated. Adherence among a group of non-OPEC exporters that also agreed to limit output stood at 67 percent.

The output cuts by OPEC and other producers including Russia helped to reduce stockpiles in the OECD, a group of 35 mostly developed countries, by 500,000 barrels in the first half of 2017, IEA said. But inventory levels are still 219 million barrels above the five-year average. OPEC is trying to drive stocks down to that level.
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Engaged couples aren't the only ones facing big wedding bills. Even as brides and grooms pick up more of the tab for their nuptials, parents are often still on the hook for a big part of the budget. In 2016, just 1 in 10 couples paid for their wedding entirely by themselves, according to The Knot's annual Real Weddings survey of nearly 13,000 couples. Parents of the bride and groom collectively contribute about $19,000 to the wedding, or about two-thirds of the total cost, according to a new report from marketplace WeddingWire.com. That breaks down to an average $12,000 from the bride's parents, and $7,000 from the groom's. This spring, the site polled 506 parents, each of whom has a recently married child. The shift in who pays for the wedding is coming from both generations, said Anne Chertoff, trends expert for WeddingWire. Couples are getting engaged later, when they have their own assets and income to spend  and they often want to have more influence over the planning, she said.

Overspending now so that your child has to help you financially in retirement is not a gift any bride or groom really wants. If that happens, it's not a gift  it's a loan with heavy interest. Liz Revenko senior financial planner, Mosaic Financial Partners

Parents whose retirement prospects and financial security have taken a hard hit in the recession may also be more apt to push back against those old wedding traditions that they shoulder the whole bill. "A lot of parents are just saying, 'We're going to spend what we can afford,'" Chertoff said. But missteps still abound. One-third of parents in the WeddingWire survey said they spent more on their child's wedding than they initially budgeted. One in 5 used a credit card to finance their contribution, and 10 percent dipped into a retirement account. Here's how to strategize around contributing to your child's wedding:

Assess your own goals

It's critical to step back and look at your own finances before pledging money for the wedding budget, said certified financial planner Liz Revenko, senior financial planner at Mosaic Financial Partners in San Francisco. You might find that you need those savings or income to catch up on retirement savings or meet another high-priority goal. "Overspending now so that your child has to help you financially in retirement is not a gift any bride or groom really wants," she said. "If that happens, it's not a gift  it's a loan with heavy interest."

Roberto Westbrook | Getty Images

Save, if you can

Roughly 1 in 4 parents in the WeddingWire survey set aside cash specifically for their child's wedding. More than half of those started saving when that child was a teenager. That early of a start may not be realistic for families with other goals and expenses competing for their paycheck, said Brett Anderson, a certified financial planner and the president of St. Croix Advisors in Hudson, Wisconsin. But with the average engagement lasting more than a year, you could comb through your budget to see if there's room to save a little with each paycheck. "If it's really important to have money for the wedding, then this is your opportunity to cut other things," he said. But if you're pledging money you don't yet have toward the wedding budget, make sure that goal is reasonable and attainable even if a financial emergency arises, Anderson said. You don't want to be in the position of damaging your own finances to keep a promise  or your child's, by failing to come through.

If it's really important to have money for the wedding, then this is your opportunity to cut other things. Brett Anderson president, St. Croix Advisors

Talk to your spouse

Make sure you and your spouse are on the same page about your wedding contribution and limits, said Anderson. Weddings can trigger a lot of emotions, he said, and it's not unusual to see one spouse overspending.

Set expectations early

Wedding experts typically advise engaged couples to reach out to family early in their wedding planning process, to see if they are able and want to provide financial help. Don't wait. Go ahead and initiate that talk. "It's super important that you have that [money] conversation early in the process," Chertoff said.

moodboard | Getty Images

That way, your child won't make any assumptions about what you might or might not contribute  or worse, make a purchase or sign a vendor contract based on that fictional figure. Be specific about how much you want to give, and any specific expectations for that money (like being able to invite a table of your own friends, or having personalized wine bottles as the guest favor). A family wedding money talk is also a good opportunity to plant the seeds of how that money might be used responsibly, said certified financial planner Chris Balcerowiak, a vice president with Ameriprise Financial Services in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Budgeting wisely could give the young couples cash left over for a home purchase, reducing student loan debt or another goal.

Research costs
Activist hedge fund manager Dan Loeb, who has more than doubled the S&P 500's return over the last two decades, is finding himself in hot water outside the investing world.

The hedge fund manager reportedly criticized a black New York state senator, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, on social media by referring to the Ku Klux Klan.

"Thank God for [New York state Sen.] Jeff Klein and those who stand for educational choice and support Charter funding that leads to economic mobility and opportunity for poor knack kids," Loeb wrote on Facebook in an apparent typo for black. "Meanwhile hypocrites like Stewart-Cousins who pay fealty to powerful union thugs and bosses do more damage to people of color than anyone who has ever donned a hood."



After The New York Times reported on the comments, Loeb deleted the post Thursday night and sent a statement to the newspaper.



"I regret the language I used in expressing my passion for educational choice," Loeb said. "I apologize to Senator Stewart-Cousins and anyone I offended. I have taken down the post from Facebook."



The investor is one of the few big-name hedge managers outperforming the market this year. He explained last week it was partly due to luck.



Loeb's firm Third Point had $18 billion of assets under management as of late June.



Loeb declined to comment to CNBC.
"The incident underscores a problem that's endemic at Google and much of the tech worldthey have a culture where employees feel empowered to claim that efforts to strike a balance put them under duress."

Nonetheless, in a note to employees, Google's CEO Sundar Pichai, asserted that "we strongly support the right of Googlers to express themselves, and much of what was in that memo is fair to debatePeople must feel free to express dissent." He also suggested that employees "need to find a way to debate issues on which we might disagreewhile doing so in line with our Code of Conduct."

Pichai explained the memo crossed the line by suggesting "a group of our colleagues have traits that make them less biologically suited to [technical] work is contrary to Google's basic values and to the Code Conduct".

Google was right to fire the employee who authored the memo because his rhetoric undermines the company's stated values. In a creative team work environment, it's counter-productive to retain employees that espouse on-the-job negative biases about the women with whom they collaborate.

However, the premise of the memo was that Google's inclusion initiatives were reverse discrimination, when by objective diversity standards, the company, as it admits on its website: "is miles from where we want to be."

The numbers are stark: At Google, 69 percent of workers are men, 31 percent are women. Among key positions, only 20 percent of engineering jobs and 25 percent of managers are women. Racial diversity is lacking too: the workforce is 56 percent white, 35 percent Asian, 4 percent Hispanic, 2 percent blacks, and those of two races or more are 4 percent of staff. The company also faces a Labor Department investigation for allegedly paying women less than men.

The memo's author claims to value diversity and inclusion. Yet, most of his assertions allege purported biological differences between men and women, which he states are "universal across human cultures." These statements are allegedly supported by evolutionary psychology, a field that has many detractors because of its alleged sexism, much as racial biology is no longer considered "scientific" by most biologists.

It is this attempt at pop biology that is the most incendiary aspect of this misguided memo especially for those who recall the use of biology to claim the inferiority of African-Americans. The author condemns 95 percent of social science because of bias but the science he believes in appears to be immune from similar criticism.

This whole blowup at Google underscores that tech companies are not diverse workplaces and efforts to foster diversity lead to conflict that, poorly handled, leads to backlash.

The memo goes at the heart of what Pichai says on the firm's diversity site: "A diverse mix of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes." He's right. And it also boosts profits. Research from McKinsey & Company finds firms in the top quartile for racial diversity are 35 percent likelier to have better financial results. And firms in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15 percent likelier to have stronger performance compared to average companies.

Companies must find ways to help employees realize that diversity means we come from different reference points and building shared understandings in the face of potential conflict is not easy. It is facilitated by respectful discourse about all people. It means educating oneself about what constitutes discrimination, one's civil rights at work, and being willing to work with people with different beliefs and backgrounds from our own.

That doesn't have to be politically correct. Indeed, to build effective teams, companies must embrace a variety of different views, including from those who acutely feel the loss of privilege as the culture and composition of a company changes. But they must also protect the ability of all employees to do their jobs, earn a livelihood and get paid fairly, notwithstanding colleagues' hostile views.

Commentary by Miriam Rivera, co-founder and managing partner of Ulu Ventures, an early stage venture capital fund focused on IT investments. Rivera worked at Google from 2001 until 2006, becoming vice president and deputy general counsel.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
Since the election, more and more companies have violated the business norm of remaining apolitical. By using social movements in their marketing campaigns, companies are making political statements to appeal to customers and sell their products.

"Nowadays, brands are a way for us to express our values and commitments," says Jonathan Copulsky, a former chief marketing officer for Deloitte Consulting and author of Brand Resilience. "We don't just choose a brand because of its quality anymore."

But it has to be done with the right touch, or the message will fall flat  or worse.

Fifty-seven percent of consumers will buy or boycott a brand because of its position on an issue, according to Edelman's Earned Brand Study.

That research suggests that half of all consumers worldwide are "belief-driven buyers" who shop with a conscience. About 65 percent of that group won't buy a brand when it stays silent on an issue the consumer feels the brand has an obligation to address.

"The current political atmosphere and system is failing people," says Mark Renshaw, global head of Edelman's brand practice. "People have less of a trust in government, nonprofits, and media. They're turning to brands as another way to navigate change and make them feel like they can make a difference."

In this climate, companies that fail to take a stand risk ending up in "No Brand's Land," Renshaw said. "Brands that live their beliefs in all that they do, and invite consumers to take action with them, will be rewarded with more conversation, more conversion, and ultimately, more commitment."

But it's not an easy path to navigate. When does it work and when does it flop?

Networked Insights, a research firm that uses artificial intelligence and social media to gauge responses, was able to determine the amount of positive and negative reactions recent ads received through online mentions within two weeks of their respective release dates. Here is what the data, along with some experts, had to say:
This was not the week off that Silicon Valley had planned.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai now leads a workforce divided by the issue of diversity, according to an email he sent to employees cancelling an all-hands meeting on the topic.

"The vast majority of you are very supportive of our decision. A smaller percentage of you wish we would do more. And some are worried that you cannot speak out at work freely," Pichai wrote.

Even that spin sounds optimistic in light of a report that said just over half the company's employees who responded to a survey on an online message board disagreed with Pichai's decision to fire engineer James Damore.

Damore wrote a controversial memo that began with criticism of the company's diversity programs but then veered into sexist remarks that prompted Pichai to send him packing after 3 1/2 years of service.

Pichai cancelled his vacation to call an all-hands meeting to discuss the firing, then cancelled the meeting over concerns that some Google employees, who'd been publicly identified by conservative commentators online, would be abused.

In other words, Pichai retreated -- often not an effective long-term strategy to counter aggression. Some on the right are now calling for "marches" on the company's offices.

And he's far from the only technology industry leader facing a fierce attack.

Two other surprising moves by tech power brokers this week point to an industry that is increasingly at war with itself, as well as external forces.
Rich Greenfield, analyst at BTIG:

"I've got two questions for Evan. Evan, on your first investor call and actually Imran [Khan, Snap chief strategy officer] just mentioned it earlier as well, you have both spoken about how others use growth hacking to inflate [daily active users] and how it really hurts .... the platform's relationship with users. Yet we definitely, over the past quarter, begun to see push notifications from Snapchat, essentially alerting us to: 'One of our friends or one of our connections has published a story, would you like to go see it?'

Wondering despite Imran's comment earlier, has your philosophy on growth begun to change? And then two, time spent on Snapchat and Instagram based on the recent comments from Instagram seems like it's fairly similar. But there's a very  my sense is there's very little direct messaging that happens on Instagram, implying that most of their time spent is actually content consumption. When you think about Snapchat's 30 minutes of usage per day, how much of that is actually Stories, including Discover, versus basically communications? Thanks."

Spiegel:

"Yeah. So on the first question; we've been sending notifications like that for Stories for friends since 2014, so I'm not sure why you're just seeing that now. On the 'time spent' stuff, I think time spent is definitely interesting metric because unlike daily active[users], time spent is zero sum.

So for us, in Q2, we saw over 40 minutes spent per day for users under 25, and over 20 minutes per day for users over 25. So I think that's some strong growth for us on the time spent side.

We don't break out Stories versus communication, but I think the important thing is we've done a very good job innovating around monetizing communication. I think historically, that's been challenging for folks. So, you know, we're really excited about the way we've monetized communication with our creative tools."

Greenfield:

"So maybe just to be clear: What exactly is the 'growth hacking' that others do? If you sending push notifications is not 'growth hacking,' what are others doing that you consider to be growth hacking and not real DAU growth?"

Spiegel:

"Yeah, so I think there are plenty of examples online [laughs] if you want to go for a Google. But I think the most important thing for us is that when we're telling you about content on a service that is really highly relevant to you and from your very close friends. And I think people, as they become more reliant on push notifications to sort of relax the standards there, and I think it's important for our business."

Greenfield:

"Thank you."

Operator:

"Our next question is from Mark Mahaney with RBC ..."

Brandon Ross, BTIG analyst (loudly on hot mic):

"I didn't even understand his response!"
Gabriel Puliatti is an up-and-coming company CEO who, at some point in his career, will need to raise money from investors.

Don't count on Benchmark Capital being one of them.

After Benchmark filed an unprecedented lawsuit against Uber's former CEO on Thursday, Puliatti now says there is "no way" that he will accept an investment from one of Silicon Valley's most prestigious venture capital firms.

And he's not alone. In the immediate aftermath of the suit, Benchmark is facing a sharp backlash from founders who are concerned that the firm is not as supportive of founders as all firms stylize themselves to be.

More from Recode:

What led to Benchmark's 'unprecedented' lawsuit? Maybe founder-friendly provisions that made Uber founder Travis Kalanick king.

Can engineered 'meat' replace hamburgers?

We've studied gender and STEM for 25 years. The science doesn't support the Google memo.

The lawsuit, which asks a judge to remove Uber founder Travis Kalanick from the company's board, reflects an aggressive posture from a venture firm that thinks Kalanick is hurting the company's bottom line.

But what could now hurt Benchmark's business is a new fear factor that has gripped a young class of entrepreneurs, who perhaps see Kalanick's ouster as a cautionary tale for their own companies down the road.

"I personally was very shocked by the timeline of affairs during the week (of) Travis's resignation," Puliatti, the founder of a startup called Emptor, said. "I empathized a lot with Travis then."

Puliatti said that afer recent events, he and his co-founder are now more seriously considering not raising money from venture capitalists at all  and said that even if they did, he has decided that he won't "ever sit down" with Benchmark.

Venture capitalists and entrepreneurs forecast the lawsuit will have a chilling effect on the next generation of talent, with one telling Recode that Benchmark will now undoubtedly have to answer "awkward questions in a lot of deals for the foreseeable future." Hazem Awad, a Qatari investor, said that he understood that sort of thinking these days.

"Any entrepreneur would naturally feel nervous about working with Benchmark, at least for the time being," said Awad. "Because in the back of their mind (mine included) will always be the question of, 'What will happen if things get that bad?'"

To be sure, Benchmark remains one of the most prestigious firms on Sand Hill Road, so industry peers still predict that they'll have young founders pounding at their doors regardless. And even if Benchmark's relationship with Uber frayed at the end, their collaboration still produced billions of dollars for both parties  a success by the standard metrics of Silicon Valley that shouldn't go unnoticed by the current crop of rising star founders.

But even the fact that some entrepreneurs are thumbing their noses at Benchmark speaks to just how controversial the lawsuit is in the industry.

No other prominent Uber investors have yet said they publicly support the lawsuit, effectively leaving Benchmark to fight this battle by itself. And Kalanick's team of course has denounced it as an attempt to "silence his voice."
The yield on the two-year yield traded off its lows at 1.290 percent. The yield hit its lowest level since June 14 earlier in the session. Bond yields move inversely to prices.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note traded lower at 2.187 percent and hit its lowest level since June 27.

U.S. Treasury yields fluctuated between gains and losses on Friday as investors after the release of another disappointing inflation metric.

The consumer price index, a widely followed measure of inflation, rose 0.1 percent in July. Economists polled by Reuters expected the index to climb 0.2 percent. The report comes a day after the producer price index, another closely watched inflation metric, fell 0.1 percent last month, with economists expecting an uptick.

"I'm surprised that people are still surprised when these numbers come in below expectations," said Eric Souza, senior portfolio manager at Silicon Valley Bank. "I also think the Fed is changing its tone [on inflation] and will stay on its gradual pace.

Investors were looking forward to the data as they searched for clues about the Federal Reserve's next monetary policy move. As of Friday morning, market expectations for a December rate hike were just 41 percent, according to the CME Group's FedWatch tool.

Dallas Fed President Rob Kaplan said Friday the central bank's key interest rate is getting close to a "neutral" level so the Fed should patiently wait for further evidence that inflation will rise before tightening policy again.

Treasury yields were on edge earlier after President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday his "fire and fury" statement on North Korea was perhaps not tough enough.

Trump tweeted on Friday morning that "military solutions are now fully in place,locked and loaded,should North Korea act unwisely."

Trump tweet: Military solutions are now fully in place,locked and loaded,should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!

Markets worldwide have been tense this week as geopolitical tensions between North Korea and the U.S. continue to heat up. Over the past few trading sessions, investors have been seen to be taking shelter in safe haven government bonds as well as gold.
The benchmark Kospi index climbed to a record intraday high of 2453.17 in late July, which at that point was a more than 20 percent year-to-date rise. It gave up some of those gains after disappointing earnings from automakers, but then it took a bigger wallop after Trump ratcheted up the tensions earlier this week.

South Korea's stocks rallied to record highs last month and analysts turned increasingly bullish, but that may have just gotten derailed by the rising spat between President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un looks on during the test-fire of inter-continental ballistic missile Hwasong-14 in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang, July, 4 2017.

The index is down more than 5 percent from the record high, and down around 3 percent this week.

On Tuesday, a Washington Post report, citing a confidential U.S. intelligence assessment, claimed the pariah state had successfully produced a miniaturized nuclear warhead that could fit inside its missiles.

The situation escalated after a blunt warning from Trump, which used language similar to the North's own frequent saber-rattling: If it were to make any more threats against the U.S., the president said, Pyongyang "will be met with fire, fury, and frankly, power, the likes of which this world has never seen before."

That spurred the North Korean army to almost immediately cross that line: It issued a statement carried by Pyongyang's state news agency that it was "carefully examining an operational plan" for targeting the U.S. island territory of Guam with "enveloping fire."

On Thursday, Trump ramped up the rhetoric, saying his comments may not have gone far enough.

But before the fresh tensions, the chorus of optimistic outlooks from analysts was fairly loud.

Daryl Liew, senior portfolio manager at Reyl Singapore, issued a report in early August calling South Korea's stock market "compelling," and one of the cheapest in Asia.

He noted that the MSCI Korea's forward price-to-earnings ratio was just 9.6 times, compared with the MSCI Asia ex-Japan at 14.4.

The portfolio manager for Reyl Group, which has more than 12 billion Swiss francs ($12.50 billion) under management, also pointed to signs of progress in reforming South Korean corporates under new President Moon Jae-in as a driver ahead.

Those were sentiments repeated in a Citi report on Monday  before the war of words erupted. Analyst Sean Lee said that while some of Moon's policies might hurt earnings of Kospi companies, they would be positive for stock valuations.

"Policies to support the low income bracket and SMEs could be negative for KOSPI earnings, but caring more about minority shareholders within a listed company could be positive for the improvement of corporate governance in Korea," Lee said, adding that better governance could re-rate the stocks higher.

To be sure, this would hardly be the first time that tensions have flared on the Korean peninsula, weighing on the stock market in the South.

Indeed, Goldman Sachs said in a note on Wednesday, "For decades, complacency has been the 'right trade' when it comes to North Korea. More often than not, market participants have been rewarded for fading negative price moves rather than hedging them."

It added that investors have "grown comfortable" with the tensions "invariably" leading to talks, making buying the dip the right trade.
"What you want to try to do is try and solve this first through tough sanctions, and that's what we were doing until this war of words started that has thrown that off kilter. That's just wrong," said Soderberg, who served as ambassador to the United Nations and deputy national security advisor under President Bill Clinton .

President Donald Trump's "war of words" with North Korea is not the right way to go about addressing the nuclear threat from Pyongyang, former ambassador Nancy Soderberg told CNBC on Friday.

What presidents normally do is work with their team to develop a policy that reflects the United States' allies, military generals and military analysis of how statements will impact the situation, she explained.



"Here you have a situation where the president is just clearly just making it up as he goes along and trying some bellicose language because he thinks that will work," Soderberg said in an interview with "Power Lunch."

Earlier this week, Trump said if North Korea made any more threats to the U.S., it will be met with "fire and fury." North Korea responded by saying it was considering a plan to attack Guam and dismissed Trump's warnings as a "load of nonsense." On Thursday, Trump said his previous statement may not have been tough enough.

"Force has always been an option, but it has always been the last option, not the first," Soderberg said. "Rather than let that take effect and squeeze the North Koreans and get them back from the brink, we're escalating it and using language that President Kim uses in North Korea. That's not who we are."

And that doesn't mean talk hasn't been tough  the U.S. has been speaking forcefully to North Korea all this time, said Ellen Tauscher, former U.S. under secretary of state for arms control and international security under President Barack Obama.

"We just didn't do it in public," she said. For one, they didn't want to put somebody in a corner.

"This is not an ideal situation. We have a rogue dictator in the hermit kingdom who is starving his people, selling them as slaves, trading in contraband, trading in arms, under U.N. sanction without any real influence by the United States or the West," Tauscher told "Power Lunch."

On Thursday, Defense Secretary James Mattis said the military is ready to counter the threat from North Korea, but also said the effort is being "diplomatically led."

 CNBC's Terri Cullen, Jacob Pramuk and John Shinal contributed to this report.

Watch: North Korea rhetoric ramps up
Europe's food safety commissioner urged countries to stop "blaming and shaming" one another over a continental eggs contamination scare on Friday.

Tensions between agricultural ministers in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany have risen after traces of a moderately toxic pesticide  called fipronil  were found in batches of eggs.

While Belgian regulators were criticized for not acting fast enough after the fipronil contamination was first reported, Belgium's agriculture minister argued on Wednesday that it had been the Dutch who were dragging their feet in response to the potentially harmful pesticide.

"Blaming and shaming will bring us nowhere and I want to stop this," EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Vytenis Andriukaitis, said in a statement on Friday.

"We need to work together to draw lessons learnt and move forward instead of losing energy on finger pointing," he added.

Andriukaitis said he planned to organize a meeting of ministers and national watchdogs before the end of September in an attempt to resolve the ongoing dispute.
The group said while Uber's recent scandals are worrisome, Benchmark's response has been ethically dubious, alleging Benchmark is trying to "hold the company hostage to a public relations disaster by demanding Mr. Kalanick's resignation, along with other concessions, on a few hours' notice and within weeks of a personal tragedy, under threat of public scandal."

A shareholder group  including investors Shervin Pishevar, Ron Burkle and Adam Leber  are demanding Benchmark divest some of its shares and step down from the board of the troubled start-up. Axios earlier reported the news.

Some of Uber's investors want to push out a venture capital firm that's been pitted against former CEO Travis Kalanick .

Uber has suffered one bad headline after the other over the course of the year, amid a workplace culture investigation, the departure of top executives and a high-profile lawsuit from Google. Famous investor Bill Gurley had been key in guiding Kalanick through these situations.



Kalanick's parents were involved in a tragic accident in late May that resulted in his mother's death and left his father with serious injuries.

Benchmark's Matt Cohler and Peter Fenton presented Kalanick with a list of investor demands earlier this summer, including his resignation by the end of the day, according to The New York Times. Kalanick ultimately stepped down from his operational role, but as a shareholder, he remained on the board.

Gurley, a Benchmark partner, who said Kalanick would have a "lasting impact on the world," unexpectedly left the board after Kalanick's resignation, replaced by Cohler.

But the drama did not end there. Benchmark filed a legal complaint against Kalanick this week, alleging that Kalanick made "material misstatements" and hid crucial information about company problems.

Prolific Japanese investor SoftBank has said it's mulling an investment in Uber, a stake Bloomberg suggested could be purchased from Benchmark, although those discussions were not confirmed by CNBC. Benchmark tweeted earlier this month that it was "incredibly optimistic" about Uber's future, and had "immense confidence" in Uber's employee and the "right new CEO."

Benchmark has been one of Uber's oldest supporters: In February 2011, it poured $11 million into the company at a $60 million valuation, according to Crunchbase data.

Here's the full text of the letter.

"As a group of shareholders of Uber Technologies, Inc. (the "Company") we were surprised and distressed to learn through the media of the lawsuit brought by your firm against the Company, and its founder and former Chief Executive Officer Travis Kalanick. Naturally, we share your concerns about the problems that the Company has confronted in recent months, but we are greatly concerned about the tactics employed by Benchmark to address them, which strike us as ethically dubious and, critically, value-destructive rather than value enhancing. Specifically, we do not feel it was either prudent or necessary from the standpoint of shareholder value, to hold the company hostage to a public relations disaster by demanding Mr. Kalanick's resignation, along with other concessions, on a few hours' notice and within weeks of a personal tragedy, under threat of public scandal. Even less so your escalation of this fratricidal course  notwithstanding Mr. Kalanick's resignation  through your recent lawsuit, which we fear will cost the company public goodwill, interfere with fundraising and impede the critical search for a new, world-class Chief Executive Officer. Benchmark has used false allegations from lawsuits like Waymo as a matter of fact and this and many actions has crossed the fiduciary line. Benchmark's investment of $27M is worth $8.4 billion today and you are suing the founder, the company and the employees who worked so hard to create such unprecedented value. We ask you to please consider the lives of these employees and allow them to continue to grow this company in peace and make it thrive. These actions do the opposite. Accordingly, we would request that Benchmark help the Company realize its full potential by allowing the necessary work to be done in the Board Room rather than the Courtroom. To this end, at this point, in light of your suit against the Company, we believe it would be best, and hereby request, that Benchmark remove its representative from the Company's Board and move promptly to divest itself of enough shares in the Company so as to cease to have Board appointment rights. We have investors ready to acquire these shares as soon as we receive communication from Benchmark that they are willing to withdraw their lawsuit and sell a minimum of 75% of their holdings. We are also asking for a symbolic Board of Directors vote on this matter at today's Board meeting to show how the Board of Directors stands on this lawsuit brought against the company, its founder and the 15,000 employees of Uber who have all worked so hard in concert to create the fastest growing company in history. Many other shareholders share our views and will be adding their names in the days ahead. Any shareholders who want to join this letter and petition may email one of our signatories of this letter so that we can submit a final list of shareholders who support this request."

CNBC reached out to the investors for comment. Uber declined to comment.

 With reporting by CNBC's Lora Kolodny

Correction: SoftBank has said it's mulling an investment in Uber. An earlier version misstated which company the Japanese conglomerate was considering.
A map of where to live in the UK to avoid "any nuclear impact from World War Three" | Emoov

A British real estate agent that drew up a map of where to live in the U.K. to avoid "any nuclear impact from World War Three" has apologized for the stunt.

Its publication comes as President Donald Trump ramps up rhetoric against North Korea, today saying that the U.S. military is "locked and loaded" should leader Kim Jong Un "act unwisely".

The U.K. is well out of range of any threat from North Korea, but property agent eMoov said that capital city London would be "the obvious choice" for any strike on the country.

"Luckily, we're out of range from any North Korean missiles, but if the world was to descend into nuclear madness the fall out would mean house prices would probably become irrelevant," eMoov CEO Russell Quirk said in a press statement on Friday.

"That said, with buyer demand already at explosive levels compared to the ground zero stock levels available, a nuclear war could see these more affordable areas grow in value as demand for a house still standing outside of an impact zone increases."

Tweet

eMoov used data from "Nukemap," an interactive map created by nuclear historian Alex Wellerstein to show what would happen if a nuclear weapon attack exploded in a user's vicinity.

The firm said that the most affordable option for Brits worried about the "impending end of the world" would be Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, which is in the North West of England. Houses in the town would go for an average price of 112,279 ($145,348), the online estate agent said.

It also pointed to areas in Scotland and Wales as prime buying opportunities for British consumers scared of any prospect of nuclear war.
Protestors take part in the 'Tax March' calling on President Donald Trump to release his tax records on April 15, 2017 in New York.

The White House plans to release a brief document in early- to mid-September outlining a framework for overhauling the U.S. tax code, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

In a sign of the Trump administration's struggles to advance its domestic policy agenda, the three-to-five-page document would not be accompanied by tax legislation, as some had expected, said the sources, who were not authorized to speak publicly.

But the framework would come from the "Big Six" congressional and administration leaders on tax reform, the same group that released a joint statement on taxes in July, after months of closed-door talks.

It was unclear whether all of the Big Six members have agreed on the release. But two sources said the White House has told business representatives and lobbyists in recent days to expect a tax reform framework next month.

The White House had no comment.

White House legislative director Marc Short told a July forum he expected legislation to come before lawmakers for debate after the Sept. 4 U.S. Labor Day holiday and be voted on in the House of Representatives and the Senate in October and November.

Sources said the framework document would not be accompanied by legislation. But it could provide a starting point for a tax bill. It would lay out areas of agreement between the Trump administration, the Senate and the House of Representatives, and could also include input from discussions with Democrats.

Financial markets rallied in late 2016 and early this year on expectations that Trump would cut corporate taxes early in his presidency. But after more than six months in power, he has yet to score a major legislative victory or introduce significant legislation of any kind to Congress.

Corporate lobbyists and independent analysts say tax legislation, if it can move forward at all, is unlikely to be approved before early 2018.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch have said they plan to consider tax legislation later this year. But neither has set a deadline.

The Big Six  Brady, Hatch, House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Republican majority leader Mitch McConnell, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and White House economic adviser Gary Cohn  said in their July statement that they were charging the two committees with developing and drafting legislation.
"Even murderous dictatorships like Mao's have behaved surprisingly cautiously once they acquired nuclear weapons. Their caution had little to do with wisdom or altruism and everything to do with self-interest: Dictators are all about surviving and remaining in power."

First, when considering the consequences of another state gaining nuclear weapons, we should not make too much of its leader's bombast. Talk is cheap and this is equally true for barroom braggarts and tin-pot dictators. What counts is behavior, particularly what the leader does in terms of foreign policy. Even murderous dictatorships like Mao's have behaved surprisingly cautiously once they acquired nuclear weapons. Their caution had little to do with wisdom or altruism and everything to do with self-interest: Dictators are all about surviving and remaining in power.

Second, given that dictators, particularly atheistic communist despots, sole goal in life is to maintain their tenuous grip on power in the here-and-now, they are in fact relatively easy to deter, at least in terms of nuclear use. Provoking a nuclear war with another country is the surest way for a despot to lose power and life.

In addition, China in the 1960s was wracked by domestic instability as the Great Cultural Revolution nearly tore the country apart. Mao's Red Guards killed millions and drove the country to the brink of civil war. But throughout it, the otherwise immoderate regime's nuclear behavior remained moderate. China developed only a modest arsenal and its leaders apparently regarded it solely as a means to deter attack from abroad.

This history lesson is applicable to North Korea today. Let's assume the worst case (on which there is not consensus in the U.S. Intelligence Community at present), that North Korea now has, or is close to achieving, the ability to attack the continental United States with a handful of nuclear weapons. How does that change things and what should we do in response?

Like Mao, Kim is a ruthless and blood-thirsty tyrant whose sole objective in life is to maintain his grip on to power. His nuclear arsenal is a trump card preventing outside countries from using military force to undertake regime change the way the United States did with Saddam Hussein in 2003. Beyond that, Kim will discover that his pygmy arsenal will buy him little more than deterring external military intervention.

Moreover, deterrence works both ways: If North Korea's arsenal will dissuade the United States from invading the Hermit Kingdom (an unattractive undertaking even without the nuclear factor in the equation given the high costs of even conventional war on the peninsula and the diplomatic complications that it would ensue with China), the U.S.'s arsenal will deter North Korea from actually using its rudimentary nuclear capability in all but regime-threatening contingencies.

President Donald Trump is hardly exaggerating when he says that the U.S. could inflict historically unprecedented damage on North Korea. America has nearly nuclear 5,000 warheads compared to North Korea's 30 to 60. All of ours are reliable and deliverable; the same cannot be said for Kim's small arsenal.

Given this disparity, the United States can credibly threaten not only Kim's hold on power but his very existence. While the president was undoubtedly not thinking along these lines, the "fire and fury" he threatened is actually a very robust deterrent which means that as with Mao, a nuclear Kim is not the end of the world.

Commentary by Michael Desch, a professor of political science at Notre Dame and director of the Notre Dame International Security Center. He is co-author of the book "Privileged and Confidential: The Secret History of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board" with K. Michael Absher and Roman Popadiuk. Follow him on Twitter @mcdesch.

For the latest commentary on markets in the U.S. and around the world, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.


PhishMe is the type of job-creating start-up that many communities wish they could attract. Launched in Leesburg, Virginia, from the home of co-founder and chief technology officer Aaron Higbee in 2011, PhishMe has grown to 378 employees and a projected $70 million in revenue for 2017. The company raised $42.5 million in funding in a Series C round led by Paladin Capital in July 2016. Higbee briefly considered moving PhishMe to a nearby tech hub like Reston or Tysons Corner as it grew. But ultimately, the entrepreneur saw more advantages to doing business from Leesburg  a tourist destination where, on balmy summer nights, the sound of live musicians playing on the street corners fills the air. For one thing, staffers really like the quality of life in Leesburg, a historic town of just under 53,000 people. Established in 1758, the town is known for historic sites like Ball's Bluff Battlefield and National Cemetery, its annual air show, and a downtown brimming with vibrant restaurants and quaint shops. "Leesburg has been focusing more on a town-center vibe where everything is walkable," Higbee says. Plus, office space was much cheaper than in the other cities he considered. It was only $21 to $30 per square foot versus $55 to $60 per square foot. It's not an accident that companies like PhishMe are choosing to put down roots in cities best known as tourist destinations and finding them to be a good place to scale up. More of these popular vacation spots  from Niagara Falls, Canada, to Tampa, Florida, are actively trying to nurture start-ups. There's a powerful incentive for leaders in tourist meccas to diversify beyond the hospitality industry. It can help to insulate their residents from economic downturns like the Great Recession, still fresh in many of their minds. More from iCONIC:

4 ways to grow your company and snare a windfall

10 biz experts you should be following on Twitter "Tourism is quite a volatile industry," says Rachel Crane, a professor in the school of business and management at Niagara College in Southern Ontario. "When the economy is poor, tourism and hospitality sectors are the first thing to get cut out of folks' budgets. We want to make sure we have a sustainable economy that can weather that." A side benefit is that as start-ups become scale-ups, they bring the type of well-paying jobs that keep college graduates from leaving tourist hubs for bigger cities. To spark new business creation and growth, many of these cities are launching formal economic development programs, partnering with universities and leveraging existing resources, such as federally funded Small Business Development Centers. Leesburg, for instance, is part of Loudon County, where, in an effort to spur new business creation and growth, the Department of Economic Development hired Vanessa Wagner six years ago for the new position of small business and entrepreneurship manager.

To spark new business creation and growth, many tourist cities, such as Leesburg, Virginia, are launching formal economic development programs. Source: Leesburg Economic Development

"There was a need to begin mapping the ecosystem and understand where we were strong in our programs and partnerships and which attributes we still needed to add to support entrepreneurs in Loudon County," says Wagner. Meanwhile, the MEC-Leesburg Incubator at George Mason University has worked to spark entrepreneurship through efforts like Loudon Tech Startups, a group launched several years ago. "We designed it specifically so tech people could get together and talk to each other about their ideas," says Susan Henson, regional director at George Mason University's Mason Enterprise Center. And, located in the same building, the federally funded Small Business Development Center provides guidance to smaller firms, recognizing they help the economy, too. "A lot of people talk about start-ups as if the fast-growth start-ups are the only thing going on," says SBDC manager Eric Byrd. "We work with a lot of companies that are not looking to create the next Google." In one sign of the growth such efforts are sparking in Leesburg and surrounding communities, the Loudon County Department of Economic Development announced it had worked with more than 100 businesses that moved to or expanded in the county from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017, in its annual report.

A homegrown phenomenon

Against this backdrop, new hubs for entrepreneurship are springing up organically. For instance, Makersmiths, a nonprofit facility in Leesburg that offers budding entrepreneurs access to a laser cutter, a 3-D printer and other tools, has grown to about 43 members since opening in late 2014 and is hoping to expand into an additional facility in nearby Purcellville. Michael Fistler, a co-organizer who works for a local tech firm, has noticed a growing number of new businesses in the community, including a number of breweries. "A lot of them are bootstrapping from their 401(k)s and family members, he says. Far to Leesburg's north, Niagara Falls, Canada, which has a population just under 49,000, is taking its own approach to supporting start-ups. Niagara College's Crane is running ncTakeOff, which hosts entrepreneurial development programs on campus, not far from the area's tourist hubs. ncTakeOff is part of the province of Ontario's Youth Jobs Strategy, a $295 million program launched in 2015 to help young people find jobs or create start-ups. Many of Crane's students are getting involved in artisanal ventures, such as brewing beer, wine-making and baking. Many young people have, in the past, left Niagara Falls after graduation and flocked to big cities like Toronto, where there are more jobs. "We have an issue with youth retention," says Crane. "With more start-ups launching in areas such as digital media," that's changing, says Jeff Chesebrough, CEO of Innovate Niagara, a network of three business incubators and service providers to help entrepreneurs in the area. Some of them are coming up with technologies that serve local industries, such as the robust community of wineries. The Generator, which nurtures digital media and tech firms, now has 11 portfolio companies. Biolinc, at Brock University's Goodman School of Business, has five resident companies in the health and bioscience sectors. Meanwhile, the Educational Research and Innovation Hub has 26 portfolio companies. "The students don't leave," says Chesebrough. "They're staying here because there's real opportunity." Brent Porter and his business partner Paul Vance run Form & Affect, a digital creative agency in a storefront in St. Catharines, a community close to Niagara Falls. They incorporated the business in 2012. "Things were pretty lean back when we started, but the community has grown by leaps and bounds," Porter said in an email while traveling. "I'm always blown away by the quality of work done here." As the company has grown, Porter and his partner have turned to Innovate Niagara for advice. "They gave us some much needed guidance," Porter said. Innovate Niagara pointed the company to a legal team to help with specific contracts and also offered guidance on growth strategies and recruiting talent, he says. Now the company has five employees and has served clients such as Visa and Samsung. Leendert Bolle, who served 16 years in the Canadian military, also worked with Innovate Niagara after he started Loyalty Dog Treats in St. Catharines in 2014. Searching for healthy treats for his dog and finding that many were loaded with additives and preservatives causing allergies, Bolle saw a gap in the marketplace and began making them out of human-grade dried liver, chicken and other meats.

Innovate Niagara offered guidance to Leendert Bolle, owner of Loyalty Dog Treats. The all-natural dog food company is currently pulling in about $2 million in annual revenue. Photo: Trevor Riley

Once in business, Bolle found he needed help with understanding his manufacturing costs so he could price his products appropriately. Innovate Niagara connected him with a mentor who referred him to a cost accountant. The accountant helped him get a precise understanding of his manufacturing costs. "We were able to sell the product but then do it in a way you can earn money," says Bolle. The business has now grown to 5 employees besides Bolle and his wife and now has about $2 million in annual revenue. "We are reinvesting every penny," says Bolle.

The funding gap
Vipshop Holdings Limited operates online platforms for various brands in the People's Republic of China. It operates in Vip.com, Shan Shan Outlets, and Others segments. The company offers women's apparel, such as casual wear, jeans, dresses, outerwear, lingerie, pajamas, and maternity clothes; men's apparel comprising casual and smart-casual T-shirts, polo shirts, jackets, pants, and underwear; and skin care and cosmetic products, including cleansers, lotions, face and body creams, face masks, sunscreen, foundations, lipsticks, eye shadows, and other cosmetics-related items. It also provides shoes and bags, which comprises casual and formal shoes, purses, satchels, luggage, duffel bags, and wallets; handbags; apparel, gears and accessories, furnishings and decor, toys, and games for boys, girls, infants, and toddlers; sportswear, sports gear, and footwear for various sporting activities; home furnishings, such as bed and bath products, home decor, kitchen and tabletop items, and home appliances; and consumer electronic products. In addition, the company offers food and snacks, beverages, fresh produce, and pet goods; beauty products; and internet finance services, including consumer and supplier financing, and microcredit. Vipshop Holdings Limited provides its branded products through its vip.com and vipshop.com online platforms, as well as through its internet website and cellular phone application. Further, it offers warehousing, logistics, product procurement, research and development, technology development, and consulting services; software development and information technology support solutions; and supply chain services. Vipshop Holdings Limited was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Guangzhou, the People's Republic of China.
Iain Dale is Presenter of LBC Drive, Managing Director of Biteback Publishing, a columnist and broadcaster and a former Conservative Parliamentary candidate.

A friend said to me this week that she thinks we are closer to a nuclear war than at any time in her lifetime. Shes the same age as me. I remember during the 1980s, when cruise missiles were being deployed, being told the same thing by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.

They believed Ronald Reagan to be a trigger-happy cowboy who was determined to start a war with the Soviet Union. We now know that he was the very opposite: someone who actually suggested to Mikhail Gorbachev that both countries should abandon all their nuclear weapons.

Donald Trump, however, is not cut from the same cloth as Reagan. If youve got a big stick and your opponent has a big stick, you dont need to shout about it. Its obvious. Trump, however, takes the opposite approach.

North Korea is like a fly on the back of a very powerful horse: an irritant that needs swotting away from time to time. But to react in the ranty way that Trump did  threatening fire and fury  was a big mistake. Only threaten something like that if youre prepared to act on it. He can only have meant, by using those words, that he would order a nuclear strike against Kim Jong Un. There is no other interpretation. The trouble is that Trumps bluff was called, when, within hours, Kim Jong-Un threatened to strike against the US military base on Guam.

The consequences of any such strike are unthinkable. During the Cold War both sides knew that if either side launched a nuclear attack, they themselves would be obliterated. It was called Mutally Assured Destruction. It was a concept that worked as long as both sides had political leaders who were predictable and logical.

The trouble is that in this case we have two leaders who are neither. In fact, they are the very opposite. I never thought I could compare an American president with a certifiable dictator like Kim Jong Un, but there you go. Im not suggestin that Trump is certifiable, but his narcissism, his propensity to be offended and his unpredictability mean that nothing can be ruled out when hes reacting to the North Korean situation.

All this is why China is important. Trump has consistently, and rightly, called on China to intervene and call Kim Jong Un to account. Without Chinas support and supplies, North Korea would collapse. Its a powerful position for the Chinese to be in. The Chinese, however, fear that a collapse of the regime in North Korea would mean a mass migration of people across the border.

Interestingly, China voted with the US at the United Nations to impose more sanctions on North Korea, as did Russia. This is notable because Im pretty sure it has never happened before. In itself, its not enoug, though. Trump is right to call out China on its lack of intervention in North Korea. If it wanted to bring Kim Jong Un to heel, it probably could.

One of the callers on my radio show this week predicted that it would be China, not the US, who took military action against North Korea. Quite what the South Koreans would make of that is anyones guess, and I suspect at the moment it lies in the realms of a phone-in callers fantasy.

         

James Chapman was political editor of the Daily Mail before he switched to join George Osbornes team of advisers as chief of staff. Following the referendum and Osbornes sacking, he rather surprisingly took on the same position for David Davis. I say surprisingly because James was a self-avowed Remainer.

He left the position just before the general election. Since then hes created a completely new persona for himself on Twitter. For someone as urbane and calm as James, his tweets might lead you to believe that hes taken some sort of personality-changing drug.

Hes become a complete attack dog, taking on all and sundry for their Brextremist views. From his holiday sunlounger in Sardinia, he created a stir this week when he suggested a new political party should be formed to fight the Remain cause and to stop Brexit.

Well, good luck with that. Im sure this weeks New European newspaper will have a collective orgasm over the prospect, and James will become their new pinup boy. He firmly believes that Brexit isnt going to happen and that Britain wont leave the customs union or the single market.

There is a political party that believes all of those things and its called the Liberal Democrats. And they did sooooo well at the last election, didnt they?

         

Frankly, I dont care much who wins the UKIP leadership contest. The party has become an irrelevance, and the quality of the candidates on offer is lamentable.

One of them, David Kurten, a GLA member, has distinguished himself this week by alleging that gay people are only gay because they were sexually abused in their childhoods. I mean, where do you start

He also wants to reverse equal marriage and civil partnership legislation. And hes the second favourite, for Gods sake. It tells you all you need to know if this man is a serious contender. He almost makes Jonathan Rees Evans look sensible. Almost.
The political careers of Theresa May and Philip Hammond have been intertwined. Both studied at Oxford at the same time, entered the Commons in the same year, and came into the Cabinet together in 2010  where they were fellow members of the so-called National Union of Ministers: thats to say, drawn together by a common interest in protecting their departments budgets from George Osborne. Both were Remainers, and are details people, loners and older operators (she is 60, he is 61) who have risen through application and brains. So it was not at all surprising that when May became Prime Minister she appointed the Foreign Secretary, as Hammond then was, as Chancellor. Then the problems began  three main ones, to narrow it down.

First, Hammond turned out to have a different take on the economy to his boss. The Prime Minister has become an interventionist over the years: a believer in a strategic state, as she once told a conference organised by this website  in an industrial strategy, energy price caps, workers on boards, more council housing. The Chancellor, meanwhile, is an economic liberal or, to be more exact, a practical Conservative businessman who made several million prior to entering Westminster. He watered down some of these policies in Cabinet committee, which incurred the frustration of Nick Timothy, then Mays co-Chief of Staff, only to see them ramped up again in last springs Conservative manifesto.

While our hearts are with the Prime Minister (though not on some of the detail), our heads are with the Chancellor. ConservativeHomes leitmotif is that all else must be adapted to the requirements of Brexit. The Government needs enterprise to make it work. This is not the time to risk investment, growth and jobs by, say, spooking business people about who will sit on their boards. Furthermore, May has mishandled Hammond. She expected an election landslide. It was reported that she would sack him afterwards, a claim that some in her close circle do not deny. She failed to win a majority. So she is now stuck with him  and a relationship in which trust has been damaged.

Next comes a difficulty which has less to do with the Prime Minister than with Conservative MPs. George Osborne was a dominant Chancellor who returned to the Treasury, after the 2015 election, with a small Tory majority at his back. His tentacles reached across Westminster and Whitehall. Yet he and David Cameron were regularly defeated in Parliament or had hastily to recast their plans, or both  on tax credits, disability benefits, Sunday trading, school academisation and much else. Hammond is a more traditional holder of his office and his departments reach lessened after he took it over. But this did not prevent him from having to tear out a major plank of his first budget last March when he attempted NICs reform.

Downing Street must share responsibility with the Treasury for a schoolboy error  thats to say, not spotting that the proposal was inconsistent with the 2015 Conservative manifesto. Now, post-election, the Chancellor must work towards a balanced Budget with no majority behind him at all. His party is demoralised by the loss of seats, voter exhaustion with the long squeeze on public spending growth and pay, and an electoral trend leftwards. The popular actions he could take in his coming autumn Budget all involve higher spending or tax cuts: more northern infrastructure, boosting his Productivity Investment Fund further, raising the status of technical education. There is a campaign to cut stamp duty. Hammond has this sites sympathy in his struggle to get Britain back into the black.

This brings us to Brexit  his third problem area, and one in which his record is more mixed. The Chancellor is the Cabinets main force for an implementation plan. There is nothing objectionable to one in principle  thats to say, withdrawing from elements of the present dispensation after we leave the EU in 2019, but before the next election is due in 2022 (after which any delay would be vulnerable to a new Government seeking to keep Britain permanently in an EEA-type arrangement, which would impossible to square with any proper system of immigration control, and hard to reconcile with the referendum decision to take back control ). For example, it may be that the computer system required to run our own customs system isnt ready in two years.

In private, the Chancellor is clear that any EEA-style implementation period must end by 2022. In public, this view has somehow become blurred. Perhaps the reason is that the intricacies of leaving the EU  the difference between an implementation period and a transition period, say  are hard for most voters to follow. Maybe it is because of obscurities about the negotiating positions both of the Government and of its EU interlocuters. Or perhaps the continuing belief of hardcore Remainers that we wont leave at all, proclaimed with all the fervour of Sioux natives performing a Ghost Dance, is muddling public understanding of the significance of March 31, 2019  after which we will no longer be members of the EU, be represented in the European Parliament, or sit in the Council of Ministers.

But some of the fault must lie with the Chancellor himself. While he cannot be blamed for seeking to address the Brexit concerns of some parts of business, he has not embraced leaving the EU with the wholeheartedness of his Downing Street neighbour. His hesitations reflect a hostility to Brexit within his department  one with a withered reputation following the referendum. First, it lost a Chancellor who gave it a Gordon Brown-type grip on government; then it saw its alarmist predictions of a post-referendum recession comprehensively shredded. James Chapman has said that Boris Johnson should be jailed for his referendum claims. If so, he should be sharing a cell with Chapmans old boss, the man who oversaw those Treasury forecasts  George Osborne.

Allies of the Chancellor are dismayed by the battering he took in this months ConservativeHome Cabinet League table. If raising his standing among activists is important to him, he could try two things during the run-up to Party Conference. First, ensure that the Treasury co-operates fully with Downing Streets coming drive to publicise good news about Brexit more forcefully. And, second, make it clear that he is neither trying to stop Brexit  which is all but impossible in any event, given how the Article 50 process works  nor to turn any implementation period into a permanent EEA-style arrangement. In doing both, he would be preparing the ground for something much more important than our surveys  namely, restoring his political support within the Party before his Autumn budget, or trying to.
08/11/2017

Photo (c) James Willamor - Flickr North Carolina's Outer Banks are a favorite beach destination for consumers in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

Made up of some 125 miles of barrier island beaches jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, the Outer Banks have long been a favorite of vacationing families, since most of the accommodations consist of houses that can be rented by the week.

At the peak of vacation season in late July, workmen accidentally severed the main power line serving Hatteras Island, one of the southern-most islands in the chain. It required the evacuation of vacationers from that island until power was restored late last week.

"We got the wind kicked out of us," said Outer Banks Visitors Bureau Executive Director Lee Nettles.

It was made worse, Nettles said, by what he termed "sensationalized or ill-framed reports" by the media that suggested the whole Outer Banks was experiencing a total blackout. In fact, the northern beaches, including six towns from Duck to Nags Head, and the Roanoke Island town of Manteo, still had the lights on.

Back to normal

By last weekend, everything was back to normal as Dennis Fisher of Philadelphia, along with his extended family, headed for their reserved beach house on Hatteras Island. They had nervously awaited word on whether they could check in as scheduled.

"Our arrival on Sunday was unimpeded by traffic," Fisher told ConsumerAffairs. "We saw where the electric company installed more poles, but we really could not tell where the underground cables had been severed."

Fisher and his family report everything on the island seems to be back to normal. He said they had to reset all of the clocks once they arrived at their beach house and reprogram the TV, but that was the only sign that there had been a power outage. He also says the crowds appear to be back, which will be music to Nettles' ears.

The Visitor's Bureau has posted an accommodations guide, with a list of hotels on the Outer Banks and whether or not they have vacancies, for use by consumers making last minute vacation plans. Meanwhile, the region's attractions, are as crowded as you would expect in August.

Attractions

Famous as the launching pad for the Wright Brothers' first airplane, the Outer Banks have long been associated with flight, aided by a stiff and steady ocean breeze. Jockeys Ridge State Park features a towering sand dune, a favorite venue for hang gliding and kite flying.

Roanoke Island, located in the bay on the western side of the islands, has a place in history as well. It was the site of the first English military outpost on American soil, established in 1585. Today, the settlement is referred to as "the lost colony," because the colonists disappeared three years after their last shipload of supplies arrived from England. Though there are many theories about what happened, no one really knows for sure.

Visitors to Roanoke Island can go aboard the Elizabeth II, a replica of a ship from the era. Costumed sailors interact with visitors as they set sails, swab decks, and perform other nautical chores.

The island also has a settlement site, complete with costumed interpreters, an American Indian town, and a museum.

Just about every kind of fishing

Anglers are also drawn to the Outer Banks, especially in the fall. Fishermen can choose from surf and pier fishing, freshwater, fly and sound fishing, and inshore and offshore charter fishing.

Offshore anglers only have to venture 12 to 15 miles out to sea in order to reach the Gulf Stream, providing a diverse assortment of fish.

Since 2007, North Carolina has offered a Coastal Recreational Fishing License. It can be purchased on a 10-day, annual, or lifetime basis.

Getting there

The closest major airport to the Outer Banks is Norfolk International. It's served by Delta, United, American, Southwest, and Allegiant Air.

From Norfolk, the northern Outer Banks are reached by taking highway 168, then 158 and crossing Albemarle Sound at Kitty Hawk. The southern islands are reachable by taking highway 17 to highway 64.
Soli DG, a maritime business consulting firm, has been awarded the bid to take over CruiseMaine against a single competing bid.

Soli DG came to the table with a total proposed annual cost of $115,000, with total fixed costs of $105,000 combined with a variable $10,000 budget, according to documents posted online by the Maine State Legislature.

The bidding period was opened by the State of Maines tourism office in late June, with a three week window to submit proposals. The contract will run for a full year before being re-evaluated, for the potential for two 24-month options.

The first step is to meet with the Maine Office of Tourism and to query everything that has been done. We do this with every business opportunity, to assess what has worked and what hasnt worked, said Patrick Arnold, owner at Soli DG.

Based on that, we will start developing a strategic plan  come the fall we will be a lot further along in terms of having mapped out strategic elements we want to put in play to keep Maine at the forefront of cruise tourism, Arnold continued, speaking to Cruise Industry News.

Following a competitive bid process, the contract for providing management of cruise marketing, coordination and outreach has been awarded to Soli DG, Inc., pending final approval by the State Procurement Review Committee, said Steve Lyons, acting director of Maine Tourism. The next step is for the Office of Tourism to meet with Soli DG to discuss contract terms and set priorities for the first year of the contract. We expect to have a contract in place by the last week in August.

According to the RFP Proposal Master Sheet summary, the office was looking for a different and innovative approach to CruiseMaine.

Soli DG was founded in 2007 by Patrick and Janeen Arnold, with the former enjoying a three-year stint working directly for Norwegian Cruise Line.

The company, in its bid to run CruiseMaine, said it had helped build up the cruise business in Portland by presenting fuel-saving itineraries to the cruise lines.

In the case of Royal Caribbean, it was demonstrated that they would save $397,000 over four weeks alone using the itineraries Patrick provided versus the itineraries they were running for the 2007 season, the proposal said.

Top-line agenda items for Solis bid would include increasing cruise calls, converting passengers into repeat tourists and having a strong, unified presence for Maine in the cruise industry.

In the proposal, the firm suggested engaging Ports America for public-private partnerships surrounding infrastructure developments in Bar Harbor and Portland.

Other plans include an overhaul of the CruiseMaine marketing presence, with a new website, social media presence and branding initiative.

Based in Portland, Maine, Soli has nine employees.

Previously, CruiseMaine was run and co-founded by Amy Powers, who has since setup her own consulting firm, which did not submit a bid.
A city of just 1.3 square miles, Central Falls, Rhode Island is filled with history. It ranges back to the times of the Industrial Revolution, but most importantly, it has been a home away from home for generations of immigrants from all over the world. From the first settlers from Canada and Europe to the more recent influx from Latin America making up nearly 70% of its population, Central Falls is the destination immigrants have sought to pursue the American dream.

Back in 1915, Rhode Island saw the birth of its first credit union, created to help the immigrant community. As French-Canadians made their way south to Central Falls, they quickly realized they had limited avenues available for financial support. Seeing a lack of financial institutions that met their basic needs, such as loans for homes and businesses, the community got together and created a credit union in the basement of their church.
EnPro Industries, Inc. engages in the design, development, manufacture, marketing, and service of engineered industrial products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Sealing Technologies, Advanced Surface Technologies, and Engineered Materials. The Sealing Technologies segment offers single-use hygienic seals, tubing, components and assemblies; metallic, non-metallic, and composite material gaskets; compression packing products; hydraulic components; expansion joints; wall penetration products; and dynamic, flange, resilient metal, elastomeric, and custom-engineered mechanical seals for chemical and petrochemical processing, pulp and paper processing, power generation, food and pharmaceutical processing, primary metal manufacturing, mining, water and waste treatment, heavy-duty trucking, aerospace, medical, filtration, and semiconductor fabrication industries. This segment also provides aseptic fluid transfer products for the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. The Advanced Surface Technologies segment offers cleaning, coating, testing, refurbishment, and verification services for critical components and assemblies used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, as well as for critical applications in the space, aerospace, and defense markets; and specialized optical filters and thin-film coatings for various applications in the industrial technology, life sciences, and semiconductor markets. The Engineered Materials segment provides self-lubricating, non-rolling, metal polymer, engineered plastics, and fiber reinforced composite bearing products for various applications in the automotive, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, natural gas, health, power generation, machine tools, air treatment, refining, petrochemical, and general industrial markets. The company was incorporated in 2002 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
FLEETCOR Technologies, Inc. provides digital payment solutions for businesses to control purchases and make payments. It offers corporate payments solutions, such as accounts payable automation; Virtual Card, which provides a single-use card number for a specific amount usable within a defined timeframe; Cross-Border that is used by its customers to pay international vendors, foreign office and personnel expenses, capital expenditures, and profit repatriation and dividends; and purchasing cards and travel and entertainment cards for its customers to analyze and manage their corporate spending. The company also provides employee expense management solutions, including fuel solutions to businesses and government entities that operate vehicle fleets, as well as to oil and leasing companies, and fuel marketers; lodging solutions to businesses that have employees who travel overnight for work purposes, as well as to airlines and cruise lines to accommodate traveling crews and stranded passengers; and electronic toll payments solutions to businesses and consumers in the form of radio frequency identification tags affixed to vehicles' windshields. In addition, it offers gift card program management and processing services in plastic and digital forms that include card design, production and packaging, delivery and fulfillment, card and account management, transaction processing, promotion development and management, website design and hosting, program analytics, and card distribution channel management. Further, it provides other products consisting of payroll cards, vehicle maintenance service solution, long-haul transportation solution, prepaid food vouchers or cards, and prepaid transportation cards and vouchers. The company serves business, merchant, consumer, and payment network customers in North America, Brazil, and Internationally. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Djibouti Telecom has signed a contract with France-IX to peer its IP traffic through France-IXs IXPs in Paris and Marseille.

With this agreement, the government-run network operator enhances its network performance for its customers by decreasing latency on its IP network. This is possible thanks to a direct traffic exchange with other networks and on-demand content providers via a 10Gbps Port at each IXP. For Djibouti Telecoms network customers, this will deliver a significant improvement in quality of service with faster and more stable access to a large amount of French-language content.

The France-IX Internet Exchange platform interconnects several hundreds of telecommunications operators, service providers and content delivery networks that have significant traffic in France. This peering activity improves the accessibility and latency of Internet traffic exchanged between its members and thus improves the overall performance of the Internet for all users. In addition, it allows members to exchange value added services on the basis of an optimised network infrastructure.

For Djibouti Telecom's IP transit services customers, the connection to France-IX opens up an alternative route and allows them to optimise their traffic. For some destinations, it can significantly shorten data travel distance and improve response times. For the existing France-IX peering community, this new connection paves the way for additional customers and allows them to offer their services under satisfactory technical conditions. This is particularly the case for IaaS, PaaS and cloud services providers in general, based in Europe, for whom the quality of the connection between their infrastructures and the end users is paramount.

In recent years, Djibouti Telecom has been able to actively benefit from its advantageous geographic location, the stability of the country and its modern infrastructure. Marseille, where Djibouti Telecom benefits from the landing of recent subsea cables Asia-Africa-Europe 1 (AAE-1) and South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 5 (SMW-5), in addition to its existing capacity on Europe-India-Gateway (EIG) and Seacom, is a natural destination for us, explains Mohamed Assoweh Bouh, Director General of Djibouti Telecom. This agreement will not only benefit our final customers but also a number of African service providers, network providers and carriers based in Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles that use Djibouti Telecom as a hub.

This agreement is a major step for Djibouti Telecom, which is well positioned to support East-Africas digital transformation. France-IX has a growing African membership in both Paris and Marseille and Djibouti Telecom has become the first member with its head-quarters in the African continent to connect in both cities at the same time, explains Simon Muyal, Chief Technical Officer at France-IX.
Analysts at Credit Suisse reiterated their 'outperform' recommendation on shares of Domino's Pizza following the company's creation of a joint-venture with its largest franchisee in the capital.

The Swiss broker said it liked the long-term attractions of the business model, pointing out that while it was "unusual" it should generate a decent return on invested capital.

To back up its observation, it argued that returns on store openings - which it pegged at between three or four a year for the JV from 2018 - were "attractive"

and that London was underserved.

However, it also said: "This marks a move back into UK store ownership and might meet some skeptical responses about a lack of franchisee willingness to invest behind growth."

Credit Suisse estimated that the purchase price implied a current multiple of roughly between 10 and 11 times EBITDA.

Still at 365p, the target was also unchanged.
The latest rhetoric from North Korea has been to outline a plan for a launch demonstration, simulating an attack on US Pacific territory Guam.

Thanks to these latest comments, safe haven flows continued to pour into gold on Thursday, taking the precious metal from its day lows of $1,278, to day highs of $1,288 by 1500 BST.

In his statement, General Kim Rak Gyom described how four missiles would be launched, crossing over Hiroshima and Koichi prefectures of Japan to land in waters 30 to 40 kilometers away from Guam.



Oil markets saw a snap back on Thursday with the October brent contract down 0.5% to $52.48 a barrel by the London close, and the September WTI contract was down 0.85% to $49.14 a barrel.

Prices fell on lingering concerns of global oversupply as Russia considered a future output resumption and OPEC boosted it's July production numbers, as well as profit-taking after recent rallies.

This came in spite of OPEC (Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries) boosting estimates of demand for crude this year and next due to rising global consumption

Currently crude near term prices are trading at a premium to future contract prices, a market condition known as "backwardation", illustrating investors turning more optimistic about the pace at which oil supply and demand are rebalancing.



In agricultural news, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts for soybean and corn production were at the high end of market forecasts.

This helped push soybean futures lower 3.27% on the day to trade at $9.43 a bushel, while corn was down 2.89%.

The base metal market saw copper retreat further from a two year high $6,510 per metric tonne as profit taking took hold, pushing the price 0.06% lower on the day to close at $6,396.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Australia would invoke the ANZUS Treaty for just the second time since it was established in 1951, to "come to the aid of the United States" if escalating tensions with North Korea came to a head.

Mr Turnbull also dismissed the idea of Australia developing a missile defence shield to protect against an attack, saying he had been advised it would not be effective against North Korea's long range missiles.

ANZUS TREATY

The collective security treaty was designed to protect the Asia-Pacific region, binding Australia, New Zealand and the United States to one another in military matters in the area.

One of a series of treaties inked with the US between 1949 and 1955 as part of the superpower's response to the "Red Threat," the only time it has been invoked to date was "Operation Enduring Freedom," when Australian and New Zealand Army Corp (ANZAC) soldiers provided support to US led military forces in Afghanistan after the September 11 attacks.

While widely considered to have been dissolved in the 1980s after New Zealand PM David Lange instituted a nuclear free zone that barred both nuclear powered and nuclear-armed ships from entry to the country's ports and waters, much to then US President Ronald Reagan's chagrin, the Australia-US alliance remains in full force to this day.

"The United States has no stronger ally than Australia. We have an ANZUS agreement and if there is an attack on Australia or the United States each of us will come to the other's aid," said Mr Turnbull when speaking to Melbourne radio station 3AW on Friday.

"So let's be very clear about that. If there is an attack on the United States by North Korea, then the ANZUS treaty will be invoked and Australia will come to the aid of the United States."

Greens Party leader Richard Di Natale accused Mr Turnbull of throwing Australia into Kim Jong-un's line of fire, arguing that it placed Australia at unnecessary risk, saying "the last thing we need here is a Prime Minister backing an unhinged and paranoid leader into a conflict that could potentially end life on Earth as we know it."

On the other hand, opposition leader Bill Shorten stated it was the "bellicose and provocative actions" of the North Korean dictatorship, and not Mr Trumps rhetoric, that was of "big concern".

MISSILE DEFENCE SYSTEMS

Despite calls from Australia's last two Prime Ministers, Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd and several other key government figures, Mr Turnbull rejected the idea of a missile defence net around the nation.

Mr Turnbull said, "The current advice from Defence to the government is that they do not consider that there is a benefit to deploy a system such as the THAAD system."

The terminal high altitude defence (THAAD) is designed to provide protection for relatively small areas against short to intermediate range missiles.

Such a system is deployed in Israel and South Korea but the Australian PM said THAAD is, "not designed to provide protection against long range intercontinental ballistic missiles of the sort North Korea has recently tested."

The recent tensions have thrown global markets into uncertainty, with equities in Australia and South Korea falling on Friday.
China should remain neutral if North Korea decides to launch an attack that threatens the United States, The Global Times said in an editorial on Friday, in what may be a passive warning to Pyongyang over its plans to fire missiles near the US Pacific territory of Guam.

According to the Chinese state-run newspaper, China that it should make clear that it will stay neutral if North Korea launches missiles that threaten US soil first and then the US retaliates.

However, The Independent also quoted the Global Times as saying that "if the US and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime and change the political pattern of the Korean Peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so."

Although the Global Times was founded by the People's Daily, which is the Communist Party's flagship paper, and is located on the same property as the PD, some experts do not believe it shares the same status, even if it is conveniently written in English.

Indeed, its editorials are given more of a free reign, although they are best known for their quite nationalistic and often inflammatory points of view, not the opposite.

Friday's editorial came after US President Donald Trump stepped up his rhetoric against North Korea on Thursday, in response to indications from Pyongyang that it was studying test-launching some of its intermediate-range missiles into the waters off the US Pacific territory of Guam.

Trump said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "has disrespected our country greatly. He has said things that are horrific. And with me, he's not getting away with it. He got away with it for a long time, between him and his family. He's not getting away with it. It's a whole new ball game."

He also warned that the regime would be in trouble "like few nations have ever been" in the event that it does not get its act together.

In an official statement from its foreign ministry, China, which is North Korea's most important ally and trading partner, on Friday reiterated a call for all parties to act and speak with caution so as to avoid increasing tensions.

US and Japanese troops, on Thursday, began their regular 18-day live fire exercise on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, which was to include rocket artillery drills and involve 3,500.

North Korea tried and tested ballistic missiles in July and the UN subsequently decided to increase economic sanctions against the country further fuelling anger in the regime.


US President Donald Trump has refused to back down on threats of fire and fury made to North Korea earlier this week, doubling down on his stance against King Jong-uns regime.

Pyongyang responded to Trumps speech earlier this week by announcing plans to strike the countrys Pacific territory of Guam later this month, with the escalation in tensions quickly impacting global financial markets.

Secretary of state Rex Tillerson moved this week to reassure US citizens that there was no imminent threat of conflict with North Korea, but Trump told reporters on Thursday that the fire and fury comment was perhaps not tough enough.

"Maybe it wasnt tough enough," Trump said. "Theyve been doing this to our country for a long time, for many years, and its about time that somebody stuck up for the people of this country and for the people of other countries."

Secretary of state Rex Tillerson moved this week to reassure US citizens

He went on to add that Pyongyang better get their act together or theyre going to be in trouble like few nations ever have been in trouble in this world.

North Korea announced a detailed plan to strike waters near the US territory of Guam, accusing Trump as being 'bereft of reason'.

Markets were seen affected once again on Friday as the nerves surrounding the conflict go on, with global indices down across the board and money flowing into safe havens such as gold.
Markets in Europe finished near their session lows - with the notable exception of German stocks - with traders still in a defensive crouch going into the weekend.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 finished down by 1.07% for the day and by 2.8% for the week with some of the biggest losses coming from the banking (-1.69%), basic resources (-2,66%) and technology sectors (-1.09%).

Germany's DAX was flat at 12,014.06, but France's CAC 40 shed 1.08% to end at 5,059.82 and Spains IBEX 35 was 1.60% softer at 10,282.90.

In London, the FTSE 100 was last down 1.08% at 7,309.96.

Helping to limit losses for the time being was a possible indication that China might not back-up its errant neighbour if it carried out a missile strike that could threaten US territory.

According to the English-language Global Times, which was founded by the Communist Party's People's Daily, China should "make clear that if North Korea launches missiles that threaten US soil first and the US retaliates, China will stay neutral."

Yet investor worries of a possible miscalculation on the part of either side leading to something more physical continued to feed into heightened volatility, albeit far less than during the previous session, with the VStoxx index for the Euro Stoxx 50 ending the day 2.31% higher to 19.35.

Oil prices turned around late in the day, with Brent crude nudging higher 0.04% to $51.92 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate ahead by 0.12% at $48.65.

Earlier, the International Energy Agency bumped up its forecast for the average rate of global oil demand growth in 2017 from 1.4m barrels a day to 1.5m b/d.

On the corporate front, German energy giant Innogy was down 1.58% after it said its customer numbers were growing on Friday, although trading conditions reportedly remained tough.

Telecom Italia was 1.41% softer after being given extra time by authorities in Italy to turn in the paperwork detailing the role its biggest shareholder Vivendi was playing.

Volkswagen ticked higher by 0.71% after it had reportedly ended talks on an emerging markets merger with Indias Tata Motors.

Financial services firm Old Mutual was down 3.08% after confirming details of its plans to list two divisions next year.

Novozymes added 1.16% after it saw lower-than-expected growth in the second quarter, it said on Friday, leading it to slash its outlook.

Britain-based retailer Dixons Carphone was sitting at the bottom of the pile, sliding 7.15% after a downgrade from BNP Paribas.
COPENHAGEN  Danish fashion company Bestseller, whose brands include Jack & Jones and Vero Moda, has joined the Global Fashion Agendas (GFA) founding group of strategic partners. The GFA aims to encourage the fashion industry to adopt new sustainable approaches to the way materials are produced, marketed and consumed.
One of President Obamas main climate policy thrusts was to persuade the world that since you often get what you pay for, the world should stop paying for more extreme climate disruption by subsidizing fossil fuels. Both the G7 and the G20 accepted Obamas leadat least nominally.

Some countries did something. Revealingly, both rich and poor countries which were helping energy consumers get cheaper fuel reformed. The United Arab Emirates has dismantled its subsidy regime for gasoline. Indonesia eliminated its gasoline subsidies and capped diesel supports. India has moved very aggressively, first eliminating diesel supports, and now phasing out even the subsidized kerosene intended to help the off-grid poor pay for lighting their homes. (Dealing with electricity subsidies has proven a heavier lift).

But most richer countries, including the U.S. and China, the nations who started the clamor to get prices right havent done so well. Their subsidies are mostly aimed at well-connected fossil fuel producers. Recent analysis shows that $60 billion a year is still flowing from 12 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development members to oil, gas and coal producers, in a variety of forms, particularly export credits to encourage emerging markets to purchase oil, gas and coal technologies and equipment. This is four times as much subsidy as those same countries provide to clean energy.

So the worlds strongest economies are handing out more than $60 billion in public funds to the worlds biggest polluters, including some of the worlds richest companies, aiding and abetting Big Carbons effort to postpone the climate reckoning. At the same time they are pleading that their Treasuries are so depleted that they cannot keep their much less expensive long-standing promises to help finance the clean energy transition in developing countries.

Australia, for example, which was just chosen to lead the primary vehicle for climate aid, the Green Climate Fund, has provided $200 million for that agency. But Australias Queensland State is proposing to spend $1 billionfive times as muchhelping to build a single new railroad to enable an Indian mining company, Adani, to develop its Carmichael mine, a decision which caused one of Adanis competitors, Glencore, to snipe at risky ventures that rely on taxpayer subsidies to get across the line and which will bring on massive volumes of additional coal supply into the market, which could undermine existing operations. (The Carmichael coal project is also expected to receive significant financial concessions on royalty payments).

The U.S., under President Trump, has become something of a caricature of what this fossil subsidy end game might look like. Trump campaigned with strong support from coal, oil and natural gas nationallybut messaged around his promise to bring back coal mining jobs in Appalachian states like Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky.

Elected, he moved promptly to reverse a series of Obama administration regulations which would have improved environmental standards for oil, gas and coal extraction. Coal industry executive and even Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell conceded that these roll-backs, while good for coal company pocket books, would do nothing to bring back Appalachian jobs, which were being lost because of competition from cheaper strip-mined western coal, natural gas and renewables.

Trump next reversed a series of Obama reforms designed to ensure that companies mining fossil fuels from public lands paid fair royalties, and that leases were bid competitively. The roll-back added another billion dollars a year to the taxpayer give-away to public lands producers, but also made it even more difficult for labor intensive Appalachian coal miners to competespeeding the loss of jobs. (The new administrations moves to lower environmental standards for gas drilling also hampered eastern coal).

How did Appalachian coal interests respond to the Trump administration giveaways to its competitors, western coal and natural gas? Predictably, they pled for even bigger subsidies for themselves. West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, who just bolted the Democratic Party to join the GOP, asked Trump for a $15 federal subsidy for each ton of Appalachian coal, and claimed Trump had expressed support for the idea. If Congress were to appropriate these funds, it would add another $4.5 billion to the total U.S. government pay-off to fossil fuel producers.

But while these outrageous political payoffs waste taxpayer money and keep uncompetitive coal projects alive for a few more years, they dont change the underlying market realities. Last month the CEO of CSX railroad, founded to haul coal, and still getting a fifth of its revenue from the fuel, told analysts Fossil fuels are dead.Thats a long-term view. Its not going to happen overnight. Its not going to be in two or three years. But its going away, in my view. And he backed up that prediction by revealing that his company would no longer make capital investments in its coal hauling businessno more locomotives designed to haul coal, no more investments in additional trackageCSX is just going to let its coal business gradually wither. This week a Houston based energy trader told Bloomberg, All the power market people that I know, we all think coal is going to zero.

So when you read claims that renewable energy isnt competitive yet with fossil fuels, or that it is economics that is slowing down the transition to clean energy, rememberthe worlds richest governments are throwing taxpayer money at well connected oil, gas and coal companies, cosseting these giants from the grim realities of true market coststhey represent a no-longer competitive past, and our health, our security, our climate and our economy will be better off the faster we move to the future of clean, low-carbon and cheaper energy sources.
On the night of Aug. 3 two ships collided south of Hong Kong in the approach waters to the Pearl River Delta. According to information obtained from the Tradewinds News, the Japanese GMS chemical tanker Global Apollon and the Pacific International Lines containership Kota Ganteng had a collision but details remain very slim. Details of the damage is also unknown however the Kota Ganteng containership has since sailed onwards to Singapore. The Global Apollon remains at anchor in the waters near the Chinese Guishan Islands just to the South West of Hong Kongs Soko Islands.

The Global Apollon was carrying 9,000 tons of raw palm oil and a substantial (unknown) amount of this was spilt into the surrounding waters. The Guangzhou authorities dispatched nine vessels to assist and contain from reports we have seen, yet the Hong Kong government claim that they were not told of the spill until Aug. 5. By the time the Hong Kong government found out, large amounts of this palm oil began washing up on Hong Kongs southern beaches.

Sea Shepherd became aware of the spill on Sunday after concerned citizens started asking what the white goo was and was it hazardous. The Hong Kong government had posted some very small (A4) printed notices at the Gazetted beaches but to this date has not issued any stronger public warnings. In fact the new Under-Secretary for the Environment, Tse Chin-wan has claimed that everything is under control and the spill poses no concern to public health.

Concerned members of the public disagree with this statement after witnessing first hand on their beaches, so they have mobilized to clean what the government should be cleaning. In 2012 there was a huge spill of plastic pellets that covered the beaches of Hong Kong after a ship lost six containers in a typhoon. The Hong Kong public are very much aware of the limitations any government has when faced with an accident of such a scale, and are keen to volunteer their help.

On Aug. 8, Sea Shepherd Globals Asia Director Gary Stokes wrote an open letter to the director of the Marine Department and other government departments to offer assistance similar to what was offered in 2012. So far Sea Shepherd has only received a thank you, well get back to you reply.

During one of the patrols on the Amberjack vessel, Sea Shepherd documented fish feeding on the palm oil, almost in a state of frenzy. It is still unclear as to how the palm oil will affect fish, however there have been an increased amount of dead fish washing up on the beaches.

While the palm oil itself is not hazardous to humans, the issue is the bacteria it collects that grows on it. The palm oil has a melting point of 35C so in the water remains in a solid form. When it hits the beaches or rocky coastlines it melts. We have found it seeping 4 inches into the sand where it then cools and regains a solid form. This does not bode well at all as it will then take 30 days or so to break down. Much is washed back out to sea, creating an oil slick that reduces oxygen levels in the water in much the same was as red tide events.

Similar spills in the UK resulted in the UK Government issuing a public warning to all small children and dogs to avoid the beaches. In Hong Kong we have witnessed kids playing in amongst the palm oil. Parents said that they have heard its perfectly safe from the government, said Gary Stokes. The sad reality is our addiction to palm oil that is wiping out rainforests in Indonesia and Malaysia to supply our addiction to processed snack foods. As a double environmental hit, this palm oil likely cost rainforest species their habitat and now pollutes the marine habitat, threatening the ocean life of Hong Kong.

Families on the beaches in Hong Kong despite the lumps of palm oil everywhere. Andy Stokes / Sea Shepherd

Clean up operations continue with volunteers from all over Hong Kong hitting the beaches of Lamma Island where the effects were worst felt. At times like this everyday heroes appear from the midst and step up when needed and a special acknowledgement must go out to Robert Lockyer, Keilem Ng and Julia Leung amongst many who have been working every day on the beaches coordinating volunteers, said Stokes.
New research led by American Cancer Society researchers in collaboration with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and Georgia State University used activity monitors to find that higher income individuals are more likely to be "weekend warriors," getting most of their activity on only a few days a week, and also spend more time in sedentary pursuits. The study appears in Preventive Medicine.

Previous research has shown that higher income individuals are more likely to be physically active at a higher intensity. However, this research has historically relied on self-reporting, which may exaggerate actual activity levels. Information collected via activity monitors has shown less than 5% of U.S. adults meet physical activity guidelines. This is despite ample evidence supporting the link between physical activity and reduced risk for premature death and many diseases, including some cancers.

At the same time, evidence has accumulated showing the harmful effects of prolonged sedentary behavior on health; health effects that remain even when physical activity levels are considered. Income has been shown to be a prominent barrier to engaging in physical activity. Individuals with low incomes face time constraints as well as other barriers, including lack of exercise facilities, parks and open space, as well as an inflexible work environment, and have been shown to be less likely to meet physical activity guidelines. Meanwhile, higher income individuals who often also have limited time, have more resources and places to exercise, which could facilitate their ability to meet activity guidelines. However, they also are more likely to hold sedentary jobs, like office work.

For the new study, investigators Kerem Shuval and Qing Li (American Cancer Society), Kelley Pettee Gabriel (University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston) and Rusty Tchernis (Georgia State University), used accelerometer data to analyze physical activity and sedentary behavior in relation to income levels among 5,206 U.S. adults enrolled in The National Health and Examination Survey from 2003-06, a nationally representative survey.

The study found that compared to those making less than $20,000 per year, those with an annual income of $75,000 or more engaged in 4.6 more daily minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity as measured by activity monitors. High income individuals also engaged in 9.3 fewer minutes of light intensity activity, spent 11.8 more minutes daily sedentary, were 1.6 times more likely to meet guidelines for a brief 2-day period ('weekend warrior'), and were 1.9 times more likely to meet guidelines during a 7-day period.

"Our findings pertaining to income and the 'weekend warrior' effect underscore the importance of tailoring the physical activity message to reflect the constraints of both low and high income individuals," said Dr. Shuval. "To meet guidelines one can engage in 150 minutes of weekly moderate intensity activity over a 2 or 3-day period rather than 7 days, for example. This can be achieved over a long weekend, a message we may want to convey to those pressed for time. It is important to remember, however, that we should increase the duration and intensity of activity gradually to avoid injury. Also, if inactive consult with a physician before embarking on an exercise program."

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Article: Income, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and the 'weekend warrior' among U.S. adults; Shuval K, Li Q, Gabriel KP, Tchernis R; Preventive Medicine; Published online 10 August 2017 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2017.07.033
The next time you hear about the possibility of rain on the weather forecast, try imagining the umbrella tip being lodged in your home's door lock, blocking you from locking it. This mental exercise could prevent you from leaving home without an umbrella.

Imagining an action between two objects (the umbrella being lodged in the door lock) and a potential consequence (not being able to lock the door) may help people improve their memory for relationships with other objects, according to a recent Baycrest Health Sciences study published in the Memory & Cognition journal.

This finding is part of an in-depth study into a natural memory strategy -- termed "unitization" -- that was used by an individual with amnesia, D.A., who was able to create new memories despite his condition.

Better understanding of this strategy could allow it to be used in personalized memory rehabilitation to help older adults and those with amnesia bypass gaps in their abilities, says Dr. Jennifer Ryan, senior scientist at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute.

"Previous research has shown that imagining two objects fusing into one will help people work around these memory deficits; but our work demonstrated that understanding the relationship between the two items is also important," says Dr. Ryan, who is also a psychology and psychiatry professor at the University of Toronto. "We know that cognitive function is impaired during aging and this strategy could be one workaround for minor memory problems, depending on what you need to achieve."

The study evaluated the performance of 80 healthy older adults (between the ages of 61 to 88) on a memory task. The group was first trained and tested on the task to gather initial results. They were then either taught one of the three individual features of unitization (fusion, motion, action/consequence) or the overall unitization strategy. After learning these new approaches, participants were tested again to see if this helped their performance.

Older adults trained to improve their memory using only the action/consequence feature of unitization saw the greatest memory improvements.

"We are trying to understand what's important to unitization and what people need to learn in order to benefit," says Dr. Ryan. "There is no single strategy that will fix your memory, but one method may be more be suitable than another."

Next steps for the research will be to explore how the brain's systems support different memory strategies. With additional funding, researchers could explore incorporating this memory strategy with a personalized brain rehabilitation program for older adults.

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This research was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and the Canada Research Chairs Program.

About Baycrest Health Sciences

Baycrest Health Sciences is a global leader in geriatric residential living, healthcare, research, innovation and education, with a special focus on brain health and aging. Fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, Baycrest provides excellent care for older adults combined with an extensive clinical training program for the next generation of healthcare professionals and one of the world's top research institutes in cognitive neuroscience, the Rotman Research Institute. Baycrest is home to the federally and provincially-funded Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation, a solution accelerator focused on driving innovation in the aging and brain health sector, and is the developer of Cogniciti - a free online memory assessment for Canadians 40+ who are concerned about their memory. Founded in 1918 as the Jewish Home for Aged, Baycrest continues to embrace the long-standing tradition of all great Jewish healthcare institutions to improve the well-being of people in their local communities and around the globe. For more information please visit: http://www.baycrest.org

About Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute

The Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Health Sciences is a premier international centre for the study of human brain function. Through generous support from private donors and funding agencies, the institute is helping to illuminate the causes of cognitive decline in seniors, identify promising approaches to treatment, and lifestyle practices that will protect brain health longer in the lifespan.

For media inquiries:

Jonathan MacIndoe

Baycrest Health Sciences

416-785-2500 ext. 6579

jmacindoe@baycrest.org
The origin, development, and characteristics of two types of testicular macrophage have been described by a CNRS team at the Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CNRS / INSERM / Aix-Marseille University). To elucidate the nature of these immune cells, the researchers used a novel cell tracing method. Their findings were published on August 7, 2017, in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, and are of fundamental importance. They may help understand certain kinds of infertility in men and find new treatments for them.

From the start of life, an individual's immune system learns to distinguish self--that is, native cells--from other, potentially pathogenic cells. But in males, as sperm only appear at puberty, they may be mistaken for foreign cells by certain elements of the immune system. Testicular macrophages are special immune cells that rush to the defense of sperm. By releasing specific molecules, these guardians of fertility prevent other immune system agents from entering the testes.

Macrophages not only migrate to sites of infection and phagocytose pathogens, but also modulate immune system activity to ensure proper organ function and regeneration. They may arise from either embryonic progenitors or bone marrow cells in adults. Research with mice has enabled the team of Michael Sieweke from the Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CNRS / INSERM / Aix-Marseille University) to describe both testicular macrophage populations in depth.

The testis is divided into two compartments. One kind of testicular macrophage is found in the interstitial spaces, where testosterone-producing Leydig cells are also located. These interstitial macrophages are of embryonic origin: they are present from the beginning of the individual's life. The other kind is peritubular--that is, located on the surface of the seminiferous tubules that house sperm cell precursors. Each macrophage population has distinctive cellular markers.

The researchers used a new cell tracing method to follow the movement of peritubular macrophages from the bone marrow to the testes. They discovered that these macrophages only appear two weeks after the mice are born, which corresponds to the pubescent stage in human males. Surprisingly, once they have been established in the testes, macrophages of both populations remain there for the rest of their long lives. Sieweke's team will next focus their research efforts on the relationships between macrophages, sperm, and testosterone production, which may yield innovative treatments for certain kinds of male infertility.

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The human body is engaged in a constant tightrope walk to maintain the right pH, because when our cells' acid-alkaline balance goes wrong, it can go wrong in a big way.

Abnormal pH--in particular, abnormally low, acid pH--is a marker for maladies ranging from cystic fibrosis, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis to cancer and Alzheimer's. Now, Michigan Technological University chemist Haiying Liu has developed new tools that could make it much easier to detect low pH in living cells. The discovery is the focus of a new study funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health and published in ACS Sensors.

To measure pH, researchers and medical personnel use fluorescent dyes, called probes, that glow in acidic conditions when activated by fluorescent light. The probes are used for diagnostic imaging--to visualize blood vessels and the digestive tract, for example--and they can help surgeons remove diseased tissue, including tumors. However, these probes are not perfect.

The problems stem from the high-energy light they need to fluoresce. Light at these wavelengths not only switches on the probe; it can also cause biological structures to shine like glow sticks. This autoluminescence makes it hard to tell the difference between the probe and surrounding tissues. High-energy light can even damage cells and cause the probe's initial shine to fade into darkness, a process called photobleaching.

To fix these issues, you would need a probe that works in low-energy, near-infrared light. So chemistry professor Liu and his team developed two of them.

These probes have a lot going for them. They aren't subject to photobleaching and autoluminescence. Plus, since near-infrared light can penetrate deep into tissues, they could give scientists and physicians a better look inside the body.

The chemistry of the two probes was inspired by rhodamine, which has been used in biotech applications for decades. "But the problem with rhodamine is that it can damage cells," Liu said. "We needed a probe that was compatible with living tissues."

So, Liu's team sweetened its next-generation probes with a simple sugar found in many fruits: mannose. "We introduced the sugar to make the probes water soluble and less toxic," said Liu. "That helps it penetrate cell membranes and makes it much friendlier."

Liu's team designed its probes to emit light in two different ways. First, they fluoresce in the conventional way when exposed to near-infrared light. In addition, they glow in the near-infrared spectrum at even lower energies, thanks to a different type of chemical response called single-photon frequency up-conversion luminescence (FUCL).

Tests under both types of light have been promising, showing that both probes are highly sensitive to pH and very gentle to living cells, even at high concentrations. Though the probes are similar chemically, one is slightly more sensitive to pH in cell cultures.

Next, Liu will study how well they detect low pH in mice, in hopes that the probes can help advance medical science and even save lives.

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When a solar eclipse plunges the country into darkness Aug. 21, Nathaniel Frissell will be stationed directly along the shadow's path, leading one of the largest ionospheric experiments in the history of space science from the back porch of a cabin in Gilbertsville, Kentucky.

With a 102 ft. wire antenna, he will contact a network of ham radio operators he's assembled around the world to test the strength and reach of their high frequency signals as one measure of the eclipse's impact on Earth's atmosphere. More than a week in advance, nearly 200 operators - from New Jersey, to Tennessee, to Wyoming in the U.S. and at far-flung locales such as Chile, Greece and India - are already signed on to be "citizen-scientists" that day by recording their contacts with one another. Their number grows daily.

"Among other phenomena, we're hoping to use our radio transmissions to identify how much of the ionosphere is impacted by the eclipse and how long the effects last," explains Frissell, an assistant research professor of physics at NJIT's Center for Solar Terrestrial Research and a sophisticated practitioner of ham radio who is intent on elevating the technology's role in space science research. He will share data and analysis from the day at the American Geophysical Union annual meeting in December.

Frissell has been preparing for this rare event for more than two years. While a Ph.D. student at Virginia Tech, he founded the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI), an organization that connects professional researchers such as space physicists and astronomers with the amateur radio community. By merging their data, the different groups will be able to construct a comprehensive picture of atmospheric effects caused by space weather events ranging from the solar eclipse later this month to more common phenomena, such as solar flares. In 2014, he first demonstrated the use of ham radio data by showing the effects of an X-class solar flare on high frequency communications.

On NJIT's campus, members of Frissell's team of undergraduate ham radio operators, including Spencer Gunning, Joshua Vega and Joshua Katz, have been constructing a website and developing data analysis tools that will allow them to gather and interpret the observations generated during the eclipse. Hundreds of hams around the world are planning on participating in this event, and they will be generating a large and diverse set of measurements.

Katz, along with Shaheda Shaik, a physics major and student researcher at NJIT's Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research, will give a talk on the eclipse at the United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) observatory at Jenny Jump State Forest Saturday, Aug. 19. Katz will return to the observatory Aug. 21 with other members of the NJIT K2MFF Amateur Radio Club to participate in the HamSCI Eclipse Ham Radio experiments. They plan on operating outside so they can view the eclipse while using their radios.

"We'll be participating in an international data-collection effort, learning more about the space weather effects of the eclipse, exposing the general public to amateur radio and watching a beautiful once-in-a-lifetime solar event all on the same day," Katz says. "That's more excitement than programmers and data analysts like me are usually allowed to have in a single sitting!"

New Jersey will experience a partial eclipse - about 75 percent shadow cover that day - beginning shortly after 1 p.m. Visitors can participate that day in UACNJ's Eclipse Observation event. (See http://www.uacnj.org for details.)

Frissell calls the eclipse "a spectacular event that has gripped the public's imagination."

"What's exciting from a researcher's perspective is that people have access to tools such as digital radios and computers that are connected in ways they weren't in the past, allowing us to make observations and then collect and share them," he notes. "For us, this is an unusual opportunity to learn things we don't know about the ionosphere, the electrified region of Earth's upper atmosphere formed when ultraviolet light from the Sun dislodges electrons from neutral particles such as oxygen, nitrogen and helium. This is one of the very few times we're able to conduct a controlled experiment around a space weather event. Normally, we have no advanced knowledge over when, where and how they happen."

Ham radio operators are acutely interested in the ionosphere, in part because it allows them to communicate with each other across thousands of miles and despite the Earth's curvature, which disrupts normal line-of-sight communications. Their high-frequency radio waves bounce off the upper atmosphere and are refracted back down on the other side of the globe. The composition of the ionosphere at different levels affects their ability to transmit.

"A station in Texas may not normally be able to talk to one in North Dakota on a particular frequency at a certain time of day. However, the eclipse will change the ionospheric state and possibly create communication paths that do not normally exist. We will be looking for those changes, among other impacts," he notes. "If you suddenly alter the ionosphere as happens during an eclipse, by reducing the number of ions or changing the temperature, for example, does it create waves or instabilities? How far can these effects be detected?"

A major source of HamSCI data comes from the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN). The Reverse Beacon Network is an automated radio (1.8 - 144 MHz) receiving network created and maintained voluntarily by ham radio operators. The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is working with HamSCI to organize and promote a Solar Eclipse QSO Party, a contest-like operating event designed to get hams on the air during the eclipse.

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About NJIT

One of the nation's leading public technological universities, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a top-tier research university that prepares students to become leaders in the technology-dependent economy of the 21st century. NJIT's multidisciplinary curriculum and computing-intensive approach to education provide technological proficiency, business acumen and leadership skills. With an enrollment of 11,400 graduate and undergraduate students, NJIT offers small-campus intimacy with the resources of a major public research university. NJIT is a global leader in such fields as solar research, nanotechnology, resilient design, tissue engineering, and cybersecurity, in addition to others. NJIT is among the top U.S. polytechnic public universities in research expenditures, exceeding $130 million, and is among the top 1 percent of public colleges and universities in return on educational investment, according to PayScale.com. NJIT has a $1.74 billion annual economic impact on the State of New Jersey.
A new experiment set for an Aug. 14 launch to the International Space Station will provide an unprecedented look at a rain of particles from deep space, called cosmic rays, that constantly showers our planet. The Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass mission destined for the International Space Station (ISS-CREAM) is designed to measure the highest-energy particles of any detector yet flown in space.

CREAM was originally developed as a part of NASA's Balloon Program, during which it returned measurements from around 120,000 feet in seven flights between 2004 and 2016.

"The CREAM balloon experiment achieved a total sky exposure of 191 days, a record for any balloon-borne astronomical experiment," said Eun-Suk Seo, a professor of physics at the University of Maryland in College Park and the experiment's principal investigator. "Operating on the space station will increase our exposure by over 10 times, taking us well beyond the traditional energy limits of direct measurements."

Sporting new instruments, as well as refurbished versions of detectors originally used on balloon flights over Antarctica, the refrigerator-sized, 1.4-ton (1,300 kilogram) ISS-CREAM experiment will be delivered to the space station as part of the 12th SpaceX commercial resupply service mission. Once there, ISS-CREAM will be moved to the Exposed Facility platform extending from Kibo, the Japanese Experiment Module.

From this orbital perch, ISS-CREAM is expected to study the "cosmic rain" for three years -- time needed to provide unparalleled direct measurements of rare high-energy cosmic rays.

At energies above about 1 billion electron volts, most cosmic rays come to us from beyond our solar system. Various lines of evidence, including observations from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, support the idea that shock waves from the expanding debris of stars that exploded as supernovas accelerate cosmic rays up to energies of 1,000 trillion electron volts (PeV). That's 10 million times the energy of medical proton beams used to treat cancer. ISS-CREAM data will allow scientists to examine how sources other than supernova remnants contribute to the population of cosmic rays.

Protons are the most common cosmic ray particles, but electrons, helium nuclei and the nuclei of heavier elements make up a small percentage. All are direct samples of matter from interstellar space. But because the particles are electrically charged, they interact with galactic magnetic fields, causing them to wander in their journey to Earth. This scrambles their paths and makes it impossible to trace cosmic ray particles back to their sources.

"An additional challenge is that the flux of particles striking any detector decreases steadily with higher energies," said ISS-CREAM co-investigator Jason Link, a researcher at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. "So to better explore higher energies, we either need a much bigger detector or much more observing time. Operating on the space station provides us with this extra time."

Large ground-based systems study cosmic rays at energies greater than 1 PeV by making Earth's atmosphere the detector. When a cosmic ray strikes the nucleus of a gas molecule in the atmosphere, both explode in a shower of subatomic shrapnel that triggers a wider cascade of particle collisions. Some of these secondary particles reach detectors on the ground, providing information scientists can use to infer the properties of the original cosmic ray.

These secondaries also produce an interfering background that limited the effectiveness of CREAM's balloon operations. Removing that background is another advantage of relocating to orbit.

With decreasing numbers of particles at increasing energies, the cosmic ray spectrum vaguely resembles the profile of a human leg. At PeV energies, this decline abruptly steepens, forming a detail scientists call the "knee." ISS-CREAM is the first space mission capable of measuring the low flux of cosmic rays at energies approaching the knee.

"The origin of the knee and other features remain longstanding mysteries," Seo said. "Many scenarios have been proposed to explain them, but we don't know which is correct."

Astronomers don't think supernova remnants are capable of powering cosmic rays beyond the PeV range, so the knee may be shaped in part by the drop-off of their cosmic rays in this region.

"High-energy cosmic rays carry a great deal of information about our interstellar neighborhood and our galaxy, but we haven't been able to read these messages very clearly," said co-investigator John Mitchell at Goddard. "ISS-CREAM represents one significant step in this direction."

ISS-CREAM detects cosmic ray particles when they slam into the matter making up its instruments. First, a silicon charge detector measures the electrical charge of incoming particles, then layers of carbon provide targets that encourage impacts, producing cascades of particles that stream into electrical and optical detectors below while a calorimeter determines their energy. Two scintillator-based detector systems provide the ability to discern between singly charged electrons and protons. All told, ISS-CREAM can distinguish electrons, protons and atomic nuclei as massive as iron as they crash through the instruments.

ISS-CREAM will join two other cosmic ray experiments already working on the space station. The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02), led by an international collaboration sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, is mapping cosmic rays up to a trillion electron volts, and the Japan-led Calorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET), also located on the Kibo Exposed Facility, is dedicated to studying cosmic ray electrons.

Overall management of ISS-CREAM and integration for its space station application was provided by NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia's Eastern Shore. ISS-CREAM was developed as part of an international collaboration led by the University of Maryland at College Park, which includes teams from NASA Goddard, Penn State University in University Park, Pennsylvania, and Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, as well as collaborating institutions in the Republic of Korea, Mexico and France.

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A new export deal with China will bring a 200 million boost to the UK food industry and support 1,500 jobs, farming minister George Eustice has announced.

Taking advantage of the growing demand for British food and drink in China, seven new businesses in England and Northern Ireland have secured access to export pork.

This includes three producers who, in a first for the UK, will export pig trotters.

The new agreements will support around 1,500 jobs across the country. It comes after it was revealed this week UK food and drink exports reached 10 billion for the first half of 2017.

Mr Eustice said: "China is a hugely important market for our world-class food industry and by opening up access even further, more UK businesses can take advantage of the growing appetite for our food and drink.

"British food is produced to the very best standards of welfare, quality and safety and this growth in exports to China is creating more jobs and opportunities for our premium pork producers who can guarantee quality from farm to fork."

Demand for British

Demand for British food and drink is growing in China, with the total value of exports rising by a third to 438m in 2016.

In particular, demand for UK pork has doubled in terms of value over the last three years. Nine producers already export to China and generated 43m last year.

The new agreements include approval to export from five sites in Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, County Antrim and County Tyrone  meaning Northern Ireland will take advantage of this export success story for the first time.

The announcement follows a new export deal worth 34 million that will soon see UK beef on dinner plates and restaurant menus across the Philippines.

'Major boost'

Northern Irelands Chief Veterinary Officer, Robert Huey thanked Defra for securing access.

He said: "This is very welcome news for the Northern Ireland pig sector and for our wider agri-food industry and I look forward to the commencement of exports to China. The deal represents a major boost worth in excess of 10m for the local pork industry.

"This follows concerted effort by Defra supported by the government and industry in Northern Ireland. By recommending approval, the Chinese authorities have recognised the rigorous standards Northern Ireland has in place to produce our high-quality, safe and wholesome pork.

"We place a clear emphasis on traceability at the heart of our production and processing and recognise that a joined up, safe and efficient food supply is essential."

The government has previously said that it is committed to driving exports for UK produce.

China is one of the key markets in the International Action Plan for Food and Drink, which will see Government and industry working together to boost food and drink exports over the next five years.
Contaminated Dutch eggs in the UK food chain should be a 'wake-up call' for supermarkets, the British Free Range Egg Producers Association has said.

700,000 contaminated eggs from the Netherlands were incorporated in to products such as sandwiches and salads and are being withdrawn by retailers.

BFREPA chief executive Robert Gooch said processed egg is often sourced from other countries.

"British egg producers follow stringent production standards to ensure that what they produce is perfectly safe and nutritious for consumers to eat," he said.

"Consumers want safe, traceable food and we have a ready-made scheme which delivers that in the form of the British Lion Code.

Approximately 180 Dutch farms, including egg farms, have been implicated so far.

"Consumers should be reminded that eggs stamped with the British Lion mark are perfectly safe to eat," Mr Gooch said.
Investigators in the Netherlands have arrested two people and the EU has called an emergency meeting in response to the growing fipronil crisis.

In the United Kingdom, retailers are seeking written assurances that the banned pesticide has not been used by British egg producers, although the Food Standards Agency (FSA) says there is nothing to suggest it has been used on UK farms.

However, about 700,000 potentially contaminated eggs from Europe are thought to have been imported into the UK for use as egg product and four supermarkets have withdrawn some foods from their shelves as a precaution.

In the Netherlands, where fipronil seems to have been illegally used as a treatment against red mite, the Dutch food safety authority, NVWA, confirmed that two people had been arrested.

Those arrested are the two directors of the company that is believed to have applied the treatment on laying birds.

The Dutch authorities have been working with counterparts in Belgium, where the chemical is believed to have originated. Millions of eggs have been withdrawn from sale in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany and more than 100 Dutch egg farms have been shut down.

The European Union Health Commissioner, Vytenis Andriukaitis, has called an emergency meeting in an attempt to stop the three countries trading accusations. "Blaming and shaming will bring us nowhere and I want to stop this, he is reported to have said.

But first things first. Our common job and our priority now are to manage the situation, gather information, focus on the analysis and lessons to be learned in view to improve our system and prevent criminal activity.

Egg scandal

The United Kingdom has been drawn into the European contaminated egg scandal following confirmation by the FSA that eggs contaminated on European farms were imported into the UK.

This incident should be a wake-up call for retailers. Consumers want safe, traceable food and we have a ready-made scheme which delivers that in the form of the British Lion Code. said Robert Gooch (BFREPA)

Sainsbury's confirmed that all salads containing eggs were being removed from sale because there was a risk that eggs may contain small traces of fipronil.

Asda, Morrisons and Waitrose have also withdrawn some products from their shelves. Tesco said it was not affected.

Now, egg packers have apparently been asked by retailers to confirm in writing that no products containing fipronil have been used on their farms. Packers are, in turn, seeking the same assurance from the producers who supply them.

In the wake of the scandal, leading retailers have been criticised by British Lion Egg Processors for operating what it says are double standards - ensuring that shell eggs are British Lion whilst importing foreign egg for use in many other food products.

Ian Jones, chairman of British Lion Egg Processors, said: This is just the latest of a number of food safety issues connected to eggs produced outside of the UK in recent years. Consumers clearly want retailers and food manufacturers to use good quality British ingredients that are produced to high standards of food safety, but in some prepared foods this is not the case.

As we approach Brexit, shoppers are growing increasingly concerned about the ingredients used in manufactured food and now more than ever want and deserve transparency on food packaging. The egg industry believes that this is a great opportunity for retailers to listen to the concerns of their customers and reassure them by specifying the use of British eggs and using the Made with British Lion eggs logo on packs.

Production standards

British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) Chief Executive Robert Gooch said: British egg producers follow stringent production standards to ensure that what they produce is perfectly safe and nutritious for consumers to eat.

Retailers have shown good commitment to British shell eggs but processed egg is often sourced from other countries.

This incident should be a wake-up call for retailers. Consumers want safe, traceable food and we have a ready-made scheme which delivers that in the form of the British Lion Code.

The FSA says there is nothing to suggest that the chemical has been used on UK farms. However, eggs contaminated in Europe have found their way onto the UK market.

The FSA originally thought that about 20,000 had been imported into the UK. The figure is now thought to be about 700,000.

An update issued by the FSA read: "We have now established that more eggs from affected farms than previously identified came to the UK. It is very unlikely that these eggs pose a risk to public health but, as fipronil is unauthorised for use in food-producing animals, we have acted with urgency to ensure that consumers are protected."

The FSA said that the products affected were processed foods in which egg was one ingredient among many others, mostly used in sandwich fillings or other chilled foods.

Eight locations

Investigators on the continent have searched a total of eight locations in the Netherlands.

Eurojust and Europol have been involved in co-ordinating cross border co-operation. The Dutch NVWA said that investigations were focusing on the Dutch company that allegedly applied the fipronil and the alleged Belgian supplier, as well as a company from the Netherlands that may have collaborated with the Belgian supplier.

It said the company and two drivers suspected of using the drug, the Dutch dealer, the Belgian supplier and its owner were suspected of threatening public health by the delivery or use of fipronil.

Investigators have searched the homes of the two people who were arrested and another house where one of the suspects stayed.

The home of a Belgian supplier has been searched, as well as that of a Dutch trader, a warehouse and two other unspecified locations. Officers have seized valuable goods such as cars, bank assets and property.

The FSA said the 700,000 contaminated eggs it believes to have been imported into the UK represented 0.007 per cent of the eggs consumed in this country every year. It said it was very unlikely that there was any risk to public health from consuming these foods.

"Some of the products made from these eggs will have had a short shelf life and will have already been consumed. However, we identified some that were still within the expiry date. These are now being withdrawn by the businesses involved."

'Acting quickly'

The FSA said the decision to withdraw products was not due to food safety concerns, but was based on the fact that fipronil was not authorised for use in food producing animals.

Heather Hancock, chairman of the Food Standards Agency, said: "Im confident that acting quickly is the right thing to do. The number of eggs involved is small in proportion to the number of eggs we eat, and it is very unlikely that there is a risk to public health.

"Based on the available evidence, there is no need for people to change the way they consume or cook eggs. However, fipronil is not legally allowed for use near food-producing animals and it shouldnt be there."

The FSA said it was reminding food businesses of their legal responsibilities to inform it and relevant local authorities immediately if they had any reason to believe that a food which they had imported, produced, processed or distributed did not comply with food safety requirements.

It said that 85 per cent of eggs consumed in the UK were laid in this country. There was no evidence that eggs laid in the UK were contaminated or that fipronil had been used inappropriately in the UK, it said.

Testing of eggs on farms was underway across the UK and results to date for England and Wales showed no exposure to fipronil.

The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) has circulated guidance suggesting that egg producers seek advice from their vet if they have any concerns.

BEIC chief executive Mark Williams said in the circular: "As you may be aware, nearly 200 farms in the Netherlands have had restrictions imposed on them so they are not permitted to move eggs, manure and/or birds due to the use of DEGA-16. This is because fipronil has been mixed into the product."

"If producers do have any concerns, it is advised that they seek further advice from their vet," he said.

Warning system

Eggs have been withdrawn from sale in both Germany and Belgium after the Dutch authorities raised the alarm.

"We work in a warning system with Brussels," said a spokeswoman for the NVWA. "If we find something then we can use this to let other countries know."

The NVWA has made a list of egg codes that may have been affected by contamination. These have been circulated to other countries to prevent them being sold to the public.

The NVWA spokeswoman said that restrictions remained in place on 138 farms producing eggs in the Netherlands.

"This means that they cannot sell the eggs or bring them to market. They will have to be destroyed." She said that eggs were not allowed to be destroyed by producers, themselves; the work had to be carried out officially.

She said it was unknown how long the restrictions would remain in place because the authorities were still trying to analyse results and understand how long the effect of the treatment would continue to contaminate eggs.

She said that all the farms investigated for contamination had used the same company to treat their birds. "We know that from receipts at the farms."

Anger

The Dutch egg industry organisation, Ovoned, has expressed anger at the contamination crisis. The organisation issued a statement saying that egg producers were innocent victims of something that should not have happened.

It said farmers had contracted a company to treat their birds against red mite, expecting that the treatment used would be effective and safe.

Ben Dellaert, director of Ovoned, as well as chairman of the International Egg Commission, told FarmingUK: "It turns out that several farms in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium (and maybe other countries) have used a company for a treatment against red mite.

"Now it turns out that the substance used contains fipronil, which is normally used against fleas on cats and dogs. Legislation forbids the use of fipronil on poultry."

Mr Dellaert said that restrictions had been imposed on farms, meaning that eggs, birds and manure had to stay on the farm. He said restrictions could be lifted if the level of fipronil in eggs fell below a certain level.

He said the egg sector, itself, had already blocked the affected farms, starting on July 22. This meant that packing stations would not collect eggs from these farms.

NVWA told FarmingUK that treatment with the suspect chemical had been carried out on chickens over a period from January to July.
The Government plans to install mandatory CCTV in all slaughterhouses in England, with the veterinary industry calling it a huge win for animal health and welfare.

The new animal welfare plans were announced today by Environment Secretary Michael Gove.

Veterinary organisations, such as the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Veterinary Public Health Association (VPHA), have been campaigning for both mandatory CCTV in all areas of slaughterhouses where live animals are kept and full and unrestricted 24/7 access to CCTV footage for vets as part of their long-standing welfare at slaughter campaign.

They say that both commitments are vital in order to safeguard animal welfare, assist with enforcement and instil consumer confidence.

The Government has also confirmed it will update the animal welfare codes - guidance which sets the standards farmers and keepers have to meet under animal welfare legislation.

The first code to be updated focuses on welfare standards for chickens bred for meat.

Huge win

British Veterinary Association President Gudrun Ravetz said todays announcement is extremely welcome.

Mandatory CCTV in all areas of slaughterhouses will provide an essential tool in fostering a culture of compassion that could help safeguard animal welfare and we are particularly pleased to see a commitment to Official Veterinarians having unrestricted access to footage. Vets independence and unique qualifications help ensure that the UK will continue to have the highest standards of animal health, welfare and food safety.

We recognise that the cost of installing CCTV may be a burden for some very small abattoirs, but it is important that the animals we farm for food have both a good life and a humane death and CCTV has a key role to play in ensuring these requirements are met.

Right to request

Under the current law OVs have a right to request and to see the footage if they have cause for concern that abuse may be occurring.

However, if this needs to be enforced though the courts the process can be protracted.

Both BVA and VPHA have repeatedly voiced concerns that the purpose of CCTV in slaughterhouses is fundamentally undermined if vets are refused access to footage and the footage is not monitored independently of the slaughterhouse business operator.

Unique opportunity

Veterinary Public Health Association President Lewis Grant said This represents a unique opportunity for Food Business Operators to work together with their OVs to ensure that they operate under the highest standards of animal welfare at all times and that any staff training issues can be assessed and addressed by viewing appropriate footage.

We are encouraged to see that it applies to all premises great and small and allows unrestricted access ensuring that this is a workable and viable tool for the OV.

I feel that our OVs will universally approve these new proposals that should ensure this country remains a world leader in promoting the highest standards of animal welfare.
Retailers are seeking assurances from egg producers that they have not used a banned chemical on their farms, after a number of supermarkets were forced to remove products from their shelves in the wake of the fipronil scare.

The United Kingdom has been drawn into the European contaminated egg scandal following confirmation by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) that eggs contaminated on European farms were imported into the UK.

Today, Sainsbury's confirmed that all salads containing eggs were being removed from sale because there was a risk that eggs may contain small traces of fipronil.

Asda, Morrisons and Waitrose have also withdrawn some products from their shelves.

Now, egg packers have apparently been asked by retailers to confirm in writing that no products containing fipronil have been used on their farms. Packers are, in turn, seeking the same assurance from the producers who supply them.

The FSA says there is nothing to suggest that the chemical has been used on UK farms. However, eggs contaminated in Europe have found their way onto the UK market.

The FSA originally thought that about 20,000 had been imported into the UK. The figure is now thought to be about 700,000.

'Very unlikely'

An update issued by the FSA read: "We have now established that more eggs from affected farms than previously identified came to the UK.

"It is very unlikely that these eggs pose a risk to public health but, as fipronil is unauthorised for use in food-producing animals, we have acted with urgency to ensure that consumers are protected."

The FSA said that the products affected were processed foods in which egg was one ingredient among many others, mostly used in sandwich fillings or other chilled foods.

A spokeswoman for Sainsbury's said that two salad bowls were withdrawn from sale in the wake of the crisis. Shell eggs were unaffected, she said, because they were sourced from the UK.

Sainsbury's and other leading retailers were today criticised by British Lion Egg Processors for what it says are double standards - ensuring that shell eggs are British Lion whilst importing foreign egg for use in many other food products.

Ian Jones, chairman of British Lion Egg Processors, said: This is just the latest of a number of food safety issues connected to eggs produced outside of the UK in recent years.

Consumers clearly want retailers and food manufacturers to use good quality British ingredients that are produced to high standards of food safety, but in some prepared foods this is not the case.

As we approach Brexit, shoppers are growing increasingly concerned about the ingredients used in manufactured food and now more than ever want and deserve transparency on food packaging.

The egg industry believes that this is a great opportunity for retailers to listen to the concerns of their customers and reassure them by specifying the use of British eggs and using the Made with British Lion eggs logo on packs.

'Safety is priority'

The Sainsbury's spokeswoman said: "The safety of our products is our priority. Our supplier has made us aware that two salad bowls, which contain egg, may include very small traces of fipronil.

The FSA has advised that this is unlikely to pose a health risk, but were withdrawing these products from sale on a temporary basis as a precautionary measure. Were sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

A Morrisons spokeswoman said, 100 per cent of our whole eggs are British and none of these eggs are affected.

"We are working closely with the FSA on their fipronil investigation and we have taken precautionary and prompt action to withdraw the three products that may be affected. The safety of our customers remains our priority.

A list of other withdrawn products drawn up by the Food Standards Agency shows that Morrisons has withdrawn some salads and sandwiches from sale.

Asda has withdrawn baby potato and free range egg salad, spinach and free range egg snack pot and a salad bowl. Waitrose has withdrawn deli fillers.

Tesco said it was unaffected and was not withdrawing any products.

Criminal investigation

Prosecutors in Europe have launched a criminal investigation after millions of eggs were either withdrawn from sale or blocked in Europe following chemical contamination.

The Dutch food safety authority, NVWA, confirmed to FarmingUK that the public prosecutor had begun a criminal investigation into a company involved in treating layers against red mite.

The treatment, it seems, contained fipronil, which is banned from use on animals involved in the human food chain, including chickens.

Eggs in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium have been destroyed, withdrawn or blocked and well over 100 Dutch egg farms are still shut down whilst investigations continue.

The FSA said the 700,000 contaminated eggs it believes to have been imported into the UK represented 0.007 per cent of the eggs consumed in this country every year. It said it was very unlikely that there was any risk to public health from consuming these foods.

"Some of the products made from these eggs will have had a short shelf life and will have already been consumed. However, we identified some that were still within the expiry date. These are now being withdrawn by the businesses involved."

Food safety concerns

The FSA said the decision to withdraw products was not due to food safety concerns, but was based on the fact that fipronil was not authorised for use in food producing animals.

Heather Hancock, chairman of the Food Standards Agency, said: "Im confident that acting quickly is the right thing to do. The number of eggs involved is small in proportion to the number of eggs we eat, and it is very unlikely that there is a risk to public health.

"Based on the available evidence, there is no need for people to change the way they consume or cook eggs. However, fipronil is not legally allowed for use near food-producing animals and it shouldnt be there."

The FSA said it was reminding food businesses of their legal responsibilities to inform it and relevant local authorities immediately if they had any reason to believe that a food which they had imported, produced, processed or distributed did not comply with food safety requirements.

It said that 85 per cent of eggs consumed in the UK were laid in this country. There was no evidence that eggs laid in the UK were contaminated or that fipronil had been used inappropriately in the UK, it said.

Testing of eggs on farms was underway across the UK and results to date for England and Wales showed no exposure to fipronil.

Guidance

The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) has circulated guidance suggesting that egg producers seek advice from their vet if they have any concerns.

BEIC chief executive Mark Williams said in the circular: "As you may be aware, nearly 200 farms in the Netherlands have had restrictions imposed on them so they are not permitted to move eggs, manure and/or birds due to the use of DEGA-16. This is because fipronil has been mixed into the product."

Mr Williams said in the circular: "If producers do have any concerns, it is advised that they seek further advice from their vet," he said.

Eggs have been withdrawn from sale in both Germany and Belgium after the Dutch authorities raised the alarm. "We work in a warning system with Brussels," said a spokeswoman for the NVWA.

"If we find something then we can use this to let other countries know." The NVWA has made a list of egg codes that may have been affected by contamination. These have been circulated to other countries to prevent them being sold to the public.

'Destroyed'

The NVWA spokeswoman said that restrictions remained in place on 138 farms producing eggs in the Netherlands.

"This means that they cannot sell the eggs or bring them to market. They will have to be destroyed." She said that eggs were not allowed to be destroyed by producers, themselves; the work had to be carried out officially.

"She said it was unknown how long the restrictions would remain in place because the authorities were still trying to analyse results and understand how long the effect of the treatment would continue to contaminate eggs.

She said that all the farms investigated for contamination had used the same company to treat their birds.

"We know that from receipts at the farms." She said a criminal investigation had begun, although she understood that the company involved in the investigation was no longer operational. Reports suggest that the company obtained the pesticide it used from a supplier in Belgium.

The Dutch egg industry organisation, Ovoned, has expressed anger at the contamination crisis. The organisation issued a statement saying that egg producers were innocent victims of something that should not have happened.

It said farmers had contracted a company to treat their birds against red mite, expecting that the treatment used would be effective and safe.

Ben Dellaert, director of Ovoned, as well as chairman of the International Egg Commission, told FarmingUK: "It turns out that several farms in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium (and maybe other countries) have used a company for a treatment against red mite. Now it turns out that the substance used contains fipronil, which is normally used against fleas on cats and dogs. Legislation forbids the use of fipronil on poultry."

'Below a certain level'

Mr Dellaert said that restrictions had been imposed on farms, meaning that eggs, birds and manure had to stay on the farm.

He said restrictions could be lifted if the level of fipronil in eggs fell below a certain level. He said the egg sector, itself, had already blocked the affected farms, starting on July 22. This meant that packing stations would not collect eggs from these farms.

NVWA told FarmingUK that treatment with the suspect chemical had been carried out on chickens over a period from January to July.

It is feared that Dutch egg producers could face mounting losses as the restrictions continue. The country's biggest supermarket chain, Albert Heijn, reportedly announced that it was removing 14 different types of eggs from its shelves.

Amongst the eggs it was removing were the companys own brand free range and organic eggs. Jumbo, the second biggest Dutch supermarket group has also removed some types of eggs from its stores.

In Germany - a big export market for the Dutch egg industry - supermarkets have also been removing eggs from shelves. It is thought that nearly three million eggs from companies affected by the fipronil treatment were delivered to Germany before July 22.

According to the World Health Organisation, fipronil is a "moderately toxic" chemical, although in high concentrations it can have a dangerous effect on kidney, liver and thyroid gland function.
NFU Scotland is calling on milk buyers to adopt a common-sense approach to milk price penalties as wet weather hits production hard.

Met Office figures put June rainfall in the west of Scotland at its highest level since 1910 and heavy showers have continued across the whole country during July and August.

As a result, many dairy farmers are not only facing reduced production and higher feeding costs, but also a potential penalty from their milk buyer for not hitting their projected target production.

NFU Scotland has contacted the main milk purchasers in Scotland in recent days, urging them to take the exceptional circumstances into consideration before hammering producers with price reductions.

Effective predictions

Milk policy manager George Jamieson said: For the avoidance of any doubt, NFU Scotland totally supports the need for farmers to work with their milk buyer and supply predicted production figures.

However, we also believe that these predictive figures can only be calculated on factors that can be accurately predicted. As we know all-to-well in Scotland, one factor which cannot be predicted is the weather.

We believe producers and processors should work on effective predictions, but with the ability to amend on an on-going basis when exceptional circumstances, like record June rainfall, crop up.

We have been contacted by numerous concerned producers in recent days, some of whom have had to bring their cows inside to avoid damaging wet pasture, and are already feeding increased concentrates to help stall production losses and ensure freshly calved cows are looked after.

All this costs money and we believe it is harsh and insensitive to add price penalties to the burden.

The milk buyers we have contacted have been open to our calls, and appear understanding of the situation. Their advice is if farmers are concerned about meeting production predictions, then they should contact them and explain their position.

No penalties

Major milk buyer Muller explained that it was being proactive in developing better predictive tools that would benefit both it and their farmers.

Mr Jamieson continued: We remain adamant that where poor, unseasonal weather has impacted on production, then there should be no penalties applied by any processor. Such penalties will not help farmers in a difficult season or promote more accurate projections.

Indeed, it runs the risk of alienating them from the process as we cant predict the weather, or in a summer like this, maintain expected production.
"Im madly in love with the idea of being in love"



No questions on Salman, please Im expecting mandatory warning as Katrina Kaif slides into the settee opposite me. I wait. What, no warning? I ask in surprise, Katrina grins, No Ive learnt to tackle all those questions. Great! I tell her, gleefully. Let me now try to extract all the info I can about Salman.

Try all you want, she smiles impishly as she stretches out.

Shes just flown down from Delhi and raced from the airport to the coffee shop, where shes meeting me. God Im so tired, she says rubbing her eyes, She orders black coffee, soaks in the cool ambience as the soft murmurs of the early afternoon ripples through the room. Shes just wound up a hectic India Fashion Week and besides, It really gets tough time finding a suitable house. It really gets tough when youre alone and you have to look into everything, she says sipping her coffee.

So far, so frothy.

The biggest challenge, however, comes now when two of her moives  Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya and Sarkarare up for release. Shes aware of the stakes. But all she will say for now is, Ive given it my best shot.

Working on both the movies have been quite an experience for the actress. She says I dont really remember being nervous. After I did my first shot for David Dhawans Maine Pyar Kyu Kiya, some people were worried that I would not be able to memorize my dialogue, but were very impressed to see I knew all my lines and cues. When I started the film I was told I would get my dialogues a day in advance. But that never happened. Id get my lines either in the morning of the shoot or 10 minutes before the shot. Yet I managed well. I was told this is how it works in most hindi films. So I got into the grooved right from the beginning. Now Im confident that I can manage in other movies as well.

She seems eager to dispel as your doubts about how Hindi-friendly she is: Im very good with lines and dialogues. Ive done enough classes, I can read and writer Hindi very well. Anyway Ive done movies in Telugu without knowing a word of it. So speaking Hindi was really a cakewalke after that.



Her role in Maine Pyar Kyu Kiya she tells me is that of a naive girl whos a catalyst for the comedy. Im not supposed to be outright funny in the movie. Then before I can ask, she says David thought I suited the character, which is why he wanted my in the film. It is not as if someone put a word for me. I had my own reasons for doing the film. People know me as a model, so to be accepted by the masses in a David Dhawan film would be a great beginning. Its my big chance to prove myself. And I ended up having a great time.



IF MAINE Pyar Kyu Kiya was loads of fun, Ram Gopal Varmas Sarkar was quite an intense experience. In a Ram Gopal Varma film, everyone is a character. So the length of the role is not important. In short my experience with him, I found him very precise. David would let you be as an actor. But Ramu would say, Dont do this, Dont do that, Dont stand like that. Hes very clear, specific about what he wants. So he gets it in one or two takes. And he is very relaxed on sets.

She admits life was a tad subdued on RVGs sets after her David Dhawan experience. But I was very comfortable, she points out. I wouldnt work otherwise. I was apprehensive about working with Abhishek Bachchan because I didnt know him that well. But hes very chilled out. Hed tease me about being such a kid and I kept telling him how much Id grown up out here. He was really helpful on the sets. If he thought a different pause or a different stress in the dialogue would help, hed tell me.

David Dhawan is all fun its all about having a great time. Ram Gopal Varmas set up is more serious, more subtle, and more realistic, they are poles apart and I enjoyed working in both set-ups. Now I have to see what its like to be somewhere in the middle.

Thats where Raj Kanwar comes in  Katrinas signed his next film. He belongs to the Dharmesh Darshan school of film-making. That should be interesting, she tells me. I have a very Western imgae and I dont want to get away from it. But I need to experiment with other kinds of roles. Raj Ji is very good with the way he presents him women and I am hoping hell present me in a way that will make other directors who have Indian roles in mind look at me. His forte is emotions, expressions and an Indian touch, which is what I need. So in that sense doing a Raj Knawar film is a very intentional move. It isnt a move to try and get a hit film but to package myself differently.



THE ACTRESS seems not poise but genuinely at ease with her self when she says, I can see myself improving everyday. Ive started watching other stars do on the sets. You can learn a lot by watching on and off the sets, even if I dont like the actor, or I find the film boring I still make my self watch it. You know, I havent like Salman in so many movies. But,m I feel he has tremendous energy on screen so observed him closely on the sets. When I watch Sushmita Sen I find her so focused between what she is doing.

In between sips of coffee and her ringing phone, she adds, As an actor Salman is cool. If watch him on the sets, it might look like he is not thinking his work. And Id say to myself, if hes not thiniking about the scene the I dont need to, either. I can play turant. But I realized how wrong I was. Because even when he is goofing about, he is actually thinking about every shot. Once the camera is on, hes so prepared. I realized that he could fool around, but his work is never away from his mind.

Would Salman instruct her on to do a particular scene? Yes, he would, But even Abhishek did that once or twice, she points out. Hed say, read your lines to me, I want to know how youre going to do it. Salman didnt do that a lot. Honestly a lot of time hed tell me to do my ways. Once or twice he stopped me and said no, do it just looks at me asif I dont know what Im talking about, She grins He has a point. Those movies are huge hits, so it really doesnt matter what I think about them. I mean, if I had a hit film and you told me you didnt like it. Id say Who cares.

Does she see herself as an insider now that shes been in the industry nearly three years? Honestly, the industry has its clans. They know each other, they work together. In that sense I havent work with many people. I think I am the part of the industry but on the fringe.

Tell her she couldnt be more of an insider when shes associated with Salman Khan and she argues quietly, Salman is just one part of the industry. Theres more to the industry than him andhis circle.

Our conversation continues in measured tones, bouncing off various topics, cutting away at the conjuncture surrounding her relationship with Salman Khan. Her gaur slips briefly as we bring up Salman Khan again. I tell her talk is that Salman Khanis promoting her big-time she laughs, Id like to where and when he has promised me. Frankly, it doesnt work like that. Sometimes I fell if didnt have this connection Id b doing more films with him. Some-filmmakers might be unsure about pairing me with him.

Does she her association with Salman as her strength or weakness? Hes not a part of me, so how would he my strength or weakness she retorts. Honestly, I dont know how the industry perceives it. But in my mind my work is my work. And my personal life is my personal life. I refuse to even let the thought of it in my head that the two of them can merge. And I dont want t talk about my personal life.



"Why, if you can tell me for sure whats going to happen in the future. Ill talk to you about everyone in my life. But who knows, where youre going to end up tomorrow or next week or next month. And then you go back and see all those magazines and all those words youve said, may be different. Ive seen it happen so many times and you sound foolish. So its best not to talk.

Her voice trails off. The hum of the conversation form the surrounding table becomes a little more intrusive. Her gaze fits the window. Silence, the waiter pours more water coffee. Tehn softly, she says she detests all speculations about her personal life in the media. Ive learnbt to live with it, she grimaces, but I dont like it. And I dont want to add to it by talking. Im very sensitive and it really hurts to read the comments about your personal life, especially when people dont know whats happening.

Does she feel her personal life sometimes overshadows the other aspects of her life, I ask I dont think soher forehead crinkles in to a frown, I do a lot of work. Ive been doing a lot of ads. I mean, Im on television every five minutes. Im very clear that Im here by the virtue of my work. So how the other chooses to see me or comment on me is really up to them. Im here to work, I need the money. I want to buy a house. So Im not getting into the whys and hows of it all.

Right on. but is she in love? Yes she coos. Im madly in love with the idea of being in love. And whats her ideal man like? I really cant talk my ideal man because I have this very bad habit of day dreaming about this knight in shining Armour wholl sweep me off my feet and worship the ground I walk on. I just have this perfect romanticized idea how love should be. My mother tells me, my friends tell me, to stop romanticizing because you never know what real life is going to be like, but I cant seem to stop. I realize that love is not like its in the movies. Frankly, right now I have no opinion about love, about marriage. Im only 21. its the age at which one forms ones ideas, finds ones values, ones way of living.

Okay, so does Salman fit the bill the of her ideal man? I cant answer that, she replies without any frills. Pause. Then she lets on, Everyone has different interpretations about relationships. But I just feel; that its very, very difficult to sustain a relationship in this kind of an industry. Everything is so In-Your-Face. There is too much speculation. Every move of yours is scrutinized. And its not just the media; there are too many people around, too many inferences, too much loose talk. It becomes difficult to get across to the other person.

Enough, she decides. And sums up, All this has taught me one thing. That you must focus on your career and your work. That s the only reality out here. Because if you dont, you might be left with nothing at the end of the day. And I cant let that happen to me. Im sure about that.
critic's rating: 3.0/5

Rating: 3 starsQuick take: Mind-boggling action movieQuestion: What happens when you cast a lady instead of Keanu Reeves in John Wick? Answer: Atomic Blonde with Charlize Theron. This cold war thriller features insane action choreography. Some of the action sequences, especially the one just before the climax, is pure adrenaline rush. Its a great feeling to see a woman kick ass the way Hollywood action heroes have done for decades. But Atomic Blondes pro-feminist leanings aside, the screenplay is a little too done-to-death. Had this film been as refreshingly new as John Wick, it wouldve been another Mad Max: Fury Road for Theron. Sadly, that opportunity is wasted in the style over substance approach.Another film you can draw parallels to is Angelina Jolies Salt. While Atomic Blondes story is more Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy than actually Salt, this film does feature the lead character being a super spy whos under the scanner for her mission in Berlin 1989. Only here Therons Lorraine is from MI6 rather than CIA. When another MI6 operative in Berlin is shot down by an KGB agent, Lorraine is sent in to execute damage control. She teams up with MI6s permanent Berlin operative David Percival (James McAvoy) whos so deep in cover that he actually looks and functions more like a Russian gangster than a spy. The entire Berlin episode is being told in flashbacks as a black and blue Lorraine is being debriefed by her superior Gray (Toby Jones) and CIA liaison Kurzfeld (John Goodman). Atomic Blonde has a heavy dose of action but it also has as much dialogue based set pieces. Theres deceit, double cross, double agents and spy game all rolled into this thriller. But the pace of the narrative isnt always up to the mark. During the middle portions of the film, the screenplay takes too much establishing Therons character, rather than pushing in another fight sequence.The iffy pacing aside, Atomic Blonde is designed and executed like a pulpy graphic novel. This slick approach makes the movie look and feel really nice. But the twists and turns in the plot are at times a little too silly and almost always predictable. The one central theme that keeps this film alive is its badass female protagonist. She beats the baddies to a pulp and these frequent sights are extremely satisfactory.Charlize Therons performance has the right balance of seductive allure and hard-hitting menace. If you thought she was badass in Mad Max Fury Road, she takes it one level up with Atomic Blonde. But its James McAvoys edgy, fast talking, punk-ass performance that steals the show. Sure, Theron kicks ass with hundreds of punches and kicks, but McAvoy plays the mind games with aplomb. Hes the perfect foil to the clay cold good-looking charm of Therons character.The one and only reason why Atomic Blonde becomes a sinfully good action movie is Charlize Therons supremely choreographed action sequences. She throws the kitchen sink at this film. And thats reason enough to love this neon-inspired action flick from the grey bylanes of Berlin.
Elli Avram

Elli Avram is seen having a good time in Sri Lanka.

Dancing By The Sea

She captioned this picture as, "Dance to the song of the Sea."

Being Fit

Elli is seen doing exercise to relax her muscles.

Sri Lanka

She's enjoying every bit of her holiday in Sri Lanka.

Greece

A week ago, Elli Avram was holidaying in Greece.

Pristine Water

She visited the pristine waters of Greece too!

Lucky Girl

Elli is really lucky to visit two different countries in a week.

Elli

Sri Lanka is truly a wonderful country to visit.

Caption

She captioned this pictures as, "Time spent amongst nature is never wasted."

Friends

She went on a holiday with her friends!

Beads

She also purchased a beads for herself! Ain't it cool?
Shivanna's Getup

I loved Shivanna's get-up in the movie. When we were in London, we talked about Mass Leader's release and I remember having asked him about the first copy of the film. Now, I have watched it with the man himself, well before the movie's release. - Kichcha Sudeep.

Thanks To Geetha Akka

I should be thankful to Geetha Akka for having given me this opportunity to watch the movie before its release. When me and Shivanna were talking about watching Mass Leader together, she heard us and immediately made arrangements for me to watch it with Shivanna. - Sudeep.

Shivanna's First Movie In Private Theatre

Me and my family have watched a lot of movies in my private theatre, including some of my movies. But, this is the first time that Shivanna's films were shown in my private home theatre. Shivanna told me that it is very nice. - Sudeep.

Conveys A Message Of Social Responsibility

Mass Leader tells you a moral. Well, actually it shows you what social responsibilities are, being a responsible citizen of this country. There are a lot of lessons to be learnt and many lives to be reformed. Please go watch the movie. This is a commendable job by the director and the producers. - Sudeep.

I Am Very Happy!

I feel very happy that Geetha Akka gave me an opportunity to display Shivanna's film at my place. My heartfelt thanks to Shivanna and his entire family. - Sudeep.
Dileep, the 'janapriyanayakan' has approached the court for bail again after he completed one month in jail. In his bail application, Dileep has reportedly raised some serious allegations against Manju Warrier and director VA Shrikumar Menon.

In his 51-page bail application, the actor has reportedly alleged that his ex-wife Manju Warrier and her close friend VA Shrikumar Menon are conspiring against him. Dileep's bail application also points out Manju's close friendship with B Sandhya, the ADGP.

According to Dileep, ADGP Sandhya switched off the cameras, while he mentioned the relation between Manju Warrier and VA Shrikumar Menon. The bail application points out this incident to prove the influence of external forces in the investigation.

Dileep also believes that Manju mentioned the chances of a conspiracy during the solidarity meeting conducted by AMMA, just to drag him into this case. He has also mentioned the names of producer Liberty Basheer and a few CPI(M) leaders, in his bail application.

The actor was arrested on 10th July, under various charges, for conspiring to abduct and assault the popular actress in a moving car, on February 17. Dileep, who has been in judicial custody for the past one month, is currently in Aluva sub jail.
Audio-Technica launches improved MSR7 Special Edition, release scheduled in October News oi -Vijeta Audio-Technica has come up with an improved version of MSR7 headphone, the MSR7 Special Edition, while the former was launched in 2014 the latter has been priced at $388(Rs.27000).

Audio-Technica has launched a special edition MSR7 headphones which now come in a classic navy blue color with gold lining increasing its aesthetic. The MSR7 special edition headphones are an upgraded version of Audio-Technica's eminent headphones that shipped with the same brand name viz. MSR7.

The MSR7 headphone was launched in late 2014 and was priced at $250(approx. Rs. 16035) in the US. The special edition headphones will, however, cost a lot more. Set for release in October 2017 the MSR7 Special Edition will retail at $388(approx. Rs. 24887) in the US.

The Japanese acoustics brand has also introduced some technical advancements to the gizmo apart from providing it an elegant design. It inherits some qualities from the prodigal MSR9 that was launched at CES this year.

MSR7 SE gets 45mm True Motion drivers with a Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coated diaphragm for better sound quality. Audio-Technica claims the limited edition MSR7SE have new pads that will provide a better bass to the headphones. No doubt the MSR7 launched in 2014 had excellent audio quality, however, the bass on the gear was downsized. THe latest MSR7 SE also has better noise cancellation.

THe expensive special edition is a wired headphone set and consumers looking for wireless headphones might want to check out the DSR9BT headphones that retail for $549( approx. Rs.35150 ) in the US. The DSR9BT was also unveiled at CES 2017.

None of the above-mentioned products have debuted in India, however, Audio-Technica products do have a presence in India through Amazon. Several budget earphones and headphones are available on the e-commerce platform that you can explore.

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Four Nokia 2 variants visit FCC; launch could be imminent News oi -Abhinaya Prabhu Nokia 2 could be drawing closer to its launch.

Nokia 2 is believed to be an entry-level smartphone that will be launched alongside the Nokia 8 flagship on August 16. Even the 3G Nokia 3310 variant is likely to be launched at the same event.

According to the recent FCC documents, it looks like HMD Global is prepping not one but four variants of the Nokia 2. Eventually, it looks like we are approaching closer to the unveiling of the same. As per a recent report by Android Headlines, four different FCC listings were spotted with the model numbers TA-1007, TA-1023, TA-1029, and TA-1035. These are believed to be the different model numbers of the Nokia 2 smartphone.

The listings did not divulge any details regarding the specifications of these models. However, from the previous leaks and rumors, it is likely that the Nokia 2 might be launched with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processor paired with 1GB/2GB RAM and a 2800mAh battery. Going by the recent reports, the Nokia 2 is said to feature a 5-inch HD 720p display and flaunt an 8MP main camera at its rear and a 5MP selfie camera as well.

As in the other Nokia Android smartphones launched by HMD Global, this one is also believed to run on a near stock Android version and might be launched with the Android 7.0 Nougat OS. We can expect the Nokia 2 to receive the Android 8.0 O update as soon as the same is officially released by the end of this year.

We do have to mention HMD's assurance that it will offer two years of OS support to the Nokia smartphones. Eventually, the Nokia smartphones launched by the company will receive the Android O and Android P updates until 2018. Recently, HMD confirmed that the Nokia 3, the existing entry-level smartphone will receive the Android O update in the coming months.

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Abel Ntambala says he wants to continue farming while acquiring mechanical skill through the East Africa Youth Inclusion Program.

Editor's Note: Heifer International launched the East Africa Youth Inclusion Program this month with Mastercard Foundation in Uganda and Tanzania. The five-year, $19 million program will help 25,000 young people find work or create businesses in the dairy and agricultural industries.



Abel Ntambala was thinking about leaving his familys dairy farm in central Uganda and looking for work in the capital, Kampala, about a three-hour drive away.

I just didnt see many opportunities to earn more money and improve my life, said the 22-year-old man, sweating in the mid-afternoon heat as he stood among the 15 cows his family owns in the district of Kiboga.

But he decided to stay on the farm after the local economy began to boom. Driving the growth was a dairy and livestock farmers cooperative, which was created in 2011 and now has nearly 600 members. The hub is part of the East African Dairy Development project, led by Heifer International.

Before the cooperative, farmers sold their milk to traders, who bargained with the farmers individually and usually offered about 100 shillings (30 cents) per liter. The price was often a take-it-or-leave-it proposition.

Now, the farmers deliver their milk to the cooperatives dairy hub, which bulks the milk and stores it in a chiller until its collected by a tanker truck from a local processor.

Milk quality and productivity have greatly improved because the farmers have been learning better dairy practices through the cooperative. And by leveraging the negotiating power of the big group, the farmers are now getting more than 10 times more per liter than they earned before.

Expansion plans include buying milk-processing equipment and a tanker truck.

The spillover-over effects in the local economy are obvious. Most of the milk is transported to the dairy hubs by motorcycles, creating jobs for dozens of youth. Roadside shops are popping up around the hub, selling cold drinks and snacks to the dairy hub workers and delivery drivers. A small shack offers engine repairs for the motorcycles.

The young men who deliver milk like to add flair to their motorcycles.

Ntambala was quick to get into the action. He rents a motorcycle that he uses to deliver the milk from his familys cows and seven other farms. This helps him earn a tidy side income of 30,000 shillings (US$10) a day, which enabled him to save up enough to buy two of his own cows.

Although he enjoys farming and wants to continue, hes also an entrepreneur and wants to explore more ways to diversify his income. Hes excited about the East Africa Youth Inclusion Program. Its a US$19 million project recently launched by Heifer International and Mastercard Foundation to help young people find jobs or start businesses in the dairy and agriculture industries in Uganda and Tanzania. Youths who live around the bustling dairy hubs are prime potential participants for the program.

Ntambala is interested in acquiring some mechanical skills.

Ive noticed that when the chiller or generator breaks down, they have to go to Kampala to find someone to fix it, he said. If the dairy hub starts processing its own milk, more machines will come in.
A group of livestock farmers in Arkansas, supported by Heifer USA, is using cutting-edge technology to let you know where your dinner comes from.



The small-scale, forward-thinking suppliers of Grass Roots Farmers Cooperative are the first in the United States to use blockchain technology to trace their products from farm to fork, with the aim of giving consumers more confidence in the origin and quality of the meat they buy.

Already a mainstay in the financial sector, blockchain technology allows for public verification of information in the food chain. Shoppers and diners will be able to scan QR codes on Grass Roots products to learn where the meat came from and how the animals were raised. The digital history of the meat will also include stories of the people  from farmer to butcher  who contributed in crafting the final product.

"Americans have an increasing interest in better understanding what theyre eating. According to the 2016 Label Insight Study, 83 percent of consumers want more information about whats in their food, and I totally believe it," said Cody Hopkins, Grass Roots general manager and founding member. When I learned about this technology, I thought this is the solution. Its the perfect way for Grass Roots to offer folks total transparency. [UK-based technology company] Provenance has developed a platform that levels the playing field for small-scale farmers and puts information directly in consumers hands."

Grass Roots embraced technology as a way to boost food quality and customer service. Heifer USAs Advisory Board Chair, Pierre Ferrari, commented, Our farmers are innovative, always looking for ways to incorporate the latest technology that ultimately create real value to the consumer. Partnering with Provenance and the Golden Gate Meat Company is another example of how proactive they are in wanting their customers to know where their food originates. Its only a matter of time before this becomes best practice throughout the industry.

San Francisco-based Golden Gate Meat Company, a purveyor of Grass Roots products, will debut the first trial of this technology today, giving customers the opportunity to use these advanced tools in stores. Additionally, Grass Roots meats are available for purchase online and can be found in restaurants and retailers across the country.
New Delhi : Islamic State issued a video on Wednesday threatening new attacks in the Iranian capital Tehran and calling on young Iranians to rise up and launch jihad in their country.

A man wearing a black ski mask and holding an AK-47, seated alongside two others, made the threat in a video bearing the Islamic State`s Amaq news agency logo and showing footage of two attacks in Tehran in June claimed by the militant group.

The same way we are cutting the necks of your dogs in Iraq and Syria we will cut your necks in the centre of Tehran, the man said, speaking accented Farsi.

Islamic State, a Sunni Muslim group which has sought to establish a caliphate in parts of the Gulf but is now under pressure from national armies and international groups in Syria and Iraq, sees Iran, which is predominantly Shiite, as one of its biggest enemies in the region.

The group killed at least 18 people in attacks on Parliament in Tehran and the mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini on June 7.

Iran`s Revolutionary Guards fired several missiles at Islamic State bases in Syria on June 18 in response to that attack. Iranian officials have also announced the arrests of dozens allegedly linked to the attacks.

Another portion of the video showed militants in black ski masks speaking out against Shiites in Arabic and threatening attacks against them in Iraq.

Source : Zee News
New Delhi : Though India and China continue to militarily reinforce their positions in the wake of an ongoing stand-off over Doklam region, Indian Army has denied ordering the evacuation of some villages near the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction.

The Times of India quoted government sources as saying that there has been some build-up in terms of movement of additional troops and tanks as well as artillery and air defence units in the Tibet Military District by the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA).

However, the sources also claimed that there is no major mobilization towards the Line of Actual Control as yet.

Meanwhile, China has also vehemently rejected reports of it offering a compromise to India by relocating its troops in the disputed Doklam border area.

Reacting to a report that China had allegedly offered to move its troops back 100 meters after India sought the withdrawal of its troops by 250 metres, its Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said, Beijing will not trade its territorial sovereignty under any circumstances.

Chinas position on solving this incident is clear and firm. India must immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its trespassing troops and equipment back to the Indian side of the border, the office said in a statement.

China could never accept Indias totally unreasonable demand, said Zhao Xiaozhuo, a researcher at the PLA Academy of Military Science, adding that India had honoured the convention until Prime Minister Narendra Modis administration refused.

Earlier this month, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Indias intrusion had not only violated Chinas territorial sovereignty but also challenged Bhutans sovereignty and independence.

However, the Government of Bhutan on August 10 pointedly refuted a Chinese Foreign Ministry claim that Bhutan had conveyed through diplomatic channels to China that the trilateral border stand-off area in Doklam in the Sikkim sector is not its territory.

Official sources in the Bhutanese Government said, Our position on the border issue of Doklam is very clear. Please refer to our statement which has been published on the web site of Bhutans Foreign Ministry on June 29, 2017.

India has also cited the Bhutanese Foreign Ministry as emphasizing that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between these two countries.

India has conveyed to China that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for New Delhi.

India has said both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place. Bhutan has no direct diplomatic relations with China and maintains contacts with Beijing through its diplomatic mission in New Delhi.

Bhutan and China have held 24 rounds of talks to resolve boundary dispute, while India and China have completed 19 rounds of talks.

The stand-off started in June when Chinese soldiers tried to unilaterally change the status quo in the strategically important Doklam region of Bhutan by building a road in the area.

India has made its stance clear that that it stands for peace and the border question can be solved diplomatically, not by war.

Source : Zee News
Technology and automation are making exponential headway touching nearly all sectors of hospitality, including spa and wellness. This article reviews the impact and importance of integrating these systematisations to help stimulate and streamline the functionality and profitability of hotel and resort spa operations. Retooling the focus from manually centered services and embracing advancements in new technologies to support sustainable profitability and continued growth.

Interpersonal Service and Talent Drought

Spa treatments and correlating services are customarily viewed as manual-therapies with an important emphasis on the unique interface between (a client and a provider). This person-to-person relational component is a critical measure that often determines the overall experience and tone of the elected treatment or service, client satisfaction and the future efficacy of this relationship.

While personal-touch is an essential component of the spa industry, the impetus of the industry has accelerated at a rate much faster than the growth of the workforce necessary to support it. Combined with an influx in hospitality development, technological investment hesitation and mitigating employee turnover- keeping pace to hire and train new talent, have not made early adaption an easy process. Consequently, the lack of acclimatization not only impacts leadership, but operational consistency and fiscal volume.

A recent study conducted by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics found that employment within the beauty and wellness arenas hold substantial projected growth in the U.S. economy. The study discovered "hairdressers, barbers and cosmetologists have faster than average job growth, citing an average 10% annual increase in employment from 2014 to 2024." Furthermore, the study noted a "62% average annual turnover as people seek career advancement and new opportunities", resulting in "more than 400,000 available job openings per year," in the U.S. alone.

Further research by the Global Wellness Institute GWI, shared by the Spa and Wellness Career Development Initiative reports that "By 2018, we will need 2.7 MILLION employees in the spa industry to meet demand, with the United States, China, Germany, Japan, and Russia leading the job creation." This data underlines the scope of global spa, wellness and beauty growth which reveals the industry will "need an additional 80,000 Spa Managers and Directors and 500,000 Spa Therapists more than the workforce in 2013."

Recognized as an industry of independent talent, this rouses important variables to consider pertaining to hiring and training. It also presents a need to reconsider operational models that promote continued progress. Understanding where the challenges are can help navigate new pathways to improve and transcend standard operational policies.

Reorganizing a Paradigm

Traditionally spa and wellness operations have been divided into departments and categories centered on performance and profitability, fixed on manual services to generate the bulk of treatment revenue and sales. Considering the increasing challenges to recruit and retain experienced talent, the diversification of this model requires new elements of protective foresight and calculated planning.

Administration and retail components rely on savvy customer service, constant product education and the aptitude to sell. Retail sales measure between 10% to 35% of spa revenue. It's important to provide the resources and tools required to optimize the front desk and administrative performance. Appointment setting and new client intake procedures can be reintroduced with more efficiency to foster extra attention on customer care.

Services and retail are a spas biggest revenue producers. However, labor costs and overhead make up a considerable portion of the yield. Compensation structures vary depending on location, region and spa-type. Nonetheless, labor costs run between 45% to 60%. In addition to operating expenses that fall between 35% to 40%. With such a big percentage of sales and service revenue going to labor and overhead, profitability can be challenging even with a well-organized and fully staffed team.

A model that is solely dependent on the expertise of licensed providers with an emphasis exclusively on manual actions, will be at a disadvantage as technology continues to accelerate and improve. Whereas traditional spa treatments and personal care services cannot solidly be replaced by technology, nor should they  It is essential to integrate a subset of automation and new applications. This process will help insulate investors and stakeholders from labor liabilities and staffing challenges that could undermine a spas peak performance.

Moreover, industrializing a percentage of spa services will introduce new modalities, create profitable new income streams and protect investments with a relatively fast return on investment. In the figure below, I have simplified these components into three specific groupings based on functionality, industry evolution and impending future growth.

I divided these into the following three groups: manual services, administration and retail, and automated services. Each set represents approximately a third of the operational structure in contrast to the long-standing traditional paradigm. By dividing operations into three specific sets, this introduces a "new model" focused on the future, to upsurge agility and increase profitability.

Source: Mia A. Mackman, 2017 Photo by HVS

Investment

The investment to feature new technology fluctuates considerably. These applications should be selected carefully. Without exception, all levels of change are unique for every spa. Each spa has distinct variables to consider such as location, hotel occupancy and volume.

These choices should be founded on the goals of the property, company culture, budget ratification and asset planning. Deploying function without purpose, is counterproductive. And authenticity and transparency are indispensable. It's also critical to understand the opportunities associated with the investment, perceived value, marketability and required training.

Embracing innovations in software will increase data capture, enhance guest profile analytics and keep marketing and strategic choices timely and relevant. Data is a currency. Data that is gathered through the hotel is pertinent to the metrics of the spa. Deciphering it with systems designed to predict important sequences can provide useful insight, mark milestones and help set important goals. Software can also support employee rotation cycles, manage daily duties more successfully and reorganize priorities vs. demands for better management of quality and time.

"Because customer demand can be unpredictable and often doesn't match up with staffing schedules, it can be a challenge to fill appointments with high-quality providers. Tech like Zeel allows spas to tap a large pool of vetted, licensed providers, on demand," said Samer Hamadeh, CEO of Zeel. (3) Hamadeh also cites the value of "wellness technology as it facilitates easy payments, scheduling, and service reminders." Taking advantage of these resources leaves more time for cultivating the team of people who provide the social relationships that fuel the business. It also increases access to quality with operational flexibility.

Automated Treatments

An increasing selection of automated services offer a wide-range of proven health and wellness benefits including: deep relaxation, sleep tribulations, stress, chronic pain, and a variety of common health issues. Some of these applications include halotherapy systems (known as salt therapy), float pods and tanks, products like BOD PODS and cryotherapy chambers. There are also a variety of frequency devices and treatment table innovations that apply modalities using chromotherapy (light and color), vibration and sound.

In addition to these, there are exciting advancements in sleep, neurological health and audio-visual applications involving virtual reality and digital environments to aid relaxation, trauma and reduce stress. With distinct neural and physiological benefits, these modalities are increasing in popularity, mass and demand.

Furthermore, these services do not require a licensed professional to deploy them. They generate a service fee uninhibited by typical commission models and free from provider overhead. They can be offered in place of a conventional service, introduced as pre-treatment, post-treatment or as add-ons to help manage busy scheduling and groups.

Ultimately, this is a "new breed of spa services" that produce tangible wellness benefits, meet on-demand expectations and significantly increase treatment revenue. Furthermore, the personalized health landscape continues to evolve with new diagnostic customizations and wellness applications, driving a call for new services.

Hotels and resorts have an extraordinary opportunity to diversify their spa and fitness programs. The International Spa Association ISPA 2016 U.S. Spa Industry Study (4) highlights "hotel and resort spas have an average of 12,595 square feet, per establishment." (figure 2) Compared to day spas, medical spas and others that have an average square footage of 3,904. Reallocating the space of unused treatment rooms and low-traffic fitness areas can produce viable fresh returns.

Source: International Spa Association (ISPA) 2016 U.S. Spa Industry Study Photo by HVS

Other ways to engage technology include, new aesthetic and massage instruments, live-fitness and internet applications, personalized spa apps, digital entry and more. The question is, who will use them? How will they use them? Not just today, but in one-year, two-years or more.

Demand and Delivery

When it comes to bringing these various aspects into play, balancing integration helps manage the curve. It is vital that all elements of the up shift are understood and backed by employees and management. Whereas, these assets should be considered new resources and tools, not countermeasures designed to create uncertainty.

Balancing empathy, nature and personalisation with innovation and technology epitomizes the "freedom to choose". There are plenty of people who choose not to visit a spa for the simple reason they are uncomfortable being touched. Automated services are a way to capture these customers by offering an easy, personal and hands-free alternative to traditional spa services.

There's a lot of energy pursuing the millennial market. Appealing to this market requires flexibility, constant creativity and new strategies. Millennials shop products and services with a radically different view on value, quality and time. Businesses seeking the millennial spend and loyalty, need to know how to react, create the right incentives and be willing to change.

Technology becomes a part of this. Statistics and data are providing realistic assumptions about market growth. And with any rapid development, there are always growing pains. By taking actions to leverage technology you can mitigate the increasing stress to remain competitive. Meanwhile, it's not solely about lateral market competition. It's about pleasing innovative and informed guests seeking services that meet their imminence and whim.

Last thoughts

Demands for spa and wellness services are changing. While massage and aesthetics are still the most commonly requested services, there are increasing modalities catered to wellness and prevention. Underestimating the benefits of new technologies will result in faster moving, more dramatic fluctuations in performance. Knowing how to choose new applications and integrate new systems is well worth taking the time to understand. Thereby, customizing new applications creates meaningful advantages for everyone, guests, employees, owners and stakeholders.

References

(1) http://www.career.org/news/shortage-of-skills-in-the-beauty-and-wellness-industry

(2) http://www.spaandwellnesscareers.com/jobs.cfm

(3) Quote: Samer Hamadeh, CEO of Zeel

(4) International Spa Association (ISPA) 2016 U.S. Spa Industry Study
Travellers are playing a cat-and mouse game with German authorities.

A large group of Irish Travellers, also called Pavee, are currently facing trouble in Germany. The group travels with around 80 cars hitched to trailers, as well as transporters and motorhomes. The Dusseldorf Police confirmed that around 500 Irishmen were yesterday in Niederrhein/Dusseldorf. As wild camping without permission is not allowed in Germany, the authorities are requesting the group to leave the occupied areas. However, a deadline set by the police as of August 8 2 p.m. has been ignored. At the same time, they obviously offered up to 100 Euro per vehicle for an extension until Wednesday. The Irish Travellers finally left Dusseldorf and moved back to another place closed to the Dutch border, where they had been already chased only a few days ago.

Local authorities of different cities in Germany were trying to prohibit the visit of the Irish Travellers. The travellers had negative experiences in the previous years from barriers erected around their camping places in order to not allow the group to settle down. German police have reported trouble between Travellers and local citizens in the area.

The Irish Travellers visit Germany, in particular the Land Nordrhein-Westfalen, each year in August to celebrate the catholic feast of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven on 15th August.
Canada and UN peace operations: Unmet promises, delayed commitments & and a possible diplomatic train wreck!

Posted by Press Releases on Friday, 08-11-2017 7:00 am

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August 9 is National Peacekeepers Day in Canada, a time to mark this countrys impressive history contributing to peace and stability around the world, and also to remember those Canadians who have lost their lives serving overseas on United Nations Peace Operations.However, as reported in the just-released 2017 Canada and UN Peacekeeping Fact Sheet,(attached)Canada now ranks 71st among contributors of military and police personnel to UN peacekeeping. According to WFM Canada President Walter Dorn, Our contributions are at a historic low. The Canadian military now provides only 30 military personnel to UN operations less than half the ten-year average that the previous (Conservative) government contributed over its ten-year term and that was a government that disliked peacekeeping! This years National Peacekeepers Day is all the more significant as 2017 marks 60 years since Lester Pearson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing his diplomatic role as the originator of ...

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Tina Lam and Michael Cheng are living their version of the American dream.

The couple made headlines this week when a San Francisco Chronicle story outed their 2015 purchase of Presidio Terrace  a private cul-de-sac lined by $35 million mega-mansions.

An unpaid tax bill caused the City of San Francisco to put it up for sale, without the knowledge of the street's wealthy residents. Lam, an engineer in Silicon Valley, and Cheng, a real-estate agent, scooped up the street, its sidewalks, and other "common ground" for $90,000.

Now residents are up in arms, in part because the couple wants to charge them rent for using the street's 120 parking spaces. The homeowners association has sued the couple and the city.

We visited the ultraexclusive Presidio Terrace to see the street for ourselves.

Welcome to one the most exclusive streets in San Francisco.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

Presidio Terrace is a block-long, oval street (and private development) that has been run by homeowners who live there since at least 1905, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

(Google Street View (Google Street View)

It has attracted some of the wealthiest and most powerful politicians in California over the years, thanks to enhanced security and its isolated location at the top of the peninsula.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

No one gets in or out without the hired private security knowing. A uniformed officer with Black Bear Security Services stands guard at the stone-gate entrance at all hours.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

We peeped through the wrought-iron fence to see what Presidio Terrace is like.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

On the corner sits a Tudor-style home that once belonged to Sen. Dianne Feinstein and her husband, financier Richard C. Blum. Built in 1909, it contains 16 rooms.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

Feinstein grew up across the street from the home but always admired this mansion, with its storybook charm. She bought it through a family trust in 1985.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

Feinstein later passed it on to her daughter, Judge Katherine Feinstein, who sold the property for $9.5 million in 2013, within weeks of listing it.

"She has loved this house since 1945 and I've told her it's just too much house for us right now and she said 'You know, life is short, be happy,'" the younger Feinstein told The Wall Street Journal.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi once lived in a Mission-revival mansion further up the street. The Democratic Party held many fund-raising events there over the years.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

The home most recently sold in 1990 for $2.7 million, according to property records obtained online from the City and County of San Francisco Office of the Assessor-Recorder.

A white Beaux Arts estate at the top of the cul-de-sac (you can barely see it between the trees) belonged to Mayor Joseph Alioto. It boasts six bathrooms.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

Alioto's former home most recently sold in 2013 for $9.5 million, according to property records.

The median home value in the Presidio Heights neighborhood topped $5.1 million in June  about four times the median home value in San Francisco, according to data from Zillow.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

Residents pay an annual fee to the homeowner association. In 2013, that came out to $3,410 a home, according to a listing for Alioto's mansion.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

The association failed to pay a $14-a-year property tax for three decades. It claims the city sent the bill to an outdated address, which caused penalties and interest to stack up.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

In 2015, the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector went looking for someone to pay up. It listed the street in an online auction to recover $994 in back taxes, penalties, and interest.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

Along came Lam, a product line manager at the software company VMware, and Cheng, a real-estate agent who brokers investment opportunities for high-net-worth individuals.

Tina Lam and Michael Cheng (LinkedIn/lamtina and LinkedIn/micheng)

The couple, who live in San Jose, don't actually get much for their $90,000.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

They own the palm trees and other greenery at the stone-gate entrance.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

They own the sidewalks and these perfectly manicured shrubs.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

The stone fence that wraps around the gated community? Also theirs.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

So is this "Game of Thrones"-style wall designed to keep out passersby.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

The couple is interested in charging the neighborhood's deep-pocketed residents to park on Presidio Terrace. "We could charge a reasonable rent on it," Cheng told the Chronicle.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

Unsurprisingly, residents are not happy  more than two years after Lam and Cheng scooped up Presidio Terrace without their knowledge. Many were first made aware of the purchase in May, when a title-search company working on behalf of the couple contacted them to see whether they were interested in buying back the property outside their homes.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

"I was shocked to learn this could happen, and am deeply troubled that anyone would choose to take advantage of the situation and buy our street and sidewalks," one homeowner, who asked not to be named because of a pending suit, told the Chronicle.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

"We just got lucky," Cheng said of the bizarre purchase.

(Melia Robinson/Business Insider (Melia Robinson/Business Insider)

Read more:

 The City of London is going to suffer with or without a Brexit transition deal

 The fired Google engineer did a photoshoot outside the company's HQ

 A Wall Street analyst's 'hot mic' upstaged Snapchat's CEO and stole the show

Read the original article on Business Insider UK.  2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
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New Delhi, Aug 11 (IBNS): A Mauritius-based investor, Royale Partners Investment Fund, on Friday said it has offered to invest $1.67 billion (over Rs10,700 crore) in embattled Sahara groupas Aamby Valley project, a press release from Sahara Corporate Communications said.

The investment offer, proposed as a debt arrangement, comes at a time when the Supreme Court has ordered auction of the Aamby Valley resort town between Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra.

Sahara group pegs the market valuation of this project at over Rs 1 trillion. Royale Partners Investment Fund Limited, registered in Mauritius as a global business company, is owned by Dubai- headquartered RPMG Investment which is into investment management, private equity, asset management and proprietary trading.

Saharas advocate Gautam Awasthi, meanwhile, said in a statement that the group had moved an application before the Supreme Court seeking permission for entering into an agreement with Victor Koenig UK Limited, with the nominee Royale Partners Investment Fund Limited, for inviting an investment of $1.67 billion into its Aamby Valley project.

The Supreme Court on Thursday said the auction process will go on according to the schedule, but if Rs 1,500 crore is paid, as proposed by the group, into the Sebi-Sahara refund account by September 7, then it may pass an appropriate order.

The group had asked the court to postpone the auction, which is to start with publication of a notice on 14 August, till 16 September to enable Sahara group chief Subrata Roy arrange the money.

Sahara lawyer told the court that hotels in New York have been sold and soon money would be coming into the Sahara account after which Rs1,500 crore would be deposited into the Sebi-Sahara refund account by September 7, as had been directed by the court.

The Sahara group ha been engaged in a legal battle with SEBI since long for failing to refund billions of dollars to investors in a bond programme.
New Delhi, Aug 11 (IBNS): Daughter and adviser to US President Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump will lead the US delegation to India in November to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017.

The summit, which will take place in Hyderabad, will be co-hosted by India and the US.

"India and US will co-host the Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Hyderabad from 28-30 November 2017. @realDonaldTrump @IvankaTrump," Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tweet read.

"The Summit is a unique opportunity for bringing together entrepreneurs and start ups with global leaders. #GES2017," an ensuing tweet read.

Welcoming Ivanka, Prime Minister Modi said he is looking forward to her presence.

"Look forward to Ms. Ivanka Trumps presence at #GES 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of the US delegation. @realDonaldTrump @IvankaTrump," the Prime Minister's tweet read.

Speaking about her participation, Ivanka said she is looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Honored to lead the US delegation to #GES2017 in India & meet with Prime Minister Modi & passionate entrepreneurs from around the globe!" she tweeted.

Formalising US' participation, the American President Donald Trump tweeted," .@IvankaTrump will lead the U.S. delegation to India this fall, supporting womens entrepreneurship globally. #GES2017 @narendramodi."
Ghaziabad, UP, Aug 11 (IBNS): The body of Buxar District Magistrate (DM) Mukesh Pandey was recovered from Ghaziabad Railway Station on Thursday in what police are treating as a suicide case, reports said.

GRP officials have stated that a suicide note was found near the severed body, through which they ascertained the DM's identity.

Ghaziabad GRP SHO Somvir Singh said that Pandey had likely committed suicide by jumping in front of a speeding train.

Singh added that Pandey's body has been sent for post mortem, which would be conducted later on Friday.

According to GRP officials, the alleged suicide note stated his name and his batch number, along with his intention of committing suicide.

Meanwhile, ANI news agency quoted Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as saying, "He was efficient administrator and a sensitive officer. May God bless his soul."



Suicide note image: twitter.com/capt_ivane


New Delhi, Aug 11 (IBNS): Former cabinet minister and BJP veteran, M Venkaiah Naidu will be sworn in as the new Vice-President of India on Friday.

Naidu, 68, will be administered the oath by President Ram Nath Kovind.

He was elected as the 13th Vice-President of India after defeating former West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi in the Vice-Presidential vote on Aug 8.

Following his victory, Naidu was quoted in the media as saying, "I am very humbled. I am also thankful to the Prime Minister and all party leaders for their support. I will seek to utilise the vice-presidential institution to strengthen the hands of the president and secondly uphold the dignity of the Upper House."

Due to take oath, the Vice-President elect has already hit the headlines when he challenged the views of his predecessor Hamid Ansari on Thursday.

Ansari, who officially ended his span as the Vice-President of India, had told The Indian Express that Indian minorities, especially the Muslims are experiencing 'a sense of uneasiness and insecurity'.

Challenging that statement, Naidu said, "Compared to the entire world, minorities are more safe and secure in India and they get their due."

He was quoted as saying by ANI news agency that India is also the most secular and tolerant nation in the world.

"Indian ethos is of mutual respect for each other. People try to use minority issues for political purposes," the Vice-President elect said. "India is the most tolerant countryUnfortunately, some people are trying to blow it out of proportion and trying to defame India, raising it to national forum."
New York, Aug 10(Just Earth News): Investing in women and girls must be central to global efforts towards sustainable peace and development in both Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the United Nations deputy chief said on Thursday.

Both have dismayingly low levels of women's political participation and are experiencing conflicts marked by extremely high levels of sexual- and gender-based violence, said Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed as she updated the Security Council on her recent trip to the two African countries.

The trip, from 19 to 27 July, was the first of its kind because it focused entirely on the role of women in peace, security and development, she said.

The joint AU-UN high-level mission was undertaken by four African women, namely Mohammed, the UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, and the African Union (AU) Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, Bineta Diop.

The mission's goal was to advance peace by advancing the equality, empowerment and well-being of women, which is in line with the Secretary-General's vision and the relevant Security Council resolutions.

In both countries, Mohammed noted, the mission met with Heads of State, ministers, donors, diplomats, faith leaders, parliamentarian and the respective UN mission and country teams, spending the lion's share of time with the women and girls most affected by conflicts, including through visits to camps for internally displaced persons.

While each country is unique, the situations share some commonalities, she said, noting that sexual violence is widespread in the DRC, and abductions, forced marriage and the use of women as suicide bombers have taken a terrible toll in northern Nigeria, where in the camps sexual exploitation, including in the form of sex for food is a new and alarming trend.

The international community needs to better understand the role of women in development and peace building alongside the gender dimensions of conflict if our responses are to be effective, she said.

Turning to country-specific matters, the UN deputy chief said that the mission was touched by the meeting with the schoolgirls, who were abducted in Nigeria's Chibok and then released, after years in captivity, by the Boko Haram group.

Their remarkable strength as survivors rather than victims is inspiring. Many are receiving education and psychosocial support to prepare them for reintegration, Mohammed said, noting that thousands of other young women who have been subjected to sexual violence and affected by conflict in other ways are still to receive adequate support.

Beyond theoretical debate, humanitarian-development nexus requires tangible resources

In the DRC, the mission emphasized the need to respect and implement the 31 December agreement, which provided a clear path towards democratic elections, she noted.

At the time of her visit, Mohammed said the electoral commission had registered more than 80 per cent of voters. That number now stands at more than 90 per cent. Of those registered, 48 per cent are women, placing the country in the same bracket as more established democracies such as Solomon Islands and Paraguay.

The mission also met with women who have no choice but to cook with coal in their tents, at great risk to their health and that of their children.

While we may debate the humanitarian-development nexus philosophically here in New York, without resources flowing to both sectors simultaneously and a real investment in early recovery, we can neither sustain peace nor prevent future gender based violence, she said, encouraging donors to respond to the DRC's reintegration challenges based on need alone.

UN Photo/Manuel Elias

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, Aug 11(Just Earth News): The United Nations refugee agency has been stepping up its assistance for people, including thousands of returnees, in the Iraqi city of Mosul, which had until recently been the scene of a fierce battle for control between terrorist fighters and the Government forces.

Our field assessments show that the returning population of Mosul needs assistance of every kind, but the shelter needs are the most pressing, particularly in the western part of the city,' said Andrej Mahecic, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), at the press regular briefing in Geneva.

Many neighbourhoods in the west have been extensively damaged or totally destroyed during months of fighting, he added.

Mosul was liberated from control by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) terrorist organization in July.

UN partners say that of the 54 residential districts in west Mosul, 15 suffered destruction or heavy damage, another 23 areas are moderately damaged, while further 16 neighbourhoods sustained light damage.

Mahecic said that mines, unexploded ordnance and related devices pose massive risks for the city's residents, especially children, welcoming the ongoing mine clearing efforts by the authorities and the UN Mine Action Service.

Returning families also face challenges in accessing basic services and utilities  accessing water, electricity or fuel in parts of Mosul can be difficult and very expensive, he added.

So far, according to government figures, some 79,000 people returned to battered west Mosul  one out of every ten people who were forced to flee from this part of the city. Also, the government says, more than 165,000 people have now returned to the considerably less damaged east Mosul, where day-to-day life is gradually resuming.

However, managers in the camps for internally displaced persons in east Mosul estimate that at least 200 families have moved back to the camps after finding living conditions difficult in Mosul.

Reasons cited for their return a include lack of shelter; high rental prices; a lack of livelihood opportunities and limited basic services such as electricity and water.

Since the end of the military campaign to retake the city, UNHCR has distributed shelter kits to more than 3,200 families in east and west Mosul while also providing cash assistance to some of the most vulnerable displaced Iraqi families.

Large numbers of IDPs and returnees are also missing key civil documents. UNHCR and partners are providing legal assistance and supporting local authorities to reissue civil and identity documents to displaced families in the camps, including birth and marriage certificates.

Given the scale of the destruction in Mosul, particularly in the western sector, humanitarian needs will remain high, the spokesperson said.

Photo: UNHCR/Cengiz Yar

Source: www.justearthnews.com
Kabul, Aug 11 (IBNS) : At least eight Taliban insurgents including their key local commanders were killed in a drone strike conducted by the US forces in eastern Laghmna province of Afghanistan.



Local Khaama Press quoted a statement of the provincial government as saying that the airstrike was carried out late on Wednesday night.

The statement further added that the airstrike was carried out in the vicinity of Alisheng district in Masmod area at around 9 pm local time.

Three senior local Taliban leaders with two of them identified as Shah Jahan and Taza Gul were among those killed, the provincial government said.

The statement also added that the militants were targeted as they were travelling in the area and were moving to an unknown location.In
The Kialegee Tribal Town is firing back at the National Indian Gaming Commission after the federal agency's top attorney questioned plans for a casino.

In a June 21 letter , the NIGC's general counsel said the tribe lacks jurisdiction over an allotment in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. That would mean the site can't be used for a casino under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act

"Operating on Indian lands ineligible for gaming by the town is a substantial violation of IGRA and NIGC regulations," general counsel Michael Hoenig wrote in the letter, the contents of which were first reported by Mvskoke Media.

But the tribe's attorney is accusing the NIGC is jumping the gun. Penny Coleman -- who held Hoenig's post before she retired in 2010 -- gave a statement to Mvskoke Media that said more information will be submitted to bolster the tribe's claim to jurisdiction.

Coleman also questioned the integrity of Chairman Jonodev Chaudhuri, pointing out that he is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation , whose leaders oppose the Kialegee casino.

"While the Tribal Town was greatly disappointed to learn that NIGC Chairman Chaudhuri, a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, declined to recuse himself despite his clear conflict of interest on this matter, we are optimistic that the tribes position will prevail," Coleman said in the statement to Mvskoke Media.

Chaudhuri might indeed be required to recuse himself if the matter ever made it to the level of the commission. But so far that does not appear to be the case -- despite warning the Kialegee Tribal Town not to open a casino, Hoenig's letter is not considered a final agency decision so it did not require the chairman's input.

And even if Hoenig issues an Indian lands opinion after the tribe submits more information, that would not be considered a final agency decision either. During her 16 years in the top legal posts at NIGC, Coleman wrote similar letters and she described them as merely "advisory" in nature in testimony to Congress in 2005

"Sometimes our opinions confirm that a specific parcel is Indian lands," Coleman said in her written testimony. "Sometimes they warn a tribe that we do not consider the gaming to be legal."

The allotment at issue is owned by a citizen of the Muscogee Nation who is opening a restaurant on his land. But the Kialegee Tribal Town has made no secret of its desire to add gaming machines to the business, and a development group associated with the effort has advertised dozens of casino-related jobs on Indeed.Com

The Kialegee Tribal Town is led by Jeremiah Hobia, whose title roughly translates in English as "king." The Muscogee Nation is seeking to revoke his citizenship and bar him from seeking office in their government, Mvskoke Media reported.

Read More on the Story: NIGC issues letter to Kialegee regarding facility in Broken Arrow (Mvskoke Media August 10, 2017) MCN files petition to remove Hobia from citizenship, Council candidacy (Mvskoke Media August 10, 2017)

National Indian Gaming Commission Indian Land Opinions:

10th Circuit Court of Appeals Decision: Oklahoma v. Hobia (December 22, 2014)

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Features Villager Asks State Counselor for Electricity, Gets Her Wish

Daw Mya San Yi. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy

WUNDWIN, Mandalay  Nearly one month before State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi visited Wundwin Township in Mandalay, Daw Mya San Yi was already excited for the chance to make a request to her.

The State Counselor was set to attend an event billed as peace talks with rural villagers on August 7.

Daw Mya San Yis request was simpleto have electricity, which she had dreamed of for years. And she believed that electrifying her village in the coming years would be a possibility, if she could just talk to Myanmars de facto leader.

However, it is not that her entire village lacks electricity. Villagers have formed a committee to supply electricity on a self-reliant basis  a system widely applied in rural areas in which the electricity ministry installs transformers, cables and meter boxes, and concerned villages assume the cost.

Of 250 households in Daw Mya San Yis village, 85 already had electricity at the time of the State Counselors visit, but she belonged to the group that went without.

Many households had already paid varying amounts for access to electricity. Daw Mya San Yi paid 150,000 kyats, but she could not afford to pay the balance  550,000 kyats plus the price of cables.

So, she went to the village administrators home to see if he could get her a seat at the State Counselors event.

He told me he could, but then later said our village only got 10 seats, and I wouldnt be given one. I was upset because I wanted to talk to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, she told The Irrawaddy on Monday.

So, instead of going to the talk in Myay Taing Kan village, she went to a farm in her village. She brought tea to the farmers and then went home to watch the talks on TV. She heard the State Counselor talk of electricity and peace.

Then, I heard Mother Suu tell the crowd to be quiet and that she would allow them to speak after the event, Daw Mya San Yi recounted.

Hearing this, she decided to go to Myay Taing Kan village, and found someone to take her on his motorbike.

The talk was not yet over when she got there, and a few people in the crowd told her to wait, as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had promised to allow villagers to speak after the event.

And she kept her word, saying she would allow about three people from the crowd to speak.

Daw Mya San Yi ran onto the stage. And luckily, she was the first to speak to the State Counselor.

Im Ma Mya San Yi from Nyaungbintha-Se village. I heard on TV that outsiders would be allowed to speak after the event so I came running at the risk of my life, said Daw Mya San Yi, which drew a round of loud applause.

Mother Suu, there are 250 houses in our village, 85 of them have electricity, and the remaining houses are around 400 to 500 feet away [from the lampposts used to link overhead cables]. We have to buy 400 to 500 feet of cable, and pay 700,000 kyats. We cant afford it. Ive paid 150,000 kyats, she told the State Counselor.

As she talked about people who have been able to start businesses thanks to the electricity in the village, she broke down in tears.

We still dont have electricity. I am sad, mother. Please solve this. Not immediately. But please help us get electricity in a year or two. I would be satisfied if you could do that, she told Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi listened and then talked privately with Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Zaw Myint Maung for a few minutes.

I know that electricity is needed across the entire country. We have to find solutions to solve these problems together with people, the State Counselor said.

She did not make immediate promises, but said that her government would work to find ways to help villages that had gone down the self-reliant path.

But Daw Mya San Yis hopes were realized. After the talks were broadcast on state media, two donors contributed 10 million kyats each, making it possible for the remaining houses to get electricity.

I didnt think it would happen immediately. I would have been happy if it took a couple years. I just asked for it because I cannot afford 700,000 kyats, she said.

Around 50 households who already paid 150,000 kyats were told they would get hooked up to electricity first with the donor contributions, said Daw Than Aye of Nyaungbintha-Se village.

Across Myanmar, there are many villages like Daw Mya San Yis that still do not have electricity. According to the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, only some 30,000 of more than 63,000 villages had access to electricity as of May.

The day after the local peace talks, 17 officials from the Wundwin Township electricity department went to Nyaungbintha-Se Village.

They said that they had received an order from upper-level authorities and that we would get electricity. I was so happy; I even treated them to fried noodles, Daw Mya San Yi said.
Burma ANALYSIS: Myanmar Army Deployed in Maungdaw

Myanmar Army troops arrive in Sittwe on Thursday. / Myanmar Pressphoto Agency

In a surprise move, Myanmar Army leaders decided to dispatch an army battalion to troubled Rakhine State this week.

The troops arrived in state capital Sittwe on Thursday.

National Security Adviser U Thaung Tun told reporters after a forum on democratic transition in Naypyitaw on Friday that the Tatmadaw was stepping up to its responsibility investigate militant camps in Mayu mountain range and protect civilians in Maungdaw Township.

The dispatch followed a two-hour meeting between Arakan National Party (ANP) members and military commander-in-chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyitaw on Wednesday.

Just back from a week-long trip to Japan, the commander-in-chief hastily approved the closed-door ANP meeting.

The politicians did most of the talking, according to sources close to the matter, and requested a boost in northern Rakhine security after six ethnic Mro were killed in Maungdaw Township last week.

Since the attack, civiliansmainly ethnic Rakhine and Rakhine sub-ethnic Mrohave fled their homes.

Rakhine politicians were clearly alarmed by the developing situation and asked to hold an emergency security meeting.

Also present at the meeting was deputy commander-in-chief of defense services and army commander-in-chief Vice-Snr-Gen Soe Win as well as chief of general staff (army, navy and air) Gen Mya Tun Oo. The ANP delegation was headed by chairman Dr. Aye Maung.

ANP leaders initially approached the office of State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for a meeting. It is unclear why the meeting did not take place.

Around the same time, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also held a meeting to discuss security issues with the home and border affairs ministries.

The ANP then turned to the military and the seven-member delegation marched to the offices of Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

Following the meeting, ANP lawmaker U Pe Than, who represents Myebon Township in the Lower House, told The Irrawaddy: Weve officially asked for further deployment of Tatmadaw forces for the security of Rakhine State.

We pointed out that existing security forces are too small to protect ethnic villages, he continued. The army chief said the Tatmadaw has large forces and that he would increase the troops if necessary.

Less than 48 hours after the meeting with ANP politicians, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing gave the green light to dispatch fully-equipped troops belonging to 33rd Light Infantry Division by air to Sittwe, despite bad weather.

The military was clearly ready for such a speedy deployment.

The army chief said he would fully protect ethnic groups in Rakhine State and that he would take care of the routes that [immigrants] use to come in illegally, and make sure the Mayu mountains are not used by militants, said ANP delegation member U Oo Hla Saw, who is a Lower House member of Parliament for Mrauk U Township.

The UN recently warned aid workers in western Myanmar of rising hostility and imminent protests from troubled Rakhine States majority Buddhists, some of whom claim humanitarian agencies are giving support to Rohingya Muslim militants.

Reuters obtained the text of a precautionary security notification distributed to the 300 or so UN staff and to international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in Rakhine on Wednesday.

It notes the increased likelihood of civil unrest and the possibility of demonstrations at aid agency offices in the state already racked by violence.

The Irrawaddy first reported a shift in security operations to focus on the Mayu Mountains in northwestern Rakhine in June. Three suspected militants were killed by security personnel in two days of raids that month.

Several weeks ago, an intelligence source in Asia told The Irrawaddy some 300 Muslim Rohingya were undergoing foreign-funded training using automatic rifles in the Mayu mountains.

The Irrawaddy was unable to verify these claims.

At Wednesdays meeting, the ANP also asked Commander-in-Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing to segregate Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine States Maungdaw Township.

Ethnic [Rakhine] villages are surrounded by Bengali villages, so, we called for designating No-Bengali zones in the area, U Khin Maung Latt of the ANP, who was at the meeting, told The Irrawaddy.

The stateless Rohingya Muslim population of 1.1 million in Rakhine is referred to as Bengali by many in the state and the government, to infer that they are interlopers from Bangladesh.

The two communities remain largely separated since inter-communal violence in 2012 and 2013 displaced around 140,000 people, the vast majority of them Muslim Rohingya.

Myanmar Army-led security operations in northern Rakhinemired in allegations of extensive human rights abusesin response to attacks on border guard posts that killed nine police in October 2016 continued until mid February this year.

It is unclear what the military has planned for security operations, possibly in the Mayu mountains, and how long they will last.
Burma Conspirator in U Ko Ni Killing Still At Large

Aung Win Khaing / Myanmar Police Force

More than six months after the midday assassination at the Yangon International Airport, Aung Win Khaingone of the main suspects in National League for Democracy (NLD) legal adviser U Ko Nis killingis still at large, with police staying silent about progress in their search for him.

According to a Yangon Region Police Force press conference on Feb. 25, Aung Win Khaing was last seen near the National Herbal Park in administrative capital Naypyitaw.

U Ko Ni was fatally shot at close range outside the airport upon his return from an official trip abroad on Jan. 29. Police have since arrested four conspiratorsAung Win Zaw, Aung Win Htun, Zeyar Phyo and the gunman Kyi Linn.

The Myanmar Police Force issued an arrest warrant for Aung Win Khaing and sent his photos to Asean police forces and Interpol. But the whereabouts of the wanted man remain unknown.

A witness testified that Aung Win Khaing was seen at an office in Naypyitaw two days before police searched it on Feb. 12. But the police didnt testify to that. So, I asked the court to interrogate all of the witnesses, but the court rejected my request, lawyer U Nay La, who is representing U Ko Nis family, told The Irrawaddy.

Police searched the National Herbal Park months ago, but to no avail. Though police have suggested that Aung Win Khaing is still in the country, they have not publicly revealed progress in their search for him.

Lawyer U Nay La said he is not satisfied with the police investigation.

If police are to arrest a criminal, they should carry out a related investigation about activities prior to the crime. But they havent, he added,

The criminal was in Naypyitaw for more than 10 days after committing the crime but they couldnt apprehend him. And they didnt interrogate the witnesses who testified at the court. They only testified that they had issued an arrest warrant, said U Nay La.

The Irrawaddy was not able to obtain a comment from the Naypyitaw Police Headquarters or the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Aung Win Khaing is a retired Lt-Col in the Myanmar Army and was a graduate of the No. 36 Intake of the Defense Services Academy.

The trial has been ongoing at the Yangon Southern District Court, with 19 weekly court dates held on Fridays.

Lawyer U Robert San Aung, who is representing the family of U Nay Win, a taxi driver killed by Kyi Linn while he attempted to apprehend him, has criticized the slow court hearings.

According to him, the court is still examining witnesses, and has so far only questioned 19 out of 80 witnesses because the hearings generally last no more than an hour and a half.

Previously, the court was hearing two witnesses at each appearance, but this week, it heard five.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko
Burma Detained Journalists Reapply for Bail in Unlawful Association Trial

The three detained journalists after their court hearing on Friday. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy

HSIPAW, Shan State  The lawyers of three detained journalists submitted a bail request for the second time, after the Hsipaw Township Court rejected the initial appeal last week.

At Fridays court hearing, lawyers appealed for bail for six men including three journalists from The Irrawaddy and DVB who were detained while reporting in the area by the military and later charged under Article 17(1) of the colonial-era Unlawful Associations Act.

The court heard a witness [a local resident] from the prosecutors side on Friday but a military official who was scheduled to appear at the court for testimony did not show, with the excuse given that he was on military duty.

The defendants lawyers stated at the court that they requested bail again as the accusations against the journalists were not strong enough to build a case or charge them under the Unlawful Associations Act.

After the court hearing, the police sent the journalists directly back to Hsipaw Prison, where they have been detained for 46 days, despite a request made to leave them in police custody behind the court for a half hour to have lunch and meet with family members.

The three journalistsIrrawaddy senior reporter Lawi Weng (U Thein Zaw) and Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) reporters U Aye Naing and Ko Pyae Phone Aungwere arrested on June 26 while covering a drug-burning ceremony in Taang National Liberation Army-controlled area.

The case has been wrong from the start. We were denied bail this is an intentional threat against us and the next generation to stop reporting on and contacting ethnic armed groups. But nothing will frighten our colleagues, U Aye Naing of the DVB told reporters outside of the court before being sent back to prison.

Supporters and family members of the journalists shouted at the court to stop oppressing the media.

The court will rule on the bail appeal on August 18.
Burma Following Talks, NCA Signing Remains on Hold for UNFC

The sixth round of formal talks between the government's Peace Commission and the United Nationalities Federal Council. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  Ethnic armed alliance the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) remains undecided on signing the countrys nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), following the sixth round of formal talks with the governments Peace Commission, held at the National Reconciliation and Peace Center in Yangon on Thursday and Friday.

The UNFC has stood by a nine-point proposal that must be met in order for its five members to sign the agreement, and asked that it be added as an appendix to the NCA. Represented in the UNFC are the Shan State Progress Party, the New Mon State Party, the Lahu Democratic Union, the Karenni National Progressive Party, and the Arakan National Council.

Of the two-day meeting, government spokesperson U Zaw Htay said, Half of the points were generally agreed upon as a result of the sixth round of talks. Discussion concerning the other half must be presented to the leaders of both sides for a final decision.

U Twan Zaw, the UNFCs joint general secretary, said on Friday that the policy framework was still unclear, and that leaders would need to approve any policy matters.

The remaining points of concern for the parties pertain to ceasefire rules, the militarys code of conduct, terms of reference for ceasefire monitoring, and the relocation of troops.

The UNFC has argued that the ceasefire monitoring team should include international legal experts and judges who are acceptable to both the government and the ethnic armed groups. They have also asked that natural resource and development projects in ceasefire areas be undertaken in consultation with locals and carried out in accordance with procedures laid out in the standards like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

In his opening remarks to the discussions on Thursday, UNFC joint general secretary Khu Oo Reh said that even after 14 months of talks, the trust level remained at zero. Meanwhile, government representatives said that they hoped the sixth round of talks would lead to a signing of the NCA.

Among the NCAs eight ethnic armed group signatories, the Restoration Council of Shan State and the Karen National Union have pointed out weaknesses in implementing the NCA, which was signed into action nearly two years ago.

U Zaw Htay admitted that points exist within the political framework of the NCA framework that need to be amended, and that it would be reviewed with the ethnic armed organizations.

The second round of the 21st Century Panglong conference was formed as a political debate for policy framework. The first round of the conference was just an opening ceremony, he added, referring to the governments peace conference. The third session is scheduled to be held no later than December.

Chair of the governments National Reconciliation and Peace Center U Tin Myo Win said he, hope[s] for a pathway through the peace process to appear, by fulfilling the points of the discussions with UNFC as much as we can after presenting to the government.

If we can pass this point, the peace process will not stop or move backwards. It will keep going forward, toward peace, he added.

The seventh round of talks between representatives of the Peace Commission and the UNFC will be held in September.
Burma Peace Process Team Calls to Review NCA Misunderstandings

The Peace Process Steering Team meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand. / Nyein Nyein / The Irrawaddy

CHIANG MAI, Thailand  The Peace Process Steering Team (PPST) of eight ethnic group signatories to the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) said a Joint Ceasefire Implementation Committee Meeting (JICM) needed to be called to review misunderstandings that emerged after the second session of the 21st Century Panglong peace conference in May.

The JICM, whose representatives are from the government, Tatmadaw (Myanmar Army) and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), have the authority to make decisions on the review of the NCA.

The PPST, led by the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), held a two-day meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand on Aug. 9-10.

The misunderstandings from the peace conference were due to a lack of common understanding of the NCA provisions, vagueness regarding decision-making power and inadequate time, said U Than Khe, the chairman of the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF), at a press briefing after Thursdays meeting.

Thus, joint implementation and joint ceasefire monitoring have not been in place, he said, adding that they have focused their efforts on implementing them.

At the KNU headquarters in Lay Wah from July 20-27, the PPST held review meetings on the strengths and weaknesses of the NCA, including the 37 principles, which were agreed to as Part 1 of the Union Accord in Naypyitaw in May.

Its Peace Process Working Team (PPWT) also had a series of talks this week, as well as talks with the government peace commission on August 3. The results of the talks were then brought to PPST leaders.

Col Khun Okkar, a PPST spokesperson, said: our reviews were based on an optimistic approach in order to achieve the NCA implementation and the overall attainment of the peace process.

He added that the reviews on NCA implementation were done to build strong principles for the peace process, and urged stakeholdersfrom the government, and national and international observersnot to worry, in light of questions regarding whether the peace process would come undone.

Khun Okkar said there would be changes made to have a more collaborative approach in the future among concerned NCA implementation mechanisms, working committees and secretariats, and that these changes would start after October 15, the two year anniversary of the signing of the NCA.

The PPST wants to change the implementation structure as well as the approach, but will continue under the current structure for the next two months to maintain understanding among the government, Myanmar Army, political parties and EAOs.

Maintaining understanding, which the PPST refers to, is in regard to a KNU shuffle in July in which the KNU moved to replace its own vice chairman Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Winalso the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC) vice chairmanwith the KNUs current general secretary Padoh Saw Tadoh Moo in the role of the UPDJC delegate. The shift has concerned stakeholders, and the delegate position would need to be approved by the other NCA signatories.

The government has voiced concerns that this replacement would affect the peace process, and that the change in UPDJC representation would affect unity and understanding.

PPST leaders said they hoped that there would be more NCA signatories in the near future, and this is why they were taking the time to restructure the NCA implementation bodies and review the political dialogue framework.

In a statement, the PPST said it hoped that talks on Friday between the government and the United Nationalities Federal Council would yield positive results.
Burma At Political Forum, State Counselor Urges Break With the Past

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi / The Irrawaddy

NAYPYITAW  Myanmars State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has urged the government officials to break the shackles of the past as part of the countrys democratic transition.

The victims of the past, those who cant shatter the shackles of the past, have caused a lot of hindrances in the democratic transition, said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in her opening remarks to the Forum on Myanmars Democratic Transition which kicked off in Naypyitaw on Friday.

The past is only about learning lessons. The most important thing for us is the present. Think simply: What you are doing for the democratic struggle? she asked.

Under the military-drafted 2008 Constitution, the Myanmar Army still holds three key ministrieshome affairs, defense and border affairsand the entire administration is still largely dominated by associates of the previous governments, though the top positions are held by the National League for Democracy (NLD). Political analysts have pointed out that this indicates resistance from the old guard in the deregulation and reform process.

The three-day forum seeks input on smoothing the democratic transition in Myanmar, and is being attended by political scientists, diplomats, and researchers from political and economic fields.

The forum will mainly discuss the topics on the shifts from a military to civil administration, from a centralized to a market economy, and from wars to peace.

The government officials need to look far ahead and be dutiful in undertaking their responsibilities, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said.

Min Ko Naing, a prominent leader of the 88-Generation Peace and Open Society, touted rule of law as an important factor in the transition.

A [smooth] civil-military relationship is impossible with a sensitive attitudewhen we tell the truth, there will be sore points. If those who are aggrieved [by the militarys actions] can tolerate [the oppression], then those who inflict this [suffering] should now demonstrate maturity. We need that, Min Ko Naing said.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said: Some think that the country will automatically achieve peace if there is development. I dont agree that view. We cant view peace and development separately. Without peace, development cant be sustained for long, and vice versa.

So, we are working for peace as our top priority, she said.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko
Burma Pyin Oo Lwin Farmers Returned to Jail

Land rights activist Ko Toe Gyi shouts outside Pyin Oo Lwin Township Court before being escorted to Obo Prison.

MANDALAY  A Pyin Oo Lwin Township Court judge revoked bail on Thursday for Ko Toe Gyi and eight other farmers and activists from Pyinsar village in Pyin Oo Lwin Township who have been on trial since August 2016 on charges of trespassing and bodily harm.

The district court terminated their bail as the plaintiff submitted an appeal to reject the bail, said U Lin Aung Thu, the judge of Pyin Oo Lwin Township Court.

I have to act according with the law and have to sent them back to prison.

Activist Ko Myo Win and one of the farmers were not present at court. The judge gave the pair 15 days to present themselves to the court before charging the person who posted bail 5,000,000 kyats.

The remaining seven were sent to Mandalays Obo Prison.

Meanwhile, the court released on bail another 13 farmers facing similar charges for ploughing the same piece of land in Pyinsar.

We do not want any compensation or money. We just want our land back, said one of the farmers Ma Myint Myint Win.

In 1998, about 500 acres of lands in Pyinsar village were confiscated by the ministry of agriculture for a coffee plantation project.

The ministry promised to return the land if the project was not a success, according to the nine farmers.

The land, however, was sold on to private companies and military cronies when the government coffee project was called off.

Last year, farmers began farming the confiscated land, leading to altercations with the private owners who later filed a case against them.

I have to question why the government keeps neglecting farmers whose lands were confiscated and are now facing lawsuits or kept behind bars, said Ko Toe Gyi, after the court session, before being sent to the prison.
Alibaba Group's online travel platform Fliggy and Qantas have signed an agreement which will allow customers to book flights directly on the Fliggy website.

A statement said Qantas International chief executive Gareth Evans and Fliggy vice-president Jerry Hu signed the agreement which also covers joint marketing campaigns to Alibaba's mobile users. In March, the number of mobile active users across all Alibaba's retail sites was about 507 million.

More than 20 international carriers already have a presence on Fliggy. About three-fourths of Alibaba Group's users are aged 35 and below.

Evans said: "With travel between China and Australia booming, a Qantas booking page on Fliggy is an exciting opportunity for us to have a connection with younger Chinese travellers, who increasingly turn to mobile applications like Fliggy and online sites to research and purchase travel.

Australia is one of the top destinations on the wish list for many Chinese travellers, and following the launch of our direct service from Beijing to Australia in January, we now have the Qantas Groups largest ever network in Greater China.

Gareth Evans and Jerry Hu after signing the deal between Qantas and Fliggy. Photo: supplied

Qantas partnership with Fliggy forms another part of our growth strategy for China and the broader Asian region."

Hu said the company looked forward to welcoming Qantas as the first Australian airline to have a flagship store on the site.

With the popularity of mobile Internet and its impact on commerce, Fliggy can provide brands with a large customer base, as well as facilitate direct communication with their customers, he said.

Fliggy can also provide consumer insights to help brands improve their marketing, membership system, services levels, and continuously optimise the consumer travel experience."

Qantas has partnerships with China Eastern and China Southern and runs more than 130 weekly return flights between Australia and China, plus about 250 connecting services to domestic destinations.

Qantas low-cost carrier Jetstar offers more than 30 return flights a week to six Chinese cities from Singapore, Vietnam and Japan.
Over the last week or so, Google has been in the news after one of its employees, James Damore, wrote a screed on diversity which did not exactly gell with the company's politically correct views.

After Damore's thoughts leaked and became fodder for many publications to chew over, the man lost his job.

In catering to the narrative that is in vogue, Google spreads the myth that it is devoted to diversity.

But this does not apply when it comes to other things. Like, for instance political views. Else, why has Google blocked every one of the top search terms for the world socialist website?

This site only provides an alternative view of politics. Diversity. Which Google claims to support.

Why are the censors at Google's YouTube removing videos that were used as part of the trial of former US soldier Chelsea Manning, videos that show US military strikes in Iraq?

Did another thing: YouTube under fire as AI deletes war crimes evidence as 'extremist material' https://t.co/ZjbAJLXaZo  Alex MacDonald (@AlexJayMac) 10 August 2017

Once again, this provides an alternative view of what is fed to the public through the political classes in Washington. Why is a company that claims to be so passionately devoted to diversity blocking other views?

Why does Google seek to reduce the traffic to websites like Counterpunch which warn American workers of the ongoing effort to further attack their incomes, social services, and life conditions by the US federal government, and which seek to warn against the impending warfare between US-led NATO and other forces against countries like Iran, Russia, and China, which have in no way threatened the US?

According to Counterpunch, sites like Democracy Now, American Civil liberties Union, and Wikileaks are among those which have seen their returns from Google searches fall dramatically.

There's also the move to make all online ads conform to some Google standard and block ads that Google deems unsuitable. Of course, this does not include Google's own ads. These are carefully protected so its own revenue does not suffer.

Google also pays the popular ad blocker AdBlock Plus to make sure its own ads arent blocked.

Diversity? Sure, but only when it suits the men who run Google.
The competition watchdog has begun proceedings in the Federal Court in Perth against two domain registration companies, alleging they indulged in misleading and deceptive conduct in the way they represented to Australian businesses the services they offered.

Domain Name Corp and Domain Name Agency both have a single sole director, the ACCC said, alleging that he was involved in the deception. Domain Name Agency was also trading as Domain Name Register.

It said from November 2015 to at least April 2017, the companies dispatched about 300,000 unsolicited notices to businesses which are alleged to have looked like renewal notices for their domains.

But they were actually for registering a new domain name at a cost of anything from $249 to $275.

The ACCC alleges that because these notices looked like they were renewal invoices, many businesses paid them thinking they were simply renewing the domain name for their business," ACCC deputy chair Dr Michael Schaper said.

He said the watchdog was alleging that the businesses were instead unwittingly signing up for a new domain name ending in either a .net.au or .com suffix that the business might not have needed or wanted.

It is alleged that the notices sent out by the Domain Companies offered domain names that looked very similar to the businesss current domain name. This detail and the fine print disclaimer were easily missed.

The ACCC believes that Australian businesses and organisations paid approximately $2.3 million to the Domain Companies as a result of receiving the notices.

The watchdog is seeking declarations, injunctions, pecuniary penalties, corrective advertising, disqualifying orders against the director and costs.
Australian bank customers would prefer to resolve their basic banking issues without having to deal with a human being, according to a new survey which indicates that most prefer contact with their bank via its website.

The Avaya-commissioned survey by YouGov also found that a third  or 34%  of Aussie banking customers regularly use mobile banking apps, more than their counterparts in the UK and the UAE.

The survey covered more than 5000 banking customers in four countries  Australia, India, the UK and the UAE  and reveals that, given the choice of only one channel, 28% of the 1153 Australians surveyed would prefer access to a complete list of services via their banks website, and only speaking to a person if they really have to.

And 19% said they would prefer to use a mobile app, while 8% would choose to access services through the contact centre application.

More than half, 54%, of Aussies regularly use online banking, behind only the UKs 60%, while only 36% usually visit their branch, the joint-lowest with the UK.

According to Avaya, unsurprisingly, younger generations of Australians are more likely to use mobile services, with 58% of 18- to 24-year-olds and 53% of 25- to 34-year-olds regularly using mobile apps, compared to just 13% in the 55+ category. And, 57% in the latter group use online banking, while just 45% of 18-24-year olds do.

The YouGov study found that traditional interactions continue to hold a place in the financial services industry.

In fact, 22% of Australians prefer to visit branches, a figure led by older respondents, with a third of over-55s selecting that option, while more than half  51%  of Indian respondents said they regularly visit their branch, the highest of the four countries surveyed, and only 13% said they prefer to do so, by far the lowest of the four.

The financial services industry (FSI) has typically led technology adoption and digital services  in part due to available capital, but primarily because a highly-competitive market creates constant pressure to exceed the expectations of demanding consumers, said Peter Chidiac, managing director Australia and New Zealand, Avaya.

Customers see value in more than just rates, meaning banks and other financial organisations must provide an experience that aligns to the daily lives of their consumers. To meet those expectations, they have to optimise traditional transactions while enabling interactions across the latest platforms and introducing innovations such as artificial intelligence.

The survey found that regardless of how they choose to contact their bank, the most important issues for Australian customers is that they get the same level of experience and service, and that their problem is resolved on the first point of contact.

The most common Australian customer complaint is being kept waiting for a long time on the phone, cited by 21%, and according to Chidiac this may explain why less than a quarter  23% , of Australian respondents regularly call a contact centre.

Consumers are looking for fast resolutions, and within reason, hope for an answer within the first point of contact, said Chidiac.

The problem is that some contact centre agents in financial institutions arent prepared to deal with a wide range of inquiries, especially in omni-channel environments. Contact centre agents need to be equipped to deal with inquiries, no matter which platform the consumer is using to make contact, and importantly, the interaction must be able to shift across platforms without forcing the consumer to explain their issue repeatedly.
Fifty-five technicians working for NBN Co subcontractor Trilogie Resourcing have been terminated today.

The workers, from the Port Macquarie, Newcastle and Hunter, Greater Sydney and ACT regions, were told that the company was shutting shop, according to Shane Murphy, NSW/ACT branch secretary of the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union.

He described Trilogie as a labour-hire shell company with ownership connections to NBN Co and Telstra-backed training provider Celemetrix.

Telstra denied any direct links to Trilogie, with a spokesman telling iTWire that it had only done work for the company.

Murphy claimed the sackings were a result of what he called the "failed, sham pyramid-contracting scheme employed by Telstra and their contracting partners".

The federal government and NBN Co are turning a blind eye to these dodgy employment set-ups. This company has been the subject of a number of worker complaints including the failure to provide adequate training, unlawful withholding of overtime payments and unfair dismissals," he said.

"NBN Co and the federal government know the way their contractors are operating, but they dont seem to care. Theyve got a lot to answer for.

Todays job losses are a devastating blow for these workers and their families, and also the predominantly regional areas they work in. Its also a devastating blow to residents and business who are struggling to have their NBN services connected and outstanding faults repaired.

The NBN contracting pyramid is seriously flawed. Industry skills are disappearing; wages are dropping and workers are being left vulnerable. These 55 workers are the faces of a system thats simply not working.

Three years ago, NBN Co chief Bill Morrow said that the company was simplifying its contracting scheme and introducing incentives and penalties to cut delays in connecting consumers.
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

Over the years the smug Western pundits have had a good deal of fun at the expense of unhinged Middle Eastern rulers. There was Daffy Gaddafi in Libya, Saddam Hussein in Iraq, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Iran. One headline in the 1990s spoke of the fruitcake ravings of Gaddafi. A book about Saddam was entitled The Demonic Comedy. Columbia University president Lee Bollinger ridiculed Ahmadinejad to his face.

All three of these leaders were indeed a piece of work and perhaps the ridicule was well deserved.

But it did not stop there. American politicians are fond of the phrase the civilized world. We (they mean northern European white people) belong to it. Countries with looney and authoritarian presidents do not.

Bollinger said to Ahmadinejad,

And today I feel all the weight of the modern civilized world yearning to express the revulsion at what you stand for.

A lot of Iranians were revulsed by what Ahmadinejad stood for, too, and when the regime stuffed ballots for him in summer 2009 the country exploded in protest. But a lot of American observers saw Ahmadinejad as emblematic of Iran, and as a sign of its lack of civilization.

Ironic, since Elamites and then Persians were among the inventors of civilization. The Book of Isaiah praised Cyrus the Great as virtually a messiah for his emancipation of the Jews in exile in Babylon. It is odd that a lot of Americans are so illiterate about archeology and history. Bushs invasion and occupation of Iraq was also often advertised as a civilizing mission, as though Mesopotamia had not given us so many of the basic elements of civilization, including the Code of Hamurabbi and astronomy.

Bush once said that Iraq would soon be able to take the training wheels off, as if the country he destroyed were a 3 year old and he was the adult. That bike crashed.

So you see where I am going with this. Now it is Americas turn to be ridiculed for having a madman as a president.

If Iran or the Sudan had a president who went around saying the things Trump says, wed consider them a bunch of nut cases.

In just the past week, think of the erratic and fascist things Trump has said. He virtually threatened to nuke North Korea and refused to walk that back on Thursday. He gushed, thanking Russian president Vladimir Putin for expelling 755 US diplomats from Moscow. He had, he said, wanted to find a way to fire them anyway. Theres no reason for them to go back there he said. Just last week he let the alt-NeoNazi wing of the White House propose a White America immigration policy. He is signaling he wants to cancel US support for the Iran nuclear deal. He is toying with putting rogue mercenaries in charge of Afghanistan.

European diplomats and politicians consider Trump a laughingstock. About 80% of the European public say they have no confidence in him.

It isnt just Europe. The Chinese Communist Party, which under Maos cultural revolution in the 1970s had some erratic moments itself, is privately worried about Trumps lack of consistency.

And if you do not think the antics of the Orange One affect how Americans and the United States are seen around the world, youre not reading very widely.

Being perceived as a country full of nut cases who voted for a nut case can have deadly downstream consequences. If the US abruptly needed allies in some struggle, as George H. W. Bush did in his quest to save Kuwait from Saddam, would any sign on?

The poor opinion of us generated by our election of Trump and by his continued freak show even has economic implications. Chinese consumers are not sure they want American goods any more.

The difference between the US and those Middle Eastern countries with unhinged dictators is that the latter usually came to power in a coup of some sort. Americans freely elected Trump, even after they knew the worst about him.

So those Congressmen who hold forth in stentorian tones about our leadership of the civilized world might want to tone it down a bit. Our club membership has been revoked and there may even be a charge for broken furniture.



Related video:

Charlie Sykes on Trump & North Korea: Erratic Narcissists Playing Chicken | The 11th Hour | MSNBC
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Nick Turse | ( Tomdispatch.com ) |  

Winning! Its the White House watchword when it comes to the U.S. armed forces. We will give our military the tools you need to prevent war and, if required, to fight war and only do one thing  you know what that is? Win! Win! President Donald Trump exclaimed earlier this year while standing aboard the new aircraft carrier U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford.



h/t Wikipedia

Since World War II, however, neither preventing nor winning wars have been among Americas strong suits. The nation has instead been embroiled in serial conflicts and interventions in which victories have been remarkably scarce, a trend that has only accelerated in the post-9/11 era. From Afghanistan to Iraq, Somalia to the Philippines, Libya to Yemen, military investments  in lives and tax dollars  have been costly and enduring victories essentially nonexistent.

But Amadou Sanogo is something of a rare all-American military success story, even if he isnt American and his success was fleeting. Sanogo learned English in Texas, received instruction from U.S. Marines in Virginia, took his intelligence training in Arizona, and underwent Army infantry officer basic training in Georgia. Back home in his native Mali, the young army officer was reportedly much admired for his sojourn, studies, and training in the United States.

In March 2012, Sanogo put his popularity and skills to use when he led a coup that overthrew Malis elected government. America is [a] great country with a fantastic army. I tried to put all the things I learned there into practice here, he told Der Spiegel during his tenure as Malis military strongman. (He eventually lost his grip on power, was arrested, and in 2016 went on trial for complicity in kidnapping and assassination.)

Since 9/11, the United States has spent more than $250 billion training foreign military and police personnel like Sanogo. Year after year, a sprawling network of U.S. programs provides 200,000 of these soldiers and security officers with assistance and support. In 2015, almost 80,000 of them, hailing from 154 countries, received whats formally known as Foreign Military Training (FMT).

The stated goals of two key FMT programs  International Military Education and Training (IMET) and the Combating Terrorism Fellowship Program (CTFP)  include promoting international peace and security and increasing the awareness among foreign military personnel of internationally recognized human rights. In reality, these programs focus on strengthening U.S. partner and proxy forces globally, though theres scant evidence that they actually succeed in that goal. A study published in July, analyzing data from 1970 to 2009, finds that FMT programs are, however, effective at imparting skills integral to at least one specific type of armed undertaking. We find a robust relationship between U.S. training of foreign militaries and military-backed coup attempts, wrote Jonathan Caverley of the U.S. Naval War College and Jesse Savage of Trinity College Dublin in the Journal of Peace Research.

Bad Actors

Through nearly 200 separate programs, the State Department and the Department of Defense (DoD) engage in whats called security cooperation, building partner capacity, and other assistance to foreign forces. In 2001, the DoD administered about 17% of security assistance funding. By 2015, that figure had jumped to approximately 60%. The Combating Terrorism Fellowship Program, a post-9/11 creation indicative of this growth, is mostly run through the DoD and focuses on training mid- and senior-level defense officials from allied militaries in the tenets of counterterrorism. The State Department, by contrast, is the driving force behind the older and larger IMET program, though the Defense Department implements the training.

Under IMET, foreign personnel  like Sanogo  travel to the U.S. to take classes and undergo instruction at military schools and bases. IMET is designed to help foreign militaries bolster their relationships with the United States, learn about U.S. military equipment, improve military professionalism, and instill democratic values in their members, wrote Joshua Kurlantzick in a 2016 Council on Foreign Relations memorandum aimed at reforming the program.

However, in an investigation published earlier this year, Lauren Chadwick of the Center for Public Integrity found that, according to official U.S. government documents, at least 17 high-ranking foreigners  including five generals  trained through IMET between 1985 and 2010 were later accused and in some cases convicted of criminal and human rights abuses. An open-source study by the non-profit Center for International Policy found another 33 U.S.-trained foreign military officers who later committed human rights abuses. And experts suggest that the total number of criminal U.S. trainees is likely to be far higher, since IMET is the only one of a sprawling collection of security assistance programs that requires official reports on human rights abusers.

In their Journal of Peace Research study, Caverley and Savage kept the spotlight on IMET because the program explicitly focuses on promoting norms of civilian control of the military. Indeed, its a truism of U.S. military assistance programs that they instill democratic values and respect for international norms. Yet the list of U.S.-trained coup-makers  from Isaac Zida of Burkina Faso, Haitis Philippe Biamby, and Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia to Egypts Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq of Pakistan, and the IMET-educated leaders of the 2009 coup in Honduras, not to mention Malis Amadou Sanogo  suggests an embrace of something other than democratic values and good governance. We didnt spend, probably, the requisite time focusing on values, ethics, and military ethos, then chief of U.S. Africa Command, Carter Ham, said of Sanogo following his coup. I believe that we focused exclusively on tactical and technical [training].

In 2014, two generations of U.S.-educated officers faced off in The Gambia as a group of American-trained would-be coup-makers attempted (but failed) to overthrow the U.S.-trained coup-maker Yahya Jammeh who had seized power back in 1994. The unsuccessful rebellion claimed the life of Lamin Sanneh, the purported ringleader, who had earned a masters degree at National Defense University (NDU) in Washington, D.C. (Two other coup plotters had apparently even served in the U.S. military.) I cant shake the feeling that his education in the United States somehow influenced his actions, wrote Sannehs former NDU mentor Jeffrey Meiser. I cant help but wonder if simply imprinting our foreign students with the American program is counterproductive and unethical.

Caverly warns that Washington should also be cautious about exporting its own foreign and domestic policy imperatives, given that recent administrations have left the Defense Department flush with funding and the State Departments coffers so bare that generals are forced to beg on its behalf. Put more succinctly, he explained, you need to build up multiple groups within civil society to complement and sometimes counterbalance an empowered military.

Caverley and Savage identified 275 military-backed coups that occurred worldwide between 1970 and 2009. In 165 of them, members of that countrys armed forces had received some IMET or CTFP training the year before the coup. If you add up all the years of such instruction for all those countries, it tops out at 3,274 country years. In 165 instances, a takeover attempt was carried out the next year. Thats 5%, which is very high, since coups happen rarely, Caverley told TomDispatch. The ratio for country-years with no U.S. training is 110 out of 4101, or 2.7%.

While U.S. training didnt carry the day in The Gambia in 2014 (as it had in 1994 when U.S. military-police-training alumnus Yahya Jammeh seized power), it is nonetheless linked with victorious juntas. Successful coups are strongly associated with IMET training and spending, Caverley and Savage noted. According to their findings, American trainees succeeded in overthrowing their governments in 72 of the 165 coup attempts.

Train Wreck

There is significant evidence that the sprawling patchwork of Americas military training programs for foreign forces is hopelessly broken. In 2013, a State Department advisory board found that American security aid had no coherent means of evaluation and no cohesive strategy. It compared the baffling array of programs to a philanthropic grant-making process by an assemblage of different foundations with different agendas.

A 2014 RAND analysis of U.S. security cooperation (SC) found no statistically significant correlation between SC and change in countries fragility in Africa or the Middle East. A 2015 report from U.S. Special Operations Commands Joint Special Operations University noted that efforts at building partner capacity have in the past consumed vast resources for little return. That same year, an analysis by the Congressional Research Service concluded that despite the increasing emphasis on, and centrality of, [building partner capacity] in national security strategy and military operations, the assumption that building foreign security forces will have tangible U.S. national security benefits remains a relatively untested proposition.

There are no standard guidelines for determining the goals of [counter-terrorism] security assistance programs, particularly partner capacity-building training programs, or for assessing how these programs fit into broader U.S. foreign policy objectives, reads a 2016 Center for a New American Security report. And there are few metrics for measuring the effectiveness of these programs once they are being implemented. And in his 2016 report on IMET for the Council on Foreign Relations, Kurlantzick noted that the effort is deeply in need of reform. The program, he wrote, contains no system for tracking which foreign military officers attended IMET [a]dditionally, the program is not effectively promoting democracy and respect for civilian command of armed forces.

Studies aside, the failures of U.S. training efforts across the Greater Middle East have been obvious for years. From the collapse of the U.S.-built Iraqi army in the face of small numbers of Islamic State militants to a stillborn effort to create a new armed force for Libya, a $500 million failed effort to train and equip Syrian rebels, and an often incompetent, ghost-soldier-filled, desertion-prone army in Afghanistan, large-scale American initiatives to build and bolster foreign forces have crashed and burned repeatedly.

One thing stateside U.S. training does seem to do, according to Caverley and Savage, is increase human capital  that is, foreign trainees professional skills like small unit tactics and strategic planning as well as intangibles like increased prestige in their home countries. And unlike other forms of American aid that allow regimes to shuttle state resources toward insulating the government from coups by doing anything from bribing potential rivals to fostering parallel security forces (like presidential guards), FMT affords no such outlet. If you give assets to a group with guns and a strong corporate identity within a country lacking well-developed institutions and norms, you create the potential for political imbalance, Caverley told TomDispatch. An extreme example of that imbalance is an attempt to take over the entire government.

Strength and Numbers

The United States has a troubled past when it comes to working with foreign militaries. From Latin America to Southeast Asia, Washington has a long history of protecting, backing, and fostering forces implicated in atrocities. Within the last several months alone, reports have surfaced about U.S.-trained or -aided forces from the United Arab Emirates, Syria, Cameroon, and Iraq torturing or executing prisoners.

Some U.S.-trained figures like Isaac Zida in Burkina Faso and Amadou Sanogo in Mali have experienced only short-term successes in overthrowing their countrys governments. Others like The Gambias Yahya Jammeh (who went into exile in January after 22 years in power) and Egypts president  and former U.S. Army War College student  Abdel Fattah el-Sisi have had far more lasting tenures as strongmen in their homelands.

Any foreign military training provided by the U.S., write Caverley and Savage, corresponds to a doubling of the probability of a military-backed coup attempt in the recipient country. And the more money the U.S. spends or the more soldiers it trains via IMET, the higher the risk of a coup detat.

In 2014, the U.S. resumed IMET support for Mali  it had been suspended for a year following the insurrection  and even increased that funding by a modest $30,000. That West African nation has, however, never recovered from the coup crisis of 2012 and, half a decade later, remains wracked by an insurgency that Sanogo, his successors, and a French- and U.S.-backed military campaign have been unable to defeat. As the militant groups in Mali have grown and metastasized, the U.S. has continued to pour money into training local military personnel. In 2012, the year Amadou Sanogo seized power, the U.S. spent $69,000 in IMET funds on training Malian officers in the United States. Last year, the figure reached $738,000.

For the better part of two decades from Afghanistan to Iraq, Yemen to Pakistan, Somalia to Syria, U.S. drone strikes, commando raids, large-scale occupations and other military interventions have led to small-scale tactical triumphs and long-term stalemates (not to mention death and destruction). Training efforts in and military aid to those and other nations  from Mali to South Sudan, Libya to the Philippines  have been plagued by setbacks, fiascos, and failures.

President Trump has promised the military tools necessary to prevent and win wars. By that he means resources, personnel training and equipment the finest equipment in the world. Caverley and Savages research suggests that the Pentagon could benefit far more from analytical tools to shed light on programs that cost hundreds of billions of dollars and deliver counterproductive results  programs, that is, where the only wins are achieved by the likes of Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia and Egypts Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi.

Warfighters focus on training other warfighters. Full stop. Any second order effects, like coups, are not the primary consideration for the training, Caverley explains. Thats why security cooperation work by the U.S. military, like its more violent operations, needs to be put in a strategic context that is largely lacking in this current administration, but was not much in evidence in other administrations either.

Nick Turse is the managing editor of TomDispatch, a fellow at the Nation Institute, and a contributing writer for the Intercept. He recently covered ethnic cleansing by government forces in South Sudan for Harpers Magazine and torture and killing by government forces in Cameroon for the Intercept. His latest book is Next Time Theyll Come to Count the Dead: War and Survival in South Sudan. His website is NickTurse.com.

Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook. Check out the newest Dispatch Book, John Dowers The Violent American Century: War and Terror Since World War II, as well as John Feffers dystopian novel Splinterlands, Nick Turses Next Time Theyll Come to Count the Dead, and Tom Engelhardts Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World.

Copyright 2017 Nick Turse

Via Tomdispatch.com

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By Riccardo Labianco | (The Conversation) |  

Since the catastrophic Yemeni civil war began in 2015, the British public has woken up to a serious problem: the use of UK-manufactured arms by Saudi Arabia. Various NGOs, campaigners and many MPs are increasingly worried about evidence that since the beginning of the conflict, Saudi Arabia has used UK-manufactured arms in ways that violate international law.

The British government, however, seems content to continue selling weapons to the Saudis  and indeed has worked hard to justify doing so. Government representatives have repeatedly claimed that the UK enjoys a privileged position from which it can train the Saudi armed forces and pressure them to comply with the international law of armed conflict. The corollary is that if the UK gave that position up, someone more nefarious would inherit it.

As the UK foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, said in the House of Commons in October 2016:

We would be vacating a space that would rapidly be filled by other Western countries that would happily supply arms with nothing like the same compunctions, criteria or respect for humanitarian law. More importantly, we would, at a stroke, eliminate this countrys positive ability to exercise our moderating diplomatic and political influence on a crisis in which there are massive UK interests at stake.

The government routinely falls back on this argument; it made the same case recently when it faced a judicial review of its decision to continue exporting arms to the Saudis despite their violations of humanitarian law.

The rationale has so far stood up in British courts and in parliament. But it is nonetheless deeply flawed  and it doesnt come close to justifying what the government is still doing. Instead, the British governments legal arguments seem highly selective.

The law regulates arms exports between states in two ways. Some provisions require the supplier state to assess how the recipient will use the arms before it transfers them; other provisions apply after the recipient has actually used the arms unlawfully. The point is that once arms are exported to another country, it is very difficult for the supplier to control who is using them and how. This is why there are legal norms applying to both the misuse of arms in the future and suppliers part in past violations.

But its not unusual for supplier states to focus solely on guaranteeing that arms wont be misused while avoiding responsibility for unlawful use in the past. This is the case for the British-Saudi transfers, where the UK government seems content to talk about the guarantees that come with future transfers  even though the Saudis and their allies have violated humanitarian law with British weapons before.

At face value

In short, as far as international law is concerned, the Saudis assurances for the future do not justify the UKs arms sales. A promise to behave properly in the future cannot justify unlawful behaviour in the past  especially not if the supplier state held a privileged position over the recipient when those violations were committed.

More than that, since arms have a long lifespan and are often stored and recycled for future conflicts, they have a nasty way of escaping the suppliers control, making promises to limit their use essentially immaterial. This is precisely what has happened in Yemen, where the Saudi-led coalition has reportedly used British-manufactured cluster munitions.

Cluster munitions release or disperse explosive sub-munitions over a wide area, meaning they cannot be precisely targeted. Their imprecision means they can do substantial collateral damage during a conflict and they also leave unexploded ordnance scattered over wide areas where it can injure or kill civilians who find it after a conflict is over. Because of their excessive impact, they have been banned since 2010.

In 2016, the UK defence secretary, Michael Fallon, reported that the British-manufactured cluster munitions used in Yemen arrived to Saudi Arabia in the early 1980s, 30 years before the international ban. But this misses the point: the UK may not be producing, stockpiling and exporting cluster munitions any longer, but its past exports of these weapons are still in use, and theres very little that can be done about it.

In any case, the argument that a privileged position from which to influence buyers behaviour justifies the UKs arms sales makes no sense. After all, even if the UK could control the way Saudi Arabia uses exported arms, that would surely implicate it in everything the Saudis do with them.

Riccardo Labianco, PhD Candidate, SOAS, University of London

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.



Related video added by Juan Cole:

Al Jazeera English: Canada opposition, rights groups call on government to halt arms sales to Saudi
SANTIAGO, Chile--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Orosur Mining Inc. (Orosur or the Company) (TSX/AIM: OMI), a South America-focused gold producer, developer and explorer, is pleased to announce that it has conditionally raised gross proceeds of approximately C$4.0 million (US$3.2 million) through a placing and subscription of 16,740,502 new Common Shares of no par value (the "Subscription Shares" or New Common Shares) at a price of C$0.241 (14.7p per share*) per Subscription Share (Subscription Price) (together the "Subscription"), together with a grant of unlisted warrants over new Common Shares (Subscription Warrants) on the basis of one Subscription Warrant for every two Subscription Shares.

Highlights

The Subscription Price was negotiated and agreed in principle on August 1 st , 2017 and was based on a 5% premium to the 5-day VWAP of the Companys shares trading on the TSX ending August 1 st , 2017

, 2017 and was based on a 5% premium to the 5-day VWAP of the Companys shares trading on the TSX ending August 1 , 2017 The Subscription was oversubscribed

Each full Subscription Warrant entitles the holder to purchase a Common Share at a price of C$0.337 on or before August 14 th , 2020

, 2020 The net proceeds of this Subscription are intended to be deployed for drilling and associated activities at the Companys highly prospective Anza gold project in Colombia

Cash flow from existing operations in Uruguay can now be fully concentrated on both growing production in Uruguay and extending life of mine

Concurrent with the financing, the Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Numis Securities Limited as its joint broker with immediate effect alongside its existing nomad and broker, Cantor Fitzgerald Europe

Background to and Reasons for the Subscription

As announced on June 20th, 2017, for the year ending May 31st, 2017 the Company produced 35,371 ounces of gold, with operating cash costs expected to be within its guidance of US$800-US$900 per ounce. The Company expects production from the San Gregorio mine in Uruguay for the current financial year to be between 30,000 - 35,000 ounces of gold, with operating costs of US$800 - US$900 per ounce.

At current gold prices this will allow the Company to continue to focus on expanding its resource base in Uruguay both from underground and surface operations, with the aim of increasing its mine life and/or increasing production by utilising the spare capacity in the San Gregorio plant**.

The Company also announced in its operational update that it planned to commence a 15,000 - 30,000 metre drilling campaign in 2017 in Colombia, culminating in the preparation and publishing of a maiden N.I. 43-101 compliant resource report for the Anza gold project (Anza). The net proceeds of this Subscription of US$3.2 million are intended to be deployed for drilling and associated activities at Anza, and are budgeted to fund an initial 15,000 metres of diamond drilling.

Ignacio Salazar, CEO of the Company, commented: The completion of this financing, which was oversubscribed and at a premium to the prevailing market when negotiated, is a testament to the quality of our assets and growth prospects. We are delighted to have two new institutional shareholders join our shareholder base while limiting dilution to our existing shareholders. The funds raised should allow the Company to swiftly commence resource definition drilling in our high potential Anza gold project in the Mid Cauca belt of Colombia. Concurrently, cash flow from existing operations in Uruguay can be directed to growing our production profile within the 100 km long greenstone belt we control in Uruguay, as well as around our existing operating mine and CIL plant. This is aimed at accelerating progress in the two key growth projects of the Company.

The Terms of the Subscriptions

Subscription agreements have been entered into with subscribers pursuant to which the subscribers have conditionally agreed to purchase in aggregate 16,740,502 new Common Shares of no par value at a price of C$0.241 per Subscription Share.

The Subscription Shares will be allotted and issued free of all liens, charges and encumbrances and will, when issued and fully paid, rank pari passu in all respects with the Companys existing Common Shares, including the right to receive all dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid after the date of their issue.

Completion of the Subscription is subject amongst other things to the final acceptance of the TSX, and admission of the New Common Shares to trading on AIM ("Admission"). Application has been made for the New Common Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM. Subject to receipt of final acceptance of the TSX, it is expected that Admission will become effective at 8.00 am (GMT) on or around August 14th, 2017. If Admission is delayed, any variations to this timetable will be announced via a Regulatory Information Service.

Upon Admission, the total number of Common Shares and voting rights issued and outstanding will be 117,586,905 and the total number of options and warrants outstanding will be 15,668,344 following the issuance of the Subscription Warrants.

Securities issued under the Subscription will be subject to a four-month hold expiring on December 14th, 2017 and will become freely transferable on December 15th, 2017, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

The financing was conducted by Cantor Fitzgerald Europe (Cantor) and Numis Securities Limited (Numis).

A copy of the Companys latest corporate presentation is available on the Companys website www.orosur.ca.

*CAD exchange rate as at August 1st, 2017 (1CAD$:0.606GBP)

**Assumes production and operating costs for the San Gregorio mine are achieved as stated above at prevailing gold price

Principal Terms of the Subscription Warrants

The Subscription Warrants are constituted pursuant to a Warrant Indenture to be entered into between Computershare Trust Company of Canada and the Company dated August 14th, 2017.

The principal terms of the Subscription Warrants are as follows:

a) a holder of Subscription Warrants (a "Warrantholder") will have the right at any time prior to August 14th, 2020 upon written notice, to subscribe for new Common Shares (on the basis of one new Common Share for each Subscription Warrant held, subject to adjustment) at C$0.337 per Common Share;

b) the Subscription Warrants will be transferable and freely transferable at any time following the four month hold period;

c) the Subscription Warrants will not be listed or admitted to trading on any exchange; and

d) the subscription rights under the Subscription Warrants will be subject to adjustment in the event of various corporate actions affecting the share capital of the Company.

Appointment of Joint Broker

Concurrent with the financing, the Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Numis as its joint broker with immediate effect alongside its existing broker, Cantor. Cantor continues to serve as the Companys nominated adviser and joint broker.

For more information, please visit www.orosur.ca.

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation ("MAR"). Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain. If you have any queries on this, then please contact Ignacio Salazar, Chief Executive Officer of the Company (responsible for arranging release of this announcement) on: +1 (778) 373-0100

Cantor Fitzgerald Europe is the Companys nominated adviser and joint broker and Numis Securities Limited is the Companys joint broker. Both Cantor and Numis are authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority. Cantors responsibilities as the Companys nominated adviser under the AIM Rules for Companies and the AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers are owed solely to the London Stock Exchange and are not owed to the Company or to any other person. Cantor and Numis are acting exclusively for the Company and no one else in connection with the Subscription, will not regard any other person as a client in relation to the Subscription and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to clients of Cantor and Numis (respectively) or for providing advice in relation to the Subscription or any other matter referred to in this announcement.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Orosur Mining Inc.

Orosur Mining Inc. is a fully integrated gold producer, developer and explorer focused on identifying and advancing gold projects in South America. The Company operates the only producing gold mine in Uruguay (San Gregorio), and has assembled an exploration portfolio of high quality assets in Uruguay, Chile and Colombia. The Company is listed in Canada (TSX: OMI) and London (AIM: OMI). The Company produced 35,371 ounces of gold in the year ending 31 May 2017, with operating cash costs expected within its guidance of US$800-US$900 per ounce. The Company expects production from the San Gregorio mine in Uruguay for the current financial year to be between 30,000 - 35,000 ounces of gold, with operating costs of US$800-US$900 per ounce.

The Company will commence a 15,000 - 30,000 metre drilling campaign in 2017 in Colombia, culminating in the preparation and publishing of a maiden N.I. 43-101 compliant resource report for the highly prospective Anza gold Project in Colombia.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novo Resources Corp. (TSX-V:NVO) (OTCQX:NSRPF) (Novo or the Company) is pleased to announce that Novo and one of its Australian subsidiaries have entered into an option agreement (the Agreement) with an arms length party (the Optionor) for the option to acquire the Optionors interest in certain tenements (the Option) in the Karratha region of Western Australia (the Pipeline Project).

The Pipeline Project consists of seven prospecting licences, five exploration licences, six prospecting licence applications, three exploration licence applications and a miscellaneous licence application. The Option is conditional upon various statutory and contractual approvals and consents including, but not limited to, the receipt of approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

An option fee payment of 500,000 Novo common shares (the Initial Shares) will be made upon receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval. The Initial Shares will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months from the date of issuance.

At any time within 12 months of signing of the Agreement, the Company has the right to exercise its Option and purchase the Pipeline Project outright, subject to the Optionor retaining certain rights described below, by issuing 2,500,000 Novo common shares (the Option Exercise Shares) to the Optionor. The Option Exercise Shares will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months from the date of issuance. Transfer to Novo of the tenements comprising the Pipeline Project will be subject to the requisite approvals of certain Australian government authorities.

The Optionor will retain non-gold rights to the Pipeline Project and will retain a 1% gross royalty on production from the Pipeline Project if the Company exercises the Option.

About Novo Resources Corp.

Novos focus is to explore and develop gold projects in the Pilbara region of Western Australia and built up a significant land package covering approximately 10,000 km2. Novo also controls a 100% interest in approximately 2 sq km covering much of the Tuscarora Au-Ag vein district, Nevada.
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TMAC Resources Inc. (TSX: TMR) (TMAC or the Company) is pleased to report that the first drilling campaign at the Boston Deposit, located in the south of its 100% owned Hope Bay Project, has intersected significant high-grade gold mineralization over wide widths. The on-going, initial drilling is designed to extend wide, high-grade trends within the current resource model. In addition, ongoing drilling at Doris below the dyke (Doris BTD) continues to intersect high grade gold over mineable widths and the underground development there confirms the continuity of the ore bearing structures at depth below the diabase dyke.

Highlights Boston: -- TMB0001 Boston B2 15.3 g/t Au over 22.3 metres Including 36.6 g/t Au over 4.5 metres And 18.9 g/t Au over 6.3 metres And 20.6 g/t Au over 2.6 metres -- TMB0003 Boston B2 17.3 g/t Au over 2.1metres -- TMB0007 Boston B2 8.9 g/t Au over 8.9 metres And 5.9 g/t Au over 8.7 metres Highlights Doris BTD: -- TM50058 Doris BTD 10.7 g/t Au over 2.0 metres -- TM50077 Doris BTD 33.8 g/t Au over 3.8 metres And 15.3 g/t Au over 2.3 metres -- TM50078 Doris BTD 77.0 g/t Au over 0.7 metres -- TM50085 Doris BTD 5.7 g/t Au over 21.2 metres

Dr. Catharine Farrow, Chief Executive Officer of TMAC, stated, Since acquiring the Hope Bay Project in 2013, we have focussed on Doris and patiently waited to initiate a major exploration campaign at Boston until we had the Doris mine in commercial production. Having achieved that effective June 1st, we recommissioned the Boston camp located about 60 km south of the Doris complex and initiated our first drilling program there this summer. Initial drilling results, such as drill hole TMB0001, intersecting 15.3 g/t Au over 22.3 metres, are very encouraging and confirm Bostons high-grade potential along-strike and down plunge.

She added The Doris BTD underground development is progressing as planned and sill development has commenced on the upper levels of the BTD East Limb. The underground development on the Doris BTD East Limb confirms its location and the continuity of the ore-bearing structures under the diabase dyke and the on-going underground drilling confirms the high grade potential of both the Doris BTD East Limb and the Doris BTD Extension zones. Two drill rigs will continue to operate in these areas for the remainder of the year, once the annual sealift re-supply is complete.

Boston Deposit

The Boston Deposits are hosted within a regional-scale south-plunging fold (synformal or overturned anticline) that is cored by a sequence of mafic metavolcanic rocks and flanked by an extensive metasedimentary rock domain (Figure 1). There are a number of sub-units within the mafic package including variolitic and non-variolitic metabasaltic units, intercalated interflow metasedimentary units, gabbro, picritic sills, and felsic dykes. The metasedimentary rocks typically range from fine-grained argillites to quartzo-feldspathic wackes. Gold mineralization at the Boston deposits are hosted within a series of axial-planar, sub-parallel anastomosing high-strain domains referred to as B2, B3, and B4 zones (Figure 1). Within these zones, gold mineralization occurs within and around structurally controlled quartz-carbonate-tourmaline veins, which are generally developed along lithological contacts. Gold is associated with an alteration assemblage comprising paragonite-sericite, iron carbonate, and sulphides with a distal assemblage primarily of chlorite and calcite.

B2 ZONE

The B2 zone is developed along the western contact of the mafic metavolcanic package and metasedimentary rocks. A transitional breccia domain occurs at the contact, which is characterized by mafic-dominated peperitic breccias and hyaloclastites with increasing argillite content with distance from the metavolcanic contact. Gold mineralization within the B2 zone is associated with multi-stage quartz-carbonate veins with minor tourmaline and sulphides, within a wider iron carbonate alteration assemblage, 10-20 metres surrounding the quartz veins. Collectively the B2-B3-B4 zones would form an alteration footprint 200  300 metres wide on surface. Gold is hosted both in quartz veins as well as in their adjacent alteration selvages within wallrock.

B3 ZONE

Gold mineralization within the B3 zone is present in an altered domain parallel to the B2 zone and is composed of a stockwork of quartz-carbonate veins within highly-strained metabasaltic rocks along the margins of an ultramafic sill. Gold mineralized intervals occur in boudinaged lenses marked by intense quartz-carbonate-sulphide alteration.

B4 ZONE

The B4 zone is developed along the eastern contact of the mafic metavolcanic package and the metasedimentary rocks. Similar to the B2 zone, gold mineralization within the B4 zone is associated with a transitional breccia domain that exists along the mafic metavolcanic-metasedimentary rock contact. Gold mineralization within the B4 zone is associated with multi-stage quartz-carbonate veins with minor tourmaline and sulphides, within a wider iron carbonate alteration assemblage.

Boston Exploration Drilling

The objective of the 2017 program at Boston was to provide further understanding of the geological controls on gold mineralization and demonstrate the potential to add significant high-grade gold ounces to the Boston Mineral Resource base at shallow depths. Equipment and supplies required to support the diamond drilling program at Boston were mobilized in the first quarter of 2017. The camp was recommissioned late in the second quarter, and drilling, sampling and support personnel were mobilized to site in mid-June. The Boston Deposit Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources total 3.71 million tonnes grading 9.2 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au), containing 1.1 million ounces of gold, of which approximately 0.87 million ounces are contained in the B2 zone. The B2 zone Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources extend from surface to the 350 metre level, and are open at depth. Widely-spaced historical drilling below the current Mineral Resources have intersected significant mineralization, including drillhole 11SBD414A, which intersected 28.5 g/t Au over 7.1 metres, 17.3 g/t Au over 4.8 metres, and 46.6 g/t Au over 7.8 metres, and drillhole S03-293, which intersected 56.6 g/t Au over 8.7 metres at the 1020 metre level (Figure 2). The TMAC 2017 exploration program includes two surface drills focused on targeting wide, higher grade trends within the current Boston Mineral Resources. Figure 2 illustrates the TMAC drillholes from the current drilling program and historical intersections of greater than 5 g/t Au over greater than five metres, highlighting the wide high grade trends within the known Mineral Resources. Significant results to date include drillhole TMB0001, which intersected 15.3 g/t Au over 22.3 metres, including 36.6 g/t Au over 4.5 metres, 18.9 g/t Au over 6.3 metres, and 20.6 g/t Au over 2.6 metres. A summary of the assay results received to date is provided in Table 1 and drillhole locations are illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. The Boston exploration program is funded under the flow-through financing completed on March 18, 2016. As of the first week of August, TMACs flow through financing commitments have been met and the Boston program will be completed by August 12, 2017 at which time the camp will be closed for the balance of the 2017 season.

TABLE 1: BOSTON 2017 DIAMOND DRILLING INTERSECTIONS

Boston - TMAC 2017 Intersections DRILL HOLE ZONE AZIMUTH

(degrees) DIP

(degrees) Inclusion FROM

(m) TO

(m) CORE

LENGTH

(m)1 ASSAY

(Au g/t)2 CUT

(Au g/t)2 TMB0001 B2 285.0 -65.0 50.80 73.10 22.30 22.42 15.27 B2 Including 50.80 55.30 4.50 72.03 36.59 B2 and 59.75 66.00 6.25 18.85 18.85 B2 and 70.50 73.10 2.60 20.63 20.63 TMB0002 B3 55.0 -55.0 30.67 32.00 1.33 21.20 21.20 B3 and 105.55 106.70 1.15 5.88 5.88 B3 and 186.60 188.00 1.40 4.72 4.72 TMB0003 B2 285.0 -50.0 38.00 40.05 2.05 17.27 17.27 B2 and 45.50 45.83 0.33 4.83 4.83 TMB0004 service hole no significant assays TMB0005 TMB0006 B2 285.0 -53.0 77.05 79.73 2.68 6.63 6.63 B2 and 101.00 102.50 1.50 13.20 13.20 TMB0007 B3 285.0 -68.0 47.38 49.77 2.39 9.23 9.23 B3 and 55.70 56.21 0.51 12.90 12.90 B2 and 197.20 199.46 2.26 4.12 4.12 B2 and 210.00 218.92 8.92 8.84 8.84 B2 and 227.30 236.00 8.70 5.92 5.92

1 True width varies depending on the dip of the drill hole. Drill holes were designed to intersect target zone(s) at as close to a perpendicular orientation as possible, therefore, true widths are estimated to be approximately 45% to 85% of down hole widths.

2 Individual assay values presented cut and uncut (when applicable) with individual values capped at 100 g/t Au.

Doris Deposits

The Doris Trend is a north-south oriented structural trend developed within Archean-aged, mafic metavolcanic-dominant, host rocks. The Doris gold mineralization occurs at the contact between two mafic metavolcanic units, a high-titanium metabasalt and a high-magnesium metabasalt in either quartz vein or within shear breccia. The drill results reported are from the most northern known extent of the Doris Trend, below the diabase dyke (Figure 4). The current known high-grade mineral resources at Doris North Hinge zone (Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of 371,000 tonnes grading 19.5 g/t and containing 233,000 Au ounces) are located above the diabase dyke and extend to a depth of only 160 metres. Local parallel structures above the diabase include the West Valley Wall (WVW) veins, that also have future exploration potential. The Doris BTD zones are the extension of the Doris North zone, below a late, locally relatively flat-lying diabase dyke that bisects the known gold mineralization at Doris into upper and lower elevations. Initial mineral resources below the dyke from the Doris BTD Zones were reported in the June 30, 2017 Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources statement, and include the high grade Doris BTD East Limb (Indicated Mineral Resource of 68,000 tonnes grading 18.3 g/t Au, containing 40,000 ounces of gold). The Doris BTD zones are further subdivided into the Doris BTD East Limb and Doris BTD Extension, separated by the northwest-striking North Fault. The Doris BTD Extension is interpreted as the down-dropped continuation of the Doris North zone Hinge structure on the north side of the North Fault, beneath the diabase dyke. The Doris BTD East Limb is interpreted as the down-dip continuation of the Doris North East Limb mineralization, south of the offsetting North Fault and beneath the diabase dyke. TMAC believes the Doris BTD exploration areas have the potential to add significant high grade gold ounces to the Doris North Mineral Resources with continued drilling and underground development.

Doris BTD Exploration Drilling

Drilling below the dyke commenced in early March with exploration drilling south of the known Doris BTD East Limb and Doris BTD Extension resources, and initial drilling results were reported in May. The Doris BTD access ramp has subsequently reached the area of the Doris BTD East Limb Mineral Resources and drilling has continued with two underground rigs. The results reported here are from the remaining exploration drillholes south of the known Doris BTD East Limb Mineral Resources, as well as initial infill and expansion drilling on the Doris BTD East Limb and southern portion of the Doris BTD Extension. Although the ore-bearing structure continues to the south of the known Doris BTD East Limb Mineral Resources, grades show limited continuity or low gold grades have been intersected during the 2017 drill campaign. A summary of the assay results received since the May update are provided in Table 2 and drillhole locations are illustrated in Figure 5. Highlights from the current phase of drilling include drillhole TM50077 which intersected 33.8 g/t Au over 3.8 metres and 15.3 g/t Au over 2.3 metres, and TM50085 returning 5.7 g/t Au over 21.2 metres. To date, approximately 13,140 metres of the 20,000 metres budgeted have been completed in a total of 53 diamond drill holes. For camp space considerations during the 2017 sealift period, drilling has been suspended and will resume once the sealift operations are complete. The next phase of Doris BTD drilling will target infill and expansion drilling on the high grade Doris BTD Extension on the north side of the North Fault (Figure 5).

TABLE 2: DORIS BTD EXPLORATION 2017 DIAMOND DRILLING INTERSECTIONS.

Doris BTD - TMAC 2017 Intersections DRILL HOLE ZONE AZIMUTH (degrees) DIP (degrees) Inclusion FROM (m) TO (m) CORE LENGTH (m)1 ASSAY (Au g/t) TM50045* Doris BTD WVW 125.0 -65.0 62.55 63.05 0.50 6.13 Doris BTD East Limb and 315.22 319.50 4.28 2.59 Including 316.50 317.60 1.10 4.20 TM50046* Doris BTD East Limb 125.0 -55.0 224.93 236.57 11.64 1.12 Including 224.93 225.93 1.00 4.17 Including 232.70 233.35 0.65 4.00 TM50047* Doris BTD East Limb 100.0 -57.0 219.77 225.93 6.16 1.71 Including 222.70 224.55 1.85 3.88 TM50048* Doris BTD East Limb 100.0 -70.0 387.56 397.96 10.40 1.96 Including 388.52 389.65 1.13 5.84 Including 396.36 397.96 1.60 4.69 TM50049* Doris BTD East Limb 140.0 -50.0 217.06 237.54 20.48 4.22 Including 224.82 226 1.18 40.50 Including 231.00 233 2.00 9.88 TM50050* Doris BTD WVW 140.0 -56.0 77.91 79.00 1.09 9.13 Doris BTD East Limb and 281.00 294.05 13.05 4.96 Including 286.40 286.90 0.50 14.50 Including 292.30 294.05 1.75 14.19 TM50051* Doris BTD East Limb 140.0 -65.0 410.80 413.85 3.05 7.04 Including 410.80 412.30 1.50 11.40 TM50052 Doris BTD East Limb 99.6 -42.0 174.80 179.17 4.37 1.16 TM50053 NSV TM50054 Doris BTD East Limb 98.2 64.9 224.15 224.75 0.60 5.79 TM50055 NSV TM50056 Doris BTD East Limb 83.3 -53.5 197.44 198.42 0.98 0.49 TM50057 Doris BTD East Limb 86.4 -24.9 119.05 122.57 3.52 0.70 TM50058 Doris BTD East Limb 82.8 -61.3 224.56 226.50 1.94 10.68 Including 224.56 225.50 0.94 18.35 TM50059 Doris BTD East Limb 86.9 -36.7 143.12 146.39 3.27 7.32 Including 143.12 144.05 0.93 18.00 TM50060 Doris BTD East Limb 80.5 -69.1 257.77 260.96 3.19 2.44 TM50061 Doris BTD East Limb 85.0 -44.0 159.57 161.43 1.86 1.58 TM50062 Doris BTD East Limb 84.7 -50.3 No Significant Assays TM50063 Doris BTD East Limb 130.0 -64.2 305.00 311.00 6.00 7.72 Including 306.50 309.50 3.00 12.08 TM50064 Doris BTD East Limb 99.0 -36.0 132.50 135.30 2.80 3.19 TM50065 Doris BTD East Limb 96.2 -25.9 114.54 118.80 4.26 1.97 TM50066 Doris BTD East Limb 101.3 -45.7 153.18 155.11 1.93 2.59 TM50067 Doris BTD East Limb 143.0 -56.6 337.00 340.70 3.70 7.60 Including 338.50 339.50 1.00 21.90 TM50068 Doris BTD East Limb 119.4 -38.3 147.00 149.96 2.96 3.10 Including 149.04 149.96 0.92 9.75 TM50069 Doris BTD East Limb 122.0 -26.6 122.68 127.18 4.50 5.21 Including 126.00 127.18 1.18 18.45 TM50070 Doris BTD East Limb 123.6 -46.9 159.91 162.27 2.36 5.46 Including 160.75 161.43 0.68 11.50 TM50071 Doris BTD East Limb 143.0 -52.5 271.90 273.00 1.10 3.89 and 281.25 282.00 0.75 4.98 TM50072 Doris BTD East Limb 107.3 -17.7 92.57 93.14 0.57 85.10 TM50073 Doris BTD East Limb 143.0 -48.7 255.28 256.17 0.89 2.80 TM50074 Doris BTD East Limb 107.8 -29.0 117.54 118.10 0.56 10.40 TM50075A Doris BTD Extension 106.0 -41.0 99.82 103.82 4.00 4.53 Including 101.00 102.00 1.00 16.45 Doris BTD East Limb and 142.00 146.61 4.61 0.89 TM50076 Doris BTD East Limb 156.0 -45.2 346.63 357.00 10.37 6.10 Including 351.00 353.46 2.46 18.27 and 362.00 367.50 5.50 4.84 TM50077 Doris BTD Extension 105.4 -46.5 110.50 114.27 3.77 33.84 Including 110.50 112.21 1.71 117.26 Doris BTD East Limb and 129.24 131.50 2.26 15.34 TM50078 Doris BTD East Limb 105.4 -4.5 95.30 96.00 0.70 77.00 TM50079 Doris BTD East Limb 94.7 -12.6 102.76 112.30 9.54 0.23 TM50080 Doris BTD Extension 94.0 -31.8 135.98 144.12 8.14 5.31 Including 135.98 136.87 0.89 15.80 Including 140.40 141.10 0.70 18.60 TM50081 Doris BTD East Limb 94.9 -26.4 85.27 85.70 0.43 15.00 TM50082 Doris BTD NE Fault 84.6 -5.7 No Significant Assays TM50083 Doris BTD Extension 94.0 -38.8 150.15 153.10 2.95 1.77 and 158.35 166.64 8.29 1.12 and 171.75 173.25 1.50 2.47 TM50084 Doris BTD NE Fault 79.6 -18.5 No Significant Assays TM50085 Doris BTD Extension 107.0 -31.0 129.80 151.00 21.20 5.65 Including 132.82 133.82 1.00 57.40 Including 149.48 151.00 1.52 14.75 TM50087 Doris BTD Extension 107.0 -36.0 155.26 170.20 14.94 1.91 Including 156.50 158.00 1.50 10.15 Including 166.50 168.00 1.50 6.10 TM50088 Doris BTD Extension 105.0 -30.0 126.53 128.04 1.51 2.94

* TMAC underground drill hole previously reported in 23/5/2017 release.

1 True width varies depending on the dip of the drill hole. Drill holes were designed to intersect target zone(s) at as close to a perpendicular orientation as possible, therefore, true widths are estimated to be approximately 45% to 85% of down hole widths.

ABOUT TMAC RESOURCES

TMAC holds a 100% interest in the Hope Bay Project located in Nunavut, Canada. TMAC is an emerging gold producer with the Doris Mine pouring first gold in the first quarter of 2017 and achieving commercial production in the second quarter of 2017. The Madrid and Boston properties are expected to commence production in 2020 and 2022, respectively. The Company has an experienced, expert board of directors combined with exploration, development and operating teams with extensive track records of discovering, developing and operating high grade, profitable underground mines. TMACs shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol TMR.

SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSIS AND QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL

For the Doris and Boston drilling campaigns, samples were prepared at ALS Laboratories in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and assayed at their Vancouver, British Columbia laboratory (an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited lab for gold analysis). Analysis for gold is completed on sawn half core samples (NQ) using 50 gram fire assay with atomic absorption (AAS) finish. Samples with higher grade gold (>100 g/t) are re-assayed using the pulp and fire assay with gravimetric finish procedures. Samples with visible gold, and surrounding samples are analyzed using screen metallics (1000 g of material is screened to 100 microns, with all +100 micron material analyzed and two samples of -100 micron analyzed by 50 g fire assay with AAS finish, results are averaged based on weight). The Company control checks include the insertion of standard reference materials and blank samples to monitor the precision and accuracy of the assay data. For a complete description of TMACs sample preparation, analytical methods and QA/QC procedures please refer to TMACs annual information form, dated February 23, 2017 and filed on TMACs website at www.tmacresources.com and also on TMACs profile at www.sedar.com.

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Information of a scientific or technical nature in respect of the Hope Bay Project, other than new information related to Doris mine development, is based upon the Hope Bay Technical Report, as filed on TMACs profile at www.sedar.com. Scientific and technical information contained in this document was reviewed and approved by David King, P.Geo., the Vice President, Exploration and Geoscience of TMAC who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug. 9, 2017) - First Cobalt Corp. (TSX VENTURE:FCC) (OTCQB:FTSSF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce it has commenced drilling at the former producing Keeley-Frontier Mine, near Cobalt, Ontario. A total of 7,000 metres are planned at Keeley-Frontier as well as some nearby targets on the adjoining exploration claims.

Highlights

Initial drill program of 7,000m based on a 3D geological model compiled from historic information and detailed field mapping conducted over the past three months

Drill targets over a two kilometre strike length , including the Haileybury and the Bellellen systems, testing known cobalt-rich areas of the Keeley-Frontier vein system that were not historically mined

, including the Haileybury and the Bellellen systems, testing known cobalt-rich areas of the Keeley-Frontier vein system that were not historically mined Drillholes range from 30 to 300 metre depths to establish variable vein orientations and determine the Co-Ni-Ag grades in the host rocks to the calcite veins

Multi-element geochemical analyses including Co-Ag-Ni-Bi-Cu will be done, adding to the existing data to determine rock alteration trends which may point to new prospective areas

Borehole geophysics will be conducted on select drillholes to identify potential extensions to any mineralizations intersected.

Trent Mell, President & Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"I am delighted by the hard work and dedication of the exploration team to reach this point. After extensive data compilation and analysis, we have commenced drilling at our flagship property. Through our acquisitions over the past few months, we now find ourselves with a target-rich environment, evidenced in the number of historic silver mining operations in the Cobalt Ontario camp that have never been assessed for their cobalt potential. Our proposed mergers with Cobalt One Limited and CobalTech Mining are progressing well and on completion First Cobalt will be the largest cobalt exploration company in the world. Controlling over 10,000 hectares of property and covering almost half of the prospective land in the camp, we look forward to announcing additional exploration targets once this consolidation is completed."

Keeley-Frontier Mine

First Cobalt's vision for the Cobalt Camp is to revisit historic mines and cobalt-rich mineral occurrences, some of which have not seen meaningful exploration activity in more than 75 years, and evaluate the opportunity to use modern geoscience and bulk mining techniques to revive this historic world-class silver camp by targeting its cobalt potential.

The Keeley and Frontier Mines were originally developed and operated as separate mines and eventually integrated in 1961. From 1908 to 1965, the Keeley-Frontier Mine produced a total of over 3.3 million pounds of cobalt at a recovered grade of 0.5% and 19.1 million ounces of silver at a recovered grade of 58 ounces per tonne using these reported production numbers. Most of the production occurred between 1922 and 1931. The Company acquired a 100% option over the property in March of 2017.

Consolidation of the property has recently included the historic Bellellen Mine, adjacent to Keeley-Frontier, which is particularly enriched in cobalt and nickel. Silver was extracted in the first year of mining, then largely exploited for cobalt and nickel. Grades and tonnage were not reported, but in 1943, it was reported that over 12 tons of ore were shipped with an average grade of 9.25% cobalt and 11.55% nickel. Combined, these mineralizing systems represent over two kilometres of strike length of near surface size potential for open pit mining.

The neighbouring towns of Silver Centre and Cobalt, Ontario, together called the Cobalt Camp, were historically the most prolific cobalt jurisdictions in Canada and the largest silver producers worldwide. It is estimated that from 1904 to 1985 this mining camp produced 50 million pounds of cobalt and 600 million ounces of silver from 70 different mines.

Keeley-Frontier Drill Program

The drilling program has been designed to test several areas known to be cobalt-rich over the two kilometre strike length of the Keeley-Frontier vein system, including Haileybury and Bellellen (Figure 1). Over 30 drill holes have been planned that range from 30 to 300m depths to establish variable vein orientations and to determine the Co-Ni-Ag grades in the host rocks to the known Ag-Co calcite veins. Aside from some surface grab samples for validation, very few cobalt grades are known from these areas. To account for this, drill spacing at each area will typically be 25 meters. Based on results, continuity and strike extent of the Co-rich vein systems will be followed up later in this drill program.

Drilling began on August 8 at the Haileybury Vein with a sequence of eight diamond drill holes testing various vein sets mapped in outcrop. The Frontier#1 and the Keeley #1 and #2 Veins are also Co-rich and will be tested subsequently. Holes of 250m length will test the Keeley 820 area where underground Co-Ni assays mark an undeveloped vein system. The area around the Woods and Watson Veins will also be tested with shallow holes, typically less than 50m, to determine if cobalt mineralization occurs as a halo to these Ag-rich systems. Deeper targets as part of the Keeley-Frontier Extension to the north and along the Beaver Creek Fault to the west will be tested after this first stage of drilling.

Figure 1. Bedrock geology of the Keeley-Frontier area



Silver-cobalt veins are compiled from historic maps, therefore locations should not be considered exact.



Sampling will be done on all drillholes for multi-element geochemical analyses including all metals of interest: cobalt, silver, nickel, bismuth, copper, gold, and zinc. Select drillholes will be surveyed for magnetic susceptibility, conductivity and resistivity to identify potential extensions of mineralization that may have been intersected in the hole.

Geologic Setting

The Cobalt Camp occurs within the Cobalt Embayment consisting of Proterozoic sedimentary rocks unconformably overlain on Archean metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks that have been intruded by the Nipissing diabase sills, dated at approximately 2.22 billion years. The Proterozoic sedimentary rocks are largely sequences of sandstone, arkose and conglomerate with minor dolomitic units collectively known as the Huronian Supergroup. The overall setting of the Cobalt Embayment is that of a continental rift system.

Mineralization occurs as Ag-Co-Ni-Bi-arsenides predominantly hosted in veins and stockworks known as Five-Element Vein Type deposits. Veins and stockworks are concentrated within and near the contacts of Nipissing Diabase dykes with Huronian Supergroup metasedimentary rocks as well as Archean metavolcanic rocks. Zoning of the metals within the individual deposits have not been documented.

The genesis of mineralization is contentious, but the proximity of veining to the intrusive contact between the Nipissing Diabase sills and either the sedimentary or the volcanic rocks may suggest structural contrast between the rock types is a major factor to the distribution of veining. It seems unlikely the sills provided a heat source to drive hydrothermal fluid flow as many vein systems have developed within the sills showing brittle deformation textures. The unconformity between the volcanic rocks and the younger sedimentary rocks may have been an important conduit for metals in the silver-rich vein systems. The genetic relationships between cobalt-rich and silver-rich veins systems is currently unknown.

2017 Exploration Program

The 2017 program is intended to provide a better understanding of the distribution and extent of cobalt mineralization within the historic Keeley-Frontier Mine as well as define and explore other silver-cobalt prospects on the property.

Work completed to date includes property-scale structural mapping over a 36 square kilometre area around the Keeley-Frontier vein system. Several new areas have been exposed by stripping and washing to augment the ongoing detailed mapping around Keeley-Frontier (Figure 1). Sampling of the exposed areas is ongoing and preliminary multi-element geochemical data are being interpreted. Results from the downhole televiewer surveys on 2012 drillholes are being assessed to compare to structures mapped at surface.

Airborne magnetic data have been acquired from the property and are being processed to map the volcanic rocks at surface and below the Huronian sedimentary rocks and Nipissing Diabase sill. Magnetic susceptibility data collected from the 2012 drillholes are being utilized to constrain magnetic response to rock types and alteration styles. This will help identify new prospective areas for Co-Ag mineralization for further exploration. All of these data are being incorporated within the 3D geological model that is based on about 50 years of data on the Silver Centre area of the Camp.

First Cobalt has assembled a very large property package to facilitate an exploration program around the Keeley-Frontier Mine designed to leverage this historic knowledge through the re-evaluation of the silver-cobalt mineralized system. The Silver Centre mining camp was targeted for three main criteria:

Keeley-Frontier had the best cobalt-to-silver ratio of all the major historic mines in the camp. Most significantly, silver was the primary economic metal for mine development, yet in 1931 the Frontier Mine is reported to have produced more than a half million pounds of cobalt. This suggests there may be other cobalt-rich areas that were not targeted or exploited during mining; First Cobalt has assembled a much larger land package than previously possible in the Cobalt Camp. The Keeley-Frontier Mine and First Cobalt's South Lorrain land package together consist of 2,100 hectares (21 square kilometres) of contiguous land, which will then increase significantly upon completion of the mergers with Cobalt One and CobalTech. This will facilitate regional exploration for new cobalt discoveries near the Keeley-Frontier asset; and The Cobalt Camp area had been largely forgotten for more than half a century despite its storied past, with only limited exploration since the 1980s. The opportunity to return to the area with the lens of new mining techniques and geoscience is thus particularly appealing.

Qualified Person

Dr. Frank Santaguida, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration for First Cobalt is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 who has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.
A draft federal report on climate change that went public Monday contains little in the way of new science, and although its language is unequivocal, it merely confirms what has been obvious to so many scientists for so long: Human activity is increasing global temperatures, leading to potentially catastrophic climate change. So what's the news? That federal scientists so feared the final report would be gutted or suppressed by the climate change-doubting Trump administration that they leaked it.



There's no way to know for sure whether the administration would have squelched the final report, preliminary versions of which have been circulating for months. What we do know, however, is that President Donald Trump's refusal to accept the obvious about the planet's changing climate is more than embarrassing. His stance sets the U.S. at odds with nearly every other nation on Earth, all but two of which are part of the 2015 Paris agreement to try to cap global warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.



Hitting the Paris agreement's target will require a rapid pivot away from burning fossil fuels in favor of renewable energy. But Trump's policy is to not only drill for more oil and gas and resurrect the coal industry (whose product is the worst offender among fossil fuels), but also to assert the U.S. as the dominant producer of the very energy sources that threaten radical upheaval in how humans live on Earth. That's as wrong-headed as it is dangerous.



In leaking the report (obtained by The New York Times), scientists within the government ensured that their work would reach the public, serving as a check on the administration in case it did indeed try to trump science with politics. In that sense, the leaked report helps isolate the president, his fellow doubters and his allies, such as Environmental Protection Agency Director Scott Pruitt and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, whose combined regulatory moves would reduce curbs on emissions and set the stage for accelerated drilling and mining on federal lands. Additionally, environmental groups and states are mounting legal challenges to regulatory rollbacks that, we hope, will at the least slow these bad policies, if not stymie them altogether.



One area where the leaked report, part of the congressionally required quadrennial National Climate Assessment, breaks new ground is in so-called attribution science. In the past, scientists have been reticent to tie specific severe weather events to overall climate change. But the report says scientists are now able to draw some direct connections with varying degrees of certainty between climate change and such events as heat waves in Europe in 2003 and Australia in 2013. It also links human-propelled climate change with a decrease in the number of cool nights across the United States since the 1960s and an increase in the number of warm days since the 1980s.



"It is extremely likely that human influence has been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century," the report says. "For the warming over the last century, there is no convincing alternative explanation supported by the extent of the observational evidence."



The world is in a dangerous place, and it's unclear how much of climate change even concerted global action can stop. The report adds to recent observations that temperatures at the poles are increasing more quickly than they are elsewhere, reducing the size of the Arctic ice cap which, some scientists believe, is creating a feedback loop in which less ice leads to warmer water temperatures which leads to less ice. And thawing tundra has also been emitting massive amounts of methane, causing more short-term warming than carbon dioxide and creating its own sort of feedback loop, leading to more thawing of the tundra.



The changes are already real and the future risks potentially catastrophic. The whole world knows it, and the vast majority of the world is trying to address it. That Trump is not, and that government scientists feel the needs to join "deep state" actors in leaking their findings in fear of what the president might do against the nation's best interests, is damning.



This article appeared in the Los Angeles Times. It was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.



Scientists send a message to Trump: Global warming is real




San Francisco, CA A California A California overtime pay class action lawsuit will settle for $5.95 million following the granting of final approval by a California federal judge earlier this week. The settlement brings to a close a lawsuit brought by a class of service managers against Ecolab Inc., alleging violations against California overtime law.

According to Court records the class maintained they were improperly classified as exempt from overtime, when in fact they were properly due overtime for work performed above 8 hours in any given day, and 40 hours in any given week. According to the terms of the settlement the class of 158 workers will each receive $442 per week of work. Additionally, five class representatives will receive an additional $5,000 with $15,000 going to the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency. A sum of $9,000 will go to the claims administrator, according to Court documents.The unpaid overtime lawsuit was settled relatively quickly, unlike a related lawsuit from whichstemmed.was settled for $35 million in March of last year, but took seven years of litigation to reach that point. In comparison,was filed in August of 2016 and went into mediation after three months. The final approval of the proposed $5.95 settlement came within a year of the filing.made similar allegations of misclassification under California overtime law. To wit, workers hired to service dishwashers, together with employees undertaking promotion and marketing tasks for Ecolabs cleaning products, claimed they were incorrectly classified as exempt from overtime pay in violation of overtime pay laws.The Campos case stemmed from, after plaintiff Juan Campos sought similar relief for route managers and service managers not covered by the Ross lawsuit and resulting settlement. Unlike Ross, however, the Campos case settled much more quickly, thanks in part to work already done in the Ross litigation. The association between the two lawsuits prompted the judge in, US District Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton, to dial back the legal fees given that much of the heavy lifting was done inby the same legal team, according to documents related to the case.As for the Campos plaintiffs, Judge Hamilton characterized the end result in the unpaid overtime lawsuit as a very good result for the class, considering the presence of arbitration agreements that forbid class action lawsuits.The case is, Case No. 4:16-cv-04829, in the
This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.

By all accounts a total solar eclipse is a life-changing event. I wouldn't know, I've never seen one. Fortunately for me and millions across the U.S., that will change this summer.

I'm not really an eclipse expert, even though I can't wait for August 21. I'm actually a meteorologist, and a fairly specialized one at that. Six months ago, I didn't know the difference between an umbra and penumbra. What I did know is that the sun provides energy for everything that happens on our planet, and that the daily cycle of sun rising and setting is a key component of what happens in the atmosphere, and how air circulates locally and globally.

So why is someone who worries about subsecond- and submeter-scale winds interested in this astronomical-scale event? Because any change in incoming sun  such as the complete blackout during a total solar eclipse  will affect the energy received by the land, and in turn the energy transferred back to the atmosphere. And because the total eclipse period is short, those changes will be small. It's both an exciting event and an interesting challenge: a scientist's dream.

Coupled with advances in observational techniques, every eclipse offers a new chance to prove meteorological theories. This one even more so because coordination across the entire length of the continental United States almost guarantees that someone will have ideal observing conditions. We're prepping our weather balloons and weather stations to take advantage of that opportunity  to see exactly what a short blackout does to atmospheric motion.

Meteorology all goes back to the sun

From how pollutants are formed and transported, to how plants exchange carbon using photosynthesis, to what direction the wind blows, daytime processes are different from nighttime processes. Without energy input from the sun, the lower atmosphere slowly flips itself at night.

During the day, it's warm near the ground and cooler up above; at night it's just the opposite. This "stable" (warmer over cooler) air inhibits vertical motion of the air and anything suspended in it. So pollutants can stay closer to the ground, clouds form differently, air flows faster down valleys and at the coasts wind blows offshore instead of on.

While those generalities are known, the nuances and timings aren't fully understood, and thus they are not completely predictable. That's my sphere of science  turbulence. I'm interested in the atmospheric changes in short times and small spaces that can eventually influence the larger "weather" most people are familiar with.

The total solar eclipse is a mini-night experience, so we will use it as a natural experiment. Is a brief period without solar radiation enough to cause detectable changes in turbulence and stability, or is it the slower interactions of land and atmosphere over a whole night that are required? We'll take what we find and use it to think about normal non-eclipse conditions.

Head in the sky

The troposphere is the part of the atmosphere closest to Earths surface and includes the air we breathe. (Image credit: NASA ESPO/INTEX-NA Educational Outreach, CC BY)

By launching a series of weather balloons before, during and after the eclipse we will see the evolution of winds and temperatures above the Earth's surface over time. The instrument packages attached to the balloons take measurements from about 100 meters above the surface up through the lower atmosphere, troposphere and lower stratosphere, eventually reaching nearly 20 kilometers. Scientists are coordinating all across the eclipse's path, and will conduct this same experiment at several sites across the country.

At our site in South Carolina, we are focusing on the question of whether a total eclipse can generate internal atmospheric gravity waves: parcels of air moving together as chunks trying to regain an equilibrium in temperature and density. (These are different from the gravitational waves that result when black holes collide.) Sometimes gravity waves are visible in clouds. During previous eclipses there has been promising evidence of gravity wave activity, but not enough data from enough locations to fully understand them.

The pattern of atmospheric gravity waves is visible in this satellite image of double, overlapping arcs of clouds over the Indian Ocean. (Image credit: Jacques Descloitres/MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC, CC BY)

The vertical profiles of temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and wind direction we collect will be used to answer a number of other scientific questions as well. First, we'll add to the sparse database of eclipse-induced temperature changes and provide quantitative measures of how strong the temperature change is and how long the lag between the total blackness at solar minimum and the temperature minimum is.

We will also be able to see if the cooling when the sun disappears and sudden rewarming when it returns propagates vertically and, if so, how far above the Earth's surface it goes. In terms of wind, questions to be answered center around changes in wind speed and turbulence intensity. We believe we will see a reduction of both, which provides further explanation for the eerie "eclipse wind" so often cited by human observers.

This more comprehensive examination of the troposphere and stratosphere in time and space will help inform our modeling and prediction of regional weather and climate.

Feet on the ground

But what if the changes are smaller? A helium-filled balloon leaves the ground quickly  ideally at five meters per second  and the first reliable measurement is almost 100 meters above the ground. A lot can happen in 100 meters.

To fill in that gap, at our site in South Carolina, we are adding other measurements. We've erected a small tower with fine thermocouples every half-meter from the ground up. These thin wires can detect temperature changes over 0.1-second time periods and will help us see if the darkness causes a very shallow layer of cooler air to start to grow under the typical daytime warmth.

The tower will also house two sonic anemometers  sensors that use disruption in a sound pulse to measure the wind speed in three dimensions at very fast rates  to see if a wind shear develops near ground level.

An infrared gas analyzer will record carbon fluxes throughout the eclipse period to see if there is any detectable change in plant respiration. Remember, they breathe in carbon dioxide. Some animals interpret an eclipse as night  do the plants?

The USC backscatter lidar at a recent field deployment in New Zealand. (Image credit: April Hiscox)

Finally, we'll also deploy a lidar system. That's like a radar, but with a laser that will point upward. This is to see if there are any changes in the depth of the boundary layer  a transition point between where the atmosphere is affected by the Earth's surface to the free troposphere above.

And we're going to do all of this in just two minutes and 36 seconds. A tiny window for a big impact.

Collating the data to flesh out the theory

A total solar eclipse is often referred to as a meteorological playground, and that is just how it feels. We're taking out all our scientific toys to see what we can find. Eclipse events are relatively rare; meteorologists like me take what we know about the interactions between land and air to think logically about what will happen during an eclipse. But until we see it, put an equation on it and predict the next one, it still falls into the realm of theory, not reliably predictable weather.

I feel like a kid again  the eclipse has forced me to think about meteorology in a new and different way  just like looking at the world while hanging upside down from monkey bars.

April Hiscox, Associate Professor of Geography, University of South Carolina

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Follow all of the Expert Voices issues and debates  and become part of the discussion  on Facebook, Twitter and Google +. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. This version of the article was originally published on Live Science.
There's a long list of diseases that you can get from a tick bite, including some that can actually kill you. In fact, the tiny bloodsucking critters can transmit a wider variety of bacteria, viruses and parasites than any other arthropod, a category that includes not only ticks but also insects such as mosquitoes.

More than 80 species of ticks are found in the United States, and about a dozen of these species can bite humans and are considered medically important, said Rebecca Eisen, a research biologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Vector-Borne Diseases in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Moreover, infections from tick-borne diseases in the United States are increasing steadily, and the geographic range of ticks that transmit diseases is also expanding, Eisen told Live Science.

Geographically, the greatest expansion of deer ticks (which spread Lyme disease) has been observed in northeastern and north-central states, while remaining stable in southeastern states, according to a recent report on ticks by Eisen and her colleagues published in the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research (ILAR) journal. The expanded range of this tick may be a result of increasing populations of white-tailed deer, increasingly warmer temperatures and reforestation (the replanting of trees), experts say. [10 Important Ways to Avoid Summer Tick Bites]

As ticks spread into new areas and more cases of tick-related illnesses are reported each year, scientists are discovering new disease-causing agents spread by ticks, Eisen said. Since 2000, six new pathogens that cause disease in humans have been recognized in the United States, she said. For example, a new species of bacteria has recently been detected as a cause of Lyme disease in the upper Midwest that has not yet been found in the eastern U.S.

Ticks are known to spread nine bacterial diseases, such as Lyme disease (caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi) and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsia); four viral infections, including Powassan disease; and one illness linked with a parasite, babesiosis (Babesia microti).

Just three species of ticks are responsible for most U.S. cases of tick-related illness, Eisen said: the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis); the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis).

The blacklegged tick, also called the deer tick, is found in the northeastern and upper midwestern United States, and can transmit Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis and Powassan disease. The Lone Star tick, which is found in the eastern and southeastern U.S., can spread tularemia. And the American dog tick is found mainly east of the Rocky Mountains and can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Lyme disease is the most well-known tick-borne illness. People who catch it may develop a red-ringed "bull's-eye" rash, along with flu-like symptoms. As the infection progresses, there may be facial-muscle paralysis or nerve pain. Each year, about 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported to the CDC, but because of unreported cases, the actual number of people in the U.S. with the disease is likely 10 times higher, Eisen said.

Troubling trends

What makes ticks so hospitable to such a wide array of disease-causing agents?

Ticks are parasites, so they have to feed on blood in order to reproduce, said Greg Ebel, a professor and director of the Arthropod-borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. This means ticks often associate with other animals because they need blood from these hosts to survive, he said.

For example, the ticks that are carriers of Lyme disease feed only one time during their larval stage, one time during their nymph stage and once in adulthood, Ebel told Live Science. They need each of these blood meals to molt and develop to their next stage of life, he explained.

Ticks don't have wings, so they can't fly, Ebel noted. In their early stages of development, larvae hang around in leaf piles, looking for mice and birds, and they can acquire infections by feeding on infected hosts, he said. Nymph and adult ticks may crawl onto blades of grass or shrubs. Nymphs may attach to medium-size animals, like chipmunks, and adult ticks may latch onto larger ones, like deer or dogs, Ebel said. [Video: A Tick Bite Visualized]

Ticks typically spread disease by attaching to the skin of the host, which creates a wound, Ebel said; while ticks are taking a blood meal, they spit their infected saliva into the wound.

Adult female ticks may feed on a host for several days, which can increase their chances of picking up a pathogen that they may later pass along. And some disease-causing agents can be passed from infected female ticks into her eggs, so hatching larvae may already be infected.

Tick-bite prevention

Ticks are not specifically adapted to feed on people, Ebel said. For the most part, when a tick bites a human, it's by accident, he said.

If, for example, a person is walking by tall grasses or thick vegetation, and a tick senses movement or warmth or smells carbon dioxide, the tick might attach to a human by mistake, thinking it's an animal capable of giving it a blood meal, Ebel said.

Several factors may be contributing to the rise in tick-borne illnesses. There are more ticks in places where they have always been, and there are now ticks in places where they never were, Ebel said.

More ticks, of course, mean more tick bites.

In turn, there's more transmission of disease-causing agents, but there is also increased awareness of tick-borne diseases among health professionals, as well as improved technologies to diagnose these illnesses, Ebel said.

Prevention can be challenging because ticks are difficult to control, Eisen said. Community-wide strategies to reduce the number of ticks  such as spraying vegetation with pesticides in areas where people are likely to encounter ticks or using deer fencing to keep animals away from homes  have not always been socially acceptable, she said.

But there are some steps people can take on their own to avoid tick bites:

Know which ticks are common in your area. Avoid places with thick vegetation, tall grass and leaf piles, where ticks often live, Eisen recommended.

Avoid places with thick vegetation, tall grass and leaf piles, where ticks often live, Eisen recommended. Use insect repellent containingdiethyltoluamide (DEET). Put it on exposed skin when outdoors in areas that may be infested during the spring, summer and early fall, when ticks are most active.Treat clothing and camping gear with the insecticide permethrin, Eisen suggested.

containingdiethyltoluamide (DEET). Put it on exposed skin when outdoors in areas that may be infested during the spring, summer and early fall, when ticks are most active.Treat clothing and camping gear with the insecticide permethrin, Eisen suggested. Check for ticks. Shower as soon as possible after coming indoors, and check your body, clothes and gear for ticks. Treat dogs and cats with a product designed not to bring ticks into the home, Eisen said.

"The sooner a tick is found, the better a person's odds are of not becoming infected," Eisen said.

Originally published on Live Science.
A supersecret sonic weapon being used to attack diplomats in a foreign country may sound like the start of a sci-fi novel, but that's exactly what several U.S. diplomats in Cuba may have been exposed to, the U.S. State Department recently announced.

The physical symptoms, which the State Department would not confirm, but which some news reports have suggested included hearing loss, got so bad that some of these officials had to be recalled from their duties in Havana.

"Some U.S. government personnel who were working at our embassy in Havana, Cuba, on official duties  so they were there working on behalf of the U.S. embassy there  they've reported some incidents which have caused a variety of physical symptoms," Heather Nauert, a spokeswoman for the State Department, said in a news briefing Aug. 9.

After an extensive investigation, U.S. officials determined that a secret sonic weapon was to blame. [Mind Controlled Cats?? 6 Incredible Spy Technologies]

But what exactly could that weapon be, and how could it cause hearing loss without any of the people involved noticing a painful audible sound?

While the mysterious story has a lot of holes, one possibility is that the workers were exposed to infrasound, or low-frequency sound waves that are below the audible hearing range, said Charles Liberman, a hearing loss researcher at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear in Boston.

What we know

The strange symptoms emerged in the fall of 2016, when several employees at the U.S. embassy in Havana began complaining of physical symptoms. Many of the individuals were new to the embassy and some had to return to the United States because of the severity of their symptoms  the details of which have yet to be disclosed. An investigation by the U.S. government concluded that the symptoms could be attributed to a device that operated outside the audible hearing range and was used somewhere, possibly in their houses, Time magazine reported. Right now, there's no word on whether these devices were deliberately used. [Flying Saucers to Mind Control: 22 Declassified Military & CIA Secrets]

In retaliation, the U.S. government expelled two Cuban diplomats on May 23, Nauert said.

Cuba denied any involvement in the bizarre scenario.

"Cuba has never permitted, nor will permit, that Cuban territory be used for any action against accredited diplomatic officials or their families, with no exception," according to a statement from the Cuban government.

Another possibility is that some other hostile group (such as Russian agents) may have initiated the attack, Time reported.

Hard of hearing

There are so many details missing in this story that it's hard to explain exactly what the device could be, Liberman said. However, sound-induced hearing loss requires that the mechanical part of the ear that senses audible sound be overloaded.

"You overstimulate the part of the ear that's mechanically tuned to those frequencies and it falls apart," Liberman.

If the people in the embassy didn't hear anything, that suggests the weapon probably didn't operate in the normal hearing range, or else it would have caused pain and been distracting, Liberman said. (Human audible hearing range is typically between 20 hertz, or cycles per second, and 20 kilohertz). If so, there's little possibility for it to damage the mechanical parts of the ear that are tuned to those frequencies, he said.

Infrasound

However, it's possible the devices somehow generate infrasound  the type of low-frequency sound given off by windmills or wind generators with the beating of the blades. Infrasound is below the human hearing range.

And yet, many people claim these machines are making them sick, and there are several lawsuits from people who live or work near wind farms, claiming they make them sick, according to Liberman.

"There is a growing controversy about people who live near these windmills who start feeling bad," Liberman told Live Science. "They get headaches, they get dizzy, they get nausea." [10 Odd Causes of Headaches]

For instance, a 2014 study in the journal Royal Society Open Science found that low-frequency sounds below the audible range could disrupt little whistles made by the ear, called spontaneous optoacoustic emissions, in response to noise. (How that mapped to symptoms, however, wasn't clear.)

In this instance, one possibility is that the infrasound stimulated the part of the ear not dedicated to hearing  the vestibular system that controls balance, Liberman said. In that instance, the symptoms wouldn't appear immediately.

"You could imagine them being very slow onset and very persistent," Liberman said. "It might take days before you even notice any funny sensations."

That may explain why the State Department refused to describe the symptoms experienced by their employees as including hearing loss, Liberman said.

High-frequency ultrasound

The other type of sound humans can't hear is ultrasound, which is above 20 khz. That's a less likely possibility because high-frequency sound dissipates quickly with distance and in tissue such as the ear. However, high-intensity, focused ultrasound has been used for everything from breaking kidney stones to cauterizing tissues in the body.

But the fact that it doesn't work well across long distances means it's tough to imagine a device could get close enough to the people to work, without them suspecting, Liberman said.

What's more, if a covert acoustic device using ultrasound produced enough energy to permeate and damage the ear from far away, it would probably heat the head up, too, Liberman said.

However, it's theoretically possible that high-frequency ultrasound may have somehow damaged the blood vessels in the ear canal, thereby leading to damage, he said. That seems less likely, but "I've been in science long enough to not discount as impossible things that seem improbable," Liberman said.

Sonic weapons

While the idea of a silent sonic weapon sounds like something out of James Bond, Inspector Gadget or the reject pile of DARPA, the idea of using sound as a weapon has a long history.

For instance, studies show that animals exposed to high-intensity, focused ultrasound can experience lung and brain damage. And a cruise line circling the pirate-infested waters off the Somali coast has taken to using a military-grade "sonic weapon" to deter would-be hijackers, the BBC reported. This long-range device, also known as a sound cannon, can cause permanent hearing loss at distances of up to 984 feet (300 meters), according to the BBC. Other companies have developed a magnetic acoustic device, commonly referred to as a sound laser, that deploys incredibly painful, focused beams of sound to deter people from an area, NPR reported. The Israeli army has also used a device known as "The Scream," which damages the inner ear, causing nausea and dizziness, Wired reported.

Originally published on Live Science.
An ancient book, but not the one described in the article.

During medieval times, bookmakers fashioned the pages and cover of a rare copy of the Gospel of Luke out of five different types of animals: calves, two species of deer, sheep and goat, according to new research.

In addition, one more type of animal left its mark on the cover of this 12th-century book: Beetle larvae likely chewed holes into the leather binding, the researchers said.

Now, researchers are learning unexpected secrets about the manuscript by noninvasively testing the proteins and DNA on the book's pages, the researchers told Live Science. [Cracking Codices: 10 of the Most Mysterious Ancient Manuscripts]

Research roadblocks

Rare books  such as this copy of the Gospel of Luke  are difficult to study because they're fragile, prompting many librarians to bar any research that would harm such manuscripts or their pages.

This rule is all too familiar to Matthew Collins, a biochemist at both the University of York in the United Kingdom and the University of Copenhagen. He wanted to sample parchments  documents made from animal skins  as a way to determine how people have managed livestock throughout history.

When Collins and Sarah Fiddyment, a postdoctoral fellow of archaeology at the University of York, approached librarians at the University of York's Borthwick Institute for Archives, "we were told that we would not be allowed to physically sample any of the parchment documents, as they are too valuable as cultural-heritage objects," Fiddyment told Live Science.

But Fiddyment didn't give up. She spent several months learning how librarians conserve rare parchments, and, surprisingly, found a new method that allows scientists to study these specimens without disturbing them  one that involves an eraser.

Typically, librarians "dry clean" parchments by gently rubbing a polyvinyl chloride eraser against them. This technique pulls fibers off the page, and the resulting debris is usually thrown away.

But Fiddyment realized this debris held valuable clues about the book. By isolating proteins and other biological fragments within the debris, and examining them with a mass spectrometer  an instrument that identifies different compounds by their masses  researchers could learn all kinds of information about the manuscripts, she found.

"This was Sarah's brilliant idea," Collins told Live Science in an email. "Oddly enough, I think we relished the challenge."

Rare analysis

It wasn't long before Fiddyment put this technique into action. A historian bought the aforementioned Gospel of Luke at a 2009 Southeby's auction. An analysis of its "prickly" style of script indicated that scribes at St. Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury, in the United Kingdom, created it around A.D. 1120, Bruce Barker-Benfield, the curator of manuscripts at the Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford, told the journal Science.

To learn more about the gospel, the historian contacted Collins. Using Fiddyment's method, Collins and his colleagues learned that the book's white leather cover came from the skin of a roe deer a common species in the United Kingdom. The book's strap came from a larger deer species  either a native red deer or a fallow deer, an invasive species likely brought from continental Europe after the Normans invaded in 1066.

Perhaps the book's materials exemplify the period when roe deer numbers were falling, prompting monasteries to turn to larger deer to make books, Fiddyment told Science. Many monasteries began scriptoriums at the request of the Normans, and the rising demand for animal skins likely had a "huge impact" on the animals the monasteries raised, Naomi Sykes, a zooarchaeologist at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, told Science.

An analysis of each page revealed that the manuscript's darker-colored sheets were made of goat skin  an unusual choice, because goat parchment was typically used by less affluent bookmakers. Perhaps the medieval monks had exhausted their supplies of calves of lambs, and had turned to goats to make ends meet, the researchers said. [Image Gallery: Ancient Texts Go Online]

Alternatively, the monks may have had sheep, but decided to let them live to adulthood so they would have more wool to harvest, Collins told Science.

In all, the researchers found that the 156-page manuscript was made from the skin of 8.5 calves, 10.5 sheep and half a goat.

"We did not expect to find such a varied range of animals used in one document," Fiddyment told Live Science. "[It] brings up many questions about manuscript production and availability of livestock."

The researchers also noticed a strange detail about the handwriting. "[It] had been staring us in the face all along, the fact that there were two major scribes and the real change in order of the skins happened when the second scribe takes over the text," Collins told Live Science. "We don't know how long the transfer took, but not only did Bruce [Barker-Benfield] identify the fact that [the scribe] was less skilled, it seems that he had access only to (lower value) sheep skin."

Going forward, the new method may help researchers uncover a vast trove of biomolecular data, including information about the breed diversity of animals whose skins were used in parchment through time, which could, in turn, help researchers learn about livestock economies, Fiddyment said. This technique can also reveal information about the microbiome of people who touched the parchments over the ages, Fiddyment noted.

Collins agreed, saying that archaeologists pay more attention to parchment than they have in the past. "It is much easier to study archives and curated parchment collections than fragments of animal bone, which were often poorly recorded in early excavations of sites, such as monasteries," he said. "Only one parchment production site has ever been recognized and properly excavated, and we remain remarkably ignorant of production processes."

Original article on Live Science.
Scarfing spicy food has become something of an extreme sport, but one food video blogger had a severe reaction to a recent eating challenge: 2 minutes of deafness. And he captured all of the sweat, pain and tears on video.

"The pain went all the way up to my ears to the extent where they were blocked," said Ben Sumadiwiria, who published a video of himself eating "death noodles" in Indonesia late last year. Sumadiwiria's YouTube channel features several additional videos of he and his friends chowing down on noodle bowls that make their skin flush and their eyes water.

But how could chili peppers make someone go deaf, even temporarily? There's no certain medical answer, but it could have to do with the intricate connections between the mouth, throat and ears. [Tip of the Tongue: The 7 (Other) Flavors We Can Taste]

Peppers bite back

The noodles Sumadiwiria ate in Indonesia were made with 100 bird's eye chilies, also known as Thai chilies. These small, red chilies pack a big punch  they have between 100,000 and 225,000 heat units on the Scoville scale that's used to measure spiciness, making them 45 times hotter than a jalapeno. (The hottest pepper on record is a Carolina reaper pepper grown in South Carolina, which is 440 times hotter than a jalapeno, though the dragon's breath chili may be another contender for the top spot.)

Sumadiwiria is no wimp when it comes to spice: He makes his own chili sauces and pickles chilies for a snack, he told Live Science. But the chili-packed noodles had him sweating, turning red and declaring the pain the worst he'd ever felt.

"I can't hear anything, man," he says in the video, shortly before dousing his head in cold running water.

The heat-creating compound in chili peppers is called capsaicin, and it might have evolved to protect the plants against fungus. Capsaicin irritates human cells, especially the mucous membranes that line the mouth, throat, stomach and eyes. Small amounts cause a burning sensation as pain receptors in the membranes react to the irritant. With increasing concentrations, the body ups the ante in an effort to protect itself: It produces snot and copious tears to try to form a barrier between itself and the capsaicin. It releases endorphins to inhibit the transmission of pain, which can sometimes make the mouth feel numb.

This numbness effect is why capsaicin is sometimes used to relieve chronic pain, said Dr. Michael Goldrich, an otolaryngologist at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Jersey. Capsaicin creams first increase pain and burning, Goldrich said, but shortly after, they inhibit the pain-carrying nerves.

But back to spicy noodles: Consuming extremely high levels of capsaicin can even makethe throat or mouth blister, New Mexico State University horticulturalist and chili expert Paul Bosland told Live Science in 2012. These blisters are an attempt by the mucous membrane to sacrifice the top layer of cells and cushion deeper layers with a protective bubble of pus, Bosland said.

Temporary deafness

There are a couple of reasons someone might experience a sensation of hearing loss after eating spicy food. The throat and the ears are connected by conduits known as the Eustachian tubes, which help equalize pressure in the inner ear. When the nose starts producing lots of snot  as it does when you scarf down something spicy  this can block the Eustachian tubes, Goldrich told Live Science.

"Then, as a response, people would feel that their hearing was down," Goldrich said. It's the same phenomenon that makes the world sound wrapped in cotton batting when you have a bad cold.

Another possibility is that the hearing loss is the effect of hyperstimulation of the trigeminal nerve, said Dr. Sam Marzo, chair of Loyola Medicine's Department of Otolaryngology and an expert in hearing loss. The trigeminal nerve supplies sensation and motor control to the mouth and face, and it connects to the cochlear nerve, which is responsible for transmitting auditory information, Marzo told Live Science.

People who suffer from migraines sometimes temporarily lose their hearing because overstimulation of the trigeminal nerve changes the permeability of the blood vessels that supply the cochlear nerve. Something similar could have happened to Sumadiwiria with the hot peppers, Marzo said.

"You are stimulating the trigeminal nerve, and that causes changes in blood flow in the cochlear nerve, giving you a temporary hearing loss," he said.

When the stimulation subsides, so does the hearing loss. But some blood-flow changes to the cochlear nerve can cause permanent damage, Marzo said, so if the feeling of hearing loss doesn't subside quickly, regardless of the cause, it's best to see a doctor.

"If you are eating a food or taking a medication and you have changes to your hearing or your vision that don't improve, get help immediately," he said. "Don't wait."

Despite Sumadiwiria's experience, though, capsaicin might be more likely to protect hearing than to damage it. A particularly effective treatment against many cancers, platinum-based chemotherapy, has the unfortunate side effect of damaging the hair cells in the ear that are responsible for sensing sound waves, Goldrich said. Some very early research suggests that capsaicin given at the same time as chemotherapy may protect the hair cells and prevent hearing loss, he said. No one yet knows why this spicy compound might have this effect, Goldrich said, but studies are ongoing.

Original article on Live Science.
Zoe the zebra, who died on Sunday (Aug. 6), was born to a mother with ordinary pigmentation.

A rare zebra with tan stripes died Sunday (Aug. 6) at a private sanctuary for exotic animals in Kona, Hawaii.

Ann Goody, executive director and curator of the Three Ring Ranch in Hawaii, discovered Zoe's body Sunday morning.

"I looked out at 6 a.m., and I thought, 'Oops, she's laying out in the sun,' and whistled and there was no ear movement," Goody told Live Science. [The Pink and White Album: Amazing Albino Animals]

Zoe, a Burchell's zebra  the most common type of zebra was 19. In the wild, zebras can live an average of 20 to 30 years, while in zoos, they can survive up to 40 years, according to the Woodland Park Zoo.

Not everyone agrees on whether Zoe's condition classifies as albinism, due to an ambuiguity in the how the word is defined. Some prefer the term hypomelanism, to indicate a reduction in the amount of pigment in Zoe's hair and eyes. (Image credit: Three Ring Ranch)

But Zoe was no ordinary zebra. With pale brown stripes and blue eyes, Zoe had a pigmentation disorder, although the researchers Live Science spoke with disagreed on what to call her condition.

The lack of consensus arises from uncertainty on how to define the term albinism, a mutation in the TYR gene that results in a change in the pigmentation of skin, eyes, hair, fur or scales.

To those who consider albinism to be only a complete lack of pigment, Zoe doesn't qualify. In this case, her condition might better be categorized as hypopigmentation, which refers to a reduction in the pigment melanin, Rebecca Bellone, an associate adjunct professor of veterinary genetics at the University of California, Davis, told Live Science.

Zoe's blue eyes and pale eyelashes are particularly striking. (Image credit: Three Ring Ranch)

However, to those who consider albinism to be a broader term that encompasses not only the absence of pigment but also its reduction as William Oetting, a professor of human genetics at the University of Minnesota, does  albinism applies to Zoe.

Whatever term used, pigmentation disorders are sometimes associated with impaired vision, though Zoe may not have had vision problems. As far as Goody could tell, although Zoe wasn't the most coordinated zebra she'd seen, Zoe didn't have poor vision.

Zoe's main health problem involved the seizures she suffered from in her final years. Both Oetting and Bellone  neither of whom ever studied Zoe  thought the seizures were likely unrelated to her pigmentation disorder.

Before giving birth to Zoe at Three Ring Ranch, Zoe's mother, Oreo, who had ordinary coloring, gave birth to two other foals with Zoe's unusual pigmentation. But neither survived as long as Zoe; one was stillborn, and the other died at 5 months. Necropsies, or animal autopsies, of these foals revealed both had a liver condition, which Goody considers to be unrelated to their pigmentation disorder.

Although it appears Zoe's death was unrelated to her pigmentation disorder, some other creatures aren't so lucky. In 2003 at Zoo Barcelona, a white-furred, pink-skinned gorilla named Snowflake died of skin cancer. Living relatives of Zoe, some of whom have tan stripes like Zoe's, reside at a ranch in Kenya, though, according to Goody, they are being inbred, so their unusual pigmentation may lead  directly or indirectly  to health problems in their offspring.

Of course, there's more to pale zebras than their color.

"[Zebras] are, personality-wise, mules that have rabies," Goody joked when asked what Zoe was like. "They have an attitude about them, which is delightful in its own obnoxious way."

Original article on Live Science.
BY Christine Kasemiire

The clock is ticking for mobile phone users who have not verified their sim card registration using the National Identification Numbers (NIN).

With only 20 days left to the August 30th deadline, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has revealed that 3.7 million subscribers have not yet been verified.

The commissions Executive Director Godfrey Mutabazi says of the 25 million subscribers that applied for sim card registration, only 85 percent have been successfully verified by the National Identification and Registration Authority.

NIRA spokesperson Gilbert Kadilo says the exercise is ongoing, urging members of the public to comply with the UCC directive and avoid the last minute rush.

This is the second extension by the regulatory body.

The first extension was at the request and pressure from the public and the Uganda Law society in April saying the deadline was illegal.

The deadline was then pushed from April 20 to May 19.

In May, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni asked for another extension to August 30 creating tension between ICT minister Frank Tumuwebaze and parliament since he was overriding parliaments resolution to extend the simcard registration deadline.

A plea from Mr Mutabazi urged all people that have not yet registered to do so because the 3 month grace period given to them elapses soon and come August 30, the unregistered subscribers will be switched off.
by Sara Guaglione , August 10, 2017

What do you imagine when you think of a kitchen of the future? A voice-activated trash can? A faucet that can switch to sparkling water? A robotic pancake maker that prints designs into your breakfast?

Thats exactly the technology at Good Housekeepings newest lab, housed on the 29th floor of Hearst Tower. The Kitchen of the Future is part of Good Housekeeping Institute, the magazines consumer product-evaluation laboratory. It houses six labs, engineers, scientists and experts to test consumer products, from face moisturizers to vacuum cleaners.

While it may seem unconventional for a 132-year-old legacy brand to invest in a next-level kitchen, Patricia Haegele, SVP, group publishing director and CRO at Good Housekeeping, said the kitchen helps the older brand reach new audiences.

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Primarily, the kitchen was built to show the trends, tech and products that will dominate in future kitchens, like a built in coffee maker attached to the water supply, so you never have to refill it. Induction ranges that boil water in half the time, and an app enabled dishwasher that uses minimal water.

This type of cutting-edge technology is what draws in a younger, millennial audience, Rachel Rothman, the chief technologist at Good Housekeeping, added. The kitchen can host events and famous chefs. It can also double as the set of Facebook Live videos.

The kitchen is also perfect for sponsor partnerships. Haegele said the kitchen is expensive, with its modern, white fixtures and floor-to-ceiling walls of glass that overlook Central Park.

Jane Francisco, editor-in-chief of Good Housekeeping, suggested they find a sponsor for the kitchen. The Kitchen of the Future is now officially powered by Miele, a German manufacturer of high-end domestic appliances. The induction ranges in the kitchen are from Miele, for example, as is the fridge, with technology to keep it at an ideal temperature and humidity to make food last longer and taste fresher.

Miele gave Good Housekeeping a lump sum for three years to sponsor the kitchen. Haegele said it's likely they will continue the partnership.

Its a win-win, she added. Good Housekeeping gets a state-of-the-art, sponsored test kitchen, while partners like Miele can bring customers to view its products in action at Hearst Tower.

The kitchen also has countertops by Caesarstone and a Samsung TV called The Frame, which can display food photography like art on the wall.

Other Hearst titles now have access to the kitchen. While in the past, it may have stayed faithful to its brand, Haegele (who oversees the Lifestyle Group at Hearst, which includes titles like Redbook and Womans Day) said there is ample crossover now.

Good Housekeeping has other big news  it introduced its first Good Housekeeping Humanitarian Seal, an extension of the Good Housekeeping Seal, to put its stamp of approval on nonprofit organization WE Charity.
by Wayne Friedman , August 10, 2017

National TV advertising revenues were down 1% in the second quarter -- an improvement from the 3% decline in the first quarter. Yet challenges remain.

The estimates came from Brian Wieser, senior research analyst for Pivotal Research Group, and were based on recent second-quarter earnings results from major media companies.

The traditional medium is unlikely to return any time soon, he writes in a recent note, estimating a drop of 1% to 2% for the remainder of 2017.

Although TV networks say there is strong pricing in scatter markets, near-term quarter-by-quarter buying of TV time proves pricing does not necessarily reflect changes in demand.

Scatter deals with higher pricing come mostly from scatter-only advertisers -- which have higher cost bases -- and can account for a higher percentage of spending. Changes in demand for TV ad inventory will not cause all advertisers to alter how they budget for the medium.

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Wieser is critical of media companies that did not provide specific details about the health of the major TV advertisers. He said many of the large advertisers that dominate TV are relatively weak at present  and not enough new advertisers are emerging to replace older ones.

The largest marketers on television -- about 200 -- account for around 90% of national TV revenues and about 60% of all TV.

They are losing market share to companies that are smaller and structurally better positioned to spend money on digital media rather than TV, he adds.

Although there are opportunities for growth -- when it comes to new TV metrics, 35 days of time-shifted viewing versus three or seven days -- Wieser doesnt believe this will have a strong impact on TV networks.

If a new form of measurement adds, say, 5% more audience on average, an advertiser is unlikely to accept a new measurement standard without at least a 5% discount to historical prices.
by Philip Rosenstein , August 11, 2017

Robert Mercer, the pro-Trump mega donor and part owner of Breitbart, has given $300,000 to a Super PAC to back former Arizona state Sen. Kelli Ward in a U.S. Senate bid next year. She wants to unseat incumbent Republican Sen. Jeff Flake in the 2018 primary.

(In July, Ward told an Indiana radio station that Sen. John McCain should resign, given his cancer diagnosis, and hoped Arizonas governor would appoint her to fill his seat.)

Few Republicans have placed themselves in opposition to President Donald Trump. Sen. Flake has bucked the trend, joining the thin ranks of Republicans willing to challenge Trump.

Flake recently wrote in Politico about Trumps seeming affection for strongmen and authoritarians, while his newly published book, Conscience of a Conservative, takes aim at more than Trumps affection for Putin, Erdogan and Duterte.

Never has a party so quickly or easily abandoned its core principles as my party did in the course of the 2016 campaign  we lurched like a tranquilized elephant from a broad consensus on economic philosophy and free trade that had held for generations to an incoherent and often untrue mash of back-of-the-envelope populist slogans, writes Flake in his book.

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He is equally disgusted by the far-right press that too often deals in unreality  we [Republicans] must not condone it. We must not use it to frighten and exploit the base. We must condemn it, in no uncertain terms.

Flakes unabashed criticism of the leader of his party and President of the United States has incensed the Trumpian alt-right wing of the GOP, prompting the hefty investment in a primary challenger.

At one point, Politico reports, Trump said he would be willing to spend $10 million of his own money to eject Flake from the U.S. Senate.

Of the Mercer investment in KelliPAC, chairman Doug McKee noted how important early investments in a campaign like this are.  Interest from additional donors is pouring in.

Part of the funds will surely be used for marketing and ad initiatives. President Trump may appear in TV and digital spots touting his support for Flakes opponent.

During the 2016 campaign, when Flake refused to endorse the GOP nominee, then candidate Trump tweeted: The Great State of Arizona, where I just had a massive rally (amazing people), has a very weak and ineffective Senator, Jeff Flake. Sad!

Flake isnt the only Republican Trump retaliated against. Sens. John McCain, Susan Collins, Dean Heller and Lisa Murkowski were singled out for their refusal to support his policies. Sen. Heller, who endured Trump's public jibes, is also up for reelection in 2018.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, August 10, 2017

Mavrix Photographs is urging an appellate court to let stand a ruling that revived its battle with LiveJournal's "Oh No They Didn't" over paparazzi photographs.

Mavrix argues that Oh No They Didn't, an online gossip site, infringed copyright by displaying photos that it didn't own or license.

"Unlike other online magazines about celebrities -- for example, People or US Weekly -- ONTD does not create content or even license it," Mavrix argues in papers filed this week with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. "It instead encourages users to pilfer content from third parties and then publishes the content it believes is most likely to enhance advertising revenues."

The dispute between Mavrix and LiveJournal dates to 2012, when Mavrix alleged in a federal lawsuit that OhNoTheyDidn't illegally posted copyrighted photos of Katy Perry and Beyonce. OhNoTheyDidn't is a moderated site containing content posted by users.

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Mavrix didn't alert LiveJournal to the alleged copyright infringement before filing suit, according to the court papers.

A trial judge dismissed the lawsuit on the grounds that the Digital Millennium Copyright Act's "safe harbors" protect sites from copyright infringement liability based on users' posts. Those safe harbors broadly say that tech platforms are immune from copyright liability based on material posted by users, provided that the platforms remove infringing material after receiving complaints.

Mavrix then appealed to the 9th Circuit, which ruled in April that the company was entitled to proceed to a jury trial. An appellate panel said that LiveJournal's volunteer moderators may actually have been its agents, as opposed to users. If they were agents, and knew about infringing material, then LiveJournal potentially wasn't eligible for the safe harbor protection, according to the appellate judges.

LiveJournal then asked for a new hearing in front of at least 11 of the 9th Circuit's 29 judges.

That request is backed by numerous outside groups and companies, including online encyclopedia Wikipedia, digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation, Google, Pinterest and Facebook. They argue that the appellate opinion could pose new legal risks to numerous sites that filter user-uploaded content.

"The panels decision threatens to expose online services to a possible loss of DMCA protection simply because they make efforts to screen content that users submit for posting," Google, Facebook and other companies write in a friend-of-the-court brief. "If the panel intended that result, its decision is profoundly mistaken, and it will harm not just service providers and their users, but copyright owners as well."

Mavrix is urging the appellate court to reject that argument and allow the case to reach a jury.

"A jury is entitled to believe that LiveJournals rules -- which require users to submit only full articles from reputable third parties -- essentially requires users to infringe," Mavrix argues in its most recent court papers. "It uses the safe harbor as a defense to mass infringement for profit. Its cry that this ruling will end legitimate business on the internet is simply ludicrous."
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, August 11, 2017

Nordstrom, one of the few department-store brands that seem to be winning with shoppers, is introducing a fall ad campaign that celebrates realand remarkablepeople.



Using a combination of models, notables and fashion civilians, the Seattle-based retailer says the brand campaign is its chance to tell our most fashion-forward story, yet this season we put the focus back on the people, says Olivia Kim, Nordstroms VP/creative projects, in its announcement. We cast people we find inspiring, who have something to say and use their voice for positive impact and influence whether through art, education, journalism or mixed media.

The campaign is the creation of the husband/wife team of photographer Max Farago and director Clara Cullen, who shot the videos. The simple portraits look like snapshots, featuring the latest looks in combinations more reminiscent of real-life than the fashion runway.

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The effort, which includes video, print, digital, social, and out-of-home elements, includes people like journalist Hailey Gates, who hosts Viceland's series States of Undress, classically trained ballerinas from the Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center, fashion designers Vejas Kruszewski and Saam Emme, and numerous artists and creative influencers, wearing brands that include Alexander Wang A.P.C., Levis, Vejas, Topman and J. Crew.

The company also just released its second-quarter earnings, giving dejected retail investors something to cheer about. While chains like Macys, Kohls and J.C. Penney are reporting declining sales, Nordstrom beat expectations, reporting a same-store sales bump of 1.7%, and total sales gain of 3.5%, with revenues rising to $3.7 billion for the second quarter, compared with $3.6 billion in the same period a year ago. Same-store sales at its flagship brand fell 4.4%, however, while at Nordstrom Rack, its off-price chain, comparable-store sales rose 3.1%.

It attributes the gains to better results in its annual sale. (In fact, the event was so popular it caused the system to crash, sparking plenty of outrage on social media.) And it says of the five top-selling brands in the sale, three of them are Nordstroms private labels. It also says its rewards program keeps gaining traction, with 9.4 million active members, up from 6.2 million a year ago. Online sales grew 20%, while net income fell to $110 million, from $117 million in last years results.

Describing Nordstroms numbers as a ray of sunshine, Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail, writes that its ability to beat industry expectations stands as a reminder that even in a challenging market, getting the strategy right can, and does, make all the difference.

He points out that while Nordstroms physical stores are suffering from the same doldrums as other chains, this softness was more than made up for by the incredibly strong growth in the online businesses of both the full- and off-price divisions. It is certainly the case that online is cannibalizing store sales to some degree, but the most important point is that across all of its channels, Nordstrom is doing a good job of retaining customers and their spend.
By Phillip Maosa

Kenyas Electoral Commission has said it will formally announce the winner of Tuesdays presidential election today.

The announcement comes amid growing tension after the opposition declared election victory for their candidate in departure from law.

The National Super Alliance yesterday claimed its presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, is the winner of the election, demanding that he and his running mate, Kalonzo Musyoka, be given power because the results being declared are the product of alleged hacking.

However, addressing the media on Thursday evening, the IEBC boss Wafula Chebukati, maintained that lawful and official results will only be announced by the electoral commission which is mandated to do so.

Meanwhile, the US has urged patience as the electoral commission tallies presidential poll results.

President Donald Trumps administration said yesterday the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission should be given time to determine the winner of the Tuesday poll.
The host of weekly television talk show 'Stand Point', Gifty Anti became a mother for the first time, on Friday, August 11, 2017.

The 47-year-old broadcaster delivered a bubbly girl at an undisclosed medical facility in the national capital,Accra, Myjoyonline.com has learnt.

Gifty's first child becomes the fourth for her husband, Oyekechire Ansah Kwaw, the Chief of Adumasa Traditional Area in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern region.

The Princess of Adumasa as she is expected to be named in a couple of days according to a source close to the family, already has three siblings from her father's side who are currently residing in the United Kingdom.

Two years ago Gifty Anti got married to Nana Ansah Kwaw IV, host of PM Express on Joy News Channel on Multi TV as well as 'That's my opinion' on Joy 99.7 FM.

The 'Royal Wedding' ceremony took place at Aburi and was attended by the brides and grooms families, as well as members of the media fraternity.

The host of the Standpoint programme; which discusses issues affecting women on Ghana Television (GTV), was seen heavily pregnant weeks ago to stoke media interest in the babys arrival.

The naming of the 'Royal Baby' is expected to take place at Adumasa in the usual traditional customs and attendance will be strictly by invitation.

-Myjoyonline
I will not condemn actions that will pitch one citizen against the other as a way of settling political score. That is unacceptable and will not be the Ghanaian way of doing things..( it should) be fair, balanced and right in the sight of God!

Professor John Evans Atta-Mills

WHAT! What controversy did the Speaker, Prof Mike Oquaye stir? Over Founder's Day? Some of us believe that there exists voluminous sociological, historical and political literature that suggests that Nkrumah did not found Ghana; he could not have founded Ghana- as a single person. Nkrumah founded the Convention People's Party (CPP) and not Ghana! Just as J.J. Rawlings founded the National Democratic Congress (NDC)  but in the case of the New Patriotic Party, the founders are many, and it traces its roots to the United Party (UP), National Liberation Movement (NLM), and the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) founded by political stalwarts like Paa Grant, J.B. Danquah, R.S. Blay, Awonnor- Williams, J.K. Tsiboe and Kwabena Kessie. Ghanaian political history is being turned 'inside out, upside down' to quote Jimmy Cliff.

On Friday, 4th August this year, President Nana Akufo Addo and leading members of the New Patriotic Party congregated at Saltpond- their mission: to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC). Most Reverend Emmanuel Asante-Antwi, former Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana urged Ghanaians to be guided by the modesty, self  sacrifice and commitment which led to the country's independence in all they do; they should never do anything that would tarnish those images, quite unlike what the Invincible Force are doing.

June Milne, the long-time personal secretary of Nkrumah writes in 'Kwame Nkrumah A Biography' in December, he (Nkrumah) left Britain to return to the Gold Coast to become general secretary of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), the organization directing the national liberation movement, which had been inaugurated at a meeting in Saltpond on 4th August, 1947. Paa Grant was elected Chairman. Leading figures were J.B Danquah, William Ofori Atta, Akufo Addo, J. W. de Graft Johnson and V.B. Annang. In his opening address at the meeting, Danquah declared that the UGCC demanded changes which would give 'the reality of power' to the chiefs and people. We must fight with the weapons of today, constitutional, determined, persistent, unflinching, unceasing, until the goal of freedom is obtained! The letter inviting Nkrumah to accept the position of general secretary of the UGCC was written by Ako Adjeifollowed by another, this time from Danquah. He urged Nkrumah to take up the post. By inviting Nkrumah to be general secretary, the UGCC hoped to widen their support among the people. Nkrumah had acquired a reputation as a skillful political organizer who appealed to the ordinary people and particularly to the youth. The UGCC needed his expertise and charisma. This is Nkrumah's own personal secretary speaking, not me, but she could have added that J.B. Danquah and R.S. Blay were elected Vice- Presidents to Paa Grant.

A political scientist of the caliber of Professor Mike Oquaye will know and tell us that Nkrumah was provided with accommodation, a 'working' vehicle, food and a salary by the UGCC to take up the mantle of general secretary, after his passage from England had been funded by Pa Grant. There is no need to challenge Bernard Mornah, the National Chairman of the People's National Convention (PNC) for arguing that there is nothing like the Big Six(J.B Danquah, Ako Adjei, Obetsebi Lamptey, Akufo Addo, Kwame Nkrumah, William Ofori Atta). Bernard Mornah argues that Pa Grant solely founded and financed the UGCC''. We can leave him to form that opinion.

There is equally no need to challenge the academic records of J.B. Danquah and Kwame Nkrumah; whilst Danquah earned his doctorate degree after writing his thesis for PhD on the topic The Moral End as Moral Excellence at the University College of London and called to the Bar in 1926, Nkrumah received an honorary doctorate degree of law from the Lincoln University on 5th June, 1951.

Again, there is no need to match the record of achievements of the two men (Nkrumah and Danquah) in terms of providing physical infrastructure to the nation; one was President; the other was never a President; or would one think if Danquah had been President he would have folded his hands and supervised the decline of the country into an abyss?

It is ironical that the party which traces its origin to UGCC and made Saltpond its place of pilgrimage has little showing in the town of Saltpond. A lot of work has to be done to uplift the image of the town- at least, Hammond Hall, where Paa Grant's remains lie needs a rehabilitation to give the old patriotic son of Ghana a sublime repose.

President Kufuor did well in putting the effigies of the 'Big Six' on the Ghanaian currency notes- one cedi, five cedis, ten cedis, twenty cedis and fifty cedis. President John Evans Atta Mills who had had an ideological stint in the Kwame Nkrumah Ideological Institute in Winneba surreptitiously got the effigy of Kwame Nkrumah on the two cedi note. One was reminded of the ensign on the currency of Nkrumah's time: Civitatis Ghanensis conditor (Founder of the state of Ghana)Nkrumah, a President who did not have a Vice-President had turned Ghana into a one- party state, and he was 'President for life' in Ghana, and the 1960 Ghana Constitution recognized him as such. First President  KWAME NKRUMAH is hereby appointed first President of Ghana, having been chosen as such before the enactment of the Constitution in a plebiscite conducted in accordance with Article ONE of the Constitution.

Perhaps Nkrumah did not intend it, but his followers made the whole thing appear as a 'personality cult'; 'Nkrumah never dies'; 'Nkrumah is our messiah'! In the end, all around him fell or fell out- Komla Agbeli Gbedemah, Tawia Adamafio, Ako Adjei, Coffie Crabbe there was excessive fussing and adulation  perhaps more than he deserved.

Joseph Attah Quashie in a TV3 interview recently noted; Historians are cowards. I don't blame the people who have read the history of Ghana differently people must speak the truth. It is absolutely wrong to make 21st September a 'founder's day'.(who founded Ghana?) Paa Grant number one, J.B Danquah, number two, Obetsebi Lamptey, number three.. It is a disgrace to mention Nkrumah as the founder of Ghana

What Professor Mike Oquaye did was to correct a fundamental fallacy; the young men and women of our time have been fed with untruths, and there is no way their getting at the truth. Political Science, History and Sociology lecturers choose to lecture their students on the so-called dandy and dapper nature of the likes of Danquah  spending five minutes to spruce up their faces and their hair; hardly referring to the academic achievements, including the fact that Danquah was the first West African to earn a PhD in two years from a British University in the 1920s; renaming Gold Coast as Ghana ; research into Akan Laws and Customs'; 'The Akan doctrine of God' It is a truth that never dies , it stands. Kwame Nkrumah, as a human being had died.

But on the lips of many a Ghanaian is the question; how would a government newspaper choose a front page caption; 'Speaker stirs controversy; over Founder's Day? Who said it is a Founder's Day; should the day not be Founders' Day?

Already, people are arguing that this issue is over flogged we have other important things to discuss! No, l disagree; the issue is relevant. Cancel the Founder's Day as a public holiday. Declare a day for all the 'Founders' including Paa Grant, Kwame Nkrumah and J.B Danquah.
Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, Speaker of Parliament, is NOT a historian. He is a diplomat, having served as Ghana's High Commissioner to India under President Kufour. He is a politician having represented the Dome Kwabenya Constituency for NPP for two terms, and he is in academia, a political scientist, having published a book: Politics in Ghana. He earned his Professorship by lecturing in Political Science in the University.

Speaking at a lecture in Accra, the Speaker released a bombshell when he declared that Even though I have great respect for Dr. Nkrumah, the truth is that he is not the Founder of Ghana

I agree fully with him. Who is a founder?

A founder is somebody who, on his own initiative, forms an idea and takes steps to bring that idea into reality. If I sit in my house at Kasoa and I decide to bring people around me to declare the formation of a new political party, I will be called the founder of that party.

I remember in 1979, Colonel Frank George Bernasko, a very popular former Commissioner of Agriculture under Colonel IK Acheampong, announced the formation of the Action Congress Party  he was the Founder of ACP.

Or, unable to stand or contain the internal intrigues of the CPP but determined to be a presidential candidate at all costs, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom angrily abandoned the CPP and declared the birth of his own political party, the PPP  he is the founder of PPP.

Can the same be said of Nkrumah and Ghana?

By the time Nkrumah was being born, in 1909, at Nkroful, by his mother, Nyaniba, truly there was no Ghana as such, but, by courtesy of the Berlin Conference and the Scramble for Africa, the British had effectively drawn the map of Gold Coast to include the Western Province, the Central Province, the Eastern Province, called The Colony, then Ashanti, having through the Yaa Asantewaa War forcefully deported the Asantehene, Prempeh I, into exile in Seychelles and then the Northern Protectorate.

The colonial authorities, according to Governor Alan Burns, were not ready to give independence at all for the next hundred years.

Brigadier General Gordon Guggisberg, a surveyor, was appointed Governor of the Gold Coast in the early 1920s. As a Governor, he opened Achimota College, he built Korle-Bu Hospital; he built a vast extensive network of rail lines and a sea port at Takoradi. He tried to develop the Gold Coast colony.

His masters in London said, What is this god dammed soldier doing? Instead of ensuring that he deepens the extortionate policies of every colonizer, he is rather developing the colony, building local intelligentsia (through Achimota) and middle class. So Guggisberg was SACKED and recalled to London where he died in an old people's home as a pauper, and was buried in an unmarked grave.

A certain brave local boy, Kojo Thompson, rose up and declared that the legal basis for the presence of the British at the coast was the Bond of 1844 signed by the Fante Confederacy and the British on 6th March, 1844, which was for 100 years. Therefore, the colonizer should hand over and leave by 6th March, 1944.

Do you know what happened to him? He DISAPPEARED.

Yes. He disappeared. Whether he was killed, tortured, drowned, or what, Kojo Thompson, leader of the call for the end of the Bond of 1844, simply DISAPPEARED.

But the seed sown by Governor Guggisberg was yielding fruit. On 4th August, 1947, several patriotic men from the Gold Coast Colony met at the seaside town of SALTPOND and the subject of their meeting was that must we continue to be a COLONY to serve the British?

Present at that meeting were lawyer Joseph Boakye Danquah, lawyer Ako Adjei, business mogul Paa Grant, lawyer Edward Akuffo-Addo and good old lawyer John Mensah Sarbah. They declared the birth of the UNITED GOLD COAST CONVENTION to spearhead a struggle to end colonial rule.

But look at these big men  they were each individually self-made men, leading very comfortable lives, travelling by sea to London at will, treating their struggle with patience.

Dr. Ako Adjei told them there is this organizer I knew back in London. Let us invite him to come and be our legwork organizer. So Kwame Nkrumah was invited, he came, took up the post of secretary of UGCC and soon found himself in difficulties with his employers.

Nkrumah found his meetings with these lawyers as elitist, and surrounded himself with semi illiterate verandah boys  Krobo Edusie, K A Gbabemah and others  and soon on 12th July, 1949, he stole the UGCC national platform to announce the birth of CONVENTION PEOPLE'S PARTY  a party of the UGCC people.

He was released from prison and appointed Leader of Government Business in 1951. Independence was granted on 6th March, 1957 and we became a Republic on 1st July, 1960.

At the lecture in Accra, Professor Oquaye compared Paul to Kwame Nkrumah  he was right. St Paul was not part of the twelve disciples who had last supper with Christ, but, after his conversion, he literally became the principal torch bearer of the Christian religion. Nevertheless, it was Peter, not Paul, who succeeded Jesus Christ as Head of the Church.

In similar vein, Kwame Nkrumah did a lot for the Independence Struggle, and the building of modern Ghana, but truth and in fact, he did NOT found Ghana, as a nation state.

I was born in far away Jinjini, then a village ten kilometers outside Berekum. I never saw Kwame Nkrumah as a person, but in elementary school, on every 21st September of the year, there will be Founder's Day, plenty of parades, speeches, cultural displays and what nots. As a growing child, I always looked forward to another Founder's Day.

The coup makers of 1966 abolished this false day in our national calendar, but President Evans Atta Mills, a product of Kwame Nkrumah Institute of Ideology, reinstated 21st September as Founder's Day, to honour Kwame Nkrumah.

Of course, reader, Kwame Nkrumah deserves more honours than most, if not all our previous leaders. He built roads and highways, including Tema Motorway; he built three universities, and opened countless secondary schools. He introduced compulsory fee-free universal primary education (I am a proud beneficiary). He opened GIHOC with 171 industries; he opened Tema Harbour, Akosombo Dam. Call Kwame Nkrumah OYEEMAN (he built a nation) and that will be most accurate, but, to say he is the founder of Ghana  no! That will be a shameless corruption of truth.

I agree with the Speaker of Parliament: Kwame Nkrumah is a true hero, but NOT the Founder of Ghana.

From Nkrabeah Effah-Dartey
Founder and President of Concerned Voters Movement (CVM), Mr Razak Kojo Opoku has told the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) that 4th August can't be Ghana's Day of Destiny.

In a statement issued on August 8, 2017 and cited by Daniel Kaku, Mr Razak Opoku stated categorically that the Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye and some leading members of the NPP are making a terrible mistake of forcibly imposing August 4 as NPP/UGCC Day of Destiny on Ghanaians as the Ghana's Day of Destiny. He added, "This will not stand the test of time".

Below is the full statement;

Too Late To Accept & Celebrate The August 4th as the Ghana's Day of Destiny-----CVM

No matter how hard we try to project 4th August as the Ghana's Day of Destiny, we shall never succeed in outshining the entrenched mighty rock of 6th March as the Ghana's Day of Independence(the official starting point of Ghana's Day of Destiny which is nationally and globally accepted and celebrated by all irrespective of Political Ideologies or Party's Affiliation).

The Speaker of Parliament and some leading members of the NPP are making a terrible mistake of forcibly imposing August 4th, NPP/UGCC Day of Destiny on Ghanaians as the Ghana's Day of Destiny. This will not stand the test of time.

It is true Kwame Nkrumah cannot hold himself as the sole founder of Ghana, it is equally important that NPP leadership shouldn't try to impose founders of UGCC on Ghanaians as the Founders of Ghana because majority of Ghanaians shall never understand, accept and celebrate them as such.

As a Nation it is for our collective good that we celebrate Founders' Day and not Founder's Day. But to try to project Political Records and Achievement of J.B.Danquah ahead of Kwame Nkrumah is an exercise in futility done by Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye.

The attempt by Speaker of Parliament to even project J.B.Danquah ahead of George Alfred Grant, popularly known as Paa Grant and other members of UGCC is an unfathomable and unpardonable committed mistake.

Ideas without financing is useless. The major financial role by George Alfred Grant in the formation and running of UGCC equally deserves the same reverence and prominence enjoyed by J.B.Danquah and others in UGCC.

It is totally wrong for NPP/UGCC and for that matter any Political Party to use their Day of formation to represent the Nation as the Ghana's Day of Destiny.

Since we can't use 12th June 1949 and 4th June 1979 to represent Ghana's Day of Destiny, the same way 4th August 1947 shall never be wholly accepted by Ghanaians as the Ghana's Day of Destiny, the best it can represent is the *NPP'S Day of Destiny*.

Ghana is bigger than 4th August. Were Ashanti Kingdom and Trans Volta Togoland part of Gold Coast in 4th August 1947 during the formation of UGCC?

The composition of Ghana is bigger than the composition of Gold Coast. As such neither Kwame Nkrumah nor Forebears of UGCC can claim sole foundership to it.

Since it was wrong for the NDC led by Prof. Mills to institute Nkrumah's birthday as the Founder's Day of Ghana, it is equally wrong to also institute 4th August as Ghana's Day of Destiny. Both 21st September and 4th August can never be accepted wholly as important National day to celebrate in Ghana.

As a Nation through consensus we can choose to celebrate Founders Day on every 6th March together with the Independence Day Celebration.

Modern Ghanaians only care about bread- and- butter political issues and not August 4th as Ghana's Day of Destiny or 21st September;somebody's birthday as Founder's Day.

Ghanaians are only waiting patiently to celebrate *Ghana's Day of Prosperity* under our multi-party democracy.

The nationally and globally accepted Birthday or Founding Day of Ghana is 6th March(Our Day of Destiny; Our Founders Day).

Both 4th August and 21st September shall never stand the test of time.

...Signed...

Razak Kojo Opoku

(CVM Founder & President)
11.08.2017 LISTEN

Brong Ahafo Regions Representative in the 2017 edition of Ghana Most Beautiful reality show, Juliet Mensah has disclosed her intention to educate her people on maternal health.

Juliet Mensah otherwise known as Adom bemoaned on the rate at which women lost their lives during child birth in the region.

The 23-year-old who is a student nurse at the Jirapa Nurses Training School was hopeful that the Brong Ahafo Region will record zero cases of maternal mortality after the education.

The number of women who perish during childbirth is alarming. I will help to do more educationon maternal health. Teenage pregnancy is also another issue that I will tackle, she told the News Hunter Magazine.

Adom was very optimistic of winning the title of this years Ghana Most Beautiful.

I am focusing on the crown. I am me confident, bold and multi talented. It has been my dream to be part of it...I started following it since 2007. My mum and my family have been very supportive."

Boasting about her good stage performance, she opened up on her readiness to learn from other past representatives in the region.

I have been interacting with Ama. Soon I will get in touch with Konadu. I am ready to learn from those who have experience, she stated.

Juliet Mensah who hails from Sampa in the Brong Ahafo Region called on her fans to vote by sending Adom to short code 1413.
You get your own children enrolled in the Public Service immediately after winning an election and tell all other unemployed Ghanaians that the Public Service is bloated and cannot absorb them. Indeed if have your way, you would retrench some public servants.

Really? What was your response to the past government's public sector recruitment freeze when you were in opposition? I won't condemn you because I knew you were either lying to get power or u never knew what you were talking about when you were in opposition.

My happiness is that the very gullible people who failed to reason with me when I argued that politicians in Africa and for that matter, Ghana, do not mean well for the ordinary citizenry, are now beginning to know about the politics of deceit. Indeed, your own supporters have taken serious issues with your recent comment on employment in the Public Sector.

You may be right in telling Ghanaians about the over-bloated nature of our Public Sector and the fact that it may not be able to absorb more people. But didn't you know this as an astute professional when you were in opposition? Why did you criticize the same thing you are now doing?

Politicians in Ghana would lie and deceive to get political power and when power is granted by the people, they would use this same power to inflict hardships on the people. What did you tell the nurses when you were in opposition?

What is happening to them now? Admittedly, the austerity policies introduced to reduce their intake and not to bond them after school, may be the way to go. But what was your attitude about the condition of Ghanaians trainee nurses when you were in opposition? Politicians in Ghana do not mean well. They are greedy. They are self seeking, self serving, self perpetuating and self aggrandizing cabals.

They would continue to take us for a ride because they know we are overly partisan. They know that we always wear partisan lenses that blindfolds us in looking at issues objectively. They know that we will still support them even if they lie to us.

They know that we will still support them even if they steal from us. They know that we will still support them even if they come for our wives. They know that we will still support them even if they callously inflict hardships on us.

Fellow Ghanaians and my friends, blind support to political parties only promote the interests of political elites, their children and cronies. it is in our own interest to rise above the kind of excessive partisanship that breeds political madness, undermines our own sovereignty as the real owners of power and makes us gullible and manipulable tools in the hands of selfish politicians.

Until we all rise to critique and keep governments on their toes at all times, politicians would continue to make irrational promises just to get our votes and once they get our votes, they would mis-govern to undermine our quest for national development and improvement in our physical quality of life.

I know that those who are still "politically mad" would tag me as NDC just because of this post. But it's fine because I can understand their sad condition that would not allow them to appreciate the fact that I also critiqued the NDC when it was in power. Mine is to scrutinize those in power!
Tension is mounting in Kpone in the KponeKatamanso Constituency over the alleged indiscriminate sale of cemetery lands belonging to the people.

According to a group calling itself, Indigenous youth of Kpone, it is wrong for anyone to sell the town cemetery land to investors.

The youth claim, they will hit the streets to demonstrate should authorities at the traditional council fail to explain the rational behind the indiscriminate sale of cemetery lands to them and also put a hold to any development at the site.

"We are law abiding citizens and we shall seek clearance from the Police and ensure we hit the street to express our displeasure over the unfortunate stinkin sale of our cemetery lands and also ensure our petition is heard. The Kpone cemetery is all we have left for our loved ones who passes on to eternity, so why should someone sell it off to the highest bidder?"

The spokesperson for the group, ObuAblade noted that several fence walls are being put up on the community cemetery lands indiscriminately of which authorities have failed to communicate the rationale behind it to them.

He said a check at the District Assembly has shown that those develop ing on the cemetary lands have not been issued out with any permit for construction.

Mr Ablade has however sent a stern warning to the developers to stay off the cemetery land or incur the wrath of the community.

"We are sending a strong signal to those developing on our cemetary land to stay off or incur the wrath of the people of Kpone. Everybody is unhappy with the development at the site and we urge the developer to fold up. We want peace and so we plead with the developer to stay off our cemetary land to avoid our trouble"

Two years ago, the youth of Kpone in their hundreds stormed the Kpone cemetery to pull down a similar wall which was being developed by an investor who claimed the place has been sold to him. But the youth resisted and organized themselves in their numbers to the cemetery to pull down the wall.

However, checks at the District Assembly indicate that no permit has been issued out to any investor to build a wall.
This year annual Ga and Damgbe Homowo festival has been celebrated in Toronto-Canada. The celebration which was full of splendor achieved a common purpose of many indigenes of Gas and Damgbes resident in Toronto-Canada that was to present the traditional and cultural traits of the people to others to cherish.

It also sent a strong signal to the queen mothers and king makers back home in Ghana that they have no excuse but to work tirelessly to enstool a new Ga Mantse to rule the Ga Traditional Area.

Full exhibition of Ga and Dangbe cultural and traditional activities drew a lot of Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians to the G.ROSS picnic park in Toronto-Canada over the weekend.

Demonstrating to the public to see, the Toronto Ga chief priest, WulomoNunmoNiiAkrong [Dr], dressed in full traditional regalia took the gathering through the selection of a rightful heir, the initiation and swearing of the Toronto Ga Chief NiiKweiAnku to the subjects which was delightful to watch indeed.

The splendid performance of the WulomoNunmoAkrong supported by sub-chiefs clearly argued or pointed out to the world that queen mothers and king makers of the Ga state have no excuse to continue living several years without a chief after the death of NiiAmugi the late Ga mantse.

In one accord, the chiefs, queen mothers, king makers and the supporting crowd cheered the Toronto Ga Matse as he went round sprinkling Kpokpoi the traditional food to hoot at hanger.

After the excellent performance of the chief priest and the chiefs, some members of the gathering questioned if Ga state has an excellent laid down procedure in selecting a rightful heir, initiation, swearing and taking of authority as a chief, then what is holding those back home from giving the Ga state a king?

Wulomo Nunmo Akrong, urged Ghanaians to live in peace with one another, work hard to live a responsible live, support each other, take advantage of opportunities their resident destinations offer and always strive to be law abiding citizens wherever they find themselves.

Through libation, he prayed asking God for mercies, good health, wealth, protection and security for the country Ghana and Canada.

He prayed for healing for the sick, scholarship for the smart and clever youth to acquire requisite skills and knowledge to be able to overcome the challenging economic and employment difficulties, parental love and care for children and respect and dignity from children to the elderly.

He further stressed the unity among Ghanaians both home and abroad stating that, in unity lies the strength and good heart for peace and development as he personally went round to exchange pleasantries with members and wish all prosperous days ahead.

Also, the chiefs and the people were delightful to watch in the whole celebration activities as they participated fully in traditional dances, cooking and performed other customarily rites.

The sumptuous Ghanaian dishes that were served were interesting experience for invited quests and members who enjoyed very much.

A dazzling range of artistic events at the celebration at the park made invited quests to discover authentic Ghanaian rhythms and dance which urged the invited guests to participate fully which saw the Ghanas consul general to Toronto Mr. John Bosco Kpebasani gracing the event.

The Ga Adangbe Association of Toronto now will wrap up 2017 annual Homowo festival activities with a dinner dance on August 19, to raise funds to support the sick kids wards in hospitals in Toronto, the association president Mrs. Christiana Nuamah disclosed.

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11.08.2017 LISTEN

MATTHEW 21:33-46

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever helped someone in need get on his feet only to realize that the same person you helped has turned against you? How do you feel when you are kind, generous, and helpful to a person and the same person becomes your number one enemy? When that happens some of us conclude that we are no longer going to help anybody again. We want to avoid ungratefulness, abuse, and mistreatment. However, is it not the same way we sometimes treat God? The nation of Israel is a case in point. God took them from bondage and transplanted them in the Promised Land, but eventually they turned against Him. For our time together I would like to share with you on the topic: The Owner and the Undeserving Tenants as we continue the series on the parables of Jesus.

THE SETTING

The words that introduce this section, Listen to another parable (Matt. 21:33), shows that Jesus was continuing the teaching contained in the parable of the two sons concerning the Pharisees and their relationship to His kingdom Matt 21:28-32).

I. THE PRIVILEGES GIVEN TO THE TENANTS VV. 33-36

The background of this parable is found in Isaiah 5 where the prophet describes a vineyard that has been planted on a fertile hillside (v. 1) and that gives every prospect of producing a bountiful harvest. The person who has planted the vineyard has carefully prepared the soil to receive the vine. He has dug it up and cleared it of stones (v. 2) to remove every obstacle to the growth of the vine. A watchtower for protection has been built, and the winepress has been provided in anticipation of the harvest. But when harvest time arrived, the vine yielded only bad (literally rotten or stinking) fruit (v. 2). This is obviously a parable, and the prophet now proceeds with the explanation. God is the one who planted the vineyard, and the nation of Israel was His choice vine (v. 3). He has brought them out of the desert and into a land flowing with milk and honey. He has protected them in the land, and He has anticipated that He would receive good fruit from them. The kind of fruit God saw is explained in verse 7: He looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard cries of distress [or rebellion]. Thus the nation of Israel has not walked righteously before God.

A landowner has a plot of land and decides to plant grapevines on it. After he has planted the tender shoots of the grapevine, he protects them from wild animals such as foxes and boars (Song of Songs. 2:15; Psalm 80:13) by putting a wall around the vineyard. He also equips the vineyard with winepress and a watchtower. In the ancient times, the watchtower was used during the harvest as a lookout against thieves, and also served as a dwelling place for the tenant.

The whole project is a financial venture for the landowner. He plants new vines on untried soil. He rents the vineyard to farmers, but would have to wait four years before the vines began to bear grapes. During this time the owner would support the farmers, buy manure and supplies for the vineyard, and hope that in the fifth year he may have a profit. A new vineyard is therefore, a venture not for immediate financial returns but rather for lasting results benefiting successive generations.

The landowner travels on a journey for an extended period of time. In his absence the tenants cultivate the vineyard, prune the branches, and raise vegetable crops between the vines during the first few years. The tenants work as sharecroppers and are thereby entitled to a portion of the produce. The rest of the income goes to the owner. The tenants have made a contract with the owner to cultivate the vineyard. For the first four years the owner will support them. After those years are past, the vineyard becomes a lucrative source of income for the owner.

When the harvest time approaches in the fifth year, the landowner sends his servants to collect the income of the vineyard. Contacts between the owner and the tenants may have become minimal during the first four years. This lack of contact may have resulted in alienation and even in hostile attitudes on the part of the tenants, as depicted in the parable. The exact reason for the bitter animosity is not statedonly the fact of its evidence. The tenants seize, beat, and send back the servant to his master. He returns with the physical evidence of a bruised body. The servant conveys to the owner that the tenants have no intention of paying the income of the grape harvest. They want to keep the total amount for themselves, perhaps in compensation for the years of toil and care given to the vineyard before it yielded a harvest. By sending the servant away beaten and empty-handed, the tenants claim possession of the total crop.

The landowner, who is a person of patience and tolerance, sends another servant to the tenants with the same request. Undoubtedly, the servant refers to the contract signed between the tenants and the landowner, which clearly spells out the terms. However, they receive him in the same manner as the first servant. They strike him on the head, treat him shamefully, and kill him. This time the tenants have become more evil and violent. However, the owner demonstrates commendable forbearance. He does not meet force with force, nor does he declare the contract null and void, as the tenants have done.

After time has elapsed, perhaps the next harvest time, the owner sends other servants to the tenants. This time the servants are more than the previous groups. Again the tenants refuse to yield to the owners request, and resort to violence by killing the servants. The tenants might have reasoned that since they were the ones who have made the vineyard productive, they were the ones who were entitled to the produce and even to the vineyard itself.

It suddenly dawns on the owner that the tenants are posing as the rightful possessors of his property.

II. THE PROBLEMS THE TENANTS ENCOUNTER VV. 37-41

As a last resort the landowner sends his son, telling himself that the tenants will recognize his authority when his son confronts them. They will respect my son, he said. Servants were not accorded the same respect a son received in those days. This son is the only heir to the vineyard. Nevertheless, the tenants are in no mood to surrender the vineyard. When they see the son approaching, they may have thought that the owner has died and the son has taken his place. Therefore, they hatch a conspiracy to get rid of the son so that they would become the full possessors of the vineyard. Therefore, they decide to kill the son and take the inheritance. They carry out their plan and kill the son and throw him outside the vineyard. When Jesus speaks of the son of the vineyard owner being killed by the tenants, He is speaking prophetically about His own impending death. Jesus knew that He was born to die to save you and me from our sins.

When Jesus has finished painting this vivid picture of the wickedness of the tenants, He then poses the question to the religious leaders, Therefore when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vine-growers? Jesus words are directed against the religious leaders. In the Old Testament, the Jewish religious and political leaders became wayward, selfish, unscrupulous, and turned against the prophets because of the way the ministry of God-ordained prophets disturbed their conscience and robbed them of the respect of the people. Tradition says that the prophet Isaiah was sawn asunder; Jeremiah was confined to a pit and finally stoned; the prophet Amos was murdered with a club; John the Baptist was beheaded at the instruction of King Herod Antipas; and Stephen was stoned to death by a religious mob. James the brother of John was killed by Herod Agrippa I with a sword (see 1 Kings 18:13; 22:24; 2 Kings 6:31; Jer. 20:1-2; Matt. 23:29-37; Acts 7:5; 12: 2; Heb. 11:36-38). The treatment of the servants proves that the most highly privileged are those who perpetrate the worst crimes against the servants of God. It cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem. Those who want to maintain the religious status quo continue to contribute to the persecution and the killing of the servants of God.

In our present text, the religious leaders rejected the message of John the Baptist, and they questioned the authority of Jesus to the point of openly defying Him. In effect, they rejected Gods own Son.

Their answer to Jesus question is that a swift retribution would be meted out to the murderous tenants. The owner would have them killed and rent the vineyard to other tenants.

III. THE PUNGENT INDICTMENT AGAINST

THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS VV. 42-46

Having implicated themselves by their answer, Jesus draws their attention to what the Psalmist says in Psalm 118:22-23. Jesus statement in verse 42 is a rebuke to the chief priests, scribes, and Pharisees, because they are the interpreters of Scripture and yet they do not understand the essence of His parable. Psalm 118 refers to a situation in the life of the nation of Israel where enemies have them cornered. From the human point of view triumph seems impossible, but through divine intervention God delivers them and the enemies are defeated. In the life of David, many people rejected him, (including Samuel the prophet who was to anoint him, and also his own family, including his father) but God chose him to be the King of Israel. In His earthly ministry, many people rejected Jesus as the Messiah, including some members of His own family. When the religious leaders conspire against Him and deliver Him to be crucified, it appears that the people have rejected and defeated Jesus. Nevertheless, God the Father would raise Him from the dead and seat Him at His own right hand. The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone (Eph. 2:20). Jesus would be vindicated and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Do you grasp the meaning of Jesus parable? The landowner symbolizes God, the vineyard is the nation of Israel, the tenants of the vineyard represent the teachers of the Law and other religious leaders, the servants represent the prophets, and the son is the personification of Jesus, the Son of God. Therefore, Jesus is speaking of His imminent death and impending exaltation (Phil. 2:5-11).

In verse 45, the chief priests and the Pharisees finally grasp the meaning of Jesus parable. In my sanctified imagination, I can see them fuming with rage, but for the sake of the multitude they cannot touch Jesus, because the multitude consider Jesus to be a prophet. I also believe that they cannot touch Jesus because His hour has not come.

What is the point in Jesus parable? Jesus teaches that seemingly endless patience of God is extended toward those who oppose Him. However, when this patience ends at the rejection of His Son, Gods swift judgment is sure to follow (2 Pet. 3:9). Even today some of you continue to reject Jesus as the Son of God. You say if I reject Jesus as the Son of God, why would I come to church? The religious leaders made the temple of God their second home and yet they were the ones who opposed Jesus. The way you live your life determines whether you love Jesus or oppose Him. What you say and do for Jesus speaks volumes about whether or not you love Him. Jesus is both cornerstone and capstone. Jesus role gives shape to all of history. His presence defines the church. Although those who should have known better rejected Jesus, His heavenly Father has placed Him in honored position. Make Jesus the cornerstone of your life so that your life will not fall apart. When you build your life on Christ the storms will come but they cannot overwhelm you.

In verses 43-44, Jesus utters a prophetic message. Now the Gentiles are the recipients of the gospel of Jesus Christ because He came to His own and His own did not receive Him. Due to their animosity, pride, and power drunkenness, the religious leaders rejected the Messiah and sealed that rejection with their own doom. When the religious leaders rejected Jesus and masterminded His crucifixion, they were bringing judgment on themselves. In A.D. 70, Titus and his army marched from Rome to Jerusalem and killed all the religious leaders and others who had rebelled against the Roman Emperor. They set the city of Jerusalem on fire and burned the temple down. Since then, the temple has never been restored. Therefore, if you reject Jesus Christ, who is the cornerstone, the very stone you have rejected will eventually break you. Some people say, well, I do not openly reject or oppose Jesus Christ, but the truth of the matter is that anything less than genuine discipleship will lead to judgment. In other words, the stone will fall on and crush you to pieces.

Ladies and gentlemen, today is the day of grace, the day of salvation. Jesus offers mercy and forgiveness now and you have to make Him your Lord and Savior now, because His judgment is on its way. When the Day of Judgment arrives it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. Those of you who are just being religious you have to receive Christ and become a genuine disciple before it is too late. Jesus is saying that the religious leaders who are a privileged people who should have welcome the coming of Gods kingdom will be denied its privileges, and the people who were unlikely to succeed spiritually will find it. When Jesus was telling this parable to the people, He had you and me in mind. He was talking about the inclusion of Gentiles in the Kingdom of God. He was talking about the role of the Gentiles in the church.

If you are spiritually satisfied, religiously proud, and think you know the Bible better than anyone else you should take note. Jesus Christ is the center, and no amount of smartness or position in your local church will amount to anything, if such a position pushes away Christ from the center of your faith and life. Beware of some stunning reversals ahead.

When the religious leaders heard of Jesus parables, they concluded that He was speaking about them. Instead for them to think about what He was telling them, they were enraged and wanted to arrest Him. Nevertheless, they were afraid of the crowds because they regarded Jesus as a prophet. Today, some of you react just like the religious leaders of Jesus day. When a pastor or an evangelist tells you the truth about yourself, instead of examining your life and changing your ways you become angry and some of you even change churches. You begin to attend a church where the pastor does not talk about sin and repentance. He/she tells you tantalizing messages that says you are okay, I am okay and we are all okay. Meanwhile, you are on your way to hell but you do not know. You have become just like the religious leaders in this parable of Jesus. Am I speaking to somebody today? Does the Lord have a message for you to change your direction in life today? The Christian life is not about how you carry yourself externally. The Christian life is all about internal transformation that is produced by the person of the Holy Spirit that enable you to live graciously, peacefully, and victoriously for Jesus Christ. The Christian life is not about reformation; it is about regeneration and renewal of the mind. The Christian life is not about pretending or putting on facade; it is about repentance towards Jesus Christ.

Are you using self-effort to get to heaven? Jesus came to seek and to save those that are lost. Are you personally related to Jesus Christ and other believers in your community? Can it be that you are opposing Jesus Christ by the way you relate to some people in the church? As Christians, we must love sinners for Christs sake. The fallen, the homeless, the outcasts, the frivolous, the captious, the indifferent, and even the malicious must share our love. We must love them to Jesus Christ. Let the church become a hospital where those who are sick spiritually are all welcome. Jesus said, "I did not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners." If you are righteous in your own eyes, you do not need Jesus Christ; you do not need the church.
11.08.2017 LISTEN

Lands and Natural Resources Minister, John Peter Amewu has directed the Upper East Regional Minister Rockson Ayine Bukari and the regional police command to close down three illegal mining pits at Gbane in the Talensi district.

The decision to close down the pits, according to the minister, is in the interest of the illegal miners who use those pits as entry points to invade concessions of Shaanxi Mining Company in the area.

Mr Amewu gave the order when he paid a working visit to the mining community on Wednesday, 9 August 2017.

I have listened to your case carefully and Im directing that the Regional Minister in collaboration with the regional commander of police take immediate steps to make sure that they block those illegal pits that have been used to invade these mines. It is in the interest of these same individuals who use these illegal traps to invade the mines because by doing so, some of the mines we understand collapse and trap people, he stated.

Shaanxi Mining Company was suspended from operating early this year following the death of some illegal miners in some of its pits.

Addressing management of the company, Mr Amewu explained that the mining firm was not suspended because it is a Chinese company. The suspension, according to Mr Amewu was to ensure that the right things were being done.

This company has been put on suspension, the suspension is not because you are foreigners, the suspension was not because we dont like the company, Ghana is not against Chinese doing business in Ghana. Irrespective of where youre coming from, you might be from China, Burkina Faso or Togo, so long as you refuse to abide by the rules and regulations that mandate you to undertake mining activities, this government will always be against you. We want things to be done in a more sustainable manner.

...The Chinese have their rules of engagement; Ghana has its rules of engagement. Both countries have their constitution and laws and we are trying to abide by our rules and regulations and I expect that you do same to help us, he stated.
The Ghana Revevue Authority (GRA) has stated that it will begin processes to have tax evaders imprisoned beginning this year.

This forms part of measures to ensure the country shores up its finances and reduce the over reliance on loans.

Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)of Parliament on Thursday, August 10, 2017, Commissioner General of the GRA, Kofi Nti said the Authority was seriously considering such a move to deter companies and individuals from tax evasion.

In Ghanas history, there has never been a situation when somebody had gone to prison because of tax default but somehow from this year, we will be choosing that option, he told the committee.

This decision comes at a time the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta is calling for a more rigorous approach in tax collection as government seeks to bolster its domestic revenue mobilisation.

Mr Nti is very optimistic the prison sentences on tax defaulters will sanitise the system.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians that the policies and programmes being implemented by his government will improve their living conditions, and help put Ghana on the path of progress and prosperity.

According to Nana Akufo-Addo, the vision of a progressive, prosperous Ghana envisioned by the nations founding fathers must be realized in our generation. It is for this reason that his government has begun to fulfill the promises made in the run-up to the 2016 elections.

Nana Akufo-Addo made this known on Thursday, 10th August, 2017, when he began his 3-day tour of the Central Region with a courtesy call on the Central Regional House of Chiefs, and addressed a durbar of Chiefs at Twifo Atti Morkwaa.

The President indicated that upon his assumption of office, he inherited an economy in deep crisis and had to put in place several measures to nurse it back to full health.

The implementation of policies such as Free SHS, 1-District-1-Factory, programme for Planting for Food and Jobs, 1-Village-1-Dam, together with the revival of the National Health Insurance Scheme, he said, have been made possible because of the stability brought to bear on the Ghanaian economy.

At Twifo Atti Morkwa, a constituency won by the New Patriotic Party in 2016, for the first time in history of the 4th Republic, the President told the Chiefs and people that an audit of the cocoa roads is being carried out, and very soon cocoa roads in the constituency will be constructed.

Additionally, a 60-bed hospital under construction at the constituency, he assured, will soon be completed, as equipment for the hospital is at currently at the Tema port, and will be cleared soon for delivery to Twifo Atti Morkwaa.

With the Free SHS programme being a flagship policy of his government, President Akufo-Addo stressed that the programme will commence in September 2017, which will benefit the 1,200 students at the basic level in the constituency.

I have been bastardised by several persons who claim the Free SHS policy is a misplaced priority, a lie, and cannot be done. The Free SHS policy, I wish to assure them, will start from September, he said.

The 1-District-1-Factory policy, Nana Akufo-Addo noted, will be rolled out in the course of this month, and will create hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Touching on mining, Nana Akufo-Addo stated that as far back as the 15th century, there was the recognition that mining was important for the countrys economy.

Mining is part of our heritage. It is not under an Akufo-Addo government that mining is going to be abolished. I can never abolish mining. Those saying I am trying to abolish mining are just doing propaganda. Mining is an integral part of our countrys heritage, he said.

What his government cannot have happen, however, is for illegal mining to compromise the countrys environment.

Our lands, water bodies and forests are also part of our heritage. I swore an oath before the Almighty and before Ghanaians to govern in accordance with the rule of law, and also to protect the territorial integrity of our nation. I am mandated by the laws of the land to protect our lands and water bodies, he said.

The President assured the Chiefs and people of Twifo Atti Morkwaa of his determination to improving their living conditions, stressing that you already have an MP, in the person of Abraham Odoom. But you have a second MP who is called Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Nairobi (AFP) - Kenya's election commission was preparing to release final results Friday from a hotly-contested vote in which the opposition has already claimed victory, fanning tensions in the east African nation.

The National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition coalition on Thursday demanded that its candidate Raila Odinga be declared president, claiming massive fraud was behind preliminary results that place him far behind incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta.

Foreign observers praised a peaceful, credible voting process on Tuesday, but the mood quickly turned sour with Odinga rejecting results after only a few hours of counting.

Odinga first complained the electronically transmitted results were not being backed up by the required forms and then hours later he unveiled details of an alleged hacking attack to manipulate results.

NASA then doubled down with a claim the election commission (IEBC) was concealing true results contained on its server that showed Odinga to be the winner.

Timeline of the political careers of presidential candidates Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, and those of their fathers

"We demand that the IEBC chairperson announce the presidential election results forthwith and declare Raila Amolo Odinga... as the duly elected president," said one of NASA's leaders, Musalia Mudavadi.

The charge ratcheted up tensions that have seen Kenya on a go-slow since voting day, with many businesses shut, civil servants staying at home and streets largely empty.

'People want justice'

Protests have remained isolated to Odinga's strongholds in Nairobi slums -- where police shot dead two protesters Wednesday -- and the western city of Kisumu.

But memories are still fresh of a disputed poll in 2007 that led to two months of ethno-political violence, leaving 1,100 dead and displacing 600,000.

While veteran opposition leader Odinga, 72, also claimed 2013 polls were stolen from him, he took his grievances to the courts and ended up accepting his loss.

Many businesses have been shut in Kenya since Tuesday's election, with the streets largely deserted

"We do not want to see any violence in Kenya. We know the consequences of what happened in 2008 and we don't want to see a repeat of that," Odinga told CNN in an interview.

But he repeated his assertion that "I don't control anybody. People want to see justice."

Kenyatta looked set for certain victory, with 8 million votes to Odinga's 6.7 million, according to the IEBC public website whose results are being cross-checked against polling forms from constituencies.

However, NASA provided documents purportedly obtained from IEBC servers via a "confidential source" showing that Odinga had 8.04 million votes, leading Kenyatta on 7.75 million.

'We need peace'

IEBC chief Wafula Chebukati responded to the NASA claims, detailing that their "evidence" was riddled with arithmetic errors and came from a Microsoft database, while the electoral commission's system was running on Oracle.

In the Kondele neighbourhood of the western city of Kisumu -- where protests erupted on Wednesday -- hundreds of Odinga supporters took to the streets, banging drums and blowing vuvuzelas after his party declared him the winner.

"We are happy," said 35-year-old Anthony Karaba, as a police helicopter hovered overhead.

"We need peace and we need the correct results."

The IEBC insists its electronic voting system -- seen as key to avoiding fraud -- was not compromised.

Britain and the US joined foreign observer missions in urging party leaders to be patient and refrain from inflaming tensions ahead of the release of final results.

Former US secretary of state John Kerry, leading an observer team from the Carter Center, expressed confidence in the IEBC.

"We believe the IEBC put in place a detailed, transparent process of voting, counting, reporting and securing the vote, all of which lends significant credibility and accountability," Kerry told journalists.

Before the election the race between Odinga and Kenyatta was seen as too close to call.

It was billed as the final showdown between the two men whose fathers Jomo Kenyatta and Jaramogi Odinga were allies in the struggle for independence, but later became bitter rivals, setting the stage for decades of political rancour.

Kenyatta, 55, is seeking re-election after a first term in which he and his Jubilee Party were credited with a massive infrastructure drive and overseeing steady economic growth.

Odinga describes himself as a social democrat who wants to fight inequality.
The Akufo-Addo government should stop whining about the Komenda Sugar Factory and deal with its issues, a former Deputy Trade Minister, Murtala Mohammed has stated.

Concerns about the viability of the factory have come up again after it was revealed that factory still lack raw materials to commence work, but Mr. Mohammed believes the issues being raised are insincere.

When the current New Patriotic Party government was in opposition at the time of the factory commissioning, the viability of the $35 million-factory was called into question, with claims it was simply a vote buying ploy.

The concerns have continued , with a Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Robert Ahomka Lindsay saying the variety of sugarcane planted on lands secured for sugar production at Komenda did not contain the appropriate levels of sugar content for production.

About 25 acres of this variety is ready to be transplanted but because of the sugar levels, following through would not make economic sense, according to the government.

But responding to this on Eyewitness News, Mr. Mohammed noted that a technical team did a lot of research and testing and recommended that this particular variety had a lot of juice in it and therefore it was the most appropriate.

The technical team recommended that variety because the locally produced sugar cane didn't have the quantity of juice that is needed to have the factory running effectively.

Mr. Mohammed further questioned why the government hasnt proposed an alternative to the variety in use, hence his claims it is being insincere.

If you have a problem with the factory, with regards to the variety of sugar cane used and you think it is not the most appropriate, tell us which is the most appropriate My simple advice to this government is that perhaps our good friends in the government should stop whining and fix it.

If they were being candid with us, they would have told us that we should have used this variety instead and then maybe, we begin to ask questions why.

Question of $24 million loan

Mr. Mohammed intimated that some of these challenges would not be surfacing if the $24 million loan sourced by the Government of Ghana from the Exim Bank of India was being utilized.

The factory is there and they should tell us why they haven't gone for the $24 million loan If they didn't go in for the loan which was approved by Parliament, why haven't gone in for the money? If they went in for the money, why are they not using it for the purpose that was approved by Parliament, he questioned as he called for some clarity on the status of the loan

The loan facility was to finance the development of an irrigation system and to facilitate the cultivation of sugarcane to feed the Komenda Sugar Factory.

Part of the money was also to develop a sugarcane plantation and also extend support to the farmers to help produce sufficient sugarcane as raw material to feed the factory.

The Irrigation schemes are also expected to be developed under the project to serve the core farms of the Komenda Sugar Factory and adjoining communities.



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
A leader must listenA good leader must be a good follower---Busumuru Kofi Annan

Stop, Look and Listen used to be railroad warning sign for motorists and pedestrians until flashing lights and gates were installed. The message was single and simple: Beware of approaching trains. There comes a time that we need to do self-inventory. To see how far weve come and strike a balance so that we dont get caught up in the drudgeries of life. As humans we need advice, we need to be talked to and we need to change our ways of doing things.

Apostle Paul had such engagement with the Church of Corinth (1 Corinthians 3:2). It was a speech meant for the people hed once mentored. The Corinthians had metaphorically become accustomed to feeding on milk and there was the need for them to gravitate from milk to bonessignifying maturity but it seemed they werent ready hence Pauls speech.

On Thursday, August 10 at Mfanstipim College a former old student, an illustrious Ghanaian, a diplomat extraordinaire was welcomed by his college and class mates. There were also other special dignitaries at the event. The second President of the Fourth Republic John Kufuor--- a Prempeh old student was present. The former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan was once here at this prestigious Methodist school and he completed his education here in 1957 the same year Ghana then Gold Coast had independence.

Like Apostle Paul hed been invited by the Old Students Association to come and share his invaluable experience with them and the world. Though a mate hes seen as a mentor, though once a student hes seen as a trail blazer, a teacher and a prime mover.

His speech was pregnant with hopes, advices and encouragements. Not only that it was so uplifting so assuring and so inspiring. But it wasnt also devoid of admonishment. Mr. Annan called on African leaders to listen to their people and invest in the youth of their countries. The renowned diplomat who was speaking in a lecture dubbed An afternoon with Kofi Annan, in the Central regional capital Cape Coast said: The only path towards growth and development on the African continent is to invest in the youth.

The lecture themed leadership and public service was organised by the old students of Mfanstipim College to fashion out a new path to leadership and public service. Indeed most African leaders have lost touch with the people, a problem hes very familiar with. The former UN Boss said: A leader must listenA good leader must be a good follower. When leaders fail to lead, the people lead the leader follows, he emphasised.

Mr. Annan believes leaders of Africa must do and can do more to help their teeming youth, noting that for a continent whose youth are challenged with poverty, lack of education and jobs, it was time for the leaders to invest in the m.

Still on the youth Mr. Annan made reference to former Afriican leaders who were themselves youth when they assumed the reins of power. We must remember the youth of our past leader Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Abdul Nasser both were presidents of Ghana and Egypt at ages 48 and 38 respectively.

According to him African leaders must be preoccupied with enhancing the welfare of their people and invest in a democratic Africa. We must offer growing population the opportunity for employment, he said.

Indeed this is what Apostle Paul did when he realised that the Church he helped to nurture and mentor was backsliding and everything seemed to be going wayward.

Certainly, the Corinthians faced several challenges. They were dealing with lawsuits among believers, case of incest, sexual immorality, idolatry etc. This happened in the Apostolic Agepeople didnt have much, the brethren broke bread together, lived together and shared together.

Today, we are in an advanced world. We live in an age dubbed Technological Agethe age of science and technology. Weve been able to put man on the Moon, built I-phones, I-pads and robots. Weve been able to reduce the size of the globe through internet connectivity. The age has come up with drones and other stunning devices. And it seems everything is now on a fast-lane and at high-speed.

Yet, like the people of Corinth we in Africa dealing with several I if not many problems---poverty, hunger, diseases, wars, droughts, unemployment and many more. Africa is facing huge problems which require not just solutions but immediate solutions that would transform the lives of the youth.

And once again Mr. Annan couldnt state it better. He hit the nail right on the head:

Africa is at a crossroads, counting on its leaders to make good decisions that will change the destinies of the countries on the continent. The decisions we take today can determine whether we can ride the waves ahead, more than ever our future is in our hands. We must ride the wave that begun long ago at independence, he said.

Who is Mr. Kofi Annan?

Hes a career diplomat born to Ghanaian parents in Kumasi on the April 8, 1938. Mr. Annan became the 7th UN Secretary General from January 1997 to December 2006, and has since presided over a number of challenging global issues including the threat of terrorism. The former UN Boss and the UN were the co-recipients of the 2001 Nobel-Peace Prize. And hes also the chairman and founder of the Kofi Annan Foundation in Accra Ghana.

Currently resident in his native home Ghana, Annan said leaders "cannot pretend to have all the answers." Therefore there was the need for them to demand better engagement with civil society groups on the continent.

"We must look beyond the state and build a strong civil society which is just as important. The continent's development cannot come from a single leader. We each have a role to play," he concluded.
11.08.2017 LISTEN

Geopolitics is the field of study that analysis how a region's importance (geography) combines with international politics to raise the profile of that region. There are currently three important geopolitical regions in the world: Northeast Asia (populated by China, Japan, North Korea and South Korea); West Asia (also called the Middle East) and the South China Sea (contested by China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Philippines and other surrounding countries). The most important of all is the Northeast Asia.

Northeast Asia possesses some important characteristics that make it unique and strategically and geopolitically important to the world. The region is made up of three of the world's most important economies. China, Japan and South Korea are respectively the world's second, third and eleventh economies with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of more than $17 trillion or 23 percent of the global total of $75 trillion. To put things in perspective, Europes five leading economies (Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Spain) have a combined GDP of $11.63 trillion. Indeed, the region can best be described as the workshop of the world because it is a key manufacturing region with some of the world's known products from automobile, shipbuilding, aircraft, telecommunications, construction, home appliances, energy to capital goods produced in Japan, South Korea and China. According to data from the Fortune company which monitors the biggest global companies in the world, four of the top five biggest corporations by revenue are in the Northeast Asia region. They include State Grid of China, Sinopec Group of China, China National Petroleum Corporation and Toyota of Japan. The only company in the top five which is not in the region is Walmart of America. The region is also a hub of innovation, scientific research and technological breakthrough.

The region has more than 1.7 billion people (or about 25 percent of the world's total). That is more than the population of Africa and Europe put together. The region's huge population and fast rising income is a key source of market for all kinds of goods and services produced around the world. Indeed, some of the economies in Africa, Europe South America are growing fast because of huge demand for primary resources by the countries in the region particularly China, while in Europe countries like Germany have escaped recession because of increased export to China. Indeed, the rising income and associated economic power of the people in the region contributed immensely in ending the 2007-2009 global financial and economic crises that emanated from the United States and soon engulfed the world. In short, Northeast Asia is one of the key economic regions if not the most important economic region in the world.

Some countries like the United States are worried about the extent of their national debts. The US total debt is now $20 trillion with much of the debt being held by Northeast Asia countries. The US owes Japan and China $1.13 trillion and $1.12 trillion respectively. The situation is totally different for the Northeast Asia major economies. China and Japan respectively occupy the enviable position as the largest and second biggest holder of foreign currency reserves in the world. China has $3.01 trillion in foreign reserves while Japan holds about $1.2 trillion. These reserves are an important source of investment and explains why China for instance has become a key investor in Europe, Africa and Latin America. China for example is spending nearly $1 trillion to build power plants, airports, roads, railways, ports and telecommunications connecting 60 countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Dubbed the 'One Belt One Road' initiative, the investment proposal if it is carried through will not only generate huge economic growth, but will also increase trade, and accelerate the movement of goods and services around the world.

Northeast Asia is also important for one critical reason: it is strategically located near other important economic and military hubs. The regions proximity to the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific countries makes it a powerful economic player. The United States with its $18 trillion economy, conducts massive trade activities with China, Japan, and South Korea every year. China is Australia's number one trading partner buying several energy and mineral resources from Canberra every year and is one of the main reasons why Australia's economy continues to grow. In other words the region is very important to other major economic regions.

The region is critically important for the security and stability of the world which suggests that whatever happens in the region could have serious repercussions in the world. To throw a little light on it, the Northeast Asian region is home to two of the world's nine nuclear armed countries (China and North Korea). The other seven nuclear powers are the United States, Russia, Britain, France, India, Pakistan, and Israel. The region is one of the world's most militarised regions on the planet. Particularly, the armies in the region are some of the world's most powerful with advanced weapons and defence systems and capabilities (including aircraft carriers, combat aircrafts, frigates, destroyers, submarines, corvettes, tanks, rockets, and artillery pieces). The combined active personnel of the four countries in the region is in excess of four million soldiers. China for instance has 2.26 million active personnel under arms, North Korea has about one million active soldiers, South Korea also boasts of 627,000 uniform mem and women while Japan has 248,575.

Rivalries among the nations in the region are rampant. Japan and China for instance are locked in a territorial dispute over sovereignty of a group of uninhabited islands located in East China Sea called Diaoyu islands in China and Senkaku islands in Japan. Japan controls the islands which are important to both countries because they are close to important shipping lanes, have potential oil and gas reserves and rich source of fishing. South Korea and North Korea are still technically at war. The 1950-1953 Korea War did not end with victory or defeat for each other and tension between the two neighbours flare up occasionally. China and Japan see one another not only as a economic competitor but also as a geopolitical rival with each of them trying hard to become the regional hegemon. While Japan used to be the main economic and military player in the region, the rise of China as economic and military superpower in the last 25 years has changed the balance of power in the region. South Korea and Japan still have not fully resolved their Second World War differences especially the use of South Korean women as prostitutes by Japanese forces during WWII. Japan's refusal to apologise to South Korea for its war activities is also a source of tension between the two Asia powers. Additionally, frequent visit of hardline Japanese politicians to the Yasukuni Shrine (containing the remains of Japan's World War dead including some of the country's war criminals) is a source of tension between the two Asia economic and military giants.

After the end of WWII and the Korea War, the United States formed military alliances with Japan and South Korea to protect them from any attack by any adversary. This explains why the United States has been very vocal and continues to spearhead verbal attacks and condemnation against North Korea. By the terms of the alliance, any war between North Korea and South Korea or North Korea and Japan will automatically bring in the United States. The United States has about 80,000 soldiers stationed in Japan and South Korea. These soldiers are in the direct crosshairs of North Korea's artillery, missiles and nuclear bombs. For example North Korea's recently successfully tested ballistic missiles especially the KN-17 (also called Hwasong-12) can reach the strategically located US military outpost of Guam. The island of Guam located in the Pacific Ocean is home to several US military assets including the Andersen Airforce base, the strategic B-1B bombers, nuclear-powered attack submarines, and defence systems and will definitely be a potential target by North Korea missiles. However, because the United States is a key member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), any attack on US soldiers by North Korea (either in Guam, Hawaii, Alaska, Japan, South Korea or the US mainland) could be treated by other NATO members as attack on all its members. In other words, NATO will potentially get involve to defend their key member.

But that is not all. China also has agreement with North Korea to come to her aid should it be attacked. That means per the agreement, any war between South Korea and North Korea or Japan and North Korea or US and North Korea may draw in China. Per their agreement, China could use a war between North Korea and Japan as a pretext to take revenge on Japan for Tokyo's WWII atrocities in China. Russia (which shares 17 kilometres border with North Korea and has a long running dispute with Japan over some islands which the Japanese call the Northern Territories and the Russians call Southern Kurils) also sees North Korea as an ally and buffer for its own security. In fact, dispute over the islands off the Japanese island of Hokkaido is the reason why Russia and Japan have still not signed a formal treaty to end WWII. Russia and North Korea are economically and ideologically connected and both see the United States as an enemy. In fact, Russia may make any war between US and North Korea difficult for Washington to win by covertly and overtly supporting North Korea as a way of punishing Washington for trying to undermine Moscow's position and influence in Eastern and Central Europe.

It is this geostrategic importance of Northeast Asia which explains why it has become the number one issue in the global media, and why diplomats are trying hard to get Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un to tow down their rhetoric because not only is the region's $17 trillion economy in danger of annihilation, but also a conflict in the region is likely to lead to Third World War by drawing in the world's military and economic superpowers. If that happens it will bring down the entire global economy.

By Lord A. Adusei

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/lord.adusei

Trump And Kim
11.08.2017 LISTEN

Dr. Valerie Sawyerr, reaping the fruits she never sowed in her life; she'll of course throw tantrums at H.E Former President Jerry John Rawlings.

This woman never struggled and hustled for the sudden elevation she got during the reign of former president John Atta Mills. She was put there as a deputy Chief of Staff unmeritoriously and undeservingly.

She should first tell the whole world how she became the deputy Chief of Staff. What has been her contribution to the party aside helping President Mahama to lose one of the vital constituencies in Greater Accra in 2016, because of her avowed hatred for President Rawlings?

Was it not Valerie who has now arrogated to herself the high moral ground, who sacked party people from her fathers house?

There's more to her vulgarity than meet the eyes. If this woman was doing all these things based on good cause, who would have had any axe to grind with her? All her immature actions are borne out of "jealousy".

Readers would recall that it was Valerie Sawyer and her cohorts who running day and night in the Korle Klottey constituency tried everything possible to sabotage the President Rawlings daughters Parliamentary campaign. But all these wicked and devilish agendas were defeated. Sadly the divisions she created in the party led to the supporters to vote skirt and blouse in that constituency costing President Mahama vital votes.

Her callous agenda also involved sponsoring Henry Lartey to spew vile propaganda against President Rawlings during the last election. Really who cost NDC the last election? The one who sowed seeds of disunity or the one who spoke the truth about what was required by the party to defeat the NPP?

Placing square pegs like Valerie Sawyer in round holes during the past two presidential tenures led to the subsequent sweeping defeat the party suffered in the 2016 election. No wonder! Valerie Sawyer, sheepishly *gerding* her loins, prefers that President Rawlings will boom against the current President to enable her gain another opportunity to be in power to feed fat in government.

She ignorantly tags President Rawlings as corrupt and refers to a vehicle that was refurbished and returned to the former President as a surprise on his birthday, as birthday gift just shows how detached she is from reality and how blinded she is by bitter enmity.

Does this so-called Doctor understand the legal meaning of corruption at all? If she does, she's a complete disgrace to academia by alluding to the vehicle matter as bribe. The vehicle was not a gift in the first place.

Former President Rawlings' cry about corruption in this country has never ceased and will not stop. He's the number one crusader against corruption in the country. Dr. Valerie Sawyer and all those who are hell bent on killing the only voice against corruption in the Ghana wont fly. They're trying hard to silence all anti-corruption crusaders, so that they'll have the field day to loot the country drier and drier.

She wants us to rewind the tapes of rampant corrupt acts perpetuated by our own heartless people in government, during the free for all tenure of the past administration. Corruption was such a household name which the NPP capitalised on to win the election. It wasn't H.E former Jerry John Rawlings alone, who saw it, but all Ghanaians.

So, for Dr. Valerie Sawyer, to spring up and veer off the main issues discussed by the founder, to something else and her own thinking beats our imagination. And we shall deal with her appropriately if she continues.

Madam Valerie Sawyer, leave the founder alone. He'll no more be the monkey to work and the baboons of your type to come chop waa waa waa!!. The days of our founder being used is over.

We are assuring this pretender, that if she doesn't respect the late Harry Sawyerr, who gave all his heart and support to the founder, former president Jerry John Rawlings, during his working days, and allows jealousy to consume her, we will not look back again but treat her with the disdain she deserves.

Signed:

Ibrahim Hardi,convener/Spokesperson.

Contact 0208235615
Cairo (AFP) - Egypt's interior ministry said on Thursday a policeman and three jihadists suspected of involvement in deadly attacks against the country's Coptic Christian minority were killed in a shootout.

Police had arrested one member of the cell who led them to their mountain hideout in the southern province of Qena where the two other jihadists opened fire on Tuesday, the ministry said.

The two suspects, who have not been identified, were killed in the ensuing firefight, along with the informer and a police officer guarding him.

Egypt is battling a local affiliate of the Islamic State jihadist group, which has claimed attacks that have killed more than 100 Copts since December.

At the hideout, police found weapons and "gold jewellery which was probably stolen from some of the Christian victims" of a massacre earlier this year.

On May 26, IS gunmen killed 29 Copts as they travelled in a bus to Saint Samuel monastery in Minya province south of the Egyptian capital.

The bus attack followed two suicide bombings of churches in April that killed 45 Copts. In December, a suicide bomber struck a church in Cairo, killing 29 Copts.

Relatives grieve after masked gunmen killed 29 Copts as they travelled in a bus to Saint Samuel monastery in Minya province south of the Egyptian capital, on May 26, 2017

Copts make up about 10 percent of Egypt's 90-million population.

Egypt's IS affiliate is based in North Sinai province, where hundreds of soldiers and policemen have been killed in attacks since the military's ouster in 2013 of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.
Accra, Aug. 10, GNA - Mr Osei Asafo-Adjei, the Managing Director(MD) of the Royal Bank, has suggested to the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to allow banks to recapitalise based on the nature of their business interest.

He said, this would imply that banks that would like to do big ticket transactions should recapitalise to accommodate such businesses.

Mr Asafo-Adjei made the suggestions, when the management team of the Bank met journalists on the half year performance of the business entity and to discuss the way forward.

'At the end of the day, the business focus of that particular bank determines how much capital it should require,' he added.

The MD, therefore, assured its customers that the Bank would be in a position to recapitalise, when the BoG sets new limits for recapitalisation.

In May, the BoG, gave a directive to banks with minimum capital below industry levels to as a matter of urgency submit to the Central Bank a comprehensive recapitalisation plan.

It was also to strengthen the financial sector, enhance the bank's supervisory role and put the real economy on a sound footing.

He said the Bank was not in any financial distress currently.

'The bank is not bankrupt,' he said.

He said recapitalisation was a good idea and he believed that a well-capitalised banking sector provided a strong backbone to the economy.

Commenting on the treasury single account implemented by government, Mr Asafo-Adjei said it was a good initiative but cautioned government to consider a phased transaction in order not to cause any systematic failure of banks that had huge government deposit.

He said some State Owned Enterprises operate a commercial entities, so government should allow them to have deposits with commercial banks.

He said management has adopted a three-pronged approaches to turnaround the fortunes of the bank; focusing on recoveries, improving on asset quality and increasing operational efficiency and human capital.

'We have set up a recovery department with the mandate to recover our non-performing loan portfolio, while we review and improve our credit policies to ensure that loan assets that we create are the best quality,' he added.

He said the Bank's strategy to improve efficiency was built on improving revenue through income diversification and reducing the cost of funds.

He said the Bank released its half year 2017 financial statements showing a profit of GH2.6 million after tax, indicating that it was very encouraging compared to a loss of GH38 million at the end of the year.

He said the Bank demonstrated resilience in the face of a challenging macro-economic environment, which had a particular impact on the SME sector, the bank's core client base.

He said the Bank had budgeted to make a loss of GH8 million by half year but rather made a profit of GH2.6 million, attributing the positive turn of events to the increase in demand deposits and recoveries of some of the bad loans that the bank had provisioned at the end of 2016.

He said the Bank would be in a much better position if some contractors, who had performed under government related contracts were paid.

GNA

By Morkporkpor Anku, GNA
11.08.2017 LISTEN

Agona Swedru, (C\R), Aug. 10, GNA - The University of Leicester in the United Kingdom (UK) has conferred a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Economics on Mr Eric Akobeng, Head of the Agona West Municipal Assembly Budget Department.

The degree was conferred on him at a congregation in London.

Mr Akobeng's PhD thesis focused on macro and micro-economic analysis on poverty, institutions, remittances and households consumption.

The thesis was entitled:'Four empirical essays in development Economics,' and three out of four chapters were published in three internationally reputed peer-reviewed Journals before the end of the PhD programme.

A statement signed by Professor Paul Bolye, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Leicester in London and copy to the Ghana News Agency at Agona Swedru in the Central Region, said.

It said Mr Akobeng published two other articles in the International Journal of Social Economics and the African Development Review.

The statement said it was no mean achievement for doctorate degree candidate to finish PhD with five publications in five high-ranking peer-reviewed journals.

Mr Akobeng's was funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund to pursue the course.

GNA
Cape Coast, Aug. 10, GNA - President Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo- Addo has called on chiefs involved in illegal mining to halt such acts.

He said such activities could thwart the development efforts of the Government and appealed to them to help secure the water bodies and lands for posterity.

'I know and I can say without reservation that some of you chiefs are behind galamsey so I will plead with you to think about the future and desist from it. Galamsey is destroying our water bodies and natural resource, we need to protect our future', the President said

The President said this when he addressed members of the Central Regional House of Chiefs in Cape Coast as part of his two day visit to the region.

He said mining has greatly contributed to the development of the country and it was not his intension to ban mining in the country.

He expressed the hope that with the support of every Ghanaian, the Government would overcome the fight against illegal mining.

President Akuffo Addo said it is his determination to honor all his promises adding that 'my promises were not to win votes but they are initiatives that would help the development of the nation'.

He expressed the hope that Ghanaians would remember him as a man of his word and as someone who delivered on his promises.

President Akufo Addo said his administration was committed to restoring the nurses and teacher training allowances and has put in place other educational policies to reduce the burden on parents.

He called on the chiefs to support the free Senior High School (SHS) and other Government initiatives such as the 'Planting for food and jobs' and the 'One district, one factory' project among others to ensure their smooth implementation.

The President said all is set for the implementation of the 'one million dollars, one constituency' project and the necessary assessments on regional basis have been made and the money is ready for the one million dollars, one constituency project to begin.

The President also promised to work together with all stakeholders to re-affirm Cape Coast and the Central Region as the citadel of education in Ghana and implored on all to make it a reality.

Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI, President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, assured the President of the region's unflinching support for the implementation of the Government's initiatives.

He also pledged the support of the chiefs towards the fight against illegal mining to ensure that the concern was reduced to the barest minimum.

Obrempong Krampah appealed to the President to assist the House get a judicial council to help deal with the numerous chieftaincy disputes in the region.

GNA

By Afedzi Abdullah, GNA
Accra, Aug. 10, GNA - Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on Thursday reiterated government's commitment to fully implement the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

He said there would be no turning back on its execution.

In a speech read on his behalf Dr Bawumia said after a number of attempts by successive governments over the years to implement the TSA, the government was determined to do it.

However, he said government alone could not do it and called for support from stakeholders, including the commercial banks to ensure the success of the policy.

'I wish to appeal to all the commercial banks to lend their support as they always do to help Government implement this policy successfully for the long term benefit of the nation,' Dr Bawumia said.

The TSA, which is a unified structure of government bank accounts, enables consolidation and optimum utilisation of government cash resources.

It is a set of linked bank accounts through which the government recognises all its receipts and payments and obtains a consolidated view of its cash resources at the end of each day.

Dr Bawumia said the goal of the TSA was not only meant to give government a consolidated view of its cash resources but to ensure efficient treasury management as required under the cash management reform initiatives.

Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister of Finance, said the launch of the TSA followed the commitment of government to enforce the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, which established the TSA.

He said the transfer of the bank accounts of all government institutions to the Central Bank was to ensure the ease of management and monitoring.

An estimated GH5 billion were with the commercial banks as government deposit.

Mr Ofori-Atta said pulling these resources into the central bank would reduce the risk of resorting to central bank overdraft for government expenditure and would reduce the cost of building buffers for cash management purposes.

Mr Ofori-Atta said the implementation of the TSA in the first phase would not cover State-Owned Enterprises that borrow on their own balance sheet. He said those institutions would continue to do business with the commercial banks.

The Minister said so far instructions had been issued for the transfer of bank account balances belonging to nine out of 24 Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

'Out of 190 accounts of the nine MDAs (Ministries, Departments and Agencies), bank balances standing in 36 of these accounts have been transferred to bank of Ghana,' he said.

He said as at August 7 GH89.668 million has been transferred from the commercial banks to Bank of Ghana.

Mr Ofori-Atta said the TSA would eventually lower actual borrowing and reduced pressure on short-term yields and ensured that MDAs funding needs were met in a timely manner for efficiency and effectiveness.

There are fears that the implementation of the TSA might cripple the operations of the commercial banks, which have called for a phased implementation of the policy.

However, Mr Eugene Ofosuhene, the Controller and Accountant General, said the adoption of the TSA would not have any adverse effect on commercial banks.

'I can confidently say that pre-feasibility studies and impact assessment that have been conducted prove that the Commercial banks will not be significantly impacted both on the aggregate level and on individual basis,' he said.

Mr Alhassan Andani, the President of the Association of Bankers, said they were in full support of the TSA implementation.

GNA
Accra Aug. 10, GNA - A 13-member Ministerial Advisory Board for the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) was inaugurated in Accra on Thursday.

The Board, chaired by Hajia Alima Mahama, the Sector Minister, is mandated, under the Civil Service Law 1993 (PNDCL 327), to advice the Minister on the effective formulation of policies for the efficient administration of the Ministry.

Members of the Board include Mr Osei Bonsu Amoah, Mr Kwesi Boateng Adjei, and Mr Collins Ntim, all Deputy Ministers of MLGRD, Mr Charles K. Dondieu, Chief Director of MLGRD, Dr Nana Ato Arthur, Head of Service, Local Government Service, and Mr Ameyaw Cheremeh, Member of Parliament for Sunyani East.

The others are Mr Felix Mensah-La, President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana, Mr Joseph Antwi, Head of Fiscal Decentralisation at the Ministry of Finance, Mr Benjamin K Gyasi, Acting Chief Director, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Esther Ofei-Aboagye, and Mr George Kyei Baffour, both Local Government Experts, and Dr Vladimir Antwi Danso, Executive Director, Centre For Local Governance Advocacy.

Mr Yaw Osafo Marfo, the Senior Minister, urged the members to help bring the uniform development to all sectors of the economy.

He tasked them to help deepen decentralisation and improve its effectiveness and efficiency to ensure growth.

The Senior Minister admonished the Board to show interest in the improvement of property tax, which is regarded as the poorest administered tax collected, adding; 'We can improve property tax collection in the country through the expertise of this Board.'

Hajia Mahama urged the members to help the Ministry develop a better and effective multi-sectoral cooperation with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies for the smooth implementation of Government priority programmes.

She said the vision of the Ministry was to achieve a sustainable and equitable economic growth through citizens' participation and accelerated service delivery at the local level within a decentralised environment.

Hajia Mahama said the Ministry had realigned target areas in line with key deliverables of the Government, which includes increased participation of the citizenry in democratic governance at the local level, increased funding and financial management of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to improve their administrative and human resource capacity.

Others, she said, were improved service delivery and increased economic growth at the local government level.

She said some modest gains during the last seven months were that 210 MMDCEs were in office, new fee-fixing guidelines for MMDAs have been validated to enhance revenue mobilisation and work on the Ghana Urban Management Pilot projects in Ho, Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi and Tamale were almost complete.

Dr Offei-Aboagye, on behalf of the members, pledged the Board's support and commitment to the Ministry in the performance of its duties.

GNA

By Amadu Kamil Sanah/Kwamina Tandoh, GNA
11.08.2017 LISTEN

Accra, Aug.10, GNA - Dr Kofi Atta Annan, the Former United Nations Secretary-General, has said Africa needs courageous, persistent and compassionate leaders who would tap into the continent's vitality to create a better future.

He said Africa needed true democratic leaders who understood that they were at the service of their citizens and not the other way round.

He explained: 'Leadership is service, leaders must understand that they hold power in trust of the people and can also be taken away.'

'Part of the problem is that many countries have for too long invested too much power and hope in strong presidents, others have been misled by leaders who use this augment to prolong their stay in office indefinitely.'

Dr Annan said this when delivering an address on the topic: 'Leadership and Public Service,' at the Mfantsipim Old Boys Association's (MOBA) Fundraising Ceremony, in Accra, on Thursday.

The MOBA annual event known as the 'MOBA Ebusuapanyin's Lunch' is aimed at creating a platform for discourse on issues of national interest.

The former UN Secretary-General noted that the key to the African continent's ability to chart the turbulent waters ahead would be the quality of leadership.

He said: 'Every year it hurts me to see thousands of people drowned in the Mediterranean in search of a better life because they do not think it is possible to have them at home.

'It is profoundly disturbing to see so many Ghanaians included in the 2017 migrants who attempted to make the dangerous crossing through sand and sea for a new life in Europe,' he noted.

He, therefore, urged African leaders to harness the potentials of the youth by strengthening the three pillars of healthy democratic societies thus, ensuring peace and security, inclusive development and rule of law as well as respect for human right.

He said these three pillars must be taken holistically and served as the foundation for Africa's development agenda.

'A leader must listena leader must listen to what is said and above all, to what is not said. A good leader must also be a good follower and when leaders failed to lead, the people will lead and make them follow, 'stated

He said: 'We need strong institutions to buttress our system, we also need to think beyond the State, strong businesses, strong civil societies to hold government to the promises they make to the people will just as be important'.

The international diplomat noted that although some African leaders organised elections but many of those elections lacked integrity, saying; 'elections with integrity confers legitimacy on winners and offers protection to losers'.

'Many elections have paradoxically exacerbated identity politics as unscrupulous politicians' panther to ethnic and religious grievances and prejudices to mobilise voters in their favour.'

He noted that the African population would grow to two billion in 2050 and four billion by the end of the century and added that this democratic boom could be a blessing or a curse depending on the policies we adopt.

'But the current trends are grounds for concern.'

He said the youth were getting better educated more connected and had higher expectations than any previous generationbut askedWhat are their prospects?

Dr Annan explained: 'There can be no long term peace and security without development, and there can be no long term development without peace and security and no society can prosper without respect for the rule of law and human right'.

'The African continent development cannot and will not come from a single leader but from the collective transformation and change from all the citizenry, each have a role to play as individuals whether in our family, communities or countries,' he said.

He said we must offer the growing young population the opportunity for employment and prosperous future rooted in African values.

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor graced the occasion as well as some former ministers of state.

The ceremony brought together old mates of the School who reminisced the good old days.

They shared fond memories of the past, especially events and activities at school.

One recounted an incident where Dr Annan led students to stage a strike against the school authorities in protest over poor meals.

As part of the programme there was an exhibition and auction of art pieces from Dr Annan's personal collection, which captured his work with the UN and activities in countries struck by conflicts and natural disasters.

GNA

By Godwill Arthur-Mensah, GNA
As part of efforts aimed at growing the private sector, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) has begun an annual forum dubbed, 'The Young Entrepreneurs Forum'.

The program will give young entrepreneurs the needed guidelines to improve upon and expand their businesses.

In addition, the forum will address the challenges young businesses face as well as afford them best practices businesses to be undertaken to maximize profits and remain competitive.

Speaking at this year's forum, CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Yoofi Grant said young entrepreneurs should not depend on aid from government to grow their businesses.

Stop waiting for somebody to help you, there are young people out there who have made it and never asked for anyone to help them but their shear tenacity and their shear grit has taken them places.

He also adviced them to make use of what they have to grow their businesses one step at a time.

I have noticed one thing from the success of business that you need to drive yourself, your focus and your passion are important, it's not just about what you have to start with but how much more you are willing to invest in yourself to get to where you want to be.

He added Focus on your skill and product and when you perfect these two things money will come looking for you.

Mr. Grant however assured that government will continue to put in place the right conditions businesses would need to survive and grow.

The theme for the forum was 'Connect, Accelerate and Grow.'

As part of the event, three invited speakersGeneral Manager, The Venture Capital Trust Fund;Hamdiya Ismaila,General Manager, CEO of Agro Africa Limited, Mr Kwabena Opagya Amoateng General Manager, and CEO of Hubtel, Mr Alex Bram, spoke on various aspects of partnerships, networking and how they were important intangible assets to a growing company.



By: Anita Arthur/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
A section of the Influencers listening with rapt attention to a GGBL official

Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL) has marked this year's International Beer Day with an interactive session for selected social media influencers.

These influencers, who are some of the recognized and respected voices on Ghana's social media space, were given the GGBL experience right from the security; as they were conducted through safety inductions, alcohol breathalyzer testing, among other procedures.

The interactive session sought to give them an overview of what makes GGBL a trusted and respected business, while keeping to its purpose of celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Welcoming the influencers to the Achimota site, Gabriel Opoku-Asare, Corporate Relations, said the objective of the session was to enable the organisation interact with the influencers and celebrate International Beer Day with them as stakeholders of the business.

As part of activities to mark this year's International Beer Day, we selected you for this interactive session and to engage you on what we do and why we are proud of what we do, he added.

Taking them through the company's responsibility and sustainability programmes, he underscored the company's three-pronged core areas of focus, which align with the UN-Sustainable Development Goals.

Our 2020 Sustainability and Responsibility Targets is our road map for ensuring that we contribute meaningfully to our immediate communities through the reduction of our environmental impact, building thriving communities, and promoting the responsible use of alcohol in society, he disclosed.

Rita Rockson, Communications and Employee Engagement Manager at GGBL, also took the influencers on a journey through the company's Alcohol in Society programmes, which are tailored to reduce drink driving, discourage underage drinking and provide information to consumers to make informed decisions regarding alcohol consumption.

The 13 influencers were later taken through a comprehensive tour of the brewery where they witnessed at first-hand the manufacturing and packaging process of some of GGBL's iconic brands.

A tasting and sampling session also afforded them the opportunity to understand GGBL's quality assurance processes after which they were given the opportunity to engage with employees at the company's bar.

An influencer, Caritas Aryee, thanked the company for inviting them over for the interactive session and urged other manufacturing companies to take proactive steps to engage consumers to understand the process involved in what they do.

A business desk report


President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is expected to lay the foundation stone for the construction of a technologically-advanced cement grinding factory for CBI Ghana at the Tema Free Zones Enclave on Tuesday, 15th August, 2017.

When completed, the CBI Ghana plant will produce premium cement under the brand name 'Supacem.'

Frederic Albrecht, Managing Director of CBI, commenting on the new factory, said: We intend to produce and supply high-quality Supacem cement to Ghanaian builders and stabilize cement supply for all required grades in Ghana.

The production of Supacem at the new factory will create hundreds of jobs directly and indirectly. Indeed, CBI is proud of its contribution to Ghana's job creation agenda through Ghanaian manufacturing, he added.

Our Supacem factory will be state-of-the-art, built to the highest global standards, with priority given to safety, low-emissions and environmental friendliness, said Commercial Director, Kobby Adams.

Mr. Adams said, Supacem is high-quality Ghanaian cement, supported by the highest global standards of LafargeHolcim, the leading cement manufacturer globally.

Supacem will launch with its Fast Dry 32.5R, which has chalked great success in pilot-testing with masons and block-makers in Accra and Kumasi.

It boasts the fastest one-day and two-day strengths of any 32.5R-grade cement in Ghana and meets the Ghana Standards Board GS 1118 and EN 197 quality standards.

Mr Albrecht will address the media as part of activities for the laying of foundation stone.

CBI Ghana is affiliated to LafargeHolcim, the world-leader in cement manufacturing.

LafargeHolcim operates in 90 countries with 30 in Africa alone.

It is based in Switzerland with its central functions divided between Zurich and Paris, France.

By Samuel Boadi


Joseph Boahen Aidoo

11.08.2017 LISTEN

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Joseph Boahen Aidoo has given the assurance that the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government will revive the defunct West African Mills Company (WAMCO) located in Takoradi.

The cocoa processing company was shut down after Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) allegedly stopped supplying cocoa beans to the company due to accumulated debts running into millions of cedis.

There have been series of protests by the workers but all have yielded no results.

It would be recalled that in July 2016, three workers of the distressed company died in a ghastly accident that occurred at Komenda Sefwi, near Beposo on the Cape Coast-Takoradi highway.

The deceased were among a group of 22 workers of the company who were travelling from Takoradi to Parliament House in Accra to listen to the Finance Minister Seth Terkper answer questions related to their company.

They were also to follow up on their petition to the government about their plight in the company and whether or not assets of WAMCO were being sold as speculated.

The COCOBOD CEO announced this when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo visited the Essikado Traditional Area to interact with the chiefs and people in the area.

Mr Boahen-Aidoo revealed that the defunct cocoa processing company would resume production in September, this year.

I assure you all that by September WAMCO will commence operations.

Speaking at the durbar of Chiefs and people of Essikado Mr. Boahen Aidoo maintained that WAMCO will be restored to its former glory in a month's time.

He noted that WAMCO, which was once mass employer in the Sekondi  Takoradi metropolis, was in financial distress and could not get raw beans to process for close to five years.

He pointed out that the government would establish two other processing factories at Apowa in Ahanta West and Sefwi Wiawso in the Wiawso Municipality in collaboration with some investors to process raw cocoa beans.

He called on Ghanaians to consume more cocoa for a healthier living since it had immense health benefits.

He noted that the move would also help to provide ready market for the processing factories.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Essikado-Ketan who is also the Minister Nominee for Railways Development, Joe Ghartey, emphasized government's commitment to revamping Ghana's railway sector to transform the economy.

The Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nkwtsiah V, expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for appointing some westerners in his party as ministers.

He called on him to help restore integrity in governance in order not betray the trust Ghanaians had reposed in him.

From Emmanuel Opoku, Essikado
The angry youth of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Karaga in the Northern Region are accusing the District Chief Executive (DCE) and the Constituency Organizer of dividing members of the party.

On Wednesday morning, the NPP youth at Karaga stormed the district assembly and shut down the office of the DCE to register their displeasure.

The youth are accusing the DCE, Alhassan Yabdoo and the constituency organizer of hijacking contracts and engaging in acts to divide the party.

According to the youth, the DCE is awarding contracts to the party organizer, who does not recognize the authority of the Constituency Chairman.

The Constituency Research and Elections Officer told DAILY GUIDE that the action of the youth was due to the discriminatory and unfriendly attitude of the DCE.

The youth locked up the offices of the DCE and the Constituency Organizer, because of their discriminatory and unfriendly practices and attitude.

He alleged that the DCE has awarded contracts worth millions of cedis to the constituency organizer although there were other well-to-do contractors in the constituency.

The DCE did not consult the constituency chairman of the party before awarding the contracts.

DAILY GUIDE has gathered that the NPP executives in the Karaga Constituency and leaders of the party have petitioned the Northern Regional Chairman party, as well as national executives about the attitude of the DCE.

From Eric Kombat, Karaga


Government has appealed to all the commercial banks to lend their support to help government implement the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy successfully.

I wish to appeal to all the commercial banks to lend their support as they always do to help Government implement this policy successfully for the long term benefit of the nation, Vice-President, DrMahamuduBawumia has said.

Government has indicated its commitment to fully implement the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

However, the Ghana Association of Bankers wants the government to reduce the reserving requirement from 10 to 6 percent.

The reserving requirement is the percentage banks pay on deposits collected from customers.

Although, MrAlhassanAndani, the President of the Association of Bankers, said they were in full support of the TSA implementation, but says 10 percent is on the high.

The Bank of Ghana wants us to send 10 percent of reserving requirements and that is too high. I believe it should be reduced to limit the shock of liquidity that the TSA will bring to banks.

But, government has again cautioned commercial banks, which are likely not to cooperate with the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), to come on board or risk shutting down.

According to the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), which establishes the TSA, the initiative is to serve as an account into which all government cash including monies received by covered entities shall be deposited and from which all expenditure of government and entities shall be made, among other demands.

Local banks have claimed inability to comply with governments directive to transfer monies held by government entities with local banks to the Central Bank under the TSA.

The TSA, according to Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta, will ensure a robust macro-economy and so needs a collective effort at implementing it.

He noted, it is essential to have all banks on board given cost of interest on domestic debts.

MrOfori-Atta has, meanwhile, said banks which do not comply are likely to be shut down.

There are a lot of penalties the banks can face.

But we are hoping that we will all put our shoulders to the wheels and get this running, he said, but banks who do not comply will risk having the Central Bank shut them down.

DrBawumiahas indicated that, after a number of attempts by successive governments over the years to implement the TSA, the current government was determined to do it.

However, he said government alone could not do it and called for support from stakeholders, including the commercial banks to ensure the success of the policy.

I wish to appeal to all the commercial banks to lend their support as they always do to help Government implement this policy successfully for the long term benefit of the nation, DrBawumia said.

The TSA, which is a unified structure of government bank accounts, enables consolidation and optimum utilisation of government cash resources.

It is a set of linked bank accounts through which the government recognises all its receipts and payments and obtains a consolidated view of its cash resources at the end of each day.

DrBawumia said the goal of the TSA was not only meant to give government a consolidated view of its cash resources but to ensure efficient treasury management as required under the cash management reform initiatives.

Mr Ken Ofori-Atta has said the launch of the TSA followed the commitment of government to enforce the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, which established the TSA.

He said the transfer of the bank accounts of all government institutions to the Central Bank was to ensure the ease of management and monitoring.

An estimated GH5 billion were with the commercial banks as government deposit.

He believes pulling these resources into the central bank would reduce the risk of resorting to central bank overdraft for government expenditure and would reduce the cost of building buffers for cash management purposes.

MrOfori-Atta said the implementation of the TSA in the first phase would not cover State-Owned Enterprises that borrow on their own balance sheet. He said those institutions would continue to do business with the commercial banks.

The Minister said so far instructions had been issued for the transfer of bank account balances belonging to nine out of 24 Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Out of 190 accounts of the nine MDAs (Ministries, Departments and Agencies), bank balances standing in 36 of these accounts have been transferred to bank of Ghana, he said.

He said, as at August 7 GH89.668 million has been transferred from the commercial banks to Bank of Ghana.

MrOfori-Atta said the TSA would eventually lower actual borrowing and reduced pressure on short-term yields and ensured that MDAs funding needs were met in a timely manner for efficiency and effectiveness.

There are fears that the implementation of the TSA might cripple the operations of the commercial banks, which have called for a phased implementation of the policy.

However, Mr Eugene Ofosuhene, the Controller and Accountant General, said the adoption of the TSA would not have any adverse effect on commercial banks.

I can confidently say that pre-feasibility studies and impact assessment that have been conducted prove that the Commercial banks will not be significantly impacted both on the aggregate level and on individual basis, he said.
11.08.2017 LISTEN

From all indications and inside information from the Bank of Ghana (BoG), it is likely the Central bank will announce a new minimum capital requirement for banks by September this year.

The central bank have said, it is almost through with the required engagement with all the players in the industry to possibly aid the announcement.

It indicated earlier that, it would announce the new capital levels as soon as it completes work on some nine banks said to be in financial distress.

Director of Banking Supervision, Raymond Amanfo, at the launch of the 2017 Ghana Banking Survey Report, PriceWaterhouseCooperssaid the capital review would be done in a way that would ensure that it is relevant for all the commercial banks.

We are looking at a capital level that would not result in an overcapitalization or something that would be injurious or irrelevant for any bank, he added.

Although, it is unclear for now how much the minimum capaital would be, some industry players have predicted it could be increased to 250 million, 300 million or even 500 million.

BoG had in the past struggled to enforce the capital requirement. It is clear that not all the over 30 banks would be able to meet the new capital levels.

But the regulator is insisting that it would ensure that every bank shows a plan to meet the new levels when the announcement is made.

In 2003, the regulator issued a directive to commercial banks to increase their capital to a minimum of 7 million as part of measures to strengthen their capital base.

In 2008, it increased the capital to 60 million in a bid to make the banks more resilient against unforeseen or expected losses.

The BoG later proposed 120 million for new entrants and later asked the existing banks to increase their capital to that level.

In February 2017, the Bank of Ghana gave some indications that it wants to raise the levels again.

According to the accounting firm, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, in real terms, the minimum capital of 60 million has significantly eroded as the cedi to dollar parity has declined from less than 1 to almost 4.5 times, hence the need for this review.

The Central Bank would also start with the implementation of Basel II for commercial banks in the country from next year.

This has been described as a new regulatory requirement for banks based on their risk.

The Basel II is an international business standard that requires financial institutions to maintain enough cash reserves to cover risks incurred by operations.

The Basel accords are a series of recommendations on banking laws and regulations issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision.

According to MrAmanfo it is from next month that it would start sharing with the banks the various standards for measuring risk in the banking sector ahead of the implementation of Basel II.
11.08.2017 LISTEN

The Minister of Energy, Boakye Agyarko, has charged the new board of directors of the electricity company of Ghana (ECG) to embark on a pragmatic process to safeguard jobs ahead of the Private sector participation in the company.

According to him, the power distributing company risks a worsening performance if staff issues are not duly addressed.

President Nana AkufoAddo has emphasized that the coming on board of a private management will least affect job layoffs at the ECG.

The staff of the company is however demanding firmer assurances due to fears of uncertainty.

But Mr. Agyarko is confident this will be addressed should the Board undertake the requisite leadership strategy.

The Board of directors of the ECG is chaired by Mr. Kelly Gadzekpo, CEO of Enterprise Group.

The members include; Ing. Mrs. Carlien Dorcas Bou-Chedid, Ing. Samuel Boakye Appiah, Madam MaataOpare.

Other members are AlhajiAhmaduKaleem, Hon. Matthew Nyindam, John KojoAkorful and Mr. OdenehoKwaku Appiah.

The Energy Minister reiterated that, the assets of ECG will be leased to a private investor for 20 years to manage.

He said, the power distribution company will still remain the asset of the government and the concessionaire is expected to pay for the assets of ECG.

It is therefore imperative that ECG updates and hands over a credible list of assets to the concessionaire, he said at a ceremony to swear in a new eight-member Board.

According to him, a new project is underway for a technical and conditional assessment of ECGs asset. He also brought to the fore many urgent issues that the Board must tackle immediately, singling out the concession issue.

MrAgyarko said the timely completion of the project is crucial to the success of the Private Sector Participation (PSP) transaction.

The PSP transaction envisages that the ECG will be an active asset owner and the Board must ensure that the final request for proposal and all complementary document are adequately provided for ECG to play an adequate or effective monitoring role.

He urged the Board to give the company their maximum attention and ensure that what will remain of ECG is reorganized into a viable company capable of its active oversight role for the benefit of the country.

Ghana signed the Power Compact with the United States of America acting through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in 2014.

The Power Compact which is being implemented by the government of Ghana through the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) will make available a grant sum of $498,200,000 to be injected into Ghana's power sector to improve performance in the sector.

About $350 million of the grant is being invested in ECG to make the countrys power distributor operationally and financially more efficient, while the rest of the grant would be used to unravel the countrys economic potential, create jobs, and reduce poverty.

The coalition of stakeholders on the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) concession arrangement has called on the government to review the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact II.

After a consultative meeting, the stakeholders said that there were challenges with the $498 million MCC Compact II passed by Parliament under the certificate of urgency which did not allow for further reading.

Vice President of think tank, IMANI Ghana, Kofi Bentil, presenting the report of the legal team of the coalition, said although the team supports the MCC Compact II, Article 7.1, which states that when the implementation process begins it shall not be subject to the laws of Ghana, restricts government and gives the investors - the US government, through the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) - powers to do anything.
Member of Parliament for Bodi, Hon. Sampson Ahi, has charged Ghanaians to hold President Akufo Addo Responsible for every killing of an illegal miner.

According to him, the presidents comments during his campaign tour is now biting him because he promised to let the ill manner activity continue and now he has launched a fight against the activity. The presidents comments he said resulted in many others engaging in the act.

Everyone reaps what they sow, Nana Addo said during his campaign he was not against Galamsey. He stated emphatically he was not going to fight it. Nana Addo must therefore Account for the Life of everyone dies in the hands of the task force- he said

Government earlier this month launched a taskforce made up of a combined team of the police and the military in line with its plan to end the activities of the illegal miners.

He is therefore calling on all Ghanaians to hold the president responsible for any death that results from encounter between the vanguard taskforce and the illegal miners.
Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) - Nigerian forces conducted an unauthorised dawn raid on the UN's main base in the country's conflict-torn northeast on Friday, the UN said, further inflaming tensions between the government and aid groups.

A UN source told AFP that the search of the camp in Maiduguri, known as the "Red Roof", was illegal under international law and may have been triggered by inaccurate information that a key leader of the Boko Haram jihadists was at the base.

"Information about (Boko Haram leader Abubakar) Shekau's presence in the Red Roof was already being spread yesterday on social media," said a memo issued to local staff by the UN's Department of Safety and seen by AFP.

The compound is one of the few safe havens in the region which has been rocked by violence carried out by Boko Haram since it launched an insurgency in 2009.

"At about 2 a.m. early this morning, Nigeria Army troops in trucks are conducting... (a) search on UN Red Roof Humanitarian camp and forced their way into the property," said the internal document.

A witness who declined to be named told AFP by text message that there was a tense two-hour-long standoff between guards at the compound and the Nigerian forces as they sought to enter the base.

'Terrified all of us'

"There were initial fears the armed men were Boko Haram insurgents disguised as soldiers which terrified all of us at the Red Roof," another UN staff member contacted by phone told AFP.

Workers on the base sought refuge in a secure safe room during the search, they added.

The UN team in Maiduguri was ordered to work from home by the security note which warned of possible demonstrations against the organisation and other foreign groups active in the area.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Nigeria confirmed in an email that members of the Nigerian security forces breached the base "without authorisation".

"The United Nations is extremely concerned that these actions could be detrimental to the delivery of lifesaving aid," it said.

The Nigerian army confirmed that it had conducted several "cordon and search" operations to locate Boko Haram fighters but denied that it knowingly raided a UN site.

'Real fear'

"(Searches) included a property which was said to be occupied by United Nations staff, although the property did not carry a UN designation," the army said in a statement.

The incident comes as relations between the Nigerian military and foreign organisations seeking to relieve the humanitarian disaster engulfing the country's northeast are already at an historic low.

In July the Nigerian military blamed foreign aid organisations for a botched bombing at the start of the year on Rann, a northeastern town of 40,000 people, that left at least 100 civilians dead.

Over 20,000 people are estimated to have been killed in the Boko Haram conflict that has devastated northeast Nigeria and become one of the world's largest humanitarian crises.

"There is real fear among us because this incident may turn the same people we are serving against us," said a UN source at the base.

In August 2011, an attack on a UN building in the capital Abuja claimed by Boko Haram left 24 people dead, and in July 2016 the UN temporarily suspended aid deliveries in Borno state after a convoy was attacked.
11.08.2017 LISTEN

Mr. Fred Amankwah-Sarfo, an aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has chided the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for "stealing'' his idea of a formation of an ideological Institute or party school by the NDC.

Mr Amankwah-Sarfo Katanka who was interacting with some media personalities after a Symposium at Alisa Hotel in Accra which was organised by the Danquah Institute: A Media, Research and Policy Analysis Centre of the NPP under theme, "The Advent of UGCC and the Independence of Ghana: Examining their Relevance in Our Contemporary Society'' made this observation.

He intimated that,"the NDC lacks ideas and are ready to jump to every idea conceived by the NPP''. Mr Amankwah-Sarfo noted, it has been his vision to form a party school for the NPP when elected as the National Chairman in 2018 which I have made known publicly.

"I have championed the idea of a formation of a party school, building a new ultra modern party headquarters, creating a recognition and rewards scheme for the NPP among others since I declared my intention to contest for the NPP National Chairmanship earlier this year '' he noted.

He was of the strong view that, the formation of a party school that will groom the younger generation of the party to uphold it's ideologies and political orientations is very significant for the sustainability of the party.

He cited the CPP as an example of a failed political party that could not uphold their ideological orientation but allowed the NDC to infiltrate and dilute their political orientation and identity.

The National Chairman Aspirant was pessimistic about the survival of the NDC's ideological Institute stating that, they have rushed into launching it ahead of the NPP without a well thought out plan.

Mr Fred Amankwah-Sarfo a Business Development Consultant and a Management Information Systems expert has waged a spirited campaign towards becoming the National Chairman of the ruling NPP with a running mantra of "Building A Modern NPP''.

The technologically savvy aspirant has deployed the use of social media towards advancing his cause as polls conducted ranked him high above his opponents in terms of social media visibility.
Jurgen Klopp has told Sky Germany that Liverpool are a club that does not need to sell after they rejected a second bid from Barcelona for Philippe Coutinho.

On Wednesday, sources told ESPN FC that Liverpool dismissed another approach worth 100 million from Barcelona for Coutinho and reiterated their stance that the Brazil forward is not for sale.

Although the player would be keen on a move to the Camp Nou, according to sources, Liverpool consider the matter closed, with Klopp saying there is no price for any key player that would cause the Reds to sell.

Looking at the financial aspects, there is no pain barrier so that wed give in when a certain fee has been reached, Klopp said.

Its rather about wanting to assemble the best possible team, and this first of all means keeping the lads already at the club, and to complete the squad with others.

When asked what would happen if Barcelona were to offer 150m for Coutinho, Klopp distanced himself from talking about his star player specifically, but said: Is there a player worldwide whos untouchable for other clubs? Id say no.

But like always in life its about timing, its about many things, and we are not talking about Phil now but generally speaking.

Its about whether you can react and whether you must react and if you must react, do you have enough time to react and such things. And thats it.

But just to say: Ah, another club has made an enquiry, lets think about it, we are just not in this situation and thats all you can say about it. Liverpool are a club that does not need to sell and thats like written in stone and thus it does not matter in the end [what is paid].

Last month saw Liverpool reject Barcelonas 72m bid for Coutinho and Klopp later said the La Liga side could save their energy in their pursuit of the player.

The 25-year-old signed a five-year contract at Anfield back in January, with Liverpool ensuring no release clause was inserted in the new deal.
The cool thing about unemployment is that every day is a holiday.However, a holiday is only fun and interesting when you have money to spend. How do you make money without regular income? One sure way of getting income regularly is by getting a job. In Ghana, jobs are not easy to come by with layoffs and job cuts year-on-year. According to a world bank report in 2016, 48% of Ghanaian youth are unemployed.In 2015,tourism contributed 2.6% of total employment in Ghana which means there is great opportunity and potential for the tourism and hospitality industries to absorb unemployed Ghanaians. Jumia Travel, Africas leading online travel website delves into tourism and hospitalitys contribution to employment in Ghana

Hotels - You may see them along your main roads or in deep corners around your neighbourhood. Just maybe, the word hotel may be an exaggeration. Lets refer to all of them as accommodation facilities which would then include guest houses, hostels and apartments. There are lots of opportunities for employment here both for skilled and unskilled personnel. high management roles are available in 5,4,3,2 and 1 star hotels across the country. There are other departments in a hotel or guesthouse that needs hands for effective operation.Think about the cleaners, receptionists, kitchen staff, room service, IT technicians and Marketing officers. The opportunities here are not restricted to the ones mentioned because several other sub departments exist and it is important that everyone who is unemployed considers it. This may not necessarily be your dream job but it is a great place to start and build a career or network.

Restaurants - One of the most ancient professions is catering. This is something that comes naturally to women too. Right from infancy through adolescence, girls are taught how to cook and cater for people. Many restaurants in Ghana are built not only for the local markets but also to cater for international tourists. There is great opportunity here for cooks, chefs, waiters and quality assurance managers. If you are self employed or looking for a ready market to tap into, why not look at supplying logistics and equipments to these restaurants. You may even venture into agriculture or farming with the purpose of supplying fresh produce to the restaurants.

Tour Guides - Some people who live in suburbs or smaller cities often tend to feel maligned when it comes to employment. Rather than sit down and wallow in self pity, why not take advantage of the massive opportunity that is sitting at many of our tourist sites. Fortunately, many of Ghanas tourist sites are located far away in local communities and villages. You can train to become a tour guide by learning about the history of these sites from the elderly or by enrolling to learn from a recognized institution. Selling of souvenirs is one very common practice at tourist sites and it takes a very innovative individual to venture into a different product. Being a tour guide is also a great opportunity to expand your network, meet people and establish professional relationships. Who knows, you may just move on to much bigger heights from there.

Aviation - Arguably one of the most flashy and perceived luxurious facets of the tourism and hospitality industries. Often, when one says i work at the airport is greeted with an expectation of riches and luxury. Not everyone who works in an airport is a pilot or an air hostess. There are actually very amazing jobs available such as baggage carriers, cabin crew, baggage checkers, check-in attendants and many more. Here too, you can even sell souvenirs to tourists as well as Ghanaians at both arrival and departure halls. Ever thought about how tourists move from one place to the other? Taking up a chauffeur job or assisting stranded travelers book a hotel can be an interesting venture to try out.

Trade - Buying and selling. This is basically what we see trade to be. In tourism and hospitality, there is always exchange of some goods and services. The major form of trade is that of souvenirs or Ghanaian items to foreign visitors. Ghana is rich in culture and tradition so it makes a lot of sense that many unemployed Ghanaians take up the mantle and sell Ghana to the world whiles making good income in the process. Several items that can be sold include kente, artworks, beads, branded shirts , African print clothing, ceramics, straw hats and many other Ghanaian paraphernalia. Once it is beautiful, it will sell.

Overall, we must admit that the world is moving in a certain direction. ONLINE!!! Everyone must take advantage of it with the tourism and hospitality industries playing a vital role in its development. There is a large bowl of opportunities awaiting anyone who is interested. Nearly every process in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry can be done online with several travel agencies now operating online shops. Various ventures have been opened with Jumia taking the lead as Africas leading online travel website. The booking of hotels, flights and travel packages not only makes it easier for travelers to come to Ghana at competitive rates but also opens a great opportunity for many more unemployed Ghanaians to be gainfully employed.

Credit : Bennet Otoo, Jumia Travel
Some Ninety illegal miners who have been apprehended by governments anti-illegal mining task force Operation Vanguard have been arraigned in various parts of the country.

The miners were arrested in some illegal mining areas in the Ashanti, Eastern and Western Regions within a period of two weeks. The task force has also seized some equipment from the miners.

The Commanding Officer for Operation Vanguard, Colonel William Agyapong has been speaking to Citi News.

We have arrested as many as 90 suspected illegal miners. In Eastern Region, we arrested 29, Western Region, 58 and in Ashanti Region we have arrested 3. These are suspects and as I speak they have been sent to the various courts where appropriate prosecution procedures are being followed, he said.

Colonel Agyapong also added that the taskforce has seized a number of equipment the illegal miners use and destroyed others.

Operation Vanguard , which comprised a joint military and police of about 400 personnel were about two weeks ago sent tothree regions  Ashanti, Eastern and Western, to flush illegal miners in those areas.

The operation recorded a near setback last week after the military personnel shot an illegal miner at Obuasi Anyimadukrom in the Ashanti Region.

Residents of Obuasi Anyimadukrom in the Ashanti Region have blocked roads leading to the town to express their anger after the anti-galamsey task force killed a resident there.

Residents of the area however blocked roads leading to the town to express their anger over the issue.

Aside the near hiccup, Colonel Agyapong told Citi News that the operation has so far been very fruitful.



By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @AlloteyGodwin
District Directors who have failed to the ensure the Community-Based Health Planning Services (CHPS) function effectively should be summoned and questioned, a former Director of Quality Assurance at the National Health Insurance, Anthony Gingong has suggested.

Some facilities across in Accra have been abandoned due to lack of medical equipment or other logistical challenges.

Mr. Gingong on the Citi Breakfast Show suggested that these directors who have presided over non functional CHPS should be questioned.

It has nothing to do with local management. If there is a CHPS compound in your district and it is not functioning, then your district commander should be questioned. There is nowhere you can have full equipment. It is not because the doctors are not competent. It is because some of the equipment they need are not there so it is not a challenge of government inability to supply equipment. It is local management and that is why we are managers and leaders. We should be able to look at how to improvise, he suggested.

GHc 320,000 completed CHPS abandoned in Teshie

Residents of Teshie Camp two in Accra have to battle dusty roads to access healthcare at the LEKMA hospital.

This is because a GHc320, 000 Community-Based Health Planning and Services popularly called CHPS compound inaugurated by the previous government about a year ago is not operational.

The facility has been left to rot while access to health care still remains a headache in the area.

While CHPS compounds are not functioning in some areas, other communities who lack the facility have called on government to construct one in their communities.

Residents of Awaradone in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region have turned a teachers quarters in the area into a temporary Community-Based Health Planning Services (CHPS) centre in a bid to address challenges associated with accessing health care in the area.

One out of the three rooms meant for Awaradone Primary and Junior High teachers now serves as a clinic for residents while they await a hospital from government.

CHPS is a national strategy to deliver essential community -based health services involving health planning and service delivery with the communities.

Its primary focus is communities in deprived sub-districts and bringing health services close to the communities



By: Marian Ansah/ citifmonline.com/Ghana
Two friends dared the gods to steal gold ore worth GH116, 000 from a shrine at Wiamoase in the Ashanti Region.

Nineteen-year-old Kwabena Mensah connived with his friend, Akwasi Agyei, 36, to steal the precious mineral which weighs about 1.20 kilogrammes undergoing spiritual purification at his sister's shrine.

Luck, however, eluded them when the gods staged a comeback and revealed Kwabena Mensah to the fetish priestess as the suspect, leading to his arrest by police.

He later led the police to Akwasi Agyei for being the man he gave the gold to for safe keeping.

The owner had brought it to the shrine on July 31, 2017 for purification rituals to be performed on the 22-carat gold before it is sold to a dealer in Kumasi.

According to Detective Chief Inspector Emmanuel Nyamekye, Kwabena Mensah heard discussions between the fetish priest, Lovia Cobbina, who is the complainant, and a customer who brought the gold for purification rites.

He stole it and gave it to the second accused, Akwasi Agyei, for safe keeping.

It was until August 6, 2017 that the priestess discovered the gold has been missing when the owner came to retrieve the gold.

Detective Chief Inspector Nyamekye told the Nsuta Circuit Court the gods after consultations allegedly revealed to the priestess that her brother, Mensah, stole the gold and reported the case to the Wiamoase police who arrested the first accused for interrogation.

Akwasi Agyei is said to have admitted receiving the gold from his friend, but has since failed to produce it.

Whilst the former pleaded not guilty, the latter has pleaded guilty.

Meanwhile, the court, presided by Ms Lydia Osei Marfo, on Thursday remanded the two friends in prison custody to re-appear before the court on August 31, 2017.

-Myjoyonline


11.08.2017 LISTEN

Lydia Asamoah, GNA

Accra, Aug. 10, GNA - Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, has expressed support for the need to employ more staff for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enable it to effectively perform its role .

He said the soon to be inaugurated Board of the EPA would need to work with management within the earliest possible time to employ more staff, especially for the Greater Accra East Office of the EPA in Tema that covers seven districts assemblies with the Tema Metropolis.

Earlier, Mr John Pwamang, the Acting Executive Director of EPA, in a durbar, had requested that the Agency be allowed to employ more staff to enable it to work and raise funds to meet its obligation and mandate.

He said since May, last year, that the Agency was weaned off government's subvention, it had been struggling to pay its staff and carry out other activities with the 64 per cent Internally Generated Funds (IGF) it retained.

He said other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, which paid the 34 per cent of the IGF to the Government were still being paid their salaries by the Government and so it was not fair for the EPA to pay all that percentage while it struggled to pay its staff and run other programmes.

Currently there were about five officers manning all the seven districts in the Tema Metropolis while the overall staff of the EPA is about 400 instead of the mandated 850 to help carry out its activities.

Therefore, the Minister said the New Board would have to quickly look at the needs of the Agency, especially, the staff needs.

During a tour to inspect the new four-storey building of the Greater Accra East Office of the EPA on Thursday, Prof Frimpong-Boateng, who was accompanied by his Deputy, Ms Patricia Appiagyei, commended the Agency for putting up the edifice which, though had two more floors yet to be completed, was a more suitable architecture.

He said the edifice would serve as a critical centre to monitor mercury and other unapproved pesticides that were banned in the country and a major lab centre to scan and ban unapproved pesticides, weedicides and other chemicals that are blacklisted.

Prof. Frimpong-Boateng said the EPA had a lot of collaborations to do with the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Ports and Harbours Authority with regards to Ghana's obligation towards the Minamata Convention on the ban of mercury.

The Minister gave the assurance that he was discussing with the Ministry of Finance to review the EPA's 34 per cent of the IGF paid to government, which was affecting its operations.

Ms Appiagyei described the EPA as an important Agency and the need for the staff to refocus their attention on how to fulfill their mandate and help secure a cleaner and safer environment.

GNA
Zorko-Kudorugu (UE), Aug. 11, GNA - Traditional and religious leaders at the Zorko community in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region, have pledged their commitment to help end child marriage in the area.

The bodies, which included the branch of the Presbyterian Church, the Christ Apostolic Church International, the Catholic Church, and the Moslem Community among others pledged that they would infuse the need to end child marriage in their sermons.

They made the pledge at a community durbar organised at Zorko by Action Aid Ghana to encourage the people to stop child marriage.

Ms Abena Anem-Adjei, the Project Co-ordinator of Action Aid Ghana (AAG) in charge of the End Child Marriage Project, said the organisation with funding from UNICEF was implementing the two- year campaign

project in 12 districts and 120 communities in the Greater Accra, Brong- Ahafo, Upper East and Upper West Regions.

The project is aimed at making a significant impact in the areas of reducing socio-cultural practices that promotes child marriage and help children to acquire knowledge, skills and the right attitude to resist child marriage and stay at school.

She explained that since the project begun in 2015, AAG had been engaging actively with young groups, giving them education to promote their rights and to also support them to champion issues affecting them.

'We have also been sensitising traditional, religious and opinion leaders to use their authority to abolish and modernise some of the cultural and religious practices that expose girls to early marriages and to strongly declare their stand against child marriage,' she said.

Mr John Abaa, the Senior Programme Officer of AAG, entreated parents not to hesitate to report the issues of child marriage to child protection agencies like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit and Department of Social Welfare and Community Development for redress.

'We are making progress towards ending child marriage as people are becoming aware of the negative effects of child marriage and supporting us to rescue girls from child marriage,' he said.

Mr John Atareyure, the Catchiest of the Presbyterian Church of Zorko-Kudorugu said the Bible frowned upon parents giving out small girls for marriage.

He said the Church would work hard to help end the problem.

Malam Bashiru Ayoreyesia of the Moslem community said God cherished happy families and that could be built when the partners engaged in marriage relationship were matured enough to take concrete decisions to support the family.

He said based on that, the mosque would be used as a platform to preach against child marriage and to ensure that only matured people got engaged in it.

Ms Helen Adongo, an officer of the Social Welfare and Community Development cautioned parents not to give out their daughters below 18 years for marriage as that was against the 1992 Constitution and the Children's Act.

She said many parents forced their daughters into marriage when they became pregnant and warned that such a practice must stop.

She said pregnant girls should be assisted to take good care of their babies and continue with their education.

Naba Victor Adendaa Awamyelum, the Chief of Zorko - Kodorogu and the Queen Mother for the area, Pognaba Ade-Ana Awamyelum said it paid more to cater for the education of the girl -child and impressed upon parents to give them special attention.

GNA

By Samuel Akapule, GNA
Deputy Minister of Interior, Henry Quartey has called for a revision of the laws regulating the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes.

According to him, the use of motorbikes in the country serves as a dual purpose and must be allowed to operate on commercial basis.

He said this during a Public Accounts hearing on Thursday, August 10, 2017.

The Deputy Minister also urged Ghana to learn from neighbouring African countries like Nigeria and Benin where motorcycles are most sorted for means of transportation.

In other jurisdictions, probably neighbouring countries around us, motorbikes are used all over, he continued

We would want to humbly plead with your august committee, in your report to see how best we can put some measures in place to ensure that there is a balance between the usage of motorbikes in the country. He added.

He mentioned however that it is not to suggest that the law enforcement agencies should not and cannot perform their duties.

Okada business is illegal

Per Ghana's laws, the use of motorbike for commercial purposes is an illegality.

Despite the criminality of such business in Ghana, some Ghanaians in parts of the capital city, Accra, Manya Krobo in the Eastern Region as well as Ho in the Volta Region still patronize such services.



By: Rita Mensah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Alexandria (Egypt) (AFP) - At least 37 people were killed as two trains collided Friday outside the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, in one of the deadliest in a string of such accidents in Egypt, the health ministry said.

The crash also injured 123 people, the ministry said in a statement.

Footage on the state broadcaster showed one train had partly keeled over in the crash, and medics were seen moving the dead and injured to ambulances.

Transport ministry officials, quoted on state television, said the crash was probably caused by a malfunction in one train that brought it to a halt on the rails.

The other train then crashed into it.

One train had been heading from Cairo to the northern city of Alexandria and the other from the canal city of Port Said, east of the capital, to Alexandria.

The dead and injured were initially placed on blankets in a field beside the tracks running through farmland on the outskirts of the city.

The health ministry said 75 ambulances had been dispatched to treat casualties and that all the hospitals in Alexandria had been placed on high alert.

Map of Egypt locating Friday's deadly train collision on the outskirts of Alexandria

Assistant health minister Sharif Wadi told state television that most of the injured had been transferred to hospital.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi sent his condolences to the victims' families and ordered a probe to "hold accountable" those responsible for the disaster, his office said.

It was the deadliest train accident in the North African country since a train ploughed into a bus carrying schoolchildren in November 2012, killing 47 people.

That accident had jolted the government which ordered an investigation and sacked the transport minister and the head of the railway authority.

The accident was blamed on a train signal operator who fell asleep on the job.

String of accidents

The probe, however, did not prevent further accidents. Just months later, a train carrying military conscripts derailed, killing 17 people.

Egyptian security forces stand guard at the site of a deadly train collision near Egypt's Mediterranean city of Alexandria, on August 11, 2017, the latest in a string of such accidents in Egypt

Around a year later, a collision between a train and a bus killed 27 people south of the capital.

They had been returning from a wedding when the train ploughed into their bus and a truck at a railway crossing.

Egyptians have long complained that the government has failed to deal with chronic transport problems, with roads as poorly maintained as railway lines.

There have been many other fatal crashes on the busy rail network.

In July 2008, at least 44 people died near Marsa Matruh in northwest Egypt when a runaway truck hurtled into bus, truck and several cars waiting at a level crossing, shunting the vehicles into the path of a train.

Paramedics evacuate a victim of a deadly train collision near Egypt's Mediterranean city of Alexandria, on August 11, 2017

In August 2006, at least 58 Egyptians were killed and 144 injured in a collision between two trains travelling on the same track.

In the wake of that crash, a court sentenced 14 railway employees to one year in prison for neglect.

The deadliest accident on Egypt's railways dates back to 2002 when 373 people died when a fire ripped through a crowded train south of the capital.
It is 95 days today since the president, General Muhammadu Buhari, rtd, left the shores of our country for medical vacation in the UK. Adding the about 50 days he had earlier spent on the same vacation, General Buhari has spent a cumulative of about 150 days and still counting outside the shores of the country.

Given that no man is beyond the fallibility occasioned by sickness, the handling of such matters especially as it concerns a public and the highest ranking official of a nation is key and paramount to how the citizens act or react to such situations.

The handlers of Buhari have done great disservice to him. To say publicly and at different fora that Nigerians do not deserve to know what ails their president is not only an insult but also a futile attempt at the privatization of the president and the presidency by very few individuals who erroneously think our presidency is their private estate.

To this extent, those of us involved in the #ResumeOrResign protests are not in any way against the president for taking ill but much more to drive home a lesson to todays cabal and tomorrows leaders that the presidency is a public entity and should be run not like a cult of secrecy and esoteric languages but as the peoples property. The people deserve full disclosure!

Some of the aides of the president have described the president as a private citizen and that it is disrespectful to ask the president to disclose what ails him! This is not only absurd but also goes a long way to show the mindset of those in the Villa.

Buharis medical bills are being picked by Nigerians. His welfare is our responsibility. When you are the one picking the medical bills of a patient, you deserve to know what ails the patient even doctors know this is the right thing to do.

Anyone who wants to live as a private citizen would do well to relocate from Aso Rock to their private residences and abdicate the mandate given them freely by the people. Aso Rock and their occupants are merely tenants. The Nigerian citizens are the landlords!

Apart from the above, we still wonder why the president would still be in the UK for treatment when his aides and supporters including the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, have told us severally that the president is hale and hearty.

Some of them have told us that he is in good spirits and have joked cheerfully with those who have visited him.

If the president is indeed hale and hearty, and is in good spirits, like his handlers would want us to believe, why is he still in the UK? Was he elected to be a foreign-based president?

Our demands are simple. Since they have told us that General Buhari is hale and hearty, and in good spirits, yet, has refused to return home after 95 consecutive days abroad, this amounts to nothing but truancy, and he should either #ResumeOrResign forthwith!

When you employ a man who has been away from work for 95 days and still counting on account of ill health, you are bound to sympathise with that man even if it is not convenient for you and is inimical to the general interest of your company.

But when his/her close relatives come to you to tell you as his employer that the one you have continued to keep as an employee, keep paying his full entitlements and emoluments, and keep picking his medical bills despite being away for so long is actually not sick but hale and hearty and is in good spirits, how would you react? What would you do? Would you keep paying his medical bills, would you keep paying his entitlements and emoluments, would you continue to keep him as an employee, or would you rather give him a mandate to either #ResumeOrResign? These are germane questions begging for honest and sincere answers.

Some have argued that Buharis absence has not stalled governance. But this is false. The truth is that governance is moving at hand-brake speed. Even when Buhari was fully fit, Nigerians, and even his staunch supporters, called him Baba Go-Slow, not to talk of now that his absence has totally blocked the road.

We know that Osinbajo is an acting president only on paper. He knows he is being watched and does not have the full powers to act independently as an acting president.

For example, the erudite professor of law has found it difficult if not impossible to assign portfolios to the ministers recently screened by the Senate. It is the same thing with ambassadors-designate who are yet to be deployed to their countries of assignment months after being screened by the senate. The functions these ones are supposed to be performing have, undoubtedly been left to suffer.

We still do not have a secretary to the federal government months after Babachir Lawal was suspended. Even the outcome of the panel set up to investigate him cannot still be acted upon beyond the suspension handed to him months after.

All these have further heightened our fears of Buharis capacity to coordinate our affairs because all these lacunae can be fixed with just telephone conversations with the acting president. We expect that even if Osinbajo is being stifled by interests, Buhari could have been giving directives on what to do on matters the cabal thinks are the exclusive preserve of the president even when we have an acting president. It is obvious that even the cabal doubts the mental capacity of the president to intervene in State matters.

Nigeria is too complex even for a fully fit president to lead not to talk of an absentee and unfit one. Little wonder we now have a more ferocious resurgence of the Boko Haram onslaught that has led to the killing of innocent people including oil explorers, University staff, fishermen, and the sacking of whole villages.

The general insecurity that has bedeviled our country in recent times is symptomatic of a country without a clear-cut chain of command. From incessant kidnappings, unabated ritual killings, terrorist attacks, police brutality on innocent and harmless protesters/citizens, continued job losses etc, it is obvious Nigeria is drifting southwards and only a sincere approach to the situation which includes giving full compliments of power to Osinbajo can save the country.

Apart from all these, General Buhari was also elected based on one of his cardinal campaign promises that he would stop medical tourism for all government officials in order to save us scarce resources. Today, no president has squandered our scarce foreign exchange on himself as much as Buhari, the same one who promised to patronize only our local hospitals. This is deceit, and Nigerians deserve better. In advanced democracies, such betrayal arising from not keeping to ones core campaign promises is enough to get the president impeached. But here, we paper over such grave infractions and even treat those who demand that the right things be done like deviants.

While we are very happy that our president is hale and hearty and in good spirits to the extent that he has been having humorous exchanges and even shared jokes with the different delegates that have visited him in far away London, his new base, we have no doubt that this is true as his aides and other government officials who have said these are men and women we should believe as speaking the truth, it is therefore not too much to ask President Buhari to either #ResumeOrResign, as running a country like Nigeria from a foreign land is not the same as sharing jokes with his retinue of visitors while the country disintegrates right before our eyes.

---[email protected] ; Twitter: Stjudendukwe
The writer

11.08.2017 LISTEN

Soon after the Fajr prayers which is the first holy prayer each day in the life of every Muslim in the world, they decided to spend the last of their time here in Ghana before becoming born again (Alhaji/Hajia) with their Families most especially those who partook in contributing to the ghc15,000 new hajj fee.

They spoke about religious affairs and partially larmentted bitterly about the fact that, a Muslim leader who inspired confidence in them in all his doings and created a hut of hope in their hearts had soon deserted their play grounds of comfort where they usually met to misrepresent the Holy Q'uran into current day economic affairs.

With hopes of a better day at least, they as usually "Hmmmm" "Hmmmm" and zipped on the baggage of their old man who was more than prepared for his trip after many decades of this awaiting day.

Incidentally it was the same afternoon the chief of wale wale( mamprusi land) was preparing to fly right on from the legacy newly built Tamale international airport as he was also on the coupon to enjoy his first "son of the land" benefits.

Several hours passed by and neither a Signal rang nor number called in to notify as to what the impending actions were and so all they could do was to keep watching on the smiles of travellers passing by both in and out of the country.

A passer-by asked a man in all white sitting in the midst of the over 2000 holy dressed pilgrims what the frustrations and agitations expressed there were all about and all the over 34 hours stranded man could say was: I pray for "4years of life", I pray for "4 years of strength" and I pray for "4 years of Forgiveness" from John Dramani Mahama.

What happened in 2006 had repeated itself again ( mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Stranded-Hajj-pilgrims-protest-116099 ) and as the weak old women tied their cloths and grumbled the final tip of their chewing sticks, they spoke out with aerosols of curses to the government of 2017 who finally have resorted to organising a cheap flight after extorting so much from their weak pockets.

I stood in shock as a sub-chief looked at the moon light and whispered to his linguist in local kusasi dialog getting a Reply, 1,231 days more.....

OneMalik
President Nana Akufo-Addo has vowed to develop the Ekumfi District of the Central Region to honour late President John Evans Atta Mills.

The President paid a warm tribute to the late President, who was a native of Ekumfi, saying they were Hall mates and friends back at school, just that politics seemed to have separated them.

Before we competed we were brothers. We were in university together. We were even in the same hall together as well. We were friends till the day he died. I have to do something to show that the friendship we had was not for nothing.

President Akufo-Addo gave the promise at a durbar at Ekumfi Essakyir in the Ekumfi District, on his second day of his tour in the Central Region.

He has announced his government will make Ekumfi one of its focal points on the development agenda.

The Ekumfi Constituency, formerly the Mfantseman East Constituency, for the first time, voted an NPP parliamentary candidate, Ato Cudjoe, as a member of parliament in the 2016 general elections.

Speaking at the durbar, the Acting President of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, Nana Idun XI, has pledged his areas support for the Presidents developmental agenda.

The Chief has noted lands and other natural resources in the area are readily available for any developmental project in the area.



By: Joseph Ackon-Mensah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
London (AFP) - A British court on Friday denied bail to an ex-wife of jailed former Liberian president Charles Taylor, ahead of her trial on charges of torture during his rebellion.

Agnes Reeves Taylor, who lives in east London, faces four allegations dating back to December 1989, when forces loyal to her former husband launched their first attack on Liberian territory.

She appeared in London's Old Bailey court via video link, speaking only to confirm her name before a judge rejected her application for bail.

Two charges relate to claims that between December 23, 1989, and January 1, 1991, Taylor "intentionally inflicted severe pain or suffering on an individual in the performance or purported performance of her official duties" in the central Liberian city of Gbarnga.

Gbarnga was the base of Taylor's rebellion against president Samuel Doe, which deteriorated into one of Africa's bloodiest conflicts.

Another count relates to the same period and the same allegation, but this time in Gborplay, on the border with Ivory Coast.

The fourth count says that between the same period, Taylor "agreed with others" on a course of action that "would necessarily amount to or involve the commission of the offence of torture".

Charles Taylor, once Liberia's most feared rebel fighter who served as president from 1997 to 2003, is serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for his role in fuelling the civil conflict in neighbouring Sierra Leone.

The couple divorced in 1996.

No date was set for the beginning of the trial, but it is expected to take place in October.
Details are emerging as regards the planned attack on Charles Nana Frimpong, Abuakwa Kyidomhene(Chief ) of Akyem Swedro, Speaking in an interview with Journalists, Nana Frimpong said on the day of the incident, thats Tuesday August 8 2017 ,he took his newly married wife to the hospital for surgery and on his way back drove to a garage at Alajo to check on a car of a friend that was being repaired .

He noted that on reaching the point, a car had parked and so he parked behind the said vehicles and got down living his wife in the car to go and check on the friends car. Immediately he got down from the car the boys in the area began insulting him for parking at the point but he ignored them since there was no other space available to park.

According to Nana Frimpong, on his return from the garage where he inspected the car the area boys had regrouped in there large numbers and managed to drag his wife who had undergone surgery out of the car he had parked. Besides, one of the mobs had forcefully taken his car key and seized it from the wife and were openly assaulting and molesting his wife. He said he tried in several ways to calm them down but they wouldnt listen. So they started throwing stones at me, slapping and head butting me and my wife all over just like what happened to the Late Captain Mahama at Denkyira Obuasi in the Central Region he said.

He noted that he tried severally to escape but there was no way since the mob in their large numbers had blocked all access route and beating him mercilessly. Then he remembered that he had a pistol on him and fired a warning shot with the intention that it would disperse the large crowd that was beating him to death. Unfortunately, there was this mechanic, Richard Yaw Boadi, behind him who was working on a 207 Benz Bus and was hit by the stray bullet in the process.

Realizing that the mechanic had been hit, effort was made to pick the injured mechanic to the hospital but the mob would still not allowed. They snatched the injured mechanic and placed him in a 207 Benz Buss and came back to attack Nana Frimpong. They placed Nana Frimpong in his own car, turned it upside down and were trying to set the car ablaze.

That was when the Police intervened and rescued the injured to the hospital and rescued Nana Frimpong to the Police Station. At the Hospital, the injured was given some medical attention until his death the next day. The victim was not intentionally. It was a mistake and Nana Frimpong felt sorry upon hearing the death of his colleague.

The victim, Richard Yaw Boadi, was sent to the Greater Accra Regional (Ridge Hospital) Hospital Tuesday afternoon in critical condition after a bullet is said to have penetrated the lower side of his stomach.

He had been hospitalised since Tuesday.He passed Wednesday evening after losing a lot of blood.
Pan African media brand, Africa Feeds Media Ltd has announced that it is partnering with Germany's international broadcaster, Deutsche Welle (DW). As part of the partnership, the news portal Africafeeds.com will broadcast a live TV feed from DW.

Readers of Africafeeds.com can also watch other videos on demand focusing on unique stories about Africa and bringing the continent closer to them.

The news portal, which was launched in 2016, focuses on telling African stories to all Africans and the world.

Speaking in Accra, CEO of Africa Feeds Media Ltd, Isaac Kaledzi said "This partnership will ensure that those who visit our news portal have access to quality news reporting about the continent and the world."

DW has developed regional television lineups in English, German, Spanish and Arabic, with radio and online content available in 30 different languages.

"Africafeeds is an exciting new DW partner in Ghana and they make a valuable contribution to DW's focus on digital media in Africa," said Sevan Ibrahim-Sauer, Director of DW's Africa distribution.

DW's television lineup offers news, features and documentaries covering everything from business, science and politics to arts, culture and sports.

Kaledzi added that "the rich content of DW makes it the best choice as a partner at this moment."

Africa Feeds Media is expected to launch other news portals, especially for sports, business and show business by 2018.
ANGOLA  Two Angola men are facing possible federal charges after they were arrested with a large amount of cash, drugs and marijuana in rural Angola on Wednesday.

Noah J. Parnell, 33, and brother Luke A. Parnell, 30, both of the 900 block of East C.R. 300N, were arrested Wednesday by Steuben County Sheriffs Department officers following a tip of possible alleged drug activity at their residence.

The two are facing charges after police received a search warrant and found drugs, marijuana and more than $30,000 in cash, a Steuben County Sheriffs Office news release said. The combination of the three has piqued the interest of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency.

They could possibly (take the case), anytime you have that kind of money co-mingled with that kind of narcotic, the federal system likes to take a look at it, that is review it for possible charges, said Sheriffs Chief Deputy R.J. Robinson. They are assisting us and providing us their resources, which we like having involved.

Officials are not saying how much marijuana the Parnells had in their possession or how much of an alleged legend drug was involved.

The federal government has a minimum requirement before they will take that (a case), Robinson said.

After police received a tip about alleged possible drug activity at the Parnell residence, sheriffs deputies made contact with the Parnells then obtained a search warrant for their property.

The subsequent search yielded suspected drug related items and over $30,000 in cash, which were seized, the news release said.

Luke Parnell was charged with felony possession of a legend drug (typically a drug without a prescription) and dealing in marijuana and misdemeanor possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

Noah Parnell was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

Luke Parnell posted bond for his $9,000 bail and was released while Noah Parnell posted bond for his $3,500 bail and was released.

The incident remains under investigation by the Sheriffs Office. Assisting the Sheriffs Office in the investigation were the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Angola Police Department.
Entrepreneur and council of State Member, Dr. Nii Kotei Dzani, has congratulated Chiefs and people of the Ga-Dangme State, home and abroad, and all inhabitants of the Ga-Dangme communities on the celebration of this year's Homowo festival.

The business mogul however expressed worry that due to the several disputes within the Ga Dangme state, this year's Homowo like many others is being celebrated without a Ga Mantse.

He thus urged the ethnic group to use this year's festival to reflect and make amends to ensure peace prevails.

The Group Ideal President in a statement said, the occasion provides us with the opportunity to take stock of all happenings in the previous year and to reflect upon the achievements and failures of the period.

In this regard, as a true son and descendant of King Nikoi Olai, one of the principal warriors and founders of the Ga State, I have been concerned and saddened by the various leadership conflicts engulfing our Mantsemei, across several Stools in our State. It troubles my spirit to note that we are celebrating Homowo this year without a Ga Mantse unanimously accepted by all of our Chiefs and people.

For this reason, I urge us all to use this celebration to build bridges not divisions, to extend helping hands not fists of fury, to speak words of love not words of anger, and to drive to shame all those who profit from sowing seeds of discord amongst our people he noted.

He added that, It is time for the true sons of the Ga-Dangme State to rise up and defend the integrity of the State. Now is the time for us as a people, to close ranks, bind together, and demonstrate the virtues of unity, hard work and industry which fuelled our ancestors to flee tyranny and to establish a dominant and prosperous civilization at Ayawaso. It is my ardent belief that the true sons of the Ga-Dangme State are ready and capable to meet the challenges at hand.

Dr. Nii Kotei Dzani further said it is my fervent hope that in the course of these celebrations, we shall exhibit the highest levels of maturity, tolerance and respect for each other in order that all of our best wishes for the future for ourselves and for our communities shall see the light of day. I wish us all a peaceful and successful celebration of these our timeless customs and traditions.

About Homowo Festival

This harvest festival is celebrated by the Ga people from the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

It begins with the sowing of millet by the traditional priests in May. After this, thirty-day ban on drumming is imposed on the land by the priests.

The festival is highlighted at varying times by different quarters of the Ga tribe.

The Ga-mashie group of the tribe will celebrate theirs a little earlier than the La group.

Homowo recounts the migration of the Gas and reveals their agricultural success in their new settlement.

According to Ga oral tradition, a severe famine broke out among the people during their migration to present day Accra.

They were inspired by the famine to embark on massive food production exercises which eventually yielded them bumper harvest.

Their hunger ended and with great joy they hooted at hunger this is the meaning of the word HOMOWO.



By: citifmnline.com/Ghana
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - Nine child soldiers were handed over on Friday to UN peacekeepers in the Mali city of Kidal, which is controlled by a former rebel group, a UN spokesman announced in New York.

"Good news from our colleagues in the peacekeeping mission in Mali.... Nine child combatants were handed over to the UN mission in Kidal this morning," the spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, told reporters.

"The mission is organizing their transportation to Gao and making arrangements for their care by child protection officials pending reunification with their family," he added, without giving the ages of the children.

Fighting between the ex-rebels of the Coordination of Movements of Azawad (CMA) and the pro-government Platform group has worsened in recent weeks in northern Mali, in repeated violation of a 2015 ceasefire.

"We were able to establish that the armed groups had minors in their ranks," Guillaume Ngefa, director of the human rights division of the UN mission to Mali, said in a statement Thursday.

"What is extremely concerning is that among the 33 people currently held prisoner by the CMA in Kidal, eight are children," he added, saying the children could be soldiers.

The conflict dates back to 2012, when key cities in northern Mali fell under the control of jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda, who exploited an ethnic Tuareg-led rebel uprising.

The armed groups accused of abuses by the UN operate in areas where Mali's army is absent or has a very limited presence.

Although the Islamists were largely ousted by a French-led military operation, attacks have continued on UN and French forces, civilians and the Malian army.

Allegations of collusion between the former rebels and jihadists continue to circulate.
Moscow (AFP) - Libya's military strongman Khalifa Haftar will visit Moscow on Saturday for discussions over a peace plan including a ceasefire and political talks, a Russian official said Friday.

Haftar will discuss "the issue of his eventual meeting with the prime minister" of Libya's recognised government, Fayez al-Sarraj, said Lev Dengov, who heads Russia's Libya contact group.

"Relevant questions on reconciling the parties and the conflict will be raised," Dengov was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.

Oil-rich Libya has been in turmoil since the ouster of longtime leader Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, turning the country into a hub for human trafficking and drawing jihadist groups from the region.

The United Nations has been struggling for months to re-launch talks on a deal reached in 2015 on setting up a national unity government that has been rejected by Haftar and other factions.

Appointed last year to lead the new government of national accord, Sarraj has failed to assert authority outside of Tripoli while Haftar's forces this month scored a major military victory when they seized Benghazi, Libya's second city.

The pair reached agreement on a new peace initiative during talks hosted last month by French President Emmanuel Macron.

In the 10-point joint declaration, Sarraj and Haftar agreed to work on a roadmap for security and defence, unifying national institutions such as the National Oil Corporation and the central bank, and hold elections as soon as possible.

Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army is backed by Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates and recently liberated Benghazi after a three-year campaign against jihadist groups.
Kinshasa (AFP) - An agreement has been struck with Kinshasa for the repatriation of the body of veteran Congolese opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, who died aged 84 in Belgium in February, his family and political party told AFP Friday.

The long delay in the return of Tshisekedi's remains was due to concerns it could touch off massive demonstrations as the Democratic Republic of Congo is mired in a political crisis over President Joseph Kabila holding onto power beyond his mandate.

Tshisekedi was a key political rival who lost to Kabila in disputed presidential polls in 2011.

Before his death, Tshisekedi had headed the opposition coalition that negotiated a transitional deal which allowed Kabila to remain in office until elections in late 2017.

However, the electoral commission chief has said that won't be possible and the opposition has cried foul, raising tensions with the Kabila government.

But apparently the government has now agreed "to honour the memory of the illustrious deceased" with no disruption to "the harmonious organisation of the funeral," according to a joint statement from Tshisekedi's family and his party sent to AFP.

According to a document signed on June 6, the plans call for a special plane to be sent to Brussels to bring Tshisekedi's body back to Kinshasa where he will lie in state in the parliament so that people can pay hommage.

He will be buried at N'sele, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Kinshasa.

The repatriation could take place in "early September", a family spokesman said.

"The Congolese state will cover all the expenses related to the organisation of the funeral," the statement said.

AFP was unable to reach the representatives from the government who had signed the document detailing the funeral plans for comment.
The government has taken a major decision to stop paying monies meant for materials directly to all contractors working on government's housing projects.

This was revealed by the Minister for Works and Housing, Samuel Atta Akyea who explained that they would rather be supplied with the raw materials needed to complete the projects.

The government arrived at this policy following what the Minister said is the misapplication of the funds by the contractors.

Mr Attah Akyea spoke to the media after meeting members of the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday.

One way that we've discovered as a reason why properties those contractors are putting up delay is that the monies are not seriously applied to the task. And therefore if you are supposed to complete all the houses, we need to buy the materialschances are that most of these contractors will use the monies for other purposes apart from what its needed for.

That is why we've taken this decision strongly, that we will not put monies in anybody's hands, nobody is going to use government's money to look after children schooling abroad. If its iron roads, we buy it, you cannot eat iron roads, it has to be applied to the project and if we go this way we will be able to finish all the uncompleted houses in good time. All that the contractor is entitled to is the cost of labour and their profit margin as defined by the contract, he added.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) under the leadership of John Mahama initiated a 5000 housing units project to provide affordable housing for Ghanaians in a bid to reduce the country's housing deficit of about 1.7 million.

Before the NDC government left office, they were able to complete about 1,500 housing units at Ningo Prampram in the Greater Accra Region.

I'll complete Mahama's housing projects

Mr. Atta Akyea had earlier promised not to abandon the state housing projects started under the Mahama government.

He said he will ensure the private sector is encouraged to help government bridge the housing gap in the country.



By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @AlloteyGodwin
Nairobi (AFP) - Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta was declared the victor Friday of an election which rival Raila Odinga claims was massively rigged, sparking angry protests in isolated opposition strongholds.

According to the election commission (IEBC) Kenyatta won the presidential race with 54.27 percent to rival Raila Odinga's 44.74 in Tuesday's election, handing him a second term at the helm of the region's richest economy.

While celebrations erupted in Kenyatta's strongholds, angry residents of Odinga's bastions took to the street in the western city of Kisumu.

In the Nairobi slum of Kibera angry supporters attacked and looted businesses which appeared to belong to members of Kenyatta's Kikuyu ethnic group, an AFP photographer said.

Odinga, 72, has now lost three elections he claims were stolen from him.

In 2013 he took his grievances to court but in 2007 -- a poll many observers agreed was riddled with irregularities -- the result sparked two months of ethno-political violence that left 1,100 dead and 600,000 displaced.

After being declared the victor, Kenyatta reached out to Odinga and his supporters, to "work together... so that we can build this nation together".

"We are not enemies. We are all citizens of one republic. As with any competition there shall always be winners and there shall be losers but we all belong to one great nation of Kenya," he said.

"Let us be peaceful... there is no need for violence. We have seen the results of political violence. And I am certain that there is no single Kenyan who would wish for us to go back to this."

'A charade'

The National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition coalition refused to take part in the announcement of results, which came just hours after they had requested the IEBC hold off until their concerns had been addressed.

"We are not going to be party to it, our issues have not been addressed," said top NASA leader Musalia Mudavadi.

"We have raised some very serious concerns, they have not responded to them. The chairman told us... they will respond to us after the event," said Mudavadi.

Another top NASA official James Orengo denounced the counting process as "an entire charade, this is a disaster."

Orengo also rejected calls from foreign observers to turn to the courts with their grievances.

"Going to court for us is not an alternative. We have been there before. It's not an alternative," said Orengo.

"Everytime an election has been stolen, the Kenyan people have stood up to make sure that changes are made to make Kenya a better place."

US Ambassador Bob Godec earlier joined foreign observers in urging parties to use legal means to deal with their grievances.

"Violence must never be an option. No Kenyan should die because of an election. Kenya's future is more important than any election. Leaders above all need to make that clear," Godec said.

Six people have died in election-related violence, including two protesters in Nairobi shot dead by police on Wednesday.

Also on Wednesday men armed with knives attacked a tallying centre in the southeast of the country, stabbing one IEBC officer who later died. A police source in the region said two attackers were shot dead and a civilian died after being hit by a stray bullet.

Odinga had called for calm from his supporters before the announcement, but added: "I don't control anybody. People want to see justice."

Hacking claims

Foreign observers praised a peaceful, credible voting process, but the mood quickly turned sour when Odinga rejected the results after only a few hours of counting.

NASA has claimed both that the results were manipulated by a massive hacking attack, and that it is in possession of results being concealed on IEBC servers that show Odinga to be the rightful winner.

On Thursday they demanded Odinga be declared president on these grounds.

Results from 40,883 polling stations streamed electronically to the national tallying centre in Nairobi, and then had to be cross-checked against counting forms.

NASA complained about anomalies between the forms it had seen and the electronic results with votes added to Kenyatta's tally and subtracted from Odinga's, and claimed some results seemed to come from polling stations which did not exist.

NASA demanded access to the IEBC's servers, saying they would accept any result contained therein, as they remain convinced the commission has released manipulated results.

Before the election the race between Odinga and Kenyatta was seen by pollsters as too close to call.

It was billed as the final showdown between the two men whose fathers Jomo Kenyatta and Jaramogi Odinga were allies in the struggle for independence, but later became bitter rivals, setting the stage for decades of political rancour.

In his first term, Kenyatta, 55, was credited with a massive infrastructure drive and overseeing steady economic growth.

However his administration has been dogged by several graft scandals, with the country dropping six points in Transparency International's corruption index in 2016.
11.08.2017 LISTEN

Accra, Aug. 11, GNA - Qualiplast Limited, a plastic manufacturing company, has donated 100 litter bins to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to support the effort to ensure that the city is clean.

The bins would be distributed to 20 schools in the metropolis as an effort to help achieve President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's vision of making Accra the cleanest city.

Mr Desmond Appiah, the Chief Resilience and Sustainability Officer, who received the items, said the donation has come at an opportune time to facilitate the implementation of the President's vision.

He said the AMA is committed to ensure that people live in a clean and safe environment and commended Qualiplast for the gesture to enhance good sanitation in Accra.

'We will engage the schools in the metropolis to ensure that they use the bins to prevent filth around school compounds and to reduce the burden of AMA in waste collection at surroundings,' Mr Appiah said.

Mr Shady Salloum, the General Manager of Qualiplast, said the donation was to assist in realising the President's vision of changing the behaviour of the people.

He expressed the hope that the items would be used to educate the school pupils on the need for waste segregation.

Mr Salloum said waste separation was the only strategy in solving environmental sanitation, adding that; 'solid, liquid and industrial waste must be separated to reduce the burden on the AMA.

He said his company would continue to work closely with the Assembly by providing it with the necessary sanitation materials and technical support to make the environment clean.

GNA
Nairobi (AFP) - Uhuru Kenyatta, who won a second and final term in a disputed election Friday, is the son of Kenya's founding president and a man who epitomises the country's elite.

The 55-year-old US-educated multi-millionaire, whose family owns an array of businesses, properties and land, is the son of Kenya's first president Jomo Kenyatta.

Stretching a political feud to a new generation, he first beat Raila Odinga -- the son of his father's biggest rival Jaramogi Oginga Odinga -- to the presidency in 2013.

He was re-elected after Tuesday's election, trumping Odinga with 54 percent of the vote.

Both times Odinga has claimed election rigging.

Kenyatta won in 2013 despite being indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) along with his running mate, William Ruto, for alleged roles in orchestrating violence that left over 1,100 people dead after the previous election in 2007.

Foreign powers, including Britain and the US, warned at the time that Kenya under an ICC-indicted president would be a pariah, but the threats proved empty.

In 2014 the ICC dropped charges against Kenyatta -- and later Ruto -- citing the disappearance of witnesses and lack of evidence.

Since then Kenya has welcomed former US president Barack Obama, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Pope Francis and hosted a string of international gatherings.

Privilege and wealth

Kenyatta's first term was defined by big spending on eye-catching infrastructure and impressive economic growth in a tough climate.

But this has gone hand-in-hand with spiralling debt and widening inequality.

Terrorism has also been a consistent threat, with Kenyatta being forced to address the nation in doleful terms on numerous occasions, notably after the deadly 2013 Westgate mall siege and the 2015 Garissa university attack.

Kenyan presidents: from father to son

The former finance minister and deputy prime minister was born in 1961, shortly after his father Jomo Kenyatta was released from nearly a decade in British jails and before becoming Kenya's first president in 1964. His first name means "freedom" in Kiswahili.

Educated at a private school in Nairobi and at Amherst College in the United States, Kenyatta is regarded as a leader of the Kikuyu people, the country's single largest ethnic group.

He is married with three children and regularly attends Catholic church.

In 2011 Forbes magazine estimated Kenyatta's wealth at $500 million (420 million euros).

Despite his elite background Kenyatta has a common touch. He easily mixes it up with ordinary Kenyans, eagerly gets down on the dance floor and joshes in the local youth slang and, in his younger years, earned a persistent reputation for partying hard.

A leaked 2009 US diplomatic cable described him as "bright and charming, even charismatic" but warned that "Kenyatta's liabilities are at least as important as his strengths. He drinks too much and is not a hard worker."

Dynastic politics

Kenyatta's political career is a case study in pragmatism.

In the 1990s, he joined with the sons of other independence heroes to call for democratic reforms but then became a close ally of autocratic former president Daniel arap Moi who had him nominated as the ruling party's candidate for the presidency in 2002.

Kenyatta lost to fellow Kikuyu politician Mwai Kibaki but then backed Kibaki's successful re-election bid in 2007, against Odinga who at the time was allied with Ruto.

The violent fallout from the disputed result led to a power-sharing government in which Kibaki was president, Odinga prime minister and Kenyatta one of his deputies.

In 2013 the two ICC indictees, Kenyatta and Ruto, joined forces to defeat Odinga in a close and controversial election. Kenyatta won in the first round with a wafer-thin margin of 50.03 percent -- a result Odinga disputed, unsuccessfully but peacefully, in court.

Kenyatta supporters, one wearing a mask of their champion, take part in a pre-election rally

The same team beat Odinga this time around.

The country is now holding its breath as violent protests erupted in Odinga's strongholds upon news of the result.
Nairobi (AFP) - Raila Odinga has been Kenya's prime minister and longtime opposition leader, but with results in from Tuesday's general election, it seems he has once again failed to get the one job he's always wanted: the presidency.

This may very well be the end of the line for the 72-year-old, a mainstay of Kenyan politics since the 1980s, who many think will not run for office again.

However his legacy is at stake, with all eyes on how he will react after claiming Tuesday's vote was massively rigged, which prompted violent protests in his strongholds.

He has urged calm among his supporters while ominously repeating: "I don't control the people."

Odinga's doggedness is matched among Kenya's political class only by that of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, who led the opposition for three decades but never the country.

In his fourth shot at the presidency Odinga felt certain to pull off a victory against 55-year-old incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta with a newly formed coalition called the National Super Alliance (NASA) that was intended to overcome traditional opposition divisions.

However he lost with 44.7 percent to Kenyatta's 54.2 percent.

Odinga now finds himself back in a role all too familiar to him: crying foul at a vote he claims was rigged while Kenyatta and his Jubilee party celebrate a second term in office.

Odinga and Kenyatta know each other well, and both men's fathers did, too. A generation ago, Jaramogi Odinga lost out to Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's first post-independence leader.

Lifelong ambition

Born into political royalty, a member of Kenya's western Luo tribe, Odinga entered parliament in 1992 under the rule of president Daniel arap Moi. He had spent much of the previous decade in prison or in exile during the struggle against Moi's one-party rule.

He ran unsuccessfully for the presidency in 1997, 2007 and 2013, claiming to have been cheated of victory in the last two votes.

And many observers agree with Odinga's view that the 2007 election was stolen from him.

That result triggered widespread politically motivated tribal violence that left more than 1,100 dead.

To stop the killings, international mediators forced a deal that saw the incumbent, Mwai Kibaki, continue as president, while Odinga took the specially created position of prime minister in a power-sharing government.

He held the post until 2013 when he ran for president, losing to Kenyatta by a very narrow margin -- and losing his court challenge of the result.

A decade on, the violence of 2007 still casts a shadow over Kenya's political landscape and tribal resentment endures.

Odinga's backers among the Luos believe they are being denied political power by a cabal of elites from the Kikuyus, the same ethnic group as Kenyatta.

In rallies and public statements before the election, Odinga repeated that he was "poised for an outright win".

When the electoral commission (IEBC) began releasing results that did not match up with that prediction, Odinga was quick to claim rigging, first by alleging hacking of the election system and then fabrication of polling data.

Those allegations were batted away by the IEBC, and international observer missions said they hadn't found any evidence of manipulation on the level Odinga claimed.

A polarising politician

While his supporters consider Odinga a much-needed social reformer, his detractors see a rabble-rousing populist unafraid to play the tribal card.

He is renowned as a firebrand speaker capable of galvanising a crowd with his oratory. But Odinga also has a reputation for being described as stubborn and sometimes short-tempered.

For some observers, he has lost some of his crowd-pleasing skills, which some attribute to ill health and advancing years.

Orange power: Odinga has a passionate following among supporters of the National Super Alliance (NASA) party

With his speech notes in hand he often stumbles and labours over his words -- especially in English. Speaking off-the-cuff in his native Swahili, however, he still has the ability to inspire.

Raised an Anglican, he later converted to evangelicalism. In 2009, he was baptised in a Nairobi swimming pool by a self-proclaimed prophet.

He studied engineering in communist former East Germany and named his eldest son Fidel. He died in 2015, after the Cuban revolutionary.

However, observers say the "socialist" and "communist" labels he was given were more an attempt to discredit him by the Moi regime than an accurate reflection of his leanings.

After returning to Kenya in 1970, Odinga set up as a businessman before following his father into politics.

Nowadays he describes himself as a social democrat who wants to fight inequality.

Married, Odinga has three surviving children: Rosemary, Raila Junior and Winnie.
11.08.2017 LISTEN

Dr. Obed Asamoah, the Rawlings-made longest-serving Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, is dead-on-target when he says that Chairman Jerry John Rawlings thinks and believes that Everybody is a crook and [only] he is a Saint (See I Congratulated Valerie Sawyer[sic] for Criticizing Rawlings  Obed Asamoah MyJoyOnline.com / Ghanaweb.com 8/9/11). But, of course, what none of his critics, predictably, can be expected to say is the fact of whether any of them is, in fact, any more morally upright than the man who literally hijacked the Ghanaian ship-of-state and made it possible for them to become who they are today in the annals of the countrys postcolonial history and politics. Indeed, about the only figure among the National Democratic Congress hoodlum pack who has risen above the jaded ashen mold of Chairman Rawlings tutelage, is our so-called Citizen Vigilante, namely, Mr. Martin Amidu, one of the shortest-serving Attorneys-General and Ministers of Justice.

You may call Mr. Amidu the ideological spitting image of the founding-father  some say the veritable architect  of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Our vigilante protagonist is himself not averse to claiming this much. To be certain, he would be the first to tell you that he is the revolutionary avatar or reincarnated ideological soul-mate, or spiritual heir, of the decidedly jaded and much-discredited but still politically relevant Chairman Rawlings. For my part, I could care less about his seemingly strait-jacket alignment with the most extortionate Ghanaian junta leader. Like his chief patron and sometime sponsor, Mr. Amidu has fast become a formidable force on the national political scene; I should actually say, a formidable moral force for change, though, on the latter score, also, some of his most vitriolic and ardent critics may express their own self-serving misgivings.

You may not like the man, but you also cannot gainsay the fact that presently, when one talks about legal and moral crusading, Mr. Amidu is virtually in a class all by himself. He is the lone figure that appears to have comfortably emerged from the apocalyptic ashes that is the Rawlings Revolution. This may precisely be the reason why his fellow vanguard truckers of the National Democratic Congress so virulently appear to literally hate his guts.

When Mahama Girl, Dr. Valerie Sawyerr decided to misguidedly have a go at Mr. Amidu, the clinically uncouth former Mahama Chief-of-Staff-Second-Bananas woefully forgot that a remarkable number of us were old enough to remember the fact that then-Attorney-General Martin Amidu was expressly expelled from the Atta-Mills cabinet, not because Mr. Amidu was pompous or had a bloated sense of self-importance. Dr. Sawyerractually uses the patently tautological albeit very embarrassingly Ghanaian expression of over-bloated.

Rather, Attorney-General Amidu was expelled primarily because having hugely profited from the infamous Woyome Mega-Heist, then-President John Evans Atta-Mills, deceased, was hell-bent on riding roughshod over the sacred laws of the land against the better judgment of his own State Chief Attorney. That was what the firing of our Citizen Vigilante was about. Mr. Amidu righteously wanted Mr. Alfred AgbesiWoyome to return his loot to its original and real owners. His much-touted peacefulness and all, one thing that cannot be ignored about Ghanas first Fourth-Republican President to die in office is that President Atta-Mills was a thoroughgoing political scam-artist like all the rest of the NDC hoodlum pack. I make absolutely no exceptions here.

I also remember when Dr. Obed Asamoah, then-Chairman of the then-ruling National Democratic Congress, and some two or three other fellow party truckers, including the late Prof. Kofi NyidevuAwoonor, hid at least some $30,000, each, of public dole under their beds and claimed the same to have mysteriously been squirreled away by their houseboys or servants. Of course, Chairman Rawlings also has his own long-hidden Abachagate Scam and some good friends sponsored our childrens college education abroad shenanigans to deal with in perpetuity. The preceding notwithstanding, isnt Chairman Rawlings still relatively saintly enough to have been able to, literally, lead you, Dr. Obed Asamoah, by the nose and stomach for some 20 long years?! And so, really, what is the use of congratulating Ms. Sawyerr for so shamelessly exposing her armyworms-infested and period-soiled undies in our public square?

*Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffairs
The Center for Progressive Governance (CenProG) will like to commend the leadership of the largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the launch of a party school, Ghana Institute of Social Democracy (GISD) to among other things help teach the tenets of social democracy to the benefit of the party and the country at large.

CenProG in an earlier release called on the leadership of the NDC to as a matter of urgency take immediate steps to make the idea of a party school a reality as part of efforts aimed at making the party a credible opposition and cementing its place as a Government-in-waiting. We are therefore full of praise to the leadership of the NDC for taking this giant step in chalking another first in the country's democratic dispensation.

The significance of a party school must not be lost on anyone especially in this era where a lot of the youth do not know the ideologies to which their political party ascribe to. Others know it by name but do not even know what it takes to espouse such ideologies and this has contributed immensely to some of the avoidable challenges political parties face.

In the case of the NDC, CenProG believes the party has not been able to wean itself off the Rawlings factor largely due to the party's inability to drum home its true ideology of social democracy hence party faithfuls are caught up in hero worshipping under the guise that there is something called a Rawlings ideology on which the party was founded.

The seeming lack of proper orientation in the social democratic ideology of the party is also evident by the actions and inactions of party functionaries who exhibt gross ignorance of what it takes to be social democrat. CenProG believes this is at the heart of the many issues that caused the NDC's defeat in the 2016 elections.

CenProG therefore commends the NDC for taking this bold step to ensure that the survival of the party is guaranteed beyond the current generation as beneficiaries of the institute may become ambassadors of social democracy wherever they find themselves.

God Bless our homeland Ghana and make it GREAT and STRONG.

Signed

Sawadogo Mahmoud

Executive Secretary, CenProG

0504607005/0244997751

Mallam Yahya Mohammed

Executive Director, CenProG

0243728659
Ghana Multimedia Incubator Centre (GMIC) in collaboration with MTN has trained 19 young entrepreneurs in Technology Product Development and Branding to grow and sustain their business in the country and beyond.

Speaking on the sidelines, the Resource Person for the programme, Eli Kpodo, Brand and Advertising Manager of MTN, said branding is an important element and the heartbeat of every business that seeks to differentiate itself from other competing brands.

He indicated that branding is a very important aspect of product development which gives business owners the legal protection, draw strength and check premiums which to a large extent will expand the business in a better way than others.

It gives you the opportunity to grow and introducing businesses by way of exploring business opportunities. We as businesses are trying to put training such as this to help our young folks who have brilliant business ideas or opportunities to be able to scale up in the market, Mr. Kpodo stated.

The Acting Project Coordinator for Ghana Multimedia Incubator Centre (GMIC) of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), Emmanuel J. A. Fiagbenu said GMIC is a government institution set up to train entrepreneurs in ICT base innovations.

He noted that as part of the incubator programme, trainings are organized to equip businesses owners and young entrepreneurs with the required business and technology product development skills to grow and expand their businesses.

Todays event is one of the series of trainings and we have decided to mentor and guide these young vibrant entrepreneurs who are desperate to make it in life with relevant knowledge, he stated.

Mr. Fiagbenu emphasized that branding is very important in every aspect of our lives especially in business because it gives business the identity and image people have about the product.

How you brand yourself will depend on the value people will place on you and your product. Businesses have stages through which they grow and branding a critical aspect of product inception which differentiates it from other competing brands as well as reposition it on the market, he intimated.

According to him, all the fundamentals i.e. conceptualization, product development and the various cycles are relevant but however, it will get to a point where one will need to get an identity growing and developing through branding.

You cannot develop your product in a vacuum. What distinguishes you from the other persons product is branding. So branding is as important as producing the product itself because if are not be able to brand the product after the production stage, you will definitely lose out, he posited.

The Acting Project Coordinator noted that in many cases most of the businesses that collapses is mainly as result of they not been able to undergo proper branding to increase purchasing desire of consumers in order to become more profitable.
Kisumu (Kenya) (AFP) - Immediately after news broke that President Uhuru Kenyatta had been re-elected as Kenya's president, people took to the streets across the east African nation.

But while some celebrated with flags and vuvuzelas, others burned tyres and attacked businesses in a show of rage over an election they believe was stolen from opposition veteran Raila Odinga.

The post-election anger comes a decade after a disputed 2007 vote that degenerated into two months of politically motivated ethnic bloodshed, which killed 1,100 people and left 600,000 displaced.

"Why are they shooting at innocent people who are expressing their views?" said a protester in Kisumu, a city in Kenya's west where there is little love for Kenyatta.

"Why are they forcing Uhuru on people?"

Fueling the rage was Odinga's repeated claims that the election results had been tampered with to deny him victory.

As soon as the country's electoral commission called the vote's outcome on live television, angry people spilled on to the streets of the poor Kisumu neighbourhood of Kondele to be met by squads of riot police.

"They're trying everything, but they can't make it," an officer said into his radio as fires of protest were lit a few hundreds metres from a traffic circle that had already been the site of clashes in the days before the result was declared.

The angry voices of wailing women and screaming men rose above the banging on metal sheets and volleys of tear gas that ripped through the night.

Soon, gunshots could be heard from Kondele and neighbouring areas as a police helicopter hovered overhead, its spotlight trained on the violence below.

The rage in Kisumu was echoed in other opposition parts of Kenyan cities, including the capital Nairobi.

In Nairobi's largest slum Kibera, where Odinga is an MP, people poured into narrow alleys and targeted businesses whose owners were thought to be loyal to the president.

Kenyan security forces deploy in Kisumu minutes after the announcement of the reelection of incumbent Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on August 11, 2017

They tore metal from walls and ripped down wooden doors, prompting police to open fire into crowds.

The scene was repeated in poor neighbourhoods across Nairobi, where wood and tyres became kindling for protesters to set ablaze.

Best leader

The explosion of anger among Odinga loyalists was matched by an outburst of joy in Kenyatta's strongholds from his supporters.

In cities in the Kenyatta-supporting Rift Valley, the streets were clogged with thousands of the president's backers who waved flags and held burning flares aloft.

"Let Uhuru rule. He is the best leader we have had," said Simon Kipkoech in the town of Eldoret.

But amid the joy, the resentment that fuels Kenya's politics was still strong.

In the town of Nyeri, a Kenyatta supporter cheered: "Raila will never be president!"

The unrest that bookended Kenya's hard-fought election on Friday could degenerate into a political crisis comparable to the one faced after the 2007 vote dispute.

Supporters of both candidates believe their side is right.

A day before Kenyatta's victory became official, a crowd of hundreds gathered in Kisumu, joyfully celebrating the oppositions' claim that Odinga's victory was imminent.

"Raila was elected by everyone in Kenya," said 21-year-old Michael Omondi. "We the Kenyan people will not concede. This is just the beginning."
No other topic is dominating headlines at the moment like Trumps verbal assault on North Korea. The US president has promised fire and fury in response to the rogue states increasingly bold actions.

Last night, Trump warned Kim Jong-uns regime not to test missiles near Guam. But North Korea obviously has no intention of backing down.

Trump hinted that if Kim does something, the US will escalate to more than just verbal taunts, saying: It will be an event the likes of which nobodys ever seen before, what will happen in North Korea.

It appears there is no end in sight for the hostile rhetoric, and its put everyone on edge. When two of the worlds biggest egos collide, there will be consequences.

The only question is: How devastating will these consequences be? More than a few could be very unpleasant.

But lets ignore any hypothetical situation for the moment and focus on the here and now. Conflict is not something new, and most of the time it can be extremely profitable. If you know where to look.

Market warfare

US stocks suffered their biggest loss since May yesterday. The market is definitely starting to get nervous, and investors are scurrying for the hills to safeguard their money. Gold managed to climb to its highest price in nine weeks today, while bond prices also increased.

Is this it then? Is this the big market crash everyone has been nervously anticipating?

Probably not, but who knows.

What we do know is that you can still make returns in this current market. Because when signs of war abound, some companies in specific sectors surge. Especially the defence industry. In particular, stocks like Lockheed Martin Corp. [NYSE:LMT], Raytheon Company [NYSE:RTN], and Northrop Grumman Corp. [NYSE:NOC]. These are three big US defence contractors, and they defied the rest of the market this week.

Over the span of about 24 hours, in the midst of Trumps comments, all three companies climbed higher. Northrop Grumman climbed 1.5% higher, Lockheed Martin rose 2.15%, and Raytheon posted a significant 3.5% rise. All three managed to buck the trend, as the S&P 500 dipped 1.68% in the same timeframe.

During times of uncertainty, if youre savvy enough, you can find investment opportunities in the market.

Whatever the outcome may be from this ongoing conflict, the markets will continue to churn. Whether it will lead to a wider market crash remains to be seen. For now, though, speculation could turn US stocks into potential bargains.

Regards,

Ryan Clarkson-Ledward

Junior Analyst, Money Morning

PS: If you want to lay down a little money on the hottest corner of the ASX right nowbut you dont know your way around the small-cap sectorthis report is for you. Get access now (free).
'The big truck is still on ...
Farmers across Minnesota are taking advantage of a program that celebrates and ensures protection of the states water resources.

With the help of a five-year $9 million award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and enacted legislation, the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program is available to all agricultural producers statewide.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is working with the soil and water conservation district technical services areas to assist with statewide application of the program.

The program has certified thousands of acres and added hundreds of conservation practices to the landscape. These practices include adding buffers to waterways for improved water quality, planting cover crop to control soil erosion and improving nutrient management to protect water resources.

The water quality program was designed by an advisory committee of independent stakeholders and implemented by MDA in partnership with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Dept. of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service and local public, private and non-profit partners.

The program is a voluntary opportunity for farmers and agricultural landowners to take the lead in implementing conservation practices that protect our water. Farmers and landowners who implement and maintain approved farm management practices are certified and in turn obtain regulatory certainty for a period of 10 years.

The program certifies farmers and landowners for managing their land in a way that protects water quality through a whole-farm assessment that evaluates:

Physical field characteristics,

Nutrient management factors,

Tillage management factors,

Irrigation and tile drainage management, and

Conservation practices.

Producers interested in becoming certified also receive priority status for technical and financial assistance.

The program puts producers together with local resource professionals and the new on-line field assessment tool to determine where risks to water quality exist on their farm, and empowers them to fix those risks when theyre found.

Anyone interested in learning more about program, the assessment process or becoming certified should contact the Root River Soil and Water Conservation District office at 507-724-5261, ext. 3.
CCWD Lake Tulloch Sewer System Upgrade Area View Photos

San Andreas, CA  Plans to upgrade Lake Tulloch area residents outdated sewer infrastructure reached a milestone step this week.

The Calaveras County Water District (CCWD) board green-lighted a key contract for design work at its meeting this week. While Sacramento area-based Lee & Ro, Inc., which was awarded a $399,500 contract to provide design and engineering services through a competitive bid process, the district is looking to hire local firms to cover other aspects.

Design for the systemic makeover is anticipated to be complete by next August, clearing the way for CCWD to seek construction bids and lock in a contractor by next fall. It is anticipated that the project itself should be finished by early 2020.

The work scope encompasses several common replacement and improvement projects around the lake community targeting the removal of obsolete facilities for public and staff safety reasons. Specifically, it will eliminate a submerged sewer line, which currently runs through a Lake Tulloch cove in the Poker Flat neighborhood and is seen at risk of contaminating the public water supply in the event of a line break or failure.

District officials also point out that the new design will also reduce sewage flows from pumps located close to the water by redirecting them into a new pipeline that runs along OByrnes Ferry Road and Connor Estates Drive.

Additionally, four outdated electrical systems and sewage pumping facilities that pose safety risks to the maintenance staff will also be replaced at Lakeshore Drive, Kiva Drive, Jimmy Way and Bret Harte Drive.

Funding for the project will come from the districts adopted budget and five-year capital improvement program bucket, sourced through its renovation and replacement (R&R) program.

CCWD General Manager Dave Eggerton shares, Its hard to find another project that has more compelling public health and safety reasons to complete. The current situation is particularly egregious with the sewer line under the lake  we cant get this done fast enough. He adds that the R&R funds are what are making the project possible, adding, We owe our thanks to our customers for making critical projects like this possible.
28-year-old Annie Nyaga quit her job of six months as a purchasing assistant to become a watermelon farmer, which according to her has brought her great joy.

I do not know how I would be fairing now if I had stuck to my purchasing job. Going into farming was a good decision, she told the Saturday Nation.

This graduate of biomedical science turned farmer, said she settled for watermelons because they do very well in her home town, and because they are high-yielding, mature faster and do well in the market.

Like Annie, many Nigerians have come to the conclusion that watermelon farming is simply a poor mans fastest road to riches.

And contrary to the wrong opinion that watermelon can only do well in the Northern parts of Nigeria, watermelon can actually be profitably grown from ANYWHERE in Nigeria.

In fact, the warmer temperatures and longer growing season of the southern areas especially favors this vegetable.

Why is Watermelon farming such a very lucrative venture you should consider?

Here are 3 main reasons:

1. Huge Selling Opportunities: If you choose to farm watermelons, you will never struggle with selling them, as watermelon is highly valued by Nigerians for their taste and health benefits. In many cases, your balls of watermelon are bought right in your farm

2. High Turnover: Watermelon does not require so much to start, and takes less than 3 months from planting to harvesting. Interestingly, your Return On Investment (ROI) can be as high as 300-600%. Amazing indeed!

3. Ease of Cultivation: Watermelon cultivation is not stressful. There is no complex preparation needed to start a watermelon business. If you can follow simple and clear instruction, then you are good to go.

But, your success depends on one thing. You must get the RIGHT training.

As a graduate of Agriculture with over 10 years experience planting in one of the biggest Agro firm in Africa, I can tell you what works and what does not.

I really want you to open your eyes to the potential in this business. Thus, I have put together for you a powerful offer that is Free ONLY for TODAY:

1. A Free Video Training on the Profitability of Watermelon Business

2. A Free 7 Days Training via your Email

Questions like: How much do I Need to Start? How Much Exactly Can I Make? How and Where Do I Get Hybrid Seeds to Plant? How Do I Market? How Do I Get Cheap Land? etc have been answered.

CLICK HERE to Download the Video and join the Free Training today.

[Sponsored]

Source: Legit.ng
People who have influenced the course of history remain interesting through time. There are a lot of famous figures in Nigeria. It is not a secret that one of them was Nigeria's first president, Nnamdi Azikiwe who had nationalistic views. He adhered to the patriotic policy during his lifetime and that made him famous. In this article, we will tell you some of the most interesting facts about him!

So, Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe is a Nigerian political figure. Also, he is the first president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Interestingly, Nnamdi Azikiwe is the founder of Nigerian nationalism. It is worth noting that Benjamin Azikiwe is better known by his nickname, Zik.

Brief biography of Nnamdi Azikiwe

On November 16, 1904, Rachel Azikiwe gave birth to a boy whom they named Nnamdi Azikiwe. This happened in Zungeru, Northern Nigeria. Interestingly, Nnamdi has an interesting Igbo name, which means "My father is alive". His parents Obed-Edom Chukwuemeka Azikiwe and Rachel Chinwe Azikiwe were Igbo. His father worked in the British administration of Nigeria as a clerk. His mother was from the royal house in Onitsha. Rachel was sometimes called Nwanonaku.

Nnamdi Azikiwe enrolled at Oxford University in Lincoln, Pennsylvania in the 1930s. Then, in 1932, he had a master's degree in Religion from the University of Lincoln. In 1934, he had a second degree in Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania.

READ ALSO: Biography of Nnamdi Azikiwe

He finished his post-graduate course from the department of History and Political science in Lincoln. He was a Ph.D. candidate in Columbia, and then he returned to Nigeria in 1934. Altogether, he studied in the United States for nine years, where he received higher education in the natural and human sciences, as well as in journalism.

In 1934, Azikiwe was already well known in Lagos. In addition, he was considered a public figure among some members of the community in Lagos and the Igbo region. Upon his return to the homeland, he was greeted by many people. It was a sign that his work in America had reached Nigeria.

History of Nnamdi Azikiwe as a nationalist

In Nigeria, he tried to find a suitable job. Soon, he accepted a proposition from Ghanaian businessman Alfred Oxcansey. Azikiwe was invited to become the editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper African Morning Post. He used his new position and promoted the Nationalist Idea in Africa.

Interestingly, it was in Accra that he put forward the idea of New Africa and the philosophy of black pride. Soon, this theme was revealed in his published book "Renaissance Africa". In fact, he began to formulate his opinion on nationalism and its manifestations in those days.

Azikiwe became a member of the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) and soon became an active participant. It was the first truly nationalist organization in the country. In 1941, he supported Samuel Akinsanya in order to become a candidate for New York vacant position in the Legislative Council. But the elections were won by his opponent, Ernest Ikoli. After that, Azikiwe accused most of the Yoruba leaders of discrimination against members of Ijebu Yoruba, and he resigned. Thus, he divided NYM along ethnic lines.

After a successful journalistic campaign, Azikiwe went into politics. In 1944, he founded the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon (NCNC) together with Herbert Macaulay. Then, in 1946, Azikiwe became the secretary-general of the National Council.

Political biography of Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe

November 16, 1960, Azikiwe headed the post as governor-general, and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became prime minister. In 1960, Azikiwe founded the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. In addition, Queen Elizabeth II approved his participation in the Privy Council of the United Kingdom.

Within 3 years, Azikiwe was able to achieve real success in his political career. In 1963, from the time of the proclamation of the republic, he became the first president of the country. But, unfortunately, he was considered just a ceremonial representative of the country.

As a result of the military coup of January 15, 1966, Azikiwe and his colleagues were suspended from fulfilling the presidential duties. He was one of the few politicians who escaped from being murdered after the coup. In the 1960s, during the war in the Battle of Biafran, Azikiwe became the representative of the nascent republic and the adviser to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. He appealed to Ojukwu publicly and asked him to stop the war. He even created brochures and gave an official interview.

When the war ended, he was served as Chancellor of the University of Lagos from 1972 to 1976.

Biography of late Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe

In 1978, he became a participant in the Nigerian People's Party. Also, he unsuccessfully tried to resume his presidency in 1979, and then again in 1983. On December 31, 1983, Azikiwe ended his political activities after the military coup.

Due to a prolonged illness, the first president of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe, died on May 11, 1996. Azikiwe passed away at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu, Enugu state. He was buried in his native city Onitsha.

Many modern places in Nigeria were named after Azikiwe. The popular international airport Nnamdi Azikiwe in Abuja was named in his honor. In addition, more than ten places can be counted throughout the country.

The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka. Also, Nnamdi Azikiwe Press Centre and Dodan Ikoyi were named after him. In addition, Azikiwe Avenue, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania was also named after this man. He is also the face on the Five Hundred Nigerian Naira.

In general, Azikiwe received 14 honorary degrees from American, Nigerian and Liberian universities. Among the universities that honoured him were Storer College, Howard University, Lincoln University, Michigan State University, University of Liberia, Nsukka, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Nigeria and Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

He was a legendary person without a doubt!

READ ALSO: Queen Nwokoye biography

Source: Legit.ng
There are times when you need a program that was created for statistical analysis in social science. Maybe you are a college student that is learning statistical analysis or a market researcher, who knows. Or maybe you are just curious to know what is SPSS and what it can do! Today you will get the answers to your questions, so continue reading.

What is the SPSS meaning?

Before talking about the SPSS software, let us figure out 'what does SPSS mean?' This stands for Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. As you can see, the name reflects the original market of this software, the social sciences. However, the current versions of this software package is officially named IBM SPSS Statistics.

It is known that the program is used for non-batched and batched statistical analysis. Don't worry, eventually, we will cover the uses of the SPSS Statistics.

The program can be used on various operating systems, including:

- Linux on z Systems;

- Unix;

- Windows;

- macOS;

- Linux.

What can SPSS do?

SPSS Statistics was initially released in 1968, while the last stable release was on 15 of March 2016. Before that time, researchers had a tough job - they had to run various statistical tests on data sets withy their own hands. Just imagine for how long they were doing that - it definitely took a lot of time and effort! Fortunately for researchers, today we have the software package that helps them do their jobs.

Now it is more widespread and is used in different fields and by various people including:

- data miners;

- health researchers;

- market researchers;

- education researchers;

- different marketing organizations;

- survey companies;

- other companies and organizations that require data documentation, statistical analysis, and data management.

But we still want to know:

What is SPSS used for?

You will be surprised to know that IBM SPSS Statistics has a lot to offer for those working with various data. It is used for file reshaping, data analysis, creation of derived data, data management, statistical analysis. Besides the already described features, there are also other statistics that are included in the base software:

- Linear regression which is used for prediction of numerical outcomes;

- Descriptives and frequencies;

- Cross tabulation;

- Descriptive ratio statistics;

- Factor analysis, discriminant, cluster analysis that are used for prediction for identifying groups.

- Bivariate statistics that include correlation, means, t-test, nonparametric tests, and ANOVA.

You can access the features of this program through the pull-down menus or, if you are strong in this field, create them using the proprietary 4GL command syntax language.

Besides the main features, the software can also write and read data from various ASCII files, databases, spreadsheets or statistics packages. You may also use SPSS Statistics to write and read the external relational database tables by using SQL or ODBC.

How to use SPSS statistics?

READ ALSO: Highest currency in the world 2017 - Top 10

Here is an example of using the SPSS statistics. Lets say that a researcher needs to collect data. He enters the variables and the quantity data into the data entry screen of SPSS. He may organize the data and assign various properties to the variables.

Organizing data is very helpful because the next time he accesses the file could be months or years. He certainly wont remember the exact variables he put in, but because he organized the data in the past, he will be able to quickly find the needed data.

The researcher will then collect the needed data, enter it in the sheet and organise it properly. Now it is time to create an output file that can be used in the future.

The output of the software is to a *.spv file or the proprietary file format. It can be exported to the text of Excel, PDF, Microsoft Word. There are other options for capturing output:

- as text;

- as data by using the OMS command;

- as PDF;

- as SPSS data set;

- as HTML;

- as XLS;

- as XML.

- as various image formats (BMP, JPEG, EMF, PNG).

The researcher can use SPSS statistics to run various statistical tests. As we mentioned before, there are a lot of things that are built into the program, so it will be easy for the researcher to do what he has to do.

He can also transform the existing data with various statistical transformations that the software package is offering.

This is one of the many things that you can do in SPSS statistics. This software package is still widely popular. There is even an SPSS Statistics Server version that has a client/server architecture. If you have the older version of SPSS (older than 19, while the current is 24.0), then you wont be able to use the feature of scoring functions. But we think that most of the users already have the current version.

Congratulations - now you know what SPSS is and what is SPSS used for. Unfortunately, IBM SPSS Statistics is not free. However, there is a free trial if you want to give it a shot. Good luck with your data collection, organization, and statistical tests!

READ ALSO: Difference between marketing and selling

Source: Legit.ng
A lot of students have that awful feelings and thoughts before the IELTS speaking exam - how should I behave? Am I ready for the exam? What if I forget the right words? And what in the world should I wear? Don't worry, we got you covered - today you are going to learn the dress code for IELTS speaking test!

What is the dress code for IELTS speaking test?

Let's start off with the main point - there is no such thing as a dress code for the IELTS speaking test. You have to look appropriate, but there are no written rules. However, we have some tips for you that will really come in handy.

We all know that usually, the first thing that is noticed about us is our clothes. You can make a good impression by putting on the right outfit. For example, people who are going to a job interview usually wear something classy that makes them look more professional and serious.

Another thing that we should take into consideration is the feeling. When you are wearing comfortable clothes, and you know that you look confident in them, then you will also FEEL confident! This is one of the most important things to remember when choosing clothes to wear to the IELTS speaking exam.

You also need to wear something that will be not only comfortable but which will make you relaxed as well. You should concentrate on the exam, not on the shirt or pants that are too tight, right?

READ ALSO: Bet9ja check coupon codes - How to do it?

The IELTS speaking exam will involve a lot of speaking (obviously) in front of the examiner. And you just have to make a good impression! You need to look serious, intelligent and ready!

Weve established that you need to wear something that is comfortable, that will make you look serious and confident. But what will that be?

In order to get that business casual look, you will need to follow some tips:

1. Wear Trousers/Pants. They will help you to achieve that formal look. And slacks are quite comfortable as well. The best option is to wear (or buy) black slacks since they will go with almost everything. You can also choose another color, like dark blue or brown.

2. When it comes to shoes, choose wisely. For ladies, it is better not to wear high heels. We know that you love them and they are really beautiful, but you need to feel comfortable! Remember that the exam may take a while - do you want to suffer in those high heels? If you really want to wear something high, you can go with platform shoes.

You can also wear leggings and boots if the weather allows, as long as they are comfortable enough. If you are going with leggings, then choose a long shirt to get more "business casual" look.

For gentleman the option is easy - wear your formal shoes.

3. How about the top? Ladies, your option is a white blouse (without a cleavage). Gentlemen, it is a good idea to wear a collared shirt. You don't need to wear a bow tie, but it's a good idea to button up that shirt. The shirt will make you look more serious and professional!

4. A jacket on the top is optional. But remember - go with something classy. However, you can get creative with the jacket! Great tip for ladies - if you are going to wear black jeans or slacks, then go with a blue or yellow jacket. You will look both fashionable and professional.

5. Don't wear T-shirts, especially if they have images, glitter or text on them. You need to feel comfortable, but you also need to appear professional.

6. Forget about sweatpants. We know, they are super comfortable, but would you go to an important meeting in sweatpants? We don't think so.

7. You should not wear blue jeans. We are not saying that they are inappropriate, but it's hard to achieve that classy and professional look when you are wearing jeans. If you are insist on going with jeans, then choose a darker colour and make sure that they are not tight.

8. Ladies, you can also wear a skirt or a dress. If you are going with the first option, then look up some classic designs. And choose a dark colour - dark brown or black. As for the dress - classic, black, with no cleavage. It can be as a shirtwaist, high waist or drop waist. You can even use Coco Chanel as a reference! The length of both of them has to be at least to your knee. You want to look serious, right?

Tips for IELTS speaking test

Now you know the dress code for IELTS interview, but you could use some tips! And don't worry, we have something that will help you successfully pass the IELTS exam.

1. Don't panic. The worst thing that can happen to you during the test is a panic attack. Stay calm and keep breathing. Remember - you are ready for the exam, and you know what to talk about. If you tend to get really nervous, drink some soothing tea before the exam. You will feel better.

2. Have some training before the exam. Ask your friends or relatives to listen to you and learn to talk a lot. You need to come up with new topics or new things to say about the same topic. If you don't have anybody who speaks English, then try and train in front of the mirror. Record your speech and listen to yourself. Write down the mistakes youve made and train more. You need to talk as much as possible during the exam.

3. Try to be spontaneous during your speech. The examiner has listened to a lot of people in his life, and he knows what to expect. Be unique and dont say exactly the same things that youve learned in a textbook.

4. Usually, the examiners questions are predictable. Look up the questions that examiners tend to ask or talk about them with people who already took the exam. Practice your answers at home, record yourself and check your grammar. Just remember that even though the questions are predictable, they can differ. So be ready!

5. Listen carefully to the examiners questions. You need to understand them and be ready to answer. However, if you have some problems with understanding, dont be afraid to ask for clarification.

6. Answer in full sentences. For example, dont say only Yes or No. Also, dont learn the prepared answers - as we said, the examiner knows what to expect, and if you tell him the prepared answer, he will change the question. Dont search for the prepared answers, like introduce yourself to IELTS speaking test. You can look for some tips but dont memorise the answer!

7. You have a unique personality, so express yourself! Show that you have an opinion and you are ready to express it.

8. Be honest. If you need to express a negative opinion about something, then do it. Its easier to say what you really think than come up with something new.

IELTS Interview tips

The Interview can be considered as part of the exam and a lot of people might get quite nervous about it! We have some tips for yo, that will make your interview easier.

1. Dont get too emotional. For example, lets say that you decided to tell a funny short story that happened to you. When people are nervous, they tend to have the nervous laugh. Keep calm and laugh a little or just give a smile. It will help you to deal with the tension that you might feel during the exam.

2. Remember that the IELTS interview or the speaking test is not a job interview. You need to show your English skills, not job qualification!

3. Even if you have prepared answers for the interview, dont memorise them. You will try to say the memorised answer, and you might get lost during the process. Its better to improvise than get stuck.

There you have it - list of tips that will help you to pass the IELTS speaking test. Remember that there is no strict dress code for IELTS interview. You just need to look appropriate, like for a job interview, for example. And stay calm during the speaking exam - it is the most important thing that you must remember. Panic is not a helper. Train as much as possible to improve your confidence in your knowledge.

READ ALSO: Types of banks in Nigeria

Source: Legit.ng
Did you know Nigeria has a population of over 206 million people who speak different dialects? This nation has numerous ethnic communities with different cultures and traditions. Many people wonder how many languages are in Nigeria. The list is pretty long, but they are divided into a few broad linguistic groups.

A man and a woman in colourful clothes having a conversation. Photo: pexels.com, @Askar Abayev (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Nigeria is among the countries with rich traditions. It is inhabited by people from multiple communities. If you wish to know how many languages are in Nigeria, read on.

List of languages in Nigeria and their states

Nigeria is one of the most linguistically diverse countries on planet Earth. The country's official language is English, but it is not most people's mother tongue.

Classification of languages in Nigeria

There are over 250 languages in Nigeria, but they are divided into three main groups, as shown in the table below.

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Main group Sub-groups Niger-Congo Mande, Kordofanian, Atlantic, Ijoid, Kru, Gur, Adamawa-Ubangi, Kwa, and Benue-Congo Nilo-Saharan Kanuri, Bagirmi and Zerma Afro-Asiatic Hausa, Margi, and Bade, among others

Major languages in Nigeria

The list of languages in Nigeria is quite long. Some are more widely spoken than others. Below are the most commonly spoken ones and their states.

Hausa

Hausa is the most commonly spoken dialect in the country and is the largest ethnic group. Hausa people are predominantly Muslim.

About a fifth of the total population in teh country speaks Hausa as the mother tongue. A significant part of the population speaks it as the second tongue.

Hausa people predominantly occupy the northwestern part of the nation. This means they are mostly found in Kaduna, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states. The tongue is used for broadcasting on local and international media stations, e.g. BBC Hausa, Africa Magic, and Arewa.

Three African women holding a conversation. Photo: pexels.com, @PICHA Stock

Source: UGC

Igbo/ Ibo

Igbo comes in second on the list of the top 10 languages in Nigeria. About 20 million people speak the Igbo dialect.

Chinua Achebe, Christopher Okigbo, and Cyprian Ekwensi are among the prolific writers from this community. They have produced a growing body of literature that preserves the community's rich traditions.

Igbo people are chiefly found in the southeastern part of the country. This means they are mostly found in Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, and Imo states. Others are Bayelsa, Cross River, River State, and Akwa Ibom.

Yoruba

Yoruba is among the three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria. People from this community are also found in northern Togo and Benin.

There are about 20 million Yoruba people in the 21st century. They are mostly found in the southwestern part of the country. They are found in Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Oyo, Kwara, and Osun states. Some parts of Kogi State also speak this dialect.

Fulfulde

Fulfulde is also known as Fula or Fulani language. About 65 million people from West Africa use this dialect.

The tongue is mainly used in Kano, Katsina, Jos plateau, Bororo, Zaria, Maiduguri, and Sokoto states. Most people who speak it are Muslim.

Kanuri

There are over 3 million Nigerians who use the Kanuri dialect. Kanuri is mainly spoken mostly in Borno, Gombe, Yobe, and Jigawa states. About 500k others use it as a second tongue.

A group of young people talking. Photo: pexels.com, @Monstera

Source: UGC

Ijaw/ Ijo

Ijo is the smallest branch of the Niger-Congo linguistic family, with about two million speakers. These people are primarily found in the narrow coastal Niger River delta region of the nation. They are found in Delta, Ondo Bayelsa, and Ekiti states.

Pidgin English

Pidgin English is a blend of English and ethnic Nigerian languages. Its origin can be traced to the 17th century. It started as a lingua franca for trade between Nigerians and Portuguese merchants.

There about 30 million speakers of this dialect in the country, and it is mostly spoken in the Niger Delta region.

Tiv

Tiv is a dialect of the Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo linguistic family. The Tiv community is mainly found on both sides of the Benue River.

About 2 million people speak this language, and they mainly reside in Benue State. They are also widespread in Nassarawa, Plateau, and Taraba.

Ibibio

Ibibio is a dialect spoken in southeastern part of the country, particularly in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states. The Ibibio community is divided into Efik, Enyong, Eket, Andoni-Ibeno, Anang, and Ibibio proper.

Edo

Edo is a dialect spoken by approximately one million people. Most of its native speakers are found in Edo State in the southern part of the country. Members of this community can also be found in Bini, Benin, Oviedo, and Addo.

A group of four young men conversing. Photo: pexels.com, @Mikhail Nilov

Source: UGC

How many tribes are in Nigeria?

There are about 371 tribes in the country. The three largest are Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba.

How many languages are spoken in Nigeria?

Over 520 languages are spoken in the country. Many of them are of the Afroasiatic, Nilo-Saharan, and Niger-Congo linguistic families.

What are the 3 major languages in Nigeria?

The three major languages in Nigeria are Hausa, Yoruba, and English. English is the official language and is mainly used in urban areas.

Which state has the highest number of languages in Nigeria?

Bauchi State has the highest number of dialects in the country, with 60+ languages. Some are more common than others, and the main ones are Fulfulde and Hausa.

How many languages do we have in Nigeria?

The country has over 500 dialects, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries.

If you have ever asked yourself how many languages are in Nigeria, we hope you have an answer now. This linguistically diverse nation is home to over 206 million people, and English is its official language.

READ ALSO: 50 Nigerian traditional wear designs for men: trends in 2022 (photos)

Legit.ng recently published 50 Nigerian traditional wear designs for men in 2022. Wearing traditional outfits with a touch of modernity will make heads turn in any function.

A native outfit is the best attire to rock when attending any social event this year. Dashiki and Agbada are the most popular Nigerian traditional wear designs for men.

Source: Legit.ng
- A coalition of Niger Delta agitators threatens to resume attacks on oil and gas installation across the Niger Delta region from September 10

- The agitators demand that the federal government returns all the oil wells given to non-indigenes of the region to them

- The coalition congratulates the Yoruba for demanding Oduduwa Republic and wishes them success

A coalition of Niger Delta agitators has told northerners and Yorubas residing in the Niger Delta to vacate the region before October 1.

READ ALSO: Presidency commends Senate for supporting Buhari's stay in London

The group also threatened to resume attacks on oil and gas installation across the Niger Delta region from September 10, 2017.

The coalition, in a statement signed by the leaders of the groups, on Thursday, August 10, said it was determined to declare the Republic of Niger Delta on October 1, Vanguard reports.

The agitators also mandated the federal government to return all the oil wells given to non-indigenes of the region to them.

The militants dissociated themselves from the leadership and membership of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, and warned the federal government to stop dealing with the body on their behalf.

The signatories to the statement included General John Duku (Niger Delta Watchdogs and Convener Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators); General Ekpo Ekpo ( Niger Delta Volunteers); General Osarolor Nedam (Niger Delta Warriors) and Major-Gen. Henry Okon Etete (Niger Delta Peoples Fighters).

Others were Major-Gen. Asukwo Henshaw for Bakassi Freedom Fighters; Major-Gen. Ibinabo Horsfall for Niger Delta Movement for Justice; Major-Gen. Duke Emmanson for Niger Delta Fighters Network and Major-Gen. Inibeghe Adams for Niger Delta Freedom Mandate.

The group said it took the decision at a meeting held in Akwa Ibom state and insisted on its demand for 100 per cent control of the resources of the region.

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The coalition also congratulated the Yoruba for demanding Oduduwa Republic and wished them success.

See the full statement by the group below:

At the general council meeting of the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators (CNDA) involving surveillance department, intelligence department and commanding officers held today to deliberate on the recent development in the Niger Delta and Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) meeting with the Acting President, after hours of careful deliberations, we unanimously resolved as follows:

To commence Operation Zero Oil in the Niger Delta from September 10, 2017 as a preparation for the actualization of Niger Delta Republic

We totally condemn the recent meeting between PANDEF and the Acting President; we see it as another plot to deceive the Niger Delta people. First and foremost, the meeting was marred with inordinate greed of the PANDEF as they did not involve the representatives of the Agitating groups and youths leaders.

We wish to let the Acting President to know that those he met have no capacity and cannot solve the current crisis in the Niger Delta; therefore they cannot represent the militants or speak for the Niger Delta people.

The Coalition unanimously adopts to stand by the previous demands, which are: 100% percent control of our resources.

The Federal Government should hand over all oil blocks owned by the Northerners/Yorubas to Niger Delta indigenes.

All Oil companies operating in such oil blocks/wells should vacate October 1st, 2017.

Relocation of NNPC to any of the Niger Delta state and replacement of the Group Managing Director with an indigene of region.

All the Multinational Oil, Gas, Servicing and Marine Companies must relocate their operational base to the Niger Delta, sign a new Memorandum of Understanding with Niger Delta people which would include Niger Delta indigenes being paid same salaries with foreigners.

We demand independence and sovereign Republic of Niger Delta, all the companies and business owned by the Northerners / Yorubas in Niger Delta should be vacated before 1st October 2017, we accept and congratulate the Yorubas for demanding Oduduwa Republic and we wish them success.

We hereby call on all agitating groups to resume attacks/bombings on all oil/gas pipelines, especially the exporting lines across the Niger Delta region from September 10, 2017. This is to ensure zero oil/gas production before October 1, 2017.

We shall work to interface with more patriotic and zealous Niger Delta people to work out new collective approach that will ensure total freedom and complete control of our resources by any means necessary.

We shall from henceforth, fight to liberate ourselves from the shackles of neo-colonialism and rule ourselves under a Niger Delta Republic, with diplomatic and economic relations with the peoples of the South East and Middle Belt.

Finally, we want to inform the federal government of Nigeria and the general public that we no longer recognize PANDEF under the present leadership as they are working against the interest of the Niger Delta people.

Meanwhile, the federal government has cautioned the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), and other groups in the country to refrain from disseminating hate speeches.

The caution was given on Thursday, August 10, in Abuja by the director general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Garba Abari, Tribune reports.

Mr Abari said the NOA had in its possession at least three songs already recorded to preach hate in the communities.

The NOA DG warned that Nigeria stands the risk of impending crisis if hate and divisive speeches remain unchecked.

In the video below, Legit.ng TV asked some Nigerians if they support restructuring of Nigeria or they want the country to separate

Source: Legit.ng
- Two pro-Biafran groups, MASSOB and BIM warn that Nnamdi Kanus call for a boycott of the Anambra state governorship election is counterproductive to the Biafra struggle

- The groups say IPOB does not have programmes that would lead to the emancipation of the south east geopolitical

- MASSOB and BIM call on IPOB to stop disturbing the south-east zone with its activities

The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Biafra Independent Movement (BIM) have accused Nnamdi Kanu of planning to force the federal government to declare a state of emergency in Anambra state.

READ ALSO: Presidency commends Senate for supporting Buhari's stay in London

The two pro-Biafran groups in a statement on Thursday, August 10, warned that the call by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra for a boycott of the Anambra state governorship election was intended to push the government to declare emergency rule in the state, Punch reports.

The groups also called on the leadership of the IPOB to stop disturbing the south-east zone with its activities, adding that Kanu and IPOB do not have programmes that would lead to the emancipation of the southeast region.

Speaking in Owerri, the Imo state capital, the elders council of BIM led by its spokesperson, Chief Emmanuel Akabekwe, faulted the call by IPOB for a boycott of the Anambra state election.

Akabekwe stated that the call was not in the interest of the struggle for a sovereign state of Biafra which he said MASSOB leader, Ralph Uwazuruike, was committed to.

According to Akabekwe, Uwazuruike would have long supported boycotts of elections in the southeast states if such order had anything to do with the struggle for Biafra or the benefit of the southeast zone.

He said: Who is Nnamdi Kanu to speak for the Igbo people? He has no capacity to give order that will stand in Igbo land. He is only trying to grab cheap relevance and popularity with the Biafra agitation.

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We therefore call on every eligible voter in Anambra state to come out en mass without any fear of molestation and exercise their franchise by voting in candidates of their choice. That is their civic responsibility.

Meanwhile, the federal government has cautioned the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), and other groups in the country to refrain from disseminating hate speeches.

The caution was given on Thursday, August 10, in Abuja by the director general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Garba Abari, Tribune reports. Mr Abari said NOA had in its possession at least three songs already recorded to preach hate in the communities.

NOA DG warned that Nigeria stands the risk of impending crisis if hate and divisive speeches remain unchecked.

In the video below; Legit.ng TV takes a critical look at Nnamdi Kanu and the struggle for the actualisation of the Republic of Biafra.

Source: Legit.ng
- A presidency source discloses that President Muhammadu Buharis illness has defied all medical tests in the UK

- The source states that Buharis doctors have placed him under long observation to see if they can diagnose what is wrong with him

- The presidency official however dismisses reports that the president is down with acute prostate cancer

The inexplicable nature President Muhammadu Buharis illness has fueled speculation in some quarters that he may have been poisoned or under some kind of spiritual attack.

READ ALSO: There has never really been an election in Nigeria - Pat Utomi

These allegations were cited by a presidency source when highlighting the nature of the presidents illness.

According to the presidency source, doctors in the UK have been unable to diagnose the cause of President Muhammadu Buharis illness despite having carried out series of tests on the president for more than three months.

The source told the Independent that the cause of Buharis illness was yet to be detected even after renowned medical practitioners both within and outside the UK had conducted tests him.

The source who spoke under the condition of anonymity however absolved the presidency of concealing the president's actual state of health, noting that the presidency can only disclose what it knows.

He said: Those accusing the presidency of being economical with the truth on the actual state of health of the president are missing the point because you can only disclose what you know.

As at today, nobody knows the kind of ailment battling Mr. President. Even his doctors in the UK dont know what is wrong with him. Lots of tests have been done; in fact they have done everything humanly possible but they still cant detect what is wrong with him.

The official said Buharis doctors have placed him under long observation to see if they can diagnose what is wrong with him.

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For those of us who are close to President Buhari, he cant stay for a long time without food. He doesnt have the endurance for long fasting and that is why those referring to him as a religious fanatic are wrong. Here is a man who doesnt joke with his food but suddenly once he takes a spoon, he throws up. And you know if you dont eat for a long time, you become weak and emaciated."

He said doctors had to devise other means of feeding Buhari after his condition became serious, but added that the president had made significant progress in the last couple of weeks.

But the source dismissed reports circulating in a section of the media that the president was down with acute prostate cancer or any ailment that could have affected his digestive system.

From the information we have, every organ of the president is working perfectly. The only problem is his inability to eat well due to loss of appetite. That is why some people are alleging that the president may have been poisoned or under some kind of spiritual attack, he stated.

Legit.ng recalls that online newspaper, Sahara Reporters, had reported that the undisclosed medical condition which President Muhammadu Buhari is battling with is cancer related.

According to the online newspaper, sources close to Buharis inmost associates had long disclosed that the president was beset by cancer.

The newspaper which made the disclosure in a report dated August 6, 2017, also stated that recent visits to Buhari in London was staged by the cabal around the president to give the impression that the president had miraculously recovered.

Sahara Reporters however stated that such impression is far from the reality that the presidents health is deteriorating.

Watch this Legit.ng video of Governor Samuel Ortom speaking on Buhari's health:

Source: Legit.ng
Editors note: The writer Buchi Obichie questions Lauretta Onochies statement that President Buhari seems to be like a private citizen. She notes that someone who occupies the highest political office cannot be said to be a private citizen except he is no longer president, and cautions the presidents aide to be careful with her choice of words, except she is trying to say something in a coded manner.

There are people who believe I dont talk much. In fact, there are those who would swear that I am an extremely quiet person - until Im highly offended of course! Lol!

The thing is this though - I made a conscious decision to be cautious with my words in public; especially when Im in a gathering of people who are not part of my inner circle (my family and closest friends).

Why did I choose to be this way, you ask? Its simple. At a very early age, I discovered that I wasnt as clever as my brothers. I also found that I was a better writer than a speakeras a matter of fact, my thoughts are clearer when Im putting them down on paper.

READ ALSO: Dear Nnamdi Kanu, I bear a so-called Biafran name and I am a proud Nigerian I am not a Pig!

I also found that people are deemed to be more intelligent than they usually are, when they are miserly with their words.

When a known talkative speaks, people may not take him so seriously because they have become accustomed to his superfluous words; but just watch how people pay rapt attention, when someone who usually doesnt talk much decides to speak on a particular issue.

The difference is light night and day!

Not talking too much in public also helped my IQbecause I listened more, and learned quite a bit as a result. It also means that I am at lesser risk of contradicting myself.

Now, knowing what wonders being cautious with words can do for an individual, I have been very angry lately with Lauretta Onochie, President Muhammadu Buharis social media aide.

Granted, there are times when her statements are so outrageously colorful that they make me laugh; but then, sometimes, she says thing that make you wonder what her thought process is like!

Recently, she was speaking on Channels TV about the #ReturnorResign protests against the President, when she made a very flabbergasting statement.

She said: As we speak, we have an Acting President. As we speak, President Buhari seems to be like a private citizen at a moment. We have no right and it is very disrespectful for anyone to ask for his health status.

What?

First of all, it is questionable that a presidential aide would not seem to know the implications of referring to her boss as a private citizen.

Now, the dictionary definition of the term is a citizen who does not hold any official or public position. Buhari holds the highest political position in the land, so what is this woman talking about?

And saying seems like doesnt even cut it!

The president has not resigned. He simply communicated to NASS, that he was proceeding on medical vacation- as required by the constitution in such circumstances- so that his deputy could act in his stead.

But then, Yemi Osinbajo is only referred to as Acting President, not President. We do know that Buhari is still President Muhammadu Buhari, right? He is by no means a private citizen.

A private citizen is what he was before he assumed the office of President, and it is what he would become again, when he leaves office. But at the moment, it just isnt what he is!

By the way, he cant even be a private citizen or seem like one, when he is still being accorded all the privileges that come with the office of President.

He cannot seem to be a private citizen on an ongoing presidential salary that has so far not been halted.

He cannot seem to be a private citizen when the presidential jet is still parked at a London airport, pending when he uses it- at our expense!

By the way, i hear the reason the presidential jet is still parked in London is because according to protocol, the aircraft always has to be within the vicinity of the President.

'The President'...not 'the private citizen'!

In the words of Garba Shehu, No world leader who travels abroad is left without plans for immediate return or possible evacuation.

'World leader' ...not 'private citizen'.

He cannot seem to be a private citizen when a team of staff members are still on his beck and call, even over there is London, attending to his every need in his capacity as President, at the expense of Nigerian taxpayers!

And for the life of me, he cannot seem to be a private citizen, when Governors are trooping to London, to visit the President, and when Osinbajo is still conferring with him as President, before taking major decisions!

So, what in Gods name, was Madam Lauretta talking about? Or was it a Freudian slip? Well if it was, then Madam may just have revealed a highly guarded secret.

Was she trying to pass a message subliminally?

It would have been fine if the Presidents aide ended the statement at the fact that we indeed do have an Acting President who seems to be doing just fine, so far. That would have been a better argument.

Or she could have taken the Femi Falana route. After all, the respected SAN did just say that there is no time limit for the President to return, based on the constitution.

As a presidential aide in the thick of the storm, one would not expect Madam to goof so badly and annoyingly! But she did! Why?

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I think it is because Ms. Onochie is so used to saying so much, that it is difficult for her to pause for a moment and process her thoughts before spitting them out!

I havent even touched on the arrogance with which she warned us not to be disrespectful and intrusive by asking questions about our Presidents health!

Is that a crime? Is it illegal for us to do so? Did Buhari become President by himself? Were votes not cast for him? Is he leading himself? Is he not answerable to the Nigerian people? Does Madam Onochie think she is working for the CEO of a private company? Does she not realize that her boss is the leader of an entire country?

In any case, I would advise Madam to take a crash course in Etiquette for Presidential Aides- if there is any such subject-and refrain from uttering any more questionable and ludicrous statements.

And while shes at it, she should also store away the phrase private citizen, and never again use it to describe her boss, until he leaves office! Except there is something she is trying to tell us!

This opinion piece was written by Buchi Obichie.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily represent the editorial policy of Legit.ng.

Watch this Legit.ng TV video asking if Nigerians are truly tired of Buhari:

Source: Legit.ng
- Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed a former governor of Delta state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori into convention committee

- Ibori who recently returned to the country after regaining his feedom from the British prison

- He was said not to have attended any political meeting since he returned to the country last year after he was released from detention

A former governor of Delta state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, has been nominated into the national convention planning committee for the non elective special convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Daily Times reports that the convention is scheduled to holds on Saturday, August 12, in Abuja.

Legit.ng recalls that Ibori, who recently returned to the country after regaining his feedom from the British prison.

READ ALSO: There has never really been an election in Nigeria - Pat Utomi

It was learnt that Ibori is to appear as number 41 in the main organizing committee list.

The former governor of Delta state between 1999 and 2007, was however absent at the inaugural meeting of the committee on Wednesday, August 9, at the partys headquarters in Abuja.

On his part, Iboris media aide, Tony Eluemunor said that there was nothing unusual for Iboris nomination to be in the committee.

Eluemunor said: ''It is a privilege given to every former PDP governor. Ibori is a former governor, and he has not left PDP.

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''So, there in nothing unusual in his name being included in the list. He was invited to the last NEC (National Executive Committee) meeting but he did not attend''.

He could not disclosed whether Ibori will be at Eagle Square for the convention, saying that he was not to decide for him.

It was leanrt that Ibori has not attended any political meeting since he returned to the country last year after he was released from detention.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported Ahmed Makarfi who is the chairman of the party issued a warning to those who want to join the party or return to it that there will be no special privilege for them.

The PDP chairman made this statement on Thursday, August 3 when he received a delegation of PDP Rescue Group led by Wilberforce Juta in Abuja.

Watch a Legit.ng TV video below of former president, Goodluck Jonathan speaking about the PDP:

Source: Legit.ng
- The report shows that Nigerian workers in these factories are usually overworked for more than 12 hours daily, without compensation for the extra hours, in blatant disregard of national labor laws

- A worker in one of such factory disclosed that the Asian taskmasters never employ Nigerians as permanent staff, but casualise them as a routine exercise to keep the factories running

- According to the investigation, most of these factories have their head offices located at Agbara and Sango-Ota in Ogun State; Ogba, Oregun and Oba Akran axis of Ikeja, Lagos

Over 500 illegal Asian immigrants, who entered Nigeria under the guise of being visitors, are now reportedly calling the shots at various factories in Lagos and Ogun states, News Rangers reports.

The illegal immigrants reportedly join their relatives who are legal residents in Nigeria; and stay put, because of the weak immigration policies here.

READ ALSO: Opinion: Why Buhari should be very upset that his aide called him a private citizen

According to the report, the relatives of these individuals who are here legally, place their people as senior hands in the factories, at the detriment of more qualified Nigerians.

However, in these same companies, Nigerians are forced to work for over 12 hours on a daily basis, which is a blatant disregard of labor laws.

An average worker in such factories usually earns 18,000 naira per month, which may not even be paid when due.

One such Nigerian worker called Ronke (not real name) who works at a plastic company in Agbara, Ogun state called Avanti, stated: Our law does not allow for more than eight hours, unless for overtime purposes for which monetary compensation must be made.

But here, we are made to work for an average of twelve hours daily without compensation for the extra hours.

The Chinese, Koreans and Indians who run such companies seem to be operating this way deliberately because they are aware that the Nigerian workers usually do not possess the means to seek redress even if something goes wrong at the workplace.

Another worker who spoke under the condition of anonymity stated: What the Chinese/ Indian task masters do is never to have any permanent staff as everyone is 'casualised' as a routine exercise to keep the factories running.

They pay their illegal immigrant brothers/sisters, who are nothing short of economic pests, far higher wages.

Besides, any disgruntled individual, who dares challenge their deliberate slavish policies are humiliated out of the company with the threat of inviting police to deal with them on trumped-up charges of theft or threat to life.

Upon investigation however, it was discovered that the illegal immigrants usually avoid coming in contact with law enforcement officers because of their illegal status.

A senior officer at the State Criminal Investigations Department, Yaba, Lagos, reportedly stated: Of course, even legal immigrants avoid contact with police in order to protect undocumented family members or friends.

The investigation also revealed that most of these factories have their head offices located at Agbara and Sango-Ota in Ogun state; Ogba, Oregun and Oba Akran axis of Ikeja, Lagos.

Reacting to the situation, Olaseni Ajayi, an activist and lawyer, urged the police and immigration services to prioritize petty offences that can bring immigrants into contact with law enforcement and to use their discretion to arrest those who drive without a license since such stops can now be a pathway to deportation.

In the same vein, Mr. Dandy Eze of Paths to Freedom, said: The Nigeria Labour Congress should henceforth picket the companies involved and see to their effective prosecution where necessary."

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Nigerian Emeka Umoh, who worked at a Chinese company, the Hongxing steel company limited, died after being bathed in liquefied iron while he was on duty.

Umoh reportedly died after he was taken to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Watch this Legit.ng TV video of a 60-year-old LAWMA worker lamenting over unpaid salaries

Source: Legit.ng
- A deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria Adebayo Adelabu is allegedly under investigations by the EFCC

- Adelabu was alleged to have connived with an official of a bank to arbitrarily approve loans running into several billions of Naira

- A close associate of the deputy CBN governor however denied that Adelabu was questioned by the EFCC

Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, a deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was alleged to have been grilled in Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday August 7.

He was also alleged to have connived with former minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Reports have it that the deputy governor of CBN who was interrogated was admitted to administrative bail by the anti-graft agency.

He was also alleged to have played a role in the siphoning of shareholder funds via phony loans.

The EFCC is particularly looking at billions of naira in bad loans approved for a popular businessmans companies . The recklessness of the bank bosses prompted the CBN to introduce stiffer corporate governance rules to protect shareholder funds from being abused by insiders, the source alleged.

READ ALSO: There has never really been an election in Nigeria - Pat Utomi

However, Barrister Ojo Adebayo, ex-commissioner for justice and attorney general of Oyo state and a close associate of Adelabu denied the arrest.

He said Adelabu was never arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that Ibrahim Magu revealed that the EFCC is collaborating with other global agencies to trace more loot linked to former minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Magu further disclosed that the commission is also working to get other individuals who have collaborated with the former minister to loot the nation.

Watch this Legit.ng TV video of EFCC staff staging a walk against corruption:

Source: Legit.ng
- Four pregnant women have died in internally displaced persons camps located at Ngala council area of Borno state

- The women were infected with Hepatitis E, a contagious viral disease which affects the liver

- Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said some shelters habour 45,000 people who have fled attacks by the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists

Four pregnant women have died in internally displaced persons camps located at Ngala council area of Borno state, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has said.

The women, Legit.ng gathered were infected with Hepatitis E, a contagious viral disease which affects the liver.

The MSF medical coordinator, Nicolerta Bellio, in a statement issued in Maiduguri, Borno state capital said the viral disease infiltrated the camp from Niger and was able to spread due to a combination of poor living conditions and flooding.

READ ALSO: Just in: Pro-Buhari protesters storm Unity Fountain, smoking in public (photos)

Hepatitis E can be contacted through drinking water or foods that has been contaminated by faeces from an already infected person.

The virus can also be contacted from any form of contact with animal meat, poorly cooked especially pigs.

The symptoms of the disease include weight loss, nausea, jaundice and fatigue.

The MSF in its statement decrying the poor state of living among the displaced persons said some shelters habour 45,000 people who have fled attacks by the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists.

READ ALSO: Tension in Maiduguri as soldiers search UN building for arms

Bellio said the international agency is surprised that the number of infected person is yet to escalate due to the poor living condition in the camps.

The situation in Ngala is very worrying. The onset of the rainy season has caused repeated flooding in the camp and water gushes across pathways, latrine holes and into peoples shelters, Bellio said.

When it rains, the whole camp gets covered in mud and dirty water. This is a recipe for spreading bacteria and disease particularly as people dont always use the latrines that have been installed in the camp, so wastewater washes out everywhere.

There have been more than 400 cases of hepatitis E in the past two months and we have treated 170 patients at our hospital, so its no surprise that an outbreak of hepatitis E has been declared.

Bellio also spoke of the dangers of the disease on pregnant women and sensitised the people on how to avoid the disease.

Generally, people recover from hepatitis E if they receive treatment, but the disease can be very dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn babies, Bellio said.

READ ALSO: How Nigeria has been held captive by less than 60 people for the past 51 years - Pat Utomi exposes political power-brokers

He added that: Hepatitis E leads to high rates of spontaneous abortions and stillbirths, as well as babies being born prematurely.

"It can also cause severe haemorrhages in mothers, both during childbirth and after giving birth.

Something as simple as soap and clean water could have prevented these deaths. Our health promotion teams are working with the community to clean the camp of dirty water and waste.

We have also distributed soap and chlorinated the water supply, although chlorine is less effective against hepatitis E than it is against cholera, for example.

Other humanitarian organisations have also worked to improve the water supply. The rains will continue for several months, and we fear that this could mean more cases of hepatitis E or, even worse, an outbreak of cholera.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app

If this happens, Ngalas remote location and the security situation in the area will make it very difficult for us to respond. In fact, it would be a disaster.

MSF has been working in Ngala camp since October 2016 and currently runs a hospital providing inpatient and outpatient treatment, malnutrition treatment and maternity," he said.

Legit.ng earlier reported that some displaced persons in Borno camps were being served with decayed beans.

The report came after pictures of portions of the decayed beans were shared on the internet by a Chibok leader and spokesperson Allen Manesseh.

Manesseh while posting the pictures said his effort to engage authorities on the matter was futile.

You can watch this Legit.ng video of survivors of Boko Haram recounting their ordeal:

Source: Legit.ng
CHICAGO  A federal appeals court continued the delay of a preliminary injunction that Authenticom of La Crosse had been granted in its antitrust suit against two rivals it contends are trying to drive it out of business.

The ruling from the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Tuesday denied Authenticoms appeal to reinstate the injunction against CDK Global and The Reynolds and Reynolds Co.

However, Authenticom founder and CEO Steve Cottrell found a silver lining in the appellate court decision because the three-judge panel accelerated the hearing date on the suit to Sept. 18.

We remain confident in eventual success, Cottrell said in an interview.

There is an advantage to having it heard quickly, he said, because of the potential it allows for Authenticom to return to business as usual by the end of September.

Judge James Peterson of Madison had issued the original preliminary injunction against CDK and Reynolds on July 28 in U.S. District Court for western Wisconsin in Madison. He suspended the injunction on Aug. 1, and the appeals court extended that this week.

The ping-pong battle between the parties results in part because of the complexity of the case and volumes of evidence before the courts.

Cottrell sued the pair  the two big dogs in the automotive data sector in which Authenticom is the other major player  on May 1.

Authenticom, which is headquartered in the Doerflinger building in downtown La Crosse, is a third-party data integrator in the automotive industry, linking car dealers to software vendors such as CDK and Reynolds.

Cottrell, who is seeking a jury trial, alleges that CDK and Reynolds are colluding in an illegal plot that has cost Authenticom millions of dollars and pushed it to the brink of insolvency.

CDK Global is a publicly traded Delaware corporation with headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Ill. It provides DMS software and services to car dealerships throughout the country and has more than $2 billion in annual revenues.

The private corporation of Reynolds and Reynolds is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio.
Yves here. Another sighting on the Beware robots and artificial intelligence! beat. Aside from the fixation on job risks, I keep wondering about hidden costs, like wire monkeying and increased hostility among people when they know they are not dealing with a person. I certainly do when I have to deal with phone prompts. All that adrenaline with no where to go

By Arthur Marusevich, a lawyer based in Canberra. Originally published at Independent Australia

Its almost scary to think that the world as we know it may well be run by Artificial Intelligence (AI) one day.

While the risk of an imminent AI disruption of the labour market may sound like a fantasy, those with the most advanced AI technologies at hand think that AI is an imminent threat.

They say an Industry 4.0 or cyber physical systems (CPS) revolution is coming whether we like it or not. Is this really true?

AI in the labour market means the use of intelligent software to optimise the delivery of services by humans.

However, in a recent meeting with U.S. governors, business magnate Elon Muskwarned:

AI is a fundamental existential risk for human civilisation and I dont think people fully appreciate that  [AI] is the scariest problem.

Worth reading Superintelligence by Bostrom. We need to be super careful with AI. Potentially more dangerous than nukes.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 3, 2014



But if this AI business is such an unfettered terminator, why has Mr Musks warning fallen on deaf ears? Why havent regulators and companies rung the alarm bells yet?

Well, aside from one explanation that it may be a conspiracy, some experts think that Mr Musks statement is an unnecessary exaggeration of the reality. It is true that Mr Musk may have access to the most cutting-edge AI technology in pursuit of his autonomous machines; however, he is not the only one.

Others with access to similar technology, such as Arizona State Universitycomputer scientist Subbarao Kambhampati, have a different view.

Kambhampati says:

While there needs to be an open discussion about the societal impacts of AI technology, much of Mr Musks oft-repeated concerns seem to focus on the rather far-fetched super-intelligence take-over scenarios . Mr Musks megaphone seems to be rather unnecessarily distorting the public debate, and that is quite unfortunate.

Additionally, nowhere in the 2016 Obama Administration AI Report do we see any references to such imminent threats. So, does this mean that we should disregard Mr Musks warning?

Perhaps not entirely, according to a recent report published by the International Bar Association Global Employment Institute (IBA GEI).

AI Researchers Disagree With Elon Musks Warnings About Artificial Intelligence https://t.co/5UufhOc0KJ#AI #future  Warren Whitlock (@WarrenWhitlock) July 21, 2017



This report has in fact raised some alarming issues as to the faith of both blue and white-collar sectors unless AI is proactively monitored and regulated.

Coordinator of the report, Gerlind Wisskirchen, IBA GEI Vice Chair for Multinationals, commented:

Certainly, a technological revolution is not new, but in past times it has been gradual. What is new about the present revolution is the alacrity with which change is occurring, and the broadness of impact being brought about by AI and robotics. Jobs at all levels in society presently undertaken by humans are at risk of being reassigned to robots or AI and the legislation once in place to protect the rights of human workers may be no longer fit for purpose, in some cases.  The AI phenomenon is on an exponential curve, while legislation is doing its best on an incremental basis. New labour and employment legislation is urgently needed to keep pace with increased automation.

In the past, the human workforce was mainly involved in mass production of raw materials and manufacturing. Today it is about service delivery. This tertiary sector consists of almost 70 per cent of the human workforce and involves the use of individual effort and skill to deliver a service for someone else. It is this sector that is supposedly under threat from AI.

IBA  Law requires reshaping as AI and robotics alter employment, states new IBA report @JohnAFlood @lisawebley https://t.co/leNANMCO9s  Paresh Kathrani (@PKathrani) April 4, 2017

What is the Extent of the Threat?

No doubt the advent of AI machines powered by complex algorithms and computer applications has already begun to strongly influence the world of work; so much that sometimes it is impossible to run the world without them. Labour in the automotive, chemical, agricultural, IT, media, finance and insurance industries has already been dominated by AI robots.

In Australia, the legislation explicitly allows government agencies to use AI in making automated decisions. For example, the Centrelink robodebt endeavour that generates debt statements for members of the public, without human intervention.

However, does this mean that the end of the human labour force has arrived? Perhaps not yet.

The current trend in automation does not equate to an imminent threat to human workers; the most obvious reason being that humans are adaptable and automation is controllable. As long as costs for service delivery by both AI and humans can be moderated, automation will not completely displace human labour. For instance, production in the clothing, catering and construction industries is still delivered by human labour because there is no AI technology that is as affordable as human labour.

Of course, such a conclusion requires a more precise and individual examination of all the sectors by country and region. However, the available evidence suggests that  unlike in the past where humans have actively participated in the mass production and service delivery  automation will allow humans to supervise this process, thereby enabling them to be more productive and creative.

T2 Artificial intelligence is OK for data analysis but doesnt do empathy. Great AI compares to worst bedside manner. #HealthXPh  Jim Katzaman (@JKatzaman) July 29, 2017

The Future

Predicting the future of the labour market is a difficult task. While it is true that human labour is poised to be displaced by AI, the current trend of automation suggests that the human element is an indelible part of the labour market. No doubt Industry 4.0 is coming if not already here; however, experts disagree as to the rate of the impact it will have on the global workforce. It is currently a little over-dramatised, so they say.

For instance, we learn from the well-known economist John Maynard Keynes  who, in 1930, coined the term technological unemployment  that our attitudes to impending AI technology should neither refuse to accept that the labour market will change dramatically nor assume that it will end the world as we know it.

Its a balancing act. And both schools of thought agree with this. As a result, regulators and governments must be more proactive with their efforts to achieve this balance. For example, when driverless cars replace human drivers, by investing in education and creating training programs, human drivers can be reskilled for other jobs. Bill Gates suggests that the money for such initiatives can be earned by taxing robots productivity just like we tax humans.

So, as long as a balance is achieved, there is no need to panic just yet. Humans are adaptable and empathy will always remain an essential ingredient of our service delivery processes. This, AI cannot compete with.
The long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFSs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have a proven record to benefit heart health, according to long-time omega-3 researcher Bruce J. Holub, Ph.D., university professor emeritus, deptartment of human health & nutritional sciences, University of Guelph. In this podcast, Holub and Sandy Almendarez, editor in chief, INSIDER discuss specific studies on EPA and DHA, and the role they play in cardiovascular health. They cover:

People with heart failure who supplement with 1 g/d of EPA/DHA had a reduction in total mortality by 10 percent, which is the same rate as some prescription drugs

A modest dose of EPA/DHA (700 mg/d) lowered systolic blood pressure by about 5 percent, which can result in an 18-percent reduction in coronary heart disease risk

A 1 g/d dose of EPA/DHA reduced circulating triglycerides by 8 percent in a two-week period whether patients were on a prescription statin or not.

Holub will be speaking at the Supplyside West Workshop, Nutrition for Heart Health on Friday, September 29 at 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. This session is underwritten by Nicolas Hall and Companies, Japan Bio Sciences Lab and Natec. Visit supplysideshow.com for more information and to get registered.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic heart condition where the heart muscles become thickened and stiff, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood around the body effectively.

Usually the muscular wall of the left ventricle is affected, although the condition may also cause thickening of the muscle in the right ventricular wall. The thickened walls reduce the chambers capacity to hold blood during diastole and can cause reduced volume of pumping with each heartbeat. This leads to reduced blood flow from the heart. This in turn may cause symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, chest pain and shortness of breath.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning each child born to a parent with the condition has a 50% chance of inheriting it.

The condition is very common and affects about one in 500 people in the UK. Most people who have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy do not experience any symptoms and the condition may therefore go undiagnosed. For a minority, however, significant problems may develop including angina, lightheadedness, shortness of breath and arrhythmias that are life threatening, putting a person at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of sudden death in young people.

Diagnosis

Genetic testing

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is caused by the presence of at least one gene mutation that affects proteins present in the heart muscle. The cells of this tissue become disorganized rather than being arranged in straight lines, which may contribute to the arrhythmia that develops in some cases.

Since hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is inherited, people who have a first-degree relative with the condition are usually offered genetic screening to identify whether they have inherited a mutation and are at risk of the disease. However, genetic testing is not completely reliable, as little is understood about the underlying genetics. For this reason, mutations are only detectable in around half of families with the condition. The other tests doctors most commonly use to confirm a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are described in more detail below.

Echocardiogram

This test enables a specialised observer to use ultrasound waves to visualize the hearts pumping action and assess whether there is muscle thickening, obstructed blood flow or abnormal movement of the mitral valve. There are two forms of echocardiography, namely, transthoracic echocardiogram and transesophageal echocardiogram.

The first technique creates images of the heart using an ultrasound generator through a transducer placed on the chest skin. This form of echocardiogram is the technique doctors generally use to diagnose hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

For the second technique, a tube is used to pass a transducer down into the esophagus where it can generate more detailed images of the heart. This may be advised if a standard echocardiogram fails to create images that are clear enough.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

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Here, the functioning of the hearts electrical signaling system is analyzed using electrodes placed on the skin that measure impulses generated in the heart. This can tell whether the heart chambers and heart rhythm are normal or not.

Exercise test

This involves the performance of continuous ECG monitoring while the individual is exercising on a treadmill, to determine how well the heart is functioning during periods of increasing activity. This will tell whether exercise triggers arrhythmia and how much exercise a patient can manage before symptoms arise. Sometimes the test is carried out in conjunction with echocardiography.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A cardiac MRI scan may be performed, which generates detailed heart images using magnetic fields and radio waves.

Holter heart monitor

Here, a portable ECG device is fixed around the neck or waist. It records the hearts electrical activity continuously over the course of one or two days.

Cardiac catheterization

This involves the use of a catheter inserted into a blood vessel and passed through to the heart chambers, to release dye into the bloodstream, followed by X-rays. These images are then used to evaluate the heart and blood vessels.

References

Further Reading
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new measurement for the volume and activity of beta cells, the source of the sugar-regulating hormone insulin.

In a study published in the August edition of the journal Diabetes, Weibo Cai and colleagues used a PET scanner to detect minute levels of a radioactive chemical in the mouse pancreas. Cai, the senior author of the study and an associate professor of radiology, says that unlike previous methods for measuring the quantity of beta cells, the new test also measures how actively these cells are making insulin.

PET scanning, or positron emission tomography, is used to detect minute quantities of tracers, commonly for finding cancer and metastases. This area is a specialty of Cai. Cai says the test may be used to evaluate treatments or cell transplants intended to slow or reverse diabetes.

With a provisional patent filed through the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Cai has begun planning a series of human trials that could lead to Food and Drug Administration clearance for a new method to determine the quantity and condition of the beta cells. The first step in these trials would look at the distribution and potential toxicity of the radioactive manganese chloride used as a tracer.

A shortage of insulin, due to the death or inactivity of the beta cells, causes type I (formerly "juvenile") diabetes. The same problem can also cause type II diabetes. But this condition, once called "adult onset" diabetes, can also result from insufficient response to insulin. "In some conditions you can have an adequate number of beta cells, but not all of them are functioning," says Cai. "We measure volume and get a product of function times volume, which is what everybody wants to know."

The chosen tracer has a short half-life, so the exposure to radiation is no greater than what is now used in the many PET scans used to detect cancer.

Because blood sugar tests are cheap and reliable, Cai is not proposing to replace them for detecting diabetes. Instead, the new test could be used to track the effectiveness of medicines and other measures intended to dampen the immune assault that kills beta cells.

The test could offer advantages over earlier methods to detect and analyze beta cells, Cai says. Some magnetic resonance techniques can give information about the quantity and function of beta cells, he says, but they use a dose of manganese chloride that is at least 1 million times higher than the new PET technique, suggesting an advantage in lower toxicity.

Other tests detect beta cells by identifying receptors that are unique to those cells, "but even if cells are not functioning, the receptors are still there," Cai says, "so that does not tell you if they are making insulin. Our test is based on the calcium channel, a portal that the cell uses to exchange chemicals with its environment. The cell has to be active to take up manganese chloride, therefore it's functioning, and if you have more functioning beta cells, then you have more insulin."

Overall, Cai says, "We don't think there is another way to do this with this degree of accuracy."

The other authors included Matthew Merrins and Michelle Kimple, both assistant professors of medicine at UW-Madison who focus on diabetes research.

The development of the new test is more proof that chance favors the prepared mind, says Cai. First author Reinier Hernandez, who was Cai's graduate student and is now a post-doctoral radiology researcher in Madison, came up with the idea when he noticed high uptake of manganese chloride in the pancreas while exploring a PET tracer for cancer. Plenty of people saw apples fall from a tree, but at least according to legend, it was only Isaac Newton who was prompted to think deeply about gravity. "When the apple falls from the tree, you have to put out your hand to catch it," Cai says. "Reinier did. Another person might have missed it."

Preparation played a second crucial role in the story, adds Cai. "People knew that manganese chloride uptakes in the beta cells, but nobody could make radioisotopes that were pure enough. But Jerry Nickles and Jonathan Engle [the past and present directors of the campus PET Cyclotron Laboratory] are the best in the world at making chemically pure manganese chloride with determined radiological activity. So we were only ones able to pull this off."

Source: http://news.wisc.edu/new-measure-of-insulin-making-cells-could-gauge-diabetes-progression-treatment/
Each year, thousands of infants in the United States end up in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) with acute kidney injury (AKI), a condition in which the kidneys falter in performing the critical role of filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood to produce urine. Being able to identify neonates during the early stages of AKI is critical to doctors and clinician-scientists who treat and study this condition, explains Patricio Ray, M.D., a nephrologist at Children's National Health System.

Without an accurate definition and early identification of newborns with AKI, it is difficult for doctors to limit the use of antibiotics or other medications that can be harmful to the kidneys. Neonates who have AKI should not receive large volumes of fluids, a treatment that can cause severe complications when the kidneys do not properly function.

Until recently, there was no standard definition for AKI, leaving doctors and researchers to develop their own guidelines. Lacking set criteria led to confusion, Dr. Ray says. For example, different studies estimating the percentage of infants in NICUs with AKI ranged from 8 percent to 40 percent, depending on which definition was used. In 2012, a group known as the Kidney Disease Improved Global Outcome (KDIGO) issued practice guidelines for AKI that provide a standard for doctors and researchers to follow. They focus largely on measuring the relative levels of serum creatinine, a protein produced by muscles that is filtered by the kidneys, and the amount of urine output, which typically declines in adults and older children with failing kidneys.

The problem with these guidelines, Dr. Ray explains, is they are not sensitive enough to identify newborns experiencing the early stages of AKI during the first week of life. Newborns can have high serum creatinine levels during the first week of life due to residual levels transferred from mothers through the placenta. Also, because their kidneys are immature, failure often can mean higher--not diminished--urine production.

In 2013, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, convened a meeting of leading neonatologists and pediatric nephrologists--including Dr. Ray--to review state-of-the-art knowledge about AKI in neonates and to evaluate the best manner to assess kidney function in these patients. They published a summary of their discussion online June 12, 2017 in Pediatric Research.

Among other findings, the group concluded that the current definition of AKI lacks the sensitivity needed to identify the early stages of AKI in neonates' first week of life. They also said that more research was needed to fill this gap.

That's where Dr. Ray's current research comes in. Working with fellow Children's Nephrologist Charu Gupta, M.D., and Children's Neonatologist An Massaro, M.D., the three clinician-scientists reviewed the medical records of 106 infants born at term with a condition known as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), in which the brain doesn't receive enough oxygen. Not only does this often lead to brain injury, but it also greatly increases the risk of AKI.

Because these babies had been followed closely in the NICU to assess the possibility of AKI, their serum creatinine had been checked frequently. The researchers found that about 69 percent of the infants with HIE followed at Children's National never developed signs of kidney failure during their first week of life. These babies' serum creatinine concentrations dropped by 50 percent or more by the time they were 1 week old, about the same as reported previously in healthy neonates. Another 12 percent of the infants with HIE developed AKI according to the definition established by the KDIGO group in 2012. These infants:

Required more days of mechanical ventilation and medications to increase their blood pressure

Had higher levels of antibiotics in their bloodstreams

Retained more fluid

Had lower urinary levels of a molecule that their kidneys should have been cleared and

Had to stay in the hospital longer

A third group of the infants with HIE, about 19 percent, did not meet the standard criteria for AKI. However, these babies had a rate of decline of serum creatinine that was significantly slower than the normal newborns and the infants with HIE who had excellent outcomes. Rather, their outcomes matched those of infants with established AKI.

Dr. Ray notes that by following the rate of serum creatinine decline during the first week of life physicians could identify neonates with impaired kidney function. This approach provides a more sensitive method to identify the early stages of AKI in neonates. "By looking at how fast babies were clearing their serum creatinine compared with the day they were born, we could predict how well their kidneys were working," he says. Dr. Ray and colleagues published these findings July 2016 in Pediatric Nephrology.

He adds that further studies will be necessary to confirm the utility of this new approach to assess the renal function of term newborns with other diseases and preterm neonates. Eventually, he hopes this new approach will become uniform clinical practice.

Source: https://childrensnational.org/
School-based mental health programs can reach large numbers of children, with increasing evidence of effectiveness in improving mental health and related outcomes, according to a research review in the September/October issue of the Harvard Review of Psychiatry. The journal is published by Wolters Kluwer.

"This review provides evidence that large-scale, school-based programs can be implemented in a variety of diverse cultures and educational models as well as preliminary evidence that such programs have significant, measurable positive effects on students' emotional, behavioral, and academic outcomes," write J. Michael Murphy, EdD, of Massachusetts General Hospital and colleagues.

School-Based Programs Focus on Preventing Mental Health Problems

An estimated 13 percent of children and adolescents worldwide have significant mental health problems such as anxiety, disruptive behavior disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and depression. Especially if left untreated, these disorders often persist into adulthood, with lasting effects on many aspects of life.

Over the years, many programs have been designed to deliver preventive mental health services in schools, where children and teens spend so much of their time. Substantial research now shows that school-based mental health interventions can be widely implemented and can lead to population-wide improvements in mental health, physical health, educational, and social outcomes.

Dr. Murphy and colleagues identified and analyzed school-based mental health programs that have been implemented on a large scale and have collected data on specific mental health outcomes. The authors estimate that the eight largest programs have reached at least 27 million children over the last decade.

The interventions vary in their focus, methods, and goals. The largest program, called "Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports" (PBIS), focuses on positive social culture and behavioral support for all students. The second-largest program, called "FRIENDS," aims to reduce anxiety and to teach skills for managing emotions and coping with stress-;not only to children, but also to parents and teachers.

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Most of the school-based mental health interventions were designed to focus on mental health promotion or primary prevention for all students in the school; some programs also target students at high risk of mental health problems. Most of the programs have been implemented across school districts, while some have been introduced on the state or national level.

Available research provides "moderate to strong" evidence that these interventions are effective in promoting good mental health and related outcomes. For example, studies of FRIENDS have reported reductions in anxiety, while PBIS has shown improved reading scores and fewer school suspensions. Other programs have shown benefits such as reducing bullying at school; one intervention has even been linked to lower rates of substance abuse in young adulthood.

The authors point out that school-based mental health interventions have been studied almost exclusively in high-income countries- despite the fact that about 80 percent of the global population of children live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). But there's evidence that this may be changing since three of the eight largest programs have been implemented "to scale" in LMICs. One of these, called "Skills for Life," has been running on a national basis in Chile for more than a decade.

"Data sets of increasing quality and size are opening up new opportunities to assess the degree to which preventive interventions for child mental health, delivered at scale, can play a role in improving health and other life outcomes," Dr. Murphy and colleagues conclude. With ongoing data collection and new evaluation frameworks, they believe that school-based mental health programs have the potential to "improve population-wide health outcomes of the next generation."
Researchers have been able to create genetically modified piglets that are cleaned of the viruses that could causes diseases in humans. This could open up new avenues in organs transplants from pigs to humans. The process of transplanting organs or tissues from animals to humans is called xenotransplantation. The report was published this Tuesday in the journal Science.

If successful this could pave the way for organ transplants such as livers, hearts and other organs from pigs into humans. According to Dr. David Klassen, chief medical officer at the United Network for Organ Sharing  which is a private, nonprofit organization that manages the nations transplant system, this could be a real game changer. Dr. Klassen was not involved in this study but he explained that there were 33,600 organ transplants last year and the waiting list was almost four times as long at 116,800 patients. The gap between the demand and supply is huge he said.

Dr. George Church, a geneticist at Harvard who led this new study said that transplants from pigs to humans can become a reality in two years. Two new techniques have been utilized in this study  gene editing and genetic cloning. There have been speculations regarding use of pig organs for humans for years now. The size is just about right and functions are also similar. Although animal welfare questions remain as manufacturers are anticipating a huge rise in demands for pig organs. On the other land long term safety or other issues with these transplants is also not known.

Dr. Jay Fishman, co-director of the transplant program at Massachusetts General Hospital has said that major religious groups have concluded that pig organs may be used in lifesaving transplants. Scientists have assured that if pigs were to be used for transplants, they would be anesthetized and killed humanely. Also the numbers needed for the transplants to meet the waiting lists is far less than the number of pigs killed each year for food.

It was Dr. Fishman who in 1998 found that hidden in pig DNA were genes for viruses that mimiced those causing leukemia in monkeys. These are called porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs). When these pig cells grew in the laboratories, next to human embryonic kidney cells, these viruses spread to the human cells. The viruses are retroviruses and once the human cells became infected, they infected other healthy cells as well. This brought the research to an end since these viruses could mean deadly outcomes among transplant recipients. But this new study shows that these viruses could be worked around using genetic editing of the pig DNA. Genetic editing is being done by CRISPR that has revolutionized gene therapy.

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For examples patients who have type 1 diabetes have damaged pancreas cells. The pig pancreas cells can be transplanted using a sheath to prevent the immune system from attacking it. Pig skin could also be used as skin grafts among burn patients. Dr. A. Joseph Tector, a transplant surgeon at the University of Alabama at Birmingham added that pig retroviruses can be treated with drugs used against HIV AIDS virus. Dr. Fishman said the risk of transplanted organs spreading the virus to others is low.

Dr. Church and his colleagues took up this challenge as used CRISPR to cut out the viral DNA from the pig cell DNA. Then the scientists cloned the edited cells. The cells were brought back to their earliest developmental stage and then inserted into an egg. Then the genetic material was inserted and the egg was allowed to develop into an embryo. The embryos were implanted in sows. These grew into piglets that were genetically identical and did not have the viruses. Many of the embryos and piglets were lost in the process of this complex cloning. Dr. Church and his colleagues ended up with 15 living piglets with the oldest being 4 months of age. None of them have the viruses.

Dr. Churchs company eGenesis, would be selling the genetically altered pig organs. Further the pigs would be engineered to carry human genes so that those getting the transplants do not need to take anti-rejection medications.

References
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Marvin Iverson, 55, of 5212 Mormon Coulee Road, No. 31, was charged Thursday with fifth-offense operating while intoxicated and with a prohibited alcohol concentration. Iverson drove under the influence of alcohol on Tuesday, according to the complaint.

Jessica Reese, 37, of 3135 S. 27th St., was charged Thursday as a fugitive. Reese is wanted in Houston County (Minn.) for a violation order, according to the complaint.

Jacob Porath, 36, of 919 St. Cloud St., No. 41, was charged Thursday with possession of narcotic drugs and misdemeanor bail jumping. Porath violated his bond Wednesday by having 2.3 grams of heroin, according to the complaint.

Danny Douglass, 56, of 223 N. Eighth St., was charged Thursday with possession of meth and carrying a concealed knife. Douglass had 3.2 grams of meth and a folding knife, according to the complaint.

Antonio Shaw Jr., 30, of Onalaska was charged Thursday with possession of a firearm by a felon, receiving a stolen firearm and possession of THC. Shaw had a stolen firearm and 4.2 grams of marijuana on Wednesday, according to the complaint.

Richard Charneski Jr., 22, of Black River Falls was charged Wednesday with resisting an officer causing a soft tissue injury and misdemeanor bail jumping. A La Crosse police officer injured his elbow on Friday when Charneski resisted arrest, according to the complaint.

Wade Walker, 58, of Onalaska was charged Wednesday as a fugitive. Walker is wanted in Houston County (Minn.) for drug crimes, according to the complaint.

Alexander Mitchell, 23, of 1013 Rose St., was charged Wednesday with misdemeanor theft, possession of meth and felony bail jumping, all as a repeat offender. Mitchell stole a bike on Monday and had 1.2 grams of meth, according to the complaint.

Adrian Briones, 26, of 2734 Harvey St., was charged Wednesday with felony bail jumping, possession of meth and retail theft, all as a repeat offender. Briones stole merchandise from Shopko and had 0.4 grams of meth on Monday, according to the complaint.

Rachelle MacEwen, 33, of 840 Winneshiek Road, was charged Monday with battery to a law enforcement officer, throwing bodily fluids at a public safety worker and disorderly conduct. MacEwen resisting police on Thursday, kicking, biting and yelling at officers, according to the complaint.

William Gerrish, 54, no permanent address, was charged Monday with felony bail jumping and possession of THC. Gerrish violated his bond Tuesday by having 5.2 grams of marijuana, according to the complaint.
Chinese company LeEco has been in dire straits over the last few months, with their attempts at expanding into the Indian, American, and European markets meeting with significant stumbling blocks. This time, reports have claimed that the company's only shop in Moscow is facing closure.

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Chinese corporation LeEco has been in a bit of a pickle, with their incursion into the United States market ending in unmitigated disaster. The company is set to close its only shop in Russia, which is indication of its failure in expanding into the European market.

LeEco, last year, made attempts at spreading its wings into the US, Indian, and Russian markets. The company's business in all three countries are, for the most part, dead, as reports had it as laying off 85% of its Indian workforce, and 70% of the American arm. The company, a Chinese corporation in the mold of Netflix, tried to expand into these markets with the aim of bringing super TVs and futuristic technology to the public at incredible bargain prices. Their smartphone arm is visible proof of this market model, as the company has developed a penchant for producing well-designed, powerful devices with lower mid-range price tags.
Each year, thousands participate in the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes, a multi-location fundraiser for Type 1 diabetes research. And while many participants are themselves living with the disease  which, unlike Type 2, is unpreventable  some of the greatest support comes from those in a third class.

We call them Type 3, said Jen Allen, development coordinator for the Western Wisconsin chapter of JDRF. A few of our biggest fundraisers dont have family or friends with Type 1 diabetes, but now after biking past years theyve met people (with it) and they have even more drive to participate.

An estimated 1.25 million individuals in the United States, 84 percent of them adults, have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and during the past 16 years, the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes has raised $38 million for research for the currently incurable metabolic disease. This year, rides will be held in five locations across the country, the first in La Crosse on Saturday. More than 500 riders from teens to seniors are registered for the local race, 50 of them from the western Wisconsin region and others from several states away.

The rides are really cool, theyre an opportunity to bring people from all across the country together, Allen said.

Bikers are required to raise a minimum of $2,000 to participate, and $1.32 million of the $1.4 million goal for the La Crosse ride had been raised as of Wednesday. Previous funds have gone toward the development of an artificial pancreas  an automated blood-sugar management device approved by the FDA last fall  and the renewal of the Special Diabetes Program, which sponsors Type 1 diabetes research at the National Institutes of Health.

The La Crosse route spans three states, beginning at 7 a.m. in Riverside Park and crossing the Mississippi into Minnesota and Iowa and back for a total of 100 miles. Riders have the option of doing as little as one mile, but Allen says a considerable number tackle the full trek.

Even if people dont think theyre going to do the full 100 miles, the adrenaline keeps them going, Allen said.

Those who prefer to support from the sidelines are welcome to station themselves near one of the several rest stops along the picturesque route and offer encouragement.

Come and cheer us on, that would be really awesome, Allen said. Come see what were all about.

For more information on the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes, click here.
Two local legislators will hold a public listening session Monday in Onalaska on a proposal to give Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn $3 billion in state money to build a plant in southeast Wisconsin.

Earlier this month, Foxconn announced plans to build a $10 billion plant that would employ up to 13,000 workers making flat-screen displays.

Gov. Scott Walker has authored a bill that would provide $2.9 billion in refundable tax credits over 15 years, exempt the company from another $150 million in sales taxes, and waive environmental regulations for construction of the 20-million-square-foot plant in Racine or Kenosha County.

Foxconn would also be eligible for lower utility rates under the bill, which also authorizes $250 million in borrowing to expand and rebuild Interstate 94.

An analysis by the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimates it will take the state 25 years to recoup the money provided in tax credits.

An amendment under consideration would provide an additional $20 million for worker training programs and tie subsidies to actual job creation.

Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling and Rep. Jill Billings, both Democrats representing the La Crosse area, are asking constituents to share their thoughts on the proposal, saying they want to ensure the public has a say in the process given the unprecedented size of the incentive package.
As a first-generation student, Cecilia Moreno didnt know what to expect when she started college. Now the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse student is helping to improve cancer screenings for women living in Nicaragua.

Moreno and fellow UW-L student Mikka Nyerko are two of this years McNair Scholars at the university, members of a program that works with underrepresented students to help prepare them for graduate-level work and studies in higher education. As part of the program, the two presented their work on a pilot project to help increase health education and cancer screenings for women living in the Matagalpa region of Nicaragua Thursday as part of UW-Ls summer research expo.

As undergraduates, we never knew if we would ever get to see our work get put into place, Nyerko said. It is an amazing and wonderful opportunity.

Their research project is in partnership with Gundersen Health Systems Global Partners program as well as the Lily Project, the Fara Clinic in Matagalpa, and the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua. The idea for the project came out of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, which list breast and cervical cancer as one of the leading causes of death for women in the Americas.

After learning about the challenges and culture of the region, the two came up with a program that would help improve health education for women in the region, while being sensitive to cultural norms. Because literacy is a challenge in the region, the project will involve different visual aids such as learning aprons, demonstration bags and other tools that will help women learn more about their bodies and the signs to look for that could indicate cancer.

Global Partners plans to initiate the program as part of a visit in October, with the two students evaluating and refining the results over the winter. Both Moreno and Nyerko plan to visit Nicaragua in the spring as they expand the program with the new data.

It is incredibly valuable to ground our work with best practices, Global Partners Director Liz Arnold said. Students, as part of their training, will naturally look for that. It is a win-win as we gain expert knowledge and they gain real-life experience that helps save lives.

Moreno is the first generation in her family to go to college, and when she first came to UW-L, she didnt really know what to expect other than that her family and friends told her that college was the best way to get a good job and career. She didnt even know what graduate programs really were until she was introduced to the McNair program, which inspired her to do more than just get a degree.

Im a first-generation student, too, UW-L interim associate dean and McNair Scholars program director Roger Haro said. I didnt have a clue that there was more out there. This is one of the big impacts of the program.

The program is named after physics professor and NASA astronaut Ronald McNair, who died in the Challenger shuttle disaster in 1986. The program is funded at 151 institutions across the U.S. and Puerto Rico by the U.S. Department of Education and is designed to prepare first-generation, low-income and other underrepresented students for graduate studies through involvement in research, mentoring and other scholarly activities.

The program is at risk in the federal budget proposals by President Donald Trumps administration, which calls for cutting the $950 million Federal TRIO student support programs by up to 30 percent and eliminating the McNair program from TRIO. The average McNair grant to a school is $220,000 annually, which helps at least 24 students in the schools program.

The centerpiece of the program is a research project with faculty that provides a $3,000 stipend that helps support the project as well as presenting the research at professional conferences and networking with other researchers in the field. The program also helps students with academics, offers graduate level coursework and helps with graduate school applications.

More than a third of the UW-L student body is first-generation, Haro said, and he brought a McNair scholars program to campus in 2010 that serves more than a dozen new students each year during a two-year period. More than four-fifths of program alumni go on to graduate school with 29 alumni having received their masters degree and the programs first student having received a doctoral degree.

I wish I had access to a program like this when I was in college, Haro said. It helps so much. It produces results.
A majority of Holmen village trustees want the chief of the Holmen Area Fire Department ousted in the wake of his second-offense drunken-driving conviction.

Paul Menches, 61, was sentenced Wednesday to serve two days in jail, had his drivers license suspended for a year and fined $1,454 in the wake of a January accident.

On Thursday, the board that oversees the Holmen Area Fire District and its chief  which includes representatives from Holmen and the towns of Onalaska and Holland  voted unanimously to reprimand Menches but continue his employment.

But later in the day, the Holmen Village Board  on a split vote  issued a vote of no-confidence.

The majority of village board members released a statement through the village administrators office stating: We disagree with the actions of the fire board, and we have no confidence in Paul Menches as fire chief and do not support his continued employment.

The majority of the Holmen Village Board does not support Chief Menches; they no longer see him as credible and they would like him to resign. They felt it was imperative that the Holmen public know that they do not support the actions of the fire board and the fire board representatives which appear to have resulted in the continued employment of Menches.

Village Board President Nancy Proctor and trustees Doug Jorstad, Dawn Kulcinski and Steve Johnston voted to issue the statement.

The two village representatives on the fire district board, Chuck Olson and Bill Ebner, were joined by village trustee Rich Anderson in opposing the no-confidence statement.

Olson said Menches has brought stability to the department during his year as chief.

I believe the impact of terminating the chief would have repercussions for the department and the communities it serves, said Olson. It would create a tremendous amount of turmoil in the department and communities. Im not sweeping it (Menches accident) under the rug, but theres been a positive change in the department (since Menches became chief).

But Jorstad voted to call for Menches dismissal because he believed the villages fire board representatives decided to retain Menches without input from the village board.

When we learned about it (Menches accident), we asked to be kept informed, said Jorstad. The unsettling part was our own fire board representatives made the decision (to continue to employ Menches) without consulting the board.
No president has ever abolished a national monument designated by a predecessor. President Trump may try to change that.

Ryan Zinke, the secretary of the interior, is reviewing 27 national monuments to determine if previous administrations exceeded their authority in setting aside craggy vistas, ancient cliff dwellings and other large tracts of land for protection. He is expected to recommend that some be scaled back, or perhaps eliminated entirely and transferred to state ownership.

Democrats and environmental activists see the review as part of a broad effort within the Trump administration to unravel the conservation legacy of President Barack Obama, who under the 1906 Antiquities Act put more land and water under federal protection than any other president. Yet Mr. Zinkes study, due by Aug. 24, stretches back 21 years to include other national monuments that remain a source of acrimony, particularly in the West.

Not all of the monuments are truly in the administrations cross hairs, and Mr. Zinke has already declared some of them safe from changes. While any of the others could be altered, critics and supporters of the review say only a handful face significant scrutiny. Here are some of the big ones to watch.

Toadstools Trail in Utahs Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Education Images/UIG via Getty Images

UTAH

Grand Staircase-Escalante

1.88 million acres | Designated by Bill Clinton, 1996

Its no accident that the Antiquities Act review goes back to 1996. Thats when President Bill Clinton, standing on the south rim of the Grand Canyon with the actor Robert Redford by his side, declared the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah. The announcement took state leaders by surprise. Angered that Washington had ignored local views and quashed a proposed coal mine that had promised hundreds of jobs, residents in the neighboring town of Kanab flew flags at half-staff. Two decades later, opponents are still seeking ways to shrink the monument.

Republicans and other critics have long charged that the 1.9 million-acre monument closes off many areas to development, particularly the coal reserves along the Kaiparowits Plateau in Garfield and Kane counties. Meanwhile, park managers say that Grand Staircase-Escalante has never been adequately funded or staffed to support its original scientific mission.

When Mr. Zinke visited in May, he declined to say if mineral resources would play a role in deciding whether to rescind or shrink the monument designation. Monuments should never be put in a position to prevent rather than protect, and the president is pro-energy across the board, he told the St. George News.

LeftTop: The Bears Ears National Monument in southeastern Utah. RightBottom: Ancient granaries, part of the House on Fire ruins in Bears Ears. Francisco Kjolseth/The Salt Lake Tribune, via Associated Press; George Frey/Getty Images

UTAH

Bears Ears

1.35 million acres | Designated by Barack Obama, 2016

Hailed by environmentalists and Native American groups, pilloried by conservatives and many local residents, Bears Ears National Monument has become the poster child for the fight over Mr. Obamas preservation agenda.

Mr. Zinke has already vowed major changes to this vast expanse of Utah sandstone and red rocks that Mr. Obama designated for protection, along with 300,000 acres of land in Nevada as Gold Butte National Monument, in the waning days of his administration.

Native American groups, for whom the rock formations and canyons are considered sacred ground, have fought to maintain the monument, arguing that archaeological sites have been defaced and that burial sites have been looted. But Utahs political leaders denounced the decision. Senator Orrin G. Hatch, a Republican, called it an egregious abuse of executive powers.

In a preliminary report unveiled in June, Mr. Zinke recommended shrinking Bears Ears borders by identifying and separating areas that have significant objects to be protected. The early move has already prompted outrage from outdoor recreation companies like Patagonia and REI, and spurred the Outdoor Industry Association to pull their annual trade show out of Utah. They and others have vowed to go to court to fight any proposed changes to the monument.

Workers install a sign at the Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks National Monument in Las Cruces, N.M., in March 2015. Jett Loe/Las Cruces Sun-News via Associated Press

N.M.

Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks

496,330 acres | Designated by Barack Obama, 2014

When Mr. Zinke flew by helicopter in July over the jagged Organ Mountains in southern New Mexico, he proclaimed the beauty of the monument, though he described it as a little disconnected.

The boundaries are difficult to discern  between private, public, state lands, he said at a news conference.

Mr. Zinke has pledged to remain open-minded about the review. But environmentalists at the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Center for Biological Diversity are concerned that the large Western monument designated by the Obama administration could be altered.

In designating Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, Mr. Obama claimed the monument would spur $7.4 million in new economic activity. Ranchers, however, have worried that the monument will hurt their business. They also argue Mr. Obama did not follow the spirit of the Antiquities Act, which calls for protected lands to be confined to the smallest area compatible with proper care and management.

A rain storm passing over Mt. Katahdin in the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in northern Maine. Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press

Me.

Katahdin Woods and Waters

87,563 acres | Designated by Barack Obama, 2016

The governor of Maine has denounced this sweeping monument in forestland that once was the heart of large-scale logging operations in the state.

Mr. Obama designated the monument in Maines North Woods in August 2016 on land donated by Roxanne Quimby, a co-founder of Burts Bees cosmetics. The announcement came a day after a nonprofit foundation run by Ms. Quimby, a longtime conservationist, transferred the land to federal ownership and pledged a $40 million endowment.

Gov. Paul R. LePage, a Republican, has called the monument an ego play by Ms. Quimby, dismissed the protected land as a mosquito area that wont attract tourists, and claimed that closing off the area to timber harvesting hurts the states economy.

Mr. Zinke toured the area in June. He said he was comfortable with the land remaining public, according to The Associated Press. Im confident theres a path forward here that will work, Mr. Zinke said.

LeftTop: Sea turtles on Turtle at Midway Atoll in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. RightBottom: Landing at Henderson Field, Midway Atoll. Saul Loeb/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images; Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Expansion Original HAWAII

Papahanaumokuakea

89.5 million acres | Designated by George W. Bush, 2006

283.4 million acres | Added by Barack Obama, 2016

President George W. Bush created the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (pronounced Papa-ha-now-moh-koo-ah-kay-ah) off Hawaii in 2006. Last year, Mr. Obama quadrupled it.

Now the ocean reserve more than twice the size of Texas is the largest protected area anywhere on Earth. Commercial fishing of tuna and other species is prohibited, though recreational fishing is allowed with a permit. New mining and oil and gas drilling are also forbidden.

Scientists and environmentalists hailed the decision as critical to helping the diverse ecosystem withstand the threat of climate change. The oceans are the untold story when it comes to climate change, and we have to feel a sense of urgency when it comes to protecting the ocean that sustains us, said Senator Brian Schatz, Democrat of Hawaii, who proposed the monument.

But the decision wasnt without detractors. The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, a quasi-government agency that helps manage fisheries in the Pacific Islands, opposed the monument, arguing that Hawaiis fishermen are already being hurt by the protections because they now must fish in the high seas in competition with other countries.

Republicans in Washington argue that the Antiquities Act was designed to protect lands, not waters. Representative Rob Bishop, Republican of Utah and chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, called the monument unjustified.

All National Monuments Under Review Land Monument Marine Monument Name Location Established/expanded Current size (acres) Ironwood Forest Arizona 2000 128.9k Sonoran Desert Arizona 2001 486.1k Vermilion Cliffs Arizona 2000 279.6k Berryessa Snow Mountain California 2015 330.8k Carrizo Plain California 2001 204.1k Giant Sequoia California 2000 327.8k Mojave Trails California 2016 1.6m San Gabriel Mountains California 2014 346.2k Katahdin Woods and Waters Maine 2016 87.6k Basin and Range Nevada 2015 703.6k Gold Butte Nevada 2016 296.9k Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks New Mexico 2014 496.3k Rio Grande del Norte New Mexico 2013 242.6k Cascade Siskiyou Oregon/California 2000/2017 112.0k Bears Ears Utah 2016 1.4m Grand Staircase-Escalante Utah 1996 1.9m Rose Atoll Pacific Ocean (Amer. Samoa) 2009 8.6m Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Atlantic Ocean 2016 3.1m Marianas Trench Pacific Ocean (N. Mariana Isl.) 2009 60.9m Pacific Remote Islands Pacific Ocean 2009/2014 316.9m Papahanaumokuakea Pacific Ocean (Hawaii) 2006/2016 372.8m Ironwood Forest, Arizona Established: 2000 | Current size: 128.9k acres Sonoran Desert, Arizona Established: 2001 | Current size: 486.1k acres Vermilion Cliffs, Arizona Established: 2000 | Current size: 279.6k acres Berryessa Snow Mountain, California Established: 2015 | Current size: 330.8k acres Carrizo Plain, California Established: 2001 | Current size: 204.1k acres Giant Sequoia, California Established: 2000 | Current size: 327.8k acres Mojave Trails, California Established: 2016 | Current size: 1.6m acres San Gabriel Mountains, California Established: 2014 | Current size: 346.2k acres Katahdin Woods and Waters, Maine Established: 2016 | Current size: 87.6k acres Basin and Range, Nevada Established: 2015 | Current size: 703.6k acres Gold Butte, Nevada Established: 2016 | Current size: 296.9k acres Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, New Mexico Established: 2014 | Current size: 496.3k acres Rio Grande del Norte, New Mexico Established: 2013 | Current size: 242.6k acres Cascade Siskiyou, Oregon/California Established/Enlarged: 2000/2017 | Current size: 112.0k acres Bears Ears, Utah Established: 2016 | Current size: 1.4m acres Grand Staircase-Escalante, Utah Established: 1996 | Current size: 1.9m acres Rose Atoll, Pacific Ocean (Amer. Samoa) Established: 2009 | Current size: 8.6m acres Northeast Canyons and Seamounts, Atlantic Ocean Established: 2016 | Current size: 3.1m acres Marianas Trench, Pacific Ocean (N. Mariana Isl.) Established: 2009 | Current size: 60.9m acres Pacific Remote Islands, Pacific Ocean Established/Enlarged: 2009/2014 | Current size: 316.9m acres Papahanaumokuakea, Pacific Ocean (Hawaii) Established/Enlarged: 2006/2016 | Current size: 372.8m acres

No Longer Under Review, No Changes Recommended Name Location Established/expanded Current size (acres) Grand Canyon-Parashant Arizona 2000 1.0m Sand to Snow California 2016 154.0k Canyons of the Ancients Colorado 2000 178.0k Craters of the Moon Idaho 1924/2000 737.5k Upper Missouri River Breaks Montana 2001 377.3k Hanford Reach Washington 2000 194.5k Grand Canyon-Parashant, Arizona Established: 2000 | Current size: 1.0m acres Sand to Snow, California Established: 2016 | Current size: 154.0k acres Canyons of the Ancients, Colorado Established: 2000 | Current size: 178.0k acres Craters of the Moon, Idaho Established/Enlarged: 1924/2000 | Current size: 737.5k acres Upper Missouri River Breaks, Montana Established: 2001 | Current size: 377.3k acres Hanford Reach, Washington Established: 2000 | Current size: 194.5k acres

No matter what Mr. Zinkes review finds, changes to federal monuments are not imminent. Environmental groups have vowed to sue if President Trump tries to eradicate or reduce protected lands.

They say they are not heartened that Mr. Zinke has declared a handful of monuments safe from changes. These pardons have been so random, said Jenny Rowland, a public lands research manager for the Center for American Progress, a liberal advocacy group.

The Interior Department did not respond to requests for comment.

No president has reduced the size of a federal monument since 1963, when President John F. Kennedy revised the boundaries of the Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico. Scholars are split over whether the Antiquities Act even allows a president to do so, or whether Congress has the sole power to undo a designation.

Todd F. Gaziano, a senior fellow in constitutional law at the Pacific Legal Foundation, a group that advocates for limited government, has said environmental groups are engaged in magical thinking when they argue that a president cannot revoke a designation. There is no court case that holds the president doesnt have significant reduction authority, he said.

The Interior Department has received more than 1.4 million public comments, which several outside organizations have said swung overwhelmingly toward preserving the national monuments.
The package was from Sweden, addressed only to Atta Mohammed, next to Sajadee Mosque.

But where was that, exactly?
iGaming Super Show 2017 Declared the Biggest Yet

Published August 11, 2017 by Mike P

iGB has revealed that the iGaming Super Show 2017 attracted many more attendees compared to the 2016 conference in Amsterdam.

Online Casino Reports (OCR) was proud to attend the recent iGaming Super Show (iGSS), which has hosted in the stunning surroundings of Amsterdam from 11 to 14 July 2017. Since then, it has just been revealed that iGSS 2017 was the most successive iteration yet. A whole host of informative statistics have been used to justify the lofty declaration.

Higher Attendance Figures

iGaming Business (iGB) is the company responsible for organising iGSS and collating all of the attendance figures. After gathering the various data points, iGB was able to reveal that the iGSS conference had experienced 9% growth in delegates from 2016. The total number of attendees came close to reaching 5,000, with the official figure being reported at 4,718.

The 9% rise in delegates was an impressive achievement for iGB, but that figure was surpassed by 16% increase on the number of operators and affiliates who travelled to iGSS 2016. And many of the attendees held prominent roles within their respective organisations, including 18% who were CEOs, 15% were affiliate managers or directors, and 14% who were affiliates.

Global Reach

iGSS 2017 also proved to be a truly international event, with people travelling from all over the world to attend the four-day conference. The UK, the Netherlands, and Malta proved to be the best-represented of the 105 countries that were at iGSS 2017.

Shona ODonnell of iGB revealed that while the company was pleased with the increasing attendance figures, greater pleasure was drawn from the volumes of positive feedback given to the learning and networking events arranged for iGSS 2017.
From The Nation

John Conyers knows a good deal more than Donald Trump does about the Korea Peninsula -- and a lot more about the Constitution.

So it is worth noting that Conyers has taken a lead in organizing congressional opposition to Trump's bombastic threats about unleashing "fire and fury" on North Korea. He has precisely what our "locked and loaded" president lacks: the wisdom that extends from experience.

As a young volunteer with the Michigan National Guard, Conyers was called up to serve with the 1279th Combat Engineers in the Korean War. He was in the war zone for a year as a lieutenant supervising repairs and replacements of Army aircraft.

When Conyers got home, he went to law school and then, with the encouragement of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., began a political career that would eventually see him chair the House Judiciary Committee. His decades of experience with congressional oversight of successive presidents during the undeclared wars of the 1960s and '70s in Southeast Asia, during Ronald Reagan's illegal interventions in Central America in the 1980s, and during the Bush-Cheney wars in the Persian Gulf have made him an expert on questions about when and how presidents may steer the country into conflict.

Based on his experience, Conyers argues that Trump is getting everything wrong when he answers North Korean saber rattling with American saber rattling.

"As a veteran of the Korean War, I am ashamed that our Commander-in-Chief is conducting himself in a reckless manner that endangers our troops stationed in Korea and our regional allies," explains the Michigan Democrat. "Trump must immediately cease talk of pre-emptive war -- which must be authorized by Congress -- and commit to the diplomatic path advocated by both American experts and the South Korean government."

Conyers is right. And his position has attracted considerable support in Congress. For instance, while Trump claims to be concerned about threats to Guam, the congressional representative from Guam, Madeleine Bordallo, says she agrees with Conyers.

Click Here to Read Whole Article
From Truthdig

Nine months after losing the presidency, the Democratic Party is in dire need of a course correction. Grass-roots enthusiasm for the party is far from robust. Despite incessant funding appeals and widespread revulsion for the Trump administration, the Democratic National Committee's fundraising is notably weak.

And the latest DNC chair, Tom Perez, sounds no more inspiring than his recent predecessors. When Perez speaks next to Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, it's a stark contrast between establishment cliches and progressive populism.

While a united front against the Trump regime would be ideal, mere unity behind timeworn Democratic leadership would hardly be auspicious. Breaking the Republican stranglehold at election time will require mobilizing the Democratic Party's base on behalf of authentic populism. But the power structure of the DNC has other priorities.

A comment from Sanders five months ago remains fully relevant: "Certainly, there are some people in the Democratic Party who want to maintain the status quo. They would rather go down with the Titanic so long as they have first-class seats."

Meanwhile, along with most Democrats in Congress, the DNC remains eager to heap blame on Russia for the defeat of Hillary Clinton. That's been a nifty way to deflect attention from what cried out for scrutiny after November's election -- the reality that Clinton's close ties with Wall Street and big banks made it unconvincing to pitch her as an ally of working people.

All this is context for a lawsuit against the Democratic National Committee that has been slowly wending its way through a federal district court in Florida. The suit contends that the DNC engaged in fraud by reneging on a key commitment in its charter.

The DNC charter is fairly explicit. Article V, Section 4 says: "In the conduct and management of the affairs and procedures of the Democratic National Committee, particularly as they apply to the preparation and conduct of the Presidential nomination process, the Chairperson shall exercise impartiality and evenhandedness as between the Presidential candidates and campaigns."

The charter goes on to state: "The Chairperson shall be responsible for ensuring that the national officers and staff of the Democratic National Committee maintain impartiality and evenhandedness during the Democratic Party Presidential nominating process."

DNC emails that reached the public a year ago show direct and purposeful violations of those DNC rules. As The New York Times reported with understatement days before the national convention, "The emails appear to bolster Mr. Sanders's claims that the committee, and in particular [DNC Chair Debbie] Wasserman Schultz, did not treat him fairly."

A week after the release of those incriminating DNC emails in July 2016, a Miami-based law firm (Beck & Lee) filed a suit on behalf of plaintiffs who had donated to the DNC, alleging that the DNC committed "civil fraud."

The DNC emails show that top committee officials violated the DNC charter's "impartiality and evenhandedness" requirements. When compelled to respond at a hearing in U.S. District Court in southern Florida on April 25, the DNC's legal team came up with a revealing defense -- claiming that the DNC has a right to be unfair during the presidential nominating process.

A lawyer for the DNC, Bruce Spiva, told the judge: "We could have voluntarily decided that, 'Look, we're gonna go into backrooms like they used to and smoke cigars and pick the candidate that way.' That's not the way it was done. But they could have. And that would have also been their right."

In other words, Spiva was saying that his clients atop the DNC didn't mug democracy in this case but could have if they'd wanted to -- and they retain the right to do so in the future.

Later that day, Spiva tried to clean up a potential public relations snafu while reaffirming the DNC's legalistic stance: "In response to my hypothetical that the party could choose its nominees in a smoke-filled room, I want to just reiterate that the party ran the process fair and impartially, and does not do that and doesn't plan to do that. But these, again, are political choices that either party is free to make and are not enforceable in a court of law."

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A day after editor of leading Chinese newspaper Global Times said military action was inevitable if Indian troops did not withdraw from China's soil in Doklam, Beijing has issued another threat asking what would India do if China enters Kashmir or the Kalapani region in Uttarakhand.

Wang Wenli, Deputy Director General of the Boundary and Ocean Affairs of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the visiting Indian journalists, "The Indian side has also many tri-junctions. What if we use the same excuse and enter the Kalapani region between China, India and Nepal or the Kashmir region between India and Pakistan.

Indian journalists were visiting China at the invitation of All China Journalists Association (ACJA).

India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector since June 16 after Indian troops stopped the Chinese Army from building a road in the area. China said it was constructing the road within their territory and has been demanding immediate pull-out of the Indian troops from the disputed Doklam plateau.

"Even if there is only one Indian soldier, even for a day it is still a violation of our sovereignty and territorial integrity," Wang Wenli said adding: "It is impossible to have a dialogue with India at this time. Our people will think our government is incompetent."

Wang Wenli raised the Kashmir issue and also referred to the Kalapani dispute between India and Nepal. "We think it is not doable for the Indian side to use tri-junction as an excuse," she said, referring to Indian External Affairs Ministry's assertion that the road building at the China, India and Bhutan tri-junction in the strategic narrow Chicken's Neck area changes the status quo.

According to the Indian Express, this is the first time that a Chinese official sought to bring in the Kashmir issue even though such a remark has been made earlier by a scholar in the Global Times.

Chinese threat should not be taken lightly

Indian experts said on Wednesday that India should take the Chinese threat of entering Kalapani in Uttarakhand seriously to keep an eye on "activities across the border".

Kalapani is a region close to Nepal and the Himalayan country has been staking claim over the disputed territory for years now. Kalapani is a 35-square-kilometre area in the hill state's Pithoragarh district under control of Indo Tibetan border police. Uttarakhand shares an 80.5-km-long porous border with Nepal and a 344-km border with China, the Hindustan Times said.

SS Pangti, an expert on India-Nepal border affairs, was quoted by Hindustan Times as saying that the 1816 Segauli treaty signed between the British and Nepal locates the Kali River as the western border between the nations.

Kalapani is considered as the origin of Kali River that flows from Nepal and enters Uttarakhand. In fact, both the nations are also working on a joint hydropower project Pancheshwar on the river on the Indian side.

"Above Kalapani there is no demarcation (of the boundary) between Indo-Nepal till China border. This could lead to problems in the coming time. The dragon's threat should not be taken lightly," Pangti told the Hindustan Times.

"It is crucial for India to maintain control at Kalapani in a bid to keep an eye on the activities across the border," he added.

China Daily warns: Countdown to clash between Chinese and Indian forces has begun

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By Meteor Blades



Pastor Robert Jeffress

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Can something be scary and infuriating all at the same time? Tara Isabella Burton at Vox proves that indeed it can:

"In a statement emailed to journalists Tuesday afternoon, pastor Robert Jeffress praised Trump's aggressive statement [on North Korea] as a function of divine will. 'When it comes to how we should deal with evil doers, the Bible, in the book of Romans, is very clear: God has endowed rulers full power to use whatever means necessary -- including war -- to stop evil. In the case of North Korea, God has given Trump authority to take out Kim Jong-Un.' "Jeffress has long been one of Trump's political allies, one central to Trump and his team's increasingly unsettling conflation of Christianity, nationalism, and pro-Trump cult of personality. [...] "In a follow-up interview with The Washington Post's Sarah Pulliam Bailey, Jeffress doubled down on his words: '[Those verses in the Book of Romans give] the government ... the authority to do whatever, whether it's assassination, capital punishment or evil punishment to quell the actions of evildoers like Kim Jong Un.'"

In short, with selective Bible readings, Jeffress preaches the divine right of kings, rule by fiat with Jehovah's support, complete with celestial authority to make the unholiest of wars sacred.

If Trump were to decide to plunk down a half-dozen Nagasaki-sized nukes on North Korea, that would be just fine with this supposedly Christian preacher. He wouldn't even advise the man to ponder the words of Truman on this date in 1945 -- the day after Nagasaki was obliterated -- that he "didn't like the idea of killing [...] all those kids."

Truman's feelings of remorse came too late for the Japanese infants, toddlers and teenagers nuked in Nagasaki and Hiroshima, as well as all the children and other civilians of those cities who would die horrible deaths in the weeks and years to come of radiation sickness and various cancers.

Did a similar thought as Truman's cross Trump's mind as he drifted off to sleep after his threat to rain brimstone on North Korea? Highly doubtful. Did he think about the public relations impact of adding "war criminal" to his re'sume'? Why should he have? Pastor Jeffress has informed him that God not only ordains whatever it takes, he also says Americans are biblically obligated to support whatever he does in the matter.
Reprinted from www.dailykos.com by David Pakman

Yesterday, we learned that the FBI raided the house of Donald Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, back on July 26.

The raid pertained to the overall investigation into possible collusion and illegal activity related to Donald trump's campaign and Russia, and according to the New York Times, the agents were seeking "tax documents and foreign banking records."

FBI agents stormed Manafort's home before dawn, suggesting it was likely a "no knock raid." These sorts of raids happen when law enforcement officials want to prevent you from scrambling to destroy evidence, so they show up in the middle of the night and unannounced.

This is a serious development for sure, and we'll likely learn what if anything of interest was recovered during the raid as Robert Mueller's investigation concludes.

But there's another layer to this story that a lot of people are missing. Naturally, after it was first learned that the FBI raided Manafort's home on July 26, some journalists went back and looked at Trump's tweets from that day and found something striking.

Just hours after the raid took place, Trump shot of two tweets at 9:48 a.m. that said "Why didn't A.G. Sessions replace Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe, a Comey friend who was in charge of Clinton investigation but got big dollars ($700,000) for his wife's political run from Hillary Clinton and her representatives. Drain the Swamp!"

The assertion made by trump in the tweet happens to be false, no surprise. NPR fact checked the claim, and found that McCabe was never in charge of Clinton investigation, and the financial links to Clinton weren't true either.

But the real story, of course, is the coincidental timing of Trump's tweets. Seemingly out of the blue, Trump starts attacking the Acting FBI director, along with his own attorney general Jeff Sessions. At the time, we thought the attack on Sessions was because of leftover anger about Sessions' recusal, and that Trump was taking his frustration about Mueller's investigation out on him.

But now we know that the tweets came just mere hour's after McCabe's FBI raided the house of his former campaign manager. In that context, the tweets start to make sense, and it's hard to imagine that there was any other catalyst for them now that we have this new information.

Of course, we don't yet know for a fact that Trump was aware of the FBI's raid at the time he sent those tweets, but it appears highly likely that he was. And of course, if he did know, he didn't like it, and lashed out immediately at Sessions and McCabe, and started threatening to fire them.

In the context of Manafort's home being raided, these tweets can be construed as yet another attempt by Trump to intimidate the officials involved in the investigation into his campaign, and another attempt to interfere with that investigation.

For someone who claims to not be guilty of colluding with Russia, he sure acts like someone who is guilty of colluding with Russia.
President Trump juxtaposed with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un with mushroom cloud in the background

There's been three days of non-stop hyperventilating by Trump, his administration and the US corporate MSM over the war of words between the Trumpster and North Korea's Kin Jong-Un.

This morning Trump tweeted, "Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong-Un will find another path". On Tuesday Trump told reporters, "North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States" adding "They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen". Kim responded he'd place "an enveloping fire" around Guam, saying Trump "let out a lode of nonsense about 'fire and fury" then adding "Sound dialogue is not possible with a guy bereft of reason and only absolute force can work on him". So it goes.

All the excessive rhetoric came after the UN Security Council issued a new round of sanctions against North Korea last weekend which could reduce the country's export income by some $3 billion. This over its testing of ballistic missiles in July. The sanctions would ban exports of coal, iron, iron ore, lead ore and seafood. It also would reduce the number of North Korean's working abroad, bans new joint ventures with North Korea and any new investment in current joint ventures.

Both Russia and China voted for the sanctions which according to Pepe Escobar, "the new sanctions package does not touch imports of oil and refined oil-products from China. That's one of the reasons why Beijing voted in favor." [1] The same could be said of Russia considering it is a huge exporter of oil. Escobar went further, "Kim Jong-Un...is not a fool, and is not going to indulge in a ritual seppuku unilaterally attacking South Korea, Japan or US territory."

Here's my take.

I agree with Escobar "Kim is no fool" and not about to commit suicide "unilaterally attacking South Korea, Japan or US territory." That said if the US preemptively attacked North Korea it would retaliate.

Not only Trump issues rhetorical excesses. North Korea and Kim have issued over the top threats of their own as in sending a ICBM missile to hit the continental US. But usually North Korea responds to overt US provocations i.e. joint military exercises with South Korea, sending B-1 bombers over the Korean Peninsula, sending an "armada" toward the Korean Peninsula-only to have it turned around heading in the opposite direction, placing a THAAD ABM missile system in South Korea, even threatening to "decapitate" the regime and assassinate Kim. So US provocations against North Korea are very real. After "Dubya" Bush made North Korea part of some nonsensical "axis of evil" in 2002 absurdly placing it together with Iraq and Iran the North seeing the US invade a non-nuclear Iraq in 2003 realized it had to develop a nuclear weapon and missile system as the only deterrent against a US attack.

Russia and China did agree with the sanctions because both see diplomacy as the only way forward to de-escalate the tensions between the US and North Korea.

Now of course Trump is unpredictable. Anything is possible. Being a narcissistic bully who has no firsthand experience with war he could launch what he believes would be an overwhelming pre-emptive strike and North Korea wouldn't be able to respond with a massive counter strike. That's not only rash but highly unlikely. Escobar believes "on the ground US Intel on North Korea is virtually non-existent". So it's all pure speculation. Does Trump have any sane advisers in his camp? Generals who came through the ranks and know war firsthand. Any who have Trump's confidence who could persuade the "Donald" a preemptive attack on North Korea would have disastrous consequences. North Korea is not non-nuclear Japan in August 1945. Not only allies in Japan and South Korea would be pawns suffering unimaginable losses but allies in Europe would be aghast at Trump's recklessness. NATO could/would begin to crumble,

There is a foreboding here. Even before the advent of Trump there were provocations galore where a miscalculation could have escalated into a new war, even a nuclear war.

Not only North Korea, but Iran, Russia and China have all endured serious US provocations against them. Iran in the Persian Gulf, Russia with NATO expansion to its doorstep, the coup in Ukraine and China in the South China Sea with the US Navy conjuring up the phony "freedom of navigation" justifying its presence, nothing more than a reprise of the old US gunboat diplomacy in China.

Though Trumps rants has been the focus lately there's obviously other hot spots that could erupt, a miscalculation, an accident or of course a US false flag attack blaming whichever "enemy" they've conflated at the moment.

Sadly, it's the US that poses the greatest threat in the world despite its self proclaimed "innocence" promoting "freedom and democracy" in the world. Such self delusion is breathtaking.

The world has suffered under US hegemony. It may take the world to break the shackles before it's too late in order to save it.

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Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"Rob Kall has certainly acquired the firsthand experiences and knowledge gained through interviews to deliver some interesting insights about the "bottom-up" information revolution. Whereas the old 'top-down' systems created stove-pipes and excessive secrecy that blocked information sharing and led to the 'failure to connect the dots' before 9-11, the bottom-up approach should be the main fix. Kall's concept would seem to interface equally well with the founding fathers' idealism in setting forth their democratic theory of governance as with the realism that makes the multi-sourced, bottom-up Wikipedia work. As someone who shares my support of both government and corporate whistleblowing -- which is nothing more than encouraging greater horizontal sharing of information, I commend Rob Kall's important work on this topic."



Coleen Rowley, former FBI special agent and named one of TIME Magazine's "Persons of the Year" in 2002)
Former Google engineer James Damore is suddenly between jobs. He's been fired, Bloomberg reports, for writing "an internal memo blasting the web company's diversity policies." Google has long cultivated a reputation for hiring smart people, turning them loose, and listening to them. This firing puts a giant dent in that reputation.

Media reports describe Damore's memo as a rant, a tirade, a screed, sexist, anti-diversity, and a whole bunch of other bad things. I was almost afraid to read the 10-page document. Might it traumatize or trigger me in some way, perhaps turn me into a raving ax murderer? Perhaps, but for you, my dear readers, I took the risk. My reaction ...

Really? People are upset about THIS? The next 10-page document I can't find something in to disagree with will be the first such 10-page document, but I'm frankly flabbergasted at the vitriol greeting this particular memo. Damore's approach is both liberal in the classical sense and fully in line with any reasonable notion of diversity and inclusion. A representative sample:

"I hope it's clear that I'm not saying that diversity is bad, that Google or society is 100% fair, that we shouldn't try to correct for existing biases, or that minorities have the same experience of those in the majority. My larger point is that we have an intolerance for ideas and evidence that don't fit a certain ideology. I'm also not saying that we should restrict people to certain gender roles; I'm advocating for quite the opposite: treat people as individuals, not as just another member of their group (tribalism)."

Damore relates (Google doesn't comment on firings) that he was dismissed for "perpetuating gender stereotypes." Well, maybe. Part of the memo is couched in the language of science and biology and aimed at offering an explanation other than bias per se for unequal representation in certain tech industry career niches. But supposing, for the sake of argument, that Damore is incorrect in his theory, how are his errors to be corrected, and the problems of gender stereotypes transcended, if discussion of those topics is forbidden?

In a memo responding to the controversy, Google Vice President of Diversity, Integrity & Governance Danielle Brown writes:

"Part of building an open, inclusive environment means fostering a culture in which those with alternative views, including different political views, feel safe sharing their opinions. But that discourse needs to work alongside the principles of equal employment found in our Code of Conduct, policies, and anti-discrimination laws."

In other words, feel safe sharing your opinions -- as long as they're the approved opinions and deviate not a whit therefrom. Otherwise, clean out your desk and wait for security to escort you from the premises.

I fully support Google's right to hire and fire anyone, for any reason its management deems right and necessary. But Damore's dismissal over this innocuous memo exposes a cancerous hypocrisy in the company's culture. "Damoregate" may someday be remembered as the beginning of the end for a once forward-thinking and innovative enterprise.


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Marine Le Pen, the French politician and lawyer and the President of the National Front in a special interview with Baptiste Legrand, the L'Obs correspondent lambasted Emmanuel Macron, the France elected President for his role to set Saudi Arabia to host G-20 in 2020.

Baptiste Legrand writes on his Medium quoting from L'Obs on August 7, 2017:

Emphasizing on her motto --"The National Front is a party for France development"; Marine Le pen criticized Emmanuel Macron for his policies on the migration, security and terrorism issues and considered his polices as dangerous originating from a blunder which they will certainly have consequences.

In response to question on France relations with the Gulf Countries, Le Pen said: "Macron have to revise its stances toward some Gulf countries supporting terrorism, while he is mostly in agreement with them. In case of G-20 next summit I should ask why it has to be held in Riyadh? How come a country should host G-20 while it directly and indirectly supports Islamic fundamentalism and radicalism."

She also asserted: "Wahhabism is the diplomacy of Saudis. The recent Islamic related terrorist attacks in France and Belgium was indeed result of Wahhabism and radicalism."

Defending her own plan and the way of its implementation, Le Pen continued: "There is a distinction between France and US in providing security. Should we deal with terrorism supporting countries by selling them weapons? Is it fair to endanger people's security for achieving personal interests?"

"I repeat it again we should not follow Macron's policies and should all withstand them", Le Pen finally said.

https://medium.com/@baptistelegrand_84914/marine-le-pen-pourquoi-riyad-1b1b9e47b18a

(Article changed on August 12, 2017 at 10:28)

(Article changed on August 12, 2017 at 10:30)
From AlterNet

Trump's voters want him to be strong, even when he's wrong.



Donald Trump supporters

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President Trump's pledge to rain "fire and fury" on North Korea has raised alarm across Asia, been condemned by Democrats as weak and clueless, forced White House aides to counter that he didn't mean it, and even led a GOP consultant to compare Trump to movie villain Dr. Strangelove and urge U.S. generals to stop him.

But there is likely to be one slice of America taking Trump's side in his latest us-versus-them improvisation, even if he's holding out the specter of a nuclear confrontation. Those likely to be cheering Trump, as inexplicable as that seems to politically blue America, are the same people who mobbed his rallies by the tens of thousands and elected him president. That's the conclusion of post-election analyses of Trump's psychological appeal, which place his nuclear outburst beside many rants during the campaign that rallied those in his base.

"The remarks are indeed a continuation of Trump's style -- but not the more sober responses of [Secretary of State Rex] Tillerson and [Secretary of Defense James] Mattis who understand the danger of such confrontations, given the nature of the North Korean and United States presidents, and the horrifying potential use of nuclear weapons," said Mari Fitzduff, author of Why Irrational Politics Appeals: Understanding the Allure of Trump, in an email to AlterNet.

Fitzduff, who is the director of a graduate program in conflict resolution at Brandeis University, labeled Trump's 2016 rallies "identity festivals," where he promised to reverse America's decline, revive past greatness and surmount disruptions that left many whites struggling and feeling voiceless. Trump's base wants him to be decisive, she said, whether or not they agree with him.

"A sizable number of people prefer leaders whom they see as decisive, and prefer displayed strength and certainty, even more than agreeing with the substance of their positions," Fitzduff said. "What they do not like is people who they see as compromisers, or not knowing their own mind, or even consulting/discussing with others what they should do, or indeed changing their mind re red lines, no matter how sensible that might appear at times to be. Strange as this may seem, research has shown that many people prefer 'strong and wrong' leaders to 'weak and right' leaders. (Hence, for many people, Obama was anathema because he was perceived by them to be weak.)"

George Lakoff, the UC Berkeley scholar who has written extensively on how liberals and conservatives think differently due to different views of male roles in families, said Trump's base views him not just as a moral leader, but as an embodiment of the nation.

"Trump constantly lives by the metaphor that the president is the nation," Lakoff said. "And similarly, he takes countries as being people when he talks about them. So, we will have a knockout punch to ISIS, as if ISIS is a person. And constantly talks about North Korea as if North Korea was a person -- just knock them out, destroy them, as if North Korea was not millions of people and can also threaten 25 million people in South Korea. That is just not in their worldview."

In short, Lakoff said Trump's supporters think like he does -- they support strict fathers who take care of business, are strict disciplinarians and embrace the use of force as necessary.

"You can only understand what your brain allows you to understand," he said. "If that's what's in the circuit in your brain, that's all you can understand."

Profiling Trump's Appeal and Base

A Scientific American magazine feature on Trump's psychological allure suggests his base will embrace his belligerence rather than abhor it.

"It's easy and common to dismiss those whose political positions we disagree with as fools or knaves -- or, more precisely, as fools led by knaves," write Stephen D. Reicher and S. Alexander Haslam. "Indeed, the inability of even the most experienced pundits to grasp the reality of Donald Trump's political ascendency in the 2016 presidential race parallels an unprecedented assault on the candidate and his supporters, which even went so far as to question their very grip on reality."

So what did Trump critics miss then and what are they missing now? Foremost, that Trump and his base want the U.S. to be strong, unapologetic, patriotic and responsive to whites. And that their villains are the economic and political establishments, and foreigners, who are perceived as taking advantage of and harming people like them. This is not about parsing facts from fictions, it's about how people are wired, as Lakoff explained.

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From Paul Craig Roberts Website

The show trial of a somewhat arbitrarily selected group of 21 surviving Nazis at Nuremberg during 1945-46 was US Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson's show. Jackson was the chief prosecutor. As a long-time admirer of Jackson, I always assumed that he did a good job.

My admiration for Jackson stems from his defense of law as a shield of the people rather than a weapon in the hands of government, and from his defense of the legal principle known as mens rea, that is, that crime requires intent. I often cite Jackson for his defense of these legal principles that are the very foundation of liberty. Indeed, I cited Jackson in my recent July 31 column. His defense of law as a check on government power plays a central role in the book that I wrote with Lawrence Stratton, The Tyranny of Good Intentions.

In 1940 Jackson was US Attorney General. He addressed federal prosecutors and warned them against "picking the man and then putting investigators to work, to pin some offense on him. It is in this realm -- in which the prosecutor picks some person whom he dislikes or desires to embarrass, or selects some group of unpopular persons and then looks for an offense -- that the greatest danger of abuse of prosecuting power lies. It is here that law enforcement becomes personal, and the real crime becomes that of being unpopular with the predominant or governing group, being attached to the wrong political views or being personally obnoxious to, or in the way of, the prosecutor himself."

Later as a Supreme Court justice Jackson overturned a lower court conviction of a person who had no idea, or any reason to believe, that he had committed a crime.

Having just finished reading David Irving's book Nuremberg (1996), I am devastated to learn that in his pursuit of another principle, at Nuremberg Jackson violated all of the legal principles for which I have so long admired him. To be clear, at Nuremberg Jackson was in pursuit of Nazis, but their conviction was the means to his end -- the establishment of the international legal principle that the initiation of war, the commitment of military aggression, was a crime.

The problem, of course, was that at Nuremberg people were tried on the basis of ex post facto law -- law that did not exist at the time of their actions for which they were convicted.

Moreover, the sentence -- death by hanging -- was decided prior to the trial and prior to the selection of defendants.

Moreover, the defendants were chosen and then a case was made against them.

Exculpatory evidence was withheld. Charges on which defendants were convicted turned out to be untrue.

The trials were so loaded in favor of the prosecution that defense was pro forma.

The defendants were abused and some were tortured.

The defendants were encouraged to give false witness against one another, which for the most part the defendants refused to do, with Albert Speer being the willing one. His reward was a prison sentence rather than death.

The defendants' wives and children were arrested and imprisoned. To Jackson's credit, this infuriated him.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt, General Eisenhower, and Winston Churchill thought that surviving Nazis should be shot without trial. Roosevelt laughed about liquidating 50,000 German military officers. Eisenhower told Lord Halifax that Nazi leaders should be shot while trying to escape, the common euphemism for murder. Russians spoke of castrating German men and breeding German women to annihilate the German race. US Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau wanted to reduce Germany to an agrarian society and send able-bodied Germans to Africa as slaves to work on "some big TVA project."

Robert Jackson saw in these intentions not only rank criminality among the allied leadership but also a missed opportunity to create the legal principle that would criminalize war, thus removing the disaster of war from future history. Jackson's end was admirable, but the means required bypassing Anglo-American legal principles.

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Zimbabwe is to build a $1bn (770m) university dedicated to the man accused of leading his country to the brink of economic collapse, Robert Mugabe.



Jonathan Moyo, minister of tertiary education, told reporters it was a fitting tribute to the 93-year-old president's "commitment to education and his exemplary leadership".



It is unclear where the money will come from in a country where unemployment and poverty is endemic.



Economic output has halved since 2000.



Last year, more than four million Zimbabweans were in need of food aid due to drought. The country was once known as the breadbasket of southern Africa.



'Populism that defies logic'

Despite this, the cabinet has agreed to spend $800m building the new university in Mazowe, 35km (20 miles) outside the capital Harare.



Another $200m has been set aside for an endowment fund for research and innovation at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe University, which will focus on science and technology, Mr Moyo said.



He would not be drawn on where the funds were coming from.



The announcement of the new university was met with derision from opposition parties, which hope to end Mr Mugabe's 37-year reign at next year's general elections.



"This is populism that defies logic," said Obert Gutu, a spokesman for the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). "It is meant to stroke Mugabe's ego because we know this government is broke."



Zimbabwe already struggles to pay for education - as well as public services and infrastructure like roads and hospitals - spending 90% of the country's annual budget on wages.



The MDC says the money would be better spent on Zimbabwe's existing universities, where students face crumbling infrastructure and a lack of accommodation.



According to state media, Mr Mugabe has seven earned degrees and 11 honorary degrees.



He is a trained teacher and after coming to power in 1980, his government massively increased the provision of state education to the previously disadvantaged black majority.



Zimbabwe recently had the highest literacy rate in Africa, at 90% of the population.



Mr Mugabe's wife Grace was awarded a controversial PhD from the University of Zimbabwe in 2014.

Source: BBC









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The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), and the Ghana Police Service have agreed to formulate a Memorandum of Understanding to cover the successful execution of activities in their mutual interest.



The institutions made the commitment during a courtesy call by Professor Alex Dodoo, the Executive Director of the GSA, on the Inspector General of Police, Mr David Asante-Apeatu, in Accra, to discuss possible areas of mutual collaboration.



An official statement issued to the GNA after the meeting said the GSA and the Police Service would, therefore, implement various collaborative programmes for their operational efficiency and effectiveness.



The leaders also re-visited the training of Senior Police Investigators in basic forensic analysis, including Narcotics, Psycho-tropics and other restricted drugs, to enrich the technical skills and competence of the Police.



The calibration of speed radars and other measuring instruments to ensure reliability of devices aimed at consumer public protection; calibration of medical devices at the Police Hospital and other Police medical centres to ensure quality healthcare delivery at all Police Hospitals and medical centres were discussed.



The security of the GSAs Forensic Laboratories as the National Centre for Analysis of Narcotics and other Forensic products from the Security Agencies were also discussed.



The leaders also discussed the tightening of security on the premises of the GSA as a high security zone; and the full operationalisation of the Gold Testing House and Assay Centre and its associated security implications.



Additionally, the leaders discussed the upcoming year-long celebration of the [email protected] scheduled from August, 2017, to July, 2018 and the need to provide security from the Police during the high points of the celebration.



They also considered an arrangement where the Ghana Police Service would rely on the Testing Services of GSA in the procurement of goods and other items for use to ensure that goods procured met the requirements of the application of standards.



They pledged to cooperate and partner foreign and international collaborators to solicit for support in terms of capacity building to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the institutions.



Present at the meeting were COP Dr Akuffo Danpare, Commissioner in charge of Operations, of the Police Service and Mr Charles Amoako, Deputy Executive Director in charge of Operations at GSA.

Source: GNA









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Founder and President of Concerned Voters Movement (CVM), Mr Razak Kojo Opoku has told the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) that 4th August can't be Ghana's Day of Destiny.



In a statement issued on August 8, 2017 and cited by Daniel Kaku, Mr Razak Opoku stated categorically that the Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye and some leading members of the NPP are making a terrible mistake of forcibly imposing August 4 as NPP/UGCC Day of Destiny on Ghanaians as the Ghana's Day of Destiny.



He added, "This will not stand the test of time".



Below is the full statement;



Too Late To Accept & Celebrate The August 4th as the Ghana's Day of Destiny-----CVM



No matter how hard we try to project 4th August as the Ghana's Day of Destiny, we shall never succeed in outshining the entrenched mighty rock of 6th March as the Ghana's Day of Independence(the official starting point of Ghana's Day of Destiny which is nationally and globally accepted and celebrated by all irrespective of Political Ideologies or Party's Affiliation).



The Speaker of Parliament and some leading members of the NPP are making a terrible mistake of forcibly imposing August 4th, NPP/UGCC Day of Destiny on Ghanaians as the Ghana's Day of Destiny. This will not stand the test of time.



It is true Kwame Nkrumah cannot hold himself as the sole founder of Ghana, it is equally important that NPP leadership shouldn't try to impose founders of UGCC on Ghanaians as the Founders of Ghana because majority of Ghanaians shall never understand, accept and celebrate them as such.



As a Nation it is for our collective good that we celebrate Founders' Day and not Founder's Day. But to try to project Political Records and Achievement of J.B.Danquah ahead of Kwame Nkrumah is an exercise in futility done by Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye.



The attempt by Speaker of Parliament to even project J.B.Danquah ahead of George Alfred Grant, popularly known as Paa Grant and other members of UGCC is an unfathomable and unpardonable committed mistake.



Ideas without financing is useless. The major financial role by George Alfred Grant in the formation and running of UGCC equally deserves the same reverence and prominence enjoyed by J.B.Danquah and others in UGCC.



It is totally wrong for NPP/UGCC and for that matter any Political Party to use their Day of formation to represent the Nation as the Ghana's Day of Destiny.



Since we can't use 12th June 1949 and 4th June 1979 to represent Ghana's Day of Destiny, the same way 4th August 1947 shall never be wholly accepted by Ghanaians as the Ghana's Day of Destiny, the best it can represent is the *NPP'S Day of Destiny*.



Ghana is bigger than 4th August. Were Ashanti Kingdom and Trans Volta Togoland part of Gold Coast in 4th August 1947 during the formation of UGCC?



The composition of Ghana is bigger than the composition of Gold Coast. As such neither Kwame Nkrumah nor Forebears of UGCC can claim sole foundership to it.



Since it was wrong for the NDC led by Prof. Mills to institute Nkrumah's birthday as the Founder's Day of Ghana, it is equally wrong to also institute 4th August as Ghana's Day of Destiny. Both 21st September and 4th August can never be accepted wholly as important National day to celebrate in Ghana.



As a Nation through consensus we can choose to celebrate Founders Day on every 6th March together with the Independence Day Celebration.



Modern Ghanaians only care about bread- and- butter political issues and not August 4th as Ghana's Day of Destiny or 21st September;somebody's birthday as Founder's Day.



Ghanaians are only waiting patiently to celebrate *Ghana's Day of Prosperity* under our multi-party democracy.



The nationally and globally accepted Birthday or Founding Day of Ghana is 6th March(Our Day of Destiny; Our Founders Day).



Both 4th August and 21st September shall never stand the test of time.



...Signed... Razak Kojo Opoku (CVM Founder & President)

Source: Ghanaweb.com









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Former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan says some African leaders abuse the tolerance disposition of their citizens to perpetuate themselves in office.



He said it is unthinkable that in a nation of millions of people, only one person will lead for decades without giving chance to others.



Speaking at a programme held in his honour at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra Thursday, the former UN chief said the courtesies of Africans continue to be abused by their leaders. The 2001 Nobel Peace Prize co-recipient recounted his experience at an African Union (AU) Summit where he overheard two leaders debating who had overstayed in power.



One said Im 32 [years] and the other Im 32 and a half, he narrated, adding he thought they should be ashamed of themselves but they were not.



Mr Annan said the Leaders for life syndrome continue to be entrenched because the leaders have created an environment that stifles opposition.



The African continent has come under focus over the years because of issues of poverty, lack of education and a seeming powerful leaders some of whom abuse their power.



At the turn of the 21st Century, there were more than 10 African leaders who had over stayed in power.



They include Rwandan President, Paul Kagame who rode on the back of the countrys 1994 Genocide to come to power and Republic of Congos Denis Nguesso who is the longest serving ruler in Africa. Mr Nguesso came to power in 1979.



Zimbabwes President, Robert Gabriel Mugabe is also one of the longest serving leaders since his days as Prime Minister in 1980.



Mr Annan believes the Leaders for life syndrome must end on the continent.



Making a case for young leaders, the Ghanaian diplomat said opportunities must be given to the youth to lead as well.



He said Ghanas first President Kwame Nkrumah was 48 years when he became Prime Minister and Egypts Abdul Nasser was 38 years when he became President.



"We must remember that one is never too young to lead nor too old to learn," he said, adding African leaders must ask themselves how the continent's resources have benefited the youth.



Mr Annan said the continent is at the crossroads and the way out is for the leaders to pursue reforms that meet the aspirations of their citizens.



"More than ever our future is in our hands. [And] we must ride the wave to come together to affirm the way of the continent," he added.



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Featured Video




Rider: McKay Vezina



Team: Giant Factory Off-Road Team

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 180 lb

Frame Size: Large



By the time race day rolls around Mckay will be rocking a 180mm RockShox Lyrik set up with 78 psi and 2 tokens.

In the rear, there's a Schwalbe Nobby Nic inflated to 26 psi... ...And a Magic Mary up front, inflated to 24 psi.

Mckay ran SRAM's Guide Ultimate brakes in practice, but those will soon be swapped out for a set of Codes in order to have the maximum amount of stopping power, a necessity on the technical course.

A 40mm Descendant stem is clamped to Truvativ Descendant bars, with a OneUp EDC tool tucked into the fork's steerer tube.

A 400 lb Super Alloy Racing sping has been installed on a RockShox Super Deluxe Coil, complete with a remote lockout. Coil sprung shocks are going to be a very common sight this weekend, and the remote will help on the punchy mid-stage climbs, as well as the long uphill transfers.

A length of rubber tubing has been installed over the rear portion of the derailleur housing to help protect it from the rocks and debris that'll be flying once Mckay's on course.

Fresh off a 16th place finish at EWS round 6 in Aspen, Colorado, 21-year-old Mckay Vezina is hoping to make his way even further up the rankings this weekend in Whistler. He'll be aboard Giant's newly updated Reign , although his bike will be undergoing a few modifications to transform it into an even burlier race machine, one that's ready to take on the steep, long, and rough tracks that await racers on Sunday.In McKay's words, It's a beast. As the week goes on we're getting rougher and rougher on the track, so we're upping fork size, going up to 180 millimeters of travel, and Code brakes are going to go on with 200 millimeter rotors front and rear. It's basically turning into a mini-DH bike. I've never done a race that's going to be this rough before, so I'm excited to see how it goes."Mckay's bike setup is fairly close to what any rider could purchase from their local shop, and he says, " I ride it pretty stock; I don't run anything too special. I like the bikes just the way they come - Sparky my mechanic does a really good job setting it up."
Dwan, Negreanu Headline Upcoming Episodes of Poker After Dark

August 11, 2017 Brett Collson Chief Editor

One of poker's treasured television programs returns next week, and with it returns one of its most celebrated high-stakes players.

Tom Dwan will take a seat with Daniel Negreanu, Doyle Brunson and many others in the revival of Poker After Dark starting Monday, Aug. 14. Dwan, who mostly vanished from the poker spotlight outside of the occasional controversy, has been spending much of the last several years playing nosebleed games in Asia. Now he returns to Poker After Dark for the first time since the show was removed from NBC's programming in 2011.

"I travel around a lot to play poker, and in Manila and Macau people ask me about those shows," Dwan told PokerCentral on Thursday. "All over the world people liked watching those, and every time I get asked 'When will they be back?' I'm excited that now, after six years, they will be back."

Dwan was a regular in the cash game episodes of Poker After Dark, appearing in each of the four most recent seasons. His unpredictable style produced several of the most memorable clashes ever seen on the show, including one hand against Antonio Esfandiari that left 'The Magician' speechless and staring at nothing but empty felt in front of him. Esfandiari will go to battle with Dwan again when the show returns next week.

Where and When to Watch

The first new episode of Poker After Dark will air on Monday, Aug. 14 at 8 p.m. exclusively on PokerGo, with following episodes at the same time airing Tuesday and Wednesday. The show will continue to stream throughout the year on PokerGo, featuring the cash game and sit-and-go formats that fans will remember from years past.

Monday's premiere episode will feature Dwan, Negreanu and Esfandiari, along with Jean-Robert Bellande, Lauren Roberts and Bill Klein. All six players will sit down with a minimum of $100,000 with the blinds at $200/$400 plus a $400 button ante.

Here's a look at the cast of players for the first three days of action.

Monday, August 14 Tuesday, August 15 Wednesday, August 16 Tom Dwan Tom Dwan Tom Dwan Jean-Robert Bellande Jean-Robert Bellande Jean-Robert Bellande Daniel Negreanu Doyle Brunson Doyle Brunson Antonio Esfandiari Andrew Robl Andrew Robl Lauren Roberts Lauren Roberts Lauren Roberts Bill Klein Bill Klein Bill Klein

Sign up for PokerGO's premium service here to catch every episode.

Later episodes this season will include pot-limit Omaha and other mixed games typically found in high-stakes rotations. Commentary for all the action will be called by Ali Nejad and Nick Schulman.

"Poker After Dark achieved some of the most breathtaking moments in poker by bringing the fans into an intimate setting up close and personal with the players," said Poker PROductions Founder Mori Eskandani. "PokerGO is the perfect destination for the return of Poker After Dark and we look forward to bringing back the same spirit of the show that made it such a hit in the past."

For a full schedule of upcoming Poker After Dark episodes and other events, visit PokerGO.com.

Sharelines Tom Dwan makes his return to Poker After Dark in new episodes airing Monday, Aug. 14.
Inside Gaming: South Philly Casino Approved, NY Casino Owners Face Tough Market

August 11, 2017 Martin Harris

This week's installment of Inside Gaming shares news that the long planned-for casino in south Philadelphia has finally gotten the okay from regulators to move forward, tells of New York casino representatives acknowledging the challenge of operating in a saturated market, and passes on news of the U.S. president's potential interest in Macau gaming.

South Philly Casino Plan Gets Go-Ahead from Gaming Board

On Wednesday the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board gave the go-ahead to Stadium Casino LLC's proposal to build a casino and hotel in south Philadelphia, reports Philly.com.

The PGCB voted 7-0 in favor of the proposal, demonstrating its agreement with Stadium Casino LLC's case that it is both in compliance with the state's Gaming Act and that businessman Watche "Bob" Manoukian does not and will not hold a financial interest in the company exceeding 33.3 percent.

The latter provision was needed thanks to Manoukian's 85-plus percent stake in Parx Casino in Bensalem and the state law preventing someone owning one casino property to own more than 33.3 percent of another.

Plans for the casino, to be named Live! Hotel & Casino Philadelphia, have been in the works for quite a while, dating back more than three years. Construction likely will not begin for another couple of months, with an opening coming at least a year after that. The project has previously been described as a two-million-square-foot complex including a 325,000-square-foot casino with 2,000 slot machines and an 18-story hotel. (An artist's rendering appears above.)

In other Pennsylvania casino news, back in March we shared the news of MGM Resorts International having reportedly agreed to purchase Sands Bethlehem. However in May that deal  never confirmed officially by either side  fell through amid uncertainty regarding ongoing renovations to the property.

New York Casino Owners Acknowledge Challenging Market

Staying in the northeast, on Wednesday representatives of New York casinos spoke at a meeting of the Saratoga Institute on Equine, Racing and Gaming Law hosted by the Albany Law School. As reported by the timesunion, the representatives' message was largely consistent  these are challenging days for NY casinos in what has become a densely-packed market.

The industry has become "totally saturated," said Jeff Gural, owner of the Tioga Downs & Casino in Nichols where the new casino opened in December 2016. "Our business is not what we had hoped," he said. "We are all fighting for the same customer."

"The party is over," chimed in John Donnelly, an attorney for the Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady that opened in February of this year. Along with the del Lago Resort & Casino in Waterloo that also opened in February, the Tiogo and Rivers are the first non-Native American casinos to open in New York since voters approved the state licensing up to seven such casinos in 2013.

Attendees of the symposium included lobbyists looking for ideas to shape future gaming law and regulations in the state.

After each of the three new casinos enjoyed big openings, revenue has been modest for all three during subsequent months. The timesunion points out that "according to the state's schedule, additional casinos could be licensed in New York City as soon as 2023," likely to draw away "customers who... now travel upstate or to Atlantic City, Connecticut or Pennsylvania to test their luck."

Company Representing Trump Files for Trademark Applications in Macau

On Monday the South China Morning Post reported that a company representing U.S. President Donald Trump has filed four applications in Macau for trademarks, including one for gambling and casino services and facilities. In response, observers are speculating over whether the applications may or may not indicate Trump's future interest in investing in a Macau casino.

In June DTTM Operations LLC, a company based in Delaware that has previously handled trademark deals for Trump, filed the applications under the name "Trump."

The South China Morning Post points out that the timing of the applications may be significant given that the current licenses of the six major casino operators in Macau all expire March 31, 2020. It is unknown at present "whether the six will be allowed to continue operating in the city, and if new bidders will be allowed in the market."

One analyst described to the Post the possibility of Trump investing in Macau as "remote," while another suggested the applications might be a "defensive measure" to counter anyone else from using the logo or brand in Macau.

In 2012 Trump did register three brands in Macau  "Donald Trump," "Trump Tower," and "Trump International Hotel and Tower." Later in 2016 he became involved in a legal battle versus a Macau company over the use of his trademarks, the result being "a local court authorising him to use his tradmarks in hospitality, restaurants and other businesses."

The day before he took office in January of this year, the President resigned from positions in more than 400 different business entities, giving over control of his companies to his sons, Donald Jr. and Eric.

Trump, of course, has a long history of involvement in the casino industry, including previously owning four different casinos in Atlantic City. Amid multiple bankruptcies all have closed, with the Trump Taj Mahal being the last to shut its doors in October 2016.

Image: BLT Architects.
It's difficult to decide what to see! Let Popdust guide your decision this weekend.

As we approach the weekend, movies we have been waiting for are finally here. Popdust's top picks this week are so good. I love scary movies and the #1 trailer is super creepy. Annabelle is a doll that is possessed and Child's Play always freaked me out. This could be a good one for couples. There some great films, so check out the top five movie trailers. Then take a gander at the full list of releases this weekend.

1. ANNABELLE: CREATION

rinconosado.blogspot.com

Before The Conjuring, there was Annabelle. Capable of unspeakable evil, the actual Annabelle doll exists locked up in an occult museum in Connecticut -- visited only by a priest who blesses her twice a month. In this supernatural thriller from producer James Wan, Annabelle's story begins before the evil was unleashed.

Several years after the tragic death of their little girl, a doll-maker and his wife welcome a nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage into their home, soon becoming the target of the doll maker's possessed creation, Annabelle. Former toy maker Sam Mullins ( Anthony LaPaglia) and his wife Esther (Miranda Otto) are happy to welcome a nun (Stephanie Sigman) and six orphaned girls into their California farmhouse. Years earlier, the couple lost their 7-year-old daughter Annabelle in a tragic car accident. Terror soon strikes when one of the girls finds a seemingly innocent doll that seems to have a life of its own.

R | 1h 49min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller | Get Tickets for ANNABELLE: CREATION

Director: David F. Sandberg | Stars: Stephanie Sigman, Miranda Otto, Lulu Wilson

2. THE GLASS CASTLE

Based on a memoir, four siblings must learn to take care of themselves as their responsibility-averse, free-spirit parents both inspire and inhibit them. When sober, the children's brilliant and charismatic father captured their imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and how to embrace life fearlessly. But when he drank, he was dishonest and destructive. Meanwhile, their mother abhorred the idea of domesticity and didn't want to take on the work of raising a family.

PG-13 | 2h 7min | Biography, Drama | Get Tickets for THE GLASS CASTLE

Director: Destin Daniel Cretton | Stars: Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson, Naomi Watts, Ella Anderson

3. INGRID GOES WEST

Following the death of her mother and a series of self-inflicted setbacks, young Ingrid Thorburn escapes a humdrum existence by moving out West to befriend her Instagram obsession, a Los Angeles socialite named Taylor Sloane. After a quick bond is forged between these unlikeliest of buddies, the facade begins to crack in both women's lives -- with comically malicious results. Read the review Popdust gives Ingrid.



R | 1h 37min | Comedy, Drama | Get Tickets for MOVIE

Director: Matt Spicer | Stars: Aubrey Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen, O'Shea Jackson Jr.

4. GOOD TIME

After a botched bank robbery lands his younger brother in prison, Constantine embarks on a twisted odyssey through the city's underworld in an increasingly desperate attempt to get his brother out of jail. Over the course of one night, Constantine finds himself on a mad descent into violence and mayhem as he races against the clock to save his brother and himself, knowing their lives hang in the balance.



R | 1h 40min | Crime, Drama | Get Tickets for GOOD TIME

Director: Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie | Stars: Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, Taliah Webster

5. WHOSE STREETS?

Full list of new movies in theaters this weekend:

Friday, August 11, 2017

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Sunday, August 13, 2017
PR-Inside.com: 2017-08-11 12:52:38

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Increasing disposable income of the middle-class population, particularly in countries such as China and India, has fuelled the adoption of vehicles in these regions, which in turn is driving demand for automotive fuel tanks. Manufacturers are focusing on production of environment-friendly fuel tanks, to comply with regulations pertaining to use of hazardous materials. These factors are driving the growth of the global automotive fuel tank market.A recent report by Fact.MR projects the global automotive fuel tank market to register robust CAGR through 2022. The market was evaluated at revenues worth US$ 24,019.8 Mn in 2017; by 2022 this number is estimated to exceed US$ 30,000 Mn.Request For Sample Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=26 6 Projections by Fact.MRs ReportSports-utility vehicles (SUV), sedans, and multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) have been adopting plastic fuel tanks on a large scale. This has led plastic fuel tanks to remain preferred among material type, with sales estimated to account for nearly US$ 28,000 Mn in revenues by 2022-end. In terms of sales, plastic fuel tanks are anticipated to register the highest CAGR through 2022. In addition, aluminum fuel tanks will register the second-highest CAGR in the market through 2022.By capacity, 45-75 L fuel tanks are expected to remain sought-after in the global automotive fuel tank market. However sales of above 75 L fuel tanks will register the fastest expansion through 2022. More than half of the market is estimated to be held by 45-75 L fuel tanks in 2017, in terms of revenues. Less than 45 L fuel tank sales are expected to account for comparatively lower revenues than plastic fuel tanks, but higher than aluminum fuel tanks in the market.OEM will continue to remain dominant in the global automotive fuel tank market. Sales of fuel tanks in OEM are expected to surpass US$ 30,000 Mn in revenues by 2022-end. Fuel tank sales in aftermarket are projected to register the fastest expansion through 2022. However, sales of fuel tanks in aftermarket will account for comparatively lower revenue share than OEM, which will hold more than three-fourth revenue share of the global automotive fuel tank market in 2017.Check Discount @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=D&rep_id=26 Sales of fuel tanks will remain highest in passenger cars based on vehicle type, and will account for around three-fourth share of the market in 2017. Fuel tank sales in passenger cars are estimated to create an absolute $ opportunity of nearly US$ 8,000 Mn between 2017 and 2022. In addition, fuel tanks sales in HCVs will exhibit the Highest CAGR through 2022. In LCVs, demand for fuel tanks will remain relatively higher than in HCVs throughout the forecast period.Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) will remain dominant in the market. Fuel tank sales in North America and Europe will collectively reach US$ 7885.2 Mn in revenues by 2022-end. However, demand for fuel tanks in Japan and Middle East and Africa (MEA) will continue to be sluggish in the market.Key market players in the global automotive fuel tank market include Spectra Premium Industries Inc., Martinrea International Inc., YAPP Automotive Parts Co., Ltd., TI Automotive Ltd., Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG, Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd., Magna International Inc., and Compagnie Plastic Omnium SA.Click to View Complete Report @ https://www.factmr.com/report/26/automotive-fuel-tank-market About Us Fact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsOffice: Dublin 2Suite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandTel: +353-1-6111-593( Dublin 2 )Email: sales@ factmr.com Web: https://www.factmr.com
PR-Inside.com: 2017-08-11 08:02:01

Fitch Ratings grants Moroccan reinsurer Societe Centrale de Reassurance (SCR) Local Triple A Rating with a Stable Outlook

SCR

Mouna Bouanane Berrada

Tel : +212 5 22 46 04 00

Email : MBERRADA@scrmaroc.com

Moroccan reinsurer Societe Centrale de Reassurance (SCR https://www.scrmaroc.com/), has been granted by Fitch Rating services local triple A rating (AAA) with Stable Outlook, reflecting its financial soundness and solvency (202% Solvency Ratio for the year 2016).

Commenting on the rating, Youssef Fassi-Fihri, CEO of SCR, said, The rating reflects SCRs strong institutional structure, adequate capital, good underwriting performance, as well as its solid market position in Morocco and Africa throughout its Representation Office in Abidjan.

In this context, Fitch Ratings considers SCRs underwriting performance to be good; Fitch also views positively the commitment from SCR, through its strategic transformation strategy STRONG II, to develop Facultative Reinsurance as a source for future revenues and profitability.

The rating granted by Fitch Rating services to SCR is amongst the highest and strongest rating assigned to a domestic institution. SCR entertains business relationships with over 300 clients in 50 countries.

About SCR

Societe Centrale de Reassurance was created in 1960 through a convention between the state and the Caisse de Depots et de Gestion (CDG), renewed and updated in 2000. SCR is the leader of the Moroccan reinsurance market, and acts as institutional investor by contributing to withholding premiums in the domestic market. Furthermore, SCR undertook an ambitious diversification strategy based on international growth in Africa and the Middle East.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201708100060
Golden Ocean Group Limited (the "Company") announces that its 2017 Annual General Meeting will be held on September 22, 2017. A copy of the Notice of Annual General Meeting and associated information including the Company`s Consolidated Financial Statements on Form 20-F for 2016 can be found on our website at www.goldenocean.bm and in the links below.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-08-11 22:15:14

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for King's Bay Gold Corporation--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver BC. (FSCWire) - King's Bay Gold Corporation (TSX Venture:KBG). has issued a press release with the following headline:Kings Bay Gold Corporation Announces Name Change to Kings Bay Resources CorporationTo 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 King's Bay Gold Corporation, or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/King's Bay Gold CorporationSource: King's Bay Gold Corporation (TSX Venture: KBG)Date: August 11, 2017Time: 4:15 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of King's Bay Gold Corporation and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
Assembly lawmakers want the state to spend $20 million to train Wisconsin workers as part of a deal to convince Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn to build a $10 billion campus in southeastern Wisconsin to build LCD panels.

The proposal is part of a number of changes Assembly Republicans released Friday to a bill authored by Gov. Scott Walker moving quickly through their house.

The thrust of Walkers bill provides about $3 billion in refundable tax credits to Foxconn as long as they create jobs in Wisconsin. Under the bill, Foxconn also is eligible for lower utility rates and is exempt from sales taxes and environmental regulations during the construction of the 20-million-square-foot campus they want to build.

Assembly lawmakers made a host of changes to that bill on Friday, including providing money to the Department of Workforce Development after 2019 for job training, requiring the states jobs agency to provide tax credits only for jobs that have a salary of at least $30,000 per year, and allowing tax incremental financing funds to be used for fire, police and other government services.

The lawmakers also want state officials negotiating a final contract with Foxconn to emphasize that workers living in Wisconsin should be given preference during the companys process of hiring what they promise will be for 13,000 jobs. But Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, acknowledged that requiring that preference could be illegal.

If Foxconn fills a wetland during its construction process, Assembly lawmakers also want to require the creation of two wetlands in its place in the same watershed, if possible.

The ideas put forward today in the amendment reflect our commitment to our constituents to bring the best bill forward that protects taxpayers and our natural resources while preparing Wisconsin for the biggest economic development in state history, Vos said in a statement.

A public hearing on the bill was held last week in the Assembly Committee on Jobs and Economy. That committee will hold a vote Monday and an Assembly floor vote is scheduled for Thursday.

Yes, I am very confident this bill will pass on Thursday, and my hope is it will do so in a bipartisan fashion, Vos told reporters Friday.

Rep. Adam Neylon, R-Pewaukee, said much of the changes put forward Friday were done with help from Democratic lawmakers who were briefed on the final changes Friday morning.

But Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, warned the process was going too quickly and questioned Republicans motives.

Its remarkable that with a vote scheduled for Monday, we just received the Republican amendment. The legislature and the public will have little to no time to review these changes, Barca said in a statement. Its clear that Republicans are trying to appear proactive without actually fixing the concerns that many people have with this bill.

Neylon said Democrats have been instrumental in the language of the amendment so Im not sure where the criticism is coming from.

On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said he wants the deal with Foxconn to include deadlines to create jobs.

Vos said he feels Walkers proposal to tie the tax credits to job creation is an assurance, but would be open to making more changes as long as the requirement would not harm the deal.

Fitzgerald has scheduled a public hearing on the Senates version of the Foxconn package on Aug. 22.

He said the budget-writing committee will come in the rest of that week to wrap up the state budget, which was due on June 30.

Liberal group: Foxconn violate lobbying laws?

Meanwhile, the liberal-leaning Wisconsin Democracy Campaign is considering filing a complaint regarding Walkers negotiations with Foxconn, director Matthew Rothschild said Friday.

The group, which analyzes and monitors campaign finance and ethics, raised questions on Friday about whether the company violated state lobbying laws by not registering lobbying activity with the state before Aug. 3, when its lobbyists officially notified the state campaign ethics board about their work.

Walkers bill outlining the incentive package for Foxconn was introduced on Aug. 1, but Walker and other state officials met with Foxconn officials in April, Department of Administration Secretary Scott Neitzel has said, and a memorandum of understanding was signed between Walker and Foxconn chairman Terry Gou on July 27.

State lobbying laws require paid employees of companies seeking to influence or create legislation to register their lobbying efforts with the state Ethics Commission within 10 days after their fifth communication with state officials and after they spend $500 on lobbying efforts within one six-month reporting period, said Brian Bell, administrator of the Ethics Commission.

The six-month reporting periods are between January and June, and between July and December.

In his haste to push this deal through, Walker is willing to give Foxconn a pass on our lobbying law, which clearly states that companies must register as lobbyists not after legislation is introduced but while its being developed, Rothschild said.

Andrew Cook, a lobbyist hired by Foxconn, said the company first retained his employer, Michael Best Strategies, on Aug. 3, and that his firm had its first lobbying communication that same day.

Tom Evenson, spokesman for Walker, said it is common for business employees to meet with state officials when considering building in the state and discussing what advantages of moving here might be.

This is what happened here, he said.

Wisconsin was actively competing with many other states. While partisan groups are trying to derail this big win for Wisconsin, it is absurd to think every business is required to register as a lobbying principal just to begin discussing why Wisconsin is now a great place to do business, Evenson said.

The bottom line is that right after a bill was introduced, the company hired a firm that registered to lobby as required by law, he said.

Bell, who would not comment specifically on the questions raised by Rothschild, said generally lobbyists must register after doing $500 worth of lobbying even if a bill they are seeking isnt introduced yet.

He also said just because lobbyists are meeting with lawmakers or state officials on five occasions doesnt mean lobbying is taking place necessarily.

He said he could not comment on whether a complaint had already been filed over the states negotiations with Foxconn.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Point of Use Water Purifier (POU) Market: MENA Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014 - 2020" report to their offering.

Point of Use Water Purifier (POU) Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-08-11 12:21:29

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Future Market Insights (FMI) announced the release of a latest report titled, POU Water Purifiers Market: MENA Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014 - 2020. FMI estimates that the Point of Use (POU) water purifier market in Middle East and North Africa is expected to reach US$ 471 Mn at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2014 to 2020.Residential water purification system includes point of use water purifiers (POU), point of entry (POE) water purifiers, portable water purifiers. Moreover, the demand for POU water purifiers is high among consumers in MENA region as compared to POE and portable water purifiers.In the POU water purifiers market, products with high purification capabilities such as combination of reverse osmosis (RO) and Ultraviolet (UV) technologies are more preferred. It has also been observed that a majority of the demand is coming from urban centres in GCC when compared to the entire MENA region.Market SegmentsThe POU water purifiers market is segmented on the basis of technology which includes RO, UV and media-based. RO technology based water purifiers segment is estimated to account for slightly over 40% of the total POU water purifiers market in MENA region in 2014. Media-based water purification, which is a conventional water purification technology has also witnessed technological advancements, and is estimated to display a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period, in terms of volume. The third technology, UV based water purifiers, is estimated to exhibit a sluggish growth rate during the forecast period due to its limitation in removing only organic contaminants from water. Additionally, UV-based water purifiers are also priced higher in comparison to media-based water purifiers and hence the product preference for UV based water purifiers is comparatively low.Enter Your Information Below to Receive a Sample Copy of this Report @ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-ma-30 Region-wise, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Algeria are the promising markets for POU water purifiers. In addition, a cumulative scenario has been highlighted for rest of MENA (includes smaller countries like Kuwait, Jordan etc.). Among the aforementioned regions, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is estimated to be the prominent market for POU water purifiers, followed by Turkey, due to its growing population and rapid urbanization, and increasing awareness for safe drinking water forecast period.In addition, penetration of bottled water is a challenge for the POU water purifiers market in Anatolia. As a result, Anatolia is estimated to demonstrate a sluggish growth rate in the near future. Furthermore, POU water purifiers market in UAE is anticipated to reach 149.2 thousand units by 2020, exhibiting a CAGR of 10% between 2014 and 2020.Drivers and RestraintsDeteriorating water quality, rising cost of bottled water, increasing population coupled with increasing per capita income are some of the prominent factors which will catalyse the point of use water purifiers in the region. Though the MENA market is attractive in terms of absolute dollar opportunity, low awareness about safe drinking water and product unavailability are major challenges for the MENA POU water purifier market.Send An Enquiry@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-ma-30 Competitive LandscapeKey players operating in the MENA water purifier market are LG, Eureka Forbes, Strauss Water, Panasonic, WaterLife and Coolplex. The report sheds light on their key growth strategies and recent developments. In addition, the report also discusses the value chain followed by multinational companies in MENA for POU water purifiers.
Odfjell SE will release its second quarter 2017 results Thursday 24 August 2017. The results will be published on Oslo Stock Exchange at newsweb.no and at odfjell.com.

Same day, the Company will present the results at 09:30 CET at Felix Conference Centre in the meeting facility "Norden", Bryggetorget 3, at Aker Brygge in Oslo.

A live webcast will simultaneously be available on odfjell.com (Investor Relations/Reports and Presentations).

The presentation will be held in English.



If you wish to participate at the presentation in Oslo please confirm with an e-mail to gina.anonli@odfjell.com or call Gina Jamt Anonli at + 47 55 27 46 95 within the 20 August.



IR contact: Bjrn Kristian Red, Manager Investor Relations & Research

Tel: + 47 55 27 47 33

E-mail: bkr@odfjell.com



This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
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.




End

-- Bowling Green, Kentucky: An Obnoxiously Loud Race TrackNoise Free America: A Coalition to Promote QuietAugust 7, 2017Contact:Tom BlairTblair7500@aol.com270-796-7500Ted Rueter877-664-7366director@noisefree.orgThe National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky has won this month's Noisy Dozen award from Noise Free America: A Coalition to Promote Quiet for building an obnoxiously loud race track within a few hundred feet of a neighborhoodand not even bothering to do an acoustic study before construction. Neighbors hear noise levels as high as 90 decibels.The National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park was conceived in 2008 and fundraising began in 2009. Ignoring professional design experts, the project was overseen by National Corvette Museum executives, none of whom had ever been involved with building or operating a track. In fact, not a single subcontractor on the project had ever built a track, either.The original zoning hearing was held in March 2012, and there was a tremendous opposition by the neighborhood and surrounding property owners. The National Corvette Museum wanted no restrictions on hours of operation or noise. The Bowling Green/ Warren County planning commission denied their request and added language that there would be no significant increase in noise to the surrounding property owners.The National Corvette Museum fought the planning commission at every turn, and refused to comply with the zoning ordinance, binding elements and conditions of approval. The most egregious violation was their failure to construct a noise abatement structure between the track and the adjacent neighborhood. They even failed to obtain a "certificate of occupancy" before opening the track in August 2014.Neighbor complaints began immediately, but the National Corvette Museum did nothing to resolve the problems.In June 2015, the city/ county planning commission voted unanimously to issue a "certificate of violation" and ordered the track to cease operations. The National Corvette Museum refused to close, and appealed the order to the Bowling Green/ Warren county Code Enforcement Board, which also voted unanimously to enforce the "cease and desist" order. At this hearing, Wendell Strode, executive director of the museum, conceded that "I would not want this track in my back yard." The National Corvette Museum appealed to the Warren County District Court, and the case remains unsettled.In July 2015, the neighbors began to organize. They formed "Residents Against Motorsports Park Noise," created a Facebook page, and retained legal counsel. A lawsuit was filed in Warren County Circuit Court, including the request for a temporary injunction against the track. The residents were also joined by the Bowling Green Warren County Planning Commission, where their attorney argued that the lack of compliance by the National Corvette Museum was a blatant disregard of the rules which govern our society.The case was heard by Judge John Grise in October 2015. The request for an injunction was denied, and the case was settled out of court. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but it is believed that substantial damages were paid to the neighbors by the track.The neighbors never really sought monetary damages--they just wanted the peaceful enjoyment of their property, which is exactly what the museum promised them in 2012.In March 2017, the National Corvette Museum presented an amended "detailed development plan" to the Bowling Green Warren County Planning Commission. It set forth the requirement for the track to install an online "community monitoring system," with agreed-upon sound limits in the adjacent neighborhood. The system was required to be in place by July 1, 2017. The system is not in compliance with the amended development plan and the noise is significantly higher than the agreed upon level.After five years, the National Corvette Museum has never been in compliance with either the original or amended development plan. Complaints are being made to the planning commission, and now enforcement action will start all over again.The health consequences that have been created by the noise are a human tragedy. Ms. Betty Crump, 81 years old, is the closest resident to the track. Wendell Strode, executive director of the museum, testified in November 2015 that a noise abatement wall would be constructed between the track and her home by March 2016. The wall was never built, and in the fall of 2016 she was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. Noise causes stress--and stress is linked to the onset of diabetes.Tom Blair, a supporter of Residents Against Motorsports Noise, stated that "the National Corvette Museum has asserted many times that they want to be a good neighbor, but their actions say more about what they want. They wanted to build a track with no restrictions and no oversight. They have done everything in their power to stall, appeal and litigate their noise problems with total disregard for the neighbors. They have used their community and political influence to put pressure on regulators to not enforce the zoning and development plan requirements."Blair concluded, "the residents of Clark Circle and Grimes Road are decent, hard-working peoplethe type of people who value community and are good neighbors. Many of them have lived in their homes for more than thirty years. There is a Baptist minister, a truck driver, a factory worker, a nurse, a social worker, a grocery store manager, a church volunteer, and many retirees. They do not own Corvettes or go on fancy vacations. They just want what we all want: to live in a quiet, peaceful environment. They want what they were promised in 2012and they deserve no less."Noise Free America: A Coalition to Promote Quiet is a national citizens' organization opposed to excessive noise. Past "winners" of the Noisy Dozen award include Louisville, Harley-Davidson, and Bikers for Trump.
By: 100+ Men Who Care Central Oregon

CASA Check Presentation

Contact

Steve Shropshire, Board Chair

100+ Men Who Care Central Oregon

***@gmail.com Steve Shropshire, Board Chair100+ Men Who Care Central Oregon

End

--On August 7, 2017, 100+ Men Who Care Central Oregon awarded $9,547 to CASA of Central Oregon. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who advocate for children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect and have been placed in foster care.100+ Men Who Care board chair and Jordan Ramis PC attorney Steve Shropshire commented, "We are thrilled to continue our support of another Central Oregon nonprofit that makes a difference in our community. CASA provides urgently needed services to some of Central Oregon's most vulnerable kids. We look forward to our third-quarter meeting next week."CASA Executive Director Jenna App commented, "The 100+ Men donation will help us respond to the growing population of children in foster care in Central Oregon by allowing CASA of Central Oregon to train and support an additional class of new Advocates to help serve children who would not have otherwise had a CASA."The 100+ Men organization is built on the crowd-sourced philanthropy fundraising model. Members nominate charities to be picked in a drawing. The charities that are randomly picked pitch their mission to the membership. The membership then votes and the selected charity is awarded the proceeds from the evening. The group's goal is to raise at least $10,000 per quarter.Membership in 100+ Men is open to all men living in Central Oregon. The members agree to contribute $100 per quarter toward that quarter's charitable donation. Eligible charities include 501(c)(3) organizations located in Central Oregon. Anyone interested in learning more about 100+ Men Who Care Central Oregon or wishing to become a member should visit the organization's website at www.100mwcco.org 100+ Men's next charity pitch night will be:Wednesday, August 16, 2017GoodLife Brewing backyard70 SW Century Drive, Bend5:00 p.m. Registration and Cocktail Hour6:00 p.m. Business MeetingGuests are welcome.
2017 is proving to be the year for industrial and logistics assets in Germany, according to Colliers International. In H1 2017, industrial and logistics assets generated a transaction volume of roughly 5.4bn; this markedly exceeds H1 2016s volumes (2.1bn) and also tops total transaction volumes for all of 2016 (4.6bn).

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NorthStar Realty Europe Corp's long-term tenant Deloitte Holding B.V. has agreed to renew its lease at the landmark Maastoren Building, signaling its long-term commitment to the building. With 38,000 sqm over 44 floors, Maastoren is the tallest office tower in the Netherlands. Deloitte, who has been a tenant

[]
Andover Books to relocate; the bookstore inspired by Jeff-Kinney; a Seattle store goes on the block; the California store taking on Iranian censors; and more.

Massachusetts Bookstore on the Move: Andover Books, which is more than 200 years-old, is making a move across the street from their 50 year old location.

Washington Booksellers Inspired by Author: The owners of Redmond's new Brick & Mortar Books were inspired to open their bookstore after reading that the author Jeff Kinney had opened his own.

Seattle Mystery Bookstore Up for Sale: When Elliott Bay Bookstore moved out of Pioneer Square, sales dropped at the mystery bookseller. Today, the decades old store is for sale.

California Bookstore Takes on Iran's Censors: Ketab Corporation is a Persian bookstore in Los Angeles that sells books otherwise censored in Iran and some have trickled back to Tehran.

New York City Bookstore Teases Customers with a Glimpse: The forthcoming Queens Bookshop is giving customers a "sneak peek" into the store this weekend.

Illinois Bookseller Dies: Roger Carlson, whose Bookman's Alley bookstore in Evanston was featured as a setting in the novel The Time Travelers Wife, has died. He was 89.

Nebraska Gets a New Mobile Bookstore: The Dundee Book Company is a mobile bookstore that has opened in Omaha.
In a short policy paper released this week, the American Library Association is pushing back against a key talking point in the recent bid to make the Register of Copyrights a presidential appointee: that the Copyright Offices placement within the Library of Congress was an accident of history. In fact, in Lessons from History: The Copyright Office Belongs in the Library of Congress, Alisa Holahan writes that the Copyright Offices placement in the library was a logical, considered decision. And despite various attempts to move it over the years, she observes, Congress has explicitly declined to do so.

Congresss rejection of multiple prior proposals to move the Copyright Office indicates that it recognized the important benefits of the Offices location within the Library of Congress and the significant costs of severing that socially and economically valuable relationship, Holahan writes.

The paper comes after the House of Representatives in April passed the Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act (H.R. 1695) a bill that would empower the President (rather than the Librarian of Congress) to appoint the Register of Copyrightsa first step, the bills supporters claim, toward modernizing the Copyright Office.

Critics, however, (including the ALA) argue that the bill does nothing to modernize the Copyright Officeand in fact would hurt or delay modernization efforts.

In her paper, Holahan briefly outlines Congresss previous attempts to reorganize the Copyright Office. The Copyright Reform Act of 1993, for example, also proposed that the President appoint the Register of Copyrights, and that the Register be vested with independent control over the activities of the Copyright Office.

That bill, however, met with strong resistance from the Librarian of Congress at the time, James H. Billington, who in testimony, Holahan writes, pointed out that his responsibilities as Librarian of Congress were of fundamental importance in advancing the constitutional principle on which copyright is based: the promotion of the arts and sciences. The bill died in the Senate.

 Congresss rejection of multiple prior proposals to move the Copyright Office indicates that it recognized the important benefits of the Offices location within the Library of Congress 

In 1996 the Omnibus Patent Act (S. 1961) proposed that copyrights, patents, and trademarks exist under a single government corporation. Holahan notes that bill was met with concern by a number of organizations including the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers; the American Society of Journalists and Authors; members of the library, book publishing, and scholarly communities; and the Authors Guild, which all expressed serious concerns about the Copyright Offices proposed move. The Omnibus Patent Act of 1996 also failed.

Efforts to move the Copyright Office again gained traction under the leadership of Maria Pallante, who took over as Register of Copyrights in 2011. Citing technological, organizational, and even constitutional challenges, Pallante strongly urged lawmakers to make the Copyright Office independent agency.

Last October, however, Pallante was abruptly removed by the newly appointed Librarian of Congress Carla Haydena move that was met with suspicion and dismay by many in the content industries, some of whom suggested the move was part of a Google-led conspiracy.

Pallantes removal also met with concern by some in Congressincluding Representatives Bob Goodlatte, and John Conyers, leaders of the House Judiciary Committee. In March, Goodlatte and Conyers (who had been working since 2013 on a committee exploring copyright reform, which was inspired by Pallante's work), introduced the Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act (H.R. 1695).

In January, Pallante was tapped to lead the Association of American Publishers.

Now in the hands of the U.S. Senate (as S-1010) since May, the bill, which raced through the house in just one month, appears to have lost some momentum. Notably, while the House bill came up through the House Judiciary Committee, which oversees copyright (and is chaired by Goodlatte), the Senate has referred to the bill to the Committee on Rules and Administration, which oversees the Library of Congress.

While there is broad consensus that the Copyright Office is in dire need of modernization, there is sharp disagreement over how that should happen.

Holahan wrote the paper during her time as the ALAs 2017 Google Policy Fellow. She is currently a candidate for the Master of Science in Information Science degree at the School of Information at the University of Texas, and has already completed her J.D. at the University of Texas Law School, graduating with honors.

The ALA's Google Policy Fellowship program offers "undergraduate, graduate, and law students interested in Internet and technology policy the opportunity to spend the summer contributing to the public dialogue on these issues, and exploring future academic and professional interests."

In a blog post, Alan Inouye, director of ALA's Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP), said the ALA would recommend Holahans research to anyone contemplating whether the Register of Copyrights should be appointed by the President, or whether the Copyright Office should be relocated from the Library.
Research from Ampere Analysis suggests that the recently launched skinny pay-TV bundles offer more return than traditional US pay-TV packages, making the switch to so-called virtual pay-TV potentially lucrative for channels.





The analyst believes that with US pay-TV operators coming under increasing pressure from the cost of carriage fees, and the increasing availability of streaming pay-TV offers as well as the skinny bundles from the likes of DirecTV NOW, Hulu Live and Sling TV , channel distribution has become more complex than ever. This is said to be leaving subscription channels with the problem of balancing demands to join skinny bundles with support for core business models.The cost for joining the skinny package parade seem clear: Ampere calculates that streaming pay-TV package-level revenue per channel is three times stronger than for traditional offerings. That is to say $0.59 in gross revenue for each channel carried in streaming packages compared with $0.23 per subscriber form traditional operators.Ampere also accepts that there may be a point of contention in its reckonings with regards to carriage fees charged to include US national networks in streaming packages. Yet, even removing the cost of carrying US national networks, it calculates that the remaining revenue per channel for vMSO packages still stands at $0.48, more than double the average for traditional pay-TV.US pay-TV operators have needed to balance carriage fees and revenue for a long time, commented Ampere Analysis research director Guy Bisson. However, with the increasing migration of pay-TV subscribers to OTT services, that balancing act is only set to become more precarious. Despite the fees they are charged to include US networks in their streaming packages, vMSOs have made a better job of reconciling the carriage fees versus revenues per channel equation. Taking out the fees associated with the networks, they are still left with revenues of, on average ... almost double that of traditional pay-TV operators. For channels, the shift to streaming and rise of vMSOs looks like a potentially strong plus  providing they have strong enough brands to make the cut.Whilst noting that carriage fees paid to channels vary greatly, Ampere Analysis believes that by measuring revenue per channel carried, the US operators that look to be under most pressure from carriage fees are DISH, Verizon, DirecTV and Century Link. These operators, it notes, have a high number of channels and commensurate lower revenue per channel based on their current customer ARPU levels. In contrast, those operators with the highest income per channel and which look to be in a relatively strong position are cable operators Comcast, Charter, Suddenlink and CableOne.
Amnesty International has urged authorities in Russia-controlled Crimea to immediately release a 76-year-old Crimean Tatar activist from jail.

In its August 10 statement, Amnesty said that Server Karametov is "a prisoner of conscience, with Parkinsons disease, who must be immediately and unconditionally released."

Karametov was detained on August 8 while demonstrating in the Crimean capital, Simferopol, in support of Ahtem Chiygoz, who is currently on trial, and other Crimean Tatars who have been prosecuted by Russia since it seized the Ukrainian peninsula in 2014.

Karametov was found guilty of disobeying police, jailed for 10 days, and fined 10,000 rubles ($165).

Russia has been sharply criticized by international rights groups and Western governments for its treatment of members of the indigenous Turkic-speaking Crimean Tatar minority.

The majority of Crimean Tatars opposed the Russian takeover of their historic homeland.
Toomaj Salehi's lyrical support for protesters in Iran has landed him behind bars before, but this time the popular rapper's fortune-telling has fans and family members fearing for his life.

Just days before his September 30 arrest, the 32-year-old Salehi released his latest music video, in which he makes foreboding predictions about the future of Iran's clerical regime if it continues its violent crackdown against ongoing anti-government demonstrations.

"I am the predictor, the fortune teller," he raps in the video for Omen, which shows him reading the patterns left in his coffee cup and warning that brute force will not prevail.

"I saw a cage in the coffee grounds -- a lion was hunting a jackal," he explains, alluding to a fairy tale about wisdom defeating physical strength. "We will rise from the bottom and target the top of the pyramid."

Salehi goes on to warn that the regime's protectors -- including the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), the Basij paramilitary forces, the Intelligence Ministry, and the state media -- will all get their day in court.

Salehi followed up on the new video by posting on social media images of him standing alongside protesters and chanting against security forces in his native city in Isfahan Province. The rapper, an ethnic Lur who was arrested last year after releasing other songs critical of the government, offered to turn himself in if protesters detained in his hometown of Shahinshahr were released.

In subsequent posts, he called the provincial authorities "cowardly vermin" and "scum who suppress and arrest [innocent] people."

Shortly afterward, Salehi went missing and has not been heard from since.

State media reported on September 30 that Salehi had been arrested, and a news agency close to the IRGC published a photo of the blindfolded rapper inside a car.

A short video later released by a press club associated with Iran's state broadcaster purports to show the rapper admitting he made a mistake.

But the reports' claims he had been caught while "illegally exiting the western borders of the country" have been fiercely disputed, and the video confession has been labeled a fake by some and a coerced confession by others.

Family members as well as Salehi's official Twitter account have said the rapper was, in fact, arrested in the southwestern Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, hundreds of kilometers from Iran's western border.

In a statement, Salehi's uncle Eghbal Eghbali said his nephew was in the province's city of Borujen on the morning of September 30 when he wrote saying "suspicious things" were happening outside his home. Soon after, Salehi stopped communicating. Eghbali said he learned from Salehi's neighbors and friends that security personnel had arrived to take the rapper away.

Later on September 30, a prosecutor in nearby Isfahan Province was quoted by the Meezan news agency, which is close to Iran's judiciary, as saying Salehi was arrested "in one of the provinces of the country." The prosecutor alleged the rapper had played a key role in "creating disturbances and inviting and encouraging the recent disturbances in Isfahan Province and in Shahinshahr."

The official IRNA news agency, meanwhile, quoted a judiciary official from Isfahan Province as saying Salehi stood accused of "propagandistic activity against the government, cooperation with hostile governments, and the formation of illegal groups with the intention of creating insecurity in the country."

Thousands of Iranians, many of them from the younger generation, have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest the September 16 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died shortly after being arrested for allegedly violating Iran's hijab law requiring that women cover their hair.

As the protests have continued, the authorities have intensified their crackdown, resulting in the deaths of at least 305 people, including 41 children, according to the latest figures released by the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) on November 6.

Salehi is among the hundreds of prominent young voices, including activists, artists, and athletes, who have been arrested for speaking out against the states bloody crackdown on the protests. Overall, activists estimate thousands of people have been arrested by the authorities since the rallies erupted.

Faced with a potential existential threat to Iran's clerical rule, 227 of 290 Iranian lawmakers this week called for even greater force by urging the judiciary to "deal decisively" with those behind the protests.

In recent years, Salehi has gained notoriety for his open opposition to the country's leadership, using his music and social media presence to take on issues that resonate with Iranian youths.

In the song Normal, he highlights the effects of poverty, saying "Our children sleep hungry at night" and asking Iran's leaders how their conscience can let them sleep.

The song Rathole, released in 2021, accuses members of the media and art community both inside and outside Iran of being an "ally of the tyrant," a reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In another song, he blasts Tehran's close relationships with Moscow and Beijing, asking: "Haven't you robbed us enough? Now, you want to give away half [of our resources] to China and the rest to Russia."

Salehi was detained in September 2021 after security agents raided his home in Isfahan, with Human Rights Watch decrying the detention of the artist for "exercising his right to freedom of expression."

Salehi was charged with "spreading propaganda against the state," but after more than a week was released on bail. In January, he was sentenced to six months in prison but was released on a suspended sentence in February.

While out, he continued his work and released Omen amid the states increasingly violent crackdown on anti-government protesters.

"Someone's crime was dancing with her hair in the wind," he raps. "Someone's crime was that she was brave and criticized."

Listing a litany of violent acts carried out by the authorities against protesters, Salehi asks, "How many young people did you kill building a tower for yourself?" and predicts that next year, the 44th year of the clerical regime's rule, will be its "year of failure."

Salehi's arrest has led to widespread condemnation inside and outside Iran, and his advocates have spread the #FreeToomaj hashtag on Twitter to shed light on his situation.

His family has said they do not know Salehi's whereabouts or health, leaving them wondering if he is even alive.

But the authorities have shed some light on the fate of another Iranian rapper arrested shortly before Salehi. The judiciary announced on November 7 that Saman Yasin, a rapper from Kermanshah Province -- a northwestern region with a significant Kurdish population and that has been a focus of the government crackdown -- has been accused of waging "warfare" against Iran and acting against the country's security.

Based on reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, with contributions by RFE/RL senior correspondent Michael Scollon
BISHKEK -- A judge in Kyrgyzstan is expected to announce a verdict next week in the politically-charged bribery trial of Kyrgyz opposition leader Omurbek Tekebaev.

The verdict and sentence had been expected on August 11 in the trial, which Tekebaev's Ata-Meken (Fatherland) party says is a politically motivated effort to keep him out of a presidential vote this autumn.

But after a heated hearing dragged on into the evening, the judge first said it would continue until 11 p.m., if needed, and then said it would resume on August 14 instead.

Tekebaev and his co-defendant, former Emergencies Minister Duishonkul Chotonov, are charged with receiving a $1 million bribe from a Russian businessman in 2010, when Tekebaev was deputy prime minister.

Both deny any wrongdoing, saying the case against them is politically motivated.

On August 10, the prosecutor at the trial asked the judge to sentence Tekebaev to 10 years and Chotonov to 8 years in prison if they are convicted.

The prosecutor also requested that both politicians' property be confiscated and that the defendants be barred from government posts for three years after their release.

Tekebaev is leader of the opposition Ata-Meken party, which has alleged that the government launched the case in an effort to stifle dissent ahead of the October 15 presidential election in the Central Asian country and keep Tekebaev off the ballot.

Tekebaev was arrested in late February. On March 5, Ata-Meken named him as its candidate for the presidential election.
A Kyrgyz fashion-world celebrity has drawn criticism after apparently calling for the mass execution of "nontraditional" sexual minorities and prostitutes in the Central Asian republic.



In a Facebook post on August 10, Amina Yusurova, a fashion model and national director of the Kyrgyzstan World Beauty Congress, wrote: "Round up all the people of nontraditional orientation and blow them all up on one island."



She added that "women of low social responsibility" should be included "on that island."



It is unclear what prompted the digital outburst, but in it the 29-year-old Yusurova suggests that such people damage the reputation of the country and its capital, Bishkek.



The term "nontraditional sexual orientation" is frequently used by detractors in ex-Soviet states to refer to gay, lesbian, and other sexual minorities.

'Intolerant, Bloodthirsty'



Yusurova has provoked outrage in the past with comments targeting ethnic Russians in Kyrgyzstan, a country of around 6 million people that declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.



A number of Yusurova's Facebook followers criticized her remarks, variously calling them "intolerant," "aggressive," and "bloodthirsty," and a Kyrgyz news website urged police to take action.



"You're setting everyone against yourself," Dzhamilya Turdakunova said via the social network.



"What's wrong with you?" asked Sumsarbek Obbo Mamyraly, a Facebook user from Bishkek.



Another suggested Yusurova "use her beauty to spread a different type of message."



One Facebook user wrote that he is "against" sexual minorities but that doesn't give him the right "to blow them up or take some other action against them."



Yusurova countered by saying that "these are my thoughts," while adding that she had the right to express her opinions.

Inciting Hatred?



The model, who has more than 6,100 Facebook followers, has previously urged Kyrgyz people to kick out ethnic Russians on the social network, according to local media reports. She has since removed that post.



Kyrgyz news website vesti.kg called on Kyrgyzstan's Interior Ministry and security services to "react" to Yusurova's comments, suggesting she has a history of offensive remarks.

Another popular news website, knews.kg, suggested that Yusurova's "comments in the public space -- directly or indirectly -- fall under the article on inciting ethnic hatred" in the country's Criminal Code.



Sexual minorities often face discrimination and harassment in Kyrgyzstan, where statistics point to a recent rise in attacks on gay, lesbian, and transgender people.



In 2016, Kyrgyzstan effectively banned same-sex marriages in an amendment to the constitution stipulating that marriage is a union between a man and a woman.



A bill criminalizing so-called gay "propaganda" is currently set for a final reading in the Kyrgyz parliament before becoming law.

Written by RFE/RL correspondent Farangis Najibullah
At least three people have been killed in a powerful bomb blast that ripped through a small town in Pakistan's Bajaur tribal region on the border with Afghanistan, authorities say.

At least 25 people were also injured in the August 11 explosion in the Char Mang district of Bajaur, said Aslam Khan, a government official in the area.

The region's administration said in a statement that the explosion was caused by a roadside bomb. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but initial reports said it was remotely detonated.

Bajaur is one of the seven tribal agencies that makes up Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) along its volatile border with Afghanistan.

The region has long been a stronghold for Taliban militants and other extremist groups.

In a separate incident, gunmen riding a motorcycle opened fire on a vehicle carrying a senior police officer in Pakistan's largest city, Karachi, killing him and his guard before fleeing. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Karachi, located on the Arabian Sea, is considered a hiding place for Pakistani Taliban and foreign militants.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal, AP, and dawn.com
Powerful Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar is reportedly due to travel to Moscow on August 12.

Lev Dengov, who heads Russia's Libya contact group, was quoted as saying on August 11 that Haftar will discuss "the issue of his eventual meeting with the prime minister" of Libya's UN-recognized government, Fayez al-Sarraj.

Dengov told the Interfax news agency that "relevant questions on reconciling the parties and the conflict will be raised" during the talks, which come after Sarraj and Haftar agreed last month on a 10-point joint declaration on a new peace initiative.

Oil-rich Libya has been in turmoil since the ouster of longtime dictator Muammar Qaddafi in 2011, with regional powers siding with opposing camps that have vied for power.

Sarraj's government of national accord sits in the capital, Tripoli, and a rival government aligned with Haftar is based in the eastern city of Bayda.

Haftar, the leader of the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army, visited Moscow twice last year and was hosted on a Russian aircraft carrier off the coast of Libya in January, fueling speculation that Moscow is attempting to expand its influence in the North African country.

Based on reporting by Interfax and AFP
A court in Russia has sentenced a Ukrainian citizen to 8 years in prison on terrorism charges.

The North Caucasus Regional Court on August 11 found Artur Panov guilty of planning a terrorist attack in the city of Rostov-on-Don. It issued the sentence the same day.

Panov's co-defendant, Russian citizen Maksim Smyshlyaev, was sentenced to 10 years on the same charges.

Panov was arrested Rostov-on-Don in December and Smyshlyaev in January. Both went on trial in February.

Rights activists say Russia has jailed several Ukrainians on trumped up, politically motivated charges since Moscow seized Ukraine's Crimea region in March 2014.

In March, the European Parliament called on Russia 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.

The list included filmmaker Oleh Sentsov, who is serving a 20-year sentence in a Russian prison after being convicted of plotting terrorist attacks in a trial supporters called absurd, and reporter Roman Sushchenko, held in Moscow on suspicion of espionage.

The list, which the parliament statement said was not complete, also included several leaders of the Crimean Tatar minority, which rights groups say has faced abuse and discrimination since Russia's takeover.

Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax
U.S.-backed Syrian fighters advancing from eastern and western parts of the northern city of Raqqa have linked up for the first time in weeks after launching their offensive against Islamic State militants there. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance of Syrian Kurds and Arabs, began an assault to retake Raqqa in early June. Since then, SDF fighters have captured half the city under the cover of U.S.-backed coalition airstrikes. (Video by Furat FM via Storyful)
U.S. President Donald Trump thanked his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, for ordering that hundreds of U.S. diplomatic staff be cut in Russia -- saying he was trying to reduce payroll anyway. He was speaking in Bedminster, New Jersey, on August 10. Putin ordered the cut last month in response to the U.S. expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats. The were sent home following allegations that the Kremlin meddled in the U.S. presidential election. (AP)
Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov has reiterated Tashkent's intention of forging closer cooperation with other Central Asian countries.

Kamilov said on August 11 that President Shavkat Mirziyoev, who came to power after the death of longtime autocrat Islam Karimov was announced in September 2016, has from the start advocated "close cooperation with all countries in the region" to solve all "vitally important issues."

"We are ready for mutual cooperation with all neighboring states," Kamilov said at an international conference in Tashkent.

"We are open to solve the most acute issues on the basis of reasonable compromises," Kamilov said.

During Karimov's more than 25-year rule, Uzbekistan was at odds with its neighbors over issues ranging from border disputes and ethnic standoffs to economic disagreements linked to water distribution and energy transportation across the region. Mirziyoev has taken a series of steps to mend fences with neighbors.

The conference, called Central Asia -- A Major Priority Of Uzbekistan's Foreign Policy, began on August 11 and is being attended by representatives of the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, among others.


The offer is to search for the plane using high-tech deep-sea drones fitted with sonar equipment. Were in a constructive dialogue with the relevant authorities and are hopeful that the offer will be accepted, the company said in a statement. Sources affirmed that the U.S. company made an exploration offer in April and would like to be paid a reward if and only if it finds the main debris field. The planes wreckage is most likely within a 97,000-square-mile (25,000-square-kilometer) area, far southwest of Australia, on the northern boundary of the most recently searched area, an international board of experts determined.

Malaysia, as the state of registry for the aircraft, retains overall authority for any future search and any questions regarding possible future search efforts should be directed there, the Australian Transport Minister Darren Chester said referring the new search possibility. The governments of Malaysia, Australia and China havent expressed interest in a renewed search based on public money. The three-year search achieved cost was $160 million.
I just read your front-page article (Tuesday's Tribune) about the woman who was arrested for drunken driving twice in three days.

In the last three years, this woman has been charged with driving over a concrete parking barricade, driving without headlights, bail jumping, hitting a parked vehicle and fleeing the scene. All this while sporting a .49, .38 and .28 blood alcohol level,

Somehow, she even got Judge Ramona Gonzalez to drive her car home for her after the 2014 incident. No towing or impound needed here.

I was not born and raised in Wisconsin, so please forgive my ignorance. I used to read the paper and see "7th OWI arrest" and think it was a misprint. I actually thought drunken driving was a serious offence punishable by jail time, massive fines, towing and impound costs and possible loss of your driver's license.

So, who's responsible for this? The drunk who keeps slipping through the "system" over and over again? The legislators who fail to tighten up the laws? Or, the judges who fail to "throw the book at them" and drives their car home instead?

You all should be ashamed.

Pat Grant, Onalaska
A photograph of a total solar eclipse taken from an 20 March 2015 total solar eclipse from 35,000 ft from above the Norwegian Sea on a B737-800 aircraft.

While cloudy weather may block some people's view of the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, Glenn Schneider has a backup plan.

Schneider, an eclipse chaser who has witnessed 31 total solar eclipses (and two annular eclipses), dodges bad weather and other nonideal viewing conditions by taking to the air in a commercial plane, rising above the clouds to see the rare events from the air. Most of the time, he hunts total solar eclipses, with the occasional annular solar eclipse thrown in for good measure.

"You have a combination of things that is really working to your advantage [from the air]," Schneider told Space.com. Those factors include the abilities to rise above the weather and to get a clearer view of the sun's features without the distorting effects caused by most of the atmosphere, he said. And then there's the completely different perspective an airplane allows. [Where to See the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse, State by State]

"The magnificent view of the lunar shadow as it sweeps over the Earth seen from on high looking down rather than standing on the ground looking up, it has a very different feel to it," Schneider said. "It's those sort of combinations of things that are sort of unique when you put it all together from aircraft."

A photograph of a total solar eclipse taken from an 20 March 2015 total solar eclipse from 35,000 ft from above the Norwegian Sea on a B737-800 aircraft. (Image credit: Courtesy of Glenn Schneider)

"A spectacular view"

Schneider saw his first eclipse from the ground, and it took place in 1970 in North Carolina. Over the next decade, he traveled around the world to observe the events from the ground in Australia, Kenya and Indonesia. It wasn't until October 1986 that he first observed an eclipse from the air, over Iceland and Greenland.

Schneider said that eclipse was "a little bit of a roll of the dice." The umbral shadow for that eclipse (the region where the moon completely covers the sun) was small, only about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) wide, and visible for only a few seconds and only along a thin strip of sea between Iceland and Greenland. The aircraft, called the Cessna Citation II, needed to hit a very thin, fast-moving strip, "and this was in the days before GPS navigation," Schneider said.

A small airplane that's used to ferry eclipse chasers to more favorable viewing conditions. (Image credit: Courtesy of Glenn Schneider)

The trip was a success, and Schneider described it as "thrilling." The apparent sizes of the sun and moon were so well-matched that the sun's inner atmosphere, called the chromosphere, was visible as a red ring around the disk of the moon. (The moon's elliptical orbit means that its distance from Earth changes throughout the year, altering the apparent size of the moon in the sky. The Earth's distance from the sun also varies.).

As the sun's disk peeked out through the mountain valleys on the moon's surface, the in-flight observers saw the eclipse phenomena known as Baily's beads, or drops of sunlight sparkling along the lunar edge, which Schneider said no one had spotted from the air before.

A sandstorm in Kenya in 2013 forced Glenn Schneider and a group of eclipse observers to take to the air to see the celestial event above the dust. (Image credit: Courtesy of Glenn Schneider)

"They danced around the edge of the moon for 5 seconds or so," Schneider said. "It was a pretty remarkable remembrance."

Since then, Schneider has taken to the air six more times to spot eclipses. In addition, he has arranged flights for other groups over the years.

Another spectacular event occurred in 2002, over the dry desert of Australia, when an eclipse occurred just after sunset. Schneider said that most eclipse chasers don't try to watch an eclipse around sunrise or sunset because of the higher chance of clouds. He decided to risk it over the dry desert.

During a normal total solar eclipse, the moon's inner umbral shadow races towards the observer, crosses the sun from west to east, and then races away. But for a sunset event, things happen a little differently.

"What we saw in 2002 was not seeing [the shadow] continuing over the landscape but literally lifting back up," Schneider said. "We saw sort of a dwindling smaller oval of the moon's shadow as it ascended into the atmosphere and disappeared. It was a pretty amazing sight."

While most of his airborne eclipses were arranged well in advance, Schneider's in-flight view of the 2013 eclipse over northern Kenya lacked the same structure. He had plans to view the event on the ground near Lake Turkana, but a sandstorm that showed up about an hour before the appearance of the moon's shadow created problems. A break in the storm allowed the group to get into the air in the Cessna 208B, a light aircraft that they kept as "eclipse insurance" should they need to move to a different site.

On larger aircraft during planned trips, passengers usually peer out the windows. But the smaller, unpressurized plane allowed for a different view. "We opened the big cargo bay door in the back," Schneider said. With no seats  because the group didn't plan to be up in the air  and no parachutes, the team spent the 11 seconds of the eclipse behind the split door, the bottom half closed while the top was open. Schneider said they were fortunate that the clouds topped out at 11,000 feet [3,400 meters], as the plane could go no higher.

"It's a really spectacular view when you're 11 [thousand], 12 thousand feet [3,700 m] up and have a magnificent view of the lunar umbra," he said, referring to the moon's dark shadow. [Solar Eclipse 2017: Alaska Airlines Flight Will Offer View Above the Clouds]

This image of a total solar eclipse is a digital composite of nine individual exposures on Kodachrome-25P film, captured by eclipse enthusiast Glenn Schneider on June 21, 2001, above the Zambezi National Park in Zambia. (Image credit: Courtesy of Glenn Schneider)

Planning from the air

Like watching from the ground, viewing an eclipse from the air requires a great deal of planning. Schneider works with charter companies around the world for his flights.

"You want to work out your planning well in advance with the charter company or aircraft operation," he said. Coordinating with the flight crew, especially, is "absolutely essential."

Unlike most flights, eclipse expeditions require detailed planning that can change depending on when you take off. These outings require multiple flight plans in case you take off 5, 10 or 15 minutes later than originally scheduled, Schneider said. Unfavorable winds can also affect travel time, so planners must account for wind as well.

Aircraft-control constrictions also factor in, because a delayed flight time can create major problems, Schneider said. "Once the moon's shadow has passed over your intercept point, it's gone," Schneider said. He tries to get up in the air as early as possible and have built-in, in-air contingencies for the flight, he said.

Planning starts long before the plane takes off. Ideally, the charter company will bring the plane in a day or two in advance to allow Schneider's groups to remove the seats, so the passengers can peer through the windows at more angles, he said.

Because Schneider chases eclipses all over the world, he's rarely able to use the same charter company twice. However, in 2015 he was able to work with the same company and flight crew he had relied on in 2008.

Schneider and eight other eclipse chasers in 1986. The group viewed the event from an airplane, which can be seen behind them. (Image credit: Courtesy of Glenn Schneider)

"Having second-timers, we didn't have to start from ground zero in them understanding what to do," Schneider said. However, working with people who have never previously chased eclipses by plane has never been a problem. "I've gotten great cooperation with any charters," he said.

Schneider said he sets up flight paths to maximize viewing angle rather than extend the duration of the eclipse, though on a 2010 flight out of Tahiti, the group spent 9.5 minutes in the lunar shadow.

"That's incredibly long," he said. "The most nature allows [from the ground] is just over 7.5 minutes  and that won't happen again for a few hundred years."

Once the intercept with the shadow is assured and the flight management system is flying the plane, the pilot and first officer take turns peering out the side windows of the flight deck at the eclipse, Schneider said.

"It's actually an amazing thing to see the lunar umbra as an inverse searchlight coming at you from over the horizon, hundreds of kilometers away," Schneider said. "It's something you only get from the perspective of an airplane."

A hybrid eclipse viewed from an airplane in 2013. (Image credit: Courtesy of Glenn Schneider)

"An amazing opportunity"

Schneider said that while he loves the unique views available in an airplane, the ground is always his first choice.

"My preference is to be stable and have my feet on the ground," he said. "I love the open sky above me."

Why take to the skies, then? Generally, he does so only when there are major challenges in observing an eclipse from the ground, such as when there was a thin slice of shadow between Iceland or Greenland or foul weather in Kenya, he said.

"It really is a matter of logistics or clouds that drives me to using aircraft," he said.

While eclipse chasers enjoy the thrilling view, researchers have their own reasons for taking to the skies during an eclipse. Because they rise over the clouds and most of the atmosphere (which blurs light from space in some wavelengths), airplanes can provide opportunities for incredible science, Schneider said. For instance, two refit bombers will launch from Johnson Air Force Base in Texas to study the sun and Mercury during the 2017 eclipse.

Still, Schneider said, because of the unique perspective an airplane provides, he encourages die-hard eclipse chasers to take the opportunity to see an eclipse from the air at least once.

For the upcoming eclipse, he will be feet-down in Oregon, peering up at the sky, though he's trying to set up a contingency that would either take him to another site or allow him to watch from the air should he get caught under clouds. He encouraged everyone within range of the eclipse to make their way to the path of totality.

"There's no such thing as an almost-total eclipse," he said. Many people seem to think that if they are close to the path, they will get the same show as those inside the path, he said, but that's not the case. "It's completely different."

Because the Aug. 21 total eclipse will cross the country from Oregon to South Carolina, nearly all of the residents of the continental United States will be within a day's or two day's drive from seeing the event in full. The last time a total eclipse brushed the lower 48 was 1979.

"If at all possible, if you don't live in the path of totality, take the day off of work or school," Schneider said. "It's an amazing opportunity."

Editor's note: Space.com has teamed up with Simulation Curriculum to offer this awesome Eclipse Safari app to help you enjoy your eclipse experience. The free app is available for Apple (opens in new tab) and Android, and you can view it on the web. If you take an amazing photo of the Aug. 21 solar eclipse, let us know! Send photos and comments to: spacephotos@space.com.

Follow Nola Taylor Redd at @NolaTRedd, Facebook or Google+. Follow us at @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
Observers deployed by New York's electric companies stood on rooftops along the city's west side to document the total solar eclipse of Jan. 24, 1925. With every group, at least one observer was assigned to watch the sun go into eclipse, and another watched for the approach of the moon's shadow.

During a 1925 total solar eclipse over New York City, the streetlights turned on, three women fainted, vendors sold smoked glass while exhorting passersby to "save your eyes for 10 cents" and seagulls landed in the water, assuming it was night.

Twenty-five planes took airborne measurements, an airship sailed 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) above Long Island to view the event and 149 observers staked out Upper Manhattan block by block to determine the sun's precise southern limit.

Also, the eclipse came later than expected  which made the front page of The New York Times. [Here Are the Most Spectacular Solar Eclipses in US History]

During that solar eclipse, which crossed Manhattan just above 96th Street on Jan. 24, 1925 as temperatures hovered around 9 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 12.8 degrees Celsius), researchers went all out to measure the celestial event.

Today, we know the moon's precise contours and orbit, and can accurately predict an eclipse's timing and its path down to the scale of a city block. But at the time, measuring the eclipse shadow's movement across the Earth was a key opportunity to pinpoint the moon's size, shape and orbital path.

"Thousands and thousands of telescopes, spyglasses, and still and motion picture cameras were leveled at the orb," a New York Times article the next day read. "The eastern slopes of favorably situated hills were dotted with camera tripods. Opera glasses and eyepieces of every sort went up to the eyes of the parties which had gathered among the thickets of radio masts on every roof in the path of the eclipse."

"The moon was unpunctual, as well as careless of its route," the Times article added. "It was about four seconds late in blotting out the sun."

The eclipse was visible for New York observers above 96th St. (square icons), but not by any lower (circles). (Image credit: Consolidated Gas Co. of NY)

An electric effort

A massive study undertaken by New York's electric companies was responsible for 149 of those observers, dwarfing previous measurement efforts for scale, according to eclipse researcher David Dunham.

"In 1878, there were expeditions from the U.S. Naval Observatory for a total eclipse that passed over Texas, Wyoming and Colorado," Dunham told Space.com. "They had two expeditions with observers at the predicted limits. But they were both clouded out, so they didn't get any information. They did ask citizens around Texas and Colorado to make observations and report back to them, and they actually got some observations from that effort  but it was much less than the many dozens of people that were involved with the New York City effort.

"There were a few other past efforts which also had problems, mainly due to weather  so there just wasn't anything on the scale of what was done in 1925," he added. Dunham founded the International Occultation Timing Organization in 1975 to take observations when objects pass in front of the sun and other stars, and he has also plumbed previous eclipse measurements to analyze the size of the sun over time.

14 Edison Company photographers were poised to capture the eclipse and any unusual phenomena in New York City Jan. 24, 1925. (Image credit: Consolidated Gas Co. of NY)

The New York observers were split into groups of two and three, and were stationed along rooftops spanning 72nd Street to 135th Street on Manhattan's West Side. At least one person would watch for the moon's incoming shadow, and another would look for whether the sun was completely covered by the moon, according to a report put out by the city's electric companies.

The shadow watchers were unable to provide useful data; the shadow travels at an average of 2,300 mph (3,700 km/h), so its approach is very fast and hard to quantify. But the sun observers provided good results. Everyone above 96th Street saw totality  when the moon completely covers the disk of the sun  and everyone below did not. Thus, the eclipse's southern border could be pinpointed to within 225 feet (69 m)  the distance between 230 Riverside Drive and 240 Riverside Drive, on New York City's Upper West Side. In other words, they caught the shadow's border between two buildings, each on a different city block.

The electric companies, led by the New York Edison Company, also took detailed measurements of how much electrical power people used during the eclipse. Predictably, power use rose when it was dark, but the overall load was lower in some places because industries were closed for the morning. New York Edison Company also stationed 14 photographers throughout the city to document totality. [What Scientists Have Learned from Total Solar Eclipses]

"Flying observatories"

In addition, 50 people from the Army Air Service  a predecessor to the Air Force  flew in 25 planes to observe the eclipse. The service planned to send more, but some engines wouldn't start in the cold, according to a New York Times reporter.

And unlike the observers perched atop buildings, these air travelers got a clear view of the moon's rushing shadow:

"Observers [in the planes] saw the rush of the moon's shadow devouring the microscopic detail of the land below at the rate of a hundred square miles per second," the Times reporter wrote. "When the swarm of flying observatories alighted at Mitchel field after it was all over, their staffs reported that nothing in the whole spectacle was so impressive as the sight of the murky monster eating up white landscapes with such frightful haste."

Astronomers from the U.S. Naval Observatory also got a lofty view: They tracked the eclipse from nearly a mile in the air on the Navy dirigible dubbed Los Angeles, which lifted off from New Jersey and observed from Long Island. The researchers wielded four astronomical cameras, two motion picture cameras and a spectrograph, to measure the wavelengths of light emitted by the sun's corona.

Watson Davis, an editor for the nonprofit communications initiative Science Service, radioed down a description of the airship's view after some transmission interference.

"During the two minutes, four and six-tenths seconds of totality, not a cloud marred the magnificent spectacle of a sun so completely blotted out by the moon that the coronal fringe of the light and the ghostly radiance of the eclipsed sun turned the ocean horizon and the clouds below into a vivid picture in yellows, purples and grays, while observers drew pictures of the corona for science," Davis said, according to the New York Times.

Everyone else

An article in Popular Astronomy from the time, written by the magazine's editor, H.C. Wilson, warned that professional astronomers would be congregating near established observatories in New York and Connecticut, and that it would be "important therefore that amateurs all along the path of the total eclipse should do all that they can to obtain records of the phenomena of the eclipse" in the event that bad winter weather clouded the observatories' views.

Wilson said amateurs could time the eclipse's phases; photograph the corona and measure its spectrum; observe its effect on magnetic and wireless instruments; observe the shadow bands created; and even take "moving pictures" of the celestial event, among other suggestions.

Scientific American implored amateur astronomers and schoolchildren by radio to fill out questionnaires to describe what they saw, Marcel Chotkowski LaFollette wrote in an article for Smithsonian Institution Archives.

Sam M. Burka (left), a physicist at McCook Field, Ohio, rides with Lt. George W. Goddard to photograph the total solar eclipse Jan. 24, 1925. They were among 25 planes to observe; others were unable to take off due to the cold. (Image credit: United States Air Force/ Wikimedia Commons

The final tally

All told, the many New York eyes on the eclipse found that it came a bit later than expected, and that its path was a bit farther north than scientists had predicted, thus teaching researchers more about how the moon moves around the Earth.

The careful observation of the moon's shadow "will make more precise computations possible next time," a New York Times reporter wrote.

Now, scientists know the moon's path and contours with incredible precision, as well as the Earth's exact elevation at different locations, which let researchers predict precise eclipse paths. But there is still a lot to learn about the sun's size and mechanisms of its outer atmosphere, called the corona.

The total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017, could be the most watched solar eclipse in history as it crosses the continental United States from coast to coast, according to NASA, and it will provide an unparalleled research opportunity, and a chance for amateurs and professionals to collaborate. Projects such as the University of California and Google's Eclipse Megamovie project and an initiative by the International Occultation Timing Organization call for volunteers across the country to document the precise location of the moon's shadow.

New York City won't see a total solar eclipse this time around; only part of the sun's disk will be covered. But people across the country will again turn their (protected) eyes and instruments to the sun  and this time, there will be many more cameras and phones at the ready.

Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
The NASA podcast, "Houston, We Have a Podcast," conducted a Facebook Live interview with astronaut Jack Fischer. Here, Fischer is seen upside down, as he changed his pose after every question.

How's it going in space? Awesome, just like every day, said NASA astronaut Jack Fischer, speaking live from the International Space Station  redefining the meaning of long-distance conversation.

Fischer joined the first live taping of NASA's "Houston, We Have a Podcast" on Thursday afternoon (Aug. 10). The spaceman spoke with two hosts, Gary Jordan and Dan Huot, and answered questions from the people who tuned in to the Facebook Live event, such as, "Do you get insomnia in space?"

The session appeared to be a natural extension for Fischer, who has a strong following on Twitter, at 88,000 followers. A reason he is such a favorite for so many is his unabashed way of expressing the wonders he sees aboard the ISS. Fischer was formerly an Air Force test pilot, and he said he was "lucky" to be selected from out among such a talented applicant pool to launch to the space station in April 2017 as a flight engineer for Expedition 51. This is Fischer's first trip to space. [Southern Lights Dazzle in Spectacular Time-Lapse Video from Space (Video)]

Expedition 51 Flight Engineer Jack Fischer of NASA is seen inside the International Space Station in his spacesuit during a fit check, in preparation for the 200th spacewalk at the station. It was also Fischer's first spacewalk, and occurred on May 12, 2017. (Image credit: NASA)

Although Fischer is living the astronaut experience for the first time, he is not shy about using funny phrases like "boats of yum" for floating space station meals, or "biggest slice of awesome pie I've ever seen" to describe the landmark 200th space station spacewalk that he had the honor of performing.

During the show, it seemed the hosts of the podcast were just as enthusiastic as the astronaut, and got quite animated about their chance to speak to a space station resident.

"Wrap your mind around it  we are talking to somebody in space," NASA spokesperson Dan Huot said during the program's introduction. Two weeks ago, Huot witnessed a colleague in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, get a phone call from the space station, and shared during the live session that it is "so incredible [that] we live in this time."

Jordan's first question to Fischer was, "How's today in space?" and the astronaut, brimming with energy, replied, "It's awesome! Like it is every day!" After every question, Fischer floated into different positions, perhaps showing off his new mastery of moving in microgravity. He did add, "Don't ask Peggy [Whitson] how many things I've knocked over."

Fischer also revealed that in order to adjust to his new home in the best way, he studies which mannerisms the space crew have adopted, asking himself questions like, "How is Peggy cutting her food packet?"

Viewers also learned some less humorous, more personal details about Fischer. He said he's excited about the cancer-combating research the space crew is conducting because his own daughter battled the disease. The newbie astronaut also likes sleeping in microgravity ("like sleeping in an air bed") because on Earth he suffered from back pain as a result of his previous work as an Air Force pilot.

Previous episodes of "Houston, We Have a Podcast" are available on the NASA website.

Follow Doris Elin Salazar on Twitter @salazar_elin. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
A Kensington block in a development at the centre of a row over rehousing Grenfell Tower victims is to be more than a third owned by anonymous firms or by buyers from states considered to be a high corruption risk, it has emerged.

An analysis of Land Registry data by Transparency International for 153 new homes at 375 Kensington High Street found that more properties were bought via British Virgin Islands firms than any other jurisdiction, including the UK.

The development, by St Edward, a subsidiary of Berkeley Group, offers 2.4 million flats with 24-hour concierge service.

The Government promised to introduce a register April 2018 revealing the true owners of overseas companies buying property in the UK.

But Rachel Davies Teka, head of advocacy at Transparency International UK, said there are now serious concerns about whether plans for the new law will now be "kicked into the long grass".

"The Government must urgently clarify whether it intends to be part of the problem or the solution to the UKs role as a safe haven for corrupt money," she said.

She added: The harrowing scenes at Grenfell Tower prompted many questions about how citizens in that borough are treated and focused attention on the issue of housing in Kensington and Chelsea. Our previous research has already found that this borough, and neighbouring Westminster, to have the highest levels of anonymously owned property.

St Edward, a joint venture between M&G and Berkeley, stepped up the development of 68 homes to house Grenfell residents in Kendell House and Gilbert House at Kensington Row. Wealthy local residents complained about the move. The developments are part of the wider Warwick Road regeneration masterplan and encompass 375 Kensington High Street.

Berkeley Group said: As well as adding to Londons overall housing stock, new developments provide affordable housing, jobs and amenities. At this development, a new Primary School for 210 pupils has already been delivered. St Edward markets all its developments firstly to UK buyers. In this particular case, a great deal of work was done to get the new homes ready as quickly as possible to meet the need in these tragic circumstances.
M atthew dAncona is broadly right about Jeremy Corbyn [Venezuela goes to the heart of Corbyns fitness to become PM, Comment, August 9]. However, the issue is not just about whose actions should be condemned in Venezuela now.

Corbyn had no ministerial or other executive experience before becoming one of the main party leaders. This is not the first time such a thing has happened, but in the circumstances his past expressions of opinion are our only guide to what goes on in his mind.

Things he said not long before he became leader, such as praising Hugo Chavezs record in Venezuela, are much more reliable in this respect than what he has said as leader, with the help of high-powered spin doctors.

Does Corbyn now regret supporting the early years of Venezuelas descent and still think that this is the right way to run a country? We not only have a right to ask, we also need to know the answer  for the sake of our countrys future.

Andy Thompson



The condemnation of Jeremy Corbyn by Matthew dAncona is not totally unexpected or perhaps undeserved. Younger voters need only look in the history books to understand how South America has suffered under its numerous dictatorships.

The Right  and the Conservative Party in particular  are far from squeaky clean in their support for dictators. Margaret Thatchers close personal support for Chiles General Pinochet and his regime, which inflicted decades of abductions, torture and murders, was in a different league altogether. I wonder how often Mrs Thatchers fitness to be Prime Minister was questioned?

The Left, it seems, can do no right.

Alan Young



Matthew dAncona is spot-on about Jeremy Corbyn  his double standards are staggering. If he and Vince Cable had been arrested in the middle of the night would he describe Theresa Mays regime as anything other than despotic?

His inability to express disgust at Venezuelas slide into dictatorship and its complete economic mismanagement and pervasive corruption tells you everything you need to know.

Chris Key



Had Jeremy Corbyn not previously expressed support for Hugo Chavez and his successors, I doubt whether events in Venezuela would even be reported by the British media. Venezuela is simply the latest rod to beat Corbyn with.

If anything, this is a sign of the desperation of those who can see an election in the next six months that could place Corbyn in Downing Street.

Paul Donovan



US should not have threatened Korea

President Trump has promised to unleash fire and fury on North Korea while his Defense Secretary Jim Mattis threatened the destruction of its people. No decent person could ever threaten genocide, yet Britains Ambassador to the UN says we stand shoulder to shoulder with Trump. How did it come to this?

Will Podmore



The American people will expect any president to defend their nation and, if there is any conflict, Britain has to be at Americas side as its closest ally. We are not neutral in this situation, and to pretend we are is hypocritical.

James Young



By almost declaring war on North Korea the US is essentially trying to act as a global policeman. Maybe it would be best if it focused on its own problems and stopped trying to run the world?

Edward Mitchell



Financial future is always a mystery

What a wonderful article by Russell Lynch commenting on what the worldwide economic crisis has brought us over the past 10 years [Business, August 9]. As he rightly identifies, in 2007 no one forecasted accurately what would happen economically over 10 months, let alone 10 years.

He finishes by asking whether the next decade will be any better. The answer may be in his article, where over the past 10 years the UKs economic growth of 10.9 per cent has compared unfavourably to Australias 28 per cent, Canadas 17 per cent and the 14.8 per cent advanced by the US, but favourably with the eurozones 5.4 per cent.

In 10 years he might be vindicated in commencing a news story with despite Brexit.

David R J Smith



Private sector has no place in prisons

Why does your correspondent [Letters, August 9] think the private sector is the answer to running the prison service? Prisons are a public service and should be run as such. They also need to offer rewarding work and a long-term career structure if they are to attract the right people  and therein lies the current problem.

It is probably necessary to rethink the current structure, but adding a layer for private companies to profit from should not be part of it.

Jacqueline Castles



Let theatregoers drink from glasses

I agree with those campaigning to end Big Brother-style rules that force theatregoers to drink out of plastic cups [Its not 1984  let us drink out of glasses, plead theatre fans, August 8].

I visited the Great British Beer Festival at Olympia recently and thousands of people were drinking out of glasses with no hint of trouble  and the beer tasted better. If its OK at a beer festival, it is good enough for the theatre.

Jonathan Bullock MEP, Ukip spokesman on Heritage and Tourism

Join the conversation: #esnewsviews
Known and adored for its innovative twists and unusual takes on the every day, cult Parisian label Vetements has outdone even its own high standards with its latest release.

A hooded cobalt sweatshirt with a Euro sign to the front and the 12 gold stars of the EU flag on its back, the piece is inevitably a hit with Remain voter fans of the brand.

Available at Browns for 750, the hoodie is billed on the website as a "blue and yellow Vetements flag printed hooded sweatshirt [that] will Remain on your back all season."

Headed up by Sweedish brothers Guram (brand CEO) and Demna Gvasalia (Vetements head designer and creative director of Balenciaga), the label launched in 2014 and is known for taking ideas from urban culture and everyday life to form a modern wardrobe without a seasonal theme.

Vetements SS17 at Couture Fashion Week in Paris 1 /33 Vetements SS17 at Couture Fashion Week in Paris Vetements Models walk the SS17 couture runway AP Vetements A model walks the SS17 couture runway EPA Vetements Models walk the SS17 couture runway EPA Vetements Models walk the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements A model walks the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements A model walks the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements A model walks the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements Models walk the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements Models walk the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements A model walks the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements A model walks the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements A model walks the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements Models walk the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements Models walk the SS17 couture runway EPA Vetements A model walks the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements A model walks the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements A model walks the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements A model walks the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements A model walks the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements Models walk the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements A model walks the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements A model walks the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements A model walks the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements A model walks the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images Vetements Models walk the SS17 couture runway AFP/Getty Images

Having won the award for International Urban Luxury Brand at last year's Fashion Awards in London, Vetements was this week revealed as the 4th most in-demand brand in the world right now.

In a study conducted by fashion search engine Lyst and the Business of Fashion, the Parisian label - who ranked 1st in the year's first financial quarter - joined the likes of Gucci, Kanye West's label Yeezy, Balenciaga and Givenchy in the top 5 for Q2.

And while its EU sweatshirt is being dubbed controversial, it is not the most surprising sartorial nod to Brexit that we've seen this year. That accolade fell to the Queen.

Making her official speech in June, the Queen caused stir when she forwent the occasion's usual crown - for the first time in 43 years - in favour of a blue hat with yellow flowers, forming a circle remarkably reminiscent of the EU flag.

And while it remains unclear as to whether the Queen's tribute was entirely deliberate, Vetements know exactly how well-received its latest drop will be. By 48.1% of the UK, at least.
,As we make plans to spruce up our office here at Att Pynta, its becoming more and more obvious just how much of a difference an uplifting work area makes. There are many studies that show the correlation between employee health, happiness and productivity and their workspace.

For the increasing number of people that are freelance and often have to work from home, we've seen the need for an office area that only functions like a work space but also fits in seamlessly with the home.

The trick, it seems, is to create a balance between a space where you can happily focus for long periods of time and a space that doesnt feel like too much of a typical office. In order to make it an area thats warm and inviting, steer away from typical office furniture but keep it functional.

Choose pieces that can be interchanged so that you can tailor your space depending on your work and living status. If you have the luxury of an dedicated office room or need to have a zoned off work space, we've put together our top tips to creating a Scandi chic work area.

The Desk

The String shelving systems are a perfect synthesis between style and function and offer a great storage option as well as a desk. As theyre modular, you can either stick to a single column with a desk, or add on more columns to increase shelving space. The perfect solution a room that need to function in more than one way

String work desk from Skandium, Buy here for 105

Textiles

Textiles may not immediately spring to mind as a must-have when considering a workspace but they can easily add homey texture to make your office super cosy. Why not place a throw over the back of your chair and a rug at your feet?

Cotton woven throw

Buy here for 26, Att Pynta

Wool stripe runner rug

Buy here for 99, Att Pynta

The Chair

Whilst you need to make sure your chair is going to be comfortable and supportive enough to sit in for hours at a time, we suggest opting for a nice chair that complements the style of the room, rather than a typical office chair. Or why not refresh your currently office with a Scandi-style sheepskin.

Mickey synthetic rattan dining chair

Buy here for 80, Habitat

The Lamp

A lamp is, of course, a must. A charming light will act as somewhat of a statement office piece amongst the smaller desk accessories, bringing the overall look together. Designed by a Danish student, who describes it as the the little helper everyone needs, the adorable Buddy table lamp is the perfect desk companion.

The Buddy Lamp

Buy here for 162, from Skandium

The candle

Believe us when we say that lighting a beautifully scented candle at your desk makes it much more enticing to stay sat at said desk and stay focused on the task at hand.

Hand poured scented candle

Buy here for 28, Att Pynta

The accessories

Spruce up your desk as you would the rest of your home with houseplants. Plants in small pots are your best bet for work areas, as they can be placed in small spaces on your desk or shelving and can be changed around easily.

White and gold porcelain votives

Buy here from 14 per pair, Att Pynta

Gold pencil holder pot

No Scandi desk is complete without a beautiful pen pot. We love this gold pencil holder from Anthropology for a touch of luxe.

Buy here for 14, Anthropologie

The noticeboard

This board is absolutely perfect because its easily changeable and customisable. As well as looking great, you can make it entirely yours by using clips to pin up important notes or art that inspires you.

Steel Mesh Wire Noticeboard with shelf Buy here for 49, Not On The High Street

The Stationery

Last but not least, some Scandi stationary is entirely necessary to finish off the space. Theres tonnes of beautiful stationary on the market, but our go to shop is Swedish brand Kikki K, who have a large range of Swedish designed stationary

Buy here, kikki.K
U pon first inspection, Dubai lives up to its reputation as a millionaires playground; it is chock-full of business folk impeccably turned out in Arab thawbs or designer labels, driving huge cars from one gleaming, gargantuan mall to the next. But while this futuristic city in the middle of the desert is great fun for those with money, it is also ideally set up for kids.

Children are revered in Arab culture. During our stay in Old Dubai my three-year-old son was high-fived, hugged and had his cheeks squished affectionately by everyone we met, from waiters and bellhops to stern-looking police officers and souk traders. So it follows that, given the centrality of children to daily life here, much of the infrastructure of this new city has sprung up to appeal to a childlike sense of fun  and I can confirm that it also works for big kids.

Many of the top hotels come with kids clubs and babysitting services, pools and child-friendly menus. But you could say that for most other luxury destinations. For thrill-seeking youngsters, however, Dubai has the edge. Waterslides? Rollercoasters? Terrifying animals? Snowboarding? No problem.

And what do kids of all ages enjoy most? Water. The two equally famous, and similarly ginormous, Aquaventure Waterpark and Wild Wadi park jostle for punters. They both contain enough terrifying slides to keep your adrenaline-hungry offspring occupied for hours.

Aquaventure boasts the near-vertical and aptly named Leap of Faith chute, as well as an almost mile-long river made up of rapids, waves and waterfalls. Those under the 4ft height restrictions can enjoy a huge water playground and access to a pristine private beach stretching 700m.

Wild Wadi, near Jumeirah Beach, is also great for gravity-defying slides (for those over 3ft 6in), wet rollercoasters and smaller rides, chutes and liquid playgrounds for littler people. Theres much to recommend at each  but I wouldnt advise doing both unless youre keen on nearly losing your lunch while wearing a bikini.

Water world: main image, Aquaventure has flumes aplenty / Alamy Stock Photo

If you prefer to stay dry while enjoying H2O, Dubai is also unrivalled for its aquariums. In a city where luxury is second nature, the underwater accommodation for sharks, dolphins, manta rays and all their fishy friends is about as good as the five-star hotels.

Within the humongous, marbled Dubai Mall is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, where you can see the King and Queen of crocodiles (their scale matches the opulence of their surroundings).

Much of the 10 million-litre tank is visible for free from within the mall but an entry ticket will let you walk through an underwater tunnel among thousands of rare denizens of the deep. The upstairs zoo is home to the whopper crocs.

Meanwhile, over at The Lost Chambers Aquarium, you can see some 65,000 exotic marine creatures, including a pair of rare albino alligators. You can even pay extra, should you feel brave, to go snorkelling or diving among them.

Dubai rivals Florida for its sheer number of theme parks: theres the brand-new Legoland water park (yes, another one); Sega Republic at the Dubai Mall, which will keep teenage gamers amused; and the petrol-head- friendly Ferrari World.

But the best day out for my money is Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates. Dubai is home to the worlds largest indoor snow park  a breathtaking 3,000sq m space jam-packed with real snow-capped ski runs, tobogganing hills, zip wires and balconies. Anyone who is comfy on skis or a snowboard will have an absolute ball.

Wild Wadi / Alamy Stock Photo

For little ones, the inflatable sleds and snowball fights, plus visiting the penguins who live there, is enough to keep them chattering happily for days. Swapping the searing heat for a few hours in the chiller is also surprisingly welcome  all outer gear bar hats and gloves is supplied.

If it seems like Dubai only caters to giving children a good time, then let me set the record straight  its educational too. Childrens City in Creek Park is a series of brightly hued buildings housing galleries and interactive exhibitions about space, nature, biology and other engaging science topics.

Granted, if you completed all of the above during a two-week holiday you might have to remortgage. But not everything in Dubai is eye-wateringly expensive. Theres the beach and plenty of good parks with play equipment, all free. And some of the best fun can be found in the fountains on the Dubai Marina Walk. Bring an extra set of clothes for your charges and bask in the knowledge that the fun theyre having splashing around isnt costing you a penny.

Details

Emirates (0344 800 2777, emirates.com) flies from London Heathrow to Dubai from 362 return. Children aged 11 and under qualify for discounted fares.

The four-star Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa (00 971 4 3519111, arabiancourtyard.com) is close to many of the main attractions. Doubles from AED200 (42), room only.

Aquaventure costs AED199 (41) for a day pass (a reduced rate as maintenance work is being carried out). Entry to Wild Wadi costs AED240 (50). The Dubai Aquarium and Lost Chambers Aquarium both cost from AED100 (21). Ski Dubai costs AED510 (107) for access to all slopes and attractions. Entry to Childrens City costs AED40 (8) for a family of four.
R eality TV star Jeremy McConnell has walked free from court after he was convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child Stephanie Davis.

Former Hollyoaks star Miss Davis said McConnell, 27, had also threatened to throw acid in her face during the drink and drug-fuelled bust-up at her home in Rainhill, Merseyside, on March 10.

McConnell, from Swords in the Republic of Ireland, first met his former partner after they appeared together on Celebrity Big Brother.

He had denied the attack, branding her a "blatant liar", but was convicted of assaulting Miss Davis during a trial earlier this week at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.

McConnell's ex girlfriend Stephanie Davis / Peter Byrne/PA

On Friday, he was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and 200 hours community service.

During the trial, the judge was shown photos of a bruise that Miss Davis said was caused by McConnell biting her arm, as well as extensive bruises to her legs and body.

The defendant called her a "fat slag" during the domestic abuse, the court heard.

McConnell was sentenced at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Friday afternoon.

McConnell during a previous court appearance / Peter Byrne/PA

He was ordered to pay 1,000 in costs, 1,000 to Ms Davis in compensation, a 115 victim surcharge and handed a three-year restraining order.

Passing sentence District Judge Wendy Lloyd told McConnell he had shown no remorse and attacked his ex as she held their baby in her arms after he had taken alcohol and cocaine.

She told him: "If you get yourself into such a state then you have to accept responsibility for it.

Stephanie Davis and Jeremy McConnell at their Celebrity Big Brother final / Jeff Spicer/Getty

"The most important part is you are a young man of 27 of previous good character."

Judge Lloyd imposed a restraining order on McConnell for three years, banning him from contacting Miss Davis except through intermediaries and for the purpose of contact with their child.

He was also given four weeks jail, suspended for 12 months, to run concurrently with his 20 week sentence, after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to criminal damage to her patio doors.

James Morris, mitigating for McConnell, told the court the Dubliner's tough upbringing and a series of personal family tragedies had left him with "demons".

Mr Morris said: "It's extremely sad when relationships break down. It's fair to say this was a volatile relationship where accusations of infidelity reared their ugly heads on a regular basis.

"Mr McConnell had a difficult upbringing in Dublin. His mother, he lost his mother at the age of 15, and in the same year, a brother and sister. His father was left as a single parent who had to bring up family on his own.

"There is bereavement issues that Mr McConnell has not dealt with.

"Mr McConnell sadly lost his father this year and attended his father's funeral with Miss Davis, three days prior to this incident and was in a very low frame of mind in the days leading up to this incident.

"Mr McConnell clearly has had a number of demons in his past that needs to be addressed."

Mr Morris said the defendant had attended Smarmore Castle, a private rehab clinic in Ireland, to be treated for "chemical dependency" and he was now free of cocaine use.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, Miss Davis, who was not present, said: "This incident has made me feel a nervous wreck.

"Every time I hear a loud noise I panic. I have to take anti-depressants.

"I feel like I'm drowning. I feel helpless like the whole world is against me and I feel alone and this has affected how I live my life.

"I feel numb inside and just want this nightmare to be over."

The court heard since writing the statement the couple were briefly reconciled, while McConnell was in rehab, but the relationship has broken down again.

Earlier the trial heard the couple had been out for a meal with friends in Liverpool to celebrate Miss Davis's 24th birthday on March 9 but when they returned home McConnell had left to go to the pub with two of the friends.

Miss Davis said when he got back to the house at about midnight he was "out of it" and had been taking cocaine.

She said: "He was calling me a slag. He said that I was fat, he said that no one was going to want to touch me again."

Miss Davis said McConnell left the house but later returned and began kicking the doors in an attempt to get in.

She continued: "I heard him go over the gate, it was literally like a horror film.

"I just thought, 'this is it, he's going to kill me'."

She said she let him in after fearing he would smash the glass patio doors and he followed her upstairs, where she was in the bedroom holding their eight-week-old son Caben-Albi.

"All I was thinking is how do I get Caben away. He could have killed him," Miss Davis added.

McConnell punched her on the side of the head and pushed her against the wall twice as she held their son, the court heard.

He had accused her of having affairs with her pregnant friend and with a fireman who lived nearby.

Additional reporting by Press Association.
American Legion Post 138 is now Tap House 138. A new logo, new menu items and a new tastings, are sure to appeal to area foodies. On Thursday, Aug. 24 from 6-9 p.m., Tap House 138 is hosting a tasting featuring Driftless Glen Distillery and Surly Brewing Co. They are also debuting all new grass-fed steak fajitas for $5. Like them on Facebook and stop by to check out what is new at the Tap House. Open to the public, 120 North Rusk Ave., Viroqua.

The Ark Cafe is serving lunch on Wednesdays and Fridays. Check out their sophisticated menu from Chef Frank Wildingway. Dine in or carry out. For more information visit their Facebook page, or stop by: 401 East Jefferson St., Viroqua.

Applications for grants

The Viroqua Chamber Main Street is accepting applications for facade grants. Three or four grants will be awarded this year depending on the size of the projects submitted. Last years winners were Bluedog Cycles, Parrish Music and Driftless Angler. Please contact our office for an application by sending an email to nrschmidt@viroqua-wisconsin.com. Preference will be given to chamber affiliates when the committee determines awards. For more information call 608-637-2575

David Huckfelt & Michael Rossetto

A cosmic folk duo with deep Midwestern roots and a keen ear for the dark and other-wordly in American song, David Huckfelt of The Pines and Michael Rossetto have been making music together for more than a decade. They will play at 7 p.m. Aug. 11 at Driftless Books & Music. Touring with The Pines and other projects including Pieta Brown, Erik Koskinen, Frankie Lee and more, this duo performance highlights Rossettos distinctive five-string banjo and electric guitar style and Huckfelts lyrically rich song-craft and easy grasp on blues, folk and country traditions. Tickets available in advance at Driftless Books & Music, 518 Walnut St. Check out their Facebook page for details.

Saturday Farmers Market

Join us in downtown Viroqua from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday for a bounty of gorgeous produce, local meat, baked goods, fresh flowers, artisan furniture and crafts and more. We are so fortunate to have more than 50 vendors and plenty of space to linger and socialize with your family and friends. We are still seeking volunteers to assist with an informational study regarding the Farmers Market. The data from the study will be beneficial when applying for grants and will help us develop a picture of who is shopping at the market, what they are purchasing and what kind of impact the market has on our local economy. For information about assisting email cwalters@viroqua-wisconsin.com or call 608-637-2575

Pay it forward recipient

It all started with a pay it forward donation of $10 a few months ago at Cowboy Davids Bake Shoppe in Viroqua. The community has been so giving that the pay it forward fund has now blossomed to more than $200. The entire kitty will go to one well-deserving area organization. Stop by the Bake Shoppe 207  S. Main and write down who you think should get it. On Aug. 23, the Bake Shoppe will announce the top four of five candidates and then final voting will begin.

For information, check out their Facebook page or call 608-625-6222. The Bake Shoppe is also accepting donations by mail.

Wednesday Farmers Market

Stop by this grab and go market for baked goods, produce, meat and hand-made items from 2-6 p.m. in the former Bluedog Cycles parking lot. For more information email farmersmarket@viroqua-wisconsin.com.
T he man arrested over the jogger rage attack on Putney Bridge is a partner at a Mayfair-based private equity firm, the Standard can reveal.

Eric Bellquist, 50, was detained by detectives on suspicion of grievous bodily harm after a woman was pushed in front of a bus. However, he has denied being the jogger and says he was in the United States at the time of the incident.

Officers released dramatic CCTV footage of the incident this week in a bid to track down the jogger. Last night police arrested Mr Belquist at an address in Chelsea.

He was questioned at a south London police station and later released without being charged.

The Met said: Police investigating an assault after a jogger appeared to push a woman into the path of an oncoming bus in Putney have made an arrest.

A 50-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm following police enquiries at an address in the Chelsea area on the morning of Thursday, August 10.

Jogger crashes into woman on Putney bridge

He was taken to a south London police station for questioning. He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Police made an arrest after a jogger was pushed into the path of a bus on Putney Bridge

Mr Bellquist, who graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, works for Hutton Collins Partners, which owns Byron. He sits on the boards of the restaurant chains as a non-executive director. He previously worked for Lehman Brothers.

His lawyers, Duncan Lewis solicitors, said: This statement is issued in relation to our client Mr Eric Bellquist, who was arrested yesterday in relation to an incident that took place between a male jogger and a female pedestrian on May 5, 2017, on Putney Bridge.

Our client has been wrongly implicated in this matter; he categorically denies being the individual concerned and has irrefutable proof that he was in the United States at the time of the incident. Consequently we expect a swift resolution to this wholly untrue allegation.

Police issued footage of the incident earlier this week

Police originally gave the arrested mans age as 41 but later corrected this to 50. On Friday, the Met then corrected this to 41 again. The woman, who lives in Putney, was walking to work when the jogger appeared to angle his run towards her.

The CCTV footage shows him colliding with her and she falls into oncoming traffic. The bus misses her by inches before stopping, as the jogger runs off.

The police said she suffered bruising and back pain and was left distressed.

Update 12/8/2017: Police say Eric Bellquist has been eliminated from their enquiries and will face no further action over the incident. Read the full story here.
A n Oxford University employee who spent more than a week as a fugitive with a US professor has appeared in court accused of murdering a 26-year-old hair stylist.

Somerville College's Andrew Warren, 56, and Professor Wyndham Lathem, 42, are suspected of repeatedly stabbing Trenton Cornell-Duranleau in the academic's Chicago apartment.

Warren confirmed he is the wanted man and declined to fight his extradition to Chicago to face a murder charge as he appeared in court in San Francisco on Friday.

The Briton, appearing in a baggy, orange prison-issued sweatshirt and jogging bottoms, was denied bail and will be held in custody.

Extradition hearing: Oxford University employee Andrew Warren / AP

Judge Edward Torpoco said: "Based on the nature of the charge, the defendant is remanded and no bail is set."

Warren timidly entered the room in San Francisco's Hall of Justice while being filmed and photographed by the press.

Listening to the judge's procedural questions assisted by a hearing aid, he quietly agreed he would not oppose extradition and said he would accept a public lawyer on the basis he could not afford his own.

The judge permitted filming on the basis he had already been subject to extensive publicity as the subject of an eight-day manhunt.

Oxford University employee Andrew Warren, 56, and Wyndham Lathem, a US college worker

Warren and Lathem gave themselves up separately in California, more than 2,000 miles away from the crime scene.

Warren, who says online he lives in Swindon, Wiltshire, has since been suspended from his job as senior treasury assistant.

He had been reported missing to Thames Valley Police two days before the body was found, having left the UK on July 24.

Stabbed to death: Trenton Cornell-Duranleau

Microbiologist Lathem, since sacked by Northwestern University, plans to plead not guilty, according to his lawyer Kenneth Wine who described him as a "gentle soul".

Chicago Police have said Lathem was in a "personal relationship" with the victim.

The force said the corpse of Mr Cornell-Duranleau, originally from Corunna, Michigan, was found mutilated in a "very violent scene" on July 27.

After the hearing, his lawyer, Ariel Boyce-Smith, said: "Mr Warren is agreeable to being transported to Chicago, he wants the process to be started.

"I just want to remind everyone that he is presumed innocent and his agreement to go there to start the process is where we are now."



Additional reporting by agencies.
T his is the moment a reckless bus driver ploughed through barriers at a level crossing in north London.

Emil Koranteng, 25, admitted driving the empty bus through the crossing in Tottenham, causing 49,000 worth of damage.

He ploughed the out of service bus through the crossing on Marsh Lane, Northumberland Park, after the barriers had already begun to lower to allow a train to pass at about 10pm on May 29 this year, a court heard.

Highbury Magistrates Court was told that Koranteng sped up and attempted to zig-zag his way through the crossing after the warning lights were illuminated and the barriers began to close.

The rear of the bus clipped the barriers causing extensive damage and train delays.

Reckless: Emil Koranteng drove the bus through the level crossing / British Transport Police

Network Rail paid for the damage.

Koranteng, of Clinton Road, pleaded guilty to one charge of dangerous driving and was sentenced on Monday.

He was banned from driving for 15 months and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Koranteng was also ordered to pay an 85 victim surcharge and 85 in costs.

Inspector Steve Webster from British Transport Police, said: This was foolish and outright dangerous behaviour from this bus driver.

The damage cost Network Rail 49,000 / British Transport Police

"He put his own life and the lives of rail users at risk by driving so dangerously.

After the incident, the broken barrier was left on the floor and the level crossing was exposed meaning any pedestrians could have walked onto the tracks.

I am very pleased that we were able to identify Koranteng and bring him before the courts.

As this case shows, frustratingly, people are still risking their lives on level crossings by ignoring the warning signs and crossing the tracks when it is not safe.

"Sadly, our officers know the tragedy families are faced with after a loved one is killed at a level crossing and we dont want anyone else to have to experience that.

What may seem like a quick short cut, or a bit of fun, can leave devastation and heartbreak for families.

Claire Mann, TfL's Director of Bus Service Delivery and Operations, said: The actions of Koranteng not only put his own life at risk, but those of others too.

"We expect the highest standards from our drivers and as soon as this incident was reported to the bus company the driver was dismissed.
T his is the shocking moment a violent brawl broke out between colleagues during a Christmas party at a pub in central London.

The footage, released by City of London police, shows the construction workers fighting at the Liberty Bounds pub near Tower Hill.

Armendi Dokle, 35, from Ilford, and 37-year-old Durim Beqiri, from Newham bottled and punched their work colleague when an argument descended into violence three days before Christmas.

Their 29-year-old victim was left with a three-inch gash to his head.

Pub brawl: The fight broke out at a Christmas party at a pub in Tower Hill / City of London Police

They both pleaded guilty to one count of actual bodily harm and were each sentenced to 18 weeks in prison and ordered to pay 100 compensation and a 115 victim surcharge.

City of London magistrates court heard how the fight broke out shortly after 2.30pm on Thursday December 22 2016 in the middle of the ground floor bar of the pub in Trinity Square.

The pub was packed with people celebrating Christmas and the group of colleagues, all construction workers, were sitting at a table opposite the bar when a confrontation developed between Beqiri, who had drunk and eight bottles of beer and two shots, and the victim, the court heard.

Violent fight: Two men have been convicted of ABH

Beqiri argued with the victim before Dokle threw a bottle at his head. Dokle then grabbed another bottle and hit him again before Beqiri grabbed a pint glass and slammed it towards him.

The court was told the fight was broken up by the rest of the group and other customers, while staff called police. The victim was taken to Royal London Hospital with a deep cut on his head.

Jailed: Armendi Dokle / City of London Police

Beqiri and Dokle, who had drunk ten bottles of beer, were arrested at the scene. Beqiri initially claimed he was acting in self-defence but when shown the CCTV admitted he was wrong and felt ashamed.

They were sentenced on July 31 this year.

Jailed: Durim Beqiri / City of London Police

Detective Constable Joe Farrell from City of London Police, said: This was a nasty and violent attack which left the victim with a serious head injury. Luckily, he has now recovered, but the effects of this attack could have been far worse.

We want people to enjoy themselves when they are out in the Citys bars, pubs and clubs, especially during the festive season, but this is a prime example of how some people can drink too much and become violent, which awful consequences.
M ajor supermarkets are to blame for the contaminated egg scandal because they use cheap foreign produce in their sandwiches and salads, the boss of British eggs standards has claimed.

British Lion Egg Processors chairman Ian Jones accused retailers of double standards which had contributed to the scare.

He said supermarkets stocked British Lion quality shell eggs, but used imported eggs in many other products such as pre-made sandwiches.

Around 700,000 eggs distributed in Britain are feared to be contaminated with the pesticide Fipronil, which is dangerous if consumed by humans.

Mr Jones said: "The major retailers are operating to double standards when it comes to eggs.

All of them stock British Lion shell eggs but they use imported eggs in many of their other foods containing eggs.

"This is just the latest of a number of food safety issues connected to eggs produced outside of the UK in recent years. Consumers clearly want retailers and food manufacturers to use good-quality British ingredients that are produced to high standards of food safety, but in some prepared foods this is not the case."

Egg scare explained Around 700,000 potentially infected eggs have been imported into Britain from Dutch farms, according to the Food Standards Agency. The affected eggs have been contaminated with an insecticide called Fipronil. What is Fipronil? It is an anti-tick and flea pesticide which is banned in products destined for the human food chain. What are the effects of consuming Fipronil? Adverse effects include sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, dizziness, weakness, and seizures, according to the US National Pesticide Information Centre. How did the contamination start? Police launched an investigation into the illegal use of Fipronil on poultry farms and said dozens of raids have taken place in the Netherlands.

Mr Jones' comments came as it emerged around 700,000 potentially contaminated eggs from Dutch farms have been distributed in Britain  widening the scare from the mere 21,000 eggs initially estimated.

In response, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Waitrose and Asda have withdrawn a total of 11 products - including sandwiches, sandwich fillers and salads - from sale.

The Food Standards Agency said investigations into the incident suggested it was "very unlikely" that the eggs posed a risk to public health as it released a list of processed products withdrawn in the UK "to ensure that consumers are protected".

The move came as Dutch investigators detained two men suspected of being involved in the illegal use of the pesticide at poultry farms.

FSA chairwoman Heather Hancock said: "I'm confident that acting quickly is the right thing to do.

"The number of eggs involved is small in proportion to the number of eggs we eat, and it is very unlikely that there is a risk to public health.

"Based on the available evidence there is no need for people to change the way they consume or cook eggs.

Britain produces 85 per cent of the eggs it consumes but imports almost two billion annually.

Eggs marked with the British Lion Egg Producers stamp are compliant with a code of practice, ensuring standards relating to salmonella, animal welfare and freshness.
F our tower blocks on a south London estate being evacuated over safety fears could have collapsed killing lots of people, a housing expert has said.

Veteran housing consultant Tony Bird said the construction systems used at the Ledbury Estate, near Old Kent Road, mean if one concrete panel blew out, large parts of the building would collapse.

He said if a fire started in the blocks, flames and toxic fumes would shoot right through the towers, owing to a litany of gaping holes and cracks.

Residents living in 224 homes in the thirteen-storey tower blocks in Peckham have been told they must move out in the coming weeks after structural engineers found they were potentially unsafe during investigations carried out in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Safety fears: Ledbury Towers, near Old Kent Road in south London / PA

Peterchurch, Bromyard, Skenfirth and Sarnsfield towers all had their gas supplies shut off on Thursday and residents are facing the prospect of temporary accommodation.

Southwark Council said it "is not willing to take any risks" after an investigation revealed the buildings could be unsafe.

It has told residents they can use the shower facilities at local leisure centres if they provide proof of address and is providing them with hotplates so they can cook meals.

Independent consultant Mr Bird, 68, said: "Those buildings should never have had gas. The great danger of this type of construction is if one of the panels gives way it could bring down the whole side of the building.

"That would kill lots of people."

The blocks use large panel construction systems similar to those in the Ronan Point tower, which infamously collapsed after a gas explosion in 1968.

An original gas pipe inside a flat in Bromyard House, on the Ledbury estate in south London / PA

Mr Bird has worked closely with chartered surveyor Arnold Tarling in looking at the details of Ledbury Estate as well as consulting with the retired leading architect Sam Webb.

Fire safety expert Mr Webb has surveyed hundreds of tower blocks in Britain over the years, finding many that failed fire standards.

Ledbury Estate is one of several in London built using the large panel system and though some have been demolished others remain standing.

The joints holding the buildings together move, leading to holes and cracks, which could potentially lead to "progressive collapse" Mr Bird added.

A resident of Bromyard House, on the Ledbury estate in south London, shows the extent of structural damage to her flat / PA

This happens when a large or total collapse happens because of either a failure of or damage to smaller parts of the structure.

It was thought they had been strengthened decades ago following the Ronan Point disaster, but new inquiries by structural engineers Arup showed that strengthening may not have happened.

Councillor Stephanie Cryan, Southwark's deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, said: At every stage of this investigation, we have put residents safety first, and acted on the best information available.

We didnt own the blocks when they were constructed at the end of the 1960s, but all the reports we found suggested the blocks were strengthened following the Ronan Point incident in 1968, to make them safe to include a gas supply.

"Arups structural investigations suggest this strengthening may not have occurred, and we have therefore turned off the gas, until further investigations can be done.

We are doing all we can to provide residents with alternatives while the gas is turned off, and are working up a plan to permanently replace the gas with electric ovens, boilers etc as part of the wider works, should that be necessary.

"We have also written to the Department of Communities and Local Government to inform them of this issue, as it may well have implications for other blocks around the country that were constructed in this way.

The authority said there are no plans to evacuate residents immediately or over the coming week.
S adiq Khan has thrown his weight behind plans for London to become the worlds first urban national park.

The Mayors backing came as he launched his draft environment strategy at Woodberry Wetlands in Hackney today.

He announced a package of measures to help make London the greenest city in the world.

It includes new planning regulations to give further protection to green open space and incorporate green roofs into new developments.

He also unveiled a 9 million Greener City Fund for London to help create new green spaces and improve existing ones.

The Mayor plans to launch a formal bid for National Park City status for London at an international parks summit in spring 2019.

Mr Khan said: London is home to outstanding green spaces that I want to protect, invest in and improve.

Campaigner Daniel Raven Ellison, who first promoted the idea of London becoming a national park, said: Making London a National Park City is an opportunity to improve the health of all Londoners.
I slamist terrorism will continue to be a threat facing Britain for another 20 to 30 years, according to a former head of MI5.

Jonathan Evans said the terror threat to the UK was a generational problem.

He also said the Westminster Bridge attack earlier this year may have had an energising effect on extremists.

Lord Evans, who retired from the security service in 2013, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We're at least 20 years into this, my guess is that we will still be dealing with the long tail in another 20 years time - I think this is genuinely a generational problem.

"I think that we are going to be facing 20 or 30 years of terrorist threats and therefore we need absolutely critically to persevere."

Jonathan Evans, the former director general of the security service. / AFP/Getty Images

He said the London bombings in July 2005 triggered an "energising effect on the extremist networks in the UK", and thought there would be a similar feeling following the Westminster Bridge attack earlier this year.

"We did see a huge upsurge in threat intelligence after July 7 and I suspect that there's the same sort of feeling in the period after the Westminster Bridge attack - that a lot of people who thought 'I'd like to do this' suddenly decided 'yep, if they can do it, then I can do it'."

Since the atrocity in March, there were attacks in Manchester, London Bridge and Finsbury Park.

Lord Evans, now an independent crossbencher in the House of Lords, also told the programme he would be "surprised" if Russia had not attempted to interfere with British democracy, following repeated allegations of Russian interference in foreign elections.

He said: "It would be extremely surprising if the Russians were interested in interfering in America and in France and in various other European countries but were not interested in interfering with the UK.

Traditionally I think we have been seen as quite hawkish and therefore I would be surprised if there had not been attempts to interfere with the election."
D ozens of people have died and scores more were injured after two trains collided in Egypt.

State TV showed pictures of mangled wreckage after the two trains collided head-on in the northern coastal city of Alexandria on Friday afternoon.

At least 37 people have been reported dead and 123 more were injured, according to the country's health ministry.

One eyewitness said the two trains mounted into the air "forming a pyramid" after they slammed into each other at a suburban station on the edge of the Mediterranean port city.

The head of the ambulance services in the Alexandria's western sector, Dr. Mohamed Abu Homs, said the collision took place in the district of Khorshid, southeast of the city.

One train was reportedly travelling from Cairo and the other had come from Port Said, at the Suez Canal.

As rescue teams pulled dead and injured from the damaged rail cars, public prosecutor Nabil Sadek ordered an urgent investigation.

A railroad switching error most likely caused the crash, a security source said without giving further details.

One resident, Hoda, was standing on her rooftop when she saw the trains collide.

"They rose in the air forming a pyramid when they collided," she said. "I started to scream from the rooftops for people to grab some sheets and run."

A health ministry spokesman said 75 ambulances had been deployed at the crash scene. Some people were still stuck inside the trains, a medical official told state TV.

"The train I was riding was going very quickly," said passenger Moumen Youssef. "I found myself on the floor. When we came out, we found four train cars crushed and a lot of people on the ground."

Egyptians have long complained that successive governments failed to enforce basic safeguards for the railways, leading to a string of fatal crashes.

In 2012, a train plowed into a school bus south of Cairo and killed 50 people, mostly children, inflaming public anger over Egypt's antiquated transport network.

In Egypt's worst train disaster, a fire tore through seven carriages of an overcrowded passenger train in 2002, killing at least 360 people.
D onald Trump today said the US is "locked and loaded" for military strikes against North Korea as tensions between the two countries escalated further.

Mr Trump threatened to react if Kim Jong Un goes ahead with the launch of a salvo of ballistic missiles towards the US Pacific territory of Guam.

The president tweeted: "Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path."

North Korea says it has a detailed plan to fire missiles over Japan and into the sea a short distance from Guam, a US military hub that is home to 162,000 people as well as a fleet of US bombers.

North Korea: A missile lifts off during a launch in May this year. / AP

On Friday, the islands homeland security agency issued a fact sheet for residents to prepare for a missile strike.

The sheet states: "Do not look at the flash or fireball - it can blind you."

"Lie flat on the ground and cover your head. If the explosion is some distance away, it could take 30 seconds or more for the blast wave to hit."

If carried out, the salvo would be North Koreas most provocative move to date.

President Trump said this week that the US would unleash "fire and fury" on North Korea if it continued with its threats.

Target: North Korea is considering medium-to-long-range missile strikes on Guam / EPA

His comments today came as Jeremy Corbyn urged the US president and Kim Jong Un to "calm down" and said you "cannot play fast and loose with nuclear weapons".

He added that Britain had a role to play in bringing the two leaders "back from the brink".

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she does not see a military solution to rising tensions between the United States and North Korea, and called for a de-escalation of the rhetoric.

Ramping up the tension: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un celebrates after a missile launch earlier this year / Getty Images

Asked about President Trump's latest statements, Ms Merkel declined to say whether Germany would stand with the US in case of a military conflict with North Korea.

She said, "I don't see a military solution and I don't think it's called for."
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Algeria is, along with Tunisia and Egypt vigorously (loudly and repeatedly) supporting an unexpected peace agreement in Libya. A major reason for this July agreement was the need to avoid mass starvation in Libya. Since 2011 oil exports had shrunk and the Central Bank cash reserves are nearly gone. If peace and unity were not achieved soon no government would be able to buy and import food and other essentials. Even by Middle Eastern standards Libya was setting a new records in self-destructive behavior. By 2017 more Libyans were agreeing that the situation was indeed becoming desperate and a lot more compromise was the only solution. Even with the current national compromise the tribal (Arab, Berber and black African) and religious differences (Islamic radicals versus everyone else) plus epic levels of corruption and entitlement keep peace and prosperity out of reach. At this point most Libyans will settle for survival. The neighbors (particularly Egypt, Mali, Niger, Tunisia and Algeria) back the new peace deal as do European nations. How long it will last is another matter. So far, the deal is still on track. If achieved in the next few months it would mean the first national government in Libya since 2011 and fewer worries about smuggling and Islamic terrorism coming out of Libya.

Is It Safe?

A month after Britain dropped its warning about visiting Tunisia (because of a 2015 terror attack that killed 38 foreign tourists, most of them British) travel agents in Britain and the rest of Europe report that requests for Tunisian trips are returning to 2015 levels. Britain did maintain a warning to avoid areas that local governments describe as high risk. All North African countries have these areas although Algeria and Morocco have the fewest of them. In fact, international surveys find that two of the three safest nations in Africa are Algeria and Morocco (the other is Rwanda).

Algeria is also unique in that it had the least ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) activity of any country in the region. This is largely due to the still vivid memories of the Islamic terrorist uprising during the 1990s that left over 200,000 dead. Thus while thousands of young men from Tunisia, Libya and Morocco went off to join ISIL only about 200 came from Algeria. That said, there were already thousands of former (or still active) Algerian Islamic terrorists in exile (since the 1990s) throughout the West as well as the Middle East. ISIL did make a major effort to get established in Algeria but that apparently ended in 2016 because Algerian security forces (with a lot of help from the public) killed or arrested over 300 ISIL members and active supporters. So far this year it has been difficult to detect much ISIL presence in Algeria. There has been some ISIL activity but no attacks.

The major problem for Algerians, aside from the benign dictatorship and corruption, is the low prices Algeria gets for its oil and natural gas. Thanks to fracking and other technological marvels and reforms the world oil price is not likely to rise to pre-2013 levels (more than twice what it is now) for some time. Many young (and often unemployed) Algerians see this as a good thing because it forces the government to make some permanent economic changes just to survive. Although these needed changes are happening it is with some reluctance (and resistance) from the bureaucracy.

August 8, 2017: In the east, just across the border in Tunisia (Kasserine province) Tunisian soldiers ambushed and killed two wanted Islamic terrorists near their rural hideout. One of the dead men was a senior AQIM (Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb) commander who had been sought for years.

There was another Islamic terror attack in France (six soldiers wounded) and the attacker, captured alive, was Algerian. He was an illegal migrant in the process of being deported. Police are seeking any connections with Islamic terrorist groups. Algeria and France have a long-standing information sharing agreement for situations like this.

August 1, 2017: In Batna province (500 kilometers southeast of the capital) AQIM gunmen clashed with troops and killed two soldiers in a brief gun battle.

July 31, 2017: West of the capital (Tipaza province) troops conducted a week long operation to dismantle a local pro-ISIL group. There were two gun battles that left eight Islamic terrorists dead. This group was led by a former al Qaeda member who had been convicted of Islamic terrorism in France over a decade ago.

July 27, 2017: Some 70 kilometers west of the capital police arrested three ISIL suspects who were apparently involved in a planned attack. The police raid also seized lots of documents detailing planned ISIL operations in Algeria. One of those arrested had connections with members of an ISIL group in France composed largely of Algerians who carried out a 2015 attack in Paris that left one policeman and four civilians dead.

July 15, 2017: The Palestinian Islamic terror group, Hamas, which controls Gaza, admitted that it had asked Algeria for permission to open an office in Algeria to provide a sanctuary for some of their senior leaders. Most Arab states, as well as the West, agree that Hamas is an Islamic terrorist organization. Algerians used to overlook that but things changed. As recently as 2009 Hamas was popular with many Algerians and open public support was common. Algerians still support the Palestinian people but Palestinian governments, especially Hamas, are another matter. The Algerian government has other reasons to want Hamas to stay away. This is partly because large, usually unauthorized demonstrations by young Algerians in support of Hamas tend to turn into anti-government demonstrations. Since 2009 Algerian attitudes have shifted and most young Algerians now agree with the rest of the world that Hamas is indeed just another Islamic terror group that wants to establish religious dictatorships and impose poverty and strict lifestyle rules on most everyone they can get to. Hamas had recently been expelled from Qatar, and before that from Syria. The Algerian government hoped Hamas would take the hint when their application to set up shop in Algeria was politely ignored. True to form Hamas is trying to bully Algeria (with implications that Algeria is not sufficiently anti-Semitic) into allowing Hamas in. It is still unclear if the government will formally give Hamas an answer or simply continue to ignore them.
Elon Musk said earlier this year that he thought humanity needed to install a base on the Moon. Having a permanent presence on another heavenly body would "get the public real fired up" and seems like a logical stepping stone between where we are now and putting the first people on Mars.

Musk will be happy to learn that, should his idea come to fruition in the near future, there will be a wireless Internet connection waiting on him... assuming of course that one German company has its way.

Part Time Scientists is planning to send a lander with a rover to the Moon late next year. Rather than rely on complex technology to send data from the rover back to Earth, the team aims to install LTE base stations on the Moon.

Karsten Becker, head of embedded electronics development and integration for Part Time Scientists, said they are working with Vodafone on the endeavor. Their goal "is to provide commercial service to bring goods to the Moon and also to provide services on the surface of the Moon," Becker added.

Ironically enough, the group will be using the services of Musk-owned SpaceX to get its payload into orbit. They hope to be the first private entity to reach the lunar surface. It's a real possibility as Becker doesn't believe those participating in the Google Lunar X Prize will meet the December 2017 deadline.
Verizon for some time now has been acquiring and positioning the necessary bits and pieces to launch an online TV service to compete with the Sling TVs and DirecTV Nows of the world. Unfortunately, a number of factors have put the telecommunications giant behind the eight ball.

Verizon initially aimed to launch the streaming video service, a separate product from its FiOS fiber-based TV package, this summer with dozens of channels on offer. Executive turnover in its video division as well as uncertainty regarding key service features, however, have hindered the process.

Chip Canter, a former NBCUniversal executive, left in April and just last week, Ben Grad, Verizon's executive director for content strategy and acquisition, exited to take a job with FuboTV.

Former Yahoo executive Erin McPherson, who joined Verizon in December, is overseeing negotiations with media companies according to sources. McPherson served as vice president and head of video at Yahoo and previously oversaw programming for Maker Studios, the online video network Disney purchased in 2014.

Verizon has already secured a handful of distribution deals but some major media companies are reportedly reluctant to participate while key specifics like pricing and programming mix remain up in the air. As such, the launch date has slipped to the fall and could be put off even further according to a recent report from Bloomberg.

Photo courtesy Getty Images
Online audio distribution platform SoundCloud lives to fight another day thanks to an 11th hour investment.

SoundCloud founder Alexander Ljung announced on Friday that the company has wrapped up the largest financing round in its history courtesy of an infusion of cash from investors The Raine Group and Temasek.

Financial terms weren't mentioned in Ljung's post although it looks as though the figure is in the ballpark of $170 million.

The backing also brings some new faces to SoundCloud. Ljung, who has served as the company's CEO, will be relinquishing that title to Kerry Trainor, former chief executive of Vimeo. Mike Weissman, meanwhile, will be joining as SoundCloud's new COO. Ljung is sticking around as chairman of the board, we're told.

SoundCloud in July laid off 173 employees - around 40 percent of its workforce - and consolidated its remaining employees into two offices in an effort to cut costs. In March, the company reportedly took out a $70 million loan to help weather the financial storm.

Today's investment will give SoundCloud the cash it needs to try and help right the ship or perhaps put itself in a better position to be acquired. The company was on track to be purchased by Spotify last year but the Swedish streaming music giant ultimately walked away from the deal.
A candidate for governor attracted about a dozen people Thursday when he visited Driftless Cafe  to talk with potential constituents.

Political newcomer Andy Gronik, a Milwaukee businessman, announced his intentions in July to run as a Democrat in the 2018 election. He has been touring the state over the past year, leading many to expect the announcement to come.

Its widely considered Gronik is a leading Democratic contender.

Gronik describes his agenda as progressive, and is a political newcomer, but became concerned by Gov. Scott Walkers policies and was prompted to toss his hat into the ring. The discussion at the cafe centered on some of his main themes: health care, education and job growth.

Wisconsin has among the lowest unemployment rates, but Gronik said those numbers are misleading because many people have to work multiple jobs.

While supportive of the upcoming expansion of Foxconn  an electronics manufacturer  into Wisconsin, Gronik criticized Walker for supporting environmental waivers to speed the factorys construction.

Walker unveiled a bill that would waive permitting requirements for Foxconn to engage in activities including discharging dredged materials, building on lakebeds and riverbeds, and altering the course of streams.

The Foxconn complex is expected to open in 2020, be 20 million square feet and cost about $10 billion to build.

Thousands of jobs are expected to be generated, but Gronik said Wisconsins environmental standards should not be bent to expedite the sizeable investment.

When you dial back on certain reuglations ... its no longer in the interest of the people, Gronik said. Its about the interests of Foxconn.

Higher-education institutions rank among Wisconsins strengths, but Gronik said graduates are leaving the state for higher-paying jobs elsewhere. Reformed tax policy could help retain college graduates by exempting them from income taxes, Gronik said, instead applying that money to directly levy their student debts.

By bolstering an educated and qualified workforce, Gronik said such tax reforms could help solve staffing issues statewide, leading to overall business growth. Agriculture, tourism and the energy industry could provide additional benefits in Vernon County, he said.

Gronik, a suburban Milwaukee resident, said Vernon County wouldnt be underrepresented if he takes office.

A plan has to look at all of Wisconsin holistically, Gronik said.

Robin Hoseman is a former teacher now living in Viroqua. At the Driftless Cafe, Hoseman voiced her concerns of partisan divide in the health care debate, an area Gronik said he is focused on.

A sufferer of Crohns Disease, Gronik said he and his family are enrolled in the Affordable Care Act, also known at Obama Care. Over the past months, the ACA withstood multiple Republican efforts to repeal and replace the bill.

While not offering specifics on alterations hed like to see to the health care exchange. Its about looking into the system, Gronik said.

We should be considering whatever is necessary to deliver affordable health care, he said.

Another resident questioned whether Gronik, a wealthy entrepreneur, would accept corporate donations for his campaign. Gronik said he would accept donations and contribute his own funds.
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and Other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, prime brokerage, and data analytics. This segment also provides trustee, paying agency, fiduciary, escrow and other financial, issuer, and support services for brokers and investors. The Market and Wealth Services segment offers clearing and custody, investment, wealth and retirement solutions, technology and enterprise data management, trading, and prime brokerage services; and clearance and collateral management services. This segment also provides integrated cash management solutions, including payments, foreign exchange, liquidity management, receivables processing and payables management, and trade finance and processing services. The Investment and Wealth Management segment offers investment management strategies and distribution of investment products, investment management, custody, wealth and estate planning, private banking, investment, and information management services. The Other segment engages in the provision of leasing, corporate treasury, derivative and other trading, corporate and bank-owned life insurance, renewable energy investment, and business exit services. It serves central banks and sovereigns, financial institutions, asset managers, insurance companies, corporations, local authorities and high net-worth individuals, and family offices. The company was founded in 1784 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
On June 11, Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church Pastor Dan Wollman welcomed into the Lords family, Sidney Grace Fencl, daughter of Matt and Stephanie Fencl of Westby. The congregation was excited and intrigued when he shared that Sidney was wearing the 100 year-old baptismal gown that throughout the past century had also been worn by several of Sidneys relatives, including her father, grandmother, uncles, and many other extended family members.

A picture of the dress, lovingly made by Sidneys great-great-great grandmother, Annette Lunde, was featured with its accompanying story in an April 30, 1992, Westby Times article written by Maggie Gulsvig.

Gulsvig wrrote that the dress had then been worn by a total of 46 infants during baptism. Since then 23 additional family members havie shared the honor, with Sidney claiming number 69. The dress was made of the finest embroidered batiste, the skirt has rows of tiny tucks in between a tatted inset. A three-inch band of tatting at the bottom of the dress has picots which gives a delicate scallop. A slip, also of batiste, has the same tucking but the wide band of lace at the bottom is crocheted.

According to Gulsvig, the dress was first created in 1917 for Roy Rude. At that time the dress was guarded by Sidneys great-grandmother Inez Leum, whose mother Hilma Rude and grandmother Annette Lunde created the dress for Roy, who first wore the dress at his baptism in Westby Country Coon Prairie Church.

Today the dress is safely tucked away at the home of Sidneys grandparents, Marla and Mike Fencl of Coon Valley. The History Alive Project, Inc. crew (Dave and Ruth Amundson) spent a few hours with the family in June interviewing people for this story. The Amundsons quickly learned that Sidney, born on April 3, indeed has noticeable red tints in her hair like many of her family members and this little girl will be loved more than ever.
GSK plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the creation, discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, over-the-counter medicines, and health-related consumer products in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare. The company offers pharmaceutical products comprising medicines in the therapeutic areas, such as respiratory, HIV, immuno-inflammation, oncology, anti-viral, central nervous system, cardiovascular and urogenital, metabolic, anti-bacterial, and dermatology. It also provides consumer healthcare products in wellness, oral health, nutrition, and skin health categories. The company offers its consumer healthcare products in the form of nasal sprays, tablets, syrups, lozenges, gum and trans-dermal patches, caplets, infant syrup drops, liquid filled suspension, wipes, gels, effervescents, toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, denture adhesives and cleansers, topical creams and non-medicated patches, lip balm, gummies, and soft chews. It has collaboration agreements with 23andMe; Lyell Immunopharma, Inc.; Novartis; Sanofi SA; Surface Oncology; Progentec Diagnostics, Inc.; Alector, Inc.; and CureVac AG., as well as strategic partnership with IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. and Vir Biotechnology, Inc. The company was formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline plc and changed its name to GSK plc in May 2022. GSK plc was founded in 1715 and is headquartered in Brentford, the United Kingdom.
China Mobile Limited provides mobile telecommunications and related services in Mainland China and Hong Kong. The company offers local calls; domestic and international long distance calls and roaming services; and value-added services, such as caller identity display, call waiting, conference calls, and others. It also provides wireless Internet service, as well as digital applications comprising music, video, reading, gaming, and animation; wireline broadband services; and wireline voice services. In addition, it offers dedicated line and IDC services to corporate customers in a range of industry sectors; and basic corporate communication products comprising corporate VPMN and SMS, and tailor made solutions. Further, the company provides international telecommunications services, which includes IDD, roaming, Internet, MNC, and value added business services. Additionally, it offers telecommunications network planning, design, and consulting services; roaming clearance, IT system operation, and technology support services; value-added platform development and maintenance services; mobile data, and system integration and development services; network construction and maintenance, network planning and optimizing, and training services; electronic communication products design and sale of related products; and non-banking financial services. It also provides mobile cloud research and development services; call center services; e-payment, e-commerce, and Internet finance services; and mobile Internet digital content services, as well as operates a network and business coordination center. The company serves 950 million mobile customers and 187 million wireline broadband customers. The company was formerly known as China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited and changed its name to China Mobile Limited in May 2006. The company was incorporated in 1997 and is based in Central, Hong Kong. China Mobile Limited is a subsidiary of China Mobile Hong Kong (BVI) Limited.
Kendall Jenner, Jason Miller, Justin Theroux. Photo: Getty Images

Every week brings such an overwhelming onslaught of news, that sometimes the most entertaining bits can fall through the cracks. Here, well recap the pettiest squabbles, juiciest feuds, and other niche drama you didnt know you were living for.

Kendall Jenner vs. Babys All Right

On one side of the ring, we have Kendall Jenner  model, Kardashian sister, and enemy of ballerinas everywhere. On the other, Babys All Right  a Brooklyn bar and music venue that we just realized also serves brunch, because of course it does.

The fight started back on Friday, when Babys posted a now-deleted Instagram of Jenners $24.00 check, on which she did not appear to leave a tip. Dont forget to tip your bartender :) they captioned it, for good measure.

Jenner hit back with a Monday night tweet, saying, damn, i guess next time we wont tip in cash.

damn, i guess next time we won't tip in cash https://t.co/iZ4tFt3pg7  Kendall (@KendallJenner) August 8, 2017

Babys remained undaunted, posting an Instagram of a screengrab of that tweet on Tuesday and invoking Nietzsche  Nietzsche!  in their caption, which read, Im not upset that you lied to me, Im upset that from now on I cant believe you. (Turns out Nietzsche was a basic bitch.) Theyve since deleted that Instagram too. But! On Wednesday, they posted a final gram: a that escalated quickly meme and a shot that says do the right thing  even when no one is watching. Its simply captioned ;).

;) indeed.

Vegan-Meal Photo Tears Family Apart

Last week, a women posted a photo of a meal her vegan sister was served at a restaurant: sliced-up tomatoes and red onions. It was highly relatable for anyone whos vegan, hilarious even if youre not, and spread pretty quickly as a result.

incredible drama on the vegan dinner tweet pic.twitter.com/VMxqF83vv6  emmet (@bronzelemon) August 8, 2017

But, following the tweets popularity, the sister spoke up on Twitter to share her side of the story. Imagine being talked into selling a story about a tweet u hate by ur family so that u can help further ur sisters social media career, she wrote, insisting that she ate the meal happily. She also said, she never gave permission for the tweet or that pic in the first place.

The original sister hit back with me, my mum & dad are absolutely dumbfounded right now because this DID NOT happen and shes completely talking out her arse. Shes since deleted her account, while the other sister made hers private.

Its just like Tolstoy said: All happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is fodder for viral content in its own way.

Illegitimate Trump-Staffer Child

Its never a dull week in the Trump administration, though this week they celebrated a new (public) milestone: the first illegitimate child born to ex-staffers. Former communications director Jason Miller and Trump transition adviser A.J. Delgado welcomed baby William into the world. Millers wife also gave birth to a child in January.

Miller gave Page Six a statement that said, My wife and I, along with our two daughters, are excited to welcome William into the world and into our family, and we appreciate the well wishes weve received from so many.

Meanwhile Delgado was not having it, and announced she was taking her story to The Atlantic.

And I'm not sure what Jason means that he and his wife are excited to welcome Will. Really? News to me. Let me shut up before I say more...  A.J. Delgado (@AJDelgado13) August 10, 2017

Wasn't my choice to discuss this but since Jason went to Page Six, I guess I now have to share. Story to @mckaycoppins . Stay tuned.  A.J. Delgado (@AJDelgado13) August 10, 2017

Something tells us well see a Part II in this space next week.

Rich-People Schadenfreude

There is nothing quite as sweet as watching insanely rich people get their comeuppance, especially in San Francisco, where the tech boom has made the gap between rich and poor unignorable. So enjoy this piece of schadenfreude: When the well-heeled multimillionaires of San Franciscos fancy Presidio Terrace neighborhood declined to pay the taxes on their private street for three decades, an enterprising South Bay couple bought it in a city auction. Now Tina Lam and Michael Cheng have the right to charge residents for street-related use like parking, and the Presidio Terrace residents are pissed. Dont worry, guys: Im sure you can afford a $50/month parking spot.

The Attempted Swastika Rebrand

There are many things a clothing brand can do to drum up attention for its pieces: billboards, viral marketing, cross-promotional stunts. One thing we do not recommend? Trying to reclaim a notoriously hateful symbol.

European T-shirt designer KA landed itself in hot water this week when it tried to reclaim the swastika by putting it in rainbow fonts on shirts alongside words like Peace and Love. The idea went over about as poorly as youd expect: Facebook criticism was swift, and the ADL even released a statement condemning the company. Maybe next time you want to drum up press just have an Instagram influencer wear your shirts and, uh, dont put swastikas on them.

Justin Theroux vs. His Neighbor

You may think that Justin Theroux would be the ideal neighbor, if only for the fact that you might catch him in the hallway shirtless bending over to pick up the newspaper. But living below him has become a nightmare for one Greenwich Village resident, who claims Thereoux is terrorizing him with endless barking from his rescue dogs left isolated for long periods, dropping heavy weights on the floor at 3 a.m. and angry outbursts. Thereoux initially filed a lawsuit against his grumpy neighbor for allegedly cutting off his water supply in revenge, but now the neighbor is countersuing. Look, lets settle this the way Kevin Garvey would: by inducing a near-death experience to enter into an afterlife-type world where you can fight it out until someone resuscitates you.

Catch up on previous drama here.
Amazon.com Inc. is looking at new food technology that the U.S. military first developed to produce tasty meals that do not require refrigeration, as the e-commerce behemoth searches for new ways to squeeze into the U.S. $700 billion grocery business.

The largest online retailer in the world has talked about selling dishes that are ready to eat like a vegetable frittata and beef stew as soon as 2018, said officials from a startup company that has been marketing that same technology.

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The different food dishes are easy to keep large inventories on hand and ship since no refrigeration is required and could be offered inexpensively in comparison with takeout food from restaurants.

If the food technology can be developed to Amazons needs, and it implements the same on a large scale, it would mean a huge step forward for the e-commerce giant as it attempts to attract more grocery customers shifting toward easy and quick meal options at their homes.

Delivery of meals would help AmazonFresh service that has been in the grocery delivery business for almost a decade. It could complement the planned purchase by Amazon of $13.7 billion of Whole Foods Market and the checkout-free store of Amazon that is currently in a test stage.

The pioneering technology for food-prep, called microwave assisted thermal sterilization (MATS), was first developed by Washington State University researchers and a startup that is venture backed known as 915 Labs is bringing it to market from its base in Denver.

The MATS method involves putting food that is sealed in package into pressurized water then heating them several minutes with microwaves, said 915 Labs.

Unlike the traditional methods of processing, where pressure cookers are used for as long as an hour until both nutrients and bacteria are close to being gone, the dishes keep their texture and natural flavor, a spokesperson for 915 Labs said.

The packages of food can also sit for a year on the shelf, which would be suitable for the storage and delivery service of Amazon.

MATS machines can produce as many as 1,800 food packages per hour.

The technology of MATS grew out of the efforts by the Natick laboratories of the U.S. Army over a decade ago in an attempt to improve the food quality for combat soldiers. WSU received funding from the U.S. and became the MATS research hub.
Hang your head in shame, Bill Burr.

You were the reason I couldnt book a massage on the civic holiday. There was no receptionist on duty, the website rejected what I thought was my new password and wouldnt let me create another one. I left a plaintive human voice mail and even the massage therapist called next day to apologize. Were so sorry, that spot was open but we didnt get your online booking or your call in time.

You were the reason I nearly cried when I couldnt access my email account on a deadline day. I recently had to change my password but to what? Now I had to start all over again.

And you are definitely the reason I feel dread when yet another website asks me for yet another new password. A writer by trade, I still have zero creativity when it comes to quickly devising irregular capitalization and a mix of numbers, letters and special characters.

OK, maybe youre not the whole reason.

But lets talk about your role in my personal technocalypse.

Although I had never heard of you till a few days ago, I flipped when I read that you, Bill Burr, now 72 and retired, told the Wall Street Journal that you regretted much of what I did 14 years ago when, in a National Institute of Standards and Technology report, you helped invent elaborate password protocols, advising that passwords had to have all these bells and whistles  upper and lower cases, numbers, symbols.

Read more:

Forget those annoying online password tips, says man who invented them

More companies replacing old-fashioned passwords with face and voice recognition

Smartphone fingerprint sensors may not be as secure as you think

Well dude, I regret that too! Ive lost hours and maybe months of my life to inventing, forgetting, losing, misentering, retrieving, redoing and cursing my multitude of elaborate passwords.

Ive tried eVery Combo!  my long deceased cat and dog names, moms old co-ordinates, even a superhero or two. Then added my per cent of symbols. Then written them down in a safe place. Then changed them again and again.

Apparently, these complicated passwords didnt make us any safer from hacking because we tend to go for obvious things, like adding a 1 to an existing password. Some people  not I  have even entered password 123.

And this is a jaw dropper: changing them all the time didnt matter so much either. If you havent been hacked, Burr now says, its probably safer to keep your same password.

Burr was charming and humble as he told CBCs As It Happens that all those characters and numbers and upper and lower cases were not sufficiently justifiable.

More importantly, he said, he didnt mean to drive people crazy.

That bastard! wrote one of my friends jokingly of Burr.

But its hard to stay mad at such a frank and civil man, especially when as he points out, he was not the only expert advising us to use complex passwords.

This story, both entertaining and maddening, made me confront my own wilful ignorance about how I use my technology. It made me admit my current general tech disorganization. Passwords are the tip of the problem.

And it highlighted the complexity and fear that is the psychological underbelly of our click and its done online existence, whether were talking banking, shopping, accessing our media, or personal and professional exchanges.

We perform these online actions in a momentary spasm of instant need and gratification, worshipping efficiency, preferring to ignore warnings that nothing is private, nothing is safe, and nothing is forever.

We seem able to momentarily quell the increasing fear that one wrong move  including an insecure password  could cause an entire online life to be compromised.

Unlike workers in most companies, as a freelancer, I have no tech department to rely on. I muddle through a glitch, often knowing just enough to get me back on track, but never enough to help me devise a better, safer system. Thats on me. There are plenty of ways for me to upgrade to a higher level of user knowledge.

I am not a caricature  an addled boomer imploring one of my adult children to help get me on the Twitter. I live on Twitter, and manage all aspects of my online existence with enough competence to stay up and running.

But sometimes I let things slip. My iPhone voice mail, for instance, changed into mandarin  I must have hit the wrong button. I went for over a week listening intently to a female Chinese voice introducing my voice mails, which were still thankfully in English. Finally at the cottage and, OK, with the help of a millennial, I found the way back to English. I had kind of enjoyed my Chinese interlude.

Mr. Burr, suddenly I am not mad at you anymore. You have actually made me breathe a sigh of relief about creating future passwords.

Passwords can now be anything. A line of text from Shakespeare would have been just as good or even better, Burr says.

O brave new world that has such passwords in it.

Now I can pluck from Shakespeare, my favourite poets, or even a song. How much more fun than gritting my teeth and following old protocols.

As Shakespeare once wrote: Suit the action to the word, the word to the action.

Hmm. I wonder if that will work.

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

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On Saturday, Hyeon Soo Lim will be reunited with his family in Toronto.

And on Sunday, Lim will return to his church family  the congregation of the Light Presbyterian Church in Mississauga, which has wept, prayed and organized vigils for their beloved senior pastor during the 2  years he was detained in North Korea.

The reception for Lim is expected to pack the 2,000-seat facility where Lim used to preach weekly.

Lims family is requesting privacy but their reaction to his freedom was relieved, grateful, excited and anxious to see him home, according to church spokesperson Richard Ha.

Lim has been able to phone church colleagues, who say he is doing well.

He is in good spirits, said Jason Noh, an associate pastor at the Light Presbyterian Church.

In video footage taken Thursday by a Japanese television crew, Lim is on the tarmac of a U.S. military base in Fussa, Japan. His hair is shorn, he looks thinner but appears to be smiling and walking unaided with the Canadian delegation, led by Justin Trudeaus national security adviser, Daniel Jean.

The delegation reportedly flew to Japan from Pyongyang after North Koreas Central Court on Wednesday granted Lim sick bail on humanitarian grounds.

The delegation did not head straight home. The group jetted to Guam for a layover, according to sources. The return flight path is not known but Lim was expected to be in Toronto by Saturday.

In January 2015, Lim was detained by North Korean authorities while on a charitable mission to the countrys northern region. Later that year, the pastor was convicted of attempting to subvert the authoritarian regime of Kim Jong Un and was sentenced to life in a labour camp.

Trudeau confirmed Lims freedom in a statement sent out by email at 1:13 a.m. Thursday. It read, in part: The Government of Canada was actively engaged on Mr. Lims case at all levels. In particular, I want to thank Sweden, our protecting power in North Korea, for assisting us.

The Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang serves as Canadas protecting power in North Korea because Ottawa does not have an embassy there. Swedish ambassador Torkel Stiernlof was able to meet with Lim a few times and, with North Korean approval, delivered family letters and prescription medication to him. Lim has high blood pressure that requires medicine.

On July 14, the North Korean state news agency reported that authorities had arranged a meeting between an unnamed Swedish embassy official and Lim on the basis of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and in the humanitarian spirit.

It has been reported that Lim was in poor health and had lost a lot of weight.

According to English-language reports citing the Korean Central News Agency article, Lim asked the Swedish diplomat in that July 14 meeting to convey his request to the Canadian government for making active efforts to settle his issue.

On Thursday, Global Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland wrote to thank her Swedish counterpart, Margot Wallstrom, on her Twitter account: Thank you for your tremendous support, @MargotWallstrom. Canadians are so grateful for #Swedens long-standing, heartfelt friendship.

Freeland also said she spoke briefly with her North Korean counterpart about Lim in Manila, Philippines on Sunday, Reuters reported. The two were gathered there for an Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting of foreign ministers.

We were clear with North Korea that Pastor Lim needed to be released, and we are very, very glad that happened, Freeland said Friday, according to Reuters.

In Toronto, its expected Lims wife, Geum, their son James, his wife and 10-month-old daughter will be waiting for him. James, 34, and his family live in the United States. Geum Lim has spent a good deal of time in Seoul during her husbands detention and imprisonment.

All three Lims are natives of South Korea. The family immigrated to Canada, settling in Toronto, in 1986 when Lim had the opportunity to study at the University of Torontos Knox College.

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A little more than two months after the national blood agency called on Canadians to respond to its critical need for donations, the national supply is once again slipping.

In June, when Canadas blood supply dipped below 12,000 units, donors lined up to restore it to a 23,000-unit peak (Canadian Blood Services says it needs 20,000-25,000 units in its inventory to adequately serve hospitals across the country).

But slowly, it has begun to fall and agency officials worry it could soon return to a critical state. By Augusts civic holiday, inventory had already fallen back to nearly 18,000 units.

The problem is chronic, part of an ongoing trend the agency struggles with.

It is led in large part by the reluctance of many Canadians to book return appointments. As a result, supply continues to return to dangerous levels, according to Michael Betel, CBS director of donor relations.

The response across the country was truly incredible. But what happens is when we have critical need messaging, donors respond and when the urgency drops, so do collections, he said. Were constantly working to try to impress upon people the need to continue to give. That need for blood is constant and every single day patients need blood products.

In part, the agencys collection challenges are also self-inflicted.

FROM THE FILES:

Canada eyeing changes to blood donor rules

In the last year, the agency moved the time that women must wait between donations from 56 to 84 days to allow for proper recovery of iron levels, while also bumping required hemoglobin levels for male donors from 125 grams per litre to 130.

Men who have sex with men must still be abstinent for a year before they can donate, a waiting period that was reduced from five years in August of 2016 and from a lifetime deferral less than three years before that.

Many in the medical world and LGBTQ community have criticized the ongoing deferral.

Jane Greer, the director of Hassle Free Clinic, a longtime Toronto sexual health clinic, calls the ongoing deferral period for sexually active gay men ridiculous. She says even the most conservative science would put a waiting period at 12 weeks, to account for the longest potential window between HIV exposure and detection.

Theres no, no basis for it. In the face of science, it just smacks of very old and very prejudicial notions about HIV and gay men, she said. Everybody knows that. I dont even know what theyre thinking. I can say with absolute certainty that the policy is outdated, its stigmatizing, and it does not reflect the science we have available to us now.

Dan Allman, the acting director of the University of Torontos HIV studies unit, said Canadas 1980s HIV crisis left a complex legacy, one the country has struggled to divorce itself from. Thousands of Canadians were exposed to Hepatitis C and HIV through contaminated blood products leading to an expensive class action lawsuit.

The blood scandal had an enormous impact and its quite a while ago now and a lot of people have a tendency to forget that and not remember the reasons for the blood deferral in the first place, he said.

Nonetheless, Allman says Canada hasnt caught up to the science and that anger among those who need donations and gay men who are excluded is rightly justified.

I think that if one were simply going to rely on the HIV science, the science of detection, that it is pretty difficult to justify a long deferral period, he added.

The Canadian Medical Association issued a policy statement last year urging Canadian blood service providers and Health Canada to adjust eligibility for blood donors so that these criteria are behaviour-based and do not consider sexual orientation.

Health Canada said its relationship with the blood agency, which calls itself an independent body, takes an arms-length approach.

Health Canada can only broadly mandate the CBS make changes when theres an urgent safety issue, like the outbreak of the Zika virus, according to Catherine Parker, who runs the ministrys biologics and genetic therapies directorate.

Otherwise, while Health Canada has final approval over all proposed changes to donor restrictions, they can only adjust CBS proposal if it is to add a greater buffer rather than reduce one.

Parker said Health Canada has made it clear to CBS that theyre open to further changes to the wait period for men who have sex with men but that theres nothing on the horizon right now.

Last year, in its approval of the reduction of the deferral to one year, Health Canada wrote that the window period for HIV testing is now less than 10 days.

There have been no cases of HIV transmission by blood transfusion in over 25 years in Canada, it concluded.

Our bar is that we have to be convinced that this change will not diminish safety and we were convinced when we reviewed it, Parker said.

Betel says the blood agency understands the concerns many have with the current deferral period.

Its great that it has gone from unable to donate to five years to one year but for people that are involved and unable to donate, its frustrating for them and for them it feels like forever anyway and I totally get that and so does the organization, he finished. Its one of those situations where we want more donations too.

But action is still required.

I think undoubtedly that a stigma existed before, that a stigma has been enfranchised if you will and it continues to be reproduced, Allman said. How will our children and grandchildren look back historically and think of how we approached the blood ban?

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Six months after approving an ambitious plan to overhaul policing in the city and rein back a sky-high budget, the Toronto police board is backpedalling on a central component, confirming Thursday there will be a brief thaw in what was meant to be a three-year hiring freeze.

Eighty new uniform police officers will join the force by years end, a step taken to address staff departures happening at a rate faster than expected, the Toronto police board said in a joint statement with the Toronto Police Service and the Toronto Police Association on Thursday.

We realize that the path to modernization is not a straight line, the statement read.

The move comes in the wake of months of criticism by the police union, which said officer ranks had depleted to critically low levels and morale was rock bottom due to burnout.

In this year alone, approximately 300 Toronto police staff members have retired, resigned, or moved to other police services, including 191 uniform officers, according to the union. Approximately 100 to 150 police employees typically retire or resign each year.

I think its a good thing for everybody  a good thing for the public, good thing for the officers, good thing for the service, Mike McCormack, president of the police union, said Thursday in an interview.

Approved by the police board in February, the Way Forward action plan recommended no new uniform officers be hired over three years, a freeze the force began implementing even before the officially sign-off on the final report earlier this year. The aim was to reduce the number of officers to about 4,750 by 2019. According to the union, Toronto police employed 5,100 police officers as of last month.

The plan found $100 million in savings for the police services operating budget over three years  $60 million of which would come from the three-year freeze on hiring and a moratorium on promotions.

Speaking to reporters earlier this week, Mayor John Tory said the goal of cutting costs and downsizing the number of uniform officers can still be met by 2019.

Tory said city leaders recently struck a renewed partnership with the union as the police service continued to implement the recommendations spelled out in the Way Forward. The union has agreed to work with the board to achieve the ultimate objective of modernizing the force, including a more efficient deployment of police resources, Tory said.

Were moving ahead with all of those changes but it takes time, Tory said.

Thursdays announcement came after recent meetings between Toronto police, its board and the union. In addition to lifting the hiring moratorium, the joint statement also announced a review of staffing levels at police divisions to ensure acceptable levels, as well as a full review of the uniform staffing levels, using data to validate the 4,750 number suggested by the modernization report.

The joint statement also said there will be a review of all uniform and civilian supervisory assignments and continued collaboration on the thorny issue of the compressed work week schedule.

In the Way Forward report, the task force said the current scheduling system sees officers on shift regardless of time of day or patterns in demand, limiting the services ability to be more flexible about officer deployment.

The most recent contract, signed in 2015, created joint committees to examine the compressed work week, as well as the requirement for two-officer patrol cars at night, but thus far no changes have been made.

In the final version of the Way Forward report, the task force said a hiring moratorium would give the Service the time it needs to change outdated models and practices to make better use of existing officers. It would also allow the service to focus on a neighbourhood-centered approach to policing and other priorities.

However, the report did state there may be circumstances where hiring or filling vacant positions may be necessary.

With files from Betsy Powell

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The houses exterior looked quaint and homey; once inside, however, a different story played out; motion picture worlds collided.

Each pastel coloured room in the Airbnb in Prince Edward County is themed after a film by Wes Anderson, the eccentric director whose works include Moonrise Kingdom and The Royal Tenenbaums, and span two decades. The house is located in Picton, a small town nestled in the heart of the bucolic county, near Kingston, Ont.

Leah Gibson, a 24-year-old florist from Ottawa, visited Mr. Andersons House in mid-July for one night with her partner. Shes a big fan of the director and wanted to experience the area, she said. It made the Airbnb a hot ticket for her.

We usually guerrilla camp it, so I thought it would nice to book something a little classier, said Gibson. Its lovely. I pretty much love Wes Anderson. It fits in really well for younger people wanting the Prince Edward County experience.

The host, Dayna Winter, said she considers the house to be her creative outlet, an endeavour shes pulled off by herself. She opened the doors to Airbnb guests last July.

Everything is thrifted and DIY, said Winter, who stays in Toronto when visitors arrive. This is an art project thats inspired by Anderson. Hes sort of my muse.

Within Winter is a smidgen of regret, she said, given the intricate design feats that are part and parcel of Andersons films.

Its a really, really hard theme. Anderson has a great design mind and he obviously has a big team and a big budget to pull it off, so its been a bit of a challenge.

The guests the Star spoke with had nothing but admiration for Winters work. Gibson said she was amazed by Winters fine touches and how the space was remarkably tidy.

Why stay in a regular Airbnb in the city when you could pay the same price for a more tailored experience that pays a lot more attention to detail? she wondered.

Visitors arent relegated to one room; the whole house is theirs.

The space is full of knick knacks and vintage gadgets.

Leisse Wilcox, 36, spent a couple nights at the Airbnb in January to hunker down and write columns for publications in Canada and the U.S.

I wanted a quiet space, not only to focus, but a place to really feel inspiration, she said. Going to a normal hotel wouldnt have done the same thing. The space is incredibly inspired and creative.

Wilcoxs time there added to her undying crush on Anderson.

Wes Anderson is just a great storyteller who taps into this unrequited child in all of us and embellishes it honestly and openly. The house is an interpretation of each of the movies and that comes across. Every room you can feel the storyline.

Correction  August 11, 2017: This article was edited from a previous version that misstated the name of the Wes Anderson movie Moonrise Kingdom as Moonlight Kingdom.

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Sigrid Kneve said she arrived at the Indigenous and Northern Affairs office in Toronto about three weeks ago with nothing but umbrellas and lawn chairs to host a vigil for First Nations people grappling with suicide. On Friday, the space in front on St. Clair Ave. had been transformed into a robust camp, complete with bedding, hot water, and enough food to hand out to passersby.

A large portion of the supplies were donated by locals, said Kneve.

It shows that the group and their cause are supported, organizers say.

It grew to this, said Kneve.

A poster behind her had the words Suicide Crisis written across it.

The public has been responsive, she said.

Geoffery Daybutch, who helps keep watch at night to ensure everyone is safe, attested to this.

People are bringing food in, he said. Theyre asking us, in the morning, if we want coffee or food during lunchtime and dinner.

There are three people at the camp at all times, he added.

The land-defenders or water-carriers, as the group members prefer to be called, are raising awareness about a series of suicides that has plagued many remote First Nations in Northern Ontario.

A crisis in Pikangikum First Nation last month spurred the vigil, said Carrie Lester.

There were five deaths in their community in one month, she said. Here we are now, in the middle of August, and weve already lost four children in Neskantaga.

Since 1986, there have been 543 suicides afflicting communities such as these, reported Nishnawbe Aski Nation, which represents 49 Northern Ontario communities. There have been more than 20 Indigenous people who have taken their lives in the region this year.

A meeting last month between Indigenous leaders and the federal government yielded 20 mental health workers for Pikangikum. On July 24, the Charter of Relationship Principles was signed by federal ministers and NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, which seeks to transform the delivery of health care to First Nation communities.

The Ground Zero camp is a continuation of an occupation that occurred last spring inside INAC, where demands included that Ottawa make good on its promises to remedy a spate of suicide attempts in Attawapiskat, which thrust the community into a state of emergency.

Were asking for more money to be released to each of these First Nations, said Kneve.

Organizers are holding the government to task so it doesnt renege, said Lester.

We need to hold the government to account for its promises with a timeline, she said. Its not just about the kids; its about the families. Theyre shells of themselves.

Several people at the camp said it was an opportunity to educate others.

Its an eye-opener for a lot of the residents and people who work in the area, said Daybutch. Many were unaware of the issues that First Nation communities are facing, so this, for them, was a huge wake-up call and its making them act and question (Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett).

A spokesperson said Minister Bennett has offered to meet with group members to engage in dialogue with them and listen to their concerns.

We look forward to hearing back from the group on a time that works for them, she said, in a written statement.

My people are dying all around me, said Dean McLeod, who returned to the camp from the hospital after he was treated for pneumonia, which he said was caused by being outside for so long at the camp. The government needs to smarten up and start giving aid, housing, the proper things.

These kids deserve better than having to resort to suicide.

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Liars. Sots. Creeps.

Swinging dicks who took free drinks and free food  comped to the badge.

Palsy-walsy with strip club bouncers and barkeeps.

Puking in the bathroom, on the street, in a hotel lobby.

A disgrace to the uniform they werent wearing.

Oh, but not rapists. Acquitted of sexual assault, the lot of them, because guilt was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

They. Must. Go.

Leslie Nyznik, Sameer Kara, Joshua Cabero: Police officers who can never again possibly be trusted to do a job that demands integrity and reputability and basic decency.

How can they possibly work alongside female colleagues after the brass-balls hokum they pulled on a waitress at the Brass Rail, pretending to be with a porno film crew from Miami? How can they possibly respond to potential vice crimes when their own off-duty behaviour was so execrable? How can they possibly investigate a sex assault complaint?

Hey, now that were done with this broad  the parking officer colleague who testified she hadnt consented to sex with them in a hotel room in the early morning hours of Jan. 17, 2015  should we call a hooker?

No, theyre not rapists. Criminal trials demand a high standard of proof. But they are reprehensible human beings who shouldnt be allowed anywhere near a vulnerable, traumatized victim  regardless of the offence committed  or exercise their deeply flawed judgment at a crime scene.

I wouldnt trust them as far I could throw them. Which is what Police Chief Mark Saunders should do  throw them off the force. Or go down trying, amidst a group of defence lawyers who make a specialized well-heeled career out of springing bad cops.

It is unclear what Saunders will do with these pathetic little men, only one of whom  Nyznik  took the stand at trial, point-cop just as he was on Rookie Buy Night. And isnt that a fine tradition, introducing the newbie to perks of the law enforcement trade, like bar managers who will offer up a drink  even though the joint isnt open  and access to the special-special vodka fridge elite level of service. This week Saunders called for an immediate end to such events.

The three 51 Division officers have been suspended with pay since across-the-board sex assault charge were laid in February, 2015. There would likely be legal hurdles to overcome but Saunders can still have them all charged with discreditable conduct under the Police Act. If so, it would be interesting to see if the police union would pay for their lawyers, which they didnt do at the criminal trial because the alleged offence occurred off-duty.

Read more:No more rookie-buy nights, say police brass after sex assault verdict

If Saunders wants to be viewed as a police chief of substance  and thus far he hasnt scored high marks  he absolutely must take disciplinary comeuppance to its farthest reaches. It is vital he sends a message to the men and women under his command, and the city they police, that, no, no, no, these individuals dont deserve to wear the uniform. Employment as a police officer is both duty and privilege. None of these men deserve to exercise the authority granted them against you or me or anybody else. Not for the charges they were acquitted of, but for what they did throughout that dissolute night and how they (and their lawyers) spun it afterwards.

Let me quote Justice Anne Molloy, in her verdict rendered Wednesday, on the subject of Nyzniks stilted testimony, which she characterized as less than forthright in places, specifically his contention that the complainant (AB a pseudonym) initiated each and every sex act that took place.

Some of this simply did not ring true. Further, his description of how the group sex was carried out, particularly with the complainant purportedly servicing all three of them at once without Mr. Nyznik so much as touching her to provide assistance, seems improbable. As the Crown pointed out, AB would have to be some kind of contortionist to accomplish all of that at once.

Even on the small stuff, Molloy was dubious. For example, when the prosecutor was trying to make the point that AB was a parking enforcement officer but aspired to become a full police officer, Mr. Nyznik refused to agree that there was any hierarchy between police officers and parking enforcement officers. However, later in his evidence, he said that he knew of some police officers who dropped down to parking enforcement, clearly a reference to his belief that police officers are higher on the chain. Similarly, he refused to acknowledge the possibility that there would ever be any career repercussions or blacklisting if a woman within the force reported she had been sexually assaulted by police officers. I find it hard to be accept this as an honestly held belief.

Crucially, Molloy said she did not necessarily believe Nyzniks evidence but making a determination that someone has lied under oath is not an easy task. In the end she was left with a he-said she-said scenario, so typical of sex assault trials, and a complainant whose testimony was riddled with inconsistencies, contradictions, memory lapses and a narrative often in conflict with the limited objective evidence, such as surveillance video.

On the sole contentious issue of consent, her evidence stands alone, Molloy wrote. In order to convict, I would need to be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that her evidence was both credible and reliable with respect to the issue of consent. Given the frailties in her evidence, I simply cannot be sure of that important fact to the degree of certainty necessary to make a finding of criminal responsibility.

But this isnt about AB anymore, wherever she is now and however shes managing to pick up the shreds of her life and career.

Its about an ugly peek inside the lives of these three cops and the blow theyve dealt to the forces reputation.

Their continuing presence is intolerable.

Rosie DiManno usually appears Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

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A Toronto-based Jewish organization is raising concerns about the sale of Nazi memorabilia at an Ontario antiques market.

The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies says one of its members was at the Roadshow Antiques South market in Pickering, Ont., over the weekend and noticed a vendor selling items that included a deck of cards printed with swastikas, stamps featuring Hitler, a Nazi flag and Hitler Youth pins.

The centre said it sent a staff member to the market on Wednesday and confirmed the items were still being sold.

The staff member asked customers at the market what they thought of the items, the centre said, and one woman remarked that her (late) husband admired the Nazis.

FSWC president and CEO Avi Benlolo said he is concerned about that kind of thinking.

This kind of thing is horrific, he said. People are venerating the Nazis and celebrating the regime.

FSWC said it raised concerns about the vendors items with Pickerings mayor, the antique markets owner and Durham regional police.

It said the display and sale of the items is hurtful to members of the Jewish community.

Theres a rising tide in celebrating the Nazis and believing that what they did was right. We are very concerned about that kind of philosophy, Benlolo said.

The owner of the antiques market said, however, that he will continue to allow the vendor to sell what he calls German  not Nazi  memorabilia because the items are a part of history.

We sell these products to Jewish people who want to show their kids that the Holocaust did happen, said Henry Jones. They should be out in the open for the public to decide how they feel about it.

Jones said the situation is no different from someone selling a samurai sword or pictures of the Enola Gay, a U.S. B-29 bomber that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima during the Second World War.

Similarly, Jewish museums collect German memorabilia to illustrate historic events from the past, he added.

Jones did not identify the vendor selling the items that had raised concerns for the FSWC but said the man specialized in the sale of military items and has had a booth at the market for four years.

Durham police said theyre aware of a vendor selling the items at the market.

FSWC said the police confirmed that the situation does not constitute a hate crime, nor is it illegal to sell Nazi memorabilia.

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Its a hot topic when its hot outside; its a hot topic when its cold outside.

Ontarians love to complain about their hydro bills.

But are ratepayers in Canadas most populous province really getting ripped off?

And, if so, who or what is to blame for that?

Here are some answers to questions that have long perplexed and vexed consumers:

How did we get to where we are today? In 2003, when the Liberals took power, we were dealing with brown-outs because there wasnt enough power. Now we have too much. What happened?

The government undertook major upgrades to improve and modernize the electricity system, making it more reliable, adding generating plants and transmission lines to keep the lights and air conditioners on. Later in the decade, there was a push toward green energy as a way to create manufacturing jobs here in solar panels and wind turbines given forecasts that electricity demand would keep rising rapidly. But along came the 2008-09 global recession, and demand forecasts proved too high as manufacturing trailed off. However, lucrative contracts to green energy producers were already in place. The government has since cancelled some, but others keep coming on stream because contracts were signed.

Is electricity more expensive in Ontario than in neighbouring provinces and states?

More expensive than some, not as high as others. According to a 2016 Hydro Quebec survey, average electricity prices for residential customers per kilowatt hour in selected major North American cities in April 2016 were (not including taxes, all figures in Canadian dollars.):

Adjusting for the most recent rate cuts in Ontario, the Ministry of Energy calculates that Ontario now averages 14.12 cents per kilowatt hour for residential customers, higher than the Canadian average of 12.84 cents.

One kilowatt hour of electricity is enough to power an LED television for 10 episodes of a typical program.

Whats the deal with Premier Kathleen Wynnes claim that hydro bills have gone down 25 per cent this year?

In response to complaints that electricity costs were too high, the province began instantly rebating the 8 per cent provincial portion of the HST on electricity Jan. 1. That was followed by another 17 per cent reduction in electricity costs, for most ratepayers, by July 1 as the government decided to do two things: First, costs of hydro subsidies for the poor, and for rural and remote residents who pay high delivery fees, were switched from hydro bills to the broader tax base of all Ontarians; second, the cost of billions of dollars in hydro system improvements from the last decade is being spread over the next 30 years.

How much will I save?

The government says the average monthly household bill will drop $41 to $121 this summer.

How can the province afford that?

The government plans to borrow billions and make hydro ratepayers foot the bill in the long run. Wynne has compared it to extending a mortgage on a house to enjoy better cash flow with lower payments now. The additional debt interest will cost $25 billion over the next 30 years.

Opposition parties say the Liberal plan doesnt fix underlying problems that have made electricity expensive and simply borrows money to spread the costs over a longer period of time.

Wynne argues its reasonable to do that because the hydro system improvements will benefit coming generations of Ontarians, making it unfair to force consumers to pay the full costs now.

Whats the long-term cost of subsidizing electricity?

In May, the provinces financial accountability officer (FAO) warned the hydro rate cut will cost the province in the long run  some $21 billion over the next 30 years. The FAO also warned that if the province is unable to produce a balanced budget at any time over the next 29 years, the cost of the cut could actually balloon to as much as $93 billion because the government would have to borrow to pay for it.

And while electricity costs will be lower over the next decade, they will be slightly more expensive after 2027.

What are all those charges on our hydro bills?

Delivery charge, or the cost of getting the electricity into your home. It is based on how many customers are in a particular area and how far it is from generating stations. Residents of Toronto and other cities generally enjoy much cheaper delivery costs than people in remote or rural areas.

Regulatory charges are a smaller portion of the bill. They are to cover the costs of administering the wholesale electricity system, to maintain the reliability of the provincial grid and to fund energy conservation efforts.

The HST or harmonized sales tax of 13 per cent, of which the 8 per cent provincial portion is now instantly rebated on bills. The other 5 per cent goes to the federal government.

Customers who are not on time-of-use rates will see a separate global adjustment charge on their bills. While that is included in time-of-use rates, it is listed separately for residential and other customers who have signed retail contracts for their electricity.

(The global adjustment, in place since 2005, is the cost of paying for electricity that is produced from non-market agreements, including contracts with private generators, the regulated output of Ontario Power Generation and from other arrangements, such as renewable power contracts. Those sources now make up the vast bulk of Ontarios power supply.)

For more tips on how to read your hydro bill, the Ontario Energy Board has an explanation on its website.

Where does Ontario get its electricity?

The vast majority of the provinces electrical generation  61 per cent per cent last year  is produced at nuclear reactors at Bruce, Darlington and Pickering. Only about a quarter  24 per cent  actually comes from hydro, meaning it is generated from hydroelectric generating stations such as Niagara Falls, where fast-moving water flows over turbines that generate power. Another 9 per cent is from plants fuelled by natural gas or oil and 6 per cent is from wind and less than 1 per cent each from solar and biofuels.

How much electricity does this province use in winter versus summer?

The winter record of 24,979 megawatts was set Dec. 20, 2004. But more power is used in the summer due to air conditioning. The highest use in Ontario history was during a heat wave on Aug. 1, 2006 when the load demand was 27,005 megawatts. Put in context, Ontario now has an installed generation capacity of 36,130 megawatts, according to the Independent Electricity System Operators latest figures. That means there is a surplus of power and the risk of blackouts and brownouts is lower, though those can still occur in extreme weather conditions or if there are technical problems.

If nuclear power is so efficient, why dont we just build more reactors?

There are few more expensive things in the world than nuclear reactors. Building new nukes is costly and time-consuming while refurbishing old stations is also financially daunting. Thats because nuclear projects are almost always plagued by cost overruns caused by lengthy environmental assessments and engineering hurdles. And once they are built, getting rid of radioactive waste is challenging. Currently, Ontario Power Generation is undertaking a 10-year $12.8 billion refurbishment of the Darlington nuclear station just east of Oshawa.

Why do ratepayers bankroll green energy producers with long-term contracts to purchase wind and solar power for more than the market price?

In 2009, former Liberal premier Dalton McGuinty announced a sweeping green energy strategy, including the feed-in tariff (FIT) that would pay companies and individuals a premium for generating clean electricity. It was an economic development tool to encourage manufacturers to build wind turbines and solar panels here in Ontario. To create a market for such equipment, the government encouraged farmers and others in rural Ontario to install wind turbines by guaranteeing them a fixed price over 20 years for the power they generate. Thats why there are so many turbines and solar panels in the countryside.

Why did the Liberals sell off the majority share in Hydro One and will privatization increase electricity bills?

Over the past year or so, Wynnes government has sold more than 51 per cent of the provincial transmission utility, making some $9 billion  $5 billion to pay off Hydro Ones debt and $4 billion to bankroll transportation infrastructure such as public transit, roads and bridges. Critics charge the sell-off was so the Liberals could balance the books before the 2018 election.

But Hydro One cannot unilaterally increase electricity rates. Those are set by the independent Ontario Energy Board and, like all private and public utilities, Hydro One needs the boards permission to hike rates.

Still, both the Tories and the New Democrats insist privatization will lead to higher costs while the Liberals claim the company could be better run and actually save ratepayers money.

Just how unhappy were Ontarians with their hydro bills?

Before Hydro One was privatized, Ontarios ombudsman was looking into 10,500 complaints about billing errors, including some cases where Hydro One had mistakenly gone into customers bank accounts and withdrawn thousands of dollars. As well, a new computer system meant about 100,000 customers received no bills over several months, while others got estimates which meant many were faced with huge makeup payments when actual usage was calculated. Then customers were threatened with losing power, even in the winter.

Faced with mounting criticism, the Liberal government in February quickly enacted a bill to outlaw winter disconnections across the province.

The ombudsmans office lost the authority to handle consumer complaints once it was no longer 100 per cent publicly owned. Complaints are now handled internally by Hydro One.

How efficient is Ontarios hydro system?

In 2015, auditor general Bonnie Lysyk said consumers were being hit with billions of extra dollars in costs because of overpriced green energy, poor government planning and substandard service from Hydro One. Her value-for-money audit estimated that from 2006 to 2014, Ontarians paid $37 billion more than necessary, a figure that would balloon to $133 billion by 2032.

Hydro Ones customers have a power system for which reliability appears to be worsening while costs are increasing, Lysyk said at the time.

Her analysis did not take into account the health benefits and savings as a result of phasing out cheaper, dirty coal-fuelled generation. Smog warnings and smog days are now rare.

Isnt there a lawsuit aimed at stopping the sale of Hydro One shares?

Yes. The Canadian Union of Public Employees has filed a $1.1 million civil suit in Ontario Superior Court of Justice, which held a hearing in June to hash out arguments from the union and the government as to whether the case should proceed. The government  which has already sold all the intended shares in Hydro One  has asked for the suit to be dismissed, calling it a political stunt. The union alleges the government knowingly structured the sale to reward investors and the Ontario Liberal Party through fundraising with investment bankers. Ontarios integrity commissioner has ruled there was no wrongdoing with the fundraising events. The judge in the lawsuit has reserved his decision as to whether it should go ahead.

What about the gas-plants email trial that starts in September?

Before the 2011 election, McGuinty cancelled two gas-fired power plants that were to be built in Oakville and Mississauga because they were unpopular with local residents and could have led to the defeat of five Liberal MPPs in those areas.

Lysyk has estimated the cancellation will cost ratepayers $1 billion over 20 years in terms of compensating the companies behind the scrapped plants and building replacement plants near Napanee and Sarnia.

In 2013, as McGuinty was handing the reins of power to Wynne, his chief of staff and deputy chief of staff were implicated after computer hard-drives were deleted in the premiers office. Ontario Provincial Police launched an investigation in response to a complaint from the Progressive Conservatives that said emails related to the gas plants could have been deleted. Charges were laid in 2015.

Both David Livingston and Laura Miller go to trial Sept. 11 for criminal breach of trust. They deny any wrongdoing. McGuinty, who co-operated with police, was never under investigation.

When will we learn more about the direction hydro rates are headed in Ontario?

Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault said the latest version of the governments long-term energy plan, which is updated every four years, will be released soon. He has pledged to find ways to remove more costs from the system.

What have the opposition parties at Queens Park promised to do about hydro?

New Democrats: NDP Leader Andrea Horwath insists she can chop hydro bills by up to 30 per cent by keeping the Wynne governments instant rebate of the 8 per cent provincial HST, asking the federal government to scrap its remaining 5 per cent HST, eliminating time-of-use pricing, capping profits of private power producers and buying back shares in Hydro One. Rival parties have scoffed at the multibillion share buyback plan, saying it isnt feasible, and cast doubt that the feds would forego their HST on electricity. Since the buyback promise was announced, Hydro One announced it is spending $6.7 billion to buy U.S.-based Avista, raising further questions about the viability and affordability of that pledge.

Progressive Conservatives: Despite promising to unveil a hydro plan earlier this year, Tory Leader Patrick Brown has yet to deliver his partys policy and may not until just before the June 7, 2018 election.

Green Party: Green Leader Mike Schreiner wants to phase out nuclear power and use that money to help Ontario families and businesses conserve energy. Instead of Wynnes 25 per cent across-the-board hydro rate cut, the Green Party would target price reductions to the poor who need help the most. Any further privatization of Hydro One would be stopped. The Greens would conduct an independent, public review of electricity generation costs to guide future choices.

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It is a small slice of America, and it just happens to be in the middle of the Pacific. And within striking range of North Korean missiles.

Thats why the island of Guam was thrust into the spotlight Wednesday after North Korea threatened a strike that would create an enveloping fire around it and said an attack would come this month.

But on the island, home to a strategic U.S. airbase, life continued as normal. Patrons packed local restaurants, barely glancing at televisions bearing news of Pyongyangs latest threat against their homeland.

Read more:

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U.S. allies warn escalating rhetoric with North Korea could lead to catastrophic consequences

Residents of the tiny territory  just 19 kilometres at its widest point and circled with beautiful beaches  find themselves again caught in the middle of a war of words as a volley of hostile rhetoric was launched between North Korea and the United States, including pointed threats of nuclear action.

Everyone is going about doing the same routine, but everyone is talking about the threat, Josie Sokala, who lives in the village of Mangilao on the eastern shore of Guam, said in a message.

Read more about U.S. President Donald Trump

Like other Guam residents, Sokala has been inundated with text messages from friends on the mainland  islanders term for the continental United States  asking how she was doing.

Everyone is nervous, but I think it is our families out there stateside that are more nervous for us, Sokala said.

Still, early Thursday, she found herself unable to sleep.

Guam has been a U.S. territory since 1898, when Spain ceded it in the wake of the Spanish-American War. It has a population of around 163,000  comparable to a small city in the Midwest.

The island has been the focus of North Korean threats in the past, as the home base for nuclear-equipped bombers that have the capacity to strike the reclusive nation. Tests of North Koreas own missiles suggest that now, the island is within the range of Pyongyang.

Guam is about 3,400 kilometres southeast of Pyongyang, and 6,100 kilometres west of Honolulu. But it is as steeped in U.S. culture as any small city on the mainland  even if shoppers at its Kmart (the biggest in the world) can look outside and see a lush Pacific island setting.

The majority of islanders are ethnically Chamorro  the Indigenous group that has lived on the island for thousands of years  and their culture is a touchstone for the islanders way of life.

Life on Guam is also deeply tied the military bases and the service members stationed at them. Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam house an estimated 13,000 military members and their dependants. One-third of the island is owned by the U.S. military.

On Wednesday, officials in Guam scrambled to release statements urging calm, even if just a day earlier U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to unleash fire and fury on North Korea.

The church is an influential force on the island, where the vast majority of residents are Catholic, and the Archdiocese of Agana  the capital of Guam, also known as Hagatna  has advised residents to look to God during these difficult times when world peace is threatened.

The archdiocese also asked Catholics to pray that the Holy Spirit will instill in the leaders of our country and all nations the virtues of wisdom and understanding to promote peace rather than war.

The governor of Guam, Eddie Baza Calvo, said there had been no change to the threat level on the island, despite the harsh words. Calvo stressed in a statement that there was no imminent threat to the safety of residents or visitors. Guam, in addition to being a strategic base, is also a tourist destination, and a record number of visitors arrived in June of this year.

Theres been a lot of rhetoric coming out, Calvo said at a news conference Wednesday. And its important to bring that message out to the people of Guam that this is not a time to panic.

Guams congresswoman, Madeleine Z. Bordallo, also weighed in. She called the most recent threats from both sides dangerous and said they had heightened tensions in the region. She noted that similar threats in 2013 led to an advanced missile defence system  known as THAAD, for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense  to be permanently placed on the island as a deterrent.

Kim Jong Uns reckless behaviour cannot be tolerated, she said, and I strongly urge the president to explore every avenue to peacefully respond to it and avoid further escalating this situation.

Whatever their doubts about those on the world stage, some local residents seemed to have more confidence in their local leaders.

Our governor assures us that this threat is nothing to panic about, and we trust him, Sokala said. Were just trying not to think about it too much.

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COPENHAGENThe owner of an amateur-built submarine was arrested on suspicion of murder Friday after his vessel sank in Denmarks waters and a journalist who had joined him for what was supposed to be a short voyage was reported missing, Copenhagen police said.

Police said in a statement Friday night that the man denied killing the missing woman and said he dropped her off on an island about 3  hours into their Thursday night trip.

The statement did not identify the submarines owner, Peter Madsen, 46, but his success financing his submarine project through crowdfunding and completing the UC3 Nautilus in 2008 made headlines.

Madsen appeared on Danish television Friday to discuss the submarines sinking and his rescue.

Footage aired on Denmarks TV2 channel showed him getting off what appeared to be a private boat and making a thumbs-up sign as he walked away.

I am fine, but sad because Nautilus went down, he told TV2.

Madsen said a minor problem with a ballast tank ... turned into a major issue that ultimately caused the vessel  considered the largest privately built submarine of its kind  to sink.

The ballast tank is a compartment that holds water, which is used to provide stability for a vessel.

It took about 30 seconds for Nautilus to sink, and I couldnt close any hatches or anything, Madsen said. But I guess that was pretty good because I otherwise still would have been down there.

However, Swedish police said later in the day they were investigating the whereabouts of a missing woman who had been on the submarine at some point.

Whether the woman was on board the submarine at the time of her disappearance is unclear, police said in a statement.

The woman was a journalist writing about Madsen and his submarine, Swedish and Danish media reported.

He told us that the journalist who also had been on board had been dropped off Thursday evening, navy spokesman Anders Damgaard told The Associated Press. They were the only two on board yesterday.

It was the womans boyfriend who alerted authorities the submarine was missing early Friday. Two helicopters and three ships combed the sea from Copenhagen to the Baltic Sea island of Bornholm.

The navy initially said the sub was found sailing south of Copenhagen. 60-foot-long) submarine had sunk.

Madsen told us he had technical problems to explain why the submarine failed to respond to radio contact, Damgaard said.

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U.S. President Donald Trump is dispatching a team led by his son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner to Israel in pursuit of a Middle East peace deal.

Trumps sending the delegation to try to take advantage of a period of relative calm following violent clashes last month over Israeli security arrangements at the Jerusalem shrine known to Jews as Temple Mount and to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif, said a senior administration official who requested anonymity to discuss the negotiations.

The crisis erupted when Israel installed metal detectors at gates to the compound after Arab gunmen killed two Israeli policemen there in mid-July. The measures triggered protests by Muslims.

Read more: Jared Kushner, the son-in-law Trump said could solve Middle East peace, goes to Jerusalem to try and actually do it: Analysis

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Israel removed the devices after a few days, after intervention from the United States, Jordan and others. The step was seen by many in Israel as a capitulation and by Palestinians and the Arab world as a victory.

Nabil Abu Rdeneh, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, welcomed the impending visit.

We are committed to peace based on the two state solution. he said. We informed the American Administration that we are ready for peace on this basis. And we are waiting now for the American delegation to work together toward peace.

Kushner will be joined by Special Representative for International Negotiations Jason Greenblatt and Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategy Dina Powell on the trip, which will include meetings with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

The U.S. president wants to set an ambitious agenda for the talks, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, efforts to combat extremism, and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the official said.

Trump has said he is hopeful his son-in-law can help restart a peace process that has made little headway over the past 25 years. He made addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict an early priority, hosting leaders from both sides at the White House during the opening months of his presidency and visiting Israel during his first international trip as president.

During the visit of Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas in May, Trump said a peace agreement is frankly, maybe not as difficult as people have thought over the years. He told reporters that negotiators would get a deal done, even while acknowledging that he had heard that perhaps the toughest deal to make is the deal between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

Lets see if we can prove them wrong, OK? Trump continued.

But his early forays into diplomacy have also run into some hiccups. He suggested during a state visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in February that the U.S. wouldnt necessarily press for a two-state solution, a seeming reversal of long-standing U.S. policy that reflects a key Palestinian demand.

Kushner is a longtime friend of the Israeli prime minister, who is facing a slew of domestic legal troubles. Netanyahus former chief of staff, Ari Harow, has signed a deal to co-operate with prosecutors there, and police have confirmed theyre investigating the prime minister as a suspect in a bribery, fraud, and breach of trust case. Netanyahu has blasted the media and critics over the controversy and accused opponents of attempting a governmental coup.

The last round of U.S.-led talks, a pet project of former Secretary of State John Kerry, broke down three years ago amid mutual recriminations.

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BEIRUTU.S.-backed Syrian fighters advancing on Daesh from the eastern and western parts of the northern city of Raqqa have linked up for the first time since launching their offensive on Daeshs de facto capital, officials said Friday.

Though the development marked a significant milestone in the battle for the Daesh, also known as ISIS and ISIL, stronghold, a U.S. military spokesman cautioned that there is still tough fighting ahead before Raqqa is completely taken from the militants.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, under the cover of U.S.-backed coalition airstrikes, launched a wide offensive to capture the city on June 6 and have managed so far to take about half the city.

The linkup of the eastern and western fronts deprives Daesh from access to the Euphrates River  and effectively leaves the remaining militants in Raqqa and thousands of civilians surrounded.

U.S. Army Col. Ryan Dillon said there remains still tough fighting ahead and that although the linkup of the Syrian opposition fighters east and west axis on the southern edge of Raqqa was significant, this does not in fact cut the city in two.

Dillon told The Associated Press in an email that the significance is that the SDF, despite Daeshs best efforts, have successfully battled across the entire city from both sides and have joined forces. The U.S. spokesman said this shows the steady progress the SDF fighters are making against Daesh in the militants self-declared capital.

The fighting is ongoing from room to room and from house to house, said Mustafa Bali, head of the SDF media centre. Bali also confirmed that SDF fighters pushing from opposite sides of the city have met up.

Bali said by telephone from northern Syria that the key difficulty facing advancing SDF fighters is to avoid striking civilians used by Daesh as human shields.

Read more:

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The top U.S. envoy for the international coalition against Daesh , Brett McGurk, tweeted about the linkup of the two fronts, describing it as a milestone that is tightening the noose around Daesh.

Also Friday, neighbouring Turkey introduced new regulations at a border crossing with northwestern Syria, allowing only the transport of humanitarian aid, after an al-Qaida-linked group took control of the Syrian post.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after Friday prayers in Istanbul that the Cilvegozu crossing in southern Turkey would remain open for food, medicine and some supplies to go across. Turkeys Cilvegozu stands across from the Bab al-Hawa in Syrias Idlib province.

The al-Qaida-linked militant group Levant Liberation Committee captured the crossing after battles with the ultraconservative Syrian rebel Ahrar al-Sham group last month.

Erdogan said Turkey cannot allow the passage of weapons, suggesting humanitarian aid has practically turned into an armament process.

Turkeys official Anadolu news agency reported a three-kilometre tailback at the Oncupinar border crossing, located further east, after trucks were rerouted from Cilvegozu.

Meanwhile, the UN migration agency said Friday that over 600,000 displaced Syrians have returned to their homes this year, citing an increasing trend of returns while warning the situation remains not sustainable.

International Organization for Migration spokeswoman Olivia Headon said the 602,759 returns between January and July was on track to surpass the figure of 685,000 returns for all of 2016.

But she also cautioned about the huge number of displaced Syrians this year  nearly 809,000.

IOM said that its partner agencies have found that two-thirds of the returnees have gone to the northern Aleppo governorate, where government forces ousted rebels from the city of Aleppo last year.

A third of the returnees said they went back to protect their assets while one-quarter cited improved economic conditions, IOM said.

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The men guiding CP Rail train 235 through pre-dawn Toronto found themselves scrambling to get to work with less sleep than they had wanted.

On the night of Aug. 20, 2016, the locomotive engineer had gone to bed at 10:15 p.m., requesting that he be woken at 5:30 a.m. so he could join a train scheduled to leave the yard in Scarborough at 7 a.m. Instead, he was called at 3:15 a.m. and ordered to work just 90 minutes later.

His co-worker, a conductor, had it even worse. He was living in Smiths Falls, outside Ottawa, and was told to report to work in Toronto. He slept in his car for a few nights. On the evening of Aug. 20, he dozed in his car for 90 minutes before reporting for duty just before midnight. He hadnt had a solid nights sleep for days.

The two men headed west from Scarborough at 5 a.m. Their train, which consisted of just two locomotives, passed through the quiet streets of Leaside and Rosedale to midtown Toronto. Fourteen minutes later, while travelling at 77 km/h on the north track, it rounded a right-hand curve and passed by a signal warning of a stop signal just ahead.

Seconds later, the crew saw an eastbound train  CP 118  on the south track and didnt notice immediately that the tail end of this 3,000-foot-long train was on a crossover linking the north and south tracks with its last cars still on the north track about half a mile away.

When the engineer on train 235 did notice what was going on, he hit the emergency brakes. It was too late. His train clipped four of train 118s cars before the two locomotives derailed and came to rest near Howland Ave. just off Dupont St., and spilling 2,500 litres of diesel fuel. It was 800 feet past the signal ordering it to stop.

Annex residents jolted awake that morning had cause to wonder what had happened on their doorstep. A recent report by the Transportation Safety Board provides little comfort that this was an exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime incident. Indeed, the board shows a sense of weariness that issues on its watchlist are not being dealt with.

It suggests that fatigue from unpredictable sleep patterns likely played a part in the accident and it notes that Transport Canada is not doing enough to deal with train crews operating without adequate rest.

Additional physical fail-safe defences have not been implemented to ensure railway signals are recognized and followed. (The TSB notes that technologies for ensuring that signals are following  some dating from the 1920  have been implemented in the United States but are not in use in Canada.)

Transport Canada, which is in the midst of a review of the Railway Safety Act, needs to determine why Canadas railways have made only marginal progress on safety in the past 30 years despite a succession of reports that said the system for shipping dangerous goods needs improvement.

The derailment on Howland Ave. should serve as a wake-up call.

The CP Rail corridor through midtown Toronto is the route on which tens of thousands of tank cars carrying flammable liquids, such as ethanol and other dangerous goods, are shipped.

Relocation of the midtown CP Rail line to a less densely populated area was first recommended in a royal commission report that investigated the derailment and explosion of a CP train in Mississauga in 1979.

But relocation, while it may assuage residents of midtown Toronto, is not an answer to the challenge of moving dangerous goods across Canada. Shipment by rail will never be completely without risk but there are a number of measures the government could mandate that would reduce this risk.

In the shorter term, for example, the phase-out of inadequate tank cars currently set for 2025 should be accelerated and better braking systems mandated. As well, trains carrying dangerous goods should be shorter and travel at lower speeds.

The authors of the TSB report are too cautious to call out successive governments for their inattention to rail safety but they make it clear that it remains a critical issue that urgently needs to be addressed.

Correction  August 11, 2017: This article was edited from a previous version to update an incorrect photo caption.

Claire Kilgour Hervey and Henry Wiercinski are co-chairs of Rail Safety First (railsafetyfirst.com), which advocates for safe, transparent and accountable rail traffic.

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In the days since his firing, James Damore has been treated as a victim and a free-speech martyr, deified in the internets darkest corners by alt-right pundits who say the young engineer was purged from Google in the name of ideological purity.

Damores thought crime is by now well known: he wrote in a memo to his colleagues that Googles attempts to address the gender imbalance in its hiring are ultimately misguided, blind as they are to the innate biological differences between men and women.

The manifesto claims, for instance, that science shows that women, as a group, are more neurotic than men, which may contribute  to the lower number of women in high stress jobs. But Damores use of science is wildly selective; his simplistic insistence that biology, rather than social factors, largely explains the persistent underrepresentation of women in tech jobs ignores swaths of disconfirming evidence. He accuses Google of being blinded to facts by its left bias, but his own ideological blinders are on clear display.

Googles equity push is part of a larger response among tech firms to a growing body of evidence of pervasive sexism in Silicon Valley. Female employees are sometimes paid less for the same work, and are made to suffer a great deal more. Of the 200-plus women working in senior positions in American tech companies, 84 per cent say they have been told they are too aggressive; 90 per cent say have they have witnessed sexist behaviour at work; 60 per cent say they have had to dodge unwanted sexual advances from colleagues. In many cases, they feared for their safety. Its not hard to imagine reasons other than biology for the absence of more women in Silicon Valley.

Damore claims in his manifesto to share Googles concern with diversity and inclusion. Yet when he mentions discrimination, as he does throughout his memo, it is always in reference to the companys purported discrimination against men. His arguments, like the insufferable braying of mens rights activists, All Lives Matter and a host of other crypto-bigoted counter-movements, seem aimed at preserving privilege in the guise of promoting equality.

No wonder Damore has been swiftly lionized by the alt-right. In recent days, the movements organs have offered him jobs and raised funds on his behalf. The title of his memo, Googles Ideological Echo Chamber, hints at another affinity between the engineer and his far-right defenders: the shared belief that those who challenge political correctness will be victimized for their truth-telling.

But the trolls, as usual, have it wrong. In this case, free speech is a red herring. Damore was sacked not for his ideas, but for his actions and their predictable consequences for the functioning of the company. After all, the man distributed a memo to his colleagues arguing that a significant fraction of them are, on average, biologically less well-suited to certain jobs within the organization.

He argues, further, that this idea is being suppressed and should be more widely advanced. It doesnt take a Harvard-trained scientist to see the problem this is bound to create within the company, both in terms of harmony and morale.

As Yonatan Zunger, a former senior engineer at Google, put it in a public response to Damore: Do you understand that at this point, I could not in good conscience assign anyone to work with you? I certainly couldnt assign any women to deal with this, a good number of the people you might have to work with may simply punch you in the face, and even if there were a group of like-minded individuals I could put you with, nobody would be able to collaborate with them.

The fight for free speech is merely pretext for something much uglier, which Damores most ardent advocates have inadvertently made clear. On Friday, Google cancelled a highly anticipated town hall meeting intended to air the issue. After days of vicious online harassment of Googlers who dared to speak against Damore, the company determined that the event would put employees at risk. Despite what they may think, these bullies are not the victims here. Its not Googles ideological echo chamber we need to be worried about.

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The stream of Haitian asylum seekers arriving in Quebec from the United States in recent weeks poses a test of Canadian compassion and of the readiness of our refugee policy and machinery to deal with the human challenges of a changing world.

On compassion, early signals are encouraging. As the number of Haitians crossing the border illegally into Quebec sextupled over the last month, from 50 to 300 per day, all levels of government have moved quickly to accommodate the asylum seekers.

This week, the Canadian Army set up a camp at the border in Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, Que., to help manage the influx. As Montreals shelters reached capacity, the city opened up Olympic Stadium, the former home of the Expos, to house the newcomers. Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre has repeatedly assured residents there is room for these asylum claimants and that his vision of Montreal as a sanctuary city requires that they be welcomed with open arms.

Thats as it should be. Critics who imply the surge in border crossings is approaching a crisis vastly overstate the threat. Roughly 6,500 people have crossed into Quebec so far this year. That is a notable increase over last year, but is by no means unprecedented in recent history. In 2008, even more, around 12,000 people, walked into the province over the same period. Nor, in the larger scheme of things, does the current uptick truly strain our capacity. Canada plans to take in some 300,000 immigrants this year, including 40,000 refugees.

The surge in border-crossings is the result of a change of policy in the U.S. that threatens to deport these people back to their impoverished homeland, ravaged over the last decade by natural disasters and political upheaval. Many of the border-crossers seem to be under the impression that they will be granted automatic asylum in Canada. That is not case. The temporary protections being suspended in the U.S. have already been suspended here. All the asylum seekers are guaranteed in Canada is a fair hearing.

This is a numerically limited group. Some 40,000 Haitians living in the U.S will be affected by the policy shift. Of those, many wont come here and of those who do, many will not be granted asylum. Coderre and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are right that we can manage these numbers fairly and with compassion.

That said, the spike in illegal crossings has exposed a number of critical gaps in our refugee policy and raised important questions about our readiness to process and integrate those coming into the country.

There is, for instance, the question of whether the definitions we use for refugees today accurately reflect the increasingly complex reality asylum-seekers face. The Haitians in North America, for instance, were given temporary sanctuary after an earthquake devastated their country in 2010. Yet as those protections expired, it became clear that no framework existed for returning these people to a home from which they had long been absent and to which many have little remaining connection. As climate change does its work, bringing floods, fires and droughts, it is reasonable to expect that this unusual scenario will become increasingly usual.

Another issue is whether we have adequately adapted our refugee system to Donald Trumps closed-off America. The so-called Safe Third Party Agreement, for instance, which dictates that most refugees who first land in the United States cannot then claim asylum in Canada, and vice versa, is not sustainable in the Trump era, as the Star has argued before and the current case seems to illustrate.

The agreement is explicitly premised on the assumption that each country has a fair and functioning refugee policy. But when it comes to the U.S., thats now a bad assumption. Amid Donald Trumps ugly travel bans and immigration crackdowns, many in desperate need of asylum remain in danger and in limbo.

In the case of the Haitians, while the U.S. and Canada have both suspended temporary bans on deportation to Haiti, the U.S. rhetoric on refugees in general and on Haiti in particular has given both the Haitians and Canada cause to doubt that Washington will deal compassionately with these asylum claims.

Even if Ottawa is reluctant, for a range of understandable political reasons, to take on the Safe Third, it certainly shouldnt be surprised that asylum seekers are exploiting the loophole that allows them to circumvent the agreement by entering the country illegally. Prime Minister Trudeau has urged asylum seekers to cross only at official checkpoints, but if they do as he asks they will be turned away. They wont, of course, because they are now desperately caught between a country that doesnt want them and one that cant support them. They believe, with some reason, that Canada offers a better chance.

Finally, the influx of Haitians crystallizes what has been a recurrent tension in our refugee policy: namely, how do we achieve the dual goals of protecting the integrity of the refugee system and the special needs of asylum seekers, who will be seen by many as queue jumpers? We have always navigated this tension in an ad-hoc way, but given the current circumstances, surely its time we aimed higher.

For one thing, the queuing problem is aggravated by the fact that our system is woefully under-resourced and that we have no mechanisms in place to deal with surges like the one were now seeing.

For instance, the Immigration and Refugee Board, which decides on such claims, lacks the resources to keep up in the best of times, never mind amid the current influx. The Trudeau government has exacerbated this problem, filling the boards many vacancies with no hint of the urgency that the circumstances demand. Moreover, the influx of Haitians, discrete as it is, would seem to justify a discretely resourced process. Yet no formal rules exist for triggering such a process. If Trudeau is after order, he ought to learn the lessons of the current surge. There will be more like it.

Amid the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War and a moment of American retrenchment, the Trudeau government has rightly suggested that its time to place a renewed emphasis on the humanitarian purpose of our immigration and refugee policy. Changing circumstances, which have arrived so loudly at the Quebec border, will force us to confront directly what we mean by our promises of openness and whether we are truly willing to do whats necessary to deliver.

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(4) May 31 (2) May 30 (3) May 29 (3) May 28 (3) May 27 (2) May 26 (2) May 25 (2) May 24 (2) May 23 (2) May 22 (3) May 21 (3) May 20 (2) May 19 (2) May 18 (4) May 17 (7) May 16 (2) May 15 (2) May 14 (4) May 13 (3) May 12 (4) May 11 (4) May 10 (4) May 09 (3) May 08 (2) May 07 (2) May 06 (2) May 05 (1) May 04 (2) May 03 (4) May 02 (3) May 01 (4) Apr 30 (1) Apr 29 (3) Apr 28 (2) Apr 27 (3) Apr 26 (2) Apr 25 (2) Apr 24 (4) Apr 23 (2) Apr 22 (2) Apr 21 (2) Apr 20 (3) Apr 19 (3) Apr 18 (4) Apr 17 (5) Apr 16 (4) Apr 15 (4) Apr 14 (3) Apr 13 (3) Apr 12 (3) Apr 11 (3) Apr 10 (4) Apr 09 (4) Apr 08 (3) Apr 07 (2) Apr 06 (3) Apr 05 (3) Apr 04 (1) Apr 03 (1) Apr 02 (1) Apr 01 (2) Mar 31 (2) Mar 30 (3) Mar 29 (2) Mar 28 (3) Mar 27 (3) Mar 26 (3) Mar 25 (3) Mar 24 (2) Mar 23 (3) Mar 22 (3) Mar 21 (4) Mar 20 (2) Mar 19 (3) Mar 18 (1) Mar 17 (2) Mar 16 (2) Mar 15 (1) Mar 14 (3) Mar 13 (1) Mar 12 (2) Mar 11 (1) Mar 10 (3) Mar 09 (2) Mar 08 (1) Mar 07 (1) Mar 04 (2) Mar 02 (2) Feb 28 (1) Feb 24 (1) Dec 31 (4) Dec 30 (4) Dec 29 (4) Dec 28 (5) Dec 27 (3) Dec 26 (3) Dec 25 (4) Dec 24 (3) Dec 23 (3) Dec 22 (4) Dec 21 (3) Dec 20 (3) Dec 19 (3) Dec 18 (3) Dec 17 (3) Dec 16 (3) Dec 15 (3) Dec 14 (3) Dec 13 (3) Dec 12 (3) Dec 11 (3) Dec 10 (3) Dec 09 (3) Dec 08 (3) Dec 07 (3) Dec 06 (3) Dec 05 (3) Dec 04 (3) Dec 03 (4) Dec 02 (3) Dec 01 (3) Nov 30 (3) Nov 29 (3) Nov 28 (3) Nov 27 (3) Nov 26 (3) Nov 25 (3) Nov 24 (3) Nov 23 (3) Nov 22 (3) Nov 21 (3) Nov 20 (3) Nov 19 (3) Nov 18 (3) Nov 17 (3) Nov 16 (2) Nov 15 (3) Nov 14 (3) Nov 13 (3) Nov 12 (4) Nov 11 (3) Nov 10 (4) Nov 09 (4) Nov 08 (4) Nov 07 (3) Nov 06 (3) Nov 05 (5) Nov 04 (4) Nov 03 (3) Nov 02 (4) Nov 01 (4) Oct 31 (4) Oct 30 (3) Oct 29 (3) Oct 28 (2) Oct 27 (4) Oct 26 (4) Oct 25 (4) Oct 24 (3) Oct 23 (3) Oct 22 (3) Oct 21 (4) Oct 20 (4) Oct 19 (3) Oct 18 (4) Oct 17 (4) Oct 16 (3) Oct 15 (3) Oct 14 (3) Oct 13 (3) Oct 12 (3) Oct 11 (3) Oct 10 (4) Oct 09 (3) Oct 08 (3) Oct 07 (4) Oct 06 (3) Oct 05 (4) Oct 04 (3) Oct 03 (4) Oct 02 (5) Oct 01 (3) Sep 30 (4) Sep 29 (3) Sep 28 (3) Sep 27 (4) Sep 26 (3) Sep 25 (3) Sep 24 (3) Sep 23 (3) Sep 22 (3) Sep 21 (3) Sep 20 (3) Sep 19 (4) Sep 18 (3) Sep 17 (3) Sep 16 (4) Sep 15 (3) Sep 14 (3) Sep 13 (3) Sep 12 (4) Sep 11 (4) Sep 10 (4) Sep 09 (4) Sep 08 (4) Sep 07 (3) Sep 06 (3) Sep 05 (3) Sep 04 (3) Sep 03 (3) Sep 02 (4) Sep 01 (3) Aug 31 (3) Aug 30 (4) Aug 29 (3) Aug 28 (3) Aug 27 (3) Aug 26 (3) Aug 25 (4) Aug 24 (4) Aug 23 (5) Aug 22 (3) Aug 21 (3) Aug 20 (3) Aug 19 (3) Aug 18 (3) Aug 17 (3) Aug 16 (3) Aug 15 (3) Aug 14 (3) Aug 13 (3) Aug 12 (3) Aug 11 (4) Aug 10 (5) Aug 09 (3) Aug 08 (3) Aug 07 (4) Aug 06 (5) Aug 05 (4) Aug 04 (3) Aug 03 (3) Aug 02 (3) Aug 01 (3) Jul 31 (3) Jul 30 (4) Jul 29 (3) Jul 28 (5) Jul 27 (3) Jul 26 (3) Jul 25 (3) Jul 24 (3) Jul 23 (4) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (4) Jul 20 (3) Jul 19 (3) Jul 18 (4) Jul 17 (4) Jul 16 (4) Jul 15 (3) Jul 14 (3) Jul 13 (4) Jul 12 (5) Jul 11 (4) Jul 10 (4) Jul 09 (3) Jul 08 (3) Jul 07 (3) Jul 06 (5) Jul 05 (3) Jul 04 (3) Jul 03 (4) Jul 02 (3) Jul 01 (6) Jun 30 (4) Jun 29 (4) Jun 28 (3) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (4) Jun 25 (5) Jun 24 (4) Jun 23 (3) Jun 22 (5) Jun 21 (5) Jun 20 (4) Jun 19 (4) Jun 18 (5) Jun 17 (4) Jun 16 (5) Jun 15 (5) Jun 14 (3) Jun 13 (3) Jun 12 (3) Jun 11 (3) Jun 10 (5) Jun 09 (3) Jun 08 (4) Jun 07 (4) Jun 06 (5) Jun 05 (4) Jun 04 (3) Jun 03 (4) Jun 02 (5) Jun 01 (3) May 31 (4) May 30 (3) May 29 (3) May 28 (3) May 27 (3) May 26 (4) May 25 (4) May 24 (4) May 23 (4) May 22 (3) May 21 (3) May 20 (4) May 19 (3) May 18 (3) May 17 (4) May 16 (3) May 15 (4) May 14 (3) May 13 (4) May 12 (1) May 11 (3) May 10 (3) May 09 (3) May 08 (3) May 07 (4) May 06 (3) May 05 (4) May 04 (4) May 03 (3) May 02 (3) May 01 (6) Apr 30 (3) Apr 29 (3) Apr 28 (3) Apr 27 (5) Apr 26 (3) Apr 25 (3) Apr 24 (3) Apr 23 (3) Apr 22 (3) Apr 21 (3) Apr 20 (3) Apr 19 (3) Apr 18 (3) Apr 17 (4) Apr 16 (3) Apr 15 (4) Apr 14 (3) Apr 13 (3) Apr 12 (3) Apr 11 (3) Apr 10 (3) Apr 09 (3) Apr 08 (3) Apr 07 (3) Apr 06 (3) Apr 05 (3) Apr 04 (3) Apr 03 (3) Apr 02 (3) Apr 01 (3) Mar 31 (3) Mar 30 (3) Mar 29 (3) Mar 28 (4) Mar 27 (3) Mar 26 (3) Mar 25 (3) Mar 24 (3) Mar 23 (3) Mar 22 (3) Mar 21 (3) Mar 20 (3) Mar 19 (3) Mar 18 (3) Mar 17 (3) Mar 16 (4) Mar 15 (3) Mar 14 (3) Mar 13 (3) Mar 12 (4) Mar 11 (3) Mar 10 (4) Mar 09 (4) Mar 08 (3) Mar 07 (3) Mar 06 (4) Mar 05 (4) Mar 04 (3) Mar 03 (3) Mar 02 (3) Mar 01 (3) Feb 28 (3) Feb 27 (3) Feb 26 (3) Feb 25 (3) Feb 24 (2) Feb 23 (3) Feb 22 (3) Feb 21 (3) Feb 20 (3) Feb 19 (3) Feb 18 (3) Feb 17 (3) Feb 16 (3) Feb 15 (3) Feb 14 (3) Feb 13 (3) Feb 12 (3) Feb 11 (4) Feb 10 (3) Feb 09 (3) Feb 08 (3) Feb 07 (4) Feb 06 (3) Feb 05 (3) Feb 04 (4) Feb 03 (4) Feb 02 (4) Feb 01 (4) Jan 31 (3) Jan 30 (3) Jan 29 (3) Jan 28 (5) Jan 27 (4) Jan 26 (5) Jan 25 (5) Jan 24 (5) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (3) Jan 21 (4) Jan 20 (3) Jan 19 (5) Jan 18 (5) Jan 17 (4) Jan 16 (3) Jan 15 (4) Jan 14 (3) Jan 13 (5) Jan 12 (5) Jan 11 (4) Jan 10 (4) Jan 09 (3) Jan 08 (3) Jan 07 (3) Jan 06 (3) Jan 05 (3) Jan 04 (4) Jan 03 (3) Jan 02 (3) Jan 01 (4) Dec 31 (3) Dec 30 (3) Dec 29 (3) Dec 28 (3) Dec 27 (3) Dec 26 (3) Dec 25 (3) Dec 24 (3) Dec 23 (4) Dec 22 (3) Dec 21 (3) Dec 20 (3) Dec 19 (3) Dec 18 (3) Dec 17 (3) Dec 16 (4) Dec 15 (3) Dec 14 (3) Dec 13 (3) Dec 12 (3) Dec 11 (4) Dec 10 (3) Dec 09 (3) Dec 08 (3) Dec 07 (3) Dec 06 (4) Dec 05 (3) Dec 04 (3) Dec 03 (3) Dec 02 (3) Dec 01 (3) Nov 30 (3) Nov 29 (3) Nov 28 (3) Nov 27 (3) Nov 26 (3) Nov 25 (3) Nov 24 (4) Nov 23 (6) Nov 22 (4) Nov 21 (5) Nov 20 (4) Nov 19 (4) Nov 18 (4) Nov 17 (4) Nov 16 (3) Nov 15 (2) Nov 14 (3) Nov 13 (3) Nov 12 (2) Nov 11 (3) Nov 10 (2) Nov 09 (4) Nov 08 (5) Nov 07 (3) Nov 06 (2) Nov 05 (2) Nov 04 (3) Nov 03 (2) Nov 02 (4) Nov 01 (4) Oct 31 (2) Oct 30 (6) Oct 29 (5) Oct 28 (3) Oct 27 (5) Oct 26 (3) Oct 25 (4) Oct 24 (3) Oct 23 (4) Oct 22 (3) Oct 21 (5) Oct 20 (4) Oct 19 (4) Oct 18 (4) Oct 17 (3) Oct 16 (2) Oct 15 (3) Oct 14 (3) Oct 13 (2) Oct 12 (2) Oct 11 (2) Oct 10 (3) Oct 09 (4) Oct 08 (2) Oct 07 (2) Oct 06 (2) Oct 05 (3) Oct 04 (2) Oct 03 (4) Oct 02 (3) Oct 01 (3) Sep 30 (3) Sep 29 (4) Sep 28 (3) Sep 27 (2) Sep 26 (2) Sep 25 (2) Sep 24 (1) Sep 23 (1) Sep 22 (2) Sep 21 (2) Sep 20 (1) Sep 19 (1) Sep 18 (1) Sep 17 (2) Sep 16 (1) Sep 15 (2) Sep 14 (2) Sep 13 (1) Sep 12 (1) Sep 11 (2) Sep 10 (2) Sep 09 (1) Sep 08 (1) Sep 07 (2) Sep 06 (1) Sep 05 (1) Sep 04 (2) Sep 03 (1) Sep 02 (1) Sep 01 (1) Aug 31 (2) Aug 30 (1) Aug 29 (1) Aug 28 (1) Aug 27 (1) Aug 26 (1) Aug 25 (1) Aug 24 (1) Aug 23 (2) Aug 22 (1) Aug 21 (1) Aug 20 (2) Aug 19 (1) Aug 18 (1) Aug 17 (2) Aug 16 (2) Aug 15 (1) Aug 14 (1) Aug 12 (1) Aug 09 (1) Aug 08 (1) Aug 07 (1) Aug 05 (1) Aug 04 (1) Jul 31 (1) Jul 30 (3) Jul 29 (5) Jul 28 (2) Jul 27 (3) Jul 26 (3) Jul 25 (3) Jul 24 (3) Jul 23 (3) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (4) Jul 20 (4) Jul 19 (3) Jul 18 (4) Jul 17 (6) Jul 16 (5) Jul 15 (3) Jul 14 (4) Jul 13 (4) Jul 12 (4) Jul 11 (3) Jul 10 (4) Jul 09 (3) Jul 08 (4) Jul 07 (3) Jul 06 (5) Jul 05 (4) Jul 04 (4) Jul 03 (4) Jul 02 (5) Jul 01 (3) Jun 30 (4) Jun 29 (6) Jun 28 (4) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (4) Jun 25 (4) Jun 24 (4) Jun 23 (4) Jun 22 (6) Jun 21 (3) Jun 20 (3) Jun 19 (6) Jun 18 (5) Jun 17 (5) Jun 16 (5) Jun 15 (4) Jun 14 (4) Jun 13 (5) Jun 12 (4) Jun 11 (3) Jun 10 (4) Jun 09 (3) Jun 08 (3) Jun 07 (4) Jun 06 (3) Jun 05 (4) Jun 04 (5) Jun 03 (5) Jun 02 (4) Jun 01 (5) May 31 (4) May 30 (4) May 29 (4) May 28 (5) May 27 (5) May 26 (5) May 25 (4) May 24 (5) May 23 (4) May 22 (4) May 21 (3) May 20 (6) May 19 (4) May 18 (4) May 17 (4) May 16 (5) May 15 (3) May 14 (3) May 13 (4) May 12 (3) May 11 (3) May 10 (3) May 09 (3) May 08 (3) May 07 (3) May 06 (3) May 05 (3) May 04 (3) May 03 (3) May 02 (3) May 01 (4) Apr 30 (4) Apr 29 (6) Apr 28 (3) Apr 27 (3) Apr 26 (3) Apr 25 (4) Apr 24 (4) Apr 23 (3) Apr 22 (3) Apr 21 (4) Apr 20 (3) Apr 19 (3) Apr 18 (3) Apr 17 (6) Apr 16 (3) Apr 15 (4) Apr 14 (3) Apr 13 (6) Apr 12 (4) Apr 11 (4) Apr 10 (5) Apr 09 (7) Apr 08 (3) Apr 07 (4) Apr 06 (4) Apr 05 (4) Apr 04 (6) Apr 03 (4) Apr 02 (4) Apr 01 (3) Mar 31 (4) Mar 30 (5) Mar 29 (5) Mar 28 (6) Mar 27 (5) Mar 26 (5) Mar 25 (3) Mar 24 (4) Mar 23 (3) Mar 22 (3) Mar 21 (5) Mar 20 (3) Mar 19 (5) Mar 18 (4) Mar 17 (5) Mar 16 (5) Mar 15 (3) Mar 14 (6) Mar 13 (4) Mar 12 (4) Mar 11 (5) Mar 10 (4) Mar 09 (7) Mar 08 (5) Mar 07 (5) Mar 06 (6) Mar 05 (4) Mar 04 (4) Mar 03 (4) Mar 02 (6) Mar 01 (4) Feb 28 (4) Feb 27 (4) Feb 26 (5) Feb 25 (4) Feb 24 (5) Feb 23 (5) Feb 22 (6) Feb 21 (6) Feb 20 (3) Feb 19 (6) Feb 18 (7) Feb 17 (4) Feb 16 (5) Feb 15 (7) Feb 14 (5) Feb 13 (5) Feb 12 (6) Feb 11 (8) Feb 10 (4) Feb 09 (6) Feb 08 (4) Feb 07 (3) Feb 06 (6) Feb 05 (3) Feb 04 (6) Feb 03 (4) Feb 02 (3) Feb 01 (4) Jan 31 (5) Jan 30 (4) Jan 29 (6) Jan 28 (3) Jan 27 (6) Jan 26 (6) Jan 25 (4) Jan 24 (5) Jan 23 (5) Jan 22 (5) Jan 21 (5) Jan 20 (5) Jan 19 (5) Jan 18 (4) Jan 17 (6) Jan 16 (4) Jan 15 (3) Jan 14 (5) Jan 13 (3) Jan 12 (4) Jan 11 (5) Jan 10 (3) Jan 09 (6) Jan 08 (5) Jan 07 (4) Jan 06 (5) Jan 05 (6) Jan 04 (4) Jan 03 (3) Jan 02 (2) Jan 01 (4) Dec 31 (3) Dec 30 (3) Dec 29 (5) Dec 28 (3) Dec 27 (3) Dec 26 (4) Dec 25 (4) Dec 24 (3) Dec 23 (4) Dec 22 (5) Dec 21 (3) Dec 20 (4) Dec 19 (4) Dec 18 (7) Dec 17 (5) Dec 16 (5) Dec 15 (5) Dec 14 (5) Dec 13 (3) Dec 12 (3) Dec 11 (6) Dec 10 (4) Dec 09 (3) Dec 08 (5) Dec 07 (4) Dec 06 (3) Dec 05 (4) Dec 04 (5) Dec 03 (5) Dec 02 (3) Dec 01 (6) Nov 30 (5) Nov 29 (3) Nov 28 (4) Nov 27 (4) Nov 26 (3) Nov 25 (5) Nov 24 (3) Nov 23 (4) Nov 22 (4) Nov 21 (4) Nov 20 (5) Nov 19 (5) Nov 18 (4) Nov 17 (5) Nov 16 (3) Nov 15 (4) Nov 14 (4) Nov 13 (4) Nov 12 (4) Nov 11 (3) Nov 10 (4) Nov 09 (4) Nov 08 (3) Nov 07 (5) Nov 06 (4) Nov 05 (4) Nov 04 (5) Nov 03 (4) Nov 02 (3) Nov 01 (4) Oct 31 (3) Oct 30 (5) Oct 29 (4) Oct 28 (5) Oct 27 (5) Oct 26 (4) Oct 25 (3) Oct 24 (3) Oct 23 (5) Oct 22 (3) Oct 21 (4) Oct 20 (2) Oct 19 (4) Oct 18 (2) Oct 17 (3) Oct 16 (4) Oct 15 (5) Oct 14 (4) Oct 13 (3) Oct 12 (4) Oct 11 (4) Oct 10 (2) Oct 09 (5) Oct 08 (3) Oct 07 (3) Oct 06 (3) Oct 05 (5) Oct 04 (3) Oct 03 (6) Oct 02 (4) Oct 01 (3) Sep 30 (5) Sep 29 (3) Sep 28 (6) Sep 27 (4) Sep 26 (4) Sep 25 (5) Sep 24 (3) Sep 23 (3) Sep 22 (4) Sep 21 (4) Sep 20 (2) Sep 19 (4) Sep 18 (4) Sep 17 (4) Sep 16 (4) Sep 15 (5) Sep 14 (5) Sep 13 (4) Sep 12 (4) Sep 11 (5) Sep 10 (3) Sep 09 (3) Sep 08 (3) Sep 07 (3) Sep 06 (3) Sep 05 (6) Sep 04 (5) Sep 03 (4) Sep 02 (4) Sep 01 (4) Aug 31 (4) Aug 30 (4) Aug 29 (2) Aug 28 (3) Aug 27 (2) Aug 26 (3) Aug 25 (3) Aug 24 (4) Aug 23 (4) Aug 22 (2) Aug 21 (5) Aug 20 (3) Aug 19 (4) Aug 18 (4) Aug 17 (3) Aug 16 (2) Aug 15 (3) Aug 14 (3) Aug 13 (4) Aug 12 (3) Aug 11 (4) Aug 10 (3) Aug 09 (3) Aug 08 (3) Aug 07 (6) Aug 06 (3) Aug 05 (4) Aug 04 (5) Aug 03 (4) Aug 02 (3) Aug 01 (3) Jul 31 (3) Jul 30 (4) Jul 29 (3) Jul 28 (4) Jul 27 (4) Jul 26 (3) Jul 25 (3) Jul 24 (4) Jul 23 (3) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (2) Jul 20 (3) Jul 19 (4) Jul 18 (3) Jul 17 (4) Jul 16 (3) Jul 15 (5) Jul 14 (3) Jul 13 (4) Jul 12 (5) Jul 11 (4) Jul 10 (4) Jul 09 (8) Jul 08 (6) Jul 07 (4) Jul 06 (3) Jul 05 (3) Jul 04 (4) Jul 03 (3) Jul 02 (4) Jul 01 (5) Jun 30 (3) Jun 29 (4) Jun 28 (3) Jun 27 (3) Jun 26 (4) Jun 25 (3) Jun 24 (3) Jun 23 (3) Jun 22 (2) Jun 21 (1) Jun 20 (2) Jun 19 (2) Jun 18 (4) Jun 17 (4) Jun 16 (3) Jun 15 (7) Jun 14 (3) Jun 13 (3) Jun 12 (5) Jun 11 (4) Jun 10 (3) Jun 09 (4) Jun 08 (3) Jun 07 (5) Jun 06 (3) Jun 05 (4) Jun 04 (4) Jun 03 (4) Jun 02 (3) Jun 01 (4) May 31 (3) May 30 (3) May 29 (3) May 28 (3) May 27 (3) May 26 (3) May 25 (4) May 24 (2) May 23 (4) May 22 (3) May 21 (2) May 20 (3) May 19 (2) May 18 (4) May 17 (4) May 16 (3) May 15 (2) May 14 (6) May 13 (4) May 12 (2) May 11 (3) May 10 (2) May 09 (3) May 08 (4) May 07 (4) May 06 (3) May 05 (3) May 04 (4) May 03 (3) May 02 (4) May 01 (3) Apr 30 (2) Apr 29 (5) Apr 28 (2) Apr 27 (2) Apr 26 (3) Apr 25 (3) Apr 24 (4) Apr 23 (4) Apr 22 (2) Apr 21 (3) Apr 20 (2) Apr 19 (3) Apr 18 (5) Apr 17 (4) Apr 16 (3) Apr 15 (2) Apr 14 (4) Apr 13 (5) Apr 12 (3) Apr 11 (3) Apr 10 (5) Apr 09 (4) Apr 08 (4) Apr 07 (3) Apr 06 (4) Apr 05 (4) Apr 04 (4) Apr 03 (4) Apr 02 (5) Apr 01 (6) Mar 31 (2) Mar 30 (5) Mar 29 (4) Mar 28 (4) Mar 27 (3) Mar 26 (4) Mar 25 (3) Mar 24 (5) Mar 23 (3) Mar 22 (4) Mar 21 (3) Mar 20 (3) Mar 19 (5) Mar 18 (3) Mar 17 (5) Mar 16 (2) Mar 15 (4) Mar 14 (4) Mar 13 (2) Mar 12 (4) Mar 11 (5) Mar 10 (3) Mar 09 (4) Mar 08 (4) Mar 07 (4) Mar 06 (5) Mar 05 (4) Mar 04 (4) Mar 03 (3) Mar 02 (4) Mar 01 (5) Feb 28 (4) Feb 27 (5) Feb 26 (6) Feb 25 (4) Feb 24 (5) Feb 23 (5) Feb 22 (4) Feb 21 (6) Feb 20 (6) Feb 19 (4) Feb 18 (4) Feb 17 (2) Feb 16 (4) Feb 15 (3) Feb 14 (4) Feb 13 (5) Feb 12 (4) Feb 11 (3) Feb 10 (4) Feb 09 (4) Feb 08 (3) Feb 07 (2) Feb 06 (3) Feb 05 (3) Feb 04 (4) Feb 03 (3) Feb 02 (3) Feb 01 (3) Jan 31 (3) Jan 30 (4) Jan 29 (3) Jan 28 (5) Jan 27 (3) Jan 26 (5) Jan 25 (3) Jan 24 (4) Jan 23 (2) Jan 22 (3) Jan 21 (4) Jan 20 (3) Jan 19 (4) Jan 18 (3) Jan 17 (3) Jan 16 (2) Jan 15 (2) Jan 14 (3) Jan 13 (2) Jan 12 (3) Jan 11 (3) Jan 10 (2) Jan 09 (4) Jan 08 (2) Jan 07 (2) Jan 06 (2) Jan 05 (3) Jan 04 (3) Jan 03 (3) Jan 02 (3) Jan 01 (1) Dec 31 (2) Dec 30 (2) Dec 29 (2) Dec 28 (2) Dec 27 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European benchmarks slid again Thursday as the collective risk appetite of investors dissipated from the market amid ongoing tensions over the belligerent rhetoric emerging from both North Korea and the White House.

London was disproportionately impacted by the sell-off Thursday thanks to a long line of ex-dividend dates hitting. The FTSE 100 was down 1.50%, to 7,382, an hour out from the close.

In Frankfurt, the DAX index was 1.12% lower at 12,015 and, in Paris, the CAC 40 dropped 0.81% to 5,096. South European stocks were also down notably, with the IBEX in Madrid having fallen by 1.51% while the FTSE MIB in Milan dropped 0.81%.

Big Ex-dividend stocks in London were telecoms monopoly BT Group (BT) , drinks company Diageo (DEO) - Get Free Report , Rio Tinto (RIO) - Get Free Report , Glencore (GLNCF) and banks Lloyds (LYG) - Get Free Report and Barclays (BCS) - Get Free Report . All were down between 2.5% and 4.7% during late noon trading.

In Frankfurt, consumer goods firm Henkel (HENOY) posted its weakest organic sales growth for eight years Thursday, missing the consensus forecast by around 3%. The disappointing second quarter update prompted the shares to slump more than 3% and lead management to pledge a broad range of actions in order to right the decline.

Reinsurance firm, Munich Re, extended its Wednesday decline as investors continued to respond to its latest quarterly report, delivered on Wednesday. Despite telling investors it would meet market expectations for the full year, the shares sold off after the board warned that the political situation in the U.S. could have an adverse effect on its business and that it is too early to think about guidance for the full year.

In Paris, BNP Paribas (BNPQY) and Schneider Electric (SBGSF) , were both found at the bottom of the CAC alongside Danone (DANOY) and Axa Group (AXAHY) .

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The day that General Electric Co. GE announced John Flannery would be its next CEO, he promised investors that the digital manufacturer's best days still lay ahead.

This week, the 55-year-old who succeeded Jeffrey Immelt in the top job on Aug. 1, put his own money behind that optimism, buying another $2.66 million of GE's stock that increased his stake to $15.6 million, according to a regulatory filing. Immelt, 61, owned shares worth $66 million as of mid-May.

"I'm excited about our future," the new CEO told employees in a memo obtained by TheStreet that highlighted the company's capabilities in products from jet engines to power plants and medical equipment. "The purpose of GE -- to move, build, power, cure the world -- is clear and meaningful, and people inside and outside the company understand it. "

Flannery is taking over at a turning point for the company founded as a light-bulb maker by Thomas Edison. His predecessor, whose tenure included challenges from the 9/11 attacks to the 2008 financial crisis, streamlined GE to focus on its industrial roots but struggled to drive up the stock price and, recently, to deliver the profits investors demanded.

While GE is the world's 14th-largest company, according to Forbes magazine, its shares have dropped 19% over the past 12 months to $25.27 as oil-equipment sales were curbed by lower crude prices and a protracted government debate over possible cuts to former President Barack Obama's signature insurance program slowed purchases of health-care equipment.

During the month between the announcement of his promotion and moving into the post, Flannery met with 100 investors who outlined their expectations of better cash usage, higher margins and cost reduction, he wrote in the memo.

Investors grasp "how massive the portfolio transformation has been since 2001" -- including exiting broadcast television, appliances and most of lending -- but want an intense focus on running the company well and more accountability, Flannery wrote. "I heard them loud and clear."

Indeed, Immelt was already grappling before he announced his retirement with pressure from activist investor Nelson Peltz's Trian Partners to boost earnings to as much as $2.33 a share in 2018. That was an even more ambitious target than the company's earlier $2 goal, which Immelt had warned might be tough to reach.

Still, "we increasingly sense GE has passed through the eye of the shareholder-disappoint hurricane that it has been caught in since July 2016," when the Boston-based conglomerated reported the first of a series of weaker-than-expected operating-cash numbers, Nick Heymann, an analyst with William Blair, said in a note to clients in late July.

Flannery has said he will outline a strategy for addressing such concerns in November and has assured investors in the meantime that the company's dividend won't be cut.

If the new CEO is able to restore shareholder confidence that the company "can increase its sustainable cash from operating activities by 50% or more by late this decade, we believe confidence in GE's ability to grow its annual dividend will significantly return," Heymann wrote.

GE is a holding in Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells GE? Learn more now

GE reported profit of $1.49 a share last year from industrial businesses and lending operations that it plans to keep, and is working to deliver as much as $1.70 this year.

Earnings may, however, be as low as $1.55, the estimate from Jeff Sprague of Vertical Research, who noted that resetting this year's target would lower the baseline from which Flannery has to build next year.

As for cash from manufacturing, GE has its work cut out for it.

Despite improving by $3.1 billion in the three months through June, the manufacturer remained $200 million in the red on that measure for the first half of 2017.

While Immelt assured investors cash flow would recover in the months through December, executives warned that cash from manufacturing would come in "at the lower end" of GE's original forecast of $12 billion to $14 billion.

Updated from 3:08 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017

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Editors' pick: Originally published August 10.
As Facebook Inc. (FB) - Get Free Report has launched one Snapchat service clone after another, a lot of the negative press surrounding Snap Inc. (SNAP) - Get Free Report has revolved around the impact of Facebook's clones -- Instagram Stories especially -- on Snapchat's user growth. Arguably not getting enough attention along the way: The impact of Facebook's dominant position in social media advertising is weighing on Snap's revenue growth the same way it has already weighed on Twitter Inc.'s.

Snap's Q2 numbers and somewhat cautious Q3 commentary show that Facebook's continued ad dominance is making the aggressive sales forecasts of many analysts look questionable. Especially with user growth proving a little underwhelming amid Facebook's onslaught.

Snap reported Q2 revenue of $181.7 million (up 153% annually) and adjusted EPS of negative $0.16, missing consensus analyst estimates of $186.2 million and negative $0.15. On a GAAP basis, EPS was negative $0.36, missing a negative $0.30 consensus.

The closely watched daily active user (DAU) count rose by 7 million sequentially and 30 million annually to 173 million, falling slightly short of a 174.6 million consensus. For comparison, two of Facebook's Snapchat Stories clones, Instagram Stories and WhatsApp Status, have now topped 250 million DAUs.

Shares fell 16.7% in after-hours trading to $11.47, and have made new post-IPO lows.

In addition to the Q2 sales miss, Snap's attempts to temper expectations for Q3 (a seasonally stronger ad quarter) aren't going over well. While discussing Q3 on the earnings call, CFO Drew Vollero made a point of noting that sales rose by $39 million sequentially in Q3 last year, rather than the reported $57 million, if one backs out the impact of the Summer Olympics and election-related spending. That's heightening fears that a pre-earnings Q3 revenue consensus of $271.6 million -- it implies sequential growth of $90 million, or 49% -- was too optimistic.

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Here, it's worth keeping in mind that Snap's per-user monetization remains well below Facebook's, even though a larger percentage of its user base resides in developed markets. The company had a global average revenue per DAU of $1.05 in Q2, whereas Facebook recorded global average revenue per MAU of $4.73.

In the lucrative North American market, the numbers were $1.97 for Snap and $19.38 for Facebook. For a lot of big-name advertisers, Facebook, with its unmatched scale and targeting abilities, clearly remains in a league of its own when it comes to social ad spending.

Also getting some analyst scrutiny: Snap's revenue-share expenses, which stem from the ad revenue cuts media partners get for content shared on Snap's Discover platform (a part of Snapchat Stories), was flat sequentially at $23 million in spite of a 21% sequential increase in revenue to $181.6 million. While a drop in revenue-share payments as a percentage of ad sales -- driven by a greater mix of ad sales related to user-generated content -- is a good thing, slowing momentum for Discover ad sales is another matter. All the moreso if it's happening as many Discover publishers embrace Instagram Stories, and Instagram begins running ads against Stories content.

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CEO Evan Spiegel and other execs tried to calm fears about Facebook's impact on Snapchat activity by sharing some healthy usage data. Both Stories views and the number of recorded photo/video "Snaps" grew in Q2, with views of publisher-shared Stories -- lifted by the recent arrival of short-form original shows in the Discover section -- rising 30% sequentially. And a week after Instagram disclosed it is averaging 32 minutes of daily usage among users under the age of 25, and 24 minutes among everyone else, Spiegel said Snapchat is averaging over 40 minutes per day among users under 25, and 20 minutes per day among those over 25. Three months ago, he mentioned Snapchat is averaging over 30 minutes per day among DAUs in general.

Also worth pointing out is the silver lining to Snapchat's DAU print. DAU growth in North America, which accounted for 81% of Q2 revenue, improved to 4 million from 3 million in Q1. Strategy chief Imran Khan claimed that a Snapchat advertiser could now reach 75% of Americans aged 13-to-34 through a multiweek campaign if it wanted to.

On the other hand, only 4 million DAUs were added in markets outside of North America, the same as Q1. Moreover, between Instagram and WhatsApp's huge international growth and a couple of issues brought up on the call, there are reasons to think Snapchat's international user growth will remain limited.

Why Facebook's New Video Platform Is No YouTube Killing Machine

Spiegel mentioned that while Snap has made large improvements to its Android user experience in recent quarters -- the company previously said it weighed on late-2016 user growth -- further performance improvements will require "larger structural changes to our service." He estimated that such efforts won't yield "meaningful results" until Q2 2018.

The Snap CEO also candidly admitted that Snapchat isn't trying hard to grow its base in foreign markets that remain tough to monetize, given the infrastructure costs related to supporting more users. "[W]e'd have to add more than 10 million daily active users in the rest of world for every 1 million daily active users in the U.S. and Canada in order to make the same amount of money," he said. "We're willing to take this wait-and-see approach in markets like the rest of the world that don't make financial sense for our business at this point, but may make sense in the future."

Considering that Snapchat had Q2 free cash flow of negative $228.9 million -- the biggest culprits were a 179% increase in adjusted operating expenses to $229 million, and a 34% increase in cloud infrastructure expenses to $106 million -- there's a logic to that mindset. But it's hard to forget that Facebook, which raked in $11.6 billion in free cash flow last year, doesn't have to worry about such financial issues.

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Mark Zuckerberg's company can easily afford to support hundreds of millions of DAUs for its various Snapchat clones without needing to concern itself in the near-term about how it's going to monetize them. All the moreso since Facebook's per-user infrastructure costs are almost certainly lower than Snap's, given that Facebook relies on its own cloud data centers and Snap on Alphabet Inc./Google's (GOOGL) - Get Free Report and Amazon.com Inc.'s (AMZN) - Get Free Report .

By the time that Snap feels financially comfortable going after those low-ARPU emerging markets users (assuming that day arrives), many of those users will already be hooked on Instagram Stories, WhatsApp Status and possibly other clones. Consider this one more big competitive advantage that Facebook's size and resources give the company as it continues a relentless push to steal Snap's thunder.

TheStreet's Eric Jhonsa previously covered Snap's earnings report and conference call through a live blog.

Jim Cramer and the AAP team hold positions in Facebook and Alphabet for their Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells FB or GOOGL? Learn more now.


China's cyberspace watchdog has ordered a crackdown on what it calls "hazards to national security" on social media websites in an effort to tighten controls on the spread of news ahead of the country's Communist Party Congress later this year.

The move, which was unveiled Friday by the Cyberspace Administration of China, sent shares in some of the country's biggest tech companies sharply lower as investors fretted about the potential for harsh penalties against firms such as Baidu Inc. (BIDU) - Get Free Report , Tencent Holdings Group (TCEHY) and Weibo Corp. (WB) - Get Free Report

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"Users are spreading violence, terror, false rumours, pornography and other hazards to national security, public safety, social order," the Administration said on its website in what is widely perceived as a shot across the bow of WeChat, China's most-popular messaging app, and its 940 million monthly active users.

Tencent Holdings shares were marked 3.55% in Hong Kong Friday and changing hands at a one-week low of HK$315 each by the close of trading. Weibo Corp's ADRs closed at $82.20 in New York Thursday but were marked 0.85% lower in after hours trading while Baidu Inc's ADRs closed at $222.57 each.

China adopted a series of new cyber security laws earlier this year, most of much took effect in June, that gives the government sweeping powers of the country's nearly 750 million daily internet users.

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Global oil prices extended declines Friday after the International Energy Agency boosted its demand forecast but noted that some OPEC members are "weakening resolve" in maintaining production cuts.

In its regular Monthly Oil Market Report, The Paris-based IEA said global oil demand should rise by 1.5 million barrels a day, up from the 1.4 million increase it forecast last month, and that increased consumption should help "re-balance" markets around the world, noting that "producers should find encouragement from demand, which is growing year-on-year more strongly than first thought"

However, the Paris-based group said there would be "more confidence that rebalancing is here to stay if some producers party to the output agreements were not, just as they are gaining the upper hand, showing signs of weakening their resolve."

West Texas Intermediate crude futures for September delivery slipped lower following the IEA report, extending declines to 1.1% to around $48.02 per barrel by 09:30 London time. Brent contracts for October, the global benchmark, were marked 1% lower at $51.35.

The IEA also trimmed its assumption of the amount of oil needed from OPEC to meeting its new global demand estimates by 400,000 barrels to around 32.6 million barrels per day.

OPEC representitives met in Abu Dhabi earlier this week in order to discuss ways in which member states could improve compliance with production cuts that were agreed last December and extended into March 2018 in the spring.

However, compliance rates are only running at around 75% among the member states, the IEA said, and non-members cooperating in the pact, which removes 1.8 million barrels of oil a day from the global market, are about 67% in compliance with the cartel.

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Chinese officials are stepping up efforts to censor the content being shared on social media sites, investigating top networks like Weibo Corp. (WB) - Get Free Report , Baidu Inc. (BIDU) - Get Free Report and Tencent Holding Group Inc.'s (TCEHY) WeChat, Reuters reported Friday.

President Xi Jinping has made cyber sovereignty a key plank of his administration's agenda.

"Users are spreading violence, terror, false rumors, pornography and other hazards to national security, public safety, social order," China's Cyberspace Administration said in a statement.

Western social networks like Facebook Inc. (FB) - Get Free Report and Twitter Inc. (TWTR) - Get Free Report are already banned in China.

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Russia is planning to expand its bitcoin-mining industry to rival China as the world's largest mining market, according to Bloomberg reports.

Bitcoin consultants warn that if Russia looks at regulating Bitcoin, this could potentially affect the price and widespread support for Bitcoin within the investing community. It is also important to note that Russia does not see Bitcoin as a currency but as a digital asset.

Another huge announcement involves Bitcoin company Russian Miner Coin (RMC), which is hoping to is raise $100 million in an initial coin offering (ICO) and in turn promising buyers a right to 18% of the company's mining revenue.

Michael Parsons, a bitcoin entrepreneur at the UK Digital Currency Association, explains the Russian authorities have been trying over the years to ban bitcoin. But this view softened over the last year or so, hence movements from RMC and others. That's, in part, a result of a shift in how Bitcoin is viewed.

"Earlier this year, Elvira Nabiullina, governor of the Russian Central Bank, explained that she views bitcoin as a digital asset rather than a virtual currency, and this is how Bitcoin should be thought about with regards to future regulation," Parsons said.

It is expected Russia will rival China -- but how exactly will Russian Bitcoin mining impact the space?

"By moving into Bitcoin mining, Russia would support the mining decentralization of Bitcoin, providing an additional significant Bitcoin mining participation to balance the mining by other large groups and mining pools especially the large bitcoin mining farms concentrated in China," Parsons said.

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"Then, by accumulating bitcoin through its own mining, Russia may also consider bitcoin to be recognized as a potential reserve digital currency," he added. "And, if Russia looked at regulating bitcoin, this could potentially affect the price and support for bitcoin."

Currencies have a geopolitical impact.

"As cryptocurrencies create a new asset class that does not depend on any government, it makes sense for governments to try to enter that space," said a Bitcoin expert who requested anonymity. "Currency and payment systems have a geopolitical impact. For instance, at end of 2014 Visa and Mastercard suspended operations in Crimea following U.S. sanctions."

The source explained that BCash can be seen as a Chinese version of Bitcoin, and RMC a Russian version of Bitcoin.

The Bank of England has also studied a national blockchain. Promoting local champions is also a good strategy to develop skills and competencies that may become critical in the future.

"Governments can also invest into large industry players through venture capital funds and influence the industry through regulation," the source added. "The European Union fourth AML directive defines new rules for crypto currency custodians."

In the beginning, RMC is expected to rely on Bitfury chips. Bitfury is a company that manufactures mining equipment and also operates its own mining operations, was founded by Valery Vavilov, a Russian-speaking native of Latvia.

"In the case of RMC, the partnership with Bitfury, a large and well established Bitcoin miner operating in 18 countries, is significant," the source said. "RMC will be able to get to market much faster by using BitFury data centers and technology, while developing its own homemade mining equipment. It is not clear why Bitfury is selling these profitable Bitcoin mining assets."

For those looking to keep track of Bitcoin's price trajectory, Russia will inevitably be an essential piece of the puzzle.

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Editors' pick: Originally published August 11.
House Democrats are making a formal request to House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) that he subpoena Deutsche Bank (DB) - Get Free Report for information on its ties to President Donald Trump and those close to him.

Committee Democrats continued their ongoing push to uncover information about the German bank's ties to Trump in a letter to Hensarling on Friday. The letter, signed by Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee, and four other Democrats implores the Texas representative to use his subpoena power to compel Deutsche Bank to provide information on its conduct in the Russian mirror trading scandal and its ties to Trump.

"...[W]e call on you to commence an investigation and to use your subpoena powers to obtain the documents that Deutsche Bank is currently withholding from the committee," the letter reads.

Pursuant to House and committee rules, Chairman Hensarling possesses unilateral authority to subpoena Deutsche Bank. He has issued 21 subpoenas for documents and testimony since April, the Democrats note.

Waters and Representatives Daniel Kildee (D-MI), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Al Green (D-TX) and Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) are seeking information on the bank's conduct in the Russian mirror trading scandal, through which it helped wealthy Russians move $10 billion out of the country from 2011 to 2014, and its relationship with Trump.

This marks the fifth letter they have sent requesting information on Trump and Deutsche Bank since March. They have sent two to Deutsche Bank directly, one to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and now two to Hernsarling. In July, they introduced a resolution of inquiry in an effort to push action in Congress.

"Getting to the bottom of these matters is not only consistent with our Committee's responsibility for overseeing the activities of the financial sector and ensuring compliance with anit-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing requirements, but is also critical to retaining the trust and confidence of Americans who rightfully question the threat to our democracy that wcould result from Russian financial and political interference," the Democrats wrote in the Friday letter.

Deutsche Bank spokeswoman Renee Calabro said in an email to TheStreet that the company "takes its legal obligations seriously and remains committed to cooperating with authorized investigations into this matter."

Hensarling spokeswoman Sarah Rozier hit back at the subpoena request in an emailed statement to TheStreet. "Ranking Member Waters called the rules change that granted the committee's chairman subpoena power 'anti-democratic,' 'disturbing,' 'ridiculous' and 'insulting.' And now she's calling on the chairman to use that same subpoena power for blatantly partisan purposes? On our committee there are some who are obsessed with Russia and impeachment, while Republicans are focused on America and a healthier economy for all. Let's remember that Ranking Member Waters started the impeachment caucus before President Trump was even inaugurated.," she said. "The House Intelligence Committee, the Senate Intelligence Committee, the FBI and the special counsel are all conducting investigations into the very serious matter of Russia interference in the last election, so our committee will not be spending time or resources duplicating the investigations already underway by those who have full subpoena power already."

The German bank is one of the few banks that still lends money to the president after his bankruptcies and financial woes. His financial disclosure, released by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics last month, shows liabilities for Trump of at least $130 million to Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, including at least $50 million for the Old Post Office that houses Trump's Washington, D.C. hotel.

It also made a $285 million loan to Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, ahead of Election Day.

"We have to get all the information we can find about [President Trump] and his business relationships," Waters recently told TheStreet. "It's extremely important, and I don't care where it comes from."

Deutsche Bank has declined to turn over information on the president and those close to him, citing U.S. privacy laws.

House Democrats have requested Hensarling confirm whether he plans to issue a subpoena by August 25.

--Updated with statements from Deutsche Bank and Hensarling representatives.
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Medical Services P.A., AHI Investment LLC, AbVitro LLC, Abraxis BioScience Australia Pty Ltd., Abraxis BioScience Inc., Abraxis BioScience International Holding Company Inc., Abraxis BioScience LLC, Abraxis BioScience Puerto Rico LLC, Acetylon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Adnexus, Adnexus a Bristol-Myers Squibb R&D Company, Allard Labs Acquisition G.P., Amira Pharmaceuticals, Amira Pharmaceuticals Inc., Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Apothecon LLC, B-MS Generx Unlimited Company, BMS Benelux Holdings B.V., BMS Bermuda Nominees L.L.C., BMS Data Acquisition Company LLC, BMS Forex Company, BMS Holdings Sarl, BMS Holdings Spain S.L., BMS International Insurance Designated Activity Company, BMS Investco SAS, BMS Korea Holdings L.L.C., BMS Latin American Nominees L.L.C., BMS Luxembourg Partners L.L.C., BMS Omega Bermuda Holdings Finance Ltd., BMS Pharmaceutical Korea Limited, BMS Pharmaceuticals Germany Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals International Holdings Netherlands B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Korea Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Mexico Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Netherlands Holdings B.V., BMS Real Estate LLC, BMS Spain Investments LLC, BMS Strategic Portfolio Investments Holdings Inc., Blisa Acquisition G.P., Bristol (Iran) S.A., Bristol Iran Private Company Limited, Bristol Laboratories Inc., Bristol Laboratories International S.A., Bristol Laboratories Medical Information Systems Inc., Bristol-Myers (Andes) L.L.C., Bristol-Myers (Private) Limited, Bristol-Myers Middle East S.A.L., Bristol-Myers Overseas Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Israel) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (NZ) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Proprietary) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Taiwan) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (West Indies) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb A.E., Bristol-Myers Squibb Aktiebolag, Bristol-Myers Squibb Argentina S. R. L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia Pty. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Axia Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb B.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Belgium S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Business Services Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada International Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Delta Company Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Denmark Filial of Bristol-Myers Squibb AB, Bristol-Myers Squibb EMEA Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Egypt LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Epsilon Holdings Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Ltda., Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Portuguesa S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb GesmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Co. KGaA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holding Germany GmbH & Co. KG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings 2002 Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Germany Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Ireland Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Pharma Ltd. Liability Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Ilaclari Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb India Pvt. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Company Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Investco L.L.C., Bristol-Myers Squibb K.K., Bristol-Myers Squibb Kft., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg International S.C.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb MEA GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Manufacturing Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Marketing Services S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Middle East & Africa FZ-LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Norway Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Nutricionales de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Peru S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (HK) Ltd, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (Thailand) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Holding Company LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Ventures Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Polska Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Products SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico/Sanofi Pharmaceutical Partnership Puerto Rico, Bristol-Myers Squibb Romania S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.A.U., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Holding Partnership, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Service Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Services Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Spol. s r.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Theta Finance Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Trustees Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Colombia S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Costa Rica Sociedad Anonima, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Guatemala S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb/Astrazeneca EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership, Bristol-Myers de Venezuela S.C.A., CHT I LLC, CHT II LLC, CHT III LLC, CHT IV LLC, CR Finance Company LLC, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals Inc., Celem LLC, Celem Ltd., Celgene, Celgene A.B., Celgene AS, Celgene Ab (Finland), Celgene Alpine Investment Co. II LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. III LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. LLC, Celgene ApS, Celgene B.V., Celgene BVBA, Celgene Brasil Produtos Farmaceuticos Ltda., Celgene CAR LLC, Celgene CAR Ltd., Celgene Chemicals Sarl, Celgene China Holdings LLC, Celgene Co., Celgene Corporation, Celgene Distribution B.V., Celgene EngMab GmbH, Celgene Europe B.V., Celgene Europe Limited, Celgene European Investment Company LLC, Celgene Financing Company LLC, Celgene Global Holdings Sarl, Celgene GmbH [Austria], Celgene GmbH [Germany], Celgene GmbH [Switzerland], Celgene Holdings East Corporation, Celgene Holdings II Sarl, Celgene Holdings III Sarl, Celgene Ilac Pazarlama ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Celgene Inc., Celgene International Holdings Corporation, Celgene International II Sarl, Celgene International III Sarl, Celgene International Inc., Celgene International Sarl, Celgene K.K., Celgene Kft., Celgene Limited [Hong Kong], Celgene Limited [Ireland], Celgene Limited [New Zealand], Celgene Limited [Taiwan], Celgene Limited [UK], Celgene Logistics Sarl, Celgene Ltd, Celgene Luxembourg Sarl, Celgene Management Sarl, Celgene NJ Investment Co, Celgene Netherlands B.V., Celgene Netherlands Investment B.V., Celgene Pharmaceutical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Celgene Pte. Ltd., Celgene Pty Ltd, Celgene Puerto Rico Distribution LLC, Celgene Quanticel Research Inc, Celgene R&D Sarl, Celgene RIVOT LLC, Celgene RIVOT Ltd., Celgene RIVOT SRL, Celgene Receptos Limited, Celgene Receptos Sarl, Celgene Research Incubator At Summit West LLC, Celgene Research S.L.U., Celgene Research and Development Company LLC, Celgene Research and Development I ULC, Celgene Research and Development II LLC, Celgene Research and Investment Company II LLC, Celgene S. de R.L. de C.V., Celgene S.L.U., Celgene S.R.L., Celgene SAS, Celgene Sarl AU, Celgene Sdn Bhd, Celgene Services Sarl, Celgene Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Celgene Sp. Z.o.o., Celgene Sro [Czech Republic], Celgene Summit Investment Co, Celgene Switzerland Holding Sarl, Celgene Switzerland II LLC, Celgene Switzerland Investment Sarl, Celgene Switzerland LLC, Celgene Switzerland Sarl, Celgene Tri A Holdings Ltd., Celgene Tri Sarl, Celgene UK Distribution Limited, Celgene UK Holdings Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing II Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing III Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing Limited, Celgene d.o.o., Celgene sro [Slovakia], Celmed LLC, Celmed Ltd., ConvaTec Divestiture, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals AB, Crosp Ltd., Delinia Inc., Deuteria Pharmaceuticals Inc., DuPont Pharmaceuticals, E. R. Squibb & Sons Inter-American Corporation, E. R. Squibb & Sons L.L.C., E. R. Squibb & Sons Limited, EWI Corporation, EngMab Sarl, F-star Alpha, FermaVir Pharmaceuticals L.L.C., FermaVir Research L.L.C., Flexus Biosciences, Flexus Biosciences Inc., Forbius, Galecto Biotech, GenPharm International L.L.C., Gloucester Pharmaceuticals LLC, Grove Insurance Company Ltd., Heyden Farmaceutica Portuguesa Limitada, IFM Therapeutics, Impact Biomedicines Inc., Inhibitex, Inhibitex L.L.C., Innate Tumor Immunity Inc., JuMP Holdings LLC, Juno Therapeutics GmbH, Juno Therapeutics Inc., Kosan Biosciences, Kosan Biosciences Incorporated, Linson Investments Limited, Mead Johnson (Manufacturing) Jamaica Limited, Mead Johnson Jamaica Ltd., Medarex, Morris Avenue Investment II LLC, Morris Avenue Investment LLC, MyoKardia, O.o.o. Bristol-Myers Squibb, Oy Bristol-Myers Squibb (Finland) AB, Padlock Therapeutics, Padlock Therapeutics Inc., Pharmion LLC, Princeton Pharmaceutical Products Inc., Receptos LLC, Receptos Services LLC, RedoxTherapies Inc., Route 22 Real Estate Holding Corporation, SPV A Holdings ULC, Seamair Insurance DAC, Signal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Sino-American Shanghai Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Societe Francaise de Complements Alimentaires(S.O.F.C.A.), Squibb Middle East S.A., Summit West Celgene LLC, Swords Laboratories, VentiRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Westwood-Intrafin SA, Westwood-Squibb Pharmaceuticals Inc., X-Body Inc., ZymoGenetics, ZymoGenetics Inc., ZymoGenetics LLC, ZymoGenetics Paymaster LLC, iPierian, and iPierian Inc..

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The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. The Investor Services segment provides retail brokerage, investment advisory, banking and trust, retirement plan, and other corporate brokerage services; equity compensation plan sponsors full-service recordkeeping for stock plans, stock options, restricted stock, performance shares, and stock appreciation rights; and retail investor and mutual fund clearing services, as well as compliance solutions. The Advisor Services segment offers custodial, trading, banking, and support services; and retirement business and corporate brokerage retirement services. This segment provides brokerage accounts with equity and fixed income, margin lending, options, and futures and forex trading; cash management capabilities comprising third-party certificates of deposit; third-party and proprietary mutual funds; plus mutual fund trading and clearing services; and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), including proprietary and third-party ETFs. It also offers advice solutions, such as managed portfolios of proprietary and third-party mutual funds and ETFs, separately managed accounts, customized personal advice for tailored portfolios, and specialized planning and portfolio management. In addition, this segment provides banking products and services, including checking and savings accounts, first lien residential real estate mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, and pledged asset lines; and trust services comprising trust custody services, personal trust reporting services, and administrative trustee services. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had approximately 400 domestic branch offices in 48 states and the District of Columbia, as well as locations in Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The Charles Schwab Corporation was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Westlake, Texas.
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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Topaz Energy and Marine, a leading offshore support vessel (OSV) company, has won a new $100-million contract from Dragon Oil, the upstream oil and gas subsidiary of Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc).



Dragon Oil's principal asset is the Cheleken Contract Area in the eastern section of the Caspian Sea, offshore Turkmenistan, said a statement.



Under the terms of the contract, Topaz will supply Dragon Oil Turkmenistan with six vessels, comprising five anchor-handlers and one Emergency Recovery and Response Vessel.



The contract has already commenced with vessel mobilisation and operation ramp-up under way. The contract is scheduled for a five-year term with a two-year option and brings Topazs market leading revenue backlog above $1.5 billion, said the statement.



The contract award demonstrates Topazs ability to secure substantial, long-term contracts in a weak market by offering clients a young fleet equipped with the latest technology, aligning with its clients needs to deliver cost, efficiency and safety benefits, it said.



Topaz has been active in Turkmenistan since 2010 and is committed to the country and the wider Caspian region. Out of a global fleet of 97 vessels, 62 of Topazs OSVs are deployed in the Caspian region, servicing the exploration, development and production needs of major companies such as BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil and Saipem in Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, the company said.



Rene Kofod-Olsen, CEO, Topaz Energy and Marine, said: "This is a critical contract win for Topaz. It not only increases our revenue backlog above $1.5 billion  the highest in the industry  but it also demonstrates the trust that Dragon Oil has placed in our ability to deliver the technology and safety capabilities our clients increasingly require. Our solid funding also means that we are able to structure long-term commercial terms which offer predictability and value to our clients at very low counterparty risk. We look forward to supporting the development of Turkmenistans offshore hydrocarbon resources through the provision of Topazs safe, reliable and competitive offshore vessel services. - TradeArabia News Service
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- The United States of America has confirmed its friendship to Kenya by sending Kenyans a peace message as they wait for the announcement of official results

- The message was sent through the American Office of the Spokesman

- The US congratulated Kenyans on practicing safe polls and urged them to be patient and allow the IEBC ample time to conclude tallying

Uhuru's commanding lead is enough proof the Kenyan presidential race is over even as Raila disputes results

According to these parallel NASA results, Raila Odinga is the incoming 5th president of Kenya

20 Sitting governors who are set to lose their jobs as curtains close on historic election

The United States of America has sent Kenya a dear message as the country eagerly waits for the final announcement on the Presidential Election.

The US Department of State, through the Office of the Spokesman congratulated Kenyans on practicing safe polls and urged them to be patient and allow the IEBC ample time to conclude tallying.

The US also urged the IEBC to continue communicating openly with the Kenyan public throughout the whole process to avoid unnecessary tension.

US President Donald Trump boarding a plane. Photo: CNN

READ ALSO: We demand that Raila be declared president-elect -NASA issues earth-shaking demand

''We urge all parties and their supporters to peacefully and patiently await IEBC's announcement of the official results. The IEBC should be given an opportunity to complete its tallying.

We also encourage the IEBC to continue communicating openly with the Kenyan public, as we welcome the IEBC's commitment to fully investigate any allegations of fraud,with the engagement of all election stakeholders.'' the letter read in part.

READ ALSO: According to these parallel NASA results, Raila Odinga is the incoming 5th president of Kenya

The letter addressed to Kenyans from the US. Photo: US Department of State

READ ALSO: US John Kerry's personal message to Uhuru and Raila

''If candidates results,it is important they do so in accordance with the constitution and rule of law,and not through threats or acts of violence.''The letter, dated Thursday,August 10 2017 read.

The US's letter to Kenya came barely hours after the NASA ,led by Raila Odinga demanded the IEBC to declare them winners of the 2017 Presidential election.

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As reported by TUKO.co.ke earlier,the Opposition claimed Raila had won the Presidential election with 8 million votes while Uhuru had 7 million.

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Kenyans avoid the streets of Nairobi ahead of presidential election results announcement;

Source: TUKO.co.ke
- President Uhuru Kenyatta's point man in Western Kenya was beaten in the Bungoma gubernatorial race

- He was beaten by Ford Kenya's Wycliffe Wangamati

- Below is his concession speech as he pledges to work with Wangamati to take the county to greater heights

- 20 Sitting governors who are set to lose their jobs as curtains close on historic election

- Uhuru's commanding lead is enough proof the Kenyan presidential race is over even as Raila disputes results

- According to these parallel NASA results, Raila Odinga is the incoming 5th president of Kenya

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has issued his concession speech after being floored in the Tuesday, August 8, election.

Lusaka was beaten by Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati who garnered 197,422 votes- that is 48% of the county votes while Lusaka garnered 175,929 votes.

Lusaka, a former New Ford Kenya member who defected to the Jubilee Party ahead of the election, thanked residents for the four years he got to serve them.

READ ALSO: Fellow Canaanites, here are 7 reasons why we must accept Raila lost and move on

Governor Ken Lusaka (c) with DP Ruto during his visit to Bungoma county. Photo: PSCU.

READ ALSO: Kisumu residents pour to the street 'celebrating' a Raila presidency(photos,video)

Following last evening's announcement of the election results by the IEBC, I want to thank the people of Bungoma for exercising their democratic right, and peacefully.

I am thankful for the opportunity they gave me to serve as their first Governor. Thank you Bungoma for walking, working and supporting my administration over the past four years. My sincere thanks go to the hardworking staff and colleagues in the county government. I wish you all diligence and success as you continue to serve our people,

READ ALSO: Huge loss for K24's Mwanaisha Chidzuga as hubby and mother both lose terribly in elections

Bungoma county governor elect Wycliffe Wangamati. Photo: Twitter, Wycliffe Wangamati.

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We have conquered many challenges expected of a pioneer government but others still remain outstanding in the long journey to realise the socio-economic prosperity of our people,

Ladies and Gentlemen, every election is an occasion for reflection and renewal. It produces winners and losers. This election has not been perfect. But in order for us to move forward, I will respect the results declared by the IEBC as reflecting the will of the people of Bungoma. First I want to thank the people of Bungoma for their overwhelming support to The Jubilee Party by giving The President a 30% vote aggregate and 4 Members of Parliament. #Tuko Pamoja#,

READ ALSO: The day late Otieno Kajwang correctly predicted Ababu Namwamba would lose terribly (video)

The former New Ford Kenya member was beaten by Wamangati, a Ford Kenya member. Photo: Standard.

READ ALSO: Meet the 'independent' lady who will be William Ruto's MP for the next five years

Secondly, I want to congratulate my brother Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati for the victory and wish him success as he prepares to take over the mantle and steer our county as our second governor. I assure him of my support and guidance as he steers Bungoma to greater heights. Leadership is God-given and we exercise it with humility. I look forward to serving this county and our country in any other capacity just as I have done before,

God bless Bungoma. God bless Kenya. Thank you, said Lusaka.

Have something to add to this article? Send to news@tuko.co.ke

Source: TUKO.co.ke
-The country is literally at a standstill as the electoral body finalises tallying of presidential results

- The race is down to the two main competitors- Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta with Uhuru highly likely to win

- Raila Odinga has since discredited the entire tallying process and most likely to reject in case Uhuru is declared the winner

- Preparations are already in top gear at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi for the announcement of the president elect

- Presidential candidate needs to garner at least 50+1% of the total votes cast with at least 25% in at least 24 out 47 counties to be president of the republic

NOTE: Only IEBC is mandated to declare final results, we shall only be displaying aggregated results from across the country.

10:11PM: Uhuru Kenyatta declared winner of the 2017 presidential election by garnering 8, 203,290 (54.27%)votes to Raila's 6, 762, 224(44.74%) votes.

9:05PM: The most searched name today is Ezra Chiloba. Sorry, he is taken and happily married ~ Dr Akombe.

9:00 PM: Final results to be signed before IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati announces them and Kenya will know their next president.

8:55PM: We thank our families for the support they have given us over the last several months ~ Chebukati.

8:52PM: Let us never forget that the government is ourselves- Chebukati

8:51PM: Kenya has joined the ranks of mature democracies that can conduct and deliver credible elections- Chebukati

8:45PM: Moment of silence for two IEBC officials who passed away during the course of this election- Chebukati

7:41 PM: We have walked out of the Bomas of Kenya event in protest -NASA leaders

7:40 PM: Going to court is not an alternative for us. Nobody should think this is the end of the matter -Orengo

7:38 PM: John Kerry and Thabo Mbeki should have been vetted by their Unions before being sent to Kenya. They rushed to judgement -Siaya Senator-elect James Orengo

7:32 PM: We shall not be party to what IEBC is about to do because it was public relations when they called for meetings with us. They are not keen on taking us seriously -Mudavadi

7:31: PM: The IEBC has said it will respond to us after the event and as a commission, they have made up their mind to announce the result -Mudavadi

7:30 PM: IEBC will make the announcement despite our objections -Mudavadi, NASA chief agent

6:55 PM: President Uhuru to address the nation after Chebukati's announcement

6:49 PM: IEBC boss Wafula Chebukati to make an announcement at 7:30 PM

READ ALSO: Martha Karua refuses to lose announces her next move after Waiguru's win

6:40 PM: IEBC to have a small meeting with chief agents for all presidential candidates in 15 minutes -Chiloba

5:40: DP Ruto and President Uhuru follow live proceedings of events as they unfold ahead of IEBC's announcement of the presidential race winner.

READ ALSO: NASA gives condition to be met before conceding defeat

5:30 PM: President Uhuru Kenyatta arrives at the Kenyatta International Convention Center in the CBD, Nairobi

5:20 PM: Celebrations at the KICC where Jubilee Party is set up ahead of the big announement of the presidential race

5:00PM: William Ruto and Raila Odinga exit the Bomas of Kenya with Uhuru kenyatta said to be headed to the tallying center

4:15PM: NASA ready to accept results but only after they are allowed to access the IEBC servers, together with jubilee leaders and even religious leaders

READ ALSO: Plain cloth police officers detained at NASA tallying center and TUKO.co.ke has the details

4:10PM: The message communicated will be two-fold. One, they should not rush to make a declaration - Musalia Mudavadi

4:05PM: IEBC must not hurry the announcement until all parties are satisfied beyond doubts with results in the spirit of fairness.- James Orengo

4:00PM: It emerges that NASA chiefs are protesting the tallying of presidential results and do not want the winner declared just yet

3:55PM: It is better to be slow and sure than to rush and produce mistakes- Ezra Chiloba

READ ALSO: All you need to know about Form 34A and 34B in the just concluded Kenyan election

3:50PM: IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba says they have so far received 288 form 34Bs meaning they only have two more then it will be all set for declaration of the president

2:50 PM: President Uhuru Kenyatta makes his way to Nairobi county

2:25 PM: Information reaching TUKO.co.ke indicate President Uhuru Kenyatta is still at his Ichaweri home in Gatundu, Kiambu county. This is in spite of IEBC preparing to make their announcement any minitur now at Bomas of Kenya

READ ALSO: Happy Meru woman promises to break her virginity by 11th after Kiraitu Murungi defeated Munya

2:00 PM: Kirinyaga governor-elect Anne Waiguru arrives at Bomas

1:50 PM: Nairobi Governor-elect Mike Mbuvi Sonko arrives at the Bomas of Kenya.

1:32 PM: Bungoma Senator-elect/ NASA co-leader Moses Wetangula and his co-leader Musalia Mudavadi arrive at the Bomas of Kenya.

1:25 PM: Majority of Uhuru Kenyatta's Cabinet Secretaries arrive at the Bomas of Kenya

1:17: PM: Wiper Party leader and NASA co-leader Kalonzo Musyoka arrives at the Bomas of Kenya

READ ALSO: Babu Owino and IEBC boss Ezra Chiloba engage in characteristic dramatic fashion

1:10 PM: Deputy President William Ruto arrives at the Bomas of Kenya national tallying center ahead of the commission's announcement of the presidential winner.

1:00 PM: Raila Odinga arrives at the Bomas of Kenya and its not clear if he will be at the venue when the winner shall be announced considering he has already discredited the process.

READ ALSO: Preparations underway at Bomas as IEBC set to announce presidential winner (photos)

12:00 NOON: So far we have received 273 Form 34B. We however call for patience as we await the remaining forms to be returned. - Wafula Chebukati

11:30 AM: IEBC has said it is still waiting for forms 34B from a few constituencies before announcing the final result.

READ ALSO: IEBC tough response to Raila's demand to be declare president

11:00 AM: A special section at Bomas auditorium has been marked 'presidential candidates only', an indication that a final result will be announced any time soon.

10:30 AM: Heavy security attached to the president has also been deployed to the Bomas of Kenya as Kenyans wait with bated breath.

READ ALSO: Security tightened at venue where winner between Raila and Uhuru will be announced

10:00 AM: Heightened presidential security, rolling out of the red carpet and the arrival of the presidential seat.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
- Uhuru Kenyatta is still at his rural home in Gatundu even as it emerges that the IEBC is set to declare him president-elect

- The race is down to the two main competitors- Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta- with Uhuru highly likely to win

- Raila Odinga has since discredited the entire tallying process and most likely to reject in case Uhuru is declared the winner

- Preparations are already in top gear at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi for the announcement of the president elect

- Presidential candidate needs to garner at least 50+1% of the total votes cast with at least 25% in at least 24 out 47 counties

20 Sitting governors who are set to lose their jobs as curtains close on historic election

Uhuru's commanding lead is enough proof the Kenyan presidential race is over even as Raila disputes results

NASA should prepare for Jubilee's tyranny of numbers in parliament and here is proof

Information reaching TUKO.co.ke indicates President Uhuru Kenyatta is still at his Ichaweri home in Gatundu, Kiambu county.

This is in spite of IEBC preparing to make their announcement any minute now at Bomas of Kenya.

As reported by TUKO.co.ke, preparations at the Bomas of Kenya are at an advanced stage as Kenyans wait with bated breath.

Raila Odinga at Bomas of Kenya Photo: Edwin Ochieng/TUKO.co.ke

READ ALSO: US sends message to Kenyans as they await new president

Among those who have touched down at Bomas of Kenya are Uhuru's closest rival, Raila Odinga, and his NASA team who have rejected the provisional results provided by the IEBC.

Get more information on who is at Bomas here.

NASA says it believes it leads from its own tallying but IEBC has said it will provide its own final results.

Fred Matiang'i and Manoah Esipisu at Bomas Photo: Edwin Ochieng/TUKO.co.ke

READ ALSO: By election called after Jubilee and ODM candidate tie in General Election

It is not clear why Uhuru is yet to arrive at Bomas but members of his cabinet are already at the venue.

They are led by Deputy President William Ruto, cabinet ministers and security bosses.

Raila rejects results

Have something to add to this article or suggestions? Send to news@tuko.co.ke

Source: TUKO.co.ke
The Airports Authority has successfully carried out a simulation of a crash landing at Piarco.
Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan, the Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), condemned destruction of a newly-installed SMM thermal camera at the Donetsk Filtration Station and called for provision of full and unhindered access throughout Ukraine for the SMM.

This is said in the statement released on the OSCE site.

"The destruction of a camera deployed by the SMM on 7 August in support of the potential Donetsk Filtration Station safety zone demonstrates contempt for this important humanitarian initiative and for the many people on both sides of the contact line who stand to benefit from its installation," Apakan stated.

He recalled that on 19 July the sides had expressed their commitment to creating safety zones around the Vasylivka Pumping Station and Donetsk Filtration Station (DFS). The determination of the sides to prevent the OSCE SMM from fulfilling its mandate has been abundantly demonstrated throughout the process of installing this camera.

Following this incident, the SMM invites the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) to put forward a joint proposal on how it can contribute more effectively towards a comprehensive and sustainable cessation of fire, particularly in these proposed safety zones.

"The SMM expects forces and formations on both sides of the contact line to co-operate with the JCCC to that end," the ambassador said.

He also expressed the hope that sides would identify those responsible for the incident and ensure appropriate disciplinary measures are implemented.

"This camera is one of many remote observation tools deployed by the SMM in eastern Ukraine as part of the enhanced Technical Monitoring Project that the Mission has been rolling out in the current mandate. It improves the Missions ability to monitor and to overcome the widespread restrictions and other impediments imposed on the Mission by the sides," the statement reads.

The SMM renews its call for such restrictions to be remedied, and for full and unhindered access throughout Ukraine.

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The Rapid Trident 2017 exercise will kick off in Lviv region in early September.

Defense Minister of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak stated this during his visit to Lviv region to check the activities of the National Academy of Ground Forces.

This year more than 2,500 servicepersons from Ukraine and 14 [NATO] partner countries will take part in the military exercise. Comparing with the previous years, this will be a large-scale exercise," the minister said.

According to Poltorak, Rapid Trident 2017 gives good chances for Ukraine to get the standards existing in the countries of the Alliance, while partners of Ukraine will have the opportunity to learn the experience of Ukrainian servicepersons, obtained during combat activities.

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The Ukrainian military command requested Canada to help introduce the NATO-like safety standards in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Canadian Army Major Chris Hartwick, who oversees one of the training courses within the UNIFIER Canadian training mission to Ukraine, said this in an interview with the Army news.

"Some might ask why we are imposing our safety standards on them [Ukrainian servicemen], but this is actually something the Ukrainian Armed Forces has requested of us. They wish to adopt more NATO-like safety standards and their leaders strive to learn as much from Canada and the U.S. as possible in this regard," Hartwick said.

According to him, the absence of a separate training structure in the Armed Forces of Ukraine creates certain problems for Canadian mission.

"Unlike us, the Ukrainian Armed Forces does not have a standardized training structure. So, many of their instructors have never undergone training on how to teach a class or run a firing range," the Canadian Army Major said.

He added that Canada exercises a strict set of safety guidelines when planning and conducting training and the Ukrainian Armed Forces functions differently.

As reported, the Canadian government announced early March its decision to extend the UNIFIER military training mission to Ukraine for another two years until March 31, 2019. About 200 Canadian military instructors have been training Ukrainian servicemen within the framework of this mission.

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One Ukrainian soldier was killed in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in eastern Ukraine over the past day.

Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Spokesperson for ATO issues Andriy Lysenko said this at a press briefing on Friday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

As a result of combat actions over the past day, one Ukrainian serviceperson was killed in the explosion of a mine near Pisky. Another serviceperson was wounded as a result of sniper shots, Lysenko said.

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PJSC Agrarian Fund starts to export flour to the countries of South America. The first contract on delivery of 96 tons of straight white wheat flour was concluded.

This is reported by the press service of the PJSC Agrarian Fund.

"The Agrarian Fund continues developing the export direction. We are opening new markets, in particular, the countries of South America. These markets are very interesting and promising for Ukraine," companys chairman of the board Andriy Radchenko said.

As noted, now the Agrarian Fund enters the foreign market with a more marginal product, the flour, while earlier it mainly exported the surplus wheat.

"I hope that we will be able to export the entire product range soon," Radchenko added.

In early 2017, the PJSC Agrarian Fund entered the African market, having concluded the contract with Angola.

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Yevhen Kravtsov, the acting board chairman of Ukraine's state rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia, has been introduced to the company's staff, according to the 112 Ukraine channel, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Kravtsov said that he planned to improve the quality of rolling stock.

"The most important priority for me in the first months of my work will be bringing the quality of current trains to the proper level," he said.

At the same time, he noted that he was currently unaware of the amount of a salary that he will get in his new post.

"This question is still unknown to me. I can only say that there is a respective procedure established by the Cabinet of Ministers regarding the size of salaries for heads of state enterprises. There's a fixed corridor according to which the Cabinet of Ministers will decide on my salary," Kravtsov said.

He noted that the salary might turn out to be smaller and bigger than that of Polish top manager Wojciech Balczun.

"This should be a market-oriented salary," he added.

Balczun's monthly salary was UAH 461,600 (about $18,000).

On August 9, the Cabinet of Ministers dismissed Balczun and appointed Kravtsov as acting Ukrzaliznytsia chief.

The government also instructed the Ukrainian Economic Development and Trade Ministry to immediately launch the procedure for holding a public competition for the new head of Ukrzaliznytsia.

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Donetsk region have finished collecting early grain crops on the territory controlled by Ukraine.

Chairman of the Donetsk Regional Military and Civil Administration Pavlo Zhebrivsky informed this on his Facebook page on Friday.

"In the Donetsk region, harvesting of early grain and leguminous crops was completed on 459.4 thousand hectares, cultivated on the territory controlled by the Ukrainian authorities. According to the agrarians, 1.75 million tons of grain were collected. The average yield was 38.1 centner/ha," the head of the region wrote.

According to the operative data, the highest crop yield was registered at the agricultural enterprises of Bakhmutsky (43.8 centner/ha), Pokrovsky (43.6 centner/ha) and Nikolsky (43.6 centner/ha) regions.

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The Ukrainian authorities will continue to do everything to release Ahtem Ciygoz, who was illegally detained in the occupied Crimea, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said.

"The Ukrainian authorities will continue to do everything to free Ahtem Ciygoz and all political prisoners of the Kremlin. We are proud of your courage and strength of spirit, Ahtem. Ukraine is with you!" he wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday.

Poroshenko also cited a statement by Ciygoz, which he made in his last speech before the verdict and which fully reflects the criminal nature of the farce trial organized by Russia against Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars who defended their homeland: "They don't judge those who betrayed, who had goals and motives aimed at changing the territorial integrity of Ukraine, who subsequently abducted and killed people, who illegally assumed the right to govern and judge. They judge those who defended the laws of the country, international norms and rules. The farce trial is organized by the occupying country, which has no right to do so."

The court debate involving Ciygoz and his defense team ended in the occupied Crimea on August 9.

According to lawyer Nikolai Polozov, the verdict in the Ciygoz case will be announced on September 11.

On August 7, a prosecutor demanded that a leader of the Crimean Tatars, Ahtem Ciygoz, be sentenced to eight years in prison.

Ciygoz was arrested in January 2015 for participating in a rally in support of the territorial integrity of Ukraine opposite the building of the Crimean parliament on February 26, 2014. The protesters were resisted by pro-Russian activists, including from the Russian Unity party, which was led by the current "head" of Crimea, Sergey Aksenov. The Russian authorities of the annexed Crimea accused Ciygoz of organizing mass riots during the rally.

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Russia has equipped the ships of its Black Sea Fleet with Kalibr-NK missiles that have a range of about 2,500 kilometers.

If the ships of this class are stationed in the annexed Crimea, such missiles may reach European countries, as well as the Middle East, North Africa, Western Asia and the Suez Canal, the press service of the Ukrainian Ministry for Temporary Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons reported.

"The Russian Federation has created in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea a militarized zone that is not accessible to international control and monitoring. Modern military armaments and military equipment continue to flow to the peninsula. According to the latest statements made by some politicians and public figures in several European countries, not everyone fully understands the nature and reality of a threat to the entire continent as a result of annexation and subsequent militarization of Crimea," the report says.

According to the ministry, in December 2015, the Russian Black Sea Fleet was replenished by two small missile ships, the Zeleny Dol and the Serpukhov, equipped with Kalibr-NK missile systems. According to military experts and Russian media reports, these missile systems, using 3M14 (SS-N-27 Sizzler) missiles, allow them to hit targets at distances up to 2,500 kilometers.

"In the conditions of the stationing of the ships of this class in Crimea, in the damage radius are European countries - from Romania to France and Scandinavian countries, as well as countries of the Middle East, North Africa, Western Asia and an important strategic object - the Suez Canal," the report says.

The ministry also noted that Russia consciously relies on ships of this type, since the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty forbids the ground-based deployment of cruise missiles similar to 3M14s in terms of range, while a ship carrying such missiles is relatively inexpensive and enjoys the advantage of fire from the water areas, where it can be protected by coastal forces.

"The Zeleny Dol and Serpukhov warships are currently part of the Russian Baltic Fleet, which makes it possible to use them within a circle with a radius of 2,500 kilometers, with a center in the Kaliningrad region. Almost all European countries, including Iceland, are in the danger zone. It should be noted that on this territory there are 20 nuclear power plants and 139 chemical enterprises of the European Union," the ministry said.

It also recalled that on August 19, 2016, these ships, which at that time were part of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, carried out three missile strikes against Syria.

The ministry said that Russia continues to exert military pressure on Europe to achieve political goals and creates a threat to the existence of peace not only in Ukraine, but also throughout the European region.

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Former Head of Odesa Regional State Administration Mikheil Saakashvili, who was stripped of Ukraine's citizenship, may enter Ukraine only after he gets a visa, Ukrainian Deputy Prosecutor General Yevhen Yenin has said.

"The entry of Saakashvili (now a stateless person if reports of the possession of passports of third countries are not confirmed) into Ukraine is possible only after a visa is issued," he wrote on Facebook.

At the same time, he warned that persons who would facilitate the illegal crossing of the border by Saakashvili would be subject to criminal liability.

"Any shows organized by activists or illegal border crossing will give one hundred percent legal grounds for bringing him to administrative liability, and those who contribute to such illegal crossing of the border will be brought to criminal liability (and they shouldn't say then that nobody warned them)," Yenin said.

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Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman is pleased with the decision of the World Bank on its intention to purchase goods and services in Ukraine through ProZorro public e-procurement system and is looking forward to the first tenders.

"I think this is a great recognition - the World Bank will use ProZorro to purchase goods and services for its projects in Ukraine! We are looking forward to the first tenders from the World Bank of Ukraine," Groysman wrote on Facebook.

As reported, after assessing ProZorro public e-procurement system, the World Bank said it may use this platform for conducting purchases of goods and services in Ukraine.

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The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine expresses its concern with regard to the aggressive statements and plans of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to launch ballistic missiles on targets in the area of the island of Guam.

This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Ministry.

"According to the Ukrainian side, Pyongyangs actions increase the risk of military conflict in the region of East Asia and threaten international peace and security," the report reads.

In this regard, the Foreign Ministry called upon the official Pyongyang for strict implementation of the previously adopted UN Security Council resolutions including 2371 (2017).

As reported, in mid-August, North Korea says it is planning for the simultaneous launch of four non-nuclear Hwasong-12 rockets that would fly over the islands of Japan and into the ocean, landing just 18 to 25 miles from the U.S. airbase on the island territory of Guam.

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Ukraine and Indonesia are ready to support the high dynamics of political dialogue, including the mechanisms of interparliamentary cooperation.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Sergiy Kyslytsya said this after a meeting with a parliamentary delegation of the Republic of Indonesia headed by Chairman of the Commission on Defense, International Relations, Communication and Information of the Council of People's Representatives Abdul Kharis Almasyhari, the press service of the Foreign Ministry reports.

"The parties discussed the current state and perspectives of the bilateral relations, expressed readiness to support the high dynamics of political dialogue, including the instruments of inter-parliamentary cooperation," the report reads.

Both sides noted the fruitful cooperation within international organizations, especially in the UN framework, and stressed the intention to strengthen interaction at the level of specialized and regional structures.

Kyslytsya expressed gratitude to the Indonesian side for support of Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasized the willingness of our state for further development of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

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TRIPOLI, 10 August 2017  Six years since the crisis began in Libya, over 550,000 children need assistance because of political instability, on-going conflict, displacement, and economic collapse. Heavy violence in some parts of the country has forced families to flee their homes. More than 80,000 children are internally displaced and migrant children in Libya are particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, including in detention centres.

Since 2011, UNICEF has been expanding its assistance to respond to childrens needs on the ground. More than 1.3 million children were vaccinated against polio last year. UNICEF and partners, including national institutions, were able to maintain nearly universal immunization coverage even when violence was at its peak. UNICEF has partnered with 28 municipalities across Libya under the Together for Children Campaign to support childrens basic rights.

At a child friendly space where children play, learn and receive psychosocial support, boys and girls spoke of their dreams of living in peace and prosperity. We have to support each and every child in Libya  especially the most vulnerable  to reach their full potential.

In discussions with the authorities in Tripoli and Benghazi, UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to provide all the support possible to reach children in need wherever they are in the country.

Next October, UNICEF plans to have all its international staff operating full-time from Libya. UNICEF will further scale up its assistance to reach 1.5 million girls and boys and support strengthening of national institutions and civil society.

UNICEF reiterates that the wellbeing of girls and boys in Libya should be a priority for authorities, civil society and the international community.

In the interest of children, UNICEF is calling for an immediate political solution to the crisis and an end to the violence.

###

Notes to editors:



Photos are available here

In 2016, 20 attacks were recorded against health facilities, second only to Syria.

Nearly 200,000 children in Libya are in need of safe drinking water while 315,000 need educational support.

Across the country, 558 schools cannot be used because they are either destroyed, damaged or used to shelter internally displaced families.

Since 2011, UNICEF has been implementing emergency response across the country including in hard-to-reach areas.

In 2017, UNICEF provided 20,000 children with psycho social support and over 8,000 children were enrolled in remedial and catch up classes.

Work ongoing with the Ministry of Health to vaccinate over 1.5 million children against Polio and Measles. UNICEF will procure and deliver Polio vaccines and support the communication plans.

For more information, contact:

Joe English, UNICEF New York, +1 917 893 0692, jenglish@unicef.org.uk

Tamara Kummer, UNICEF Middle East and North Africa, +962 797 588 550, tkummer@unicef.org

Mostafa Omar, UNICEF Libya, +216 990 70 815 mosomar@unicef.org
As U.S. President Donald Trump issued a threat of war against North Korea, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhon this week said that Asean countries had sent a strong message to the reclusive state expressing grave concerns over its nuclear weapons program.

Tensions on the Korean peninsula have heightened since Trump said the North would be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen if it continued to threaten the United States.

The statement reportedly prompted North Korea to examine plans for a first-strike capability against U.S. Military assets on the Pacific island of Guam.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson defended Trumps comments, saying Americans could continue to sleep well at night.

Sokhon on Wednesday said Cambodia, which has historically been one of North Koreas few friends on the international stage, had suggested the country stop its missile launches and comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Cambodia and other Asean countries agreed to send a strong message to North Korea, he added.

In a joint statement issued by the 10 Asean states from the foreign ministers meeting in Manila this week, the bloc said its members could play any role in seeking peace on the Korean peninsula.

Sokhon told reporters that Cambodia had to also consider North Koreas view that U.S. Military exercises in the region were a direct threat to its existence, adding that Cambodia supported Chinese and Russian initiatives to end the Norths weapons program.

Ko Yunju, deputy director general of South Koreas North Korea Nuclear Affairs Bureau, said in an interview with VOA Khmer that he believed Cambodia could play a unique role in seeking peace on the peninsula.

I think you know Cambodia can play a very important role as the one member country of Asean, he said. Cambodia has traditionally good relations with North Korea. We expect Cambodia can play a unique role to persuade North Korea to come to the negotiation table and stopping all the missile provocation.

Cambodias relationship with North Korea stems from King Sihanouks friendship with the father of North Korea, dictator Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of its current ruler, Kim Jong Un.

Kim built Sihanouk a winter palace outside Pyongyang in 1974 and provided the king with an elite bodyguard unit. Diplomatic relations continue, as they have done since 1965, and Cambodia remains one of the relatively few countries to host a North Korean embassy.

Pou Sothirak, executive director of Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace, said if the relevant parties made a request Cambodia could play a productive role in negotiations.

I can also see that Cambodia can play an advantageous role that all the parties especially the six party talks can reach the agreement to end the nuclear standoff on the Korean peninsula, he said.
A government critic who allegedly implied senior ruling Cambodian Peoples Party officials were involved in a cover up of the assassination of prominent political analyst Kem Ley last year has been sentenced to 18 months in jail.

Ky Rithy, Phnom Penh Municipal Court judge, issued the verdict on charges of inciting criminal action and public defamation on Thursday.

He said that Sok, a relatively unknown analyst himself, had admitted to making comments that broke the law in a Radio Free Asia interview in February, in which he also implied the high-ranking officials were involved in covering up the killings of a number of other well-known activists and dissidents, such as Chea Vichea, a unionist, and Chut Wutty, an environmentalist.

Choung Chougy, Soks lawyer, said the courts decision was unjust, adding that his client had submitted requests to Prime Minister Hun Sen, who is the plaintiff in the case, to appear in court, which had been ignored.

When Kem Sok is sentenced for commenting on the radio, it will cause other people to be afraid and not dare to provide analysis or opinions in newspapers or on radio stations, he said.

In addition to the jail term, Sok was ordered to pay about $2,000 in fines to the state and some $200,000 in personal compensation to Hun Sen.
Prominent Washington correspondents discuss the back and forth rhetoric between North Korea and the United States, and Secretary of State Rex Tillersons visit to Southeast Asia along with other top stories this week. Join moderator David Rennie of the Economists, and panelists Michael Williams of CBS Radio and Tracy Wilkinson of the L.A. Times for a lively discussion on Issues in the News. Listen this Saturday and Sunday on the Voice of America!
BAD NEIGHBOR TO THE NORTH With regional military threat on the rise, South Koreans can only watch and wait, along with the people of Japan - the only country to experience the horrors of a nuclear attack. VOA Korean Service Chief Dong Hyuk Lee, and VOA Senior Investigative reporter Jeffrey Young discuss the response and attitudes of South Koreans to the threat to their north, and what are Pyongyangs actual current ICBM capabilities and technologies.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is warning people against returning prematurely to war-torn Syria as the number of displaced going back to their homes reaches a record high.

An IOM report found more than 600,000 displaced Syrians have returned home in the first seven months of this year, nearly as many as the total number of returnees for all of 2016.

IOM spokeswoman Olivia Haedon said most of the returns are spontaneous, but not necessarily voluntary, safe or sustainable.

As the security situation changes in different parts of the country, displacement can occur again," she said. "As you noted, in the number of people who were displaced this year, which is over 800,000, some people are being displaced for the second or third time.

The report said most of the people returning to their homes, 84 percent, are internally displaced, while 16 percent are returning refugees from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. It said an estimated two-thirds have returned to Aleppo Governorate. Others have gone mainly to Idleb, Hama, Raqqa, and Rural Damascus Governorates.

Haedon said people cite a variety of reasons for their decision to go home.

They are going back with the hope that they can stay to protect their property and engage in a better, improved economic situation, or, protect themselves if they are leaving because of the area that they were living was less secure than the place that they originated from," she said. "So, we do see that the people are hoping that they can stay for a longer term.

Haedon said humanitarian organizations agree organized returns to Syria are not yet an option. Syria is not safe, she added, and the places to which people return are not equipped to provide essential services.

She said the IOM is not encouraging Syrians to go home.
Arctic fjords that hid Soviet nuclear-powered submarines during the Cold War are now being used as a weapon in the sanctions war with Europe - to rear fish that Russia can no longer import.

Three years ago, Russia banned food imports from the West in response to a series of Western sanctions that aimed to punish Moscow for its role in the Ukraine crisis, including its annexation of the Crimean peninsula.

Trout and salmon, grown specially for Russia's vast market at farms in Norway next door, were among the first victims of the sanctions war.

Moscow's ban on the largest exporter of red fish to Russia led to a sharp hike in prices, while also offering lucrative prospects for Russian fish farmers.

In the Murmansk region in Russia's northwest, where the rocky coastline of the Ura Bay still features deserted Soviet-era bases and top secret berths for today's submarine fleet, huge fish farming cages are now becoming part of the landscape.

Thousands of adult trout and salmon swarm inside the open-sea cages as workers toss in generous portions of high-calorie feed.

The cages belong to Russian Aquaculture which farms salmon and trout in the Barents Sea off Murmansk and in Russia's northern Karelia region.

When they mature, the fish are loaded onto special ships and, still alive, are brought to a Murmansk factory for processing.

Here the fish are either deep frozen or turned into filets and steaks.

Russian Aquaculture reared fish before the Ukraine crisis but under a different name. Once the sanctions were introduced, it increased production to fill the gap in the market previously occupied by Norwegian imports.

The company's drive to increase output hit difficulties in 2015 when many of its fish succumbed to diseases. It says it has now overcome those problems, and is pushing hard again to produce more fish.

Over the next five to 10 years, Russian Aquaculture aims to ramp up its output to produce 25,000-30,000 tons of fish per year. In the first half of this year, the company produced 8,400 tons of fish.
You won't find any pictures of dogs playing poker at dOGUMENTA (I) NYC.

A three-day art exhibition is attracting hundreds of canines to a marina in Lower Manhattan, where hounds and terriers are feasting their eyes, and in some cases their mouths, on nearly a dozen masterpieces created expressly for them.

The idea is the brainchild of former Washington Post art critic Jessica Dawson, who says she was inspired by her rescue dog, Rocky, a tiny morkie (Yorkie-Maltese mix), who regularly joins her at exhibits of the human variety.

"When Rocky accompanied me on my gallery visits, I noticed that he was having a much better time than I was," said Dawson, who moved to New York four years ago. "He was not reading the New York Times reviews, he was not reading the artists' resumes, and so I said he has something to teach me about looking, and all dogs have something to teach us about looking at contemporary art and being with it."

The exhibit, which takes its name from Documenta, which takes place every five years in Kassel, Germany, was put on by Arts Brookfield. Organizers staggered the arrival times of the dogs to keep things orderly.

"I think she's enjoying it," said Lorraine Gates, who attended with her tiny Japanese Chin, Maltese and Papillon mix. "I love this idea; I think it's really wonderful."

The 10 works of art at the outdoor exhibit were all strategically placed at eye level for the canines. One featured an elaborate display of dog biscuits and other treats that attendees were invited to munch on.

At another exhibit, four-legged art critics were lifting their hind legs and "expressing" themselves on a work called "Fountain." As the dogs left their marks, scribbles of blue streaks were left behind on the white blocks.

Dawson said Rocky had visited several times.

Susan Godwin and her morkie, Tasha, were soaking up the art vibes. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Godwin gushed. "You can go to museums all over New York and you can never bring your dog."
China expressed strong dissatisfaction Friday, after a U.S. warship sailed near an artificial island in the strategic South China Sea.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a statement that the USS John S. McCain had violated Chinese and international law, undermined Chinese sovereignty and security, and endangered the safety of frontline personnel.

The Chinese navy identified the U.S. warship, warned and expelled it, the spokesman said.

The U.S. destroyer sailed 6 nautical miles past Mischief Reef Thursday as part of a freedom of navigation operation in international waters, a U.S. navy official said on condition of anonymity.

The freedom of navigation operation was the third that the United States has carried out since President Donald Trump took office in January. U.S. officials say the military will continue to sail, fly and operate wherever permitted by international law.

China, which claims virtually the entire South China Sea, routinely protests such operations.
Israel's embattled prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, lashed out at the media and his political opponents in an animated speech to hundreds of enthusiastic supporters on Wednesday, seeking to deliver a powerful show of force as he battles a slew of corruption allegations that have threatened to drive him from office.

Netanyahu's Likud Party organized Wednesday's rally in response to a swirling police investigation into suspected corruption, bribery and fraud by the longtime Israeli leader.

Party leaders described the gathering as an attempt to counter what they believe is a campaign by a hostile media and overzealous police and prosecutors. But the gathering was also seen as a test of Netanyahu's popularity and control over his party. For now, Likud appears to be firmly behind its leader, and any internal opposition remains in check.

Addressing the packed convention hall, Netanyahu accused the "leftist" media and political opposition of pushing for an indictment to topple him because they cannot defeat him at the ballot box. Some estimated the crowd numbered at least 2,000.

"The left and the media, and they're the same thing, you know, they are mustering an obsessive, unprecedented hunt against me and my family to carry out a regime change," he said.

Netanyahu also blamed the media for ousting two right-wing Israeli governments in the 1990 and held them responsible for the "disaster" of the Oslo Accords signed with the Palestinians in 1993, suicide bombings on public buses in the 1990s, and the second intifada in the early 2000s.

"Their aim is to apply illegitimate and nonstop pressure on law enforcement so they file an indictment at any price, with no connection to the truth, with no connection to justice," he said.

The speech resorted to a familiar strategy to Netanyahu. During a three-decade political career, he has frequently attacked the media, political opposition, Israel's Arab minority and the Palestinians in an attempt to rally Likud and portray himself as a victim.

Former prime minister Ehud Barak, one of the targets of Netanyahu's sniping, rebuffed Netanyahu's comments saying "there's no hunt, there's corruption."

Yair Lapid, a former finance minister under Netanyahu who heads the Yesh Atid party, tweeted after the prime minister's speech that it "crossed every line."

"What we saw this evening wasn't a rally of support for Netanyahu but a rally in support of corruption," Lapid said.

Netanyahu made no mention of the police or prosecutors handling the investigation. But he warned the Palestinians against hoping for his political demise. Palestinian leaders "will be disappointed too, because it won't happen," he said.

Likud leaders put heavy pressure on party activists to attend the rally. The gathering had a festive, at times raucous atmosphere, with activists hoisting Israeli flags, banners criticizing the media and chanting "Bibi, King of Israel," using his nickname. One banner read, "enough with the putsch attempt" and a second decried the "fake news" with an English expletive.

Netanyahu, the second-longest serving leader in Israeli history, is engulfed in a series of scandals relating to alleged financial misdeeds and supposed illicit ties to executives in media, international business and Hollywood.

Israeli police investigators say they suspect Netanyahu of being involved in bribery, fraud and breach of trust in a pair of cases.

Netanyahu's former chief of staff and longtime confidant, Ari Harow, recently signed a settlement connected to a separate case in which he agreed to testify against his former mentor. This has raised speculation that Netanyahu could be indicted soon, and has sparked opposition calls for him to step down.

Netanyahu has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and called the accusations a witch hunt.

David Bitan, Likud's parliamentary whip and a close Netanyahu ally, said some 1,500 people were signed up for Wednesday's event and he hoped even more would attend  including all the party's top officials and ministers.

No one in the party has come out against Netanyahu yet  reflecting both loyalty and the fear of crossing him.

Internal criticism has emerged only from those outside of politics. Limor Livnat, a former Likud Cabinet minister, has condemned the attacks on the police and prosecution and said that Netanyahu should step aside if indicted.

Israel's justice minister has said Netanyahu would not have to step down even if he is indicted. That means his short-term future will likely depend on whether he can maintain political and public backing.

Avraham Diskin, a political scientist at Jerusalem's Hebrew University, said there is no immediate threat and the goal of Wednesday's rally was to quash any thoughts of trying to challenge him.

"Netanyahu is tightening the bolts and exerting his authority," he said. "The whole point it to scare any of the `pretenders' against getting ideas in their head. He's conveying that he is still powerful and everyone should keep their knives holstered."

Netanyahu has escaped several scandals before, but the scope of the latest accusations appears to pose his stiffest challenge yet.

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.

A third investigation, "File 3000," relates to a possible conflict of interests involving the purchase of German submarines, in which Netanyahu's cousin and personal attorney represented the German firm involved in the deal.

Netanyahu has dismissed the suspicions as "background noise" and vowed to push forward.
At the Chaldean Community Foundation in Sterling Heights, Michigan, more clients than usual are asking for assistance with their immigration cases.

Were a little overwhelmed with the number of people coming through just because people are very frightened by the [deportation raids], foundation president Martin Manna said.

Advocates say there has been an increase of 10 to 15 percent, and the foundation estimates it will help more than 20,000 people this year.

The increased anxiety is a result of the detaining of 114 area Iraqis, mostly Chaldean Christians and some Shiite Muslims, in June. The majority of the 114 remain in detention despite the order of a Detroit judge, who ruled they could not be deported without first having their day in court.

The order did nothing to calm community fears. Manna said residents are now very concerned that they can be deported for any reason.



WATCH - Chaldeans, a Brief History:

Many of these folks were on final order of removal for committing crimes in the 80s or 90s, Manna said. They came here legally at some point, but either had a misdemeanor or a felony which put them on final order of removal.

But the 114 had been under order of removal for many years, so this conservative religious minority, which mostly voted for President Donald Trump, was shocked when the raids took place.

Thats why we have 2- to 3-hour wait times. Theyre normally an hour and half. Part of that is just helping educate people that ICE [immigration officials] cant just detain you if youve done nothing wrong, Manna said.

At 150,000, the Chaldean Christian Community in metropolitan Detroit is the largest outside of Iraq.

Taken back by fear

Walls hung with reproductions of Assyrian deities, Ishtar Restaurant is a piece of home for Iraqi nationals who come for the authentic Iraqi food and glass clinking presentations that proclaim tea time.

But in mid-June, the ambience was nearly chaotic.

Immigration officers positioned themselves outside Ishtar with a list of people they were looking to arrest, a local resident told VOA through an interpreter.

People stopped in their place and were just taken back by fear. They didnt know what to do, said the man, a green-card holder who came to the U.S. six years ago. He did not want to give his name, afraid there would be retributions against him.

Following the arrests, immigration lawyers, working pro-bono, filed a lawsuit invoking the international treaty against torture because the Chaldeans and Shiites would likely face torture and even death if they returned to Iraq.

U.S. District Court of Michigan Judge Mark Goldsmith agreed, writing that the Iraqis would face the substantiated risk of death, torture, or other grave persecution if sent back to Iraq before their deportation cases can be heard in court.

He halted deportation, not only of the Detroit Iraqis, but of 1,400 nationwide until their cases are heard in court.

Ripple effect

Nora Youkhana of the CODE Legal Aid clinic in Detroit, co-counsel for the Iraqis in the case, told VOA that people are now put on notice.

She said the courts have reaffirmed through the Convention Against Torture, an international human rights treaty that prohibits torture and degrading treatment against all human beings, that the U.S. government cannot send someone back to a place where they will be tortured or killed. The U.S. has signed the treaty.

So these other communities, people from El Salvador for example, they have this protection. They cant just be put on a plane and left. They have to have their case heard so that they can exhaust the remedies that have been afforded to them by Congress, Youkhana said.

Chief law enforcer

Larry Mick, a Macomb County resident who says he has many Chaldean friends, sees the law differently.

They have one big problem and when we have a law, the president is always the chief law enforcement officer of the land. He doesnt make the laws. Congress makes the laws. You can either enforce the law or not enforce it. Its that simple; and hes enforcing the law, Mick said.

Previous attempts to deport the Iraqis had failed because the Baghdad government declined to issue them travel documents.

In March, the Iraqi government agreed to accept deportees from the U.S., part of a deal that prompted the Trump administration to revise an earlier executive order banning travel and exempt Iraq from the list of nations whose citizens would, in many cases, be barred from entering the U.S.
While a leaked U.S. intelligence report suggests North Korea now can build warheads small and light enough to fit inside its intercontinental ballistic missiles, nuclear weapons experts doubt that Pyongyang can yet produce an operational ICBM with a reliable warhead capable of hitting the U.S. mainland.

Reports about the intelligence community's consensus on North Korea's weapons capability came this week as Pyongyang and Washington exchanged war threats.

The July 28 analysis from the Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), disclosed Tuesday by The Washington Post, concludes that Pyongyang has "produced nuclear weapons for ballistic missile delivery, to include delivery by ICBM-class missiles." On Thursday, NBC News quoted unnamed U.S. officials as saying the CIA and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, as well as other intelligence agencies, agreed with the assessment.

Key questions unanswered

Miniaturization technology was one of the major hurdles in Kim Jong Un's nuclear and missile programs. If the DIA assessment holds true, the regime is now closer to achieving its ambition: the capability to strike the continental U.S. with a nuclear-tipped ICBM.

Determined as North Korea is to become a full-fledged nuclear power, experts say several important questions about its capabilities remain.

David Albright, a former U.N. nuclear inspector, told VOA's Korean service the DIA assessment appeared to have ignored "uncertainties and caveats" about the reliability of the miniaturized warhead, once it is loaded atop an ICBM, and little is known about the chances that the payload will reach its target.

Pyongyang already can miniaturize nuclear warheads and mount them on its medium-range Rodong missiles, which have been test-launched repeatedly since the early 1990s. Albright said it might be possible, but less likely, that they could do the same with an ICBM.

Difficulties only begin at launch

Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security, explained that a nuclear warhead must survive the entire ICBM mission  the rigors of blastoff, possibly from a mobile launch vehicle, the flight into space and then a blazing re-entry into the atmosphere  before it can detonate above its target.

Failures can occur, Albright noted, because of the much more exacting requirements of the Hwasong-14 ICBM missile system, which has been tested only twice, and just within the past month  not enough to establish its reliability.

"Countries spend a lot of time working this problem to try to build up what they call the reliability of the warhead in a delivery system, and it just takes time," Albright said. "I think I would be skeptical that North Korea can do it right now."

Michael Elleman, senior fellow for missile defense at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, had similar views. But in terms of volume, he said, if a warhead can fit inside the payload bay of Pyongyang's Scud-type short-range missile, which has a relatively narrow diameter, any of the regime's other missiles, including the Hwasong-14, certainly could accommodate it.

Lighter warheads travel farther

It is not yet clear by how much the North Koreans can lighten their missiles' payloads, which would extend their range.

"It is still a question mark as to whether they can threaten deep into the United States," Elleman said.

If a warhead weighs about 500 kilograms, it could reach as far as the Western portions of the continental U.S., according to Elleman.

Further undercutting confidence in the North's technical capabilities is a lack of clarity about the Kim regime's mastery of atmospheric re-entry technology for the warhead, a crucial requirement for operational ICBMs.

For long-range flights, Elleman said, "the re-entry velocity, when it comes back into the Earth's atmosphere, is much higher, and so the protection mechanisms for the re-entry vehicle [must be] more rigorous, to survive the much greater amount of heat and the vibrations as it slows down, passing through ... thicker and thicker [air] as you get closer to the surface."

Tests show 'substantial progress'

Siegfried Hecker, a former director of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, is now a professor at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation, and he has visited North Korea seven times and toured its nuclear facilities.

Hecker said in an interview with The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists that making miniaturized warheads robust enough to survive the extreme conditions of ICBM flight "is very demanding and takes time, particularly because warheads contain materials such as plutonium, highly enriched uranium, high explosives and the like."

"These are not," he added, "your ordinary industrial materials."

However, Hecker added in a separate interview this week, Pyongyang's latest two missile tests, of their ICBMs, "demonstrate substantial progress, and most likely mean they will be able to master the technology in the next year or two."

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, founded in 1945 by scientists who worked on the U.S. Manhattan Project and built the first atomic bomb, has for 70 years published the "Doomsday Clock," intended as a measure of how close the world is to a thermonuclear war  or to midnight, on the clock, because that could lead to a worldwide cataclysm.

The Doomsday Clock stood at three minutes to midnight in 2016. The scientists involved advanced it in late January this year, and it is now just two minutes and 30 seconds short of midnight.
The European Commissioner in charge of food safety called Friday for an emergency meeting of ministers to discuss eggs contamination, appealing for an end to finger-pointing among member states over the scandal.

Blaming and shaming will bring us nowhere and I want to stop this, EU Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis from Lithuania said.

Andriukaitis said he hoped to convene a meeting before the end of September of the ministers and representatives of various national food safety agencies.

Millions of eggs recalled

Millions of eggs and egg-based products have been pulled from European supermarket shelves in at least 11 countries, since the scandal went public Aug. 1. So far, no one has reported falling sick from the tainted eggs.

Some national regulators have voiced concern that eggs contaminated with the insecticide Fipronil, which can harm the kidneys, liver and thyroid glands, have entered the food chain, mainly through processed products such as biscuits and cakes.

Meanwhile, police in the Netherlands arrested two people Thursday for allegedly using a banned pesticide as the investigation of contaminated eggs continues.

Belgian and Dutch authorities conducted raids at a number of poultry farms Thursday, but authorities did not provide details about which companies were targeted.

Eggs found across Europe

British food safety authorities believe around 700,000 contaminated eggs have been imported into the country, and the Food Standards Agency has issued a list of products in which the eggs could be found.

Danish authorities said 20 tons of contaminated eggs had been sold in Denmark, but cautioned that the eggs posed no risk to humans.

Smaller numbers of eggs were reported in Luxembourg and Slovakia, but authorities in those countries either destroyed the products containing the eggs or sent them back to their producers.

Authorities in Sweden, Switzerland, Romania and France also reported having found contaminated eggs.

With the contaminated eggs starting to surface in countries across Europe, Dutch and Belgian officials are facing growing questions about how the scandal started and whether the public has been kept fully aware.
Googles workforce needs to represent the world in totality, said Sundar Pichai, Googles chief executive, at an international girls coding competition held on the companys campus here Thursday night.

His comments come as the search engine giant grapples with a high profile internal debate over the number and influence of its female employees. Last year, the company reported that women represent just 31 percent of Google's workforce and held 24 percent of leadership roles. Several initiatives are underway to boost those numbers, but those efforts are now a focus of some criticism.

On Monday, the company fired James Damore, a male engineer, who wrote about the role of women in tech and criticized the companys efforts to bring more women into its workforce.

This week, the author of the memo filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board. The company canceled an employee town hall meeting because of online harassment prior to the meeting, according to reports.

But the coding competition, Technovation, provided an apt backdrop for Pichais comments.

With girls waving their country flags and pitching their products, Pichai appeared to address the controversy without speaking about it directly.

I want you to know theres a place for you in this industry, Pichai said. Theres a place for you at Google. Dont let anyone tell you otherwise. You belong here, and we need you.

The girls had competed for months  often teaching themselves to code  to make it to the final round in Mountain View, Calif. They learned how to test their products in the market and make their pitches in English.

Winners

A team from Kazakhstan won the senior round for their mobile app QamCare, which helps users keep track of each other in case of an emergency. They will receive $15,000.

Five runner-up senior teams from Kenya, Armenia, India and Kazakhstan will receive $10,000 each.

In the junior division, a team from Hong Kong won for Dementia Care Companion app. It uses games and cues to help people with dementia and their families stay connected. They will receive $10,000.



Runner-up teams from Cambodia, India, Canada and the U.S. will receive $5,000 each.



In the eight years of the competition, 15,000 girls from more than 100 nations have completed the program, said Tara Chklovski, founder and chief executive of Iridescent, the non-profit organization behind the event.



The growing scale is exciting, she said. Many of these girls go on to win startup competitions, go to major in computer science. They get featured in national press. They get invited by heads of state.
At least 27 people, including three police officers, were killed in clashes between protesters and police in Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this week, Human Rights Watch said Thursday.

The majority of the deaths were in the capital, Kinshasa, where members of the separatist sect Bundu dia Kongo (BDK) marched against President Joseph Kabila and attacked a prison Monday.

BDK is just one of many sources of opposition to Kabila that have threatened to plunge the vast, mineral-rich central African country into chaos since the president refused to step down when his mandate expired in December.

Prompt and impartial investigations are needed to determine who is responsible for the deaths.  Violence by protesters or excessive use of force by security forces should not be tolerated and those responsible should be held accountable, HRW Central Africa director Ida Sawyer said.

Congo security forces shot into crowds to disperse the protesters in Kinshasa, killing 11 BDK members and 10 bystanders, Human Rights Watch said in a statement.

Others were killed in similar clashes in the southwestern cities of Matadi and Muanda, it added.

Congos police spokesman said Wednesday that 19 people had been killed in total, including 17 BDK members and two police.
Indonesia is bracing for more forest fires after hundreds of "hot spots were detected last week, marking a new high point in this year's record.

For Indonesia, this forest fires have become a predictable and intractable annual problem.

Five provinces (Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan and South Kalimantan) have declared states of emergency, and one Sumatra official called for people to be shot if they set fires. Major cities like Pontianak, West Kalimantan and Pekanbaru, Sumatra, have been intermittently choked with haze from 282 forest fires.

The question that remains in 2017 is why progress on this persistent issue [is] proving so difficult. 2015 was a record year for forest fires, as a drought linked to the El Nino climate cycle created unprecedented haze in the region, which stretched to include Singapore and Malaysia.

But two years later, in a normal year that does not harbor El Nino or unusual drought, forest fires continue to burn and have spread to provinces that typically do not experience them, like Aceh.

Environment Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar said on Monday she proposed a meeting with President Joko Jokowi Widodo to address the issue, but it likely is too late for substantial intervention at the federal level during the current dry season, which will last at least through September.

The good news is that more progress is being made at the province and district level ... in part since they have less going on than the national government, said Jenna Jadin, an environmental specialist at the U.N. Office of Project Services in Jakarta. Because of the 2015 forest fires and what a huge disaster they were, it really got local, district, and provincial governments to wake up and realize the imperative for them to protect their land better.

Illegal activities

The reason the ground is on fire is because huge chunks of Indonesian land lies upon peat, which is flammable like coal, said Jadin. Peat is a layer of densely packed, partially decayed organic matter, and half of the worlds tropical peat lands are in Indonesia. In 2015, after its landmark year of haze, Indonesia banned the use of fire to clear peat lands, but the practice continues.

Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesperson for the Disaster Management Agency, said this week hot spots were detected on private plantation land, community-owned land, and in national parks, in hard-to-reach locations.

It has been difficult for the government to eradicate slash-and-burn practices, particularly by palm oil companies because the country is so large and decentralized, and because companies use a variety of middlemen and local groups to actually set the fires.

Signs of progress

Some provinces have been successfully experimenting with water bombing  dropping water from planes over smoking forests to contain forest fires. In Riau, Sumatra, aerial fire fighters have dropped more than 21 billion liters of water since January, according to the Straits Times.

The Jokowi administration also has been proactive since 2015 in legislating against the worst corporate offenders behind the fires.

Jokowi, who studied forestry in college, enacted a moratorium on peatland concessions after 10 people died in the 2015 haze, and approved a two-year extension on it just this past May.

The problem is the hydra-like nature of the fires: even as provinces like Riau develop task forces and attack methods, new provinces like Bangka Belitung have no such institutional knowledge.

For me, this is worrying because these regions are unlike other regions, which already have a task force [to handle forest fires], Environment Minister Siti told reporters recently.

Diminished quality of life

Agus, a father of two who sells fruit juice in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, said every summer in recent memory has been like a recurring nightmare.

I dont know what to do  it seems to happen every year, and it keeps getting worse, he said in late July in Pontianak, as the haze started to set in for the evening. I worry about raising my kids here but I dont know where we could move. Everywhere in this area has the same problem.

West Kalimantan had the most hot spots in Indonesia as of last week -150.

Dozens have been hospitalized due to haze this summer, and some schools have had to close, like in Meulaboh, Aceh. It has echoes of 2015, when school closures in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore affected millions of students and caused about 140,000 reported respiratory illnesses in Indonesia alone.

We will be getting a bad year like 2015 again some time soon, said the U.N.'s Jadin, and because of climate change, those types of years will be much more frequent.
Indonesian president Joko Jokowi Widodo is once again using the language of emergency to ramp up the countrys war on drugs, in a move that seems in step with Filipino President Rodrigo Dutertes infamous crusade in a neighboring island country.

Widodo recently ordered police to shoot foreign drug dealers who resist arrest, claiming the country was in a narcotics emergency position. Then, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights announced a plan to consolidate drug felons in four prisons. On Tuesday, Jakarta police chief Gen. Idham Azis said he would not think twice to discharge police officers who were indecisive against drug trafficking.

Widodos speech last week came on the heels of a drug-related police shooting in Jakarta, targeting a Taiwanese man who resisted arrest while trying to smuggle one ton of crystal methamphetamine into Indonesia.

Human Rights Watch official Phelim Kline criticized the move, writing in a statement that, President Joko Widodo should send a clear and public message to the police that efforts to address the complex problems of drugs and criminality require the security forces to respect everyones basic rights, not demolish them.

Meth panic

The target of President Dutertes drug war is the cheap crystal methamphetamine known locally as shabu, and it is also the subject of Indonesian hand-wringing. The ton seized last month was the largest drug seizure in the nations history.

The head of Indonesias narcotics agency, Gen. Budi Waseso, has been calling for a Philippines-style war on drugs as early as September 2016.

The market that existed in the Philippines is moving to Indonesia, the impact of President Dutertes actions is an exodus to Indonesia, including the substance, Budi told Australias ABC News.

Indonesia enforces capital punishment for drug trafficking, which makes it an offense on par with murder and terrorism. It is estimated that about 70 percent of Indonesias prison population are low-level drug offenders.

For me there is a question mark over President Jokowis narcotics policy, said Erasmus Napitupulu of Jakartas Institute for Criminal Justice Reform. He always talks about the death penalty as a way to protect the nations children. But in fact, he said, the death penalty targets small drug couriers, which in many cases leads to unfair trials. Indonesian law has not been able to bear the burden of fair trial, he said.

Calls for leniency

Of course we are concerned with the presidents rhetoric  to justify the war on drugs, said Edo Nasution, national coordinator of the nonprofit Solidarity for Indonesian Drug Victims.

Evidence-based drug policy is what we need, not a policy that is only based on moral values or ideology, said Edo, a onetime drug user who spent 13 years in Indonesian jails. For example, there have been harm reduction programs in Indonesia for a long time and there is much scientific evidence as to the success of this approach.

Harm-reduction refers to the practice of managing the risks of drug use, such as providing sterile needles, rather than trying to eradicate drug use.

Southeast Asia has long resisted trends toward leniency for drug users or traffickers, with countries like Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines resolutely maintaining harsh penalties that they say deters a major societal problem. As of last year, Thailand seemed like it might rethink the criminalization of methamphetamine because of overcrowded prisons, but there are no such signs in Indonesia.

Widodos last big anti-drug push was in 2015, two months after he was sworn into office, when he executed 14 people for drug offenses.

Far from having a deterrent effect, the number of drug-related crimes in Indonesia increased in the months after the executions were carried out in January and April 2015, according to Claudia Stoicescu, an Oxford University researcher.

The increased resources devoted to drug-related arrests has drawn money away from rehabilitation centers that some say would better serve Indonesias nearly 1 million (according to the National Narcotics Agency) drug addicts. In the absence of such treatment, many poor addicts are turning to dubious herbal and faith-based cures that do nothing at best.

Erasmus wishes Indonesia would learn from the experience of the United States, which has gradually softened its approach to marijuana.

American narcotics policy that criminally prosecuted drug users failed even without the death penalty. The result? The U.S. gradually changed the direction of policy toward decriminalization [of marijuana], he said. If Indonesia retains capital punishment as the main solution for drug issues, then I believe it is a political decision to preserve [politicians] image, not to protect actual narcotics victims.
A year on from when a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck the mountainous heartland of Italy, killing 300 people and leaving thousands homeless, local mayors of a string of hilltop towns and villages that were left in ruins remain frustrated by the sluggish pace of reconstruction.

Three-quarters of the once postcard-perfect towns of Amatrice and Accumoli remain in ruins. Pescara del Tronto, another medieval hilltop settlement, is a pile of rubble.

The recent opening in Amatrice, which gave its name to the pasta sauce, allamatriciana, of a food village, an innovative facility built of low-cost timber, has been touted by its private-sector sponsors as marking a post-earthquake turning point.

But for the shattered communities, the fear is that a government promise made quickly after the August 24, 2016, earthquake to rebuild will be as slow in coming as the reconstruction of LAquila, which was struck in 2009 by a powerful tremblor. Eight years on, more than 8,000 LAquila residents still live in temporary accommodations.

The mayors have been urging the government not to repeat the snail-pace post-quake reconstructions of recent years.

Six-months ago, 400 residents from Illica, Accumoli, Arquata del Tronto and Capodacqua staged a protest demanding quicker recovery efforts. Bureaucracy kills more than the earthquake, read one of the banners being waved by protesters.

Hundreds of residents from the affected towns have been placed in hotels in nearby San Benedetto del Tronto, a seaside resort on Italys Adriatic coast, among them the mayor of Accumoli, Stefano Petrucci. He travels each day to his flattened town to oversee the slow clearance work, and says rebuilding plans are ensnared in burdensome administrative procedures.

It is not moving fast enough, he sighed. We must begin to return to live as a community."

Feeling exiled

The survivors, many of them elderly, say they feel exiled. We worry that by the time our homes have been rebuilt, we may not be alive, said Lidia Lombardi, a gray-haired pensioner sitting outside a three-star hotel in San Benedetto.

Other quake survivors remain closer to their devastated homes, living in temporary accommodations, including in trailers.

At least 300 farms in the quake zone were affected by the tremblor, with many farming families living and working in unsafe buildings. In Italy, most homeowners cant get private insurance cover for quake damage, and the government is responsible for financing rebuilding  although not of holiday or second homes.



Government officials say rebuilding the devastated towns will take at least 10 years, and they estimate the damage cost of last years tremblor at 23 billion euros. Local mayors are worried that the young, especially, will give up, move away and never return.

In a bid to keep young families in the area, a prefabricated school has been built on the outskirts of Amatrice, and army engineers have been setting up pre-fabricated homes.

Amatrices mayor, Sergio Pirozzi, says the town was rebuilt after another major earthquake in 1639, and must do so again  if for no other reason than as a tribute to those who lost their lives last year. He has been urging youngsters not to give up on the town, arguing that if they they leave, it really will mark the end of a town famous for supplying chefs to the Vatican.

But many of the young in Italys mountainous heartland already were struggling with diminishing job opportunities, a driver for them to leave the area. The slow pace of reconstruction is hardly encouraging  and continued jolts that have followed last years earthquake leaves them even more worried.

Seeing little future

The earthquake has left in my heart a sensation of fear and insecurity, and this fact has confirmed my thinking about a future that I can't see in Italy, said Laura Sterpino, a 22-year-old student.

Tens of thousands of jolts have been recorded in central Italy in the past 12 months, and there have been 86 quakes. Locals fear that the jolts may not be after-shakes, but could presage another big tremblor.

A sense of foreboding hangs over Italys mountainous heartland. In the central regions of Lazio, Umbria and Marche, inhabitants increasingly are fatalistic about their prospects and mistrustful of government. Tourists see the pastures of sunflowers and poppies, abundant vines, rows of ancient olive trees and medieval hilltop stone towns but not the hard-scrabble day-by-day existence to get by.

The inhabitants have battled for years to offset the decline in commercial agriculture, desperately exploring ways to refashion the area as arts venues, tourist destinations and centers of artisanal trades and crafts. The 2008 financial crash sent the regional tourism industry into a tailspin from which it has yet to recover fully, although this year the Marche region recorded a strong year in its seaside resorts.

Away from the coast, the highways and byways running through last years quake-affected area are devoid of traffic. The picturesque, winding road that links the Marche town of Ascoli Piceno to the Umbrian city of Spoleto, perched on a foothill of the Apennines, is closed for large sections. Soldiers guard the entrance to Accumoli and turn back the curious.

In Amatrice, some disaster tourists' have been able to enter parts of the town and have been taking selfies of themselves  to the disgust of locals.
A U.S. congresswoman labelled the National Rifle Association and its spokeswoman domestic security threats in social media posts that quickly drew condemnation from the gun rights organization.

Im just going to say it. #NRA & @DLoesch are quickly becoming domestic security threats under President [Donald] Trump. We can't ignore that, Rep. Kathleen Rice, a Democratic congresswoman from New York, wrote on Twitter.

Rice's Thursday comment is as a follow-up to a post in which she seemingly accused the NRA of bias against minorities because the group failed to support a black man whod been shot by police during a traffic stop.

So if a white guy was shot dead during a routine stop w/ a legal gun & a joint in his car, #NRA would stay silent? You're the ones lying, she wrote earlier.

Rices initial comment referenced the death of Philando Castile, who was fatally shot by police during a traffic stop in 2016. Castile was shot and killed by a Minnesota police officer during a traffic stop after he told the officer he had a license to carry a gun.

The NRA came under heavy criticism in the aftermath of the shooting because some saw the group as not living up to its obligation to defend legal gun owners. But NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch said the NRA didnt speak up on Castiles behalf because he was in possession of marijuana at the time of his death and, she said, that violates the law.

Second Amendment right

The NRA is Americas leading association defending the rights of citizens to own and carry firearms. Americans are specifically afforded the right to bear arms by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The NRA hadnt spoken about Castiles death for nearly a year, until last month during an appearance on cable channel CNN when Loesch called the incident a terrible tragedy that could have been avoided.

Loesch responded to Rices accusation that she and the NRA were becoming domestic security threats later Thursday night, asking whether Rice believed the NRA was a bigger threat than the South American street gang MS-13.

Last week, Loesch and the NRA released an advertisement in which she attacked The New York Times as fake news and told the newspaper to consider the ad a shot across your proverbial bow."

"We've had it with your constant protection of your Democrat overlords, your refusal to acknowledge any truth that upsets the fragile construct that you believe is real life," Loesch said to the newspaper in the video. We're going to laser-focus on your so-called 'honest pursuit of truth.' In short, we're coming for you.

This year, the NRA has targeted The Washington Post and other organizations in videos aimed at discrediting them and increasing recruitment for the gun rights group.

VOA asked both the NRA and Rices office for comment, but neither immediately responded.
Nine men and a child were fatally shot in Kenya as post-election violence escalated in isolated opposition strongholds after incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta was declared the winner Friday in presidential elections.

A mortuary official who requested anonymity said nine bodies with gunshot wounds were transported to the morgue in the capital of Nairobi from Mathare, a stronghold of opposition candidate Raila Odinga. A security official who did not want to be named also told Reuters the bodies had arrived.

WATCH: Police Break Up Protests in Kenya After Kenyatta Declared Winner

Mathare resident Wycliff Mokaya told the Associated Press his 9-year-old daughter was killed by a stray bullet on their balcony.

"I was watching her play with her friends when she suddenly fell down," Mokaya said. "She was my only hope."

Leonard Katana, a regional police commander, told AP Saturday that police shot and killed two people during riots on the outskirts of Kisumu, a city where Odinga has strong support. Katana said another five people were injured by gunfire in Kisumu.

Gunshots rang out in Nairobis biggest slum, Kibera, and well as in other poor areas of the capital and in the western city of Kisumu. Witnesses say police fired tear gas in the Nairobi slum of Mathare and said police helicopters flew overhead.

The scenes were in stark contrast to strongholds of President Kenyatta, where supporters took to the streets with vuvuzelas and flags, cheering the election result.

Election results announced

Friday night, an almost-full hall of election observers, dignitaries, journalists, politicians, political agents and electoral officials gathered to hear Kenyas electoral commission announce that incumbent Kenyatta had won the presidential contest, defeating Odinga.

Having fulfilled the requirement by law and having garnered 8,203,290 votes, representing 54.27 percent of the votes and 25 percent in 35 counties, I therefore wish to declare honorable Uhuru Kenyatta as president-elect and honorable William Ruto as the deputy president-elect, Election chairman Wafula Chebukati said.

Chebukati announced that Odinga garnered 6,762,224 votes, which gave him 44.74 percent of the overall vote. He also received at least 25 percent of the vote in 29 counties.

Electoral commission results show a roughly 79 percent voter turnout, with more than 15 million of the more than 19.6 million registered voters casting ballots.



The winner of the presidential election must receive 50 percent of all votes, and 25 percent or more of votes in at least 25 of Kenyas 47 counties. If neither candidate had hit that threshold, a run-off would have taken place.

Shortly after the announcement, Kenyatta and Ruto adopted a conciliatory approach to the opposition.

As with any competition, there shall always be winners and there shall be losers, but we all belong to one great nation called Kenya, and I extend a hand of friendship, I extend a hand of cooperation, I extend a hand of partnership, knowing fully well that this country needs all of us pulling together in order for us to succeed. And Kenyans want us to succeed, Kenyatta said.

Odingas National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition, however, on Friday afternoon rejected the pending announcement, saying they will only accept the results if they are given access to data from the IEBC website. They stand by their claims that the electoral commissions computer networks were hacked.

On Thursday, the electoral commission chief confirmed that there was an attempt to hack the system after the vote, but he said that attempt failed.

The opposition has said that its numbers showed Odinga beating Kenyatta by a margin of more than 600,000 votes.

As a commission, they have made up their mind, they want to make a declaration, and therefore, we are saying that we are not going to be party to it, our issues have not been addressed, so as NASA, we shall not be party to the process that they are about to make, said Musalia Mudavadi, leader of the opposition NASA coalition, prior to the electoral commissions announcement.

A United Nations statement read, I congratulate the people of Kenya for exercising their democratic rights in actively and peacefully participating in the elections. The statement also congratulates the IEBC for all their commendable efforts in organizing and conducting these elections.

The election was held Tuesday, and officials spent the following three days certifying that electronic transmissions of results matched the official tallies signed by polling officers and political party agents before making the final announcement.
Kenya's opposition said Friday that it would "not be a party" to the election commission's imminent announcement of the result of the presidential vote because its concerns had not been addressed.

Provisional results from polling stations showed President Uhuru Kenyatta with a lead of 1.4 million votes in his bid for a second and final five-year term.

Opposition candidate Raila Odinga's camp has disputed the count and said it would accept the election result only if allowed to see raw data on the commission's computer servers.

Odinga has lost the last two elections, claiming fraud in both cases.

Many Kenyans fear a repeat of the violence that followed the 2007 contested election, when about 1,200 people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced as political protests led to ethnic killings.

"We raised some very serious concerns; they have not responded to them. As NASA [the opposition coalition], we shall not be party to the process they are about to make," senior opposition official Musalia Mudavadi said.

'An entire charade'

James Orengo, chief election agent for the opposition coalition, said: "This has been an entire charade," adding: "The Kenyan people have never disappointed ... every time an election has been stolen, the Kenyan people have stood up to make sure changes are made to make Kenya a better place.

"Going to court, for us, is not an alternative. We have been there before."

Earlier, Orengo had called for the candidates and observers to be given access to the election commission's servers so there could be a transparent audit of data from 41,000 polling stations across the country.

Yakub Guliye, election commissioner in charge of information technology, said that the opposition had not made a formal request and that the commission would not act on a verbal request.

Normal procedure calls for the commission to release final results after cross-checking its electronic tally with paper forms.

Odinga's camp has said figures released by the commission since Tuesday's vote were "fictitious" and that "confidential sources" within the commission had provided figures showing Odinga had a large lead in the race.

The election commission rejected the claims, pointing out they contained basic mathematical errors.

Tighter security

Police had beefed up security across much of Kenya  particularly in opposition strongholds in the west and parts of Nairobi  in anticipation of the announcing of the election result Friday.

At an international conference center, ruling party supporters sang, "Today is our day, God is good," as the president arrived to address them.

Kenya is the leading economy in East Africa, and any instability would be likely to ripple through the region.

Odinga is a member of the Luo, an ethnic group from the west of the country that has long said it is excluded from power.

Kenyatta is from the Kikuyu group, which has supplied three of four presidents since Kenya gained independence from Britain in 1963.

Observers' approval

International observers have given the thumbs-up to the vote. U.S. Ambassador Robert Godec issued a statement on behalf of the diplomatic community calling for any complaints to be channeled through the courts, not street protests.

"If there are disputes or disagreements, the Kenyan constitution is very clear on how they are to be addressed. Violence must never be an option," he said Friday.

But the opposition criticized foreign observers.

"The observers largely served the interests of the government," Orengo said.

As well as a new president, Kenyans also elected new lawmakers and local representatives. Some of those races have also been disputed, leading to violence in Garissa and Tana River counties.
During the last days of summer holidays at the famous Santa Monica Pier, many residents and tourists in Los Angeles find it difficult to imagine a potential nuclear threat brewing on the other side of the Pacific Ocean. However, it is on the mind of Lital Gilad.

Yeah, I am worried. I think it is a real threat and its on my mind. I have kids and obviously I dont want anything so bad to happen, said Gilad.

The saber-rattling continues between North Korea and the United States, and tensions appear to be rising. North Korea claims it has an intercontinental ballistic missile that can carry a nuclear warhead as far as the western United States.

WATCH: Life Goes On in Los Angeles Despite North Korean Threats

I think thats the scariest part about the situation, that there is no level-headed person in between, said Scott Gibbons, a tourist from Australia.This potential threat however, has not ruined Gibbons vacation.

Anything can happen at any time, and if you worry about it too much then youre not going to enjoy your life, Gibbons said.

Visitor Felicia Walker, shared a similar sentiment when asked whether she was worried about North Korean missiles.

Somewhat. But I am very strong in my faith, so I believe everything is going to be OK, said Walker.

About 20 kilometers away from the Santa Monica Pier, on the edge of downtown Los Angeles, is the neighborhood known as Koreatown. It sits in a county with the largest Korean population in the U.S.

Resident Young Ja Bae is worried about North Koreas nuclear program and threats of a missile attack.

We should attack first. We have to do something. They [North Korea] dont know what theyre dealing with. Were not going to let it happen, said Bae.

Daniel Son is more concerned about his relatives in South Korea.

I think theyre in a greater risk than we are, because South Korea is really close from North Korea, said Son.

Sons friend, Chinese-American David Lee, said he is not worried.

Even though North Korea are strong on military, I feel like they will not be dumb enough to actually attack here because if they attack here, the entire world will be into a chaos, said Lee.

As to whether U.S. President Donald Trump has this situation under control, the opinions are as mixed as the ethnic makeup of Los Angeles.

Yes, I believe it, said Bae who has confidence in the U.S. president.

However, Lee was more doubtful.

He is definitely not the best candidate to solve the conflict between nations, said Lee.

For the moment, life goes on as usual in Los Angeles, as residents and visitors watch and wait for more news from Washington and across the ocean.
The U.S. military on Friday disputed claims that an overnight counterterrorism airstrike in eastern Afghanistan had caused civilian casualties. The U.S. officials insisted that the victims were militants under surveillance.

The incident took place Thursday evening in the Haska Mina district of Nangarhar province. Local authorities said 16 civilians, including women and children, had been killed in two separate airstrikes.

The district chief, Saaz Wali, told VOA eight of the victims belonged to the same family and were in a vehicle when a U.S. airstrike hit them.

But Bob Purtiman, a spokesman for the American military in Afghanistan, dismissed the official assertions.

"The militants were observed loading weapons into a vehicle and were under surveillance until the vehicle was destroyed by an airstrike," Purtiman said.

He also ruled out the possibility of any collateral damage, saying the strike was conducted in the middle of open terrain and there was "zero chance" of civilian casualties.

"This is the second false claim of civilian casualties in the same district within the last three weeks," Purtiman noted.

He reiterated that U.S. forces take all allegations of civilian casualties seriously and review each case fully, as well as take precautions in a way to minimize harm to Afghan civilians.

Local reports

Local security officials say Afghan forces, backed by U.S. airpower, are conducting counterterrorism operations against Islamic State militants in the district, where Thursday's airstrikes occurred.

Several districts of Nangarhar are infested with IS militants, U.S. and Afghan officials said.

Taliban insurgents also are active in the Afghan province. A spokesman for the Islamist insurgency, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed that shortly after missiles hit the vehicle, local residents gathered near the site and were targeted and killed by the second airstrike.

The armed conflict in Afghanistan has killed more than 1,700 civilians and wounded many more since the beginning of 2017, according to U.N. documentation of civilian casualties.

Meanwhile, the U.N Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it had completed its probe into the killings of dozens of civilians in the northern province of Sar-e-Pul and promised to issue its findings soon.

The massacre of about 50 men, women and children this week took place in the Sayad district. Local officials said Taliban insurgents and Islamic State loyalists jointly carried out the bloodshed.

But the Taliban denied involvement, saying official claims implicating the group were "baseless propaganda" against it.

"We are deeply concerned by the harrowing reports of civilians being killed and atrocities being committed," UNAMA chief Tadamichi Yamamoto said.

UNAMA, however, urged all parties to refrain from exploiting harrowing events for political purposes and before basic facts were established.
Nigerian forces conducted an unauthorized search of the main U.N. humanitarian base in the country's volatile northeast, the United Nations said Friday.

U.N. officials said the Nigerian troops, in a pre-dawn raid, forced their way into the base in Maiduguri, the city where the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency began. The search lasted about three hours, one official said.

The military confirmed the incident in a statement Friday, saying the action was part of its efforts to search for Boko Haram members. It said no suspects were found.

Rumors were circulating in Nigeria that Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau had taken refuge in one of the U.N. camps in Nigeria.

The action was likely to further strain an already tense relationship between Nigeria's government and aid groups.

"The United Nations is extremely concerned that these actions could be detrimental to the delivery of lifesaving aid to the millions of vulnerable people in the northeast of Nigeria," said Samantha Newport, a spokeswoman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Key role

The military plays a key role in the northeast, particularly outside Maiduguri in the state of Borno which has been the worst hit by Boko Haram.

Aid agencies mostly rely on the army and its convoys for access to other parts of the state, and in many camps for displaced people it is the military distributing food and medical supplies.

A spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the United Nations had formally complained to the Nigerian government.

"There have been contacts  we understand from the government that this was a mistake. The raid should not have happened," Stephane Dujarric said Friday at a daily briefing in New York.

News of the raid came as Nigeria's Vice President Yemi Osinbajo launched a long-planned presidential panel to investigate allegations of human rights abuses by the military. The army has been accused of unlawful detention, sexual abuse and extrajudicial killings.

Since 2009, Nigeria has struggled to stop deadly raids and suicide attacks by the Boko Haram extremist group, which says it wants to create a strict Islamic state in Muslim-majority northern Nigeria.

Most land retaken

Last year, the Nigerian army was able to retake most of the territory captured by Boko Haram,,with the help of neighboring countries. However, Boko Haram has continued to attack markets and public places.

The militant group has killed an estimated 20,000 people overall, and the violence has forced more than 2 million Nigerians from their homes. Tens of thousands live on the brink of famine, and millions more lack secure access to food.

More than $650 million has been given by the international community in response this year, though agencies say more is needed to keep the crisis from worsening.

Some information for this report came from Reuters.
Four U.S. Senate Republicans from oil-refining states Thursday urged the Trump administration not to block oil shipments from Venezuela as part of U.S. sanctions against the country, saying it could raise costs for U.S. fuel consumers.

The United States sanctioned President Nicolas Maduro and other Venezuelan officials after Maduro established a constituent assembly run by his Socialist Party loyalists and cracked down on widespread opposition. It has not placed sanctions on the OPEC members oil industry.

Four senators

Senators John Cornyn of Texas, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, and Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker of Mississippi said in the letter, which was seen by Reuters, that unilaterally blocking oil exports could harm the U.S. economy and the Venezuelan people.

The United States imports about 740,000 barrels per day of oil from Venezuela.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the letter, which was addressed to President Donald Trump.

We believe it is critical to consider the role the U.S. energy industry and refining sector play in our economic and national security interest, the senators wrote. Blockading imports could inflict great harm on this industry and burden U.S. taxpayers with the cost.

Effects on Venezuela

The senators said sanctions on shipments of Venezuelan oil to the United States could also increase the likelihood of a disorderly default by Venezuela, given the oil business is its main source of revenue. Creditors could then seize Venezuelan oil assets and cut off the governments remaining sources of financing.

They also noted that such sanctions could expand the interests of China and Russia in Venezuelas oil business. Both countries have invested in Venezuela for years.

Sources have said the United States could use heavy crude from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve held in caverns along the Gulf Coast, to relieve any short-term supply pressure if Venezuelas shipments were blocked. Nearly 680 million barrels of oil are in reserve.

A drilling boom in the United States has allowed the government to store more oil than it needs to meet international spare supply agreements.
The path to democracy is "not a bed of roses," Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi said Friday at the start of a forum in which the role of the military in the transition to civilian rule looms large.

Speaking in the capital Naypyitaw to open the three-day "Forum on Myanmar Democratic Transition," the Nobel laureate and State Counselor delivered her opening remarks more than 15 months after her party formally took power and amid widespread criticism over her administration's performance.

"When we are trying to change, it is never easy," she said, according to a simultaneous translation. She added that Myanmar can learn from the experiences of other countries that have undergone similar transformations. "To be behind also has some advantages."

Myanmar was ruled by military governments for almost five decades until allies of the former junta launched wide-ranging reforms in 2011, leading to elections in 2015 that Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) won by a landslide.

Hanging over the whole process, however, is the still-powerful military, which continues to clash with armed ethnic groups. Aung San Suu Kyi has eschewed criticism while stressing national reconciliation. She returned to the theme in her remarks on Friday, saying that learning lessons from the past is better than dwelling in it.

The military, known as the Tatmadaw in Burmese, retains significant power due to the 2008 constitution that it drafted. The document guarantees it 25 percent of parliamentary seats and three ministries.

While a portion of the sessions on Friday were devoted to the transition from a military to civilian government, and many of the questions from the audience latched onto the issue, very few members of the armed forces were scheduled to speak.

Real-time events highlighted the tension, as local reports pointed to a possible troop build-up in Rakhine State, where the armed forces have carried out a crackdown on Rohingya Muslim militants since deadly attacks on a police outpost last year. The operations have resulted in numerous claims of human rights abuses.

Historians, politicians, professors and ambassadors, among others, were all scheduled to speak at the forum. Experts who participated in the opening sessions discussed examples of other countries that emerged from outright military or authoritarian rule, including Indonesia, South Korea and, further afield, Spain.

Some of the comments likely will disappoint organizations still seeking redress for years of suffering and hardship under the former Burmese junta, which imprisoned activists and crushed dissent.

Aurel Croissant, a professor of political science at Heidelberg University, said in a talk that efforts in different societies to punish military regimes for past crimes did not end well.

"There isn't a single historical case where this attempt did not lead to disaster," he said. "My advice would be, concluding from the historical evidence, that new democracies may be well advised not to engage under these circumstances in approaches or projects with retributive justice."

Soeren Keil, an Associate Professor at Canterbury Christ Church University who is scheduled to give a talk on Sunday, said in an interview that Myanmar has made substantial progress in recent years, pointing to elections, an increasingly effective parliament, mostly civilian cabinet members, the peace process and media freedoms.

But he said there are still unanswered questions.

"We know where the peace process is supposed to go toward," he said. "But when we look at democratization, I think the whole agenda becomes much more problematic. Because there I can't see a clear goal of saying, this is where we are moving to complete civilian control."

Myanmar is scheduled to again hold elections in 2020, and Keil wondered whether the same constitutional elements keeping the military in power would still be in place.

"That's kind of a date where I think also the NLD itself has to think about what kind of legacy it wants to have for the first five years of power," he said. "And I think that discussion needs to happen."

Myanmar National Security Adviser Thaung Tun, who spoke at the forum, said in an interview on the sidelines that while "there has been a lot of cynicism expressed" regarding the military's role in the transition, "we are working together because we are partners on the same journey."

One of the few members of the military who took part, Col. Aung Myint Oo, the head of the National and International Affairs Department at the National Defense College of the Myanmar Armed Forces, said in a panel discussion that a civilian government may not be able to protect the country against what he described as various threats and problems.

"The military should be a part of one of the organs of the government, and after that we have to negotiate," he said.
Theres a word that everybody should learn because in a few years it may be in almost every day use.

According to scientists at Harvard University, advances in research of xenotransplantation, or transplantation of animal organs to humans, promises to bridge the huge gap between the number of human organs available for transplants and the number of patients on waiting lists.

The experiments stem from the fact that humans share a lot of DNA with mammals, specifically pigs. Pig heart valves are already being routinely transplanted into humans, some diabetes patients have transplanted pig pancreas cells and pig skin is often used for treating patients with severe burns.

Combining gene editing technique called CRISPR with cloning, Harvard scientists created piglets that do not harbor viruses harmful to humans. This, they say, may lead to the first direct xenotransplantation within as little as two years.

Such patients would still be required to take anti-rejection drugs so the ultimate goal is to grow pigs with human ready organs that don't require any medication.

Other scientists express skepticism saying a lot more research is needed before xenotransplantation becomes widely available.
The commander of Somalias Custodial Corps, General Hussein Hassan Osman, has survived an apparent assassination attempt inside Mogadishus central prison, security sources have told VOA Somali.

A suicide bomber detonated a vest midday Friday inside the prison, authorities said, saying that General Osman survived the attack and was rushed out of the prison. VOA Somali later contacted Osman, who said he did not want to comment on the attack.

Witnesses say a man ran after the commander when he stepped out of his car on his way to a mosque inside the prison.

A security guard intercepted the suspect, forcing the attacker to detonate a suicide vest, killing the soldier and wounding three others, according to security sources.

Security sources say three people were arrested.

Its unclear how the bomber managed to pass through security checks to make his way to a mosque inside Mogadishus biggest central prison.

The mosque also is used by officials from Somalias military tribunal, which tries Al-Shabab suspects.

Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.
Myanmar has sent hundreds of soldiers to beef up security in northwestern Rakhine state after a recent spate of killings, military sources said on Friday,

fuelling fears of yet more violence and instability in the troubled region.

Muslim-majority northern Rakhine was plunged into violence last October when Rohingya Muslim insurgents killed nine police, setting off a brutal counteroffensive beset by allegations of rape, killings and torture by government troops.

Two military sources based in Rakhine told Reuters the army had sent troops to the state's north to "help tighten security" after seven Buddhists were found hacked to death in mountains near the town of Maungdaw last week.

The army dispatched about 500 soldiers to several towns near the border with Bangladesh on Thursday, including the towns of Buthidaung and Maungdaw, according to one of the military sources with direct knowledge of the matter.

"We have to increase security operations because the security situation has worsened  some Muslims and Buddhists have been killed by the insurgents," Rakhine State police chief Colonel Sein Lwin told Reuters.

The military spokesman and a spokesman for Myanmar's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, were not immediately available for comment.

Such a buildup raises fears of a fresh wave of violence after last year's operation in which security forces allegedly shot villagers at random, raped Rohingya women and burned homes.

UN expresses "major concern"

"This development, which reportedly took place yesterday, is a cause for major concern," said Yanghee Lee, the U.N. special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar.

"The government must ensure that security forces exercise restraint in all circumstances and respect human rights in addressing the security situation in Rakhine State," she said in a statement issued in Geneva.

United Nations investigators who interviewed some of the nearly 75,000 people who fled to neighbouring Bangladesh last year said troops probably committed crimes against humanity.

The government rejects the allegations and has refused to cooperate with a U.N. fact-finding mission to look into abuses in Myanmar.

Despite the massive counter-offensive last year, the government has accused the militants of continuing to run training camps in the mountains and killing alleged informants in the Muslim community.

The government blamed "extremists" for the killing of the seven Buddhists who, residents of the area believe, stumbled upon a camp for Rohingya militants.

That prompted security forces to hunt for the killers in an "intensive clearance operation", a military source told Reuters last week.

This week, the army has tightened security and the police force is on high alert, Rakhine police official Sein Lwin added.

Security forces have also strengthened border guard posts in the region, said Kyaw Swar Tun, the director of the general administration department based in the state capital, Sittwe.

Regional rights body ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights voiced concern about the increased number of troops in Rakhine.

"Aung San Suu Kyi should call on all parties, including the Myanmar army, to take steps to de-escalate conflict in northern Rakhine State, rather than exacerbate it," a member of its board, Eva Kusuma Sundari, said in a statement.

About 1.1 million Rohingya live in Rakhine, but are denied citizenship and face curbs on movement and access to basic services. About 120,000 live in camps set up after deadly violence in 2012, relying on aid agencies for basic supplies.
Thousands of people uprooted by violence in the Central African Republic are taking refuge in a hospital after armed groups looted and burned a camp for the displaced, medical charity Doctors Without Borders said Thursday.

At least 10,000 people are staying on the grounds of the hospital in Batangafo  400 kilometers (250 miles) north of the capital, Bangui  nearly two weeks after fighting broke out between rival groups, according to the charity, known by its French initialism of MSF.

The camp for the displaced was attacked and several aid groups were looted during two waves of violence that left 24 people dead and 17 injured as of the start of August, MSF said.

"The people taking refuge in the hospital ... are still unable to rebuild their shelters in the camp," MSF project coordinator Carlos Francisco said in a statement.

The medical charity said it was providing basic water and sanitation services for the displaced, and that health services were running as normal after having been disrupted by the fighting.

"Much of the general population is in a state of complete helplessness," Francisco added. "Imagine what the situation must be like when people think that the only safe option left to them is a hospital ... knowing that not even hospitals are safe."

Patients abducted, baby slain

Hospitals in the southeastern towns of Bangassou and Zemio have been targeted by militant groups in recent months  with armed men abducting two patients who were later found dead, and shooting and killing a baby being held by its mother, MSF said.

Six Red Cross volunteers were killed last week in an attack on a health center in southeastern Gambo, the aid group said, adding that civilians and health workers might have also died.

Thousands have died and a fifth of Central Africans  nearly 1 million  have fled their homes in an ethnic and religious conflict that broke out after mainly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power in 2013, provoking a backlash from Christian militias.

Militia violence has intensified across the Central African Republic this year as splinter groups clash over control of land and resources, sparking fears of a return to the large-scale chaos that gripped the country at the peak of a 2013 civil war.

U.N. aid chief Stephen O'Brien on Monday told a U.N. briefing that the "warning signs of genocide are there."

O'Brien last month told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that the country has "the worst level of humanitarian needs per capita," as about one in two people  2.2 million  need aid.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says he is heartbroken over the drowning of dozens of migrants off the coast of Yemen.

Smugglers forced nearly 300 migrants from Ethiopia and Somalia overboard from two separate boats Wednesday and Thursday.

The International Organization for Migration says at least 56 migrants drowned, with many of them buried in shallow graves on the beach in Yemens southern Shabwa province by survivors.

At least 65 are missing, and those who survived and chose not to remain on the beach have disappeared.

Pathways to legal migration

A Guterres spokesman said Thursday the U.N. chief stresses that the international community must make it a priority to prevent such crises that cause the mass movement of people and exposes them to danger.

We must also increase legal pathways for regular migration and other credible alternatives to these dangerous crossings for people in need of international protection, the spokesman said.

U.N. migration officials are providing emergency food, shelter and medical aid to those who survived and stayed on the Yemeni beach.

They say they are shocked to find that the average age of those who drowned was 16.

The smugglers, often heavily armed, are afraid to get too close to land because they believe authorities are waiting for them, so they force the migrants into the sea.

So the migrants had a choice. They would either be harmed more than they probably had been on the journey, shot, or go jump into the sea. Some were actually physically pushed as well, IOM spokeswoman Olivia Headon told VOA.

Headon said it is unlikely the smugglers would ever be caught.

Thousands flee to Yemen

About 55,000 migrants have arrived in Yemen from the Horn of Africa this year, hoping to find work somewhere in the oil-rich Persian Gulf.

After arriving they try to move on quickly from Yemen, one of the worlds poorest countries, which also is wracked by violence, including airstrikes by a Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels.

About 80 percent of Yemens people are in desperate need of food and medical care, and the country also in the midst of a cholera outbreak.

Lisa Schlein, Salem Solomon and Margaret Besheer contributed to this report.
Sixteen months after deadly clashes erupted in Azerbaijan's autonomous breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, international mediators are saying it's time for all parties to undertake confidence-building measures to jump-start the political settlement process.

Russia led mediation to settle the four days of shelling and rocket strikes between Azerbaijan's military and Armenian-backed separatists over Nagorno-Karabakh. The clashes were the deadliest incidents since a 1994 cease-fire established the current territorial division. The brief but intense fighting of April 2016 claimed dozens of lives.

Since then, the United States, Russia and France, which co-chair the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Minsk Group for conflict mediation, have continued advocating diplomacy to secure a binding peace resolution.

Steps toward demilitarization are essential to deterring accidental flare-ups of violence between the groups, said Ambassador Richard Hoagland, U.S. co-chairman of the Minsk Group.

"When you have two armed groups facing each other in difficult terrain not very far apart, there is always the chance for some kind of accident to happen that then spirals out of control," he recently told VOA's Armenian and Azeri services. "I know that at this point it will be difficult to ask for total demilitarization, although that would be good, so what we have to do is to look for those things that can help to reduce the possibility of some kind of military accident that then gets out of control."

Removal of snipers along both sides of the Karabakh line of contact, which separates Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan, would be a logical first step, Hoagland said.

Allowing the presence of international observers and installing new electronic equipment that traces cease-fire violations, he said, would be a second realistic benchmark to achieve.

"There is an actual document [that maps out the peace process], and it's a very comprehensive, but there are steps and steps and steps, and stages and stages," he told VOA. "So I would hope that in the next highest level of negotiations, the two sides will look very seriously and say even if they can't come to a final conclusion, here are things we can accomplish."

U.S.-Russian coordination?

Although some observers describe the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as a rare point of shared strategic interests between the U.S. and Russia, others are skeptical.

Hoagland, however, struck an optimistic tone, saying the United States was continuing to work with Russia on this issue despite deteriorating relations between the two countries.

"I have seen absolutely no change in how we work together and how we regard each other," he told VOA. "Just because sometimes the politicians are bumping up against each other, for us, the work continues and we do it arm in arm.

"Maybe at the top the headline news doesn't look good, but when you get down to specific issues, specific problems to work on together, where we do cooperate, that continues and it continues today on Nagorno-Karabakh," he added.

Although the conflict has yet to come under the focus of the President Donald Trump's administration, former Ambassador John Herbst, director of the Atlantic Council's Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center, told VOA that might change in the coming six to 12 months.

While a planned U.N. General Assembly meeting between Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev may signal a loosening of tensions between the groups, Herbst said, "I still do not see any grounds for a reasonable settlement of the conflict."

"Everyone knows that the overwhelming majority of the population of Karabakh are Armenians and they will have substantial autonomy, and this should be the basis of the settlement," he said.

Competing interests

The main obstacle to full settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the fact that there are too many interests involved in the problem, said analyst Michael Rubin of the American Enterprise Institute, a public policy research group.

"If the problem was only about the two countries, it would probably have been settled, but states like Russia want to maintain the conflict," he said.

Echoing that sentiment, Anna Borshchevskaya of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy said Armenian officials have complained that a Nagorno-Karabakh settlement has been hampered by Russian arms sales to both sides.

"Russia wants to play a serious role in this conflict, and if there is no conflict, there will be no such role," she said.

Although Russian weapons deliveries to Baku remained a contentious issue throughout Armenia's 2017 parliamentary elections, most political forces steered clear of the topic and the question of whether Armenia is more secure with Russia as an ally.

Russia plays an important role in the region as its former imperial and Soviet-era overlord. It is also the main seller of weapons to both Armenia, a close Moscow ally, and Azerbaijan, which has developed warm relations with ethnically kin Turkey.

The Kremlin has consistently stated that it intends to continue selling arms to both camps while supporting peaceful resolution of the conflict.

On July 17, Armenia's president called Russian arms sales to Baku "the most painful side of Armenian-Russian relations."

Baku

Armenian political scientist Suren Sargsyan said Baku officials need to assume a more proactive role in securing the front lines, touching on Hoagland's calls for demilitarization as an example.

"Such an agreement has been reached between the parties," he told VOA. "But the Azerbaijani side has not taken any practical steps in that direction for a long time. That is why the negotiation process goes to a deadlock."

Fighting between ethnic Azeris and Armenians erupted in 1991 and a cease-fire was agreed to in 1994. But Azerbaijan and Armenia regularly accuse each other of carrying out attacks around Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Azeri-Armenian border.

On July 5, an Azeri woman and child were killed and another civilian wounded by Armenian forces near the boundary with Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan's defense ministry said Wednesday.

Sporadic exchanges of fire in the fight for control over the region  inside Azerbaijan but controlled by ethnic Armenians  have stoked fears of a wider conflict breaking out in the South Caucasus, which is crossed by oil and gas pipelines.

This story originated in VOA's Armenian service. Some information came from Reuters.
What does President Donald Trumps 2008 sale of a Florida mansion to a Russian billionaire have to do with collusion during the 2016 election?

On the surface, not a whole lot.

You know the closest I came to Russia, I bought a house a number of years ago in Palm Beach  for $40 million, and I sold it to a Russian for $100 million, Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in 2015.

Two years later, Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigators are taking a closer look at the lucrative sale  as well as a host of other deals involving Trumps businesses  as they search for clues into whether Trumps campaign coordinated with Moscow to influence last years election.

Questions raised

The expansion of Muellers investigation into Trumps finances has raised questions about how far the special counsel can go in chasing down leads before the probe devolves into a fishing expedition beyond its intended scope.

While following the money trail can uncover critical clues in any white-collar crime investigation, Trump recently warned that any digging into his finances would be a violation of Muellers mandate. White-collar crime typically is nonviolent and done for financial gain.

The special counsel authority given to Mueller by the Justice Department on May 17 is relatively broad but has room for interpretation. While it explicitly authorized him to investigate any links and/or coordination between the Trump campaign and Moscow during the election, it also mandated Mueller to examine any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation.

Grand jury rules

Thomas Zeno, a former federal prosecutor now with the Squire Patton Boggs law firm, said examining Trumps business dealings does not necessarily fall outside the special counsels mandate.

Just hearing the presidents investments are being looked at is not enough, Zeno said. We need to know why. We dont know why because thats what Mr. Mueller is doing behind a grand jury.

Mullers team operates under grand jury secrecy rules and does not comment on the investigation.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller in May and supervises his investigation, said that Mueller was operating within his mandate.

We dont engage in fishing expeditions, Rosenstein told Fox Sunday, using a phrase for an investigation that doesnt stick to a stated purpose but hopes to uncover incriminating information.

Rosenstein said Mueller would have to seek his permission to investigate matters that fall outside his mandate.

Eric Jaso, a former associate independent counsel for the Whitewater investigation who is now a partner with the Spiro Harrison law firm, said Muellers mandate gives him a fair amount of wiggle room to probe matters related to the investigation.

However, there is no requirement to publicize any additional authorities given to the special counsel, Jaso said.

A spokesman for Mueller did not respond to a request for comment.

Trump's Russia ties

Trump has long de-emphasized his financial ties to Russia. In February, he told reporters, Speaking for myself, I own nothing in Russia. I have no loans in Russia. I have no deals in Russia.

To demonstrate his limited Russian dealings, the presidents lawyers released a letter in March showing income from two Russian deals: $95 million from the 2008 sale of the Palm Beach mansion to Russian fertilizer tycoon Dmitry Rybolovlev, and nearly $12 million from a partnership with oligarch Aras Agalarov to bring the Miss Universe pageant to Moscow in 2013.

But in 2008, Donald Trump Jr., the presidents eldest son, told investors in Moscow, Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross section of a lot of our assets. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.

Seva Gunitsky, a University of Toronto professor who has researched Trumps Russian business interests, said the presidents financial connections to Russia run deeper than he has admitted. Since the 1990s, he said, Trump has done hundreds of millions of dollars worth of business with Russian investors if not more.

The Florida mansion sale and the Miss Universe pageant are among an array of financial transactions Muellers investigators are examining, Bloomberg reported last month.

Investigators are also looking at Trumps partnership with Russian investors in a controversial New York condo-hotel project and purchases of Trump condos by Russian investors.

As part of their investigation, Muellers team is delving into the finances of Trump associates, including former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, son-in-law Jared Kushner and former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who has deep financial ties to Russia and Ukraine. Last month, FBI agents raided Manaforts home outside Washington to seize documents and other material, the Washington Post reported Wednesday.

To conduct the investigation, Mueller has assembled a high-caliber team of lawyers, including three with extensive experience in the financial fraud section of Department of Justices Criminal Division.

If you want to get to the roots of collusion, to the roots of Trumps relationship with Russia, they dont start with Putin, and certainly dont start with the 2016 campaign, Gunitsky said. They start with lots and lots of Russian oligarch money coming into Trumps real estate businesses, into his casino businesses, since the 1990s and even earlier.

The presidents refusal to release his tax returns makes it difficult to know the exact extent of his Russian financial interests, Gunitsky said.

Andrew Kent, a Fordham University law professor, said the expansion of Muellers investigation has put Trump and the special counsel on a collision course.

If the investigation gets hot for Trump personally, for his son or son-in-law, Id not be at all surprised if President Trump took steps to try to fire Mueller or otherwise rein in the investigation, Kent said.

Asked if hed thought about or considered firing Mueller, Trump told reporters Thursday, I havent given it any thought.  No, Im not dismissing anybody. I want them to get on with the task.
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is considering arming Ukraine with lethal defensive weapons that Kyiv could use against Russia-backed separatists. Opponents argue arming Ukraine risks escalating the conflict while supporters say better weapons would act as a deterrence to Russian aggression and give a psychological and political boost to Kyiv. The debate comes as Trump's new envoy on Ukraine, Kurt Volker, is to visit Russia soon. VOA's Daniel Schearf reports from Washington.
Vice President Mike Pence heads to Colombia, Argentina, Chile and Panama on Sunday, meeting with foreign leaders in a role that is becoming familiar for an administration that has left many top diplomatic posts unfilled.

Since April, Pence has visited South Korea, Japan, Indonesia and Australia, attended security meetings in Munich and Brussels, and traveled to Estonia, Georgia and Montenegro.

Vice presidents frequently travel abroad to meet with foreign leaders, but Pence's role comes at a time of intense foreign interest in U.S. policy. President Donald Trump has embraced overturning much of his predecessor's legacy, and it has frequently fallen on Pence to explain those changes to foreign leaders.

Pence has reassured U.S. allies nervous about tweets and statements by Trump  "statements that were mixed about our commitment to NATO," said scholar of the vice presidency Joel Goldstein of Saint Louis University School of Law. Pence has assured allies of the "continuing [U.S.] commitment," Goldstein noted.

South and Central America

Pence's latest foray will take him to South and Central America, where Goldstein says the vice president can play a helpful role because many senior State Department positions under Trump remain vacant.

"That creates a bit more of a burden, I think, on people like the secretary of state [Rex Tillerson] and the vice president to be available to do high-level traveling," Goldstein said.

Vice presidents since Richard Nixon, who famously held an impromptu "kitchen debate" with Soviet leader Nikita Khruschchev, have had a hand in diplomacy  a trend that Goldstein says accelerated under later vice presidents, including Walter Mondale.

"George H. W. Bush as vice president made 41 trips, or an average of five a year, overseas," said Goldstein.

Pence will make stops in Cartagena and Bogota, Colombia, a country in the process of implementing a controversial peace agreement with the rebel group FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia). He also will hear of the nation's efforts to reduce production of coca for cocaine.

In Chile, Pence will face questions over the sudden U.S. withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, Chile's U.S. ambassador Juan Gabriel Valdes told the VOA Spanish service. "With or without the U.S., we will continue working in the Asia Pacific to push for an agreement that results in clear rules for everyone," Valdes said.

He added that his nation hopes the United States does not follow through on the threat to leave the Paris climate agreement because Chile believes that climate change is real.

U.S. trading partner Panama established diplomatic ties with China in June, and Pence's upcoming visit comes against the backdrop of a growing Chinese trade role in the region.

Watch: Pence to Embark on Four-Nation Latin America Tour

Vice presidential roles

Vice presidents do not determine U.S. policy, and none, "including Mike Pence, is going to be taking ownership of, say, foreign affairs, diplomatic relations," said Christopher Devine, a political scientist at the University of Dayton.

"He's contributing to it," he added, "or at least he should be if he's playing the modern role, and what he's doing is helping the president to carry out his policy."

Vice presidents have been key intermediaries and trusted presidential advisers. Analysts say that although Pence's diplomatic role is conventional so far, he works for a president who has promised to do things differently.

Samuel George, an analyst with the German-based Bertelsmann Foundation, said Pence's visit could help strengthen the U.S. presence in Latin America, but the analyst worries about mixed messages.

"I don't know what Trump could tweet," he said. "That's the fear."
Heated rhetoric between the United States and North Korea are raising concern in much of the world that a major conflict is looming, but in South Korea it is the background noise of life.

Separated by the most heavily militarized border in the world, most South Koreans have lived under the risk of war. Pyongyang has repeatedly threatened to turn the South Korean capital, Seoul, into a sea of fire and has thousands of artillery units in place along the border to do it. But in the South, these threats have lost the power to frighten or shock, as strong military deterrence on both sides has maintained a fragile peace for more than 60 years.

Ever since I served [in the] military ten years ago, (the North Korean threat) has been continuing, and South Korean men who served in the military have developed an understanding about North Korean provocations, so we get used to it, said Seoul resident Jang Min-seok.

Trump escalation

Last year, North Korea focused its provocative rhetoric on New York City, claiming it could burn Manhattan down to ashes after testing what it said was a hydrogen bomb. To back up its claim, Pyongyang has been relentlessly developing its nuclear and long-range missile capabilities to target the U.S. mainland.

This week President Donald Trump joined in the war of words with North Korea in ways that critics say could escalate the already tense situation on the Korean Peninsula.

On Tuesday, he said the U.S. would answer any North Korean aggression with fire and fury.

The North Korea Peoples Army responded by announcing a detailed plan under consideration to launch an intermediate range missile over Japan and into the Pacific Ocean near the U.S. territory of Guam, where a major American military base is located.

North Korean state media said Trump is bereft of reason and only absolute force can work on him."

President Trump Thursday said of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, He has disrespected our country greatly. He has said things that are horrific. And with me he's not getting away with it.

And the president warned the United States would strongly retaliate against any attack on Guam.

He does something in Guam, it will be an event the likes of which nobody has seen before, what will happen in North Korea, said Trump.

Muted concern over rhetoric

There is concern among Seoul residents that President Trumps confrontational personality might spark a conflict with North Korea that would quickly drag South Korea into the fighting.

I am worried a little bit, because it appears to be the Trump administration has an offensive characteristic, said Kim Ki-sung in Seouls financial district.

But any anxiety in South Korea is mitigated by the experience of living through multiple crises with the North that were eventually contained to prevent a war that would be catastrophic for both sides.

U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis also said Thursday that while the U.S. military was "ready" for a confrontation with North Korea, his preference is for a diplomatic solution.

Political theater

While the South Korean government has emphasized its close alliance with the United States and the need for increased defensive measures like the U.S. THAAD missile defense system, it has not engaged in threatening rhetoric.

For many residents in Seoul, this crisis seems like another act in the ongoing Korean political drama that will ultimately play out as it has in the past, with sound and fury, then restraint.

It appears to be (that the United States and North Korea) are scaring each other with words. But I don't think they can do something in reality, said Wie Ah-rae.

Youmi Kim contributed to this report
Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta secured a second term in office, the election commission announced on Friday, but the opposition rejected the result saying the process was undermined by fraud.

Kenyatta got 54.3 percent of Tuesday's vote, ahead of rival Raila Odinga who secured 44.7 percent, according to figures released by election commission head Wafula Chebukati. Nearly 80 percent of the 19 million registered voters cast their ballots.

Many Kenyans fear a repeat of the violence that followed the 2007 contested election, when about 1,200 people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced as protests over the result led to ethnic killings.

There were reports Friday that minutes after the election results were announced police fired tear gas to contain political protests in the western city of Kisumu city, an opposition stronghold, and Mathare, a Nairobi slum, Reuters witnesses said.

Speaking after the result was announced, Kenyatta offered an olive branch to the opposition, urging national unity and peace.

"I reach out to you, I reach out to all your supporters," Kenyatta said in comments directed at Odinga. "To our brothers, our worthy competitors, we are not enemies, we are all citizens of the same republic."

A 'charade'

Earlier on Friday, the opposition, led by Odinga, who has lost the last two elections amid complaints of fraud, said it rejected the process after its complaints had not been addressed.

"We raised some very serious concerns, they have not responded to them. As NASA [opposition coalition], we shall not be party to the process they are about to make," senior opposition official Musalia Mudavadi told reporters.

James Orengo, one of Odinga's lieutenants and an election agent for the opposition coalition, said the process had been a "charade."

He praised the Kenyan people's history of standing up to stolen elections and said there were "constitutional alternatives" to challenging any result, but he stopped short of calling for protests.

"Going to court, for us, is not an alternative. We have been there before," he said.

"The Kenyan people have never disappointed. ... Every time an election has been stolen, the Kenyan people have stood up to make sure changes are made to make Kenya a better place."

WATCH: Uhuru Kenyatta Declared Winner of Kenya Election

Access to data

Earlier, Orengo had called for the candidates and observers to be given access to the election commission's computer servers so there could be a transparent audit of data from 41,000 polling stations across the country.

Yakub Guliye, election commissioner in charge of information technology, said the opposition had not made a formal request and it would not act on a verbal request.

Normal procedure calls for the commission to release final results after cross checking its electronic tally with paper forms.

Odinga's camp has said figures released by the commission since Tuesday's vote were "fictitious" and that "confidential sources" within the commission had provided figures showing Odinga had a large lead in the race.

The election commission rejected the claims, pointing out they contained basic mathematical errors.

Security across Kenya

Police had beefed up security across much of Kenya  particularly in opposition strongholds in the west and parts of Nairobi  in anticipation of the announcement of the election result on Friday.

Kenya is the leading economy in East Africa and any instability would be likely to ripple through the region.

Odinga is a member of the Luo, an ethnic group from the west of the country that has long said it is excluded from power.

Kenyatta is from the Kikuyu group, which has supplied three of four presidents since Kenya gained independence from Britain in 1963.

International observers have given the thumbs-up to the vote and U.S. Ambassador Robert Godec issued a statement on behalf of the diplomatic community calling for any complaints to be channeled through the courts, not street protests.

"If there are disputes or disagreements, the Kenyan constitution is very clear on how they are to be addressed. Violence must never be an option," he said on Friday. "Now is the time for leaders, across the political spectrum, to demonstrate their commitment to [the] constitution and to the institutions it creates and the values it sets out."

But the opposition criticized foreign observer missions, which included former South African president Thabo Mbeki and former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, saying they should have been vetted ahead of the vote.

"The observers largely served the interests of the government," Orengo said.

As well as a new president, Kenyans also elected new lawmakers and local representatives. Some of those races have also been disputed, leading to violence in Garissa and Tana River counties.
Zimbabwe's cash-strapped government plans to build a $1 billion university named after 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe, the higher education minister said on Wednesday, a move that was quickly criticized by the opposition as a waste of resources.

Jonathan Moyo, Higher and Tertiary Education Minister, said the Robert Gabriel Mugabe University would focus on science and technology and have an institute focusing on research and "transformative and revolutionary leadership."

"Cabinet has approved a grant of $800 million towards the construction of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe University and a grant of $200 million towards the University Endowment Fund for research and innovation," Moyo said.

Mugabe and his wife Grace are the founding trustees of the university that would be built outside the capital Harare.

While Mugabe's rule was promising at independence in 1980, the aging leader has been accused of wrecking the economy of the former breadbasket of the region through populist policies such as the seizure of white-owned farms.

The main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), criticizing the plan, said Mugabe's government should instead improve existing underfunded universities around the country.

Students at state run universities and colleges struggle with lack of accommodation and crumbling infrastructure, while the government does not offer grants to help the universities.

With formal unemployment above 90 percent, most graduates are forced to take informal jobs, mostly hawking goods on the streets or seeking employment in neighboring countries, to pay for their studies.

"This is populism that defies logic. It is meant to stroke Mugabe's ego because we know this government is broke," Obert Gutu, MDC spokesman said.

Zimbabwe struggles to pay its workers and spends more than 90 percent of the national budget on salaries, leaving very little for roads, hospitals and education.
Background:

Kliuchevskoi is Kamchatka's highest and most active volcano. Since its origin about 6000 years ago, the beautifully symmetrical, 4835-m-high basaltic stratovolcano has produced frequent moderate-volume explosive and effusive eruptions without major periods of inactivity. Kliuchevskoi rises above a saddle NE of sharp-peaked Kamen volcano and lies SE of the broad Ushkovsky massif. More than 100 flank eruptions have occurred at Kliuchevskoi during the past roughly 3000 years, with most lateral craters and cones occurring along radial fissures between the unconfined NE-to-SE flanks of the conical volcano between 500 m and 3600 m elevation. The morphology of its 700-m-wide summit crater has been frequently modified by historical eruptions, which have been recorded since the late-17th century. Historical eruptions have originated primarily from the summit crater, but have also included numerous major explosive and effusive eruptions from flank craters.

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Source: Klyuchevsky information by the GVP (Smithsonian Institution)
Erica Mumm, with her children and husband, holds her 15-month-old son Christian, who has severe epilepsy, at home in New Hartford, Connecticut. (Kevin Hagen/For The Washington Post)

For the first six months of Christian Mumms life, his family lived on high alert. Christian, who has a genetic disease that causes severe epilepsy, experienced frequent seizures  at his worst, one every 10 minutes  that left him depleted and jumpy. His three older brothers and sisters tiptoed around the house in New Hartford, Conn., afraid that if they breathed the wrong way or clinked a dish too loudly, it would set off a storm in his brain.

Christians mother, Erica Mumm, recalled one heartbreaking day when her 9-year-old daughter came to her in tears.

I kissed him, Mommy, and he had a seizure, her daughter said. I cant kiss him anymore.

After a half-dozen drugs failed to help Christian, doctors suggested the family try one called Potiga.

Erica Mumm prepares a cocktail of medications for her 15-month-old son Christian, who has severe epilepsy. (Kevin Hagen/For The Washington Post)

The medicine has had a powerful effect. Seizures that once struck multiple times an hour now come once every five or six days. But the drug came with a deadline: At the end of June, GlaxoSmithKline, the British drug company that sells Potiga, pulled it off the market because of declining sales, forcing families to stockpile supplies or wean their children off a drug that dramatically improved their quality of life.

The dilemma faced by parents whose children benefited from Potiga  and future families who potentially may never have access to the drug  highlights the limitations of drug companies business model.

Drug companies investor-driven business model allows them to make risky research bets to develop innovative drugs. But at the end of the day, it means products that are essential to sick people are being made by businesses.

That may leave few options to small patient populations who depend on a drug.

There are people whove already been taking the drug, and based on their perceptions, its helping. I actually find this one more heart-wrenching, said Alison Bateman-House, an assistant professor in the division of medical ethics at NYU Langone Health. Yes, we realize you were getting benefits, but because of financial realities, and just what we choose to do with our business, were not going to make the drug anymore.

GlaxoSmithKline said it has recently been in touch with two families, including the Mumms, to find a way to make the drug available. But the company is not presently making commitments to future patients, and its ability to supply the drug is not indefinite, because the remaining supply will eventually expire.

We care deeply about patients and realize that any time a medicine is removed from the market it can be challenging, GSK spokeswoman Sarah Spencer said in an email. At this time, our focus is on the very small number of patients who are currently receiving the product.

Christians severe form of epilepsy stems from a mutation in a gene called KCNQ2. That mutation causes electrical signaling in Christians brain to go haywire, and Potiga  though it was approved as a general seizure drug for adults  had a unique mechanism among epilepsy medications. It worked by targeting the precise biological defect that was at the root of Christians disease.

Christian still suffers developmental delays, but his quality of life is vastly improved. On the drug, he can interact with his siblings. He babbles and can learn and build on simple abilities, such as eating by mouth and smiling.

Physicians who treat and study patients like Christian say Potiga is a quintessential example of how 21st-century medicine is supposed to work. As scientists learn more about the biological causes of disease, they will be able to design drugs or rediscover old ones that treat not just symptoms but also the root causes of illness. Potiga was developed and approved to control seizures in adults with epilepsy, but it came with a bonus  it worked in a new way, by targeting potassium channels in the brain.

Here we have 30 years of NIH-sponsored and industry-sponsored research leading to the specific understanding of a catastrophic illness. We have a drug that acts on that mechanism, said Edward Cooper, an associate professor of neurology and neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine. Taking it off the market goes exactly against what our policymakers are explicitly trying to do, which is make available precision medicines to address unmet medical need.

According to a 2011 study in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, 118 novel drugs were withdrawn from the market between 1980 and 2009. Only a fifth of them were withdrawn primarily because of safety issues.

The plight of families who depend on Potiga is far from common, but it could become more so with the increasing recognition that a medicine that fails one group of people may be critical for another subgroup. Theres a major push in medicine toward using science to identify the set of people for whom a drug works.

But when drugs live or die depending on commercial viability, mass-market drugs that dont fulfill their initial purpose may not be available.

From another point of view, Potiga is simply not a very good drug  an epilepsy medicine that was only ever approved for adults and turned out to have a big safety downside.

After it was approved in 2011, a scary side effect that caused blue-tinged skin and possible vision problems was uncovered, leading to a severe black box warning on the drugs label. The safety problems made Potiga considerably less attractive than the other options available to the people it was approved to treat  adults with epilepsy. The drug was never tested in children because of the safety concerns and a hold on trials by federal regulators, according to Spencer, the GlaxoSmithKline spokeswoman.

No neurologist has become dehydrated for weeping tears over the removal of a drug with so much promise and so little performance! Robert Clancy, a professor of neurology at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, wrote in an email.

Potiga sales peaked in 2013, at $14 million in U.S. sales, according to data from QuintilesIMS, a company that tracks health-care data  far from analysts original estimates that it could reach more than $200 million per year. When GSK announced it would discontinue the drug last summer, there were fewer than 500 prescriptions per month.

The Mumms have stockpiled as much of the drug as they could, spending about $1,200. They have about three months left. In late July, they finally got word that the company would help them get access to the medicine, but they have no idea how long the commitment will last.

If they can do this to my kid, they can pull any other drug off the shelf of your medicine cabinet and do this to anyone else, without a second glance, Erica Mumm said. These companies have great power, and they shouldnt be driven solely by profit. They do have an ethical responsibility to the patient.

Spencer said that GSK is open to discussions with other companies that may want to acquire Potiga but has not seen significant interest in the drug. She also noted that if a company acquires the rights to Potiga, it would still be approved only for use in adults.

Doctors can prescribe drugs for off-label use as they see fit, but if the company wanted to market Potiga specifically for a rare disease, it would need to conduct a trial to get approval. It would have to get the hold on pediatric research lifted.

Other than selling the drug to another company, there may be other options.

There are these really niche markets in the corners of the pharmaceutical marketplace that need extra attention, said Aaron Kesselheim, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. If there was a nonprofit pharmaceutical manufacturer that wanted to jump in, this is the sort of place that could be a good possibility.

The current solution is a piecemeal approach.

Amy Buches has been told the company will find a way to provide the drug to her son, Stephen. The Bucheses are one of the two families that GSK has agreed to help get the drug.

Buches said that she is personally satisfied. Yet, it is unsettling to know that there could be an infant born in the world this very moment that would benefit from Potiga, but will not be able to use it, she said in an email.

Mumm knows firsthand what it would mean to lose access to the drug.

In May, the Mumms  having heard that the company would not be making the drug available  began to wean Christian off Potiga. His seizures started up right away, multiple times an hour.

Mumm was in despair. Without the ability to control his seizures, the doctors were sedating her son. She emailed his palliative-care doctor. What was she supposed to do? Bring her son home in a fog of medicine and watch him disintegrate?

Just a few weeks earlier, Mumm had been hopeful, thinking about starting a new kind of therapy that could aid Christians development, thanks to the improvements she had seen while he was on the drug.

Instead, she found herself asking if there would be a way to ensure her son had a peaceful death.

I want to get all my ducks in a row with knowing options, Mumm wrote.

Mumm demanded that the doctors stop tapering his medicine, and her family went about securing as much of the drug as they could stockpile.

In July, company representatives got on a conference call with the family and Christians medical team to find a way to give him access to the drug.
Workers speak in front of a booth at Facebooks annual F8 developer conference in San Jose in April. The tech giant has shown a willingness to mimic the most successful features of rival companies apps. (Noah Berger/AP)

Four years ago, Facebook spent over $150 million on a free app used by millions.

Today that app, called Onavo, has become a little-known weapon in Facebooks massive expansion strategy  helping the social-networking giant determine what is gaining popularity among consumers. It can then bring similar features to its own products, according to five people familiar with the effort who spoke on the condition of anonymity because it involves internal corporate strategy.

The Onavo app, called Onavo Protect, is what is known as a virtual private network, which means it disguises the traffic of smartphone users as they browse the Internet and use apps. But while it advertises itself to users as a way to keep you and your data safe, Facebook is able to glean detailed insights about what consumers are doing when they are not using the social networks family of apps, which includes Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram.

The technology shows how far Facebook is willing to go as part of its aggressive strategy to reach into new areas beyond social networking, often by rapidly acting to mimic the most successful features of rival companies apps. Facebook did this most recently by replicating a key element of the Snapchat app. It also has done so for many other businesses, including a recent online fundraising tool, food delivery, offline meetups and its On This Day feature, which shows Facebook users pictures of what they did on the same day a year earlier.

Nobody has claimed that what Facebook is doing is illegal. But interviews with two dozen top investors and entrepreneurs suggest it is having a profound impact on innovation in Silicon Valley, by creating a strong disincentive for investors and start-ups to put money and effort into creating products Facebook might copy.

Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer and founder of Facebook, attends the annual Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference in July in Sun Valley, Idaho. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Its what we did at Microsoft, said Scott Sandell, managing partner of the prominent venture capital firm New Enterprise Associates, who was product manager for Microsofts Windows 95 until 1995. The Justice Department brought a landmark antitrust case against the company in 1998. Whenever we saw a threat, boy, did we pounce on it.

Facebook declined to comment but noted that roughly 100 million apps and businesses use Facebooks developer tools or have a Facebook page that drives installations to apps.

Unease about Facebooks influence comes when the balance of power in Silicon Valley has been shifting away from start-ups toward four dominant companies  Facebook, Apple, Amazon.com and Google.

With their app stores, Apple and Google  which recently was fined $2.7 billion by the European Union on antitrust concerns  are the gatekeepers for millions of new businesses. Forty-three percent of all online retail revenue now flows to Amazon, according to the market research firm Slice Intelligence. (Amazon chief executive Jeffrey P. Bezos owns The Washington Post.) And Facebook counts one-third of the worlds population in its monthly user base.

The dominance of these companies is choking off the start-up world, Roger McNamee, an early investor in Google and Facebook and founder of the investment firm Elevation Partners, said of the two companies. I helped create a monster, and I regret it.

Many in Silicon Valley say copying is fair game, arguing it is intrinsic to competition and to the history of U.S. business. While some academics have begun to question whether there needs to be new rules to limit the power of tech giants, almost no one in libertarian-leaning Silicon Valley thinks Facebook should be further regulated, with some saying it forces the best entrepreneurs to be more creative. Others point out that Facebook is nimble at copying but also frequently fails, leaving room for outsiders.

They can predict the future as much as I can predict the future, and they cant be right 100 percent of the time, said Peter Pham, co-founder of the Los Angeles-based start-up studio Science.

Investors also now say they are eager to invest in closed networks that they think Facebook will not wade into  like social apps for distinct groups, such as health-care professionals  or ideas like blockchain, which would enable consumers to transfer their information without letting a large company become a hub of data.

Facebooks use of Onavo is partly borne of need. Because Google and Apple, for instance, control the operating systems in which many apps live, they have access to huge amounts of information about how consumers use their apps. Facebook is more limited. It knows what consumers do within its own apps, and it knows about behavior on apps that work with Facebook  such as for sign-in credentials.

Onavo, on the other hand, helps Facebooks expanding ambitions by offering near real-time access to information about what users do while Onavo is active in the background. Onavo sends anonymized data to Facebook on what apps consumers have installed, how frequently they open those apps, how long they linger inside them, and the sequence throughout the day of consumers app usage  information that functions as an early-detection system on whether an app is gaining popularity, according to the people familiar with the companys activities. This information can be far more valuable, and be available earlier, than waiting for an app or feature to publicly take off.

Once Facebook detects a popular app, it can then quickly unleash a team of engineers that can swoop in to start building its own version, one person familiar with the strategy said.

Too close to the sun

If Facebook once aimed to become the town square where people meet and share gossip, today it wants that proverbial town square to encompass many more commercial activities. When venture capitalists hear pitches from entrepreneurs, they say that one of the first questions they ask is how easy would it be for Facebook to copy the idea. It is increasingly the reason they decline to invest, according to interviews with over a dozen top investors, including Sequoia Capital and Union Square Ventures.

At Sequoias annual off-site retreat, held in March, skirting Google and Facebook were main topics of conversation, said Sequoia partner Alfred Lin.

They have a chokehold on distribution, Lin said in an interview.

Sandell said the growing dominance of giants, with Facebook being the most recent heavyweight, weighs on his choices.

We dont touch anything that comes too close to Facebook, Google or Amazon, he said. Which is to say, we dont think our companies should fly too close to the sun.

At the same time, Facebook has honed its internal organization toward spotting innovation  in ever more precise ways, according to the people familiar with the companys strategy.

Onavo is one of many tools that Facebook uses. Consumers and developers use the free security app, built by an Israeli data analytics start-up, to look across their smartphone and help them reduce data use and monitor security threats. Before Facebook purchased the company in October 2013, Onavo sold insights on use behavior to outsiders. It closed its doors to other customers once Facebook acquired it.

Onavo was used to detect the popularity outside the United States of the messaging service WhatsApp, which Facebook purchased for $19 billion in 2014, several months after the Onavo acquisition, according to the people familiar with the companys activities.

Onavo does not broadly advertise that it is owned by Facebook. Onavo is available for download in Android and iOS app stores. Onavos status as a Facebook unit is mentioned in the privacy policy after the app is downloaded and on the Onavo website in the About section.

Facebooks new reputation as a threat to start-ups is a reversal from several years ago, when a wave of start-ups, from dating and food-delivery apps to political consultancies, were able to grow by targeting their customers friends  and friends of friends  on Facebook. Facebook has curtailed access by limiting what third parties can do within Facebook and is building some of the same features on its own.

Down to the tiniest details

A tour through Facebooks app can feel like deja vu for avid app users.

For example, users who log onto Facebook are often first shown a feature called On This Day, a snapshot, contained in an orange picture frame, of themselves on the very same day last year, or four years ago. The feature is similar to a product once offered by Timehop, an app that had reached 6 million daily users just months before Facebook launched its own time-machine-like product.

Rick Webb, Timehops chief operating officer, said that Facebook had copied the companys product down to the tiniest design details.

Why did Facebook have to make it orange with little picture frames on angles? he asked. We now had to shift our coloring to make it more yellow!

Webb said that Timehops growth had slowed but that by focusing on collecting pictures from Dropbox, Google Drive, the iPhone camera roll and other places where people store images, it maintained 20 million users, a sizable number for any app.

Facebooks food-delivery tab, added last year, seems to be a play on start-ups such as Grubhub, Seamless, Caviar and Postmates.

This year, Facebook created a tab that enables people to raise money for personal or charitable causes  previously offered by sites such as Kickstarter and GoFundMe. It has offered a marketplace to sell goods like Craigslist and is reportedly building a group-video-chat app modeled on Houseparty.

In June, Scott Heiferman, chief executive of Meetup.com, the site that helps communities organize in-person meetup groups, said he was surprised to see Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg announce his intentions to help people who use Facebook groups meet up in person.

Heiferman said he was threatened but not intimidated. Its not in their DNA, he said. They know how to keep people really engaged to a screen; everything about Facebook is geared toward that. The art and science and subtlety and nuance to get people to create real community is a different thing.

He said it was a sign that his business was onto something.

In this era of consolidation, whenever you figure something out, if you crack the code on that, then Facebook comes along and copies it, he said. Theres certainly fire under our feet to go faster and bolder, and I guess you could say thats the good thing about competition.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai, shown in an Oct. 4, 2016, photo, canceled a company meeting to address the memo controversy because employees said they feared for their safety. (Eric Risberg/AP)

Google employees are awaiting the companys next response to its culture crisis after the last-minute cancellation of its much-anticipated town hall meeting late Thursday because of concerns over employee safety.

Google was expected to address the controversy surrounding a divisive memo written by a Google engineer that was made public last week, in which he suggested that innate, biological factors are part of the reason for the gender gap in the tech industry and that Google should stop alienating conservatives. The engineer, James Damore, was subsequently fired for violating Googles code of conduct. But his termination hardly served as a resolution to the conflict, which stirred up a firestorm across conservative media and left Googlers divided over the decision.

Chief executive Sundar Pichai cut short his family vacation to run the meeting, part of the companys long-standing tradition of weekly all-hands TGIF sessions, where employees can ask any question of executives.

But Pichai canceled the meeting shortly before its 4 p.m. start in response to fears expressed by employees for their personal safety. Some of the town hall questions, as well as names of employees who criticized Damores memo, had been leaked to conservative websites and commentators, leading to apparent online harassment.

The companys new vice president for diversity, integrity and governance, Danielle Brown, locked down her Twitter account after receiving racist and sexist messages. On Facebook, conservative writer Milo Yiannopoulos posted the Twitter biographies of eight Google employees who had criticized Damore. And on Breitbart, screen images of internal Google+ messages have been published that purport to expose left-wing Google management employees.

(Jhaan Elker/The Washington Post)

In interviews, three Google employees, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of losing their jobs, said that they were divided about the firing. Most said they supported the termination because it was clear that he violated the companys policies, which prohibit Google employees from advancing harmful gender stereotypes in the workplace, according to an email from Pichai. They said the firing was important to send a message that policies cant be broken without consequences.

But others pointed out that there is a significant gray area in how policies are interpreted and that the firing fed conservative assumptions that Silicon Valley is place where liberal political correctness has run amok and free speech isnt welcomed if it contradicts the dominant liberal ethos. In the week after Damores firing, the conservative Breitbart news outlet published leaked internal comments from Googlers vowing to blacklist people who shared Damores views from tech jobs.

Many said that Google was a place where speech was welcomed and voices can be heard. They pointed to the culture of town halls, to the tens of thousands of employee-initiated special interest groups on campus, and to the many attempts by executives throughout the week to communicate with employees.

Some said that it was ironic that right-wing outlets that purport to support free speech and public debate created an environment where people didnt feel safe to engage in it.

Conservatives and people who dont identify as liberals have long said they felt that Silicon Valley is an echo chamber that is hostile to outsiders, said Garrett Johnson, an engineer who founded the Lincoln Network, a conservative group for technologists in Silicon Valley. Bay Area counties voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama; its leaders largely support Democratic causes. It is easier to support free speech if you are in the majority, he said.

The controversy comes at a time when Silicon Valley is increasingly in the political spotlight and a target of conservative ire. The industry, and Google in particular, took a strong stance against President Trumps environmental policies and his immigration ban for Muslims and refugees. Google co-founder Sergey Brin appeared at a rally at the San Francisco airport to protest the ban. Silicon Valley payment processor PayPal and fundraising site Patreon recently came under fire from conservatives for discontinuing their services for the websites of some far-right figures.

Experts said that Google and other Silicon Valley companies have fostered a culture where employees are encouraged to speak, and that in the current polarized political climate, this issue was bound to crop up. Youre looking at a highly educated, relatively wealthy, even among employees, socially empowered group of people who have been brought up to believe their opinion is relevant on all matters, said Bruce Haynes, founder of the bipartisan corporate consulting firm Purple Strategies. It wasnt that long ago that if you were an employee in a company it was your job to toe the company line. Theres a reason that phrase exists. Now people believe their empowerment comes from speaking out and being bold, so its a new paradigm that companies are having to deal with internal ramifications.

Jena McGregor contributed to this report.
After Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from the investigation for failing to disclose his private meetings with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein took charge and appointed Robert S. Mueller III as special counsel on May 17. That was about a week after President Trump fired FBI Director James B. Comey. Though Mueller has a large degree of independence, Rosenstein oversees the investigation. He approves the special counsels budget and any expansion of the special counsels investigation.

Generally the FBI investigates crimes and the Department of Justice prosecutes them.

Here is a breakdown:





Mueller, the FBI director from 2001 to 2013, is now the special counsel in charge of the Russia investigation. He recently began using a Washington grand jury as part of the investigation, a sign that investigators are aggressively gathering information on actions by Trump associates before and after the election.

Although a grand jury is not an indication that an indictment is imminent or likely, it is a powerful investigative tool that prosecutors use to compel witnesses to testify or force people or companies to turn over documents.





Different members of Trumps team are under scrutiny. On Aug. 9, The Washington Post reported that the FBI had conducted a predawn raid of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manaforts home, according to people familiar with the special counsels investigation.

But who else is being investigated and why?





President Trump

Investigators will be looking into Trumps discussions with Comey or meetings between his advisers and Russian officials. They will also focus on whether he attempted to obstruct justice in his discussions with Comey and others leading up to Comeys firing.

Donald Trump Jr.

Investigators want to know about Trump Jr.s role in setting up a June 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer and others at Trump Tower to discuss possible damaging information about Hillary Clinton. They will likely seek to learn if there were any other conversations with people who may have been acting on Russias behalf.

Jared Kushner

Investigators want to know what Kushner discussed at the June 2016 meeting in Trump Tower and any other conversations he had with Russian figures, including Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak.

Paul Manafort

The funds Manafort received from Ukrainian government officials and politicians are under scrutiny, as are the contacts he had with people who may have been acting on behalf of the Russian government.

Carter Page

Investigators want to know what meetings Page had with Russian officials or those acting on behalf of Russian officials, and what was discussed.


Robert Rauschenberg. "Gold Standard." 1964. (Tim Nighswander/Imaging4Art.com/Robert Rauschenberg Foundation)

The enormous Robert Rauschenberg exhibition on view at the Museum of Modern Art reaches a moment of high drama, or perhaps low comedy, with a work called Mud Muse. It is a large rectangular vat made of aluminum and glass, 9 feet by 12 feet, open on top, filled with a slurry of clay that bubbles and pops at the command of compressed-air system underneath. It was a collaborative project between Rauschenberg and a team of engineers from the Teledyne company, and it seems to do everything the artist wanted his work to do: exist and evolve in real time, resist definition, elude interpretation and defy the lines between painting and sculpture.

Constructed between 1969 and 1971, Mud Muse recalled much earlier works by Rauschenberg, when he pressed a 1951 canvas covered in asphalt into gravel to pick up traces of earth, or put dirt, seeds and grass in a box to produce his 1953 Growing Painting. But like the best of his work, it has darkness in it. Is it protean or apocalyptic? A view of the primordial Earth before someone gave it form, or is this the final soup of the world, burping a few last times in the frigid emptiness of space?

Installation view of the Robert Rauschenberg exhibit. The piece "Mud Muse" is pictured in the center. (Jonathan Muzikar/The Museum of Modern Art)

We are coming up on almost a decade since Rauschenberg died in 2008 at the age of 82. He is a beloved figure whose vast legacy, if carefully cherry-picked, can provide inspiration to almost any contemporary artist. He had his conceptual twists, his collaborative enterprises, he engaged in performance, media ventures and international outreach, and never entirely forsook making two-dimensional images you can hang on the wall. If American artists are meant to be restless, visionary, boldly transgressive and gleefully high-spirited, then Rauschenberg is the quintessential American artist.

Robert Rauschenberg: Among Friends includes more than 250 works and is designed to take account of the importance of creative dialogue and collaboration in the artists work. John Cage, Merce Cunningham, Jasper Johns, Cy Twombly, Trisha Brown and a host of others are included in this evolving story of Rauschenbergs work across multiple media. The curators celebrate his collaborative ventures, designing sets pieces for dances choreographed by Cunningham and Brown, and his lifelong intellectual engagement with close friends and lovers, including Twombly and Johns. But there is a tendency, in art scholarship, to fetishize collaboration, perhaps because tracing how networks operate gives scholars something to do. There is, however, no reason to assume that collaboration is by itself a good thing, and plenty of evidence that it can lead to group think and insularity.

[Ai Weiwei at New Yorks Park Avenue Armory is too much fun]

Throughout the six decades of work on view, Rauschenberg returns to a tension he felt since his student days at Black Mountain College, in the late 1940s. He came to the freewheeling and unorthodox school in North Carolina seeking, and resisting, discipline, and he found there a teacher, Josef Albers, who demanded a discipline that Rauschenberg couldnt or wouldnt muster. Alberss rule is to make order, said Rauschenberg. As for me, I consider myself successful only when I do something that resembles the lack of order I sense.



Robert Rauschenberg, "Autobiography," 1968. (Robert Rauschenberg Foundation)

At its best, Rauschenbergs work creates a picture or analogy of the disorder he saw in the world; at its worst, it merely lapses into disorder. The line between the two isnt always obvious, but one senses dead ends in some work and productive recurrences in others. In 1964, while visiting Japan, he was invited to participate in a public televised interview and responded, instead, not with answers to given questions, but with a performance, creating a work called Gold Standard live for the audience. It was one of the last of his Combines, a form he had created that mashed up sculpture, assemblage and painting into sui generis works that he called free-standing paintings that were baffling, intriguing and giddily three-dimensional.

But Gold Standard is not a great combine and serves more as a warning to future artists: Assemblage without thought will lead to mere concatenations of trash. And yet, in the same and nearby galleries with Gold Standard are a half-dozen works from around the same period in which the material that Rauschenberg brings together holds together, meaningfully engaged, caught in well-designed vectors of tension between the parts. Two fans are in frozen dialogue in the 1961 Pantomime, while the 1962 Ace, a wall-size work on five panels, juxtaposes and layers fabric, cardboard, wood and paint to suggest a bright, ebullient catalogue of the messy world, from its cosmic smallness in space to its giant, ineluctable particularity when seen close at hand.



Robert Rauschenberg. "Signs," 1970. (The Museum of Modern Art/Robert Rauschenberg Foundation)

Robert Rauschenberg. Poster for "ROCI Cuba" (Museo Nacional site), 1988. (Robert Rauschenberg Foundation)

The dynamic in Rauschenbergs work often seems to be between refusal and openness, between hiding and exposure. He was invited to contribute a portrait to a 1961 exhibition organized by the gallerist Iris Clert in Paris; apparently he neglected or forgot the commission, and so responded with a telegram that read: This is a portrait of Iris Clert if I say so. This is refusal, and a trivial work perhaps inspired by a superficial awareness of the word games ideas of Ludwig Wittgenstein. But just around the corner, beginning in the fall of 1962, were his magnificent silk-screen paintings, which won him the painting prize at the Venice Biennale of 1964. In these works, the visual language of American culture is mixed and remixed in ways reminiscent of the static and snippets of language and orphaned melodies one hears flipping through the AM radio dial in no particular order. For an artist who sought throughout his career to subvert (or refuse) the two-dimensionality of the old painted image, his returns to the traditional, wall-hung canvas image were almost always openly productive and engaging.

Early in Rauschenbergs career, in 1954, his combines were shown along with other works at a gallery in New York. Among the visitors were Judith Malina and Julian Beck, founders of the experimental Living Theatre. Malina captured their contradictory responses: What Julian sees as full of vitality I see as full of death. It is a bright doom that hangs over these paintings. It is a magnificent description, a bright doom, and once youve heard it, almost impossible to get out of your head as you tour the exhibition. It might also be a description of America at the moment that Rauschenberg rose to prominence. Never was the country more powerful, and never more menaced by the technology upon which its power was dependent.

[Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, summoning black bodies in repose]



Rauschenbergs "Monogram features a taxidermied Angora goat with a rubber tire around its midriff. (Moderna Museet/Copyright Robert Rauschenberg Foundation)

Two works from this show remain indelible. One of them is among the most famous things Rauschenberg ever created, a combine called Monogram, in which a taxidermied Angora goat with brightly colored paint on its face wears a rubber tire around its midriff, in a way that now suggests a very real environmental problem: the entrapment of living creatures in human trash. The other, made some 30 years later in 1986, is called Urban Katydid and consists of scratched and twisted metal street signs scattered over a reflective surface. They are both compelling pictures of chaos, of being lost in the world, a creature lost in a forlorn space, and a visual map of lostness condensed into Borgesian irony.

Yesterdays chaos always seems less threatening than the chaos that confronts us today, if only because we have survived it. For every frustrating dead end in Rauschenbergs work, there are these moments, in which he seemed to have oracular power, transcending his own particular age of chaos with an uncanny sense of how that chaos would expand, evolve and come down to us today. Decades before we pronounced ourselves terminally addicted to the cheap visual chaos of America, that goat was already wandering among a jumble of useless signs.

Robert Rauschenberg: Among Friends is on view at the Museum of Modern Art in New York through Sept. 17. For information: www.moma.org.

[A London-based artist gets embroiled in the Pizza-gate madness]


Baltimore director Vincent Lancisi, left, and actor Bruce Nelson met the real-life disgraced French diplomat Bernard Boursicot in France this summer. (Andre Chung/For The Washington Post)

What Vincent Lancisi did on his summer vacation was stumble into the creative scoop of his life.

In June, Lancisi and his wife, Robin, were on the tail end of a two-week tour through France. He had just finished directing Noises Off at Everyman Theatre, the Baltimore troupe he founded in 1990. Sitting in the front seat of a van cruising through southern France, Robin casually asked the driver-guide where he was originally from.

Hungary, replied Csaba Meresz. Robin followed up: How did he get to France?

I was a driver for a famous man, Meresz said. There is a movie about him with Jeremy Irons, called M. Butterfly. 

Vincent Lancisi was stunned. Are you telling me you were the driver for Bernard Boursicot?

Meresz said, You know him?

Lancisi explained that in September he would direct M. Butterfly, the 1988 Pulitzer-winning drama based on the true story of the disgraced French diplomat and convicted spy  Bernard Boursicot  who, to the worlds astonishment, learned at his trial that the Chinese woman who had been his secret lover for nearly 20 years was a man. Oh yes, Lancisi knew all about Boursicot.

His head began to spin when Meresz said, You want to talk to him?

Within the hour, Lancisi was on the phone with Boursicot. By July, Lancisi had trekked back to France, invited to Boursicots spartan nursing home in Brittany with three people from Everyman  including, at Boursicots request, the actor who would be playing him in the play, Bruce Nelson.

Bernard Boursicot. (Kiirstn Pagan/Everyman Theatre)

They asked me very nicely, Boursicot says impishly from his nursing home near Rennes. And I dont know how to refuse.

Of course, its not precisely Boursicot in David Henry Hwangs M. Butterfly, a play

still so alive with East-West and masculine-

feminine tensions that Clive Owen will star in a Julie Taymor-directed Broadway revival this fall. Boursicot was 20 when he arrived in Beijing in 1964, and the opera performer Shi Pei Pu  Boursicots Mata Hari  was evidently a man when they first cast eyes upon each other at a party.

[M. Butterflys 1988 premiere at the National Theatre]

Eventually, Shi suggested he was actually a woman posing as a man for advantage in Maos China. Boursicot believed it and took on the role of lover and protector, even to the point of passing minor secrets from the French Embassy through Shi. That, Boursicot testified at his trial, was the price of being able to see and safeguard Shi during Chinas restrictive Cultural Revolution.

For the clinical and emotional details of Shis years-long deception, see Joyce Wadlers gripping he said/he said 1988 story in People, or her 1993 book Liaison, written with Boursicots cooperation and excerpted in the New York Times. Wadler also wrote Shis 2009 obituary and, days later, a backhanded appreciation of one of the more maddening subjects I have ever met. Years earlier, Wadler had been duped into accepting antique pearls from Shi that turned out to be fake.

Rest in peace, Shi Pei Pu, Wadler concluded. You told a helluva story.

The story as played out with Boursicot included a son that the brazen Shi told Boursicot was his. (Boursicot believed it, but the son is related by blood to neither man.) As the relationship with Shi waxed and waned, and as they were often separated by thousands of miles, Boursicot took up an openly gay relationship with Thierry Toulet beginning in 1974.

In 1982 Boursicot was finally united in Paris with Shi and the son, but the situation looked fishy, and soon the diplomat and his mistress were arrested. In 1986 both were jailed for espionage. By 1987, both were pardoned and released.

Poster art for David Henry Hwang's "M. Butterfly." (Jeff Rogers/Everyman Theatre)

Hwang tells much of this, but in the guise of the much older Rene Gallimard, who is married and a seasoned 39 when he meets the tantalizing Beijing opera star Song Liling. Hwang apparently is revising the script for Broadway; Lancisi offered Everyman as a lab for changes but will be staging the original version starting Sept. 6.

The plays end deliberately inverts the famous bloody climax of Puccinis Madame Butterfly. Instead of the abandoned Asian woman killing herself over the Western man, its the self-important, overly romantic, willfully blind Western-masculine symbol Gallimard who is driven to his doom by the manipulations of his Chinese Butterfly.

If Boursicot, 73, is at odds with Hwangs M. Butterfly, it has not prevented him from attending a number of international productions. He says he has never spoken about it with Hwang (lawyers negotiated the rights), and he first saw it in the 1989 London production that starred Anthony Hopkins as Gallimard.

People were crying beside me, Boursicot recalls. I told them, Dont cry so much. I am still alive. 

Thats indicative of the humor that Lancisi and Nelson say they encountered during their welcoming, slightly perplexing July day with the former spy. His room is a cell, Lancisi says. Gray walls, fluorescent lighting, a bed, two chairs, a table, nothing personal on the walls. There werent enough places for us to sit. A radio reporter sat on the floor. Lancisi perched on the bed with Boursicot, close enough to see the scar where the diplomat slit his own throat in prison.



Bruce Randolph Nelson, Bernard Boursicot and Vincent Lancisi at their meeting in France. Boursicot presented his guests with Asian-themed neckties. (Kiirstn Pagan/Everyman Theatre)

They also encountered an inclination to deflect. He did not want to talk about Shi Pei Pu, much to my dismay, Lancisi says. But I wasnt surprised. He had put that somewhere in a safe place.

He was a gay man who couldnt be out, Nelson suggests. He needed to play this game.

Did Boursicot agree with that?

We couldnt get that far, Lancisi says. What I saw was a man who was hungry to talk about this incredible, epic life he has led. This story is 20 out of 50 years of travel through 63 countries. He speaks maybe six languages. Hes carried diplomatic pouches from Beijing through Mongolia, journeys on top-secret missions.

Nelson adds, His favorite movies are Lawrence of Arabia, Dr. Zhivago, Gone With the Wind. 

He said, If Shi Pei Pu were a woman, Id be a hero,  Lancisi says. Its in Wadlers book: Everything he did for her was to get her out of China, because he felt she wasnt safe there.

After two hours of talking, Boursicot provided lunch in graceful Continental style. Elsewhere in the building, a table was set for eight: Wine, appetizer, entree, dessert, cheese, Lancisi says. It was a feast. Less than a third of their entirely pleasant visit, which began with Boursicot presenting his guests with Asian-themed neckties, dealt with deception, resentment, love  issues raised by the play.

It was hard for me, is the most Boursicot says, fleetingly, about the arrest, imprisonment and scandal during a phone interview. Meresz says: If you are in a story like that, I think you are hurt inside. The story was famous, but I think its important to say what is inside his soul.

Is talking with artists and journalists a way of correcting the M. Butterfly record? Non, non, non, Boursicot says quickly. He speaks in generally clear, French-inflected English, but the voice is weak, and the breathing grows heavy during a 20-minute conversation. Boursicot suffered a stroke about a decade ago.

Compared to all the people I know, I am very lucky, Boursicot says as, believe it or not, John Lennons Imagine plays in the background. I recovered completely my ability. I go to Paris quite often, every few months. I try to eat good food. Sometimes I go to the cinema, but not as often as I would like. Sometimes I go to the swimming pool. It is very simple, my life.

Charmingly, and apparently sincerely, he adds, I am happy you called me. He explains that he is always pleased to talk to people interested in the play, because it seems you like the story. So you should like me even better.
"Orphan Black" (BBC America at 10) The clone club (the talented Tatiana Maslany in her multiple roles) fights for survival in the series finale of this cult favorite sci-fi thriller. (Ken Woroner/BBC America)

(All times Eastern.)

Turn: Washingtons Spies (AMC at 9) The Revolutionary War comes to an end as this drama wraps its four-season run.

Sunday listings

Fox News Sunday (Fox at 9 a.m.) Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

Sunday Morning Futures (Fox News at 10) Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Tex.).

Newsmakers (C-SPAN at 10) Steven Law, president and chief executive of the Senate Leadership Fund.

This Is America & the World (WETA at 10 and WHUT at 7:30 p.m.) Vlora Citaku, Kosovos ambassador.

Meet the Press (NBC at 10:30) National security adviser H.R. McMaster.

Premieres

Get Shorty (Epix at 10) This drama series, based on the Elmore Leonard novel-turned-film, stars Chris ODowd as Miles Daly, a mob tough guy who takes his (criminal) talents to Hollywood in search of a safer life for his daughter. Ray Romano also stars.

The Cars That Made America (History at 8) Dale Earnhardt Jr. is an executive producer of this three-night, six-hour special (concluding Tuesday) that charts the rise of well-known automobile brands.

Guys Family Road Trip (Food at 10) More Guy Fieri and food thats bad for you.

Awards Show

Teen Choice 2017 (Fox at 8) This years ceremony will dole out major honors to Bruno Mars, Maroon 5 and Miley Cyrus and feature appearances by Chris Pratt, Millie Bobby Brown, Zendaya and Louis Tomlinson.

Documentary

Elvis Presley: Behind Closed Doors (Reelz at 9) Forty years after the Kings untimely death, Natalie Morales hosts this two-hour special, featuring interviews with some of the entertainers closest friends and family members.


Maria Jose Lavins Venus Anorexica is on view through Aug. 18 in Clay in Transit at the Mexican Cultural Institute. (Maria Jose Lavin/Mexican Cultural Institute)

Simple ceramics made of red clay  undecorated and roughly formed  look as though they may have been pulled from a primeval tomb or kitchen midden. Unless, that is, they take the shapes of Barbie-like dolls, as in Maria Jose Lavins Venus Anorexica. This set of 27 partly dismembered and thoroughly decontextualized toys is one of several pieces in the Mexican Cultural Institutes Clay in Transit that offer an ironic contrast to todays extruded-plastic, shrink-wrapped world.

Ana Gomez is up to something similar, although of the seven artists works, hers have the most refined surfaces. Her dinner plates would fit in any upscale home, except that theyre adorned with collaged pop-art imagery. Seemingly more elegant is a series of porcelain containers, which on closer inspection turn out to be replicas of styrofoam instant-ramen cups.

Maria Jose de la Macorra also makes the ephemeral solid and enduring, although her subject is nature. An array of shapes, all white and wall-mounted, is titled Clouds. Nearby, five long strands of ceramic pearls are suspended from the ceiling and pooled on the floor. This is Rain, fluid yet harder-edged than hail.

Other contributors look more to the past, or a mythic conception of it. Saul Kaminers 3-D abstractions hint at pre-Columbian motifs, while Gustavo Perezs elaborately patterned vessels, incised with partial cuts, suggest ritual objects. Perla Krauzes three installations range from the simple  a low wall of black bricks  to a baroque array of simulated curiosities in black, ivory and gold.

Paloma Torres, who curated the show, made a series of standing columns that appear delicate despite their imposing size. Theyre composed of segments that allude to the biological, whether human or insect. But the individual clay portions also look a bit like fabric thats been wrapped, leaving a loose end that appears to be flapping, although its fixed in place. By preserving a sense of the clays original flexibility, Torres pillars prompt double takes as surely as do clay Barbies or porcelain ramen cups.

Clay in Transit On view through Aug. 18 at the Mexican Cultural Institute, 2829 16th St. NW. 202-728-1628. instituteofmexicodc.org.



Evan Reeds "Breaking Camp," which is made from recycled wood tables, is currently on view at Black Rock Center for the Arts. (Evan Reed/Black Rock Center for the Arts)

Evan Reed and Lori Anne Boocks

Woodworker Evan Reed respects his materials original form, even when that form isnt natural. Some of the work in New and Recent Sculptures, at Black Rock Center for the Arts, evokes trees and branches. But the artist, who teaches at Georgetown University, also incorporates found objects. Several of the shows pieces perch on tables; one includes wooden crutches, repurposed from human to sculptural support.

An able carpenter, Reed constructs detailed scaffolding for large model houses. The table-mounted Breaking Camp, is straightforward  except for a gap at the center where the table is missing a leaf. Plan and Frame, erected atop five drafting tables, is more surreal: Skeletons of houses flow into each other as though theyre conjoined quintuplets. As in much of Reeds work, the result is clean, precise and a bit eerie.

Hazy as though seen through mist, Lori Anne Boockss paintings resemble impressionistic landscapes. But her pictures in The Shape of Memories, upstairs from Reeds show, actually mean to portray the forgotten and the misremembered.

The Germantown artists pictures begin with charcoal scrawls of text, overlapping and mostly indecipherable. Paint, usually earth-toned, washes over the words, so that from a distance, the charcoal gestures resemble stone seams or streaks of gray clouds. Inspired, in part, by relatives who have suffered memory loss, Boockss artworks appear both airy and solid. Something of substance is there, even if it cant be grasped.

Evan Reed: New and Recent Sculptures. Lori Anne Boocks: The Shape of Memories On view through Aug. 26 at Black Rock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Dr., Germantown. 301-528-2260. blackrockcenter.org/gallery.



Bob Allens "Another Treacherous Image is on view at Touchstone Gallery. (Bob Allen/Touchstone Gallery)

The Art of Engagement

As the presidential election loomed a year ago, Touchstone Gallery presented Art as Politics. Now, the venues The Art of Engagement returns to many themes of that exhibition, but in a somewhat grimmer mood. Bob Allens painting of a pipe bomb, a wink at Surrealist Rene Magrittes 1929 painting of a pipe, is one of very few smile-inducing entries.

The artworks were selected from a national call, pared from 750 to about 70 by American University Museum Director Jack Rasmussen. Many pieces refer, directly or otherwise, to the post-election Womens March. Susan Hazards Struggle, for example, is an all-white mixed-media assemblage with a vulva at its center.

Among the other subjects are police shootings of African American youths and the partial ban on arrivals from seven majority-Muslim nations. Willette Battles Safe Trayvon attempts to protect the young man with a set of blond pigtails, while Vidya Vijayasekharans Then There Were Seven stacks atop sand seven boxes, embellished with the Arabic words for such ideals as wisdom, freedom and peace. These might seem to be universal, but concepts that prevail in an art gallery dont always triumph in the voting booth.

The Art of Engagement On view through Aug. 24 at Touchstone Gallery, 901 New York Ave. NW. 202-347-2787. touchstonegallery.com.



Mary Edna Frasers "Boston II (MA) is on view at Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery. (Mary Edna Fraser/Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery)

Mary Edna Fraser

Batik, an ancient fabric-dying technique associated especially with Indonesia, is traditionally used to produce decorative patterns. But Mary Edna Fraser, whose work is now at Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery, employs the process to make vividly hued landscapes on fabric, with two contemporary twists. Rising Tides depicts bays, rivers and deltas from the sort of airborne vantage points unavailable before the invention of aircraft and satellites. (The South Carolina artist is a pilot.) Also, the show focuses mostly on marshy terrain thats likely to be inundated as the planet warms and the oceans swell.

From the sky, Fraser details low-lying sites in Alaska, Bangladesh and elsewhere. One atypical painting, rendered on lace that perforates the image, is a less specific view of a meandering waterway. Also uncharacteristic is Gulf Oil Spill, whose swirling purple sheen represents another sort of environmental threat. Most often, though, Frasers viewpoint is detached and serene. From high above the surface, people are invisible, and their effects seemingly insignificant. The only human attributes that matter are Frasers eye and hand.

Rising Tides: Mary Edna Fraser On view through Aug. 26 at Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery, 1632 U St. NW. 202-483-8600. smithcenter.org/gallery.


Cryo Hops, a concentrated hop powder made by Yakima Chief-Hopunion, is gaining fans among brewers. (Courtesy of Yakima Chief-Hopunion)

The annual hop harvest is just around the corner in Washington states Yakima Valley, the agricultural area where 75 percent of Americas hops are grown, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And as brewers and hop brokers from across the country head to Yakimas farms to sniff just-picked whole-cone hops and taste IPAs created to showcase different varieties, theyre also going to be talking about something that sounds far more futuristic than traditional hop farming: Cryo Hops.

[Why its so hard to figure out when bottled and canned beer is fresh]

Soft, juicy and aromatic IPAs remain one of the hottest segments of the craft beer world, and brewers who specialize in these beers are always on the hunt for new ways to make drinkers feel like theyve stuck their face in a pile of tropical citrus, or to smooth all the bitterness out of a pale ale.

Their latest weapon is Cryo Hops LupuLN2  pronounced loop-you-lin  which looks like the name of a Star Wars droid but is actually a bright-green hop powder created by Yakima Chief-Hopunion, or YCH, a major Yakima-based hop supplier. Brewers were coming to us and saying, Were making IPAs and double IPAs, and dry-hopping and double dry-hopping, and using too many hops,  says Karl Vanevenhoven, senior vice president of operations at YCH. Youd think that selling more hops would be good for business, but instead, YCH turned to developing a new kind of hop product.

Its proprietary process dramatically lowers the temperature of hops using liquid nitrogen  LN2 in the name refers to the chemical symbol  before separating the lupulin, the substance that contains the oils and resins that provide beers with flavors and aromas, from the hops leaves and stems. (The vegetal material, or bract, is turned into another Cryo Hops product, called Debittered Leaf.)



3 Stars Brewing Company co-founders Dave Coleman, right, and Mike McGarvey give a tour of their D.C. brewery in 2016. (Lexey Swall/For The Washington Post)

The resulting powder is much more concentrated than whole hop cones or the standard dried, milled hop pellets  YCH recommends that brewers use half the amount of regular hops  and bursting with the zesty citrus aromas and pungent dank notes that drive New England-style-IPA fans wild, without any astringency. Pellets can have grassier notes, says Mike McGarvey, the co-founder of Washingtons 3 Stars Brewing, whos brewed several beers with Cryo Hops. Powder is all that you like about hops without the bitterness. It doesnt hurt that the initial batch of Cryo Hops available to brewers included some of the most popular aroma hops on the market, such as Mosaic and Citra.

[America now has more breweries than ever. And that might be a problem.]

JC Tetreault, the co-founder of Bostons Trillium Brewing, remembers the first time he was exposed to lupulin powder. He had been invited to join up with five other brewers, led by Dogfish Heads Sam Calagione, to produce a collaboration beer for Sierra Nevadas 2016 Beer Camp series. The team got talking about what we could do that was new and innovative in the hop world, Tetreault says. When some brewers began talking about Cryo Hops, my interest was piqued.

A bag was produced. Every time you open a bag of hops, you take a deep breath, Tetreault says. Every brewer takes a deep breath. And when he inhaled the magic dust, The aroma and everything about it had the hairs standing up on the back of my neck, he says. Wheels started turning like crazy. Trillium is known for IPAs and pale ales with rich citrus notes, but that effect is created by dry-hopping and double dry-hopping the beer. This was something else entirely.

Last November, Tetreault got together with brewer Sean Lawson of the acclaimed Lawsons Finest Liquids to experiment with lupulin powders. The result was Pow Pow, a double IPA made with Citra, Mosaic and Simcoe Cryo Hop powders, augmented with regular Galaxy and Nelson Sauvin hops. Ratebeer.com reviewers gave it a 99 out of 100. Beer Advocate reviewers rated it World Class with a 96 out of 100. Aroma absolutely explodes from the can, one review said. Expect a blast of fresh tropical and citrus fruits and beyond your daily dose of needed hops, opined another. Pow Pow was a one-off, Tetreault says, and the experiments continue for Trillium. We have to see how it plays out in use, he explains.

Beers made with lupulin powder from highly regarded brewers, such as Interboro, Other Half and Burial, have earned similar buzz.



Whole hop cones are much less concentrated in flavor than lupulin powder. (iStock)

3 Stars has used powdered hops in several releases this year, including Pounding Trees, a double IPA that was double dry-hopped with Citra and Mosaic powders, and Star Dust, a beer whose name was inspired by the use of lupulin powder. If you want a bitter backbone, it might not be the right [ingredient], McGarvey says. But the audience for these IPAs, he says, is people who arent interested in the bitterness of hops. Theyre interested in these fruity flavor qualities.

And while most of the beers to hit the market so far have been pale ales and IPAs, 3 Stars has begun experimenting with lupulin powder in other styles. Flip the Script, a collaboration brewed with Aslin for the Craft Brewers Conference in April, was a dry-hopped sour made with lactobacillus bacteria. If youre bringing in hoppiness, you can have a problem with the lacto souring, McGarvey explains, because of a reaction between hops and the bacteria. With powder, theres less risk. I think it will lead to more experimentation.

[Why you cant get a pint in a beer bar anymore]

While this is all great news for beer lovers looking for intense hop aromas and flavors, brewers are also interested in Cryo Hops for other reasons. When hops are added during brewing, they can leave behind organic material, which joins proteins, yeast and other byproducts in a mixture called trub, which gets dumped out. However, the trub has absorbed a bit of liquid  wort or beer  and that is going right down the drain. Using powder instead of pellets, says 3 Stars McGarvey, is more efficient  it could be 5 to 10 percent more. You have that much more finished beer to sell.

Trilliums Tetreault points to other cost benefits: Shipping rates are half. Storage rates are half, because of smaller amounts needed. Thats a huge benefit from an operations perspective.

YCH is expecting to produce several million pounds of Cryo Hops this year, and Vanevenhoven says they have already touched over 500 breweries, and we havent really marketed it yet.

Only one year into production, Weve already doubled the size of the [processing] facility, Vanevenhoven says. I hope thats enough.
The groan, when it came, was swift, the pain behind it palpable. At a curators roundtable at the BlackStar Film Festival in Philadelphia last weekend, the subject was gatekeeping. Who decides what stories get told? Who decides who gets to tell them? When it comes to stories rooted in the African diaspora  the focus of BlackStar, now in its sixth year  how have moving images in mainstream culture contributed to external bias and internalized self-loathing? Why is a particular story that transpired during the 1967 riots being called Detroit, as if one specific, if admittedly monstrous, episode can fairly represent the far more complex events during which it took place?

It was at this question, posed by scholar and curator Dessane Cassell, that the collective groan went up in the packed conference room at the Institute of Contemporary Art. Detroit, in which director Kathryn Bigelow dramatizes the murder of three black teenagers at the hands of white policemen during the titular citys 1967 uprising, has been hailed by many critics (including this one) for plunging viewers into an event that crystallizes white supremacy and impunity at their most pathological. But for many others  including those among the filmmakers, programmers and viewers who attended BlackStar  Detroit presents yet another dispiriting example of a white filmmaker undertaking self-examination and catharsis using the spectacle of anguish, suffering and desecration of the black body.

That sense of disappointment, even betrayal, has also pervaded the reaction to Confederate, HBOs planned revisionist-history project positing an America in which the South won the Civil War and slavery still exists. Produced by a team headed by two white men, the series has come in for excoriation by observers who noted that, in addition to being rooted in Hollywoods foundational fascination with the Lost Cause myth (celebrated in everything from The Birth of a Nation to Gone With the Wind), Confederate is predicated on common but false assumptions about how history still inscribes present-day reality. As Ta-Nehisi Coates recently wrote in the Atlantic, Something Confederates creators dont seem to understand [is that] the war is over for them, not for us. At this very hour, black people all across the South are still fighting the battle which they joined during Reconstruction  securing equal access to the ballot  and resisting a president whose resemblance to Andrew Johnson is uncanny.

On their surface, the debates swirling around Detroit and Confederate have to do with white artists telling black stories. When it comes to Detroit specifically, how can white artists presume to make work about black history, even though they lack firsthand experience with the meaning of those stories and images to the black community? As Bigelow told me during an interview last month, Am I the perfect person to tell this story? Absolutely not. My impetus was feeling that this is too important of a story not to tell.

[With Detroit, Kathryn Bigelow refines an aesthetic grounded in equal parts theory and reality]

A scene from Detroit. (Francois Duhamel)

Consistent with her career-long fascination with intensely subjective violence, visceral conflict and a willingness to dispense with conventional narrative, Bigelow fashioned Detroit as part action, part horror and part procedural, resulting in what Bigelow herself called an unwieldy spiral rather than a straightforward historical drama. For many, including plenty of black viewers, the confrontational immediacy and grievous relevance of Detroit justify Bigelows risky aesthetic choices. For others, the film hews to the tragic arc, as one BlackStar participant put it, that too often defines how African Americans have been depicted, often at the hands of well-meaning white artists.

I stand by my initial impression that Detroit is a masterful use of cinematic language to burrow into and illuminate one of the most hidden recesses of Americas racist past. And I completely understand the dismay of Detroits critics, who take issue with both Bigelows experimental approach and iconography they equate with torture porn and voyeurism.

In fact, one can find an eloquent distillation of those complaints in the new documentary Whose Streets?, about the protest movement that began in Ferguson, Mo., in 2014 after Michael Brown was shot to death by a white police officer. Coincidentally, it was Browns death, and the failure of a grand jury to indict the man who killed him, that inspired Bigelow to make Detroit specifically about abuse of police power. And at many junctures, the echoes between Detroit and Whose Streets? are uncanny, be they in images of militarized law enforcement or people taking action after decades of being dismissed, demonized and unheard.

But one moment in Whose Streets? stood out in particularly sharp relief  especially in the midst of the Detroit debate  when, midway through the film, Ferguson activist David Whitt sees that a neighborhood memorial to Brown is being dismantled, with local news media looking on. Dont set that camera up, dawg, pleads Whitt, charging out of the apartment hes renting just steps away from where Brown was killed. I live here.

As a vigilant caretaker of the street-corner shrine, Whitt understandably objects to Browns memory being erased with callous disregard for his still-grieving family and friends. But its the presence of the cameras  the mainstream media once again parachuting in to capture the symbolic destruction of a community rather than the daily work of resilience, political engagement and spiritual renewal  that sparks Whitts deepest anger and exhaustion.

I live here. When it comes to the gatekeeping of our shared visual culture, who decides who lives where? When we travel outside our proscribed boundaries, whos a tourist and whos a local? Who are the elders, the storytellers, the colonizers, the canonizers? Which is my story and which is yours? So far this year, those questions have received encouraging answers, with Get Out and Girls Trip becoming breakout hits, and such documentaries as Step and now Whose Streets? earning festival and Oscar buzz.

With luck, the same people who have been moved by Detroit will also see those films  not as a corrective, necessarily, but as part of opening the gate wider to a world that isnt nearly as monolithic or demarcated as weve allowed ourselves to believe. Its a big, boisterous world, full of injustice and pain, transcendence and beauty. And we all live here.
Jeffrey Lord on being fired by CNN: We disagree on this, but he [Zucker] has to do what he has to do. (Daniel Zampogna/AP)

Jeffrey Lord isnt bitter about his firing by CNN. Far from it. But he does note an irony: The thing that he was protesting  the suppression of controversial opinions  was the same thing that got him canned.

I have enormous respect for CNN, theyre great people who do a great job, Lord told The Washington Post on Friday, a day after CNN booted him from his role as the chief pundit-defender of President Trump. But I told them I totally disagree with this. They did exactly what I was writing about.

Lords demise at the network came a few hours after he tweeted Sieg Heil! at a liberal activist, Angelo Carusone, with whom hed been feuding on Twitter. Lord used the phrase, a Nazi salute, to call out Carusone and his organization, the liberal watchdog group Media Matters for America, for leading a sponsor boycott against Fox News personality Sean Hannity.

CNNs president, Jeff Zucker, apparently saw no nuance or irony in the tweet. Just as Lord was traveling from his home in Harrisburg, Pa., to CNNs studios in New York to appear on the network Thursday afternoon, one of Zuckers top executives called him to say hed gone too far and was done.

Nazi salutes are indefensible, a CNN spokesperson said in a statement a few hours later in announcing Lords departure.

In fact, Lord politely begs to differ.

Lord says he invoked the phrase in a mocking way after a series of combative exchanges with Carusone on Twitter. His use of the incendiary salute was meant to point out his revulsion with Carusone and Media Matters for their tactics in their fight against Hannity, a pro-Trump conservative.

The two-word tweet was the culmination of a series of blog posts by Lord this week in the American Spectator, in which he called the group Media Matters Fascists, the anti-free speech bigots who, in typical fascist style, make it their mission to shut down speech they dont like.

So, sieg heil and no regrets: I strongly believe that when youre dealing with people who are doing something not just abominable but dangerous, you have to use every tool at your command, Lord said by phone from Harrisburg. Mocking them is one of those ways.

Speaking of Hannity, though he could be speaking of himself, he added: This is an important thing. You have the free-speech right to say things people disagree with without someone trying to haul you off the air.

In any case, the firing instantly elevated Lords profile, which was already high because of nearly two years of prime-time appearances on CNN. He became a favorite topic (and guest) on conservative talk-radio stations throughout the day on Friday. As he was being interviewed by a reporter from his hometown paper, the Patriot-News, the caller ID on his landline phone popped up on his TV screen: Stephen K. Bannon. (Lord wont say what Trumps chief White House strategist had to say to him).

He also became the subject of a budding conspiracy theory: That CNN  which Trump has denounced repeatedly as fake news  was looking for any excuse to dump its most prominent pro-Trump talking head and had used his tweet as a pretext.

Not so, says Lord.

I have nothing to back that up, zero, he said. I havent seen it. Theres no personal animosity going on here. They were terrific to me, I really like the people there. . . . We disagree on this, but he [Zucker] has to do what he has to do.

Lord, who cares for his 98-year-old mother, says hes looking forward to a vacation, during which he plans to sort out his options. Hell continue writing for the Spectator, and has a book in the works about Trump. He said Friday he received two job offers  he wont say from whom  within a few hours after his firing.

More punditry is probable, though Lord suggests that video streaming, rather than cable TV, may be in his future.

For its part, CNN hasnt reported anything on the air about Lord or the circumstances of his departure. People at the network said its unlikely hell be mentioned again.
Until an injury temporarily sidelined him recently, Burt Abramowitz, 81, and his 76-year-old workout partner had a standing commitment three times each week. Theyd work out at the Golds Gym in Rockville, then go out to eat afterward, usually at the Dunkin Donuts or Silver Diner. Abramowitz jokes that sometimes the food would negate any benefit from the workout, but the food was never the point. It was the camaraderie he cherished.

Abramowitzs experience mirrors that of an active senior population, where the gym has become a place to build not just muscle but community.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, studies have linked strong social relationships to a longer life span. In one British Medical Journal study, researchers wrote that social activities may be as effective as fitness activities in lowering the risk of death. They followed more than 2,800 people over the age of 65 for a 13-year period. The researchers concluded that active people were more likely to be alive at the end of the 13-year period. But they also noted that social activities conferred equivalent survival advantages compared to fitness activities. According to the researchers, this means that activities that entail little or no physical exertion may also be beneficial.

In 2010, three researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 148 studies from 1990 to 2007 that examined the connection between social isolation and mortality. They found that individuals experiences within social relationships significantly predicted risk of mortality. In other words, people with stronger social relationships were likely to live longer. Addressing the direction of the effect  whether socialization has a positive effect on health or whether people who are sick simply have fewer social relationships  the authors said that the data provides stronger evidence for the influence of social relationships on risk for mortality rather than vice versa. Based on their meta-analysis, researchers found that in its influence, social isolation compares with risk factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, and it might even exceed other risk factors such as physical inactivity and obesity.

The problem is that social connections, the ties that bind us to our community, slowly weaken as we age. Friends and family retire, some move away, and others die. A retirement community is a salve for some. But for seniors who age in place, this means living alone in a changing community as familiar faces disappear.

Thats why many find the health club a good place to strengthen social bonds. Its a natural gathering spot, pulling people together to engage in a common activity. And working out with a partner is a commitment; youre more likely to show up if youre meeting someone. Thats what Abramowitz found so appealing. The motivation for Jay and me was the camaraderie, he says. It was the friendship, someone to kibbitz with.

Nick Crossley, a professor of sociology at the University of Manchester, has researched community-building in health clubs. He says that these places are particularly effective because they encourage socialization on a routine basis, often with the same people, even if by chance. People become familiar with each other that way, Crossley says.

Studies have borne out the role that fitness centers play in maintaining social bonds in seniors. In one study published in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease, which conducted focus groups of participants in a fitness program for older adults, one woman said that being able to socialize with people and to laugh helps the body become better and the mind stronger. The researchers noted the strong sense of cohesion among members, a dynamic process reflected by the tendency of a group to stick together and remain united in pursuit of its objective.

Bob Ray, 82, works out at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington and likes to motivate others in the room. I encourage everyone around me as they work out. Im the mayor of the exercise room. I like to talk a lot and be social, and the gym is a great time to do that, Ray says. Sometimes the conversation can be a welcome diversion from exercise or from life outside the club.

The post-workout recovery offers another opportunity to socialize. Its easy to meet because everyones already in the same place. In his report, (Net)working Out: Social Capital in a Private Health Club, Crossley noted that the intimacy of a gyms sauna, where people are often squashed together, sitting in the eye line of others, makes conversation almost a necessity.

Stan Ginsberg, 73, works out at a D.C. area LA Fitness and says that after his water aerobics class, the group often heads right to the hot tub, where its easy to socialize. We talk about that days class, but we usually like to talk about things outside, like our travels. Before one member of Ginsbergs class moved recently, the group threw a going-away party.

In Abramowitzs case, the socializing afterward was just as important as the workout. The quality time after, when wed go out to eat, was something we really looked forward to, he says. I wouldnt have seen my friend three times a week if it wasnt for the gym.

Opipari is a former track coach and founder of Persuasive Matters, a legal writing consulting company. You can reach him at ben@persuasivematters.com.
Not all chemistry is learned in a lab. Sometimes answers are found by wading into a creek.

That is one of the lessons Montgomery County hopes to impart on local high school students by transforming a portion of Rock Creek Park and its surroundings into a hands-on chemistry classroom this school year.

The program, announced Thursday, will reach 1,500 students over the next three years, according to the county.

Starting this fall, students at John F. Kennedy High School in Silver Spring will become citizen scientists, monitoring water quality in the Rock Creek watershed  an area that spans 60 square miles of the county. Students will collect and analyze water samples from the park and their local community.

Instead of teaching about the watershed within the classroom with pen and paper, students can actually go outside right in their schoolyard and study creeks and streams firsthand, said Diane Lill, director of education at the Audubon Naturalist Society, based in Chevy Chase, which will help facilitate the program.

Bethesda-based Veverka Family Foundation is giving $1 million to the National Park Foundation to fund various science education programs. The new one in Rock Creek Park will receive $100,000 of that funding.

Under the training of chemistry teachers, local environmental experts and park rangers, Montgomery students will create a database of water-quality measurements. Students will then analyze their findings to identify areas in need of attention. The absence of certain organisms, for example, could indicate pollution, Lill said.

Montgomery officials say they will expand the three-week program to Northwood and Albert Einstein high schools in 2018-2019 and to Wheaton and Montgomery Blair high schools the following year. Their goal is to eventually integrate the curriculum into chemistry classrooms countywide.

The program comes as the county is developing lessons based on state science standards adopted in 2013. Under the standards, students are expected to approach environmental challenges with content knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Students will also need a strong foundation in chemistry to do well on Marylands science assessment, school officials say. By 2021, students will need to achieve a passing score on the test to graduate from high school.

Laurie Jenkins, Montgomerys supervisor of environmental education, said the district will review course passage rates and test data to measure the success of the outdoor education program. She said she also hopes students will graduate from high school more engaged in their roles as stewards of the local environment.

These students are going to become the citizens of the U.S. who will vote to shape environmental policy, she said.

The program, called Citizen Science 2.0 in National Parks, will also take place at Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeast Ohio and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee.

Mary Jo Veverka, president of the Veverka Family Foundation, said her first meaningful exposure to the countrys national parks came during college when she worked at Yellowstone National Park.

With her donation, Veverka said she wants to give more students the opportunity to experience the countrys natural beauty and to recognize their impact on the environment. The Bethesda resident also hopes to join students in the field.

It was important for me as well to be able to connect with kids that I can see going to school every day, right in my back yard, she said.

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Former park ranger Paul Plamann, 79, under the guise of Dr. William Beanes, lets Garrett Grady, 7, read Francis Scott Key's poem "The Defense of Fort McHenry" along with his father, James Grady. (Michael Ares/Baltimore Sun)

Will Goggins was about to leave the visitors center at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine when he ran into an elderly gentleman in an 18th-century striped waistcoat, tan linen breeches and a pair of black buckled shoes.

Whats your name? Goggins asked politely.

Oh, my name is Dr. William Beanes, the man replied. You may not know me, but Im a friend of Francis Scott Key. The British took me captive just before the battle over this fort, and thats how Frank and I became witnesses to the 25-hour bombardment that followed.

And as he has for half a century, 79-year-old Paul Plamann proceeded to unfurl a little-known tale from the history of the famed site.

The man known to generations of colleagues as The Old Ranger retired July 1 after a 50-year career at the national park in Baltimore. But he was back in action this week, reprising his popular role as Beanes in his new guise as a part-time volunteer.

He now plans Saturdays at the Hampton National Historic Site in Towson and Tuesdays at Fort McHenry.

Pauls knowledge and spirit when it comes to the story here are so profound, and he has this gift for conveying that story to visitors from preschool age on up, 20-year volunteer Andrew Stritch said. We couldnt do what we do the same way without him.

In his years at Fort McHenry, Plamann has done everything from run the 16-millimeter projector on which the park once showed documentary films to co-founding the Fort McHenry Guard, the battalion of rangers and volunteers who dress in period garb to enact the sites award-winning living-history performances.

He has fired period cannons and flintlock rifles, greeted, entertained and answered the questions of hundreds of thousands of guests, trained generations of aspiring rangers, taken part in two bicentennial celebrations (one for the nation in 1976, the other for the fort itself in 2014), and met seven U.S. presidents.

Tina Cappetta, the superintendent of the Fort McHenry and Hampton national parks, says Plamann is more than just her go-to expert on logistical, managerial and historic questions that date back earlier than a few years. He does everything he does with unfailing courtesy and good humor.

In all my time with Paul, Ive never heard him say a single unkind word about anyone, and Ive never heard anyone say an unkind word about him, she says. In that sense, hes absolutely the consummate park ranger.

Yet it was a career that might never have happened.

Born the son of a Lutheran pastor in tiny Dickinson, N.D., Plamann grew up, by turns, in Toledo, Pittsburgh and Baltimore, where his father took a job as a military chaplain in the 1950s.

He was always fascinated by history, but his interest provided little direction. He enlisted in the military in 1962, completed training at the U.S. Army Intelligence School at the now-defunct Fort Holabird in Baltimore, and served in California and Japan.

Plamann was visiting relatives in Portland, Ore., when they took him to visit Fort Clatsop National Memorial, the site of an encampment used by members of the Lewis and Clark expedition in the winter of 1805 and 1806.

A ranger gave him a brochure of parks across the country, and Plamann  a Civil War buff who had considered applying for work at Antietam or Gettysburg  was flabbergasted to be reminded that I have a national park in my own back yard. I had completely forgotten about Fort McHenry, he says, and laughs.

It was May 22, 1967, when he got the job operating the projector on which the park showed the story of The Star-Spangled Banner.

As Plamann recalls it, the film was a one-man show that starred a New York character actor as Beanes, the elderly Prince Georges County physician who was captured at his home in Upper Marlboro shortly after the Battle of Bladensburg.

By the time the fictional Beanes had finished telling the tale of the American victory in the Battle of Baltimore, the hoisting of the flag the next morning, and Keys poem that became the national anthem, the recruit was in tears.

Im a patriotic person, and its certainly a stirring story, Plamann said. He has now played the doctor in two films  the 15-minute documentary that now serves as introduction to the fort tour and Star-Spangled Banner: Anthem of Liberty, an Imax movie made in 2014.

Plamann soon learned something he would share with generations of visitors  that the anthem story is but one chapter of fort history.

The citizens of the Town of Baltimore built the installation in 1776 as an earthen star fort known as Fort Whetstone, he said, but the British never attacked it during the Revolutionary War.

State and federal units trained there before seeing action in the Mexican War in the mid-1840s. Union troops used it to house Confederate prisoners in the Civil War, the Army turned it into a 3,000-bed hospital during World War I, and the Coast Guard used it as a training facility during World War II.

Even now, he points out, a Naval Reserve recruiting center occupies land just to the north.

A lot of people dont realize that there has been a military presence on that point of land ever since 1776, Plamann said, an unmistakable hint of pride in his voice.

Little by little, the work sank roots into his life.

In 1968, the official historian at Fort McHenry decided Plamann should learn the then-emerging field of living history, in which interpreters and reenactors dress and speak as figures from years gone by to bring the past to life. He was dispatched to a National Park Service training center at Harpers Ferry, W.Va., for a crash course.

He learned to fire a flintlock musket, mastered the details of the military uniforms of the War of 1812 and prepared for a long-running act in which he would perform as an infantry sergeant while another ranger portrayed a private.

Plamann and several colleagues started the Fort McHenry Guard in 1982.

Eight years ago, then-National Parks Service Historian Vince Vaise persuaded Plamann to take on the role of Beanes, the friend of Key who was captured on the orders of British Maj. Gen. Robert Ross and imprisoned in the hold of the H.M.S. Tonnant on the Chesapeake Bay.

Key, a young lawyer at the time, was visiting the vessel as an envoy of President James Madison to seek Beaness release as the Battle of Baltimore began.

So can you see, if it werent for my capture by the British, you might never have sung the words, O, say can you see? Plamann tells park visitors.

Cappetta, who started at Fort McHenry in 2011, is still astonished that Plamann met every president from Gerald Ford through Barack Obama.

Plamann remembers mentioning to Ford that he was the only ex-National Park ranger to become a U.S. president (the fact became a trivia question at the park) and telling Obama that he was the seventh president the ranger had met.

Obama, he says, was kind enough to thank me for my years of service.

Those years seemed to be at an end a month ago. Ninety friends, colleagues and former co-workers attended a retirement dinner at the fort in Plamanns honor.

Plamann trotted out one of his favorite lines for the occasion: When I started at Fort McHenry, I was younger than Key [was in 1814], and now Im older than Beanes, he said.
President Trump has vowed to swiftly deport bad hombres from the United States, but the latest deportation statistics show that slightly fewer criminals were expelled in June than when he took office.

In January, federal immigration officials deported 9,913 criminals. After a slight uptick under Trump, expulsions sank to 9,600 criminals in June.

Mostly deportations have remained lower than in past years under the Obama administration. From January to June, Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported 61,370 criminals, down from 70,603 during the same period last year.

During the election, Trump vowed to target criminals for deportation and warned that they were going out fast. Later, he suggested he would try to find a solution for the terrific people who never committed any crimes, and would first deport 2 million to 3 million criminals.

But analysts say he is unlikely to hit those targets. Since January, immigration officials have deported more than 105,000 immigrants, 42 percent of whom had never committed any crime.

Last year, a total of 121,170 people were deported during the same period, and a similar percentage had no criminal records.

John Sandweg, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said part of the reason for the decline is that illegal border crossings have plunged since Trump took office pledging to build a big, beautiful wall and crack down on illegal immigration. Immigrants caught at the border accounted for a significant share of deportations under the Obama administration.

Another factor, however, is that immigration officials are arresting more people who never committed any crime  some 4,100 immigrants in June, more than double the number in January  clogging the already backlogged immigration courts and making it harder to focus on criminals.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement released the deportation figures, which the Post had requested, late Thursday, two days after the Justice Department announced that immigration courts ordered 57,069 people to leave the United States from February to July, a nearly 31 percent increase over the previous year.

However, Justice officials have not said how many of the immigrants ordered deported were actually in custody  or if their whereabouts are even known. Every year scores of immigrants are ordered deported in absentia, meaning they did not attend their hearings and could not immediately be deported.

The deportation figures come as the Trump administration is fighting with dozens of state and local officials nationwide over their refusal to help deport immigrants, and as the administration is attempting to reduce legal and illegal immigration.
Krishanti Vignarajah, who served as policy director for Michelle Obama, is a Democratic candidate for governor of Maryland. (Vignarajah campaign)

The Maryland State Board of Elections on Friday asked Attorney General Brian E. Frosh (D) to weigh in on whether Krishanti Vignarajah, a former policy aide for Michelle Obama who entered the governors race this week, is a Maryland registered voter, which is a requirement for running for governor.

Shortly after Vignarajahs announced her candidacy on Wednesday, questions were raised about whether she is legally eligible to seek the office. Under the state constitution, a candidate for governor must be at least 30 years old and have been both a Maryland resident and registered voter for the five years immediately preceding the election.

Vignarajah registered to vote in the District in 2010 and has voted there multiple times, including during the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014 election cycles.

According to the Maryland State Board of Elections, Vignarajah also is registered to vote in Maryland. She has voted once in the state  in the 2016 general election  since she registered in 2006.

State records show that the Baltimore County Board of Elections sent a request to Vignarajahs Catonsville address in February 2015 asking her to confirm her registration status. Because she did not reply, she was listed as inactive. If she had not voted last year, the state would have canceled her registration after the 2020 election.

Vignarajah, 37, did not return a call late Friday seeking comment about the request from the State Board of Elections. Steve Rabin, a spokesman for her campaign, also did not return a call for comment.

I am legally eligible to run, Vignarajah said earlier in the day on the Kojo Nmandi radio show on WAMU-FM (88.5).

The request from the state board does not mention Vignarajah by name. Instead, it seeks advice on whether a person who registered in the state but later voted in another jurisdiction would be considered a Maryland registered voter.

The answer could determine whether Vignarajah, the only woman in a crowded field of Democratic candidates, can remain in the race.

Mary Wagner, voter registration director for the state board, said Friday that the board would have canceled Vignarajahs voter registration if D.C. officials had notified the state that she had registered to vote in the District.

During the radio interview, Vignarajah refused to say why she registered to vote in the District while also registered in Maryland.

She said that she had a crash pad in the District while she was working in the Obama administration but that Maryland was her primary residence.

When Vignarajah was told that she may have violated D.C. law and could be subject to a $10,000 fine for registering in the District while being registered in another jurisdiction, she said: I think we need to focus on what Im here to talk about, that is Im running for governor of Maryland. In terms of the requirements to run, I have been a registered voter in Maryland for far longer than is required to run.

Vignarajah repeated that she was absolutely legally eligible to run for governor.

She said that she consulted legal experts and elected officials to make sure I wasnt throwing my hat in the ring for no good reason.

The D.C. voter registration form requires applicants to declare their eligibility, including by checking a box and signing their names to a statement that they do not claim voting residence outside of the District of Columbia. The D.C. Board of Elections website also notes that registered voters must not claim the right to vote in any other state or territory.
Maryland gubernatorial candidate Ben Jealous speaks at a rally where he was endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in Silver Spring, Md., on July 13, 2017. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post)

Ben Jealous picked up an endorsement Friday from Maryland Working Families, a statewide progressive group, in his 2018 bid for Maryland governor.

The support from the grass-roots group is the third endorsement the former president of the NAACP has received from a progressive organization since he launched his campaign at the end of May.

Bens bold progressive vision for our state is exactly what we need to ensure new opportunities reach working families in every corner of our state, Charly Carter said in a statement. Ben is unafraid of challenging the status quo and standing up for what is right.

Last month, Jealous received endorsements from U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) and Our Revolution, a national progressive group that formed after the senators upstart presidential bid, and the Maryland arm of the group. The endorsements from Sanders and Our Revolution were expected, given Jealouss role as co-chairman of Sanderss campaign in Maryland and his former board seat with Our Revolution.

In May, before Jealous announced his candidacy, Democracy for America, another national progressive group, said it was ready to mobilize to help him run.

Jealouss agenda is similar to Sanderss and includes a single-payer health-care system, a $15 minimum wage and debt-free community and public colleges.

The endorsement comes as the field of Democratic candidates lining up to challenge Gov. Larry Hogan (R) continues to grow. This week, Krishanti Vignarajah, a one-time policy director for former first lady Michelle Obama, entered the race for the Democratic nomination.

Also running are: Prince Georges County Executive Rushern L. Baker III; state Sen. Richard S. Madaleno Jr. (Montgomery); Alec Ross, a technology entrepreneur; and lawyer James L. Shea. Baltimore County Executive Kevin B. Kamenetz; former Maryland attorney general Douglas F. Gansler; and Maya Rockymoore Cummings, a policy consultant who is married to U.S. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), have said they are considering entering the race.
A 17-year-old college-bound teen was in grave condition Friday evening after she was shot in the head a day earlier by what police said was a stray bullet fired as she drove through a Northeast Washington neighborhood.

D.C. police had a suspect in custody hours after the Thursday afternoon shooting in Brentwood  a 21-year-old man who lives less than a mile from the shooting scene and was awaiting trial on a gun and drug charge from an arrest last month.

Philip Carlos McDaniel, who lives in Carver-Langston in Northeast, was charged with assault with intent to kill. He is expected to make his initial appearance in D.C. Superior Court on Saturday. His attorney from the previous arrest declined to comment.

On Friday, District officials and the victims former teachers at Woodrow Wilson High School echoed sentiments of friends and loved ones who filled social media with tributes, and anger. I crying my eyes out because one of my choir members who I became really close with was shot in NE, one friend wrote. Why did you shoot at her !!!!

D.C. police Chief Peter Newsham took to Twitter to denounce the shooting as senseless and followed up later with a plea to two others being sought in the case, writing that if they have any sense of decency they will turn themselves in.

The teens mother is a 30-year veteran D.C. police officer who once was a detective in the homicide unit. Her daughter was captain of the cheerleading squad at Wilson, was active in the choir and was so excited to be heading off to Florida A&M University in 10 days that she posted a copy of her acceptance letter on Twitter. The Washington Post did not name the teen because she has not been publicly identified by authorities or family.

[Teenager shot driving through Northeast Washington neighborhood]

Michele Bollinger, who taught the teen a class on the history of the District of Columbia, said that although they met toward the end of the last school year, she came to know the teen as someone with boundless energy who contributed every day in the loud, spirited voice for which she was known

She is very bright, insightful and has tons of energy, Bollinger said. She was not afraid to challenge people from all kinds of perspectives. The shooting, Bollinger said, is devastating to the Wilson community. A tweet with the handle @wilsonseniors17 simply said, I have a heavy heart right now.

The shooting occurred about 3:30 p.m. as the teen was driving a younger cousin or nephew home. Newsham said one of two men opened fire on another man across the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue NE as she drove through in a white sedan. Police said a man walking out of the Brookland Manor apartments was also wounded by a stray bullet. The teens relative, who was in her car, was not injured.

I am completely and utterly outraged, said D.C. Council member Kenyan R. McDuffie (D-Ward 5), who represents the Brentwood area. This gun violence is a scourge on the community.

He said he has a nephew who attends Wilson and knows the victim, and a member of his extended family is close friends with her. He said many of the victims friends were also accepted at colleges and many got news of the shooting shortly after arriving on their new campuses for freshman orientation. They were scrambling to return to the District.

While crime has gone down in the District this year, including homicides and assaults with guns, there have been some recent shootings in neighborhoods bordering Brentwood. In Brentwood, police say robberies have dropped but assaults with guns have increased over last year.

Police said that shortly before Thursdays shooting, officers were called to the neighborhood for a report of gunshots but did not find any evidence. Authorities said descriptions of the gunman differed from ones that witnesses provided after the teen was shot.

Officials did not say what led investigators to McDaniel, though additional details could become available on Saturday when the arrest affidavit is made public. Court documents show that McDaniel has lived in Carver-Langston for five years, has three children, one of whom lives with him. He is unemployed.

The pending gun charge against McDaniel came after police raided his home July 12. The case began when officers were called to the area for a report of gunshots and found 21 bullet casings on a nearby street corner. Police found no gunman, but did report seeing a moped with a punched ignition in the back yard of McDaniels house.

A check revealed it had been stolen, and police said in court documents they believed it was linked to a theft ring. That led to a search warrant of the house. Police said they found three guns in the house, including a 9mm and a .45-caliber handgun in a crawl space in the basement where court documents said McDaniel and another man slept.

When McDaniel was arrested, police said he had cocaine in his pocket. He was charged with drug possession and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The charges are misdemeanors and do not allow a judge to detain suspects. McDaniel was freed and that case is awaiting grand jury action, according to an online court docket.

Ellie Silverman contributed to this report.
Gunfire critically wounded a 17-year-old teenager as she drove through a Northeast Washington neighborhood Thursday afternoon during an incident that wounded a second victim on the street, D.C. police said.

Police found the teen unconscious and a man who was conscious and breathing in the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue about 3:30 p.m., said Officer Hugh Carew, a spokesman. Both victims were taken to a hospital.

Police Chief Peter Newsham tweeted a message that said A seventeen year old is struggling for her life because someone thought it was OK to fire an illegal firearm in our community  senseless.

The victims did not appear to be travelling together, police said.

Officials said they were looking for two males wearing white shirts who were last seen on foot heading north from the area.


Flor Andrade, 31, center, and her husband and four children are staying at a Holiday Inn in Silver Spring, Md., as they try to find an apartment. Jennifer Lopez, 6, does a head stand while her brother, Henry Lopez, 12, lies on the bed, wrapped in a Red Cross blanket. They youngest, Sofia Andrade, 6 months old, is held by her mother. (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

Stacks of boxes are shoved into the corner of the Silver Spring hotel room. Food is strewn across the desk, and diapers for baby Sofia are in the closet. One recent afternoon, a 12-year-old snuggled in a Red Cross blanket was trying to watch TV while his little brother played with a toy firetruck.

This is the Andrade familys home for now.

They are among 35 families still living in hotel rooms paid for by the Districts Office of the Tenant Advocate after a three-alarm fire destroyed their Northwest apartment complex June 24. Those with an alternative place to live, though, will leave in coming days. Others can stay until Aug. 21 but arent sure what will happen next.

The most difficult is not knowing where well live, Flor Andrade, 31, said in Spanish. I need a place so everything can be okay.

[We have nothing left. Residents return to scene of Northwest apartment fire]

Normally, the District provides housing for two weeks to residents displaced by any disaster that would render them homeless. But Johanna Shreve, the chief tenant advocate, said in this case the city offered hotel stays of nearly two months because tenants of the Rolling Terrace apartments were mostly low-income and the damage was severe.

Even with the extra time, families are struggling to find affordable housing in the District. The language barrier faced by many former tenants adds an extra hurdle.



The Andrade family is staying at a Holiday Inn in Silver Spring, Md., as they try to find an apartment. Jennifer Lopez, 6, lifts up her youngest sibling, Sofia Andrade,6x months. (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

Jennifer Lopez washes all the handprints off the window at the Holiday Inn, where the family is staying as they try to find an apartment. (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

At a meeting this month, officials told the displaced tenants not to worry, but Andrade said she cant help it. The kids keep asking, Where are we going to go next? She tells them shes looking for a place near their school or a bus stop. But most apartments are too expensive. Her husband works in construction, and on a good week he makes $400.

While most families are expected to be leaving the hotels Monday, the Department of Human Services estimates that seven families will still need a home by Aug. 21, said Dora Taylor-Lowe, an agency spokeswoman. Officials plan on assisting them with additional government programs.

These families have already experienced the trauma of a fire, Taylor-Lowe said. DHS would employ every effort to make sure that trauma is not exacerbated by a shelter stay.

Priced out of places

Seven weeks ago, Andrade opened her apartment door to a hallway full of smoke so putrid it hurt her throat. To get her family out, she passed her baby and three older children out of their second-floor apartment to firefighters on ladders.

One man was killed in the blaze at the 55-unit brick complex in the Brightwood area. Some tenants crawled on their hands and knees to escape, feeling the walls for a sense of direction. Others jumped through windows. Most left with only the clothes on their backs.

In the night Im thinking about the fire still, Angel Marquez, 39, said in Spanish. He lived there with his wife and 12-year-old son.



A fire in the 1300 block of Peabody Street NW on June 24 displaced more than 100 people. (Salwan Georges/The Washington Post)

Childrens toys were scattered behind the building on Peabody Street NW after the fire. (Salwan Georges/The Washington Post)

After the fire, the immediate response was far-reaching. The Red Cross and several city departments helped people find a place to sleep, get needed medication, replace identification such as passports and Social Security cards and receive counseling services. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

In all, the Department of Human Services counted 58 families who lost their homes. Ten of them went to stay with family or found new places on their own. The Andrades and 47 others needed help from the city.

I dont like to talk about it, Andrade said about the fire. Everythings ugly after that.

[Fuego! Witnesses describe scene of massive Northwest apartment blaze; 1 body recovered]

Compared with most places in the area, the Peabody Street apartments were cheap.

Rolling Terrace was a rent-controlled building, so costs ranged from about $700 a month for longtime residents to $1,800 for newcomers, estimated Arianna Royster, the executive vice president of Borger Management, which managed the property. Andrade said her rent there was $1,122 a month, not including utilities.

But rents in the city have risen with the arrival of wealthy young professionals, while longtime residents have been priced out of their homes. A 2015 study found that median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the District was $2,000.

After the fire, displaced families hopped on buses in the parking lot of the Nativity Catholic Church, a short walk away. The churchs pastor, the Rev. Blake Evans, said he has watched the area change as gentrification creeps closer. A new Walmart, a sign for a gourmet store, all hints that the area he calls  the American tapestry is changing.

You go into the McDonalds, the Walmart, you hear languages from all over the world, Evans said. The gentrification happened faster in Petworth than it did here. . . . Things have changed, but pretty much the neighborhood has stayed the same.

Although Shreve acknowledged that the cost of renting has gone through the roof, her office has done what it can to stretch funding to help the families. The fire was among the larger disasters that the Office of the Tenant Advocate has dealt with.

The families will eventually have the option of moving back to the Peabody property at the rent they had before, Royster said. But reconstruction will take about 18 months.

I lost everything

At the Aug. 3 meeting set up to help the displaced tenants, Melanie Galloway, 38, asked if there was anything the city or property manager could do to match their previous rent at new apartments. They had it good at Peabody Street, she said.

Lets not be concerned about it, please, please, find a unit, please, answered Lastenia Pretlow, the program manager for Strong Families, a program in the Department of Human Services.

Galloways 4-year-old son sat at a table, eating potato chips from a napkin. While a health worker with a nonprofit organization spoke to the group about trauma and mental-health resources, her son asked, Mommy, are we going to another house?

Galloway said they have looked at about 15 apartments since the fire, but they are either too expensive, too far from her twins school or in poor condition.



Angel Marquez, 39, left, and his wife, Marta Benavidez, 40, right sit with their son, Kevin Marquez, 12, on the sofa of a family member. They are living in a temporary hotel in the District while they search for an apartment. (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

Marquez said he, too, has not been able to find a new apartment for his family. He and his wife, Marta Benavidez, work cleaning buildings and make a combined $42,000 a year. If they dont find a place, he said, a relative will let them temporarily bunk in their living room.

A list of almost 50 apartments provided to the families at the meeting included those with rent as low as $728 and as high as $1,855. The locations ranged from less than a mile from the damaged Northwest Washington apartment to District Heights.

When Andrade checks out apartments, she has trouble understanding how much each costs, what paperwork she needs or when they would be available. Like a majority of the displaced residents, English is her second language.

Most of the adults, Shreve said, are Latino and work two to three jobs. The city has assigned nine case managers to help the families navigate the rental market. Two speak Amharic and five speak Spanish.

At the meeting, Pretlow told the residents to try not to worry about the looming hotel deadline. As Pretlow described mental-health resources, encouraging the group not to let the trauma paralyze them and instead focus on finding an apartment, Sharon Waddy-Gardner, 60, became visibly upset.

She had lived in that apartment for 38 years. She watched her daughter Keyona and now granddaughter Phoenix grow up there. Now she felt priced out of the city she calls home.

Its awfully hard, Gardner said. I lost everything. Everything is gone. I have nothing. Nothing, I mean, you can talk to the mental-health people, but thats a trauma thats very devastating. I have to apply for apartments that I havent done since 78.

Pretlow cut through the tension by reassuring Gardner that she heard her concerns.

I want you to hear that were here for you and were going to walk you through this experience, Pretlow said.

Less than a week later, Gardners family found a Northeast apartment with a Sept. 1 move-in date. On Thursday afternoon, Andrade was awaiting word on how long her family can stay in the hotel as she continues her search for a permanent home.

Its frustrating, she said. Its not my fault that this happened.


This dome at the Mount Wilson Observatory houses the telescope that Edwin Hubble used to change our view of the universe. (Joel Achenbach/The Washington Post)

Steve Padilla rides an elevator to the top of the 150-foot solar tower telescope. Its not really an elevator  its more like an open-air bucket, raised and lowered by cables. This is not modern machinery.

The solar tower has been operating since 1912. Everything here at the Mount Wilson Observatory is vintage  or you could just call it old. This was once the most famous observatory in the world, but now it is a virtual museum, the astronomy worlds musty attic.

Padilla is 66 and lives alone on this mountain, which rises a mile above Pasadena. He rides to the top of the tower to open the dome. Back on the ground, in the control room, he studies the reflected image of the sun  and draws sunspots.

Padilla is single-handedly maintaining a century-long tradition of continuous sunspot observations on Mount Wilson. He has no understudy.

Weve been doing these now for 100 years, he says. If I wasnt around, I dont know who would do them.

This is a popular month for the sun. The Great American Eclipse of 2017, on Aug. 21, will entrance millions. Padilla, for his part, will trek to Oregon to be in the path of totality, where the sun is completely blocked by the moon. Scientists across the breadth of America will study the suns mysteriously hot corona as the moons shadow rolls across the continent.

The sun is scientifically intriguing and obviously essential to life on Earth  which is why there are solar telescopes around the world and in space, why the United States is building a massive solar telescope on the island of Maui, and why NASA spends close to $700 million a year on heliophysics.

And yet its easy for an old solar telescope to get lost in the shuffle. There are three vintage solar telescopes on Mount Wilson, which is dominated by the 150-foot tower. But theyre not cutting-edge devices and do minimal science. Theyre like movie stars who have aged out of the best roles.

(Joel Achenbach/The Washington Post)

With eclipse mania sweeping the country, this is an appropriate time to ponder the history of solar astronomy. A lot of it happened right here. On Mount Wilson in 1908, astronomer George Ellery Hale obtained groundbreaking images of solar flares and vortices.

This happened in an era when the basic nature of the sun  the star in our backyard, as astronomer Cindy Hunt puts it  was just coming into focus. Atomic theory, still being developed, led to the realization that the sun is not on fire. Its a giant nuclear fusion reactor.

Which is why were here. A fusion reactor is efficient. The sun can shine for billions of years, plenty of time for life to evolve and maybe, with the right twists and turns, produce a species that includes astronomers.

Best-kept secret

The mountaintop is serene. The metropolis below is completely out of earshot. Birds flit among the oaks and pines.

The best-kept secret in Los Angeles is where Mount Wilson is, says Tom Meneghini, 70, the director of the Mount Wilson Institute.





To get there by car you have to take a narrow, winding road thats not for the faint of heart. Meneghini says his wife rarely makes the drive with him, and a reporter riding shotgun can understand why  youre never far from a cliff in the San Gabriel Mountains, which were thrust violently skyward amid the collision of tectonic plates.

Hale leveraged the wealth of steel magnate Andrew Carnegie to build an array of telescopes on Mount Wilson in the first years of the 20th century.

This was the hub of solar astronomy for a long time, says Hunt, who works at the Carnegie Observatories in Pasadena.

The Carnegie Observatories today does its astronomy on mountains in Chile. In 1986 it turned over operation of the Mount Wilson telescopes to the nonprofit institute now run by Meneghini.

He had spent much of his life running commercial fishing boats in the South Pacific. For the past 15 years hes been bounding around Mount Wilson, much like a kid with a lot of cool toys. Hes a volunteer, with an institute identification badge that says Galactic Overlord.

The institute sponsors lectures and stargazing nights. Students can use the telescopes. Researchers can rent the hardware for a night. The goal is to keep the lights on, even if the serious astronomy community no longer seems to want these historic telescopes.

Theres nothing we wont try, Meneghini says. I dont want to see it fail.

Inside one small dome is a beautiful, vintage refracting telescope with an exquisite lens. Meneghini says reverently, Its a Brashear  those are as rare as chicken teeth.

The great white dome houses the Hooker telescope, which was named for a benefactor.

This is hallowed ground for astronomy.

Oh, if the walls could talk, Meneghini says he switches on the lights in the dome. We go up metal stairs, past a telephone that surely dates to the era of silent movies. Then were on the main floor with the telescope, which is the size of a school bus. The mirror has a diameter of 100 inches, and it weighs 9,000 pounds.



The reflected image of the sun shines down through the tower of the 150-foot solar telescope on Mount Wilson. (Joel Achenbach/The Washington Post)

We go around the telescope and then far below, to a realm of giant gears and, as Meneghini points out, 100-year-old solenoids and relays and wiring. The visitor might initially think that someone had done an amazing job of restoring the place to its original, vintage feel. More likely, nothing here has ever changed.

Its like an old stove  it dies in pieces, Meneghini says. Be careful not to get grease on your clothes, he adds.

He opens the dome, a noisy process. He tips the telescope forward so we can view the immaculately polished mirror.

In 1919, a young astronomer named Edwin Hubble showed up to work here, and with the 100-inch he began studying the light from what were then called nebulae.

Orthodoxy held that these nebulae were relatively close. Hubble and his collaborators discovered that they were tremendously far away  indeed, they were separate island universes. Galaxies.

Then he discovered that they were receding from us  that the light was red-shifted, increasingly with distance. Behold the expanding universe.

These discoveries ensured that the 100-inch Hooker telescope would be forever famous among astronomers. But the field of astronomy can be rather coldhearted about old telescopes, particularly when theyre perched above a burgeoning metropolis thats polluting the night sky.

Einstein was here

The sun is setting, and in the control room of the 150-foot solar tower, Padilla presses buttons to guide the telescope as it follows the sun toward the horizon.

Everything about this place screams 1970s. There are racks of reel-to-reel tapes in the office. The main computer is a 1973-vintage Raytheon, and when it failed a few years ago, no one could fix it. Black-and-white photos on the walls show the solar observatory in more glorious days. Einstein was here, a tiny note declares, and its true.



Viewed through the 150-foot solar tower telescope, the sun sets behind hills west of Mount Wilson. (Joel Achenbach/The Washington Post)

The telescope still works fine. The sun hits a mirror and the beam of light travels down the shaft to the observing table.

The sun, you might think, is a fairly vanilla object in the sky. Its the very definition of predictable: rises in the east, sets in the west, etc. The Aug. 21 eclipse will happen precisely on schedule and in the right places. If for some reason the moon does not block out the sun that Monday, we have a really serious problem on our hands.

But the sun is not actually so predictable. The 11-year solar cycle can be boom or bust. And if youre Padilla, you see a slightly different sun every day.

On this late afternoon, the sun appears initially as a white disk on the observing table. There are no sunspots, but we can see some structure, like granules, on the face of the sun.

As the sun descends, the white disk turns orange.

Padilla does a little demonstration. He takes a drawing of the largest sunspot ever recorded and puts it on the image of the sun. Its a massive splotch  a truly spectacular solar storm. Then he puts a big marble on the suns image. Thats Jupiter. Then he places on the orange disk a ball bearing, not much bigger than what youd fire from a BB gun.

Now the orange sun is turning into a red sun. The leading edge (limb) is dark red, while the trailing edge is blue.

Now we see the shapes of jet airplanes zooming across the image  the sun is looming just above the horizon.

The sun becomes squashed, a misshapen piece of overripe fruit. The image fights its way through the Earths atmosphere. The sun hits a hill on the horizon, and we see the outline of trees, and whats left of the sun is blood red  and then its gone, eclipsed by the Earth.

Itll be back.


Customers try a new tobacco device that releases an aerosol rather than smoke at an IQOS store in Tokyo. (Shiho Fukada for The Washington Post)

Philip Morris International says it has created a less toxic cigarette  an innovation it claims could save lives and eliminate smoking in America.

The new technology, called IQOS, consists of a tube that gently heats up sticks of tobacco instead of burning them. By using heat instead of flame, the company says, IQOS eradicates 90 to 95 percent of toxic compounds in cigarette smoke.

The Food and Drug Administration is expected to decide in the next two months whether to allow IQOS into the U.S. market. And that has triggered heated debate and worries among health experts about whether IQOS will help or hurt public health in this country.

Among their most pressing concerns: whether the new device will lower tobacco-related deaths, or if it is just substituting one harmful product for another.

Fueling such doubts is that many of Americas leading health organizations and experts remain deeply suspicious of Philip Morris.

This is the company, they point out, that makes Marlboro  the worlds best-selling cigarette  and misled the public for years about the hazards of smoking.

They are masterful liars. Thats not an exaggeration  thats a fact proven by decades of evidence, said Matthew L. Myers, longtime president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. So the question were all asking ourselves is: Whats their ultimate game plan with this thing?





Only one independent study so far has examined the risks of IQOS and found higher levels of several toxic compounds produced by the device than Philip Morris has claimed. The companys response to the study was so forceful that the independent researchers have now gone silent, refusing to talk publicly about their work.

Even if Philip Morriss health claims turn out to be true, health officials warn, IQOS could be a Trojan horse. Smoking in America has dropped to an all-time low. Some health advocates worry Philip Morris  which spent $3 billion to develop IQOS  wants to use its new machine to halt that progress. If IQOS attracts new smokers, it could hook a new generation on nicotine.

The skepticism is not surprising for us, said one of Philip Morriss chief scientists, Moira Gilchrist. You dont have to trust or believe us. You dont have to take our word for it. But what we ask is that people have an open mind. Look at the science weve done on this and base your decision on that.

But even the harshest skeptics acknowledge that there is a chance Philip Morris is right and IQOS could save lives.

If were being honest, were dealing with a big unknown here, said Myers, who has fought for three decades to keep tobacco products away from kids. One things for sure: The stakes here are huge.



Philip Morris is selling IQOS in Japan, where it has captured a large share of the tobacco market. (Shiho Fukada for The Washington Post)



The devices heat but do not burn tobacco. (Shiho Fukada for The Washington Post)

Cases for IQOS devices are sleek and colorful. (Shiho Fukada for The Washington Post)

On a recent sunny day, standing outside Philip Morriss Washington office  just two blocks from the White House  Gilchrist clicked open a smooth, sleek battery pack.

With two fingers, she pulled out what looked like a hollowed-out electronic cigar  the latest IQOS prototype.

To use it, she explained, you push into its hollow end a short modified cigarette, called a HeatStick. A heating blade inside the IQOS pierces the HeatStick and gently warms the tobacco inside.

Gilchrist lifted the IQOS and took a long drag. As she exhaled, a slight musty-sweet smell permeated the air.

Because theres no combustion involved, theres no smoke, she said.

Unlike vaping machines, which use a liquid solution to deliver nicotine, the IQOS deliberately uses tobacco. Many smokers have trouble quitting cigarettes even after trying vaping, studies have shown. Philip Morris scientists argue that for smokers to quit, you need to offer something with the same buzz and taste of tobacco.

You have to give them that satisfying experience, Gilchrist said. You have to deliver nicotine at roughly the same speed and amount.

The first thing that now greets customers on Philip Morriss home page is this question: How long will the worlds leading cigarette company be in the cigarette business?

Philip Morris chief executive Andre Calantzopoulos predicts that smokeless products like IQOS will one day be so common that his company stops selling all regular cigarettes. In a recent interview with the BBC, he said, I hope this time will come soon.

The company  which makes the worlds best-selling cigarette  has built a new $120 million research center in Switzerland to focus entirely on smokeless products. The gleaming glass-enclosed facility, called the Cube, consists of three wings  dubbed Earth, Wind and Air. (There is, notably, no section named Fire.) Of all the Cubes new products, IQOS is the most advanced. It is now sold in 25 countries.

But the clearest sign of its potential has been Japan.

Last spring, IQOS became available nationwide there, and in the brief time since, IQOS has grabbed 10 percent of Japans tobacco market  a feat that has investors salivating over its U.S. prospects.

Philip Morris says 72 percent of users in Japan quit cigarettes entirely and converted to IQOS. Thats significantly higher than the 7 percent quit rate among those who tried vaping and 6 percent quit rate of nicotine patch users in a trial published by the journal Lancet.

Japanese demand has so outstripped capacity that Philip Morris cant produce HeatSticks fast enough. It had to limit the number of IQOS devices sold in Japan. And last month, it began converting two cigarette plants in Europe into HeatStick factories and announced plans for a new plant.

This year, the company plans to more than triple its manufacturing capacity, from 15 billion HeatSticks to 50 billion. By the end of 2018, it plans to produce 100 billion.

Two months ago, three Swiss researchers published the only independent study so far on IQOSs health risks.

When contacted by a Washington Post reporter, however, the researchers refused to talk. A spokeswoman for the University of Lausanne (where one of them works) explained in an email that after their study published, the bosses of all three received an alarming letter from Philip Morris.

The letter was personally addressed to the heads of the University of Bern, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, accusing their employees of faulty methodology.

Such a letter is almost unheard of in the scientific community, University of Lausanne spokeswoman Francine Zambano noted. Usually, if someone disagrees with a study, they contact the journal where it appeared or challenge its findings by publishing their own evidence.

When informed of Philip Morriss unusual letter to the researchers bosses, Mitchell Katz, deputy editor of the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, which published the study, said: That certainly smacks of intimidation. Ive been deputy editor here eight years, and Ive never seen that happen before.

The Swiss study compared the harmful compounds in the air generated by IQOS with those of regular cigarettes. The study found that although IQOS generated many toxic chemicals at lower rates, some were much higher than Philip Morris claimed. It also found that IQOS produced 295 percent more of one hazardous compound than traditional cigarettes.

In their study, the scientists accused Philip Morris of dancing around the definition of smoke and argued that there can be smoke without fire.

Philip Morris has posted an academic rebuttal online, questioning the Swiss studys methodology and interpretation. Company officials would not discuss in detail their letter to the Swiss bosses but defended their actions.

When a study like that picks up so much media interest, smokers who have already converted to IQOS and been helped by it have the potential to be misled, spokesman Corey Henry said.



A collection of smoking products at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)

Matthew L. Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)

This isnt the first time tobacco companies have trumpeted the arrival of a healthier cigarette.

In the 1950s, they marketed filtered cigarettes as much safer, but that proved an exaggeration. In the 1970s, they came out with light and low-tar cigarettes, and it took health experts decades to prove those werent safer at all. Internal documents showed tobacco manufacturers deliberately designed their light cigarettes to fool government smoke-testing machines.

At his office at the Campaign for Tobacco Free-Kids, Myers keeps a museum on his bookshelf of all the ways tobacco companies have tried to fool the public over the years. There are strawberry-shortcake-flavored products aimed at kids and tobacco embedded into dissolvable breath mint strips.

Myers worries IQOS  with its sleek, sexy design  could be used to attract younger consumers.

Brian King, a deputy director at the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Office on Smoking and Health, worries IQOS could make tobacco acceptable again. Were finally at a place where smoking isnt accepted as normal and isnt allowed in public places. Were making progress on the smoking rate. All that could easily be reversed.

Stanton Glantz, a tobacco researcher at the University of California at San Francisco, says that even if IQOS reduces carcinogens, it could still cause serious heart problems because of nicotine and ultrafine particles. It probably isnt as bad as a cigarette, but thats like saying jumping out of a 10-story building isnt as bad as jumping out a 50-story building.

A few health researchers, however, support Philip Morriss effort.

If you have a company willing to shift to a less harmful product, is that something we should be getting in the way of? said Jonathan Foulds, a smoking cessation expert at Penn State University.

Ultimately, the FDA will have the final word on science and health concerns over IQOS.

Last month, Philip Morriss case for IQOS got a boost when the FDAs commissioner stressed the need for innovation and alternatives to cigarettes in a speech.

The agency is expected to decide in the next two months whether IQOS can be sold here, but it wont rule on its health claims until the beginning of next year.

If the FDA approves those health claims, IQOS would be the first tobacco product to carry the U.S. governments stamp as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes  a marketing coup for Philip Morris. And competitors are already racing to catch up in other countries by rushing out prototypes of their own.

Included in Philip Morriss FDA application are more than 2 million pages of scientific data. Health organizations  such as the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society  are just beginning to sift through them to make their recommendations to the FDA.

But even if health groups dont trust Philip Morriss moral reasons or scientific claims on IQOS, there are compelling business reasons to believe it really wants to save smokers lives, industry analyst Michael Lavery said.

If you can find a way to keep your consumer alive longer, he said, youll make more money off them. Its a better business model.
LOUISIANA

New Orleans still at risk of more flooding

With debris from last weekends flash flood still piled up on sidewalks and their city under a state of emergency, New Orleans residents looked ahead warily Friday to the prospect of more rain taxing the citys malfunctioning pump system.

Tammy Butler went through Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and was reliving the stress this week. Butler said she cant afford to rebuild her home and life a second time.

I am angry, and I am sick of it, Butler said. If people keep getting floods, Im just going to have to leave the city.

The city scrambled to repair fire-damaged equipment at a power plant and shore up its drainage system less than a week after a flash flood from torrential rain overwhelmed the citys pumping system and inundated many neighborhoods.

A control panel on one of two working turbines had been fixed by Friday morning, but the system remained well below full power, Mayor Mitch Landrieu (D) said at a morning news conference. The turbine powers some of the citys pumps.

We remain at risk until additional turbines are back up, Landrieu said, adding that he hoped that will happen by months end. Still, he said, Panic is not where we need to be right now.

 Associated Press

MASSACHUSETTS

Pig-organ transplants for humans in reach?

Scientists at a Massachusetts company seeking to make pig organs safe enough to be transplanted into humans have used gene-editing technology to clone piglets that lack a potentially dangerous retrovirus, according to a new study. The breakthrough, according to authors of the study published in the journal Science, could help pave the way for transplantation of whole pig organs into humans, without fear of patients being infected with the pig retrovirus. But other hurdles remain.

 Reuters

MISSOURI

Not-guilty plea for officers alleged killer

A judge entered a not-guilty plea Friday for the man accused in the killing of a western Missouri police officer during a traffic stop.

Ian McCarthy, 39, of Clinton appeared via video at the Henry County Courthouse to answer charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of Officer Gary Michael in Clinton.

 Associated Press
TV ads from the Business Roundtable are part of a multimillion-dollar effort by several groups to build early support for sweeping tax legislation. The messaging campaign pushes for tax cuts for working- and middle-class Americans. (Business Roundtable)

A coalition of some of the wealthiest forces in conservative politics is kicking off a major TV and ground campaign this month to drive momentum for a historic tax overhaul. The issue is now the GOPs top legislative priority this fall, following the failure to enact an overhaul of the nations health-care laws.

The organizations behind the multimillion-dollar effort are hoping to avoid that fate by building early support for sweeping legislation, which they call tax reform, with a messaging campaign that promises to cut taxes for working- and middle-class Americans.

By another measure, however, these advocates may be repeating the mistake of health care, some GOP strategists say. Seven years ago, Republicans began rallying support  and winning elections  with a promise to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. But with no specific proposal to do so, they struggled this year to persuade Americans to support the effort.

Similarly, with retooling taxes, these interest groups are trying to sell lower tax rates to a wide swath of Americans without spelling out what taxes would be cut or for whom  and they are doing so long before Republicans are scheduled to begin forging a detailed proposal.

Already, some Republicans are weighing in with concerns about the approach.

(Business Roundtable)

Public service announcements on behalf of a general idea are not politically effective, said former House speaker Newt Gingrich, an adviser to President Trump. People want to measure things by their own pocket. What will my tax rate be? Will my business have more money? 

Gingrich is aligned with a group supporting tax cuts for the middle class and small businesses rather than more-sweeping changes  at least in the short term. This is exactly what they did with health care, and it didnt work, he said. People want to know how its going to work for them. With health care, they asked, What about my mothers preexisting condition? 

Those behind the campaign say their goal is to build enough support among voters to pressure Congress to pass a tax-code overhaul by the end of the year  and give the president his first major legislative win.

Right now, were in Step 1, which is working on the runway and building momentum for tax reform, said Corry Bliss, executive director of the American Action Network, which spent $15 million on the health-care debate and now plans to plow up to $20 million more into pushing for the tax changes. As we move forward, this will evolve into advocacy for specific aspects of tax reform.

It is a timeline that top Republicans privately concede is optimistic, even though they and the administration have lent their blessing to the effort. After months of planning  including some contact with the White House  the deep-pocketed Koch network and wealthy donors who have poured millions into the American Action Network, which is allied with House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.), are driving the first serious flexing of financial muscle behind Trumps agenda. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is also poised to launch its own campaign.

In one TV ad financed by the Business Roundtable, a forklift operator drives across a factory floor as the words lower tax rates pop onto the screen. In an Americans for Prosperity video of a town-hall-style gathering, a crowd cheers as a congressman lauds a grass roots effort to cut taxes for average Americans. In an American Action Network radio spot, a mans booming voice declares, Americas tax code is sabotaging our economy.

While the campaigns are emphasizing how average Americans would benefit from an overhaul of the federal tax code, the organizations behind them are also seeking a sharp reduction in the corporate tax rate, an idea that faces stiff opposition on the left. The backers include the kind of big-money and establishment players whose influence Trump decried during last years presidential campaign.

(American Action Network)

A coalition of liberal groups is ready to attack the Republican team effort in the coming weeks.

We will be pulling back the curtain, said Nicole Gill, executive director of the liberal group Tax March. This is about giant tax cuts for the wealthy. The public will not stand for millionaires, billionaires and wealthy corporations getting more tax cuts  and that is what the Republican plan is all about.

Thats one reason the conservative organizations and business groups are trying to lay the groundwork with a campaign that does not promote any specific changes to the law. While a wide range of groups across the right are united in a push to create a sense of urgency around a yet-to-be-written bill, they are already split over what it should say.

The groups behind the effort acknowledge the risk. They know they must convince middle-class Americans that this is their fight  and persuade them to inundate members of Congress over the next several weeks with demands for tax revisions at town-hall meetings and in letters to the editor, telephone calls, emails and tweets.

The hope is that the pressure will force members to start working on a tax bill in earnest when they return to Washington next month after the summer recess.

We need to make sure that members of Congress know that average Americans are invested in tax reform, that they understand why it actually is important to them, said Tim Phillips, president of Americans for Prosperity, a group financed by the billionaire industrialists Charles and David Koch and other wealthy conservatives. If they think its just a group of wealthy corporations or powerful special interests battling it out to see who gets the best carve-outs, then this will fail.

When Americans for Prosperity kicked off its tax campaign at the Newseum in Washington days ago, it ferried in dozens of supporters wearing blue jeans and T-shirts from small towns as far away as eastern Ohio.

During the roughly 40-minute event, speakers used the term grass roots more than a dozen times to characterize the campaign. And they touted nearly 60 events they will hold in communities across the nation over the next few weeks.

The Business Roundtable also announced it will spend millions of dollars this month on radio spots that will air on 250 local stations, as well as national cable television advertisements contending that America has one of the highest tax rates in the world and filled with images of factory workers in hard hats, couples fretting over stacks of bills, and struggling small-business owners.

The American Action Network has started airing radio advertisements that say everyday working families are under attack. Organizers are also working with local politicians and small-business owners to help them craft letters to news outlets. On Wednesday, the organization kicked off a $2.5 million television ad campaign featuring an unemployed metal worker.

Its a very compelling story, Bliss said. Its about a laid-off worker whose job went to China. The middle-class tax cuts are about him and his family.

Bliss said work on the campaigns began this summer and was coordinated through telephone calls and meetings with Republican leaders. Although it remains unclear how public a role the White House will play in the legislative effort, Trump has supported changes that would decrease corporate tax rates from 35 percent to 15 percent.

Weve been planning this launch for months, Bliss said. All the groups, both inside and outside [government], are meeting frequently, working together.

Their opponents have been planning, too. The Not One Penny campaign  as in not one penny in tax cuts for the rich  includes a seven-figure ad buy in eight Republican-held congressional districts.

The ad will air later this month, Gill said, but most of the campaigns efforts will come from volunteers who plan to confront lawmakers at town halls as others did when an attempt was underway to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

We dont have their money, but its hard to ignore your constituents when they are making practical, reasonable requests, she said.

GOP strategists said their effort will succeed only if they take a lesson from the health-care debacle and go on the offensive early, rolling out a compelling message that persuades voters that upending tax rules will benefit average Americans.

One of the main reasons for the failure of Obamacare repeal was the lack of any coherent message strategically to explain why Republicans were doing what they were doing, other than it was a campaign promise, said Steven Law, a former chief of staff to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) who now runs a collection of GOP-allied groups.

Were concerned already that Republicans are falling into the same trap again, arguing that one of the main reasons to do tax reforms is we havent done it in 31 years, Law added. Thats not going to cut it. We think the argument needs to be presented in terms that regular people can relate to.

One of Laws organizations, One Nation, is launching polls, focus groups and message-testing to determine the most effective way to sell the tax overhaul. Law said it then plans to share its research with other organizations.

The role of the Koch network in the campaign illustrates how the administration has the backing of new allies in this fight. Last year, relations between the Trump campaign and the Kochs were frosty; the well-funded conservative operation pointedly stayed out of the 2016 campaign, and Trump mocked the Koch brothers as puppeteers who control politicians. After he took office, network officials spoke out against an early version of the administrations travel ban and opposed a possible border tax on imports.

But the possibility of enacting a substantial tax overhaul has brought the network and Trump in alignment. Koch officials are working closely on the effort with Marc Short, a former top network official who serves as the White House legislative liaison, and Vice President Pence is scheduled to deliver the keynote speech at Americans for Prosperitys annual summit in Richmond later this month.

To have the House and Senate leadership and the president have a set of principles they have agreed to  thats significant, said AFPs Phillips. It doesnt assure anything, but it is a dramatic difference from the health-care effort. And failing on health care certainly has raised the stakes on tax reform for Republicans.

Damian Paletta contributed to this report.
EGYPT

Crash of 2 passenger trains leaves 43 dead

One passenger train slammed into the back of another on Friday just outside Egypts Mediterranean port city of Alexandria, killing 43 people and injuring 122, according to authorities, in the countrys deadliest rail accident in more than a decade.

A statement by the Egyptian Railways Authority said a train traveling to Alexandria from Cairo crashed into a train that was waiting at a small station in the Khorshid district, just east of Alexandria. It did not say what caused the accident, saying only that the authoritys experts would be investigating.

Egypts rail system has a poor safety record, mostly blamed on decades of badly kept equipment and poor management. Fridays crash was the deadliest rail accident since 2006, when 51 people died when two commuter trains collided near Cairo.

 Associated Press

BURMA

Troops deployed to tense Rakhine state

Burma has sent soldiers to beef up security in the northwestern state of Rakhine after a recent spate of killings, military sources said Friday, fueling fears of more violence and instability in the region.

Muslim-majority northern Rakhine was plunged into violence in October when Rohingya Muslim insurgents killed nine police officers, setting off a counteroffensive beset by allegations of rape, killing and torture by government troops.

Two military sources based in Rakhine told Reuters that the army had sent troops to the states north to help tighten security after seven Buddhists were found hacked to death in mountains near the town of Maungdaw last week.

The army dispatched about 500 soldiers to several towns near the border with Bangladesh on Thursday, sources said.

 Reuters

DENMARK

Submariner held on suspicion of murder

The owner of an amateur-built submarine was arrested on suspicion of murder Friday after his vessel sank in Denmarks waters and a journalist who had joined him for what was supposed to be a short voyage was reported missing, Copenhagen police said.

Police said in a statement Friday night that the man denied killing the missing woman and said he dropped her off on an island about 3  hours into their Thursday night trip.

The statement did not identify the subs owner, Peter Madsen, 46, but the Danish inventors financing of the project through crowdfunding and the first launch of the UC3 Nautilus in 2008 made headlines.

Madsen appeared on Danish television Friday to discuss the subs sinking and his rescue. He said that a minor problem with a ballast tank . . . turned into a major issue that ultimately caused the 40-ton vessel  considered the largest privately built sub of its kind  to sink.

Swedish police said later that they were investigating the whereabouts of a missing woman who had been on the vessel at some point. The woman was a journalist writing about Madsen and his sub, Swedish and Danish media reported.

 Associated Press

First U.S. woman to summit K-2 says shes proud: The first American woman to scale the worlds second-highest mountain  Pakistans dangerous K-2  said that it was a proud moment when she hoisted the U.S. and Pakistani flags at the summit, long considered savage for climbers. Vanessa OBrien, 52, and an international team of 12summited K-2s 28,251 feet on July 28 in bad weather.

British family found guilty of enslaving people: A British court convicted a family of modern slavery offenses after they forced vulnerable people to work for them for little or no wages while the family lived a life of luxury, prosecutors said. Nottingham Crown Court convicted 11 members of the Rooney family of forced and compulsory labor, exploitation and fraud, the Crown Prosecution Service said. The family lured homeless people or those with learning disabilities with the promise of work, food and accommodation, the service said.

 From news services
All too often, when older homes are demolished to make room for larger new homes, the trees that shaded the old homes, sometimes for generations, are cut down.

That could have been the fate of a mighty oak on the corner of North Nottingham and 27th streets. More than 18 feet in circumference, the Willdenows oak (a natural hybrid between a black oak and southern red oak) escaped the widespread felling of Arlingtons trees during the Civil War for fuel and building materials and is listed among Arlingtons 100 designated champion trees. Thought to be the largest Willdenows oak in the state, with its acorns in the Smithsonian, its truly irreplaceable and a living part of Arlingtons history, said local plant ecologist Rod Simmons.

That pedigree, however, offered no protection against developers chain saws. To make room for a larger house, normally it would have been taken down, said DS Homes project manager Bill Nichols. DS Homes bought the property for redevelopment in 2014, after the longtime homeowner died.

But this story has a happy ending, thanks to the activism of local residents and the willingness of DS Homes to alter its original plans. Neighbor Vicki Arroyo, my wife, collected scores of signatures on a petition to save the tree.

It was clear that Arlington residents are frustrated by the loss of mature trees to development, she said. People of all ages wanted to do what they could to save this special tree, but there was also a sense that enough is enough. 

When Paula Kelso, another neighbor, an editor at The Post and a volunteer for TreeStewards of Arlington and Alexandria, became aware of the threat, she swung into action. I made a couple of urgent calls to the developer, knowing that the heavy machinery could come up at any minute, she said. Kelso organized meetings between neighbors and DS Homes. As a result, before we even started the house, we knew that there had been a petition and that the neighborhood wanted the tree saved, Nichols said. When we go into a neighborhood, we want to get along with everyone. So we decided that DS Homes was going to do what it could to save the tree.

The designers worked around the huge oak, which is near the edge of a wide lot, siting the garage on the tree side of the property. Because there would be no basement under the garage, the trees roots would have the maximum room and minimum disturbance, leaving plenty of room for a large house.

Protecting the oak saved DS Homes thousands of dollars in tree removal costs, as well as the expense of planting new trees to meet Arlington Countys requirement that tree canopies cover 20 percent of a redeveloped property within 20 years of construction. It was a whole lot better that we saved the tree, said Nichols. It is so appealing  and a heck of a conversation piece.

In fact, the oak, and what it represented, was one of the key attractions for the buyers of the new house, Nicholas and Lisa Solinger. We had lived in a similar older neighborhood in Minnesota, with a similarly grand tree in the front yard, said Nicholas Solinger. He found an article about the neighborhood petition to save the tree, he said. We were just tickled by the tree and the story itself of the neighborhood coming together.

The Solingers hung a tire swing from one of the trees massive branches for their two boys to play on, and they and their friends are loving it.

The trees immense canopy offers shade, and the oak also intercepts tens of thousands of gallons of rainwater that otherwise would pour each year into storm sewers and streams  and perhaps into basements.

Whats frustrating to Arlingtons many tree lovers, though, is that such stories are unusual. Its rare to preserve of tree of this specialness, said Arlington Countys acting urban forest manager Vincent Verweij. The key to preserving the Nottingham Street Willdenows oak? Neighborhood activism, Verweij said.

For me and for this neighborhood, it has become a unifying emblem, and a reminder of this areas past, said Kelso. I hope it will serve as encouragement to others who want to do the same thing in their neighborhoods.

The writer is a member of Arlington Countys Urban Forestry Commission.
Before long, the 2018 mayoral election will be here, and the residents of the District will have an important decision to make. In the 40 years of D.C. home rule there have been seven mayors, all Democrats, of the District, with major scandal surrounding two. Marion Barrys transgressions led him to jail. A shadow campaign around Vincent C. Grays 2012 successful mayoral bid sent five people to jail.

And a minor scandal erupted when it was discovered that Muriel E. Bowsers 2014 campaign accepted $11,000 in donations over the allowed limits.

It seems strange that mayoral and D.C. Council races would be the subject of campaign finance scandal, but the District is different from most municipalities. The mayor essentially acts as the governor, and the council is the main legislative body for more than 600,000 people. Because these elected officials protect the District from the whims of Congress, D.C. politics are extremely important. The influence that the mayor and council members wield creates a competitive atmosphere when it comes time to elect government officials. Candidates must raise significant amounts of money to be competitive.

But that doesnt mean that candidates have to violate campaign finance laws.

Members of Grays 2010 campaign pleaded guilty to federal charges, and evidence suggests that Gray probably knew about his campaigns misconduct. Recently, Gray used leftover funds from his successful 2016 D.C. Council campaign to pay off the $10,000 fine his mayoral campaign received. While that was legal, it seems improper.

Bowsers campaign was caught taking campaign contributions that were over the $11,000 limit on individual contributions, and it had taken money from contractors that work with the city. The campaign of Ward 4 Council member Brandon T. Todd (D), Bowsers handpicked replacement for her council seat, was fined for not providing sources for large amounts of campaign contributions and failure of the campaign to collect donor information. This month, Attorney General Karl A. Racine (D) repaid $3,500 in excess donations from four donors to his 2014 campaign.

Now, signs that encourage Gray to run for mayor have been popping up around the District. The signs have been linked to Clinton LeSueur, who was an aide to former mayor Adrian Fenty and who was fined by the Federal Election Commission for questionable campaign finance activity in his congressional run in 2002.

All of this is to say that there might be a problem with campaign finance in the District. While other elected officials have played by the rules, the impropriety of a few elected officials may increase the cost of campaigns, forcing other candidates to find money any way they can.

The council recently held public hearings on bills intended to clean up the campaign finance system in the District. These bills are important if we want a clean and fair election next fall. When the council returns from its summer recess, it should give serious consideration to these bills. Constituents should tell their council members that they demand fair elections.
Things could go well for the Democrats in next years midterm elections  if they dont Bern out.

President Trump is woefully unpopular, feuding with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and other Republicans. The GOP cant manage to repeal Obamacare or do much of anything. Voters say theyd like Democrats to run Congress.

But here come the Bernie Bros and sisters to the Republicans rescue: Theyre sowing division in the Democratic Party and attempting to enact a purge of the ideologically impure  just the sort of thing that made the Republican Party the ungovernable mess it is today.

Bernie Sanderss advisers are promoting a litmus test under which Democrats who dont swear to implement single-payer health care would be booted from the party in primaries. Sanders pollster Ben Tulchin penned an op-ed with a colleague under the headline Universal health care is the new litmus test for Democrats. Nina Turner, head of the Sanders group Our Revolution, told Politico this week that theres something wrong with Democrats who wont unequivocally embrace Medicare-for-all.

(Gillian Brockell,Kate Woodsome,Karen Attiah/The Washington Post)

That notion  not just taking a stand but excommunicating all who disagree  is what Republicans have done to themselves with guns and taxes, and it would seriously diminish Democrats hopes of retaking the House next year.

At the same time, Our Revolution has stepped up its attack on the Democratic Party. Turner this week sent an email to supporters complaining that she and others attempted to deliver a petition to Democratic National Committee headquarters but were shut out. In a follow-up interview with BuzzFeed, Turner expressed particular outrage that the DNC offered her . . . donuts. They tried to seduce us with donuts, she said, calling the gesture pompous and arrogant and insulting.

Its not just about breakfast confections. The Bernie crowd has begun accusing freshman Sen. Kamala D. Harris (Calif.), a rising Democratic star, of being beholden to corporate money. Also in California, Kimberly Ellis, who ran for state Democratic chairman with the support of Sanders and lost in a close race to a former Hillary Clinton delegate, is refusing to concede and threatening to sue. Ellis told Adam Nagourney of the New York Times that the Democratic Party is in many ways right now where the Republican Party was when the tea party took over.

And thats a good thing? Republican fratricide, instigated by tea- party purity police, made Trump possible and left the GOP unable to govern. This is what Sanderss people would emulate.

Fortunately, Sanders seems to have lost clout. Candidates backed by Our Revolution have lost 31 races in 2017 and won 16  and the victories include Portland Community College Director, Zone 5 and South Fulton (Ga.) City Council 6.

Candidates endorsed by Sanders have struggled in high-profile races. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) lost the DNC chairman race (he was appointed deputy chairman). Sanders-backed Tom Perriello lost the Democratic gubernatorial primary in Virginia, and a Sanders campaign official was blown out in a California congressional primary . Neither did the Sanders magic get the job done for Democrats in special congressional elections in Kansas, Georgia or Montana, and his candidate lost the Omaha mayoral race.

Yet the attempt by the Sanders movement to impose a health-care litmus test on Democratic candidates shows its destructive potential within the party. Support for single-payer health coverage has been growing, and it would become a real possibility if Republicans sabotage Obamacare but dont help the tens of millions who would lose insurance.

But to force Democrats to take some kind of single-payer purity oath would set back the cause. Democrats need to pick up 24 seats to take control of the House, yet there are only 23 Republicans in districts won by Clinton  and only eight of those were won by President Barack Obama in 2012. There are a dozen Democrats in districts Trump won. In such swing districts, it would be suicidal to pledge support for something Republicans will brand as socialism.

A Pew Research Center poll in June found that while a majority of Democrats (52 percent) favor single-payer health care, only 33 percent of the public does overall. A Kaiser Health Tracking poll in June had better results: 53 percent of the public favored single-payer coverage. But Kaiser found that opinions were malleable, and that if, for example, respondents heard single-payer coverage would increase taxes, a majority opposed it. Also, midterm voters are older, and that group is hostile to Medicare for All.

If recent trends continue, and particularly if Republicans undermine Obamacare without an adequate replacement, the time for single-payer will come, and soon. But the litmus test distracts Democrats from protecting Obamacare, diminishes their chances of retaking the House and chops up the party over something that has zero chance of becoming law under Trump.

That Berns.

Twitter: @Milbank

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Extracting more money from evil, exploitative capitalists has become a rallying cry for much of the grass-roots left. In the meantime, though, its largely ignoring other important policies for lifting Americans out of poverty.

In a recent column, I urged progressives to more seriously grapple with the cumulative effects of policies that make workers more expensive to hire. More than doubling the federal minimum wage to $15, for example, would risk pricing a lot of people out of work. Especially in low-cost-of-living areas such as Mississippi, where half of all jobs pay less than $14.22.

In other words, well-intended, feel-good policies can sometimes backfire, hurting the people youre trying to help.

This humble suggestion generated a lot (like, a lot) of hate mail, along with a good follow-up question: What, then, should progressives who want to help the working poor devote their energy to?

Regarding the minimum wage, there are useful tools available to help set pay according to local costs of living. MITs Living Wage Calculator is used by some public officials and companies to determine reasonable wage floors. (The average living wage for a single person in Mississippi, for instance, is $10.30.)

(Gillian Brockell,Kate Woodsome,Karen Attiah/The Washington Post)

More important, lots of the other anti-poverty tools deserve more love from the left  in particular what might be called post-tax policies.

Pre-tax policies  such as the minimum wage, overtime and fringe-benefit requirements  help increase workers paychecks, with employers (and sometimes workers themselves) generally footing the bill.

Post-tax policies, by contrast, involve redistribution of income and wealth through the tax code and social safety net. Think: the earned-income tax credit (EITC), food stamps, housing vouchers, health insurance subsidies. They are about boosting living standards on the back-end, with the taxpayers paying.

Relative to other rich countries, the United States relies very little on these post-tax tools.

If you look at Americas income inequality before taxes and transfers, its not great  but its still about on par with France, Germany and Finland. If you look at income distribution after taking into account tax and transfer payments, we suddenly become the second-most-unequal developed economy in the world, behind Mexico.

In other words, high inequality in the United States says more about our taxing and spending choices than our paychecks.

There have been quiet efforts to expand some of these post-tax anti-poverty policies. This year alone, EITCs have been added or expanded in six states, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. But all these changes were done legislatively, rather than through well-advertised ballot initiatives. They get much less press coverage and popular organizing relative to, say, the Fight for 15.

At a conference last fall, I asked Jason Furman, then chair of President Barack Obamas Council of Economic Advisers, about the countrys reliance on pre-tax vs. post-tax measures to help boost economic security. He said he favored using both kinds of tools (as do I). But he also noted a remarkable disparity in progressive enthusiasm for the two approaches, especially relative to payoffs.

During Obamas tenure, the White House oversaw an expansion of overtime protections that was expected to put an extra $1.2 billion into workers pockets. It also helped pass tax-code changes that put an additional $28 billion in the pockets of low- and moderate-income families. Guess which inspired more attaboys.

The amount of the incoming we got on the overtime rule in the White House was I would say about 10,000 times as much as the amount of incoming we got on the earned-income tax credit and the refundability of the child tax credit, Furman said.

Maybe boosting paychecks is just inherently easier to understand than complicated tax-code changes.

Or maybe extracting more money from Big Business has greater political appeal to an increasingly anti-corporate base than does extracting more money from taxpayers. I periodically hear lefties complain that increasing transfer payments or food stamps is merely subsidizing Walmart, which can be a problem absent higher wage floors.

Whatever the reason, the dearth of excitement for these post-tax policies is a strategic mistake. Programs such as the EITC and food stamps, if well-designed, complement the minimum wage. They can do things that the minimum wage cant, such as grow more generous for larger families. Critically, they also dont raise the cost of employees, which means the well-heeled business lobby is less likely to fight them.

Post-tax policies can distort labor markets too, of course  especially if they result in benefit cliffs that discourage people from working more. Thats where smart design comes into play.

But every policy has limitations, which is why those on the left would do well to consider every tool at their disposal. Bleeding hearts are often helped by hard heads.
THE IDEA that voting should be encouraged, and voter registration simple, has been a touchstone of federal law for decades. That idea is now under assault by Republicans in statehouses across the country and, more recently, in the Trump Justice Department.

On Monday, political appointees in Justice engineered an about-face in the governments position on a key voting rights case before the Supreme Court, backing Ohios efforts to purge hundreds of thousands of infrequent voters from the states voter rolls.

You read that right. According to Ohios Republican secretary of state, Jon Husted, who is now running for governor, its okay for a state to disqualify people from voting in the future if they havent voted in the recent past  specifically, in the past six years.

Mr. Husteds crusade in Ohio is one front in a nationwide GOP campaign to suppress voting generally, the calculation being that most of those kicked off voting lists will belong to Democratic-leaning constituencies, especially minorities and younger voters. Seeking loopholes in federal law, Mr. Husted and his counterparts are pressing their case for the ostensible purpose of combating voter fraud and maintaining electoral integrity.

Never mind that in-person voter fraud barely exists in the United States and that the integrity of the vast majority of American elections is very rarely in doubt. As the demographic challenges to Republican electoral prospects mount, they have redoubled attempts to retain power where they hold it not by broadening their appeal but by shrinking the electorate.

In Ohio, the tactic has been to mail warnings to registered voters who have skipped elections for two years, and then delete their names from voting rolls after four more years if they arent heard from, either by casting a ballot at the polls or making some other contact with election officials.

The policy rests on the bizarre presumption that a voter must have died or moved if he or she fails to cast a ballot in a six-year span. It ignores a general rule in the National Voter Registration Act, enacted in 1993, against removing names because of a failure to vote.

That prohibition, although subject to certain exceptions, prompted a federal appeals court last fall to order Ohio to allow several hundred thousand people to vote in the November presidential elections despite Mr. Husteds attempt to disqualify them. Ohio then appealed to the Supreme Court.

The Obama administration agreed that Ohios method of culling voters was unlawful. Now, in a court filing signed by political appointees  but not a single career attorney in the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division  the Trump administration has reversed course.

A few other states, including Georgia, employ a process like Ohios. But there are better methods to maintain clean and current voting rolls, such as using change-of-address forms filed with the Postal Service and death notices. In practice, Ohios system is a mess, with no uniformity among the states 88 counties. As documented by the Cincinnati Enquirer, some counties routinely delete thousands of names from their rolls; others dont.

The bias in a democracy should be in favor of more voting, not less. That Republicans have taken a different tack reflects their doubts  not about electoral integrity but about their prospects at the polls.
Mike DeWine is attorney general for the state of Ohio.

Felicia Detty loved with all her heart. Growing up in southern Ohio in the rural village of Frankfort, she earned the nickname Bug because she gave the best hugs. Her dad was her best friend, and her daughter, Averie, was the love of her life.

At 18, when Felicia visited the emergency room for severe tooth pain, she hadnt planned on getting addicted to prescription pain pills or later heroin. As her mother, Christina, put it: She had no intention of growing up saying, I want to be an addict. I want to suffer from substance-use disorder. 

In September 2015, Felicia died of a heroin overdose.

Opioid addiction has become all too familiar in my home state of Ohio. The man-made public health-care disaster has spread to every county in the state. This is why, as state attorney general, I have filed suit against five of the largest manufacturers of brand-name and generic opioids.

We believe evidence will show that they flooded the market with prescription opioids, such as OxyContin and Percocet, and grossly misleading information about the risks and benefits of these drugs. And as a result, we believe countless Ohioans and other Americans have become hooked on opioid pain medications, all too often leading to the use of cheaper alternatives such as heroin and synthetic opioids. Almost 80 percent of heroin users start with prescription opioids.

Historically, opioid pain medications were considered too addictive and debilitating for anything but short-term acute pain and end-of-life care. But as we lay out in our legal complaint, starting in the late 1990s, manufacturers designed sophisticated marketing campaigns to target primary-care doctors  the doctors a typical Ohioan would visit  to convince them that opioids could and should be used for chronic pain.

These companies changed the prescribing culture, convincing doctors that opioids were not very addictive, that addiction was easy to overcome and that addiction could actually be treated by taking more opioids. In 2014 alone, pharmaceutical companies spent $168 million to dispatch sales reps to win over these doctors with smooth pitches, slick slide decks and glossy brochures that downplayed the risks and highlighted the benefits of their branded drugs. As Endo Pharmaceuticals openly advertised, People who take opioids as prescribed usually do not become addicted.

They hired doctors to serve as key opinion leaders on advisory boards and to be part of speaker bureaus. They funded professional societies and patient advocacy groups, which then heralded the benefits of these drugs. In 2011, they spent $14 million on ads just in medical journals.

And now, opioids are one of the most widely prescribed classes of drugs, raking in revenue of about $11 billion in 2014 and projected to grow to $17.7 billion by 2021. In 2012, Ohio patients received 793 million pills  enough to supply every man, woman and child in the state with 68 pills each. By 2016, roughly 20 percent of Ohios population were prescribed opioids.

We can no longer ignore the tragic consequences of addiction to these drugs. By 2015, opioids caused 82 percent of all overdose deaths in Ohio. But its not just in my state. Each day, 3,600 Americans start misusing an opioid pain medication for the first time.

The opioid epidemic is ripping apart families and tearing at the fabric of our communities. More than 4,000 Ohioans died last year from accidental drug overdoses  a 36 percent increase over 2015. Our jails have become detox centers. The foster care system is overflowing. More than half of Ohio children and 70 percent of infants placed in the foster system had parents who abused drugs. County coroners are struggling to keep up with the mounting bodies. And one morgue has resorted to borrowing a 20-foot mass-casualty cold-storage trailer to make room for the corpses.

It is just and right that people who played a significant role in creating this mess should help clean it up. As Felicia Dettys mother pondered the role these pharmaceutical companies played in her daughters death, she said: They had the ability to just consume all of our communities. . . . But are they standing there when you kissed your child in a casket?

I applaud President Trump in acknowledging the opioid crisis as a national emergency. Additional resources from the federal government will help hard-hit states such as Ohio.

In the mean time, its time for these pharmaceutical Goliaths to take responsibility for their actions and stop trying to deceive Ohio and America. What theyve done is morally and legally wrong.
JOURNALISTS DO not go to war to fight. They go to witness and report. They endure the same terrifying fears and dangers that confront soldiers, but their purpose is to observe and send the story home to millions of citizens who are far removed from the horrors. Austin Tice, a former Marine captain, had known battlefields as a soldier, but he returned to them as a freelance reporter. Some of his work appeared in The Post and also was published by McClatchy newspapers. He was kidnapped in Syria five years ago, and it is time for him to be released.

Mr. Tice, who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan, enrolled at Georgetown Law School after his service. But the pull of journalism was strong, and he left law school after his second year to find some larger meaning covering Syrias deepening civil war. In a Facebook post published just weeks before he disappeared, Mr. Tice left little doubt about his motives. He was disenchanted with American complacency, he wrote, and found it uplifting to be covering people who woke up every day fighting for their freedom. His editors recalled that Mr. Tice, equipped with cameras, an exquisite writing talent and an instinct for finding his way to the center of things, slipped over the Turkish border into Syria in May 2012. He was often on the front lines of the conflict, traveling with the rebels fighting the Syrian regime, but he was curious about everything and not indifferent to the dangers posed by what he called a brutal and still uncertain civil war. His father, Marc Tice, recalled a few years ago, It always drove Austin crazy when theyd say on the news, this couldnt be confirmed because it is too difficult to report. He thought, Ive got the ability to do this. I can get in there and get these stories. 

Mr. Tice will be 36 years old on Friday. His parents have said they believe he is alive. Information is scarce on who may be his captors; the Syrian government has denied holding him. The New York Times reported June 23 that CIA Director Mike Pompeo had opened a back channel to the Syrian government, hoping to secure his release, but the operation fizzled out. Austins mother, Debra Tice, told reporters in Beirut recently, We are willing to cooperate with any government or group in order for our son to return home. Our message has been the same for five years. We are just asking whoever is holding Austin: What is going to be required to resolve this issue and bring Austin safely home?

Mr. Tice was not a combatant. To those who imprisoned him, we repeat: He is a journalist who went only to record and report on the plight of people in a wretched war. His ambitions were noble, and he has already paid a very steep price for his courage and determination. It is long past time to set Mr. Tice free.
LIKE ANY development in a dynamic economy, the continuing transformation of the American energy mix creates winners and losers. The victors include electric utilities and their customers, businesses and homeowners, who benefit from access to a cheaper supply of reliable fuel, natural gas, that also happens to reduce carbon emissions. The losers, tragically, include communities in states such as Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia, which  like many steel towns before them  are ravaged by the loss of good-paying jobs and the dignity they brought. In the face of such change, governments that value both compassion and efficiency can and should do whatever they can to maximize the benefits while mitigating the harms.

What the Trump administration and Congress must not do, therefore, is waste a second of the American peoples valuable time on West Virginia Gov. Jim Justices proposal for a massive subsidy to the Eastern coal industry. Its bad enough that the Republicans  whom Mr. Justice, a former Democrat, has just joined  are using their domination of Washington to roll back clean-air regulations, which Mr. Justice and other defenders of the coal industry blame, with only partial accuracy, for the decline of coals share of the electric generation capacity in the United States from 48 percent to 30 percent since 2008. To pay utilities $15 for every ton of climate-damaging Appalachian coal they use, as Mr. Justice astonishingly suggested in an interview with Bloomberg News on Wednesday, would be grotesque.

The subsidy might indeed help preserve mines that are otherwise headed out of business, at least until competitors, inevitably, undercut the new subsidized price. It would also punish the gas-production innovators who have been creating jobs that at least partially offset those lost in coal. It would impose unfair competition on more-efficient coal producers in Western states. Last but not least, it would cost federal taxpayers  the vast majority of whom neither mine coal nor get their electricity from it  more than $1 billion per year at current coal-consumption rates, according to Bloomberg.

Preposterously, Mr. Justice characterizes this blatant bailout as a national security measure, since without it, the United States would not have the Appalachian coal industry as a source of residual fuel for Eastern utilities in the event of terrorist attacks on rail lines and the natural-gas infrastructure. Apparently, he has discussed his environmentally and economically irresponsible concept with President Trump and top administration officials, including Vice President Pence, Energy Secretary Rick Perry and White House adviser Jared Kushner. Though Mr. Justice claimed the president is interested, a White House official told Bloomberg that nothing is in the works. Lets hope this means that a little polite attention for his wretched idea is all Republicans plan to pay in return for Mr. Justices party switch.
Regarding the Aug. 9 news article Trump warns N. Korea of fire and fury if threats persist:

While I would have preferred the president used less bellicose language in warning North Korea to beware, hes not the first president to use that kind of language. Most people today are too young to remember, but in August 1945, President Harry S. Truman issued an ultimatum to Japan after an atomic bomb had obliterated Hiroshima but before another destroyed Nagasaki. Truman warned Japan to immediately and unconditionally surrender, or the United States would unleash a rain of ruin from the air, the like of which has never been seen on this earth. He was bluffing because the United States had no stockpile of atomic bombs, but the warning was enough.

After the bombing of Nagasaki, Emperor Hirohito overruled his generals and decreed that Japan would surrender. Perhaps the North Koreans should be reminded again that we have more than two bombs now  in fact, more than enough to obliterate the entire country in a matter of hours.

Willis Mann, Laurel

As a person who served my country in the wars in Korea and Vietnam, I can assure you that a strike or war against North Korea is not winnable. The first war against North Korea was lost, as the present situation demonstrates. The war against Vietnam was a disaster and resulted in a humiliating withdrawal. Used-car-salesman bluster and threats will only make matters worse; diplomacy is the only way. This spat with North Korea is being made considerably worse, probably to be a distraction from other activities.

Alan Huckerby, Manassas

The decision to go war is never taken lightly. But sometimes war is inevitable, and engaging earlier rather than later may actually shorten a war and save lives. The war in Europe preceded combat between the Allies and the Germans in World War II. The Allies retreated behind the French Maginot Line and waited while Germany was conquering Europe and preparing for an assault on France. The allies had more tanks and artillery along the border than the Germans. But after eight months of war, the Germans had built up their army sufficiently and swept through France. Had the British and French attacked before Germany was ready to attack them, World War II might have ended there.

North Korea has ballistic missiles and nuclear capability. Diplomacy and sanctions have failed. China has not contained the North Koreans. War is always the last and most terrible option, but in this case, there are no other choices. If the North Koreans do not stand down, we should attack now and end this conflict decisively. The longer we wait, the more time the North Koreans have to prepare for war.

Gary J. Kaplowitz, Pikesville, Md.

The Chinese were reacting favorably to what seemed to be four nos (analogous to the four Chinese nos about Taiwan) from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson saying the United States has no interest in North Korean regime change, no intent to cross the 38th parallel, no wish for reunification and no reason for Americans to lose sleep over North Korea.

One would think these four nos add up to grounds for a peace conference to settle the Korean War. We are still in a state of war with North Korea; thats why its still just an armistice after 65 years. I am not sure who doesnt want to move beyond that armistice  South Korea? North Korea? China? The United States? Russia? Would not a peace settlement take regime change, reunification and maybe other items of concern off the table and lead to a freeze and more?

The total lack of serious comment among commentators or in the government about the need to move beyond the armistice to the possibility of a permanent settlement puzzles me.

Richard R. Palmer, Washington
Theres a story conservatives have been telling about the decline of free speech on campuses, and it goes like this: America has spiraled downward from a golden age, when the groves of academe were precincts of whole-hearted civil freedom, to today, when hypersensitive left-wing students, obsessed by race- and gender-based microaggressions, clamor for safe spaces and trigger warnings.

Vice President Pence told this story at Notre Dames commencement in May: Far too many campuses across America have become characterized by speech codes, safe zones, tone policing, administration-sanctioned political correctness, all of which amounts to nothing less than suppression of the freedom of speech. These all-too-common practices are destructive of learning and the pursuit of knowledge, and they are wholly outside the American tradition.

Wholly outside? The vice president didnt do his homework. Americans may like to think of their institutions of higher learning as grounded in classically liberal ideas, as places where, in the words of John Stuart Mill, there ought to exist the fullest liberty of professing and discussing, as a matter of ethical conviction, any doctrine, however immoral it may be considered. But in practice, American campuses have rarely been quite so welcoming to nonconforming views. Speech has gotten faculty fired and students arrested; it has been met not only with dirty looks but also with heckling and sometimes violence.

Whats true is that old forms of censorship  by administrative fiat, governing boards, government regulations and prosecutors  are less common than they once were. Today, its more likely that the call to rule out obnoxious views comes from students. And yet one way or the other, freedom is embattled. Golden ages only show up in rearview mirrors, and even then, objects may be farther away than they appear.

If we look back over the past 100 years, perhaps the lowest tolerance for academic freedom has coincided with war and global tensions. The enemies of dissent frequently invoked menaces from abroad as they clamped down on speech.

For example, in 1917, Columbia University, where I teach, held two professors guilty of disloyalty and fired them for opposing U.S. entry into World War I. The following year, 12 members of the faculty at the University of Nebraska were made to go before loyalty trials convened by the state-designated Nebraska Council of Defense. Although all were cleared, the university proceeded to force out three of them for inciting public criticism of the school.

Likewise, the Cold War, at its peak, fueled clamor for uniformity. In 1950, 31 professors at the University of California were fired after refusing to sign a loyalty oath.

The pressures could be public  helped along by the FBI and congressional investigators  or behind office doors. The eminent sociologist Robert Bellah characterized the behavior of Harvard University administrators in the mid-1950s as discreet collaboration with McCarthyism with the primary concern of avoiding criticism. In the fall of 1954, dean McGeorge Bundy told Bellah, whod belonged to the Communist Party as an undergraduate, that his graduate fellowship would be in jeopardy if he didnt fully cooperate with the FBI, including revealing the names of other party members. Bellah was somewhat surprised when Harvard offered him a teaching position the following spring. But it came with the proviso that if, during Mr. Bellahs year of service as instructor, he should refuse to testify about any past association with Communists, the Corporation would not look with favor on any proposal for his reappointment. Bellah turned down the job in favor of a postdoctoral fellowship in Montreal. He joined the Harvard faculty two years later, without the proviso.

McCarthyism loosened its grip, but under official protection, white supremacy reigned supreme in the Deep South. In 1956, as law professor Geoffrey R. Stone has written, the University of Mississippi canceled an invitation to a pro-integration Episcopal speaker after critics complained that hosting him would be like coddling a viper in your own bosom. A year later, the governor of South Carolina made a private all-black college fire three professors, one black and two white, for opposing racial segregation.

Although Jim Crow was enforced top-down, white students jumped in enthusiastically. For instance, when the University of Mississippi was forced to admit James Meredith as its first black student in 1962, students joined a racist mob of thousands. (When Meredith graduated the next year, he was still being protected by U.S. marshals.)

Even in the North, radical students were targeted by bullies and prosecutors. At Indiana University in 1963, three members of a socialist student group that had hosted a talk advocating that blacks win their legal and political rights one way or another were prosecuted for advocating the overthrow of the state government.

Of course, students helped to free campus speech in the 60s, ushering in perhaps the closest that American higher education has come to a golden age of speech. Campuses tolerated some of the most loathsome speakers without riotous responses. In 1963, the Harvard-Radcliffe Democratic Club sponsored a speech by George Wallace, the white supremacist governor of Alabama. In 1966, a group at Brown University invited American Nazi Party founder George Lincoln Rockwell (a Brown alum) to speak on the charged subject of white backlash. In his speech, he denounced international Jews for supporting communism, promoting race mixing and destroying Americas culture through control of the media. He complained that when he criticized Jews he was compared to an anti-Semite and subjected to terrorism by bums, beatniks and queers.

But such speeches were sideshows. Those who attended fringe lectures could bask in the experience of satisfying their curiosity, learning something about the human condition, feeling the pleasures of righteous indignation and flattering themselves on their tolerance. Elsewhere, schools remained resistant to liberal and radical speech. In 1965, a student group at the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma invited Students for a Democratic Society to debate the war in Vietnam. The administration refused to permit such a debate on university property. The antiwar speaker  me  had to talk at an off-campus coffeehouse.

When people talk about the late 60s and early 70s as a golden age of campus speech, they sometimes note that blatant firings and blacklists were relatively rare. Opposition to the Vietnam War did on occasion result in professors being squeezed out of work  at Yale, the University of Hawaii and the University of Nebraska. But as one professor, Richard Ohmann of Wesleyan University, himself a dissenter, later wrote: The idea and practices of academic freedom protected a lot of dissent and resistance during those years. Few of the dissenters were fired, almost none de-tenured. Many lost jobs before tenure, then found other jobs. The abundance of jobs limited the damage.

Those years also included some murderous episodes in the history of American campuses. At the outer reaches of repression, in 1970, government forces met unarmed protesters with gunfire, with National Guardsmen killing four unarmed demonstrators at Kent State and police opening fire on a student dormitory and killing two at Jackson State.

During the 50s and 60s, it was left-wing speech that was suppressed  notably without any conservative civil libertarian outcry. In the 70s and 80s, a linguistic turn swept the social sciences and the humanities: an emphasis on the importance of language in social life and philosophy, from which some activists argued that the silencing of dissent had been baked into everyday speech. Taken-for-granted language was not innocent; it exerted power over the social groups that were increasingly represented on campus. Speech as such no longer deserved protection. Freedom was just another word for masked domination.

By the late 80s and early 90s, conservatives and some liberals objected that a new dictatorship of virtue had come to rule campuses. The traditional conservative theme of foreign menace was refreshed with the charge  not altogether manufactured  that Western civilization was the lefts new target. As straight, white and male became terms of opprobrium in multicultural and feminist quarters, political correctness came to cover anything from Stalinist-style censorship to strenuous anti-racism, even as the opponents of correctness were not always scrupulous when they enforced their own orthodoxies. Though unreliable polemicists such as Dinesh DSouza made hay with extravagant accusations against illiberal education, some charges were valid, even if it was people like DSouza who made them. Campuses began to draw up speech codes, often clumsily, aiming to keep hate speech at bay.

Even then, the censorious mood was more a subterranean rumble than an outright crusade to crush dissent. But selective outrage mushroomed, especially with a swelling assumption that to speak in favor of the existence of Israel was a cardinal violation of left-wing orthodoxy. With the dawning of the 21st century, arguments against free speech as such became commonplace, and passions rose to the point of outright violence. Though racist and social-media assaults (nooses, swastikas and even death threats) have erupted against left-wing faculty and students, the balance of censoriousness has turned radically. Before this year, I doubt that we would have seen an opinion editor of Berkeleys Daily Californian maintain, in defense of violent black bloc protests against right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos, that asking people to maintain peaceful dialogue with those who legitimately do not think their lives matter is a violent act. So it came to pass in March that a speech at Middlebury College by conservative scholar Charles Murray, whom critics call a racist and eugenicist, precipitated a riot in which a protester assaulted and injured the professor who invited Murray. I saw an anti-Murray demonstrator at Columbia later that month holding a sign saying NO FREE SPEECH. Thus do some on the left coat a deeply nasty tradition with a populist gloss.

Rejecting free speech only undercuts the left. And from a liberal point of view, theres an irony that goes largely unnoticed. The intense hatred of racial microaggressions is flourishing on campuses just as state and national Republican officials are zealously practicing macroaggressions: infringing on voting rights, affirmative action and progressive advances in criminal justice. While shortsighted activists focus on slights (real, imagined and arguable) at hand, the political powers that be are indisputably rolling back equal rights directly and profoundly where most people live  off campus. Yiannopoulos and Ann Coulter court easy martyrdom as President Trumps legions cheer them on. When defenders of racial equality take the bait and obsess about a few loathsome provocations, they plunge into their adversaries trap, diverted from the political arena where democracy and equality badly need them.

Twitter: @toddgitlin

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When Google fired James Damore this past week for circulating a bizarre and offensive attack on its diversity practices, free speech advocates rushed to his defense, accusing the company of curtailing his rights. Activists have already planned a march on Google, to protest the firms anti-free speech monopoly. The trouble was that hed written his memo and sent it to colleagues, imperiling his ability to have a healthy working relationship with his peers. Surely he knew, when he signed his employment contract, that hed have to abide by the companys code of conduct. It is Googles prerogative to decide what is right and wrong to say at the office.

But corporations arent just enforcing speech codes at the office. Increasingly, they are cracking down on their workers expression outside of it. In 2009, a Philadelphia Eagles stadium worker was fired for criticizing the teams personnel moves in a Facebook post. That same year, Georgia public school teacher Ashley Payne was forced to resign, she says, for posting pictures of herself drinking beer and wine while on vacation. An Ohio woman, Patricia Kunkle, sued the military contractor that had fired her in 2012, alleging that the reason was her public support of President Barack Obama. (She eventually settled the case.) In late 2013, public relations rep Justine Sacco was famously let go for tweeting an off-color joke about AIDS while traveling to Africa. In 2014, the chief executive of software company Mozilla, Brendan Eich, was forced out, resigning amid a public backlash against his stance opposing same-sex marriage.

This trend even extends to academia, where speech is supposedly sacrosanct: Yale University dean June Chu resigned this summer under intense pressure after her offensive reviews on Yelp were made known to the Yale community. And Lisa Durden, an adjunct professor at Essex County College in New Jersey, was given the boot after an incendiary conversation about race with Fox Newss Tucker Carlson.

Most of these people said something that I find, to varying degrees, wrong or unhelpful. Some of it was outright offensive. But none of it deserves firing, because none of it happened in the workplace or had anything to do with work. Rather, each of these people was let go because of statements or gestures they made outside of their working duties. In doing so, they demonstrate the ways that private employers can constitute a grave threat to our free speech rights  and expose a conflict between genuine freedom and capitalism.

There is a reason that, rather than letting legal codes alone protect expression, liberal societies rely on a robust norm of free speech. The basic processes of democracy require that we all feel free to disagree with one another in the public sphere; without such a norm, its impossible to deliberate as democracy requires. To abandon that norm is to give up the means by which people in democracies make decisions. When that norm has been abandoned, such as in the McCarthy era, we have considered it an injustice, and for good reason. The American Civil Liberties Union, lately a proud public challenger of President Trump and his travel bans, puts the point succinctly: Censorship can be carried out by the government as well as private pressure groups. Yet thinkers on the left and the right have failed, in many cases, to grapple with this.

Right-wing theorists have always insisted that free-market economics is the best guarantor of individual liberty. Friedrich Hayek, the economist and philosopher who did so much to create modern economic conservatism, insisted that only societies with free markets could ensure free people. We must face the fact that the preservation of individual freedom is incompatible with a full satisfaction of our views of distributive justice, he wrote, arguing against social programs that protect the poor and unlucky, programs that he insisted throughout his long career would lead inevitably toward authoritarianism. The libertarian movement embraces Hayeks view, insisting that personal freedom must include the freedom to act in a market economy unencumbered by government regulation.

In contrast, the left has argued that the fickle turns of the market inevitably erode freedom. Karl Marx and his followers famously said that only through radical egalitarianism in material and social terms could the Enlightenment ideal of personal freedom be fully realized. Todays left-leaning thinkers have echoed this sentiment, pointing to the highly regimented conditions of workers on factory floors and in white-collar offices as proof that capitalist enterprise curtails freedom rather than protects it. The political science professor Corey Robin, in particular, has made a career out of demonstrating that the tyrannies that most consistently afflict ordinary Americans are workplace tyrannies, part of what he calls the private life of power. Progressives who are pleased when businesses discipline workers illiberal speech have lost this essential thread of leftism, arguing that if the government isnt the one enforcing speech codes, then there are no threats to free speech. This is clearly wrong.

Why have so many companies turned into petty dictators when it comes to their employees speech, political and otherwise? Progressives enamored of speech codes might like to imagine that corporations are motivated by genuine concern for social equality, but this gives them far too much credit. The reality is that in the Internet era, when outrage goes viral at incredible speed, companies have a pressing need to get out in front of potential controversies as swiftly as possible. Quick termination often works quite well to stamp out such fires until the publics attention shifts. Meanwhile, though the official unemployment rate has declined for years, flatlined wages and a steadily falling labor force participation rate suggest a weaker job market than the unemployment figures alone would indicate. Under such conditions, employers probably think they have little to lose in cracking down on workers speech, since there are probably eager replacements waiting to fill the spots of those who object.

Most Americans have no legal right that prevents them from being fired for their political beliefs. Public workers enjoy some protection, and some states such as New York and California afford private employees certain leeway to speak politically outside of work, free from reprisals by their employers. But the vast majority of American workers have no such defenses and can be fired for their political expression at the whim of their bosses. As Alina Tugend wrote in a 2015 New York Times essay on these issues, If youre a nonunion private employee, your boss has great latitude to control your political actions.

This condition is not new. What protected employees in the past was, first, a dividing line between work life and private life that has been blurred by digital technology. And second, that aforementioned norm of free speech, a societal expectation that workers were entitled to say what they wanted to say away from the workplace. Now, that norm is being eroded, from both the left and the right.

Tools of surveillance, whether public or private, coercive or voluntary, have never been more powerful or sophisticated, and while the reactions of private employers to employees speech vary, it doesnt take many incidents like those listed above to create a chilling effect. Every engine of online expression is also a tool with which our bosses might investigate our lives and our opinions. They will also therefore be key instruments of employer coercion going forward. As businesses gain new ways of observing the private lives of employees, they will become more adept at policing those off-the-clock moments, and all of us will become less free.

Twitter: @freddiedeboer

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As college students wrap up summer jobs and internships, university administrations are girding for another round of campus battles over issues of free speech, protest, and the universitys role as a setting for education and intellectual exploration. For those a step removed from todays college students (alumni, donors, parents and pundits), these periodic flare-ups have often been taken as dismaying evidence of a generations intolerance toward opposing views and free speech. Students who seek to shut down speech that offends  through calls to disinvite speakers, punish offensive remarks or shout down opponents  have been dismissed as coddled, unenlightened, entitled, anti-intellectual, dogmatic and infantile.

The desire to defend free speech and broad-mindedness is admirable, but a culture of respect for open discourse and tolerance for disagreeable opinions wont be built through insults, hand-wringing, financial pressure from irate alums or even the legal mandates now being proposed in some state legislatures. Those who are genuinely concerned about defending academic freedom and fostering intellectual diversity on campus would do well to grasp five factors that are fueling the impulse some students and professors have to try to silence speech they consider harmful.

The first factor at work is a striking lack of understanding of the basic premises that underpin free speech. Many student leaders of the recent campus protests evince only a cursory grasp of the principles enshrined in the First Amendment, much less the more complex and harder-to-articulate values of free inquiry and expression in which most American colleges and universities take pride. Whether the blame lies with the demise of university core curricula that typically included liberal philosophers such as John Milton and John Stuart Mill, the retreat from civics education in recent decades, or other factors, principles surrounding free expression, freedom of association and press freedom are poorly understood among millennials. According to a 2015 survey by the Newseum Institute , 33 percent of Americans have no idea what rights the First Amendment protects. Subsequent surveys revealed that 69 percent of students think universities should be able to restrict offensive speech or slurs, and that young people are more likely than their elders to believe that constitutional rights to religious freedom do not apply to faiths that are considered extreme or fringe.

Whats more, some students, particularly nonwhite students, report that their primary experience with such strictures has occurred when free speech has been asserted as a justification or excuse for racist comments. One prominent student leader from the University of Missouri, when told that punishing speech could violate the First Amendment, replied that the First Amendment wasnt written for me. Her meaning was twofold: that when the Bill of Rights was written, each black American was treated as three-fifths of a person, and that her own prime exposure to the precept was its invocation to protect white students and administrators from reprisals for speech she considered offensive. It doesnt help that, often, the only vocal advocates for free speech on campus lean toward the right. Left-leaning students may find that the clubs they belong to, professors they admire, or personalities they follow on social media are not interested in defending the right to voice unpopular views.

A second influence shaping the campus climate for speech is grounded in technological change. The old adage Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me sounds quaint when insults, exposes, and quotes or video clips taken out of context can go viral online, leading swarms of antagonists to harass and intimidate a speaker with whom they disagree. The Internet offers a largely anonymous arena where hateful speech can easily flourish and where smears are available in perpetuity for family members or potential employers to stumble upon. The potency of social media has fueled calls to curtail and even shut down services like the now-defunct anonymous messaging app Yik Yak that seem to fuel cyberbullying. The potential for abusive online speech has made it difficult to argue that speech cannot do real damage and, correspondingly, that protections against harmful speech are unwarranted.

A third cause relates to the current movement for social equality in the United States. Our society has reformed many of the most obvious legal and structural manifestations of racism, sexism and anti-gay bias: keeping blacks from voting, firing women for getting pregnant, criminalizing gay sex and so forth. Now, the imperative to tackle more subtle and insidious forms of discrimination or exclusion  including the quietly denigrating terms and unconscious stereotypes that may reveal and entrench implicit bias  has rightly grown. Language is unavoidably implicated in this next phase of transformation. In fact, the evolution of language to reflect changing understandings of race, gender and culture is nothing new and does not simply indicate political correctness run amok. The terms Negro, colored and Oriental are all reminders that changing mores routinely render certain words out of bounds. As unfamiliar as some may find gender-neutral pronouns or neologisms such as Latinx, the insistence on them fits into this tradition, and the justifications behind them deserve a respectful hearing.

A fourth factor relates to our polarized and contentious political environment. The tone of political discourse had been degenerating well before Donald Trump arrived on the scene, but his campaign and election  achieved through his distinctively impudent style  have helped to normalize public speech that is intemperate, personally insulting, and derogatory toward women, the disabled, Muslims, African Americans, Jews and many other vulnerable groups.

The United States has the most protective standard for hate speech in the world, yet unwritten codes of civility and pluralism have, at least for the past few decades, largely confined overtly bigoted sentiments to the margins of society. With these views now voiced among some of Trumps supporters and with the president himself repudiating them reluctantly, if at all, members of targeted minority groups understandably feel under siege, lacking confidence that their government will protect them. Students, meanwhile, see their campuses as places of refuge: a home where they can learn and socialize in security and relative comfort. If students witness a permissive environment for hateful speech in American society writ large, they will be more insistent in their demand for safeguards that prevent such attitudes from invading their schools.

The final development is that not all free speech standard-bearers come in peace. Conservative commentators including Milo Yiannopoulos, Ann Coulter and Richard Spencer style themselves as defenders of free speech for the purpose of building their brands and galvanizing followers, subscribers and book-buyers, but they manufacture confrontations to provoke controversy and draw headlines, rather than to elucidate ideas. This doesnt mean they should be barred from campuses or silenced; they still have their rights. But those who rally in defense of their freedom to speak, and those who invite them to speak, should engage not only the question of their rights but also the substance of their message. Free speech cannot be turned into a partisan cause of the right: At its core, free expression is a progressive concept and a liberal value. We value the right of all to speak because we want equal rights for all.

A robust defense of free speech on campus should be an enlightened defense, one that is alert to the concerns and arguments roiling universities now. A first step for those who rightly fear for the future of free speech should be dialogue with students  historically the most impassioned defenders of campus free speech. To mobilize a new generation in that tradition will require listening to and understanding how it sees questions of race, gender and what it takes for a school to be a suitable setting for learning. Such conversations and engagement efforts are not an alternative to a staunch intellectual, political and legal defense of free speech principles. They are a necessary enabler of it.

Twitter: @PENamerican

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Roxanne Roberts is a feature writer for The Washington Post.

As a general rule, Im not all that interested in the sex lives of famous people  or unfamous people, for that matter. Be responsible, have fun, and dont frighten the horses.

But theres a case for literary voyeurism when the famous person is famous for writing about sex. Coming of Age, a new biography of Margaret Mead, with the provocative subtitle The Sexual Awakening, peeks under the covers in the name of academic research: How did a young woman from Pennsylvania become one of the worlds experts on sexual mores?

Before reading this book, I knew three things about Mead. She was Americas best-known anthropologist. She studied the sex lives of adolescent tribal girls. And she was short.

[Review: Euphoria, a novel based on Margaret Mead, by Lily King]

Coming of Age by Deborah Beatriz Blum. (Thomas Dunne Books)

Author Deborah Beatriz Blum, who was a graduate student when she met Mead in 1972, promises a tale of sexual discovery. The book is based on five years of Meads life  from a 20-year-old student at Barnard in 1921 to 1926, when she was a 25-year-old researcher in American Samoa.

Now I know all about Meads early romances, flings and ambitions. I know when she lost her virginity and when she cheated on her husband and lovers, male and female. Turns out her trip to the South Pacific, despite Blums poetic narrative, did little to change her beliefs about sex.

Mead didnt take no for an answer, in life or in love. Im going to be famous someday, she explained to her father when she told him she intended to use her maiden name after her marriage in 1923. And if Im going to be famous, Im going to be known by my own name.

Plenty of famous men and women achieve great things because of their single-minded focus, although Mead took it to another level. On her wedding night, she insisted that her groom sleep in a separate room. I have a seminar paper to write, she told him.

By the end of the book, I didnt much care for Mead as a person or as a scholar. Its surprising to read such a detailed biography without finding something to like about the subject. I got through it without finding a single real example of unselfishness or generosity. Mead, it seems, was brilliant, charismatic and a spoiled brat.

Blum tells her story through thousands of letters and memoirs written by Mead, first husband Luther Cressman, mentor and lover Ruth Benedict, and fellow academic and lover Edward Sapir. Luther loved Margaret. Ruth loved Margaret. Edward loved Margaret. Margaret loved Margaret.

Poor Cressman. The seminary student fell in love with Mead when she was 16, and the two, both still virgins, married six years later. He was her best friend and a lifelong afterthought, someone Mead had no guilt leaving back home while she pursued other loves.

One was Benedict, a young anthropologist in New York. Blum never explicitly addresses the issue of Meads bisexuality but makes it clear that Benedict, a loving mentor and confidante, became something much more. Once under the sheets together they began to explore each others bodies, Ruth stroking every part of Margaret and Margaret quivering with pleasure under the touch, writes Blum.

And then there was Sapir, the brilliant protege of Franz Boas, head of Columbias anthropology department. Benedict and Sapir were close friends  she was half in love with him  but Mead decided she wanted the recent widower for herself. The two embarked on a passionate, tortured affair: Sapir obsessed, Mead annoyed by his jealousy, and Benedict stuck in the middle as they both poured their hearts out to her.

But for all the sex, theres not much of the promised awakening. Blum writes that Mead believed in polygamy but doesnt explain how a young woman from a seemingly conventional family developed that view. A bitter Sapir called it a mere rationalization. Having made her erotic life a mere tentacle of the ego, she could not possibly allow herself to pay the price of love.

Nor does Blum tell us much about what Mead thought of her exploits. Did the earth move? Did her affairs change her sense of her own sexuality, or of women or men? Did it inform her research in the field? We dont know.

So the sex, which is the reason most people will pick up the book, is kind of a purple-prose meh. The real shocker? Meads research in American Samoa.

Shrewd and strategic, Mead understood that she needed to explore an unknown culture to make her professional mark. At Barnard she had studied tribal tattoos in Polynesia and wanted to continue her research overseas. Boas had a different idea: He suggested she focus on adolescent girls instead; the nature vs. nurture debate was a hot topic in the academic world, and Boas thought his young student might bring back some interesting results from a non-Western culture. With a research grant in hand, Mead left for the South Pacific in the fall of 1925.

I naively assumed that Mead spent years living among the indigenous tribes to learn their culture and mores before writing Coming of Age in Samoa. She actually spent just nine months: the first two living on an American naval station while taking language lessons, then moving in with an American family on a nearby island.

It took three months for Mead to compile a list of 66 local girls she hoped to interview, but a hurricane badly damaged the island and prevented her from spending time with them. By January, she wrote to Boas, saying her fieldwork was too short to justify even tentative conclusions.

Just two months before she was scheduled to return home, Mead spent a few days with two young Samoan girls who told her what she wanted to hear: that tropical adolescents were sensual and carefree, just as she had imagined. That, along with a newlywed who told her that young Samoans had sex up to 15 times a night, convinced Mead she had enough evidence for her theory.

The neuroses accompanying sex in American civilization are practically absent, such as frigidity, impotence and pronounced perversions, Mead wrote excitedly to Boas: I feel absolutely safe in generalizing from the material I have.

Notebooks filled, Mead set sail for home in May 1926. On the six-week voyage to France, where she was to reunite with her husband after nine months apart, she met and fell in love with Reo Fortune, a handsome psychology student headed to Cambridge.

Fortune refused to sleep with her during the trip, which of course made Mead desperate to have him. Shortly after landing in Marseilles, she told Cressman she was in love with another man and planned to continue the affair. She also broke the news to Benedict, who had sailed to Europe to spend two months alone with Mead.

[Americans are having less sex than they once did]

And then the book . . . stops. The epilogue explains that Mead returned to New York and divorced Cressman, married and divorced Fortune, married and divorced anthropologist Gregory Bateson, and finally settled down with yet another anthropologist, Rhoda Metraux.

But first, she decided to write her research for a general audience instead of fellow scholars. Coming of Age in Samoa, published in 1928, was an academic miss (British anthropologist A.C. Haddon dismissed Mead as a lady novelist). Even allowing for the kind of pervasive sexism from older male colleagues toward a young female graduate student, Meads methodology was a conclusion looking for facts, not the other way around.

But the book was a popular sensation for the Flapper of the South Seas and launched Meads career as a public intellectual, social critic and feminist hero until her death in 1978. Blums book ends when Mead was just 25 years old, so we dont learn how her views on love, marriage and sex may have evolved over the years.

Which is just fine  one book on Mead is enough to last a lifetime for me.


Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim are the creators of Tim & Eric, a surrealist comedy show on Adult Swim. (Mark Davis/Getty Images for YouTube)

In a sepia-toned portrait that looks like a dark relic of the Soviet era, five figures stand frowning in profile: Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin and finally a computer-generated hot dog wearing green headphones. The image, created by Twitter user @SadTimesDrunk, appeared on Twitter in mid-July, where it circulated among various casual users before finding its way to my feed. The wiener is not a socialist icon; in fact, he is a breakdancing sausage from a Snapchat filter. His inclusion in a lineup of the U.S.S.R.s patron saints doesnt mean anything. Maybe nothing does.

I am not a nihilist, but a mood of grim, jolly absurdism comes over me often, as it seems to come over many of my young peers. To visit millennial comedy, advertising and memes is to spend time in a dream world where ideas twist and suddenly vanish; where loops of self-referential quips warp and distort with each iteration, tweaked by another user embellishing on someone elses joke, until nothing coherent is left; where beloved childrens character Winnie the Pooh is depicted in a fan-made comic strip as a 9/11 truther, and grown men in a parody ad dance to shrill synth beats while eating Totinos pizza rolls out of a tiny pink backpack. In this weird world of the surreal and bizarre, horror mingles with humor, and young people have space to play with emotions that seem more and more to proceed from ordinary life  the creeping suspicion that the world just doesnt make sense.

[The top 25 memes of the Webs first 25 years]

When it comes to doubting the essential meaningfulness of the world, millennials have their reasons. Studies show that traditional sources of meaning, such as religion and family formation, are less relevant to the lives of young people than they were to our parents. The moral structure they produced has been vastly loosened and replaced with a soft, untheorized tendency toward niceness  smarminess, really, as journalist Tom Scocca put it in 2013. Long-lasting careers seem out of reach; millennials are told to go to college so they can make money, but mostly they just amass debt and then job-hop in hopes of paying it off. In the meantime, they put off getting married, having kids, buying houses and so on. And waiting feels like  well, waiting. Millennials are not engaged at work (71 percent confessed this to Gallup), they have lost faith in our political system (only 19 percent say a military takeover is unacceptable), and many are lonely (57 percent reported such in a recent Match.com survey). Millennials arent strictly pessimistic by any means, but the occasional tussle with feelings of emptiness and despair seems de rigueur for my generation.

(Daron Taylor/The Washington Post)

Yet the world is full of noise: Information is both more accessible (and perhaps more oppressively omnipresent) than ever and also less reliable; people select their own facts, and business-funded think tanks produce reports indistinguishable from hard data, except that they are not remotely true. Brands pose as friends on social media, especially to millennials, and if the line between real and artificial isnt obliterated, it certainly seems to matter less than it once did.

Amid these trends, a particular style of expression has spread among young people. Rather than trying to restore meaning and sense where theyve gone missing, the style aims to play with the moods and emotions of an illegible world. In a way, its a digital update to the surreal and absurd genres of art and literature that characterized the tumultuous early 20th century.

[That time when that time when took over the Internet]

Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim are a pair of comedians whose work exists in the zone of the weird and grotesque, veering wildly between horror and humor. They made their debut on Adult Swim, basic cables top programming among 18-to-34-year-olds, back in 2006 and are due to release a new season of their series Tim & Erics Bedtime Stories  this fall. Their skits run the gamut from slightly to extremely surreal, with low-fi, retro graphics; distorted audio; and disjointed editing adding to the eerie feel. In one sketch, Tim and Eric compete in an increasingly deranged commercial to sell prices  fine European prices, premium prices, American-made prices, extremely small prices  no products, just prices. It feels interesting to live in that surreal moment versus the horror of reality sometimes, Wareheim told me, citing the prolonged, agonizingly uncomfortable shots and freakish close-ups in their show. Theres a sense of dull dread running through Heidecker and Wareheims work, but theres also relief, an invitation to laugh at the awkward and absurd. Its an expression of that fear and anxiety, Wareheim said, referring to one of their many skits focused on the tension of daily life. But I just feel like its fun to watch our show, and you are transported to another dimension of similar things, but its not real, so youre just like ahh . . . its a pleasant surreal world.

Other shows, such as Adult Swims Rick and Morty  and Netflixs BoJack Horseman,  follow in this vein, imagining, as New Yorker critic Emily Nussbaum put it, bleakness and joy in a teeming, surreal alternative universe. Advertising aimed at young people, too, exhibits the trend. Consider a 2012 candy ad in which two teenagers stand nervously under the bleachers; one picks Skittles pox off the others pasty skin, then pops them in her mouth. Unlike the subcultural stoner comedy of yesteryear or the giddily absurd humor of classics like Monty Python, this breed of millennial surrealism is both mainstream and tangibly dark  it aims for wide swaths of young people, leaning in to feelings of worry, failure and dread.

[Someone is wrong on the Internet. Thats where I come in.]

Meanwhile, online culture allows more people to get in on the action, producing their own contributions to the meaningless, loopy, sometimes-sinister whirling gyre of the moment in the form of memes. In the simplest terms, memes are any pieces of cultural information that spread among groups by imitation, changing bit by bit along the way. In other words, distortion is a key attribute of this form, a warping effect that occurs as each instance of a meme grows more distant from its origin, sometimes losing any meaning whatsoever. Gallows humor about the late Cincinnati Zoo gorilla Harambe, for instance, has transformed into a whole genre of jokes only tenuously related to the original ape. For millennials, memes form the backdrop of life.

Adam Downer is a 26-year-old associate staff editor at Know Your Meme, an online encyclopedia of the form where the oldest staffer tops out at about age 32, Downer told me. He spends his days scouring the Net for memes, documenting their origins and, when possible, explaining to readers what they mean. Since 2008, Know Your Memes staff has indexed some 11,228 memes and adds new entries to its database every day. The strangest meme he ever worked on, Downer says, was a bizarre mind-virus called Hey Beter. The meme consists of four panels, the first including the phrase Hey Beter, a riff on Hey Peter, referring to the main character of the comedy cartoon series Family Guy. What comes next seems to make even less sense: In one iteration, the Sesame Street character Elmo (wearing a suck my a-- T-shirt) calls out to Peter, then asks him to spell whomstve, then blasts him with blue lasers. In the final panel, readers are advised to follow for a free iphone 5. (There is no prize.) That one was inexplicably popular, Downer told me. I think it got popular because it was this giant emptiness of meaning. It was this giant race to the bottom of irony.

Surrealism and its anarchic cousin dadaism are nothing new; neither is absurdism or weirdness in art. The absurd, Albert Camus wrote in 1942, is born of this confrontation between the human need [for happiness and reason] and the unreasonable silence of the world. Absurdity is the compulsion to go looking for meaning that simply isnt there. Todays surrealism draws aspects of all of these threads together with humor, creating an aesthetic world where (in common Internet parlance) lol, nothing matters, but things may turn out all right anyway.

[Stop shaming people on the Internet for grammar mistakes. Its not there fault.]

After all, the weird  even the exceedingly weird  doesnt have to be purely distressing. Consider the long-running Old Spice deodorant commercials in which a handsome hunk on a boat presents ladies with an oyster containing two tickets to that thing you love, which quickly become diamonds as he teleports onto a horse. (Im on a horse, he coolly informs the 54 million people who have watched the clip on YouTube.) In his book The Weird and the Eerie, author Mark Fisher points out that, in most cases, the response to the apparition of a grotesque object will involve laughter as much as revulsion. And the weird, Fisher goes on, is a signal that the concepts and frameworks which we have previously employed are now obsolete. By staking out a playful space to meditate on emotions that are usually upsetting (like the dread and anxiety of living in a thoroughly postmodern world), millennial surrealism intermixes relief with stress and levity with lunacy.

There may be no mixture better suited for getting through ordinary life. In July, researchers at Harvard University announced that they had managed to store a gif inside living bacteria by altering the bacteriums DNA. For scientists, the strange little success heralded important achievements in gene modification. Twitter user Honkimus Maximus welcomed the news with a meme depicting the Simpsons character Mr. Burns googly-eyed and sedate, receiving an injection of memes directly into his veins. S O O N, Maximus captioned the image. It already feels like now.

Twitter: @ebruenig

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A group of Democrats implored the Republican chairman of the House Financial Services Committee to reverse course and authorize an investigation into whether any of the hundreds of millions of dollars in loans from Deutsche Bank to President Trump were connected to Russia.

The Democrats have previously said they want to know more about a $285 million loan in October 2016 to Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and senior adviser.

In a letter sent to the committee chairman, Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Tex.), the Democrats said they have been asking him since March to authorize an investigation. They asked him Friday to subpoena records from Deutsche Bank and authorize a bipartisan investigation into the Banks Russian money laundering activity and its review of its unusual loans to the President, his family, and his associates.

Hensarling spokesman Sarah Rozier said in a statement to The Washington Post that the congressman would refuse the request, which she called blatantly partisan.

She noted that several other committees and special counsel Robert S. Mueller III are all conducting investigations into the very serious matter of Russia interference in the last election.

Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Tex.) is chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. (Zach Gibson/Bloomberg)

The Democrats, however, say the Financial Services Committee should use its jurisdiction to look into Deutsche Bank and its loan to Trump and his family, which they believe might be crucial to the Russia investigation.

The Democrats said they are particularly interested in obtaining an internal Deutsche Bank review that they said reportedly examined whether Trumps loans were connected to Russia. In addition, the Democrats requested documents about a $10 billion money-laundering scheme that originated in Deutsche Banks Moscow office. The bank paid a $425 million fine to settle a New York state investigation in that case. The U.S. Justice Department has declined to say whether it is also reviewing the matter.

Under the committees rules, only the chairman can authorize a subpoena. He has refused a series of requests since March from Democrats seeking more information about Deutsche Bank and Trump. In July, the committee voted along party lines to deny a Democratic request for a resolution of inquiry that would have allowed them to obtain the records.

More than four months after we initially called on you to investigate Deutsche Banks Russian money laundering scheme, we still do not know who participated or benefited, the Democrats wrote to Hensarling, saying there is public interest in knowing whether loans to Trump were in any way connected to Russia.

The letter was sent by Rep. Maxine Waters (Calif.), the ranking Democrat on the committee, and four other Democratic committee members.

A Deutsche Bank spokesman declined to specifically address the letter from Democrats, but said in a statement that the bank takes its legal obligations seriously and remains committed to cooperating with authorized investigations into this matter.

The banks reference to authorized investigations is at the heart of the complaint from Democrats. After Hensarling blocked their effort to launch an investigation, Democrats requested records directly from the bank. The bank responded that it was not obligated to deliver them because the request was not part of a duly authorized investigation. Democrats interpreted that to mean such a request had to come from the Republican majority.

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) is the ranking Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Kushners company received a $285 million refinancing loan from Deutsche Bank one month before Election Day, according to Securities and Exchange Commission documents. He and his mother also have a line of credit from the bank worth up to $25 million, according to his financial disclosure report.

Deutsche Bank has long been Trumps primary lender, and his company owes the Germany-based institution more than $500 million, according to financial records.

Muellers office has declined to say whether it is examining the Deutsche Bank loans. A Trump spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A Kushner spokesman declined to comment. Kushner said in a statement to Congress last month that I have not relied on Russian funds to finance my business activities in the private sector.
A military confrontation with North Korea may now be inevitable, says Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) The United States is done talking about North Korea, tweets U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. President Trump threatens fire and fury like the world has never seen, then says maybe his language wasnt tough enough.

The North Koreans return verbal fire, talking of using absolute force to hit the U.S. territory of Guam and even turn the U.S. mainland into the theater of a nuclear war.

In this moment of heated, belligerent rhetoric, planners in and out of government are diving into decades of plans and projections, playing out war games, engaging in the macabre semi-science of estimating death tolls and predicting how an adversary might behave. Inside Washingtons what if? industry, people at think tanks, universities, consultancies and defense businesses have spent four decades playing out scenarios that the Trump administration now faces anew.

The pathways that have been examined fall into four main categories: doing nothing, hitting Kim Jong Uns regime with tougher sanctions, pushing for talks, and military confrontation. An armed conflict could take place in disparate spots thousands of miles apart, involving any number of nations and a wide variety of weapons, conventional or nuclear.

In hundreds of books, policy papers and roundtable discussions, experts have couched various shades of armageddon in the dry, emotion-stripped language of throw-weights and missile ranges. But the nightmare scenarios are simple enough: In a launch from North Korea, a nuclear-tipped missile could reach San Francisco in half an hour. A nuclear attack on Seoul, South Koreas capital of 10 million people, could start and finish in three minutes.

View Graphic North Korea has launched 18 missile tests in 2017, and 13 were successful.

Talking tough about war doesnt necessarily lead to it. Inflammatory language can work both ways, sometimes lighting the fuse of battle, sometimes bringing the parties to an easing of tensions.

At this volatile intersection, alternatives to war are at least as much the focus as preparation for battle. Luring the North Koreans to the negotiating table is perhaps the most popular pathway among many experts, who advocate a freeze-for-freeze option, in which the United States might promise to restrict military exercises in the region or eschew new sanctions against Kims regime, in exchange for North Korea agreeing to halt expansion and testing of its nuclear capabilities.

Former defense secretary Robert M. Gates, for example, has suggested promising not to seek regime change in North Korea in exchange for Kim committing to a cap on his nuclear program.

However, Susan Thornton, the acting assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, said the Trump administration rejects the idea of freeze-for-freeze, calling it a false moral equivalency.

Accepting North Korea into the worlds nuclear club is a hard step for many politicians, but maybe not quite as hard as it once was. Now, its not so much a step as an acceptance of the status quo.

I dont think were going to get denuclearization, said Richard Nephew, a scholar at Columbia University who was a sanctions coordinator in President Barack Obamas State Department. So we might want to accept them and depend on deterrence theory. Theres a reason North Korea has not invaded South Korea: They fear overwhelming response from the United States.

But if North Korea wont negotiate, or if the Trump administration decides against making concessions that might lure the Kim regime to the table, a military confrontation remains a very plausible path, Nephew said. Its a very tempting idea to solve this problem once and for all.

(Anna Fifield,Jason Aldag/The Washington Post)

The current spate of North Korean agitation is hardly a new phenomenon. Security experts in Washington have been debating how best to respond to a nuclear threat from the Kim regime for four decades and three generations of the familys rule. North Korea was presumed to have nuclear warheads in the 1990s, and the country exploded its first nuclear device in 2006.

A military confrontation could start with a U.S. effort to force regime change, either by taking out the Kim regime or by fomenting a rebellion among elites in the isolated dictatorship.

But its hard to imagine that scenario ending with anything other than the North Koreans deciding to light up Seoul, Nephew said. And if South Korea were given a voice in any U.S. decision to use force, its unlikely that Seoul would assent to a strategy that could spark a wider conflagration on the Korean Peninsula.

Most of those who have considered the merits of launching a limited attack on the North  say, to destroy nuclear capabilities  have concluded that what Americans might see as limited could well be interpreted by the Kim regime as an invitation to all-out conflict.

North Korea might even respond with force to the ongoing U.S. show of strength in its neighborhood. American ships, planes and troops have been on maneuvers nearby as part of annual exercises, and the United States sent B-1 bombers stationed in Guam over the Korean Peninsula last month.

The North could also launch its own provocation  an attack on Guam, a cyberattack on Japan or a skirmish on the boundary between the two Koreas, the planets most heavily armed border.

In 2010, for example, the North sank a South Korean naval vessel, the Cheonan, and a few months later shelled Yeonpyeong Island, a South Korean territory in the Yellow Sea, killing two soldiers. In those cases, South Korea took hits and did not retaliate, said Richard Lacquement, a retired Army colonel who served as a military planner in South Korea. But if they did retaliate, he wondered, might that ignite a larger war?

If the latest North Korean threats about hitting Guam reflect any real intent beyond rhetorical saber-rattling, a launch would be detected by Japanese radar, leading U.S. ships in the Pacific to launch missiles to destroy the North Korean warhead, according to one scenario. The immediate crisis might be averted, but North Korea might then respond by attacking South Korean patrol boats near the border between the two Koreas.

Skirmishes have taken place in that area for many years, but the chances that such a conflict could quickly metastasize into a full-scale war are high, military analysts said.

In a conventional war, heavy casualties would likely result as North Korean troops poured into the South, using tunnels the North is reported to have built under the demilitarized zone between the countries. In addition, North Korea is believed to have a stockpile of several thousand tons of chemical weapons, according to the International Crisis Group, which studies global conflicts.

In war games played out at Washington policy institutes, even minor confrontations have led to a nuclear exchange. In one model, a single nuclear device deployed against Seoul would result in 180,000 deaths and 160,000 additional injuries, along with a near-total collapse of civil order, including a mass exodus from the city leading to gridlock and a paralyzed health-care system.

Even without using nuclear weapons, the North could sow panic and perhaps force a shift in U.S. policy. North Korea might attempt to spread fear through an act of terrorism, said Patrick Cronin, an Asia-Pacific security expert at the Center for a New American Security. A few grenades in downtown Seoul will absolutely close down the city out of fear, he said.

Even without nuclear force, North Korea might seek to divide the United States from its allies. How, for example, would regional Asian powers react if North Korea shot a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse over Tokyo, temporarily turning off the lights in the Japanese metropolis?

In that instance, some experts concluded, Japan might join with some neighbors to urge Washington to cut a deal with Kim, averting further military conflict by accepting North Korea as a nuclear power.

North Korea has proven adept over the years at using force in pretty calibrated ways to achieve political objectives, said Thomas Mahnken, president of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, which does war-game planning. He said the North takes advantage of the relative unwillingness of the United States and South Korea to risk war.

We lived in a period from the end of the Cold War until the recent past where we could delude ourselves that we lived in a risk-free world  and that era is over, Mahnken said.

Many scenarios exploring how a U.S.-North Korea conflict would unfold founder on uncertainties about what Kim really wants. Despite the countrys acquisition of nuclear weapons, the regime does not have regional ambitions, concluded Robert Carlin of Stanford University and Robert Jervis of Columbia in a paper that studied how North Korea might use its new status.

The most likely scenario, they wrote, is for Pyongyang to remain tightly focused on its domestic situation, especially on its economy, and on ways to loosen or blunt the pressures from its neighbors and the United States.

Still, they said, we could well enter the danger zone of North Korean fatalism, in which a decision to use nuclear weapons, especially against Japan  the historic enemy  would rise on the list of patriotic options.

The North Korean leadership, they warned, might become. . . fatalistic and decide that death with glory is preferable to defeat.
The long August congressional recess, which Republicans had hoped would begin a conversation about tax reform and must-pass budget measures, has so far seen another round of angry town halls focused on President Trump and the stalled effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Over just one day, in three small towns along Georgias Atlantic coastline, Rep. Earl L. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) spent more than four hours answering 74 questions, many of them heated. Just three focused on tax reform; nearly half were about health care.

We did our job in the House, Carter said at the top of a town hall at the College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick. It got over to the Senate, and it hit a stumbling block there. Now its in their court, and they need to get something done. Folks, were not giving up.

Carters town halls  he is hosting nine, more than any other House Republican  mirror what is happening in swing and safe Republican districts across the country. The failure of the health-care repeal bill kick-started a tax reform campaign backed by GOP leaders and pro-business groups, who have booked millions of dollars in TV ads to promote whatever might lead to an uncomplicated tax code.

In the first spots, paid for by the American Action Network, a laid-off steelworker worries that without lower taxes for working families, more jobs will be lost to China. At rallies and forums in several states, Americans for Prosperity has pitched tax reform as a way to unrig the economy. And in a polling memo made public this week, the AAN found that 65 to 73 percent of voters responded favorably to reform if it was pitched as a way to restore the earning power of the middle class and save billions of dollars each year on tax preparation services.

But at town hall meetings since the start of the recess, tax reform has hardly come up; health care has dominated. At a Monday event in Flat Rock, N.C., Rep. Mark Meadows (R) pitched a plan to devolve ACA programs to the states, then found himself fending off constituents who backed universal Medicare.

[Bipartisan health policy coalition urges Congress to strengthen the ACA]

You can take the top 1 percent and tax them fully, and it still wont pay for Medicare, Meadows said.

At a town hall in Chico, Calif., in the most Democratic portion of a deep-red district, Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R) faced furious complaints about the repeal vote, with constituents accusing him of acting to bring about their deaths.

I hope you suffer the same painful fate as those millions that you have voted to remove health care from, one constituent told LaMalfa. May you die in pain.

Carters town halls did not reach such a boiling point, but they showed what the tone of congressional listening sessions has become: angry, wistful and loaded with progressive activists.

Georgias 1st Congressional District, stretching from Savannah to the Florida border, has been held by the GOP since 1993. In 2016, the Trump-Pence ticket carried the district by 15.5 points, while Democrats could not find a candidate to run against Carter.

(Nolan Ford/North State Public Radio)

But this week, the constituents who signed up for the meetings on Eventbrite and walked past local police officers to take their seats seemed to skew left. Two groups founded after the 2016 election, Speak Up Now and Savannah Taking Action for Resistance, had members at town halls in Darien and Brunswick.

Carter, who peppered his answers with self-deprecating jokes, sometimes called on activists whod dogged him before. In Brunswick, he quickly pivoted from a question about Zionist influence in our foreign policy by promising to put America first. After three different constituents asked him whether he supported the presidents decision to ban transgender men and women from military service, he went from deferring to our commander in chief to saying what he believed.

I dont want em serving in the military, Carter said, as dozens of constituents booed and more than a dozen walked out. Im sorry.

At each town hall, Carter provided fact sheets to advance two messages: how much work Congress had done in 2017, and how his party would not give up on repealing the ACA. A one-pager titled Health Care Reform: Myth vs. Fact, with citations from the Department of Health and Human Services, revealed just how much the party had suffered from Democratic attacks. Instead of rebutting the line that the GOP plan would cut Medicaid, it framed the ACAs Medicaid expansion as a departure from the programs mission, and one that denied choice to the working poor.

Medicaid was designed to provide a vital health care safety net for elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities, it read. Low and middle-income adults capable of holding down a job should have health care choices.

Behind the microphone, Carter found himself making that point repeatedly, about a slew of ideas for expanded government programs, as Democrats cheered and Republicans simmered. In Brunswick, after Carter told a college student that free tuition was a pipe dream  weve got a $20 trillion debt  an older man took the mic and advised the student to get a job.

It wasnt the only time Carter stood back and watched as his constituents argued among themselves. Mary Nelson, 73, used her question time at the Darien town hall to insist that Republicans were all wrong about single-payer health care. She talked about an experience that her Australian relatives had gone through and described a cheap system with no hoops to jump through that could be copied in America.

They are taxed out the wazoo in Australia, interjected Adrienne Stidhams, 48, a Trump supporter.

How much do we pay for premiums? Nelson asked rhetorically.

Like Meadows, Carter suggested that Democrats and Republicans could work together on health-care bills with the repeal effort stalled.

When multiple constituents asked Carter if he would let the probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 election play out, he defended the president and suggested that special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, a good man, would probably find out the facts before long.

Im worried about some of the people he has around him, Carter said, apparently referring to lawyers hired for the probe who have been attacked in conservative media for donating to Democrats.

There were no questions about the debt limit, which must be raised when Congress returns to avoid default. The three questions about tax reform focused on the possibility of a fair tax, a national sales tax to replace taxes on income; whether companies keeping profits overseas could be taxed; and tax fairness in general.

Carter jumped at the opportunity to talk about it. Whats being proposed right now is to bring our corporate tax down from 35 percent  one of the highest in the world  down to 15 percent, he said, citing a tax reform blueprint released this spring and a positive analysis from the conservative Tax Foundation. That will create jobs.

No constituents followed up with questions. Instead, there was more skepticism about the president and his plans, countered by constituents who asked Carter to defend the president from media attacks.

I tell ya, I dont think Ive ever seen a president thats been disrespected by the media like this, Carter said. He had more to say, but drowned out by booing, he moved on.

Read more at PowerPost
Service animals cannot be restricted, and there are ways to get the board to allow a comfort pet. (Mary Altaffer/AP)

Your condominium rules prohibit pets of any kind except fish and birds. A unit owner asks the board of directors to allow them to keep a dog because they need the comfort the animal gives them. What should the board do?

First, the board has to understand the difference between a service animal and a comfort or emotional support animal. I use the word animal, because there are more than dogs in this category. The list includes pigs, parrots, cats, ducks, and yes, even a turkey that last year had to be given a seat on a Delta air flight.

A service animal, such as a guide dog, is trained to do a specific task. Not even a condominium can prohibit such an animal because the owner has to rely on it everywhere. It is not a pet.

A comfort, assistance or emotional support animal falls into a different category. According to the Humane Society, such an animal does not need to be trained to perform a service. The emotional and/or physical benefits from the animal living in the home are what qualify the animal as an assistance animal.

While the Americans With Disabilities Act does not generally apply to many community associations, the Fair Housing Act does. Oversimplified, the Fair Housing Act requires the housing provider, including condos, to make reasonable accommodations to a request for such a comfort animal.

[More Kass: Bill pending in D.C. Council would slightly diminish tenant rights]

Typically, if the owner seeking such an animal provides a letter from a doctor or a therapist stating the disability and the need for the comfort that animal will provide, the legal requirement of making a reasonable accommodation will be satisfied.

Sounds easy? In fact, its too easy to get such a letter. Look on the Internet for emotional support animals. For $99, you can get the necessary letter within 24 hours. Imagine being diagnosed in less than one day that you have such a burning need for that pig or duck to keep you happy. If it quacks like a duck, thats exactly what it is: a quack.

In fact, I recently heard that one of these trained professionals issued a letter authorizing the condo owner to have two pets: one to comfort the owner and the second to comfort the poor depressed animal that was supposed to comfort the owner.

Condo boards have a major problem when faced with a request to allow such a comfort animal. The Fair Housing Act makes it very clear: They are prohibited from discriminating against . . . [owners or even tenants] because of their disability or the disability of anyone associated with them. The act goes on to prohibit the board from refusing to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services when such accommodations may be necessary to afford a person with a disability the equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.

A recent case handed down by the D.C. Court of Appeals  Welsh v. McNeil, decided June 29  summarized the law. For the unit owner or the tenant to have a case for violating the Fair Housing Act, he must show (1) that he suffered from a disability; (2) the landlord knew or should have known of the disability; (3) an accommodation of the disability is necessary . . . to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the premises in question, (4) the tenant requested a reasonable accommodation, and (5) the landlord refused. Although that case did not involve comfort animals, the requirements are applicable for all Fair Housing Act cases whether involving a landlord or a community association.

[More Kass: This condo owner pays fees for a money-losing garage and doesnt even own a car]

According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which enforces the law, in 2016 alone, the agency completed more than 8,300 investigations, of which some 40 percent involved a housing providers failure to provide reasonable accommodation.

Although most of these cases did not involve comfort or service animals, the fact remains that HUD has the authority to investigate and issue fines.

Unit owners who are faced with discrimination have two remedies: take the association to court or file a complaint with the local HUD office. Clearly, the latter is much less expensive.

Accordingly, condo boards and their property managers are well aware of the ramifications of not making a reasonable accommodation. However, this does not mean the board has to allow the animal just because the owner or the tenant has one of these letters stating the importance of such an animal.

First, the board can  and should  carefully examine the facts. If the request is for a service animal, unless is it absolutely clear it is a sham (a board member saw the alleged blind person driving alone in a car which was not a self-driving one) the request must be honored. And even then, what one may think is a service animal, may actually be claimed as a comfort animal.

Next, the board should carefully analyze the letter from the alleged professional. Confirm it is legitimate. Did the owner meet with the letter writer or was it merely one of those $99 specials?

Last, the board can impose reasonable requirements, similar to what all other animal owners in the condo have to follow. It must be registered, and the owner should get an animal license from the local government. The animal must be on a leash at all times on common property.

The owner must clean up after the animal. If there are special zones in the property for use by animals, those must be used exclusively. And last, if the animal is causing a disturbance or a nuisance for other owners, the board should address the problem by holding a hearing and possibly fining the owner.

But, in the final analysis, boards should be wary of imposing too many requirements or too many hurdles for the owner seeking that comfort animal. This is a highly emotional issue for many people, and easy to seek guidance  and enforcement  from HUD.

The association may have to spend a lot of money defending itself, and, in fact, can be fined by the enforcement agency. My advice to all boards: Pause before denying the request for a comfort animal.

Benny L. Kass is a Washington and Maryland lawyer. This column is not legal advice and should not be acted upon without obtaining legal counsel. Send questions to blkass@kmklawyers.com.
Supporters of Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta hold posters and blow vuvuzelas as they await an expected announcement of election results in downtown Nairobi on Friday. (Brian Inganga/AP)

Kenyas electoral commission announced Friday that President Uhuru Kenyatta has been elected to a second term, putting an official end to a fierce electoral contest that many fear could still be clouded by a dispute over the results.

Opposition candidate Raila Odinga, 72, has alleged that the results of Tuesdays balloting were rigged and pledged not to accept them unless he was declared the winner. That stance has raised tensions, with Odingas followers burning tires in recent days in some of Nairobis slums and protesting in the western city of Kisumu.

Some of Odingas campaign officials on Friday suggested a possible way out of the dispute, saying they might accept the results if they were able to inspect the electoral commissions computer servers. But Odinga did not concede and later refused to participate in the official announcement of the result. For days, some of his most extreme supporters have promised to take to the streets if Kenyatta was announced the winner.

We will not be party to [the announcement]. Our issues have not been addressed, said Musalia Mudavadi, one of Odingas advisers.

According to the official results, Kenyatta received 54.2 percent of the votes to Odingas 44.7 percent.

Bystanders watch as Kenyan police trucks arrive following a protest at Nairobis Mathare slum. (Luis Tato/AFP/Getty Images)

This week, Nairobi, normally a frenetic city of legendary traffic jams, was transformed into a relative ghost town, with many families leaving out of fear. On Friday morning, in anticipation of the official results being announced, Odingas supporters staged small demonstrations in some areas, taunting the police and chanting No Raila, no peace.

[Who are the men competing to be president of Kenya?]

Even though Kenya has been considered a model of political and economic stability in East Africa in recent years, it is riven by tribal loyalties. In 2007, more than 1,000 people were killed in ethnic violence after Odinga lost that years presidential election amid alleged vote-rigging.

In an acceptance speech Friday, Kenyatta told his opponents: We are not enemies. We are all citizens of one republic. He later added, There is no need for violence.

Kenyatta, 55, the son of Kenyas first president, Jomo Kenyatta, is a member of the Kikuyu ethnic group, which has dominated politics since the countrys independence from Britain in 1963. Odinga, his longtime rival, belongs to the Luo tribe.

Kenyatta has tried to project the image of a reformer, even as his government has been plagued by allegations of corruption.

In his second term, he will govern a nation where economists see potential for growth, but where the challenges facing public institutions  from the security forces to the health sector  are profound. Although Kenya is a vibrant democracy, most people in the country lack faith in their own governments ability to assist them.

One of the reasons, analysts say, that Kenyas elections are so hotly contested is that the central government has been an enormously profitable political machine, awarding contracts across a large patronage network. A report from Kenyas auditor-general last year said that about $200 million meant for the National Youth Service had been paid to fraudulent companies, including some with connections to politicians. The United States earlier this year suspended $21 million in health funding due to corruption allegations.

In the days since the presidential vote, Odinga has put forth two hazy explanations about how the vote was manipulated.

He first alleged that a hacker had gained access to the electoral commissions database and then accused the commission of concealing the actual results, which Odinga said proved he was the winner.

Election monitors, including former secretary of state John F. Kerry, said they saw no signs of a rigged vote.

But Odinga supporters, many of them members of his Luo tribe or its allies, said they are being robbed of yet another election. The Luo are one of the major ethnic groups in Kenya, but a Luo has never been president.

We are tired of being ruled by Kikuyus, said Wycliffe Onyalo, 25, who was demonstrating in favor of Odinga on Friday morning in Nairobis Kibera slum, before the results were announced.

We are willing to lose our lives, said Steve Omindo, another protester.

Kenya was caught largely unprepared for the post-election violence that erupted in 2007. This time, security forces fanned out in volatile parts of the country. Analysts expected faceoffs between protesters and police in places like Kibera, but said the violence would not likely consume entire cities and towns as it did a decade ago.

Kenyatta was charged by the International Criminal Court with instigating some of the violence in 2007. Those charges were later dropped for lack of evidence .

Read more

As Kenya elections draw near, country reveals an electorate divided by tribe

North Koreas surprising, lucrative relationship with Africa

They fled Boko Haram and famine  and then they were forced back

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news

Rael Ombuor in Nairobi contributed to this report.
China wont come to North Koreas aid if it launches missiles threatening U.S. soil and there is retaliation, a state-owned newspaper warned Friday  but it would intervene if Washington strikes first.

The Global Times newspaper is not an official mouthpiece of the Communist Party, but in this case its editorial probably does reflect government policy, experts said.

The stern Chinese warning came as government leaders and politicians around the world urged calm after a series of threats and counterthreats by the U.S. and North Korean governments. The brinkmanship has spread jitters and weighed on global financial markets, which were down Friday for a fourth consecutive day.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday called the escalating rhetoric the wrong answer. She pledged her countrys support for any nonmilitary solutions, telling reporters in Berlin, I dont see a military solution to this conflict.

Russias foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, said there had been an overwhelming amount of belligerent rhetoric from Washington and Pyongyang. The side that is stronger and cleverer will take the first step to defuse tensions, he said.

China has repeatedly warned both Washington and Pyongyang not to do anything that raises tensions or causes instability on the Korean Peninsula, and it strongly reiterated that message Friday.

[Trump ramps up rhetoric: U.S. forces locked and loaded]

The current situation on the Korean Peninsula is complicated and sensitive, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a statement.

China hopes that all relevant parties will be cautious in their words and actions, and do things that help to alleviate tensions and enhance mutual trust, rather than walk on the old pathway of taking turns in shows of strength, and upgrading the tensions, he said.

In an editorial, the Global Times said China should make it clear to both sides that when their actions jeopardize Chinas interests, China will respond with a firm hand.

China should also make clear that if North Korea launches missiles that threaten U.S. soil first and the U.S. retaliates, China will stay neutral, it added. If the U.S. and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime and change the political pattern of the Korean Peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so.

A B-1B Lancer bomber prepares to take off from Andersen Air Force base, Guam, on Aug. 7. (Richard P. Ebensberger/AFP/Getty Images)

On Tuesday, President Trump threatened to respond to further threats from North Korea by unleashing fire and fury like the world has never seen. Pyongyang in turn said it could strike the U.S. territory of Guam in the Western Pacific with ballistic missiles. In his latest salvos in the war of words, Trump said Friday that the U.S. military was locked and loaded and that North Korea would truly regret it if it attacked Guam.

The saber-rattling has had an impact on world financial markets. Main indexes were down Friday in Frankfurt and Paris, and Londons FTSE 100 touched its lowest level since May. Asian markets also slumped, including South Koreas KOSPI, dropping 1.8 percent. The Dow Jones industrial average was largely flat after the opening bell.

[6 questions about North Koreas quest for nuclear weapons]

The Chinese papers comments reflect the 1961 Sino-North Korean Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance, which obliges China to intervene if North Korea is subject to unprovoked aggression  but not necessarily if Pyongyang starts a war. China has been a key ally of North Korea, helping prop up its economy as it has been hit with repeated rounds of international sanctions.

The key point is in the first half of the sentence: China opposes North Korea testing missiles in the waters around Guam, said Cheng Xiaohe, a North Korea expert at Renmin University of China in Beijing.

With the situation on the Korean Peninsula sliding dangerously toward the point of no return, Chinese media are starting to declare their positions on any potential war, he said. Secondly, in a half-official way, China is starting to review and clarify the 1961 treaty.

China has become deeply frustrated with the regime in Pyongyang and genuinely wants to see a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. But it has always refused to do anything that might destabilize or topple the leadership of a country that has long been both ally and buffer state.

Thats because Beijing does not want to see a unified Korean state allied to the United States on its border. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese soldiers died during the 1950-1953 Korean War to prevent that from happening.

[China urges U.S. to stop hurling threats at North Korea]

So for now, the current uneasy status quo for China still seems better than the alternatives.

That is doubly true ahead of a Communist Party congress in the fall, at which President Xi Jinping wants to project an aura of stability and control as he aims to consolidate his power at the start of a second five-year term.

Nevertheless, experts said debate is underway behind the scenes in China about its support for the North Korean regime.

In an article on the Financial Times China website in May, for example, Tong Zhiwei, a law professor at the East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai, argued that China should make terminating the 1961 treaty a near-term diplomatic goal, because North Korea, also known as the DPRK, has used it as cover to develop its nuclear program and avoid punishment.

That, he wrote, was not in Chinas interests.

In the past 57 years, the treaty has strongly protected the security of the DPRK and peace on the Korean Peninsula, but it has also been used by the North Korean authorities to protect their international wrongful acts from punishment, he wrote.

China was not the only country considering its treaty obligations if the U.S.-North Korean rhetoric escalates to war.

In a statement to the radio station 3AW, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Friday that if North Korea launches an attack on the United States, Australia would have Americas back.

America stands by its allies, including Australia of course, and we stand by the United States, Turnbull said, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp. So be very, very clear on that. If theres an attack on the U.S., the ANZUS Treaty would be invoked and Australia would come to the aid of the United States, as America would come to our aid if we were attacked.

ANZUS stands for the Australia New Zealand United States treaty, a collective security pact dating to 1951.

Erickson reported from Washington. Shirley Feng in Beijing and Brian Murphy in Washington contributed

to this report.

Read more:

Are we on the brink of nuclear war with North Korea? Probably not.

Trumps saber-rattling on North Korea puts China in a bind

South Koreans ask: Crisis? What crisis?
Osman Jamo, left, a Syrian refugee, and Nina Coenen, right, an actor who produces films with migrants about German history social issues, stand at the main gate on the site of the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. (Alexandra Rojkov/Alexandra Rojkov/The Washington Post)

He walked across the bleak expanse of what was once the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, toward the gas chamber that had been stocked with liquid Zyklon B, and posed the question that still strains the conscience of modern German society.

How was it possible? Osman Jamo asked.

Yet he also wondered why the site, where barbed wire and guard towers stood dark against the brilliant sunshine of a summer afternoon in this town north of Berlin, had been preserved at all.

Maybe the Jews want to keep these places going so they can be seen as victims forever, he said of Sachsenhausen, which was mainly used for political prisoners but by the beginning of 1945 held 11,100 Jews.

Jamos response is not the usual reaction to Europes postwar conversion of concentration camps into memorials and museums, places of atonement and civic education that ask visitors never to forget the Nazi past.

But this was not a typical tour  nor was Jamo a typical visitor. This was an effort to sensitize Muslim migrants to the dark history of the country that today offers them asylum. Two years ago, Jamo, 38, fled to Germany from Kobane, a Syrian city occupied by Islamic State militants in late 2014. His ambivalent response to the suffering of Jews at Sachsenhausen speaks to centuries-old religious strife as well as to the political conflict that has torn the Middle East since Israels founding after World War II.

At the same time, the refugees views reflect the moral quandaries posed by mass migration for a nation rebuilt after the Holocaust on a set of bedrock principles that include responsibility to the Jewish people.

There is an expectation that people coming to Germany will assume that sense of historical duty, said Fatih Uenal, a German-Turkish political psychologist who is founding a vocational training program for refugees in Frankfurt. That makes the higher incidence of anti-Semitic views among Muslims hard to talk about, and so we havent found a good way of engaging different sorts of people about the violence that went on here.

Jamo was exploring Sachsenhausen with R.future-TV, a nonprofit in Berlin that brings together refugees to discuss German history and social issues, featuring them in short films on topics from theology to gender equality. The project, run by two actors, Nina Coenen and Sami Alkomi, has received 9,000 euros of public funding for five films.

The spectacle of brutality on display at Sachsenhausen did not awe Jamo, a former photographer who had known daily violence in Syria. No matter the direct perpetrator of the violence Jamo had witnessed, the greatest cause of conflict in the region, he said, was Israel.

Israeli aggression is the most basic problem, he said.

His view is at odds with the one stated by Germanys chancellor, Angela Merkel, in an address to the Knesset, Israels legislature, in 2008, when she said Israels security was a critical part of Germanys reason for being. On visiting Dachau in 2015, she said the horrors of the camps admonish us never to forget.

The history that binds Germany to Israel is interpreted differently by many in the Arab world, Jamo said: The Arabs think what Hitler did was a good thing, because he freed them from the Jews.

He spoke bluntly before a video camera that followed him around the site of the former camp. His remarks will appear in a documentary film about how refugees in Germany understand the mass murder of Jews.

Jamo was one of only two refugees involved in R.future-TV who agreed to participate in the film project on Holocaust history. Germanys treatment of Jews has been a difficult topic of debate, said Alkomi, a Christian whose family escaped to Germany from Syria when he was 9. At a meeting of the group last month, one man admitted, In some ways, we think of the Jews just like the Nazis did.

Such opinions are grounds for concern that animus for Israel in the Arab world translates into anti-Semitism in the refugee community in Germany. Numerous studies conducted over the past decade suggest that hostility to Jews is more prevalent among Muslim youth in Germany than among young people generally. Tensions simmered this spring when the parents of a 14-year-old boy said they had removed him from a Berlin school with a high proportion of pupils of Turkish and Arabic descent, alleging he was bullied and at one point told, All Jews are murderers.

In survey results released this year, an independent panel set up by the German Parliament found that Jews were increasingly concerned for their safety, with respondents ranking Muslims as the group most likely to commit physical and verbal attacks. Lawmakers pledged to respond but have deferred action until after the September election.

A lot of Muslim refugees, said Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany grew up in countries where hatred of Jews and of Israel is normal. Many know little about the Holocaust, he said, and some even admire Hitler.

Others cautioned against singling out Germanys refugee population as anti-Semitic. Ali Fathollah-Nejad, an associate fellow with the German Council on Foreign Relations Middle East and North Africa Program, said anti-Semitism cannot be written off as a problem of the Muslim minority.

Armin Langer, coordinator of the Salaam-Schalom Initiative, an interfaith group based in Berlin, said this charge is used to vilify immigrants.

Anti-Semitism is not a question of ethnicity, Langer, who has done rabbinical training, said. Its a question of social and cultural influences.

In Iraq, anti-Semitic influences are pervasive, said Mohammed Kareem, the other refugee who had agreed to participate in the film. But Kareem, 34, who had been a police officer in Baghdad, spoke with his back to the camera, worried for his family still in Iraq if he were to be identified as a friend of the Jews.

Everywhere  whether on the TV, from imams or at school  we hear, Jews are not good, and we dont know any Jews to see them differently, Kareem said. Since arriving in Germany in 2015, he has encountered several Jews who volunteer at a Berlin church that works with refugees. Now he is asking himself,  Why does my country say Jews are not good? Their armies  thats different.

At Sachsenhausen, Kareem and Jamo peered into the gaping trench where prisoners were shot, examined images of the dead and took cellphone photos of each other by the crematorium. Kareem said he recognized that Germany had violated human rights. They decided the Jewish people could be distinguished from the state of Israel.

But the two men did not accept the idea that the Holocaust was uniquely horrific. They said the camp made them remember the suffering they had seen in Syria and Iraq  for that, they blamed the United States as well as Israel.

If Germany paid reparations to Israel, then Americans should pay for what they did in Iraq, Kareem said. By the end of the day, Jamo was firm on one point: We are definitely still against the Zionists.

As Coenen led the refugees down the long path out of the camp, blanketed in shadow as the sun began to set, she assessed the days progress. The film, she said, might not document a full transformation.

One of our lessons is that this is a tolerant society, where individuals are entitled to their views, she said. Its a process.

Read more

Chinese tourists detained for giving Nazi salute in Berlin

Calls to quicken deportation follow a stabbing in Germany. But there are roadblocks.

Macron hosts Netanyahu, condemns anti-Zionism as anti-Semitism

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
PARIS  Hot, still, silent. Welcome to Paris in August: one of Europes largest cities suddenly transformed into an elegant ghost town. Good luck, as a reporter, tracking any Parisian down.

At certain hours of the day, traffic slows to a trickle on the citys grand Haussmannian boulevards. Handwritten signs in the windows of neighborhood bistros and boulangeries ask you  usually politely  to come back in September. A sense of languor pervades: a sluggish Seine, sculpted chestnut trees billowing in the breeze and noticeably fewer people.

In a love song from the 1960s, Charles Aznavour, the French Frank Sinatra, put it this way: Every street, every stone / seems to be only for us / were alone on the earth / in Paris, in the month of August. So it remains.

August here is a phenomenon as French as they come. Employees in France are entitled to five weeks of paid vacation every year, more than in other European nations. Sometimes the French get even longer if they opt to work more than the standard 35 hours a week. This is why  and how  certain French restaurants, shops and small businesses can close for essentially one month of the fiscal year, a reality that never fails to mystify Americans.

But France is not the United States, and here, vacation is not a privilege. It is a right.

A picture taken on July 14 in Paris shows an aerial view of the Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile standing located at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle. (JEAN-SEBASTIEN EVRARD/AFP via Getty Images)

The notion dates back to the heady days of the Popular Front, the short-lived leftist coalition that ran France from 1936 to 1938. What that government lacked in organization it channeled into an ambitious program of labor reforms, including guaranteed paid time off for all French workers. It was done in the atmosphere of a social conquest, in pursuit of equality, said Alain Bergounioux, a prominent historian of Frances Socialist party and a former government adviser.

The Popular Front may not have lasted long in power, but some of its reforms ultimately served as templates for the new government France would devise in the aftermath of World War II. Guaranteed vacation time has been a constant ever since. While this generous amount of time off was intended to encourage workers and employees to develop their lives outside their jobs, Bergounioux insists that vacation is also one of Frances most important means of combating social and economic inequality.

As he put it: In France  even if certain inequalities are obviously visible  we ultimately live in an environment geared toward equality, and considering vacation as a right is part of that. This is very different than American culture.

Critics often say that Frances famous vacation time means different things to different people. Not everyone, after all, can spend weeks on end at a luxurious villa on the Cote dAzur or on the cool and craggy coastline of Brittany. Truth be told, Paris feels like a ghost town only within the Peripherique road that rings around the center of the city. In August as at any other time of year, the capitals suburbs are packed with people, many in isolated immigrant communities, who cannot afford to go on vacation.

Regardless of whether they travel, Bergounioux said, all French employees are still ultimately entitled to the time off. What they are able to do with it is a different discussion, he said.

In any case, things could not be more different for their American counterparts. The United States is the only industrialized nation that does not require employers to authorize paid vacation. Average American workers end up with about two weeks off a year in total, but that is a perk. Because time off in America is a gift to be given instead of a requirement to observe, some employers may feel no need.

A study conducted by the Center for Economic and Policy Research concluded that approximately 25 percent of American private sector employers do not receive any paid vacation time in a given year.

In France this year, there is the suspicion that this arrangement will not last  or at least that August in France may soon look different. Emmanuel Macron, Frances new president, ran on lofty promises to overhaul the labor market to stimulate economic growth. Among his many goals is returning flexibility to companies and, in general, giving employers greater power in negotiating conditions directly with their employees. When Macron announces the specifics of his proposal, as expected in late September, the fabric of the French welfare state could drastically change.

For now, however, there is still a month of long afternoons of sitting on cafe terraces and daydreaming. As Victor Hugo observed in Les Miserables, his iconic 19th-century novel: To err is human. To loaf is Parisian.

In that sense, August may be the most Parisian month of all  even in the absence of Parisians.

Nearing 100 days in office, Macron starts showing his true ambitions

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
U.S.-backed Syrian fighters advancing on the Islamic State from the eastern and western parts of the city of Raqqa have linked up for the first time since launching their offensive on the terrorist groups de facto capital, officials said Friday.

Though the development marked a significant milestone in the battle for the Islamic State stronghold, a U.S. military spokesman cautioned that there is still tough fighting ahead before Raqqa is completely taken from the militants.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, under the cover of U.S.-backed coalition airstrikes, launched a wide offensive to capture the city June 6 and have managed to take about half the city.

The linkup of the eastern and western fronts deprives the Islamic State from access to the Euphrates River and effectively leaves the remaining militants in Raqqa and thousands of civilians surrounded.

U.S. Army Col. Ryan Dillon said that there remains tough fighting ahead and that although the linkup of the Syrian opposition fighters on the southern edge of Raqqa is significant, it does not in fact cut the city in two.

Dillon said the development shows the steady progress SDF fighters are making against the Islamic State in the northern city, the militants self-declared capital.

The fighting is ongoing from room to room and from house to house, said Mustafa Bali, head of the SDF media center. Bali also confirmed that SDF fighters pushing from opposite sides of the city have met up.

Bali said by telephone from northern Syria that the key difficulty facing advancing SDF fighters is to avoid striking civilians used by the Islamic State as human shields.

The top U.S. envoy for the international coalition against the Islamic State, Brett McGurk, tweeted about the linkup of the two fronts, describing it as a milestone that is tightening the noose around the militant groups fighters.

Also Friday, neighboring Turkey introduced new regulations at a border crossing with northwestern Syria, allowing only the transport of humanitarian aid, after an al-Qaeda-linked group took control of the Syrian post.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after Friday prayers in Istanbul that the Cilvegozu crossing in southern Turkey would remain open for food, medicine and some supplies. Turkeys Cilvegozu stands across from Bab al-Hawa in Syrias Idlib province.

The al-Qaeda-linked militant group, the Levant Liberation Committee, captured the crossing after battles with the ultraconservative Syrian rebel Ahrar al-Sham group last month.
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.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 11/08/2017 (1920 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Because Kelly Reichardt is such a resolute minimalist, critics often define her work by what she doesnt do. The American indie director doesnt offer conventional narratives or obvious conclusions. She avoids big emotional climaxes. She remains stubbornly averse to exposition.

Its just as important, though, to talk about what Reichardt (Old Joy, Wendy and Lucy, Meeks Cutoff) does do. She excels at close, compassionate observation, often of ordinary and overlooked people for whom economic anxiety and social isolation are never far away.

Reichardt possesses a patient and unhurried sense of time and a sharply specific sense of place. She gives actors the space to craft characters from small gestures, sparse dialogue and incremental epiphanies. We dont necessarily learn a lot about these people  their backgrounds, motivations and desires often remain discreetly unstated  but we recognize them immediately.

Reichardts work often focuses on the lives of women, especially women whose stories get pushed to the edges in mainstream cinema. Her feminism isnt of the showy You go, girl variety, though. In this quietly revelatory story of four women in rural and small-town Montana, Reichardt suggests a stoic get-on-with-things kind of feminism, where female strength is less a big political statement and more an everyday necessity.

Adapted from short stories by Maile Meloy, Certain Women is loosely structured, with three separate narratives circling around its characters, who are played by a quiet powerhouse cast that includes Kristen Stewart, Laura Dern, Reichardt regular Michelle Williams and newcomer Lily Gladstone. Their lives overlap but dont necessarily interconnect.

IFC FILMS Laura Dern is enjoying a well-deserved moment with her turn in Certain Women, as well as roles in Big Little Lies and the rebooted Twin Peaks.

What links these women is their environment. Reichardts view of Montana can be almost painterly, with big skies, long vistas and changeable, sometimes threatening weather. Music is rare in this film.

Instead we have the background of talk radio (If you dont have to drive today, dont drive,) and the plaintive sound of distant trains.

The first story focuses on Laura Dern, who is having a well-deserved moment right now, with Big Little Lies and the Twin Peaks reboot. She plays Laura, a lawyer seemingly stuck in a stalled-out love affair and frustrating work. One of her clients, beautifully played by Jared Harris, finally accepts what Lauras been telling him for months only when a male lawyer weighs in with the same opinion.

Laura finds herself facing a hostage situation, which in true Reichardtian way, is deliberately underplayed. There is real tension here but also humour and humanity. (The hostage-taker asks the police for US$3,000 and a one-hour head start, a touchingly modest and trusting demand.)

Michelle Williams, who also featured in Meeks Cutoff, is Gina, a middle-class urbanite building a house in the country, who faces a practical and ethical dilemma trying to source local sandstone blocks  for authenticity  from an elderly neighbour suffering from borderline dementia.

Ginas larger problem is that, along with being her familys chief sandstone block negotiator, she has been slated as the organizer, the manager, the one who gets things done, the no-fun-nik. Her slightly feckless husband (James LeGros) and unhappy teenage daughter both need her and vaguely resent her.

IFC FILMS Michelle Williams, a Reichardt regular, in a scene from the film Certain Women.

In the final segment, Beth (Kristen Stewart), a young lawyer, drives four hours to teach a night class in education law to a group of aggrieved teachers. (Can teachers demand reserved parking? one asks.)

A solitary Indigenous ranch hand (Lily Gladstone), who remains unnamed but becomes completely indelible, wanders into the class by accident and remains because she is falling in love.

Stewart is intriguing, that edgy self-containment (recently seen in Personal Shopper) counterpointed nicely by Gladstone, whose face is painfully unguarded, her emotions living just beneath her skin. Stewart gets main billing here  understandable, considering her star power  but this is really Gladstones story.

Moving through these three loosely linked narratives, revisited with brief codas at the end, can feel a mite frustrating at first, particularly in contrast to the sustained, slow-burn concentration of Reichardts other works.

But for film fans willing to give themselves over to these elliptical, understated sequences, theres an unexpected resonance that builds and then lingers, kind of like those lonely late-night train whistles.

alison.gillmor@freepress.mb.ca

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IFC FILMS Kristen Stewart (left) receives star billing for Certain Women, but she plays second fiddle to Lily Gladstone (right) in their story.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 11/08/2017 (1920 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Acura, which recently entered the hybrid market, has two new models. And one of them  the NSX  is a real showstopper.

The NSX is our supercar, says Crown Acura general manager Mark Carver. It can go from zero to 60 in three seconds.

Acura first introduced the NSX, Carver notes, in 1991 and discontinued production in 2005. The company restarted production last year.

The new, sporty model is powered by a combination of three electric motors and a twin-turbo, 3.5-litre V-6 engine which produces 573 horsepower. A nine-speed transmission and all-wheel drive are standard.

The 2017 NSX is also Acuras first build-to-order vehicle. Customers can design their car by selecting one of eight exterior colours and four interior colour schemes available in three different seating surface options. Customers can also choose from several exterior and interior features, including three-wheel designs with painted or polished finish, carbon-ceramic brake options, a carbon-fibre interior sport package, carbon-fibre roof and more.

We have just one model available for sale, Carver reports.

Then there is the 2017 MDX hybrid. The seven-seater SUV is powered by a direct-injected, 3L V-6 engine  which produces 321 hp and 289 lb.-ft. of torque  married to two electric motors in the rear and one in front. There are four driving modes in the Sport Hybrid, up from three in other versions of the MDX.

photos by Acura The NSX is the companys first build-to-order vehicle, allowing consumers to design their car by selecting different colour schemes and seating surface options.

Drivers have a choice of two packages. The technology package includes 20-inch wheels, remote start, blind-spot monitoring and navigation. The advance package adds upgraded Milano leather and wood trim, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captains chairs with a centre console, sunshades for the second row and LED fog lamps. Crash-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and other active-safety features are standard on all MDX models.

Carver reports the MDX hybrid sells for a base price of $72,000.

As with the NSX, Crown Acura has just one model in stock.

Also recently arrived at Crown Acura is the TLX, newly designed for 2018.

Acura did a really nice job of giving the TLX a fresh look, Carver says, noting specifically the bolder-looking front grille. What Acura has done has taken a really nice vehicle and made it better.

The 2018 TLX engine is unchanged from earlier models. Power is still supplied by a 206-hp, 2.4-L, inline-four mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A 290-hp 3.5-L V-6 is optional. Acuras Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) is standard equipment, while its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive setup (SH-AWD) with torque vectoring now can be added to any V-6 model.

Also standard are the AcuraWatch safety and driver-assistance features, including lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning/mitigation  as well as a redesigned infotainment interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Carver notes the seven-inch touchscreen responds 30 per cent faster than in previous TLX models. The 2018 TLX also features a wireless cellphone charger and a better sound system.

Another selling point, he points out, is the four-year comprehensive warranty. At a starting price of $39,365, he notes, youre getting very good value.

The TLX gives you affordable luxury, he says. And we have a great selection from which to choose.

Hyundai Canada builds on IONIQ

Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. announced on July 31 a first-of-its-kind campaign  True Love is Just a Date (or a Test-Drive) Away  that is intended to put romance into its recently-launched IONIQ.

The IONIQ offers an engaging driving experience, has an incredibly advanced powertrain and is an incremental addition to our product line-up, which presented us with an opportunity to do something new from a marketing perspective, said Lawrence Hamilton, director of marketing with Hyundai Auto Canada, in a press release. We knew the car needed to be promoted differently. The market positioning hinges on the concept of Unexpectedly Electrifying, which got us thinking about other experiences that surprise people and involve first impressions, getting to know someone or something new and potentially making decisions with long-term implications. Were all looking for the right combination of traits when it comes to dating or car shopping. In the car shopping world, the IONIQ can be that surprise.

To highlight the similarities between car shopping and dating, Hyundai sought the help of eligible celebrities Jasmine Lorimer and Joey Scarpellino. Through a unique media buy with Tinder, six lucky winners across Canada will be given the opportunity to go on a date in an IONIQ with Lorimer in Toronto or Scarpellino in Montreal this September.

Lorimer is a reality TV star who has travelled the world and been on some incredible adventures. Scarpellino is known from his starring roles in Les Parent and Lance et Compte.

With Tinder promoting the contest from July 31 to August 31, contestants can swipe right on the app when they see the Hyundai-promoted profile for Lorimer or Scarpellino to gain access to the Hyundai Ultimate Date contest. Canadians are also able to enter through a dedicated website, HyundaiUltimateDate.com.

From September to March, Hyundai will continue to spark chemistry with a national contest for Canadians to win a date of their own. One winner will be selected every month for six months where theyll receive a $200 giftcard and the opportunity to cruise around in the IONIQ during their date.

myjolove1@gmail.com